cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Ketamine-Induced Thought Disorder in Healthy Volunteers and Thought Disorder in Schizophrenia

Objective: This study sought to determine whether thought disorder induced in healthy volunteers by the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine resembles the thought disorder found in patients with schizophrenia. Method: The Scale for the Assessment of Thought, Language, and Communication was used to assess thought disorder in healthy volunteers (N=10) who received subanesthetic doses of ketamine and in a group of clinically stable inpatients with schizophrenia (N=15) who did not receive ketamine. Results: Mean scores on the Scale for the Assessment of Thought, Language, and Communication for patients with schizophrenia and healthy volunteers receiving ketamine did not differ significantly. Moreover, three of the four highest rated test items in both groups were the same. Conclusions: These data suggest that ketamine-induced thought disorder in healthy volunteers is not dissimilar to the thought disorder in patients with schizophrenia and provide support for the involvement of the NMDA receptor in a cardinal symptom of schizophrenia. (Am J Psychiatry 1999; 156:1646‐1649) Several lines of evidence suggest that the glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Postmortem studies have revealed a lower density of glutamatergic receptors in patients with schizophrenia, and one study of CSF reported lower levels of glutamate in patients with schizophrenia than in healthy comparison subjects (1‐3). The most compelling evidence is provided by the psychotomimetic effects of the NMDA antagonists phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine. In patients with schizophrenia, the administration of PCP and ketamine exacerbates existing psychotic symptoms and may reactivate symptoms in remittance (4‐6). The administration of PCP or ketamine to healthy volunteers reproduces many of the symptoms of schizophrenia, including aspects of formal thought disorder (4, 7, 8). Because the effects of ketamine resemble many of the clinical features of schizophrenia, this ketamine-induced behavioral syndrome has been proposed as a model for schizophrenia. Nonetheless, few direct comparisons between the thought disorder of schizophrenia and the thought disorder induced by NMDA antagonists have been conducted.
Highly Efficient Biocompatible Single Silicon Nanowire Electrodes with Functional Biological Pore Channels

Nanoscale electrodes based on one-dimensional inorganic conductors could possess significant advantages for electrochemical measurements over their macroscopic counterparts in a variety of electrochemical applications. We show that the efficiency of the electrodes constructed of individual highly doped silicon nanowires greatly exceeds the efficiency of flat Si electrodes. Modification of the surfaces of the nanowire electrodes with phospholipid bilayers produces an efficient biocompatible barrier to transport of the solution redox species to the nanoelectrode surface. Incorporating functional α-hemolysin protein pores in the lipid bilayer results in a partial recovery of the Faradic current due to the specific transport through the protein pore. These assemblies represent a robust and versatile platform for building a new generation of highly specific biosensors and nano/bioelectronic devices.
Calibration of a portable cost-effective chemical residue detection system with adaptive neural net control

The Sensory Research Institute at the Florida State University has quantitatively characterized a chemical residue detection system with adaptive neural net data processing. Two separate configurations, "Stormy" and "Gaea", were trained by exposure to decreasing amounts of n-amyl acetate from chemical emitters randomly distributed among a collection of non-emitters. The concentration of chemical in the sampled air stream was controlled precisely. The detection threshold for "Stormy" was 1.14 ppt; that for "Gaea" was 1.9 ppt. Cycle time for sampling and chemical analysis of each sample port was on the order of seconds. Possible effects on the sensors of environmental factors such as ambient humidity, temperature, and air velocity were not considered. Besides processing individual air sample data, the neural nets can sense concentration gradients and track to chemical source. The adaptive neural nets are accessed by a voice recognition system and are capable of point testing or free-ranging search. The service life of the detectors, the neural net processors, and auxiliary packaging is approximately 8 years under normal field use. Maintenance requires a good quality kibble and an occasional romp in the park.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Is Google Evil

Google was the first really, really good search engine and keeps on bringing other useful tools for free. Here's the really good thing about Google: it depends on Internet open standards. Its business model depends on their openness, rather than capturing them. Google is built on top of those standards. It isn't in Google's interest to engender the kind of mistrust that Microsoft has among Silicon Valley engineers. No evil here. Nor is there likely to be, because Google makes money by not being evil in this way. And Google tends, so far, to do things like issue the Linux-based Android on an unlocked cell phone that's completely open. Any developer can dig into the phone software and develop an app - unlike Apple, which carefully controls app development and blocks Google Voice. There are some potentials for evil at Google because it has become so pervasive and important. One is easily disposed of misrepresenting search results and if Google products were no longer free and used its pervasiveness and programmer talent pool to drive out all alternatives. A more reasonable issue is that Google has the power to suppress some start-ups because of its public thin affiliate policy. Google isn't just a search engine company any more, as everyone is aware. And, when it starts integrating its products, as Microsoft did, it raises suspicions.
Discussion of the Theories of Cavity-Type Sources of Radiant Energy

