cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Life Satisfaction Moderates the Effectiveness of a Play-Based Parenting Intervention in Low-Income Mothers and Toddlers

This multi-method multi-trait study examined moderators and mediators of change in the context of a parenting intervention. Low-income, diverse mothers of toddlers (average age 30 months; N = 186, 90 girls) participated in a play-based intervention (Child-Oriented Play versus Play-as-Usual) aimed at increasing children's committed compliance and reducing opposition toward their mothers, observed in prohibition contexts, and at reducing mother-rated children's behavior problems 6 months after the intervention. Mothers' subjective sense of life satisfaction and fulfillment during the intervention and objective ratings of psychosocial functioning by clinicians, obtained in a clinical interview were posed as moderators, and mothers' observed power-assertive discipline immediately following the intervention was modeled as a mediator of its impact. We tested moderated mediation using structural equation modeling, with all baseline scores (prior to randomization) controlled. Mothers' subjective sense of life satisfaction moderated the impact of the intervention, but clinicians' ratings did not. For mothers highly satisfied with their lives, participating in Child-Oriented Play group, compared to Play-as-Usual group, led to a reduction in power-assertive discipline which, in turn, led to children's increased compliance and decreased opposition and externalizing problems. There were no effects for mothers who reported low life satisfaction. The study elucidates the causal sequence set in motion by the intervention, demonstrates the moderating role of mothers' subjective life satisfaction, highlights limitations of clinicians' ratings, and informs future prevention and intervention efforts to promote adaptive parenting.
Effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and feeding on gastric volumes in diabetes mellitus with cardio‐vagal dysfunction

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) increases gastric volume in humans possibly through the vagus nerve. Gastric volume response to feeding is preserved after vagal denervation in animals. We evaluated gastric volume responses to GLP-1 and placebo in seven diabetic patients with vagal neuropathy in a crossover study. We also compared gastric volume response to feeding in diabetes with that in healthy controls. We measured gastric volume using SPECT imaging. Data are median (interquartile range). In diabetic patients, GLP-1 did not increase gastric volume during fasting [5 mL (-3; 30)] relative to placebo [4 mL (-14; 50) P = 0.5], or postprandially [Delta postprandial minus fasting volume 469 mL (383; 563) with GLP-1 and 452 mL (400; 493) with placebo P = 0.3]. Change in gastric volume over fasting in diabetic patients on placebo was comparable to that of healthy controls [452 mL (400; 493)], P = 0.5. In contrast to effects in health, GLP-1 did not increase gastric volume in diabetics with vagal neuropathy, suggesting GLP-1's effects on stomach volume are vagally mediated. Normal gastric volume response to feeding in diabetics with vagal neuropathy suggests that other mechanisms compensate for vagal denervation.
Support recovery in compressive sensing for estimation of direction-of-arrival

In the estimation of direction-of-arrival (DOA) problem, traditional array signal processing techniques normally use linear arrays sampled at Nyquist rate, and the inter-element distance in the linear array is required to be less than or equal to half of the wavelength to avoid angular ambiguity. The emerging Compressive Sensing(CS) theory enables us to use random array to sample the signal at much lower rate and still be able to recover it. To use this theory, the spatial signal should be sparse and it is always the case in practice. In this paper, we propose to apply the compressive sensing theory to reduce the spatial samples, i.e., to reduce the number of antenna elements. Instead of only showing the benefit of using CS theory, we analyze the performance of the angular estimation using the random array, i.e., we analyze the performance when the measurement is Fourier ensemble in terms of support recovery. We provide the sufficient and necessary conditions for the reliable support estimation.
Decomposition of the α-phase in titanium-rich Ti-Al alloys

Decomposition of the α-phase in Ti-Al alloys in the range 6.8 to 19.2 at. pct Al was investi-gated using electrical resistivity measurements and transmission electron microscopy. The solvus line between the α and α+ α2 regions was found to be somewhat higher than that re-ported by Blackburn. Short range ordering both above and below the solvus in 6.8 and 10.0 pct Al alloys was indicated by the resistivity measurements. In alloys containing 14.2 to 19.2 pet Al the precipitation process follows a C-curve behavior with a maximum rate at about 600°C.
SYNTHESIS AND CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF A NEW ANTITUMOR AGENT: [Pt(cis-1,4-DIAMINOCYCLOHEXANE)(1,1-CYCLOBUTANEDICARBOXYLATE)]

