cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"Central" and "peripheral" benzodiazepines and kinetics of lindane-induced toxicity.

Abstract Because hypothermia and anorexia were previously found to be more sensitive indices of the effects of lindane than were convulsions, these endpoints were used to quantify the ability of benzodiazepines (BDs) and phenytoin either to ameliorate or exacerbate the toxicity of lindane in the rat. After administration of lindane (40 or 50 mg/kg) in oil per os, toxicity was counteracted by phenytoin and the “central” BD agonists diazepam and clonazepam, but was worsened by Ro 5-4864 a “peripheral” BD agonist. Clonazepam and diazepam were each more effective in counteracting lindane-induced anorexia than in stimulating food intake, presumably because the animals had been fasted and probably even controls ate maximally when food was presented. Diazepam alone (3 injections in 1 day) produced withdrawal-induced decreased food intake the following day. Clonazepam and diazepam alone each transiently decreased colonic temperature, yet effectively blocked the more severe hypothermia produced by lindane. Ro 5-4864 by itself did not produce any measurable effects, yet exacerbated all of the effects, including lethal effects, of lindane. The present findings are compatible with other evidence that lindane and Ro 5-4864 act at the picrotoxinin receptor of the GABAA-activated chloride channel and that systemic administration of agents acting at this site may produce a constellation of effects, including seizures, hypothermia and anorexia.
Latent dichlorvos neurotoxicity detected by vagal tone monitoring in dogs.

Abstract Dichlorvos (dimethyl 2,2-dichlorovinyl phosphate) was administered orally to German Shorthair Pointer dogs at approximately 60 mg/kg (twice the usual clinical dose). Plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase (ChE) was monitored prior to, 90 min, and 180 min post-ingestion. 2-PAM (20 mg/kg IV) and atropine sulfate (0.022 mg/kg IM) were administered 90 min after the dichlorvos to paired treated and control dogs. The telemetered electrocardiographic (ECG) signal was analyzed by a Vagal Tone Monitor (VTM) to yield mean heart period (msec) and an estimate of the amplitude of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (V in natural log values of msec 2 ) for five min intervals. Dichlorvos did not cause cholinomimetic symptoms even though blood cholinesterase was significantly inhibited (plasma −51.3% and erythrocyte −43.7%). The atropine sulfate treatment resulted in the expected vagolytic effects in both the control and the dichlorvos treated dogs, but the atropine effects were attenuated in the latter dogs. Three weeks later, ChE activity was not significantly depressed in the dichlorvos treated dogs, and their V responses to atropine were more similar to the responses in control dogs.
Measurement of Temperature Profiles through Solid- Propellant Flames Using Fine Thermocouples

Microscopic temperature profiles through propagating solid propellant flames in composite and double base propellants measured, using fine thermocouples
Antipoverty Effects of Public Income Transfers on Children

Abstract As the political debate on the economic competitiveness of the United States heats up, the investment in the nation's children will become a top priority. How successfully is the United States reducing poverty among children through public income transfers of all types? And how does its effectiveness in doing so compare with its effectiveness in eliminating poverty among the elderly? Which demographic categories of children fare better in escaping poverty as a result of receiving public income transfers? This article presents the findings from a study, based on governmental data, on the distributive effects of non-means-tested cash and noncash public transfer programs, as well as of means-tested cash and noncash public transfer programs in reducing poverty among children. Furthermore, data are analyzed for white, black, and Hispanic children, separately, as well as for the elderly. The major findings are that to escape from poverty, the children heavily depend on means-tested noncash transfers in preventing poverty, whereas the elderly depend heavily on non-means-tested cash transfers. The implications for policy are discussed.
Inequalities in Fourier Analysis on Rn

Abstract This note describes two results: (i) a sharp Hausdorff-Young inequality for the Fourier transform on Lp(Rn) which extends an earlier result of Babenko; and (ii) a sharp form of Young's inequality for the convolution of functions on Rn. That is, best possible constants are obtained for the following Lp(Rn) inequalities: [Formula: see text]
Notable decomposition products of senescing Lake Michigan Cladophora glomerata

Abstract Massive accumulations of Cladophora , a ubiquitous, filamentous green alga, have been increasingly reported along Great Lakes shorelines, negatively affecting beach aesthetics, recreational activities, public health and beachfront property values. Previously, the decomposition byproducts of decaying algae have not been thoroughly examined. To better understand the negative consequences and potential merit of the stranded Cladophora , a three month mesocosm study of the dynamic chemical environment of the alga was conducted using fresh samples collected from southern Lake Michigan beaches. Typical fermentation products, such as organic acids, sulfide compounds, and alcohols were detected in the oxygen–deprived algae. Short chain carboxylic acids peaked on day seven, in correspondence with the lowest pH value. Most low molecular mass carbon compounds were eventually consumed, but 4-methylphenol, indole, and 3-methylindole were detected throughout the incubation period. Natural oils were detected in fresh and decomposing algae, indicating the stable nature of these compounds. The mesocosm experiment was validated by directly sampling the fluid within decomposing Cladophora mats in the field; many of the same compounds were found. This study suggests that the problematic Cladophora accumulations may be harvested for useful byproducts, thereby reducing the odiferous and potentially harmful mats stranded along the shorelines.
Effects and Mechanisms of Niobium on the Fracture Toughness of Heavy Rail Steel

