cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Altering Mitochondrial Antioxidant Capacity on Molecular and Phenotypic Drivers of Fibrocalcific Aortic Valve Stenosis.

Background: While a small number of studies suggest that oxidative stress has an influential role in fibrocalcific aortic valve disease (FCAVD), the roles of specific antioxidant enzymes in progression of this disease remain poorly understood. Here, we focused on selectively altering mitochondrial-derived oxidative stress-which has been shown to alter progression of a myriad of age-associated diseases-on the progression of molecular and phenotypic drivers of FCAVD. Methods: We generated low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient, Apolipoprotein B100-only mice (LA) that were either haploinsufficient for MnSOD (LA-MnSOD +/-) or genetically overexpressing MnSOD (LA-MnSOD Tg/0). After 6 months of Western diet feeding, mice underwent echocardiography to assess valvular and cardiac function and tissues were harvested. Quantitative-RT PCR, immunohistochemistry, and histopathology were used to measure changes in molecular pathways related to oxidative stress, calcification, and fibrosis. Results: While reductions in MnSOD increased oxidative stress, there was not an overt phenotypic effect of MnSOD deficiency on valvular and cardiac function in LA-MnSOD +/- mice. While markers of canonical bone morphogenetic protein signaling tended to increase in valve tissue from LA-MnSOD +/- (e.g., p-SMAD1/5/8 and osterix), we did not observe statistically significant increases in osteogenic signaling. We did, however, observe highly significant reductions in expression of osteopontin, which were associated with significant increases in calcium burden in LA-MnSOD +/- mice. Reciprocally, genetically increasing MnSOD did not preserve valve function in LA-MnSOD Tg/0, but we did observe slight reductions in p-SMAD1/5/8 levels compared to their non-transgenic littermates. Interestingly, overexpression of MnSOD dramatically increased expression of osteopontin in valve tissue from LA-MnSOD Tg/0 mice, but was not sufficient to attenuate calcium burden when compared to their LA-MnSOD 0/0 littermates. Conclusions: Collectively, this study demonstrates that maintenance of mitochondrial antioxidant capacity is important in preventing accelerated disease progression in a mouse model of FCAVD, but that effectively altering mitochondrial antioxidant capacity as a monotherapeutic approach to slow key histopathological and molecular drivers of FCAVD remains biologically and therapeutically challenging.
Density-dependent prey mortality is determined by the spatial scale of predator foraging

Foraging theory predicts which prey patches predators should target. However, in most habitats, what constitutes a ‘patch’ and how prey density is calculated are subjective concepts and depend on the spatial scale at which the predator (or scientist) is observing. Moreover, the predator’s ‘foraging scale’ affects prey population dynamics: predators should produce directly density-dependent (DDD) prey mortality at the foraging scale, but inversely density-dependent (IDD) mortality (safety-in-numbers) at smaller scales. We performed the first experimental test of these predictions using behavioral assays with guppies (Poecilia reticulata) feeding on bloodworm ‘prey’ patches. The guppy’s foraging scale had already been estimated in a prior study. Our experimental results confirmed theoretical predictions: predation was IDD when prey were aggregated at a scale smaller than the foraging scale, but not when prey were aggregated at larger scales. These results could be used to predict outcomes of predator–prey interactions in continuous, non-discrete habitats in the field.
Modeling skin effect with reduced decoupled R-L circuits

On-chip conductors such as clock and power distribution networks require accurately modeling of the skin effect. Furthermore, to incorporate the skin effect in the existing generic simulation tools such as SPICE, simple frequency independent lumped-element circuit models are needed. A rule-based R-L circuit model is proposed in this paper that predicts the skin effect in the entire frequency range accurately. This circuit model only contains a few parallel branches of resistors and inductors. A maximum error in impedance values of less than 3% is achieved using only two or three constant element branches.
Origin of the fine structure in the vibrational spectrum of

The complex fine structure in the Raman spectrum of the quasi-one-dimensional solid [Pt(${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{8}$${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$${)}_{2}$][Pt(${\mathrm{C}}_{2}$${\mathrm{H}}_{8}$${\mathrm{N}}_{2}$${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cl}}_{2}$](${\mathrm{ClO}}_{4}$${)}_{4}$ is shown, through studies of isotopically enriched materials and lattice-dynamics calculations, to originate from vibrational modes strongly localized by the positional disorder of the two naturally occurring Cl isotopes, making this an elegant example of a real material displaying vibrational localization in one dimension. The modes responsible for the observed features reside on short chain segments defined by a few statistically favored sequences of isotopes.
Discrete-time Markov models for path delays in multipath channels

