cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The brain response to personally familiar faces in autism: findings of fusiform activity and beyond

Past functional MRI (FMRI) studies of autism have reported reduced activation in response to the faces of strangers primarily in the 'fusiform face area' (FFA). An alternative and potentially stronger test of FFA function in autism is one that attempts to affect levels of FFA activity using factors believed to modulate function in this brain region, such as face familiarity and the perception of face identity. The current study presented personally meaningful faces, such as mother and co-worker, as well as stranger faces in a rapid event-related FMRI design. Seven autistic and nine normal control adults participated and pressed a button in response to all female faces. A deconvolution analysis revealed significant FFA activity in response to familiar and stranger faces in both autism and normal control groups. Individuals with autism also showed greater fusiform activity in response to familiar faces than stranger faces, as well as the prototypical right hemisphere dominance in response to both types of faces. Normal subjects showed additional activation to familiar faces in the posterior cingulate, amygdala and medial frontal lobes, including the anterior cingulate. Subjects with autism showed a similar, but more limited, network in response to familiar faces. This network included the amygdala and implies that this structure, involved in multiple socio-emotional functions, can be responsive in autism in the presence of stimuli that represent high reward value, such as mother's face. Furthermore, the presence of a distinct network to process familiar faces in autism, one that included limbic structures and was not found in response to the faces of strangers, suggests socio-emotional processing in autism. A potentially noteworthy trend, however, was evidence for a reduction in medial frontal lobe function in the autism group. The main finding of FFA activity in autism stands in contrast to most past FMRI studies of face processing in this disorder. This positive result may reflect the use of personally significant faces that enhanced attention and motivation in the autistic participants. Furthermore, given the proposed role of the FFA in establishing person identity, the use of almost a dozen different personally familiar faces for each participant (totalling 32 non-repeating faces) may have additionally maximized FFA involvement. Therefore, dysfunction in the FFA found in other studies of autism may reflect defects in systems that modulate the FFA, rather than the FFA itself.
Hexon-modified Recombinant E1-deleted Adenovirus Vectors as Dual Specificity Vaccine Carriers for Influenza Virus

To determine if an ordered and repetitive display of an epitope promoted induction of superior antibody responses, we compared B-cell responses to an influenza A virus epitope that was either encoded as a transgene by an adenovirus (Ad) vector or expressed on the vector's surface. To this end, we constructed a panel of influenza A virus vaccines based on chimpanzee-derived replication-defective adenovirus (AdC) vectors of serotype SAd-V25 also called AdC68. AdC68 vectors were modified to express a linear B-cell epitope of the ectodomain of matrix 2 (M2e) within variable regions 1 (VR1) or 4 (VR4) of the adenovirus hexon. Additional vectors with wild-type or M2e-modified hexon encoded M2e fused to the influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP) as a transgene product. Hexon-modified vectors were tested for immunogenicity and efficacy in mice in comparison to vectors with native hexon expressing the M2e-NP fusion protein. Upon priming, vectors expressing M2e within VR1 of hexon induced M2e-specific antibody responses of higher magnitude and avidity than those carrying M2e within VR4 or vectors expressing the M2e as part of a transgene product. CD8+ T-cell responses to the transgenic NP were comparable between vectors. M2e-specific antibody responses could be boosted by a second dose of the VR1 hexon-modified vector but not by repeated immunization with the VR4 hexon-modified vector.
Double polysilicon plate capacitors with oxide/nitride insulator

The letter describes the fabrication procedure and the electrical properties of a double polysilicon plate capacitor with composite SiO2/Si3N4 insulators. The presence of the Si3N4 layer allows elimination completely of low-voltage breakdown events and reduces the leakage current to the 10?9 A/cm2 level. Different layout configurations are compared based on the evaluation of experimental data.
Approximation algorithms for partitioning a rectangle with interior points

LetR be a rectangle and letP be a set of points located insideR. Our problem consists of introducing a set of line segments of least total length to partition the interior ofR into rectangles. Each rectangle in a valid partition must not contain points fromP as interior points. Since this partitioning problem is computationally intractable (NP-hard), we present efficient approximation algorithms for its solution. The solutions generated by our algorithms are guaranteed to be within three times the optimal solution value. Our algorithm also generates solutions within four times the optimal solution value whenR is a rectilinear polygon. Our algorithm can be generalized to generate good approximation solutions for the case whenR is a rectilinear polygon, there are rectilinear polygonal holes, and the sum of the length of the boundaries is not more than the sum of the length of the edges in an optimal solution.
Thermally associating polypeptides designed for drug delivery produced by genetically engineered cells.