Heavy rail steel was prepared by the process of vacuum induction furnace smelting, forge work and rolling. Effects and mechanisms of niobium on the fracture toughness of heavy rail steel were investigated. In addition, the appropriate range of niobium content for heavy rail steel was determined. With the niobium content increasing, both the austenite grain size and pearlite laminae distance of heavy rail steel were decreased gradually at first and then increased rapidly. When the niobium content was low, the precipitates containing niobium predominantly appeared in the cementite, which improved the toughness of heavy rail steel by fining the austenite grain size and pearlite laminae distance; when the niobium content > 0.024%, the fine dispersed precipitates containing niobium mainly occurred in the ferrite, which improved the toughness of heavy rail steel by pining dislocations and inhibiting crack growth; with the niobium content increasing, both the quantity and size of precipitates containing niobium were increased gradually; when the niobium content > 0.073%, most precipitates containing niobium could not pin dislocations and inhibit crack growth because the particles size was too big, thus the fracture toughness of heavy rail steel was bad. So the optimum range of the niobium content could improve the fracture toughness of heavy rail steel. In the present study, when the niobium content was about 0.053%, the fracture toughness of heavy rail steel was the best. The maximum plane-strain fracture toughness was 49.88 MPam1/2.
NUCLEIC ACIDS OF CHLOROPLASTS AND MITOCHONDRIA IN SWISS CHARD.

Nucleic acids in young leaves of Swiss chard have been studied by light and electron microscope techniques. Leaf DNA has also been characterized by density gradient centrifugation and shown to contain a minor band of higher guanine plus cytosine (GC) content, presumably attributable to chloroplasts. The chloroplasts were faintly stained by the Feulgen reaction; radioautography demonstrated the incorporation of tritiated thymidine in the cytoplasm and in some nuclei. The Feulgen stainability and most of the radioactivity were removable with DNase. Under the electron microscope, both mitochondria and chloroplasts were found to contain filamentous and particulate components within the matrix areas. The morphology of the filamentous component was dependent on the fixation, being partially clumped after OSO4 or formalin, but finely filamentous after Kellenberger fixation. The filaments were stainable with uranyl acetate, and were extractable with DNase following formalin fixation under conditions in which nuclear DNA was also extracted. The particulate component, after formalin fixation and uranyl staining, was prominent in chloroplasts from young leaves, but was only sparsely distributed in mitochondria. The stainability was removed with ribonuclease. We have concluded that chloroplasts and mitochondria of Swiss chard possess a filamentous component that contains DNA, probably responsible for both cytoplasmic thymidine incorporation and the minor band in CsCl centrifugation. A particulate ribosome-like component that contains RNA is also present.
Mood Regulation in Real Time Age Differences in the Role of Looking

Mechanisms have been proposed to underlie differences between younger and older adults in real-time mood regulation, but these mechanisms have not yet been shown to predict mood outcomes. One such mechanism is age-related positivity effects in attention and memory. In this article, I take one form of this possible mechanism—positive looking patterns—and consider (a) whether older adults, compared with younger adults, prefer positive looking and (b) whether positive looking helps older adults regulate their mood in real time. Evidence is more consistent for the former than the latter. A similar consideration is needed for other possible forms of positivity effects (e.g., positive memory) and other possible mechanisms that may explain age differences in real-time mood regulation.
Truth, Trauma, and Justice in Gillian Slovo's Every Secret Thing

MacCurdy probes and complicates contemporary orthodoxies regarding both writing and healing and justice and healing. Focusing on trauma theory, the conventions of the trauma memoir, global political realities over the last century, and the political realities of South Africa over the last fifty or so years, MacCurdy examines questions of justice and healing in situations where punishment for terrible crimes against masses of people is not possible. MacCurdy's analysis is energized by her own Armenian heritage, which places her in a position that resonates with that of many South Africans, including Gillian Slovo.
Geophysics: humming a different tune.

Earth breathes in and out, murmuring gently to itself as it does so. The habit has been ascribed to the tickling effects of ocean waves — but a new-found twisting oscillation might reopen the search for the source.
Reactions of organonitrogen molecules with Ni(100)

The adsorption and reaction of a variety of organonitrogen compounds on a Ni(100) surface have been examined with temperature-programmed reaction. Auger electron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. Monomethylamine adsorbs via the nitrogen lone pair of electrons and then undergoes C-N bond scission yielding adsorbed carbon, dihydrogen, and ammonia. Aniline ..pi..-bonds to the surface and polymerizes to form a thermally stable poly(aniline) surface film. Pyridine undergoes a temperature-induced orientational transformation. At low temperatures pyridine adsorbs with its ring parallel to the surface. At higher temperatures it appears to form an ..cap alpha..-pyridyl species with an activation barrier of 85 kJ/mol. Methyl groups on 2,6-lutidine sterically hinder this reaction. Methyl groups on 3,5-lutidine stabilize bonding via the nitrogen lone pair of electrons. The methyl groups on 3,5-lutidine increase electrophilic addition activity relative to pyridine and lead to polymerization of 3,5-lutidine, forming a thermally stable polymer film. Pyrimidine reacted in almost identical fashion to pyridine, suggesting that increased nucleophilic activity had little effect on the reaction behavior of heterocyclic compounds and that electrophilic reactions predominate.
Note on ideal-transforms, Rees rings, and Krull rings

