cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-performance racetrack resonator in silicon nitride - thin film lithium niobate hybrid platform

In this paper, we propose an electro-optic modulator design in a hybrid Si3N4-X-cut LiNbO3. The modulator is based on a modified racetrack resonator and performs at both DC and heightened frequencies. Here the driving electrodes are defined along the straight section of the racetrack. This is done to maximize modulation and minimize modulation-cancelation that occurs in a conventional X-cut LiNbO3-based resonator due to the directional change of the electric field in the micro-ring. The single bus racetrack resonator is formed in a hybrid Si3N4-LiNbO3 platform, to guide the optical mode. The fabricated device is characterized and has a measured tunability and intrinsic quality factor (Q) of 2.9 pm/V and 1.3 × 105, respectively. In addition, the proposed racetrack device exhibits enhanced electro-optic conversion efficiency at modulation frequencies that match with the racetrack's optical free spectral range (FSR). For example, at the modulation frequency of 25 GHz, which corresponds to the fabricated device's optical FSR frequency, a ∼10 dB increase in electro-optic conversion efficiency is demonstrated. With the enhancement, our measured device demonstrates a conversion efficiency comparable to non-resonant thin-film LiNbO3 devices that possess RF electrodes that are 10 times longer in length.
Anti-Salmonella Activity of Pyruvic and Succinic Acid in Combination with Oregano Essential Oil

Abstract This study was designed to assess the anti-Salmonella efficiency of pyruvic (PA) and succinic acid (SA) with or without oregano essential oil (EO) in different model systems. Three model systems were designed: 1). Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) cell in suspensions; 2). Cultured ST cells artificially inoculated on raw chicken; and 3). ST cells attached to stainless steel (SS) coupon. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) for ST population was determined using macro-dilution assays. Results of the assays showed MBC of 0.5% (w/v) PA, 3% (w/v) SA, and 0.04% (v/v) for EO. For combinations of organic acid and EO, the MBC was: PA + EO (0.25 & 0.02%), and SA + EO (0.25 + 0.02%) respectively. Maximum Salmonella reduction obtained in cells inoculated on chicken skin was 1.4 log CFU/cm2 with 1% PA + 0.08% EO combination and 1.0 log10 CFU/cm2 with 6% SA + 0.08% EO combination. Approximately 6.0 log10 CFU/coupon of attached Salmonella cells (48 h) were inactivated after a 5 min exposure with 0.25% PA + 0.02% EO, and 1.5% SA + 0.02% EO. The combinations of PA + EO and SA + EO both exhibited strong anti-Salmonella activity in cell suspensions, on cells attached to stainless steel, and were effective in reducing Salmonella inoculated on raw chicken. Findings of this study suggest that PA or SA with or without EO are potent antimicrobials in reducing ST populations and merit further research for raw poultry, meat, and other sanitation applications.
Bias-Dependent Variation in FinFET SRAM

In this brief, we investigate device variability in advanced fin field effect transistor (FinFET) static random access memory (SRAM) devices (12 and 7 nm) as a function of drain-to-source (Vds) bias. Drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) and the variation in DIBL are found to exhibit a logarithmic dependence with drain bias in the advanced node FinFET devices. Correctly capturing the DIBL and device variation as a function of drain bias is required, as the SRAM operation voltage range is expanded. We show the improved hardware correlation in Vmin yield and the improved slow corner read performance when the Vds-dependent variation is considered.
In the Name of the “New Man”

This chapter reflects on the impact of the Lord’s Prayer on Western societies. It connects the Holy Trinity as a myth with the role of Martin-Santos’ main male characters and their function either in accepting or disrupting Western myths with the aim of “demystifying” patriarchy as a valid frame.
Distributed Multi-agent Deployment for Full Visibility of 1.5D and 2.5D Polyhedral Terrains

This paper presents deployment strategies to achieve full visibility of 1.5D and 2.5D polyhedral environments for a team of mobile robots. Agents may only communicate if they are within line-of-sight. In 1.5D polyhedral terrains we achieve this by algorithmically determining a set of locations that the robots can occupy in a distributed fashion. We characterize the time of completion of the resulting algorithm, which is dependent on the number of peaks and the initial condition. In 2.5D polyhedral terrains we achieve full visibility by asynchronously deploying groups of agents who utilize graph coloring and may start from differential initial conditions. We characterize the total number of agents needed for deployment as a function of the environment properties and allow the algorithm to activate additional agents if necessary. We provide lower and upper bounds for the time of completion as a function of the number of vertices in a planar graph representing the environment. We illustrate our results in simulation and an implementation on a multi-agent robotics platform.
Posterior pelvic ring bone density with implications for percutaneous screw fixation

