cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of diurnal air temperature range change in the continental United States

Diurnal temperature range (DTR) is an important indicator for climate change. In this paper, diurnal air temperature range variations of the continental United States over the past one hundred years were investigated to discover the temporal trend and spatial patterns. While the annual mean DTR of the United States has steadily decreased during the past decades, it is found that the decreased amplitude has spatial and seasonal patterns. Seasonal and spatial variations of DTR were analyzed for the four regions, northeastern, northwestern, southeastern, and southwestern. Fall and summer witnessed a significant decrease in DTR in all regions. Spring and winter, on the other hand, have experienced much smaller decreases. Temporal trend and spatial patterns of daily maximum and minimum temperatures were also investigated to gain insight of DTR change.
Cognitive, neuroimaging, and pathological studies in a patient with Pick's disease

We conducted cognitive, imaging, and neuropathological studies on a patient with Pick's disease. The patient was impaired at interpreting sentences with complex grammatical constructions, differing significantly from control subjects and patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evaluation of regional brain functioning at rest, with positron emission tomography, revealed reduced left frontal activity compared with control subjects and AD patients. Autopsy demonstrated the classic pathology of Pick's disease, including massive neuron loss and gliosis in the frontal and cingulate cortex as well as numerous tau-positive hippocampal Pick bodies. The abnormal tau proteins were phosphorylated at the same amino acid residues as AD paired helical filament tau (PHFtau), but they exhibited a unique migration profile on western blot. Our observations support the hypothesis that a distinct variety of hyperphosphorylated tau in Pick's disease compromises the long-term viability of selectively vulnerable populations of neurons in frontal cortices that contribute to sentence processing.
The long term effect of α-amanitin on RNA synthesis in adult female Aedes aegypti

The effect of the eukaryotic RNA polymerase inhibitor α-amanitin on RNA synthesis in adult female Aedes aegypti was studied. Administration of the toxin 24 hr, prior to a 2 hr pulse of radioactive precursors inhibited incorporation of the label into total RNA by approximately 40%. Nuclear RNA and microsomal RNA showed 25% and 15% less radioactivity, respectively, than the saline injected controls. Total soluble 4S RNA was unaffected by α-amanitin but heterodisperse RNA incorporated 50% less label than controls. Using both nitrocellulose membrane filters and poly(U)-sepharose chromatography it was found that the synthesis of poly(A)-containing microsomal RNA was severely inhibited by the toxin. It was concluded that the major long term effect of α-amanitin in these adults is to inhibit messenger RNA synthesis and to have little if any effect on ribosomal or 4S RNA.
Events and EVENTUS: Understanding and Facilitating Event Studies

Event studies and the techniques they employ are a standard form of business analysis. The authors examine a widely used event study software program EVENTUS to demonstrate the mechanics of data description and to analyze the program's output. In addition, the authors describe a useful source of information for capturing news of specific business events.
Monitoring plasma voriconazole levels following intravenous administration in critically ill patients: an observational study

Abstract Data relating to the pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in critically ill patients are lacking. A prospective observational study was conducted on 18 non-consecutive critically ill patients aged 24–97 years, comprising 12 patients with normal renal function (NRF) [creatinine clearance (CL Cr ) ≥60 mL/min] and 6 patients with moderate renal impairment (MRI) (CL Cr 40–55 mL/min), administered voriconazole intravenously (6 mg/kg loading dose and 3–4 mg/kg twice daily thereafter) in order to determine the suitability of these doses in this patient population. Steady-state blood levels were monitored and liver and renal function were recorded throughout treatment. Large variability in patient plasma levels was observed, ranging from 37% at ≤1 mg/L (minimum inhibitory concentration at which, for most fungal pathogens, 90% of isolates are susceptible) to 19% at >5.5 mg/L. Moreover, maintaining trough concentrations above clinical breakpoints was not consistently achieved because 16/30 (53%) were ≤1 mg/L. In a few MRI patients, average concentrations were found to be significantly different compared with those of NRF patients administered the same dose, however this difference was not noted in pharmacokinetic parameters following dose normalisation. None of the patients experienced deterioration in renal or liver function. Recommended voriconazole doses are inadequate to achieve drug concentrations >1 μg/mL over the entire dosing interval in some critically ill patients.
Association of waxy gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with starch characteristics in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The waxy gene, which encodes the granule bound starch synthase enzyme, is one of the key genes influencing starch synthesis in the rice endosperm. To investigate functional differences between GBSS alleles, we cloned and sequenced GBSS cDNA from a series of cultivars that differed substantially in apparent amylose content and starch viscosity characteristics. We found two single nucleotide polymorphisms in exons 6 and 10 that resulted in amino acid substitutions. These substitutions are associated with differences in apparent amylose content and viscosity characteristics. Subsequent sequencing of these regions from additional cultivars confirmed their association with particular rice quality characteristics. These point mutations could prove useful as molecular markers in the production of cultivars with superior eating, cooking and processing quality, and contribute to our understanding of the various structural and functional differences among granule bound starch synthase alleles.
The Global Diffusion of Public Policy: Power Structures and Democratic Accountability

