cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Duration and stability of metabolically healthy obesity over 30 years.

Obese adults who are free from metabolic risk factors may develop risk factors over time. Our objective was to characterize development of obesity and duration of metabolically healthy obese (MHO) over 30 years. Participants in CARDIA who developed obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) at follow-up exams during years 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 were analyzed. MHO was defined as obese and having 0 or 1 risk factor: ≥SBP/DBP 130/85 mmHg; fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL/5.55 mmol/L; fasting triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL/1.69 mmol/L); and HDL-C (men <40 mg/dL/1.036 mmol/L, women <50 mg/dL/1.295 mmol/L) or on any medication(s) for these conditions. MHO duration (years) and obesity duration (years) were estimated for each subsequent time-point; and an overall cumulative duration was also calculated over available follow-up. MHO duration (%) was approximated as MHO duration ÷ obesity duration. Stable MHO was defined as 100% MHO duration over follow-up, while transient MHO was defined as <1–99%. Chi-squared tests were used to compare proportions by sex and race across obesity phenotypes. Multivariable-adjusted ANCOVA, adjusting for baseline BMI, age, race, and sex, was used to analyze obesity duration in all individuals who developed obesity, and also compare MHO duration (%) across race and sex in transient MHO individuals. Of the 987 eligible participants who developed obesity, 51% were African American (AA), 56% were women. Higher percentages of AA were classified as transient MHO, and higher proportions of females were MHO (both p < 0.0001). Obesity duration (years) was higher in transient MHO compared with stable MHO (mean difference: 6.2 ± 0.5 years, p < 0.0001). Of those with transient MHO, African Americans (51.4 ± 1.6%) were more likely to have longer MHO duration compared to Caucasians (44.4 ± 1.9%, p = 0.005). MHO status can be a transient phenotype which differs by sex and race. Future studies are needed to explore modifiable lifestyle/behavioral predictors associated with longer MHO duration.
Capturing transitional justice: exploring Colleen Murphy’s The Conceptual Foundations of Transitional Justice

Colleen Murphy’s impressive book presents a unified theory of transitional justice as a single, novel, distinct kind of justice, intended to guide normative evaluation of the choices transi...
Enhanced Absorption and ASE Pedestal Suppression in the Generation of Ultrashort-Pulse Solid-Density Plasmas

Two techniques are demonstrated which will facilitate the production of solid-density ultrashort-pulse plasmas at very high (>1019 W/cm2) intensities. Grating targets are shown to dramatically enhance the energy absorption of an incident 150 fs laser pulse over that of a flat target, from 90%. Also, the technique of self-induced plasma shuttering is demonstrated to be an effective means of reducing the pedestal energy accompanying the ultrashort pulse. Thus, solid-density plasmas can now be produced even with a laser pulse of low contrast ratio.
The kinetics of oxidation of ∅-phase terbium oxide: 72Tb2O3+δ + (34 – 74δ)O2 → Tb7O12

Abstract Kinetic and thermodynamic studies of the terbium oxides between the Tb2O3+δ (n = 4) and Tb7O12 (n = 7) phases of the homolgous series, TbnO2n−2, have been carried out as a function of oxygen pressure at 708, 740, 772, and 806°C. The thermodynamic study shows a reproducible hysteresis loop which depends on the temperature and pressure. The kinetic study was carried out by measuring the weight gain of an oxide sample in an oxygen atmosphere as a function of time. The results are interpreted by a mixed-model mechanism of diffusion and phase boundary reaction control. The relative fit of the data with other models, including the phenomenological model previously found satisfactory for a related reaction, is shown. The kinetics in the final stage are strongly affected by the existence of pseudophase behavior near Tb7O12. From measurement of the oxygen pressure and temperature dependence of the observed rate constants, the activation energies for the diffusion process and phase boundary reaction process were determined to be − 14 and 10 kcal/mole, respectively.
Ultrafast Laser Pulse Induced Topological Resonance in MoS 2 Monolayer

In MoS 2 monolayer, we predict that a single oscillation femtosecond laser pulse with circular polarization creates a chiral distribution of conduction band electron population. This chirality is an effect of topological resonances in this semiconductor.
Fetal Myocardial Function as Assessed by N-Terminal Fragment Brain Natriuretic Protein in Premature Fetuses Exposed to Intra-amniotic Inflammation.

Objective This study aimed to determine the relationship between fetal exposure to intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) and fetal heart ventricular function as assessed by circulatory levels of N-terminal fragment brain natriuretic protein (NT-proBNP) and the Tei index. Study Design We analyzed 70 samples of paired amniotic fluid (AF) and cord blood retrieved from mothers who delivered preterm at Results IAI was characterized by significantly higher levels of AF (p 0.05, both). Conclusion Fetal myocardial left ventricular function does not seem to be significantly impaired in fetuses born alive due to IAI if delivery of the fetus occurs immediately following the diagnosis of IAI.
Conclusion: The Time of Remediation

