cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Preschool Classroom Linguistic Environment: Children’s First-Person Experiences

The linguistic environment of the classroom is influential to young children’s language development. To date, however, literature on the linguistic environment of child-care centers has largely examined teacher practices or children’s aggregate environment, overlooking the child’s first-person experiences and differentiated experiences within the classroom. In this study we used a new method in the educational setting that captures the learner’s perspective: head-mounted cameras. Thirteen children in one preschool classroom wore a head-mounted camera to capture their first-person experiences in one morning session, including interactions with others and the features of the child-directed speech (CDS) addressed to them. Results revealed that, from children’s personal view, the linguistic environment of the classroom is more dynamic from what previous studies have reported. Children interacted for longer with their teachers than their peers and heard more CDS from them, but for some children peers served as an additional source of language. Further, our analysis highlighted within-classroom variability in language experiences in terms of the properties of the CDS addressed to target children and how they were exposed to this input over time. Results are discussed with respect to peer influence on children’s learning, heterogeneity in learning opportunities in classrooms, and the variability of the linguistic environment over time.
A Fokker–Planck approach to a moment closure for mixing in variable-density turbulence

We develop a theory for the cascade mixing terms in a moment closure approach to binary active scalar mixing in variable-density turbulence. To address the variable-density complications we apply, ...
Disruption of epigenetic silencing in human colon cancer cells lines utilizing a novel supercritical co2 extract of neem leaf (azadirachta indica)

Background/aim Aerial parts and seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) have long been used in traditional medicine such as Ayurveda for health-related purposes. Our interest in neem bioactives lies in their potential use as standalone anticancer agents, or as adjuvants to standard therapy. The aim of the present study was to explore a supercritical CO2 extract (SCNE) of neem leaf and a prominent liminoid in neem leaf, nimbolide, for epigenetic activity. Materials and methods Human colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116 and HT29) were cultured for 48 h in the presence of neem extract or nimbolide and evaluated for growth inhibition and evidence of suppression of histone deacetylation and DNA methylation. Results Both SCNE and nimbolide suppressed the proliferation of colon cancer cells by inducing epigenetic modifications. Conclusion Neem leaf contains bioactive constituents which modify epigenetic activity.
Investigation of a Detail for Connecting Precast Columns to Precast Cap Beams Using Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete

AbstractSeveral connection details have been developed for connecting precast cap beams to precast columns in accelerated bridge construction (ABC) applications. Currently, the suggested details in...
Flat Folding Table Design Based on Multi-Objective Optimization Model

In this paper, the design model and dynamic process of a foldable creative flat folding table are studied. By transforming the problem into a plan view, the coordinates of the edge of the table are written by the geometric relationship, and the multi-objective optimization model is established to determine the optimal folding angle of the folding table, designing processing parameters such as steel bar position and slot length, using Matlab software to draw a dynamic change diagram, so that the production of folding tables to meet customer needs. After analysis and testing, it is believed that the above model design established in this paper can be extended to real life, and can be close to the shape desired by the customer to the greatest extent, and has strong practicability.
U.S. Minority Banks: Why So Few — After 150 Years?

In 1865, the first minority bank in the United States was established. Over time, banks owned or controlled by minorities have grown in number. Yet, one hundred and fifty years later, they still account for only 2.8 percent of all banks. The contribution of this paper is fourfold. First, it provides a comprehensive assessment of the role of different types of MDIs in the banking industry as well as the characteristics of the communities in which they operate. Second, it contributes to the corporate finance literature that focuses on the extent to which the diversity of ownership/control affects the performance and riskiness of firms, but is among the few that does so in terms of majority ownership/control of banks. Third, the paper examines the recent performance of MDIs from the perspective of whether their disproportionately small role in the banking industry is due to their relatively poorer and riskier performance as compared to non-MDIs. Fourth, a check on the robustness of the results is provided, including for the first time using two different databases on MDIs, one from the FDIC and the other from the FRB. It is found the MDIs are in communities in which the largest share of the population is a minority and one in which income and poverty are worse compared to national averages. Importantly, when MDIs are compared to non-MDIs the results indicate the MDIs generally, in contrast to most previous studies, show no sign of underperformance or greater riskiness. The policy issue that arises for future research based on this finding is if it is not performance and risk then what does explain the lack of significant diversity in terms of ownership/control in the US banking industry.
Robot Gesture Sonification to Enhance Awareness of Robot Status and Enjoyment of Interaction

We present a divergent approach to robotic sonification with the goal of improving the quality and safety of human-robot interactions. Sonification (turning data into sound) has been underutilized in robotics, and has broad potential to convey robotic movement and intentions to users without requiring visual engagement. We design and evaluate six different sonifications of movements for a robot with four degrees of freedom. Our sonification techniques include a direct mapping from each degree of freedom to pitch and timbre changes, emotion-based sound mappings, and velocity-based mappings using different types of sounds such as motors and music. We evaluate these sonifications using metrics for ease of use, enjoyment/appeal, and conveyance of movement information. Based on our results, we make recommendations to inform decisions for future robot sonification design. We suggest that when using sonification to improve safety of human-robot collaboration, it is necessary not only to convey sufficient information about movements, but also to convey that information in a pleasing and even social way to to enhance the human-robot relationship.
Metformin to Prevent Diabetes in Patients at Increased Risk.

