cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
White matter microstructural abnormalities in bipolar disorder: A whole brain diffusion tensor imaging study

Abstract Background Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental illness characterized by severe disruptions in mood and cognition. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies suggest that white matter (WM) tract abnormalities may contribute to the clinical hallmarks of the disorder. Using DTI and whole brain voxel-based analysis, we mapped the profile of WM anomalies in BD. All patients in our sample were euthymic and lithium free when scanned. Methods Diffusion-weighted and T1-weighted structural brain images were acquired from 23 lithium-free euthymic subjects with bipolar I disorder and 19 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects on a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Scans were processed to provide measures of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean and radial diffusivity (MD and RD) at each WM voxel, and processed scans were nonlinearly aligned to a customized brain imaging template for statistical group comparisons. Results Relative to controls, the bipolar group showed widespread regions of lower FA, including the corpus callosum, cortical and thalamic association fibers. MD and RD were abnormally elevated in patients in many of these same regions. Conclusions Our findings agree with prior reports of WM abnormalities in the corpus callosum and further link a bipolar diagnosis with structural abnormalities of the tapetum , fornix and stria terminalis . Future studies assessing the diagnostic specificity and prognostic implications of these abnormalities would be of interest.
Some Aspects of Deposition Parameters of RF Sputtered Ferromagnetic Film Germane to the Study of Magnetoresistive Sensing Devices

The paper describes results of investigation on sputtered NiFe Films to determine the sputter deposition condition that could produce magnetic field sensors with the desired magnetic and magnetoresistive properties. The magnetic thin films materials used in such devices should have a low coercive force, a low anisotropy field and low magnetization dispersion, α50 with high magnetoresistance ratio. From the results presented, it is shown that that the most useful films for 82%Ni-Fe composition are produced at 200 °C-250 °C moderate substrate temperatures. It is also possible to specify the substrate bias potential and sputter gas pressure sputter deposition conditions under which the 82%Ni-Fe thin films may be employed for the production of magnetoresistine sensors with near optimum magnetic and magnetoresistive properties. The work also provide understanding of the effects on the magnetic properties of sputtered magnetic films that is very limited as current literature is almost entirely limited to evaporated magnetic films.
Recent progress in NMR spectroscopy of polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries

Abstract Recent progress on the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate structure and dynamics of polymer electrolytes for advanced lithium batteries is reviewed in this article. The survey includes a list of both standard and relatively novel techniques, with many examples of their applications drawn from the literature.
Ocular phenotype correlations in patients with TWIST versus FGFR3 genetic mutations.

Background/purpose Despite the similar clinical phenotype of the Saethre-Chotzen and Muenke craniosynostoses, the 2 syndromes are now genotypically distinct. Patients with Saethre-Chotzen and Muenke syndromes carry mutations in the TWIST and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 3 genes, respectively. We sought to assess possible ocular phenotypic differences in patients with mutations of either gene previously grouped according to phenotype only. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for 21 children with known mutations of the TWIST (n=10) or the FGFR3 (n=11) genes. Data gathered included patient sex, age, family craniofacial history, craniofacial and ophthalmic surgeries, type of strabismus, ptosis, cycloplegic refraction, visual acuity, the presence of amblyopia, nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO), nystagmus, hypertelorism, epicanthal fold anomalies, and any ocular structural abnormalities. Results In the TWIST group, ptosis was present in 90%, amblyopia in 70%, horizontal strabismus in 70%, vertical strabismus in 60%, NLDO in 60%, astigmatism in 50%, inferior oblique overaction (IOOA) in 40%, hyperopia in 40%, myopia in 30%, nystagmus in 30%, and optic nerve findings in 30%. In the FGFR3 group, ptosis was present in 36%, amblyopia in 18%, horizontal strabismus in 55%, vertical strabismus in 36%, NLDO in 0%, astigmatism in 9%, IOOA in 45%, hyperopia in 27%, myopia in 18%, nystagmus in 18%, and optic nerve findings in 27%. Conclusions Patients with TWIST gene mutations may have more ophthalmic abnormalities, including more strabismus, ptosis, NLDO, astigmatism, vertical deviations, and amblyopia compared with patients with FGFR3 gene mutations.
MEANING AND JOY IN LATIN AMERICAN SPORTS

Drawing on recent scholarship, this overview discusses the adoption of modern sports in several Latin American settings and their evolving cultural meaning. Examples include soccer in Argentina, baseball in Cuba, baseball along the United States-Mexican border and cricket in the West Indies. Discussion focuses upon the reasons why particular sports are adopted within a culture and assume import to a people within a specific geographical area. Ineffable aspects of these pastimes, such as the aesthetics and the emotion of sport, are acknowledged, in the light of a recognition of the continuing distinction between the intrinsic and the extrinsic qualities of sports.
Curriculum-Based Measurement for Mathematics at the High School Level: What We Do Not Know . . . What We Need to Know

