cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brief Report: Approaches to 31P-MRS in Awake, Non-Sedated Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder

We piloted a suite of approaches aimed to facilitate a successful series of up to four brain and muscle (31)Phosphorus-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ((31)P-MRS) scans performed in one session in 12 awake, non-sedated subjects (ages 6-18), 6 with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and 6 controls. We targeted advanced preparation, parental input, physical comfort, short scan protocols, allocation of extra time, and subject emotional support. 100% of subjects completed at least one brain scan and one leg muscle scan: 42 of 46 attempted scans were completed (91%), with failures dominated by exercise muscle scans (completed in 6/6 controls but 3/6 cases). One completed scan lacked usable data unrelated to subject/scan procedure (orthodonture affected a frontal brain scan). As a group, these methods provide a foundation for conduct and enhancement of future MR studies in pediatric subjects with ASD.
Mary Poppins and the dialogic imagination of Christianity

This essay uses Bakhtin's theories of heteroglossia and dialogism to analyse Mary Poppins as a cultural production that responds to several specific aesthetic crises, each arising from growing and particular cultural tensions within modernism: the passing of the classical Hollywood Studio system and its style, the closing of the post-war Eisenhower era and its strained social stability (and with it, the growing turbulence of the 1960s), and the ongoing struggles of institutional Christianity to adequately respond to the triumph of secular humanism. This analysis shows that located within the margins of the text are liberationist discourses of Christianity which offers an alternative aesthetic of Christianity based on a rejection of social hierarchies, capitalism and imperialism, and advocating instead an egalitarianism based on social transformation.
Differential Effects of Protein Kinase C, Ras, and Raf-1 Kinase on the Induction of the Cardiac B-type Natriuretic Peptide Gene through a Critical Promoter-proximal M-CAT Element

The cardiac genes for the A- and B-type natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) are coordinately induced by growth promoters, such as α1-adrenergic receptor agonists (e.g. phenylephrine (PE)). Although inducible elements in the ANP gene have been identified, responsible elements in the BNP gene are unknown. In this study, reporter constructs transfected into neonatal rat ventricular myocytes showed that in the context of 2.5 kilobase pairs of native BNP 5′-flanking sequences, a 2-base pair mutation in a promoter-proximal M-CAT site (CATTCT) disrupted basal and PE-inducible transcription by more than 98%. Expression of constitutively active forms of Ras, Raf-1 kinase, and protein kinase C, all of which are activated by PE in cardiac myocytes, strongly stimulated BNP reporter expression. Isolated M-CAT elements conferred PE, protein kinase C, and Ras inducibility to a minimal BNP promoter, however, they did not confer Raf-1 inducibility. These results show that M-CAT elements can serve as targets for Ras-dependent, Raf-1-independent pathways, implying the involvement of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and/or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, but not extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase. Moreover, the essential M-CAT element distinguishes the BNP gene from the ANP gene, which utilizes serum response elements and an Sp1-like sequence.
Van Allen Radiation of solar origin

Some investigators have proposed that Van Allen radiation results from the decay of neutrons produced in the earth's atmosphere by cosmic rays. There is some doubt as to whether the low-energy (< 1 Mev) radiation near the earth, due to intensity, may be attributed to this source. Other sources for Van Allen radiation are considered. A theoretical discussion is given covering several current theories. (A. C.)
Mechanism of coal hydrogenation—liquefaction; Effect of temperature and coal particle size

Abstract The effect of coal particle size, hydrogen pressure and temperature on the extent of coal conversion in an entrained flow reactor is presented. Coal hydrogenation is done by feeding dry coal with ZnCl2 catalyst into a continuous stream of hydrogen. The hydrogen-coal stream enters a long, small internal-diameter reactor (coiled tube reactor) controlled at about 500°C and 12.4 MPa hydrogen. At these conditions the coal particles become plastic and sticky. The hydrogen provides the energy to force the sticky coal particles through the reactor. Conversion of 85% of the coal to liquids and gases is easily attained. A physical mechanism is presented based on the unreacted-core-shrinking model. This mechanism aids in the explanation of the effect of process variables on reaction rates. Projections beyond the range of the variables studied are presented. These projections indicate that the pressure of coal liquefaction processes may be reduced by (1) the use of dry coal particles and (2) the reduction of the particle size. Significant reaction rates may be attained at pressures as low as 0.7 MPa by proper adjustment of particle size and temperature.
DSM-III depression and hypertension in two psychiatric outpatient populations.

