cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Friendship Paradox: Implications In Statistical Inference Of Social Networks

The friendship paradox is a type of observation bias in undirected social networks: “on average, the number of friends of a random friend is always greater than or equal to the number of friends of a random individual”. This paper discusses friendship paradox, its recent generalizations to directed networks as well as its applications. Specifically, we discuss how the friendship paradox can be exploited in two important statistical inference problems in social networks: (i) polling a social network where the aim is to estimate the fraction of nodes in the network with a specific label (e.g. gender, political affiliation, etc.) by querying (sampling) only some of the nodes and, (ii) estimating the power-law exponent in social networks with a power-law degree distribution.
An inexpensive programmable optogenetic platform for controlled neuronal activation regimens in C. elegans

In Caenorhabditis elegans, optogenetic stimulation has been widely used to assess neuronal function, control animal movement, or assay circuit responses to controlled stimuli. Most studies are performed on single animals and require high-end components such as lasers and shutters. We present an accessible platform that enables controlled optogenetic stimulation of C. elegans in two modes: single animal stimulation with locomotion tracking and entire population stimulation for neuronal exercise regimens. The system consists of accessible electronic components: a high-power light-emitting diode, Arduino board, and relay are integrated with MATLAB to enable programmable optogenetic stimulation regimens. This system provides flexibility in optogenetic stimulation in freely moving animals while providing quantitative information of optogenetic-driven locomotion responses. We show the applicability of this platform in single animals by stimulation of cholinergic motor neurons in C. elegans and quantitative assessment of contractile responses. In addition, we tested synaptic plasticity by coupling the entire-population stimulation mode with measurements of synaptic strength using an aldicarb assay, where clear changes in synaptic strength were observed after regimens of neuronal exercise. This platform is composed of inexpensive components, while providing the illumination strength of high-end systems, which require expensive lasers, shutters, or automated stages. This platform requires no moving parts but provides flexibility in stimulation regimens.
The Chemistry Mechanism in the Community Earth System Model Version 2 (CESM2)

The Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2) includes a detailed representation of chemistry throughout the atmosphere in the Community Atmosphere Model with chemistry and Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model configurations. These model configurations use the Model for Ozone and Related chemical Tracers (MOZART) family of chemical mechanisms, covering the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and lower thermosphere. The new MOZART tropospheric chemistry scheme (T1) has a number of updates over the previous version (MOZART‐4) in CESM, including improvements to the oxidation of isoprene and terpenes, organic nitrate speciation, and aromatic speciation and oxidation and thus improved representation of ozone and secondary organic aerosol precursors. An evaluation of the present‐day simulations of CESM2 being provided for Climate Model Intercomparison Project round 6 (CMIP6) is presented. These simulations, using the anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions from the inventories specified for CMIP6, as well as online calculation of emissions of biogenic compounds, lightning NO, dust, and sea salt, indicate an underestimate of anthropogenic emissions of a variety of compounds, including carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. The simulation of surface ozone in the southeast United States is improved over previous model versions, largely due to the improved representation of reactive nitrogen and organic nitrate compounds resulting in a lower ozone production rate than in CESM1 but still overestimates observations in summer. The simulation of tropospheric ozone agrees well with ozonesonde observations in many parts of the globe. The comparison of NOx and PAN to aircraft observations indicates the model simulates the nitrogen budget well.
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on vascular endothelial growth factor and connexin 43 in random skin flaps of rabbits

Objective To explore effects and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on capillary proliferation of random skin flaps in rabbits. Methods Random skin flap models were developed on the back of rabbits and HBO was administered to rabbits in the HBO group. Capillary density and contents of VEGF, CX43 were observed on the 3rd day and the 7th day respectively. Results Capillary density of the animals in the HBO group were higher than those in the control group on the 3rd day (P<0.05) and the 7th day (P<0.01) respectively. The content of VEGF in the HBO group was higher than that in the control group on the 3rd day and the 7th day (P<0.05). The contents of CX43 in the HBO group were higher than that in the control group on 3rd day (P<0.01) and the 7th day (P<0.05) respectively. Conclusions One of the mechanisms of HBO might be that higher expression of VEGF and CX43 promoted capillary proliferation in random skin flaps. Key words: Hyperbaric oxygen; Skin flaps; Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); Connexin 43(CX43)
A Review of Structural Batteries Implementations and Applications

Structural batteries are multifunctional devices capable of carrying mechanical loads and storing electrical energy simultaneously. This paper reviews the implementations of structural batteries and their potential applications in transportation electrification. In the structure-based category of implementations, electrochemical batteries are embedded into load-bearing mechanical structures, which can be seen as a top-down approach to integrate separate structures to implement the multi-functionality of energy storage and load bearing. In the material-based category, multifunctional materials are engineered to exhibit both structural and electrochemical properties, which is actually a bottom-up approach to realize the multi-functionality. This paper also reviews the potential benefits of introducing structural batteries into electric vehicles, aerospace systems, and marine systems in terms of reducing the system weight and enhancing the system performance.
Hydration structure of flat and stepped MgO surfaces

