cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Granular computing: A theory of “divide/granulate and conquer“

In this paper, foundational issues on ldquodivide/granulate and conquerrdquo are raised and formalized. Namely, could two distinct problems be divided/granulated into the same set of subproblems? Or equivalently, could the same set of subproblems have more than one integrated solutions? To answer these questions, the concept of extension functors in homological algebra is imported. Informally speaking, the ldquomain programrdquo (the high level instructions), called quotient structure, may integrate the ldquoreturns of subroutine calls,rdquo called sub-structure to more than one integrated solutions of the original problem. The extension functor keeps such solution count.
Brownian dynamics simulation of very small particles: Point source in uniform flow

Abstract We report Brownian dynamics simulations for the steady expansion of an axisymmetric jet of noninteracting particles injected from a point source into a backgroud gas with uniform temperature and velocity fields. Due to the nonequilibrium nature of the initial conditions, this problem may not be solved by application of the diffusion equation. Results are presented over the entire flow filed for particle density and velocity as well as all nonzero components of the particle temperature tensor. We compare the results to an exact solution for the same problem and the agreement is excellent. The simulations appear to converge to the exact solution as 1 N ∗ in the case of the velocity and density, and as 1 √N ∗ in the case of temperatures, where N ∗ represents the number of trajectories simulated. To our knowledge, this is the first such nonequilibrium simulation to report the particle phase property fields, including the temperature tensor elements (which are more difficult to measure since they are related to small differences between primary properties). Further, we derive and present the correct (although nonintuitive) way to average quantities sampled at a constant axial position along the flow in such problems. Remarkably, these simulations are within the power of modern microcomputers, if overnight runs are used.
Stress Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Patients With Normal Electrocardiograms

To the Editor: On the basis of data collected from a large cohort of patients undergoing stress single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), Hachamovitch et al1 recently concluded in Circulation that, “Stress SPECT yields incremental prognostic value and enhanced risk stratification in patients with normal resting ECGs in a cost-effective manner.” This summary conclusion is not fully representative of the study, and because it may significantly impact patient management, it warrants further discussion and clarification. The study did indeed retrospectively identify a group of patients who may gain additional prognostic benefit from SPECT versus exercise treadmill test (ETT) alone. For the majority of patients, however, the addition of stress SPECT to ETT was of no proven clinical value, and was cost-ineffective. In our view, therefore, the study as performed confirmed what these and other investigators have previously concluded, that nuclear imaging adds little prognostic value over ETT at an acceptable cost for the majority of patients with normal resting ECGs.2,3⇓ By retrospective data analysis, SPECT imaging was felt to be able to reclassify intermediate and high-risk patients in a cost-effective manner. The authors therefore concluded that the use of stress SPECT as a second test after a positive ETT might be of benefit because low-risk stress SPECT findings in these …
Evolutionary variants of mouse adenovirus containing cellular DNA sequences

Abstract This study was initiated to determine the amount of mouse adenovirus strain FL that is available for substitution. Evolutionary variants were isolated following serial passage at high input multiplicities. Virions containing altered genomes were detected by altered size of their DNA in agarose gels. These variants demonstrated a selective growth advantage and became the predominant species as passages were continued. Both deletions and substitutions were found; they ranged in size from a small percentage to over 90% of the AdFL genome. The ends of the viral DNA appeared to be conserved. No common DNA sequences were deleted in all variants. The DNA from one mutant was shown to contain a continuous insert of about 16 million daltons of cellular DNA that included two regions of reiterated cellular sequences.
Performance Models of American Indian Students on Computer-Assisted Instruction in Elementary Mathematics.

This investigation applied experimentally the use of predictive-control models integrated into computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as discussed earlier by Suppes, Fletcher, and Zanotti (1973). Many of those who are engaged in curriculum reform efforts have been dissatisfied with classical evaluations that simply compare the pre- and post-treatment achievement of experimental and control groups. It is natural to seek a more predictivecontrol approach that can be used as an integral part of the curriculum in order to ensure greater benefits, especially for students who are educationally disadvantaged or handicapped and for whom global performance models derived from standard populations are inappropriate. Such an approach was discussed by Suppes, Fletcher, and Zanotti (1973), who developed a theory by which the amount of time a student spends on a curriculum is a function of his progress, and his achievements in given course objectives, which are individually set for each student, are expressed as post-treatment grade placement (GP). Using the approach described by Suppes et al. (1973), we were able to achieve precise individualization of instruction both in the amount of instruction for each student and in the goal set for him. Further, the approach separates global features of the curriculum described by a simple differential equation from parameters that are characteristic of individual students.
An Investigation of the Conformational Properties of Ribosomes Using N‐Ethylmalemide as a Probe

