cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic prenatal exposure to carbamazepine and perinatal outcomes of C3H/He mice.

Abstract Objectives This study was undertaken to determine a daily therapeutic dose of carbamazepine and to measure its effect on reproductive performance and perinatal outcomes of mice. Study design Adult C3H/He mice were given carbamazepine in rodent chow in either a 0.25% or a 1.0% mixture. Comparisons between doses included nongravid weight change, plasma drug steady-state concentrations, and response to a maximal electroshock seizure test. The strain was then fed either the preferred dose of carbamazepine or a placebo 1 week before starting to mate and throughout gestation to compare reproductive performance and offspring early development. Results Mice who ate the 0.25% carbamazepine mixture displayed no evoked seizure activity and, in contrast to the 1.0% mixture, did not lose weight. This daily dose of 542±35 mg/kg produced a trough steady-state plasma concentration that was consistent with a protective threshold in humans. Differences from placebo controls were not statistically significant for the number of cycles necessary to conceive or for the duration of gestation. The litter size, survival rates, birth weights, weight gain, and onset of eye openings and teeth eruptions of the pups were not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion Long-term prenatal exposure to a subtoxic yet therapeutic dose of carbamazepine did not impair reproductive performance or early growth and development of exposed mice offspring.
COMPUTER MANIPULATION OF CLASSIFICATION NOTATIONS

While there has been discussion of the computer manipulability of classification notations from a theoretical viewpoint, there has been little, if any on practical filing. A practical filing rubric, with explanation of machine filing concepts, is presented here. Some observations on the suitability of Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal notations for computer search follow.
Molecular orbital study of CO chemisorption on a Pt(111) surface in the presence of potassium

A molecular orbital study was mode, using an atom superposition and electron delocalization (ASED) technique, to examine the chemisorptive properties of CO on a Pt(111) surface in the presence of coadsorbed potassium atoms. To understand the effect of preadsorbed K on CO chemisorption, we have studied the adsorption of K on a cluster model of a Pt(111) surface. K. Is predicted to be preferentially adsorbed at a three-fold position and the calculated binding energy is in reasonable agreement with other estimates. K adsorption is found to lead to a significant charge transfer which in turn increases the electron density of all surface Pt atoms. The presence and increasing coverage of K on the Pt(111) surface has been simulated in our present theoretical study by decreasing the valence state ionization potential of Pt atoms in our cluster models. With the decreasing values (i.e. with increasing K coverage), the CO molecule is predicted to change its site of occupation from a one-fold position tot he two-fold or three-fold positions. The CO stretching force constant constant is predicted to decrease for all the sites with decreasing VSIP values of Pt. We find the decrease in CO force constant on going from the one-fold to two-fold site is smaller than the decrease on going from the one-fold to three-fold site. Our theoretical results corroborate with the recent experimental findings of Garfunkel et al. for this system.
Altered lipid metabolism in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+ during combined oxygen-glucose deprivation in primary astrocyte cultures.

The effect of combined oxygen-glucose deprivation (COGD) on lipid metabolism in primary rat cortical astrocyte cultures was studied in both the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+. In this study, increases in intracellular Ca2+ from internal Ca2+ stores were not inhibited nor were internal Ca2+ levels buffered. Combined oxygen-glucose deprivation resulted in a quantitative reduction in phospholipid levels and an increase in free fatty acid and lysophospholipid levels. Four hours after the onset of COGD, ethanolamine- and choline glycerophospholipid levels were decreased by 40 and 46% from control levels in the presence of Ca2+, respectively. A similar decrease was found 6 hr after onset of COGD in the absence of Ca2+. These changes were accompanied by elevated levels of the corresponding lysophospholipids. However, the increases in lysophospholipid content did not account for the entire loss of ethanolamine- or choline glycerophospholipid. Phosphatidylserine was reduced in both the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+ but phosphatidylinositol was only decreased in the absence of Ca2+. Statistically significant increases in total fatty acid (FA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels occurred at 30 min and 3 hr after the onset of COGD in the absence and presence of Ca2+, respectively. Arachidonic acid levels were increased in both groups by 1 hr. These increases in FA, PUFA, and specifically arachidonic acid were time-dependent and increased over the 12 hr of COGD. Collectively, these results indicate the activation of an acylhydrolase mechanism in the possible presence of an inhibited reacylation pathway. The lack of measurable increases in diacylglycerol content suggests either the lack of phospholipase C activation or the rapid removal of diacylglycerol. These early alterations in lipid metabolism begin prior to any appreciable loss of cell viability. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transport Through Single-Hole Baffles in Industry Hydrothermal Autoclaves With Three-Dimensional Flows

