cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acid‐soluble purine and pyrimidine derivatives of growing, encysting and encystment‐inhibited amoebae

The intracellular acid-soluble purine and pyrimidine derivatives of myxamoebae-swarm cells of Physarum flavicomum were investigated during growth, microcyst formation, and during adenine-inhibition of encystment, using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We also studied the incorporation of exogenous radioactive adenine into the acid soluble purine derivatives and S-adenosyl-sulphur compounds separated by HPLC. The most abundant ribonucleoside monophosphate was AMP in the growing and 15 h encysting cells (NC), while it was UMP in the 15 h adenine-inhibited cells (AIC). ADP was the nucleoside diphosphate present in the greatest quantity in the growing and NC cells but it was CDP in the AIC. The nucleoside triphosphate in highest concentration was ATP, UTP, and GTP in growing, NC, and AIC, respectively. Guanosine was the most abundant nucleoside in all cells. The nucleobase occurring in greatest concentration was cytosine, cytosine and guanine, and adenine in the growing, NC, and AIC, respectively. The AMP content in the 15 h AIC was 2.1-fold higher than that of adenosine. The 15 h NC had the lowest adenylate energy charge, a value of 0.54 +/- 0.02, while the values for growing cells and the AIC were 0.62 +/- 0.02 and 0.76 +/- 0.01, respectively. [14C]-Adenine labelling studies (15 h) revealed the occurrence of purine nucleotide interconversion, as the label was detected not only in adenosine, AMP, ADP, ATP, but also in guanine, guanosine, GMP, GDP, GTP, as well as, in inosine monophosphate and xanthosine monophosphate. The percentage incorporation of the radiolabelled adenine into AMP was higher than into adenosine. An increased intracellular level of guanine nucleotides is associated with the inhibition of encystment. The extracellular adenine, rather than internal adenine sources, appears to be the primary precursor of nucleotide for S-adenosylmethionine synthesis during adenine-inhibition of encystment.
A study on critical thinking, cognitive learning style, and gender in various information science programming classes

The purpose of the research study was to investigate critical thinking/problem solving ability in two Information Science courses, namely a structured (procedure-oriented) computer programming class, and an object-oriented computer programming class. Additionally, the researcher investigated the effects of cognitive learning style and gender constructs.
Technical note: Error in Olivier and Pineau's regression formulae for calculation of stature and lunar age from radial diaphyseal length in forensic fetal remains

Stewart ([1979] Essentials of Forensic Anthropology, pp. 128-131) cites five regression formulae presented by Olivier and Pineau ([1960] Ann. Med. Leg. 40:141-144) for estimation of fetal stature from diaphyseal length. Of these formulae, one appears problematic: the formula for calculation of stature from the radius yields values which suggest the fetus has a much greater crown-heel (CH) length than do the remaining formulae for the diaphyses of other long bones. Moreover, when this stature estimate, so derived, is then inserted into these authors' earlier general formula for estimation of lunar age (Olivier and Pineau [1958] Arch. Anat. 6:21-28) the error is compounded. A fetus is now indicated to be nearly a trimester older than when the CH lengths obtained by the other long bone formulae are used. Accordingly, we believe this particular formula, unlike the others, is incorrect and should not be used to estimate lunar age from fetal remains.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Porous LSCF Cathodes

Solid oxide fuel cells ! SOFCs" are efficient, environmentally friendly, and fuel-flexible electrochemical devices for the generation of electrical power and heat. 1 They consist of three basic layers: cathode, electrolyte, and anode. The cathode is a porous, conductive catalyst for the reduction of O2 and for the oxidation of fuel. Between the cathode and anode is the dense electrolyte. The circuit is completed via cathode and anode contacts to an external load. The basic chemical formula for the cathodic reduction reaction is 1 2 O2 +V o ·· +2 e! =O o x ! 1" Current SOFC performance is limited by cathode polarization, which increases with decreasing operational temperatures. 2,3 Cathode microstructure and morphology have a strong effect on this polarization. 2-4 In this initial study a dual-beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope ! FIB/SEM" was utilized to reconstruct an actual three-dimensional ! 3D" model of a La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3! ! ! LSCF" cathode and its interface with a dense yttrium-stabilized zirconia ! YSZ" electrolyte. This highresolution, 3D technique advances the understanding of the cathode microstructure’s effect on performance. The identification of critical microstructural properties such as surface area, tortuosity, and interfacial porosity may be correlated with the ionic, electronic, and catalytic processes for a better fundamental understanding of electrochemical performance. With this tool, SOFC material and microstructural design can be more effective in reducing cathodic polarization at lower operational temperatures. The semiconductor industry has used the FIB since the 1980s to deposit, etch, micromachine, and image specimens during different stages of circuit processing. 5,6 This technology was brought forward to reconstruct 3D, geometrically complex submicrometer structures. 7-11 With the advent of 3D modeling software, nanotomography utilizing the dual-beam FIB/SEM technique was used to quantify nanoceramic suspended powders. 10-12 This technique was applied to SOFC cermet anodes to quantify microstructural properties such as porosity, triple-phase-boundary ! TPB" length, and degree of anisotropy via tortuosity. 13 Such a technique has never before been applied to reconstruct a cathode and the cathode/ electrolyte interface.
Superconductivity of palladium tritide

