cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micro-angiographic detector with fluoroscopic capability

New neuro-interventional devices such as stents require high spatial-resolution image guidance to enable accurate localization both along the vessel axis as well as in a preferred rotational orientation around the axis. A new high-resolution angiographic detector has been designed with capability for micro-angiography at rates exceeding the 5 fps of our current detector and, additionally, with noise low enough and gain high enough for fluoroscopy. Although the performance requirements are demanding and the detector must fit within practical clinical space constraints, image guidance is only needed within a approximately 5 cm region of interest at the site of the intervention. To achieve the design goals, the new detector is being assembled from available components which include a CsI(Tl) phosphor module coupled to a fiber-optic taper assembly with a two stage light image intensifier and a mirror between the output of the fiber taper and the input to a conventional high performance optical CCD camera. Resulting acquisition modes include 50-micron effective pixels at up to 30 fps with the capability to adjust sensitivity for both fluoroscopy and angiography. Estimates of signal at the various stages of detection are made with quantum accounting diagrams (QAD).
Antibody to Amyloid β Protein Alleviates Impaired Acquisition, Retention, and Memory Processing in SAMP8 Mice

SAMP8 (senescence-accelerated mouse, P8 strain) mice overproduce amyloid precursor protein and beta-amyloid and have learning and memory deficits. Preliminary data have indicated that overproduction of beta-amyloid plays a role in the pathogenesis of acquisition and retention deficits in SAMP8 mice. In the studies reported here, the authors examined the effects of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to beta-amyloid on acquisition and retention in an aversive T-maze testing paradigm when injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV) into 12-month SAMP8/TaJF mice. Both the polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies improved acquisition and retention when injected ICV 1 to 14 days prior to acquisition testing. Injection of all three antibodies intrahippocampally immediately following training improved retention on the T-maze when mice were tested 7 days later. The authors next studied the effect of monoclonal beta-amyloid antibody injected 48 h prior to training on the effect on retention in the T-maze of drugs modulating classical neurotransmitters. Arecoline and glutamate were injected directly into the hippocampus, and ketanserin, methiothepen, bicuculline, and OH-saclofen were injected into the septum. Previously, the authors have found that the doses of these drugs required to improve retention are markedly altered in 12-month SAMP8/TkJF mice compared to 4-month P8 mice. In these studies, it was demonstrated that antibody to beta-amyloid resulted in these drugs improving retention at doses that improved memory in 4-month SAMP8/TaJF mice. Based on these findings, we conclude that beta-amyloid overproduction is at least in part responsible for the acquisition and memory deficits in 12-month-old SAMP8/TaJF mice. Antibody to beta-amyloid restores the retention response to neurotransmitter manipulation to that seen in 4-month-old mice. beta-amyloid appears to play a key role in the loss of acquisition and retention seen in SAMP8/TaJF mice.
Applicability of the Dual-Factor Model of Mental Health for College Students

This study explores the utility of a dual-factor model of mental health in which the concepts of mental illness and mental wellness are integrated. Life satisfaction, emotional symptoms, personal adjustment, and clinical symptoms were assessed with a sample of 240 college students. Participants were organized into four groups based on levels of life satisfaction and clinical symptoms. Results appear to be consistent with previous research suggesting that psychopathology and subjective well-being are not opposite ends of an illness--health continuum, but may be better conceptualized as separate and complementary constructs related to the full range of human functioning. Implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
NEURAL NETWORK FOR RAPID DEPTH EVALUATION OF SHALLOW CRACKS IN ASPHALT PAVEMENTS

Rapid and nondestructive evaluation of pavement crack depths is a major challenge in pavement maintenance and rehabilitation. This paper presents a computer-based methodology with which one can estimate the actual depths of shallow, surface-initiated fatigue cracks in asphalt pavements based on rapid measurement of their surface characteristics. It is shown that the complex overall relationship among crack depths, surface geometrical properties of cracks, pavement properties, and traffic characteristics can be learned effectively by a neural network (NN). The learning task is facilitated by a database that includes relevant traffic and pavement characteristics of Florida's state highway network. In addition, the specific data used for the NN model development also contained laser-scanned microscopic surface geometrical properties of cracks in 95 pavement sections and pavement core samples scattered within 5 Florida counties. Relatively advanced training algorithms were investigated in addition to the Standard Backpropagation algorithm to determine optimal NN architecture. In terms of optimizing the NN training process, the "early stopping method" was effective. The crack depth evaluation model was validated based on an unused portion of the database and fresh core samples. Results indicate the promise of NN usage in nondestructive estimation of shallow crack depths based on crack-surface geometry and pavement and traffic characteristics.
Immersions with bounded curvature

This article proves that the immersions of compact manifolds into a fixed compact Riemannian manifold, with bounds on the second fundamental forms and either the diameter or volume of the induced metrics, fall into only finitely many topological types.
Utilizing Six Sigma Methodology To Increase Compliance with the National Surgical Care Improvement Project Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Measures

