cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a specific estrogen receptor in the oviduct of the little skate, Raja erinacea

In this study we report the first estrogen receptor to be characterized in an oviparous elasmobranch. The skate receptor has high affinity for estradiol (Kd = 0.7 nM), binds both estradiol and the synthetic estrogen DES, and exists in low quantities (50-100 fmol/g oviduct). The receptor displays rapid binding kinetics with half-times of 5 min at 22 degrees and 77 min at 4 degrees. DEAE-Sepharose chromatography reveals one receptor moiety which elutes between 0.13 and 0.14 M KCl. By sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation sedimentation coefficients of 3.6 S under high-salt (0.5 M KCl) and 6.0 S under low salt (0.01 M KCl) conditions were obtained. Using Sephadex G200 gel filtration chromatography, a Stokes radius (Rs) of 2.8 nm and an estimated molecular weight of 43 kDa were calculated. DNA-cellulose elution profiles reveal that the receptor elutes as one peak between 0.34 and 0.36 M NaCl (as compared to 0.20-0.22 M NaCl in mammals and birds and 0.55 M for dogfish). Although some differences are noted between the elasmobranch ER and those of other vertebrates (e.g., dissociation kinetics, DNA affinity), in general it can be said that the skate ER is a "classical" ER in most respects. It is suggested that this steroid receptor has played a key role in the reproductive tract functions of nutrient provision, embryo protection, and as a conduit to the external environment since the earliest chordate era, approximately 400 million years ago.
Biochemical Cytology of Trichomonad Flagellates. II. Subcellular Distribution of Oxidoreductases and Hydrolases in Monocercomonas sp.

SYNOPSIS A primitive trichomonad, Monocercomonas sp. (strain NS-1:PRR) from Natrix sipedon, was grown axenically in Diamond's medium. Activity of NADH oxidase, malate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase (decarboxylating) and of the anaerobic enzymes, pyruvate synthase and hydrogenase as well as of several hydrolases was demonstrated in homogenates. The subcellular distribution of these activities was studied by means of analytical differential and isopycnic centrifugation of homogenates prepared in 0.25 M sucrose. NADH oxidase and malate dehydrogenase are in the nonsedimentable part of the cytoplasm. Malate dehydrogenase (decarboxylating), pyruvate synthase, and hydrogenase are associated with a large particle which equilibrates at density 1.22. In its properties, this particle corresponds to the microbody-like hydrogenosomes of Tritrichomonas foetus. The 5 hydrolases studied are associated with at least 2 different particle populations: a large particle population equilibrating at densities from 1.10 to 1.16 is the exclusive location of 3 enzymes (β-galactosidase, protease and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase), 2 of which have a pH optimum close to neutrality. These particles contain part of the acid phosphatase and β-glucuronidase. Another part of these 2 enzymes is associated with a separate population of smaller granules with equilibrium densities of 1.16 to 1.18. The 2 types of hydrolase-carrying particles are also biochemically very similar to their counterparts in T. foetus.
The Difficult Art of Giving: Patronage, Philanthropy, and the American Literary Market

Francesca Sawaya's timely study challenges literary critics to reconsider a literary history shaped by “foundational fictions” of liberal economics. In place of the traditional account that describ...
Endothelinb receptor agonists produce pulmonary vasodilation in intact newborn lambs with pulmonary hypertension.

SummaryThe hemodynamic effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) are mediated by at least two distinct receptors: ETa and ETb receptors. Recently, ETb receptor agonists (4 Ala ET-1 and IRL 1620) were developed. To investigate the role of ETb receptor activation on the pulmonary and systemic circulations, we st
Electronic and Structural Origin of Ultraincompressibility of 5d Transition-Metal Diborides MB 2 (M=W, Re, Os)

First-principles theory was used to investigate the roles of bond topology and covalency in the phase stability and elastic strength of 5d transition-metal diborides, focusing on elements (M=W, Re, Os) that have among the lowest compressibilities of all metals. Among the phases studied, the ReB(2)-type structure exhibits the largest incompressibility (c axis), comparable to that of diamond. This ReB(2) structure is predicted to be the ground-state phase for WB(2) and a pressure-induced phase (above 2.5 GPa) for OsB(2). Both strong covalency and a zigzag topology of interconnected bonds underlie these ultraincompressibilities. Interestingly, the Vickers hardness of WB(2) is estimated to be similar to that of superhard ReB(2).
The Microstructures of Rapidly Solidified Hyper-eutectic AlBe Alloys

