cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reframing Regional Governance for Research and Practice

The article proposes a framework to clarify and specify regional governance, a concept widely used but as yet inadequately formulated for research and practice. Using capacity and purpose rather th...
A Modern Treatment of the Ricardian Economy: I. The Pricing of Goods and of Labor and Land Services

Introduction, 1. — In the beginning, 3. — The expanding universe, 5. — Scarcity of land and positive rent, 7. — Residual rent to homogeneous land, 9. — A numerical example, 10. — The case of many goods and homogeneous land, 12. — The Leontief-Ricardo tableau, 15. — Non-substitutability even where substitutability is possible, 16. — Summary and Conclusion, 18. — Appendix: Theory of differential rent, 20.
Cerebral venous blood oxygenation monitoring during hyperventilation in healthy volunteers with a novel optoacoustic system

Monitoring of cerebral venous oxygenation is useful to facilitate management of patients with severe or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prompt recognition of low cerebral venous oxygenation is a key to avoiding secondary brain injury associated with brain hypoxia. In specialized clinical research centers, jugular venous bulb catheters have been used for cerebral venous oxygenation monitoring and have demonstrated that oxygen saturation < 50% (normal range is 55–75%) correlates with poor clinical outcome. We developed an optoacoustic technique for noninvasive monitoring of cerebral venous oxygenation. Recently, we designed and built a novel, medical grade optoacoustic system operating in the near-infrared spectral range for continuous, real-time oxygenation monitoring in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), a large central cerebral vein. In this work, we designed and built a novel SSS optoacoustic probe and developed a new algorithm for SSS oxygenation measurement. The SSS signals were measured in healthy volunteers during voluntary hyperventilation, which induced changes in SSS oxygenation. Simultaneously, we measured exhaled carbon dioxide concentration (EtCO 2 ) using capnography. Good temporal correlation between decreases in optoacoustically measured SSS oxygenation and decreases in EtCO 2 was obtained. Decreases in EtCO2 from normal values (35-45 mmHg) to 20-25 mmHg resulted in SSS oxygenation decreases by 3-10%. Intersubject variability of the responses may relate to nonspecific brain activation associated with voluntary hyperventilation. The obtained data demonstrate the capability of the optoacoustic system to detect in real time minor changes in the SSS blood oxygenation.
Hydrogen Rearrangements in the Mass Spectra of Alkylbenzenes

By means of extensive deuterium labeling, the γ-carbon has been shown to be the principal site of transferred hydrogen (deuterium) regardless whether the hydrogen (deuterium) is primary, secondary, or tertiary. Although a significant transfer is also observed from the β, δ, ɛ, and more remote (to θ) carbons of the alkyl chain, such transfer is not attended by C–C cleavage (fragmentation) and is interpreted as an exchange between the aromatic ring (ortho-hydrogen atoms) and the alkyl chain hydrogen atoms (deuterium atoms). The data herein also set small upper limits on the formation of m/e 91 (C7H7+) from m/e 92 (C7H8+.) at both high and low ionizing voltages as well as in long and short alkyl chains.
COMPARISON OF HURRICANE SANDY IMPACTS IN THREE NEW JERSEY COASTAL COMMUNITIES

Hurricane Sandy made landfall in Brigantine, NJ, USA on October 29, 2012 and left many coastal communities in New York and New Jersey devastated. In New Jersey, the damage levels varied significantly between Sandy Hook in the north and Cape May to the south. This study reports on data collected under a National Science Foundation (NSF) RAPID grant focusing on Sandy related damage in three of New Jersey’s coastal communities: Sea Girt, Bay Head and Mantoloking. These communities were specifically chosen due to their close proximity to one another and the vast difference in damage each experienced. Sea Girt and Mantoloking bracket the study area, and are located less than 12 km apart, with Bay Head located in between. In comparison to one another, Sea Girt experienced the least amount of damage, Bay Head experienced a moderate amount, while Mantoloking was severely damaged. Under the NSF funding, field data including watermarks, structure damage assessments, and scour information were collected. This data is currently being used to evaluate several different factors in an attempt to determine why Sea Girt fared so well, compared to Bay Head and Mantoloking, and why some portions of Mantoloking were nearly completely destroyed, while others were minimally impacted. Several conclusions arising from this study are that: (1) structural damage to houses in Bay Head and Mantoloking was a direct result of wave impact, overland surge propagation, and/or severe scour; (2) both Bay Head and Mantoloking experienced flooding from the bayside, although the intensity varied tremendously between the two boroughs, (3) the presence of an existing rock seawall along Bay Head’s dune line significantly mitigated storm surge propagation though the Borough and direct wave attack on the oceanfront structures; and (4) Sea Girt experienced the least amount of flooding and structural damage due to its natural high elevation, as well as its protective wide beach and high dune system. The data from this study has been utilized to validate and evaluate several storm models currently being applied to investigate the damaging effects of Sandy along the coasts of New York and New Jersey. Ultimately, the objective is to utilize the modeling techniques and assessments derived from these measurements to help coastal communities recover and rebuild from future natural disasters.
Dysphonia in infants

