cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Funding Opportunities for Cognitive and Computer Scientists through the Institute of Education Sciences

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) provides funding opportunities for researchers to bring their knowledge of learning, cognitive science, and technology to bear on education practice. This panel describes opportunities available through the National Center for Education Research and the National Center for Special Education Research.
Variation in CACNA1C is associated with amygdala structure and function in adolescents

Abstract Objective: Genome-wide association studies have identified allelic variation in CACNA1C as a risk factor for multiple psychiatric disorders associated with limbic system dysfunction, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. The CACNA1C gene codes for a subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels, which modulate amygdala function. Although CACNA1C genotype appears to be associated with amygdala morphology and function in adults with and without psychopathology, whether genetic variation influences amygdala structure and function earlier in development has not been examined. Methods: In this first investigation of the neural correlates of CACNA1C in young individuals, we examined associations between two single nucleotide polymorphisms in CACNA1C (rs1006737 and rs4765914) with amygdala volume and activation during an emotional processing task in 58 adolescents and young adults 13–20 years of age. Results: Minor (T) allele carriers of rs4765914 exhibited smaller amygdala volum...
Covert Channels on GPGPUs

GPUs are increasingly used to accelerate the performance of not only graphics workloads, but also data intensive applications. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of covert channels in General Purpose Graphics Processing Units (GPGPUs). We consider the possibility of two colluding malicious applications using the GPGPU as a covert channel to communicate, in the absence of a direct channel between them. Such a situation may arise in cloud environments, or in environments employing containment mechanisms such as dynamic information flow tracking. We reverse engineer the block placement algorithm to understand co-residency of blocks from different applications on the same Streaming Multiprocessor (SM) core, or on different SMs concurrently. In either mode, we identify the shared resources that may be used to create contention. We demonstrate the bandwidth of two example channels: one that uses the L1 constant memory cache to enable communication on the same SM, and another that uses the L2 constant memory caches to enable communication between different SMs. We also examine the possibility of increasing the bandwidth of the channel by using the available parallelism on the GPU, achieving a bandwidth of over 400 Kbps. This study demonstrates that GPGPUs are a feasible medium for covert communication.
Visualizing High Dimensional Feature Space for Feature-Based Information Classification

Feature-based approaches represent an important paradigm in content-based information retrieval and classification. We present a visual approach to information retrieval and classification by interactively exploring the high dimensional feature space through visualization of 3D projections. We show how grand tour could be used for 3D visual exploration of high dimensional feature spaces. Points that represent high dimensional feature observations are linearly projected into a 3D viewable subspace. Volume rendering using splatting is used to visualize data sets with large number of records. It takes as input only aggregations of data records that can be calculated on the fly by database queries. The approach scales well to high dimensionality and large number of data records. Experiments on real world feature datasets show the usefulness of this approach to display feature distributions and to identify interesting patterns for further exploration.
Heterogeneity in ADHD: Neurocognitive predictors of peer, family, and academic functioning

Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with impairments in peer, family, and academic functioning. Although impairment is required for diagnosis, children with ADHD vary significantly in the areas in which they demonstrate clinically significant impairment. However, relatively little is known about the mechanisms and processes underlying these individual differences. The current study examined neurocognitive predictors of heterogeneity in peer, family, and academic functioning in a well-defined sample of 44 children with ADHD aged 8-13 years (M = 10.31, SD = 1.42; 31 boys, 13 girls; 81% Caucasian). Reliable change analysis indicated that 98% of the sample demonstrated objectively-defined impairment on at least one assessed outcome measure; 65% were impaired in two or all three areas of functioning. ADHD children with quantifiable deficits in academic success and family functioning performed worse on tests of working memory (d = 0.68 to 1.09), whereas children with impaired parent-reported social functioning demonstrated slower processing speed (d = 0.53). Dimensional analyses identified additional predictors of peer, family, and academic functioning. Working memory abilities were associated with individual differences in all three functional domains, processing speed predicted social functioning, and inhibitory control predicted family functioning. These results add to a growing literature implicating neurocognitive abilities not only in explaining behavioral differences between ADHD and non-ADHD groups, but also in the substantial heterogeneity in ecologically-valid functional outcomes associated with the disorder.
Historical archaeology as anthropology

The title of this paper is not meant as the trumpet fanfare for a new debate over whether historical archaeology should be history or anthropology. Its purpose is to suggest that historical archaeology can be more than a social history that relies upon material culture as one of its primary sources of data. We need to ask historically important questions, but we should also emphasize the comparative approach employed in anthropology and focus on those topics that have cross-cultural applicability over both time and space. Two major problem domains are outlined: world urbanization and environmental history. Subsidiary topics, including the impact urbanization has had on the work of both men and women are also addressed. These topics are well suited for investigation by historical archaeologists, assuming that we expand our repertoire of methods. With the latter point in mind the importance of a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach is discussed within the context of our two problem domains. It is argued that both world urbanization and environmental history are topics involving socially and politically significant questions to which historical archaeology can make important contributions.
Cardiac and Vascular Disease in SLE

