cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term Changes in the Central Amygdala Proteome in Rats with a History of Chronic Cocaine Self-administration.

Abstract The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a striatum-like structure that contains mainly inhibitory circuits controlling a repertoire of (mal)adaptive behaviors related to pain, anxiety, motivation, and addiction. Neural activity in the CeA is also necessary for the expression of persistent and robust drug seeking, also termed ‘incubation of drug craving.’ However, neuroadaptations within this brain region supporting incubated drug craving have not been characterized. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of protein expression in the CeA of male rats after prolonged (45-day) abstinence from extended-access cocaine self-administration using a quantitative proteomic approach. The proteomic analysis identified 228 unique proteins altered in cocaine rats relative to animals that received saline. Out of the identified proteins, 160 were downregulated, while 68 upregulated. Upregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase and downregulation of neural cell-adhesion protein contactin-1 were validated by immunoblotting. Follow-up analysis by the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis tool revealed alterations in protein networks associated with several neurobehavioral disorders, cellular function and morphology, as well as axogenesis, long-term potentiation, and receptor signaling pathways. This study suggests that chronic cocaine self-administration, followed by a prolonged abstinence results in reorganization of specific protein signaling networks within the CeA that may underlie incubated cocaine craving and identifies potential novel ‘druggable’ targets for the treatment of cocaine use disorder (CUD).
The Effects of Providing and Receiving Peer Feedback on Writing Performance and Learning of Secondary School Students

Research has shown that engaging students in peer feedback can help students revise documents and improve their writing skills. But the mechanistic pathways by which skills develop have remained un...
Sensitivity and specificity of S2BI for identifying alcohol and cannabis use disorders among adolescents presenting for primary care

The Screening to Brief Intervention (S2BI) tool was designed to identify substance use disorders in adolescents. We report the S2BI’s sensitivity and specificity for identifying alcohol and cannabi...
Neurotoxic manifestations of high-dose intrathecal gadolinium administration for CT myelogram

Abstract Use of intrathecal gadolinium for contrast-enhanced myelography and cisternography remains off-label and is currently not FDA-approved. We report a 70-year-old male who underwent CT myelogram utilizing off-label high-dose intrathecal gadolinium who developed altered mental status and bilateral hearing loss. Workup ruled out meningitis (infectious and aseptic), infectious encephalopathy, encephalitis, and hypothyroidism. MRI of the brain and lumbar spine without contrast displayed fluid collection in L4-5 interspace and diffuse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) hyperdensity consistent with intrathecal gadolinium. The patient eventually improved with high-dose IV dexamethasone and supportive care and resolution of diffuse CSF hyperdensity was observed on repeat MRI. There are limited data demonstrating the safety of low-dose intrathecal gadolinium due to which usage remains off-label. Our case highlights the need for caution when using substances for off-label indications and reinforces the usage of less invasive and noninvasive diagnostic modalities when possible.
Mathematical Foundations of Speech and Language Processing

Probability and statistics in computational linguistics, a brief review.- Three issues in modern language modeling.- Stochastic analysis of Structured Language Modeling.- Latent semantic language modeling for speech recognition.- Prosody modeling for automatic speech recognition and understanding.- Switching dynamic system models for speech articulation and acoustics.- Segmental HMMS: Modeling dynamics and underlying structure in speech.- Modelling graph-based observation spaces for segment-based speech recognition.- Towards robust and adaptive speech recognition models.- Graphical models and automatic speech recognition.- An introduction to Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.- Semiparametric filtering in speech processing.- List of workshop participants.
No Discounted-Regret Learning in Adversarial Bandits with Delays.

Consider a player that in each round $t$ out of $T$ rounds chooses an action and observes the incurred cost after a delay of $d_{t}$ rounds. The cost functions and the delay sequence are chosen by an adversary. We show that even if the players' algorithms lose their "no regret" property due to too large delays, the expected discounted ergodic distribution of play converges to the set of coarse correlated equilibrium (CCE) if the algorithms have "no discounted-regret". For a zero-sum game, we show that no discounted-regret is sufficient for the discounted ergodic average of play to converge to the set of Nash equilibria. We prove that the FKM algorithm with $n$ dimensions achieves a regret of $O\left(nT^{\frac{3}{4}}+\sqrt{n}T^{\frac{1}{3}}D^{\frac{1}{3}}\right)$ and the EXP3 algorithm with $K$ arms achieves a regret of $O\left(\sqrt{\ln K\left(KT+D\right)}\right)$ even when $D=\sum_{t=1}^{T}d_{t}$ and $T$ are unknown. These bounds use a novel doubling trick that provably retains the regret bound for when $D$ and $T$ are known. Using these bounds, we show that EXP3 and FKM have no discounted-regret even for $d_{t}=O\left(t\log t\right)$. Therefore, the CCE of a finite or convex unknown game can be approximated even when only delayed bandit feedback is available via simulation.
Inverse Scattering on the Line—an Overview

