cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Three Populations of Female Military Personnel in the US Army

Background: Iron deficiency is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency disease in the world and occurs in young women in the United States. Female military personnel represent a unique population faced with intense physical and cognitive demands.Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia among three populations of female military personnel in the US Army.Methods: Iron status was assessed in 1216 volunteers. Volunteers were recruited from three groups: immediately following initial entry to the Army (IET), immediately following basic combat training (AIT), or following at least six months of permanent assignment (PP). Iron deficiency was determined using a three variable model, including cut-off values for serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and red cell distribution width (RDW). Iron deficiency anemia was categorized by iron deficiency and a hemoglobin (Hgb) value of <12 g/dL.Results: The prevalence of iron deficiency was gr...
A Pathogenic Linked Mutation in the Catalytic Core of Human Cystathionine β-Synthase Disrupts Allosteric Regulation and Allows Kinetic Characterization of a Full-Length Dimer†

Cystathionine β-synthase catalyzes the condensation of serine and homocysteine to yield cystathionine and is the single most common locus of mutations associated with homocystinuria. In this study, we have examined the kinetic consequences of a pair of linked patient mutations, P78R/K102N, that are housed in the catalytic core of the protein and compared it to the effects of the corresponding single mutations. The P78R mutation affords purification of a mixture of higher order oligomers, P78R-I, which resembles the mixed quaternary state associated with wild-type enzyme. However, unlike wild-type enzyme, P78R-I converts over time to P78R-II, which exists predominantly as a full-length dimer. The specific activities of the K102N, P78R-I, and P78R-II mutants in the absence of AdoMet are ∼3-, 9-, and 3-fold lower than of wild-type enzyme and are stimulated 2.9-, 2.5-, and 1.4-fold respectively by AdoMet. However, when linked, the specific activity of the resulting double mutant is comparable to that of wild-...
Effect of multiple scattering on measurement of track momentum and direction

Abstract The contributions of multiple scattering to the uncertainties in track momentum and direction are re-examined. In particular the kinematical restrictions for two body collisions are applied to small angle Rutherford scattering from a recoiling particle. The results are applied to tracks in hydrogen chambers, but a single track segment is no longer taken to include observable proton recoils in making estimates of the momentum and direction uncertainties.
Modes of long-run development: Latin America and East Asia

In this paper, two models of long-run development are constructed, one for a unimodal agricultural structure and the other for a bimodal agricultural structure. The process of the evolution of state institutional capacity under these two structures is analyzed. Capacity is measured by the ability of the state to extract revenue in return for which services are provided. The development of such capacity is seen as the key factor in providing the human capital and infrastructure necessary for the shift from inward- to outward-oriented development. Latin America and East Asia are used as examples of these two modes of long-run development.
Increased waist circumference is independently associated with hypothyroidism in Mexican Americans: replicative evidence from two large, population-based studies

Mexican Americans are at an increased risk of both thyroid dysfunction and metabolic syndrome (MS). Thus it is conceivable that some components of the MS may be associated with the risk of thyroid dysfunction in these individuals. Our objective was to investigate and replicate the potential association of MS traits with thyroid dysfunction in Mexican Americans. We conducted association testing for 18 MS traits in two large studies on Mexican Americans – the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–10. A total of 907 participants from 42 families in SAFHS and 1633 unrelated participants from NHANES 2007–10 were included in this study. The outcome measures were prevalence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid function index (TFI) – a measure of thyroid function. For the SAFHS, we used polygenic regression analyses with multiple covariates to test associations in setting of family studies. For the NHANES 2007–10, we corrected for the survey design variables as needed for association analyses in survey data. In both datasets, we corrected for age, sex and their linear and quadratic interactions. TFI was an accurate indicator of clinical thyroid status (area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve to detect clinical hypothyroidism, 0.98) in both SAFHS and NHANES 2007–10. Of the 18 MS traits, waist circumference (WC) showed the most consistent association with TFI in both studies independently of age, sex and body mass index (BMI). In the SAFHS and NHANES 2007–10 datasets, each standard deviation increase in WC was associated with 0.13 (p < 0.001) and 0.11 (p < 0.001) unit increase in the TFI, respectively. In a series of polygenic and linear regression models, central obesity (defined as WC ≥ 102 cm in men and ≥88 cm in women) was associated with clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism independent of age, sex, BMI and type 2 diabetes in both datasets. Estimated prevalence of hypothyroidism was consistently high in those with central obesity, especially below 45y of age. WC independently associates with increased risk of thyroid dysfunction. Use of WC to identify Mexican American subjects at high risk of thyroid dysfunction should be investigated in future studies.
Climatic effects on caterpillar fluctuations in northern hardwood forests

Fluctuations in the abundance of Lepidoptera are common but inadequately understood. Here we show that caterpillar abundance in the White Mountains of New Hampshire has fluctuated by >20-fold from ...
Carcinoma of the gallbladder in California: 1955-1969.