Hydrothermal growth is the industrial preference to obtain high quality piezoelectric crystals. The industry growth process is carried out in autoclaves, cylindrical containers filled with an aqueous solution. The solution flows in industry autoclaves during growth are usually three-dimensional. A baffle is normally used to partition an autoclave into two chambers and reduce flow strength. In this paper transport through single-hole baffles of various are a openings in the three-dimensional flow is investigated systematically. It was found that a single-hole baffle is effective in controlling the fluid exchange and heat transfer between the two chambers. A smaller baffle opening leads to a more uniform thermal environment for growth. Flow structure and heat transfer data show that there is a pair of steady flow streams between the two chambers. However the heat exchange carried by this pair of streams, as well as heat exchange through molecular diffusion, is negligibly small. Transport through baffle opening is dominated by turbulence diffusion. Heat transfer analysis shows that heat flow rate depends on both the baffle opening area and the area of the chamber walls.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Cerebello-hippocampal influences on the electroencephalogram.

Abstract Cerebello-hippocampal inter-relationships in the cat have been studied electrophysiologically. 1. 1. The seizure characteristics of the hippocampus as described by Green and Shimamoto (1953) have been confirmed. Weak electrical pulses (usually 3–7 V. up to 1 mA. current flow) produce slow waves in the cerebrum, whereas stronger ones (usually over 7 V.) produce seizure patterns. 2. 2. Cerebellar stimulation induces an activation pattern in the cerebrum, and synchronized slow waves in the hippocampus, cerebral activity can be changed from a low voltage fast activation-like tracing to slow waves and then back again. Such effects are readily blocked by barbiturate anesthesia. 3. 3. Although the pathways used for interaction between these two structures have not been worked out, evidence is presented to show the possibility of involvement of the intralaminar thalamic nuclei. 4. 4. Cerebellar stimulation can stop seizure patterns, and prolonged afterdischarges in the hippocampus which have been established by electrical stimulation.
Liquid silicone breast cosmesis—pros and cons of a conversely discussed material in a case report of silicone pneumonia in a transsexual male

Despite safe use of medical purity grade silicone, several reports on complications exist in literature. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about health risks involving adultered or impure silicone in the 1960s. However, this potentially lethal practice by not-medical professionals is still widely spread. Most complications concerning liquid silicone injection in breast tissue are in the transgender patient population. Most individuals were seeking low cost– maximum result treatment. Resulting silicone pneumonia is only one possible life-threatening complication that, when diagnosed too late, can lead to death. Early treatment using systemic steroids and antibiotics is mandatory. We are presenting the case of an 18-year-old male to female transgender, presenting with silicone pneumonia after injection of liquid silicone into the breast tissue. The pros and cons of silicone and a short outline of the history of silicone are presented; diagnostic tools and treatment options are illuminated.
SNMP-Based RMA Analysis of Wired and Wireless Networks

This research aims at describing a method to subjectively measure specific parameters in a wired or wireless network environment using the Simple Network Management Protocols for the purpose of improving Reliability, Maintainability, and Availability of the network devices. This is of importance in cases where the network is in remote or hard to access locations such as space, defense, or polar applications. Furthermore, the results can be used for troubleshooting and/or failure prediction of the network devices. Applications of health monitoring and prediction in network environments are expanding as are the networks.
Effect of NO upon N2O Decomposition over Fe/ZSM-5 with Low Iron Loading†

An Fe/ZSM-5 catalyst with a very high Si/Al ratio was prepared, and using it, the effect of NO upon the kinetics of N2O decomposition was studied. The addition of small, nonstoichiometric amounts of NO was observed to cause the rate to increase by more than an order of magnitude. The kinetics were well-fit by a rate expression that was first order in the partial pressure of N2O for the situation without added NO and separately for the situation where NO was added. The Arrhenius parameters of the rate coefficient differed for the two situations. The results are consistent with a mechanistic scheme wherein the reaction proceeds via an oxide−oxo redox cycle in the absence of NO. The results suggest that the NO-assisted decomposition of N2O does not require a second iron site adjacent to the active site and that NOx species adsorbed on the same cation site could serve as locations for oxygen storage if, in fact, the promotional effect of NO is related to such storage.
An optimal inventory solution for some specific demand distributions

A multistage inventory decision process is considered in which the penalty cost for failing have in stock sufficient items to satisfy demand at the next stage includes in stock. When the demand cost and a cost proportional to the deficiency stock. When the includes all Pearson distributions, a method is found for determining whether or not a constant stock level solution is optimal.
The Gaia Controversy: AGU'S Chapman Conference

