cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic Limit of Offshore Structures in the Gulf of Mexico—Descriptive Statistics

Abstract When the operating costs of a structure exceed the gross revenues of production, the structure is no longer considered an asset and is said to have achieved its economic limit. The economic limit of a structure is unique to the field and the economic conditions at the time of operation, and depends upon unobservable characteristics such as the strategic objectives of the operator. The purpose of this article is to estimate the economic limit of offshore structures in the Outer Continental Shelf of the Gulf of Mexico using publicly available data derived from structures that have been removed from service. Production and gross revenue threshold levels are determined through an empirical assessment of over 1,700 structures decommissioned over the past two decades. Descriptive statistics are presented for the economic limit based on structure type, water depth, and a lease categorization that incorporates the defining characteristics of the regulatory requirements.
Synthesis and ion-binding properties of polymeric pseudocrown ethers. III. Ion-binding studies

ABSTRACT An ion-induced templatization strategy was used to prepare crosslinked polymeric pseudocrown ethers (PCEs) in situ during a one-step free-radical polymerization. These studies bring to a conclusion the fundamental studies on the templatization process reported in the first two papers of this series. For the PCEs, with nickel as the templating ion and hydroxyethyl methacrylate as the monovinyl comonomer, the ion-binding studies revealed a significant enhancement in the ion-binding capacity associated with the inclusion of the template ion during synthesis. For example, a PCE synthesized with a monomer-to-solvent ratio of 20/80 exhibited an ion-binding capacity that was 7.5 times higher than a control polymer produced under identical conditions except for the absence of the template cations. A PCE synthesized with a monomer-to-solvent ratio of 20/80 exhibited a capacity of 0.3 mg/g polymer for Ni2+ cations. Finally, it was observed that the column could be fully regenerated by elution with a small ...
Nobody gains from dollar cost averaging analytical, numerical and empirical results

Abstract Dollar Cost Averaging is an investment system that is widely advocated by brokerage firms and mutual funds. In its best known form, an investor seeking to put a lump sum into risky assets is counseled to invest the money over a period of time in equal installments in order to avoid the devastating effect of a market fall immediately after a single, lump-sum investment. Using graphical analysis, historical stock market returns, and Monte Carlo simulations, this article demonstrates that no such benefit accrues to a Dollar Cost Averaging Strategy. Two alternative strategies, optimal rebalancing and buy and hold achieve better performance in all three analyses.
Statins and Physical Activity in Older Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study

Importance Muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness are common adverse effects of statin medications and may decrease physical activity in older men. Objective To determine whether statin use is associated with physical activity, longitudinally and cross-sectionally. Design, Setting, and Participants Men participating in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (N = 5994), a multicenter prospective cohort study of community-living men 65 years and older, enrolled between March 2000 and April 2002. Follow-up was conducted through 2009. Exposures Statin use as determined by an inventory of medications (taken within the last 30 days). In cross-sectional analyses (n = 4137), statin use categories were users and nonusers. In longitudinal analyses (n = 3039), categories were prevalent users (baseline use and throughout the study), new users (initiated use during the study), and nonusers (never used). Main Outcomes and Measures Self-reported physical activity at baseline and 2 follow-up visits using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). At the third visit, an accelerometer measured metabolic equivalents (METs [kilocalories per kilogram per hour]) and minutes of moderate activity (METs ≥3.0), vigorous activity (METs ≥6.0), and sedentary behavior (METs ≤1.5). Results At baseline, 989 men (24%) were users and 3148 (76%) were nonusers. The adjusted difference in baseline PASE between users and nonusers was −5.8 points (95% CI, −10.9 to −0.7 points). A total of 3039 men met the inclusion criteria for longitudinal analysis: 727 (24%) prevalent users, 845 (28%) new users, and 1467 (48%) nonusers. PASE score declined by a mean (95% CI) of 2.5 (2.0 to 3.0) points per year for nonusers and 2.8 (2.1 to 3.5) points per year for prevalent users, a nonstatistical difference (0.3 [−0.5 to 1.0] points). For new users, annual PASE score declined at a faster rate than nonusers (difference of 0.9 [95% CI, 0.1 to 1.7] points). A total of 3071 men had adequate accelerometry data, 1542 (50%) were statin users. Statin users expended less METs (0.03 [95% CI, 0.02-0.04] METs less) and engaged in less moderate physical activity (5.4 [95% CI, 1.9-8.8] fewer minutes per day), less vigorous activity (0.6 [95% CI, 0.1-1.1] fewer minutes per day), and more sedentary behavior (7.6 [95% CI, 2.6-12.4] greater minutes per day). Conclusions and Relevance Statin use was associated with modestly lower physical activity among community-living men, even after accounting for medical history and other potentially confounding factors. The clinical significance of these findings deserves further investigation.
Studies of antibody affinity in plasmacytoma-bearing mice: Evidence for a maturational defect of B lymphocytes

