cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A primitive memory system for the deployment of transient attention.

When transient attention is summoned by the sudden appearance of a large cue, it can be deployed to a small portion of the cue where a target appeared on previous trials (Kristjansson, Mackeben, & Nakayama, 2001). This result runs counter to the view that transient, or exogenous, attention is summoned automatically and indiscriminately to abruptly appearing stimuli. To further characterize the short-term learning mediating this phenomenon, we report the following results. (1) When there was a consistent relationship between a small identifying portion of the cue and the target, learning occurred rapidly. Thus, transient attention can be summoned to a distinctively colored or distinctively shaped portion of the cue as a consequence of repeated pairing (Experiments 1 and 2). (2) When there was a consistent relation between a given position on the object and itsoverall color or shape, no learning occurred (Experiments 3 and 4). Thus, transient attention cannot learn a complex relation between target position and shape or color. (3)We confirmed the fast object-centered learning of position shown in Kristjansson et al. (2001). (4) Explicit knowledge of the cue-target relationship had no effect on the performance of the task. The results provide evidence for the existence of a primitive object-centered learning mechanism beneficial for the rapid deployment of transient attention. The possible role of such a mechanism in the maintenance of representations of the visual environment is discussed.
High temperature operation and stability of phosphorescent OLEDs

Abstract Phosphorescent organic light emitting diodes were fabricated that show high efficiencies with commercially viable lifetimes at display brightnesses of tens of thousands of hours at room temperature. We investigate here the performance of theses devices at elevated temperatures. We demonstrate that devices containing phosphorescent dopants can be operated at temperatures up to 130 °C. We also demonstrate improved device performance due to thermal treating e.g. a red phosphorescent device that decays by only 10% in the first 5500 h of operation driven with an initial luminance of 300 cd/m 2 .
Female Sexual Responses Using Signal Processing Techniques

ABSTRACT Introduction An automatic algorithm for processing vaginal photoplethysmograph signals could benefit researchers investigating sexual behaviors by standardizing interlaboratory methods. Female sexual response does not co‐vary consistently in the self‐report and physiological domains, making the advancement of measurements difficult. Automatic processing algorithms would increase analysis efficiency. Vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) is a method used to measure female sexual responses. However, VPA are problematic because of the movement artifacts that impinge on the signal. This article suggests a real‐time approach for automatic artifact detection of VPA signals. The stochastic changes (artifacts) of VPA are characterized mathematically in this research, and a method is presented to automatically extract the frequency of interest from VPA based on the autocorrelation function and wavelet analysis. Additionally, a calculation is presented for the vaginal blood flow change rate (VBFCR) during female sexual arousal using VPA signals. Aim The primary aim is to investigate the experimental VPA measures based on theoretical techniques. Particularly, the goal is to introduce an automatic monitoring system for female sexual behaviors, which may be helpful for experts of female sexuality. Methods The methods in the research are divided into experimental and theoretical parts. The VPA in twenty women was measured by a common vaginal photoplethysmography system in two conditions. Each subject was tested watching a neutral video followed by an erotic video. For theoretical analysis, an approach was applied based on wavelet transform to process the VPA. Main Outcome Measures Introduction of an automatic and real‐time monitoring system for female sexual behaviors, automatic movement artifact detection, VBFCR, first application of wavelet transform, and correlogram in VPA analysis. Results The natural and significant frequency information of VPA signals was extracted to automatically detect movement artifacts and to investigate the effects of erotic videos on female sexual responses. Conclusions The computerized automatic systems based on advanced math and statistics have several advantages for human sexuality research such as: savings in time and budget; increase in the accuracy of results; and reduction in human errors for data analysis. Rafiee J, Rafiee MA, and Michaelsen D. Female sexual responses using signal processing techniques.
Experimentalism in Bioethics Research

Basson's commentary on my proposals regarding the structure and function of research in bioethics provides a welcome opportunity for extended comparison of standard approaches with the suggestions made in 'What Bioethics Should Be.' I begin by noting a common assumption underlying our respective views. I then address points of fundamental difference, indicating why the experimental method proposed in my original essay presents a potentially more productive strategy for examining moral issues in biomedicine. In the latter respect, I certainly disagree with Basson's contention that "we are unable to test" metaethical hypotheses "against reality" (Basson, p. 185) - a proposition which seems no more defensible than the equally untenable claim that we cannot refine methods of natural science research through examination of their usefulness in advancing our understanding of the correlation of events in nature.
The impact of ecological risk and perceived discrimination on the psychological adjustment of African American and European American youth