The controversial Gaia Hypothesis of James Lovelock of Coombe Mill, Launceston, Cornwall, U.K., and his colleagues variously contends that throughout Earth history the global biosphere has influenced, even controlled, the physicochemical evolution of Earth's environments (especially oceans and climate) for its own benefit. Since the origin of life, the biosphere has influenced selective pressures on evolution, maintained the Earth in a kind of homeostasis, and thus created an environmental optimum through time, regulated by and for the biosphere. Rarely has a hypothesis immediately sparked such passionate response. There is something in it for everybody, from hard core scientists to philosophers, ultraconservationists, students of world religions, mystics, politicians, and space enthusiasts; they were all there in San Diego, March 7–11, 1988, for the AGU Chapman Conference on Gaia Hypotheses. For 4 days an impressive list of specialists presented and debated the pros and cons of Gaia Hypotheses from diverse perspectives: modern and ancient biology, ecology, biochemistry, the physicochemical systems of the Earth, oceans, and atmosphere, and the evolution of the solar system. Focus was on modern to Pleistocene atmosphere-ocean-Earth systems, case histories of their interaction with the biosphere, and relatively simple models drawn from these observations and projected back through time. Equivalent studies on the geological and paleobiological history of the Earth-life system over the past 3.5 b.y. were underrepresented. Extended debates that followed generally strong presentations were lively, argumentative, and remarkably civil despite widely held views. The grace with which Jim Lovelock moved between his strongest critics and supporters set high standards for the debates. Everybody acknowledged a high learning curve.
Threshold size for cyclic fatigue crack propagation in a pyrolytic carbon

Abstract An isotropic, pyrolytic carbon is the favored material for mechanical heart valve components. The question has been raised on the size of the threshold crack length for cyclic fatigue crack propagation. Preliminary results are presented that indicate that the threshold length is of the order of a millimeter at the estimated service stresses. Long life tests also show no fatigue crack initiation in uncracked specimens. Elastic properties and fracture toughness results are also reported.
Abstract C15: Combinatorial regulation of neuroblastoma tumor progression by HIF1α and N‐myc transcriptional factors

Deregulation of Myc and activation of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) frequently occur in solid tumors. In human neuroblastoma, amplification of the N‐MYC gene predicts poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. Interestingly, we demonstrated here that HIF1α, but not HIF2α, is preferentially expressed in both N‐MYC amplified neuroblastoma cells and primary tumors in comparison to non‐amplified ones. Expression of HIF2α in N‐MYC amplified cells appears to be silenced largely through DNA methylation and histone deacetylation. Interplay between N‐Myc and HIF1α plays critical roles in progression of neuroblastomas. On one hand, N‐Myc overrides the inhibitory function of HIF1α on cell cycle progression under hypoxia, which frequently occurs in solid tumors and is well known to inhibit cell growth. Of note, proliferation of N‐MYC amplified cells is largely unaltered under hypoxia. On the other hand, HIF1α, together with N‐Myc, cooperates to regulate aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) of neuroblastoma. The near‐universal glycolytic switch of N‐MYC amplified neuroblastoma cells may be an essential tumor trait and a consequence of the cellular adaptation to intermittent hypoxia. Targeting either HIF1α or N‐Myc significantly decreases expression of genes involved in glycolysis, such as lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and inhibits cell proliferation in vitro under normoxia. Strikingly, N‐MYC amplified cells are addicted to LDHA expression. Reduction in LDHA activity completely inhibits their proliferation under both normoxia and hypoxia. Taken together, our results demonstrate that neuroblastoma cells differentially respond to hypoxia with distinct HIFα induction patterns, and suggest the HIF1α/N‐Myc axis may represent a pharmacologically tractable pathway for the potential treatment of N‐MYC amplified neuroblastomas. In particular, we propose targeting LDHA may be a promising and nontoxic approach in treatment of N‐MYC amplified neuroblastomas, given that depletion of LDHA expression completely inhibits growth of N‐MYC amplified cells and individuals deficient in LDHA expression show no obvious symptoms under normal conditions. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):C15.
Synthesis and excited-state photodynamics of perylene-bis(imide)-oxochlorin dyads. A charge-separation motif

Three perylene-oxochlorin dyads have been prepared and characterized with the goal of identifying charge-injection or molecular-switching motifs for use in molecular photonics. Each dyad consists of a perylene-bis(imide) dye (PDI) joined at the 10-position of a magnesium, zinc, or free base (Fb) oxochlorin via a diphenylethyne linker. Each dyad has been studied in both polar and nonpolar media using static and time-resolved optical spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. Dyad PDI−MgO is an excellent charge-separation unit in which the excited perylene (∼3.5 ps lifetime) or the excited oxochlorin (lifetimes of 0.5 ns in benzonitrile and 1.0 ns in toluene) give rise to state PDI- MgO+ in high overall yield (>90%); the charge-separated state has a lifetime of ≥1 ns in both toluene and benzonitrile. The pathway for generating PDI- MgO+ from the excited perylene (PDI*) involves both hole transfer and energy transfer to the oxochlorin followed by electron transfer from the resulting MgO* to PDI. Similar de...
A Scale Independent Model for Turbine Surface Cooling