Abstract Appropriate data from the California Tumor Registry and related sources were analyzed for carcinoma of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts including the ampulla of Vater (ICD No. 155.1,8). The median age for gallbladder cancer cases was 70.3 yr; the sex ratio was 1.88: 1. Regional spread of gallbladder cancer occurred in 33 per cent of the cases. There has been an improvement in the 5-yr survival of gallbladder cancer (relative 5-yr survival rate is 7 per cent) due to the increasing percentage of cases with localized disease who were treated with surgery. For localized cases the relative 5-yr survival rate is 23 per cent. Prophylactic operations for patients with cholelithiasis should take into consideration the epidemiologic data herein reported on the high incidence of gallbladder cancer in people over age 60, Japanese women, and Japanese migrants to the United States.
Patients' perception of recovery after third molar surgery.

Abstract Purpose: This study evaluated patients' perceptions of recovery after third molar surgery. Methods: Two hundred forty-nine patients (age 13 to 37 years) at 2 clinical centers were enrolled in a prospective study before the surgical removal of third molars. Each patient was given a 21-item Health-Related Quality of Life instrument (HRQOL) to be completed each postoperative day (POD) for 14 days. The instrument was designed to assess patients' perception of recovery: pain, oral function, general activity measures, and other symptoms. Pain dimensions were recorded with a 7-point Likert-type scale; all other conditions were measured on 5-point Likert-type scales. The impact of each predictor variable such as age, gender, and length of surgery on recovery was assessed with Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel statistics, controlling for clinical center. Results: After the 14-day postoperative period, 201 of the original 249 patients returned the completed HRQOL instrument; the 48 patients who did not return their diary had third molar conditions and surgery similar to the 201 patients who responded. On POD 1, 63.5% of patients reported their worst pain as severe (score, 5 to 7/7) at some time during the day. By POD 7, only 15% of patients reported their worst pain as severe. Average pain levels were much less; 29% reported their average pain as severe (score, 5 to 7/7) on POD 1, decreasing to 5.5% by POD 7. Patients experienced substantial interference in oral function; chewing, 85%; mouth opening 78.5%, and speaking 37.5% on POD 1. By POD 6, oral function had improved; chewing, 19%, mouth opening, 15%; and speaking, 1.5%. General measures also were affected on POD 1; social activity, 61.5%; recreation, 70.5%; and daily routine, 60%. Patients assumed a more normal lifestyle by POD 5. Swelling seemed to be at its maximum on PODs 1 and 2 (day 1, 53%; day 2, 61%) and decreased markedly by POD 5 (10%). Food collection in the surgical sites posed the biggest problem for patients on POD 9 (20%). Age was not a predictor of prolonged recovery. However, surgery time 30 minutes or longer, or having all third molars below the occlusal plane, did prolong recovery. Females also reported a longer recovery period. Conclusions: This information is valuable to patients deciding on third molar surgery and to clinicians providing informed consent.
Design and operation of a multiple rabbit

Abstract The design and operation of a pneumatic multi-target transfer system (multiple rabbit) is detailed. A comparison of results using a single rabbit and the multiple-rabbit system is presented.
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy: A primer on insulin pumps

Abstract Data sources A literature search was conducted in Medline (1996 to July 2008) using the search terms intensive insulin therapy , insulin pump , and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion . Reference lists from comprehensive review articles were also used to identify additional original research publications. Study selection Review articles and studies evaluating the role, benefits, and risks of CSII. Data synthesis More than 300,000 individuals use CSII to treat diabetes. Many experts believe that CSII is the best insulin delivery method for highly motivated patients with type 1 diabetes who are technologically savvy and have the means to pay for the device and infusion sets. CSII is also useful for patients with type 2 diabetes who require multiple daily injections and experience wide fluctuations in blood glucose throughout the day or who experience severe hypoglycemia. A variety of CSII systems are currently available. All CSII systems provide precise insulin delivery throughout the day and improve the accuracy of bolus dose calculations, thereby achieving improved glycemic control with less frequent and severe hypoglycemic episodes. Patients who choose CSII report improved quality of life. Potential risks associated with CSII include mechanical problems leading to diabetes ketoacidosis, infections at the infusion site, hypoglycemia, and lipodystrophy. Conclusion CSII is an attractive treatment option for many patients with diabetes. Given the widespread use of CSII, all health professionals should be familiar with the basic features of insulin pump technology, the potential risks and benefits of CSII, and how to troubleshoot common problems.
Anomaly mediated neutrino-photon interactions at finite baryon density.

We propose new physical processes based on the axial vector anomaly and described by the Wess-Zumino-Witten term that couples the photon, $Z$-boson, and the $\ensuremath{\omega}$-meson. The interaction takes the form of a pseudo-Chern-Simons term, $\ensuremath{\sim}{ϵ}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sigma}}{\ensuremath{\omega}}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}{Z}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}{F}^{\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sigma}}$. This term induces neutrino-photon interactions at finite baryon density via the coupling of the $Z$-boson to neutrinos. These interactions may be detectable in various laboratory and astrophysical arenas. The new interactions may account for the excess observed at the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Experiment MiniBooNE. They also produce a competitive contribution to neutron star cooling at temperatures $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}{10}^{9}\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$. These processes and related axion-photon interactions at finite baryon density appear to be relevant in many astrophysical regimes.
Pericardial cyst: case reports and a literature review.

