cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alterations in resolution of temporal order after cerebral injury in man.

Abstract Forty patients with penetrating head injuries and a control group of 12 subjects were tested on their ability to resolve the relative orders of repeated sequences of sounds. The sound sequences differed in the extent to which language-specific analysis of the signal was required. The findings indicated a language-independent deficit in the ability to resolve the order of repeated sound sequences after penetrating lesions of the left cerebral hemisphere. This deficit provides additional support for the claim that the left hemisphere is more competent than the right in discriminating fine time differences and that this facility may underlie in part the left hemisphere's specialization for language.
Eye detection in the Middle-Wave Infrared spectrum: Towards recognition in the dark

In this paper, the problem of eye detection in the Middle-Wave Infrared (MWIR) spectrum is studied in order to demonstrate the importance of performing eye detection in the thermal band. While currently there are methods that are capable of performing automatic eye detection efficiently in the visible and active infrared (IR) spectrum (i.e., Near-IR and Short-Wave IR), eye detection in the thermal band is a very challenging problem. This is because in the thermal domain limited features can be extracted from the eye region, mainly eyelashes and eyebrows, while features such as human irises, pupils, and superficial blood vessels of the conjunctiva are not clear. Our proposed eye detection method operates in the MWIR band by combining a set of methodological steps such as face normalization, integral projections, and template-based matching. In this paper, a face database in the MWIR spectrum of 50 subjects is first assembled and used to illustrate the challenges associated with the problem. Then, a set of experiments is performed in order to demonstrate the possibility for eye detection in the MWIR band. Experiments show that (i) human eyes on still frontal face images captured in the MWIR wavelength band can be detected with promising results, (ii) that MWIR face images can efficiently be matched to MWIR face images (same session) using both research and commercial software (originally not designed to address such a specific problem), and (iii) the problem of matching MWIR images from different sessions is challenging. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time in the open literature that the problem of thermal-based eye detection using still frontal face images is being investigated.
Comparison of Centered Discrete Fractional Fourier Transforms for chirp parameter estimation

The Discrete Fractional Fourier Transform (DFRFT) is a promising tool for multicomponent chirp parameter estimation. Computation of this transform and its chirp concentration properties are dependent on the basis of DFT eigenvectors used in the computation. Several DFT-eigenvector basis have been proposed for the transform and there is no common framework for comparing them. Furthermore, the analysis done in all prior work completely ignore the presence of noise. In this paper, we compare different versions of the transform using statistical consistency of the chirp parameter estimators as the criteria. Their impact on estimation errors, is evaluated by comparing them to the Cramer-Rao lower bound, with both conventional and recent super-resolution subspace extensions of the technique.
Fast assessment of the impact of surrounding wiring on the transmission properties of high-speed interconnect channels

A methodology is proposed for the fast assessment of the impact of electromagnetic loading by surrounding wiring on the signal transmission properties of a high-speed interconnect channel. The proposed methodology is aimed at alleviating the computational complexity of the electromagnetic modeling of the channel including the details of the wiring in its surrounding that, more often than not and especially in the early stages of design, are not well defined and thus are best accounted for through a Monte Carlo analysis. Instead, use of a stochastic macromodel for the channel is proposed that incorporates the electromagnetic attributes of the surrounding wiring through a statistical description of its loading on the interconnects of the channel. The proposed method makes use of parametric rational interpolation to develop a frequency-dependent macromodel that is valid over the multi-dimensional space that describes the uncertainty of the neighboring layout topography. Making use of stochastic collocation, the channel macromodel lends itself to fast quantitative analysis of the channel transmission properties and signal degradation in both frequency and time domain. A simple channel example, which allows us to assess the accuracy of the proposed method, is used to demonstrate the key attributes of the proposed method and comment on its usefulness as a computer-aided tool for noise-aware wiring layout planning.
The Development of the Theory of Money from Adam Smith to David Ricardo

Doctrinal supremacy of Wealth of Nations from 1776 to 1810, 430. — Theory of money alone underwent notable change during this period, 431. — Defect in Adam Smith's theory, 436. — The Bank Restriction of 1797, 441. — The writings and influence of Boyd, Thornton, King, Parnell, Foster, and Wheatley, 444. — The service of Ricardo, 468.
Investigation of melt manipulation phenomena during injection molding via in situ birefringence observation

This study investigates the effects of melt manipulation on the development of molecular orientation during injection molding processing. Vibration-assisted injection molding (VAIM), a particular method of melt manipulation, is a variation of conventional injection molding in which oscillatory energy is imparted to the polymer melt by vibrating the injection screw axially during the injection and packing stages of the molding cycle. Previous studies have shown that this process positively affects the tensile strength of polystyrene parts, but that the magnitude of the increase is dependent upon the processing parameters. Observation of birefringence patterns in VAIM processed samples show a significant impact on molecular orientation. A specially designed mold and associated image capture system has been developed and is used in this study to record the birefringence patterns of the polymer melt within the cavity during processing. Observation of birefringence shows that orientation develops primarily during post-vibration packing of the part and not during the vibration phase as previously thought. The observed effects of process parameters such as melt temperature, packing pressure, and vibration duration are discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:1691–1697, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
A single amino acid substitution alters conductance and gating of OmpC porin of Escherichia coli.

