cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethanol administration produces divergent changes in GABAergic neuroactive steroid immunohistochemistry in the rat brain.

Background The 5α-reduced pregnane neuroactive steroid (3α,5α)-3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP or allopregnanolone) is a potent positive modulator of GABAA receptors capable of modulating neuronal activity. In rats, systemic ethanol (EtOH) administration increases cerebral cortical and hippocampal levels of 3α,5α-THP, but the effects of EtOH on 3α,5α-THP levels in other brain regions are unknown. There is a large body of evidence suggesting that 3α,5α-THP enhances EtOH sensitivity, contributes to some behavioral effects of EtOH, and modulates EtOH reinforcement and motivation to drink. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine EtOH-induced changes in cellular 3α,5α-THP expression in brain regions associated with EtOH actions and responses. Methods Male Wistar rats were administered EtOH (2 g/kg) or saline intraperitoneally and after 60 minutes transcardially perfused. IHC was performed on free-floating sections (3 to 4 sections/animal/brain region) using an affinity purified anti-3α,5α-THP primary antibody, and immunoreactivity was visualized with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine. Results EtOH significantly increased 3α,5α-THP immunoreactivity by 24 ± 6% in the medial prefrontal cortex, 32 ± 12% in the hippocampal Cornu Ammonis area 1 (CA1) pyramidal cell layer, 52 ± 5% in the polymorph cell layer of the dentate gyrus (DG), 44 ± 15% in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and 36 ± 6% in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. In contrast, EtOH administration significantly reduced 3α,5α-THP immunoreactivity by 25 ± 5% in the nucleus accumbens “shore” and 21 ± 3% in the central nucleus of the amygdala. No changes were observed in the ventral tegmental area, dorsomedial striatum, granule cell layer of the DG, or the lateral and basolateral amygdala. Conclusions The results suggest acute EtOH (2 g/kg) produces divergent, brain region specific, effects on cellular 3α,5α-THP levels. Regional differences in the effects of EtOH suggest there may be regional brain synthesis of 3α,5α-THP independent of the adrenal glands and novel mechanisms that reduce cellular 3α,5α-THP. Regional differences in EtOH-induced changes in 3α,5α-THP levels likely contribute to EtOH effects on neuronal function in brain.
An interpersonally based intervention for low-income pregnant women with intimate partner violence: a pilot study

This study assessed the initial feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of an intervention aimed at reducing depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of low-income pregnant women with recent intimate partner violence (IPV). Fifty-four women were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The intervention consisted of four sessions during pregnancy and one “booster” session within 2 weeks of delivery. Based on principles of Interpersonal Psychotherapy, the intervention was designed to help participants improve their interpersonal relationships, including their social support networks, and master their role transition to motherhood. Assessments were administered at four time points (intake, 5–6 weeks post-intake, 2 weeks postpartum, 3 months postpartum) to assess for depression, PTSD, and IPV. The intervention did not significantly reduce the likelihood of a major depressive episode, PTSD, or IPV during pregnancy or up to 3-month postpartum. However, we found moderate effects for the intervention in reducing symptoms of PTSD and depression during pregnancy and a large effect for PTSD symptoms from pregnancy up to 3 months postpartum. This study suggests some initial support for our intervention. Larger randomized trials are needed to further examine the intervention both during and after pregnancy.
Nucleolar Adaptation in Human Cancer

While the nucleolus was first observed over two hundred years ago, its role in human cancers is only now being appreciated. Long thought to be a static, ribosome-producing, subnuclear organelle, recent investigations have shown a more dynamic and adaptable side of the nucleolus. Containing not only proteins for the production of ribosomes but also newfound nucleolar oncogenes and tumor suppressors, mechanistic links between the nucleolus and cancer are now more evident. In this regard, much of the work from the past decade has focused on the ability of these proteins to promote and suppress tumorigenesis from the nucleolus. In this review, we will discuss how historical measurements of the nucleolus are being translated into contemporary studies of nucleolar dysfunction in human cancer.
Clinical and pathological report of an unusual anterior chamber lesion: A case report

To describe an unusual anterior chamber lesion found on routine eye examination of a 71 year-old Hispanic gentleman who presented for cataract evaluation. The lesion was biopsied at the time of cataract surgery and its pathology presented.
Antenatal sonographic diagnosis of isolated bilateral fibular hemimelia.