The reactivity of ribosomal proteins towards N-ethylamaleimide has been examined in a variety of ribosome and ribosomal subunit preparations from Escherichia coli. The data show that samples which would be regarded as equivalent operationally can differ significantly in conformation, as judged by reactivity, depending on the method of preparation. The washing of ribosomes with high concentrations of salt has a particularly dramatic effect on protein reactivity. The implications of these results for our understanding of ribosome conformation and for the further study of conformation by chemical reactivity are discussed.
Roles of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase in leg vasodilation and oxygen consumption during prolonged low-intensity exercise in untrained humans

The vasodilator signals regulating muscle blood flow during exercise are unclear. We tested the hypothesis that in young adults leg muscle vasodilation during steady-state exercise would be reduced...
Systemic inflammation impairs respiratory chemoreflexes and plasticity

Many lung and central nervous system disorders require robust and appropriate physiological responses to assure adequate breathing. Factors undermining the efficacy of ventilatory control will diminish the ability to compensate for pathology, threatening life itself. Although most of these same disorders are associated with systemic and/or neuroinflammation, and inflammation affects neural function, we are only beginning to understand interactions between inflammation and any aspect of ventilatory control (e.g. sensory receptors, rhythm generation, chemoreflexes, plasticity). Here we review available evidence, and present limited new data suggesting that systemic (or neural) inflammation impairs two key elements of ventilatory control: chemoreflexes and respiratory motor (versus sensory) plasticity. Achieving an understanding of mechanisms whereby inflammation undermines ventilatory control is fundamental since inflammation may diminish the capacity for natural, compensatory responses during pathological states, and the ability to harness respiratory plasticity as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of devastating breathing disorders, such as during cervical spinal injury or motor neuron disease.
Cognition enhancement by the acetylcholine releaser DuP 996

DuP 996, 3,3,-Bis(4-pyridinylmethyl)-1-phenylindolin-2-one, a potent in vitro and in vivo releaser of acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine (DA), and serotonin (5HT) in rat brain, significantly enhanced the performance of rats and mice in several behavioral test procedures. At doses of 0.01–0.1 mg/kg s.c. DuP 996 protected against a hypoxia-induced passive avoidance deficit in rats. In active avoidance procedures, DuP 996 enhanced acquisition of responses: in rats, at doses between 0.085 and 0.85 mg/kg s.c. and 0.25 and 0.85 mg/kg p.o.; in mice, at doses between 0.85 and 2.5 mg/kg s.c. These effects occurred without any alteration of sensitivity to foot-shock. In addition, Dup 996 prevented a CO2-induced retention deficit of a passive avoidance response when administered prior to acquisition testing. In a test for acquisition of lever pressing for food in the rat, DuP 996 increased the proportion of animals acquiring this response. Thus, DuP 996 was active in both the shock- and appetitive-motivated procedures and was shown to enhance performance levels when administered post-training as well as before training trials. These results suggest that DuP 996 may be useful in the treatment of cognition dysfunction.
Nedd4-2 isoforms ubiquitinate individual epithelial sodium channel subunits and reduce surface expression and function of the epithelial sodium channel

We previously reported the existence of multiple isoforms of human Nedd4-2 (Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 285: F916–F929, 2003). When overexpressed in M-1 collecting duct epithelia, full-length Nedd4-...
Surface Heterogeneity Effects on Regional-Scale Fluxes in Stable Boundary Layers: Surface Temperature Transitions

Large-eddy simulation, with recently developed dynamic subgrid-scale models, is used to study the effect of heterogeneous surface temperature distributions on regional-scale turbulent fluxes in the stable boundary layer (SBL). Simulations are performed of a continuously turbulent SBL with surface heterogeneity added in the form of streamwise transitions in surface temperature. Temperature differences between patches of 6 and 3 K are explored with patch length scales ranging from one-half to twice the equivalent homogeneous boundary layer height. The surface temperature heterogeneity has important effects on the mean wind speed and potential temperature profiles as well as on the surface heat flux distribution. Increasing the difference between the patch temperatures results in decreased magnitude of the average surface heat flux, with a corresponding increase in the mean potential temperature in the boundary layer. The simulation results are also used to test existing models for average surface fluxes over heterogeneous terrain. The tested models fail to fully represent the average turbulent heat flux, with models that break the domain into homogeneous subareas grossly underestimating the heat flux magnitude over patches with relatively colder surface temperatures. Motivated by these results, a new parameterization based on local similarity theory is proposed. The new formulation is found to correct the bias over the cold patches, resulting in improved average surface heat flux calculations.
Maturation of the Mammalian Nervous System and the Ontogeny of Behavior1