We investigate the solvation structure of flat and stepped MgO(001) in neutral liquid water using ab initio molecular dynamics based on a hybrid density functional with dispersion corrections. Our simulations show that the MgO surface is covered by a densely packed layer of mixed intact and dissociated adsorbed water molecules in a planar arrangement with strong intermolecular H-bonds. The water dissociation fractions in this layer are >20% and >30% on the flat and stepped surfaces, respectively. Slightly above the first water layer, we observe metastable OH groups perpendicular to the interface, similar to those reported in low temperature studies of water monolayers on MgO. These species receive hydrogen bonds from four nearby water molecules in the first layer and have their hydrophobic H end directed toward bulk water, while their associated protons are bound to surface oxygens. The formation of these OH species is attributed to the strong basicity of the MgO surface and can be relevant for understanding various phenomena from morphology evolution and growth of (nano)crystalline MgO particles to heterogeneous catalysis.
A Method of Parameterizing Cumulus Transports in a Mesoscale Primitive Equation Model: The Sequential Plume Scheme

During the 1960s and early 1970s, parameterization of cumulus activity for use in cyclonic-scale forecast and extended-range climate numerical models was the topic of a great deal of research. Parameterization efforts for cyclonic-scale forecast models concentrated on the convective transport of temperature and moisture in the conditionally unstable atmosphere of the tropics (Lilly 1960), especially emphasizing the role of latent heat release in tropical cyclone development (Charney and Eliassen 1964; Kuo 1965; Ooyama 1969). In the global circulation and extended-range climate models, researchers focused their efforts on determining a quick, acceptable method of convective adjustment (Manabe and Strickler 1964; Arakawa et al. 1968; Oliger et al. 1970; Krishnamurti and Moxim 1971).
The Mass-Luminosity Relationship (MLR)

The names of Hertzsprung and Russell are immortalized by the well-known spectrumluminosity diagram of stars. Some years later, in 1923, the same authors discovered empirically the relation connecting stellar masses and luminosities. Eddington’s work then was so far advanced that he showed shortly thereafter the theoretical basis for the existence of a relationship of this kind. The empirical finding became a weighty support of the theory, as is demonstrated in his 1926 classic ‘The Internal Constitution of the Stars’, and it also provided the first grave objection against the then widely held hypothesis of stellar evolution from giants to dwarfs. As the pressure and, hence, the energy generation increase with the mass, the MLR is a consequence of the pressure and temperature gradient inside the stars, and its validity extends beyond Eddington’s special star models to all stars with a chemically homogeneous interior composition.With the usual assumptions on the mean particle weightµ, the opacity, etc., a relationship of the form L = M K R x µ y can always be derived. The mass exponent k is about 4, the exponent x of the radius Ronly — \(\frac{1}{2}\) Though µ enters with the high power y&j it does not dominate over the mass dependence, buty suffices to prevent a representation of the form L ~M k (solely as a function of the mass) with a single value for k.
Socioeconomic Change within Native Society in Colonial Soconusco, New Spain

The contact experience between Native Americans and Europeans varied significantly from place to place depending upon a number of factors, including the size of the native population, the level of indigenous sociopolitical organization, and the specific objectives and policies of the colonial power. Although recent research has increased our understanding of the relative importance of these factors for many regions, it is still difficult to identify broad patterns of similarity and variability because we do not yet have a clear picture of the full range of diversity that characterized European-Indian interactions.
Abstract T P20: Correlation Between Whole Brain Ct Perfusion Maps And Non-contrast Ct Alberta Stroke Program Early Ct Score (aspects) In Patients Undergoing Acute Endovascular Stroke Interventions

Introduction: Tools for evaluating risk of post-intervention risk hemorrhage in the setting of acute stroke include a noncontrast head CT based Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) and contrasted CT based perfusion plots. The correlation between these parameters is unknown. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected endovascular stroke database of patients with M1 middle cerebral artery occlusion who underwent endovascular recanalization. We reviewed admission preintervention noncontrast CT for Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) and 320-detector row whole brain CT perfusion parameters (Cerebral blood volume and time to peak). Pearson correlation was determined between cerebral blood volume on the side of the stroke and ASPECTS. Results: ASPECTS and CT perfusion map were identified in 45 and 43 patients respectively. Statistically significant correlation was found between ASPECTS and cerebral blood volume data on CT perfusion MAP. (p=0.034, r=-0.28). The correlation coefficient is very weak. No correlation could be found between time to peak and ASPECTS. Conclusion: A statistically significant, but weak correlation exists between ASPECTS and CBV. Further research is needed to assess the physiological meaning of diverse imaging modalities utilized in the acute stroke setting.
The Direct and Indirect Costs among U.S. Privately Insured Employees with Hypogonadism

