cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contextual Bandits with Delayed Feedback and Semi-supervised Learning (Student Abstract)

Contextual multi-armed bandit (MAB) is a classic online learning problem, where a learner/agent selects actions (i.e., arms) given contextual information and discovers optimal actions based on reward feedback. Applications of contextual bandit have been increasingly expanding, including advertisement, personalization, resource allocation in wireless networks, among others. Nonetheless, the reward feedback is delayed in many applications (e.g., a user may only provide service ratings after a period of time), creating challenges for contextual bandits. In this paper, we address delayed feedback in contextual bandits by using semi-supervised learning — incorporate estimates of delayed rewards to improve the estimation of future rewards. Concretely, the reward feedback for an arm selected at the beginning of a round is only observed by the agent/learner with some observation noise and provided to the agent after some a priori unknown but bounded delays. Motivated by semi-supervised learning that produces pseudo labels for unlabeled data to further improve the model performance, we generate fictitious estimates of rewards that are delayed and have yet to arrive based on already-learnt reward functions. Thus, by combining semi-supervised learning with online contextual bandit learning, we propose a novel extension and design two algorithms, which estimate the values for currently unavailable reward feedbacks to minimize the maximum estimation error and average estimation error, respectively.
Social Ethic or Spiritual Ethos? Non-Orthodox Christian and Coptic Orthodox Perspectives:

This article modestly anticipates the still-unfolding reception of the laudable document For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church by two broadly-envisioned communitie...
Natural Polymer-Based Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) from natural polymers have earned considerable interest over past years for the purpose of wastewater treatment. This review addressed the most recent research advances in sustainable membrane technology of electrospinning natural polymers for wastewater treatment. Preparation of ENMs from the most abundant natural polymers including cellulose, chitosan, lignin and their derivatives as well as others like cyclodextrin, alginate, and protein and their applications in wastewater treatment are discussed. The strategies to design natural polymer-based ENMs toward adsorption/degradation of water contaminants including heavy metal ions, dyes, oils, and pharmaceutical compounds are emphasized. The intention of this review is to provide an overall picture of current research progress as well as future perspectives on natural polymer-based ENMs in the field of wastewater treatment from viewpoint of a material scientist.
Work Theorems in Hyperelasticity

In most presentations of the infinitesimal theory of elasticity the stored-energy function plays a great part. Commonly, some sort of argument about work done or perpetual motion avoided is brought in to “prove” that a stored-energy function exists. In the foregoing outline of elasticity you will have noticed that no such function was mentioned until toward the end of Lecture 18, and that only in the last lecture did it come to play any great part. My reluctance to employ a strain energy or the arguments associated with it has been misinterpreted as a claim that real materials do not have energy functions or even that energy is not conserved. This is not my view at all. First, I claim nothing about real materials, either in this context or in any other. Second, it is only plain mathematical common sense to defer making an assumption until that assumption serves some purpose. As is illustrated by the foregoing development, for most aspects of elasticity theory, including special problems, it makes no difference whether or not an energy function exists. Third, I have wished to exert my small influence against the diffusion, unfortunately fostered even by some experts in general mechanics, of the muddy verbiage that spouts forth as soon as thermodynamics is mentioned. The formal structure of the infinitesimal theory has been well known for a long time and stands up uninjured by the bad reasoning and confusion of principle various authors, especially paedagogic ones, feel themselves compelled to use in “explaining” it. The finite theory is another matter. Here incorrect thermodynamic arguments can lead to incorrect results.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Mitral Valve Prolapse

To the Editor: I read with interest the excellent report on sudden cardiac death with apparently normal heart by Chugh et al.1 Of note was the finding that 28 of 270 hearts (10%) had pathological criteria for mitral valve prolapse. In addressing the association between mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death, the authors classified these hearts as having a nonspecific structural abnormality. Such an assumption is open to question. Evidence to date suggests that the predominant mechanism of sudden cardiac death in mitral valve prolapse is fatal ventricular …
Changing Demographics & Xenophobia: How Immigrant Population Change Affects Public Attitudes in the UK

In this article, I evaluate how increased contact with immigrant populations and utilitarian concerns shape public attitudes toward immigrants in the United Kingdom. In particular, I address the following question: how does the presence of immigrants in a local community affect xenophobic attitudes? Beyond the simple number of immigrants, I also test whether contact has a different effect in districts that experience a dramatic increase in immigration between census cycles. In other words, if formerly homogeneous regions suddenly increase to 5 or 10% immigrant population, that shift may be more likely to affect attitudes than a steady and long-time immigrant popula- tion in greater numbers. Synthesizing public opinion, economic, and demographic data from 1990–2001, I explore these questions. By taking advantage of cross-sectional variation in minority populations, I develop and test hypotheses concerning the presence of immigrant populations and xenophobic sentiments. In clarifying this relationship, this article contributes to ongoing debates over contact theory.
TIP30 is associated with progression and metastasis of prostate cancer

