cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of sleep on the early components of the averaged electroencephalic response.

Ongoing EEG activity was recorded from each of two subjects during four nights of natural sleep. The early components of the AER were examined during the third and fourth nights with 50 dB SL clicks at a rate of 9.6/sec being presented from a loudspeaker for the entire night. Each average consisted of 1024 responses, and averages were taken from each stage of sleep. The early components of the AER demonstrated consistent peak latency regardless of the stage of sleep. Amplitude varied with stage: the deeper the stage of sleep, the smaller the amplitude. Clear responses were seen during REM sleep. There was no long-term habituation of the response. Laufend wurde die EEG-Aktivitat von jedem der beiden Probanden wahrend 4 Nachten im naturlichen Schlaf gemessen. Wahrend der 3. und 4. Nacht wurde die fruhe Komponente der ERA gemessen mit 50 dB SL Clicks, die in einer Rate von 9,6 sec uber Lautsprecher durch die ganze Nacht hindurch gegeben wurden. Jede Mittelung bestand aus 1024 Antworten, und die Mittelungen wurden aus jeder Schlaf-Phase genommen. Die fruhe Komponente der ERA zeigte eine bestandige Amplituden-Latenz, ohne Rucksicht auf die Schlaf-Phase. Die Grose der Amplitude wechselte mit der Phase, je tiefer der Schlaf, um so geringer die Amplitude. Klare Antworten wurden auch wahrend des REM-Stadiums des Schlafes gesehen. Keine Langzeit-Gewohnung der Reizantwort trat auf.
On the solvability of the general feedback control problem

A new necessary and sufficient condition for the solvability of the general feedback control problem in linear systems, is presented. Its advantage lies in the fact that it allows the complexity of the feedback controller to be incorporated in the theory of feedback design.
Cell-surface molecules involved in T-cell functions

A complete understanding of immune response mechanisms requires both identification of the cellular subpopulations participating in a given response and elucidation of the antigen-specific receptors employed by these cells. A great deal of recent study has been directed at the characterization of T-cell subpopulations and the receptor structures expressed by these cells. Perhaps the most powerful tools so far employed have been the serological reagents which distinguish cell-surface molecules on lymphoid populations. In this review, Jeffrey Bluestone and Richard Hodes summarize our understanding of the surface molecules expressed on functionally distinct T-cell subpopulations, and the role of these molecules in antigen-specific T-cell activation.
Two cases of pheochromocytoma presenting with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)-like symptoms

Two patients with pheochromocytoma initially presented with behavioral symptoms similar to those seen with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, and poor school performance. One patient was treated with dextroamphetamine/amphetamine for 4 months, at which time medication was discontinued when hypertension appeared. The second patient had hypertension when initially seen. All behavioral abnormalities resolved following tumor resection. Children with ADHD-like symptoms who present atypically at an older age or have other somatic signs and symptoms such as headaches and hypertension should undergo evaluation to rule out an organic etiology.
A metallurgical approach to high- Tc microcomposites

A metallurgical approach has been developed to produce high-critical-temperature (high-Tc) superconducting oxide/silver microcomposites. Metallic precursor alloys, which contain the metallic constituents of the superconducting oxides and silver, were made by melt spinning, melt dipping or melt writing, and then converted into superconducting microcomposites by atmospherecontrolled oxidation and annealing. The Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-Ag alloy system was chosen as the system upon which to apply these methods, and superconducting composites with zero resistance at 104–110K and engineering critical current densities of 400–700 A/cm2 at 77K were produced in this way with excellent reproducibility. The analysis of the process includes a variant of a temperature-time-transformation diagram. The processing methods discussed in this article have advantages in producing superconducting materials with improved mechanical properties and flexible shapes, including long ribbons, long wires and coils; they also can be used to join superconductors to either one another or normal metals.
Characteristics of resilient youths living in poverty: the role of self-regulatory processes.

As part of a larger investigation of very low income families, this study examined the characteristics that differentiated resilient from nonresilient school-age youths, with a focus on self-regulation (e.g., executive function, emotion regulation) skills. Resilience was operationally defined in a robust and comprehensive manner using well-established instruments that measured children's emotional well-being and mental health. Controlling for other explanatory variables, including differences in the experience of negative life events and chronic strains, resilient youths were notably different from nonresilient youths in terms of having greater self-regulatory skills and self-esteem, as well as in receiving more active parental monitoring. Study findings are discussed with regard to the theoretical framework of self-regulation and their implications for preventive intervention.
Construction and Validation of an Observational Scale of Neighborhood Characteristics