The definition of infant dysphonia is difficult because the physiological phonation itself may be extremely variable in newborns. In a wider sense, all voice utterings can be interpreted as dysphonia which deviate continuously in any of the parameters (timbre, pitch, intensity, or noise) from the normal. We differentiated 20 types of such pathological phonation. The most characteristic are: the hoarse (caused by inflammation or tumor of the vocal cords); the hollow (indicative of tracheal stenosis); the shrill (suggesting a CNS damage); the bleating (pathognostic of Down syndrome); the faint (a result of myogenic diseases); and the mewing cry (etiology: cri-du-chat syndrome). In a narrower sense dysphonia in infants is a kind of pathological phonation without evidence of neurological alteration or chromosomal aberration and without a verified laryngeal lesion. These infants utter pressed, harsh, or very high voice (hyperfunctional form) or a weak, inert cry (hypofunctional form). The dysphonic voice may be characterized also by sudden change in melody or in pitch (glide, shift, break, bitonality) and by turbulent noises. This type of newborn dysphonia is a result of the immature innervation of the larynx, it gradually improves and lateron spontaneously disappears. Perceptual evaluation, endoscopy, and acoustic analysis yield useful diagnostic information.
Comparing short-term memory among sensory modalities

The ability to retain neural representations of stimuli which are no longer present in the sensory environment is a central aspect of human behaviour, and has been considered one of evolution's mos...
The Role of Single Talker Acoustic Variation in Early Word Learning

Recent work has demonstrated that the addition of multiple talkers during habituation improves 14-month-olds’ performance in the switch task (Rost & McMurray, 2009). While the authors suggest that this boost in performance is due to the increase in acoustic variability (Rost & McMurray, 2010), it is also possible that there is something crucial about the presence of multiple talkers that is driving this performance. To determine whether or not acoustic variability in and of itself is beneficial in early word learning tasks like the switch task, we tested 14-month-old infants in a version of the switch task using acoustically variable auditory stimuli produced by a single speaker. Results show that 14-month-olds are able to learn phonemically similar words within the switch task with increased acoustic variability and without the presence of multiple talkers.
Photopatternable Reflective Films Produced by Nanolayer Extrusion

Novel patternable, light-reflecting multilayer polymer films are presented. The investigated elements comprise 1024 nanolayers of two different, transparent polymers in strictly alternating fashion. Polymers with different refractive indices were employed and the individual layer thickness was controlled between 50 and 200 nm; as a result the investigated films exhibit pronounced optical interference effects. Different photoreactive additives were integrated into the multilayer films, rendering the optical characteristics of these elements tunable. One approach relied on the use of photoreactive blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and up to 25 wt.-% of trans-cinnamic acid (CA) or trans-methyl cinnamate (MC). Upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, CA and MC undergo dimerization through 2+2 cycloaddition, leading to a significant decrease of the blend's refractive index. As a result, the reflectivity of the multilayer films based on these photoreactive blends changes considerably upon photoreaction. The second approach was based on the use of blends of PMMA and 2-(2′-benzoylphenyl)benzoxazole (BzPO), a ‘caged’ photoluminescent dye. This benzoyl ester of 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzoxazole (HPBO) is not photoluminescent, but upon exposure to appropriate UV radiation, the ester bond is cleaved, and the photoluminescent HPBO is quantitatively restored. Thus, using conventional photolithographic techniques, reflective multilayer films were patterned with photoluminescent designs.
Stimulation of the gerbil's gustatory receptors by artificial sweeteners.

Summary Some electrophysiological and behavioral taste experiments have been undertaken to determine how the Mongolian gerbil responds to artificial sweeteners. In the electrophysiological experiment only fourteen of twenty-one sweeteners produced neural responses. The most potent compound was l -4′-cyano-3-(2,2,2-trifluoroacetamido)succinanilic acid. Halogenated derivatives were more potent stimuli than non-halogenated ones. d -Tryptophan was stimulatory while l -tryptophan was not. The electrophysiological responses to sucrose were not inhibited by the presence of non-stimulating sweeteners nor were the responses to d -tryptophan inhibited by l -tryptophan. All the compounds that were stimulatory electrophysiologically were used in the behavior experiment. Using conditioned taste aversion, the gerbils responded to 5 of the compounds as sweet, one as sweet-salty, two as sweet-bitter, one as sour and one as bitter. In addition, 3 compounds were drunk equally by all groups suggesting that they were tasteless or possessed some unknown taste quality. A correlation was found between the efficacy ( K d ) of the sweet-tasting compounds (pure sweet or mixed sweet) and the sweetness ranking by humans.
Parental expressed emotion and adolescent self-injury.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study examined the relationship between parental expressed emotion (EE) and adolescent self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB), as well as potential mediators and moderators of this relationship. Method: Thirty-six adolescents ages 12 to 17 years recruited from the community (2004-2005) provided data. Parents of the adolescents completed the Five-Minute Speech Sample, a performance-based measure of EE, and adolescents completed interviews and rating scales assessing SITB, mental disorders, and related constructs. Results: Analyses revealed that high parental EE was associated with each type of SITB assessed: suicide ideation, suicide plans, suicide attempts, and nonsuicidal self-injury. Analyses also revealed that one specific component of EE (i.e., parental criticism) was strongly associated with SITB, whereas the other (i.e., emotional overinvolvement) was not and that the relationship between EE and SITB was not explained by the presence of mental disorders. Finally, a moderation model was supported in which the relationship between parental criticism and SITB was especially strong among adolescents with a self-critical cognitive style. Conclusions: This study indicates that parental criticism is significantly associated with SITB and suggests one specific pathway through which the family may influence adolescent SITB. Future research is needed to replicate these findings and examine the direction of these relationships.
Relation of field dependence to the "Philosophies of Human Nature".