Let I be an ideal in a Noetherian ring R and let T(I) be the ideal-transform of R with respect to I. Several necessary and sufficient conditions are given for T(I) to be Noetherian for a height one ideal I in an important class of altitude two local domains, and some specific examples are given to show that the integral closure T(I)′ and the complete integral closure T(I)″ of T(I) may differ, even when R is an altitude two Cohen-Macaulay local domain whose integral closure is a regular domain and a finite R-module. It is then shown that T(I)″ is always a Krull ring, and if the integral closure of R is a finite R-module, then T(I)′ is contained in a finite T(I)-module. Finally, these last two results are applied to certain symbolic Rees rings.
Amikacin liposomes: characterization, aerosolization, and in vitro activity against Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare in alveolar macrophages

Abstract A feasible way to treat pulmonary Myobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI) infections is inhalation of liposome-encapsulated antimycobacterial agents aimed at infected alveolar macrophages (AM). To this end, amikacin-containing liposomes consisting of soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), hydrogenated SPC (HSPC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) or cholesterol (CH) were prepared by extrusion and characterized with respect to drug content, encapsulation efficiency, drug retention in lung lavage fluid, stability during aerosolization, and in vitro efficacy against MAI in murine AM. Unencapsulated amikacin was separated by dialysis and ion-exchanged (Amberlite IRC50) adsorption which was found to be fast, complete and less cumbersome than dialysis. Drug content increased linearly with drug concentration for a fixed lipid concentration from 1 to 12% for SPC, and from 5 to 21% for SPC/PG (7:3 molar ratio) liposomes, while the amikacin content remained constant at 0.5–1% (SPC) and 1.5–2% (SPC/PG) over a lipid concentration range of 20–160 mg/ml for a fixed amikacin concentration. With increasing lipid concentration (10–160 mg/ml), the encapsulation efficiency increased linearly for SPC liposomes (2–20%), and in a saturable fashion for SPC/PG liposomes (1–35%). Aerosolization (Collison nebulizer) over 80 min resulted in loss of content of approx. 20% (SPC and HSPC) and 30–40% (SPC/PG and SPC/CH), respectively. Incubation with fresh lung lavage fluid at 37°C resulted in poor retention of amikacin in SPC/PG liposomes, whereas SPC and SPC/CH liposomes essentially retained the drug over 24 h. A dose of 20 μg/ml amikacin when encapsulated within SPC/PG liposomes was approx. 100-times efficacious against intracellular MAI in the infected alveolar macrophage model in vitro, than an equivalent concentration of free amikacin, indicating that uptake of drug-carrying liposomes by infected macrophages is operative.
Outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery in children with allergic rhinitis.

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a morbid condition in children with chronic rhinosinusitis. The study goal was to determine whether children with AR who are undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery ...
Self-Defeating Personality, Depression, and Pleasure from Activities

Summary.-Prior research has shown people who scored high on a measure of selfdefeating personality experienced less pleasure from various activities and accomplishments. The present research replicated the initial study with 55 men and 60 women, while controlling for the effects of depression. Analyses indicated that, while depression and selF-defeating personality were related, depression was not the entire answer for why people with self-defeating personality derive less pleasure from activities. Recently, Schill, Beyler, and Sharp (1993) showed that people who endorsed more items on a measure of self-defeating personahty experienced less pleasure and enjoyment from indvidual and social activities as well as from personal accomplishments. In accounting for these results writers like Warren (1985) believed that because of early negative experiences such people come to see pain and lack of pleasure as central to their identity. Once this happens they have a stake in maintaining their sense of who they are and so minimize or discount the positive things which happen to them. An alternative explanation of these findings is that Self-defeating Personality Disorder is actually a dsorder on the spectrum of affective disorders (Fiester, 1991) and the reason these people experienced less pleasure was because they were depressed. Scores on the Self-defeating Personality Scale used in the cited research have correlated significantly with Beck's measure of depression (Lester & Hoffman, 1992; Schill & Kramer, 1991). To examine the contribution of depression to the results of the study in question, we replicated the study but also included a measure of depression. If the results of the original study were due primarily to the effects of depression, we should find, when we partial out its effect, the significant relationship between selfdefeating scores and pleasure and enjoyment of activities and accomplishments disappears. Method.-Subjects were 55 men and 60 women who participated to fulfill a research requirement for introductory psychology. Their mean age was 23 years. This sample was tested during summer session which attracts students who are a bit older. They were drawn from a pool which included majors and nonmajors. Subjects answered the Self-defeating Personality Scale (Schill, 1990), the Beck (1978) Depression Inventory, and an Activities Inventory (Schill, et a/., 1993). These measures were completed in small groups of 15 to 20 of both men and women.
Generating Pallet Loading Patterns: A Special Case of the Two-Dimensional Cutting Stock Problem

