cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progressive behavioral response to repeated d-amphetamine challenge: further evidence for sensitization in humans

Abstract Background: Behavioral sensitization is the process whereby intermittent stimulant exposure produces a time-dependent, enduring, and progressive behavioral response. Although animal models of sensitization are well established, the phenomenon has been relatively little studied in humans. In a previous study, we reported enhanced responses following a second as compared to a first amphetamine dose in eye-blink rate and ratings of increased motor activity/energy, increased speech, and elevated mood in normal human volunteers. This current study extends those findings in a new sample of normal volunteers. Methods: Eleven normal human volunteers were administered three single oral doses of d-amphetamine (0.25 mg/kg) at 48-hour intervals, alternating with matched placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial. Hourly behavioral ratings included eye-blink rate, symptoms (elevated mood, increased speech, increased motor activity/energy), and subjective drug effects. Results: Eye-blink rate and increased motor activity/energy ratings progressively increased following each challenge with the third amphetamine dose response significantly greater than all other conditions 4 hours postadministration. Similar, although less pronounced, responses were observed for elevated mood and subjective drug effect. Conclusions: These results provide further evidence for sensitization of some amphetamine-induced behaviors in human subjects.
A bound for the existence of invariant circles in a class of two-dimensional dissipative maps

Abstract By generalizing results due to Mather we obtain an upper bound for the existence of smooth invariant circles in a class of dissipative two-dimensional maps. In particular the map x n+1 = x n + Ω + by n − (k/2π)sin 2πx n , y n+1 = by n − (k/2π) X sin 2πx n can have no smooth invariant circle for |k| > 2(1 + b)/(2 + b).
Developmental changes in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization in the mongolian gerbil.

Developmental changes in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization were investigated in Mongolian gerbils from birth until 30 days of age. The rate of ultrasonic vocalization increased from birth until Day 4. Following Day 4, the rate declined rapidly until Day 10. A moderate decline in the rate occurred from Day 10 to Day 13. After Day 13, the decline in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization was very gradual. Vocalizations were not detected on Day 20 or thereafter. Developmental changes in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization corresponded to those changes reported for the laboratory mouse and laboratory rat. Furthermore, the daily changes in the rate of ultrasonic vocalization followed the pattern that would have been predicted from knowledge of the development of homoiothermy in this species.
Development and Characterization of Genomic and Gene-Based Microsatellite Markers in North American Red Oak Species

Oaks (Quercus: Fagaceae) are ecological and economic keystones of many forested ecosystems but effective genetic management strategies are hindered by high levels of phenotypic plasticity within species and frequent hybridization among them. These same features, however, make oak communities suited for the study of speciation, hybridization, and genetic adaptation. Efforts to develop new and to adapt existing genomic resources to less-studied members of this genus should not only improve oak conservation and management but also aid the study of fundamental evolutionary processes. Here, we present a suite of 27 highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers tested in four North American red oak (Quercus section Lobatae) species: Q. rubra, Q. ellipsoidalis, Q. coccinea, and Q. velutina. Five markers are genomic SSRs (gSSRs) — four novel and one previously transferred from Q. petraea — and 22 are gene-based SSRs derived from Q. robur and Q. petraea expressed sequence tags (EST-SSRs). Overall, levels of polymorphism detected with these primer pairs were high, with gene diversity (H e) averaging 0.66 across all loci in natural populations. In addition, we show that EST-SSR markers may have the potential to detect divergent selection at stress-resistance candidate genes among closely related oak species.
Sensitivity analysis and optimal design of smart piezolaminated composite beams

The static and dynamic interaction between piezoelectric layer and host laminated beam has been investigated using classical laminate theory and first-order shear deformation theory. A finite element model has been developed to study the mechanical and electrical behavior of laminated composite beam with piezoelectric actuators. The numerical results have been compared with those available in the literature in order to validate the accuracy of the model. A design optimization methodology has been developed by combining the finite element model and the sequential quadratic programming technique to improve the structural performance. Further, the optimization algorithm has been improved by performing the sensitivity analysis and analytical gradients of constraints and objective function. Various types of optimization problems including shape control of a beam and mass minimization have been investigated. By careful positioning of the actuators and polarizing them to create bending moment and stretching force when required, a very precise shape control has been achieved as well as considerable reduction in the mass of the structure. It has been observed using the analytical gradients of constraints and objective function analytically can significantly reduce the total number of iteration required to obtain the optimal design.
Validation of the CSA accelerometer for assessing children's physical activity

