cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic changes associated with floral adaptation restrict future evolutionary potential

A commonly accepted evolutionary principle is that adaptive change constrains the potential directions of future evolutionary change. One manifestation of this is Dollo's law, which states that character elimination is irreversible. Although the common occurrence of irreversibility has been documented by phylogenetic analyses of phenotypic transitions, little is known about the underlying causes of this phenomenon. One explanation for evolutionary irreversibility relies on the fact that many characteristics result from interactions between multiple gene products. Such characteristics may often be eliminated by inactivation of just one gene in the network. If they serve no other functions, other genes of the network are then free to accumulate mutations or evolve new functions. Evolutionary change after character loss results in the accumulation of redundant loss-of-function mutations. Such pathway degeneration makes it very unlikely that the characteristic will re-evolve, because multiple simultaneous mutations would be required. Here we describe what appear to be the initial stages of such degeneration in the anthyocyanin pigment pathway associated with an adaptive change from blue to red flowers in the morning glory Ipomoea quamoclit.
The C. elegans cell death specification gene ces-1 encodes a snail family zinc finger protein.

Abstract The ces-1 and ces-2 genes of C. elegans control the programmed deaths of specific neurons. Genetic evidence suggests that ces-2 functions to kill these neurons by negatively regulating the protective activity of ces-1 . ces-2 encodes a protein closely related to the vertebrate PAR family of bZIP transcription factors, and a ces-2/ces-1 -like pathway may play a role in regulating programmed cell death in mammalian lymphocytes. Here we show that ces-1 encodes a Snail family zinc finger protein, most similar in sequence to the Drosophila neuronal differentiation protein Scratch. We define an element important for ces-1 regulation and provide evidence that CES-2 can bind to a site within this element and thus may directly repress ces-1 transcription. Our results suggest that a transcriptional cascade controls the deaths of specific cells in C. elegans .
Flexible Spending Accounts as Insurance

We model flexible spending accounts (FSAs) as a special type of insurance policy. We prove the following results given losses drawn from a continuous distribution: (1) the optimal election amount, F*, is increasing in the consumer's level of risk aversion; (2) F* is increasing in the level of the maximum loss; If utility is decreasing in absolute risk aversion (DARA), then F* is (3) decreasing in income and (4) increasing in the marginal tax rate.
Unimolecular decomposition and vibrationally induced electron autodetachment of acetone enolate ion

Acetone enolate ion trapped in a pulsed ion cyclotron resonance spectrometer cell was irradiated with a pulsed CO2 laser. Both unimolecular decomposition to give HC2O− and CH4, and vibrationally induced electron autodetachment were observed. The data are consistent with a scheme in which a vibrationally excited enolate ion decomposes through an adiabatic (decomposition) pathway and a nonadiabatic (autodetachment) pathway. From an analysis of the branching using statistical reaction rate theory the autodetachment rate constant ka is estimated to be ∼107 s−1 at ∼1 eV above the electron detachment threshold.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of glycosyltransferase mRNA in glioblastoma multiforme patients

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary human brain tumour in adults with an average survival of 11 months. The 2-year survival is less than 10%, and only a small proportion of patients are alive at 3 years. Despite improved treatment strategies and aggressive therapy, the prognosis of GBM has changed little in past decades. Thus, any test that can reliably and rapidly diagnose the tumour and predict patient survival could be a valuable tool. Herein we report the use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to quantify five glycosyltransferase transcripts in gliomas. Our results indicate that measuring GM1 synthase (beta-1,3 galactosyltransferase) mRNA may provide a useful method for segregating GBMs from other types of gliomas. In these studies, 97% of gliomas (36/37 tumours) below a threshold value had a diagnosis of GBM compared with 49% (52/106 tumours) above the threshold. More importantly, the increased expression of GD3 synthase mRNA in combination with decreased GalNAcT message correlated with increased survival in 79 GBM patients (proportional hazards model controlling for age, P = 0.02). These data were further corroborated by a data analysis from one of our previous studies on gangliosides of 80 GBMs, in which increased amounts of GM3 and GD3 (which accumulate in the absence of GalNAcT) correlated with a longer survival (P < 0.01). Thus, measuring GalNAcT and GD3 transcripts may provide a rapid method to assess prognosis in GBM patients. In summary, the data indicate that measuring glycosyltransferase mRNA levels by real-time PCR may be clinically useful for determining both diagnosis and prognosis in GBM patients.
Osmotic Behaviour of Palæmonetes varians (Leach)