Abstract The antibody response of plasmacytoma-bearing mice (PC-mice) is severely reduced. In order to understand the nature of the effect of the tumor on the cells making antibody, quantitative and qualitative studies of the humoral response of PC-mice were undertaken. In these studies, the affinity of the antibody produced by tumor-bearing and normal mice was compared to determine whether the small amount of antibody produced by PC-mice is the product of a normal or an altered population of B cells. Antibody to TNP-Ficoll made by PC-mice 3 days after immunization was less heterogeneous and of an affinity lower than that of antibody made by normal mice. However, at 7 days, the antibody made by PC- and normal mice did not differ significantly. These data suggest that, prior to antigenic stimulation, the B cells of PC-mice are relatively immature, reflecting a possible retardation in the generation and turnover of B lymphocytes. The process of antigen-driven selection of high-affinity antibody-producing cells, however, appears to function normally in PC-mice. These studies, then, reveal a qualitative as well as quantitative defect in the primary humoral response of PC-mice which may reflect an abnormality in the development and differentiation of B cells in these mice.
Multispecies Fluorescence Photoactivation Localization Microscopy by Spectral Measurement

Super resolution microscopy techniques such as fluorescence photo-activation localization microscopy (FPALM), photo-activation localization microscopy (PALM), and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) have revolutionized biological microscopy by allowing an increase in final image resolution by a factor of ten over traditional diffraction limited microscopy. Cells are labeled with photo-activatable/switchable fluorescent molecules which become sparsely activated through a time series of laser illumination and imaging, which records each molecule as a diffraction limited spot. Analysis localizes the position of each molecule using its image. The localized molecule positions are combined to form a final super resolution image. Recent advances with these methods have enabled the determination of the orientation of individual proteins within samples, the tracking of individual proteins in living samples, the imaging of proteins in three dimensions, and the distinction of multiple fluorescent species.Here, we focus on multispecies imaging. Previous super-resolution multicolor techniques have relied upon splitting the fluorescence signal from multiple species into channels of different wavelength bandwidths using dichroic mirrors; the ratio of intensities between these channels provides the means of species distinction. Alternatively, interchanging multiple excitation lasers can excite different fluorescent species at different time periods. Here, we present an alternative method for super-resolution FPALM multispecies imaging. We use a combination of optics to measure the spectral distribution of single molecule fluorescence. In this way we can distinguish multiple distinct fluorescent species. We have applied this technique successfully to obtain super-resolution FPALM images, visualizing multiple photo-activatable fusion proteins simultaneously within NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells.
EFFECT OF STRESS ON THE UPTAKE OF RADIOLABELLED CALCIUM IN THE PITUITARY GLAND AND THE BRAIN OF THE RAT

The in vivo uptake of 45Ca by certain areas of the rat brain and by the pituitary gland was investigated under normal conditions and in states of cold stress. The uptake of 45Ca was highest in the pituitary gland followed in decreasing order by the superior colliculus, medulla, cerebellum, thalamus, hippocampus and the cortex. Cold stress conditions induced an increase in uptake of 45Ca in the cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, medulla and the pituitary gland. Our findings suggest that cold stress induces a change in the permeability for calcium in blood-brain and blood-pituitary barriers.
Approximating the minimum-degree Steiner tree to within one of optimal

Abstract The problem of constructing a spanning tree for a graph G = (V, E) with n vertices whose maximal degree is the smallest among all spanning trees of G is considered. This problem is easily shown to be NP-hard. In the Steiner version of this problem, along with the input graph, a set of distinguished vertices D ⊆ V is given. A minimum-degree Steiner tree is a tree of minimum degree which spans at least the set D. Iterative polynomial time approximation algorithms for the problems are given. The algorithms compute trees whose maximal degree is at most Δ* + 1, where Δ* is the degree of some optimal tree for the respective problems. Unless P = NP, this is the best bound achievable in polynomial time.
Nuclear spin ordering of solid3He in applied magnetic fields

The effects of a magnetic field on nuclear spin ordering in solid3He have been observed through the influence of the field on the solid entropy. By making use of the Clausius-Clapeyron equation, the3He melting temperature as a function of pressure was determined in several magnetic fields from 0 to 1.2 T from measurements of the latent heat of solidification in a Pomeranchuk cell. The solid entropy as a function of temperature was then calculated from the melting curve slope in each field by again utilizing the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. The solid ordering manifested itself as a substantial reduction in entropy occurring over a narrow temperature interval. A portion of the magnetic phase diagram of solid3He was established by plotting the ordering temperature versus field. In low fields the reduction in entropy occurs over a very narrow temperature interval, and the ordering temperature is depressed by the field. Above about 0.41 T, however, the ordering region is broadened and moves to significantly higher temperatures with increasing fields. The behavior in low fields is tentatively interpreted as a magnetic phase transition from the paramagnetic to an ordered phase, while the effect in higher fields is believed to represent paramagnetic ordering of the nuclear spins by the applied field.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELECTED KINDERGARTEN PREDICTORS AND FIRST AND FOURTH GRADE ACHIEVEMENT TEST SCORES