Abstract The superconductivity and reverse isotope effect have been measured in high pressure tritium gas loaded palladium tritide (PdTx) for x values from 0.72 to 0.81.
Mesoscopic photomechanical units and ultrasmart materials

We have recently observed photomechanical effects in polymer optical fibers (light-induced length changes) and have used these effects to build smart devices such as active vibration suppressors and light-actuated positioners. The unique feature of these devices is that they are all-optical, that is, the light is used as the actuating power source, medium of information transfer, sensing and logic. We have designed a cylindrical mesoscopic photomechanical unit (MPU) that is about 80 micrometers in diameter and less than 1 mm in length and report on a first generation miniaturized device that is 2 cm X 100 micrometers .
PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF 4-CHLOROPHENOL : A MECHANISTICALLY-BASED MODEL

The photocatalytic degradation of 4-CP was mathematically modelled using the mechanistic insights and data presented in an earlier study [1]. The solution and surface concentrations of reacting species were calculated by solving a system of differential equations that account for oxidation reactions of dissolved and adsorbed species, adsorption and desorption, reduction of oxygen, and hole-electron recombination. The differential equations were integrated over discrete time-periods and annular regions of the photoreactor. The resulting model predicts the trends observed in studies in other laboratories using different experimental apparati. Using the model it is possible to predict effects of reactor geometry, TiO2 loading, light intensity, and mixing on the course of TiO2 photocatalytic oxidation. The model verifies the importance of surface reactions, and reveals the need to better understand the fate and role of oxygen in TiO2 photocatalytic systems.
Cholecystokinin B receptors in the periaqueductal gray potentiate defensive rage behavior elicited from the medial hypothalamus of the cat.

Defensive rage behavior is mediated over a descending pathway from the medial hypothalamus to the dorsolateral midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) where further integration of this response takes place. The present study sought to determine the roles of CCK-A and CCK-B receptor activation in the PAG in modulating defensive rage behavior. The `hissing' component of the defensive rage response was used throughout the experiment as the measure of defensive rage behavior. The basic design of the experiment involved placement of monopolar electrodes into the medial hypothalamus from which defensive rage could be elicited and cannula electrodes into the dorsal PAG for purposes of identifying defensive rage sites in this region and for microinjections of CCK compounds into these sites at a later time. Microinjections of the selective CCK-B receptor antagonist, LY288513 (1.05, 4.2, 17.0 nmol/0.25 μl), into the PAG suppressed the hissing response in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Microinjections of the CCK-B agonist, pentagastrin, (0.5 and 1.0 nmol/0.25 μl) facilitated the occurrence of defensive rage behavior. Moreover, administration of LY288513 (17 nmol/0.25 μl) 55 min prior to pentagastrin (1.0 nmol/0.25 μl) delivery blocked the facilitatory effects of pentagastrin. Administration of the CCK-A antagonist, PD140548 (34 nmol/0.25 μl), into the PAG failed to alter response latencies for defensive rage behavior. In contrast, microinjections of the CCK-B antagonist, LY288513 (4.2, 17.0 nmol/0.25 μl), facilitated the occurrence of predatory attack behavior elicited from the lateral hypothalamus. This finding demonstrates the specificity of the effects of CCK-B receptor blockade upon hissing. A combination of immunocytochemical and retrograde tracing procedures using microinjections of Fluoro-Gold (8%, 6 μl) into the PAG were employed to identify the possible loci of CCK neurons that project to the PAG. The data revealed that neurons labeled for both CCK and Fluoro-Gold were located in the dorsolateral aspect of the midbrain tegmentum, identifying this region as a source of CCK inputs to the PAG. Overall, the findings demonstrate that CCK-B receptors in the PAG potentiate defensive rage behavior and likely suppress predatory attack.
The tradeoff of cell classifier error rates

In gynecologic cytodiagnosis it is generally agreed that specimen false negative errors are more serious than false positives. When classifying individual cells, however, it is not obvious how one should adjust the parameters that control the two cell error rates. In the case where a specimen classifier follows a cell classifier, one can calculate the sample size required to achieve specified overall performance. This analysis shows that for the small abnormal cell proportions encountered in cervical cytology, cell false positives should be kept so low that a substantial portion of the abnormal cells are missed.
A mathematical contribution to the study of orientation of organisms

