cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ecological Aspects of Microorganisms Inhabiting Uranium Mill Tailings

Numbers and types of microorganisms in uranium mill tailings were determined using culturing techniques.Arthrobacter were found to be the predominant microorganism inhabiting the sandy tailings, whereasBacillus and fungi predominated in the slime tailings. Sulfate-reducing bacteria, capable of leaching radium, were isolated in low numbers from tailings samples but were isolated in significantly high numbers from topsoil in contact with the tailings. The results are placed in the context of the magnitude of uranium mill tailings in the United States, the hazards posed by the tailings, and how such hazards could be enhanced or diminished by microbial activities. Patterns in the composition of the microbial population are evaluated with respect to the ecological variables that influence microbial growth.
Foreign Direct Investment in the U.S., 1974–1984

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the United States has become more important but less sensationalized over the past dozen years. This note compares the pattern of FDI as of 1974, 1978 and 1984 and concludes that the pattern has remained more consistent than might have been expected. The number of foreign-owned firms has risen dramatically, but the foreign investments tend to be in the same states and industries and from the same countries as they were in 1974. Exceptions to these norms are noted.
Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiomyopathy and the most common cause of cardiac death in young athletes in the U.S. Noninvasive imaging plays an important role in detecting the disease, understanding its pathophysiology, and selecting as well as guiding appropriate therapy. In this review, we discuss the existing methodology with emphasis on current and emerging clinical applications in patients with HCM.
Scale-dependent habitat relations of birds in riparian corridors in an urbanizing landscape

Abstract As the amount of urbanization in the landscape surrounding a riparian zone increases, local riparian vegetation structure and composition change in complex ways. The impact of increasing urbanization on birds in and around riparian zones will depend on their differential sensitivity to local- versus landscape-scale habitat variation. Thus, our principal objective was to determine which spatial scale has a greater association with the distribution of each bird species using riparian corridors in a landscape mosaic comprised of anthropogenic land uses and undeveloped native shrublands in coastal southern California. We surveyed 137 points in riparian vegetation along an urbanization gradient, and used logistic regression and information theory to select best supported models describing the distribution of each of 52 bird species. Models based only on local-scale vegetation variables were best supported for 19 species, whereas landscape-scale (amount of urbanization within a 1000-m radius) models were best supported for 13. Ten species were best described by models combining local- and landscape-scale variables, and 10 had no well-supported models. Within guilds, woodland and riparian-dependent species appeared to respond to local vegetation variables whereas shrubland species appeared more sensitive to landscape context. Likewise, insectivores were more likely to be associated with variation in local-scale variables. In contrast to other studies, Neotropical migrants were not sensitive to increasing urbanization. Provided that local vegetation remains in good condition, our results suggest that riparian bird species may persist even in areas with extensive urbanization.
Teaching Economic Reasoning to Children

The author discusses the differing perspectives which the social sciences offer to young people to analyse problems. Perspectives from history, political science and geography are briefly discussed. The author stresses that the child's perspective of the social world differs from the ones offered by social scientists. Following a summary of the economic thinking of children and adolescents, the author stresses that economics also presents students with an important perspective through the application of economic principles involving choice, costs, incentives, rules, trade, and future consequences. These economic principles are explained by reference to an example of why the buffalo population in the United States nearly became extinct and why it is now recovering. The author concludes with suggestions for how teachers can bring an economic perspective into the classroom. Readers are provided with three ‘economic mysteries' as examples of classroom activities.
The P.V.T.-behavior of diatomic substances in their gaseous and liquid states

The critical compressibility factor has been used as a criterion for the correlation of the P.V.T.-behavior in the gaseous and liquid states for the diatomic gases, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, chlorine, and hydrogen chloride. Reduced densities for these substances have been calculated from available literature data. These are presented as functions of reduced temperature and reduced pressure to produce extensive density correlations for nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon monoxide. These correlations exhibit similar behavior as expected from their similar critical compressibility factors. The validity of the critical compressibility factor as a correlating parameter has been verified by the favorable comparison of the P.V.T.-behavior of substances other than diatomic gases including argon, krypton, xenon, and methane. These results indicate that the P.V.T.-behavior of substances having critical compressibility factors of approximately 0.291 can be predicted from the reduced state correlation developed in this study as long as polarity effects are absent.
521. Gene Transfer of an Anti-CCR5 siRNA by Sleeping Beauty (SB) Transposon System