Kindergarten predictors, Otis-Lennon IQ, group and individual Bender scores, and teachers' ratings, were correlated with first-grade Stanford Achievement Test scores from 152 children from three sc...
On the Minimum and Maximum of Bivariate Lognormal Random Variables

Assume that (X,Y) is a bivariate lognormal vector. Let u = ln(X) and v = ln(Y). Then (u, v) is normally distributed. This note examines the effects of the distribution parameters of (u, v) on the first two moments of the order statistics of (X,Y).
Coherent Integration With Range Migration Using Keystone Formatting

We have developed and demonstrated the Keystone format to simultaneously remove linear range migration for all targets regardless of their velocities. Higher order motion and under sampling foldover can be removed by hypotheses. The authors present an approach to radar matched filtering which can produce simultaneous high range and high Doppler resolution matched filter outputs. The new matched filter coherently integrates the radar data even though the target scatterers move through many range resolution cells during the coherent integration time.
Insulin-like growth factors and neonatal cardiomyocyte development: ventricular gene expression and membrane receptor variations in normotensive and hypertensive rats

Abstract Defined factors regulating or influencing mammalian ventricular myocyte (cardiomyocyte) development are not known at this time. During early neonatal ventricular growth, cardiomyocytes begin a ‘transition phase’ of development toward cellular maturation (hypertrophy) that entails terminal proliferation and cellular binucleation. Insulin-like growth factor-I and -II (IGFs) are believed to play a major role in mammalian postnatal and fetal growth, possibly functioning in local environments which facilitate autocrine or paracrine tissue growth characteristics. Therefore, we examined the expression of the IGF genes and their corresponding membrane receptors in ventricles of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rat pups during the first 7–14 days of age. We have determined: (1) by receptor crosslinking that neonatal ventricular membranes possess type 1 and type 2 IGF receptors; (2) by receptor binding analysis that type 1 IGF receptor concentration is elevated between days 1–7 in the SHR and shows an age-related decline in concentration and an increase in affinity in both strains; (3) by Northern blot analysis that neonatal rat ventricular tissue expresses primarily IGF-II RNA transcripts of 3.6, 2.3 and 1.7 kilobases (kb) in size, with low levels of IGF-I transcripts detected; (4) by slot-blot hybridization that SHR ventricles contain higher levels of IGF-II transcripts at 3 days of age; and (5) localized the IGF transcripts to ventricular myocytes by tissue in situ hybridization. These observations support a role for cardiomyocyte-produced IGFs that may be locally produced and act in an autocrine or paracrine fashion to modulate cardiomyocyte growth and maturation in the developing rat heart. Because both IGF receptor and IGF RNA transcript parameters differed in SHR hearts, genetically predisposed to hypertrophy, a potentially important biochemical alteration may be associated with the fetal/neonatal growth abnormalities of the developing heart in this rat strain.
Chemical process opportunities for vibrated powders: 1. In the laboratory

Abstract Powder-containing chambers, vibrated vertically, can serve as micro-reactors answering questions of several kinds: How does a particular gas–solid reaction respond to axial gas mixing? What are the outcomes for a reaction conducted at high pressure? How might a reaction respond to unsteady-state reaction environments (whereby, for example, powder-contacting alternates between short exposure to a reaction gas and long exposure to a treating gas)? Answers can guide the planning of fluid-bed research and development.
Multiprocessor scheduling: An extension of the MULTIFIT algorithm

Abstract We consider the problem of scheduling a set of n independent jobs on m identical machines with the objective of minimizing the total finishing time. The well-known MULTIFIT algorithm always finds a solution within 1 7 and 1 5 of the optimal solution for the two-processor and general multiprocessor problems respectively. We extend the MULTIFIT algorithm without increasing its time complexity and show that the error bound of applying our algorithm to two processor problems is only 1 10 . Our extended algorithm is based on techniques from the MULTIFIT algorithm and the subset-sum problem. Empirical results of implementing this extended algorithm to the general multi-processor problem and its comparison to other algorithms are also provided.
Behavioral and clinical profiles of Tourette's disease: a comprehensive overview

A brief review of Gilles de la Tourette's disease is presented. The initial part gives an overview of major signs, symptoms displayed, and diagnosis in addition to certain minor concomitant features. The latter conditions included appetite, adaptive function, learning disorders, sexual behavior, sleep disturbances, speech pathology, and tic-related injury. Neurological manifestations, infectious etiology, and genetics were discussed. Treatment modalities are outlined and description of various drug therapy is given in conjunction with rationale of pharmacotherapy and possible underlying mechanism of action. Drug-induced Tourette's-like syndrome was also summarized.
Polymerase chain reaction techniques.