As part of an undergraduate course in design of thermodynamic systems, a highly loaded turbine, such as a power turbine or high bypass turbofan, is modeled as a modified Brayton cycle. On a smaller scale, the vane, blade, liner and seal surfaces of modern high pressure turbine (HPT) parts are exposed to gas path temperatures that far exceed the base metal material-life capability. A cooling method such as compressor bleed allows high combustion temperatures to attain high turbine output but is considered a negative on overall cycle performance. The required cooling flow must be included as its impact on the cycle-scale calculations can be significant. At the thermodynamic education level, the cooling model for part surfaces must be such that expertise in heat transfer is not required. At the same time, the cooling model for the cycle must represent key influences of cooling technologies. To bridge this educational gap, a scale independent model for surface cooling is required. This is important because thermodynamic cycle conditions impact detailed surface cooling features and, in the opposite direction, surface-material cooling demands are calculated in the cycle model. The cooling issues are scale independent when characteristic temperatures track the engine and surface cooling design. A surface cooling model is shown with five cooling technologies working in tandem: film cooling, thermal barrier coating (TBC), base metal conduction, passage convection cooling and backside convection cooling. Six new definitions for cooling technology effectivenesses are introduced. The result is a basis for communicating the impact of small scale cooling design on large scale engine performance. Two applications at different scales, the cooling demand for a rotor stage and the film decay over a 1st vane surface patch, are used to demonstrate the model and show where counter-intuitive results may arise.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Combustion of natural gas in high-temperature tunnel kilns

The positions in the firing zone of a tunnel kiln can be divided into transfer, principal, and fume-laden types in accordance with the characteristics of the combustion of gaseous fuel. Each type of position requires its own system of heating in which account is taken of the characteristics of the heating process. The GTP-3-type burner can be used to advantage in the principal positions because it permits the fuel distribution across the kiln space to be regulated.
Minimum Surface Formation Energy for Three-Dimensional Intergranular Fracture

The minimum expended energy for fracture is the free energy required to form two new surfaces. For intergranular fracture, the minimum surface formation energy is complicated by the rough fracture surface, with area greater than the specimen cross-section. We utilize network optimization algorithms (max-flow/min-cut) to determine the minimum surface formation energies and surfaces for intergranular fracture in 3D polycrystals. For equiaxed grains and uniform boundary strength, the minimum energy fracture area is independent of grain size and is 45% larger than the specimen cross-section, and intergranular fracture will occur when surface energy is less than 1.6 times the grain boundary energy. The 3D fracture area is larger than projected from 2D systems. In systems with microcracked boundaries, the fracture surface deviates to preferentially include microcracked boundaries, creating interlocking grain configurations. Two-dimensional percolation of microcracks occurs at about 80% microcracked boundaries.
Bilateral retrograde optic neuropathy — A glaucoma masquerader

This case report of a 78 year-old man demonstrates a case of bilateral optic neuropathy that does not completely fit the modern definition of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. In this case, visual field testing does not substantiate a diagnosis of glaucoma, and retrograde optic neuropathy seems to be a more likely source for the optic nerve presentation. Clinicians are reminded that incomplete clinical pictures merit further scrutiny.
Cold, Cough, and Allergy Medications: Uses and Abuses

Separately or in combination, antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, and expectorants are used to treat the cough and rhinitis symptoms of the common cold and of allergies. Each year, Americans spend 1 to 2 billion dollars on cough and cold remedies and lose more than 26 million school days and 23 million work days because of rhinitis and associated symptoms. Studies have shown that antihistamines and decongestants are efficacious in the treatment of allergy symptoms, but the results of studies are mixed regarding their efficacy in the treatment of symptoms of the common cold, and studies show no effect in prevention or treatment of otitis media. Some review articles and consensus opinions do not recommend the use of these drugs in the common cold (especially in preschool children), although some studies have demonstrated symptomatic relief, and physicians continue to prescribe or recommend these drugs for respiratory illness more than 36 million times annually. The Common Cold More than 200 million cases of acute upper respiratory infection (URI) occur each year in the United States, and more than 75 million are seen by physicians. URIs account for 23 million missed work days and 26 million missed school days. This is the second most common diagnosis made by office-based pediatricians, second only to otitis media.
Hierarchy and Hypergamy: Some Interrelated Aspects among the Kanya-Kubja Brahmans1