Even though the remediation follows upon Shakespeare’s chronologically prior utterance, the remediation and the original are inscribed upon the same temporal plane and thereby exist in something of a temporal paradox that works to erase diachronic time. For Mary and Charles Lamb (for instance) this strange temporality that I argue defines the nature of the remediation takes the form of an understanding of Shakespeare’s plays as simultaneously both point of origin and the final destination. The circularity of reading mimics a circularity of imagined time where one both begins and ends in the same place. In this progression that is also a regression, the relatedness of Shakespeare’s original and the remediation are articulated along the trajectory of what might be considered palimpsestic time: time collapsed onto itself such that both texts exist without a logical or necessary or temporal priority. The remediation as a palimpsestic thing participates in the construction of its own quasi-divine strange temporality. Looking back, as it must, to some prior work, it simultaneously moves relentlessly forward into a future that—if it is to succeed as art—finds its anticipated realization in a meeting with the past in an always pending act of reading.
Colorectal Cancer Risk and Screening in Geriatric Patients

The complexity of managing the elderly inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient encumbered by multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and physical and cognitive barriers is further compromised by the ever-present threat of malignancy. This review will attempt to provide the background of pathophysiologic components that are at work in the elderly with IBD. This chapter provides an overview of the epidemiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the elderly and discusses risk factors for CRC that pertain to the geriatric population with IBD. This chapter covers techniques utilized for colorectal cancer screening and identifies screening options that may help overcome the challenges of performing procedures in the elderly. Barriers to pursuing colonoscopy in the elderly are discussed. The experience to date of management is reviewed. This chapter also emphasizes consideration of frailty in the elderly population when deciding whether or not to pursue colonoscopy. Clinical guides, which are necessary for therapeutic decisions in this highly complex population, are updated.
Strategies for Staging Classical Ballet Repertoire

ABSTRACTThis article advocates for the importance of mounting full-length works of the standard classical ballet repertoire for the benefits of audience members and performers. It examines the plan...
Optimal Age-Replacement in Anticipation of Time-Dependent, Unpunctual Policy Implementation

In many maintenance settings, it is assumed that the preventive maintenance policy prescribed by the maintenance planner is implemented without error. However, in practice, the party who implements the policy often deviates from the intended maintenance times. We study an age-replacement setting in which the maintenance worker may be unpunctual. That is, the actual preventive replacement times may deviate from the prescribed replacement times in a probabilistic manner. Previous work on this problem assumes that the degree of unpunctuality is not influenced by the length of time between scheduled replacements. We relax this assumption and let the degree of deviation depend on the prescribed replacement time. In this article, we formulate a long-run cost-rate minimization model and present analytical and numerical results that compare its optimal solution and performance to those when the unpunctual behavior is assumed to be either absent or independent of the prescribed replacement time. We also provide insights that can help maintenance planners adjust their policies in anticipation of nonstationary, unpunctual implementation.
Relational Integration in the Human Brain: A Review and Synthesis

Relational integration is required when multiple explicit representations of relations between entities must be jointly considered to make inferences. We provide an overview of the neural substrate...
Violence and the Academic Lives of College Students at the Intersection of Race/Ethnicity and Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

To ascertain whether sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) students at a Hispanic-serving institution who experience violence are more likely to experience interference with their academic lives when...
An experimental study of the performance of IEEE 802.11ad in smartphones

Abstract We present the first extensive measurement study of the performance of the 60 GHz 802.11ad technology on commercial smartphones. We focus on five major perspectives: (i) TCP throughput and communication range in static scenarios, (ii) spatial and temporal variations, (iii) coverage, (iv) performance under realistic smartphone user mobility patterns, and (v) impact of human blockage. We also compare for the first time 802.11ad against its two main competitors in the 5 GHz band: the state-of-the-art 802.11ac and the upcoming 802.11ax, which also promises multi-Gbps data rates. Finally, we present a preliminary evaluation of the 802.11ad power consumption on a smartphone under Gbps data rates. Overall, our results show that, in spite of earlier concerns, 802.11ad has higher potential to address the needs of emerging bandwidth-intensive applications in smartphones than its 5 GHz counterparts. At the same time, our study identifies several open challenges and key research directions towards fully realizing this potential for future smartphone users.
Testicular, Spermatic Cord, and Scrotal Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Treatment Outcomes and Patterns of Failure.