This paper is a review of the theories of cavity-type radiant-energy sources that have properties approaching those of blackbodies. Sources having highly emissive walls are distinguished from light wells, which have highly reflective walls. Certain theorems, which are aids in generalizing for forms other than simple geometrical shapes, are proved. The theories of Buckley, Gouffe, and De Vos are reviewed individually. The approximation involved in each theory is noted and the method appraised. Relationships for several cavity shapes are derived for computing the effective emissivity of the source in terms of dimensions of cavity, emissivity of walls lining the cavity, and aperture size.
Experimental determination of the boundary layer at air-sample inlet positions on the NASA CV 990 aircraft

Full-scale, in-flight measurements of the boundary-layer thickness, velocity profile, and flow angle have been made at several sample collection stations on the fuselage of the NASA CV 990. These results are given as functions of Mach number, Reynolds number, yaw, and angle of attack.
Categorizing externally distributed stimulus samples for unequal molar probabilities.

40 Ss categorized random samples from one of two normal distributions and then received feedback. The over-all, molar probabilities of samples for the two distributions were .35 and .65. Problem-so...
Cyclic HIV protease inhibitors capable of displacing the active site structural water molecule

A new era has begun in the chemotherapeutic treatment of AIDS with the marketing of the first generation of peptidomimetic HIV protease inhibitors from Roche, Merck and Abbott. Owing to the potential drug resistance problems associated with HIV mutations, a main emphasis in the search for the next generation of HIVPR drugs is in the area of structurally different cyclic nonpeptides. This article reviews the different approaches that have been undertaken to find or design cyclic nonpeptides that are capable of displacing the structural water molecule usually associated with the peptidomimetic class of inhibitors. The favorable entropic effect from water displacement and preorganization can lead to smaller and more potent inhibitors with improved therapeutic potential.
Concanavalin A-induced glucocorticoid resistance in rat thymus cells: decreased cytoplasmic and nuclear receptor binding of dexamethasone.

Abstract Concanavalin A (Con A) rapidly stimulates glucose uptake in isolated rat thymocytes, whereas cortisol has been shown to reduce the uptake of glucose. If Con A is added to thymocytes before or together with cortisol, no decrease in glucose uptake effect is observed. But if cortisol is added as little as 10 min before Con A (in the absence of glucose) the typical glucocorticoid response is seen superimposed on the Con A effect. The Con A-induced glucocorticoid antagonism may be accounted for in part by alteration in thymocyte glucocorticoid receptor metabolism. Con A exposure within 30 min lowers saturable dexamethasone binding by 40%. At concentrations as low as 20 μg/ml Con A significantly reduces dexamethasone binding to thymocytes in both cytoplasmic and nuclear components, but does not alter the temperature-sensitive cytoplasmic-to-nuclear translocation of dexamethasone receptor complexes. When Con A exposure follows dexamethasone, only a reduction in the concentration of cytoplasmic binding sites occurs. At all concentrations tested, Con A did not affect binding of dexamethasone to isolated cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors. Con A reduces the number of thymocyte glucocortocoid receptors without altering the affinity of the r
Frameshift revertant of Salmonella typhimurium producing histidinol dehydrogenase with a sequence of four extra amino acid residues.

Abstract Frameshift mutant hisD3018 of Salmonella typhimurium is a +1 type, most likely resulting from the insertion of an extra GC pair in DNA of the gene for histidinol dehydrogenase. R58 is an internally suppressed spontaneous revertant of hisD3018 which grows slowly in the absence of histidine. Histidinol dehydrogenase from R58 was found to contain a sequence of four extra residues when compared to the wild-type enzyme. This can be interpreted as resulting from a duplication of eleven bases, perhaps by formation of a loop during DNA repair or replication or by non-reciprocal recombination. Comparison of amino acid sequences in wild-type and R58 enzyme allows us to assign CCC and CCU as in vivo codons for proline and UGG for tryptophan and provides further evidence that the hisD3018 frameshift is expressed through inclusion of an extra C residue in mRNA. Quantitative analyses show that for a chemical subunit molecular weight of approximately 40,000 daltons, R58 histidinol dehydrogenase contains three tryptophan residues versus two for the wild-type enzyme. These mutational data support the molecular weight estimates for the chemical subunit made previously with the wild-type enzyme.
Stimulated production of proinflammatory cytokines covaries inversely with heart rate variability.