In patients at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, metformin reduces the risk (number needed to treat [NNT] = 7; 95% CI, 6 to 10) compared with counseling on standard diet and exercise.
Group Mapping in a 4-H Camp Mixed-Methods Evaluation

A week-long residential 4-H Agri-science youth camp had the goal of increasing understanding of agriculture as a system, however evaluating such a complex construct is difficult by adopting any one data-collection method. This paper presents the methods used in the evaluation of the camp and how these methods enhanced the overall program evaluation. The camp introduced 28 students, who were about 12 years of age from rural and urban counties of Wisconsin to the different aspects of the agricultural system, and promoted understanding of the connections among the various system components. The study utilized a mixed-methods triangulation design with group mapping (qualitative and quantitative), participant observation (qualitative), student reflections in the form of group presentations (qualitative), and retrospective post-then-pre surveys (quantitative) to measure and assess the anticipated outcomes. The qualitative assessment of the maps from Days 1 to 5 showed a significant improvement in students’ understandings of the interconnections of farm systems, which was validated by quantitative assessment of maps. Participant observation revealed that the camp provided students with a rich experiential learning experience and identified areas of improvement such as coordination of efforts between the different camp instructors. Student reflections and the end-of-camp survey indicated that the students increased their knowledge and skill levels as a result of attending the camp. The mixed-methods design used in this study serves as an example for designing better quality youth and Extension education program evaluations, as well as programs where the goal is to increase participants’ understandings of complex systems.
Correction: Mechanochemical generation of acid-degradable poly(enol ether)s

Correction for ‘Mechanochemical generation of acid-degradable poly(enol ether)s’ by Jinghui Yang et al., Chem. Sci., 2021, DOI: 10.1039/d1sc00001b.
Excitonic emission dynamics at cryogenic- and above room temperature in high brightness sub-micron fin LED and Lasers

A n-ZnO fin - p-GaN UV light-emitting diode (LED) with sub-μm m2 lateral size is presented that exceeds the output power of previous nanoscale light sources by a factor of 1000, generating 1 $\mu m$ Watt to 20 $\mu m$ Watt power. To better understand the origin of the improved efficiency in these nanostructures relative to other nanostructures, we will investigate the collection of electrons and holes by fins at cryogenic- and room temperatures. At low temperatures of about 6 K, electron-hole recombination dominantly occurs in the GaN side. As the temperature increases to RT, the fin LED radiative recombination migrates to the ZnO fin and becomes dominantly excitonic. At higher temperatures, results show ZnO performs better than GaN as the oscillator strength of the excitonic emission in ZnO stays independent of the heterojunction temperature. We will also discuss the structural advantage of fins in heat dissipation and their droop-free behavior at high temperatures indicating their importance in realization of high temperature UV LEDs and lasers.
Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies in a Pediatric Case of Lemierre's Syndrome due to Streptococcus viridans.

Background Lemierre's syndrome is a rare condition of internal jugular vein thrombosis following oropharyngeal infection. While it usually results from Fusobacterium necrophorum infection, atypical cases associated with other pathogens have been reported. Objective To describe a unique case of pediatric Lemierre's syndrome with Streptococcus viridans infection resulting in cavernous sinus thrombosis and oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens nerve palsies. Case Report. A 14-year-old female initially presented after six days of fever, myalgias, and sore throat and was admitted for hyperbilirubinemia and acute kidney injury. She developed a fixed, dilated pupil with complete ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and severe pain. Imaging revealed retromandibular space abscess, external and internal jugular vein thrombosis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, internal carotid artery stenosis, pulmonary embolism, and bilateral pneumonia. She was diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome with cultures positive for Streptococcus viridans and treated with a combination of antibiotics and anticoagulation. Conclusion and Relevance. Both antibiotics and anticoagulation were effective management for this Lemierre's syndrome patient with cavernous sinus thrombosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of Lemierre's syndrome is essential. A multidisciplinary treatment team is beneficial for managing the sequelae of this condition.
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Silica Nanoparticle-Reinforced Poly(acrylamide) Nanocomposite Hydrogels