Introduction. Paratesticular sarcomas are defined as tumors that arise within the scrotum and include the subsites of epididymis, spermatic cord, and tunica vaginalis and represent the most common type of GU sarcoma. The mainstay of treatment is often surgical resection, combined with histology specific chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Due to the rare nature of the disease, there are limited data to guide management. We present our single-institution retrospective experience regarding the management and treatment of paratesticular sarcomas. Materials and Methods. We queried our oncology registry database for patients treated for testicular, spermatic cord, and scrotal soft tissue sarcomas between 1971 and 2017. Patients in this series had pathological confirmation of a sarcoma diagnosis by a sarcoma-specialized pathologist. Only patients with localized disease were included in this analysis with the exception of patients with a diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma where patients with both localized and metastatic disease were included on this study. Results. A total of 34 patients were included in this retrospective analysis. The median was 24 (range, 5–78), and the median tumor size was 6.25 cm. Twenty-six patients had localized disease (76.6%) at the time of diagnosis. A predominance of patients had tumors involving the spermatic cord (45.5%), and the most common histology was rhabdomyosarcoma (35.3%), leiomyosarcoma (26.5%), and well-differentiated liposarcoma (23.5%). The median follow-up was 71.0 months (range, 2.5–534.4 months). A total of 7 patients experienced an isolated local failure (20.6%), four patients developed distant metastatic disease (11.8%), and one patient (2.9%) with synovial sarcoma of the spermatic cord experienced a regional recurrence. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 99.6 months, 95% CI (45.8–534.3 months), with a three-year PFS rate of 71%, 95% CI (53%–83%), and a 5-year PFS rate of 64% (range, 46%–78%). We did not find any statistically significant associations based on surgery type ( ), the use of chemotherapy, ( ), or final margin status ( ). Two patients who were treated with preoperative radiotherapy had significant wound healing complication with chronic sinus tracts, though these patients did not experience a local recurrence. Conclusions. We provide a characterization of the natural history and treatment patterns of paratesticular sarcomas. While effective at reducing a local recurrence, preoperative radiotherapy was associated with significant toxicity. As a result, we prefer the use of postoperative radiotherapy in patients as clinically indicated. We did not find any specific treatment patterns associated with an improvement in clinical outcomes.
The role of technical expertise in firm governance structure: evidence from chief financial officer contractual incentives

We provide evidence that the presence of technical expertise in firm governance structure reduces reliance on contractual incentives to control the potential agency problem for executives whose responsibilities require specialized knowledge. Specifically, we find that firms with financial expertise in the form of a board finance committee, or a chief executive officer with a financial background, tend to use lower levels of incentive-based compensation for their chief financial officers. Our findings suggest financial experts provide stronger oversight and/or direction with regard to firm financial policies and strategies, thereby allowing firms to reduce reliance on incentive compensation. Our study provides insight into the role of technical expertise and board committees in firm governance, and into the benefits of common functional expertise within top management teams. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breakdown of the Stokes-Einstein relationship and rapid structural ordering in CuZrAl metallic glass-forming liquids.

The results of a combined structural and dynamical study of Cu–Zr–Al metallic glass forming liquids are presented. Containerless high-energy x-ray scattering experiments made using electrostatic levitation are combined with molecular dynamics simulations to probe the onset of rapid structural ordering as well as the temperature-dependent diffusivity and viscosity in three liquids: Cu49Zr45Al6, Cu47Zr45Al8, and Cu43Zr45Al12. These compositions were chosen because they are reported to have dramatically different glass forming-ability. Experimental data show that the first peak in the x-ray static structure factor displays evidence for a Curie–Weiss type behavior, but also a peak in the effective Curie temperature. The evidence provided here for the onset of cooperativity, marked by a crossover temperature, TA (which is usually above the liquidus temperature), is accompanied by the onset of development of more spatially extended structural order in the liquids. Based on the molecular dynamics simulations, each of the liquids exhibits a clear breakdown of the Stokes–Einstein relation at a temperature near, but below, the crossover temperature, TA. The breakdown is manifest as a rapid reduction in the relative diffusion coefficients between Cu, Zr, and Al.
Investigation of the potential of aerosolized Salmonella Enteritidis on colonization and persistence in broilers from day 3 to 21

ABSTRACT The presence of Salmonella in air of poultry houses has been previously confirmed. Therefore, it is important to investigate the entry of Salmonella into broilers through air. The present study aimed to evaluate different levels of Salmonella Enteritidis aerosol inoculations in broiler chicks for colonization of ceca, trachea, and liver/spleen and persistence over time. In three independent trials, 112 1-d old birds were randomly divided into four groups (n=28/group). On d 1 of age, one group was exposed to an aerosol of sterile saline and the remaining three groups were exposed to an aerosol generated from one of three doses (103, 106, or 109 CFU/mL) of S. Enteritidis inoculum. Aerosol exposure time was 30 min/group and was performed using a nebulizer. On d 3, 7, 14, and 21 of age, ceca, trachea, and liver/spleen were aseptically removed. Ceca were cultured for Salmonella counts (log10 CFU/g) and all tissues were cultured for Salmonella prevalence. All tissues from the control group were Salmonella negative for all sampling days. On sampling d 3 and 7, ceca Salmonella counts were highest (5.14 and 5.11, respectively) when challenged with 109 Salmonella (P ≤ 0.0281). Ceca Salmonella counts increased from d 3 (2.43) to d 7 (4.43), then remained constant when challenged at 103 Salmonella, and counts decreased over time for all other groups. Tissue Salmonella prevalence increased with increasing challenge levels at all sampling timepoints (P ≤ 0.0213). Salmonella prevalence was low (0/18 to 4/18) and did not change over time following 103 Salmonella challenge (P ≥ 0.2394). Prevalence decreased over time in ceca and trachea following 106 and 109 Salmonella challenge (P ≤ 0.0483). Liver/spleen Salmonella prevalence increased from d 3 (13/18) to d 14 (18/18) and then decreased at d 21 (10/18) in birds exposed to an aerosol of 109 Salmonella but remained constant over time for rest of the Salmonella inoculated groups. Overall, this study demonstrated the Salmonella colonization and persistence in different tissues in broilers following exposure to aerosolized Salmonella.
Redox Activity of Cell-Free Hemoglobin: Implications for Vascular Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction

Cell-free hemoglobin (Hb) outside the natural protective environment of the red blood cell (RBC) can undergo uncontrolled redox transformations to non-functional and/or toxic protein-bound and unbound species. Understanding the impact of Hb redox activity on vascular endothelial integrity and function remains a critical factor in the development of safe and efficacious acellular Hb-based oxygen therapeutics. This chapter will provide an overview of Hb redox reactions and their propensity to generate oxidative stress in the vascular system. Specific emphasis will be placed on studies from our laboratory that link oxidative stress with the development of endothelial dysfunction in cell culture systems and in animal models.
Biofuels Expansion in a Changing Economic Environment: A Global Modeling Perspective

This chapter examines the impact of expanding biofuels production and use on agricultural commodity markets. It also examines the continued biofuels expansion under declining energy prices. The analysis uses a Partial Equilibrium Agricultural Trade Simulation (PEATSim) model, a dynamic multi-commodity, multi-country global trade model of the agriculture sector to analyze the interaction between biofuel, crop, and livestock sectors. The ability of countries to achieve their energy goals will be affected by future direction of petroleum prices. A 30% decline in petroleum prices (absent of mandates) would result in rapid decline in biofuel use worldwide accompanied by a decline in feedstock and biofuel prices.
MODIS Terra Collection 6 fractional snow cover validation in mountainous terrain during spring snowmelt using Landsat TM and ETM

Daily swath MODIS Terra Collection 6 fractional snow cover (MOD10_L2) estimates were validated with two-day Landsat TM/ETM + snow-covered area estimates across central Idaho and southwestern Montana, USA. Snow cover maps during spring snowmelt for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2009 were compared between MODIS Terra and Landsat TM/ETM + using least-squared regression. Strong spatial and temporal map agreement was found between MODIS Terra fractional snow cover and Landsat TM/ETM + snow-covered area, although map disagreement was observed for two validation dates. High-altitude cirrus cloud contamination during low snow conditions as well as late season transient snowfall resulted in map disagreement. MODIS Terra's spatial resolution limits retrieval of thin-patchy snow cover, especially during partially cloudy conditions. Landsat's image acquisition frequency can introduce difficulty when discriminating between transient and resident mountain snow cover. Furthermore, transient snowfall later in the snowmelt season, which is a stochastic accumulation event that does not usually persist beyond the daily timescale, will skew decadal snow-covered area variability if bi-monthly climate data record development is the objective. As a quality control step, ground-based daily snow telemetry snow-water-equivalent measurements can be used to verify transient snowfall events. Users of daily MODIS Terra fractional snow products should be aware that local solar illumination and sensor viewing geometry might influence fractional snow cover estimation in mountainous terrain. Cross-sensor interoperability has been confirmed between MODIS Terra and Landsat TM/ETM + when mapping snow from the visible/infrared spectrum. This relationship is strong and supports operational multi-sensor snow cover mapping, specifically climate data record development to expand cryosphere, climate, and hydrological science applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite difference elastic wave modeling with an irregular free surface using ADER scheme

In numerical modeling of seismic wave propagation in the earth, we encounter two important issues: the free surface and the topography of the surface (i.e. irregularities). In this study, we develop a 2D finite difference solver for the elastic wave equation that combines a 4th- order ADER scheme (Arbitrary high-order accuracy using DERivatives), which is widely used in aeroacoustics, with the characteristic variable method at the free surface boundary. The idea is to treat the free surface boundary explicitly by using ghost values of the solution for points beyond the free surface to impose the physical boundary condition. The method is based on the velocity-stress formulation. The ultimate goal is to develop a numerical solver for the elastic wave equation that is stable, accurate and computationally efficient. The solver treats smooth arbitrary-shaped boundaries as simple plane boundaries. The computational cost added by treating the topography is negligible compared to flat free surface because only a small number of grid points near the boundary need to be computed. In the presence of topography, using 10 grid points per shortest shear-wavelength, the solver yields accurate results. Benchmark numerical tests using several complex models that are solved by our method and other independent accurate methods show an excellent agreement, confirming the validity of the method for modeling elastic waves with an irregular free surface.
Decreased level of olfactory receptors in blood cells following traumatic brain injury and potential association with tauopathy.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in the United States. In this study, we explored whether changes in the gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) may provide a clinically assessable “window” into the brain, reflecting molecular alterations following TBI that might contribute to the onset and progression of TBI clinical complications. We identified three olfactory receptor (OR) TBI biomarkers that are aberrantly down-regulated in PBMC specimens from TBI subjects. Down-regulation of these OR biomarkers in PBMC was correlated with the severity of brain injury and TBI-specific symptoms. A two- biomarker panel comprised of OR11H1 and OR4M1 provided the best criterion for segregating the TBI and control cases with 90% accuracy, 83.3% sensitivity, and 100% specificity. We found that the OR biomarkers are ectopically expressed in multiple brain regions, including the entorhinal-hippocampus system known to play an important role in memory formation and consolidation. Activation of OR4M1 led to attenuation of abnormal tau phosphorylation, possibly through JNK signaling pathway. Our results suggested that addition of the two-OR biomarker model to current diagnostic criteria may lead to improved TBI detection for clinical trials, and decreased expression of OR TBI biomarkers might be associated with TBI-induced tauopathy. Future studies exploring the physiological relevance of OR TBI biomarkers in the normal brain and in the brain following TBI will provide a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying TBI and insights into novel therapeutic targets for TBI.
Novel KIF7 missense substitutions in two patients presenting with multiple malformations and features of acrocallosal syndrome

