cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of opportunistic spectrum access: a measurement study

Dynamic spectrum access networks are designed to allow today's bandwidth-hungry "secondary devices" to share spectrum allocated to legacy devices, or "primary users." The success of this wireless communication model relies on the availability of unused spectrum and the ability of secondary devices to utilize spectrum without disrupting transmissions of primary users. While recent measurement studies have shown that there is sufficient underutilized spectrum available, little is known about whether secondary devices can efficiently make use of available spectrum while minimizing disruptions to primary users. In this paper, we present the first comprehensive study on the presence of "usable" spectrum in opportunistic spectrum access systems, and whether sufficient spectrum can be extracted by secondary devices to support traditional networking applications. We use for our study fine-grain usage traces of a wide spectrum range (20 MHz-6 GHz) taken at four locations in Germany, the Netherlands, and Santa Barbara, CA. Our study shows that on average, 54% of spectrum is never used and 26% is only partially used. Surprisingly, in this 26% of partially used spectrum, secondary devices can utilize very little spectrum using conservative access policies to minimize interference with primary users. Even assuming an optimal access scheme and extensive statistical knowledge of primary-user access patterns, a user can only extract between 20%-30% of the total available spectrum. To provide better spectrum availability, we propose frequency bundling, where secondary devices build reliable channels by combining multiple unreliable frequencies into virtual frequency bundles. Analyzing our traces, we find that there is little correlation of spectrum availability across channels, and that bundling random channels together can provide sustained periods of reliable transmission with only short interruptions.
Effectors of HIV-1 Protease Peptidolytic Activity

High concentrations of salts dramatically affect the interaction of small ligands with HIV-1 protease. For instance, the Km and kcat values for Abz-Thr-Ile-Nle-p-nitro-Phe-Gln-Arg-NH2 (S) increased 120-fold and 3-fold, respectively, as the NaCl concentration in the assay decreased from 4.0 to 0.5 M. The Kd value for the competitive inhibitor amprenavir increased 12-fold over this concentration range of NaCl. The bimolecular rate constant for association of enzyme with amprenavir was independent of NaCl concentration, whereas the dissociation rate constant decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. Polyanionic polymers such as heparin or poly A substituted for NaCl. For example, the value of kcat/Km for S was 0.18 microM(-1) x s(-1) when the enzyme (<10 nM) was assayed in the standard buffer supplemented with 5 mM NaCl. If 0.01% poly A were included, the value of kcat/Km increased to 8.6 microM(-1) x s(-1). A DNA oligomer (23-mer) with an hexachlorofluoresceinyl moiety linked to the 5' end was studied as a model polyanionic polymer. The enzyme bound HF23 (Kd < 1 nM) with concomitant quenching of the hexachlorofluoresceinyl fluorescence. The stoichiometry for binding was 3 mol of enzyme per mol of oligomer. The hydrolytic activity of the enzyme with this oligomer was similar to that observed with poly A or high salt concentration when the molar ratio of oligomer to enzyme was greater than one. The results presented herein demonstrate that polyanionic polymers substitute for salts as effectors of HIV protease.
Peptide-N-glycanases and DNA repair proteins, Xp-C/Rad4, are, respectively, active and inactivated enzymes sharing a common transglutaminase fold

Yeast RAD4, its human ortholog Xp-C and their orthologs in other eukaryotes are DNA repair proteins which participate in nucleotide excision repair through a ubiquitin-dependent process. However, no conserved globular domains that might have shed light on their origin or functions have been reported for these proteins. By using sequence profile analysis, we show that RAD4/Xp-C proteins contain the ancient transglutaminase fold and are specifically related to the recently characterized peptide-N-glycanases (PNGases) which remove glycans from glycoproteins during their degradation. The PNGases retain the catalytic triad that is typical of this fold and are predicted to have a reaction mechanism similar to that involved in transglutamination. In contrast, the RAD4/Xp-C proteins are predicted to be inactive and are likely to only possess the protein interaction function in DNA repair. These proteins also contain a long, low-complexity insert in the globular transglutaminase domain. The RAD4/Xp-C proteins, along with other inactive transglutaminase-fold proteins, represent a case of functional re-assignment of an ancient domain following the loss of the ancestral enzymatic activity.
Internal oxidation: does the classical model contradict local equilibrium conditions?