Abstract The crystal structure of [Pt(cis-1,4-diaminocyclohexane) (1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate)]·1 1/2H2O has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystal is monoclinic with space group P21 /c, a = 10.358(5), b = 21.887(6), c = 13.920(7)A, β = 107.26(3)° and Z = 8. The platinum atom has slightly distorted square planar geometry, with two adjacent corners being occupied by two amino nitrogens of cis-1,4-diaminocyclohexane (1,4-DACH) and the remaining two positions occupied with two oxygens of 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate. The DACH moiety is in a twist-boat conformation and makes a seven-membered chelating ring with platinum. The strain in bidentate 1,4-DACH binding with platinum is evidenced by the expansion of average N-Pt-N and Pt-N-C angles to 98.2° and 123.4°, respectively. The cyclobutane ring is nonplanar. There are two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit surrounding the three water molecules. The equatorial planes of the two molecules are titled at 32° to each oth...
On the definition of monopoly and selection of product characteristics

Abstract This paper considers the implications of the definition of monopoly for models of firm behavior in the selection of product variety. The results suggest that one's conception of a monopoly structure can influence the conclusions derived on the implications of market structure for product characteristics.
p53-mutant clones and field effects in Barrett's esophagus.

Previous studies have demonstrated multifocal neoplasia in Barrett’s esophagus. We evaluated 213 mapped, flow-purified, endoscopic biopsies to determine the distribution of p53 -mutant clones in the Barrett’s segments of 58 patients who had high-grade dysplasia without cancer. Twenty-nine patients (50%) had p53 mutations in their Barrett’s segments, including 3 patients with multiple distinct p53 mutations. p53 -mutant clones, including diploid cell populations, underwent expansion from 1 to 9 cm in the Barrett’s segment. In 12 of 29 patients (41%) with a p53 mutation, the same mutation was found at every evaluated level of the metaplastic epithelium. This extensive p53 -mutant clonal expansion suggests a somatic genetic basis for previous observations of field effects in Barrett’s esophagus.
Interpolation Maps and Congruence Domains for Wavelet Sets

It is proved that if an interpolation map between two wavelet sets preserves the union of the sets, then the pair must be an interpolation pair. We also construct an example of a pair of wavelet sets for which the congruence domains of the associated interpolation map and its inverse are equal, and yet the pair is not an interpolation pair. The first result solves affirmatively a problem that the second author had posed several years ago, and the second result solves an intriguing problem of D. Han. The key to this counterexample is a special technical lemma on constructing wavelet sets. Several other applications of this result are also given. In addition, some problems are posed. We also take the opportunity to give some general exposition on wavelet sets and operator-theoretic interpolation of wavelets.
STATE VS CONSUMER REGULATION: AN EVALUATION OF TWO ROAD SAFETY INTERVENTIONS IN KENYA

This paper compares the relative impact of two road safety interventions in the Kenyan minibus or matatu sector: a top down set of regulatory requirements known as the Michuki Rules and a consumer empowerment intervention. We use very detailed insurance claims data on three classes of vehicles to implement a difference-in-differences estimation strategy to measure the impact of the Michuki Rules. Despite strong political leadership and dedicated resources, we find no statistically significant effect of the Michuki Rules on accident rates. In contrast, the consumer empowerment intervention that didn't rely on third party enforcement has very large and significant effects on accident rates. Our intent-to-treat estimates suggest reductions in accident rates of at least 50%. Our analysis suggests that in institutionally weak environments, innovative consumer-driven solutions might provide an alternative solution to low quality service provision.
Prevention of Lower Extremity Injuries in Basketball: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Context:Lower extremity injuries are common in basketball, yet it is unclear how prophylactic interventions affect lower extremity injury incidence rates.Objective:To analyze the effectiveness of current lower extremity injury prevention programs in basketball athletes, focusing on injury rates of (1) general lower extremity injuries, (2) ankle sprains, and (3) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.Data Sources:PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials were searched in January 2015.Study Selection:Studies were included if they were randomized controlled or prospective cohort trials, contained a population of competitive basketball athletes, and reported lower extremity injury incidence rates specific to basketball players. In total, 426 individual studies were identified. Of these, 9 met the inclusion criteria. One other study was found during a hand search of the literature, resulting in 10 total studies included in this meta-analysis.Study Design:Systematic re...
Magnetic Transitions in Heteronuclear and Homonuclear Molecule-Corrugated Surface Scattering

In this paper we present formal and computational studies of Δmj — transitions occuring in heteronuclear and homonuclear molecule — corrugated surface collisions. The model potential is a pairwise additive one which correctly incorporates the fact that Δmj — transitions occur only for corrugated surfaces (provided the quantization axis is chosen to be the average surface normal). The principal results are; a) Δmj — transitions are sensitive to lattice symmetry b) strong selection rules obtain for specular scattering c) the magnitude of Δmj — transition probabilities are strongly sensitive to surface corrugation d) the ratio of molecular length to lattice dimension (r/a) has a strong influence on the magnitude of Δmj — transition probabilities (with the probabilities increasing as (r/a) increases) e) Δmj — rainbows are predicted to occur. Computations are reported illustrating the above for both heteronuclear and homonuclear molecule — corrugated surface collisions.
Synergistic Face Detection and Pose Estimation with Energy-Based Models