Current studies investigating properties of nanoparticle-reinforced polymers have shown that nanocomposites often exhibit improved properties compared to neat polymers. However, over two decades of research, using both experimental studies and modeling analyses, has not fully elucidated the mechanistic underpinnings behind these enhancements. Moreover, few studies have focused on developing an understanding among two or more polymer properties affected by incorporation of nanomaterials. In our study, we investigated the elastic and thermal properties of poly(acrylamide) hydrogels containing silica nanoparticles. Both nanoparticle concentration and size affected hydrogel properties, with similar trends in enhancements observed for elastic modulus and thermal diffusivity. We also observed significantly lower swellability for hydrogel nanocomposites relative to neat hydrogels, consistent with previous work suggesting that nanoparticles can mediate pseudo crosslinking within polymer networks. Collectively, these results indicate the ability to develop next-generation composite materials with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties by increasing the average crosslinking density using nanoparticles.
Quasi-Random Sequences in Numerical Practice

We discuss briefly the role of modern quasi-Monte Carlo methods, with their reliance on number theoretic concepts and evenness of distribution, in numerical analysis. Examples using two-dimensional quasi-random sequences in numerical integration are considered, and the looseness of the theoretical Koksma-Hlawka upper bound is observed. An example of weighted uniform quasi-random sampling is provided and this method is suggested as a useful numerical technique.
Maintaining high performance communication under least privilege using dynamic perimeter control

From a security standpoint, it is preferable to implement least privilege network security policies in which only the bare minimum of TCP/UDP ports on internal hosts are accessible from outside the perimeter. Unfortunately, organizations with such policies can no longer communicate using common multiport protocols that require randomly chosen ports for auxiliary connections. This paper introduces a new approach for maintaining such communication under least privilege while achieving maximum performance. By dynamically modifying perimeter ACLs, inbound auxiliary connections are only allowed through the perimeter at exactly the times required. These modifications are made transparently to external users and with minimal changes to internal configuration. A prototype implementation of the Dynamic Perimeter Enforcement system, called Diaper, has been implemented and tested with several applications.
Zapping Nonsense: Should Television Media Planners Lose Sleep Over It?

Commercial avoidance and audience erosion are two interrelated problems that marketing executives and media planners have been aware of for more than 30 years. With the rapid advancement of technology the problem of ‘zapping’ has become even more predominant. In this article the intensity of the problem is examined and several concrete recommendations are made.
When multi-hop peer-to-peer lookup matters

Distributed hash tables have been around for a long time [1,2]. A number of recent projects propose peer-to-peer DHTs, based on multi-hop lookup optimizations. Some of these systems also require data permanence. This paper presents an analysis of when these optimizations are useful. We conclude that the multi-hop optimizations make sense only for truly vast and very dynamic peer networks. We also observe that resource trends indicate this scale is on the rise.
Reaction of lac-specific ribonucleic acid from Escherichia coli with lac deoxyribonucleic acid.

Abstract Using a well defined system (lac operon) composed of single species of messenger RNA and DNA, the chemistry of the hybridization reaction has been studied. The reaction appears to be "kinetically irreversible." Hybridization techniques predicated upon this irreversibility permit the recovery of the transcription products of either the proximal (Z) or distal (Y-A) cistrons of the lacoperon. In addition a 500- fold increase in the level of the lac-specific RNA was observed upon induction of the operon. This compares favorably with the increase in enzyme concentration.
Comment on the diffusion of a medical innovation: Is Success in the stars?

Burke, Fournier, and Prasad (2007), henceforth BFP, recently presented in these pages an important and path-breaking exploration of social learning models, noting potential welfare consequences of heterogeneous diffusions of innovations in medicine. Unfortunately, while I am broadly sympathetic to the central hypothesis of social learning in medical practice, there remains a series of questions regarding the conceptual model of BFP.1 Establishing the claim that social influences may significantly affect the timing and rate of technological adoption among physicians would be easier if these key issues were addressed differently. Most prominent of these issues is the possibility of omitting key variables that might independently explain diffusion of medical innovations. In this light, it is instructive to consider the backstory to the classic study of Coleman, Katz, and Menzel (1966), which investigated the dynamics of physician adoption of tetracycline antibiotics. As BFP point out, Coleman, Katz, and Menzel found that peer effects mediated by influential physicians drove adoption. Unfortunately, when Van den B?lte and Lilien (2001) reanalyzed Coleman's data and controlled for pharmaceutical company marketing mix variables, the conclusion was that peer effects were no longer significant drivers of adoption. Notwithstanding these comments, I conjecture that the heterogeneous adoption observed in practice is due to serious structural issues (principally the unequal distribution of higher volume teaching and for-profit hospitals, rather than unequal distributions of particular star physicians). BFP's central conclusion on the resultant unequal adoption/utilization entailing welfare costs is thus likely to remain an important and urgent one, albeit one even less amenable to policy changes.
A Pilot Investigation of Media Multitasking and Trauma Symptoms Among Adolescents

Effective prevention and intervention for trauma symptoms are still needed, particularly for adolescents, in whom high-risk behavior is common. This pilot study examines how media multitasking may be related to trauma symptoms in a sample of adolescent college students (N = 55). Results indicate that higher media multitasking is uniquely and independently associated with higher trauma symptoms. These results hold even after controlling for alcohol intoxication, which is commonly associated with trauma symptoms. Adolescents may be more forthcoming in revealing information about media multitasking than other behaviors commonly associated with trauma symptoms, such as alcohol and drug use. The present study provides the first evidence that media multitasking could be an additional tool for clinicians treating adolescents with trauma symptoms.
Justice and Trust