Congenital absence of the fibula, also known as fibular hemimelia, encompasses a spectrum of anomalies involving abnormal growth and development of the fibula. 1,2 It is the most common long bone deficiency, followed by aplasia of the radius. According to Coventry and Johnson, 3 the condition was first described in 1698. Manifestations of this condition range from mild degrees of limb shortening to its most severe form, which includes complete absence of the fibula with accompanying defects in the femur, tibia, and foot. The severity of foot abnormalities appears to correlate with the severity of the fibular deficiency. Only a few reports of prenatally diagnosed fibular hemimelia have been published, 4.5 and to our knowledge there are no prior reports of isolated fibular hemimelia diagnosed antenatally on the basis of sonography. We report a case of the antenatal sonographic diagnosis of complete bilateral fibular hemimelia without the presence of other congenital anomalies.
Dynamical balance in the Indonesian Seas circulation

A high resolution, four-open port, non-linear, barotropic ocean model (2D POM) is used to analyze the Indonesian Seas circulation. Both local and overall momentum balances are studied. It is shown that geostrophy holds over most of the area and that the Pacific-Indian Ocean pressure difference is essentially balanced by the resultant of pressure forces acting on the bottom.
What Are We Protecting

Within the more general debates about the scope of post-Cold War security concerns, there has been little focus on what exactly we are attempting to protect: whether the focus is territory and resources, governmental regimes, human life, material wealth, or cultural traditions, the current international context appears to raise new questions. This article provides a brief conceptual exploration of the meaning of protection in the post-Cold War world, encompassing (1) the ambiguities inherent in protection, (2) an integrated taxonomy of protection aims, (3) the processes surrounding perception of protection, (4) the evaluation of protection success, and (5) the emerging international norms for protection. It appears to be beneficial for governments and their publics to engage in a thorough reexamination of protection priorities in light of these challenges.
Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut, Sometimes You Don't: Citizens' Ambivalence About Abortion

Recent research has recognized that many people simultaneously hold positive and negative attitudes about important political issues. This paper reviews the concept of attitudinal ambivalence and introduces a survey measure of ambivalence adapted from the experimental literature. An analysis of two statewide telephone surveys of Florida voters reveals that (1) a number of voters have ambivalent attitudes about abortion rights; (2) the amount of ambivalence varies according to the circumstances (elective versus traumatic) under which an abortion is obtained; (3) ambivalence about elective abortions is essentially unrelated to ambivalence about traumatic abortions; (4) voters who support abortion rights are more ambivalent about elective abortions than about traumatic abortions, whereas the pattern is reversed for abortion rights opponents; and (5) extreme views in support of or opposition to abortion rights can sometimes mitigate the amount of ambivalence felt by voters.
Effects of morphosyntactic gender features in bilingual language processing

A central issue in bilingual research concerns the extent to which linguistic representations in the two languages are processed independently of each other. This paper reports the results of an empirical study and a model stimulation, which provide evidence for the interactive view, which holds that processing is not independent. Specifically, a reading experiment examined whether morpho-syntactic features associated with lexical representations in a bilinguals’ native language, in this case the masculine gender feature associated with the er ending of agentive nouns in German, are automatically activated by the processing of morphologically related representations in their second language, in this case English agentive nouns that end in er. Experimental findings suggest that the German–English bilinguals have a bias to interpret the referents of such nouns as male relative to English monolinguals. Subsequent computational simulation studies with an interactive activation network confirmed that this effect is due to the influence of the morphosyntactic er representation in the bilingual models that is absent in the monolingual models. The results provide evidence for an interactive view of bilingual memory and processing for language learners of age 8 and above. © 2004 Cognitive Science Society, Inc. All rights reserved.
Role of crystallinity of non-fullerene acceptors in bulk heterojunctions

Understanding the solid-state structure of the bulk heterojunction provides insight into how to improve the performance of nonfullerene acceptors in organic solar cells. We have characterized the self-assembly of three functionalized pentacene acceptors in single crystals, neat films and bulk heterojunctions formed by blending with a diketopyrrolopyrrole-based molecular donor. Atomic force microscopy, grazing incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering and optical spectroscopy indicate that the presence of the donor perturbs the packing and texture of acceptors with smaller substituents. The structural characterization explains the differences in performance among the three acceptors studied and suggests that, unlike fullerenes, disordered domains of molecular acceptors with planar molecular structure have inefficient electron transport in BHJ thin films.
The effects of the toxic dinoflagellate Protogonyaulax tamarensis on the feeding and behaviour of bivalve molluscs

A series of experiments was carried out to assess the effects of the toxic dinoflagellate Protogonyaulax tamarensis on shell-valve activity, rates of particle clearance, preingestive, and postingestive particle selection in seven species of bivalve molluscs from three geographic localities: Maine, Rhode Island, and Spain. The responses observed were species-specific and varied with collection locality. Responses included shell-valve closure and/or siphon retraction (Mya arenaria, Mytilus edulis, Geukensia demissa), reduced rates of particle clearance (M. arenaria, G. demissa), increased rates of particle clearance (Ostrea edulis), production of mucus (M. edulis from Spain and Rhode Island, Placopecten magellanicus, G. dernissa). Mortalities were noted in M. edulis from both Spain and Rhode Island. Two species (Modiolus modiolus and Spisula solidissma) exhibited no effects of the toxic dinoflagellates. Data are also presented for particle selection, clearance and filtration rates for the seven species. It is suggested that species which are periodically exposed to dinoflagellate blooms may have evolved mechanisms permitting them to exploit the toxic organisms as food with no ill effects.
Characterization and Transcriptional Analysis of Gene Clusters for a Type IV Secretion Machinery in Human Granulocytic and Monocytic Ehrlichiosis Agents