This study found that DSM-III depressive disorders occurred in 28% of hypertensive and 29% of normotensive Western U.S. suburban psychiatric outpatients. No differences in prevalences of such depressive disorders were seen as a result of older age or antihypertensive medications. Other investigators have reported that such depressions occur in 62% of hypertensive Eastern U.S. urban psychiatric outpatients. Comparison of these studies suggests certain demographic variables may be associated with the greater prevalence of depression in the Eastern urban population of hypertensive psychiatric outpatients.
The organizational hypothesis and final common pathways: Sexual differentiation of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the “organizational hypothesis,” this paper reviews work on sexual differentiation of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. Topics considered include the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus, the ejaculation center, the cremaster nucleus, sensory and autonomic neurons, and pain. These relatively simple neural systems offer ample confirmation that early exposure to testicular hormones masculinizes the nervous system, including final common pathways. However, I also discuss findings that challenge, or at least stretch, the organizational hypothesis, with important implications for understanding sex differences throughout the nervous system.
Developmental characteristics of child care workers and design of training programs

The premise that educational activities should be related to characteristics of learners is applied to preparation for child care work. Child care work itself is conceived as having several stages of professional function, ranging from direct work with children to various modes of “indirect” work such as supervision and administration. Developmental characteristics observed in child care workers who are in the initial stage of professional development are related to various educational strategies which can not only provide the skills needed for direct line practice, but also facilitate their awareness of different attitudes and competencies needed to progress through the various stages. It is suggested that this could increase the probability of some line workers assuming these roles in which they are presently underrepresented.
The management of renal artery atherosclerosis for renal salvage: does stenting help?

Objective The use of endovascular techniques to treat renal artery stenosis (RAS) has increased in recent years but remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes and durability of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTA/S) for patients with RAS and decreasing renal function. Methods Between 1999 and 2004, 125 consecutive patients underwent angiography and intervention for renal salvage and formed the basis of this study. Inclusion criteria for this study included serum creatinine greater than 1.5 mg/dL, ischemic nephropathy, and high-grade RAS perfusing a single functioning kidney. Patients undergoing PTA/S for renovascular hypertension or fibromuscular dysplasia or in conjunction with endovascular stent grafting for aneurysm repair were excluded. The original angiographic imaging was evaluated for lesion grade and parenchymal kidney size. All medical records and noninvasive testing were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative patient data were standardized and analyzed by using χ 2 tests for nominal values and t tests for continuous variables. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and univariate analysis was performed. Results Preoperative variables included the presence of coronary artery disease (93%), diabetes (44%), tobacco use (48%), and hypercholesterolemia (70%). RAS was suspected on the basis of preoperative duplex imaging or magnetic resonance angiography. Aortography and PTA/S were performed in 125 patients (mean age, 71 years; 59% male) with a mean baseline creatinine level of 2.2 mg/dL. There were two mortalities (1.6%) in the 30-day postoperative period, but there was no case of acute renal loss. Blood pressure decreased after PTA/S (151/79 mm Hg before vs 139/72 mm Hg after 1 month; P −1 · 1.73 m −2 (mean ± SD) to 37 ± 19 mL · min −1 · 1.73 m −2 at 6 months ( P = .10). Sixty-seven percent of treated patients had improvement (>10% increase in GFR) or stabilization of renal function. A rapid decline in GFR before intervention was correlated with improvement after PTA/S. Responders after PTA/S had a 27% decrease in GFR before intervention (44 ± 13 mL · min −1 · 1.73 m −2 to 32 ± 13 mL · min −1 · 1.73 m −2 ; P P = .01; mean follow-up, 19 months). Survival at 3 years was 76%, and dialysis-free survival was 63% as estimated by Kaplan-Meier analyses. Conclusions Renal artery stenoses causing renal dysfunction can be safely treated via endovascular means. Rapidly decreasing renal function is associated with the response to renal artery angioplasty/stenting and helps identify patients for renal salvage.
Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan expression pattern in hippocampal development: Potential regulation of axon tract formation

A variety of molecular influences in the extracellular matrix (ECM) interact with developing axons to guide the formation of hippocampal axon pathways. One of these influences may be chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs), which are known to inhibit axonal extension during development and following central nervous system injury. In this study, we examined the role of CSPGs and cell adhesion molecules in the regulation of axon tract formation during hippocampal development. We used indirect immunofluorescence to examine the developmental pattern of CSPG expression relative to axon tracts that express the cell adhesion molecule L1. Additionally, we used dissociated and explant cell cultures to examine the effects of CSPGs on hippocampal axon development in vitro. In vivo, we found that the CSPG neurocan is expressed throughout the alveus, neuropil layers, and parts of the dentate gyrus from E16 to P2. The CSPG phosphacan is expressed primarily in the neuropil layers at postnatal stages. After E18, intense labeling of neurocan was observed in regions of the alveus surrounding L1-expressing axon fascicles. In vitro, axons from brain regions that project through the alveus during development would not grow across CSPG substrata, in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, hippocampal axons from dissociated neuron cultures only traveled across CSPG substrata as fasciculated axon bundles. These findings implicate CSPG in the regulation of axon trajectory and fasciculation during hippocampal axon tract formation. J. Comp. Neurol. 424:532–546, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DiSync: Accurate distributed clock synchronization in mobile ad-hoc networks from noisy difference measurements

