cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Individual and developmental differences in preschoolers' categorization biases and vocabulary across tasks.

Abstract This study bridges prior research on young children’s use of taxonomic versus thematic relations to categorize objects with prior research on their use of shared shape versus shared function to categorize artifacts. Specifically, this research examined associations in children’s categorization tendencies across these two dichotomies, including assessments of individual differences, developmental trends, and vocabulary level. Preschoolers (3- to 5-year-olds) completed a receptive vocabulary assessment and two match-to-sample tasks: one pitting (superordinate) taxonomic and thematic relations against each other and one pitting shape and function similarity against each other. The results revealed individual and developmental variation in children’s cross-task categorization biases, with a predominant tendency to focus on both thematic and function relations that became increasingly stronger with age. In 3- and 5-year-olds, function-based categorization was also positively associated with verb vocabulary. These findings demonstrate an emerging tendency to focus on relational information during the preschool years that, among other learning effects, may benefit verb acquisition. The results are discussed in terms of the real-time processing and developmental factors that might contribute to the development of strategies for learning about objects and categories during early childhood.
Case Study One

Nora was the most prolific tweeter of the participants, with more than 12,000 (an ever-increasing number) total tweets during her time on Twitter. During her semester of tweeting as a course requirement, she tweeted a total of 83 times and used the course hashtag ten times (two additional times she used a similar but incorrect course hashtag).
Chatting in distributed quantization networks

Several key results in source coding offer the intuition that distributed encoding via vector-quantize-and-bin is only slightly suboptimal to joint encoding and oftentimes is just as good. However, when source acquisition requires the blocklength to be small, collaboration between sensors can greatly reduce distortion. For a distributed acquisition network where sensors are allowed to “chat” using a side channel, we provide exact characterization of distortion performance and quantizer design in the high-resolution (low-distortion) regime using a framework called distributed functional scalar quantization (DFSQ). The key result is that chatting can dramatically improve performance even when the intersensor communication is at very low rate. We also solve the rate allocation problem when communication links have heterogeneous costs and provide examples to demonstrate that this theory predicts performance at practical communication rates.
The Biochemical Basis of Life History Adaptation: Gryllus Studies Lead the Way

During the past two decades, studies of lipid metabolism in the wing-polymorphic cricket, Gryllus firmus, have contributed significantly to our understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying life history adaptation. Radiotracer studies of G. firmus have documented morph differences in the flow of metabolites through pathways of lipid and amino acid metabolism. These differences result in the preferential diversion of nutrients to lipid flight fuel biosynthesis and away from ovarian growth in the flight-capable morph and vice versa in the flightless/high fecundity morph. These studies verify the widely held but previously undocumented hypothesis that trade-offs between life history traits (e.g., dispersal vs. reproduction) seen at the level of the whole organism result from trade-offs in the flow of metabolites through pathways of intermediary metabolism. These differences in pathway flux are produced by global change in the activities of numerous enzymes of lipid metabolism. Genetic, endocrine, and gene expression studies suggest that these changes are due to evolutionary change in regulators that control the activities of whole blocks of enzymes. Morph differences in enzyme activity are caused primarily by altered gene expression leading to altered enzyme concentration without change in kinetic properties. These results bear on long-standing, but as yet unresolved, questions regarding the mechanisms of enzyme microevolution. Finally, ongoing transcriptome profiling has identified additional morph differences in the expression of genes encoding enzymes of glyceride biosynthesis.
Ladder physics in the spin fermion model

A link is established between the spin fermion (SF) model of the cuprates and the approach based on the analogy between the physics of doped Mott insulators in two dimensions and the physics of fermionic ladders. This enables one to use nonperturbative results derived for fermionic ladders to move beyond the large-$N$ approximation in the SF model. It is shown that the paramagnon exchange postulated in the SF model has exactly the right form to facilitate the emergence of the fully gapped $d$-Mott state in the region of the Brillouin zone at the hot spots of the Fermi surface. Hence, the SF model provides an adequate description of the pseudogap.
Female Officers and Community Policing: Examining the Connection between Gender Diversity and Organizational Change

This study aimed to evaluate the temporal relationship between gender diversity and the adoption of community policing. The results from three separate structural equation models suggest that gender diversity is the stronger temporal predictor. The findings highlight the potential importance of gender diversity in organizational change. In theory, increasing the number of female officers may increase organizational agility through the creation of an alternative cultural ethos. More research is needed to understand how gender diversity affects police agencies, as well as how calls to reform the institution of policing affect women in law enforcement.
Cx43 suppresses evx1 expression to regulate joint initiation in the regenerating fin.