The purpose of this article is to explore the research and developmental needs for curriculum-based measurement (CBM) at the secondary level (9th through 12th grades) for mathematics. Much has been accomplished empirically on the validity, reliability, and utility of CBM as an assessment measure in mathematics at the elementary level. Encouragingly, a few CBM mathematics studies are beginning to emerge at the early (preschool through 1st grades) and middle school levels (6th through 8th grades); however, only one study exists on the use of CBM as an assessment tool for secondary-level mathematics courses. First, the author discusses the current mathematics predicament of secondary students with and without disabilities and their teachers. She then, within the different educational settings (general education, inclusion, resource, self-contained) available at the secondary level, discusses the types of CBM research (technical adequacy, instructional utility) needed.
Spectroscopy of hydrothermal reactions, part 26: Kinetics of decarboxylation of aliphatic amino acids and comparison with the rates of racemization

The kinetics of decarboxylation of six α-amino acids (glycine, alanine, aminobutyric acid, valine, leucine, and isoleucine) and β-aminobutyric acid were studied in aqueous solution at 310–330ˆC and 275 bar over the pH25 range 1.5–8.5 by using an in situ FT-IR spectroscopy flow reactor. Based on the rate of formation of CO2, the first-order or pseudo-first-order rate constants were obtained along with the Arrhenius parameters. The decarboxylation rates of amino acids follow the order Gly > Leu ≈ Ile ≈ Val > Ala > α-Aib > β-Aib. Differences in the concentration between 0.05 and 0.5 m had only a minor effect on the decarboxylation rate. The effect of the position of the amino group on the decarboxylation rate was investigated for α-, β-, and γ-aminobutyric acid and the order was found to be α > β ≫ γ. Although the pH dependence is complex, the decarboxylation rates of α-amino acids qualitatively have the inverse trend of the racemization rates. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 602–610, 2003
Positive noise cross-correlation in hybrid superconducting and normal-metal three-terminal devices

The observation of positive noise cross-correlations in a hybrid system consisting of a superconductor sandwiched between two normal metals provides evidence that in such a device Cooper pairs can be split into pairs of spatially separated, entangled electrons.
Synthesis of a new class of pyridine herbicide

A new class of fluoroalkylated pyridine herbicides has been discovered. The 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylates are prepared either from ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoroacetoacetate via Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis or from trifluoroacetonitrile via cyclocondensation and carboxylation. Hydrolysis of the ester groups, followed by derivatization of the resulting acids yields a variety of herbicidally active analogs including ester, thioester, amide, halogen, amino, alkoxy and alkylthio derivatives.
Reimbursement issues facing patients, providers, and payers

Escalating costs of health care delivery and the current constraints imposed by the federal budget deficit seriously threaten to compromise patient care and innovative biomedical research. Recent third-party refusal to cover some patients treated in protocols has had considerable impact on trial research. In addition, reimbursement for conventional care sometimes has been refused if delivered as part of a study (e.g., MOPP therapy versus ABVD therapy) or for an indication that is not specifically cited on the Food and Drug Administration label. Who should cover the patient care costs of patients participating in clinical trials? One approach would have patients cover these costs themselves. A second approach is the reinstitution of patient care costs into research grants. A third possibility is that the pharmaceutical industry support patient care costs of clinical research. Historically, hospital expenses of patients participating in studies have been paid by health insurance policies. In the absence of a clinical trial, many patients would be treated with Food and Drug Administration-approved therapies despite a lack of substantial benefit. Such marginal treatments are compensated by third-party payers routinely. The current system is arbitrary and expensive, compromises research and development, and equates new treatment with no treatment. By refusing to reimburse the patient care costs of investigational therapy, third-party carriers are, in fact, making medical decisions. There is a growing and legitimate concern that the pace of clinical research will be impeded significantly at a time when many exciting developments will be ready for clinical trials. The molecular steps in carcinogenesis are being documented rapidly for common malignancies, such as colon cancer. Immunologic, biologic, and hormonal approaches, and emerging technologies, such as marrow transplant or antibody toxin conjugates, already are being studied in the clinic. Health policy legislation and decisions by the insurance industry have a direct impact on physicians, facilitating, or often impeding, the care physicians are able to provide. Who makes health policy decisions? Increasingly, these decisions are being made not by physicians, but by public health experts, economists, and, more recently, large industries grappling with the cost of providing insurance coverage (and its effects on competitive pricing in a world market). Therefore, physicians need to position themselves to influence the development of medical policy, particularly as it relates to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with cancer.
A profile of medically serious suicide attempts.