We have reconstituted into liposomes outer-membrane fractions fromEscherichia coil strains which express OmpC porins with altered pore properties. Single-channel experiments were performed with the patch-clamp technique on blisters generated from the reconstituted liposomes. Our goal was to identify positively the activity pattern of OmpC in our reconstituted system. The properties of the parent strain were compared to those of a strain whose OmpC porin has a single amino acid substitution in a postulated transmembrane segment. The parent and the mutant strain each exhibit a cation-selective channel of high open probability and gating to closed levels of various amplitudes. However, the mutant channel appeared to be 9 to 30% larger in unit conductance. It tended to close and reopen most often in groups of three units, as opposed to two units in the parent channel. The results are discussed in terms of the observed phenotype and of their implication as to the structure-function relationship of the porin channels.
Efficacy of interferon alpha-2b induction therapy before retreatment for chronic hepatitis C.

Background/Aims: Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients who have failed previous treatment have low sustained viral response (SVR) rates with repeat treatment. We evaluated whether interferon (IFN) induction during retreatment improves response rates. Methods: Two randomized, controlled trials were conducted in chronic HCV patients who failed IFN. In Study 1, patients received IFN 3 MU daily plus ribavirin (RBV) 1000 mg/day for 4 weeks, followed by IFN 3 MU TIW plus RBV 1000 mg/day for 44 weeks (induction; n=232), or IFN 3 MU TIW plus RBV 1000 mg/day for 48 weeks (non-induction; n=237). In Study 2, patients received IFN 5 MU B.I.D. plus RBV 1000–1200 mg/day for 2 weeks, followed by pegylated IFN (PEG-IFN) 75–150 μg weekly plus RBV 1000–1200 mg/day for 46 weeks (induction; n=201), or PEG-IFN 75–150 μg weekly plus RBV 1000–1200 mg/day for 48 weeks (non-induction; n=206). The primary end point for both trials was SVR. Results: Induction did not increase SVR compared with non-induction, but did increase the on-treatment response among genotype non-1 patients in Study 2. By intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, SVR in Study 1 was 13% for induction vs. 9% for non-induction (P=NS). In Study 2 (ITT), SVR was 20% for induction vs. 24% for non-induction (P=NS). However, by non-ITT analysis of Study 2, genotype non-1-previous non-responders showed significantly higher response rates with induction than non-induction. Conclusion: For chronic HCV patients who have failed IFN, induction with retreatment does not improve SVR, but may be beneficial for patients with genotype non-1 HCV.
Inflammatory response in acute chorioamnionitis

Acute chorioamnionitis is the principal antecedent of premature birth and an important contributor to specific neonatal and other complications that may extend throughout subsequent life. A large number of studies have addressed surrogate markers of in-utero inflammation including cytokines, chemokines, pathogen-associated molecular patterns, and elicited host proteins. However, chorioamnionitis means inflammation occurring within the chorioamnion and the only practical direct measure available to assess this finding in most placentas is histopathology. The maternal and fetal inflammatory response to the presence of organisms within the placental membranes, so-called histologic chorioamnionitis, is the focus of this review. The issues addressed are the nature and origin of the eliciting antigen, mode of spread to the placenta, general characteristics of placental immunity, and a specific characterization of the spectrum of pathologic lesions observed in placentas with membrane infection.
Electric and thermoelectric transport probes of metal–insulator and two-band magnetotransport behavior in graphite

Abstract We have investigated the nature of the magnetic field dependent metal–insulator (M–I) behavior in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at low temperatures by electronic and thermoelectric transport. The experimental results are consistent with those of previous reports where a universal scaling relationship can describe the temperature dependent magnetotransport. However, thermopower measurements indicate that the material remains metallic over the entire region where the M–I transition is thought to occur, and hence there is no evidence for a gap. From van der Pauw measurements, we find that a simple two-band transport model can qualitatively describe the temperature and field dependence, without appealing to a M–I scaling description.
Preferential enhancement by 2-mercaptoethanol of IL-2 responsiveness of T blast cells from old over young mice is associated with potentiated protein kinase C translocation

