cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcineurin Activates Cytoglobin Transcription in Hypoxic Myocytes

Cardiac hypertrophy develops in response to a variety of cardiovascular stresses and results in activation of numerous signaling cascades and proteins. In the present study, we demonstrate that cytoglobin is a stress-responsive hemoprotein in the hypoxia-induced hypertrophic myocardium and it is transcriptionally regulated by calcineurin-dependent transcription factors. The cytoglobin transcript level is abundantly expressed in the adult heart and in response to hypoxia cytoglobin expression is markedly up-regulated within the hypoxia-induced hypertrophic heart. To define the molecular mechanism resulting in the induction of cytoglobin, we undertook a transcriptional analysis of the 5′ upstream regulatory region of the cytoglobin gene. Evolutionarily conserved binding elements for transcription factors HIF-1, AP-1, and NFAT are located within the upstream region of the cytoglobin gene. Transcriptional assays demonstrated that calcineurin activity modulates cytoglobin transcription. Increased calcineurin activity enhances the ability of NFAT and AP-1 to bind to the putative cytoglobin promoter, especially under hypoxic conditions. In addition, inhibition of calcineurin, NFAT, and/or AP-1 activities decreases endogenous cytoglobin transcript and protein levels. Thus, the regulation of cytoglobin transcription by calcineurin-dependent transcription factors suggests that cytoglobin may have a functional role in calcium-dependent events accompanying cardiac remodeling.
Robust chaos in dynamic optimization models

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the (theoretical) importance of chaos as a phenomenon occurring in dynamic optimization problems. The intertemporal models we focus on are specified by a standard aggregative production function, an immediate return function depending on current consumption, capital input and a taste parameter, and a discount factor. We interpret “chaos” as a situation in which the Liapounov exponent of the relevant dynamical system is positive. This notion of chaos is related to the concept of “unpredictability” as measured by the Kolmogorov-Sinai entropy. In the family of intertemporal models, indexed by the taste parameter (with values lying in a closed interval), chaos is considered to be an “unimportant” phenomenon, if the set of parameter values for which chaos occurs is of Lebesgue measure zero. We identify a family of dynamic optimization models, for which the optimal transition functions are represented by the quadratic family of maps. Relying on the mathematical literature on the robustness of chaos for this family of maps, we conclude that chaos cannot be considered to be an unimportant phenomenon in dynamic optimization models.
The Energy-Water Nexus and information exchange: challenges and opportunities

In the near future, the USA will be facing constraints on energy availability owing to the heightened demand for both energy and water, especially during droughts and summers. This is especially true in the American Southwest. Increasing stress on the inextricably linked resource availability of both water and energy can be mitigated with integrated planning. Exchanging data is an important component to current and future mitigation approaches within the Energy-Water Nexus (EWN). We describe the types of relationships that are formed in the US EWN, and address the data-sharing obstacles. Approaches to removing such obstacles are presented, based on case studies.
The influence of technique on fixation of primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract Abstract: This is a prospective, consecutive study of 98 total hip arthroplasties implanted by 1 surgeon in 66 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean follow-up time was 7.4 years (range, 2-13 years). All 98 acetabular components were uncemented titanium fiber metal-coated components fixed with multiple screws. Sixty-five hips had bulk or cancellous allograft for protrusio acetabuli. Following a prospective protocol based on patient age, 51 hips had an uncemented femoral component, and 47 hips had a cemented femoral component. Using the Harris Hip Score, 30 hips were rated as excellent; 44, good; 15, fair; and 9, poor. There were no early deep infections. One hybrid hip was removed for late metastatic infection at 7 years. Radiographic evaluation of 98 acetabular components showed 1 case of septic loosening, 2 cases of aseptic loosening (1 patient asymptomatic), and 1 case with severe wear and ischial osteolysis. None of the 47 cemented femoral components subsided, and osteolysis was seen in only 3 femora (7%). Of the 51 uncemented femoral components, subsidence occurred in 7 hips (14%), and osteolysis occurred in 15 hips (30%). Uncemented acetabular components have a high rate of success in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have a total hip arthroplasty. There is a high rate of subsidence and osteolysis, however, with first-generation cementless femoral components.
LOCATIONAL FACTORS IN THE DECLINING INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF THE NEW YORK URBAN REGION