Although the second (S2) and third (S3) sacral segments have been established as potential osseous fixation pathways for screw fixation, the S2 body has been demonstrated to have inferior bone density when compared to the body of the first (S1) sacral segment. Caution regarding the use of iliosacral screws at this level has been advised as a result. As transiliac–transsacral screws traverse the lateral cortices of the posterior pelvis, they may be relying on bone with superior density for purchase, which could obviate this concern. The objective of this study was to compare the bone density of the posterior ilium and sacroiliac joint to that of the sacral body at the first (S1), second (S2), and third (S3) sacral levels. A retrospective case series was performed, reviewing the CT scans of 100 patients without prior pelvic trauma. Each CT was confirmed to have available osseous fixation pathways at the first (S1), second (S2), and third (S3) sacral segments. The bone density of the posterior ilium/sacroiliac joint (PISJ) and sacral body (SB) was measured using the embedded standardized Hounsfield units (HU) tool at each sacral level. The average S2 PISJ bone density (320.1) was significantly higher than the S1 (286.5) and S3 (278.9) PISJ (p < 0.0001) and S1 and S3 PISJ was not statistically different. The S1 sacral body bone density (231.1) was significantly higher than the S2 (182.1) and S3 (126.8) bone density (p < 0.0001). The PISJ bone density is greater than the sacral body at every sacral level (p < 0.0001). The S2 PISJ bone density is significantly greater than S1. The S1, S2, and S3 PISJ bone density is greater than the sacral body at all sacral levels, and the S1 body has higher bone density than the S2 and S3 bodies. These differences in bone density may have implications for the stability of posterior pelvic ring fixation constructs with regard to screw purchase. Level III—Case cohort series.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting approximately 50% of children and adolescents. As a result of the high prevalence of anxiety symptoms in children with ASD, modifications to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocols have been recommended to better accommodate features of ASD that may interfere with treatment. Multiple CBT protocols have been successfully modified, demonstrating that CBT is an efficacious treatment for anxiety in pediatric populations with ASD. This chapter will provide an overview of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents with ASD, CBT and ASD adaptations, treatment delivery formats, as well as possible mediating factors such as family involvement, treatment dose, and comorbid disorders. Future research should focus on the heterogeneity of anxiety symptoms exhibited in children and adolescents with ASD, how to better tailor and adapt interventions for ASD individuals, and assessment and treatment options for minimally verbal autistic children.
Public Administration Reforms in Paraguay: Challenges to Professionalization

A high degree of government centralization and authoritarianism characterized Paraguay’s history for most of the twentieth century. Beginning in 1954, one person (General Alfredo Stroessner) and one political party (the Partido Colorado) ruled the country for 37 years. Together they controlled almost all aspects of political, economic, and even social life.
Pregnancy: Maternal, Fetal, and Neonatal Considerations

The issue of tuberculosis during pregnancy is not simply an historical inquiry but rather an increasingly familiar clinical problem facing industrial nations as well as the developing countries of the world. This chapter focuses on the maternal aspects of tuberculous infection, as well as transmission to the fetus, and newborn. The epidemiology of tuberculosis in pregnancy reflects that of tuberculosis at large. A number of reports from the 1950s, showed that pregnancy did not predispose women to progressive disease. In a report of 250 women with active tuberculosis in the pretreatment era, 83.9% remained stable during pregnancy and 9.1% improved. Although only 7% had evidence of progressive disease during pregnancy, an additional 8.2% experienced progression in the year following pregnancy. Pregnancy itself, however, may mimic and thus mask the symptoms of early tuberculosis, such as tachypnea and fatigue; this in turn may delay diagnosis and treatment. Infection of the reproductive organs may result in infertility as well as abdominal or tubal pregnancy. With early recognition and effective chemotherapy, however, there is no evidence of an adverse effect on pregnancy. The tuberculin skin test (Mantoux) is the test of choice for diagnosing tuberculosis infection in pregnant women. These tests have potential advantages in terms of logistics and accuracy (not subjectively interpreted and not affected by previous Mycobacterium bovis BCG vaccination). The major side effect of isoniazid (INH) is hepatitis, which occurs most frequently in persons over 35 years of age.
Ferristatin II induces hepatic hepcidin expression and Stat3 phosphorylation (907.3)

Administration of Ferristatin II (FS2) to rats is associated with decreased serum iron, reduced transferrin saturation and increased hepatic hepcidin expression without changes in liver non-heme ir...
Ohio's Statewide System for Advising Students in Health Careers

(1974). Ohio's Statewide System for Advising Students in Health Careers. School Health Review: Vol. 5, No. 3, pp. 38-39.
Cattolici italiani e violenza politica fra la fine del centrismo e il lungo ’68

Recensione di: Guido Panvini, Cattolici e violenza politica. L’altro album di famiglia del terrorismo italiano, Venezia: Marsilio editore, 2014, 400 p., ISBN-13: 978-8831717533, 22 euro.
Environmental Uncertainty and Product-Process Life Cycles: A Multi-level Interpretation of Change Over Time

