cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of six-month outcome of coronary artery stenting in patients 75 years of age

We studied 1,238 patients receiving 1,880 coronary stents. In-hospital outcomes were divided by age into 75 years (n = 165, group 3). Procedural success was 97.2%, 95.1%, and 98.8% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = NS). There was 1 death (group 1). Myocardial infarction occurred in 1.2%, 2.8%, and 1.8%, bypass surgery occurred in 0.9%, 1.8%, and 1.2%, and repeat balloon angioplasty in 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0% of patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = NS for all comparisons). Vascular complications occurred in 2.8%, 4.9%, and 6.1% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p 75 years (n = 122, group 3). Event-free survival was 94.5%, 90.5%, and 89.3% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = NS). Death occurred in 0.4%, 0.5%, and 1.6%; myocardial infarction occurred in 1.2%, 2.3%, and 1.6%, and target vessel revascularization in 4.3%, 8.6%, and 7.4% for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = NS for all comparisons). Thus, coronary stenting produced favorable in-hospital and 6-month outcomes in all 3 age groups. Age itself should not preclude patients from undergoing coronary stenting.
A Double-blind Placebo Controlled Study of Desipramine in the Treatment of ADD: II. Serum Drug Levels and Cardiovascular Findings

Abstract In a 6-week study of children and adolescents with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADDH) in which desipramine (DMI) was highly effective and well tolerated, the mean maximal daily oral dose in the DMI-treated patients ( N = 31) was 4.6 ± 0.2 mg/kg. Additional data were obtained for 27 placebo nonresponders given DMI openly for 6 additional weeks following a nearly identical protocol and mean daily doses (total N = 58). Individual serum drug concentration varied widely at a given dose. The overall median serum DMI level was 152 ng/ml and in 6 of 56 cases with assayed serum (DMI), the level exceeded 500 ng/ml. Serum tended to be higher with older age and greater clinical improvement. Only small, clinically unimportant but statistically significant increases in diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiographic conduction parameters occurred. DMI-treated patients showed higher incidence during DMI treatment of sinus tachycardia and ECG evidence of intraventricular conduction defect (IVCD) of the right bundle branch block type, with two of these patients developing complete IVCD. Increases in ventricular rate and in ECG conduction parameters, as well as the incidence of IVCD, were higher in patients attaining serum levels of DMI above the median. These findings suggest that, although treatment with DMI at daily doses above 3.5 mg/kg may be needed in some cases of childhood ADDH, such doses require caution and monitoring of serum drug levels and ECG when they are used in the pediatric population.
Flow beyond an isolated rotating disk

Abstract Visualization and flow measurements were performed for the flow field radially beyond the rims of isolated flat circular disks rotating in their own planes. The investigation included effects of disk thickness and speed of rotation. Flow in the near-rim region has similarities to that of the near-wake region of bluff-tailed bodies, with vortices being found there. In the same region there is a large negative radial gradient of whirl velocity. Further from the disk rim the flow becomes a jet with straight mean streamlines. The relative degree of swirl in the far-jet varies with disk thickness and speed.
A Comparative Study Of X-Tree, Pyramid And Related Machines

The intent of this paper was to investigate data movement techniques for some special networks which are derived from the binary tree and the mesh machines. We presented optimal bounds for some problems and close bounds for others. A new lower bound technique which incorporates the entire network topdogy was introduced. We believe that this technique is quite powerful and can be exploited to yield good lower bounds for conservative flow algorithms on other networks. However, it seems to be diacult to generalize it for nonconservative flow algorithms. Though we have obtained close bounds, several problems that remain open are noted.
Institutional variability in faculty conformity to the norms of science: A force of integration or fragmentation in the academic profession?

Fragmentation in the academic profession derived from differences among academics in different types of colleges and universities suggests a need to identify possible compensatory integrating mechanisms. This study seeks to determine whether faculty conformity to the four norms of science identified by Merton are such integrating mechanisms or whether they are forces of further fragmentation. The 1977 Survey of the American Professorate conducted by Ladd and Lipset was the data source for this study. The results indicate that the norms of universalism and communality serve as a compensatory integrating mechanisms, while the norms of disinterestedness and organized skepticism function as forces of further fragmentation among academics in different types of colleges and universities.
Corticotropin-releasing hormone inhibition of paradoxical growth hormone response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in insulin-dependent diabetics