AbstractThe global diffusion of public policies is never just the conduct of rational agents looking for the best solutions that ‘work’, but is always embedded in political and institutional interests. Dominant models of policy diffusion tend to ignore the role of oligarchic wealth in policy diffusion. Oligarchic diffusion's defining feature is lack of democratic accountability. Mayor Michael Bloomberg's appropriation of the Mexican conditional cash transfer model for ending poverty undermined the political accountability of urban policy-making in New York City. Some of the prevailing diffusion models elide the historically specific political and institutional interests driving the diffusion of the neoliberal policy solutions now in global circulation. Oligarchic diffusion is a dominant mechanism implicit in the other typologies. Fortunately, elite-driven policy diffusion models are not the only game in town. More democratic modes of global policy diffusion exist and show promise of better things to come.
Applications of scanning acoustic microscopy in analyzing wear and single-point abrasion damage

Abstract Wear science has historically relied heavily on observations of surface features to elucidate the fundamental nature of wear processes. A host of surface imaging techniques are currently available, each with its own set of strengths and limitations. This paper considers the application of scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) for analysis of wear damage processes. Reflection-mode SAM images are produced by the interaction of focused, high-frequency (100 MHz-2 GHz) sound waves with solid surfaces, and contrast is produced by localized variations in near-surface elastic properties. A powerful advantage of SAM is its ability to probe subsurface regions where fractures and delaminations may be concealed from the view of traditional light-optical and electron-optical instruments. The current paper will describe the principles of SAM and illustrate several of its uses in wear surface analysis; specifically, as regards the imaging of elastic strain fields near single-point abrasion damage in silicon carbide, in elucidating the geometry of slip line fields produced during friction tests of an oriented single crystal of stainless steel, and in studying the highly deformed layers of a taper-sectioned intermetallic alloy of Ni 3 Al. SAM images are compared with photomicrographs of the same worn areas to illustrate the strengths and limitations inherent in the technique.
Investigation of 54- to 99-MeV /sup 6/Li-induced reactions on rare earth targets

Cross section measurements for the reactions $^{150}\mathrm{Sm}$ and $^{142,146,150}\mathrm{Nd}(^{6}\mathrm{Li},xn+yp)$ have been performed in the 50-100-MeV energy range. The experimental excitation functions have been compared to the predictions of the geometry dependent hybrid model. Reasonable agreement between theory and experiment is achieved for the ($\mathrm{xn}$) exit channels while significant differences exist for charged particle exit channels. These differences can be attributed to a contribution from breakup of the $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$ projectile with reactions being induced by the breakup fragments.
Automatic Analysis and Detection of EEG Spikes

A method for detecting spikes in the EEG is described. A digital computer is used to perform a detailed analysis of abnormal spikes to obtain quantitative values for spike characteristics and to determine the parameter values to be used in a special-purpose spike detector. This detector is described together with application results.
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade can enhance HIV-1 Gag-specific T cell immunity elicited by dendritic cell-directed lentiviral vaccines.

Exhaustion of CD8+ T cells and upregulation of programmed death 1 (PD-1), a negative regulator of T cell activation, are characteristic features of individuals chronically infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1. In a previous study, we showed in mice that a dendritic cell-directed lentiviral vector (DCLV) system encoding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 Gag protein was an efficient vaccine modality to induce a durable Gag-specific T cell immune response. In this study, we demonstrate that blocking of the PD-1/PD-1 ligand (PD-L) inhibitory signal via an anti-PD-L1 antibody generated an enhanced HIV-1 Gag-specific CD8+ immune response following both a single round of DCLV immunization and a homologous prime/boost regimen. The prime/boost regimen combined with PD-L1 blockade generated very high levels of Gag-specific CD8+ T cells comprising several valuable features: improved ability to produce multiple cytokines, responding to a broader range of Gag-derived epitopes, and long-lasting memory. This enhanced cellular immune response generated by DCLV immunization combined with anti-PD-L1 blockade correlated with improved viral control following challenge with Gag-expressing vaccinia virus. Taken together, our studies offer evidence to support the use of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade as an adjuvant modality to enhance antigen-specific immune responses elicited by T cell-based immunizations such as DCLV.
Radiative corrections to longitudinal-vector-boson scattering.