Product-process life cycle models are often used to describe long-term change in organizations. Such models generally assume a deterministic trajectory of long-run industry evolution and production core transformation that lead to standardization over time. Typical interpretations of these models do not explain the short and intermediate term choices and competitive dynamics that lead to the longer-term changes, or explain viable ‘off- trajectory’ positions and post-stabilization complications that can arise. In this paper, we use multiple theory streams to augment discussions of product-process life cycle models in ways that allow interpretation of the role of uncertainty and management decision-making for the typical trajectory of standardization as well as off-trajectory and post-standardization phases.
Recognition in Redistribution: Care and Diversity in Global Justice

In an exchange with Axel Honneth and in other writings in the late 1990s, Nancy Fraser argued against privileging recognition in social and political philosophy without a concomitant consideration of the requirement for redistribution.1 Thus she argued for coupling the recognition of identities—racial, gender, cultural, etc.—with attention to the need for economic redistribution. In reply, Axel Honneth suggested instead that recognition itself is at the root of the theory of justice.2 However divergent their approaches, both theorists discussed this issue in the context of a nation-state or political society, leaving open the question of the applicability of these notions in a more global perspective. And although Fraser has recently turned to consider norms for this transnational domain, the question remains not only how to conceive the general interrelation of these two concepts of recognition and redistribution but also more specifically which sorts of differences should be recognized as playing a significant role within redistributive principles themselves or in their practical application. This problem becomes acute in the context of global justice and transnational recognition, where a multitude of differences comes into play— not only between the global south and north, but also in terms of culture, nationality, and gender, among others. In this article, I will make some suggestions for addressing this general issue but will especially analyze the role of care in this connection as well as the related notions of empathy and solidarity and the contributions they can make to transnational recognition and redistribution. Whereas some theorists have considered the role of recognizing groups, particularly cultural minorities, within the framework of distributive justice,3 a focus on care and solidarity points to an important mode of attending to relevant differences among individuals or groups insofar as it draws attention to people’s particular needs and vulnerabilities. Beyond its role in thematizing a way of attending to differences, care has also been connected to globalization in other significant ways, particularly in feminist analyses such as those of Fiona Robinson. In an article in the Journal of Global Ethics, Recognition in Redistribution: Care and Diversity in Global Justice
Spectrophotometric assay of chloramine-T using sulfanilamide

Abstract A new spectrophotometric method for the assay of very small amounts of chloramine-T has been developed using sulfanilamide. This method is simple and accurate within the limits described.
Glucosensing by GnRH neurons: Inhibition by androgens and involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase

GnRH neurons integrate steroidal and metabolic cues to regulate fertility centrally. Central glucoprivation reduces LH secretion, which is governed by GnRH release, suggesting GnRH neuron activity is modulated by glucose availability. Here we tested whether GnRH neurons can sense changes in extracellular glucose, and whether glucosensing is altered by the steroids dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and/or estradiol (E). Extracellular recordings were made from GnRH neurons in brain slices from ovariectomized (OVX) mice ± DHT and/or E implants. Firing rate was reduced by a switch from 4.5 to 0.2 mm glucose in cells from OVX, OVX+E, and OVX+DHT+E mice, but not OVX+DHT mice. This suggests that androgens reduce the sensitivity of GnRH neurons to changes in extracellular glucose, but E mitigates this effect. Next we investigated potential mechanisms. In the presence of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel antagonist tolbutamide, glucosensing persisted. In contrast, glucosensing was attenuated in the presence of compound C, an antagonist of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suggesting a role for AMPK in glucosensing. The AMPK activator N1-(b-d-ribofuranosyl)-5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide (AICAR) mimicked the effect of low glucose and was less effective in cells from DHT-treated mice. The effect of DHT to diminish responses to low glucose and AICAR was abolished by blockade of fast synaptic transmission. Both AICAR and low glucose activated a current with a reversal potential near −50 mV, suggesting a nonspecific cation current. These studies indicate that glucosensing is one mechanism by which GnRH neurons sense fuel availability and point to a novel role for AMPK in the central regulation of fertility.
Induction and maintenance of ganglionic long‐term potentiation require activation of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT3) receptors.