Abstract Recent improvements to the polymerase chain reaction have produced greater priming specificity, better methods for the isolation of unknown DNA sequences, more efficient DNA recovery techniques, and new approaches to mutation detection and oligonucleotide synthesis.
Real-time measurement of dopamine fluctuations after cocaine in the brain of behaving rats

Dopamine neurotransmission has been implicated in the modulation of many cognitive processes. Both rapid (phasic) and slower (tonic) changes in its extracellular concentration contribute to its complex actions. Fast in vivo electrochemical techniques can measure extracellular dopamine on a rapid time scale but without the selectivity afforded with slower techniques that use chemical separations. Cyclic voltammetry improves chemical resolution over other electrochemical methods, and it can resolve dopamine changes in the brains of behaving rodents over short epochs (<10 s). With this method, however, selective detection of slower dopamine changes is still elusive. Here we demonstrate that principal component regression of cyclic voltammetry data enables quantification of changes in dopamine and extracellular pH. Using this method, we show that cocaine modifies dopamine release in two ways: dopamine concentration transients increase in frequency and magnitude, whereas a gradual increase in steady-state dopamine concentration occurs over 90 s.
Molecular Mimicry, Bystander Activation, or Viral Persistence: Infections and Autoimmune Disease

Virus infections and autoimmune disease have long been linked. These infections often precede the occurrence of inflammation in the target organ. Several mechanisms often used to explain the association of autoimmunity and virus infection are molecular mimicry, bystander activation (with or without epitope spreading), and viral persistance. These mechanisms have been used separately or in various combinations to account for the immunopathology observed at the site of infection and/or sites of autoimmune disease, such as the brain, heart, and pancreas. These mechanisms are discussed in the context of multiple sclerosis, myocarditis, and diabetes, three immune-medicated diseases often linked with virus infections.
From small studies to precision medicine: prioritizing candidate biomarkers

There are still many open questions in data-analytic research pertaining to biomarker development in the era of personalized/precision medicine and big data. Among them is the question of what constitutes best practice for the extraction of prioritized lists of candidate biomarkers from smaller studies that are ‘hypothesis generating’ in nature. A recent comparison of methods to detect patient-specific aberrant expression events in small- to medium-sized (10 to 50 samples) studies provides results that favor the use of outlying degree methods.
Estimating the U.S. prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2010.

During 2007–2010, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted a spirometry component which obtained pre-bronchodilator pulmonary lung function data on a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 6–79 years and post-bronchodilator pulmonary lung function data for the subset of adults with airflow limitation. The goals of this study were to 1) compute prevalence estimates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator spirometry measurements and fixed ratio and lower limit of normal (LLN) diagnostic criteria and 2) examine the potential impact of nonresponse on the estimates. This analysis was limited to those aged 40–79 years who were eligible for NHANES pre-bronchodilator spirometry (n=7,104). Examinees with likely airflow limitation were further eligible for post-bronchodilator testing (n=1,110). Persons were classified as having COPD based on FEV1/FVC < 70% (fixed ratio) or FEV1/FVC < lower limit of normal (LLN) based on person’s age, sex, height, and race/ethnicity. Those without spirometry but self-reporting both daytime supplemental oxygen therapy plus emphysema and/or current chronic bronchitis were also classified as having COPD. The final analytic samples for pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator analyses were 77.1% (n=5,477) and 50.8% (n=564) of those eligible, respectively. To account for non-response, NHANES examination weights were adjusted to the eligible pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator subpopulations. In 2007–2010, using the fixed ratio criterion and pre-bronchodilator test results, COPD prevalence was 20.9% (SE 1.1) among US adults aged 40–79 years. Applying the same criterion to post-bronchodilator test results, prevalence was 14.0% (SE 1.0). Using the LLN criterion and pre-bronchodilator test results, the COPD prevalence was 15.4% (SE 0.8), while applying the same criterion to post-bronchodilator test results, prevalence was 10.2% (SE 0.8). The overall COPD prevalence among US adults aged 40–79 years varied from 10.2% to 20.9% based on whether pre- or post-bronchodilator values were used and which diagnostic criterion (fixed ratio or LLN) was applied. The overall prevalence decreased by approximately 33% when airflow limitation was based on post-bronchodilator as compared to pre-bronchodilator spirometry, regardless of which diagnostic criterion was used.
GH1 splicing is regulated by multiple enhancers whose mutation produces a dominant-negative GH isoform that can be degraded by allele-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA).

