cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled--and More Miserable Than Ever Before

The Associated Press calls them 'the entitlement generation', and they are storming into schools, colleges, and businesses all over the country. They are today's young people, a new generation with sky-high expectations and a need for constant praise and fulfillment. In this provocative new book, headline-making psychologist and social commentator Dr. Jean Twenge documents the self-focus of what she calls 'Generation Me' -- people born in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Herself a member of Generation Me, Dr. Twenge explores why her generation is tolerant, confident, open-minded, and ambitious but also cynical, depressed, lonely, and anxious. Using findings from the largest intergenerational study ever conducted -- with data from 1.3 million respondents spanning six decades -- Dr. Twenge reveals how profoundly different today's young adults are -- and makes controversial predictions about what the future holds for them and society as a whole. But Dr. Twenge doesn't just talk statistics -- she highlights real-life people and stories and vividly brings to life the hopes and dreams, disappointments and challenges of Generation Me. With a good deal of irony, humor, and sympathy she demonstrates that today's young people have been raised to aim for the stars at a time when it is more difficult than ever to get into college, find a good job, and afford a house -- even with two incomes. GenMe's expectations have been raised just as the world is becoming more competitive, creating an enormous clash between expectations and reality. Dr. Twenge also presents the often-shocking truths about her generation's dramatically different sexual behavior and mores. GenMe has created a profound shift in the American character, changing what it means to be an individual in today's society. Engaging, controversial, prescriptive, and often funny, Generation Me will give Boomers new insight into their offspring, and help GenMe'ers in their teens, 20s, and 30s finally make sense of themselves and their goals and find their road to happiness.
Rotator cuff repair augmentation in a rat model that combines a multilayer xenograft tendon scaffold with bone marrow stromal cells

Hypothesis A composite of multilayer tendon slices (COMTS) seeded with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) may impart mechanical and biologic augmentation effects on supraspinatus tendon repair under tension, thereby improving the healing process after surgery in rats. Methods Adult female Lewis rats (n = 39) underwent transection of the supraspinatus tendon and a 2-mm tendon resection at the distal end, followed by immediate repair to its bony insertion site under tension. Animals received 1 of 3 treatments at the repair site: (1) no augmentation, (2) COMTS augmentation alone, or (3) BMSC-seeded COMTS augmentation. BMSCs were labeled with a fluorescent cell marker. Animals were euthanized 6 weeks after surgery, and the extent of healing of the repaired supraspinatus tendon was evaluated with biomechanical testing and histologic analysis. Results Histologic analysis showed gap formation between the repaired tendon and bone in all specimens, regardless of treatment. Robust fibrous tissue was observed in rats with BMSC-seeded COMTS augmentation; however, fibrous tissue was scarce within the gap in rats with no augmentation or COMTS-only augmentation. Labeled transplanted BMSCs were observed throughout the repair site. Biomechanical analysis showed that the repairs augmented with BMSC-seeded COMTS had significantly greater ultimate load to failure and stiffness compared with other treatments. However, baseline (time 0) data showed that COMTS-only augmentation did not increase mechanical strength of the repair site. Conclusion Although the COMTS scaffold did not increase the initial repair strength, the BMSC-seeded scaffold increased healing strength and stiffness 6 weeks after rotator cuff repair in a rat model.
The effects of choice between non-preferred foods on the food consumption of individuals with food selectivity

Thesis (M.A., Psychology (Applied Behavior Analysis))--California State University, Sacramento, 2012.
Antisense inhibition of 11βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 improves diabetes in a novel cortisone-induced diabetic KK mouse model

The inhibition of 11betahydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11betaHSD1), an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol, is an attractive target to treat diabetes by suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we developed a novel glucocorticoid-induced diabetic KK mouse model and used 11betaHSD1 antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) as an inhibitory tool. KK mice were treated with 25 or 50mg/kg/day of 11betaHSD1 ASO for 28 days. On day 25, cortisone pellets were surgically implanted to induce diabetes. In the ASO-treated mice, plasma blood glucose levels were significantly reduced by up to 54%. In parallel, cortisol and other diabetes endpoints were also significantly reduced. Hepatic 11betaHSD1 mRNA was suppressed by up to 84% with a concomitant respective decrease of up to 49% in the expression of PEPCK. The results suggest that inhibition of 11betaHSD1 activity reduces the availability of cortisol to activate the glucocorticoid receptor, down regulates gluconeogenesis and thus reduces plasma glucose levels in cortisone-induced diabetic KK mice.
Coupled linear antennas with skew orientation

A theory is developed and numerical results are given for some planar and nonplanar configurations
Cultivating mind fitness through mindfulness training: Applied neuroscience

Mindfulness reduces distress, promotes optimal health, improves attentional control, mental agility, emotional intelligence, and situational awareness. Stress management and cognitive performance in Marines who spent more hours practicing Mindfulness Based Mind Fitness Training were superior to those soldiers who practiced fewer hours. Students receiving mindfulness training without practice demonstrated no significant change. The literature suggests that mindfulness training designed to inform rather than to train may not produce measurable results. Systematic, effortful, skill-building programs are indicated.
Rudolf William Glaser, and Neoaplectana.