We calculate the one-loop radiative corrections of enhanced electroweak strength, {ital O}({ital g}{sup 2}m{sub H}{sup 2}/M{sub W}{sup 2}), to all 2{r arrow}2 longitudinal-vector-boson scattering amplitudes in the limit {ital s},{ital m}{sub {ital H}}{sup 2}{much gt}M{sub W}{sup 2}. We find that these corrections are positive and, for {ital m}{sub {ital H}}{approx}1 TeV, significantly increase the cross section for vector-boson pairs with large invariant mass.
On the normality of the rings of Schubert varieties

We prove that the cone over a Schubert variety inG/P (P being a maximal parabolic subgroup of classical type) is normal by exhibiting a 2-regular sequence inR(w) (the homogeneous coordinate ring of the Schubert varietyX(w) inG/P under the canonical protective embeddingG/P ⊂→ (p (H° G/P,L)),L being the ample generator of (PicG/P), which vanishes on the singular locus ofX(w). We also prove the surjectivity ofH° (G/Q, L) H° (X(w), L), whereQ is a classical parabolic subgroup (not necessarily maximal) ofG andL is an ample line bundle onG/Q.
EVOLUTIONARY SEMIGROUPS AND DICHOTOMY OF LINEAR SKEW-PRODUCT FLOWS ON LOCALLY COMPACT SPACES WITH BANACH FIBERS

Abstract We study evolutionary semigroups generated by a strongly continuous semi-cocycle over a locally compact metric space acting on Banach fibers. This setting simultaneously covers evolutionary semigroups arising from non-autonomous abstract Cauchy problems and C 0 -semigroups, and linear skew-product flows. The spectral mapping theorem for these semigroups is proved. The hyperbolicity of the semigroup is related to the exponential dichotomy of the corresponding linear skew-product flow. To this end a Banach algebra of weighted composition operators is studied. The results are applied in the study of: “roughness” of the dichotomy, dichotomy and solutions of nonhomogeneous equations, Green's function for a linear skew-product flow, “pointwise” dichotomy versus “global” dichotomy, and evolutionary semigroups along trajectories of the flow.
The initiation of limb bud outgrowth in the embryonic chick.

Abstract Changes in the rate of cell division that occur during the initiation of outgrowth of the embryonic chick wing have been investigated by determination of changes in the labeling index in the wing region and the flank region. It has been found that the labeling index changes very little in the wing region between stage 16 and stage 20, but decreases rapidly in the flank region during the same period. The decrease in labeling index in the flank region results from a change in the proliferative index in that region from 100% at stage 16 to 75% at stage 19. This change in the proliferative index in the flank cannot be easily correlated with differentiative changes in the flank, but correlates very well with morphological changes.
The association of stigma with self-management and perceptions of health care among adults with epilepsy.

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of stigma among adults with epilepsy including its association with epilepsy self-management and perceptions of health care. Methods. Participants for the study were recruited from two epilepsy centers and a neurology clinic. Individuals agreeing to participate in the study were asked to complete three assessments each 3 months apart. Data were collected from 320 adult men and women with epilepsy; 314 provided responses on stigma and were included in this analysis. Results. Participants ranged in age from 19 to 75 years (mean=43). Fifty percent of the sample was female, and 80% was white. The mean age of seizure onset was 22 years, and 76% of participants reported having had a seizure within the past year. Analysis suggests levels of perceived stigma are similar for men and women and across ethnic and age groups. However, participants who were not married or living with a partner, were not working for pay, and had limited income reported higher levels of stigma than did married participants, those working for pay, and those in higher income brackets. Participants reporting higher levels of stigma included those who had their first seizure before the age of 50 and a seizure in the last year. Participants whose seizures interfered more with activities, who rated their seizures as under less control, and who were not legally able to drive also reported higher levels of stigma. Tests of association between stigma and health-related variables revealed that participants reporting higher levels of perceived stigma also reported lower levels of self-efficacy to manage epilepsy; more negative outcome expectancies related to treatment and seizures; and lower levels of medication management, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction. However, they also reported greater management of information related to seizures. In regression analysis, income, age at first seizure, seizures during the past year, lower self-efficacy, negative outcome expectancies for seizures, and less patient satisfaction explained 54% of the variance in perceived stigma. Conclusions. The results of the study suggest that perceived stigma is significant for people with epilepsy and is associated with factors that are known to be important in the management of epilepsy. Understanding who is at greatest risk for feeling stigmatized could lead to the development of preventive measures.
Activity of prostaglandin biosynthetic pathways in rat pancreatic islets

Isolated pancreatic islets of the rat were either prelabeled with [3H]arachidonic acid, or were incubated over the short term with the concomitant addition of radiolabeled arachidonic acid and a stimulatory concentration of glucose (17mM) for prostaglandin (PG) analysis. In prelabeled islets, radiolabel in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE2, and 15-keto-13,14-dihydro-PGF2 alpha increased in response to a 5 min glucose (17mM) challenge. In islets not prelabeled with arachidonic acid, label incorporation in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha increased, whereas label in PGE2 decreased during a 5 min glucose stimulation; after 30-45 min of glucose stimulation labeled PGE levels increased compared to control (2.8mM glucose) levels. Enhanced labelling of PGF2 alpha was not detected in glucose-stimulated islets prelabeled or not. Isotope dilution with endogenous arachidonic acid probably occurs early in the stimulus response in islets not prelabeled. D-Galactose (17mM) or 2-deoxyglucose (17mM) did not alter PG production. Indomethacin inhibited islet PG turnover and potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin release. Islets also converted the endoperoxide [3H]PGH2 to 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGF2 alpha, PGE2 and PGD2, in a time-dependent manner and in proportions similar to arachidonic acid-derived PGs. In dispersed islet cells, the calcium ionophore ionomycin, but not glucose, enhanced the production of labeled PGs from arachidonic acid. Insulin release paralleled PG production in dispersed cells, however, indomethacin did not inhibit ionomycin-stimulated insulin release, suggesting that PG synthesis was not required for secretion. In confirmation of islet PGI2 turnover indicated by 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production, islet cell PGI2-like products inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP. These results suggest that biosynthesis of specific PGs early in the glucose secretion response may play a modulatory role in islet hormone secretion, and that different pools of cellular arachidonic acid may contribute to PG biosynthesis in the microenvironment of the islet.
Histological analysis of limb regeneration in postmetamorphic adult Ambystoma