The Sleeping Beauty transposon vector system is a non-viral gene delivery method. It is mediated by a transposase that employs a cut-and-paste mechanism. It is derived by repairing defective copies of Tc1/mariner family transposon elements. The utility of SB transposon system has been demonstrated in various mammalian cell lines for example by the gene transfer of a red fluorescence protein (RFP) in primary human lymphocytes. SiRNAs that mediate RNA interference have also been successfully introduced into cells using this system thus paving the way for permanent gene knock down using this novel non-viral gene transfer method. In our current studies we sought to introduce an anti-CCR5 siRNA into HIV-1 susceptible cells to down regulate this essential coreceptor involved in viral entry. A previously characterized short hairpin siRNA against CCR5 together with an RFP reporter was cloned into the SB gene transfer transposon and introduced into MAGI-CCR5 and GHOST-R3X4R5 cell lines. Since the levels of gene transfer were low, the stable transposed clones were enriched by FACS sorting for RFP expression. The enriched transgenic cells were cultured for many generations and monitored for RFP expression which appeared to be stable. To evaluate the siRNA mediated down regulation of CCR5, the transgenic cells were evaluated by FACS analysis. Both MAGI-CCR5 and GHOST-R3X4R5 cells showed a 90% reduction in CCR5 expression indicating that the siRNA is functional in this system. Stable transposition was also confirmed by southern blot hybridization testing of transposed cells with an RFP derived probe. To evaluate the HIV-1 resistance of the transgenic cells, they were challenged with a CCR5 tropic HIV-1 strain. Viral resistance was monitored by assaying for viral p24 antigen released into the supernatants at different days post viral challenge. Our results have shown significant viral resistance by the anti-CCR5 siRNA transgenic cells. These data indicate that a non-viral SB system can be utilized for transposition of siRNA coding genes to confer resistance against HIV.
Mechanism of specificity in the Fos-Jun oncoprotein heterodimer

Fos and Jun, the protein products of the nuclear proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-jun, associate preferentially to form a heterodimer that binds to DNA and modulates transcription of a wide variety of genes in response to mitogenic stimuli. Both Fos and Jun contain a single leucine zipper region. Previous studies have shown that the leucine zippers of Fos and Jun are necessary and sufficient to mediate preferential heterodimer formation. The leucine zipper regions from Fos and Jun are also known to fold autonomously, most likely as two-stranded, parallel coiled coils. We show here that 8 amino acids from Fos and from Jun are sufficient to mediate preferential heterodimer formation in a background of the GCN4 leucine zipper sequence. Using pH titration and amino acid replacements, we also show that destabilization of the Fos homodimer by acidic residues provides a major thermodynamic driving force for preferential heterodimer formation.
Long non-coding RNAs and enhancers

Long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as important regulatory factors in mammalian genomics. A number of reports within the last 2 years have identified thousands of actively expressed long ncRNA transcripts with distinct properties. The long ncRNAs show differential expression patterns and regulation in a wide variety of cells and tissues, adding significant complexity to the understanding of their biological role. Furthermore, genome-wide studies of transcriptional enhancers based on chromatin modifications and enhancer binding proteins have led to the identification of putative enhancers and provided insight into their tissue-specific regulation of gene expression. In an exciting turn of events, new evidence is indicating that long ncRNAs are associated with enhancer regions and that such non-coding transcription correlate with the increased activity of the neighboring genes. Moreover, additional experiments suggest that enhancer-function can be mediated through a transcribed long ncRNA and that this might be a common function for long ncRNAs. Here, we review recent advances made both in the genome-wide characterization of enhancers and in the identification of new classes of long ncRNAs, and discuss the functional overlap of these two classes of regulatory elements.
Magnetotelluric data, stable distributions and impropriety: an existential combination

Author Posting. © Author, 2014. This article is posted here by permission of The Royal Astronomical Society for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Geophysical Journal International 198 (2014): 622-636, doi: 10.1093/gji/ggu121.
Reaction of Ph2PH with the tetracobalt cluster Co4(CO)10(μ4-PPh)2. Kinetic studies of sequential CO replacement and X-ray crystal structure of Co4(CO)8(μ4-PPh)2(Ph2PH)2

Abstract The kinetics for the sequential substitution of CO on the tetracobalt cluster Co 4 (CO) 10 (μ 4 -PPh) 2 have been investigated for the ligand Ph 2 PH. Ligand substitution is observed under mild conditions to yield Co 4 (CO) 10− n (μ 4 -PPh) 2 (Ph 2 PH) n ( n = 1, 2). The kinetics for each substitution step reveal a two-term rate law: ( k 1 + k 2 [Ph 2 PH])[cluster]. The k 2 component corresponds to a Ph 2 PH-dependent attack on Co 4 (CO) 10 (μ 4 -PPh) 2 and Co 4 (CO) 9 (μ 4 -PPh) 2 (Ph 2 PH). The k 1 contribution is inconsistent with a dissociative loss of CO, but rather a unimolecular closo → nido cluster rearrangement. The bis-substituted cluster Co 4 (CO) 8 (μ 4 -PPh) 2 (Ph 2 PH) 2 is observed to crystallize in the triclinic space group P 1 with a 9.800(1) A, b 14.849(2) A, c 15.583(2) A, α 83.89(1)°, β 81.69(1)°, γ 79.34(1)°, V 2197.7(5) a 3 and Z = 2. Block-cascade least-squares refinement yielded R = 0.0379 for 4860 reflections. The importances of thermodynamic product control in directing the phosphine regiochemistry and stereochemistry in Co 4 (CO) 8 (μ 4 -PPh) 2 (Ph 2 PH) 2 and other reported clusters of this genre is discussed.
Effects of periodic driving on asymmetric two-level systems coupled to dissipative environments