Background How joints are correctly positioned in the vertebrate skeleton remains poorly understood. From our studies on the regenerating fin, we have evidence that the gap junction protein Cx43 suppresses joint formation by suppressing the expression of the evx1 transcription factor. Joint morphogenesis proceeds through at least two discrete stages. First, cells that will produce the joint condense in a single row on the bone matrix ("initiation"). Second, these cells separate coincident with articulation of the bone matrix. We propose that Cx43 activity is transiently reduced prior to joint initiation. Results We first define the timing of joint initiation with respect to regeneration. We next correlate reduced cx43 expression and increased evx1 expression with initiation. Through manipulation of cx43 expression, we demonstrate that Cx43 negatively influences evx1 expression and joint formation. We further demonstrate that Cx43 activity in the dermal fibroblasts is required to rescue joint formation in the cx43 mutant, short finb123 . Conclusions We conclude that Cx43 activity in the dermal fibroblasts influences the expression of evx1, and therefore the differentiation of the precursor cells that give rise to the joint-forming osteoblasts. Developmental Dynamics 246:691-699, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statistical Pattern Based Modeling of GPU Memory Access Streams

Recent research studies have shown that modern GPU performance is often limited by the memory system performance. Optimizing memory hierarchy performance requires GPU designers to draw design insights based on the cache & memory behavior of end-user applications. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to get access to end-user workloads due to the confidential or proprietary nature of the software/data. Furthermore, the efficiency of early design space exploration of cache & memory systems is often limited due to either the slow speed of detailed simulation techniques or limited scope of state-of-the-art cache analytical models. To enable efficient GPU memory system exploration, we present a novel methodology and framework that statistically models the GPU memory access stream locality. The proposed G-MAP (GPU Memory Access Proxy) framework models the regularity in code-localized memory access patterns of GPGPU applications and the parallelism in GPU's execution model to create miniaturized memory proxies. We evaluate G-MAP using 18 GPGPU benchmarks and show that G-MAP proxies can replicate cache/memory performance of original applications with over 90% accuracy across over 5000 different L1/L2 cache, prefetcher and memory configurations.
Theorien und Konzepte der Familienunternehmung

In diesem Kapitel soll die Frage geklart werden, warum Unternehmen, insbesondere Familienunternehmen, uberhaupt existieren. Daruber hinaus soll uberpruft werden, welche Aussagen sich uber deren Verhalten treffen lassen. Einen ersten Erklarungsansatz fur die Existenz von Familienunternehmen liefert das Konzept der Pareto-Effizienz (Varian, 2004, S. 14f.).
Strong driving of a single coherent spin by a proximal chiral ferromagnet

We experimentally investigate the influence of a driven, dynamic vortex magnetization state on an individual nitrogen-vacancy (NV) spin in diamond. The vortex core can be translated within the ferromagnet using an applied magnetic field, allowing us to map out the spatial dependence of the interaction. The vortex displacement is determined using magneto-optical microscopy, while the vortex's influence on the spin is probed using optically detected magnetic resonance to measure the Rabi oscillation frequency between spin levels. We find that the close proximity of the vortex core to the NV (within about 200 nm) leads to more than an order of magnitude enhancement of the Rabi frequency. The NV/vortex interaction differs significantly for transitions to the ${m}_{s}=+1$ and ${m}_{s}=\ensuremath{-}1$ spin states, which we attribute to the chiral nature of the vortex state dynamics. We compare the results with micromagnetic simulations and a simple analytical model to shed light on the mechanisms behind the observed effects.
Finding the Meaning of Meaning: Emerging Insights on Four Grand Questions:

This is a stand-alone reflection on meaning written by two scholars who recently edited a special issue on that topic. The first of four organizing questions concerns the nature of meaning. The mea...
Effect of Hydrophobicity on Nano-Bio Interactions of Zwitterionic Luminescent Gold Nanoparticles at the Cellular Level.

Fundamental understanding of how the hydrophobicity impacts cellular interactions of engineered nanoparticles is critical to their future success in healthcare. Herein, we report that inserting hydrophobic octanethiol onto the surface of zwitterionic luminescent glutathione coated gold nanoparticles (GS-AuNPs) of 2 nm enhanced their affinity to the cellular membrane and increased cellular uptake kinetics by more than one order of magnitude, rather than inducing the accumulation of the AuNPs in the bilayer core or enhancing their passive diffusion. These studies highlight the diversity and heterogeneity in the hydrophobicity-induced nano–bio interactions at the cellular level and offer a new pathway to expediting cellular uptake of engineered nanoparticles. In addition, the amphiphilic luminescent AuNPs with high affinity to cell membrane and rapid endocytosis potentially serve as dual-modality imaging probes to correlate fluorescence and electron microscopies at the cellular level.
Update on vaccines for enteric pathogens