Previous investigation into the regenerative ability of postmetamorphic adult land phase Ambystoma has revealed that (1) these species have the capacity to completely regenerate a limb, given optimal environmental conditions, and (2) the gross morphological characteristics of limb regeneration in these species compared favorably with the external regeneration morphology of aquatic phase forms. The present study concerns a histological and histochemical examination of the regenerating limb tissues and their respective extracellular and intracellular tissue matrices. Postmetamorphic adult Ambystoma were amputated through the forearm, placed within optimal environmental conditions, and allowed to regenerate. The tissues were harvested at designated intervals after amputation and prepared for light microscopic examination. The limb tissues were assayed histologically for similarities to and differences from previously established regeneration morphologies. It was noted that specific correlations (i.e., apical epidermal cap formation, bud outgrowth and elongation, palette formation, and digit formation) existed between regeneration histologies in these species and those previously reported for the aquatic urodeles, newt, axolotl, and larval salamander. By utilizing the histological and histochemical characteristics of the tissue, the regenerate limb was divided into five tissue units: epidermal, blastemal, soft, hard, and neuro/vascular. Based on the unique morphology of their extracellular matrices and respective histochemical staining patterns, four distinct blastemal regions were delineated within the blastemal units: subregenerate epidermal blastema, soft-tissue blastema, hard-tissue blastema, and core blastema. Histochemically, changing patterns of highly sulfated, weakly sulfated, and carboxylated polysaccharides and glycosylated compounds were located within both the extra- and intracelluler stump and regenerate tissue matrices during regeneration. In addition, these patterns of intra- and extracellular macromolecular material correlated to previous reports of similar-type compounds assayed during regeneration in aquatic urodeles. With this in mind, the adult land phase Ambystoma can be considered an appropriate model system for studies concerning normal limb regeneration.
Effects of Low Light on Agronomic and Physiological Characteristics of Rice Including Grain Yield and Quality

Light intensity is one of the most important environmental factors that determine the basic characteristics of rice development. However, continuously cloudy weather or rainfall, especially during the grain-filling stage, induces a significant loss in yield and results in poor grain quality. Stress caused by low light often creates severe meteorological disasters in some rice-growing regions worldwide. This review was based on our previous research and related research regarding the effects of low light on rice growth, yield and quality as well as the formation of grain, and mainly reviewed the physiological metabolism of rice plants, including characteristics of photosynthesis, activities of antioxidant enzymes in rice leaves and key enzymes involved in starch synthesis in grains, as well as the translocations of carbohydrate and nitrogen. These characteristics include various grain yield and rice quality components (milling and appearance as well as cooking, eating and nutritional qualities) under different rates of shading imposed at the vegetative or reproductive stages of rice plants. Furthermore, we discussed why grain yield and quality are reduced under the low light environment. Next, we summarized the need for future research that emphasizes methods can effectively improve rice grain yield and quality under low light stress. These research findings can provide a beneficial reference for rice cultivation management and breeding program in low light environments.
An infrared spectroscopic based method for mercury(II) detection in aqueous solutions

A new method that uses solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with FTIR spectroscopy to detect Hg(II) in aqueous samples is described. The technique is envisioned for on-site, field evaluation rather than lab-based techniques. This paper presents the "proof of principle" of this new approach toward measurements of Hg(II) in water and identifies mass transport issues that would need to be overcome in order to migrate from a lab based method to field operation. The SPE material supported on a Si wafer is derivatized with an acylthiosemicarbazide, which undergoes a reaction in the presence of aqueous Hg(II) to form an oxadiazole ring. The progress of the reaction is monitored by IR spectroscopy. Following EPA guidelines, the method of detection limit (MDL) for the SPE/IR was 5 μg of Hg(II)cm(-2). In a 1L sample and a 1cm(2) Si wafer, this translates to a detection limit of 5 ppb. This system shows a high selectivity toward aqueous Hg(II) over other thiophilic heavy metal ions such as Pb(II), Cd(II), Fe(III), and Zn(II) and other metal ions such as Ni(II), Mn(II), Co(II), Cu(II), In(III), Ru(III), Na(I), and Ag(I) in aqueous solutions.
Cognitive Responses to Partitioned Pricing of Consumption Taxes: Consequences for State and Local Tax Revenues