BACKGROUND: This study identified factors associated with medically serious suicide attempts (requiring medical hospitalization). METHOD: Demographic information, current psychiatric mental state, suicide attempt and psychiatric history characteristics, and DSM-IV diagnoses were compared between 65 patients hospitalized for a medically serious suicide attempt (MSSA) and 32 patients seen in the emergency room for suicide attempt but not medically hospitalized (NMSSA). RESULTS: Those with MSSAs had a higher rate of substance-induced mood disorder (but not substance abuse or dependence), while those with NMSSA had more attempts, more years since first attempt, and a higher rate of sexual and physical abuse, traumatic life events, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder. CONCLUSION: Substance-induced mood disorder is an important diagnosis in the evaluation of suicidal patients. The vulnerability of mood effects caused by substance abuse may lead to a more serious suicide attempt despite less extensive psychiatric problems. The most important early psychiatric intervention may be the immediate recognition and aggressive treatment of an individual's affective and substance use disorders. Language: en
Compensating optical systems. Part 3: achromatic fourier transformation.

This paper shows the requirements for the achromatization of an irradiance distribution which is a function of a space coordinate multiplied by wavelength raised to a power. The particular requirements for achromatic Fourier transformation are then presented. The theory is applied to the following problems: achromatization of Newton’s ring patterns and Fraunhofer diffraction patterns and frequency plane filtering of an object illuminated with a broadband light source. Experimental systems that perform these functions are presented.
THE SYNERGISM OF X-IRRADIATION AND CHOLESTEROL-FAT FEEDING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CORONARY ARTERY LESIONS.

Summary (1)High cholesterol diet produced xanthomatoses limited to the origins of the major coronary arteries and intramyocardial branches of rabbits. (2)Fractionated X-ray to the hearts of otherwise normal rabbits in the amounts and intervals we employed was apparently responsible for rare areas of medial degeneration and intimal proliferation of major epicardial arteries. (3)Exposure of hearts of rabbits on high cholesterol diets to fractionated doses of X-ray produced diffuse severe arteriosclerotic and atherosclerotic lesions of major epicardial coronary arteries. (4)Synergism between a physical agent (X-ray) and a chemical substance (cholesterol) were apparently necessary to evoke this effect. Deposition of lipid in portions of vessels damaged by X-irradiation was probably one of the prime mechanisms in the genesis of these lesions. (5)In the elderly patient in whom frank or incipient vessel damage was already present, the tissue damaging effect of the X-irradiation may have accelerated the development of the coronary arteriosclerosis.
Eigenvalues of(-\triangle + \frac{R}{2}) on manifolds with nonnegative curvature operator

In this paper, we show that the eigenvalues of \((-\triangle+\frac{R}{2})\) are nondecreasing under the Ricci flow for manifolds with nonnegative curvature operator. Then we show that the only steady Ricci breather with nonnegative curvature operator is the trivial one which is Ricci-flat.
Voice recognition--an emerging necessity within radiology: experiences of the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Voice recognition represents a technology that is finally ready for prime time use. As radiology services continue to acquire a larger percentage of the shrinking health-care dollar, decreasing operating costs and improved services will become a necessity. The benefits of voice recognition implementation are significant, as are the challenges. This report will discuss the technology, experiences of a major health-care institution with implementation, and potential benefits for the radiology practice.
High capacity aeration in a very tall tank

A tall tank (13 m high by 1.8 m diameter) with four orifice air inlets showed linear relationships among air input rate, gas phase holdup, and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient. The established performance of the tall tank aeration system may be used for reference in design when scaling from laboratory to industrial size equipment.
Oxygen and phosphate as indicators for the deep intermediate waters in the northeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract Apparent oxygen utilizations and inorganic phosphate concentrations were used to study the direction of water motion between 1000 and 2000 m in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Results suggest a northward motion at low latitudes and a southward motion at high latitudes, with an intrusion of western water at about 40°N. A region of divergence appears off the California coast.
Acetylcholine and the incorporation of (P32) phosphate into phospholipids and phosphoproteins of nerve endings of developing rat brain.

IT has been shown that acetylcholine stimulates the incorporation of [32P] phosphate into the phospholipids of slices, homogenates, and microsomal fractions of guinea-pig cerebral hemispheres under conditions of oxidative phosphorylation1,2. Maximal stimulation of phosphorus-32 incorporation was found to occur in phosphatidic acid and phosphoinositide2.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon quinones may be either substrates for or irreversible inhibitors of the human placental NAD-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase

Under aerobic conditions, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone and 5,6-chyrsenequinone undergo oxidation-reduction cycling in the presence of NADH and the NAD-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase. This results in the formation of potentially hazardous semiquinones, the superoxide anion, and H2O2. Superoxide dismutase inhibits this cycling by destroying the free radical chain propagator, the superoxide anion. Four other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon quinones are not substrates of the enzyme and they cause it to undergo a time-dependent inactivation. This presumably results from alkylation of the enzyme. Glutathione fully protects the enzyme against inactivation by 1,2-naphthoquinone but is only partially effective against 7,8-benzo[a]pyrenequinone. These results suggest that in tissues which contain the NAD-linked 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon quinones might produce deleterious effects by undergoing redox cycling. Others might cause such effects by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme which catalyzes the first step in prostaglandin catabolism.
Automated data interpretation based on the concept of "negative signature mass" for mass-mapping disulfide structures of cystinyl proteins.