Palaemonetes varians var. microgenitor is a common brackish-water inhabitant of northern and western Europe well known for its ability to live in different concentrations of sea water. Specimens collected from brackish waters in the vicinity of Plymouth (salinity 23–29 ‰) are quite at home in the tanks of the laboratory containing normal sea water of salinity 34–35 ‰. Estimations of osmotic pressure of blood, by Baldes’ modification of Hill's thermo-electric technique1,2, from specimens kept in different concentrations of sea water, indicate that while this species is hypertonic in sea water of lower dilutions, it is definitely hypotonic in normal sea water.
Decameter Radiation from Jupiter

The observed correlation between solar flare activity and intense radio bursts from Jupiter in the 5 to 38 Mc/s region was examined as to the origins of this radiation. It is suggested that the radioactivity is brought on by sudden eruptions of fast solar electrons as they arrive at Jupiter, and that an existing theory for maser-like amplification of synchrotron radiation from electrons with a non-Maxwellian energy distribution orbiting in the Jovian magnetosphere provides a quantitative model for the emission. The theory predicts a narrow frequency band of amplification near the local electron gyro-frequency, but the intensity predicted for the second and higher harmonics is smaller than that of the fundamental by more than four orders of magnitude. It is concluded that the appearance of a single band of radiation should not rule out the synchrotron mechanism. (C.H.)
Moral Hazard and Reciprocity

We investigate the motives behind reciprocal behavior by making selfish acts anonymous and not common knowledge. In one treatment, subjects were assigned to the role of proposer or responder and played a trust game with random matching for 20 rounds. In a second treatment, the modified game, the procedures were the same, but responders were allowed to choose with only 80% probability. With 20% probability, responders were restricted to keep any money passed. Only responders knew whether they were restricted or not. We find that the behavior of responders is different in this modified trust game. The fact that responders can hide selfish acts generates more selfish behavior. This in turn makes proposers less likely to pass money to responders, thereby destroying trust. We find important session effects in the standard trust game but less so in the modified game. Our experiments show that information conveyed in actions is important to subjects' decisions.
Development of diode junction nuclear battery using 63Ni

The diode junction nuclear battery is a long-lived, high-energy-density, but low electrical current power source with many specialized applications. In this type of battery, nuclear radiation is directly converted to electric power. A model is described and used to design the device configuration. Details of fabrication and testing of a planar geometry battery with 63Ni radiation source are described. The electron beam induced current (EBIC) measurement technique and CASINO Monte Carlo simulation code were employed to analyze the device performance. Finally, an improved design with 3-dimensional surface microstructures that will provide improved performance is presented.
The potential for improving the growth and development of cultured farm animal oocytes

Previous predictions that the technologies for producing genetically engineered large animal embryos containing genes for faster growth rates, leaner carcasses, greater disease resistance and improved lactational performance would be available early in the twenty-first century have been, for the most part, realized. The animal industries have been slow to adopt these technological advances and it cannot be said that any of them are currently having great impact on animal agriculture worldwide. A major reason for this is the inefficiencies of the techniques for superovulation, ovum recovery, in vitro fertilization, nuclear transfer, cloning and embryo transfer. Although improvements in these techniques can be expected, the best hope for increasing the impact of embryo transfer technologies on the animal industries lies in developing ways to mature, harvest, store and fertilize in vitro the large numbers of primordial oocytes present in the ovaries of all farm animals. Although limited progress has been made in the culture of bovine primordial oocytes, it is clear that much more research is needed to achieve success in this important area.
Reserpine in peptic ulcer

Reserpine was added to the routine measure in the treatment of peptie lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract in 13 patients. In addition to its tranquilizing effect it seemed to be beneficial in the relief of nausea and vomiting. It had no deleterious effect on symptoms or course of the disease and it seemed to have no influence on gastric acidity.
Photophysics and photochromism of Δ2,2' -BI-(2H-1,4-benzothiazine)

Abstract Δ 2,2' -bi-(2H-1,4-benzothiazine) shows striking photochromism and thermochromism. The color change is thermally and photochemically reversible. The photochromism can be ascribed to the cis-trans isomerization about the central double bond, the yellow trans isomer being more stable. The quantum yield of formation o CP of the cis-benzothiazine from trans in dioxan was found to be 0.035 at 355 nm excitation. Laser flash photolysis of the trans-benzothiazine revealed that the excited singlet state of π, π * character is the originating state for the photochromism since there is no experimental evidence of a triplet intermediate.
Exploitation of spectral redundancy in cyclostationary signals

It is shown that the cyclostationarity attribute, as it is reflected in the periodicities of (second-order) moments of the signal, can be interpreted in terms of the property that allows generation of spectral lines from the signal by putting it through a (quadratic) nonlinear transformation. The fundamental link between the spectral-line generation property and the statistical property called spectral correlation, which corresponds to the correlation that exists between the random fluctuations of components of the signal residing in distinct spectral bands, is explained. The effects on the spectral-correlation characteristics of some basic signal processing operations, such as filtering, product modulation, and time sampling, are examined. It is shown how to use these results to derive the spectral-correlation characteristics for various types of man-made signals. Some ways of exploiting the inherent spectral redundancy associated with spectral correlation to perform various signal processing tasks involving detection and estimation of highly corrupted man-made signals are described. >
Quantized Hall effect and weak localization effects in two‐dimensional HgTe–CdTe superlattices