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the inverse scattering on the line. Historically interest in inverse scattering theory began with the frustration of theoretical physicists in trying to construct a rigorous quantum field theory. This “existential” theory took the name S-matrix theory. Using a technique which the chapter refers to as Darboux transformations, or Backlund transformations, by example that h was not determined by S(h). Thus S-matrix theory was indeed weaker than the Hamiltonian theory. Four major technical problems arise, the first in the direct scattering theory, the remaining three in the inverse theory.
Software engineering with abstractions

Table of Contents. Introduction. Requirements Analysis. Functional Specification. Architectural Design. Implementation. Evolution. Support Environment. Research. Directions. Appendices.
The Role of Development in Genetic Algorithms

Abstract The developmental mechanisms transforming genotypic to phenotypic forms are typically omitted in formulations of genetic algorithms (GAs) in which these two representational spaces are identical. We argue that a careful analysis of developmental mechanisms is useful when understanding the success of several standard GA techniques, and can clarify the relationships between more recently proposed enhancements. We provide a framework that distinguishes between two developmental mechanisms — learning and maturation — while also showing several common effects on GA search. This framework is used to analyze how maturation and local search can change the dynamics of the GA. We observe that in some contexts, maturation and local search can be incorporated into the fitness evaluation, but illustrate reasons for considering them seperately. Further, we identify contexts in which maturation and local search can be distinguished from the fitness evaluation.
Biopsie et lavage du gros intestin dans l’évaluation des groupes à haut risque

A partir de cellules intestinales desquamees, recoltees par lavage colique et de biopsies de muqueuse apparemment normale, prelevees chez des individus ou existe un risque eleve de devolopper un cancer colique, et en presence de thymidine tritiee, on a pu montrer des anomalies cellulaires aidant a identifier des stades precoces de la maladie cancereuse. Soit qu’il s’agisse de zones franchement adenomateuses n’ayant pas encore atteint le niveau d’une tumeur visible, soit qu’il existe une synthese anormale d’ADN, predisant de facon tres vraisemblable le futur devoloppment d’un neoplasme.
Ellen R. Grass Lecture: extraordinary EEG.

ABSTRACT.The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a unique measure of the electrical function of the brain. Cerebral sources of EEG potentials expressed by the human brain have been recorded on the surface of the scalp for almost 100 years. With the advances in digital technology, present day EEG has evolved to include specialized techniques that offer new capabilities never realized before. Refined intracranial recording techniques and multi-channel systems now permit access to regions of the brain that have previously been off limits to conventional EEG recording. Extraordinary biorhythms beyond 1 to 35 Hz that have been typically used in routine EEG are now exploring extreme band-widths that may disclose epileptogenic regions and their yield causative networks involved in generating seizures. These spectral frequencies ranging from infraslow activity to high frequency oscillations have far reaching implications for people with uncontrolled seizures. Micro-EEG recordings are now shedding light on electrophysio...
Mass and energy flow near sunspots

Sunspots block the flow of energy to the solar surface. The blocked energy heats the volume beneath the spot, producing a pressure excess which drives an outflow of mass. Linear numerical models of the mass and energy flow around spots were constructed to estimate the predictions of this physical picture against the observed properties of sunspot bright rings and moat flows. The width of the bright ring and moat are predicted to be proportional to the depth of the spot penumbra, in conflict with the observed proportionally of the moat width to the spot diameter. Postulating that spot depths are proportional to spot diameters would bury the moat flow too deeply to be observed, because the radial velocity at the surface is found to be inversely proportional to the depth of the spot penumbra. The radial velocity at the surface is of order a few hundred meters per second after 1 day, in agreement with the observed excess of moat velocities over supergranule velocities.
What is the impact of a sport education curriculum model on students' motivation in physical education and leisure-time physical activity?

Sport education is a physical education (PE) curriculum model created to encourage to be more active in PE classes. It has the goal of developing competent, literate and enthusiastic participants t...
MITOCHONDRIAL OXIDATION OF 3, 3′-DIAMINOBENZIDINE AT VARIOUS pH VALUES

Osmium black reaction products from 3, 3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) oxidation via rat kidney mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase were studied relative to a wide range of incubating pH values and with different incubating times.The reaction products were localized within the mitochondrial cristae and outer compartments. The greatest amount of reaction products appeared at pH 8.0-8.4. However, the best membrane-localized reaction with fine products occurred at pH 7.2-7.4. Reducing the incubating time resulted in more precisely localized reaction products, although the staining was decreased. In the higher pH range the reaction products became more diffuse and factors other than enzyme activity were presumed to influence the reaction product formation. Cristae alone did not stain at any of the pH values tested.
An Algorithm for Network-Based Gene Prioritization That Encodes Knowledge Both in Nodes and in Links