A paradoxical growth hormone (GH) response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) has been observed in type 1 diabetic patients and was hypothetically attributed to a reduced hypothalamic somatostatin tone. We have previously reported that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) inhibits GH response to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in normal subjects, possibly by an increased release of somatostatin. To study the effect of CRH on anomalous GH response to TRH, we tested with TRH (200 μg intravenously [IV]) and CRH (100 μg IV) + TRH (200 μg IV) 13 patients (six males and seven women) affected by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. A paradoxical GH response to TRH was observed in seven of 13 patients, one man and six women. In these subjects, the simultaneous administration of CRH and TRH significantly reduced the GH response to TRH, as assessed by both the maximal GH mean peak ± SE (2.18 ± 0.67 v 9.2 ± 1.26μg/L, P < 0.005) and the area under the curve (AUC) ± SE (187 ± 32 v 567 ± 35μg · min/L, P < .001). CRH had no effect on TRH-induced thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) release. Our data demonstrate that the paradoxical GH response to TRH in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus is blocked by CRH administration. This CRH action may be due to an enhanced somatostatin release. Our data also show that exogenous CRH has no effect on TSH response to TRH, thus suggesting the existence of separate pathways in the neuroregulation of GH and TSH secretion.
Did the elephant and giraffe mediate change in the prevalence of palatable species in an East African Acacia woodland

We report on a 2009 survey of Acacia woodlands in the Seronera area of central Serengeti, Tanzania, and compare the results to previous surveys from the 1970s–1980s. We document a substantial change in woodland structure and composition. From 1978 to 2009, woody plant density (mean ± SD) declined from 255 ± 35 trees ha−1 to 147 ± 14 trees ha−1. Canopy cover declined from 15.1 ± 1.9% to 5.7 ± 0.6%. Canopy volume declined from 1810 ± 207 m3 ha−1 to 1410 ± 121 m3 ha−1. A 19% increase in the relative canopy volume of Acacia robusta, a species avoided by the giraffe, represents a sharp decline in the quality of the giraffe's food supply, which was last comprehensively assessed in 1978. We examine these changes in the context of Pellew's 1983 woodland dynamics model describing the impacts of elephant, giraffe and fire on an Acacia tortilis tree population and determine that our data are qualitatively consistent with this model. We hypothesize that selective elephant and giraffe browsing has contributed to an increase in the relative dominance of unpalatable species, consistent with Pellew's predictions.
New strategies for assigning real-time tasks to multiprocessor systems

Optimal scheduling of real-time tasks on multiprocessor systems is known to be computationally intractable for large task sets. Any practical scheduling algorithm for assigning real-time tasks to a multiprocessor system presents a trade-off between its computational complexity and its performance. In this study, new schedulability conditions are presented for homogeneous multiprocessor systems where individual processors execute the rate-monotonic scheduling algorithm. The conditions are used to develop new strategies for assigning real-time tasks to processors. The performance of the new strategies is shown to be significantly better than suggested by the existing literature. Under the realistic assumption that the load of each real-time task is small compared to the processing speed of each processor, it is shown that the processors can be almost fully utilized.
Personal and treatment-related predictors of abstinence self-efficacy

Objective: To understand better the relationship between substance-use disorder treatment and abstinence self-efficacy, more information is needed about what factors predict greater abstinence self-efficacy. Method: Participants (n = 2,350) from 88 community residential facilities were assessed at treatment entry and 1-year follow-up. Treatment providers reported on patients' engagement in specific components of treatment. After examining univariate associations with self-efficacy, a multiple regression analysis was used to test a model of patient- and treatment-related predictors of self-efficacy 1 year after treatment. Results: More years of education, lower baseline substance- related problems, and higher baseline confidence in abstinence were associated with higher posttreatment self-efficacy. After controlling for these patient factors, patients who were more engaged in skills-training activities and who inspired providers' confidence in their ability to remain abstinent had higher 1-year self-effica...
Bright two-photon emission and ultra-fast relaxation dynamics in a DNA-templated nanocluster investigated by ultra-fast spectroscopy

Metal nanoclusters have interesting steady state fluorescence emission, two-photon excited emission and ultrafast dynamics. A new subclass of fluorescent silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) are NanoCluster Beacons. NanoCluster Beacons consist of a weakly emissive Ag NC templated on a single stranded DNA (“Ag NC on ssDNA”) that becomes highly fluorescent when a DNA enhancer sequence is brought in proximity to the Ag NC by DNA base pairing (“Ag NC on dsDNA”). Steady state fluorescence was observed at 540 nm for both Ag NC on ssDNA and dsDNA; emission at 650 nm is observed for Ag NC on dsDNA. The emission at 550 nm is eight times weaker than that at 650 nm. Fluorescence up-conversion was used to study the dynamics of the emission. Bi-exponential fluorescence decay was recorded at 550 nm with lifetimes of 1 ps and 17 ps. The emission at 650 nm was not observed at the time scale investigated but has been reported to have a lifetime of 3.48 ns. Two-photon excited fluorescence was detected for Ag NC on dsDNA at 630 nm when excited at 800 nm. The two-photon absorption cross-section was calculated to be ∼3000 GM. Femtosecond transient absorption experiments were performed to investigate the excited state dynamics of DNA–Ag NC. An excited state unique to Ag NC on dsDNA was identified at ∼580 nm as an excited state bleach that related directly to the emission at 650 nm based on the excitation spectrum. Based on the optical results, a simple four level system is used to describe the emission mechanism for Ag NC on dsDNA.
Notch signaling from the endosome requires a conserved dileucine motif