Electronic transport in the two‐dimensional gas formed in superlattices of HgTe–CdTe has been investigated in both the weak‐field (B<4 mT) and the intense‐field regime (up to 29 T). We find that in high‐mobility samples (53 000 cm2/V s) coherent backscattering effects (weak localization) are easily observable in the first regime while in the second regime quantized Hall steps are obtained in the same sample. The weak localization results have been exploited to obtain the temperature dependence of the electron dephasing rate and the spin–orbit scattering rate. Unlike AlGaAs–GaAs and Si–metal–oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor systems the spin–orbit scattering rate is very large (0.6 times the elastic scattering rate.) The quantized Hall‐effect data are complicated by three factors which we discuss. These complications prevent an unambiguous interpretation at present, although differences from the AlGaAs–GaAs superlattice results are observed.
Foundation studies for theodore roosevelt dam

Abstract Theodore Roosevelt Dam, on the Salt River northeast of Phoenix, Arizona, was originally constructed as an 85.3m-high arched masonry dam between 1903 and 1911. Modifications were completed in 1996, which included raising the dam 23.5 m for dam safety puroses and additional water supply. The dam is founded on Precambrian sandstone, siltstone, and dolomite. Occasional clay partings parallel the bedding, which dips upstream at 25 to 30 degrees. The studies performed for raising the dam considered deformation, stability, and seepage characteristics of the foundation rock mass to ensure it could safely withstand the additional loading. Seismic tomography and in situ jacking tests were used to characterize the deformation properties. Piezometers were installed to measure foundation water perssures before and after drainage measures. Critical clay partings and joints were sampled and tested for shear strength, and foundation blocks with the potential to move under loads applied by the dam and reservoir were analyzed three dimensionally for potential sliding under normal, flood, and time-varying earthquake conditions. Foundation treatment was performed based on the results of the studies.
Childbirth and social class: The case of cesarean delivery

The purpose of this paper is to examine how obstetrical intervention in childbirth varies according to the socioeconomic status of the birthing woman and what kinds of factors might account for the differences in treatment. We have focused specifically on the contemporary use of cesarean delivery to illustrate how one intervention is applied differently to women of different social classes. If cesarean deliveries were being done for medical reasons alone, we would see any variation in the rates explained by medical risk, and the highest rates among high risk women. Instead we found that more cesareans are being performed in the socioeconomic group of women with the lowest medical risk and much of the variation in cesarean rates explained by factors other than medical need. We focus mainly on characteristics associated with social class differences, and use historical and contemporary data to describe differences in cesarean delivery rates by social class, and to offer explanations for these differences. In addition we introduce some new New York City data to examine more closely cesarean delivery rates in two classes of birthing women and to explore the differential effects of new childbirth technology on women of different socioeconomic classes.
Survey of Medical Liaison Practices 3: Assessing Practice Trends across the Pharmaceutical Industry:

In an effort to assess medical liaison trends across the pharmaceutical industry, two surveys of medical liaison managers were previously administered and published. The intent of these surveys was to identify overall approaches used by pharmaceutical companies in defining and managing the medical liaison role. We conducted this third survey to focus on areas identified by the initial survey participants as major challenges. In addition, we aimed to broaden our survey to include responses from both medical liaison managers and field-based medical liaisons. The current survey focused on four areas: the role of medical liaisons in competitive intelligence, health outcomes, compliance, and nontraditional medical liaison staffing options. The survey results indicated the following: a majority of companies have defined competitive intelligence plans that include the medical liaison organization; the health outcomes role is less prevalent than the traditional medical liaison role; compliance standards vary across the industry; and the contract medical liaison field will potentially grow in the future.
Identification of Armillaria species from New Hampshire

(1993). Identification of Armillaria Species from New Hampshire. Mycologia: Vol. 85, No. 3, pp. 365-368.
The continuing evolution of mechanical ventricular assistance