A heuristic algorithm employing dynamic programming is presented for solving the two-dimensional cutting stock problem where all the small rectangles are of the same dimensions, but without the usual restriction that the cutting be done with “guillotine” cuts, i.e., cut which must be made in stages from one edge to the opposite edge of the large rectangle being cut. The objective of the algorithm is to determine a cutting or layout pattern for which the ratio of the unused area to the total area of the large rectangle tends to be small. To demonstrate the method, the common problem of establishing standardized loading patterns for rectangular items on pallets is examined in detail. The algorithm is described with a minimum of mathematics through the use of several pictorial displays and a simple example. The efficiency of the heuristic is then evaluated by comparing computer generated loading patterns for 182 different size items to the loading patterns recommended by the U.S. Navy, and shown to be 10.4 percent more efficient for 64 out of 182 cases when the number of items per layer were not identical. The algorithm is also shown to be an effective aid to management both in establishing standardized loading patterns and procedures, and in communicating these loading standards to production personnel via computer generated “shop paper.” This type of computer design flexibility and control is a valuable management tool not only for standardizing pallet arrangements, but for carton design and consolidation, warehouse design and layout, bin and shelf stocking, designing tapes for numerically controlled gas cutting machines, and numerous other industrial problems involved with the efficient layout of rectangular objects.
Activity of a broad-spectrum cephalosporin (Ro 48-8391) alone and in combination with two novel β-lactamase inhibitors (Ro 48-5545 and Ro 48-8724)

The susceptibility of a group of beta-lactamase-producing and drug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms was tested against a novel cephalosporin (Ro 48-8391) alone and in combination with two bridged carbacephem beta-lactamase inhibitors (Ro 48-5545 or Ro 48-8724) and compared with that of ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and cefepime (representative "third- and fourth-generation" cephalosporins), imipenem, and a combination of piperacillin and tazobactam. Five hundred and one selected clinical isolates were tested using the reference broth microdilution method (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards). Ro 48-8391 has a spectrum of activity and potency most similar to ceftriaxone but with improved activity against Gram-positive species. The two beta-lactamase inhibitors, Ro 48-5545 and Ro 48-8724, have modest antimicrobial activity. When combined with Ro 48-8391, the beta-lactamase inhibitor Ro 48-8724 was superior to the combination of Ro 48-8391 and Ro 48-5545 in spectrum and enzyme inhibition against extended spectrum beta-lactamase enzyme-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and against Enterobacteriaceae with "stably derepressed" Bush-Jacoby-Medeiros gr 1 enzymes (ceftazidime-resistant Enterobacter and Citrobacter). Ro 48-5545 and Ro 48-8724 appear to be promising beta-lactamase inhibitors with potential application against chromosomal- and plasmid-mediated enzymes. Ro 48-8391, although superior to some currently available "third-generation" cephems, was not a well-matched active codrug because of limited activity against several commonly isolated species of clinically important bacteria. Further efforts are necessary to find a penicillin or cephem with activity more complementary to that of the tested beta-lactamase inhibitors and the Ro 48-8391 compound could be focused for therapeutic use in serious streptococcal infections.
Foreign-body ingestion: characteristics and outcomes in a lower socioeconomic population with predominantly intentional ingestion

Background Previous reports of foreign-body ingestions focused primarily on accidental ingestions. Objective To describe the characteristics and management of foreign-body ingestions, with predominantly intentional ingestion, in a lower socioeconomic status population. Design A retrospective case series. Setting An urban county hospital. Patients Patients ≥17 years old, with foreign-body ingestions between 2000 and 2006. Main Outcome Measurements Characteristics of ingestion cases, endoscopic extraction, need for surgery, and complications. Results Among 262 cases, 92% were intentional, 85% involved psychiatric patients, and 84% occurred in patients with prior ingestions. The time from ingestion to presentation was >48 hours in 168 cases (64%). The overall success rate for endoscopic extraction was 90% (165/183 cases). Surgery was performed in 30 cases (11%) and was more common for objects beyond the pylorus versus objects above the pylorus (16/43 [37%] vs 10/151 [7%], respectively) and in cases with a greater delay from ingestion to presentation (25/168 [15%] if >48 hours vs 4/77 [5%] if ≤48 hours) and from presentation to intervention (15/40 [38%] if >48 hours vs 14/165 [8%] if ≤48 hours). Perforation occurred in 16 cases (6%), with 6 perforations noted after endoscopy. Limitation A retrospective review of medical records. Conclusions Foreign-body ingestions in an urban county hospital occurred primarily in psychiatric patients who had repeated episodes of intentional ingestions. Endoscopic extraction was unsuccessful in 10% of cases. Long delays from ingestion to presentation and intervention may account for relatively high rates of surgery and perforation. Strategies to prevent ingestions and delays in endoscopic management are needed in this population.
Antibody repertoire development in cartilaginous fish

