cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theory of Inner Shell Excitation Spectra

Below we review the fundamental aspects underlying the calculation of X-ray absorption spectra. We emphasize approximations commonly made for the calculation of transition energies and transition intensities and, in particular, discuss two theoretical techniques which have been successfully applied for the calculation of molecular X-ray absorption spectra.
Potential Field Methods

The planning methods described in the previous three chapters aim at capturing the global connectivity of the robot’s free space into a condensed graph that is subsequently searched for a path. The approach presented in this chapter proceeds from a different idea. It treats the robot represented as a point in configuration space as a particle under the influence of an artificial potential field U whose local variations are expected to reflect the “structure” of the free space. The potential function is typically (but not necessarily) defined over free space as the sum of an attractive potential pulling the robot toward the goal configuration and a repulsive potential pushing the robot away from the obstacles. Motion planning is performed in an iterative fashion. At each iteration, the artificial force \( \vec{F}(q) = - \vec{\nabla }U(q) \) induced by the potential function at the current configuration is regarded as the most promising direction of motion, and path generation proceeds along this direction by some increment.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY OF Nb2O5, Ta2 O5 and Si3N4 THIN FILMS

We report transmission electron micrographs and preliminary measurements of the Raman spectra of thin films of Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 and Si 3 N 4 . Results indicate that the films are amorphous, on a scale above ~15 A. Simple molecular models are used to discuss the spectra.
Polypöse Erkrankungen des Rektums

Bei polyposen Erkrankungen, die mit Hilfe eines 25 cm langen Rektoskops beobachtet werden konnen, handelt es sich histologisch um adenomatose (tubulare) Polypen, glandular villose Polypen, villose Adenome, polypoide Karzinome und eine Vielzahl anderer kleiner polyposer Erkrankungen wie hyperplastische Polypen, inflammatorische Polypen, breitbasige Hocker und Schleimhautwucherungen. Kleine Veranderungen unter 0,5 cm Durchmesser haben keine praktische Bedeutung, aber grosere polypose Erkrankungen sind ernst zu nehmen und haufig mit schwierigen Entscheidungen verbunden. In der Regel werden alle polyposen Erkrankungen entfernt. Eine Ausnahme ist der inflammatorische Polyp, der als fruhes Zeichen einer Colitis ulcerosa gilt und nach Exzision erneut auftreten kann. Die Zahlen von Gilbertsen und Nelms verdeutlichen, das die Polypektomie dazu beitragt, das Karzinom des Rektums zu verhuten [4]. Das Risiko des Polypenrezidivs wurde von Henry und Mitarbeitern [5] untersucht.
The Quantifier Questionnaire

The questionnaire, which constitutes Chapter 1 and is 20 pages long, illustrates a semantically based classification of quantificational expressions cross classified according as the expressions are adverbial in character (A-quantifiers) or nominal/determiner-like (D-quantifiers). Examples are drawn mostly from English, except where other languages have structure types not readily mimicked in English, such as various types of A-quantifiers and Quantifier Float. We take the basic semantic type of quantifiers to be a relation between properties. For example, no in No king shaves himself denotes a relation between the property of being a king and the property of shaving oneself. D-quantifiers and A-quantifiers differ with regard to what the relevant properties are properties of. D-quantifiers relate properties of entities (possibly abstract), A-quantifiers relate properties of events or “times”. It remains true (Gil 1993, Evans 1995), that A-quantifiers are structurally more diverse and semantically less well understood than D-quantifiers. And it happens often that syntactically non-isomorphic expressions have the same quantificational force. Even within the narrow domain of D-quantifiers a given quantificational expression may look like an English Determiner in one language and like an adjective in another. Compared to earlier typologically oriented treatments of quantifiers our questionnaire focuses proportionately more on ways of building syntactically complex quantificational expressions. On semantic grounds we distinguish three fundamental classes of quantifiers: intersective (existential), co-intersective (universal) and proportionality quantifiers. In addition for D-quantifiers we discuss definite quantifiers and partitive ones. It is significant that D- and A-quantifiers all exhibit members of the first three classes, with A-quantifiers being, perhaps, slightly richer in variety. And within the three basic classes interesting sub-classes are distinguished as cardinal, co-cardinal, value judgment quantifiers and interrogative quantifiers.
Behavior of Colloidal Nanosilica in an Ultrahigh Performance Concrete Environment Using Dynamic Light Scattering

The dispersion quality of nanosilica (NS) is an essential parameter to influence and control the material characteristics of nanosilica-enhanced concrete. In this research, the dispersion quality of colloidal nanosilica in simulated concrete environments was investigated using dynamic light scattering. A concrete environment was simulated by creating a synthetic pore solution that mimicked the ionic concentration and pH value of ultrahigh-performance concrete in the fluid state. Four colloidal nanosilica samples were used, ranging in particle sizes from 5 to 75 nm, with differing solid contents and stabilizing ions. It was found that the sodium stabilized 20 nm NS sol remains dispersed at a solid concentration of 2 wt % through a variety of pH values with the inclusion of potassium ions. Calcium ions are a major contributor to the agglomeration of NS sols and only small concentrations of calcium ions can drastically affect the dispersion quality.
Fibrinogen-like protein 2: a potential molecular target for glioblastoma treatment