This paper is concerned with an examination of structural interrelationships between hierarchy and hypergamy. As illustrated by the Kanya-Kubja Brahmans of northern India, several elements of intracaste hierarchy—some ancient (gotraj, some medieval (biswa and ank) and some modern (secular economic status)–are found to interrelate directly with the system of intracaste hypergamy. The characteristics of hierarchy and hypergamy follow certain logical trends and interpretations which find support from the available empirical evidence. Gross movements of women and wealth across the hierarchical ranks are genealogically measurable, allowing one to isolate those features that emerge when the traditional marital structure accommodates increasing economic competition. At present the hierarchical structure reflects, whether directly or indirectly, several major effects of intracaste hypergamy.
Determining the Physical Sequence of Sensors on a Serial Bus With Minimal Wiring

This report demonstrates a three-wire system for determining the physical sequence of addressable devices on a serial bus, enabling automated spatial mapping of sensors along a network. Small inductors between each chip are incorporated into an oscillator circuit, producing a different resonant frequency for each chip during the sequence detect function. Frequency-counting-based sequence detection is compatible with small microcontrollers such as those used in wireless environmental sensor networks. The sequence detection hardware does not interfere with normal use of the same three wires to supply power, data, and ground connections to the wired sensor network in this application.
Do electromagnetic fields interact directly with DNA

The mechanisms whereby electromagnetic (EM) fields stimulate changes in biosynthesis in cells are not known. It has generally been assumed that EM fields first interact with cell membranes, but this pathway may not be the only one. Interactions with membranes are well documented, but recent studies of EM signal transduction in the membrane Na,K-ATPase are best explained by direct interaction of electric and magnetic fields with mobile charges within the enzyme. Interaction with moving charges may be a mechanism that is operative in other biopolymers. Recent studies on DNA have shown that large electron flows are possible within the stacked base pairs of the double helix. Therefore, gene activation by magnetic fields could be due to direct interaction with moving electrons within DNA. Electric fields as well as magnetic fields stimulate transcription, and both fields could interact with DNA directly. The mechanism of EM field-stimulated transcription may be related to the process in striated muscles, where endogenous electrical activity induces the synthesis of new proteins. Bioelectromagnetics 18:111–115, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Saccharomyces boulardii protease inhibits the effects of Clostridium difficile toxins A and B in human colonic mucosa.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a nonpathogenic yeast used in the treatment of Clostridium difficile diarrhea and colitis. We have reported that S. boulardii inhibits C. difficile toxin A enteritis in rats by releasing a 54-kDa protease which digests the toxin A molecule and its brush border membrane (BBM) receptor (I. Castagliuolo, J. T. LaMont, S. T. Nikulasson, and C. Pothoulakis, Infect. Immun. 64:5225–5232, 1996). The aim of this study was to further evaluate the role of S. boulardii protease in preventing C. difficile toxin A enteritis in rat ileum and determine whether it protects human colonic mucosa from C. difficile toxins. A polyclonal rabbit antiserum raised against purified S. boulardii serine protease inhibited by 73% the proteolytic activity present in S. boulardii conditioned medium in vitro. The anti-protease immunoglobulin G (IgG) prevented the action of S. boulardii on toxin A-induced intestinal secretion and mucosal permeability to [3H]mannitol in rat ileal loops, while control rabbit IgG had no effect. The anti-protease IgG also prevented the effects of S. boulardii protease on digestion of toxins A and B and on binding of [3H]toxin A and [3H]toxin B to purified human colonic BBM. Purified S. boulardii protease reversed toxin A- and toxin B-induced inhibition of protein synthesis in human colonic (HT-29) cells. Furthermore, toxin A- and B-induced drops in transepithelial resistance in human colonic mucosa mounted in Ussing chambers were reversed by 60 and 68%, respectively, by preexposing the toxins to S. boulardii protease. We conclude that the protective effects of S. boulardii on C. difficile-induced inflammatory diarrhea in humans are due, at least in part, to proteolytic digestion of toxin A and B molecules by a secreted protease.
Slowing light with Fabry-Perot resonator arrays

We analyze the transmission of light through coupled-resonator optical waveguides in the form of evanescently coupled Fabry-Perot resonator arrays. We develop a transfer matrix method to calculate the amplitude and phase responses of the arrays. We also discuss the inclusion of optical gain in the system to compensate for losses in these structures. Owing to the compact length along the propagation direction in evanescently coupled arrays, large slowing factors of the order of 10^2-10^3 can be achieved even with a weak index contrast of ∼0.1%. The large slowing factor, coupled with weak index contrast, makes this structure a promising candidate for artificial slow light system.
The relationship of subcortical MRI hyperintensities and brain volume to cognitive function in vascular dementia.