ABSTRACT: How do taxpayers respond cognitively to add-on sales taxes versus all-inclusive excise taxes? If structural variations produce cognitive differences, then do the differences affect buying behavior? These are important questions because consumer spending drives the U.S. economy and directly determines the amount of tax revenues collected from consumption taxes. If the negative opinion that people have about taxes (Tax Foundation 2009) increases the saliency of the tax, then an add-on sales tax might decrease consumer spending more than an all-inclusive excise tax pricing structure. Instead, results suggest that demand is higher when the add-on component is a sales tax as compared to an excise tax that is embedded into the total price. The effects on demand are even more pronounced and people recall lower prices when the add-on sales tax is presented as a percentage of the base price—as is generally the case in the U.S.—rather than as an additional currency component. Data Availability: Contact th...
Deficiency of NRH:Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 Increases Susceptibility to 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis

NRH:Quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reductive metabolism of quinones. C57BL/6 NQO2-/- mice lacking NQO2 gene expression were generated in our laboratory. The dorsal skin of NQO2-deficient mice was exposed to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) or benzo(a)pyrene alone (complete carcinogen) or with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) (initiation/promotion model) to determine the in vivo role of NQO2 in chemical carcinogenesis. The NQO2-/- mice showed significantly increased tumor frequency with DMBA + TPA when compared with their wild-type littermates. The benzo(a)pyrene + TPA also showed increase in tumor incidence in NQO2-/- mice but to a less extent than DMBA. DMBA alone resulted in low frequency of tumor development with no difference in susceptibility between wild-type and NQO2-/- mice. Benzo(a)pyrene alone failed to induce tumors in either wild-type or NQO2-/- mice. Histologic analysis of the NQO2-/- mice tumors demonstrated proliferative activity. The treatment of NQO2-/- mice skin with benzo(a)pyrene failed to significantly increase tumor suppressor protein p53 and p53-regulated growth-related protein p21 and proapoptotic protein Bax as observed in case of wild-type mice. These results demonstrate that NQO2 protects against DMBA- and benzo(a)pyrene-induced skin carcinogenesis and suggest that NQO2 protection might be against tumor promotion. The results also suggest that lack of induction of p53, p21, and Bax proteins might contribute to increased sensitivity of NQO2-/- mice skin to benzo(a)pyrene carcinogenicity.
Geoarchaeota: a new candidate phylum in the Archaea from high-temperature acidic iron mats in Yellowstone National Park

Geothermal systems in Yellowstone National Park (YNP) provide an outstanding opportunity to understand the origin and evolution of metabolic processes necessary for life in extreme environments including low pH, high temperature, low oxygen and elevated concentrations of reduced iron. Previous phylogenetic studies of acidic ferric iron mats from YNP have revealed considerable diversity of uncultivated and undescribed archaea. The goal of this study was to obtain replicate de novo genome assemblies for a dominant archaeal population inhabiting acidic iron-oxide mats in YNP. Detailed analysis of conserved ribosomal and informational processing genes indicates that the replicate assemblies represent a new candidate phylum within the domain Archaea referred to here as 'Geoarchaeota' or 'novel archaeal group 1 (NAG1)'. The NAG1 organisms contain pathways necessary for the catabolism of peptides and complex carbohydrates as well as a bacterial-like Form I carbon monoxide dehydrogenase complex likely used for energy conservation. Moreover, this novel population contains genes involved in the metabolism of oxygen including a Type A heme copper oxidase, a bd-type terminal oxidase and a putative oxygen-sensing protoglobin. NAG1 has a variety of unique bacterial-like cofactor biosynthesis and transport genes and a Type3-like CRISPR system. Discovery of NAG1 is critical to our understanding of microbial community structure and function in extant thermophilic iron-oxide mats of YNP, and will provide insight regarding the evolution of Archaea in early Earth environments that may have important analogs active in YNP today.
DESIGN REVIEW AND PUBLIC PREFERENCES: EFFECTS OF GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, PUBLIC CONSENSUS, SENSATION SEEKING, AND ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

Abstract To improve community appearance, most cities in the United States have implemented design review, but empirical studies of design review are rare. Key issues are the effects on preferences of: (1) design reviewper se; (2) common design review principles such as visual bulk; (3) common demographic factors such as geographical location, age, gender, ethnic or political affiliations; and (4) the personality factor of sensation seeking. The present article describes a preference experiment on 35 houses as judged by 82 respondents in two different cities. Results indicate that design review, bulk, demographic and personality factors account for much less preference than did the architectural components of style or individual buildings.
A vector moving hysteresis model with accommodation

Abstract A vector hysteresis model based on the moving Preisach model, that exhibits accommodation, is discussed. It is a vector generalization of the scalar Preisach accommodation model, and is applicable to a wide variety of recording media. Its rotational remanence properties are in agreement with experimentally observed vector accommodation phenomena.
Simulations of rebound of an elastic ellipsoid colliding with a plane