To perform clock synchronization in mobile ad-hoc networks, nodes need to estimate current time of a global clock based on the readings of their local clocks along with time-stamped messages from their neighbors. We formulate the problem as nodes simultaneously estimating skews and offsets of their own clocks with respect to a global clock from noisy difference measurements of logarithm of skews and that of offsets. These measurements can be obtained by exchanging time stamped messages. A leader-following consensus-based algorithm is proposed to estimate these parameters in a distributed manner. Ideas from stochastic approximation are used to ensure mean square convergence of estimation error under certain conditions. A sequence of scheduled update times is used to meet the requirement of specific decreasing time-varying gains that need to be synchronized across nodes with unsynchronized clocks. Simulations indicate that high accuracy of global time estimation can be maintained for long time duration with the proposed algorithm. Performance of the proposed algorithm is compared through simulations with the virtual clock synchronization algorithm ATS [1]. It is seen that the proposed algorithm is more robust than ATS to measurement noise resulting from random delays in message exchange.
Guided evolution of in silico microbial populations in complex environments accelerates evolutionary rates through a step-wise adaptation

Background During their lifetime, microbes are exposed to environmental variations, each with its distinct spatio-temporal dynamics. Microbial communities display a remarkable degree of phenotypic plasticity, and highly-fit individuals emerge quite rapidly during microbial adaptation to novel environments. However, there exists a high variability when it comes to adaptation potential, and while adaptation occurs rapidly in certain environmental transitions, in others organisms struggle to adapt. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that the rate of evolution can both increase or decrease, depending on the similarity and complexity of the intermediate and final environments. Elucidating such dependencies paves the way towards controlling the rate and direction of evolution, which is of interest to industrial and medical applications.
Presidential Leadership Models and Domestic Policy Making in the Clinton Administration

Presidential leadership models are frequently employed to study foreign policy decision making. Evidence suggests that both the foreign and domestic policy realms are becoming more similar, so these leadership models potentially are applicable to both. This study examines presidential leadership models developed by James MacGregor Burns through an examination of domestic policy making in the Clinton Administration. We suggest that Clinton tried to operate largely, although not entirely, within the confines of the party leadership model; however, his ability to sustain such efforts was limited. This examination concludes that the presidential leadership model potentially best suited for times of divided government is the congressional/executive collaborative model.
How Do We 'Dis' Students? A Model of (Dis)Respectful Business Instructor Behavior

This study summarizes undergraduate business students‘ reports of respectful and disrespectful instructor behaviors. Consistent with the theory of interactional justice, respectful behavior was exemplified by recognition of students‘ perspectives and by the treatment of students, including showing concern and sensitivity to students‘ situations. Disrespectful instructor behavior was noted in terms of poor treatment of students and unwillingness to provide class-related help. Male students commented on being recognized, on instructor responsiveness to their concerns, and on classroom integrity issues more often than their female counterparts. Female students were more sensitive to treatment issues and affirmative instructor behaviors. Implications are discussed.
The Effect of Continuous Treatment with Reserpine on Body Temperature, Respiratory-Cardiovascular Functions and Heat Tolerance of the Hen

Abstract THE REACTIONS of the adult chicken to parenteral reserpine appear to be similar to those observed in other species (Sturkie et al., 1958). Reserpine treatment then may be expected to “protect” the fowl against various stresses, as it does other animals (Earl, 1956). A beneficial effect has in fact been indicated in pheasants and turkeys by reduced picking and mortality from fighting (Hewitt and Reynolds, 1957; Carlson, 1956), and in chickens by decreased mortality, increased egg production and improved egg quality during heat stress (Burger et al., 1957; Van Matre et al., 1957; Burger, 1959; Gilbreath et al., 1959). Some ambiguity, however, exists in connection with the doses used and the responses obtained. For example, the single intramuscular injection which Sturkie et al. (1958) used to produce tranquilization and to depress significantly body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate were considered by them as probably incompatible with the health of …
Understanding the Holocaust: The Past and Future of Holocaust Studies

Omer Bartov Germany's War and the Holocaust: Disputed Histories (Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 2003), 248 pp., (pb), ISBN 0801486815.Doris L. Bergen War and Genocide: A Concise History of the Holocaust (Lanham, MD, and Oxford: Rowman & Littlefield, 2003), 280 pp., 49.50 (hb), ISBN 0853034907.Sue Vice Representing the Holocaust (London and Portland, OR: Vallentine Mitchell Publishers), 280 pp., £17.50 (pb), £42.50 (hb), ISBN 0853034966.
Molecularly doped polymer light emitting diodes utilizing phosphorescent Pt(II) and Ir(III) dopants