The relationship between MRI findings (i.e., subcortical hyperintensities; SH, whole brain volume) and the cognitive dysfunction of vascular dementia (VaD) was examined. Participants included 24 persons that met NINDS-AIREN criteria for VaD (MMSE = 19.9 ± 4.2) and underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and MRI brain imaging. The volume of subcortical hyperintensities (SH) was strongly associated with executive–psychomotor performance, but not with performance across other cognitive domains or global cognitive functional level. Conversely, WBV was strongly associated with global cognitive functioning and performance across most cognitive domains (memory, language, visual integration), but not with executive–psychomotor functioning. The failure of SH to account for either the global dementia evident in these VaD patients or impairments across most cognitive domains suggests that deep subcortical white matter disease may only indirectly contribute to the global cognitive dysfunction of VaD. That WBV emerged as a stronger correlate of dementia raises further questions regarding the cerebral mechanisms that contribute to the development of VaD. (JINS, 2002, 8, 743–752.)
Job Displacement and Social Participation over the Lifecourse: Findings for a Cohort of Joiners

We examine the effects of job displacement, an involuntary event associated with socioeconomic and psychological decline, on social participation. Using more than 45 years of panel data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we find that job displacement is associated with significant, long-term lower probabilities of subsequent involvement with various forms of social participation for workers displaced during their prime earnings years; displacement is not associated with lower probabilities of involvement for workers displaced in the years approaching retirement. We also find that post-displacement socioeconomic and psychological decline explain very little of the negative effect of job displacement on social participation, and that a single displacement event, rather than a series of multiple displacement events, is most strongly associated with lower probabilities of social involvement.
Training partially recurrent neural networks using evolutionary strategies

This correspondence presents the latest results of using evolutionary strategies (ESs) to design partially recurrent neural networks for viseme recognition. ESs are stochastic optimization algorithms based upon the principles of natural selection found in the biological world. Our results indicate that ESs can be effectively used to determine the synaptic weights in neural networks and can outperform backpropagation techniques.
Children's Living Arrangements, Coresidence of Unmarried Fathers, and Welfare Receipt

This study analyzed welfare receipt among children across alternative living arrangements. Findings suggest more variation in patterns of public assistance receipt than previously reported, and that these variations are affected by the presence of cohabiting fathers. Results argue for more precise indicators of children's living arrangements so that levels of welfare receipt among children are comparable. Indicators should categorize children according to whether they live with their married or cohabiting parents. Once children's relationships with coresiding males were determined, findings showed that children living with fathers were less likely to receive public assistance except for supplemental security income. Results confirm that children growing up with unmarried mothers who do not cohabit with adult males are the most likely to receive welfare and the most disadvantaged. Results also show, however, that children living with cohabiting biological parents are more likely to receive welfare than chi...
The effect of interlayer interactions on the ferroelectric–paraelectric phase transition in multilayered thin films of vinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene copolymers

The interaction between ferroelectric polymer fi lms with different transition temperatures is evident in the effect of layer thickness on the ferroelectric– paraelectric phase transition in multilayer fi lms, as revealed by x-ray diffraction and dielectric measurements. The multilayer samples consisted of alternating Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) fi lms of two different copolymers of vinylidene fl uoride with trifl uoroethylene, one with 80% vinylidene fl uoride and a ferroelectric–paraelectric transition temperature on heating of 133 ± 4 °C and the other with 50% vinylidene fl uoride and a transition temperature of 70 ± 4 °C. Samples with a repeat period of 20 LB layers (10 contiguous layers of each composition) exhibited two distinct phase transitions, indicative of minimal interaction between the two materials. Films with a repeat period of 2, or fi lms made from an equal mixture of the two copolymers, exhibited composite behavior, with an intermediate transition temperature and suppression of the transitions associated with the individual compositions. Films with a repeat period of 10 exhibit cross-over behavior. These results imply that the ferroelectric interaction length along the (110) direction, which is perpendicular to the fi lm plane, is approximately 11 nm.
Planarization of Discrete Track Recording Media to Improve Flyability of Magnetic Recording Sliders

Discrete track recording (DTR) media which consist of discrete tracks are presently considered a new paradigm to achieve ultra-high areal density in hard disk drives (HDDs). However, due to the presence of the grooves, stable flying of magnetic recording sliders over DTR media is a question of great concern. In this study, planarization of DTR media with hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ), a nonmagnetic material, is investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of planarized disks showed very good ldquogap fillingrdquo properties of HSQ in the groove area during the planarization process. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements indicated that the residual groove depth of planarized DTR media decreases with decreasing rotating speed of the disk during spin-coating. Improved flyability of magnetic recording sliders over DTR media was observed after planarization.
The Holy Grail of LVAD-induced reversal of severe chronic heart failure: the need for integration.

