cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bloch wave framework for structures with nonlocal interactions: Application to the design of origami acoustic metamaterials

Abstract We present a generalized Bloch wave framework for the dynamic analysis of structures with nonlocal interactions and apply it to the design of origami acoustic metamaterials. Specifically, we first discretize the origami structures using a customized structural bar-and-hinge model that minimizes the degrees of freedom in the associated unit cell, while being sufficiently accurate to capture the behavior of interest. Next, observing that this discretization results in nonlocal structural interactions—the stiffness matrix has nonzeros between nodes that are not nearest neighbors due to the coupled deformations arising during folding or bending—we generalize the standard Bloch wave approach used in structural analysis to enable the study of such systems. Utilizing this framework, choosing the geometry of the unit cell as well as the folded state of the structure as design variables, we design tunable and programmable Miura-ori and eggbox strips, sheets, and composites that are large band, low frequency acoustic switches. In doing so, we find that the number of bandgaps in the sheets is significantly smaller than their strip counterparts and also occur at relatively higher frequencies, a limitation which is overcome by considering composite structures that have individual panels made of different materials. Overall, we have found origami structures to be ideal candidates as acoustic metamaterials for noise control, vibration isolation, impact absorption, and wave guides.
Loss of Elongation-Like Factor 1 Spontaneously Induces Diverse, RNase H-Related Suppressor Mutations in Schizosaccharomyces Pombe

A healthy individual may carry a detrimental genetic trait that is masked by another genetic mutation. Such suppressive genetic interactions, in which a mutant allele either partially or completely restores the fitness defect of a particular mutant, tend to occur between genes that have a confined functional connection. Here we investigate a self-recovery phenotype in Schizosaccharomyces pombe , mediated by suppressive genetic interactions that can be amplified during cell culture. Cells without Elf1, an AAA+ family ATPase, have severe growth defects initially, but quickly recover growth rates near to those of wild-type strains by acquiring suppressor mutations. elf1Δ cells accumulate RNAs within the nucleus and display effects of genome instability such as sensitivity to DNA damage, increased incidence of lagging chromosomes, and mini-chromosome loss. Notably, the rate of phenotypic recovery was further enhanced in elf1Δ cells when RNase H activities were abolished and significantly reduced upon overexpression of RNase H1, suggesting that loss of Elf1-related genome instability can be resolved by RNase H activities, likely through eliminating the potentially mutagenic DNA–RNA hybrids caused by RNA nuclear accumulation. Using whole genome sequencing, we mapped a few consistent suppressors of elf1Δ including mutated Cue2, Rpl2702, and SPBPJ4664.02, suggesting previously unknown functional connections between Elf1 and these proteins. Our findings describe a mechanism by which cells bearing mutations that cause fitness defects and genome instability may accelerate the fitness recovery of their population through quickly acquiring suppressors. We propose that this mechanism may be universally applicable to all microorganisms in large-population cultures.
Factors Influencing Overall Survival of Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With High-risk Renal Tumors.

Abstract Objective To identify factors impacting overall survival (OS) in children, adolescents, and young adults with high-risk renal tumors (HRRTs). Methods The National Cancer Database was queried for patients ≤30 years old diagnosed with anaplastic Wilms tumors (AWT), clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), or rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) between 2004 and 2013. Demographic, clinical, and OS data were abstracted. OS between groups was compared with a Kaplan-Meier curve. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed. Results A total of 349 patients were identified meeting criteria; 133 (38.1%) AWT, 120 (34.4%) CCSK, and 96 (27.5%) RTK. Patients with RTK were less likely to undergo surgery than those with AWT or CCSK (77.1% vs 94% vs 99%, P Conclusion Within the HRRTs, RTK is associated with worse outcomes than either AWT or CCSK. Receiving radiation is significantly associated with improved outcomes, and surgery is important for those with AWT and RTK.
Determinants of Cytochrome P450 2D6 mRNA Levels in Healthy Human Liver Tissue

Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is a major drug-metabolizing enzyme that exhibits large interindividual variability. Recent studies suggest that differential transcriptional regulation of CYP2D6 in part may be responsible for the variability. In this study, we characterized potential determinants of CYP 2D6 transcript levels in healthy human liver tissue samples (n = 115), including genetic polymorphisms in CYP2D6 and the genes encoding transcription regulators for CYP2D6 expression; mRNA expression of the transcription factors and their known target genes; and hepatic levels of bile acids and retinoids, agents that modulate the expression/activity of the transcription factors. Their associations with CYP2D6 mRNA levels in the tissues were examined. Results from multivariable linear regression analysis revealed CYP8B1 mRNA level and rs3892097, the single- nucleotide polymorphism defining the nonfunctional CYP2D6*4 allele, as the two most significant predictors of CYP2D6 mRNA levels in the liver tissue samples, explaining 30% of the variability.
Coronary artery calcium scanning: past, present, and future.