Background: Candidate gene prioritization aims to identify promising new genes associated with a disease or a biological process from a larger set of candidate genes. In recent years, network-based methods - which utilize a knowledge network derived from biological knowledge - have been utilized for gene prioritization. Biological knowledge can be encoded either through the network's links or nodes. Current network-based methods can only encode knowledge through links. This paper describes a new network-based method that can encode knowledge in links as well as in nodes. Results: We developed a new network inference algorithm called the Knowledge Network Gene Prioritization (KNGP) algorithm which can incorporate both link and node knowledge. The performance of the KNGP algorithm was evaluated on both synthetic networks and on networks incorporating biological knowledge. The results showed that the combination of link knowledge and node knowledge provided a significant benefit across 19 experimental diseases over using link knowledge alone or node knowledge alone. Conclusions: The KNGP algorithm provides an advance over current network-based algorithms, because the algorithm can encode both link and node knowledge. We hope the algorithm will aid researchers with gene prioritization. © 2013 Kimmel, Visweswaran.
Theory of nonadiabatic flame propagation in dissociation equilibrium

Effects of dissociation equilibrium and heat loss on the structure and propagation of the one-dimensional laminar flame in the doubly-infinite domain have been studied using matched asymptotic analysis in the limit of large activation energy. Analytical solutions have been obtained with an explicit, expression for the burning rate eigenvalue as function of the dissociation and heat loss parameters. Results show that dissociation alone cannot cause extinction of an adiabatic flame. Extinction, however, is facilitated in the simultaneous presence of heat loss. Salient features of the structure of both the adiabatic and nonadiabatic flames are identified.
An Intensive Onsite Technical Assistance Model to Promote Inclusive Educational Practices for Students with Disabilities in Middle School and High School

The authors examined the effects of an intensive onsite technical assistance (IOTA) model on the inclusive practices of special educators. Three special educators received technical assistance that included performance assessments, workshops on inclusive practices, and intensive onsite follow-up support. Inclusive practices were measured using direct observations and interviews to document (a) the use of informal assessment, (b) development and implementation of quality individualized education plans, and (c) access to the general education curriculum. These results showed that the IOTA model was effective in improving the inclusive practices of special educators and the quality of instruction received by students. These findings offer an empirically validated approach to delivering technical assistance to improve the inclusive teaching practices of special educators.
Eisenberg–Gale markets: Algorithms and game-theoretic properties

Abstract We define a new class of markets, the Eisenberg–Gale markets . This class contains Fisher's linear market, markets from the resource allocation framework of Kelly [Kelly, F.P., 1997. Charging and rate control for elastic traffic. Europ. Transactions Telecommunications 8, 33–37], as well as numerous interesting new markets. We obtain combinatorial, strongly polynomial algorithms for several markets in this class. Our algorithms have a simple description as ascending price auctions. Our algorithms lead to insights into game-theoretic properties of these markets, such as efficiency, fairness, and competition monotonicity. They also help determine if these markets always have rational equilibria. A classification of Eisenberg–Gale markets w.r.t. these properties reveals a surprisingly rich set of possibilities.
Phase formation and microstructure in sputter-deposited Ti-Mo-C and Ti-W-C thin films

Ti-Mo-C and Ti-W-C films were deposited by cosputtering from carbide targets in order to examine the phase formation, microstructure, and mechanical properties. A series of Ti-Mo-C films were deposited, with compositions ranging from TiC to Mo2C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that multiphase Ti-Mo-C films, containing the (Ti,Mo)C, Mo2C, and Mo3C2 phases, were only obtained in highly Mo-rich films. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed a higher defect content in single-phase alloy Ti-Mo-C films in comparison to TiC alone. The hardness for most Ti-Mo-C films was in the range of 8 to 10 GPa, but even lower values were obtained in the multiphase films. Ti-W-C films deposited by cosputtering of TiC and WC formed only (Ti,W)C solid solutions. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of peak positions showed that the W 4f7/2 binding energy decreased with increasing W content. The hardness of most of the Ti-W-C coatings was in the range of 15 to 17 GPa; however, a sample with 40 pct W had a hardness of 29 GPa. The TEM analysis of this sample revealed an extremely small grain size and a higher film density. The high hardness of this specimen is attributed to Hall-Petch strengthening.
Observation of the spatial growth of self-excited dust-density waves

The growth of a naturally occurring dust-density wave (DDW) is experimentally observed using high-speed imaging. This low frequency wave (∼25 Hz) grows in amplitude as it propagates downward through a dusty plasma. The wave’s linear growth rate −ki is measured using a phase-sensitive analysis method. For the conditions studied here, the growth rate increases as gas pressure decreases. At a critical gas pressure, which is observed, a balance between an ion-flow instability and dissipation by neutral gas drag determines a threshold for wave propagation. A linear dispersion relation is derived, taking into account the effects of strong-coupling, to compare to the experiment.
Rational design of purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitors: Design of 2-(2′-Haloethyl) and 2-ethenyl substituted quinazolinone alkylating agents.