ABSTRACT Introduction While previous studies have noted that hypogonadism (HG) may pose a significant economic and quality‐of‐life burden, no studies have evaluated the impact of HG on healthcare utilization and costs in the United States. Aim Compare direct (health care) and indirect (disability leave or medical absence) costs between privately insured U.S. employees with HG and controls without HG. Methods The study sample included 4,269 male employees, ages 35–64, with ≥2 HG diagnoses (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification: 257.2x) or ≥1 HG diagnosis and ≥1 claim for testosterone therapy, 1/1/2005–3/31/2009, identified from a large, private insurance administrative database that includes medical, prescription drug, and disability claims data. The index date was the most recent HG diagnosis that had continuous eligibility for at least 1 year before (baseline period) and 1 year after (study period). Employees with HG were matched 1:1 on age, region, salaried vs. nonsalaried employment status, and index year to controls without HG. Main Outcome Measures Descriptive analyses compared demographic characteristics, comorbidities, resource utilization, direct and indirect costs inflated to USD 2009. Multivariate analyses adjusting for baseline characteristics were used to estimate risk‐adjusted costs. Results HG employees and controls had a mean age of 51 years. HG employees compared with controls had higher baseline comorbidity rates, including hyperlipidemia (50.2% vs. 25.3%), hypertension (37.7% vs. 21.1%), back/neck pain (32.0% vs. 15.7%), and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (7.1% vs. 0.3%) (all P P P Conclusions Employees with HG had higher comorbidity rates and costs compared with controls. Given the low HG‐related costs, a primary driver of costs among HG patients appears to be their comorbidity burden. Kaltenboeck A, Foster S, Ivanova J, Diener M, Bergman R, Birnbaum H, Kinchen K, and Swindle R. The direct and indirect costs among U.S. privately insured employees with hypogonadism. J Sex Med 2012;9:2438–2447.
On Modelling Internet Transactions as a Time-Dependent Random Walk: An Application of the Retail Aggregate Space-Time Trip (RASTT) Model

The mathematical description of the Internet is a new challenge facing applied modellers. There are now new spatial and temporal accessibilities to consider and new concepts emerging, such as, ‘e-tailing’, where commercial transactions can take place globally and almost instantaneously. This freedom of access into the Internet for consumers means issues of physical location, travel time or market area may be less relevant and the research frontier has to deal with such things as ‘virtual distance’ and unrestricted shopping opportunities between countries. There even appears to be some sort of time substitution for spatial interaction (particularly from time-poor affluent households). A key theoretical question is whether cyberspace is a product of what Marx described as ‘time annihilating space’.
Transvaginal Drainage of Pelvic Abscesses and Collections Using Transabdominal Ultrasound Guidance.

Objectives. To evaluate clinical outcomes following transvaginal catheter placement using transabdominal ultrasound guidance for management of pelvic fluid collections. Methods. A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent transvaginal catheter drainage of pelvic fluid collections utilizing transabdominal ultrasound guidance between July 2008 and July 2013. 24 consecutive patients were identified and 24 catheters were placed. Results. The mean age of patients was 48.1 years (range = 27–76 y). 88% of collections were postoperative (), 8% were from pelvic inflammatory disease (), and 4% were idiopathic (). Of the 24 patients, 83% of patients () had previously undergone a hysterectomy and 1 patient (4%) was pregnant at the time of drainage. The mean volume of initial drainage was 108 mL (range = 5 to 570). Catheters were left in place for an average of 4.3 days (range = 1–17 d). Microbial sampling was performed in all patients with 71% () returning a positive culture. All collections were successfully managed percutaneously. There were no technical complications. Conclusions. Transvaginal catheter drainage of pelvic fluid collections using transabdominal ultrasound guidance is a safe and clinically effective procedure. Appropriate percutaneous management can avoid the need for surgery.
Thin Single Crystal Silicon Solar Cells on Ceramic Substrates: November 2009 - November 2010

In this program we have been developing a technology for fabricating thin (< 50 micrometres) single crystal silicon wafers on foreign substrates. We reverse the conventional approach of depositing or forming silicon on foreign substrates by depositing or forming thick (200 to 400 micrometres) ceramic materials on high quality single crystal silicon films ~ 50 micrometres thick. Our key innovation is the fabrication of thin, refractory, and self-adhering 'handling layers or substrates' on thin epitaxial silicon films in-situ, from powder precursors obtained from low cost raw materials. This 'handling layer' has sufficient strength for device and module processing and fabrication. Successful production of full sized (125 mm X 125 mm) silicon on ceramic wafers with 50 micrometre thick single crystal silicon has been achieved and device process flow developed for solar cell fabrication. Impurity transfer from the ceramic to the silicon during the elevated temperature consolidation process has resulted in very low minority carrier lifetimes and resulting low cell efficiencies. Detailed analysis of minority carrier lifetime, metals analysis and device characterization have been done. A full sized solar cell efficiency of 8% has been demonstrated.
Square $\boldsymbol{q,t}$-lattice paths and $\boldsymbol{\nabla(p_n)}$