Tat-interacting protein 30 (TIP30), a transcriptional repressor for ERalpha-mediated transcription, possesses several characteristics of a tumor suppressor in certain human and mouse cells. It is reported that deletion of TIP30 gene preferentially increases tumorigenesis in the female knockout mice. Here, we analyzed TIP30 gene expression in the databases of several DNA microarray studies of human prostate cancer and show that TIP30 is specifically overexpressed in metastatic prostate cancers. We demonstrate that TIP30 nuclear expression is associated with prostate cancer progression and metastasis by immunohistochemical analysis in primary and metastatic prostate cancers. Consistent with these data, we also show that knockdown of TIP30 expression, through use of a short hairpin RNA-expressing plasmid, suppresses the cellular growth of PC3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Ectopic overexpression of TIP30 stimulates metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells in an in vitro invasion assay, whereas knockdown of TIP30 inhibits the prostate cancer cells invasion. Finally, we demonstrate that ectopic overexpression of TIP30 enhances androgen receptor mediated transcription, whereas knockdown of TIP30 results in a decreased transcription activity. These data provide evidence that TIP30 plays a role in prostate cancer progression and that TIP30 overexpression may promote prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis.
Unraveling the “Model Minority” Stereotype: Listening to Asian American Youth.

Unraveling the “Model Minority” Stereotype: Listening to Asian American Youth. Stacey J. Lee. New York: Teachers College Press, 1996. 143 pp.
Developing an interface to support procedural memory training using a participatory-based approach

For some individuals with executive function deficits, difficulties may be experienced when executing step-by-step procedures involving cognitive and motor skills. In this paper, we describe the design of a mobile application prototype, developed using a participatory-based approach, in order to enable individuals with executive function deficits to practice ordering steps within common-tasks. The long-term aim is to determine whether users are able to transfer the knowledge gained from using the application to the real world, in order to promote levels of independence. Lessons learned from conducting a participatory approach with individuals with executive function deficits are described.
Focal-plane field distribution of parabolic reflectors

The principal component of the parabolic-reflector focal-plane electric-field distribution is derived from scalar wave theory in a form providing a simple analytic representation of the field in terms of available tabulated functions not restricted to large focal-length/diameter ratios.
Design of a Resource Allocation Planning System

This paper proposes a generic human-computer software user interface design, called the Resource Allocation Planning System (RAPS), designed to support a person making resource allocation decisions. Although there are many algorithms for automatically solving resource allocation problems, it is often the case that human judgment is also required. Also, while there are software user interfaces to support decision-making for specific resource allocation problems, most of them serve more as organizational charts than as decision-support systems, and most of them become increasingly difficult to use as the size of the resource allocation problem increases. This paper discusses the design and rationale for RAPS and gives an example of how RAPS can be adapted to a specific resource allocation problem.
Prediction of Total Intake of Dry Matter and Net Energy in a Lactation

Daily records on DM intake, net energy intake, and milk yield from 191 Holstein cows in six herds were used to study the differences in accuracy and precision among different methods of estimating total DM intake during a lactation. In using cumulative measures of intake from partial lactations to predict total intake, accuracy reached 85% at 100 d postpartum. Measurements of intake taken around midlactation gave better predictions of total intake than those taken during other periods of lactation. Methods were evaluated for estimating total feed intake during a lactation based on data collected intermittently and separated by either equal or unequal intervals throughout the lactation. The average percentage of bias across all sampling schemes was 6% or less of actual intake. Six of the seven sampling schemes using only 10 d of intake information throughout the lactation had correlations with actual intake of .97 or higher. For equally spaced methods, both accuracy and precision of estimation increased with increased frequency of sampling. For unequally spaced methods, accuracy increased with sampling frequency after 150 d in milk. Total milk production was used to predict feed intake during a lactation. Milk yield alone accounted for 37 and 33% of the variation of total intake using actual and estimated yields, respectively.
Collecting conjoint data through telephone interviews

Data collection for conjoint analysis is relatively new. The current study examines the reliability and convergent validity for selected user segments vs. the mail questionnaire alternative. The results attest the telephone collection procedure is both reliable and valid relative to collecting data with mail questionnaires.
Wear striations on the incisors of ceropithecid monkeys as an index of diet and habitat preference

Wear striations on the incisors of Old World monkeys were examined in order to determine associations between the distributions of striations, diet, and habitat preference. Significant differences exist between the Cercopithe-cinae and the Colobinae in respect to the orientation of incisor wear striations. In the Colobinae striations are oriented in a predominantly mesiodistal direction. In the Cercopithecinae striations usually have a labiolingual orientation. Comparisons of terrestrial and arboreal genera indicate that significant differences exist between the two groups in respect to the density of striations on the oc-clusal wear facets of maxillary central incisors. Arboreal and terrestrial monkeys also differ in the frequency of individual incisor wear facets completely devoid of wear striations.
Pterygium excision and conjunctival mini-autograft: preliminary report.

