cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SURFACE CRYSTAL CHEMISTRY OF PHYLLOSILICATES USING X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY: A REVIEW

The characterization of freshly cleaved mica surfaces for surface structure and chemical composition was briefly reviewed and focused on surface crystal chemistry using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and other surface-sensitive techniques. This paper considers micas, which are useful as a first approximation for the behavior of many clay surfaces. Emphasis was given to phyllosilicate XPS binding energies (“chemical shift”), which were described and used to obtain oxidation state, layer charge, and chemical bonding information from the chemical shifts of different peaks. The chemical shift of the Si2p binding-energy to lower values can result from a negative charge increase because of Si4+ replacement by Al3+ and/or Fe3+. The apparent interlayer coordination number reduction from twelve to eight at muscovite and tetraferri-phlogopite (001) surfaces was indicated by the XPS measured K2p binding-energy and is consistent with bond relaxation. Although chemical shifts are valuable to distinguish chemical bonding and oxidation state, chemical shifts usually cannot distinguish between different Al coordination environments where Al is in both tetrahedral and octahedral sites.
A Tale of Two Inputs

In this issue of Neuron, Newman et al. (2017) image calcium events at single synapses of unanesthetized Drosophila larvae. Synaptic plasticity and homeostatic regulation of synapses is established to be input specific. Furthermore, plasticity forms involve selective recruitment of previously active or silent synapses.
Epsilon-greedy strategy for online dictionary learning with realistic memristor array constraints

The influence of realistic experimental constraints of memristor crossbar array on dictionary learning was investigated. A solution with epsilon-greedy strategy was proposed to improve training.
Effect of switch trimming on udder and teat hygiene of dairy cows

The study objective was to determine the effects of trimming the switch of dairy cows on teat-end bacterial counts and udder hygiene scores. Cows (n = 102) were blocked by days in milk, milk produc...
Longitudinal Patterns of Self-Regulation among Ethnic Minority Children Facing Poverty

Early poverty is associated with a cumulative load of family and community risk factors that can impact the development of self-regulatory abilities and result in socio-emotional and achievement gaps which begin early and persist across the lifespan. Ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented among children living in poverty. The longitudinal trajectories of self-regulation are important to understand in this population, in order to best inform prevention efforts. This study examines patterns of self-regulation over time among young, ethnic minority children living in low income, urban households. A stratified, random sample of 555 children, ages 2 to 4 years, (46% Black, 46% Hispanic; 47% female) were followed over three waves (including 1 and 5 year follow-ups). Internalizing and externalizing behaviors at approximately age nine were predicted by children’s early self-regulation. Latent class analyses revealed low, medium, and high levels of self-regulatory abilities at wave 1 (mean age: 2.99, SD = .81) and low and high levels, 1 year later (mean age: 4.39 (SD = .94). A gender effect was found whereby girls were more likely than boys to be in the high self-regulation class relative to the low at both waves. Using Latent Transition Analysis, distal outcomes were examined approximately 5 years after the initial assessment (mean age: 8.83, SD = .93). Children who sustained a higher level of self-regulation over time had the lowest internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Transition to low self-regulation at wave 2, regardless of initial self-regulation status, was related to greater severity of internalizing symptoms. Implications for prevention and future research are discussed.
A Degree Above? The Value-Added Estimates and Evaluation Ratings of Teachers with a Graduate Degree

In the present study I use teacher value added and evaluation rating data from North Carolina public schools to estimate the signaling and human capital effects of graduate degrees. These analyses ...
Transcriptomic and neurochemical analysis of the stellate ganglia in mice highlights sex differences

The stellate ganglia are the predominant source of sympathetic innervation to the heart. Remodeling of the nerves projecting to the heart has been observed in several cardiovascular diseases, however studies of adult stellate ganglia are limited. A profile of the baseline transcriptomic and neurochemical characteristics of the stellate ganglia in adult C57Bl6j mice, a common model for the study of cardiovascular diseases, may aid future investigations. We have generated a dataset of baseline measurements of mouse stellate ganglia using RNAseq, HPLC and mass spectrometry. Expression differences between male and female mice were identified. These differences included physiologically important genes for growth factors, receptors and ion channels. While the neurochemical profiles of male and female stellate ganglia were not different, minor differences in neurotransmitter content were identified in heart tissue.
Pathological Seman and Anatomical Abnormalities of the Genital Tract in Human Male Subjects Exposed to Diethylstilbestrol in Utero