Summary A great number of patients suffer and die of the sequelae of acute and chronic heart failure each year. Although advances in medical and surgical therapy have benefited many of these patients, most have disease that is refractory to any definitive therapy. For these patients cardiac transplantation is the only remaining hope. Unfortunately, because of the increasing demand for donor organs in the face of a fixed and limited supply, this option is available to only a small percentage of these patients. Even in patients accepted for transplantation, a significant waiting list mortality has been observed. A variety of VADs have been developed since the first successful case of mechanical cardiac assistance more than 30 years ago. These devices differ in basic mechanical function, method of insertion, and degree of implantability and thus have different indications and potential applications. Whereas the intraaortic balloon pump and centrifugal pumps are effective short-term support modalities, extracorporeal and implantable pulsatile devices have been used successfully for long-term support of patients with reversible and nonreversible cardiac failure. Although these pumps have most commonly been used as bridges to transplantation, increasing clinical experience has supported the notion of long-term mechanical assistance as a definitive therapy for patients with end-stage heart disease. Although complications, particularly infection and thromboembolism, pose significant challenges and long-term device reliability remains to be fully determined, available implantable devices appear to be capable of providing effective long-term support. As data are obtained from currently ongoing trials comparing VAD support with medical therapy for end-stage heart failure, ethical and economic issues will assume increasing importance.
Multiple access in mesh and relay networks: Continuous single-carrier waveforms are superior to bursted multi-carrier waveforms

The choice of duplexing, multiplexing, and multiple access (D/M/MA) schemes defines important network characteristics at the physical and higher layers. Yet direct comparisons of available techniques are rare. Here we first analyze a simple 2-node network to illustrate some fundamental relationships among D/M/MA schemes, and then describe comparisons of orthogonal (no-interference) D/M/MA schemes in mesh and relay networks. We show that the choice of techniques can have significant effects upon system performance, including range and throughput, and that continuous single-carrier waveforms are superior to bursted multi-carrier waveforms. We extend the relay analysis to the realistic case that reuses time or frequency resources, taking into account inter-node interference (INI); this yields a useful relation for relay re-use design.
THE GENERALIZED AMALGAMATED PRODUCT STRUCTURE OF THE TAME AUTOMORPHISM GROUP IN DIMENSION THREE

For K a field of characteristic zero, it is shown that the tame subgroup TA3(K) of the group GA3(K) of polynomial automorphisms of AK can be realized as a generalized amalgamated product, specifically, the product of three subgroups, amalgamated along pairwise intersections, in a manner that generalizes the well-known amalgamated free product structure of TA2(K) (which coincides with GA2(K) by Jung’s Theorem). The result follows from defining relations for TA3(K) given by U. U. Umirbaev.
Human action recognition using hull convexity defect features with multi-modality setups

We consider developing a taxonomic shape driven algorithm to solve the problem of human action recognition and develop a new feature extraction technique using hull convexity defects. To test and validate this approach, we use silhouettes of subjects performing ten actions from a commonly used video database by action recognition researchers. A morphological algorithm is used to filter noise from the silhouette. A convex hull is then created around the silhouette frame, from which convex defects will be used as the features for analysis. A complete feature consists of thirty individual values which represent the five largest convex hull defects areas. A consecutive sequence of these features form a complete action. Action frame sequences are preprocessed to separate the data into two sets based on perspective planes and bilateral symmetry. Features are then normalized to create a final set of action sequences. We then formulate and investigate three methods to classify ten actions from the database. Testing and training of the nine test subjects is performed using a leave one out methodology. Classification utilizes both PCA and minimally encoded neural networks. Performance evaluation results show that the Hull Convexity Defect Algorithm provides comparable results with less computational complexity. This research can lead to a real time performance application that can be incorporated to include distinguishing more complex actions and multiple person interaction.
Post depositional alteration of foraminiferal shells in cold seep settings: New insights from flow-through time-resolved analyses of biogenic and inorganic seep carbonates

Transient hydrocarbon migration within a sediment package leaves behind robust geological signatures in the biogenic and authigenic carbonate record. Here we apply Flow-Through Time Resolved Analyses (FT-TRA) to unravel the compositional changes in foraminifera from coastal fossil methane seeps exposed from Oregon to Vancouver Island: The Eocene–Oligocene Keasey Formation, the Oligocene–Miocene Pysht and Sooke Formations, and the Pliocene Quinault Formation. Our data show that secondary mineralization can be traced with the use of Mg/Ca ratios, which in altered foraminifera are significantly higher than the biogenic ratio (< 3 compared to values as high as 69 mol/mol). Analogous to the record in authigenic carbonate, secondary mineralization contains valuable information about seep characteristics and their geologic history. Data from the Quinault Formation reflect the influence of anaerobic oxidation of biogenic methane in both bleb (δ13C: − 29.8‰ to − 14.0‰) and foraminiferal (δ13C: − 43.0‰ to 2.0‰) carbonate. Oxygen isotopes from blebs and foraminifera indicate precipitation at bottom water temperatures in an environment comparable to conditions observed in modern seeps on the Oregon slope and elsewhere. The carbonates in these seeps are enriched in barium and strontium over biogenic values, and such elevated values may be used a diagnostic tool to identify methane-related carbonates. In contrast, in the Pysht and Sooke formations, carbonate precipitation (including secondary mineralization of foraminifera), was fueled by a thermogenic carbon source (δ13C: − 14 to 3.4‰). These carbonates reflect a more complex paragenetic history and suggest alteration driven by post-depositional warm and/or meteoric fluids. The high manganese (up to 12 mmol/mol in foraminifera and 60.1 mmol/mol in a carbonate nodule) and low oxygen isotope values (δ18O as low as − 7.7‰ in foraminifera and − 11.6‰ in a carbonate pavement) observed for the Pysht and Sooke samples are consistent with carbonates recovered from fault zones on the Oregon slope, and suggest the intriguing possibility that these carbonates may reflect manganese-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation.
Senescent Stromal-Derived Osteopontin Promotes Preneoplastic Cell Growth