We describe a novel method for real-time, simultaneous multi-view face detection and facial pose estimation. The method employs a convolutional network to map face images to points on a manifold, parametrized by pose, and non-face images to points far from that manifold. This network is trained by optimizing a loss function of three variables: image, pose, and face/non-face label. We test the resulting system, in a single configuration, on three standard data sets - one for frontal pose, one for rotated faces, and one for profiles - and find that its performance on each set is comparable to previous multi-view face detectors that can only handle one form of pose variation. We also show experimentally that the system's accuracy on both face detection and pose estimation is improved by training for the two tasks together.
A microstrip phase-trim device using a dielectric overlay

A design procedure is given for a microstrip phase-trim device using a dielectric overlay on a conventional microstrip line. The physical operation of the device is based on the change in the effective dielectric constant of the microstrip line caused by the presence of the dielectric layer on top of the microstrip line. The amount of phase trim produced by the device can be selected by the appropriate choice of dielectric constant, height, and length of the dielectric overlay. An approximate expression is given for the effective dielectric constant of the microstrip line as a function of the dielectric constant and height of the overlay. Measured results at 10 GHz are compared with predicted performance. >
Inducibility of intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia after the first two stages of the Fontan sequence

Abstract OBJECTIVES We sought to examine the incidence and possible factors for inducible intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia (IART) in a group of patients after two stages of the Fontan sequence but before the operation. BACKGROUND Intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia occurs in 10% to 40% of patients after the Fontan operation. No data are available regarding the potential for IART after the first two stages of the Fontan sequence but before the operation. METHODS The IART induction protocol included programmed extrastimulation and rapid atrial pacing, with and without isoproterenol. RESULTS The median age of the study group (n = 44, 27 males) was 1.7 years (range 1.2 to 5.2). Forty patients were in sinus rhythm. Twelve patients (27%) had inducible, sustained (>1 min) IART. Three patients (8%) had inducible, nonsustained IART. Bivariate analysis revealed that patients with sustained IART were significantly older at their second operation (median 0.54 vs. 0.40 years, p = 0.05). Multivariate logistic modeling revealed that older age (≥0.55 years) at the second palliative operation (p = 0.04), older age (≥1.95 years) at evaluation before the Fontan sequence (p = 0.04) and female gender (p = 0.03) were independently associated with sustained IART. A trend toward a greater frequency of sustained IART was seen in those patients with moderate or severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation (p = 0.07) and in those with resection of the atrial septum (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS The rate of inducible, sustained IART in a group of patients before the Fontan operation is 27% and is associated with older age at the time of second-stage palliation, older age at pre-Fontan evaluation and female gender.
Characterization of acetaminophen overdose-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations in the United States

PURPOSE: To estimate the number of acetaminophen overdose-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in the United States, characterize these by intentionality, age, and gender, and compare the strengths and limitations of the utilized databases. METHODS: We used data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to estimate the number of relevant ED visits in the United States between 2000 and 2007, and the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) to estimate the number of relevant hospitalizations in the United States between 1991 and 2006. National estimates and their standard errors were calculated using information provided in each database. We used the standard United States population in 2000 to calculate age-adjusted rates. RESULTS: We estimate an annual average of 44 348 (NHAMCS, 2000-2007) or 78 414 (NEISS, 2006-2007) acetaminophen overdose-related ED visits and 33 520 (NHDS, 2000-2006) hospitalizations. For 2000-2006 we calculated an age-adjusted rate of 13.9 acetaminophen overdose-related hospitalizations per 100 000 US population, with the highest rate (15.7) occurring from 2005 to 2006. Between 1991 and 2006, there was no decrease noted in hospitalizations for intentional or unintentional overdoses. The majority of overdoses reported in NEISS (69.8%) and NHDS (74.2%) were classified as intentional (suicides or suicidal gestures), whereas in NHAMCS, intentionality was evenly distributed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that acetaminophen overdose, both intentional and unintentional, remains a significant public health concern. With an understanding of their methodological characteristics and limitations, these national databases can be useful tools to characterize acetaminophen overdose-related ED visits and hospitalizations. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
A geostatistically based inverse model for three-dimensional variably saturated flow

We present a geostatistically based inverse model for characterizing heterogeneity in parameters of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity for three-dimensional flow. Pressure and moisture content are related to perturbations in hydraulic parameters through cross-covariances, which are calculated to first-order. Sensitivities needed for covariance calculations are derived using the adjoint state sensitivity method. Approximations of the conditional mean parameter fields are then obtained from the cokriging estimator. Correlation between parameters and pressure – moisture content perturbations is seen to be strongly dependent on mean pressure or moisture content. High correlation between parameters and pressure data was obtained under saturated or near saturated flow conditions, providing accurate estimation of saturated hydraulic conductivity, while moisture content measurements provided accurate estimation of the pore size distribution parameter under unsaturated flow conditions.
Genetic analysis of the Replication Protein A large subunit family in Arabidopsis reveals unique and overlapping roles in DNA repair, meiosis and DNA replication

