cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Projection of Wilson coefficients from deep inelastic leptoproduction data

Abstract We show in detail how the techniques of Nachtmann can be applied to the operator product expansion of two-vector (or vector minus axial vector) current in order to extract Wilson coefficients from the deep inelastic leptoproduction data. Included are new results for the G 1 and G 2 (spin dependent) and W 3 (parity violating) structure functions.
Characterization of Potential Outcome Measures for Future Clinical Trials in Fragile X Syndrome

Clinical trials targeting recently elucidated synaptic defects in fragile X syndrome (FXS) will require outcome measures capable of assessing short-term changes in cognitive functioning. Potentially useful measures for FXS were evaluated here in a test–retest setting in males and females with FXS (N = 46). Good reproducibility, determined by an interclass correlation (ICC) or weighted kappa (κ) of 0.7–0.9 was seen for RBANS List and Story Memory, NEPSY Tower, Woodcock–Johnson Spatial Relations and the commissions score from the Carolina Fragile X Project Continuous Performance Test (CPT). This study demonstrates the feasibility of generating test profiles containing reliability data, ability levels required for test performance, and refusal rates to assist with choice of outcome measures in FXS and other cohorts with cognitive disability.
Risk factors and prediction of outcomes in children and adolescents who have sickle cell anemia

This article discusses risk factors and predictive clinical and laboratory variables in children and adolescents who have sickle cell anemia.
A crystalline protein is responsible for dimorphic egg jellies in the spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw) (Caudata: Ambystomatidae)

Abstract 1. 1. Ambystoma maculatum produces egg masses with colourless, transparent jelly in some populations or white, opaque jelly in others. 2. 2. The white jelly is caused by small crystals that appear to be composed of a unique glycoprotein of 15,000 molecular weight. 3. 3. The protein crystalizes adjacent to globules of jelly in the bases of crypt-like tubules in the oviduct wall. 4. 4. The secretory epithelium of the oviduct does not produce crystals. 5. 5. Neither egg jelly crystals nor the protein has been documented in the jelly of A. talpoideum or A. opacum .
Livermore Imaging Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (LIFTIRS)

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is currently operating a hyperspectral imager, the Livermore Imaging Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (LIFTIRS). This instrument is capable of operating throughout the infrared spectrum from 3 to 12.5 {mu}m with controllable spectral resolution. In this presentation we report on it`s operating characteristics, current capabilities, data throughput and calibration issues.
Interorganizational Information Systems and Business-to-Business Relationships: System Characteristics, Assistance, Performance, Satisfaction, and Commitment Model

We introduce the SAPSaC model to see how relationship characteristics influence the implementation and outcomes of a specific type of inter-organization information system—electronic data interchange (EDI). Using a relational exchange perspective, we examine the effects of interfirm system characteristics, target firm capabilities, and initiator assistance, on project outcomes. We explore effects of three system characteristics—relationalism, dependence, and tenure on initiator assistance. System characteristics and assistance are hypothesized to affect outcomes—project performance, satisfaction, and commitment to the relationship. We consider the target's task readiness an additional determinant of initiator assistance and performance. Using sample survey data from firms in the housewares industry, we find that initiator assistance stems from relationalism, not tenure. From the target's perspective, project performance derives from relationalism and tenure. Satisfaction is driven by relationalism, tenure...
A pregnant surgical resident? Oh my!

Women currently make up 39% of US medical school applicants and 34% of graduates. 1 Almost all graduates enter residency programs, but, until recently, women infrequently chose surgical careers. This has changed dramatically in recent years; in 1982, 875 surgical residents were women, but in 1990, 3709 were women, and this number is increasing each year. 2 Nearly half of the residents in obstetrics and approximately 14% of general surgical residents are women, who are enrolled in programs varying in length from 4 years (basic obstetrics) to 9 years (academic programs in pediatric, thoracic, or vascular surgery). The average age of medical school graduates is 28 years 3 ; a typical chief surgical resident is 32 years old. Residencies, especially the lengthy surgical programs, span a vital portion of prime childbearing years for all of these women. Pregnancy during residency, even a surgical residency, can and should be anticipated. What are
A Formal System for Differentiation

A formal system is presented for the differentiation of mathematical formulas which can be implemented on a digital computer. The system departs in concept from others in that the programming language is nonprocedural, permitting the statement of the problem for the machine to more closely resemble the corresponding statement for the human. Although limited ostensibly to the narrow and well-defined problem of mechanizing differentiation, many of the ideas and techniques presented can be applied in the broader context of the deeper problem of mechanizing mathematics. They should also be useful in programming theory, where the fundamental problem continues to be the narrowing of the gap between a natural language statement of a problem and a formal language statement acceptable to a computer.
Receptors for prolactin, somatostatin, and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone in experimental prostate cancer after treatment with analogs of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and somatostatin.