This paper reports the development and validation of the Neighborhood Observation Scale, a 41 item measure of neighborhood physical appearance, social appearance, safety, and amenities. Three independent ratings were collected on each of 244 neighborhoods in 132 census block groups in five South Carolina counties, for a total of 732 observations. Inter-rater reliability analysis showed 92.6% agreement among at least two raters and an intraclass correlation of .54, indicating acceptable reliability. Exploratory factor analysis extracted eight factors for neighborhood physical appearance, school/park/public space physical appearance, neighborhood social appearance, indicated social engagement, observed social engagement, park/public space social engagement, resident watchfulness, and neighborhood safety risk. A follow-up confirmatory factor analysis supported the eight factor structure. Reliability analysis produced alpha coefficients ranging from .55 to .94 for the eight factors, indicating reliability for use as sub-scales. Convergent validity was determined by generally acceptable correlations of the factor sub-scales with measures of neighborhood distress, rates of child maltreatment and ICD-9-CM coded child injuries, and resident perceptions of neighboring, collective efficacy, reciprocal helping, and children’s safety in the home. Implications for research and policy and program development are discussed.
Neurons in layer III of the entorhinal cortex. A role in epileptogenesis and epilepsy

A preferential lesion of neurons in layer III of the entorhinal cortex (EC) is often observed in patients suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy and in several animal models of the disease. This lesion is duplicated in rats by a focal, intra-entorhinal injection of the "indirect" excitotoxin aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA), providing a model that can be used to study the mechanisms underlying seizure-induced cell death and epilepsy. Doomed neurons in the EC and in several associated limbic structures show pathological changes within hours after the AOAA injection, but GABAergic neurons in layer III of the EC are quite resistant. This pattern of neuron loss eventually results in hippocampal and entorhinal hyperexcitability. Notably, the seizure-induced death of layer III neurons in the EC can be attenuated by eliminating the prominent excitatory input from the presubiculum. Taken together, these results suggest opportunities to target parahippocampal structures for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Organization Development in Schools: Goal Agreement, Process Skills, and Diffusion of Change

The effects of an organization development (OD) intervention in seven elementary schools were examined in four areas: (a) goal agreement, (b) reported use of process skills, (c) relationship between process skills and goal agreement, and (d) diffusion of the effects of the intervention to new teachers. Principal-teacher teams participated in OD workshops and conducted training in their schools. Experimental school teachers increased more in goal agreement than did control school teachers. Experimental school teachers also reported more participation in discussions, participation in decisions, and surfacing of conflict than did control school teachers. Substantial diffusion of change occurred. After one year, new teachers in the experimental schools were equal to or superior to experienced teachers in goal agreement and use of process skills.
Disorders of iron metabolism.

Iron has the capacity to accept and donate electrons readily, interconverting between ferric (Fe2+) and ferrous (Fe3+) forms. This capability makes it a useful component of cytochromes, oxygen-bind...
An Industry Profile of Corporate Real Estate

Corporate real estate is increasingly becoming an area of emphasis for real estate professionals and academics, particularly in asset management. Using balance sheet data on real estate corporate h...
Simulations of Dislocation Structure and Response

Despite 5,000 years of metals in technology and 80 years since dislocations were postulated as the carriers of deformation, we still lack fundamental theories of dislocation substructure development and its relation to the stress-strain response in real materials. In this review, we focus on one type of tool being used to explore dislocation-based plasticity: the modeling and simulation of dislocation structures and properties. Before a discussion of the methods, we present a brief summary of aspects of dislocation theory that are critical to understanding plasticity. We then review three approaches to modeling and simulating dislocation properties at the mesoscale: discrete dislocation dynamics, phase-field dislocation methods, and continuous dislocation theory. We discuss the power and limitations of the methods when applied to real-world problems.
Efficient Recovery of Jointly Sparse Vectors

We consider the reconstruction of sparse signals in the multiple measurement vector (MMV) model, in which the signal, represented as a matrix, consists of a set of jointly sparse vectors. MMV is an extension of the single measurement vector (SMV) model employed in standard compressive sensing (CS). Recent theoretical studies focus on the convex relaxation of the MMV problem based on the (2,1)-norm minimization, which is an extension of the well-known 1-norm minimization employed in SMV. However, the resulting convex optimization problem in MMV is significantly much more difficult to solve than the one in SMV. Existing algorithms reformulate it as a second-order cone programming (SOCP) or semidefinite programming (SDP) problem, which is computationally expensive to solve for problems of moderate size. In this paper, we propose a new (dual) reformulation of the convex optimization problem in MMV and develop an efficient algorithm based on the prox-method. Interestingly, our theoretical analysis reveals the close connection between the proposed reformulation and multiple kernel learning. Our simulation studies demonstrate the scalability of the proposed algorithm.
Effect of ethanol on BTEX biodegradation kinetics: aerobic continuous culture experiments.

