cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Juventudes en América Latina y el Caribe en perspectiva: panorama de la situación, desafíos e intervenciones promisorias

Resumen Este articulo aborda, desde la perspectiva de juventud, un panorama de la situacion de las juventudes en America Latina y el Caribe a partir de indicadores socioeconomicos y demograficos globales y regionales. Provee un analisis interseccional de las opresiones y desafios que enfrentan las personas jovenes para alcanzar su pleno desarrollo dentro de un entramado de relaciones de poder, desigualdad, exclusion, discriminacion y violencia. Con base en evidencias, destaca intervenciones eficaces y promisorias que orienten la inversion en juventud mediante politicas publicas, presupuestos y programas a escala, como medidas redistributivas del poder y los recursos que contribuyan al disfrute de sus derechos humanos, la autonomia, emancipacion y agencia para participar en asuntos publicos que les afectan.
Recovery of blood flow from undersampled photoacoustic microscopy data using sparse modeling.

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) leverages the optical absorption contrast of blood hemoglobin for high-resolution, multi-parametric imaging of the microvasculature in vivo. However, to quantify the blood flow speed, dense spatial sampling is required to assess blood flow-induced loss of correlation of sequentially acquired A-line signals, resulting in increased laser pulse repetition rate and consequently optical fluence. To address this issue, we have developed a sparse modeling approach for blood flow quantification based on downsampled PAM data. Evaluation of its performance both in vitro and in vivo shows that this sparse modeling method can accurately recover the substantially downsampled data (up to 8 times) for correlation-based blood flow analysis, with a relative error of 12.7 ± 6.1 % across 10 datasets in vitro and 12.7 ± 12.1 % in vivo for data downsampled 8 times. Reconstruction with the proposed method is on par with recovery using compressive sensing, which exhibits an error of 12.0 ± 7.9 % in vitro and 33.86 ± 26.18 % in vivo for data downsampled 8 times. Both methods outperform bicubic interpolation, which shows an error of 15.95 ± 9.85 % in vitro and 110.7 ± 87.1 % in vivo for data downsampled 8 times.
Tumour antigen-induced T cell exhaustion - the archenemy of immune-hot malignancies.

Two recent studies addressed the functional properties and clinical significance of tumour antigen-specific effector T cells in human melanomas and lung carcinomas using single-cell strategies. Herein, we discuss their findings, which expand our understanding of T cell alterations in the tumour microenvironment and demonstrate that CD8+ T cell exhaustion is mediated by exposure to tumour cell-specific antigens and is associated with a tissue-resident memory phenotype.
Corporate Public Issue Advertising

This article presents the results of a study of the attitudes of chief executives regarding issue advertising. The study used a set of four issue advertisements representing varying degrees of self-interest. The results indicate marked differences between business leaders in their perceptions of both the usefulness and favourability of different issue advertising messages.
What Do Those Weird XML Types Want, Anyway?

XML tries to bring to natural language documents ("texts" for short), some of what databases have had for decades: explicit structure whose properties can be known; independence of data and structure from reporting (which we foreigners call "formatting"); various kinds of isolation; and so on. But the data buried in those XML elements is weird stuff: deep hierarchies, arbitrary and unpredictable orderings and repetitions, a painful number of atomic types, and enough aggregates to make one's head hurt.
Blood Volume and Molybdenum Toxicity in Rabbits

The blood volume of normal rabbits and rabbits anemic with molybdenum toxicity was determined using the dye and P32 methods. The blood volume per unit of body weight was found to be within the normal range indicating that rabbits were able to maintain normal blood volume even though anemic as a result of molybdenum toxicity.
Computational Field Shaping for Deep Brain Stimulation With Thousands of Contacts in a Novel Electrode Geometry.

Objective Deep brain stimulation (DBS) alleviates symptoms associated with some neurological disorders by stimulating specific deep brain targets. However, incomplete stimulation of the target region can provide suboptimal therapy, and spread of stimulation to tissue outside the target can generate side-effects. Existing DBS electrodes generate stimulation profiles that are roughly spherical, neither matching nor enabling the mapping of therapeutic targets. We present a novel electrode design and will perform computational modeling of the new design to investigate its use as a next generation DBS electrode. Materials and Methods Computational simulations of a finite element model are performed for both the novel electrode and for a commercially available DBS electrode. Results Computational modeling results show that this new electrode design is able to steer stimulation radially around the device, creating voltage distributions that may more closely match deep brain targets. Conclusion The ability to better match the anatomy and compensate for targeting errors during implantation will enable strict localization of the generated stimulation fields to within target tissues, potentially providing more complete symptom alleviation while reducing the occurrence of side-effects.
Data from necropsy studies and in vitro tissue studies lead to a model for allometric scaling of basal metabolic rate.