Abstract Background Acute diarrhoeal disease caused by viral, bacterial and parasitic infections is a major global health problem; in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) it is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity in children under 5. Some of these infections also impact large segments of populations in high-income countries (HICs), as well as individuals who travel overseas for work, business or pleasure. Aims The aim of this review is to describe the current landscape of licensed enteric vaccines, potential new vaccines on the horizon, and the challenges of development and utilization of vaccines against enteric pathogens. Sources Relevant data from the literature, as well as clinical trials described in European and US registries, were examined in the conduct of this review. Content The review involves discussion of current licensed vaccines against rotavirus, cholera and typhoid, as well as potential second- and third-generation vaccines against these pathogens currently in the development pipeline. In addition, novel vaccines against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, shigellosis and norovirus in advanced development are described. Challenges to the development and utilization of global vaccines are discussed. Implications Despite advances in population health, food security, improved sanitation and water quality, and the reduction in poverty, acute enteric infections continue to plague global populations. Advancing utilization of current enteric vaccines is of critical public health importance, as is the development of new vaccines, particularly for enteric pathogens where none currently exist.
A symmetrical two-way power divider with impedance transforming property

Power divider is one of the basic components in microwave systems such as amplifiers and antenna feeding networks. Conventional power divider has fixed port impedance such as 25Ω and 50 Ω, and extra impedance matching network is designed to the match for various load impedance. The impedance transformation network will increase the size and introduce extra insertion loss to the circuit. In this paper, a symmetrical two-way power divider with simple structure and impedance transforming property as well as high isolation between two output ports is proposed. The novel structure utilizes shunt stub and series capacitor to cancel the imaginary part of the output impedance. Closed form equations are derived based on the even-odd mode method to analyze the proposed structure, and three experimental power dividers with different output impedance are simulated, fabricated and characterized. The measurement results match well with the simulation results.
19 – SPECT Functional Brain Imaging

This chapter provides an overview of the technical aspects of single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) functional brain imaging, referring primarily to the most common SPECT brain function measure, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). SPECT images of rCBF are influenced by a number of factors separate from pathology, including the quality of the tomographic device; the radiopharmaceutical employed; environmental conditions at the time of radiotracer administration; characteristics of the subject such as age, gender, and handedness the format used for image presentation; and image processing techniques. SPECT instruments fall into two categories: non-camera-based and camera-based systems. Non-camera-based systems include rotating detector arrays, multidetector scanners, and fixed rings. Both single-head and multihead gamma-camera-based systems are vastly more prevalent than dedicated tomographs, primarily because they can do both head and body SPECT. Modern single-head tomographs have overcome many of the limitations of the original systems, such as poor head alignment, magnetic field aberrations, and inadequate uniformity and linearity for tomography. Several 99m Tc-labeled and 123 I-labeled radiopharmaceuticals for the SPECT measurement of rCBF have been developed. It is also possible to measure regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) using SPECT techniques. Receptor imaging with SPECT is still primarily a research tool, although at least one agent for D2 receptor studies and one agent for dopamine and serotonin transporter imaging are commercially available.
Blood from a stone: Where teachers report finding time for computer-based instruction

Abstract In an era of accountability, implementation of computer-based instruction (CBI) may be attractive to personalize learning and raise test scores. Although prior work has examined how CBI may serve these purposes, we demonstrate that it also has an unintentional impact on how teachers allocate time in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential collateral damage of implementing CBI in elementary classrooms. Using the implementation of the supplemental CBI, Spatial Temporal (ST) Math as a case study, we analyze how 468 teachers report spending instructional minutes in each subject per week, and which subjects are reported as being limited to accommodate the program. Results reveal teachers vary in time spent across subjects and from where they draw time for ST Math. Most time for ST Math comes from a reduction of non-math core subject time with some variation according to grade. We provide initial evidence of teacher autonomy in subject time allocation within the context of CBI implementation; further study is needed to illuminate drivers of teacher's decisions.
Genomic instability and DNA damage repair in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

4581Background: Kidney cancer accounts for 2-3% of all new cancers with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) the most common subtype. ccRCC is characterized by a high level of genomic instabilit...
Smart Grid Control: Opportunities and Research Challenges a Decentralized Stochastic Control Approach

Recent challenges in power system stability and operation are due to the fact that these complex systems have not evolved in a way to deal with new forms of power generation and load types. Although the grid of the twenty-first century known as “Smart Grid” uses technologies such as two-way communication, advanced sensors, computer-based remote control, and automation, it does not adequately consider increased use of renewable energy which is becoming a major component of the power grid. Moreover, the potential for instability caused by increased frequency deviation and energy imbalance due to high penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) places major constraints on their usage. Therefore, finding a solution to improve the stability of power systems with high penetration of Renewable Energy (RE) is a major challenge that needs to be addressed.
Bridging the Gender Gap through Gender Difference: Aiding Patriarchy in South Sudan Education Reconstruction

