cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gifted Dropouts: The Who and the Why:

Two studies were conducted to obtain comprehensive information about ifted high school dropouts and to examine factors that are related to their dropout behavior using the Dropout and Student questionnaires of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88). The results indicated that mwny gifted dropouts were from low socioeconomic-status families and racial minority groups; had parents with low levels of education; and participated less in extracurricular activities. Also, reasons for gifted male dropouts were More related to econornic issues, while reasons for gifted teniale dropouts were more related to personal issues, although both males and femiales were likely to offer school-related reasons. The logistic regression analysis results indicated that dropout behavior for gifted students was significantly related to students' educational aspirations. pregnancy or child-rearing, gender, father's highest level of education, and mother's highest level of education.
Revisiting the Heidegger–Cassirer Debate

In his book Continental Divide: Heidegger, Cassirer, Davos, Peter E. Gordon attempts to reconstruct the historical circumstances which shaped Martin Heidegger’s and Ernst Cassirer’s debate at Davos in 1929, as well as outline the key points of contention in their arguments. Gordon argues that the primary source of disagreement between Heidegger and Cassirer lies in their different concepts of what it means to be human. In this review essay, I argue that rather than a “conceptual” or “thematic” divide, the divergence between them is primarily methodological, and, in Heidegger’s case, unfolds on two fronts: first, by shifting the focus of philosophy away from the modern concern for “man” in favor of the question of being, and, secondly, by pioneering a new strategy for reading the history of philosophy that emphasizes the “historical [geschichtlich]” as the recovery of the past in terms of its relevance for the future, versus providing a “historically [historisch]” accurate record of what has been.
Acute and long-term metabolic consequences of chronic consumption of dietary sweeteners.

As the obesity epidemic continues to grow, attention has been turned towards the over consumption of processed foods and beverages, particularly those sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This study investigates the metabolic effects of two sweeteners and examines the effects of maternal consumption on offspring obesity. Four diets with various concentrations of sweeteners were fed to 21-day-old female rats: (1) Control 10% Sucrose, (2) 20% HFCS, (3) 10% HFCS, (4) 20% Sucrose. Rats will remain on their respective diets for approximately 16 weeks until breeding during which they will continue their diets through gestation and lactation. After 8 weeks, the 20% HFCS and 20% Sucrose groups were developing insulin resistance as indicated by a glucose tolerance test. In addition, all experimental groups demonstrated elevated plasma levels of oleic acid and total mono-unsaturated fatty acids relative to the control group, further supporting the progressive development of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Body weight change between the groups was not significant after 10 weeks; however, we predict that post mortem analysis of body composition will indicate the highest adiposity in the 20% HFCS group. After weaning the pups at week 20, the dams will be sacrificed, and the offspring placed on a high or low-fat diet until maturity. Data will be analyzed with respect to diet and maternal diet exposure. Finally, we will test whether the offspring of the HFCS-fed dams are the most susceptible to diet-induced obesity as a result of in utero fetal malprogramming.
CT in carcinoma of the larynx and pyriform sinus: value of phonation scans.

The structural and functional information obtained from CT performed during quiet breathing and phonation of the letter E was investigated in 25 patients with carcinoma of the larynx or pyriform sinus. Significant additional information was obtained from the phonation scans in all patients. In 16 patients, vocal cord dysfunction was found on the phonation scans. In 14 patients, phonation CT demonstrated an abnormal aryepiglottic fold better than CT during quiet breathing. A pyriform sinus was distorted or displaced in 11 patients and CT during phonation was more accurate than laryngoscopy or CT during quiet breathing in detecting abnormalities deep to this region. CT scans were the most accurate method of detecting tumor extension into the subglottic space, and into the preepiglottic space; each extension was seen in seven patients. Thyroid cartilage destruction was detected only by CT in six patients. CT scans during phonation should be an integral part of laryngeal CT and in conjunction with laryngoscop...
Internal Photoeffect and Exciton Diffusion in Cadmium and Zinc Sulfides

The spectral response of photoconductivity of ZnS and CdS for both single-crystal and sintered-powder samples was measured for several distances between the area of illumination and the electrode region. The energy transport process for indirect illumination was studied by measuring the photocurrent pulses produced by high-intensity light flashes and by experiments with light transmission and electric fields. These studies demonstrate energy transport by electrically neutral entities other than photons, which we interpret as diffusion of excitons or mobile electron-hole pairs.This indirect or transfer photocurrent occurs predominantly at frequencies below the absorption edge of the crystal, with the detailed response being sensitive to the impurity content of the samples. The diffusion parameters in this region generally lie in the following range: lifetime $\ensuremath{\tau}={10}^{\ensuremath{-}4} \mathrm{to} {10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ sec, diffusion constant $D={10}^{3} \mathrm{to} {10}^{4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec, and diffusion length $L=0.1 \mathrm{to} 1$ cm.The transfer photocurrent for steady illumination shows a nearly linear dependence on the incident light intensity. The slow decay of the photocurrent indicates that trapping processes are important in the photocurrent mechanism. Measurement of photocurrent pulses for flash illumination shows a greater than linear dependence on intensity, indicating a second-order or bimolecular process. A proposed mechanism for the transfer photoeffect involves initial absorption of the light with creation of an exciton, which diffuses to a trap in the lattice. A second exciton reaching the trap then dissociates, using energy transferred from the trap.
TERAHERTZ OPTICAL RECTIFICATION