Pericardial cysts are rare mediastinal abnormalities, which are usually congenital but may also be acquired after cardiothoracic surgery. Cysts frequently occur in the right cardiophrenic angle and their diagnosis is usually suspected after an abnormal chest X ray is obtained. The presence of a pericardial cyst in this typical location or, less frequently, in an unusual location, poses a diagnostic challenge in distinguishing it from other intracardiac or mediastinal abnormalities. Two-dimensional echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography are extremely valuable in diagnosing the presence of a pericardial cyst. Although most pericardial cysts are asymptomatic, patients may present with chest pain and dyspnea. In addition, life-threatening complications such as pericardial tamponade have been reported in association with pericardial cysts. The following cases illustrate the usefulness of two-dimensional echocardiography in making an accurate diagnosis of a pericardial cyst, as well as in follow-up of these patients for the development of possible complications. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 21, April 2004)
SILENCE: distributed adaptive sampling for sensor-based autonomic systems

Adaptive sampling and sleep scheduling can help realize the much needed resource efficiency in densely deployed autonomic sensor-based systems that monitor and reconstruct physical or environmental phenomena. This paper presents a data-centric approach to distributed adaptive sampling aimed at minimizing the communication and processing overhead in autonomic networked sensor-based systems. The proposed solution exploits the spatio-temporal correlation in sensed data and eliminates redundancy in transmitted data through selective representation without compromising on accuracy of reconstruction of the monitored phenomenon at a remote monitor node. In addition, the solution also exploits the same correlations for adaptive sleep scheduling aimed at saving energy in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) while also providing a mechanism for ensuring connectivity to the monitor node. The data-centric joint adaptive-sampling and sleep-scheduling solution, SILENCE, has been evaluated through real experiments on a testbed monitoring temperature and humidity distribution in a rack of servers as well as through extensive simulations on TOSSIM, the TinyOS simulator.
Adjustment for selection bias in observational studies with application to the analysis of autopsy data.

Background: The interpretation of neuropathological studies of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is complicated by potential selection mechanisms that can drive whether or not a stud
Nutritional Composition Analysis of Meat From Human Lactoferrin Transgenic Bulls

Transgenic technology has many potential advantages in food production. However, the transgenic technology process may influence the composition of food products derived from genetically engineered (GE) animals, which may be adverse to human health. Therefore, it is very important to research the compositions of GE animal products. Here, we analyzed the compositions of meat from the offspring of human lactoferrin (hLF) transgenic cows, which can express human lactoferrin proteins in their mammary gland. Six hLF transgenic bulls and three wide-type (WT) bulls, 10 months of age, were slaughtered for meat composition analysis. To determine the comparative health of hLF bulls for meat analysis, hematological analyses, organ/body weight analyses and pathology analyses were conducted. Results of the meat analysis show that there were no significant differences in the hematological parameters, organ/body weight ratios of hLF and WT bulls (P > 0.05), and histopathological examination of the main organs of hLF bul...
Recent U.S. FDA Reclassification on the Regulation of Tissue Adhesives for Skin Approximation in Clinical Applications

Since the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 were enacted, the FDA considers Tissue Adhesives as “Transitional Devices” that are classified as Class III medical devices and are marketed in the United States subsequent to the approval of a Pre-market Approval Application (PMA). On February 9, 2006, Regulatory & Clinical Research Institute, Inc. submitted a petition to FDA to reclassify tissue adhesive transitional medical devices for skin approximation from Class III to Class II (special controls). FDA consulted with the General and Plastic Surgery Devices Advisory Panel, and on August 25, 2006, in a public meeting, the panel unanimously recommended that the tissue adhesive transitional medical devices for topical approximation of skin be classified from class III into Class II. Consequently, since June 30, 2008, following the effective date of the FDA Final Rule [1] that reclassified tissue adhesive transitional medical devices for skin approximation, any firm submitting a Premarket Notification [510(k)] for a tissue adhesive for the topical approximation of skin will need to address the issues covered in the published “Class II Special Control Guidance Document: Tissue Adhesive for the Topical Approximation of Skin, dated May 30, 2008” [2]. Accordingly, the firm needs to show that its device meets the recommendations of the published Class II guidance document or in some other way provides equivalent assurances of safety and effectiveness. Also, the author provides a short regulatory description of US FDA, under what laws its operates, how FDA evaluates new medical devices for marketing as Class I, Class II, and Class III [3].
Thermal analysis of vamas polycarbonate-polyethylene blends

Abstract Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were performed on a series of polycarbonate-polyethylene (PC-PE) blends, which were provided by the Technical Working Party of Polymer Blends, Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS). Detailed comparison of results from cooperating laboratories were summarized and reported by W. Mielke [1]. The PC-PE blends were found to be immiscible. Intensive properties such as melting points and glass transition temperatures were found to be independent of the composition. Extensive properties such as specific heat, heat of fusion and Δ C p of glass transition were found to be nearly proportional to the composition. Onset and residues of degradation at different stages in thermogravimetric analysis were also found to be a function of the composition. Multiple melting peaks of low density polyethylene and relaxation peaks of annealed PC glass transition were also studied.
Nuclear transparency in 15 AGeV Si+Au reactions?

