cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of a Concept Teaching Curriculum on Performance Achievement in Elementary School Beginning Bands

rr 1HE CLASS SYSTEM of teaching instrumental music has been the basic form of instruction in most American schools for almost a half-century. Through this medium, bands and orchestras have enjoyed a phenomenal numerical growth. In recent years, however, emphasis has shifted to the quality of the music education experience, and both the form and content of that experience have been challenged.1 What is involved in the learning processes in instrumental music? While psychologists have worked for the past hundred years with learning theory, only during the past thirteen years have specialists in mathematics, science, and social studies readjusted theories of how their disciplines should be taught around fundamental concepts. Music educators also have begun to focus attention on learning processes, as attested by the six Research Training Programs conducted by MENC in 1969. What seems to be one of the difficulties in many present-day beginning instrumental classes is that a number of pupils do not see the major goals of their instruction. Either through the methods of their teachers or through the lack of insight on the pupils' own part, some of them seem to see musical learning as a series of unrelated specifics. As in any other form of learning, pupils who achieve in instrumental music seldom discontinue classes; dropouts are mostly nonachievers. If the goals of musical instruction were clearer, even those who achieve might do so at a higher level. The chief purpose of this research was to discover if an orientation toward instructional goals would be of value in teaching certain basic musical skills in beginning bands. It was proposed that if pupils were given a conceptual orientation to class objectives before they were exposed to the actual learning experiences, a difference in musical skill development and in understanding might result.
Sick Sinus Syndrome in a Patient with Familial PR Prolongation

A young woman with the characteristic features of the “sick sinus syndrome” and first degree A-V block of unknown etiology is presented. A prolonged PR interval with no evidence of sinus node dysfunction was found through four generations of her family. It is postulated that the abnormalities of impulse formation and conduction of this patient, as the prolonged A-V conduction of her family, could be interrelated and of familial origin.
Parameterised local spin density exchange-correlation energies and potentials for electronic structure calculations I. Zero temperature formalism

Commonly used approximate forms for the exchange-correlation energy and potential within the local density approximation are summarised, and FORTRAN code is included for the evaluation of these various forms. Included are the following: Xα, Kohn-Sham-Gaspar, Hedin-Lundqvist-Wilkins, Janak-Moruzzi-Williams, Von Barth-Hedin, Ceperley-Alder (Perdew-Zunger), and Ceperley-Alder (Vosko-Wilk-Nusair). Both the Vosko-Wilk-Nusair and the Von Barth-Hedin expressions for spin interpolation between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic limits are also provided.
Comparison of thermal and nonthermal hard X-ray emission in electron-heated solar flares

Using the results of numerical simulations of the solar atmospheric response to heating by nonthermal electron beams during solar flares, we have calculated the spatial and temporal evolution of both (i) the direct (beam-target) nonthermal bremsstrahlung and (ii) the thermal bremsstrahlung arising from the hot plasma energized by the electron beam. Typically, we find that below a certain ‘cross-over’ energy E *, the emission is dominated by the thermal component, while at higher energies the direct bremsstrahlung component becomes more important. This ‘cross-over’ energy is dependent on the position within the loop, generally increasing with height. We have also investigated the dependence of the ‘cross-over’ energy E * on the parameters of the electron energy input. At the time of peak electron flux injection the ‘cross-over’ energy E * can, for plausible parameters, be as high as 52 keV at the top 1″ pixel, and as low as 16 keV at the bottom 1″ pixel. We conclude that a possible reassessment of SMM HXIS data as an indicator of the ‘thermal’ or ‘nonthermal’ character of the primary energy release (based primarily on the geometric properties of the hard X-ray source) is required. Our results also point to the minimum photon energy that future instruments should observe (where practical, giving due consideration to detector sensitivity) in order to be sure that, in the context of the thick-target interpretation, the nonthermal component is not swamped by the self-consistent thermal counterpart created by the beam heating.
Primary Structure and Developmental Expression of Fbn-1, the Mouse Fibrillin Gene

Previous studies have reported >10 kilobases of human fibrillin-1 cDNA sequence, but a consensus regarding the 5′ end of the transcript remains to be worked out. One approach to developing a clear consensus would be to search for regions of evolutionary conservation in transcripts from a related species such as mouse. As reported here, the mouse fibrillin-1 transcript encodes a highly conserved polypeptide of 2,871 amino acids. The upstream sequence that flanks the ATG is considerably less well conserved, however. Indeed, the ATG codon (which occurs in the context of a Kozak consensus sequence and is located just upstream of a consensus signal peptide) signals the point where human and mouse fibrillin-1 sequences cease to be nearly identical. Together, these results are consistent with previous efforts by Pereira et al. (Pereira, L., D'Alessio, M., Ramirez, F., Lynch, J. R., Sykes, B., Pangilinan, T., and Bonadio, J.(1993) Human Mol. Genet. 2, 961-968) to identify the human fibrillin-1 translational start site. Sequences immediately upstream of the ATG are GC-rich and devoid of TATA and CCAAT boxes, which suggests that the mouse fibrillin-1 gene will be broadly expressed. A survey of expression in mouse embryo tissues is consistent with this hypothesis and suggests two novel functions for fibrillin-associated microfibrils in non-elastic connective tissues.
The effect of the US-Canada free trade agreement on the US banking market

