cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
De Novo Assembly and Characterization of Two Transcriptomes Reveal Multiple Light-Mediated Functions in the Scallop Eye (Bivalvia: Pectinidae)

Background: The eye has evolved across 13 separate lineages of molluscs. Yet, there have been very few studies examining the molecular machinary underlying eye function of this group, which is due, in part, to a lack of genomic resources. The scallop (Bivalvia: Pectinidae) represents a compeling molluscan model to study photoreception due to its morphologically novel and separately evolved mirror-type eye. We sequenced the adult eye transcriptome of two scallop species to: 1) identify the phototransduction pathway components; 2) identify any additional light detection functions; and 3) test the hypothesis that molluscs possess genes not found in other animal lineages. Results: A total of 3,039 contigs from the bay scallop, Argopecten irradians and 26,395 contigs from the sea scallop, Placopecten magellanicus were produced by 454 sequencing. Targeted BLAST searches and functional annotation using Gene Ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways identified transcripts from three light detection systems: two phototransduction pathways and the circadian clock, a previously unrecognized function of the scallop eye. By comparing the scallop transcriptomes to molluscan and non-molluscan genomes, we discovered that a large proportion of the transcripts (7,776 sequences) may be specific to the scallop lineage. Nearly one-third of these contain transmembrane protein domains, suggesting these unannotated transcripts may be sensory receptors. Conclusions: Our data provide the most comprehensive transcriptomic resource currently available from a single molluscan eye type. Candidate genes potentially involved in sensory reception were identified, and are worthy of further investigation. This resource, combined with recent phylogenetic and genomic data, provides a strong foundation for future investigations of the function and evolution of molluscan photosensory systems in this morphologically and taxonomically diverse phylum.
Light scattering measurements on particles condensed from boron-containing flames

Abstract Light scattering measurements have been made on particles of liquid boron oxide condensing in flame gases. The method and apparatus are described, and some typical results presented. It appears that at first a relatively large number of small particles are formed, and these grow both by collision and by further condensation. The final size observed is about 0·2 micron. The errors and limitations of the experiments are discussed.
Discrete size classes of monkey extrachromosomal circular DNA containing the L1 family of long interspersed nucleotide sequences are produced by a general non-sequence specific mechanism

The L1 family of long interspersed nucleotide sequences (LINES) has recently been identified and characterized in the small polydisperse circular DNA (spc-DNA) populations of monkey (1), human (2) and mouse (3) cells. In monkey spc-DNA, the L1 (also known as Kpn I) family is present in discrete size classes (ranging from 300 to 6000 base pairs (bp)) which appear to be generated by non homologous recombination events within chromosomal elements. In this communication it is shown that different regions of the consensus L1 family are present at different frequencies in monkey spc-DNA (as they are in chromosomal DNA), that all regions of the family are present in extrachromosomal DNA, and that each region appears to be represented in an identical discrete spc-DNA size distribution. This size distribution reflects a non-sequence specific mechanism that generates spc-DNA size classes by chromosomal DNA recombination events that are in some way constrained to occur between sites separated by relatively defined lengths.
Convergence of South Korean productivity on West German levels, 1966–1978

Abstract South Korean labor productivity in manufacturing converged rapidly on the productivity level in West German manufacturing during the period 1966–1978, achieving two-thirds of the German level by 1978. This convergence was more rapid at the industry level than for all manufacturing. The capital-labor ratio and total factor productivity in South Korean manufacturing also converged on West German levels during this period, with the former accounting for two-thirds, and the latter, one-third, of the labor productivity convergence. The source of labor productivity convergence, however, differed greatly across industries, with capital deepening the dominant source in heavy industries, and total factor productivity (TFP) convergence the main source in light industries.
Effect of hydrogen bond networks on the nucleation mechanism of protein folding

We have recently developed a kinetic model for the nucleation mechanism of protein folding (NMPF) in terms of ternary nucleation by using the first passage time analysis. A protein was considered as a random heteropolymer consisting of hydrophobic, hydrophilic (some of which are negatively or positively ionizable), and neutral beads. The main idea of the NMPF model consisted of averaging the dihedral potential in which a selected residue is involved over all possible configurations of all neighboring residues along the protein chain. The combination of the average dihedral, effective pairwise (due to Lennard-Jones-type and electrostatic interactions), and confining (due to the polymer connectivity constraint) potentials gives rise to an overall potential around the cluster that, as a function of the distance from the cluster center, has a double-well shape. This allows one to evaluate the protein folding time. In the original NMPF model hydrogen bonding was not taken into account explicitly. To improve the NMPF model and make it more realistic, in this paper we modify our (previously developed) probabilistic hydrogen bond model and combine it with the former. Thus, a contribution due to the disruption of hydrogen bond networks around the interacting particles (cluster of native residues and residue in the protein unfolded part) appears in the overall potential field around a cluster. The modified model is applied to the folding of the same model proteins that were examined in the original model: a short protein consisting of 124 residues (roughly mimicking bovine pancreatic ribonuclease) and a long one consisting of 2500 residues (as a representative of large proteins with superlong polypeptide chains), at pH=8.3 , 7.3, and 6.3. The hydrogen bond contribution now plays a dominant role in the total potential field around the cluster (except for very short distances thereto where the repulsive energy tends to infinity). It is by an order of magnitude stronger for hydrophobic residues than for hydrophilic ones. The range of "residue-cluster" distances, at which the hydrogen bond effect exists, is twice as long for hydrophobic residues as for hydrophilic ones.
Quantitatively assessing the vulnerability of critical information systems: A new method for evaluating security enhancements