We describe a new parameter estimation method for the multipath arrival process in wideband communication channels. Previous efforts have employed the "modified Poisson" or /spl Delta/-K model in which path arrivals are modeled as a time-inhomogeneous Markov chain. We improve upon methods used thus far by utilizing maximum-likelihood (ML) estimation of the Markov transition probabilities, or equivalently, the underlying path (bin) occupancy probabilities and clustering coefficients. This model provides a useful statistical description of the rival process for evaluation of multipath-combining receiver structures.
THE USE OF ETHACRYNIC ACID IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Administration of intravenous ethacrynic acid in doses of 1 mg/kg to 8 study patients and 14 "nonstudy" patients–all of whom had congestive heart failure–is reported. No significant changes in serum electrolytes are noted following administration of the drug. In nearly all cases, diureses and clinical improvement within a few hours after administration were noted. The authors suggest that intravenous ethacrynic acid replace mercurials in the treatment of acute congestive heart failure in infants and children.
GENETICS AND HUNGER

HE most surprising fact about agriculture is that it sometimes feeds people, Tthat hunger is not more widespread than it is. This is surprising because in most of the world today food production is not engaged in to feed people, food does not flow from well-fed areas to hungry areas; fluctuations in food production do not follow changing needs. EHHLICH and EHRLICH (1970) have pointed out that there is a net flow of protein from “developing” to affluent countries. In years of bumper harvests such as 1969, the price of grain falls to the point where it can be used to feed cattle and be converted to animal protein for the well-fed. In bad years prices rise, black marketeers buy up supplies, and the inequality in distribution is accentuated. Further we can assert that agricultural programs and agricultural research are not usually aimed at feeding people either. The former are determined in order to stabilize the balance of payments (DALRYMPLE and JONES 1973) or to obtain natural gas, or as in the fire ant control program to show that the Department of Agriculture loves farmers. Levels of production are set at international confrontations of producers and consumer nations. Departments of Agriculture usually function to serve the farmers as a political consistency, and this generally means the richer farmers. The main effort of agricultural research is the production of marketable commodities that can be sold to farmers-insecticides, fertilizers, or machines mostly. The feeding of people is a by-product of all this, predictable insofar as food is edible, but a by-product nonetheless and very uneven across space, time, and social class. Therefore, our professional pride notwithstanding, agricultural genetics is neither the key to human happiness nor survival that we are expected to claim at international symposia. Nor is there the direct relation between plant or animal breeding and human hunger that we would expect when we resort to the linear syllogism: food relieves hunger, crops yield food, therefore improving yields reduces hunger. An agricultural science which really serves people’s needs must have a broader base than plant biology and a more complex view of the world. But if all this is true, if food as a commodity prevails over food as nutrition, if land as investment prevails over land as productive soil and science as product development predominates over science as understanding aimed at freedom from want, if the locus of hunger is in political economy rather than entomology, why do we bother to look at genetics? I think there are several good reasons:
A Computational Model for the Loss of Neuronal Organization in Microcolumns

A population of neurons in the cerebral cortex of humans and other mammals organize themselves into vertical microcolumns perpendicular to the pial surface. Anatomical changes to these microcolumns have been correlated with neurological diseases and normal aging; in particular, in area 46 of the rhesus monkey brain, the strength of microcolumns was shown to decrease with age. These changes can be caused by alterations in the spatial distribution of the neurons in microcolumns and/or neuronal loss. Using a three-dimensional computational model of neuronal arrangements derived from thin tissue sections and validated in brain tissue from rhesus monkeys, we show that neuronal loss is inconsistent with the findings in aged individuals. In contrast, a model of simple random neuronal displacements, constrained in magnitude by restorative harmonic forces, is consistent with observed changes and provides mechanistic insights into the age-induced loss of microcolumnar structure. Connection of the model to normal aging and disease are discussed.
Planning of ballistic movement following stroke: insights from the startle reflex.

Following stroke, reaching movements are slow, segmented, and variable. It is unclear if these deficits result from a poorly constructed movement plan or an inability to voluntarily execute an appropriate plan. The acoustic startle reflex provides a means to initiate a motor plan involuntarily. In the presence of a movement plan, startling acoustic stimulus triggers non-voluntary early execution of planned movement, a phenomenon known as the startReact response. In unimpaired individuals, the startReact response is identical to a voluntarily initiated movement, except that it is elicited 30–40 ms. As the startReact response is thought to be mediated by brainstem pathways, we hypothesized that the startReact response is intact in stroke subjects. If startReact is intact, it may be possible to elicit more task-appropriate patterns of muscle activation than can be elicited voluntarily. We found that startReact responses were intact following stroke. Responses were initiated as rapidly as those in unimpaired subjects, and with muscle coordination patterns resembling those seen during unimpaired volitional movements. Results were striking for elbow flexion movements, which demonstrated no significant differences between the startReact responses elicited in our stroke and unimpaired subject groups. The results during planned extension movements were less straightforward for stroke subjects, since the startReact response exhibited task inappropriate activity in the flexors. This inappropriate activity diminished over time. This adaptation suggests that the inappropriate activity was transient in nature and not related to the underlying movement plan. We hypothesize that the task-inappropriate flexor activity during extension results from an inability to suppress the classic startle reflex, which primarily influences flexor muscles and adapts rapidly with successive stimuli. These results indicate that stroke subjects are capable of planning ballistic elbow movements, and that when these planned movements are involuntarily executed they can be as rapid and appropriate as those in unimpaired individuals.
CT severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis: results from a single tertiary medical center

