cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting impact of multi-paths on phase change in map-based vehicular ad hoc networks

Dynamic Spectrum Access, which through its ability to adapt the operating frequency of a radio, is widely believed to be a solution to the limited spectrum problem. Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) can extend high capacity mobile communications over large areas where fixed and tethered-mobile systems are not available. In one use case with high potential impact cognitive radio employs spectrum sensing to facilitate identification of allocated frequencies not currently accessed by their primary users. Primary users own the rights to radiate at a specific frequency and geographic location, secondary users opportunistically attempt to radiate at a specific frequency when the primary user is not using it. We quantify optimal signal detection in map based cognitive radio networks with multiple rapidly varying phase changes and multiple orthogonal signals. Doppler shift occurs due to reflection, scattering, and rapid vehicle movement. Path propagation as well as vehicle movement produces either constructive or destructive interference with the incident wave. Our signal detection algorithms can assist the Doppler spread compensation algorithm by deciding how many phase changes in signals are present in a selected band of interest. Additionally we can populate a spatial radio environment map (REM) database with known information that can be leveraged in an ad hoc network to facilitate Dynamic Spectrum Access. We show how topography can help predict the impact of multi-paths on phase change, as well as about the prediction from dense traffic areas. Utilization of high resolution geospatial data layers in RF propagation analysis is directly applicable.
Studies on alcohol‐modified transition metal polymerization catalysts. I. Infrared studies

The interaction of titanium tetrachloride and alcohols in benzene and carbon tetrachloride has been studied by means of infrared spectroscopy. A “continuous variation” study of various absorption bands has allowed establishment of two different interactions: one involving a 1:1 alcohol-titanium tetrachloride ratio and another at 3:1. High-resolution spectroscopy in the 3 μ region for the latter indicates well-defined hydrogen bonding of the intramolecular kind. This has been interpreted in terms of the alcohols being both reacted and coordinated in a titanium complex. Significantly, polymerization activity of the titanium compound decreases sharply when alcohol is in molar excess and goes to zero at a 3:1 ratio. The effect of added aluminum triethyl on the infrared spectrum of the propanol–titanium tetrachloride 3:1 complex in the 3 μ region was observed. Significant changes in the OH stretching modes were noted. Interaction spectra of propanol–methyl titanium trichloride were also recorded.
Reliability of time estimation: effect of a preceding reproduction series on the reliability of subsequent verbal estimates of the same standard stimuli.

Summary.-32 Ss, 16 in an experimental group and 16 in a control group, gave two verbal estimates of each of 8 standard intervals ranging from 300 to 1000 rnsec. in 100-msec. steps. The experimental group reproduced each standard 12 times before verbally estimating it, while the control group had no prior experience with the standards to be verbally estimated. The mean reliability of the verbal estimates of the experimental group was significantly higher (p < .02) than that of the control group. This finding was held to account for the high reliability coefficients reported for the method of verbal estimation by a number of comparative studies employing several methods on the same group of Ss. The result suggests that serial position of the measuring methods may spuriously inflate the reliability coefficients of the method of verbal estimation when that method is used subsequent to the method of reproduction. The principal mechods employed in the study of time estimation are the methods of reproduction, production and verbal estimation. In the meihod of reproduction (MR) E operatively demonscrates a standard interval, which S actempcs to reproduce physically. S's judgment is called a reproduccion. In the method of production (MP) S physically produces a temporal interval as an estimate of a standard which has been verbally stated buc not demonstrated by E. S's judgment is called a production. In the method of verbal estimation (ME) S verbally estimates a standard which has been operatively demonstrated by E. S's judgment is called a verbal estimate (Bindra & Waksburg, 1956). Differences in reliability among the principal methods have been the topic
Patterns of CYP26 expression in human prenatal cephalic and hepatic tissues indicate an important role during early brain development.

Abstract CYP26 (P450RAI) catalyzes catabolic retinoic acid (RA) hydroxylation and thereby appears to play a critical role in retinoid signaling pathways during development. In this study, a quantitative competitive reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed for evaluation of CYP26 message levels in human prenatal tissues. Statistical analyses of transcription levels in 12 prenatal human brains and six prenatal human livers demonstrated good sensitivity and reproducibility. Quantitative profiles of CYP26 gene expression in early (gestational days 57–110) prenatal cephalic and hepatic tissues and comparisons with adult counterparts are reported for the first time. Prenatal cephalic tissues at days 57–67 exhibited values of 1950±420 (CYP26 molecules/106 GAPDH molecules) whereas prenatal cephalic tissues at days 105–110 exhibited values of 22 300±4450 (CYP26 molecules/106 GAPDH molecules), indicating a sharp developmental increase (approximately 11-fold). Levels in human adult cephalic tissues were slightly less than the prenatal cephalic levels measured during the earliest stages of gestation and were approximately 3-fold lower than those measured in adult human hepatic tissues. Levels in human prenatal hepatic tissues at days 63–110 gestation were less than 800 (CYP26 molecules/106 GAPDH molecules) and did not exhibit developmental increases. Considered together, the data have strong implications for the importance of CYP26 in early development of the human brain.
FINITE ELEMENT MODELING OF SYNTACTIC FOAM

