cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Working at Gaining Employment Skills on the Social and Vocational Skills of Adolescents With Disabilities: A School-Based Intervention

The current investigation was designed to evaluate the effects of the Working at Gaining Employment Skills (WAGES) curriculum on the social and occupational skills of adolescents with disabilities. Adolescents with disabilities were assigned to either an intervention or control condition. Youth in the intervention group were exposed to the WAGES curriculum for approximately 4.5 months, whereas students in the control group received “business-as-usual” within special education settings. Students and teachers completed brief measures pertaining to prevocational/occupational skills as well as measures pertaining to students’ social skills prior to and following the intervention. Results indicated that after controlling for pretest differences on outcome variables, students participating in the intervention had greater vocational outcome expectations, greater occupational skills, and greater social skills (i.e., empathy, cooperation, and assertiveness) than did students with disabilities in the control condit...
Carcinoid of the duodenum: A report of six cases

Duodenal carcinoid tumors are rare. Six cases of primary duodenal carcinoid tumors are presented. Analysis of these cases indicates that the radiographic appearance can vary from a benign-appearing intramural submucosal mass lesion to a large bulky ulcerating lesion. All cases in this series followed a benign course. One patient has survived over 30 years with proven regional and hepatic metastases. This patient showed regression of the duodenal lesion following embolization for control of severe hemorrhage.
The Atoms of the Free Multiplicative Convolution of Two Probability Distributions

We determine the atoms of the free multiplicative convolution of two measures supported on the unit circle or on the positive real line. Analogous results were proved earlier for free additive convolution.
Product of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa gene pilD is a prepilin leader peptidase.

Abstract The related type IV pilins produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Bacteroides nodosus, and Moraxella bovis are synthesized as precursors with short, six- or seven-amino acid N-terminal leader peptides. We have previously observed that P. aeruginosa mutations in pilD, a gene required for pilus biogenesis, result in the accumulation of unprocessed prepilin in the membrane and a general defect in the excretion of a number of extracellular enzymes. An endopeptidase activity has been detected in detergent-solubilized inner membrane of P. aeruginosa and shown to correctly cleave the prepilin of P. aeruginosa and N. gonorrhoeae. It is absent from pilD mutants, increased by pilD overexpression, and conferred on Escherichia coli by the introduction of the pilD gene. The pilD gene product, purified by immunoaffinity chromatography with antibody to a PilD-derived synthetic peptide, was identified with the endopeptidase. PilD appears to be a prototype of a class of enzymes that process not only type IV pilin precursors but also components of a protein-excretion apparatus of Gram-negative bacteria.
Switching in thin polycrystalline films of CoO and CoO(Li)

Switching from the high- to the low-resistance state has been studied in thin polycrystalline films of CoO and CoO(Li). The sum of the delay τd and switching time τs is 0.01 μs and the recovery time is τr is 0.1 μS. The threshold field for switching is 4.6×105 V/cm for undoped CoO, which is reduced to 9.3×103 V/cm in Li-doped films. The conduction mechanism of these films is determined.
Two pathways to stimulus encoding in category learning

Category learning theorists tacitly assume that stimuli are encoded by a single pathway. Motivated by theories of object recognition, we evaluated a dual-pathway account of stimulus encoding. The part-based pathway establishes mappings between sensory input and symbols that encode discrete stimulus features, whereas the image-based pathway applies holistic templates to sensory input. Our experiments used rule-plus-exception structures, in which one exception item in each category violates a salient regularity and must be distinguished from other items. In Experiment 1, we found discrete representations to be crucial for recognition of exceptions following brief training. Experiments 2 and 3 involved multisession training regimens designed to encourage either part- or image-based encoding. We found that both pathways are able to support exception encoding, but have unique characteristics. We speculate that one advantage of the part-based pathway is the ability to generalize across domains, whereas the image-based pathway provides faster and more effortless recognition.
Surgical manipulation and the tensile strength of polypropylene sutures.

• Laboratory studies were performed on 509 size 6-0 polypropylene sutures to examine the effects of surgical manipulation on suture tensile strength. Results showed that dragging sutures over the torn edge of the foil package, permanently kinking sutures, or axially twisting them up to four times did not decrease tensile strength. Similarly, the tug exerted by operating room nurses on polypropylene sutures did not decrease their tensile strength. Two manipulations, however, did decrease breaking strength. The presence of a stray knot reduced suture strength 17%, and grasping sutures with DeBakey forceps decreased suture strength in a dose-dependent fashion. When experienced surgeons grasped sutures with forceps out of direct vision, their grasping forces were well below that which alters tensile strength. Nevertheless, these results demonstrate that sutures that have acquired a stray knot should be discarded and that sutures should not be grasped with mechanical devices such as forceps. (Arch Surg1989;124:665-668)
On the mechanism of the addition of dithianylidene anions to cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones

Abstract The high diasteroselectivity in the 1,4-addition of dithianylidene anions to α,β-unsaturated ketones is demonstrated to proceed through an alkoxy-Cope rearrangement.
Role of technology in device development

The expression "medical device" covers any diagnostic or therapeutic means which involves a specific object and exerts its effects by mechanisms other than pharmacological. As such the term "device" includes a broad variety of instrumentation ranging from artificial organs to dental and orthopedic prostheses, biomaterials, biosensors, implants of various kinds, tissue engineering products, tools for minimally invasive procedures, imaging and patient monitoring equipment, telemedicine, hospital support systems (organizational and managerial) used for screening, diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and systems for human rehabilitation.
Studying Change Over Time Criteria for Sampling from Continuous Variables

Change over time is a basic property of human communication that needs more careful treatment in theory and research. But the designs most com mon in communication research today are incapable of generating data that support theoretical interpretations of change over time. The article develops and provides evidence for two criteria that a research design must meet in order to provide full information on change over time. It also examines the use of the criteria in designing new studies and in assessing past research.
Galactitol accumulation by glucose-6-phosphate deficient fibroblasts: A cellular model for resistance to the complications of diabetes mellitus

When incubated in high galactose media, fibroblasts from individuals with the severe (Mediterranean) variety of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency accumulate significantly less galactitol than do fibroblasts from matched control subjects. The effect is not observed in fibroblasts from black subjects with the more common, and milder, A- variant of G6PD deficiency. Since aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase activities in experimental and control fibroblasts are identical, the effect is most likely due to the substantial reduction in NADPH levels in severely G6PD-deficient cells. Sorbitol does not accumulate either in control or in G6PD deficient fibroblasts incubated in high glucose medium, most likely because of the action of sorbitol dehydrogenase, and the presence of a carrier-mediated glucose transport system in the cell membrane which limits the concentration of glucose that can accumulate in these cells.
Diffusion in pore networks: Effective medium theory and smooth field approximation

The problem of diffusion in pore networks of a certain class is considered, and a procedure for estimating diffusivities is formulated. The effective-medium theory is used to obtain an effective conductance for the network, which is then used to determine the effective diffusivity starting from first physical principles and utilizing the observation that a network of pores of uniform conductance satisfies the smooth field approximation. Comparison of the estimated intraparticle diffusivities with those obtained from the exact solution of the transport equation for large networks reveals high accuracy and reliability of the method. Results for a number of pore networks show that the smooth field assumption should not be employed arbitrarily since it always predicts higher effective diffusion coefficients than the exact ones, by more than one order of magnitude in some cases.
Does psychological distress contribute to racial and socioeconomic disparities in mortality

Being black or poor are powerful predictors of mortality. Although psychological distress has been proposed as mediating the effects of race and socioeconomic status on mortality, this hypothesis has not been previously directly tested. We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination I (NHANES I), a nationally representative sample from the U.S, and the NHANES I Epidemiological Follow-up Survey (NHEFS) of subsequent mortality to test this hypothesis. Both black race and lower family income were associated with significantly higher psychological distress as measured at the time of the initial survey by reports of hopelessness, depression, and life dissatisfaction. Black race and low income in addition to each of the measures of psychological distress were associated with higher mortality at follow-up. In a series of Cox proportional hazards models that controlled for the effects of age and gender, additional adjustment for hopelessness, depression, or life dissatisfaction had little effect on the relationship between either African American race or family income and subsequent all-cause mortality. We conclude that the effects of both race and income on mortality are largely independent of psychological distress. These findings do not support the hypothesis that psychological distress is a significant mediator of the effects of race or class on health.
A Novel Technique for Risk Calculation of Anastomotic Leakage after Thoracoscopic Repair for Esophageal Atresia with Distal Fistula

Purpose This study was designed to determine the risk of anastomotic leakage after thoracoscopic repair for esophageal atresia by digitally measuring the length of the proximal esophagus and distance of carina to proximal esophagus.
High Performance Steel: Research Front—Historical Account of Research Activities

This paper provides a summary of the major research studies conducted or being conducted in the U.S., to address design issues related to use of high performance steel (HPS) in bridge construction. Emphasis of the paper is on the work related to HPS-485W steel, which has specified minimum yield strength of 485 MPa (70 ksi). Design issues that are addressed in this paper include (1) flexural capacity of compact and noncompact HPS sections in negative bending; (2) issues related to ductility of HPS composite girders in the positive sections (this section presents a simplified ductility check for composite plate girders); (3) tensile ductility of HPS plates; (4) shear capacity of the hybrid steel plate girders; (5) live load deflections; and (6) brief overview of the work that is underway to develop innovative bridge configurations capable of incorporating the advantages of HPS.
Embedded economics: The irrelevance of Christian fictive domestic economy