To evaluate the CT severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and determine the association between radiographic and clinical severity. There were 1332 patients admitted to the hospital with suspicion for PEP after undergoing ERCP as outpatients over a 10-year period, of whom 84 (6.3%) patients underwent at least one contrast-enhanced CT scan while hospitalized were evaluated. All CT scans were evaluated by two radiologists, and the modified CT severity index (MCTSI) score was calculated. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data as well as clinical severity parameters including systemic inflammatory response syndrome, organ failure, need for ICU, need for intervention, length of hospital stay, and mortality were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ 2 and Student’s t test or ANOVA and logistic regression analysis. Patients were predominantly females (70%) with a mean age of 46.5 years (range 20–86). The most common indication for ERCP was sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. MCTSI was graded as mild in 45 (53.6%), moderate in 36 (42.8%), and severe in 3 (3.6%) patients. The interobserver agreement was excellent (κ: 0.91, p < 0.0001) for MCTSI. The duration of ERCP (p = 0.005) was the only risk factor for PEP that significantly correlated with the MCTSI score. Increasing MCTSI was significantly associated with hospital length of stay. PEP is typically a mild disease by radiologic and clinical criteria. Longer duration of ERCP is a risk factor for severe radiologic PEP. Severe radiographic PEP is associated with significantly longer hospital length of stay.
Cyclic oxidation behavior of HVOF bond coatings deposited on La- and Y-doped superalloys

Abstract One suggested strategy for improving the performance of thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems used to protect hot section components in gas turbines is the addition of low levels of dopants to the Ni-base superalloy substrate. To quantify the benefit of these dopants, the oxidation behavior of three commercial superalloys with different Y and La contents was evaluated with and without a NiCoCrAlYHfSi bond coating deposited by high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying. Cyclic oxidation experiments were conducted in dry O 2 at 1050°, 1100° and 1150 °C. At the highest temperature, the bare superalloy without La showed more attack due to its lower Al content but no difference in oxidation rate or scale adhesion was noted at lower temperatures. With a bond coating, the alumina scale was non-uniform in thickness and spalled at each temperature. Among the three coated superalloys, no clear difference in oxide growth rate or scale adhesion was observed. Evaluations with a YSZ top coat and a bond coating without Hf are needed to better determine the effect of superalloy dopants on high temperature oxidation performance.
Infrared fluorescence and collisional energy transfer parameters for vibrationally excited azulene*(So): dependence on internal energy (Evib)

Abstract Infrared fluorescence (IRF) from the CH stretch modes of vibrationally excited gas-phase azulene * was observed to depend on E vib according to a simple model. The IRF time/pressure behavior shows that the average energy transferred per collision depends strongly on E vib for azulene * + azulene and azulene * + argon collisions.
The association between brain injury, perioperative anesthetic exposure, and 12-month neurodevelopmental outcomes after neonatal cardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Background Adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes are observed in up to 50% of infants after complex cardiac surgery. We sought to determine the association of perioperative anesthetic exposure with neurodevelopmental outcomes at age 12 months in neonates undergoing complex cardiac surgery and to determine the effect of brain injury determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
THE EFFECT OF CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDES ON VIRUS INFECTION

The yield of influenza virus from infected primary chick kidney cells (PCKC) was enhanced by treatment with dcAMP. In addition, rapid serial passages of the virus in treated chick cells at low multiplicities did also exhibit maintenance of high virus titers. The action of dcAMP upon viral replication could be reproduced in the chick cells by treatment with various agents known to increase intracellular cAMP levels by differing mechanisms. Furthermore, an adrenergic component in the activation of the PCKC cAMP system is indicated by the effects of certain catecholamines on influenza virus yield. Dibutyryl cAMP was shown in the same host to inhibit multiplication of Herpesvirus hominis Type 2, and its effect on other cell-virus systems indicates that its action consists of some host-specific element(s).
Mechanisms of Inactivation of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Aminotransferase by 4-Amino-5-fluoro-5-hexenoic Acid

An investigation of the mechanisms of inactivation of the pyridoxal 5‘-phosphate (PLP)-dependent pig brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) aminotransferase by 4-amino-5-fluoro-5-hexenoic acid (2), a monofluorinated analogue of the anticonvulsant drug vigabatrin, is described. Inactivation of [3H]PLP-reconstituted GABA aminotransferase with 2 followed by denaturation released the coenzyme in two forms, one as PLP and the other in a modified form in the ratio 7:3. All enzyme activity was lost upon inactivation by 2, but about 30% of the activity returned upon incubation with PLP, consistent with the formation and release of 30% of the coenzyme in a modified form, as noted above. Inactivation of GABA aminotransferase with [2-3H]-2 followed by gel filtration resulted in the attachment of 0.7 equiv of tritium to the enzyme, even though complete inactivation occurred. This also is consistent with the above results that about 30% of inactivation is the result of release of a modified coenzyme, leaving 30% of the enzy...
Absolute Magnetic Susceptibilities by the Gouy and the Thorpe-Senftle Methods