Abstract Certain thiol compounds have been shown to enhance the T cell-dependent immune response of mice in vivo and the proliferation of T cells in vitro. The magnitude of augmentation is often greater in old than young mice. We hypothesized that the metabolic process that is preferentially up-regulated by thiol compounds in T cells from old mice may reflect a rate-limiting process which contributes to immunosenescence in aging mice. Because IL-2 dependent T cell proliferation in vitro is positively correlated with the strength of T cell-dependent immune response in vivo, we investigated the effects of 2-ME on (a) IL-2 synthesis in vitro, (b) the IL-2—IL-2R binding interaction, and (c) the translocation of PKC from the cytosol to the membrane in Con A-activated splenic T cells from young and old C57BL/6 and C57BL/s mice. The results demonstrated that 2ME does not preferentially enhance the synthesis or secretion of IL-2. Neither the binding affinity of IL-2 to the IL-2R nor the number of receptors on activated T cell blasts differed between young and old mice. At the post-receptor binding level, the magnitude of the translocation of PKC from the cytosol to the membrane was significantly greater in the T blast cells from old than young mice. The preferential enhancement of IL-2-dependent proliferation of T cells from old mice by 2ME is therefore associated with a potentiated translocation of PKC. This would suggest that the metabolic event involved in the translocation of PKC in T cells is vulnerable to aging.
High-power microwave filters and frequency selective surfaces utilizing EM wave tunneling through ∈-negative layers

In this paper, we examine electromagnetic wave tunneling through multi-layer structures composed of ∈-negative (ENG) materials sandwiched by double-positive (DPS) layers. We present an analytical method for synthesizing such structures and demonstrate that these structures can be used to develop frequency selective surfaces (FSS) and filters capable of handling extremely high power levels. An FSS prototype based on this concept is designed and experimentally characterized in a waveguide environment.
KAM Theory for Equilibrium States in 1-D Statistical Mechanics Models

We extend the Lagrangian proof of KAM for twist mappings [34,51] to show persistence of quasi-periodic equilibrium solutions in 1-D statistical mechanics models. The interactions in the models considered here do not need to be of finite range but they have to decrease sufficiently fast with the distance (a high enough power suffices). In general, these models do not admit an interpretation as a dynamical system. Even when they do, the Hamiltonian description may be very singular or the number of degrees of freedom may be very large, so that the Hamiltonian KAM theory does not apply. We formulate the main result in an “a-posteriori” way. We show that if we are given a quasi-periodic function which solves the equilibrium equation with sufficient accuracy, which has a Diophantine frequency and which satisfies some non-degeneracy conditions, then, there is a true solution of the equilibrium equation which is close to the approximate solution. As an immediate consequence, we deduce that quasi-periodic solutions of the equilibrium equation with one Diophantine frequency persist under small modifications of the model. The main result can also be used to validate numerical calculations or perturbative expansions. Indeed, the method of proof lends itself to very efficient numerical implementations. We also show that some perturbative expansions (Lindstedt series) can be computed to all orders and that they converge.
Composite Action in Steel Girder Bridge Superstructures Subjected to Transverse Earthquake Loading

Experiments are being performed on a 0.4 scale model of a steel girder bridge superstructure with a reinforced concrete deck to investigate means of improving the seismic performance of typical slab and girder bridges. During the early stages of experimentation, the need to understand the influence of composite action became apparent. Accordingly, an analytical study was undertaken. The first of several finite element analyses on a typical continuous four-span, four-girder bridge model assumed shear studs along the entire length of the bridge to provide full composite action. A second model omitted the shear connectors in the negative moment regions, a common design practice to avoid fatigue concerns in the top flange. It was found that the shear connectors in the fully composite model were sufficient to ensure composite action when subjected to transverse loading and provided an adequate load path through the superstructure and into the substructure. However, the lack of shear connectors in the negative ...
Acoustic emission and guided wave monitoring of fatigue crack growth on a full pipe specimen

Continuous on-line monitoring of active and passive systems, structures and components in nuclear power plants will be critical to extending the lifetimes of nuclear power plants in the US beyond 60 years. Acoustic emission and guided ultrasonic waves are two tools for continuously monitoring passive systems, structures and components within nuclear power plants and are the focus of this study. These tools are used to monitor fatigue damage induced in a SA 312 TP304 stainless steel pipe specimen. The results of acoustic emission monitoring indicate that crack propagation signals were not directly detected. However, acoustic emission monitoring revealed crack formation prior to visual confirmation through the detection of signals caused by crack closure friction. The results of guided ultrasonic wave monitoring indicate that this technology is sensitive to the presence and size of cracks. The sensitivity and complexity of guided ultrasonic wave (GUW) signals is observed to vary with respect to signal frequency and path traveled by the GUW relative to the crack orientation.
Ixodes (Pholeoixodes) conepati Cooley & Kohls (Acarina: Ixodidae): description of the immature stages from rock squirrels in Texas.