This paper investigates the locational factors that contributed to the decline of the New York urban region's industries during 1972-1975. Based on the static concept of a specialization index, a dynamic comparative advantage index is constructed. A model is then formulated to test the hypothesis that regional competitive advantage (vis-a-vis the nation) is a function of relative disparities in the change of these locational factors. Regression results show that the region's competitive advantage is influenced positively by the differential rate of change in market size, by the differential profit rate before tax, and negatively by the differential rate of change in unit labor cost and in unit energy cost. The differential tax rate does not seem to affect the region's competitive advantage. Nevertheless, a progressive corporate income tax structure tends to neutralize the beneficial effects of the economies of agglomeration and the urban attraction of the region.
Strategies for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects millions of patients worldwide. As better therapies emerge for treatment of this condition, patients with RA are living longer and are more likely to experience diseases associated with aging such as osteoporosis. The aetiology of osteoporosis in patients with RA is multifactorial, with some bone loss attributable to the underlying inflammatory disease. Patients may also experience bone loss that is a consequence of therapy with corticosteroids. Progress in the diagnosis and evaluation of osteoporosis has led to a greater awareness of this major health problem. There have also been many advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of RA. However, recent studies have suggested that, despite our growing understanding of these diseases, therapies for preventing bone loss in this patient population are underutilised. Patients with RA, especially those taking corticosteroids or with persistent disease activity, must have their bone mass assessed with bone mineral density testing. RA patients with documented osteoporosis or those at high risk for the development of this potentially devastating complication should receive calcium and vitamin D supplementation as well as an anti-resorptive agent.
Hypervelocity impact tests on polycrystalline diamond deposited over silicon substrates

Abstract The microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique has been used to grow a polycrystalline diamond thin film over silicon substrate. Reactant gases of methane and hydrogen were used in the diamond CVD process. We have performed a feasibility test on the possible applicability of diamond and diamond-like carbon thin films for space protective applications against artificially simulated hypervelocity impact of micrometeoroid particles of olivine. As-deposited films were analyzed by Raman and scanning electron microscopy for their chemical nature and morphology respectively.
Nonrandom involvement of chromosome 4 in the progression of rat prostatic cancer.

Owing to progression of the original spontaneous Dunning R-3327 rat prostatic cancer, a large series of transplantable prostatic tumors have been isolated that differ widely in their histological degree of differentiation, growth rate, androgen sensitivity, and metastatic ability. Using these parameters as criteria, the full spectrum of disease progression is represented within this Dunning system of rat prostatic cancers, ranging from slow-growing, well-differentiated, androgen-sensitive, nonmetastatic forms to fast-growing, anaplastic, androgen-independent, highly metastatic forms. Cytogenetic analysis of the two least progressionally advanced Dunning cancers (i.e., histologically well-differentiated, slow-growing, nonmetastatic variants) demonstrated no structural or numerical chromosomal aberration, suggesting that the initial development of prostatic cancer may not require detectable cytogenetic changes. In contrast, all 16 of the progressionally more advanced Dunning variants analyzed had a series of characteristic structural and/or numerical chromosomal aberrations that minimally involved chromosome 4. This nonrandom involvement of chromosome 4 was consistently observed regardless of whether the karyotype of the cancer was near-diploid or hyperaneuploid, suggesting that chromosome 4 aberrations are specifically involved in the progression of rat prostatic cancer. In addition, all four variants that were highly metastatic had, besides aberration of chromosome 4, structural aberrations involving chromosomes 1, 2, and 11. Of the 14 variants that did not have a high metastatic ability, only two had a similar aberrations involving chromosomes 1, 2, 4, and 11, suggesting that these specific chromosomal aberrations may be necessary, albeit not sufficient, for a high metastatic ability of rat prostatic cancers.
Tree structured wavelet transform segmentation of microcalcifications in digital mammography

A novel multistage algorithm is proposed for the automatic segmentation of microcalcification clusters (MCCs) in digital mammography. First, a previously reported tree structured nonlinear filter is proposed for suppressing image noise, while preserving image details, to potentially reduce the false positive (FP) detection rate for MCCs. Second, a tree structured wavelet transform (TSWT) is applied to the images for microcalcification segmentation. The TSWT employs quadrature mirror filters as basic subunits for both multiresolution decomposition and reconstruction processes, where selective reconstruction of subimages is used to segment MCCs. Third, automatic linear scaling is then used to display the image of the segmented MCCs on a computer monitor for interpretation. The proposed algorithms were applied to an image database of 100 single view mammograms at a resolution of 105 microns and 12 bits deep (4096 gray levels). The database contained 50 cases of biopsy proven malignant MCCs, 8 benign cases, and 42 normal cases. The measured sensitivity (true positive detection rate) was 94% with a low FP detection rate of 1.6 MCCs/image. The image details of the segmented MCCs were reasonably well preserved, for microcalcification of less than 500 microns, with good delineation of the extent of the microcalcification clusters for each case based on visual criteria.
Using Industry Software to Teach Sales Planning and Analysis in a Retail Merchandising Course

The increased use of technology in the retail workplace denotes increasing the technological experiences in the college undergraduate classroom. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate one unit in an upper level merchandising class that used industry-based software to teach retail planning. The class was composed of junior- and senior-level students who all had access to laptop computers. Pedagogy was an application approach resulting in a sales plan that students peer reviewed and analyzed using retail trade averages. Student assessment measures incorporated portfolio presentation and rubric analysis. Students' and professor's comments were included for further consideration. The result of the students' projects using industry-based sales planning and analysis software was of professional quality, demonstrating strengthened analytical skills.
The medical review officer and workplace drug testing