We present experimental measurements of Terahertz optical rectification in electro-optic crystals. The measured data was compared with a simple theoretical analysis (anharmonic oscillator model). We also measured Terahertz-bandwidth subpicosecond electromagnetic radiation via nearly-degenerate difference-frequency generation in electrooptic materials. The variation in Terahertz emission with crystal orientation demonstrated that the generation of Terahertz radiation via optical rectification involves a bulk second-order nonlinear process. We studied Terahertz optical rectification from zincblende crystals as the incident photon energy was tuned across the semiconductor optical absorption band-edge (resonant excitation). We also present the measurement of temperature-dependent Terahertz optical rectification. A comparison between the two second-order nonlinear processes, sum-frequency generation (second-harmonic generation) and different-frequency generation (optical rectification) is presented.
The Dissolution of Romantic Relationships: Factors Involved in Relationship Stability and Emotional Distress

This investigation was designed to examine factors involved in the stability of premarital romantic relationships and the extent of emotional distress experienced following their dissolution. During the fall of 1985, a large sample of individuals involved in ongoing dating relationships completed an extensive questionnaire survey. The survey assessed 10 factors: satisfaction with the current partner, closeness of the relationship, duration of the relationship, sexual nature of the relationship, the quality of the best actual and imagined alternative dating partner(s), the ease with which a suitable alternative partner could be found, exclusivity of the relationship, self-monitoring propensity, and orientation to sexual relations Approximately 3 months later, all individuals were recontacted to determine whether they were still dating the same partner and if not, how much emotional distress they experienced following relationship dissolution. Analyses revealed that at a univariate level, all 10 factors successfully forecasted relationship stability. Three of the 10 factors---closeness, duration, and ease of finding an alternative partner--reliably and independently predicted the intensity and duration of emotional distress. Specifically, individuals who were close to their former partner, who had dated the former partner for a long time, and who believed they could not easily acquire a desirable alternative tended to experience more pronounced distress following dissolution. These results are discussed in terms of the investment model and recent theorizing on emotion in relationships.
Ischemic retinopathy and uveitis in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot.

Purpose To describe ischemic retinopathy in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot. Design Interventional case report. Testing Clinical and imaging evaluation. Main Outcome Measures Clinical, imaging, and laboratory findings in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot. Results A 20-year-old female patient with tetralogy of Fallot had progressive visual loss of 3 weeks duration. Bilateral examination revealed dilated, tortuous, conjunctival vessels; prominent anterior chamber reaction; iris neovascularization; posterior synechia; retinal vascular tortuosity in both eyes; and inferior exudative retinal detachment. Fluorescein angiography revealed delayed retinal and choroidal filling. The working diagnosis was ischemic retinopathy with uveitis. The patient was treated for 6 months with a high-dose oral corticosteroid combined with a topical corticosteroid, a topical mydriatic, and panretinal photocoagulation. Conjunctival, vascular congestion subsided with a decrease in anterior chamber reaction. The inferior, exudative retinal detachment resolved, and vision was restored. Conclusions Retinal ischemic syndrome combined with uveitis can develop in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Treatment can restore vision in such patients.
Mechanism-based active site modification of the soybean sterol methyltransferase by 26,27-dehydrocycloartenol

Abstract 26,27-Dehydrocycloartenol (26,27-DHC) was shown to be a substrate for the soybean sterol methyltransferase (SMT) as well as a mechanism-based inhibitor of enzyme action. The K m and k cat for 26,27-DHC was 10 μM and 0.018 min −1 , respectively. SMT catalyzed 26,27-DHC to two products tentatively identified as 26-homocholesta-9,19-cyclo-23(24) E ,26(26′)-dienol and 26-homocholesta-9,19-cyclo-26(26′)-en-3β,24β-diol by GC–MS. Inhibitor treatment was concentration- and time-dependent (pseudo-first-order kinetics). A replot of the half-lives for inactivation versus the inverse of the inactivator concentrations gave an apparent K i of 42 μM and a maximum rate of inactivation of 0.29 min −1 . A partition ratio ( k cat / k inact ) was calculated to be 0.06.
Microfluorometric comparison of Feulgen-deoxyribonucleic acid hydrolysis in meristematic and differentiated cells of the orchid embryo