A decomposition model has been developed to predict the response of removable syntactic foam (RSF) exposed to fire-like heat fluxes. RSF consists of glass micro-balloons (GMB) in a cured epoxy polymer matrix. A chemistry model is presented based on the chemical structure of the epoxy polymer, mass transport of polymer fragments to the bulk gas, and vapor-liquid equilibrium. Thermophysical properties were estimated from measurements. A bubble nucleation, growth, and coalescence model was used to describe changes in properties with the extent of reaction. Decomposition of a strand of syntactic foam exposed to high temperatures was simulated.
Analysis of Rotational Structure in the High-Resolution Infrared Spectrum and Assignment of Vibrational Fundamentals of Butadiene-2,3-13C2

Abstract The 2,3-13C2 isotopomer of butadiene was synthesized, and its fundamental vibrational fundamentals were assigned from a study of its infrared and Raman spectra aided with quantum chemical predictions of frequencies, intensities, and Raman depolarization ratios. For two C-type bands in the high-resolution (0.002 cm−1) infrared spectrum, the rotational structure was analyzed. These bands are for ν11 (au) at 907.17 cm−1 and for ν12 (au) at 523.37 cm−1. Ground state and upper state rotational constants were fitted to Watson-type Hamiltonians with a full quartic set of centrifugal distortion constants and two sextic ones. For the ground state, A0 = 1.3545088(7) cm−1, B0 = 0.1469404(1) cm−1, and C0 = 0.1325838(2) cm−1. The small inertial defects of butadiene and two 13C2 isotopomers, as well as for five deuterium isotopomers as previously reported, confirm the planarity of the s-trans rotamer of butadiene.
Mud volcanoes of the Orinoco Delta, Eastern Venezuela

Abstract Mud volcanoes along the northwest margin of the Orinoco Delta are part of a regional belt of soft sediment deformation and diapirism that formed in response to rapid foredeep sedimentation and subsequent tectonic compression along the Caribbean–South American plate boundary. Field studies of five mud volcanoes show that such structures consist of a central mound covered by active and inactive vents. Inactive vents and mud flows are densely vegetated, whereas active vents are sparsely vegetated. Four out of the five mud volcanoes studied are currently active. Orinoco mud flows consist of mud and clayey silt matrix surrounding lithic clasts of varying composition. Preliminary analysis suggests that the mud volcano sediment is derived from underlying Miocene and Pliocene strata. Hydrocarbon seeps are associated with several of the active mud volcanoes. Orinoco mud volcanoes overlie the crest of a mud-diapir-cored anticline located along the axis of the Eastern Venezuelan Basin. Faulting along the flank of the Pedernales mud volcano suggests that fluidized sediment and hydrocarbons migrate to the surface along faults produced by tensional stresses along the crest of the anticline. Orinoco mud volcanoes highlight the proximity of this major delta to an active plate margin and the importance of tectonic influences on its development. Evaluation of the Orinoco Delta mud volcanoes and those elsewhere indicates that these features are important indicators of compressional tectonism along deformation fronts of plate margins.
Aging Enhances the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species and Bactericidal Activity in Peritoneal Macrophages by Upregulating Classical Activation Pathways

Maintenance of macrophages in their basal state and their rapid activation in response to pathogen detection are central to the innate immune system, acting to limit nonspecific oxidative damage and promote pathogen killing following infection. To identify possible age-related alterations in macrophage function, we have assayed the function of peritoneal macrophages from young (3-4 months) and aged (14-15 months) Balb/c mice. In agreement with prior suggestions, we observe age-dependent increases in the extent of recruitment of macrophages into the peritoneum, as well as ex vivo functional changes involving enhanced nitric oxide production under resting conditions that contribute to a reduction in the time needed for full activation of senescent macrophages following exposure to lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Further, we observe enhanced bactericidal activity following Salmonella uptake by macrophages isolated from aged Balb/c mice in comparison with those isolated from young animals. Pathways responsible for observed phenotypic changes were interrogated using tandem mass spectrometry, which identified age-dependent increases in levels of proteins linked to immune cell pathways under basal conditions and following LPS activation. Immune pathways upregulated in macrophages isolated from aged mice include proteins critical to the formation of the immunoproteasome. Detection of these latter proteins is dramatically enhanced following LPS exposure for macrophages isolated from aged animals; in comparison, the identification of immunoproteasome subunits is insensitive to LPS exposure for macrophages isolated from young animals. Consistent with observed global changes in the proteome, quantitative proteomic measurements indicate that there are age-dependent abundance changes involving specific proteins linked to immune cell function under basal conditions. LPS exposure selectively increases the levels of many proteins involved in immune cell function in aged Balb/c mice. Collectively, these results indicate that macrophages isolated from old mice are in a preactivated state that enhances their sensitivities to LPS exposure. The hyper-responsive activation of macrophages in aged animals may act to minimize infection by general bacterial threats that arise due to age-dependent declines in adaptive immunity. However, this hypersensitivity and the associated increase in the level of formation of reactive oxygen species are likely to contribute to observed age-dependent increases in the level of oxidative damage that underlie many diseases of the elderly.
Subcritical crack growth in CVI SiCf/SiC composites at elevated temperatures: dynamic crack growth model