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of cumulative ecological risk (i.e., neighborhood disadvantage and ecologically salient stressful events) and perceived discrimination on the psychological adjustment of urban African American and European American youth. Findings indicated that both cumulative ecological risk and perceived discrimination were associated with poorer psychological adjustment for youth in this study. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that cumulative ecological risk made a unique contribution to each of the outcome variables. Moreover, perceived discrimination amplified the effect of ecological risk when delinquency was the criterion for African American youth but not for their European American peers. However, contrary to our expectations, perceived discrimination did not moderate the effect of ecological risk when depressive symptomatology was the outcome variable. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 32: 375–389, 2004.
Age and education correction of Mini-Mental State Examination for English- and Spanish-speaking elderly

Previous research has shown that the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMS) is biased as a measure of cognitive impairment in minority and low-education patients. The purpose of this study was to (1) develop a statistical correction for effects of age and education and (2) test the efficacy of the statistically adjusted MMS (MMSAdj) as a screening test for dementia using different ethnic groups and education levels. We used a population-base community survey sample (n=590) composed of 46.6% Hispanics and 53.4% non-Hispanics to derive the statistical correction, defined as:MMSAdj = Raw MMS - (0.471 X [Education-12]) + (0.131 X [Age-70]). Ethnicity and language of test administration were not significantly related to MMSAdj in the community survey sample, but the raw MMS was strongly influenced by these factors. We used an independent sample (n=2,983) of patients evaluated through the California Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centers to test the diagnostic accuracy of the MMS and the MMSAdj across low- and high-education groups and across whites, Hispanics, and blacks. Results showed greater stability of sensitivity and specificity across education levels and ethnic groups for the MMSAdj than for the raw MMS and suggest that the MMSAdj is a preferable measure of cognitive impairment for low- education and minority individuals.
Impact of FTTP on metro network architecture

FTTP has forced a shift in metro network architecture. Traditional DWDM and SONET networks will not efficiently scale to meet FTTP transport requirements. A ROADM based metro architecture is able to efficiently transport FTTP.
Iwo Eleru's place among Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene populations of North and East Africa

The Iwo Eleru site in Nigeria preserves the only terminal Pleistocene fossil from tropical West Africa. The peoples of this region contributed to significant population movements throughout the continent during the Holocene. As such, characterizing the phenotype of Late Pleistocene West African populations is critical for disentangling the evolutionary signatures of a highly complex African population history and structure. Previous research approached the calvaria's morphology from a paleoanthropological perspective, noting its mosaic of archaic and modern neurocranial features and distinctiveness from Pleistocene fossil taxa and contemporary modern human samples. In this paper, I compare Iwo Eleru with contemporary Late Pleistocene Africans and also consider the specimen's affinities with Holocene populations of the central and western Sahara, Nile Valley, and East Africa. Craniometric data were recorded for 22 neurocranial dimensions and subjected to principal components analysis and Mahalanobis distance estimation. Multidimensional scaling of distances indicated that Iwo Eleru fell outside the observed range of variation of other terminal Pleistocene supra-equatorial African populations, confirming previous results that documented its divergence from Neanderthals, Upper Paleolithic Europeans, and modern Africans. The calvaria was also distinct from Holocene Saharan, Nile Valley, and East African populations, which suggests limited West African input into the Sahara during the African Humid Period. Results presented here bolster previous research that suggested Iwo Eleru's anatomy reflected either admixture with archaic humans or the long-term survival of populations with more archaic neurocranial anatomy until the end of the Pleistocene.
Clinical significance of micrometastasis in lung and esophageal cancer: a new paradigm in thoracic oncology

In the past decade, detection of micrometastatic disease in different clinical samples including pleural lavage, lymph node, bone marrow, and blood has become a rapidly growing area of interest in research of non-small cell lung cancer and esophageal cancer. The results of these studies support the concept that, just as in many other solid malignancies, systemic spread may happen at an early stage in non-small cell lung cancer and esophageal cancer. Such systemic spread is often occult (micrometastases) at the time of primary diagnosis, which may have adverse effects on survival. Improved staging can be expected with information on micrometastases, and a subgroup of patients who will benefit most from adjuvant therapy might be identified. Although reliable and standard methods need to be developed before detection of micrometastasis is incorporated in the routine clinical practice, we suggest that it be considered an important correlate in clinical trials in non-small cell lung cancer and esophageal cancer.
Analysis of contour maps by optical diffraction

Abstract The orientation and spatial frequency of contours can be analyzed by optical diffraction. A reduced, transparent replica of the contour map functions as a diffraction grating through which coherent light is transmitted. With suitable optics, a diffraction pattern is produced that is the two-dimensional Fourier amplitude transform of the input map. The transform shows the distribution of orientations and spatial frequencies of the input elements. Because contours occur frequently as groups of nested curves of similar shape they usually generate intense diffraction patterns. With additional optics, a spatially filtered reconstructed image can be produced, enhancing the study of relatively obscure features and aiding in the analysis of a combination of distributions. Results are presented for both hypothetical and real contour maps, in terms of both transforms and spatially filtered imagery.
Influences on Call Outcomes among Veteran Callers to the National Veterans Crisis Line

