cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CAN BROKEN BONES LEAD TO A BROKEN HEART

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare disease affecting collagen synthesis. While musculoskeletal abnormalities are well known cardiovascular involvement is rare with aortic root dilation most common. We present a patient with OI having NSTEMI and features of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) but was
Mathematical Analysis of the Effects of Friction and Preacceleration on the Efficiency of Railguns

Efficiency equations that consider friction and preacceleration of the projectile were derived. Special consideration was taken to distinguish between the loss of performance due to friction and the actual energy lost as heat due to friction. A thorough analysis of the effects of friction was also provided for special cases such as when the friction force is proportional to the Lorentz force, and so on. The equations were then compared with a mathematical simulation of an arbitrary fictitious railgun.
Oral anticoagulation in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective Data regarding the efficacy and safety of warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain scarce. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with CKD treated with oral anticoagulants were conducted to evaluate the following outcomes: ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), combined ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (strokecombined), stroke or systemic embolism, mortality, and major bleeding events. CKD was defined based on creatinine clearance (CrCl) ranging from mild (CrCl: 60–89 mL/min), moderate (CrCl: 30–59 mL/min), to severe (CrCl: 15–29 mL/min). Results Fifteen studies (7 comparing NOAC vs warfarin and 8 comparing warfarin vs no anticoagulant) were identified comprising 78,053 patients. Warfarin (vs no anticoagulant) was associated with reduced risk of ischemic stroke (risk ratio [RR] = 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55–0.84]) and mortality (RR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.62–0.78). In comparison to warfarin, NOAC use lowered the risk of ICH (RR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.33–0.56), strokecombined (RR = 0.83; 95% CI 0.72–0.96), stroke or systemic embolism (RR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.62–0.85), and major bleeding (RR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.66–0.90). In adjusted analyses, warfarin use (vs no anticoagulant) was associated with reduced mortality (HRadj = 0.68; 95% CI 0.61–0.76), whereas NOAC (vs warfarin) use reduced the risk of ICH (HRadj = 0.39; 95% CI 0.30–0.50) and stroke or systemic embolism (HRadj = 0.75; 95% CI 0.65–0.88). Our sensitivity analyses comparing different NOACs exhibited that factor Xa inhibitors (compared to warfarin) consistently reduced strokecombined (RR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.73–0.96), mortality (RR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.70–1.00), ICH (RR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.24–0.85), and major bleeding (RR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.64–0.91). Conclusions Among patients with CKD treated with oral anticoagulants, NOACs present with a more favorable safety and efficacy profile for various cardiovascular outcomes.
Joint Synchronization, Phase Noise and Compressive Channel Estimation in Hybrid Frequency-Selective mmWave MIMO Systems

The large beamforming gain used to operate at millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies requires obtaining channel information to configure hybrid antenna arrays. Previously proposed wideband channel estimation strategies, however, assume perfect time-frequency synchronization and neglect phase noise, making these approaches impractical. Consequently, achieving time-frequency synchronization between transmitter and receiver and correcting for phase noise (PN) as the channel is estimated, is the greatest challenge yet to be solved in order to configure hybrid precoders and combiners in practical settings. In this paper, building upon our prior work, we find the Maximum A Posteriori (MAP) solution to the joint problem of timing offset (TO), carrier frequency offset (CFO), PN and compressive channel estimation for broadband mmWave MIMO systems with hybrid architectures. Simulation results show that, using significantly less training symbols than in the beam training protocol in the 5G New Radio communications standard, joint synchronization and channel estimation at the low SNR regime can be achieved, and near-optimum data rates can be attained.
Definition of functionally and structurally distinct repressive states in the nuclear receptor PPARγ

The repressive states of nuclear receptors (i.e., apo or bound to antagonists or inverse agonists) are poorly defined, despite the fact that nuclear receptors are a major drug target. Most ligand bound structures of nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), are similar to the apo structure. Here we use NMR, accelerated molecular dynamics and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to define the PPARγ structural ensemble. We find that the helix 3 charge clamp positioning varies widely in apo and is stabilized by efficacious ligand binding. We also reveal a previously undescribed mechanism for inverse agonism involving an omega loop to helix switch which induces disruption of a tripartite salt-bridge network. We demonstrate that ligand binding can induce multiple structurally distinct repressive states. One state recruits peptides from two different corepressors, while another recruits just one, providing structural evidence of ligand bias in a nuclear receptor. The repressive states of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) are ill-defined, despite nuclear receptors being a major drug target. Here authors demonstrate multiple structurally distinct repressive states, providing a structural rationale for ligand bias in a nuclear receptor.
Generation Planning Using a Modified Screening Curve Method to Account for Planned Outage