ISSUE: Surgical site infections (SSIs) increase morbidity, mortality, cost, and length of stay. Studies support the use of antimicrobials to decrease the risk of SSIs. The National Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) has defined optimal measures for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis timing, selection and duration. A comparison among surgical subspecialty groups in a tertiary care academic hospital revealed a significant variance in the colorectal service compliance rate for optimal timing of antimicrobial prophylaxis. Colorectal service compliance rates for Jan-Mar, 2005 were 68% for optimal timing (within 1 hour of incision, or 2 hours for vancomycin) and 88% for selection. The rate for optimal duration (stopping ≤ 24 hours after surgery) for Apr-June was 30%. PROJECT: A multidisciplinary Colorectal SCIP Team was organized and utilized Six Sigma methodology to define, measure, analyze, and improve the surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis administration process. The goal was to increase compliance for all measures to 95%. The team created process flow and cause and effect diagrams. Analysis of process capability and variation were performed. The team implemented a process improvement plan that included: defining roles within the antimicrobial prophylaxis administration process; adding an antimicrobial prophylaxis question to the surgical "time out"; developing a SCIP education plan for stakeholders; revising colorectal pre/post-op order sets; and developing an electronic method for monthly feedback of rates to stakeholders. RESULTS: Colorectal service compliance rates for optimal timing of antimicrobial prophylaxis increased significantly during 2005: 1 st quarter (QTR) 68% (38/56) [Reference (Ref)], 2 nd QTR 92% (35/38) [RR 1.36], 3 rd QTR 92% (35/38) [RR 1.36], Oct-Nov 87%(13/15) [RR 1.28]. Chi-square test for trend 7.68, P 0.001. Colorectal rates for discontinuing antimicrobial prophylaxis within 24 hours after surgery increased significantly during 2005: 2 nd QTR 30% (10/33) [Ref], 3 rd QTR 61% (14/23) [RR 2.01], Oct-Nov 86% (12/14) [RR 2.83]. Chi-square test for trend 13.07, P LESSONS LEARNED: Six Sigma methodology was instrumental in identifying process barriers and focusing interventions to achieve an increase in the compliance rates of the surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis administration process.
TCP congestion avoidance algorithm identification

The Internet has recently been evolving from homogeneous congestion control to heterogeneous congestion control. Several years ago, Internet traffic was mainly controlled by the traditional RENO, whereas it is now controlled by multiple different TCP algorithms, such as RENO, CUBIC, and Compound TCP (CTCP). However, there is very little work on the performance and stability study of the Internet with heterogeneous congestion control. One fundamental reason is the lack of the deployment information of different TCP algorithms. In this paper, we first propose a tool called TCP Congestion Avoidance Algorithm Identification (CAAI) for actively identifying the TCP algorithm of a remote Web server. CAAI can identify all default TCP algorithms (e.g., RENO, CUBIC, and CTCP) and most non-default TCP algorithms of major operating system families. We then present the CAAI measurement result of about 30 000 Web servers. We found that only 3.31%-14.47% of the Web servers still use RENO, 46.92% of the Web servers use BIC or CUBIC, and 14.5%-25.66% of the Web servers use CTCP. Our measurement results show a strong sign that the majority of TCP flows are not controlled by RENO anymore, and a strong sign that the Internet congestion control has changed from homogeneous to heterogeneous.
Change-point analysis of paired allele-specific copy number variation data.

Abstract The recent genome-wide allele-specific copy number variation data enable us to explore two types of genomic information including chromosomal genotype variations as well as DNA copy number variations. For a cancer study, it is common to collect data for paired normal and tumor samples. Then, two types of paired data can be obtained to study a disease subject. However, there is a lack of methods for a simultaneous analysis of these four sequences of data. In this study, we propose a statistical framework based on the change-point analysis approach. The validity and usefulness of our proposed statistical framework are demonstrated through the simulation studies and applications based on an experimental data set.
The effects of bale density, type of binding and storage surface on the chemical composition, nutrient recovery and digestibility of large round hay bales

Abstract Alfalfa-bromegrass forage was cut at midbloom, sun cured to 847 g dry matter (DM) kg−1 and baled as either high-density (189 kg m−3) or low-density (146 kg m−3) large round bales bound with either plastic mesh (2 cm between strands) or sisal twine spaced at 15 to 20 cm. Bales were stored outside either on a 15 cm layer of crushed rock (7.5 cm diameter) or on the ground. High-density bales had higher (P Plastic mesh-bound bales had: higher (binding × part, P Bales stored on crushed rock had lower (P In digestion trials, plastic mesh binding or rock storage of high- or low-density bales resulted in greater (P
Temporally resolved response of a natural type IIA diamond detector to single-particle excitation