Rational drug-testing programs attempt to balance the need for accuracy of the process with the need to preserve the rights and dignity of the people being tested. U.S. Department of Transportation regulations prescribe the specifics of how urine specimens are to be collected, how to inform the specimen donor of the process to which he or she will be subjected, and certification of laboratories by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. These guidelines are an effort to assure that each collection site and each laboratory testing the urine of employees adheres to certain basic standards of quality control.
Analysis of a box made of elastic orthotropic plates

Abstract Elastic stresses, deflections and critical pressures for various modes of failure of a rectangular box placed in a uniform external pressure field are analyzed by a classical linear plate theory. The field equations governing the deflection of an orthotropic plate are solved by means of a superposition scheme and a method of single series expansion. The over-all solution for the entire box is arrived at by imposing continuity conditions at the edges where the individual plates meet. The method of analysis presented here is also adaptable to boxes on which external compressive loads are not uniformly distributed, but are self-equilibrating.
Yield, Pests, and Water Use of Durum and Selected Crucifer Oilseeds in Two-Year Rotations

Cool-season oilseed crops are potential feedstock for biofuel production, but few studies have compared oilseed-durum (Triticum durum Desf.) rotations on yield, quality, water use, and pests associated with crops. We conducted an experiment under dryland conditions during 2007 to 2010 near Culbertson, MT, comparing crop productivity, water balance, and key weed and arthropod pests of 2-yr oilseed-durum rotations under zero tillage. Rotations included durum with three Brassicaceae sp., camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz), crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst. ex R.E. Fries), and canola-quality Brassica juncea L., and fallow. Over 4 yr, B. juncea had the highest seed and oil yields of crucifer entries. Water use was similar among oilseed crops, averaging 286 mm. Water use was similar for durum following oilseeds, averaging 282 mm, 72 mm less than for durum following fallow. Durum following fallow averaged 775 kg ha -1 greater grain yield than durum following oilseeds due to higher water availability and use. Camelina had greater weed biomass at harvest and lower densities of Plutella xylostella L. than other oilseeds. Durum in rotation with crambe had higher weed density and biomass at harvest than durum following B. juncea or fallow. Brassica juncea generally performed better than crambe or camelina, but each oilseed crop had several positive attributes. Oilseed-durum rotations can be used for biofuel feedstock and grain production, but long-term sustainability of 2-yr rotations on crop yields and pest management requires further study.
Immunochemical analyses of human plasma fibronectin-cytosolic transglutaminase interactions

Abstract Fibronectin is a glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion, tissue organization and wound healing. Transglutaminase binding and covalent cross-linking of fibronectin are physiologically important reactions. We describe microtiter plate-based immunochemical methods to analyze cytosolic transglutaminase-human plasma fibronectin interactions. The method was sensitive, specific, species-independent and capable of simultaneously analyzing 96 samples for binding. Binding was time-, temperature- and concentration-dependent and demonstrable with either protein immobilized to the plastic. The assay detected 1–5 ng transglutaminase or 50 pg fibronectin and was comparable in sensitivity to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. CaCl 2 (8 mM) enhanced transglutaminase binding by two-fold. Molar concentrations of NaCl or millimolar concentrations of chloride salts of barium, copper or zinc inhibited binding by 50–60%. The binding was also competitively blocked by soluble fibronectin (IC 50 = 2.3 nM) or by anti-fibronectin IgG (IC 50 = 0.5 μM). Inclusion of dithiothreitol or 2-mercaptoethanol during binding resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of transglutaminase-fibronectin interactions (IC 50 = 1.5 mM and 20 mM, respectively). A complex of [anti-transglutaminase IgG-transglutaminase-fibronectin-anti-fibronectin IgG] suggested that the binding sites and antibody epitopes could overlap, but are distinct and surface-exposed in the two proteins. Liver transglutaminase bound fibronectin 30–50% less compared to erythrocyte transglutaminase. Fibronectin-transglutaminase affinity was adequate for quantitating either antigen in lysates of lung fibroblasts, breast carcinomas or Escherichia coli . These immunochemical analyses will be useful for determining the affinity and mapping the domains involved in antibody recognition or protein-protein interactions using recombinant molecules of transglutaminase and fibronectin.
Brillouin scattering study of elastic anomaly in (KCN)x(KBr)1−x system

Brillouin scattering is used to study concentration and temperature dependence of transverse acoustic phonon frequency ωTA (110) in (KCN)x(KBr)1−x mixed crystals. Unlike pure KCN, mixed xrystals with x < 0.75 show no phase transition upon cooling, however, in these crystals we find a minimum in ωTA as a function of temperature. This minimum can be understood in terms of dynamical theory of rotation-translation coupling in molecular crystals.
RETROACTIVE EFFECT OF INTERPOLATED VISUAL STIMULATION