Abstract About a decade and a half after discovery of the presence in America of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newm., Glaser and Fox came upon sick and dying beetle grubs infected with a nematode. Steiner described and named it: Neoaplectana glaseri n. sp. A method for its cultivation in vitro , the first such success for a worm parasite, was devised by Glaser (1931) . This led to testing the field introduction of infective stages of the nematode for beetle grub control. Mass culture techniques in the laboratory using, for instance, nonsterile ground veal pulp, produced harvests of infective larval forms in the millions. Killing effects of the parasite were verified as well as its persistence season to season in the field. In 1940 Glaser found a way to grow N. glaseri germ-free. Its sterile culture and that of other free-living and parasitic protozoa and metazoa by Glaser and colleagues led later to axenic culture in cell-free media.
Lower and upper critical fields in the heavy electron superconductor UPt3.

We report the first comprehensive measurements of the lower critical field, {ital H}{sub {ital c}{sub 1}}, for both orientations {ital H}{parallel}{ital a} axis and {ital H}{parallel}{ital c} axis, of the heavy electron superconductor UPt{sub 3}. An accurate signature for {ital H}{sub {ital c}{sub 1}} is obtained in a {ital LC} oscillator whose resonance frequency changes on flux entry into the superconductor. The {ital H}{sub {ital c}{sub 1}} values obtained with this technique indicate a kink'' for {ital H}{parallel}{ital a} axis only. With this same technique we also measure the upper critical field, {ital H}{sub {ital c}{sub 2}}. The results obtained are compared with predictions from recent theories of {ital H}{sub {ital c}{sub 1}} and {ital H}{sub {ital c}{sub 2}} in anisotropic superconductors.
Brevity in P?nini

In the preceding we have argued that brevity in the form of Generalizing Brevity is an important theoretical principle underlying Panini's grammar. It applies blindly at the metalevel, when the grammar is being chosen. Generalization is a concern at one remove: A device for the metalanguage is only chosen such that its use in accord with the maximum brevity leads to some generalization. Many potential brevity increasing devices are not chosen for this reason. But at the metalanguage level brevity is paramount. To prove this we have shown that Panini maximizes brevity in many cases at the cost of other possible theoretical principles. We have also shown that many features of the grammar flow from the brevity criterion. We have concluded that logical organization, generality, and other aspects of explanation largely follow from brevity and that this can be regarded as a substantial aspect of the explanatory power of the theory behind the grammar. Generalization should follow on the heels of maximum brevity. And, considering Panini's domain of data this is a perfectly reasonable expectation.
Advances in MLSD-equalized incoherent transmission

Recent results in intensity modulated links' equalization are enabling previously unattainable performance, longer reach and higher spectral efficiency comparable to significantly more complex coherent transmission systems. System design aspects and tradeoffs are reviewed.
Smart Blending: Functional Fine-Scale Structures Formed by Intelligent Agitations in Multi-Component Melts

In viscous melts, turbulence often does not arise. Consequently, opportunities exist for controllably organizing melt components into functional structures that can have very small feature sizes. In this paper, concepts and results of smart blending are described. Smart blending entails the controllable development in situ of a variety of fine-scale structures in the melt by intelligent agitations. Once formed, structures may be useful in the melt or may be captured in applicable products by extrusion and solidification. Chaotic advection is an enabling recent sub-field of fluid mechanics for smart blending since it provides a means to stretch and fold melt domains and evolve a multi-layer structure leading to derivative arrangements, or indirectly manipulate solid additives. Applications include the production of plastics with enhanced mechanical properties, electrically conducting plastics and glasses, low permeation films, membranes, and nano- and molecular-scale composites.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Viscoelasticity of 2D liquids quantified in a dusty plasma experiment.

The viscoelasticity of two-dimensional liquids is quantified in an experiment using a dusty plasma. An experimental method is demonstrated for measuring the wave-number--dependent viscosity $\ensuremath{\eta}(k)$, which is a quantitative indicator of viscoelasticity. Using an expression generalized here to include friction, $\ensuremath{\eta}(k)$ is computed from the transverse current autocorrelation function, which is found by tracking random particle motion. The transverse current autocorrelation function exhibits an oscillation that is a signature of elastic contributions to viscoelasticity. Simulations of a Yukawa liquid are consistent with the experiment.
Introduction to the dual frequency fixed delayed resonator