The Screening Curve Method (SCM) is a simple, fast and powerful model that estimates the least-cost generation mix. Many developments have been made in recent years for SCM modeling. One limitation of SCM is the lack of representation of outage issues in the generation system. The outages can change the operations of the power units, which can consequently change the optimum of the generation mix. This paper proposes approaches for incorporating outage issues in SCM. Furthermore, an ERCOT year 2030 case is simulated with and without outages, and the results are analyzed.
Power-Amplifier Stabilization Through Out-of-Band Feedback

This letter presents a power-amplifier (PA)-stabilization technique based on the low-frequency out-of-band feedback. The proposed structure replaces a conventional stability network to ensure unconditional stability at the frequencies up to the radio-frequency (RF) operating band, with the in- and above-band frequencies stabilized through the matching network design. The approach offers an alternative to inserting the lossy components in the RF signal path, which can significantly degrade the realizable in-band gain of the amplifier. The 900-MHz proof-of-concept PA based on a 10-W gallium-nitride (GaN) device is characterized under the continuous-wave (CW) and Wideband Code Division Multiple Access signal (W-CDMA) excitations and realizes 25.6-dB small-signal gain and 73% power added efficiency (PAE) at P3dB.
A “toy” model of biogeochemical dynamics on climate gradients

We used a simple “toy” model to aid in the evaluation of the controls of biogeochemical patterns along a climate gradient. The model includes simplified treatments of water balance (precipitation minus Potential Evapotranspiration), leaching, weathering of cation- and P-bearing minerals, N cycling and loss, biomass production, and biological N fixation. We use δ15N as a central integrator of biogeochemical processes, because δ15N integrates multiple pathways of N input, output, and transformation in ecosystems. The model simulated the location and magnitude of a peak in δ15N on a gradient on Kohala Volcano, Hawai‘i which peaked ~ + 14 ‰ in sites receiving ~ 3.5 cm/month average precipitation (− 1300 mm/year water balance); the model also captured a peak in total P in surface soil at intermediate levels of precipitation and water balance, and other biogeochemical features on the gradient. We then applied the model to understanding the patterns of and mechanisms underlying nutrient limitation to net primary production (NPP) and plant biomass on the gradient, testing for the existence and extent of N and P limitation by simulated additions of N and/or P in the model. Both a simulated symbiotic biological N fixer and a simulated non-fixer were limited by P supply across the gradient; the non-fixer was independently limited by N supply in wetter sites. By running the toy model with and without the influence of temperature, we demonstrated that water is the most important factor shaping biogeochemical patterns on this gradient.
Targeted Transcriptomic Analyses of RNA Isolated from Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Human Menisci

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biospecimens are a valuable and widely-available resource for diagnostic and research applications. With biobanks of tissue samples available in many institutions, FFPE tissues could prove to be a valuable resource for translational orthopaedic research. The purpose of this study was to characterize the molecular profiles and degree of histologic degeneration on archival fragments of FFPE human menisci obtained during arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. We used FFPE menisci for multiplexed gene expression analysis using the NanoString nCounter® platform, and for histological assessment using a quantitative scoring system. In total, 17 archival specimens were utilized for integrated histologic and molecular analyses. The median patient age was 22 years (range: 14-62). We found that the genes with the highest normalized counts were those typically expressed in meniscal fibrocartilage. Gene expression differences were identified in patient cohorts based on age (≤40 years), including genes associated with the extracellular matrix and tissue repair. The majority of samples showed mild to moderate histologic degeneration. Based on these data, we conclude that FFPE human menisci can be effectively utilized for molecular evaluation following a storage time as long as 11 years. Statement of Clinical Significance: The integration of histological and transcriptomic analyses described in this study will be useful for future studies investigating the basis for biological classification of meniscus specimens in patients. Further exploration into the genes and pathways uncovered by this study may suggest targets for biomarker discovery and identify patients at greater risk for osteoarthritis once the meniscus is torn.
Happy to Know You: An Examination of Subjective Well-Being and Partner Knowledge

In this study, we examined an unexplored type of partner knowledge—familiarity with partners’ subjective well-being (i.e., SWB familiarity). Using multilevel models, we analyzed data from 101 heterosexual couples to examine how SWB was associated with partner knowledge and to determine whether SWB familiarity was associated with relationship and mental health benefits. We found that higher levels of positive affect and life satisfaction and lower levels of negative affect were associated with greater normative and distinctive accuracy in partner knowledge of attitudes and traits. We also calculated both normative and distinctive indices of SWB familiarity and found that participants’ and their partners’ familiarity with normative (i.e., average) profiles of SWB were associated with respondents reporting greater relationship satisfaction, perceived support from their partner, positive affect, and life satisfaction, as well as less negative affect. Conversely, distinctive (i.e., unique) SWB familiarity was not related to any relationship or mental health outcomes. Thus, one’s perception of their partner as having normative levels of SWB appears to be more important for relationship and mental health outcomes than knowledge of partners’ unique experiences of SWB.
A case report of an open aortic valve replacement followed by open adrenalectomy in a patient with symptomatic pheochromocytoma and critical aortic stenosis.

