cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ordinal explanation of the periodic system of chemical elements

Textbooks often claim that quantum mechanics explained the periodic system: namely, the actual configuration of electronic orbits that is responsible for the element's chemical properties can be described as the one that minimizes the total energy, and the energy of each configuration can be computed by using quantum mechanics. However, a careful analysis of this explanation reveals that, in addition to the basic equations of quantum mechanics, we need some heuristic rules that do not directly follow from quantum physics. One reason why additional heuristics are necessary is that the corresponding numerical equations are extremely difficult to solve, and as we move to atoms with larger and larger atomic numbers Z, they become even more difficult. Moreover, as Z grows, we must take relativistic effects into consideration, and this means going from partial differential equations to even more mathematically difficult operator equations. In this paper, we show that if instead of the (often impossible) numerical optimization, we consider the (available) ordinal information, we can then explain the observed periodic system.
Effect of substrate roughness on splatting behavior of HVOF sprayed polymer particles: Modeling and experiments

A three-dimensional model of particle splatting on rough surfaces has been developed for high-velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) sprayed polymer particles and related to experimentally observed polymer splats. Fluid flow and particle deformation were predicted using a volume of fluid (VoF) method using Flow-3D software. Splatting behavior and final splat shapes were simulated on a realistic rough surface, generated by optical interferometry of an actual grit-blasted steel surface. Predicted splat shapes were compared with scanning electron microscopy images of nylon 11 splats deposited onto grit-blasted steel substrates. Rough substrates led to the formation of fingers and other asymmetric three-dimensional instabilities that are seldom observed in simulations of polymer splatting on smooth substrates.
The Cubit: A History and Measurement Commentary

Historical dimensions for the cubit are provided by scripture and pyramid documentation. Additional dimensions from the Middle East are found in other early documents. Two major dimensions emerge from a history of the cubit. The first is the anthropological or short cubit, and the second is the architectual or long cubit. The wide geographical area and long chronological period suggest that cubit dimensions varied over time and geographic area. Greek and Roman conquests led to standardization. More recent dimensions are provided from a study by Francis Galton based upon his investigations into anthropometry. The subjects for Galton’s study and those of several other investigators lacked adequate sample descriptions for producing a satisfactory cubit/forearm dimension. This finding is not surprising given the demise of the cubit in today’s world. Contemporary dimensions from military and civilian anthropometry for the forearm and hand allow comparison to the ancient unit. Although there appears no pressing need for a forearm-hand/cubit dimension, the half-yard or half-meter unit seems a useful one that could see more application.
An analysis, systematic review, and meta-analysis of the perioperative mortality after neoadjuvant therapy and pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer.

Objective Pneumonectomy after neoadjuvant therapy remains controversial. Methods A systematic PubMed search was performed for original articles from 1990 through 2010 describing pneumonectomy after neoadjuvant therapy. Specific data on 30-day and 90-day perioperative mortalities were abstracted from these articles. Meta-analysis compared 30-day mortality between right and left pneumonectomy with a fixed-effects model. Comparison between 30-day and 90-day mortalities was also performed. Results The search strategy yielded 27 studies. Overall, 30-day and 90-day perioperative mortalities were 7% and 12%, respectively. Among 15 studies providing side-specific 30-day mortality, cumulative mortalities were 11% and 5% for right and left pneumonectomies, respectively. In the meta-analysis that included 10 studies, 30-day mortality for right pneumonectomy remained greater than for left pneumonectomy (odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–3.49; P = .02). Among 6 studies providing side-specific 90-day mortality, cumulative mortalities were 20% and 9% for right and left pneumonectomies, respectively. In the meta-analysis that included 4 studies, 90-day mortality for right pneumonectomy was greater than for left pneumonectomy (odds ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–3.72; P = .03). Among 11 studies providing both 30-day and 90-day mortalities, mortality difference was 5% (95% confidence interval, 4%–7%, P Conclusions Right pneumonectomy is associated with significantly higher 30-day and 90-day mortalities after neoadjuvant therapy than left pneumonectomy. Also, 90-day mortality for all pneumonectomies appears to be greater than expected, suggesting that the 30-day mortality figure may inadequately assess the perioperative mortality.
Genetic determination of iso-cytochromes c in yeast

Methods are described for the quantitative determinations of cytochrome c concentrations in normal and mutant strains of yeast, and for measuring the chromatographic and electrophoretic mobilities of different iso-cytochromes c. Fifteen mutants of yeast, which had various degrees of cytochrome cy deficiencies, were due to mutations at six unlinked loci (cy1… cy6). Normal yeast contained mainly iso-1-cytochrome c and small amounts (approximately 5%) of iso-2-cytochrome c. cy1 mutants contained only iso-2-cytochrome c at concentrations roughly equal to that found in the normal strain. Mutants at the other loci (cy2… cy6) contained reduced amounts of both iso-cytochromes c, in approximately the same proportion as was found in the normal strain. It is suggested that: cy1 is the structural gene for iso-1-cytochrome c; cy2 and cy3 are in some way directly concerned with cytochrome c synthesis; and cy4cy5, and cy6 are causing cytochrome c deficiencies by some secondary means. Cytochrome a was not present in mutants of yeast which were extremely low in cytochrome c.
FLUCTUATIONS IN CYCLIN E LEVELS ARE REQUIRED FOR MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF ENDOCYCLE S PHASE IN DROSOPHILA