Notch signaling is reliant on γ-secretase-mediated processing, although the subcellular location where γ-secretase cleaves Notch to initiate signaling remains unresolved. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that Notch signaling is modulated by endocytosis and endosomal transport. In this study, we investigated the relationship between Notch transport itinerary and signaling capacity. In doing so, we discovered a highly conserved dileucine sorting signal encoded within the cytoplasmic tail that directs Notch to the limiting membrane of the lysosome for signaling. Mutating the dileucine motif led to receptor accumulation in cation-dependent mannose-phosphate receptor-positive tubular early endosomes and a reduction in Notch signaling capacity. Moreover, truncated receptor forms that mimic activated Notch were readily cleaved by γ-secretase within the endosome; however, the cleavage product was proteasome-sensitive and failed to contribute to robust signaling. Collectively these results indicate that Notch signaling from the lysosome limiting membrane is conserved and that receptor targeting to this compartment is an active process. Moreover, the data support a model in which Notch signaling in mammalian systems is initiated from either the plasma membrane or lysosome, but not the early endosome.
Coupled Intrinsic Connectivity: A Principled Method for Exploratory Analysis of Paired Data

We present a novel voxel-based connectivity approach for paired functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data collected under two different conditions labeled the Coupled Intrinsic Connectivity Distribution (coupled-ICD). Our proposed method jointly models both conditions to incorporate additional spatial information into the connectivity metric. When presented with paired data, conventional voxel-based methods analyze each condition separately. However, nonlinearities introduced during processing can cause this approach to underestimate differences between conditions. We show that commonly used methods can underestimate functional changes and evaluate our coupled-ICD solution using a study comparing cocaine-dependent subjects and healthy controls. Our approach detected differences between paired conditions in similar brain regions as the conventional approaches while revealing additional changes. Follow-up seed-based analysis confirmed, via cross validation, connectivity differences between conditions in regions detected by coupled-ICD that were undetected using conventional methods. This approach of jointly analyzing paired connectivity data provides a new and important tool with many clinically relevant applications.
Family and Youth Factors Associated With Health Beliefs and Health Outcomes in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

Objective To examine the association of family organization with metabolic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes through the mechanisms of family self-efficacy for diabetes and disease management. Method Data from the baseline assessment of a longitudinal RCT were used, wherein 257 adolescent– parent dyads (adolescents aged 11–14) each completed the family organization subscale of the Family Environment Scale, the self-efficacy for Diabetes Self-Management Scale, the Diabetes Behavior Rating Scale, and 2 24-hr diabetes interviews. Results Structural equation modeling showed greater family organization was associated indirectly with better disease management behaviors via greater family self-efficacy (b ¼ .38, p < .001). Greater self-efficacy was indirectly associated with better metabolic control via better disease management both concurrently (b ¼� .37, p < .001) and prospectively (b ¼� .26, p < .001). The full model indicates more family organization is indirectly associated with better metabolic control concurrently and prospectively through greater self-efficacy and better disease management (b ¼� .13, p < .001). Conclusions Understanding the mechanisms by which family organization is associated with metabolic control provides insight into possible avenues of prevention/intervention for better diabetes management.
On the Stability of Equilibrium of a Distributed Parameter Feedback Control System

ABSTRACT In this paper the stability problem for n general class of non-linear feedback control systems governed by parabolic partial differential equations is considered. Sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability are derived by the method of comparison functions. Two classes of feedback control systems are considered. The basic tool in the analysis is the Westphal-Priodi theorem and an extension originally suggested by Szarski. The main results are applied to an illustrative example.
The Ecology of Human Development: Evolving Models for Cultural Psychology:

The Whiting model aimed to provide a blueprint for psychocultural research by generating testable hypotheses about the dynamic relationships of a culture with the psychology and behavior of its members. This analysis identifies reasons why the model was so effective at generating hypotheses borne out in empirical research, including its foundational insight that integrated nature and nurture, its reconceptualization of the significance of early environments, and its attention to biopsychocultural dynamics active in those environments. Implications and the evolution of the ecological paradigm are tracked through presentations of three current models (developmental niche, ecocultural theory, bioecocultural microniche) and discussion of their related empirical literatures. Findings from these literatures converge to demonstrate the power of a developmental, cultural, ecological framework for explaining within- and between-population variation in cultural psychology.
Nocturnal ozone enhancement in the lower troposphere observed by lidar

An ozone enhancement in the nocturnal residual layer was observed by the Huntsville ozone lidar from the late evening to midnight on 4 October 2008. The well-correlated ozone, aerosol, water vapor, and wind structures suggest a low-level jet is responsible for this ozone enhancement. HYSPLIT backward trajectories support this conclusion with southerly transport suggesting Birmingham, AL as the source. Correspondingly, the higher increasing rate of surface ozone observed in the morning of 5 October can be explained by the entrainment into the mixed layer of higher ozone aloft on this day as compared with 4 October. This case study demonstrates the importance of continuous high-resolution lidar profiling for capturing short-duration ozone variations in the lower troposphere. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Inferring properties of mysid predation from injuries to Daphnia1