This paper proposes a new approach for assessing the organization's vulnerability to information-security breaches. Although much research has been done on qualitative approaches, the literature on numerical approaches to quantify information-security risk is scarce. This paper suggests a method to quantify risk in terms of a numeric value or ''degree of cybersecurity''. To help quantitatively measure the level of cybersecurity for a computer-based information system, we present two indices, the threat-impact index and the cyber-vulnerability index, based on vulnerability trees. By calculating and comparing the indices for various possible security enhancements, managers can select the best security enhancement choice, prioritize the choices by their relative effectiveness, and statistically justify spending resources on the selected choice. By qualifying information security quantitatively, the method can also help managers establish a specific target of security level that they can track. We illustrate the use of the proposed methodology on the security of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems using data from the SCADA system test bed implemented at the University of Louisville as a case study, and then show the use of the proposed indices on this information system before and after two security enhancements.
Light from Darkness, From Ignorance Knowledge

Summary This paper is a critical examination of argumentum ad ignorantiam, or arguing from ignorance. Ad ignorantiam is regarded as a fallacy, and certainly no route to knowledge, by most philosophers. However, case studies of ad ignorantiam are almost non-existent, and theoretical discussions few in number. Thus this paper begins with a number of case studies. From them some morals are drawn. The morals concern the interpretation and evaluation of arguments in general and the nature and epistemic value of ad ignorantiam in particular. Two theoretical discussions of the argument-type are next considered, those of Richard Robinson and (in a jointly authored paper) John Woods and Douglas Walton. I conclude that there is no general fallacy of ad ignorantiam– no argument is fallacious just because it's an ad ignorantiam– and that sometimes no reason is good reason. Resume Ce papier est un examen critique du sophisme ≪ad ignorantiam“, ou de ľargumentation par l'ignorance. ≪Ad ignorantiam≫ est considere par la plupart des philosophes comme un sophisme, et certainement pas comme un moyen de connaissance. Cependant, les etudes de cas sont quasiment inexistantes, et les discussions theoriques peu nombreuses. C'est pourquoi ce papier commence par etudier des exemples, dont certaines lecons sont tirees. Ces lecons portent sur l'interpretation et ľevaluation des arguments en general, et en particulier sur la nature et la valeur epistemique de ≪ad ignorantiam“. Ensuite, deux discussions theoriques sont examinees: celle de Richard Robinson et celle defendue conjointement par John Woods et Richard Walton. Je conclus qu'il n'existe pas de sophisme general ≪ad ignorantiam≫– un argument n'est pas fallacieux simplement parce qu'il est ≪ad ignorantiam≫– et que l'absence de raison est quelquefois une bonne raison. Zusammenfassung Dieses Papier ist eine kritische Untersuchung des argumentum ad ignorantiam oder des Argumentierens aus Unwissenheit heraus. Ad ignorantiam wird als Trugschluss betrachtet und ist fur die meisten Philosophen sicherlich kein Weg zur Erkenntnis. Fallstudien zu ad ignorantiam Argumenten existieren jedoch kaum, und theoretische Diskussionen sind gering an der Zahl. Dieses Papier beginnt mit einer Anzahl von Fallstudien. Aus ihnen werden einige Schlusse gezogen. Die Schlusse betreffen die Interpretation und Evaluation von Argumenten im allgemeinen und das Wesen und den erkenntnistheoretischen Wert von ad ignorantiam Argumenten im besonderen. Als nachstes werden zwei theoretische Diskussionen betrachtet, namlich diejenige von Richard Robinson und diejenige einer von John Woods und Douglas Walton gemeinsam verfassten Arbeit. Ich folgere, dass es keinen generellen Trugschluss des ad ignorantiam gibt – kein Argument ist nur darum nicht schlussig, weil es ein ad ignorantiam ist – und dass kein Grund manchmal ein guter Grund sein kann.
771-2 Isoproterenol Amplification of Flecainide-induced Conduction Slowing in Depolarized Canine Purkinje Fibers: Elucidation of Flecainide Proarrhythmia in CAST