AbstractThe in utero effects of diethylstilbestrol on the human male genital tract are reported in our followup study of male offspring of mothers treated with diethylstilbestrol. Anatomical and functional abnormalities were significantly greater in male patients exposed to diethylstilbestrol compared to male controls whose mothers were all participants in a prospective, randomized double-blind study on the effects of diethylstilbestrol on pregnancy at our hospital during the early 1950s.Epididymal cysts, hypotrophic testes and capsular induration of the testes were among the more common genital lesions found in more than 25 per cent of 159 male patients exposed to diethylstilbestrol compared to a 6.8 per cent incidence in 161 male controls. Spermatozoal analyses revealed severe pathological changes (Eliasson score more than 10) in 32 per cent of 31 male patients exposed to diethylstilbestrol and 0 per cent of 20 male controls. Abnormal findings on physical examination combined with severe sperm abnormali...
Total energy expenditure in 4- to 6-yr-old children

There is a sparsity of data on energy expenditure in young children. We therefore examined the components of daily energy expenditure in a group of 30 children (16 boys, 14 girls; age 4–6 yr) chara...
Ultrasonic Signals from "Worst-Case" Hard-Alpha Inclusions Beneath a Random Rough Surface

Up to the present time, the detection of hard alpha inclusions in commercial titanium products or in billets has relied on the presence of associated voids and cracks, which due to their sharp edges are good acoustic reflectors at high frequencies. The detection problem becomes much harder, if cracks and voids are absent, since the acoustic impedance of a hard alpha inclusion is at least an order of magnitude smaller. The problem appears to call for the use of high frequency focused probes. However, one cannot use arbitrarily high frequencies for at least three reasons: (1) grain scattering due to the microstructure of titanium, (2) attenuation of the beam due to surface roughness and most importantly (3) the nature of the flaw as discussed below.
The law of elasticity

In this introduction we shall be concerned with a simple approach to tensor algebra, and the tensor formulation of stress, deformation and energy, leading to Hooke’s law, the properties of anisotropy, and considerations of elastic symmetry.
ESR1 fusions drive endocrine therapy resistance and metastasis in breast cancer

Estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) fusion transcripts have been identified in breast cancer but their role in breast cancer is not completely understood. Here, we report a causal role for ESR1 fusions in driving both endocrine therapy resistance and metastasis, and describe a therapeutic strategy to target ESR1 fusion-induced growth.
A rapid visual estimation of fruits per lateral to predict coffee yield in Hawaii

Estimating coffee yield by measuring components of yield rather than complete harvests can improve the ability to account for heterogeneous conditions common in shade-grown farms and other agroforestry systems. We developed a rapid estimation technique that predicts yield per plant from (1) a visual estimation of the number of fruits per lateral summed across all laterals per plant, and (2) an average fruit dry mass derived from the random harvest of 50 fruits per plant. The technique was then applied to an experiment investigating three levels of managed tree shade (0, 40, and 60%) on Arabica coffee yield. Visual estimates of fruits per lateral proved to be good predictors of counts of fruits summed for each vertical (R2 = 0.97) and yield of the whole plant (R2 = 0.90). Simulations showed this was potentially better than existing methods to account for variable yield per vertical shoot at the whole-plant level and took less time or effort when applied to the plants in our study. We propose that fruits per lateral is an effective alternative component of yield that can account for heterogeneity in shade level, other environmental variables or management practices that can affect yield at small spatial scales in agroforestry systems.
Accuracy in Securing Pulse Rates by Palpation

(1940). Accuracy in Securing Pulse Rates by Palpation. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 11, No. 2, pp. 18-21.
Normal Histology of the Uterine Corpus

The uterus is the fusion product of the embryologic paramesonephric (mullerian) ducts. By the second trimester, the endometrial lining is composed of columnar epithelium with surface ciliation, abundant nuclear pseudostratification, and occasional mitotic figures. The epithelium is mostly flat but may show undulations and gland-like invaginations into the underlying mesenchyme, in which a vague layering is often morphologically discernible.
Conducting nursing research in low- and middle-income countries: experiences, challenges and solutions.

BACKGROUND Conducting nursing research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) balances challenges and opportunities. Understanding the shared experiences of researchers who have completed studies in diverse cultural contexts using various methodologies is important, to advance global nursing research and to build health research capacity and sustainability strategies. AIM To provide a reflexive account using a case-study methodology of transactions and processes conducted during a study in a LMIC. DISCUSSION Lessons learned from the study include the importance of preplanning, being flexible and creative, engaging local collaborators early in planning, establishing good rapport and respectful relationships with gatekeepers and collaborators, having a backup plan, appreciating cultural differences, and sharing findings. CONCLUSION Conducting research in LMICs is complex, especially negotiating access and obtaining ethical approval. Understanding the issues will benefit future research and prepare nurse researchers who take on the challenges and rewards of conducting international research in LMICs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This paper provides a roadmap to help novice researchers conduct research in LMICs.
Distinguishing Delirium from Dementia

