cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NECTAR: a database of codon-centric missense variant annotations

NECTAR (Non-synonymous Enriched Coding muTation ARchive; http://nectarmutation.org) is a database and web application to annotate disease-related and functionally important amino acids in human proteins. A number of tools are available to facilitate the interpretation of DNA variants identified in diagnostic or research sequencing. These typically identify previous reports of DNA variation at a given genomic location, predict its effects on transcript and protein sequence and may predict downstream functional consequences. Previous reports and functional annotations are typically linked by the genomic location of the variant observed. NECTAR collates disease-causing variants and functionally important amino acid residues from a number of sources. Importantly, rather than simply linking annotations by a shared genomic location, NECTAR annotates variants of interest with details of previously reported variation affecting the same codon. This provides a much richer data set for the interpretation of a novel DNA variant. NECTAR also identifies functionally equivalent amino acid residues in evolutionarily related proteins (paralogues) and, where appropriate, transfers annotations between them. As well as accessing these data through a web interface, users can upload batches of variants in variant call format (VCF) for annotation on-the-fly. The database is freely available to download from the ftp site: ftp://ftp.nectarmutation.org.
Degradation of Epinephrine Induced by Bisulfite

Degradation of epinephrine solutions stored in an oxygen free atmosphere in the presence of as little as 0.1 per cent bisulfite occurs at faster rates than in complete absence of bisulfite. Loss of epinephrine chemical activity as determined by the triacetyl derivative procedure occurs with concomitant bisulfite loss. Change in optical rotation and in chemical activity upon storage at 80° in sealed, evacuated ampuls has been studied with various buffer systems at different pH values and with different concentrations of reactants. An inactive degradation product has been isolated and partly characterized.
Predicting Preservice Teachers' Cognitive Engagement With Goals and Epistemological Beliefs

The authors examined relationships among achievement goals, epistemological beliefs, cognitive engagement, and application learning of 101 preservice teachers. The authors used an 84-item survey to measure achievement goals (learning and performance), epistemological beliefs (innate ability, certain knowledge, simple knowledge, quick learning, and omniscient authority), and cognitive engagement (meaningful and shallow). Also included was a measure of application learning that was based on an actual course test. Regression analyses showed that goals and beliefs were important for predicting meaningful and shallow cognitive engagement. The only statistically significant predictor of application learning was shallow cognitive engagement with a negative relationship.
Young eclogite from the Greater Himalayan Sequence, Arun Valley, eastern Nepal: P-T-t path and tectonic implications

Abstract Garnet geochronology was used to provide the first direct measurement of the timing of eclogitization in the central Himalaya. Lu–Hf dates from garnet separates in one relict eclogite from the Arun River Valley in eastern Nepal indicate an age of 20.7 ± 0.4 Ma, significantly younger than ultra-high pressure eclogites from the western Himalaya, reflecting either different origins or substantial time lags in tectonics along strike. Four proximal garnet amphibolites from structurally lower horizons are 14–15 Ma, similar to post-eclogitization ages published for rocks along strike in southern Tibet. P–T calculations indicate three metamorphic episodes for the eclogite: i) eclogite-facies metamorphism at ∼ 670 °C and ≥ 15 kbar at 23–16 Ma; ii) a peak-T granulite event at ∼ 780 °C and 12 kbar; and iii) late-stage amphibolite-facies metamorphism at ∼ 675 °C and 6 kbar at ∼ 14 Ma. The garnet amphibolites were metamorphosed at ∼ 660 °C. Three models are considered to explain the observed P–T–t evolution. The first assumes that the Main Himalayan Thrust (basal thrust of the Himalayan thrust system) cuts deeper at Arun than elsewhere. While conceptually the simplest, this model has difficulty explaining both the granulite-facies overprint and the pulse of exhumation between 25 and 14 Ma. A second model assumes that (aborted) subduction, slab breakoff, and ascent of India's leading edge occurred diachronously: ∼ 50 Ma in the western Himalaya, ∼ 25 Ma in the central Himalaya of Nepal, and presumably later in the eastern Himalaya. This model explains the P–T–t path, particularly heating during initial exhumation, but implies significant along-strike diachroneity, which is generally lacking in other features of the Himalaya. A third model assumes repeated loss of mantle lithosphere, first by slab breakoff at ∼ 50 Ma, and again by delamination at ∼ 25 Ma; this model explains the P–T–t path, but requires geographically restricted tectonic behavior at Arun. The P–T–t history of the Arun eclogites may imply a change in the physical state of the Himalayan metamorphic wedge at 16–25 Ma, ultimately giving rise to the Main Central Thrust by 15–16 Ma.
Russian and American Cosmism: Religion, National Psyche, and Spaceflight