Abstract Fireball, firestreak and hadronic string models are shown to overpredict recent central 15 AGeV Si+Au E802 spectrometer data by at least 70%. Claims in the literature about full nuclear stopping in Si+Au reactions are therefore premature. In fact, fits to the spectrometer data indicate that up to half of the projectile nucleons may lose less than one unit of rapidity after traversing 5–10 fm of nuclear matter, implying possibly a surprisingly long stopping length of ∼20 fm. Comparison of these same fits with E810, E814, and preliminary E802 dN charged / dη data suggests, however, that there may be some inconsistencies among the various data sets, and therefore that additional data will be needed to establish the degree of nuclear stopping at AGS energies.
The Palestine Police Force and the challenges of gathering counterterrorism intelligence, 1939–1947

This article assesses the performance of the Palestine Police Force (PPF) in countering the Jewish underground organizations that challenged British rule over Palestine after World War II. It argues that four reasons account for the PPF's inability to contain the terrorist threat: the chronic manpower shortages that ultimately compromised its effectiveness and required the military's intervention; the progressive militarization of the PPF that undermined its ability to discharge traditional police functions; its desperate deployment of elite, special counterterrorist units; and its problematical collection and analysis of intelligence. The article concludes that these weaknesses inevitably led to a situation where the maintenance of law and order was impossible and British rule was rendered untenable.
Extension of Cochran's Formulae for Addition or Omission of a Variate in Multiple Regression Analysis

Abstract By using Schweinsian expansion of determinant quotients, a concise derivation of Cochran's formulae for addition or omission of a variate in Multiple Regression Analysis is given. The formulae are extended to the case when two variates are simultaneously added or omitted. The addition or omission of more than two variates follows on similar lines. Schweinsian expansion has been earlier used by Cox [3] to derive the general orthogonal polynomials.
Measurement of arachidonic acid liberation in thrombin-stimulated human platelets. Use of agents that inhibit both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes

Abstract (1) The formation of radiolabelled oxygenated products of arachidonic acid in thrombin-stimulated, [3H]arachidonic acid-prelabelled human platelets is inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by BW 755C (3-amino-1-[m-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]2-pyrazoline) or propyl gallate, both of which are combined inhibitors of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. These compounds do not inhibit the thrombin-induced decrease in the radioactivity of platelet phospholipids but, instead, allow the accumulation of free radiolabelled arachidonic acid. (2) Thrombin causes an increase in the levels of free, endogenous palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids of up to 10 nmol/109 platelets. In the presence of BW 755C or propyl gallate, further increases in the level of free arachidonic acid, of 20–50 nmol/109 platelets, occur. The enzyme inhibitors do not affect the accumulation of the other free fatty acids. The increase in arachidonic acid is optimal at 1 U/ml thrombin and 60% complete by 1 min at 37° C. (3) In the platelets from eight donors, the average increases in free fatty acids (in nmol/109 platelets) induced by 5 U/ml thrombin in 5 min at 37°C in the presence of 100 μM BW 755C were 1 for linoleic acid 3.6 for oleic acid 4.5 for palmitic acid 7.6 for stearic acid and 32.0 for arachidonic acid.
Modeling of coupling effect in magneto-electric layered composites

A theoretical model is developed for the magnetoelectric (M-E) voltage coefficient α for a magnetostrictive-piezoelectric layered composite (MPLC). Three field orientations; including longitudinal, transverse, and in-plane, with two in plane geometries, 2D and 1D, are presented and studied with respect to the volume fraction of piezoelectric phase and the material properties of magnetostrictive phase. Results show that the phase volume fraction to achieve maximum M-E coupling effect is determined by the compliance of magnetostrictive phase. Higher compliance values shift α' peaks to lower piezoelectric volume fraction and weaken α' values. This study also investigates the influence of the piezomagnetic coefficient q 33 and the ratio q 33 /q 31 . For constant ratio of q 33 /q 31 , larger q 33 values increase the M-E coupling effect. On the contrary, changing the ratio of q 33 /q 31 changes the relative α' values for each of the six cases. This demonstrates that the ratio q 33 /q 31 strongly influences the selection of MPLC configurations to produce the largest α'.
A Comparison of Travel-Time Inversions