Abstract Coronary artery calcium scanning (CAC) has emerged as the most robust predictor of coronary events in the asymptomatic primary prevention population, particularly in the intermediate-risk cohort. Every study has demonstrated its superiority to risk factor–based paradigms, e.g., the Framingham Risk Score, with outcome-based net reclassification indexes ranging from 52.0% to 65.6% in the intermediate-risk, 34.0% to 35.8% in the high-risk, and 11.6% to 15.0% in the low-risk cohorts. CAC improves medication and lifestyle adherence and is cost-effective in specified populations, with the ability to effectively stratify the number needed to treat and scan for different therapeutic strategies and patient cohorts. Data have emerged clearly demonstrating the worse prognosis associated with increasing CAC on serial scans, suggesting a potential role for evaluating residual risk and treatment success or failure. CAC is also strongly associated with the development of stroke and congestive heart failure.
Genome-wide Kdm4 histone demethylase transcriptional regulation in Drosophila

The histone lysine demethylase 4 (Kdm4/Jmjd2/Jhdm3) family is highly conserved across species and reverses di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and lysine 36 (H3K36) at the N-terminal tail of the core histone H3 in various metazoan species including Drosophila, C.elegans, zebrafish, mice and humans. Previous studies have shown that the Kdm4 family plays a wide variety of important biological roles in different species, including development, oncogenesis and longevity by regulating transcription, DNA damage response and apoptosis. Only two functional Kdm4 family members have been identified in Drosophila, compared to five in mammals, thus providing a simple model system. Drosophila Kdm4 loss-of-function mutants do not survive past the early 2nd instar larvae stage and display a molting defect phenotype associated with deregulated ecdysone hormone receptor signaling. To further characterize and identify additional targets of Kdm4, we employed a genome-wide approach to investigate transcriptome alterations in Kdm4 mutants versus wild-type during early development. We found evidence of increased deregulated transcripts, presumably associated with a progressive accumulation of H3K9 and H3K36 methylation through development. Gene ontology analyses found significant enrichment of terms related to the ecdysteroid hormone signaling pathway important in development, as expected, and additionally previously unidentified potential targets that warrant further investigation. Since Kdm4 is highly conserved across species, our results may be applicable more widely to other organisms and our genome-wide dataset may serve as a useful resource for further studies.
Independent evolution of rosmarinic acid biosynthesis in two sister families under the Lamiids clade of flowering plants.

As a means to maintain their sessile lifestyle amid challenging environments, plants produce an enormous diversity of compounds as chemical defenses against biotic and abiotic insults. The underpinning metabolic pathways that support the biosynthesis of these specialized chemicals in divergent plant species provide a rich arena for understanding the molecular evolution of complex metabolic traits. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic natural product first discovered in plants of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is recognized for its wide range of medicinal properties and potential applications in human dietary and medical interventions. Interestingly, the RA chemotype is present sporadically in multiple taxa of flowering plants as well as some hornworts and ferns, prompting the question whether its biosynthesis arose independently across different lineages. Here we report the elucidation of the RA biosynthetic pathway in Phacelia campanularia (desert bells). This species represents the borage family (Boraginaceae), an RA-producing family closely related to the Lamiaceae within the Lamiids clade. Using a multi-omics approach in combination with functional characterization of candidate genes both in vitro and in vivo, we found that RA biosynthesis in P. campanularia involves specific activities of a BAHD acyltransferase and two cytochrome P450 hydroxylases. Further phylogenetic and comparative structure–function analyses of the P. campanularia RA biosynthetic enzymes clearly indicate that RA biosynthesis has evolved independently at least twice in the Lamiids, an exemplary case of chemotypic convergence through disparate evolutionary trajectories.
Kath’ hauta predicates and the ‘commensurate universals’

Abstract What lies behind Aristotle’s declarations that an attribute or feature that is demonstrated to belong to a scientific subject is proper to that subject? The answer is found in APo. 2.8-10, if we understand these chapters as bearing not only on Aristotle theory of definition but also as clarifying the logical structure of demonstration in general. If we identify the basic subjects with what has no different cause, and demonstrable attributes (the kath’ hauta sumbebēkota) with what do have ‘a different cause’, the definitions of demonstrable attributes necessarily have the minor terms of the appropriate demonstrations in their definitions, for which reason the subjects and demonstrable attributes are coextensive.
An in vivo RNAi screen uncovers the role of AdoR signaling and adenosine deaminase in controlling intestinal stem cell activity

