cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Baseline for Image Annotation

Automatically assigning keywords to images is of great interest as it allows one to index, retrieve, and understand large collections of image data. Many techniques have been proposed for image annotation in the last decade that give reasonable performance on standard datasets. However, most of these works fail to compare their methods with simple baseline techniques to justify the need for complex models and subsequent training. In this work, we introduce a new baseline technique for image annotation that treats annotation as a retrieval problem. The proposed technique utilizes low-level image features and a simple combination of basic distances to find nearest neighbors of a given image. The keywords are then assigned using a greedy label transfer mechanism. The proposed baseline outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods on two standard and one large Web dataset. We believe that such a baseline measure will provide a strong platform to compare and better understand future annotation techniques.
Congenital Malaria Due to Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria manifested during the first few months of life may be the result of acquisition during pregnancy, at the time of delivery, or by mosquito bite after birth. Both congenital and perinatal malaria are acquired by the transmission of parasitized maternal erythrocytes across the placenta. An infant is described whose mother was diagnosed to have malaria at six months of gestation. The infant developed intermittent fever at 5 weeks of age and presented with anemia and hepatosplenomegaly at 3 months of age at which time Plasmodium falciparum parasites were found on examination of thick smears of the infant9s blood. IgG and IgM antimalarial antibodies were detected in maternal blood, but only IgG antibodies were found in the infant9s blood at delivery and at the time of diagnosis. These transplacentally transmitted antibodies may afford transient protection for the infant and thus delay the onset of clinical manifestations. Due to the absence of an exoerythrocytic life cycle in congenitally acquired malaria, chloroquine is the drug of choice for treatment. Infections with chloroquine-resistant strains require multiple drug therapy.
O workaholic satisfeito: um modelo para os liderados

Um executivo workaholic, conhecido por trabalhar 15 horas por dia, despertaria ceticismo e desconfianca se dissesse que sua empresa incentiva uma vida equilibrada para seus funcionarios. Certo? Nao, necessariamente. Contrariamente a crenca popular, este texto defende que os executivos podem ser workaholics satisfeitos, e que devem ser modelos, nao de equilibrio, mas de autenticidade. Tais executivos sabem que nem todos tem valores iguais aos seus e encorajam seus liderados a agirem de acordo com seus proprios valores.
Non-Abelian isometries of multidimensional universes

A field theory on a(d + n)-dimensional manifold in the presence of ann-dimensional isometry group spanningn-dimensional orbit spaces may be reduced to a field theory on ad-dimensional manifold. The field content of such reduced theories is completely worked out when the isometries may be non-Abelian and the resultant space may have torsion. The equations of motion of the dimensionally reduced theory are obtained directly from the higher-dimensional theory. The reduced theory is given in terms of the metric tensor, a set of scalar fields, and a set of antisymmetric tensor fields.
Systems Level Analysis of Systemic Sclerosis Shows a Network of Immune and Profibrotic Pathways Connected with Genetic Polymorphisms

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease characterized by skin and organ fibrosis. The pathogenesis of SSc and its progression are poorly understood. The SSc intrinsic gene expression subsets (inflammatory, fibroproliferative, normal-like, and limited) are observed in multiple clinical cohorts of patients with SSc. Analysis of longitudinal skin biopsies suggests that a patient's subset assignment is stable over 6-12 months. Genetically, SSc is multi-factorial with many genetic risk loci for SSc generally and for specific clinical manifestations. Here we identify the genes consistently associated with the intrinsic subsets across three independent cohorts, show the relationship between these genes using a gene-gene interaction network, and place the genetic risk loci in the context of the intrinsic subsets. To identify gene expression modules common to three independent datasets from three different clinical centers, we developed a consensus clustering procedure based on mutual information of partitions, an information theory concept, and performed a meta-analysis of these genome-wide gene expression datasets. We created a gene-gene interaction network of the conserved molecular features across the intrinsic subsets and analyzed their connections with SSc-associated genetic polymorphisms. The network is composed of distinct, but interconnected, components related to interferon activation, M2 macrophages, adaptive immunity, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell proliferation. The network shows extensive connections between the inflammatory- and fibroproliferative-specific genes. The network also shows connections between these subset-specific genes and 30 SSc-associated polymorphic genes including STAT4, BLK, IRF7, NOTCH4, PLAUR, CSK, IRAK1, and several human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. Our analyses suggest that the gene expression changes underlying the SSc subsets may be long-lived, but mechanistically interconnected and related to a patients underlying genetic risk.
Climate, bone density, and resource depression: What is driving variation in large and small game in Fremont archaeofaunas?