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Over the last two decades many new multimodal therapeutic have been developed but the poor prognosis h...
Female cognitive performance and mass are correlated with different aspects of mate choice in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

A female’s cognitive ability may influence her mate preferences through various mechanisms. These mechanisms include the direct effect of cognitive ability on the information-processing skills used during mate choice, and the indirect effect of cognitive ability on quality when females mate assortatively. Here, we examined whether the ability to learn a novel foraging task, a cognitive skill which has been associated with reproductive success in other capacities, was correlated with song preferences in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Female preferences were measured in an operant testing chamber where hops on a perch triggered song playback. Females were given the choice of (1) conspecific vs. heterospecific song and (2) high-quality male vs. low-quality male conspecific song. We found that female performance on the novel foraging task was positively correlated with preference for conspecific song, but not with preference for high-quality male song. Instead, female mass was positively correlated with preference for high-quality male song, potentially signifying that female mass is a stronger predictor of female quality in assortative mating than female cognitive performance. Female mass and cognitive performance were unrelated. Our results suggest that the particular traits of a female that affect conspecific preference do not necessarily affect preference for high-quality males.
The Use of Interest-Inventory Measurements in Marketing Education: Improving MBA Student Team Effectiveness:

Business schools face the dual challenge of keeping students highly engaged in courses with exceptionally broad scope, like the introduction to marketing principles, while simultaneously instructin...
A Simple Algorithm for Oncidium Orchid Cut Flower Grading with Deep Learning

Utilizing emerging information technology in agriculture automation is arisen for reducing human errors and increasing the productivity and quality. This paper proposes a simple algorithm OCG with deep learning network to determine the grading levels of Oncidium orchid cut flowers which are related to the sale prices. The algorithm consists of two phases. The grading criteria about lengths are estimated by image analysis in the first phase, while the grading criteria about counting branches are predicted using deep learning in the second phase. The experimental results show that our algorithm can achieve accuracy of 0.8 and the algorithm is practical.
Atrophy-centered subtyping of mild cognitive impairment

Abstract Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered as the transitional phase between normal cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nevertheless, trajectories of cognitive decline vary considerably among individuals with MCI. To address this heterogeneity, subtyping approaches have been developed, with the objective of identifying more homogenous subgroups and ultimately improving prognostic outcomes. To date, subtyping of MCI has been based primarily on cognitive performance measures, often resulting in indistinct boundaries between the proposed subgroups and limited validity. The degree to which markers of neurodegeneration such as brain atrophy can be used to subtype MCI into biologically and clinically meaningful subgroups remains unclear. Here we introduce and validate a data-driven subtyping method for MCI based solely upon measures of atrophy derived from structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We trained a dense convolutional neural network to differentiate between patients with AD and age-matched cognitively normal (CN) subjects based on whole brain MRI features. We then deployed the trained model to classify individuals with MCI, as MCI-CN or MCI-AD, based on the degree to which their whole brain gray matter volume resembles CN-like or AD-like patterns. We subsequently validated the model-based subgroups using cognitive, clinical, fluid biomarker, and molecular neuroimaging data. Namely, we observed marked differences between the MCI-CN and MCI-AD groups in baseline and longitudinal cognitive and clinical rating scales, disease-free survival, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of amyloid beta and tau, fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and amyloid PET. Overall, the results suggest that patterns of atrophy in MCI are sufficiently distinct and heterogeneous, and can thus be used to subtype individuals into biologically and clinically meaningful subgroups.
Leveraged Exchange-Traded Funds: When Four is Not More

Leveraged exchange-traded funds (LETFs) are designed to return a daily multiple ranging from –3.0x to 3.0x of an underlying index. Recently, both ForceShares and ProShares have proposed /–4.0x products. However, realized leverage tends to decrease with volatility, resulting in the paradoxical outcome that less leverage can be better, even when the market moves in the direction the investor predicts. This study shows that, under average market conditions, within twenty-one trading days a 4.0x will have a median return approximately equal to a 3.0x and within one year, it will have a median return comparable to only a 2.0x. Thus, the higher leverage of a 4.0x will deteriorate quickly and may provide returns less than its lower LETF counterparts. This result is even more pronounced for inverse funds. To counter the idea that LETFs are for short-term trading only, this study also demonstrates a successful long-term strategy for holding LETFs by taking advantage of their derivative type characteristics. A fixed exposure to an index can be attained with smaller allocations to LETFs freeing up wealth that can earn additional return resulting in overall outperformance.
Addiction, Sin, and the Kierkegaardian Self: On Immanent and Transcendent Goods:

The article analyzes the relationship between sin and addiction in the recent work of Sonia Waters and Kent Dunnington, teasing out an apparently irresolvable tension rooted in their respective und...
A Machine Learning Approach to Understanding HIV and Comorbidities in Electronic Health Record Data

Background: As people living with HIV age, it becomes increasingly important to understand aging-related outcomes. To gain further insight, we evaluated the performance of two machine learning models: deep learning, and logistic regression to identify predictors of medical resource utilization, represented by Charlson comorbidity scores. Electronic health record data for an HIV infected, and uninfected patient population was analyzed. Diagnostic codes that comprise the factors of Individual Characteristics, Chronic Conditions, Treatment, and High Risk Behaviors served as predictors. Methods: Diagnostic codes (ICD 9/10) were extracted for HIV infected (N=786), and uninfected (N=100,000) patients. A data mining algorithm removed unrelated codes, resulting in 28 codes for analysis. Deep learning, and logistic regression algorithms were applied. Final models were based on the strength of the relationships between the outcome (Charlson score: high (>5), low (≤5), and predictor (diagnostic codes) variables. Findings: Mean Charlson scores were 7·45±4.01 for HIV infected, and 3·18±3·3 for uninfected patients. Top diagnostic codes were chemotherapy, hypertension, heart failure, and acute kidney disease for HIV patients, and substance abuse, length of hospital stay, and chemotherapy for uninfected patients. Predictors in the deep learning model for HIV patients were age (16·16%), chemotherapy (13·17%), noncompliance treatment/regimen (11·83%), and hypertension (10·52%); for uninfected patients, age (91·39%), and substance abuse (4·99%). Predictors in the machine learning logistic regression for HIV patients were chemotherapy (30·3%; OR: 48·7), age (26·6%; OR: 1·03), malnutrition (15·8%; OR: 4·58), and heart failure (10·8%; OR: 4·18); for uninfected patients, age (88·7%; OR: 0·89), , and length of hospital stay (9·74%; OR: 0·97). Interpretation: Differences were observed for medical services utilization by HIV status, and predictive models. Results enhance the understanding of HIV, and aging to inform service delivery interventions, and improve aging-related outcomes. Funding: Columbia University's Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion. Conflict of Interest: We have no conflict of interest to disclose. Ethical Approval Statement: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained to analyze de-identified patient electronic health record data.
Nowhere to Run to, Nowhere to Hide

As the COVID-19 global pandemic ravaged the United States, exacerbating the country’s existing racial disparities, Black and brown small business owners navigated unprecedented obstacles to stay afloat. Adding even more hardship and challenges, the United States also engaged in a nationwide racial reckoning in the wake of the murder of George Floyd resulting in wide-scale protests in the same neighborhoods that initially saw a disproportionate impact of COVID-19 and harming many of the same Black and brown business owners. These business owners had to operate in an environment in which they experienced recurring trauma, mental anguish and uncertainty, along with physical destruction of many of their businesses and communities. This essay looks at how the generation-defining events of 2020 and the first half of 2021 affected the landscape of operating a small business, particularly for Black small business owners in Philadelphia and New York, where the authors run transactional law clinics at the University of Pennsylvania Law School and Columbia Law School. It goes on to describe how the pandemic and George Floyd protests affected their clinic students, clients, and themselves. The essay analyzes the events of the last year and a half in the historical context of past events of economic disruption and racial unrest. It concludes that a lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the recognition of systemic racism and inequity that has persisted in American society for over 150 years and how it stunts Black and brown entrepreneurship.
Growing body of evidence refutes some criticisms of journalism schools

Professionals in the newspaper industry continue to criticize the journalism schools that train 80% of their new colleagues. Typically, professionals criticize journalism schools' courses, students, faculty members and emphasis on PhD's and research. Faculty members, in turn, lash back at their critics. After years of debate, everyone can move beyond its generalities, charges and counter-charges. A growing body of evidence reveals that several - but not all - of the professionals' criticisms are mistaken.
SHIFT and SMART-AHS: a language for hybrid system engineering modeling and simulation

SHIFT is a new programming language, whose aim is to facilitate the implementation of reusable simulation frameworks by teams of engineers. SHIFT incorporates system theoretic concepts emerging from the field of Hybrid Systems analysis and modeling. The SMART AHS framework is a collection of SHIFT libraries devoted to the construction of Hybrid System based simulation of Automated Highways Systems. In this paper we describe how the SHIFT simulation environment and language have impacted on the development of the SMART AHS framework. Our claim is that SHIFT provides the proper level of abstraction for engineers who face complex modeling and simulation tasks, where phase changes and continuous variables interact in subtle ways.
Parameter estimation in a dynamic model for rapid thermal processing: theory and experimental results

The state variables of the dynamics of heat transfer in a rapid thermal processing system can be efficiently represented by the coefficients of a Bessel function expansion of the temperature distribution in a circular wafer. An algorithm developed in 1993 by Friedland is investigated for estimating parameters in the differential equations for the Bessel coefficients. Simulation results, which show excellent performance, are supported by favorable experimental results obtained in an actual RTP chamber.
The Role of the Nurse Practitioner and Asymptomatic Urinary Treatments