The combinatorial q,t-Catalan numbers are weighted sums of Dyck paths introduced by J. Haglund and studied extensively by Haglund, Haiman, Garsia, Loehr, and others. The q,t-Catalan numbers, besides having many subtle combinatorial properties, are intimately connected to symmetric functions, algebraic geometry, and Macdonald polynomials. In particular, the n'th q,t-Catalan number is the Hilbert series for the module of diagonal harmonic alternants in 2n variables; it is also the coefficient of s 1 n in the Schur expansion of ∇(e n ). Using q,t-analogues of labelled Dyck paths, Haglund et al. have proposed combinatorial conjectures for the monomial expansion of ∇(e n ) and the Hilbert series of the diagonal harmonics modules. This article extends the combinatorial constructions of Haglund et al. to the case of lattice paths contained in squares. We define and study several q,t-analogues of these lattice paths, proving combinatorial facts that closely parallel corresponding results for the q,t-Catalan polynomials. We also conjecture.an interpretation of our combinatorial polynomials in terms of the nabla operator. In particular, we conjecture combinatorial formulas for the monomial expansion of ∇(p n ), the "Hilbert series" (∇(p n ), h 1 n), and the sign character (∇(p n ),s 1 n).
CRITICAL TENSILE STRAIN IN ASPHALT PAVEMENTS

Charts based on two-layer elastic theory are presented for determining the critical tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt-bound layer under single, dual, and dual-tandem wheels. They can be applied directly to full-depth asphalt pavements where only two layers are involved. For a conventional three-layer system, a method is developed to convert it into an equivalent two-layer system, so that the charts can still apply. A comparison of the critical tensile strains obtained from the charts with those determined directly from a computer program clearly indicates that they are accurate enough for engineering applications. Examples are given to illustrate the use of these charts for determining the critical tensile strains in two-layer and three-layer pavement systems. It is found that for a given pavement type and tire configuration there exists a critical thickness of the asphalt-bound layer at which the greatest tensile strain is obtained, and that the critical tensile strains under dual-tandem wheels are generally smaller than that under the dual wheels alone.
Regionalizing telecommunications reform in West Africa

In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition that significant welfare gains could be realized through deep forms of regional integration which entail harmonization of legal, regulatory and institutional frameworks. Reforms that reduce cross-border transaction costs and improve the performance of backbone infrastructure services are arguably even more important for the creation of an open, unified regional economic space than trade policy reforms narrowly defined. This paper assesses the potential gains from regionalized telecommunications policy in West Africa. To this end, the paper: (i) discusses how regional cooperation can overcome national limits in technical expertise, enhance the capacity of nations credibly to commit to stable regulatory policy, and ultimately facilitate infrastructure investment in the region; (ii) identifies trade-distorting regulations that inhibit opportunities for regional trade and economic development, and so are good candidates for regional trade negotiations to reduce indirect trade barriers; and (iii) describes substantive elements of a harmonized regional regulatory policy that can deliver immediate performance benefits.
Blessed be the Children: A Case-Control Study of Sexual Abusers in the Catholic Church

Individuals working in churches and other youth-serving institutions have a unique level of access to children, yet the problem of sexual abuse in institutional settings has received scant research attention. To address this gap, we analyzed data from a large sample of clergy (N = 1,121) and applied a social–ecological model of offending to identify risk factors for sexual abuse perpetration. Using a case–control study design that compared clergy sexual abusers with three control groups of clergy, this study focuses specifically on individual-, relationship-, and community-level factors associated with a higher risk of abuse in professional populations. Findings revealed that clergy sexual abusers tended to have more truncated pre-seminary dating histories, and that their dating and sexual partners were more likely to have been male than female. Self-reported sexual abuse history was associated with a greater likelihood of sexual abuse perpetration among clergy. Clergy abusers tended to be more involved with youth and adolescents in their ministries; however, they were observed to relate less well to youth and adolescents than their clergy counterparts. Given widespread changes in our cultural understanding of abuse as well as more specific changes in the organizational approach to seminary education, these differences underscore the role that youth-serving institutions and society can have in the primary prevention of child sexual abuse. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of a Century of Macroeconomic Change on U.S. Fisheries Production

Abstract Trends in U.S. domestic commercial seafood landings during 1880–1995 coincide with changes in factors known to determine consumer demand for seafood and with technological innovations in transportation, power, food processing, and electronics that permeated the fishing industry. Although controversial, the repeated failures of centralized command-and-control management by the public sector to prevent overfishing and the resultant economic waste in the seafood industry draw attention to alternative property institutions that could make harvesters accommodate macroeconomic change in ways that sustain yield.
Experimental analysis of adherence counseling: implications for hypertension management.