Summary A comparison is made between travel time inversion schemes based on the use of the delay time z(p) = T(p)-pX(p) for a ray parameter p. Bounds on the delay time are used to generate extremal bounds on the velocity depth distribution using the method of Bessonova et al. The delay time values are also used in a linearized inversion scheme, and both techniques are applied to the results of a long range refraction profile in France. The combination of a number of linearized inversions with different starting models is shown to provide a useful control on the velocity structure outside low velocity zones. This approach is particularly useful in the zone of broadened extremal bounds below a low velocity zone.
TEXTURAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF REDUCED‐FAT FRANKFURTERS CONTAINING ANTIOXIDANT‐WASHED BEEF HEART SURIMI1

Textural and sensory properties of frankfurters prepared with or without beef heart surimi were evaluated. Addition of 15% beef heart surimi increased the rupture force and cooking-yield of frankfurters by 80% and 3%, respectively (P<0.05). Frankfurters treated with beef heart surimi received higher juiciness and binding scores than the control (P < 0.05). Beef heart surimi with or without an antioxidant did not cause any detectable off-flavor of the frankfurters. These results indicated that beef heart surimi can be used as an effective binding agent for cured comminuted meat products.
Organization of the ribosomal RNA genes in Schistosoma mansoni.

The organization of the rRNA genes of Schistosoma mansoni has been determined by Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA digested with restriction enzymes, by isolation of the entire repeat on a single fragment of about 11 kilobase pairs from a genomic DNA library constructed in bacteriophage lambhda and by characterization of three cloned EcoRI fragments which span the entire repeat. The segments encoding both the large and small rRNA subunits have been identified using specific cloned yeast rDNA fragments as probes and EcoRI, HindIII and BamHI restriction enzyme maps of the rRNA genes were constructed. The ends of the RNAs have been precisely mapped on the genomic DNA by S1 protection experiments. Our data indicate that the rRNA genes are present as a tight cluster. The total length of the rDNA repeat is about 10 kilobase pairs. There appears to be no variation in the size of transcribed and non-transcribed spacer DNA. At the RNA level we have characterized and mapped a small gap in the 28S RNA molecule. The interruption causes the RNA to dissociate into two equal sized fragments when analyzed under denaturing conditions.
Nicotinic antagonist administration into the ventral hippocampus and spatial working memory in rats

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are important for maintaining optimal memory performance. In order to more fully characterize the involvement of nicotinic systems in memory, the contributions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes were investigated. This study targeted the alpha 7 and alpha 4 beta 2 nicotinic receptors in the ventral hippocampus, an area known to be important for spatial working memory. Antagonists of alpha 7 and alpha 4 beta 2 receptors were locally infused into the ventral hippocampus of rats and the effects on memory were examined with the radial-arm maze. The subtype-specific competitive antagonists infused into separate groups of rats were methyllycaconitine citrate (an alpha 7 antagonist) and dihydro-beta-erythroidine hydrobromide (an alpha 4 beta 2 antagonist). Their effects on radial-arm maze performance were contrasted with the non-specific competitive antagonist, D-tubocurarine chloride. Significant deficits in radial-arm maze choice accuracy performance were found at 78.7 micrograms/side for methyllycaconitine and at 106.9 micrograms/side for dihydro-beta-erythroidine. Increased response latency was also seen at these doses. Tubocurarine induced seizures at doses previously reported to have no effect. Wet dog shakes were seen in most rats at 0.1 microgram/side with tubocurarine, 26.3 micrograms/side with methyllycaconitine and 106.9 micrograms/side with dihydro-beta-erythroidine. This study suggests that both alpha 7 and alpha 4 beta 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes are involved in working memory formation and that the hippocampus is a critical site for nicotinic cholinergic involvement in memory function, though the high doses of antagonists needed to produce the memory impairment may have had less than completely specific effects.
Performance repeatability of low power wireless sensor network protocols: a multi testbed study

Predicting and bounding performance is a fundamental requirement in wireless sensor network (WSN) protocol development. To support a fast development cycle principled methods are required for experimentation with wireless protocols in testbed environments that can provide repeatable performance guarantees in the target environment. In this paper we propose a method to achieve performance repeatability across test and target environments, that relies on analytical prediction of expected protocol performance as a function of RF environment parameters and forwarding protocol. For the validation of the proposed method, we present analytical, simulation, and experimental results for one-dimensional networks deployed in indoor and outdoor propagation environments, and for two-dimensional networks on four major indoor WSN testbeds to validate the performance of the proposed method on achieving repeatable protocol behavior across diverse set of RF environments.
SatScore: uncovering and avoiding a principled pitfall in responsiveness measurements of app launches

Important for user experience on mobile devices, app launch responsiveness has received many recent attentions. This paper reveals a principled pitfall in previous studies. Most of these studies have used average reduction of response delays as the metric for responsiveness. Through a systematic user study and statistical analysis, this paper shows that the metric fails to faithfully reflect user experienced responsiveness. To avoid the pitfall, a straight-forward solution is to employ users' direct feedback as the responsiveness metric, which is unfortunately hard to obtain. This paper presents the promise of solving the dilemma through a SatScore model. It further demonstrates some new opportunities for responsiveness enhancement enabled by the SatScore model.
Compensating differentials in teachers' salaries