Systemic lupus may have highly significant effects upon the heart, both as a direct result of the disease and as a result of the side effects of the medications used to treat the illness. Since the first descriptions of heart disease in lupus by Osler, more than a hundred years ago, it has become clear that lupus may affect all parts of the heart: pericardium, myocardium, endocardium, conduction system, and coronary arteries. While heart disease is often subclinical, in the past several decades, it has become clear that cardiac disease is a major source of morbidity for lupus patients.
Bringing “T” to the table: understanding individual support of transgender candidates for public office*

ABSTRACTOf central importance to groups is the representation of their interests in government. A direct strategy for representation is to elect officials that identify with the group. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) movement has increasingly been successful in fielding LGB candidates for local, state, and national offices, even though these candidates face barriers. But while many lesbian and gay candidates have achieved electoral success, few transgender candidates have run for office and even fewer have won. Our project examines the hurdles faced by transgender candidates and provides a predictive analysis of a unique 2015 national survey that queried American adult respondents about hypothetical transgender candidates for different political offices. We hypothesize that although transgender candidates are likely to be opposed by potential voters that would also oppose female, African-American, or gay or lesbian candidates, for transgender candidates, there is a stronger influence of...
Examining the Association Between Teacher Feedback and Mathematics Instruction in Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States

Recent research demonstrates that professional learning experiences and consistent evaluation and feedback systems significantly improve teachers’ instructional practices and students’ learning. This chapter examines the role of teacher evaluation and feedback systems in supporting instructional change with four other factors: professional development, collaboration, teacher beliefs about constructive pedagogy, and teacher–student relationships. Data came from lower secondary school mathematics teachers’ responses to the Teaching and Learning International Study (TALIS) 2013, and focuses on schools in Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States. Descriptive analyses illustrate how teacher evaluation and feedback vary across these countries, while regression analyses examine the degree to which teacher feedback is associated with mathematics instruction. In particular, the study explores factors that mediate the impact of teacher feedback on mathematics instruction. The results of this study provide comparative insights into how to use teacher evaluation and feedback systems effectively in improving mathematics instruction.
Disambiguating authenticity: Interpretations of value and appeal

While shaping aesthetic judgment and choice, socially constructed authenticity takes on some very different meanings among observers, consumers, producers and critics. Using a theoretical framework positing four distinct meanings of socially constructed authenticity-type, moral, craft, and idiosyncratic-we aim to document empirically the unique appeal of each type. We develop predictions about the relationships between attributed authenticity and corresponding increases in the value ascribed to it through: (1) consumer value ratings, (2) willingness to pay, and (3) behavioral choice. We report empirical analyses from a research program of three multi-method studies using (1) archival data from voluntary consumer evaluations of restaurants in an online review system, (2) a university-based behavioral lab experiment, and (3) an online survey-based experiment. Evidence is consistent across the studies and suggests that perceptions of four distinct subtypes of socially constructed authenticity generate increased appeal and value even after controlling for option quality. Findings suggest additional directions for research on authenticity.
Inappropriate sinus tachycardia–symptom and heart rate reduction with ivabradine: A pooled analysis of prospective studies

Background Inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) is debilitating despite available treatment. Off-label use of ivabradine for IST prompted this systematic analysis of existing data quality and sample size estimates for adequately powered studies. Objective To determine clinical efficacy of ivabradine in IST from pooled prospective studies. Methods Analysis included ivabradine studies for IST participants without structural heart disease and with follow-up of ≥2 weeks. Heart rate and symptom reduction with ivabradine were estimated based on results of subjective change in symptoms assessed by various data instruments used in each study. Studies were assessed for quality using validated checklists. Sample sizes were calculated based on the magnitude of symptom reduction encountered after treatment with ivabradine. Results Nine studies met criteria, culminating in 145 patients pooled. Most patients were women (≥70%). Studies were small and not adequately powered, and all reported a decrease in maximum or mean resting heart rate or both, with complete or considerable amelioration of symptoms with ivabradine. Most studies had moderate quality with excellent consistency of study quality and narrow limits of agreement between the quality checklists. Sample size estimates for adequately powered studies with various placebo effects and comparisons with β-blockade are reported. Conclusions Ivabradine effectively reduces heart rate and symptoms in IST, but no study was adequately powered to account for the expected placebo effect on symptoms. A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, active, comparative study with a β-blocker is needed for confirmation. This is especially relevant given the ivabradine's potential teratogenic effect, as many IST patients are females of childbearing potential.
Asynchronously Coordinated Multi-Timescale Beamforming Architecture for Multi-Cell Networks