The association of caller and call characteristics with proximal outcomes of Veterans Crisis Line calls were examined. From October 1-7, 2010, 665 veterans with recent suicidal ideation or a history of attempted suicide called the Veterans Crisis Line; 646 had complete data and were included in the analyses. A multivariable multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of a favorable outcome (a resolution or a referral) when compared to an unfavorable outcome (no resolution or referral). A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of responder-rated caller risk in a subset of calls. Approximately 84% of calls ended with a favorable outcome, 25% with a resolution, and 59% with a referral to a local health care provider. Calls from high-risk callers had greater odds of ending with a referral than without a resolution or referral, as did weekday calls (6:00 am to 5:59 pm EST, Monday through Friday). Responders used caller intent to die and the absence of future plans to determine caller risk. Findings suggest that the Veterans Crisis Line is a useful mechanism for generating referrals for high-risk veteran callers. Responders appeared to use known risk and protective factors to determine caller risk. Language: en
Stereoelectroencephalography Following Subdural Grid Placement for Difficult to Localize Epilepsy

Background Despite the use of invasive subdural recording, failure to localize or resect the epileptogenic zone (EZ) occurs. Potential causes for this include EZ originating outside of the subdural grid coverage area, involvement of eloquent cortex, or complications requiring removal of electrodes without seizure localization. No study has examined the safety and efficacy of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) after subdural grid placement. Objective To determine the efficacy of SEEG in patients who have previously undergone subdural grid placement. Methods A prospective analysis was performed on 14 patients who had subdural grid evaluation and underwent subsequent SEEG monitoring. The follow-up period after the SEEG-guided resections ranged from 11 months to 34 months with an average follow-up of 20.1 months. Magnetic resonance imaging findings, EZ localization, outcomes, type of surgery, and perioperative complications were evaluated. Results Ten patients (71%) underwent a resection after SEEG reimplantation. Of the 4 patients (29%) not undergoing resection, 2 had seizures arising from eloquent cortex, 1 had bitemporal epilepsy, and 1 had a previous temporal lobectomy contralateral to the EZ. An estimate of the EZ was achieved in all patients based on interictal and ictal recordings. In patients undergoing resection, 60% were seizure-free at 11 months. Perioperative complications were minimal and included 1 abscess, which required burr-hole drainage and antibiotics. Conclusion SEEG is a safe and effective method after subdural grid placement is inconclusive, providing an additional opportunity for seizure freedom in this highly challenging group of patients.
Amino acid incorporation into protein by extracts of E. coli.

The incorporation of amino acids into protein in extracts of E. coli is described under conditions which show a dependence on the addition of ATP and an ATP generating system, GTP, Mg++, KCl, and an amino acid mixture. The site of incorporation is the bacterial ribonucleoprotein particle. The addition of the non-sedimentable 105,000 × g supernatant solution stimulates this incorporation. Large bacterial fragments are not required for the incorporation. Ribonuclease and chloramphenicol inhibit it. In order to permit meaningful interpretation of the cell-free capacity of the system, it has been found essential that the whole cell contamination of these preparations be no greater than 1·105 viable cells per ml at the start of a 15-min incubation period. The importance of determining the degree of contamination of bacterial extracts by whole cells in studies on the proteosynthetic mechanism is emphasized.
Cytoplasmic mislocalization of the orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 is a prognostic factor in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND: Nurr1 belongs to a novel class of orphan nuclear receptors (the NR4A family). The authors have previously shown that Nurr1 is important in carcinogenesis. In the current study, they examined the clinicopathologic relevance of expression patterns of Nurr1 in bladder tumors. METHODS: Nurr1 expression was determined using immunohistochemical staining in a bladder cancer tissue array (145 tumors). Tumors were classified according to Nurr1 protein levels in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Disease-specific survival and recurrence-free survival were investigated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards analysis in multivariate models and correlated with variables such as tumor stage, growth pattern, and clinical outcome (recurrence and survival). In vitro, Nurr1 was examined for its role in bladder cancer cell proliferation and migration using small interfering RNA silencing. RESULTS: Nurr1 expression in tumor cells correlated with increasing tumor stage and invasive growth pattern. Disease-specific survival was significantly shorter in patients whose tumors demonstrated a high level of cytoplasmic Nurr1 compared with those with lower levels of cytoplasmic Nurr1 expression. Furthermore, cytoplasmic Nurr1 expression level was found to be an independent predictor of disease-specific survival (odds ratio, 4.894; P < .001). In vitro, silencing of endogenous Nurr1 attenuated the migration of bladder cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of Nurr1 in the cytoplasm correlates with adverse outcome and is an independent prognostic marker for tumor progression and survival in patients with bladder cancer. This might represent a novel target in bladder cancer therapy. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
In Memorium Alan Jeffrey