The Computer Science Application (CSA) accelerometer is designed to detect the acceleration and deceleration of human movement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its validity and utility for measuring children's activity in field settings. The criterion measure was heart rate telemetry. This study also examined the between-day stability of children's physical activity. Thirty-one children (7-15 yr) wore a CSA accelerometer and a heart rate telemetry monitor for 12 h.d-1 for 3 consecutive days. The validity correlation coefficients between accelerometry and heart rate telemetry for each monitored day ranged from r = 0.50-0.74. All children reported the accelerometer to be comfortable to wear. The moderate to high validity correlations and the subjects' favorable response to wearing the accelerometer support its validity and utility as an objective method for monitoring activity in children in field settings. However, the between-day stability of individual physical activity measures was low to moderate (r = -0.23 to 0.53), indicating that when using accelerometry or heart rate telemetry more than 3 d of monitoring is needed to assess usual activity.
The social cost of rent-seeking: First estimates

omists have been unanimous in their verdict that rent-seeking is socially wasteful, if rational from the practitioner's perspective.1 The entire literature on rent-seeking that has developed over the past twenty years has focused on (a) describing the process of rent-seeking, (b) describing the theoretical consequences of rent-seeking, and (c) applying the theory to examination of political behavior and political outcomes. To our knowledge, there have been no attempts to empirically verify/quantify the alleged social waste due to rentseeking. The purpose of this paper is to report our first-stab efforts in this regard. We make no pretense of advancing the theory of rent-seeking; the investigation is an empirical search for a Phillips-curve type of relationship between incidence of rent-seeking in the U.S. economy and the size/growth of that economy. Our findings, based on both time-series and cross-sectional analysis of the U.S. economy, verify the existence of a social cost to rentseeking; our crude estimate of the impact of rent-seeking suggests that rentseeking, as we measure it, cost the economy an additional 22.6 percent of measured GNP in 1985.
The Role of Systemic Blood Pressure in the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) regardless of etiology tends to progress. Substantial evidence indicates that even modest coexistent hypertension (HTN) plays a major role in such progression due to an increased transmission of systemic HTN to the renal microvasculature in CKD states. This is due to preglomerular vasodilation and an impairment of the renal autoregulatory responses that normally protect against such transmission. Accordingly, effective BP control that also includes renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade is recommended as a primary management strategy for slowing CKD progression. It is widely believed that RAS blockade provides additional renoprotection beyond BP lowering. While the BP-independence of such renoprotective effects remains a matter of some controversy, there is nevertheless other compelling rationale for the use of RAS blockade in CKD patients. Hypertension in CKD states is usually volume dependent and requires effective diuretic therapy for adequate and sustained BP control. Not only is RAS blockade a very effective antihypertensive regimen in adequately diuresed patients, it counteracts the negative effects of diuretics on potassium and magnesium balance. Although definitive clinical trial evidence in favor of lower BP goals in proteinuric CKD is not yet available, some guidelines also recommend a lower systolic BP target of <130 mmHg for proteinuric CKD vs. <140 mmHg that is recommended for most individuals including those with non-proteinuric CKD. Finally, given that ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) has shown that masked and nocturnal HTN may be both more frequent and more difficult to control in CKD patients, it may be as important to focus on achieving 24-h BP control as on the clinic BP targets.
Semilinear double phase conjugate mirror

Abstract We have demonstrated a new kind of mutually incoherent photorefractive double phase conjugator: Semilinear Double Phase Conjugate Mirror (SD-PCM). Experimental study shows that high phase conjugate reflectivity, wide acceptance angle, good phase conjugate fidelity and reasonably fast time response can be achieved.
Influence of prilled fat and calcium salt of palm oil fatty acids on ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility

Four rumen cannulated Holstein cows were used in a Latin square design to examine the effect of supplemental calcium salt of palm oil fatty acids (.68 kg/d) or prilled fat (.68 or .91 kg/d) on DM intake, rumen fermentation, and nutrient digestibility. Basal diet contained 45% concentrate, 27.5% alfalfa silage, and 27.5% corn silage (DM basis), and treatments were balanced for calcium. Dry matter intake was similar among treatments. Ruminal pH, total VFA, and molar percentage acetate and propionate were not affected by fat supplementation. Feeding prilled fat decreased slightly ruminal molar percentage butyrate. Forage DM and neutral detergent fiber disappearance from ruminally suspended dacron bags did not differ due to treatment. For unknown reasons, total tract apparent digestibility of DM and NDF was lower when cows received the low amount but not the high amount of prilled fat. Milk yield and fat percentage were not significantly affected by treatment. Milk protein was maintained during prilled fat supplementation but decreased .13% during calcium salt of palm oil fatty acid supplementation. Both fat supplements appeared inert in the rumen and did not markedly affect nutrient digestion when supplemented at 3.5% or less of the total ration DM.
Generation Y's moral obligation and purchase intentions for organic, fair-trade, and recycled apparel products

This study examined Generation Y (Gen Y)’s knowledge, attitudes, moral obligation, and purchase intentions for apparel products with the corporate social responsibility (CSR) attributes of being or...
Group 4 metallacarboranes of constrained geometries derived from B(cage)- and C(cage)-silylamido-substituted carborane ligands: a synthetic and structural investigation