Purpose Pterygium excision is often followed by recurrence that may be more severe than the initial lesion. This study evaluated the efficacy of conjunctival mini-autograft following surgical excision of pterygium. Methods Eight patients underwent pterygium excision with a conjunctival mini-autograft. All patients had decreased visual acuity secondary to involvement of the central cornea by the pterygium. Following the excision, dissection of a conjunctival mini-autograft was performed. The mini-autograft was then transposed to the area of excision and secured in place with interrupted Vicryl and a few nylon sutures. Follow-up periods ranged from 5 to 9 years. Results All eyes healed with no postoperative complications and no recurrences of the pterygium in any patient up to a maximum follow-up period of 9 years 10 months. Conclusion Conjunctival mini-autograft with excision of the pterygium is an effective procedure for the surgical management of pterygium.
Botulinum toxin in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome

Six patients with chronic myofascial pain syndrome involving cervical paraspinal and shoulder girdle muscles received trigger point injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) or saline in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Four patients experienced reduction in pain of at least 30% following Botox, but not saline, injections, as measured by visual analog scales, verbal descriptors for pain intensity and unpleasantness, palpable muscle firmness, and pressure pain thresholds. Results were statistically significant. Botox, which inhibits muscle contraction by blocking the release of acetylcholine from peripheral nerves, appears to be an effective treatment for focal myofascial pain disorders.
Einstein observations of high luminosity X-ray binaries

Abstract Recent observational advances in the study of high luminosity x-ray binaries have permitted investigation of the interaction of the outgoing x-radiation with the accreting matter surrounding the compact object. In two sources, 4U1822-37 and 4U2129+47, extended EINSTEIN coverage has led to the detection of partial x-ray eclipses, which indicate that the x-ray emitting regions must be extended in size. These have been interpreted as evidence for a large Compton-thick corona produced by evaporation of cool material off the surface of an accretion disk. In three other sources, 4U1915-05, 4U1624-49, and Cygnus X-2, evidence has been found for short x-ray absorption dips which are likely to be associated with obscuration by cool dense matter at the outer edge of the disk. In 4U1915-05, these dips are strictly periodic and determine the binary period for the system. In Cygnus X-2, the dips appear to be quasiperiodic, while in 4U1624-49, insufficient coverage has prevented clarification of the temporal properties of the absorption. For the brightest cosmic x-ray source, Scorpius X-1, the EINSTEIN objective grating spectrometer has provided high resolution spectra (λ/Δλ ∼50) in the wavelength range 40-10 A. The spectra reveal absorption features due to intervening helium, nitrogen, and oxygen. The implied nitrogen and oxygen abundances are anomalous and suggest that the absorbing material is intrinsic accreting matter which has been transferred from the surface of an evolved companion. Constraints on the inclination of the system then imply that this cool dense material must be well out of the orbital plane of the binary.
An efficient method that reveals both the dendrites and the soma mosaics of retinal ganglion cells

A method of using neurobiotin to stain both the dendrites and the soma mosaics of retinal ganglion cells in fresh retinae is described. This method is simple to use and efficient in revealing morphological details for a large number of retinal ganglion cells. It has five advantages over currently available staining methods. (1) It stains all ganglion cells in the whole retina or in a selected retinal area, permitting ganglion cell distributions across the retina to be obtained. (2) It reveals cell dendrites in great detail, especially in regions outside the area centralis. The dendritic field mosaics and, therefore the dendritic field coverage factors, of different ganglion cell types across the whole retina can be obtained easily. (3) It works reliably, efficiently, and does not require the expensive set-up or the pains-taking work needed when staining cells through intracellular injection. (4) It works under both in vivo and in vitro settings, permitting the use of retinae from animals sacrificed for other purposes and the use of postmortem human retinae. (5) The end product of the visualization process is optically dark and electron dense, permitting specimens to be examined under both light and electron microscopes.
The Working Mother: A Critique of the Research.

Abstract This article provides a critique of the research on the working mother. Three major areas of research are reviewed: (1) the effects of maternal employment on preschoolers; (2) the working mother and school age children; and (3) working mothers, identity development, and life satisfaction. It was concluded that the research on maternal employment provided very few definitive answers regarding the effects of a mother's working on her family, children, and herself. Guidelines for conducting future research on maternal employment are presented.
MRI of the normal hippocampus

Before it is possible to use MR imaging to investigate changes in the hippocampus in disease processes such as epilepsy and memory disorders, it is imperative that normal variations are defined. Using specific anatomic locations, we evaluated the hippocampi of 29 normal volunteers with coronal MR studies. Mild variations occur with regard to hippocampal size and shape, and hippocampal fissure visualization. Hippocampal signal intensity is isointense to cortical gray matter. Recognition of normally occurring variations should help prevent over-interpretation of hippocampal changes in pathologic disorders.
Entry and fusion of emerging paramyxoviruses.