Abstract On January 2 1988 the United States and Canada signed the US-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which created one of the world's largest free trade areas. While the US and Canadian banking industries function very differently, the FTA reduced various banking regulations and resulted in greater competition among US and Canadian banks. The research issue addressed in this study is whether the loosening of regulations by the FTA actually benefitted the US domestic banking market. The overall results of this study indicate that the market responded positively to the passage of the FTA for US banks with significant Canadian operations. After the passage of the FTA, however, US banks were generally not successful in penetrating Canadian markets. In contrast, most Canadian banks did expand their operations in the United States.
Pathologically confirmed breast cancer in Malawi: a descriptive study: Clinical profile of breast cancer

Background : Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in Africa, yet no published studies have investigated breast cancer in Malawi. Understanding the clinical profile of breast cancer is important to develop early diagnosis efforts. Aim : To describe clinical and pathological characteristics of breast specimens from a pathology laboratory at a national teaching hospital. Methods : Secondary analysis of pathology reports from July 2011 to September 2013. Results : Among 85 breast cancer cases, 55% were < 50 years. Median tumor size was 4 cm and 49% were grade 3. Median symptom duration was eight months. Conclusions : Malawian women with breast cancer commonly have long symptom durations prior to diagnosis, young age, and poorly differentiated tumors. Improved clinical and pathological characterization, including hormone receptor status, are urgently needed to better understand this disease in Malawi.
A back EMF-based rotor position prediction in Permanent Magnet machines for survivable wind generator systems

In wind power generators, position information is often required for tracking maximum power point as well as implementing control strategies for the Permanent Magnet (PM) generator. For such a system, failure of position sensor could potentially lead to major fault or require the system to be shut down. This could cause significant economic losses and also require unscheduled maintenance. This paper proposes a new sensorless position estimation approach to track position of the PM machine using the back EMF if the position sensor fails. This technique can also be used to provide initial rotor position for the proper implementation of a fall-back strategy. This technique can also be extended to detect position information at low speeds. Simulation and experimental results have been presented showing the effectiveness the proposed scheme and validate the claims presented.
An Efficient Algorithm for Multiphase Image Segmentation With Intensity Bias Correction

This paper presents a variational model for simultaneous multiphase segmentation and intensity bias estimation for images corrupted by strong noise and intensity inhomogeneity. Since the pixel intensities are not reliable samples for region statistics due to the presence of noise and intensity bias, we use local information based on the joint density within image patches to perform image partition. Hence, the pixel intensity has a multiplicative distribution structure. Then, the maximum-a-posteriori (MAP) principle with those pixel density functions generates the model. To tackle the computational problem of the resultant nonsmooth nonconvex minimization, we relax the constraint on the characteristic functions of partition regions, and apply primal-dual alternating gradient projections to construct a very efficient numerical algorithm. We show that all the variables have closed-form solutions in each iteration, and the computation complexity is very low. In particular, the algorithm involves only regular convolutions and pointwise projections onto the unit ball and canonical simplex. Numerical tests on a variety of images demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is robust, stable, and attains significant improvements on accuracy and efficiency over the state-of-the-arts.
Reducing the microstructure design space of 2nd order homogenization techniques using discrete Fourier Transforms

Abstract This paper presents a spectral method of reducing the size of the design space and the computational expense of 2nd order homogenization of elastic properties. A deconvolution is employed to separate the structural and property information in 2nd order homogenization for computational efficiency. This 2nd order homogenization method is then validated against the 1st order method and finite element analysis. It is demonstrated that the space may be further reduced by selecting only the dominant frequencies of the microstructure function in Fourier space. This allows for a significant reduction of the number of terms needed for the representation of the microstructure compared to the terms needed using the full 2nd order homogenization method. This new framework is then used to design and optimize a microstructure for a selected set of three material properties on the edge of the 1st order properties closure (the theoretical envelope of all possible property combinations for a given combination of materials and homogenization method) resulting in only 0.1–5.8% difference from the desired properties.
Applying the brakes to platelet activation

In this issue of Blood , Gegenbauer and colleagues provide a new insight into the regulatory mechanisms that allow platelets to produce an optimal response to vascular injury.[1][1] “Optimal responsiveness” in the context of hemostasis means preventing circulating platelets from activating
Development of cells containing catecholamines and somatostatin-like immunoreactivity in neural crest cultures: relationship of DNA synthesis to phenotypic expression.