In a previous study, Thompson and Bryanr (8) showed that the interpolation of maximal light stimulation has a detrimental effect on the memory of a visual discrimination habit. Two groups of rats were given training on a horizontal-vertical discrimination problem after which one group was immediately placed in a dark room for 48 hr., while the other group was kept in a lighted room for a corresponding interval. Better retention scores were obtained in the group receiving minimal visual stimulation. These results were explained in terms of differential neural activity within the striate cortex where in rats the memory traces for visual habits appear to be localized. The present experiment attempted to determine which one of the two main theories of retroactive inhibition more adequately accounts for these data. According to the perseveration theory (5, lo), the interpolation of maximal visual stimulation might be conceived as partially depressing perseverative activity after original learning. This decrement in the perseverative process would lead to a reduction in the fixation or consolidation of the memory trace. According to a transfer theory (cf. 3), on the other hand, the opportunity for new visual learning would be present in the group kept in the lighted room. These newly formed visual habits acquired during the interpolated period would cause retroactive inhibition through competition among responses resulting from similarity between the original learning and the interpolated learning. Specifically, the present study involved the interpolation of light stimulation at varying periods after the completion of training on a visual discrimination problem. On the basis of a perseveration theory, interference would be maximal if light stimulation were introduced immediately after training. This prediction, however, does not follow from a transfer theory which makes no assumptions about a perseverative process.
Optical super-resolution imaging by high-index microspheres embedded in elastomers

We demonstrated feasibility of super-resolution imaging through high-index microspheres embedded in transparent elastomers. We performed imaging, with resolution improvement by a factor of two, by using implanted barium titanate glass microspheres (diameters ∼30–150 μm and refractive index ∼1.9–2.1) in a thin film of polydimethylsiloxane elastomer placed over the specimen. Microsphere-assisted imaging technique is a promising candidate for applications in cancer research. As a proof-of-principle, we used microsphere-assisted imaging technique for the observation of radiation-induced γ-H2AX foci formation in U87 human glioblastoma cells irradiated by clinical proton beams.
The Stress and Displacement Fields Produced in a Semi-Infinite Solid by a Uniform Heat Source Over a Rectangular Area on the Surface

An important problem in thermo-mechanical contacts is the determination of the stress and displacement fields caused by heat flow Heat flow may come from a difference in temperature between the contacting solids, or from frictional heating at the sliding interface. Generally, the distribution of heat flow in a contact area is unknown. In many cases, however it is approximately uniform or one may divide the contact area into small parts, and in each part the heat flow may be treated as approximately uniform. This work provides closed-form solutions of the stress and displacement fields in a semi-infinite solid caused by uniform steady-state heat flow over a rectangular area on the surface. The material is assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic.
The structure and function of networks

Many systems take the form of networks, including the Internet, distribution and transport networks, neural networks, food webs, and social networks. The characterization and modeling of these systems has proved amenable to treatment using techniques drawn from statistical and computational physics, and has as a result attracted considerable attention in the physics literature in recent years. In this paper the author reviews some of the interesting issues in this area and recounts some recent work on these issues by himself and by others.
Proteolytic dechorionation of annual fish embryos

Incubation of early embryos of Nothobranchius korthausae in sterile Tris-buffered pronase with added salts and EDTA results in complete dechorionation, after which development proceeds normally and at the same rate as in control embryos. The time required for dechorionation varies according to the age of the embryo and the concentration of pronase employed.
Inflammatory Reactions of the Protochordata

Ascidian inflammatory responses are characterized by an influx of blood cells into areas containing foreign material or injured tissue. The sequestering and removal of foreign substances is a function of their chemical nature and size. Small particulate materials are removed by phagocytosis; substances too large to be phagocytosed are encapsulated. Blood cells involved in inflammatory reactions are small undifFerentiated cells (hemoblasts, lymphocytes), hyaline and granular leucocytes and morula cells.
Predicting Officer Performance in Motor Vehicle Stops: An Example of the Repeat Phenomenon

Purpose – This paper aims to explore the possible existence of the repeat phenomenon in police motor vehicle stops.Design/methodology/approach – The study involved a mid‐western police department. Data were collected from contact cards completed by police officers making motor vehicle stops between July 1, 2001 and December 31, 2001. Contact cards included information concerning the stop itself, driver, passengers, motor vehicle, and the officer making the stop. Individual identifiers of police officers allowed for an analysis of individual officer performance concerning motor vehicle stops. A Poisson process and logistic regression were used in the analysis.Findings – Analyses revealed that motor vehicle stops are not randomly distributed across police officers and, in fact, a significant concentration of motor vehicle stops among few officers existed. Situational variables such as reason for the stop and time of the stop were significant predictors of high‐performing officers.Research limitations/implic...
Regulation of integrin trafficking, cell adhesion, and cell migration by WASH and the Arp2/3 complex