The majority of mutations that cause isolated GH deficiency type II affect splicing of GH1 transcripts, leading to the production of a dominant-negative GH isoform. Because numerous mutations and polymorphisms throughout the GH1 gene have not yet been tested for aberrant splicing, we used a deletion mutagenesis screen across intron 2-exon 3-intron 3 to identify splicing regulatory sequences. These analyses identified a new enhancer element, ESE2, upstream of the cryptic splice site in exon 3 and further defined a previously described enhancer (ESE1) to include the first seven nucleotides of exon 3. Besides enhancers, the overall size of intron 3 is also crucial for exon inclusion. Given the deleterious effects of the dominant-negative 17.5-kDa isoform, these and previous studies underscore the extent to which splicing regulatory elements serve to prevent exon skipping. Importantly, we show here that small interfering RNAs can be used to specifically degrade exon 3-skipped transcripts, potentially a new av...
Analysis of derivatized and underivatized theanine enantiomers by high-performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure ionization-mass spectrometry

Theanine, a naturally occurring non-proteinic amino acid found in tea leaves, has demonstrated wide-ranging physiological activity, from lowering blood pressure to enhancing the anti-tumor activity of chemotherapeutic drugs. The chiral nature of theanine suggests that enantiospecificity plays a significant role in its various pharmacological functions. Using the Chirobiotic T (teicoplanin) chiral stationary phase, native and derivatized theanine enantiomers were separated and detected via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (API-MS). With the use of flow rates compatible with each ionization source, native theanine standards achieved excellent sensitivity and detection limits (10ng/mL) for both atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and electrospray ionization (ESI). Optimum sensitivity and detection limits for derivatized theanine standards were achieved using ESI-MS. The enantiomeric composition of six commercially available L-theanine samples was evaluated using the high-flow APCI-MS method and confirmed with photodiode array detection. Five of the six products contained significant amounts of D-theanine. Only one product, SunTheanine 1 , appeared to contain only the L-theanine enantiomer. Copyright # 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lesions of nucleus accumbens disrupt learning about aversive outcomes.

Nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is critical for encoding and using information regarding the learned significance of cues predictive of reward. However, its role in processing information about cues predictive of aversive outcomes is less well studied. Here, we examined the effects of NAcc lesions in an odor-guided discrimination task in which rats use odor cues predictive of either appetitive or aversive outcomes to guide responding. Rats with sham or neurotoxic lesions of NAcc were trained on a series of two-odor discrimination problems. Performance on each problem was assessed by monitoring accuracy of choice behavior and by measuring latency to respond for fluid reinforcement after odor sampling. After acquisition of four problems, rats were trained on serial reversals of the final problem. Rats with NAcc lesions exhibited normal choice performance relative to controls on both acquisition and reversal of the discrimination problems (indeed, lesioned rats exhibited a mild facilitation on the first discrimination problem). Despite normal choice performance, however, lesioned rats failed to show normal changes in response latency during discrimination learning, particularly on trials involving the aversive outcome. These findings are consistent with a deficit in processing cue–outcome associations. These results are compared with those obtained from studies of basolateral amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex lesions in this task and suggest that NAcc integrates the motivational value of both appetitive and aversive cues to bias or modulate the vigor of subsequent responding.
Multi-phase adaptive on-time PFC for better light load efficiency and EMI performance

With the fast growing information technologies, high efficiency and high power density become the two major challenges for AC-DC front-end power supplies in all kinds of distributed power system applications. For the power factor correction (PFC) stage, the adaptive on-time control was proposed to achieve high efficiency over the whole load range[1]. The EMI performance of single phase adaptive on time controlled PFC is tested in this paper, and multi-phase approach is used to improve the EMI performance. Since the switching frequency of the adaptive on time control is a variable, the novel adaptive phase angle control is proposed to achieve the best noise cancellation effect, leading to significant EMI filter size reduction. The experiment results show that both high efficiency and high power density can be achieved by the multi-phase adaptive on-time PFC approach.
Relaxation of Polymer Coated ${\rm Fe}_{3}{\rm O}_{4}$ Magnetic Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution

Magnetic nanoparticles have shown great capability of sensing biological molecules in solution by correlating the magnetic susceptibility with the nanoparticle surface coatings. Here, we report on a new experimental approach of measuring magnetic nanoparticle relaxation. It uses a broadband ferromagnetic resonance setup specifically designed for samples in solution, enabling measurements of nanoparticles at variable frequencies up to 40 GHz. This design enables precise determination of the g-factor of the particles, by determining the resonance field for each microwave frequency. In addition this also enables us to determine the frequency dependence of the resonance linewidth, which provides information about the relaxation mechanisms of the magnetic nanoparticles. Polymer coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified co-precipitation method by introducing the polymer coatings (e.g., polyacrylic acid) during the synthesis. Thereby water soluble nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution were produced in a single step. The relaxation measurement of these nanoparticles showed only a slight increase in linewidth over the entire frequency range suggesting that extrinsic relaxation mechanisms are dominant.
Identification of a Novel Penicillin-Binding Protein from Helicobacter pylori

The Helicobacter pylori genome encodes four penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). PBPs 1, 2, and 3 exhibit similarities to known PBPs. The sequence of PBP 4 is unique in that it displays a novel combination of two highly conserved PBP motifs and an absence of a third motif. Expression of PBP 4, but not PBP 1, 2, or 3, is significantly increased during mid- to late-log-phase growth.
Two is greater than three: effects of older siblings on parental support of preschoolers’ counting in middle-income families