A product of science, religion, and national culture, cosmism is reflected in academic and popular views about our place in the universe, space exploration, and human destiny. Although linked historically to the Russians, cosmism captures many aspects of American thinking about space. The present comparison shows that prophets, prophecies, striving for perfection, utopian visions, and hopes for salvation are evident in both Russian and American thought, but that there are also differences. Geert Hofstede's cross–cultural research on national values—power distance, individualism, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance—is useful for understanding Russian–American differences. Russian acceptance of power inequalities, collectivism, concern for group welfare, and aversion to uncertainty lead to constellations of beliefs and emotions about spaceflight that differ from those bred by American egalitarianism, individualism, obsession with personal achievement, and acceptance of uncertainty. Both Russian and Ameri...
Oral methylphenidate challenge selectively decreases putaminal T2 in healthy subjects

Abstract Despite the recent rise in oral methylphenidate (MPH) abuse, few studies have characterized the time course of oral MPH brain effects in human subjects. Accordingly, this study assessed the hemodynamic effects of oral MPH effects in 11 healthy young adults (six women), by measuring brain transverse relaxation times (T2). T2 can be interpreted as a surrogate marker for, and inversely correlated with, steady-state cerebral blood volume (CBV). Data were acquired from the caudate nucleus, putamen, and thalamus, using a 1.5 T MRI scanner at baseline and serially for 2 h following oral MPH administration (0.5 mg/kg). Physiological and subjective measures and plasma MPH levels also were examined. MPH induced a selective T2 decrease (−1.65 ± 0.53 ms) in the putamen ( F (6,54) = 2.68, P
Case Study Autistic Social Dysfunction and Down Syndrome

Abstract Recent research suggests that Down syndrome (DS) children exhibit a broad range of personality styles and interest in interpersonal interaction. Autism has been observed in association with a number of other conditions but very rarely in association with DS. A child with DS who also meets criteria for autism is presented. Implications of the association of these disorders are discussed. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry , 1988, 27, 4:440–441.
Synthesis and properties of bilirubin analogs with N,N-methylene bridges

Abstract Bilirubin analogs have been prepared with a methylene group forming an N to N bridge. When the bridge is in the same dipyrrinone, only one propionic acid can hydrogen bond intramolecularly (to the unbridged dipyrrinone), but the pigment still adopts a ridge-tile conformation. Molecular dynamics calculations predict global energy minima for two enantiomeric ridge-tile conformations separated by an energy barrier of ∼14.5 kcal/mole. In contrast, when the bridge connects two dipyrrinones through their lactam nitrogens, that pigment is held in a porphyrin-like shape, neither propionic acid groups can participate in intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and the pigment is much more polar and hydrophilic than bilirubin. Molecular dynamics calculations predict an interconversion barrier of ∼25 kcal/mole for this isomer.
Movement histories: a preliminary historiography of the Brazil's landless laborers' movement (MST)

Founded in 1984, the Landless Rural Workers Movement of Brazil (MST) has been historicized in several recent publications. This review essay examines seven books that provide historical analysis of the movement. Published in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian in the past six years, these books offer diverse assessments of MST history. The essay contrasts their interpretations of the movement’s origins, founding, consolidation, organization, and future prospects. As an institutionalized social movement with more than twenty years of history, the books prove that the MST merits the attention of historians.
Producing `Pride' in West Hollywood: a Queer Cultural Capital for Queers with Cultural Capital:

This paper applies Pierre Bourdieu's theorization of class positioning and cultural capital to a case study of conflicts between the working class organizers of an urban LGBT pride celebration and the local gay press, gay government and gay professional community. I conclude with a discussion of two developments in the LGBT movement more broadly, that have implications for how professionalism, good taste and skill are being defined by powerful stakeholders in pride festival organizing: a) the growth of gay capitalism and, b) the disappearance of a broad-based LGBT movement ideology. According to Bourdieu, judgments of taste and skill serve the interests of power by constantly creating new categories of distinction, and thus new class-based means of competition and ownership. The case presented here suggests that these trends have begun to destabilize the grassroots ownership of pride celebrations and naturalize class-based evaluations of the tastes and skills of event organizers.
Effect of Epinephrine on Heart Rate and Arterial Blood Pressure of the Developing Chick Embryo

Effect of Epinephrine on Heart Rate and Arterial Blood Pressure of the Developing Chick Embryo
The Effect of Diethylstilbestrol-Methimazole and Dienestrol Diacetate on Turkey Broilers

Abstract THE ability of administered estrin to produce lipemias in birds was demonstrated by Lorenz et al. (1938). Lorenz (1943) demonstrated that diethylstilbestrol could be used for fattening cockerels when it was implanted subcutaneously. Later Lorenz (1944) reported an increase in abdominal fatty tissue in turkeys when they were treated with diethylstilbestrol. Lorenz (1945) also reported that when diethylstilbestrol pellets were administered to chickens by subcutaneous implantation there was a marked increase in the fat content of the muscle tissue and in the quantity of depot fat. Thayer et al. (1945) found 3,4 dianisylhexene-3 to be more efficient for fattening chickens than diethylstilbestrol when fed orally. Levels of 40 to 50 mg. of dianisylhexene per pound of feed fed for a 3 to 4 week fattening period did not appear to effect growth rate, but body fat was increased. Gassner and Wilgus (1948) found that alpha-estradiol and methoxybisdehydrodoisynolic acid were ineffective …
MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and bacterial taxonomy