We present two children who both had two missense mutations in the Kinesin Family Member 7 (KIF7) gene. A seven year old female with severe developmental delays, failure to thrive and growth retardation, infantile spasms, a cardiac vascular ring and right-sided aortic arch, imperforate anus, hydronephrosis with a right renal cyst, syndactyly and abnormal white matter was a compound heterozygote for c.3365C > G, predicting p.(Ser1122Trp) that was maternally inherited and c.2482G > A, predicting p.(Val828Met) that was paternally inherited. An eight year old female with severe developmental delays, epilepsy, left postaxial polydactyly of the hand and abnormalities of brain development including hydrocephalus, pachygyria and absence of the body and splenium of the corpus callous was a compound heterozygote for c.461G > A, predicting p.(Arg154Gln) and c.2959 G > A, predicting p.(Glu987Lys) that was maternally inherited and her father was unavailable for testing. The presentations in these children include features of acrocallosal syndrome, such as hypoplasia of the corpus callosum, enlarged ventricles, facial dysmorphism with a prominent forehead and broad halluces in the first child, but included atypical findings for individuals previously reported to have truncating mutations in KIF7, including imperforate anus, infantile spasms and severe growth retardation. We conclude that these phenotypes may result from the KIF7 sequence variants and abnormal hedgehog signaling, but that the full spectrum of KIF7-associated features remains to be determined. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The impact of school gardens on student salad selection: a pilot study (808.12)

Objective: With concerns about childhood obesity and the lack of vegetable among children, many have suggested introducing school gardens to draw students toward vegetable consumption. This pilot study examines the influence that preparing school lunch salads with leafy greens from a school grown garden has on vegetable consumption. Methods: A high school teacher in a small North Western New York community agreed to plant and maintain the garden with students in his class. The greens were ready to harvest in spring, 2012, and were added to the standard lunch salad on a pre-determined date. Salad selection data were gathered for 370 high school students and compared on days when the salad bar did or did not contain greens from the school garden. To eliminate unobserved variation due to menu offerings, data were collected on three days during which pasta was served as the main dish in the cafeteria. Standard salads were served on two of the days and on the third observation day, garden greens were served wi...
Microtubule growth activates Rac1 to promote lamellipodial protrusion in fibroblasts

Microtubules are involved in actin-based protrusion at the leading-edge lamellipodia of migrating fibroblasts. Here we show that the growth of microtubules induced in fibroblasts by removal of the microtubule destabilizer nocodazole activates Rac1 GTPase, leading to the polymerization of actin in lamellipodial protrusions. Lamellipodial protrusions are also activated by the rapid growth of a disorganized array of very short microtubules induced by the microtubule-stabilizing drug taxol. Thus, neither microtubule shortening nor long-range microtubule-based intracellular transport is required for activating protrusion. We suggest that the growth phase of microtubule dynamic instability at leading-edge lamellipodia locally activates Rac1 to drive actin polymerization and lamellipodial protrusion required for cell migration.
Relationships between Climate Variability and Winter Temperature Extremes in the United States

Abstract Time series representing two of the climate systems leading patterns of variability, namely El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO), are used together with 50 yr of daily mean surface air temperature data over the conterminous United States to diagnose relationships between winter temperature extremes and interannual climate variability. The aim is to focus attention on some of the physical phenomena that climate models must be able to simulate in order to be deemed credible for use in weather and climate forecasts and assessments. Since the 1950s there has been considerable decadal variability in winter surface air temperature extremes. At most locations in the United States the number of daily extremes is reduced during El Nino, and increased during La Nina and ENSO-neutral years. These changes are qualitatively consistent with a decrease in the daily mean surface air temperature variance during El Nino relative to La Nina and ENSO neutral. Changes in the number of w...
Diethyl Aminomalonate Hydrochloride

Diethyl aminomalonate hydrochloride reactant: 50 g. of diethyl malonate product: diethyl aminomalonate hydrochloride Keywords: reduction, CNOH CH2NH2; hydrogen chloride, anhydrous, preparation and drying
The remote effect of vicinal large groups on the anomeric equilibrium: 2-methoxy-cis- and -trans-5,6-dimethyltetrahydropyrans

