cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health-Related Strains and Subsequent Delinquency and Marijuana Use

General strain theory provides one framework for explaining the relationship between physical health and delinquency, pointing to mechanisms such as negative emotions, social bonds, and stress proliferation. Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to examine these hypothetical mediators. Controlling for demographic factors, prior illicit behavior, and other strains, results from a series of regressions indicated that health-related strain (HRS) was positively associated with subsequent delinquency and marijuana use. Stressors at school were the primary mediators of these effects. Absences from school and social life due to health problems exerted an independent effect. The results lend support to the idea that experiencing HRS contributes to the proliferation of stress in other life domains, increasing the likelihood of delinquency and marijuana use.
Fast channel performance evaluation using time domain metrics

High speed interconnects operating at multi-Gbps or even higher have been widely used in computer systems. The link simulation methodology is getting more and more complicated and it is often a challenging task to evaluate the full link signal integrity performance. Meanwhile, understanding the impact of each link component to the full link performance is complicated and time-consuming, but critical to a successful and cost-effective design. In this paper, we demonstrate an automated fast and efficient link decomposition procedure, using simple time domain metrics, to evaluate the impact of each component on full link performance. Application examples are provided to quantify importance of each component on full link performance, as well as provide directions for link optimization, crosstalk mitigation, etc.
Boiling Curves and Visual Observations of Subcooled Flow Boiling of Water Over a Horizontal Plate Heater in a Rectangular Channel

A 20-mm-width × 30-mm-length flat copper heater in a 30-mm-width × 20-mm-height cross-sectional rectangular channel was used to simulate the forced convection flow and subcooled flow boiling in standard engine cooling systems. To visualize the effects of velocity, subcooling, and pressure, a high-speed camera was used. The subcooling ranged from 10°C to 50°C, the velocity from 0.5 m/s to 4 m/s, the pressure from 1 atm to 2.6 atm, and the heat flux from 0 W/cm2 to 80 W/cm2 . The measured forced convection and boiling curves of water were presented along with high-speed photographs.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Firmware/hardware support for operating systems: principles and selected history

Firmware/hardware support for operating systems is described briefly, and proposed criteria for determining which operating system functions are the best candidates for firmware/hardware implementation are listed. A selected history of the area is presented in three sections: past and current research in support for virtual machines and two sections on past and current research in support for non -- virtual machine operating system functions.
Parallel algorithms for power estimation

Sev eral tec hniques currently exist for estimating the pow er dissipation of combinational and sequen tialcircuits using exhaustive sim ulation,Monte Carlo sampling, and probabilistic estimation. Exhaustive sim ulation and Monte Carlo sampling techniques can be highly reliable but often require long runtimes. This paper presents a comprehensive study of pattern-p artitioning and circuit-p artitioning parallelization schemes for those tw o methodologies in the con text of distributed-memory multiprocessing systems. Issues in pip eline dev ent-driv en simulation and dynamic load balancing are addressed. Experimental results are presented for an IBM SP-2 system and a netw ork of HP-9000 workstations. F or instance, runtimes have been reduced from over 3 hours to under 20 minutes in one case.
Mixed alkoxide-anilide d3-d3 dimers of molybdenum and tungsten. The X-ray crystal structures of M2(OBut)4(HNPh)2(H2NPh)2 (M = Mo, W)

Abstract The reactions in diethyl-ether/hexane solutions between aniline and M2(OBut)6 (M = Mo, W) produce M2(OBut)4(HNPh)2(H2NPh)2 in high yield (79–85%) as red-black crystals. The compounds are air-sensitive, soluble in aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, and exhibit dynamic NMR behaviour. The IR spectra show v(NH) at 3320 and 3100 cm−1, corresponding to aniline and anilide NH stretches, respectively. The X-ray crystal structures of M2(OBut)4(HNPh)2(H2NPh)2 are isomorphous for molybdenum and tungsten and reveal eclipsed four-coordinate, essentially planar ends supporting a metal-metal triple bond. Some important bond lengths and angles for W2(OBut)4(HNPh)2(H2NPh)2 (Mo2(OBut)4(NHPh)2(NH2Ph)2 in parentheses) are as follows (at − 169°C and − 168°C): MM 2.3225(8) [2.2538(7)], MO = 1.93 (1.94) (ave), 1.98 (1.96) (ave), MN (amide) 1.97 (ave) [1.99 (ave)], MN (amine) 2.37 A (ave) [2.36 A (ave)].
High-frequency noise performance of SiGe p-channel MODFETs