To elucidate the potential mechanism for the flecainide (FLEC) proarrhythmia observed in CAST, the voltage-dependence of β -adrenergic modulation of impulse propagation in 10 FLEC-superfused canine Purkinje fibers was examined using a dual microelectrode technique. At physiologic membrane potentials (V m ) ([K + ]z = 5.4 mM), 1 μ M FLEC decreased V max from 677 ± 72 to 576 ± 97 V/sec (p = 0.04) and squared conduction velocity (θ 2 ) from 1.28 ± 0.5 to 1.04 ± 0.4 (M/s) 2 . With K+ depolarization to V m = -70 mV, FLEC further reduced V max from 324 ± 100 to 241 ± 64 V/s and θ 2 from 0.90 ± 0.3 to 0.83 ± 0.5 (M/s) 2 and produced a 1.9 mV hyperpolarizing shift of apparent Na+ channel availability curves derived from θ 2 . The addition of 1 μM isoproterenol (ISO) to FLEC-superfused fibers at physiologic V m increased θ 2 by 10% to 1.14 ± 0.5 (M/s) 2 (p = 0.009) without altering V max . At -70 mV, the addition of ISO magnified the FLEC-induced reduction of V max an additional 26% to 177 ± 49 V/s (p = 0.001) and θ 2 by 20% to 0.67 ± 0.4 (M/s) 2 (p = 0.008), producing an additional 1.8 mV (p = 0.001) and 1.9 mV (p = 0.001) hyperpolarizing shift in the apparent Na +channel inactivation curves generated from V max and θ 2 , respectively. At physiologic V m , the action potential duration (APD95) was reduced from 308 ± 32 to 266 ± 25 (p l 0.001) by FLEC and subsequently to 217 ± 4 (p l 0.001) with ISO addition. With 12 mM K + , APD95 decreased from 193 ± 24 to 179 ± 20 ms (p = 0.001) with FLEC and to 162 ± 14 ms (p = 0.001) with ISO. Thus. at depolarized V m , ISO amplified the FLEC-induced reduction of V max and θ 2 , suggesting a further adrenergic-mediated reduction of Na+ current. Consequently, the synergy between catecholamines and FLEC at depolarized Vm and the shortened APD 95 could facilitate double-wave reentrant arrhythmias in the presence of FLEC and superimposed ischemia.
A photon counting device for the measurement of nanosecond and microsecond kinetics of light emission from biological systems.

Abstract This paper describes the instrumentation and operation of a photon counting system which was constructed to measure the delayed light emission from the algae Scenedesmus . The functioning of the system was illustrated by a plot which compared data of the recorded delayed light emission with data of the system noise over the first 20-μsec interval after extinction of a modulated laser beam. We believe that this paper shows the utility of photon counting as a satisfactory method of measuring biological light emission, especially a very rapid process such as the delayed light emission from photosynthetic organisms.
Substorm injection modeling with nondipolar, time‐dependent background field

[1] We model energetic particle injections during substorms by investigating the particle interaction with an earthward propagating electromagnetic pulse of spatially localized transient electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields, superposed over a background B field. The current work extends our previous model by considering the background field to be nondipolar (stretched) before the arrival of the pulse (i.e., during the substorm growth phase), changing in a time-dependent manner into a dipole field in the wake of the pulse. The particle motion still conserves the first adiabatic invariant, even in the stretched B field, and both protons and electrons are convected earthward by the E × B drift to regions of higher field, undergoing betatron acceleration. As in the previous model, we find fully analytical solutions for the gyrocenter motion of the 90° pitch angle particles, and we use them to compute the injected particle flux. We discuss how the model can explain several injection features such as the low/high energy cutoffs, and finally we apply the solutions to a simulation of an actual injection event, obtaining good agreement with observations. The current results with the more realistic background field show significant increase in particle flux for “substorm energies” (tens to hundreds of keVs) compared with the case of a dipole background, leading to the conclusion that the particles have to arrive from closer to Earth than before in order to explain the observed injected flux levels. The new model provides a better fit to observations than the previous one, since it requires lower transient E fields (more realistic of a typical substorm), and thus better explains the ubiquity of particle injections associated with substorms.
Prediction of normal values for lactate threshold estimated by gas exchange in men and women.

Lactate threshold (LT) is an index of exercise capacity and can be estimated from the gas exchange consequences of a metabolic acidosis (LT(GE)). In recent years, it has emerged as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of subjects with exercise limitation. The purpose of this study was to develop LT(GE) prediction equations on a relatively large sample of adults and to cross-validate each equation. A total of 204 healthy, sedentary, nonsmoking subjects (103 men and 101 women), aged 20-70 years, underwent graded exercise testing on a cycle ergometer. The V-slope technique was used to detect LTGE as the oxygen uptake (VO2) at the breakpoint of the carbon dioxide output versus VO2 relationship. Multiple linear regression was used to develop 12 equations with combinations of the following predictor variables: age, height, body mass, and fat-free mass. Eight of the equations are gender-specific and four are generalized with gender as a dummy variable. The equations were cross-validated using the predicted residual sum of squares (PRESS) method. The results demonstrate that the equations had relatively high multiple correlations (0.577-0.863) and low standard errors of the estimate (0.123-0.228 1 x min(-1)). The PRESS method demonstrated that the equations are generalizable, i.e., can be used in future studies without a significant loss of accuracy. Since we tested only healthy, sedentary subjects, our equations can be used to predict the lower limit of normal for a given subject. Using individual data for healthy and diseased subjects from the literature, we found that our gender-specific equations rarely miscategorized subjects unless they were obese and mass was a predictor variable. We conclude that our equations provide accurate predictions of normal values for LT(GE) and that they are generalizable to other subject populations.
Proton pump inhibitors given before endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding do not improve survival, rebleeding or need for surgery.