Abstract There are 3 H chain and 3 L chain isotypes in the cartilaginous fish, all encoded by genes in the so-called cluster (VDDJ, VJ) organization. The H chain isotypes IgM and IgNAR, are readily detected at the protein level in most species. The third is readily identified at the protein level in skates (IgR) but only via immunoprecipitation or at the transcript level in sharks (IgW). High levels of diversity in CDR3 and up to 200 germline genes have been detected for IgM depending upon the species examined. IgNAR displays very high levels of CDR3 diversity but almost none in the germline. At least IgNAR and L chain genes have been shown to hypermutate to very high levels, apparently in response to antigen. The mutation footprints are similar to those in mammals except that the shark genes uniquely mutate nucleotide residues in tandem. A conspicuous feature of cartilaginous fish Ig genes is the presence of germline-joined genes, which are a result of RAG activity in germ cells. Such genes are expressed early in ontogeny and then extinguished or expressed at lower levels. 19S IgM and IgW expression precede that of 7S IgM and IgNAR during ontogeny. The ‘switch’ from 19S to 7S IgM, the regulation of expression of the Ig clusters, and the microenvironments for mutation/selection of cartilaginous fish B cells are all areas of ongoing research.
Selective and Nonselective Dehydrogenation in Primary Alcohols: Reactions of Ethanol and 1-Propanol on Co-covered Mo(110)

The reactions of ethanol and 1-propanol on a 1.3 monolayer Co overlayer was investigated in an effort to understand the reactivity of Co thin films deposited on Mo(110). Electron energy loss data show that O−H bond scission to afford the alkoxide occurs by 275 K for both alcohols on a Co monolayer deposited on Mo(110). Carbon monoxide and H2 are the major gaseous products identified by temperature-programmed reaction, and residual carbon and oxygen are detected after heating to 760 K. In addition to CO and H2, ethanol reaction produces acetaldehyde, methane, and ethylene, while 1-propanol reaction produces propanal, ethylene, and propene. Selective deuteration at the β position precludes aldehyde production, demonstrating that β C−H bond cleavage is the rate-limiting step for aldehyde formation and that there is a delicate balance between the nonselective and selective dehydrogenation pathways. Isotopic labeling also shows that methane production from ethanol and ethylene from 1-propanol occur by selectiv...
Analytic modeling of clustered RAID with mapping based on nearly random permutation

A Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) of G disks provides protection against single disk failures by adding one parity block for each G-1 data blocks. In a clustered RAID, the G data/parity blocks are distributed over a cluster of C disks (C>G), thus reducing the additional load on each disk due to a single disk failure. However, most methods proposed for implementing such a mapping do not work for general C and G values. In this paper, we describe a fast mapping algorithm based on almost-random permutations. An analytical model is constructed, based on the queue with a permanent customer, to predict recovery time and read/write performance. The accuracy of the results derived from this model is validated by comparing with simulations. Our analysis shows that clustered RAID is significantly more tolerant of disk failure than the basic RAID scheme. Both recovery time and performance degradation during recovery are substantially reduced in clustered RAID; moreover, these gains can be achieved using fairly small C/G ratios.
Peptide T from human immunodeficiency virus envelope does not interact with hepatic, intestinal and colonic vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is initiated by the attachment of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to specific target cells. An octapeptide sequence contained within the envelope of HIV, peptide T, mediates the viral binding. Since there is a considerable structural homology between peptide T and VIP, it has been proposed that the VIP receptor may be the naturally occurring protein which provides the corresponding cellular attachment site. In three different models (rat intestinal epithelial cell membranes, rat liver plasma membranes and human colonic cells), we document the lack of interaction between peptide T and the VIP receptor. These observations would also exclude any pathophysiologic effect caused by the crossreactivity of peptide T or its analogues and these VIP receptors.
Mass Transfer to an Impinging Jet Electrode

A study has been made of mass transfer to a circular disk electrode located in the stagnation region of an impinging jet. A semiempirical solution of a convective diffusion model is presented in the form of an asymptotic series to permit an estimate of the transfer rate for . Experimental results reveal that the electrode possesses a property of "uniform accessibility" to the diffusing species if the electrode radius is less than 1 nozzle diameter for turbulent jet and nozzle diameter for laminar jet. Within this region, the mass transfer is relatively independent of radial positions, and the semiempirical correlations are presented for both laminar and turbulent flows over a range of nozzle heights from 0.2 to 6 nozzle diameters. The result indicates that the impinging jet electrode is a feasible tool for electroanalytical applications. This geometry can be easily adopted in process streams and closed systems at a pressure other than the ambient atmosphere.
The Timing of the Influences of Cumulative Poverty on Children's Cognitive Ability and Achievement