Abstract Feulgen-DNA hydrolysis time curves were constructed for nuclei isolated from meristematic and differentiated parenchymal cells of the cultured orchid embryo using a microfluorometric technique. These nuclei correspond to “diploid” and “polyploid” DNA classes. The results verify our previous observations based on absorption measurements that Feulgen dye binding increases with nuclear size and in discrete increments with differentiation of the parenchyma up to values of 8C. The hydrolysis time curves from meristematic and normal parenchymal cells were of identical form, both showing two peaks at 30 and 70 min. The data indicate that hydrolysis time does not affect the proportionality between the amount of dye bound and nuclear size. The hydrolysis time curve from senescent parenchymal cells, on the other hand, differs from those of the meristematic and normal differentiated cells in that a sharp first peak occurs at 5 min with a second at 30 min. The effect of several methodological parameters on the application of microspectrofluorometry for Feulgen determinations is discussed.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder in racial and ethnic minorities: A case of nativity and contextual factors

Abstract Background Minorities comprise more than one third of the U.S., and research on the correlates and causes of depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses have yielded mixed results in minority groups necessitating an understanding of causes and correlates of health. Thus, the aim of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between minority status, contextual factors, and lifetime Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Methods Logistic regression models were implemented, comparing immigrants to their American-born counterparts as well as to American-born Whites. Results Foreign-born Afro-Caribbeans exhibited lower rates of lifetime GAD. A lower percentage of foreign-born minorities met the criteria for GAD as compared to their American-born counterparts, and all racial and ethnic groups met the criteria for lifetime GAD at a lower rate as compared to American-born Whites. Discussion By using theory proactively and including contextual factors, this multi-faceted approach to health disparities research yielded findings which both supported historic beliefs but created opportunities for supplemental research looking at immigrants and GAD. Key findings were that health lifestyle choices and exposure to discrimination significantly affected the chance of having GAD. Nativity was protective; however, its effect was ameliorated by exposure to discrimination or engagement in alcohol abuse. Thus, this study offers practical insight into environmental factors for clinicians caring for racial and ethnic minorities diagnosed with GAD.
FNET: A Quickly Deployable and Economic System to Monitor the Electric Grid

In a time where the electric grid has become a potential target for malicious attacks against homeland security, this paper presents a system that can detect and locate disturbances that have an impact the electric grid. The system presented is referred to as FNET which is short for "Internet-based Frequency Monitoring Network. " FNET uses frequency measurements taken from across the electric interconnection to detect and locate disturbances such as generator trips and load shedding. These events occur routinely (almost daily) under normal system conditions. In these circumstances, the electric grid and its components usually respond in a manner so as to preserve the grid's integrity. However, in a time where threats to homeland security can involve threats to the electric grid, such disturbances caused by malicious (and perhaps multiple) attacks can cascade leading to the collapse of the entire electric grid. The goal of this work is to show that FNET can be an invaluable tool for enhancing situational awareness of the country's electric infrastructure especially in situations where the preservation of homeland security is critical.
The discontinuity near 1600 A in the spectra of DA white dwarfs

Ultraviolet spectroscopic observations of two relatively cool DA white dwarfs, L481 - 60 (= WD 1544 - 37) and BPM 1266 ( = WD 2105 - 82), with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite show a strong drop in their spectral energy distributions below 1600 A. Published model atmospheres and thier visual spectra suggest that these two stars have effective temperatures in the vicinity of 9,000-10,000 K, and it is proposed that the 1600 A feature could be due to the 342(1S) 3s2(1S) photoionization edge of Mg I.
Estimation and Validation of the 3D Smooth-Turn Mobility Model for Airborne Networks

The simulation and evaluation of networking protocols for airborne networks (ANs) require accurate random mobility models. In our previous studies, we developed a 3D smooth-turn (ST) random mobility model that captures the smoothness of aerial trajectories. The model follows physical laws that govern the spatiotemporal correlation of aerial turns. In this paper, we suggest an estimation procedure to extract parameters in the model from real flight test data. The good match between the estimated trajectories and real flight trajectories also validates the suitability of this model for ANs. The 3D ST random mobility model and the estimation procedure lead to the creation of "realistic" simulation and evaluation environment for airborne networks.
Classification of possibilistic uncertainty and information functions

Abstract A possibility distribution is defined as a sequence (pi), 0 ⩽ pi ⩽ 1, such that maxipi = 1. Joint and marginal distributions are defined in analogy with probability theory; however the operations of minimum and maximum replace multiplication and addition. The classical notion of entropy, as a measure of information associated with a probability distribution has as its counterpart an uncertainty measure associated with a possibility distribution. Higashi and Klir proposed several axioms that an uncertainty function should satisfy. They also proposed one such function — given a non-decreasing sequence (pi), its value is p 1 log n + (p 2 −p 1 ) log (n − 1) + (p 3 −p 2 ) log (n − 2) + … In this paper we give a complete description of uncertainty functions, satisfying those axioms. They are classified by montonically increasing functions from the unit interval into itself which fix end-points. To any such function z(x) there corresponds an uncertainty function z(p 1 ) log n + [,z(p 2 ) − z(p 1 )] log (n − 1) + … We also discuss the role of continuity and deduce uniqueness of the measure under and additional linearity property. Because of the interdependency of the axioms, our results assume only the properties of symmetry, expansibility, monotonicity and additivity.
Sigma-nucleus interactions in the A=3, 4 systems