The nymph and larva of Ixodes (Ph.) conepati Cooley & Kohls are described from 11 collectionsfrom Brewster County, Texas. This species was previously recorded from 7 males, 6 females, and 1 nymph from western Texas and eastern New Mexico.
Nonthermal heating in the two-fluid solar wind model

Simple two fluid solar wind speed and proton temperature model, discussing nonthermal energy dissipation
Remarks on disputed numerical results in compressible boundary‐layer stability theory

Past work on the influence of Mach number on the viscous and inviscid instability of flat-plate boundary layers is reviewed, and new spatial calculations are presented. These calculations support the previous view that viscosity is only stabilizing for both two- and three-dimensional first-mode waves above M1 = 3.0, and for second-mode waves at all Mach numbers. It is concluded that the calculations of Wazzan, Taghavi, and Keltner that show viscous instability at M1 = 6.0 for first-mode 50 deg waves, and at M1 = 3.0 for two-dimensional second-mode waves, are not correct.
The NADP-linked glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenases of Anabaena variabilis and Synechocystis PCC 6803, which lack one of the cysteines found in the higher plant enzyme, are not reductively activated.

Light activation of NADP-linked glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase involves reductive cleavage of a disulfide bond. We have proposed that the inactivating disulfide locks the two domains of the enzyme, preventing catalysis, and we have tentatively identified the two critical cysteine residues in the chloroplast enzyme (D. Li, F.J. Stevens, M. Schiffer and L.E. Anderson (1994) Biophys J. 67: 29–35). We reasoned that if activation of this enzyme involves these cysteines that enzymes lacking one or both should be active in the dark and insensitive to reductants. One of these cysteines is present in the enzymes from Anabaena variabilis and Synechocystis PCC 6803 but the other is not. Consistent with the proposed mechanism, glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase is not affected by DTT-treatment in extracts of either of these cyanobacteria. Fructosebisphosphatase is DTT-activated in extracts of both of these cyanobacteria and glucose-6-P dehydrogenase is inactivated in Synechocystis, as in higher plant chloroplasts. Apparently reductive modulation is possible in these cyanobacteria but glyceraldehyde-3-P dehydrogenase is not light activated.
Multidimensional correlates of individual variability in play and exploration

Variability in children's play and exploration is related to a system of covarying influences, encompassing biological, experiential, and individual characteristics.
Postcranial Skeleton of the Early Eocene Mesonychid Pachyaena (Mammalia: Mesonychia)

ABSTRACT Analysis of postcranial skeletons of three species of the wolf- to bear-sized mesonychid Pachyaena from the early Eocene Willwood Formation, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, indicates that it was a derived cursor combining specializations typical of modern Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, and Carnivora. Skeletal anatomy supports the hypothesis, based on the dentition, that mesonychids evolved from Arctocyonidae. Numerous characters in the limb skeleton of Pachyaena are derived relative to Arctocyon, however, and resulted in restricted rotatory and mediolateral mobility at most joints, promoting predominantly sagittal movement. These characters, present in ungulates and cursorial carnivores, include a broad, caudally displaced humeral head; high greater tuberosity; proximal deltoid tuberosity; narrow, proximodistally elongate distal humeral articulation with moderately constricted capitulum; reduced epicondyles; deep olecranon fossa; anteriorly shifted radioulnar joint; posteriorly concave ulnar shaft; high g...
Are the times changing? An analysis of gender differences in sexual graffiti

This study examined the assumption that the gender gap has narrowed over time in the writing of sexual graffiti from male and female bathrooms of five colleges and universities in 1972 and 1984. In both studies, female graffiti, in relation to male graffiti, made fewer sexual references. In addition, female graffiti were more socially acceptable in regard to langauge and content. Overall, these results suggest that the decade of the 1970s may have had little or no impact on the pattern of gender differences in the sexual content and social acceptability of wall writings.
Shear Stress Activation of SREBP1 in Endothelial Cells Is Mediated by Integrins

We investigated the effect of shear stress on the sterol regulatory element–binding protein 1 (SREBP1) in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and the mechanotransduction mechanism involved. Application of a shear stress (12 dyn/cm2) caused the proteolytic cleavage of SREBP1 and the ensuing translocation of its transcription factor domain into the nucleus. As a result, shear stress increased the mRNAs encoding the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), as well as the binding of 125I-LDL. Using a step flow channel, we showed that SREBP1 activation in ECs under laminar flow is transient, but disturbed flow causes sustained activation. In studying the shear stress–elicited molecular signaling that activates SREBP1, we found that blocking the β1-integrin with the AIIB2 blocking-type monoclonal antibody inhibited SREBP1 activation induced by shear stress. EC attachment to fibronectin or the activation of β1-integrin in the suspended ECs by the TS2/16 monoclonal antibody was sufficient for SREBP1 activation. Furt...
Oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes over vanadium-magnesium-oxides

Abstract Vanadium-magnesium-oxides are among the most selective and active catalysts for the oxidative dehydrogenation of alkane. The selectivity for dehydrogenation depends strongly on the alkane, the Mg vanadate phase, the presence of modifiers, and to a lesser extent, the method of preparation. The results of studies on these variables are reviewed and discussed with respect to the current understanding of the nature of the active site and requirements for selective dehydrogenation.
Sacred Boundaries: Religious Coexistence and Conflict in Early Modern France – By Keith P. Luria

In terms of both theory and practice, the author of this book has made an extremely valuable advance in discussions of French confessional coexistence under the Edict of Nantes [1598–1685]. In the ...
Constructing symmetric nonnegative matrices