Abstract The anomeric equilibrium of 2-methoxy- trans -5,6-dimethyltetrahydropyran was found to have an enhanced fraction of axial methoxyl compared to 2-methoxy-4- or 6-methyltetrahydropyran. The 2-methoxy- cis -5,6-dimethyltetrahydropyran did not. The enhanced anomeric effect is attributed to a steric repulsion between the trans vicinal Me groups. A similar effect is postulated for methyl glucoside and glucose pentaacetate.
Statistical Analysis of the Effects of Feed, Speed, and Wear on Hole Quality in Drilling

A statistical analysis of hole quality in drilling was performed. Using standard twist drills, holes were drilled dry in hot rolled steel. The effects of feed and speed on the hole quality features of oversize, out-of-roundness, location error, angularity error, and taper were examined using a full factorial of variance. analysis The effects of workpiece surface condition, geometrical variation among drills, and drill wear were qualitatively observed. The results showed that feed and speed have a relatively small effect on the measured hole quality features. the With exception of hole location error, the hole quality was not predictably or significantly affected by the cutting conditions. Although these results were not expected, they have the important positive implication that production rates may be increased without sacrificing hole quality. The drilling feeds and speeds would be constrained by factors other than hole quality, such as drill wear, drill breakage, or force, torque, and power limits. 1 Introduction A statistical analysi of holes quality for a drilling operation was conducted. The o effectf th e drillins g proces os inputf sfeed, / [mm/rev and spindl] e speed N, [rpm] o, n the hole quality feature ofs oversize , out-of-roundness, location error, angularity error, and taper were examined. The influence of the workpiece surface condition, variatio in drills, ann d drill wear was qualitatively observed. As motivatio fonr thi s work a, drilling environment where hole quality coul be controlled d by manipulating the cutting conditions (fee and d speed ) was envisioned In mos. t cases, specialized drills or additional fixtures are used to maintain hole quality. For example, location i erros oftenr controlle d by the use of jig bushes to guide the drill, or by center drillin a pilot ghole. Although these two techniques limit the location errors, they are no without t disadvantages. Proper placemen of the tbushing is critical: if improperly located it ca, n be ineffective in reducing location errors or cause difficulties with chip evacu­ation from the drill flutes. With center drilling, hole location can be maintained very accurately. However a, unles two stesp drill is used, this is a separate operation prior to drillin to the gdesired diameter. Under the hypothesized drilling scenario, hole quality could be maintained by manipulating the cutting condi­tions as needed, thus, eliminating the need for specialized drills, bushings, or center drilling.
The wbpM gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa serogroup O17 resides on a cryptic copy of the serogroup O11 O antigen gene locus

The Pseudomonas aeruginosa serogroup O11 strain PA103 O antigen gene locus consists of 11 genes designated wzz, wzx, wbjA, wzy, wbjB-F, wbpL, and wbpM. The distribution of each of these genes amongst the 20 P. aeruginosa international antigenic typing system (IATS) serogroups was analyzed by Southern blot. As shown previously, wbpM was present in all 20 serogroups. The remaining O11 O antigen genes, with the exception of wzy, were present in the serogroup O17 strain IATSO17, despite the structural unrelatedness of the O11 and O17 O antigens. Sequencing revealed the presence of a cryptic serogroup O11 locus in the IATSO17 interrupted by two copies of a 1.1-kb insertion element. Introduction of plasmid pLPS2, containing the complete O11 O antigen locus from strain PA103, into IATSO17 resulted in production of both the O11 and O17 O antigens. The results of insertional inactivation of wbpM in IATSO17 are discussed.
Does Section 16b deter insider trading by target managers

Abstract This paper examines empirically whether the short-swing rule (Section 16b of the Securities Exchange Act) deters managers from trading before mergers. Since a merger forces the sale of the target's outstanding equity, insider purchases within six months before the merger cannot escape this rule. We examine the 1941–1961 period when no other insider trading laws were enforced. Consistent with 16b's deterrent effect, managers' purchases drop significantly before the announcement. Before completion, the decrease occurs only in the 1941–1955 period. Surprisingly, pre-announcement sales do not decline, even though 16b cannot punish deferral of planned sales.
High-density recording and topographic analysis of the auditory oddball event-related potential in patients with schizophrenia

Abstract Background: Prior research has shown reductions of the N1, N2, and P300 auditory event-related potential (ERP) components in schizophrenic patients. Most studies have shown a greater P300 reduction in left versus right temporal leads in schizophrenic patients. These studies were done with sparse electrode arrays, covering restricted areas of the head, thus providing an incomplete representation of the topographic field distribution. Methods: We used a 64-channel montage to acquire auditory oddball ERPs from 24 schizophrenic patients and 24 controls subjects. The N1, P2, N2, P300, and N2 difference (N2d) amplitudes and latencies were tested for group and laterality differences. Component topographies were mapped onto a three-dimensional head model to display the group differences. Results: The schizophrenic group showed reduction of the N1 component, perhaps reflecting reduced arousal or vigilance, but no N1 topographic difference. An N2d was not apparent in the schizophrenic patients, perhaps reflecting severe disruption in neural systems of stimulus categorization. In the patients, the P300 was smaller over the left temporal lobe sites than the right. Conclusions: The increased ERP spatial sampling allowed a more complete representation of the dipolar nature of the P300, which showed field contours consistent with neural sources in the posterior superior temporal plane.
Europeanization as Program Implementation: Effective and Democratic?