Asymptomatic urinary tract infections (aUTIs) are common among older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and studies have shown that they are inappropriately treated with antibiotics. We retrospectively characterized treatment strategies among 89 cases of aUTIs before and after a long-term facility hired a full-time nurse practitioner (NP). We found that residents with aUTIs were prescribed significantly more supportive treatment strategies after hiring an NP. However, there was no significant drop in the rate of inappropriate antibiotic treatments for aUTIs after hiring an NP.
Long-Term BMI Trajectories and Health in Older Adults: Hierarchical Clustering of Functional Curves

Objective: This project contributes to the emerging research that aims to identify distinct body mass index (BMI) trajectory types in the population. We identify clusters of long-term BMI curves among older adults and determine how the clusters differ with respect to initial health. Method: Health and Retirement Study cohort (N = 9,893) with BMI information collected in up to 10 waves (1992-2010) is analyzed using a powerful cutting-edge approach: hierarchical clustering of BMI functions estimated via the Principal Analysis by Conditional Expectations (PACE) algorithm. Results: Three BMI trajectory clusters emerged for each gender: stable, gaining, and losing. The initial health of the gaining and stable groups in both genders was comparable; the losing cluster experienced significantly poorer health at baseline. Discussion: BMI trajectories among older adults cluster into distinct types in both genders, and the clusters vary substantially in initial health. Weight loss but not gain is associated with poo...
Cofired Magnetoelectric Laminate Composites

We report the structural, electrical, and magnetoelectric (ME) properties of cofired ME laminate composites synthesized using tape-casting approach. Compositions corresponding to 0.2Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)–0.8Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 [PZNT] and (Ni0.6Cu0.2Zn0.2) Fe2O3 [NCZF] were used as piezoelectric and magnetostrictive phases, respectively. In order to reduce the sintering temperature of the ferrite layer, NZF was modified with Cu and thereafter the laminate composite was successfully sintered at 930°C. The interface between PZNT and NCZF was found to exhibit strong bonding with no structural defects, which was correlated with cross diffusion of ions. The laminate composite was found to exhibit the ME coefficient of 82 mV·(cm·Oe)−1 at Hdc=67 Oe and was able to detect a small DC magnetic field of 1 μT under Hac=1 Oe at 1 kHz. This sensitivity was attributed to the effectiveness of elastic coupling in the laminate structure. Fabrication of cofired laminate composites with high magnetic field sensitivity will lead to their wide-scale application.
Decision network in multinational corporations

This paper intends to incorporate the concurrent engineering concept, global information technologies and organizational decision-making technologies into the design of a new decision network for multinational corporations. A global group decision support system (GGDSS) is proposed for facilitating such decision-making process in global business environment. >
Soap Operas as a Matchmaker A Cultivation Analysis of the Effects of South Korean TV Dramas on Vietnamese Women’s Marital Intentions

This cultivation study examined the effects of South Korean soap operas on Vietnamese female audiences. It also assessed cultivation effects in combination with the theory of reasoned action. Based...
Anabolic steroids and the pediatric community.

This past winter was remarkable for many events including a devastating tsunami in southeast Asia, the re-election of the President of the United States, and increasing worries about the avian flu. The winter also saw the elevation of the national consciousness on the issue of anabolic steroids, resulting mostly from a weak testing policy implemented by Major League Baseball and, more recently, the release of Juiced , a book by Jose Canseco that details his steroid use and the widespread use of anabolic steroids in baseball. Anabolic steroids, derivatives of testosterone used to enhance anabolic, muscle-building properties, have important medical uses. For patients with severe osteoporosis, AIDS wasting syndrome, and occasionally other chronic medical disease states including hypogonadism, anabolic steroids … Address correspondence to Jordan D. Metzl, MD, FAAP, Sports Medicine Institute for Young Athletes, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70th St, New York, NY 10021. E-mail: metzlj{at}hss.edu
The current national criteria for carotid artery stenting overestimate its efficacy in patients who are symptomatic and at high risk