Abstract Several alloys of hyper-eutectic composition (in the range 4.4–20.0 at% Be) have been rapidly solidified by melt-spinning in an He environment. For low solute compositions, the microstructure consists of cells elongated in the transverse direction of the ribbons. The intercellular regions consist of a refined dispersion of Be particles whereas the cells themselves (the intracellular regions) contain a small supersaturation of Be. As the solute concentration is increased the microstructure at first becomes more refined, consisting of a dispersion of Be particles (≈ 50 A in diameter with an interparticle spacing of ≈ 200 a) in an Al matrix. At higher concentrations, a bimodal distribution of Be particles is present in the Al matrix, the finer precipitates being similar in appearance to those described above, and the coarser particles being ∼0.1–0.15 μm in diameter. These various microstructures may be most satisfactorily described on the basis of a set of metastable phase transformations involving a monotectic reaction. In this way, the refined distribution of Be particles is a product of this reaction, whereas the larger particles are thought to form during a pro-monotectic transition.
Shared Ancestry between a Newfound Mole-Borne Hantavirus and Hantaviruses Harbored by Cricetid Rodents

Discovery of genetically distinct hantaviruses in multiple species of shrews (order Soricomorpha, family Soricidae) and moles (family Talpidae) contests the conventional view that rodents (order Rodentia, families Muridae and Cricetidae) are the principal reservoir hosts and suggests that the evolutionary history of hantaviruses is far more complex than previously hypothesized. We now report on Rockport virus (RKPV), a hantavirus identified in archival tissues of the eastern mole (Scalopus aquaticus) collected in Rockport, TX, in 1986. Pairwise comparison of the full-length S, M, and L genomic segments indicated moderately low sequence similarity between RKPV and other soricomorph-borne hantaviruses. Phylogenetic analyses, using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian methods, showed that RKPV shared a most recent common ancestor with cricetid-rodent-borne hantaviruses. Distributed widely across the eastern United States, the fossorial eastern mole is sympatric and syntopic with cricetid rodents known to harbor hantaviruses, raising the possibility of host-switching events in the distant past. Our findings warrant more-detailed investigations on the dynamics of spillover and cross-species transmission of present-day hantaviruses within communities of rodents and moles.
Effect of Life Review Writing on Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effects of engaging in the occupation-based intervention of life review through writing on expressed depressive symptoms as measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale in older adults residing in senior residences. METHOD. The study design was a randomized controlled trial that took place in four senior residences in New York City. Forty-five participants (23 treatment, 22 wait-list control) ≥65 yr old participated in the 8-wk, once-weekly autobiographical writing workshop, Share Your Life Story (Sierpina, 2002). RESULTS. Depressive symptoms were significantly less prevalent for the treatment group than for the control group after the 8-wk life review program (repeated-measures analysis of variance p = .03). CONCLUSION. The results suggest that the Share Your Life Story writing workshop is an effective occupation-based intervention for occupational therapists to use with older adults who reside in senior residences
Self-Affine Singular and Nowhere Monotone Functions Related to the Q -Representation of Real Numbers

We study functional, differential, integral, self-affine, and fractal properties of continuous functions from a finite-parameter family of functions with a continual set of “peculiarities.” Almost all functions in this family are singular (their derivative is equal to zero almost everywhere in a sense of the Lebesgue measure) or nowhere monotone and, in particular, not differentiable. We consider various approaches to the definition of these functions (by using a system of functional equations, projectors of the symbols of various representations, distributions of random variables, etc.).
Elucidation of the Regulon and cis-Acting Regulatory Element of HrpB, the AraC-Type Regulator of a Plant Pathogen-Like Type III Secretion System in Burkholderia pseudomallei

ABSTRACT The human pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei possesses multiple type III secretion system (T3SS) gene clusters. One of these, the B. pseudomallei T3SS2 (T3SS2bp) gene cluster, which apparently plays no role in animal virulence, is also found in six additional Burkholderia spp. and is very similar to T3SSs found in phytopathogenic Xanthomonas spp. and Ralstonia solanacearum. The T3SS2bp gene cluster also encodes an AraC-type regulatory protein (HrpBbp) that is an ortholog of HrpB, the master regulator of the R. solanacearum T3SS (T3SSrso) and its secreted effectors. Transcriptome analysis showed that HrpBbp activates the expression of T3SS2bp genes, as well as their orthologs in R. solanacearum. In addition to activating T3SS2bp, HrpBbp also upregulates the expression of ∼30 additional B. pseudomallei genes, including some that may confer production of adhesive pili, a polyketide toxin, several putative T3SS2bp-secreted effectors, and components of a regulatory cascade. T3SS2bp promoter regions were found to contain a conserved DNA motif (p2bp box) identical in sequence and position to the hrpII box required for HrpB-dependent T3SSrso transcription activation. The p2bp box is also present in the promoter regions of the essentially identical T3SS found in the very closely related species Burkholderia thailandensis (T3SS2bt). Analysis of p2bp box mutants showed that it is essential for HrpBbp-mediated transcription activation in both species. Although it has been suggested that T3SS2bp and T3SS2bt may function in phytopathogenicity, we were unable to demonstrate a phytopathogenic phenotype for B. thailandensis in three different plant hosts.
Buffering in the assemblage staurolite‐aluminium silicate‐biotite‐garnet‐chlorite