Organisms orient themselves to a stimulus by two general methods. One method is by directed orientation (taxis); the other is by undirected locomotory reaction (kinesis). An equation, and the methods for finding the necessary parameters of this equation, is derived for the distribution of organisms within a container, with the following limitations: (1) the organisms have no accommodation, (2) they are always active, and (3) the stimulus changes slowly with position. Necessary modifications of the equation are then derived, so that the last two limitations may be eliminated. The equation cannot be solved excatly because of its complexity; hence an approximation method must be used. This method is discussed, an approximate solution is found, and a time constant for equilibrium to be established is derived. Applications tovarious experiments in the literature are then made with fairly satisfactory results. A new interpretation of the theory of klino-kinesis with accommodation is found upon application of the equations developed to experimental work. Further limitations and uses of these equations are then discussed.
Impact of atmospheric aerosols on long range image quality

Image quality in high altitude long range imaging systems can be severely limited by atmospheric absorption, scattering, and turbulence. Atmospheric aerosols contribute to this problem by scattering target signal out of the optical path and by scattering in unwanted light from the surroundings. Target signal scattering may also lead to image blurring though, in conventional modeling, this effect is ignored. The validity of this choice is tested in this paper by developing an aerosol modulation transfer function (MTF) model for an inhomogeneous atmosphere and then applying it to real-world scenarios using MODTRAN derived scattering parameters. The resulting calculations show that aerosol blurring can be effectively ignored.
New observation of Bose-Einstein condensation of 87Rb atoms in a magnetic TOP trap

ABSTRACT We report Bose-Einstein condensation of large numbers of 87Rb atoms in a magnetic time-averaged potential trap. Over .5 x o atoms, initially captured in the TOP trap, are evaporativelv cooled down to temperatures near 100 nK. Condensates of up to 2xlO atoms at peak densities higher than 10" cm3 are observed. Keywords: Bose-Einstein condensation, magnetic atom trap. evaporative cooling, time-of-flight imaging 1. INTRODUCTION The recent realization of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of rubidium 11-41. lithium [5J. and sodium [6-81 has opened the way to the study of nearly ideal Bose-condensed gases. The creation of very cold atomic clouds usually requires laser cooling and trapping at the initial stage. So far, the highest phase space densities achieved by laser cooling are still three orders of magnitude away from the threshold to Bose-Einstein condensation. On the other hand, magnetic atom trapsoffer a long trap time and tight confinement for the atoms, and evaporative cooling in magnetic traps can increase the phasespace density by several orders of magnitude. We present here our new observation of BEC of 87Rb atoms in a TOP trap and
Fast stereo matching under varying illumination

Stereo matching is a technique of finding the disparity map or correspondence points between two images acquired from different sensor positions; it is a core process in stereoscopy. Automatic stereo processing, which involves stereo matching, is an important process in many applications including vision-based obstacle avoidance for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), extraction of weak targets in clutter, and automatic target detection. Due to its high computational complexity, stereo matching algorithms are one of the most heavily investigated topics in computer vision. Stereo image pairs captured under real conditions, in contrast to those captured under controlled conditions are expected to be different from each other in aspects such as scale, rotation, radiometric differences, and noise. These factors contribute to and enhance the level of difficulty of efficient and accurate stereo matching. In this paper we evaluate the effectiveness of cost functions based on Normalized Cross Correlation (NCC) and Zero mean Normalized Cross Correlation (ZNCC) on images containing speckle noise, differences in level of illumination, and both of these. This is achieved via experiments in which these cost functions are employed by a fast version of an existing modern algorithm, the graph-cut algorithm, to perform stereo matching on 24 image pairs. Stereo matching performance is evaluated in terms of execution time and the quality of the generated output measured in terms of two types of Root Mean Square (RMS) error of the disparity maps generated.
Correlation of degree of hypothyroidism with survival outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Abstract Background Hypothyroidism is a common adverse effect of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGFR-TKI) therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Some studies have shown an association with improved survival. However, hypothyroidism severity has not been correlated with survival outcomes. We report the incidence and severity of VEGFR-TKI therapy-associated hypothyroidism in correlation with the survival outcomes of patients with mRCC. Patients and Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with mRCC who received VEGFR-TKIs (2004 through 2013) was conducted from a single institutional database. Hypothyroidism, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard models. Results Of 125 patients with mRCC, 65 were eligible. Their median age was 59 years (range, 45-79 years), and 46 (70.8%) were male. Hypothyroidism occurred in 25 patients (38.5%), of whom 13 had a peak thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level > 10 mIU/L during treatment. The median OS was significantly longer in patients with a peak TSH > 10 mIU/L than in patients with a peak TSH of ≤ 10 mIU/L (not reached vs. 21.4 months, P = .005). On multivariate analysis, risk criteria, number of previous therapies, and severe hypothyroidism (TSH > 10 mIU/L) during VEGFR-TKI therapy remained significant for improvements in PFS and OS. Conclusion The severity of VEGFR-TKI therapy-associated hypothyroidism (TSH > 10 mIU/L) was associated with improved survival outcomes in patients with mRCC and should not necessitate a dose reduction or therapy discontinuation.
Mononuclear zinc(II) complexes of 2-((2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethylimino)methyl)-4-substituted phenols: Synthesis, structural characterization, DNA binding and cheminuclease activities