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the origins of the central nervous system, cerebellum: intrinsic connections and inherent growth mechanisms underlying locomotor behavior, cerebral cortex: extrinsic connections and CNS organization, and limbic system structures including illustrations of neuronal plasticity in development. The chapter also discusses the studies on several areas of the cerebral cortex to elucidate the behavioral significance of pathways connecting distant structures, the organization of structures into systems, and the modulation of development by experience. The development of the nervous system is strongly influenced by the external environment and the opportunities that it provides for experience and learning. Cells destined to become neurons are generated at specific days in specific places on the embryonic neural plate. These cells migrate, again according to precise timetables, to their ultimate destinations. Development is a sequential process, and one function of a stepwise maturational progression may be to regulate the order and impact of internal and external stimuli and experience on the developmental process itself. Thus, uniformity and orderliness in the sequence of exposure to the environment may be governed and programmed by the developmental timetables of different parts of the nervous system. The rules and mechanisms for regenerative phenomena in the developing nervous system are not yet well understood, but it is most unlikely that when discovered, they will overturn basic concepts of the CNS structure and function.
Issues in intelligent robots for Search and Rescue

Since the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and Kobe, Japan, earthquake, robotics researchers have been considering search and rescue as a humanitarian research domain. The recent devastation in Turkey and Taiwan, compounded with the new Robocup Rescue and AAAI Urban Search and Rescue robot competition, may encourage more research. However, roboticists generally go not have access to domain experts: the emergency workers or first providers. This paper shares our understanding of urban search and rescue, based on our active research in this area and training sessions with rescue workers from the Hillsborough County (Florida) Fire Departments. The paper is intended to be a stepping stone for roboticists entering the field.
A nationwide analysis of clinical outcomes among newborns with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistulas in the United States

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to examine national outcomes in newborn patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF) in the United Sates. Methods Kid's Inpatient Database (KID) is designed to identify, track, and analyze national outcomes for hospitalized children in the United States. Inpatient admissions for pediatric patients with EA/TEF for kid's Inpatient Database years 2000, 2003, 2006, and 2009 were analyzed. Patient demographics, socioeconomic measures, disposition, survival and surgical procedures performed were analyzed using standard statistical methods. Results A total of 4168 cases were identified with diagnosis of EA/TEF. The overall in-hospital mortality was 9%. Univariate analysis revealed lower survival in patients with associated acute respiratory distress syndrome, ventricular septal defect (VSD), birth weight (BW) P P P P P = 0.008). Conclusions BW
The anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a are vasodilators in the canine coronary vasculature in vitro and in vivo

The effect of complement fragments on coronary blood flowin vivo and the contraction of coronary arteriesin vitro was determined. In pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, intraarterial bolus injection of C3a and C5a, zymosan-activated serum and methylcholine in the coronary vascular bed caused transient and dose-dependent increases in coronary blood flow. Similar increases were obtained with 25 μg of C3a (104±13%,n=5) and 0.1 μg of methylcholine (102±4%,n=3). Smaller, increases in blood flow were elicited by 25 μg of C5a (41±18%,n=4) and 0.2 ml, of zymosan-activated serum (48±5%,n=4). None of these responses were associated, with significant changes in left ventricular contractile force measured with a strain gauge, arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. C3a dilated the coronary vascular bed in conscious dogs with an activity equal to or greater than that observed in anesthetized dogs. Isolated canine coronary arteries that were precontracted with serotonin relaxed in response to C3a, whether or not the endothelium was intact. Overall these data suggest that physiologically high doses of anaphylactic complement fragments vasodilate the canine coronary circulation.
Effects of Salinity on Survivorship of Wood Frog (Rana sylvatica) Tadpoles

ABSTRACT We examined the survivorship of wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpoles when exposed continuously to various concentrations of sodium chloride, a common component of road salt. A high environmental concentration of NaC1 (5.6 g L−1) resulted in decreased survivorship within a short period of time compared to controls; lower concentrations of NaC1 also decreased survivorship, but the effect took longer to appear. These results indicate that environmental salinization, as results from road salt run-off, will have negative consequences for the wood frog.
PATTERN OF OSMIUM DEPOSITION IN THE PARIETAL CELLS OF THE STOMACH

Parietal cells of the stomach of the hamster show extensive amounts of dense material in a variety of organelles after prolonged exposure to a solution of osmium tetroxide. Conspicuous amounts of reduced osmium compounds are evident within the granular endoplasmic reticulum, perinuclear cisterna, and vesicular elements of the Golgi complex. Dense material is also apparent within cristae of the mitochondria, the surface coat of the microvilli of the intracellular canaliculus, and vesicular elements of the multivesicular bodies. Multivesicular bodies, containing numerous small osmiophilic elements, are often seen surrounding and/or in close contact with mitochondria. The proximity of the multivesicular bodies to the mitochondria appears to be related to an autophagic process involving degradation of mitochondria. The distribution and intensity of the precipitates within the organelles of the parietal cells vary in different regions of the gastric glands. The findings of this study emphasize that cell structures other than the Golgi complex may contain large concentrations of reduced osmium compounds after prolonged exposure to a solution of osmium tetroxide.
Reduction in NOx Emission Trends over China: Regional and Seasonal Variations

We analyzed satellite observations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) columns by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) over China from 2005 to 2010 in order to estimate the top-down anthropogenic nitrogen o...
High level expression of "male specific" pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) in the antennae of female noctuiid moths.