Metabolites are increasingly appreciated for their roles as signaling molecules. To dissect the roles of metabolites, it is essential to understand their signaling pathways and their enzymatic regulations. From an RNA interference (RNAi) screen for regulators of intestinal stem cell (ISC) activity in the Drosophila midgut, we identified adenosine receptor (AdoR) as a top candidate gene required for ISC proliferation. We demonstrate that Ras/MAPK and Protein Kinase A (PKA) signaling act downstream of AdoR and that Ras/MAPK mediates the major effect of AdoR on ISC proliferation. Extracellular adenosine, the ligand for AdoR, is a small metabolite that can be released by various cell types and degraded in the extracellular space by secreted adenosine deaminase. Interestingly, down-regulation of adenosine deaminase-related growth factor A (Adgf-A) from enterocytes is necessary for extracellular adenosine to activate AdoR and induce ISC overproliferation. As Adgf-A expression and its enzymatic activity decrease following tissue damage, our study provides important insights into how the enzymatic regulation of extracellular adenosine levels under tissue-damage conditions facilitates ISC proliferation.
Prenominal bon and bonne in French liaison and enchaînement: An acoustic description

This article investigates the treatment of oronasal vowel /ↄ/ of the prenominal adjective bon (/bↄ/) in liaison, as produced by 19 speakers of Northern Metropolitan French. The oronasal vowel of this word has traditionally been identified as a denasalized vowel in liaison, which, when paired with the liaison consonant [n], is typically understood to be produced identically to the feminine form of the adjective bonne (/bↄn/). To verify this supposition, the adjective pair bon/bonne is produced in various contexts and word sequences by each speaker in a series of reading tasks. Six acoustic measures (i.e., A1−P0, A3−P0, center of gravity, F1 bandwidth, F2 and vowel duration) are taken for each token and the resulting data are analysed in a series of regression models. A brief acoustic description is given for the vowel /ↄ/ both in and out of liaison, and comparison is made between bon in liaison and the feminine bonne in prevocalic position (e.g., bon ami vs. bonne amie). Analyses indicate that 15 of the 19 speakers seem to produce bon in liaison distinctly from non-liaison bon, but not distinctly from pre-vocalic bonne, which may support suppletive analyses of adjectives in liaison.
Combined Photoredox and Carbene Catalysis for the Synthesis of Ketones from Carboxylic Acids

As a key element in the construction of complex organic scaffolds, the formation of C-C bonds remains a challenge in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. Recent advancements in single-electron chemistry have enabled new methods for the formation of various C-C bonds. Disclosed herein is the development of a novel single-electron reduction of acyl azoliums for the formation of ketones from carboxylic acids. Facile construction of the acyl azolium in situ followed by a radical-radical coupling was made possible merging N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and photoredox catalysis. The utility of this protocol in synthesis was showcased in the late-stage functionalization of a variety of pharmaceutical compounds. Preliminary investigations using chiral NHCs demonstrate that enantioselectivity can be achieved, showcasing the advantages of this protocol over alternative methodologies.
The role of water vapor during the synthesis of hydrogen doped In 2 O 3

Hydrogen-doped In2O3 synthesized using magnetron sputtering or atomic layer deposition in the presence of water vapor has high transparency in the near infra-red region and mobility values that are almost three to four times of those in commercially used In2O3:Sn at a much lower carrier concentration. However, simple questions like what happens when water molecules enter In2O3 or why the dominant charge carrier changes from an oxygen vacancy in In2O3:Sn to H+ in In2O3 are not clear. Using hybrid functional based density functional theory calculations, we show that water molecules spontaneously split into H+ and OH−. The H+ interstitial bonds with an oxygen in In2O3, and the OH− interstitial occupies a vacant lattice site or is trapped by an oxygen vacancy. Thus, in agreement with experimental findings, our results suggest that the concentration of oxygen vacancies decreases as the partial pressure of water increases. The charge transition level, ϵ ( − / + ), of a hydrogen interstitial and the Fermi level at which the formation energies of OH− and H+ are equal lie above the conduction band minimum, suggesting that the H+ interstitial has a lower formation energy. In addition, water molecules do not exhibit any propensity to form clusters, meaning that H+ ions can diffuse and remain spatially separated from each other.
Ventrale Skolioseoperationen

Als Goldstandard der Formkorrektur und Stabilisierung von Skoliosen uber den vorderen Zugangsweg wurde uber mehr als 2 Jahrzehnte die ventrale Derotationsspondylodese (VDS) nach Zielke als masgebliche Weiterentwicklung der Dwyer-Instrumentation (DI) angesehen. Sie ermoglicht als erstes Implantatsystem eine effektive dreidimensionale Formkorrektur. Nachteilig sind die geringen internen Stabilisierungseigenschaften des Implantats mit dem Risiko des Stabbruches und der Pseudarthrose, die eine langmonatige Ruhigstellung im Rumpfgips oder Korsett notwendig machen. Durch die Entwicklung primarstabiler ventraler Einstab- und insbesondere Doppelstabsysteme konnen diese Nachteile mittlerweile vollstandig eliminiert werden. Thorakoskopische Skolioseoperationen haben sich mit einem Anteil von <2% wegen langer Operationszeiten und hoher Lernkurve nicht entscheidend durchsetzen konnen.
Autonomous People: Identity, Agency, and Automated Driving

The prevailing discourse on autonomous vehicles (AVs) has not yet developed a sophisticated conceptualization of autonomy and has given insufficient attention to the autonomy of people. In response...
The electrokymogram in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome; a study of left and right ventricular ejection.