Abstract The use of molecular phosphorescent dyes in polymer-based organic light emitting diodes (OLED) of different architectures was investigated by incorporating several phosphorescent dopants into poly( N -vinylcarbazole) (PVK)-based single layer and single heterostructure light emitting diodes (LEDs). In particular, cis -bis[2-(2-thienyl)pyridine-N,C 3 ] platinum(II) (Pt(thpy) 2 ) and platinum(II) 2,8,12,17-tetraethyl-3,7,13,18-tetramethyl porphyrin (PtOX), and an Ir(III) compound, fac -tris[2-(4 ′ ,5 ′ -difluorophenyl)pyridine-C ′2 ,N] iridium(III) (FIrppy) were used. The maximum external quantum efficiency of phosphorescent devices exceeds 0.6% for the two Pt dopants and reaches ≈1.8% for FIrppy. An overall increase in LED efficiency compared to similar devices based on fluorescence is attributed to the fact that phosphorescent dopants allow both singlet and triplet excitons to be involved in emission. In addition to finding an energetically suitable dopant, such parameters as dopant concentration and organic layer thickness influence the performance of the LEDs. Introduction of an electron injecting layer of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum(III) causes an increase of quantum efficiency of up to 1.8–2.8%. The second order quenching process present in these OLEDs, which is prevalent at high current densities, is most likely not due to T–T annihilation of excitons trapped at dopant sites in these OLEDs. T–T annihilation in the PVK matrix or trapped charge-triplet annihilation are more likely explanations for the decrease.
Network vulnerability analysis of the Player command and control protocol

This paper demonstrates command and control protocols for remotely-piloted vehicles can be susceptible to cyber attacks and provides recommendations to mitigate these attacks while minimising impact to resource-constrained platforms. The Player project is an open-source effort providing a control interface specification and software framework for abstracting robot hardware. This research presents five exploits that compromise vulnerabilities in Player's command and control protocol. This work also demonstrates that Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) is capable of mitigating the vulnerabilities discovered in Player's command and control protocol. A cost function is defined to synthesise exploit success, CPU utilisation, and network load into a single scalar metric that can be used to compare the different IPsec protocols. Results show that in a scenario when exploits are likely, IPsec AH+ESP is the preferred defense protocol because of its relatively low CPU and network overhead and ability to defeat the exploits implemented in this research.
Technology Assessment for Manned Mars Exploration Using a ROSETTA Model of a Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (BNTR)

AIAA 2001-4623, AIAA Space 2001 Conference and Exposition Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 28-30, 2001.
Digital computer calculation of the electric potential and field of a rod gap

The electric field and potential distribution in the gap between a cylindrical rod having a hemispherical tip and an infinite plane perpendicular to the cylinder axis was determined using a charge simulation technique. This method assumes a charge at the center of the hemisphere and a finite number of semi-infinite axial charges in the cylindrical portion of the rod electrode. Boundary conditions in the cylindrical and spherical portions enabled the formulation of simultaneous equations whose digital solution yielded the assumed lumped charges. The digital computer program provided values of the potential and both field components anywhere in the gap with an accuracy of about 2 percent.
The Dark-Adaptation Response of the De-Etiolated Pea Mutant lip1 Is Modulated by External Signals and Endogenous Programs

The lip1 mutant of pea (Pisum sativum L.) exhibits a de-etiolated phenotype. When grown in darkness, lip1 plants have several characteristics normally associated only with light-grown plants. Young wild-type (WT) seedlings accumulate high levels of transcripts from plastid-related genes (such as those encoding chlorophyll a/b-binding proteins, ferredoxin, and the small subunit of Rubisco) only in the light. In contrast, regardless of the light conditions under which the plants are grown, young mutant seedlings accumulate transcript levels equal to or greater than those seen in light-grown WT seedlings of the same age. Under some conditions, light-grown lip1 seedlings failed to respond to dark treatment. The largest response to darkness observed in the mutant occurred when older seedlings were first grown under low-light conditions before transfer to darkness. The mutant's inability to respond to darkness is not due to a gross disturbance in the circadian clock. We conclude that environmental signals (light) and endogenous programs (developmental and circadian) regulate gene expression in both WT and mutant plants. However, mutant seedlings exhibit a developmentally regulated and exaggerated response to light. In addition, the effect of the mutation may be greatest during a brief period early in development.
Sensitivity analysis and parameter selection for detecting aggregations in acoustic data