We construct a symmetric matrix N having specified eigenvalues λ1 ⩾ λ2 ⩾ ⋯ ⩾ λ n , and give conditions on the {λ1) that N be nonnegative. The construction depends on the eigenvector x belonging to the maximal eigenvalue λ1.
Comments on "Predictive guidance for interceptors with time lag in acceleration"

Previous solutions related to those in the above paper are pointed out, and some interpretations of the results are given in terms of "zero-effort miss."
Unconventional quantum oscillations in mesoscopic rings of spin-triplet superconductor Sr2RuO4

The odd-parity, spin-triplet superconductor Sr${}_{2}$RuO${}_{4}$ has been found to feature exotic vortex physics including half-flux quanta trapped in a doubly connected sample and the formation of vortex lattices at low fields. The consequences of these vortex states on the low-temperature magnetoresistive behavior of mesoscopic samples of Sr${}_{2}$RuO${}_{4}$ were investigated by using a ring device fabricated on mechanically exfoliated single crystals of Sr${}_{2}$RuO${}_{4}$ by photolithography and a focused ion beam. With the magnetic field applied perpendicular to the in-plane direction, thin-wall rings of Sr${}_{2}$RuO${}_{4}$ were found to exhibit pronounced quantum oscillations with a conventional period of the full-flux quantum even though the unexpectedly large amplitude and the number of oscillations suggest the observation of vortex-flow-dominated magnetoresistance oscillations rather than a conventional Little-Parks effect. For rings with a thick wall, two distinct periods of quantum oscillations were found in high- and low-field regimes, respectively, which we argue to be associated with the ``lock-in'' of a vortex lattice in these thick-wall rings. No evidence for half-flux-quantum resistance oscillations were identified in any sample measured so far without the presence of an in-plane field.
Altered Oxygen Toxicity with Variable Overexpression of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Hamster Fibroblasts ♦ 352

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate limiting enzyme in bilirubin production. The HO-1 isoform is inducible by a variety of oxidant stresses including hyperoxia(1). In its reaction, heme, a prooxidant is degraded, bilirubin, an antioxidant is formed(2). Thus, the overall effect of HO may be to protect against oxidative stress. Previous results from rat fibroblasts transfected with an expression vector containing the rat HO-1 cDNA have led us to speculate that there may be a beneficial threshold of HO-1 overexpression. To further investigate this hypothesis, we have established a variable overexpression model of HO-1 using the Tet-Off™ Gene Expression System (Clontech) which is based on the tetracycline resistance system found in E. coli(3). In this system, gene expression is controlled by the interaction of a tet-responsive transcriptional activator protein and a tet-responsive element where gene expression is tightly regulated by varying concentrations of either tetracycline or doxycycline (Dox) in a dose dependent manner. After insertion of the full length rat HO-1 cDNA into the pBI-L response plasmid, two consecutive stable transfections were performed and >60 stable colonies were screened in order to find a cell line allowing for regulated variable HO-1 overexpression. This cell line was grown in 75cm flasks to >80% confluence. To verify HO-1 overexpression, total HO activity was measured by gas chromatography and HO-1 protein was assessed by Western analysis. By varying the concentration of Dox between 0 and 10ng/ml, we were able to regulate HO-1 expression between 1.5 and 20 fold. Once confluent, cell lines expressing a range of HO-1 protein were exposed to hyperoxia (95% O2/5% CO2) for 72 h and non-specific indicators of cell injury were measured by Trypan blue exclusion and LDH release. Lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and total glutathione were also evaluated as specific markers of oxygen toxicity. Lower HO-1 overexpression was associated with increased protection against oxygen damage; however, higher expression was associated with increased markers of cell injury. In this model, we conclude that there is a beneficial threshold of HO-1 overexpression beyond which detrimental effects become apparent. We suggest that measures to enhance protection against oxygen toxicity by HO-1 overexpression be undertaken with a thorough understanding of the potential dual nature of HO-1.
Localization of the Guanylyl Cyclase C Gene to Mouse Chromosome 6 and Human Chromosome 12p12

This report describes the localization of the guanylyl cyclase C gene to mouse chromosome 6 and to human chromosome 12p12 using polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization. This transmembrane receptor is expressed primarily in the intestine and regulates the secretion of chloride. 11 refs., 2 figs.
Information sharing and climate risk management among Senegalese agropastoralists.

Efforts to enhance dissemination and use of climate predictions are often characterized by an implicit treatment of information as a public good. This ignores the ways in which environmental information is embedded in social institutions. For common property resources, important links exist between access to information and control over resource access. This case study of agropastoral livelihoods in Senegal combined data from interviews, household surveys, and focus groups to assess the role of information in the political economy of vulnerability. Fulani agropastoralists in the area rarely used seasonal forecasts in herd management decisions due to delays in availability, the lack of fine-scale data, and the failure to target indicators of interest. Divergent management priorities produced differential utility of climate information for different groups, with commercial producers standing to benefit disproportionately. Achieving vulnerability reduction for subsistence agropastoralists requires attending ...
The role of (14C, 15N)5-(methylthio) valeraldehyde oxime as a precursor of progoitrin.