ABSTRACT Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophila and Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the etiologic agents of granulocytic and monocytic ehrlichioses, respectively, are obligatory intracellular bacteria that cause febrile systemic illness in humans. We identified and characterized clusters of genes for a type IV secretion machinery in these two bacteria, and analyzed their gene expression in cell culture and mammalian hosts. Eight virB and virD genes were found in each bacterial genome, and all of the genes were transcribed in cell culture. Although the gene order and orientation were similar to those found in other bacteria, the eight virB and virD genes were clustered at two separate loci in each genome. Five of the genes (virB8, virB9, virB10, virB11, and virD4) were located downstream from a ribA gene. These five genes in both A. phagocytophila and E. chaffeensis were polycistronically transcribed and controlled through at least two tandem promoters located upstream of the virB8 gene in human leukemia cell lines. The virB9 gene of A. phagocytophila was transcriptionally active in peripheral blood leukocytes from human ehrlichiosis patients and experimentally infected animals. Three of the remaining genes (virB3, virB4, and virB6) of both A. phagocytophila and E. chaffeensis were arranged downstream from a sodB gene and cotranscribed with the sodB gene through one or more sodB promoters in human leukocytes. This suggests that transcription of the three virB genes in these two Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. is regulated by factors that influence the sodB gene expression. This unique regulation of gene expression for the type IV secretion system may be associated with intracellular survival and replication of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia spp. in granulocytes or monocytes.
Image analysis methods for solder ball inspection in integrated circuit manufacturing

Machine vision methods are presented for the analysis of solder balls in integrated circuits. The algorithms are founded on counter fitting using a multiparameter Hough transform and on polynomial-classifier-based pattern recognition. The first method is used to show the complexity of the inspection problem, especially in the presence of high-precision requirements. In this connection, it is shown that subpixel accuracy is not obtainable even under the assumption of a perfect camera system which determines the resolution necessary for the measurement of a given maximum-volume distortion. The second method is carried out by computing a large number of features on the original image after individual solder balls are segmented by a projection technique. This approach can be considered as a control-free image segmentation paradigm, since it does not rely on properly sequencing several image-analysis modules. Further experimentation with a large pool of defective solder balls is necessary to confirm the applicability of these machine vision algorithms to a real-world manufacturing inspection systems. A general image-segmentation architecture is proposed, which enables the computation of the necessary low-level image features as well as pixel classification at video-rate speed. >
Pressure-retarded osmosis for power generation from salinity gradients: is it viable?

The enormous potential of harvesting energy from salinity gradients has been discussed for decades, and pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) is being increasingly investigated as a method to extract this energy. Despite advancements in membranes and system components, questions still remain regarding the overall viability of the PRO process. Here, we review PRO focusing on the net energy extractable and the ultimate feasibility of the most widely explored configurations. We define the maximum energy that can be obtained from the process, quantify losses and energetic costs that will reduce the net extractable energy, and explain how membrane modules can be improved. We then explore the potential of three configurations of PRO: systems designed to control mixing where rivers meet the sea, power plants that utilize the high concentration gradients available from hypersaline solutions, and PRO systems incorporated into reverse osmosis desalination plants to reduce electricity requirements. We conclude by considering the overall outlook of the process and identifying the most pressing challenges for future research.
Social Inclusion of Students with Physical Disabilities in General Physical Education: A Behavioral Analysis

The purpose was to describe the behaviors of eighth-grade students with and without physical disabilities relative to social inclusion in a general physical education program. Participants were 3 girls with physical disabilities and 19 classmates (11 females, 8 males) without disabilities. The method was case study. Data for a 6-week softball unit were collected using videotapes, live observations, and interviews. Findings indicated that students with and without disabilities infrequently engaged in social interactions. Average percentage of time that classmates gave to students with disabilities was 2% social talk and less than 1% in each category for praise, use of first name, feedback, and physical contact. Two themes emerged in this regard: segregated inclusion and social isolation. Students with disabilities interacted with each other to a greater degree than with classmates without disabilities. Analysis of use of academic learning time revealed different percentages for students with and without di...
Polyomino-safe DNA self-assembly via block replacement