Abstract Four new zinc(II) complexes [Zn(HL 1–4 )Cl 2 ] ( 1 – 4 ), where HL 1–4 = 2-((2-(piperazin-1-yl)ethylimino)methyl)-4-substituted phenols, have been isolated and fully characterized using various spectro-analytical techniques. The X-ray crystal structure of complex 4 shows the distorted trigonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry around zinc(II) ion. The crystal packing is stabilized by intermolecular N H⋯O hydrogen bonding interaction. The complexes display no d–d electronic band in the visible region due to d 10 electronic configuration of zinc(II) ion. The electrochemical properties of the synthesized ligands and their complexes exhibit similar voltammogram at reduction potential due to electrochemically innocent Zn(II) ion, which evidenced that the electron transfer is due to the nature of the ligand. Binding interaction of complexes with calf thymus DNA was studied by UV–Vis absorption titration, viscometric titration and cyclic voltammetry. All complexes bind with CT DNA by intercalation, giving the binding affinity in the order of 2 > 1 ≫ 3 > 4 . The prominent cheminuclease activity of complexes on plasmid DNA (pBR322 DNA) was observed in the absence and presence of H 2 O 2 . Oxidative pathway reveals that the underlying mechanism involves hydroxyl radical.
National survey of cancer educators: salary and budget.

The National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Patient Education Network (CPEN) is composed of cancer education leaders from National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive and clinical cancer centers throughout the United States. Despite this commonality, the role and responsibilities of CPEN members vary across institutions. In an effort to further understand the common-alties and variances among the membership, the authors undertook a research project addressing salary and budget issues across NCI-designated cancer centers. The purpose of this study was to benchmark salaries and budgets of cancer educators at NCI-designated cancer centers; provide information to support a competitive salary range based on benchmarking with peers responsible for cancer patient education; and glean information on CPEN membership, roles, education levels, and job functions. This article highlights lessons learned and offers suggestions for using this information in a broader capacity for other cancer patient educators an...
Barriers to obtaining a desired postpartum tubal sterilization

Abstract Objective To determine why women do not undergo postpartum sterilization despite expressing desire during antepartum care. Methods In a retrospective chart review, we identified all women between March 2002 and November 2003 who requested postpartum sterilization during antepartum care but did not undergo the procedure. We report the reasons why sterilizations were not performed. Results We reviewed 6589 prenatal care and delivery records identifying 324 women meeting inclusion criteria. One hundred and four women changed their mind. Of women still desiring sterilization at discharge, the most common reasons for not undergoing the procedure were lack of valid Medicaid sterilization consent forms [ n =121; 37.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 32.0���42.6%]; a medical condition precluding the procedure ( n =47; 14.5%, 95% CI 10.7���18.3%); lack of availability of an operating room ( n =2; 6.5%, 95% CI 3.8���9.2%). Conclusion We found that the Medicaid consent process, medical conditions and insufficient operating room space prevented women from having the desired surgery.
The Personality of Young Adult Couples and Wives' Work Patterns

ABSTRACT The influence of personality in 63 couples at the time of family formation on wives' work patterns 15 years later was examined in variable-centered and person/couple-centered ways. Four factor dimensions on the Adjective Check List assessed personality. Work patterns were assessed with measures of type, amount, and status of work and with schematic work narratives describing characters and plots abstracted from wives' mid-life data. Hierarchical regression analyses showed individuality of husbands to affect work outcomes after wives' college-age goals, their young adult personality, and the duration of marriages were taken into account. Conjoint high-low patterns of individuality in 34 couples were associated with different schematic work stories. These stories show distinctive personality and relational correlates at age 27. They flesh out and qualify hypotheses that individualistic partners would be open to women's careers and would show revealing strategies of combining self- and other interests in the transition to parenthood.
The Effect of Lithium Chloride on Renal Structure and Sodium-potassium-adenosine Triphosphatase Activity in Dogs

Lithium chloride was given intraperitoneally to dogs at a dosage of 125 mg/kg body weight for three days. Kidneys were removed for morphologic examination and quan- titation of sodium-potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na-K- ATPase) activity in cortical and medullary tissue. Light microscopy showed no changes in the kidneys, but cytoplasmic vacuolation and dilatation of the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum were seen ultrastruc- turally in the epithelial cells of the distal tubule and cortical and medullary collecting ducts. Mean cortical Na-K-ATPase activity was 1.49 f 0.25 and 1.70 k 0.31 pmoles inorganic phosphate/mg protein/hour in control and experimental groups respectively. Mean medullary Na-K-ATPase activity was 4.71 f 0.41 and 5.01 f 0.47 pmoles inorganic phosphate/mg protein/hour in control and experimental groups respectively. It was concluded that lithium produced morphologic changes in the distal nephron, but had no effect on renal Na-K-ATPase activity.
Hierarchical simulation of hot-carrier induced damages in VLSI circuits