Background The basal metabolic rate (BMR) of a mammal of mass M is commonly described by the power function αMβwhere α and β are constants determined by linear regression of the logarithm of BMR on the logarithm of M (i. e., β is the slope and α is the intercept in regression analysis). Since Kleiber's demonstration that, for 13 measurements of BMR, the logarithm of BMR is closely approximated by a straight line with slope 0.75, it has often been assumed that the value of β is exactly 3/4 (Kleiber's law).
BECALMED IN MURKY WATERS: MEASUREMENT PROBLEMS IN SOCIOLOGY

INTRODUCT ION. Basic measurement problems continue to plague sociologists. This condition came largely by historical accident, when social reformers captured the infant field. These professionals presented themselves as scientists, but restricted their research efforts I most exclusively to descriptive surveys, relying on nominal and ordinal level measurement of culturally defined and reified social categories. Though such measurement produced data and permitted tests of hypotheses, finings tended to be historical rather than theoretical. This did little to strengthen measurement, and eventually sociologists succumbed to "classical test theory,", a set of measurement definitions and notions which, while invalid, enabled researchers to mislead all concerned about the validity of their findings. I will recommend three actions: 1) to adopt the general science measurement model; 2)· encourage a reductionist general systems approach to sociological concepts; 3) encourage selective recruitment of sociologists with stronger mathematical and scientific backgrounds. Comte, a great admirer of Newtonian mechanics, coined the term sociology "to designate social physics (Comte 1830 42)." But in the United States, sociology was dominated by social reformers who adopted scientific "front" only after world War I as a stratagem for achieving academic recognition(Dynes 1974 173). Many measurement problems were consequently either ignored or so transmogrified that modern researchers may not realize that the original measurement problem remains unsolved.
A cost benefit analysis: The impact of defect clustering on the necessity of pre-bond tests

The emerging three-dimensional integrated circuit (3D IC) provides a promising solution for sustainable computer performance scaling. However, the high cost due to the complex pre-bond/intermediate testing and the low compound yield hinder the commercial adoption of 3D ICs. The defect clustering is found biasing the yield prediction, resulting in an unrealistic cost estimation at the early design stage. Under defect clusterings, it is possible that we eliminate the pre-bond/intermediate test. Moreover, components in a chip might be functional even with defects, which leads to the partially functional dies. Therefore, in this work, we propose a framework to analyze the cost benefit with test elimination and partially functional dies. To support our proposed framework, a hierarchical yield model and an analytical model for test elimination considering defect clustering are provided. Through analyzing the impact of the pre-bond/intermediate test elimination on the final stacking cost with our framework, we show that the wafer cost is the most important factor on the test elimination. Moreover, further cost saving can be obtained by combining partially functional dies with test elimination.
Detecting positive-sequence component in active power filter under distorted grid voltage

In distribution power system, an active power filter (APF) is installed at the point of common coupling (PCC) bus to eliminate harmonic currents injected by non-linear loads. The active power filter, therefore, needs to synchronize with the grid by employing a second-order-generalized-integrator frequency-locked loop (SOGI-FLL) to detect the positive-sequence voltage component. If the grid is highly distorted by harmonic currents, it degrades the accuracy of SOGI-FLL estimation and the APF cannot get correct grid voltage characteristics. This paper introduces a new grid synchronization structure based on the SOGI-FLL under distorted voltage condition. The proposed structure behaves as a high-order filter to completely remove harmonic components and inherits advantages from SOGI-FLL. The grid voltage magnitude and frequency, thus, are detected precisely under distorted grid. Simulation results are presented to verify the proposed system performances.
User Association in Massive MIMO HetNets

Massive multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) and small cell are both recognized as key technologies for the future fifth-generation wireless systems. In this paper, we investigate the problem of user association in a heterogeneous network (HetNet) with massive MIMO and small cells, where the macro base station (BS) is equipped with a massive MIMO, and the picocell BSs are equipped with regular MIMOs. We first develop centralized user association algorithms with proven optimality, considering various objectives such as rate maximization, proportional fairness, and joint user association and resource allocation. We then develop a repeated game model, which leads to distributed user association algorithms with proven convergence to the Nash equilibrium. We demonstrate the efficacy of these optimal schemes by comparing with several greedy algorithms through simulations.
Thinner Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer in Very Preterm Versus Term Infants and Relationship to Brain Anatomy and Neurodevelopment

Purpose To assess retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness at term-equivalent age in very preterm ( Design Cohort study. Methods RNFL was semi-automatically segmented (1 eye per infant) in 57 very preterm and 50 term infants with adequate images from bedside portable, handheld spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging at 37–42 weeks postmenstrual age. Mean RNFL thickness was calculated for the papillomacular bundle (−15 degrees to +15 degrees) and temporal quadrant (−45 degrees to +45 degrees) relative to the fovea–optic nerve axis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans clinically obtained in 26 very preterm infants were scored for global structural abnormalities by an expert masked to data except for age. Cognitive, language, and motor skills were assessed in 33 of the very preterm infants at 18–24 months corrected age. Results RNFL was thinner for very preterm vs term infants at the papillomacular bundle ([mean ± standard deviation] 61 ± 17 vs 72 ± 13 μm, P P = .005). In very preterm infants, thinner papillomacular bundle RNFL correlated with higher global brain MRI lesion burden index (R 2 = 0.35, P = .001) and lower cognitive (R 2 = 0.18, P = .01) and motor (R 2 = 0.17, P = .02) scores. Relationships were similar for temporal quadrant. Conclusions Thinner RNFL in very preterm infants relative to term-born infants may relate to brain structure and neurodevelopment.
White worker-minority client