Abstract Implications of the stopping K−4He bubble chamber and inflight 3He(K−, π+)Σ−(np) reaction data on Σ-nucleus systems are discussed.
Congenital nasal piriform aperture stenosis with vestibular abnormality

We present a neonate with congenital nasal piriform aperture stenosis associated with an abnormal vestibular aperture. Radiological evaluation with CT is essential to confirm the diagnosis and delineate the anatomy for surgical planning. Extension of the scan field of view to include the petrous temporal bone is essential to identify associated abnormalities of the vestibule.
Scales for the measurement of attitudes toward blood donation

Attitudes toward blood donation are frequently assumed to vary along a single dimension from unfavorable to favorable. In contrast, theories of attitude structure specify three distinct attitude components: affect, cognition, and behavior. This article describes the development of three new scales for the measurement of affective, cognitive, and behavioral components of attitudes toward blood donation. The scales were developed using the method of equal-appearing intervals and were administered to both donors of blood and nondonors. Correlations among the scales were relatively small and supported the three-component distinction. Affect was more strongly correlated with the number of prior donations than was cognition, which suggested an important role for emotional factors in blood donation. Scores on all three scales showed the attitudes of blood donors to be more favorable than those of nondonors.
Unsaturated lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes activate autophagy in vascular smooth-muscle cells

Proteins modified by aldehydes generated from oxidized lipids accumulate in cells during oxidative stress and are commonly detected in diseased or aged tissue. The mechanisms by which cells remove aldehyde-adducted proteins, however, remain unclear. Here, we report that products of lipid peroxidation such as 4-HNE (4-hydroxynonenal) and acrolein activate autophagy in rat aortic smooth-muscle cells in culture. Exposure to 4-HNE led to the modification of several proteins, as detected by anti-protein–4-HNE antibodies or protein-bound radioactivity in [ 3 H]4-HNE-treated cells. The 4-HNE-modified proteins were gradually removed from cells. The removal of 4-HNE-modified proteins was not affected by the oxidized protein hydrolase inhibitor, acetyl leucine chloromethyl ketone, or lactacystin, although it was significantly decreased by PSI (proteasome inhibitor I), the lysosome/proteasome inhibitor MG-132 (carbobenzoxy-L-leucyl-L-leucyl-leucinal), insulin or the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA (3-methyladenine). Pre-incubation of cells with rapamycin accelerated the removal of 4-HNE-modified proteins. Treatment with 4-HNE, nonenal and acrolein, but not nonanal or POVPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oxovaleroyl phosphatidyl choline), caused a robust increase in LC3-II (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II) formation, which was increased also by rapamycin, but prevented by insulin. Electron micrographs of 4-HNE-treated cells showed extensive vacuolization, pinocytic body formation, crescent-shaped phagophores, and multilamellar vesicles. Treatment with 3-MA and MG-132, but not proteasome-specific inhibitors, induced cell death in 4-HNE-treated cells. Collectively, these results show that lipid peroxidation-derived aldehydes stimulate autophagy, which removes aldehyde-modified proteins, and that inhibition of autophagy precipitates cell death in aldehyde-treated cells. Autophagy may be an important mechanism for the survival of arterial smooth-muscle cells under conditions associated with excessive lipid peroxidation.
Evaluation of Allele Frequency Estimation Using Pooled Sequencing Data Simulation

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has provided researchers with opportunities to study the genome in unprecedented detail. In particular, NGS is applied to disease association studies. Unlike genotyping chips, NGS is not limited to a fixed set of SNPs. Prices for NGS are now comparable to the SNP chip, although for large studies the cost can be substantial. Pooling techniques are often used to reduce the overall cost of large-scale studies. In this study, we designed a rigorous simulation model to test the practicability of estimating allele frequency from pooled sequencing data. We took crucial factors into consideration, including pool size, overall depth, average depth per sample, pooling variation, and sampling variation. We used real data to demonstrate and measure reference allele preference in DNAseq data and implemented this bias in our simulation model. We found that pooled sequencing data can introduce high levels of relative error rate (defined as error rate divided by targeted allele frequency) and that the error rate is more severe for low minor allele frequency SNPs than for high minor allele frequency SNPs. In order to overcome the error introduced by pooling, we recommend a large pool size and high average depth per sample.
Consumption of dissolved nitrous oxide in an anoxic basin, Saanich Inlet, British Columbia

DATA on dissolved nitrous oxide (N2O) in the ocean indicate that its distribution is strongly affected by oxygen-controlled biochemical reactions1–4. N2O has been measured in oxygenated, open ocean waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans1–3, and in the oxygen deficient waters of the eastern tropical North Pacific4 but no measurements of N2O in anoxic marine environments have yet been made. This report presents measurements of N2O from Saanich Inlet, an intermittently anoxic basin on the southeastern side of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and evidence for its consumption during denitrification.
Rotational Temperature Measurement in Multicomponent Gases Using Raman Scattering Spectroscopy

The rotational temperature at pressures near 1 atm and at room temperature has been successfully measured using spectra obtained in an intracavity Raman scattering experiment. The accuracy of the method is sufficient to allow local temperature measurement of multicomponent gases with no disturbance in the temperature field. The advantage of the method lies in the fact that it does not require knowledge of the relative scattering cross-section area of the component gases.
SOX11 is a mantle cell lymphoma oncogene.