Background The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have established guidelines that outline patients who are considered "high risk" for complications after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for which carotid artery stenting (CAS) may provide benefit. The validity of these high-risk criteria are yet unproven. In this study, we stratified patients who underwent CAS or CEA by CMS high-risk criteria and symptom status and examined their 30-day outcomes. Methods A nonrandomized, retrospective cohort study was performed by chart review of all patients undergoing CEA or CAS from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2010, at our institution. Demographic data and data pertaining to the presence or absence of high-risk factors were collected. Patients were stratified using symptom status and high-risk status as variables, and 30-day adverse events (stroke, death, myocardial infarction [MI]) were compared. Results A total of 271 patients underwent CAS, with 30-day complication rates of stroke (3.0%), death (1.1%), MI (1.5%), stroke/death (3.7%), and stroke/death/MI (5.2%). A total of 830 patients underwent CEA with 30-day complication rates of stroke (2.0%), death (0.1%), MI (0.6%), stroke/death (1.9%), and stroke/death/MI (2.7%). Among symptomatic patients, physiologic high-risk status was associated with increased stroke/death (6 of 42 [14.3%] vs 2 of 74 [2.7%]; P P = .14) in patients who underwent CAS vs CEA. Analysis of asymptomatic patients showed no differences between the two groups overall, except for a trend toward a higher rate of MI after CAS than after CEA (3 of 71 [4.2%] vs 0 of 108 [0.0%]; P = .06) in those who were physiologically at high risk. Among symptomatic patients who underwent CAS, patients with physiologic and anatomic high-risk factors had a higher rate of stroke/death than non-high-risk patients (6 of 42 [14.3%] vs 0 of 24 [0.0%] and 5 of 31 [16.1%] vs 0 of 24 [0.0%], respectively; both P ≤ .05). Conclusions Physiologic high-risk status was associated with increased stroke/death, whereas anatomic high-risk status showed a trend toward increased stroke/death in symptomatic patients undergoing CAS compared with non-high-risk patients undergoing CAS or physiologically high-risk patients undergoing CEA. Our results suggest that the current national criteria for CAS overestimate its efficacy in patients who are symptomatic and at high risk.
Some comments on T-unit research

Abstract This article reviews the research on the use of the T-unit as a measure of language ability. Though there is much evidence of the value of the T-unit in the case of first language, the article demonstrates that the measure has limited utility in the case of second language. The primary reason for this lies in the very nature of the T-unit—the fact that it bases itself solely on syntax. Thus, on the one hand the T-unit fails to deal adequately with second language learners' morphological errors, which are of a type and frequency that differ from those of the first language. On the other hand, the measure does not reward learners for sophistication in areas such as vocabulary. Further, the theoretical construct upon which the T-unit is based is still quite nebulous and efforts to show why and how the measure should work have not been successful.
Imatinib and prostate cancer: lessons learned from targeting the platelet-derived growth factor receptor.

Introduction: The platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling pathway has been implicated in both epithelial and stromal mechanisms of prostate cancer progression and postulated as a target for therapy in bone metastases. Imatinib mesylate is a potent inhibitor of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and its activity has been tested in preclinical models and in Phase I and II clinical trials. Areas covered: This review summarizes the preclinical data on PDGF/PDGFR in prostate cancer, and reviews the clinical and correlative data using imatinib as a PDGFR inhibitor. Expert opinion: To date, the use of imatinib to treat men with prostate cancer has been ineffective, and PDGFR inhibition may in fact accelerate advanced forms of the disease and antagonize taxane efficacy. Given the major discordance between preclinical models and clinical experimentation, an accurate understanding of the PDGF-regulated interactions between metastatic prostate cancer and the bone micro-environment is evident...
Pixel and region based temporal classification fusion for HR Satellite Image Time Series

Satellite Image Time Series (SITS) are a very useful source of information for geoscientists especially for land cover monitoring. In this paper a new temporal classification approach for High Resolution (HR) SITS is proposed. It suggests a Bayesian combination between a pixel and a region, SVM (Support Vector Machine) based techniques where SVM is considered as a probabilistic classifier. RBF (Radial Basis Function) based SVM kernel is used to classify pixel evolution while a graph based SVM kernel is considered to analyze region temporal behavior.
The artiodactyl calcaneus as a potential 'control bone' cautions against simple interpretations of trabecular bone adaptation in the anthropoid femoral neck.

Abstract For over a century, the arched trabecular patterns of the human proximal femur have been considered to resemble tension and compression stress trajectories produced by stereotypical bending loads. This reflects conventional modeling of the human femoral neck–head region as a short cantilevered beam. Although this conception is the foundation of many biomechanical, clinical, paleontological, and comparative morphological studies of trabecular bone in various species, attempts have not been made to contrast these data to a bone that could be considered a ‘control’ for simple/stereotypical bending. We quantified trabecular architectural characteristics in sheep and deer calcanei as a first step in potentially establishing them as ‘controls’ in this context because they have arched trabecular patterns that resemble tension/compression stress trajectories, and have been shown by strain gauge measurements to be relatively simply loaded in bending. Using micro-computed tomography, calcanei from adult domesticated sheep and wild deer were analyzed where in the dorsal ‘compression’ and plantar ‘tension’ trabecular tracts they begin to separate and bending is less complex (mid-shaft), and where trabeculae extensively interconnect and loading is more complex (distal shaft). Of the eight trabecular architectural characteristics evaluated, only one (trabecular number, Tb.N) showed a probable mechanically relevant dorsal/plantar difference. However, this was paradoxically opposite in the sheep calcanei. Aside from Tb.N, the architectural characteristics showed little, if any, evidence of habitual bending. The non-uniformity of the stresses between the trabecular tracts in these bones might be reduced by load-sharing functions of their robust cortices and the nearby ligament and tendon, which might account for the similar morphologies between the tracts. These findings may help to explain why in many cases regional trabecular architectural variations seem to lack sufficient sensitivity and specificity for interpreting habitual bending in other bone regions. This cautions against simple interpretations of trabecular bone adaptation in the anthropoid femoral neck.
Graphene synthesis by thermal-CVD method