Pheromone Binding Proteins (PBPs) are one branch of a multigene family of lepidopteran Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) that are known for their relatively high levels of expression in male antennae. However, PBP expression has been observed at low levels in female antennae of the Saturniidae, Bombycidae and Lymantriidae, and at relatively high levels in members of the Noctuiidae. The function of female PBP expression is unclear, as female lepidoptera are consistently noted for their failure to respond physiologically or behaviorally to sex-pheromone. In this study, the sexual dimorphism of PBP expression was examined in the noctuiid moths Helicoverpa zea, Heliothis virescens and Spodoptera frugiperda. A PBP cDNA clone was isolated from female H. zea, PBP-Hzeaf. Northern blot analysis indicated relatively high levels of PBP- Hzeaf expression in both male and female antennae, though females consistently expressed about 50% that of males. Western blot analysis of male and female PBP expression supported these relative differences. Immunocytochemical analysis indicates discrete expression localized beneath olfactory sensilla of both male and female antennae. These results suggest female noctuiids possess the biochemistry to detect at least components of their sex-pheromone. Alternatively, these results may suggest that PBPs have a more general function in noctuiids, possibly reflecting behavioral and life history differences that distinguish this the Noctuiidae from other Lepidopteran families. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Targeting deregulated epigenetic control in cancer.

Cancer is a multifaceted disease that involves acquisition of genetic mutations, deletions, and amplifications as well as deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms that fine-tune gene regulation. Key epigenetic mechanisms that include histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA-mediated gene silencing are often deregulated in a variety of cancers. Subnuclear localization of key proteins in the interphase nucleus and bookmarking of genes by lineage commitment factors in mitosis – a new dimension to epigenetic control of fundamental biological processes – is also modified in cancer. In this review, we discuss the various aspects of epigenetic control that are operative in a variety of cancers and their potential for risk assessment, early detection, targeted therapy and personalized medicine.
Measuring Systemic Risk: Copula CoVaR

Although copula modeling has been applied in a growing number of financial applications, high-dimensional copula modeling is still in its early stages. Vine copula modeling not only has the advantage of extending to higher dimensions easily, but also provides a more flexible measure to capture an asymmetric dependence among assets. CoVaR, the Value-at-Risk of institutions conditional on other institutions being in distress, is introduced by Adrian and Brunnermeier (2011). ∆CoVaR is the risk contribution that the institution adds to the entire system. Combined with the modified CoVaR methodology and estimation of the dependence structures through vine copula modeling, we empirically investigate systemic risk in 10 S&P 500 sector indices in the U.S. stock market by estimating daily Copula ∆CoVaR and Copula ∆CoES from January 1, 1995 to July 31, 2013. Our model (Copula CoVaR) reveals a real-time and efficient tool that can be used to analyze systemic risk. Furthermore, this approach could offer a systemic risk index for those countries which do not have an instrument like VIX, and can be tailored to any underlying sector, country or financial market easily.
Propranolol for the Treatment of the Alcoholic Hangover

Hangover following consumption of alcohol includes many disagreeable signs and symptoms that are suggestive of sympathetic overactivity. We performed a randomized, double-blind, crossover controlled study to assess the effect of beta blockade in preventing the symptoms of hangover. Ten subjects were randomized to receive 160 mg of a long-acting preparation of propranolol or a placebo and then participated in a controlled drinking situation. Patients were then evaluated for symptoms and signs of hangover. The results showed that although beta blockade was achieved, there was no clinically important reduction in symptoms of hangover. We conclude that propranolol does not prevent the symptoms of hangover.
A theoretical model for aeolian impact ripples

New insights into the grain-bed impact process arising from both numerical and physical experiments involving single grain impacts lead to a more complete conceptual model of the aeolian saltation process that in turn allows a simple model of aeolian impact ripples to be developed. The saltating population may be idealized as consisting of (1) long trajectory, high impact-energy, constant impact-angle ‘successive saltations’, and (2) short trajectory, low impact-energy ‘reptations’. It is argued that the spatial variations in mass flux due to the reptating population lead to the growth and translation of impact ripples. Using the sediment continuity equation, an expression for the spatial variation in the ejection rate of reptating grains from a sinusoidally perturbed bed, and a probability distribution for the reptation lengths, a simple stability analysis demonstrates that the flat bed is unstable to small amplitude perturbations. A fastest-growing wavelength emerges that is roughly six times the mean reptation length, and is only weakly dependent upon the detailed shape of the probability distribution of reptation lengths. The results match well with the observed initial wavelengths in wind tunnel experiments.
Universal Usability: Past, Present, and Future