The assemblage muscovite-quartz-staurolite-aluminium silicate-biotite-garnet-chlorite with H2O (SABGC assemblage) is invariant in the K2O-FeO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O (KFMASH) system. Such five-phase AFM assemblages should be absent in nature, but reported occurrences from at least ten localities suggest that either the assemblage internally controls μH2O or non-KFMASH components stabilize one or more of the phases. Least-squares regression analysis of minerals from South Royalton and Gassetts, Vermont, USA, demonstrates that subsets of the minerals in single SABGC assemblages from both localities are related by balanced reactions involving water. These results are consistent with the interpretation that the subassemblages fixed μH2O at an arbitrary, specified pressure and temperature. Balanced dehydration reactions also may be written between minerals in the SABGC assemblages and four-phase assemblages from the same outcrops interpreted to have equilibrated at the same pressures and temperatures as the five-phase assemblages. These results suggest that different specimens from the same outcrops equilibrated at different values of μH2O, supporting the conclusion that μH2O was not controlled externally. We could not demonstrate internal control of fo2 using measured mineral compositions because oxygen balance occurred in all reactions derived by regression. Regression analysis of published mineral compositions from New Mexico failed to identify balanced reactions involving water or oxygen either among the phases in a single SABGC assemblage or between SABGC and nearby four-phase assemblages. These results demonstrate that neither μH2O nor fo2 were fixed by the SABGC assemblages at these localities, and permit the interpretations that the assemblages were stabilized by the non-KFMASH components Na or Ca and that μH2O and fo2 were controlled externally.
Real-time surveillance of illicit drug overdoses using poison center data.

Background. In early 2006, government and media sources reported that crime syndicates were mixing fentanyl with heroin. This was followed by an increase in heroin overdoses and opiate-related deaths. The most recent fentanyl outbreak illustrated the need for identifying and establishing effective and responsive real-time surveillance tools to monitor drug overdoses in the United States. Objective. In this study, poison call center data from Illinois were evaluated to determine whether the data could have detected the outbreak that occurred in Illinois in early 2006 and whether it could be used for real-time surveillance. Methods. For this analysis, a two-step approach was used to analyze potential heroin-related calls. First, the data were analyzed retrospectively to identify whether any significant temporal shifts occurred, then a prospective analysis was conducted to simulate real-time surveillance. Results. Between 2002 and 2007, there were a total of 1,565 potential heroin-related calls, and the call...
Factors Influencing the efficacy of intra-articular steroid injections in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) followed at our clinic who had an intra-articular steroid injection between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2001. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of intra-articular steroid injections (iaS) and determine prognostic factors. During the study period, 202 iaS were performed in 60 patients, of whom 37 had oligoarticular JIA, 15 had polyarticular, rheumatoid factor-negative JIA and four each had systemic and enthesitis-related JIA. The median duration of remission was 23.1 months (range: 0-69 months). At last follow-up, 103 joints (51%) of 47 patients were still in remission after a median follow-up time of 28 months (range: 1-69 months). For the total cohort, the remission was longer for wrist and finger joints [risk ratio (RR): 0.2], with concomitant treatment with methotrexate (RR: 0.28) and for enthesitis-related arthritis (RR: 0.34). For the group of knee joints, remission was longer with concomitant treatment with methotrexate (RR: 0.37), with triamcinolone hexacetonide (RR: 0.77) and with general anaesthesia for the procedure (RR: 0.56). Mild side effects were observed in 45 iaS (22.3%), and skin atrophy occurred at the injection site in 2% of injections, but no major adverse event occurred in our cohort. In conclusion, iaS is a safe procedure with a median duration of remission of 23.1 months. The remission was longer in the joints of the upper extremity, with concomitant treatment with methotrexate and when the injection was performed under general anaesthesia.
Change in low-temperature thermodynamic functions of a semiconductor due to a quantum dot

A phonon Green's function method is developed for modeling the phonon modes of a semiconductor perturbed by a quantum dot. Simple expressions are derived for the frequency spectrum of perturbed low-frequency phonon modes and changes in the Helmholtz-free energy and the constant-volume specific heat at low temperatures using the Debye model. The changes are found to be significant and can be used to characterize the material properties of the quantum dot. The theory is also applicable to nanocrystals and other nanoinclusions in solids.
Phentolamine activation of glycogenolysis in rat skeletal muscle

Abstract Administration of phentolamine to the rat or dog increases significantly the concentration of blood lactic acid, and reduces blood glucose. In the rat, the lacticacidemia appears due to an activation of glycogenolysis in skeletal muscle, since phentolamine administration results in an increase in phosphorylase a and a reduction of the glycogen content of this tissue. The plasma concentration of catecholamines also increases suggesting that phentolamine elicits these metabolic effects through their release. The phentolamine-induced changes in the blood lactic acid, phosphorylase a and glycogen content of skeletal muscle can be inhibited by pretreating the rat with the adrenergic blocking drugs, butoxamine or 4-(2-isopropyl-1-hydroxyethyl)methane-sulfonanilide (MJ1999). The phentolamine-induced lacticacidemia is inhibited partially if the rat is pretreated with guanethidine or reserpine; it is reduced markedly in the adrenal demedullated rat, and is eliminated if guanethidine is administered to the adrenal demedullated rat prior to phentolamine. The results suggest that phentolamine activates glycogenolysis in rat skeletal muscle, and this activation is mediated by the catecholamines.
Create Rewarding Circle Times by Working with Toddlers, Not against Them