An efficient method for data processing and interpretation is needed to support and extend disulfide mass-mapping methodology based on partial reduction and cyanylation-induced cleavage to proteins containing more than four cystines. Here, the concept of “negative signature mass” is introduced as the novel feature of an algorithm designed to identify the disulfide structure of a cystinyl protein given an input of mass spectral data and an amino acid sequence. The “negative signature mass” process is different from the conventional approach in that it does not directly rule-in disulfide linkages, but rather eliminates linkages from a list of all possible theoretical linkages, with the goal of ruling out enough linkages so that only one disulfide structure can be constructed. The operating principles and the effectiveness of the algorithm are described in the context of analyzing ribonuclease A, a 124-residue protein containing eight cysteines in the form of four cystines (disulfides).
Stiff, strong, zero thermal expansion lattices via material hierarchy

Abstract For engineering applications where tight dimensional tolerances are required, or for applications where materials are subjected to a wide range of temperatures it becomes desirable to reduce a material’s coefficient of thermal expansion. By carefully designing lattice microstructures, zero thermal expansion can be achieved. This work describes lattice microstructures that achieve zero expansion by utilizing either the Poisson effect to negate thermal expansion, or a curved, bi-material rib morphology. Previously described microstructures were composed of solid material constituents. The lattices presented here have structural hierarchy in which lattice ribs contain oriented porosity. This gives rise to improved strength and modulus, and provides additional design freedom associated with anisotropy.
Crack tip modeling of hydrogen environement embrittlement: Application to fracture mechanics life prediction

Abstract An integrated fracture mechanics life prediction prodedure has been advanced over the past 20 years to mitigate hydrogen-environment-enhanced subcritical crack propagation in steels. Extensive date define monotonic load threshold stress intensities and corrosion fatigue growth kinetics for ferritic and martensitic steels of a wide variety of strengths and exposed to gaseous and aqueous environments. Broadly predictive crack tip models are evolving based on advances in elastic-plastic fracture mechanics, micromechanics and occluded crack chemistry. Hydrogen environment sensors, in sity crack propagation monitors and prototype testing enable evaluations and modifications of fracture mechanisc predictions. While the approach provides major advances towards reliable material usage in energy systems, uncertainties remain; specific issues are identified for future research.
Contagion Influence on Trade and Investment Policy: A Network Perspective

Adopting a network perspective, we demonstrate that two different, yet complementary, forces influence the formation of trade and investment policy. One the one hand, nations that are trading partners develop similar policies through a process of close and enduring interaction. On the other hand, nations that compete for trading opportunities adopt comparable policies through a process of establishing similar types of relations with other nations, even though they may not have direct ties to each other. Implications for managers of multinational enterprises are developed.
Uropathogenic E. coli promote a paracellular urothelial barrier defect characterized by altered tight junction integrity, epithelial cell sloughing and cytokine release.

The urinary bladder is a common site of bacterial infection with a majority of cases attributed to uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Sequelae of urinary tract infections (UTIs) include the loss of urothelial barrier function and subsequent clinical morbidity secondary to the permeation of urine potassium, urea and ammonia into the subepithelium. To date there has been limited research describing the mechanism by which this urothelial permeability defect develops. The present study models acute uropathogenic E. coli infection in vitro using intact canine bladder mucosa mounted in Ussing chambers to determine whether infection induces primarily a transcellular or paracellular permeability defect. The Ussing chamber sustains tissue viability while physically separating submucosal and lumen influences, so this model is ideal for quantitative measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) to assess alterations of urothelial barrier function. Using this model, changes in both tissue ultrastructure and TER indicated that uropathogenic E. coli infection promotes a paracellular permeability defect associated with the failure of umbrella cell tight junction formation and umbrella cell sloughing. In addition, bacterial interaction with the urothelium promoted secretion of cytokines from the urinary bladder with bioactivity capable of modulating epithelial barrier function including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-15. IL-15 secretion by the infected bladder mucosa is a novel finding and, because IL-15 plays key roles in reconstitution of tight junction function in damaged intestine, this study points to a potential role for IL-15 in UTI-induced urothelial injury.
On generation of long waves on a rotating ocean by wind stress distributions

An initial value investigation is made of the transient development of dispersive long waves on a homogeneous rotating shallow ocean generated by an arbitrary steady or oscillatory wind stress disturbances. The significant effect of the rotation on these long waves is examined. The solution of the problem related to physically realistic wind stress distributions is obtained with physical implications. The principal features of the wave motions are explored. In place of complicated Green's function technique, the problem is solved by the generalized Fourier transform and the Laplace transform methods combined with the asymptotic techniques. The method of solution used is simple, elegant and straightforward.
Contrasting effects of unmodified and time-release forms of niacin on lipoproteins in hyperlipidemic subjects: clues to mechanism of action of niacin

