cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The heterogeneity of long-term grief reactions.

Abstract Background Individuals experience the loss of a spouse in varied ways. There is growing recognition of major depressive disorder and complicated grief as distinct post-bereavement disorders. However, most studies focusing on these different courses of functioning have not examined pre-loss functioning. Methods We used data from a prospective population based study to examine depression and grief among conjugally bereaved older adults. We compared latent trajectories of grief and depression symptoms based on data from pre-loss and 6, 18, and 48 months post-loss, and examined a number of pre- and post-loss predictor variables. Results The chronic grief and chronic depression trajectories did not differ in grief symptoms at any post-loss time point. However, a number of pre- and post-loss variables uniquely differentiated these two distinct trajectories. Limitations Measures used in the current study were based on self-report and compared only two trajectories. Additionally, the sample was restricted to older adults ( M age=72) and thus our findings may not generalize to younger populations. Conclusions These two distinct trajectories – chronic grief and chronic depression – may appear similar when examining grief symptoms alone, though it is apparent that they have different long-term courses of functioning. It is important to understand pre-loss functioning as well as variables associated with each group in order to appropriately target treatment.
Influence of progestin bioactivity on cutaneous vascular responses to passive heating.

PURPOSE Oral contraceptives influence the regulation of cutaneous vascular tone, and both estrogen and progesterone have been shown to affect nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation. We tested the hypothesis that cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) during passive heating would be lower in women taking oral contraceptives with higher progestational bioactivity compared with those taking oral contraceptives with lower progestational bioactivity. We further hypothesized that this difference could be attributed to the relative degree of NO-dependent vasodilation. METHODS Fourteen women (20.3 +/- 0.3 yr) taking combined oral contraceptives (low progestin: 6 subjects, high progestin: 8 subjects) participated in a whole-body heating protocol and were tested during the end of active and placebo pill phases. Red blood cell (RBC) flux was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry at a control microdialysis site (Ringer's solution) and an experimental site where NO-synthase (NOS) was inhibited (10 mM L-NAME). CVC was calculated as RBC flux/MAP. RESULTS Baseline oral temperature (Tor) was significantly higher during the active pill phase for all subjects (active: 36.8 +/- 0.1 degrees C; placebo: 36.6 +/- 0.1 degrees C) (P = 0.02) but was not affected by progestational bioactivity. CVC at the control site during heating did not differ between low and high progestin users during either phase of oral contraceptive use. However, CVC in the NOS inhibited site was diminished during both phases of oral contraceptive use in the low progestin group at a given change in Tor (active: DeltaT(or) of 0.6-1.0 degrees C, placebo: DeltaT(or) of 0.8-1.0 degrees C) (P < 0.05). (DeltaT(or) 1.0 degree C: active: 30.86 vs 46.56%CVC(max); placebo: 26.29 vs 49.22% CVC(max)) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Progestational activity in oral contraceptives may alter the mechanisms by which skin blood flow increases during passive heating via NO-dependent cutaneous active vasodilation.
Moms Hating Moms: The Internalization of Mother War Rhetoric.

Work status and mothering are culturally constructed as rigid binaries. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect on mothers of these polarized characterizations of motherhood and to assess the social support mothers perceive they receive for their mother identity. This study, based on interview data collected from 98 married mothers of preschool children, demonstrated that Mother War rhetoric is most extensively internalized by at-home mothers. The majority of mothers perceived a lack of cultural support for their mother role, though the impact of cultural Mother War rhetoric was buffered or exacerbated by mothers' social support systems. The lack of adequate support from other mothers, spouses, parents, and in-laws led mothers to binary constructions of worker–mother identity. This, in turn, led mothers to seek support within shared contexts, which further separated at-home and employed mother from each other and separated mothers from the support of their parents.
The entropy and Gibbs free energy of formation of the aluminum ion

A reevaluation of the entropy and Gibbs free energy of formation of Al3+(aq) yields −308 ± 15 J/K·mol and 489.4 ± 1.4kj/mol for S0298 and ΔG0ƒ,298 respectively. The standard electrode potential for aluminum is 1.691 ± 0.005 volts.
Erosion mechanisms of thermally sprayed coatings with multiple phases

Thermally sprayed coatings are frequently subjected to impacts by small solid particles which induce surface erosion. To identify the physical mechanisms associated with such a material removal process, experimental tests as well as detailed computational analyses of porous coatings containing multiple phases are performed. In the experiments, a gas jet erosion test is conducted to measure material loss of coatings with different mixtures of brittle and ductile phases. The results show higher erosion resistances with small volume fractions of metal phase added to predominantly brittle coatings. Following this outcome, the study is directed toward elucidating the physical mechanisms behind the increased erosion resistance. Here, solid particle impacts are simulated with dynamic finite element analyses where material removals and coating's energy absorption behaviors are closely monitored. Furthermore, parametric study is carried out to quantify effects of cracking resistances and plastic dissipation on the erosion rate. The results reveal synergistic effects of fracture energy and plastic deformation. The combined mechanisms allow greater energy absorptions and enhanced erosion resistance in coatings with mixture of ductile phase. These assessments should offer insights into tailoring coatings with optimized composition of ductile phase to increase their performances. The results are also valuable in understanding foreign object damage (FOD) of coatings.
Effect of diazepam on digitalis-induced ventricular arrhythmias in the cat.

