cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimizing electrical poling for tetragonal, lead-free BZT–BCT piezoceramic alloys

The piezoelectric properties of tetragonal BZT–BCT materials have been shown to be improved by using the field cooling poling method. It is shown that the piezoelectric coefficient of tetragonal BZT–BCT materials increases with higher poling temperature, and the optimum poling temperature lies near the Curie temperatures for a broad range of compositions. It is also observed from in situ X-ray diffraction measurements with an applied electric field that the magnitude of domain alignment is enhanced with electrical poling at higher electric fields, whereas the remnant ferroelastic domain texture is not affected. Furthermore, these results show a direct correlation between the development of internal bias field, which is induced by the accumulation of defect charge carriers, and the enhanced piezoelectric coefficient. These observations suggest an important role played by the alignment of defect charge carriers in achieving optimum piezoelectric coefficient in lead-free piezoelectric ceramics.
Celebrating Britton Chance.

This PDF file contains the editorial “Guest Editorial: Special Issue Celebrating Britton Chance” for JBO Vol. 5 Issue 02
VANDERGRIFT, LARRY, & CHRISTINE C. M. GOH. Teaching and Learning Second Language Listening: Metacognition in Action. New York: Routledge, 2012. Pp 315. $44.95, paper. ISBN 978–0–415–88372.

The article reviews the book "Teaching and Learning Second Language Listening: Metacognition in Action" by Larry Vandergrift and Christine C.M. Goh.
Molecular Combing For Stretching Single-Stranded Phage Genomes on Conductive Graphite Surfaces

We have developed a method for stretching phage deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs) on a conductive graphite surface and imaging them with nanometer-scale resolution employing atomic force microscopy (AFM). This method depends on careful control of the graphite surface charge, appropriate selection of the ionic strength of the DNA solution, and controlled translation of a droplet of DNA solution along the surface. The single-stranded (ss)-lambda phage DNA (up to 23130 bases) and the PhiX174 DNA (5386 bases) molecules have been elongated by dragging the meniscus on the flat highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface and manipulating the surface tension between the DNA solution and the substrate. The precise positioning and stretching of DNA molecules combined with ultrahigh-resolution methods such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and AFM provide intriguing new opportunities for direct electronic sequencing of DNA.
Social implications of industrial robots: Project design and preliminary hypotheses

The Battelle Institute e.V., Frankfurt in co‐operation with IPA, Stuttgart, is carrying out a project sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Research and Technology: “Social Implications of the Introduction of Industrial Robots into the Production Process”.
Optimal test access architectures for system-on-a-chip

Test access is a major problem for core-based system-on-a-chip (SOC) designs. Since embedded cores in an SOC are not directly accessible via chip inputs and outputs, special access mechanisms are required to test them at the system level. An efficient test access architecture should also reduce test cost by minimizing test application time. We address several issues related to the design of optimal test access architectures that minimize testing time., including the assignment of cores to test buses, distribution of test data width between multiple test buses, and analysis of test data width required to satisfy an upper bound on the testing time. Even though the decision versions of all these problems are shown to be NP-complete, they can be solved exactly for practical instances using integer linear programming (ILP). As a case study, the ILP models for two hypothetical but nontrivial systems are solved using a public-domain ILP software package.
A comparison of four office chairs using biomechanical measures.

Objective: The authors sought to use biomechanical measures, including motion and pressure, to compare four office chairs. Background: The fit of a person to a chair is related to the geometric and kinematic compatibility between the two. This geometric compatibility influences the motions that are allowed or prohibited and the support pressures at the body-chair interface. Thus, during evaluation, it is necessary to treat the chair and user as a system. Method: Four dynamic test conditions were evaluated with 14 participants of varying anthropometries. Test conditions were selected to compare the ability to accommodate primary and secondary motions (recline and spinal articulation) of seated occupants. The ability of a chair to allow recline, yet maintain head and hand positions, was compared across chairs. Also, the ability of each chair to allow and support spinal articulation was evaluated. Motion data for the chair, head, thorax, pelvis, and extremities were collected along with chair back pressures....
Magnetic field line draping in the plasma depletion layer

Simultaneous IMP 8 solar wind and ISEE 1/2 observations for a northern dawn ISEE 1/2 magnetopause crossing on November 6, 1977. During this crossing, ISEE 1/2 observed quasi-periodic pulses of magnetosheathlike plasma on northward magnetic field lines. The ISEE 1/2 observations were originally interpreted as evidence for strong diffusion of magnetosheath plasma across the magnetopause and the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the inner edge of the low-latitude boundary layer. An alternate explanation, in terms of magnetic field merging and flux transfer events, has also been advocated. In this paper, a third interpretation is proposed in terms of quasi-periodic magnetopause motion which causes the satellites to repeatedly exit the magnetosphere and observe draped northward magnetosheath magnetic field lines in the plasma depletion layer.
Readsorption and Adsorption-Assisted Desorption of CO2 on Basic Solids