Abstract Single ellipsoidal particles have been simulated during collision with a semi-infinite plane wall, using a ‘soft-sphere’ technique modified for a non-sphere. These simulations have several complications compared to those for spheres, including greater interaction between normal, tangential and rotational velocities. The normal force is calculated assuming perfectly elastic behaviour; the Hertz formulation specifies the variation of normal stiffness with curvature of the body. It is shown that variations in normal stiffness will cause a torque during rolling. Equations are presented in detail for the calculation of the contact point's location and curvature, and for the time-stepping scheme used in the simulations. It is assumed that motion is in a plane of symmetry of the ellipsoid, with zero initial rotational velocity. The convergence of this scheme is tested, and characteristics of the collision are expressed in terms of dimensionless groups. The resulting rebound behaviour is also quite complicated: multiple collisions are common; the coefficient of restitution varies considerably with initial orientation and can be greater than unity; particles can acquire back-spin or top-spin, and may rebound backwards. Mean values and standard deviations are reported for the rebound velocities from a full sample of initial orientations. The standard deviations are relatively insensitive to aspect ratios in the range 2 to 8. These results may be of use in ‘hard-sphere’ simulations of non-spherical particles colliding with walls.
Acute headache in children and adolescents presenting to the emergency department.

Objectives.–Our goals were (1) to investigate the causes of acute headache in childhood from the emergency department perspective and (2) to search for clinical clues that might distinguish headache associated with serious underlying disease. Background.–The clinical presentation of headache in children and adolescents can be separated into 5 temporal patterns: acute, acute-recurrent, chronic progressive, chronic nonprogressive, and mixed. Few data exist regarding acute headache in children. Methods.–Consecutive children who presented to our emergency department with the abrupt onset of severe headache were prospectively evaluated. The headache character, location, severity, and associated symptoms, as well as underlying causes, were recorded using a standardized survey. Results.–One hundred fifty children, aged from 2 to 18 years, 87 boys and 63 girls, were enrolled over a 10-month period. Upper respiratory tract infection with fever (viral upper respiratory tract infection 39%, sinusitis 9%, streptococcal pharyngitis 9%) was the most frequently identified cause of acute headache (57%). Other causes included migraine (18%), viral meningitis (9%), posterior fossa tumors (2.6%), ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction (2%), epileptic seizure (postictal headache) (1.3%), concussion (postconcussive headache) (1.3%), intracranial hemorrhage (1.3%), and undetermined (7%). Two clinical features were found to have statistically significant associations with serious underlying disease: occipital location of headache and an inability of the patient to describe the quality of the head pain. All children with surgically remediable conditions had clear and objective neurological signs. Conclusions.–In children and adolescents, the abrupt onset of severe headache is most frequently caused by upper respiratory tract infection with fever, sinusitis, or migraine. Special attention is warranted if the acute headache is occipital in location and if the affected patient is unable to describe the quality of the pain. Serious underlying processes such as brain tumor or intracranial hemorrhage are uncommon and, when present, are accompanied by multiple neurological signs (ataxia, hemiparesis, papilledema).
FROM MAHARAJ TO MAHAN TANTRIC: The construction of Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini Yoga

This article details the influences upon and the construction of Kundalini Yoga as introduced, taught, and propagated in the West by Yogi Bhajan (1929–2004), by delving into the lost history of the practice's earliest years through previously neglected sources such as its documentation in rare early texts and interviews with early students and associates. As opposed to the official history of Kundalini Yoga that claims it as an ancient and secret tradition prior to Yogi Bhajan's open teaching of it, this article argues that it was a bricolage created by Yogi Bhajan himself and derived from two main figures: a hatha yoga teacher named Swami Dhirendra Brahmachari (1924–1994) and the Sikh sant Maharaj Virsa Singh (1934–2007). It is the aim of this article to provide clear evidence as to what Yogi Bhajan's Kundalini Yoga is and what it comprises, put forward the historical and cultural contexts in which it was developed and presented by Yogi Bhajan, and ultimately offer possible conclusions that could be draw...
Portfolios and Professional Development in the Health Professions

Increasing concern in professional education has focused on the gap between thought and action, theory and practice, the academy and the everyday world. Reflection, a process of reviewing, reenacti...
Dead Autonomy, A Thousand Cuts or Partial Independence? The Autonomous Status of Hong Kong

Abstract Given China's record of suppressing freedoms and brutalising nationalistically-distinct territories in its midst, the alarm of Hong Kong's 1997 status change from British to Chinese association was especially shrill. After more than a decade of Chinese association, some scholars remain pessimistic. Some have suggested that as if “by a thousand cuts” Hong Kong's autonomous powers will slowly succumb to full Chinese political assimilation. Others have suggested that Hong Kong's autonomy is already dead and remains vulnerable to the unilateral fiat of Chinese authorities. By contrast to these views, this paper will argue that Hong Kong is a polity whose constitutional order is defended by political entrenchment. It is a partially independent political entity which exercises constitutional powers that are robustly defended by the political-economic influence (rather than constitutional influence) which it exerts upon China's central government. As this paper will show, the fortunes of China's leaders...
Ultrastructure of lower Paleozoic dyads from southern Ohio