Modern wireless devices such as smartphones are pushing the demand for higher wireless data rates. The ensuing increase in wireless traffic demand can be met by a denser deployment of access points, coupled with a coordinated deployment of advanced physical layer techniques to reduce inter-cell interference. Unfortunately, advanced physical layer techniques, e.g., multi-user (MU) MIMO found in 802.11ac and LTE-advanced, are not designed to operate efficiently in a coordinated fashion across multiple densely deployed transmitters. In this paper, we introduce a new coordination architecture, which can achieve high performance gains without the high overhead and deployment cost that usually comes with coordination, thus making the vision of high capacity wireless access via densely deployed transmitters practical. The basic idea is to loosely coordinate nearby transmitters using slow varying channel statistics, while keeping all the functionality which depends on fast varying channel state information and has tight time deadlines locally. We achieve this via a smart combination of analog and digital beamforming using inexpensive front ends, a provably efficient algorithm to select compatible users and analog beams across all transmitters, and backward compatible protocol extensions. Our performance results, which include analysis, simulations, and experiments with software defined radios and directional antennas, show that our approach can achieve the $10\times $ gains of the theoretically optimal coordinated MU-MIMO approach, without the need to either tightly coordinate the clocks of the remote transmitters or meet tight delay constraints.
The Serotonin-Noradrenaline Link-Hypothesis of Affective Disorders

Two main hypotheses of affective disorders have dominated research strategies in Biological Psychiatry: The catecholamine hypothesis (Schildkraut, 1965; Bunney and Davis, 1965) and the indolealkylamine or serotonin hypothesis (Coppen, 1972). These hypotheses are essentially deficiency hypotheses derived from studies on acute pharmacological effects elicited by a number of psychotropic drugs. The realization of the numerous inconsistencies in biochemical metabolic data derived from either plasma, urine or cerebral spinal fluid (Berger and Barchas, 1977) and of a number of shortcomings of the original biogenic amine hypotheses (Sulser, 1983), has triggered the search for alternate mechanisms.
Paul Erdős and Egyptian Fractions

One of Paul Erdős’ earliest mathematical interests was the study of so-called Egyptian fractions, that is, finite sums of distinct fractions having numerator 1. In this note we survey various results in this subject, many of which were motivated by Erdős’ problems and conjectures on such sums. This note complements the excellent treatment of this topic given by A. Schinzel in 2002.1
Single-cell genomics and gene editing: implications for nephrology

Discoveries in 2018 using single-cell sequencing and gene-editing technologies have revealed their transformative potential for the investigation of kidney physiology and disease. Their promise is matched by the speed of their evolution.
Tumor thrombus in the venous drainage pathways of primary, recurrent and metastatic disease on routine oncologic imaging studies: beyond hepatocellular and renal cell carcinomas

Radiologists routinely evaluate for tumor thrombus in the portal and hepatic veins in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and in the renal vein and inferior vena cava in patients with renal cell carcinoma. However, tumor thrombus occurs in association with numerous other tumor types, e.g. colorectal carcinoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. Furthermore tumor thrombi are not limited to the primary tumor but also seen with local recurrence and metastatic disease. While less recognized, these thrombi nevertheless affect patterns of recurrence and prognosis. Their detection is critical for accurate local staging and early detection of local recurrence and metastatic disease. The purpose of this pictorial review is to draw the attention of radiologists to the less familiar manifestations of tumor thrombus, review the imaging findings and illustrate the clinical significance of these thrombi.
Chromosomally Encoded hok-sok Toxin-Antitoxin System in the Fire Blight Pathogen Erwinia amylovora: Identification and Functional Characterization.

ABSTRACT Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are genetic elements composed of a protein toxin and a counteracting antitoxin that is either a noncoding RNA or protein. In type I TA systems, the antitoxin is a noncoding small RNA (sRNA) that base pairs with the cognate toxin mRNA interfering with its translation. Although type I TA systems have been extensively studied in Escherichia coli and a few human or animal bacterial pathogens, they have not been characterized in plant-pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we characterized a chromosomal locus in the plant pathogen Erwinia amylovora Ea1189 that is homologous to the hok-sok type I TA system previously identified in the Enterobacteriaceae-restricted plasmid R1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the chromosomal location of the hok-sok locus is, thus far, unique to E. amylovora. We demonstrated that ectopic overexpression of hok is highly toxic to E. amylovora and that the sRNA sok reversed the toxicity of hok through mok, a reading frame presumably translationally coupled with hok. We also identified the region that is essential for maintenance of the main toxicity of Hok. Through a hok-sok deletion mutant (Ea1189Δhok-sok), we determined the contribution of the hok-sok locus to cellular growth, micromorphology, and catalase activity. Combined, our findings indicate that the hok-sok TA system, besides being potentially self-toxic, provides fitness advantages to E. amylovora. IMPORTANCE Bacterial toxin-antitoxin systems have received great attention because of their potential as targets for antimicrobial development and as tools for biotechnology. Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight disease on pome fruit trees, is a major plant-pathogenic bacterium. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized a unique chromosomally encoded hok-sok toxin-antitoxin system in E. amylovora that resembles the plasmid-encoded copies of this system in other Enterobacteriaceae. This study of a type I toxin-antitoxin system in a plant-pathogenic bacterium provides the basis to further understand the involvement of toxin-antitoxin systems during infection by a plant-pathogenic bacterium. The new linkage between the hok-sok toxin-antitoxin system and the catalase-mediated oxidative stress response leads to additional considerations of targeting this system for antimicrobial development.
Development and Evaluation of Traffic Count Sensor with Low-Cost Light-Detection and Ranging and Continuous Wavelet Transform: Initial Results:

This paper presents a cost-effective, non-intrusive, and easy-to-deploy traffic count data collection method using two-dimensional light-detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology. The proposed metho...
Mechanical and kinetic factors drive sorting of F-actin cross-linkers on bundles

In cells, actin-binding proteins (ABPs) sort to different regions to establish F-actin networks with diverse functions, including filopodia used for cell migration and contractile rings required for cell division. Recent experimental work uncovered a competition-based mechanism that may facilitate spatial localization of ABPs: binding of a short cross-linker protein to 2 actin filaments promotes the binding of other short cross-linkers and inhibits the binding of longer cross-linkers (and vice versa). We hypothesize this sorting arises because F-actin is semiflexible and cannot bend over short distances. We develop a mathematical theory and lattice models encompassing the most important physical parameters for this process and use coarse-grained simulations with explicit cross-linkers to characterize and test our predictions. Our theory and data predict an explicit dependence of cross-linker separation on bundle polymerization rate. We perform experiments that confirm this dependence, but with an unexpected cross-over in dominance of one cross-linker at high growth rates to the other at slow growth rates, and we investigate the origin of this cross-over with further simulations. The nonequilibrium mechanism that we describe can allow cells to organize molecular material to drive biological processes, and our results can guide the choice and design of cross-linkers for engineered protein-based materials.
Ultrasound Percutaneous Tenotomy for Chronic Refractory Epicondylitis

Background: Definitive management of chronic refractory epicondylitis is problematic to say the least.
Historical perspectives of BEPU research in US

Abstract Civilian nuclear energy started in earnest in the 1950s and experienced rapid growth in 1960–80s with increasingly larger reactors. These reactors were initially regulated based on the experience from the smaller reactors, but this could not be applied to the larger power reactors. Therefore, in 1974 the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission set up safety requirements based on defense in depth in 10 CFR 50.46, and set of guidance in 10 CFR 50 Appendix K, for models and simulations of reactor safety analyses, to ensure conservatism in predicted safety parameters. These methods resulted in both conservative safety margins as well as economic and operational penalties. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, a large number of experiential programs provided data that allowed for the creation of best estimate models. These best estimate models showed the conservatism in Appendix K models. In 1988–89, USNRC modified the regulations and allowed the use of best estimate models provided they were coupled to a reliable and defensible measure of uncertainty in the prediction of safety parameters. This change in regulation strongly encouraged global activity for the development of best estimate codes and methods. To aide in this development, the USNRC provided one acceptable approach, the Code Scaling, Acceptability and Uncertainty Evaluation Methodology (CSAU). This approach was later refined in the Evaluation Model Development and Assessment Process (EMDAP).
In silico genome analysis of an acid mine drainage species, Acidiphilium multivorum, for potential commercial acetic acid production and biomining

The genome of Acidiphilium multivorum strain AIU 301, acidophilic, aerobic Gram-negative bacteria, was investigated for potential metabolic pathways associated with organic acid production and metal uptake. The genome was compared to other acidic mine drainage isolates, Acidiphilium cryptum JF-5 and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans ATCC 23270, as well as Acetobacter pasteurianus 386B, which ferments cocoa beans. Plasmids between two Acidiphilium spp. were compared, and only two of the sixteen plasmids were identified as potentially similar. Comparisons of the genome size to the number of protein coding sequences indicated that A. multivorum and A. cryptum follow the line of best fit unlike A. pasteurianus 386B, which suggests that it was improperly annotated in the database. Pathways between these four species were analyzed bioinformatically and are discussed here. A. multivorum AIU 301, shares pathways with A. pasteurianus 386B including aldehyde and alcohol dehydrogenase pathways, which are used in the generation of vinegar. Mercury reductase, arsenate reductase and sulfur utilization proteins were identified and discussed at length. The absence of sulfur utilization proteins from A. multivorum AIU 301 suggests that this species uses previously undefined pathways for sulfur acquisition. Bioinformatic examination revealed novel pathways that may benefit commercial fields including acetic acid production and biomining.
Postmodern Dietetic: Reclaiming the Body through the Practice of Alimentary Freedom