For the first time, an investigation into the microwave noise performance of SiGe-based MODFETs is presented. The devices were 0.1 /spl mu/m gate-length p-channel MODFETs fabricated on a high-mobility SiGe strained-layer heterostructure grown by UHV-CVD and had a unity gain cutoff frequency f/sub T/ of 42 GHz and maximum frequency of oscillation f/sub max/ of 69 GHz at a drain-to-source bias voltage V/sub ds/ of -0.6 V. A minimum noise figure F/sub min/ of 1.1 dB and an associated gain G/sub a/ of 18 dB were obtained at 3 GHz, while values of F/sub min/=1.7 dB and G/sub a/=12 dB were obtained at 10 GHz. These values are comparable to those of SiGe production HBTs, and demonstrate the suitability of SiGe MODFETs for RF and microwave communications applications.
Breast abnormalities in patients with cystic fibrosis: Previously unrecognized changes

We reviewed breast tissue from 19 female postpubertal and three prepubertal patients with cystic fibrosis to determine the histopathologic changes present. Autopsy material was available from 19 patients who died from complications of cystic fibrosis. Two patients had lumpectomies for breast carcinoma and an additional patient had a breast biopsy and bilateral prophylactic mastectomies for breast carcinoma. The postpubertal patients ranged in age from 18 to 50 years (median age, 32 years). The histologic changes in the breast of female patients with cystic fibrosis have not been fully studied, and the only case reported suggests that these patients suffered from complete lobular agenesis. This study shows that postpubertal breasts had normal development and varying degrees of fibrosis affecting lobular units and ducts, and that proliferative lesions and carcinoma could be encountered.
Nocturnal Journeys and Ritual Dances in Bernardino of Siena

This article takes its starting point in a story from a famous fifteenth-century sermon against sorcery by Bernardino of Siena. The story involves a solitary page travelling through a rural area who finds a group of people dancing on a threshing floor; at dawn, all the dancers vanish but one one girl to whom the page is holding fast. This girl is not treated by Bernardino as a sorceress, though the larger context of the story makes the absence of the perception of sorcery something of a puzzle. In search of possible origins for this story, the author examines an array of parallels, suggesting ultimately that Bernardino’s story could be linked to actual folk practices that involved nocturnal dancing.
Right-to-left veno-arterial shunting for right-sided circulatory failure

Background. Right-sided circulatory failure, a complication of heart transplantation and left ventricular assist device use, results in decreased cardiac output due to diminished flow across the pulmonary circuit. We hypothesized that creation of a controlled right-to-left shunt would result in decompression of the right ventricle and improved systemic cardiac output at tolerable oxygen saturations. We also hypothesized that a peripheral veno-arterial shunt is physiologically superior to a central shunt. Methods. Right atrial—femoral artery and right atrial—left atrial shunts were created in a large animal model (calf). Right-sided circulatory failure was induced by banding the pulmonary artery. Hemodynamic measures and blood gas determinations were obtained during nonshunted and shunted states. Results. Peripheral and central shunts resulted in decreased right-sided pressures and increased cardiac output. Arterial oxygen saturation remained greater than 90% during shunting. The peripheral shunt had the added advantage of decreasing left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and left ventricular stroke work. Conclusions. A controlled right-to-left shunt improved hemodynamics and cardiac output in a large animal model with right-sided circulatory failure. This strategy may be useful in the management of transplant and left ventricular assist device recipients with perioperative right-sided circulatory failure. Our studies also indicate that creation of a peripheral shunt has both physiologic and technical advantages over a central shunt.
Radar-Measured Reaction Times of Unalerted Drivers to Brake Signals:

This article concerns the responses of drivers to brake signals in actual traffic. The data were collected in a project investigating the potential benefits of high-mounted brake lights. The responses were obtained from unalerted drivers who at the time of the trial were following behind a test car and in front of a monitoring car. The test car (a compact or a full-size) was equipped on 69% of the trials with one or two supplemental brake lights, mounted just below the rear window or at roof level. A Doppler radar antenna was mounted at the center of the front bumper of the monitoring car. The radar monitored changes in the speed of the subject's vehicle and generated a trace on one track of an event-recorder. A telemetered input from the test car produced a deflection on the second track of the tape, corresponding to the start and end of the brake signal. The trials were run on two different routes, urban and suburban (speed: 32 to 40 km/hr and 56 to 72 km/hr, respectively; inter-car spacing: 1 to 2 car lengths and 3 to 5 car lengths, respectively). Only trials meeting all of the following criteria were included in the analysis: (a) The subject's vehicle did not appear to have braked or decelerated in response to vehicles ahead of or adjacent to the test car, to changes in roadway configuration or a traffic control device, or in preparation for turning off the roadway. (b) The roadway was generally flat. (c) The subject's vehicle was a car, van, or pickup truck. A total of 1,644 data points were collected. On 72% of the trials there was a discernible speed change within the 3 sec. following the signal onset, with a mean delay of 1.21 sec. and a standard deviation of .63 sec. By including no-responses and responses longer than 3 sec, the distribution of the speed-change delays under the present conditions can be characterized by a 72 percentile value of 3 sec.
Direct imaging of single metal atoms and clusters in the pores of dealuminated HY zeolite