AbstractPreviously, Morral and Li have published an anomalous behaviour of the classical model of internal oxidation with respect to their local-equilibrium conditions/rules. The local-equilibrium conditions were interpreted from the local-equilibrium expression derived from the flux balance at the inter-region boundary – the boundary between a two-phase region and a single-phase region – under the local-equilibrium assumption. These local-equilibrium conditions predict a continuous average composition profile for the system where the two-phase region is growing at the expense of the single-phase region. In contrast, the classical model of internal oxidation shows a composition jump at the boundary of the growing two-phase region and the shrinking single-phase region.Here, a complete interpretation of the local-equilibrium expression is delineated including the case of zero solubility-product. The relative behaviour of two of the composition-vectors in the local-equilibrium expression undergoes an abrupt ...
The effects of geometric feedback in the development of osteoporosis

Abstract A mathematical analysis of the development of intracortical osteoporosis is presented, with attention focused primarily on the effects of histological geometry in porosis development. It is demonstrated that, given a uniform remodeling imbalance throughout the skeleton, osteoporosis would develop faster in Haversian bone than in cancellous bone. Conversely, a ‘cure’ would show greater results in the most porous regions of the skeleton. The analysis and its implications are discussed in some detail, and the importance of bone's dynamic porous nature is emphasized.
Obstetrical Nurses' Attitudes Toward Fetal Monitoring

A 24-item tool, using a Likert attitudinal scale, was developed to measure labor and delivery nurses' attitudes toward fetal monitoring and was administered to 124 nurses. For each of the 24 attitude statements, cumulative responses were over 50% positive at least. Fifty-two percent of the nurses felt that routine continous monitoring of all labor patients would he ideal, and 88% felt that the fetal survillance achieved by monitoring cannot he matched by intermittent auscultation.
THE “CULTURE WARS” IN THE SOUTH: PARTISANSHIP, RACE, AND CULTURAL CONSERVATISM IN THE 1990 NORTH CAROLINA U.S. SENATE ELECTION

This study is an aggregate, county-level analysis of the North Carolina Senate race of 1990 between Jesse Helms and Harvey Gantt. The authors test a number of hypotheses concerning the effects of demographic variables that are thought to reflect cultural differences on support for Helms and test the effects of traditional causal variables on Helms votes. Surprisingly, support for Helms was not stronger in counties having relatively large numbers of fundamentalist Protestants. Instead, counties with relatively high percentages of married-couple households and with lower levels of educational attainment among whites were associated with support for Helms. Thus, marital status and educational achievement may better represent measures of cultural conservatism than religious fundamentalist identity in North Carolina. Additionally, party registration, tobacco production, and the racial composition of the population in the counties strongly affected support for Helms. The finding for race is particularly noteworthy since Gantt is African-American.
The Asymmetric Boundary layer Flow Under a Translating Hurricane

Abstract An investigation is made of the role of the translation of a hurricane in determining the distribution of boundary layer winds and in the organization of convection. A slab boundary layer model of constant depth is used to analyze the steady flow under a specified translating symmetric vortex in gradient balance. A truncated spectral formulation is used, including asymmetries through wavenumber 2. The role of linear and nonlinear asymmetric effects in the determination of the boundary layer response is diagnosed. These effects am relevant to relatively slowly and rapidly translating hurricanes, respectively. The analysis is compared to observations of Hurricanes Frederic of 1979 and Allen of 1980, as well as to other observational and theoretical cures. Allen's translation speed was approximately twice that of Frederic. It is found that the simple boundary layer formulation simulates the qualitative features of the wind field observed in Frederic. The distribution of convection in Frederic and Al...
Linear perspective as a cue in misperceived rotary motion

Pairs of luminous lines of differing length ratios, rotated about an axis perpendicular to the line of sight, resulted in misperceptions of the direction of rotation. The illusions are similiar to the Ames trapezoid illusion. The results help to clarify the role ofdepth cues in visual perception of motion.
Oceanic island Pb: Two-stage histories and mantle evolution

Leads in basaltic suites from seven oceanic islands form linear arrays on206Pb/204Pb versus207Pb/204Pb diagrams. These arrays are more reasonably interpreted as secondary isochrons than as mixing lines, because of their systematic relationship. Separate two-stage histories calculated for the leads from each island indicate that the source materials for the magmas were derived from a single primary reservoir with present238U/204Pb of 7.91 ± 0.04 by secondary enrichment in U/Pb at different times from 2.5 to 1 Ga ago. This is confirmed by a plot of isochron slope versus intercept, on which the points describing each island's Pb-Pb array all lie very near a single straight line. The isochrons for the Canary Islands and Hawaii, at least, are significantly different. The208Pb/204Pb versus206Pb/204Pb relationships are less coherent. The lead isotopic characteristics are consistent with a model in which lead in the oceanic island magmas is derived from ancient subducted oceanic crust. In particular, this explains the close relationship between lead in mid-ocean ridge and oceanic island basalts without invoking mixing.
The Galerkin boundary element solution for thermal radiation problems