The persistence of gender inequality in education in Africa is due to poverty, cultural beliefs and traditions linked to gender-role expectations. This article presents the findings of a study that...
A Current-Mode Delay-Based Hysteretic Buck Regulator With Enhanced Efficiency at Ultra-Light Loads for Low-Power Microcontrollers

A current-mode buck regulator with delay-based hysteretic control for microcontroller applications is proposed. Unlike conventional hysteretic buck regulators with accurate explicit hysteretic bands, the proposed design relies only on the inherent delay of a low-speed single-threshold comparator to realize the hysteretic band, and can be seamlessly used across all loads in continuous conduction mode and discontinuous conduction mode without modifying the controller's parameters. Moreover, without additional adaptation circuits or frequency regulation loops, the proposed delay-based hysteretic operation does not increase variations in the switching frequency with process and temperature, and results in even less variations in the switching frequency with the input and output voltages when compared to corresponding designs with accurate explicit hysteretic bands. The simplicity of the design reduces silicon area and quiescent current significantly, which in turns enables achieving high efficiency at both heavy and light load conditions as strictly required by low-power microcontrollers. The regulator is designed in a 65 nm digital CMOS technology. It occupies 0.18 mm2 and supports a wide range of input voltages (1.8–4.2 V), output voltages (0.9–1.5 V), and load current (up to 300 mA). Measurement results show that the proposed regulator achieves 95% peak efficiency, while achieving between 62% and 87% efficiency at 10-μA load across all operating conditions.
Primary Central Nervous System Tumors: Comparing Two National Cancer Registries.

Objective The National Cancer Database (NCDB) and the SEER (Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results) program are the 2 largest cancer registries in the United States. However, considerable differences exist between them regarding the sampling frame as well as the participating facility characteristics. In this study, NCDB and SEER are compared for primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors with the aims of discussing the implications for researchers and evaluating the generalizability of both databases. Methods Patients with primary CNS (brain and spinal cord) tumors from 2004 to 2013 were identified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition topographic codes. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment-related variables were compared between the 2 databases using standardized differences, with values >0.1 denoting statistical significance. Results A total of 588,534 primary brain tumor (NCDB, 416,162; SEER, 172,372) and 34,827 primary spinal cord tumor (NCDB, 26,602; SEER, 8225) cases were identified. We found significant differences regarding age (sd. diff., 0.16 for brain; 0.13 for spinal cord), and Hispanic origin (sd. diff., 0.34 for brain; 0.61 for spinal cord). For NCDB and SEER patients, estimated 5-year overall survival was 59% and 64%, respectively. Conclusions Analysis of 623,361 patients with primary CNS tumors, which are identified using both the NCDB and SEER databases, showed significant differences in age, histopathologic classification of tumors, tumor behavior, and treatment of tumors between 2 databases. Overall, the differences observed between 2 databases provide helpful points for the researchers who would like to use NCDB or SEER. These observations should be taken into account when researchers design studies using these databases and discuss the generalizability of their findings.
On the technological horizon

The early years of the space programme saw the origination of the interstellar ramjet. During the heady 1960s and 1970s, this approach seemed more than capable of permitting human exploration and colonsation of nearby solar systems. In fact, the entire Universe might open up to craft that followed the fictional track of Poul Anderson’s Leonora Christine. More recently, the original ramjet concept has appeared less feasible, and we may have to content ourselves with its less capable derivatives. But regardless of our current opinion regarding its ultimate feasibility, the ramjet concept is too exciting to be abandoned. It may still lead to relativistic interstellar travel.
A Miniaturized (100 µm x 100 µm) 45 kHz Aluminum Nitride Ultrasonic Transducer for Airborne Communication and Powering

We report on the demonstration of a highly compact (100 µm x 100 µm) piezoelectric nanoscale ultrasonic transducer (pNUT) characterized by an extremely thin ( 100 nm) aluminum nitride (AlN) active layer and designed to≈operate in the low ultrasounds frequency range (40 kHz). We analyze the pNUT response by means of an equivalent circuit model and compare it to the measured response of the pNUT to ultrasounds excitation.
\(UC^{2}AV\) Case Study

The proposed controller design framework has been validated for stability and navigational control of the \(UC^{2}AV\). For CC to be implemented on the \(UC^{2}AV\), a forward impeller centrifugal compressor is used, located in the fuselage and called Air Supply Unit (ASU), while an Air Delivery System (ADS) integrated with a plenum is capable of distributing air uniformly across the wingspan [1]. CC is applied through the ASU by regulating the RPM of the centrifugal compressor. For future missions and scenarios, the RPM of the ASU will need to be optimally controlled (CC-on-demand) with respect to power consumption or mission performance, to complete a variety of tasks. As a result, the RPM of the centrifugal compressor ranges between 0 and maximum (28,000) according to the ongoing mission. Different RPM will generate different values for the aerodynamic coefficients of the \(UC^{2}AV\), which will, in turn, generate different \(UC^{2}AV\) flight dynamics. Therefore, the actual \(UC^{2}AV\) flight dynamics are explicitly described by a family of models or by model uncertainty mainly stemming from the aerodynamic coefficients, with predefined upper and lower bounds.
Suitability of juniper cultivars for survival and growth of the bagworm