Abstract A dynamic crack-growth model has been developed to predict slow crack growth in ceramic composites containing nonlinear, creeping fibers in an elastic matrix. Mechanics for frictional bridging and nonlinear fiber-creep equations are used to compute crack extension dynamically. Discrete, two-dimensional fiber bridges are employed, which allows separate bridge “clocks”, to compute slow crack-growth rates for composites containing Nicalon-CG and Hi-Nicalon fibers. Predictions for activation energies, time-temperature exponents, crack lengths, and crack-velocity data for composites in bending at 1173 K to 1473 K in inert environments are in good agreement with experimental data. In addition, calculated creep strains in the bridges agree with experimental damage-zone strains. The implications of multiple-matrix cracking are discussed.
6-dimensional manifolds with effective T4-actions

Abstract Suppose the four dimensional torus T 4 acts effectively on a 6-manifold M so that the orbit space M ∗ is a closed 2-disk, and there exist no exceptional orbits, and the isotropy groups span T 4 . Then the fundamental group of M is a finite abelian group with at most two generators. In this paper, we obtain a homology classification of manifolds of this type under an additional hypothesis that one of the two generators is trivial. We then use this result to obtain a complete classification of simply connected 6-manifolds supporting effective T 4 -actions.
SomaTech: an exploratory interface for altering movement habits

We propose SomaTech, a Kinect-based system that encourages users to expand understanding and awareness of their everyday movements. The system creates real-time auditory feedback based on the user's whole action, aiming toward re-education of habitual, potentially unsound movement patterns which are often ingrained within the brain. To do this, we draw inspiration from the field of somatics, which has well-studied prophylactic benefits. Our initial evaluation shows promising results that users become more aware of movement choices and are able to improve their efficiency after using the system.
Research on security standards of power supply in China and UK

Security standard is the basic technical document in network planning, so it is worth making deep research and comparison on security standards in different countries. This paper firstly discusses the basic concept and evaluation indices about security of power supply. Then, following the introduction of security standard in China, function, content and principles of security standards in UK are interpreted in detail, and a practical example is given as well. According to the comparing study, this paper points out the imperfection of present security standard in China and puts forward some suggestions for improvement. Finally, based on the principles of ER P2/6 and actual situation of Nanjing network, power supply points are divided into 6 classes and reasonable security level of each class is set out. A trial security standard with quantitative indices will be issued in Nanjing network as a pilot for the other networks in China.
Frequency-Dependent Selection in a Periodic Environment.

We examine the action of natural selection in a periodically changing environment where two competing strains are specialists, respectively, for each environmental state. When the relative fitness of the strains is subject to a very general class of frequency-dependent selection, we show that coexistence rather than extinction is the likely outcome. This coexistence may be a stable periodic equilibrium, stable limit cycles of varying lengths, or be deterministically chaotic. Our model is applicable to the population dynamics commonly found in many types of viruses.
You're Too Old for That

Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) produces a subacute and typically bilateral but sequential optic neuropathy. LHON is a mitochondrial disease and the most common mutations are at positions 11778, 14484 and 3460. LHON typically presents in young (age 20-40), healthy men but may occur in either sex and at any age. We report a case of LHON in a 72-year-old man and we emphasize the importance of testing for LHON in all cases of unexplained bilateral and sequential optic neuropathy with a ceco-central or central scotoma.
A VHDL MPEG-7 shape descriptor extractor

The MPEG-7 video compression standard allows for multimedia metadata description. By providing robust descriptors and an effective framework for storing them, MPEG-7 is designed to provide a means of navigation through audio-visual content. In particular, MPEG-7 provides a region based shape descriptor, the Angular Radial Transform (ART), for use in image and video annotation and retrieval. For this work, an FPGA based ART extractor was designed and simulated for a Xilinx Virtex-E XCV300e in order to provide a speedup over software based extraction. The design created is capable of processing over 69,4400 pixels a minute. This design utilizes 99% of the FPGA's logical resources and operates at a clock rate of 25 MHz.
Crystal structure of pentalenene synthase: Mechanistic insights on terpenoid cyclization reactions in biology

The crystal structure of pentalenene synthase at 2.6 angstrom resolution reveals critical active site features responsible for the cyclization of farnesyl diphosphate into the tricyclic hydrocarbon pentalenene. Metal-triggered substrate ionization initiates catalysis, and the α-barrel active site serves as a template to channel and stabilize the conformations of reactive carbocation intermediates through a complex cyclization cascade. The core active site structure of the enzyme may be preserved among the greater family of terpenoid synthases, possibly implying divergence from a common ancestral synthase to satisfy biological requirements for increasingly diverse natural products.
Arsenic speciation and identification of monomethylarsonous acid and monomethylthioarsonic acid in a complex matrix.