Abstract 1. 1. The electrokymogram was recorded in four patients whose electrocardiograms presented the pattern of the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (short P-R interval and wide QRS complex). The findings were correlated with those observed in unipolar precordial, esophageal, and intracardiac electrocardiograms. 2. 2. Electrokymograms of the aorta and pulmonary artery indicated that ejection from the two ventricles was simultaneous in two patients and that right ventricular ejection preceded left ventricular ejection by 0.02 second in the other two patients. The latter difference is within the normal physiological range. The findings indicate a lack of significant asynchronism in right and left ventricular contraction. 3. 3. The possible explanations for the absence of mechanical ventricular asynchronism in the presence of electrical pre-excitation are presented.
Cross-layer design for lifetime maximization in interference-limited wireless sensor networks

We consider the joint optimal design of physical, medium access control (MAC), and routing layers to maximize the lifetime of energy-constrained wireless sensor networks. The problem of computing a lifetime-optimal routing flow, link schedule, and link transmission powers is formulated as a non-linear optimization problem. We first restrict the link schedules to the class of interference-free time division multiple access (TDMA) schedules. In this special case we formulate the optimization problem as a mixed integer-convex program, which can be solved using standard techniques. For general non-orthogonal link schedules, we propose an iterative algorithm that alternates between adaptive link scheduling and computation of optimal link rates and transmission powers for a fixed link schedule. The performance of this algorithm is compared to other design approaches for several network topologies. The results illustrate the advantages of load balancing, multihop routing, frequency reuse, and interference mitigation in increasing the lifetime of energy-constrained networks. We also describe a partially distributed algorithm to compute optimal rates and transmission powers for a given link schedule.
Union bound on error probability of linear space-time block codes

The design of practical coding techniques for the multiple antenna wireless channel is a challenging problem. A number of interesting solutions have been proposed ranging from block codes to trellis codes for the MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) channel. We consider linear block codes for the quasi-static, flat-fading, coherent MIMO channel. A linear code refers to an encoder that is linear with respect to scalar input symbols. We assume maximum likelihood decoding at the receiver. We provide a cohesive framework for analysis of linear codes in terms of a union bound on the conditional probability of symbol error. The error bound is a function of the instantaneous channel realization and does not make any assumptions on channel statistics. We show that the orthogonal block codes proposed by Tarokh, Jafarkhani and Calderbank, (see IEEE Trans. Information Theory, vol.45, no.5, p.1456-67, 1999) achieve the lowest error bound among all unitary codes and are in fact optimal.
Application of linear subspace stabilization and linear adaptive techniques to aircraft flight control problems. II. The outer loop

Robust flight control laws are developed for a combat aircraft. The control problem is layered into an outer-loop of control, or automatic pilot, controlling motion of the center of gravity of the aircraft and an inner-loop of control that controls the angular motion around the center of gravity. This paper is concerned with application of subspace stabilization theory to accommodate the nonlinear and uncertain nature of the inner-loop control problem. Thei theory provides the required robustness in the inner-loop that controls pitch, yaw and roll rates and also used to control aircraft velocity. Subspace stabilization control and disturbance accommodation techniques allow using either of several control laws to steer the system error state to a certain subspace S (hyperplane) which represents the prescribed ideal tracking error behavior, while suitably bounding the subsequent motion on the subspace S. Linear adaptive control circumvents the use of nonlinear techniques, through the use of observers to estimate the effects of nonlinear or uncertain terms in the system equations of motion. Simulation results for a worked example demonstrate that the proposed autopilot tracks prescribed trajectories accurately.
The symbolic manipulation of poisson series

Poisson series of three variables are manageable symbolically through a set of formal subroutines written partially in the IBM 7094 machine language, but to be called in the FoRTRAN language for use in FoRTRAN programs. An effort has been made to supply those operations which are most required by celestial mechanics. The routines are entirely self-contained subroutines and require only standard FoRTRAN input/output units 5 and 6; they are designed to avoid waste and overflow of core storage space.
Detection of Molecular Monolayers by Optical Second-Harmonic Generation

Second-harmonic generation is shown to be sensitive enough to detect molecular monolayers adsorbed on a silver surface. Adsorption of AgCl and pyridine on silver during and after an electrolytic cycle can be easily observed.
Reggeon Field Theory: Formulation and Use