ABSTRACT Thermally associating polymers, including gelatin, cellulose ethers (e.g., Methocels® and poloxamers (e.g., Pluronics®) have a long history of use in pharmacy. Over the past 20 years, significant advances in genetic engineering and the understanding of protein secondary and tertiary structures have been made. This has led to the development of a variety of polypeptides that do not occur naturally but can be expressed in recombinant cells and have useful properties that lend themselves to novel applications where current materials cannot perform. The most intensively studied motifs are derived from the consensus repeats of elastin and silk, as well as coiled-coil helices. Many of these designed polypeptides or ‘artificial proteins’ are thermally associating materials. This property can be exploited to develop solid dosage forms, injectable drug delivery systems, micro- or nanoparticle drug carriers, triggered or targeted release systems, or as a means of simplifying the purification process and thus reducing costs of production of these materials. This review focuses on the development and characterization of this novel class of biomaterials and examines their potential for pharmaceutical applications.
Formation and Detectability of Terrestrial Planets around α Centauri B

We simulate the formation of planetary systems around α Centauri B. The N-body accretionary evolution of a Σ ∝ r−1 disk populated with 400-900 lunar-mass protoplanets is followed for 200 Myr. All simulations lead to the formation of multiple-planet systems with at least one planet in the 1-2 M⊕ mass range at 0.5-1.5 AU. We examine the detectability of our simulated planetary systems by generating synthetic radial velocity observations including noise based on the radial velocity residuals to the recently published three planet fit to the nearby K0 V star HD 69830. Using these synthetic observations, we find that we can reliably detect a 1.8 M⊕ planet in the habitable zone of α Centauri B after only 3 years of high cadence observations. We also find that the planet is detectable even if the radial velocity precision is 3 m s−1, as long as the noise spectrum is white. Our results show that the greatest uncertainty in our ability to detect rocky planets in the α Centauri system is the unknown magnitude of ultralow frequency stellar noise.
Effectiveness of a Supplemental Early Reading Intervention Scaled up in Multiple Schools

This effectiveness study examined a supplemental reading intervention that may be appropriate as one component of a response-to-intervention (RTI) system. First-grade students in 31 schools who were at risk for reading difficulties were randomly assigned to receive Responsive Reading Instruction (RRI; Denton, 2001; Denton & Hocker, 2006; n = 182) or typical school practice (TSP; n = 40). About 43% of the TSP students received an alternate school-provided supplemental reading intervention. Results indicated that the RRI group had significantly higher outcomes than the TSP group on multiple measures of reading. About 91% of RRI students and 79% of TSP students met word reading criteria for adequate intervention response, but considerably fewer met a fluency benchmark.
Latent tuberculosis infection in children: a call for revised treatment guidelines.

BACKGROUND. Guidelines for latent tuberculosis infection do not consider drug-resistance patterns when recommending treatment for immigrant children. OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this research was to decide at what rate of isoniazid resistance a different regimen other than isoniazid for 9 months should be considered. METHODS. We constructed a decision tree by using published data. We studied 3 regimens considered to be effective for susceptible organisms: (1) isoniazid for 9 months, (2) rifampin for 6 months, and (3) isoniazid for 9 months plus rifampin for 6 months. In addition, we evaluated a regimen of isoniazid and rifampin for 3 months. Our base case was a 2-year-old child from Russia with a tuberculin skin test reaction of 12 mm. We assumed a societal perspective and expressed results as cost and cost per case of tuberculosis prevented. We conducted sensitivity analyses to test the stability of our model. RESULTS. In our baseline analysis, rifampin was the least costly treatment regimen for any child arriving from an area with an isoniazid-resistance rate of ≥11%. Treatment with isoniazid plus rifampin was the most effective but would cost more than $1 million per reactivation case prevented. Isoniazid would become the least costly regimen if any of the following thresholds were met: rifampin resistance given isoniazid resistance of more than 82%; rifampin resistance given no isoniazid resistance of >9%; cost of rifampin more than $47/month; effectiveness of rifampin lower than 63%; effectiveness of isoniazid higher than 74%; and cost of pulmonary tuberculosis less than $7661. Isoniazid and rifampin for 3 months was the least costly for all cases from areas with isoniazid resistance of 50% for susceptible bacteria. However, this assumption remains to be proven. CONCLUSION. Because of the high prevalence of isoniazid resistance, rifampin should be considered for children with latent tuberculosis infection originating from countries with >11% isoniazid resistance.
Path tracking of an autonomous underwater vehicle in steering plane using an observer based sliding mode controller

This paper presents an observer based sliding mode control for the path tracking of a class of autonomous underwater vehicles in steering plane. A state feedback sliding mode controller for the path tracking is developed based on the mathematical model of AUV. An observer based sliding mode controller is then developed using a 3rd order observer reducing the need of measurement of states. The proposed control law along with closed loop system stability analysis is provided using Lyapunov stability theorem. It is shown in the numerical simulations that the proposed control law is robust and approaches the performance of state feedback in the presence of parametric uncertainties and model perturbations.
Staff based ideologies in a hemodialysis unit