Distinguishing between delirium and dementia is essential for understanding the underlying mechanisms which direct a nurse to the best interventions. However, delirium and dementia are conditions that are at times difficult to differentiate even for experienced clinicians. While the similarities can make distinguishing between the two disorders challenging, there are distinct differences. Therefore, this article describes similarities and differences in the characteristics of each condition to assist clinicians in accurate detection and identification.
CHAPTER XXVIII – CONSTIPATION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses constipation. In all cases of constipation, the colon is probably spastic in appearance. Much depends on whether roentgenologic examination is made with the barium enema or with barium that has come down with a meal. Occasionally, constipation appears to be due to painful lesions around the anus. Much constipation appears to be due to nervous tension of all the muscles, including those about the rectum. Constipation is decidedly a disease of nervous origin. It is a disease of civilization with all its hurry, strain, and tension. In rare cases, constipation is due to pyloric obstruction, with its attendant slowing of the gastro-intestinal current, and perhaps starvation. In many cases, constipation is due to eating too little food or food with very little residue. The rectum of some persons is highly sensitive to small differences in pressure, so much so that the presence of any inert material that causes distention and stimulation of nerve endings will produce distresses of several kinds.
Paths 2 the Future College and Career Readiness Curriculum: Recommendations for School Psychologists

School psychologists serve a critical role directly and indirectly in postsecondary transition of adolescents with disabilities, given their expertise and skills in special education and interventi...
The White Supremacist Constitution

The United States Constitution has been a document that, during every era, has helped further white supremacy. White supremacy constitutes a “political, economic and cultural system in which whites overwhelmingly control power and material resources, conscious and unconscious ideas of white superiority and entitlement are widespread, and relations of white dominance and non-white subordination are daily reenacted across a broad array of institutions and social settings.”** Rather than understand the Constitution as a force for progressive structural change, we should understand it as a barrier to change. From its inception, the Constitution enshrined slavery and the degradation of Black people by considering them to be property rather than equal members of the community. The Civil War Amendments did not truly abolish slavery and only prohibited a limited band of state action. Radical Reconstruction was short-lived as white supremacy quickly eviscerated any political gains that Black voters had achieved. The Supreme Court has interpreted the Civil War Amendments consistently with their white supremacy roots. Rather than serve as an effective instrument to help eradicate the badges, incidents and vestiges of slavery, the Constitution has become a tool both to ban voluntary race-affirmative measures at the federal, state and local government level while also precluding Congress from enacting strong abolitionist measures. The Court has enshrined the views of Andrew Johnson, a fierce proponent of white supremacy, into its basic structure. This Article challenges us to imagine how resistance lawyers might seek to use the Constitution to help eliminate white supremacy while also generally recognizing the limitations of the use of the judicial system, including the specific limitations of the U.S. Constitution, for that purpose. Only then might we achieve a truly radical reconstruction.
Authenticity predicts positive interpersonal relationship quality at low, but not high, levels of psychopathy

Abstract Authentic self-expression is associated with many positive well-being outcomes, but do these benefits persist when the self being expressed is callous and malevolent? Across two studies (total N = 866), we tested the extent to which the relationship between authenticity and the quality of interpersonal relationships was moderated by Dark Tetrad personality traits. An exploratory study (N = 380) indicated that psychopathy significantly moderated the relationship between authenticity and self-esteem, depression, hostility, and rocky relationships. A subsequent preregistered confirmatory study (N = 486) replicated exploratory findings for both hostility and rocky relationships. Authenticity was associated with positive interpersonal relationship quality (less rocky relationships and less hostility) when psychopathy was low, but not when psychopathy was high. These findings highlight a significant way in which the relationship between authentic self-expression and well-being may depend upon the personality traits being expressed.
High contrast imaging with MEMS deformable mirrors in the Decadal Survey Testbed

Deformable mirrors (DMs) are an essential part of any coronagraphic, high contrast instrument. They mitigate optical aberrations in the system and can even be used to generate contrast for the coronagraph. MEMS DMs from Boston Micromachines have been selected as the baseline for two flagship space telescopes proposed to the 2020 Decadal Survey. Although MEMS DMs have over a decade of heritage on ground-based telescopes and in in-air testbeds around the globe, they have not been tested in vacuum down to the ∼10−10 contrast level needed to image terrestrial exoplanets. In this paper, we describe vacuum tests of MEMS DMs in the Decadal Survey Testbed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The first challenge was a bright, temporally incoherent signal, which was identified as electronics noise and removed with a low-pass filter. After that, the contrast has been limited in broadband light by the strong print-through on the DM surfaces. We performed numerical simulations to confirm that conclusion and to characterize the improvements needed to the MEMS DM surfaces and the testbed layout to attain our goal of 10−10 contrast. Keywords: deformable mirror, coronagraph
Comparison of Theoretical and Multifidelity Optimum Aerostructural Solutions for Wing Design

As contemporary aerostructural research for aircraft design trends toward high-fidelity computational methods, aerostructural solutions based on theory are often neglected or forgotten. In fact, in...
Verification, Validation, and Replication Methods for Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation: Lessons Learned the Hard Way!