(2002). Create Rewarding Circle Times by Working with Toddlers, Not against Them. Childhood Education: Vol. 78, No. 4, pp. 194-199.
Defects in amorphous hydrogenated silicon nitride films

Abstract In this paper we review the structural identification and electronic properties of the K- and N-centers, and positive charges in as-deposited and UV-illuminated amorphous silicon nitride thin films.
Relation of Extent of Temporal Removals to Closure and Visuomotor Factors

Factor analysis of scores for 159 Ss on the Wechsler-Bellevue Scale of Intelligence, Mooney's Closure Faces test, and a visuomotor task (in which 4 blocks were assembled 10 times alternately into square and triangular frames) yielded 3 similar factors for each sex: Verbal Comprehension, Visual Construction and Closure. Mean factor score estimates showed the expected verbal deficit in 7 patients with left temporal removals and closure deficit in 14 patients with right temporal removals, but no asymmetry for the visuomotor factor. The negative correlation of the latter scores with extent of surgery in the right temporal area was different from the positive one found for the left temporal group.
Rational Versus Experiential Processing of Negative Feedback Reduces Defensiveness but Induces Ego Depletion

Three experiments compared the effects of engaging a more rational versus more experiential processing mode following self-relevant negative feedback. Participants in each experiment were encouraged to process negative feedback about their social skills in a more rational versus more experiential mode before completing a mood measure (Experiment 1), a disguised measure of self-enhancement tendencies (Experiment 2), and a behavioral test of self-control (Experiment 3), respectively. Compared to experiential processing, more rational processing of negative feedback reduced negative mood and self-enhancement tendencies but increased the likelihood of self-control failure. Together, these findings suggest that processing negative feedback in a more rational processing mode helps to dispel threats to self-regard but exacts a cost in the form of a temporary depletion of self-control strength.
The Larval Development of Lepidopa Myops Stimpson, (Decapoda, Albuneidae) Reared in the Laboratory, and the Zoeal Stages of Another Species of the Genus From California and the Pacific Coast of Baja California, Mexico

[Wahrend der Larvalentwicklung der Sandkrabbe Lepidopa myops Stimpson treten vier Zoea-Stadien und ein Megalopa-Stadium auf. Die Larvenstadien, welche im Laboratorium schlupften und dort aufgezogen wurden, werden beschrieben und abgebildet. Die vier Zoea-Stadien einer zweiten Art der Gattung, welche zusammen mit den Larven von L. myops im Kustenplankton von Kalifornien und Baja California vorkommen, werden ebenfalls beschrieben. Auf eine Diskrepanz zwischen der latitudinalen Verbreitung der Larven von L. myops wie sie in der vorliegenden Studie beobachtet worden ist und der bisher bekannten Verbreitung dieser Art wird hingewiesen, weil sie die spezifische Identitat der warm-temperierten Arten der Gattung Lepidopa Stimpson, welche nunmehr als L. myops bezeichnet wird, in Frage stellt., Wahrend der Larvalentwicklung der Sandkrabbe Lepidopa myops Stimpson treten vier Zoea-Stadien und ein Megalopa-Stadium auf. Die Larvenstadien, welche im Laboratorium schlupften und dort aufgezogen wurden, werden beschrieben und abgebildet. Die vier Zoea-Stadien einer zweiten Art der Gattung, welche zusammen mit den Larven von L. myops im Kustenplankton von Kalifornien und Baja California vorkommen, werden ebenfalls beschrieben. Auf eine Diskrepanz zwischen der latitudinalen Verbreitung der Larven von L. myops wie sie in der vorliegenden Studie beobachtet worden ist und der bisher bekannten Verbreitung dieser Art wird hingewiesen, weil sie die spezifische Identitat der warm-temperierten Arten der Gattung Lepidopa Stimpson, welche nunmehr als L. myops bezeichnet wird, in Frage stellt.]
Esophageal transit scintigraphy

Esophageal transit scintigraphy was introduced over 20 years ago, but its exact role in the evaluation of patients with suspected esophageal motility disorders still remains controversial. The experience with this test supplies clues, if not answers, for the following key questions: "When is it useful?", "How should it be performed?", and "Are there different methods for different applications?" Opinions vary, but it seems at the very least to be useful clinically under the following conditions: (1) when esophageal manometry is unavailable or not tolerated, (2) when manometry is equivocal or negative but a reasonable suspicion of disease remains, and (3) when clinical management will be aided by monitoring for serial change or response to therapy.
Comparison of a lifestyle modification program with propranolol use in the management of diastolic hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the management of mild diastolic hypertension (90 to 104 mm Hg) using a nonpharmacologic intervention with that using propranolol or placebo.
Solving multiobjective multicast routing problem with a new ant colony optimization approach