Abstract The goal of our work is to understand the mechanisms which regulate the differentiation of embryonic neural crest cells into a number of adult cell types, including several classes of neurons. As one aspect of this analysis, the relationship between DNA synthesis and the ontogeny of cells with catecholamines and somatostatin-like immuno-reactivity (SLI) in neural crest cell cultures has been investigated. Most of the precursors of the catecholamine- and SLI-positive cells carry out DNA synthesis. As these cells differentiate, their ability to carry out DNA synthesis declines. However, a small percentage of cells continue to synthesize DNA after they become catecholamine or SLI positive. There is no apparent difference between the temporal pattern of DNA synthesis in the precursors of catecholamine-positive cells with SLI and those without SLI. Thus, the time of withdrawal from the cell cycle does not distinguish the lineage of cells that are catecholamine and SLi positive from those that are catecholamine positive and SLI negative.
Annexation and Ethnicity in the American Midwest

Prior research has established race as a factor in annexation decisions in the American South; however, there is very little research that examines the influence of ethnicity on annexation patterns...
Effect of carboxylic acid side chains on the absorption maximum of visual pigments

The proposal that the absorption maximum of the visual pigments is governed by interaction of the 11-cis-retinal chromophore with charged carboxylic acid side chains in the membrane-embedded regions of the proteins has been tested by mutating five Asp and Glu residues thought to be buried in rhodopsin. Changing Glu113 to Gln causes a dramatic shift in the absorption maximum from 500 nanometers to 380 nanometers, a decrease in the pKa (acidity constant) of the protonated Schiff base of the chromophore to about 6, and a greatly increased reactivity with hydroxylamine. Thus Glu113 appears to be the counterion to the protonated Schiff base. Wavelength modulation in visual pigments apparently is not governed by electrostatic interaction with carboxylate residues, other than the counterion.
A psychological test battery to detect prison inmates who fake insanity or mental retardation

A contrasted groups design was used to investigate the accuracy with which a test battery could detect persons faking mental disorder. The MMPI and Bender Gestalt were used in combination with a Malingering Scale that was developed for initial validation. One hundred adult males comprised five groups of 20 subjects each. Noncriminal psychiatric inpatients and mental retardates were compared with prison inmates who were given a financial incentive to successfully fake 'insanity' or mental retardation, and with inmate controls. Based on discriminant analyses, 92 to 95% of subjects were correctly classified as either faking or not faking. Although cross-validation is needed, this study reduced many of the analog factors which have comprised the generalizability of previous findings. Language: en
Mechanical effects of muscle contraction do not blunt sympathetic vasoconstriction in humans.

Sympathetic vasoconstrictor responses are blunted in the vascular beds of contracting muscle (functional sympatholysis), but the mechanism(s) have been difficult to elucidate. We tested the hypothe...
Restrictions on life-prediction methodology in polymers

Kinetic theories of crack growth have been used in the past to estimate the lifetimes of load-bearing polymeric materials. The theme is simple. Knowledge of the kinetic criterion involving stress-versus-crack velocity allows prediction of the time at which the crack reaches an unstable size, thereby causing failure of the structure. The present work shows some of the complications inherent in constant stress life-prediction methodology, specifically, the complications of using different theoretical results. These differences involve the following, both with respect to the governing creep functions: first, the forms of the arguments obtained from different kinetic theories and, second, the various forms for the power-law representation. Some further complications are discussed in relation to conditions wherein the material is in a continuously relaxing state rather than a full relaxed state under the time-constant history. Theoretical means are derived to overcome some of these difficulties. 1 figure, 1 table.
A Framework for Predicting Surface Areas in Microporous Coordination Polymers

A predictive tool termed the linker to metal cluster (LiMe) ratio is introduced as a method for understanding surface area in microporous coordination polymers (MCPs). Calibrated with geometric accessible surface area computations, the LiMe ratio uses molecular weight of building block components to indicate the maximum attainable surface area for a given linker and metal cluster combination. MOF-5 and HKUST-1 are used as prototypical structures to analyze MCPs with octahedral M4O(CO2R)6 and paddlewheel M2(CO2R)4 metal clusters. Insight into the effects of linker size, geometry, number of coordinating groups, and framework interpenetration is revealed through the LiMe ratio analysis of various MCPs. Experimental surface area deviation provides indication that a material may suffer from incomplete guest removal, structural collapse, or interpenetration. Because minimal data input are required, the LiMe ratio surface area analysis is suggested as a quick method for experimental verification as well as a gui...
Giant magneto-electric effect in laminate composites

It has been discovered that laminate composites of longitudinally magnetized magnetostrictive and transversely poled piezoelectric layers (a L-T laminate composite) have a giant magneto-electric (ME) effect under a low magnetic bias. The ME voltage coefficient is over 110 mV/Oe at a magnetic bias H=500 Oe. This value is 5-10 times higher than that previously reported for transverse magnetized/transverse polarized (T-T) laminates of the same layer compositions at the same bias. In this paper, we also report the magneto-elasto-electric bieffect equivalent circuit of the L-T laminate composite and the corresponding theoretical formula of the magneto-electric voltage coefficient.
Sensitive amino acid analysis by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography optimization of the o∼phthalaldehyde method for composition of picomole amounts of acid hydrolyzates