Abstract Relative suitability of 23 cultivars of juniper (Juniperus spp.) for growth and survival of the bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis (Haworth) was evaluated in laboratory and field experiments. Weight gain, developmental rate, and survival of bagworms differed significantly among groups of larvae fed foliage from different cultivars. By these criteria, cultivars ‘Expansa’ and ‘Hibemica’ were most unsuitable for survival and development of bagworms, whereas ‘Broadmoor’ and ‘Emerald Isle’ were consistently among the most suitable cultivars. This study suggests that use of certain juniper cultivars may be useful in managing this perennial insect pest in urban landscapes.
Three-Dimensional Profiling of OLED by Laser Desorption Ionization-Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), especially in a screen display format, present unique and interesting substrates for laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (LDI-MSI) analysis...
Characteristics of US Adults Who Would Be Recommended for Lifestyle Modification Without Antihypertensive Medication to Manage Blood Pressure

Background The 2017 American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association Guideline for blood pressure (BP) management newly classifies millions of Americans with elevated BP or stage 1 hypertension for recommended lifestyle modification alone (without pharmacotherapy). This study characterized these adults, including their cardiovascular disease risk factors, barriers to lifestyle modification, and healthcare access. Methods This cross-sectional study examined nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 2013-2016, on 10,205 US adults aged ≥18, among whom 2,081 had elevated BP or stage 1 hypertension and met 2017 ACC/AHA BP Guideline criteria for lifestyle modification alone. Results An estimated 22% of US adults (52 million) would be recommended for lifestyle modification alone. Among these, 58% were men, 43% had obesity, 52% had low-quality diet, 95% consumed excess sodium, 43% were physically inactive, and 8% consumed excess alcohol. Many reported attempting lifestyle changes (range: 39%-60%). Those who reported receiving health professional advice to lose weight (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.21, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.38), reduce sodium intake (2.33, 2.00-2.72), or exercise more (1.60, 1.32-1.95) were significantly more likely to report attempting changes. However, potential barriers to lifestyle modification included 28% of adults reporting disability, asthma, or arthritis. Additionally, 20% had no health insurance and 22% had no healthcare visits in the last year. Conclusions One-fifth of US adults met 2017 ACC/AHA BP Guideline criteria for lifestyle modification alone, and many reported attempting behavior change. However, barriers exist such as insurance gaps, limited access to care, and physical impairment.
Coordination Costs and the Emergence of Hierarchy in Young Firms

We have long known that organizational design choices have a significant impact on a firm’s processes and performance. However, most knowledge about organizational structure comes from settings with static or already established structures. We propose and find evidence that coordination costs influence the development of organizational structure. Using a dataset of employees in all new Brazilian firms from 2003 to 2014, we find that factors associated with a greater need for coordination and with a lesser ability to coordinate amongst the founding team are associated with a greater likelihood of adopting a formal structure. These results contribute to our understanding of the role of organizational structure in coordinating knowledge and highlight one mechanism by which founding conditions influence a young firm’s evolution and capabilities.
Fixed-Point Processing of the SAR Back-Projection Algorithm on FPGA

Time-domain back-projection (BP) is a widely known method used in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image formation. Despite its advantages over other image formation algorithms, the BP method is hindered due to its computational complexity and its requirement of higher number of operations and processing power. Recently, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) devices have been used for BP acceleration mainly due to their parallel processing capabilities, reconfigurability, scalability, and low power requirement. This article presents a new fixed-point based BP (FxBP) design for FPGA devices and a floating-point-based BP (FlBP) design to compare performance. Both designs are developed with N -dimensional range (NDR) structure and single-work item (SWI) structure using OpenCL. The FPGA performance is evaluated using an FPGA performance metric. It is shown that FxBP-NDR and FxBP-SWI designs generate high-quality back-projected images compared to FlBP designs, while saving 16.87% and 42.54% on logic resources and gaining 17.90% and 91.62% on FPGA performance in NDR and SWI, respectively. Obtained results clearly indicate that FPGA devices perform significantly better with FxBP designs compared to FlBP designs, even with hardened FPUs.
WTO Reaches Historic Trade Facilitation Deal in Bali

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has reached its first ever major global reform deal since the organization was established in 1995. On December 7, 2013, the WTO's 159 ministers voted to accept the package, which could add up to USD $1 trillion to the global economy, including by facilitating trade through clarified and improved customs practices. The Bali Package focuses on two broad categories of trade issues. The first part deals with trade facilitation (via customs reform), agriculture, cotton, development, and issues pertaining to the least developed countries. The second part adopts five decisions of the WTO's ministers regarding the General Council's work. This publication surveys the components of the Bali accord and provides preliminary reflections on this historic trade agreement.
Preliminary Investigations of Heracleum Mantegazzianum