One possible source of variation in children’s mathematical abilities upon entry to school may be the social support of early number skills children receive in the home. In the present study, we explored parental support of preschoolers’ counting in the context of an everyday activity and whether parental ability to provide aid is influenced by the presence of a school-age sibling. Thirty-five middle-class families (19 dyads and 16 triads) were videotaped as they played a board game. While there were many similarities across the two conditions in the amount and type of support parents provided, those playing the game with only a preschooler were more likely to use their turns as teaching opportunities, and to adjust their aid according to their preschoolers’ mathematical abilities. Potential factors influencing these differences as well implications for research and practice are discussed.
GA directed self-organized search and attack UAV swarms

Self-organization offers many potential benefits to autonomous multi-UAV systems. This research investigates the use of a self-organization (SO) framework for evolving UAV swarm behavior. This SO framework is used to design a UAV swarm simulation with evolving behavior. The swarm behavior is then evolved using a genetic algorithm (GA) to successfully locate and destroy retaliating stationary targets. This system is tested using both a set of strictly homogeneous UAVs and heterogeneous UAVs with intriguing results.
Explaining Rape during Civil War: Cross-National Evidence (1980-2009)

Why do some armed groups commit massive wartime rape, whereas others never do? Using an original dataset, I describe the substantial variation in rape by armed actors during recent civil wars and test a series of competing causal explanations. I find evidence that the recruitment mechanism is associated with the occurrence of wartime rape. Specifically, the findings support an argument about wartime rape as a method of socialization, in which armed groups that recruit by force—through abduction or pressganging—use rape to create unit cohesion. State weakness and insurgent contraband funding are also associated with increased wartime rape by rebel groups. I examine observable implications of the argument in a brief case study of the Sierra Leone civil war. The results challenge common explanations for wartime rape, with important implications for scholars and policy makers.
TCP-Peachtree: a multicast transport protocol for satellite IP networks

In this paper, a reliable multicast transport protocol TCP-Peachtree is proposed for satellite Internet protocol (IP) networks. In addition to the acknowledgment implosion and scalability problems in terrestrial wirelined networks, satellite multicasting has additional problems, i.e., different multicast topology, different type of congestion control problems, and low bandwidth feedback link. In TCP-Peachtree, the modified B+ tree logical hierarchical structure is used to form dynamic multicast groups. Local error recovery and acknowledgment (ACK) aggregations are performed within each subgroup and also via logical subgroups. In order to avoid the overall performance degradation caused by some worst receivers, a local relay scheme is designed. Two new algorithms, jump start and quick recovery, which are based on the usage of a type of low-priority segments called NIL segments, are proposed for congestion control. NIL segments are used to probe the availability of network resources and also for error recovery. The delayed selective acknowledgment (SACK) scheme is adopted to address the bandwidth asymmetry problems and a hold state is developed to address persistent fades. The simulation results show that the congestion control algorithms of TCP-Peachtree outperform the TCP-NewReno when combined with our hierarchical groups and improve the throughput performance during rain fades. It is also shown that TCP-Peachtree achieves fairness and is very highly scalability.
Disruption of Daily Rhythms by High-Fat Diet Is Reversible

In mammals a network of circadian clocks coordinates behavior and physiology with 24-h environmental cycles. Consumption of high-fat diet disrupts this temporal coordination by advancing the phase of the liver molecular clock and altering daily rhythms of eating behavior and locomotor activity. In this study we sought to determine whether these effects of high-fat diet on circadian rhythms were reversible. We chronically fed mice high-fat diet and then returned them to low-fat chow diet. We found that the phase of the liver PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE rhythm was advanced (by 4h) and the daily rhythms of eating behavior and locomotor activity were altered for the duration of chronic high-fat diet feeding. Upon diet reversal, the eating behavior rhythm was rapidly reversed (within 2 days) and the phase of the liver clock was restored by 7 days of diet reversal. In contrast, the daily pattern of locomotor activity was not restored even after 2 weeks of diet reversal. Thus, while the circadian system is sensitive to changes in the macronutrient composition of food, the eating behavior rhythm and liver circadian clock are specifically tuned to respond to changes in diet.
The Key to the Key

Whenever someone says that something is encrypted, the first question you should ask is, "What about the keys?" Protecting encryption keys requires protecting the entire system.
Shear Stress Mediates Angiogenic Gene Expression in a Microfluidic Tumor Vascular Model

While research has shown that the fluid mechanics of the tumor vasculature reduce transport and uptake of therapeutics, the underlying role of these stresses in regulating tumor-endothelial cell signaling and neovascularization are not well understood. Understanding the reciprocal interaction between endothelial and tumor cells to mediate angiogenesis, and the effect of fluid shear on this process, may offer insight into the development of improved treatment modalities to control highly vascularized tumors. We have previously shown that breast cancer cells cultured under 2D, static conditions with endothelial cells significantly increase expression of pro-angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin 2 (ANG2) [1]. These preliminary results motivated the investigation of tumor-endothelial cross-talk under 3D, dynamic co-culture conditions.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Role of cGMP as a mediator of nerve-induced motor functions of the opossum esophagus.