In this issue of Blood , Vegliante et al establish for the first time the oncogenic role and mechanisms of SOX11 in mantle cell lymphoma.[1][1] ![Figure][2] Hypothetical models of SOX11-possitive vs SOX11-negative MCL. The naive B cell carrying the t(11;14) colonizes the mantle zone of the
Cutting Edge: Hierarchy of Chemokine Receptor and TCR Signals Regulating T Cell Migration and Proliferation

Chemokines play an important role in establishing the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues and in the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of inflammation. However, the potential of chemokines to down-regulate immune responses has not been demonstrated. We now show that certain chemokine gradients have the potential to suppress T cell activation by preventing formation of the immunological synapse, the specialized cell-cell junction that forms before a T cell can be fully activated. Our data reveals an immunosuppressive potential of chemokines engaging the CXCR3 and CCR7 receptors, but not the CXCR4, CCR2, CCR4, or CCR5 receptors. These results suggest a novel mechanism for T cell ignorance of agonist MHC-peptide complexes based on dominant chemokine gradients.
Is the presence of interatrial septal hypertrophy a marker for atrial fibrillation in the elderly

Interatrial septal thickness (IST) appears to increase with heart weight, body surface area, and the presence of vacuolated fat cells within the atrial septum. The increased thickness of the atrial septum is an infrequently observed but readily recognized entity by echocardiography. Several reports have suggested that some cardiac arrhythmias, particularly those of atrial origin, may be a consequence of this fatty deposition. However, to date, no study has correlated the presence of atrial fibrillation with IST in the elderly. This is of particular importance as this rhythm is so prevalent in this population. Accordingly, a retrospective analysis was conducted in a group of 40 patients, age 65 and older, to measure IST using transthoracic echocardiography. Furthermore, measurements of right and left atrial size, body surface area, left ventricular wall thickness, and left ventricular ejection fraction were recorded. Group I consisted of 20 patients with known atrial fibrillation (eight males and 12 females; mean age 78+/-8 years) and group II consisted of 20 patients in normal sinus rhythm (three males and 17 females; mean age 74+/-6 years). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of body surface area (1.83 vs. 1.79 m2; p<0.78); left ventricular wall thickness (1.16 vs. 1.12 cm; p<0.58); and left ventricular ejection fraction (48% vs. 55%; p<0.17). Group I had somewhat larger right atrial (4.2 vs. 3.4 cm; p<0.001) and left atrial (4.7 vs. 4.1 cm; p<0.02) dimensions than group II. Furthermore, IST was found to be the most significant variable that differentiated patients with atrial fibrillation from patients with normal sinus rhythm (1.39 vs. 0.85 cm; p<0.0001). Even after adjusting for all the covariables, IST remained statistically significant (p<0.0001). The findings of this pilot study show a strong correlation between IST and atrial fibrillation. Although the stimulus for the increased thickness of the atrial septum remains elusive, IST may identify a structural cause for atrial fibrillation in elderly patients that is easily identified by transthoracic echocardiography.
The Normativity of Experience and Causal Belief in Hume's Treatise

What is the source of normativity in Hume’s account of causal reasoning? In virtue of what are causal beliefs justified for Hume? To answer these questions, the literature appeals, almost invariably, to custom or some feature thereof. I argue, in contrast, that causal beliefs are justified for Hume because they issue from experience. Although he denies experience the title of justifying reason, for Hume experience has normative authority. I offer an interpretation of the source and nature of the normativity of experience in causal reasoning. I argue that the senses and memory have a special, positive status within the mind in virtue of their force and vivacity, which, on my reading, Hume identifies with a sense of presentness and a strong effect on the mind. Hume dignifies the system of memory and the senses with the title of reality because of these features. Causal beliefs are dignified as “realities” because they issue from reality. However, because the imagination can sometimes enhance the force and vivacity of ideas without the help of experience, Hume appeals to coherence and general rules as well.
Structural and electrochemical characterization of the layered LiNi0.5−yMn0.5−yCo2yO2 (0 ≤ 2y ≤ 1) cathodes