Burgos, J. M., and Horne, J. K. 2007. Sensitivity analysis and parameter selection for detecting aggregations in acoustic data. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 160-168.A global sensitivity analysis was conducted on the algorithm implemented in the Echoview ® software to detect and describe aggregations in acoustic backscatter. Multiple aggregation detections were performed using walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) data from the eastern Bering Sea. Walleye pollock form distinct aggregations and dense and diffuse layers. In each aggregation detection, input parameters defining minimum size, density, and distance to other aggregations were selected at random using a Latin hypercube sampling design. Sensitivity was quantified by testing for correlation among input parameters and a series of aggregation descriptors. In all, 336 correlation tests were performed, corresponding to a combination of seven detection input parameters, eight aggregation descriptors, and six transects. Among these, 181 tests were significant, indicating sensitivity between input parameters and aggregation descriptors. The aggregation-detection algorithm is sensitive to changes in threshold and minimum size, but less sensitive to changes in the connectivity criterion among aggregations.
Journey of enlightenment: the evolution of development at Microsoft

Like many software companies, Microsoft has been doing distributed application development for many years. However, recent changes in the market have altered the rules, both in terms of customer expectations and programming models for ubiquitous interconnected smart devices. These changes have provoked two dramatic shifts in the way we develop software. The first is the creation and use of the .NET Framework as a simple, secure, and robust platform for device-independent software development, data manipulation, and communications. The second is an agile yet highly disciplined approach to designing, testing, implementing, and verifying our software which presumes all bugs are unacceptable and must be found and fixed early before they impact internal groups, external partners, and eventually our customers. This paper discusses the nature and impact of these two dramatic shifts to the development practices at Microsoft.
Extending the Theory of the Coordinated Management of Meaning (CMM) Through a Community Dialogue Process

CMM is a communication theory that has most often been used as an interpretive heuristic in interpersonal communication contexts. Within the past 5 years, however, CMM has guided the work of the Public Dialogue Consortium, a not-for-profit organization involved in a multiyear, citywide collaborative community action project. This project has extended CMM from an interpretive to a practical theory and from interpersonal to public contexts. This essay describes the coevolution of the theory and practices that occurred in that project, strongly confirming the utility of treating communication as the primary social process-CMM's central thesis. Six other CMM concepts, including coordination, forms of communication, episode, logical force, person position, and contextual reconstruction, were also significantly elaborated. Appropriately for a practical theory (Cronen, 1995a, p. 231), the extensions of CMM include both new forms of practice and additions and refinements to its grammar for discursive and conversational practices.
Maintenance of wound bacterial balance

Abstract Background: There is a critical number of bacteria above which tissue responds with infection. This balance of 10 5 or fewer bacteria/g tissue is also required for wound healing to proceed normally. This study evaluated whether a chronic wound once in bacterial balance can maintain that balance over time. Methods: Serial biopsies for bacterial analyses were obtained weekly during a blinded, placebo-controlled cytokine clinical trial of pressure ulcers. To enter the trial ulcers had to be debrided and have a bacterial count of 10 5 or fewer bacteria/g tissue with no β-hemolytic streptococci. Results: In all, 96% of cultures (350/363) remained at 2 bacteria/g tissue over the 5-week trial; 3% had 10 2 to 10 5 , and only 1% had >10 5 bacteria/g tissue. Conclusion: Chronic pressure ulcers, once debrided and brought into bacterial balance, will remain in bacterial balance if cared for and kept free of necrotic tissue.
Determination of the Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor on Urokinase Secretion and Urokinase Receptor Display in a Well-Differentiated Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Line

Abstract The regulation of urokinase secretion and receptor display in a well-differentiated colon carcinoma cell line, GEO, adapted to serum-free conditions was examined. In protein-free medium, the cell line secreted 0.8 ± 0.1 ng/ml/106 cells of urokinase in a 3-day period as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This value was elevated 4-fold when the cells were cultivated in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) but not insulin or transferrin. Propagation of the cell line with any combination of these growth factors was not superior to EGF alone in inducing urokinase secretion. The presence of EGF raised the radioactive laminin-solubilizing activity of the conditioned medium. In the absence of the growth factor, spent medium supplemented with plasminogen solubilized 23,000 ± 7,000 dpm/106 cells of the immobilized laminin. This value was increased to 95,000 ± 10,000 dpm/106 cells when the cultures were grown with EGF. Northern analysis indicated that the elevated level of the plasminogen activator protein by EGF was a consequence of a more abundant urokinase transcript. The stimulation of urokinase secretion by EGF was accompanied by a reduction of radioactive urokinase binding to the cell line. The reduction in plasminogen activator binding was not further enhanced by insulin or transferrin. In addition, these latter growth factors, by themselves, were ineffective in altering the amount of plasminogen activator bound. The attenuation in 125I-labeled urokinase binding did not reflect occupation of the receptors with endogenous ligand as acid pretreatment was without effect on the binding profile. Scatchard analysis revealed that the altered urokinase binding by EGF reflected a decrease in receptor number from 14,000 ± 1,500 to 8,000 ± 1,500 sites per cell. The temporal relationship of urokinase secretion and receptor display was examined. Changes in either parameter required an EGF exposure period of 10 h or more. Further amplification of the EGF effects was seen with longer incubation times with the growth peptide. These opposite effects of EGF on urokinase secretion and receptor display may suggest a homeostatic control mechanism for keeping the plasminogen activator system in check. The ability of the cell line to express biological characteristics associated with a well-differentiated colon cell type may reflect its capacity to suppress a system which is usually associated with the transformed state.
Novel communication schemes with blind channel estimation in TDD MIMO system