Abstract While archaeologists have long been interested in how human prey choice decisions vary both spatially and temporally, recent research has often focused on the role climate and human overhunting play in the process. Regardless of the issue receiving particular attention, these studies have also faced the dilemma of determining to what degree observed patterns are driven by underlying taphonomic processes rather than the factor of interest. Here, the faunal record from two Fremont residential sites located in Utah’s Parowan Valley (southeastern Great Basin) shows patterns of taxonomic representation, age structure, element representation, and fragmentation which covary through time both with each other and with local tree-ring records. Analysis of these materials: (1) contradicts previously reported work suggesting that human overhunting alone drove prey choice decisions in the area, (2) clarifies the relationship between environmental variability and anthropogenically induced changes in the local resource base, (3) provides a possible explanation for variability apparent in long-term studies of Fremont prey choice, and (4) illustrates how climatic impacts on farming and foraging opportunities may have structured element representation through its affect on human processing decisions and the nature of the bones subsequently presented to secondary consumers. This last issue has broader zooarchaeological implications in that it attempts to address the behavioral factors affecting density-mediated attrition and how they may vary with local ecology.
Thermal/mechanical damage of 6061-T6 aluminum tensile specimen

Abstract As a 6061-T6 aluminum coupon specimen is stretched, energy is being converted from mechanical work to heat. This irreversible process of material damage is detected experimentally by measuring the change in surface temperature. Contrary to the ordinary notion that the material would heat up when loaded, it actually cools before returning to the ambient condition. The recovery time was approximately 26 sec for a displacement rate of 8.467·10−5 m/sec and 200 sec when the displacement rate is reduced by one of magnitude. Cooling and heating is a rate dependent process. Three sets of temperature data were obtained for each of the displacement rates and they coincide with those prediced from the energy density theory that accounts for the nonhomogeneous dissipation of energy at every location in the specimen. Unlike any classical theories in mechanics, the energy density theory determines the stress and strain response of each element in the specimen only from a knowledge of the initial material stiffness and the displacement time rate. This is necessary because the local strain rates for elements near the center and edge of the specimen can differ by a wide margin. The so-called uniaxial stress and strain curve is then obtained by taking the average of all the elements. The results agreed extremely well with those measured experimentally for the 6061-T6 aluminum. Obtained analytically are also the thermal conductivity coefficients that are loading rate dependent and anisotropic in character due to stretching in the longitudinal direction. Their values tend to stabilize beyond the cooling/heating period.
Identification of a stable flavin-thiolate adduct in heterotetrameric sarcosine oxidase.

Abstract Heterotetrameric sarcosine oxidase (TSOX) is a complex bifunctional flavoenzyme that contains two flavins. Most of the FMN in recombinant TSOX is present as a covalent adduct with an endogenous ligand. Enzyme denaturation disrupts the adduct, accompanied by release of a stoichiometric amount of sulfide. Enzyme containing ≥ 90% unmodified FMN is prepared by displacement of the endogenous ligand with sulfite, a less tightly bound competing ligand. Reaction of adduct-depleted TSOX with sodium sulfide produces a stable complex that resembles the endogenous TSOX adduct and known 4a-S-cysteinyl flavin adducts. The results provide definitive evidence for sulfide as the endogenous TSOX ligand and strongly suggest that the modified FMN is a 4a-sulfide adduct. A comparable reaction with sodium sulfide is not detected with other flavoprotein oxidases. A model of the postulated TSOX adduct suggests that it is stabilized by nearby residues that may be important in the electron transferase/oxidase function of the coenzyme.
Immunologic impairment in bronchogenic carcinoma: a study of lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin.

The in vitro lymphocyte response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was studied in 44 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. The PHA responses of these patients varied greatly, with a mean which was significantly depressed as compared to that of normal individuals (p < 0.001). The lymphocyte response to PHA was markedly impaired in most patients with inoperable (late stage) disease, as compared to those with resectable tumors (p < 0.05). There may be a correlation between lymphocyte reactivity and survival with bronchogenic carcinoma.
Talkoot: software tool to create collaboratories for earth science

“Open science,” where researchers share and publish every element of their research process in addition to the final results, can foster novel ways of collaboration among researchers and has the potential to spontaneously create new virtual research collaborations. Based on scientific interest, these new virtual research collaborations can cut across traditional boundaries such as institutions and organizations. Advances in technology allow for software tools that can be used by different research groups and institutions to build and support virtual collaborations and infuse open science. This paper describes Talkoot, a software toolkit designed and developed by the authors to provide Earth Science researchers a ready-to-use knowledge management environment and an online platform for collaboration. Talkoot allows Earth Science researchers a means to systematically gather, tag and share their data, analysis workflows and research notes. These Talkoot features are designed to foster rapid knowledge sharing within a virtual community. Talkoot can be utilized by small to medium sized groups and research centers, as well as large enterprises such a national laboratories and federal agencies.
Synthesis and crystal structures of hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl) borate tantalum(V)(=N-2,6-Pr2C6H3) (X)Cl (X = Cl, BunO)