The standard abstract model for analyzing DNA self- assembly, aTAM, assumes that single tiles attach one by one to a larger structure. In practice, tiles may attach to each other forming structures called polyominoes and then attach to the assembly using bonds from multiple tiles. Such polyominoes may cause errors in systems designed with only aTAM in mind. In this paper, we first present a formal definition of when one tile system is a "block replacement" of another. Then we present a block replacement scheme for making any system that admits non-trivial block replacement polyomino-safe. In addition, we present a smaller block replacement scheme that makes the Chinese Remainder counter polyomino-safe and prove that the question of whether a system is polyomino-safe (or other similar properties) is undecidable. Finally, we show that applying our polyomino-safe system produces self-healing systems when applied to most self-healing systems.
Symbolic Integration and the Complexity of Computing Averages

We study the computational complexity of several natural problems arising in statistical physics and combinatorics. In particular, we consider the following problems: the mean magnetization and mean energy of the Ising model (both the ferromagnetic and the anti-ferromagnetic settings), the average size of an independent set in the hard core model, and the average size of a matching in the monomer-dimer model. We prove that for all non-trivial values of the underlying model parameters, exactly computing these averages is #P-hard. In contrast to previous results of Sinclair and Srivastava (2013) for the mean magnetization of the ferromagnetic Ising model, our approach does not use any Lee-Yang type theorems about the complex zeros of partition functions. Indeed, it was due to the lack of suitable Lee-Yang theorems for models such as the anti-ferromagnetic Ising model that some of the problems we study here were left open by Sinclair and Srivastava. In this paper, we instead use some relatively simple and well-known ideas from the theory of automatic symbolic integration to complete our hardness reductions.
Morality and High Ability: Navigating a Landscape of Altruism and Malevolence

This wide-ranging exploration of theory and research from ethical philosophy, political science, economics, psychology, primatology, and other disciplines extends beyond current perspectives on morality and giftedness in high-ability fields such as gifted education and creative studies. Morality largely derives from identity formation and maps along three dimensions on a new theoretic model of moral-ethical impact: from pure altruism through malevolence, from local to global impact, and from minimal to exceptional ability and influence. Providing a framework for synthesis of diverse conceptions of morality, the model incorporates various forms of moral behavior such as universalist and particularist morality, amorality, quasi-altruism, immorality, moral atomism, and reciprocal altruism. The nature and dynamics of these and other forms of morality are explored along with some important sociocontextual influences on individuals' identity formation and actions in the world. The influence of globalized, neoliberal ideology provides a specific example of the model's dynamics. Implications for the moral development of bright young people are discussed.
A dynamic simulation model of in-situ composting of caged layer manure.

A dynamic simulation model for in-situ composting of caged layer manure in-house, was developed and implemented on STELLA® modeling environment. The model formulation was based on solids mass balances, water balances and energy balances. The model was validated with the following parameters from pilot studies: temperature profiles, bulk wet weights, dry weights, and moisture contents. Approximately all the simulated values of bulk wet weights, dry weights and moisture contents fell within one standard deviation of the measured values over four different samplings within the year the experiment was conducted. Similarly the simulated cyclic-temperature profiles predicted the measured temperature profiles fairly accurately, except at points immediately after the weighing sessions.
Introduction to the symposium on discontinuous games

The literature on the existence of Nash equilibrium in discontinuous games has blossomed since the seminal contribution of Dasgupta and Maskin (1986). The present symposium brings together a number of recent developments. Throughout this introduction, it is assumed that any game G = (Xi , ui )i∈N under consideration has a finite player set, N , that each player i ∈ N has a nonempty, compact, and convex set of pure strategies Xi that is a subset of a linear topological space, and has bounded payoff function ui : X → R, where X = ×i∈N Xi . Not all papers in the symposium are always so restrictive as this. Indeed, some authors occasionally do not require strategy sets to be convex nor do they always require the existence of utility representations of the players’ preferences over strategy profiles. Such exceptions will be noted in this introduction only when absolutely necessary. Also, “Nash equilibrium” will always mean pure strategy Nash equilibrium. Each paper included in this symposium issue is briefly discussed below, and the papers have been arranged in alphabetical order. The paper by Guilherme Carmona (2014) entitled “Reducible equilibrium properties: comments on recent existence results,” is focused on connecting a rather wide variety of existence results in the literature by way of a common proof technique. Carmona’s paper shows that the various sufficient conditions for existence can all be understood as allowing the existence problem to be reduced to a “simpler” existence problem in which the relevant best-reply correspondences are well behaved, i.e., upper hemicontinuous, nonempty valued, and convex valued, on a domain that is amenable to fixed point analysis, i.e., nonempty, compact and convex. While some early results in the literature take a related route (e.g., Dasgupta and Maskin 1986; Reny 1999, both first reduce the problem to a game setting in which standard existence results
Surface Morphology and Self-Acceleration of Expanding Spherical Flames