We study the dynamics of initially localized states in biased dissipative TLSs evolving under a time periodic force simulating monochromatic light. Accurate numerical calculations are presented using an iterative procedure to evaluate realtime path integrals. In the high-temperature and moderate to high friction regime, the system exhibits exponential decay. In this regime the decay constant approaches a plateau value that depends only on the intensity of the driving field. Simple analytical calculations using a Landau-Zener approach predict correctly the value of the decay rate. Bias does not affect significantly the plateau value of the decay constant provided that the asymmetry is small relative to the amplitude of the driving field. In the low-friction regime, phase relations are important and there is nonmonotonic variation of the delocalization rate. Weak friction broadens the window for extending the lifetime of localized states. At very strong friction the decay rate diminishes monotonically.
Methods for discerning cloud reflectivity changes due to the indirect effect of aerosol: a pilot study for Triana

Understanding the effect of aerosol on clouds and cloud systems is one of the major challenges in climate research. Local studies suggest a multitude of aerosol influences on cloud properties, some increasing cloud albedo and some decreasing it. The net effect remains uncertain. NASA's TRIANA mission, which would see the whole sunlit face of the Earth continually, would provide simultaneous data on aerosol properties and cloud reflectivity from its EPIC multi-spectral imager. With TRIANA's unique position at the L-1 Lagrange point, these data would be available not only globally but also over the entire daytime, well suited to accommodate the often short lifetimes of aerosol and investigations around diurnal cycles. This pilot study explores the ability to detect relationships between aerosol properties and cloud-reflectivity with advanced statistical methods and applies to any L-1 imager with similar capabilities. Prototype results using data from the EOS Terra platform are presented.
Adolescent family environmental antecedents to transformational leadership potential: A longitudinal mediational analysis

Abstract This long-term longitudinal study examined the relation between aspects of adolescents' family context representing a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment and subsequent qualities of transformational leadership in every day leaders in early adulthood. In addition, we examined one pathway through which this link occurs. Specifically, we sought to determine whether the relation between positive family functioning and transformational leadership was mediated through adolescent self-concept. Repeated measures from participants, ages 12 through 29 years (N = 106), in the Fullerton Longitudinal Study were analyzed using multilevel structural equation models (MSEM). The results indicated a significant relation between family functioning and transformational leadership mediated by self-concept, controlling for socioeconomic status. When parents provided a stimulating and supportive environment, adolescents reported a more positive general self-concept, which subsequently related to transformational leadership qualities in adulthood. These findings represent the first prospective data that support the relation of family environment in childhood to transformational leadership in adulthood.
Reply to Fulda on animal rights

Joseph Fulda has proposed a somewhat recherchd reply to my criticism of the doctrine of "animal rights. ''I It is always permissible to kill any number of animals rather than let a human being die, not because animals lack rights, says Fulda, but because the rights of animals are denumerably infinite in size while human rights are non-denumerable. (Fulda mistakenly asserts that R I is the number of sets of integers; this assertion is the famous Continuum Hypothesis, which is neither provable nor refutable within standard set theory.) Since any non-denumable exceeds any finite number of denumerables, animal rights may be supposed to exist but are infinitesmal compared to human rights. I am not sure that Fulda's "non-standard-moder' differs much from the common-sense view I endorsed, for reasons that a few preliminary points make clear. First, Fulda's terrorist example does not compel a non-additive view of rights, since, as is a commonplace in the literature, handing over a hostage to a terrorist is doing something wrong, whereas refusing to hand over the hostage is allowing a wrong to happen. Perhaps the governing intuition is not that killing one person is as bad as killing a thousand, but that, standing finn, you have killed nobody while all the moral blood is on the terrorist's hands. Maimonides notwithstanding, most people would chose actively taking one life over actively taking ten million, implicitly treating the value of lives as additive. Fulda's second motive for his model, the supremacy of animal rights over property rights, is also not compelling. If millions of termites are destroying my house, am I not allowed, morally, to kill them? If a wolf is decimating a flock of sheep and mining a rancher's livelihood, isn't the rancher allowed to kill it? If a limit exists to the destruction the rancher must endure, animal rights in Fulda's scheme become finite numbers considerably smaller than most property rights. Third, Fulda's model solves the central man 2 - vs. - animal problem only if the universe is sufficiently small. Suppose you are the quartermaster
Self-consistent extended-muffin-tin orbital energy-band method: Application to Li C 6