The use of ethanol as an automotive fuel oxygenate represents potential economic and air-quality benefits. However, little is known about how ethanol may affect the natural attenuation of petroleum product releases. Chemostat experiments were conducted with four pure cultures (representing archetypes of the known aerobic toluene degradation pathways) to determine how ethanol affects benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) biodegradation kinetics. In all cases, the presence of ethanol decreased the metabolic flux of toluene (measured as the rate of toluene degradation per cell). This negative effect was counteracted by an ethanol-supported increase in biomass, which is conducive to faster degradation rates. When the influent total organic carbon (TOC) of the toluene-ethanol mixture was kept constant, the metabolic flux of toluene was proportional to its relative contribution to the influent TOC. This empirical relationship was used to derive a mathematical model that simulated effluent benzene concentrations as a function of the influent mixed-substrate composition, the dilution rate, and Monod kinetic coefficients. Under carbon-limiting conditions (1 mg/L influent benzene), the data and model simulations showed an increase in benzene removal efficiency when ethanol was fed at low concentrations (ca. 1 mg/L) because its positive effect on cell growth outweighed its negative effect on the metabolic flux of benzene. High ethanol concentrations, however, had a negative effect, causing oxygen limitation and increasing effluent benzene concentrations to higher levels than when benzene was fed alone. The slower BTEX degradation rates expected at sites with high ethanol concentrations (e.g., at gasohol-contaminated sites) could result in longer BTEX plumes and a greater risk of exposure.
Cross-Sectional Echocardiographic Features of Ebstein’s Malformation

Diagnostic criteria were defined for Ebstein’s malformation of the tricuspid valve (TV) using the multiple crystal echo approach (Bom) that provides real time studies of cross-section cardiac anatomv. In 6 patients using a single crystal technique nonspecific findings of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were observed. In contrast, multicrystal studies in all patients revealed increased right ventricular (RV) dimensions and consistently abnormal TV echoes. In sagittal view the septal leaflet of the TV was displaced inferiorly within the RV cavity and its diastolic excursion was anterosuperiorly oriented. Additional findings in this view included multiple TV echoes, elongation and increased leaflet excursion of the TV and a “whipping” pattern of motion. In transverse views the TV was displaced leftward when mitral valve position was used as a reference landmark. True, paradoxical systolic anterior motion of the entire ventricular septum was observed in 5/5 patients and was seen even when only minimal TR was present.
Prevalence and possible etiology of dental enamel hypoplasia.

Two hundred black and white adult human skeletons and 200 living black and white children from the greater Cleveland area were examined for evidence of enamel hypoplasia. Enamel hypoplasia, present in varying expressions (pits, lines and grooves), was found to be more prevalent in both skeletal samples, than in the living groups. In the majority of cases, sex differences between white and black males and females through time and space are highly significant for all tooth categories. Regardless of the mechanisms behind it, prevalence of enamel hypoplasia for both white and black groups has significantly declined through time. No evidence suggesting specific etiologies responsible for enamel hypoplasia can be found. In the majority of previously published reports, the etiology is still idiopathic. The reduction in the prevalence of enamel hypoplasia in the groups examined through time may be related to improved nutritional conditions and the elimination or decline of childhood diseases that have been implicated in this condition.
Malonyl-CoA synthetase, encoded by ACYL ACTIVATING ENZYME13, is essential for growth and development of Arabidopsis.

Malonyl-CoA is the precursor for fatty acid synthesis and elongation. It is also one of the building blocks for the biosynthesis of some phytoalexins, flavonoids, and many malonylated compounds. In plants as well as in animals, malonyl-CoA is almost exclusively derived from acetyl-CoA by acetyl-CoA carboxylase (EC 6.4.1.2). However, previous studies have suggested that malonyl-CoA may also be made directly from malonic acid by malonyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.14). Here, we report the cloning of a eukaryotic malonyl-CoA synthetase gene, Acyl Activating Enzyme13 (AAE13; At3g16170), from Arabidopsis thaliana. Recombinant AAE13 protein showed high activity against malonic acid (Km = 529.4 ± 98.5 μM; Vm = 24.0 ± 2.7 μmol/mg/min) but little or no activity against other dicarboxylic or fatty acids tested. Exogenous malonic acid was toxic to Arabidopsis seedlings and caused accumulation of malonic and succinic acids in the seedlings. aae13 null mutants also grew poorly and accumulated malonic and succinic acids. These defects were complemented by an AAE13 transgene or by a bacterial malonyl-CoA synthetase gene under control of the AAE13 promoter. Our results demonstrate that the malonyl-CoA synthetase encoded by AAE13 is essential for healthy growth and development, probably because it is required for the detoxification of malonate.
Issues and Challenges in Special Care Dentistry

Dr. Steinberg is Clinical Professor of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine. Direct correspondence to her at Drexel University College of Medicine, 3300 Henry Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19129; 609-442-9780 phone; 609-823-0152 fax. One of the neediest yet most underserved groups of dental
Teaching Algebra and Geometry with GeoGebra: Preparing Pre-Service Teachers for Middle Grades/Secondary Mathematics Classrooms