The uppermost Ordovician Drakes and the lowermost Silurian Centerville Formation in southern Ohio contain a diverse and well preserved microflora including naked and enclosed monads, dyads and tetrads. The least common but, thus far, most interesting elements from an ultrastructural perspective, are the dyads. Pseudodyadospora sp. has a homogeneous spore wall. Two thin, but completely separate crosswalls separate the dyad members. All “pseudodyads” examined to date with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) possess thin crosswalls. The spore wall of the enclosed dyad Segestrespora membranifera is homogeneous to somewhat spongy throughout most of its thickness, but with some irregular globular units and lamellae in its outermost extent. Its envelope stains more darkly than the spore wall and is continuous over the outer surfaces of both spores of the dyad, but not between them. These dyads bear a striking ultrastructural resemblance to enclosed tetrades from this same locality. Both may have been produced by the same or closely related plants. Dyadospora murusdensa is a large naked dyad with a two-layered spore wall. The outer layer is homogeneous, while the inner consists exclusively of a series of parallel lamellae. These are the oldest lamellae reported to date; apparently they can survive in the fossil record up to 430 Myr. Fossil spores with similar ultrastructure to D. murusdensa include: the spores of Naiadita lanceolata from the Triassic of England (thought to be an extinct member of the Sphaerocarpales), the spores of Parka decipiens and the spores of Protosalvinia. In all cases, similarities include a two-parted spore wall with a homogeneous layer and a lamellated layer. Among modern plants, this spore wall organization is known only from the hepatic order Sphaerocarpales. The discovery of these Ordovician lamellations places an early limit on the first appearance of a mechanism of sporopollenin deposition common to all modern land plants.
P02-243 - Neurocognition and temperament in borderline and schizotypal personality disorder

Objective Explore the neurocognitive and temperament profile of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) to better understand their underlying neurobiology for improved treatment. Methods 17 BPD, 16 SPD, and 15 healthy controls (HCs) were given a comprehensive neuropsychological battery (CANTAB), the Iowa Gambling Task, a time perception task, and questionnaires of impulsivity, temperament, emotion, and frontal behavior (measures orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) dysfunction). Results BPD and SPD patients performed significantly worse on the delayed match to sample (DMS) task compared to HCs, but had preserved function on decision-making, planning, time perception and attention tasks. SPD patients performed significantly worse on spatial working memory (SWM) tasks, and had higher religious commitment scores than HC and BPD groups, which correlated with their SWM deficits. BPD patients had significantly more frontal behaviors and emotions than both groups, which correlated with their emotionality, impulsivity, BPD symptoms, and temperament traits. Conclusions Both BPD and SPD groups had a deficit on the DMS task, sensitive to medial temporal lobe (MTL) dysfunction, but only SPD patients had SWM deficits, indicative of dorsolateral frontal cortex (DLFC) dysfunction, which correlated with their high religious commitment in line with their odd beliefs and magical thinking. Only BPD patients had frontal behavior deficits, related to OFC dysfunction, which positively correlated with their emotionality, impulsivity, and temperament traits. While both disorders may have a deficit in MTL function, DLFC dysfunction may contribute to SPD symptoms, and OFC dysfunction to BPD symptoms, suggesting treatment should target unique prefrontal cortex regions respectively.
The clutching of two colliding nuclei

Abstract The macroscopic model of nuclear coalescence and reseparation is extended to noncentral collisions. The relevant degrees of freedom are the following ones: asymmetry, fragment separation, neck size, and the total amount of sliding that has taken place until the two nuclei clutched. It is shown that, within certain limits, centrifugal force to a good approximation can be traded for electric repulsion via an “angular momentum fraction”. The value of the angular momentum fraction predicted by the theory is consistent with the one used to obtain the best fit to data.
The Capital Asset Pricing Model in Project Selection: A Case Study

In this case study four actual energy efficiency projects are analyzed with two traditional engineering economy capital budgeting methods - internal rate of return and payback period - and the results compared with those obtained using the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). The alternative scenarios of the future states-of-the-world necessary for the latter are based on information available in Department of Energy reports. The traditional and CAPM approaches result in different economic conclusions for some of the projects. These differences are analyzed and the implications for certain types of improvement projects and equipment replacement problems as well as financial decision-making in general are discussed.
The impact of feedback on dietary intake and body composition of college women volleyball players over a competitive season.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of nutritional feedback on dietary intake and body composition of college women volleyball players. Eight members of an National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) division II women's volleyball team participated as subjects. Three-day diet records and body composition (via air displacement plethysmography) were analyzed at the beginning of the season (Beginning), peak training during the season (Peak), and 1 week postseason (After). During the first season (Baseline), the athletes were given no information concerning their dietary intakes. In the following year (Feedback), athletes were given information with regard to dietary intakes of themselves and the team as a whole. Percent body fat was not significantly different between Baseline and Feedback trials. During Beginning and Peak, the mean energy intakes ranged from 35.3 to 40.8 kcal·kg-1·bw-1. Protein intake was significantly greater in Feedback-Beginning (1.5 ± 0.9 g·kg-1·bw-1) compared to Baseline-Beginning (1.1 ± 0.1 g·kg-1·bw-1). No significant differences were seen in Baseline vs. Feedback for either carbohydrate or fat intakes. The only vitamin with significantly different consumption was vitamin C, with intakes of Feedback-Beginning (303.8 ± 99.8% Dietary Reference Intakes [DRI]) vs. Baseline-Beginning (115.3 ± 32.3% DRI). A significantly greater amount of calcium was consumed at Feedback-Beginning (152.0 ± 25.2% DRI) compared to Baseline-Beginning (102.2 ± 21.2% DRI). In conclusion, dietary feedback resulted in increased intake of protein, vitamin C, and calcium at the beginning of the season only for female collegiate volleyball players. Other than an increase in fiber, dietary intake at the peak of the season and postseason was not influenced by feedback. Body composition was unaffected by feedback at Beginning, Peak, and After.
Factors influencing the chemical lithium extraction rate from layered LiNi1−y−zCoyMnzO2 cathodes