Is childhood such a critical period that, by the end of this period, cumulative poverty would have exerted maximum effect on children's cognitive outcomes? Or are cognitive outcomes more a function of the length of exposure to poverty regardless of the life stage in which the child is exposed to poverty? The NLSY, which measures each child's cognitive development repeatedly over time, was analyzed to answer these questions. We distinguish between ability and achievement. Ability is a more stable trait than achievement and tends to be determined by both environmental and genetic factors early in life. Achievement on the other hand is more acquired. This study shows that long-term poverty has substantial influences on both ability and achievement, but the time patterns of these influences are distinctly different. Childhood appears to be a much more crucial period for the development of cognitive ability than early adolescence. In contrast, poverty experienced in adolescence appears to be more influential to adolescent achievement than poverty experienced earlier in life
Sources of uncertainty in stream-associated amphibian ecology and responses to forest management in the Pacific Northwest, USA: A review

Abstract Immediate and potentially prolonged impacts of timber harvest on stream-associated amphibians (SAA; giant (Dicamptodon spp.) and torrent (Rhyacotriton spp.) salamanders and coastal tailed frogs (Ascaphus truei)) in the Pacific Northwest, USA, are a concern due to widespread commercial management of forests across their geographic distribution. Evidence suggests that impacts from forest practices on SAA may vary in magnitude and direction, as well as spatially and temporally, as a result of biotic and abiotic factors, including management intensity and frequency. However, past investigations employed a variety of sampling and analytical methods which, when combined with apparent natural variation in SAA populations and habitat conditions, present a challenge to making reliable, unified inference about the relative influences of harvest practices and ecological processes on SAA responses. Nearly all SAA/forest management research has been of short duration, and many studies have occurred on landscapes that were harvested previously, limiting effective comparisons between current and historical distributions of amphibians and immediate vs. prolonged impacts of forest harvest. Also, forest practices have changed dramatically over the last two decades in the Pacific Northwest, especially management of riparian habitats, and information about SAA responses to current management prescriptions are not yet available. Regular, long-term monitoring of SAA responses should be conducted and effects associated with past and current management actions segregated, when possible. Many habitat studies have concentrated on stream features measured at local reach scales (50–150 m) and understanding the scale of potential land management impacts on SAA populations at a landscape level will require implementation of studies at larger spatial and longer temporal scales. Finally, aspects of SAA ecology, including competition, dispersal, predation, and vital rates, are poorly understood. To provide reliable inference, studies should (1) employ rigorous sampling designs (e.g., with temporal and spatial replication) and analytical techniques that permit estimation of detection probability; (2) occur at spatial and temporal scales appropriate to the questions being posed; and (3) be designed to estimate population responses to potential impacts.
TakeTwo: Using Google Glass for Augmented Memory

Recent advances in wearable technology create the opportunity for seamless interactions that would be too cumbersome or limited on handheld devices such as cameras or mobile phones. The use of a head-mounted camera and display can allow users to capture and review audiovisual information without disrupting the continuity their ongoing activities. When presented with large amounts of information, people are prone to miss or forget details which can be essential later. TakeTwo builds on the capabilities of such wearable devices to provide a virtual extension of memory, i.e. augmented memory, to aid users in learning and recall. In particular, we use Google Glass to capture audiovisual content of ongoing events, and allow users to actively bookmark moments for later review. The Thalmic Labs Myo armband allows users to create bookmarks with discrete hand gestures. Future work will explore automatic bookmark creation triggered by physiological signals such as electrodermal activity, EEG, eye tracking, and motion. This will allow users to review events based on signals of emotional arousal, confusion, focus, or understanding, furthering their ability to recall and reinforce memory when it is needed most.
TFF2 mRNA transcript expression marks a gland progenitor cell of the gastric oxyntic mucosa.

Background & Aims Gastric stem cells are located in the isthmus of the gastric glands and give rise to epithelial progenitors that undergo bipolar migration and differentiation into pit and oxyntic lineages. Although gastric mucus neck cells located below the isthmus express trefoil factor family 2 (TFF2) protein, TFF2 messenger RNA transcripts are concentrated in cells above the neck region in normal corpus mucosa, suggesting that TFF2 transcription is a marker of gastric progenitor cells. Methods Using a BAC strategy, we generated a transgenic mouse with a tamoxifen-inducible Cre under the control of the TFF2 promoter (TFF2-BAC-Cre ERT2 ) and analyzed the lineage derivation from TFF2 mRNA transcript–expressing (TTE) cells. Results TTE cells were localized to the isthmus, above and distinct from TFF2 protein-expressing mucus neck cells. Lineage tracing revealed that these cells migrated toward the bottom of the gland within 20 days, giving rise to parietal, mucous neck, and chief cells, but not to enterochromaffin-like-cell. Surface mucus cells were not derived from TTE cells and the progeny of the TTE lineage did not survive beyond 200 days. TTE cells were localized in the isthmus adjacent to doublecortin CaM kinase-like–1 + putative progenitor cells. Induction of spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia with DMP-777–induced acute parietal cell loss revealed that this metaplastic phenotype might arise in part through transdifferentiation of chief cells as opposed to expansion of mucus neck or progenitor cells. Conclusions TFF2 transcript–expressing cells are progenitors for mucus neck, parietal and zymogenic, but not for pit or enterochromaffin-like cell lineages in the oxyntic gastric mucosa.
Prevalence and determinants of physician participation in conducting pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical trials and lectures.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry is controversial because of the potential for conflicts of interest. However, little empirical evidence exists on the extent of physician participation in activities sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.
Sheared flow stabilization of the m=1 kink mode in Z pinches.