The desorption of 13CO2 from the surface of basic oxides based on modified MgO was examined at conditions of chemical equilibrium using a 13CO2/12CO2 isotopic switch method. 13CO2 desorption rates ...
Advanced Motion Estimation Techniques for VC-1

The SMPTE standard 421 M, commonly known as VC-1, is a state-of-the-art video compression format that provides highly competitive video quality, from very low through very high bit rates, at a reasonable computational complexity. VC-1 has many differences previous standards such as MPEG-2 and H.264/AVC. In this paper, we implement four different motion estimation techniques. These techniques are well known in the video compression world, but have a different effect on each video codec. The effect in VC-1 is shown as an increase in speed and a gain, on average, in the signal-to-noise ratio.
Elevated levels of 2',5'-linked oligoadenylate-dependent ribonuclease L occur as an early event in colorectal tumorigenesis

RNA decay in IFN-treated cells is controlled by 2'5'-linked oligoadenylate (2-5A)-dependent RNase (RNase L), a uniquely regulated endoribonuclease that requires short 5'-phosphorylated, 2-5A for its activity. Because RNase L is also implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, we monitored its expression in colorectal adenocarcinomas and noncancerous polyps from familial adenomatous polyposis patients. Elevated levels of RNase L mRNA and activity were found in 17 of 20 tumors compared with corresponding normal mucosa. An mAb against RNase L revealed elevated amounts of this RNase in sections of the tumors, largely in the base of the villi. The occurrence of elevated levels of RNase L seems to be an early event in colorectal tumorigenesis, suggesting that control of RNA turnover is an important step in tumor progression. These data also indicate that regulating RNase L activity may be a useful strategy in treating colorectal carcinomas.
Trade and international telecommunications policy

Development of trade rules for international telecommunications within the ongoing General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) negotiations and the recently- concluded North American Free Trade Agreement represent a significant shift in policymaking. Historically, telecommunication has been the responsibility of national governmental authorities, whether through public sector service provision or regulation. However, the increasing incorporation of communication and information resources into the transnational corporate economy in the past two decades has prompted efforts to shift control to the private sector. This study analyses the impact of a trade framework for telecommunications services on international and national policy-making.
The syntax of immune-neuroendocrine communication

There is now overwhelming evidence that cytokines, peptide hormones and neurotransmitters, as well as their receptors, are endogenous to the brain, endocrine and immune systems. Here, Edwin Blalock discusses how these shared ligands and receptors are used as a common chemical language for communication within and between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. Such communication suggests an immunoregulatory role for the brain and a sensory function for the immune system. A clearer understanding of this circuitry is dramatically altering our understanding of physiology and may profoundly affect the treatment of human disease.
Decreased brain volume in adults with childhood lead exposure.

Background Although environmental lead exposure is associated with significant deficits in cognition, executive functions, social behaviors, and motor abilities, the neuroanatomical basis for these impairments remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the relationship between childhood lead exposure and adult brain volume using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We also explored how volume changes correlate with historic neuropsychological assessments. Methods and Findings Volumetric analyses of whole brain MRI data revealed significant decreases in brain volume associated with childhood blood lead concentrations. Using conservative, minimum contiguous cluster size and statistical criteria (700 voxels, unadjusted p , 0.001), approximately 1.2% of the total gray matter was significantly and inversely associated with mean childhood blood lead concentration. The most affected regions included frontal gray matter, specifically the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Areas of lead-associated gray matter volume loss were much larger and more significant in men than women. We found that fine motor factor scores positively correlated with gray matter volume in the cerebellar hemispheres; adding blood lead concentrations as a variable to the model attenuated this correlation. Conclusions Childhood lead exposure is associated with region-specific reductions in adult gray matter volume. Affected regions include the portions of the prefrontal cortex and ACC responsible for executive functions, mood regulation, and decision-making. These neuroanatomical findings were more pronounced for males, suggesting that lead-related atrophic changes have a disparate impact across sexes. This analysis suggests that adverse cognitive and behavioral outcomes may be related to lead’s effect on brain development producing persistent alterations in structure. Using a simple model, we found that blood lead concentration mediates brain volume and fine motor function. The Editors’ Summary of this article follows the references.
Analysis of VH251 Gene Mutation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Normal B‐Cell Subsetsa