Alterations in the tissue microenvironment collaborate with cell autonomous genetic changes to contribute to neoplastic progression. The importance of the microenvironment in neoplastic progression is underscored by studies showing that fibroblasts isolated from a tumor stimulate the growth of preneoplastic and neoplastic cells in xenograft models. Similarly, senescent fibroblasts promote preneoplastic cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Because senescent cells accumulate with age, their presence is hypothesized to facilitate preneoplastic cell growth and tumor formation in older individuals. To identify senescent stromal factors directly responsible for stimulating preneoplastic cell growth, we carried out whole-genome transcriptional profiling and compared senescent fibroblasts with their younger counterparts. We identified osteopontin (OPN) as one of the most highly elevated transcripts in senescent fibroblasts. Importantly, reduction of OPN protein levels by RNA interference did not affect senescence induction in fibroblasts; however, it dramatically reduced the growth-promoting activities of senescent fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo, showing that OPN is necessary for paracrine stimulation of preneoplastic cell growth. In addition, we found that recombinant OPN was sufficient to stimulate preneoplastic cell growth. Finally, we show that OPN is expressed in senescent stroma within preneoplastic lesions that arise following 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate treatment of mice, suggesting that stromal-derived OPN-mediated signaling events affect neoplastic progression. [Cancer Res
Calendar Math in Preschool and Primary Classrooms: Questioning the Curriculum

The Early Childhood profession would benefit from a systematic inquiry into “calendar math”. The authors offer an organized framework for this work. After a description of calendar math practices, the authors examine problematic aspects of its implementation, based on developmental theory. The essay concludes with a call for more reflective teaching practice about the match between teacher intentions and student outcomes.
Inflation of hyperelastic cylindrical membranes as applied to blow moulding. Part I. Axisymmetric case

The free and confined axisymmetric inflation of a cylindrical membrane is considered in this study. The problem is formulated to include single and multiple contacts between the cylinder and the surrounding solid boundary. The material is assumed to obey the Mooney–Rivlin constitutive equation. Unlike various finite element based discretization approaches, the present formulation is based on a set of ordinary differential equations governing the deformation field. The resulting two-point-boundary-value problem is solved using the finite element method. Comparison between theory and experiment leads to good agreement. Stick condition upon contact is assumed. Examples of complex geometries including a blow-moulded bottle are treated. An example of simultaneous stretch and inflation is also given.
SiGe HBT BiCMOS FPGAs for fast reconfigurable computing

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are flexible programmable devices that are used in a wide variety of applications. The flexibility of the FPGA hinders its performance due to the additional logic resources required for programmable hardware. The paper proposes a high speed SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) FPGA design co-integrated with CMOS in an IBM BiCMOS process. This device would be bitwise compatible with the Xilinx 6200, with operating frequencies in the 1-20 GHz range. To reduce power dissipation, the configuration bits used to define the FPGA's function will be stored in CMOS memory. Further power savings can be accomplished by integrating CMOS control into bipolar current trees and using a switchable current mirror to turn off unused current trees. The speed of bipolar combined with power savings of CMOS can new be merged to produce a new family of high speed FPGAs.
Understanding Women’s Labeling of Unwanted Sexual Experiences With Dating Partners: A Qualitative Analysis

Qualitative data are used to examine the process by which women come to label their unwanted sexual experiences with dating partners as sexual abuse or assault, as well as the factors that impede such labeling. Issues of consent, causal attributions, and minimization were found to be central to understanding why women did or did not label. Labeling was generally a gradual process and was most often triggered by social support seeking. Women who did not label typically defined the incident as something less serious than sexual abuse or assault, although some provided definitions indicating that they had felt victimized.
Modulation of HIV-1 immunity by adjuvants.