When reading the New Testament, the modern historically-minded interpreter would do well to keep in view that early Christian traditions emerged in the advanced agrarian societies of the first-century, eastern Mediterranean. In these societies, kinship and political institutions, roles, and norms determined economic and religious institutional behavior. That is, religious and economic structures were always embedded in either the kin group or the political group. Hence, to understand the “economic” assumptions and behaviors described in the New Testament, the interpreter must develop scenarios that fit the document’s historical and social context; the alternative is a necessarily anachronistic and ethnocentric reading. This essay articulates some basic perspectives entailed in historically and culturally sensitive interpretations of Old Testament and New Testament passages dealing with “economics”. The methodology employed here is a broadly based “social scientific criticism,” focusing on reading theory and cultural anthropology.
On the evaluation of expected performance cost for partially observed closed-loop stochastic systems

New methods are presented for evaluating the expected performance cost of partially observed closed-loop stochastic systems. When the variances of the process statistics are small, a linearized model of the closed-loop stochastic system is defined for which the expected cost can be evaluated by recursion on a set of purely deterministic difference equations. When the variances of the process statistics are large, the linearized model can be used in the control variate method of variance reduction for reducing the number of sample paths required for effective Monte Carlo estimation.
An ACM 2013 exemplar course integrating fundamentals, languages, and software engineering

This paper summarizes our experiences integrating topics in the software development fundamentals (SDF), programming languages (PL), and software engineering (SE) knowledge areas of the ACM 2013 curriculum within a single course. It is novel in combining object-oriented programming and software development practices with fundamental analytical reasoning about software correctness. The aim is to integrate and cover the topics in an effective fashion. The course description in this paper represents an approach we have applied successfully for over 5 years. Students tend to consider this course to be one of the more challenging encountered in the first two years of study. Interestingly, the challenge appears to stem equally from mastering object-oriented programming and design pattern components of the course, as it does from learning to use specifications for analytical reasoning of component correctness.
Gα12/Gα13 Subunits of Heterotrimeric G Proteins Mediate Parathyroid Hormone Activation of Phospholipase D in UMR-106 Osteoblastic Cells

PTH, a major regulator of bone remodeling and a therapeutically effective bone anabolic agent, stimulates several signaling pathways in osteoblastic cells. Our recent studies have revealed that PTH activates phospholipase D (PLD) -mediated phospholipid hydrolysis through a RhoA-dependent mechanism in osteoblastic cells, raising the question of the upstream link to the PTH receptor. In the current study, we investigated the role of heterotrimeric G proteins in mediating PTH-stimulated PLD activity in UMR-106 osteoblastic cells. Transfection with antagonist minigenes coding for small peptide antagonists to G alpha 12 and G alpha13 subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins prevented PTH-stimulated activation of PLD, whereas an antagonist minigene to G alphas failed to produce this effect. Effects of pharmacological inhibitors (protein kinase inhibitor, Clostridium botulinum exoenzyme C3) were consistent with a role of Rho small G proteins, but not of cAMP, in the effect of PTH on PLD. Expression of constitutively active G alpha12 and G alpha13 activated PLD, an effect that was inhibited by dominant-negative RhoA. The results identify G alpha12 and G alpha13 as upstream transducers of PTH effects on PLD, mediated through RhoA in osteoblastic cells.
Effects of Nitroglycerin on Left Ventricular Wall Motion in Coronary Artery Disease

The effects of sublingual nitroglycerin (GTN) on left ventricular wall motion (LVWM) were examined by angiographic assessment in eight patients with anginal chest pain. Five of seven patients having occlusive coronary artery disease showed segmental abnormalities in LVWM characterized by regional hypokinesis or akinesis at rest. These abnormalities were accentuated by tachycardia induced by atrial pacing and were associated with the development of anginal chest pain. Two patients with one vessel coronary artery disease had normal LVWM at rest, but developed abnormalities during the stress of tachypacing. Administration of GTN reversed the LVWM abnormalities in all patients despite continued tachypacing. One patient with atypical chest pain but normal coronary arteries had normal LVWM at rest, following tachypacing, and after GTN. It is concluded that angiographic evaluation of LVWM provides a useful measure of segmental myocardial ischemia in patients with suspected coronary artery disease, and permits objective assessment of effects of antianginal drugs in reversing myocardial ischemia.
Acid hydrolysis of cellulose in zinc chloride solution

The efficient conversion of cellulosic materials to ethanol has been hindered by the low yield of sugars, the high energy consumption in pretreatment processes, and the difficulty of recycling the pretreatment agents. Zinc chloride may provide an alternative for pretreating biomass prior to the hydrolysis of cellulose. The formation of a zinc-cellulose complex during the pretreatment of cellulose improves the yield of glucose in both the enzymatic and acid hydrolysis of cellulose. Low-temperature acid hydrolysis of cellulose in zinc chloride solution is carried out in two stages, a liquefaction stage and a saccharification stage. Because of the formation of zinc-cellulose complex in the first stage, the required amount of acid in the second stage has been decreased significantly. In 67% zinc chloride solution, a 99.5% yield of soluble sugars has been obtained at 70°C and 0.5M acid concentration. The ratio of zinc chloride to cellulose has been reduced from 4.5 to 1.5, and the yield of soluble sugars is kept above 80%. The rate of hydrolysis is affected by the ratio of zinc chloride to cellulose, acid concentration, and temperature.
Tubuloreticular structures in myocardium: An ultrastructural study