Zeolites are aluminosilicate materials that contain regular three-dimensional arrays of molecular-scale pores, and they can act as hosts for catalytically active metal clusters. The catalytic properties of such zeolites depend on the sizes and shapes of the clusters, and also on the location of the clusters within the pores. Transmission electron microscopy has been used to image single atoms and nanoclusters on surfaces, but the damage caused by the electron beam has made it difficult to image zeolites. Here, we show that aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy can be used to determine the locations of individual metal atoms and nanoclusters within the pores of a zeolite. We imaged the active sites of iridium catalysts anchored in dealuminated HY zeolite crystals, determined their locations and approximate distance from the crystal surface, and deduced a possible cluster formation mechanism.
The development of the knee joint of the chick and its corelation with embryonic staging

The development of the elbow joint was examined in 67 staged chick embryos. It proved possible to correlate the internal limb development with the external embryonic staging. A summary of the chief events in the development of the chick elbow joint is given in the Table, which also provides comparative data on the human elbow joint and the corresponding features of the chick knee joint. A close similarity exists between the morphogenesis of these synovial joints in the chick and in the human, in contrast to noticeable differences in osteogenesis between the two species.
A negotiation game for multichannel access in cognitive radio networks

We consider the problem of efficient opportunistic spectrum access in cognitive radio networks where there are multiple secondary users trying to share access to multiple channels. In our formulation, each user has a potentially different valuation of each channel and wishes to pick a channel in such a way as to maximize its benefit without interfering with other users. There is a fundamental tradeoff in this problem -- while information about other secondary users is useful in making a good channel sensing/access decision, the communication cost of gathering this information must be taken into account. We formulate the problem as a multi-round negotiation game in which the users try to gather "just-enough-information" to make their decisions. The channel valuations are modeled as independently uniformly distributed random variables between 0 and 1. We propose a threshold-based channel sensing policy based on observations from a previous work. For a two-user two-channel setting, we calculate optimal thresholds, and obtain the corresponding performance for cases with no information exchange, partial information exchange, and full information exchange. We then show how the optimal amount of information exchange varies with the cost of negotiation.
A New Molecular Logic for BMP-Mediated Dorsoventral Patterning in the Leech Helobdella

Summary Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is broadly implicated in dorsoventral (DV) patterning of bilaterally symmetric animals [1–3], and its role in axial patterning apparently predates the birth of Bilateria [4–7]. In fly and vertebrate embryos, BMPs and their antagonists (primarily Sog/chordin) diffuse and interact to generate signaling gradients that pattern fields of cells [8–10]. Work in other species reveals diversity in essential facets of this ancient patterning process, however. Here, we report that BMP signaling patterns the DV axis of segmental ectoderm in the leech Helobdella , a clitellate annelid (superphylum Lophotrochozoa) featuring stereotyped developmental cell lineages, but the detailed mechanisms of DV patterning in Helobdella differ markedly from fly and vertebrates. In Helobdella , BMP2/4s are expressed broadly, rather than in dorsal territory, whereas a dorsally expressed BMP5–8 specifies dorsal fate by short-range signaling. A BMP antagonist, gremlin, is upregulated by BMP5–8 in dorsolateral, rather than ventral territory, and yet the BMP-antagonizing activity of gremlin is required for normal ventral cell fates. Gremlin promotes ventral fates without disrupting dorsal fates by selectively inhibiting BMP2/4s, not BMP5–8. Thus, DV patterning in the development of the leech revealed unexpected evolutionary plasticity of the conserved BMP patterning system, presumably reflecting its adaptation to different modes of embryogenesis.
Abstract C130: Inhibition of NF-κB activity promotes radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells in three-dimensional culture via a β1-integrin-mediated pathway.

Radioresistance markedly impairs the efficacy of tumor radiotherapy and involves prosurvival signal transduction pathways that prevent radiation-induced cell death. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a stress-sensitive heterodimeric transcription factor in the regulation of the stress-responsive genes, has been shown to initiate prosurvival signaling in response to ionizing radiation (IR). The cooperative function of NF-κB with other key stress elements in radioresistance has not been clearly defined. We have previously reported that induction of β1-integrin is associated with the enhanced cell survival of breast cancer cells after exposure to clinically relevant doses of IR. Because a typical NF-κB binding site was identified in human β1-integrin promoter region, β1-integrin-mediated resistance to radiation may be regulated by NF-κB. The aim of the present study was to reveal a connection between NF-κB and β1-integrin pathways in radioprotection of malignant T4-2 mammary epithelial cells in 3D lrECM (three-dimensional laminin-rich extracellular matrix). We show that the elevated NF-κB activity was correlated with enhanced clonogenic survival with an increase in total and phosphorylated (Thr 788/789) β1-integrins. Inhibition of NF-κB activation significantly reduced clonogenic survival with the inhibition of β1-integrin, suggesting that NF-κB-mediated induction of β1-integrin is associated with an increased radiation resistance. Treatment of malignant human breast cell colonies, T4-2 with NF-κB activation inhibitor at Day 4 in 3D lrECM before exposure to IR (4-Gy X-ray) resulted in a reduction of the size of colonies. The surviving colonies were associated with a decrease in proliferation and increase in apoptosis, indicating a decrease of resistance to IR. Using an ELISA-based DNA binding assay, we next determined that the binding of NF-κB to its target sequence on β1-integrin promoter region was significantly increased by IR. These data suggest that IR-induced increase in β1-integrin protein expression is mediated by NF-κB activation and subsequent binding of NF-κB to the β1-integrin promoter. Taken together, our results provide the first evidence that NF-κB-mediated β1-integrin expression is responsible for tumor radioresistance. The NF-κB/β1-integrin pathway could provide new insight into the development of new therapeutic modalities to re-sensitize radioresistant tumor cells. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C130.
Head and Facial Wounds in Dogs and Cats