Abstract The reaction between Ta(=NAr)(Cl) 3 (THF) 2 and one equivalent of potassium hydridotris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)borate (Tp′) gave the compound Tp″Ta(=NAr)(Cl) 2 ( 1 ) as an orange crystalline solid. The salt, [H 2 B 2 ( μ -3,5-Me 2 HC 3 N 2 )][(ArN=)TaCl 4 (3,5Me 2 HC 3 N 2 H)] ( 2 ) was also formed as a by-product in this reaction. These compounds were characterized by NMR spectroscopy as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Reaction of 1 with excess Na/Hg in wet THF gave Tp′Ta(=NAr)Cl(OBu n ) ( 3 ) in good yield. The butoxide ligand in 3 is formed by the ring opening of a THF molecule of the solvent. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of 1 and 3 show the presence of a Ta≡N triple bond and the expected trans influences of the Cl − , OR − and imido ligands on the Ta—N bond lengths of the coordinated pyrazole ligands.
Update on bacterial detection methods in chronic rhinosinusitis: implications for clinicians and research scientists.

Background: The exact etiologic role of microbes in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear, due in part to inconsistencies and difficulties of microbiological detection. However, methodological advances now permit comprehensive analysis of microbial communities of the sinonasal region. This review summarizes recent developments in microbial detection technologies as exemplified by their application in the study of CRS. Recent Findings: A variety of novel methods for specimen collection, microbial culture, cultivar identification, and microscopic analysis of CRS specimens have been used in recent studies. Moreover, the advent of culture-independent methodologies based on the detection of microbial nucleic acids has greatly expanded the range of microorganisms, including fastidious species, that can be assayed. Many techniques use biochemical interactions to identify nucleic acids as markers for specific species. Summary: Technological innovations in microbiology have radically improved the sensitivity and accuracy of microbial detection and identification in CRS specimens. Further application of these microbiological tools to CRS research should provide greater insight into the roles of microbial pathogens and commensals in sinus health and disease. Ultimately, translation of research results into clinical diagnostic technology will improve patient outcomes in this chronic disease. © 2011 ARS-AAOA, LLC.
Aluminum Treatment of Intact Neuroblastoma Cells Alters Neurofilament Subunit Phosphorylation, Solubility, and Proteolysis

Addition of 400 μM AlCl3 to the culture medium for 72 h has been previously shown to induce perikaryal whorls of intermediatesized filaments in intact mouse NB2a/d1 neuroblastoma cells. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated that in vivo treatment of cells with aluminum induced thede novo appearance of extensively phosphorylated NF-H isoforms in cytoskeletons of undifferentiated cells and increased levels of these isoforms in differentiated cells. Neurofilament subunits isolated from intact cells treated with aluminum were resistant to dephosphorylation in vitro by alkaline phosphatase and to in vitro degradation by endogenous calcium-dependent protease(s). These alterations were accompanied by a greater tendency of neurofilaments to form insoluble aggregates after isolation. These findings demonstrate direct effects of aluminum on neurofilament subunits within intact neuronal cells similar to those previously demonstrated following in vitro exposure of isolated neurofilaments to aluminum.
Application of a coupled system for optimum design of plate girder bridges

Abstract A prototype knowledge-based expert system has been developed for minimum weight design of steel plate girder highway bridges. This expert system, called PG-BRIDGE1, is a coupled system in which AI-based symbolic processing is combined with traditional numerical processing. The architecture of the system has been presented in an accompanying article 1 . This paper presents an application and abbreviated consultation with PG-BRIDGE1.
Extremely Small Sample Size in Some Toxicity Studies: An Example from the Rabbit Eye Irritation Test

Abstract The conventional sample-size equations based on either the precision of estimation or the power of testing a hypothesis may not be appropriate to determine sample size for a “diagnostic” testing problem, such as the eye irritant Draize test. When the animals' responses to chemical compounds are relatively uniform and extreme and the objective is to classify a compound as either irritant or nonirritant, the test using just two or three animals may be adequate.
Perceptions of Childhood Obesity in Parents of Preschool-Aged Children

This study examined parents’ perceptions of obesity and its prevention in young children. A predominantly Caucasian population of parents (N = 71) of preschool-aged children completed a mixed-methods questionnaire assessing perceptions of childhood obesity. Analysis of variance revealed that men had lower mean scores on the awareness domain (M = 33.1, SD = 3.1) than women (M = 36.6, SD = 2.2; t = 4.6, P < .01), and parents of children enrolled in childcare 40+ hours per week reported the lowest mean scores, F(4, 66) = 4.3, P < .01. Significant differences in awareness were also observed based on work status, F(2, 68) = 8.81, P < .01, with parents working full-time (M = 35, SD = 2.9) having lower mean scores than those working part-time (M = 37.4, SD = 1.6) or staying at home (M = 37.3, SD = 1.6). Younger parents also reported better access to resources (M = 16.3, SD = 3.1 vs M = 17.8, SD = 2.6, respectively; t = 2.1, P < .05). Most parents (56%) reported a need for support despite familiarity with obesity...
Strain-field investigations with plane diffraction gratings