Summary.-To study the function of personality variables in the perception of other people, 52 undergraduate males were administered the Philosophies of Human Nature Scale and the Embedded-figures Test. Relatively low but significant positive correlations were found between field independence and trustworthiness, altruism, and the positive view of human nature. There was no significant correlation between field independence and strength of will, independence, complexiry, and variability. Apparently, the personality of the one perceiving is relevant to what is perceived in the other person. The way a person perceives the attitudes and motives of other people is probably related to personality variables of the one perceiving. Whether he sees another person as being basically positive or basically negative will nor be dependent solely on the objective characteristics of the other person. Duke and Wrightsman (3) found significant relationships berween the perception of attitudes and motives of other people, as measured by the Philosophies of Human Nature Scale (PHN), and their defensive mode of expression as measured by the Repression-Sensitization Scale (R-s). Thus this variable was correlated with perception of attitudes and motives in others. Wrightsman (6) has assumed that each person possesses a set of beliefs about the nature of human nature and that his expectations of another's behavior reflect, in part, these assumptions. To measure these assumptions, Wrightsman constructed the PHN which consists of six subscales: Trustworthiness (T), Altruism (A), Independence (I), Strength of Will or Rationaliry (S), Complexity (C), and Variability (V). In analysis of content, Wrightsman (6) found essentially two groups of subscales,' (a) four subscales [T, A, I, and S; named Positive-Negative (P)] and (b) two subscales [C and V; named Multiplexity (M)]. Thus the PHN provides eight measures, six subscales and two group scores. The low intercorrelations of the six subscales justify their use separately as measures of the philosophies of human nature. The relationships between the philosophies of human nature and a defensive mode
Indirect calorimetry: comparison of hood and mask systems for measuring resting energy expenditure in healthy volunteers

Controversy exists as to the validity and reliability of hood and mask systems in measuring indirect calorimetry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of repeat measurements of resting energy expenditure (REE) in volunteers. Paired REE measurements were performed in 23 subjects after an overnight fast using hood and mask systems. Lean body mass was calculated from four skinfold measurements and body weight determinations. Data were normalized to body weight and lean body mass and were calculated as percent predicted REE in paired tests taken within 5 minutes on the same subject. No significant difference in mean REE was noted between hood and mask systems. Linear regression analysis showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.91, p less than 0.001) between hood and mask measurements of REE.
Magnetic drug-targeting carrier encapsulated with thermosensitive smart polymer: Core–shell nanoparticle carrier and drug release response

A novel magnetic drug-targeting carrier consisting of magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated with a smart polymer with characteristics of controlled drug release is described. The carrier is characterized by functionalized magnetite (Fe(3)O(4)) and conjugated therapeutic agent doxorubicin, which is encapsulated with the thermosensitive polymer, dextran-g-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N-dimethylacrylamide) [dextran-g-poly(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm)]. The surface of magnetite nanoparticles was functionalized by chemical bonding with 3-mercaptopropionic acid hydrazide (HSCH(2)CH(2)CONHNH(2)) via Fe-S covalent bonds. The anticancer therapeutic drug, doxorubicin, was attached to the surface of the functionalized magnetic nanoparticles through an acid-labile hydrazone-bond, formed by the reaction of hydrazide group of HSCH(2)CH(2)CONHNH(2) with the carbonyl group of doxorubicin. The dextran-g-poly(NIPAAm-co-DMAAm) smart polymer exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of approximately 38 degrees C, which is representative of a phase transition behavior. This behavior allows for an on-off trigger mechanism. At an experimental temperature lower than LCST, the drug release was very low. However, at a temperature greater than LCST, there was an initially rapid drug release followed by a controlled released in the second stage, especially, in the mild acidic buffer solution of pH 5.3. The release of drug is envisaged to occur by the collapse of the encapsulated thermosensitive polymer and cleavage of the acid-labile hydrazone linkage. The proposed carrier is appropriately suitable for magnetic targeting drug delivery system with longer circulation time, reduced side effects and controlled drug release in response to the change in external temperature.
Prevention and treatment of experimental herpes simplex virus encephalitis with human immune serum globulin