Abstract The capacity of diazepam to counteract cardiac arrhythmias was studied in barbiturate-anesthetized cats treated with digitalis (i.e., deslanoside, 25 μg/kg given every 15 min iv). Diazepam dissolved in commercial propylene glycol solvent was administered in repeated doses of 10 mg iv at approximately 45-sec intervals to five animals exhibiting deslanoside-induced ventricular arrhythmias. Conversion of the arrhythmia to sinus rhythm was observed in two animals, while development of more serious rhythm changes was observed in the other three animals. One explanation for the deleterious effect seen with diazepam in the three animals is that the solvent itself may produce significant cardiocirculatory changes. To test this possibility, seven animals were intoxicated with deslanoside and the diazepam solvent was administered in doses of 1.0 ml every 45 sec until a total dose of 5.0 ml was given. In each animal, the administration of the solvent was associated with the development of more serious rhythm changes. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) developed 10.8 ± 1.6 min after the onset of deslanoside-induced ventricular tachycardia (VT). The corresponding time interval between deslanoside-induced VT and VF was 26.7 ± 5.0 min when no solvent was administered. These results indicate that propylene glycol solvent is deleterious to cardiac rhythm and should not be employed as a vehicle for antiarrhythmic drugs.
Dancing to a Black Man's Tune: A Life of Scott Joplin

In the early 20th century, as Americans enjoyed ragtime, they danced to a black man's tune. This biography, recounts the life of Scott Joplin, the African American ragtime composer whose musical genius helped break down racial barriers and bring America to a new cultural frontier. Born in 1868 to former slaves, Scott Joplin lived at a time when white Americans routinely denied African Americans basic civil rights, economic opportunities and social standing. In spite of these tremendous obstacles, Joplin and other musicians created a musical form that was eagerly embraced by white, middle-class Americans. By the early 20th century, many writers agreed that "Negro" music - especially spirituals and ragtime - was the only true American music. As one of the creators of ragtime, Joplin moved between black and white society, and his experience offers a window into the complex forces of class, race and culture that shaped modern America. Framed by two decisive events in American history, the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1868 and America's entrance into the Great War in Europe in 1917, Scott Joplin's extraordinary life reflects a crucial period in the evolution of American culture. During those years Joplin lived in a variety of communities, and his experience permits a glimpse into the lives of black and white Americans in Reconstruction Texas, small-town Missouri, and two important urban cultural centres - St Louis and New York. Echoing the ragtime music she celebrates, Curtis counterpoints the story of American cultural history with the events of Joplin's life.
Measurement of the spatio-temporal response of photorefractive conjugation

Abstract We have examined the process of photorefractive four-wave mixing when the probe and forward-pump waves contain time-varying images. In the first-order perturbation theory, the conjugate image is related to the probe and forward pump images by a bilinear relationship in time and space, which is characterized by a transfer function. We have measured this transfer function, and the experimental results agree with theory. We have also observed the fidelity of a photorefractive correlator when one of the images is moving with a constant velocity, and compared the results with theoretical predictions.
Residential segregation and the economic status of black workers: New evidence for an old debate☆

Abstract Scholars have long debated whether ghetto residence lowers the earnings of blacks. Most empirical studies on this question have been flawed because they have not considered the simultaneous effects of choices of work and residence locations and the effects of intrametropolitan variation in rents and wages. This paper estimates a revealed preference model of intraurban location with data from the 1980 Public Use Microdata Sample for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to test whether black male household heads who are employed full-time year-round are less likely than whites to live and work at their best locations. We measure the wages, rents, and commuting costs associated with each possible job/residence location combination in these cities for each person, given their job qualifications and their housing needs. A revealed preference approach is used to evaluate the economic welfare of individuals at each possible location and then compare the actual distribution of work and residence locations by race with the welfare-maximizing distribution. The divergence in these distributions by race measures the economic effects for employed black male household heads of residential segregation in ghettos. We find that the economic status of blacks can be improved significantly by changing their intrametropolitan job locations. Surprisingly, this conclusion holds regardless of whether or not blacks keep their current residential locations. While changes in residential locations can improve the economic status of blacks relative to whites by decreasing commuting and/or the cost of housing, such residential changes do not significantly alter the physical accessibility of better paying jobs.
Ommatiine robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae) from Sri Lanka.