GeoGebra is a free, open-source program that combines features of dynamic geometry software, computer algebra systems, and spreadsheet programs. With its unique ability to illuminate both algebraic and geometric concepts, GeoGebra provides a mechanism to improve how mathematics is taught and learned in middle grades/secondary classrooms. Based on personal experiences of demonstrating GeoGebra-based teaching methods to pre-service and in-service middle grades/secondary mathematics teachers, the lead author has used GeoGebra to enhance pre-service and in-service mathematics teachers’ mathematical thinking.
“Inflammatory Carcinoma” of the Breast

The gravity of inflammatory signs in the skin overlying a carcinoma of the breast has been appreciated for well over a century (3). Klotz (32) in 1869 and Volkmann (59) in 187S described “carcinomatous mastitis” as occurring particularly in young women during pregnancy and lactation. Bryant (9) first appreciated that the inflammatory signs were attributable to diffuse lymphatic blockage by cancer cells. Numerous other reports were published from time to time, the condition being variously described as acute brawny cancer, acute scirrhous carcinoma, acute medullary cancer, acute mammary carcinomatosis, lactation cancer, carcinoma mastitoides, inflamed cancer, etc. In 1924 Lee and Tannenbaum presented 28 cases of the disease under the title “Inflammatory Carcinoma of the Breast” (37). Many smaller groups of cases have since been reported, adding to the already formidable list of names applied to the condition. Despite this multiplicity of terms, however, one significant advance is to be noted: whereas in 1924 it was difficult to convince the medical profession that the inflammatory signs were of a cancerous nature (37), today that fact is universally accepted. Definition: As we shall show in our study, the “inflammatory” type of carcinoma of the breast presents certain clinical characteristics and certain pathological peculiarities. Since pathological material is not available in all cases, and since special pathological study is often necessary to demonstrate the typical invasion of lymphatic vessels, most of the cases included in this study were selected on the basis of clinical characteristics alone. These characteristics, justifying the designation “inflammatory,” are redness, heat, edema, orange-peel appearance of the skin, diffuse and ill-defined swelling, and sometimes pain and tenderness. All of these features are not present in every case, and those which are present may vary in degree. No one of them alone is sufficient to justify the clinical diagnosis. Thus in the absence of pathological proof, there may be disagreement among clinical observers as to whether a given case is or is not “inflammatory carcinoma”; and the possibility of such disagreement is increased when decision must be made on the basis of a study of records and photographs rather than of the patients themselves. We have carefully reviewed our cases of carcinoma of the breast and believe that those included in this report presented characteristics justifying the designation, inflammatory carcinoma.
MODELING REGIONAL WATERFOWL HARVEST RATES USING MARKOV CHAIN MONTE CARLO

Abstract We developed models for simultaneous inference on movement and harvest rates, and of factors influencing harvest rates, using band-recovery data and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) modeling. We modeled variation in harvest rates for American black ducks (Anas rubripes) during 1971–1994 using recoveries of ducks banded in 3 breeding regions and recovered in 6 harvest regions in Canada and the United States. Models based on season length or bag limit together with season length, and incorporating a random year- and area-specific effect, were superior to other models as gauged by information criteria, fit statistics, and cross-validation. We used these models to generate posterior predictive distributions for harvest rates as a function of harvest regulations, for application to adaptive harvest management.
Entente Tri-Parti: Triangular Alliances Involving India

Advancing from the age of entente cordiale (1904), Anglo-Russian entente (1907) and the Little Entente (1933), we appear to be entering an age of ‘entente tri-parti’ as distorted versions of love triangles transcend the spectre of the 70mm screen appear on the horizon of the international political arena. In this paper, we analyze the various triangular axis-formations India is actually or perceived to be entering into, their motivations and their goals.
Similarities and Differences Between Behavioral Control by Drug-Produced Stimuli and by Sensory Stimuli

Drug-induced state-dependent learning and drug discriminations may be based on sensory stimuli induced by drug actions, or at least on events in the brain that have properties analogous tothose of sensory stimuli. A variety of comparisons between behavioral control by drug-induced stimuli and by classically defined interoceptive and exteroceptive stimuli are possible. These allow inferences to be made about the nature of drug stimuli, the properties of behavioral paradigms that we use to investigate them, and the mechanisms by which drugs achieve behavioral control in drug discrimination and state-dependent learning paradigms. Each of these topics is selectively reviewed in this paper.
HIGH SENSITIVITY OPTICALLY PREAMPLIFIED 10 Gb/s RECEIVERS

High sensitivity receivers are of interest because they allow considerable flexibility in the overall system design. Receiver sensitivity may be used to reduce the amount of transmitter power required, to extend the link distance of repeaterless links, to increase the amplifier spacing in an optically amplified link, or simply to provide additional margin. This paper reports the demonstration of high sensitivity 10 Gb/s receivers with two different modulation formats: on-off keying (OOK) and differential-phase-shift-keying (DPSK). Measured sensitivities at a bit-error-rate (BER) of 10-9 with a 231-1 length pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) are 76 photondbit (-40.1 dBm average received power) for the OOK receiver and 38 photons/bit (-43.1 dBm) for the DPSK receiver. These sensitivities represent considerable improvement over previously reported results [1,2], and are within 3.0 dB (OOK) and 2.8 dB (DPSK) of the ideal receiver sensitivities.[3,4]
The accelerated characterization of viscoelastic composite materials