Abstract Using a sample of 1419 school districts from six states, this paper investigates the importance of compensating wage differentials in the teaching profession. Particular attention is paid to the role of locational amenities such as crime, climate, and the cost of living in the determination of teacher's salaries. Evidence is produced supporting the hypothesis that nominal wages adjust, ceteris paribus, to geographical variation in the cost of living to keep real wages constant. Wages are also found to be quite responsive to changes in the climate.
High Conductivity Mixed Oxide-Ion and Carbonate-Ion Conductors Supported by a Prefabricated Porous Solid-Oxide Matrix

Abstract A novel two-phase mixed oxide-ion and carbonate-ion conductor (MOCC) has been recently developed for intermediate temperature solid-oxide fuel cells and CO2 separation membranes. With conventional mixing–pressing ceramic fabrication technique it is difficult to obtain a MOCC with high mechanical strength and high oxide-ion conductivity due to the low sintering temperature. In this study, a samarium doped ceria (SDC, Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9) is selected to demonstrate the prefabrication of porous matrix by the “sacrificial template” methodology with Ni as the template material. The microstructure of the SDC matrix characterized with a 3D X-ray computed tomography and a SEM imaging reveals a uniform distribution of homogeneous micro-pores across the solid-oxide matrix. A Li–Na-carbonate-impregnated MOCC supported by a 40% porous SDC matrix shows an effective ionic conductivity of 0.55 and 0.46 S/cm at 650 and 600 °C, respectively, the highest values reported so far among similar systems.
Relative Magnitudes of the Short-Term Motions of the Cyclic and Linear Components of a Homopolyrotaxane in ϑ Media

The motions of a homopolyrotaxane composed of polyoxyethylene have been studied at 373 K in the dense melt and in systems obtained by dilution with a structureless ϑ solvent. The sizes of the rings vary from (CH2CH2O)10 to (CH2CH2O)20. The dynamic Monte Carlo simulation employs a coarse-grained representation of the system that is constrained so that an atomistically detailed description can be obtained from any replica. Single bead moves, corresponding to the motion of 2−3 backbone atoms in the atomistically detailed model, are employed in the study of the dynamics. The motion has the characteristics of a one-dimensional random walk when it is monitored by recording the index of the bead in the linear chain that is the instantaneous site of the threading of the cyclic component. When the same simulation is monitored in a laboratory coordinate system, the motions in the systems with the structureless diluent are dominated by subchains of the linear chain component of the homopolyrotaxane, with only a mino...
ON THE FUTILITY OF AGGREGATING INDIVIDUAL LEARNING CURVES

It is argued that a mean or aggregate learning curve yields little information about the form of the individual curves from which it arose. Hypothetical examples and empirical evidence in support o...
Strength Properties of Poled Lead Zirconate Titanate Subjected to Biaxial Flexural Loading in High Electric Field

Failure of poled PZT has been experimentally studied using ball-on-ring (BoR) biaxial flexure strength tests with an electric field concurrently applied. The as-received and aged PZTs were tested in high electric fields of -3 to 4 times the coercive field. Both the sign and the magnitude of electric field had a significant effect on the strength of poled PZT. A surface flaw type with a depth of around 18 m was identified as the strength limiter and responsible for the failure of the tested PZT. With a value of 0.76 MPa m1/2 in the open circle condition, the fracture toughness of the poled PZT was affected by an applied electric field just as the strength was affected. These results and observations have the potential to serve probabilistic reliability analysis and design optimization of multilayer PZT piezo actuators.
Microstructural changes in TlBa/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 7-/spl part// thin films after reducing anneals which enhance critical current density

Microstructural changes in TlBa/sub 2/CaCu/sub 2/O/sub 7-/spl part// (Tl-1212) epitaxial thin films resulting from low oxygen partial pressure furnace anneals at 600/spl deg/C are studied using high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These post-growth anneals have been shown to significantly raise the superconducting transition temperature from 70 to 90 K, and greatly improve the magnetic flux pinning and the critical current density. Changes occur in both the microstructure and the morphology of the films that correlate with changes in J/sub c/. Plan view TEM and high-resolution cross-sectional TEM analysis of the films before and after anneals demonstrates changes in the lattice fringe image, overall contrast modulation, and nanometer-scale discontinuities.
Upper and lower time limits in the decision to recommend marrow transplantation for patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia

Long-term survival of patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) requires marrow transplantation from a histocompatible donor. The optimal timing of the transplant is difficult to determine because of the high peritransplant mortality of 20-35% and the existence of a group of patients who can have the disease controlled by drug treatment for prolonged periods. We have developed a mathematical model implemented with a computer program which calculates lower and upper time limits for the timing of marrow transplantation. The lower time limit for transplantation is derived from the loss of life expectancy with delay, and the upper time limit is calculated by comparing the transplant survival probability with the probability of surviving an additional year without a transplant. Thus, an objective basis is provided for bracketing the most appropriate time for transplantation. This analysis suggests that the decision to transplant can be postponed in some patients for periods longer than may generally be recommended.
THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT

▪ Abstract This article reviews some of the literature on comparative criminal punishment and suggests possible directions for future research. It focuses on four topics. First is the sociology of modernity found in such authors as Foucault, Durkheim, Garland, Feeley and Simon, and others. While studies of modernity tend to downplay differences in modern societies, the work of these sociologists offer many starting points for valuable research. Second, the article discusses possible approaches to explaining differing degrees of harshness in criminal punishment. Third, the article surveys some of the approaches to the problem of explaining differing rates of violence in different cultures. Fourth, it explores some issues in the intersection between comparative criminal law and the comparative sociology of punishment. The article is intended to be suggestive rather than exhaustive.
Solitary Sound Play during Acquisition of English Vocalizations by an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus Erithacus): Possible Parallels with Children's Monologue Speech.

An African Grey parrot, Alex, who had learned to use English speech in studies on referential interspecies communication and animal cognition, produced English monologues in both the presence and absence of human receivers. This study examines one component of Alex’s monologue behavior, private speech, while he was being taught new vocalizations. His private speech during those time periods included a small percentage of novel utterances, not yet used in the presence of his caretakers, that were phonologically related to, but not exact reproductions of, the new vocalizations. His monologues also contained utterances that were part of the general daily routine as well as the specific training paradigm, but rarely included verbatim reproductions of the training scenario. Alex’s behaviors were comparable to those of children in the early stages of language acquisition. Because monologue behavior has been characterized as a form of practice that facilitates human language development, the data are discussed in terms of the possible functions of monologues during Alex’s acquisition of novel vocalizations.
Tau-tubulin kinase 1 enhances prefibrillar tau aggregation and motor neuron degeneration in P301L FTDP-17 tau-mutant mice

Tau-tubulin kinase-1 (TTBK1) phosphorylates microtubule-associated protein tau at specific serine/threonine residues found in paired helical filaments (PHFs), and its expression is up-regulated in the brain in Alzheimer disease, suggesting its role in tauopathy pathogenesis. To understand the effects of TTBK1 on tauopathy in vivo, we have developed bigenic mice overexpressing full-length TTBK1 and the P301L tau mutant. The bigenic mice show enhanced tau phosphorylation at multiple sites (AT8, 12E8, PHF-1, and pS422), tauC3-immunoreactive tau fragmentation, and accumulation of tau aggregates in cortical and hippocampal neurons at 12-13 mo of age. However, the phosphorylated tau aggregates were predominantly sarkosyl soluble and migrated in the light sucrose density fraction after discontinuous sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation, which suggests that they form small oligomers. The bigenic mice show significant locomotor dysfunction as determined by both rotorod and grip strength tests, as well as enhanced loss of motor neurons in the L4-L5 spinal cord. This neuronal dysfunction and degeneration was associated with increased levels of tau oligomers, cyclin-dependent protein kinase 5 activators p35 and p25, and pY216 phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta. These data suggest that TTBK1 up-regulation enhances tau phosphorylation and oligomerization, whose toxicity results in enhanced neurodegeneration and locomotor dysfunction in a tauopathy animal model.
Grain boundary segregation and fracture resistance of engineering steels

The developments in surface analytical techniques and experimental measurements have made it possible to understand grain boundary segregation processes and related fracture mechanisms. This article shows how experimental contributions have led to the concept of grain boundary segregation isotherms for a complete understanding of grain boundary segregation behavior, and its effect on material properties in terms of the kinetics of segregation, the interaction processes amongst trace and solute elements and the influence of solute elements, heat treatment practice and applied tensile stress on grain boundary segregation processes. The determining role of grain boundary chemistry in obtaining a marked improvement in toughness of engineering steels at the specified levels of strength is elucidated here.
The origin of static friction in ultrathin liquid films

We study the solid-like shear response (the static friction) of liquid films of both compact and chain geometry, whose thickness approaches molecular dimensions
Phosphodiesterase 4D Forms a cAMP Diffusion Barrier at the Apical Membrane of the Airway Epithelium