The development of means for producing small, separate, plane diffraction gratings as integral parts of the surfaces of flat metal specimens has led to modification of the method of Bell and to the investigation of strain fields by study of diffraction phenomena. Choice of a particular diffraction-strain relationship and the use of master gratings in conjunction with diffraction gratings to be used as strain gages permits use of simple optical instrumentation. The diffraction phenomena from multiple gages at the same orientation may be photographed simultaneously during loading for subsequent analysis, and instrumentation in the form employed permits resolving strain increments of magnitude 0.0008 in the range 0.0030 to 0.030.
Time-resolved optical backscattering model in highly scattering media

A time-resolved backscattering model, which combines a single large-angle scattering with multiple small-angle scatterings, is used to produce a scattered-light profile about a medium. Inhomogeneity of the medium is included in the model. Some multidimensional integrals can be evaluated analytically.
Tissue Geometry Determines Sites of Mammary Branching Morphogenesis in Organotypic Cultures

The treelike structures of many organs, including the mammary gland, are generated by branching morphogenesis, a reiterative process of branch initiation and invasion from a preexisting epithelium. Using a micropatterning approach to control the initial three-dimensional structure of mouse mammary epithelial tubules in culture, combined with an algorithm to quantify the extent of branching, we found that the geometry of tubules dictates the position of branches. We predicted numerically and confirm experimentally that branches initiate at sites with a local minimum in the concentration of autocrine inhibitory morphogens, such as transforming growth factor–β. These results reveal that tissue geometry can control organ morphogenesis by defining the local cellular microenvironment, a finding that has relevance to control of invasion and metastasis.
Advanced modeling and design of ion-exchanged glass waveguides and devices

Glass waveguide devices fabricated by ion exchange have evolved to the point where conventional assumptions of waveguide symmetry and mutual independence are no longer valid. The modeling of ion-exchanged waveguide devices is far more complicated compared to, e.g., silica on Si waveguide devices. For example, during field-assisted ion exchange processes, the nonhomogeneity of ionic conductivity in the vicinity of the waveguide results in a time-dependent perturbation of the electric field. Previous studies have shown that the depth and vertical symmetry of buried waveguides are affected by the field perturbation. In this work, we describe an advanced modeling tool for guided-wave devices based on ion-exchanged glass waveguides. The effect of field perturbation, due not only to the conductivity profile, but also to the proximity of adjacent waveguides or partial masking during a field-assisted burial are accounted for. A semivectorial finite difference method is then employed to determine the modal properties of the waveguide structures.
A computational procedure for rate-independent crystal plasticity

In the rate-independent theory of crystal elasto-plasticity there have been three long-standing problems. The first is to determine which slip systems are active, and the second is to determine the increments of shear on the active slip systems. Third, because of the typical multiplicity of slip systems in ductile crystals, the selection of slip systems required to produce an arbitrary deformation increment is not necessarily unique. The purpose of this paper is to present a robust calculation scheme which determines a unique set of active slip systems and the corresponding shear increments in a rate-independent theory. We show by comparing the predictions from our computational procedure for the rate-independent theory against corresponding predictions from a procedure for a similar but rate-dependent theory (with a low value of the rate sensitivity parameter) that the results from the two procedures are essentially indistinguishable.
The tumor suppressor p15Ink4b regulates the differentiation and maturation of conventional dendritic cells

The tumor suppressor p15Ink4b is frequently inactivated by methylation in acute myeloid leukemia and premalignant myeloid disorders. Dendritic cells (DCs) as potent APCs play critical regulatory roles in antileukemic immune responses. In the present study, we investigated whether p15Ink4b can function as modulator of DC development. The expression of p15Ink4b is induced strongly during differentiation and activation of DCs, and its loss resulted in significant quantitative and qualitative impairments of conventional DC (cDC) development. Accordingly, ex vivo–generated BM-derived DCs from p15Ink4b-knockout mice express significantly decreased levels of the antigen-presenting (MHC II) and costimulatory (CD80 and CD86) molecules and have impaired immunostimulatory functions, such as antigen uptake and T-cell stimulation. Reexpression of p15Ink4b in progenitors restored these defects, and confirmed a positive role for p15Ink4b during cDC differentiation and maturation. Furthermore, we have shown herein that p15Ink4b expression increases phosphorylation of Erk1/Erk2 kinases, which leads to an elevated activity of the PU.1 transcription factor. In conclusion, our results establish p15Ink4b as an important modulator of cDC development and implicate a novel function for this tumor suppressor in the regulation of adaptive immune responses.
A Crossed Immunoelectrophoretic Technique for the Detection of the Down's Syndrome Protein