Abstract In the few years since the first reports that characteristic proteins could be desorbed directly from bacterial cells using MALDI, the use of mass spectrometry to investigate bacteria, bacterial proteins and the bacterial proteome has advanced rapidly. The effects of experimental parameters are understood sufficiently that reproducible spectra can be obtained in different laboratories and bacteria can be characterized by genus, species or strain. Specific biomarker proteins have been identified and the feasibility of using reference spectra, reference cultures or protein databases for taxonomic identification of bacteria by MALDI–MS has been demonstrated.
Fast frequency-sweep analysis of RF coils for MRI

A fast frequency-sweep technique is developed for the analysis of radio-frequency coils for magnetic resonance imaging. This technique applies the method of asymptotic waveform evaluation to the moment method solution of the integral equation for the original physical problem. Numerical examples show that the proposed technique can speed up the analysis by more than an order of magnitude.
Multicultural Counseling Training: Past, Present, and Future Directions

This article provides a selective review of the multicultural counseling training (MCT) literature. A brief historical account of multicultural counseling (MCC) is followed by three other sections detailing current models of MCT, conceptualization of training objectives, and empirical research. Within these sections, critical issues for the present and future development of MCT are highlighted and discussed.
WHO LET “THE PIGS” OUT? OR WHY EDGAR ALLAN POE WOULDN'T, OR COULDN'T, OR ALMOST CERTAINLY DIDN'T WRITE THE MOST SNARKY AMERICAN POEM OF 1835

Abstract Haunted by the possibility that Edgar Allan Poe wrote a long-forgotten verse satire published in the September 1835 issue of the New England Magazine, the author of this essay launches an investigation to rid himself of his obsession.
Physiological Coupling of Donor and Host Cardiomyocytes After Cellular Transplantation

Cellular transplantation has emerged as a potential approach to treat diseased hearts. Although cell transplantation can affect global heart function, it is not known if this results directly via functional integration of donor myocytes or indirectly via enhanced revascularization and/or altered postinjury remodeling. To determine the degree to which donor cardiomyocytes are able to functionally integrate with the host myocardium, fetal transgenic cardiomyocytes expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein were transplanted into the hearts of nontransgenic adult mice. Two-photon molecular excitation laser scanning microscopy was then used to simultaneously image cellular calcium transients in donor and host cells within the intact recipient hearts. Calcium transients in the donor cardiomyocytes were synchronous with and had kinetics indistinguishable from those of neighboring host cardiomyocytes. These results strongly suggest that donor cardiomyocytes functionally couple with host cardiomyocytes and support the notion that transplanted cardiomyocytes can form a functional syncytium with the host myocardium.
Analysis of supply contracts with commitments and flexibility

In this article we address an important class of supply contracts called the Rolling Horizon Flexibility (RHF) contracts. Under such a contract, at the beginning of the horizon a buyer has to commit requirements for components for each period into the future. Usually, a supplier provides limited flexibility to the buyer to adjust the current order and future commitments in a rolling horizon manner. We present a general model for a buyer's procurement decision under RHF contracts. We propose two heuristics and derive a lower bound. Numerically, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the heuristics for both stationary and non-stationary demands. We show that the heuristics are easy to compute, and hence, amenable to practical implementation. We also propose two measures for the order process that allow us to (a) evaluate the effectiveness of RHF contracts in restricting the variability in the orders, and (b) measure the accuracy of advance information vis-a-vis the actual orders. Numerically we demonstrate that the order process variability decreases significantly as flexibility decreases without a dramatic increase in expected costs. Our numer- ical studies provide several other managerial insights for the buyer; for example, we provide insights into how much flexibility is sufficient, the value of additional flexibility, the effect of flexibility on customer satisfaction (as measured by fill rate), etc. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 55: 459-477, 2008
Auditory and Visual Spatial Localization Deficits Following Bilateral Parietal Lobe Lesions in a Patient with Balint’s Syndrome

Lesion and electrophysiological studies indicate that the parietal lobes play a role in visual spatial attention and in computing the spatial coordinates of visual input. Fewer studies have investigated the role of the parietal lobe in auditory spatial processing, and an extensive comparison of visual and auditory spatial processing in humans with parietal lobe lesions has yet to be conducted. We have studied such localization abilities in a Balint's syndrome patient (RM) who has bilateral parietal lobe lesions. The results indicated that this patient had a significant deficit in both visual and auditory localization relative to age-matched controls. Unlike the controls, however, RM's auditory localization ability either matched or exceeded his visual localization ability depending on the task. Accordingly, RM exhibited "auditory capture," but not "visual capture" under conditions where control subjects showed the opposite pattern. These results are consistent with hypotheses that the parietal lobes are involved in creating multiple spatial representations and in shifting from one spatial reference point to another, but suggest that these parietal structures are not necessary for the integration of multiple sensory stimuli resulting in capture effects.
Calculation of isoelectronic energy differences using perturbation theory