Abstract Membrane receptors for luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH), somatostatin, and prolactin (PRL) were investigated in the Dunning R-3327H rat prostate adenocarcinoma specimens after in vivo treatment with microcapsules of the agonist [D-Trp6]LH-RH and the somatostatin analog RC-160. The LH-RH receptors showed a low-binding affinity (Kd = 54 nM) and high capacity (Bmax = 12.0 pmol/mg). Treatment with the [D-Trp6]LH-RH decreased the binding affinity (Kd = 0.52 microM). Specific somatostatin receptors, with Kd = 1.3 nM and Bmax = 543 fmol/mg, were also found. Treatment with [D-Trp6]LH-RH lowered Bmax to 44 fmol/mg, and administration of RC-160 reduced Kd to 30 nM. After the combined treatment with the two analogs, Kd and Bmax were decreased. Specific PRL receptors (Kd = 0.72 nM; Bmax = 161 fmol/mg) were also detected. Treatment with either analog reduced Bmax by 50%, but a much greater reduction of PRL binding capacity was revealed after in vitro dissociation of the bound endogenous PRL by MgCl2. The dramatic fall in the total number of PRL receptors after combination treatment with both analogs could be partially responsible for the decrease in the weight and volume of prostate tumors. The findings support the concept that analogs of LH-RH and somatostatin can inhibit tumors directly through their own respective receptors. One of several mechanisms of the antineoplastic activity of these analogs could be the elimination of tumor growth-promoting effect of PRL by the reduction of the total number of PRL receptors.
Speech-Language Pathologists' and Teachers' Perceptions of Classroom-Based Interventions.

Surveys were sent to speech-language pathologists and to teachers regarding their perceptions of classroom-based interventions. Respondents were asked to rate, on a 5-point scale, factors that pert...
Endocytic trafficking of chemokine receptors.

Chemokine receptors belong to the super family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The cognate ligands for chemokine receptors are small circulating proteins known as chemokines. Upon binding to their cognate chemokines, receptors are rapidly desensitized, internalized onto early endosomes and sorted either into a recycling pathway or degradative pathway. Chemokine receptor trafficking is essential because it limits the magnitude and duration of signaling by removing receptors from the cell surface thereby limiting access to their ligands, but it also delivers bound chemokines to lysosomes for degradation. Receptor sorting into the recycling pathway contributes to resensitization of receptor signaling, whereas sorting into the degradative pathway leads to long-term attenuation of signaling. Recent studies have revealed some key information regarding the molecular determinants mediating chemokine receptor internalization and have shed light on the mechanisms dictating sorting into either the recycling or degradative pathways. Here I discuss our current understanding of the mechanisms mediating chemokine receptor trafficking with a focus primarily on recent findings for the chemokine receptor CXCR4.
RECENT ADVANCES IN SMART-MATERIAL ROTOR CONTROL ACTUATION.

This paper reviews recent achievements in the application of active-materials actuation to counteract aeroelastic and vibration effects in helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. A brief review of the induced-strain actuation principles and capabilities is done first. Attention is focused on the smart rotor-blade applications. The induced twist, active blade tip, and active blade flap concepts are presented and discussed. A number of ingenious displacement amplifications methods, both solid-state and levered, are described. Emphasis is placed on experimental results that prove the expectations and reveal the possible limitations of each particular concept. Full-scale smart rotor efforts are also highlighted. Conclusions and directions for further work are presented
Analysis of questions addressed to a medical reference retrieval system: Comparison of question and system terminologies†

Requests for subject and author searches submitted to the Medical Documentation Service of the Library of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia were studied. A total of 483 subject reference questions were analyzed for the number of question terms matching system subject headings (M), number of question terms translatable to system subject headings (T), number of stop-list words (S), and number of untranslatable words (U), using the judgment of the author. The average question had one M term or 22% M, one T term or 21% T, two S words or 38% S, and one U word or 19% U. Thus 81% of the average question was accounted for by M + T + S; in addition, 46% of the questions had no U words. Analysis of variance failed to show significant (5% level) differences between doctors' and lawyers' questions or between negotiated and nonnegotiated questions in number of M, T, S, or U. Study of limitations on searches for the 483 subject search requests and 38 requests for author searches showed that the requestor rarely stipulated type of material to be covered, languages to be included, time period to be covered, cost, or time for completion.
An International Code to Protect Private Investment -- Proposals and Perspectives

T HERE is general agreement among capital-exporting and capitalimporting countries as to the need for international investment in the economically underdeveloped areas.' Increasing amounts of public and private capital are today directed toward these areas,2 but the existing needs are still far from being satisfied. The availability of public capital, in the form of loans or grants, depends chiefly on considerations of a political character.3 The provision of private capital, on the other hand, depends on a different set of conditions and considerations. Recent events in a number
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Carbamazepine for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence

Carbamazepine, chemically related to the tricyclic antidepressants, has multiple clinical actions. It is a potent anticonvulsant, mild sedative, and mood stabilizer. It is nonaddictive and has little toxicity when clinical and laboratory monitoring is performed. It has proven efficacy in the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal. Kindling and protracted withdrawal are the theoretical rationale for the mechanism of its action in the treatment of alcohol dependence. This 12-month double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study of 29 subjects evaluated the efficacy of carbamazepine for the treatment of alcohol dependence. Subjects were randomly assigned to either placebo or carbamazepine. A baseline assessment and bimonthly follow-up for 12 months assessed demographic variables, mood and functioning, treatment compliance, drinking behaviors, biological markers of drinking, and medication toxicity. Despite the small sample size, compliance difficulties after 4 months and a sizable drop-out rate, there were treatment effects favoring carbamazepine. Univariate analyses showed a decrease in drinks per drinking day and maximum number of heavy drinking days in a row at 2 and 4 months of follow-up. Survival analysis revealed a significant delay in time to first episode of heavy drinking, and close to a trend level of significance for time to first drink. There were significant time, but not time by treatment group, effects on multiple measures of mood. These pilot results are encouraging and support carbamazepine as a possible pharmacologic tool in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Technical forum: a reusable parts center

During the creation and the establishment of the parts center, our group discovered what language features and what infrastructure were needed to enable the building and the distribution of reusable components. Many of the problems we had to solve were caused by the inadequate support of reuse through the language we initially used. Significant progress was achieved when object-oriented languages like C++, which support reuse inherently, became available. Our experience showed that it is not enough to use an object-oriented language to make reuse happen, but high-quality class libraries are essential to get the desired productivity improvements.
Adolescent-Focused Oncology Nursing Research

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To describe contextual features of the experience of adolescents with cancer in the United States; to relate these features to a different theoretical perspective, the Shifting Perspectives Model of Chronic Illness; and to derive implications from that model for conducting research with adolescents who have cancer. DATA SOURCES 64 qualitative and quantitative studies and clinical anecdotes. DATA SYNTHESIS Unique features of adolescents with cancer related to person, disease, and treatment indicate that existing theories on adolescence do not adequately guide research efforts with this patient population, nor do they adequately assist in explaining study findings. CONCLUSIONS The Shifting Perspectives Model of Chronic Illness is useful in generating potentially important hypotheses about adolescents and their experiences with cancer and has the promise of guiding research design and method selection for studies involving adolescents with cancer. The model also highlights a moral responsibility for researchers who conduct studies with this patient population. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurse researchers who use this model to guide their research will create a purposeful balance in methods that allows adolescents with cancer to choose the amount of time and detail they will give to illness-related or to wellness-related responses in studies, particularly those that rely on self-report methods.
Cell-Autonomous Intracellular Androgen Receptor Signaling Drives the Growth of Human Prostate Cancer Initiating Cells

The lethality of prostate cancer is due to the continuous growth of cancer initiating cells (CICs) which are often stimulated by Androgen Receptor (AR) signaling. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) for such AR-mediated growth stimulation are not fully understood. Such mechanisms may involve cancer cell-dependent induction of tumor stromal cells to produce paracrine growth factors or could involve cancer cell autonomous autocrine and/or intracellular AR signaling pathways. The present studies document that stromal AR expression is not required for prostate cancer growth, since tumor stroma surrounding AR-positive human prostate cancer metastases (N=127) are characteristically AR-negative. This lack of a requirement for AR expression in tumor stromal cells is also documented by the fact that prostate cancers derived from 5 independent patients grow equally well when xenografted in wild-type vs. AR-null nude mice. Using a series of AR-positive human prostate cancer cell lines, AR-dependent growth stimulation was documented to involve secretion, extracellular binding, and signaling by autocrine growth factors. Orthotopic xenograft animal studies documented that the cell autonomous autocrine growth factors which stimulate prostate CIC growth are not the andromedins secreted by normal prostate stromal cells. Such cell autonomous and extracellular autocrine signaling is necessary but not sufficient for the optimal growth of prostate CICs based upon the response to anti-androgen plus/or minus pre-conditioned media. Thus, AR-induced growth stimulation of human prostate CICs requires AR-dependent intracellular pathways. The identification of such AR-dependent intracellular pathways offers new leads for the development of effective therapies for prostate cancer.
Benthic nutrient sources to hypereutrophic Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, USA