The rate of chemical lithium extraction from the layered LiNi1−y−zCoyMnzO2 has been investigated with the oxidizer NO2BF4 in acetonitrile medium. While all the lithium could be extracted in 30 min from the cobalt-rich LiNi1−yCoyO2 (0.5⩽y⩽1), it takes a longer time (6–48 h) to extract all the lithium from the nickel-rich LiNi1−yCoyO2 (0⩽y<0.5) and LiNi1−yMnyO2 (y=0.25 and 0.5). In the case of LiNi0.5−0.5yMn0.5−0.5yCoyO2 samples, the time required to extract all the lithium decreases with increasing Co content. The slow lithium extraction rate in the nickel-rich LiNi1−yCoyO2, LiNi1−zMnzO2, and cobalt-poor LiNi0.5−0.5yMn0.5−0.5yCoyO2 systems is attributed to a considerable cation disorder as indicated by the Rietveld analysis of the X-ray diffraction data. In the LiNi1−yMnyO2 and cobalt-poor LiNi0.5−0.5yMn0.5−0.5yCoyO2 systems, a larger inter-slab space for lithium in the structure is found to help the lithium extraction.
Post-translational modifications in circadian rhythms

The pace has quickened in circadian biology research. In particular, an abundance of results focused on post-translational modifications (PTMs) is sharpening our view of circadian molecular clockworks. PTMs affect nearly all aspects of clock biology; in some cases they are essential for clock function and in others, they provide layers of regulatory fine-tuning. Our goal is to review recent advances in clock PTMs, help make sense of emerging themes, and spotlight intriguing (and perhaps controversial) new findings. We focus on PTMs affecting the core functions of eukaryotic clocks, in particular the functionally related oscillators in Neurospora crassa, Drosophila melanogaster, and mammalian cells.
Mapping DNA by stochastic relaxation

The multiple digest mapping problem arising in molecular biology can be stated roughly as follows. A linear or circular segment of DNA is cut at all occurrences of a specific short pattern by restriction enzymes. By using restriction enzymes singly and in combination it is required to construct a map showing the location of cleavage sites. In this paper we first consider the efficacy of a simulated annealing algorithm towards the solution to the multiple digest problem. Second, the double digest problem, the simplest version of the multiple digest problem with only two restriction enzymes used, is shown to admit an exponentially increasing number of solutions as a function of the length of the segment under a particular probability model. Next, the double digest problem is shown to lie in the class of NP complete problems which are conjectured to have no polynomial time solution. Last, the construction of circular maps is considered and the problem of measurement error is discussed.
Vertebrate mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases

Mono-ADP-ribosylation appears to be a reversible modification of proteins, which occurs in many eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Multiple forms of arginine-specific ADP-ribosyltransferases have been purified and characterized from avian erythrocytes, chicken polymorphonuclear leukocytes and mammalian skeletal muscle. The avian transferases have similar molecular weights of ~28 kDa, but differ in physical, regulatory and kinetic properties and subcellular localization. Recently, a 38-kDa rabbit skeletal muscle ADP~ribosyltransferase was purified and cloned. The deduced amino acid sequence contained hydrophobic amino and carboxy termini, consistent with known signal sequences of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins. This arginine-specific transferase was present on the surface of mouse myotubes and of NMU cells transfected with the cDNA and was released with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C. Arginine-specific ADP-ribosyltransferases thus appear to exhibit considerable diversity in their structure, cellular localization, regulation and physiological role. (Mol Cell Biochem 138: 107–112, 1994)
Transcranial electrical stimulation affects adaptation of MT/V5 neurons in awake behaving macaques

Despite widespread use in clinical and behavioral studies, the mechanisms of action of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) are poorly understood. We partially attribute this to the lack of in-vivo animal models and have started to probe the influence of tES on the wellexplored macaque visual system, specifically area MT. Previously we have shown that tES reduces the motion aftereffect in human subjects. This leads to the hypothesis that neurons adapt less during tES.
Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Smart Reflectors

We present results concerning the development of liquid crystal smart reflectors, consisting of a cholesteric liquid crystal with temperature sensitive helix pitch, in combination with a light abso...