Abstract This study presents data derived from a field study of a chronic maintenance hemodialysis facility. Three selected social features of this medical setting are analyzed: the time frame of chronic treatment, dealing with the impact of a patient's death and problems of noncompliance. These social features are related to the hospital based ideologies of cure, care and core elaborated by Hans Mauksch. In addition, the grounded theory of awareness of dying from Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss provides an additional theoretical resource for this paper.
Effect of nanoscale thin films of Dy2Fe14B on the magnetic hysteresis characteristics of melt-spun ribbons of Nd2Fe14B

Abstract The effectiveness of nanoscale Dy2Fe14B thin films on coercivity and energy product of melt-spun ribbons of Nd2Fe14B at high temperatures was investigated. It is hypothesized that the nanoscale Dy-thin film will act as an obstacle for the nucleation of reverse domains and also maximize the energy of domain walls and thereby improve the magnetic performance at high temperatures. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of amorphous Dy2Fe14B layers on Nd2Fe14B melt-spun ribbons was performed for a nominal thickness of 40 nm. The coated ribbons were then annealed in environmentally controlled quartz furnace at two different cycles (750 °C for 15 min and 900 °C for 2 h) to cause crystallization. Magnetic hysteresis tests conducted at 300 and 400 K revealed that there is small but consistent improvement in the magnetic properties of the coated ribbons annealed at 750 °C for 15 min. However, higher temperature annealing (900 °C for 2 h) drastically reduced the magnetic properties. The incomplete recrystallization of amorphous structure at 750 °C for 15 min and large grain growth and formation of non-magnetic phases at 900 °C for 2 h are believed to be responsible for not meeting the expected magnetic performance.
The role of national and regional innovation programmes in stimulating international cooperation in innovation

Innovation programmes have direct and indirect effects on enterprise strategies. In this paper we argue that national and regional programmes, not necessarily designed to increase international links, indirectly leverage international collaborative innovation, by providing additional funding, experience in domestic collaboration, and learning about public funding application rules. Our empirical findings confirm a positive (but small) influence of domestic-level programmes on the probability that a firm develops innovation with foreign partners. Implications for policy are multiple, including the need to consider systemic measures of innovation when evaluating the impacts of innovation programmes on firm's behaviour.
Chemical Applications of Topology and Group Theory. 31. Atomic Orbital Graphs and the Shapes of the g and h Orbitals1

Atomic orbitals, which are described by the quantum numbers n, l, and m, can be depicted by an orbital graph in which the vertices correspond to the lobes of the atomic orbitals and the edges to nodes between adjacent lobes of opposite sign. The orbital graph for the unique orbital with m = 0 for a given value of l consists of a linear graph with l + 1 vertices. The orbital graphs for the pair of orbitals with m = ±l consist of polygons with 2l vertices. The orbital graphs for the remaining 2(l − 1) orbitals with 0 < |m| < l consist of a stack of l + 1 − |m| polygons each with |2m| vertices. For a given value of l the atomic orbitals with |m| = k and |m‘| = l + 1 − k have the same numbers of lobes. Orbital graphs are useful for understanding not only the shapes of atomic orbitals of high nodality but also the shapes of the molecular orbitals in molecules approximated by a sphere such as the C60 fullerene.
Out-of-autoclave processing and properties of bismaleimide composites :

*This paper is declared a work of the U.S. Government and is not subject to copyright protection in the United States.The emergence of bismaleimide composites has fulfilled some of the increasing demand for higher temperature performance aeronautics and space exploration vehicles. This study examines and evaluates three bismaleimide matrix resins and two bismaleimide adhesives and reports on the processing properties of these resins and composites by out-of-autoclave–vacuum-bag-only oven processing. Measurements were conducted under various cure cycles to characterize and correlate thermal and viscoelastic properties of the materials. Specimens of all three aged matrix resins exhibited an out-time life up to 30 days when stored at room temperature. Solid and sandwich panels were fabricated with the out-of-autoclave–vacuum-bag-only process. Because of tooling limitations in industry practices, composite fabrication of these bismaleimides was restricted to a maximum 177℃ curing, followed by a free-standing ...
Review: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce the progression of nondiabetic renal disease.

Source Citation Jafar TH, Schmid CH, Landa M, et al., for the ACE Inhibition in Progressive Renal Disease Study Group. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and progression of nondiabetic renal ...
Characteristics of glucosyltransferase from cultures ofStreptococcus mutans 6715 grown in trypticase soy broth and chemically defined media

Streptococcus mutants 6715 was grown in trypticase soy broth and chemically defined media. When compared by cellular mass, DNA content, acid production, or glucosyltransferase (GTase) production, the growth parameters were nearly identical. The doubling time for the organism grown in either medium was approximately 75 min. The extracellular glucosyltransferase produced byS. mutans 6715 grown in both media was purified from the culture supernatant with nearly total recovery and a degree of purification approximately 74-fold. Apparent proteolytic degradation of the enzyme was prevented by nitriloacetate. The temperature effects showed typical loss of enzymatic activity from 37° to 60°C. When the GTase was heated above 60°C there was partial restoration of activity. Immunological studies were used to establish the relationship between the enzymatically active proteins separated by gel filtration chromatography.
Predictors of suicidal ideation among depressed veterans and the interpersonal theory of suicide