The precise cell-cycle alternation of S phase and mitosis is controlled by alternating competence of nuclei to respond to S-phase-inducing factors [1]. Nuclei acquire competence to replicate at the low point in cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) activities that follows mitotic destruction of cyclins. The elevation of Cdk activity late in G1 is thought to drive cells into S phase and to block replicated DNA from re-acquiring replication competence [2]. Whereas mitosis is normally required to eliminate the cyclins prior to another cycle of replication, experimental elimination of Cdk activity in G2 can restore competence to replicate [3-6]. Here, we examine the roles of Cdks in the endocycies of Drosophila [7]. In these cycles, rounds of discrete S phases without intervening mitoses result in polyteny. Cyclins A and B are lost in cells as they enter endocycles [8,9], and pulses of Cyclin E expression drive endocycle S phases [10-12]. To address whether oscillations of Cyclin E expression are required for endocycles, we expressed Cyclin E continuously in Drosophila salivary glands. Growth of the cells was severely inhibited, and a period of DNA replication was induced but further replication was inhibited. This replication inhibition could be overcome by the kinase inhibitor 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP), but not by expression of subunits of the transcription factor E2F. These results indicate that endocycle S phases require oscillations in Cdk activity, but, in contrast to oscillations in mitotic cells, these occur independently of mitosis.
Scientific and policy challenges to development of an AIDS vaccine.

24 years since the identification of HIV as the causal agent of AIDS the pandemic continues to outpace attempts at control. The response to HIV/AIDS has been inadequate and has consisted of crisis management rather than purposeful public health policies because of the early silent spread of the virus its high incidence in high-risk populations its uniformly fatal outcome if not treated and its global proliferation. However an unprecedented commitment to control HIV has begun. In 2005 G8 leaders agreed to provide prevention and treatment to all those in need by 2010. But however well intended a universal treatment paradigm is unsustainable. UNAIDS predicts that more than US$9 billion will be needed in the next 2 years to fund AIDS treatment and care in the developing world alone. Estimates suggest that for each person who starts antiretroviral treatment at least six people are newly infected with HIV. Thus even if existing programmes are rapidly expanded with increases in financing infrastructure and human capacity the AIDS pandemic will continue to outpace efforts to curtail it unless we can substantially improve prevention strategies and their implementation. (excerpt)
The impact of volcanoes through human history

Volcanic Activity and Human Ecology. Edited by Payson D. Sheets and Donald K. Grayson. Pp. 644. (Academic: 1980.) $52, £33.80.
COMMON OPHTHALMOLOGIC CONCERNS IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

The field of pediatric ophthalmology not only involves the treatment of eye diseases unique to children, but also their effects on the immature visual system. There are many aspects of pediatric eye care that differ from adult ophthalmology. Perhaps the most important difference is the effect that many otherwise similar disorders may have on the developing visual system of a child. These potential complications may occur during the course of treatment of most ophthalmic conditions that occur in childhood. Before discussing the individual ocular disorders in detail, both normal and abnormal visual development as well as signs and symptoms common to many ocular disorders are reviewed. Vision screening is also discussed later in text.
Fabrication of Arrays of Nano-Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices Using a Double-Angle Processing Approach

Arrays of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) from high-temperature superconductors such as YBCO have been shown to significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio when compared to single SQUIDs from high- TC material. This is based on the finding that the voltage response of a current biased array increases by the number of SQUID loops N, while the noise only increases as N1/2. It is therefore desirable to fabricate array structures with as many SQUIDs placed in series as possible. We present a fabrication technique for SQUID arrays based on ion-damage Josephson Junctions (JJ) that allows for creating virtually any SQUID-array design on any thin-film superconducting materials such as YBCO or MgB2. The fabrication employs electron beam lithography (EBL) to write the SQUID-array, electrical contact pads and JJ fine lines in a single lithography step. It is performed on a thick trilayer structure that allows for high-aspect ratio features. The superior resolution of EBL makes SQUID loop diameters down to a few hundred nanometers possible. Subsequent high-energy ion-implantation creates the JJ. Using low-energy argon ion milling at an angle to the sample shadows the fine lines used for creation of the JJ and transfers the EBL-defined SQUID-array and electrical contact pads into the thin-film superconductor.
Progress in functional group quantitative organic analysis: 1958