Abstract A novel concept, the Delayed Resonator ( DR ), as a tunable active vibration absorber has recently been introduced by the authors. This unique technique uses a very simple control which has only a time delayed feedback of the absorber mass displacement. This absorber can completely remove oscillations from the primary structure when the primary is excited by a simple harmonic forcing with a frequency matching that of the absorber resonance. The work presented here treats a considerably more complex proposition, the Dual Frequency Fixed Delayed Resonator (DFFDR) . The device is obtained by a similar delayed position feedback mechanism as in the case of DR, but this feedback imparts two (instead of one) distinct and fixed resonance frequencies. Now that the dual frequency resonance is achieved, this device (DFFDR) can be used as an ideal vibration absorber not only to suppress vibration at one excitation frequency but at two concurrently. The interesting feature is in the simplicity of the control which can enforce two natural frequencies (and two corresponding natural modes), to a single-mass, or single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF), system. This point forms the crux of this text, which happens to challenge the traditional understanding of the single mass/single natural frequency paradigm. The stability issue is very important for both the DFFDR and the combined structure of DFFDR plus the primary. This concern is addressed in the text. An exciting conclusion is drawn, that there is an inherent dual frequency of resonance for each given mass-spring-damper trio which is brought to dominance by a particular delayed position feedback. These two frequencies are fixed once the mass-spring-damper characteristics are given. A procedure is described for calculating them. The inverse problem is also treated: a design method of a mass-spring damper to resonate at two arbitrarily selected frequencies. Vibration absorption performance of a DFFDR is studied in response to a dual frequency excitation.
Semi-Supervised Image Classification in Likelihood Space

This paper studies the problem of using limited amount of labeled data and large amount of unlabeled data in the training of a generative model for image classification, and proposes a likelihood space approach to improve the classification performance. Frequently when labeled data is limited, unlabeled data can help to improve classification performance if the assumption of the generative model structure in the classifier is correct. But classification accuracy can be degraded if the model structure assumption is incorrect. In this paper, we compare raw data space classification and likelihood space classification in semi-supervised learning framework, and we show that the classification performance can be improved in likelihood space when model is misspecified. We apply this likelihood space semi-supervised learning method in automatic target recognition on SAR images, and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this proposed approach.
Dissipation rate correction methods

Dissipation rates of the turbulent kinetic energy and of the scalar variance are underestimated when the measurement resolution of the small scales of a turbulent flow field are insufficient. Results are presented of experiments conducted in a salt-stratified water tunnel (Schmidt number ∼700). Dissipation rates are determined to be underestimated, and thus correction techniques based on velocity structure functions and mixed-moment functions are proposed. Dissipation rates in laboratory experiments of shear-free, grid-generated turbulence are determined from balance calculations of the kinetic energy and scalar variance evolution equations. Comparisons between the structure function and balance estimates of dissipation show that the corrections are O(1) for the kinetic energy dissipation rate, and are O(100) for the scalar variance dissipation rate. This difference is due to the lack of resolution down to the Batchelor scales that is required for a high Schmidt number flow. Simple correction functions based on microscale Reynolds numbers are developed for both turbulent kinetic energy and scalar variance dissipation rates. Application of the technique to the results of laboratory experiments of density stratified turbulence, sheared turbulence, and sheared density stratified turbulence yields successful corrections. It is also demonstrated that the Karman–Howarth equality (and the analogous Yaglom equation) that relates second and third-order structure functions to dissipation rates is valid for both unstrained (decaying grid-generated turbulence) and density stratified and sheared turbulence at least up to the magnitudes of strains of the current experiments Nt∼10, St∼10, respectively. This is helpful for it allows the use of these equations in the analysis of turbulence even when the large scale background profiles of velocity and scalar are unknown.
Dental anomalies in wild and domestic Sus scrofa in Illinois

The cleaned skulls of 39 wild and 30 domestic pigs from southern Illinois (USA) were assessed for dental anomalies including polydonty, oligodonty, misalignment, and rotation. Dental anomalies occurred in 16 wild and 15 domestic pigs. Oligodonty (either bilateral or unilateral) was the most common anomaly, occurring in 9 wild (23.1% of the sample) and 15 (50%) domestic pigs. In 22 of the 24 individuals exhibiting oligodonty, this anomaly involved the lower first premolar (P1). Given the placement of P1, oligodonty may reflect a trend toward reduction of the dental arcade from the primitive eutherian number. Domesticated species are reported to have more anomalies than wild counterparts because of inbreeding. We found no difference in the number of dental anomalies between domestic and wild pigs.
Good practices for effective maintenance to manage aging of nuclear power plants

Abstract Maintenance is the primary means of detecting and correcting the effects of aging degradation at nuclear power plants. The effectiveness of the maintenance program has a direct impact on the operational safety of nuclear power plants. As part of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission NPAR program, the effectiveness of maintenance programs to manage aging were examined for four different governmental and industrial organizations. These were: the U.S. commercial aviation industry, the U.S. Navy ballistic submarine program, the U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber program, and the Japanese nuclear power industry. The purpose was to identify effective maintenance practices that could be adapted by commercial nuclear power plants to assist in managing equipment aging. The key maintenance areas discussed in this paper include the development of systematic maintenance programs, the application of appropriate and effective preventive maintenance tasks and inspections, the collection and evaluation of performance and operating records to assess the effectiveness of the maintenance programs, and the use of feedback and corrective actions to improve the maintenance programs. Also examined is the issue of diminishing manufacturing sources.
ERα-AHR-ARNT Protein-Protein Interactions Mediate Estradiol-dependent Transrepression of Dioxin-inducible Gene Transcription

