cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating black‐level emissions of computer‐controlled displays

It is quite common for computer-controlled displays to emit light in image areas set to digital values of zero, referred to as their black level. This is expected for liquid–crystal displays and also can occur for cathode-ray tube displays when the “brightness” (gun-amplifier offset) is set excessively high. For either display, the light emission at the black level results in color channels whose chromaticities vary with luminance level. Consequently, typical methods of colorimetric characterization result in large error. When this black-level emission is measured and accounted for suitably, characterization accuracy is dramatically improved. Unfortunately, many instruments used to measure displays have too low a sensitivity to measure black-level emission with sufficient precision and accuracy. A method of estimating black-level emissions was derived and tested. Because the optimal black-level results in channel chromaticities that are invariant to the greatest extent with luminance level, an objective function was defined as the sum of chromaticity variances of each channel over a range of measurements. Minimizing this objective function resulted is an estimate of a display's black level. The estimated black level resulted in equivalent or superior performance to direct measurements. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 28, 379–383, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.10181
The Thermal and Structural Properties of a Hanna Basin Coal

In an effort to understand the cavity growth mechanisms occurring during an Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) test, a study of the thermomechanical effects has been initiated at Sandia National Laboratories. The first phase of this study has been the determination of the intrinsic thermal and structural properties of the Hanna Basin Coal that was utilized in a series of four UCG tests near the town of Hanna, Wyoming. The result of this study is a consistent set of thermal and structural properties of a Hanna Basin coal. This set has been used in a model that successfully simulated the growth of the cavity observed during the Hanna II UCG test.
In vivo biodistribution and clearance of peptide amphiphile micelles.

Abstract Peptide amphiphiles (PAs) are promising biomaterials for medical applications. To translate the use of PAs successfully from laboratories to clinics, in vivo studies regarding the safety of these nanomaterials are required. To examine the toxicity and clearance of PA biomaterials, we intravenously administered cy7-labeled, spherical PA micelles, control micelles without a peptide sequence, or PBS in a murine model and investigated biocompatibility, biodistribution, and clearance. Both peptide and non-peptide labeled micelles were approximately 8nm in diameter, but of opposite surface charge. Neither micelle type caused aggregation or hemolysis of red blood cells. All micelles primarily accumulated in the bladder and were present in urine samples confirming elimination through renal clearance. Ex vivo imaging showed that micelles were also found in the liver suggesting some involvement of the reticuloendothelial system. However, no evidence of toxicity was found within the liver, spleen, kidney, bladder, intestines, lung, and heart. From the Clinical Editor Safety studies related to peptide amphiphile biomaterials are discussed in this paper, demonstrating that organotoxicity is unlikely with these materials, however, RES activation in the liver may be of consideration in further studies and needed for potential applications.
From the I-WAY to the National Technology Grid

The authors promote the transformation of the Internet and the World Wide Web into a powerful tool for advancing computer science and engineering, which they call the 'Grid.'
AN UNDESCRIBED VARIETY OF FLINT CLAY

The location, physical and working properties, chemical composition, and microscopic character of this flint, which has not hitherto been described, are presented.
The action variable in dissipattvely perturbed hamiltonian systems

Abstract The action variable of a conservative one-dimensional Hamiltonian system decays exponentially when a linear disapative perturbation is added, irrespective of the Hamiltonian. In multidimensional integrable systems the product of the actions decays exponentially. Various features of these results are discussed, including the connection to adiabatic invariance and semiclassical implications.
Financial liberalization and consumption volatility: explaining heterogeneity across countries

Most previous studies mainly focus on the direct impact of financial liberalization on consumption growth volatility with less emphasis on explaining heterogeneity across countries. This paper, therefore, contributes to the existing body of literature by analysing factors which explain such differences. The initial level of inequality and domestic financial development play a prominent role in explaining why the benefit of financial integration differs across countries. Overall, our results, using data from 26 countries, indicate that financial liberalization reduces consumption volatility, ranging between 1.57 and 2.11 (61% to 82%). An increase in the initial level of income inequality by one standard deviation increases consumption volatility, ranging between 0.36 and 0.48 (14% to 19%). Moreover, an increase in one standard deviation of financial development decreases consumption growth variability by 0.16 (6%). Policy measures that promote redistribution and improve domestic financial markets help to r...
Scalable modulator for frequency shift keying in free space optical communications