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the malignant, monoclonal equivalent of a human CD5+ B cell. Previous studies have shown that the VH and VL genes rearranged and/or expressed in CLL have low and random mutations. In this study, however, we have found that the rearranged VH251 gene, one of the three-membered VH5 family, has extensive and selective mutations in B-CLL cells. Somatic mutation at the nucleotide level is 6.03%, and there is a high ratio of replacement to silent mutation in CDRs relative to FWRs. CDR1 mutation is particularly prevalent, and interchanges often lead to acquisition of charge. In VH251 rearranged in CD5+ and CD5- cord-blood B cells, adult peripheral-blood B cells and EBV-transformed CD5+ B-cell lines, the somatic mutation levels are much lower (0.45%, 0.93%, and 1.92%, respectively) with concomitantly lower replacement to silent ratios in CDRs relative to FWRs. The extensive and highly selective somatic mutation of VH251 used in CD5+ CLL cells strongly suggests that part of CLL is generated under the influence of antigen selection and stimulation.
Measurement of sVEGF R1 and PlGF in Serum: Comparing Prototype Assays from Beckman Coulter, Inc. to R&D Systems Microplate Assays

Objective. To compare the performance of prototype Access® sVEGF R1 and PlGF automated immunoassays from Beckman Coulter to the Quantikine® microplate ELISA assays by R&D Systems. Methods. Samples obtained from pregnant women, non-pregnant women and men were assayed according to manufacturers' instructions. Results. Compared to the Quantikine assays, the Access assays demonstrated improved precision, increased sensitivity, broader dynamic ranges, and reduced analysis time. The Access assays were found to be specific for free sVEGF R1 and free PlGF. Conclusion. There was good correlation between the Access and Quantikine assays. Superior performance by Access assays may have important prenatal diagnostic implications.
Insect olfactory coding and memory at multiple timescales

Insects can learn, allowing them great flexibility for locating seasonal food sources and avoiding wily predators. Because insects are relatively simple and accessible to manipulation, they provide good experimental preparations for exploring mechanisms underlying sensory coding and memory. Here we review how the intertwining of memory with computation enables the coding, decoding, and storage of sensory experience at various stages of the insect olfactory system. Individual parts of this system are capable of multiplexing memories at different timescales, and conversely, memory on a given timescale can be distributed across different parts of the circuit. Our sampling of the olfactory system emphasizes the diversity of memories, and the importance of understanding these memories in the context of computations performed by different parts of a sensory system.
Understanding Patterns of Technology Evolution: An Ecosystem Perspective

Understanding the dynamics of technology evolution — whether for the purposes of forecasting new product or technology infrastructure developments, or identifying the basis for future digital convergence in the global market— is a key challenge for innovators, senior managers, and policymakers. This research provides an overview of a new ecosystem model of technology evolution, the purpose of which is to structure these kinds of assessments and suggest reusable analysis structures to ensure that total environment of technological innovation is considered. We use examples from the end-user computing context and the electronics industry to identify five patterns of technology evolution that commonly occur. We also develop a state diagram-based approach to demonstrate the cyclical nature of technology evolution. Finally, we illustrate our findings using a case study on digital music technologies.
Production planning and quality of service allocation across the supply chain in a dynamic lead time model

We propose a supply chain (SC) production planning methodology optimizing inventory costs under quality of service (QoS) guarantees. Non-linear Clearing Functions are estimated using explicit models of stochastic production dynamics. A minimum inventory cost production plan is obtained subject to desired QoS guarantees. The proposed methodology employs time scale driven decomposition of the original problem to (i) a large time scale (e.g. week) planning master problem and (ii) short time scale (e.g. hour) facility-specific sub-problems estimating WIP and IFI levels and associated sensitivity information with respect to tentative master problem decisions. Computational experience and Monte Carlo simulation verification of the accuracy of the proposed SC production planning methodology is presented to demonstrate its potential effectiveness relative to industry practice.
American presidential Machiavellianism: Implications for charismatic leadership and rated performance

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to study the relationships among American presidential Machiavellianism, charismatic leadership, and rated performance. Using historiometric methodology, raters assessed Machiavellianism in unidentified profiles describing 39 American presidents (Washington to Reagan). Archival sources were used for two close and two distant presidential charismatic leadership measures, two performance assessments, and four control variables. Hierarchical regression analyses confirmed the predictions that presidential Machiavellianism would be positively connected with charismatic leadership and rated performance. The findings are explained in terms of the similar features of Machiavellianism and charismatic leadership including high levels of expressive behavioral activity, self-confidence, emotional regulation, and the desire to influence others. Also, the idea that personalized and socialized charismatic leadership are not mutually exclusive concepts is supported.
Classic Critical Care Papers