Emelicia Mizio, MSW, is Assistant Processor, Graduate School of Social Work, New York University, and a doctoral candidate, Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, New York. An Americans are products of a racist system and its influence is inescapable. Because the nation's high standard of liv ing and way of life are interwoven with racism, self-interest works against basic structural and social change. Today racial tensions are especially high. In the climate caused by a faltering economy, the majority uses minority groups as scapegoats to avoid dealing realistically with complex problems. Individuals cling to racist attitudes rather than face their
Consumer Sciences Research: A Two-Decade Comparison, 1980s and 1990s

A comparison and assessment of research published in the 1980s and 1990s in the areas of consumer economics, consumption economics, family economics, household management, and family financial planning and counseling was performed. Four journals were selected for this study: Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal, The Journal of Consumer Affairs, Journal of Consumer Studies and Home Economics, and Journal of Family and Economic Issues. The following pieces of information were extracted from each article and transferred into table form: area of specialization, institutional affiliation of the researcher(s), source of data, sample size, topical classification, research methodology, and statistical analysis. The use of the tables should help to accelerate the work of educators, current and future researchers, and undergraduate and graduate students interested in locating an example of a particular area, topic, methodology, or statistical analysis.
Cooling of embryonated eggs to produce an LD50 for Coccidioides immitis.

Conclusion1. It is clear that the cooling of chick embryos on the 9th day has made it possible for the invading organisms to increase their effectiveness in overcoming the host. This technic has the advantage of a flexible and easily controlled attenuating device. The length of time and temperature of cooling can be chosen so that various degrees of susceptibility might possibly be attained if other invading hosts were to be used. 2. However, a word of caution is needed if chick embryos are to be used in a pseudo-quantitative manner to evaluate virulence or invasive capacity of an infective agent. Considerable variation on the hatchability or vigor of the embryos may occur from one region or one strain of chickens to another(4). Also nutritional factors of the mother hen; her age; and the phase of the egg laying season(5-8), all enter into the percentage of eggs that will hatch; hence, reflect the possibility of inherited variation of the susceptibility of the host.
Is restless legs syndrome a sleep disorder

A compelling urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable dysesthesias, is the fundamental element of restless legs syndrome (RLS). To make a diagnosis of RLS, this core sensory-motor symptom must be present at rest, at least temporarily relieved by movement, and most pronounced at night.1 Sleep disturbance is usually present in RLS and is traditionally considered as a consequence of either the sensory-motor symptom interfering with sleep or of periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), present in roughly 80% of RLS patients. However, dysesthesias, sleep disturbance, or PLMS are not required for an RLS diagnosis, though they are supportive. In this way, difficulties with understanding, recognition, and treatment of RLS may be related to its definition: is it a sleep disorder, a movement disorder, or a chronic pain disorder?
iHypR: Prominence ranking in networks of collaborations with hyperedges1

We present a new algorithm called iHypR for computing prominence of actors in social networks of collaborations. Our algorithm builds on the assumption that prominent actors collaborate on prominent objects, and prominent objects are naturally grouped into prominent clusters or groups (hyperedges in a graph). iHypR makes use of the relationships between actors, objects, and hyperedges to compute a global prominence score for the actors in the network. We do not assume the hyperedges are given in advance. Hyperedges computed by our method can perform as well or even better than “true” hyperedges. Our algorithm is customized for networks of collaborations, but it is generally applicable without further tuning. We show, through extensive experimentation with three real-life data sets and multiple external measures of prominence, that our algorithm outperforms existing well-known algorithms. Our work is the first to offer such an extensive evaluation. We show that unlike most existing algorithms, the performance is robust across multiple measures of performance. Further, we give a detailed study of the sensitivity of our algorithm to different data sets and the design choices within the algorithm that a user may wish to change. Our article illustrates the various trade-offs that must be considered in computing prominence in collaborative social networks.
Cytolytic activity of human natural killer cell subpopulations isolated by four-color immunofluorescence flow cytometric cell sorting.