BACKGROUND: We assessed whether key constructs of the interpersonal theory of suicide were associated with suicidal ideation in depressed US Veterans. METHODS: 443 patients of the Veterans Health Administration diagnosed with a depressive disorder completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, and Beck Hopelessness Scale, from which we derived measures of burdensomeness, belongingness, and hopelessness consistent with the interpersonal theory of suicide. Measures of active and passive suicidal ideation were constructed from the Beck Suicide Scale and Beck Depression Inventory obtained at baseline and 3-months follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of passive and active suicidal ideation while adjusting for demographic characteristics and somatic-affective symptoms of depression (e.g., anhedonia, insomnia). RESULTS: Burdensomeness and hopelessness were significantly associated with passive suicidal ideation at baseline and 3 months follow-up, but belongingness and the interaction between belongingness and burdensomeness were not significant predictors as proposed by the interpersonal theory of suicide. Somatic-affective depressive symptoms, but not any of the main effects predicted by the interpersonal theory of suicide or their interactions, were associated with active suicidal ideation at baseline. No factors were consistently associated with active suicidal ideation at 3 months follow-up. LIMITATIONS: The measure of burdensomeness used in this study only partially represents the construct described by the interpersonal theory of suicide. CONCLUSION: We found little support for the predictions of the interpersonal theory of suicide. Hopelessness appears to be an important determinant of passive suicidal ideation, while somatic-affective depression symptoms may be a key contributor to active suicidal ideation. Language: en
Comparison of the ocular hypotensive efficacy of eicosanoids and related compounds.

Abstract It has recently been shown that prostaglandin (PG)E 2 or F 2α reduces the intraocular pressure (IOP) of cats and primates when applied topically to the eye in very small doses, and that reduced IOP can be maintained in these species as long as the topical application of one of these PGs is repeated daily or twice daily. In the present study the ocular hypotensive efficacy and some of the ocular side-effects of 15 eicosanoids and related compounds, especially derivatives of PGF 2α , were compared and were also compared to some clinically used ocular hypotensive agents. Derivatives of PGF 2α were found that had short-term and long-term ocular hypotensive potencies some 10- to 50-fold greater than PGF 2α itself.
Probe-based recording technology

The invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) prompted researchers to contemplate whether such technology could be used as the basis for the storage and retrieval of information. With magnetic data storage technology facing limits in storage density due to the thermal instability of magnetic bits, the super-paramagnetic limit, the heir-apparent for information storage at higher densities appeared to be variants of the STM or similar probe-based storage techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM). Among these other techniques that could provide replacement technology for magnetic storage, near-field optical scanning optical microscopy (NSOM or SNOM) has also been investigated. Another alternative probe-based storage technology called atomic resolution storage (ARS) is also currently under development. An overview of these various technologies is herein presented, with an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages inherent in each particularly with respect to reduced device dimensions. The role of micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) is emphasized.
Action-specific influences on distance perception: A role for motor simulation.

Perception is influenced by the perceiver's ability to perform intended actions. For example, when people intend to reach with a tool to targets that are just beyond arm's reach, the targets look closer than when they intend to reach without the tool (J. K. Witt, D. R. Proffitt, & W. Epstein, 2005). This is one of several examples demonstrating that behavioral potential affects perception. However, the action-specific processes that are involved in relating the person's abilities to perception have yet to be explored. Four experiments are presented that implicate motor simulation as a mediator of these effects. When a perceiver intends to perform an action, the perceiver runs a motor simulation of that action. The perceiver's ability to perform the action, as determined by the outcome of the simulation, influences perceived distance.
Visual haskell: a full-featured haskell development environment

We describe the design and implementation of a full-featured Haskell development environment, based on Microsoft's extensible Visual Studio environment.Visual Haskell provides a number of features not found in existing Haskell development environments: interactive error-checking, displaying of inferred types in the editor, and other features based on static properties of the source code. Visual Haskell also provides full support for developing and building multi-module Haskell projects, based on the Cabal architecture. Visual Haskell supports the full GHC language, and can be used to develop real Haskell applications (including the code of the plugin itself).Visual Haskell has driven developments in other Haskell-related projects: Cabal, the Concurrent FFI extension, and an API to allow programmatic access to GHC itself. Furthermore, development of the Visual Haskell plugin required industrial-strength foreign language interoperability; we describe all our experiences in detail.
Can Design Improve Construction Safety?: Assessing the Impact of a Collaborative Safety-in-Design Process