Frequency shift keyed (FSK) modulation formats are well-suited to deep space links and other high loss links. FSK’s advantage comes from its use of bandwidth expansion. I.e., FSK counteracts power losses in the link by using an optical bandwidth that is greater than the data rate, just as pulse position modulation (PPM) does. Unlike PPM, increasing FSK’s bandwidth expansion does not require increased bandwidth in electronic components. We present an FSK modulator whose component count rises logarithmically with the bandwidth expansion. We tested it with four-fold bandwidth expansion at 5 and 20 Gbit/s. When paired with a pre-amplified receiver, the required received power was about 4 and 5 dB from the theoretical best for such receivers. We also tested the FSK transmitter with a photon counting receiver.
Social demand characteristics in children's and adults' eyewitness memory and suggestibility: the effect of different interviewers on free recall and recognition

Shortly after viewing a video of a theft, 5- and 7-year-old children and adults were interviewed with free recall and either misleading or unbiased-leading questions. After a 2-day delay, participants were interviewed with free recall and recognition questions administered by either the same or a different interviewer. Results from day 1 replicate previous findings with levels of recall and resistance to suggestibility increasing with age. Counter to predictions, correct recognition performance on day 2 was greater for some participants interviewed by the same as opposed to a different interviewer, and incorrect recognition was greater for all groups of participants for those interviewed by a different as opposed to the same interviewer. Results are discussed in terms of the role of context dependence on memory performance. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of American zoologists and behavioural ecologists in the development of animal sociology, 1934–1964

Abstract This review considers a period of great activity in the study of animal behaviour in North America during the 30 years preceding the formation of the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) in 1964. Special attention is paid to the history of some of the main ideas of animal sociology. The importance of relating animal behaviour to the natural conditions of existence was re-emphasized in this period. Important centres of investigation are mentioned, with some emphasis on the Department of Zoology at the University of Chicago, particularly on the leadership provided by W. C. Allee and A. E. Emerson, two of the founders of modern animal sociology, and on the relevance to behaviour of Sewall Wright's shifting balance theory of evolution. Major contributions were made dealing with the origin of sociality, social organization, social development, physiology of behaviour, social control in population regulation and the evolution of behaviour. Many major principles of animal sociology were developed or elaborated in North America. Examples include the Allee principle of undercowding, Emerson's concept of dynamic social homeostasis, and the basic similarities in the principles of socialization in birds and mammals, particularly in relation to sensitive periods in development. In the physiology of behavioural development there was Roger Sperry's theory of specific chemical affinities between neurons in the developing central nervous system, related to the inheritance of basic behavioural patterns. Another important concept was the role of embryonic hormones in the development of sexual differences in behaviour. On another level there was Allee's principle of the general dominance of cooperation and mutualism at low population densities, contrasted to the increasing importance of competition at high population densities, with social disorganization under extreme crowding. From the statistical consequences of Mendelian heredity, Wright found that the most favourable conditions for continued adaptive evolution, including social evolution of animals, were of a large population subdivided into many partially isolated local populations, with natural selection taking place at all levels of organization, among populations as well as between individuals. An attempt is made to trace the network of stimulating interrelations and the intellectual heritage during this period among investigators of animal behaviour, especially as relating to the history and gradual formation of the ABS and its precursors. The precursor groups of the ABS emphasized animal sociology (sociobiology in the broad sense of the biology of social relations) from the start.
Laparoscopic management of obstructed gastric conduit after minimally invasive esophagectomy

We describe a novel, minimally invasive method of managing an obstructed gastric conduit after minimally invasive esophagectomy. In addition, we briefly review the management of obstructed gastric conduit in patients status-post minimally invasive esophagectomy. On literature review, it was noted that gastrojejunostomy after esophagectomy was exceptionally rare. Only one other reported case of gastrojejunostomy after esophagectomy was found in the literature. This is the first reported case to our knowledge of laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). Laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy after minimally invasive esophagectomy for obstructed gastric conduit is technically feasible, and it effectively managed the obstruction in our patient.
Certain functions of isolated thyroid cells.

A technique for dispersing thyroid tissue into single cells is described. When incubated with I131 these cells form almost entirely monoiodotyrosine in peptide linkage. lodination is stimulated by TSH and inhibited by propylthiouracil, thiocyanate, catalase and glutathione. Pcrchlorate is without effect. Thyroglobulin, serum albumin and tyrosine are iodinated when added to the incubation medium, although the iodinated material formed by unfortified cells does not appear to be thyroglobulin. These cells actively metabolize glucose to CO2 and oxidize glucose by way of the hexosc monophosphate pathway.
Effect of Excitement, Fasting, and Sucrose Feeding on Porcine Muscle Phosphorylase and Post-Mortem Glycolysisa,b