A limited number of publications have had a dramatic impact on the practice of critical care medicine. These publications are regarded as “compulsory” reading for residents, fellows, and other practitioners of critical care medicine. Surprisingly, although not unexpectedly, those publications with the potential to have the most dramatic positive impact on patient care have been slow to be adopted, while publications of questionable scientific rigor are frequently adopted with an unexplained religious fervor. This chapter reviews those papers which have dramatically altered the practice of critical care medicine (for good or bad) as well as those “classic” papers that have shaped the history of critical care medicine.
Effect of behavioral testing on spine density of basal dendrites in the CA1 region of the hippocampus modulated by 56Fe irradiation

A unique feature of the space radiation environment is the presence of high-energy charged particles, including (56)Fe ions, which can present a significant hazard to space flight crews during and following a mission. (56)Fe irradiation-induced cognitive changes often involve alterations in hippocampal function. These alterations might involve changes in spine morphology and density. In addition to irradiation, performing a cognitive task can also affect spine morphology. Therefore, it is often hard to determine whether changes in spine morphology and density are due to an environmental challenge or group differences in performance on cognitive tests. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the ability of exploratory behavior to increase specific measures of hippocampal spine morphology and density is affected by (56)Fe irradiation. In sham-irradiated mice, exploratory behavior increased basal spine density in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and the enclosed blade of the dentate gyrus. These effects were not seen in irradiated mice. In addition, following exploratory behavior, there was a trend toward a decrease in the percent stubby spines on apical dendrites in the CA3 region of the hippocampus in (56)Fe-irradiated, but not sham-irradiated, mice. Other hippocampal regions and spine measures affected by (56)Fe irradiation showed comparable radiation effects in behaviorally naive and cognitively tested mice. Thus, the ability of exploratory behavior to alter spine density and morphology in specific hippocampal regions is affected by (56)Fe irradiation.
Hybrid Integration of III-V and Si for Photonic Integrated Circuits

We review III-V on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) heterogeneous integration for the demonstration of lasers, suitable for inter-chip and intra-chip optical interconnects. A low temperature oxygen plasma enhanced bonding technology is used to realize the III-V/SOI integration. The realization of silicon AWG lasers, quantum well intermixed DFB lasers and micro ring lasers on the III-V/SOI material platform is discussed.
Effect of 2,6-diaminopurine on the course of Russian spring-summer encephalitis infection in the mouse.

SummaryThe compound 2,6-diamino-purine when administered in doses of 70 mg/kg caused an increase in the survival rates of mice infected with Russian Spring-Summer Encephalitis by the intraperitoneal route. It was effective when treatment was started 24 hours after the inoculation of the virus.
Effect of biotin on chick spinal ganglia in tissue culture.

SummaryIn a total of 236 tissue cultures, no evidence was found for a growth stimulating action of biotin on embryonic chick axons, neuroblasts, spindle cells, or macrophages. In view of the close resemblance between axon regeneration in vivo and in vitro,9 these results discourage the view that biotin might be clinically useful as a stimulant of nerve regeneration, at least during the crucial outgrowth phase.
The Alpha–Bet(a) of Salty Glucose Pyrolysis: Computational Investigations Reveal Carbohydrate Pyrolysis Catalytic Action by Sodium Ions

Biomass pyrolysis is a promising technology for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals from nonfood biomass. Given the potential of pyrolysis as a viable, cost-effective biomass deconstruction method, there is active interest in understanding the chemical transformations at the heart of the technology. It has long been known that the presence of alkali- and alkaline-earth-metal ions in biomass, such as Na+, significantly alters product yields of biomass pyrolysis, but the mechanism behind this effect has not been elucidated. In this work, we employ density functional theory (DFT) to reveal the stereoelectronic basis of the effect of sodium ions on several key glucose thermal decomposition reactions, such as the formation of levoglucosan and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). β-d-Glucose is of interest for pyrolysis, as it is the monomer of cellulose and a key intermediate in cellulose pyrolysis. α-d-Glucose is included in this study, as the two anomers can readily interconvert under pyrolysis condi...
Empirical Analysis on Model and Parameters of Grid-Connected Doubly Fed Induction Generators in Transient Stability Computation

The precision of model and parameters of doubly fed induction generator(DFIG) are of crucial importance for the research on the influence of grid-connected wind power generation on power grid.To research dynamic behavior of grid-connected DFIG during large disturbance and obtain parameters of DFIG model that can reflect actual condition,a three-phase short-circuit test of 35kV transmission line in wind farm located in Zhangjiakou region is performed by North China Power Grid Company.Based on short-circuit testing data of the wind farm,the empirical analysis on model and parameters of DFIG in Power System Analysis Software Package(PSASP) simulation platform is conducted.Firstly,key parameters of the wind turbine are proposed and the sensitivity analysis on them are carried out;then according to on-site testing data,related parameters of the simulation platform are modified to make the simulation curve more approximating to the measured curve,thus the precision of DFIG model is improved.
Genetic Analysis of Cold Tolerance of Root System in Seedlings of Dongxiang Wild Rice