1. An extracellular recording technique was used to study the effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) on the tetanus-induced long-term potentiation (LTP) of the nicotinic pathway of transmission in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) of the rat. The postganglionic compound action potential (CAP), made submaximal by treatment with hexamethonium (O.4 mM), was used as an index of transmission in the ganglion. 2. Serotonin (10 microM) markedly enhanced the magnitude of LTP without affecting the post-tetanic potentiation (PTP). The serotonin (2-30 microM) concentration-response curve for LTP was bell shaped as no enhancement was seen with 30 microM serotonin. This may largely be due to activation of a 5-HT1 receptor subtype and not to desensitization. 3. When superfused before tetanus, the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxydipropylamino-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT, 5 microM) prevented the expression of LTP without affecting PTP. 4. Pretreatment of ganglia with the 5-HT2 receptor agonist R-(+)-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (R-(+)-DOI, 1 microM) enhanced the tetanus-induced LTP. Similar treatment with the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin (3 microM) had no significant effect on LTP. 5. Pretreatment of ganglia with the 5-HT3 receptor agonist 1-m-(chlorophenyl) biguanide (m-CPGB, 1 microM), markedly increased (300%) the tetanus-induced LTP. Similar pretreatment with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist 3-tropanyl-3,5-dichlorobenzoate (MDL 72222, 0.5 microM) completely prevented the expression of LTP. Fully expressed LTP was reversibly blocked by MDL 72222 when applied during the maintenance phase of LTP. 6. Tetanic stimulation of monoamine-depleted ganglia (from reserpine-pretreated rats, 3 mg kg-1 for 24 h) failed to induced LTP. 7. In monoamine-depleted ganglia, tetanus preceded by superfusion with m-CPBG readily induced LTP. MDL 72222 completely blocked this LTP. However in these ganglia tetanus failed to induced LTP when m-CPBG was given 2 min (during PTP) or 1 h after tetanus. 8. Tetanic stimulation of monoamine-depleted ganglia in the presence of R-(+)-DOI failed to induced LTP. 9. We conclude that tetanus-induced LTP of the SCG of the rat requires activation of 5-HT3 receptors both for induction and maintenance.
Temporal variability of Cd, Pb, and Pb, isotope deposition in central Greenland snow

[1] We present a decade-long (1981–1990) high-resolution (subseasonal) record of Pb and Cd concentrations and Pb isotopic composition in a series of 119 snow samples from a 6-m snow pit at Summit, Greenland. Both metals show order of magnitude seasonal variability, with maxima in spring of every year, coinciding with sulfate peaks. These short-term features complicate attempts to quantify secular decadal-scale trends associated with anthropogenic source changes (e.g., phasing out of leaded gasoline). A small (<50%) decrease during the decade is estimated for Pb, but no significant trend is observed for Cd. Mean concentrations for the snow pit (Pb = 216, Cd = 11 pmol kg−1) are indistinguishable from mean values for nearly continuous samples of the 1–6 m section of a firn core drilled 1 km away, suggesting freedom from contamination artifact. An evaluation of potential sources confirms that Pb and Cd are dominated by anthropogenic inputs. Isotopic ratios (206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb) determined on a subset of snow pit samples of varying ages within the decade indicate that springtime Pb concentration maxima are consistent with a mixture of eastern European, former Soviet Union, and western European sources, while seasonal Pb minima, especially from the early portion of the decade, plot along a different mixing line, suggesting a mixture of U.S. and European sources. The combination of Pb concentration and isotopic composition are consistent with an estimated decrease in U.S. Pb contributions of about twofold over the decade, which predicts a decadal concentration decrease in the snow of ∼30%. However, the secular trends in both concentration and isotopes are barely detectable against seasonal and interannual variability. The evidence for seasonally distinct source regions may be useful for interpretation of high-resolution records of other chemical species in Greenland snow and ice. Analyses of two deep core sections dated at 1699–1700 and 1780–1788, compared to the snow pit data, indicate that both Pb and Cd deposition in central Greenland roughly doubled during the eighteenth century, then doubled again by the 1980s.
Iterative soft-thresholding for time-varying signal recovery

Recovering static signals from compressed measurements is an important problem that has been extensively studied in modern signal processing. However, only recently have methods been proposed to tackle the problem of recovering a time-varying sequence from streaming online compressed measurements. In this paper, we study the capacity of the standard iterative soft-thresholding algorithm (ISTA) to perform this task in real-time. In previous work, ISTA has been shown to recover static sparse signals. The present paper demonstrates its ability to perform this recovery online in the dynamical setting where measurements are constantly streaming. Our analysis shows that the l 2 -distance between the output and the target signal decays according to a linear rate, and is supported by simulations on synthetic and real data.
Discovering unique tobacco use patterns among Alaska Native people.

Background. Alaska Native people are disproportionately impacted by tobacco-related diseases in comparison to non-Native Alaskans. Design. We used Alaska’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to describe tobacco use among more than 4,100 Alaska Native adults, stratified by geographic region and demographic groups. Results. Overall tobacco use was high: approximately 2 out of every 5 Alaska Native adults reported smoking cigarettes (41.2%) and 1 in 10 reported using smokeless tobacco (SLT, 12.3%). A small percentage overall (4.8%) reported using iq’mik, an SLT variant unique to Alaska Native people. When examined by geographic region, cigarette smoking was highest in remote geographic regions; SLT use was highest in the southwest region of the state. Use of iq’mik was primarily confined to a specific area of the state; further analysis showedthat 1 in 3 women currently used iq’mik in this region. Conclusion. Our results suggest that different types of tobacco use are epidemic among diverse Alaska Native communities. Our results also illustrate that detailed analysis within racial/ethnic groups can be useful for public health programme planning to reduce health disparities. Keywords: Alaska/epidemiology; Smoking/epidemiology; Prevalence; Smoking/ethnology; Indians; North American; Tobacco; smokeless (Published: 5 August 2013) This paper is part of Supplement 1, 2013, ICCH15 Proceedings . More papers from this Supplement can be found here . Citation: Int J Circumpolar Health 2013, 72 : 21208 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v72i0.21208
Identifying risk drinking in expectant fathers.