Objective:To examine whether high-frequency heart rate variability, an indirect measure of parasympathetic (vagal) control over variations in heart rate, is associated with immune reactivity to an in vitro inflammatory challenge. Convergent evidence from the animal literature shows that the autonomi
Electronic Properties of DNA Base Molecules Adsorbed on a Metallic Surface

The internal electronic structure of single deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) base molecules (i.e., guanine, adenine, cytosine, and thymine) adsorbed on a metallic surface of Cu(111) is determined in detail using density functional theory (DFT) computations. In contrast to the intuitive beliefs that a molecule weakly interacts with a substrate and its electronic structure is only slightly perturbed, our simulations reveal strong hybridizations and interactions between molecular and metallic states. Stipulated by the symmetries of a base molecule and the Cu(111) surface, oxygen atoms of a base approach close to the substrate, breaking the parallel orientation of the π-system with respect to the surface. Such a behavior is the most pronounced for one oxygen containing bases, leading to the chemisorption of cytosine and guanine and to stronger hybridization of their electronic states with metallic ones. Oxygen free adenine, on the other hand, lies nearly flat on a Cu substrate and interacts weakly with the surface...
Optimal determination of respiratory airflow patterns using a nonlinear multi-compartment model for a lung-rib-cage system

In this paper, we develop optimal respiratory airflow patterns using a nonlinear multi-compartment model for a lung-rib-cage system. Specifically, we use classical calculus of variations minimization techniques to derive an optimal airflow pattern for inspiratory and expiratory breathing cycles. The physiological interpretation of the optimality criteria used involve the minimization of work of breathing and lung volume acceleration for the inspiratory phase, and the minimization of the elastic potential energy and rapid airflow rate changes for the expiratory phase. Finally, we numerically integrate the resulting nonlinear two-point boundary value problems to determine the optimal airflow patterns over the inspiratory and expiratory breathing cycles.
On the sojourn time of sessions at an ATM buffer with long-range dependent input traffic

Several recent empirical studies of traffic to be carried by broadband networks have established the importance of studying queueing behaviour with traffic models having long-range dependence. We consider discrete time models for an ATM buffer fed by a class of long-range dependent arrival processes that includes the asymptotically self-similar arrival processes of the kind recently proposed by Likhanov et al. (1995). An arrival model in this class is parametrized by a session generation rate /spl lambda/>0, a cell generation rate per session R>0, and and session duration random variable r which is positive integer valued with finite mean and infinite variance and has regularly varying tail, i.e. P(/spl tau/>t)/spl sim/t/sup -/spl alpha//L(t) where 1 0. The stability condition s>R/spl lambda/E/spl tau/ is assumed to hold. We study the asymptotics of the tail of the stationary sojourn time distribution of a typical session.
Faster cyclic loess: normalizing RNA arrays via linear models

Motivation: Our goal was to develop a normalization technique that yields results similar to cyclic loess normalization and with speed comparable to quantile normalization. Results: Fastlo yields normalized values similar to cyclic loess and quantile normalization and is fast; it is at least an order of magnitude faster than cyclic loess and approaches the speed of quantile normalization. Furthermore, fastlo is more versatile than both cyclic loess and quantile normalization because it is model-based. Availability: The Splus/R function for fastlo normalization is available from the authors.
On high level exceedance modeling and tail inference

Abstract This paper discusses a general framework common to some varied known and new results involving measures of threshold exceedance by high values of stationary stochastic sequences. In particular these concern the following. (a) Probabilistic modeling of infrequent but potentially damaging physical events such as storms, high stresses, high pollution episodes, describing both repeated occurrences and associated ‘damage’ magnitudes. (b) Statistical estimation of ‘tail parameters’ of a stationary stochastic sequence {Xj}. This includes a variety of estimation problems and in particular cases such as estimation of expected lengths of clusters of high values (e.g. storm durations), of interest in (a). ‘Very high’ values (leading to Poisson-based limits for exceedance statistics) and ‘high’ values (giving normal limits) are considered and exhibited as special cases within the general framework of central limit results for ‘random additive interval functions’. The case of array sums of dependent random variables is revisited within this framework, clarifying the role of dependence conditions and providing minimal conditions for characterization of possible limit types. The methods are illustrated by the construction of confidence limits for the mean of an ‘exceedance statistic’ measuring high ozone levels, based on Philadelphia monitoring data.
Autoreactive T cells can be protected from tolerance induction through competition by flanking determinants for access to class II MHC.