Replication Protein A (RPA) is a heterotrimeric protein complex that binds single-stranded DNA. In plants, multiple genes encode the three RPA subunits (RPA1, RPA2 and RPA3), including five RPA1-like genes in Arabidopsis. Phylogenetic analysis suggests two distinct groups composed of RPA1A, RPA1C, RPA1E (ACE group) and RPA1B, RPA1D (BD group). ACE-group members are transcriptionally induced by ionizing radiation, while BD-group members show higher basal transcription and are not induced by ionizing radiation. Analysis of rpa1 T-DNA insertion mutants demonstrates that although each mutant line is likely null, all mutant lines are viable and display normal vegetative growth. The rpa1c and rpa1e single mutants however display hypersensitivity to ionizing radiation, and combination of rpa1c and rpa1e results in additive hypersensitivity to a variety of DNA damaging agents. Combination of the partially sterile rpa1a with rpa1c results in complete sterility, incomplete synapsis and meiotic chromosome fragmentation, suggesting an early role for RPA1C in promoting homologous recombination. Combination of either rpa1c and/or rpa1e with atr revealed additive hypersensitivity phenotypes consistent with each functioning in unique repair pathways. In contrast, rpa1b rpa1d double mutant plants display slow growth and developmental defects under non-damaging conditions. We show these defects in the rpa1b rpa1d mutant are likely the result of defective DNA replication leading to reduction in cell division.
Comparison of variable and model selection methods for genetic association studies using the GAW15 simulated data

We compared and evaluated several variable and model selection methods using Bayesian and non-Bayesian approaches for three replicates of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 15 (GAW15) simulated data. In doing so, two phenotypes were utilized: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affection status as a binary trait and IgM as a continuous measure. The analyses were performed adjusting for sex, age, and smoking status. For both outcomes, all the methods were comparable in finding the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) generated to have a genetic signal. We successfully identified the susceptibility SNPs for RA in the HLA region (chromosome 6), and chromosome 18, and the susceptibility SNP for IgM on chromosome 11; however, many of the methods produced false-positive results.
Modular, Intelligent Power Systems for Multiple Space Exploration Missions

NASA’s new space exploration program demands that vehicles, habitats, and rovers achieve unprecedented levels of reliability, safety, effectiveness, and affordability. Modular and intelligent electrical power systems are critical to achieving those goals. To support this new paradigm, advanced concepts in power management and distribution (PMAD) system technologies are proposed. The concept of modularity in electrical power systems is presented, along with perceived benefits such technology offers. Modular functionality at the power component and system level is discussed along with some recent technical accomplishments. The development of “true modularity” is introduced describing the need for distributed, master-less solutions in developing modular power components. To realize modular power components and systems, a new level of embedded intelligence and communication in power system components will be required. This additional intelligence capability will finally enable the on-board autonomy and health management required for reliable electrical power systems operating far from Earth for long periods. Summary results from recent development efforts are presented along with expected future technology development needs required to support NASA’s ambitious space exploration goals.
Integrating spatial data from text and vision

Issues involved in the fusion of spatial data from textual messages with visual images are addressed. Although geometric reasoning has been successfully applied within image understanding, spatial reasoning using the relative and approximate cues provided in text messages is not yet well understood. Approaches to these issues and the experience gained from a prototype implementation are described. Particular attention is paid to the applications of spatial reasoning in knowledge fusion. >
CLINICAL CONFERENCE: Cushing's Syndrome and Suspected Mental Retardation in an 18-month-old Boy

Dr. Barnett: The patient to be presented and discussed by Dr. Taft and by Dr. Sobel provided a series of perplexing problems relating to diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Some of the questions raised have been answered but others relating particularly to prognosis and future treatment remain. To preserve the chronologic order of the problems as they were presented to us, the presentation will be introduced by Dr. Taft, to whom the patient was referred initially because it was believed that the primary difficulty was one of mental retardation. Dr. Taft (Assistant Professor of Pediatrics): This infant, at the age of 18 months, was referred to the Developmental Evaluation Clinic by his private physician. The physician had requested an investigation to determine why the infant was slow in psychomotor development and why he was obese. The relevant history revealed that this was the mother9s first pregnancy which was uneventful. Except for vitamins no other medications were taken during the gestation. The delivery and the immediate post-natal course were unremarkable. The patient weighed 5 lb 4 oz at birth. During the neonatal period the infant was extremely apathetic and listless. He sucked poorly. At 6 weeks of age he was hospitalized for bronchopneumonia. From the history, his motor development was delayed. He gained head control at 6 months; rolled over at 8 months; and sat unsupported at 1 year of age. He followed objects at 4 months; spoke single words at 1 year; and had conditioned tricks at 13 months. At approximately 8 months of age it was noticed by the parents that the patient was gaining weight rapidly and had a spurt in linear growth. At this time his appetite became ravenous.
A Study of the Immunological and Biological Properties of a Follicle-Stimulating Hormone