Abstract Tubuloreticular structures were observed in cardiac tissue obtained either by biopsy or by operative resection in five (3%) of 169 patients with diverse conditions. Two of these five patients had congenital heart disease; one, aortic valvular disease, and two had cardiomyopathy, which was associated with thyrotoxicosis in one patient and with polymyositis and chronic alcoholism in the other. Tubuloreticular structures were composed of curved or undulating tubules that measured from 200 to 300 A in diameter, branched extensively, and formed net-like masses either within cisterns of endoplasmic reticulum or within the perinuclear cistern. They occurred in endothelial or fibroblast-like cells, but not in cardiac muscle cells. These structures are known to occur in a wide variety of normal and abnormal animal and plant cells. They are formed through a specialized type of deformation of the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum. Their precise significance is unknown. Criteria are given for the distinction between tubuloreticular structures and other types of morphologically similar structures that have been described in muscle cells, including aggregates of tubules of sarcoplasmic reticulum, tubules derived from the inner nuclear membranes, annulate lamellae, and highly organized arrays of developing T tubules.
India and Pakistan's Unstable Peace: Why Nuclear South Asia Is Not Like Cold War Europe

Scholars attribute conventional violence in a nuclear South Asia to a phenomenon known as the “stability/instability paradox.” According to this paradox, the risk of nuclear war makes it unlikely that conventional confict will escalate to the nuclear level, thereby making conventional confict more likely. Although this phenomenon encouraged U.S.-Soviet violence during the Cold War, it does not explain the dynamics of the ongoing confict between India and Pakistan. Recent violence has seen Pakistan or its proxies launching limited attacks on Indian territory, and India refusing to retaliate in kind. The stability/instability paradox would not predict such behavior. A low probability of conventional war escalating to the nuclear level would reduce the ability of Pakistan's nuclear weapons to deter an Indian conventional attack. Because Pakistan is conventionally weaker than India, this would discourage Pakistani aggression and encourage robust Indian conventional retaliation against Pakistani provocations. ...
Contrasting Two- and Three-Dimensional Crystal Properties of Isomeric Dialkyl Phthalates

Competitive adsorption occurs whenever a solution containing multiple components is in contact with a surface, and the relative adsorption strengths affect both the properties of the interface and the solution. To investigate this phenomenon, the factors influencing relative adsorption strengths of a series of isomeric dialkyl phthalates were determined from their competitive adsorption behavior and interpreted in the context of the thermodynamic properties of the bulk crystals and the structural features of the monolayers. The order of stabilities of the two-dimensional crystals paralleled that of the three-dimensional crystals, as determined by the trends in melting point, enthalpy of melting, and solubility. The magnitude of the stability differences, however, could only be understood through examination of the structures of the monolayers. Thus, the important process of adsorption of solutes from solution must be viewed as a microscopic phenomenon; adsorption strengths are influenced not only by molec...
A variant of the cell wall-less fz;sg;os-1 strain of Neurospora crassa with altered morphology and improved growth

Abstract A spontaneously arising variant of the cell wall-less fz;sg;os -1 strain of Neurospora crassa has been isolated. This new strain is different from the parent strain in that cells grown in liquid medium display a highly irregular rather than spherical morphology. The variant strain also grows more rapidly, with a doubling time under standard growth conditions of approximately 130 versus 150 min for the parent strain.
Land Settlement and Resource Development

Choice of Essentials IT may be assumed that well-organized peoples work within the limits of more or less deliberate choices of essentials as modified by the accidental and the unpredictable. To-day the people of the United States insist on a high standard of living as one choice among a number of essentials, because access to the world's wealth, or the power to create it, are now taken for granted, thanks chiefly to geographical discovery, the inventions that have grown out of modern physics and chemistry and the crop changes due to plant introductions and plant breeding. In Britain, the post-war standard of living has at times seemed as important as the War itself. Housing now has first priority in post-war plans, civilian supplies second, and manufacture for overseas trade third. It is held that the War will not seem won to the returning soldiers if decent places to live in are not assured.
Computer simulation of wind load on a house

Abstract The k-e turbulent model has been developed and applied to numerically simulate the pressure around buildings. The computer results are compared with the available field and wind tunnel results. The correspondence between the numerical model and other results are reasonable.
Effectiveness of Avian Predator Perch Deterrents on Electric Transmission Lines