Purpose of reviewTo summarize the role of adjuvants in eliciting desirable antibody responses against HIV-1 with particular emphasis on both historical context and recent developments.Recent findingsIncreased understanding of the role of pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors in r
High apparent adhesion energy in the breakdown of normal restitution for binary impacts of small spheres at low speed

Abstract We measure kinematic coefficients of normal restitution in head-on collisions of two identical small spheres of acrylic, ceramic or steel suspended by thin resilient strands at low enough impact speeds for adhesion to lower the restitution. We observe such reduction at speeds consistent with an apparent adhesion surface energy larger than expected.
One-equation turbulence model for transonic airfoil flows

A one-equation turbulence model has been developed from available experimental observations on both attached and separated turbulence flows, and numerical results are presented for flows about NACA 0012 and RAE 2822 airfoils. The model is shown to duplicate the accurate results of the Baldwin-Lomax (1978) algebraic model for the case of attached flow. For cases of separated flow, the model is found to predict shock location and strength closer to the experimentally observed values than both the algebraic and the q-omega two-equation models.
Attachment, Belongingness Needs, and Relationship Status Predict Imagined Intimacy With Media Figures:

The present study uses an interpersonal relationships measure (Relationship Rating Form [RRF], Fraley & Davis, 1997) to assess both imagined intimacy with a favorite media figure and real intimacy with close others among 173 undergraduates. We examine how relational tendencies (attachment style, need to belong) and relationship status (single or partnered) interact to predict degree of imagined intimacy with same and opposite gender media figures. Results indicate that intimacy reported with a same gender friend is positively correlated with imagined intimacy for a same gender media figure. However, a compensatory pattern emerged with romantic relationships: single individuals reported greater imagined intimacy with opposite gender media figures than those in a relationship. Attachment anxiety and the need to belong (NTB) were positively predictive of imagined intimacy with opposite gender media figures for single individuals only. Social psychological motivations for media attachments are discussed.
'What says meow?'. The role of context and linguistic experience in very young children's responses to what-questions.

Children aged 1; 4 to 1; 6 were asked common what /-questions under four different contextual conditions. The presence of a gesture was found to have a significant effect on the nonverbal components of children's responses, while linguistic sophistication and type of question asked affected vocal responses, but did not produce any consistent effects on nonverbal responses. Results are interpreted as suggesting that, at this early age, gestural information is processed relatively independently of speech. These findings cast doubt on the likelihood that maternal gestures facilitate early language responding. Case-study observations of the children's interactional behaviour with mothers suggest instead that prior experience with verbal routines was a factor in the children's experimental vocal performance.
Soft Matter in a Tight Spot: Nanorheology of Confined Liquids and Block Copolymers

The linear frequency-dependent shear rheology and force–distance profiles of molecularly-thin fluids of very different structure were contrasted: a globular molecule octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (OMCTS), branched alkanes (3-methylundecane and squalane), and a polymer brush in near-theta solution (polystyrene-polyvinylpyridine). In each case the data suggest a prolongation of the longest relaxation time (τ1) with increasing compression. At frequencies ω > 1/τ1 the shear response was “solid-like”, but at ω < 1/τ1 it was “liquid-like”. OMCTS under mild compression exhibited seeming power-law viscoelastic behavior with G′(ω) = G″(ω) over a wide frequency range. Of the branched-molecule fluids, 3-methylundecane exhibited oscillatory force–distance profiles; this confirms prior computer simulations. But squalane (6 pendant methyl groups in an alkane chain 24 carbons long) showed one sole broad attractive minimum. Polymer brushes in a near-theta solvent exhibited changes qualitatively similar to those OMCTS, in particular, a smooth progression of longest relaxation time, generating a transition from “liquid-like” to “solid-like” shear rheology with decreasing film thickness. The common trend of shear response in these systems, in spite of important differences in molecular structure and force–distance profiles, is emphasized.
Microchip implants' logistical efficiencies and ethical issues

With businesses striving for better methods and government agencies looking to improve public security, RFID-related technologies have the ability to supply more information than the standard barcode, eliminating the potential for inventory stockouts and reducing theft occurrences. These relationships were empirically investigated through a survey of working professionals and it was found that there was at least some support for companies' initiatives based on RFID-related technologies that allow for improved corporate-level quality assurance initiatives, reduced logistical costs and improved accountability through package and product tracking, as also the use of governmental applications to improve the quality of public services for the general population, based on such stakeholders' personal perceptions of the usefulness and ethical issues associated with microchip implants. However, though on the cutting edge of business technologies, such applications and initiatives still prove to be difficult processes to implement and achieve, despite recent managerial efforts and technological innovations.
On Myopia, Rhetoric, and Reality in Counseling Psychology