Injuries to the head and facial area are common in small animal surgery. Although many of the injuries at first may seem formidable, most can be repaired using basic reconstructive surgery procedures. The excel-lent blood supply in this area and the availability of local tissues provide many options for repairing most wounds. This article describes the indications and techniques for reconstructing wounds in this area.
Effect of bond perturbation on stark ladders in crystals

Abstract The influence of the bond perturbation on the Stark ladders in both infinite and finite crystals is shown to be significant. In the former case, a previous result is corrected.
Charging effects and the phase-ordering transition in granular superconductors

We examine the influence of the charging energy on the phase-ordering transition in a lattice of superconducting grains connected by Josephson coupling. We use a finite-temperature self-consistent phonon procedure which is a generalization of the $T=0$ method of Simanek. The transition temperature ${T}_{c}$ is found to be monotonically reduced as the ratio of charging energy to Josephson coupling energy is increased. No evidence of reentrant normal behavior is seen. The specific heat for the phase degrees of freedom is seen to be phononlike ($\ensuremath{\sim}{T}^{3}$) at sufficiently low temperatures, diverging at ${T}_{c}$. The ${T}^{3}$ behavior persists to very small charging energies. Effects of site-dilution disorder are considered qualitatively using an estimate of "phase-phonon" softening derived from spin-wave-stiffness results of Harris and Kirkpatrick. For a given nonzero charging energy, the critical concentration for onset of phase coherence always exceeds the site-percolation threshold because of zero-point phase fluctuations. Criteria for possible experimental observation of "phase-phonon" effects are discussed, and a simple experiment is proposed.
Quantum simulation of the yellow emission band of CsXe

Quantum spectral simulations of the yellow excimer emission band of CsXe are presented. Synthetic spectra as a function of wave number are calculated for the 2 Sigma 1/2 + (7s) - 2 Sigma 1/2 + (6s) transition by the use of the equation of Tellinghuisen et al. (1976) with a theoretical potential for the ground state and a Morse potential curve with an electron frequency of 32/cm for the excited state. Results based on emission studies at 450 K and 200 and 800 torr, are found to be consistent with absorption studies. The undulatory structure observed in the spectrum is attributed not to the vibrational spacing in the excited state, but rather to a characteristic reflection structure associated with nearly parallel upper and lower potential curves.
Essential functions of DNA topoisomerase I in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) is an essential enzyme involved in replication, transcription, and recombination. To probe the functions of topo I during Drosophila development, we used topl-deficient flies with heat-shock-inducible topl transgenes and were able to observe both zygotic and maternal functions of topl. A critical period for the zygotic function is in the late larval and early pupal stages. Topo I is required for larval growth and cell proliferation in imaginal disc tissues. The maternal functions consist of two aspects: oogenesis and early embryogenesis. During oogenesis, topo I is detected in the nuclei of early germ-line cells and follicle cells. The mutant ovary exhibits abnormal proliferation and defective nuclear morphology in these cells. There are extranumeral germ-line cells in individual egg chambers, while the follicle cells are underreplicated. Topo I is also stored maternally in early embryos. It localizes to the nuclei during interphase and prophase, but disperses into the cytoplasm at metaphase. Embryos from the mutant mother frequently show disrupted nuclear divisions with defects in chromosome condensation and segregation. The cytological and genetic analysis of the topl mutant demonstrates that in Drosophila, topo I plays critical roles in many developmental stages active in cell proliferation.
Plasma spraying of carbon-coated TiC powders in air and inert atmosphere