For convenience, organic functional groups are classified into five categories as the oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, unsaturated, and miscellaneous functions.’ A partial list of each category is given in Table I. Quantitative analytical techniques for the determination of a function using samples containing approximately 0.1 milliequivalent of the function are considered micromethods, as suggested. by Cheronis and Ma.2 This review is concerned with such methods. Other methods which require either more than 1 milliequivalent (macro) or in the range of micro equivalents (ultramicro) are occasionally mentioned when they are adaptable to t,he microscale.
Improved Parametrization of Ion-DNA Interactions for MD Simulations of Dense DNA Systems

Nucleic acids - highly charged polyanions - are often densely packed in biological systems. Counterions play an essential role in the biological processes involving densely packed DNA, such as chromosome remodeling and RNA folding. However, experimental measurements of the ion atmosphere around the nucleic acids remain elusive. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be used to characterize the ion atmosphere in great details; however, the usefulness of such simulations depends on the accuracy of the underlying computational model. Here, we test the accuracy of the current all-atom force field by carrying out an MD simulation of 64 parallel DNA duplexes (DNA array). Undesirably, we find both DNA array pressure and DNA distributions derived from these simulations to be inconsistent with the X-ray diffraction and osmotic pressure measurements. We find that the origin of such discrepancy is inaccurate description of ion interaction with the DNA phosphate. To improve the model, we fine-tune the ion-phosphate interaction parameters to reproduce experimental osmotic pressure of binary electrolyte solutions such as Na-dimethylphosphate. Using our improved model, we characterize ionic atmosphere in the DNA array. We find Mg to exhibit much stronger affinity to the DNA than Na: the concentration of Mg and Na ions inside the DNA array are ∼500 and ∼700 mM, respectively, although the ion concentration outside the DNA arrays is [Mg] = 20 and [Na] = 200 mM. Residence time analysis of Na/Mg in contact with DNA phosphate supports our assertion that Mg-phosphate interaction is much stronger than Na-phosphate one. We expect our successful re-parameterization of ion-phosphate interactions to find applications in MD simulations of other nucleic acid systems, in which ion-DNA interactions are critical, such as folding of RNA, ribozyme dynamics and the molecular mechanism of translation.
A new approach to recursive Fourier transform

In the recursive Fourier transform, the data window can be chosen such that the number of computations required to update the transform at each frequency upon reception of a new data sample is independent of the transform block length.
Two-Party Trust Sensitivity Analysis for Social Networks

Trust is a crucial basis for interactions among parties in social networks. This paper presents a binary decision diagrams-based algorithm for trust sensitivity analysis in social networks. Based on trust scores of direct links, the trust sensitivity analysis can help identify which direct link (s) in the social network contributes the most to a trust relationship between two particular parties who are not directly connected in the social network. Several examples are given to illustrate the application of the presented method.
Pettis integrals with singular kernels

On considere un certain type d'integrale a valeurs-operateurs, intervenant dans la construction de la resolvante d'un operateur differentiel elliptique. On montre que cette integrale existe au sens de Pettis
Dynamical derivation of microscopic stress tensors

The equation of motion technique is used to derive quantum operators corresponding to the microscopic stress tensor and pressure. The technique is demonstrated for a one-dimensional system. Stress tensor and related operators are obtained for a nonrelativistic, many-body, Coulomb system. The stress tensor operators occur as a momentum flux density in continuity equations which are the quantum analog to Newton's second law (F = ma). The derivation also produces operators with obvious classical analogs such as linear and angular momentum densities in a context which makes their physical role evident.
Role of xenobiotic efflux transporters in resistance to vincristine

Abstract This study characterized interactions between efflux transporters (P-glycoprotein (MDR1) and multidrug resistance associated proteins (MRPs1–3)) and vincristine (VCR), using cell lines with differential transporter expression, and studied effects of P-glycoprotein inhibition on VCR transport and toxicity. Caco2 (express MDR1, MRPs 1–3), LS174T (express MDR1, MRPs 1, 3), and A549 (express MRPs 1–3) cells were used. To study VCR transport (effective permeability, Peff), VCR (1–500 nM) was added to the donor chambers of permeable supports containing Caco2 monolayers, and receiving chamber concentrations were measured. Cytotoxicity experiments were conducted with escalating concentrations of VCR in all cell lines. To determine the contribution of MDR1, experiments were also conducted with LY335979, a specific MDR1 inhibitor. VCR Peff was 2 × 10−6 cm/s in Caco2 cells. LY335979 increased Peff in a dose dependent manner (up to 7-fold with 1 μM LY335979) in Caco2 cells. Caco2 and LS174T cell viability decreased significantly when co-incubated with both VCR and LY335979 (1 μM) (P
Alcohol and Marijuana: Effects on Epilepsy and Use by Patients with Epilepsy