Reproducible modeling and simulation research has been identified as one of the Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Grand Challenge activities. Recently, uncertainty quantification has seen a renewed emphasis. While methods for verification and validation (V&V) have been widely developed for discrete-event simulations, newer simulation approaches such as the agent-based, agent-directed, and multi-agent simulation approaches introduce new V&V challenges. The active elements in these newer approaches have greater heterogeneity, e.g., every agent can be unique, with complex attributes and behaviors. Those behaviors can result in actions based on interaction with other agents, the environment, and even the outcome of simulated or artificial intelligence. The simulation spaces are often less constrained, e.g., rather than a network of servers and queues, the space can be continuous 2D Euclidian space with multiple associated geographic information systems (GIS) layers influencing the behavior of the actors. Over the last decade, a multitude of techniques has been used in agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) to perform V&V as well as replication and reproducibility (R&R) of the models. In this chapter, we present an overview of contributions in V&V, quality assurance (QA), and R&R of simulation studies, with special focus on ABMS. We also discuss the lessons learnt in V&V and replication from a series of simulation experiments using agent-based models (ABMs).
Impact of 100% Fruit Juice Consumption on Diet and Weight Status of Children: An Evidence-based Review

Consumption of 100% fruit juice remains controversial for its potential adverse impact on weight and displacement of essential foods in the diets of children. A systematic review of the literature published from 1995-2013 was conducted using the PubMed database to evaluate associations between intake of 100% fruit juice and weight/adiposity and nutrient intake/adequacy among children of 1 to 18 years of age. Weight status outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), BMI z-score, ponderal index, obesity, weight gain, adiposity measures, and body composition. Nutrient outcome measures included intake and adequacy of shortfall nutrients. Data extraction and analysis was conducted according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Process. Twenty-two studies on weight status provided evidence that did not support an association between 100% fruit juice consumption and weight/adiposity in children after controlling for energy intake. Limited evidence from eight studies suggests that children consuming 100% fruit juice have higher intake and adequacy of dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Differences in methodology and study designs preclude causal determination of 100% fruit juice as sole influencer of weight status or nutrient intake/adequacy of shortfall nutrients. In context of a healthy dietary pattern, evidence suggests that consumption of 100% fruit juice may provide beneficial nutrients without contributing to pediatric obesity.
The anti-inflammatory agents aspirin and salicylate inhibit the activity of IκB kinase-β

NF-kappaB comprises a family of cellular transcription factors that are involved in the inducible expression of a variety of cellular genes that regulate the inflammatory response. NF-kappaB is sequestered in the cytoplasm by inhibitory proteins, I(kappa)B, which are phosphorylated by a cellular kinase complex known as IKK. IKK is made up of two kinases, IKK-alpha and IKK-beta, which phosphorylate I(kappa)B, leading to its degradation and translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus. IKK kinase activity is stimulated when cells are exposed to the cytokine TNF-alpha or by overexpression of the cellular kinases MEKK1 and NIK. Here we demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory agents aspirin and sodium salicylate specifically inhibit IKK-beta activity in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of aspirin and sodium salicylate inhibition is due to binding of these agents to IKK-beta to reduce ATP binding. Our results indicate that the anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin and salicylate are mediated in part by their specific inhibition of IKK-beta, thereby preventing activation by NF-kappaB of genes involved in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response.
Photoluminescence analysis of NTD-silicon

Crystalline Si, which is optically excited at low-temperature (∼4 K), exhibits luminescence characteristic of several states for nonequilibrium electrons and holes. A single electron-hole pair can bind into an exciton that is chargeless but free to move in the lattice. Also, such a free exciton (FE) can become bound to a neutral impurity atom and become a bound exciton (BE). The energy of the BE state is lower than that of the FE by its binding energy to the impurity. An exciton will be bound to every type of neutral impurity atom with a different binding energy. Thus, when an electron-hole pair in a FE or BE state recombines radiatively, it emits a photon whose energy uniquely identifies the type of impurity atom to which it was bound or indicates that it was unbound. Recent workl has shown that an exciton luminescence spectrum from optically excited Si at ∼4 K is a very sensitive indicator of the various types of dopant impurity atoms present in the crystal. More recent work2 explained the kinetics of exciton capture and emission from impurity atoms and laid the ground work for making exciton luminescence a quantitative measure of impurity concentrations in Si. In this paper we, first, use the kinetics model of Hammond and Silver2 to calculate the impurity concentration dependence of exciton luminescence intensities in Si and, second, report detailed measurements on NTD Si with known substitutional P concentrations.
Moving Dipolar Features in an Emerging Flux Region