A new high-voltage transmission line in north-central Nevada, USA, was considered a potential threat to greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) because avian predators are attracted to and hunt from elevated perches. As a mitigation measure, perch deterrents were installed on the transmission line towers at the time of construction; in addition, 2 existing high-voltage transmission lines were retrofitted with deterrents. Previous published studies have investigated the efficacy of perch deterrents in preventing or reducing electrocution of avian predators and fecal contamination of insulators, but none have evaluated deterrents as a means of eradicating perching on towers. We conducted point transect surveys and perching-duration observations of corvids and raptors and determined that although perch deterrents did not prevent perching, the perching duration of raptors on the deterrents was reduced compared to other perching substrates. Perching of raptors indicated that some hunting most likely took place from the towers; therefore, the deterrents did not completely obviate the threat that avian predators posed to greater sage-grouse. Although the deterrents reduced the probability of avian predators perching on the towers, avian predators overcame the deterrents to take advantage of the height of the towers where no other perches of similar height existed. The perch deterrents as designed did not have the desired short-term effect on avian predators, but further monitoring may reveal longer-term effects and distinguish perching behaviors specific to different species of avian predators.
ESTROGEN RECEPTORS IN BREAST CANCER ASSOCIATION WITH EPIDEMIOLOGIC RISK FACTORS

This study examined the factors influencing estrogen receptor protein levels in a population-based group of 168 incident cases of breast cancer in Olmsted County, Minnesota. The medical histories of women with histologically confirmed breast cancer and measured estrogen receptor levels in the period from November 1977 through December 1982 were reviewed. Statistically significant positive univariate associations were found between tumor estrogen receptor protein level and age, postmenopausal status, nulliparity, late age at first birth, cholelithiasis and educational level. No association was found between tumor estrogen receptor level and other breast cancer risk factors. After adjustment for age, there was no association between the above factors and estrogen receptor protein level. On multivariate analysis, age remained a statistically significant predictor of a higher estrogen receptor protein level. These findings in a population-based group of women with breast cancer are similar to previous reports of hospital-based breast cancer patients.
Insulin resistance in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: A possible etiologic link

OBJECTIVES This study was designed to quantify the prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). BACKGROUND Insulin resistance is an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and is a known risk factor for ischemic cardiomyopathy. Though potential physiologic links between insulin resistance and HF have been hypothesized, the relationship between insulin resistance and IDCM remains unclear. METHODS A total of 230 consecutive patients from a university HF clinic were screened for IDCM, the absence of diabetes mellitus, and the lack of significant co-morbid conditions. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in the 43 patients with IDCM who met these criteria, and their plasma glucose and insulin responses were compared with those of 40 healthy volunteers, matched for age, gender, and body mass index. RESULTS Plasma glucose responses were higher during the oral glucose tolerance tests in patients with IDCM (p < 0.01), associated with significantly higher plasma insulin concentrations following the oral glucose challenge (p < 0.01). In addition, abnormalities of glucose tolerance were significantly (p < 0.05) more common in patients with IDCM (49% vs. 23%). CONCLUSIONS Insulin resistance and abnormal glucose tolerance are more prevalent in patients with IDCM and represent potentially reversible metabolic derangements in these individuals.
Impedance Spectroscopy of Upper Mantle Earth Materials

Earth scientists study electrical properties of Earth materials to understand mechanisms of transport and deformation under conditions existing in the Earth's interior, and for comparison with direct determinations of the conductivity - depth structure of the Earth. We have performed impedance spectroscopic studies of natural and artificial (hot-pressed and sintered) rocks composed of (Mg.9Fe.1)2SiO4 olivine, a major constituent of the Earth's upper mantle between 40 and 400 km depth. The studies were performed over the frequency range 105 to 10−4 Hz at 1 bar total pressure and temperatures of 800 - 1400 °C under controlled oxygen atmospheres. Complex impedance plane analysis of the results shows depressed impedance arcs corresponding to grain interior and grain boundary transport in series, analogous to the behavior of zirconia and other materials. Distinct grain boundary phases that might cause the resistive grain boundary behavior are not observed. The exponent of the oxygen pressure dependence of the grain boundary conductivity ranges from 0.02 to -0.08, which is very different than the 1/5.5 to 1/7 dependence of the polaronic grain interior mechanism. However, lack of constraints on the composition of the intergranular material limit interpretation of these exponents in terms of mechanism. Key issues for application to the Earth's interior are determination of the mechanism and pressure dependence of the grain boundary transport.
The Effect of Mood and Social Outlook on Hypothetical Juridic Decisions1