Background Pheochromocytoma is a rare medical condition caused by catecholamine-secreting tumor cells. Operative resection can be associated with significant hemodynamic fluctuations due to the nature of the tumor, as well as associated post-resection vasoplegia. To allow for cardiovascular recovery before surgery, patients require pre-operative alpha-adrenergic blockade, which would be limited in the setting of co-existent severe aortic stenosis. In this report, we describe a patient with severe aortic stenosis and symptomatic pheochromocytoma. Case presentation A 51-year-old man with severe aortic stenosis (valve area 0.8 cm2) was found to have a highly active 4 × 4 cm left adrenal pheochromocytoma. Alpha-adrenergic blockade for his pheochromocytoma was limited by syncope in the setting of his aortic stenosis. Open aortic valve replacement (AVR) was performed, followed by adrenalectomy the next day. The perioperative course for each surgical procedure was hemodynamically volatile, exacerbated by severe alcohol withdrawal. During the adrenalectomy, cardiogenic and vasoplegic shock developed immediately after securing the vascular supply to his tumor. This shock was refractory to vasopressin and methylene blue, but responded well to angiotensin II and epinephrine. After both surgeries were completed, his course was further complicated by severe ICU psychosis, ileus, fungal bacteremia, pneumonia/hypoxic respiratory failure and atrial fibrillation. He ultimately recovered and was discharged from the hospital after 38 days. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first report of surgical AVR and pheochromocytoma resection in a patient with critical aortic stenosis. The appropriate order and timing of surgeries when both these conditions co-exist remains controversial.
Gene Expression in Normal and Neoplastic Breast Tissue

Most structural gene sequences in mammalian cells represent less than one millionth of the information contained in the genomic DNA. Because of this enormous complexity of genetic information in higher organisms, an understanding of the mechanisms regulating gene expression requires the study of specific genes. Fortunately, considerable progress has been made in the last decade in the development of techniques for the isolation of individual eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and the synthesis of their complementary DNA copies (cDNAs) (for a general review, see Rosen and Monahan(1)). These molecular hybridization probes have been utilized successfully to study gene expression in a number of model systems, notably the control of globin gene expression during erythroid differentiation(2) and steroid hormone induction of ovalbumin mRNA(3) and the other egg-white protein mRNAs(4) in the chick oviduct. These studies have recently been culminated by the determination of the entire nucleic acid sequence of the rabbit s-globin mRNA.(5) However, the precise mechanism controlling the expression of any single eukaryotic gene remains to be established.
Microstructural Evolution During the Processing of Sodium β-Alumina

Critical examination of the microstructural evolution at each stage in the processing of sodium 3-alumina has revealed a set of controllable parameters and broad guidelines that are necessary to the understanding of the solid state sintering behavior of the material. The importance of the mode of powder preparation and the resultant powder characteristics, including the green compact micro structure, in controlling the sintering behavior are discussed. If processing variables are carefully controlled. β-aluminas can be sintered to high densities by a solid state mechanism. Encouraging results using additives for prevention of discontinuous grain growth are also described.
Stretching the safety net too far waiting times for dental treatment.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to survey pediatric dentistry program directors on perceived resource needs and changes over the last 5 years in the characteristics of their patient population and on waiting times for dental treatment with sedation or general anesthesia (GA) for children with complex dental and medical histories in hospitaland dental school-based training programs. Methods: A 47-question survey was sent electronically to all pediatric dentistry program directors in the United States using the University of Washington’s Catalyst Tools program. Two reminder messages were sent. After 3 months, the data was downloaded and descriptive statistics were performed using the SPSS for Windows version 8.0. Results: Twenty-eight of 54 program directors responded with 26 useable survey responses (48%). Thirty-one percent reported outpatient clinics located in a dental school, 31% reported that their clinics were in a hospital, and 38% had clinics in both settings. Program directors perceive that the number of new, recall and emergency patients and the number of pre-school aged children and children with special health care needs had increased in their programs in the last 5 years. Payment by Medicaid was the most common insurance for children cared for in these settings. The mean waiting time for scheduling treatment with GA for a child in pain is 28 days; without pain 71 days. The mean waiting time for scheduling treatment with sedation is 36 days. The majority of program directors reported they had an adequate number of faculty and residents (61% and 66%, respectively) even though 52% of the directors were presently actively recruiting faculty. Conclusions: 1. Dental school and hospital-based training programs are an important source for an increasing number of children with complex dental needs; 2. The majority of patients treated in the programs are Medicaid beneficiaries; 3. Average waiting times for complex dental care for children in pain is 28 days with GA; without pain and need for GA 71 days; 4. There was an average 36-day wait for treatment with sedation.(Pediatr Dent 24:6-10, 2002)
Personal Occupations: Women's Responses to U.S. Military Occupations in Latin America

“The women in my country have allowed themselves to be more imbued with the fatal consequences of the morbid and corrupt relations with the Yankee than the men,” an anonymous Dominican author (most...
Trypsin digestion of canine cardiac myosin. Low molecular weight fragment of myosin with high adenosine triphosphatase activity.