Abstract We have measured the response of natural type IIa diamonds to single-particle excitations. Not only do the rise and fall times of pulses decrease as a function of increasing bias, but also the shape of the pulse tails changes from approximately exponential to approximately gaussian in form. Over the range of electric fields between 10 4 and 10 5 V cm −1 , rise times are less than 50 ps and fall times approach the carrier transit times across the detector as saturation velocities are approached. A temporally and spatially dependent carrier transport model has been used to interpret the experimental results. To perform these measurements, natural type IIa diamonds were incorporated into 50 Щ stripline structures which were coupled to a high bandwidth recording system. The system rise time was measured to be 18.6 ± 1.8 ps. The detectors were excited with heavy charged particles accelerated with a tandem electrostatic accelerator. At low fields, bulk recombination appears to dominate the fall times. Results at higher fields suggest that the contacts are non-injecting. Incomplete charge collection is clearly seen, even at the highest electric field, which implies that the trapping-recombination dynamics play a significant role in the charge collection process.
Association between TNF and TGF gene polymorphisms in infants and family history of allergic rhinitis and asthma

Abstract Rationale The development and expression of allergic rhinitis and asthma may be influenced by the elaboration of specific cytokines. Cytokine gene polymorphisms moderate illness severity in a variety of inflammatory disorders. Methods Cytokine genotyping was performed on 124 infants (85% Caucasian; 57% male) to determine whether specific cytokine gene polymorphisms are associated with a parental history of allergic rhinitis and/or asthma. DNA was extracted from buccal brushings and assayed for TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β1 genotypes using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer technology. Outcomes consisted of parental history of allergy and asthma, and results were evaluated by logistic regression. Results TNF-α and TGF-β genotypes were related to maternal and/or paternal history of allergic rhinitis and asthma, respectively. The frequencies of the genotype associated with high production of TNF-α were 41% versus 18% in infants with and without a parental history of allergic rhinitis, respectively (p Conclusions These results suggest a role for TNF-α and TGF-β1 genotypes in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis and asthma, respectively. If confirmed by future studies, cytokine genotyping may be a useful tool for identifying "at risk" infants who may benefit from the selective use of preventative and/or early intervention treatments for these disorders.
Conductance dependent suppression of current partition noise in mesoscopic electron branching circuits

Abstract Inelastic scattering subject to local charge conservation realizes the transition from ballistic to dissipative electron division, and suppresses the current partition noise in mesoscopic electron branching circuits. The relevant parameter for noise suppression is the output conductance and not the location of the scatters. We find the noise in an electron beam splitter (Y-branch) decreases linearly (nonlinearly) with decreasing conductance. Physically, the suppression mechanism is a natural implementation of the measurement and feedback control of electron numbers.
MYOGLOBIN OXIDATION IN GROUND BEEF: MICROORGANISMS AND FOOD ADDITIVES

Several additives were examined for their effect on the growth of microorganisms in ground beef. NaCl inhibited growth at 3% and 1.5% by weight, while none of the ofher additives tested, either alone or in combination, affected the growth of microorganisms as determined by total plate counts, or counts for fluorescent pseudomonads, H2S-producing bacteria, micrococci, or lactic acid bacteria. Total bacterial counts and pigment oxidation were not related. Also, inoculation with large numbers of fluorescent pseudomonads or P. putrefaciens had no effect on myoglobin oxidation.
Comparative efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids and antileukotriene drugs in asthma.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that is best treated by minimising exposure to factors that provoke the inflammation (e.g. allergens) and by administering drugs that reduce the inflammatory response. The cornerstone of asthma treatment is inhaled corticosteroids. Their effectiveness is a result of their potent and broad anti-inflammatory properties. Antileukotriene drugs (leukotriene modifiers) provide an alternative and novel approach to the treatment of asthma. The novelty of these new compounds is that their effectiveness is firmly based on the pathophysiology of asthma, specifically the role played by the cysteinyl leukotrienes. At the same time, the availability of the antileukotriene drugs has stirred debate over when they should be used and how they compare to inhaled corticosteroids. Although the answers are not fully known at this time, the currently available published and presented data are adequate for us to draw some conclusions about their relative effectiveness and role in asthma treatment. The antileukotriene drugs are more effective than placebo, but they are not as effective as inhaled corticosteroids in improving lung function [measured as the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)], reducing β2-agonist use, and decreasing symptom-free days. In contrast, they may have similar beneficial effects on reducing asthma exacerbations and decreasing peripheral blood eosinophil counts. In the absence of knowing a priori the response of an individual patient to treatment with either therapy, the data favour initiating treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid. However, for patients with mild to moderate disease there are a number of circumstances that support using an antileukotriene drug first. A few examples are aspirin intolerance, predominantly exercise-induced symptoms and problems with using an inhaler or the adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids such as dysphonia and thrush. For patients with more severe disease, inhaled corticosteroids remain the treatment of choice. Antileukotriene drugs should be considered as add-on therapy, especially in view of their possible complementary effects on reducing airway inflammation.
A demographic and economic growth model for Bolivia