Pooled human immunoglobulin suitable for intravenous administration (IGIV) was evaluated in the prophylaxis and treatment of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 encephalitis in a murine model. Four-week-old BALB/c mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of IGIV or saline 24 h before or up to 24 h after intranasal infection with 10(4.6) PFU of HSV type 1. Treatment with IGIV was protective against death, and the protective effects were dose and time dependent. Treatment with IGIV blocked the production of HSV antibody by infected mice and reduced the number of trigeminal ganglia containing latent virus. Removal of neutralizing antibody from the IGIV pool did not eliminate the protective effect, whereas F(ab)2 fragments of IGIV, which had virus-neutralizing activity that was identical to that of native IGIV, conferred no protection against death. Pooled human IGIV was effective for the prevention and treatment of HSV encephalitis in mice. Antibody-mediated protection required the Fc portion of the immunoglobulin molecule but did not require the direct neutralization of virus.
Separatism, Integrationism, and Avoidance among Black, White, and Latin Adolescents

Many studies have examined support for integration or separatism among racial or ethnic groups. Yet most have ignored other reactions to intergroup contact, a primary one being that of avoidance. In this paper the responses of junior and senior high school adolescents to a series of attitude items are examined in a factor analysis. Two clear and distinct response tendencies emerged, one an integration-separatism dimension and the other, an approachavoidance dimension. The social correlates of both dimensions are presented and the implications of the two dimensions for continued research on race and ethnic relations are briefly discussed. Race relations in the United States have undergone some phenomenal changes in the past fifteen years. The civil rights movement and the black power movement evolved and flourished. Urban areas became battlegrounds between police and the "colonized." At the same time white citizens' councils, the Klu Klux Klan, and in some areas the National Socialist White People's party have opposed the gains minority populations have made. We now seem to be entering a time of retrenchment from previous minority gains, and interpersonal conflict between blacks and whites particularly in the urban North is continuing. The primary supporters and participants in bringing about change have been disproportionately young. (See, e.g., Aberbach and Walker; Brink and Harris, a, b; Campbell and Schuman; Feagin; Goldman; Marx; National Commission on Civil Disorders; Orum; Schuman and Hatchett.) While researchers have examined the demographic and attitudinal correlates of adult support or participation in these
μ-Opioid receptor activation decreases N-type Ca2+ current in magnocellular neurons of the rat basal forebrain

Abstract Opioid modulation of calcium currents was studied in acutely dissociated rat basal forebrain neurons using the whole cell patch-clamp recording technique. The μ-opioid receptor agonist DAGO reversibly suppressed high-voltage activated calcium currents and slowed their rate of activation, while neither δ- nor κ-opioid receptor agonists were effective in modifying calcium current in these neurons. The inhibitory effect of DAGO on calcium current was abolished following irreversible blockade of N-type calcium channels by ω-conotoxin GVIA, whereas DAGO-induced inhibitory responses were not affected following blockade of L-type calcium channels by nifedipine. These findings indicate that μ-opioid receptors are negatively coupled to N-type calcium channels on the postsynaptic membrane of basal forebrain neurons. Calcium currents recorded from a significant number of large, μ-opioid sensitive neurons were also suppressed by muscarinic receptor activation, while smaller, μ-opioid sensitive neurons were not sensitive to muscarinic receptor activation. Thus, the present data demonstrate that voltage-activated calcium influx in several subpopulations of basal forebrain neurons can be regulated by μ-opioid receptor activation. These results suggest that μ-opioid regulation of calcium current may be an important functional mechanism in regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the basal forebrain.
Early stages of in vitro calcification of human aortic tissue.

WE have previously described the in vitro calcification of human aortic tissue with the formation of hydroxy-apatite1. We now wish to report the results of an investigation of the mechanism of this calcification.
Spinor Currents and Symmetries of Baryons and Mesons

By introducing spinor currents in addition to the algebra of vector and axial-vector currents, new symmetries of hadrons are obtained in which both baryons and mesons are grouped together in a supermultiplet. These currents are constructed as bilinear combinations of fundamental fields, both bosonic and fermionic. They form a generalized Jordan algebra, whose representations are constructed. As possible models, two examples are given, $V(6,3)$ and $V(6,21)$. In the latter, all known hadrons are included in the adjoint representation.
Islet immuno-isolation: The use of hybrid artificial organs to prevent islet tissue rejection