Abstract The o-phthalaldehyde method for pre-column derivatization of amino acids for compositional analysis has been optimized for quantitation at the low picomole level. As little as 20 pmol of peptide are hydrolyzed and 6 pmol can be derivatized for analysis. The method results in quantitative recovery of the amino acids and gives reliable quantitation even at the 6 pmol level. The study details the procedures involved in hydrolyzing small amounts of peptides. The effects of purity and stability of the o-phthalaldehyde reagent, pH, and composition of the mobile phase are discussed with a view to adaptation for use with various high-performance liquid chromatographic systems. Optimization of the derivatization conditions and strategies for lengthening column life are described. The relative performances of different reversed-phase columns from two different manufacturers are compared.
Locomotor adaptation and locomotor adaptive learning in Parkinson's disease and normal aging.

Objective Locomotor adaptation enables safe, efficient navigation among changing environments. We investigated how healthy young (HYA) and older (HOA) adults and persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) adapt to walking on a split-belt treadmill, retain adapted gait parameters during re-adaptation, and store aftereffects to conventional treadmill walking.
Symptom burden, quality of life, and attitudes toward palliative care in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: results from a cross-sectional patient survey.

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex disease with variable clinical manifestations; nevertheless, morbidity and mortality associated with PAH are considerable. This study examined quality of life (QOL) in PAH patients and assessed use of palliative care (PC) for addressing QOL issues and what barriers might exist regarding early PC implementation for patients with PAH. Methods An Internet-based survey was distributed to Pulmonary Hypertension Association patient-related listservs. Symptom burden and QOL were assessed using Linear Analog Self Assessment (LASA) QOL items and the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR). Results Of 774 eligible patients with active e-mail addresses, 315 returned surveys (41% overall response), and 276 (88%) contained analyzable responses. Responders (mean age, 48.9 years ± 16.0) were predominantly white (85%), female (86%), and with idiopathic PAH (42%). Profound deficiency in overall QOL (40%), fatigue (57%), physical well-being (56%), social activity (49%), emotional well-being (49%), and pain (38%) were reported. Most patients believed their PAH physician had excellent understanding of PAH progression/plan of care (92%), but less were satisfied with care regarding QOL management (77%). Few patients considered PC (8%), or had pain management (4%) or PC involved (1%). Most common reasons were beliefs that patients were doing well/not sick (63%) or that PC had not been suggested (22%). Conclusions PAH may result in symptoms or QOL impairment persisting despite optimal PAH therapy. However, PC awareness or use by PAH patients and providers is low. Opportunities may exist to integrate PC into care for PAH patients.
Non-invasive PET imaging of EGFR degradation induced by a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor.

Purpose The aim of this study is to non-invasively monitor the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) response to a Hsp90 inhibitor–17-AAG treatment in a PC-3 prostate cancer model.
Transport Properties of Type II Sodium-Silicon Clathrates

We have synthesized the type II silicon clathrates Na 1 Si 136 and Na 8 Si 136 , and report on the electrical and thermal transport in these materials. The crystal structure consists of a covalently bonded silicon framework in which sodium guest atoms are encapsulated inside the silicon host framework. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements show the compounds decompose above 600°C to diamond-structure silicon. Temperature dependant electrical resistivity measurements show the specimens to have an insulating character, with magnitudes that decrease with increasing sodium content. For the first time, thermal conductivity measurements on type II sodium-silicon clathrates are presented. The thermal conductivity is very low for both specimens, and for Na8Si136 exhibits a clear dip in the range from 50 to 70 K. These data suggest that the “rattling” behavior observed in type I clathrates may also be present in type II clathrates.
Experimental Investigation of Thermocapillary Convection Near an Evaporating Meniscus

Experimental visualizations of the 3D convection patterns generated near an evaporating meniscus in a capillary tube are presented. Epi-fluorescent micro-particle image velocimetry (μPIV) using a two-cavity frequency doubled ND-YAG laser as the illumination source is employed to map the small-scale spatial flow fields near the meniscus. Methanol seeded with 0.5 μm polystyrene fluorescent particles is used as the experimental fluid. These fluorescent particles absorb light from the laser beam (λabs~542 nm, green) and emit a longer wavelength light ((λem~612 nm, red). Images obtained at a specified time delay (~20 ms) were interrogated to obtain vector flow fields.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Structural, magnetic, thermal, and electronic transport properties of single-crystal EuPd 2 Sb 2