Daphnia from Lake Washington occasionally have injured tail spines; laboratory observations suggest that such injuries are caused by handling by the crustacean predator Neomysis mercedis. A short-lived, brown “scar” that forms shortly after the tail spine is amputated provides the basis for a simple model for interpreting injury data. When combined with laboratory estimates of the duration of tail spine “scars,” the model is used to infer some properties of mysid predation: the dependence of ingestion efficiency on prey size, vertical variation in predation intensity, and the absolute in situ feeding rate of Neomysis are estimated from injury frequencies in the plankton. Since predators are not successful in every encounter with their prey, injured animals are often found in prey populations. The frequencies of injuries contain information about the process of predation; injury rates are related to the efficiency as well as the intensity of predation. Building on the attempts of terrestrial ecologists to interpret injury data (i.e. tail-breaks in lizards), Schoener (1979) modeled the accumulation of injuries in age-structured populations and gave methods for inferring properties of predation from injury frequencies. Kerfoot (1975) observed a high incidence of mutilated or regenerated antennules among Lake Washington Bosmina, apparently reflecting heavy copepod predation and frequent escape by the prey. In subsequent work (Kerfoot 1977; Kerfoot and Peterson 1979), he used laboratory observations of predator-prey interactions to predict injury frequencies in the lake. Here I work in the other direction, attempting, like Schoener (1979), to infer properties of predation from injury data. A simple model exploiting the transience of one manifestation of injuries to Daphnia is used to interpret the frequencies of wounds inflicted by Neomysis mercedis. Three examples illustrate the
The Golden Cage: The Production of Insecurity at the Nexus of Intimate Partner Violence and Unauthorized Migration in the United States

Women's narratives show how ontological insecurity is produced throughout the on-going process that is undocumented/precariously documented migration from Mexico to the United States. This embodied sense of insecurity emerges at the nexus of intimate partner violence and the lack of a secure form of biopolitical personhood after crossing the border. Women's narratives show how biopolitical insecurities are present in familial interactions. In a sense, women's narratives reveal how families become sites of biopolitical enforcement. Intimate partners' threats and reminders of biopolitical insecurities intensify the interpersonal insecurities in a mutually reinforcing manner. The family becomes less and less of a safe haven due to abuses. At the same time, protections for women who suffer intimate partner violence are often channeled through the judicial system in the United States, precisely an arena where many undocumented/precariously documented women feel vulnerable. These women find themselves in a doub...
When monophyly is not enough: exclusivity as the key to defining a phylogenetic species concept

A natural starting place for developing a phylogenetic species concept is to examine monophyletic groups of organisms. Proponents of "the" Phylogenetic Species Concept fall into one of two camps. The first camp denies that species even could be monophyletic and groups organisms using character traits. The second groups organisms using common ancestry and requires that species must be monophyletic. I argue that neither view is entirely correct. While monophyletic groups of organisms exist, they should not be equated with species. Instead, species must meet the more restrictive criterion of being genealogically exclusive groups where the members are more closely related to each other than to anything outside the group. I carefully spell out different versions of what this might mean and arrive at a working definition of exclusivity that forms groups that can function within phylogenetic theory. I conclude by arguing that while a phylogenetic species concept must use exclusivity as a grouping criterion, a variety of ranking criteria are consistent with the requirement that species can be placed on phylogenetic trees.
Depictions of Beauty on Cosmopolitan Magazine: Content Analysis of Covers (1959-2014)

The media, especially advertisers, have long used beautiful women as an ideal image for attracting viewers and selling products. American women have been portrayed as, ideally, thin Caucasians with blonde hair and blue eyes. Research has found that women compare themselves to the beautiful women in advertising and in turn have negative feelings towards their own appearance. This thesis’ goal is to find whether the ideal American woman has changed through a content analysis of the women on the covers of Cosmopolitan magazine over the past 55 years, 1959 through 2014. This content analysis will focus on how the covers changed depending on who was the editor-in-chief at the time. The content analysis will begin with the cover from 1959 because that is when celebrities began to appear on covers. Knowing whether the ideal look of the American woman has changed will gauge how further research should be done on how women are comparing themselves to these women and then feeling afterwards.
Total Synthesis of (±)-Terpestacin and (±)-11-epi-Terpestacin

The total synthesis of racemic terpestacin and 11-epi-terpestacin using the allene ether Nazarov reaction as the key step is described. All stereochemistry is derived from the stereogenic carbon atom that is formed during the Nazarov reaction.
Search task performance using subtle gaze direction with the presence of distractions