Using the Curie-Cheneveau principle, A. Thorpe and F. E. Senftle have developed an absolute yet simple force method for measuring the magnetic susceptibilities of very small samples. In our laboratory an apparatus was constructed so that absolute susceptibilities could be determined by both the Thorpe-Senftle and the Gouy methods down to liquid helium temperatures. Measurements were made on powdered samples of the same batch of (NH 4 ) 2 OsBr 6 , HgCo(SCN) 4 , and Fe(NH 4 ) 2 (SO 4 ) 2 ·6H 2 O. Comparable accuracies were obtained by the two methods; however, about 3 ×10-2 as much sample is required to do a Thorpe-Senftle measurement.
An Optimistic Read on Digital Libraries

In the News story “NSF rethinks its digital library” (Special Section on Education & Technology, 2 January, p. [54][1]), J. Mervis captures the uphill struggle digital libraries have faced as they try to sustain funding and gain visibility among educators and students. However, the picture the article paints of sustainability in general and the Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE) in particular is too pessimistic. The process by which the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) assumed responsibility for the DLESE collection is attracting a good deal of attention through articles, presentations, and grants addressing models of sustainability for digital efforts. The advantages of curated digital libraries are clear to many users. DLESE's collections of Earth science materials, now managed by the NCAR Library, have been selected by educators and scientists specifically because they are scientifically accurate, grade-level appropriate, and effective for teaching. The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, which operated the technical arm of DLESE and continues to run the NSDL Resource Center, is very proud of the impact of these digital library efforts. Although DLESE has lost its NSF funding, the open-source DLESE technical infrastructure underpins initiatives at NASA, NOAA, DOE, and scientific data centers and digital libraries from Britain to China. It is notoriously difficult to demonstrate the impact of educational innovations, but a current project with Denver Public Schools leveraging DLESE collections holds promise for helping us evaluate the value of digital library collections in transforming teacher practice and learning outcomes. In many ways, NSF's investment in digital libraries has been transformative. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.323.5910.54
Evidence for a surface vacancy requirement in the formation of ethylidyne from ethylene on Pd particles

It is demonstrated by direct IR observation of surface ethylidyne, CCH 3 , that high pressures of ethylene gas (7 Torr) can suppress the formation of ethylidyne from adsorbed ethylene on a Pd/Al 2 O 3 surface at 300 K. A model for this effect is presented based upon the need for surface vacancies for ethylidyne formation on Pd. High pressures of ethylene are thought to suppress the formation of surface vacancies through formation of site-blocking adsorbed C 2 H 4 . This model is supported by an estimation of the heat of adsorption of ethylene on Pd which would be needed to populate C 2 H 4 (ads) at the pressures studied here.
Human visual system inspired object detection and recognition

This paper presents a new generic framework for human visual system inspired object detection and recognition and introduces the idea of feature extraction based on the human visual sensitivity. These methods can greatly enhance robotic vision applications. Additionally a new computationally effective object detection algorithm is presented based on image morphology and visual sensitivity. This new method surpasses the performance of the existing method based on traditional edge detectors. We also present the effectiveness of the algorithm on under-illuminated images.
Optimal SPECT processing and display: making bad studies look good to get the right answer.

Several quality-control measures take place before (patient and camera preparation) and during SPECT acquisition to achieve high-quality images. Not uncommonly, technologists and physicians are left with suboptimal images that have to be addressed to reach the “right answer” for patient diagnosis and hence management. In many cases patients may be reimaged, especially if the problem is detected early, but in other cases either the patient has left the nuclear laboratory or there is an inevitable problem that, even with reimaging, will not be resolved. In these situations the technologist and physician have to seek the available techniques to obtain the best images possible. These resources are discussed in this issue as an aid in quality control to obtain the best possible images.
The cell as the smallest DNA-based molecular computer

The pioneering work of Adleman (1994) demonstrated that DNA molecules in test tubes can be manipulated to perform a certain type of mathematical computation. This has stimulated a theoretical interest in the possibility of constructing DNA-based molecular computers. To gauge the practicality of realizing such microscopic computers, it was thought necessary to learn as much as possible from the biology of the living cell--presently the only known DNA-based molecular computer in existence. Here the recently developed theoretical model of the living cell (the Bhopalator) and its associated theories (e.g. cell language), principles, laws and concepts (e.g. conformons, IDS's) are briefly reviewed and summarized in the form of a set of five laws of 'molecular semiotics' (synonyms include 'microsemiotics', 'cellular semiotics', or 'cytosemiotics') the study of signs mediating measurement, computation, and communication on the cellular and molecular levels. Hopefully, these laws will find practical applications in designing DNA-based computing systems.
The Cr/Th ratio in Precambrian pelites from the Kaapvaal Craton as an index of craton evolution