Abstract The sera of seventy-one women and twenty-six men of various ages were examined by a two dimensional (crossed) immunoelectrophoresis technique which was modified to detect a protein (the Down's Syndrome protein) originally found in the sera of mothers of trisomy 21 children. The sensitivity of the method is reported to be 0.1 to 1.0 mg/L. Modifications included use of a Tris-Tricine buffer, high voltage in the second dimension, and relatively low antibody concentration to allow easy detection of the Down's Syndrome (DS) protein. Of twenty-eight mothers and twelve fathers of trisomy 21 children, eighteen mothers and five fathers were positive, while of forty-three women and fourteen men having unaffected or no children, only seven women and two men were positive for the DS protein. Since the presence of the Down's Syndrome protein may indicate a propensity for giving birth to a trisomy 21 affected child, this crossed immunoelectrophoretic technique may be used as a screening procedure for the DS pr...
Cowpea as an Alternative Crop for Sustainable Crop Production in the Delmarva Region of the United States

ABSTRACT Field experiments were conducted to determine the possibility of growing cowpea as an alternative crop in the cropping system of the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia (Delmarva) region of the United States. Cowpea genotypes were grown for two seasons and the parameters evaluated mostly included grain yield, biological yield, flowering and maturity dates. Results showed significant differences in grain and biological yields of various genotypes. Genotypes Colossus, Mississippi Silver and California Blackeye 5 gave significantly higher seed yields. The highest biological yield was provided by genotypes Champion, White Acre and California Blackeye 5 making these genotypes good candidates to be used for green manuring or as cover crops in the region. Genotypes Quickpick Pinkeye and Elite were found to be early maturing and might escape the terminal drought. Soils in the Delmarva region are sandy, prone to drought but support corn and soybean which are the major crops in the region. The results indicate...
Considerations for the Clinical Application of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells: Observations from a Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee Symposium Held June 15, 2010

T cells that are genetically modified to express single-chain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) have shown promise in early cancer immunotherapy clinical trials. Unfortunately, 2 recent deaths in cancer patients treated with CAR T cells have created some uncertainty on how to best mitigate patient risk, while continuing to advance this very promising therapeutic avenue. In order to address these concerns, the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) held a symposium, the objectives of which were to first review the reported treatment-associated toxicities and, second, to discuss methods for improving safety and efficacy. This report highlights the issues raised as part of this discussion, with a specific focus on protocols infusing CAR T cells. Because this was not a consensus conference, the opinions described should not be construed to represent those of any individual RAC member, the RAC as a body, conference participants, the National Institutes of Health, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Building cultural competence: A systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions with ethnic minority youth

Abstract Growing diversity within the US population accentuates the need for the development and implementation of culturally competent services in the field of child welfare. Despite this, few studies exist that examine the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions (CSIs) with ethnic minority populations, who are considerably more at risk of developing psychosocial problems including substance and alcohol abuse, delinquency, low academic achievement, and poor self-esteem. With the demand for evidence-based practice it is imperative that we examine the effectiveness of CSIs designed to prevent and treat youth problems. The main goal of this review was to systematically analyze the methodology of recent CSI research with populations of ethnic minority youth in order to evaluate each intervention's ability to adhere to existing standards of evidence-based practice. The fifteen CSI studies examined in this review illustrate progress in their attempt to adhere to the methodological rigor required of evidence-based practice. This review encourages the field of child welfare to position itself analogously with and embrace the movement toward building cultural competence by further investigating the effectiveness of culturally-sensitive interventions with ethnic minority youth.
How quasi rational are you II? Chern curvature measures local failure of the expected utility maximization axioms

Abstract For data generated by a simple and widely discussed experiment, it is shown that Chern curvature measures precisely the extent to which the axioms of expected utility fail locally. When Chern curvature is zero the individual is an expected utility maximizer.
A proposed measurement of controlled defect induction and annealing in a carbon nanotube

We propose controlled creation and annealing of defects in carbon nanotubes by plasma and current application, respectively. TEM is used to map nanoparticles, which nucleate at defect sites and act as position markers.
Sedimentation Rate of Erythrocytes in Chickens as Influenced by Method and Sex

ABSTRACT RATE of sedimentation of erythrocytes is dependent on two main forces: (1) the force of gravity, causing the cells to settle, and (2) the frictional resistance of the surrounding plasma which holds the cells in suspension. The role played by each of these forces is related to a number of factors, such as cell-size, shape and number, specific gravity of the cells and plasma, and composition of plasma. A decrease in specific gravity of plasma, or in cell numbers, tends to increase sedimentation rate. Sedimentation rates are frequently determined by clinicians, and when all aspects of the case are under review, may be of diagnostic significance. The rate may be increased during infections and in diseases associated with tissue injury. Less is known about sedimentation rate in chickens, because few reports are available, and in most instances, the effects of disease, age and sex have not been ascertained. Mean values . . .
Association of sleep duration and hypertension among US adults varies by age and sex.