The natural killer activity and phenotypic properties of six different subpopulations of normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained by fourcolor immunofluorescence cell sorting were examined. Phycoerythrin-conjugated CD16 and CD56 were used simultaneously to identify (CD16 + CD56 +) NK cells. The cells most effective in mediating NK cytolysis against K562 target cells were CD3-(16 + 56 +)57-8 + . Although most of the K562 killing was found in the CD3-(16+56+) groups of cells, a substantial degree of NK activity was detected in the CD3 + (16 + 56 + ) subpopulations of some individuals. The level of expression of CD57 and CDS was significantly higher on CD3 + (16 + 56 + ) than on CD3-(16+56+) cells. Key terms: Multiparameter flow cytometric cell sorting, NK subpopulations, Large granular lymphocytes
Two Dimensional Model for the Design of Metal Hydride Hydrogen Storage Systems

A 2-D mathematical description of a metal hydride hydrogen storage vessel was developed. This 2-D model was calibrated against experimental discharge data obtained from a commercially viable system containing Lm1.06Ni4.96Al0.04 metal hydride. The model was capable of predicting the performance of the vessel for both the discharge and charge processes over a wide range of conditions. This model should thus be very useful for the design and development of the next generation of metal hydride hydrogen storage systems.
A theoretical view of the C3d:CR2 binding controversy

The C3d:CR2(SCR1-2) interaction plays an important role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity, leading to enhanced antibody production at sites of complement activation. Over the past decade, there has been much debate over the binding mode of this interaction. An initial cocrystal structure (PDB: 1GHQ) was published in 2001, in which the only interactions observed were between the SCR2 domain of CR2 and a side-face of C3d whereas a cocrystal structure (PDB: 3OED) published in 2011 showed both the SCR1 and SCR2 domains of CR2 interacting with an acidic patch on the concave surface of C3d. The initial 1GHQ structure is at odds with the majority of existing biochemical data and the publication of the 3OED structure renewed uncertainty regarding the physiological relevance of 1GHQ, suggesting that crystallization may have been influenced by the presence of zinc acetate in the crystallization process. In our study, we used a variety of computational approaches to gain insight into the binding mode between C3d and CR2 and demonstrate that the binding site at the acidic patch (3OED) is electrostatically more favorable, exhibits better structural and dissociative stability, specifically at the SCR1 domain, and has higher binding affinity than the 1GHQ binding mode. We also observe that nonphysiological zinc ions enhance the formation of the C3d:CR2 complex at the side face of C3d (1GHQ) through increases in electrostatic favorability, intermolecular interactions, dissociative character and overall energetic favorability. These results provide a theoretical basis for the association of C3d:CR2 at the acidic cavity of C3d and provide an explanation for binding of CR2 at the side face of C3d in the presence of nonphysiological zinc ions.
Friction-Induced Vibration, Chatter, Squeal, and Chaos—Part I: Mechanics of Contact and Friction

Friction force between sliding surfaces arises due to varied and complex mechanisms and can be responsible for undesirable dynamic characteristics in many mechanical systems. Controversies over the theory of friction have been reported in the literature. Friction laws are phenomenological in charcacter since they are based on observable and measurable quantities. The mechanics of contact and friction in metal-metal and elastomer-metal contact surfaces are reviewed. Unfortunately, there is no satisfactory method capable of determining or measuring the area of contact between sliding bodies. Both dry friction and lubricated friction are considered. The modeling of the friction force in mechanical systems depends on several factors. These include the material properties and geometry of the sliding surfaces, surface roughness, surface chemistry, sliding speed, temperature, and normal load. Other factors include the effect of normal and tangential vibrations on the static friction. Here the static friction is considered as a special case of kinetic friction. This background is essential for dynamicists studying friction-induced vibration, chatter, squeal and chaos topics which will be presented in the second part.
In vitro modeling of human tibial strains during exercise in micro-gravity

Prolonged exposure to micro-gravity causes substantial bone loss (Leblanc et al., Journal of Bone Mineral Research 11 (1996) S323) and treadmill exercise under gravity replacement loads (GRLs) has been advocated as a countermeasure. To date, the magnitudes of GRLs employed for locomotion in space have been substantially less than the loads imposed in the earthbound 1G environment, which may account for the poor performance of locomotion as an intervention. The success of future treadmill interventions will likely require GRLs of greater magnitude. It is widely held that mechanical tissue strain is an important intermediary signal in the transduction pathway linking the external loading environment to bone maintenance and functional adaptation; yet, to our knowledge, no data exist linking alterations in external skeletal loading to alterations in bone strain. In this preliminary study, we used unique cadaver simulations of micro-gravity locomotion to determine relationships between localized tibial bone strains and external loading as a means to better predict the efficacy of future exercise interventions proposed for bone maintenance on orbit. Bone strain magnitudes in the distal tibia were found to be linearly related to ground reaction force magnitude (R(2)>0.7). Strain distributions indicated that the primary mode of tibial loading was in bending, with little variation in the neutral axis over the stance phase of gait. The greatest strains, as well as the greatest strain sensitivity to altered external loading, occurred within the anterior crest and posterior aspect of the tibia, the sites furthest removed from the neutral axis of bending. We established a technique for estimating local strain magnitudes from external loads, and equations for predicting strain during simulated micro-gravity walking are presented.
Annular honeycomb seals: test results for leakage and rotordynamic coefficients. Comparisons to labyrinth and smooth configurations