Commentary on: A Sreedharan, J Martin, GI Leontiadis, et al.. Proton pump inhibitor treatment initiated prior to endoscopic diagnosis in upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Cochrane Database Syst Rev2010;7:CD005415.
Tricubic interpolation in three dimensions

The purpose of this paper is to give a local tricubic interpolation scheme in three dimensions that is both C^1 and isotropic. The algorithm is based on a specific 64 × 64 matrix that gives the relationship between the derivatives at the corners of the elements and the coefficients of the tricubic interpolant for this element. In contrast with global interpolation where the interpolated function usually depends on the whole data set, our tricubic local interpolation only uses data in a neighbourhood of an element. We show that the resulting interpolated function and its three first derivatives are continuous if one uses cubic interpolants. The implementation of the interpolator can be downloaded as a static and dynamic library for most platforms. The major difference between this work and current local interpolation schemes is that we do not separate the problem into three one-dimensional problems. This allows for a much easier and accurate computation of higher derivatives of the extrapolated field. Applications to the computation of Lagrangian coherent structures in ocean data are briefly discussed.
Photoinduced Hole and Electron Transfer from Poly(phenylene Vinylene) into Molecularly Doped Polymers

Abstract Photoinduced hole transfer between photoexcited π-conjugated polymer, poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and an adjacent trap-free hole-transport molecularly doped polymer containing TPD in a polycarbonate binder in an electric field, is analyzed. Also analyzed and described, under similar electric field conditions, is photoinduced electron transfer between PPV and a trap-free electron transport polymer containing BCFM and a polycarbonate binder. Transfer of carriers, both holes and electrons, to the respective transport layers is fast and coherent, without delay. The collection efficiency at an electric field of 4 × 105Vcm−1 is 25% for photoinduced holes and near 0.2% for photoinduced electrons.
The Quest for Subsidiarity in Eastern European Nation Building

Abstract Globalization, the European Union, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union have raised the importance of subsidiarity in Eastern Europe. Subsidiarity speaks to the need for equitable and proportional power sharing among multi-levels of Governance. Namely, there is a need for devolving decision-making powers from national and supra-national levels of authority to regional and local level authorities. Regional and local administrations need to assume a role in political and economic development reforms. The EU is a model for regional and local authorities to modernize their public administration and business sector practices to become more successful world traders.
Feedforward/feedback control of multivariable nonlinear processes

This paper concerns general MIMO nonlinear processes, whose dynamic behavior is described by a standard state-space model of arbitrary order, including measurable disturbances. The concept of relative order of an output with respect to an input, extended to include disturbance as well as manipulated inputs, is generalized in a MIMO context and it is used to obtain a characterization of the dynamic interactions among the input and the output variables. A synthesis formula is calculated for a feedforward/state feedback control law that completely eliminates the effect of the measurable disturbances on the process outputs and induces a linear behavior in the closed-loop system between the outputs and a set of reference inputs. The input/output stability and the degree of coupling in the closed-loop system are determined by appropriate choice of adjustable parameters. A MIMO linear controller with integral action completes the feedforward/feedback control structure. The developed control methodology is applied to a continuous polymerization reactor and its performance is evaluated through simulations.
Rich nations, poor nations: how much can multiple equilibria explain?

This paper asks whether the income gap between rich and poor nations can be explained by multiple equilibria. We explore the quantitative implications of a simple two- sector general equilibrium model that gives rise to multiplicity, and calibrate the model for 127 countries. Under the assumptions of the model, around a quarter of the world's econo- mies are found to be in a low output equilibrium. We also find that, since the output gains associated with an equilibrium switch are sizeable, the model can explain between 15 and 25% of the variation in the logarithm of GDP per worker across countries.
Data and model driven foveation

A general framework for multiresolution visual recognition is introduced. The input is processed simultaneously at a coarse resolution throughout the image and at finer resolution within a small window. An approach for controlling the movement of the high-resolution window is described which allows for the unification of a variety of data and model-driven behavioral paradigms. Three modes have been implemented, one based on large unexplained areas in the data, one on conflicts in the object-model database, and one on a 2D space-filling algorithm. It is argued that this kind of multiresolution processing not only is useful in limiting the computational time, but also can be a deciding factor in making the entire vision problem a tractable and stable one. To demonstrate the approach, a class of 3D surface textures is introduced as a feature for recognition in the system considered. Surface texture recognition typically requires higher-resolution processing than required for the extraction of the underlying surface. As an example, surface texture is used to discriminate between a ping-pong ball and a golf ball. >
Indexicality and experience: Exploring the meanings of /aw/-monophthongization in Pittsburgh 1