Abstract A time series “reversal” design demonstrated that behavioral counseling increased medication adherence from about 60 to 100% for a black, hypertensive patient. However, inadequate pharmacological treatment yielded no clinically important blood pressure decrease. The combination of improved compliance and minimal blood pressure reduction led the patient's physician to explore higher doses and alternate medications to achieve blood pressure control. The physician's aggressive medical treatment was initiated only after the patient's compliance had been improved. Thus, this study suggests that paraprofessional counseling can increase compliance and illustrates the need for both behavioral and physiological data in clinical management to avoid blaming patients for poorly controlled blood pressure.
Parallel constructs for three-dimensional registration on a SIMD (single-instruction stream/multiple-data stream) processor

Three-dimensional image registration is computationally intensive and therefore slow. Parallelizing the primitive computation processes involved in registration can decrease the time. Our approach for improving image processing speed is to utilize a massively parallel single instruction stream -- multiple data stream (SIMD) computer. This paper presents the performance results comparing a massively parallel architecture to a four processor vector/parallel system and a conventional serial computer.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Measurement of non-circular home range

Abstract We examine the use of conventional sampling data to estimate the area extent of an animal's home range. Popular methods of estimation based on polygons and capture radii are discussed. A simple example shows they are not directly comparable. Furthermore, when home ranges lack circular symmetry, methods based on capture radii suffer large biases. On the other hand, methods based on polygons have sample size biases. A new method, based on the determinant of the covariance matrix of the capture points, is introduced. We show that this method, under specified assumptions, is free from both forms of bias. Tables that identify the biases in the polygon methods are provided. An important use of the tables, that of making comparisons between values obtained by the various methods of estimation, is illustrated. The statistical stability of each method is given by means of a table or formula for its relative variance as a function of sample size. Finally, the methods are evaluated. For purposes of estimating home range area, the determinant method is recommended, the old convex polygon method is defended, and the use of methods based on capture radii is discouraged.
Performance modeling of pulsed short-arc xenon flashlamps

Pulsed short-arc xenon flashlamps are used as the source of optical radiation in many analytical and life science instruments. They provide useable energy from below 150nm to over 1100nm. As a pulsed source they can operate at high peak power while still maintaining a low average power. The electrical operating conditions play a major role in the final performance of the lamp. This paper will look at the effect on electrical to optical conversion efficiency, arc size, and spectral distribution of varied electrical operating conditions. Some "rules of thumb" will be developed for the above characteristics as a function of electrical operating conditions. Specific attention will be paid to the new generation of smaller sized flashlamps.
Estimating the frequency of everyday events

In two experiments, subjects recorded the frequency of occurrence of 12 classes of events each week for 3 months. During a final test they estimated frequency of occurrence of events either under time restrictions (Experiment 1) or difference priming instructions (Experiment 2). They also made (metamemory) estimates of the accuracy of their estimates. Time restrictions during an initial estimate did not affect the accuracy of frequency or metamemory estimation but a second estimate did increase accuracy. Priming instructions affected accuracy of metamemory estimates as well as the accuracy of estimates for high-frequency events. Metamemory error increased with event frequency.
How Gene Patents are Challenging Intellectual Property Law: The History of the CCR5 Gene Patent

During the 1980s and 90s, various branches of the federal government did their best to encourage patenting in general, and genes in particular (Rai 1999, pp. 77–109; Dutfield 2009). The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Court of Appeals of the Federal Circuit (CAFC) have ceded much ground (some might argue too much ground) to the interests of the biotech industry, including Big Pharma and DNA sequencing companies. In a concerted effort to bolster this economic sector a number of curious and indeed alarming decisions have been made. This essay details the story of the interesting decision of the USPTO to grant a patent on a gene, despite the fact the patent holder listed the incorrect sequence in the specification and did not know the most relevant attribute of the gene product, namely that it was a chemokine receptor- CCR5,1 which is the co-receptor recognized by HIV-1, the virus responsible for AIDS. We live in an age that some science-technology-and-society (STS) scholars have la...
The synergy of group and individual treatment modalities in the aftermath of disaster and unfolding trauma.

Abstract Recognizing disasters as traumatizing events that unfold with devastating physical and psychological sequalae, the author considers the interplay of individual and group treatment modalities in facilitating progression throughout stages of recovery. The stages–safety, remembering and mourning, and reconnection–are recognized as interrelated recovery processes that occur concurrently as well as sequentially throughout the treatment process. Drawing upon her 9/11 work with civilian and uniformed populations, the author describes the way in which group and individual therapies–whether conducted consecutively or concurrently, as single session, short-term, or long-term programs–work synergistically to foster recovery.
Cavity-mediated entanglement generation via Landau-Zener interferometry.