In this chapter I explore the relationship between school lunch and the eating body. In particular, I argue that two technologies of power apposite to the practice of lunch have effectuated docile, disciplined bodies—viz. the architectonics of practice and the spectacularized status of food. Concerning the architectonics of lunch, I examine these technologies as a microphysics of power that operates in constant, uninterrupted applications on the body and its movements at lunch. Concerning the second technology of power, I argue that over-production and a reification of the surface of things has resulted in an ineluctable march of hyperreal foodstuffs—in commercial foods unmoored from former meanings, food institutions, and dining experiences. As an ameliorant, I begin to theorize what I call alimentary freedom—a reconstitution of the raison d’etre of lunch and a repositioning of the eater.
CHAPTER VIII – Power Effects

Publisher Summary The effects of power on stability and control are many and varied according to the power plant type, airplane configuration, and flight condition. Some of the effects can be reasonably analyzed, but some can only be predicted with wind-tunnel tests. This chapter describes those effects that have been found to be significant to stability and control. The first effect of power is on the balance of forces along the flight path in the X direction. The stability and control analyst usually starts from the point where power for any flight condition is already known. The second effect of power is on lift. For many configurations, especially jet aircraft, changes in lift as a result of power changes are definitely negligible. The third effect described in the chapter is on pitching moments. It influences the way controls must be moved to trim in various flight conditions, and it must be counted in the estimation of permissible center-of-gravity range. Pitching moments as a result of power are normally divided into direct ones, which are distinctly associable with the propulsion device or the thrust produced, and indirect ones, which are actually changes caused by power in the moments contributed by other parts of the airplane. The chapter also presents a distinction between the effects of power on pitching moments as a result of changes in angle of attack, airspeed, and throttle position.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young Adolescents: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1988-2016

Objectives Lifestyle behaviors relevant to cardiovascular health are learned during childhood and continued into adulthood. Children and adolescents who participate in unhealthy behaviors have a higher lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Public health institutions publish behavior and clinical recommendations designed for adolescents to reduce their lifetime cardiovascular risk. We assessed the prevalence and trends of cardiovascular-relevant behaviors and clinical tests among early adolescents using a nationally representative database. Methods In 2020, we compared the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among 1408 adolescents surveyed from 1988 to 1994 with that of 1812 adolescents surveyed from 2011 to 2016 by obtaining and comparing measures on physical activity, diet, body mass index, smoking status, cholesterol levels, hemoglobin A1c, sodium intake, and blood pressure. Results The prevalence of adherence to the current recommendations regarding physical activity, diet, and body weight declined over time. Conversely, the prevalence of adhering to recommendations to avoid smoking increased. Clinical indicators, including blood pressure control and normal measures of hemoglobin A1c and total serum cholesterol, showed mixed results, with more individuals showing signs of hyperglycemia, fewer showing signs of hypercholesterolemia, and the percentage of individuals with abnormal blood pressure remaining the same. The use of cardiometabolic medications also increased during the study period. Finally, the number of adolescents with all seven cardiovascular protective factors declined significantly during the study period, from 27.6% to 9.6%. Conclusions Modern American teenagers aged 12 to 16 years have more cardiovascular risk factors relating mostly to diet, exercise, and obesity than those of a prior generation; however, smoking rates have also declined precipitously.
Genomic locus proteomic screening identifies the NF-κB signaling pathway components NFκB1 and IKBKG as transcriptional regulators of Ripk3 in endothelial cells

The receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) is a multi-functional protein best known for facilitating cellular necroptosis and inflammation. Recent evidence from our lab indicates that RIPK3 expression must be tightly regulated in endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis, to maintain vascular integrity during embryogenesis, and to provide protection from postnatal atherosclerosis. RIPK3 activity and stability are regulated by post-translational modifications and caspase-dependent cleavage. However, less is known about the transcriptional regulation of Ripk3. Here we utilized an unbiased CRISPR-based technology called genomic locus proteomics (GLoPro) to screen transcription factors and coregulatory proteins associated with the Ripk3 locus in a murine endothelial cell line. We found that 41 nuclear proteins are specifically enriched at the Ripk3 locus, including the Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway components NFκB1 and IKBKG. We further verified that NFκB1 and IKBKG directly bind the Ripk3 promoter and prevent TNFα-induced Ripk3 transcription in cultured human primary endothelial cells. Moreover, NFκB1 prevents RIPK3-mediated death of primary endothelial cells. These data provide new insights into NF-κB signaling and Ripk3 transcriptional regulation in endothelial cells.
Collaborating With Student Parents as Participatory Researchers in a Qualitative Study.