The reactions of RNHSi(Me) 2 Cl ( 1 , R= t -Bu; 2 , R=2,6-(Me 2 CH) 2 C 6 H 3 ) with the carborane ligands, nido -1-Na(C 4 H 8 O)-2,3-(SiMe 3 ) 2 -2,3-C 2 B 4 H 5 ( 3 ) and Li[ closo -1-R′-1,2-C 2 B 10 H 10 ] ( 4 ), produced two kinds of neutral ligand precursors, nido -5-[Si(Me) 2 N(H)R]-2,3-(SiMe 3 ) 2 -2,3-C 2 B 4 H 5 , ( 5 , R= t -Bu) and closo -1-R′-2-[Si(Me) 2 N(H)R]-1,2-C 2 B 10 H 10 ( 6 , R= t -Bu, R′=Ph; 7 , R=2,6-(Me 2 CH) 2 C 6 H 3 , R′=H), in 85, 92, and 95% yields, respectively. Treatment of closo -2-[Si(Me) 2 NH(2,6-(Me 2 CH) 2 C 6 H 3 )]-1,2-C 2 B 10 H 11 ( 7 ) with three equivalents of freshly cut sodium metal in the presence of naphthalene produced the corresponding cage-opened sodium salt of the “carbons apart” carborane trianion, [ nido -3-{Si(Me) 2 N(2,6-(Me 2 CH) 2 C 6 H 3 )}-1,3-C 2 B 10 H 11 ] 3− ( 8 ) in almost quantitative yield. The reaction of the trianion, 8 , with anhydrous MCl 4 (M=Ti and Zr) in 1:1 molar ratio in dry tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78 °C, resulted in the formation of the corresponding half-sandwich neutral d 0 -metallacarborane, closo -1-M[(Cl)(THF) n ]-2-[1′-η 1 σ-N(2,6-(Me 2 CH) 2 C 6 H 3 )(Me) 2 Si]-2,4-η 6 -C 2 B 10 H 11 (M=Ti ( 9 ), n =0; M=Zr ( 10 ), n =1) in 47 and 36% yields, respectively. All compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, 1 H-, 11 B-, and 13 C-NMR spectra and IR spectra. The carborane ligand, 7 , was also characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 7 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P 2 1 / c with a= 8.2357(19) A, b= 28.686(7) A, c= 9.921(2) A; β= 93.482(4)°; V= 2339.5(9) A 3 , and Z= 4. The final refinements of 7 converged at R= 0.0736; wR= 0.1494; GOF=1.372 for observed reflections.
Assessment of Isoreticular Metal−Organic Frameworks for Adsorption Separations: A Molecular Simulation Study of Methane/n-Butane Mixtures

A wide variety of new nanoporous metal−organic materials are being synthesized by many research groups using supramolecular chemistry and directed assembly in a building block approach based on corner units and linker molecules. These materials may lead to revolutionary advances in adsorption separations because the properties of these materials may be tailored in a synthetically predictable manner. In this paper, we use molecular simulations to assess the suitability of one group of metal organic materials, namely, isoreticular metal−organic frameworks (IRMOFs), as adsorbents for mixture separations. By using grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations, the influence of the linker molecule on the adsorption of methane, n-butane, and their mixtures is determined. Detailed analysis of the energetics as well as the siting of molecules in the cavities allows us to resolve the impact of the linker molecules on the selectivity and to propose new, not yet synthesized materials, which show even higher selectivities....
Teaching web programming using the Google Cloud

This paper describes a novel approach to incorporate web-based programming techniques in the undergraduate computer science curriculum using Google App Engine as the target platform. This approach provides students with a production-level understanding of current web-based programming. A description of the course materials along with the advantages of the approach are given.
SU-E-T-374: Sensitivity of ArcCHECK to Tomotherapy Delivery Errors: Dependence On Analysis Technique

Purpose: ArcCHECK (Sun Nuclear) is a cylindrical diode array detector allowing three-dimensional sampling of dose, particularly useful in treatment delivery QA of helical tomotherapy. Gamma passing rate is a common method of analyzing results from diode arrays, but is less intuitive in 3D with complex measured dose distributions. This study explores the sensitivity of gamma passing rate to choice of analysis technique in the context of its ability to detect errors introduced into the treatment delivery. Methods: Nine treatment plans were altered to introduce errors in: couch speed, gantry/sonogram synchronization, and leaf open time. Each plan was then delivered to ArcCHECK in each of the following arrangements: “offset,” when the high dose area of the plan is delivered to the side of the phantom so that some diode measurements will be on the order of the prescription dose, and “centered,” when the high dose is in the center of the phantom where an ion chamber measurement may be acquired, but the diode measurements are in the mid to low-dose region at the periphery of the plan. Gamma analysis was performed at 3%/3mm tolerance and both global and local gamma criteria. The threshold of detectability for each error type was calculatedmore » as the magnitude at which the gamma passing rate drops below 90%. Results: Global gamma criteria reduced the sensitivity in the offset arrangement (from 2.3% to 4.5%, 8° to 21°, and 3ms to 8ms for couch-speed decrease, gantry-error, and leaf-opening increase, respectively). The centered arrangement detected changes at 3.3%, 5°, and 4ms with smaller variation. Conclusion: Each arrangement has advantages; offsetting allows more sampling of the higher dose region, while centering allows an ion chamber measurement and potentially better use of tools such as 3DVH, at the cost of positioning more of the diodes in the sometimes noisy mid-dose region.« less
Molecular genetic analysis and biochemical characterization of mammalian P-glycoproteins involved in multidrug resistance.