Energy difference formulas for isoelectronic processes are derived using a perturbation series. The perturbed Hamiltonian is written as a function of a perturbation parameter that changes linearly from zero to one between the limits of the isoelectronic process. The perturbation series is based on a zero order wave function obtained when the perturbation parameter has a value of ½. For the description of changes of electronic energy with internuclear geometry, this zero order wave function will correspond to the solution of a Hamiltonian which contains atoms from both internuclear geometries, but with half their normal nuclear charge. Energy differences calculated with this formalism for the stretching of simple diatomic molecules hydrogen fluoride, fluorine, and carbon monoxide and the rotational barrier in ethane are compared with results from restricted Hartree–Fock and integral-Hellmann–Feynman theorem energies.
Inositol (1,4,5)-Trisphosphate Dynamics and Intracellular Calcium Oscillations in Pancreatic β-Cells

Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is associated with transients of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+] i ) in the pancreatic β-cell. We tested the hypothesis that inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate [Ins(1,4,5)P3] [Ca2+] i release is incorporated in glucose-induced [Ca2+] i oscillations in mouse islets and MIN6 cells. We found that depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores with thapsigargin increased the oscillation frequency by twofold and inhibited the slow recovery phase of [Ca2+] i oscillations. We employed a pleckstrin homology domain–containing fluorescent biosensor, phospholipase C∂ pleckstrin homology domain–enhanced green fluorescent protein, to visualize Ins(1,4,5)P3 dynamics in insulin-secreting MIN6 cells and mouse islets in real time using a video-rate confocal system. In both types of cells, stimulation with carbamoylcholine (CCh) and depolarization with KCl results in an increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 accumulation in the cytoplasm. When stimulated with glucose, the Ins(1,4,5)P3 concentration in the cytoplasm oscillates in parallel with oscillations of [Ca2+] i . Maximal accumulation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in these oscillations coincides with the peak of [Ca2+] i and tracks changes in frequencies induced by the voltage-gated K+ channel blockade. We show that Ins(1,4,5)P3 release in insulin-secreting cells can be stimulated by depolarization-induced Ca2+ flux. We conclude that Ins(1,4,5)P3 concentration oscillates in parallel with [Ca2+] i in response to glucose stimulation, but it is not the driving force for [Ca2+] i oscillations.
Sedimentary record of anthropogenic and biogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in San Francisco Bay, California

Dated sediment cores collected from Richardson and San Pablo Bays in San Francisco Bay were used to reconstruct a history of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination. The sedimentary record of PAHs in Richardson Bay shows that anthropogenic inputs have increased since the turn of the century, presumably as a result of increasing urbanization and industrialization around the Bay Area. Concentrations range from about 0.04–6.3 μg g−1. The dominant origin of the PAHs contributing to this modern contamination is from combustion processes. Depth profiles in San Pablo Bay indicate higher concentrations of PAHs since the 1950s than during the late 1800s, also presumably resulting from an increase in urbanization and industrialization. Total PAHs in San Pablo Bay range from about 0.04–1.3 μg g−1. The ratios of methylphenanthrenes/phenanthrene and (methylfluoranthenes+methylpyrenes)/fluoranthene were sensitive indicators of anthropogenic influences in the estuary. Variations in the ratio of 1,7-dimethylphenanthrene/2,6-dimethylphenanthrene indicate a gradual replacement of wood by fossil-fuel as the main combustion source of PAHs in San Francisco Bay sediments. The profile of perylene may be an indicator of eroding peat from marshlands.
Modulation of platinum sensitivity and resistance by cyclosporin A in refractory ovarian and fallopian tube cancer patients: a phase II study.