Three collecting trips were coordinated in April, May, and August 2006 to sample the water column and benthos of hypereutrophic Upper Klamath Lake (OR, USA) through the annual cyanophyte bloom of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae. A pore-water profiler was designed and fabricated to obtain the first high-resolution (centimeter-scale) estimates of the vertical concentration gradients of macro- and micronutrients for diffusive-flux determinations. A consistently positive benthic flux for soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) was observed with solute release from the sediment, ranging between 0.4 and 6.1 mg/m2/d. The mass flux over an approximate 200-km2 lake area was comparable in magnitude to riverine inputs. An additional concern related to fish toxicity was identified when dissolved ammonium also displayed consistently positive benthic fluxes of 4 to 134 mg/m2/d, again comparable to riverine inputs. Although phosphorus was a logical initial choice by water quality managers for the limiting nutrient when nitrogen-fixing cyanophytes dominate, initial trace-element results from the lake and major inflowing tributaries suggested that the role of iron limitation on primary productivity should be investigated. Dissolved iron became depleted in the lake water column during the course of the algal bloom, while dissolved ammonium and SRP increased. Elevated macroinvertebrate densities, at least of the order of 104 individuals/m2, suggested that the diffusive-flux estimates may be significantly enhanced by bioturbation. In addition, heat-flux modeling indicated that groundwater advection of nutrients could also significantly contribute to internal nutrient loading. Accurate environmental assessments of lentic systems and reasonable expectations for point-source management require quantitative consideration of internal solute sources.
A novel RING-finger-like protein Ini1 is essential for cell cycle progression in fission yeast

We have cloned a fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) homologue of Ini, a novel RING-finger-like protein recently identified in rat that interacts with the connexin43 (cx43) promoter and might be important for the response of the cx43 gene to estrogen. S. pombe cells deleted for ini1(+) fail to form colonies and arrest with an elongated cell phenotype, indicating a cell cycle block. Cell cycle arrest is dependent on expression of Wee1, but not Rad3, suggesting that it occurs independently of the DNA damage checkpoint control. Analysis of mRNA intermediates in cells depleted for Ini1 demonstrates that Ini1 is required for pre-mRNA splicing. We observe an accumulation of pre-mRNA for six of seven genes analysed, suggesting that Ini1 is required for general splicing activity. Interestingly, loss of Ini1 results in cell death that is partially suppressed by elimination of the Wee1 kinase. Therefore, Wee1 might promote cell death in the absence of Ini1.
Looking for a worldview: Perceptual practice in an ecological age

Abstract Perceptual tendencies conditioned by western values emphasize object identification. This implies separatist modes of perception and consciousness which, from an ecopsychological perspective, are at the root of the ecological crisis. Alternatively, I suggest developing a way of seeing that encourages the perception of relationships. I also propose a new psychology of vision which acknowledges that vision changes. Neurophysiological research suggests that alterations in visual system structure and function require attention. This implies refocusing our attention on relationships in order to facilitate a relational worldview. Ultimately, I am proposing a hermeneutics of perception, in which mindful participation in the act of perceiving changes our worldview.
Computing the exact probability of an r by c contingency table with fixed marginal totals

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Mrs. Cathy Thompson of the University of Durham, England, who made several helpful contributions concerning the calculation of factorials. Several computer programs have recently been published (Hays, 1975; Tritchler & Pedrini, 1975) for the computation of Fisher's exact test for the probability of a 2 by 2 table with marginal totals fixed. This procedure is simply a special case of a general method for the r by c table with fixed marginals which was described by Freeman and Halton (1951). Several programs for this more general procedure have also been published (Hancock, 1975; March, 1972). They have been used in Monte Carlo investigations of the chi-square approximation to the probability of such tables (March, 1970) and the effects on statistical decisions of violating the standard "assumptions" of the chi-square approximate test (Howell & Gordon, Note 1). The intent of this note is to call the attention of psychologists to this more general procedure and to make our subroutine available to that group. This subroutine is on the order of five times faster than that of March, and is about equivalent to that of Hancock. The method of Freeman and Halton (1951) employs the following formula for the exact probability of a single contingency table, given the marginal distributions:
Transverse plasma-wave localization in multiple dimensions.

Plasma-wave behavior in multiple dimensions is studied using two- and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. We find that large-amplitude waves with $k{\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.2$, where $k$ is the wave number of the wave and ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}_{D}$ is the Debye length, localize in the transverse direction around their axis due to nonlinear, local damping caused by transiting particles. The center of the wave behaves like a plane wave in which trapped particles maintain a quasisteady state at approximately constant amplitude, while the transverse edges damp away.
Does the Empirical Problem of Evil Prove that Theism is Improbable

Is (God) willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?1
Quantitative and Comparative Assessment of Learning in a Tongue-Operated Computer Input Device