Abstract The crystal chemistry and electrochemical performance of the layered LiNi 0.5− y Mn 0.5− y Co 2 y O 2 oxide cathodes for the entire range of 0 ≤ 2 y ≤ 1 have been investigated. Compositions with 0.33 ≤ 2 y ≤ 0.5 are found to exhibit a combination of high capacities (> 170 mAh/g at 3.0–4.5 V and C/5 rate) and good cyclability (> 90% retention in 50 cycles). The electrochemical rate capability is found to decrease with decreasing Co content 2 y . While no obvious correlation is found with the electrical conductivity, the rate capability bears a clear relationship to the chemical lithium extraction rate, which decreases with decreasing Co content due to an increasing cation disorder. Additionally, the lithium extraction rate is found to influence the structure of the chemically delithiated end members Ni 0.5− y Mn 0.5− y Co 2 y O 2− δ ; the structure changes from P3 to O1 to O3 with decreasing Co content 2 y .
SIGACT news complexity theory column 48

Here is a real gift to the field from David Johnson: After a thirteen year intermission, David is restarting his NP-completeness column. His column will now appear about twice yearly in ACM Transactions on Algorithms. Welcome back David, and thanks! And for those for whom a diet of two per year wont do, meals past can be found at http://www.research.att.com/~dsj/columns.html.
Soft error derating computation in sequential circuits

Soft error tolerant design becomes more crucial due to exponential increase in the vulnerability of computer systems to soft errors. Accurate estimation of soft error rate (SER), the probability of system failure due to soft errors, is a key factor in design of cost-effective soft error resilient systems. We present a very fast and accurate approach based on enhanced static timing analysis and signal probabilities to estimate the probability of latching an incorrect value in the system bistables (timing derating). Experimental results and comparison with fault injections using timing accurate Monte-Carlo simulations show that the accuracy of our approach is within 1% while orders of magnitude faster.
Ancient Origin and Molecular Features of the Novel Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 3 Revealed by Complete Genome Analysis

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 3 (HTLV-3) is a new virus recently identified in two primate hunters in Central Africa. Limited sequence analysis shows that HTLV-3 is distinct from HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 but is genetically similar to simian T-lymphotropic virus type 3 (STLV-3). We report here the first complete HTLV-3 sequence obtained by PCR-based genome walking using uncultured peripheral blood lymphocytes from an HTLV-3-infected person. The HTLV-3(2026ND) genome is 8,917 bp long and is genetically equidistant from HTLV-1 and HTLV-2, sharing about 62% identity. Phylogenetic analysis of all gene regions confirms this relationship and shows that HTLV-3 falls within the diversity of STLV-3, suggesting a primate origin. However, HTLV-3(2026ND) is unique, sharing only 87% to 92% sequence identity with STLV-3. SimPlot and phylogenetic analysis did not reveal any evidence of genetic recombination with either HTLV-1, HTLV-2, or STLV-3. Molecular dating estimates that the ancestor of HTLV-3 is as old as HTLV-1 and HTLV-2, with an inferred divergence time of 36,087 to 54,067 years ago. HTLV-3 has a prototypic genomic structure, with all enzymatic, regulatory, and structural proteins preserved. Like STLV-3, HTLV-3 is missing a third 21-bp transcription element found in the long terminal repeats of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 but instead contains a unique activator protein-1 transcription factor upstream of the 21-bp repeat elements. A PDZ motif, like that in HTLV-1, which is important for cellular signal transduction and transformation, is present in the C terminus of the HTLV-3 Tax protein. A basic leucine zipper region located in the antisense strand of HTLV-1, believed to play a role in viral replication and oncogenesis, was also found in the complementary strand of HTLV-3. The ancient origin of HTLV-3, the broad distribution of STLV-3 in Africa, and the propensity of STLVs to cross species into humans all suggest that HTLV-3 may be prevalent and support the need for expanded surveillance for this virus.
A categorization of multiscale-decomposition-based image fusion schemes with a performance study for a digital camera application

The objective of image fusion is to combine information from multiple images of the same scene. The result of image fusion is a single image which is more suitable for human and machine perception or further image-processing tasks. In this paper, a generic image fusion framework based on multiscale decomposition is studied. This framework provides freedom to choose different multiscale decomposition methods and different fusion rules. The framework includes all of the existing multiscale-decomposition-based fusion approaches we found in the literature which did not assume a statistical model for the source images. Different image fusion approaches are investigated based on this framework. Some evaluation measures are suggested and applied to compare the performance of these fusion schemes for a digital camera application. The comparisons indicate that our framework includes some new approaches which outperform the existing approaches for the cases we consider.
A Review of “Tactical Media (Electronic Mediations)”

Immense research has focused on the impact of new media as agents of collaboration and participation (e.g., Shirky 2008; Tapscott and Williams 2006). Nowhere is this focus more evident than in how ...
Stochastic Roadmap Simulation for The Study of Ligand-Protein Interactions