We review the safety of alcohol or marijuana use by patients with epilepsy. Alcohol intake in small amounts (one to two drinks per day) usually does not increase seizure frequency or significantly affect serum levels of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Adult patients with epilepsy should therefore be allowed to consume alcohol in limited amounts. However, exceptions may include patients with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, or those with a history of alcohol-related seizures. The most serious risk of seizures in connection with alcohol use is withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal lowers the seizure threshold, an effect that may be related to alcohol dose, rapidity of withdrawal, and chronicity of exposure. Individuals who chronically abuse alcohol are at significantly increased risk of developing seizures, which can occur during withdrawal or intoxication. Alcohol abuse predisposes to medical and metabolic disorders that can lower the seizure threshold or cause symptoms that mimic seizures. Therefore, in evaluating a seizure in a patient who is inebriated or has abused alcohol, one must carefully investigate to determine the cause. Animal and human research on the effects of marijuana on seizure activity are inconclusive. There are currently insufficient data to determine whether occasional or chronic marijuana use influences seizure frequency. Some evidence suggests that marijuana and its active cannabinoids have antiepileptic effects, but these may be specific to partial or tonic-clonic seizures. In some animal models, marijuana or its constituents can lower the seizure threshold. Preliminary, uncontrolled clinical studies suggest that cannabidiol may have antiepileptic effects in humans. Marijuana use can transiently impair short-term memory, and like alcohol use, may increase noncompliance with AEDs. Marijuana use or withdrawal could potentially trigger seizures in susceptible patients.
EFFECT OF ILLUMINATION AND D-AMPHETAMINE ON THE ACTIVITY OF THE RHESUS MACAQUE.

The activity of the Rhesus macaque was measured under three levels of ambient illumination and three dosages of d-amphetamine. Analysis of variance indicated that activity increases as a function of increasing level of illumination and decreases as a function of increasing dosages of amphetamine. The interaction effect was nonsignificant.
An empirical evaluation of probability estimation with neural networks

Recent interest in neural networks by researchers across a wide spectrum of disciplines has provided convincing evidence of their ability to address classification problems. In this article, we consider the issue of evaluating the predictive capability of neural networks when the output values are to be treated as probabilities. We propose the use of a variant of a chi-square statistic, based on the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic from logistic regression, to measure the goodness-of-fit of neural network models for two-group membership problems. Through experimentation with a large real-world database, we demonstrate the application of this statistic, and examine the effects of varying the number of nodes in the hidden layer on its value. Our empirical results suggest that this statistic can be very useful in identifying significant differences in the probability estimation accuracy of neural network models.
Theory of a free electron laser

Abstract Radiation from electrons traveling through a static transverse periodic magnetic field is studied using classical, semiclassical, and quantum field theories. Stimulated emission rates and laser evolution equations describing exponential gain and saturation are derived from basic principles.
Countable sections for free actions of groups

Let the group G act on the set X. We will call the set Y a countable section if each Gx n Y is countable. P. Forrest showed in [2] that if a locally compact separable metrizable group G acts freely on a standard measurable space (X, &) with quasi-invariant probability measure ,u, then there is a countable section Y which is in &, and such that the set GY, which is the image of G X Y by a measurable function and therefore p-measurable, has pmeasure 1; in the terminology of [ 11, Y is a complete measurable countable section. We prove the following converse to Forrest’s result:
Is computer assessment of obsession and compulsion applicable in obsessive-compulsive disorder?: Preliminary results using the Hamburg obsession compulsion inventory-computer short form (HOCI-CS)

Abstract Nine out of 10 randomly chosen patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD) (of different age, sex, and different obsessive-compulsive behavior) stated a preference for answering questions at a computer, over filling out a questionnaire when being assessed for obsessive and compulsive symptons. Psychological distress aroused by the computer test situation was not found. Hypotheses concerning the relationship between required time per scale and level of indecisiveness in the scale are encouraging, but have to be confirmed with a larger sample size.
Expression of the germ cell-specific transcription factor ALF in Xenopus oocytes compensates for translational inactivation of the somatic factor TFIIA.

The discovery of germ cell-specific general transcription factor and coactivator variants has suggested that reproductive tissues control gene expression somewhat differently than somatic tissues. One of these factors, ALF (TFIIAτ), was first described as a testis-specific counterpart of the large (α/β) subunit of TFIIA. Here we characterize endogenous ALF and TFIIA activities in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. ALF is present in both testis and ovary in this organism, and it completely replaces TFIIA in immature oocytes. When oocytes undergo progesterone-induced maturation, ALF activity disappears, and TFIIA activity is restored. Reactivation occurs through the translational up-regulation of two maternal TFIIAα/β mRNAs and involves polyadenylation of a conserved 3′-untranslated region module. The effects of ALF overexpression and ALF immunodepletion on a thymidine kinase promoter construct demonstrate that this factor serves as an active replacement for TFIIA. In contrast, overexpression of TFIIA inhibits transcription, indicating that the somatic factor fails to function properly in the context of the oocyte transcription machinery. Overall, the results show that the translationally regulated reciprocal expression of ALF and TFIIA allows for the production of an active TFIIA-like general transcription factor throughout oogenesis.
Detection of antibodies to the amyloid fibril protein AA by means of the solid-phase radioimmunoassay for AA