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) form a heterodimeric transcription factor upon binding a wide variety of environmental pollutants, including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). AHR target gene activation can be repressed by estrogen and estrogen-like compounds. In this study, we demonstrate that a significant component of TCDD-inducible Cyp1a1 transcription is the result of recruitment of estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha by AHR/ARNT as a transcriptional co-repressor. Both AHR and ARNT were capable of interacting directly with ER alpha, as ascertained by glutathione S-transferase pull-down. 17Beta-estradiol repressed TCDD-activated Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 gene transcription in MCF-7 cells in the presence of cycloheximide, as determined by reverse transcription/real-time PCR. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays have shown that ER alpha is present at the Cyp1a1 enhancer only after co-treatment with E2 and TCDD, in MCF-7 cells. Sequential two-step ChIP assays were performed which demonstrate that AHR and ER alpha are present together at the same time on the Cyp1a1 enhancer during transrepression. Taken together these data support a role for ER-mediated transrepression of AHR-dependent gene regulation.
Application of an Economic Model for Evaluating Government Program Costs for Rice

Alternative Government rice programs are important to rice producers, rice consumers, rice related industries, and Government (taxpayers). Supporting the rice producer's income above that determined by a "free market" requires an income transfer from another segment of society. The "best method" of support could depend upon the "best source" of income to transfer to the rice farm sector. The direct payment plan transfers income from the taxpayer, the two-price plan draws additional support from the domestic rice consumer, and the current program (an adaptation of a two-price plan) obtains the additional income for transfer from both.
Eigenmodes of coupled plasmons-excitons in a system of adjoining spherical metallic-J-aggregate nanoshells

Abstract Using the spherical modes of the full-Maxwell equations, I compute the eigenfrequencies of the complex consisting of concentric passive inner core, a metallic nanoshell, molecular J-aggregate adsorped to the surface of the metal, immersed in a passive solution. The coupling of the plasmons of the metal to the excitons of the J-aggregate is incorporated in the formalism through the continuity conditions for the tangential components of the electric field and magnetic flux density at the materials interfaces. Comparison with results obtained using the electrostatic approximation shows deviations in both the values of the resonance frequencies and their decay-rates.
A galvanic study of different amalgams.

Summary Due to the difference in open circuit potential (OCP) versus SCE for Aristaloy* amalgam (-969 mV) and Dispersalloy† amalgam (-549 mV) in Ringer's solution at 25°C, a galvanic cell was created with Dispersalloy amalgam as cathode and Aristaloy amalgam as anode. The galvanic corrosion current was studied as a function of time for the above cell as well as for a cell of type III dental gold‡ (OCP is +0·5 mV) versus Aristaloy amalgam. The initial corrosion current of the latter cell (105 μA) is about twice that for the cell of aristaloy amalgam versus Dispersalloy amalgam (54 μA), however, their passivating behaviour is quite similar. Also, an interrupted galvanic corrosion test simulating the oral ‘make and break’ situation was performed. A much higher corrosion current than the steady state was found when the two electrodes resumed contact.
Nonlinear manifold learning for dynamic shape and dynamic appearance

Our objective is to learn representations for the shape and the appearance of moving (dynamic) objects that support tasks such as synthesis, pose recovery, reconstruction, and tracking. In this paper, we introduce a framework that aims to learn landmark-free correspondence-free global representations of dynamic appearance manifolds. We use nonlinear dimensionality reduction to achieve an embedding of the global deformation manifold which preserves the geometric structure of the manifold. Given such embedding, a nonlinear mapping is learned from the embedding space into the visual input space. Therefore, any visual input is represented by a linear combination of nonlinear bases functions centered along the manifold in the embedding space. We also show how approximate solution for the inverse mapping can be obtained in a closed form which facilitate recovery of the intrinsic body configuration. We use the framework to learn the gait manifold as an example of a dynamic shape manifold, as well as to learn the manifolds for some simple gestures and facial expressions as examples of dynamic appearance manifolds.
Diallyl Sulfide Complexes of Chiral Iron and Ruthenium Lewis Acids: Ylide Generation and Diastereoselective [2,3] Sigmatropic Rearrangements To Give Thiolate Complexes with New Carbon Stereocenters