Immuno-isolation protects islet tissue from rejection by enclosing it within semi-permeable membranes. Four major techniques have been developed to achieve this goal: (1) Extravascular diffusion chambers. These can be implanted in many locations but are limited by host fibroblastic responses which further reduce diffusion capability. (2) Intravascular diffusion chambers. These have improved diffusion characteristics dependent on design but have serious vascular access problems. (3) Intravascular ultrafiltration chambers. These have a more rapid response since they do not rely on diffusion but have an additional problem of protein deposition on their membranes. (4) Microencapsulation. This technique incorporates the islet tissue inside a biochemical membrane making it more efficient. Yet the technique is limited by membrane instability. Immuno-isolation offers an alternative to immunosuppression, but the biotechnology must be improved to develop suitable materials for effective clinical trials.
Strategies to determine the biological function of microRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulators of gene expression that control many biological processes in development, differentiation, growth and metabolism. Their expression levels, small size, abundance of repetitive copies in the genome and mode of action pose unique challenges in studies elucidating the function of miRNAs. New technologies for identification, expression profiling and target gene validation, as well as manipulation of miRNA expression in vivo, will facilitate the study of their contribution to biological processes and disease. Such information will be crucial to exploit the emerging knowledge of miRNAs for the development of new human therapeutic applications.
Videodensitometric estimation of the protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen in the ischemic gerbil brain

To verify its protective effect on the ischemic mammalian brain, hyperbaric oxygen was administered to six groups of carotid-ligated gerbils. The outcome was evaluated clinically and by a colorimetric videodensitometry technique by comparing differences in the interhemispheric color density through the translucent intact cranium. It was found that there was a graded decrease in interhemispheric differences with increasing exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (the appearance of the ischemic hemisphere increasingly approached that of normal brain). This correlated with the incidence of ischemia in each group.
MANAGERIALISM IN SOCIAL WORK — AN EXPLORATION OF ISSUES IN THE UNITED STATES

This article examines the dimensions and importance of managerialism in social work. A three-part question: "What?", "So What?" and "Now what?" forms an analytical frame, which generates a frank deliberation on what actually take place in social work agencies in the U.S. These social work agencies, as a whole, are found to be under-led, under-managed and over-supervised. In order to make improvements for quality service to clients, specific and concrete suggestions are outlined for social workers' consideration. 这 篇 文 章 检 视 社 会 工 作 中 管 理 主 义 的 领 域 和 重 要 性。 作 者 用 「什 么？」 「又 如 何？」 和 「现 在 又 怎 样」 构 成 其 分 析 架 构， 从 而 坦 诚 地 讨 论 美 国 的 社 会 工 作 机 构 究 竟 发 生 什 么 事。 总 的 来 说、 问 题 在 於 缺 乏 领 导、 管 理 不 善 和 过 量 监 督。 作 者 并 提 供 明 确 和 具 体 的 指 引， 以 便 社 工 改 善 其 服 务 质 素。
Latency Insertion Method (LIM) for DC Analysis of Power Supply Networks

Process scaling in modern integrated circuits has led to multiple signal and power integrity issues. In particular, ensuring reliable performance of on-chip power delivery systems has become a major design challenge. Rigorous analysis and simulations are required at the design stage to ensure proper functionality of an on-chip power supply. This puts a strain on existing numerical tools due to the sheer size of the power grids. In this paper, a fast circuit simulation technique based on the latency insertion method (LIM) is proposed for the steady-state analysis of large-scale circuits, such as on-chip power distribution network. The proposed method is shown to be very efficient for modeling of networks with very large numbers of nodes. The comparison with one of the well-established methods used for the power grid analysis today, the Random-Walk algorithm, shows that LIM is almost two orders of magnitude faster.
Numerical analysis of beam propagation in pulsed cavity ring-down spectroscopy

A numerical simulation of pulsed cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) is developed with the commercially available software package GENERAL LASER ANALYSIS AND DESIGN. The model is verified through a series of numerical experiments. Several issues of concern in CRDS are investigated, including spatial resolution, misalignment, non-Gaussian beam input, and the effect of flames inside a ring-down cavity. Suggestions for the design of pulsed CRDS instruments are provided.
Expression of Fluorescent Cyclotides using Protein Trans‐Splicing for Easy Monitoring of Cyclotide–Protein Interactions

Cyclotides are fascinating natural plant micro-proteins ranging from 28 to 37 amino acid residues long and exhibit various biological actions including anti-microbial, insecticidal, cytotoxic, antiviral (against HIV), protease inhibitory, and hormone-like activities.[1–4] They share a unique head-to-tail circular knotted topology of three disulfide bridges; one disulfide penetrates through a macrocycle formed by the other two disulfides, thereby inter-connecting the peptide backbone to form what is called a cystine knot topology (Fig. 1). This cyclic cystine knot (CCK) framework gives the cyclotides exceptional rigidity[5], resistance to thermal and chemical denaturation, and enzymatic stability against degradation.[4, 6] In fact, some cyclotides have been shown to be orally bioavailable. For example, the first cyclotide to be discovered, kalata B1, was found to be an orally effective uterotonic,[7] and other cyclotides have been shown to cross the cell membrane through macropinocytosis.[8–10] All of these features make cyclotides ideal tools for drug development.[11–14]
Enhanced Electron Field Emission from Carbon Nanotube Matrices