WASH is a nucleation-promoting factor for the Arp2/3 complex that is implicated in multiple endocytic trafficking pathways including receptor recycling, cargo degradation, and retromer-mediated receptor retrieval. We sought to examine whether WASH plays an important role in trafficking of specialized cargo molecules such as integrins, for which trafficking is highly regulated during cell migration. We observed that subdomains of early/sorting endosomes associated with dynamic WASH and filamentous actin, and α5-integrins trafficked through this population of endosomes. Depletion of WASH caused accumulation of α5-integrins in intracellular compartments, reduction of α5-integrin localization at focal adhesions, and reduction in focal adhesion number. Transport of α5-integrins from internal endocytic structures to focal adhesions was disrupted upon WASH depletion or Arp2/3 complex inhibition. Furthermore, WASH-depleted cells displayed greatly reduced affinity for specific extracellular matrix proteins including fibronectin and impaired cell spreading ability. Interestingly, the reduced adhesion capacity of WASH-depleted cells resulted in their migrating more rapidly than control cells in wound healing assays. Our results define a requirement for WASH, Arp2/3 complex, and actin in specialized trafficking of integrins. These findings highlight a role for actin dynamics in influencing cell adhesion and migration via endocytic trafficking of integrins, in addition to the well-established role of actin in plasma membrane dynamics and contractility. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 267-293

Abstract These data are mainly from cold fusion experiments performed at GSI/Ship, Dubna, and Berkeley. The experiments generally involve mass separation of heavy elements followed by implantation into a position–sensitive alpha–particle detector. The position, energy, and time with respect to implantation are recorded. Successive decays at a given position are correlated into a decay chain linking the heaviest cold fusion product to lighter nuclei which also may be previously unknown. In some cases the decay chain ends in spontaneous fission, and some alpha particles escape the detector leaving only partial energy signals. When multiple alpha decay chains are observed for a given parent, the evaluators have made subjective assignments to isomer and ground states based on comparable alpha particle energies and decay times.
Stained by the Label? Stigma and the Case of Genetically Modified Foods:

Abstract Stigma is a concept that marketers frequently and casually use, but it is underexplored as a theoretical construct. The authors propose a theory of stigma that identifies it as a formative construct associated with perceptions of deviance and undesirability along with inflated risk perceptions. This research also goes beyond the social stigma typically studied in marketing and related fields to examine product stigma. Specifically, this research explores the stigmatizing effects of labeling on genetically modified foods, a domain of economic and political importance. Using different labels proposed in international debates, the experiment reveals that such labels can create stigma and that, to some degree, marketers can attenuate stigma through certain qualified labeling.
Historical perspective: Neurological advances from studies of war injuries and illnesses†

Early in the 20th century during the Russo-Japanese War and World War I (WWI), some of the most important, lasting contributions to clinical neurology were descriptive clinical studies, especially those concerning war-related peripheral nerve disorders (eg, Hoffmann-Tinel sign, Guillain-Barre-Strohl syndrome [GBS]) and occipital bullet wounds (eg, the retinal projection on the cortex by Inouye and later by Holmes and Lister, and the functional partitioning of visual processes in the occipital cortex by Riddoch), but there were also other important descriptive studies concerning war-related aphasia, cerebellar injuries, and spinal cord injuries (eg, cerebellar injuries by Holmes, and autonomic dysreflexia by Head and Riddoch). Later progress, during and shortly after World War II (WWII), included major progress in understanding the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injuries by Denny-Brown, Russell, and Holbourn, pioneering accident injury studies by Cairns and Holbourn, promulgation of helmets to prevent motorcycle injuries by Cairns, development of comprehensive multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation by Rusk, and development of spinal cord injury care by Munro, Guttman, and Bors. These studies and developments were possible only because of the large number of cases that allowed individual physicians the opportunity to collect, collate, and synthesize observations of numerous cases in a short span of time. Such studies also required dedicated, disciplined, and knowledgeable investigators who made the most out of their opportunities to systematically assess large numbers of seriously ill and injured soldiers under stressful and often overtly dangerous situations.
Ultrastructural observations on the maturation of the placental labyrinth of the golden hamster (days 10 to 16 of gestation).