Abstract [ 14 C]5-(Methylthio) valeraldehyde and its 15 N-labeled oxime have been synthesized and examined as precursors of the glucosinolate progoitrin. Feeding experiments with rutabaga leaves establish the oxime as a specific precursor of progoitrin while the aldehyde is not. These facts support the hydroxylation step in progoitrin biosynthesis at a point beyond formation of the intermediate oxime.
Abdominal fat and testes weights in diverse genetic lines of Japanese quail.

Abstract Six experiments were conducted to investigate abdominal fat levels in mature male and female Japanese quail following selection for 4-wk body weight and to investigate the relationship between testes development and abdominal fat accumulation. The present study utilized P-, T-, and S-line quail selected for more than 75 generations for high 4-wk body weight and also lines divergently selected (16 or more generations) for high (H-SD, H-CD) and low (L-SD, L-CD) 4-wk body weight. Adult males had from two to four times more abdominal fat than females, the reciprocal of abdominal fat patterns in chickens. These differences were observed regardless of the selection environment, direction of selection, or duration of selection. Percentage of abdominal fat was higher in high body weight lines than in low body weight lines, and correlation coefficients between body weight and abdominal fat were moderate to high (mean = .39). Correlations between abdominal fat and testes weights were positive and largest at 5 wk (r = .62).
Program-Wide Positive Behavior Support in Preschool: Lessons for Getting Started.

There is growing concern over the number of young children who display challenging behavior and preschool teachers are reporting children’s challenging behavior as their greatest concern. Program-wide Positive Behavior Support (PWPBS) is a promising model for supporting appropriate behavior and decreasing challenging behavior in early childhood programs. Implementation in early childhood settings is relatively new and guidance on how to implement PWPBS in early childhood settings is growing. This article documents the implementation process for an early childhood program serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age, shares lessons learned and offers practical advice for getting started with PWPBS.
Of Negation, Princesses, Beauty, and Work: Black Mothers Reflect on Disney’s the Princess and the Frog

The overall response to Disney's The Princess and the Frog (Clements & Musker, 2009) was lackluster. The film served as Disney's first attempt to reify and embrace young Black girls’ identity; howe...
Classification of some indigenous maize collections from Southern and Southeastern Europe

A race classification, based on multiple variate analysis using 23 morphological characteristics, was applied to 42 indigenous maize strains from Southeastern Europe, 20 “race” collections from Spain and 2 Corn Belt Dent hybrids from the United States. Based on the evidence obtained and on comparisons with other studies, the Southeastern European strains were assigned to one of seven races or race groups, of which at least five appear on historical evidence to be derived directly or by recent hybridization from importations originating in North America. In contrast, the majority of the Spanish collections appeared to have their origins in importations from Central America or the West Indies. Very little similarity was observed between the Spanish and Southeastern European collections, when considered overall.
α-Latrotoxin and its receptors CIRL (latrophilin) and neurexin 1α mediate effects on secretion through multiple mechanisms.

Alpha-Latrotoxin and its plasma membrane receptors cause a number of distinct effects in secretory cells. First, by tethering alpha-latrotoxin to the plasma membrane, CIRL/latrophilin and neurexin 1 alpha facilitate alpha-latrotoxin-induced channel formation. The stimulation of secretion by alpha-latrotoxin in neuroendocrine cells is a consequence of Ca(2+) influx through these alpha-latrotoxin-induced channels. In addition to channel formation, alpha-latrotoxin enhances secretion in permeabilized cells through interaction with the plasma membrane receptor CIRL/latrophilin. Finally, overexpression of CIRL/latrophilin inhibits Ca(2+)-dependent secretion in permeabilized chromaffin cells in the absence of alpha-latrotoxin. This effect represents a 'constitutive' action of the G-protein coupled receptor to specifically inhibit an ATP-dependent priming step in the secretory pathway. The effect suggests that the receptor may have an important modulatory role in synaptic transmission.
Analysis of steady-state salt-water upconing with application at Truro well field, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Salt-water upconing describes the phenomenon where salt water is transported vertically upward under a well in response to pumpage in a fresh-water aquifer underlain by salt water. Sharp interface methods have been used successfully to describe the physics of upconing. A finite-element model is developed to simulate a sharp interface for determination of the steady-state position of the interface and maximum permissible well discharges. The model developed is compared to previous published electric-analog model results of Bennett and others (1968). Both methods are applied to a test case at Truro, Massachusetts, where maximum permissible discharges are determined by the finite-element model to range from 0.47 to 1.05 cubic feet per second for the Test Site No. 4 location.
Gay marriages and communities of sexual orientation