Abstract We formulate and discuss Reggeon field theory, which enables one to systematically analyze the exchange of Regge poles and associated branch points in high energy hardron scattering. The field theory is first motivated by a consideration of hybrid Feynman graphs, and then a more general derivation from crossed-channel multiparticle unitarity relations is given. Rules for Reggeon interaction and propagation are formulated. We treat in some detail the problem of the Pomeron or vacuum pole which has α (0) = 1 and is responsible for diffractive processes. In particular the renormalization group analysis of Reggeon field theory is presented and the structure of Pomeron partial wave amplitudes is elucidated. Also the question of Pomeron or absorptive corrections to secondary trajectories (both fermion and boson) is considered. We make some comments on important problems yet remaining in Reggeon field theory; in particular, we stress the study of its s -channel content.
THE EVOLUTION OF PLEISTOCENE CLIMATE: A TIME SERIES APPROACH

Abstract In the later part of the Pleistocene, variations in global ice volume have been dominated by an approximate 100,000-year cycle. Analysis of 2-Myr-long oxygen isotope record from an equatorial Pacific core indicates that this is true only for the last 900,000 years. Prior to this time the amplitude of the 100,000-year cycle is much reduced, as is the variance of all oscillations with periods greater than 60,000 years. Based on results of time series analysis of this 2-Myr-long record, the Pleistocene glacial cycles can be divided into three sections: (1) the late Pleistocene (0–900 kyr B.P.) where the variations in the isotope record are dominated by the 100,000-year cycle; (2) the middle Pleistocene (900–1450 kyr B.P.) in which low-frequency components are not as important as in the later period of the Pleistocene, and (3) the early Pleistocene/late Pliocene (1450–2000 kyr B.P.) where general reductions of importance at all frequencies is seen as compared to the later intervals. Recent modeling efforts which describe variations in global ice volume show that the dominant low-frequency component observed in the late Pleistocene can result from different time constants for the rate of glacial growth and decay in response to variations in the Earth's orbital parameters. It is hypothesized that during the early Pleistocene the rate of growth and decay of glaciers were more similar and that continental erosion by successive glacial advances lowered the land surface in areas of ice-cap formation to below sea level. When the ice caps became marine-based, more rapid decay of the ice became possible.
Law, Charity and Taboo or Kant's Reversal of St. Paul's Spirit-Letter Opposition and its Theological Implications

This article gives the first account of Kant's reversal of St. Paul's Spirit-Letter opposition. By means of such reversal Kant defines both charity and law as obtaining a complete autonomy from ‘profane’ life. In Kant's interpretative framework Judaism and Jews represent the ‘profane’, whereas Christ symbolizes the complete transcendence of the empirical. I shall discuss how different Jewish writer – Walter Benjamin, Georg Simmel and Franz Baermann Steiner – respond to such a body-spirit dichotomy in which ‘the Jew’ functions as the representation of that which is devalued as the material, the bodily.
High-definition white-light (HDWL) colonoscopy and higher adenoma detection rate and the potential for paradoxical over surveillance.

Patients undergoing high-definition white-light colonoscopy by a high adenoma detector may have a lower risk of interval adenoma detection on follow-up colonoscopy and may require less frequent follow-up but may paradoxically be assigned to more frequent surveillance when more adenomas are detected. To evaluate whether high-definition white-light colonoscopy (vs. standard-definition white-light colonoscopy) and endoscopist adenoma detection rate (ADR) at index colonoscopy are associated with increased likelihood of adenomas at follow-up. Longitudinal follow-up of prior cross-section cohort study of patients who underwent colonoscopy at baseline with at least one detected adenoma was included. Associations of type of white-light at index colonoscopy and the ADR of the endoscopist at index colonoscopy (high vs. low adenoma detector) were evaluated with various adenoma and polyp detection endpoints. Eighteen endoscopists were classified as high and low adenoma detectors based on the median ADR of 0.255. There were no significant differences in subsequent interval adenoma or polyp detection endpoints with regard to whether baseline exam was performed with high-definition white-light or standard-definition white-light colonoscopy nor between high and low ADR after adjusting for multiple testing (P ≤ 0.0029 considered significant). Prior to multiple testing adjustment, there was a significantly lower detection rate of hyperplastic polyps in the left colon (24 vs. 35 %, OR: 0.56, P = 0.033) at follow-up colonoscopy when baseline exam was performed with high-definition white-light index colonoscopy. The results of this study do not support adjusting colonoscopy surveillance guidelines based on type of colonoscopy performed or the endoscopist’s ADR.
Nighttime blood pressure dipping: the role of the sympathetic nervous system