A new experiment is presented that demonstrates the usefulness of an image space modulation technique called subtle gaze direction (SGD) for guiding the user in a simple searching task. SGD uses image space modulations in the luminance channel to guide a viewer's gaze about a scene without interrupting their visual experience. The goal of SGD is to direct a viewer's gaze to certain regions of a scene without introducing noticeable changes in the image. Using a simple searching task, we compared performance using no modulation, using subtle modulation, and using obvious modulation. Results from the experiments show improved performance when using subtle gaze direction, without affecting the user's perception of the image. We then extend the experiment to evaluate performance with the presence of distractors. The distractors took the form of extra modulations, which do not correspond to a target in the image. Experimentation shows, that, even in the presence of distractors, more accurate results are returned on a simple search task using SGD, as compared to results returned when no modulation at all is used. Results establish the potential of the method for a wide range of applications including gaming, perceptually based rendering, navigation in virtual environments, and medical search tasks.
Invited Commentary: Validity of Case-Control Studies of Sleep Duration and Breast Cancer

The light-at-night theory of breast cancer causation states that a portion of the high breast cancer risk in the industrialized world, and of the rising risk in the developing word, is due to the introduction and increasing use of electricity to light the night. It is difficult to test this idea in human populations, partly because almost everyone in the modern world uses electric lighting after the sun sets. Specific hypotheses that have been tested include the notions that shift workers should be at higher risk, blind women should be at lower risk, and reported sleep duration should be inversely associated with risk. Girschik et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2012;000(0):000–000) have tested the latter in a case-control study. Although the case-control design is useful for many questions, it is probably not useful for studies of sleep duration and health. breast cancer; case-control studies; circadian rhythm; sleep; sleep duration; sleep quality
On the Genetic Relation between Interstellar Clouds and Dust Clouds

We propose that many of the denser dust clouds represent transient stages between the initiation of gravitational collapse of ordinary interstellar clouds by passage through a spiral galactic shock and the appearance of a stellar association. The interstellar gas is not processed at too rapid a rate (1) because the time spent between galactic shocks is appreciably longer than the free-fall collapse time of a typical dust cloud, and (2) because only a small fraction of the total mass of gas of a given collapsing cloud is converted into stars — the rest is presumably redispersed by various dynamical processes which accompany the formation of massive stars. We note that the residue of atomic hydrogen observed to exist in dark dust clouds is compatible with the interpretation that they are transient objects whose lifetimes are not longer than ~ 107 yr.
Incorporating biological natural history in simulation models: Empirical estimates of the progression of end-stage liver disease

Objective. To develop an empiric natural-history model that can predictquantitativechanges in thelaboratory values and clinical characteristics of patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD), to be used to calibrate an individual microsimulation model. Methods. The authors report the development of a stochastic model that uses cubic splines to interpolate between observed laboratory values over time in a cohort of 1997 patients with ESLD awaiting liver transplantation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The splines were recursively sampled to provide a stochastic, quantitative natural history of each candidate’s disease. Results. The model was able to simulate the types of erratic disease trajectories that occur in individual patients and was able to preserve the statistical properties of the natural history of ESLD in cohorts of real patients. Moreover, the model was able to predict pretransplant survival rates (87% at 1 year), which were statistically similar to rates observed in the authors’ local cohort (92%). Conclusions. Cubic splines can be used to generate quantitative natural histories for individual patients with ESLD and may be useful for developing clinically robust microsimulation models of other diseases.
The deactivation of hCG by nicking and dissociation

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is composed of an alpha- and a beta-subunit, joined noncovalently. A proportion of hCG molecules in pregnancy serum and urine samples have nicks or a missing peptide linkage between either beta-subunit residues 44 and 45 or beta-subunit residues 47 and 48. These nicks ablate the steroidogenic activity of hCG. We examined the source of nicking, and the occurrence and stability of nicked hCG molecules produced during pregnancy. We investigated the source of nicking. Standard hCG was added to three samples of whole blood, and incubated 18 h at 37 C. No change in extent of nicking was detected. However, nicking of hCG beta-subunit was detected by gel electrophoresis (bands at M(r) = 17,000 and M(r) = 22,000, corresponding to the peptides beta 1-47(44) and beta 48(45)-145, respectively) in culture fluids from first trimester placental explants and from JAr malignant trophoblast cells. We inferred that nicking occurs before or immediately upon secretion by trophoblast tissue. ...
Some Effects of the “Space” Serials

The general public, parents, teachers, and social scientists have long been concerned with the effects of children's radio programs. In the study reported here, the author investigated children's identification with radio characters and their acceptance of values espoused by those characters. He found that success was the most important element in determining whether the personality would be accepted or rejected. Robert Zajonc is Research Associate in the Research Center for Group Dynamics at the University of Michigan.
Bowen’s Disease

Bowens’ disease is often described as an intraepithelial carcinoma. There are so many methods of treating the disease that in our reference out of 125 verified lesions, only 19 were treated with grenz rays. We conclude that alternate methods of therapy are the treatment methods of choice. Fifty-three percent of radiation oncologists would not treat Bowen’s disease according to the national survey.
Progress on signal-selective direction finding