The Cr/Th ratio in Precambrian pelites from the Kaapvaal Craton in Southern Africa correlates with pelite Th/Sc and Co/Th ratios and appears to monitor changes in source composition. It is a more sensitive indicator of provenance than other commonly used ratios including Eu/Eu*, La/Yb, and Th/U. Pelite Cr/Th ratios are controlled most strongly by the effects of local provenance and local tectonics. Secular decreases in this ratio, the most prominent of which occurred at 2.4-2.3 Ga in pelites of the Kaapvaal Craton, record rapid uplift exposing granite. Decreases in the ratio reflect increases in the abundance of komatiite-basalt in sediment sources in response to arc collisions, rift/hotspot volcanism, or intracratonic uplift of older greenstones. Relatively constant Cr/Th ratios appear to require widespread uplift or/and efficient sediment mixing during tectonic stability. Changes in Cr/Th ratio of Kaapvaal pelites reflect a complex tectonic history of the craton from about 3.3 Ga to < 1.8 Ga, and do not favor single-stage cratonization in the Late Archean.
The President's Removal Power: Eisenhower and the War Claims Commission Controversy

The removal power has always been an uncertain and controversial area of presidential prerogative. In the twentieth century, the emergence of public opinion considerations coupled with the greater role of the Supreme Court in deciding removal cases has limited the autonomy of chief executives in firing underlings. This essay offers a detailed case study of a removal incident during the Eisenhower administration, in which both of the latter factors were crucial in affecting the outcome.
Efficient Spatio-temporal Information Fusion in Sensor Networks

Making the sensor data look more meaningful in its representation of an observed entity is the primary goal of sensor data fusion. Due to the energy constraint on sensors, there exists a need for algorithms that minimize the fusion cost while maintaining the validity of the data sent to the base station. Maintaining validity is even more difficult when we have a limited knowledge of the factors that govern an observed sensor entity. To achieve this goal, we modeled the uncertainties in sensor data and fed them into the system, employing recursive data estimation. By doing so, we considered the dynamically changing environmental parameters affecting the network to produce the most accurate representation of the observed system state. We propose here a spatio-temporal, correlation-based estimation procedure to corroborate the detection of an event in a sensor field. The number of in-network communications plays a great role from the networking perspective. This is because the power consumption during communication is several times greater than the power consumption during computation. To achieve this, our algorithm ensures that communication is done only during the time of an event. At all other times, the sensor motes maintain an updated global estimate, without communicating, by using a prediction algorithm. This reduces the need for frequent sensor synchronization. We conducted experiments using our distributed fusion architecture to show our algorithm's effectiveness; by a reduction in the power consumption, in terms of both the computation and the communication.
Effects of Long Ultraviolet Rays on Human Skin: Photoprotective or Photoaugmentative?

The effects of long ultraviolet (LUV) rays on human skin are generally believed to be either harmless or protective against sunburn damage. Responses to LUV alone, LUV plus sunburn radiation, and sunburn radiation alone were evaluated both clinically and microscopically by routine histologic and autoradiographic techniques. Observations revealed that contrary to previous accepted hypotheses, LUV rays have a striking augmentative effect on sunburn damage. In addition, although LUV radiation alone causes no discernable adverse clinical or histologic changes in skin, an effect on DNA metabolism does occur.
Pasteuria nishizawae sp. nov., a mycelial and endospore-forming bacterium parasitic on cyst nematodes of genera Heterodera and Globodera.

Abstract This study describes Pasteuria nishizawae sp. nov., a fourth species of the genus Pasteuria. This mycelial and endospere-forming bacterium parasitizes the adult females of cyst-forming nematodes in the genera Heterodera and Globodera. The distinct ultrastructural features and unique host range found for this bacterium separate it from two closely related species, Pasteuria penetrans, which parasitizes several species of rootknot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne, and Pasteuria thomei, which appears to parasitize only one species of the root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus brachyurus. Because these obligate bacterial parasites of nematodes have not been cultured axenically, the taxonomic relationships described here for each species are based mainly on developmental morphology, fine structure of the respective sporangia and endospores, and their pathogenicity on nematode species.
Auditory event related potentials in violent and nonviolent prisoners

The neurophysiologic substrates of violence and aggression have been extensively studied. Although the EEG is often normal in violent persons any abnormalities are generally nonspecific in nature. Evoked potentials have been infrequently used to study such behavior disorders. Long latency auditory event-related potentials (AEPs) were studied in prison inmates incarcerated for unmotivated violent crimes or violence during the commission of other crimes, and in prisoners jailed for non-violent offenses. Habitually violent inmates were compared with an equal number of non-violent prisoners and neurologically and audiologically intact controls. AEPs were recorded to an “oddball” paradigm from vertex and left and right temporal electrodes. None of the prisoners had latencies more than 3 standard deviations beyond the normal group mean. N1 and P2 components were longer in latency and lower in amplitude in prisoners than in controls, but this was not statistically significant. Violent and non-violent individuals did not differ in these measures. P3 was significantly prolonged in latency in violent inmates, but not in those who had committed a violent act. All components were longer in latency on the right in violent prisoners, while amplitudes were lower but not significantly so. This asymmetry was not present in non-violent prisoners or control subjects. Caution is needed in identifying differences between criminals and the general population, and in seeking markers of violent behavior. These findings may indicate cerebral dysfunction in some perpetrators of antisocial behavior, however, and suggest that evidence of non-dominant cerebral hemisphere dysfunction, possibly subtle and chronic, may be found in some habitually violent individuals.
Island biogeography and landscape ecology of mammals inhabiting fragmented, temperate rain forests