A variety of human cancers become resistant or are intrinsically resistant to treatment with conventional drug therapies. This phenomenon is due in large part to the overexpression of a 170 kDa plasma membrane ATP-dependent pump known as the multidrug resistance transporter or P-glycoprotein. P-glycoprotein is a member of the large ATP binding cassette (ABC) superfamily of membrane transporters. This review focuses on the use of structure-function analyses to elucidate further the mechanism of action of mammalian P-glycoproteins. Ultimately, a complete understanding of the mechanism is important for the development of novel strategies for the treatment of many human cancers.
Investigation of Charge Transport in Thin, Doped Sexithiophene Crystals by Conducting Probe Atomic Force Microscopy

Conducting probe atomic force microscopy (CPAFM) was used to measure the electrical transport characteristics of 2−14 nm thick doped crystallites of the organic semiconductor sexithiophene (6T) grown on Au and SiO2 substrates by vacuum sublimation. To make the measurements, an AFM was modified to allow in situ switching from tapping mode imaging to point contact electrical characterization with an Au-coated tip. The crystals were characterized structurally by molecular contrast AFM imaging and consist of layers of 6T molecules oriented with their long axes nearly perpendicular to the substrate. For crystals grown on Au substrates, transport is probed through the thickness of the crystals (i.e., the vertical direction) using a CPAFM tip and the substrate as electrical contacts. On SiO2 substrates, transport is measured parallel to the substrate between the CPAFM tip and a nanofabricated Au electrode in contact with the crystallite. The measurements on Au reveal an unexpected dependence of the conductance o...
Homemade explosives in the subsurface as intermediate electrical conductivity materials: a new physical principle for their detection

Detection of homemade explosive (HME) containing ammonium nitrate (AN) in the subsurface is of great interest to the US military and its coalition partners. Due to the hygroscopy of AN, this HME is expected to be an intermediate electrical conductivity material (IECM), defined here as one having electrical conductivity greater than soils, which have conductivities 0.1 to 1000 mS•m −1 but less than metals, which have electrical conductivities on the order of 10 MS•m −1 . Our preliminary experimental and numerical modeling have established that AN-containing HME in the subsurface can, in all likelihood, be detected by electromagnetic exploration geophysics techniques, specifically by ground penetrating radar (GPR) and by electromagnetic induction (EMI). The electromagnetic induction signatures of HME for these techniques are distinctive. For example, in the case of EMI, the maximum quadrature response frequencies for IECM targets have been found to be greater than 100 kHz.
Pontage artério-veineux fémoro-rénal : une possibilité d'accès pour hémodialyse

Il s'est produit une augmentation significative du nombre de malades en insuffisance renale terminale. Le nombre limite de greffons renaux rend necessaire que la plupart des malades deviennent dependants d'une dialyse chronique. En raison des nombreuses complications associees aux catheters temporaires, les acces arterio-veineux permanents sont plus interessants en tant qu'acces vasculaires a long terme. Cependant, avec la disponibilite reduite des sites d'acces vasculaire permanent, il est important d'avoir de nombreuses possibilites. Dans cette observation, nous presentons un choix alternatif pour un pontage arterio-veineux entre l'artere femorale commune gauche et la veine renale gauche chez un malade ayant des options limitees d'acces vasculaire.
Estimation of Components of Variance by Method 3 and Henderson's New Method

Abstract An algorithm for Method 3 for estimation of components of variance in a mixed model including fixed herd-year-season, genetic groups, and random sires nested within groups is presented. Computational aspects of the algorithm are discussed and compared with those of a new method of Henderson's. The new method involves equating quadratic forms based on approximate best linear unbiased prediction solutions to their expected values. Relative computing effort for the two methods depended on the ease of eliminating equations for fixed effects and on the number of traits. Numerical estimates from the two methods were similar. When the Method 3 estimate of the sire component of variance was not close to zero, the new method rapidly converged during iteration even when the a priori variance component ratio was not close to the final estimate.
DNA damage levels in prostate cancer cases and controls.