The effect of a sheared axial flow on the {ital m}=1 kink instability in {ital Z} pinches is studied numerically by reducing the linearized magnetohydrodynamic equations to a one-dimensional displacement equation. An equilibrium is used that is made marginally stable against the {ital m}=0 sausage mode by tailoring its pressure profile. The principal result reveals that a sheared axial flow stabilizes the kink mode when the shear exceeds a threshold that is dependent on the location of the conducting wall. For the equilibria studied here the maximum threshold shear ({ital v}{sub {ital z}}{sup {prime}}/{ital kV}{sup 0}{sub {ital A}}) was about 0.1. {copyright} {ital 1995} {ital The} {ital American} {ital Physical} {ital Society}.
Earliest record of the invasive Foraminifera Trochammina hadai in San Francisco Bay, California, USA

In 1995, Trochammina hadai, a benthic Foraminifera prevalent in Japanese estuaries, was found in San Francisco Bay, California, USA. Subsequent field investigations determined that the species was also present in nearly all of the major ports and estuaries along the western United States. Because of its widespread colonization, it is of interest to determine when T. hadai first appeared as an invasive in the coastal regions of the North Pacific. In San Francisco Bay, the species was not found in 404 surface samples collected between 1930 and 1981. In 1983, however, a grab sediment sample from one of four sites in the southern portion of the bay contained T. hadai. This site was the most northern of the four and contained 12 specimens of the invasive, comprising 1.5% of the assemblage. This is the earliest appearance on record of T. hadai in San Francisco Bay.
Optical Polarization of $^{13}$C Nuclei in Diamond through Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers

We determine the polarization of the bulk $^{13}\text{C}$ nuclear-spin system in diamond produced by interaction with optically oriented nitrogen vacancy (NV) defect centers. $^{13}\text{C}$ nuclei are polarized into the higher-energy Zeeman state with a bulk-average polarization up to 5.2%, although local polarization may be higher. The kinetics of polarization are temperature independent and occur within 5 min. Fluctuations in the dipolar field of the NV-center spin bath are identified as the mechanism by which nuclear-spin transitions are induced near defect centers. Polarization is then transported to the bulk material via spin diffusion, which accounts for the observed kinetics of polarization. These results indicate control over the nuclear-spin bath, a methodology to study dynamics of an NV-center ensemble, and application to sensitivity-enhanced NMR.
The NOAA global vegetation index product-A review.

Abstract NOAA has produced a Global Vegetation Index (GVI) product on a weekly basis since April, 1982. The GVI product provides a low-resolution real-time global data base of vegetation index Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) channel values, and observation geometry. Changes and improvements in the GVI since its beginning are described and a detailed description of current processing is provided. The GVI product will be changed with the launch of NOAA K, and additional satellite data from the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit that provides information on surface conditions will be added to the mapped data base. A “second generation” GVI product that will provide a more stable, better calibrated product for climate monitoring will be added in the future.
α,ω-Bis-quaternary ammonium alkanes as effective buffer additives for enhanced capillary electrophoretic separation of glycoproteins

Abstract The egg white glycoprotein, ovalbumin, is known to be microheterogeneous as a result of its varied glycan content. The use of 1,4-diaminobutane (DAB) as a buffer additive has been shown to be key in the high-resolution capillary electrophoretic separation of “glycoforms” of this protein [Anal. Biochem. 205 (1992) 115]. Although a separation buffer consisting of 100 mM borate and 1 mM DAB allowed for adequate separation of ovalbumin glycoforms, prolonged separation times of 35–45 min were undesirable. In the present study, the α,ω-bis-quaternary ammonium alkanes, hexamethonium bromide (C6MetBr), hexamethonium chloride (C6MetCl) and decamethonium bromide (C10MetBr) were tested as buffer additives for their effectiveness in the separation of ovalbumin glycoforms. Where 1 mM DAB gave optimal separation in ca. 45 min, 100 μM C6MetCl or C10MetBr yielded comparable resolution in less than 20 min. Results with the C10MetBr were better than those obtained with C6MetBr, indicating that there may be a correlation between effectiveness and alkyl chain length. Use of the chloride salt of C6Met afforded the same resolution as the bromide salt in slightly shorter analysis time. The rank order for their effectiveness was found to be C10MetBr > C6MetCl > C6MetBr > DAB. These results allow for speculation on the mode through which these additives exert their effect on resolution. Included in these are additive-wall coating interactions, protein-additive interactions, protein-wall interactions or any combination of these.
Comparison of bone marrow aspirate cytology, touch imprint cytology and trephine biopsy for bone marrow evaluation