This editorial refers to ‘Heart failure reversal by ventricular unloading in patients with chronic cardiomyopathy: criteria for weaning from ventricular assist devices’, by M. Dandel et al. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehq353 For a long time conventional wisdom had it that chronic severe heart failure is a unidirectional progressive disease which invariably results in death. This paradigm has dramatically changed with the demonstration that ‘prolonged’, near-complete unloading of the left ventricle (LV) with or without pharmacological therapy can result in sufficient clinical recovery in a variable percentage of patients to allow removal of the device with stable, normal or near-normal function over many years.1,2 This strategy avoids or delays transplantation and provides an innervated heart capable of providing normal power output3 and an improved quality of life. Surprisingly, this paradigm has been actively pursued in only very few centres, with varying rates of success in terms of both the percentage of patients who ‘recover’ and the period of sustained recovery.2,4 The field has been hampered by the availability of cardiac transplantation programmes in most centres performing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantations. Cardiac transplantation constitutes a validated form of treatment which obviates the need for repeated close observations to monitor recovery …
Flexible power scheduling for sensor networks

We propose a distributed on-demand power-management protocol for collecting data in sensor networks. The protocol aims to reduce power consumption while supporting fluctuating demand in the network and provide local routing information and synchronicity without global control. Energy savings are achieved by powering down nodes during idle times identified through dynamic scheduling. We present a real implementation on wireless sensor nodes based on a novel, two-level architecture. We evaluate our approach through measurements and simulation, and show how the protocol allows adaptive scheduling and enables a smooth trade-off between energy savings and latency. An example current measurement shows an energy savings of 83% on an intermediate node.
Silver City: A Case Study

The Silver City Case is designed for an advanced accounting or MBA class and provides students with the opportunity to analyze relevant information extracted from different types of business entities. These range from publicly traded corporations to non-corporate and/or non-public entities. Students are required to make a decision on the viability of a bid on a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a sports facility construction project. The primary objective is to provide a foundation for the evaluation of complex business entities. This requires the dismantling of the business structure to the point that it can be analyzed on an individual entity basis. The achievement of this objective requires students to understand the type of financial information that can be derived from each of the different entities as well as determining the reliability of such information. Furthermore, the case offers opportunities to discuss underlying guarantees that keep the business structures together.
Stick-Breaking Beta Processes and the Poisson Process

We show that the stick-breaking construction of the beta process due to Paisley et al. (2010) can be obtained from the characterization of the beta process as a Poisson process. Specifically, we show that the mean measure of the underlying Poisson process is equal to that of the beta process. We use this underlying representation to derive error bounds on truncated beta processes that are tighter than those in the literature. We also develop a new MCMC inference algorithm for beta processes, based in part on our new Poisson process construction.
Influence of Climate Change on Reservoir Water Quality Assessment and Management

Climatic changes are commonly recognized to alter freshwater ecosystems. This chapter provides a unique perspective on the implications of climate change for reservoir inflows, water quality assessment, and management of aquatic contaminants influenced by site-specific pH. The various physical, biological, and chemical dynamics of reservoir zones are reviewed and a case study of four reservoirs in Texas demonstrates that reduced inflows and daily pH variability have direct implications for the collection, analysis and interpretation of water quality data. The chapter concludes with recommendations for reservoir water quality assessment and management, particularly given the prospect of increased frequency and duration of drought conditions in the southwestern and south-central U.S.
Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Alcohol and Certain Other Volatiles in Biological Material for Forensic Purposes.

SummaryBy fractional distillation of 1 to 3 cc of blood and gas chromatographic analysis of the distillate in glycol columns, blood ethanol concentrations were determined to an accuracy of 5 mg % and to a sensitivity of 10 mg % in the presence of methanol, formaldehyde and putrified blood. Microgram amounts of hydrogen sulfide, ether, acetone, acetaldehyde, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride were also identified in aqueous solutions.
SEPTAL PERFUSION ABNORMALITIES ARE COMMON IN REGADENOSON SPECT MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING (MPI) BUT NOT PET MPI IN PATIENTS WITH LEFT BUNDLE BRANCH BLOCK (LBBB)