In this paper we test the hypothesis that monophthongal /aw/ is semiotically associated with local identity in Pittsburgh. We compare results of an experimental task that directly elicits participants’ sense of the indexical value of /aw/-monophthongization with the occurrence of this variant in the same people’s speech. People who hear monophthongal /aw/ as an index of localness are unlikely to have this feature in their own speech, and many of the people who do monophthongize /aw/ do not associate this variant with localness. Exploring how four of these participants talk about this feature and its meanings, we show that the indexical meanings of speech features can vary widely within a community, and we illustrate the danger of confusing the meaning assigned by hearers to a linguistic form with the meaning users would assign to it. We suggest that a phenomenological approach, attending to the multiplicity and indeterminacy of indexical relations and to how such relations arise historically and in lived experience, can lead to a more nuanced account of the distribution of social meanings of variant forms than can studies of perception or production alone.
REGULATION OF TYPE I ADENYLYL CYCLASE BY CALMODULIN KINASE IV IN VIVO

Type I adenylyl cyclase is a neurospecific enzyme that is stimulated by Ca2+ and calmodulin (CaM). This enzyme couples the Ca2+ and cyclic AMP (cAMP) regulatory systems in neurons, and it may play an important role for some forms of synaptic plasticity. Mutant mice lacking type I adenylyl cyclase show deficiencies in spatial memory and altered long-term potentiation (Z. Wu, S. A. Thomas, Z. Xia, E. C. Villacres, R. D. Palmiter, and D. R. Storm, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:220-224, 1995). Although type I adenylyl cyclase is synergistically stimulated by Ca2+ and G-protein-coupled receptors in vivo, very little is known about mechanisms for inhibition of the enzyme. Here, we report that type I adenylyl cyclase is inhibited by CaM kinase IV in vivo. Expression of constitutively active or wild-type CaM kinase IV inhibited Ca2+ stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity without affecting basal or forskolin-stimulated activity. Type I adenylyl cyclase has two CaM kinase IV consensus phosphorylation sequences near its CaM binding domain at Ser-545 and Ser-552. Conversion of either serine to alanine by mutagenesis abolished CaM kinase IV inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. This suggests that the activity of this enzyme may be directly inhibited by CaM kinase IV phosphorylation. Type VIII adenylyl cyclase, another enzyme stimulated by CaM, was not inhibited by CaM kinase II or IV. We propose that CaM kinase IV may function as a negative feedback regulator of type I adenylyl cyclase and that CaM kinases may regulate cAMP levels in some cells.
Sustainable principles: common values for achieving sustainability

Abstract While there seems to be considerable consensus that a more sustainable society is in the best interest of everyone, opinions regarding what sustainability really means and how to achieve it are as diverse as the entities striving for it. With so many opinions and definitions circulating with respect to sustainability, the need exists for a set of core principles that can be applied evenly across all segments of society and disciplines. If we can establish universal principles associated with the development and implementation of a more sustainable society, it could help provide a consistent framework for human effectiveness in achieving sustainability. Three descriptions of such “sustainable principles” are described in this paper. These principles are rooted in the time-tested techniques associated with pollution prevention. They focus on developing and implementing better systems that reduce wastefulness through improved quality of products, processes and systems. By following these principles we can optimize resource utilization across all system components for the entire life cycle of the systems. In doing so, we will improve the sustainability of our ecosystems, production capabilities, community resources and human resources. Considerable educational resources already exist with respect to these principles. If we can apply them to sustainability issues, we can teach the skills and methods required for a more sustainable society.
Expanding the chemistry of fluorescent protein biosensors through genetic incorporation of unnatural amino acids

Fluorescent proteins are essential tools in biological research, ranging from the study of individual biological components to the interrogation of complex cellular systems. Fluorescent protein derived biosensors are increasingly applied to the study of biological molecules and events in living cells. The present review focuses on a specific class of fluorescent protein biosensors in which a genetically installed unnatural amino acid (UAA*) acts as the sensing element. Upon direct interaction with the analyte of interest, the chemical and/or physical properties of UAA* are altered, which triggers fluorescence property changes of the biosensor and generates readouts. In comparison to mutagenesis approaches within the standard genetic code, introduction of UAA*s with a unique functionality and chemical reactivity could broaden the scope of analytes and improve the specificity of biosensors. Nonconventional functional groups in fluorescent proteins enable sensor designs that are not readily accessible using the common twenty amino acids. Recent reports of UAA*-containing fluorescent protein sensors serve as excellent examples for the utility of such sensor design. We envisage that the integration of the two powerful chemical biology tools, fluorescent protein sensors and genetic incorporation of UAA*s, will lead to novel biosensors that can expand and deepen current understanding of cellular processes.
Annotation: MRI Neuroimaging of Childhood Psychiatric Disorders: A Selective Review