Abstract An important carbon loss occurs during the plasma spraying of TiC in air and, to a lesser extent, in an inert atmosphere. Moreover, an increase in the oxygen content is observed in coatings sprayed in air. In the present study, different carbon coatings were applied to TiC powders by an agglutination coating technique in order to control both the carbon stoichiometry and the oxygen content within sprayed coatings. The effects of the carbon crystalline form (graphite or carbon black) and of the coating weight percentage deposited on TiC particles on the chemical composition and microstructure of plasma-sprayed coatings were investigated. An increase in both combined and free carbon content and a decrease in the oxygen contamination were observed in coatings sprayed in air with the carbon-black-coated TiC powders. On the other hand, graphite coatings applied to TiC particles had a less significant effect on the composition of coatings sprayed in air or in the inert atmosphere. Severely decarbonized and oxidized zones were found within coatings sprayed in air.
Design considerations to enhance the modulation efficiency and cutoff frequency of AlGaN/InGaN/GaN HEMTs

This paper investigates the optimization of design parameters to achieve enhanced modulation efficiency and cutoff frequency in AlGaN/InGaN/GaN HEMTs. The frequency dependent current gain of the device is simulated for different AlGaN thicknesses, taking into account the polarization fields and strain effects. The implementation of an underlap junction is discussed and it is demonstrated that the underlap improves the channel velocity so that current gain cutoff frequency-gate length product of 19.45 GHz-μm can be realized.
Primary Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma of the External Genitalia

CUTANEOUS T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a rare disease defined by localized cutaneous infiltration of atypical T cells. The incidence in the United States is approximately 0.36/100,000. Primary CTCL of the genitalia is especially rare, as it typically manifests on the unexposed portions of the trunk, upper extremities and back. CTCL has been extensively subclassified by receptor predominance and mycosis fungoides is the most common variant. CTCL of the external genitalia may present as a plaque, patch or ulcer of the glans, penile skin or scrotum. Associated Fournier’s gangrene of the penile and perineal tissues has also been reported. Rarely, recurrent balanitis and impressive phimosis occur with primary CTCL of the uncircumcised male foreskin. Histological examination of the foreskin at low power with hematoxylin and eosin stain reveals infiltration of small to medium sized lymphocytes with marked epidermotropism (fig. 1). Pautrier microabscesses are the classically described intraepidermal lymphocyte clusters. Abnormal cere-
Detecting glycan cancer biomarkers in serum samples using MALDI FT-ICR mass spectrometry data

Motivation: The development of better tests to detect cancer in its earliest stages is one of the most sought-after goals in medicine. Especially important are minimally invasive tests that require only blood or urine samples. By profiling oligosaccharides cleaved from glycosylated proteins shed by tumor cells into the blood stream, we hope to determine glycan profiles that will help identify cancer patients using a simple blood test. The data in this article were generated using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (MALDI FT-ICR MS). We have developed novel methods for analyzing this type of mass spectrometry data and applied it to eight datasets from three different types of cancer (breast, ovarian and prostate). Results: The techniques we have developed appear to be effective in the analysis of MALDI FT-ICR MS data. We found significant differences between control and cancer groups in all eight datasets, including two structurally related compounds that were found to be significantly different between control and cancer groups in all three types of cancer studied. Availability: The software used to perform the analysis described in this article is available in the form of an R package called fticrms, version 0.6, either from the Comprehensive R Archive Network ( http://www.r-project.org/) or from the first author. Contact: barkda@wald.ucdavis.edu
Effects of supersaturation on the structure and properties of poly(9,9-dioctyl fluorene) organogels

Rheological and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements are used to characterize the gelation of poly(9,9-dioctyl fluorene) in organic solvents. The effect of supersaturation over the system's structure and properties is quantified. A variable range of solvent compositions and temperatures are used to control supersaturation. The mechanical and structural properties of the gels are characterized under different gelation conditions. Rheological studies reveal a strong dependency between the level of supersaturation of the system and the gelation kinetics. Samples start gelling faster and form stronger gels as the supersaturation of the system increased by lowering the temperature. Fits using the Avrami theory of phase change reveal a systematic variation in the dimensionality of the networks as the driving force for gelation is varied. A lower dimensionality is found for gels formed at lower supersaturation, whereas higher dimensionality typical of bifurcated networks appears as the supersaturation increases. SANS and USANS experiments also provide insight into structural variations occurring over several length scales. A power law dependence appears at low-q (6.0 × 10−4 < q < 4.0 × 10−3 A−1) showing a higher exponent at low supersaturation indicating the formation of polymer-rich and solvent-rich domains with a well defined interface. Meanwhile, at higher supersaturation, the exponent value systematically decreases indicating that a more intermixed network–solvent system is formed. This is also corroborated with sTEM images for several polymer–solvent systems. The system's conductivity is also probed during gelation but there are no observable differences between the sol and the gel states for any of the systems. This study demonstrates the possibility of controlling network structures in conjugated polymers by changing the driving forces that are used for aggregation so that it may be possible to optimize the structure of organogels for specific applications.
Future read channel technologies and challenges for high density data storage applications

The paper gives a brief description of the data storage technologies that are expected to appear in the near future, and the challenges these new systems bring to designing robust read channels. We focus on perpendicular, heat assisted magnetic recording and probe storage systems.
U.S. Healthcare Reform: International Perspectives (TN)