Reactions of the racemic iron diallyl sulfide complex [(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)(PPh3)(S(CH2CHCH2)2)]+BF4- and t-BuOK (CH2Cl2 or THF, −80 to −60 °C) give the thiolate complex (η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)(PPh3)(SCH(CHCH2)CH2CHCH2) (65−92%) as 77−68:23−32 mixtures of SS,RR/SR,RS Fe,SC diastereomers. Reactions of the enantiomerically pure ruthenium diallyl sulfide complexes [(η5-C5H5)Ru(S,S-chiraphos)(S(CH2CRCH2)2)]+PF6- (5+PF6-; R = a, H; R = b, CH3) and t-BuOK (CH2Cl2, −98 °C) give the thiolate complexes (η5-C5H5)Ru(S,S-chiraphos)(SCH(CRCH2)CH2CRCH2) as 78:22 (8a, >99%) and 87:13 (8b, 97%) mixtures of chromatographically separable SSS/SSR PC,P‘C‘,SC diastereomers. These transformations likely involve intermediate sulfur ylides as described in the title. Reactions of 8a,b with CH3I or PhCH2I and then NaI (acetone, reflux) give, via cationic methyl or benzyl sulfide complexes, enantiomerically enriched R‘SCH(CH2CRCH2)CRCH2 (R/R‘ = H/CH3, 75%; CH3/CH3, 71%; H/PhCH2 and CH3/PhCH2, >99%) and (η5-C5H5)Ru(S,S-chiraphos)(I) (6, ≥97%). C...
Chemical exchange effects during refocusing pulses in constant-time CPMG relaxation dispersion experiments.

In the analysis of the constant-time Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CT-CPMG) relaxation dispersion experiment, chemical exchange parameters, such as rate of exchange and population of the exchanging species, are typically optimized using equations that predict experimental relaxation rates recorded as a function of effective field strength. In this process, the effect of chemical exchange during the CPMG pulses is typically assumed to be the same as during the free-precession. This approximation may introduce systematic errors into the analysis of data because the number of CPMG pulses is incremented during the constant-time relaxation period, and the total pulse duration therefore varies as a function of the effective field strength. In order to estimate the size of such errors, we simulate the time-dependence of magnetization during the entire constant time period, explicitly taking into account the effect of the CPMG pulses on the spin relaxation rate. We show that in general the difference in the relaxation dispersion profile calculated using a practical pulse width from that calculated using an extremely short pulse width is small, but under certain circumstances can exceed 1 s−1. The difference increases significantly when CPMG pulses are miscalibrated.
Highly Cooperative Control of Endocytosis by Clathrin

Clathrin assembles into a dynamic two-dimensional lattice on the plasma membrane where it plays a critical role in endocytosis. To probe the regulation of this process, we used siRNA against clathrin, in combination with single cell assays for transferrin uptake as well as total internal reflection microscopy, to examine how endocytic rates and membrane dynamics depend upon cellular clathrin concentration ([Clathrin]). We find that endocytosis is tightly controlled by [Clathrin] over a very narrow dynamic range such that small changes in [Clathrin] can lead to large changes in endocytic rates, indicative of a highly cooperative process (apparent Hill coefficient, n > 6). The number of clathrin assemblies at the cell surface was invariant over a wide range of [Clathrin]; however, both the amount of clathrin in each assembly and the subsequent membrane dynamics were steeply dependent on [Clathrin]. Thus clathrin controls the structural dynamics of membrane internalization via a strongly cooperative process. We used this analysis to show that one important regulator of endocytosis, the actin cytoskeleton, acts noncompetitively as a modulator of clathrin function.
A comparison of phenytoin-loading techniques in the emergency department.

Objectives: To compare the effectivenesses of three phenytoin-loading techniques. Methods: Patients with subtherapeutic phenytoin concentrations who presented within 48 hours of a seizure were randomized to receive either 20 mg/kg of oral phenytoin (PO), divided in maximum doses of 400 mg every two hours, 18 mg/kg of intravenous phenytoin (IVP) at an initial infusion rate of 50 mg/min, or 18 mg/kg (phenytoin equivalents) of intravenous fosphenytoin (IVF) at an initial infusion rate of 150 mg/min. Results: A total of 45 patients were enrolled: 16 in the PO group, 14 in the IVP group, and 15 in the IVF group. The times required to reach therapeutic drug concentrations were (mean ± standard deviation [SD]) 5.62 ± 0.28 hours, 0.24 ± 0.3 hours, and 0.21 ± 0.28 hours, respectively. A total of 17, 27, and 32 adverse drug events were observed in the PO, IVP, and IVF groups, respectively, with significantly fewer events in the PO group (p = 0.02, p = 0.01). No significant difference was found between the numbers of necessary adjustments to the infusions in the two IV groups. The average time to safe emergency department discharge was significantly shorter for the IV groups compared with the PO group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Oral loading has fewer adverse drug events than either IV loading method, but its use may be limited when therapeutic concentrations are required quickly. Although IVF loading is faster, from an adverse-drug event perspective, no advantage of IVF over IVP was apparent.
Comparison of the Effects of Atenolol and Nifedipine on Glucose, Insulin, and Lipid Metabolism in Patients With Hypertension