Necessary fundamentals relative to composite materials and viscoelasticity are reviewed. The accelerated characterization techniques of time temperature superposition and time temperature stress superposition are described. An experimental procedure for applying the latter to composites is given along with results obtained on a particular T300/934 graphite/epoxy. The accelerated characterization predictions are found in good agreement with actual long term tests. A postcuring phenomenon is discussed that necessitates thermal conditioning of the specimen prior to testing. A closely related phenomenon of physical aging is described as well as the effect of each on the glass transition temperature and strength. Creep rupture results are provided for a variety of geometries and temperatures for T300/934 graphite/epoxy. The results are found to compare reasonably with a modified kinetic rate theory.
Access to care: Leveraging dental education

If it is not a naive expectation for dentists who have been beneficiaries of public generosity to share their good fortune with the public that made it possible, there may be a rational basis for enhancing the role of dental education in improving access to oral health care by promoting-but not requiring-a voluntary service commitment after graduation commensurate with the magnitude of the subsidy received. Such an approach would be in accordance with the Institute of Medicine's report Improving Access to Oral Health Care for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations, but without the governmental coercion explicit in the report. A sustainable alternative proposal is made here, offering both greater options to students in the financing of their dental education and greater obligations for those students who accept state subsidies: providing tuition discounts for students of state-supported dental schools based not on past residency status but rather on a future commitment to public service. This arrangement could be good public policy that might also help to create a culture in which dental students are given authentic options as part of a profession-wide ideology of public service. The result could well contribute to improved oral health care for the underserved.
Chemical biology of isoprenylation/methylation

682 25 Griinler, J., Olsson, J. M. and Dallner, G. (1995) 29 Reiss, Y., Brown, M. S. and Goldstein, J. I , . (1992) FEBS Lett. 358, 230-232 26 Shipton, C. A., Parmryd, I., Swiezewska, E., 30 Forman, €3. M., Goode, I<., Chen, J., Oro, A. E., Andersson, B. and Dallner, G. (1995) J. Biol. Bradley, D. J., Perlmann, ‘I-., Noonan, I). J., Burka, Chem. 270, 566-572 1, . T., McMorris, ‘I7., I,amph, W. W., Evans, K. M. 27 Repko, E. M. and Maltese, W. A. (1989) J. Biol. and Weinberger, C. (1995) Cell 81, 687-093 Chem. 264,9945-9952 28 Parmryd, I., Shipton, C. A., Swiezewska, E., Andersson, B. and Dallner, G. (1996) Eur. J. Biochem. 234. 723-731 J. Biol. Chem. 267, 6403-6408
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Multiple Myeloma: Impact of Disease Risk and Post Allograft Minimal Residual Disease on Survival.

Abstract Background Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a potentially curative option for multiple myeloma (MM). We analyzed our experience of allo-HCT in MM and examined outcomes in 77 consecutive patients with MM receiving allo-HCT from matched sibling (n = 69) or unrelated donors (n = 8). The primary objectives were to assess overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and non-relapse mortality in these patients. Patients and Methods Sixty-six patients received non-myeloablative/reduced-intensity conditioning regimens, while 11 received myeloablative regimens. The median follow-up of survivors was 50 months (range, 2.3-129.3 months). Results Twenty-seven (35.1%) patients had high-risk cytogenetics at diagnosis (t (4:14), 17p deletion, chromosome 1 abnormality, or t (14:16)). All of patients except 1 had prior auto transplant. On multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.055; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001 = 1.11; P = .04), less than complete remission (CR) at allo-HCT (HR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.3-14.1; P = .006), and cytomegalovirus reactivation (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.38-7.6; P = .002) were associated with higher mortality risk. Less than CR at allo-HCT was also associated with higher risk for non-relapse mortality (HR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.3-26.3; P = .02). There was no difference in OS or PFS between high-risk and standard-risk cytogenetics. No difference in OS and PFS was seen in those who had morphological complete response regardless of the minimal residual disease status. Conclusion Allotransplant benefited younger patients and those in CR at the time of transplant. The adverse effect of high-risk cytogenetics may be overcome by the allo-HCT.
A Model of Air to Ground Target Acquisition Based on Logistic Regression Analysis

Logistic regression, a technique for describing relationships between a binary or dichotomous dependent variable and one or more independent variables that can be either discrete or continuous, is demonstrated to be an effective analytical tool for evaluating data collected using psychophysical methods and signal detection procedures. One specific application of logistic regression is the assessment of operational factors on human performance in visual target acquisition. Visual target acquisition data collected using signal detection procedures were reanalyzed using logistic regression techniques. The application of these logistic regression techniques produced empirically derived psychophysical models of target detection capabilities under various conditions. Such models can be used to predict human performance in visual target acquisition under various operational constraints.
Comparison of the Thermal Stabilities of Amorphous Hydrides Formed by Zr-Based Metallic Glasses