Understanding the dynamics of ligand-protein interactions is indispensable in the design of novel therapeutic agents. In this paper, we establish the use of Stochastic Roadmap Simulation (SRS) for the study of ligand-protein interactions through two studies. In our first study, we measure the effects of mutations on the catalytic site of a protein, a process called computational mutagenesis. In our second study, we focus on distinguishing the catalytic site from other putative binding sites. SRS compactly represents many Monte Carlo (MC) simulation paths in a compact graph structure, or roadmap. Furthermore, SRS allows us to analyze all the paths in this roadmap simultaneously. In our application of SRS to the domain of ligand-protein interactions, we consider a new parameter called escape time, the expected number of MC simulation steps required for the ligand to escape from the 'funnel of attraction' of the binding site, as a metric for analyzing such interactions. Although computing escape times would probably be infeasible with MC simulation, these computations can be performed very efficiently with SRS. Our results for six mutant complexes for the first study and seven ligand-protein complexes for the second study, are very promising: In particular, the first results agree well with the biological interpretation of the mutations, while the second results show that escape time is a good metric to distinguish the catalytic site for five out of seven complexes.
Control of urine marking by use of long-term treatment with fluoxetine or clomipramine in cats

Objective—To determine whether clomipramine differs from fluoxetine in reducing feline urine marking; whether reduction of marking continues in cats treated > 8 weeks; whether recurrence of marking, after abrupt drug withdrawal, is less in cats treated > 8 weeks; and whether cats that are successfully treated but resume marking after drug withdrawal can be successfully treated again with the same drug regimen. Design—Positive-controlled, double-masked clinical trial. Animals—22 neutered cats (2 females, 20 males) ≥ 1 year old with objectionable urine marking. Procedure—Cats that marked vertically ≥ 3 times/wk were treated with fluoxetine (1 mg/kg [0.45 mg/lb], q 24 h, PO) or clomipramine (0.5 mg/kg [0.23 mg/lb], q 24 h, PO) for 16 weeks, and efficacy was compared. Recurrence of marking was determined after abrupt withdrawal of fluoxetine at 16 or 32 weeks. Reduction in marking in cats treated with fluoxetine for 8 weeks after returning to marking following drug withdrawal was compared with the initial 8 w...
Extent to which accepted serum lipid goals are achieved in a contemporary general medical population with coronary heart disease risk equivalents

This study examined lipid levels and the use of lipid-altering drugs in a contemporary general medical population without documented coronary heart disease (CHD) but with CHD risk equivalents. On the basis of present national guidelines, the following lipid values (in milligrams per deciliter) were considered optimal for this population: low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Sampling Biases in Studies of Gender and Schizophrenia: A Reply

Some of the findings on gender differences in schizophrenia have been inconsistent, particularly, those regarding brain abnormalities. The inconsistency in findings most likely can be explained by sampling differences across studies. Walker and Lewine argue that the sampling differences can be explained, in large part, by gender differences in help-seeking behavior and commitment status. This article argues that commitment status does not explain sampling discrepancies in studies on gender differences in schizophrenia .
Ezetimibe and atorvastatin both immunoregulate CD4+ T cells from cardiac transplant recipients invitro.

Background Statins are LDL lowering agents that reduce cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) incidence after cardiac transplantation. Furthermore, ‘pleiotropic effects’ including immunomodulation have been demonstrated by statins following transplantation. It has also been previously suggested that ezetimibe may exert specific effects on the innate immune system invitro. We compared the effects of ezetimibe and atorvastatin on T lymphocytes invitro on the justification that these cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, allograft rejection and CAV. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from 30 cardiac transplant recipients and co-cultured with the study drug (or placebo) over 48 h. In total, 150 cultures were performed (5 per patient). Drug concentrations were calculated to simulate 10 mg or 100 mg daily in a 70 kg adult. Flow cytometry was performed to analyse T lymphocyte counts and functional characteristics. Results Ezetimibe reduced the standard CD3+CD4+ T cell count and CD3+CD4+CD45ro T memory count by dose linear effect (p < 0.001). Atorvastatin also reduced the CD3+CD4+ T cell count and CD3+CD4+CD45ro T memory count by dose linear effect (p = 0.005). Neither drug affected CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Discussion Both atorvastatin and ezetimibe may have selective immunomodulatory properties independent of their mechanisms of LDL lowering, given that both drugs affect CD4 T helper cells but have no effect on CD8 cytotoxic lymphocytes invitro. Although speculative, both of these agents could potentially offer benefits to the transplant patient by modulating important components of the adaptive immune system. CD4+ cells in particular are implicated in both CAV and rejection processes.
Input, innateness, and induction in language acquisition.

Input and innateness compliment one another in language acquisition. Children exposed to different languages acquire different languages. Children's language experience, however, underdetermines the grammars that they acquire; the constraints that are not supplied by input must be available endogenously, and the ultimate origin of these endogenous contributions to acquistion may be traced to the biology of the mind. To the extent that assumptions of innateness encourage greater explicitness in the formulation of theories of acquisition, they should be welcomed. Excessively powerful assumptions of innateness may not be subject to empirical disconfirmation, however. Therefore, attention should be devoted to the development of a theory of language input, particularly with regard to identifying invariants of input. In combination with a linguistic theory providing an account of the end-state of acquisition, a theory of input would permit the deduction of properties of the mind that underlie the acquisition of language.
Mechanisms regulating adipocyte expression of resistin.