SUMMARY Phosphorylase activities were studied in relation to pre-slaughter treatment, post-mortem glycolysis, and ultimate characteristics of porcine longissimus dorsi. Total phosphorylase activity was not affected by pre-slaughter treatment and did not appear to be associated with post-mortem muscle glycolytic rate or ultimate muscle characteristics. The Hampshire muscles which had high muscle glycogen levels immediately post-mortem also possessed especially high levels of total phosphorylase; however, when all breeds were considered, the within breed correlations for these two factors were not significant (p 0.05). Insufficient knowledge exists on the relation of the time course of phosphorylase activation and glycolytic rate in post-mortem muscle. Nevertheless, extracts of porcine muscle at 10 min post-mortem generally showed the phosphorylase to be in the b form. Short-term excitement and exercise immediately prior to slaughter caused a rapid post-mortem glycolysis, indicated by a rapid pH decline and decrease of color intensity in the muscle. This rapid glycolysis resulted in muscle with inferior water-binding properties and low color and texture scores. Long- and short-term sucrose feeding elevated the glycogen level of the muscle at slaughter, which ultimately resulted in muscle that was slightly soft and pale. Fasting 70 hr prior to slaughter lowered the initial glycogen content of the muscle and also slowed pH decline and color change during post-mortem glycolysis. Correlation between pH values and the ultimate color and water-binding properties of the muscle were significant soon after death, declining thereafter.
The Evolution of Research in Family and Consumer Sciences: Food, Nutrition, and Health

Changing perspectives in food, nutrition, and health are bringing new research opportunities. Knowledge that nutrients and other food substances prevent chronic disease expanded the study of dietary requirements beyond merely obviating deficiency. Government policy makers mandate food guidance programs to enable consumers to choose foods that are culturally appropriate yet support health. Intervention strategies leading to suitable food behavior are needed to address the rising health costs associated with aging and chronic diseases. Functional foods carrying added health benefits have gripped the attention of food producers and consumers, yet much is to be learned regarding long term effects. FCS professionals are uniquely qualified to study not only the theoretical bases of these issues but also their impact on the physical and psychosocial well-being of families. Research methods and applications must be incorporated at all academic levels to prepare FCS professionals to meet the research opportunities and challenges ahead.
The building of neurons: from gene regulation to protein destination

The regulation of gene expression is involved in producing specificity and plasticity in neurons. Recent evidence also indicates the existence of mechanisms determining the destinations of proteins in eukaryotic cells. The regulation of such mechanisms may be equally important in the building of neurons.
A multiple criteria method for choosing among discrete alternatives

Abstract An interactive method is presented for solving a discrete alternative multiple criteria problem under certainty. The method is based on the approach of Zionts and Wallenius A computer program embodying the method has been written, and the results to date have been favorable. Extensions to the case in which some of the criteria are not readily quantifiable are also considered.
Nonlinear pyramid transforms based on median-interpolation

We introduce a nonlinear refinement subdivision scheme based on median-inter- polation. The scheme constructs a polynomial interpolating adjacent block medians of an underlying object. The interpolating polynomial is then used to impute block medians at the next finer triadic scale. Perhaps surprisingly, expressions for the refinement operator can be obtained in closed-form for the scheme interpolating by polynomials of degree D = 2. Despite the nonlinearity of this scheme, convergence and regularity can be established using techniques reminiscent of those developed in analysis of linear refinement schemes. The refinement scheme can be deployed in multiresolution fashion to construct a nonlinear pyra- mid and an associated forward and inverse transform. In this paper we discuss the basic properties of these transforms and their possible use in removing badly non-Gaussian noise. Analytic and computational results are presented to show that in the presence of highly non-Gaussian noise, the coefficients of the nonlinear transform have much better properties than traditional wavelet coeffi- cients.
Building an empowerment policy paradigm: Self-reported strengths of homeless mothers.

Self-reported strengths and goals of a sample of 64 mothers of young children residing in a temporary shelter for homeless families, were documented. The strengths most frequently reported included ability to take action, parental competence, and determination in the face of stress. Program and policy implications of these positive attributes of homeless mothers are discussed.
The Spawning Run of Blueback Herring in the St. Johns River, Florida

Abstract Blueback herring Alosa aestivalis are anadromous, iteroparous, winter spawners in the St. Johns River, Florida, but published data about this population are limited. We collected adults by electrofishing in the upper St. Johns River during the 2002–2005 spawning runs to examine the abundance, distribution, size, sex ratio, reproductive biology, and feeding habits of the population. When possible, data from the present study were compared with those for blueback herring collected with seine nets in the lower St. Johns River during the 1972 and 1973 spawning runs. Blueback herring began upstream migration by January and stayed in the river until at least April. The average fish size was significantly smaller in 2002–2005 than in 1972–1973, but sex ratios were not different from 1:1 in 5 of the 6 years studied. The more recent collections suggest that blueback herring females released multiple batches of eggs during one spawning season (spawning a batch every 3–4 d on average) and that spawning occu...
Update on leukodystrophies

Leukodystrophies, heritable white matter disorders, have long presented significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the practicing neurologist. Recent advances, however, have identified many of the unclassified leukodystrophies, and work in understanding the underlying pathophysiology of these diverse disorders has progressed. Several hypomyelination disorders have been identified, Aicardi–Goutieres syndrome-associated genes have been found and autosomal-dominant leukodystrophy has been established as a genetically distinct disorder. In addition, unifying mechanisms in certain leukodystrophies have been found, including an abnormal endoplasmic reticulum stress response and astrocytic dysfunction. Finally, novel diagnostic approaches have established techniques for rapid identification of affected patients. This review provides an update of these changes and discusses the likely impact they will have on the evaluation and management of leukodystrophies.
The role of glutamate receptor redistribution in locomotor sensitization to cocaine.