To minimize the cutaneous flushing symptoms associated with niacin use, a time-release capsule form of niacin has been formulated. Thus study compares the effects of time-release niacin with those of unmodified niacin on lipoprotein lipids, including HDL2 and HDL3, apoproteins A-I and A-II, clinical chemistries, symptomatic side effects, and adherence to the medication regimen. Seventy-one primarily hypercholesterolemic subjects were randomized to either unmodified niacin or time-release niacin and took medication for a six-month period. The two groups were closely matched on anthropomorphic and lipid variables. Adherence to the therapeutic regimen at a dose of 1.5 g/d in the first month of treatment was similar in the two groups. Thereafter, at a dose of 3.0 g/d, adherence was in excess of 90% among subjects taking unmodified niacin but only 64% among those taking time-release niacin, chiefly because of aggravated gastrointestinal symptoms; cutaneous flushing side effects, however, were slightly less common with time-release niacin. At these levels of adherence, LDL cholesterol (C) was reduced 21% by unmodified niacin and 13% by the time release form. Plasma total triglyceride was reduced more with unmodified niacin (27%) than with time-release niacin (8% maximum), and HDL-C and HDL2-C were increased significantly with unmodified niacin (26% and 36%) and were not significantly changed by time-release niacin. Increased to a similar degree on both regimens were HDL3-C (∼35%) and apoA-I (∼12%). ApoA-II was not affected by either drug regimen. There were no differences in the effects of the two regimens on clinical chemistry tests except for slightly higher SGOT and alkaline phosphatase levels in the time-release group. We conclude that unmodified niacin may be preferable in initiating therapy for hyperlipidemia, particularly in subjects with combined elevations of triglyceride and cholesterol, but that time-release niacin may be of value in subjects with severe flushing symptoms and hypercholesterolemia as the primary disorder. The mechanism whereby niacin lowers triglyceride and raises HDL appears to differ from the mechanism of LDL cholesterol lowering, as do the mechanisms increasing HDL2 and HDL3 cholesterol. The two forms of niacin can serve as probes in studying lipoprotein interrelationships.
Direct observation of insertion events at rac-(C2H4(1-indenyl)2)Zr(MeB(C6F5)3)-polymeryl intermediates: distinction between continuous and intermittent propagation modes.

The propagating species for 1-hexene, propene, and ethene polymerization as catalyzed by [rac-(C2H4(1-indenyl)2)Zr(CH3)][CH3B(C6F5)3] has been intercepted at T < −40 °C and characterized by NMR methods. Observation of the propagating species permits direct monitoring of initiation, propagation, and termination processes by NMR. Detailed examination of alkene incorporation into Zr−polymeryl species using 13C-labeled 1-alkenes supports a continuous insertion mechanism whereby the anion re-coordinates after each alkene insertion.
Acquisition of decision making criteria: reward rate ultimately beats accuracy.

Speed–accuracy trade-offs strongly influence the rate of reward that can be earned in many decision-making tasks. Previous reports suggest that human participants often adopt suboptimal speed–accuracy trade-offs in single session, two-alternative forced-choice tasks. We investigated whether humans acquired optimal speed–accuracy trade-offs when extensively trained with multiple signal qualities. When performance was characterized in terms of decision time and accuracy, our participants eventually performed nearly optimally in the case of higher signal qualities. Rather than adopting decision criteria that were individually optimal for each signal quality, participants adopted a single threshold that was nearly optimal for most signal qualities. However, setting a single threshold for different coherence conditions resulted in only negligible decrements in the maximum possible reward rate. Finally, we tested two hypotheses regarding the possible sources of suboptimal performance: (1) favoring accuracy over reward rate and (2) misestimating the reward rate due to timing uncertainty. Our findings provide support for both hypotheses, but also for the hypothesis that participants can learn to approach optimality. We find specifically that an accuracy bias dominates early performance, but diminishes greatly with practice. The residual discrepancy between optimal and observed performance can be explained by an adaptive response to uncertainty in time estimation.
Electrophysiological Observations on Hearing and Sound Production in the Fish, Porichthys Notatus

Males of the northern midshipman, Porichthys notatus emit sounds that can be characterized as irregular grunts, trains of regularly spaced grunts and buzzes. The grunts contain their maximum amplitude in a band from 85-600 cps with a possible fundamental just below 85 cps. The buzzes contain frequencies from 85 cps to 1 kc. Some buzzes have a well defined fundamental at approximately 85 cps. In others, the fundamental varies between 150 and 250 cps. Microphonics were recorded from the sacculus and appear to originate primarily from the posterior region of the saccular macula. Two microphonic potentials are produced for each cycle of sound. A hearing frequency curve based on a 20 microvolt microphonic response indicates that the ear can detect sounds from 30 to at least 210 cps. There is a low threshold at 30 and at 150 cps. Electromyograms from the pair of muscles attached to the air bladder indicate that they contract simultaneously at frequencies from 93-227 per second during sound production. Each contraction is associated with a pulse of sound. The variety of sounds produced in any given behavioral situation indicates that there is no clear association between a given type of activity and the sound produced. The low threshold of the ear at 150 cps corresponds to a fundamental frequency commonly found in the sounds produced by the fish. This indicates that the fish could use these sounds for communication between individuals.
Micromechanics and homogenization of inelastic composite materials with growing cracks