Abstract A Galerkin boundary element method is presented for the computation of thermal radiation exchange in a diffuse, gray enclosure. The method is enhanced with advanced concept of sorting and searching and suitable data structure used for computer graphics to detect the blockage of radiation rays by surface elements or other third party elements and with adaptive integration to account for the strong discontinuity of the kernel functions. In contrast with the traditional boundary element method, the Galerkin method permits a full detection of any geometric obstruction in any complex geometric configuration, especially when it is used together with adaptive integration algorithm. Although the efficiency has been improved substantially through the implementation of sorting and searching algorithms, the blockage determination still accounts for a major portion of the CPU times required to form the matrices A and B . This suggests that a more efficient searching algorithm should be further developed if an increase in computational speed is to be gained. Experience with numerical experiments indicates that an iterative coupling of the boundary element and finite element methods offers a convenient and efficient solution to mixed mode heat transfer problems involving convection, conduction and surface radiation.
rTMS for Tinnitus.

I applaud the authors of the article “Can temporal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation be enhanced by targeting affective components of tinnitus with frontal rTMS? a randomized controlled pilot trial” because many of them are pioneers in the development of protocols that use rTMS to treat chronic tinnitus. Investigators (including myself) around the world conducting similar studies of rTMS for tinnitus often follow the procedural examples of these researcher–clinicians in Germany. In this recent publication, Kreuzer et al. (2011) compared the effects of 2000 daily pulses of rTMS delivered to patients’ left temporal region with a protocol that began with 1000 pulses of right frontal rTMS followed by 1000 pulses of left temporal rTMS. In both protocols, patients exhibited improvement in measures of tinnitus severity. However, there was no significant difference in treatment outcomes between the left temporal and the combined (right frontal + left temporal) rTMS protocols. I would like to add a few comments about this study: (1) No placebo condition was included. Because the placebo effect can be significant for many tinnitus patients (Dobie, 1999), a placebo condition should be used in most clinical trials involving this population. (2) The fact that patients’ scores for the Tinnitus Questionnaire, THI, and BDI all declined from the time of screening to the time just before the first rTMS session (baseline) illustrates, I believe, the placebo effect (or, as the authors describe it, “an anticipation effect”). This decline in scores from screening to baseline is similar in magnitude to the decline in scores that occurred during rTMS treatment. (3) The authors state that they used a left temporal coil placement for rTMS (regardless of the location of patients’ tinnitus perception) in order to compare results with previous studies that used the same coil placement. However, because Frank et al. (2010) reported that left temporal rTMS was not effective for patients with right-side tinnitus, it is time for researchers to re-evaluate rTMS coil placement in experimental designs. All of us conducting rTMS studies for tinnitus realize that many procedural questions need to be addressed before this treatment option can reach its full clinical potential. We thank our colleagues in Germany for continuing to conduct studies that increase our understanding and contribute to improvements in this area of research.
Immobilization of hydrogenase on glass beads

Abstract Hydrogenase from Clostridium pasteurianum was immobilized on glass beads by four different methods. The sensitivity of the native and bound enzyme to oxygen was examined. Hydrogenase bound to succinyl glass proved to be the most stable to oxygen. All bound enzymes were active with ferredoxin as a substrate and evolved hydrogen in a chloroplast-ferredoxin-hydrogenase system driven by light.
Differentiated hemodynamic responses to central versus peripheral administration of corticotropin-releasing factor in conscious rats.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) modifies cardiovascular function and hemodynamic status after administration into the central nervous system and into the peripheral circulation. The mechanisms by which CRF alters arterial pressure and heart rate have been examined in detail whereas little information exists regarding the processes mediating CRF-induced changes in regional blood flow. Therefore, studies were performed in conscious, unrestrained Sprague-Dawley rats to examine potential mechanisms underlying the regional hemodynamic effects of intracerebroventricular versus intravenous administration of CRF. Intracerebroventricular administration of CRF increased arterial pressure, heart rate, and mesenteric vascular resistance while decreasing iliac vascular resistance. Intravenous pretreatment with the CRF receptor antagonist. α-helical CRF9–41, did not alter the cardiovascular and hemodynamic responses to central administration of CRF. In contrast, prior ganglionic blockade prevented CRF-induced responses except for the reduction in iliac vascular resistance. Intravenous administration of CRF reduced arterial pressure and mesenteric vascular resistance, elevated heart rate, and transiently increased iliac vascular resistance. Intravenous pretreatment with α-helical CRF9–41 completely abolished the cardiovascular and hemodynamic responses to peripheral administration of CRF. Ganglionic blockade prior to intravenous administration of CRF augmented the reductions in arterial blood pressure and mesenteric vascular resistance, prevented the increase in heart rate, and unmasked a decrease in iliac vascular resistance. The divergent actions and mechanisms of action of CRF on regional hemodynamics when administered peripherally, as opposed to centrally, indicate that this peptide produces different hemodynamic effects that are specific to its site of action.
Blocking Apoptotic Signaling Rescues Axon Guidance in Netrin Mutants