Stimulation of esophageal nerves produces biphasic relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and an off response of circular esophageal muscle. Previously, we proposed that cGMP mediates n...
Opening up engineering formation

Engineering formation – the making of engineers – includes political contents. By this I mean that engineers acquire and generate specific value orientations as part of their expertise and begin po...
Response of Structures to Time-Varying Wind Loads

Dynamic responses of a free-standing latticed floodlight tower are determined for time-varying wind forces derived from available wind data and also from simulated wind records. The structure is represented by an idealized lumped-mass system in the analysis. All computations were performed on a digital computer. The computed results compared fairly well with observed responses; these results also showed that, for all practical purposes, effects of modes higher than the second mode may be neglected in the analysis. The wind data simulation procedure permits the following to be included: (1) power-law velocity profile; (2) random fluctuations of velocity and yaw; (3) constant or time-varying mean velocity patterns; and (4) gusts. Data simulated in this manner may be used for dynamic analysis.
Comparative Study of Bacillus Anthracis-Symptomatici and Allied Organisms with respect to Gas Production

The question of the differentiation of the bacillus of symptomatic anthrax from that of malignant edema often arises. The fact that both possess the ability to produce gas when grown in carbohydratecontaining media, suggested that this characteristic might be used in differentiation. A study of the literature revealed such a paucity of data in this field that further work seemed necessary. In this communication attention has been confined largely to the production of carbon dioxid and hydrogen and to their ratios. Work has also been done on the production of hydrogen sulfid and on several other biochemical characteristics, such as the production of methyl mercaptan, indol, and acids, and the action on nitrates. This work will be the substance of a later report.
A simple photometer for precise determination of dissolved oxygen concentration by the Winkler method with recommendations for improving respiration rate measurements in aquatic organisms

A simple inexpensive photometer designed for Winkler titration end-point detection is described. The precision of replicate dissolved oxygen measurements using this instrument was 0.06–0.22%. This high precision is needed to measure the small changes in dissolved oxygen concentration for determining the respiration rate of small aquatic organisms. Other recommendations for improving precision are also presented.
Report and Related Literature Review of 2 Cases with Breast Paget's Disease

Objective To evaluate the clinical lesions,pathological characteristics,diagnosis,treatment and prognostic factors of breast Paget's disease. Methods 2 cases with breast Paget's disease were diagnosed according to history,lesion characteristics,histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Results 1 patient had single mastectomy for breast Paget's disease,whose prognosis was good. While 1 case of breast Paget's disease with breast cancer after chemotherapy and endocrine therapy showed with a poor prognosis. Conclusion The incidence of breast Paget's disease is extremely low,misdiagnosis may continue for a long time. The 50- year- old women with eczema- like appearance on the areola and the nipple are closely observed,and whose histopathological examination is done in time,so that they will get early diagnosis and early treatment. 5- year survival rate of the disease is high and the prognosis is good.
The Development of Broadband Seven-port Ferrite Circulator Assembly

A new type of broadband seven-port ferrite circulator is introduced in this article. When the signal is input from the outlet, it can be divided into a few sub-channels. The total insertion loss of the device (6 sub-channels) is not higher than 4.5dB. And the isolation loss of each output channel is not lower than 20dB. This circulator can be used for frequency change.
Integration and Diaspora: An Analysis of Discourses Used by Migrant Civil Society Organizations in South Africa

In response to widespread attacks against foreign nationals and South African ethnic minorities in May 2008 that resulted in the establishment of temporary camps for displaced persons, public officials called for the reintegration of foreign nationals into South African communities. While previous studies have focused on discourses of integration of the nation-state, I analyze how different migrant civil society organizations use or neglect various discourses of integration in addressing the building of connections across social categories in relation to external conditions in South Africa and the internal characteristics of the organizations. Based on qualitative methods including interviews, I compare two migrant civil society organizations, Global Zimbabwe Forum  South Africa (GZF) and People Against Suffering, Oppression, and Poverty (PASSOP), which address Zimbabwean migration in South Africa. I argue that particular discourses used by a critical mass of individuals in the two organizations are linked to interconnected patterns of network building and identity framing ranging from bridging across national categories and bonding within national categories related to class-based identities and discourses. In particular, GZF supports economic empowerment through starting businesses among the diaspora, while PASSOP promotes a working class identity involving South African citizens and foreign nationals including Zimbabweans in South Africa.
MP2, CCSD(T), and Density Functional Theory Study of the 2-Butyl Cation: New Insight into the Methyl- and Hydrogen-Bridged Structures