Abstract The synthesis, elimination/addition mechanism, and purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitory properties of 2-(2′-bromoethyl) and 2-ethenyl substituted quinazolinone-based quinones are described herein. Both 2-substituted quinazolinone derivatives were designed to act as reductive alkylating agents of glutamate residues in the purine nucleoside phosphorylase active site. Mechanistic studies provided evidence of a novel alkylation process involving a quinazolinone prototropic tautomer. The tautomer is the result of a prototropic shift of the C(1′) proton of the 2-alkyl group to the N(1) position of the quinazolinone ring. Both 2-substituted quinazolinones rapidly and irreversibly inactivate purine nucleoside phosphorylase.
THE LIFE HISTORY OF FREE‐RANGING ATLANTIC SPOTTED DOLPHINS (STENELLA FRONTALIS): AGE CLASSES, COLOR PHASES, AND FEMALE REPRODUCTION

Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were observed underwater and from the surface from 1985 to 1996 and photographed through successive years. Individuals were categorized into age classes by their degree of spotting and color phases. Dolphins spent an average of 3 yr in the two-tone color phase, 5 yr in the speckled phase, 7 yr in the mottled phase and up to 10 yr or more in the fused phase. Sex ratios were close to parity, with old adults skewed towards females and juveniles and young adults skewed towards males. The average calving interval for 24 females was 2.96 years with a range of 1–5 yr. Females whose calves survived the first year had a significantly longer calving interval (3.56 years). The ages of first parturition for five females were estimated to be 10–12 yr. The age at sexual maturation was estimated to range from 8 to 15 yr. Pregnancy rate fluctuated annually, with an average rate of 0.25 (range 0.07–0.57). Annual average birth rate was 0.08 (range 0.07–0.14), average calf production was 0.33 (range 0.06–0.52), average fecundity was 0.23 (range 0.13–0.30), and average recruitment was 0.06 (range 0.03–0.08). Most females who lost a calf conceived the same or following year. Lactation lasted up to 5 yr, and 45% of visibly pregnant females were also lactating. Age of first parturition was associated with the mottled color phase. Average first-year mortality rate of calves was 0.24.
Bilateral middle lobe syndrome.

SUMMARY 1. The term “bilateral middle lobe syndrome” has been used to describe concomitant chronic obstructive pneumonitis of the right middle lobe and its homolog, the lingula. 2. Two cases are presented, which are the first reported to have bilateral resections for this condition.
Effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on the corneal endothelium.

Purpose To assess the effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on the corneal endothelium. Methods In a prospective study, the corneal endothelium of 98 eyes of 65 consecutive patients (mean age, 41 years; range, 22 to 66 years) was photographed before, 2 weeks after, and 12 weeks after LASIK for the correction of 2.75 to 14.5 diopters of myopia. Theoretical ablation depths were 200 to 330 μm below the corneal surface. Cell density, coefficient of variation, and percent of hexagonal cells were determined using 150 to 200 cells from each image. Eighty-eight eyes (91%) of 59 patients had a history of contact lens wear. Results The mean ± SD preoperative endothelial cell density was 2,549 ± 365 cells per mm 2 , and the mean coefficient of variation was 0.35 ± 0.06. There was no statistically significant change in the mean endothelial cell density or mean coefficient of variation of cell size at the 2-week (2,561 ± 360 cells per mm 2 and 0.35 ± 0.06) or 12-week (2,541 ± 364 cells per mm 2 and 0.35 ± 0.05) postoperative examinations. The percent of hexagonal cells was not significantly changed 2 weeks postoperatively; however, 12 weeks postoperatively ( P =.0413, two-tailed t test), the percent of hexagonal cells was decreased by 1%. Conclusions Corneal endothelial cell density and morphology were unchanged 2 and 12 weeks after LASIK for the correction of up to 14.5 diopters of myopia. In this LASIK study, the correction of up to 14.5 diopters of myopia appears to cause no clinically significant effect on corneal endothelial cell density or morphology.
Voices through cameras: Learning about the experiences and challenges of minority government-insured overweight and obese New York City adolescents using photovoice

AbstractBackgroundOver one-third of US adolescents are overweight, and about 18% are obese. Prevalence is similar in New York City adolescents, with disparities across socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. Photovoice is a participatory approach that allows participants to communicate experiences through photographs and interviews. The purpose of this pilot study was to increase adolescent awareness of positive and negative influences on dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviors, and increase understanding of the perceived role of the physician in influencing these behaviors.MethodsSeven adolescents aged 13–19 years diagnosed with overweight or obesity were recruited from a government insurance-based pediatric clinic at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Participants completed photovoice assignments and individual interviews addressing perceived barriers, strategies, and influences related to healthy dietary and PA behaviors. Interviews were transcribed and reviewed to ident...
Interpretation of Intensity Distributions in the N 2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield and CO Fourth Positive Band Systems