Field emission from as-grown carbon nanotube (CNTs) films often suffered from high threshold electric field, and low emission site density due to screening effects. These problems can be resolved by patterned growth of CNTs on lithographically prepared catalyst films. However, these approaches are expensive and not applicable for future emitting devices with large display areas. Here we show that as-grown CNTs films can have low emission threshold field and high emission density without using any lithography processes. We have reduced screening effects and work function of as-grown CNTs films and created the novel CNT matrices by addition of vapor- and/or liquid- phase deposition. Furthermore, these CNT matrices can continuous emit electrons for 40 hours without significant degradation. The fabrication of our CNT matrices is described as follows. First, CNT films were grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. These vertically-aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs) are having typical length and diameter of 4 microns and 40 nm, respectively. Spacing between these CNTs is ~80 nm in average, leading to poor emission properties due to the screening effect. These as-grown samples were then subjected to the deposition of strontium titanate (SrTiO3) by pulsed-laser deposition to reduce both the work function and screening effect of CNTs. The emission properties of these coated samples can be further improved by fully filled the spaces between VA-MWCNTs by poly-methyl metha acrylate (PMMA). The field emission threshold electric field was decreased from 4.22 V/μm for as-grown VA-MWCNTs to 1.7 V/μm for SrTiO3 coated VA-MWCNTs. The addition filling with PMMA and mechanical polishing can further reduce the threshold to 0.78V/μm for the so called PMMA-STO-CNT matrices. Long term emission stability and emission site density were also enhanced.
Monoliths for Partial Oxidation Catalysis

Monolith catalysts are effective for partial oxidation reactions at high temperatures at contact times between 10 −4 and 10 −2 sec. We summarize results for three reactions: (1) syngas by direct oxidation of CH 4 , (2) olefins by oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, and (3) HCN by ammoxidation of CH 4 , and we consider what features of monoliths create optimal selectivity with high conversions. Monoliths used are noble metal films coated on ceramic foams, extruded ceramics, ceramic fibers, and woven Pt-10%Rh gauze catalysts. Effects of metals and geometries of the ceramics are ceramics are compared to show how these factors influence activity and selectivity.
The illegal market in tiger parts in northern Sumatra, Indonesia

The Sumatran tiger is the only one of three original subspecies of tigers that survives in Indonesia today. Its wild population, estimated to be 400–650 animals, has progressively diminished because of habitat destruction, poaching and the removal of tigers involved in conflicts with local farmers. This paper presents previously undocumented information on the market in tiger products. It shows that, while no documentation of intentional tiger poaching to meet an international demand for tiger bones was recorded, the domestic demand for tiger bones, teeth and claws is still a potential threat to the future survival of this subspecies. In addition to continuing work to protect the integrity of tiger habitat in Sumatra, enforcement actions are required to prevent the domestic market for tiger parts increasing the threats to this subspecies and to ensure its conservation.
Inhibition of Rat and Human Steroidogenesis by Triazole Antifungals

Environmental chemicals that alter steroid production could interfere with male reproductive development and function. Three agricultural antifungal triazoles that are known to modulate expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes and enzymatic activities were tested for effects on steroidogenesis using rat in vivo (triadimefon), rat in vitro (myclobutanil and triadimefon), and human in vitro (myclobutanil, propiconazole, and triadimefon) model systems. Hormone production was measured in testis organ cultures from untreated adult and neonatal rats, following in vitro exposure to 1, 10, or 100 muM of myclobutanil or triadimefon. Myclobutanil and triadimefon reduced media levels of testosterone by 40-68% in the adult and neonatal testis culture, and altered steroid production in a manner that indicated CYP17-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17A1) inhibition at the highest concentration tested. Rat to human comparison was explored using the H295R (human adrenal adenocarcinoma) cell line. Following 48 h exposure to myclobutanil, propiconazole, or triadimefon at 1, 3, 10, 30, or 100 muM, there was an overall decrease in estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone by all three triazoles. These data indicate that myclobutanil, propiconazole, and triadimefon are weak inhibitors of testosterone production in vitro. However, in vivo exposure of rats to triazoles resulted in increased serum and intra-testicular testosterone levels. This discordance could be due to higher concentrations of triazoles tested in vitro, and differences within an in vitro model system lacking hepatic metabolism and neuroendocrine control.
Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, a Forerunner in 1794-95 of Experimental Weathering

In a hitherto unpublished manuscript dated 1794–95, H.-B. de Saussure described three types of rudimentary laboratory experiments on weathering, each one lasting about 4 hours, undertaken on samples of jade, serpentine, feldspar, and mica schist. He submitted these samples to dry heating, heating with continuous addition of water, and heating with periodic addition of water. Experimentation was performed at temperatures of the order of 200–250°C, and Saussure seems to have realized that a reasonable increase of temperature was necessary for laboratory simulation of long-lasting geological processes. No changes were observed during dry heating whereas increasing alteration was noticed in the presence of water, particularly when heating was combined with periodic wetting. He concluded that these tests demonstrated his preconceived idea that weathering of minerals (mostly silicates) resulted from alternating periods of drying and wetting. This concept is basically very close, if not identical, to that underlying modern ideas on seasonal weathering.
Smad1-Smad5 ovarian conditional knockout mice develop a disease profile similar to the juvenile form of human granulosa cell tumors.