Background: Identification of risk drinking in expectant fathers may be helpful as an important part of efforts to minimize maternal alcohol use, and as an opportunity to inform them about a problematic practice during a critical developmental stage for the couple. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the T-ACE screening questionnaire, which asks about tolerance to alcohol, being annoyed by other's comments about drinking, attempts to cut down, and having a drink first thing in the morning ("eye-opener"), in the male partners of pregnant women who themselves were T-ACE positive. Methods: Two hundred fifty-four male partners were asked to complete the T-ACE embedded in a health survey, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and other questions about their alcohol use in the past 30 days when their pregnant partners had a median gestation of 11.5 weeks (T 1 ). After delivery, male partners again completed the T-ACE and quantity_frequency questions (T 2 ). The predictive ability of the T-ACE and AUDIT was compared, using risk drinking (> 4 drinks/day or > 14 drinks/week) as the criterion standard. Results: A substantial minority of male partners had risk drinking, 31 percent at T 1 and 25 percent at T 2 . Although the AUDIT was better than the T-ACE as an independent predictor of risk drinking, the latter was most accurate when the tolerance threshold exceeded 2 drinks, the same established for pregnant women. The sensitivity (T 1 = 84.6%, T 2 = 82.8%) and specificity (T 1 = 43.8%, T 2 = 51.1%) of the T-ACE at this threshold compared favorably with those of the A UDIT at the standard cut point of 8. Conclusions: The T-ACE may be a practical way for clinicians to identify risk drinking in both pregnant women and expectant fathers.
The use of red blood cell stroma as an immunoabsorbent and analytical tool. II. Studies with synthesis in vitro.

Abstract Red blood cell stroma provides a highly sensitive method of detecting antibody synthesis when coupled with culturing and labeling of spleen chunks in vitro. The synthesis of both 19S and a 4·0S protein can be detected as early as 12 hr after the injection Both 19S and 7S antibodies can be recovered from culture fluids with equal efficiencies. Early in the primary response there is a switch from 19S to 7S antibody synthesis, with approximately equal amounts being synthesized 4 days after the injection of the red blood cells.
Effect of ergot alkaloids on contractility of bovine right ruminal artery and vein.

Ergot alkaloids produced by the en- dophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum) associated with tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) are implicated in the clinical signs of fescue toxicosis. These compounds were hypothesized to correspondingly affect foregut vascu- lature. The objective of this study was to determine vasoconstrictive potentials of ergovaline, ergotamine, ergocryptine, ergocristine, ergonovine, ergocornine, and lysergic acid on right ruminal artery and vein. Seg- ments of right ruminal artery and vein were collected from the ventral coronary groove of predominantly An- gus heifers (n = 10) shortly after slaughter and placed in a modified Krebs-Henseleit buffer on ice. Vessels were cleaned of excess connective tissue and fat, sliced into 2- to 3-mm segments, and suspended in a multi- myograph chamber with 5 mL of continuously oxygen- ated Krebs-Henseleit buffer (95%O 2/5% CO2; pH 7.4; 37°C). Arteries and veins were equilibrated to 1.0 and 0.5 g, respectively, for 90 min followed by the reference addition of 120 mM KCl. Increasing concentrations of each alkaloid were added to the respective chamber ev- ery 15 min after buffer replacement. Data were normal- ized as a percentage of the contractile response induced by KCl. Alkaloid (P < 0.0001), concentration (P < 0.0001), and vessel type (artery or vein; P = 0.004) af- fected contractility. No arterial response was observed until 10 −6 M for ergovaline and ergotamine; 10 −5 M for ergocryptine, ergocornine, and ergonovine; and 10 −4 M for ergocristine. Lysergic acid did not induce a contrac- tile response in the ruminal artery. No venous contrac- tile response was observed until concentrations of 10 −6 M for ergovaline, 10 −5 M for ergotamine, and 10 −4 M for ergocryptine and ergocristine were achieved. Lyser- gic acid, ergonovine, and ergocornine did not induce a contractile response in the ruminal vein. A greater ar- terial maximal response was observed for ergovaline (P < 0.0001), whereas the arterial and venous responses were not different for ergotamine (P = 0.16), ergocryp- tine (P = 0.218), and ergocristine (P = 0.425). These results indicate that ergot alkaloids associated with toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue are vasoactive and can potentially alter arterial blood supply and venous drainage from the bovine foregut.
Mechanism for the Action of λ Exonuclease in Genetic Recombination

Lambda exonuclease degrades in vitro redundant single stranded regions which probably result in λ DNA from genetic recombination in vivo.
Social competence in kindergarten: Analysis of social negotiations during peer play