On 25 January, 2000, we observed active region NOAA 8844 with the Flare Genesis Experiment (FGE), a balloon-borne observatory with an 80-cm solar telescope. FGE was equipped with a vector polarimeter and a tunable Fabry–Perot narrow-band filter. It recorded time series of filtergrams, vector magnetograms and Dopplergrams at the Ca i 6122.2 A line, and Hα filtergrams with a cadence between 2.5 and 7.5 min. At the time of the observations, NOAA 8844 was located at approximately 5° N 30° W. The region was growing rapidly; new magnetic flux was constantly emerging in three supergranules near its center. We report on the structure and behavior of peculiar moving dipolar features (MDFs) in the emerging flux, and we describe in detail how the FGE data were analyzed. In longitudinal magnetograms, the MDFs appeared to be small dipoles flowing into sunspots and supergranule boundaries. Previously, dipolar moving magnetic features (MMFs) have only been observed flowing out from sunspots. The FGE vector magnetograms show that the MDFs occurred in a region with nearly horizontal fields, the MDFs being distinguished as undulations in these fields. We identify the MDFs as stitches where the emerging flux ropes were still tied to the photosphere by trapped mass. We present a U-loop model that accounts for their unusual structure and behavior, as well as showing how emerging flux sheds entrained mass.
Gene Expression Profile of A549 Cells from Tissue of 4D Model Predicts Poor Prognosis in Lung Cancer Patients

The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in regulating cell growth and metastasis. Recently, we developed an ex vivo lung cancer model (four dimensional, 4D) that forms perfusable tumor nodules on a lung matrix that mimics human lung cancer histopathology and protease secretion pattern. We compared the gene expression profile (Human OneArray v5 chip) of A549 cells, a human lung cancer cell line, grown in a petri dish (two-dimensional, 2D), and of the same cells grown in the matrix of our ex vivo model (4D). Furthermore, we obtained gene expression data of A549 cells grown in a petri dish (2D) and matrigel (three-dimensional, 3D) from a previous study and compared the 3D expression profile with that of 4D. Expression array analysis showed 2,954 genes differentially expressed between 2D and 4D. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed upregulation of several genes associated with extracellular matrix, polarity and cell fate and development. Moreover, expression array analysis of 2D vs. 3D showed 1,006 genes that were most differentially expressed, with only 36 genes (4%) having similar expression patterns as observed between 2D and 4D. Finally, the differential gene expression signature of 4D cells (vs. 2D) correlated significantly with poor survival in patients with lung cancer (n = 1,492), while the expression signature of 3D vs. 2D correlated with better survival in lung cancer patients with lung cancer. As patients with larger tumors have a worse rate of survival, the ex vivo 4D model may be a good mimic of natural progression of tumor growth in lung cancer patients.
Supply chain security practices in the food industry: Do firms operating globally and domestically differ?

Purpose – This paper compares firms purchasing and/or selling food products internationally to those with domestic supply chains in order to determine if international firms: place greater managerial importance on security; and are more likely to engage supply chain partners in security‐related verification and information exchange. The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between security initiatives and firm performance in terms of security outcomes, product quality, and customer service.Design/methodology/approach – A series of one‐way ANOVA tests are used to assess the differences between firms with international and domestic supply chains. Additionally, cluster analysis is conducted to group firms based on their performance levels.Findings – Initial results indicate respondents with international supply chains perceive that their firms place more importance on security and are more likely to assess the security procedures of supply chain partners. Results further indicate that, in general, re...
The expression of ERV-3 mRNA in a choriocarcinoma model of trophoblastic differentiation

Summary ERV-3 is a human endogenous retrovirus genome that has been isolated and sequenced. The expression of ERV-3 mRNA and its protein in the syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta suggests that ERV-3 proteins may play a role in placental development. The choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo, a model of trophoblast differentiation, is maintained in cell culture in an undifferentiated and non-fused state. Upon addition of forskolin, a cAMP inducing agent, BeWo cells undergo intercellular fusion and differentiation. In untreated BeWo, low level expression of ERV-3 env -specific mRNA was only detected by RT-PCR. Northern blot analysis showed that the expression of 3.5 kb ERV-3 env -specific gene was increased significantly in BeWo cells after 48 hours forskolin treatment and decreased at 96 hours. The up-regulation of ERV-3 env -specific gene was concurrent with the production of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) mRNA, a trophoblast differentiation marker. In situ hybridization studies revealed that the peak expression of ERV-3 env mRNA occurred at 72 hours after forskolin treatment, when about 80% of cells were fused to form multinuclear syncytia. These results indicate that the expression of ERV-3 env -specific mRNA is up-regulated during forskolin-induced BeWo cell differentiation, suggesting a role for ERV-3 gene products in that process.
Relationships between ENSO and drought over the southeastern United States