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the ovary are rare sex cord stromal tumors. Although generally indolent, GCTs recur, and if not diagnosed and treated in early stages, survival rates are significantly shortened. Very little is known regarding GCT etiology. Because of the low incidence of cases and lack of standard diagnostics, mouse models for granulosa cell tumors are a valuable tool for studying GCTs and provide models for developing diagnostic and treatment strategies. We recently developed a novel mouse model of metastatic granulosa cell tumors by genetic deletion of the bone morphogenetic protein signaling transcription factors (SMADs) in granulosa cells of the ovary. Histological and serum hormone analyses reveal that this mouse model most closely resembles the juvenile form of GCT. We further analyzed samples of human juvenile GCT (JGCT) for expression of anti-Mullerian hormone and activation of two major signaling pathways: TGFβ/SMAD2/3 and wingless-related mouse mammary tumor virus integration sit...
MR imaging of cerebral gumma.

Cerebral gumma, as a manifestation of neurosyphilis, is unusual. The CT and MR findings in a patient with a surgically proved frontal convexity granuloma and strongly positive syphilis serologies is presented
Simultaneous optimum detection and estimation of signals in noise

The problem of simultaneous detection and estimation of signals in noise is formulated in the language of statistical decision theory. Optimum structures and corresponding general measures of system performance are derived under the Bayes criterion of minimum average risk for the detectors and estimators appropriate to this type of joint operation: It is shown that whereas the structures of the resulting optimum detectors require a class of modified likelihood ratios, the structures of the optimum estimators, which act on the data when there is uncertainty as to the presence of a signal [p(H_{1}) , have a common canonical form for a wide variety of operating strategies. This form is identical with that obtained for estimation alone [p(H_{1}) , even though there is generally mutual coupling between detector and extractor. A simple structure is obtained for the estimation of amplitude and waveform in the case of a quadratic cost function (least mean-square error), where it is found that the estimator which is optimum here [p(H_{1}) is the product of the corresponding Bayes estimator in the "classical" case [P(H1) = 1 ] and a simple algebraic function of the generalized likelihood ratio. In this case, one can also show that estimators that are unbiased in the classical sense remain unbiased. In parallel with the classical theory, a generalized version of unconditional maximum likelihood estimation is obtained for the "simple" cost function when p(H_{1} . It is found that estimators that are linear in the classical case [p(H_{1}) = 1 ] are nonlinear in the more general situation [p(H_{1}) , where increased structural complexity is always the rule for both detectors and estimators. A specific example involving the coherent estimation of signal amplitude illustrates the approach. Analogous extensions to prediction and filtering are formulated, making it evident that a broad area for further generalizations of classical Bayes detection and extraction theory is available for systematic investigation.
The persistence of waterfalls in fractured rock

Although the upstream translation of waterfalls is often thought to occur by undercutting of resistant strata, collapse, and headwall retreat (e.g., Niagara Falls), many propagating waterfalls maintain a vertical face in the absence of undercutting. To explain this observation, we propose that bedrock-fracture geometry exerts a fundamental control on knickpoint morphology and evolution such that vertical waterfalls can persist during retreat due to toppling in bedrock with near horizontal and vertical sets of joints (e.g., columnar basalt). At a waterfall, rock columns are affected by shear and drag from the overflowing water, buoyancy from the plunge pool at the foot of the waterfall, and gravity. We used a torque balance to determine the stability of a rock column and any individual blocks that comprise the column. Results indicate that rotational failure should occur about the base of a headwall (and therefore preserve its form during upstream propagation) where columns are tilted in the downstream direction or slightly tilted in the upstream direction, depending on the plunge-pool depth. Flume experiments were performed to test the model, and the model provides a good prediction of the flow necessary to induce toppling and the morphology of the head-wall. Waterfall-induced toppling explains the morphology of canyon headwalls in the volcanic terrain of the northwestern United States, where catastrophic paleofloods (e.g., Bonneville Flood) have carved steep amphitheater-headed canyons in columnar basalt. This model may also explain similar land-forms elsewhere on Earth and Mars, and it can be used to predict the minimum flow discharge needed to create these features.
Association of BRCA1 Mutations With Occult Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: A Possible Explanation for the Link Between Infertility and Breast/Ovarian Cancer Risks