Paramyxoviruses are a family of non-segmented RNA viruses that includes major human pathogens such as measles virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and significant animal viruses like rinderpest [1]. In recent years, several new paramyxoviruses have been identified, further increasing the breadth and importance of this viral family. While many elements of the fusion and entry mechanisms of these recently identified pathogens are conserved, there are interesting differences, including variations in receptor binding, cell tropism, fusion (F) protein proteolytic activation, and triggering of membrane fusion. Thus, study of their entry mechanisms has highlighted the diversity of these critical events in the family.
Three-dimensional binary superlattices of magnetic nanocrystals and semiconductor quantum dots

Recent advances in strategies for synthesizing nanoparticles--such as semiconductor quantum dots, magnets and noble-metal clusters--have enabled the precise control of composition, size, shape, crystal structure, and surface chemistry. The distinct properties of the resulting nanometre-scale building blocks can be harnessed in assemblies with new collective properties, which can be further engineered by controlling interparticle spacing and by material processing. Our study is motivated by the emerging concept of metamaterials-materials with properties arising from the controlled interaction of the different nanocrystals in an assembly. Previous multi-component nanocrystal assemblies have usually resulted in amorphous or short-range-ordered materials because of non-directional forces or insufficient mobility during assembly. Here we report the self-assembly of PbSe semiconductor quantum dots and Fe2O3 magnetic nanocrystals into precisely ordered three-dimensional superlattices. The use of specific size ratios directs the assembly of the magnetic and semiconducting nanoparticles into AB13 or AB2 superlattices with potentially tunable optical and magnetic properties. This synthesis concept could ultimately enable the fine-tuning of material responses to magnetic, electrical, optical and mechanical stimuli.
Removal of hazardous oily waste from a soil matrix using surfactants and colloidal gas aphron suspensions under different flow conditions

Abstract In-situ surfactant flushing is an attractive alternative used for decontamination of subsurface soil. The primary objective of this research is to investigate and examine an innovative technique of in-situ flushing using colloidal gas aphron suspensions (CGA) generated from surfactant solutions. The efficiency of CGA suspensions in the removal of oily waste is compared with conventional surfactant solutions and waterfloods under different flow regimes. Results show that CGA suspensions produced using sodium dodecylsulfate had a higher recovery of waste material (56%) than conventional surfactant solutions (47%) or waterflood (43%) in the downflow (gravity-stable) mode. The efficiency of CGA suspensions was greater in the downflow mode than in upflow (gravity-unstable) or horizontal (gravity-neutral) modes, and increasing the surfactant concen- tration from 8 to 30 mM did not enhance the removal efficiency for either CGA suspensions or conventional surfactant solutions. CGA suspensions appeared to have better removal for the major chlorinated hydrocarbons present in the oily waste.
A Personalized and Control Systems Engineering Conceptual Approach to Target Childhood Anxiety in the Contexts of Cultural Diversity

In the child and adolescent anxiety area, some progress has been made to develop evidence-based prevention protocols, but less is known about how to best target these problems in children and families of color. In general, data show differential program effects with some minority children benefiting significantly less. Our preliminary data, however, show promise and suggest cultural parameters to consider in the tailoring process beyond language and cultural symbols. It appears that a more focused approach to culture might help activate intervention components and its intended effects by focusing, for example, on the various facets of familismo when working with some Mexican parents. However, testing the effects and nuances of cultural adaption vis-a-vis a focused personalized approach is methodologically challenging. For this reason, we identify control systems engineering design methods and provide example scenarios relevant to our data and recent intervention work.
Role of aquitards in hydrogeochemical systems: a synopsis

Abstract Aquitards exert significant influence on the hydrogeochemistry of aquifer systems. This influence is manifested somewhat differently depending on the relative position of aquitards within a system. In the deeper regimes, they are influential in the origin and distribution of brines and the development of geopressured zones. In intermediate regimes, they form multi-layered aquifer systems and provide a source of reactive minerals and exchangeable ions. In shallow regimes, aquitards can influence the topography and drainage patterns; this influences the relationship between the water table and the potentiometric surface of confined aquifers, controls the rates of infiltration and discharge, and controls whether the geochemical system is open or closed to exchange of carbon dioxide gas. In coastal areas, aquitards can determine the depth of the saltwater-freshwater interface, its distance from the shoreline, and the position of the mixing zone that causes geochemical alteration of minerals and development of porosity.
The economic value of forecasts for optimal curtailment strategies to comply with ramp rate rules