I am saddened to write this Memorium for Alan Jeffrey, a fine mathematician, and also a dear friend. I met Alan for the first time at a reception held in Ian Sneddon's home. It was for some of the ...
Adenovirus-mediated genetic manipulation of the myocardial ß-adrenergic signaling system in transplanted hearts

Abstract Objectives: Ex vivo perfusion of the cardiac allograft during organ procurement is an ideal environment for adenoviral vectors with transgenes that target improving graft contractility. One such target is the β-adrenergic receptor–signaling system, in which alterations in transgenic mice have elucidated novel means to improve the function of the heart in vivo. The purpose of the current study was to determine the functional consequences of β-adrenergic receptor manipulation in a rabbit model of cardiac allograft transplantation. Methods: New Zealand White rabbits weighing 3 kg served as recipients to 1-kg outbred donors. Donor hearts were arrested and harvested, and 1 of 3 adenoviral constructs was administered into the aortic root perfusing the graft. Transgenes delivered encoded either the human β 2 -adrenergic receptor, a peptide inhibitor of β-adrenergic receptor densensitization, or the marker transgene β-galactosidase. Results: Five days after cervical heterotopic transplantation, left ventricular performance was measured on a Langendorff apparatus. A moderate pattern of rejection was seen in all grafts. Biventricular myocyte expression of β-galactosidase was observed, and β 2 -adrenergic receptor density was elevated 10-fold in grafts that received adeno-β 2 -adrenergic receptor. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance was significantly increased in grafts transfected with either adeno-β 2 -adrenergic receptor or adeno-β-adrenergic receptor densensitization compared with control grafts that received adeno-β-galactosidase. Conclusions: Ex vivo adenovirus-mediated gene transfer is feasible in a rabbit allograft model and, more important, genetic manipulation of β-adrenergic receptor signaling either by increasing β 2 -adrenergic receptor density or blocking endogenous receptor desensitization improves graft function acutely in this allograft model. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;120:581-8)
Noise levels in hospital laboratories are they a problem and can they be reduced

In this paper the question of noise level in laboratories was considered and the results of noise level measurements made in various areas of chemistry, hematology and microbiology laboratories in 15 hospitals in the Western New York area were presented. It was concluded that even though the measured noise levels were within the limits set by OSHA, they were sometimes quite high and should be reduced whenever possible.
Complexes of the Gilman Reagent with Double Bonds across the π−σ Continuum

By using rapid injection NMR at low temperatures, a variety of π-complexes of lithium dimethylcuprate(I) with C–C, C–N, and C–S double bonds have been prepared and characterized. Complexation is generally accompanied by large upfield changes in chemical shift for the substrate carbon atoms bonded to copper. In the case of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds, the changes for the carbonyl carbons are much smaller in magnitude, which is consistent with the usual η2 representation of these structures. It is possible for one ligand to displace another, and in this way an order of stability can be elucidated. Treatment of selected π-complexes with chlorosilanes or cyanosilanes gives CuIII intermediates.
Evolutionary plasticity of monooxygenase-mediated resistance

The cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are an important metabolic system involved in the detoxification of xenobiotics, and are thus one of the major mechanisms by which insects evolve insecticide resistance. However, comparatively little is known about the evolutionary constraints of this insecticide resistance mechanism. We investigated the genetic basis of resistance in a strain of house fly (NG98) from Georgia, USA that had evolved 3700-fold resistance to the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin, and compared this to other permethrin resistant strains of house flies from the US and Japan. Resistance in NG98 was due to kdr on autosome 3 and monooxygenase-mediated resistance on autosomes 1, 2, and 5. These results indicate that the genes which evolve to produce monooxygenase-mediated resistance to permethrin are different between different populations, and that the P450 monooxygenases have some degree of plasticity in response to selection. Monooxygenase-mediated resistance appears to evolve using different P450s, and possibly different regulatory signals controlling P450 expression, even in strains selected with the same insecticide.
Local Heat Transfer Coefficients for Condensation in Stratified Countercurrent Steam-Water Flows

A study of steam condensation in countercurrent stratified flow of steam and subcooled water has been carried out in a rectangular channel inclined 33 deg to the horizontal. The variables in this experiment were the inlet water and steam flow rates, and the inlet water temperature. Condensation heat transfer coefficients were determined as functions of local steam and water flow rates, and the degree of subcooling. Correlations are given for the local Nusselt number for the smooth and for the rough interface regimes, and also for the dimensionless wave amplitude. A turbulence-centered model is also developed. It is shown that better agreement with the data can be obtained if the characteristic scales in the turbulent Nusselt number and Reynolds numbers are related to measured interfacial parameters rather than the bulk flow parameters. The important effect of interfacial shear, missing in previous eddy-transport models, is thus implicitly included.
Nanometer scale imaging of cobalt silicide in air using atomic force microscope and scanning tunneling microscope