This paper describes a two-sector population and economic simulation model of Bolivia. Parameters for the population model were arrived at in as rigorous a manner as possible considering the paucity of data. Good agreement with the historical facts was obtained with the population model. The economic model is a more theoretical representation of the dynamic inter actions in a two-sector economy. Sensitivity testing of the model, which has been named BOLIVIA, indicated that average lifetimes and overall growth rates vary considerably in response to public-health and family- planning programs. Unemployment rates, per-capita income, and rural-urban migration rates were found to be sensitive to family planning programs as well as to growth-stimulating economic policies. The response of the model shows the relative weakness of the nega tive feedback loops that restrain population growth, and suggests that family-planning programs and birth- control incentive programs should accompany any pro grams that tend to...
Molecular and Biomechanical Characterization of Mineralized Tissue by Dental Pulp Cells on Titanium

The application of implant therapy is still limited, because of various risk factors and the long healing time required for bone-titanium integration. This study explores the potential for osseointegration engineering with dental pulp cells (DPCs) by testing a hypothesis that DPCs generate mineralized tissue on titanium. DPCs extracted from rat incisors positive for CD44, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralizing capability were cultured on polystyrene and on machined and dual-acid-etched (DAE) titanium. Tissue cultured on titanium with a Ca/P ratio of 1.4 exhibited plate-like morphology, while that on the polystyrene exhibited fibrous and punctate structures. Tissues cultured on titanium were harder than those on polystyrene, 1.5 times on the machined and 3 times on the DAE. Collagen I, osteopontin, and osteocalcin genes were up-regulated on titanium, especially the DAE surface. In conclusion, DPCs showing some characteristics of the previously identified dental pulp stem cells can generate mineralized tissue on titanium via the osteoblastic phenotype, which can be enhanced by titanium surface roughness.
Effect of thoracic stretching, thoracic extension exercise and exercises for cervical and scapular posture on thoracic kyphosis angle and upper thoracic pain.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of thoracic stretching, a thoracic extension exercise and exercises for cervical and scapular posture on thoracic kyphosis angle and upper thoracic pain. [Subject] A 36-year-old male, who complained of upper thoracic pain at the T1–4 level with forward head and round shoulders, was the subject. [Methods] He performed thoracic stretching (session 1), a thoracic extension exercise (session 2), and muscle exercises for cervical and scapular posture (session 3). [Results] The upper thoracic pressure pain threshold increased after session 1, session 2, and session 3. The thoracic kyphosis angle decreased after session 1, session 2, and session 3. [Conclusion] We suggest that intervention for thoracic pain or kyphotic thoracic correction should use not only an approach for extending the thoracic muscles, but also an approach treating muscles in the cervical and scapular region.
Structural transition of secondary phase oxide nanorods in epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−δ films on vicinal substrates

A theoretical study of a structural transition of secondary phase oxide nanorods in epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7−δ films on vicinal SrTiO3 substrates is presented. Two possible types of film/substrate interface are considered, with one assuming complete coherence, while the other is defective as manifested by the presence of antiphase grain boundaries. Only in the former case does the increase of the vicinal angle of the substrate lead to a substantial change of the strain field in the film, resulting in a transition of the nanorod orientation from the normal to the in-plane direction of the film. The calculated threshold vicinal angle for the onset of the transition and lattice deformation of the YBa2Cu3O7−δ film due to the inclusion of the nanorods is in very good agreement with experimental observations. This result sheds lights on the understanding of the role of the film/substrate lattice mismatch in controlling self-assembly of dopant nanostructures in matrix films.
Use of Cluster Analysis to Define Periods of Similar Meteorology and Precipitation Chemistry in Eastern North America. Part I: Transport Patterns

Abstract Cluster analysis has been applied to transport vectors, derived from three years of daily backwards trajectories, in order to define a synoptic climatology of representative three-day periods of air mass movement. The resulting clusters represent groups whose mean air mass transport fields are statistically different from one another and correspond to the types of high and low pressure patterns seen on daily weather maps. Seasonal differences were evident in the frequency of occurrence of each cluster. The clusters were relatively insensitive to changes in number of sites or years used; however, different clustering methods yielded somewhat different clusters. Ward's method yielded clusters with more or less equal numbers while other methods tended to produce one large cluster and a series of “outlier” clusters. Cluster analysis was useful in the computer-assisted classification of spatial patterns of weather data and should be considered for use along with more widely used synoptic climatologica...
Rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for determination of felbamate in mouse plasma and tissues and human plasma.