A homogenization scheme is employed to derive the effective constitutive equations of an elastoplastic composite system with growing damage. The homogenization procedure followed herein is based on the thermodynamics of dissipative media. It is shown that when damage consists of sharps microcracks the macroscopic constitutive behavior is that of a so-called generalized standard material. The latter is a general dissipative medium whose constitutive equations are completely characterized by a single scalar convex potential function of the chosen state variables and whose evolution is completely characterized by a single convex dissipation potential function of the thermodynamic forces conjugate to the chosen internal state variables. The analysis presented is valid under the assumption that the evolution of the representative volume element at hand is unique and stable. The results of the theoretical analysis are then employed for formulating an approximate method for practically deriving the macroscopic constitutive equations. Computer software development for the application of said method is currently ongoing. A simple example of the numerical results obtained so far is presented.
Fetal marfan syndrome: Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis with pathological confirmation of skeletal and aortic lesions

Sonography was performed during the second trimester in two pregnancies at risk for the Marfan syndrome. In one, the limbs were significantly longer than expected (p < 0·0025) and a diagnosis of the Marfan syndrome was established. Pathological examination of the fetus after pregnancy interruption showed typical foci of cystic medial necrosis in the ascending aorta.
The argumentativeness scale: Problems and promise

Previous studies and theoretical analyses have suggested that Infante and Rancer's concept of argumentativeness—and the scale that measures it—suffer from conceptual weaknesses and an inability to explain findings within the original conceptualization of argumentativeness. This essay argues that conceptual weaknesses and operationalization problems have produced questionable findings of argumentativeness differences between the sexes and between those with and without debate experience. The study then compares differently worded versions of the argumentativeness scale in order to provide evidence of the scale's current weaknesses and guidance in how to remedy them in future argumentativeness research.
A New Self-Healing Methodology for RF Amplifier Circuits Based on Oscillation Principles

This paper proposes a new self-healing methodology for embedded RF amplifiers in RF sub-systems. The proposed methodology is based on oscillation principles in which the device-under-test (DUT) generates its test signature with the help of additional circuitry. In the proposed methodology, the self-generated test signature from the RF amplifier is analyzed by using on-chip resources for testing and controlling its calibration knobs to compensate for multi-parameter variations in the manufacturing process. Thus, the proposed methodology enables self-test and self-calibration/correction of RF amplifiers without the need for an external test stimulus, enabling true self-healing RF designs. The proposed methodology is demonstrated through simulations as well as measurements performed on an RF LNA, which were designed in a commercially-available SiGe BiCMOS process technology.
Vitellogenin synthesis in the mosquito: the role of juvenile hormone in the development of responsiveness to ecdysone

. Ecdysone stimulates the synthesis of vitellogenin in the fat body of mature female mosquitoes. Preparations from newly emerged animals, however, were found to be unresponsive to ecdysone. Responsiveness developed to a maximal level during a 36-h post-emergence period of maturation. This maturation could be accelerated with juvenile hormone application, prevented by allatectomy, and restored by corpora allata implants. It is concluded that the development of fat body responsiveness to ecdysone is dependent upon previous post-emergence exposure to juvenile hormone.
Periungual Bowen's Disease in a 4-Year-Old Girl

Bowen's disease (BD), or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ, is rare in children. BD usually occurs in Caucasian adults on sun-exposed areas and may progress to invasive cutaneous SCC. Most cases of periungual BD have been linked to human papillomavirus infection. We report an immunocompetent child with periungual BD.
Venlafaxine versus stimulant therapy in patients with dual diagnosis ADD and depression

Abstract Background: Adult attention-deficit disorder (ADD) may either present as chronic depression or be comorbid with major depressive disorder (MDD). The present study examined treatment outcome with antidepressants and/or stimulants in adults with ADD who initially presented with a diagnosis of MDD. Method: Seventeen patients with comorbid MDD and ADD were identified: 65% had a history of hyperactivity in childhood, and 41% had a history of treatment nonresponse to two or more antidepressants. Retrospective analysis was performed with patients who received one of three treatments: (i) venlafaxine, bupropion, or tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) monotherapy; (ii) stimulant monotherapy; or (iii) stimulant plus antidepressant therapy. Outcome was based upon change in both MDD and ADD symptoms. Results: Venlafaxine-treated patients (80%) versus patients taking stimulant therapy alone (33%) had at least a moderate reduction in both MDD and ADD symptoms (χ2=2.40, Fisher exact p=ns). Similarly, 88% of patients on stimulants plus antidepressant therapy also showed a reduction in both MDD and ADD symptoms (versus stimulant monotherapy) (χ2=7.22, Fisher exact P=.018). There was no difference in response rates between venlafaxine monotherapy and combination stimulant plus antidepressant therapy (χ2=0.13, Fisher exact P>1.999). Conclusion: Although preliminary in nature, these data suggest that venlafaxine monotherapy may have similar efficacy to a treatment with a combination of stimulant plus antidepressant therapy, and superior to stimulant therapy alone, in patients with comorbid MDD and ADD. Controlled, prospective trials with larger patient samples will be needed to confirm these preliminary observations.
Rate of tendon gap closure in an in vitro collagen gel matrix