Various aspects of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism have been studied in two groups of patients with mild hypertension before and after four months of treatment with either nifedipine (n = 12) or atenolol (n = 12). Mean (+/- SEM) blood pressure fell to the same degree following treatment with either nifedipine (147 +/- 3/98 +/- 2 to 134 +/- 2/85 +/- 2 mm Hg) or atenolol (149 +/- 3/99 +/- 2 to 135 +/- 2/86 +/- 3 mm Hg). Circulating plasma glucose, insulin, and triglyceride concentrations were measured at hourly intervals from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, before and after breakfast (8:00 AM), and at lunch time (noon). The response to treatment was different in the two groups. Specifically, plasma glucose concentration were unchanged and insulin concentrations were higher in association with atenolol treatment. In contrast, nifedipine-treated patients had similar plasma insulin, but lower plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations after four months of therapy. The changes in day-long plasma glucose and insulin responses suggested that resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake had increased in association with atenolol treatment and decreased following nifedipine. This conclusion was supported in that measurement of insulin-stimulated glucose disposal showed a decrease in atenolol-treated patients and an increase in nifedipine-treated patients. Finally, plasma lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations did not change following atenolol therapy, whereas plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in association with nifedipine administration. These data show that changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism observed with treatment of mild hypertension can vary significantly as a function of the drug used, despite similar beneficial effects on blood pressure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
31P and 13C nmr measurements of a fructose-1-phosphate, Mn(II) and fructose 1,6-diphosphatase complex

Abstract Evidence for a ternary FDPase-Mn(II)-fructose-1-P complex is derived from 31 P and 13 C nmr measurements. Preliminary estimates of phosphorus and carbon to Mn(II) distances suggest that the oxygen at C-1 is coordinated to the metal ion in both the binary and ternary complex.
A working memory model based on excitatory-inhibitory interactions and calcium dynamics

Working memory corresponds to our ability to store and manipulate information for a short time in order to carry out complex cognitive tasks. The brain region most closely associated with working memory is the prefrontal cortex; neurons within the PFC show sustained elevated activity that persists after the removal of a stimulus. It is believed that this elevated activity is held in memory during a delay period in order to guide a forthcoming response. Problems with working memory have been implicated in numerous neurological diseases including schizophrenia. There have been numerous models for persistent activity. Most of these models are based on either intrinsic cellular properties or recurrent excitatory connections, formed during learning, among selective populations coding for a different memory. One problem with this class of models is that they deal with novel stimuli through synaptic learning, which may be too slow to account for the ability to generalize to novel stimuli in unique working memory tasks. Here, we present a model for persistent activity based on excitatory-inhibitory interactions. The model includes a mechanism that allows for bistability between the resting background state and a persistent state based on calcium dynamics; that is, changes in intracellular calcium in an excitatory projection neuron leads to changes in the excitability of that cell or the cell’s ability to respond to inhibitory synaptic input. The model reproduces several important properties of persistent activity. The network is multistable: both a background state, in which all neurons fire at a low firing rate, and persistent states, in which some subpopulation of cells fire at an elevated firing rate, are stable. The network is capable of maintaining a limited number of persistent states at the same time. The persistent activity is robust to noise or distracters; however, one can also reset the network once a ‘memory’ is no longer needed or switch the network to another memory if, perhaps, it is presented with a more salient cue. During both the background and persistent states, neurons have firing rates constrained by experimental data. In particular, neurons fire irregularly with a coefficient of variation close to one. The network is able to retain completely novel stimuli. Finally, we explore the role of neuromodulators in altering the processing of working memories and how changes in these neuromodulators may lead to neurological disease.
Towards guaranteed delivery of safety messages in VANETs

Reliability is a critical concern in disseminating safety messages in vehicular ad-hoc-networks (VANETs). Thus far, redundant broadcast (or next relay broadcast) has been used to ensure reliable transfer of safety messages. However, redundant broadcast fails to meet high-reliability requirement owing to lack of a feedback or acknowledgment (ACK) mechanism. In this work, a power controlled negative-acknowledgment (NACK) mechanism is introduced as a feedback technique to ensure reliable reception of safety messages. Significantly, this work also attempts to cover vehicles present in transmission holes in the broadcast region. Vehicles in the immediate neighborhood detect and recover safety message for a vehicle present in the transmission hole by estimating propagation loss for the vehicle. NACK together with hole detection and recovery mechanism nearly guarantees safety-message delivery in VANETs. Reliability of the proposed technique is formulated mathematically with packet reception ratio (PRR) as the reliability metric. Using theoretical analysis and simulation evaluation in ns-3 we establish that the proposed technique guarantees safety-message reception by mitigating packet loss caused by interference from hidden nodes, and at instances where vehicles are located in the transmission holes.
Effect of zealotry in high-dimensional opinion dynamics models.