This study used the alkaline Comet assay to evaluate whether basal or H2O2-induced DNA damage is associated with prostate cancer (CaP) risk. Using lymphocyte samples from 158 CaP cases and 128 controls, collected in an ongoing case-control study, our results showed that basal DNA damage did not differ between cases and con- trols. However, the H2O2-induced DNA damage level was significantly higher in incident cases (meanSD; 6.61 � 4.43, n ¼ 102) than controls (5.30 � 3.60, n ¼ 128) or prevalent cases (4.47 � 3.19; n ¼ 56). Incident cases with a positive smoking history had significantly higher H2O2- induced DNA damage than never-smokers (7.57 � 4.82 versus 4.52 � 2.40; P 5 0.001). Above-median H2O2- induced DNA damage was associated with a 1.61-fold increase in CaP risk (95% confidence interval (CI) ¼ 0.92-2.81), after adjustment for age, race, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), smoking history and family history (FH). Using the lowest quartile of H2O2-induced DNA damage as the referent group, the adjusted ORs for the 25th, 50th and 75th quartiles were 0.90 (95% CI ¼ 0.39- 2.05), 1.06 (95% CI ¼ 0.48-2.35) and 2.05 (95% CI ¼ 0.96- 4.37), respectively (P ¼ 0.046, test for linear trend). The association between CaP and DNA damage was modified by age, smoking history, family history and body mass index. Our results suggest that DNA damage may be asso- ciated with CaP risk. However, larger case-control and follow-up studies are warranted to further evaluate the potential application of the alkaline Comet assay in CaP risk assessment and prevention.
Wavelet-like basis functions for solving scattering integral equations

In order to numerically compute the field scattered by an arbitrary shaped object using the method of moments (MOM), one must solve a full matrix equation. The properties of wavelet-like basis functions enable one to make this matrix sparse, and therefore to solve the equation faster, using an efficient method to store and apply the obtained sparse matrix. Since the sparsity is a parameter that can be set, the authors try to determine its influence on the computation time and on the accuracy of the final solution for the induced current density and the scattered field. They use the wavelet-like bases of Alpert et al. (1993). >
p Channel thin film transistor and complementary metal-oxide-silicon inverter made of microcrystalline silicon directly deposited at 320∞C

Abstract We report a p channel thin film transistor (TFT) made of directly deposited microcrystalline silicon (μc-Si). The μc-Si channel material is grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using dc excitation of a mixture of SiH4, SiF4 and H2, in a process similar to the deposition of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H). The deposition temperature for the μc-Si is 320°C and the highest post-deposition TFT process temperature is 280°C. By integrating this p TFT on a single μc-Si film with an n channel TFT, we fabricated a complementary metal–oxide–silicon (CMOS) inverter of deposited μc-Si. The p channel μc-Si TFT represents a breakthrough in low-temperature Si TFT technology because p channel TFTs of a-Si:H have not been available to date. The integrated CMOS inverter is the building block of a new digital circuit technology based on directly deposited μc-Si.
A hierarchical approach to concurrency control for multidatabases

A multidatabase system is a facility that allows access to data stored in multiple autonomous and possibly heterogeneous database systems. In order to support atomic updates across multiple database systems, a global concurrency control algorithm is required. Hierarchical concurrency control has been proposed as one possible approach for multidatabase systems. However, to apply this approach, some restrictions have to be imposed on the local concurrency control algorithms. In this paper, we identify the restriction. Based on this restriction, we formalize the hierarchical concurrency control approach and prove its correctness. A new global concurrency control algorithm based on this hierarchical approach is also presented.
Structure of an argonaute silencing complex with a seed-containing guide DNA and target RNA duplex

Here we report on a 3.0 A crystal structure of a ternary complex of wild-type Thermus thermophilus argonaute bound to a 5'-phosphorylated 21-nucleotide guide DNA and a 20-nucleotide target RNA containing cleavage-preventing mismatches at the 10-11 step. The seed segment (positions 2 to 8) adopts an A-helical-like Watson-Crick paired duplex, with both ends of the guide strand anchored in the complex. An arginine, inserted between guide-strand bases 10 and 11 in the binary complex, locking it in an inactive conformation, is released on ternary complex formation. The nucleic-acid-binding channel between the PAZ- and PIWI-containing lobes of argonaute widens on formation of a more open ternary complex. The relationship of structure to function was established by determining cleavage activity of ternary complexes containing position-dependent base mismatch, bulge and 2'-O-methyl modifications. Consistent with the geometry of the ternary complex, bulges residing in the seed segments of the target, but not the guide strand, were better accommodated and their complexes were catalytically active.
Testosterone treatment fails to accelerate disease in a transgenic mouse model of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy

Evidence from multiple animal models demonstrates that testosterone plays a crucial role in the progression of symptoms in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a condition that results in neurodegeneration and muscle atrophy in affected men. Mice bearing a transgene encoding a human androgen receptor (AR) that contains a stretch of 112 glutamines (expanded polyglutamine tract; AR112Q mice) reproduce several aspects of the human disease. We treated transgenic male AR112Q mice with testosterone for 6 months. Surprisingly, testosterone treatment of AR112Q males did not exacerbate the disease. Although transgenic AR112Q males exhibited functional deficits when compared with non-transgenics, long-term testosterone treatment had no effect on motor function. Testosterone treatment also failed to affect cellular markers of disease, including inclusion formation (the accumulation of large nuclear aggregates of mutant AR protein) and levels of unphosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain. These data suggest that the mechanism of disease in SBMA saturates at close to endogenous hormone levels and that individuals with SBMA who take, or have taken, testosterone for its putative therapeutic properties are unlikely to suffer adverse effects.
Whole nerve recordings with the spiral nerve cuff electrode