Test results are presented for leakage and rotordynamic coefficients for seven honeycomb seals. All seals have the same radius, length, and clearance; however, the cell depths and diameters are varied. Rotordynamic data, which are presented, consist of the direct and cross-coupled stiffness coefficients and the direct damping coefficients. The rotordynamic-coefficient data show a considerable sensitivity to changes in cell dimensions; however, no clear trends are identifiable. Comparisons of test data for the honeycomb seals with labyrinth and smooth annular seals show the honeycomb seal had the best sealing (minimum leakage) performance, followed in order by the labyrinth and smooth seals. For prerotated fluid entering the seal, in the direction of shaft rotation, the honeycomb seal has the best rotordynamic stability followed in order by the labyrinth and smooth. For no prerotation, or fluid prerotation against shaft rotation, the labyrinth seal has the best rotordynamic stability followed in order by the smooth and honeycomb seals.
Metabolism in vivo of progesterone to testosterone in the dog

Abstract Progesterone labeled with tritium either in position 7 or in position 17 of the steroid nucleus was infused at a constant rate in the left spermatic artery of anesthetized dogs and the testosterone in the venous blood from the left testis examined for the presence of the isotope. 1. 1. When progesterone was labeled with tritium in position 17α an insignificant amount of tritium was present in spermatic vein blood testosterone. 2. 2. When progesterone was labeled with tritium in position 7 a significant amount of tritium was present in spermatic vein blood testosterone. 3. 3. It is probable that the dog testis metabolizes progesterone in vivo to testosteron by the intermediates of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and androstenedione.
Interventions to improve responses of helping professionals to intimate partner violence: a quick scoping review

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to systematically review the available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to improve the response of various helping professionals who come into contact with female victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods: Several databases were searched, and N = 38 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. Results: The quick scoping review identified 5 types of intervention behavioral outcomes: (1) IPV screening and assessment, (2) IPV identification, (3) referral, (4) other behavioral outcomes, and (5) multiple behavioral outcomes. Eighty percent of the reviewed studies were conducted in health care settings, with only eight studies in non-health care settings. Ninety percent of the studies reported positive effects on at least one outcome measure, however, only 10 studies were rated as good quality. Conclusions: This review pinpoints the pressing need for more rigorous studies using randomized controlled design, especially in non-health care settings in IPV. Language: en
The importance of Arg40 and 45 in the mitogenic activity and structural stability of basic fibroblast growth factor: Effects of acidic amino acid substitutions

High-affinity binding of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to the tyrosine kinase receptor requires cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan or exogenous addition of heparin. The crystal structure of bFGF shows Arg40 and 45 on the surface opposite to the heparin-binding region, suggesting that these charged residues may be involved in the receptor binding. Therefore, these amino acids were mutated to aspartic acid separately or simultaneously, and also a simultaneous mutation to glutamic acid was introduced. These mutants displayed a mitogenic activity decreased greater than tenfold compared to the wild-type protein. Addition of heparin had no effect on the activity, while these mutants showed heparin-binding characteristics resembling those of the native sequence protein. The mutants exhibited decreased stability compared to the native sequence protein. Gradual changes in conformation were observed by circular dichroic and infrared spectroscopy. Heparin chromatography also showed the presence of denatured form for these mutants. However, in the presence of multivalent anions such as citrate, sucrose octasulfate, and heparin, the conformation of the mutants resembled that of the wild-type protein, as revealed by X-ray crystallography and circular dichroism spectra of the mutant with a Arg40 → Asp substitution.
Effects of antiepileptic drugs on learning as assessed by a repeated acquisition of response sequences task in rats

Patients with epilepsy can have impaired cognitive abilities. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may contribute to the cognitive deficits observed in patients with epilepsy, and have been shown to induce cognitive impairments in healthy individuals. However, there are few systematic data on the effects of AEDs on specific cognitive domains. We have previously demonstrated that a number of AEDs can impair working memory and attention. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of AEDs on learning as measured by a repeated acquisition of response sequences task in nonepileptic rats. The GABA-related AEDs phenobarbital and chlordiazepoxide significantly disrupted performance by shifting the learning curve to the right and increasing errors, whereas tiagabine and valproate did not. The sodium channel blockers carbamazepine and phenytoin suppressed responding at higher doses, whereas lamotrigine shifted the learning curve to the right and increased errors, and topiramate was without significant effect. Levetiracetam also shifted the learning curve to the right and increased errors. The disruptions produced by triazolam, chlordiazepoxide, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam were qualitatively similar to the effects of the muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist scopolamine. The present results indicate that AEDs can impair learning, but there are differences among AEDs in the magnitude of the disruption in nonepileptic rats, with drugs that enhance GABA receptor function and some that block sodium channels producing the most consistent impairment of learning.
A High-Linearity $X$ -Band Four-Element Phased-Array Receiver: CMOS Chip and Packaging