It is not clear why the N-terminal autoantigenic determinant of myelin basic protein (MBP), Ac1–9, is dominant in the B1O.PL (H-2u) mouse, given its weak I-Au-MHC binding affinity. Similarly, how do high-affinity T cells specific for this determinant avoid negative selection? Because the MBP:1–9 sequence is embryonically expressed uniquely in the context of Golli-MBP, determinants were sought within the contiguous N-terminal “Golli” region that could out-compete MBP:1–9 for MHC binding, and thereby prevent negative selection of the public response to Ac1–9, shown here to be comprised of a Vβ8.2Jβ2.7 and a Vβ8.2Jβ2.4 expansion. Specifically, we demonstrate that Ac1–9 itself can be an effective inducer of central tolerance induction; however, in the context of Golli-MBP, Ac1–9 is flanked by determinants which prevent its display to autoreactive T cells. Our data support competitive capture as a means of protecting high-affinity, autoreactive T cells from central tolerance induction.
Cyclizations via Palladium-Catalyzed Allylic Alkylations [New Synthetic Methods (79)]

The history of ring systems in organic chemistry parallels their synthetic accessibility. Transition-metal-catalyzed cyclizations offer a new opportunity to create carbo- and heterocyclic compounds with great facility. Among these methods, allylic alkylations catalyzed by palladium have proven unusually productive because of the extraordinary chemo-, regio-, and diastereoselectivity and the continuing possibility for the development of enantioselectivity. The rules for ring closure differ from those for non-transition-metal-catalyzed reactions. A major benefit is the ability to generate medium (eight-, nine-, ten-, and eleven-membered) and large rings in preference to normal (five-, six- and seven-membered) rings. With the appropriate substrate, efficient macrocyclizations are possible under conditions of normal concentrations. A second major benefit derives from the complementary stereochemistry of the metalcatalyzed substitution (net retention of configuration) compared to non-metal-catalyzed reactions (inversion of configuration). Further, the requirement for the substrate to conform to the transition-metal template may impose a stereochemical preference in the intermediate that ultimately translates into the thermodynamically less stable organic product regardless of the stereochemistry of the starting material. While more work has focused on carbocyclic synthesis, the possibilities for heterocyclic synthesis are just beginning to be tapped. In addition to forming heterocycles by CC bond formation, use of a heteroatom as a nucleophile has already proven effective for oxygen and nitrogen, with other nucleophiles awaiting investigation. New dimensions for cyclization via allylic alkylation arise by generating the requisite π-allylpalladium intermediates by methods other than palladium(0)-initiated allylic ionizations. In addition, metals other than palladium will clearly expand the possibilities, but as yet remain untapped.
The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global

The Far Enemy: Why Jihad Went Global. By Fawaz A. Gerges. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2005. 358p. $27.00. The 9/11 attacks have already produced a substantial literature that seeks to explain the roots of Al Qaeda's strategy of targeting the United States. Explanations range from simplistic statements—“They hate us,” “They hate freedom”—to arguments about revenge or punishment for various American policy choices, to more complex arguments that Osama bin Laden and his associates sought to draw America into a trap of sorts. One problem, of course, is that no one really has much of an idea of precisely what led bin Ladin and his top associates to plot the 9/11 attacks. Scholars do not, quite frankly, have a lot to work with here.
Strategy-dependent changes in memory: Effects on behavior and brain activity

In the present study, an implicit strategy manipulation was used to explore the contribution of memory strategy to brain activation and behavioral performance. Participants were biased to use either a shortterm (maintenance-focused) or long-term (retrieval-focused) memory strategy within a single memory task through manipulation of task context. In comparing directly matched trials across the different task contexts, we observed clear changes in both behavioral performance and brain activity across a network of regions located primarily within lateral and medial frontal cortex. These effects of the memory strategy manipulation suggest that when a retrieval-focused strategy is induced, mnemonic processes are preferentially engaged during the encoding period. In contrast, when a maintenance-focused strategy is induced, mnemonic processes are preferentially engaged during the delay and response periods. Taken together, the results imply that covert cognitive strategies play an important role in modulating brain activation and behavior during memory tasks.
Development and pilot testing of an omega-3 fatty acid food frequency questionnaire

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to health and provide cardio-protective benefits. To estimate omega-3 fatty acid dietary intake, we developed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and pilot tested its reliability and validity in a convenience sample of cardiac patients in the Midwest. The FFQ was developed using the USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference and the ESHA Food Processor, ESHA Research, Salem, Oregon. Three 24-h recalls and two administrations of the FFQ two weeks apart were obtained by a dietitian by phone and home visit from 28 volunteers. Pearson correlation was used to assess the association between food recalls and FFQ. Alpha coefficient was used to assess reliability of the FFQ. The correlation of omega-3 fatty acids intake using the food recalls and FFQ was 0.42 (P<0.05). Reliability of the FFQ was 0.83 with the food categories ranging from 0.93 for grains to 0.57 for vegetables. Ninety percent of omega-3 fatty acid intake was provided by 28 foods, with the top two food sources from plant origin. The FFQ yielded excellent reliability and acceptable validity in the population tested and can be used to estimate total omega-3 fatty acid intake from plant, animal, and seafood sources in the diets of cardiac patients.
Two-dimensional nonequilibrium fluid models for streamers