Purpose Germline mutations in BRCA genes are associated with breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility. Because infertility is associated with breast and ovarian cancer risks, we hypothesized that the mutations in the BRCA gene may be associated with low response to fertility treatments. Methods We performed ovarian stimulation in 126 women with breast cancer by using letrozole and gonadotropins for the purpose of fertility preservation by embryo or oocyte cryopreservation. As surrogates of ovarian reserve, the oocyte yield and the incidence of low response were compared with ovarian stimulation according to BRCA mutation status. Results Of the 82 women who met the inclusion criteria, 47 women (57%) had undergone BRCA testing, and 14 had a mutation in BRCA genes, of which two were of clinically undetermined significance. In BRCA mutation–positive patients, low ovarian response rate was significantly higher compared with BRCA mutation–negative patients (33.3 v 3.3%; P = .014) and with BRCA-untested women (2...
Optimality of KLT for High-Rate Transform Coding of Gaussian Vector-Scale Mixtures: Application to Reconstruction, Estimation, and Classification

The Karhunen-Loeacuteve transform (KLT) is known to be optimal for high-rate transform coding of Gaussian vectors for both fixed-rate and variable-rate encoding. The KLT is also known to be suboptimal for some non-Gaussian models. This paper proves high-rate optimality of the KLT for variable-rate encoding of a broad class of non-Gaussian vectors: Gaussian vector-scale mixtures (GVSM), which extend the Gaussian scale mixture (GSM) model of natural signals. A key concavity property of the scalar GSM (same as the scalar GVSM) is derived to complete the proof. Optimality holds under a broad class of quadratic criteria, which include mean-squared error (MSE) as well as generalized f-divergence loss in estimation and binary classification systems. Finally, the theory is illustrated using two applications: signal estimation in multiplicative noise and joint optimization of classification/reconstruction systems
Extra-pair mating and sexual selection on male traits across populations

Abstract Research on sexually selected male traits has intensified over the last two decades and there are now many species of birds for which male traits associated with extra-pair mating success have been identified. Some of the more commonly studied species have been examined in multiple populations; however, there is often little consistency in results between studies. In paired analyses of Tree Swallows breeding in Wisconsin, we found that successful extra-pair sires were more experienced breeders, heavier, had fewer lice holes in their feathers, had longer wings and tended to be in better condition than the male they cuckolded. Our results are similar to those from a population of Tree Swallows studied in Ontario but differ from a population studied in British Columbia. Such variation among populations may arise if environmental heterogeneity influences the information content, reliability, or importance of particular male traits as signals of male quality. Taking these factors into consideration wi...
MRI-based technique for determining nonuniform deformations throughout the volume of articular cartilage explants

Articular cartilage is critical to the normal function of diarthrodial joints. Despite the importance of the tissue and the prevalence of cartilage degeneration (e.g., osteoarthritis), the technology required to noninvasively describe nonuniform deformations throughout the volume of the tissue has not been available until recently. The objectives of the work reported in this paper were to 1) describe a noninvasive technique (termed the cartilage deformation by tag registration (CDTR) technique) to determine nonuniform deformations in articular cartilage explants with the use of specialized MRI tagging and image processing methods, 2) evaluate the strain error of the CDTR technique using a custom MRI-compatible phantom material, and 3) demonstrate the applicability of the CDTR technique to articular cartilage by determining 3D strain fields throughout the volume of a bovine articular cartilage explant. A custom MRI pulse sequence was designed to tag and image articular cartilage explants at 7 Tesla in undeformed and deformed states during the application of multiple load cycles. The custom pulse sequence incorporated the "delays alternating with nutations for tailored excitation" (DANTE) pulse sequence to apply tags. This was followed by a "fast spin echo" (FSE) pulse sequence to create images of the tags. The error analysis using the phantom material indicated that deformations can be determined with an error, defined as the strain precision, better than 0.83% strain. When this technique was applied to a single articular cartilage explant loaded in unconfined compression, hetereogeneous deformations throughout the volume of the tissue were evident. This technique potentially can be applied to determine normal cartilage deformations, analyze degenerated cartilage, and evaluate cartilage surgical repair and treatment methodologies. In addition, this technique may be applied to other soft tissues that can be appropriately imaged by MR.
Male adolescent fertility preservation

Until the 1960s, few adolescents and young adults (AYAs) survived their initial cancer diagnoses. Now, ∼12,400 AYA patients are diagnosed with cancer each year, and almost 80% will now achieve a long-term cure. This dramatic improvement in survival is primarily due to multimodal treatments and combined chemotherapeutic regimens. Unfortunately, the increase in survival is often accompanied by treatment-related toxicities due to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical procedures. Despite guidelines published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and numerous other professional organizations, high percentages of male AYA oncology patients are not properly counseled regarding their fertility preservation options before cancer treatment. Although administering fertility preservation care to adolescent males can be challenging in many ways, numerous studies show that this care can be delivered with high degrees of success and high levels of patient and parent satisfaction. The key to this success at many institutions has been the implementation of formalized integrated fertility preservation programs with infrastructure geared toward the delivery of comprehensive expedited care.