Morphogenesis of the labyrinthine part of the chorioallantoic placenta of the golden hamster between day 10 of gestation and term (day 16) was studied by light and electron microscopy. During this period the labyrinth increases greatly in both size and complexity. Trabeculae of the labyrinth, thin partitions composed of trophoblastic tissue and fetal capillaries which delimit the maternal blood spaces, apparently proliferate both by appositional and interstitial growth. From the time of its formation (day 9 of gestation) until term the labyrinth is hemotrichorial in organization (i.e. three layers of trophoblast separate maternal blood from fetal capillaries). Both the inner and intermediate layers of trophoblast (layers III and II, respectively) are syncytial. The outer trophoblastic layer (III), which is in direct contact with maternal blood, remains cellular, although many of its component cells grow to giant cell dimensions ("labyrinthine giant cells"). Between the tenth and fourteenth days of gestation the anatomical barrier to diffusion between maternal and fetal blood is progressively reduced. This is accomplished both by gradual attenuation of the trophoblastic layers and fetal capillary endothelium and by the formation of discontinuities (gaps) in layer I, and diaphragmed fenestrae in fetal capillary endothelium. The labyrinthine placental barrier is fully developed and probably attains maximal functional efficiency by the fourteenth day of gestation. Late in the fifteenth day of gestation, a few hours before parturition, distinct degenerative changes are apparent in the trophoblastic layers and fetal capillaries of the trabeculae. The factors responsible for initiation these degenerative changes and the onset of parturition are still controversial.
Understanding correlates of change by modeling individual differences in growth

The study of correlates of change is the investigation of systematic individual differences in growth. Our representation of systematic individual differences in growth is built up in two parts: (a) a model for individual growth and, (b) a model for the dependence of parameters in the individual growth models on individual characteristics. First, explicit representations of correlates of change are constructed for various models of individual growth. Second, for the special case of initial status as a correlate of change, properties of collections of growth curves provide new results on the relation between change and initial status. Third, the shortcomings of previous approaches to the assessment of correlates of change are demonstrated. In particular, correlations of residual change measures with exogenous individual characteristics are shown to be poor indicators of systematic individual differences in growth.
Personality, biology and cognitive science: a reply to Corr (2001)

Abstract Corr’s (2000) commentary on the Matthews and Gilliland (1999) review article provides a useful account of the current status of Gray’s personality theory, and the prospects for theory development. In this reply, we find some common ground with Corr (2000) . We agree that it is important to articulate and test biological models of personality. Likewise, the moderator effects of reinforcement factors, which may be controlled by brain motivation systems, are an important focus for empirical study. We differ from Corr (2000) , at least in emphasis, in two respects. First, Gray’s Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory does not seem to have accommodated the multiplicity of brain systems which may relate to personality, including attentional systems which may modulate motivation. Second, the evidence from studies of personality and performance, suggests that cognitive models of trait action are often more successful in explaining behavioral data than theories of Gray and Eysenck. Cognitive and biological approaches may be integrated within a cognitive science framework which distinguishes multiple, complementary levels of explanation.
Equivalence of Various Pulse-to-Cycle Fractions in Producing Critical Flicker Frequency*

An earlier investigation of the senior author suggested very strongly that various quite different PCF’s (pulse-to-cycle fractions) were, under some conditions, equivalent in producing CFF. This was contrary to common expectation, and was not fully confirmed by the scant amount of data then obtained. The present study consisted of testing the earlier suggestions by the use of seven observers using one method, and two observers using a second method of collecting data. The CFF’s for each of the following PCF’s, 1/30, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 7/8, and 29/30, were obtained as the photic intensity was varied. In Part I, the range was from 1.28 c/ft2 to 1164 c/ft2. In Part II, the range was from 0.014 c/ft2 to 1400 c/ft2. The data produced families of curves, one curve for each PCF. Some pairs of these curves crossed each other, the points of crossing indicating that, under those conditions, two PCF’s were equivalent.
Characterization of Two Nonclassical Members of the Placental Prolactin Family from the Rat

Characterization of Two Nonclassical Members of the Placental Prolactin Family from the Rat
Should we establish a North American school of global health sciences

Since 1997, an unprecedented amount of American philanthropy from both private and federal sources has been directed toward research and control programs for the major tropical infectious diseases of developing countries. The US and Canadian capacity to respond to these new initiatives might prove inadequate, however, as tropical disease research and training infrastructures have deteriorated at most North American academic health centers over the last three decades. Training opportunities in clinical tropical medicine, parasitology laboratory diagnostics, vector control, and public health practice are especially depleted and portend a lost generation of experts in these areas. In addition, unlike some of the European schools of tropical medicine, no North American medical or public health school currently boasts a comprehensive faculty in the global health sciences, with expertise that spans laboratory investigation, clinical and translational research, health policy, and international development. To meet the challenge presented by the new philanthropy targeting the global diseases of poverty, a North American school of global health sciences should be established. The North American school, possibly in association with one of the existing schools of medicine or public health, would provide interdisciplinary training to produce a new generation of global health scientists.
Recent advances in the synthesis and structure-property relationships of ammonium ionenes