Data are reported for a laboratory experiment which examines both the impact of information about remote social events on judgments of defendants' guilt or innocence in two court cases and the roles of cognitive and affective elements in mediating these judgments. Subjects were exposed to one of four pretested news bulletins which covaried cognitive factors (positive or negative social information) and affective ones (positive or negative mood stimuli). In accord with previous findings, the results indicate that social information and the changes in social outlook that it caused were of primary importance in altering subjects' judgments about defendants. Subjects who heard positive social information in radio newscasts were more lenient in their judgments of defendants than were those who heard negative social information. Additional findings pertaining to the mediators of this effect suggest that positive mood amplified the impact of social information whatever its direction, while negative mood attenuated it.
Association of HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors with Neuropathy

OBJECTIVE:To review the possible association between statins and peripheral neuropathy.DATA SOURCES:Literature was obtained from MEDLINE (1984–September 2002) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–June 2002). Key search terms included statin, neuropathy, and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.DATA SYNTHESIS:Epidemiologic studies and case reports suggest an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy with statin drugs. Most patients were receiving long-term therapy, although the onset was highly variable. The majority of cases were at least partially reversible with drug cessation. Specific risk factors or mechanisms have not been identified.CONCLUSIONS:Observational data suggest a link between chronic statin use and increased risk of peripheral neuropathy. However, the risk appears to be small relative to the significant cardioprotective benefits.
Calmodulin and CaMKII as molecular switches for cardiac ion channels

Because changes in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration are the final signals of electrical activity in excitable cells, many mechanisms have evolved to regulate Ca 2+ influx. Among the most important are those pathways that directly regulate the ion channels responsible for regulating and generating the Ca 2+ influx signal. Recent work has demonstrated that the Ca 2+ binding protein calmodulin (CaM) and the Ca 2+ / CaM-sensitive kinase CaMKII are important modulators of cardiac ion channels. Thus, Ca 2+ participates in feedback modulation to control electrical activity. This review highlights various mechanisms by which CaM and CaMKII regulate cardiovascular ion channel activity and presents a novel model for CaMKII regulation of CaV1.2 Ca 2+ channel function.
Markov chains and performance comparison of switched diversity systems

Switch-and-stay combining (SSC) diversity systems have the advantage of offering one of the least complex solutions to mitigating the effect of fading. In this paper, we present a Markov chain-based analytical framework for the performance analysis of various switching strategies used in conjunction with SSC systems. The resulting expressions are quite general, and are applicable to dual-branch diversity systems operating over a variety of correlated and/or unbalanced fading channels. The mathematical formalism is illustrated by some selected numerical examples, along with their discussion and interpretation. As a result, this paper presents a thorough comparison and highlights the main differences and tradeoffs between the various SSC switching strategies.
Unconventional dark matter models: a brief review

Although weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) scenario is very well motivated, it is not guaranteed to be the truth. It is important to keep mind open and consider other well-motivated scenarios. In this paper, we briefly review several possible non-WIMP dark matter (DM) candidates. First, we discuss details on asymmetric DM models, in which the baryon asymmetry in standard model sector is related to the asymmetry in DM sector. We discuss how DM relic abundance is determined in such models. Also we cover the possible interesting experimental signatures induced by its asymmetric nature. Then we consider ultralight DM candidates, i.e., axion and dark photon. In such scenarios, DM should be treated as a coherently oscillating background, instead of each individual particle. Searching strategies for such DM candidates is very different than those in conventional DM models. We discuss several interesting experiments looking for these ultralight particles. We also cover interesting subtleties encountered in those experiments.
The Cult of Heroes

The text discussed p. 73 ff. is a measure to ensure equitable and uncontentious distribution of the flesh of the two ‘fullgrown victims,’ and presumably of the young pig also. There is no mention of the burning of portions in honor of the heroines or of the hero, and outside Greece we know of sacrifices in which the worshippers took all. Such detail would be irrelevant to the purpose of our inscription, which is not a lex sacra; and the use of θύeιν and the presence of an altar (for the restoration in line 6 is almost certain) strongly suggest that conventional symbolic offerings were made by fire.
Influence of estrogen on renal function and water intake in male rabbits rendered polyuric-polydipsic by food deprivation.

These experiments were designed to test the possibilities that the estrogen inhibition of the polyuria-polydipsia of food-deprived male rabbits may be due to an effect on: 1) renal hemodynamics or renal tubular handling of water, and/ or 2) water ingestion. Glomerular nitration rates (CCr) and renal plasma flows (CPAH) were determined on trained rabbits during: 1) control (fed), 2) polyuric-polydipsic (food-deprived) and 3) inhibited polyuric-polydipsic (receiving 400 μg estradiol benzoate, EB) periods. To assess renal water handling, the response to a water load was studied. To evaluate changes in fluid ingestion, the 3-hr drinking response was measured following administration of 10% NaCl, by gavage. Estradiol was administered in varying doses 2 hr prior to the test. The timed drinking (6 hr) of food deprived rabbits with and without estrogen treatment was measured. The polyuria-polydipsia was not accompanied by changes in CCCr or PAH, nor did the estrogen alter these parameters while inhibiting the pol...
Fully integrated 0.18-μm CMOS carrierless UWB receiver frontend