Anion-exchange chromatography was utilized for speciation of arsenite (As(III)), arsenate (As(V)), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)), monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)), and the new As species monomethylthioarsonic acid (MMTA), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ICPMS) detection. MMA(III) and MMTA were identified for the first time in freeze-dried carrot samples that were collected over 25 years ago as part of a joint U.S. EPA, U.S. FDA, and USDA study on trace elements in agricultural crops. The discovery of MMA(III) and MMTA in terrestrial foods necessitated the analytical characterization of synthetic standards of both species, which were used for standard addition in carrot extracts. The negative ion mode, high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS) data produced molecular ions of m/z 122.9418 and 154.9152 for MMA(III) and MMTA, respectively. However, ESI-MS was not sensitive enough to directly identify MMA(III) and MMTA in the carrot extra...
Deepening the Conception of Functional Information in the Description of Zoonotic Infectious Diseases

Infectious agents, their hosts, and relevant abiotic components are directly involved in the complex dynamic process of maintaining infectious diseases in Nature. The current tendency to focus on host-pathogen interactions at the molecular and organismal levels does not advance our knowledge about infectious diseases, as much as it potentially could, by ignoring the ecological context pivotal for understanding the biology of the diseases. A new model of investigation requires a dynamic shift of perspectives in the “simplicity-complexity” dimension: from virulence factors to multi-sided descriptions of the pathogens; from particular microbes to wide microbial communities; from clinical manifestations to a variety of infectious patterns; from findings of infectious agents to defining a natural focus of the infection as a self-regulated system; from single factors affecting host-parasite relations to the complex ecological context. Various aspects of interactions between hosts, vectors, pathogens, and environmental niches should be integrated at multiple spatiotemporal scales and at different levels of biological organization (molecular, genomic, organismal, population, and ecosystem).
SA 4503 attenuates cocaine-induced hyperactivity and enhances methamphetamine substitution for a cocaine discriminative stimulus

Cocaine exhibits preferential (~15-fold) affinity for σ₁ over σ₂ sigma receptors, and previous research has shown an interaction of σ₁ receptor-selective ligands and cocaine's behavioral effects. The present study investigated the effect of the putative sigma receptor agonist SA 4503 (1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine dihydrochloride) on cocaine's locomotor stimulatory and discriminative stimulus properties. At doses without intrinsic activity, SA 4503 dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-induced hyperactivity in mice. This inhibition was overcome by increasing the cocaine dose. In rats trained to use cocaine as a discriminative stimulus in a drug discrimination task, doses of SA 4503 that did not substitute for the cocaine stimulus did not alter the cocaine substitution curve. However, SA 4503 potentiated the effect of methamphetamine to substitute for the cocaine stimulus. These data support a role for sigma receptors in the locomotor-activating properties of cocaine and, importantly, indicate a role for these receptors in the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine. The data also suggest sigma receptors mediate the activity of different dopamine pathways responsible for the behavioral effects of psychostimulants.
A model of face practices in Chinese business culture: Implications for western businesspersons

This article describes findings of in-depth interviews about the role of face in Chinese business culture with 34 Chinese businesspersons and 8 American businesspersons who were operating in major mainland Chinese commercial centers. Informants described 229 business incidents involving the major face practices: giving face, protecting face, vying for face, and not considering face. Authentic examples of the various face practices in business situations are provided to illustrate related behaviors. A model of face practices was developed that describes dominant face practices and related strategies based on the following business relationships: horizontal insiders, vertical insiders, and outsiders. Related recommendations are provided for business practitioners and researchers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
DNA methylation at imprint regulatory regions in preterm birth and infection.

Objective To aid in understanding long-term health consequences of intrauterine infections in preterm birth, we evaluated DNA methylation at 9 differentially methylated regions that regulate imprinted genes by type of preterm birth (spontaneous preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, or medically indicated [fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia]) and infection status (chorioamnionitis or funisitis). Study Design Data on type of preterm birth and infection status were abstracted from medical records and standardized pathology reports in 73 preterm infants enrolled in the Newborn Epigenetics STudy, a prospective cohort study of mother-infant dyads in Durham, NC. Cord blood was collected at birth, and infant DNA methylation levels at the H19, IGF2, MEG3, MEST, SGCE/PEG10, PEG3, NNAT, and PLAGL1 differentially methylated regions were measured using bisulfite pyrosequencing. One-way analyses of variance and logistic regression models were used to compare DNA methylation levels by type of preterm birth and infection status. Results DNA methylation levels did not differ at any of the regions ( P > .20) between infants born via spontaneous preterm labor (average n=29), preterm premature rupture of membranes (average n=17), or medically indicated preterm birth (average n=40). Levels were significantly increased at PLAGL1 in infants with chorioamnionitis (n = 10, 64.4%) compared with infants without chorioamnionitis (n = 63, 57.9%), P PLAGL1 for infants with funisitis (n = 7, 63.3%) compared with infants without funisitis (n = 66, 58.3%), P Conclusion Dysregulation of PLAGL1 has been associated with abnormal development and cancer. Early-life exposures, including infection/inflammation, may affect epigenetic changes that increase susceptibility to later chronic disease.
INDUCED ENZYMATIC CHANGES IN LACTOSE SYNTHESIS AND ASSOCIATED PATHWAYS OF BOVINE MAMMARY CELL CULTURES.