We demonstrate quantum control and entanglement generation using a Landau-Zener beam splitter formed by coupling two transmon qubits to a superconducting cavity. Single passage through the cavity-mediated qubit-qubit avoided crossing provides a direct test of the Landau-Zener transition formula. Consecutive sweeps result in Landau-Zener-St\"uckelberg interference patterns, with a visibility that can be sensitively tuned by adjusting the level velocity through both the nonadiabatic and adiabatic regimes. Two-qubit state tomography indicates that a Bell state can be generated via a single passage, with a fidelity of 78% limited by qubit relaxation.
P6 Oxidative stress suppresses expression of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS), cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients

Introduction CBS, CSE and 3-MST are the enzymatic source of endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a gaseous signaling molecule implicated in a wide range of physiological processes. We investigated the status of CBS, CSE, and 3-MST as well as the extent of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle tissue obtained from patients suffering from critical limb ischemia (CLI) ± diabetes mellitus (Db). Methods/Results We found that both mRNA and protein levels of CSE, CBS, and 3-MST were significantly decreased in skeletal muscle of CLI (>2 fold, p p Nrf2 ), a factor responsible for the expression of antioxidant response element-regulated genes (2 fold, p P Conclusion The present study suggests that the induction of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle of both CLI and CLI + Db patients may directly down-regulate the expression of the endogenous H 2 S-generating enzymes: CSE, CBS, and 3-MST. Increased oxidative stress and reductions in H 2 S bioavailability may contribute to the pathogenesis of CLI.
Gravitational field of a superconducting global string

The Newtonian gravitational field of a superconducting global cosmic string is investigated using the weak-field approximation, and is found to receive contributions from the global string field, the condensate field, and the electromagnetic fields. For certain parameter ranges the gravitational field in the region exterior to the string may be everywhere repulsive, everywhere attractive, or repulsive in some regions and attractive in others. For a neutral superconducting global string there can exist a particular current for which the gravitational field of the superconducting global string approximately coincides with that of a Grand Unified Theory (GUT) scale Weyl string, and, as pointed out by Widom, Srivastava, and Redington, observed asymptotic galactic rotation velocities can be roughly explained without the introduction of any further dark-matter hypothesis.
Clinical utility of the N-back task in functional neuroimaging studies of working memory.

Introduction: N-back tasks are commonly used in functional neuroimaging studies to identify the neural mechanisms supporting working memory (WM). Despite widespread use, the clinical utility of these tasks is not well specified. This study compared N-back performance during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with task data acquired outside of the scanner as a measure of reliability across environment. N-back task validity was examined in relation to performance and rater-based measures used clinically to assess working memory. Method: Forty-three healthy adults completed verbal and object N-back tasks during fMRI scanning and outside the scanner. Task difficulty was varied parametrically (0, 1, and 2-back conditions). Order of N-back task completion was stratified by modality (verbal/object) and environment. Participants completed the Digit Span (DS) and provided self-ratings using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-WM). Results: Mean verbal and object N-back accuracy was...
Regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and -2 messenger ribonucleic acid levels in human cumulus and granulosa-luteal cells

Plasminogen activators and their inhibitors have been implicated in the process of fibrinolysis, tissue remodeling, and ovulation. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a paracrine hormone found in the human ovary, increases plasminogen activator (PA) activity and the gene expression of PA and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) in human endothelial cells and human cell lines. Gonadotropins also increase PA activity and gene expression in rat preovulatory granulosa cells. We have now analyzed the gene expression of PAI-1 and PAI-2 in uncultured human cumulus cells (CC), uncultured granulosa-luteal cells (GLC), and cultured GLC obtained from preovulatory follicles of patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. We also studied the effects of hCG and EGF on PAI-1 and PAI-2 mRNA levels in cultured GLC; GLC were cultured in serum-free medium for various times within 24 h with or without hCG and for 6 h with or without hCG, EGF, or EGF plus hCG. Total RNAs from CC and GLC were extracted, and blot hybridi...
The spatial dimensions of economic development: The case of the upper Midwest

Logan M.I. (1970) The spatial dimensions of economic development: The case of the upper Midwest, Reg. Studies 4, 117–125. Few theoretical notions have been developed with reference to regional patterns of economic development. Three hypotheses, however, may be formulated: (1) regional economic development occurs on a number of interpretable dimensions, (2) a region's level of development is associated with its functional integration into the wider economic system and (3) regional development is associated with distance from large urban centres. The study area consists of the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, the data is for counties and the methodology is principal components analysis and multiple regression analysis. The first hypothesis is verified, the second appears to be supported, but the third, the most important from a spatial viewpoint, is not confirmed.
Incorporation of 14C stearic acid in lens organ culture.