This paper analyzes the impact of a large-scale safety-in-design initiative during the design and construction of a semiconductor manufacturing facility in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Drawing on multiple data sources including individual interviews, group interviews, construction documentation, and an expert panel involved in the initiative, the writers identify 26 potential design changes on the project and assess the importance of timing, trade contractor involvement, and the type of design change in determining whether a proposed design change was ultimately integrated into the final construction plans. The writers further consider whether adopted design changes would have occurred in the absence of the safety-in-design initiative and whether the accepted design changes ultimately impacted construction site safety on the project. This analysis of a full-scale safety-in-design initiative provides important insights into how injury prevention efforts in the construction industry can begin upstream by involving designers, engineers, and trade contractors in preconstruction processes.
Use Of Lasers At The Los Alamos Hot Cell Facility

An optical profilometer that uses a Techmet LaserMike scanning, focused, laser-beam, optical micrometer is installed in a remote alpha-gamma containment cell at the Los Alamos Hot-Cell Facility. A hot-cell extension chamber provides the nominal 30-cm (12-in.) working distance required by the LaserMike and, at the same time, keeps the LaserMike components outside the high-radiation-containment environment. This system provides measurement accuracy better than +- 5 ..mu..m (0.0002 in.) on diameters between 2 and 13 mm (0.88 and 0.5 in.) at a rate of 33 measurements per second. The Hot-Cell Facility also uses a Korad 20-J-output ruby pulsed laser to drill a hole in reactor-fuel-element cladding to sample fission gas. The laser is then used to reweld the hole so that the fuel element will not be contaminated and may be stored without an alpha-containment barrier. The wall thickness of the fuel elements sampled varies from 0.25 to 0.50 mm (0.010 to 0.020 in.).
Effect of acidity on secondary organic aerosol formation from isoprene.

The effect of particle-phase acidity on secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from isoprene is investigated in a laboratory chamber study, in which the acidity of the inorganic seed aerosol was controlled systematically. The observed enhancement in SOA mass concentration is closely correlated to increasing aerosol acidity (R2 = 0.979). Direct chemical evidence for acid-catalyzed particle-phase reactions was obtained from the SOA chemical analyses. Aerosol mass concentrations for the 2-methyltetrols, as well as the newly identified sulfate esters, both of which serve as tracers for isoprene SOA in ambient aerosols, increased significantly with enhanced aerosol acidity. Aerosol acidities, as measured in nmol of H+ m-3, employed in the present study are in the same range as those observed in tropospheric aerosol collected from the eastern U.S.
Image denoising using a local Gaussian scale mixture model in the wavelet domain

The statistics of photographic images, when decomposed in a multiscale wavelet basis, exhibit striking non-Gaussian behaviors. The joint densities of clusters of wavelet coefficients are well-described as a Gaussian scale mixture: a jointly Gaussian vector multiplied by a hidden scaling variable. We develop a maximum likelihood solution for estimating the hidden variable from an observation of the cluster of coefficients contaminated by additive Gaussian noise. The estimated hidden variable is then used to estimate the original noise-free coefficients. We demonstrate the power of this model through numerical simulations of image denoising.
Does the Alcohol Make Them Do It? Dating Violence Perpetration and Drinking Among Youth

Strong evidence links alcohol use to partner violence perpetration among adults, but the relation between youth alcohol use and dating violence perpetration (DVP) is not as well studied. The authors used meta-analytic procedures to evaluate current knowledge on the association between alcohol use and DVP among youth. The authors reviewed 28 studies published in 1985-2010; most (82%) were cross-sectional. Alcohol use was measured in 3 main ways: 1) frequency or quantity of use, 2) frequency of heavy episodic drinking, or 3) problem use. Collectively, results support the conclusion that higher levels of alcohol use are positively associated with youth DVP. With fixed-effects models, the combined odds ratios for DVP for frequency/quantity, heavy episodic drinking, and problem use were 1.23 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 1.31), 1.47 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.85), and 2.33 (95% CI: 1.94, 2.80), respectively. This association persisted even after accounting for heterogeneity and publication bias. No studies were designed to assess the immediate temporal association between drinking and DVP. Future research should assess whether there are acute or pharmacologic effects of alcohol use on youth DVP. Furthermore, few studies have been hypothesis driven, controlled for potential confounding, or examined potential effect measure modification. Studies designed to investigate the youth alcohol-DVP link specifically, and whether results vary by individuals' gender, developmental stage, or culture, are needed.
Relationships between optimum stimulation level and willingness to use mass customisation options

Mass customisation, defined as the mass production of individually customised goods and services, aims at providing products and services that are more suited to the needs or desires of today’s fragmented consumer markets. Mass customisers should identify how needs or desires of the fragmented market shape the customisation of not just the product and service, but also the mass customisation experience. Towards this end, the authors examined whether an individual’s preferred level for environmental stimulation defined as optimum stimulation level (OSL) was associated with the types of products, services and experiences desired from mass customisation of apparel. As the authors hypothesised, OSL had significant positive correlations with willingness to use co‐design services to create a unique design, trying co‐design as an exciting experience, overall commitment to using co‐design, and trying body scanning as an exciting experience. OSL did not have significant correlations with the more banal willingness to use body scanning services for better fitting products or overall commitment to using body scanning. There was also a significant positive correlation between OSL and interest in customising experiential products, but not between OSL and interest in customising utilitarian products, as hypothesised. Results support research of the influence of OSL on consumer behaviour. Implications for the industry include considering experience aspects and environmental stimulation when developing a mass customisation programme.
Space-time code. V