IN much of the early spectroscopic literature the photographic density (measured or estimated by eye) of spectral features is reported, in addition to wavelengths, as an aid to identification. In many molecular band systems in the vacuum ultra-violet region (which are becoming of increasing interest in astrophysics and plasma physics and the intensities of which, in emission, are relatively difficult to measure) the early data on photographic blackening are still the only experimental information on band intensities available.
Evaluation of biochemical functions and ventricular performance in regional ischemic-reperfused myocardium by afterload reduction: differential effects of calcium blocking and non-calcium blocking vasodilators

The effects of afterload reduction with and without calcium blockade on reperfusion injury were studied in the pig. Reversible occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery was performed for 60 minutes followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion. For 15 minutes prior to and throughout reperfusion, treatment was administered with a calcium blocker (nifedipine or verapamil), a metallic organic dye and Ca2+ antagonist (ruthenium red), a vasodilator (nitroprusside), or saline. Biochemical functions, i.e., mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, myocardial ATP and Ca2+ content, and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ uptake were determined. Regional left ventricular wall motion was measured echocardiographically. Nifedipine and ruthenium red improved biochemical indices of ischemic myocardium in part by reducing afterload and thereby reducing oxygen demand and in part by reducing calcium entry into cells and mitochondria. Verapamil in the doses used failed to reduce afterload and demonstrated no salutary effect on biochemical parameters in ischemic myocardium. Nitroprusside reduced afterload, improved mitochondrial ATP production and increased percent wall thickening. Our findings suggest that afterload reduction with and without calcium blockade during the early reperfusion phase improves ischemic myocardium. These changes are predominantly biochemical in nature.
Validation of a rodent model of source memory.

Source memory represents the origin (source) of information. Recently, we proposed that rats (Rattus norvegicus) remember the source of information. However, an alternative to source memory is the possibility that rats selectively encoded some, but not all, information rather than retrieving an episodic memory. We directly tested this ‘encoding failure’ hypothesis. Here, we show that rats remember the source of information, under conditions that cannot be attributed to encoding failure. Moreover, source memory lasted at least seven days but was no longer present 14 days after studying. Our findings suggest that long-lasting source memory may be modelled in non-humans. Our model should facilitate attempts to elucidate the biological underpinnings of source memory impairments in human memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
Satellite vibration measurements with an autodyne CO 2 laser radar

Vibration signatures of the Low Power Atmospheric Compensation Experiment satellite were obtained with a ground-based CO2 laser radar. The laser radar operated in a cw mode and used autodyne receivers to extract relative target velocity information between a germanium retroreflector located at the base of the satellite and a retroreflector array located at the tip of an extended forward boom. Time–frequency analysis algorithms were applied to the vibration data to investigate the correlation between excitations and modal structure. The resultant analysis suggests that vibration modes of an on-orbit spacecraft can be suppressed with simple open-loop techniques.
Spectral transformation of EXELFS data — NiO on Ni(100) and Ni(110)

Abstract Extended electron energy loss fine structure (EXELFS) spectra have been obtained from the K-level of oxygen in NiO films grown on both the Ni(100) and Ni(110) surfaces. The spectra indicate that the oxide films grown on both surfaces have Ni-O bond lengths of 2.08 A, identical to those of bulk NiO. These analyses agree with previous measurements on the Ni(100) surface. As in previous experiments the actual measurements made is of N ( E ) rather than direct measurement of the electron energy loss distribution N ( E ). The EXELFS spectra from these two surfaces are used to illustrate the influence of this collection scheme on the radial distribution function obtained by Fourier transformation of the raw data. To obtain the direct analog of the radial distribution function found from the EXAFS experiment one must either resort to spectral integration or appropriate scaling of the distribution function found from the EXELFS experiment.
Functional relationship of cytochrome c(6) and plastocyanin in Arabidopsis.

Photosynthetic electron carriers are important in converting light energy into chemical energy in green plants. Although protein components in the electron transport chain are largely conserved among plants, algae and prokaryotes, there is thought to be a major difference concerning a soluble protein in the thylakoid lumen. In cyanobacteria and eukaryotic algae, both plastocyanin and cytochrome c6 mediate electron transfer from cytochrome b6f complex to photosystem I1,2,3,4. In contrast, only plastocyanin has been found to play the same role in higher plants. It is widely accepted that cytochrome c6 has been evolutionarily eliminated from higher-plant chloroplasts5,6. Here we report characterization of a cytochrome c6-like protein from Arabidopsis (referred to as Atc6). Atc6 is a functional cytochrome c localized in the thylakoid lumen. Electron transport reconstruction assay showed that Atc6 replaced plastocyanin in the photosynthetic electron transport process. Genetic analysis demonstrated that neither plastocyanin nor Atc6 was absolutely essential for Arabidopsis growth and development. However, plants lacking both plastocyanin and Atc6 did not survive.
A case-based reasoning approach to real estate property appraisal