The feasibility of whole nerve recordings from the hypoglossal (HG) nerve is demonstrated in acute cats using the spiral nerve cuff electrode. A good contact between the nerve and the electrodes, provided by the spiral nerve cuff due to its self-coiling property, should improve the signal-to-noise ratio. An instrumentation amplifier with very low input noise characteristics is also utilized. The performance of the spiral cuff is studied in terms of signal-to-noise ratios and frequency characteristics. We conclude that the spiral nerve cuff electrode can reliably be used for acute recordings in a laboratory environment. >
Cae I: an endonuclease isolated from the African green monkey with properties indicating site-specific cleavage of homologous and heterologous mammalian DNA

Component alpha DNA is a highly repetitive sequence that comprises nearly a quarter of the African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) genome. A previous microbial restriction enzyme analysis showed that the repeat structure of component alpha DNA is based upon a monomeric unit of 176 +/- 4 base-pairs. An endonuclease, provisionally termed Case I, has been isolated from African green monkey testes that cleaves component alpha DNA into multimeric segments based upon the same repeat periodicity as that revealed by microbial restriction enzymes. The primary sites of Cae I cleavage in the component alpha sequence appear to be 120 +/- 6 base-pairs distant from the Hind III sites and 73 +/- 6 base-pairs distant from the Eco RI* sites. Cae I has been partially characterized with special reference to the effects of ATP and S-adenosylmethionine on the cleavage of component alpha DNA. Cae I may be a member of a class of similar site-specific nucleases present in mammalian cells. Cae I also cleaves mouse satellite DNA into a multimeric series of discrete segments: the periodicity of this series is shorter than that revealed by Eco RII retriction analysis of mouse satellite DNA.
Obesity, Nutrition, and Liver Disease in Children

In this article, several aspects of childhood obesity are discussed, including epidemiology, associated metabolic complications, management strategies, and therapy with particular attention to the impact of obesity on the liver, resulting in nonalcoholic or metabolic fatty liver disease. The deleterious effects of obesity on the liver and health overall can be significantly impacted by a culture that fosters sustained nutritional improvement and regular physical activity. The current evidence is summarized supporting pharmacologic, behavioral, and dietary interventions for the management of obesity and fatty liver disease in children.
When is an Objection to Hybrid Stem Cell Research a Moral Objection

Francoise Baylis (2008) objects to the decision by the United Kingdom Human Embryo and Fertilisation Authority (HEFA) to authorize protocols involving human and non-human hybrid embryonic stem cell...
State fiscal capacity and state failure

This paper develops a predatory theory approach to understanding state failure. Predatory theory expects that state revenue extraction is central to the ability of states to engage in any other activities. States that are able to maximize their revenue extraction subject to well-known constraints are therefore likely to avoid state failure. On the other hand, when state failure occurs, it should reduce state revenue extraction. These hypotheses receive mixed support in several two-stage least-squares time-series analyses that control for the endogenous relationship between state fiscal capacity and state failure. While state failure reduces state fiscal capacity, state fiscal capacity does not deter state failure onset or incidence. In the sub-Saharan African subsample, state fiscal capacity does reduce the incidence of state failure despite a reciprocal negative effect.
Preliminary Evidence on the Social Standing of Students with Learning Disabilities in PALS and No–PALS Classrooms

Many researchers have documented the apparent fact that numerous students with LD have social–skill deficits and a lower social standing than their nondisabled peers. In principle, participation in peer tutoring would appear to be at least a partial solution. It requires classmates to work together on valued tasks and research indicates that it can promote academic growth among students with and without disabilities. Yet, little research has been conducted on the social benefits of peer tutoring. This study attempts to do precisely that by collecting sociometric data in 39 second– through sixth–grade classrooms, 22 of which were engaged in Peer–Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS), a form of peer tutoring. In each of the 39 classrooms, sociometric data are reported on four children—a student with LD and a low–achieving, average–achieving, and high–achieving student. Findings indicated that students with LD in PALS classes were (1) more socially accepted than their counterparts in No–PALS classes, and (2) enjoyed the same social standing as most nondisabled classmates. Strengths and weaknesses of this study are discussed, as are directions for future research.
Suicide in the Medically Ill

“The undiscover'd country, from whose bourn No traveler returns puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of?” (Hamlet III, i)
Brief Experimental Analysis of Reading Deficits for Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Reading difficulties are especially high among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although there are a number of empirically supported reading interventions for children with ADHD, there is little data to guide the selection of the most efficacious reading intervention for a specific child. Brief experimental analysis (BEA) is a procedure that directly compares the efficacy of various academic interventions with the goal of guiding the selection of the intervention that results in optimal efficacy. The current proof of concept study examined the efficacy of the BEA methodology for determining the relative effectiveness of seven reading interventions for children with ADHD. The seven interventions included empirically supported ADHD interventions as well as traditional interventions found in the BEA literature. Six children diagnosed with ADHD completed the proof of concept study. Results indicated that the BEA successfully determined an efficacious intervention for each partici...
Anomalous Bands in Infrared Difference Spectra Due to Frequency Shifts