Over the past 10 years, innovations in physics and computer science have promoted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an essential tool for investigating the biological substrates of psychiatric disorders. Requiring no radiation exposure, MRI is now the preferred imaging technique for pediatric populations. However, the rapid technical advances in MRI pulse sequences, data processing, and analysis have made it increasingly complex for clinicians to compare and critically evaluate MRI research studies. This paper selectively reviews MRI research on five psychiatric conditions occurring in childhood or adolescence: ADHD, autism, childhood-onset schizophrenia, Tourette syndrome, and early-onset depression. The selection of papers reviewed was based on four criteria: the originality of the idea underlying the paper, the quality of the sample and methodologies used, the presence of controversial findings in the paper, and whether the paper was a clear illustration of specific methodological strengths or weaknesses. The two goals of this review paper are to update clinicians on morphometric brain imaging in child psychiatry and the methodological issues pertaining to image acquisition and analysis, and to promote critical reading of future MRI studies.
Effect of Precursors and Dopants on the Synthesis and Grain Growth of Calcium Hexaluminate

A variety of colloidal and polymeric sols, some doped with transition-metal oxides, were investigated as potential precursors to calcium hexaluminate (CaAl12O19) in an attempt to enhance reactivity and lower the formation and texturing temperatures of phase-pure powders and films. One undoped polymeric sol was found to yield CaAl12O19, free of any intermediate phases, at temperatures as low as 1300°C in 1 h. Doping the same mixed-metal, citrate-based precursor with a variety of transition-metal cations was found either to enhance the γ- →α-Al2O3 phase transformation or to enhance the formation of CaAl12O19. Incorporation of MnO, Fe2O3, CoO, NiO, CuO, ZnO, or SiO2 into the citrate precursor resulted in significant hexaluminate formation within 1 h at 1100°C, compared with negligible formation using the undoped precursor. Fe2O3-doped precursors gave the highest hexaluminate yields at 1100°C. Phase-pure hibonite was obtained at temperatures as low as 1000°C with 25 at.% Fe substituting for Al in the hexaluminate structure. Textured CaAl11.5Fe0.5O19 films with (0001) planes parallel to the substrate surface were obtained on YAG substrates in 1 h at 1200°C. In comparison, undoped citrate-derived films first textured at 1300°C. Enhanced CaAl12O19 formation was attributed to rapid reaction of the constituents, due to the uniform dispersion of cations on an atomistic scale throughout the citrate-based precursor, prior to completion of the γ- →α-Al2O3 phase transformation. Solid-solution dopants were believed to further enhance reactivity and grain growth by increasing diffusive mass transport.
Er-indiffused Ti:LiNbO3 channel waveguide optical amplifiers pumped at 980 nm

Er-indiffused Ti:LiNbO3 optical channel waveguide amplifiers pumped at 980 nm are reported for the first time. The authors report the largest differential gain and pump efficiency to date. At a coupled pump power of 80 mW, the amplifiers show a steady-state small signal gain of 1.6 dB/cm over a 1.7 cm long waveguide. Larger gain coefficients (~3 dB/cm) were observed before photorefractive damage set in.
Cooperative Cluster Metalation and Ligand Migration in Zirconium Metal–Organic Frameworks

Cooperative cluster metalation and ligand migration were performed on a Zr-MOF, leading to the isolation of unique bimetallic MOFs based on decanuclear Zr6M4 (M = Ni, Co) clusters. The M(2+) reacts with the μ3-OH and terminal H2O ligands on an 8-connected [Zr6O4(OH)8(H2O)4] cluster to form a bimetallic [Zr6M4O8(OH)8(H2O)8] cluster. Along with the metalation of Zr6 cluster, ligand migration is observed in which a Zr-carboxylate bond dissociates to form a M-carboxylate bond. Single-crystal to single-crystal transformation is realized so that snapshots for cooperative cluster metalation and ligand migration processes are captured by successive single-crystal X-ray structures. In(3+) was metalated into the same Zr-MOF which showed excellent catalytic activity in the acetaldehyde cyclotrimerization reaction. This work not only provides a powerful tool to functionalize Zr-MOFs with other metals, but also structurally elucidates the formation mechanism of the resulting heterometallic MOFs.
What Providers and Medicaid Policymakers Need to Know About Barriers to Employment for People with Disabilities

Medicaid Buy-Ins provide a new and exciting opportunity for people with disabilities to engage in meaningful employment while maintaining Medicaid coverage. Through interviews with participants in the Kansas Medicaid Buy-In, we examined perceived external influences on the decision to acquire or increase employment by people with disabilities. Two major external barriers were identified. First, physicians, therapists and case workers had frequently discouraged participants from getting jobs or increasing employment levels. Difficulty accessing adequate and consistent medical care and/or medications through Medicaid was also an issue in preventing participants from being able to acquire or increase employment.
Clinical pathway after hip fracture.