When embarking on research within a community where little empirical research exists, the inclusion of a structured participant group—such as a steering committee or advisory board—can formalize th...
Gene expression profiling reveals a possible role for somatostatin in the innate immune response of the liver

Somatostatin is a neuropeptide hormone that inhibits pituitary growth hormone (GH) release. Using microarray analysis of gene expression in the livers of wildtype control and somatostatin knockout mice, we have previously identified a panel of genes whose GH-dependent and sexually dimorphic expression patterns are significantly altered by the absence of somatostatin (1). Here, we provide methodological and analytical details of that study, the raw data of which is deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus as data set GSE56520. In addition, we performed further gene ontology analysis of the data and found that the differential expression of a second subset of genes in the livers of somatostatin-knockout mice versus wildtype controls is likely independent of GH signaling and involved in the innate immune response.
Biochemistry of amphibian development. III. Identification of ferritin in the egg and early embryos of Rana pipiens.

The egg of Rana pipiens contains between 0.4 and 1.0 μg of iron per cell. It is present entirely in a form bound to ferritin in the ratio of 0.13 μg iron per microgram protein. The protein moiety is indistinguishable chemically from purified horse spleen ferritin and cross-reacts immunologically with anti-horse-spleen ferritin. Ferritin iron content remains unchanged until Shumway stage 20, when depletion begins. One hundred hours later at Shumway stage 25, there is no detectable iron remaining in the ferritin fraction.
Clinicohistological disparity in leprosy

A healthy elderly man presented with localized isolated erythematous tender, anesthetic, oval plaque with little scaling near the medial angle of right eye, of 3 years' duration without any obvious nerve thickening, treated irregularly with WHO MDT for 3 months, clinically simulating BT leprosy with downgrading reversal reaction. Histology showed a BL granuloma with plenty of solid staining AFB within the foamy macrophages. Lepromin test was very weakly positive. The case is discussed in the light of clinicohistological disparity in leprosy cases with review of relevant literatures. A stress is laid on the importance of newer MDT in such cases to prevent drug-resistance, relapse and recurrence.
The effect of 6-hydroxydopamine on specific [3H]ouabain binding to some sympathetically innervated organs of the cat.

To determine the distribution of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase at the sympathetic nerve endings of various organs of the cat, specific [3H]ouabain binding to microsomal preparations of different tissues was measured in either NaCl-treated or 6-hydroxydopamine-treated adult cats. Specific [3H]ouabain binding to microsomal preparations either decreased (salivary glands, heart, nictitating membrane, and vas deferens), increased (brain), or showed no change (kidney and spleen) following administration of 6-hydroxydopamine. The dissociation constants of [3H]ouabain, determined by Scatchard analysis, either decreased (heart and nictitating membrane), increased (salivary glands and vas deferens), or did not change (brain) as a result of the administration of 6-hydroxydopamine. More than 80% of the total number of specific [3H]ouabain binding sites in salivary glands, heart, nictitating membrane, and vas deferens were localized at the sympathetic nerve endings. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that (Na+ + K+)-ATPase located on the heart muscle cell membrane may be a part of the "pharmacological receptors" for ouabain and that the inhibition of (Na+ + K+)-ATPase found on the sympathetic nerve endings of heart muscle may be involved, in part, in the development of cardiac glycoside-induced cardiac arrhythmia.
An analytical model for the insulated-gate bipolar transistor under all free-carrier injection conditions

The insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is the most advanced and promising power switching device. This paper presents an analytical model for the current-voltage characteristics of such a device. The model is derived rigorously from the ambipolar transport equation and is valid for all free-carrier injection conditions, rather than just for a special case (i.e., low or high free-carrier injection) considered in the IGBT models reported to date in the literature. Results simulated from a two-dimensional device simulator called MEDICI are also included in support of the model.
Effects of Rearing Density on Total Length and Survival of Lake Sturgeon Free Embryos

AbstractExperiments were conducted to identify aquaculture conditions that improve the growth and survival of free-embryo Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. We quantified the effects of rearing density, family, and dissolved oxygen concentration on free-embryo TL and survival to the time of emergence. Experiments were conducted using free embryos from two full-sibling families that were reared in four densities in 3.0-L aquaria. A significant density and family effect on free-embryo TL at emergence was documented. Total length (22.9 ± 0.16 mm [mean ± SE]) at emergence for a rearing density of 9,688 individuals/m2 was significantly greater than the mean TL for rearing densities of 19,375 and 32,292 individuals/m2 (22.4 ± 0.14 mm and 21.8 ± 0.17 mm, respectively). Mean TL at emergence differed significantly between families (22.8 ± 0.13 mm versus 22.1 ± 0.11 mm). Mean dissolved oxygen concentration (mg/L) decreased significantly as a function of increasing fish density. Mean dissolved oxygen concentration ...
Idiosyncratic Volatility and Liquidity Costs