Summary Netrins are guidance cues that form gradients to guide growing axons. We uncover a mechanism for axon guidance by demonstrating that axons can accurately navigate in the absence of a Netrin gradient if apoptotic signaling is blocked. Deletion of the two Drosophila NetA and NetB genes leads to guidance defects and increased apoptosis, and expression of either gene at the midline is sufficient to rescue the connectivity defects and cell death. Surprisingly, pan-neuronal expression of NetB rescues equally well, even though no Netrin gradient has been established. Furthermore, NetB expression blocks apoptosis, suggesting that NetB acts as a neurotrophic factor. In contrast, neuronal expression of NetA increases axon defects. Simply blocking apoptosis in NetAB mutants is sufficient to rescue connectivity, and inhibition of caspase activity in subsets of neurons rescues guidance independently of survival. In contrast to the traditional role of Netrin as simply a guidance cue, our results demonstrate that guidance and survival activities may be functionally related. Video Abstract
Architectures for Bit-Split String Scanning in Intrusion Detection

String matching is a critical element of modern intrusion detection systems because it lets a system make decisions based not just on headers, but actual content flowing through the network. Through careful codesign and optimization of an architecture with a new string matching algorithm, the authors show it is possible to build a system that is almost 12 times more efficient than the currently best known approaches
The Beliefs of Homeless Service Managers About Policy Advocacy: Definitions, Legal Understanding, and Motivations to Participate

Policy advocacy involvement by human service providers is important to help protect vital services and government funding streams, but for many organizations participation is limited. Meanwhile, scholars know little about managers' beliefs about advocacy, compromising our ability to create effective interventions. Using qualitative data from homeless service providers, this article investigates what holds nonprofit managers back from greater advocacy involvement. Findings indicate that managers have a broader working definition of advocacy than is generally found in research and limited understanding of the legal regulations. Belief in the organizational and mission-related utility of advocacy was more important for helping managers overcome capacity-related barriers than a social justice orientation.
Rarefaction and compressibility effects of the lattice-Boltzmann-equation method in a gas microchannel

A wall equilibrium boundary condition for an implicit lattice-Boltzmann-equation method is proposed to simulate gas flows in a microchannel with rough surface on the characteristic length of gas molecules. The boundary condition is based on the assumption that impinging molecules reach equilibrium with the surface. The molecular mean free path used to define the Knudsen number is determined by the lattice speed and the relaxation time of the lattice-Boltzmann equation. With the wall equilibrium boundary condition and the appropriate relation defined for the Knudsen number and the relaxation time, the computed slip velocity and nonlinear pressure distribution along the microchannel are in excellent agreement with analytical solutions.
Guided Search 2.0 A revised model of visual search

An important component of routine visual behavior is the ability to find one item in a visual world filled with other, distracting items. This ability to performvisual search has been the subject of a large body of research in the past 15 years. This paper reviews the visual search literature and presents a model of human search behavior. Built upon the work of Neisser, Treisman, Julesz, and others, the model distinguishes between a preattentive, massively parallel stage that processes information about basic visual features (color, motion, various depth cues, etc.) across large portions of the visual field and a subsequent limited-capacity stage that performs other, more complex operations (e.g., face recognition, reading, object identification) over a limited portion of the visual field. The spatial deployment of the limited-capacity process is under attentional control. The heart of the guided search model is the idea that attentional deployment of limited resources isguided by the output of the earlier parallel processes. Guided Search 2.0 (GS2) is a revision of the model in which virtually all aspects of the model have been made more explicit and/or revised in light of new data. The paper is organized into four parts: Part 1 presents the model and the details of its computer simulation. Part 2 reviews the visual search literature on preattentive processing of basic features and shows how the GS2 simulation reproduces those results. Part 3 reviews the literature on the attentional deployment of limited-capacity processes in conjunction and serial searches and shows how the simulation handles those conditions. Finally, Part 4 deals with shortcomings of the model and unresolved issues.
Combating Evolution to Fight Disease

Molecular mechanisms that generate biological diversity are rewriting ideas about how evolution proceeds, with implications for treating disease.
Modeling and hardware implementation of VMPPT for a PV panel with a reference cell

The paper presents a voltage-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) scheme in which a reference cell is used to provide information on the open circuit voltage. In this scheme, there is no need to open circuit the main panel thereby increasing the power output from the panel. This implementation is cost effective and exact when the main panel and the reference cell can be fabricated together in a single process. A buck-boost type switching converter is used to interface the PV panel and the load. In the method proposed a PSPICE-based modeling technique is used to identify a second panel that will serve as a reference. PSPICE parameters needed for simulation are obtained from manufacturer's specifications. A Programmable System on a Chip (PSoC) is used for implementing the control algorithm. The details of modeling and experimental results are presented and compared.
Ab initio phonon dispersions of wurtzite AlN, GaN, and InN