Tongue drive system (TDS) is a wireless, wearable assistive technology that enables individuals with severe motor impairments to access computers, drive wheelchairs, and control their environments using tongue motion. In this paper, we have evaluated the TDS performance as a computer input device in four tasks, commonly known as horizontal, vertical, center-out, and multidirectional rapid tapping, based on Fitts' law and ISO9241-9 Standard. Nine able-bodied subjects, who already had tongue piercing, participated in this trial over five sessions during 5 weeks, allowing us to study the TDS learning process and its current limiting factors. Subjects wore tongue rings made of titanium in the form of a barbell with a small rare-earth magnetic tracer hermetically sealed inside the upper ball. Participants performed the same tasks with a mouse (only in the first session) as a reference as well as a standard keypad for benchmarking. Six performance measures were considered, including throughput, error rate, and reaction time, all of these improved significantly from the first to the last session, and some of these plateaued over the course of the experiment. The comparison between tongue-TDS versus index-finger-keypad provides valuable insights into tongue human factors, which can lead the way in improving the usability of the TDS and similar tongue-operated assistive technologies.
Software Environment Research: Directions for the Next Five Years

A two-stage strategy, aimed first at understanding the role and characteristics of software environments and then at construction of experimental systems, distinguishes this near-term research plan.
Cytosolic adenylate kinases regulate K-ATP channel activity in human β-cells

The role of adenylate kinase (AK) as a determinant of K-ATP channel activity in human pancreatic β-cells was investigated. We have identified that two cytosolic isoforms of AK, AK1 and AK5 are expressed in human islets and INS-1 cells. Elevated concentrations of glucose inhibit AK1 expression and AK1 immunoprecipitates with the Kir6.2 subunit of K-ATP. AK activation by ATP + AMP stimulates K-ATP channel activity and this stimulation is abolished by AK inhibitors. We propose that glucose stimulation of β-cells inhibits AK through glycolysis and also through the elevation of diadenosine polyphosphate levels. Glucose-dependent inhibition of AK increases the ATP/ADP ratio in the microenvironment of the K-ATP channel promoting channel closure and insulin secretion. The down-regulation of AK1 expression by hyperglycemia may contribute to the defective coupling of glucose metabolism to K-ATP channel activity in type 2 diabetes.
Visualization and calculation of polarized light. II. Applications of the hybrid polarization sphere

The hybrid polarization sphere was developed in a companion paper [Appl. Opt.47, 4009 (2008)APOPAI0003-6935]. We apply the sphere to polarizing devices such as circular polarizers, the Babinet-Soleil compensator, the Lefevre polarization controller, and the Senarmont compensator.
Too Many PhD Graduates or Too Few Academic Job Openings: The Basic Reproductive Number R0 in Academia.

The academic job market has become increasingly competitive for PhD graduates. In this note, we ask the basic question of ‘Are we producing more PhDs than needed?’ We take a systems approach and offer a ‘birth rate’ perspective: professors graduate PhDs who later become professors themselves, an analogue to how a population grows. We show that the reproduction rate in academia is very high. For example, in engineering, a professor in the US graduates 7.8 new PhDs during his/her whole career on average, and only one of these graduates can replace the professor's position. This implies that in a steady state, only 12.8% of PhD graduates can attain academic positions in the USA. The key insight is that the system in many places is saturated, far beyond capacity to absorb new PhDs in academia at the rates that they are being produced. Based on the analysis, we discuss policy implications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topography-based VS-IMM estimator for large-scale ground target tracking

The Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) estimator has been shown to be very effective in various target tracking problems. It is possible to vary the set of models in the IMM estimator based on some criteria to yield better estimates. This results in a Variable Structure IMM (VS-IMM) estimator where the mode set not only differs across targets, but also varies with time for a given target. This paper addresses the problem of tracking convoys of ground targets using Moving Target Indicator (MTI) reports to illustrate the development, operation and the benefits of an adaptive VS-IMM estimator. The targets under track are moving along a constrained path, for example, a highway, with varying obscuration due to changing terrain conditions. Here we present a VS-IMM estimator, where filter modules are adaptively modified, added or removed depending on the terrain topography, for tracking on-road and off-road targets within the same framework. At each scan, the structure of the estimator for every target is individually modified based on the known topography of the surveillance region and the predicted location of the target. This enables the estimator to handle the variation in the possible motion modes across targets as well as with time for each target. Because of the nonlinear nature of the MTI reports, which consist of two-dimensional positions and range rate, extended Kalman filters are used as IMM estimator modules. (4 pages)
Sex differences in addict careers. 3. Addiction.