This article describes and analyzes the social interactions of twenty kindergarten children during their play with building blocks. The study applied naturalistic data collection and analytical methods to provide evidence of a variety of social negotiation strategies and differing levels of social competence of these kindergarten children. Data from the investigation indicates that children were involved in constructing a social order during play. The study suggests that social competence cannot be viewed only as an attribute of an individual but must be examined within the context of on‐going social interaction. That is, social competence will be influenced by the demands of the particular situation, the definitions of self and others held by each individual involved, and the language competence of each individual.
The neural representation of taste quality at the periphery

The mammalian taste system is responsible for sensing and responding to the five basic taste qualities: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. Previously, we showed that each taste is detected by dedicated taste receptor cells (TRCs) on the tongue and palate epithelium. To understand how TRCs transmit information to higher neural centres, we examined the tuning properties of large ensembles of neurons in the first neural station of the gustatory system. Here, we generated and characterized a collection of transgenic mice expressing a genetically encoded calcium indicator in central and peripheral neurons, and used a gradient refractive index microendoscope combined with high-resolution two-photon microscopy to image taste responses from ganglion neurons buried deep at the base of the brain. Our results reveal fine selectivity in the taste preference of ganglion neurons; demonstrate a strong match between TRCs in the tongue and the principal neural afferents relaying taste information to the brain; and expose the highly specific transfer of taste information between taste cells and the central nervous system.
Correlation Loss with Optimized Receiver Delay for Band-Limited Communication

The degradation in correlation receiver performance due to signal distortion at the transmitting antenna is computed as a function of processing delay for simple but representative models of the Sanguine antenna and input waveforms. The optimum delay and minimum distortion loss are given parametrically in terms of the ratio of the 3 dB bandwidth of the signal process to that of the antenna. For the more realistic model considered the degradation can be reduced significantly to just a fraction of a dB by optimizing the receiver delay.
Differentiation of Cryptosporidium parvum, C. muris, and C. baileyi by pcr-rflp analysis of the 18s rrna gene

Abstract We have developed a combined polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay for the detection and differentiation of Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium muris, and Cryptosporidium baileyi. The assay utilizes PCR to amplify an approximately 1750 basepair product of the Cryptosporidium 18S rRNA gene. Following double digestion with restriction endonucleases DraI and VspI, this PCR product yields DNA fragments that can be resolved electrophoretically into RFLP profiles that are distinct for C. parvum, C. muris, and C. baileyi. Previous PCR-restriction analyses could not simultaneously differentiate all three species. Future application of this technique could include predicting the disease-causing potential of oocyst-contaminated environmental specimens and helping to determine the source of oocyst contamination.
Three analyses of the firm size premium

Abstract The size premium for smaller companies is one of the best-known academic market anomalies. The relevant issue for investors is whether size premium for small-cap stocks is still positive, and, if so, whether its magnitude is substantial. In our analysis, we use annual compounded returns, monthly cross-sectional regressions, and linear spline regressions to investigate the relation between expected returns and firm size during 1980–1996. All three methodologies report no consistent relationship between size and realized returns. Hence, our results show that the widespread use of size in asset pricing is unwarranted.
Race Surface Model Development in a Musculoskeletal Modelling Environment

Abstract Musculoskeletal injury is the leading cause of racehorse attrition and fatalities. Many factors have been implicated in racehorse musculoskeletal injury, including race surface. Race surface material has been shown to affect ground reaction forces applied to the hoof, limb kinematics, surface dynamic mechanical behavior, and incidence of injury. The optimal interaction of the racehorse hoof with the race surface during locomotion is unknown. Further, the effect of surface on limb biomechanics has only been examined by installing a surface and observing horses during gallop across the surface. Installation of new surfaces is financially costly, results in lost training time, and does not allow a thorough evaluation of possible mechanisms of injury associated with surface/hoof interactions. A computational equine limb-surface simulation model is needed to examine racehorse limb biomechanics on virtual surfaces, and further to consider the possible musculoskeletal consequences of a surface, prior to installation. A racetrack surface model was developed for use in musculoskeletal modelling and simulation applications. Surface parameters were determined by fitting empirical force, displacement, and velocity data collected during vertical and angled dynamic soil tests using a track-testing device. Simulations of the dynamic soil tests on the surface closely reproduced measured load and displacement data. In the future, this surface model may be incorporated in racehorse limb simulations of gallop using virtual surface parameters to predict the optimal surface mechanical properties for musculoskeletal health during racing and training.
A generalized structural dominance method for the analysis of large-scale systems

The structural dominance method of Litz is generalized to aid in determining not only the dominant modes, as in the original method, but also the most sensitive state variables and the most effective inputs of a linear, large-scale system. Through the addition or modification of a number of features, the utility of the method to the control system designer has been greatly enhanced. These include: (a) avoiding the gain normalization procedure of the original method (which eliminates information on input/output sensitivity), (b) definition of input- and state-variable normalization elements (so as to permit evaluation of variable sensitivities by direct numerical comparison), and (c) generalization of a time-weighting technique (to assist in determining minimum order of the reduced system model). With the range of measures provided in the generalized method, the system designer can now introduce both subjective and objective criteria quite naturally into the selection of a control structure (choice of meas...
Optical-pumping study of spin-dependent recombination in GaAs