Purpose: Hip fracture occurs frequently, resulting in considerable morbidity, mortality and utilization of healthcare resources. Technical advances in fracture fixation and surgical treatment have improved outcomes following hip fracture in the elderly. However, further improvement in outcomes of hip fracture patients may be possible with utilization of a clinical pathway designed to enhance outcomes in a standardized, cost-effective manner. This paper presents a clinical pathway for the treatment of hip fractures in the elderly with the above aims.Method: The clinical pathway presented is based on personal experience and literature pertaining to the treatment of the elderly hip fracture patient. It outlines a suggested algorithmic approach to the patient that begins with the initial evaluation, progresses on through pre-operative and operative management, and ends with post-operative rehabilitation and treatment.Results: The clinical pathway for the hip fracture patient in this paper is a working treatme...
Using Local Geometry for Tunable Topology Control in Sensor Networks

Neighbor-Every-Theta (NET) graphs are such that each node has at least one neighbor in every theta angle sector of its communication range. We show that for thetas < pi, NET graphs are guaranteed to have an edge-connectivity of at least floor (2pi)/thetas, even with an irregular communication range. Our main contribution is to show how this family of graphs can achieve tunable topology control based on a single parameter thetas. Since the required condition is purely local and geometric, it allows for distributed topology control. For a static network scenario, a power control algorithm based on the NET condition is developed for obtaining k-connected topologies and shown to be significantly efficient compared to existing schemes. In controlled deployment of a mobile network, control over positions of nodes can be leveraged for constructing NET graphs with desired levels of network connectivity and sensing coverage. To establish this, we develop a potential fields based distributed controller and present simulation results for a large network of robots. Lastly, we extend NET graphs to 3D and provide an efficient algorithm to check for the NET condition at each node. This algorithm can be used for implementing generic topology control algorithms in 3D.
Cytonuclear equilibrium following interspecific introgression in a turtle lacking sex chromosomes

When reproductive barriers break down, interspecific hybridization can lead to gene flow between evolutionarily distinct species. Studying the fate of these introgressing elements can offer valuable insights into the factors contributing to reproductive isolation. We have identified a population of false map turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica) that hybridized historically with the common map turtle (Graptemys geographica), but were subsequently isolated from interbreeding for several generations by unique geological events. Although many studies conclude that genic interactions involving sex chromosomes impact the introgression of mitochondrial or nuclear genomes, Graptemys turtles have environmental sex determination, and thus introgression can be explored while controlling for the effects of sex-specific heterogameity. We identified and sequenced a species-specific mitochondrial control region marker, as well as two nuclear markers (ODC and HNFAL), in turtles from across the ranges of these species. We found both nuclear and mitochondrial introgression in our study population, and present evidence consistent with the proposed time range of reproductive contact and isolation. We also report an absence of cytonuclear or linkage disequilibrium among markers, indicating that some important pre- and postzygotic barriers to gene flow that characterize other systems are absent in Graptemys. Finally, we show that Graptemys turtles have a complex molecular evolutionary history, and that leaks in reproductive barriers probably occur frequently. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 106, 405‐417.
MEMS: Quo vadis in century XXI?

Exciting developments in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have been brought about by applying know-how gained through the IC revolution to the task of building bothmicromechanical andmicroelectronic elements into engineering microsystems. Some of the commercial areas in which MEMS has taken root, and in which growth seems clear and healthy are: the automotive industry, where MEMS are in production for sensing applications, particularly for pressure and acceleration, and also for fuel-injection systems; printers, where ink-jet technology is revolutionizing a booming field ($3B worldwide market growing at nearly 20% per year); optical systems where new actuated mirror- and lens- systems are being exploited for display and for fiberoptic communication systems; information storage in which much increased density (expected are 100-fold and greater storage-capacity increases) at increased speed and reduced cost; and bio- and medical applications where MEMS promise truly revolutionary systems. The challenges to MEMS progress are many, extending all the way from needs for more knowledge of fundamentals to learning a great deal more about materials, processes, and system design as well as about compatibility, reliability, and interfacing. To reach a state when MEMS design is as mature as today's IC design, substantial advances in modeling, simulation and computer-aided design must be made. However, with the IC past as prologue, MEMS clearly beckons towards a fabulous future.
The middle Miocene climatic transition: East Antarctic ice sheet development, deep ocean circulation and global carbon cycling