Phonon excitations play an important role in electronic transport, nonradiative electron-relaxation processes, and other properties of interest for materials characterization, device engineering, and design. We have calculated the phonon dispersions and density of states for wurtzite AlN, GaN, and InN using state-of-the-art density-functional perturbation theory. The calculations are in good agreement with the existing experimental data for zone-center modes and predict the full phonon dispersions throughout the Brillouin zone. In particular, it is found that the three-phonon decay of the LO phonon in two acoustic phonons is not allowed in GaN and InN, since the LO frequency is much larger than the acoustic frequencies over the entire spectrum. The substantial potential of the group-III nitrides and their alloys for applications in optoelectronic and high speed devices has attracted a great deal of interest. AlN, GaN, and InN have direct energy gaps which span a substantial range, from the visible to the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. Consequently, their alloys have direct gaps that can be tuned to any value within this range simply by varying the alloy composition. This tunability offers many possibilities for device engineering. In particular, InGaN alloys were used in the realization of light emitting diodes and laser diodes operating in the blue and UV spectral region. Under ambient conditions, the III nitrides crystallize in a hexagonal, wurtzite ~2H! structure, although thin films having a cubic, zincblende ~3C! structure have also been grown. 1 Properties of interest for device engineering and design, such as electronic transport, nonradiative electron relaxation processes, lattice specific heat, etc., are strongly influenced by phonon excitations. Furthermore, a number of nondestructive experimental techniques of sample characterization, for instance, Raman spectroscopy or IR reflectivity, involve phonon measurements. A characterization of the phonon dispersions and densities of states for the group-III nitrides is therefore desirable. However, since it is very challenging to grow single crystals of suitable size for neutron-scattering experiments, there are no experimental data for the phonon dispersions of these compounds. Only very recently have the phonon density of states for AlN and GaN been obtained from time-of-flight neutron spectroscopy using bulk powders. 2,3 In addition, numerous studies of the zone-center phonons in GaN and AlN films have been conducted using Raman and IR spectroscopy. Due to the lack of latticematched substrates, these samples are affected by the high density of defects and strain present in the films and it is therefore unclear how well these data represent the true bulk values. The least studied of the three nitrides is InN for which there are only few Raman studies. 4,5
Congenital megacolon; a comparison of the spastic and hypertrophied segments with respect to Cholinesterase activities and sensitivities to Acetylcholine, DFP and the barium ion.

Summary 1.The distal spastic segments and the proximal hypertrophied segments of five fresh surgical specimens of the colon from cases of congenital megacolon have been compared with respect to (a) thresholds of response to acetylcholine (ACh), di-isopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) and BaCl 2 , (b) specific and nonspecific cholinesterase (ChE) activities and (c) the histochemical distributions of the ChE's. 2.The hypertrophied segments had lower thresholds of response to ACh, whereas the thresholds of the two types of segment to DFP and BaCl 2 were practically identical in all cases. The latter observation indicates that BaCl 2 acts directly on the smooth muscle fibers of the human colon rather than on the ganglion cells. 3.Both the specific and non-specific ChE activities were considerably higher in the spastic than in the hypertrophied portions. Histochemical studies indicated that the greater specific ChE activity of the former was associated with the large number of non-myelinated nerve fibers in the ganglion cell-free myenteric plexus. The lower non-specific ChE activity of the hypertrophied segment appeared to be the result of a "thinning-out" of the muscularis mucosae and other regions where the enzyme is concentrated. 4.The present findings suggest that the chief anatomical abnormalities in congenital megacolon may consist of a central displacement of the cholinergic neurons and an absence or paucity of the adrenergic neurons of the myenteric plexus of the spastic distal segment.
A mixed-signal framework and standard for high-frequency timing measurements

Timing measurements in computer and communication systems operating at gigahertz frequencies demand accuracy and repeatability not currently available from automatic test equipment. This paper describes a framework to model resources of existing tester, test instrument, on-chip mixed-signal measurement circuits, and the device-under-test (DUT). Standardized test methods, together with these test models, permit the inter-operability of various test systems in accurate timing measurements while reducing test cost, enhancing correlation between different test methods, and leading to a better understanding of the high-frequency effects of the entire test set-up from the automatic test equipment to the test interface to the DUT itself.
Overexpression of truncated Nmd3p inhibits protein synthesis in yeast.