14C stearic acid was incubated in organ culture of rabbit lens for 6, 12 and 20 hours. Stearic acid did penetrate the lens and was incorporated into triacyl-glycerides and phospholipids. It also served as a carbon source for cholesterol synthesis. Individual fatty acids were isolated and radioactivity measurements were made. Incorporation of label was found in C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0 fatty-acids, indicating de novo synthesis in the lens; incorporation was found in C16:1 and C18:1, indicating δ9 desaturase activity, and incorporation was found in the fatty acids of 20 carbons or longer, indicating the presence of a fatty acid elongation system in the lens.
Experimental Measurement of the Form Factors of the Decay K L 0 → π ± e ∓ ν

We have analyzed 25 000 ${K}_{e3}$ decays, reconstructed to the center of mass by measurement of the ${{K}_{L}}^{0}$ momentum from time of flight and measurement of the $\ensuremath{\pi}$ and $e$ momenta with a spark-chamber-magnet spectrometer. Using the linear parametrization of the vector form factor ${f}_{+}({q}^{2})=1+{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{+}(\frac{{q}^{2}}{{{m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{2}})$ we find ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{+}=0.0270\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0028$. Upper limits for the scalar (${f}_{s}$) and tensor (${f}_{t}$) form factors at the 68% confidence level are $\frac{{f}_{s}}{{f}_{+}}l0.04$, $\frac{{f}_{t}}{{f}_{+}}l0.23$, corresponding to intensity ratios $\frac{{I}_{s}}{{I}_{v}}=0.3%$ and $\frac{{I}_{t}}{{I}_{v}}l0.4%$.
Platelet-derived Growth Factor-dependent Cellular Transformation Requires Either Phospholipase Cγ or Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase

Although it has been well established that constitutive activation of receptor tyrosine kinases leads to cellular transformation, the signal relay pathways involved have not been systematically investigated. In this study we used a panel of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta receptor mutants (beta-PDGFR), which selectively activate various signal relay enzymes to define which signaling pathways are required for PDGF-dependent growth of cells in soft agar. The host cell line for these studies was Ph cells, a 3T3-like cell that expresses normal levels of the beta-PDGFR but no PDGF-alpha receptor (alpha-PDGFR). Hence, this cell system can be used to study signaling of mutant alphaPDGFRs or alpha/beta chimeras. We constructed chimeric receptors containing the alphaPDGFR extracellular domain and the betaPDGFR cytoplasmic domain harboring various phosphorylation site mutations. The mutants were expressed in Ph cells, and their ability to drive PDGF-dependent cellular transformation (growth in soft agar) was assayed. Cells infected with an empty expression vector failed to grow in soft agar, whereas introduction of the chimera with a wild-type beta-PDGFR cytoplasmic domain gave rise to a large number of colonies. In contrast, the N2F5 chimera, in which the binding sites for phospholipase Cgamma (PLC-gamma), RasGTPase-activating protein, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), and SHP-2 were eliminated, failed to trigger proliferation. Restoring the binding sites for RasGTPase-activating protein or SHP-2 did not rescue the PDGF-dependent response. In contrast, receptors capable of associating with either PLC-gamma or PI3K relayed a growth signal that was comparable to wild-type receptors in the soft agar growth assay. These findings indicate that the PDGF receptor activates multiple signaling pathways that lead to cellular transformation, and that either PI3K or PLC-gamma are key initiators of such signal relay cascades.
Polar Clouds and Sulfate Aerosols

This short article updates work on polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) with a new picture of PSC formation emerging. Low-temperature liquid sulfuric acid aerosols can absorb significant quantities of HNO3. As temperatures cool, the ternary solutions absorb more HNO3 and H2O. Recent work has indicated that these liquid PSCs may actually activate chlorine more efficiency than frozen NAT particles. 8 refs., 1 fig.
Radioactive neutron source spectra from 9Be(α, n) cross section data

Abstract Cross sections and angular distributions for the 9 Be(α, n) 12 C reaction were evaluated from the existing literature. These cross sections as well as the published neutron spectra from the Be+α break-up reaction were used to calculate the neutron yield and the spectra emitted by radioactive Be(α, n) sources. Seven different sources types containing 239 Pu, 210 Po, 241 Am, 244 Cm, 242 Cm, 226 Ra or 227 Ac as α-emitters were considered. The predicted spectra should aid in clarifying the differences which are found between the many published experimental spectra.
Hypervelocity microparticle characterization

To protect spacecraft from orbital debris requires a basic understanding of the processes involved in hypervelocity impacts and characterization of detectors to measure the space environment. Both require a source of well characterized hypervelocity particles. Electrostatic acceleration of charged microspheres provides such a source. Techniques refined at the Los Alamos National Laboratory provided information on hypervelocity impacts of particles of known mass and velocity ranging from 20 - 1000 nm diameter and 1 - 100 km/s. A Van De Graaff generator operating at 6 million volts was used to accelerate individual carbonyl iron microspheres produced by a specially designed particle source. Standard electrostatic lenses and steering were used to control the particle's flight path. Charge sensitive pickoff tubes measured the particle charge and velocity in-flight without disturbing the particle. This information coupled with the measured Van De Graaff terminal voltage allowed calculation of the particle energy, mass, momentum, and using an assumed density the size. Particles with the desired parameters were then electrostatically directed to a target chamber. Targets used in our experiments included cratering and foil puncture targets, microphone momentum enhancement detectors, triboluminescent detectors, and 'splash' charge detectors. In addition the system has been used to rapidly characterize size distributions of conductive plastic particles and potentially provide a method of easily sorting microscopic particles by size.
Functionalization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with 1,4-Benzenediamine Using a Diazonium Reaction