Abstract The middle Miocene represents a major change in state in Cenozoic climatic evolution, following the climax of Neogene warmth in the late early Miocene at ∼16 Ma. The early stage of this climatic transition from ∼16 to 14.8 Ma was marked by major short term variations in global climates, East Antarctic Ice Sheet (EAIS) volume, sea level, and deep ocean circulation. In the later stage from ∼14.8 to 12.9 Ma, climatic developments included major growth of the EAIS and associated Antarctic cooling, a distinct increase in the meridional temperature gradient, large fluctuations in sea level followed by a global sea level fall, and important changes in deep water circulation, including increased production of Southern Component Water. East Antarctic ice sheet growth and polar cooling also had large effects on global carbon cycling and on the terrestrial biosphere, including aridification of mid-latitude continental regions. Increased stability of the EAIS after 14.8 Ma represents a crucial step in the establishment of late Neogene global climate systems. What controlled these changes in polar climates and the East Antarctic ice sheet? Deep ocean circulation changes probably played a major role in the evolution and variation in polar climates, as they have throughout the Cenozoic. Oxygen and carbon isotopic evidence for warm, saline deep water production in the eastern Tethyan/northern Indian Ocean indicates that meridional heat transport to the Antarctic inhibited Cenozoic polar cooling and EAIS growth during the early middle Miocene from ∼16 to ∼14.8 Ma. Inferred competition between warm low-latitude sources (derived from the eastern Tethyan-northern Indian Ocean) and a cold high-latitude source (Southern Component Water) from ∼16 to 14.8 Ma may have been associated with instability in the Antarctic climate and cryosphere. Reduction of warm, saline deep water flow to the Southern Ocean at ∼14.8 Ma may have decreased meridional heat transport to the Antarctic, cooling the region and leading to increased production of Southern Component Water. These middle Miocene climatic and cryospheric changes in the Antarctic had profound effects on marine and terrestrial climates. As the meridional surface temperature gradient increased, boundaries between climatic zones strengthened, leading to increased aridification of mid-latitude continental regions in Australia, Africa and North and South America, enhancing the development of grasslands and stimulating the evolution of grazing mammals.
Controlling the Bit Rate of Multi-Object Videos With Noncooperative Game Theory

This paper proposes an object-level rate control algorithm to jointly controlling the bit rates of multiple video objects. Utilizing noncooperative game theory, the proposed rate control algorithm mimics the behaviors of players representing video objects. Each player competes for available bits to optimize its visual quality. The algorithm finds an ?optimal solution? in that it conforms to the mixed strategy Nash equilibrium, which is the probability distribution of the actions carried by the players that maximizes their expected payoffs (the number of bits). The game is played iteratively, and the expected payoff of each play is accumulated. The game terminates when all of the available bits for the specific time instant have been distributed to video object planes (VOPs). The advantage of the proposed scheme is that the bidding objects divide the bits among themselves automatically and fairly, according to their encoding complexity, and with an overall solution that is strategically optimal under the given circumstances. To minimize buffer fluctuation and avoid buffer overflow and underflow, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control based buffer policy is utilized.
Development of goal-directed behaviour and related self-processes in toddlers:

During toddlerhood the ability to organise actions for accomplishing goals rapidly increases. The developmental changes in actions and self-process that become part of this motivational system have seldom been studied simultaneously. Fifty-seven toddlers between the ages of 15 and 35 months were observed for two sessions while working on mastery tasks. These tasks varied in the degree to which the goal was implicit in the task materials and consequently in how much representation of the goal was necessary to carry out the task. Younger toddlers were just as engaged as older toddlers in tasks with implicit (i.e., proximal) goals but less engaged on tasks with less implicit (i.e., more distal) goals. Older toddlers were more successful in reaching goals (i.e., carrying tasks to completion), and they showed more investment in their own agency (e.g., more pride when goals were reached and more insistence on completing the last step of a task). These broad behavioural changes document the increasing propensity...
Cornering the Market in a Post-9/11 World: The Future of Horizontal Restraints

This article examines the legality of agreements between brand drug manufacturers and generic producers that delay generic drug entry into the relevant market. More specifically, this article explores the connection between patents, pharmaceuticals, and antitrust policy in a post 9/11-world facing an increased need for affordable pharmaceuticals to combat potential acts of bio-terrorism. The 9/11-aspect is crucial to understanding the evolutionary nature of antitrust because, in a dialectical sense, 9/11 changed the thesis of antitrust enforcement in the pharmaceutical market. This change is most clearly illustrated with respect to the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), the anti-anthrax drug that became a household name for unfortunate reasons following 9/11. The Cipro debate, detailed in Part III, which has taken on great importance since 9/11, provides a useful case study of the relationship between patent law, brand name drugs, generic counterparts, and antitrust enforcement in the general pharmaceutical market. This article will survey all relevant phenomena bearing on the generic drug competition issue, including, but not limited to, the legislative, executive, political, historical, economic, and judicial factors that inform the question. The idea is to treat a question of antitrust policy as an historical phenomenon that cannot be assessed solely in terms of doctrine, but in view of the legal and social context the issue arises within. In assessing the legality of agreements that delay generic entry into the market, this article addresses two questions. The first question is whether patents on pharmaceuticals encourage or discourage competition in the relevant market or markets. The second question is whether courts will be more or less willing to find antitrust violations by brand drug manufacturers in the post-9/11 world.