Optical-pumping techniques provide a convenient way to study-dependent recombination (SDR) processes at deep impurity centers in semiconductors. Indeed, by changing the polarization of excitation light, it is possible to modify the photoelectron spin polarization in a controlled way. This produces a change in luminescence intensity if the recombination is spin dependent and if the centers are spin polarized. The basic physical ideas which govern this type of study are discussed. Two different experimental situations are presented which show the possible effect of the external magnetic field parallel to the excitation direction. In semi-insulating GaAs, we find from an analysis of the effect on the luminescence band attributed to the EL2 center that this center is dynamically polarized by the photoelectrons, and that the spin-dependent character of the recombination at this center modifies both the free-electron concentration and polarization. These effects strongly increase with magnetic field and are approximately a factor of 3 larger than those calculated from a simple model. Possible reasons for this are discussed. The second situation we consider is the recombination on manganese acceptors in GaAs. These centers are thermodynamically polarized by the magnetic field and the corresponding SDR is conveniently monitored from the intensity of manganese emission since the photoelectron concentration is not modified by SDR. This shows the paramagnetic character of the manganese level in GaAs. The nature of this level is discussed. We emphasize that the present method can be used as a preliminary step to find the appropriate magnetic field and luminescence wavelength for optical detection of magnetic resonance.
Studies on the structure of poly-L-proline in solution.

Abstract 1. 1. The specific rotation of poly- l -proline II ([ α ] D 25 = − 540°) in water has been estimated making use of the theory of Fitts and Kirkwood for the optical rotation of helical molecules and the reported specific rotations of glycine-proline copolymers. 2. 2. The optical rotation, temperature dependence of rotation and rotatary dispersion of polyproline II in various solvents is reported. In those solvents of low water activity, the specific rotation changes to a limiting value of around — 250° while sedimentation and viscosity studies demonstrate a marked decrease in the asymmetry of the molecule. 3. 3. The mutarotation of poly- l -proline I ([ α ] D = + 40 °) in water has been followed by rotatory dispersion, viscosity and sedimentation studies. 4. 4. The above results are shown to be consistent with the proposal that polyproline I exists in aqueous solution as a right-handed helix with peptide bonds in the cis -configuration whereas polyproline II exists in aqueous solutions as a left-handed helix with peptide bonds in the trans -configuration.
Role of interstitial cells of Cajal in neural control of gastrointestinal smooth muscles

Specialized cells known as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) are distributed in specific locations within the tunica muscularis of the gastrointestinal tract and serve as electrical pacemakers, active propagation pathways for slow waves, and mediators of enteric motor neurotransmission. Recent morphological studies have provided evidence that motor neurotransmission in the gut does not occur through loosely defined synaptic structures between nerves and smooth muscle, but rather via synaptic-like contacts that exist between varicose nerve terminals and intramuscular ICC (ICC-IM). ICC-IM are coupled to smooth muscle cells via gap junctions and electrical responses elicited in ICC are conducted to muscle cells. Electrophysiological studies of the stomach of wild-type and mutant animals that lack ICC-IM have provided functional evidence for the importance of ICC in cholinergic and nitrergic motor neurotransmission. The synaptic-like contacts between nerve terminals and ICC-IM facilitate rapid diffusion of transmitters to specific receptors on ICC. ICC-IM also play a role in generating unitary potentials in the stomach that contribute to the excitability of the gastric fundus and antrum.
Growing Pains for the Bretton Woods Institutions

Who's Afraid of the WTO? By Kent Jones. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. 248 pp., $24.95 (ISBN: 0-19-516616-7). The IMF and Its Critics: Reform of Global Financial Architecture. Edited by David Vines, Christopher L. Gilbert. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004. 466 pp., $85.00 cloth (ISBN: 0-521-82154-1). In recent years, a colossal literature has grown up across disciplines addressing the structure and operations of the Bretton Woods international financial institutions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the General Agreement of Tariffs and Trade (GATT, which was the predecessor to the World Trade Organization or WTO) were each established in the wake of World War II by states of roughly similar levels of economic development. As they have matured, however, each institution has had to accommodate the growing participation of members at vastly different levels of development within a juridical framework that assumes the sovereign equality of states. Some debates addressing the resulting problems of these institutions are framed by only one disciplinary perspective and, as a result, tend to evade issues of paramount importance to other disciplines. Other debates confuse the substantive work of the respective institutions with broader questions regarding fundamental disparities in the international system. Who's Afraid of the WTO? by Kent Jones and The IMF and Its Critics by David Vines and Christopher Gilbert originate in the economics literature on international financial institutions. As a result, they distinguish clearly between what the institutions do and what their member-states and other economic actors do. In addition, each book contains specific policy recommendations for improving the operations of their respective institutions along with the related changes beyond the institutions themselves that are necessary for them to succeed. Nonetheless, each book addresses a relatively self-contained literature with an overtly liberal orientation. Therefore, even though each book is an excellent study within its own framework, both volumes leave open some of the broader issues associated with liberalism and the sovereign equality of states in a world of profound economic inequality. Who's Afraid of the WTO? sets out primarily to demystify the principles and operations of …
Content-specificity of the neural correlates of recollection