Tendon gap closure was examined in a tissue culture model and found to have a similar time course as skin wound closure. Foot tendons from White Rock chickens were mounted in a collagen gel matrix and maintained with the use of Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium, containing fetal calf serum and antibiotics, for 4 weeks at 37 degrees C in an incubator. Gap distances between tendons were measured every 1 to 3 days and plotted against time as the contraction curve. After an initial lag period of 4 to 8 days, gap distance showed a progressive decrease. Gap closure rate was defined as the slope of the contraction curve, and it was found to be a function of initial gap distance (r = 0.643, p 0.045). The time necessary to reduce the initial gap distance by half had a significant correlation with the initial gap distance (r = 0.986, p < 0.001). Fibroblast migration began on days 2 to 3 after a 1- to 2-day lag period. Fibroblasts were visible in the tendon gap region before the start of collagen gel contraction. At this time, the fibroblast migration rate was 0.33 mm/day. A critical density of fibroblasts was necessary to start collagen gel contraction. Once the gap distance began to diminish, fibroblast migration measurements were hampered because the measurable area was decreasing. Collagen gel contraction reduced the measurable fibroblast migration rate by nearly half to 0.18 mm/day. A linear correlation was found between fibroblast distance traveled and time in culture during both the gel lag and gel contraction time periods. This tendon culture model may be potentially useful for wound healing studies because it allows for studies of fibroblast activity in the early lag phase when the cells populate the collagen lattice but before contraction of the gel occurs.
Humoral immune response to oral rabies vaccination in raccoon kits: Problems and implications

a b s t r a c t Little is known about the immunogenicity of RABORAL V-RG ® (V-RG), an oral rabies vaccine, in raccoon kits (Procyon lotor). The objectives of this study were to characterize the immunogenicity of V-RG in young kits and investigate the potential impact of maternal antibodies on response to vaccination of nursing raccoon kits. Raccoon kits (n = 30) were vaccinated at either 3 weeks of age, 7 weeks of age, or assigned as contact controls. Nineteen kits (73%) that were whelped by unvaccinated mothers responded to V- RG exposure (orally or indirect contact) by production of detectable rabies virus neutralizing antibodies (RVNA) while 7 (27%) kits did not respond to V-RG exposure. Four kits were whelped by a mother with high levels of RVNA and all four kits acquired maternal rabies antibodies. At approximately 9 months of age, all kits were inoculated with a killed rabies vaccine, IMRAB3 ® . The kits which initially responded to V-RG oral vaccination or contact with vaccinated littermates demonstrated a rapid anamnestic response. In contrast, the V-RG non-responders and those with acquired maternal antibodies exhibited a primary immune response to IMRAB3®, where RVNA levels were substantially lower on days 5 and 7 than the levels in the animals with an anamnestic response. These findings suggest that the naive contact kits and the nonresponsive kits most likely remained susceptible to rabies virus infection whereas the ones
Preference for saccharin-sweetened alcohol relative to isocaloric sucrose

This experiment tested the reinforcing efficacy of a saccharin-sweetened alcohol solution relative to an isocaloric sucrose drink in rats. One dipper served 10% alcohol plus 0.25% saccharin, and a second, concurrently available, dipper served 14.2% sucrose. During the course of the experiment, access to the two drinks was challenged by increasing the schedule requirement (variable-interval) that determined when a lever press would operate the dipper. There were two main findings. First, the rats continued to consume significant amounts of alcohol despite access to the isocaloric sucrose solution. Second, schedule-requirement increases that decreased sucrose-reinforced responding failed to decrease saccharin-sweetened alcohol reinforced responding. These results extend and replicate earlier findings from studies in which alcohol was mixed with sucrose, and the alcohol mixtures held a caloric advantage over the competing sucrose solutions. The experiment also included controls for differences in baseline response rates and for the influence of saccharin on preference. In the baseline response-rate control conditions, the two reinforcers were 10% sucrose and a mixture of 10% sucrose-plus-quinine. The results showed that the persistence of sweetened-alcohol reinforced responding could not be explained by differences in baseline response rates or the reinforcing properties of saccharin. Rather, the findings were consistent with the idea that the rats were defending baseline levels of alcohol-plus-saccharin consumption.
Precision Slung Cargo Delivery onto a Moving Platform