Our objective was to assess the activity of cyclosporin A (CsA) used as a chemomodulator of carboplatin in refractory ovarian and fallopian tube cancer patients. Fifty-one patients (47 epithelial ovarian, 1 ovarian mixed mesodermal tumor, and 3 fallopian tube carcinomas) were enrolled in a prospective Phase II trial of CsA and carboplatin. CsA was infused as a loading dose of 10 mg/kg over 5 h, followed by carboplatin infused over 30 min at an AUC of 6 mg/ml x min, then a 24-h continuous infusion of 11.6 mg/kg CsA. The patients received this protocol as second- to sixth-line therapy and had received between 1 and 3 prior platinum-based regimens. Eight patients received more than six cycles every 28 days, 34 patients received three to six cycles; and 9 patients received only one or two cycles. Thirty-eight patients were evaluable for objective response, and in an additional nine patients, CA-125 was the only marker of response. Four patients had no marker of disease. Of evaluable patients, 74% were platinum resistant. There were nine objective responses (one complete and eight partial responses) for an overall response rate in evaluable patients of 24%, with a median duration of response of 7 months (range, 3-38+ months). No responses were seen in patients who had received only one or two cycles of therapy. Among the strictly defined platinum-resistant patients, there was an overall 14% response rate, including one partial response seen after five prior regimens of chemotherapy including paclitaxel, and one ongoing complete response for 38+ months. Among the rest of the patients (those who were potentially platinum sensitive), there was an overall 50+ response rate; four of five responses were seen in patients with a platinum-free interval of 24 months. Of evaluable patients, 34% had stable disease for a duration of 3-19 months. The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicity, thrombocytopenia, was seen in 22% of the patients. Hypertension, which responded to medications, was seen in 18% of the patients during the CsA infusion. We concluded that this CsA/carboplatin regimen is active in potentially platinum-sensitive patients and compares well with the expected response rate of 30% in patients with a platinum-free interval <24 months who are retreated with platinum. Moreover, this regimen had modest but real activity in platinum-resistant patients.
Extracting fundamental patterns from C++ code

Understanding the software architecture of object-oriented programs is a complicated task requiring in-depth knowledge of the semantics of the implementation language. To understand the software architecture of the program, we first need a model for representing the software architecture of C++ programs and then a technique to extract the architecture from the software. In this paper we describe possible models for representing low-level software architecture of software developed in C++ and present fundamental patterns as a representation model. An overview of extracting software architecture is also presented. >
AUTOXIDATION OF CAROTENOIDS AND THEIR RELATIVE POLARITY

The possible relation between the structural characteristics and the autoxidatiue susceptibility of seven carotenoids which differ among themselves in the type, number and positions of functional groups has been studied. It was possible to correlate the relative polarity and the autoxidative susceptibility only for five of them: β-carotene, apo-8′-carotenol, cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin. The basic structure in these pigments has one or more β-ionine rings, and as the relative polarity increased, the oxygen uptake decreased. Capsanthin and capsorubin did not fit into the above category, and this is due to the five membered ring systems in their structures which is quite different from the β-ionone ring. It was evident that an unsubstituted β-ionone ring was the most susceptible structure for oxidative changes. Substitution in the 3-position of the β-ionone ring offered some stabilizing influence and zeaxanthin, which has hydroxyI groups in 3 and 3’positions, offered the greatest resistance to autoxidation.
Two-dimensional FDTD model of antipodal ELF propagation and Schumann resonance of the Earth

This article reports the initial application of the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to model extremely low-frequency (ELF) propagation around the entire Earth. Periodic boundary conditions are used in conjunction with a variable-cell two-dimensional TM FDTD grid, which wraps around the complete Earth sphere. The model is verified by numerical studies of antipodal propagation and the Schumann resonance. This model may be significant because it points the way toward direct three-dimensional FDTD calculation of round-the-world ELF propagation, accounting for arbitrary horizontal as well as vertical geometrical and electrical inhomogeneities of the ionosphere, continents, and oceans.
Design of serial concatenated MSK schemes based on density evolution

We consider the design of convolutional codes and low density parity check (LDPC) codes with minimum-shift keying (MSK) when the receiver employs iterative decoding and demodulation. The main idea proposed is the design of coded schemes that are well matched to the iterative decoding algorithm being used rather than to hypothetical maximum-likelihood decoding. We first show that the design is crucially dependent on whether the continuous phase encoder (CPE) is realized in recursive form or in nonrecursive form. We then consider the design of convolutionally coded systems and low density parity check codes with MSK to obtain near-capacity performance. With convolutional codes, we show that it is possible to improve the performance significantly by using a mixture of recursive and nonrecursive realizations for the CPE. For low density parity check codes, we show that codes designed for binary phase shift keying are optimal for MSK only if the nonrecursive realization is used; for the recursive realization, we design new LDPC codes based on the concept of density evolution. We show that these codes outperform the best known codes for MSK and have lower decoding complexity.
A mechanical model for the buckling of unilaterally constrained rectangular plates

A mechanical model is described for the problem of buckling of unilaterally constrained, finite, rectangular plates. Due to the nature of the imposed constraint on the plate's lateral deflection, w, solving for the buckling load required the solution of a nonlinear partial differential equation in w. While the plates were modeled along the lines of classical plate theory, the nonlinearity arose from the fact that the plates were attached to nonlinear elastic foundations exhibiting a deformation sign dependent force-displacement relationship. This feature was introduced to model the unilateral constraint. The influence of different boundary conditions, material orthotropy and transverse load distributions was investigated. For each case, the weak form of the governing differential equation was solved via the Galerkin's method. Investigations of the buckling loads of rectangular plates attached to such foundations and subjected to a uniform inplane stress field showed the validity of this approach for the cases investigated and compared to some previous exact results reported in the literature.
Omission training of the jaw-movement response of the rabbit to a water US