Abstract Nanometer scale images were obtained on cobalt silicide (CoSi 2 ) surfaces in air using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Consecutive STM scans over the same area of the CoSi 2 sample recorded image distortion. The degradation of STM image may be related to oxidation of the silicide surface as revealed by AES. In contrast, AFM images of the silicides were obtained repeatedly without any image distortion with nanometer scale resolution. This AFM can be routinely used to generate grain size and surface roughness data for process control.
Delineation of in vitro chondrogenesis of human synovial stem cells following preconditioning using decellularized matrix

As a tissue-specific stem cell for chondrogenesis, synovium-derived stem cells (SDSCs) are a promising cell source for cartilage repair. However, a small biopsy can only provide a limited number of cells. Cell senescence from both in vitro expansion and donor age presents a big challenge for stem cell based cartilage regeneration. Here we found that expansion on decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) full of three-dimensional nanostructured fibers provided SDSCs with unique surface profiles, low elasticity but large volume as well as a fibroblast-like shape. dECM expanded SDSCs yielded larger pellets with intensive staining of type II collagen and sulfated glycosaminoglycans compared to those grown on plastic flasks while SDSCs grown in ECM yielded 28-day pellets with minimal matrix as evidenced by pellet size and chondrogenic marker staining, which was confirmed by both biochemical data and real-time PCR data. Our results also found lower levels of inflammatory genes in dECM expanded SDSCs that might be responsible for enhanced chondrogenic differentiation. Despite an increase in type X collagen in chondrogenically induced cells, dECM expanded cells had significantly lower potential for endochondral bone formation. Wnt and MAPK signals were actively involved in both expansion and chondrogenic induction of dECM expanded cells. Since young and healthy people can be potential donors for this matrix expansion system and decellularization can minimize immune concerns, human SDSCs expanded on this future commercially available dECM could be a potential cell source for autologous cartilage repair.
Analyses of Student Demonstrators Involved in the Overthrow of the Greek Military Dictatorship

Data collected in a survey of Greek college students were reanalyzed to compare personality, attitudes, and social class scores of students at colleges which did and did not instigate demonstrations and riots during the 1973 overthrow of the military dictatorship. Results indicate that at colleges where demonstrations occurred, males had higher needs for affiliation and lower needs for achievement and order than males at other colleges. Demonstrators indicated general dissatisfaction with many aspects of their university programs and came from higher social class backgrounds than students who did not demonstrate. Results are briefly compared with analyses of student demonstrators in the United States.
Lamprey Spinal Interneurons and Their Roles in Swimming Activity

An isolated lamprey spinal cord generates rhythmic ventral root bursting that closely resembles swimming activity: ventral roots on opposite sides of the spinal cord burst in alternation, and rostral ventral roots lead caudal ventral roots. This rhythmic activity is induced by superfusion of the spinal cord with an excitatory amino acid and is called 'fictive' swimming. Three main types of spinal interneurons that are active during fictive swimming have been characterized: small excitatory interneurons with ipsilateral axons, large inhibitory interneurons with ipsilateral descending axons (lateral interneurons), and inhibitory commissural interneurons. The synaptic connectivities of these inter-neurons can account for the pattern of motoneuron excitation and inhibition occurring during fictive swimming, and it has been proposed that the synaptic interactions of these spinal neurons form the unit segmental oscillators of the swim network. Computer modeling has confirmed that this network can generate rhythmic activity resembling fictive swimming. The core of the model is the reciprocal inhibition between commissural interneurons on opposite sides of the cord. Evidence that the commissural interneurons are essential to rhythm generation comes from lesion studies in which the spinal cord was split down the midline and also from photo-ablation studies in which commissural interneurons were inactivated by illumination after retrograde labeling with a photo-toxic tracer. In both types of experiments, rhythmic activity of fictive swimming can be abolished, supporting the view that the commissural interneurons are necessary for rhythmogenesis.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the eyelid skin.