There is a marked diurnal variation in blood pressure (BP), with BP dipping to its lowest levels during nighttime sleep. A day-night dip in systolic BP (SBP) of <10% has been used to characterize individuals as nondippers, and is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The present study examined the contribution of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to BP dipping in a biracial sample of 172 men and women aged 25 to 45 years. Assessments included 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and both waking and sleeping urinary catecholamines. In addition, cardiovascular alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptor (AR) responsiveness was determined by the doses of isoproterenol and phenylephrine required to attain an increase in heart rate of 25 points (CD25) and BP (PD25), respectively. Compared with dippers (n = 116), nondippers (n = 56) were more likely to be African American and to have a family history of hypertension as well as a higher body mass index (BMI). The nighttime fall in both norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (EPI) excretion rates was reduced in nondippers compared with dippers (NE dip 9.3 v 13.1 microg/mg; EPI dip 2.7 v 4.0 microg/mg; both P < .05). Nondippers also were characterized by heightened alpha1-AR responsiveness compared with dippers (PD25 = 252 v 321 microg, P < .05). These data suggest that the SNS may contribute to individual differences in nighttime BP dipping, and appears to account in part for blunted BP dipping in African Americans.
Spline Approximations for Linear Nonautonomous Delay Systems

We develop a semi-discrete approximation framework for linear nonautonomous nonhomogeneous functional differential equations of retarded type. The approximation schemes are constructed and convergence results are obtained through the approximation of an associated abstract evolution operator. Computer implementation of the schemes is outlined and a spline-based method included in the framework is constructed. Extensions of the semi-discrete methods to schemes incorporating full discretization and difference equation approximation are also discussed. Numerical results for several examples demonstrating the feasibility of the schemes are presented.
Analysis of HIV/AIDS Epidemiology in Japan from 1985–2011-Infection Detection Pattern for Male Homosexuals Different from That for Male Heterosexuals but Similar to That for Females

This article reviews Japanese HIV/AIDS surveillance data from 1985 to 2011. It revealed that heterosexual males are more prone to be detected as "AIDS cases," whereas male homosexuals and females are more prone to be detected as "HIV cases," irrespective of the gender, age, infection route, residential area, and nationality. The probability of being detected as an "AIDS case" increased with advanced age, irrespective of the gender and infection route. Interpretation of the data requires further information on the clinical latency of AIDS that could differ depending on differences in infection routes, gender, age, nature of the acute-phase syndrome and factors enhancing it, e.g., route and dose of infection, and mucosal immunity involved in sexually transmitted HIV/AIDS infection and the influence of age and gender on it.
Reversal of ear advantage for phonetically similar words in illiterates

Abstract A dichotic listening task consisting of pairs of phonetically “similar” meaningful words (differing in one consonant phoneme only) was given to subjects of different educational levels and reading and writing abilities. Illiterate subjects and subjects with only elementary education and poor reading and writing habits failed to show a right ear advantage (REA) and demonstrated a tendency towards left ear advantage (LEA), while literate subjects exhibited a pattern of REA. By contrast, when markedly “dissimilar” words were used, all subjects showed the classic REA.
Environmental Effects in B2 FeAl Alloys

The low room-temperature ductility of iron-rich B2-structured FeAl has been attributed to atomic hydrogen arising from a reaction between water vapor and aluminum atoms at crack tips [C.T. Liu and C.G. McKamey, in “High Temperature Aluminides and Intermetallics”, eds. S.H. Whang et al (TMS, Warrendale, PA, 1990), p. 133]. Since hydrogen diffusion is time-dependent, the ductility might be expected to improve with increasing strain rate. Such behavior has been confirmed by tensile tests on Fe-45Al and Fe-40Al-5Cr in air at strain rates ranging from 1 × 10−6 s−1 to 1 s−1. A brittle-to-ductile transition was observed at a strain rate of ~10−2 s−1. The material with Cr appeared to be slightly less susceptible to environmental embrittlement, as reflected by the shift of the brittle-to-ductile transition to a lower strain rate. Fracture toughness tests on Fe-45A1 in air demonstrated a similar strain rate effect.
Synthesis and control of active constrained layers with enhanced boundary actions

In this paper, a new active constrained layer (ACL) configuration is proposed to improve the active action transmissibility of the current ACL treatment. Introducing edge elements, the active action from the piezoelectric cover sheet can be transmitted to the host structure more directly. On the other hand, such a configuration still has the passive damping ability from the viscoelastic layer. In other words, it has the benefits of both the current ACL and a purely- active system. Analysis results indicate that the proposed new approach can suppress vibration effectively, and it can achieve better performance with less control efforts as compared to systems with purely-active or current ACL treatments.
Flow and Heat Transfer in a Smooth U-Duct with and without Rotation