This paper presents the design and chip-on-board packaging of a high-linearity four-element phased-array receiver for 9-10-GHz applications. The phased-array is built using 0.13-μm CMOS with a single-ended design, and it results in a measured gain of 10.1 dB, an input P1dB of - 12.5dBm, an input IP3 of -4 dBm, and a noise figure of 3.4 dB at 9.5 GHz. An rms gain error of <;0.4 dB and phase error of <;8° are obtained at 9-10 GHz using an integrated variable gain amplifier and an 11° phase trim bit. The chip occupies an area of 2.5 × 2.9 mm2 with a power consumption of 36 mW per channel from a 1.8-V supply (144-mW total). The phased array is packaged using chip-on-board techniques and the channel-to-channel coupling is determined either by the chip-to-ground inductance or by coupling between the input bond-wires. Measurements and simulations on channel 1 show that, with well isolated input bond-wires, one can obtain <; -31-dB coupling between the channels, and an rms amplitude and phase error of ~0.2 dB and ~1°, respectively, at 9.5 GHz, when the phase of channels 2-4 are changed. To our knowledge, this is the first in-depth study of coupling in a phased-array chip with packaging considerations.
Determinants of continence in the bladder exstrophy population: predictors of success?

Abstract Objectives. To delineate factors that may predict eventual urinary continence after bladder neck reconstruction (BNR) in the bladder exstrophy population. Methods. The records of 65 patients who underwent all phases of bladder exstrophy reconstruction at our institution between 1975 and 1997 with greater than 1-year follow-up were reviewed and data analyzed. Results. Fifty patients (77%) are continent day and night and voiding per urethra without need for augmentation or intermittent catheterization. Nine (14%) patients have social continence, dry for more than 3 hours during the day. Two patients required continent diversion for continence after failed BNR. Four patients are completely incontinent. The mean age of BNR was 4 years with a mean and median capacity of 93 and 85 cc (range 45 to 175). Analysis of bladder capacity measurements prior to BNR revealed that patients with a bladder capacity greater than 85 cc median capacity at the time of BNR had better outcomes. No correlation was found between the age of BNR and obtaining eventual continence. The mean time to daytime continence was 14 months (range 4 to 21) and the mean time to nighttime continence was 22 months (range 11 to 33). Conclusions. Determinants of continence in the bladder exstrophy population are multifactorial. In our experience, 77% of patients are completely dry, day and night, and 91% can achieve social continence, being dry for at least 3 hours. However, with careful evaluation of bladder capacity and bladder growth, urinary continence may be improved in this population with better patient selection.
Examination of adverse events following black widow antivenom use in california

Objectives. Following widow spider (Latrodectus sp.) envenomation, local pain, erythema, abdominal pain, rigidity, hypertension, and diaphoresis can be seen. While an effective specific antivenom (...
Synthesis and biological activity of brassinolide and its 22β,23β-isomer: Novel plant growth-promoting steroids

Brassinolide (2 alpha, 3 alpha, 22 alpha, 23 alpha-tetrahydroxy-24 alpha-methyl -B-homo-7-oxa-5 alpha-cholestan-6-one), a novel plant growth-promoting steroid isolated from rape pollen, and its hitherto unknown 22 beta, 23 beta-isomer were synthesized from a C-24 epimeric 60:40 mixture of 22-dehydroxampesterol (24 alpha-methyl) and brassicasterol (24 beta-methyl) from oysters. The method of synthesis favored the formation of the 22 beta, 23 beta-isomer by better than 4:1. Comparative plant growth-promoting capabilities of brassinolide, both natural and synthetic, and its three side chain cis-glycolic isomers in the bean second internode bioassay showed that the natural and synthetic brassinolides were equally active and caused splitting of the internode at the 0.1 microgram level. The least active was the 22 beta, 23 beta-isomer of brassinolide. The isomers with the 22 alpha, 23 alpha and 24 alpha, and the 22 beta, 23 beta and 24 beta configurations were highly active and were required at about 10 times the concentration of brassinolide to cause the same physiological response. In the bean first internode bioassay, an auxin-induced growth test system which employs isolated bean plant segments, the isomer with 22 beta, 23 beta and 24 beta configuration caused a greater response than brassinolide. Two of the four tetrahydroxy ketones obtained in the synthesis of the isomers were also active in both assays.
A meta-heuristic for design of a capacitated production/inventory system

In this paper, we address the optimal configuration of a capacitated production/inventory system with multiple products. The optimisation problem that we consider involves minimisation of the expected total inventory cost within the system subject to a service-level constraint. The functional relationship between the response variables and the system parameters cannot be expressed analytically. Moreover, the optimisation problem considered in this paper involves large number of decision variables. The size of the problem makes use of many numerical methods impractical. Therefore, as the optimisation tool, we utilise Response Surface Methodology, a heuristic sequential optimisation technique based on design of experiments and meta-modelling to approximate the functional relationship between the response variables and system parameters. Based on this model, we discuss the optimal design for a two-stage, three-product system.
Observation from Scanning Tunneling Microscopy of a Striped Phase for Octanethiol Adsorbed on Au(111) from Solution