The recently discovered Cyclic MUSIC algorithm for narrowband signal-selective direction finding using antenna arrays circumvents many drawbacks of conventional techniques by exploiting known spectral correlation properties (namely known cycle frequencies such as the baud rate or carrier frequency) of the desired signals to reject undesired signals, interference, and noise. Two recent advances in the capabilities of Cyclic MUSIC are described. The first enables Cyclic MUSIC to simultaneously estimate the directions of arrival of signals having different cycle frequencies instead of having to sequentially process each separate frequency in a list of cycle frequencies (either known a priori or measured). The second advance reduces the sensitivity of Cyclic MUSIC to error in the knowledge of the cycle frequency of interest by estimating the frequency of a quadratically-regenerated sine wave and then using that estimate as the cycle frequency parameter in the computation of the cyclic autocorrelation matrix, which is then processed to estimate the directions of arrival. >
In Search of Subjectivity: A Reflection of a Teacher Educator in a Cross-Cultural Context

AbstractThis paper explores the concept of subjectivity from the perspective of a nonnative-English-speaking teacher educator at a Midwestern university in the USA. It begins with a literature review on the role subjectivity plays in education. It argues that acknowledging the existence of subjectivity allows us to investigate its enabling and disabling potential in relation to our practice. Building on George Herbert Mead’s work, various forms of the teacher educator’s subjectivity are revealed and examined with regard to his teaching and research. It is hoped that this paper would serve as a prompt for more conversations on subjectivity as well as a point of entry into a better understanding of the teacher educators working in a cross-cultural context.
M-ary optical data storage: fixed versus variable length modulation

We consider theoretical and practical aspects of an M-ary optical recording channel. Specifically, we address the performance tradeoffs between conventional pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) and M-ary runlength limited (RLL) coding in an optical disc system with compact disc parameters. Using a linear-time invariant channel model with white and nonwhite noise components, we see that, for signal-to-noise ratios found in typical CD systems, coded PAM outperforms M-ary RLL codes for a range of storage densities. In addition, this work also shows that for systems that require moderate-to-small values of M, M-ary RLL codes can provide significant advantages.
Representation and analysis of coordinated attacks

In this paper, we propose a formal model of coordinated attacks in which several attackers cooperate towards a common malicious goal. The model investigates both attack planning and vulnerability analysis, thereby providing a uniform approach to system and adversary modelling. In addition, the model is general enough to explain both coordinated and single attacks.In the paper, we define the notion of coordinated-attack graph, propose an algorithm for efficient generation of coordinated-attack graphs, demonstrate how coordinated-attack can be used for vulnerability analysis, and discuss an implementation of a coordinated-attack graph.Coordinated-attack graphs can facilitate a wide range of tasks, such as model checking, opponent modelling, intrusion response, sensor configuration, and so forth. In addition, they can be used in robotic warfare, where several intelligent software agents automatically produce and launch coordinated attacks.
How Auditors Reach Balance or Expediency and Independence

Auditor independence has been a long-standing principle within the accounting profession. The ultimate test and purpose of auditor independence is the creation of an objective state of mind. But since it is not possible to control a person's state of mind, the rules of independence have on controls of specific behavior such as not allowing auditors to hold stock in companies they audit or, more recently, prohibiting auditors from providing consulting services to audit clients.
Using optical tweezers to study biological motors and cellular structures

A single beam gradient force optical trap,1–3 or "optical tweezers," exerts forces on microscopic dielectric particles using a highly focused beam of laser light, and can achieve stable, three-dimensional trapping of objects (for recent reviews, see Refs. 4, 5). Using an infrared laser, calibratable forces in the picoNewton (pN) range can be easily generated without producing significant damage to biological specimens. Optical tweezers work through the microscope, without mechanical intrusion within sealed preparations, and can even reach directly inside cells or organelles. Optical traps can be controlled with extraordinary spatial and temporal precision, and they have the potential to revolutionize aspects of cell biology. The characteristic "grasp" of optical tweezers is approximately equal to the wavelength of light, but they can capture and/or manipulate objects ranging in size from a few nanometers to a hundred micrometers. Biological preparations (e.g., cells, vesicles, organelles) or small particles (e.g., latex or silica microspheres, perhaps carrying reagents coupled to their surfaces) can be held, maneuvered, or released at will. Already researchers have begun to contemplate experiments that were a practical impossibility just a short while ago. Some advances include; (1) sorting and isolation of cells, vesicles, organelles, chromosomes, etc,; (2) direct measurement of the mechanical properties of cytoskeletal assemblies, membranes, or membrane-bound elements; (3) measurement of the tiny forces produced by mechanoenzymes; (4) establishing cell-cell contacts, or measuring receptor-ligand inter- actions; (5) cellutar rheology on the micrometer scale; (6) cellular microsurgery, membrane fusion, and building novel cellular (or noncellular) microstructures; and (7) capturing and maintaining fragile biological structures away from vessel surfaces, in order to study them in isolation under optimal viewing conditions. The principles of optical tweezers will be explained, and a videotape illustrating a number of novel experimental uses will be shown.
Dear Dad: Southgate and the American Jobs Creation Act