1 We expanded the island biogeography paradigm to test whether mammalian communities of the heavily fragmented temperate rain forests of the Olympic Peninsula were influenced by local environmental conditions, biogeographic factors (fragment area and isolation) and characteristics of the surrounding landscape. 2 We used live-trapping, sign surveys and infra-red triggered cameras to compare distributions of non-volant mammals among fragments and between fragments and other principal landscape components (continuous old-growth, riparian corridors, second-growth forest and clearcuts). 3 Of the 24 species of non-volant mammals detected during our studies, 18 occurred in at least one fragment. 4 Species richness of old-growth mammals was not significantly correlated with fragment area or isolation, per se, but was significantly and positively correlated with the amount of old-growth fragments and old second-growth (41–159 years) in the surrounding landscape (r2 = 0.95, P < 0.005). 5 Distributions of three old-growth dependent species [shrew-mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii), Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) and Trowbridge shew (Sorex trowbridgii)] were significantly associated with local environmental conditions within the fragment, with geographical isolation from continuous old-growth and riparian corridors, and with the amount of old-growth and old second growth in the adjacent matrix.
New Double Input DC-DC Converters for Automotive Applications

The energy storage unit is one of the most important subsystems in the structure of hybrid electric vehicles since it directly impacts the performance, fuel economy, cost, and weight of the vehicle. New structures for the energy storage unit, which utilize both batteries and ultracapacitors, are widely under investigation. In order to fully utilize the advantages of each energy storage device, employment of multi-input power converters is inevitable. In this paper, two new double input converters are introduced. Their different operating modes are analyzed and their voltage transfer ratios are derived. Simulation results are used to verify the expected operational characteristics.
Size control of poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and poly (D,L -lactide -co -glycolide ) -magnetite nanoparticles synthesized by emulsion evaporation technique

Abstract Emulsion evaporation method was used to prepare poly(lactide- co -glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles with oleic acid stabilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a surfactant. The magnetite nanoparticles, initially obtained as water soluble particles, were surface functionalized with oleic acid to ensure their efficient entrapment in the PLGA matrix. The inclusion of magnetite with oleic acid (MOA) into the PLGA nanoparticles was accomplished in the organic phase. Synthesis was followed by dialysis, performed to eliminate the excess SDS, and lyophilization. The PLGA–magnetite nanoparticles were compared with naked PLGA nanoparticles. Naked PLGA nanoparticles ranged in size from 38.6 to 67.1 nm; when MOA was entrapped in the PLGA matrix, the nanoparticle size ranged from 78.8 to 115.1 nm. The MOA entrapment efficiency varied from 57.4 to 91.9%. The efficiency of SDS removal by dialysis from the nanoparticles varied from 51.0 to 88.8%. SDS concentration played a critical role in controlling the nanoparticle size. A three-fold increaser in the PLGA concentration was possible with the proposed method without increasing the size of the empty PLGA nanoparticles over 100 nm The size and uniformity of the MOA suspension, was found critical in forming small and uniform magnetic–polymeric nanoparticles (M-P NPs).
A world without pain or tears

The world of the child with familial dysautonomia (FD), a genetic disorder affecting development of the sensory and autonomic nervous system, is not idyllic. However, over the last 35 years advances in supportive treatments have improved morbidity and mortality. Recent genetic breakthroughs have further expanded thinking about this disorder and suggested innovative approaches to modifying genetic expression. This article reviews the current supportive treatment modalities and their rationale, as well as the suggested new treatments that may alter the function and prognosis of an individual affected with FD.
A model of participatory learning

A model of learning called participatory learning is introduced. This model allows the representation of learning in environments in which what is already believed plays an important role in the process of learning further information. A central part of this system is the compatibility between observations and belief. The authors also discuss the arousal that occurs when data is repeatedly seen that contradicts previously acquired beliefs. >
Gas mixing in fluidized beds containing screen packings