A single-chip broadband CMOS receiver front-end, integrating a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a correlator and a template pulse generator, was investigated in non-sinusoidal time-domain environment for possible use as a carrierless ultra-wideband (UWB) receiver front-end. Particularly, the CMOS LNA and the multiplier making up the core component of the correlator were designed, fabricated and tested to verify operation in the UWB range. Time-domain results of the integrated CMOS receiver front-end demonstrate its workability as a receiver for non-sinusoidal UWB applications.
Physical and chemical changes associated with seasonal alterations in freezing tolerance in the adult northern tenebrionid, Upis ceramboides

Abstract The adult tenebrionid beetle Upis ceramboides overwinters in the northern taiga forests of North America in a hibernaculum typically just beneath loose tree bark above the snowline. The beetles may be exposed to temperatures as low as −55°C, which is approximately the lower limit of cold tolerance found in specimens collected in mid-winter. Supercooling points average −6.3°C throughout the year and, contrary to expectation, show no seasonal variation in spite of major alterations in haemolymph composition and freezing tolerance. Summer beetles are incapable of withstanding temperatures below the supercooling point but freezing tolerance increases during the fall (September–November) and the lower lethal temperature (LLT) is maintained at ca. −55°C until March, after which it gradually rises to the summer level of −6°C. Changes in freezing tolerance are closely associated with seasonal alterations in the polyhydric alcohols sorbitol and threitol. Neither polyol is present in measureable amount during summer; sorbitol accumulates to an average haemolymph concentration of 0.44 M/l in winter and threitol reaches 0.25 M/l. Summer beetles contain about 14% more water than beetles collected during the other seasons. Upis ceramboides thus undergoes unique seasonal changes in physical and chemical characteristics that enable it to tolerate severe, prolonged subfreezing temperatures.
A NEW AGLYPTORHYNCHUS (PERCIFORMES: SCOMBROIDEI) FROM THE LINCOLN CREEK FORMATION (LATE OLIGOCENE, WASHINGTON, U.S.A)

Abstract A partial rostrum with an attached lower jaw, a posterior neurocranium, and a proximal hyomandibular from the Lincoln Creek Formation (late Oligocene, Washington) are described and identified as Aglyptorhynchus columbianus sp. nov. In addition, ten articulated anterior caudal vertebrae presumably from the Lincoln Creek Formation are described and identified as Aglyptorhynchus sp. This is a second record of an Aglyptorhynchus from a deposit bordering the Pacific Ocean. The specimens are compared with other billfishes (Perciformes: Scombroidei), both extant and extinct. Unusual features include a tripartite celous occipital condyle composed equally of the basioccipital and exoccipitals, a lower jaw that is nearly twice as deep as the corresponding section of the rostrum, a subtemporal fossa, an oval-shaped fossa in the parasphenoid, two sphenotic ridges separated by a fossa, a bifurcated pterotic ridge, and a hyomandibular with a laterally curved posterior margin. With the exception of the deep low...
Investigation of Bismuth Triiodide (BiI3) for Photovoltaic Applications

Guided by predictive discovery framework, we investigate bismuth triiodide (BiI3) as a candidate thin-film photovoltaic (PV) absorber. BiI3 was chosen for its optical properties and the potential for “defect-tolerant” charge transport properties, which we test experimentally by measuring optical absorption and recombination lifetimes. We synthesize phase-pure BiI3 thin films by physical vapor transport and solution processing and single-crystals by an electrodynamic gradient vertical Bridgman method. The bandgap of these materials is ∼1.8 eV, and they demonstrate room-temperature band-edge photoluminescence. We measure monoexponential recombination lifetimes in the range of 180–240 ps for thin films, and longer, multiexponential dynamics for single crystals, with time constants up to 1.3 to 1.5 ns. We discuss the outstanding challenges to developing BiI3 PVs, including mechanical and electrical properties, which can also inform future selection of candidate PV absorbers.
KOOS and IKDC scales may be inadequate in evaluating patients with multiple ligament knee injuries: a systematic review