With the demise of Marxism and socialism, the United States is becoming a model not merely for free enterprise, but also for employment practices worldwide. I believe that free enterprise is the least worst economic system, given the alternatives, a position I shall assume, but not defend, here. However, I shall argue, a successful free enterprise political economy does not entail mimicking US employment practices. I find even today in 1998, as I shall outline in more detail, these practices, when consistently carried out, by and large erode trust in the workplace, they are, on balance unfair to workers and managers, and, if Jeffrey Pfeffer is correct, they do not maximize long-term corporate earnings or growth. Getting clear on US employment practices and their weaknesses may help to shape other models for employment that neither contravene free enterprise nor are degrading to workers.
Producing (im)Possible Peoples: Policy Discourse Analysis, In-State Resident Tuition and Undocumented Students in American Higher Education

0 0 1 98 565 The Center for Education Policy and Research 4 1 662 14.0 96 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE 0 0 1 97 556 The Center for Education Policy and Research 4 1 652 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE 72 Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE This paper examines 12 states’ statutes that extend in-state resident tuition for undocumented students, illustrating their ambiguities and contradictions as they produce the subject in these on-going policy debates. This study asks and answers the question: “How are students' identities produced in ISRT policy?” At stake in this question are the discursive opportunities made available for enabling and/or constraining higher education opportunity, particularly for undocumented students. Findings point to a contradictory set of identities simultaneously made possible and impossible for undocumented students pursuing American higher education.
Multilayer polymer/zeolite Y composite membrane structure for CO2 capture from flue gas

Abstract A novel concept of multilayer polymer/zeolite Y composite membrane structure was developed and investigated for CO2 capture from flue gas. Zeolite Y nanoparticles with an average particle size of 40 nm were successfully deposited onto flexible polymer supports with uniform coverage by the vacuum-assisted dip deposition approach. The zeolite Y dispersion concentration was varied for different commercial polymer supports to obtain a crack-free zeolite Y layer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated that a uniform zeolite Y layer could be formed either on Biomax polyethersulfone (PES) membrane or on TM10 polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane with appropriate vacuum-assisted dip deposition conditions. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis showed that the zeolite Y/Biomax PES substrate was smoother than the zeolite Y/TM10 PVDF substrate. The Pebax®/PEG-200 membrane prepared on the zeolite Y/Biomax PES substrate exhibited higher CO2 permeance than that prepared on the bare Biomax PES support since the penetration of the polymer membrane was minimized by the smaller interparticle pore size on the zeolite Y layer. The membrane of the multilayer composite structure showed a CO2 permeance of 745 GPU and a CO2/N2 selectivity of 25.4 under flue gas operating conditions at 57 °C and ~1 atm. This concept has provided the basis for high performance membranes with the selective polymer cover layer containing amino groups and for grown zeolite Y membranes with continuous polycrystalline structure supported by the flexible polymer substrate.
The reaction 6Li(16O, d)20Ne

Abstract The reaction 6Li(16O, d)20Ne has been studied at E 16 O = 20.0 MeV . Angular distributions were obtained for levels in 20Ne up to 6.72 MeV. Estimates of reduced α-particle widths were derived by estimating the direct reaction contribution to the cross section and by comparison to (α, α) scattering results.
The Abnormal Penetration of the Norfork, Arkansas, Iron

(and Introduction) The Norfork, Arkansas, iron recently described by Nininger,1 belongs probably in the select category of North American irons of witnessed fall. While it is a normal siderite in other respects, certain surface features are unusual, and the observed depth of penetration into the earth of four feet is much greater than one would expect to find in the case of a meteorite weighing only 1050 grams. The purpose of this paper is to give some quantitative indication of the discrepancy between the reported penetration of Norfork and the calculated probable penetration of a spherical iron meteorite weighing only 1050 grams. In view of the magnitude of this discrepancy, it seems most improbable that the small iron mass under consideration attained the reported depth by actually forcing its own way into the earth. The most probable explanation of the observed abnormal penetration is that the Norfork fragment entered the earth in the wake of a much larger mass, from which it was disengaged approximately at the instant of impact. From a study of the peculiar form and superficial features of the Norfork specimen, Nininger has already been led to conjecture that it “represents a corner of a large mass which was detached just as the main body penetrated the soil.” It is shown in what follows that the weight of the unrecovered portion of the fall may lie between 27.8 and 286 kilograms.
Challenges in Making a Business Case for Effective Pain Management in Nursing Homes