Abstract Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) has emerged as an alternative to rule-based reasoning techniques for the design of expert systems. This paper concentrates on the issues involved in the application of the case-based reasoning techniques to a specific domain, property appraisal. Case-based reasoning has been recently favored because it seems to resemble more closely the psychological process humans follow when trying to apply their knowledge to the solution of problems: adapting solutions of similar problems handled in past experiences to address present situations. Property appraisal or valuation is a domain characterized by having a single parameter in its solution—the value of the property being appraised. This makes it different from most of other domains to which case-based reasoning has been applied. Those other domains require the satisfaction of multiple goals, which are related to one another in some type of explanation or plan. Because of the fact that properly appraisal has a single goal, it is particularly important to find the best possible answer for that solution. In addition to this, the achievement of consistency is also essential in this domain in which different experts may reach different answers even having the same data at their disposition. By modelling the market data approach of appraisal, using adaptations of case-based reasoning techniques, such as the similarity links and the critics, and integrating other techniques, (i.e., the use of comfort factors), a case-based reasoner for property appraisal is implemented addressing the issues just mentioned above.
THE WEALTH OF NATIONS AND THE HAPPINESS OF NATIONS: WHY "ACCOUNTING" MATTERS

We review income-happiness research in light of competing theoretical frameworks, unit of analysis, and methodological issues. Within-countries, absolute income is weakly related to happiness, comparison effects depend on the measure utilized, and income change and perceived income produce inconsistent findings. Across countries, absolute income is a stronger predictor of happiness, different comparison effects are significant, income change results are predominantly positive, and the financial-life satisfaction relationship is more robust.
Quantitation of tigecycline, a novel glycyclcycline, by liquid chromatography

An ion-paired HPLC assay was developed to determine tigecycline (GAR-936) concentrations in Hank's balanced salts solution, tigecycline intra-cellular concentrations in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and tigecycline concentrations in human serum. Minocycline was used as internal standard, 5% trichloroacetic acid was added to lyse PMNs and also precipitate proteins in PMNs and serum. The top aqueous layer was aspirated for HPLC assay. The chromatograms were performed with a reversed-phase C18 column with UV detector. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile, phosphate buffer (pH 3) and 1-octanesulfonic acid at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. Good linearity and recovery were achieved over the range of standard curves. The relative standard deviations of three quality controls for intra- and inter-day precision were less than 6.4%, and the relative errors of the intra- and inter-day accuracy were less than 7.0%. Tigecycline in Hank's buffer, PMNs and serum was stable under different test conditions. This new liquid chromatography assay is a simple, accurate and reproducible method for determining tigecycline in different matrix.
Clinical review 53: The endocrinology of vasoactive peptides: synthesis to function.

T HE IMPORTANT functions of the vasculature include the regulation of blood pressure and flow (vasomotor tone). To understand the physiology of the vasculature and the basis for disease, a clear understanding of the complex interactions of vasoactive substances is needed. Much work in the past 30 yr has led to the identification of novel peptide hormones, eicosanoids, matrix proteins and growth factors, cytokines, and even a gas [nitric oxide (NO)] that modulate blood vessel function and participate in the development of vascular disease. In this review, we examine the current status and interactive function of four protein hormones, arginine vasopressin (AVP), angiotensin-II (Ang), atria1 natriuretic peptide (ANP), and endothelin (ET; Fig. 1). These peptides act in endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine fashions in conjunction with the autonomic nervous system to maintain vasomotor tone. They also play a role in normal and abnormal vascular cell growth. Both of these functions may result from the protein hormones modulating the production and action of other vasoactive substances. The manifestations of common cardiovascular diseases can be attributed in part to the action of these peptide hormones. When the specific role of a peptide is uncovered, we improve our understanding of the biological basis of disease, and rational therapy soon follows.
Regioselectivity of the oxidative C-S bond formation in ergothioneine and ovothiol biosyntheses.

Ergothioneine (5) and ovothiol (8) are two novel thiol-containing natural products. Their C–S bonds are formed by oxidative coupling reactions catalyzed by EgtB and OvoA enzymes, respectively. In this work, it was discovered that in addition to catalyzing the oxidative coupling between histidine and cysteine (1 → 6 conversion), OvoA can also catalyze a direct oxidative coupling between hercynine (2) and cysteine (2 → 4 conversion), which can shorten the ergothioneine biosynthetic pathway by two steps.
Imidazomidazoles II. Structural Features Affecting Formation of Hydantoins or Tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-d]imidazole-2,5-diones

A series of N -aryl and N -alkyl substituted hydantoins were synthesized by condensation of substituted ureas with glyoxal. The molecular structure of the hydantoins was elucidated, and the influence of steric and electronic factors responsible for formation of only one of the two possible isomers was studied.
A Compilation of Design for Environment Principles and Guidelines