Gas mixing was studied in a fluidized bed containing hollow, open-wall packings using a continuous injection of oxygen as a tracer. During bed expansion, the reciprocal of mixing length, u/E1, for a gas-fiuidized bed containing packings of dimension less than 3-in. was found to decrease and then increase with the expansion ratio, Δ, passing through a minimum, in contrast to an unpacked fluidized bed for which no minimum u/E1, was reported. The minimum u/E1, occurred always at Δ = 0.30, independent of column diameter, of the shape or of the size of the packing, and of the size of the fluidizing particle. Values of the minimum u/E1's for a fluidized bed packed with various screen cylinders depended upon the size of the packing, dn, and of the fluidized particle, d1,. An empirical correlation of (u/E1)mn, with d1, and dn is presented. On a etudie le melange de gaz dans un lit fluidise contenant des garnitures creuses et a parois ouvertes, en utilisant une injection continue d'oxygene comme indicateur. Durant l'expansion du lit, on a trouve que l'inverse de la longueur de celui-ci, (u/E1) decroissait, puis augmentait avec le coefficient d'expansion Δ, lorsqu'il s'agissait d'un lit fluidise contenant des garnitures de moins de 3 pouces; ce changement de dimension atteignait un minimum, contrairement a ce qui se passe dans le cas d'un lit fluidise sans garniture, au sujet duquel on ne fait mention d'aucun minimum pour u/E1. Le minimum d'u/E1 est toujours survenu lorsque la valeur de Δ etait 0.30, independamment du diametre de la colonne ou de la forme et des dimensions de la garniture de la particule fluidisee. Leg valeurs du minimum d'u/E1. pour un lit fluidise garni de divers cylindres-cribles, dependaient des dimensions de la garniture dn et de la particule fluidisee d1. On presente une correlation empirique entre le minimum 'u/E1 d'une part et d, et dn d'autre part.
Molecular structures of Ga(tBu)2(OPh)(pyz)·PhOH and [(tBu)2Ga(H2O)(μ-OH)Ga(tBu)2]2(μ-OC6H4O)·4(2-Mepy): intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding to gallium aryloxides

Abstract The molecular structures of Ga(tBu)2(OPh)(pyz)·(PhOH) (1, pyz=pyrazine) and [(tBu)2Ga(H2O)(μ-OH)Ga(tBu)2]2(μ-OC6H4O)·4(2-Mepy) (2) have been determined. The formation of each compound is a result of partial hydrolysis reactions in which a preferential hydrolytic cleavage of a GaO versus a GaC bond occurs. Both structures show strong hydrogen bonding to the oxygen of an aryloxide ligands. Of the two OH⋯N bonds in compound 2, the stronger is to the aqua ligand rather than the bridging hydroxide ligand, despite the water ligand participating in two hydrogen bond interactions.
Synaptic organization of damaged infraorbital nerve axons in perinatal rats: demonstration by galanin immunocytochemistry.

Neonatal transection of the infraorbital nerve (ION; the trigeminal, V, branch that supplies the mystacial vibrissae follicles) results in an upregulation of galanin in the central arbors of primary afferent axons. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the synaptic organization of these galanin-positive primary afferents and compare it with that of normal neurobiotin/biocytin-labeled primary afferent axons from animals of the same age. Examination of 1200 neurobiotin/biocytin-labeled profiles in V nucleus principalis (PrV) of rats killed on postnatal day (P-) 7 indicated that 23.3% (n=279) of these profiles made synaptic contacts: 87.4% were axodendritic, 8.9% were axoaxonic, 2.8% were axosomatic, and 0.7% were axospinous. Evaluation of 1200 galanin-positive profiles in PrV from rats that sustained transection of the ION on P-0 and were killed on P-7 indicated that only 64 (5.3%) of these profiles made synaptic contacts (P<0.05 compared with the intact animals). Of the galanin-positive profiles that did make synapses in PrV, 81.2% (n=52) were axodendritic and 18.8% (n=12) were axoaxonic. These results indicate that galanin released by damaged ION primary afferents in PrV is likely to affect the activity of second-order V neurons by a paracrine action rather than by acting at specific synapses.
Identification of Chemical Inhibitors to Human Tissue Transglutaminase by Screening Existing Drug Libraries

Human tissue transglutaminase (TGM2) is a calcium-dependent crosslinking enzyme involved in the posttranslational modification of intra- and extracellular proteins and implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases. To find specific inhibitors to TGM2, two structurally diverse chemical libraries (LOPAC and Prestwick) were screened. We found that ZM39923, a Janus kinase inhibitor, and its metabolite ZM449829 were the most potent inhibitors with IC(50) of 10 and 5 nM, respectively. In addition, two other inhibitors, including tyrphostin 47 and vitamin K(3), were found to have an IC(50) in the micromolar range. These agents used in part a thiol-dependent mechanism to inhibit TGM2, consistent with the activation of TGM2 by reduction of an intramolecular disulfide bond. These inhibitors were tested in a polyglutamine-expressing Drosophila model of neurodegeneration and found to improve survival. The TGM2 inhibitors we discovered may serve as valuable lead compounds for the development of orally active TGM2 inhibitors to treat human diseases.
Exchange currents and the radial distribution of valence nucleons as determined from elastic electron scattering

Abstract Elastic magnetic electron scattering of high multipolarity has previously been used to determine the radial distribution of valence nucleons. In the present work, the role of meson exchange currents in the analysis of such measurements is discussed.
Achieving Ethics and Fairness in Hiring: Going Beyond the Law