This work presents two multiobjective algorithms for Multicast Traffic Engineering. The proposed algorithms are new versions of the Multi-Objective Ant Colony System (MOACS) and the Max-Min Ant System (MMAS), based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). Both ACO algorithms simultaneously optimize maximum link utilization and cost of a multicast routing tree, as well as average delay and maximum end-to-end delay, for the first time using an ACO approach. In this way, a set of optimal solutions, know as Pareto set is calculated in only one run of the algorithms, without a priori restrictions. Experimental results show a promising performance of both proposed algorithms for a multicast traffic engineering optimization, when compared to a recently published Multiobjective Multicast Algorithm (MMA), specially designed for Multiobjective Multicast Routing Problems.
Biases in Shortwave Column Absorption in the Presence of Fractal Clouds

In this paper, the effect of cloud structure on column absorption by water vapor is investigated. Radiative fluxes above and below horizontally inhomogeneous liquid water clouds are computed using an efficient Monte Carlo technique, the independent pixel approximation, and plane-parallel theory. Cloud inhomogeneity is simulated by two related fractal models that use bounded cascades for the horizontal distribution of optical depth. The first (‘‘clumpy’’) model has constant cloud top and base, hence a constant geometrical thickness but varying extinction; the second (‘‘bumpy’’) model has constant extinction and cloud base, hence variable cloud-top and geometrical thickness. The spectral range between 0.9 and 1.0 mm (with strong water vapor absorption and negligible cloud liquid water absorption) is selected for a detailed study, not only of domain-averaged quantities, but also radiation fields. Column-absorption fields are calculated as the difference between the two net fluxes above and below clouds. It is shown that 1) redistribution of cloud liquid water decreases column absorption, that is, plane-parallel absorption is larger than the independent pixel approximation one by 1%‐3%; 2) 3D radiative effects enhance column absorption by about 0.6% for the clumpy model and 2% for the bumpy model, that is, Monte Carlo absorption is larger than independent pixel approximation absorption—this effect is most pronounced for the bumpy cloud model at solar zenith angle 458; and 3) plane-parallel absorption is larger than 3D Monte Carlo absorption for high solar elevations and nearly equal to it for low solar elevations. Thus, for extended clouds of thickness 1‐2 km or less, in an important water vapor absorption band (0.94 mm), the authors do not find a significant enhancement of cloud absorption due to horizontal inhomogeneity.
Near-minimal test sets for the detection of single gate faults

Abstract A new algorithm is presented for the detection of single gate faults in combinational networks. A gate fault is any unknown transformation of the Boolean function realized by a particular gate or single-output subnetwork. Detection of such faults is accomplished by verifying the truth table of the correct gate function. The concept of real transform of a Boolean function is utilized to obtain in each iteration an optimal test, namely, a test that performs as much of the fault detection task as possible. The resulting test set is near-minimal and complete. The algorithm can handle multi-output networks, integrated network components and mixed (gate, stuck-at) fault models.
Treatment of Hypercalcemia of Malignancy With Intravenous Etidronate: A Controlled, Multicenter Study

In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study, 202 patients with cancer from 19 medical centers were treated for hypercalcemia of malignancy with daily intravenous infusions of etidronate disodium (136 patients) or saline alone (66 patients) for 3 consecutive days. Patients also received up to 3.25 L of saline daily during the treatment period. Of 157 patients for whom data could be evaluated for efficacy, 63% (72/114) of etidronate-treated and 33% (14/43) of saline-treated patients had a normalization of total serum calcium levels. When serum calcium levels were adjusted for albumin (147 assessable patients), 24% of the etidronate- and 7% of the saline-treated patients responded to treatment. No serious side effects or treatmentrelated deaths occurred. When accompanied by adequate hydration and diuresis, intravenous etidronate was safe and more effective than hydration and diuresis alone in controlling hypercalcemia of malignancy. (Arch Intern Med. 1991;151:471-476)
Fresnel-regime coherent diffractive imaging using a tabletop soft x-ray source

Coherent x-ray diffractive imaging (CXDI) is a powerful technique for wavelength-limited, ultrafast images. We present a novel analysis and demonstration of Fresnel-regime (near field) CXDI with a tabletop 13 nm high harmonic generation source.
Signal processing techniques for spectrum sensing in cognitive radio systems: Challenges and perspectives

Cognitive radio (CR) is regarded as an emerging technology to utilize the scarce RF (radio frequency) spectrum in opportunistic manner to increase the spectrum efficiency. However, major challenge to successful operation and realization of CR system is the identification and detection of primary user signals in the wide band regime to identify spectrum opportunities reliably and optimally. Several signal detection techniques for spectrum sensing have been proposed in the literature in order to identify idle spectrum so that the CR user can use those idle spectrum bands opportunistically without causing harmful interference to the licensed/primary users. In this article, we provide a comprehensive study of signal detection techniques for spectrum sensing in CR system. We also outline current state of the research and future perspectives. With this article, readers can have a more thorough understanding of signal processing techniques for spectrum sensing in CR system and the research trends in this area.
Mapping social target detection with functional magnetic resonance imaging