We consider practical two-way communication schemes with blind channel estimation in TDD (time-division duplex) MISO (multi-input single-output) and MIMO (multi-input multi-output) systems. In the MISO system, we show that blind channel estimation only needs to be done at a transceiver equipped with multiple antennas and this estimated channel can be efficiently utilized for both uplink and downlink communication. In the MIMO system, we propose a two-stage communication scheme which begins with uplink transmission using differential space-time block codes and follows with two-way beamforming with blind channel estimation. We demonstrate, through simulations, that the novel schemes possess very good performance and compare them with training-based schemes.
Beyond the Boundaries of School Transition Considerations in Gifted Education

Even as the field of education refers to students who are gifted and talented as the movers and shakers of tomorrow, the issues of career selection, life after school, and life in the real world ar...
Seasonal Growth and Senescence of a Zostera marina Seagrass Meadow Alters Wave-Dominated Flow and Sediment Suspension Within a Coastal Bay

Tidally driven flows, waves, and suspended sediment concentrations were monitored seasonally within a Zostera marina seagrass (eelgrass) meadow located in a shallow (1–2 m depth) coastal bay. Eelgrass meadows were found to reduce velocities approximately 60 % in the summer and 40 % in the winter compared to an adjacent unvegetated site. Additionally, the seagrass meadow served to dampen wave heights for all seasons except during winter when seagrass meadow development was at a minimum. Although wave heights were attenuated across the meadow, orbital motions caused by waves were able to effectively penetrate through the canopy, inducing wave-enhanced bottom shear stress (τ b ). Within the seagrass meadow, τ b was greater than the critical stress threshold (=0.04 Pa) necessary to induce sediment suspension 80–85 % of the sampling period in the winter and spring, but only 55 % of the time in the summer. At the unvegetated site, τ b was above the critical threshold greater than 90 % of the time across all seasons. During low seagrass coverage in the winter, near-bed turbulence levels were enhanced, likely caused by stem–wake interaction with the sparse canopy. Reduction in τ b within the seagrass meadow during the summer correlated to a 60 % reduction in suspended sediment concentrations but in winter, suspended sediment was enhanced compared to the unvegetated site. With minimal seagrass coverage, τ b and wave statistics were similar to unvegetated regions; however, during high seagrass coverage, sediment stabilization increased light availability for photosynthesis and created a positive feedback for seagrass growth.
Information-Gradient Based Decentralized Data Management over RFID Tag Clouds

The tasks in the physical environments are mainly information centric processes, such as search and exploration of physical objects. We have developed an informational environment, AURA that supports object searches in the physical world1. The goal of AURA is to enable individuals to use the environment in which they function as a living(short-term) memory of their activities and of the objects with which they interact in this environment. To support physical searches, the environment that the user is occupying must be transparently embedded with relevant information and made accessible by in-situ search mechanisms. We achieve this through innovative algorithms that re-imagine a collection of environmentally distributed RFID tags to act as a distributed storage cloud that encodes the required information for attribute-based object search. Since RFID tags lack radio transmitters and, thus, cannot communicate among each other, aura Prop and auraSearch leverage the movements of the humans in the environment to propagate information: as they move in the environment, users not only leave traces (or auras) of their own activities, but also help further disseminate auras of prior activities in the same space. This scheme creates an information-gradient in the physical environment which AURA then leverages to direct the user toward the object of interest. auraSearch significantly reduces the number of steps that the user has to walk while searching for a given object.
Association of serotonin, dopamine, or noradrenaline with an actin-like component in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells.

Abstract: A rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line was used to examine the possibility that 5‐hydroxytryptamine (serotonin), 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine), or noradrenaline may be associated with cytoplasmic actin, as was suggested by previous in vitro binding studies on an actin‐like protein from rat brain synaptosomes. When PC12 cells were incubated with [3H]serotonin, [3H]dopamine, or [3H]noradrenaline for 30 min at 37°C, approximately 2�"4% of the radioactivity present in the cells was found to be associated with a high‐molecular‐weight (actin‐like) component in supernatant fractions. Evidence relating this monoamine binding component to actin filaments includes: (a) its strong absorption by myosin filaments at low ionic strength; (b) a decrease in its affinity for myosin in the presence of 1 mM ATP, which lowers the affinity of authentic actin for myosin; (c) displacement of bound [3H]serotonin from it by DNase I, which binds strongly to actin and which inhibits [3H]serotonin binding to actin in vitro; (d) an increase in its binding of each monoamine (by 25�"40%) after PC12 cells were preincubated with 10 μM cytochalasin B (a drug that induces depolymerization of F‐actin). These findings suggest that serotonin, dopamine, or noradrenaline may associate with actin filaments in vivo. Copyright © 1985, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Long-term history and synchrony of mountain pine beetle outbreaks in lodgepole pine forests.