The yeast NMD3 gene was identified in a two-hybrid screen using the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factor, Upf1p, as bait. NMD3 was shown to encode an essential, highly conserved protein that associated principally with free 60S ribosomal subunits. Overexpression of a truncated form of Nmd3p, lacking 100 C-terminal amino acids and most of its Upf1p-interacting domain, had dominant-negative effects on both cell growth and protein synthesis and promoted the formation of polyribosome half-mers. These effects were eliminated by truncation of an additional 100 amino acids from Nmd3p. Overexpression of the nmd3D100 allele also led to increased synthesis and destabilization of some ribosomal protein mRNAs, and increased synthesis and altered processing of 35S pre-rRNA. Our data suggest that Nmd3p has a role in the formation, function, or maintenance of the 60S ribosomal subunit and may provide a link for Upf1p to 80S monosomes.
Enhancement of a use cases based requirements engineering approach with scenarios

Use cases and scenarios are sometimes considered as analogous. In this paper, we take the position that use cases and scenarios are different but play complementary roles in requirements engineering. A use case is a collection of scenarios. Use cases are appropriate as specification of a system required behavior in interaction with its actors. A scenario is an example of execution involving a system and its actors. A scenario may be defined with the intention that it should be supported or the intention that it should be avoided. Scenarios can thus be used to validate functional as well as non-functional requirements specification. We present an integration of scenarios to a use case based requirements engineering approach and discuss the merits of such integration.
A Systematic Review of Secretin for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

CONTEXT: As many as 1 in every 110 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Secretin is 1 of many medical treatments studied for treating the symptoms of ASDs, but there is currently no consensus regarding which interventions are most effective. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review evidence regarding the use of secretin in children with ASDs who are aged 12 years and younger. METHODS: We searched the Medline, PsycINFO, and ERIC (Education Resources Information Center) databases from 2000 to May 2010 and reference lists of included articles. Two reviewers independently assessed each study against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted data regarding participant and intervention characteristics, assessment techniques, and outcomes and assigned overall quality and strength-of-evidence ratings on the basis of predetermined criteria. RESULTS: Evidence from 7 randomized controlled trials supports a lack of effectiveness of secretin for the treatment of ASD symptoms including language and communication impairment, symptom severity, and cognitive and social skill deficits. No studies have resulted in significantly greater improvements in measures of language, cognition, or autistic symptoms when compared with placebo; study authors who reported improvement over time did so equally for both the intervention and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: Secretin has been studied extensively in multiple randomized controlled trials, and there is clear evidence that it lacks benefit. The studies of secretin included in this review uniformly point to a lack of significant impact of secretin in the treatment of ASD symptoms. Given the high strength of evidence for a lack of effectiveness, secretin as a treatment approach for ASDs warrants no further study.
The relationship of nodular endocardial infiltrates (Quilty lesions) to survival, patient age, anti-HLA antibodies, and coronary artery disease following heart transplantation

Background Quilty lesions are mononuclear cell infiltrates identified in human heart transplant biopsies. The biologic significance of Quilty lesions remains undetermined. Methods We monitored acute rejection by biopsy and lymphocyte growth assay (LGA) as well as transplant-related coronary artery disease (TRCAD) by yearly angiogram in 285 recipients of primary heart allografts. Patients showing Quilty lesions on biopsies during the first year posttransplant were compared with patients without such lesions. Recipients' sera were obtained at the time of biopsy and tested for anti-HLA Class I and II antibodies. Results The actuarial survival of patients who developed Quilty lesions was significantly better than those who did not (P=.0074). Patients with Quilty lesions were younger and more likely to have a biopsy diagnosis of acute rejection (P=.002) and positive LGA (P<.0001) during the first posttransplant year. Among patients who do not form anti-HLA Class II antibodies, those with Quilty lesions were more likely than patients without Quilty lesions to develop TRCAD 5 years posttransplantation (P=.04). There was no correlation of Quilty status with the number of HLA donor–recipient mismatches or posttransplant development of anti-HLA antibodies. Conclusions Quilty formers showed improved survival and are more likely to be diagnosed with acute rejection on biopsy and have positive LGAs. Allograft recipients who do not form anti-HLA Class II antibodies but do form Quilty lesions are more likely to develop TRCAD by 5 years posttransplantation than those who do not form Quilty lesions.
Routing and wavelength assignment methods in single-hop all-optical networks with blocking

We consider single-hop all-optical networks in which wavelength-routed connections (lightpaths) between source-destination pairs are dynamically established and torn down in response to a random pattern of arriving connection requests and connection holding times. A connection request may be blocked if no wavelength is available on a suitable path from source to destination. For these networks we consider several methods for routing and wavelength assignment which combine in various ways three main principles: wavelength reservation, protecting threshold and alternate routes. The methods are evaluated and compared in two case studies. In this type of network the traffic over lightpaths consisting of multiple links is susceptible to high blocking probabilities, which can interfere with the quality of service requirements. It is shown that some of the routing and wavelength assignment methods studied have the potential to overcome this difficulty.
The Development and Enforcement of Group Norms