A hierarchical simulation tool is presented for estimating the hot-carrier-induced degradation of nMOS transistor characteristics and circuit performance in large-scale circuits. This information can be used both for understanding the circuit-level dynamics of the degradation mechanisms and as a design aid for improving the long-term reliability through design modifications. A two-tier hierarchical approach is adopted for hot-carrier reliability simulation of large-scale circuits. First, the circuit is simulated using a fast simulator to detect subcircuits likely to cause reliability problems. Then, detailed simulation is performed on the suspected subcircuits. The fast simulation is performed using the mixed-mode simulator iDSIM2, whereas the circuit simulator iSMILE is used for the detailed simulation. >
Multicast connection capacity of WDM switching networks with limited wavelength conversion

Currently, many bandwidth-intensive applications require multicast services for efficiency purposes. In particular, as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technique emerges as a promising solution to meet the rapidly growing demands on bandwidth in present communication networks, supporting multicast at the WDM layer becomes an important yet challenging issue. In this paper, we introduce a systematic approach to analyzing the multicast connection capacity of WDM switching networks with limited wavelength conversion. We focus on the practical all-optical limited wavelength conversion with a small conversion degree d (e.g., d = 2 or 3), where an incoming wavelength can be switched to one of the d outgoing wavelengths. We then compare the multicast performance of the network with limited wavelength conversion to that of no wavelength conversion and full wavelength conversion. Our results demonstrate that limited wavelength conversion with small conversion degrees provides a considerable fraction of the performance improvement obtained by full wavelength conversion over no wavelength conversion. We also present an economical multistage switching architecture for limited wavelength conversion. Our results indicate that the multistage switching architecture along with limited wavelength conversion of small degrees is a cost-effective design for WDM multicast switching networks.
Trends and disparities in socioeconomic and behavioural characteristics, life expectancy, and cause-specific mortality of native-born and foreign-born populations in the United States, 1979–2003

BACKGROUND: Immigrants are a growing segment of the US population. In 2003, there were 33.5 million immigrants, accounting for 12% of the total US population. Despite a rapid increase in their numbers, little information exists as to how immigrants' health and mortality profile has changed over time. In this study, we analysed trends in social and behavioural characteristics, life expectancy, and mortality patterns of immigrants and the US-born from 1979 to 2003. METHODS: We used national mortality and census data (1979-2003) and 1993 and 2003 National Health Interview Surveys to examine nativity differentials over time in health and social characteristics. Life tables, age-adjusted death rates, and logistic regression were used to examine nativity differentials. RESULTS: During 1979-81, immigrants had 2.3 years longer life expectancy than the US-born (76.2 vs 73.9 years). The difference increased to 3.4 years in 1999-2001 (80.0 vs 76.6 years). Nativity differentials in mortality increased over time for major cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, unintentional injuries, and suicide, with immigrants experiencing generally lower mortality than the US-born in each period. Specifically, in 1999-2001, immigrants had at least 30% lower mortality from lung and oesophageal cancer, COPD, suicide, and HIV/AIDS, but at least 50% higher mortality from stomach and liver cancer than the US-born. Nativity differentials in mortality, health, and behavioural characteristics varied substantially by ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Growing ethnic heterogeneity of the immigrant population, and its migration selectivity and continuing advantages in behavioural characteristics may partly explain the overall widening health gaps between immigrants and the US-born. Language: en
ADOLESCENT VIOLENT VICTIMIZATION AND PRECOCIOUS UNION FORMATION

This article bridges scholarship in criminology and family sociology by extending arguments about "precocious exits" from adolescence to consider early union formation as a salient outcome of violent victimization for youths. Research indicates that early union formation is associated with several negative outcomes; yet the absence of attention to union formation as a consequence of violent victimization is noteworthy. We address this gap by drawing on life course theory and data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) to examine the effect of violent victimization ("street" violence) on the timing of first co-residential union formation-differentiating between marriage and cohabitation-in young adulthood. Estimates from Cox proportional hazard models show that adolescent victims of street violence experience higher rates of first union formation, especially marriage, early in the transition to adulthood; however, this effect declines with age, as such unions become more normative. Importantly, the effect of violent victimization on first union timing is robust to controls for nonviolent delinquency, substance abuse, and violent perpetration. We conclude by discussing directions for future research on the association between violent victimization and coresidential unions with an eye toward the implications of such early union formation for desistance.
A phylogeny of the Australian Sphenomorphus group (Scincidae: Squamata) and the phylogenetic placement of the crocodile skinks (Tribolonotus): Bayesian approaches to assessing congruence and obtaining confidence in maximum likelihood inferred relationships