This paper describes modeling, simulation, algorithm, and flight validation activities done to explore the feasibility and highlight the issues with precision cargo delivery from an unmanned helicopter onto or off-of a moving platform. The challenge is to precisely control a slung load under a helicopter with a high enough bandwidth to allow for the rendezvous with a stochastically accelerating ground target. To aide this effort, models are developed of the slung load and the moving platform.
Cells of Origin of Primary Pulmonary Neoplasms in Mice: Morphologic and Histochemical Studies

Urethane-induced pulmonary adenomas in mice have two distinct histologic growth patterns–solid and papillary. The development of these tumors between 14 and 56 weeks was investigated in A/J mice. Solid tumor multiplicity remained constant from 14 to 56 weeks, whereas papillary and total tumor multiplicities increased in parallel between 14 and 28 weeks and remained constant through 56 weeks. The simplest explanation of these results is that solid and papillary adenomas arise independently, possibly from different cell types. The cell type of origin of these primary mouse lung tumors was investigated histochemically. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) histochemistry readily stained bronchiolar epithelial cells, but alveolar epithelial cells exhibited only slight enzymatic activity. Urethane-induced papillary adenomas exhibited intense SDH staining, whereas solid adenomas stained very lightly. Since Clara cells and type II pneumocytes are the only cells capable of proliferation in the bronchiolar and alveolar ep...
Some inequalities in incomplete beta functions by using statistical techniques

In this paper an inequality concerning incomplete beta functions is stated and proved. From this inequality several other inequalities are derived. The main inequality can be given by using the properties of incomplete beta functions but an interesting derivation by using statistical techniques is given.
Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices in Thermoplastic Elastomeric Materials for DNA Detection on Thermal Plastic Substrate

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) based microfluidic devices integrated with a microfluidic pumping manifold which consists of 4 electromagnetic valves (EMV) were fabricated. The back and forth shuttling flow and its application in the DNA hybridization process were validated on a thermal plastic Zeonor 1060R substrate. The flow rate can be as fast as 23μl/min when the channel width and the channel height are in 100μm, and 25μm, respectively. The DNA hybridization process is detected by using a fluorescence microscopy. Remarkable DNA hybridization is achieved with the continuous flow of the target DNA at a concentration of 10 nM within the first 1 min by using this device.
Language Play: Implications for the Second-Language Learner

Although humor and linguistic play are common in authentic speech and ubiquitous in the communicative classroom, language play has received little serious attention in the field of second language acquisition. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential effects of language play upon second language acquisition in both children and adult learners. Studies by Aronsson and Cekaite (2005), Belz (2002), Bell (2005), Bongartz and Schneider (2003), Broner and Tarone (2001), Lucas (2005), Peck (1980), and Warner (2004) are reviewed. The results indicate that second language play may lead to focus on form through noticing, comparison of language forms within and between languages, and corrective feedback from interlocutors; additionally, the ability to play with language seems to be an indicator of proficiency and multicompetence and may instigate pushed output (Swain 2000).
Modeling Bearing and Shear Forces in Molecularly Thin Lubricants

Under the effects of high shear rate and confinement between solid surfaces, the behavior of a thin lubricant film deviates from that of the bulk, resulting in significant increases of lubricant viscosity and interfacial slip. A semi-empirical model accounting for the breakdown of continuum theory at the nanoscale is proposed—based on film morphology and chemistry from available experimental and molecular dynamics simulation data—to describe lubricant behavior under shear. Viscosity stiffening and interfacial slip models are introduced into the formulations of the normal (bearing) and shear forces acting on a sphere that moves within a thin lubricant film parallel to a rigid plane. The experimentally measured ‘apparent’ viscosity confounding the effects of both stiffening and slip is used to predict the hydrodynamic forces acting on a fully or partially submerged sphere for the purposes of describing lubricant contact in magnetic storage. The proposed sphere-on-flat model forms the basis of a future, dynamic contact with friction model that will account for lubricant contact in the context of molecularly thin lubricated rough surface contact.
Party Systems and Decentralization in Africa

What explains when and to what extent central governments implement decentralization? By centering on the strategic incentives that follow from the particular configuration of competitiveness and party system coherence, we propose a theory that can begin to explain the divergent outcomes in the many forms of decentralization initiated across Africa. This explanation for the extent to which robust decentralization is implemented over time suggests two counter-intuitive findings. First, authoritarian regimes may decentralize further than democratic ones, given the incentives to the hegemonic party where such reforms are initiated. Second, highly fragmented and deeply localized polities may decentralize most minimally, even where there is a broad consensus about the desirability of such reforms. We provide a first test of the theory through a comparative analysis of over a dozen countries, focusing on process tracing for Ethiopia, Botswana, Ghana, and Benin.
The measurement of experienced burnout

A scale designed to assess various aspects of the burnout syndrome was administered to a wide range of human services professionals. Three subscales emerged from the data analysis: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. Various psychometric analyses showed that the scale has both high reliability and validity as a measure of burnout.