Abstract Felbamate (2-phenyl-1,3-propanediol dicarbamate) is a second generation antiepileptic drug used to treat seizures refractory to other antiepileptic drugs. With approximately 3500 new patients exposed annually, several important pharmacologic interaction questions remain unanswered necessitating the need for rapid and accurate methods of felbamate analysis in biological matrices. To this end, a rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed for the measurement of felbamate in mouse plasma and tissues and human plasma. Plasma (100 μL) and tissues homogenates (100 μL of 100 mg/mL) were spiked with internal standard (carisoprodol) prior to protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Samples were chromatographed on a XBridge Phenyl, 2.5 μm, 4.6 mm × 50 mm column with quantitation by internal standard reference monitoring of the ion transitions m/z 239 → 117 for felbamate and m/z 261 → 176 for carisoprodol. Calibration curves were linear from 2.5 to 500 ng/mL in mouse or human plasma and 25–5000 pg/mg in tissue homogenates. Recoveries were greater than 97% for plasma and homogenates with accuracies >92% in any of the mouse matrices and >88% in human plasma. Comparable accuracies and precision were found with and without the use of the internal standard in preparation of the calibration curves and suggest that the internal standard may not be required.
In vivo oxidative coupling of anilines and phenolic anilines

Im Kern markierte14C-Anthranilsaure und Derivate wurden an Mikroorganismen, die Phenazin- und Phenoxazon-Farbstoffe produzieren, verfuttert. Der erfolgte Einbau beweist die oxydative Kupplung von Anilinen und phenolischen Anilinen in vivo.
Intrinsicf0 differences in spoken and sung vowels and their perception by listeners

We explore how listeners perceive distinct pieces of phonetic information that are conveyed in parallel by the fundamental frequency (f0) contour of spoken and sung vowels. In a first experiment, we measured differences inf0 of /i/ and /a/ vowels spoken and sung by unselected undergraduate participants. Differences in “intrinsicf0” (withf0 of /i/ higher than of /a/) were present in spoken and sung vowels; however, differences in sung vowels were smaller than those in spoken vowels. Four experiments tested a hypothesis that listeners would not hear the intrinsicf0 differences as differences in pitch on the vowel, because they provide information, instead, for production of a closed or open vowel. The experiments provide clear evidence of “parsing” of intrinsicf0 from thef0 that contributes to perceived vowel pitch. However, only some conditions led to an estimate of the magnitude of parsing that closely matched the magnitude of produced intrinsicf0 differences.
Contemporary management of thoracic outlet syndrome

Purpose of reviewThe diagnosis and management of thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has been surrounded by controversy since this disorder was first recognized. Recent evidence from observational studies has helped us better understand the pathophysiology of different TOS subtypes and guide clinical dec
Enthalpy-Entropy Compensation in DNA Melting Thermodynamics

We investigate enthalpy-entropy compensation for melting of nearest-neighbor doublets in DNA. Based on data for 10 normal doublets and for doublets containing a mispaired or analog base, the correlation of ΔS° with ΔH° follows a rectangular hyperbola. Doublet melting temperature relates linearly to ΔH° by Tm = To +ΔH°/a, where To ≈ 273 K and a ≈ 80 cal/mol-K. Thus Tm is proportional to ΔH°+ aTo rather than to ΔH° alone as previously thought by assuming ΔS° to be constant. The term aTo ≈ 21.8 kcal/mol may reflect a constant enthalpy change in solvent accompanying the DNA enthalpy change for doublet melting and is roughly equivalent to breaking four H-bonds between water molecules for each melted doublet. The solvent entropy change (aTo /Tm ) declines with increasing Tm , while the DNA entropy change (ΔH°/Tm ) rises, so the combined DNA + solvent entropy change stays constant at 80 cal/K/mol of doublet. If such constancy in DNA + solvent entropy changes also holds for enzyme clefts as "solvent," then free energy differences for competing correct and incorrect base pairs in polymerase clefts may be as large as enthalpy differences and possibly sufficient to account for DNA polymerase accuracy. The hyperbolic relationship between ΔS° and ΔH° observed in 1 M salt can be used to evaluate ΔH° and ΔS° from Tm at lower, physiologically relevant, salt concentrations.
Neurogenin 1 Null Mutant Ears Develop Fewer, Morphologically Normal Hair Cells in Smaller Sensory Epithelia Devoid of Innervation