Computers are used all over the world in a variety of contexts by users with all levels of technical experience. This includes users such as kindergarteners, older users, people with various impairments, people who are busy doing other tasks (such as driving a car), and users with differing levels of education, literacy, and socio-economic means. The concept of computer interfaces that will be easy to use, for all of these users, in all of these different situations, is known as “universal usability.” Making progress toward this goal requires innovations in techniques for gathering and understanding requirements, designing and developing interfaces, evaluation and assessment, development and use of standards, and public policy, and much work in this field remains to be done. This monograph will present an overview of universal usability as it currently exists in the human–computer interaction literature, and will also present some future directions for work in universal usability.
Physiology of fresh-cut 'Galia' (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) from ripe fruit treated with 1-methylcyclopropene

Abstract ‘Galia’ (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus L. Naud. cv. Galia) fruit were harvested at the three-quarter slip stage and treated with 1 μL L−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 20 °C for 24 h. The fruit were processed and stored as fresh-cut cubes and intact fruit for 10 d at 5 °C. Ethylene production of fresh-cut cubes was approximately 4–5-fold higher than intact fruit at day 1. Afterward, the ethylene production of fresh-cut cubes declined significantly whereas that of intact fruit remained relatively constant at about 0.69–1.04 ng kg−1 s−1. 1-MCP delayed mesocarp softening in both fresh-cut and intact fruit and the symptoms of watersoaking in fresh-cut fruit. Continuously stored fresh-cut cubes and cubes derived from intact fruit not treated with the ethylene antagonist softened 27% and 25.6%, respectively, during 10 d storage at 5 °C while cubes derived from 1-MCP-treated fruit softened 9% and 17%, respectively. Fresh-cut tissue from 1-MCP-treated fruit exhibited slightly reduced populations of both total aerobic organisms and Enterobacterium, although the differences did not appear to be sufficient to explain the differences in keeping quality between 1-MCP-treated and control fruit. Based primarily on firmness retention and reduced watersoaking, 1-MCP treatment deferred loss of physical deterioration of fresh-cut ‘Galia’ cubes at 5 °C by 2–3 d compared with controls.
Effect of aluminum deposition and annealing on polymer‐based solar cell performance

Previously we characterized the active layer in polymer-based solar cells containing Poly(3-hexylthiophene) with the electron acceptor Phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) to find a thin, pure polymer layer at the air interface just after spin coating. In this study, we find that when the aluminum back electrode was thermally evaporated onto the active layer, at high enough rate, craters were found in the pure polymer layer. This was determined by dissolving the aluminum and characterizing the active layer with an atomic force microscope. Poor device performance was noted under this condition. However, if the aluminum was evaporated at a slower rate, resulting in a flat active layer surface and no crater formation, the efficiency more than doubled. A similar result is found if lithium fluoride (LiF) is deposited before aluminum evaporation and no craters were found even for the higher aluminum evaporation rate. So, it appears that LiF acts as a momentum shield to crater formation allowing superior device performance. If the active layer is annealed before deposition of the back electrode then, regardless of deposition rate, similar device performance is found. Again, in our previous study, it was found that annealing the active layer forced PCBM to the air interface which apparently also acts as a momentum shield. Annealing the device after aluminum deposition produces poorer performance than annealing before deposition. However, these devices have a better fill factor. Examining the active layer shows that it undergoes a buckling transition due to differences in the aluminum and active layers' thermal expansivities which reduces overall contact with the electrodes. However, whatever contact is made, is superior, accounting for the improved fill factor. If the buckling instability could be avoided then this processing procedure may be used in the future to manufacture even better devices than with any of the other annealing procedures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Tissue Contraction Force Microscopy for Optimization of Engineered Cardiac Tissue

We developed a high-throughput screening assay that allows for relative comparison of the twitch force of millimeter-scale gel-based cardiac tissues. This assay is based on principles taken from traction force microscopy and uses fluorescent microspheres embedded in a soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate. A gel-forming cell suspension is simply pipetted onto the PDMS to form hemispherical cardiac tissue samples. Recordings of the fluorescent bead movement during tissue pacing are used to determine the maximum distance that the tissue can displace the elastic PDMS substrate. In this study, fibrin gel hemispheres containing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes were formed on the PDMS and allowed to culture for 9 days. Bead displacement values were measured and compared to direct force measurements to validate the utility of the system. The amplitude of bead displacement correlated with direct force measurements, and the twitch force generated by the tissues was the same in 2 and 4 mg/mL fibrin gels, even though the 2 mg/mL samples visually appear more contractile if the assessment were made on free-floating samples. These results demonstrate the usefulness of this assay as a screening tool that allows for rapid sample preparation, data collection, and analysis in a simple and cost-effective platform.
Ab initio investigation of potential energy curves of the 23 electronic states of IBr correlating to neutral 2P atoms