Abstract Antibodies to human and murine amyloid fibril proteins AA can be detected with sensitivity and specificity by means of a solid phase radioimmunoassay for the AA antigen. In the conventional antigen assay, unlabeled AA protein competes with [ 125 I]AA for binding sites on immobilized antibodies, whereas, in this assay, antibodies in solution compete with antibodies immobilized on the wells of flexible polyvinylchloride microtitration plates for binding of [ 125 I]AA. The antibody concentration in an experimental antiserum can be estimated by comparing its inhibition of [ 125 I]AA binding with that of a reference antiserum. Only microgram quantities of purified AA protein are required for antibody determination by this method and the presence of large quantities of antibodies to other proteins does not cause interference.
Model-based recognition using 3D invariants and stereo imaging

In this paper, we proposed a three dimensional matching algorithm using geometrical invariants. Invariant relations between 3D objects and 2D images for object recognition has been already developed in Ref. [1]. We proposed a geometrical invariant approach for finding relation between 3D model and stereo image pair. Since the depth information is lost in a single 2D image, we cannot recognize an object perfectly. By constructing a 3D invariant space we can represent a 3D model as a set of points in the invariant space. While matching with the 2D image we can draw a set of invariant light rays in 3D, each ray passing through a 3D invariant model point. If enough rays intersect the model in 3D invariant space we can assume that the model is present in the image. But for a single image the method is not that much reliable as the depth information is never considered. In the proposed method, as the matching is performed using stereo image pair, it is more reliable and accurate.
Assessment and Management of Patients With Venous, Arterial, and Diabetic/Neuropathic Lower Extremity Wounds

Most healthcare providers recognize that management of lower extremity wounds presents a difficult challenge. These chronic wounds significantly impact the quality of life for individuals and have implications for costs and utilization of healthcare resources. Lower extremity wounds can be due to a myriad of different diseases, but the primary causes are chronic venous insufficiency, lower extremity arterial disease, and diabetes/neuropathy. Differential assessment is necessary prior to implementation of management strategies in order to address the etiology and pathogenesis factors that are related to each type of leg wound. This article presents an overview of the risk and predisposing factors for venous, arterial, and diabetic/neuropathic wounds. Additionally, it addresses issues of differential assessment including typical locations, common clinical characteristics, typical wound appearance, key management issues, considerations for alternative treatments, collaborative care, and patient/family education.
Supremacy of community law in national courts: a progress report on referrals under the EEC Treaty

The Common Market Treaty divides lawmaking power and judicial jurisdiction between the Community and the National legal systems. Its "federalizing" features' are the preemptive effect it envisions for Community law2 and the role it attributes to the Community Court2 as exclusive final8 arbiter in questions concerning the validity and interpretation of Community law. I have discussed elsewhere4 the Court's jurisdiction to entertain original5 cases as well as the theoretical framework of two other problems: How the Court exercises its function in cases pending before national courts (the referral problem) and in what way the supremacy of the substantive, "federal" Community law can be assured in national legal systems (the supremacy problem). In both of the latter areas, the Community Court had provided early landmark
Attentional grasp in Parkinson disease.

Background: Patients with Parkinson disease (PD) have deficits in the neurotransmitter systems important for the normal allocation of attention. We sought to examine how the presence of PD influences the spatial allocation of reactive (bottom-up) and volitional (top-down) attention. Methods: To assess the spatial allocation of attention, we used the line bisection task. When assessing "bottom-up" attention, lateral blinking lights were or were not present during the time the PD and normal subjects were attempting to perform line bisections. In the top-down condition, these subjects were asked to name the color of the laterally presented light before bisecting lines. Results: In the bottom-up condition, when compared with control subjects, the participants with PD were not abnormally distracted, but in the top-down condition, imperative stimuli on the right side of the line seemed to influence the PD subjects' allocation of attention. Conclusions: The results suggest that when voluntarily allocating attention rightward, PD patients have difficulty disengaging and/or reallocating their attention. This disengagement deficit might be related to the frontal-executive dysfunction associated with PD.
Plastic Infusion and Casting of the Avian Air Sacs

Abstract INTRODUCTION ACCORDING to Gilbert (1939), Harvey first carefully described the air sacs in fowl in 1651. In recent years the air sacs have been cast into models by several methods, though seldom have the results proved completely satisfactory. Workers such as McLeod and Wagers (1939) using a celluloid mass, Gilbert (1939), employing Wood’s alloy, Rigdon et al. (1958) and Rogers (1961) using latex for turkey and chickens respectively observed several difficulties. Problems such as complete penetration, maintaining high temperature and removal of tissue and bones from casts after infusion became prevalent. At this station interest was directed toward these casts, not only for new knowledge in the area of physiology, but as teaching aids for demonstration of anatomical features that are difficult to describe. From the chemical and physical properties of methyl methacrylate, a low density monomer, it appeared that this material might be worthy of investigation for possible use …
Hedging housing risk in the new economy: is there a connection, and should firms care?