Twelve pairs of rabbits were run in a yoking procedure in which an anticipatory jaw-movement CR by the contingent S resulted in omission of the water US to the pair of Ss. Although Ss in the contingent omission and yoked groups revealed similar asymptotic levels of responding, the contingent omission Ss showed a more rapid rate of acquisition of CRs and longer CR latencies. The relevance of these findings to a law of effect account of classical conditioning was discussed.
On the monolithic design of hysteretic chaotic oscillators

A discussion is given on the circuit design issues of chaotic oscillators. As investigations on nonlinear systems becomes more popular, an understanding of the primary design of such oscillators, and the second-order effects on chaotic system performance becomes more important. This paper describes in detail how some second-order effects influence both the geometry and frequency spectrum of such systems.
Effect of Temperature on Post-Wintering Development and Total Lipid Content of Alfalfa Leafcutting Bees

Temperature plays an important role in effective management of the alfalfa leafcutting bee [Megachile rotundata (F.); Megachilidae], the major commercial pollinator of seed alfalfa [Medicago sativa (L.); Fabaceae] in North America. To improve our understanding of threshold and optimum rearing temperatures of M. rotundata, we examined the effect of temperature on postwintering development by using a greater number of temperature treatments than applied in previous studies (19 versus eight or fewer) and analytical tools formulated to model nonlinear relationships between temperature and insect development rates. We also tested the hypothesis that rearing temperature influences adult body lipid content at emergence, which could affect adult survival, establishment and performance as a pollinator, and reproductive success. We found that the Lactin-2 and Briere-2 models provided the best fits to data and gave reasonable estimates of lower (16-18°C) and upper (36-39°C) developmental thresholds and optimum (33-34°C) rearing temperatures for maximizing development rate. Bees successfully emerged over a broad range of temperatures (22-35°C), but variation in development rate among individuals reared at the same temperature was lowest at 31-33°C. The optimum rearing temperature to maximize the proportion of body lipids in adults was 27-29°C. Our results are discussed in relation to previous findings and speak to the difficulties in designing practical rearing guidelines that simultaneously maximize development rate, survival, and adult condition, while synchronizing adult emergence with alfalfa bloom.
How the Senate and the President Affect the Timing of Power-sharing Rule Changes in the US House

A new model and related empirical work explain how the Senate and President affect the timing of power-sharing rule changes in the US House. We argue that shifts in the Senate's or President's preferences (e.g., a new majority party in the Senate; a new president) reshape House members' expectations about which legislative outcomes are achievable. Reshaped expectations, in turn, can alter House members' perceptions of the consequences of reallocating power among themselves. We prove that such reshaped expectations can induce House members to change power-sharing rules. To evaluate this claim, we examine major rule changes from 1879 to 2009. We find that the House was far more likely to change rules after elections that shifted partisan control of the Senate or Presidency than after elections in which no such shift occurred. Since the existing literature does not anticipate this finding, this work clarifies an important attribute of how power is distributed within the House. (JEL C7, D02, D72). The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Yale University. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com, Oxford University Press.
Molecular Genetic Advances in Cardiovascular Medicine Focus on the Myocyte

Stem cell homing and engraftment to the heart and new tissue formation capable of replacing the lost myocardium and improving the functional performance of the damaged heart represent the goals of regenerative medicine in cardiac pathophysiology. Theoretically, this outcome can be achieved by using any source of stem cells, embryonic or adult, or other cell types. In fact, several interventions have been used in an attempt to promote myocardial regeneration. These therapeutic strategies have used fetal cardiomyocytes; skeletal myoblasts; embryonic-derived endothelial cells; bone marrow–derived immature myocytes; fibroblasts; smooth muscle cells; endothelial progenitor cells; and hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and embryonic stem cells.1–3 In all cases, promising results have been obtained, and the amelioration in cardiac performance was, at times, coupled with the structural and functional integration of the graft with the host myocardium.4,5 Despite all these efforts, however, the most appropriate form of cellular therapy for myocardial injury remains to be identified, leaving unanswered the key question: What is/are the optimal cell/cells for cardiac repair? The difficulty encountered in identifying the ideal cell to rebuild the heart is certainly due to the many variables that have to be taken into account, including easy access to the source; the possibility of obtaining a significant number of cells; the time required for the cells to home, grow, and differentiate; and their long-term efficacy. The use of multipotent cells that are not resident in the heart but are derived from other organs such as the bone marrow has raised the problem of transdifferentiation and stem cell plasticity. In addition to the complexity of this issue, it is inevitable that when a strongly ingrained and sincerely believed theory is challenged, a variety of reactions are evoked, ranging from enthusiasm and hope to awe, suspicion, and hostility. Despite the evidence for adult stem cell plasticity, …
Alloimmunization in sickle cell anemia in the era of extended red cell typing.