The lack of a systematic and comprehensive pain management program is a common quality problem in nursing homes. The purpose of this article is to address the business case for effective pain management in this setting, including the conceptual domains and processes that should be considered in improving quality and reducing costs. Unfortunately, the literature contains very little to inform those working to implement effective and efficient pain management programs in nursing homes. This article suggests several strategies for establishing an internal business case to support the implementation of a comprehensive pain management program in a nursing home setting.
The role of emotion in the learning process: Comparisons between online and face-to-face learning settings

Abstract As the presence of online and hybrid coursework at institutions of higher education has increased, so too has interest among educators and scholars in understanding personal and contextual factors that predict success in different types of learning environments. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relations among temporally-ordered variables, including beginning-semester self-efficacy, utility value, and relevance of instruction, mid-semester emotions (hope, frustration, and anxiety), and end-of-semester learning strategies in a sample of 291 graduate students (N = 219 for the traditional education group and N = 72 for the distance education group) enrolled in an introductory research methods course. Multigroup path analyses were performed to test the equality of path coefficients among the two groups. Results demonstrate that the groups differed with respect to several paths, including the paths from: extrinsic utility value to anxiety and to hope; relevance to hope; and frustration and anxiety to learning strategies. Implications for research, theory, and practice are discussed.
Self-organization manifest as patterned ground in recurrently frozen soils

Abstract This paper provides an overview of recent research on patterned ground, a form of self-organization displayed in water-laden soils which are subject to diurnal or seasonal refreezing. Patterned ground of this type is found throughout the world in regions which have been subject to cold climates. The patterns can assume the form of polygons, stripes, and circles whose form is distinguished by variations in composition, color, or topography. The emphasis in this paper is on describing various forms of patterned ground and on elucidating the physics underlying its initiation and geometry insofar as they can be described by the free convection model developed by the author and his coworkers.
Mass transfer coefficients in a trickle-bed reactor with high and low viscosity organic solutions

Abstract Some experimental data are presented for the volumetric liquid-side mass transfer coefficients, coupled with the total liquid hold-up and two-phase pressure drop, for the weak interaction regime in a catalytic-packed-bed reactor. The measured kLa, ΔP/Z and β values for viscous solutions were about four times those observed for low-viscosity organic solutions. An empirical correlation for predicting kLa values in trickling flow regime is proposed. T001 . Some available literature data and correlations for the kLa Author Study Packing Correlation dp × 103 (M) Nature Reiss [12] Absorption of O2 into water from air at 25 °C 7.62 to 40.64 R.R. {fx1-41} Hirose et al. [15] Desorption of O2 into N2 from the water at 15°C 2.59 12.2 G.B. {fx2-41} Gianetto et al. [13] Desorption of O2 in air from (2 N) NaOH solution 6 B.S R.R. G.B. {fx3-41} Ufford and Perona [14] Absorption of CO2 in water 19 6.3 12.7 B.S. R.R. R.R. {fx4-41} Sylvester and Pitayagulsarn [16] Absorption of pure CO2 in water 3.18 3.18 C Goto and Smith [17] Desorption of O2 in pure N2 from distilled water saturated with pure O2. 0.541 2.91 CuZnO C.P. k L a D A = α ( L μL )n (Sc)0.5 Sc = μL/ϱLDA α and n are constants Turek and Lange [22] Hydrogenation of α-methylstyrene to cumen (organic solution) 0.54 0.90 3.00 Pa/Al2O3 C.P. N.A. R.R. = Raschig rings; G.B. = glass beads; B.S. = Berl saddles; C = cylinders; C.P. = catalytic particles. N.A. = Not available.
Effects of Methanol on Plant Respiration

Summary This study examined the effects of methanol on respiration in tissues of pepper (Capsicum annuum), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), and petunia (Petunia hybrida) as measured by metabolic heat rates. Metabolic heat rate increased on brief exposure to aqueous solutions containing less than toxic concentrations of methanol. The heat rate increase correlated with methanol concentration. Simultaneous measurement of metabolic heat, CO2, and O2 rates of bell pepper leaf tissue suggested that exposure to methanol resulted in an increased carbon conversion efficiency. Exposure of a single leaf to methanol resulted in a systemic response throughout the plant within a few hours. The methanol-induced increase in metabolic rate in whole plants lasted for several weeks. Brief exposures to methanol concentrations ≥ 30 % were toxic to leaf tissue as shown by greatly decreased metabolic rates and waterlogged appearance. Root tissue was more sensitive than leaf tissue, showing toxicity when briefly exposed to 10 % methanol solution. The increased metabolic rate and efficiency may explain previous reports of increased productivity seen in some field studies. The complexity of the exposure-respiratory response relationship and differing tissue sensitivities found in this study probably explains the inability of others to reproduce the field responses originally reported.
The influence of fluoxetine on aggressive behavior