The extended-muffin-tin orbital (EMTO) energy-band method has been made self-consistent by fast-Fourier-transforming the non-muffin-tin charge density. The EMTO method is used here to calculate self-consistent energy bands for Li-intercalated graphite. The Li $s$ and $p$ states are found to be empty. The carbon $\ensuremath{\pi}$ states near the Fermi energy are found to be strongly distorted from that of pure graphite.
Converting Vector and Tensor Equations to Scalar Equations in Spherical Coordinates

Sunzriiary We show how to represent a vector field in a spherical shell in terms of three scalar fields, and a second-order tensor field in terms of nine scalar fields. We derive the scalar representations of the most common algebraic and differential operations on vector and second-order tensor fields, and apply the results to obtain scalar formulations of various tensor problems in the continuum mechanics of the Earth’s mantle. We give an exhaustive catalogue of all possible equilibrium stress fields in the mantle, we deduce the scalar equations of elastic-gravitational oscillation of a transversely isotropic, radially stratified, spherically symmetrical Earth, and we give the scalar convection equations for a viscous, self-gravitating, spherically symmetrical mantle with radially variable viscosity.
Affect Dynamics, Affective Forecasting, and Aging

Affective forecasting, experienced affect, and recalled affect were compared in younger and older adults during a task in which participants worked to win and avoid losing small monetary sums. Dynamic changes in affect were measured along valence and arousal dimensions, with probes during both anticipatory and consummatory task phases. Older and younger adults displayed distinct patterns of affect dynamics. Younger adults reported increased negative arousal during loss anticipation and positive arousal during gain anticipation. In contrast, older adults reported increased positive arousal during gain anticipation but showed no increase in negative arousal on trials involving loss anticipation. Additionally, younger adults reported large increases in valence after avoiding an anticipated loss, but older adults did not. Younger, but not older, adults exhibited forecasting errors on the arousal dimension, underestimating increases in arousal during anticipation of gains and losses and overestimating increases in arousal in response to gain outcomes. Overall, the findings are consistent with a growing literature suggesting that older people experience less negative emotion than their younger counterparts and further suggest that they may better predict dynamic changes in affect.
Hickam’s dictum and the rare convergence of antisynthetase syndrome and hemoglobin SC disease

### Learning Point for Clinicians This case emphasizes the importance of considering alternative diagnoses, including the pediatric history, when an adult patient’s course takes an entirely unexpected turn. The principle of Hickam’s dictum is underscored, illustrating the convergence of autoimmune-mediated and sickle hemoglobinopathy-mediated tissue injury, two mechanistically distinct disorders, rather than a single unifying diagnosis. A healthy 30-year-old African-American woman developed fatigue, exertional dyspnea and leg weakness over 3 months. Lifting a glass and combing her hair were difficult. Creatine kinase was 818 U/l [normal range (NR) 24-170 U/l], and aldolase was 23.8 U/l (NR < 8.1 U/l). Given her progressive decline, she was admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital for further evaluation and management. Medical history included quiescent hemoglobin SC disease, without a vaso-occlusive crisis since age 4. She had two children. Temperature was 37.2°C, blood pressure 123/66 mm Hg, pulse 90 bpm, respirations 20 and oxygen saturation 99%. Auscultation revealed bibasilar crackles. Cardiac and abdominal examinations were unremarkable. Metacarpophalangeal joints and knees were tender without effusion. There was symmetric, proximal …
Emerging Positive Organizational Behavior

Although the value of positivity has been assumed over the years, only recently has it become a major focus area for theory building, research, and application in psychology and now organizational behavior. This review article examines, in turn, selected representative positive traits (Big Five personality, core self-evaluations, and character strengths and virtues), positive state-like psychological resource capacities (efficacy, hope, optimism, re siliency, and psychological capital), positive organizations (drawn from positive organization scholarship), and positive behaviors (organizational citizenship and courageous principled action). This review concludes with recommendations for future research and effective application.
Sarcopenia: Pharmacology of Today and Tomorrow

Sarcopenia remains largely undiagnosed and undertreated because of the lack of a universally accepted definition, effective ways to measure it, and identification of the outcomes that should guide treatment efficacy. An ever-growing number of clinicians and researchers along with funding and regulatory agencies have gradually recognized that sarcopenia is a human condition that requires both prevention and treatment. In this article, we review sarcopenia and its common and less known pharmacological treatments, attempt to define sarcopenia in its broader context, and present some new ideas for potential future treatment for this devastating condition.
ENDOCRINE REGULATION OF REPRODUCTION