We present a method to calculate the economic value of forecasts, based on the use of forecasts to optimize curtailment strategies in scenarios with a ramp rate rule. We consider how and when to limit PV power output in order to comply with a ramp rate rule to avoid penalties, but also calculate how curtailment will reduce revenue from energy yields. This framework provides a way to assess the value of forecasts.
Bond Fixation in a [14]Annulene: Synthesis, Characterization, and ab Initio Computations of Furan Adducts of Dimethyldihydropyrene

Furan adducts, 13, 15, and 16, of dimethyldihydropyrene are prepared in order to test the postulate that bicyclic annelations are generally effective at inducing bond localization in aromatic systems. A large 2-ppm down-field shift of the 1H NMR shifts of the internal methyl signals in 15 compared to 16 provides a significant indicator of bond localization in 15. X-ray diffraction analysis of 13 displays regular bond length alternation. Ab initio computations that do not include dynamic electron correlation are found to be inadequate for modeling the molecular structure of 1. Density Functional Theory models 1 well and predicts bond localization in derivatives of 1 consistent with the observed NMR spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction results.
Weak sufficient convergence conditions and applications for newton methods

The famous Newton—Kantorovich hypothesis has been used for a long time as a sufficient condition for the convergence of Newton method to a solution of an equation in connection with the Lipschitz continuity of the Frechet-derivative of the operator involved. Using Lipschitz and center-Lipschitz conditions we show that the Newton—Kantorovich hypothesis is weakened. The error bounds obtained under our semilocal convergence result are finer and the information on the location of the solution more precise than the corresponding ones given by the dominating Newton— Kantorovich theorem, and under the same hypotheses/computational cost, since the evaluation of the Lipschitz also requires the evaluation of the center-Lipschitz constant. In the case of local convergence we obtain a larger convergence radius than before. This observation is important in computational mathematics and can be used in connection to projection methods and in the construction of optimum mesh independence refinement strategies.
Myosin II dynamics in Dictyostelium: determinants for filament assembly and translocation to the cell cortex during chemoattractant responses.

In the simple amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, myosin II filament assembly is regulated primarily by the action of a set of myosin heavy chain (MHC) kinases and by MHC phosphatase activity. Chemoattractant signals acting via G-protein coupled receptors lead to rapid recruitment of myosin II to the cell cortex, but the structural determinants on myosin necessary for translocation and the second messengers upstream of MHC kinases and phosphatases are not well understood. We report here the use of GFP-myosin II fusions to characterize the domains necessary for myosin II filament assembly and cytoskeletal recruitment during responses to global stimulation with the developmental chemoattractant cAMP. Analysis performed with GFP-myosin fusions, and with latrunculin A–treated cells, demonstrated that F-actin binding via the myosin motor domain together with concomitant filament assembly mediates the rapid cortical translocation observed in response to chemoattractant stimulation. A “headless” GFP-myosin construct lacking the motor domain was unable to translocate to the cell cortex in response to chemoattractant stimulation, suggesting that myosin motor-based motility may drive translocation. This lack of localization contrasts with previous work demonstrating accumulation of the same construct in the cleavage furrow of dividing cells, suggesting that recruitment signals and interactions during cytokinesis differ from those during chemoattractant responses. Evaluating upstream signaling, we find that iplA null mutants, devoid of regulated calcium fluxes during chemoattractant stimulation, display full normal chemoattractant-stimulated myosin assembly and translocation. These results indicate that calcium transients are not necessary for chemoattractant-regulated myosin II filament assembly and translocation. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 53:177–188, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Acting vs. being moral: the limits of technological moral actors

An autonomous robot (physical or digital artificial being) may be capable of producing actions that if performed by a human could be considered moral, by mimicking its creators actions or following their programmed instructions, but it cannot be moral. Morality cannot be fully judged by any behavioral test, as the answer to moral questions is less important than the process followed in arriving at the answer (as evidenced by disagreement among ethicists on the correct answer to many such questions based on the individual's moral style). The distinction between acting and being moral was recently considered for lethal autonomous military robots [1], and in this paper is further clarified in the context of more broad applications. In addition such a distinction has implications for what types of tasks autonomous robots should not be allowed to do, based on what must be moral decisions. Here we draw a distinction between what might be illegal for an agent to do (which relates more to the agreed upon laws of the current political leadership), and what actions are so innately moral decisions that we cannot delegate them to a machine, no matter how advanced it appears.
Gender Patterns of Research and Licensing Activity of Science and Engineering Faculty

In this paper we extend our earlier work on science and engineering faculty disclosure and licensing activity to examine a characteristic of faculty ignored in our earlier work – the gender of faculty in our database of over 4500 faculty at 11 major universities. Not surprisingly, women comprise only 8.55% of the faculty in our sample. They are most represented in the biological sciences and the women in the sample are more likely to be younger faculty. The most striking result from highlighting women in the sample is that women are less likely to disclose inventions than men despite the fact that there are no significant differences in publication patterns. While disclosure activity varies by gender, we find that the disclosure activity of women and men converges over the period of our sample.
Terseness: Minimal idempotent generating sets for K ( n,r )