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed on a-Zr2 PdHx, a-Zr3 RhHx, a-Zr76 Fe24 Hx, and a- Zr2NiHx to assess the effects of hydrogen on their thermal stabilities. Only exothermic DSC peaks were observed for the hydrogen-free glasses and are shown to correspond to the formation of crystalline intermetallic phases. On the other hand, heating of the amorphous hydrides gives decomposition reactions with the generation of ZrHx (1.5 <x < 2.0) and either free metal (e.g., Rh) or a Zr-depleted intermetallic (e.g., ZrPd). With the exception of the Zr2 PdHx samples, hydrogenation significantly decreases the thermal stabilities (i.e., the exothermic transitions occur at lower temperatures in the amorphous hydrides). Endothermic peaks, which are associated with hydrogen evolution from the glass, are observed when the hydrogen-to-metal ratios approach unity.
A current inventory of vacant urban land in America

Vacant land is a significant issue in virtually every country across the globe. This study presents a current inventory of vacant land and structural abandonment in the urban United States. Using survey data, it analyses vacant land trends by region and city type. Nationally, an average 16.7% of large US cities’ land area is considered vacant, with approximately 4% of city addresses unoccupied. The ratio of vacant land to city size has increased by 1.3 percentage points since 1998 but decreased by 3 percentage points since 1963. Regional variations exist in both the amount and kind of vacant land, suggesting that any ameliorative actions should be designed to fit specific conditions. Cities also reported that most vacant parcels are small, odd shaped, and disconnected, making them difficult to regenerate. Disinvestment, suburbanization and annexation are the primary causes of increases in vacant land supply while growing local economies, population in-migration, and city policies tend to help reduce the amount of vacant land.
Synthesis and Assays of Inhibitors of Methyltransferases

Epigenetic regulation requires site-specific modification of the genome and is involved in multiple physiological processes and disease etiology. Methyltransferases, which catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) to various substrates, are critical components of the epigenetic machinery. This group of enzymes can methylate diverse substrates including DNA, RNA, proteins, and small-molecule metabolites. Their dysregulation has also been implicated in multiple disease states such as cancer, neurological, and cardiovascular disorders. Developing potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors of methyltransferases is valuable not only for therapeutic intervention but also for investigating the roles of these enzymes in disease progression. In this chapter, we will discuss the strategies of designing and synthesizing methyltransferases inhibitors based on the SAM scaffold. Following the section of inhibitor design, we will briefly review representative assays that are available to evaluate the potency of these inhibitors along with a detailed description of the most commonly used radiometric assay.
Reliability of two-point discrimination thresholds using a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm

AbstractPurpose: A 4-2-1 stepping algorithm reliably captures light touch thresholds but has not been used to assess two-point discrimination (TPD) thresholds. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm at determining TPD thresholds.Materials and methods: Fifteen healthy, physically active young adults were assessed twice over a 1-week period using digital calipers and a 4-2-1 stepping algorithm. TPD thresholds were assessed by an expert and a novice examiner at each time point. Reliability was assessed on the plantar surface of the foot at the head of the first and base of the fifth metatarsal.Results: Three intra-rater intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values exceeded 0.75 and were interpreted as good. The inter-rater reliability was good with ICC values ranging from 0.76 to 0.93 at both sites during both test sessions.Conclusions: The 4-2-1 stepping algorithm demonstrates good intra- and inter-tester reliabil...
Ovar-DRB1 haplotypes *2001 and *0301 are associated with sheep growth and ewe lifetime prolificacy.

Abstract Background The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an organized cluster of tightly linked vertebrate genes with immunological and non-immunological functions. While the important MHC gene DRB1 has been examined in regard to many sheep infectious disease traits, only one study, based on microsatellite markers, has previously examined DRB1 and sheep production traits. Furthermore, to our knowledge no studies have examined DRB1 relationship with lifetime ewe prolificacy traits. Therefore, we analyzed association between the presence of DRB1 SNP haplotypes with internationally recognized standard names and production traits including growth and lifetime prolificacy in 370 Rambouillet, Columbia, and Polypay sheep. Results The DRB1 *2001 haplotype was associated with increased weaning and mature weights, as well as average daily gain (Sidak P Conclusions Since the *2001 haplotype was present in all three breeds, these results suggest there is at least one functional mutation in the region that influences growth and prolificacy traits that may be broadly present across several breeds. Furthermore, combined use of the similar *2001 and *0301 multi-marker haplotypes that nonetheless have opposing directions of production trait associations will enhance mutation discovery in this region. If undesirable alleles for underlying mutations can be identified, selective pressure against one or a small number of undesirable alleles may improve production with limited impact on MHC genetic diversity and infectious disease susceptibility.
OPC rule management system for SoC

We have developed a new document management system that aimed at change management of mask layout correction procedure that consists of OPC (Optical Proximity Correction) processing and lithography manufacturability checks in SoC (System on Chip) high-mix and small-quantity production. By systematically managing the OPC rule and the lithography manufacturability check result, we have eliminated mask correction troubles due to OPC management misled operation and lithography manufacturability check omission, and reduce the time of trouble solution of mask data correction originating.
A Learning Strategy for Source Tracking in Unstructured Environments

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Reinforcement Learning Light-Following Robot Simulation Results Experimental Results Conclusions and Future Work References ]]>
Accelerometer-Assessed Physical Activity and School Absenteeism Due to Illness or Injury Among Children and Adolescents: NHANES 2003 to 2006.