It is evident that “endocrine regulation of reproduction” is not the subject of a single investigation. It is presented as a standpoint, or conception, of considerable consequence in viewing facts which fall into several chapters of present and future knowledge of the internal secretions. It is a conception that could have arisen only after a generation of revealing and revolutionizing study. Indeed many investigators will doubtless consider this conception premature or ill-founded even now. But probably all will agree that a point of high importance to the whole subject of internal secretion will have been attained whenever it can be shown that one major section of animal organization is largely divorced from control by nerves, and is found to be fully guarded and efficiently controlled by hormones. If, or when, it is found that the mechanism of reproduction in higher animals and man are under the control of the endocrine system, not of the nerves, we may have obtained the key to the special significance...
Studies of "natural" remedies for the common cold: pitfalls and pratfalls.

Current treatments for the common cold are limited to symptomatic therapies. First-generation antihistamines and adrenergic agents are modestly effective for rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction respectively, but their usefulness is diminished by side effects. In recent years, there has been increasing
Reduction of hypoglycaemic events with a behavioural intervention: a randomized clinical trial for paediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Aims To determine if a low-intensity, clinic-integrated behavioural intervention reduced the incidence of hypoglycaemic events in children with Type 1 diabetes. Methods A total of 390 families with children with Type 1 diabetes were enrolled in a 2-year, randomized clinical trial of a behavioural intervention. The intervention was designed to improve diabetes management practices by targeting the family's diabetes problem-solving skills. Hypoglycaemic events were categorized in two groups: those treated by oral ingestion and those treated by parenteral therapy. Events were self-reported by participants at each clinic visit, which occurred approximately every 3-4 months. Analyses included two-sample t-tests, the mean cumulative function test, and the Cox proportional hazards model for recurrent events to compare the incidence between groups. Results Across the entire 2-year study period, the incidence of hypoglycaemic events treated by oral ingestion of glucose-rich foods and events requiring parenteral therapy did not significantly differ between study conditions; however, during the second year of participant enrolment, the incidence of events treated by oral ingestion in the intervention group was 13.6 per 100 person-years compared with 27.3 per 100 patient-years in the control group (P = 0.02). The hazard ratio of these events during the second year was 0.49 (95% CI 0.27-0.90; P = 0.02). Conclusions Our findings suggest the need for a long-term (> 1 year) focus on the implementation of interventions targeting diabetes management in young people. Behavioural interventions targeting problem-solving skills could be considered as practical, non-pharmacological strategies to reduce hypoglycaemia in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.
5-HT2A receptor antagonists inhibit potassium-stimulated γ-aminobutyric acid release in rat frontal cortex

Several drugs selective for the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor were tested for their effects on spontaneous and K(+)-evoked [3H] gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release from slices of rat frontal cortex. Under K+ stimulation, the antagonists ketanserin, spiperone, R-(+)-alpha-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenethyl)]- 4-piperidinemethanol (MDL 100,907) and ritanserin inhibited GABA release by 12-31%. Rats were treated with the serotonin-depleting agent para-chlorophenylalanine and with the serotonergic neurotoxin para-chloroamphetamine. In para-chlorophenylalanine-treated animals, stimulated GABA release in the presence of ketanserin remained depressed. In animals treated with both para-chlorophenylalanine and para-chloroamphetamine, ketanserin or the hallucinogenic agonist (2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminoethane (2C-I) each appeared to decrease stimulated GABA release but this was not significant. However, when ketanserin and 2C-I were both present in the superfusion buffer an additive inhibitory effect was observed, and GABA release was decreased 30%. These results suggest that serotonin facilitates GABA release in cortex via 5-HT2A receptors and that the functional response of this system is resistant to serotonin depletion.
Use of Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization to Distinguish Metastatic Uveal From Cutaneous Melanoma

Metastatic lesions of malignant melanoma can on occasion be difficult to classify with regard to the primary site of origin. Given the lack of specificity of light microscopic features, ancillary studies are needed. In this study, the authors explored the possibility of distinguishing metastatic tumors derived from uveal primaries from those known to have originated from a cutaneous melanoma by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes for chromosome 3, 8q24, and 1p36. A total of 32 metastatic tumors were analyzed by FISH. Monosomy 3 was detected in 9 out of 16 (56.3%) cases of metastatic uveal melanoma but was not found in any of the 16 metastatic cutaneous melanomas (P < .001). With regard to 1p36, amplifications were found in 8 out of 16 (50%) cases of metastatic cutaneous melanoma but not in any case of uveal melanoma (P < .05). 1p36 was deleted in 3 cases of uveal and 1 case of cutaneous melanoma. Amplifications of 8q were found in 15 out of 16 (94%) cases of uveal melanoma metastases and in 12 out of 16 (75%) cases of cutaneous metastases. The findings suggest that FISH for monosomy 3 is a useful adjunct tool in the differential diagnosis of metastatic uveal versus cutaneous melanoma.
Globalization and corruption in post-Soviet countries: perverse effects of economic openness