Abstract Fifteen Ommatiine species of robber flies, belonging to five genera (Cophinopoda Hull, Emphysomera Schiner, Michotamia Schiner, Ominatius Wiedemann and Pseudomerodontina Joseph & Parui) are reported from Sri Lanka. This includes seven new species (M. nigra, M. deceptus, O. anisoramus, O. minusculus, O. sparsus, 0. speciosus and P. alata), five species previously known from India [E. tectura Scarbrough, M. fuscifemoratus Joseph & Parui, O. jairajpurii Joseph & Parui, O. kempi Joseph & Parui and O. ramakrishnai Joseph & Parui], and new records for three species already known from Sri Lanka [C. chinensis, E. nigra Schiner, and M. aurata (F.)]. The female of O. kempi is discovered and described for the first time. Antenna, right wing, and detailed structures of the terminalia are illustrated. A key to the 15 Ommatiine species is included.
Lead and mercury levels in raccoons from Macon County, Alabama.

Heavy metal contamination in the environment has become a major concern of the scientific community. The ubiquitous present of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium in wildlife animals has been reported. Although the understanding of the full significance of these metals is incomplete, it is known that some species contain concentrations of metals proportional to the levels present in their environments. Thus, wild animals can be used as biological indicators of environmental concentrations of metals. The behavior, omnivorous feeding habits, and adaptability of raccoons (Procyon lotor) qualify this animal as a useful indicator of environmental pollution. The purpose of this paper was to report some preliminary observations on lead and mercury levels in raccoons from Macon County, Alabama, a potential indicator species for wildlife. 19 refs., 3 tabs.
Career Assessment for Gifted Girls and Women

Although gifted girls have high career aspirations, they often do not attain their educational and career goals. Conflicting societal expectations of bright girls and women may lead to a loss of confidence in their own abilities and their aspirations. Career assessments in girlhood, adolescence, college years, and adulthood may be effective in nurturing the full development of their talents.
Sensory Qualities, Cooking Losses, Shear Values, and B-Vitamins of Beef Roasts Cooked by Slow-Heat

Top rounds of beef were cooked to internal temperature of 88°C in a portable oven-broiler with a slow-heat setting. Control roasts were cooked in a household electric oven (135°C). Total cooking losses were higher for roasts cooked by the slow-heat oven-broiler method than for the control roasts. Shear values and mean tenderness scores indicated that the meat cooked by the slow-heat oven- broiler method was more tender than that cooked by the control method. There were no significant differences between mean flavor and juiciness scores, thiamin and riboflavin contents, and thiamin and riboflavin retention for roasts cooked by the two methods.
Programmed ventricular stimulation in patients without spontaneous ventricular tachycardia

Programmed ventricular stimulation was performed in 52 patients who had not had a documented or suspected episode of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). Programmed stimulation with up to three extrastimuli was performed from the right ventricular (RV) apex in all patients and from the left ventricular (LV) apex in 14 patients. A maximum response of one to five intraventricular reentry beats was induced in 52% of patients. Nonsustained VT (six or more repetitive beats terminating spontaneously within 30 seconds) was never induced in the 16 patients without structural heart disease but was induced (usually with triple extrastimuli) in 45% of nine patients with mitral valve prolapse and in 37% of 27 patients with other types of heart disease. Sustained VT was never induced; however, sustained VF was induced in two patients. During programmed RV and LV stimulation with up to three extrastimuli (with 2 msec pulses, 5 mA in intensity), (1) a maximum response of one to five repetitive beats is a nonspecific finding of no predictive value; (2) nonsustained VT was not induced in patients without structural heart disease who had not had spontaneous VT; (3) nonsustained VT was frequently induced in patients with structural heart disease who had not previously been known to have had VT; (4) the induction of sustained VT appears to be a response specific to patients who have had spontaneous VT or VF; and (5) sustained VF can be induced infrequently in patients who have never had spontaneous VT or VF.
Effects of selected organic compounds on radionuclide adsorption to sediments in freshwater systems.

The roles of selected organic compounds on K/sub d/ (distribution coefficients) values of radionuclides in laboratory sediment-water systems was evaluated. The radionuclides /sup 57/Co, /sup 106/Ru, /sup 137/Cs, and /sup 241/Am were used as tracers in the experiments. Five organic compounds: 1)1-nitroso-2-naphthol; 2)1,10-phenanthroline; 3)acetic acid; 4)salicylic acid; and 5)EDTA were evaluated for their effects on the distribution coefficients of the four radionuclides. The results of the study confirmed that organic compounds can affect sediment-water distribution coefficients of radionuclides, however, the magnitudes and directions of these K/sub d/ effects are functions of both the physico-chemical properties of the radionuclide and the specific interactions of the radionuclide and organic compound within a given sediment-water system. The results emphasize the complex variety of interacting factors that can effect sediment-water distributions of radionuclides. Therefore, it is necessary in any adsorption study to characterize, as fully as possible, the chemical parameters of water and sediment that can contribute to the eventual results in any given system. (JMT)
Coupling 40S ribosome recruitment to modification of a cap-binding initiation factor by eIF3 subunit e

40S ribosomes are loaded onto capped mRNAs via the multisubunit translation initiation factors eIF3 and eIF4F. While eIF4E is the eIF4F cap recognition component, the eIF4G subunit associates with 40S-bound eIF3. How this intricate process is coordinated remains poorly understood. Here, we identify an eIF3 subunit that regulates eIF4F modification and show that eIF3e is required for inducible eIF4E phosphorylation. Significantly, recruitment of the eIF4E kinase Mnk1 (MAPK signal-integrating kinase 1) to eIF4F depended on eIF3e, and eIF3e was sufficient to promote Mnk1-binding to eIF4G. This establishes a mechanism by which 40S ribosome loading imparts a phosphorylation mark on the cap-binding eIF4F complex that regulates selective mRNA translation and is synchronized by a specific eIF3 subunit.
Optimizing post-transplant outcomes in lung transplantation.