Purpose Mucoepidermoid carcinoma involving the eye or its adnexa generally arises from the conjunctiva. We describe a nodular lesion of the lower eyelid skin with histologic features consistent with low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Method Case report. Results By histology, the tumor demonstrated areas of squamous cell carcinoma and scattered islands of mucin-secreting cells. Histochemistry showed hyaluronidase-resistant mucin and intense immunoreactivity with an antibody against carcinoembryonic antigen suggesting that the tumor originated from acrosyringeal structures. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of a mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising from sweat glands in the eyelid skin.
Consistent Boundary Conditions for Numerical Models of Systems that Admit Dispersive Waves

Abstract In numerical computation it is often necessary to truncate the region of interest and formulate appropriate boundary conditions. A way of using the Sommerfeld radiation boundary condition for a certain class of initial value problems in dispersive systems is derived. The details of this analysis are given for a continuously stratified fluid in a rotating reference frame.
Chromatic dispersion in tightly curved silicon waveguides and ring resonators

We numerically analyze chromatic dispersion in tightly curved strip and slot waveguides with high index contrast. Zero-dispersion-wavelength may have a shift over 220 nm when bending radius is reduced to a few microns.
Bounds for interpolating complex effective moduli of viscoelastic materials from measured data

The complex effective moduli of viscoelastic materials can be experimentally measured by a number of techniques giving relaxation data for materials at discrete frequencies. In this paper we present a method which allows one to find bounds on the moduli of the material at the unmeasured frequencies. Our bounds can be very tight, and are, therefore, good approximations to the data. Using our bounds, experimentalists can concentrate their efforts on gathering highly accurate data at only a few frequencies and numerically generate data at other frequencies that may be of interest.
The Kinetics of Adsorption to a One-Dimensional Lattice with Nearest-Neighbor Exclusion: A Series Expansion Study

Exact 15-term series expansions are given for the cooperative kinetics of adsorption of particles to a one-dimensional lattice with nearest-neighbor exclusion. Pade approximants to various forms of the series accurately describe the relaxation process, which is found to be well-approximated by assuming instantaneous internal equilibrium on the lattice. The series do not describe the very last stages of decay to equilibrium well and it has not been possible to extract from them the limiting relaxation parameters. The series show that the rate of change of the particle density on the lattice is not analytic in the density when expanded about the equilibrium state.
Modeling Data for Enterprise Systems with Memories

Enterprise Resource Planning ERP systems are widely used but notoriously difficult to learn and master. The authors propose that a database approach to representing the system's tasks, interface components, and usage logs in conjunction with the ERP domain data can serve as a foundation for improving system usability. The framework the authors designed supports automatic logging of user-system interactions and automated analysis of the logged data for enabling a variety of interface enhancements and assessments that can be performed dynamically by the system. Compared to existing work on usage logging, the authors' framework expands the logging capabilities of ERP systems while providing a unifying basis for many different kinds of applications of log data.
Second order QCD corrections to inclusive semileptonic $ b \to {X_c}l{\bar \nu_l} $ decays with massless and massive lepton

We extend previous computations of the second order QCD corrections to semileptonic b → c inclusive transitions, to the case where the charged lepton in the finalstate is massive. This allows accurate description of $ b \to c\tau {\bar \nu_\tau } $ decays. We review techniques used in the computation of $ \mathcal{O}\left( {\alpha_s^2} \right) $ corrections to inclusive semileptonic b → c transitions and present extensive numerical studies of $ \mathcal{O}\left( {\alpha_s^2} \right) $ QCD corrections to $ b \to cl{\bar \nu_l} $ decays, for l = e, τ.
Computational methodology to predict damage growth in unidirectional composites—I. Theoretical formulation and numerical implementation

The theoretical formulation and numerical implementation of a computational methodology for predicting both the initiation and growth of damage in a unidirectional composite monolayer is presented. The methodology has been implemented into a finite element program to form the Micromechanics Analysis and Damage Growth In Composites (MADGIC) code. A node splitting and nodal force relaxation algorithm that is capable of generating new crack surfaces has been incorporated to simulate damage initiation and growth. One of the unique features of this code is that the instantaneous direction of damage progression is dictated by the local mechanics and failure criteria. Thus, the crack path need not be preselected. Common modes of damage that take place in composites, including fiber breakage, matrix cracking and fiber-matrix debonding, are simulated using the node splitting mechanisms in conjunction with mechanistic failure criteria. An incremental elastic-plastic algorithm with J2 flow theory and isotropic hardening has also been incorporated to account for matrix plastic deformation when analyzing damage growth in metal matrix composites. In order to efficiently model standard laboratory size composite specimens, a hybrid micromechanical-anisotropic continuum model has been used consisting of a heterogeneous region enclosing the micromechanical damage processing zone, and an outer homogeneous region to which the far-field load is applied.
Neuronal bioenergetic defects, excitotoxicity and Alzheimer's disease: “Use it and lose it”

Although excitotoxicity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, it is not likely to be the cause of this disorder. On the other hand, in the presence of the well-documented neuronal bioenergetic defects in Alzheimer's disease, normal concentrations of glutamate may become lethal, and excitotoxicity may become the final common pathway to cell death.
First U.S. report of shellfish harvesting closures due to confirmed okadaic acid in Texas Gulf coast oysters