Let n and r be positive integers with 1 r > 1, there exists a minimal idempotent generating set W for K(n,r) such that not every rank-r element is contained in W3.
Methadone Maintenance: An Assessment of Potential Fluctuations in Behavior between Doses

Thirty methadone maintenance outpatients were measured 1 and 25 hours after ingestion of methadone on auditory threshold, distance perception, simple and differential reaction time, time perception, attention span, and short-term memory. The results revealed a small but statistically significant difference between the two tests for distance perception. In addition, treatment interacted with preparatory interval on differential reaction time and with sex on attention span.
Neurotechnology: expanding opportunities for funding at the National Institute of Mental Health

Abstract The National Institute of Mental Health recognizes the importance that creative development of technology and methodology play in brain and behavioral science research. This institute is making major efforts to- support such development through specific initiatives, like the Human Brain Project. In addition, this Institute is actively building bridges between business and academic research communities to make optimal use of funds for the research and development of commercially viable technologies relevant to all aspects of the Institute's mission through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs. Together, these efforts will culminate in a more vigorous scientific enterprise, and ultimately benefit the entire mental health community and society.
A Common Currency for Belarus and Russia

This paper discusses costs, benefits, and implementation challenges of a possible currency union between Belarus and Russia. It shows that Belarus and Russia are economically closely linked but nevertheless do not fulfill all "optimal currency area" criteria, especially the macroeconomic symmetry condition. Furthermore, we argue that the different speeds of economic liberalization over the past decade have resulted in different economic structures, with Belarus still dependent on monetary financing of budgets and industries. However, a final cost-benefit analysis also needs to consider that currency unification may bring substantial benefits from reduced transaction costs, an improved macroeconomic environment in Belarus, and by acting as a catalyst to advance structural reforms in Belarus.
A Convergent Synthetic Route to (+)-Dynemicin A and Analogs of Wide Structural Variability

An enantioselective synthetic route to (+)-dynemicin A (1) is described that involves as the key and final step the Diels−Alder cycloaddition of the quinone imine 6 with the isobenzofuran 107 followed by an oxidative workup to provide (+)-1 in 40% yield. The synthetic route begins with the condensation of (−)-menthyl acetoacetate and trans-ethyl crotonate to form the crystalline cyclohexanedione 14, which is then transformed to the enantiomerically pure quinone imine 6 in 23 steps with an average yield of 85% and an overall yield of 2−3%. Key features of this sequence include the coupling of the enol triflate 11 and the arylboronic acid 10 (90%), the thermal deprotection/internal amidation of the coupling product 18 (84%), the use of 2-chloropyridine as an economical alternative to 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine to promote the reaction of the quinolone 9 and triflic anhydride (85%), the highly stereoselective addition of the (Z)-enediyne 31 to the quinoline 61 (89%), intramolecular acetylide addition within th...
Neuromuscular blocking agents.

Neuromuscular blocking agents are used to provide muscle relaxation during anesthesia in horses for several reasons. Certain surgical procedures such as cataract removal or corneal reconstruction can be facilitated if the eye is immobile. Unexpected ocular movement could be catastrophic during the delicate portion of these procedures. Muscle relaxants have been shown to be useful to preventing movement or resistance to controlled ventilation (5). In situations where fracture reduction is difficult, the administration of a muscle relaxant may allow the fracture to be more easily reduced. Finally, exposure during abdominal surgery (i.e., large ovarian tumors, gravid uterus) may be improved with the use of muscle relaxants. Anatomy and physiology of the neuromuscular junction The neuromuscular junction consists of a prejunctional motor nerve end- ing, a postjunctional membrane of the muscle fiber, and a synaptic cleft filled with extracellular fluid. The nerve ending synthesizes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), which is then stored in synaptic vesicles. When a nerve impulse arrives, ACh is released into the junction and binds to nicotinic cholinergic receptors on the postjunctional membrane. Muscle contraction occurs when a sufficient number of cholinergic receptors are occupied by ACh, causing depolarization of the motor end plate. A muscle fiber responds in an ''all or none'' fashion, and the tension that develops is a result of the number of fibers contracting. Repolarization is caused by the rapid hydroly- sis of ACh to choline and acetate by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (11).
Calorimetric study of water—DNA interactions

Abstract The apparent partial specific heatsof Na-DNA are 0.371 and 0.202, respectively, above and below a water content of 0.49 gm H 2 O per gram Na-DNA, at an average temperature of 11.25°C. At −6°C. the moles of water unfrozen per mole nucleotide for Li-DNA, Na-DNA, K-DNA, Cs-DNA, and Mg-DNA were 30.4, 24.1, 22.1, 13.6, and 16.7, respectively. The moles of water remaining unfrozen at −6°C per gram of Na-DNA, histone, and a 1/1 mixture of Na-DNA/histone were 0.0727, 0.0370, and 0.0486, respectively.
Comparative Fine Structure of the Esophagus of Males of Heterodera Glycines and Meloidogyne Incognita 1)