Most of the work on opinion dynamics models focuses on the case of two or three opinion types. We consider the case of an arbitrary number of opinions in the mean field case of the naming game model in which it is assumed the population is infinite and all individuals are neighbors. A particular challenge of the naming game model is that the number of variables, which corresponds to the number of possible sets of opinions, grows exponentially with the number of possible opinions. We present a method for generating mean field dynamical equations for the general case of $k$ opinions. We calculate the steady states in two important special cases in arbitrarily high dimension: the case in which there exist zealots of only one type, and the case in which there are an equal number of zealots for each opinion. We show that in these special cases a phase transition occurs at critical values ${p}_{c}$ of the parameter $p$ describing the fraction of zealots. In the former case, the critical value determines the threshold value beyond which it is not possible for the opinion with no zealots to be held by more nodes than the opinion with zealots, and this point remains fixed regardless of dimension. In the latter case, the critical point ${p}_{c}$ is the threshold value beyond which a stalemate between all $k$ opinions is guaranteed, and we show that it decays precisely as a lognormal curve in $k$.
Replication of rhesus cytomegalovirus in life-expanded rhesus fibroblasts expressing human telomerase

The kinetics of rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) infection were compared in primary and telomerase-immortalized (Telo-) rhesus fibroblasts (RF). Equivalent viral titers were achieved with both cell types. However, the production of infectious virions was slightly faster and plaque size was larger in Telo-RF, compared with primary cells. Comparable RhCMV growth curves and viral susceptibility were observed using Telo-RF passaged for different time periods in culture, whereas the ability of primary cells to support robust RhCMV replication declined as the cells approached senescence. Analysis of cell growth kinetics suggested that the rate of RhCMV replication was directly related to the rate of cell proliferation. RT-PCR analysis of representative RhCMV genes demonstrated that the presence of telomerase did not alter the temporal profile of RhCMV gene expression. In addition, Telo-RF cells were observed to have a significantly increased efficiency of transfection with cationic lipids, compared with primary RF. These results demonstrated that Telo-RF represents a stable, permissive cell line for RhCMV infection, facilitating standardization of in vitro assays for this important non-human primate CMV. The ease of transfection will enable molecular analyses and the generation of complementing cell lines for the propagation of defective RhCMV variants.
Adsorption of ammonia on graphite oxide/Al13 composites

Abstract Graphite oxide/Al13 composites were prepared using graphite oxide and commercial solution of Chlorhydrol®. Although surfactant was used to disperse of graphene-like layers, they were restacked together upon addition of Al13 Keggin polycations. The crust of inorganic phase was deposited on the outer surface of GO platelets. The resulting materials were used as adsorbents of ammonia in dry or wet conditions either in an as received form or prehumidified for 2 h before the breakthrough test. It was shown that water in the system decreases the amount adsorbed, likely as a result of the competition with ammonia for adsorption centers. The highest and strongest adsorption was found in the dry conditions where interlayer space was partially available and the acidic centers of an inorganic phase played an enhancing role in the retention of ammonia.
On a Linear Programming Technique for the Steady-State Behavior of Some Queuing Systems

We consider the class of stationary queuing processes whose behavior can be described by a system of difference equations that are linear in the probabilities of the states. We describe a linear programming technique that will provide bounds of any prescribed degree of accuracy for any steady-state quantity expressible linearly in terms of the probabilities. For some queues a standard technique such as the use of generating functions may require a lengthy analysis and may not provide a check on the results. In contrast, the proposed technique is always easy to implement on a computer and, in a certain sense, is self-checking. Illustrative examples are given. The technique is implemented through an algorithm that, as shown by the examples, may give useful results after only a few iterations. We prove that the probability of zero delay for the M/D/2 queue is larger than that for an M/M/2 queue with the same traffic intensity. For a large class of parameter values of the multi-server mixed queue we obtain, with very little computing time, sharp bounds for the average queue size.
Resident Involvement Does Not Influence Complication After Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 13,109 Cases

Our study aimed to determine the impact of resident involvement on the 30-day postoperative complication rates following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, 13,109 primary THAs were identified, of which 3462 (26.4%) had resident involvement. Neither univariate (4.45% vs 4.52%, P = 0.86) nor multivariate (OR 1.04, P = 0.75) analyses demonstrated an increased complication rate with resident involvement following THA. We did find, however, that increased operative time, comorbidities, age, obesity, prior history of stroke and/or cardiac surgery were all independent risk factors for short-term complication. Our findings suggest that resident involvement does not increase 30-day complication rates following primary THA.
Probability models of wind velocity magnitude and persistence

Abstract Hourly wind data from the National Climatic Center are used to study probability density functions of wind velocity and wind power and run duration persistence. Observed histograns of velocity are compared with the χ-2 and Weibull distributions using goodness-of-fit statistics, and wind power histograms are compared with distributions derived from these. From an engineering standpoint, the observed histograms compare well with the models, although discrepancies exist. Over the power ranges of interest for wind energy conversion, taking into account the effects of wind generator response characteristics (cut-in, feathering, etc.), the models appear promising. Velocity run duration histograms above and below fixed levels are constructed and compared with both an exponential and power law persistence model. Calibrating the exponential model from the observed mean duration leads to reasonable estimates for the longer runs. A simplified technique of scaling the power law model from the mean seasonal velocity at a site gives good run duration estimates, except for the longer runs.
“That bloody mind I think they learned of me”: Aaron as tutor in Titus Andronicus