Potential energy surfaces for all Born–Oppenheimer electronic states of IBr molecule correlating to the neutral 2P (2P3/2 and 2P1/2) iodine and bromine are calculated for the first time. Electric dipole and polarizability curves (static and transition) are also determined. Calculations include scalar and spin–orbit relativistic effects within all-electron Douglas-Kroll two-component Hamiltonian. Electron correlation is treated with quasi-degenerate multi-reference second-order perturbation theory. Seven adiabatic electronic states (X 1Σ+, A′ 3Π2, A 3Π1, 1 3Π0−, B 3Π0+, B′ 3Σ−0+, and 2 3Π0+) exhibit significant covalent bonding, and can support vibrational states. Calculated spectroscopic parameters agree with experiment to better than 1000 cm−1 (Te), 10 cm−1 (ωe), and 0.05 A (re). A new 1 3Π0− state correlating to ground-state atoms is predicted at Te ≈ 14 000 cm−1, ωe ≈ 80 cm−1, and re ≈ 3.0 A. The second new state (2 3Π0+) correlates to excited iodine atom, with Te ≈ 20 000 cm−1, ωe ≈ 115 cm−1, and re ≈ 3.3 A. Non-adiabatic coupling parameters are calculated for the four avoided crossings, which arise due to electronic spin–orbit interaction. Estimated parameters of the B 3Π0+/B′ 3Σ−0+ crossing (Rc ≈ 3.32 A; V ≈ 120 cm−1) agree with experimental values. The previously unsuspected 2 3Π0−/1 1Σ− crossing of two repulsive surfaces provides a new collisional deactivation channel for Br* atoms at relative velocities above 1000 m s−1. Several repulsive states (including 1 1Π1 and 2 3Π1) intersect the B/B′ system near the avoided crossing point, and may affect dynamics of IBr in strong laser fields.
Index Price Discovery in the Cash Market

This paper employs Hasbrouck’s (2003) information share method to analyze the flow of information in equity markets. In particular we compare trading in Index ETFs with that of their underlying securities. Surprisingly, ETFs seem to play a significant role in the price discovery process, rather than serving as passive indexing/hedging vehicles. Using TAQ data we reconstruct the second-by-second intraday price series for the S&P 500 using its component stocks. Results show that the ETF contributes almost half to the price formation of the spot S&P 500. Next, comparing trades and quotes, we determine the relative amount of informed trading (versus noise) in the ETF. When trading in the ETFs is driven more by private information, the ETF contributes more to price discovery. Thus, the evidence suggests that a significant portion of ETF trading is information motivated.
Finite Lifetimes, Population, and Growth

This work highlights principle differences in the predictions of R&D-based growth theory derived from the infinite horizon framework and the Overlapping Generations (OLG) framework of finitely living agents. In particular we show that the counterfactual positive effect of population growth on output growth presented in the second and third generation R&D-based growth models is eliminated in the corresponding OLG framework with finitely living agents. These differences arise because of the limiting effect of labor income on saving that presents only in the OLG framework. Our results indicate that the counterfactual relations between population and output growth rates presented in current R&D-based growth models are driven by their specific demographic structure.
Insulin-Like Growth Factors and Their Receptors in Normal Physiology and Pathological States

The insulin-like growth factor system, which includes the IGFs, IGF-binding proteins and IGF receptors, plays an essential role in normal growth and development, as well as the cellular differentiation of a number of other important systems, including the reproductive and immune systems. IGF action has also been implicated in several pathological conditions, including tissue repair, malnutrition, diabetes and malignancy.
Effects of Strain on the Electronic and Vibrational Properties of Semiconductors and Semiconductor Microstructures

This paper will review the effects of strain on the electronic and vibrational properties of semiconductors and semiconductor microstructures. Topics to be discussed include deformation potential theory for electronic states $$\left( {\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\rightharpoonup}$}} {k} = 0\;\text{and}\;\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\rightharpoonup}$}} {k} \ne 0} \right)$$ and vibrational modes $$\left( {\overset{\lower0.5em\hbox{$\smash{\scriptscriptstyle\rightharpoonup}$}} {q} \approx 0} \right)c$$ of bulk material, polarization effects, the influence of strain (internal and external) on quantum states (band alignments, light-and heavy-hole splittings, polarization effects), piezoelectric effect, strain relaxation, etc. Also various measurement techniques will be mentioned. Selected examples of various phenomenon will be given, including some new and novel device applications.
Chirality Sensing of Amines, Diamines, Amino Acids, Amino Alcohols, and α-Hydroxy Acids with a Single Probe

A stereodynamic probe for determination of the absolute configuration and enantiomeric composition of chiral amines, diamines, amino alcohols, amino acids, and α-hydroxy carboxylic acids is described. The chirality sensing is based on spontaneous asymmetric transformation of the first kind with stereolabile binaphtholate boron and zinc complexes. The substrate binding and chiral amplification processes yield a distinctive chiroptical sensor output at high wavelength that can be used for rapid and accurate ee detection of minute sample amounts.
Input processing of Chinese by ab initio learners

We report on a study of first-exposure learners with different first languages (L1s: English, Japanese) to examine their ability to process input for form and meaning. We used a rich set of tasks t...
Revisiting the past, revamping the future: the leadership edition.