[1] A long term precipitation (P) data set over the United States and the sea surface temperature (SST) data from 1915 to 2006 were used to examine the impact of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on drought and persistent wet spells over the southeastern United States. The meteorological droughts and wet spells were identified based on the 6-month standardized precipitation index (SPI 6) calculated from P averaged over the Southeast. These events indicate that a drought (or wet spell) over the Southeast is more likely to start during a cold (warm) ENSO winter or early spring. The influence of ENSO on P is seasonally dependent. The P composites for cold ENSO events show positive P anomalies over the Southeast in winter but negative anomalies in summer. For warm ENSO events, the situation reverses. Therefore, a persistent cold (warm) ENSO from winter to summer does not create favorable conditions for drought (wet spells) to persist over the Southeast. While cold ENSO events are more likely to initiate droughts, droughts are likely to persist if the cold (warm) ENSO winter is followed by an ENSO neutral summer.
Telecommunication and Travel: The Case for Complementarity

The potential of telecommunications to substitute for travel has long been appreciated. Indeed, such potential has often been not just a later realization but an integral impetus behind the development of the technology. Early communication devices such as jungle tom-tom drums, trumpet alarms, smoke signals and flashing lanterns were surely conceived precisely to replace the need for a physical messenger. The same cannot necessarily be said of the more recent (1876) invention of the telephone. Alexander Graham Bell’s own initial vision of its uses seemed to be more along the lines of broadcast radio than personal communication, while the President of Western Union dismissed it as an “electrical toy”, and the Chief Engineer of the British Post Office in 1879 sniffed that the “superabundance of messengers, errand boys, and things of that kind” in Great Britain obviated the need for the telephone there (Dilts 1941). However, it did not take long for speculation to begin about the potential of the new technology to eliminate travel. Albertson (1980) refers to a letter to the editor of the Times published May 10, 1879 suggesting that the telephone could provide relief from travel for harried businessmen
A dispositional account of gender

According to some philosophers, gender is a social role or pattern of behavior in a social context. I argue that these accounts have problematic implications for transgender. I suggest that gender is a complex behavioral disposition, or cluster of dispositions. Furthermore, since gender norms are culturally relative, one’s gender is partially constituted by extrinsic factors. I argue that this has advantages over thinking of gender as behavior, and has the added advantage of accommodating the possibility of an appearance/reality dissonance with respect to one’s gender.
Recovery of Paretic Lower Extremity Loading Ability and Physical Function in the First Six Months after Stroke

Abstract Objectives To evaluate poststroke recovery of paretic lower extremity loading, walking ability, and self-reported physical function; and to identify subject characteristics associated with recovery. Design Inception cohort study, with testing at monthly intervals from 1 to 6 months poststroke. Setting Medical center and research laboratory. Participants Volunteer sample of individuals with first-ever, unilateral, noncerebellar stroke (N=33). A total of 78 individuals underwent screening, and 45 were found to be eligible. Of these, 8 declined participation, 2 were excluded because of deteriorating cognitive status, and 2 were lost to follow-up. The remaining 33 individuals enrolled in the study, and 30 (91%) completed the study. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Outcomes were loading of the paretic lower extremity when standing up from a chair, self-selected gait speed (GS), and Physical Functioning Index. Results Data analyses using linear mixed models indicated that subjects improved over time for all outcomes. Baseline Fugl-Meyer (FM) lower extremity motor scale score was a predictor of immediate poststroke performance for paretic lower extremity loading and self-selected GS, and a predictor of recovery rate for paretic lower extremity loading. Factors identified as having significant effects on performance at 6 months poststroke were baseline FM lower extremity motor scale score for paretic lower extremity loading and self-selected GS and baseline star cancellation score (from the Behavioral Inattention Test) for paretic lower extremity loading. Conclusions Individuals with better baseline paretic lower extremity motor function have better ability to load that extremity during functional activities and faster walking speeds, and these advantages are still present at 6 months poststroke. Individuals with severe visuospatial neglect demonstrate less ability to load the paretic leg during functional activities at 6 months poststroke.
Oxide electronics: Transistors pick up steam.

High annealing temperatures have limited the technological potential of solution-processed metal oxide semiconductors. It is now shown that high-quality films can be formed below 250 °C using precursors that are hydrolysed on-chip.
Effects of acute intravenous and chronic oral amiodarone on defibrillation energy requirements.

Abstract Amiodarone is commonly used with the automatic implantable defibrillator to treat recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The effects of acute intravenous and chronic oral amiodarone on the energy requirements for successful deflbrlllation were evaluated in 12 dogs chronically instrumented with right atrial spring and left ventricular patch defibrlllation electrodes. Multiple shocks of varying energy were applied in batanced random order to construct curves of percent successful defibrilllation vs energy (DF curves) on each test day. Dogs were studied on days 1, 11, 18, 25, and 32. On day 11, DF curves were determined before and after infusing saline (n = 6) or amiodarone (n = 6), 10 mg/kg loading and 0.03 mg/kg/min maintenance doses. Dogs administered intravenous amiodarone were continued on oral drug (300 mg twice dally) for the remainder of the study. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and the energy required for 50% (E 50 ) and 80% (E 80 ) successful defibrillation were compared. Differences between controls and animals recelving chronic oral amiodarone were not significant on any day. After acute intravenous infusion, dogs given amiodarone had a 21.7 ± 12.8% decrease in E 50 ( p 50 ( p p = NS) in E 50 and 6.30 ± 30.5 increase in E 50 ( p = NS). It is concluded that the energy required for successful defibrillation is decreased by acute intravenous amiodarone, while chronic oral administration has no significant effect.
Handbook of participatory video