The fine structure of the esophagus, including procorpus, metacorpus, isthmus, gland lobe, and esophago-intestinal junction is compared in males of Heterodera glycines and Meloidogyne incognita. Although the anterior portion of the esophagus is similar, striking differences are observed posterior to the metacorpus. In both species the esophageal lumen is lined with cuticle consisting of four layers. The lumen is round in the procorpus, and triradiate from the metacorpus valve (pump chamber) through the isthmus. In M. incognita the lumen terminates as a network of membranes between esophago-intestinal cells. These cells are excluded from the anterior portion of the glandular isthmus at about 10 μm posterior of the metacorpus valve. In H. glycines the lumen extends the length of the isthmus, and terminates in similar membranes near the level of the dorsal gland nucleus. In M. incognita, the intestine extends anteriorly from the esophago-intestinal cells and forms a distinct intestinal caecum. The gland lobe of H. glycines consists of a dorsal gland with a process which terminates anteriorly in the procorpus, and two indistinctly separated subventral glands with processes which terminate in the subventral sectors of the metacorpus. The gland lobe of M. incognita consists solely of two subventral glands, one of which is longer, and posteriorly is composed of a distinct cortex, medulla and core. Each gland has a subventral process, which terminates anteriorly in the metacorpus. Although a vestige of a dorsal gland process is present in the anterior part of the procorpus, a dorsal gland was not observed in males of M. incognita. The esophagus of both species is innervated by nerve processes which originate from ganglia associated with the nerve ring as well as from perikaryons within the metacorpus. Muscular elements are limited to radial muscles in the metacorpus, and sheath muscles near the junction of metacorpus with isthmus.
"Techno-marvels" just around the corner.

In the next 18 months, cutting-edge information technology will likely become commonplace in hospitals.
Working Memory and Mathematical Cognitive Development: Limitations of Limited-Capacity Resource Models

My charge in writing this commentary is to present a systematic review and appraisal of the articles comprising this special issue. To begin with, I want to underscore that this collection of artic...
Oropharyngeal Skeletal Disease Accompanying High Bone Mass and Novel LRP5 Mutation

Gain-of-function mutation in the gene encoding LRP5 causes high bone mass. A 59-year-old woman carrying a novel LRP5 missense mutation, Arg154Met, manifested skeletal disease affecting her oropharynx as well as dense bones, showing that exuberant LRP5 effects are not always benign. Introduction: Gain-of-function mutation (Gly171Val) of LDL receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) was discovered in 2002 in two American kindreds with high bone mass and benign phenotypes. In 2003, however, skeletal disease was reported for individuals from the Americas and Europe carrying any of six novel LRP5 missense mutations affecting the same LRP5 protein domain. Furthermore, in 2004, we described a patient with neurologic complications from dense bones and extensive oropharyngeal exostoses caused by the Gly171Val defect. Materials and Methods: A 59-year-old woman was referred for dense bones. Three years before, mandibular buccal and lingual exostoses (osseous “tori”) were removed because of infections from food trapping between the teeth and exostoses. Maxillary buccal and palatal exostoses were asymptomatic. Radiographic skeletal survey showed marked thickening of the skull base and diaphyses of long bones (endosteal hyperostosis). BMD Z scores assessed by DXA were +8.5 and +8.7 in the total hip and L1-L4 spine (both ∼195% average control), respectively. LRP5 mutation analysis was carried out for the LRP5 domain known to cause high bone mass. Results: Biochemical evaluation excluded most secondary causes of dense bones, and male-to-male transmission in her family indicated autosomal dominant inheritance. PCR amplification and sequencing of LRP5 exons 2-4 and adjacent splice sites revealed heterozygosity for a new LRP5 missense mutation, Arg154Met. Conclusions: LRP5 Arg154Met is a novel defect that changes the same first “β-propeller” module as the eight previously reported LRP5 gain-of-function missense mutations. Arg154Met alters a region important for LRP5 antagonism by dickkopf (Dkk). Therefore, our patient's extensive oropharyngeal exostoses and endosteal hyperostosis likely reflect increased Wnt signaling and show that exuberant LRP5 effects are not always benign.
Picosecond ultrasonic study of localized phonon surface modes in Al/Ag superlattices