The self-consistent, two-dimensional fluid simulation for describing nitrogen gas prebreakdown phenomena under atmospheric pressure is presented in cylindrically symmetric geometry. The models of the electron dynamics are characterized either by an equilibrium single-moment equation or by a nonequilibrium three-moment equation. A more accurate flux-corrected transport (MAFCT) technique, which provides a solution with steep and varying gradients in large dynamic ranges, is used to solve the electron fluid equations. Included in the step-by-step presentation are the electron density, the space-charge electric field, the electron average velocity, the electron mean energy, and the electron power deposition from the initial stage to the later stage when the ionizing channel bridges the gap. The differences between equilibrium and nonequilibrium fluid models are discussed in terms of the formation of ionizing channels and the propagation of streamers. >
Communities of practice in engineering education

A university is a learning organization in both the traditional academic and contemporary management senses. The social foundation for learning is clearly established, and there are many contexts that support learning formally and informally. This panel will explore the social contexts, or communities, that are in place or have the potential to enrich the academic environment. Panelists bring unique perspectives on higher education, engineering education and research, and communities.
Applications of infrared free-electron lasers: basic research on the dynamics of molecular systems

Applications of tunable infrared (IR) picosecond (ps) pulses generated by free-electron lasers (FELs) are considered from several perspectives. The authors discuss the performance specifications required for a successful applications program. They present a real-world example where the superconducting acceleration-pumped FEL at Stanford University was used to perform a complex series of experiments to measure nonlinear and coherent optical transients in an amorphous solid. The authors discuss quantitative experimental considerations that go into deciding whether a particular application is feasible. Finally, they present some selected examples of proposed applications. >
VFD Machinery Vibration Fatigue Life and Multilevel Inverter Effect

This paper documents fatigue-related mechanical failures in variable-frequency drive (VFD) motor machinery due to mechanical vibrations excited by drive torque harmonics which are created by pulse width modulation (PWM) switching. Present effort models the coupled system with a full electrical system (including the rectifier, dc bus, inverter, and motor), and an industrial mechanical system (including flexible couplings, gearboxes, and multiple inertias). The models are formed by a novel combination of a commercial motor code with a general self-written mechanical code. The approach extends failure prediction beyond the simple occurrence of resonance to fatigue life evaluation based on the rain-flow algorithm, which is suitable for both steady state and transient start-up mechanical response. The second contribution is a demonstration that the common use of a multilevel inverter to reduce voltage/current harmonics may actually exacerbate resonance and fatigue failure. This is shown to be caused by a resulting amplitude increase of torque components in proximity to potential resonance frequencies.
Mechanism and regulation of riboflavin uptake by human renal proximal tubule epithelial cell line HK-2

Riboflavin (RF), a water-soluble vitamin, is essential for normal cellular functions, growth, and development. Normal RF body homeostasis depends on intestinal absorption and recovery of the filter...
Effects of Use and Disuse on Non-paralyzed and Paralyzed Skeletal Muscles

Skeletal muscle is an integral part of the somatic nervous system and plays a primary role in the performance of physical activities. Because physical activity is vital to countering the effects of aging and age related diseases and is a key component in the maintenance of healthy body composition it is important to understand the effects of use and disuse on skeletal muscle. While voluntary muscle activity provides optimal benefits to muscle and the maintenance of healthy body composition, neuromuscular electrical stimulation may be a viable alternative activity for individuals with paralysis. Body composition with a healthy muscle to fat ratio has been associated with healthy blood lipid and glucose profiles that may decrease the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Fit, Bias, and Enacted Sensemaking in Data Visualization: Frameworks for Continuous Development in Operations and Supply Chain Management Analytics

Data visualization has a critical role in the advancement of modern data analytics. Visualization lends assurances to data validity and completeness, as well as to the effectiveness of cleaning and aggregation tactics. It provides the means by which to explore and discover relationships otherwise hidden from default assumptions in statistical modeling. Strong visualization is also fundamental to end-result conveyance and audience interpretation. But how can one ensure that strength? How can one avoid developing representations that are marginal in value, or worse misleading? In this paper, I will discuss theory, evidence, and practical approaches to managing data visualization development, viewing data visualization not simply as an outcome but as a continuous process and facet of organizational culture.
10 New γ Doradus and δ Scuti Stars

We present high-resolution spectroscopy and precision photometry of five new γ Doradus and five new δ Scuti variables. The five new γ Doradus variables substantially increase the number of confirmed stars of this class. All 10 stars fall in the spectral class range F0–F2, but they are cleanly separated into two groups by their luminosity and photometric periods. However, the period gap between the γ Doradus and δ Scuti stars is becoming very narrow since we confirm that HD 155154 is a γ Doradus star with the shortest periods reported to date (the shortest of its four periods is ~0.312 days). We do not find any evidence in our sample for stars exhibiting both δ Scuti– and γ Doradus–type pulsations.
Phosphate Supplements of Different Fluorine Content as Sources of Phosphorous for Chickens