The concept of a quantum dynamics is recapitulated. The Dirac equation is obtained from a pure quantum dynamics as the limit of classical time. The theory is defective in projective gauge invariance and semantic consistency, but illustrates the relation between dynamical and experimental elements of q dynamics, and is finite, Lorentz-invariant, and local.
Factors affecting the volatilization of dimethylselenide by Enterobacter cloacae SLD1a-1

Abstract The facultative anaerobic bacterium Enterobacter cloacae SLD1a-1 (ATCC 700258), capable of reducing selenate (SeO 4 2− ) and selenite (SeO 3 2− ) to elemental selenium (Se 0 ), was found to volatilize dimethylselenide (DMSe) in the presence of SeO 3 2− . The effect of temperature, pH and electrical conductivity (EC) on the ability of E. cloacae SLD1a-1 to methylate selenium (Se) were investigated in a liquid medium of tryptic soy broth containing 10 μM SeO 3 2− . Optimum Se volatilization occurred at a pH, temperature and EC of 6.5, 35°C and 11 dS m −1 , respectively. Volatilization of Se was also found to be concentration dependent, as E. cloacae SLD1a-1 produced 11.3 times more DMSe at a SeO 3 2− concentration of 10 μM than at 1.0 μM. By determining the optimum environmental conditions which stimulate Se volatilization, it may be possible to design a strategy to remediate seleniferous water.
Do Augmentative and Alternative Communication Interventions Really Make a Difference?: The Challenges of Efficacy Research

The empirical evidence to support the efficacy of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions is still quite limited. Further efficacy research is urgently needed to establish best practices, maximize outcomes, ensure accountability, and justify cost. However, conducting efficacy research in the AAC field poses significant challenges because of the heterogeneity of the population of AAC users, the complexity of AAC systems and interventions, and the intricacies of the communication process. This paper discusses some of the challenges confronted when conducting AAC efficacy research—challenges in defining meaningful research questions, determining appropriate methods to investigate these questions, and analyzing the results or outcomes of efficacy research. Some potential solutions to these challenges are discussed and illustrated using examples from current efficacy research on AAC interventions to build communicative competence.
Lipoblastomatosis : ultrastructure of two cases and relationship to human fetal white adipose tissue

Two cases of lipoblastomatosis were examined by electron microscopy. In each there was a spectrum of adipose cell differentiation from mature adipocytes to undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. The cells had various shapes and were loosely related to one another and to small blood vessels in a stroma containing sparse collagen and proteoglycan granules. Adipocytes and lipoblasts had a discrete basal lamina but this was absent in immature mesenchymal cells, which had prominent intermediate (10-nm) microfilaments and few or no lipid droplets. Neither case had foci resembling brown adipose tissue or hibernoma (large polyponal cells closely apposed to one another and to capillaries with densely packed pleomorphic mitochondria and focal undulating plasmalemmal invaginations). Both the ultrastructure of lipoblastomatosis and its characteristic loose lobular arrangement by light microscopy closely resemble human fetal “white” adipose tissue.
The first graphite intercalation compounds containing tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate

Abstract Graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) containing the tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate anion, [(C 2 F 5 ) 3 PF 3 ] − are prepared for the first time by electrochemical oxidation of graphite in a nitromethane electrolyte. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data indicate that products are of stages 2–4 with gallery heights of 0.82–0.86 nm. Intercalate orientation is determined by using a structure model containing an energy minimized anion. GIC compositional parameters are obtained by microwave digestion followed by F elemental analysis, in combination with thermogravimetric analyses.
Craniofacial Reconstruction Following Oncologic Resection

The ability to reliably reconstruct complex and sizable wounds has decreased the morbidity of skull base surgery substantially, preventing major complications and allowing treatment of tumors previously considered inoperable. Addressing facial nerve function with static and dynamic procedures as well as fabrication of craniofacial prostheses to replace delicate facial landmarks has further increased surgeons' ability to restore the appearance and function of the face.
SOLUBILIZATION OF INORGANIC PHOSPHATES BY BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM UPPER KLAMATH LAKE SEDIMENT1

Bacteria that can solubilize FePOe, Ca,( POd)z, CaHPOr, Ah( PO4 )z, and Mg,( PO, )2 were isolated from the sediment of Upper Klamath Lake. Solubilization was associated with carbohydrate metabolism and aerobic growth. Both carbohydrates and products of algal lysis when added to the system stimulated solubilization of phosphates. Solubilization was attributed to the formation of organic acids that function as chelating agents, releasing free phosphate ions that can be utilizid by algae,
Web-Based Contracts: You Could Be Burned!