α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate receptor (AMPAR) surface expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is enhanced after withdrawal from repeated cocaine exposure. However, it is unclear whether this contributes to the expression of locomotor sensitization and whether similar changes can be observed in other striatal regions. In this study we examined the relationship between AMPAR surface expression in the NAc and locomotor sensitization. We also examined AMPAR distribution in the dorsolateral striatum (DS) and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) distribution in the NAc and DS. Trends but no significant changes in NMDAR distribution were found in the NAc after withdrawal. No NMDAR changes were observed in the DS. AMPAR surface expression was increased in the NAc 15 days after the last exposure to cocaine, but decreased in the DS. Re-exposure to cocaine on withdrawal day 14 decreased AMPAR surface expression in the NAc 24 h, but not 30 min, after challenge, but increased it in the DS 24 h and 30 min after challenge. Locomotor sensitization was evaluated at times associated with increased or decreased AMPAR surface expression in the NAc. The magnitude of sensitization did not vary with changes in the level of AMPAR surface expression, nor was it significantly reduced by decreasing AMPAR transmission through intra-NAc infusion of CNQX before cocaine challenge. On the basis of our results, and other findings, we suggest that the expression of sensitization has no clear relationship to altered AMPAR surface expression in the NAc, although the latter may have a role in the enhanced pursuit and self-administration of drugs observed in sensitized rats.
Cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells of women with a history of preterm birth

Abstract Preterm birth is associated with elevated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα at the maternal–fetal interface. Previous studies have suggested that women with a history of preterm birth produce aberrantly strong inflammatory responses to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However many intrauterine infections in women are associated with pathogens including Ureaplasma urealyticum , Mycoplasma hominis and Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) that contain pro-inflammatory factors other than LPS. We evaluated whether peripheral blood leukocytes from women with a history of preterm birth produce elevated amounts of TNFα upon stimulation with pathogens associated with preterm birth and if pre-treatment with aspirin, an anti-inflammatory medication, decreases the ex vivo production of this cytokine. Heat-killed bacteria elicited increased TNFα production from leukocytes in a dose-dependent manner, but no differences in TNFα production between leukocytes from women with preterm birth and control women with term birth were detected. In women who consumed aspirin each day for one week, TNFα production was increased in leukocytes from control women stimulated with Escherichia coli and U. urealyticum , but was reduced or unchanged in leukocytes from women with preterm birth. Similar trends were observed for a subset of samples stimulated with U. urealyticum and assayed for IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β and TNFα by bead array. We conclude that leukocytes from women with a history of preterm birth do not have elevated pro-inflammatory responses to pathogens, and that reproductive history is associated with different effects of aspirin on pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Examining the Use of National Databases in a Hedonic Analysis of Regional Farmland Values

Hedonic techniques have attracted the interest of economists as a means of measuring values of nonmarket goods. By studying the market transactions of differentiated products such as automobiles and houses, implied values and corresponding demand schedules can be estimated for underlying characteristics such as automobile safety features, two-car garages, and air quality of residential neighborhoods. The subject of this paper is farmland and estimating the values of characteristics such as soil productivity and erodibility. In 1974, Rosen and Freeman independently developed theoretical models for differentiated consumer products that now serve as the basis for empirical estimates of marginal prices of product characteristics. Procedures to estimate demand schedules of underlying characteristics were outlined in Palmquist (1984). Palmquist (1989) further extended Rosen's theoretical model to consider land as a differentiated factor
Complications of sinusitis

Complications of acute and chronic sinusitis are rare but can be devastating and occasionally life threatening. Acute sinusitis, especially frontal sinusitis, has the potential for complication and should be treated appropriately. Patients who develop complicated sinusitis need very close observation and aggressive medical treatment. In unresponsive cases, surgery is necessary when vision loss or intracranial complications occur. Patients with osteomyelitis can be treated with intravenous antibiotics. Special cases may occasionally require sinus surgery. Although mucocele is not an emergency condition, it may require drainage. Endoscopic sinus surgery is very helpful in the treatment of mucocele.
N-chloramine rearrangements. The use of cyclobutylamine as a pyrrolideine precursor.