If a picture is worth a thousand words, the value of video as a tool for community engagement and development is (potentially) immeasurable. This book offers a comprehensive treatment of the origin...
Congress on the internet: Messages on the homepages of the U.S. house of representatives, 1996 and 2001

This article explores the World Wide Web homepages of members of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1996 and 2001, focusing specifically on what the content posted to these sites suggests about their ideal audiences. Despite considerable changes in the content of business, entertainment, and political campaign sites over this five-year time period, we found few notable changes in the Congressional.gov pages over time. Moreover, the pages harbor particular assumptions about audiences that depart from other forms of Congressional communications and lag far behind the interactive innovations found in political campaign sites. These findings lead to suggestions for the creation of sites that are more in line with the potential the medium presents for the online public.
Qualitative Behavior of Differential Equations Associated with Artificial Neural Networks

We establish conditions under which Oja–Adams' learning models are gradient, semi-gradient, or gradient-like systems. We consider both single and multi-output models. The multi-output learning models are represented by matrix differential equations whose analysis require techniques from matrix calculus. We also derive the stability behavior of these systems while restricted to naturally defined invariant sets.
Science Signaling Podcast: 06 May 2008

This conversation is about research highlighted in Editors9 Choice titled, "What’s So Exciting About Glia?" The highlighted article is R. Karadottir, N. B. Hamilton, Y. Bakiri, D. Attwell, Spiking and nonspiking classes of oligodendrocyte precursor glia in CNS white matter. Nat. Neurosci . 11 , 450–456 (2008). (Length: 6 min; file size: 2.61 MB; file format: mp3; location: http://podcasts.aaas.org/science_signaling/ScienceSignaling_080506.mp3)
Economics of sound reduction in buildings

Abstract The cost of a material is a property of it which is equally as important as the extent to which it attenuates or absorbs noise. Too little prominence is given to this fact, particularly in public. This paper considers and illustrates by examples the impact of costs on the choice of materials in acoustic design.
Should computer science examinations contain “programming” problems?

The purpose of many computer science courses is to enhance the programming skills of the student, including the ability to design and implement appropriate algorithms. In such courses, examinations should therefore contain problems which test for algorithmic skills. In particular, there should be problems which require the student to write small sections of code, usually in the form of a subprogram. Students often perceive these questions as “programming” problems; however, it is more accurate to state that these are algorithmic problems, since such questions primarily measure algorithmic skills. In addition, since such exam problems address topics which are a part of the course content (e.g. stacks, queues, and tables in a data structures class), the student's knowledge of these topics is also tested and reinforced.This paper discusses how examination questions which test algorithmic skills have been implemented in a data structures course at Northeast Louisiana University. Arguments both for and against using such test questions are discussed, as well as the proper format and amount of this type of problem. The results of a survey of data structures students at Northeast concerning this topic is also presented.There has been relatively little discussion on the topic of computer science examinations in the literature. It is hoped that the publication and presentation of this paper will stimulate dialogue in this area among academicians.
Mechanism of Calcite Co-Orientation in the Sea Urchin Tooth

Sea urchin teeth are remarkable and complex calcite structures, continuously growing at the forming end and self-sharpening at the mature grinding tip. The calcite (CaCO{sub 3}) crystals of tooth components, plates, fibers, and a high-Mg polycrystalline matrix, have highly co-oriented crystallographic axes. This ability to co-orient calcite in a mineralized structure is shared by all echinoderms. However, the physico-chemical mechanism by which calcite crystals become co-oriented in echinoderms remains enigmatic. Here, we show differences in calcite c-axis orientations in the tooth of the purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus), using high-resolution X-ray photoelectron emission spectromicroscopy (X-PEEM) and microbeam X-ray diffraction ({mu}XRD). All plates share one crystal orientation, propagated through pillar bridges, while fibers and polycrystalline matrix share another orientation. Furthermore, in the forming end of the tooth, we observe that CaCO{sub 3} is present as amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). We demonstrate that co-orientation of the nanoparticles in the polycrystalline matrix occurs via solid-state secondary nucleation, propagating out from the previously formed fibers and plates, into the amorphous precursor nanoparticles. Because amorphous precursors were observed in diverse biominerals, solid-state secondary nucleation is likely to be a general mechanism for the co-orientation of biomineral components in organisms from different phyla.
Behaviour: Smells, brains and hormones