By using sandy culture method,the morphological characters of root in rice seedlings of P1,P2,F1,B1,B2 and F2 of two hybrids from Dongxiang wild rice which has strong tolerance to cold and two cold-sensitive indica varieties under low-temperature stress were analyzed by the major gene and minor gene mixed inheritance model.The results both showed that the genetic model of the length of the longest nodal root in Dongxiang wild rice seedlings belonged to D-2(the inheritance of a pair of additive major genes and additive-dominant polygenes),and the genetic model of the number of nodal roots per plant belonged to B-1(the inheritance of two pairs of additive,dominant and epistasis major genes).The heritability of major gene was not so large that the effect of the environment on the inheritance of cold tolerance of rice root system could not be looked over.
Aerobic exercise in the elderly: a key to successful aging

A decline in maximal aerobic exercise capacity occurs across the adult age-span, accelerating in later years. This age-associated decline in aerobic capacity is accentuated by superimposed comorbidities common to the elderly such as cardiac, pulmonary, and peripheral artery disease. However, observational and training studies demonstrate significant improvement in peak oxygen consumption in both health and disease settings. In addition, exercise training exerts beneficial effects on blood pressure, lipids, glucose tolerance, bone density, depression, and quality of life. A major challenge to physicians and society is to increase the low participation rates of older adults in both home-based exercise and supervised exercise rehabilitation programs.
An Evaluation of QPF from the WRF, NAM, and GFS Models Using Multiple Verification Methods over a Small Domain

AbstractThe ARW model was run over a small domain centered on Iowa for 9 months with 4-km grid spacing to better understand the limits of predictability of short-term (12 h) quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) that might be used in hydrology models. Radar data assimilation was performed to reduce spinup problems. Three grid-to-grid verification methods, as well as two spatial techniques, neighborhood and object based, were used to compare the QPFs from the high-resolution runs with coarser operational GFS and NAM QPFs to verify QPFs for various precipitation accumulation intervals and on two grid configurations with different resolutions. In general, NAM had the worst performance not only for model skill but also for spatial feature attributes as a result of the existence of large dry bias and location errors. The finer resolution of NAM did not offer any advantage in predicting small-scale storms compared to the coarser GFS. WRF had a large advantage for high precipitation thresholds. A greater i...
Epidemiology of End-Stage Renal Disease

The prevalence and incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) continues to rise worldwide. Given the increasing burden of conditions that cause kidney failure, such as diabetes and hypertension, this pattern is likely to persist. International differences in prevalence and incidence rates can be explained by many mechanisms, including economic differences, cultural values, medical resource allocation, and medical knowledge among at-risk populations. In developing nations, where dialysis may become increasingly available, tremendous increases in the treated ESRD population are possible. This creates a new challenge of coping with the costs associated with ESRD therapies, particularly in low-income countries. Financial differences may affect dialysis modality and delivery, creating a difference in regional preferences for kidney replacement therapy. In this chapter, we explore these international practice pattern differences and how this shapes the epidemiology of ESRD worldwide.
17 – PROCESSING AND STORING SILAGE

Silage is stored in a structure called a silo, which is a semi-airtight to airtight structure designed for use in the production and storage of silage. A silo is a tight-walled structure for making and preserving silage. The type of structure may be what is generally called horizontal or upright storage. In the first category, is the pit or surface bunker, covered silage piles, and bagged storage. In the second category, is the tower silo. The more airtight the system is, the better will be the quality of the silage formed. Also, the more rapidly the silo is filled and covered to reduce oxygen in the system, the higher will be the quality and the lower will be the losses. The most simple storage structures are pit or bunker silos. The pit, also called a trench silo, is dug into the ground, usually on a gently sloping hillside with the open end facing toward the down slope to provide for easy access in filling the silo and removing the silage for feeding.
Students and Their Local History Projects in a Southwestern United States Classroom

This study describes the learning outcomes of local history projects that were facilitated and designed according to Foxfire tenets for a New Mexico high school classroom. What follows is an account of a teaching strategy that was implemented to meet the needs of diverse learners. The paper illustrates the subsequent reactions of students to a particular curricular change in a high school American history course. Three cases are included as examples of projects that were produced in a more student-centered classroom with authentic assessment at the core of the project design. Moreover, the efficacy of the local history projects is explicated in this article.
Towards Distributed Robot Control Systems