The national economic implications of rising healthcare costs were poorly understood, even as the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom instituted reforms in early 2010. Presenting opportunities for cross-national policy learning, this case describes the political economy of healthcare reform. In late March 2010, a major healthcare reform act was signed into law in the United States, expanding coverage and regulating insurers. However, it was not clear that expanding coverage would resolve a longstanding dilemma of rising costs for insurance and care. As the Department of Health and Human Services implemented the new law, it drew on lessons from Germany, which had implemented changes to regulated but competitive insurance and provider markets, and the United Kingdom, which had introduced market-style initiatives while keeping insurance and delivery under the National Health Service.
The "finger," a unique multicellular morphology of Candida albicans induced by CO2 and dependent upon the Ras1-cyclic AMP pathway.

Most experiments exploring the basic biology of pathogenic microbes are performed in vitro under conditions that do not usually mimic those of their host niche. Hence, developmental programs initiated by specific host cues may be missed in vitro. We have tested the effects of growing low-density agar cultures of the yeast pathogen Candida albicans in concentrations of CO2 found in the gastrointestinal tract. It is demonstrated that in physiological concentrations of CO2 at 37°C, yeast cells form a heretofore undescribed multicellular “finger” morphology distinct from a previously described stalk-like structure induced by high doses of UV irradiation that kills more than 99.99% of cells. The finger extends aerially, is uniform in diameter, and is visible to the naked eye, attaining lengths of 3 mm. It is composed of a basal yeast cell monolayer adhering to a semispherical crater formed in the agar and connected to a basal bulb of yeast cells at a fragile interface. The bulb extends into the long shaft. We propose that a single, centrally located hypha extending the length of the shaft forms buds at compartment junctions that serve as the source of the yeast cells in the shaft. A mutational analysis reveals finger formation is dependent upon the pathway Ras1→Cdc35→cyclic AMP (cAMP) (PDE2—|)→Tpk2→Tec1. Because of the mechanically fragile interface and the compactness of bulb and shaft, we suggest that the finger may function as a multicellular dispersal mechanism produced in host niches containing high levels of CO2.
Corporate website accessibility: does legislation matter?

Over 600 million people worldwide have disabilities ranging from visual and hearing impairments to cognitive and motor skill issues. This number is only growing as "Baby Boomers" age. Previous research reveals that those organizations, such as federal agencies and colleges, which are mandated to have accessible websites, do indeed have higher levels of accessible websites than corporate sites do. This led to the current research, which aims at understanding what factors truly impact a company's decision to provide an accessible website. The results of a global survey of managers from a variety of industries uncovered that the key factors for influencing a company's level of website accessibility are the number of IT professionals employed by the firm, the level of accessibility testing performed, and whether the company is mandated to have an accessible website.
Transport and oxidation of SO2 in a stagnant foggy valley

The fate of SO_2 emitted in the San Joaquin Valley of California under stagnant foggy conditions was determined by the release of an inert tracer and the concurrent monitoring of SO_2 and SO_4^(2−) concentrations. At night, SO_2 was found to be trapped in a dense fog layer below a strong and persistent inversion based a few hundred meters above the valley floor. This lack of ventilation led to the accumulation of SO_2 and SO_4^(2−) over a major SO_2 source region in the valley. The rate of oxidation of SO_2 to SO_4^(2−) in fog was estimated at 3 ± 2%h^(−1). Production of acidity from the oxidation of SO_2 fully titrated the NH_3(g) present before the fog, and led to a progressive drop of the fogwater pH over the course of the night. In the afternoon, the valley was found to be efficiently ventilated by a buoyant upslope flow through the inversion. The tracer data indicated that about 40 % of the air transported upslope in the afternoon was returned to the valley in the night-time drainage flow. The fates of SO_2 and SO_4^(2−) in the valley during extended high-inversion episodes appear to depend considerably on the presence of fog or stratus, and on the extent of daytime insolation.
Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein is Reduced in Cerebella of Subjects with Autism

: Autism and fragile X syndrome have multiple behavioral phenotypes in common, however there has been little research into the potential role of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in autism. We sought to measure protein levels of FMRP in the lateral cerebella of subjects with autism and matched controls. We found significantly reduced levels of FMRP (p<0.0063) in subjects with autism. The loss of FMRP expression in subjects with autism may help explain behavioral deficits, presence of seizure, and reduction in GABA receptors in subjects with autism. Declaration of interest: None
Endlessly circulating messages in IEEE 1588-2008 systems

This paper studies conditions where messages endlessly circulate in a system of IEEE 1588-2008 clocks. The study is based on two independent analysis techniques. One uses a discrete event simulation environment for describing the operation of the best master clock (BMC) algorithm in IEEE 1588-2008. The second uses a model checking tool. We discuss several cases illustrating conditions under which circulating messages occur and the effectiveness of measures to squelch these messages. This paper demonstrates that one or more of the squelching mechanisms must be implemented.
Synthesis of Yttria Powders by Electrospray Pyrolysis