Single crystals of ${\text{EuPd}}_{2}{\text{Sb}}_{2}$ have been grown from PdSb self-flux. The properties of the single crystals have been investigated by x-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility $\ensuremath{\chi}$, magnetization $M$, electrical resistivity $\ensuremath{\rho}$, Hall coefficient ${R}_{\text{H}}$, and heat capacity ${C}_{\text{p}}$ measurements versus temperature $T$ and magnetic field $H$. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction studies confirmed that ${\text{EuPd}}_{2}{\text{Sb}}_{2}$ crystallizes in the tetragonal ${\text{CaBe}}_{2}{\text{Ge}}_{2}$-type structure. The $\ensuremath{\chi}(T)$ measurements suggest antiferromagnetic ordering at 6.0 K with the easy axis or plane in the crystallographic $ab$ plane. An additional transition occurs at 4.5 K that may be a spin reorientation transition. The ${C}_{\text{p}}(T)$ data also show the two transitions at 6.1 and 4.4 K, respectively, indicating the bulk nature of the transitions. The 4.4 K transition is suppressed below 1.8 K while the 6.1 K transition moves down to 3.3 K in $H=8\text{ }\text{T}$. The $\ensuremath{\rho}(T)$ data show metallic behavior down to 1.8 K along with an anomaly at 5.5 K in zero field. The anomaly is suppressed to 2.7 K in an 8 T field. The ${R}_{\text{H}}$ measurements indicated that the dominant charge carriers are electrons. The $M(H)$ isotherms show three field-induced transitions at 2.75, 3.90, and 4.2 T magnetic fields parallel to the $ab$ plane at 1.8 K. No transitions are observed in $M(H)$ for fields parallel to the $c$ axis.
The construction of a trefoil knot from a DNA branched junction motif

A DNA trefoil (3(1)) knot has been constructed from a 104-nucleotide molecule whose strands form a 3-arm branched junction motif. This construction tests the notion that a node in a DNA knot can be equated with a half-turn of double-helical DNA, and is consistent with that concept. Of five 104-mer sequences tested, only one produces high yields of the target knot. The other molecules produce larger quantities of circular material and of a knot containing more nodes. The key features that differentiate the successful design from the others are (1) the ligation takes place in the linker region between helical domains and (2) only six nucleotide pairs are used for each of the double-helical arms of the junction. The successful design separates the double-helical regions from each other by a spacer containing two deoxythymidine nucleotides at the site of the branched junction.
Increased Expression of Ca2+-Sensitive K+ Channels in the Cerebral Microcirculation of Genetically Hypertensive Rats Evidence for Their Protection Against Cerebral Vasospasm

Abstract —The Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel (KCa channel) plays a key role in buffering pressure-induced constriction of small cerebral arteries. An amplified current through this channel has been reported in vascular smooth muscle cells obtained from hypertensive animals, implying that the expression or properties of KCa channels may be regulated by in vivo blood pressure levels. In this study, we investigated this hypothesis and its functional relevance by comparing the properties, expression levels, and physiological role of KCa channels in cerebral resistance arteries from normotensive and genetically hypertensive rats. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments revealed a 4.7-fold higher density of iberiotoxin-sensitive KCa channel current at physiological membrane potentials in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat cerebrovascular smooth muscle cells (n=18 and 21, respectively). However, additional single-channel analysis in detached patches showed similar levels of unitary conductance, voltage, and Ca2+ sensitivity in KCa channels from WKY and from SHR membranes. In contrast, Western analysis using an antibody directed against the KCa channel α-subunit revealed a 4.1-fold increase in the corresponding 125-kD immunoreactive signal in cerebrovascular membranes from SHR compared with WKY rats. The functional impact of this enhanced KCa channel expression was assessed in SHR and WKY rat pial arterioles, which were monitored by intravital microscopy through in situ cranial windows. Progressive pharmacological block of KCa channels by iberiotoxin (0.1 to 100 nmol/L) dose-dependently constricted pial arterioles from SHR and WKY rats (n=6 to 8). The arterioles in SHR constricted 2- to 4-fold more intensely, and vasospasm occurred in some vessels. These data provide the first direct evidence that elevated levels of in situ blood pressure induce KCa channel expression in cerebrovascular smooth muscle membranes. This homeostatic mechanism may critically regulate the resting tone of cerebral arterioles during chronic hypertension. Furthermore, the overexpression of distinct K+ channel types during specific cardiovascular pathologies may provide for the upregulation of novel disease-specific membrane targets for vasodilator therapies.
Critical period for the whisker-barrel system