Developing a sustainable synthesis method to produce large-area, high-quality, uniform graphene films with controllable thickness is a challenge to many scientists and researchers around the world. Several reported graphene synthesis methods including exfoliation and cleavage, thermal chemical vapor deposition, thermal decomposition of SiC, un-zipping carbon nanotubes, epitaxial growth, and chemical methods have shown some success in producing graphene thin films. This paper uses a thermal-CVD method to successfully grow graphene films on nickel layer with methane as carbon source. The grain orientation and the heat treating process of nickel layer play an important role on the quality of the graphene films. The morphology of graphene films are characterized using AFM, SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy.
Permanent Ventricular Pacemakers Comparison of Transthoracic and Transvenous Implantation

In the series of 86 patients with the Stokes-Adams syndrome or with symptomatic bradycardia managed with permanently implanted ventricular pacemakers reported on, 35 patients had primary implantation of epicardial leads at thoracotomy and 51 had transvenous endocardial electrodes passed via the jugular venous system for permanent ventricular pacing. The transvenous method of permanent pacemaker implantation appears to be easier to apply with less serious complications and provides the same overall mortality as the transthoracic approach. However, pacemaker failure, both permanent and temporary, is more likely to occur with the transvenous approach. A series of unique complications and findings noted in the transvenous group were thought to be related to the permanent pacing electrode catheter. These included myothought cardial perforation, pericardial friction rubs, intermittent ventricular pacing, and diaphragmatic stimulation. The experience suggests that it is reasonable to employ a transvenous pacemak...
Effects of acute and chronic ethanol on cardiac contractile protein ATPase activity of syrian hamsters

Ethanol consumption is known to affect cardiac and skeletal muscle. In vivo experiments on cardiac muscle showed that ethanol affects cardiac contractility and Vmax, suggesting that contractile proteins of the myocardium were affected by ethanol. Therefore, experiments were carried out to examine the effects of ethanol on the cardiac contractile protein ATPase activities. Cardiac myofibrils isolated from ethanol-fed hamsters showed a significant decrease in myofibrillar ATPase activities between pCa 6 and 4. On the other hand, addition of ethanol (0.1%) in vitro to cardiac myofibrils from control hamster had no significant effect on the ATPase activities, suggesting that hamsters need to be exposed for longer periods of time to induce demonstratable changes in the contractile protein ATPase activity. Actin-activated myosin ATPase activities were significantly lower in myofibrils from ethanol-fed hamsters at 1:1 and 1:2 ratios of myosin to actin. These investigations revealed that chronic (4 weeks) exposure of hamsters to ethanol reduced cardiac contractile protein ATPase activity, which may help explain impaired cardiac function in chronic alcoholics.
Processing Subject Relative Clauses in English: Evidence from Child Speakers of English-Lexified Creoles

The large-scale continuous migration of speakers from the Anglophone Caribbean to the United States over the past 2 decades has led to an influx of school children who are native speakers of English-lexified Creoles (ELCs). These are oral languages which do not generally occur in formal institutional domains requiring academic registers. Thus, ELCs do not depend as heavily on relative clauses as Standard English does in order to create compact and dense text. However, as children acquire Standard English in the educational system so comes the demand to acquire discourse that relies heavily on relative clauses. The study found that the creole continuum and serial verbs were associated with challenges that child speakers of ELCs exhibited as they processed subject relative clauses.
Public and private self-awareness: When personal attitudes conflict with societal expectations

Abstract Different methods of inducing self-awareness have generally been assumed to be interchangeable. The present paper argues that the two most widely used manipulations of self-awareness—audiences and mirrors—differ in an important way: specifically, audiences increase focus on the public aspects of the self, whereas mirrors focus attention on the private aspects of the self. It is further argued that the standards that are used to regulate behavior depend upon which of these self-aspects is taken as the object of attention. Attention to the private self may result in behavior that reflects personal attitudes; attention to the public self may cause behavior to become more consistent with societal expectations. This reasoning was tested in two studies in which subjects served as “teachers” in an aggression paradigm. Each subject in Experiment 1 opposed the use of punishment in learing, but felt that other people favored it. Compared to the control condition, the presence of a mirror led to decreased levels of shock, and the presence of an evaluative audience led to increased levels of shock. Experiment 2 made use of subjects who favored the use of punishment but felt that others were against its use. Compared to the control group, the presence of a mirror led to increased levels of shock whereas the presence of an evaluative audience led to decreased levels of shock. Taken together, these findings indicate that self-awareness manipulations need to be chosen according to the aspect of self that is to be the object of self-attention. Discussion centers on the implications of the public-private distinction.
Transgenic fish and public policy: patenting of transgenic fish.