This paper reports results on the cellular and pulsating instabilities developed over the surface of expanding spherical premixed flames. Regarding the cellular instabilities, experimental data from time-resolved images of hydrogen–air flames exhibiting hydrodynamic and diffusional-thermal cells were used to determine the flame acceleration exponent α, defined through R(t)=R0+At α A and R0 are constants. Results show that α seems to be bounded by the maximum value of 1.33 ± 0.03, which is approached regardless of the nature of the cells, and therefore suggesting the existence of a self-similar mode of propagation. Regarding pulsating instability, spiral waves and target patterns were experimentally observed over the flame surface in rich hydrogen–air, rich hydrogen-oxygen, and lean butane-oxygen-helium mixtures at elevated pressures. The transition boundary to instability was found to agree well with the Sivashinsky criterion, Ze(Le-1)>4(1+3 1/2 ) ≈ 10.9, provided local values are used in the evaluation of the Zel’dovich number, Ze, and the Lewis number, Le.
Development and Validation of the Isakson Survey of Academic Reading Attitudes (ISARA)

The literature reveals that no adequate instrument exists to measure college students’ attitudes toward academic reading even though such attitudes are crucial for reading compliance and learning from text. To remedy this, the authors created and refined an attitude survey, administering it to 855 university students across four iterations. The resulting 20-item instrument measures academic reading attitudes on three subscales: (1) students’ perceived academic reading behaviors, (2) their expectations for success with academic reading tasks, and (3) the value they place on academic reading. Factor analyses demonstrated acceptable fit using this three-factor structure. Reliability coefficients estimating internal consistency ranged from .800 to .890. Correlations among the three-factor subscales varied from .365 to .675. Implications of the survey for research and attitude assessment are discussed.
A comparison of five house-fly (Diptera: Muscidae) population monitoring techniques.

Correlation analysis using absolute house-fly densities in 2 poultry houses as estimated by a series of mark-recapture studies over a 17-wk period revealed a new subjective index of 5 classes to be a more reliable predictor of population changes than were 4 standard house-fly survey methods. Scudder grill, spot card, and sticky tape counts, as well as fly counts on 1-ft2 (929–cm2) panels representing wall surface, were not consistently correlated with either absolute fly numbers or the visual index in either the separate poultry houses or in data pooled from both.
Comparison of the Duration of Diabetes and PSSD Measurements

In the U.S. there are roughly 15 million diabetics with 10 million of them having mild to severe forms of nerve damage. Almost 4.5 million diabetics suffer from nerve damage in the feet [1]. Early detection of neuropathy is paramount to preventing further damage to the affected limb(s). Neuropathy is a leading factor in amputations, which can be avoided or reduced if neuropathy is detected early and limb care is promoted.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Investigation on measles antibody levels in residents in Shunyi District, Beijing City,China in 2012

Objective To investigate the measles antibody levels in residents in Shunyi District,Beijing City,China. Methods A total of 243 residents of 11 age groups,living in Shunyi District for more than 6 months in 2012,were selected,of whom the demographic characteristics,history of measles and vaccination history of measles-containing vaccines were investigated by questionnaire,and the measles antibody levels were determined by ELISA. Results The measles antibody positive rate of the investigated subjects was 83. 13%(202 / 243),while the median measles antibody level was 939. 23 IU / L. No significant differences were observed in the positive rates and levels of measles antibody in male and female,or in the residents and floating population(each P 0. 05). The antibody levels of subjects with vaccination history were significantly higher than those without vaccination history or with uncertain vaccination history(each P 0. 05). The positive rates of measles antibody in both residents and floating population at ages of 8 ~ 11 months were the lowest in various groups,which were 37. 50% and 14. 29% respectively,while those in the age groups of 0 ~ 7 months, 1 ~ 4 years,5 ~ 9 years and 35 ~ 39 years were 100%. However,the antibody positive rates in age groups of 15 ~ 19,20 ~ 24,25 ~ 29 and 30 ~ 34 years in floating population were significantly higher than those in residents(each P 0. 05). The median antibody levels in both residents and floating population were the lowest in the age group of 0 ~ 7 month, which were 72. 51 and 96. 07 IU / L respectively. However,the median antibody level was the highest in age group of 8 ~ 11 months(3 940. 12 IU / L)in residents,while in the age group of 30 ~ 34 years(3 661. 33 IU / ml)in floating population. The median antibody levels in age groups of 25 ~ 29,30 ~ 34 and 35 ~ 39 years in floating population were significantly higher,while those in the age group of 1 ~ 4 years were significantly lower,than those in residents(each P 0. 05). A total of 93 children at ages of not more than 14 years in residents and floating population were investigated,of whom 81. 72% had vaccination history of measles-containing vaccine. The measles antibody positive rates of children receiving 1,2,3 and more than 3 doses of vaccines were 92. 61% ~ 100%,which showed no significant difference(P 0. 05). The median antibody levels of the children receiving various doses showed no significant difference(P 0. 05). However,in the children in residents,both the positive rates and levels of measles antibody after receiving various doses of vaccines showed significant difference(each P 0. 05). Conclusion In residents of Shunyi District,measles antibody levels were high in the children at ages of 1 ~ 9 years,indicating low risk of wide outbreak and epidemic of measles. However,the antibody levels in infants at ages of less than one year were relatively low. The immune strategy for the population at ages of more than 15 years in this city should be investigated to minimize the risk of measles in the group.
Study on Callus Induction of Buxus sinica var. parvifolia