Lung transplant recipients are at risk of numerous complications, which range from early events, such as primary graft dysfunction, to late events, including opportunistic infection or graft loss caused by chronic rejection. Although lung transplantation is often the only therapeutic option that can improve quality of life and prolong survival for many forms of end-stage lung disease, survival following lung transplantation is significantly worse than survival following transplantation of other solid organs. Carefully choosing potential recipients for listing, maximizing the likelihood that donor organs will function well following implantation, appropriate use of immunosuppressive agents to prevent allograft rejection, prophylactic or pre-emptive strategies to prevent allograft infection and appropriate surveillance to detect significant complications are key to maximizing the likelihood of prolonged graft and patient survival while avoiding significant complications following lung transplantation. Post-...
Putting foreign policy to work : the role of organized labor in American foreign relations, 1932-1941

A clearly written and concise history of the American labor movement's shifting attitudes from isolationism in international affairs to an aggressive political and economic internationalism. While the labor movement concerned itself with unemployment during the depression and war years, it was also
Psychometric properties of internet administered versions of Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS)

A limited amount of research has been conducted on the psychometric properties of commonly used measures of anxious or depressive symptomatology for use on the internet, although such measures are seeing increasing use in internet administration for both clinical and research uses. A plethora of advantages exist for the use of internet administration of questionnaires, both in terms of assessment and the potential use in treatment monitoring as well as for research. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of two common clinical measures, the Penn State Worry Questionnaire and the. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, in an internet administered format (N=1138). Results suggest that these two measures may be used with confidence in an online format in terms of reliability and validity.
Synthesis and Molecular Structure of (C5Me5)2U(OtBu)(SePh): A Mixed-Ligand Alkoxide-Selenide Uranium(IV) Metallocene Complex Resulting from tert-Butoxy-Trimethylsilane Elimination

The title compound (C5Me5)2U(OtBu)(SePh) (1) was synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. This system represents a unique example of an actinide complex with two different group 16 elements coordinated to the metal center and the first mixed-ligand actinide alkoxide-selenide complex. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with unit cell parameters a = 17.830(7) A, b = 14.973(6) A, c = 21.254(8) A, V = 5674(4) A3, Z = 8, D calc = 1.727 Mg/m3. The uranium(IV) mixed-ligand alkoxide-selenide complex adopts a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry, with the tert-butoxide and phenylselenide ligands occupying the plane bisecting the metallocene unit. Structural comparisons of the complex (C5Me5)2U(OtBu)(SePh) (1) are made with related selenide and alkoxide uranium(IV) complexes. Reaction of (C5Me5)2U(OtBu)2 with Me3Si-SePh affords the unusual alkoxide-selenide uranium(IV) complex (C5Me5)2U(OtBu)(SePh), which has been characterized by a combination of NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography.
Locally decoupled micromanipulation using an even number of parallel force actuators

New methods are found for arranging force actuators around a rigid body so that the system has locally decoupled and optimal manipulation characteristics. The closed-form solution leads directly to simple analytic formulas for the singular values of the manipulator Jacobian in terms of geometric design parameters. This makes it possible to easily design the local kinematics so that they meet desired specifications. Explicit formulas for designing the wrench/twist capabilities, achieving isotropy, maximizing the volume of achievable motions, and maximizing the minimum singular values are derived. Applications include design of generalized Gough-Stewart platforms (GSPs) and other parallel machines. To illustrate the power of the theory, the new methods are used to redesign an actual manipulator currently in use on the International Space Station (ISS). Unlike the existing manipulator, the new design is kinematically decoupled, isotropic, and fault tolerant - all highly desirable properties, especially in aerospace applications.
Temperature and magnetic-field effects on the luminescence lifetimes of complexes of ruthenium(II) and iridium(III)

Abstract Luminescence lifetimes of several complex ions at 77°K and 4.2°K are reported. The lifetimes are shortened in a magnetic field. The results indicate that emission occurs from several states in Boltzmann equilibrium, at least one of which possesses a magnetic moment.
Efficient exchange rate forecasts: Lagged models better than the random walk