Abstract THE substitution of vegetable protein concentrates, with their low mineral content, for a large part of the animal products formerly used in poultry rations makes it necessary to add minerals to supplement these vegetable products. Although steamed bone meal has been used as a common source of phosphorus, some other sources of phosphorus might be as satisfactory. Among these are rock phosphate, superphosphate, and partly defluorinated phosphates. These supplements contain more or less fluorine which has been demonstrated to be deleterious to livestock when fed in excessive amounts Raw rock phosphate has been used in rations for poultry by Wheeler (1903), Hartwell and Kirkpatrick (1911), Lewis (1913), Kennard, Holder, and White (1922), Buckner, Martin, Pierce, and Peter (1922), Buckner, Martin, and Insko (1929), and Halpin and Lamb (1932). Results were inconsistent but in general indicated that phosphorus from animal bone was preferable. Haman, Phillips, and Halpin (1936) reported an increase . . .
Credit Supply, Financial Distress and the Cross Section of Stock Returns

I present empirical evidence that the TED spread is a priced risk factor in the cross sectional stock returns. Stocks with higher exposure to the change in the TED spread require higher returns, and the return difference between the high sensitivity portfolio and the low sensitivity portfolio is a significant 6.6% annually. Individual stocks within the two extreme TED beta portfolios are more likely to be financially distressed, which is consistent with the documented hump-shaped relationship between expected return and default probability in Garlappi, Tao, and Yan (2008). The TED factor shows enhanced forecasting ability within non-crisis periods, and the size effect shows up only within the group of most distressed firms. This paper uncovers a systematic channel to reconcile the positive risk premium and negative risk premium found within the financially distressed stocks, and provide strong empirical evidence for the effect of credit supplying activities on corporate financing behaviors and stock performances.
A Solution for Forward Kinematics of 6-DOF Parallel Platform based on BP Algorithm

Making use of the property that it is easy to obtain the inverse kinematics of 6-DOF parallel manipulator,the forward kinematics of the 6-DOF parallel manipulator is transformed into using inversed kinematics results through training and learning.The nonlinear mapping from the joint variable space to the operation variable space for the platform is accomplished solving the positions and orientations.Take the Stewart parallel manipulator as example,the BP algorithm is used to solve the forward kinematics of it,and the high accuracy of the forward kinematics is obtained by computer simulation,which has overcome the short-coming that the accuracy of the forward kinematics is susceptible to the initial values with the conventional numerical methods.
Mapping of QTLs for seed setting rate using chromosome single segment substituted lines in rice

In this study,a set of 85chromosome single substitution lines(CSSSLs)with Nipponbare as donor and Guangluai 4as receptor was used for QTLs identification.One-way ANOVA and Dunnett's test were employed to compare the seed setting rate(SSR)between CSSSLs and Guangluai 4(P≤0.001).Nine QTLs for seed setting rate distributing on seven rice chromosomes were detected.Chromosome 1and 3had two QTLs while each of the others had only one. Of all,five QTLs were detected in two environments and other four QTLs were detected in one environment.All these QTLs from Nipponbare had negative additive effects ranging from-7.47to-24.72,with additive effect percentages ranging from-7.98%to-25.67%.
In search of the ‘Other’ in Asia: Russia–China relations revisited

ABSTRACTThis paper argues that Russia and China are partners of consequence and that the neglect of the normative dimension of the Sino-Russian relationship has led its impact on global governance to be undervalued and misunderstood. Following a constructivist approach, the paper examines the shared norms underlying an ever closer Sino-Russian partnership, despite divergent interests in a number of areas. A first section examines how shared norms lead Russia and China to define their identity similarly, facilitate joint actions, and constrain their individual policy choices. For Russia, elaborating its own unique identity is crucial to its claim to global status, though complicated by interactions with multiple ‘Others.’ Russia's effort to engage Asian partners is often viewed as hedging against China, but as second section argues that Russian engagement in Asia is better understood in terms of Russia's effort to define an Asian identity. A third section highlights the securitization/desecuritization dyna...
Linking Knowledge with Action for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Change and Effectiveness

Over the last fifty years, agricultural communities in developing countries have experienced dramatic changes in their requirements for and access to information, knowledge, and know-how related to cropping systems and commodity markets (World Bank 2008; chap. 8). As part of a post-World War II effort to use science and technology to enhance agricultural production, the development and dissemination of green revolution technologies (i.e., improved genetic materials and management practices for a range of cereal crops) engaged systems of research, innovation, assessment, development, and deployment to foster goals of agricultural development and economic prosperity (Conway 1997; Hazell 2009). Over time, with the changing landscape of agricultural production (Tillman et al. 2002; Rosegrant and Cline 2003), transformations in global food demand and marketing systems (McCullough et al. 2008), and increasing foci on sustainability objectives including environmental concerns, these systems have been required to evolve, or they ultimately fail to provide relevant support.
Experimental Analysis of Ransomware on Windows and Android Platforms: Evolution and Characterization☆