Artifacts appearing in infrared difference spectra can be caused by the lack of wavelength reproducibility and/or molecular interactions such as solvent effects. These artifacts appear as derivatives in difference spectra. Experimental spectra containing a number of bands with a variety of bandwidths were shifted over a range of frequencies and subtracted from the original spectra to intentionally produce anomalous bands. Models based on both Lorentzian and Gaussian band shapes were used to fit the observed data, and it was found that either band shape could be used to adequately predict the observed results within the experimental error of the measurements. Moreover, the models can be used to determine the values of the frequency shifts from the peak-to-peak differences of artifacts.
Factors Affecting Farmers' Utilization of Agricultural Risk Management Tools: The Case of Crop Insurance, Forward Contracting, and Spreading Sales

Factors affecting the adoption of crop insurance, forward contracting, and spreading sales are analyzed using multivariate and multinomial probit approaches that account for simultaneous adoption and/or correlation among the three risk management adoption decisions. Our empirical results suggest that the decision to adopt crop insurance, forward contracting, and/or spreading sales are correlated. Richer insights can be drawn from our multivariate and multinomial probit analysis than from separate, single-equation probit estimation that assumes independence of adoption decisions. Some factors significantly affecting the adoption of the risk management tools analyzed are proportion of owned acres, off-farm income, education, age, and level of business risks.
Optical content-addressable parallel processor for high-speed database processing

We extend the concept of optical content-addressable parallel processing [Appl. Opt. 31, 3241 (1992)] to a novel architecture designed specifically for the parallel and high-speed implementation of database operations called optical content-addressable parallel processor for relational database processing (OCAPPRP). An OCAPPRP combines a parallel model of computation, associative processing, with parallel and high-speed technology optics. The architecture is developed to provide optimal support for high-speed parallel equivalence (pattern matching) and relative-magnitude searches (greater than and lesser than). Distinctive features of the proposed architecture include (1) a two-dimensional match-compare unit for two-dimensional pattern matching, (2) constant-time retrieval of database entries, (3) an optical word and bit-parallel relative-magnitude single-step algorithm, and (4) the capability of constanttime sorting. Since relational database operations rely heavily on parallel equivalence or relativemagnitue searches, database processing is an excellent candidate for implementation on an OCAPPRP. The architecture delivers a speedup factor of n over conventional optical database architectures, where n is the number of rows in a database table. We present an overview of the architecture followed by its optical implementation. The representative relational database operations, intersection, and selection are outlined to illustrate the architecture's potential for efficiently supporting high-speed database processing.
Determination of the Minimum Breakpoint Set of Directional Relay Networks Based on k-Trees of the Network Graphs

We propose a new graph theory-based algorithm for the determination of the minimum breakpoint set of meshed systems. We show that if there is a k-tree in the graph G(V,E) associated with the system, then the minimum breakpoint set has a cardinality of |E|-|V|+k. The proposed algorithm implements an iterative procedure to identify such a k-tree and having minimum k. It is found that the cardinality of the minimum breakpoint set is 9 for the IEEE 14-bus system and 16 for the IEEE 30-bus system. These minimum values are smaller than the previously best reported results of 10 and 18 for the same systems.
Fray Angélico Chávez and the Colonial Southwest: Historiography and Rematerialization

In the summer of 1924, townspeople recount, 14-year-old Manuel Chavez built models of colonial New Mexico mission churches in the dirt outside Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in the village of Pena Blanca. He was staying with the Franciscan friars after expressing his desire to enter the seminary, where he would become the first native New Mexico Hispano to be ordained a Franciscan priest in the centuries since the Spanish colonization. Still a boy, but one who was about to embark on a life-changing path, the small missions he playfully constructed in the dirt and staunchly protected foretold the strategy of rematerialization that would characterize his future: he would become a pioneering Franciscan historian who organized and interpreted the vast collection of Catholic Church documents from the colonial period in New Mexico through the twentieth century. The author of two dozen books and over 600 shorter works, Fray Angelico Chavez (1910–1996) was a visual artist, literary figure, historian, genealogist, translator, and church restorer—one of New Mexico's foremost twentieth-century intellectuals.
Lovastatin enhances the antiproliferative effect of trastuzumab in HER2 over expressing breast cancer cells

2546 Background: Trastuzumab, a recombinant humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, has been found to have potent antiproliferative effects in HER2 overexpressing human breast tumors. Lovastatin, ...
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A -- Association with a Spontaneous Point Mutation in the PMP22 Gene