This article discusses the trade-offs surrounding tax efficiency and economic uncertainty through a case study discussion of Southgate Master Fund v. United States, a case involving the tax treatment of a distressed asset debt (DAD) transaction in 2002, and a legislative change to that treatment enacted prospectively in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Jobs Act). This case study illustrates the issues and challenges involved in balancing the competing forces between tax collection and economic efficiency. First, Southgate offers evidence that advocating a broad judicial interpretation of the economic substance doctrine -- a sniff test for tax shelters whereby tax benefits are disallowed simply because they do not look or feel right or fair -- is unnecessary and in fact undesirable. Second, waiting to enact the statutory change disallowing loss partnership transfers and enacting the change prospectively did not impede the government's ability to pursue suspected tax evaders. Rather, a careful, precise, fact-based approach that judiciously employs common-law doctrine should be sufficient to achieve proper tax enforcement without creating undue uncertainty for all other taxpayers.
Sectored Cyclotrons

Conventional fixed frequency cyclotrons evolved from the pioneering work of E. O. Lawrence and M. S. Livingston1; typical performance characteristics include fixed output energy, fixed e/m of the accelerated ions, energy less than 10 MeV/nucleon2, poor beam quality and poor duty cycle. In recent years a series of new concepts have revolutionized the fixed frequency cyclotron. These new concepts include (a) sector focusing, (b) variable frequency rf systems, (c) resonant extraction, (d) programmed orbits, and (e) acceleration of negative ions. The resulting machines, referred to herein as "sectored" cyclotrons3, have essentially ideal properties as compared with the classical cyclotron, i.e., variable energy, variable e/m, arbitrary final energy, good beam quality, and greatly improved duty cycle. The initial section of this paper reviews fundamentals of modern sectored cyclotrons with illustrative examples drawn from the present generation of such machines; the final section considers possible features and design problems of future machines of this type.
Calcification of a Lysozyme-Inositol Phosphatide Complex in Vitro

SummaryA synthetic basic protein-acidic phospholipid complex was prepared from lysozyme and inositol phosphatides. Suspension of the complex in metastable calcium phosphate solutions resulted in formation of membrane-bound vesicles and apatite nucleation. The results suggest that calcium binding lipoproteins might have a function in calcification.
Differential pulse voltammetric determination of arsenic(III, V) and antimony (III, V) in glasses

Analytical methods based on differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) have been described for the determination of total As, As(III), As(V), total Sb and Sb(III) as trace to minor constituents in complex glasses. For total As, the sample is decomposed with HF-H2SO4-KMnO4. The As(V) is chemically reduced to As (III) by hypophosphite and a DPV scan is carried out at the dropping mercury electrode from −0.2 to −0.7 Vvs. SCE (Ep−0.41V). As(V) is determined by decomposing the sample in HF-H2SO4 and volatilizing the As(III) as AsF3. The chemical reduction of As(V) and the DPV scan are then applied. If the glass can be decomposed with cold HF, the As(III) present in the glass can be determined by applying the DPV scan after cold sample-dissolution. For Sb(III), the sample is decomposed with HF-H2SO4, diluted, and adjusted to 1M in HCl. A DPV scan is conducted from −0.03 to −0.5 V (Ep −0.15 V). Sb(V) is not reduced in the 1M HCl supporting electrolyte. Total Sb is determined by using an aliquot of the sample solution adjusted to 6M in HCl. The DPV sweep is carried out from −0.5 to −0.1 V [Ep for Sb(V) and Sb(III) is −0.30 V]. The methods have been applied to a wide range of glass compositions and the results compared with values obtained by spectrophotometry and coulometric titration.
A Redox Series of Aluminum Complexes: Characterization of Four Oxidation States Including a Ligand Biradical State Stabilized via Exchange Coupling

Electrophilic activation and subsequent reduction of substrates is in general not possible because highly Lewis acidic metals lack access to multiple redox states. Herein, we demonstrate that transition metal-like redox processes and electronic structure and magnetic properties can be imparted to aluminum(III). Bis(iminopyridine) complexes containing neutral, monoanionic, and dianionic iminopyridine ligands (IP) have been characterized structurally and electronically; yellow (IP)AlCl(3) (1), deep green (IP(-))(2)AlCl (2) and (IP(-))(2)Al(CF(3)SO(3)) (3), and deep purple [(IP(2-))Al](-) (5) are presented. The mixed-valent, monoradical complex (IP(-))(IP(2-))Al is unstable toward C-C coupling, and [(IP(2-))Al](2-)(μ-IP-IP)(2-) (4) has been isolated. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and EPR spectroscopy measurements indicate that the biradical character of the ligand-based triplet in 2 is stabilized by strong antiferromagnetic exchange coupling mediated by aluminum(III): J = -230 cm(-1) for Ĥ = -2J(Ŝ(L(1))·Ŝ(L(2))). Coordination geometry-dependent (IP(-))-(IP(-)) communication through aluminum(III) is observed electrochemically. The cyclic voltammogram of trigonal bipyramidal 2 displays successive ligand-based oxidation events for the two IP(1-/0) processes, at -0.86 and -1.20 V vs SCE. The 0.34 V spacing between redox couples corresponds to a conproportionation constant of K(c) = 10(5.8) for the process (IP(-))(2)AlCl + (IP)(2)AlCl → 2(IP(-))(IP)AlCl consistent with Robin and Day Class II mixed-valent behavior. Tetrahedral 5 displays localized, Class I behavior as indicated by closely spaced redox couples. Furthermore, CV's of 2 and 5 indicate that changes in the coordination environment of the aluminum center shift the potentials for the IP(1-/0) and IP(2-/1-) redox couples by up to 0.9 V.
Polymer Monoliths Containing Two-Photon Absorbing Phenylenevinylene Platinum(II) Acetylide Chromophores for Optical Power Limiting