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been functionalized with a phenyl amine group in a single-step diazonium reaction process. Raman and UV/vis spectroscopies verify that the SWCNTs have been functionalized, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the presence of an −NH2 group attached to the SWCNTs that is available for further chemistry. This −NH2 group reacts with a cross-linking molecule, confirming that it does undergo additional chemical reactions. These results illustrate a direct pathway to functionalize SWCNTs for building nanostructures.
Generating analyses for detecting faults in path segments

Although static bug detectors are extensively applied, there is a cost in using them. One challenge is that static analysis often reports a large number of false positives but little diagnostic information. Also, individual bug detectors need to be built in response to new types of faults, and tuning a static tool for precision and scalability is time-consuming. This paper presents a novel frame-work that automatically generates scalable, interprocedural, path-sensitive analyses to detect user-specified faults. The framework consists of a specification technique that expresses faults and information needed for their detection, a scalable, path-sensitive algorithm, and a generator that unifies the two. The analysis produced identifies not only faults but also the path segments where the root causes of a fault are located. The generality of the framework is accomplished for both data- and control-centric faults. We implemented our framework and generated fault detectors for identifying buffer overflows, integer violations, null-pointer dereferences and memory leaks. We experimentally demonstrate that the generated analyses scales to large deployed software, and its detection capability is comparable to tools that target a specific type of fault. In our experiments, we identify a total of 146 faults of the four types. While the length of path segments for the majority of faults is 1--4 procedures, we are able to detect faults deeply embedded in the code across 35 procedures.
Laser Trabeculoplasty Re-Treatment

Because of inadequate control of intraocular pressure, 26 eyes of 24 patients with primary and secondary open-angle glaucoma who had previously undergone argon laser trabeculoplasty were re-treated. Re-treatment was successful in ten eyes (38%); their average decrease in intraocular pressure was 10.2 mm Hg. After laser re-treatment, three eyes (12%) had marked increases in intraocular pressure, ranging from 10 to 37 mm Hg above baseline, necessitating urgent surgical intervention.
Reductive quenching of the emission of trans-dioxo(1,4,8,11-tetramethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane)osmium(VI) in water

Reductive quenching of the red emission of the metal-centered excited state of the title osmium(VI) complex (0.3 mM, lifetime 1.0 [mu]s) has been characterized in water at 25[degrees]C (0.5 M ionic strength). The excited state is a very strong oxidant and is very rapidly quenched by a number of moderately reducing anions. The rate constants for quenching by aqua ions are in fair agreement with values calculated from the Marcus cross-relation and self-exchange rates for the *Os[sup VI](tmc)O[sub 2][sup 2+]/Os[sup v](tmc)O[sub 2][sup +] couple ([kappa][sub ex] = 1 x 10[sup 5] M[sup [minus]1]s[sup [minus]1]) and the aqua ion couple (aqua ion, [kappa][sub q]): Fe(H[sub 2]O)[sub 6][sup 2+], 1.0 x 10[sup 9] M[sup [minus]1]S[sup [minus]1]; Co(H[sub 2]O)[sub 6][sup 2+], 1.0 x 10[sup 6] M[sup [minus]1]s[sup [minus]1]; Ce[sup III](aq), [le]1.0 x 10[sup 5] M[sup [minus]1]s[sup [minus]1]. The [kappa][sub q] (M[sup [minus]1]s[sup [minus]1]) values for quencher (Q) = Cl[sup [minus]] (4 x 10[sup 5]), HCO[sub 2][sup [minus]](1.5 x 10[sup 6]), Br[sup [minus]] (1.7 x 10[sup 8]), SCN[sup [minus]] (5.6 x 10[sup 9]), CO[sub 3][sup 2[minus]] (1.6 x 10[sup 8]), and OH[sup [minus]] (1.0 x 10[sup 7]) are used to estimate self-exchange rate constants for the Q[sup +]/Q couples. The first estimates are presentedmore » for the CO[sub 3][sup 2[minus]]/CO[sub 3][sup [minus]] (0.4 M[sup [minus]1]s[sup [minus]1]), OH[sm bullet]/OH[sup [minus]] (300 M[sup [minus]1] s[sup [minus]1]), and HCO[sub 2]/HCO[sub 2][sup [minus]] (300 M[sup [minus]1] s[sup [minus]1]) couples. Self-exchange rates for the X[sm bullet]/X[sup [minus]] halogen couples, calculated assuming that only the outer-shell barrier contributes to the intrinsic barrier to outer-sphere electron transfer and that a two-sphere dielectric continuum model is applicable, are orders of magnitude smaller than the self-exchange rates inferred from the quenching data and literature data.« less