Abstract Between March 7 and April 12, 2008, several bay systems on the east (Gulf of Mexico) coast of Texas, USA were closed to the harvesting of oysters (Crassostrea virginica) due to the presence of the DSP (Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning) toxin okadaic acid in excess of the 20 μg/100 g tissue FDA regulatory guidance level. This was the first shellfish harvesting closure due to the confirmed presence of DSP toxins in US history. Light microscopic cell counts were performed on water samples collected from numerous sampling sites along the Texas Gulf coast where shellfish harvesting occurs. Ultra performance liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization, selected reaction monitoring, mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI/SRM/MS) was used to detect DSP toxins in oysters. The closures were associated with an extensive bloom of the dinoflagellate Dinophysis cf. ovum. Only okadaic acid (OA) and OA acyl esters were found in shellfish tissues (max. OA eq. levels 47 μg/100 g tissue). OA was also confirmed in a bloom water sample. No illnesses were reported associated with this event. DSP toxins now add to a growing list of phycotoxins, which include those responsible for PSP (paralytic shellfish poisoning), NSP (neurotoxic shellfish poisoning), and ASP (amnesic shellfish poisoning) which must now be monitored for in US coastal waters where shellfish are harvested.
Embedded Performance Validity Indicators Within the California Verbal Learning Test, Children’s Version

To date, few studies have examined the use of embedded performance validity indicators in pediatric populations. The present study examined the utility of variables within the California Verbal Learning Test, Children's Version (CVLT-C) in detecting noncredible effort among a pediatric mild traumatic brain injury sample. The sample consisted of 411 clinically referred patients aged 8-16 years. A total of 13% of the participants failed both the Medical Symptom Validity Test and at least one other performance validity measure. No demographic or injury-related variables differentiated the noncredible and adequate effort groups. The noncredible group performed significantly worse than the adequate effort group across a majority of CVLT-C variables. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the Recognition Discriminability (RD) score was the most robust in predicting noncredible effort. Among this relatively high-functioning sample, an RD cutoff z-score of -0.5 resulted in sensitivity of 55% and specificity of 91%. A more conservative RD cutoff z-score of -1.0 resulted in sensitivity of 41% and specificity of 97%. These findings are comparable to the classification statistics found for many embedded indicators in the adult literature. Although only moderately sensitive, the RD score on the CVLT-C appears to have good utility in identifying noncredible effort in a relatively high-functioning pediatric mTBI population.
Interfacial reaction between amorphous silicon and palladium thin films

Abstract Interfacial reactions between amorphous Si and Pd films of thickness of 1, 5, 50 and 200 nm in the as-deposited state and after annealing from 200 to 500°C have been studied by transmission electron microscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. An amorphous phase is observed in the as-deposited state in samples of 1 nm Pd on α-Si, yet Pd 2 Si is observed in the as-deposited and annealed states in thicker films. The growth of Pd 2 Si from 200 to 235°C is diffusion controlled with an activation energy of 1.25 eV. Enhanced crystallization of remaining α-Si in contact to Pd 2 Si occurs between 400 and 500°C.
Embedded Self-Sensing Piezoelectric Active Sensors for On-Line Structural Identification

The benefits and limitations of using embedded piezoelectric active sensors for structural identification at ultrasonic frequency are highlighted. An analytical model based on structural vibration theory and theory of piezoelectricity was developed and used to predict the electro-mechanical (E/M) impedance response, as it would be measured at the piezoelectric active sensor's terminals. The model considers one-dimension structures and accounts for both axial and flexural vibrations. Experiments were conducted on simple specimens in support of the theoretical investigation, and on realistic turbine blade specimen to illustrate the method's potential. It was shown that E/M impedance spectrum recorded by the piezoelectric active sensor accurately represents the mechanical response of a structure. It was further proved that the response of the structure is not modified by the presence of the sensor, thus validating the latter's noninvasive characteristics. It is shown that such sensors, of negligible mass, can be permanently applied to the structure creating a nonintrusive sensor array adequate for on-line automatic structural identification and health monitoring. The sensor calibration procedure is outlined. Numerical estimation of the noninvasive properties of the proposed active sensors in comparison with conventional sensors is presented. Self-diagnostics capabilities of the proposed sensors were also investigated and methods for automatic self-test implementation are discussed. The paper underlines that the use of piezoelectric wafer active sensors is not only advantageous, but, in certain situations, may be the sole investigative option, as in the case of precision machinery, small but critical turbine-engine parts, and computer industry components.
Analgesic activity of enkephalins following intracerebral administration in the rat.