Abstract Following the granting of the first patent for a transgenic animal, public debate has arisen over a number of contentious patenting issues, including the very patentability of higher life forms. Against the background of the legal history regarding patentability of novel animals and the viewpoints of the various interest groups, we identify key policy questions currently at issue in the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Finally, we propose positions that the American Fisheries Society might advocate at this critical moment in the determination of national animal patenting policies which are likely to impact the community of fisheries professionals.
Glucocorticoids suppress goblet cell metaplasia in natural and experimental asthma

Abstract Rationale To determine targets of glucocorticoid treatment in asthma, we examined goblet cell metaplasia and airway hyperreactivity in natural asthma and a mouse model of asthma. Methods For human studies, normal and asthmatic subjects were studied after treatment with fluticasone propionate (FP; 1760 μg/d) for 30 d and then after withdrawal of FP until peak flows decreased by 25%, FEV1 decreased by 15%, or 6 wk elapsed. To control for asthma triggers, genetic background, and treatment (e.g. β2-adrenergic receptor agonists), we studied a mouse model of persistent, asthma-like phenotypes induced by transient paramyxoviral infection (J. Clin. Invest. 110:165-175, 2002). Mice were treated with systemic dexamethasone (DEX), inhaled FP, or inhaled salmeterol xinafoate (SLM). Results In human studies, the group of asthmatic subjects exhibited decreased methacholine PC20 (by 1.2-fold) and increased numbers of endobronchial goblet cells (by 64%) after withdrawal of FP treatment, but the two parameters showed no correlation within individual subjects. In the murine model, systemic DEX or inhaled FP caused little change in airway reactivity, but each agent suppressed goblet cell metaplasia (by 86 and 68%, respectively). Addition of inhaled SLM to FP (or SLM alone) had no significant effect on either asthma-like phenotype. Conclusions Glucocorticoid treatment is sufficient to suppress goblet cell metaplasia but not necessarily airway hyperreactivity in natural and experimental asthma. The effect of glucocorticoids on mucus-producing cells may provide a therapeutic benefit in asthma and other hypersecretory states.
Modelling and measuring the thermal behaviour of the molten pool in closed-loop controlled laser-based additive manufacturing

AbstractLaser-based additive manufacturing (LBAM) is a promising manufacturing technology that can be widely applied in solid freeform fabrication (SFF), component recovery and regeneration, and su...
Structural and superconducting transitions in Mg 1-x Al x B 2

From systematic ab initio calculations for the alloy system ${\mathrm{Mg}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Al}}_{x}{\mathrm{B}}_{2},$ we find a strong tendency for the formation of a superstructure characterized by Al-rich layers. We also present a simple model, based on calculated energies and an estimate of the configurational entropy, which suggests that the alloy has two separate concentration regimes of phase separation, with critical points near $x=0.25$ and $x=0.75.$ These results, together with calculations of electronic densities of states in several ionic arrangements, give a qualitative explanation for the observed structural instabilities, as well as the x dependence of the superconducting ${T}_{c}$ for $xl0.6.$
Laser Raman Spectroscopy of Tungsten-Halogen Bulbs

Laser Raman spectroscopy is used to nondestructively measure molecular species that are found in tungsten-halogen bulbs. In particular, reactions are studied in an experimental bulb filled with CBrF3 in Kr. It was found that CBrF3 decomposes after ~10 seconds of accumulated burn time of the filament, and that Br2 forms and then decomposes. An unusually large Br2 signal was found to result from resonance fluorescence, as well as possible resonance Raman scattering. In addition, it was found that the compounds HBr, CO, and SIF4 formed and persisted in the bulb. Raman spectroscopy was also used to identify a solid deposit on the inside surface of the glass envelope as WO3(s). Finally, the total pressure of the bulb was measured nondestructively by Rayleigh scattering.
Is It Warm? Is It Real? Or Just Low Spatial Frequency?

Leonardo da Vinci's portrait of the Mona Lisa is famous for her smile. Perhaps it is the difference in her expression carried by high and low spatial frequency ranges (gradual versus sharp luminance gradations) that helps produce her smile's elusive quality. The spatial resolution of the human visual system changes dramatically with distance from the center of gaze ([1][1]), due to the fact that both the retina and the visual cortex devote disproportionately more neuronal machinery to the fovea. Acuity 6 to 7° eccentric of the center of gaze is about one-tenth the acuity at the center of gaze. This means that our central vision is dominated by significantly higher spatial frequencies than is our peripheral vision. Conversely, vision only a few degrees from the center of gaze is much blurrier than in the fovea. To see how Mona Lisa's smile would look at different eccentricities, the image has been filtered to exaggerate selectively low or high spatial frequencies. A clear smile is much more apparent in the low spatial frequency images than in the high spatial frequency image. Thus, if you look at the painting so that your gaze falls on the background or on Mona Lisa's hands, your perception of her mouth would be dominated by low spatial frequencies, so it would appear much more cheerful than when you look directly at her mouth. This explanation goes beyond the popular idea that da Vinci blurred her mouth ( sfumato ) to make her expression ambiguous ([2][2]). It seems that her smile is more apparent in the low spatial frequency range, and therefore more apparent to peripheral vision than to central vision. Hence the elusive quality—you can't catch her smile by looking at her mouth. She smiles until you look at her mouth, and then it fades, like a dim star that disappears when you look directly at it. 1. [↵][3]1. T. Wertheim , Zeit. fur Psychol. Physiol. Sinnersorgen. 7, 172 (1894). [OpenUrl][4] 2. [↵][5]1. E. H. Gombrich , The Story of Art (Phaidon, London, 1999), p. 300. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [4]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DZeit.%2Bf%25FCr%2BPsychol.%2BPhysiol.%2BSinnersorgen.%26rft.volume%253D7%26rft.spage%253D172%26rft.atitle%253DZEIT%2BFR%2BPSYCHOL%2BPHYSIOL%2BSINNERSORGEN%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [5]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text"
Pinning a tail on platelet thrombi.