Abstract Linking Europeanization to program implementation, I offer a contingent model that emphasizes the significance of two variables: ambiguity and complexity. Europeanization's success, i.e., its effectiveness and democratic accountability, is hypothesized to vary according to a program's level of ambiguity and complexity. Four types of Europeanization are identified and explored: administrative, adversarial, interpretative, and experimental. The model improves on arguments regarding Europeanization by identifying the conditions under which top-down and bottom-up approaches are appropriate, by rectifying the fallacy of delegation and control, and by identifying important value trade-offs in European integration.
Correlated firing of retinal ganglion cells

Abstract Even in the absence of visual stimulation, retinal ganglion cells have a substantial maintained discharge. This maintained discharge is not generated independently within each ganglion cell, because the unstimulated activity of two neighboring ganglion cells can be remarkably correlated 1 . These correlations show that two such cells respond together to strong, spontaneous signals from more distal retinal neurons and that, in some cases, ganglion cells even have effects on each other. Observations of correlated firing can give insights not only into the sources of maintained activity but also into retinal connections 2–4 and signal processing 5,6 . Correlating firing at the retinal level also has important implications for the use of correlation analysis to study connections between cells in higher visual centers. Much recent attention has focused on the role that correlated firing may play in forming appropriate, ordered connections to a target structure 7–17 .
Spatial and temporal localization of the melanocortin 1 receptor and its ligand α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone during cutaneous wound repair.

Growing evidence indicates that the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) and its ligand α–melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) have other functions in the skin in addition to pigment production. Activation of the MC1R/α-MSH signaling pathway has been implicated in the regulation of both inflammation and extracellular matrix homeostasis. However, little is known about the role of MC1R/α-MSH signaling in the regulation of inflammatory and fibroproliferative responses to cutaneous injury. Although MC1R and α-MSH localization has been described in uninjured skin, their spatial and temporal expression during cutaneous wound repair has not been investigated. In this study, the authors report the localization of MC1R and α-MSH in murine cutaneous wounds, human acute burns, and hypertrophic scars. During murine wound repair, MC1R and α-MSH were detected in inflammatory cells and suprabasal keratinocytes at the leading edge of the migrating epithelial tongue. MC1R and α-MSH protein levels were upregulated in human burn wounds and hypertrophic scars compared to uninjured human skin, where receptor and ligand were absent. In burn wounds and hypertrophic scars, MC1R and α-MSH localized to epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. This spatiotemporal localization of MC1R and α-MSH in cutaneous wounds warrants future investigation into the role of MC1R/α-MSH signaling in the inflammatory and fibroproliferative responses to cutaneous injury. This article contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org. Please visit this article online to view these materials.
PSI modeling of liquid lithium divertors for the NSTX tokamak

We analyzed plasma surface interaction issues for the planned Module-A static liquid lithium divertor for NSTX using coupled codes/models describing the plasma edge, divertor temperature, and erosion/redeposition, with input data from tokamak and laboratory experiments. A 300 nm lithium pre-shot deposited coating will strongly pump impinging D + ions. This yields a low-recycle SOL plasma with high plasma temperature, Te 200–400 eV, low density, Ne 1– 3 · 10 18 m 3 , and peak heat loads of 8–20 MW/m 2 , for 2–4 MW core plasma heating power. This regime has advantages for the NSTX physics mission. Peak surface temperature can be held to an acceptable 6470 � C with moderate strike point sweeping (10 cm/s) using a carbon (for 2 MW) or Mo/Cu or W/Cu substrate (2–4 MW). Erosion/redeposition analysis shows acceptable coating lifetime for a 2 s pulse and low core plasma contamination by sputtered lithium. � 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Effect of a Coordination Change on the Strength of Amorphous SiO2.

Measurements of the yield strength of SiO2 glass to pressures as high as 81 gigapascals at room temperature show that the strength of amorphous silica decreases significantly as it is compressed to denser strctures with higher coordination. Above 27 gigapascals, as the silicon in amorphous SiO2 is continuously transformed from fourfold to sixfold coordination, the strength of the glass decrases by more than an order of magnitude. These data confirm theoretical predictions that the mechanical properties of polymerized amorphous silicates are sensitive to pressure-induced structural transformations and suggest that the viscosity of silica-rich liquids decreases significantly at high pressures. Such a change in melt rheology could enhance the processes of chemical differentiation with depth in the Earth9s mantle.
The crystal and molecular structure of trimethyltin(IV) chloride, a chlorine-bridged, linear polymer