This study shows that when computing a compressible flow in a rotating duct of a given geometry and radial distance from the axis of rotation, the inlet Mach number must be specified in addition to the inlet Reynolds number, inlet rotation number, coolant-to-wall temperature ratio, and Prandtl number. This is because the inlet Mach number and other dimensionless parameters collectively fix the rotational speed, which strongly influences centrifugal buoyancy. This study also shows the nature of the three-dimensional flow induced by Coriolis force, centrifugal buoyancy, and a 180-deg bend in a U-shaped square duct with smooth walls for three rotation numbers (0, 0.24, and 0.48), and two Reynolds numbers (2.5 x 10 and 5 X 10). Key flow mechanisms that affect heat transfer are identified. The computed heat transfer coefficient on the leading and trailing faces of the rotating duct compares well with available experimental data. This computational study is based on the ensemble-averaged conservation equations of mass, momentum (compressible NavierStokes), and energy closed by a &-<o/shear stress transport model of turbulence that can be integrated to the wall; i.e., wall functions were not used. Solutions were generated by using a cell-centered finite volume method on a structured grid based on second-order accurate Roe differencing, and on a diagonalized alternating-direction implicit scheme with local time-stepping and Vcycle multigrid.
Evaluating direct and indirect measures for the functional assessment of binge eating

Objective This study examined the usefulness of the Function of Binge Eating Scale and monitoring forms for a sample of subclinical binge eaters. Method Participants included 23 college students who reported engaging in binge eating an average of two or more times per week. Participants completed the Function of Binge Eating Scale at the initial session, at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks. Participants also monitored binge eating behavior and completed an Antecedent Checklist each time they engaged in binge eating. Results Participants responded similarly to direct and indirect measures of antecedents of binge eating although they tended to rate items on the indirect measures as more intense than on the direct measures. Boredom and dissatisfaction with body weight and shape were rated as the most intense proximate antecedents while anxiety and anger at others were reported as least intense. Irritability and depressed mood were the most frequently reported temporally remote antecedents. Discussion Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. © 1999 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 26: 195–204, 1999.
A simple shoulder replacement.

Although degenerative arthritis of the shoulder is quite rare, it does occur. Pain relief was obtained in three such cases by the insertion of a polyethylene glenoid liner made for this purpose and used in conjunction with a standard metal prosthesis for humeral head replacement. Good pain relief and fair motion was obtained.
Momentum Transfer and Angle of Divergence of Pairs Produced by Photons

The distribution of the momentum transferred to the pairs in pair production by photons has been derived from the Bethe-Heitler cross section. The effect of screening is evaluated using a shielded Coulomb potential for the nucleus. In the last part of the article the distribution of the angle of divergence of the pair is obtained, and the most probable angle of divergence is given by $\ensuremath{\varphi}(\frac{{E}_{+}}{k})\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\frac{4m{c}^{2}}{k}$, where $k$ and ${E}_{+}$ are the energies of the photon and the positron and $\ensuremath{\varphi}(\frac{{E}_{+}}{k})\ensuremath{\sim}1$ for $0.2l\frac{{E}_{+}}{k}l0.5$.
A research agenda for the nineties in human-computer interaction

Although the practical importance of user interface technology is now well established, the proper role of research in the development of the technology and the kind of research that is appropriate remain in question. This article takes stock of some of the competing positions and proposes an agenda, identifying areas of work that might command some consensus despite the widely varying viewpoints represented in the research community. The major initiatives proposed are understanding goals and preferences, broadening applied cognitive theory, supporting innovation, and credit assignment.
The Development of Shape: 1950–1953

The author's first connection with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) came on the i6th of December, I950. It was at a time when the world situation seemed to be deteriorating rapidly. The Chinese had just entered the war in Korea and the Council of NATO was to meet in Brussels on December i8th to consider urgent action to strengthen and organize defenses against aggression, should it occur in Europe. Anticipating the action of the North Atlantic Council, the United States government had already begun to assemble in Washington a few officers who would later be involved in the Allied Command in Europe. Colonel A. D. Starbird had already been transferred on short notice from his Engineer District assignment on the Oahe Dam in South Dakota and, sent to France to start work on the location of the headquarters. On the i6th of December, the author, then serving in Washington, received a request from Colonel R. J. Wood, until then an instructor at the National War College-later to be the Staff Secretary at SHAPE-to leave for Paris at noon the next day. After a flight to the Brussels Conference and a train ride to Paris, Colonel R. F. Worden of the US Air Force and the author found themselves late on December i8th
Mode of onset of psychosis and family involvement in help-seeking as determinants of duration of untreated psychosis

Background The duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is a potentially modifiable determinant of the early course of nonaffective psychotic disorders, though a paucity of research has addressed determinants of DUP. Recent data from London and Nottingham, UK indicated that a shorter DUP was predicted by: (1) an acute mode of onset, (2) employment, and (3) active involvement of at least one family member in seeking evaluation (Morgan et al. Br J Psychiatry 189:446–452, 2006). The present analysis was conducted in an effort to replicate those findings in a predominantly low-income, urban, African American sample.
A Novel Mutation in the Preprovasopressin Gene Identified in a Kindred with Autosomal Dominant Neurohypophyseal Diabetes Insipidus