Introduction:To examine the association between objectively measured moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity with school absenteeism due to illness or injury among...
On the Habitability of Universes without Stable Deuterium

Abstract In both stars and in the early universe, the production of deuterium is the first step on the way to producing heavier nuclei. If the strong force were slightly weaker, then deuterium would not be stable, and many authors have noted that nuclesynthesis would be compromised so that helium production could not proceed through standard reaction chains. Motivated by the possibility that other regions of space-time could have different values for the fundamental constants, this paper considers stellar evolution in universes without stable deuterium and argues that such universes can remain habitable. Even in universes with no stellar nucleosynthesis, stars can form and will generate energy through gravitational contraction. Using both analytic estimates and a state-of-the-art stellar evolution code, we show that such stars can be sufficiently luminous and long-lived to support life. Stars with initial masses that exceed the Chandrasekhar mass cannot be supported by degeneracy pressure and will explode at the end of their contraction phase. The resulting explosive nucleosynthesis can thus provide the universe with some heavy elements. We also explore the possibility that helium can be produced in stellar cores through a triple-nucleon reaction that is roughly analogous to the triple-alpha reaction that operates in our universe. Stars burning hydrogen through this process are somewhat hotter than those in our universe, but otherwise play the same role. Next we show that with even trace amounts (metallicity Z ∼ 10 − 10 ) of heavy elements — produced through the triple-nucleon process or by explosive nucleosynthesis — the CNO cycle can operate and allow stars to function. Finally, we consider Big Bang Nucleosynthesis without stable deuterium and find that only trace amounts of helium are produced, with even smaller abundances of other nuclei. With stars evolving through gravitational contraction, explosive nucleosynthesis, the triple-nucleon reaction, and the CNO cycle, universes with no stable deuterium are thus potentially habitable, contrary to many previous claims.
Antimicrobial prophylaxis for Lyme disease was not indicated after a deer-tick bite

Source Citation Shapiro ED, Gerber MA, Holabird NB, et al. A controlled trial of antimicrobial prophylaxis for Lyme disease after deer-tick bites. N Engl J Med. 1992 Dec 17:327:1769-73.
Two new species of Euconnus (Rhomboconnus) in Peru and Bolivia (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae).

To date, the subgenus Rhomboconnus Franz of Euconnus Thomson was represented by ten species known to occur in Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador. For the first time Rhomboconnus is reported to occur in Peru and Bolivia, and two new species are described: Euconnus wari sp. n. (Peru) and E. inkachakanus sp. n. (Bolivia). The latter species is the largest representative of Rhomboconnus , with body length exceeding 3 mm.
Ionic Loops and Rebounds: Oxygen-Deprivation Signaling in Plants

In flooded soils, oxygen is a serious limiting factor for plant growth and survival. However, as evident from their evolutionary diversification and ecological success, plants have acquired the ability to sense and adapt to oxygen deficits. Here, I attempt a synthesis of recent developments in oxygen-signaling research, in particular, the role of transient ionic (calcium) and redox (reactive oxygen species) changes in the perception of oxygen deprivation by plant cells. An emerging theme from this analysis is that the oxygen-signaling network comprises both positive and negative feedback loops that augment or moderate these cellular perturbations encoding the stress. Further, plant tolerance to oxygen deprivation seems to depend on the ability of cells to regulate these signaling circuits and rapidly attain homeostasis.
An Evolutionary Functional Analysis of the Hormonal Predictors of Women’s Sexual Motivation

This chapter will review evidence for the functional roles of hormonal signals in the regulation of women’s sexual motivation. Hormone production fluctuates dramatically over time in association with events leading up to and following ovulation, and thus brain mechanisms can use circulating hormone concentrations as information regarding current reproductive states. In most mammalian females, current fecundity is positively signaled by the combination of high estrogen and low progesterone. Given the costs of sexual behavior, one can predict on functional grounds that sexual motivation should be higher when fecundity is higher. Consistent with this, estradiol has been found to positively predict indices of female sexual motivation across a wide range of mammalian species, whereas progesterone is usually a negative predictor. If women’s sexual motivation is similarly calibrated to fluctuations in fecundity, then one would likewise expect women’s libido to be positively and negatively predicted by fluctuations in estradiol and progesterone, respectively. Little previous research had assessed hormonal predictors of fluctuations in women’s sexual desire within natural menstrual cycles. Results from a recent study from my lab demonstrated that estradiol concentrations were, in fact, positive predictors of within-cycle fluctuations in women’s daily reports of sexual desire, whereas progesterone concentrations were even stronger negative predictors. These findings suggest that phylogenetically conserved brain mechanisms use hormonal signals to partially calibrate women’s sexual motivation to fluctuations in fecundity. Despite the evidence for the roles of hormonal signals, nonhormonal factors must be important as well, and additional research is necessary to further elucidate the functional design of brain mechanisms that calibrate sexual motivation to factors other than current fecundity.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF FOOD WEBS: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF TROPHIC INTERACTIONS