Importance Standardised, validated patient-reported outcome measures are crucial in understanding the impact of multiple ligament knee injury and surgery. Aim Evaluate the validity and responsiveness of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score in patients with multiple ligament knee injuries through existing studies in the literature. Evidence Review A systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. The search terms ‘multiple ligament,’ ‘multiligament,’ ‘knee dislocation,’ and ‘combined ligament’ were used in conjunction with ‘KOOS’ or ‘IKDC’. Multiple ligament injury was defined as the disruption of ≥2 major knee ligaments. Validity was assessed through floor/ceiling effects, comparing scores between single and multiple ligament injuries, and correlation with Lysholm scores. Responsiveness was assessed by calculating effect sizes (ES) and standardised response means (SRM). Findings 8 studies reported KOOS scores, and 45 studies reported IKDC scores. No studies specifically evaluated the validity or responsiveness of either measure in patients with multiligament knee injuries. Owing to a lack of available data, the validity and responsiveness of the KOOS could not be thoroughly evaluated. The IKDC may have a ceiling effect and indifference to the disparity between single and multiple ligament injuries, indicating poor content and construct validity. Correlations between IKDC and Lysholm scores ranged from 0.65 to 0.93. The IKDC demonstrated good responsiveness in this population, with ES and SRM ranging from 1.9 to 8.0 and 0.9 to 5.1, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance The KOOS and IKDC may be inadequate in evaluating patients with multiple ligament knee injuries. Future studies should consider using the Multiligament Quality of Life (MLQOL) questionnaire, a recently developed multiligament knee injury-specific instrument, when evaluating patients with multiple ligament knee injuries.
Tests for Boll Weevil Control with a Systemic Insecticide and a Boll Weevil Feeding Stimulant

The use of a systemic insecticide, American Cyanamid CL-47031 (cyclic ethylene (diethoxyphosphinyl) dithioimidocarbonate), with a feeding stimulant to control the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, was explored. Laboratory tests indicated that the treatment of leaves with a feeding Stimulant formulated with sucrose and agar altered both the feeding behavior and movement of boll weevils. CL-47031 applied in a granular formulation as a soil treatment and in a lanolin paste as a stem treatment to cotton just beginning to fruit gave substantial mortalities of adult boll weevils. When CL-47031 was applied as a stem treatment to fruiting cotton and a boll weevil feeding stimulant, a water extract of squares (3g/10 ml water), formulated with sucrose and agar was applied as a foliar spray, weevil mortality was more than twice that obtained when the same insecticide was used alone.
Testing the Limits of Human Vision with Single Photons

We discuss techniques using a heralded single-photon source to study the lower limit of human vision, and report some preliminary results, including a measurement of temporal integration at the few-photon level.
Advising the Millennial Generation

In Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069 (1991), William Strauss and Neil Howe articulated their idea of generations. In Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation 2000, the...
Desired Features of Adaptive Antenna Arrays for GNSS Receivers

Adaptive antenna arrays have become the system of choice for protecting Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers in strong radio frequency interference environments. GNSS receiver adaptive antenna arrays have small aperture (of the order of a wavelength) and few (e.g., less than 10) elements. In the near future, even smaller vehicles will be equipped with protected GNSS receivers. Therefore, future GNSS receiver antenna arrays will be even smaller in size. At the same time, requirements for availability, accuracy, and integrity monitoring will increase. Novel array signal processing techniques need to be developed and deployed to meet these requirements. This paper presents state-of-the-art GNSS adaptive antenna array signal processing techniques. Some drawbacks of the current GNSS antenna signal processing techniques are also discussed in this paper, and new ideas for further research and development in GNSS adaptive antennas are presented.
Release of Spermatozoa by Anterior Pituitary Treatment of the Male Frog, Rana pipiens

Houssay and Lascano-Gonzalez,1 using Bufo marinus males, demonstrated that hypophyseal removal causes degeneration and hypophyseal implantation causes hypertrophy of the testes. O. M. Wolfe2 implanted pituitary glands subcutaneously to induce amplexus in Rana pipiens and Rugh3 showed that extracts of mammalian anterior pituitary (antuitrin-S or whole sheep gland) would induce amplexus in toads but not in frogs.The standard technique for securing developing frog's eggs4 does not require pituitary treatment of males. Functional sperm are available at all times during hibernation simply by cutting up the testes of mature, hibernating frogs in spring water. However, anterior pituitary injection of hibernating male frogs not only induces amplexus (with ovulating females of the same species, only) but releases from the Sertoli cells all mature spermatozoa. This can be demonstrated by subjecting hibernating males from which single testes have been removed to anterior pituitary treatment. Amplexus anterior pituit...
Esclaves de la scène : Blackface et acteurs noirs dans le vaudeville français du dix-neuvième siècle

ResumeComment representer sur scene des personnes de couleur ? La question preoccupe longtemps le theâtre francais, et c’est le vaudeville, genre generalement plus prompt a l’imitation qu’a l’innovation, qui le premier se risque a abandonner la pratique du blackface et a faire monter sur les planches des acteurs noirs. Nous sommes en 1847 ; si le maquillage noircissant est alors tenu pour ridicule, l’apparition de comediens de couleur indigne. On ne comprend notamment pas qu’au moment ou se debat l’abolition de l’esclavage (qui sera decretee moins d’un an plus tard), on « oblige » des personnes de couleur a « s’exhiber » sur scene pour divertir les spectateurs. Cet essai propose une analyse de deux vaudevilles, l’un parodiant le recours au blackface et l’autre employant des acteurs de couleur, pour montrer que ce genre theâtral nous fournit des informations precieuses sur les perceptions d’un public populaire en matiere de race.