Abstract The lability of lactose biosynthesis in bovine mammary cell cultures contrasts with the more prolonged synthesis of β-lactoglobulin. Studies on cellular products and associated enzymatic pathways indicated that UDPG pyrophosphorylase activity dropped rapidly with time corresponding to the loss in lactose synthesis but then leveled off at an activity corresponding to the synthesis of glycogen. The main carbohydrate synthesized with time became glycogen instead of lactose and the bulk of glucose not utilized in this manner was shunted into protein and nucleic acid synthesis. Insulin enhanced this occurrence. With galactose provided as the major hexose and some glucose present, the continuation of lactose synthesis as well as the conversion of galactose to glucose was enhanced thus maintaining both the activities of UDPGal-4-epimerase and galactosyl transferase. Indications were found that other conditions such as low serum level, increased defined medium constituents (particularly glucose), and increased cell density may also be factors in maintaining lactose synthesis.
Analysis of inphase interaction pattern in EEG.

Inphase interactions among EEG signals recorded using eight electrodes were investigated. The inphase interaction parameters are presented in two ways: (1) matrix form in which the number of inphase interactions are tabulated; and (2) histogram in which the number of inphase interactions are plotted pair-wise between two sites as a function of phase delays in milliseconds. The highest number of interactions occurs between 0 and 8 ms in normal brains. The values of interaction parameters are enhanced by various activities. For example, inphase interaction parameters increase in the motor area in the right hemisphere if the EEG is recorded during repeated left fist clenching. Inphase interactions are drastically altered by the presence of a tumor. We studied the inphase interactions of the EEG of a patient having an occipital tumor. The interaction parameters are greatly diminished in this area, indicating a severe impairment of neuronal communications between both hemispheres in the occipital region. The confidence limits of the changes in inphase interaction parameters during fist clenching are tested statistically using the Student's t test. The test shows that the interaction parameters increase, in general, with 1–5% confidence limits in respective cortex areas as a result of fist clenching.
Thomas Hobbes in the History of International Political Thought

Aspects of Hobbes. By Noel Malcolm (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 2002), xii + 644 pp. £40.00 cloth. Hobbes, Realism and the Tradition of International Law. By Charles Covell (Hampshire, UK: Palgrave Ma...
Elastomers from Fluoroprene

Abstract As the first member of the haloprene or halogen-substituted butadiene series, fluoroprene (2-fluoro-1,3-butadiene) occupies a position between butadiene and chloroprene in most of its properties and characteristics. For example, it polymerizes at a rate approximately twenty-five times that of butadiene under comparable conditions, but it is somewhat slower than chloroprene in its rate of polymerization. However, fluoroprene resembles butadiene in that it copolymerizes readily in wide proportions with most 1,3-dienes and many monovinyl compounds, whereas chloroprene copolymerizes only incompletely with many monomers. In sharp contrast to the other haloprenes, fluoroprene polymers, like those of butadiene, have an amorphous rather than crystalline structure in the stretched state, and they require reinforcement with fillers to develop high tensile properties in their vulcanizates. Polyfluoroprene rubbers obtained in 85 to 90 per cent conversions using selected emulsion systems have exhibited tensil...
Functional near-infrared imaging of deoxygenated hemoglobin during exercise of the finger extensor muscles using the frequency-domain technique

A functional image of the extensor digitorum muscle was obtained using the frequency domain spectroscopic technique with near-infrared light. The muscle was imaged by measuring the change in phase angle of modulated waves of near-infrared light in response to increased absorption of deoxygenated hemoglobin, which resulted from increased O2 metabolism during arm exercise. The image was compiled from a raster scan of flexion and relaxation exercises at 95 separate points on the dorsal surface of the right forearm. Each point on the arm consisted of a complete experiment that included continuous frequency-domain measurements of phase and intensity during rest, isotonic exercise, and recovery from exercise. Analysis consisted of a simple subtraction of the average phase angle baseline at rest from the average phase reading during steady-state contraction of the extensor digitorum muscle. A difference array of data was then compiled from these 95 experiments to give a 2-D density-plot image. The image clearly demonstrates the extensor digitorum muscle in its oblique position within the density-plot array. This experiment shows the in vivo functional imaging capability of the frequency-resolved technique and indicates that a high degree of resolution is obtainable.
Flood Hazards, Insurance Rates, and Amenities: Evidence From the Coastal Housing Market