5.1 Abstract 87 5.2 Introduction 88 5.3 Energy and Other Factors Affecting the Length of Food Chains 88 5.4 Food Web Complexity and Stability 93 5.5 Omnivory and its Consequences 95 5.6 Patterns of Assembly, Invasion, and Species Responses to Perturbations in Food Webs..... 95 5.7 Some Important Unresolved Issues, Mutualists and Other Nontrophic Interactions, and Parasites 97 5.8 Acknowledgments 97 5.9 Literature Cited 97
China’s “New Generation” Rural-Urban Migrants: Migration Motivation and Migration Patterns

The majority of China’s roughly 145 million rural-urban migrants were born after 1980, making this population the “new generation” of internal migrant workers. Having been directly influenced by China’s rapid economic growth and recent socio-demographic policy changes, this cohort of rural-urban migrants have different migration motivations compared to their father’s generation, and demonstrate interesting migration patterns. The paper provides a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the new generation migrants as it reveals the young migrants’ social goals, expectations, employment choices, and sociocultural integration in cities.This research uses in-depth interview data collected in December 2006 and February 2007 in Guangzhou City and Bozhou rural areas. The first part of this research examines the primary migration motivation and reasons for migrants to relocate or change jobs. A variety of non-economic migration reasons were found, which expresses distinct new-generation characteristics such as being tired of school, being attracted by the city life or exploring the world. In terms of relocation and changing job reasons, intolerance of over-loaded jobs and adverse working conditions were frequently cited by the young migrants. They were also found to strategically change jobs to align with personal and career interests, which used to be a luxury for rural-urban migrants. The second part of the research explores a typology of the new generation migrants according to the social migration patterns: Career Builders, Family Helpers, Emotional Explorers and Lost Followers, with stories and quotes from each prototype. Then, the paper discusses how young migrants transfer from one type to another as they stay in the cities longer.A version of this paper appeared in the Migration Information Source, the online journal of the Migration Policy Institute (Washington DC in January 2012).
The Moment of Truth: Psychotherapy with the Suicidal Patient

There is no typical case and there are no universal motives for suicide, but if science is to be handmaiden to the art of therapy, a model for the dynamic of self-destruction can inform and guide our attempts to intervene as therapists. From antiquity, philosophers have recognized in suicide the need of individuals to assert their autonomy, to retain some mastery of their fate. For Epictetus, suicide is a freedom;1 for Horace, “to save a man against his will is just the same as tis to kill.”2 (p. 59) Thomas Browne turns autonomy on its head in observing “it is not in the strongest to deprive us of death,”3 (p. 49) and J. S. Mill proclaimed the individual sovereign over his own mind and body.4 Yet even in their debate over the merits of self-determination in suicide, most writers distinguished the pseudoautonomy of impulsivity from genuine integrity. Impulsivity that masks fears of coping or want of patience and judgement is quite different from the more seemly and deliberate decision of the whole individual to bow before the sad and inevitable vicissitudes of fortune. With a still broader view, Burton perceived some suicide to be a consequence of disorder.5 He also recognized a puzzle: in all other afflictions men will do anything for relief and restoration of their beings, yet apparently not so in Melancholia.
Insulin regulates GLUT4 in the ventromedial hypothalamus to restore the sympathoadrenal response to hypoglycemia in diabetic rats

It is proposed that the impaired counterregulatory response (CRR) to hypoglycemia in insulin-deficient diabetes may be due to chronic brain insulin deficiency. To test this hypothesis, streptozotoc...
Análise do estado no mundo neoliberal: uma abordagem institucional comparativa

A analise das evidencias empiricas em atividades de pesquisa esta fortemente condicionada pelo metodo adotado. Isto e particularmente verdade quando se analisam Estados como organizadores e atores sociais, pois o que o analista ve depende profundamente de seu enfoque. Este ensaio apresenta a evolucao da “analise institucional comparativa” aplicada aos Estados. O principal argumento e que o enfoque comparativo institucional oferece uma perspectiva teorica mais satisfatoria e util do que os enfoques “neo-utilitaristas” que partem da premissa de que todas as instituicoes, incluindo o Estado, podem ser conceitualizadas como simples agregacao do auto-interesse individual.