Abstract Ionenes are ion-containing polymers that have quaternary nitrogen atoms in the macromolecular main chain as opposed to a pendant site. They are synthesized through a Menshutkin reaction of ditertiary amines and alkyl dihalides. This review focuses on the synthesis and structure–property relationships of ammonium ionenes, which were first synthesized in 1933. Since then, many researchers have investigated the effect of charge density of novel ionene families on polymer properties, such as viscosity and dynamic mechanical behavior. In particular, emphasis is placed on the properties of non-segmented and segmented ionene polymers. Although this investigation focuses largely on linear ionenes, branched and cross-linked ionenes will also be discussed.
The Effects of Text Elaboration on Children's Aural Language Comprehension

Abstract For the present study it was hypothesised that there would be an effect of media on hierarchical aural comprehension and that older children would. possess the cognitive structures to take advantage of the symbols presented by different media. Eighty kindergarten and third grade children were randomly selected and assigned to three media treatments of a story (text and illustrations; text and flannel board figures; text and animated film) and a control (text alone). The subjects were tested for comprehension of the story using twenty questions which were derived from modifications of the Barrett and Pearson & Johnson taxonomies (10 questions for each of two hierarchical levels). A treatment by age MANOVA was used to analyse the data. Significant main effects were found for both treatment and age. Age accounted for more variance in the higher order questions than in the lower order questions. It is believed that the older children had the cognitive structures to take advantage of the appropriate s...
First observation of coherent π0 production in neutrino-nucleus interactions with Eν <2 GeV

The MiniBooNE experiment at Fermilab has amassed the largest sample to date of {pi}{sup 0}s produced in neutral current (NC) neutrino-nucleus interactions at low energy. This paper reports a measurement of the momentum distribution of {pi}{sup 0}s produced in mineral oil (CH{sub 2}) and the first observation of coherent {pi}{sup 0} production below 2 GeV. In the forward direction, the yield of events observed above the expectation for resonant production is attributed primarily to coherent production off carbon, but may also include a small contribution from diffractive production on hydrogen. Integrated over the MiniBooNE neutrino flux, the sum of the NC coherent and diffractive modes is found to be (19.5 {+-} 1.1 (stat) {+-} 2.5 (sys))% of all exclusive NC {pi}{sup 0} production at MiniBooNE. These measurements are of immediate utility because they quantify an important background to MiniBooNE's search for {nu}{sub {mu}} {yields} {nu}{sub e} oscillations.
Surviving failures in bandwidth-constrained datacenters

Datacenter networks have been designed to tolerate failures of network equipment and provide sufficient bandwidth. In practice, however, failures and maintenance of networking and power equipment often make tens to thousands of servers unavailable, and network congestion can increase service latency. Unfortunately, there exists an inherent tradeoff between achieving high fault tolerance and reducing bandwidth usage in network core; spreading servers across fault domains improves fault tolerance, but requires additional bandwidth, while deploying servers together reduces bandwidth usage, but also decreases fault tolerance. We present a detailed analysis of a large-scale Web application and its communication patterns. Based on that, we propose and evaluate a novel optimization framework that achieves both high fault tolerance and significantly reduces bandwidth usage in the network core by exploiting the skewness in the observed communication patterns.
One dimensional spatial structure near a Hopf bifurcation at finite wavenumber

Abstract The theory of the spatial structure in a finite geometry in the weakly non-linear regime of an instability to a traveling wave state with x → - x symmetry is described. Very close to the threshold a direct expansion in the unstable modes yields a quantitative description of the structure in terms of the reflection coefficient of the ends. The calculation of the reflection coefficient and its dependence on fluid and end wall properties is illustrated using the model of binary fluid convection between free slip boundaries. Further away from threshold the phase diagram of the spatial structure, involving four distinct phases, is calculated using the amplitude equation approach. The validity of this method is judged by comparison with the free slip convection model. The transition between a state where the disturbance fills the system and one where only a portion is filled (“filling” to “confined”) is analyzed in detail. Our theory is compared with experiments on the oscillatory instability in pure fluid convection.
Volatile Constituents and Sugars of Three Diverse Cultivars of Sweet Potatoes [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]

Gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric analyses of steam distillates from Jewel, Tainung 57 and a breeding line (No. 99) showed qualitative and quantitative differences in constituents. Twenty-one compounds consisting of aldehydes, ketones, furans, pyridine, alcohols, terpenes and palmitic acid were identified. Maltose, sucrose, glucose and fructose were isolated and identified by gas-liquid chromatography. There were no qualitative differences in sugars between the three selections, however, quantitative differences were found in concentration of total sugars. Maltose, the principal sugar formed during cooking, ranged from 0.07% in the breeding line No. 99 to 5.3% in Tainung 57.
X-ray microtomography