This article considers two basic issues about counseling psychology: (1) that a specialty whose predominant focus is on developmental/educational and preventive interventions for relatively "normal" or mildly distressed individuals may become increasingly irrelevant and unmarketable in our current mental health system and (2) that aparadox seems to exist between the contemporary practice of counseling psychology and the literature that defines the specialty. The need to remedy this paradox and adopt an expanded model of counsel psychology is considered.
Automation of a high risk medication regime algorithm in a home health care population

Automated algorithm that predicts re-hospitalization risks for elderly patients.Created tool that automatically maps patient drug data to coding standards.Designed tools for easy replication by different health care information systems.Achieved accurate results that matched manual study of same patient population. ObjectiveCreate an automated algorithm for predicting elderly patients' medication-related risks for readmission and validate it by comparing results with a manual analysis of the same patient population. Materials and methodsOutcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) and medication data were reused from a previous, manual study of 911 patients from 15 Medicare-certified home health care agencies. The medication data was converted into standardized drug codes using APIs managed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), and then integrated in an automated algorithm that calculates patients' high risk medication regime scores (HRMRs). A comparison of the results between algorithm and manual process was conducted to determine how frequently the HRMR scores were derived which are predictive of readmission. ResultsHRMR scores are composed of polypharmacy (number of drugs), Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIM) (drugs risky to the elderly), and Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) (complex dose forms, instructions or administration). The algorithm produced polypharmacy, PIM, and MRCI scores that matched with 99%, 87% and 99% of the scores, respectively, from the manual analysis. DiscussionImperfect match rates resulted from discrepancies in how drugs were classified and coded by the manual analysis vs. the automated algorithm. HRMR rules lack clarity, resulting in clinical judgments for manual coding that were difficult to replicate in the automated analysis. ConclusionThe high comparison rates for the three measures suggest that an automated clinical tool could use patients' medication records to predict their risks of avoidable readmissions.
Dynamic protocol for token ring network with unbalanced load

An attempt was made to develop a protocol, which will use both single packet and arbitrary-gated service schemes. in which the token-holding-time (THT) of a station depends on its buffer occupancy or queue length. If the buffer occupancy is less than a preassigned threshold value, the station will hold the token for only one packet service time. If the buffer occupancy is greater, then the THT will be chosen to be some optimum value that will enable the station to serve more packets. This will counteract the problem of queue build-up at the station. Consequently, the mean waiting time of a packet at a station, to which the arrival rate is greater, can be reduced even though the overall mean waiting time of packets in other buffers increases slightly. To find this threshold limit and an optimum value of TNT for the token ring protocol under unbalanced load situations, simulation studies were done and the results are presented. >
Making Sense out of Oxygen Sensor

Autoregulatory mechanisms that adjust the diameter of a vascular bed and the blood flow through it to the intrinsic parameters of tissue oxygen demand have become a cornerstone of vascular physiology.1 2 3 4 Although examples of hypoxia-induced vasoconstriction do exist (such as pulmonary microvasculature), most blood vessels respond to hypoxic or ischemic environment with vasodilation. Coronary arteries are not an exception to this rule; in fact, autoregulation in this vascular bed is of paramount importance. Increased myocardial demand for oxygen cannot be met by increasing oxygen extraction, because coronary arteriovenous difference is already high under normal conditions. Therefore, matching the supply depends almost entirely on the ability to increase coronary blood flow. Although the occurrence of hypoxia- and ischemia-induced coronary vasodilation has been well established, the number of theories attempting to explain the phenomenon has multiplied. Proposed physiological models include (1) direct sensing of reduced Po2 by different cellular elements of the vascular wall5 ; (2) production and release of vasodilatory metabolites by the oxygen-deprived myocardium; (3) changes in intracellular calcium or proton metabolism and distribution, or a rapidly developing deficiency in high-energy phosphates, which suppress the contractile apparatus of the smooth muscle cells5 6 ; and (4) a shift in the affinity of hemoglobin for nitric oxide (NO).7 In this issue of Circulation Research , Shimizu et al8 provide further insight into the mechanisms of hypoxic vasorelaxation in porcine coronary arteries. Previous studies by Daut et al,9 performed in guinea pigs, demonstrated the existence of glibenclamide-inhibitable coronary vasodilation in response to hypoxia or ischemia. On the basis of these findings, Shimizu et al8 launched a systematic investigation of the effect of K+ channel inhibitors on hypoxic vasorelaxation. The …
Distributed simulation for interoperability testing along the supply chain

The need for interoperability of information systems among supply chain partners has been recognized. A number of standards have been or are being developed to ensure interoperability of applications used along the supply chain. An associated need for interoperability testing has emerged. There is a need to evaluate compliance of applications to standards across specific platforms. The standards themselves need to be evaluated for a comprehensive coverage of the application scope (validation testing). This paper reports on a distributed simulation based approach for supply chain interoperability testing. Simulations are used to represent real life organizations to serve as sources and consumers of dynamic data. The data can be encapsulated per the standard under consideration and exchanged with other organizations directly or through selected applications for testing. Error free performance of the simulated systems over time will provide confidence in the interoperability of applications and in the standards themselves.
Incorporating Sex as a Variable in Preclinical Neuropsychiatric Research