A remarkable feature of the sensory maps in the neocortex is the patterning of pre- and post-synaptic elements which replicate a specific feature of the sensory periphery. Ocular dominance columns in both the feline and the primate visual cortex and whisker-specific neural modules, the “barrels” in the rodent somatosensory cortex are perhaps the most notable examples. In common laboratory rodents, such as the mouse and the rat, thalamocortical axon arbors form synaptic terminal aggregations, around which layer IV stellate neurons arrange their cell bodies to form “barrels,” and they orient their dendritic trees to embrace the presynaptic afferents. The spatial arrangement of barrels replicates the patterned distribution of whiskers on the snout (Woolsey and Van der Loos, 1970). Barrel patterns are established during the first few days after birth and depend on the information flow from the sensory periphery and the subcortical somatosensory structures (see reviews O’Leary et al., 1994; Woolsey, 1990). The instructive role of the sensory periphery in shaping neural patterns has been shown by whisker follicle or infraorbital nerve lesions in neonatal rodents, and in mice bred for aberrant numbers of whiskers (Ohsaki et al., 2002; Ohsaki and Nakamura, 2006; O’Leary et al., 1994; Welker and Van der Loos, 1986; Woolsey, 1990). When the sensory periphery is damaged during the first few days after birth, thalamocortical terminals fail to develop their normal patterning. Consequently, layer IV stellate cells do not form barrels (O’Leary et al., 1994; Woolsey, 1990). In newborn rats and mice, if one row of whisker follicles is cauterized, the area of cortex devoted to the representation of those follicles fuse and shrink, and then the neighboring barrels expand (Belford and Killackey, 1980; Van der Loos and Woolsey, 1973). A developmental time window exists during which these structural alterations take place and it ends by postnatal day (P) 4; as a consequence, lesions after this period do not lead to major structural alterations in the barrel patterning of the cortex or whisker-specific neural patterns in subcortical structures (Belford and Killackey, 1980; Datwani et al., 2002b; Durham and Woolsey, 1984; Rebsam et al., 2005; Van der Loos and Woolsey, 1973; Woolsey and Wann, 1976). In the extant literature, this phenomenon is referred to as the critical period for structural plasticity along the rodent trigeminal pathway (reviewed in Erzurumlu, 2009).
Testicular feminization syndrome: current clinical considerations.

Abstract The testicular feminization syndrome (TFS) in its complete form results in total feminization due to a nuclear in action of androgens, and the female role should be supported with postpubertal orchiectomy to avoid the risk of malignancy. Incomplete forms of the syndrome (ITFS ) include Type I in which some degree of masculinization may be observed, prompting earlier gonadectomy, and Type II or pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias (PPSH) which is always characterized by pubertal masculinization, necessitating management and support of these patients as males. Other intersex abnormalities which must be differentiated include true hermaphroditism, the Swyer syndrome males with 17-ketosteroid reductase deficiency, and Reifenstein's syndrome.
Parent Training for the Treatment of Oppositional Behavior in Young Children: Helping the Noncompliant Child

Noncompliance (i.e., excessive disobedience to adults) is consistently reported to be the most prevalent behavior problem for clinic-referred and non-referred “normal” children alike, and is currently viewed as a keystone behavior in the development and maintenance of conduct disorders. “Helping the Noncompliant Child” (HNC) (Forehand & McMahon, 1981; McMahon & Forehand, 2003) is based on a parent training program originally developed by Hanf at the University of Oregon Medical School in the late 1960s (e.g., Hanf & Kling, 1973) to treat noncompliance in young (3–8 years of age) children with a range of developmental disabilities (see Reitman & McMahon, 2010). While several independent groups of clinical researchers have adapted Hanf’s original program, the adaptation by the current authors (Forehand & McMahon, 1981; McMahon & Forehand, 2003) is one of the most formally operationalized and evaluated versions of this approach to working with young children with conduct problems. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a description of the theoretical assumptions that underlie HNC, an overview of the program, and a summary of its empirical support. We also provide a description of a typical HNC case, and conclude with remarks concerning future directions.
Diabetes mellitus in anaesthesia

Anaesthesiologists frequently encounter patients with diseases of the endocrine system, in particular diabetes mellitus. The major risk factors for people with diabetes undergoing surgery are the associated end-organ diseases: cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, joint collagen tissue, and immune deficiency. Due to the fact that endocrine diseases can be associated with significant peri-operative morbidity and mortality, it is critical that anaesthesiologists understand these disorders and when indicated request the appropriate investigations.
Quantized incremental algorithms for distributed optimization

Wireless sensor networks are capable of collecting an enormous amount of data. Often, the ultimate objective is to estimate a parameter or function from these data, and such estimators are typically the solution of an optimization problem (e.g., maximum likelihood, minimum mean-squared error, or maximum a posteriori). This paper investigates a general class of distributed optimization algorithms for "in-network" data processing, aimed at reducing the amount of energy and bandwidth used for communication. Our intuition tells us that processing the data in-network should, in general, require less energy than transmitting all of the data to a fusion center. In this paper, we address the questions: When, in fact, does in-network processing use less energy, and how much energy is saved? The proposed distributed algorithms are based on incremental optimization methods. A parameter estimate is circulated through the network, and along the way each node makes a small gradient descent-like adjustment to the estimate based only on its local data. Applying results from the theory of incremental subgradient optimization, we find that the distributed algorithms converge to an approximate solution for a broad class of problems. We extend these results to the case where the optimization variable is quantized before being transmitted to the next node and find that quantization does not affect the rate of convergence. Bounds on the number of incremental steps required for a certain level of accuracy provide insight into the tradeoff between estimation performance and communication overhead. Our main conclusion is that as the number of sensors in the network grows, in-network processing will always use less energy than a centralized algorithm, while maintaining a desired level of accuracy.
ANP Differentially Modulates Marinobufagenin-Induced Sodium Pump Inhibition in Kidney and Aorta