Background Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy. CMT type 1A is associated with a 1.5-megabase (Mb) DNA duplication in region p11.2-p12 of chromosome 17 in most patients. An increased dosage of a gene within the duplicated segment appears to cause the disease. The PMP22 gene, which encodes a myelin protein, has been mapped within the duplication and proposed as a candidate gene for CMT type 1A. Methods We analyzed DNA samples from a cohort of 32 unrelated patients with CMT type 1 who did not have the 1.5-Mb tandem duplication in 17p11.2-p12 for mutations within the PMP22 coding region. Molecular techniques included the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), heteroduplex analysis to detect point mutations, and direct nucleotide-sequence determination of amplified PCR products. Results A 10-year-old boy was identified with a point mutation in PMP22, which resulted in the substitution of cysteine for serine in a putative transmembrane domain of PMP22. Analysis of fam...
An orthopyroxene structure up to 850°C

Single-crystal X-ray intensity data have been obtained from a crystal of ferrohypersthene, M&* Feo* Ctuos SiO", at 2O", 175',280', 50O', 700', and 850'C. Refinements of the crystal structure using three dimensional data and anisotropic thermal models have been made at each temperature. Precession photographs indicate that the space group remains Pbca np to 1000.. The thermal expansions of three cell edges are nearly equal and form smooth curves concave upwards. The changes in the structure with increasing temperature are largely due to the great difference between the expansion rates of T-O and M-O bonds. The silicon-oxygen (T-O) distances show a zero or slightly negative expansion while the Ml- and M2-oxygen distances show expansions of approximately 0.25 percent per hundred degrees C. The difference in expansion rates causes the kinked silicate chains to straighten out, increasing the coordination of M2 from six to seven. The resulting coordination polyhedron of M2 at 850'C is significantly larger than that of M2 in high clinopyroxene of the same composition.
Over a Decade of Neuroeconomics: What Have We Learned?:

At its inception, neuroeconomics promised to revolutionize economics. That promise has not yet been realized, and neuroeconomics has seen limited penetration into mainstream economics. Nevertheless, it would be a mistake to declare that neuroeconomics has failed. Quite to the contrary, the yearly rate of neuroeconomics papers has roughly doubled since 2005. While the number of direct applications to economics remains limited, due to the infancy of the field, we have learned an amazing amount about how the brain makes decisions. In this article, we review some of the major topics that have emerged in neuroeconomics and highlight findings that we believe will form the basis for future applications to economics. When possible, we focus on existing applications to economics and future directions for that research.
Analysis of Causes of Concrete Cracks Appear in Sluice Pier of Sanwan Project Based on Prototype Monitoring

Dandong Sanwan water control project located in the cold area of north China.This project started in 2009,and is presently in the period of construction.It had been found that there were cracks in concrete gate pier in Oct,2011,some of them run through the entire gate pier.In this paper,the prototype monitoring data were calculated and compared to discuss the cause of the cracks.The analysis results show that the main reason to cause the cracks is large amplitude of concrete temperature.In the cold area of north China,the effective temperature control measure must be taken in summer during the concreting.
Sugar and the English language

Sugar has been an important engine of social, economic, and linguistic change. It developed from a rare spice to an upper class luxury, to a common foodstuff, and these changes affected the growth of social institutions. Initially part of the display that symbolized royal authority, sugar contributed, through the London coffeehouse, to intellectual development and to linguistic standardization and codification. Later, it became essential to the new urban proletariat, whose sugar-laden tea made a new pattern of work and new forms of speech possible. It also became a cause and symbol of oppression for the slaves that produced it in the Caribbean. These changes are reflected in English vocabulary and in the development and distribution of varieties of English. Sugar became an English commercial interest with the acquisition of Barbados and Jamaica, resulting in West Indian plantation agriculture, the English-speaking slave trade, and the creation of new English-speaking populations and new English languages....
Pediatric Limb Reconstruction in Osteogenesis Imperfecta

The indications for limb reconstruction surgery in children with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are recurrent long bone fractures or long bone deformity that interferes with function. Intramedullary rod fixation is the preferred method of stabilization, as it is load sharing and will splint the pathologic bone to reduce the incidence of fracture, progressive deformity and associated pain. Telescoping rod systems have been developed that will expand with growth and diminish the number of procedures necessary to keep the bone splinted during skeletal growth. Even with modern treatment consisting of medical management with bisphosphonates and surgical reconstruction with telescoping rods, reoperation is common. Children with OI have a higher incidence of non-union, which may be further increased by bisphosphonate therapy. Combined medical and surgical treatment lowers bone pain, fracture occurrence and can improve function.
Molecular and Immunological Characterization of Human Melanoma-Associated Antigens

During the last decade, there has been an increasing amount of evidence indicating that the neoplastic state is characterized by cell-surface changes, and this development has led to a concerted effort by many investigators to characterize cell-surface markers associated with human tumor cells. This research effort was further stimulated by the anticipation that the thorough characterization of human tumor markers may aid in the delineation of neoplastic transformation and advance the development of immunological approaches for diagnosis, prognosis, and thereapy of cancer. In this regard, the finding of antigens that are shed into the extracellular environment of tumor cells has received considerable attention (Grimm et al., 1976; Bystryn, 1977; McCabe et al., 1978; Gupta et al., 1979; Galloway et al., 1981a), since it may further aid in the development of approaches designed to improve detection and therapy of cancer.