Post-Soviet countries struggle with endemic problems of corruption. While the causes of corruption are many and deeply rooted, one of the factors that may contribute to corruption is globalization. The influence of international economic ties on bureaucratic corruption is frequently overlooked. It is also significant for those interested in addressing corruption because it could potentially be dealt with through straightforward policy change. Economic transition led to significant increases in foreign investment and trade in post-Soviet countries. This article examines bureaucratic corruption by considering the variation in firms’ tendency to pay bribes in each country using self-reported data from surveys of enterprises in 11 post-Soviet countries. Within the context of the same legal and political institutions and cultural environment, trading firms are more likely than non-trading firms to make informal payments to get things done. This is attributable to payments made to deal with customs officials; t...
Further discrete optimizations for continuous aperture illuminations

Two applications of an iterative procedure to establish a means of optimizing theoretical low sidelobe antenna patterns are discussed. Examples described consider discrete element linear array antennas where the parameters involved in the optimization process are coefficients ordinarily associated with continuous aperture illuminations. One application uses the iterative procedure to control far-out sidelobe levels of the far-field pattern to establish array element excitations appropriate for low sidelobe behavior throughout the entire visible region of space. The other application uses the procedure to establish beam port amplitude weightings at a minimum number of beam ports in a multibeam feed network also suitable for low sidelobe antenna pattern behavior.
Using injectable carriers of laser-polarized noble gases for enhancing NMR and MRI

Laser-polarized noble gases hold enormous potential for enhancing sensitivity and contrast for a variety of nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging experiments. Potential biomedical applications are especially tantalizing; however, overcoming the difficulty of delivering laser-polarized noble gases to living tissues with sufficient polarization and concentration may be critical to the feasibility of many proposed in vivo studies. One suggested means of delivering laser-polarized noble gases to tissues involves the local injection of biologically compatible solutions in which high noble gas concentrations and long polarization lifetimes can be achieved. In this review, the general topic of biomedical applications of laser-polarized noble gases is introduced. Special attention is given to a description of the injection technique and its applications, along with a discussion of potential advantages and limitations. Concluding remarks discuss the future outlook for biomedical applications of laser-polarized noble gases in general, particularly in light of recent low-field magnetic resonance experiments. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson 11: 203–223, 1999
BIOFACIES RECURRENCE IN THE MIDDLE DEVONIAN OF NEW YORK STATE: AN EXAMPLE WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR EVOLUTIONARY PALEOECOLOGY

The diverse, well-preserved fauna of the Middle Devonian Hamilton Group of western New York has become an exemplar of long-term taxonomic and paleoecological stability and habitat tracking in response to sea-level change. Recent detailed, quantitative studies have challenged this view, suggesting instead a relatively low proportion of persistent lineages and recurrent biofacies sharing only the most abundant species; however, most studies have considered only limited geographic areas. As a result of shifting basin-forebulge positions and sedimentation patterns, analogous facies do not occur in every cycle of single geographic areas but show complex migration within the Appalachian Basin. Consequently, similarity of biofacies recurrence can only be fairly assessed by considering the most analogous facies wherever they occur across a major cross section of the basin. This paper evaluates patterns of biofacies recurrence based on samples from subsymmetrical cycles of dark-gray shale, calcareous mudstone, and argillaceous limestone. Low-sedimentation, depth-related biofacies, identified quantitatively using cluster analysis, recur symmetrically in single third-order regressive-transgressive cycles throughout the 5–6 myr duration of the Givetian Hamilton Group and Tully Formation at different geographic locations. Detrended correspondence analysis was used to recognize gradients of species and sample distribution both within and among depositional cycles; depth-related biofacies range from basinal, low-diversity leiorhynchid brachiopod– dominated associations to highly diverse coral-brachiopod (shallow subtidal) assemblages. This pattern is also comparable to the order of species-biofacies appearances in single, small-scale shallowing-upward cycles. In addition to similarities of species richness and guild structure, given biofacies show strong similarities of species composition. Low-diversity, high-dominance associations typical of deeper water biofacies show lower similarities (60%–75% species overlap), suggesting that they represent loosely structured aggregations of eurytopic taxa. Similarities are greatest in the diverse coral and brachiopod biofacies, for which most pairwise comparisons of samples throughout the Hamilton–Tully interval show >80% overlap in species composition and very strong similarity of richness and guild structures but not necessarily rank or relative abundance of taxa. Overall, these data suggest that gradients of species distribution in relation to environmental gradients, especially depth-related factors, were quite stable over several million years and that biofacies shifted in response to transgressive-regressive cycles. Such biofacies stability need not imply persistence of tightly integrated communities. Nonetheless, the long range of many species and maintenance of biotic gradients have important evolutionary implications—under relatively stable conditions, a majority of species track shifting habitats rather than adapt to changing local conditions.
Irradiance Modulation Used to Examine Sound-Radiating Cuticular Motion in Insects