This study employs the hedonic property price method to examine the ef fects of flood hazard on coastal property values. We utilize Geographic Infor mation System data on National Flood Insurance Program flood zones and residential property sales from Carteret County, North Carolina. Our results indicate that location within a flood zone lowers property value. Price differ entials for flood risk and the capitalized value of flood insurance premiums are roughly equivalent?both exhibiting a nonlinear relationship in flood probability. Our results support the conclusion that flood zone designation and insurance premiums convey risk information to potential buyers in the coastal housing market.
Self-control in Psychotic Disorders

• Our follow-up study of 20 psychiatric patients and a review of the relevant literature support the idea that some persons may be able to exert control over their own psychiatric symptoms. This self-regulation process consists of three phases: In the first phase, persons become aware of the existence of psychotic or prepsychotic behavior by self-monitoring. In the second phase, self-evaluation, the person recognizes the implications of these behaviors as a signal of disorder. In these phases, detecting early affective signals that may herald the onset of psychotic symptoms and noting the sequences of events often followed by symptoms are particularly important. Once these symptoms or their precursors are detected, phase 3 occurs in which mechanisms of self-control are employed. Three such mechanisms are particularly common: self-instruction, reduced involvement in activity, and increased involvement in activity.
The study on characteristics of the coreness of router-level internet nodes

Being a huge system, the Internetpsilas topology structure is very complex. It canpsilat be treated as a plane simply, and we must analysis its hierarchy. In this paper, the research was based on the massive data authorized by CAIDA(The Cooperative Association for Internet Data Analysis) Skitter project. By studying the router-level Internet topology measuring data from depth and width, we described the characteristics of the coreness of router-level nodes, and illustrated the frequency-degree power law of the nodes which coreness is lower and the regionally distribution of the nodes which coreness is higher. These descriptions of the characteristics can provide a valuable reference for describing the hierarchy of Internet.
Construct validity of repression: a dimensional analysis.

This study explored the construct validity of repression through an examination of the interrelations among indicators identified in previous research as being associated with the construct. Three behavioral tasks, i.e., dichotic listening task, recall of past events task, and Stroop task, modified in accordance with previous research to tap into repressive tendencies, and one questionnaire (Byrne Repression-Sensitization Scale) were administered to a sample of 62 university undergraduates. A series of correlational analyses provided weak to moderate support for the construct validity of repression.
Tightening the System: Reference as a Loosely Coupled System

ABSTRACT The Moraine Valley Community College Library views its reference services as a loosely coupled system, which places the knowledge of the librarian at the heart of the reference interaction. Enabling knowledge sharing at the reference desk, from the classroom, and across the department has worked to tighten the system.
Reduction of Calcineurin Enzymatic Activity in Alzheimer's Disease: Correlation with Neuropathologic Changes

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), neuritic plaques, and dystrophic neurites are the classic neuropathologic hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), all of which contain to varying degrees abnormally and/or hyperphosphorylated forms of the microtubule-associated protein tau. Protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin) dephosphorylates tau isolated from AD brains to control levels in vitro as well as regulates tau phosphorylation and function in vivo. It has been hypothesized that the changes in tau phosphorylation observed in AD may be due to increases in kinase activity and/or decreases in phosphatase activity. In order to investigate the latter possibility, we examined calcineurin enzyme activity using the substrate para-nitrophenyl-phosphate (pNPP) in postmortem brain samples from individuals with moderate to severe AD (n = 8) and age-matched controls (n = 7). The stimulation of calcineurin activity by manganese chloride (1 mM) was reduced by 60% (p < 0.01) in whole-cell homogenates prepared from AD temporal cortex (Brodmann area 38). On the other hand, in P2 membrane fractions, the stimulation of calcineurin activity by manganese chloride as well as nickel chloride (1 mM) was reduced by 37% (p < 0.05) and 79% (p < 0.01), respectively. The manganese-stimulated calcineurin activity in the temporal cortex inversely correlated with both the number of NFT (r = -0.60, p < 0.02) and neuritic/core plaques (r = -0.63, p < 0.02) in whole-cell homogenates, but only with NFT (r = -0.61, p < 0.02) in P2 membrane fractions. The nickel-stimulated calcineurin activity did not correlate with neuropathology measures in either whole-cell or P2 membrane fractions. In striate visual cortex (Brodmann area 17), an area relatively unaffected in AD, neither whole-cell nor P2 membrane calcineurin activity were significantly altered. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a reduction in calcineurin phosphatase activity in AD which correlates with the neuropathological features in a region-, subcellular fraction-, and divalent cation-specific manner.
Temperature dependence of orientation birefringence of polymers in the glassy and rubbery states