Two male rabbits were immunized with NIH FSH and the immunological properties of the antiserum were studied by means of agar gel diffusion and agar and starch immunoelectrophoresis. The 2 antisera absorbed with a variety of sheep tissues including sheep LH revealed 2 antigenantibody systems when reacted against the hormone. Each system formed a characteristic precipitin band. One of the 2 bands was identical in both sera, but the second differed. On the other hand, the hemagglutination titers were the same for the 2 antisera. A variety of biological assays in normal and hypophysectomized rats revealed that antiserum from the 2 rabbits were different with respect to antihormone potency, as indicated by organ weights and the histological differences. With these facts in mind, it was possible to postulate which of the 2 precipitin bands was the likely site of anti-FSH activity. The anti- FSH sera clearly inhibited the effect of mouse pituitary saline extracts on the assay rat ovary. (Endocrinology 74: 314, 1964)
Reduced nonlinear distortion in circuits with correlated double sampling

It is shown that in a class of SC circuits using correlated double sampling (CDS), the harmonic distortion caused by op-amp non-linearity is greatly reduced. Hence, these circuits are very useful in applications such as input stages in high-linearity amplifiers or in delta-sigma converters, especially in a low-voltage technology.
Cultural and biological survey of caves at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, assessing the suitability of caves for military training

Current international military activities, especially in Afghanistan, have accelerated the need for military training activities in caves. Currently, military training in caves is not permitted on Fort Leonard Wood due to incomplete, partial, or outdated cultural and biological inventories; lack of adequate mapping; and other safety issues. This project is the initial phase of a multiyear Legacy project to establish a strategy, plan, and priority list for managing cave resources from a military training, biological, geophysical, cultural, and historical resources standpoint. The project will also help natural resource managers establish “cave policy” for installations that will facilitate management for natural, cultural, military training, and recreation resource issues as increased regulation and pressure is put on cave ecosystems. This Legacy project developed and field-tested a program for inventorying and monitoring caves. The project identified a number of caves that can be utilized as training sites. Overreliance on previous cave surveys, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) consultation and notification process when human remains were discovered, and the availability of experts to classify invertebrate cave life caused the project to take much more time than expected. A final technical report is being completed, and a “howto” brochure for other installations was completed in August 2004. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating the consequences of affective feedback in intelligent tutoring systems

The link between affect and student learning has been the subject of increasing attention in recent years. Because of the possible impacts of affective state on learning, it is a goal of many intelligent tutoring systems to attempt to control student emotional states through affective interventions. While much work has gone into improving the quality of these interventions, we are only beginning to understand the complexities of the relationships between affect, learning, and feedback. This paper investigates the consequences associated with providing affective feedback. It represents a first step toward the long-term objective of designing intelligent tutoring systems that can utilize this information for analysis of the risks and benefits of affective intervention. It reports on the results of two studies that were conducted with students interacting with affect-informed virtual agents. The studies reveal that emotion-specific risk/reward information is associated with particular affective states and suggests that future systems might leverage this information to make determinations about affective interventions.
Instabilities of two-dimensional inviscid compressible vortices

An investigation of the linear stability and subsequent nonlinear evolution and acoustic radiation of a planar inviscid compressible vortex is presented. The effects of the entropy gradient are investigated, and for the particular entropy profile chosen, the positive average entropy in the vortex core is destabilizing, while the opposite is true for the negative average entropy gradient. Finite-difference methods are used to study the linear initial value problem. These methods are found to be capable of accurately computing the frequencies and weak growth rates of the normal modes. When the initial condition consists of random perturbations, the long-time behavior is found to correspond to the most unstable normal mode in all cases. The numerical solution of the Euler equations is used to study the nonlinear development of an elliptic-mode perturbation.
Evolution of Escherichia coli during Growth in a Constant Environment

Populations of Escherichia coli, initiated with a single clone and maintained for long periods in glucose-limited continuous culture, developed extensive polymorphisms. In one population, examined after 765 generations, two majority and two minority types were identified. Stable mixed populations were reestablished from the isolated strains. Factors involved in the development of this polymorphism included differences in the maximum specific growth rate and in the transport of glucose, and excretion of metabolites by some clones which were utilized by minority clones.
Analytical approach to estimating AMHS performance in 300 mm fabs