Abstract Exposure of N-chloro-N-cyclobutyl-3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine to silver ion in benzene results in efficient ring expansion to a pyrrolideine that can be trapped via Pictet-Spengler reaction.
Disaster relief supply chain quality management (DRSCQM)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for disaster relief supply chain quality management (DRSCQM). Design/methodology/approach – This paper introduces a structured approach to making decisions in the following areas: system foundation, system constraints, initial sudden natural disaster encounter point(s), the intensity of disaster, the efficacy of the disaster relief supply chain systems, and post-disaster relief management. Findings – The context-intervention-mechanism-outcome logic provides guidelines for facilitating Lean Six Sigma to eliminate wastes and improve the overall performance of the DRSCQM. Research limitations/implications – The theoretical frameworks will enhance the current knowledge base in DRSCQM literature and will also be helpful to manage disaster relief operations and supply chains. However, there is a need to conduct empirical studies based on the proposed frameworks in the future. Practical implications – A transformation process based on Dr Deming's plan...
Unique angiogenic and vasculogenic properties of renal cell carcinoma in a xenograft model of bone metastasis are associated with high levels of vegf‐a and decreased ang‐1 expression

Management of various tumor metastases to bone has dramatically improved, but this is not so for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is a difficult surgical problem due to its great vascularity. Furthermore, the unique mechanisms that mediate RCC vasculogenesis in bone remain unknown. To understand this process we developed a xenograft model that recapitulates highly vascular RCC versus less vascular tumors that metastasize to bone. Human tumor cell lines of RCC (786-O), prostate cancer (PC3), lung cancer (A549), breast cancer (MDA-MB231), and melanoma (A375) were transduced with firefly luciferase (Luc), injected into the tibiae of nude mice, and differences in growth, osteolysis, and vascularity were assessed by longitudinal bioluminescent imaging, micro-CT for measurement of calcified tissues and vascularity and histology. The results showed that while RCC-Luc has reduced growth and osteolytic potential versus the other tumor lines, it displayed a significant increase in vascular volume (p < 0.05). This expansion was due to 3- and 5-fold increases in small and large vessel numbers respectively. In vitro gene expression profiling revealed that RCC-Luc expresses significantly (p < 0.05) more vegf-a (10-fold) and 20- to 30-fold less ang-1 versus the other lines. These data demonstrate the utility of this model to study the unique vasculogenic properties of RCC bone metastases. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:325–333, 2012
Transplantation in end-stage pulmonary hypertension (Third International Right Heart Failure Summit, part 3)

AbstractThe Third International Right Heart Summit was organized for the purpose of bringing an interdisciplinary group of expert physician-scientists together to promote dialogue involving emerging concepts in the unique pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, and therapies of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and right heart failure (RHF). This review summarizes key ideas addressed in the section of the seminar entitled “Transplantation in End-Stage Pulmonary Hypertension.” The first segment focused on paradigms of recovery for the failing right ventricle (RV) within the context of lung-alone versus dual-organ heart-lung transplantation. The subsequent 2-part section was devoted to emerging concepts in RV salvage therapy. A presentation of evolving cell-based therapy for the reparation of diseased tissue was followed by a contemporary perspective on the role of mechanical circulatory support in the setting of RV failure. The final talk highlighted cutting-edge research models utilizing stem cell biology...
Role of Tamm-Horsfall protein in the pathogenesis of reflux nephropathy and chronic pyelonephritis.

Abstract Recurrent bacterial infection of the kidney was previously thought to be responsible for the renal scarring typical of chronic pyelonephritis until recent studies suggested that recurrent bacteriuria rarely produces chronic pyelonephritis in the absence of obstructive uropathy. In contrast, the association between vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and chronic pyelonephritis has been observed frequently in the absence of urinary infection. Although the mechanism by which VUR injures the kidney has not been defined, recent observations have suggested that some component of urine might serve as an antigenic determinant involved in the immunopathogenesis of renal scarring in VUR. Therefore, the present studies investigated the immunopathogenic role of Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) in (1) a rabbit model of tubulointerstitial nephritis; (2) a swine model of reflux nephropathy; and (3) patients with recurrent nephrolithiasis. The antigenic similarities between THP and uropathic bacteria were also studied. Our observations indicate that autoimmune responses to THP may occur after exposure to THP by intravenous challenge in rabbits, by urinary reflux in pigs, and in recurrent nephrolithiasis in man. Also, extracts of uropathic coliforms competitively inhibit the binding of human THP to its antibody. These studies suggest that autoimmune responses to THP may be the pathogenetic mechanism by which these factors, including bacteriuria, contribute to "chronic pyelonephritis."
The Semilogarithmic Earnings Equation and Its Use in Assessing Salary Discrimination in Academe.