Aim A subcontinental-scale outbreak of mountain pine beetle (MPB; Dendroctonus ponderosae) has affected millions of hectares of forest in the western USA and Canada over the past 15 years. Little research has examined the long-term and broad-scale history of MPB outbreaks, which is necessary to provide a baseline for comparing current and future outbreak extents. We examine the long-term history of MPB outbreaks in western Colorado, and analyse the synchrony of previous outbreaks across western North America. Location Western Colorado for tree-ring analysis; western North America for comparative analysis. Methods We used dendroecological methods to reconstruct the history of MPB outbreaks since the 1700s in lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) forests in Colorado. We then combined these new records with previously published data on MPB outbreaks to examine the historical synchrony of outbreaks across western North America. Results The tree-ring record indicated that multiple cross-site MPB outbreaks occurred in Colorado lodgepole pine forests, initiating c. 1760s, 1780s, 1820s–1830s, 1860s, 1910s, 1960s and 1980s. Comparative analysis indicated that these outbreak dates coincide with documented and reconstructed MPB outbreaks in British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. Main conclusions Several subcontinental-scale MPB outbreaks have occurred in lodgepole pine forests over the past three centuries. Although the current study does not address the intensity of past outbreaks, it does indicate that previous outbreaks appear to have been highly synchronous across western North America. The subcontinental, rather than purely local, nature of these outbreaks is important for putting recent and future outbreaks of MPB into a broader ecological context. This study presents the longest tree-ring reconstruction of MPB outbreaks in the southern Rocky Mountains available to date, as well as the first subcontinental long-term comparative analysis of MPB outbreaks in western North America.
Nontraditional CEOs and Their Influence as It Relates to Diversity on Mission Statements

Almost universally, diversity is considered a good thing in organizations. Mission Statements are considered the ultimate schematic of an organization’s present and future. In light of these two factors, this paper analyzes whether diverse — non-traditional CEOs make an appreciable difference in terms of adding diversity to their corporate Mission Statements. This research paper analyzes the Mission Statements of Fortune 500 corporations that had non-traditional CEOs during years 2010-2011 in terms of diversity during (i) the year prior to becoming CEO, (ii) the year in which the CEO officially took charge and (iii) the year after the CEO’s official selection. My analysis shows that there were no appreciable differences in terms of reference to diversity in Mission Statements when a non-traditional CEO was chosen to lead selected Fortune 500 companies in the United States.
Health Promotion of Faculty and Staff: The School Nurse’s Role

Health promotion of school faculty and staff is an important part of a coordinated school health program. The lack of evaluation of health promotion programs and inconsistent results highlighting the efficacy and benefits of programs adds to employers' perceptions of inconsistent benefits. More studies evaluating effectiveness and development of standards for health promotion programs must be conducted. The steps essential to a successful health promotion program are assessment of the target population's needs, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the health promotion program. School nurses are one of many groups who must be involved in the development of health promotion programs for school faculty and staff. Collaboration with other school personnel, administration, and community resources is essential to the success of a health promotion program.
Interest Group Survival: Shared Interests Versus Competition for Resources

Population ecology theory on interest group populations is examined to determine the implications for group membership levels in the states Using the assumptions of the competitive exclusion principle, it is hypothesized that relatively new interest groups should not directly compete for space, but should instead have a positive influence on each other's membership levels A group's membership level should also be a function of space, energy, and political mobilization factors Multiple regression analysis is applied to a fifty-state data set using the membership levels of five gay and lesbian interest groups as dependent variables The hypotheses are confirmed-interest groups avoid direct competition for space by adapting into different issue niches The results of these findings for a population ecology theory of interest groups are discussed along with directions for future research.
Missing the Bull's Eye

We report a patient with a long history of hydroxychloroquine use. Clinical examinations had been performed according to American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines with no abnormalities. A multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) was performed to further assess macular function. Multifocal ERG may detect macular dysfunction earlier than the currently recommended screening guidelines in patients with potential for macular toxicity from hydroxychloroquine.
A DETECTION OF Hα IN AN EXOPLANETARY EXOSPHERE