In patients with LBBB, pharmacologic stress testing is preferred for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) as exercise causes a greater increase in heart rate (HR) and can lead to septal perfusion artifacts. However, the incidence of this artifact has not been well defined with Regadenoson. We
Identification of Promising Urinary MicroRNA Biomarkers in Two Rat Models of Glomerular Injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate protein levels posttranscriptionally. miRNAs play important regulatory roles in many cellular processes and have been implicated in several diseases. Recent studies have reported significant levels of miRNAs in a variety of body fluids, raising the possibility that miRNAs could serve as useful biomarkers. Here, changes in miRNA expression patterns are described in 2 different rodent models of glomerular injury (acute puromycin aminonucleoside nephropathy and passive Heymann nephritis). By employing 2 different modes of glomerular insult, oxidative stress and immune-mediated toxicity, miRNA changes in both isolated glomeruli as well as urine specimens allow for identification of urinary miRNA biomarkers that are suggestive of drug-induced injury specifically to the glomerulus. Subsets of glomerular urinary miRNAs associated with these different modes of glomerular toxicity seem to be dependent on the mechanism of the induced injury, while 9 miRNAs that changed early in both glomerular and urine specimens were common to both studies. We further show that the miRNAs identified as mechanism-specific early glomerular injury biomarkers target key pathways and transcripts relevant to the type of insult, while the insult-independent changes might serve as ideal glomerular injury biomarkers.
Graphic Novels in Community and Junior College Libraries.

ABSTRACT Although the growth in popularity of graphic novels among readers of all ages and the expansion of graphic novels in both public and academic libraries has been well defined in library literature, the inclusion of graphic novels in community and junior college libraries has received little attention. The purpose of this article is to begin the conversation about the role graphic novels play in community and junior college libraries. Additionally, the article outlines the benefits graphic novels provide community and junior college patrons and gives librarians suggestions on how to select and display graphic novels.
Topical Dermatologic Therapy for the Pediatrician

A rational approach to the selection and application of appropriate topical treatment for the majority of skin problems encountered by the practitioner is presented.
The Impact of Stagnating Casino Revenues on State and Local Governments Tax Receipts

After the Great Recession, the popular press has noted a rebound in casino revenues in some states and localities, and some expect growth like before. However, there were trends indicating stagnating revenues before the recession, and casinos were shown not to be “recession-proof” as revenues declined. Revenues have stagnated partially due to a saturation point being reached with regard to casino gaming. The growth rate of revenues and tax proceeds may follow a product life cycle curve. Introducing more venues may give a temporary boost to tax receipts, but trends indicate that large gains are over unless casinos re-invent themselves.
TU-H-202-01: Introduction to CT Ventilation Imaging: Principles, Validation and Clinical Translation

CT ventilation imaging is an exciting functional imaging modality that combines four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT) and deformable image registration (DIR) to provide exquisite ventilation maps of the lung. CT ventilation imaging can be used for: (1)Functional avoidance in thoracic radiation therapy, (2)Imaging longitudinal changes in regional lung function for treatment assessment and adaptation, (3)Image-assisted diagnosis of non-oncologic respiratory diseases. CT ventilation imaging uses CT, a predominantly anatomic imaging modality, and through imaging processing creates functional images. CT ventilation imaging provides functional images that are higher resolution, faster and cheaper to perform than the clinical standard, SPECT. Indeed the number of CT ventilation abstracts presented at the AAPM meeting has been doubling every two years. With the world's-first clinical trial of CT ventilation functional image-guided radiation therapy now underway, the first dedicated scientific symposium will educate and stimulate AAPM members from both radiology and radiation oncology. This symposium will compare the foundations of CT ventilation imaging with competing MRI, PET and SPECT ventilation imaging methods, and details the first clinical trial of CT ventilation imaging for functional avoidance in lung cancer radiation therapy. The spatial-temporal nature of pulmonary ventilation, response maps to radiation and the design of predictive models will be presented. Validation efforts and challenges will also be discussed, from clinical outcome correlations in single time point and longitudinal studies, to cross-modality image comparisons in the first multi-institutional CT ventilation imaging challenge. The panel will discuss the future role of CT ventilation imaging, and what level of physiologic validation is needed for applications in radiation oncology and beyond. Learning Objectives: 1.Learn the principles of CT ventilation imaging and how ventilation images are acquired with MRI, PET and SPECT 2.Understand the methods used to benchmark CT ventilation and the correlations between CT ventilation imaging and clinical outcomes 3.Recognize the clinical applications of CT ventilation imaging in radiation oncology and beyond Australian NHMRC Fellowship. Australian NSW Cancer Institute Fellowship.; Y. Vinogradskiy, The authors acknowledge NIH R01CA200817 grant and Stat of Colorado grant.; T. Yamamoto, This study was supported in part by the American Cancer Society and the Dean of the University of California Davis School of Medicine (ACS IRG-95-125-13). Philips Radiation Oncology Systems loaned us a research version of the Pinnacle3 treatment planning system.; J. Bayouth, Funding support from NCI R01 CA166703; J. Kipritidis, This work has been supported by a Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Fellowship and an NHMRC Australia Fellowship. No commercial funding was received for this work.