Contemporary simulation technology can produce accurate assessments of integrated circuit factory (fab) production performance, including the contribution by the automated material handling systems (AMHS). However, the corresponding simulation models are both expensive and time-consuming to construct, and require long execution times to produce statistically valid estimates. These attributes render simulation ineffective as a decision support tool in the early phase of system design, where requirements and configurations are likely to change often. In this paper, we describe an analytical approach to AMHS performance modelling for a simple closed loop AMHS, such as is typical in supporting a 300 mm wafer fab bay. In this system, due to the significant impact of vehicle blocking, a straightforward queueing network model which treats the material handling system as a central server can be very inaccurate. We propose an alternative model that estimates the MHS performance considering the possibility of vehic...
Strategies for Positioning Fluorescent Probes and Crosslinkers on Formyl Peptide Ligands

Chemoattractant receptors represent a major subset of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. One of the best characterized, the N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR), participates in host defense responses of neutrophils. The features of the ligand which regulate its interaction with the FPR are well-known. By manipulating these features we have developed new ligands to probe structural and mechanistic aspects of the peptide-receptor interaction. Three ligand groups have been developed: 1) ligands containing a Lys residue located in positions 2 through 7 that can be conjugated to FITC (N-formyl-Met1-Lys2-Phe3-Phe4, N-formyl-Met1-Leu2-Lys3-Phe4, N-formyl-Met1-Leu2-Phe3-Lys4, N-formyl-Met1-Leu2-Phe3-Phe4-Lys5, N-formyl-nLeu1-Leu2-Phe3-nLeu4-Tyr5-Lys6 and N-formyl-Met1-Leu2-Phe3-Phe4-Gly5-Gly6-Lys7; 2) fluorescent pentapeptide ligands (N-formyl-Met-X-Phe-Phe-Lys(FITC) where X = Leu, Ala, Val or Gly); and 3) small crosslinking ligands where the photoaffinity crosslinker 4-azidosalicylic acid (ASA) was conjugated to Lys in positions 3 and 4 and p-benzoyl-phenylalanine (Bpa) was located in position 2 in N-formyl-Met1-Bpa2-Phe3-Tyr4. The peptides were characterized according to activity and affinity in human neutrophils and cell lines transfected with FPR. All of the peptides were agonists, with parallel affinity and activity. In the first group, the peptide activity decreases as Lys is placed closer to the N-formyl group and the activity is improved by 1-3 orders of magnitude by conjugation with FITC. In the second group, the dissociation rate of the peptide from the receptor increases as position 2 is replaced by aliphatic amino acids with smaller alkyl groups. In the third group, crosslinking ligands remain biologically active, display nM affinity and covalently label the FPR.
Management of hypertriglyceridemia in the diabetic patient

The hypertriglyceridemia of diabetes can be classified into mild to moderate (triglycerides between 150–499 mg/dL) and severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL). As in any other individuals with hypertriglyceridemia, secondary causes need to be excluded. The management of severe hypertriglyceridemia (chylomicronemia syndrome) includes aggressive reduction of triglycerides with intravenous insulin, fibrates, omega-3 fatty acids, and/or niacin therapy to avert the risk of pancreatitis. In patients with mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia, the treatment of choice is statin therapy to achieve the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) target goals. The evidence base would favor niacin therapy in combination with statin therapy to achieve the goals pertaining to LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol. The data about the combination of fibrate therapy with statin therapy are disappointing.
A comparison of free oscillations of oceanic and continental earth models

Abstract It is well-known that Rayleigh and Love waves over continental and oceanic structures have different periods ( T ) for a given order ( n ). In the present study, this difference is explored over the spectrum for periods greater than 30 sec, and particularly the graver fundamental spheroidal and torsional oscillations. The oceanic model is the same as the continental model below 400 km depth, is adjusted between 400 km and 10 km to preserve the Earth9s overall mass and moment of inertia, and has 5 km of crust and 5 km of ocean. For torsional oscillations, the difference in period for a given n is about 3 sec throughout the range of 2 ≦ n ≦ 120, or 0.15 per cent to 3.3 per cent. However, the two curves for the group velocity are not parallel in this range: continental group velocity increases monotonically with T , while oceanic group velocity has a broad minimum for 160 T n is about 2 sec for 2 ≦ n ≦ 120, or 0.1 per cent to 2 per cent. For n = 0, the difference is only 0.1 sec or 0.008 per cent. The two group velocity curves are almost parallel with minima in the same range, 205 to 210 sec. Comparison with the precision of available measurements of the free periods shows that the presence of an oceanic crust and upper mantle is important for fitting models of the earth to any set of free oscillation observations.
Toward a Pro-Life Environmental Movement