Using the MP2, CCSD(T), and DFT (B3LYP) methods, the structures and energies of the 2-butyl cation (C4H9+) were calculated. Energetically, the C–C hyperconjugated structure 1 and hydrogen-bridged structure 2 were found to be almost identical at all levels. The 13C NMR chemical shifts of 1 and 2 were computed by the GIAO-CCSD(T) method using different geometries. On the basis of calculated relative energies and calculated 13C NMR chemical shifts, an equilibrium involving 1 and 2 (in a 50:50 ratio) seemed likely responsible for the experimentally observed 13C NMR chemical shifts in superacid solutions at −80 °C. However, on the basis of computed and experimental frequencies the hydrogen-bridged structure 2 is most likely responsible for the experimentally observed frequencies in the solid state at −125 °C.
The History of Semiconductor Memory: From Magnetic Tape to NAND Flash Memory

Often taken for granted, solid-state semiconductor memory is the enabler of the contemporary digital world. Today's memory chips pack billions of transistors onto single slivers of silicon and push the boundaries of both packaging and density. In this article, we will look back on the history of memory, leading up to today's DRAM and NAND flash memory and ending with a glimpse into the future of memories to come.
T cells, cytokines and asthma.

L'A. etudie les symptomes d'une maladie chronique, l'asthme, liee a une augmentation du nombre de lymphocytes T, et demontre l'implication des cytokines dans la pathophysiologie de l'allergie
ADHD Symptoms Associated with Mild Cognitive Delay

The relationship between ADHD symptoms and mild intellectual disability (ID) was investigated and compared to subjects with average ability, in a study at King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, UK.
The Charge of ‘Economic Moralism’: Might the Invisible Hand Eliminate the Need for a Morality of Money?

Our central claim has been that our commercial dealings should be subject to moral scrutiny. In our use of money there should be a strong moral component, for commerce is not a morality free zone. In this we differ from outright critics, such as Fourier, for whom money and the market are irremediably corrupt and we differ from those unabashed advocates of commercial life for whom money generates no moral concerns whatsoever. Our line is that while commerce is morally permissible it needs to be morally constrained.
Electronic Cigarette Use Among High School Students and Its Association With Cigarette Use And Smoking Cessation, North Carolina Youth Tobacco Surveys, 2011 and 2013.

Introduction Although adolescent cigarette use continues to decline in the United States, electronic cigarette (e‑cigarette) use among adolescents has escalated rapidly. This study assessed trends and patterns of e‑cigarette use and concurrent cigarette smoking and the relationships between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation intentions and behaviors among high school students in North Carolina.
Morphology of Gold Nanoparticles and Electrocatalysis of Glucose Oxidation.

Abstract The shape-dependent activity of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) was studied by testing them as electrocatalysts for the notoriously slow non-enzymatic oxidation of glucose in neutral solutions. The AuNP of spherical and irregular (including polyhedral) morphologies were synthesized and attached to glassy carbon electrodes with chitosan. Voltammetric and mass spectrometric studies showed that the irregular AuNP were more catalytically active toward the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid. No obvious differences between both morphologies were found based on their X-ray diffraction patterns and HRTEM images suggesting that the crystallographic orientation alone did not account for their catalytic properties. While both morphologies contain the (111) crystallographic planes that are catalytic toward glucose oxidation, the better activity of irregular AuNP was ascribed to a higher surface density of incipient gold oxide acting as a fast redox mediator for glucose oxidation. Supporting this, the AuNP of both morphologies oxidized glucose after their anodic activation, although not to the same extent. The amperometric (0.30 V) determination of glucose at electrodes made of irregular AuNP yielded a wide linear calibration plot (0.20–110 mM; R 2 , 0.998), sensitivity of 66 μA M −1 cm −2 , limit of detection of 100 μM (S/N, 3), and a response time below 5 s. The advantage of low-cost irregular AuNP over macro gold is that they are catalytic toward glucose oxidation without any need for prior activation.
Brief of Amici Curiae on Behalf of Intellectual Property Professors in Support of Respondent Apple Inc. in Samsung v. Apple (U.S. 2016, No. 15-777)

This brief explores the historical foundations of design patent law's special remedies provision. We draw on its legislative history and British antecedent to contextualize the debate between Apple and Samsung over the appropriate method of calculating design patent damages under Section 289 of the Patent Act.
Motion-induced error reduction by combining Fourier transform profilometry with phase-shifting profilometry

We propose a hybrid computational framework to reduce motion-induced measurement error by combining the Fourier transform profilometry (FTP) and phase-shifting profilometry (PSP). The proposed method is composed of three major steps: Step 1 is to extract continuous relative phase maps for each isolated object with single-shot FTP method and spatial phase unwrapping; Step 2 is to obtain an absolute phase map of the entire scene using PSP method, albeit motion-induced errors exist on the extracted absolute phase map; and Step 3 is to shift the continuous relative phase maps from Step 1 to generate final absolute phase maps for each isolated object by referring to the absolute phase map with error from Step 2. Experiments demonstrate the success of the proposed computational framework for measuring multiple isolated rapidly moving objects.