Abstract The crystal and molecular structure of trimethyltin(IV) chloride has been determined by the heavy-atom technique, and refined to a final R value of 0.041 for 1375 independent reflections (2θ 2σ(I)) recorded at 138 ± 2 K on a Nonius CAD-4 counter diffractometer. The crystals are monoclinic with space group I2/c; a 12.541(8), b 9.618(11), c 11.015(11) A, β 92.62(7)°, Z = 8, Dcalcd 1.994 g cm−3. The needle crystals are composed of polymeric chains of chlorine atoms bridging non-planar trimethyltin(IV) units at unequal (2.430(2) and 3.269(2) A) distances. The zig-zag chains are bent at chlorine (angle SnCl Sn 150.30(9)°), but nearly linear at tin (angle ClSn Cl 176.85(6)°) to describe a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry at tin with the trimethyltin groups eclipsed. The interchain d(Sn Cl) distances are greater than 4.1 A. The angles carbon—tin—carbon (mean 117.1(3)°) are larger than tetrahedral, while the angles carbon—tin—chlorine (mean 99.9(2) A) are smaller, in accord with isovalent hybridization principles, but more severely distorted than in the gas-phase, monomeric structure. The tin—chlorine distance of 2.430(2) A is also longer than in the gas phase monomer, and the intermolecular contact of 3.269 A is shorter than in other organotin chloride bridged systems (sum of Van der Waals radii 3.85 A).
Pre-treatment syphilis titers: distribution and evaluation of their use to distinguish early from late latent syphilis and to prioritize contact investigations.

Background:Treatment, contact investigation, and reporting decisions for syphilis cases are based on the stage of disease. Because of limitations of current staging protocols, the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer has been proposed as an alternative priority marker for contact investigation.Methods:We
Some approaches to the synthesis of fluorinated alcohols and esters. III. Synthesis of 2-(F-alkyl)ethanols from 2-(F-alkyl)-1-iodoethanes and amides.

Abstract 1-Iodo-2-(F-alkyl)ethanes, R F CH 2 CH 2 I, when heated with a large excess of N-methylformamide (NMF) give in high yield, mixtures of predominately R F CH 2 CH 2 OH, some formate ester and a little R F CHCH 2 . In a study of this process, significant variables were examined, including solvent, reactant ratio, effect of water, and alternative amide reactants. The coproduct from NMF is the amidine salt, [MeNHCH(NHMe)] + I − . By contrast, R F CH 2 CH 2 I with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and water (one or two mols) gives chiefly the formate ester; the coproduct is Me 2 NH 2 + I − . A mechanistic scheme is proposed: in the first step, an alkyl imidate salt, e.g., [HC(NH Me)OCH 2 CH 2 R F ] + I − is formed by O-alkylation of NMF; reaction of the imidate with more NMF gives a tetrahedral intermediate that breaks down rapidly to R F CH 2 CH 2 OH, and HC(NHMe)NMeCHO + I − . The formate ester is derived from the alcohol and this N-formyl acylating agent, in a subsequent step. Analogously, the alkyl imidate salt from DMF and R F CH 2 CH 2 I reacts with water as nucleophile (but not with DMF) to give a tetrahedral intermediate that cleaves under stereoelectronic control to formate ester and amine salt, but not to alcohol. Quantitative isolation of amine salt and amidine salt, and observed rates of reaction give solid support to this proposed mechanism.
SWAP-70-like Adapter of T Cells, an Adapter Protein that Regulates Early TCR-Initiated Signaling in Th2 Lineage Cells

We describe the isolation of a protein, SWAP-70-like adapter of T cells (SLAT), which is expressed at high levels in thymocytes and differentiated Th2 cells. SLAT expression was upregulated in differentiating Th2 cells and downregulated in Th1 cells. Ectopic SLAT expression exerted positive or negative effects on IL-4 versus IFNγ induction, respectively. TCR signaling induced translocation of SLAT to the immunological synapse and its association with ZAP-70 kinase. SLAT reduced the association of ZAP-70 with TCR-ζ and interfered with ZAP-70 but not Lck signaling. Consistent with these results, pharmacological inhibition of ZAP-70 also induced Th2 skewing. Thus, SLAT is a protein which plays a role in Th2 development and/or activation, perhaps by interfering with ZAP-70 signaling.
Pacifism and Punishment

This article seeks to expose some of the implications of certain versions of pacifism for matters of criminal punishment, arguing that the plausibility of these versions of pacifism depend on the extent to which their implicit denials of certain central punishment-related concepts are themselves reasonable.
A Bayesian nonparametric approach to adaptive control using Gaussian Processes

Most current Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) methods rely on parametric adaptive elements, in which the number of parameters of the adaptive element are fixed a-priori, often through expert judgment. Examples of such adaptive elements are the commonly used Radial Basis Function Networks (RBFNs) with pre-allocated centers allocated based on the expected operating domain. A severe limitation of such RBFN MRAC methods is that if the system operates outside of the expected operating domain, such adaptive elements can become non-effective, thus rendering the adaptive controller only semi-global in nature. This paper treats system uncertainties as distributions over functions and proposes Gaussian Process based adaptive elements. We show that these Bayesian nonparametric adaptive elements guarantee good closed loop performance with minimal prior domain knowledge of the uncertainty through stochastic stability arguments. Online implementable GP inference method are evaluated in simulations and compared with RBFN adaptive controllers with pre-allocated centers. The results indicate that GP-MRAC overcomes the limitations of MRAC employing RBFN with fixed parameters.