A large body of evidence from studies in humans, in nonhuman primates, and in smaller laboratory animals has supported a role for serotonin in the modulation of aggressive behavior. The evidence shows that diminished serotonergic function can be linked to aggressive behavior and that treatments that increase serotonergic function reduce aggression. Embedded in this large body of data are studies done specifically with fluoxetine, a serotonin uptake-inhibiting antidepressant drug suggested by some individuals charged with criminal aggression and by their attorneys to cause aggressive violence. Contrary to those charges, extensive studies of fluoxetine in animals have shown that fluoxetine decreases aggressive behavior in various species and models of aggression. Clinical studies of fluoxetine in aggressive behavior have been more limited, but findings in those studies seem consistent with the anti-aggressive effects of fluoxetine found in animal studies.
Performance Dissection of a Molecular Dynamics Code across CUDA and GPU Generations

The first release of CUDA was in 2007. Since then, we have experienced frequent new releases. CUDA reached its maximum performance with CUDA 4.0. Since its release, NVIDIA has started a re-design of the CUDA framework driven by software engineering principles, i.e., the search for a general, multi-layer framework whose compiler back-end is unified with OpenCL. At the same time, the GPU architecture has been moving from Fermi to Kepler by including faster memory speed larger numbers of stream processors, and redesigned pipelines. The two directions have orthogonal results in terms of performance. The software generality has resulted in the slow down of codes that were heavily optimized for older generations of CUDA, while the hardware improvements have resulted in steadily increasing performance. The performance dissection presented in this paper identifies sweet spots and trade-offs between software generality and hardware improvements for a diverse set of kernels in an open-source molecular dynamics code.
Topical Application of Activity-based Probes for Visualization of Brain Tumor Tissue

Several investigators have shown the utility of systemically delivered optical imaging probes to image tumors in small animal models of cancer. Here we demonstrate an innovative method for imaging tumors and tumor margins during surgery. Specifically, we show that optical imaging probes topically applied to tumors and surrounding normal tissue rapidly differentiate between tissues. In contrast to systemic delivery of optical imaging probes which label tumors uniformly over time, topical probe application results in rapid and robust probe activation that is detectable as early as 5 minutes following application. Importantly, labeling is primarily associated with peri-tumor spaces. This methodology provides a means for rapid visualization of tumor and potentially infiltrating tumor cells and has potential applications for directed surgical excision of tumor tissues. Furthermore, this technology could find use in surgical resections for any tumors having differential regulation of cysteine cathepsin activity.
Estrogen effects on plasma volume, arterial blood pressure, interstitial space, plasma proteins, and blood viscosity in sheep

In adult castrated ewes the infusion of 17 beta-estradiol for 3 weeks was associated with a 12% increase in body weight, a 20% increase in whole blood volume (mainly due to a 27% increase of plasma volume), a 13% decrease in mean arterial blood pressure, and a 40% increase in heart rate. The change in plasma volume correlated with the change in estradiol concentration (r = 0.72). Most of the fluid was retained in the interstitial space, as represented by a 6 kg weight gain, 10% of which was in the intravascular compartment. Whole blood and plasma viscosity increased 16% and 21%, respectively, thus reversing some of the blood volume effects toward a hyperdynamic cardiovascular state. We conclude that many of the cardiovascular and hematologic changes with estrogen administration are similar to the changes observed during pregnancy, with the proposed requirement of decrease in mean arterial blood pressure as a condition for blood volume expansion.
Doppler echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular diastolic function after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for unstable angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction

The effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function has not been systematically investigated in patients treated for unstable angina or ischemia after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). To assess the relation between reduction of stenosis severity and improvement in diastolic function in this setting, 42 patients with either unstable angina (n = 22) or post-AMI ischemia (n = 20) were serially monitored by Doppler echocardiography 8 +/- 5 hours before and 2 +/- 1 days after PTCA. Doppler LV filling indexes included isovolumic relaxation time, mitral deceleration time, E/A peak velocity ratio and atrial filling fraction. Eighteen aged-matched control subjects served to establish normal values for comparison. Before PTCA, both groups exhibited abnormal diastolic function demonstrated by prolonged isovolumic relaxation time and mitral deceleration time, decreased E/A ratio and increased atrial filling fraction. After PTCA isovolumic relaxation time and deceleration time decreased 18 +/- 28 (p less than 0.005) and 33 +/- 43 ms (p less than 0.002) in the unstable angina group and 18 +/- 23 (p less than 0.003) and 14 +/- 34 ms (difference not significant), respectively, in the post-AMI ischemia group. An increase in E/A ratio and a decrease in atrial filling fraction occurred in both groups; however, these changes were significant only in patients with post-AMI ischemia (+21%, p less than 0.03 and -11.4%, p less than 0.005, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Recursive Algorithms for Trailing Stop: Stochastic Approximation Approach

Trailing stops are often used in stock trading to limit the maximum of a possible loss and to lock in a profit. This work develops stochastic approximation algorithms to estimate the optimal trailing stop percentage. A stochastic optimization approach is proposed to recursively estimate the desired trailing stop percentage. A modification using projection is developed to ensure that the approximation sequence constructed stays in a reasonable range. Convergence of the algorithm is obtained. Moreover, interval estimates are constructed. Simulation examples are presented to compare our algorithm with Monte Carlo methods. Finally, we use real market data to demonstrate the algorithms.
It Takes Two to Tango, but Three to ISA