Abstract The evidence of Meese amd Rogoff (1983) on the out-of-sample forecasting performance of structural exchange rate models in comparison to the random walk model portrays a disappointing picture of structural models. This paper re-considers the issue for the German mark for an updated period to include a larger set of structural models and lagged adjustment. Besides out-of-sample evidence, in-sample evidence is also examined. We conclude that while some stuctural models dominate the random walk, a lagged adjustment consideration can contribute towards better performance.
Effects of Freezing Rate, Solids Content, and Curing Time on Freeze/Thaw Conditioning of Water Treatment Residuals

The results presented herein are intended to aid in a fundamental understanding of conditioning water treatment residuals by the freeze/thaw process. Residuals were frozen such that the effects of freezing rate, solids content, and curing time were isolated. Residuals were frozen directionally on a copper surface maintained at subfreezing temperatures. In contrast to many of the results in the literature, freezing rate did not seem to affect the final dewaterability. However, the effects of initial solids content and curing time were noticeable. High solids content residuals yielded cake solids contents greater than 30% following freezing, thawing, and drainage under a vacuum. Samples cured at −10 °C for 1 h dewatered much more readily than uncured samples. The results will aid in the design of a mechanical freezing process; the cost optimum conditions for such a process appear to be fast freezing of a high solids content residual, followed by ap proximately 1 h of curing.
The distribution of acylases in the seeds of higher plants.

The presence of aminoacylase or aminoacylases in the seeds of a number of genera covering 25 families was demonstrated by employing the N-acetyl derivatives of 10 amino acids as substrate. Seeds selected from three families (Capparidaceae, Cruciferae, and Leguminosae) appeared to be the richest source of acylase. There was considerable difference in the amount of hydrolysis of the various N-acetyl amino acids. N-Acetyl-L-methionine was hydrolyzed by all the seed samples tested except one; three other N-acetylated amino acids (leucine, tyrosine, and alanine) were hydrolyzed to a lesser degree. N-Acetyl-L-proline was not attacked by any of the enzyme samples tested. The investigation demonstrated widespread distribution of the enzyme or enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of the N-acetyl amino acids among plant seeds.
Torulopsis glabrata fungal cystitis

The finding of Torulopsis glabrata fungal cystitis has become increasingly evident. The presence of indwelling urinary catheters, diabetes mellitus, and prior antibiotic therapy are significant risk factors in its development. Three cases are presented exemplifying the presentation of this disease. A discussion of its diagnosis and a protocol for its management are outlined.
Water flow and coral colony size: Interhabitat comparisons of the octocoral Alcyonium siderium.

Abstract Colonies of the octocoral Alcyonium siderium Verrill form aggregations on subtidal vertical rock walls in the Gulf of Maine. Maximum and mean colony sizes increase dramatically from protected embayments to sites exposed to ocean swells and from the bottom to the top of each vertical wall studied. Water movement along the substratum, generated by surface waves and tides, also increases along both gradients. Although plankton concentrations were similar at all sites during a 2-yr period, increased encounter rates of zooplankton with coral tentacles will result in greater energy intake and, thus, faster growth rates at the more exposed sites with greater flow. Other hypotheses for the proximate cause of the size gradient, such as differential mortality of large colonies or generally higher mortality rates at the protected site, are not consistent with available data.
Quality control in the secretory pathway

Whereas newly synthesized proteins that have acquired a properly folded and assembled structure are transported from the endoplasmic reticulum to their final destinations, incompletely folded and assembled proteins are, as a rule, retained and eventually degraded. The molecular mechanisms of this unique molecular sorting phenomenon, called 'quality control', have been illuminated by recent studies.
Cross-cultural immersion in China: Preparing pre-service elementary teachers to work with diverse student populations in the United States

Cross-cultural immersion experiences have been considered to be an effective way to prepare American pre-service teachers for culturally responsive pedagogical practices. The literature review shows few studies have investigated pre-service teachers' cross-cultural experiences in non-English speaking countries, specifically Asian countries. This qualitative study examined ten American elementary pre-service teachers' teaching and learning experiences in China. Five themes emerged from the data analysis: understanding and respecting Chinese culture; developing empathetic dispositions towards non-English speaking students; exchanging teaching strategies and resources; reflecting on professional and personal growth; and initiating a proactive stance as culturally responsive change agents. Additionally, the study revealed that having two separate Chinese field placements may have differing pre-service teachers' teaching and learning experiences. Varying types of opportunities to study abroad are on the rise. ...
Ergodic Secrecy of Cooperative Secure Wireless Communications

Wireless physical layer security approaches can prevent eavesdropping without upper layer data encryption. But such techniques are hampered by time-varying wireless channel conditions and they are typically feasible only when the legitimate partners in the Wyner's wire-tap channel model have an advantage over the source-eavesdropper channels. Source rate adaptation and/or node cooperation strategies can be exploited to enhance the performance of secure wireless communications. However, these contributions rather limited to AWGN and Rayleigh channels. This article thus seeks to develop a unified analytical framework for assessing the ergodic secrecy rate of the classical Wyner wire-tap channel in generalized fading environments with independent but non-identically distributed (i.n.d) channel fading statistics and also establish the utility of node cooperations for improving the ergodic secrecy rate when the channel state information is available only at the receiver.
Safety of Application Programming for Railway Signal Controllers