In this issue of Blood, Ablooglu and colleagues report that deleting the c-Src binding site at the carboxyl-terminus of the integrin β3 cytoplasmic tail in murine platelets confers protection against arterial thrombosis, suggesting that this site may be an apt target for antithrombotic therapy.
On the adsorption and interface diffusion of Sn on CdTe(001)

Abstract The adsorption of Sn has been studied on ion bombarded and annealed CdTe(001). Unlike similar experiments on InSb(001) large changes in behaviour are observed using He scattering, LEED and AES as increasing numbers of layers are deposited and annealed. Using the height of the (00) peak as a function of coverage and T s during deposition and anneal it is observed that the surface changes in nature with increasing number of layers deposited. Diffraction properties and AES add further evidence of these changes as well as the width of the He (00) peak which seems to be very sensitive to the chemical modifications occurring at the interface. It is suggested that the final surface attained is composed of small aligned crystallites of SnTe which, in the bulk, has a slightly smaller lattice spacing (0.86% mismatch) than CdTe and α-Sn. α-Sn adsorbs pseudomorphically on this surface. A better developed surface of SnTe would prove interesting in order to study the properties of a slightly greater strained α-Sn layer than is attainable on InSb(001) or CdTe(001) to which it is closely lattice matched (0.1 → 0.15%).
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “BNP Levels Predict Outcome in Pediatric Heart Failure Patients: Post Hoc Analysis of the Pediatric Carvedilol Trial”

We would like to thank Drs Lowenthal, Shah, and Bernstein for their interest in our study.1 We agree that there is emerging evidence that serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels may be lower in patients with single-ventricle physiology compared with those with biventricular physiology.2,3 In the Pediatric Carvedilol Trial, patients were classified as having congenital heart disease or cardiomyopathy, and ventricular morphology was characterized by the echocardiography core laboratory as a systemic left ventricle (LV) or a systemic non-LV. No further anatomic …
Estimation and interpretation of genetic distance in empirical studies.

Linear functions of Nei's genetic-distance statistic are calculated frequently in the literature of population genetics. Variance estimates for these linear functions are either not presented or incorrectly calculated. Part of the problem stems from the common assumption that distance statistics are independent random variables. This assumption is not generally correct. We describe methods for estimating the variance of linear combinations of genetic-distance statistics. We also suggest a method for constructing confidence intervals on genetic-distance statistics when these values are small (< 0·10) and their distribution deviates substantially from normal.
Blood pressure response to hypoxia: role of nitric oxide synthase.

Abstract Background Chronic exposure to hypobaric hypoxia has been shown to increase arterial pressure in genetically normal rats. The associated increase in blood pressure is unrelated to the hypoxia-induced erythrocytosis and persists indefinitely after restoration of normoxia. It is accompanied by a marked reduction in urinary excretion of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and is ameliorated by l -arginine supplementation. In view of the latter observations, we hypothesized that hypoxia-induced hypertension may be associated with downregulation of NO synthase (NOS). Methods Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized to the hypoxic and control groups. Rats assigned to the hypoxic group were placed in chambers with air pressure maintained at 390 mm Hg. Animals assigned to the control group were kept in the chamber at 760 mm Hg air pressure. Animals were kept in their respective conditions for up to 21 days. Group of animals were tested at days 2, 3, 7, and 21. Results The hypoxic group exhibited a steady increase in arterial pressure beginning at day 3. This was accompanied by a transient increase followed by a significant decline in kidney NOS-I, NOS-II, and NOS-III abundance. A similar biphasic change was observed with NOS-II and NOS-III in the cardiac and vascular tissues. The changes in NOS abundance in the given tissues were associated with parallel changes in nitrotyrosine abundance, which reflects local NO production. The latter finding provides functional evidence for the changes observed in NOS abundance. Conclusions Chronic hypoxia-induced hypertension in rats is associated with marked downregulation of NOS isotypes, which can, in part, account for the previously reported l -arginine-responsive hypertension in this model.