Abstract Australian scincid lizards are a diverse squamate assemblage (∼385 species), divided among three major clades (Egernia, Eugongylus, and Sphenomorphus groups). The Sphenomorphus group is the largest, comprising 61% of the Australian scincid fauna. Phylogenetic relationships within the Australian Sphenomorphus group and the phylogenetic placement of Tribolonotus are inferred using mtDNA (12S and 16S rRNA genes, ND4 protein-coding gene, and associated tRNA genes; 2185 bp total). These data were analyzed separately (structural RNA vs protein-coding partitions) and combined using maximum likelihood. Confidence in inferred clades was assessed using non-parametric bootstrapping and Bayesian analysis. Analysis of the combined data strongly supports Sphenomorphus group (as well as the Australian subgroup) monophyly. Notoscincus is strongly placed as the sister taxon of the remaining Australian Sphenomorphus group taxa, with this more exclusive clade being divided into two major groups (one restricted to mesic eastern Australia and the other continent wide). The speciose Australian “Eulamprus” and “Glaphyromorphus” are both polyphyletic. All remaining non-Sphenomorphus group lygosomine skinks strongly form a clade, with Tribolonotus placed as the sister taxon of the Australian Egernia group.
Space-Time Communication Protocols for N-Way Relay Networks

We address communication protocols for N-way relay networks with M antennas at the relay and a single antenna at the N source terminals. In particular, amplify-and-forward (AF), decode-and-forward (DF), and compress-and-forward (CF) strategies are extended to these networks, and in addition, two new relaying protocols, denoise-and-forward and estimate-and-forward, are proposed. In the first part of the paper, the performance of these schemes is analyzed in terms of the achievable rate region. Also, the optimal diversity-multiplexing tradeoff is derived for both AF and DF. The second part of the paper is devoted to practical space-time transmission strategies. Linear dispersion codes are used, which are optimized by maximizing the sum rate. For AF a diversity order of close to M can be achieved by using a specific space-time code construction.
Membrane-bound cytoplasmic crystals, similar to those in alveolar soft part sarcoma, in a human muscle spindle.

Membrane-bound cytoplasmic crystals were found in the intrafusal fibers of a muscle spindle from a patient with neurogenic atrophy. The crystals have a periodicity of 10 nm and an intersecting axis angle of approximately 80°. This makes the crystals similar to those described in alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS). Because the crystals in ASPS may not be quite as specific as previously believed, and because similar crystals have been described in various other neoplasms, the present findings should not be taken as evidence for a muscle spindle derivation for ASPS.
Behavioural reconfigurable and adaptive data reduction in body sensor networks

Body area sensor networks have been attracting more and more applications which focus on human behaviour and monitoring, ranging from simple positioning to medical applications. These BSNs inherit unique specifications since are composed of light-weight embedded systems. In this paper, we focus on energy and lifetime requirements of these systems which is one of the most challenging design constraints. We study this problem from the angle of data compression and sampling which are both known to be very efficient in energy reduction specially when large amount of data is to be transmitted wirelessly. We introduce the notion of functional compression which utilises classes of data patterns to efficiently represent information through regenerative functions. Furthermore, we propose a reconfigurable compression methods which dynamically uses different compression methods to optimise compression ratio and energy savings. Later we study how sampling rate can be adaptively altered based on the behaviour of data pattern for further reduction in sample counts. We use the data from a wearable sensing system to illustrate the effectiveness of these methods which utilise the context and behaviour of the environment in system optimisation process.
Respiratory drive and pattern during inertially-loaded CO2 rebreathing: implications for models of respiratory mechanics in obesity

Chest wall inertance (Iw) constitutes a mechanical load which is small in normal individuals, but increases in the morbidly obese. The effect of increased Iw on respiratory drive and pattern has not previously been investigated. We studied this effect by measuring rebreathing CO2 response in 10 normal subjects with and without a 45.5 kg inertial load. Changes in inspiratory occlusion pressure (P0.1), ventilation, respiratory rate, mean inspiratory flow (Vt Ti) duty cycle (Ti Tt), inspiratory and expiratory times, and [P0.1/(Vt Ti)] were assessed. The P0.1 vs. PetCO2 response shifted to the left during inertial loading, while the slope remained unchanged (x-intercept = 36.7 ± 4.9 mm Hg unloaded vs. 32.7 ± 7.5 mm Hg loaded, P < 0.05), increasing P0.1 from 18.5 ± 8.0 to 21.0 ± 7.6 cm H2O at PetCO2 = 65 mm Hg (P < 0.005). Respiratory pattern was unchanged with the inertial load except for a slight decrease in tidal volume. The inspiratory transfer characteristic [P0.1/(Vt Ti] at PetCO2 = 65 mm Hg increased significantly (8.3 ± 2.0 to 10.5 ± 2.9 cm H2O·(L·sec−1)−1, P < 0.025) illustrating the strategy of maintaining similar ventilation by increasing inspiratory force against the load.
Determinants of organophosphorus pesticide urinary metabolite levels in young children living in an agricultural community