BACKGROUND While short sleep duration has been related to hypertension, the impact of age and sex on this association is less well known. We examined the association between hours of sleep and hypertension prevalence among US adults by age and sex. METHODS The study was conducted using data from the 2007-2009 National Health Interview Surveys (NHISs). The association between self-reported hours of sleep and prevalence of hypertension was assessed after stratifying by age and sex. RESULTS Among 71,455 participants, age-standardized hypertension prevalence rates (%) were 32.4, 25.5, 22.2, 23.2, 25.5, and 32.5 among adults reporting sleep of <6, 6, 7, 8, 9, and ≥10 h/day, respectively (P < 0.001). There was a "U"-shaped association of hours of sleep and hypertension prevalence among all age and sex subgroups. Logistic regression models, using 8 h sleep/day as the referent, showed a greater likelihood of hypertension among those who slept <7 or ≥10 h/day after adjusting for sociodemographic, behavior, and health characteristics. Further stratifying by age and sex, while adjusting for all other characteristics, revealed that among adults less than 45 years, short (<6 h for men and <8 h for women) and long (≥10 h for men) sleep were associated with higher likelihood of hypertension. For other age/sex groups, short sleep (<6 h) was associated with higher likelihood of hypertension among middle-aged men and older women, as was long sleep (≥10 h) among middle-aged women. CONCLUSIONS This national sample study suggests that the association between hours of sleep and hypertension varies by age and sex.
Coronary no reflow

Abstract The no-reflow phenomenon has been studied extensively in the basic science laboratory and has entered the clinical arena. No-reflow, which develops largely within the first 2h of reperfusion, is primarily the result of ischemic endothelial cell injury that obstructs the capillary lumen. Additional contributing mechanisms in experimental models include neutrophil accumulation, reactive oxygen species, and the coagulation cascade. Atherosclerotic- and thromboembolism also contribute to no-reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention and clinical myocardial infarction. No-reflow is assessed using tracers, electrocardiography (ST segment resolution), angiography (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction [TIMI] flow grading and myocardial blush grading), Doppler guidewires, myocardial contrast echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. No-reflow is a poor prognosticator for left ventricular remodeling and function, and acute and long-term clinical events and survival. No-reflow benefits from therapies initiated during coronary occlusion or during early reperfusion. Potential therapies include vasodilators, statins, antiplatelet agents, thrombus aspiration, distal protection devices, ischemic preconditioning, remote ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning, pharmacologic preconditioning, and hypothermia. This comprehensive review will cover the underlying mechanisms, methods of assessment, prognostic implications, and potential therapies for the no-reflow phenomenon. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Coronary Blood Flow".
Can we live with religious nationalism

In the early months of the Iranian revolution, some American scholars refused to accept it as genuine. They thought it was only “an unfortunate interruption of the historical process” they believed had been leading Iran inexorably toward a Western‐style liberal political system. Many Westerners still believe that, and are waiting for Iran to return to its senses. Yet, elsewhere in the Muslim world, Iran's revolution is seen quite differently: it is viewed as part of the “march of history” that Muslim nationalists in Algeria recently proclaimed in celebrating their own successful elections. Their view of history culminates in a world filled with religiously‐oriented nations.
Automatic versus interactive program verification

We report on experiences in using two very different program verification technologies. One of them is based on object-oriented assertion languages and it comes with automatic static verification of object-oriented programs. The other technology is independent of a programming language or programming paradigm and it offers static interactive verification of very complex constraints. These two technologies were applied to the problem of static verification of object-oriented transactions. The problem was chosen because database technologies are not equipped to handle general integrity constraints and verification technologies are not used to verify transactions. The implications of static verification on data integrity, effciency, and reliability of transactions are significant.
Tooley's account of the necessary connection between law and regularity

Fred Dretske, Michael Tooley, and David Armstrong accept a theory of governing laws of nature according to which laws are atomic states of affairs that necessitate corresponding natural regularities. Some philosophers object to the Dretske/Tooley/Armstrong theory on the grounds that there is no illuminating account of the necessary connection between governing law and natural regularity. In response, Michael Tooley has provided a reductive account of this necessary connection in his book Causation (1987). In this essay, I discuss an improved version of his account and argue that it fails. First, the account cannot be extended to explain the necessary connection between certain sorts of laws—namely, probabilistic laws and laws relating structural universals—and their corresponding regularities. Second, Tooley’s account succeeds only by (very subtly) incorporating primitive necessity elsewhere, so the problem of avoiding primitive necessity is merely relocated.
Modified Normal-based Approximation to the Percentiles of Linear Combination of Independent Random Variables with Applications