The Internet is the new Wild West for companies venturing into Web-based commerce. Someone can consent to complex electronic agreements with a simple mouse click. But what must you know so you don't get burned? © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human intravenous injection of β-cyfluthrin with minimal toxic effects

A 28-year-old man presented to the emergency department (ED) 20 minutes after injecting 20 mL of an insecticide containing 0.05% β-cyfluthrin. Upon presentation, he had no complaints; and vital signs demonstrated a sinus tachycardia of 150 beats per minute, blood pressure of 140/65 mm Hg, no fever, and a normal respiratory rate. Further physical examination was notable only for the lack of tremor and the presence of a left antecubital recent injection site. The patient denied use of other drugs that day, but admitted to recent use of methamphetamine. He was taking oxcarbazepine, lurasidone, and venlafaxine for reported bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia. The ED evaluation included an electrocardiogram demonstrating sinus tachycardia, undetectable acetaminophen and salicylate levels, and a urine drug screen that was positive for methamphetamine and tetrahydrocannabinol. The patient was treated with an intravenous fluid bolus of 2000 mL and observed in the ED. Over the course of the subsequent 3 hours, his pulse rate went down to 90/min. He remained asymptomatic and was transferred to the Psychiatric Assessment Unit after approximately 6 hours of observation. We present the first published case of cyfluthrin parenteral human injection. Although this patient experienced a benign clinical course, vigilance for pyrethroid toxic effects such as seizures, severe tremors, diaphoresis, and choreoathetosis is paramount.
Alterations in zooplankton community structure after selenium-induced replacement of a fish community : a natural whole-lake experiment

Most of the fish species in Belews Lake, a cooling reservoir in the Piedmont area of North Carolina (USA), were eliminated in 1976–77 because of selenium poisoning. Zooplankton samples collected in 1974–75, prior to the fish kill, when the lake's fauna included a regionally-typical assemblage of piscivores and planktivores at a density of 14000 ha−1, were compared to those collected in 1984–86, when the piscine community was dominated by three planktivorous fish (Notropis lutrensis, Pimephales promelas and Gambusia affinis) at a density of 28000 ha−1. Zooplankton diversity was similar in 1984–86 compared to that in 1974–75. However, densities of the predominant cladocerans (Bosmina longirostris, Pseudosida bidentata, Ceriodaphnia pulchella, Holopedium amazonicum, Daphnia parvula, D. ambigua) and copepods (Diacyclops thomasi, Mesocyclops edax, Tropocyclops prasinus, Skistodiaptomus pallidus, S. reighardi) declined, though the magnitude of the reduction was greatest for the cladocerans and S. reighardi. Densities of copepod nauplii and rotifers also decreased markedly. No colonizations or extinctions of crustacean species occurred between 1975 and 1986. Thus, while crustacean species richness (n = 18 species) remained the same, the relative proportions of individual species changed dramatically, most notably among the Cladocera. The observed changes in crustacean species densities and dominance are attributed to the replacement of the regionally-typical fish fauna by one consisting primarily of planktivores.
Model of Transformation Toughening in Brittle Materials

Assuming that the energy dissipation decreases inversely with distance from the crack tip, the increase in steady-state toughness of a transformation-toughened ceramic is estimated to be AJ = (AJ,/w) In (1 + w), where (i) AJo denotes the toughness increment which would be expected for a given zone height h, assuming full transformation throughout the zone, and (ii) w is a nondimensional parameter giving the ratio of the inelastic transformation strain (for full transformation) to the initial elastic strain at the onset of transformation. This estimate extends the earlier result of McMeeking and Evans (1982) in two significant respects: (i) the transformation strain may include a shear component, instead of being purely dilatational, and (ii) the range of w is now unrestricted, whereas the McMeeking and Evans approach strictly applies only in the weak transformation limit, w << 1. The height of the inner zone hi within which transformation has proceeded to completion (or saturation) is estimated to be hi = hJ(1 + w). Experimental data of Mg-PSZ and Ce-TZP can be quantitatively accounted for using this approximate model, which is also in very good agreement with the rigorous finite-element results of Budiansky, Hutchinson, and Lambropoulos in the special case of sub
Negative index Clarricoats-Waldron waveguides for terahertz and far infrared applications

We explore a class of dielectrically loaded metallic waveguides capable of supporting negative index modes in the far infrared and terahertz regime. Principles of operation, modal structure and appropriate coupling schemes are analytically and numerically investigated. The extreme simplicity of the proposed design, along with the non-conventional and counter intuitive electromagnetic properties of this family of waveguides, makes these structures excellent candidates for the practical realization of negative index far infrared and terahertz devices with new and interesting functionalities. Generalizations and extensions of the suggested design are also discussed.
The octomorphic criterion for multiple-block-structured real parameter uncertainty: real-/spl mu/ bounds without circles and D, N-scales