This paper examines why group norms are enforced and how group norms develop. It is argued here that groups are likely to bring under normative control only those behaviors that ensure group survival, increase the predictability of group members' behavior, avoid embarrassing interpersonal situations, or give expression to the group's central values. Group norms develop through explicit statements by supervisors or co-workers, critical events in the group's history, primacy, or carry-over behaviors from past situations.
An extension of the OpenModelica compiler for using Modelica models in a discrete event simulation

This article describes a new back-end and run-time system for the OpenModelica compiler. This new back-end transforms a Modelica model into a module for the adevs discrete event simulation package, thereby extending adevs to encompass complex, hybrid dynamical systems. The new run-time system that has been built within the adevs simulation package supports models with state-events and time-events and that comprise differential-algebraic systems with high index. Although the procedure for effecting this transformation is based on adevs and the Discrete Event System Specification, it can be adapted to any discrete event simulation package.
Child Maltreatment Trends in the 1990s: Why Does Neglect Differ From Sexual and Physical Abuse?

Substantiated cases of child maltreatment have declined more than 20% since a peak in 1993. However, although sexual abuse and physical abuse showed significant declines during the 1990s (47% and 36%, respectively), neglect fluctuated, with only a small overall decline during this period (7%). Available data suggest that at least part of the declines in sexual and physical abuse is likely to be real. Some evidence also suggests that a decline in neglect may have been masked in some states. Possible sources for declines in child maltreatment include direct prevention efforts, economic improvements, more aggressive criminal justice efforts, dissemination of psychiatric medication, and generational changes. Public health models suggest that population-level prevention initiatives are the most promising options for further reducing maltreatment rates. However, better epidemiological and evaluation research will be needed to identify the key factors.
Performance tradeoffs for multi-channel parametric adaptive radar algorithms

Airborne radar systems employing radar sensor arrays utilize multi-channel (MC) signal processing techniques for optimal detection and localization of targets. The detection and localization statistics have mathematical structures that typically require evaluating the inverse of an estimated covariance matrix. Due to the size of sensor arrays and the number of pulses in a coherent processing interval (CPI), the dimension of the covariance arrays is very large (1000s); the computational burden of estimating and inverting such large arrays has led to the development of parametric methodologies that significantly reduce both the computational requirements and the amount of measured data to create the estimated inverse covariance matrix. This paper compares the relative merits, by using performance tradeoff plots of six different parametric algorithms when compared to the conventional sample matrix inversion (SMI) approach.
Estimating the Effects of No Child Left Behind on Teachers' Work Environments and Job Attitudes.

Several recent studies have examined the impacts of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) on school operations and student achievement. We complement that work by investigating the law’s impacts on teachers’ perceptions of their work environments and related job attitudes, including satisfaction and commitment to remain in teaching. Using four waves of the nationally representative Schools and Staffing Survey, which cover the period from 1994 to 2008, we document overall trends in teacher attitudes across this time period and take advantage of differences in the presence and strength of prior state accountability systems and differences in likely impacts on high- and low-poverty schools to isolate NCLB effects. Perhaps surprisingly, we show positive trends in many work environment measures, job satisfaction, and commitment across the time period coinciding with the implementation of NCLB. We find, however, relatively modest evidence of an impact of NCLB accountability itself. There is some evidence that the law has...
On multi-set canonical correlation analysis

Two- and multi-set canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and (MCCA) techniques are used to find linear combinations that give maximal multivariate differences. This paper describes methods for deriving MCCA dynamical systems which converge to the desired canonical variates and canonical correlations. Unconstrained and constrained optimization methods over quadratic constraints are applied to derive several dynamical systems that converge to a solution of a generalized eigenvalue problem. These include merit functions that are based on generalized Rayleigh quotient, and logarithmic generalized Rayleigh quotient.
Assessment of a Modular Transfection System Based upon Cellular Localization of DNA

Delivery of plasmid DNA for protein production in mammalian cells is not an efficient process. In this study, the theory that cellular localization of plasmid DNA increases transfection efficiency is examined with an emphasis on the understanding of the cellular association of the components of a ternary transfection complex. Mammalian cells take up transfection reagent- DNA complexes primarily from their local environment. Via formation of a ternary complex consisting of the DNA-transfection reagent complex and a heavy particle, such as silica, the efficiency of transfection is substantially increased. We have analyzed cells transfected with the ternary complexes to determine if sedimentation alone affects the percentage of cells that contain the complexes or specific components of the complex. A significant fraction of cells associate with the ternary complexes, including silica nanoparticles. The percentage of cells that associate with DNA was not significantly influenced by the use of the ternary complex. This result suggests that the silica nanoparticles are more than just a sedimentation agent, being also a secondary transfection reagent. These data also confirm that cells may contain trans- fection reagent-DNA complex but do not express the protein of interest. This knowledge will be used in further research to better design transfection reagents that will increase the efficiency of protein production.
Influence on collective effects on the performance of high‐luminosity colliders