A new, noncontact, optical technique for measurement of movements smaller than a few micrometers has been used to record cuticular motion of insects as they produce sound. The instrument described is highly sensitive to surface movement and offers good spatial resolution, broad dynamic range, tolerance of substantial background motion of the target surface, portability, and simplicity, and as such appears to hold promise for measuring other biologically interesting motions that have proved difficult to measure by other available techniques.
The MBA as Careerist: An Analysis of Early-Career Job Change

This study examined the job changes of 680 early-career business school graduates. Although a number of anecdotal articles characterize MBAs as overly “careerist” and oriented toward job-hopping, little empirical research has focused on this issue. The research included a direct comparison of job-hopping behavior of MBAs with bachelor S degree graduates, taking into account a number of control variables, including demographic and economic variables. Results indicated that MBAs changed jobs less frequently than bachelor 5 degree graduates, even when a variety of other factors were controlled.
The effect of lectins on Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst in vitro attachment to host cells.

The influence of lectins on Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst agglutination and on attachment to both fixed Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and fixed HCT-8 (human colorectal epithelial) cells was examined. Oocyst cell wall characteristics were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Lectin-free oocysts were shown to adhere equally to both MDCK cells and HCT-8 cells. In MDCK cells, the addition of 1–25 μg/ml Codium fragile lectin, 10 μg/ml Maclura pomifera lectin, 10 μg/ml Helix pomatia lectin, and 10–200 μg/ml Artocarpus integrifolia lectin significantly increased attachment to at least 1 of the cell cultures as compared to oocysts incubated without any lectin. The lectin-enhanced attachment was reversed by co-incubation of lectin treated-oocysts with 250 mM of each specific sugar (for a given lectin). In agglutination assays, concentrations as low as 0.5 μg/ml of C. fragile, M. pomifera, and A. integrifolia lectin agglutinated oocysts within 60 min. Finally, in TEM samples, colloidal gold conjug...
Lack of α-1 integrin alters lesion morphology during pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

The hallmark of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is the granuloma, a highly dynamic immune structure that contains the bacilli during chronic infection. Here, we examined if α1β1 integrin is required in the development and maintenance of the granulomatous structure during pulmonary infection using the α1 integrin knockout (α1-null) mouse. The α1β1 integrin is expressed on activated macrophages and T cells, and interacts with collagen molecules in the extracellular matrix (ECM), and thus may play a role in the granulomatous process. Following pulmonary infection with virulent M. tuberculosis, lungs of α1-null infected mice had striking differences in granuloma structure, as well as distinct and markedly thickened alveolar septae. By day 180, there were regions of cell death within granulomatous lesions, characterized by cellular debris in these mice. To determine if this molecule was necessary for T cell trafficking within the lungs, the expression of CD4, CD44 and CD62L was monitored. The number of activated and IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells increased in the lungs of α1-null mice during the chronic phase of infection, although they had decreased concentrations of TNF-α and MMP-9. These results suggest that while α1β1 integrin is not required for trafficking or maintenance of T cells in M. tuberculosis infected lungs, it does play a role in granuloma structure and integrity during the chronic phase of infection.
An Introduction to Debt Policy and Value

This note is intended to provide an interactive illustration of the Modigliani-Miller theory of the effect of debt tax shields on the value of the levered firm.
Perpendicular Edge-Oriented Multilayered Graphene Foam Based Nanostructured Electrodes for Energy Conversion and Storage

Perpendicular edge-oriented multilayered graphene film or 3-D foam was used as electrocatalytic electrode for dye solar cells, as double-layer electrode for kilohertz frequency supercapacitors, as scaffold of TiO2(B) based electrode for lithium ion batteries.
Comparing the Fingerprints of Flowers of Lonicera japonica Introduced in Luzhou and Originated from Shandong

A HPLC method was used with Kromasil C18(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm)to study the similarities and differences of the fingerprint of flowers of Lonicera japonica(honeysuckle) introduced in Luzhou and originated from Shandong to evaluate the quality of introduced honeysuckle. The mobile phase was acetonitrile with 0.1%(V / V) phosphoric acid aqueous, and the gradient elution program was selected with the flow rate of 1.0 mL / min at 30 ℃. The results showed that the similarity of the fingerprints between the introduced and the originated was higher than 0.970. The quality of honeysuckle introduced in Luzhou was similar with those originated from Shandong, meeting the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The results suggested that it could be planted on large scale in the future.
University Knowledge Spillovers and Innovative Startup Firms