Abstract The use of a semilogarithmic earnings equation to analyse gender-based salary differentials is now common practice in both academic studies and legal proceedings. When gender differences are detected, however, the cost of alternative adjustment mechanisms to equalize the pay of men and women is overlooked. This paper shows the different costs that arise from paying women a percentage increase on their actual salaries versus paying them predicted salaries as if they were men. The political consequences of enacting these different equalization methods are also considered. The data collection and analysis for this study partly reflect the response of a large public teaching/research university to a class-action lawsuit.
Eight-membered cyclosilicate rings in muirite.

The determination of the crystal structure of muirite, Ba10(Ca,Mn,Ti)4Si8O24(Cl,OH,O)12 · 4H2O, revealed the presence of discrete cyclic silicate anions, (Si8O24)16-, formed by the condensation of eight silicate tetrahedra. This first reported occurrence of eight-membered rings is of particular interest, because rings with eight tetrahedra are reported to be energetically less stable than rings with six tetrahedra, which have been found in many minerals.
Predicting heat and mass transfer to a growing, rotating preform during soot deposition in the outside vapor deposition process

During the manufacture of optical fibers using the outside vapor deposition (OVD) process, porous soot preforms are made by depositing soot onto a rotating cylindrical target from a soot-laden flame traversing along the target axis. The dominant mechanism of soot deposition in the OVD process is thermophoresis, which is the tendency of particles to migrate down the local gas temperature gradient. Accurate methods to estimate the heat and mass transfer rates from the flame to the growing preform are critical, as these rates dictate important preform characteristics. The heat and mass transfer during the OVD process are coupled due to particle thermophoresis and growth of the preform. We here present methods to predict the growth rate of a rotating preform along with the evolution of temperature profile at different radial locations within the preform for specified process parameters of flame temperature, burner traverse speed and number of burners. Sensitivity of preform temperature profile and deposition rate to each of the process parameters is presented, along with the critical discussion of our principal results.
Periodontal Disease Among Children with Down's Syndrome and Their Siblings

The prevalence and severity of periodontal disease were determined in a group of individuals with Down's syndrome and a group of their selected siblings. Prevalence and severity of the disease were measured by the PI of Russell and were greatest in the children with Down's syndrome--more than threefold greater. The siblings demonstrated an experience not unlike that of the US population.
Sequential cognitive-behavioral therapy for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder with an inadequate medication response: a case series of five patients.

Eric A. Storch, Ph.D., Daniel M. Bagner, M.S., Gary R. Geffken, Ph.D., Jennifer W. Adkins, Ph.D.,Tanya K. Murphy, M.D., and Wayne K. Goodman, M.D.Few data have been reported on the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) for youth with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) who have notresponded to prior treatment with medication. Given this, we report an opentrial of CBT for children who have remained symptomatic following medicationtrials. Five children with OCD who had an inadequate response to psychotropicmedications (e.g., limited response and/or unable to be titrated to a completedose due to side effects) received treatment in a 3-week intensive CBT program.Assessments were conducted at baseline and after treatment. All participantswere classified as treatment responders (much improved or very muchimproved) and the severity of clinician-rated OCD symptoms and impairmentsignificantly decreased after the intervention. Although a number of limitationsof this preliminary report exist, this study provides preliminary support for theutility of an intensive intervention for youth with OCD who have had aninadequate response and/or adverse side effects. Depression Anxiety 24:375–381,2007.
Nipponized Confucian Ethos or Incentive-Compatible Institutional Design: Notes on Morishima, “Why has Japan Succeeded?”

In his well-cited book, Morishima offered a cultural explanation of the Japanese economic success. Thus, first, the Nipponized confucianism breeds political loyalty and, second, this bushido ethos spawns the discipline and efficiency in the modern Japanese labor. However, the facts he cited have not convinced us on either points. Political loyalty is not more conspicuous in Japanese history than in the political life of other societies. Loyalty in the Japanese workplace seems to have evolved in corporations which practice modern principles of scientific management long after the passing of the bushido institution. [800]
A soluble class I molecule analogous to mouse Q10 in the horse and related species

Horse serum is shown to contain a soluble class I molecule analogous to the secreted Q10 molecule in the mouse. This molecule has several similarities to the recently described mouse Q10 molecule: it is smaller than membrane-bound equine class I molecules; it occurs in a high molecular mass complex of 200-300 kd in serum; and the serum levels of the equine molecule are similar to that of the Q10 molecule (about 30 micrograms/ml). A soluble molecule is also detected in the sera of species related to the horse; it has in fact been found in all the wild members of the order Perissodactyla so far tested. However, it was not detected in the serum of members of the orders Carnivora, Sirenia, Proboscidea, Artiodactyla, and Primates that were tested, nor in the serum of members of the order Rodentia other than in that of the genus Mus.
Energy input¿output analysis in Turkish agriculture