We examine the cross-sectional relation between idiosyncratic volatility (IV) and stock returns and propose that the percentage of zero returns and its effect on IV measurement is a missing component in the ongoing analysis of the pricing of IV. We find the results of Spiegel and Wang (2005) and Ang, Hodrick, Xing, and Zhang (2006) are critically dependent on the occurrence of zero returns, yet because these studies do not specifically account for the occurrence of zero returns, measurements of IV are inflated. We examine external shocks to liquidity due to reductions in the stated quotes after 1997 and 2001 and find that a significant reduction in the occurrence of zero returns accompanies a significant reduction in the pricing ability of IV. Restricting our analysis to those firms that experience less than 5% zero returns during the period 1983 to 1996, when the overall pricing ability of IV peaks, we find no ability of IV to predict returns. Controlling for the liquidity costs engendered in both the percentage of zero returns and the more direct bid-ask spread removes the ability of IV to predict future returns.
Regulatory reform and performance in telecommunications: unrealized potential in the MENA countries

Abstract Based on international evidence, this study confirms that telecommunications liberalization is conducive to higher efficiency, contributing to Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) growth. Assessment of liberalization benefits on sector performance is based on an indicator encompassing three key factors: (i) competition in fixed and mobile networks; (ii) openness to foreign ownership; and (iii) pro-competitive regulation. Notwithstanding recent progress, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) telecommunications markets remain less open to competition than elsewhere in the developing world: competition is hindered, private participation is scarce and foreign ownership is most severely constrained, while regulatory regimes do not support fair competition.
Forming and scheduling jobs with capacitated containers in semiconductor manufacturing: Single machine problem

We study a scheduling problem motivated by the challenges observed in the newest semiconductor manufacturing wafer fabrication facilities. As wafers are larger and heavier in these wafer fabs, it is becoming more common to use specialized material handling containers that carry multiple orders coming from different customers and to schedule the containers as jobs in the fab. The system performance is a function of the completion times of orders, which ultimately depend on both (1) how the orders are assigned to such containers (“job formation”), and (2) how the containers are scheduled in the fab (“job scheduling”). The overall problem is to find the best way to form and schedule the jobs subject to complicating constraints, including the restrictions on the number of containers that can be used at one time and on the number of wafers the containers can carry. We focus on the single machine job formation and scheduling problem with the total completion time objective. We show that this problem is quite different from conventional parallel and serial batching scenarios and prove that the uncapacitated special case is polynomially solvable and the capacitated case is strongly NP-hard. We use a dynamic programming algorithm to solve the uncapacitated problem, which not only provides tight lower bounds for the capacitated problem, but also becomes a basis for a heuristic approach for the capacitated problem. The computational results show that this approach is very effective, leading to small optimality gaps that get even smaller as the problems become larger.
Au-Doped Indium Tin Oxide Ohmic Contacts to p-Type GaN

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films doped with Au, Ni, or Pt (3.5 at.% to 10.5 at.%) were deposited on p-GaN epilayers (Mg ~4 × 1019 cm−3) using direct-current (DC) sputter codeposition. It was found that undoped ITO con- tacts to p-GaN exhibited leaky Schottky behavior, whereas the incorporation of a small amount of Au (3.5 at.% to 10.5 at.%) significantly improved their ohmic characteristics. Compared with standard Ni/ITO contacts, the Au-doped ITO contacts had a similar specific contact resistance in the low 10−2 Ω cm−2 range, but were more stable above 600°C and more transparent at blue wavelengths. These results provide support for the use of Au-doped ITO ohmic contact to p-type GaN in high-brightness blue light-emitting diodes.
Cramér Rao bound analysis of joint B1/T1 mapping methods in MRI

In MRI, RF field inhomogeneity (B 1 ) and relaxation effects (T 1 ) significantly affect both B 1 and T 1 mapping. Simultaneous joint estimation of both B 1 and T 1 has the potential to greatly improve both B 1 and T 1 estimation. This paper analyzes the Cramer Rao Bound for joint B 1 , T 1 estimation using common B 1 and T 1 pulse sequences. This analysis aids choosing pulse sequences and parameters given desired levels of B 1 and T 1 accuracy and the inherent trade off between the two mappings.
Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-semiconductor nanoparticle composite thin films tethered to indium tin oxide substrates via electropolymerization