We present the results of picosecond ultrasonic studies of localized acoustic-phonon surface modes in Al/Ag superlattices. By making measurements on a series of superlattices with different periods, we have been able to study surface modes with frequencies in the range from 110 to 670 GHz. The experiment reveals interesting variations in the surface-mode structure as the geometry of the cap layers is varied. We compare these results with the predictions of a transfer-matrix theory of the localized modes. The measured damping rate of the modes varies linearly with frequency and is nearly independent of temperature in the temperature range from 70 to 300 K. This variation of the attenuation with frequency and the order of magnitude of the attenuation are consistent with the assumption that the attenuation rises from an interaction between the phonon mode and the electrons, but the damping rate is about a factor of 5 larger than expected based upon Pippard's theory for bulk materials. It is likely that the enhancement in the damping rate is primarily due to losses occurring at the free surface of the structure.
Final Period of Decay for a Viscoelastic Fluid in Isotropic Turbulence

The final period of decay of homogeneous isotropic turbulence of an Oldroyd type fluid is studied. Expressions are derived for the double correlation function and the decay of turbulent energy. In comparing the results with those of Batchelor and Townsend for a Newtonian fluid, it is found that the difference from the Newtonian counterpart is the presence of two additional terms involving speed and acceleration of evolution of turbulent energy at the initial instant. As in the Newtonian case the two point velocity correlation function is in normal form. The energy decays according to the (− 5/2) power laws but modified by elasticity effects. Fur eine Flussigkeit vom Oldroyd-Typ wird die Endphase des Abklingens homogener isotroper Turbulenz untersucht. Es werden Ausdrucke fur die doppelte Korrelationsfunktion und fur das Abklingen der Turbulenzenergie hergeleitet. Bei einem Vergleich der Ergebnisse mit den von Batchelor und Townsend fur eine Newtonsche Flussigkeit gefundenen ergibt sich, das der Unterschied gegenuber dem Newtonschen Gegenstuck in dem Auftreten zweier zusatzlicher Terme besteht, in die die Geschwindigkeit und die Beschleunigung der Entwicklung der Turbulenzenergie im Anfangsstadium eingehen. Wie im Newtonschen Fall erscheint die Korrelationsfunktion fur das Geschwindigkeitsfeld in zwei Punkten in Normalform. Jedoch wird das Abklingen der Energie nach dem (− 5/2)-Potenzgesetz durch die elastischen Effekte modifiziert.
IV levetiracetam in the management of non-convulsive status epilepticus.

Introduction Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to try to limit mortality and improve outcome. So far, newer antiepileptic drugs (AED) have not assumed a noticeable role in the treatment of SE. This may be in part due to the lack of IV forms for the newer AEDs. The IV form of Levetiracetam (IV-LEV) has recently become available and has a potential role in the treatment of SE.
UNDEREMPLOYMENT AND RACIAL COMPETITION IN LOCAL LABOR MARKETS

The primary concern in this paper is to analyze the effects of black population concentration on black and white men's relative and absolute underemployment levels in labor market areas while contr...
Multiple-Doppler Radar Observations of the Evolution of Vorticity Extrema in a Convective Boundary Layer

Abstract Overdetermined, dual-Doppler wind syntheses are used to document the evolution, structure, and dynamics of vertical vorticity extrema observed in a convective boundary layer during the 12 June 2002 International H2O Project (IHOP) mission. Discrete vertical vorticity extrema having horizontal scales of 1–2 km can be observed continuously for periods exceeding an hour. The evolution of the vorticity field is characterized by complex interactions among vorticity extrema and between the vertical vorticity and vertical velocity fields. The most prominent vorticity maxima have amplitudes of approximately 0.01 s−1 and are associated with retrieved pressure deficits of order 0.1 mb. The vorticity extrema weaken with height and tilt in the presence of vertical wind shear. Advection and propagation both contribute substantially to the motion of the vorticity extrema. Amplifications of vertical vorticity are closely linked to the intensification of updrafts. Both stretching and tilting can contribute signi...
Statistical and geostatistical features of streambed hydraulic conductivities in the Platte River, Nebraska

This paper presents streambed hydraulic conductivities of the Platte River from south-central to eastern Nebraska. The hydraulic conductivities were determined from river channels using permeameter tests. The vertical hydraulic conductivities (K v ) from seven test sites along this river in south-central Nebraska belong to one statistical population. Its mean value is 40.2 m/d. However, the vertical hydraulic conductivities along four transects of the Ashland test site in eastern Nebraska have lower mean values, are statistically different from the K v values in south-central Nebraska, and belong to two different populations with mean values of 20.7 and 9.1 m/d, respectively. Finer sediments carried from the Loup River and Elkhorn River watersheds to the eastern reach of the Platte River lowers the vertical hydraulic conductivity of the streambed. Correlation coefficients between water depth and K v values along a test transect indicates a positive correlation – a larger K v usually occurs in the part of channel with deeper water. Experimental variograms derived from the vertical hydraulic conductivities for several transects across the channels of the Platte River show periodicity of spatial correlation, which likely result from periodic variation of water depth across the channels. The sandy to gravelly streambed contains very local silt and clay layers; spatially continuous low-permeability streambed was not observed in the river channels. The horizontal hydraulic conductivities were larger than the vertical hydraulic conductivities for the same test locations.