Titus Andronicus foregrounds hands – the severed limbs of Lavinia and Titus in particular – because, in this play, revenge depends on the written, writing hand. Even as the play seemingly deprives the Andronici of their agency by lopping off their limbs, Shakespeare's earliest Roman tragedy offers up writing as a means to action and revenge. Aaron the Moor, the play's explicit villain and master plotter, relies heavily upon writing and reading to destroy the Andronici. This heavily citational play has several well-read characters, but it is Aaron who emerges as a master of both inscription and interpretation. Aaron's role in Titus Andronicus seems at first straightforward: he manipulates other characters, seemingly for no reason other than a delight in devilry, and is suitably punished at the play's conclusion. Yet the play presents him not only as a villain, but as a criminal so skilled that he may teach others his craft. Aaron teaches revenge, and the Andronici's survival depends on recognizing this. Hi...
Non-invasive assessment of cardiac function in a mouse model of renovascular hypertension

Hypertension continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, underscoring the need to better understand its early effects on the myocardium. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of in vivo longitudinal assessment of cardiac function, particularly diastolic function, in a mouse model of renovascular hypertension. Renovascular hypertension (RVH) was induced in 129S1/SvImJ male mice (n=9). To assess left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, M-mode echocardiography, pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging were performed at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after the induction of renal artery stenosis. Myocardial tissue was collected to assess cellular morphology, fibrosis, extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation ex vivo. RVH led to a significant increase in systolic blood pressure after 2 and 4 weeks (baseline: 99.26±1.09 mm Hg; 2 weeks: 140.90±7.64 mm Hg; 4 weeks: 147.52±5.91 mm Hg, P<0.05), resulting in a significant decrease in LV end-diastolic volume, associated with a significant elevation in ejection fraction and preserved cardiac output. Furthermore, the animals developed an abnormal diastolic function profile, with a shortening in the E velocity deceleration time as well as increases in the E/e′ and the E/A ratio. The ex vivo analysis revealed a significant increase in myocyte size and deposition of extracellular matrix. Non-invasive high-resolution ultrasonography allowed assessment of the diastolic function profile in a small animal model of renovascular hypertension.
Synapsin III, a novel synapsin with an unusual regulation by Ca2+.

Abstract Synapsins I and II are synaptic vesicle proteins essential for normal Ca2+ regulation of neurotransmitter release. Synapsins are composed of combinations of common and variable sequences, with the central C-domain as the largest conserved domain. The C-domain is structurally homologous to ATPases, suggesting that synapsins function as ATP-dependent phosphotransfer enzymes. We have now identified an unanticipated third synapsin gene that is also expressed in brain. The product of this gene, synapsin IIIa, shares with synapsins Ia and IIa three conserved domains that are connected by variable sequences: the phosphorylated A-domain at the amino terminus, the large ATP-binding C-domain in the center, and the E-domain at the carboxyl terminus. Like other synapsins, synapsin IIIa binds ATP with high affinity and ADP with a lower affinity, consistent with a cycle of ATP binding and hydrolysis. ATP binding to the different synapsins is directly regulated by Ca2+ in a dramatically different fashion: Ca2+activates ATP binding to synapsin I, has no effect on synapsin II, and inhibits synapsin III. Thus vertebrates express three distinct synapsins that utilize ATP but are specialized for different modes of direct Ca2+ regulation in synaptic function.
Cyclic Voltammetric Investigation of Disilenes

Three tetraaryldisilenes and two dialkyldiaryldisilenes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, all undergoing irreversible oxidation and reduction. The oxidation potentials were similar for all five compounds, but the reduction potentials were lower for the tetraaryldisilenes than for the dialkyldiaryldisilenes.
Early milestones in the evolution of accelerators

About 80 years ago Rutherford [1] expressed the hope that particles could be accelerated to energies exceeding those occurring in radioactivity, enabling the study of nuclei and their constituents. Physicists and engineers have more than met this challenge, and today the LHC (Large Hadron Collider) at CERN, Geneva is about to accelerate protons to 7 trillion (7 × 1012) eV. Here we describe some of the crucial steps that have gotten us there.
Detection of citrus freeze damage with natural color and color IR video systems

Natural color (NC) and color infrared (CIR) video systems were used to acquire oblique and near-nadir imagery of citrus grove areas that were damaged by cold temperatures during the nights of February 25 and 26, 1989. Two flights were made 10 days apart from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon each day at 100 m and 300 m altitudes. The video cameras adjusted to the changing light intensity caused by cloud interference and turbulent weather and produced acceptable images for the detection of freeze damage and delineation of damaged areas. The contrast between green and brown video images was less distinctive than the contrast between cyan and magenta of the CIR video. Both NC and CIR video cameras captured images of damaged citrus trees, but it was not possible to measure the areas with an image analysis system because images were oblique and were acquired in different overflights of the damaged areas. The major benefits derived from videography were instant acquisition and viewing of images, rapidly locating damaged areas, and determining that all sites were imaged.