Abstract (1) Trypsin digestion of dog cardiac myosin leads to the formation of two dissimilar types of enzymatically active species based on the elution pattern of Sephadex G-200 columns. (2) When the digestion is performed in 0.6 m KCl the major protein peak is eluted at the exclusion limit of the column. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-gel electrophoresis of this peak shows the heterogeneity of the heavy chain component, indicating multiple sites of cleavage by trypsin. (3) When the trypsinization is carried out in 0.15 m KCl in the presence of EDTA and β-mercaptoethanol, the major protein peak (retarded on the Sephadex G-200 column) has a high Ca2+-ATPase activity. On SDS-gel electrophoresis it shows only two major bands with corresponding molecular weights of 58,000 and 28,000, respectively. The 28,000-molecular-weight band apparently corresponds to cardiac light chain 1 of native myosin. (4) The results suggest that, with trypsinization of myosin in 0.15 m KCl, only a limited number of sites is exposed to trypsin. The fragment isolated under these conditions differs from a papain digestion fragment with respect to its molecular weight and the composition of the heavy chain fraction. On the basis of the molecular weight of the undissociated fragment it seems likely that the fragment retains a heavy meromyosin type (two heads) of configuration.
The Prospect for Parallel Computing in the Oil Industry

About 10% of all ‘supercomputers’ have been delivered to the oil industry. Its two big computational tasks are seismic data processing (to deduce underground geological structures from surface-based probing with elastic waves), and reservoir modeling (to simulate the flows within a producing field, in order to optimize the amount of hydrocarbons that can be recovered). Both tasks are extremely CPU- and, for seismic modeling, also I/O intensive. Trying to forecast the future is always chancy, and especially so for parallel computing. To stay on a somewhat safe ground, we will focus on the two main tasks just mentioned, and on the computational demands they entail. A change of direction towards large-scale parallelism is well on the way in the former area, but held back a few years in the latter (mainly by coding complexities).
A COMPARISON OF ESTIMATES OF MICHAELIS-MENTEN KINETIC CONSTANTS FROM VARIOUS LINEAR TRANSFORMATIONS.

The parameters which characterize this equation, and which must ordinarily be estimated from the observed data, are ‘v,,,, the maximum initial velocity which is theoretically attained when the enzyme has been “saturated” by an infinite concentration of substrate, and K,, the Michaelis constant which is numerically equal to the concentration of substrate for half-maximal initial velocity. Since the relationship between the independent variable, Cs, and the dependent variable, v, is curvilinear, it has long been customary to facilitate estimation of the two parameters by plotting the experimental data according to one of the following three linear transformations of Equation 1. v = Vmax - K&/C’s) (la) (Cs/v) = (Km/Vm,x) + (l/Vm,x)Cs (lb)
Affinity of Cellular Constituents of Two Bacteria for Fluorescent Brighteners

Abstract Two fluorescent brighteners were used to stain an isolate of Bacillus cereus var. mycoides and a soil pseudomonad. The stained organisms were fractionated by two procedures to determine which cellular constituents were reacting with the brighteners. Both fractionation procedures provided evidence that the brighteners were adsorbed to proteins within the cells. Microscopy examination of ghost cells of the bacillus showed that cell walls were not being stained. Spheroplasts of the bacillus and the pseudomonad were stained by the brighteners.
Same-Sex Marriage: The Social and Psychological Implications of Policy and Debates

The political debates and policies related to the civil marriage rights of same-sex couples have psychological and social impacts on lesbian, gay, bisexual individuals and same-sex couples and also on their families, friends, and communities. The overarching goal of this issue was to significantly advance the previous sparse literature on these impacts. The result is an international, interdisciplinary, methodologically, and theoretically diverse collection of original empirical research articles that collectively address three broad questions: (1) What are the social and psychological effects of marriage amendment campaigns and policies? (2) How does civil marriage compare to other statuses for same-sex couples or marriage in other countries? (3) How do anti-gay initiatives affect heterosexual allies and intergroup relationships? Across the diverse approaches and populations that comprise this volume, findings converge in demonstrating that the denial of civil marriage rights is a significant public health issue with important policy implications.
Systematic trends in vaporization and thermodynamic properties

Abstract With the theoretical aspects of chemical bonding and the concepts of potential energy functions as guiding principles the sublimation behavior of refractory oxides is discussed. It is shown that for all processes in which the significant atomic and electronic configurations are the same in initial states and the same in final states the heat and entropy changes are intimately related so that to trace the trends in thermodynamic properties it is necessary to study the variation with atomic number of only one of these, preferably ΔH . Of the quantities determining the relative volatilities (i.e. relative stabilities of solid and gaseous oxides and metals) the molecular orbital theory successfully describes the trends by rows and groups in the dissociation energies of the gaseous monoxides for only the regular or B subgroups. Without the introduction of an additional factor the theory does not “explain” the increase in dissociation energies with increasing atomic number as observed in the pretransition group of calcium, strontium, barium and radium, and in the transition groups. This same factor determines the relative stabilities of the solid oxides and metals. The least volatile oxides in the respective A subgroups are lithium, calcium, yttrium, hafnium and perhaps protactinium oxides. The variation along and about this “diagonal” line in the periodic table is discussed as a resultant of two components which are manifested by variation from group-to-group and by changes within groups.
The E6 gene of human papillomavirus type 16 is sufficient for transformation of baby rat kidney cells in cotransfection with activated Ha-ras