A modified normal-based approximation for calculating the percentiles of a linear combination of independent random variables is proposed. This approximation is applicable in situations where expectations and percentiles of the individual random variables can be readily obtained. The merits of the approximation are evaluated for the chi-square and beta distributions using Monte Carlo simulation. An approximation to the percentiles of the ratio of two independent random variables is also given. Solutions based on the approximations are given for some classical problems such as interval estimation of the normal coefficient of variation, survival probability, the difference between or the ratio of two binomial proportions, and for some other problems. Furthermore, approximation to the percentiles of a doubly noncentral F distribution is also given. For all the problems considered, the approximation provides simple satisfactory solutions. Two examples are given to show applications of the approximation.
Multilayered superconducting tunnel junctions for use as high-energy-resolution x-ray detectors

X-ray detectors based on superconducting tunnel junction technology are desirable due to their potential for higher energy resolution and greater charge carrier production than conventional semiconductor devices. Single junction devices fabricated by thermal or plasma oxidation of elemental, soft metal, superconductors have shown some promise, but tend to suffer from poor opacity, performance degradation upon thermal recycling, and unequal total charge collected for absorption of x rays in different layers due to differing tunneling characteristics of each layer. More complex designs, such as quasi-particle trapping systems and all refractory materials, can help with the unequal charge and thermal cycling problems, respectively. However, new problems in complexity of fabrication and short quasi-particle lifetimes arise. Other potential difficulties include resolution degradation due to trapping of quasi-particles at the photoabsorption site or near defects and tolerance of the devices to faults induced by their environment. The use of multilayers of superconducting tunnel junctions, consisting of tens to hundreds of identical tunnel junctions stacked on top of one another, as a design can address these problems. The multilayer can, in principle, be made as thick as desired in order to increase opacity, while the individual superconducting layers can be made very thin in order that the tunneling time of the quasi-particles be short compared with the quasi-particle lifetime for even refractory superconductors. In addition, the layer thinness helps to alleviate undesirable quasi-particle trapping. The inherent redundancy of junctions in a multilayered device allows for continued operation even after multiple single layer failures. The unique physical and technological possibilities of multilayered devices, such as resonant tunneling and built in preamplification, make them structures worthy of study even without the more pragmatic inducements described above.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Optically modulated conduction in chromophore-functionalized single-wall carbon nanotubes.

We demonstrate an optically active nanotube-hybrid material by functionalizing single-wall nanotubes with an azo-based chromophore. Upon UV illumination, the conjugated chromophore undergoes a cis-trans isomerization leading to a charge redistribution near the nanotube. This charge redistribution changes the local electrostatic environment, shifting the threshold voltage and increasing the conductivity of the nanotube transistor. For a $\ensuremath{\sim}1%--2%$ coverage, we measure a shift in the threshold voltage of up to 1.2 V. Further, the conductance change is reversible and repeatable over long periods of time, indicating that the chromophore-functionalized nanotubes are useful for integrated nanophotodetectors.
Efferent-Mediated Fluctuations in Vestibular Nerve Discharge: A Novel, Positive-Feedback Mechanism of Efferent Control

We compared the background discharge of vestibular nerve afferents in barbiturate-anesthetized and unanesthetized, decerebrate chinchillas. Based on their interspike-interval statistics, units were categorized as regular, intermediate, or irregular. Background discharge rates were higher in irregular units from decerebrates compared to anesthetized preparations; no such difference was observed for regular or intermediate units. Large fluctuations in discharge rate were confined to intermediate and irregular units in decerebrates, but were not seen at all in anesthetized animals. The most prominent examples of fluctuations consisted of oscillations with periods exceeding 500 s and peak-to-peak amplitudes as large as 300 spikes/s. Several observations show that the fluctuations are mediated by the efferent vestibular system (EVS): (1) they are abolished when the vestibular nerve is cut proximal to the recording electrode; (2) their amplitude is correlated with the size of efferent-mediated rotational responses in individual units; and (3) they occur even when vital signs are stable. Previous studies had provided evidence that the EVS involves positive feedback: vestibular nerve afferents and EVS neurons excite one another. To study how oscillations could be produced, we developed a nonlinear model of positive feedback in which afferent feed-forward discharge was nonlinearly related to its inputs from hair cells and the EVS, while these inputs declined (adapted) as discharge was prolonged. Provided that the gain of the efferent feedback loop was sufficiently large, the model showed oscillations similar to those observed experimentally. Although large fluctuations in afferent discharge are unlikely to occur under physiological circumstances, positive feedback may be a normal feature that can amplify the influence of the EVS.
Employee rights and issue-based inquiry: Reflections on papers in the special issue “Law Without Justice”