NaCl loading and plasma volume expansion stimulate 2 natriuretic systems, vasoconstrictor, digitalis-like Na/K-ATPase inhibitors and vasorelaxant ANP peptides. Several hormones, including ANP, regulate activity of the Na/K-ATPase by modulation of its phosphorylation state. We studied effects of ANP on Na/K-ATPase phosphorylation and inhibition by an endogenous sodium pump ligand, marinobufagenin, in the aorta and renal medulla from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Marinobufagenin dose-dependently inhibited the Na/K-ATPase in renal and vascular membranes at the level of higher (nanomolar) and lower affinity (micromolar) binding sites. Marinobufagenin (1 nmol/L) inhibited Na/K-ATPase in aortic sarcolemma (18%) and in renal medulla (19%). prepro-ANP 104 to 123 (ppANP) and -human ANP ((-hANP) both 1 nmol/L) potentiated marinobufagenin-induced Na/K-ATPase inhibition in the kidney, but reversed the effect of marinobufagenin in the aorta. Similarly, ppANP and -hANP modulated the sodium pump (ouabain-sensitive 86 Rb uptake) inhibitory effects of marinobufagenin in the aorta and renal medulla. In renal medulla, ppANP and -hANP induced -1 Na/K-ATPase phosphorylation, whereas in aorta, both peptides dephosphorylated Na/K-ATPase. The effect of ppANP on Na/K-ATPase phosphorylation and inhibition was mimicked by a protein kinase G activator, 8-Br-PET-cGMP (10 mol/L), and prevented by a protein kinase G inhibitor, KT5823 (60 nmol/L). Our results suggest that -1 Na/K-ATPase inhibition by marinobufagenin in the kidney is enhanced via Na/K-ATPase phosphorylation by ANP, whereas in the aorta, ANP exerts an opposite effect. The concurrent production of a vasorelaxant, ANP, and a vasoconstrictor, marinobufagenin, potentiate each other's natriuretic effects, but ANP peptides may offset the deleterious vasoconstrictor effect of marinobufagenin. (Hypertension. 2006;48:1160-1168.)
Effect of betamethasone administration to the pregnant baboon at 0.75 gestation on placental eNOS distribution and activity

Abstract Betamethasone is frequently administered to pregnant women at risk of premature labor to accelerate fetal lung maturation. Maternally administered betamethasone produces pronounced changes in the fetal peripheral vasculature, raises fetal blood pressure and produces fetal growth restriction. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in regulating vascular tone. We hypothesized that effects of betamethasone on the fetal vasculature include decreased eNOS activity. We determined a significant depression of total placental eNOS protein measured by ELISA (betamethasone treated vs control, 0.48±0.28 vs 1.57±0.45, p
Commentary: A Multiuniversity Planning Studio at the World Planning Congress: An Opportunity for International Planning Education

The need to internationalize planning education is increasingly apparent, but planning programs in the United States have varying capabilities and resources to incorporate an international dimension in their curriculum. Offering a multiuniversity studio and study abroad course in Mexico, in conjunction with the World Congress in 2006, provided an opportunity to collaboratively address this need. The synergies that accrued are worth considering. An argument is made for adopting similar studio efforts as an integral component of future World Planning Congresses.
Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Repetitive Behaviors in the BTBR T+tf/J Mouse Model of Autism

Lower order and higher order repetitive behaviors have been documented in the BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mouse strain, a mouse model that exhibits all three core behavioral domains that define autism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental enrichment for reducing repetitive behaviors in BTBR mice. Lower order behaviors were captured by assaying the time and sequence of grooming, while higher order behaviors were measured using pattern analysis of an object exploration task from digital recordings. Baseline scores were established at 7 weeks of age, followed by 30 days of housing in either a standard or enriched cage. As expected, BTBR mice spent significantly more time grooming and had a more rigid grooming sequence than control C57BL/6J mice did at baseline. After 30 days of enrichment housing, BTBR mice demonstrated a significant reduction in time spent grooming, resulting in levels that were lower than those exhibited by BTBR mice in standard housing. However, no changes were noted in the rigidity of their grooming sequence. In contrast to previous findings, there was no difference in repetitive patterns of exploration at baseline between BTBR and C57BL/6J mice in the object exploration test. Subsequently, enrichment did not significantly alter the number of repetitive patterns at posttest. Overall, the results suggest that environmental enrichment may be beneficial for reducing the time spent engaging in lower order repetitive behaviors, but may not change the overall quality of the behaviors when they do manifest.
The effect of selective gastric or extragastric vagotomy on gastric secretion in conscious cats