The neural correlates of cognitive control and social processing functions, as well as the characteristic patterns of anomalous brain activation patterns in psychiatric conditions associated with impairment in these functions, have been well characterized. However, these domains have primarily been examined in isolation. The present study used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging to map brain areas recruited during a target-detection task designed to evaluate responses to both non-social (i.e. shape) and social (i.e. face) target stimuli. Both shape and face targets activated a similar brain network, including the postcentral gyrus, the anterior and posterior cingulate gyri and the right midfrontal gyrus, whereas face targets additionally activated the thalamus, fusiform and temporooccipital cortex, lingual gyrus and paracingulate gyrus. Comparison of activations to social and non-social target events revealed that a small portion of the dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus (Brodmann's area 32) and the supracalcarine cortex were preferentially activated to face targets. These findings indicate that non-social and social stimuli embedded within a cognitive control task activate overlapping and distinct brain regions. Clinical cognitive neuroscience research of disorders characterized by cognitive dysfunction and impaired social processing would benefit from the use of tasks that evaluate the combined effects of deficits in these two domains.
Patellar tendon graft harvesting using horizontal incisions for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Autograft endoscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction traditionally has been performed via standard arthroscopy portals and a single longitudinal anterior incision. This vertical incision is used for harvesting the central third of the patellar tendon with patellar and tibial bone blocks. From 1992 to 1995, more than 400 cases have been done with a new technique of graft procurement. This new method employs two transverse incisions that are more cosmetic and are less likely to become a source of pain or flexion limitation.
Microcoded coprocessor for embedded secure biometric authentication systems

We design and implement a cryptographic biometric authentication system using a microcoded architecture. The secure properties of the biometric matching process are obtained by means of a fuzzy vault scheme. The algorithm is implemented in a reprogrammable, microcoded coprocessor called FV16. We present the micro-architecture of FV16 as well as a dedicated assembler for this architecture. Our coprocessor can be attached to an ARM processor, and offers a 83-fold cycle count improvement when the fuzzy vault algorithm is migrated from embedded ARM software (13.8 million cycles) to the FV16 coprocessor (166 thousand cycles).
Efficacy of inpatient burn rehabilitation: A prospective pilot study examining range of motion, hand function and balance

Abstract Purpose To examine the effect of inpatient rehabilitation therapy on range of motion, hand function and balance in the burn population. Methods This study utilizes a prospective longitudinal design. Inclusion criteria are adults admitted to a regional inpatient rehabilitation hospital with a primary diagnosis of burn injury. Demographic and medical data are collected. Primary outcomes include range of motion at four joints (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee), hand function (Jebsen Taylor Hand Test) and balance (Berg Balance Scale). Outcomes are measured at admission and discharge. Students’ t -test is used to determine significant differences in outcomes from admission to discharge. Results Eleven subjects meet inclusion criteria. The mean age is 50 years, rehabilitation length of stay is 35 days and total body surface area burned is 41%. Subjects demonstrate significant improvements in range of motion, hand function and balance from admission to discharge ( p Conclusions Specific functional measures, range of motion, hand function and balance, demonstrate significant improvement during inpatient rehabilitation. Future work is needed to investigate other functional benefits of rehabilitation and to compare the impact of inpatient rehabilitation to other therapeutic interventions.
Microbial quality of runoff following land application of cattle manure and swine slurry

Concentrations of human health-related microorganisms in runoff from agricultural plots (0.75m £ 2m) treated with fresh and aged cattle manure, swine slurry and no manure (control) were determined. Three consecutive simulated rainfall events, producing 35mm rainfall and separated by 24h, were carried out for each plot. Fecal indicator (Escherichia coli, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens and coliphage) loads released in rainfall runoff from plots treated with fresh cattle manure, aged cattle manure and swine slurry treatments ranged from 5.52 £ 10 5 to 4.36 £ 10 9 , 3.92 £ 10 4 to 4.86 £ 10 8 , and 9.63 £ 10 5 to 3.05 £ 10 8 , respectively. Plot runoff concentrations of protozoa (Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts) ranged from 1.65 £ 10 5 to 1.04 £ 10 6 , 2.93 £ 10 3 to 2.75 £ 10 5 , and 9.12 £ 10 4 to 3.58 £ 10 6 for fresh cattle manure, aged cattle manure and swine slurry plot treatments, respectively. These results suggest that large microbial loads could be released via heavy precipitation events that produce runoff from livestock manure-applied agricultural fields, of even modest size, and could have a significant impact on water bodies within the watershed. Because of the lack of multiplication in the environment, highly elevated concentrations in manured land runoff, and correlation to protozoan parasite presence, Clostridium may be an alternative indicator for livestock manure contamination.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy

Disseminated intravascular coagulation is most common in children with bacterial septic shock, infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome, in giant hemangiomas, and in purpura fulminans. The diagnosis is suspected when purpuric bleeding and/or thrombosis occurs in those clinical settings known to have DIC associated with them. The coagulopathy is also suspected when the patient has thrombocytopenia and prolonged clotting times in coagulation screening tests (prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time). Confirmation of the diagnosis requires further laboratory data. Although it would be ideal to have a complete analysis of all the coagulation factors, this is generally not universally available nor always necessary in all cases. In the absence of liver disease, the minimal criteria for diagnosis is the combination of thrombocytopenia, positive fibrinolytic split products, and hypofibrinogenemia (or prolonged thrombin time). In the presence of liver disease, reduced factor VIII and/or the presence of circulating soluble fibrin complexes would be needed to diagnose DIC. Once the diagnosis is established and the underlying illness identified and treated, the therapy of the DIC is generally supportive. Anticoagulation (heparin) management is rarely needed except in cases of purpura fulminans, where it can be lifesaving, and selected cases of giant hemangioma or malignancy. In cases of septic shock and in severe RDS, successful management of the shock and the respiratory failure will cause the DIC to disappear without the use of anticoagulation.
A Bayesian Inference based Model Interpolation and Extrapolation

Model validation is a process to assess the validity and predictive capabilities of a computer model by comparing simulation results with test data for its intended use of the model. One of the key difficulties for model validation is to evaluate the quality of a computer model at different test configurations in design space, and interpolate or extrapolate the evaluation results to untested new design configurations. In this paper, an integrated model interpolation and extrapolation framework based on Bayesian inference and Response Surface Models (RSM) is proposed to validate the designs both within and outside of the original design space. Bayesian inference is first applied to quantify the distributions' hyper-parameters of the bias between test and CAE data in the validation domain. Then, the hyper-parameters are extrapolated from the design configurations to untested new design. They are then followed by the prediction interval of responses at the new design points. A vehicle design of front impact example is used to demonstrate the proposed methodology.
The Throne of the Emperor Henry in Dante's Paradise and the Mediaeval Conception of Christian Kingship

Nowhere has Dante offered more ample evidence of his faith in the Roman imperium and admiration of the Emperor Henry VII than in a brief passage of six lines in the thirtieth canto of the Paradiso. There, beyond the limits of the corporeal spheres in the heaven which is pure light, surrounded by the saintly splendors of the City of God, Beatrice directs the poet's gaze to a vacant seat among the thrones of the blessed:E'n quel gran seggio a che tu li occhi tieniPer la corona che gia v' e su posta,Prima che tu a queste nozze ceniSedera l' alma (che fia giu agosta)De l' alto Arrigo, ch' a drizzare ItaliaVerra in prima che ella sia disposta.(vv. 133–138)And the power of these lines is consolidated by contrast with the bitter condemnation of Pope Clement V, which directly follows them.
Thermotropic liquid-crystalline polyesters of 4,4?-biphenol and phenyl-substituted 4,4?-biphenols with 4,4?-oxybisbenzoic acid

A series of thermotropic polyesters, derived from 4,4′-biphenol (BP), 3-phenyl-4,4′-biphenol (MPBP), and 3,3′-bis(phenyl)-4,4′-biphenol (DPBP), 4,4′-oxybisbenzoic acid (4,4′-OBBA), and other aromatic dicarboxylic acids as comonomers, were prepared by melt polycondensation and were characterized for their thermotropic liquid-crystalline (LC) properties with a variety of experimental techniques. The homopolymer of BP with 4,4′-OBBA and its copolymers with either 50 mol % terephthalic acid or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid had relatively high values of the crystal-to-nematic transition (448–460 °C), above which each of them formed a nematic LC phase. In contrast, the homopolymers of MPBP and DPBP had low fusion temperatures and low isotropization temperatures and formed nematic melts above the fusion temperatures. Each of these two polymers also exhibited two glass-transition temperatures, which were associated with vitrified noncrystalline (amorphous) regions and vitrified LC domains, as obtained directly from melt polycondensation. As expected, they had higher glass-transition temperatures (176–211 °C) than other LC polyesters and had excellent thermal stability (516–567 °C). The fluorescence properties of the homopolymer of DPBP with 4,4′-OBBA, which was soluble in common organic solvents such as chloroform and tetrahydrofuran, were also included in this study. For example, it had an absorption spectrum (λmax = 259 and 292 nm), an excitation spectrum (λex = 258 and 292 nm with monitoring at 350 nm), and an emission spectrum (λem = 378 nm with excitation at 330 nm) in chloroform. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 141–155, 2002
NADPH diaphorase in the spinal cord of rats.