Studies have compared the role of bone marrow aspirate cytology and trephine biopsy for diagnosing various hematological disorders but fewer studies have compared the relative value of imprint cytology with aspirate and trephine biopsy. The present study was conducted to compare the role of bone marrow aspirate, touch imprint and trephine biopsy to formulate an effective and rapid method for diagnosing wide spectrum of hematological diseases. The study included total 565 cases of bone marrow examination from January 2006 till May 2010. All the smears and sections were reviewed for morphological details and findings on aspirate, imprint and biopsy were compared to each other. The diagnostic accuracy of bone marrow aspirate was 77.5%, imprint cytology 83.7% and that of biopsy was of 99.2%. The study showed 78% positive correlation between aspirate and biopsy and 84.3% between imprint and biopsy; 93.3% cases of metastatic solid tumors were correctly diagnosed on imprint while only 70% cases were diagnosed on aspirate cytology. The study concludes that all the three preparations of aspirate, imprint and biopsy complement each other. The assessment of iron status by Perl’s stain is most suitable on aspirate smears but trephine biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing granulomatous inflammation and hypoplastic/ aplastic anemia. Meticulously prepared imprint smears not only provide cellular composition of marrow but may also be helpful in defining the architecture of marrow especially in cases of metastatic solid tumors. Imprint cytology smears should be standard practice for evaluating any marrow.
The μ1 72-96 Loop Controls Conformational Transitions during Reovirus Cell Entry

The reovirus outer capsid protein μ1 forms a lattice surrounding the viral core. In the native state, μ1 determines the environmental stability of the viral capsid. Additionally, during cell entry, μ1 undergoes structural rearrangements that facilitate delivery of the viral cores across the membrane. To determine how the capsid-stabilizing functions of μ1 impinge on the capacity of μ1 to undergo conformational changes required for cell entry, we characterized viruses with mutations engineered at charged residues within the μ1 loop formed by residues 72 to 96 (72-96 loop). This loop is proposed to stabilize the capsid by mediating interactions between neighboring μ1 trimers and between trimers and the core. We found that mutations at Glu89 (E89) within this loop produced viruses with compromised efficiency for completing their replication cycle. ISVPs of E89 mutants converted to ISVP*s more readily than those of wild-type viruses. The E89 mutants yielded revertants with second-site substitutions within regions that mediate interaction between μ1 trimers at a site distinct from the 72-96 loop. These viruses also contained changes in regions that control interactions within μ1 trimers. Viruses containing these second-site changes displayed restored plaque phenotypes and were capable of undergoing ISVP-to-ISVP* conversion in a regulated manner. These findings highlight regions of μ1 that stabilize the reovirus capsid and demonstrate that an enhanced propensity to form ISVP*s in an unregulated manner compromises viral fitness.
Norm-optimal control of time-varying discrete repetitive processes

This paper extends the norm-optimal control design methodology of iterative learning control to the case of time-varying discrete repetitive processes. As a first contribution, starting from a lifting-based formulation, we show a novel iteration-domain state-space description for discrete-repetitive processes. We then pose and solve the norm-optimal control problem for this class of systems. We present solutions for three cases: optimal regulation, two-degree-of-freedom optimal tracking, and optimal robust servomechanism-based tracking of iteration-invariant reference signals.
"Clicker" technology promotes interactivity in an undergraduate nutrition course.

inforcement. This technology allowed faculty to interact with students in new ways that promoted and assessed learning in real time to benefit both students and faculty. Clickers can be used to address higher-level cognitive skills and can challenge students to confront their misconceptions. 5 Although factual questions that are lower on Bloom’s cognitive taxonomy may not promote thought-provoking responses or enlightening discussions, skillful instructors can craft questions or incorporate scenarios that require multiple steps to reach an answer and evaluationlevel thinking. 5,6 Peer discussion is encouraged with probing clicker questions that promote critical thinking at higher conceptual levels. Commercial CPS, also known as personal-, audience-, or student-response systems, are commonly called ‘‘clickers’’ (even though they make no noise). There are 3 components to a clickers-ready classroom: (a) the clickers: small, handheld, wireless devices (resembling one’s TV remote control) that transmit radio frequency; (b) the portable receiver that receives the clicker’s signal; and (c) computer software that manages and projects student responses. 7 Clickers do not require a direct beam between the student and the classroom’s receiver, allowing students to discretely hold the clicker and send their responses anonymously from, in this case, up to 300 feet from the classroom. This capability makes the technology suitable for use in large lecture halls or classrooms with ‘‘line of sight’’ issues, such as taller students seated in front or structural beams between the student and receiver. 4
Semiotic combinations in Pan: A comparison of communication in a chimpanzee and two bonobos

Communicative combinations of two bonobos (Pan paniscus) and a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) are compared. All three apes utilized ordering strategies for combining symbols (lexigrams) or a lexigram with a gesture to express semantic relations such as agent of action or object of action. Combinatorial strategies used by all three apes revealed commonalities with child language, spoken and signed, at the two-year-old level. However, many differences were also observed: e.g., combinations made up a much smaller proportion and single symbols a much larger proportion of ape production compared with child production at a similar age; and ape combinations rarely exceeded three semiotic elements. The commonalties and differences among three sibling species highlight candidate combinatorial capacities that may underlie the evolution of human language.