Abstract The focus of the paper is on providing insights on how ransomware have evolved from its starting till March 2016 by analyzing samples of selected ransomware variants from existing ransomware families in Windows and Android environments. Seventeen Windows and eight Android ransomware families were analyzed. For each ransomware family, at least, three variants belonging to the same family were compared. The analysis revealed that ransomware variants behave in a very similar manner, but use different payloads. Our analysis shows that there has been a significant improvement in encryption techniques used by ransomware. The experimental results in Windows environment demonstrate that detection of ransomware is possible by monitoring abnormal filesystem and registry activities. In Android environment, our analysis reveals that likelihood of ransomware attacks can be reduced by paying a closer attention to permissions requested by the Android applications.
Pathogenic Mechanisms of Actin Cross-Linking Toxins: Peeling Away the Layers.

Actin cross-linking toxins are produced by Gram-negative bacteria from Vibrio and Aeromonas genera. The toxins were named actin cross-linking domains (ACD), since the first and most of the subsequently discovered ACDs were found as effector domains in larger MARTX and VgrG toxins. Among recognized human pathogens, ACD is produced by Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus, and Aeromonas hydrophila. Upon delivery to the cytoplasm of a host cell, ACD covalently cross-links actin monomers into non-polymerizable actin oligomers of various lengths. Provided sufficient doses of toxin are delivered, most or all actin can be promptly cross-linked into non-functional oligomers, leading to cell rounding, detachment from the substrate and, in many cases, cell death. Recently, a deeper layer of ACD toxicity with a less obvious but more potent mechanism was discovered. According to this finding, low doses of the ACD-produced actin oligomers can actively disrupt the actin cytoskeleton by potently inhibiting essential actin assembly proteins, formins. The first layer of toxicity is direct (as actin is the immediate and the only target), passive (since ACD-cross-linked actin oligomers are toxic only because they are non-functional), and less potent (as bulk quantities of one of the most abundant cytoplasmic proteins, actin, have to be modified). The second mechanism is indirect (as major targets, formins, are not affected by ACD directly), active (because actin oligomers act as “secondary” toxins), and highly potent [as it affects scarce and essential actin-binding proteins (ABPs)].
Structuring a management process for success--managing for results at a public psychiatric center.

This article describes the planning and implementation of a new approach to providing services at a state psychiatric center. This approach focused on the input side of the system rather than the traditional output side. A systems management approach was used to develop and implement the plan. Current beliefs and research findings served to direct the new program’s elements. This approach proved to be effective and suggests a different approach to improving public psychiatric care.
Three-Dimensional Quantification of Fiber-Like Structures in Biological Tissues

We develop 3D directional variance as a quantitative biomarker of truly 3D fibrillar organization, and establish its applications by characterizing collagen fibers and neuronal axons in the context of breast cancer and traumatic brain injury.
Volumetric Growth Rate of Recurrent Pleomorphic Adenoma.

Objectives:Surgery for recurrent pleomorphic adenoma (PA) can be challenging and may increase the risk of operative complications, particularly facial nerve weakness. As observation may be a viable...
One Point of View: Changes Ahead—Prepare Now

(1995). One Point of View: Changes Ahead—Prepare Now. Research-Technology Management: Vol. 38, No. 5, pp. 9-10.
Successes and challenges in developing trauma-informed child welfare systems: A real-world case study of exploration and initial implementation

Abstract Trauma and behavioral health problems among children in foster care are significant and prevalent, affecting their well-being and permanency. Despite the wide scope and magnitude of social and emotional problems among youth in out-of-home care, few child welfare systems have an integrated service response into their routine procedures and practices. This paper describes three federally-funded statewide demonstration sites, which represent northeast, south, and Midwest regions of the U.S., and that aimed to implement trauma and evidence-informed initiatives. Applying implementation science frameworks, we share our experiences with three key stages of implementation: exploration, installation, and initial implementation. During the exploration stage, each state engaged community stakeholders in a comprehensive data mining process to define the needs of children in care and relevant gaps in the evidence-informed service array. To respond to trauma and behavioral health needs of children, these states' initiatives established implementation plans for screening, functional assessment, data-driven case planning, ongoing progress monitoring, and service array reconfiguration. Each state's distinct installation and initial implementation experiences are described as well their shared successes and challenges. While vast differences existed within the administrative and policy context of these three states, the study demonstrates both unique and common experiences of successes and setbacks. Across the exploration, installation, and initial implementation, these analyses revealed six themes of common successes to include collaboration, building consensus, conducting trainings, teaming, optimizing opportunity, and establishing data systems. Additionally, nine themes of common challenges were workforce, turf, client voice, data sharing, coaching and support for fidelity, time, competing priorities, momentum, and policies and leadership. Implications for practice, policy, and future research are discussed.
Writing Widowhood: The Landscapes of Bereavement