This article focuses on gay male couples as they exist within friendship networks of other gay men. By comparing homosexual men who are part of a gay community with those who are less integrated into a gay community, we attempt to show that the sexual liaisons of the former are more “marriage-like.” Gays committed to a community of other homosexual men were found to live more often with their lovers, be more sexually faithful to their lovers, and to have more emotionally intimate relationships. Also, they were found more likely to associate with other gay couples. Commitment to a gay community was not found to be associated with length of a liaison, and it seemed that when respondents defined emotional intimacy in terms of sexual exclusiveness there may have been a tendency for disruption of relationships. The gay community validates the sexual liaisons of gay men in the same way that the heterosexual world validates the pairings of heterosexuals and transforms their subinstitutional sexual liaisons into the institution of marriage.
The role of radiotherapy-resistant stem cells in breast cancer recurrence

Although the effectiveness of anti cancer therapies has improved dramatically, breast cancer (BC) remains the second leading cause for cancer-related death among women in the western world [1]. The observed improvement in the survival rate and remission for primary tumors are essentially related to the advances in early diagnosis with more sensitive imaging technology [2,3]. However, the death rate remains unacceptably high for BC patients due to hard-to-treat metastatic and recurrent tumors, necessitating new, effective approaches and anticancer agents. Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are present in many cancers including BC, mediate tumor metastasis and contribute to relapse due to their resistance to current conventional therapies [4,5]. These unique cells possess stem cell-like characteristics, such as the capacity of self-renewal, which makes the tumor capable of regenerating its entire bulk. CSCs are resistant to proapoptotic factors, rendering them a formidable adversary to anticancer agents. In part, this is related to their quiescence capacity, which holds them in a standby mode in their niche microenvironment, sheltering them from radiation and other anticancer agents, since these agents are effective only on highly proliferative cells [6,7]. In addition to their powerful DNA repair machinery, breast CSCs (BCSCs) express ALDH, which is suspected to play a part in their death-resistance phenotype by being involved with cell detoxification machinery [8,9]. Thus, BCSCs represent a major challenge in the battle against BC, and an opportunity to develop more effective target to treat metastatic lesions.
GROWTH AND METABOLISM OF YOUNG HYPOPHYSECTOMIZED RATS FED BY STOMACH TUBE11,2

IT has not been determined whether the young hypophysectomized rat has the capacity to utilize more food than it would voluntarily consume and consequently to grow. Cessation of growth after hypophysectomy was first experimentally demonstrated by Aschner (1912) and later confirmed by the studies of Smith (1930). Lee and Ayres (1936) demonstrated that hypophysectomized rats allowed to eat adlibitum lost more weight, more nitrogen and less fat than controls maintained on the same quantity of food. Lee and Schaffer (1934) also found that the growth produced by pituitary extract was associated with increased storage of nitrogen and decreased storage of fat even though food intake was maintained at the level of that of the normal untreated controls. In each case, however, the level of food supplied was that of the animal with the lesser intake; these studies did not determine how the hypophysectomized rat would metabolize a food intake approaching normal.
A literature review on the state-of-the-art in patent analysis

The rapid growth of patent documents has called for the development of sophisticated patent analysis tools. Currently, there are various tools that are being utilized by organizations for analyzing patents. These tools are capable of performing wide range of tasks, such as analyzing and forecasting future technological trends, conducting strategic technology planning, detecting patent infringement, determining patents quality and the most promising patents, and identifying technological hotspots and patent vacuums. This literature review presents the state-of-the-art in patent analysis and also presents taxonomy of patent analysis techniques. Moreover, the key features and weaknesses of the discussed tools and techniques are presented and several directions for future research are highlighted. The literature review will be helpful for the researchers in finding the latest research efforts pertaining to the patent analysis in a unified form.
The Spline GARCH Model for Unconditional Volatility and its Global Macroeconomic Causes

We introduce a new model to measure unconditional volatility, the Spline-GARCH. The model is applied to equity markets for 50 countries for up to 50 years of daily data. Macroeconomic determinants of unconditional volatility are investigated. It is found that volatility in macroeconomic factors such as gdp growth, inflation and short term interest rates are important explanatory variables that increase volatility. There is evidence that high inflation and low growth of output are positive determinants. Volatility is higher for emerging markets and for markets with small numbers of listings but also for large economies.
Emergence and impact of alternative sources and mass analyzers in plasma source mass spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) has become an invaluable tool for the measurement of elemental concentrations in samples of all kinds. However, the ICP was by far not the first source employed for elemental mass spectrometry, and arguments can be made that it is not the best, especially in specific situations. Chemical flames, arcs, sparks, microwave plasmas, glow discharges, electrospray sources, thermal-ionization sources, and novel atmospheric-pressure plasmas have all been explored and many, such as the thermal-ionization source, occupy a niche in the analytical arsenal that is unlikely to be occupied by an ICP of the present form. Similarly, quadrupole mass filters and sector-field spectrometers that are now the most commonly used are not the only ones that have been coupled with plasma sources for elemental determinations. Others, such as Fourier-transform mass spectrometers, ion traps, time-of-flight mass spectrometers, and multi-channel detector systems have all been joined with ICPs and other sources to yield improved capabilities in targeted applications. In this manuscript, these alternative sources and mass analyzers will be examined; greatest emphasis will be placed on mass analyzers, for brevity. This historical walk through instrumental developments will be a somewhat subjective one, taken from the author's viewpoint and including a number of personal experiences and those involving his research group. It will be shown that exciting opportunities exist for even greater capabilities from future instrumentation for plasma source mass spectrometry.
A fast computation algorithm for DOA evaluation function of MUSIC algorithm in circular array antennas