A model that provides a framework for assessing verification and validation techniques for application programming for the safety of railway signaling systems is presented. A railway signaling system is a logical controller, also known as interlocking, that ensures that conflicting train movements are not signaled. The signal interlockings, as a data-driven systems sets out a logical relationship and instructions which comprise the procedures by which the interlocking implements the required signaling functions. The safety assurance is assessed by Intensity Capability of the inspection system, effect of application parameters, and the effect of human and environmental factors. The code inspection analyzes program behavior by producing programs from interpretation of codes and checks the applicability of codes in the event of fatigue or loss of concentration, to evaluate errors in complex railway processes.
Structural influences of 1,10-phenanthroline on one- and two-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid materials of the copper-oxovanadium-phosphate family

Abstract The hydrothermal reactions of CuCl 2 H 2 O, Na 3 VO 4 , 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), H 3 PO 4 and H 2 O yield a family of one- and two-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid materials. When the reaction is carried out at 180°C for 46.8 h, a mixture of blue crystals of the one-dimensional chain [Cu(phen)(VO 2 )(PO 4 )] ( 1 ) and of green plates of [{Cu(phen)} 2 (VO 2 ) 3 (OH)(PO 4 ) 2 ] ( 2 ), a layered material, is obtained. Attempts to prepare monophasic samples of 1 and 2 by varying stoichiometry and temperature yielded a third phase, dark green crystals of [{Cu(phen)} 2 (VO) 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (HPO 4 ) 2 ] 2H 2 O ( 3 2H 2 O), a two-dimensional material. The structures of 1 and 2 contain {(VO) 2 (PO 4 ) 2 } rings linked by copper(II) phenanthroline square pyramids into one- and two-dimensional architectures, respectively. In contrast, the structure of 3 exhibits a two-dimensional {(VO) 3 (PO 4 ) 2 (HPO 4 ) 2 } 4− substructure with {Cu(phen)} 2+ units decorating the surfaces of this vanado–phosphate layer. Crystal data: ( 1 ) C 24 H 16 N 4 O 12 P 2 V 2 Cu 2 monoclinic, C2/c : a =20.213(1) A, b =11.5997(6) A, c =14.5259(8) A, β =126.920(1)°, V=2722.9(3) A 3 ( 2 ) C 24 H 17 N 4 O 15 P 2 V 3 Cu, triclinic, P 1: a =8.0547(7) A, b =9.1862(8) A, c =10.2380(9) A, α =97.375(2)°, β =100.673(2)°, γ =104.269(2)°, V =709.3(1) A 3 ( 3 ) C 12 H 14 N 2 O 10.50 P 2 V 1.50 Cu, triclinic, P 1: a =8.1209(6) A, b =9.7032(7) A, c =12.0664(8) A, α =102.507(1)°, β =102.833(1)°, γ =110.621(1)°, V =821.1(2) A 3 .
A stackelberg game spectrum sensing scheme in cooperative cognitive radio networks

In this paper, we propose a collaborative spectrum sensing method based on Stackelberg game in order to improve the sensing performance of cognitive radio users, especially when they are operating under severe channel fading. In this scheme the users with acceptable received SNR are allowed to lead the network sensing process and share their observations with the ones experiencing weak channel conditions. By defining a new and more appropriate metric to evaluate the performance of the collaborative detection, the proposed method addresses the drawbacks of the conventional centralized or distributed spectrum sensing. Moreover, it does not require exchange of channel information among nodes and only minimum reporting of local observations is needed. The simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme improves the network sensing performance and reduces the overhead as compared to the noncooperative case and the conventional collaborative schemes, respectively.
The lipotropic effect of estrogenic hormones in inbred rats.

Conclusion1. The fat infiltration of the liver in response to an alipotropic diet is more uniform and more intensive in rats of the inbred Fischer strain than that seen in the past in genetically less homogeneous strains. 2. Estrogen, in particular ethinyl estradiol, when given in combination with methionine, exerts a very marked lipotropic effect with a corresponding reduction of the liver fat to normal values.
Neutropenia: Causes and consequences *

Neutrophils play a critical role in the acute inflammatory response and host-defenses against bacterial infections. Neutropenia, a deficiency of these cells, predisposes to infection, chiefly by organisms resident on body surfaces. The risk of infection is greatest with severe neutropenia, defined by an absolute blood neutrophil count (ANC) less than 0.5 x 10(9)/L. Severe chronic neutropenia, lasting for more than a few weeks, can be caused by congenital marrow defects, as well as intrinsic and acquired disorders. Evaluation of patients begins with confirmation of neutropenia and examination of a blood smear. A careful review of the patient's medical history, family history, and physical examination is extremely important. Most severely neutropenic patients have a history of oral ulcers and inflammation and recurrent skin infections. Examination of a bone marrow aspirate and/or biopsy and cytogenetic testing are primary for diagnostic evaluation.
Preoperative Medical Evaluation: Part 1: General Principles and Cardiovascular Considerations