The transforming potential of the E6 open reading frame (ORF) of the human papillomavirus type 16 was investigated with transformation assays in cotransfections with an activated ras gene. The E6 ORF driven by the heterologous CMV promoter could fully transform baby rat kidney cells (BRK) in cooperation with ras. The transformed cells grew in soft agar and induced tumors in athymic nude mice. The E6 ORF with mutations at the splicing donor site, which only encodes the full length E6 but not E6*s, could also fully transform the BRK cells at a similar efficiency as the wild-type E6 ORF, indicating that the full-length E6 was sufficient for the transformed phenotype.
The effect of D-ribose infusion on serum immuno-reactive insulin and glucose concentration.

Abstract Nine normal subjects received D-ribose intravenously at a rate of 750 mg./min. for 20 minutes and 3 normal subjects received a similar infusion at the same rate for a 5 minute period. This resulted in a total dose of 15 and 3.75 Gm. of D-ribose, respectively. Although similar transient elevations in concentration of serum immuno-reactive insulin occurred with all infusions, hypoglycemia appeared only with the 15 Gm. infusion. When the serum insulin concentration was subsequently elevated to similar levels as those attained during the D-ribose infusions in 2 subjects by the intravenous injection of crystalline insulin, no hypoglycemia occurred. It is concluded that D-ribose-induced hypoglycemia has a dose/response relationship. Although the concentration of serum insulin was transiently elevated during the infusion of D-ribose, the level of insulin attained was probably insufficient in itself to account for the hypoglycemia. At the present time, the mechanism of D-ribose induced hypoglycemia remains unexplained.
Alliance and termination status in couple therapy: A comparison of methods for assessing discrepancies

Much of the empirical data available about therapeutic alliance and its relationship to termination status come from individual psychotherapies. We know less about therapeutic alliance in couple therapy. A unique characteristic of alliance in couple or family therapy is the possibility of discrepancies in alliance between system members. In this study we sought to demonstrate three statistical techniques: standard deviations, the intraclass correlation to assess discrepancies in alliance over time during the initial stage of couple therapy, and the use of these various measures to predict termination status using a sample of 72 couples from a university-based training clinic. Differences in partners' alliances operationalized either as categorical or continuous variables but when analyzed separately at each time point were not predictive of termination status. When multilevel modeling was used, a difference in the way the discrepancies changed over a period of time was related to termination status.
Development of standard test methods for unmanned and manned industrial vehicles used near humans

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been researching human-robot-vehicle collaborative environments for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and manned forklifts. Safety of AGVs and manned vehicles with automated functions (e.g., forklifts that slow/stop automatically in hazardous situations) are the focus of the American National Standards Institute/Industrial Truck Safety Development Foundation (ANSI/ITSDF) B56.5 safety standard. Recently, the NIST Mobile Autonomous Vehicle Obstacle Detection/Avoidance (MAVODA) Project began researching test methods to detect humans or other obstacles entering the vehicle’s path. This causes potential safety hazards in manufacturing facilities where both line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight conditions are prevalent. The test methods described in this paper address both of these conditions. These methods will provide the B56.5 committee with the measurement science basis for sensing systems - both non-contact and contact - that may be used in manufacturing facilities.
Study of electrodeposition on moving wires by potentiostatic pulses

Current density-time curves were measured at various cathodic potentiostatic pulses of short duration (⩽ 0·1 s) on stationary and moving horizontal copper wires of 0·51 mm diameter in 0·24 M CuSO4-2·36 M H2SO4 solution. The magnitudes and the shapes of theI-t curves were greatly influenced by the wire speeds. The limiting current densities from these transients,EIL, are higher and increase with wire speed at a smaller rate than the potentiodynamicIL. The role of uncompensated IR-drop is discussed.
Sensorimotor function of the upper-airway muscles and respiratory sensory processing in untreated obstructive sleep apnea.