Introduces new bounds for robust stability analysis with multiple-block-structured real parameter uncertainty. The approach is based on an absolute stability criterion which excludes the Nyquist plot from a paraboloidal region containing the point -1+/spl Jscr/0. Transformation of this criterion to the case of norm-bounded uncertainty leads to a stability criterion in terms of the octomorphic, or figure-eight-shaped, region. The requirement that the Nyquist plot lie inside the octomorphic region thus yields a bound on the allowable real parameter uncertainty. This stability criterion is distinct from previous bounds for real-/spl mu/ which involve frequency-dependent scales having a frequency-dependent, off-axis circle interpretation. Since the octomorphic region includes both upper and lower halves, it is able to encompass the entire Nyquist plot without using frequency-dependent scales. >
Infant and Early Childhood Exposure to Adult-Directed and Child-Directed Television Programming: Relations with Cognitive Skills at Age Four

This study described the relations among the amount of child-directed versus adult-directed television exposure at ages 1 and 4 with cognitive outcomes at age 4. Sixty parents completed 24-hour television diaries when their children were 1 and 4 years of age. At age 4, their children also completed a series of cognitive measures and parents completed an assessment of their children's executive functioning skills. High levels of exposure to programs designed for adults during both infancy and at age 4, and high levels of household television use at age 4, were all associated with poorer executive functioning at age 4. High exposure to television programs designed for adults during the preschool years was also associated with poorer cognitive outcomes at age 4. In contrast, exposure to television programs designed for young children at either time point was not associated with any outcome measure at age 4. These results suggest that exposure to child-directed versus adult-directed television content is an important factor in understanding the relation between media exposure and developmental outcomes.
Characterization of cell lysis events on a microfluidic device for high-throughput single cell analysis.

A microfluidic device capable of rapidly analyzing cells in a high-throughput fashion using electrical cell lysis is further characterized. In the experiments performed, cell lysis events were studied using an EMCCD camera with high frame rate (> 100 fps) data collection. It was found that, with this microfluidic design, the path that a cell follows through the electric field affects the amount of lysate injected into the analysis channel. Elimination of variable flow paths through the electric field was achieved by coating the analysis channel with a polyamine compound to reverse the electroosmotic flow (EOF). EOF reversal forced the cells to take the same path through the electric field. The improved control of the cell trajectory will reduce device-imposed bias on the analysis and maximizes the amount of lysate injected into the analysis channel for each cell, resulting in improved analyte detection capabilities.
Sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine triphosphatase: labeling of an essential lysyl residue with pyridoxal-5'-phosphate.

Abstract Incubation of sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes (SR) with pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) followed by NaBH4 reduction results in a progressive loss of calcium-dependent ATPase activity. The rate constants and extents of inactivation are not linear functions of the PLP concentration; rather, saturation behavior is implied. The data are consistent with the scheme where K1 is the dissociation constant of the SR·PLP complex and k2 and k−2 are the rate constants for the formation and breakdown of the Schiff base SR = PLP, which can be irreversibly reduced to SR-PLP with NaBH4. K1, k2, and k−2 are, respectively, 1.5 m m , 1.8 min−1, and 0.37 min−1. In the presence of Ca-ATP, no decrease in activity occurs in 60 min; Mg-ATP exerts a similar but less pronounced protective effect. Pyridoxal is considerably less effective than PLP. The number of PLP/ATPase incorporated at early stages of the reaction is proportional to the loss of ATPase activity and extrapolates to about one at zero activity. Variation in the difference between the presence and absence of ATP is similar, also extrapolating to one PLP/ATPase. (The data also show that slower reaction at nonessential sites occurs.) That this single residue is a lysine is indicated by paper chromatography of acid hydrolysates. Tryptic digestion of PLP-NaB3H4-reacted SR followed by gel electrophoresis indicates that this lysyl residue is located in the ATPase fragment of 30,000 molecular weight.
Accurate computation of surface stresses and forces with immersed boundary methods

Many immersed boundary methods solve for surface stresses that impose the velocity boundary conditions on an immersed body. These surface stresses may contain spurious oscillations that make them ill-suited for representing the physical surface stresses on the body. Moreover, these inaccurate stresses often lead to unphysical oscillations in the history of integrated surface forces such as the coefficient of lift. While the errors in the surface stresses and forces do not necessarily affect the convergence of the velocity field, it is desirable, especially in fluid-structure interaction problems, to obtain smooth and convergent stress distributions on the surface. To this end, we show that the equation for the surface stresses is an integral equation of the first kind whose ill-posedness is the source of spurious oscillations in the stresses. We also demonstrate that for sufficiently smooth delta functions, the oscillations may be filtered out to obtain physically accurate surface stresses. The filtering is applied as a post-processing procedure, so that the convergence of the velocity field is unaffected. We demonstrate the efficacy of the method by computing stresses and forces that converge to the physical stresses and forces for several test problems.