What's transactional transformation? (No, it's not a tongue twister!) It's a hybrid leadership model that warrants your consideration.
Final Report: Water-Based Neutron Detector Technology for Material Characterization Well Counters

Coincidence counting of neutron pairs is an effective way to non-destructively determine the amount of fissile material within a sample of special nuclear material (SNM) [1]. Multiplicity counting is more versatile and precise, but also more demanding, requiring the detection of three or more neutrons per single fission event. Detecting a triple coincidence of neutrons depends on the 3rd power of the detection efficiency and so on. The detection efficiency quickly becomes the critical determining factor in evaluating the utility of a particular neutron multiplicity detection technique. The purpose of this feasibility study was to characterize the performance of an LLNLdesigned water Cherenkov based Multiplicity Well counter.
The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

1. The anti-hypertensive effect of converting enzyme inhibition was evaluated in twenty-three hypertensive patients (seven renovascular, four essential, four malignant, one scleroderma, three chronic renal failure, four primary or idiopathic aldosteronism). 2. In sixteen patients a single injection (1–4 mg/kg) of the inhibitor produced an immediate anti-hypertensive effect, which lasted up to 16 h. In six patients the anti-hypertensive effect of the inhibitor was significantly improved after sodium depletion. 3. Plasma renin activities increased and plasma aldosterone concentrations decreased consistently except in idiopathic aldosteronism. 4. Converting enzyme inhibition provides a direct way of defining the degree of renin-dependency of the hypertension. Accordingly, it can be used diagnostically and for planning appropriate therapy. Therapeutically, it could be advantageous in hypertensive emergencies because of its safety, specificity and capacity to reduce aldosterone secretion.
Cybercrime and Cybersecurity in the Developing Pacific Island Economies

Recent developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as high-speed broadband, mobile phones, social media and cloud computing have the potential to spawn economic, social and political changes in developing Pacific Island Economies (DPIEs), which are developing economies consisting of the Pacific Islands to the south of the Tropic of Cancer. The latecomer DPIEs may compete successfully or even leapfrog early movers. Broadband, for instance, is likely to create opportunities in offshoring and other areas. Many local banks in DPIEs have started offering online services (Tabureguci, 2009). New services such as mobile banking have the potential to transform traditional ways of living. However, a potential downside of the rapid digitization is that these economies are becoming attractive for cybercrime activities in terms of perpetration, instrument and victimization.
Genetic and Phenotypic Similarity Among Members of Mammalian Clonal Sets

Cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer results in organisms with identical chromosomal make-up, with the usual exceptions of the circular mitochondrial chromosome and inevitable mutations. The environments to which mammalian cloned embryos, fetuses, and postnatal animals will have been exposed will vary among clones and the original donor. Fetal programming, X-chromosome inactivation in females, and migration patterns of melanoblasts and primordial germ cells are examples of the dozens of epigenetic effects that rarely will be duplicated exactly among organisms with identical chromosomes. For all of the above reasons, and others, there will be phenotypic variation among clones, and between clones and the original cell donor. This variation will be nil for traits such as sex and coat color (baring mutations), small for traits of high heritability, and moderate to considerable for traits of low heritability such as some behavioral characteristics. For most practical purposes, cloning is a powerful tool to create essentially genetically identical organisms. However, phenotypic variation will always occur, sometimes resulting in considerable differences among clones and from the original donor.
Durability of GFRP Reinforcement Bars

Results of a 3-year-long investigation of durability of one type of glass fiber reinforced vinylester composite reinforcement bar are summarized. Bars were cast in concrete beams and subjected to simultaneous sustained load and exposure to one of four different environments: ambient indoor laboratory, natural outdoor weathering in central Pennsylvania, high-alkaline aqueous solution at 60°C, and alternating −17°C dry freeze and room-temperature water immersion. The conditioned beams were tested to determine crack width in the concrete, local bond-slip behavior of the bars, and tensile stress-strain behavior of bars extracted from the beams. Over time, crack widths increased by up to 75% while local ultimate bond strength in the anchorage zone remained essentially constant or increased. Tensile strength decreased by as much as 25% in the high moisture environments and was essentially constant in the indoor and outdoor environments. These results suggest promising durability characteristics of GFRP bars under realistic service conditions.
Electroelastodynamics of flexoelectric energy conversion and harvesting in elastic dielectrics