[Objective]To discuss the inducing of callus of Buxus sinica var.parvifolia.[Method]Taking MS as basic medium,supplemented with NAA and 6-BA at different concentration,the stem with various diameters(2.0,1.6,1.2,0.8 mm) of Buxus sinica var.parvifolia was used to induce callus.The callus was subcultured on MS medium adding 2,4-D,NAA and 6-BA at different concentration.[Result] Taking stem as experimental material,the optimal callus induction medium was 1.0 mg / L NAA + 2.0 mg / L 6-BA and the inductive rate was 69.84%.The best stem diameter was 1.2-1.6 mm.The optimal subculture medium was 2.0 mg / L 2,4-D + 1.0 mg / L 6-BA.[Conclusion]This experiment will lay the foundation for research on the rapid propagation of Buxus sinica var.parvifolia.
A Proof of Concept Study of Function-based Statistical Analysis of fNIRS Data: Syntax Comprehension in Children with Specific Language Impairment Compared To Typically-Developing Controls

Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neuroimaging techonology that enables investigators to indirectly monitor brain activity in vivo through relative changes in the concentration of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. One of the key features of fNIRS is its superior temporal resolution, with dense measurements over very short periods of time (100ms increments). Unfortunately, most statistical analysis approaches in the existing literature have not fully utilized the high temporal resolution of fNIRS. For example, many analysis procedures are based on linearity assumptions that only extract partial information, thereby neglecting the overall dynamic trends in fNIRS trajectories. The main goal of this article is to assess the ability of a functional data analysis approach for detecting significant differences in hemodynamic responses recorded by fNIRS. Children with and without specific language impairment wore two, 3*5 fNIRS caps situated over the bilateral parasylvian areas as they completed a language comprehension task. Functional data analysis was used to decompose the high dimensional hemodynamic curves into the mean function and a few eigenfunctions to represent the overall trend and variation structures over time. Compared to the most popular general linear model, we did not assume any parametric structure and let the data speak for itself. This analysis identified significant differences between the case and control groups in the oxygenated hemodynamic mean trends in the right inferior frontal cortex and left inferior posterior parietal cortex brain regions. We also detected significant group differences in the deoxygenated hemodynamic mean trends in the right inferior posterior parietal cortex and left temporal parietal junction brain region. These findings, using dramatically different approaches, experimental designs, data sets, and foci, were consistent with several other reports, confirming group differences in the importance of these two areas for syntax comprehension. The proposed functional data analysis was consistent with the temporal characteristics of fNIRS, thus providing an alternative methodology for fNIRS analyses.
Micro-displacement Detection Test Using Hetero-core Fiber Optics for Thermal Strain Measurement

Micro-displacement measurement using hetero-core fiber optics was demonstrated toward thermal strain measurement. It was confirmed that the micrometers of displacement was successfully detected with the stability for temperature variations.
Tension Pneumopericardium Secondary to Gastropericardial Fistula Presenting as Acute Pericarditis With Cardiac Tamponade Physiology

A 44-year-old man with prior Nissen fundoplication presented with chest pain, hypotension, tachycardia, and inferior ST-segment elevation on electrocardiography. Coronary angiography demonstrated normal coronaries, and left ventriculography revealed radiolucency in the pericardial space ([Figure 1
Guns and Violence in the International Arena

This paper illustrates how psychoanalyst should consider an interdisciplinary approach in examining the gun violence in the United States. Besides offering individualized and shared psychological causes it is necessary to understand environmental, cultural, and historical influences. By providing examples for other countries, this paper describes how grasping on one's large-group identity and being exposed to entitlement ideologies and malignant propaganda influence people to commit murders.
Habitat Management to Reduce Human Exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi and Western Conenose Bugs ( Triatoma protracta )

Chagas disease, which manifests as cardiomyopathy and severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a vector-borne parasite. In California, the vector Triatoma protracta frequently colonizes woodrat (Neotoma spp.) lodges, but may also invade nearby residences, feeding upon humans and creating the dual risk of bite-induced anaphylaxis and T. cruzi transmission. Our research aimed to assess T. cruzi presence in woodrats in a previously unstudied northern California area, statistically evaluate woodrat microhabitat use with respect to vegetation parameters, and provide guidance for habitat modifications to mitigate public health risks associated with Tr. protracta exposure. Blood samples from big-eared woodrats (N. macrotis) trapped on rural private properties yielded a T. cruzi prevalence of 14.3%. Microhabitat analyses suggest that modifying vegetation to reduce understory density within a 40 meter radius of human residences might minimize woodrat lodge construction within this buffer area, potentially decreasing human exposure to Tr. protracta.
Early Tests of Piagetian Theory Through World War II