Public policy is becoming increasingly stringent with respect to the environmental impacts of modern products. To respond to this tightened scrutiny, product designers must innovate to lower the environmental footprints of their concepts. Design for Environment (DfE) is a field of product design methodology that includes tools, methods and principles to help designers reduce environmental impact. The most powerful and well-known tool within DfE is Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA); however, LCA requires a fully specified design and thus is a retrospective design tool, only applicable as the end of the design process. Because the decisions with the greatest environmental impact are made during earlier design stages, it is important to develop concurrent design tools that can implement DfE principles at conceptual and embodiment design stages, thereby achieving more substantial environmental improvements. The goal of this work is to compile a set of DfE principles that are useful during the design process; explain select principles through examples; and provide an example of applying DfE principles concurrently during the design process.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
“Repeat After Me” Engaging Refugee Youth in Nutrition and Food Safety Education without a Translator

Description: To develop the textbook and teaching guide, educational experts included professors, elementary teachers, principals, and supervisors engaged in this study. The contents of the textbook, which consist of 12 lessons, included tasting by the 5 senses, enjoying taste, and eating together. The core of activities was based on an experiential learning program. The developed textbook will be applied to a basic course in sensory education. We implemented a pilot study to verify suitability of educational content and activity levels in third-grade students. Evaluation:One hundred thirty-one students completed a self-reported questionnaire after 1 class. The children had a positive attitude about novel food (P < .05). Also, the score of unfamiliar food such as cucumber, bean, and sweet potato was improved (P < .05, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). Ninety percent of subjects were interested in the class activity. Conclusions and Implications: If the sensory education based on this textbook is implemented, it will contribute to improved preference for Korean traditional food and enhance the health of schoolchildren. The education effect was not stable. Thus, it is necessary to develop a textbook for the upper grades. Funding: Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.
Representation Theory of Finite Groups: from Frobenius to Brauer

The representation theory of finite groups began with the pioneering research of Frobenius, Burnside, and Schur at the turn of the century. Their work was inspired in part by two largely unrelated developments which occurred earlier in the nineteenth century. The first was the awareness of characters of finite abelian groups and their application by some of the great nineteenth-century number theorists. The second was the emergence of the structure theory of finite groups, beginning with Galois’ brief outline of the main ideas in the famous letter written on the eve of his death and continuing with the work of Sylow and others, including Frobenius himself.
Extinction of a stagnation-point diffusion flame at reduced gravity

The extinction limits of a diffusion flame in the stagnation-point boundary layer of a solid fuel in mixed-, natural-, and forced-convective flows are determined numerically. The flow is characterized by a mixed-convection stretch rate and a densimetric Froude number. The results depend primarily on stretch rate and only slightly on Froude number. The computed results show that in addition to the familiar blowoff limit, which occurs at large stretch rate, an extinction limit due to radiative heat loss from the fuel surface is found at very low stretch rate. These two extinction boundaries merge to define a fundamental low oxygen limit. The difference of this oxygen limit for forced and buoyancy-driven flows is found to be slight. 11 references.
Cooperative metabolism in honey bees: An alternative to antifreeze and hibernation

Abstract 1. 1. The socially organized honey bees ( Apis mellifera L.) gather together in clusters and cooperatively function in homeothermy under conditions of cold stress. 2. 2. When gathered in large clusters, bees maintain a central core temperature of 34°C even during exposure to extreme cold air temperatures down to −80°C. 3. 3. Cold-induced heat production is an inverse function of group size, with maximum mass-specific values equalling those reported for mammals.
Willa Cather's West: The Question of Intentionality

The important revisionist work of recent decades on women's experiences and visions of the American West has sometimes implied an essentialist theory of gender, as if women's writings emerged inevitably, without conscious purpose of challenging male versions of the West, from the fact of their sex and their traditionally defined roles. Yet conscious critical intention also defines women's writing of a different, reconceptualized, and anti-masculinist kind of Western. In the case of Willa Cather, we can readily infer a purpose of critique of prevailing modes of the Western from the novels themselves, but demonstrating such intent externally is more difficult, since Cather made relatively few public statements about her own writing. For this purpose, a recently re-available letter (Cather to Elizabeth Shepley Sergeant, August 17, 1912; The College of the Holy Cross) provides important documentation.
Structure of ribosome-bound messenger RNA as revealed by enzymatic accessibility studies.

Abstract Digestion with ribonuclease T 2 has been used to study the size of poly(U) protected by ribosome binding. Several different preparations of ribosomes all appear to cover 49 nucleotides of message; however, there are two partially accessible internal nuclease cleavage sites, which yield, ultimately, fragments 20, 16 and 13 nucleotides in length. Curiously, the site between fragments of length 20 and 16 is accessible to RNase T 2 but not to the several much smaller RNases. Arguments based on the quantitative pattern of cleavage and comparisons with previous studies lead to the conclusion that the 20-mer is the 5′ fragment, while 13-mer (which is lost the moment it is cleaved from the 16-mer) is the 3′ fragment. Both ribosome-bound tRNAs appear to contact only the 16-mer. The presence of the two internal cleavage sites fits nicely with recent electron microscopic data suggesting that mRNA forms a loop around the 30 S subunit.
The role of actin and myosin in ascidian sperm mitochondrial translocation