To identify spinal neurons that may synthesize nitric oxide, cells and fibres histochemically stained for NADPH diaphorase (a nitric oxide synthase) were studied in the spinal cord of rats. The histochemical reaction gave an image similar to the best Golgi impregnations, staining cells down to their finest processes. Transverse, horizontal, and parasagittal 50 and 100 μ sections were used to follow dendritic and axonal arborizations of stained neurons. Major cell groups were identified in the superficial dorsal horn and around the central canal (at all spinal levels), and in the intermediolateral cell column (at thoracic and sacral levels). Scattered positive cells were also found in deeper dorsal horn, ventral horn, and white matter. In some cases, axons of cells in the dorsal horn could be traced into the white matter; many of these cells resembled neurons projecting to various supraspinal targets. Stained cells in the intermediolateral column, which sent their axons into the ventral root, were presumed to be preganglionic autonomic neurons. Dense plexes of fiberes were stained in laminae I and II and in the intermediolateral column. A large number of NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons in the spinal cord appear to be involved in visceral regulation. Fibers of the intermediolateral system had a special relationship with vasculature, suggesting that nitric oxide may help to couple neural activity with regional blood flow in the spinal cord. The abundance of NADPH diaphorase-positive neurons and fibres in the superficial dorsal horn suggests that nitric oxide may also be involved in spinal sensory processing. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of cutting fluids on drilling aluminium casting alloy 390

The primary objective of this research project was to compare the tool wear resulting when a semi-synthetic cutting fluid was used, to that from use of a premium soluble oil. The secondary objective was to determine the effects of cutting speed, drill diameter, and fluid concentration, on tool wear. The experiments contained two key elements: (1) cast aluminium alloy 390 was used as the workpiece material and (2) deep-hole drilling to a depth greater than two diameters was performed. Numerous drilling tests were performed with each cutting fluid using a flood application. To meet the primary objective, an experiment was designed for each cutting fluid and the wear on the lands of twist drills was measured. The secondary objective utilized a statistically-designed 23 factorial experiment which evaluated the effects that moderate and relatively high cutting speeds, two drill diameters, and two levels of fluid concentration, had on tool wear. After analysis of the test results, it was concluded that concentration had the most significant effect on land wear when the experimentally-formulated semi-synthetic cutting fluid was used. Cutting speed was the most significant factor when drilling with the commercially-available premium soluble oil. Tool wear while using the semi-synthetic fluid was slightly less than that for the premium soluble oil.
Unsaturated polyester containing myrcene–maleic anhydride Diels–Alder adduct

Myrcene–maleic anhydride Diels–Alder adduct and the corresponding diacid were used as monomers for unsaturated polyesters. The polyesters exhibited air-drying properties on cross-linking with styrene.
Resonant stator actuation of gear coupled Ultrasonic Motors

This paper presents, for the first-time, actuation and direction control of multiple gear-coupled surface micromachined ultrasonic motors. Using three Whispering Gallery Mode Micro Ultrasonic Motors (WGMMUMs) with different flexural resonances, the center motor motion is controlled to rotate clockwise (CW) and counter-clockwise (CCW) direction at controlled rotation speeds. The bulk-PZT actuates the hub-stator at its resonances, some of which are whispering gallery modes and a rotating wave generated on the stator couples shear forces to the air between the stator and the rotor causing a drag force pushing the rotor.
Learning Agility: Many Questions, a Few Answers, and a Path Forward

This article responds to and extends the commentaries offered in response to our focal article on learning agility. After summarizing the basic themes in the commentaries, we use this response to clarify points that were unclear in our original article and push back on certain points raised in a few of the responses. In particular, we reframe the rigor–relevance debate from an “either–or” to a “both–and” discussion, clarify the relationship between learning agility and ability to learn, explain how learning agility in organizations moves beyond cognition, and describe how exchanges such as the one we have collectively engaged in here are central to progressing the scientific study on learning agility and its effective use in practice.
Combined Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Electrostatics Study of the Proton Pumping Mechanism in Cytochrome C Oxidase

Cytochrome c oxidase is a redox-driven proton pump which converts atmospheric oxygen to water and couples the oxygen reduction reaction to the creation of a membrane proton gradient. The structure of the enzyme has been solved; however, the mechanism of proton pumping is still poorly understood. Recent calculations from this group indicate that one of the histidine ligands of the enzyme's CuB center, His291, may play the role of the pumping element. Here, we discuss results of calculations that combined first principles density functional theory (DFT) and continuum electrostatics to evaluate the energetics of the key energy generating step—the transfer of the chemical proton to the binuclear center of the enzyme, where the hydroxyl group is converted to water, and the concerted expulsion of the proton from d-nitrogen of the His291 ligand of the CuB center. Keywords: cytochrome c oxidase; electron transfer; proton transfer; coupled electron and proton transfer reactions; DFT continuum electrostatics; DFT/electrostatic calculation; proton pumping; redox-coupled pKa; pKa calculation
MM5 Modeling of the Madden–Julian Oscillation in the Indian and West Pacific Oceans: Model Description and Control Run Results

Abstract A new methodology to study the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is introduced. While previous MJO studies typically have involved highly simplified mathematical models or general circulation models, this new approach seeks to reproduce the MJO by using a regional model with prescribed boundary conditions. This paper reports initial control run results for this methodology using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University (PSU)–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5) for a domain extending from the western Indian Ocean to the date line. The control run boundaries are forced using the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis (NRA) dataset for a 24-month time period. The climatology for the 24-month period is examined to establish the robustness of MM5 for this region. Results indicate good agreement in the mean winds between the model and the forcing dataset. The primary differences are an easterly bias at 850 hPa and altered flow patterns in the Indian monsoon region. Mean outgoing...