The proneuronal gene neurogenin 1 (ngn1) is essential for development of the inner-ear sensory neurons that are completely absent in ngn1 null mutants. Neither afferent, efferent, nor autonomic nerve fibers were detected in the ears of ngn1 null mutants. We suggest that efferent and autonomic fibers are lost secondarily to the absence of afferents. In this article we show that ngn1 null mutants develop smaller sensory epithelia with morphologically normal hair cells. In particular, the saccule is reduced dramatically and forms only a small recess with few hair cells along a duct connecting the utricle with the cochlea. Hair cells of newborn ngn1 null mutants show no structural abnormalities, suggesting that embryonic development of hair cells is independent of innervation. However, the less regular pattern of dispersal within sensory epithelia may be caused by some effects of afferents or to the stunted growth of the sensory epithelia. Tracing of facial and stato-acoustic nerves in control and ngn1 null mutants showed that only the distal, epibranchial, placode-derived sensory neurons of the geniculate ganglion exist in mutants. Tracing further showed that these geniculate ganglion neurons project exclusively to the solitary tract. In addition to the normal complement of facial branchial and visceral motoneurons, ngn1 null mutants have some trigeminal motoneurons and contralateral inner-ear efferents projecting, at least temporarily, through the facial nerve. These data suggest that some neurons in the brainstem (e.g., inner-ear efferents, trigeminal motoneurons) require afferents to grow along and redirect to ectopic cranial nerve roots in the absence of their corresponding sensory roots.
Functional and biochemical basis for multiple muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Abstract 1. The novel antimuscarinic compound pirenzepine (PZ) has generated considerable interest in the basis and the implications of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) heterogeneity. 2. [ 3 H]PZ has been used extensively to identify and characterize the putative M 1 (high affinity for PZ) mAChR subtype, which predominates in central nervous system (CNS) and ganglia. 3. The heterogeneity sensed by PZ is not identical to the heterogeneity sensed by agonists. 4. Differences in effector coupling do not necessarily provide a simple explanation for the molecular basis of these putative M 1 and M 2 subtypes. 5. Therapeutic and untoward effects of muscarinic drugs may be mediated by independent mAChR subpopulations which may be pharmacologically exploited to produce more highly selective as well as efficacious new drugs.
Asymmetric allosteric signaling in aspartate transcarbamoylase.

Here we use the fluorescence from a genetically encoded unnatural amino acid, l-(7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl)ethylglycine (HCE-Gly), replacing an amino acid in the regulatory site of Escherichia coli as...
Cultural Determinants of Socially Desirable Distortion in Computer Based Data Collection: A Multicultural Investigation

Internet-based surveys have emerged as a popular data collection method for researchers, enabling the collection of responses from participants at multiple sites, including in other countries. Oftentimes, pooled data is analyzed without regard to understanding the potential downsides. Given that the results from any survey hinge on the validity of the responses collected, it is important to examine what influence the data collection method and cultural differences might have. In this study, the authors investigate the effects that espoused national culture and data collection method have on confidentiality concerns and socially desirable reporting. Results indicate that data collection mode and espoused power distance influence confidentiality concerns, while data collection mode and collectivism influence socially desirable distortion.
Cholecystokinin octapeptide increases passive avoidance latencies in rats

Abstract Intraperitoneal injections of either 0.9% NaCl or cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) were paired with electrical footshock using a standard passive avoidance conditioning procedure for rats. Passive avoidance behavior was measured either 24 or 48 hr following the conditioning. No CCK-8 effect upon passive avoidance behavior was observed at the 24 hr test, but CCK-8 (100 μg/kg and 200 μg/kg) produced longer passive avoidance latencies at the 48 hr test. Control rats showed a decrease in passive avoidance latencies from 24 hr to 48 hr, while the CCK-8 rats did not show such a trend.
Maltreatment risk, self-regulation, and maladjustment in at-risk children.

OBJECTIVE: The present project examined the relationships among early maternal maltreatment risk, children's self-regulation, and later development. It was expected that early maltreatment risk would impact children's emerging self-regulation which in turn, would foster pre-academic delays and behavioral problems. METHOD: The project used structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between early maltreatment risk in 169 primiparous adolescent mothers and the subsequent development of their children in pre-academic and behavioral domains at 5 years of age. Maltreatment risk was assessed by two evaluation tools: (1) a multi-measure index of parenting attitudes, abuse potential, and knowledge and expectations about child development, and (2) an abbreviated version of the multi-measure index consisting of only 12 items. In addition, cognitive and emotional regulation at age 3, as assessed by maternal reports of regulatory behaviors and a newly created observational measure, was evaluated as a potential mediator of development at 5. RESULTS: Findings revealed that maternal maltreatment risk was associated with lower levels of children's regulation, which in turn significantly predicted pre-academic skills and behavior problems. Incorporating direct paths from maltreatment risk to each of the children's outcomes did not significantly improve model fit indices. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that self-regulation was a key process variable in the relationship between maltreatment risk and children's development. The findings support targeting self-regulatory abilities to halt the progression of developmental difficulties often found in maltreated children. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The present study identified self-regulation as a mechanism for transmitting the effects of maltreatment risk to multiple domains of children's functioning; these findings have important implications for intervention programs. Intervention programs that focus on fostering self-regulation in home and preschool settings should enhance developmental outcomes. Previous research has shown the utility of targeting self-regulation in reducing the frequency and intensity of students' anger (Beck, R., & Fernandez, E. (1998). Cognitive-behavioral self-regulation of the frequency, duration, and intensity of anger. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 20, 217-229.). Within the context of maltreatment intervention, these programs have considerable utility. By tailoring programs to strengthen dysfunctional regulation processes common to maltreated children, cognitive and behavioral functioning should be enhanced. Language: en
Users beware: preference inconsistencies ahead