Abstract This paper describes ongoing research into the design of a distributed robot control system targeted for a robotic system consisting of several manipulators equipped with a dextrous robot hand, specifically the Salisbury hand. The goal of this research is to produce a high-level control network which will allow the robotic system to be used in a task-oriented manner, i.e. where actions of the hand are specified in terms of their effects on objects. In this paper, we discuss the research issues involve in the design of a logical distributed model of computation specifically for the robot domain, and in the design of a dynamic mapping function to realize this model using a network of processors. We also sketch our preliminary ideas towards addressing these issues.
Neuropeptide Y and the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: Receptor Subtypes, Signaling, and Bioelectrical Responses

RESULTS. Human RPE contained transcripts encoding Yl, Y2, and Y5 receptors, the predominant subtypes present in the central nervous system. Bovine RPE contained transcripts encoding Y2 receptors but not Yl receptors. However, cultured cells contained transcripts encoding Yl and Y2 receptors. Neuropeptide Y signaling in cultured bovine RPE occurred predominately through the Y2 receptor subtype, because nanomolar amounts of NPY and NPY13_36, but not [Leu 31 ,Pro 34 ]NPY, significantly inhibited isoproterenol-induced cAMP accumulation. Apical application of NPY increased the transepithelial potential in RPE-choroid preparations. This response was greatly diminished after basolateral membrane C\~ channels were blocked or changes in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration were prevented with a Ca 2+ chelator. The NPY gene was expressed in amacrine cells of the inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers of the mouse retina. CONCLUSIONS. The discovery of functionally coupled NPY receptors in the RPE represents the identification of a novel site of expression of this receptor family. The effects of NPY on the electrophysiologic properties of the bovine RPE are consistent with a potential paracrine role in regulating basolateral membrane Ca 2+ -sensitive Cl~ conductance linked to Cl~ and fluid transport. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1998;39:1870 -1878)
The Effects of a Family Systems Intervention on Co‐Occurring Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors of Children with Substance Abusing Mothers: A Latent Transition Analysis

Children of substance abusing parents are at heightened risk to develop problem behaviors, yet little is known about the co-occurring patterns of internalizing and externalizing behaviors among this population. With 183 children (M age = 11.54 years, SD = 2.55, range 8-16) whose mothers were diagnosed with a substance use disorder, the current study identified subgroups/classes of children that were clinically distinct in their co-occurring patterns of internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and examined how children in different clinical subgroups responded to a family systems intervention. Latent class analyses identified four classes of internalizing and externalizing behaviors: internalizing only, externalizing only, comorbid, and normative. Latent transition analyses showed that participation in family systems therapy resulted in an increased likelihood of transitioning from the externalizing class at baseline to the normative class at 18 months post-baseline, and from the comorbid class at baseline to the internalizing class at 18 months post-baseline as well. The findings support the effectiveness of family systems therapy in interrupting the stability of children's problem behaviors and improving children's behavioral outcomes.
The D-Type Cyclins: A Historical Perspective

D-type cyclins integrate mitogen-dependent signals to enforce progression through the first gap phase (G1) of the cell division cycle. In simplest terms, three mammalian D-type cyclins (D1, D2, and D3), induced in a cell lineage-specific fashion in response to extracellular signals, interact with two cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK4 and CDK6) to form holoenzyme complexes that phosphorylate the retinoblastoma protein (RB). In turn, RB phosphorylation, reinforced by other CDKs expressed later in G1 phase, inactivates the suppressive effects of RB on transcription factors that induce genes required for DNA replication. All steps in the life history of individual D-type cyclins, including their transcriptional induction, translation, assembly with CDK4 and CDK6, and their rapid turnover via ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, are governed by mitogen signaling. Hence, progression through the G1 phase of the mammalian cell cycle is tied to extracellular signals that ultimately influence cell division. Analysis of phenotypes of mice lacking D cyclins has highlighted their individual and combinatorial lineage-specific activities during mammalian development. The genes encoding D-type cyclins and their dependent kinases, CDK4 and CDK6, are proto-oncogenes implicated in many forms of cancer. Genetic or biochemical disruption of cyclin D-dependent CDK signaling can restrain cancer development and progression. Here, we highlight the founding discoveries.
The role of hypoxia-inducible factors in carotid body (patho) physiology