Organophosphorus (OP) pesticides are used in agriculture and several are registered for home use. As young children age they may experience different pesticide exposures due to varying diet, behavior, and other factors. We measured six OP dialkylphosphate (DAP) metabolites (three dimethyl alkylphosphates (DMAP) and three diethyl alkylphosphates (DEAP)) in urine samples collected from ~400 children living in an agricultural community when they were 6, 12, and 24 months old. We examined bivariate associations between DAP metabolite levels and determinants such as age, diet, season, and parent occupation. To evaluate independent impacts, we then used generalized linear mixed multivariable models including interaction terms with age. The final models indicated that DMAP metabolite levels increased with age. DMAP levels were also positively associated with daily servings of produce at 6- and 24-months. Among the 6-month olds, DMAP metabolite levels were higher when samples were collected during the summer/spring versus the winter/fall months. Among the 12-month olds, DMAP and DEAP metabolites were higher when children lived ≤60 meters from an agricultural field. Among the 24-month-olds, DEAP metabolite levels were higher during the summer/spring months. Our findings suggest that there are multiple determinants of OP pesticide exposures, notably dietary intake and temporal and spatial proximity to agricultural use. The impact of these determinants varied by age and class of DAP metabolite.
Assessing the Qualities of Social Relationships in Clinical and Nonclinical Individuals

This study highlights the use of a semistructured interview to explore essential positive and negative qualities of current and historic significant relationships. This approach allows for identifying who (or what) comprises each respondent's significant social network and for conducting a qualitative analysis of those positive and negative qualities that affect participant's lives. Using a self-psychology perspective, it was hypothesized that four bipolar qualities-availability, reliability, empathy, and non-intrusiveness-would emerge, with clinical individuals emphasizing the negative pole and nonclinical individuals emphasizing the positive. Both clinical and nonclinical individuals identified friends and family, with clinical individuals incorporating therapists, mentors, and organized groups into their significant social influences. As expected, empathy, reliability, and availability emerged, and clinical individuals had overall fewer positive themes and greater negative themes, including lack of rec...
A universal DC to logic performance correlation

A correlation of DC component and circuit characteristics to logic path performance is presented which is more accurate than previous correlations, and permits a predictive assessment of performance over multiple process nodes, given a limited set of DC component values.
An affine scaling method for optimization problems with polyhedral constraints

Recently an affine scaling, interior point algorithm ASL was developed for box constrained optimization problems with a single linear constraint (Gonzalez-Lima et al., SIAM J. Optim. 21:361---390, 2011). This note extends the algorithm to handle more general polyhedral constraints. With a line search, the resulting algorithm ASP maintains the global and R-linear convergence properties of ASL. In addition, it is shown that the unit step version of the algorithm (without line search) is locally R-linearly convergent at a nondegenerate local minimizer where the second-order sufficient optimality conditions hold. For a quadratic objective function, a sublinear convergence property is obtained without assuming either nondegeneracy or the second-order sufficient optimality conditions.
The ophiolitic Ingalls Complex, north-central Cascade Mountains, Washington

The Ingalls Complex is the largest and most complete of several Middle to Late Jurassic ophiolites in northwestern Washington. It structurally overlies the Skagit metamorphic core of the North Cascades and is intruded by the Late Cretaceous Mount Stuart Batholith. The last truncates major structures of the ophiolite and divides it into two outcrop areas, a main area south of the batholith and a smaller area in a roof pendant. In the main area, the internal structure of the ophiolite is dominated by two wide fault zones characterized by steeply dipping serpentinite melange. Displacement probably was a combination of strike slip and dip slip, with the latter apparently related to diapiric rise of serpentinite. Deformation probably occurred in an oceanic transform fault zone. Ultramafic tectonites predominate in the main outcrop area, including from south to north: (1) harzburgites and dunites; (2) mylonitic iherzolites and hornblende peridotites; and (3) Iherzolites. Unit 2 represents a high-temperature shear zone that may record early movement in the deeper levels of the postulated oceanic fracture zone. Mafites generally occur as tectonic blocks; in the southern fault zone, they underwent ocean-floor-type metamorphism, but to the north, metagabbros experienced dynamothermal amphibolite-facies metamorphism prior to incorporation into the serpentinite melange. Gabbros in the southern fault zone locally intrude ultramafites and in places pass upward into a diabase dike complex. Gabbros and diabases intrude partly pillowed basaltic flows and pillow breccias, with interbeds of argillite, chert, and ophiolite-derived sedimentary breccia. Another sequence of basalt, argillite, chert, and minor limestone is penetratively deformed and may be exotic. In the pendant on the Mount Stuart Batholith, the north-directed Windy Pass thrust (WPT) places the Ingalls on the pelitic Chiwaukum Schist of the Skagit metamorphic core. The Ingalls is imbricated with amphibolite-facies metasedimentary and metaplutonic slices that may be a part of the Skagit core not exposed in the lower plate. Imbrication was synchronous with amphibolite-facies metamorphism of the ophiolite in the pendant, but the postmetamorphic sole thrust (WPT) truncates both the imbricate slices and fabric elements in the Chiwaukum Schist. Thrusting was mid-Cretaceous, apparently postdating high-angle faulting within the main portion of the Ingalls. The WPT marks a major Cretaceous boundary between an oceanic and a metamorphic terrane (Skagit core), and its upper plate represents the only rocks preserved above the Skagit core. The Ingalls is similar in age to ophiolites in California, Oregon, and British Columbia, as well as those in northwestern Washington. The California and Oregon ophiolites (Coast Range, Smartville, Josephine) apparently originated in small, short-lived marginal basins, whereas the Ingalls was deformed in a fracture zone in a wider, longer-lived marginal basin or large ocean.
Comparison between diffusion and dilution methods for testing antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus cultures derived from bovine mastitis