The temperature dependence of orientation birefringence has been measured for several different polymers, by producing samples with a fixed degree of orientation by mechanical stretching, and varying the temperature. The following three polymers were studied: polystyrene, poly (methyl acrylate), and poly(methyl methacrylate)—the last in both atactic and stereospecific forms. These all have negative orientation birefringence at room temperature. Measurements were carried out in a range of temperatures below the glass transition temperature, except for poly(methyl acrylate) which was crosslinked. The curves obtained for the different polymers showed considerable differences in form; they were reversible in regard to temperature cycling, and showed no appreciable time effects. Polystyrene showed little change in its orientation birefringence with temperature. The other polymers showed appreciable changes with temperature, and an actual change of sign of the birefringence from negative to positive with increasing temperature. The crossover temperature was near the glass transition temperature for the various stereo forms of PMMA, and measurement of this crossover temperature might therefore provide a fairly accurate method for determining the stereo composition of a PMMA sample. However, the crossover temperature is considerably above Tg in the case of PMA. We believe that these curves reflect thermal motions of the molecular groups with polarizability anisotropy (such as the phenyl and eater side groups) whose orientation gives rise to the birefringence. The small change is the case of polystyrene is undoubtedly a consequence of the rigidity of the phenyl ring and the steric hindrance of its immediate environment. These results may also reflect chain backbone motions, and other effects, in an indirect way. The theory and experimental data for a complete interpretation of these results is not yet available. However, some of the evident consequences of the present findings are discussed.
Effect of January vacations and prior night call status on resident ABSITE performance.

Objective To determine if vacations in January or on-call status have an effect on American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination (ABSITE) scores. Design Retrospective review of the performance of general surgery residents on ABSITE. Data collected included ABSITE scores, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 scores, January vacation schedules, and call schedules. ABSITE performance was examined for correlation with vacation or call schedules. Student t test was used for statistical analysis, with a p value of less than 0.05 considered significant. Setting General surgery residency program at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center—Shreveport, a university hospital–based program with 5 categorical residents per year. Participants Postgraduate year (PGY) 1 through 5 general surgery categorical residents from 2006 to 2012. Results A total of 170 ABSITE scores from 55 residents were reviewed. The mean score when vacation was taken was 48.6 as compared with 36.3 when no vacation was taken (p = 0.02). Residents who took a January vacation at least once in their residency had a mean score of 42.8 as compared with 37.7 of those who did not (p = 0.43). The mean United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 score of residents who took a January vacation at least once in their residency was 218 as compared with 217 for their peers (p = 0.78). Among residents who took January vacations, the mean score in the years they took vacation was 49.4 as compared with 35.4 in the years they did not (p = 0.02). Prior night call status had no effect on the examination scores (44.2 vs 38.6, p = 0.30). Conclusions Mean ABSITE scores were higher for residents who took a January vacation before the examination, despite no apparent difference in baseline test-taking ability. Among residents who took January vacations, mean scores were higher in the years they took vacation than in other years. On-call status did not have an effect on ABSITE performance. Vacation schedules in January can have a significant effect on ABSITE scores.
Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a multidisciplinary approach

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial condition, ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without fibrosis. NAFLD affects both adults and children who present with particular risk factors, including obesity, sedentary lifestyle and/or a predisposing genetic background. The escalation of the prevalence of NAFLD in children worldwide is a worrying phenomenon because this disease is closely associated with the development of both cirrhosis and cardiometabolic syndrome in adulthood. The etiopathogenesis of primary NAFLD in children is unknown; however, considerable knowledge about the mechanisms of liver damage that occur during disease progression has been gathered over the past 30 years. Understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms, together with the histological pattern, provide the basis to characterize potential early predictors of the disease, suitable noninvasive diagnostic tools and design novel specific treatments and possible management strategies. Despite a few clinical trials on the use of antioxidants combined with lifestyle intervention for NAFLD that showed encouraging results, to date, no treatment guidelines exist for children with NAFLD. In this Review, we provide an overview of current concepts in epidemiology, histological features, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD in children and adolescents.
A method for estimating the long-term performance of direct-coupled PV pumping systems

Abstract A method is developed to predict the long-term performance of direct-coupled PV pumping systems. The method uses only information available from the PV module and pump-motor manufacturers. Weather data are “generated” from monthly averages of horizontal radiation and ambient temperatures using well-known weather data statistics. The method predicts monthly pumped water to within 6% of TRNSYS predictions based on hourly weather data. The use of a single monthly-average day is shown to underpredict monthly pumped water at low monthly average radiation levels and overpredict monthly pumped water at intermediate radiation levels. Only at high radiation levels does the use of a single monthly-average day provide a reasonable estimation of monthly pumped water.
IS WORK THE NEW NEIGHBORHOOD? Social Ties in the Workplace, Family, and Neighborhood