Hypoxia-inducible factors mediate adaptive responses to reduced O2 availability. In patients with obstructive sleep apnoea, repeated episodes of hypoxaemia and reoxygenation (intermittent hypoxia) are sensed by the carotid body (CB). The ensuing CB chemosensory reflex activates the sympathetic nervous system and increased secretion of catecholamines by the adrenal medulla, resulting in hypertension and breathing abnormalities. In the CB, intermittent hypoxia induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, which drive increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α and a decrease in the levels of HIF-2α. Intermittent hypoxia increases HIF-1α-dependent expression of Nox2, encoding the pro-oxidant enzyme NADPH oxidase 2, and decreased HIF-2α-dependent expression of Sod2, encoding the anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2. These changes in gene expression drive persistently elevated ROS levels in the CB, brainstem, and adrenal medulla that are required for the development of hypertension and breathing abnormalities. The ROS generated by dysregulated HIF activity in the CB results in oxidation and inhibition of haem oxygenase 2, and the resulting reduction in the levels of carbon monoxide leads to increased hydrogen sulfide production, triggering glomus cell depolarization. Thus, the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea involves the dysregulation of O2 -regulated transcription factors, gasotransmitters, and sympathetic outflow that affects blood pressure and breathing.
Abstract 12893: Design and cGMP-Generating Actions of a Novel Selective and Non-Selective Particulate Guanylyl Cyclase B Activator Targeting Cardiorenal Fibrotic Remodeling

Introduction: Cardiorenal fibrotic remodeling (CFR), often in the setting of heart failure (HF) and kidney disease (CKD), is a major cause for increased risk in mortality, for which there are no ef...
On Schwarzian Triangle Functions, Automorphic Forms and a Generalization of Ramanujan’s Triple Differential Equations

Let G be the group of the fractional linear transformations generated by $$T(\tau ) = \tau + \lambda ,S(\tau ) = \frac{{\tau \cos \frac{\pi }{n} + \sin \frac{\pi }{n}}}{{ - \tau \sin \frac{\pi }{n} + \cos \frac{\pi }{n}}};$$ where $$\lambda = 2\frac{{\cos \frac{\pi }{m} + \cos \frac{\pi }{n}}}{{\sin \frac{\pi }{n}}};$$ m, n is a pair of integers with either n ≥ 2,m ≥ 3 or n ≥ 3,m ≥ 2; τ lies in the upper half plane H. A fundamental set of functions f0, fi and f∞ automorphic with respect to G will be constructed from the conformal mapping of the fundamental domain of G. We derive an analogue of Ramanujan’s triple differential equations associated with the group G and establish the connection of f0, fi and f∞ with a family of hypergeometric functions.
Acute pain disrupts prospective memory cue detection processes

Prospective memory refers to the planning, retention, retrieval, and execution of intentions for future behaviours and it is integral to the enterprise of daily living. Although prospective memory relies upon retrospective memory and executive processes often disrupted by pain, limited research has explored the influence of acute or chronic pain on the ability to complete prospective memory tasks. In the present study we investigated the influence of acute pain on prospective memory tasks that varied in their demands on executive processes (i.e., non-focal versus focal prospective memory cues). Complex-span working memory tasks were also administered to examine whether individual differences in working memory capacity moderated any negative impact of pain on prospective memory. Acute pain significantly impaired prospective memory performance in conditions that encouraged non-focal strategic processing of prospective memory cues, but not in conditions that encouraged more spontaneous focal processing. Individual differences in working memory capacity did not moderate the effect of acute pain on non-focal prospective memory. These findings provide new insights into prospective memory dysfunction created by painful experiences.
Special Issue on Trade and the Environment

The impact of international trade on the environment has been a contentious issue since the early 1990s. The debates over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, which led to the creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), stimulated a great deal of economic research on the ways in which international trade might be environmentally harmful or environmentally beneficial, along with case studies of many industries and sectors. The last fifteen years have seen major developments in both the theoretical and applied economic literature on trade and the environment. Such issues are also of increasing policy relevance. U.S. Executive Order 13141 and the U.S. Trade Act of 2002 require environmental assessments of trade agreements during the negotiation process. In the European Union, sustainability impact assessments of trade agreements are required as part of trade negotiations. This special issue of the Agricultural and Resource Economics Review contains papers from a workshop on international trade and the environment that was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in June 2004, following the joint annual meetings of the Northeastern Agricultural and Resource Economics Association and the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society. The objective of the workshop was to stimulate research and discussion to improve our understanding of the complex interrelationships between international trade, natural resource use, and the environment, particularly as they relate to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. The paper by Brian Copeland in this issue reviews recent work on the implications of endogenous policy responses for the impacts of trade on the environment. As Copeland demonstrates, the effects of trade on the environment can be quite different in the case where the environmental policy regime is assumed fixed and in the case where it adjusts in response to changing economic and environmental conditions. Four papers in this issue explore interrelationships between agricultural trade and the environment. The paper by Hung-Hao Chang, Richard Boisvert, and David Blandford identifies environmental policies that can lead to socially optimal levels of both groundwater recharge (a positive externality) and methane gas (a negative externality) generated from paddy rice production in Taiwan, and examines how optimal policies were affected by rice policy changes required as part of Taiwan's entry into the WTO in 2003. …
Transformation of Rational Data and Set Data to Logic Data