This paper analyses housing price dynamics in and outside of Telecom Corridor, a region near Dallas, Texas, with a high concentration of new economy firms. Using separate home price indexes in and outside this region, the paper tests whether home values are more volatile in the new economy area and compares mean–variance efficient portfolio weights on housing. The problem of hedging housing price volatility appears to be more severe in the high tech sector, suggesting that new economy firms may benefit by offering workers various forms of home price insurance in lieu of cash wages.
Prevalence of sleep disorders and sleep behaviors in children and adolescents.

Maternal reports were used to assess the prevalence of a comprehensive group of sleep disorders and behaviors in a rural population of school-aged children. Some sleep behaviors occurred in significantly greater numbers of subjects on the basis of age, sex, socioeconomic status, and chronic medical problems and/or ear, nose, and throat allergies.
Cell Proliferation Kinetics and Multistage Cancer Risk Models

Cell-kinetic multistage (CKM) cancer-risk models account for clonal proliferation of postulated intermediate (initiated, premalignant) cell populations during tumorigenesis. To date, almost all CKM models considered have assumed that intermediate, premalignant cells may proliferate exponentially over time in vivo. This "exponential growth" assumption, however, may not always be as biologically plausible as the alternative assumption that cells tend to grow geometrically in time. The general CKM model and applications of it that presume exponential cell growth are reviewed here. Geometric CKM models are then considered, previous erroneous analyses of these models are reviewed, and a corrected mathematical treatment is provided. It is pointed out that the presumption of exponential instead of geometric proliferation kinetics may lead to underestimates of small increments in CKM-predicted cancer risk above background if the geometric assumption is true. An evaluation of pertinent biological evidence is provided, which indicates that precancerous cells may typically proliferate geometrically. Consequently, if CKM models are used for environmental risk assessment, it may be prudent for one to presume geometric cell growth unless specific data support an alternative assumption.
Reflective interferometric chamber for quantitative phase imaging of biological sample dynamics

We introduce a new interferometric setup for single-exposure wide-field holographic phase imaging of highly dynamic biological samples. In this setup, the interferometric signal originates from a specially designed reflective interferometric chamber (InCh), creating an off-axis interferogram on the output plane of the system. The setup only requires the InCh and a simple reflection-mode two lens imaging system, without the need for additional optical elements such as gratings in the beam path. In addition, due to the close-to-common-path geometry of the setup, phase noise is greatly reduced. We experimentally compare the inherent phase stability of the system in ambient conditions to that of a conventional interferometer. We also demonstrate use of this system for wide-field quantitative phase imaging of two different highly dynamic, optically transparent biological samples: beating myocardial cells and moving unicellular microorganisms.
Use of a preclinical model of pancreas cancer to identify potential candidates for rapalogue therapy

The oft-repeated statistics are dismal: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has only a 6% 5-year survival rate that has not changed significantly in 30 years and the vast majority of PDA patients perish within 6 months of diagnosis. Several possible reasons contribute to these grim results. PDA is difficult to detect, it is recalcitrant to most targeted treatments and conventional therapies only have a modest effect on survival. Compared with other cancers, PDA was revealed to be remarkably genetically homogenous with 95% or more of PDA harbouring oncogenic mutations in the Kras gene,1 generating hope that finding effective ways of interrupting Kras signalling would increase survival for PDA patients. However, Kras-targeted therapies have proven elusive thus far, leaving its downstream effectors as the most obvious potential targets. The true genetic heterogeneity of PDA has just begun to be appreciated2 ,3 within a background of the almost universal presence of Kras mutation and the statistically predictable identities of many of the subsequent tumour suppressor mutations that propel its progression and metastasis. Of course, …
Coumarins XI: A Total Synthesis of (±)-Columbianetin

(±)-Columbianetin [(±)-I] has been synthesized by a ten-step sequence starting with 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid which was converted to the methyl ester, benzylated, and reduced to the benzyl alcohol which was oxidized to the aldehyde and monodebenzylated to provide 2-hydroxy-6-benzyloxybenzaldehyde (VI). Treatment of VI with methyl bromoacetate converted it to methyl 3-benzyloxy-2-formylphenoxyacetate which was cyclized to methyl 4-benzyloxybenzofuran-2-carboxylate, the latter being converted to 2-(α-hydroxyisopropyl)-4-benzyloxybenzofuran (XIV) by the action of CH3MgI. Reduction and debenzylation of XIV to the corresponding dihydrobenzofuran followed by acid-catalyzed condensation with ethyl propiolate provided (±)-I.
Does the fast Fourier transformation window length affect the slope of an electromyogram's median frequency plot during a fatiguing isometric contraction?