Abstract Methionine- and leucine-enkephalin were found to be potent, short-acting analgesics in the tail flick test in rats following intracerebral administration, via chronically indwelling cannulae, into the midbrain periaqueductal gray. Morphine sulfate was approximately 4 times as potent as the enkephalins when infused into this same brain site. The analgesia produced by the enkephalins and by morphine was inhibited by pretreatment with naloxone.
89. The effect of acute metabolic stress on anhedonia and IL-1 beta expression following chronic stress

There is high comorbidity between metabolic syndrome and depression. Here we examine if acute metabolic stressors, either overnight food deprivation or 2-deoxyglucose injection (250 mg/kg), would potentiate anhedonia and IL-1β expression following chronic mild stress. To test this we measured sucrose preference and IL-1β in both control and stressed animals with or without a metabolic stressor. Our results found that chronic mild stress induced depressive behaviors in only a portion of the animals (stress-susceptible), while other animals continued to have high levels of sucrose preference that were similar to controls (stress-resistant). Exposure to food deprivation prior to testing did not affect sucrose preference in control animal nor did it alter the reduced sucrose preference in stress-susceptible animals, but overnight food deprivation caused a significant decrease in sucrose preference in stress-resistant animals. 2-Deoxyglucose injection caused a significant reduction in both control and stressed animals’ preference for sucrose. Additionally, there was no effect of chronic stress on IL-1β levels, but food deprivation caused an increase of IL-1β in the hippocampus and brainstem; decreased levels in the prefrontal cortex; and a potential interaction between stress and food deprivation in the hypothalamus (p = 0.10). Our results indicate that metabolic stressors likely interact with psychological stressors to promote depression-like responses and that more severe metabolic stressors may themselves induce anhedonic responses. Furthermore, metabolic stressors affect regional levels of brain cytokines.
Mechanism of TiO2 pigment retention on pulp fiber with polyelectrolytes

Abstract Pulp fibers and pigment dispersed in water are both negatively charged and, therefore, when a paper sheet is formed on a screen the pigment particles, which are of colloidal dimension, are not retained. Cationic polyelectrolytes are employed to promote pigment retention but the mechanism by which they operate is not well understood. Two cationic polyelectrolytes, based on polyethylenimine and polyacrylamide and used commercially as retention aids were examined to clarify their role in TiO2 retention. From the comparison of polymer adsorption on both fiber and pigment, their electrophoretic mobility, and the extent of pigment retention it was concluded that the main mechanism is mutual attraction between oppositely charged fiber and pigment. In general, the fibers became positive at a polymer concentration where the pigment was still negative and maximum retention was realized when these negative pigment particles deposited on the already positive fibers. Homoflocculation of the pigment (and mechanical entrapment of pigment flocs in the forming sheet) also contributed to the overall retention and was more pronounced with the polyacrylamide polymer.
Analytical Ultracentrifugation as a Tool for Studying Protein Interactions.

The last two decades have led to significant progress in the field of analytical ultracentrifugation driven by instrumental, theoretical, and computational methods. This review will highlight key developments in sedimentation equilibrium (SE) and sedimentation velocity (SV) analysis. For SE, this includes the analysis of tracer sedimentation equilibrium at high concentrations with strong thermodynamic non-ideality, and for ideally interacting systems, the development of strategies for the analysis of heterogeneous interactions towards global multi-signal and multi-speed SE analysis with implicit mass conservation. For SV, this includes the development and applications of numerical solutions of the Lamm equation, noise decomposition techniques enabling direct boundary fitting, diffusion deconvoluted sedimentation coefficient distributions, and multi-signal sedimentation coefficient distributions. Recently, effective particle theory has uncovered simple physical rules for the co-migration of rapidly exchanging systems of interacting components in SV. This has opened new possibilities for the robust interpretation of the boundary patterns of heterogeneous interacting systems. Together, these SE and SV techniques have led to new approaches to study macromolecular interactions across the entire spectrum of affinities, including both attractive and repulsive interactions, in both dilute and highly concentrated solutions, which can be applied to single-component solutions of self-associating proteins as well as the study of multi-protein complex formation in multi-component solutions.
Families and Schools The Effect of Parental Involvement on High School Completion

This study examined European American, Latino, Asian American, and Native American parental involvement and their children’s high school completion. An examination of how different family structures have an influence on a student’s education was conducted. This study used the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS) of 1988 and utilized a hierarchical linear model (HLM) for the statistical analysis. Social capital theory and a family ecological approach were used as the theoretical foundations. The findings demonstrated that different types of parental involvement were importantin a student’s highschool completion, dependingon ethnicity. Schoolinvolvement was not significant in influencingthe level of parental involvement and the relation to high school completion. Future research should focus on understandingthe ways in which a stronger relationshipbetween families and educational systems could be developed.
Does Ceo Charisma Matter? An Empirical Analysis Of The Relationships Among Organizational Performance, Environmental Uncertainty, And Top Management Team Perceptions Of Ceo Charisma

This article reports the results of a study examining the relationships among strategic charismatic leadership, organizational performance, and environmental uncertainty with primary data from a sa...