A self-assembled monolayer of 1-octanethiol was prepared on a Au(111) surface via liquid-phase adsorption. An investigation of the surface using ultrahigh-vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy revealed a striped phase of the octanethiol molecules under the conditions examined. This phase resembles the well-known "pinstripe" structure of alkanethiols on Au(111), with a registry that is similar to that of the previously observed p x radical3 structures. We discuss the nature of this structure with respect to those that have been observed for other n-alkanethiols.
Structural features of naegeli amylodextrin as indicated by enzymic degradation

Abstract Naegeli amylodextrin is the insoluble residue remaining after prolonged treatment of native starch granules with strong aqueous acid. The Naegeli amylodextrin from waxy maize starch was separated by gel chromatography on Sephadex G-50 into three fractions. Although the fractions were heterogeneous, their average structures were examined by enzymic degradation with porcine-pancreactic alpha amylase, beta-amylase, and pullulanase. The results show that Fraction I (highest molecular weight) has complex branching, Fraction II (major component, d.p. ∼25) contains about one branch per molecule, and Fraction III (d.p. ∼12) is mostly linear. Formation of these acid-resistant fractions may be explained as arising from a cluster model of amylopectin in which the outer chains are in a double-helical, crystalline arrangement.
P17.19 Deoxypyrimidine monophosphates treatment for thymidine kinase 2 deficiency

Autosomal recessive TK2 mutations have been associated with severe depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and devastating neuromuscular diseases in infants and children, and with mtDNA multiple deletions and progressive external ophthalmoplegia in adults. Similar to other mitochondrial disorders, only supportive treatments are available for TK2 deficiency. We generated a Tk2 H126N knock-in mouse model that manifests a phenotype strikingly similar to the human infantile encephalomyopathy. We demonstrated that lack of Tk2 activity cause nucleotide pools unbalance with severe reductions of deoxypyrimidine triphosphates (dTTP and dCTP) in brain and liver, leading to reduction of mtDNA copy number. To bypass Tk2 deficiency, we administered deoxypyrimidine monophosphates (dCMP + dTMP) to Tk2 knock-in mice by oral gavage from postnatal day 4, when mutant mice are biochemically affected but phenotypically normal. Assessment of 13-day old Tk2−/− mice treated with dCMP + dTMP 200 mg/kg/day each demonstrated that in mutant animals, the compounds: raise dCMP + dTMP concentrations; increase levels of mtDNA, augment quantity and activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme; and significantly prolong their lifespan (34 days with treatment vs 13 days untreated). A second trial of dCMP + dTMP at 400 mg/kg/day showed even greater phenotypic and biochemical improvements. No adverse effects were observed with both doses of dCMP + dTMP. Oral dCMP + dTMP supplementation is the first effective and safe treatment for TK2 deficiency in mice. This treatment can potentially be applied to patients.
Impact of wind direction on near-road pollutant concentrations

Abstract Exposure to roadway emissions is an emerging area of research because of recent epidemiological studies reporting association between living within a few hundred meters of high-traffic roadways and adverse health effects. The air quality impact of roadway emissions has been studied in a number of field experiments, most of which have not fully considered the impact of wind direction on near-road concentrations. This paper examines the role of wind direction by using a dispersion model to analyze data from three field studies that include measurements under varying wind directions: 1) a tracer study conducted adjacent to highway 99 in Sacramento, CA in 1981–82, 2) a field study next to a highway in Raleigh, North Carolina in 2006, and 3) a field study conducted next to a depressed highway in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2010. We find that wind direction is an important variable in characterizing exposure to roadway emissions. Under stable conditions, the near-surface concentrations at receptors up to 100 m from the road increase with wind angle before dropping off at angles close to parallel to the road. It is only for pollutants with short life times does the maximum concentration occur when the wind direction is normal to the road. We also show that current dispersion models are reliable tools for interpreting observations and for formulating plans for field studies.
Adolescent Transitions to Young Adulthood: Antecedents, Correlates, and Consequences of Adolescent Employment

The antecedents, correlates, and consequences of adolescent employment were investigated in a sample of 251 low-income, African American youth that were followed since birth. The youth (age: M at preschool = 4.89, SD= .70; M at adolescence = 16.44, SD= .66; M at transition to adulthood = 19.36, SD= .76; and M at early adulthood = 27.67, SD= .75) were the firstborn children of African American teenage mothers who gave birth in Baltimore in the 1960s. Analyses examined the antecedents and correlates of age of entry into employment and stability of employment during adolescence. The associations of adolescent work experiences with subsequent adult education and employment outcomes also were considered. Findings indicate that among this sample of low-income, African American youth, those who repeated a grade in school during middle childhood were more likely to enter the workforce at later ages than their peers who did not repeat a grade. The small subset of adolescents who never worked (n= 12) appear to be markedly more disadvantaged than their peers who worked. At the transition to adulthood, adolescents who entered the workforce earlier were more likely to complete high school than their peers. In addition, stable employment during the adolescent years had more beneficial effects on young men's chances of attending college than young women's postsecondary education. This pattern of findings is consistent with ethnographic accounts of adolescent employment among poor, minority, urban youth.
Thirty-fifth anniversary of the optical affinity sensor for glucose: a personal retrospective.