Preliminary investigations of the air-dried roots of Heracleum mantegazzianum grown under greenhouse conditions were conducted. Seed germination requires moist cold treatment. The germination rate appears to be directly related to the length of the moist cold period. Gibberellin seed treatment did not substitute for the cold requirement. Thin-layer chromatography revealed the presence of 6 coumarins which were tentatively identified as bergapten, isobergapten, pimpinellen, isopimpinellen, sphondin, and umbelliferone. Results also indicate that the plant can cause photosensitization.
Cumulative neonatal oxygen exposure predicts response of adult mice infected with influenza A virus

Summary An acceptable level of oxygen exposure in preterm infants that maximizes efficacy and minimizes harm has yet to be determined. Quantifying oxygen exposure as an area-under-the curve (OAUC) has been predictive of later respiratory symptoms among former low birth weight infants. Here, we test the hypothesis that quantifying OAUC in newborn mice can predict their risk for altered lung development and respiratory viral infections as adults. Newborn mice were exposed to room air or a FiO2 of 100% oxygen for 4 days, 60% oxygen for 8 days, or 40% oxygen for 16 days (same cumulative dose of excess oxygen). At 8 weeks of age, mice were infected intranasally with a non-lethal dose of influenza A virus. Adult mice exposed to 100% oxygen for 4 days or 60% oxygen for 8 days exhibited alveolar simplification and altered elastin deposition compared to siblings birthed into room air, as well as increased inflammation and fibrotic lung disease following viral infection. These changes were not observed in mice exposed to 40% oxygen for 16 days. Our findings in mice support the concept that quantifying OAUC over a currently unspecified threshold can predict human risk for respiratory morbidity later in life. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:222–230. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced evaporation residue cross sections in neutron-rich radioactive 132Sn on 64Ni

Evaporation residue cross sections have been measured with neutron-rich radioactive 132 Sn beams on 64 Ni in the vicinity of the Coulomb barrier. The average beam intensity was 2 × 10 4 particles per second and the smallest cross section measured was less than 5 mb. Large sub-barrier fusion enhancement was observed. The measurement is compared to coupled-channel calculations taking into account inelastic excitation and nucleon transfer.
150 A new catalytic process of caprolactam using butadiene as starting raw material

Abstract Caprolactam (CPL) is a widely used chemical intermediate for producing Nylon 6 fibers with its annual consumption exceeding 3.4 million tons. UCL at ITRI has collaborated with Acelon Chemicals and Fibers Corp in developing a new process technology for CPL production from butadiene. The overall CPL yield for the entire process reaches 74%. Patents have already been granted in the United States and other countries 1. , 2. . As for the final step of cyclization reaction, UCL has utilized an acid-base bifunctional catalyst to promote the cyclization reaction of aminohexanoic acid. CPL yield exceeds 85 mol% under milder temperature and pressure. This catalyst also exhibits a long catalytic life time surpassing 1,000 hr without deactivation. This new catalytic system is highly promising for industrial applications.
Efficacy of Fresh and Dried Egg White on Inhibition of Oil Absorption during Deep Fat Frying

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that less than 35% of daily calories be contributed from fat. In fried foods, up to 75% of calories can be from fat. This study was undertaken to determine if oil absorption during frying could be inhibited in breaded chicken patties that were coated with egg white solutions before frying. In two different bread crumb systems, two different types of egg dips (fresh and dried egg white) were utilized. Color, texture, processing factors, lipid and moisture measurements were taken. Samples coated with Japanese bread crumbs treated with dried egg white dips adjusted to pH 3, 5, and 7 reduced lipid content by 27%, 15%, and 20%, respectively, compared with the untreated control. The reduction in lipid content was accompanied by an increase in moisture retention. These results suggest that fried food dipped in dried egg white before frying could exhibit reduced oil content. Practical Applications Reducing the fat content of fried meat patties could provide lower fat alternatives to normal deep fried foods that still retain the desirable characteristics that full fat foods provide. This could help to battle the growing trend of obesity in the U.S.
Legislation-Transgression: Strategies and Counter-Strategies in the Transcendental Justification of Norms

With these rhetorical questions Jacques Derrida casts general suspicion on what is primarily constitutive of the transcendental tradition: the authority of the “I think” as the source of laws for both knowing and acting. In this paper I wish to show some presuppositions under which the legislative ego can appear as traversed by “the a priori of a counter-law,” by a condition of “impossibility”; how an element of transgression can be seen to “contaminate” transcendental legislation at its very heart. I will then point out some consequences of the formal identity between legislation and transgression for the status of the social and human sciences today.
Negative modulation of human NK cell activity by purinoceptors: 2. Age-associated, gender-specific partial loss of sensitivity to ATP