In an effort to increase applicability of preclinical research to both men and women, the National Institute of Health is anticipated to put forth guidelines for the incorporation of sex as a variable in animal studies. Common myths and perceived barriers to the inclusion of females in neuroscience research are discussed and a roadmap for implementation provided. Accounting for sex as a variable does not require studying sex differences and is easier to implement than generally assumed.
Transient diffusional release from waste packages in a repository in basalt

Analyses of diffusional release of several typical radionuclides in spent fuel from waste packages emplaced in a repository in basalt were conducted to assess the effects of system characteristics and boundary conditions on computer release rates. Radionuclide releases represent the source term for transport in the geohydrologic setting and are critical to the assessment of repository acceptability. Two mathematical approaches were utilized to determine radionuclide release rate versus time characteristics: (1) an analytical solution for one-dimensional diffusion based on a Dirichlet (constant-concentration) boundary at the waste form surface; and (2) a finite-element numerical solution based on a Neumann (zero-flux) boundary at the waste form surface. The latter method is suitable for radionuclides such as /sup 129/I, whose total inventory in spent fuel could be quickly depleted from the waste form and dissolved in the pore spaces to the packing material surrounding the waste form and which, therefore, cannot be adequately represented by a constant concentration at the waste form surface. The analysis revealed several system characteristics that are not intuitively obvious. For example, strong sorption in the near-field host rock behaves like a strong mass sink and can yield calculated transient release rates exceeding allowable limits. Similarly, a short half-lifemore » effectively removes the radionuclide from the host rock, which induces a steep concentration gradient at the host rock/packing interface and thereby increases the diffusional release rate at that boundary. Typical results for /sup 79/Se and /sup 129/I are presented to illustrate these effects. The effects of perturbations to key assumptions are shown to indicate the importance of (1) formulating models that accurately represent the physical system and (2) interpreting analytical results carefully to ensure understanding of the capability of the system.« less
Lateral solids mixing in fludized‐packed beds

A study was made of the mixing of particulate solids fluidized in the voids of a packed bed of larger nonfluidized bodies. In such a system heat transfer rates are dependent on the movement of fluidized particles. Recently application has been made of inert fluidized particles in chemical reactor systems to improve the removal of the heat generated by the exothermic reaction of the larger particles. A measure of the particle movement was achieved in this study by the determination of diffusion coefficients for the rates of solids mixing in the lateral direction when metal shot is fluidized in the voids of spherical and cylindrical packing. Experimental data showed that the particle mixing was related to the void structure of the packed bed by a random walk model. A general correlation was made for fluidized-solids diffusivity in spherically packed beds.
Effective Degree of Immobilization of Rubber Occluded within Carbon Black Aggregates

Abstract The conclusions of the present work may be summarized as follows. 1. The effective volume of carbon black in rubber, as measured by the low-strain equilibrium modulus, is equal to the true...
Language planning in higher education: A case study of Pakistan, by Mansoor, S.

Language in education policy is considered as one of the most daunting problems faced by postcolonial countries (see e.g., Hamid, 2011; Rahim & Ratwattee, 2004; Rahman, 2005). Pakistan, being one o...
Best Schools, Worst Schools and Efficiency: A Reconciliation and Assessment of Alternative Classification Systems

While academic researchers and policymakers debate the relative merits of ranking public schools and the alternative methodologies for doing so, classifications of public schools have become a feature of the educational landscape. In many cases, the goal is to distinguish the "best" schools or the "worst" schools from the others - for rewards or sanctions, for intervention, or as a guide for parents or students. In New York city, for example, a local non-for-profit education advocacy organization, Advocates for Children of New York, Inc. (AFC), has published two guides to the best public schools (Hemphill 1999, 2000). At the same time, the New York City school district recently identified a set of schools performing so well that they were exempted from a systemwide curriculum and governance reform. At the other end of the spectrum, both New York State and the federal government have identified a set of schools performing so poorly as to require special interventions to spur improvement.
An Interregional Activity Analysis Model for the Agricultural Sector

This paper attempts to specify an activity analysis equilibrium model for the agricultural sector which would account for the competitive pricing and allocation of primary, intermediate, and final commodities in space. Linear final commodity demand relations are specified and the concept of maximizing net consumer surplus is employed as a basis for deducing the price and allocation equilibrium conditions and formulating the primal-dual programming problem. An algorithm is suggested for obtaining the equilibrium solution and an example is specified which reflects the structure of the programming problem.