Rapidly inactivating A-type potassium channels are important determinants of firing frequency in many excitable cells. Nadal et al. (in this issue of Neuron) purified A-type potassium (I(SA)) channels from rat cerebellum and identified a novel beta subunit. This protein, DPPX, associates with the pore-forming subunits and endows previously elusive kinetic properties on A-type channels formed from cloned subunits.
Subordinated Brownian Motion: Last Time the Process Reaches its Supremum

The article develops a theory for the last time the subordinated Brownian motion (SBM with negative drift reaches its supremum. The study includes obtaining expressions for the Laplace transform of the last time that the SBM reaches its supremum and also for its density. In the process, we establish that the last time that the SBM reaches its supremum is a member of the generalized gamma convolution (GGC) family. The theoretical results for the general case have been explicitly derived for some well-known subordinators. Numerical investigations show close agreement between the theoretical derivations and empirical computations.
Effect of gamma rays at the dihydrofolate reductase locus: deletions and inversions

A series 11 gamma-ray-induced mutants at the dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) locus in Chinese hamster ovary cells has been examined for the types of DNA sequence change brought about by this form of ionizing radiation. All 11 mutants were found to have suffered major structural changes affecting the dhfr gene. In eight of the mutants, all or part of the dhfr gene has been deleted. The extent of these deletions was examined in seven of these mutants and, for comparison, in two deletion mutants that were induced by UV irradiation. For this purpose, probes from an overlapping set of cosmids that span 210 kb of DNA in this region were used. Three of seven gamma-ray-induced mutants and one UV-induced mutant were shown to have deleted the entire 210-kb region. In the remaining mutants, endpoints ranging from within the dhfr gene to 100 kb downstream were observed. No upstream endpoints were detected, so that an upper limit on the size of these large deletions could not be assigned. Three of the 11 gamma-ray-induced mutants contained an interruption in the dhfr gene without any detectable loss of sequence. Restriction analysis of these interrupted mutants showed that at least 8-14 kb of "foreign" DNA sequence became joined to the gene at the point of disruption. Cytogenetic analysis of these mutants showed that in two cases an inversion of the banding pattern on chromosome Z-2 had taken place. The inverted dhfr mutants contain very low amounts of dhfr RNA sequences, and the 5' end of an inversion mutant gene exhibits the same pattern of DNA methylation and DNase I-hypersensitivity as the wild-type gene. Our results suggest that ionizing radiation causes primarily, if not exclusively, large deletions and inversions in mammalian cells.
Projection estimation capacity of Hadamard designs

In a screening design, often only a few factors among a large number of potential factors are significantly important. Usually, it is not known which factors will be important ones. Thus, it is of practical interest to know if each projection of a design onto a small subset of factors is able to entertain and estimate all two-factor-interactions along with its main effects, assuming higher order interactions are negligible. In this paper, we investigate the estimation capacity of projections of Hadamard designs with run size up to 60. Possible applications of our results to robust parameter designs are also discussed.
Use of Long-Chain Polymers in Preparation of Soil Extracts for Soil Testing

A method is described for the preparation of soil extracts for analysis which eliminates filtration. The procedure is based on the flocculating characteristics of very small amounts of polyacrylamides on inorganic and organic colloids. Amounts of plant nutrients extracted from soils by this method compare favorably with those obtained in filtered soil extracts.
Isotopic Composition and Origin of Indigenous Natural Perchlorate and Co-Occurring Nitrate in the Southwestern United States