Numerous studies have demonstrated upper-airway neuromuscular abnormalities during wakefulness in snorers and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. However, the functional role of sensorimotor im...
The oldest rocks

The greatest geological ages thus far determined are from pegmatites from three widely separated areas—southeastern Manitoba (Canadian Shield), Southern Rhodesia (Southern African Shield), and Varutrask, Sweden (Baltic Shield)—for each of which the age appears to be slightly over two billion years. Pegmatites from a fourth area, northern Karelia, may be of about the same age, or a little less. These great ages have been determined mainly by the strontium and lead methods.
George of Laodicea: A Historical Reassessment

For nearly forty years George of Laodicea (c. 290–359) played a significant role in the fourth-century Trinitarian controversy. Yet among scholars of the period his contribution has been understudied, underappreciated and misunderstood. This article aims to reconstruct George's career in a way that eliminates earlier distortions, corrects certain oft-repeated mistakes and includes frequently omitted evidence. It argues that George was one of the principal leaders of the Eusebian alliance in its last two decades. It also suggests that his leadership role in the Homoiousian alliance was more significant than is usually thought: he was the catalyst for its formation and emerged as its champion in the aftermath of the failed leadership of Basil of Ancyra.
Work in progress - how do students benefit as peer leaders of learning teams?

ECE 110 is a required course for freshmen majoring in electrical engineering or computer engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. ECE 110 students may choose to attend optional supervised study sessions, which implement peer-led team learning workshops. In the sessions, students work on difficult problems from previous semesters' exams under the supervision of a team leader. The team leaders are graduate teaching assistants, undergraduate teaching assistants, and undergraduate volunteers. In the Spring and Fall 2008 semesters, team leaders were asked to keep weekly reflective journals. We qualitatively analyzed 14 journals and found that leaders faced common challenges such as irregular student attendance and inadequate student preparation. Leaders reported that they increased their self-confidence, developed an appreciation for intellectual diversity, and gained an increased interest in teaching.
Effect of Host Availability and Light Conditions on Light Trap Catches of Bracon hebetor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Presence of host larvae, Cadra cautella (Walker), in the rearing medium caused a highly significant decrease in the blacklight trap capture of female parasites, Bracon hebetor Say, but it had no significant effect on catches of males. Presence of host-rearing medium alone and the room’s lighting conditions (constant light, no light, or a photoperiod of 12:12 [L:D]) had no significant effect on parasite capture. However, significantly more B. heb tor adults were caught in blacklight traps than in suction only traps.
Carbon Sink: A Clue from Biosphere 2?

The possibility of a “vast greenhouse gas sponge,” or carbon sink, existing in North America (J. Kaiser, News of the Week, 16 Oct. p. [386][1]) calls to mind the enigma of the progressive decline of oxygen in the atmosphere of Biosphere 2 during the 1991–93 period, when I was the inside physician. The oxygen concentration went from 21% to 14% in approximately 16 months after closure and sealing of the structure, at which time, because of developing hypoxia of the crew, oxygen was pumped in. Carbon dioxide was elevated during most of those 16 months, ranging from about 1200 to 3000 parts per million. Investigation finally revealed that the carbon dioxide was combining with the cement of the structure, carrying oxygen along with it to form calcium carbonate ([1][2]), hence the fall in oxygen concentration. One notes from Kaiser's article that the alleged carbon sink seems biggest over the eastern seaboard, that is, where there is a high concentration of cities as opposed to forests. I do not suggest that a sink of this magnitude could be explained in this fashion, but thinking wholly in terms of traditional sites of carbon storage on land (forest regrowth, abandoned farmland, soils and wetlands) may not account for the whole story. 1. [↵][3]1. J. P. Severinghaus, 2. W. S. Broecker, 3. W. F. Dempster, 4. T. MacCallum, 5. M. Wahlen , Eos 75, 33 (1994). [OpenUrl][4] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.282.5388.386 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [4]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DEos%26rft.volume%253D75%26rft.spage%253D33%26rft.atitle%253DEOS%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Noninvasive Cranial Nerve Neuromodulation for Nervous System Disorders

Abstract Objective To systematically review the medical literature and comprehensively summarize clinical research done on rehabilitation with a novel portable and noninvasive electrical stimulation device called the cranial nerve noninvasive neuromodulator in patients suffering from nervous system disorders. Data Sources PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1966 to March 2013. Study Selection Studies were included if they recruited adult patients with peripheral and central nervous system disorders, were treated with the cranial nerve noninvasive neuromodulator device, and were assessed with objective measures of function. Data Extraction After title and abstract screening of potential articles, full texts were independently reviewed to identify articles that met inclusion criteria. Data Synthesis The search identified 12 publications: 5 were critically reviewed, and of these 5, 2 were combined in a meta-analysis. There were no randomized controlled studies identified, and the meta-analysis was based on pre-post studies. Most of the patients were individuals with a chronic balance dysfunction. The pooled results demonstrated significant improvements in the dynamic gait index postintervention with a mean difference of 3.45 (95% confidence interval, 1.75–5.15; P P P Conclusions Given these limitations, the results of the meta-analysis must be interpreted cautiously. Further investigation using rigorous randomized controlled trials is needed to evaluate this promising rehabilitation tool for nervous system disorders.
Results from the Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial (X-ACT)