The MUSIC algorithm is an algorithm that can determine the direction of arrival (DOA) for multiple radio waves with high precision. In the determination of DOA of radio waves by the MUSIC algorithm, the DOA evaluation function is determined by a large number of the inner product operations between the steering vector and the eigenvector of the correlation matrix corresponding to the receiver noise. A problem from the practical viewpoint is usually how to reduce the computational complexity in those inner product operations. This paper notes that when the antenna is composed only of a circular array with equal spacing, the inner product operation depends only on the angle difference between the element position vector and the steering vector. Then, a fast operation algorithm is shown, in which the inner product operation is reduced to the cyclic convolution operation, and the computational complexity is reduced using the FFT. It is shown that the computational complexity is reduced by approximately 31% compared to the conventional method, when the array is composed of eight elements. © 2001 Scripta Technica, Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 84(8): 62–69, 2001
The Increased Concentration Of Health Plan Markets Can Benefit Consumers Through Lower Hospital Prices

The long-term trend of consolidation among US health plans has raised providers’ concerns that the concentration of health plan markets can depress their prices. Although our study confirmed that, it also revealed a more complex picture. First, we found that 64 percent of hospitals operate in markets where health plans are not very concentrated, and only 7 percent are in markets that are dominated by a few health plans. Second, we found that in most markets, hospital market concentration exceeds health plan concentration. Third, our study confirmed earlier studies showing that greater hospital market concentration leads to higher hospital prices. Fourth, we found that hospital prices in the most concentrated health plan markets are approximately 12 percent lower than in more competitive health plan markets. Overall, our results show that more concentrated health plan markets can counteract the price-increasing effects of concentrated hospital markets, and that—contrary to conventional wisdom—increased hea...
The Stability of Psychopathy From Adolescence Into Adulthood The Search for Moderators

This study examines moderators of the relation between psychopathy assessed at age 13 using the mother-reported Childhood Psychopathy Scale and psychopathy assessed at age 24 using the interviewer-rated Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV). Data from more than 250 participants of the middle sample of the Pittsburgh Youth Study were used. Thirteen potential moderators were examined, including demographics (i.e., race, family structure, family socioeconomic status [SES], and neighborhood SES), parenting factors (physical punishment, inconsistent discipline, lax supervision, and positive parenting), peer delinquency, own delinquency, and other individual differences (i.e., verbal IQ, behavioral impulsivity, and cognitive impulsivity). Moderators were examined for the total psychopathy score at age 24 as well as for each of the four PCL:SV facets. After relaxing the criterion for statistical significance, 8 out of a possible 65 interactions were statistically significant. Implications of the present findings and future directions are discussed.
Rivers, runoff, and reefs

Abstract The role of terrigenous sediment in controlling the occurrence of coral reef ecosystems is qualitatively understood and has been studied at local scales, but has not been systematically evaluated on a global-to-regional scale. Current concerns about degradation of reef environments and alteration of the hydrologic and sediment cycles place the issue at a focal point of multiple environmental concerns. We use a geospatial clustering of a coastal zone database of river and local runoff identified with 0.5° grid cells to identify areas of high potential runoff effects, and combine this with a database of reported coral reef locations. Coastal cells with high runoff values are much less likely to contain reefs than low runoff cells and GIS buffer analysis demonstrates that this inhibition extends to offshore ocean cells as well. This analysis does not uniquely define the effects of sediment, since salinity, nutrients, and contaminants are potentially confounding variables also associated with runoff. However, sediment effects are likely to be a major factor and a basis is provided for extending the study to higher resolution with more specific variables.
Micropatterning and Impedance Characterization of an Electrically Percolating Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly

Micropatterned layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies were studied as a potential platform for sensor applications by performing impedance characterization throughout a range of electrolyte concentrations. Conductive LbL thin films were prepared with carbon black nanoparticles dispersed in the polymer matrix to provide an electrically conductive network. LbL assemblies were micropatterned using a photolithographic lift-off method, and a test circuit was constructed as multiple interdigitating coplanar electrodes. Impedance spectra were collected between 104 and 106 Hz within a flow cell containing NaCl solutions ranging from 0.001–1.0 M. These preliminary results demonstrate the ability to pattern conductive LbL composites and underscore the potential utility and shortcomings of their use in sensor applications.