The structure of preferences for modern highly-configurable software systems has become extremely complex, usually consisting of multiple layers of access that go from the user interface down to the lowest levels of the source code. This complexity can lead to inconsistencies between layers, especially during software evolution. For example, there may be preferences that users can change through the GUI, but that have no effect on the actual behavior of the system because the related source code is not present or has been removed going from one version to the next. These inconsistencies may result in unexpected program behaviors, which range in severity from mild annoyances to more critical security or performance problems. To address this problem, we present SCIC (Software Configuration Inconsistency Checker), a static analysis technique that can automatically detect these kinds of inconsistencies. Unlike other configuration analysis tools, SCIC can handle software that (1) is written in multiple programming languages and (2) has a complex preference structure. In an empirical evaluation that we performed on 10 years worth of versions of both the widely used Mozilla Core and Firefox, SCIC was able to find 40 real inconsistencies (some determined as severe), whose lifetime spanned multiple versions, and whose detection required the analysis of code written in multiple languages.
Localization and seasonal variation of blue pigment (sandercyanin) in walleye (Sander vitreus)

Several fish species, including the walleye (Sander vitreus), have “yellow” and “blue” color morphs. In S. vitreus, one source of the blue color has been identified as a bili-binding protein pigmen...
Effects of pregnancy, lactation and postpartum oestrus on odour signals and the attraction to odours in female meadow voles,Microtus pennsylvanicus

Abstract Our understanding of communication by female mammals about reproductive state is currently limited by a paucity of information about signalling during pregnancy and lactation. To address this situation, odour communication was examined in meadow voles by means of preference tests. In experiment 1, males showed no preference for odours of a reference female versus a pregnant female or odours of a reference female versus a lactating female throughout most of pregnancy and lactation. However, preferential attraction to one of these scents occurred around parturition. Just before parturition (day 19-20 of gestation) males showed a preference for the odour of a reference female over that of a pregnant female. Immediately after parturition, during postpartum oestrus (day 1-2 of lactation), however, male preferences reversed so that males preferred scent of a postpartum oestrous female over that of a reference female. In experiment 2, the odour preferences of females were examined across pregnancy and lactation. Females maintained a preference for odours of a male over a reference female during pregnancy, postpartum oestrus and lactation. These results differ from those reported for other species in which females show a repeated oestrous cycle. These results also suggest the existence of some complexities of odour communication during the transition from pregnancy, postpartum oestrus and lactation in a species in which females show an induced oestrus.
Diode laser-based nonlinear degenerate four-wave mixing analytical spectrometry

Abstract Inexpensive low-power diode laser-based forward-scattering degenerate four-wave mixing is demonstrated as an unusually simple and sensitive nonlinear laser spectroscopic technique. This novel semiconductor laser-based nonlinear method offers many important advantages including ease of optical alignment, high wave-mixing efficiency, as well as compact and inexpensive design. A preliminary concentration detection limit of 7.7 × 10 −8 M, and a mass detection limit of 12 × 10 −18 mol inside a probe volume of 159 pl, corresponding to an absorbance detection limit of 6.9 × 10 −5 are reported for rhodamine 800 using a single 10 mW laser diode as the excitation source.
Mechanisms of SST Change in the Equatorial Waveguide during the 1982–83 ENSO

Abstract Four different datasets of monthly mean new-equatorial Pacific sea surface temperature for 1982–83 are compared, and the space-time regions for which there was consensus that cooling or warming took place, are determined. There was consensus that warming took place east of the date line, averaged over the period July-December 1982, and that the warming progressed eastward from the central Pacific. There was also consensus that weak cooling took place in April 1983, and that substantial cooling occurred in June-July 1983, generally over the central and eastern Pacific. However, the analyses tend to agree on the sign of SST change only in periods of cooling or warming in excess of 1°C/month; quantitative agreement at the level of 0.5°C/month or better is almost never found. SST changes in five ocean-circulation model hindcasts of the 1982–83 period (differing only in that each used a different analyzed monthly mean surface wind stress field to drive the ocean), are compared with the observations an...
Synthetic spectra from rough surface scattering

We present a method for designing a one-dimensional, deterministic, perfectly conducting rough surface that scatters light at a fixed scattering angle with an intensity whose dependence on the frequency of a plane wave incident normally upon it reproduces the infrared spectrum of a known substance within a specified region of frequencies. Such a surface can therefore be used in a correlation spectrometer for the identification of unknown substances.
Isomeric structures and structural transformations in small clusters

The temperature dependence of the energies of the isomers of a seven-particle system is studied with a view toward understanding ergodicity problems in Monte Carlo simulations. It is found that the phase space of particles in a cluster is not ergodic at lower temperatures.
Water-use efficiency for alternative cooling technologies in arid climates