Abstract Reduced median frequencies (MDFs) are the hallmark of muscle fatigue in an electromyogram (EMG), the magnitude of which may be influenced by window lengths in fast Fourier transformation (FFT) algorithms used to compute power spectra. This study examined whether MDF reductions in fatigued muscles differed across varying FFT windows. EMG data were acquired from the gluteus maximus and semitendinosus muscles during a modified Biering–Sorensen test. Data were processed through varying FFT windows (0.1-, 0.5-, 1.0-, 2.0- and 5.0-s) and MDF slopes were compared with repeated measures analyses of variance. While FFT windows influenced variability in MDFs, the slopes did not differ across window lengths in either muscle group. When muscle fatigue is assessed via MDF slopes during submaximal isometric contractions, the FFT windows through which spectral characteristics are processed may have little bearing on results.
Emerging role of roots in plant responses to aboveground insect herbivory

Plants have evolved complex biochemical mechanisms to counter threats from insect herbivory. Recent research has revealed an important role of roots in plant responses to above ground herbivory (AGH). The involvement of roots is integral to plant resistance and tolerance mechanisms. Roots not only play an active role in plant defenses by acting as sites for biosynthesis of various toxins and but also contribute to tolerance by storing photoassimilates to enable future regrowth. The interaction of roots with beneficial soil-borne microorganisms also influences the outcome of the interaction between plant and insect herbivores. Shoot-to-root communication signals are critical for plant response to AGH. A better understanding of the role of roots in plant response to AGH is essential in order to develop a comprehensive picture of plant-insect interactions. Here, we summarize the current status of research on the role of roots in plant response to AGH and also discuss possible signals involved in shoot-to-root communication.
Constructions of Early Parenting, Intimacy and Autonomy in Young Women

This study explores relations between young women's patterns of intimacy and autonomy and their constructions of early relationships with their parents. Based on Bowlby's (1973) notion of the `internal working model' of attachment, it was predicted that women evidencing intimacy in current relationships would construct perceptions of their parents as having been accepting. It also was hypothesized that women exhibiting greater autonomy in their everyday functioning would describe their parents as having afforded them more encouragement of independence than those displaying less autonomy. Intimacy was measured using the Revised Intimacy Interview (Levitz-Jones & Orlofsky, 1985) and autonomy measures included the General Causality Orientation (Deci & Ryan, 1985) and Self-Reliance (Greenberger et al., 1974) scales. Results suggest that, as predicted, women displaying intimate relationships perceived their fathers as having been more accepting than those evidencing either enmeshed (merger) or superficial rela...
Uncertainty analysis for the NIST 0:45 Reflectometer

Sets of color tiles are available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology calibrated using the NIST 0:45 Reflectometer. The uncertainties associated with the measured values for the color tiles are an indispensable component of the calibration report that accompanies these tiles. A systematic, analytical approach developed previously was applied to the particular case of the reference instrument and color tile set, taking into account the operation and characteristics of the instrument and the spectral properties of the set. The primary sources of uncertainty were identified, and the resulting uncertainties in the color space values L*, a*, and b* were determined. In general, the uncertainties are lowest for those color tiles whose reflectance factors are nearly constant with wavelength. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 100–107, 2008
The uniqueness of being a neurotrophin receptor

Neurotrophins rely on Trk tyrosine kinase and p75 receptors for signal transduction. Recently, other roles for these receptors have been identified. Many questions have been raised about the mechanism by which these receptors mediate diverse cellular functions. Studies indicate a great deal of neurotrophin signaling specificity may stem from ligand-receptor selectivity and intracellular protein recruitment.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Delay Moments in FIFO Multiserver Queues with an Application Comparing s Slow Servers with One Fast One

In this paper we establish the weakest known sufficient conditions for the existence of stationary delay moments in FIFOGI/GI/s queues, fors = 2. These conditions involve not only the service time distribution, as in the classic Kiefer and Wolfowitz conditions, but also the interplay of the traffic intensity and the number of servers in the queue. We then prove the necessity of our conditions for a large class of service times having finite first, but infinite ath, moment for some finite a. Such service time distributions include many, but not all of, the class of heavy-tailed distributions: The Pareto and Cauchy are members; the Weibull is not.Our results are then applied to provide one answer to the classic question: When ares slow servers (operating at rate 1 /s) better than one fast server (operating at rate 1)? We consider this question with respect to the rate of decay of the tail of stationary customer delay. In a system characterized by service times that have finite mean but lack some higher moments, such as are often used to model telecommunications traffic, fors greater than a traffic-related constant, the answer isalways. Our results help to quantify the benefits of extra servers, while also pointing the way towards the derivation of bounds and asymptotics for the stationary delay distribution of multiserver queues having these types of service times. Such queues are attracting a great deal of academic research, motivated by their practical use modeling telecommunications systems.
Litigating Same-Sex Marriage: Might the Courts Actually Be Bastions of Rationality?