Aging is known to modulate the affinity and sensitivity of receptors for hormones and regulatory molecules. We have shown previously that exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP), perhaps acting as a purinoceptor agonist, can down-regulate the cell-mediated anti-tumor natural cytotoxic activity of human peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells. We have extended these studies to investigate whether this effect is modulated during immunosenescence, and if so, whether it is gender-restricted or NK subset-associated. While the inhibitory effect is demonstrable in most individuals, there is a gender-restricted, age-associated transition in the sensitivity of NK cell activity to inhibition by ATP at 2.5 x 10(-5) to 80 x 10(-5) M in vitro. Data from both suboptimal (100 microM) and optimal (800 microM) inhibitory doses of ATP support this conclusion. The ID20ATP were 10.2 x 10(-5) and 17.8 x 10(-5) M for the young (less than 40 years) and elderly (greater than 70 years) females, respectively (P = 0.02). The frequency distribution curve of ATP sensitivity shifts to the left in the elderly, i.e., the sensitivity to be inhibited at 50% or more by ATP was expressed by one-half of young and one-fifth of elderly female donors. Linear regression analysis suggests an inverse relationship between percentage CD57+ and percentage CD16+57+ (but not percentage CD16+) NK subsets and sensitivity to down-regulation by ATP. The mean percentage of the above NK cell phenotypes among lymphocytes from young and old female donors differ significantly (less than 0.0001). The data suggest that the presence of CD57 antigen-positive cells may render NK cells relatively more resistant to the action of purinoceptor agonists such as ATP. Thus in females, immunosenescence results in a diminished ability of NK cells to transduce those signals that may normally mediate ATP-induced suppression of NK cytolytic activity. Such a diminished ability may be an immunobiological advantage to aging NK cells since they can be kept at a higher steady-state level of (anti-tumor cytotoxic) activity through a protection from negative modulators. These findings have an implication on the lower rate of mortality due to cancer seen in older women compared to that in older men. It is suggested that the ATP-NK cell interaction through the P2 purinoceptor may serve as a potentially useful model to study immunosenescence, ontogenic, or gender-specific changes in NK cells at the cell surface level.
An Inhomogeneous Fœtal Hæmoglobin Variant (the Texas Type)

DURING a survey of fœtal types of haemoglobin, the cord blood samples of 368 White and 1,192 Negro infants were examined, and a possibly new fœtal variant was found in one White and three Negro infants. All four babies were born at term, and all appeared healthy. In their haemolysates, the F haemoglobin values, by the method of alkali denaturation1, ranged between 68 and 82 per cent, and in zone electrophoresis there was about 15 per cent or less, each, of haemoglobin A and the variant. Two of the Negro babies were siblings, and the samples from the younger of these (L. C. W.) and from the unrelated Negro infant (W. T.) were examined in detail. In paper electrophoresis, barbital buffer, pH 8.6 (Fig. 1) the variant, tentatively called ‘Texas’, forms a broad band with a suggestion of two components, moving slightly more cathodally than haemoglobin C, and in agar electrophoresis, citrate buffer, pH 6.2, it moves between haemoglobins F and A (Fig. 2). In starch gel electrophoresis in tris borate buffer, pH 8.6, the mobility is similar to that of haemoglobin C, as is also the case in starch block electrophoresis, barbital buffer pH 8.6. In these latter two methods a small amount of a haemoglobin fraction of the mobility of Bart's was detectable in each haemolysate. The Texas variant, eluted from the starch block, was examined with respect to its rate of alkali denaturation, by the method of Jonxis and Visser2, and the values obtained were similar to those of a mixture of about 0.75 A and 0.25 F. In its ultra-violet absorption spectrum, as determined in the Beckman DU spectrophotometer, there were 2 tryptophan fine-structure bands, one at a wave-length of 288–289 mµ and the other at 290–291 mµ.
Optimizing Amplifier Placements: The Unequally-Powered Wavelengths Case

Optical networks based on passive-star couplers and employing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) have been proposed for deployment in local and metropolitan areas. These networks suffer from splitting, coupling, and attenuation losses. Since there is an upper bound on transmitter power and a lower bound on receiver sensitivity, optical amplifiers are usually required to compensate for the power losses mentioned above. Due to the high cost of amplifiers, it is desirable to minimize their total number in the network. However, an optical amplifier has constraints on the maximum gain and the maximum output power it can supply; thus, optical amplifier placement becomes a challenging problem. In fact, the general problem of minimizing the total amplifier count is a mixed-integer nonlinear problem. Previous studies have attacked the amplifier-placement problem by adding the “artificial” constraint that all wavelengths, which are present at a particular point in a fiber, be at the same power level. This constraint simplifies the problem into a less difficult mixed-integer linear program. Unfortunately, this artificial constraint can miss feasible solutions that have a lower amplifier count but do not have the equally-powered wavelengths constraint. In this chapter, we present a method to solve the minimum-amplifier-placement problem while avoiding the equally-powered wavelength constraint. We demonstrate that, by allowing signals to operate at different power levels, our method can reduce the number of amplifiers required.
Load point compliance of the Charpy impact specimen