Abstract Fertilization-related sperm mitochondrial movement occurs at a rate comparable to other actin-myosin-driven movements and is inhibited by cytochalasin B and N -ethyl maleimide in Ascidia ceratodes sperm. F-actin was demonstrated in the tails and mitochondria using NBD-phallacidin fluorescence. Both actin and myosin were also detected on the mitochondrion and in the tail by indirect immunofluorescence. Western blot analysis verified the presence of these proteins. Boltenia villosa and Cnemidocarpa finmarkiensis also have mitochondrion and tail localized actin and myosin. In the tails of all 3 species the fluorescence takes the form of discrete spots 0.25–0.5 μm apart. Boltenia and Cnemidocarpa sperm have additional actin at the tip of the head and additional myosin at the base of the head. The presence of actin and myosin on the mitochondrion and in the tail supports a means by which the force for mitochondrial movement is generated.
Some further information on the rapid burster MXB 1730-335.

Further analysis of SAS-3 data on the rapid burster MXB 1730-335 show the existence of anomalous bursts. They have approximately 3-s rise times and low peak intensities; they also violate the energy vs. interburst-interval relationship for normal bursts. The short normal bursts of about 4-s duration do not show a long tail such as observed in the long normal bursts. Evidence for time structure in normal bursts down to a time scale of 50 ms is presented. No periodic variations in the total X-ray flux were found in the 1-500-Hz range.
On Calculations Involving the Maximum Cell Frequency

We describe a method of computing the cumulative distribution function of the maximum and minimum cell frequencies in sampling distributions commonly encountered in the analysis of categorical data.The procedure is efficient for exact or approximate calculation in both homogeneous and non-homogeneous cases, is non-recursive, and does not require Dirichlet integrals.Some related statistical problems are also discussed.
Design of “Figure-8” Spherical Motion Flapping Wing for Miniature UAV

Hummingbirds and some insects exhibit a “Figure-8” flapping motion, which allows them to undergo variety of maneuvers including hovering. It is therefore desirable to have miniature air vehicle (FWMAV) with this wing motion. This paper presents a design of a flapping-wing for FWMAV that can mimic “Figure-8” motion using a spherical four bar mechanism. In the proposed design, the wing is attached to a coupler point on the mechanism, which is driven by a DC servo motor. A prototype is fabricated to verify that the design objectives are met. Experimental testing was conducted to determine the validity of the design. The results indicate good correlation between model and experimental prototype.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Ion-irradiation-induced hardening in Inconel 718

Abstract Inconel 718 is a material under consideration for areas in the target region of the spallation neutron source (SNS), now under construction at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the US. In these positions, displacement damage from protons and neutrons will affect the mechanical properties. In addition, significant amounts of helium and hydrogen will build up in the material due to transmutation reactions. Nanoindentation measurements of solution-annealed (SA) Inconel 718 specimens, implanted with Fe-, He-, and H-ions to simulate SNS target radiation conditions, have shown that hardening occurs due to ion-induced displacement damage as well as due to the build-up of helium bubbles in the irradiated layer. Precipitation-hardened (PH) Inconel 718 also exhibited hardening by helium build-up but showed softening as a function of displacement damage due to dissolution of the γ′ and γ″ precipitates.
Electromagnetic wireless nanosensor networks

Abstract This paper provides an in-depth view on nanosensor technology and electromagnetic communication among nanosensors. First, the state of the art in nanosensor technology is surveyed from the device perspective, by explaining the details of the architecture and components of individual nanosensors, as well as the existing manufacturing and integration techniques for nanosensor devices. Some interesting applications of wireless nanosensor networks are highlighted to emphasize the need for communication among nanosensor devices. A new network architecture for the interconnection of nanosensor devices with existing communication networks is provided. The communication challenges in terms of terahertz channel modeling, information encoding and protocols for nanosensor networks are highlighted, defining a roadmap for the development of this new networking paradigm.
A Model for the Beam-filling Effect Associated with the Microwave Retrieval of Rain

Estimating rain rate from environmental microwave emissions is hampered by several difficulties. One of these difficulties is known as the beam-filling effect. Beam filling is the systematic error introduced when the microwave radiometer's field of view is not filled with uniform rain. Beam filling can have dramatic effects on rain-rate estimation, causing rain rates to be underestimated by as much as a factor of 2. The present study derives an approximate expression for beam filling that provides, in principle, a way to estimate this effect. In addition, this study deals only with single-channel microwave rain estimation over the ocean. The final results reveal that beam filling is essentially determined by the freezing level, the mean fraction of the footprint raining, and the footprint-averaged rain rate. Also, the numerical results appear to agree with other empirical studies. Furthermore, the analysis brings to light an interesting connection with rain threshold techniques for estimating area-averaged rain rates.