The great political philosopher John Stuart Mill once asked, “Was there any domination which did not appear natural to those that possessed it?” (Mill 1984, 269–270). For same-sex couples seeking access to the institution of marriage, the public sense that marriage is naturally and obviously meant only for opposite-sex couples has been a formidable barrier. The first state supreme courts to rule on same-sex marriage, in the early 1970s, simply relied upon dictionary definitions to hold that marriage was obviously a heterosexual institution. Politicians mostly ignored the issue altogether until the courts of Hawaii, Vermont, and Massachusetts forced public debate of the issue.
Fostering More-Effective Public Health by Identifying Administrative Evidence-Based Practices: A Review of the Literature

Context: The aim of evidence-based decision-making in public health involves the integration of science-based interventions with community preferences to improve population health. Although considerable literature is available on the development and adoption of evidence-based guidelines and barriers to their implementation, the evidence base specific to public health administration is less developed. This article reviews the literature from public health and related disciplines to identify administrative evidence-based practices (A-EBPs; i.e., agency-level structures and activities that are positively associated with performance measures). Evidence acquisition: A "review of reviews" was carried out to assess the evidence for the effec- tiveness of A-EBPs covering the time frame January 2000 through March 2012. The following steps were used: (1) select databases; (2) determine search parameters and conduct the search; (3) screen titles and abstracts; (4) obtain selected documents; (5) perform initial synthesis; (6) abstract data; and (7) synthesize evidence. Evidence synthesis: In both the reviews and original empiric studies, the most common outcome reported was performance of the local health department or local public health system. On the basis of a synthesis of data from 20 reviews, a total of 11 high-priority A-EBPs were identified (i.e., practices that local public health systems potentially can modify within a few years). The A-EBPs covered five major domains of workforce development, leadership, organizational climate and culture, relation- ships and partnerships, and financial processes. Conclusions: As the body of practice-based research continues to grow and the ability to measure administrative evidence-based practices improves, this initial list can be further developed and improved.
Examining the Role of Attention and Instruction in At-Risk Kindergarteners: Electrophysiological Measures of Selective Auditory Attention Before and After an Early Literacy Intervention

Several studies report that adults and adolescents with reading disabilities also experience difficulties with selective attention. In the present study, event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were used to examine the neural mechanisms of selective attention in kindergarten children at risk for reading disabilities (AR group, n = 8) or on track in early literacy skills (OT group, n = 6) across the first semester of kindergarten. The AR group also received supplemental instruction with the Early Reading Intervention (ERI). Following ERI, the AR group demonstrated improved skills on standardized early literacy measures such that there were no significant differences between the AR and OT groups at posttest or winter follow-up. Analysis of the ERP data revealed that at the start of kindergarten, the AR group displayed reduced effects of attention on sensorineural processing compared to the OT group. Following intervention, this difference between groups disappeared, with the AR group only showing improvements in the effect of attention on sensorineural processing. These data indicate that the neural mechanisms of selective attention are atypical in kindergarten children at risk for reading failure but can be improved by effective reading interventions.
Interleukin-6 production in hemorrhagic shock is accompanied by neutrophil recruitment and lung injury

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) initiates an inflammatory cascade that includes the production of cytokines and recruitment of neutrophils (PMN) and may progress to organ failure, inducing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To examine the hypothesis that interleukin-6 (IL-6) contributes to PMN infiltration and lung damage in HS, we examined the lungs of rats subjected to unresuscitated and resuscitated HS for the production of IL-6 and activation of Stat3. Using semiquantitative RT-PCR, we found a striking increase in IL-6 mRNA levels only in resuscitated HS, with peak levels observed 1 h after initiation of resuscitation. Increased IL-6 protein expression was localized to bronchial and alveolar cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay of protein extracts from shock lungs exhibited an increase in Stat3 activation with kinetics similar to IL-6 mRNA. In situ DNA binding assay determined Stat3 activation predominantly within alveoli. Intratracheal instillation of IL-6 alone into normal rats resulted in PMN infiltration into lung interstitium and alveoli, marked elevation of bronchoalveolar lavage cellularity, and increased wet-to-dry ratio. These findings indicate that IL-6 production and Stat3 activation occur early in HS and may contribute to PMN-mediated lung injury, including ARDS after HS.