ABSTRACTPsychologists recognized the importance of Jean Piaget's theory from its inception. Within a year of the appearance of his first book translated into English, The Language and Thought of the Child (J. Piaget, 1926), it had been reviewed and welcomed; shortly thereafter, psychologists began testing the tenets of the theory empirically. The author traces the empirical testing of his theory in the 2 decades following publication of his initial book. A review of the published literature through the World War II era reveals that the research resulted in consistent failure to support the theoretical mechanisms that Piaget proposed. Nonetheless, the theory ultimately gained traction to become the bedrock of developmental psychology. Reasons for its persistence may include a possible lack of awareness by psychologists about the lack of empirical support, its breadth and complexity, and a lack of a viable alternate theory. As a result, the theory still exerts influence in psychology even though its dominan...
Schwann cell-specific deletion of the endosomal PI 3-kinase Vps34 leads to delayed radial sorting of axons, arrested myelination, and abnormal ErbB2-ErbB3 tyrosine kinase signaling

The PI 3-kinase Vps34 (Pik3c3) synthesizes phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P), a lipid critical for both endosomal membrane traffic and macroautophagy. Human genetics have implicated PI3P dysregulation, and endosomal trafficking in general, as a recurring cause of demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) peripheral neuropathy. Here, we investigated the role of Vps34, and PI3P, in mouse Schwann cells by selectively deleting Vps34 in this cell type. Vps34-Schwann cell knockout (Vps34SCKO ) mice show severe hypomyelination in peripheral nerves. Vps34-/- Schwann cells interact abnormally with axons, and there is a delay in radial sorting, a process by which large axons are selected for myelination. Upon reaching the promyelinating stage, Vps34-/- Schwann cells are significantly impaired in the elaboration of myelin. Nerves from Vps34SCKO mice contain elevated levels of the LC3 and p62 proteins, indicating impaired autophagy. However, in the light of recent demonstrations that autophagy is dispensable for myelination, it is unlikely that hypomyelination in Vps34SCKO mice is caused by impaired autophagy. Endosomal trafficking is also disturbed in Vps34-/- Schwann cells. We investigated the activation of the ErbB2/3 receptor tyrosine kinases in Vps34SCKO nerves, as these proteins, which play essential roles in Schwann cell myelination, are known to traffic through endosomes. In Vps34SCKO nerves, ErbB3 was hyperphosphorylated on a tyrosine known to be phosphorylated in response to neuregulin 1 exposure. ErbB2 protein levels were also decreased during myelination. Our findings suggest that the loss of Vps34 alters the trafficking of ErbB2/3 through endosomes. Abnormal ErbB2/3 signaling to downstream targets may contribute to the hypomyelination observed in Vps34SCKO mice.
Intraventricular infusion of N-methyl-D-aspartate - 2. Acute neuronal consequences

This study documents the ultrastructural features of acute neuronal injury following N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. NMDA (100 nmol/microliters) or vehicle was infused over a 15-min period into the lateral ventricle of adult rats. After perfusion fixation, specimens demonstrating normal and abnormal patterns of vascular permeability to horseradish peroxidase were sampled for ultrastructural analysis. In NMDA-infused rats, brain regions exhibiting protein extravasation contained swollen dendritic profiles and abnormal neuronal perikarya. Although periventricular regions were most severely affected, parenchymal abnormalities were also detected in the cerebral cortex, septum, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus and cerebellum. Mildly affected dendrites contained dark compact mitochondria, while in severely swollen dendrites mitochondria were enlarged with ruptured cristae. Focal sites of plasma membrane disruption were also detected within swollen dendrites. Swollen neurons commonly displayed peripheral pallor and increased numbers of cytoplasmic vacuoles. Other neurons appeared dark and shrunken, some containing disrupted mitochondria and pyknotic nuclei. Pretreatment with the NMDA antagonist MK-801 (2 mg/kg) attenuated the neuronal and dendritic alterations. In conditions where cerebrospinal fluid levels of glutamate are abnormally elevated, excessive NMDA receptor activation may lead to early vascular and neuronal complications which could work in concert to promote brain injury.
Phase Diagram and Volume Change of the Ca(OH)2─ CaCl2─ H2O System for Varying Ca(OH)2/CaCl2 Molar Ratios

AbstractCalcium chloride (CaCl2) from deicing salts can react chemically with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] from hydrated cement paste to form an expansive product, calcium oxychloride, that can dama...
Psychological Attributes of Ultramarathoners.