In this paper, we investigate the role of university knowledge spillovers in fostering innovative startup firms, measured by R&D intensity, an important predictor of firm innovation and productivity. We use annual data from the Kauffman Firm Survey of a representative cohort of U.S. startups over the period 2004–2011. Controlling for individual-firm characteristics and local factors, we test the effects of regional variation in R&D intensity of the higher-education sector on startup firms’ R&D expenditure decisions. We find strong effects on both extensive and intensive margins of firm R&D expenditures. Our results shed light on the role of entrepreneurs and new firm formation as a mechanism for innovation and universities as an important source of knowledge and technology transfer.
Evolution of the Eddy Field in the Arctic Ocean's Canada Basin, 2005 – 2015

The eddy field across the Arctic Ocean's Canada Basin is analyzed using Ice-Tethered Profiler (ITP) and moored measurements of temperature, salinity, and velocity spanning 2005 to 2015. ITPs encountered 243 eddies, 98% of which were anticyclones, with approximately 70% of these having anomalously cold cores. The spatially and temporally varying eddy field is analyzed accounting for sampling biases in the unevenly distributed ITP data and caveats in detection methods. The highest concentration of eddies was found in the western and southern portions of the basin, close to topographic margins and boundaries of the Beaufort Gyre. The number of lower halocline eddies approximately doubled from 2005–2012 to 2013–2014. The increased eddy density suggests more active baroclinic instability of the Beaufort Gyre that releases available potential energy to balance the wind energy input; this may stabilize the Gyre spin-up and associated freshwater increase.
An output regulation approach to rotor autobalancing in active magnetic bearing systems with input delay

Unbalance compensation, or autobalancing, is an important technique for reducing rotor vibration in high speed rotating machines caused by residual rotor unbalance. As rotating machines in remote applications aim for higher speeds to gain efficiency and reduce footprint, there is a need to extend the unbalance compensation techniques to active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems with delays in the control loop. This paper investigates the unbalance compensation problem for AMB systems with input delays. An unbalance compensation method is developed based on a solution to the output regulator problem for systems with input delay. The proposed unbalance compensation method is experimentally validated on an AMB test rig.
Physical abuse after child protective services investigation and adolescent substance use

Abstract The longitudinal pathways connecting physical abuse and substance use in child welfare-involved adolescents, a population with multiple risk factors for substance use problems, remain unclear. This study examined the relation between self-reported physical abuse among adolescents investigated by Child Protective Services (CPS) and later substance use, with a particular focus on exposure to physical abuse after CPS investigation as a potential contributing factor to this relation. Using data from the first National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW-I), a path analysis was conducted on a sample of 1079 adolescents aged 11–15 years who had recently been investigated by CPS. At baseline and 18-month follow-up, youths self-reported past-year physical abuse using the Parent-Child Conflicts Tactic Scale and past 30-day substance use frequency. At baseline, youths self-reported current internalizing and externalizing problems to the Youth Self Report. Path analysis revealed no significant relation between physical abuse at baseline and substance use at 18 months. Physical abuse at baseline was associated with higher levels of concurrent substance use and externalizing problems, which in turn predicted higher substance use at 18 months. Furthermore, physical abuse and externalizing problems at baseline predicted physical abuse at 18 months, which in turn was related to higher substance use at 18 months. The findings suggest that physical abuse after CPS investigation contributes to the development of adolescent substance use behaviors. Results indicate a need for innovative efforts to prevent physical abuse after CPS investigation, as well as assessment and treatment of substance use and externalizing problems at the point of investigation, to reduce future substance use in child welfare-involved adolescents.
Preventing the Intergenerational Transmission of Child Maltreatment Through Relational Interventions

This chapter highlights evidence-based interventions for prevention of the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment. We begin with a brief summary of the deleterious effects of early maltreatment on attachment to caregiver(s), and the long-term sequelae that may contribute to the intergenerational transmission of abuse and neglect. The utility of a developmental psychopathology perspective for understanding the lifelong consequences of maltreatment and designing preventive interventions for children and caregivers is then discussed. Next, we present research conducted at the Mt. Hope Family Center/University of Rochester to illustrate the efficacy of relational interventions for the treatment and prevention of child maltreatment. Preliminary results from a translational model of research are also summarized to emphasize the importance of dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions in community settings. The chapter concludes with implications for public policy and recommendations for future research.
Blunted HPA axis activity prior to suicide attempt and increased inflammation in attempters

Background Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation is associated with increased risk for suicidal behavior. However, it is not clear whether such dysregulation exists prior to or is a consequence of attempt. Studies also show an activation of inflammatory responses in suicidal behavior but often combine attempters with those with ideation.