A thorough assessment of a patient's medical status is standard practice when dental care is provided. Although this is true for procedures performed under local anesthesia alone, the information gathered may be viewed somewhat differently if the dentist is planning to use sedation or general anesthesia as an adjunct to dental treatment. This article is the first of a 2-part sequence and will address general principles and cardiovascular considerations. A second article will address pulmonary, metabolic, and miscellaneous disorders.
Spatial assessment of two widely used land-cover datasets over the continental U.S

Satellite-based land-cover datasets are required for various environmental studies. Two of the most widely used land-cover datasets for the U.S. are the National Land-Cover Data (NLCD) at 30-m resolution and the Global Land-Cover Characteristics (GLCC) at 1-km nominal resolution. Both datasets were produced around 1992 and were expected to contribute similar land-cover information. This study investigated the NLCD distribution within each of 11 GLCC classes at 1-km unit in ten U.S. states. Our analyses showed that the NLCD had similar spatial distribution as the GLCC for the classes of grassland, shrubland, as well as deciduous and evergreen forests. Meanwhile, the GLCC class of cropland and pasture was highly correlated to the NLCD classes of row crops and pasture/hay. The GLCC savanna was appropriately related to the NLCD grassland, pasture/hay, and deciduous forest. The NLCD classes of row crops, pasture, and deciduous forest mainly dominated the GLCC class of cropland/woodland mosaic. Spatial similarity was lower for the GLCC classes of mixed forest, wooded wetland, and cropland/grassland mosaic. In addition to the NLCD urban areas, the GLCC urban and built-up lands were consistently related to the NLCD vegetated areas due to the common mixture of urban and vegetated lands. A set of subclass land-cover information provided through this study is valuable to understand the degrees of spatial similarity for the global vegetated and urban-related classes in selected study areas. The results of this study provide great reference for interchanging less-detailed global land-cover datasets for detailed NLCD to support environmental studies.
Evidence for Renotropic Activity in Ovine Pituitaries

A linear relationship was found for kidney weight vs. body weight in both intact and hypophysectomized male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 75–150 g; however, kidney weight was greater for a given body weight in intact animals. A partially purified extract of ovine pituitaries was prepared which had the heretofore undescribed property of stimulating renal growth in hypophysectomized animals to the level expected for intact rats of similar size. When rats, hypophysectomized 6 days previously, were given 10 daily injections of the pituitary extract, which was analyzed for GH, ACTH, and LH content, renal weight increased significantly. In contrast, kidney size in other hypophysectomized animals treated with a quantity of GH plus ACTH similar to that found in the extract did not increase beyond that expected for a hypophysectomized rat of comparable size. A possible indirect action of LH in the extract via androgen production was excluded by demonstrating that the extract produced similar renal growth in both h...
Experimental evaluation of existing CAD models for microstrip dispersion

Microstrip dispersion measurements covering a variety of different substrate materials and line impedances performed using the gap-coupled resonator pair method are discussed. The results of this method were compared with those obtained using nine microstrip dispersion models. The results indicate two models that are consistently accurate and are therefore recommended for CAD applications. >
Cross spectra measure of neural signals and noise

Shannon's information rate formula does not work for wideband (aperiodic) signals with nonlinear transfer. The classical signal and noise measures used to characterize stochastic resonance do not work either because their way of distinguishing signal from noise fails. In a study published earlier, a new way of measuring and identifying noise and aperiodic (wideband) signals during strongly nonlinear transfer was introduced. The method was based on using crossspectra between the input and the output. According to the study, in the case of linear transfer and sinusoidal signals, the method gives the same results as the classical method and in the case of aperiodic signals it gives a sensible measure. In this paper we refine the theory and present detailed simulations which validate and refine the conclusions reached in that study. The simulation results clearly confirm that the cross-spectral identifications of output signal and noise are sensible measures and we put the theory on a firm footing. As neural and ion channel signal transfer is nonlinear and aperiodic, the new method has direct applicability in biophysics and neural science.
Development of insulin resistance and hyperphagia in Zucker fatty rats.

The onset of hyperphagia in the Zucker fatty (fa/fa) rat occurs on a single day in postnatal development and could be driven by an increase in insulin sensitivity. To test this hypothesis, we perfo...
Erlang for concurrent programming

Designed for concurrency from the ground up, the Erlang language can be a valuable tool to help solve concurrent problems.
To Philosophize or not to Philosophize? Rorty's Challenge to Feminists

This article takes up Rorty's advice to feminists to abandon philosophizing (and appeals to truth and reality) in favor of using language to create a new logical space for feminist politics. The argument focuses on the rhetorical role of appeals to truth and reality, the role of linguistic innovation in social change, and the feminist critique of Rorty's use of the "prophetic voice" in his discussion of feminist politics.
Single-Electron Force Readout of Nanoparticle Electrometers Attached to Carbon Nanotubes