To evaluate the instrumented impact test as a reliable way of collecting high strain rate, plane strain fracture toughness data, a detailed investigation of specimen mechanical performance and specimen-fixture interactionwas undertaken. Finite element techniques were applied to calculate the compliance and stress intensity values for Charpy specimens subjected to both roller and pinned supporting conditions. For comparison, experimental compliances were gathered for 7075-T6 aluminum and 1018 steel Charpy specimens tested in slow and fast bending. The results indicate that both small specimen size and anvil friction can affect the interpretation of fracture load data used for K I D calculations.
Is the Tax System Beyond Reform

Immediately after the 1994 election giving the Republicans control of the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in 40 years, Congressman Bill Archer (R., Tex.), who was in line to become the new chairman of the House tax-writing committee, announced his intention to abandon the income tax system altogether. According to Archer, the current system is too broken to be fixed and therefore needed to be replaced with something completely different, such as a national retail sales tax.This paper first explains why a national sales tax is not a viable alternative as a complete replacement for the income tax. Although Archer retired from the Congress after the 2000 election without having made any progress on his objective, subsequent events have made clear the continuing interest in this plan. The paper describes and analyzes H.R. 25, a bill to replace all income, payroll, and estate and gifts taxes with a national sales tax. This proposal was recently popularized in a book entitled, The FairTax Book: Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRS, authored by Neal Boortz and Congressman John Linder, the lead sponsor of H.R. 25.Second, the paper explains why Archer's pessimism about reforming the income tax may be well placed, although perhaps not for the reasons he had in mind. The paper explains why the current legislative process is not conducive to enacting the type of amendments necessary for real tax reform.
An Economic Evaluation of Fusiform Rust Protection Research

Fusiform rust is a widespread and damaging disease of loblolly pine (P. taeda) and slash pine (P. elliottii) in the South. Research has identified families of these pines with improved genetic resistance to the disease, allowing production and planting of resistant seedlings in areas at risk. This study cornpared the cost of fusiform rust research to the simulated benefits of rust resistant seedlings in plantations that have been or are projected to be established Southwide between I970 and 2020. Results showed that compounded fusiform rust research costs of $49 million in 1992 will return discounted benefits to plantation owners of between $108 and $999 million in 1992, at a 4% real discount rate. The most probable targeting of rust resistant seedlings would provide estimated discounted benefits of fusiform rust protection of about $200 to $300 million in 1992, or annual discounted benefits of $40 to $60 million. This would generate benefit-cost ratios of about 4:1 to 6:1 for fusiform rust research. Currently anticipated improvements in resistance will not eliminate all physical and financial damages from the disease; simulation results indicate substantial financial benefits yet remain for additional research and development. South. J. Appl. For. 24(2):77-85.
Tdap Vaccine Effectiveness in Adolescents During the 2012 Washington State Pertussis Epidemic

BACKGROUND: Acellular pertussis vaccines replaced whole-cell vaccines for the 5-dose childhood vaccination series in 1997. A sixth dose of pertussis-containing vaccine, tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis, adsorbed (Tdap), was recommended in 2005 for adolescents and adults. Studies examining Tdap vaccine effectiveness (VE) among adolescents who have received all acellular vaccines are limited. METHODS: To assess Tdap VE and duration of protection, we conducted a matched case-control study during the 2012 pertussis epidemic in Washington among adolescents born during 1993–2000. All pertussis cases reported from January 1 through June 30, 2012, in 7 counties were included; 3 controls were matched by primary provider clinic and birth year to each case. Vaccination histories were obtained through medical records, the state immunization registry, and parent interviews. Participants were classified by type of pertussis vaccine received on the basis of birth year: a mix of whole-cell and acellular vaccines (1993–1997) or all acellular vaccines (1998–2000). We used conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios comparing Tdap receipt between cases and controls. RESULTS: Among adolescents who received all acellular vaccines (450 cases, 1246 controls), overall Tdap VE was 63.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 50% to 74%). VE within 1 year of vaccination was 73% (95% CI: 60% to 82%). At 2 to 4 years postvaccination, VE declined to 34% (95% CI: −0.03% to 58%). CONCLUSIONS: Tdap protection wanes within 2 to 4 years. Lack of long-term protection after vaccination is likely contributing to increases in pertussis among adolescents.