We demonstrated previously that Calu-3 airway epithelial cells sense adenosine on their luminal surface through adenosine A2B receptors coupled to adenylyl cyclase. Occupancy of these receptors leads to activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel through protein kinase A (PKA) anchored at the apical membrane. Because luminal A2B receptor activation does not raise total cellular cAMP levels, we hypothesized that activation of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) confines cAMP generated by apical A2B receptors to a microdomain that includes the CFTR channel. Using reverse transcription-PCR, Western blotting, and activity measurements, PDE4D was identified as the major PDE species in airway epithelia. Consistent with these results, inhibitors of PDE4, but not PDE3, selectively abolished the lateral confinement of cAMP signaling in apical membrane patches during cell-attached recordings. Furthermore, stimulation of the CFTR in excised apical patches by rolipram and RS25344 indicated that PDE4 is localized in close proximity to the CFTR channel. Indeed, immunohistochemistry of human airway sections revealed that PDE4D is localized in the apical domain of the cell. PDE4 was activated after luminal adenosine exposure in a PKA-dependent manner. Because PDE4 activity is positively regulated by PKA, our results support a model whereby the PDE diffusion barrier is proportional to the degree of receptor stimulation. These findings underscore the concept that subcellular localization of individual PDE isozymes is an important mechanism for confining cAMP signaling to functional domains within cells.
DISORDERED EATING AND PERCEPTIONS OF CHILDHOOD ABUSE AMONG WOMEN IN A PRIMARY CARE SETTING

Research has demonstrated links between sexual abuse and disordered eating among women in college student and mental health samples. Little is known about such relationships among women from other samples or the relationship between other forms of childhood abuse as well as disordered eating (vomiting, starvation, laxative abuse). Prevalence of disordered eating was significantly higher among women who indicated a perceived childhood history of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or who had personally witnessed violence.
Epoxidation of short-chain alkenes by resting-cell suspensions of propane-grown bacteria.

Sixteen new cultures of propane-utilizing bacteria were isolated from lake water from Warinanco Park, Linden, N.J. and from lake and soil samples from Bayway Refinery, Linden, N.J. In addition, 19 known cultures obtained from culture collections were also found to be able to grow on propane as the sole carbon and energy source. In addition to their ability to oxidize n-alkanes, resting-cell suspensions of both new cultures and known cultures grown on propane oxidize short-chain alkenes to their corresponding 1,2-epoxides. Among the substrate alkenes, propylene was oxidized at the highest rate. In contrast to the case with methylotrophic bacteria, the product epoxides are further metabolized. Propane and other gaseous n-alkanes inhibit the epoxidation of propylene. The optimum conditions for in vivo epoxidation are described. Results from inhibition studies indicate that a propane monooxygenase system catalyzes both the epoxidation and hydroxylation reactions. Experiments with cell-free extracts show that both hydroxylation and epoxidation activities are located in the soluble fraction obtained after 80,000 × g centrifugation.
A method for identifying a proposed carbohydrate-binding motif of proteins

An examination of the binding sites of four carbohydrate binding proteins (Escherichia coli lactose repressor, E. coli arabinose-binding protein, yeast hexokinase A and Concanavalin A) revealed certain similarities of amino acid sequences and residues forming hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the bound carbohydrate. These were: (i) Asx-Asx, hydrogen bonding to the pyranose ring oxygen and anomeric-OH group; (ii) Arg-X-X-X-(Ser/Thr), or the reverse sequence, with the Arg hydrogen bonding to the pyranose ring oxygen; (iii) Lys-(Ser/Thr)-X-X-Asp, or the reverse sequence and with interchange of the Lys-(Ser/Thr) positions, with hydrogen bonding of either or both the Lys and Asp residues to the -OH groups at carbons 2, 3, 4 or 6; (iv) a diaromatic sequence with possible hydrophobic interactions to the faces of the pyranose ring structure. An algorithm was devised to search the amino acid sequences of a large number of proteins, those known to bind carbohydrates as well as those without known carbohydrate-binding activities, for the four amino acid sequence criteria. The algorithm incorporated a weighted distance value (WDV) to assess the approximate distance between any two criteria, with the WDV being based on the predicted secondary structure of the protein amino acid sequence. When the algorithm using criteria 1 and 2 plus the WDV was applied to the sequences of 125 proteins, the method indicated the presence of the potential carbohydrate-binding site motif for 42% of proteins with known carbohydrate binding, only 8% of proteins were predicted as false positives, and the accuracy of the method was calculated to be 61.6%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intelligent molecular beam epitaxy system for cost-effective manufacturing of compound semiconductor epi-wafers

In situ non-invasive process monitoring and control during semiconductor epitaxy has been recognized as an enabling technology that can potentially transform existing approaches to epi-wafer manufacturing. We review the evolution of sensor-based MBE systems over the past 10 years, and present recent results of a sensor-based MBE system operating under a production environment. Finally, we discuss some technical challenges towards the realization of a futuristic intelligent epitaxy system.
A discussion on the coupling effects in conductor-backed coplanar waveguide MICs with lateral sidewalls

It is pointed out that a conductor-backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) with lateral sidewalls can support rectangular waveguide modes that couple with the dominant mode and can produce some undesirable results. These modes can be cut off by reducing the lateral dimensions of the structure, but for higher frequency operation the available circuit surface area is severely limited. The CBCPW is analyzed with a two-dimensional spectral domain method to demonstrate these coupling effects. The results provide insight into the characteristics of finite-length structures. In addition, experimental data demonstrate the coupling effects within a CBCPW. >