AbstractThe process and correlates of addiction prior to treatment are examined for a sample of 546 women and men methadone maintenance clients. Narcotic addiction careers for women (defined both a...
Vector wavefields for weakly attenuating anisotropic media by the ray method

The ray method is used to compute high‐frequency seismic vector wavefields in weakly attenuating layered anisotropic structures. The attenuating effects are introduced by substituting the real elastic parameters for perfectly elastic media by complex frequency dependent elastic parameters with small imaginary parts. The imaginary parts are formally considered to be of the order of ω-1 for ω→∞. Under this assumption, it is possible to work with real rays, only the eikonal is complex. The approximate computations based on this algorithm are only a few percent slower than those for perfectly elastic anisotropic media. The range of applicability of the weak attenuation concept is investigated by comparison of ray computations with results of the reflectivity method for an isotropic, constant gradient model. The study indicates that the region of applicability of the weak attenuation concept may be broader than expected. The combined effects of anisotropy and attenuation on the propagation of seismic waves in ...
Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games and What Parents Can Do

Despite the media hype and political posturing, new, federally funded research on violent video games and teenagers indicates that the politicians and even some health professionals may have it all wrong. In 2004, Drs. Lawrence Kutner and Cheryl K. Olson, co-founders and directors of the Harvard Medical School Center for Mental Health and Media, began a $1.5 million study funded by the U.S. Department of Justice on the effects of video games on young teenagers. In contrast to previous research, they studied real children and families in real situations. What they found surprised, encouraged, and sometimes disturbed them. This link is to an extract of the first chapter of Grand theft childhood?
Role of water in formic acid decomposition

Formic acid decomposes primarily to CO and H2 0 in the gas phase, but to CO, and H, in the aqueous phase. Ab-initio quantum chemical calculations were performed, using Hartree-Fock and density functional methods, to seek an explanation for this behavior. The effect of water on the two decomposition pathways and on the isomerization of formic acid was determined. The transition state structures were fully optimized and include up to two water molecules. In the absence of water, dehydration is more favorable than decarboxylation. The presence of water reduces the activation barriers for both decomposition pathways, but decarboxylation is consistently more favorable than dehydration. The water molecules actively participate in the bond-breaking and bondforming processes in the transition state. The reduction in the activation barriers with the addition of water indicates that water acts as a homogeneous catalyst for both dehydration and decarboxylation, whereas isomerization of formic acid occurs independently of water. Water has a strong effect on the relative stability of the formic acid isomers, acid - water complexes, and transition states. The relative stability of the transition states plays an important role in determining the faster decomposition pathway.
Linear guidance of dipole modes in an optically induced ring lattice with a low-index core

Linear guidance of dipole modes in an optically induced ring lattice with a low-refractive-index core is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally. These dipoles are guided in the low-index region of the lattice. Such guidance results from anti-resonance or bandgaps in waveguides rather than the total internal reflection.
Pond-Breeding Amphibian Community Composition in Missouri

We examined pond-breeding amphibian community composition at 210 ponds in Missouri between 2002 and 2012 using drift fence, dipnet, and funnel trap data. We encountered a total of 20 pond-breeding amphibian species in the combined surveys. We also examined whether the presence of American Bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus, and fish influenced these patterns of diversity. Our results indicate the presence of American Bullfrogs, fish, and their interaction influenced the community composition of amphibians at these sites but in opposite patterns. American Bullfrogs often had a positive relationship with the total number of species, total caudate species, and total anuran species, whereas fish presence was negatively associated overall with species diversity, and the presence of both American Bullfrogs and fish was negatively associated with anuran species diversity. It is important to have baseline community species composition data from wide geographical ranges so spatiotemporal changes in community structure can be noted and assessed.
Brief paper: Gradient algorithms for polygonal approximation of convex contours

The subjects of this paper are descent algorithms to optimally approximate a strictly convex contour with a polygon. This classic geometric problem is relevant in interpolation theory and data compression, and has potential applications in robotic sensor networks. We design gradient descent laws for intuitive performance metrics such as the area of the inner, outer, and ''outer minus inner'' approximating polygons. The algorithms position the polygon vertices based on simple feedback ideas and on limited nearest-neighbor interaction.
Renal cancer: Genetic directed therapy.

Until recently, the distinction made between various renal cancers was based on histology alone. However, we have clearly entered the era of molecular genetics. The Human Genome Project is arguably the most important scientific achievement of the last half century [1]. Rosner and colleagues have summarized the current state of knowledge regarding the genetics of renal cell carcinoma. Their investigations and those of others, which defined the function of the Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene, have provided us with the “Rosetta Stone” that should enable us to develop genetic-based therapies. The interleukin/interferon era Beginning in the 1980s, interleukin 2, interferon-, and combinations of the two drugs were used to treat metastatic renal cell cancer. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) was evaluated in combination with lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK), however randomized trials showed that IL-2 alone was as effective as the combination therapy [2]. Similarly, IL-2 used in combination with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) was shown to be no more effective than IL-2 alone. In 1992, the FDA approved high dose Il-2 for the treatment of metastatic RCC based on Phase II trials in which 12 of 255 patients had complete responses and 24 of 255 patients had partial responses [2]. However these rather modest response rates were associated with significant toxicities, and the early enthusiasm for interleukin-2 therapy waned. Interferon- was also used as a single agent and the overall response rate to interferonmonotherapy was about 15% [3]. Interferon- up-regulates the expression of HLA class I and tumor-associated antigens, which should potentiate IL-2 mediated cell lysis. Therefore, many investigators thought it would be reasonable to initiate studies using combinations of interferon- and interleukin-2. However the response rates to combination therapy ranged from 2% to 38% [2].
The reception of psychoanalysis in Germany.