We report on a search for Hα absorption in four exoplanets. Strong features at Hα are observed in the transmission spectra of both HD 189733b and HD 209458b. We attempt to characterize and remove the effects of stellar variability in HD 189733b, and along with an empirical Monte Carlo test the results imply a statistically significant transit-dependent feature of (– 8.72 ± 1.48) × 10–4 integrated over a 16 A band relative to the adjacent continuum. We interpret this as the first detection of this line in an exoplanetary atmosphere. A previous detection of Lyα in HD 189733b's atmosphere allows us to calculate an excitation temperature for hydrogen, T exc = 2.6 × 104 K. This calculation depends significantly on certain simplifying assumptions. We explore these assumptions and argue that T exc is very likely much greater than the radiative equilibrium temperature (the temperature the planet is assumed to be at based on stellar radiation and the planetary distance) of HD 189733b. A large T exc implies a very low density that is not in thermodynamic equilibrium with the planet's lower atmosphere. We argue that the n = 2 hydrogen required to cause Hα absorption in the atmosphere is created as a result of the greater UV flux at HD 189733b, which has the smallest orbit and most chromospherically active central star in our sample. Though the overall integration of HD 209458b's transmission spectrum over a wide band is consistent with zero, it contains a dramatic, statistically significant feature in the transmission spectrum with reflectional symmetry. We discuss possible physical processes that could cause this feature. Our remaining two targets (HD 147506b and HD 149026b) do not show any clear features, so we place upper limits on their Hα absorption levels.
Validation of informative speech ratings by retention tests

(1965). Validation of informative speech ratings by retention tests. The Speech Teacher: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 211-215.
The Value of Aortography in Demonstrating Spinal Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma Prior to Neurological Localization

AbstractThe late phase of abdominal aortography has demonstrated vertebral metastases from renal cell carcinoma in 4 patients, 2 of whom later had progressive neurological deficits and none of whom survived more than 6 months. The vascular pattern of these osseous metastatic foci is described and the value of identifying vertebral metastases prior to the onset of neurological deficits is documented.
Development of immune responsiveness to Ascaris suum antigens in pigs vaccinated with ultraviolet-attenuated eggs.

Abstract Pigs fed Ascaris suum eggs attenuated by short wave ultraviolet-radiation developed resistance to challenge infection. Per os inoculation of pigs on three successive weeks with 10,000 eggs irradiated to total exposures of 150,100 and 75 μW-min/cm 2 , respectively, resulted in an 88% reduction in the number of larvae recovered from the lungs 7 days after challenge with 10,000 infective eggs. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from vaccinated pigs were specifically stimulated in vitro to incorporate tritiated thymidine by egg hatching fluid (Ea) and by excretory-secretory products obtained from cultures in defined-media of second-stage larvae (L2) developing to third-stage (L2–3) and from cultures of third-stage larvae developing to fourth-stage (L3–4). PBL were also specifically stimulated by living L2. Ea and L2 stimulated pig PBL significantly at 7 days after the first inoculation; responses to L2–3 and L3–4 developed 7 days after a second inoculation. The antigen-responsive cells in the PBL population were non-immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes. Antibodies to Ea and L2–3 were not detected in the serum of vaccinated pigs, and only 3 of 7 pigs had low concentrations of serum antibodies to L3–4.
Crossing the Color Line into America’s Prisons: Volunteers of Color Reflect on Race and Identity in a College Service Learning Project

This chapter explores the distinctive dilemmas that volunteers of color face as they move across a new Jim Crow color line created by mass incarceration. College students of color make sense of race and come to understand their own racial identities through their work as volunteers in a Southern California juvenile hall where they come face-to-face with several interlocking racialized images of youth: the “teenage mother,” the “high school dropout,” and especially the “thug.” Exploring the diverse experiences of Black and Latino volunteers enables us to see the ways race, class, and gender create distinctive contours of the color line in twenty-first-century America and the ways the criminal justice system is reshaping our ideas about race.
Polymers Based on Benzodipyrrolidone and Naphthodipyrrolidone with Latent Hydrogen-Bonding on the Main Chain

A series of soluble π-conjugated small molecules and polymers containing benzodipyrrolidone (BDP) or naphthodipyrrolidone (NDP) units with latent hydrogen-bonding on the main chain is synthesized and characterized. Spectroscopic study confirms that the tert-butyloxycarbonyl (t-Boc) side unit can be removed by facile thermal annealing treatment, generating the actual hydrogen-bonded compounds. The resulting hydrogen-bonded compounds exhibit distinctly different properties, for instance poorer solubility and smaller bandgap, as compared with their precursors with latent hydrogen-bonding. The single crystal X-ray structure analysis of t-Boc group substituted BDP and NDP indicates that the NDP compounds exhibit better coplanarity and a stronger π–π interaction. The density functional theory computation results of the polymer backbone segments show that the coplanarity of aromatic units is slightly improved. Such a hydrogen-bonding-mediated enhancement of π–π stacking exhibits potential for improving the performance of solution processable organic electronic materials. Hydrogen-bonded polymer P-NDP-FL-2 is an air stable n-type semiconductor with electron mobility 40 times larger than its precursor polymer P-NDP-FL-1 with latent hydrogen-bonding.