Perchlorate (ClO(4)(-)) has been detected widely in groundwater and soils of the southwestern United States. Much of this ClO(4)(-) appears to be natural, and it may have accumulated largely through wet and dry atmospheric deposition. This study evaluates the isotopic composition of natural ClO(4)(-) indigenous to the southwestern U.S. Stable isotope ratios were measured in ClO(4)(-) (delta(18)O, Delta(17)O, delta(37)Cl) and associated NO(3)(-) (delta(18)O, Delta(17)O, delta(15)N) in groundwater from the southern High Plains (SHP) of Texas and New Mexico and the Middle Rio Grande Basin (MRGB) in New Mexico, from unsaturated subsoil in the SHP, and from NO(3)(-)-rich surface caliche deposits near Death Valley, California. The data indicate natural ClO(4)(-) in the southwestern U.S. has a wide range of isotopic compositions that are distinct from those reported previously for natural ClO(4)(-) from the Atacama Desert of Chile as well as all known synthetic ClO(4)(-). ClO(4)(-) in Death Valley caliche has a range of high Delta(17)O values (+8.6 to +18.4 per thousand), overlapping and extending the Atacama range, indicating at least partial atmospheric formation via reaction with ozone (O(3)). However, the Death Valley delta(37)Cl values (-3.1 to -0.8 per thousand) and delta(18)O values (+2.9 to +26.1 per thousand) are higher than those of Atacama ClO(4)(-). In contrast, ClO(4)(-) from western Texas and New Mexico has much lower Delta(17)O (+0.3 to +1.3 per thousand), with relatively high delta(37)Cl (+3.4 to +5.1 per thousand) and delta(18)O (+0.5 to +4.8 per thousand), indicating either that this material was not primarily generated with O(3) as a reactant or that the ClO(4)(-) was affected by postdepositional O isotope exchange. High Delta(17)O values in ClO(4)(-) (Atacama and Death Valley) are associated with high Delta(17)O values in NO(3)(-), indicating that both compounds preserve characteristics of O(3)-related atmospheric production in hyper-arid settings, whereas both compounds have low Delta(17)O values in less arid settings. Although Delta(17)O variations in terrestrial NO(3)(-) can be attributed to mixing of atmospheric (high Delta(17)O) and biogenic (low Delta(17)O) NO(3)(-), variations in Delta(17)O of terrestrial ClO(4)(-) are not readily explained in the same way. This study provides important new constraints for identifying natural sources of ClO(4)(-) in different environments by multicomponent isotopic characteristics, while presenting the possibilities of divergent ClO(4)(-) formation mechanisms and(or) ClO(4)(-) isotopic exchange in biologically active environments.
The hungry world: America's Cold War battle against poverty in Asia

The hungry world: America's Cold War battle against poverty in Asia, by Nick Cullather, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University Press, 2010, xi + 348 pp., US$35 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-674-0507...
Mitochondrial thymidine kinase of bromodeoxyuridine-resistant, kinase-deficient HeLa(BU25) cells

Abstract Total cell extracts of HeLa(BU25), a mutant subline of HeLa S3, are deficient in dT kinase activity. In contrast to the parental HeLa S3 cells, the nuclear DNA of HeLa(BU25) does not exhibit a “heavy” density after the HeLa(BU25) cells are grown in medium with dBU. Despite the loss of the principal dU-dT phosphorylating enzyme, HeLa(BU25) cells contain a mitochondrial dU-dT phosphorylating activity with a specific activity about equal to that of the HeLa S3 mitochondrial enzyme. Phosphorylation of 3 H-dU by the mitochondrial enzyme requires ATP, is markedly inhibited by dTTP or nonradioactive dT, but not by Urd, Cyd, or Ado. Hence, it is a dT kinase. A nucleoside phosphotransferase, weakly active at pH 5.5–6.5, may also be present.
Fate of cartilage autografts for ossiculoplasty: an electron microscopic study

Two cartilage autografts used for ossiculoplasty for 3 and 8 years were examined under the transmission electron microscope. The most significant change was progressive deposition of calcium salts in the matrix of the cartilage. Chondrocytes showed degenerative changes in the nuclei, cytoplasm, and cell walls. Contrary to common belief, autograft cartilage did not seem to resorb in time.
Recognition by Human Monoclonal Antibodies of Free and Complexed Peptides Representing the Prefusogenic and Fusogenic Forms of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gp41

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into target cells appears to be triggered when two heptad repeat regions in the ectodomain of gp41 associate, converting the prefusogenic form of gp41 to a fusogenic form. Peptides from these two heptad repeat regions, designated N51 and C43, form a coiled coil consisting of an α-helical trimer of heterodimers which approximates the core of the fusogenic form of gp41. To understand the antigenic structures of gp41 in these two configurations, and to examine the specificity of anti-gp41 antibodies produced by HIV-1-infected individuals, human anti-gp41 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were tested for their reactivity against N51, C43, and the complex formed by these peptides. Of 11 MAbs, 7 reacted with the complex but with neither of the parent peptides. These MAbs reacted optimally with the N51-C43 complex prepared at a 1:1 ratio and appeared to recognize the fusogenic form of gp41 in which the two heptad repeat regions are associated to form the coiled coil. The existence of antibodies from HIV-infected humans that exclusively recognize the N51-C43 complex constitutes the first proof that the coiled-coil conformation of gp41 exists in vivo and is immunogenic. Two of the 11 MAbs were specific for the hydrophilic loop region of gp41 and failed to react with either peptide alone or with the peptide complex, while the remaining 2 MAbs reacted with peptide C43. One of these two latter MAbs, 98-6, also reacted well with the equimolar N51-C43 complex, while reactivity with C43 by the other MAb, 2F5, was inhibited by even small amounts of N51, suggesting that the interaction of these peptides occludes or disrupts the epitope recognized by MAb 2F5. MAbs 98-6 and 2F5 are also unusual among the MAbs tested in their ability to neutralize multiple primary HIV isolates, although 2F5 displays more broad and potent activity. The data suggest that anti-gp41 neutralizing activity is associated with specificity for a region in C43 which participates in complex formation with N51.