In modern times, the secular environmental movement seems to have taken on an anti-life message, in ways both subtle and direct. This anti-human – and often anti-life – view has crept into the heart of the “mainstream” ecological movement with consequences that can be detrimental to both human dignity and to the environment itself. This essay does not aim to analyze the complexities inherent in economic development, demographic predictions, or climatology. Instead, it is a call to reflect carefully and soberly on the troubling moral consequences of grounding respect for the environment in disrespect for the dignity of the human person. The first part of the essay outlines the ways in which the ecological movement has run into conflict with pro-life values. This includes a discussion of both the anti-life rhetoric of the ecological movement and illustrative environmental policies that may have a detrimental effect on human life. The second part of the discussion sets forth the essential components of a pro-life vision of environmental responsibility and explores how the pro-life movement can enhance and renew the ecological movement.
MessageGuard: Retrofitting the Web with User-to-user Encryption

Users today share a great deal of private information on the Web. While HTTPS protects this data during transmission, it does not protect data at rest, nor does it protect user data from the websites which store or transmit that data. These issues can be addressed with user-to-user encryption, an approach where data is encrypted and decrypted at the user's computer and is opaque to websites. In this paper we present MessageGuard, the first system that retrofits the Web with user-to-user encryption and is designed to work with all websites, in all browsers, on all platforms. We demonstrate that MessageGuard operates out-of-the-box on 47 of the Alexa top 50 sites, has minimal performance overhead, and is rated as highly usable by study participants.
Inner workings of thrombolites: spatial gradients of metabolic activity as revealed by metatranscriptome profiling

Microbialites are sedimentary deposits formed by the metabolic interactions of microbes and their environment. These lithifying microbial communities represent one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of these communities are poorly understood. In this study, we used comparative metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses to characterize the spatial organization of the thrombolites of Highborne Cay, The Bahamas, an actively forming microbialite system. At midday, there were differences in gene expression throughout the spatial profile of the thrombolitic mat with a high abundance of transcripts encoding genes required for photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation and exopolymeric substance production in the upper three mm of the mat. Transcripts associated with denitrification and sulfate reduction were in low abundance throughout the depth profile, suggesting these metabolisms were less active during midday. Comparative metagenomics of the Bahamian thrombolites with other known microbialite ecosystems from across the globe revealed that, despite many shared core pathways, the thrombolites represented genetically distinct communities. This study represents the first time the metatranscriptome of living microbialite has been characterized and offers a new molecular perspective on those microbial metabolisms, and their underlying genetic pathways, that influence the mechanisms of carbonate precipitation in lithifying microbial mat ecosystems.
Thyroid hormone affects embryonic mouse lung branching morphogenesis and cellular differentiation.

Although thyroid hormone (T3) influences epithelial cell differentiation during late fetal lung development, its effects on early lung morphogenesis are unknown. We hypothesized that T3 would alter...
Persistence of the Three-State Description of Mixed Valency at the Localized-to-Delocalized Transition

Application of a semiclassical three-state model of mixed valency to complexes of the type [Ru(3)(μ(3)-O)(OAc)(6)(CO)(py)-(μ(2)-BL)-Ru(3)(μ(3)-O)(OAc)(6)(CO)(py)](-1), where BL = 1,4-pyrazine or 4,4'-bipyridine and py = 4-dimethylaminopyridine, pyridine, or 4-cyanopyridine is described. The appearance of two intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) bands in the near-infrared (NIR) region of the electronic spectra of these complexes is explained well by the three-state model. An important feature of the three-state model is that the IVCT band evolves into two bands: one that is metal-to-bridging-ligand-charge-transfer (MBCT) in character and another that is metal-to-metal-charge-transfer (MMCT) in character. The three-state model also fully captures the observed spectroscopic behavior in which the MBCT transition increases in energy and the MMCT band decreases in energy with increasing electronic communication in a series of mixed valence ions. The appearance of both the MBCT and MMCT bands is found to persist as coalescence of infrared (IR) vibrational spectra suggest a ground state delocalized on the picosecond time scale. The solvent and temperature dependence of the MBCT and MMCT electronic transitions defines the mixed valence complexes reported here as lying on the borderline of delocalization.
The Effect of Oxygen Deposition Pressure on the Structure and Properties of Pulsed Laser Deposited LaxCa1−xMnOδ Films

Thin films (∼1000 A) of LaxCa1−xMnOδ (x=0.67) were deposited onto LaA1O3 (100) substrates at of 600 and 700°C. Varying the oxygen deposition pressure between 15 and 400 mTorr systematically changed the oxygen concentrations in the as deposited films. Asdeposited films exhibited an orthorhombic structure with an oxygen pressure dependent lattice parameter. The films were highly oriented as characterized by narrow x-ray ω-scans (FWHM ≤ 0.16 −0.70°). At low pressures, the films were preferentially (202) oriented while at high pressures deposited films had a (040) preferred orientation. A 900°C anneal in flowing oxygen for a film deposited at low oxygen pressures resulted in a decrease in the lattice parameter (associated with an increase in δ) and a change in the preferred orientation from (202) to (040). The resistivity as a function of temperature (R(T)) showed a significant variation as a function of growth conditions. At 600°C, the peak in the resistivity curve (Tm) varied between 73 and 93 K for P(O2) = 15 to 400 mTorr, while at 700°C, Tm was ∼150 K. For films deposited at 600°C, the resistivity was reduced by a factor of 103 for H = 9T and Tm was shifted to 150 K. The activation energy associated with the semiconducting phase was approximately the same for all as-deposited films (∼100 meV).
Differences in the nature of employment discrimination litigation between private sector organizations and public sector organizations