In this tutorial, we describe X-ray microtomography as a technique to nondestructively characterize material microstructure in three dimensions at a micron level spatial resolution. While commercially available laboratory scale instrumentation is available, we focus our attention on synchrotron-based systems, where we can exploit a high flux, monochromatic X-ray beam to produce high fidelity three-dimensional images. A brief description of the physics and the mathematical analysis behind the technique is followed by example applications to specific materials characterization problems, with a particular focus on the utilization of three-dimensional image processing that can be used to extract a wide range of useful information.
Synthesis and characterization of vanadosilicate AM-6 with transition metal ions isomorphously substituted in the framework

Abstract Isomorphous substitutions of transition metal (TM) ions into the vanadosilicate AM-6 framework have been investigated. X-ray powder diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy showed no impurities due to TM oxides (i.e., cobalt oxide, chromium oxide or iron oxide for Co-AM-6, Cr-AM-6 and Fe-AM-6, respectively) in all TM ion-substituted AM-6 products (TM-AM-6). All TM-AM-6 products showed a red shift of their bandgap energies (3.62–3.78 eV) compared to unmodified AM-6 (3.82 eV). New absorption features in the low energy region of the UV–Vis spectra of AM-6 were observed upon incorporation of the various TM ions, and the intensity of these new features increased with increasing crystal TM/V ratios. These low energy region absorption features suggested the presence of Fe 3+ , Cr 3+ , and Co 2+ in Fe-AM-6, Cr-AM-6, and Co-AM-6, respectively. These findings together with shifts to higher frequency of the Raman bands observed for TM-AM-6 relative to unmodified AM-6 suggested successful partial isomorphous substitution in or near the VO 6 chains in the AM-6 framework.
On the crossings of reliability measures

The proportional hazards model has been extensively used in the literature to model failure time data. However, there are many practical situations where, in comparing two groups or treatments, the proportional hazard assumption is not satisfied. In fact, the two hazards cross at one point or even more than one point. Generally, the survival (reliability) data are analyzed by three reliability measures viz failure rate, the survival function and the mean residual life function and theoretically these measures are equivalent, i.e. knowledge of one implies the knowledge of others. In this paper we study the crossings of the survival functions and the mean residual life functions in case the two hazards cross at one or two points. It is shown that, in both the cases, the number of crossings do not exceed the number of crossings of the hazard functions. The location of these crossings is also examined in relation to the crossings of the hazard functions.
Use of the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule With Delinquents.

To determine if EPPS scores differentiate institutionalized delinquent and nondelinquent adolescents scores of 49 delinquent boys and 46 delinquent girls, age range 15 to 19 yr., were compared with scores of comparable nondelinquent groups. Delinquent boys scored significantly lower in Achievement, Deference, Affiliation, and Dominance. Delinquent females scored higher in Heterosexuality and lower in Endurance and Deference. Incomplete description of presumed need constellations in delinquency and inconsistency in male and female results obtained with the EPPS makes questionable the use of this instrument for the stated purpose.
Thermal decomposition and isomerization of platinum(II) phosphine dihalide complexes

Abstract Thermal decomposition and cis-trans isomerization of square planar platinum(II) complexes of the type PtL 2 X 2 , L = organophosphorus ligand and X = halide, are reported. It is shown by thermogravimetric measurements that phenyl loss is the rate-determining step in the decomposition of arylphosphine complexes and that increased phenyl substitution in the phosphine ligand decreases the thermal stability of the complex. Thermogravimetric decomposition of such complexes in an air atmosphere is suggested as a method of platinum analysis.
A blood-brain barrier without tight junctions in the fly central nervous system in the early postembryonic stage

The anatomical basis of the vertebrate blood-brain barrier is a series of tight junctions between endothelial cells of capillaries in the central nervous system. Over two decades ago, tight junctions were also proposed as the basis of the blood-brain barrier in insects. Currently there is a growing understanding that septate junctions might possess barrier properties in various invertebrate epithelial cells. We now examine these two views by studying the blood-brain barrier properties of the early postembryonic larva of a dipteran fly (Delia platura) by transmission electron microscopy. Newly hatched larvae possess a functioning blood-brain barrier that excludes the extracellular tracer, ionic lanthanum. This barrier is intact throughout the second instar stage as well. The ultrastructural correlate of this barrier is a series of extensive septate junctions that pervade the intercellular space between adjacent perineurial cells. No tight junctions were located in either nerve, glial or perineurial cell layers. We suggest that the overall barrier might involve septate junctions within extensive, meandering intercellular clefts.
Libertarian Paternalism, Information Production, and Financial Decision Making

We develop a theoretical model to analyze the effects of libertarian paternalism on information production and financial decision making. Individuals in our model appreciate the information content of the recommendations made by a social planner. This affects their incentive to gather information, and in turn the speed at which information spreads across market participants, via social learning or formal advice channels. We characterize situations in which libertarian paternalism improves welfare and contrast them with scenarios in which this policy is suboptimal because of its negative impact on the production and propagation of information. The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com., Oxford University Press.