Since the passage of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and more recent Federal legislation, managers, regulators, and attorneys have been busy in sorting out the legal meaning of fairness in employment. While ethical managers must follow the law in their hiring practices, they cannot be satisfied with legal compliance. In this article, we first briefly summarize what the law requires in terms of fair hiring practices. We subsequently rely on multiple perspectives to explore the ethical meaning of fairness in hiring. Ethical fairness underlies the law and regulations in this area, but goes beyond them as well. We conclude by demonstrating that ethical hiring practices enable managers to make better hiring decisions.
Nationality and age in Soviet population change

The author uses recent Soviet census data with the exception of the 1979 census to examine the relationship between nationality and age in the USSR. Particular attention is given to the differences in changing patterns of age composition among the individual nationalities making up the Soviet population (ANNOTATION)
Adolescents' internalizing problems following traumatic brain injury are related to parents' psychiatric symptoms

BACKGROUND:: A small body of previous research has demonstrated that pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases risk for internalizing problems, but findings have varied regarding their predictors and correlates. METHODS:: We examined the level and correlates of internalizing symptoms in 130 teens who had sustained a complicated mild to severe TBI within the past 1 to 6 months. Internalizing problems were measured via both maternal- and paternal-report Child Behavior Checklist. We also measured family functioning, parent psychiatric symptoms, and postinjury teen neurocognitive function. RESULTS:: Mean parental ratings of internalizing problems were within the normal range. Depending on informant, 22% to 26% of the sample demonstrated clinically elevated internalizing problems. In multiple and binary logistic regression models, only parent psychiatric symptoms consistently provided unique prediction of teen internalizing symptoms. For maternal but not paternal report, female gender was associated with greater internalizing problems. CONCLUSION:: Parent and teen emotional problems are associated following adolescent TBI. Possible reasons for this relationship, including the effects of TBI on the family unit, are discussed. Language: en
Cuban-American Entrepreneurs: Chance, Complexity and Chaos

Bouchikhi (1993) introduces themes from chaos and complexity theory to gain an understanding about chance in entrepreneurship. We expand on these themes using an example from the Cuban immigrants to South Florida to increase the dynamism of Waldinger et al.'s (1990) model of immigrant entrepreneurship. These complexity and chaos themes are: (1) large differences in outcomes can come from small differences in initial conditions; (2) largely unpredictable, radical changes can be intermixed with and become directly dependent on incremental, predictable changes; (3) short-term predictability can accompany long-term nonpredictability; (4) seemingly random patterns can show an apparent attraction to specific configurations; and (5), mutual influence among a small number of predictors can appear to be random. An example from among the leading Cuban-born entrepreneurs illustrates three levels of generality in entrepreneurship theory. Most generally, this person's career reflects abstract conclusions about entrepr...
Towards an integrated coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy system

CARS microscopy has emerged as a powerful tool in imaging of biological matter. In addition to a high-3D spatial resolution, the technique delivers an attractive set of properties such as chemical specificity, high sensitivity, and fast data acquisition rates thus making it very suitable for biomedical applications. However, these advantages come at a cost of complex tunable laser sources, beam guiding and delivery optics. In particular, two high intensity laser pulses, whose carrier frequencies ωp (pump) and ωs (Stokes) are separated by the corresponding Raman shift value, are required to interact with the imaged media. In this paper, we present experimental results corresponding to our first step towards an integrated CARS-microscope. We demonstrate optical fiber delivery of two color picosecond pulses before they interact in the focus of microscope objective in order to produce CARS image. Certain aspects related to the effect of the pump and Stokes pulse parameters on image quality (e.g. contrast, sensitivity) after the pulses' propagation in the fiber will be addressed. The incorporation of fiber delivery feature significantly improves the microscope performance and ease its operation. In addition, we are exploring certain approaches in further development of CARS-microscope as a biomedical tool towards fully functional endoscope for in vivo chemically sensitive imaging.
Available instruments for research on prenatal attachment and adaptation to pregnancy.

Abstract Research, clinical practice, and cost-effective nursing care are all interrelated and are dependent on the use of reliable and valid instruments. Critical to the success of any research study is the choice of instruments to measure key variables. Locating existing instruments for use in nursing research is an important but often labor-intensive activity. This article provides a review of some available instruments that measure two key clinical phenomena particular to the prenatal period: maternal-fetal and paternal-fetal attachment and adaptation to pregnancy. Examples of specific nursing studies that utilize these instruments are presented along with an assessment of the instruments' reliability and validity. Both nurse researchers and clinicians can benefit from this review of selected instruments used during the prenatal period.
Programmable Dammann grating interconnections using Fourier transform lenses written onto spatial light modulators

The output from a Dammann grating can be modified by forming the Fourier transform lens onto a programmable spatial light modulator. We show how the positions and numbers of the outputs can be varied. In addition, the technique allows analysis of the phase of the diffracted beams.