Background Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion remains an essential part of the management of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Alloimmunization is a major complication of transfusions. Extended RBC typing is advocated as a means to reduce alloimmunization in SCD. Our goal was to assess alloimmunization among individuals with SCD at our center since implementing extended RBC typing. Materials and Methods We reviewed electronic medical records of all patients with SCD (N = 641) in our comprehensive SCD Program to determine transfusion histories. Cross-referencing with our blood bank database, we extracted data such as antibodies identified, detection date and genotyping in specific cases. Transfusion sources were determined for those with C, E, and Kell antibodies. Results Of 180 patients transfused from 2002 to 2011, 26 developed at least one new antibody. The majority of alloimmunized patients (14/26) received episodic transfusions only. The most common antibodies formed were against C and E antigens. Of the 16 patients who developed C, E, Kell antibodies, nine had one or more documented transfusions at an outside hospital. Five patients had Rh variants undetectable on routine phenotyping including two novel e alleles related to ceAR and ceS(733G). Conclusion Despite extended RBC typing, alloimmunization may still occur due to RBC variants that are not detected on routine screening and transfusions at institutions where extended RBC typing is not done. Extended RBC typing should be the standard of care for patients with SCD. Prospective genotyping may reduce allosensitization to rare variants not detected on routine screening. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;160:1487–1491. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Measurement of Child Poverty in the United States

How poverty is defined and measured has significant implications for the identification of children in need. This article evaluates the current measure of child poverty in the United States in order to gauge its appropriateness for assessing child well-being. The article begins with a brief discussion of the meaning of poverty and evaluates the history, structure, and strengths of the official measure of child poverty. In addition, critical shortcomings that potentially mask the known deprivation of poverty are revealed and Amartya Sen's capability approach is introduced as a tool for capturing this deprivation. The overall premise of this article, therefore, is that the discourse on poverty might benefit by reconceptualizing approaches to measuring and defining poverty.
Bringing in the New World Order: Liberalism, Legitimacy, and the United Nations

The end of the cold war and the attendant security vacuum unleashed aflurryof intellectual activity and international commissions that reflected on the world that was being left behind and the world that should be created in its place. The reports under review are among the best and most influential of the lot. This article focuses on three issues raised by these reports. First, the portrait of the new international order offered by these reports is a liberal international order. Second, the concept of legitimacy appears in various guises, and the UN is considered the site for the legitimation of a particular order. Few international orders are ever founded or sustained by force alone, something well understood by the policymakers who drafted these reports and wisely heeded by international relations theorists who attempt to understand their actions and the international orders that they construct and sustain. Third, these reports envision the UN as an agent of normative integration. As such, it contributes to the development and maintenance of a liberal international order by increasing the number of actors who identify with and uphold its values.
Child welfare workers' perceptions of the value of social work education

Abstract This study addresses public child welfare workers' perceived value of no-charge Masters level social work education courses as part of a project aiming at increasing professional identity and retention in public child welfare work. Over a 3.5 year time period, a total of 164 respondents completed 338 questionnaires that addressed their attitudes related to the value of their coursework. Descriptive statistics indicated that 90% were either pursuing or intended to pursue a degree in social work. Logistic regression showed that plans to remain in the child welfare field were most related to an understanding of workplace issues, and secondarily to the number of courses taken. Demographic factors were not statistically significant.
IDENTIFICATION AND COMPENSATION OF GEOMETRIC AND ELASTIC ERRORS IN LARGE MANIPULATORS: APPLICATION TO A HIGH ACCURACY MEDICAL ROBOT

A method is presented to identify the source of endeffector positioning errors in large manipulators using experimentally measured data. Both errors due to manufacturing tolerances and other geometric errors and elastic structural deformations are ident ified. These error sources are used to predict, and compensate for, the end-point errors as a function of configuration and measured forces. The method is applied to a new large high accuracy medical robot. Experimental results show that the method is able to effectively correct for the errors in the sy stem.
The One-Stop-Shop in VAT and RST: Common Approaches to EU-US Consumption Tax Problems