The work–family literature emphasizes how work intrudes into family life, and some scholars suggest that social ties based in the workplace may be replacing ties to family or neighbors. Using data from the Ecology of Careers Panel Study, we describe the prevalence of strong ties with family, coworkers, and neighbors in a dual-earner, middle-class sample. We also examine which respondents are more likely to have strong ties in the workplace. We find that most respondents do not have any strong ties with coworkers; however, coworker ties are much more common than ties to neighbors. Additionally, there are gender differences in network ties and these differences may have important consequences for social support.
Curated city: capturing individual city guides through social curation

We report on our design of Curated City, a website that lets people build their own personal guide to the city's neighborhoods by chronicling their favorite experiences. Although users make their own personal guides, they are immersed in a social curatorial experience where they are influenced directly and indirectly by the guides of others. We use a 2-week field trial involving 20 residents of Pittsburgh as a technological probe to explore the initial design decisions, and we further refine the design landscape through subject interviews. Based on this study, we identify a set of design recommendations for building scalable social platforms for curating the experiences of the city.
The UN and Disarmament

In 1964 Secretary-General U Thant asserted that more significant progress in achieving some measures of disarmament has taken place since the summer of 1963 than in all the years since the founding of the United Nations.The evidence cited included five achievements: 1) the coming into force in October 1963 of the Moscow Treaty, a partial test-ban treaty banning nuclear-weapons tests in the atmosphere, in outer space, and under water to which more than 100 states had subscribed by 1965; 2) the establishment of the direct communications link between Moscow and Washington; 3) the resolution of the General Assembly to ban nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction from outer space; 4) the unilateral reductions of the military budgets of the Soviet Union and the United States; and 5) the mutual cutbacks in production of fissionable material for military purposes by these two countries and the United Kingdom.
Measurement and analysis of static pressure field in a torque converter pump

In this paper, the static pressure field and performance parameters of a torque converter turbine are measured, analyzed, and interpreted under three speed ratio conditions (0, 0.6, and 0.8). A proven measurement technique was developed for the steady-state measurement of static pressures in the turbine. Results show that: (1) the static pressure field is generally poor at the core section; (2) centrifugal force has the dominant effect on the static pressure drop in the turbine at SR = 0.6 and SR = 0.8; and (3) the static pressure loss due to viscous effects and due to the diffusion of the relative velocity is very pronounced at SR = 0.
Figural Aftereffects in Random-Dot Stereograms without Monocular Contours

Random-dot stereograms produced contour-displacement figural aftereffects in the absence of monocular inspection and test contours. Such aftereffects are wholly cyclopean (central), since no interaction between inspection and test contours could occur at any level lower than the area of binocular fusion. Cyclopean aftereffects have important implications for theories of figural aftereffects.
Design considerations for high-data-rate chip interconnect systems

Over the past decade, data rates for electrical interconnects in interchip communications systems have experienced a dramatic increase from <;1 Gb/s to 10 Gb/s and beyond to keep up with ever increasing demands for more I/O bandwidth from modern high-capacity storage, networking, and data processing systems. This article presents an overview of the high-data-rate chip interconnect design space, including a short description of the channel, line equalization architecture, and design considerations for key I/O core subsystems realized in nanoscale CMOS technology.
9E,11E-Conjugated Linoleic Acid Increases Expression of the Endogenous Antiinflammatory Factor, Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist, in RAW 264.7 Cells

Despite having a similar structure, various conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have a distinct gene expression pattern in RAW 264.7 (RAW) cells, a mouse macrophage cell line. Among the 5 CLA isomers tested [9cis(Z),11trans(E)-, 9Z,11Z-, 9E,11E-, 10E,12Z-, and 11Z,13E-CLA], only 9E,11E-CLA induced the endogenous antiinflammatory molecule, interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), in RAW cells. In this study, the mechanism and effects of IL-1Ra regulation by 9E,11ECLA in RAW cells was studied in detail. 9E,11E-CLA induced IL-1Ra in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas it decreased lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-1a, IL-1b, and IL-6 mRNA levels and protein levels. To determine the importance of IL-1Ra in the antiinflammatory effects of this particular CLA isomer, IL-1Ra protein levels were repressed in RAW cells using small interference RNA inhibitor expression. In the presence of IL-1Ra small interference RNA, the induction of this molecule was ablated, as was the decrease of LPS-induced IL-1a and IL-6 mRNA levels by 9E,11E-CLA. The IL-1Ra increase due to this CLA isomer was transcriptionally regulated, although there was no response element(s) affected by 9E,11E-CLA in the first 1.5 kb of the IL-1Ra promoter. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors, LY294002 and the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor rapamycin, abolished the IL-1Ra induction by 9E,11E-CLA, whereas other kinase inhibitors did not affect this response. Taken together, 9E,11E-CLA exerts unique antiinflammatory effects by increasing an endogenous repressor of IL-1 signaling. J. Nutr. 139: 1861‐1866, 2009.