Flexoelectricity is the generation of electric polarization by the application of a non-uniform mechanical strain field, i.e., a strain gradient. This phenomenon is exhibited by all elastic dielectrics, but is expected to be significant only at very small scales. Energy harvesting is a potential future application area of flexoelectricity to enable next-generation ultra-low-power MEMS/NEMS devices by converting ambient vibrations into electricity. In this paper, an electroelastodynamic framework is presented and analyzed for flexoelectric energy harvesting from strain gradient fluctuations in centrosymmetric dielectrics, by accounting for the presence of a finite electrical load across the surface electrodes as well as two-way electromechanical coupling, and capturing the size effect. The flexoelectric energy harvester model is based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and it assumes the main source of polarization to be static bulk flexoelectricity. Following recent efforts on the converse flexoelectric effect in finite samples, the proposed model properly accounts for thermodynamically consistent, symmetric direct and converse coupling terms. The transverse mode flexoelectric coupling coefficient (k) is obtained analytically as a direct measure of energy conversion; its dependence on the cantilever thickness and a material Figure of Merit (FoM) is shown. Size effects are further demonstrated by simulations of the electromechanical frequency response for a Strontium Titanate (STO) energy harvester at different geometric scales. It is obtained that the flexoelectric coupling coefficient of an STO cantilever for the fundamental bending mode increases from k≈3.5×10−7 to k≈0.33 as the thickness is reduced from mm- to nm-level. A critique of the experimentally identified large flexoelectric coefficient for Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) from the literature is also given with a coupling coefficient perspective.
Expression of COX-2 and 15-PGDH in adenomas removed during pretreatment colonoscopy to predict chemopreventive efficacy of the selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib.

524Background: The APC trial showed that patients at high risk for colorectal adenoma development experienced a 33-45% reduction in post-polypectomy adenoma detection when treated with the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2) inhibitor, celecoxib. Unfortunately, this study also found a small increased risk of cardiovascular toxicity among celecoxib users, preventing broad use of this agent for chemoprevention. Celecoxib inhibits expression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an inflammatory mediator produced by fatty acid metabolism via cyclooxygenases, and degraded through the activity of 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). Methods: Adenomas collected from APC trial participants prior to treatment were examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess expression of cox-2 (high vs. low) and 15-PGDH (present vs. absent). A combined variable to estimate tumor PGE2 levels identified cases as PGE2 low (Cox-2 low/15-PGDH present) or PGE2 high (Cox-2 high/15-PGDH present; Cox-2 high/15-PGDH absent; or Cox-2 low/1...
Abstract 5324: Skeletal Muscle-specific Overexpression of Insulin-like Growth Factor I Suppresses Angiotensin II-induced Oxidative Stress and Prevents Skeletal Muscle Wasting

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity and is associated with elevated circulating levels of angiotensin II (ANG) and muscle wasting (cachexia), which is an important predictor of poor outcome. We have shown that ANG infusion in FVB mice reduces skeletal muscle IGF-1 expression, increases oxidative stress and induces skeletal muscle wasting. We hypothesized that skeletal muscle-specific IGF-1 overexpression would decrease ANG-induced oxidative stress and muscle wasting. Mice overexpressing IGF-1 under control of the skeletal muscle-specific type II myosin light chain promoter (MLC) and control mice (FVB) were infused with 1 ug/kg ANG or vehicle (SHM) and were pair-fed for 7 days. ANG decreased skeletal muscle weight in FVB (ANG/SHM, gastrocnemius: 99.8±3.6/122.3±4.2 mg, P
Quantification of muscle loss in the doxorubicin-treated orbicularis oculi of the monkey. Effect of local injection of doxorubicin into the eyelid.

Many neuromuscular diseases are characterized by involuntary and forceful muscle contraction. Doxorubicin has been shown to chemically remove the orbicularis oculi muscle after injection into the eyelid. The chemomyectomy effect of doxorubicin was quantified after injection of a 2-mg dose into the right lower eyelid. A significant loss of muscle was seen in the injected eyelids, with a mean loss of 87% of the summed cross-sectional area of all muscle fibers throughout representative cross-sections of the treated eyelids. This muscle loss was selective, with the greatest loss in the preseptal region of the orbicularis oculi. The authors found no differential loss of different muscle fiber types after doxorubicin treatment. This muscle loss was not accompanied by an increase in connective tissue, and surrounding eyelid structures were normal. The authors find that doxorubicin is a highly effective myotoxin and represents a novel permanent treatment for blepharospasm and related diseases because it is highly specific for muscle cells and is easy to localize within a given muscle. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 32:1667-1673,1991 Benign essential blepharospasm is a disease characterized by involuntary, forceful closure of the eyelids bilaterally. Although not life threatening, this and other related diseases involving involuntary muscle spasms are disfiguring and debilitating. Surgical treatments include facial neurectomy and orbicularis oculi myectomy. 1 ' 2 In both cases, muscle spasms often return due to reinnervation of those fibers that are not removed. Surgery is often accompanied by unacceptable complications. The current nonsurgical treatment involves the injection of botulinum A toxin directly into the involved muscles. 3 Although effective in reducing spasms temporarily, the injections gradually become less effective and usually require decreased time intervals between subsequent injections. 45 Botulinum injections result in significant relief in only 60-75% of the treated patients. 26 ' 7 Studies
The World of Small Business: A Suggested Typology:

Detailed study of a sample of more than 200 originally-small firms in a single major industrial area, plus an examination of new business successes as identified by Fortune, reveals five major type...