Background Although caries is prevalent in adults, investigators have tested few preventive therapies in adult populations. In a randomized controlled trial, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of xylitol lozenges in preventing caries in adults at elevated risk of developing caries. Methods The Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial (X-ACT) was a three-site placebo-controlled randomized trial. Participants (n = 691) aged 21 through 80 years consumed five 1.0-gram xylitol or placebo lozenges daily for 33 months. They underwent clinical examinations at baseline and at 12, 24 and 33 months. Results Xylitol lozenges reduced the caries increment 10 percent. This reduction, which represented less than one-third of a surface per year, was not statistically significant. There was no indication of a dose-response effect. Conclusions Daily use of xylitol lozenges did not result in a statistically or clinically significant reduction in 33-month caries increment among adults at an elevated risk of developing caries. Clinical Implications These results suggest that xylitol used as a supplement in adults does not reduce their caries experience significantly.
Modulation spectroscopy of semiconductor materials, interfaces, and microstructures: an overview

Modulation techniques such as electroreflectance, photoreflectance and piezomodulation have become popular room temperature probes of the optical and electronic properties of two dimensional systems such as quantum wells and superlattices. Because of their derivative nature, they allow us to obtain sharp optical features related to interband transitions in the material under study. From this one can obtam transition energies of the microstructure of interest, from which quantum well widths, barrier heights and thicknesses (superlattice case) can be determined. As a direct consequence of the derivative nature of modulation spectroscopy (MS), information can be obtained about the response of the sample to the applied perturbation (used for the modulation), i.e. the electric field or optically induced free carriers. In this paper, we will review the application of MS to the study of optical and electronic properties of microstructures. We will consider not only the experimental implementation of the various techniques, but also discuss the nature of the electromodulation line shapes. From this it will be seen how these techniques can be applied to device structures. Examples from recent work will be presented.
Preparation and properties of NbBr4(PMe2Ph)3 and NbBr3(PMe2Ph)3

Abstract Niobium(V) bromide reacts with PMe2Ph in toluene at 25 °C to give dark red NbBr4(PMe2Ph)3, 1, in 70% isolated yield, excess PMe2Ph serving as the reducing agent. The molecule has a capped octahedral structure with an uncapped Br3 face parallel to a Br-capped P3 face. Mean distances are: NbBr(cap) = 2.541(4) A, NbBr(3x) = 2.604[10] A, and NbP(3x) = 2.704[11] A. Crystals are orthorhombic, Pnna, with a = 14.345(3) A, b = 41.189(9) A, c = 9.943(4) A, V = 5875(5) A3, Z = 8. When the reaction of NbBr5 with excess PMe2Ph was carried out in presence of one mole of Na/Hg per mole of NbBr5, a > 50% yield of red NbBr3(PMe2Ph)3, 2, was obtained. The molecule has a mer-octahedral structure with the following mean distances: NbBr = 2.573(1) A, NbBr(2x) = 2.558[4] A, NbP = 2.716(2) A, NbP(2x) = 2.633[14] A. Crystals are triclinic, P 1 with a = 9.625(3) A, b = 19.424(5) A, c = 8.979(2) A, α = 97.42(2)°, β = 94.08(2)°, γ = 98.56(3)°, V = 1639(2) A3, Z = 2. The structures of 1 and 2 ar compared with those of other MX4(PR3)3 and MX3(PR3)3 molecules. The EPR spectra are reported and discussed.
Observation of Aharonov-Bohm electron interference effects with periods h/e and h/2e in individual micron-size, normal-metal rings.

We report resistance oscillations as a function of magnetic field for individual aluminum and silver thin-film rings, 1-2 \ensuremath{\mu}m in diameter, between 1.2 and 10 K. This is the first observation in single rings of oscillations with a flux period of $\frac{h}{2e}$ predicted by Al'tshuler et al. Oscillations periodic in $\frac{h}{e}$ are also seen in the 1-\ensuremath{\mu}m Ag rings at higher fields. These electron interference effects in metal rings are the solid-state analog of the Aharonov-Bohm effect for electrons in vacuum.
SEE HOW THEY RUN, CRAWL, HOP, HOVER, FLY, SWIM...

Principles of Animal Locomotion By R. McNeill Alexander Princeton University Press (2003) [pp. 371][1]. ISBN 0-691-08678-8 $49.50. ![Figure][2] Our efforts to match the extraordinary performance of nature's materials, organ systems, networks and behaviors have
Control Ratios and Defiant Acts of Deviance: Assessing Additive and Conditional Effects with Constraints and Impulsivity:

Control balance theory, couched as an integrated explanation of deviance, has been tested thus far using exclusively a “scenario” method that assessed respondents' perceived probability of deviance. We build on these efforts with a measure of the frequency of “defiant” deviance to assess both the additive effects of control ratios and the conditional effects of constraints and impulsivity, identified as key to the larger “causal process” affecting deviance. Supportive of the theory, control ratio deficits were positively related to defiant deviance. However, control ratio surpluses were positively associated with defiant deviance, which does not support theoretical predictions. Analyses of contingent effects show that the effects of control ratio deficits and surpluses are stronger when impulsivity is higher, supporting the theory, but that variation in constraints did not influence the effects of control ratios in a manner predicted by the theory. We explore the implications of these findings and suggest...
Sodium gating capacitance and the optimization of the squid giant axon for metabolic energy usage