In arid climates, evaporative cooling technologies are generally valued for their reduced energy consumption in comparison to compressor-based air conditioning systems. However, two concerns that are often raised with respect to evaporative cooling equipment are their on-site water use and the impact of poor water quality on their performance. While compressor-based systems do not use water on-site, they do consume water through their use of electricity, which consumes water through evaporation at hydroelectric power plants and cooling at thermal power plants. This paper defines a water-use efficiency metric and a methodology for assessing the water use of various cooling technologies. The water-use efficiencies of several example cooling technologies are compared, including direct evaporative, indirect evaporative in two different configurations, compressor-based systems, compressor-based systems with evaporative pre-cooling of condenser inlet air, and hybrid systems that consist of an indirect evaporative module combined with a compressor-based module. Designing cooling systems for arid climates is entwined in the close relationship between water and energy and the scarcity of both resources. The analyses presented in this paper suggest that evaporative systems that significantly reduce peak electricity demand and annual energy consumption need not consume any more water than conventional systems.
Coarse-grained modeling and simulation of graphene sheets based on a discrete hyperelastic approach

Summary A discrete hyperelastic model was developed in this paper for a single atomic layer of graphene structure that was originally planar. This model can be viewed as an extension to the well-known continuum hyperelastic model. Based on the discrete nature of the atomic structure, the notion of discrete mapping and the concept of spatial secant were introduced. The spatial secant served as a deformation measure that provided a geometric exact mapping in the discrete sense between the atomistic and continuum representations. By incorporating a physics-based interatomic potential, the corresponding discrete hyperelastic model was then established. After an introduction of the model, the computational implementation using the Galerkin finite element and/or meshfree method was outlined. The computational framework was then applied to study of the mechanics of graphene sheets. Extensive comparisons with full-scale molecular mechanics simulations and experimental measurement were made to illustrate the robustness of this approach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ab initio Hartree—Fock and post-Hartree—Fock studies on molecular structures and vibrational spectra of formamide and formamidic acid

Abstract The molecular parameters (geometries, rotational constants and dipole moments) and vibrational IR spectra (wavenumbers and absolute intensities) of formamide and its tautomer formamidic acid have been computed at the ab initio SCF/6-31G** and MP2/6-31G** levels. The molecular structure of planar formamide has also been predicted at the MP2/6-311G(3df,2p) level. The relative stabilities of the title species are discussed by comparing their relative internal energies at 0 K; the SCF/6-311G** energies, electron correlation MP4(SDTQ) contributions and zero-point vibrational energies are included. The calculated relative internal energies of the studied tautomers suggest that the formamide molecule is more stable than the acidic form by 50 kJ mol −1 , in good agreement with the experimental prediction. The MP2/6-31G** calculations suggest a small deviation from planarity for formamide, but the nonplanar structure is predicted to be only 0.003 kJ mol −1 more stable than the planar structure. The predicted MP2/6-31G** and MP2/6-311G(3df,2p) molecular parameters are in better agreement with the experimental data than those calculated at the SCF/6-31G** level. The calculated vibrational spectra of formamide at both SCF/6-31G** and electron correlation MP2/6-31G** levels compare favourably with the available experimental data, and the observed shifts of the IR wavenumbers upon deuteration of the molecule are correctly predicted by the calculations.
We-ness and Welfare: A Longitudinal Analysis of Social Development in Kerala, India

Summary This paper challenges the conventional wisdom that ethnic diversity negatively influences public goods provision through a longitudinal study of the Indian state of Kerala, which has attained exceptional levels of social development despite high fragmentation along religious and caste lines. This paper argues that it is not objective diversity but a subjective sense of “we-ness,” which is the key determinant of the level of public goods provision and social development. A historical analysis of Kerala illustrates how a cohesive subnational community generates progressive social policy as well as societal monitoring of schools and clinics, which together give rise to relatively high levels of education and health outcomes.
Autosomal dominant, familial spastic paraplegia, type I: Clinical and genetic analysis of a large North American family

"Familial spastic paraplegia" (FSP) refers to clinically and genetically diverse syndromes characterized by insidiously progressive lower extremity spasticity. We evaluated 126 members of a large kindred, including 31 affected subjects, in which FSP was transmitted as a stereotyped, autosomal dominant disorder that showed complete genetic penetrance. Affected subjects developed insidiously progressive gait disturbance between ages 12 and thirty-five. Neurologic examination revealed hyperreflexia and spasticity in the lower extremities, weakness of hip flexion and ankle dorsiflexion, extensor plantar response, diminished vibratory sense in the feet, and pes cavus. Using genetic linkage analysis, we excluded the FSP1 locus on chromosome 14q11.2 as the disease locus in this family. We present the clinical and genetic features of FSP type I, including the age-adjusted risk of developing the disorder in this family.