The design of a high‐luminosity electron‐position collider to study B physics is a challenging task from many points of view. In this paper we consider the influence of collective effects on the machine performance; most of our findings are ‘‘generic,’’ in the sense that they depend rather weakly on the details of the machine design. Both single‐bunch and coupled‐bunch instabilities are described and their effects are estimated based upon an example machine design (APIARY‐IV). In addition, we examine the possibility of emittance growth from intrabeam scattering and calculate the beam lifetime from both Touschek and gas scattering. We find that the single‐bunch instabilities should not lead to difficulty, and that the emittance growth is essentially negligible. At a background gas pressure of 10 nTorr, beam lifetimes of only a few hours are expected. Multibunch growth rates are very severe, even when using an optimized RF system consisting of single‐cell, room‐temperature RF cavities with geometrical shape...
Neocortical asymmetry and open-field behavior in the rat

Abstract The total volume of the neocortex in each cerebral hemisphere was measured in male and female rats that had been exposed to one of two early experience treatments and subsequently tested behaviorally. Rats were either handled in infancy and raised in enriched environments or not handled in infancy and raised in standard lab cages. In adulthood they were tested in the open field for activity, for initial direction of movement out of the start box, and for laterality of wall-hugging behavior. Early experience did not have an effect on neocortical asymmetry, but a gender difference was disclosed. The right neocortex of males was larger than the left by a mean of 1.5%. Females rats did not show a significant asymmetry, although when asymmetry was present it was in favor of the left side. Cortical asymmetry correlated with openfield behavior. The degree of activity decreased with increasing neocortical asymmetry, and an interesting gender effect was present. Also, there was a positive correlation between neocortical asymmetry and direction of wall-hugging behavior, but only in animals with volume differences of less than 1%. These findings represent the first documentation of behavioral correlations with anatomic brain asymmetries in nonhuman species.
ACTIVE IMMUNITY TO GAFFKEMIA IN LOBSTERS

The California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) may be immunized by injection with an avirulent strain of Pediococcus homari (formerly Gaffkya homari). This immunization protects the animals against a later challenge with 100 x LD50 virulent bacteria. The mechanism of this immunization is being investigated. This is the first report of acquired immunity to P. homari in a susceptible species. It is also the first use of a live attenuated strain of a pathogen to immunize a decapod crustacean.
Persistent photoinduced effects in high-Te superconductors†

The field of superconductivity has gained much attention in recent years due to the discovery of the high temperature cuprate superconductors. Besides their high transition temperature (T,s up to = 160 K), they show a variety of physical properties that are remarkably different from those of conventional superconductors. Two of these are persistent photoconductivity (PPC) and persistent photoinduced superconductivity (PPS), which we review in this article. The cuprate superconductors are layered materials that consist of CuOz planes sandwiched between "charge reservoirs" (see Fig. l), e.g., the CuO chain layers in
Health Literacy, Cognitive Function, Proper Use, and Adherence to Inhaled Asthma Controller Medications Among Older Adults With Asthma

BACKGROUND We sought to investigate the degree to which cognitive skills explain associations between health literacy and asthma-related medication use among older adults with asthma. METHODS Patients aged ≥ 60 years receiving care at eight outpatient clinics (primary care, geriatrics, pulmonology, allergy, and immunology) in New York, New York, and Chicago, Illinois, were recruited to participate in structured, in-person interviews as part of the Asthma Beliefs and Literacy in the Elderly (ABLE) study (n = 425). Behaviors related to medication use were investigated, including adherence to prescribed regimens, metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique, and dry powder inhaler (DPI) technique. Health literacy was measured using the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. Cognitive function was assessed in terms of fluid (working memory, processing speed, executive function) and crystallized (verbal) ability. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 68 years; 40% were Hispanic and 30% non-Hispanic black. More than one-third (38%) were adherent to their controller medication, 53% demonstrated proper DPI technique, and 38% demonstrated correct MDI technique. In multivariable analyses, limited literacy was associated with poorer adherence to controller medication (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.29-4.08) and incorrect DPI (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.81-6.83) and MDI (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.01-2.65) techniques. Fluid and crystallized abilities were independently associated with medication behaviors. However, when fluid abilities were added to the model, literacy associations were reduced. CONCLUSIONS Among older patients with asthma, interventions to promote proper medication use should simplify tasks and patient roles to overcome cognitive load and suboptimal performance in self-care.