The articles in this special issue “Law Without Justice” are reviewed. Although (like many other students of employee rights) the authors did not conceptualize rights adequately, they advanced understanding of employee rights by linking the analysis of concrete rights to the larger social context. Further, by directing attention to the processes of social construction which affect the relationship betweende jure andde facto rights, the articles help to fill an important gap in the existing literature. Some implications for research on employee rights (and applied social science more generally) driven by social issues rather than theories are explored.
Fiscal Policy in Selected African Countries: The CFA Franc Zone

Empirical literature states over the last 10 years that fiscal policy in developing countries is pro-cyclical comparing to industrial countries where it is countercyclical or acyclical. Some researchers have questioned this assumption and they criticized that empirical literature ignored endogeneity problems related to developing countries. For instance, the critical issues such as growth, poverty reduction, and social peace are all undermined when public expenditures management and taxation system are weak, and when the fiscal deficit and public debt are not successfully managed. CFA Zone governments have to found out how to mobilize revenues and to wisely spend it on infrastructures, public goods, services, health care programs and education in order to reach their macroeconomic goals and to improve general welfare. CFA franc Zone countries as many Sub-Saharan African economies are regularly characterized by a broad range of political and economical instabilities that prevent them to implement efficient fiscal and monetary policies. To settle this issue this paper investigates fiscal policy of selected African countries named CFA Zone Countries, and how they attempt to respond to the global financial crisis.
Alcohol Dehydration: Mechanism of Ether Formation Using an Alumina Catalyst

Abstract Ether formation during the dehydration of secondary alcohols, namely, 2-butanol, 3-pentanol, and 1-cyclopentylethanol, was investigated. Using the proper reaction conditions, the yield of di-2-butyl ether during the dehydration of 2-butanol on alumina can be as high as 40%. That ether is formed by adding an alcohol to the alkene is ruled out by the results from deuterium tracer studies. Results from experiments using S(+)-2-butanol suggest that the formation of di-2-butyl ether occurs by a SN2-type mechanism.
Nicotine Inhibition of the Metabolism of 3,4-Benzopyrene, a Carcinogen in Tobacco Smoke

A decreased rate of biliary excretion of radioactive metabolites of 3,4-benzopyrene was observed in rats given a single dose of nicotine. Prior treatment of rats with nicotine decreased benzopyrene hydroxylase activity in homogenates of liver, lung, and small intestine. The addition of nicotine to incubated tissues also decreased benzopyrene hydroxylase activity. These findings show that nicotine inhibits the metabolism of 3,4-benzopyrene in vivo and in vitro.
Glaucomatous Cupping of the Optic Disk by Ultrasonography

B-scan ultrasonography was used to evaluate advance glaucomatous cupping of the optic disk (0.7 cup/disk ratio or greater) in one normal subject and six patients with glaucoma. The normal eye emitted a continuous echo from the posterior pole, which conformed to its mild degree of concavity. The glaucomatous eyes emitted echos from the posterior pole, demonstrating the more extreme concavity of the optic cup. Ultrasonographic evaluation of an acrylic plate containing holes of known diameter demonstrated the limits of resolution and artifacts that resulted from this examination.
Phase equilibria and volumetric properties of aqueous CACl2 by an equation of state

A comprehensive equation of state was developed to represent the phase equilibria and volumetric properties of aqueous calcium chloride solutions at temperatures above 523 K. The equation consists of a reference part and a perturbation contribution. The reference function is developed from the statistical mechanical theory for mixtures of dipolar and quadrupolar hard spheres, which agrees well with the Monte carlo simulation results. In this treatment, calcium chloride is described by the completely undissociated model. The empirical perturbation function is a truncated series of virial expansion terms. Thus, mixing rules are guided by those of virial coefficients, which are derived rigorously from statistical mechanics. The equation reproduces experimental saturated vapor pressures and volumetric data within experimental uncertainty for temperatures to 623 K. At higher temperatures, few and less accurate experimental data are available, but values of the saturated vapor pressures of the liquid have been reported and are represented satisfactorily.
Serial discrimination reversal learning: Effects of scopolamine

A repeated acquisition procedure (baseline serial discrimination reversals, SDR) was used to test the effects of scopolamine hydrobromide in 12 male rats. The rats were trained in a tone/light SDR procedure until performance on successive reversals had stabilized. At that point, three drug doses were tested for effects upon learning, as measured by the repeated acquisition procedure. It was noted that, in general, scopolamine did not interfere with learning in this paradigm; instead, scopolamine interfered with the ability of the animals to discriminate between the various stimuli present in this situation. Thus, the conclusion was that the drug does disrupt performance in baseline SDR, but that the nature of the disruption is not related to the association process.