It is clear that in terms of the amount of notice paid to it by various groups, psychoanalysis received the most attention from physicians. In Germany, Freud was never ignored, even though he claimed to be. Moreover, initial medical reaction was not entirely unfavorable although Freud and his followers said that it was. The response actually covered a broad range from hostile to enthusiastic and could be quite varied in any one individual, depending on the particular aspect of psychoanalysis under consideration. Moreover, there was a wide diversity of motivations which governed the reactions to psychoanalysis of specific physicians. The medical hypnotists immediately took the 1893 and 1895 works of Josef Breuer and Freud on hysteria seriously and commented on them. After 1900, psychiatric and neurological journals, monographs, and textbooks contained frequent references to Freud. The only professional sphere in which Freud was initially ignored was that of large medical congresses, and Freud himself must share part of the responsibility for this situation since he refused to attend such meetings even when invited. When prominent psychiatrists and neurologists compiled lists of the outstanding workers in the fields of neurasthenia, hysteria, psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy, they usually included Freud's name.2
Correction of clinical manifestations of canine mucopolysaccharidosis I with neonatal retroviral vector gene therapy.

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) (Hurler syndrome) is due to deficient α-l-iduronidase (IDUA) activity and is the most common of the MPS disorders. Neonatal MPS I dogs were injected intravenously (IV) with a gamma retroviral vector containing a complete long-terminal repeat (LTR) and an internal human α1-antitrypsin (hAAT) promoter upstream of the canine IDUA complementary DNA (cDNA). This resulted in stable serum IDUA activity of 366 ± 344 units (U)/ml (28-fold normal) for up to 1.8 years, which likely derived primarily from secretion of IDUA by transduced liver cells. Retroviral vector (RV)-treated dogs had >18% of normal IDUA activity in organs and had decreased severity and/or incidence of hernias, chest deformities, joint disease, facial dysmorphia, corneal clouding, valvular heart disease, and aortic dilatation as compared with untreated MPS I dogs. The marked reduction that was observed in lysosomal storage in the brain of RV-treated dogs may have been due in part to expression from the LTR of the vector in cells in the brain. This possibility will be explored in future studies, because the potential for insertional mutagenesis has raised concerns about using vectors with an intact LTR. If proven safe, this gene therapy technique may be utilized in treating children with Hurler syndrome.
PKM2 Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Glutamine Metabolism Signal a Different View of the Warburg Effect

New evidence suggests that the receptor tyrosine kinase FGFR1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 1) directly phosphorylates pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), resulting in reduced conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate, which is further catabolized to lactate by lactate dehydrogenase A. Mutation of the critical tyrosine Tyr(105) to Phe rendered PKM2 more active but was associated with decreased cellular lactate production, increased oxygen consumption, and decreased hypoxic cell proliferation relative to wild-type PKM2. The apparent paradoxical effect of growth signaling through tyrosine phosphorylation, which decreases rather than increases PKM2 activity, stimulates a revised perspective of the Warburg effect. This effect, which describes the propensity for cancer cells to convert glucose to lactate at a high rate, must now accommodate links among glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and glutamine metabolism in cancer cells.
Development and validation of a sensitive LC/MS/MS method for the determination of γ-tocotrienol in rat plasma: application to pharmacokinetic studies

γ-Tocotrienol has attracted much attention owing to its multiple health benefits. This study developed and validated a simple, specific, sensitive and reliable LC/MS/MS method to analyze γ-tocotrienol in rat plasma. Plasma samples (50 μL) were extracted with internal standard solution (25 ng/mL of itraconazole) in acetonitrile (200 μL) with an average recovery of 44.7% and an average matrix effect of −2.9%. The separation of γ-tocotrienol and internal standard from the plasma components was achieved with a Waters XTerra® MS C18 column with acetonitrile–water as mobile phase. Analysis was performed under positive ionization electrospray mass spectrometer via the multiple reaction monitoring. The standard curve was linear over a concentration range of 10–1000 ng/mL with correlation coefficient values >0.997. The method was validated with intra- and inter-day accuracy (relative error) ranging from 1.79 to 9.17% and from 2.16 to 9.66%, respectively, and precision (coefficient of variation) ranged from 1.94 to 9.25% and from 2.37 to 10.08%, respectively. Short-term stability, freeze–thaw stability and the processed sample stability tests were performed. This method was further applied to analyze γ-tocotrienol plasma concentrations in rats at various time points after administration of a 2 mg/kg single intravenous dose, and a pharmacokinetic profile was successfully obtained. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement and analysis of worm propagation on Internet network topology