A series of platinum(II) acetylide complexes containing p-phenylenevinylene and moieties end-capped with triphenylamine groups have been incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) monoliths for optical power limiting applications. The one- and two-photon photophysical properties were investigated and compared to the photophysical properties in THF. The absolute two-photon absorption cross-section values for the monolith samples were measured and are comparable to the values obtained in solution. In the PMMA monoliths, the complexes retained the important two-photon absorption and reverse saturable absorption properties necessary for optical power limiting via dual mode mechanism, and their strong nonlinear absorption property was demonstrated by the open-aperture Z-scan method. Photostability studies of the p-phenylenevinylene platinum(II) acetylide complexes showed two photodegradation processes: a trans-to-cis isomerization and a singlet-oxygen sensitized self-oxidative cleavage. The photostabil...
Prevalence rate and risk factors of stroke of people over 50 years old in Shunyi District of Beijing City

[Objective]To find out exposure level and distribution characteristics of risk factors of stroke among population over 50 years in Shunyi District of Beijing City.[Methods]From 2010-2012,cluster sampling method was adopted to select local residents over 50 years from 24 communities or villages in Shunyi District. Questionnaire and physical examination were performed on 4 199 selected residents.[Results] The prevalence rate of stroke was 9. 0%,males prevalence rate was 12. 6% which was significantly higher than that of females( 7. 0%). The difference was statistically significant(χ2= 37. 399,P 0. 01). The incidence was increased with age. Exposure rate of hypertension,diabetes,dyslipidemia,heart disease,obesity,family history of stroke,cigarette smoking and alcohol drink were 69. 2%,19. 6%,36. 3%,20. 7%,31. 3%,30. 0%,28. 1%,21. 8%,respectively,all higher than those who without stroke( P 0. 05).[Conclusion]The prevalence rate and exposure level of stroke in population≥50 years old is at a high level which is closely relevant to age and gender in Shunyi District of Beijing City. The top 3 risk factors of stroke patients are hypertension,dyslipidemia and obesity.
Effect of Prostaglandin E2 on Oviductal Adenosine 3′:5′-Monophosphate Levels During Estrus and Pseudopregnancy *

The basal levels of adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in the oviductal isthmus were lower during pseudopregnancy than during estrus. No differences were observed in the ampulla. Prostaglandin E2(PGE2) significantly increased cyclic AMP levels in the isthmus during pseudopregnancy but not during estrus. In contrast, in the ampulla, PGE2 did not alter cyclic AMP levels in either hormonal condition. Theophylline increased cyclic AMP levels in the isthmus and in the ampulla during pseudopregnancy. These results show that PGE2 causes a specific increase in cyclic AMP levels in the isthmus after ovulation.
Analytical model for phonon transport analysis of periodic bulk nanoporous structures

Abstract Phonon transport analysis in nano- and micro-porous materials is critical to their energy-related applications. Assuming diffusive phonon scattering by pore edges, the lattice thermal conductivity can be predicted by modifying the bulk phonon mean free paths with the characteristic length of the nanoporous structure, i.e., the phonon mean free path ( Λ Pore ) for the pore-edge scattering of phonons. In previous studies (Jean et al., 2014), a Monte Carlo (MC) technique have been employed to extract geometry-determined Λ Pore for nanoporous bulk materials with selected periods and porosities. In other studies (Minnich and Chen, 2007; Machrafi and Lebon, 2015), simple expressions have been proposed to compute Λ Pore . However, some divergence can often be found between lattice thermal conductivities predicted by phonon MC simulations and by analytical models using Λ Pore . In this work, the effective Λ Pore values are extracted by matching the frequency-dependent phonon MC simulations with the analytical model for nanoporous bulk Si. The obtained Λ Pore values are usually smaller than their analytical expressions. These new values are further confirmed by frequency-dependent phonon MC simulations on nanoporous bulk Ge. By normalizing the volumetric surface area A and Λ Pore with the period length p, the same curve can be used for bulk materials with aligned cubic or spherical pores up to dimensionless p·A of 1.5. Available experimental data for nanoporous Si materials are further analyzed with new Λ Pore values. In practice, the proposed model can be employed for the thermal analysis of various nanoporous materials and thus replace the time-consuming phonon MC simulations.