Nanocomposite thin films are described which have been created from electropolymerized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and new forms of ligand-capped CdSe nanoparticles (NP), using carboxylate ligands with 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) capping groups (ProDOT-CA). A thin PEDOT film is first tethered to an indium tin oxide electrode, followed by electrochemical cross-linking of the ligand-capped nanoparticle with the PEDOT film. The resultant thin film material photoelectrochemically reduces solution C60 at potentials positive of its E°, where the PEDOT film is reduced (de-doped) and capable of hole capture from the photoexcited NP. This approach is distinctive from solution cast polymer/CdSe hybrid materials in that it enables direct wiring of the nanoparticle to the donor polymer and hole collecting electrode.
Highly Accurate Absolute Group Delay Measurement Technique for Frequency-Translation Devices

This paper describes an advanced absolute group delay measurement technique. It uses a mixer calibration standard and vector error correction to achieve high-precision absolute group delay measurements of frequency-translation devices, such as mixers and frequency converters. The advantages of this technique include: 1. Improved absolute and relative group delay measurement accuracy of +/? 150 ps 2. Lower measurement ripples for highly accurate S-parameter measurements 3. Vector-calibrated performance by characterizing and removing test system errors This application is most valuable for designers, manufacturers, and system integrators of communication systems (such as telemetry applications, satellite, LMDS and point-to-point radio) in which high-accuracy group delay measurements are of great importance.
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. News from the front.

DURING THE PAST DECADE MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT TUberculosis (MDR-TB) defined as resistance to at least isoniazid and rifampin has declined in the United States. The number of reported MDR-TB cases has decreased from 486 in 1993 to 114 in 2003 and the proportion of resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has decreased by half. The decline is heartening but this issue of JAMA includes 2 reports from California and Russia showing why celebration would be premature. In this issue of JAMA Granich and colleagues show that California has not shared in the proportionate decline of resistant strains. From 1994 to 2003 the authors analyzed the sensitivity of 28 712 culture-positive cases of TB and identified 407 MDR-TB cases. Although the absolute number of MDR-TB cases per year decreased during the 10-year period the number of sensitive cases also declined leading to stable proportions of resistance. Matching several databases they identified key risk factors for resistance including a previous diagnosis of TB a positive smear Asian/ Pacific Islander ethnicity and being a US resident for less than 5 years. In fact 84% of cases were in foreign-born persons residing in the United States. The authors conclude that much of the MDR-TB problem in California was imported underscoring the global nature of TB. (excerpt)
Submuscular Bridge Plating for Pediatric Femur Fractures

Operative stabilization is the treatment of choice for pediatric femur fractures in patients age ≥5 years to skeletal maturity. The method of stabilization is dependent on many factors, such as age, fracture location, fracture pattern, and surgeon preference. Stabilization can be more challenging for length unstable comminuted and long oblique fracture patterns because of concerns for femoral head avascular necrosis with rigid intramedullary nails and the potential difficulty of stabilizing these complex fractures with elastic intramedullary nails. Submuscular bridge plating restores length and alignment and rigidly stabilizes the unstable pediatric femur fracture. The technique is minimally invasive, "bridges" the fracture leaving the soft tissue intact, and avoids potential avascular necrosis. The technique is described here in detail.
Angiotensin-converting Enzyme-related Cough among Chinese-Americans

Abstract Background Few studies have examined the relationship between ethnicity and tolerance of hypertension medications. We investigated the perception that Chinese-Americans may have a higher incidence of chronic cough from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Methods We searched electronic databases to identify patients who had received a new lisinopril prescription. This cohort was separated into 295 patients of Chinese descent and 4263 patients in the general population group with an instrument that used surnames to identify Chinese ethnicity. For those who discontinued lisinopril within 1 year, we reviewed medical records to determine reasons for discontinuation. We compared rates of discontinuation overall and due to cough by ethnic group (Chinese vs general population). Results The Chinese population was more likely to discontinue their medication (47%) than the general population (31%). When the cause for discontinuation was examined, cough was significantly higher among Chinese, with a relative risk of 2.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.11-3.03. The risk for angioedema was Conclusions We observed that our Chinese group was more than twice as likely as the general population to discontinue lisinopril due to cough, controlling for the influence of sex, age, and smoking.
High flux undulator beamline optics for EUV interferometry and photoemission microscopy

A long undulator installed at a low emittance storage ring, generates quasi-monochromatic beams of high brightness and partial coherence properties; however, this also raises concerns regarding high heat loads on beam line components. There have been intensive research efforts to develop beam line optics to exploit brightness and coherence properties from undulators. These components must withstand high heat loads produced by intense synchrotron radiation beams impinging on their surface which could degrade beam line performance. The effects of high flux undulator radiation on beam line optics for EUV interferometry and photoemission microscopy will be discussed. Specifically, beam line schematics, design considerations of indirectly side cooled mirror and grating assemblies developed at the Center for X- Ray Optics and recent data of performance under undulator radiation load from beam line BL12.0 being commissioned at the ALS will be presented in this study.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.