There has been a constant barrage of worms over the Internet during the recent past. Besides threatening network security, these worms cause an enormous economic burden in terms of loss of productivity at the victim hosts. In addition, these worms create unnecessary network data traffic that causes network congestion, thereby hurting all users. To develop appropriate tools for thwarting quick spread of worms, researchers are trying to understand the behavior of the worm propagation with the aid of epidemiological models. In this study, we apply the classical SIS model and a modification of SIR model to simulate worm propagation in two different network topologies. Whereas in the SIR model once a node is cured after infection it becomes permanently immune, our modification allows this immunity to be temporary, since the cured nodes may again become infected, maybe with a different strain of the same worm. The simulation study also shows that time to infect a large portion of the network vary significantly depending on where the infection begins. This information could be usefully employed to choose hosts for quarantine to delay worm propagation to the rest of the network
Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles A 3.3 V 12.5 Gb/s 0.2 $\mu$ m SiGe BiCMOS Laser Diode Driver Using Bias Current Modulation Cancellation

A low supply voltage fully-integrated 12.5 Gb/s laser diode driver IC was realized in a 0.2 mum 60 GHz fT SiGe BiCMOS process. A three-fold power consumption reduction versus existing drivers was achieved by using a 3.3 V supply and a dynamic emitter follower having a local positive feedback loop that boosts the drive strength of the leg that controls the turning-off output switch, without taking additional supply power. Low voltage operation was achieved by replacing the tail current source of the output switch with a resistor and setting the current value with a common-mode feedback loop. A direct on-chip summation of bias and modulation currents was realized by using a bias modulation canceling circuit and a cascode current generator with series damping resistor. The signal path peaking and ringing was reduced with RC compensation networks that critically damp both the last emitter follower which drives a large load capacitance and the output switch parasitic LC circuit. A virtually constant dynamic performance was achieved for a wide range of modulation currents by using adjustable voltage swings and tail currents in the driver back-end stages. Laser diode driver IC specifications include: 3-3.6 V supply voltage, <70 mA supply current (excluding output current), 20-100 mA modulation current range, 1-100 mA bias current range, <12 pspp deterministic jitter, <25 ps rise/fall time, 10% to 90% pulse width adjustment and 1.5 X 1.5 mm2 die area.
Dpp signaling thresholds in the dorsal ectoderm of the Drosophila embryo.

The dorsal ectoderm of the Drosophila embryo is subdivided into different cell types by an activity gradient of two TGF(b) signaling molecules, Decapentaplegic (Dpp) and Screw (Scw). Patterning responses to this gradient depend on a secreted inhibitor, Short gastrulation (Sog) and a newly identified transcriptional repressor, Brinker (Brk), which are expressed in neurogenic regions that abut the dorsal ectoderm. Here we examine the expression of a number of Dpp target genes in transgenic embryos that contain ectopic stripes of Dpp, Sog and Brk expression. These studies suggest that the Dpp/Scw activity gradient directly specifies at least three distinct thresholds of gene expression in the dorsal ectoderm of gastrulating embryos. Brk was found to repress two target genes, tailup and pannier, that exhibit different limits of expression within the dorsal ectoderm. These results suggest that the Sog inhibitor and Brk repressor work in concert to establish sharp dorsolateral limits of gene expression. We also present evidence that the activation of Dpp/Scw target genes depends on the Drosophila homolog of the CBP histone acetyltransferase.
On Subsets of Binary Strings Immune to Multiple Repetition Errors

In this paper we revisit previously proposed techniques for constructing some families of subsets of binary strings (codes) that are immune to multiple repetition errors. In particular, we discuss a technique to construct single repetition error correcting codes and use number theoretic methods to give an explicit formula for the cardinalities of these codes. This approach results in codes the ratio of whose cardinality to the best upper bounds approaches unity in the increasing codelength limit (asymptotic optimality). We also discuss a somewhat different technique to construct multiple repetition error correcting codes. Here the cardinalities are asymptotically within a fixed constant of the best known upper bounds. Our constructions are asymptotically better by a constant factor than the best previously known such constructions, due to Levenshtein.
Heavy fermions in transition metals and transition-metal oxides

Heavy-fermion formation in transition metals and transition-metal oxides is reviewed and compared to observations in canonical f-derived heavy-fermion systems. The work focuses on the dynamic susceptibilities which reveal a characteristic temperature and frequency dependence and which can be unambiguously determined via nuclear magnetic resonance and electron-spin resonance measurements as well as via quasielastic neutron-scattering studies. Different routes to heavy-fermion behaviour are discussed, amongst them Kondo systems, frustrated magnets, and electronically correlated systems close to a metal-insulator transition. From a theoretical point of view, utilizing dynamical mean-field theory, we show that dynamic susceptibilities as calculated for the Hubbard model and for the periodic Anderson model look qualitatively rather similar. These different theoretical concepts describe an universal behaviour of the temperature dependent dynamic susceptibility.