We introduce a new technique of probing the local potential inside a nanostructure employing Au nanoparticles as electrometers and using single-electron force microscopy to sense the charge states of the Au electrometers, which are sensitive to local potential variations. The Au nanoelectrometers are weakly coupled to a carbon nanotube through high-impedance molecular junctions. We demonstrate the operation of the Au nanoelectrometer, determine the impedance of the molecular junctions, and measure the local potential profile in a looped nanotube.
ON THE MAGNETIC FLUX BUDGET IN LOW-CORONA MAGNETIC RECONNECTION AND INTERPLANETARY CORONAL MASS EJECTIONS

Wepresentthefirstquantitativecomparisonbetweenthetotalmagneticreconnectionfluxinthelowcoronainthe wake of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the magnetic flux in magnetic clouds (MCs) that reach 1 AU 2Y3 days after CME onset. The total reconnection flux is measured from flare ribbons, and the MC flux is computed using in situ observations at 1 AU, all ranging from 10 20 to 10 22 Mx. It is found that for the nine studied events in which the association between flares, CMEs,and MCs isidentified, the MCflux iscorrelatedwiththe total reconnection flux! r. Further, the poloidal (azimuthal) MC flux ! p is comparable with the reconnection flux ! r, and the toroidal (axial) MC flux ! t is a fraction of ! r. Events associated with filament eruption do not exhibit a different ! t, p-! r relation from events not accompanied by erupting filaments. The relations revealed between these independently measured physical quantities suggest that for the studied samples, the magnetic flux and twist of interplanetary magnetic flux ropes, reflected by MCs, are highly relevant to low-corona magnetic reconnection during the eruption. We discuss the implications of this result for the formation mechanism of twisted magnetic flux ropes, namely, whether the helical structure of themagnetic flux ropeis largelypre-existing or formed in situ by low-coronamagnetic reconnection.We alsomeasuremagneticfluxencompassedincoronaldimmingregions(! d)anddiscussitsrelationtothereconnection flux inferred from flare ribbons and MC flux.
Letter by Stone et al Regarding Article, “Perspective on the 2013 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guideline for the Use of Statins in Primary Prevention of Low-Risk Individuals”

We read with significant concern the perspective by Dr Breslow1 on the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Cholesterol and Risk Assessment guidelines.2,3 He chose to focus his perspective on the guidelines’ primary prevention recommendations for those aged 40 to 75 years with an estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk ≥7.5% and a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 70 to 189 mg/dL. He stated that “the guideline recommends such individuals receive moderate intensity statin therapy to reduce LDL-C between 30% and 49%.” In fact, the guidelines state that these individuals are in a group with clear net clinical benefit from statin use, and in both the original guidelines and follow-up publications by the panel,2–4 we specifically call for a clinician–patient discussion before a statin is prescribed, rather than mandated statin therapy. This is a critical distinction. We envisioned that this clinician–patient discussion would allow for a consideration of lifestyle changes, focus on other modifiable risk factors, and initiate a discussion of the potential for benefit and the potential for adverse effects and drug–drug interactions …
Scintillation induced response in passively-quenched Si-based single photon counting avalanche diode arrays

An optical electrical model which studies the response of Si-based single photon counting arrays, specifically silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), to scintillation light has been developed and validated with analytically derived and experimental data. The scintillator-photodetector response in terms of relative pulse height, 10%–90% rise/decay times to light stimuli of different rise times (ranging from 0.1 to 5 ns) and decay times (ranging from 1 to 50 ns), as well as for different decay times of the photodetector are compared in theory and simulation. A measured detector response is used as a reference to further validate the model and the results show a mean deviation of simulated over measured values of 1%.
Altered Allogeneic Immune Responses in Middle-Aged Mice

It is well known that leukocyte composition, T cell phenotypes and immune function change in aged mice and humans. However, limited and conflicting results on the age-related immune changes in middle-aged mice were reported. Identification of the characteristics of allogeneic immune responses in aging mice may offer important information for transplantation immunology. The major age-related changes in the immune cell phenotypes and function of 12 months old mice include: 1) the significantly decreased CD4+ cell population in the peripheral blood, the major peripheral CD4+ cells is CD45RB(low)CD62L(low) memory phenotype; 2) the in vitro responses to alloantigens and Con A of splenocytes markedly reduced; 3) the in vivo secondary humoral immune responses to alloantigens significantly declined; 4) the age-related alteration in the thymus mainly occurred in CD4/CD8 double positive (DP) stage; and 5) increased CD80+ and MHC class II+ cell population in spleens. Thus, the major age-related immune changes in 12 months old mice occurred in CD4+ T cells in the periphery and DP stage in the thymus, which may subsequently lead to the decreased allogeneic immune responses and the different sensitivity to immunosuppressive drugs and treatments. Further studies on the characteristics of allogeneic immunity in aging individuals may help to determine the appropriated treatment for transplant aging individuals.