Introduction As the popularity of ultramarathon participation increases, there still exists a lack of understanding of the unique psychological characteristics of ultramarathon runners. The current study sought to investigate some of the psychological and behavioral factors that are involved in ultramarathon running. Methods We obtained information from participants of the Bear Chase Trail Race via an online survey. This race is a single-day, multidistance race consisting of a 10 k, half marathon, 50 k, 50 mi, and 100 k run in Lakewood, Colorado, at a base altitude of 1680 m with total altitude in climbs ranging from 663 to 2591 m. We correlated information from the Exercise Addiction Inventory and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 and demographic information with race finish times. Results Out of 200 runners who started the race, 98 (48%) completed the survey. Over half of the runners were men (61.2%), and the average age was 39.0 years (SD±8.9; range 21–64 years). A number of respondents (20%) screened positive for exercise addiction concerns. Approximately 20% of our sample screened positive for depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 score >3). The majority of participants reported receiving strong social support from current partners with regard to their ultramarathon running training time and goals. Conclusions Although only a screening, the number of positive screens on the Exercise Addiction Inventory suggests use of screening measures with an ultramarathon running population. Athletes with positive screening tests should be fully evaluated for depression and exercise addiction because this would enable appropriate athlete support and treatment referral.
Managing Internationalization Through Public-Private Partnerships

The University of South Carolina (USC) has recently adopted a strategic plan for internationalization. This plan is called Circling the Globe. In doing so, we aim to fulfill the University’s Focus Carolina Strategic Plan (December 2011), which directly targets a “Focus on Global Competitiveness” through “developing relationships with universities and governments,” increasing the number of students who study abroad, increasing international enrollments, and “fostering intercultural understanding.” By “circling the globe,” we designate an integrated and mutually reinforcing vision of four major elements that constitute the means for achieving comprehensive internationalization: (1) international recruitment and retention of a highly talented and diverse student body, faculty, and staff, (2) the promotion of international education through a rich set of offerings including study abroad opportunities for our own students as well as online and hybrid educational opportunities for students around the world, (3) the development of international living-learning communities on campus open to all students, and (4) the development and implementation of a comprehensive global curriculum. As we move forward, we have recognized that we can only fully implement this strategy through the strategic deployment of public-private partnerships.
Crosstalk-aware Calibration for Fast and Automated Functionalization of Photonic Integrated Switch Fabrics

Intelligent calibration technique coordinating thermo- and electro-optic phase shifters for simultaneous phase-error and power-imbalance corrections is first introduced, capable of determining driving conditions for optimized crosstalk across entire photonic switch without built-in power monitors.
Molycorp: Financing the Production of Rare Earth Minerals (A)

Molycorp, the western hemisphere's only producer of rare earth minerals, was in the middle of a $1 billion capital expenditure project in its effort to become a vertically integrated supplier of rare earth minerals, oxides, and metals. Yet it had just reported lower than expected revenues and earnings for the second quarter of 2012. In response to the announcement, its stock price fell 29% (its stock price had fallen from $77 to $11 in the past 18 months). The weakening financial performance was due in large part to falling prices for rare earth minerals. With less internally-generated cash flow available to fund the project, management had to decide: how much capital to raise, what kind to raise, and when to raise it. These decisions would determine its capital structure, at least in the short term, as well as its ability to implement its business strategy.This case can be used as a comprehensive review for both introductory and advanced corporate finance courses. It covers a variety of topics including capital structure, DCF valuation, security issuance, debt pricing, option pricing, payoff diagrams, and sources & uses of cash, and does so in a very interesting setting. The demand for rare earth minerals is rising dramatically due to their unique electrical, mechanical, and magnetic properties while supply is influenced by a variety of economic and political factors (e.g., global trade, Chinese export quotas, new mines, conservation, and speculation). The case also highlights the relationship between the firm's business and its financing strategies, and challenges students to design a financing strategy that enables the firm to implement its business strategy while not exposing it to excessive financial risk.This case is part of a 3-case series. The A case analyzes the firm's financing options. The B case explores the firm's chosen financing strategy which involved lending shares to potential short sellers as a way to fasciliate raising capital. The C case analyzes a structured product known as a "reverse convertible note" (RCN) that used Molycorp as the reference asset for an equity-linked note.
Introduction to This is Watson

In 2007, IBM Research took on the grand challenge of building a computer system that could compete with champions at the game of Jeopardy!™. In 2011, the open-domain question-answering (QA) system, dubbed Watson, beat the two highest ranked players in a nationally televised two-game Jeopardy! match. This paper provides a brief history of the events and ideas that positioned our team to take on the Jeopardy! challenge, build Watson, IBM Watson™, and ultimately triumph. It describes both the nature of the QA challenge represented by Jeopardy! and our overarching technical approach. The main body of this paper provides a narrative of the DeepQA processing pipeline to introduce the articles in this special issue and put them in context of the overall system. Finally, this paper summarizes our main results, describing how the system, as a holistic combination of many diverse algorithmic techniques, performed at champion levels, and it briefly discusses the team's future research plans.