The figurative conceit in the title of Jeffrey Berman’s new book is revealing: a landscape, after all, is something to be navigated, explored, mapped, conquered, crossed. It is terrain that Berman ...
Synthesis of a Next-Generation Taxoid by Rapid Methylation Amenable for 11C-Labeling

Next-generation taxoids, such as SB-T-1214, are highly potent cytotoxic agents that exhibit remarkable efficacy against drug-resistant tumors in vivo, including those that overexpress the P-glycoprotein (Pgp) efflux pump. As SB-T-1214 is not a substrate for Pgp-mediated efflux, it may exhibit a markedly different biodistribution and tumor-accumulation profile than paclitaxel or docetaxel, which are both Pgp substrates. To investigate the biodistribution and tumor-accumulation levels of SB-T-1214 using positron emission tomography (PET), a new synthetic route has been developed to allow the incorporation of 11C, a commonly employed positron-emitting radionucleide, via methyl iodide at the last step of chemical synthesis. This synthetic route features a highly stereoselective chiral ester enolate–imine cyclocondensation, regioselective hydrostannation of the resulting β-lactam, and the Stille coupling of the novel vinylstannyl taxoid intermediate with methyl iodide. Conditions have been established to allow...
La responsabilidad frente a los materiales arqueológicos y a su destino final

En la busqueda de una politica institucional frente a los materiales arqueologicos generados por los proyectos de investigacion, este articulo aborda el problema de su acumulacion y las necesidades de espacio que de ello se derivan a lo largo de las diferentes etapas del proceso de estudio, y muy particularmente despues de que un proyecto ha finalizado. La solucion debe responder a las necesidades de conservacion planteadas desde el campo de la arqueologia y las tomas de decision, a su vez, descansar cobre criterios academicos. Dada la cualidad de los materiales como inagotables, estas necesidades adquieren proporciones imposibles, asi que para poder decidir sobre el destino de los vestigios habra que establecer criterios que permitan jerarquizarlos y disenar formas ingeniosas para guardarlos de acuerdo con ese orden y que garanticen varios niveles de accesibilidad y proximidad. Se tocan necesariamente algunos aspectos de la responsabilidad individual y colectiva derivados de la practica profesional y de las funciones que tienen a su cargo las instituciones, especialmente el INAH.
What Would It Take to Prepare Health Care Professionals to Work With Suicidal Persons

The article discusses the training of health care professionals to work with suicidal patients in the U.S. Topics include the lack of evidence regarding how well training programs prepare health providers for detecting and assessing potentially suicidal individuals and providing care or referrals, concerns of medical professionals regarding suicide screening and prevention, and the direct correlation between increased knowledge, enhanced attitudes and greater confidence in medical professionals.
A REVIEW OF RARE-EARTH PERMANENT MAGNETS, APPLICATIONS AND PROSPECTS

The spectrum of modern permanent magnet materials is reviewed, with emphasis on those based on rare earth alloys. Characteristic compositions and the material requirements are identified. Properties of important magnet types and the role of different rare earths in achieving them are discussed. Technological uses for magnets are listed. Future prospects and limitations imposed by magnet properties and materials supply are considered.
Abstract WP392: Ethnic Differences in Post-Stroke Medication Adherence

Background: Post-stroke medication adherence reduces stroke recurrence risk. We assessed ethnic differences in medication adherence 3 months post-stroke in a population-based study, as possible exp...
Optimized Secure Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks

With continuing developments in miniaturization and battery design, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are poised to become common technology in our daily lives. Low cost and flexibility of deployment make WSNs well suited for a wide variety of military, environmental, healthcare, and commercial applications. Some WSN applications, such as monitoring patients in hospitals or weapons targeting in battlefront require endto- end data confidentiality. However, since WSNs are made up of many resource limited sensor nodes, they are typically unable to sustain the high volumes of data transmissions. Using innetwork data aggregation, sensor data from multiple nodes can be combined before being forwarded to neighboring nodes; and thus, energy consumption can be reduced significantly. But in situations where sensor nodes privacy is non-negotiable, data aggregation cannot be implemented at the cost of security. Therefore, there is a strong need for secure data aggregation (SDA) protocols designed to fit the unique properties and considerable constraints of WSNs. Existing end-to-end solutions are either insecure or impractical. In this paper, we propose a novel solution for the secure aggregation of data in WSNs based on probabilistic homomorphic encryption. By combining with a unique encoding function, our solution guarantees the privacy of sensor data, while also greatly reducing communication costs.