It is widely assumed that episodic retrieval (recollection) involves reinstatement of cortical activity engaged during the processing of an episode when it was initially experienced. It follows from this assumption that the cortical correlates of recollection should differ with the content of what is recollected, and that retrieval of different content should be associated with activity in functionally distinct cortical regions. The present experiment investigated these predictions. Subjects (N=17) studied a mixed list of words and pictures and were then presented with a test list comprised of words only. Test items were studied words, the names of studied pictures, and unstudied (new) words. Functional magnetic resonance images were acquired while the subjects made Remember/Know/New judgments to these test words. Independent of study material, studied items endorsed as Remembered elicited greater activity than correctly classified unstudied items in several regions, including left frontal, left lateral parietal, and posterior cingulate cortex. In addition, Remembered items elicited greater activity in the right hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus than items accorded Know judgments, replicating previous findings. Analysis of content-specific effects demonstrated a regional double-dissociation within left fusiform cortex; recollected words elicited greater activity than recollected pictures in lateral fusiform, whereas the reverse effect was evident in an anterior fusiform region. The lateral and anterior fusiform areas correspond closely to areas held to be functionally specialized for the processing of visual words and pictures, respectively. Thus, the current findings support the cortical reinstatement hypothesis of episodic retrieval.
The cardiac rate and rhythm in infants during induction of anesthesia with cyclopropane

Summary 1. A study of electrocardiographic abnormalities during induction of anesthesia with cyclopropane was made on 48 infants from less than 1 month to 6 months of age. Twenty-five of them received atropine as preanesthetic medication, and 23 received scopolamine; the dose of each drug was 0.15 mg. 2. Eight of the atropine-treated group and 18 of the scopolamine-treated group developed arrhythmias during induction of anesthesia. The difference is highly significant (p 3. All patients had a decrease in pulse rate during the induction of anesthesia. Those treated with scopolamine, as contrasted with those treated with atropine, had an additional average pulse decrease of 23 beats per minute. In the patients who developed arrhythmias as contrasted with those with no arrhythmias an additional average pulse decrease of 25 beats per minute was found. 4. Older and heavier babies tended to be more prone to develop arrhythmias with this dose of atropine than did younger and smaller babies. The difference is highly significant (p 5. Protection against arrhythmias provided by atropine is usually dissipated by 75 minutes after the administration of the drug. 6. Atropine is recommended for preanesthetic medication in infants under 6 months of age when cyclopropane is to be the anesthetic agent.
A case for consumer-driven extension programming: agroforestry adoption potential in Pennsylvania

In an effort to assess agroforestry adoption potential among a diverse Pennsylvania landowner population, a mail survey instrument was sent to 250 members of the Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) and 250 members of Woodland Owner Associations (WOA). Current management objectives and production strategies, agroforestry awareness, agroforestry interest, and perceptions regarding the benefits and obstacles to agroforestry adoption were gauged. Market segmentation was performed with a two-step cluster analysis to produce four agroforestry adoption potential models: Timber-Related Practices, Livestock-Related Practices, Specialty Crop-Related Practices, and Non-Adopters. The analyses showed that agroforestry practices could indeed satisfy specific land management objectives within diverse populations. The key to outreach success and adoption will be to engage these landowner groups according to their unique interests and values, and to demonstrate the potential agroforestry has to enhance existing objectives.
Survival of the Fittest Evolution of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) resulting from cardiac arrest remains the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality worldwide and accounts for ≈250 000 deaths annually in the United States.1–4 The majority of cardiac arrests occur in patients with a prior myocardial infarction (MI) at a rate ≈5 times that of the general population.3 Studies evaluating the time dependence of mortality immediately after an MI have consistently demonstrated that the greatest risk for SCD is in patients with impaired left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF).1–4 Despite revascularization and widespread use of β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins, and antiplatelet agents, the risk of SCD remains highest in the first 30 days in these patients.1–4 On the basis of these observations, strategies for the prevention of SCD need to be implemented early after an MI in high-risk patients. Article see p 743 Although depressed LVEF identifies patients with increased mortality risk immediately after MI and is widely used as a risk stratification tool, it does not allow a distinction between those who will die of an arrhythmia and those who will die of other cardiovascular causes.4–8 Variable and unpredictable recovery of LV function after MI has consistently been noted immediately after an MI.5–7 Improvement in LVEF commonly begins within 3 days in patients who are revascularized with myocardial stunning and improved function of viable myocardium as the mechanisms.5–7 In the contemporary era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention for MI, of all revascularized patients with LVEF ≤40% at day 3, 24% will improve to have an LVEF ≥40% at 6 months.5–7 Other noninvasive and invasive risk stratification techniques used alone or in combination with the LVEF also …