Contrary to the traditional view, the main olfactory pathway can mediate responses to pheromones as well as to common odours. Recent studies show that pheromone-activated hormonal systems extend widely within the brain.
Kinetics of Copper Grain Growth During Nitridation of Cu-Cr and Cu-Ti Thin Films by In Situ Tem

Co-deposited Cu-Cr and Cu-Ti thin films were heated at various temperatures in an ammonia ambient in an environmental cell placed into the column of a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The reaction dynamics were observed in situ and recorded on a videotape using a TV camera with 1/30 second time resolution. Nitridation of chromium and titanium was accompanied by the nucleation and growth of copper particles starting at 370 and 580°C, respectively. It was found that in the Cu-Ti system at a temperatures regime of 370-400°C the growth rate behaves under a parabolic law; namely, the process is controlled by diffusion of Cu through the nitride matrix. However, for the Cu-Cr system at temperatures of 610-630°C two growth regimes were observed. In the initial growth stages, the surface reaction is rate-limiting, while for longer nitridation times, growth is diffusion-controlled.
RNA fingerprinting of respiratory syncytial virus using ribonuclease protection. Application to molecular epidemiology.

Abstract We have used the technique of ribonuclease protection to define genomic variation among circulating isolates of subgroup A respiratory syncytial (RS) virus. RNAs extracted from HEp-2 cells infected with strains to be analyzed were hybridized with a 32P-labeled RNA probe corresponding to the RS virus G glycoprotein (A2 strain). Areas of nonhomology were detected by cleavage with ribonuclease A. Using this technique, multiple distinct RNA cleavage patterns could be distinguished among viral isolates recovered from infants residing in the same metropolitan area and infected during the same epidemic season. Epidemiologically related isolates (from coinfected twins, from infants infected during a nosocomial outbreak at an extended care facility, and from institutionalized adults infected during an outbreak) yielded identical patterns. In two separate outbreaks, differences in cleavage patterns among certain isolates corresponded to epidemiologically significant differences among the individuals from whom the isolates were recovered. We conclude that substantial genomic heterogeneity exists among circulating isolates of subgroup A RS virus. Ribonuclease protection can be used as a molecular fingerprinting tool for expanded studies of the molecular epidemiology of this virus.
Violent behavior by girls reporting violent victimization: a prospective study.

Objective To assess the relationships between individual victimization and neighborhood-level violence on subsequent violent perpetration by adolescent girls in a community-based sample. Design Longitudinal, multilevel analysis of data collected by the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Three in-home interviews were conducted approximately 24 months apart between November 1995 and January 2002 with youth and their caregivers. Community-level data also were collected in 1995 from a random sample of Chicago residents. Hierarchical regression models and propensity scores were used. Setting Families and neighborhoods in Chicago. Participants Population-based sample of 637 girls, ages 9 to 15 years at baseline, and the neighborhoods in which they resided. This sample is diverse in race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, family structure, and neighborhood characteristics. Main Outcome Measure Self-reports of violent behavior in the 12 months before the third interview. Results At baseline, 38% of the girls reported perpetrating at least 1 violent behavior in the prior 12 months, 28% reported past year violent behavior at the first follow-up interview, and 14% reported past year violent behavior at the third interview. The odds of violent behavior were 2.2 times higher among girls who reported prior violent victimization, after prior confounding factors and baseline violent behavior were controlled (95% confidence interval, 1.3- 4.4). Homicides and concentrated poverty in girls’ neighborhoods also were associated with aggression by girls. Conclusions Improving safety in communities and homes may reduce rates of violent perpetration by adolescent girls. Study results suggest that, to facilitate identification of and healing among adolescent survivors of violence, practitioners should recognize perpetration of violence as potential sequelae of prior violent victimization.
Role of peripheral serotonin in the regulation of central sleep apneas in rats.

Study objectives The aim of our study was to determine the effects of serotonin (5-HT), which does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and GR38032F, a 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist that may cross the BBB, on spontaneous apneas in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Measurements and results Rats were implanted with electrodes for EEG and electromyographic recording to monitor sleep, with a radiotelemetry transmitter for monitoring aortic BP and heart period (HP) and were placed inside a single chamber plethysmograph for monitoring respiration. Sleep, BP, HP, and respiration were monitored for 6 h following administration of drugs. Intraperitoneal injection of 5-HT (0.79 mg/kg) to rats increased spontaneous central apneas during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep by> 250% in comparison to control recording (p = 0.01). GR38032F (0.1 mg/kg), which produced no effect on apnea expression, completely blocked the 5-HT-induced increase in REM apneas. Administration of 5-HT did not affect apnea expression in non-REM sleep and had no effect on sleep or BP. Conclusions From these observations, we conclude that binding at 5-HT 3 receptors in the peripheral nervous system promotes REM-related apnea genesis in rats. These findings further suggest that endogenous 5-HT, acting at least at peripheral 5-HT 3 receptors, may play a baseline physiologic role in the expression of spontaneous central apneas in rats.