Electrospray atomization of high-concentration (∼400 g/L) chemical precursor solutions was applied to the synthesis of yttria powders. Conditions were found which led to high-quality powders, composed of dense, spheroidal, submicrometer, and nanocrystalline oxide particles. The precursor solutions were hydrated yttrium nitrates dissolved in n-propyl alcohol at concentrations ranging from 44.1 to 455 g/L. Electrospray atomization produced submicrometer precursor droplets which were dispersed in air and carried through an electric furnace for thermal decomposition at 500°C for several seconds residence time. X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicated the expected cubic phase. Transmission electron micrographs showed that the particle structure varied with solution composition, ranging from hollow, inflated spheres for 6-hydrated nitrates to dense spheroids for 5-hydrated nitrates. The use of 6-hydrated nitrates in the solutions appeared to form particle surfaces which were impermeable to alcohol vapor evolved during thermal decomposition, leading to hollow, inflated spheres.
Toeplitz operators and algebras of bounded analytic functions on the disk

Here and throughout, A is a closed subalgebra of H ∞ that contains the disk algebra and M ( A ) denotes the maximal ideal space of A . Because A contains the function f o (z) = z , we can define the fiber M λ ( A ) of M (A) for λ e ∂ D (the unit circle) in the usual way; i.e., M λ ( A ) = {φ ∈ M ( A ): f o (φ) = λ}. The Bergman space of the unit disk D is the L 2 ( D , dx dy )-closure of A . Let be the orthogonal projection. For f ∈ L ∞ ( D , dx dy), define the multiplication operator M f : L 2 ( D, dx dy )→ L 2 , ( D, dx dy ) by and define the Toeplitz operator by
Cys redox reactions and metal binding of a Cys2His2 zinc finger

The elucidation of mechanisms by which cysteine (Cys) redox reactions influence metal binding to zinc finger domains is important for understanding the structure and function of zinc fingers. The present studies utilize electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to analyze Cys redox reactions and their influence on metal ion binding to a synthetic polypeptide similar in motif to the third zinc finger of the RNA polymerase II transcription factor, Sp1 (Sp1-3). The differential specificity of metal binding events to this zinc finger domain is demonstrated over a range of redox-altering dithiothreitol, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen ion concentrations. By analyzing this Cys2His2 zinc finger domain at single Da resolution with ESI-MS, shifts in the natural isotope cluster demonstrate that a Cys thiol and thiolate can contribute to Zn2+ and other metal ion coordination. These experiments provide insight into the basic redox chemistry and metal binding mechanisms of Cys2His2 zinc finger domains.
Integrating statistical pair potentials into protein complex prediction

The biophysical study of protein-protein interactions and docking has important implications in our understanding of most complex cellular signaling processes. Most computational approaches to protein docking involve a tradeoff between the level of detail incorporated into the model and computational power required to properly handle that level of detail. In this work, we seek to optimize that balance by showing that we can reduce the complexity of model representation and thus make the computation tractable with minimal loss of predictive performance. We also introduce a pair-wise statistical potential suitable for docking that builds on previous work and show that this potential can be incorporated into our fast fourier transform-based docking algorithm ZDOCK. We use the Protein Docking Benchmark to illustrate the improved performance of this potential compared with less detailed other scoring functions. Furthermore, we show that the new potential performs well on antibody-antigen complexes, with most predictions clustering around the Complementarity Determining Regions of antibodies without any manual intervention.
Research in Corporate Social Performance and Policy

The article reviews the book "Research in Corporate Social Performance and Policy," vol. 3, by Lee E. Preston.
Decreased physical activity predicts cognitive dysfunction and reduced cerebral blood flow in heart failure

Objective Cognitive impairment in heart failure (HF) is believed to result from brain hypoperfusion subsequent to cardiac dysfunction. Physical inactivity is prevalent in HF and correlated with reduced cardiac and cognitive function. Yet, no longitudinal studies have examined the neurocognitive effects of physical inactivity in HF. The current study examined whether reduced physical activity increases risk for cognitive impairment and brain hypoperfusion over time in HF.
Conservation, matching, and the variable-interval schedule

The conservation model was generalized to the variable-interval schedule by incorporating the concept of unscheduled instrumental responses, those which occur in the time before the next setup is due. Thirsty rats responded in constant-duration sessions on two 7-sec schedules that required one leverpress for 25 and 50 licks at a water tube and on a 14-sec 25-lick schedule. In accordance with the model, total licks decreased linearly as total presses increased, and the schedules facilitated leverpressing and suppressed licking relative to paired baseline levels of responding. While the matching model also gave a satisfactory fit to instrumental responding under the schedules, its two constants, representing asymptotic rate of responding and extraneous reinforcement, had anomalous values which led the model to predict that response rate would decrease as the rate of reinforcement increased, directly opposing its prediction for the constant-consumption experiments of its previous tests.
InN nanowire based sensors