Abstract The objective of this study is to determine the energy use in the Turkish agricultural sector for the period of 1975–2000. In the study, the inputs in the calculation of energy use in agriculture include both human and animal labor, machinery, electricity, diesel oil, fertilizers, seeds, and 36 agricultural commodities were included in the output total. Energy values were calculated by multiplying the amounts of inputs and outputs by their energy equivalents with the use of related conversion factors. The output–input ratio is determined by dividing the output value by the input value. The results indicated that total energy input increased from 17.4 GJ/ha in 1975 to 47.4 GJ/ha in the year 2000. Similarly, total output energy rose from 38.8 to 55.8 GJ/ha in the same period. As a consequence, the output–input ratio was estimated to be 2.23 in 1975 and 1.18 in 2000. This result shows that there was a decrease in the output–input energy ratio. It indicates that the use of inputs in Turkish agricultural production was not accompanied by the same result in the final product. This can lead to problems associated with these inputs, such as global warming, nutrient loading and pesticide pollution. Therefore, there is a need to pursue a new policy to force producers to undertake energy efficient practices to establish sustainable production systems.
Channel temperature model for microwave AlGaN/GaN power HEMTs on SiC and sapphire

A key parameter in the design trade-offs made during AlGaN/GaN HEMTs development for microwave amplifiers is the channel temperature. An accurate determination can generally only be found using detailed software; however, a quick estimate is always helpful, as it speeds up the design cycle. This paper gives a simple technique to estimate the channel temperature of a generic AlGaN/GaN HEMT on SiC or sapphire, while incorporating the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity. The procedure is validated by comparing its predictions with the experimentally measured temperatures in microwave devices presented in three recently published articles. The model predicts the temperature to within 5 to 10 percent of the true average channel temperature.
Disorganized Behavior in Adolescent–Parent Interaction: Relations to Attachment State of Mind, Partner Abuse, and Psychopathology

Disoriented, punitive, and caregiving/role-confused attachment behaviors are associated with psychopathology in childhood, but have not been assessed in adolescence. A total of 120 low-income late adolescents (aged 18–23 years) and parents were assessed in a conflict-resolution paradigm. Their interactions were coded with the Goal-Corrected Partnership in Adolescence Coding Scales. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the three disorganized constructs (punitive, caregiving, and disoriented interaction) were best represented as distinct factors and were separable from a fourth factor for collaboration. The four factors were then assessed in relation to measures of attachment disorganization, partner abuse, and psychopathology. Results indicate that forms of disorganized behavior first described in early childhood can also be reliably assessed in adolescence and are associated with maladaptive outcomes across multiple domains.
State child care regulations regarding infant sleep environment since the Healthy Child Care America-Back to Sleep campaign.

BACKGROUND. Despite overall decreases in sudden infant death syndrome deaths and prone sleeping, the proportion of sudden infant death syndrome deaths that occurs in child care settings has remained constant at ∼20%. In 2003, the American Academy of Pediatrics9 Healthy Child Care America program launched its own Back to Sleep campaign to promote the Back to Sleep message for those who care for young children. OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the first 2 years of the Healthy Child Care America-Back to Sleep campaign in improving child care regulations by assessing the inclusion of the elements of a safe sleep environment in the individual state regulations for child care centers and family child care homes. METHODS. We examined regulations available in October 2005 for licensed child care centers and family child care homes in the 50 states and the District of Columbia for specific regulations pertaining to (1) sudden infant death syndrome risk-reduction training for child care providers, (2) infant sleep position, (3) crib safety, (4) bedding safety, (5) smoking, and (6) provision of information about sleep positioning policies and arrangements to parents before the infant is enrolled in child care. RESULTS. Since 2003, when the Healthy Child Care America-Back to Sleep campaign began, 60 of the 101 state regulations for either child care centers or FCCHs have been revised. More than half of these regulations written since 2003 mandate a nonprone sleep position and restrictions on soft bedding in the crib, and the change in these regulations since 2003 is statistically significant. However, of the 101 existing state regulations, only 49 require that infants sleep nonprone, 18 mandate sudden infant death syndrome training for child care providers, 81 have ≥1 crib safety standard, and 43 restrict soft bedding in the crib. Only 4 regulations require that parents be provided with sleep policy information. CONCLUSIONS. The initial 2 years of the Healthy Child Care America Back to Sleep campaign have been successful in promoting safe infant sleep regulations. Efforts must continue so that safe sleep regulations exist in all jurisdictions.
Running and Addiction: Precipitated Withdrawal in a Rat Model of Activity-Based Anorexia