Background In previous work [1,2], we observed that the ionic fluxes during an action potential (AP) in the squid giant axon can be divided into three functionally separate components. Of these, the component responsible for the depolarizing phase of the AP, and hence its velocity, attains a minimum as a function of the ion channel densities and the axon diameter very near the experimental values of these parameters when the AP velocity is constrained to be at a single value. Since the ion channel fluxes are proportional to the metabolic energy consumption via the ATPase Na+/K+ exchanger, this suggests that evolution, subject to an external constraint on AP velocity, has optimized ion channel densities and axon diameters for the energy associated with the velocity. The energy minimum is close to, although not identical with, a similar minimum in the total membrane capacitance. The total capacitance consists of the intrinsic membrane capacitance (about 0.88 μF/cm2) and a term proportional to the active Na+ channel density (about 1 nF/mS of Na+), the so-called sodium "gating capacitance," which arises from movements of charged segments of the Na+ protein during conformal changes. In the present work, we investigate and resolve the discrepancy in the locations of the energy and membrane capacitance minima.
Improved injection in n-type organic transistors with conjugated polyelectrolytes.

To improve injection in n-type organic thin film transistors (OTFTs), a thin conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) layer was interposed between electrodes and the semiconductor layer. OTFTs were fabricated with [6,6]-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and Au source and drain contacts. We demonstrate that the insertion of CPEs beneath top-contact Au source/drain electrodes can be a very effective strategy for improving the carrier injection and reducing turn-on threshold voltages of n-channel OTFTs. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) indicates that the decrease of the electron injection barrier is consistent with organized dipoles at the metal/organic interface.
Second harmonic generation in hexagonal SiC

ABSTRACT We report optical second harmonic generation measurements in single crystal a- SiC of polytype 6H. The sample was found to be optically uniaxial, consistent with thehexagonal symmetry of the crystal structure. The two independent components of the second order electric susceptibility tensor were determined to be d33 = 43 pm/V and 31 = -4.3 pm/V. From this data the principle electro-optic coefficient was computed to be I33 = 100 pm/V. The corresponding figures of merit for nonlinear optical device operation compare favorably with leading materials such as lithium niobate and KTP, andthus the relatively convenient and inexpensive fabrication of 6H SiC thin films could proveuseful for integrated optical devices. 1. INTRODUCTIONSilicon carbide is a widely studied semiconducting compound because of its electronic properties and its chemical and thermal stability' (melting point 3 100C). Theavailability of large, high quality crystals and bandgaps2 near 3 eV make SiC an attractivecandidate for blue-emitting laser diodes. It has been found to crystallize in more than 100
Optical power evolution in the Boeing 1 kW FEL oscillator

A four-dimensional simulation in x, y, z, and t, including betatron motion of the electrons, is used to study optical power evolution and the trapped-particle instability in the Boeing I kW FEL oscillator. Boeing is designing a visible, high power free electron laser (FEL) oscillator, to produce I kW average power at a wavelength A = 0.63 Rm [1]. The large electron beam current of 1-500 A will pass through an L = 5 m long, N = 220 period undulator, creating strong optical fields inside a resonator cavity. Simulations show this may lead to sideband growth and the onset of the trapped-particle instability. Increasing the outcoupling and tapering the undulator would lessen these effects. Fig. I shows the results from a multi-mode four-dimensional simulation in (x, y, , t) of the Boeing oscillator, for n = 50 passes. The longitudinal coordinate z is scaled to the slippage length NA, and the transverse coordinates (x, y) are scaled to the characteristic optical mode radius (LA/ITr)" 2 . The model includes the betatron motion of the
A woman's prerogative.

Hormonal changes during the estrous cycle have profound effects on synaptic transmission, from altering the density of synapses to changing receptor composition. A new paper shows that neurons express different subsets of GABAA receptor subunits during different phases of the estrous cycle, and that this alters tonic inhibition, seizure susceptibility and anxiety in female mice.
Framing the frame problem

The frame problem is widely reputed among philosophers to be one of the deepest and most difficult problems of cognitive science. This paper discusses three recent attempts to display this problem: Dennett’s problem of ignoring obviously irrelevant knowledge, Haugeland’s problem of efficiently keeping track of salient side effects, and Fodor’s problem of avoiding the use of ‘kooky’ concepts. In a negative vein, it is argued that these problems bear nothing but a superficial similarity to the frame problem of AI, so that they do not provide reasons to disparage standard attempts to solve it. More positively, it is argued that these problems are easily solved by slight variations on familiar AI themes. Finally, some discussion is devoted to more difficult problems confronting AI.