In March 2004 the European Commission solicited comments on a proposal to simplify value added tax (VAT) obligations through a one-stop scheme. The proposal was modest in scope. It was designed to build upon the success of a similar scheme that dealt with non-EU established persons supplying digital products to non-taxable EU persons. That scheme is found in Article 26c of the Sixth VAT Directive. In its March Consultation Paper the Commission proposed that businesses established within the EU be allowed to participate in a one-stop scheme that would be similar to the Article 26c scheme. Limited to B2C transactions, like Article 26c, this new scheme would encompass more than digital sales. After a five-month public comment period, ending in October 2004, the Commission proposed two Council Directives and a Council Regulation. The October proposals far exceeded the vision of March Consultation Paper. States in the US confront similar problems with respect to the retail sale tax (RST), as do Member States of the EU with the VAT. E-commerce, distance sales from non-resident sellers, and complex multi-jurisdictional reporting, audit and refund issues are problematical issues within and among the States. Not surprisingly, many of the EU and US solutions are the same. The most innovative one-stop-shop ideas in the US are found in the Streamlined Sales Tax. Three related concepts, the certified service provider (CSP), the certified automated system (CAS), and automated proprietary systems have the most comparative relevance from an EU perspective. The key to these concepts is an agreement between the tax authority and the taxpayer. If a taxpayer is willing to use certified software, or certified service providers to collect and remit RST obligations, then the states agree not to audit. Fraud, of course, is an exception. The CSP takes this certification one step further, because this third party not only uses certified software to determine RST obligations, but it uses these calculations to generate certified returns, and make certified tax payments on behalf of the taxpayer. Thus, the CSP becomes a private sector one-stop-shop. This is the US RST development that has caught the attention of the European Commission. The private sector one-stop-shop solves two of the EU's most difficult problems (1) the question of selective surrendering of tax sovereignty, and (2) the technical burden of handling large fund transfers. A private sector one-stop-shop in the CSP model is workable in the VAT context, and one that can be implemented with less than full 25-country agreement. Certifying a software package would amount to privatizing a portion of a country's revenue authority. It would be a loss of sovereign control, particularly in the area of audit enforcement. However, the sovereign would still determine VAT rates, the tax base, rules for refunds and other matters.
Imaging of Basketball Injuries

Basketball-related injuries are surprisingly prevalent, as the sport is popular worldwide, among both men and women and across most age groups. Formerly considered a noncontact sport, basketball has evolved into an activity where body contact has increased, resulting in more injuries. Orthopedic injuries predominate in basketball and will be the principal focus of this chapter. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal injuries. Findings at imaging directly impact clinical and surgical management and influence the time to return to play, particularly in high-level competitive athletes. Lower extremity injuries predominate in basketball, particularly at the knee, foot, and ankle, and will be the initial focus of this chapter. Injuries at the hip and pelvis, upper extremities, and in the spine and their respective findings at imaging will then be detailed.
Oxygen-Enhanced High Temperature Laminar Coflow Flames

Three axisymmetric coflow laminar diffusion flames are investigated by laser-based diagnostics and detailed numerical simulation. Flame A is the base flame, with regular air as the oxidizer stream and 65% CH4-35% N2 as the fuel stream. Flame B and C are oxygen- enhanced coflow flames. Flame B has 100% O2 as the oxidizer steam and 65% CH4-35% N2 as the fuel stream. Flame C has 100% O2 as the oxidizer stream and 20% CH4-80% N2 as the fuel stream. Major species concentrations and temperature are measured by the Raman scattering technique as a function of axial and radial positions. The measured points have 0.28mm spatial resolution and ±5% uncertainty for flames A and B. A polarization separation technique is used to reduce laser-induced interference from the C2 swan band and PAH. Computationally, a detailed kinetic mechanism (GRI-Mech 2.11 with nitrogen chemistry included) and a multi-component transport model are used to simulate the axisymmetric two-dimensional flame structure. Pure oxygen as the oxidizer causes intensive chemical reaction and makes flames B (~2400 K) and C (~2900 K) much shorter, stronger, and brighter than flame A. Because flames B and C are attached to the burner surface, a functional fit of experimental temperature data is used as a boundary condition. With uncertainty taken into account, model-data comparisons for major species concentration and temperature are very good for flames A and B. The general trend is predicted for flame C. Computational flame length and liftoff match the measured results very well. Computational results indicate the thermal NO dominates NO formation for flames B and C, while prompt NO dominates for flame A. The total radiative heat flux is measured along the axial direction at 25mm from the centerline of the burner for a series of oxygen-enhanced flames where O2 concentration varies from 21% (volume fraction) to 100%. As expected, the radiative heat flux increases with oxidizer concentration.
Public Policy Toward “The Greatest Trust in the World”

In the first of two articles, Professors Aduddell and Cain introduce the complex relations between a dynamic meatpacking industry and a government committed, in uncertain degree, to the philosophy of antitrust. From its earliest beginnings as an industry in the 1830s, meatpacking has experienced constantly changing parameters of technology, supply, demand, and public policy. Matters reached the first of several climaxes a few years after the new and naive Federal Trade Commission was established. Admittedly the dominant factor in a highly integrated meat industry, the largest companies were diversifying into non-meat food products, giving rise to the charge that they proposed to “monopolize” the entire food industry. The outcome was a consent decree in 1920 that, in confirming the large companies in their domination of meatpacking in return for their withdrawal from non-meat foods, revealed a government with a very weak case against an industry that it had made the cynosure of 120 million Americans. True to the familiar pattern of antitrust settlements, the dynamics of technology in transportation and marketing thereupon proceeded to render the decree meaningless. The second article, bringing the subject down to recent times, will appear in the Autumn issue.
On Generating Functions of Polynomial Systems

(1945). On Generating Functions of Polynomial Systems. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 52, No. 6, pp. 297-301.