One hundred Staphylococcus aureus strains from bovine mastitis were tested for susceptibility to eight antimicrobials by the paper disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) and a commercially prepared dilution system. Except in the case of penicillin and possibly ampicillin, comparison of the two methods showed excellent correlation. Agreement was perfect with methicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, and kanamycin.
Black Politics, the 2008 Election, and the (Im)Possibility of Race Transcendence

When Barack Obama delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, he was well on his way to claiming the open U.S. Senate seat once held by the only other black Democratic senator since Reconstruction, Carol Moseley-Braun. Although mostly unknown, the self-professed “skinny guy with the funny name,” made a lasting impression. Secure in his own Senate race, Obama, a rising political star, spent much of the fall traveling the country as a surrogate for Democratic candidates.
Low-temperature detectors in X-ray astronomy

The most compelling nature of X-ray astronomy is its richness and scale. Almost every observable object in the sky either naturally emits X-ray radiation or can be observed through X-ray absorption. Current X-ray observatories such as Chandra and XMM-Newton have considerably advanced our understanding of many of these systems by using imaging X-ray cameras and dispersed X-ray spectrometers. However, it is the combination of these two techniques to provide a true broadband, high spectral-resolution, imaging spectrometer that will drive the next revolution in X-ray astronomy. This is where Low-temperature detectors (LTDs) can play a key role but also where the science will continuously challenge the technology. In this brief overview we will explore the constraints that both the science goals and the space environment place on the implementation of LTDs, how current missions such as XQC and Astro-E2 have met these challenges, and where future missions such as Constellation-X, XEUS, and NeXT will drive LTD instruments to a much larger scale. Finally, we will address scaling issues in current LTD detectors and where the LTD community needs to proceed to address both the science goals and expectations of the astrophysics community.
Choice of Hydrologic Variables for Probabilistic Drought Classification

AbstractManagement of irrigation practices takes on a more-prominent role under drought conditions. Watershed-scale drought characterization is performed using cumulative density function (CDF)-bas...
Cramér-Rao bounds for metasurfaces susceptibilities

Over the past fifteen years, a lot of efforts have been focused on understanding the effective properties of metamaterials [1]. In the last few years, metasurfaces in particular have been widely investigated [2]. Several homogenization methods dedicated to them have been proposed but, due to the topic’s complexity, none have yet to be widely accepted. We considered a specific homogenization method dedicated to metasurfaces, namely Generalized Sheet Transition Conditions (GSTC, [3]). This method was chosen because it is compatible with retrieval from reflection and transmission coefficients. In this method, metasurfaces are characterized by electric and magnetic susceptibilities. In the literature, retrieved effective parameters have been shown to violate causality around resonances and this has been attributed to spatial dispersion [4]. In order to determine if spatial dispersion is the only source of this phenomenon, we have investigated the statistical properties of estimators that have been put forward for these susceptibilities. We have thus computed the Cramer-Rao lower bounds on the variance of these estimators. We have shown that this bound increases substantially around resonances making retrieval possible only for very high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR, [5]). Therefore, in experiments, issues arising from spatial dispersion and noise compound and result in non-physical effective parameters. To mitigate this, we have proposed a least-squares estimator for susceptibilities that has a better performance with respect to noise. Sensitivity to noise is particularly acute for low-loss metasurfaces. It often results in required SNRs that are unachievable in practice. The present work is thus relevant to the development of loss-compensated metasurfaces for which the issues posed by retrieval will have to be closely considered for accurate and robust device characterization.
Co-stimulation Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Today and Tomorrow.

Abatacept is the only T cell co-stimulation modulator approved thus far for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is licensed for use in patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX) and/or anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy. The upstream mechanism of action of abatacept leads to downstream effects in a variety of cell types associated with the production of autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines implicated in RA. Accumulating data also suggest effects on other cells involved in the pathogenesis of RA, including regulatory T cells and osteoclasts. Clinical trials have demonstrated that abatacept is an effective and well-tolerated treatment in RA. More recently, evidence from the Assessing Very Early Rheumatoid arthritis Treatment (AVERT) trial showed that complete drug-free remission following treatment with abatacept may be a possibility in some patients with early RA, indicating that the disease course could be altered by early intervention. Equivalent efficacy and onset of action of abatacept and anti-TNF therapy have also been demonstrated in patients with an inadequate response to MTX in the Abatacept versus adaliMumab comParison in bioLogic-naivE rheumatoid arthritis subjects with background methotrexate (AMPLE) trial. Together, these findings support the use of abatacept in early and established RA.