Since 1962 when Clark introduced the enzyme electrode, research has been intense for a robust implantable glucose sensor. An alternative “optical affinity sensor” was introduced by Jerome Schultz in 1979. The evolution of this sensor technology into a new methodology is reviewed. The approach integrates a variety of disparate concepts: the selectivity of immunoassays—selectivity for glucose was obtained with concanavalin A, detection sensitivity was obtained with fluorescence (FITC-Dextran), and miniaturization was achieved by the use of an optical fiber readout system. Refinements of Schultz’s optical affinity sensor approach over the past 35 years have led to a number of configurations that show great promise to meet the needs of a successful implantable continuous monitoring device for diabetics, some of which are currently being tested clinically.
The origin and isotopic composition of dissolved sulfide in groundwater from carbonate aquifers in Florida and Texas

The δ34S values of dissolved sulfide and the sulfur isotope fractionations between dissolved sulfide and sulfate species in Floridan ground water generally correlate with dissolved sulfate concentrations which are related to flow patterns and residence time within the aquifer. The dissolved sulfide derives from the slow in situ biogenic reduction of sulfate dissolved from sedimentary gypsum in the aquifer. In areas where the water is oldest, the dissolved sulfide has apparently attained isotopic equilibrium with the dissolved sulfate (Δ34S = 65 per mil) at the temperature (28°C) of the system. This approach to equilibrium reflects an extremely slow reduction rate of the dissolved sulfate by bacteria; this slow rate probably results from very low concentrations of organic matter in the aquifer. In the reducing part of the Edwards aquifer, Texas, there is a general down-gradient increase in both dissolved sulfide and sulfate concentrations, but neither the δ34S values of sulfide nor the sulfide-sulfate isotope fractionation correlates with the ground-water flow pattern. The dissolved sulfide species appear to be derived primarily from biogenic reduction of sulfate ions whose source is gypsum dissolution although upgradient diffusion of H2S gas from deeper oil field brines may be important in places. The sulfur isotope fractionation for sulfide-sulfate (about 38 per mil) is similar to that observed for modern oceanic sediments and probably reflects moderate sulfate reduction in the reducing part of the aquifer owing to the higher temperature and significant amount of organic matter present; contributions of isotopically heavy H2S from oil field brines are also possible.
Behavior therapy: Distinct but acculturated

Over the last 30 years, behavior therapy has gone from being a contentious outlier in the clinical sciences to an acculturated and respected participant. Behavior therapy has achieved acculturation through increasing recognition of its many efficacious treatments and increasing investment in psychopathology research. With the trend toward acculturation and confederation with the larger psychological community comes the risk and potential cost of losing our unique identity. It is argued that acculturation has not threatened behavior therapy's distinctive foundation in behavior principles and learning theory. Recently developed behavioral psychotherapies are described as examples of behavior therapy's ability to retain its distinct theory-driven basic science foundation. It is concluded that meeting the challenge of acculturation need not compromise behavior therapy's unique identity as a paradigm within psychology.
The effects of listing changes between NASDAQ market segments

This study analyzes the effects of listing changes within NASDAQ market segments during the period of 1998 to 2005. We find that firms phased up from the NASDAQ Small Capital Market (SmallCap) to the NASDAQ National Market (NNM) experienced significant declines in bid-ask spreads, the volatility of returns, and the probability of informed trading, and firms that phased down from NNM to the SmallCap experienced decreases in bid-ask spreads, but insignificant changes in the volatility of returns and the probability of informed trading. We also estimate simultaneous equations models of bid-ask spreads, return volatility, and trading volume for both groups of firms. The results confirm that improved liquidity is associated with the listing changes for the phase-up firms. However, the simultaneous equations model suggests that the decreases in bid-ask spreads for the phase-down firms are caused by the changes in share prices.
Young children’s approaches to learning: a sociocultural perspective

Recognising school readiness as a national priority, the National Education Goals Panel identified the development of young children’s approaches to learning as essential for achieving readiness. Approaches to learning include inclinations, attitudes, and learning styles. Despite wide agreement that learning approaches are critical for school success, our understanding of factors that influence children’s use of approaches in the classroom is limited. Based on the perspective of sociocultural theory, this study contributes to our understanding of approaches to learning in the classroom context by addressing two questions: Are children’s learning approaches affected by the activity they engage in? Do children’s learning approaches show evidence of development based on school socialisation as they advance in grade level? Sixty-one children from pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and second-grade classrooms participated in the study. For each child, five approaches to learning were measured through observation ...