This study reports on the results of a content analysis of federal court cases examining employment discrimination litigation in private, federal, and state/local sector organizations. One objectiv...
Design of Large Pumped Storage Units Excitation System

Pumped storage power plants have lots functions such as load peak adjusting,load valley filling,frequency and phase regulation,and emergency duty,flood protection,etc.They also have advantages of operating flexibility and fast response characteristics.Apparently they may play more and more important roles in construction of smart power grid today.In addition,control strategy and major components' design principle of large pumped-storage unit excitation system are introduced.It is in favor of promoting development of domestic large pumped storage units' excitation system and provides reference to design of similar excitation system.
Time series analysis method based on ordered lasso

When doing data mining on high dimensional,complex,and changeable data,it is necessary to reduce the dimension of primal data at first. Traditional lasso method is widely used for reducing the dimensionality and classification because of the sparsity of its solution and the stability of variable selection. However,when dealing with time-series data,it doesn' t consider temporal relations of variables,so its application is limited. Given this shortcoming,ordered lasso of handling time-series data is proposed in this paper. The input variables of ordered lasso are the different time points according to different predictors. For each predictor,the ordered lasso can estimate the best suitable time-lag interval. The advantage of ordered lasso in recovering real coefficients is that it can eliminate the fluctuations in the tails. Experimental results on real time-series data have proved ordered lasso method is feasible.
Review: Bauhaus 1919––1933: Workshops for Modernity

Bauhaus 1919––1933: Workshops for Modernity ; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; 8 November 2009––25 January 2010 Twenty-some Bauhaus exhibitions took place last year: in France, Italy, Poland, Israel, Germany, and the United States. Germany housed the largest number; there, 2009 was officially styled "the Bauhaus year," and German governments and Bauhaus-related museums and foundations subsidized celebrations of the ninetieth anniversary of the founding of the school. Some of these shows focused on individual teachers or students: the Kunsthaus in Apolda on Lyonel Feininger and Laaszloo Moholy-Nagy, the Staadtische Museum in Jena on Vasily Kandinsky, the Schlossmuseum in Gotha on Marianne Brandt and Wolfgang Tuumpel. Many celebrations took place in Weimar, the birthplace of the school; Weimar's Neue Museum staged a commemoration of Bauhaus designers who participated in resistance to Hitler's government after 1933.1 The Erfurt Kunsthalle emphasized controversies over the Weimar Bauhaus, while the Stiftung Bauhaus Dessau mounted an ambitious exposition entitled Bauhaus City , with tours of the many recently restored Bauhaus buildings in and near Dessau, discussions of the history of the school under the GDR, and an international symposium. The Deutsches Architekturmuseum in Frankfurt am Main presented a traveling display that stressed the legacy of the Bauhaus for later modernism (reviewed in this issue of the JSAH by Wolfgang Sonne). In Berlin, the three largest of Germany's Bauhaus institutions launched the most comprehensive Bauhaus exhibition ever held (reviewed in this issue by Karen Koehler).2 And the Museum of Modern Art in New York put together a much smaller presentation, commemorating not only the founding of the Bauhaus, but also the seventieth anniversary of its own (and only previous) general exhibition on the Bauhaus, in 1938. A good deal of Bauhaus history has been made, and re-made, in these shows of 2009. The Museum of Modern Art exhibited upwards of four hundred works, of which more than one hundred had never been …
Far-Field Interrogation of Microstrip Patch Antenna for Temperature Sensing Without Electronics

Temperature sensing without electronics is demonstrated through wireless interrogation of passive antenna-sensors. The sensor node is equipped with an ultra-wide-band microstrip antenna as the transmitting/receiving (Tx/Rx) antenna and a microstrip patch antenna serving as the temperature-sensing element. A microstrip transmission line connecting the Tx/Rx antenna and the antenna-sensor delays the signal reflected from the sensing element and thus separated it from the background clutter. The operation principle of the wireless sensing scheme is first discussed, followed by the design and simulations of the sensor node circuitry. A digital signal processing algorithm that extracts the antenna resonant frequency from the wirelessly received signal is also described. Temperature tests were conducted to validate the performance of the wireless antenna sensor inside an oven.