Exercise improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, stimulates neuroplasticity, and promotes feelings of well-being. However, when taken to extremes, exercise can develop into an addictive-like behavior. To assess the addictive potential of exercise, withdrawal symptoms following injections of 1.0 mg/kg naloxone were compared in active and inactive male and female rats. Active and inactive rats were given food for 1 hr or 24 hr/day. Additionally, a group of inactive rats was pair-fed the amount of food consumed on the previous day by food-restricted active rats. Rats fed for 1 hr/day decreased food intake and lost weight. Additionally, food-restricted active rats increased wheel running. There was a direct relationship between the intensity of running and the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Active food-restricted rats displayed the most withdrawal symptoms, followed by active rats given 24-hr access to food. Only minimal withdrawal symptoms were observed in inactive rats. These findings support the hypothesis that exercise-induced increases in endogenous opioid peptides act in a manner similar to chronic administration of opiate drugs.
A fully integrated 19 pJ/pulse UWB transmitter for biomedical applications implemented in 65 nm CMOS technology

A fully integrated power-efficient CMOS pulsed ultra-wideband (I-UWB) transmitter for biomedical applications operating in the 3 – 5 GHz band is implemented in a 65 nm CMOS technology. The UWB transmitter adopts a low-complexity ring oscillator-based pulse generator architecture and pulse-position-modulation (PPM) for increased power efficiency and minimal silicon area. The transmitter consumes zero static bias power and achieves an energy efficiency of 19 pJ/pulse at 200 MHz pulse repetition frequency (PRF) while occupying 68 × 68 µm2 of silicon area.
Learning to Explore and Exploit in POMDPs

A fundamental objective in reinforcement learning is the maintenance of a proper balance between exploration and exploitation. This problem becomes more challenging when the agent can only partially observe the states of its environment. In this paper we propose a dual-policy method for jointly learning the agent behavior and the balance between exploration exploitation, in partially observable environments. The method subsumes traditional exploration, in which the agent takes actions to gather information about the environment, and active learning, in which the agent queries an oracle for optimal actions (with an associated cost for employing the oracle). The form of the employed exploration is dictated by the specific problem. Theoretical guarantees are provided concerning the optimality of the balancing of exploration and exploitation. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated by experimental results on benchmark problems.
Video-based 3D reconstruction, laparoscope localization and deformation recovery for abdominal minimally invasive surgery: a survey.

Background The intra-operative three-dimensional (3D) structure of tissue organs and laparoscope motion are the basis for many tasks in computer-assisted surgery (CAS), such as safe surgical navigation and registration of pre-operative and intra-operative data for soft tissues. Methods This article provides a literature review on laparoscopic video-based intra-operative techniques of 3D surface reconstruction, laparoscope localization and tissue deformation recovery for abdominal minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Results This article introduces a classification scheme based on the motions of a laparoscope and the motions of tissues. In each category, comprehensive discussion is provided on the evolution of both classic and state-of-the-art methods. Conclusions Video-based approaches have many advantages, such as providing intra-operative information without introducing extra hardware to the current surgical platform. However, an extensive discussion on this important topic is still lacking. This survey paper is therefore beneficial for researchers in this field. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Teaching from a Critical Perspective / EnseÃ±ando de Una Perspectiva CrÃ­tica: Conceptualization, Reflection, and Application of Chicana/o Pedagogy

This paper addresses the relationship between critical pedagogy and Chicana/o pedagogy to show the need for the use of the latter in academe. The authors present the idea of a “platica” (Spanish for intellectual conversation) as a way to dialogue through literature on Chicana/o pedagogy, and show its defining characteristics. With a biographical placing of the authors/participants and their students in a racially/ethnically hostile academy, platica is used to illustrate examples of Chicana/o pedagogy in practice, and how this is resisted by students on ideological ground. A discussion concludes the paper.
Expanding the ProteOn XPR36 biosensor into a 36-ligand array expedites protein interaction analysis.

Here we demonstrate methods to expand the throughput of the ProteOn XPR36 biosensor allowing for the simultaneous kinetic characterization of several multiplexed formats, such as 36 disparate antibodies targeting the same antigen, and facilitating detailed epitope binning and mapping studies. The kinetic rate constants determined by these methods correlated with those obtained on Biacore 2000 and the absolute parameter values obtained on the ProteOn’s alginate-based GLC chip agreed closer with those from Biacore’s flat C1 chip than Biacore’s dextran-based CM4 chip. Pairwise epitope binning data from the ProteOn 36-ligand array format and those generated on an orthogonal array-based biosensor, the Octet QK384, gave similar results. In an epitope mapping study using biotinylated peptides, all three biosensor platforms were similar in their ability to identify antibodies that bound to linear epitopes. We apply alternative formats of the ProteOn array that enable a significantly higher number of assays to be conducted simultaneously than previously anticipated on this platform.