High quality InN nanowires (NWs) were grown from nanoscale catalyst patterns by vapor-liquid-solid mechanism. The nanowires bend spontaneously or get deflected from other nanowires at multiples of 30deg forming nano-networks. Smooth and planar NWs used to fabricate field effect transistors (FET) exhibited excellent drain current modulation in a back-gated geometry. The mobility calculated from the I-V characteristics is 36 cm2/Vs, while the carrier concentration is 4.8times1018 cm-3. The NW FET based nanosensor demonstrated high sensitivity to trace NO2 due to a thin In2O3 shell layer present around the InN core. The adsorption of the NO2 molecules reduces the density of the carriers confined at the InN/In2O3 interface, thus reducing the drain current. The change in drain current for a single NW based FET resulted in a very high sensitivity of 45 ppb in ambient conditions. Planar InN nano-networks can potentially offer a much improved sensitivity to trace NO2 in ambient conditions.
Autoregressive Conditional Skewness

We present a framework for modeling and estimating dynamics of variance and skewness from time-series data using a maximum likelihood approach assuming that the errors from the mean have a non-central conditional t distribution. We parameterize conditional variance and conditional skewness in an autoregressive framework similar to that of GARCH models and estimate the parameters in a conditional noncentral t distribution. The likelihood function has two time-varying parameters, the degrees of freedom and the noncentrality parameter. We apply this methodology to daily and monthly equity returns data from the U.S., Germany and Japan, concurrently estimating conditional mean, variance and skewness. We find that there is significant conditional skewness. We then use this model to understand how the inclusion of conditional skewness affects some of the well-known stylized facts about conditional variance and the relation between returns and conditional variance. Two important stylized facts about conditional variance we examine are persistence and asymmetry in variance. Persistence refers to the tendency where high conditional variance is followed by high conditional variance. Asymmetry in variance, i.e., the observation that conditional variance depends on the sign of the innovation to the conditional mean has been documented in asymmetric variance models used in Glosten, Jagannathan, and Runkle (1993) and Engle and Ng (1993). We find that the evidence of asymmetric variance is really just conditional skewness. Inclusion of conditional skewness also impacts the persistence in conditional variance. However, we also find that there are significant seasonalities in variance and the results also depend on how the seasonal effects are accommodated in the estimation methodology. We also examine the relation between expected returns and volatility.
Array CGH on unstimulated blood does not detect all cases of Pallister-Killian syndrome: a skin biopsy should remain the diagnostic gold standard.

A child whose features are consistent with Pallister–Killian syndrome (PKS) did not have detectable tetrasomy 12p due to an additional isochromosome 12p in an unstimulated blood specimen by interphase FISH or array CGH analysis. The diagnosis of PKS was made through these methods solely in a skin biopsy specimen. To determine the sensitivity of our array CGH platform to tetrasomy 12p mosaicism, dilutions of DNA from both the child's skin fibroblasts and a PKS cell line were analyzed. Tetrasomy 12p at 10% mosaicism was identifiable but 5% was below the limit of detection. This result suggests through extrapolation that the tetrasomy 12p is present in <10% of cells in our patient's blood, confirming the tissue-limited mosaicism of PKS. Multiple recent studies show that array CGH provides greater sensitivity than chromosome analysis to detect mosaic abnormalities including that of tetrasomy 12p in blood specimens. However, our case demonstrates that the biology of PKS precludes the exclusive use of array CGH on blood for diagnosis. A tissue sample should continue to be the diagnostic gold standard for PKS. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Concept of WOCE

A discussion is presented of various candidate observational elements for a World Ocean Circulation Experiment and their relative merits for determining aspects of the general circulation. In addition, speculations are offered about the dynamics of the general circulation; in particular, the importance of “stretching vorticity” (i.e., fluctuations in the static stability profile) is emphasized.
The Craniofacial Dysostosis Syndromes: Current Surgical Thinking and Future Directions

Craniofacial dysostosis is the term applied to familial forms of craniosynostosis in which the sutural involvement generally includes the cranial vault, cranial base, and midfacial skeletal structures. The syndromic forms of craniofacial dysostosis were initially described by Carpenter, Apert, Crouzon, Saethre and Chotzen, Pfeiffer, and others. In addition to the dysmorphic cranial features, affected individuals may have profound alterations in facial skeletal development. Surgical reconstruction requires thoughtfully sequenced and staged procedures with consideration for the individual's specific malformations, craniofacial growth patterns, and psychosocial needs. Management of the craniofacial dysostosis syndromes is surgical, but the indications and the timing, type, and effectiveness of each stage of reconstruction have not been well evaluated and remains as much an art as a science. This article reviews the specific characteristic clinical features of the craniofacial dysostosis syndromes and presents current philosophy and rationale for the staging of reconstruction.