Earlier studies in dogs showed that in animals with gastric fistulas, selective gastric vagotomy decreased maximal acid secretion in response to gastrin but not to histamine, and that in animals with Heidenhain pouches, selective extragastric vagotomy increased maximal response to gastrin but not to histamine. The present study sought to determine whether similar changes occurred in cats. In cats with gastric fistulas, selective gastric vagotomy reduced maximal response to pentagastrin and to histamine by about the same extent. In cats with Heidenhain pouches, selective extragastric vagotomy had no effect on the response to pentagastrin. It is concluded that there is a species difference between the dog and the cat regarding the effects of selective gastric and selective extragastric vagotomy on gastric acid secretion in response to gastrin. It is not yet known whether man fits the pattern of the dog or the cat.
A model for behavioral regulation of metapopulation dynamics

Abstract Habitat fragmentation can decrease local population persistence by reducing connectivity, which is a function of dispersal of individuals among habitat fragments. Dispersal is often treated as diffusion in population models, even though for many species it is a result of a series of behavioral decisions. We developed a metapopulation model to explore the potential importance of dispersal behaviors in driving metapopulation dynamics. We incorporated types of behavior that affect dispersal—colonization inhibiting, colonization enhancing, extinction inhibiting, extinction enhancing, rescue enhancing, rescue inhibiting—into Levins’ (1969) metapopulation model and projected occupancy rates for a variety of parameter values. Examples from the literature of behaviors associated with each of these parameters are provided. Our model simplifies into previously published metapopulation models that incorporate only a single behavior, and we present a density-dependent rescue function that leads to multiple non-zero equilibria. We found a variety of behavioral effects on metapopulations. Rescue enhancement fills patches faster than does colonization enhancement or extinction inhibition, and declines in patch occupancy are moderate with extinction enhancement, but colonization inhibition causes metapopulation extinction. We also found that with colonization and extinction inhibitions, equilibrium patch occupancy is inversely related to patch turnover rate. With density-dependent rescue, persistence depends not only on the strength of the strong rescue effect, but also on having a sufficient initial fraction of patches occupied; the stronger the rescue effect, the lower this fraction can be. This study suggests that dispersal behavior can have strong influences on metapopulation dynamics. It confirms the importance of understanding the relationship between landscape structure and dispersal behavior in understanding population persistence.
A study of crystalline titanium carbide

Abstract Crystalline, stoichiometric TiC has been prepared from Sterling FT graphitized carbon and hydrided titanium metal. X-ray diffraction studies yield a crystal lattice constant of 4.3268 ± 0.0006 A. X-Ray emission electron microprobe analysis indicates that total impurities amount to about 1.2 wt %. TiC particles retain the morphological characteristics of the parent graphitized carbon, but the size increases by an amount comparable to that predicted from the known change in molar volume. It has an apparent area of 4.4 ± 0.5 m2/gm and a nitrogen area of 6.9 m2/gm indicating a greater outer surface roughness and/or internal area than Sterling FT. Adsorption measurements are compared with literature data for graphitized carbon or exfoliated graphite.
LEARNING IN RECURRENT FINITE DIFFERENCE NETWORKS

A recurrent learning algorithm based on a finite difference discretization of continuous equations for neural networks is derived. This algorithm has the simplicity of discrete algorithms while retaining some essential characteristics of the continuous equations. In discrete networks learning smooth oscillations is difficult if the period of oscillation is too large. The network either grossly distorts the waveforms or is unable to learn at all. We show how the finite difference formulation can explain and overcome this problem. Formulas for learning time constants and time delays in this framework are also presented.
Cytokinin-induced ethylene biosynthesis in nonsenescing cotton leaves.

The influence of cytokinins on ethylene production was examined using cotton leaf tissues. Treatment of intact cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv LG 102) seedlings with both natural and synthetic cytokinins resulted in an increase in ethylene production by excised leaves. The effectiveness of the cytokinins tested was as follows: thidiazuron ≫ BA ≫ isopentyladenine ≥ zeatin ≫ kinetin. Using 100 micromolar thidiazuron (TDZ), an initial increase in ethylene production was observed 7 to 8 hours post-treatment, reached a maximum by 24 hours and then declined. Inhibitors of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthesis and its oxidation to ethylene reduced ethylene production 24 hours post-treatment; however, by 48 hours only inhibitors of ACC oxidation were effective. The increase in ethylene production was accompanied by a massive accumulation of ACC and its acid-labile conjugate. TDZ treatment resulted in a significant increase in the capacity of tissues to oxidize ACC to ethylene. Endogenous levels of methionine remained constant following TDZ treatment. It was concluded that the stimulation of ethylene production in cotton leaves following cytokinin treatment was the result of an increase in both the formation and oxidation of ACC.