Frequently one wants to extend the use of a classification method that in principle requires records with True/False values, such as decision trees and logic formula constructors, so that records can be processed that contain rational number and/or nominal values. A nominal value is an element or subset of a given finite set. In such cases, the rational numbers or nominal values must first be transformed to True/False values before the method may be applied. This chapter describes methods for the transformation. For nominal entries, the transformation depends on the size of the given finite set and on whether elements or subsets of that set occur. In particular, the scheme for subsets first transforms the entries to rational data. The transformation of rational numbers to True/False values uses a technique called Outpoint that determines abrupt changes of classification cases. The methods of this chapter are rather new and have been found to be effective and reliable in preliminary tests.
Building a knowledge base: Predicting self-derivation through integration in 6- to 10-year-olds.

Abstract Self-derivation of new factual knowledge through integration of separate episodes of learning is one means by which children build knowledge. Content generated in this manner becomes incorporated into the knowledge base and is retained over time; successful self-derivation predicts academic achievement. Yet the component processes on which self-derivation through integration depends are as yet unknown. In parallel studies with 6- and 8-year-olds (N = 41; Experiment 1) and 8- and 10-year-olds (N = 40; Experiment 2), we tested a number of predictors related to other productive processes and learning (reasoning, executive functions, verbal comprehension, and long-term retrieval). Across studies, with different methods, only verbal comprehension, a measure of accumulated semantic knowledge, accounted for unique variance in self-derivation through integration performance. The results indicate that self-derivation through integration of separate episodes relates to accumulation of knowledge and the ability to recruit the knowledge in the service of specific task demands. Implications for cognitive training and transfer are discussed.
Abstract TMP103: Relationship Between Parent Brain Large Arteries and Their Penetrating Arterial Offspring

Introduction: Brain arteries, large and small, are exposed to aging and acquired risk factors simultaneously. Therefore, we hypothesize that pathological changes noted with brain large artery aging...
Natural Theology in the Scientific Revolution: God's Scientists

In the seventeenth century new scientific discoveries called into question established Christian theology. In the past it has been claimed that contemporary thinkers contributed to this conflict model by using the discoveries of the natural world to prove the existence of God. Calloway challenges this generalized view through close examination of five key texts from the period, by Henry More, Richard Baxter, John Wilkins, John Ray and Richard Bentley. She shows that there was considerable difference among natural theologians, not just in their aims and arguments but also in their style of rhetoric. This has important lessons for contemporary scientific and theological debates and will be of interest to scholars of religious history, philosophy and literary studies.
Thin-Film Deposition of Surface Passivated Black Phosphorus

A single-step, direct silicon-substrate growth of black phosphorus (BP) crystals is achieved in a self-contained short-way transport technique under low-pressure conditions ( 102.
Mindfulness training for healthcare professional students: A waitlist controlled pilot study on psychological and work-relevant outcomes.

Abstract Objectives To fill gaps in the literature on the effects of mindfulness for healthcare professionals (HCPs), the current pragmatic trial investigated feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of Mindfulness for Interdisciplinary Healthcare Professional (MIHP) students on stress and work-relevant outcomes in the absence of offering school-based incentives. Design A partially randomized waitlist-controlled design (intention-to-treat sample: 22 in the mindfulness group, 26 in the control group) was employed. Intervention MIHP is an eight-week intervention that incorporates meditation training, yoga, and discussion on the application of mindfulness principles to stressors commonly faced by HCPs and students. Main outcome measures Domains of feasibility and acceptability; Maslach Burnout Inventory and other validated measures of psychological functioning; cognitive task performance on the Trail Making Test A & B; and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment plus Classroom Impairment Questionnaire. Results Results supported the feasibility and acceptability of MIHP but found randomization to be unacceptable. Small to large effects were found for MIHP, relative to the control group, on outcomes of burnout, perceived stress, mindfulness, and activity impairment. No effect of MIHP was found on cognitive performance or work productivity outcomes. Conclusions Preferential group allocation improved retention relative to randomization in the absence of school-based incentives. Results suggest that MIHP is feasible and acceptable and may have benefit for improving mindfulness and reducing burnout, stress, and activity impairment. Cognitive performance, work absenteeism, and work impairment did not change following MIHP. Results support future investigations into the effects of participant compensation on MIHP’s dissemination and effectiveness.