Abstract Resistin, also known as AdipocyteSecreted Factor (ADSF) and Found inInflammatory Zone 3 (FIZZ3), is a mouse protein with potential roles in insulin resistance and adipocyte differentiation. The resistin gene is expressed almost exclusively in adipocytes. Here we show that a proximal 264-base pair fragment of the mouse resistin promoter is sufficient for expression in adipocytes. Ectopic expression of the adipogenic transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPα) was sufficient for expression in non-adipogenic cells. C/EBPα binds specifically to a site that is essential for expression of the resistin promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies of the endogenous gene demonstrated adipocyte-specific association of C/EBPα with the proximal resistin promoter in adipocytes but not preadipocytes. C/EBPα binding was associated with the recruitment of coactivators p300 and CREB-binding protein and a dramatic increase in histone acetylation in the vicinity of the resistin promoter. The antidiabetic thiazolidinedione (TZD) drug rosiglitazone reduced resistin expression with an ED50 similar to its K dfor binding to peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Other TZD- and non-TZD PPARγ ligands also down-regulated resistin expression. However, no functional PPARγ binding site was found within 6.2 kb of the transcriptional start site, suggesting that if PPARγ is involved, it is either acting at a long distance from the start site, in an intron, or indirectly. Nevertheless, rosiglitazone treatment selectively decreased histone acetylation at the resistin promoter without a change in occupation by C/EBPα, CREB-binding protein, or p300. Thus, adipocyte specificity of resistin gene expression is because of C/EBPα binding, leading to the recruitment of transcriptional coactivators and histone acetylation that is characteristic of an active chromatin environment. TZD reduces resistin gene expression at least in part by reducing histone acetylation associated with the binding of C/EBPα in mature adipocytes.
Large-Sample Theory

To this point, most of the statistical results in this book concern properties that hold in some exact sense. An estimator is either sufficient or not, unbiased or not, Bayes or not. If exact properties are impractical or not available, statisticians often rely on approximations. This chapter gives several of the most basic results from probability theory used to derive approximations. Several notions of convergence for random variables and vectors are introduced, and various limit theorems are presented. These results are used in this chapter and later to study and compare the performance of various estimators in large samples.
Confirmation Method of Optimal Operating Mode for 600 MW Unit Circulating Water Pump

This paper compares and analyzes the characteristic tests of the continuous adjustable and unadjustable types of circulating water systems for 600 MW units.The energy saving optimization calculation of circulating water system operating mode is carried out by profit balance method and profit maximization method to confirm the optimal operating modes of circulating water pump under various unit loads,circulating water inlet temperatures.The calculation results can serve as a reference for optimization of circulating pumps by operators.
The effects of stance configuration and target distance on reaching. I. Movement preparation

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the focal and postural components of a functional movement during the preparatory phase of a task. The contribution of the arms, trunk, and legs were varied by having subjects reach for two targets within and two beyond arm's length. In addition, the degree of postural stability was manipulated by varying the size of the base of support (BoS). Nine subjects reached and grasped a dowel placed at four locations while standing on a force plate with their feet in a parallel or step stance (right foot forward) under simple reaction-time (RT) conditions. Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) occurring prior to arm movement and RTs were analyzed. APAs varied depending on the demands of the task. For movements within arm's length, subjects selected different strategies to initiate the movement. However, for movements beyond arm's length, all subjects used the same strategy: the center of pressure (CoP) was shifted posteriorly, which resulted in the center of mass (CoM) moving towards the target. Target distance and BoS had no effect on the onset of APAs. In contrast, amplitude and duration of APAs increased linearly with target distance, and amplitude was always greater during the more posturally stable BoS configuration. Although wrist RT increased linearly with movement amplitude for both stance configurations, the rate of change was less under the more stable BoS. These results suggest that, during the performance of a functional task, dynamic changes that occur in the trunk and lower extremities prior to initiation of arm movement serve not only to stabilize the body, but are also used to initiate and assist whole-body reaching.
Experience with anatomic breast implants.

Differences between round and anatomic breast implants and the effects of each implant shape on the shape of the breast following augmentation have been a subject of considerable discussion during the past two years. In this article, the authors present their interpretation of data that conflicts with a previous published study and indicates significant differences between round and anatomic implants.
Earliest Settlers: The Canaanites

The dawn of recorded history, breaking three thousand years before Christ, found a Semitic-speaking people in occupation of the Lebanese littoral. They called themselves Canaanites. Canaan was the earliest native name generally applied to Lebanon-Syria-Palestine. Modern linguistic research indicates close relationship between Canaanites, Amorites, Assyro-Babylonians, Hebrews and Arabians. Presumably they all had the same origin, somewhere in the Arabian peninsula. The term Phoenicians came later from a Greek word meaning purple red and was used for those Canaanites of the littoral who traded in purple cloth and dye with the Greeks.