Autosomal dominant neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (ADNDI) is a defect in free water conservation caused by mutations in the single gene that encodes both vasopressin (VP) and its binding protein, neurophysin II (NP II). Most of the human mutations in this gene have been in the portion encoding the NP molecule; the resultant abnormal gene products are believed to cause cellular toxicity as improperly folded precursor molecules accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum. We identified a new American kindred with ADNDI and found a novel mutation in the VP molecule. A 78-yr-old man was noted to have hypotonic polyuria and plasma hyperosmolarity; the urinary concentration defect was reversed by administration of VP. His symptomatology dated to childhood, and his family history was consistent with autosomal transmission of the polyuric syndrome, with affected members in three generations, including several females. Affected individuals were found to be heterozygous for a 3-bp deletion in exon 1 of arginine VP (AVP)-NP II, predicting a deletion of phenylalanine 3 (known to be critical for receptor binding) in the VP nonapeptide. Neuro 2A cells stably transfected with the mutant AVP-NP construct showed increased rates of apoptosis as assessed by flow cytometric methods. These observations support the concept that cellular toxicity of abnormal AVP-NP gene products underlies the development of ADNDI, and the data further demonstrate that mutations affecting the AVP moiety can result in initiation of these pathological processes.
Current controversies in turner syndrome: Genetic testing, assisted reproduction, and cardiovascular risks

Patients with Turner syndrome (TS) require close medical follow-up and management for cardiac abnormalities, growth and reproductive issues. This review summarizes current controversies in this condition, including: 1) the optimal genetic testing for Turner syndrome patients, particularly with respect to identification of Y chromosome material that may increase the patient's risk of gonadoblastoma and dysgerminoma, 2) which patients should be referred for bilateral gonadectomy and the recommended timing of such referral, 3) options for assisted reproduction in these patients and associated risks, 4) the increased risk of mortality associated with pregnancy in this population, and 5) how best to assess and monitor cardiovascular risks.
The relationship between task difficulty and emotion in online computer programming tutoring (abstract only)

Emotion, or affect, plays a central role in learning. In particular, promoting positive emotions throughout the learning process is important for students' motivation to pursue computer science and for retaining computer science students. Positive emotions, such as engagement or enjoyment, may be fostered by timely individualized help. Especially promising are interventions if the student is having difficulty completing a task. Recognizing when a student is facing a complex task may better inform teachers or adaptive learning environments about the students' affective states, which in turn can inform instructional adaptations. We approach this research goal by analyzing a data set of student facial videos from computer-mediated human tutorial sessions in Java programming. Students and tutors interacted with a synchronized web-based development environment. The tutorial sessions were divided into six lessons each with subtasks, and featured corresponding learning objectives for the students. In post-hoc analysis, we identified "difficult" tasks by comparing the frequencies of student-tutor interaction and task behaviors such as running the program and the time to complete tasks. Nonverbal behaviors, such as gesturing or postural shifting, were then compared with task difficulty. Understanding such nonverbal behavior can inform individualized interventions, which may keep students engaged and foster greater learning gains.
Biosynthesis of Deuterated Benzylpenicillins III: Relative Antibiotic Potency of Highly Deuterated Benzylpenicillin

The relative antibiotic potency of a highly deuterated benzylpenicillin and 1H-benzylpenicillin was compared using the official cup-plate bioassay, with Sarcina lutea as the test organism. A relative potency (H/D) of 1.23 was obtained. Although the penicillin analogs act by the same mechanism, deuterium apparently affects the potency in an adverse way.
HUMAN RESPONDING ON RANDOM-INTERVAL SCHEDULES OF RESPONSE-COST PUNISHMENT: THE ROLE OF REDUCED REINFORCEMENT DENSITY

An experiment with adult humans investigated the effects of response-contingent money loss (response-cost punishment) on monetary-reinforced responding. A yoked-control procedure was used to separate the effects on responding of the response-cost contingency from the effects of reduced reinforcement density. Eight adults pressed buttons for money on a three-component multiple reinforcement schedule. During baseline, responding in all components produced money gains according to a random-interval 20-s schedule. During punishment conditions, responding during the punishment component conjointly produced money losses according to a random-interval schedule. The value of the response-cost schedule was manipulated across conditions to systematically evaluate the effects on responding of response-cost frequency. Participants were assigned to one of two yoked-control conditions. For participants in the Yoked Punishment group, during punishment conditions money losses were delivered in the yoked component response independently at the same intervals that money losses were produced in the punishment component. For participants in the Yoked Reinforcement group, responding in the yoked component produced the same net earnings as produced in the punishment component. In 6 of 8 participants, contingent response cost selectively decreased response rates in the punishment component and the magnitude of the decrease was directly related to the punishment schedule value. Under punishment conditions, for participants in the Yoked Punishment group response rates in the yoked component also decreased, but the decrease was less than that observed in the punishment component, whereas for participants in the Yoked Reinforcement group response rates in the yoked component remained similar to rates in the no-punishment component. These results provide further evidence that contingent response cost functions similarly to noxious punishers in that it appears to suppress responding apart from its effects on reinforcement density.