cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resolution of discrepant analytical data in the certification of platinum in two automobile catalyst SRMs

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently developed two recycled automobile catalyst materials as standard reference materials (SRMs), in response to a request from the International Precious Metals Institute. Results of analyses for platinum by two different analytical techniques did not agree well, with the means differing up to 6%. The palladium results for these same two techniques in the same materials showed much better agreement. Finally, it was determined that one technique (instrumental neutron activation analysis — INAA) had a small, random interference due to a tantalum impurity in/on the acid washed polyethylene bag used to hold the finely powdered sample. This Ta was not present in any of the empty bags used to evaluate the bag blank. Once this problem was identified, the unique characteristics of the INAA technique allowed the magnitude of the interference to be accurately determined for each sample, data recalculated, and a final result obtained which agreed well with the second technique.
Robust collusion with private information

The game-theoretic literature on collusion has been hard pressed to explain why a cartel should engage in price wars, without resorting to either impatience, symmetry restrictions, inability to communicate, or failure to optimize. This paper introduces a new explanation that relies on none of these assumptions: if the cartel's member firms have private information about their costs, price wars can be optimal in the face of complexity. Specifically, equilibria that are robust to pay-off irrelevant disruptions of the information environment generically cannot attain or approximate efficiency. An optimal robust equilibrium must allocate market shares inefficiently and may call for price wars under certain conditions. For a two-firm cartel, cost interdependence is a sufficient condition for price wars to arise in an optimal robust equilibrium. That optimal equilibria are inefficient generically applies not only to collusion games but also to the entire separable pay-off environment--a class that includes most typical economic models. Copyright 2012, Oxford University Press.
Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Principles and Applications

Abstract The application of laser ablation inductively plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) to the determination of major, minor, and trace elements as well as isotope‐ratio measurements offers superior technology for direct solid sampling in analytical chemistry. The advantages of LA‐ICP‐MS include direct analysis of solids; no chemical dissolution is necessary, reduced risk of contamination, analysis of small sample mass, and determination of spatial distributions of elemental compositions. This review aims to summarize recent research to apply LA‐ICP‐MS, primarily in the field of environmental chemistry. Experimental systems, fractionation, calibration procedures, figures of merit, and new applications are discussed. Selected applications highlighting LA‐ICP‐MS are presented.
Non‐Normality and the Design of Control Charts for Averages*

Non-normality has a significant effect on the performance of control charts for averages. The design considerations for a control chart for averages must include recognition of the degree of non-normality of the underlying data. The performance of a control chart may be judged on its ability to correctly identify the probabilities of assignable causes of variation and chance causes of variation in a process. This paper examines the effects of non-normality, as measured by skewness and kurtosis, on the performance, and hence the design, of control charts for averages and provides an alternative method of designing charts for averages of data with non-normal distributions.
The relation between the Value Line enigma and post-earnings-announcement drift

Abstract We investigate the relation between the Value Line enigma and post-earnings-announcement drift. The ability of Value Line's ‘timeliness’ ranks to predict future abnormal returns is well-documented. However, we show that most rank changes occur within eight trading days of an earnings announcement. Once we control for post-earnings-announcement drift, differences in abnormal returns across Value Line timeliness ranks are no longer significant. Moreover, we find that timeliness ranks have no predictive power for firms with small earnings ‘surprises’. We conclude that the Value Line enigma is a manifestation of post-earnings-announcement drift.
Pharmacologic and bacteriologic properties of SCH-27899 (Ziracin), an investigational antibiotic from the everninomicin family

SCH-27899 is an investigational antibiotic from the everninomicin family, a group of oligosaccharide antibiotics produced by Micromonospora carbonacea. Information regarding the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and toxicity of this agent was obtained from a MEDLINE search and a review of abstracts presented at recent scientific meetings. SCH-27899 has in vitro bacteriostatic activity against a wide variety of gram-positive organisms, including highly resistant organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-intermediate-sensitivity S. aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae (both penicillin-susceptible and -nonsusceptible), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. In vitro data, animal studies, and preliminary human studies indicate that it is effective and fairly well tolerated. Its place in therapy remains to be determined, and clinical trials continue.
DNA polymerase alpha from HeLa cells synthesizes DNA with high fidelity in a reconstituted replication system.

Abstract To determine the contribution that DNA polymerase alpha makes to the overall DNA replication fidelity in mammalian systems, we measured the fidelity of replication of the SV40-based shuttle vector, pZ189, in a reconstituted in vitro DNA replication system which contained purified HeLa DNA polymerase alpha (in addition to single-stranded DNA binding protein, topoisomerase II, DNA ligase, 5′ → 3′ exonuclease, ribonuclease H, and SV40 T-antigen). We found that DNA polymerase alpha is highly accurate when carrying out bidirectional replication in this system. This high fidelity of replication by DNA polymerase alpha in the reconstituted replication system contrasts with a relatively low fidelity of gap-filling DNA synthesis on the same target gene by purified HeLa cell DNA polymerase alpha in the absence of other replication factors. The fidelity of DNA replication by DNA polymerase alpha, although relatively high in the reconstituted system, is about 4-fold lower than DNA replication in a crude HeLa cell extract which contains additional replication factors including DNA polymerase delta. These results demonstrate that DNA polymerase alpha has the capacity to replicate DNA with high fidelity when carrying out semiconservative DNA replication in a minimal reconstituted replication system, but additional cellular factors not present in the reconstituted system may contribute to the higher replication fidelity of the crude system.
Use of Wiener filtering in the measurement of the two-dimensional modulation transfer function

This paper presents a new method for the measurement of modulation transfer function (MTF) using Wiener filtering. The method, unlike conventional methods using slit or edge devices, allows the direct determination of the MTF in all directions at one step. An image containing a precise circular region is acquired and its Fourier transform is calculated. In the absence of any blurring, the Fourier transform yields a simple Bessel function. Because of the symmetry in the convolution theorem, the roles of the blurring function and object can be interchanged, allowing the blurring function to be recovered using a Wiener filter. We simulated this process to understand the effects of attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio, and circle size. Images were simulated containing a circular region and degraded by spatial domain blurring with a Gaussian convolution kernel and by additive Poisson noise. The determined MTF matches the expected MTF except for a slight high frequency overestimate due to noise aliasing, which can be compensated. This method allows one to easily measure the two-dimensional MTF, particularly in systems which have an asymmetrical point spread function such as computed radiography. The method can be used as a tool for quality assurance and for comparing the resolution characteristics of various digital radiography systems.
“Making Her Community a Better Place to Live”: Culturally Responsive Urban School Leadership in Historical Context

This article examines the notion of “culturally responsive leadership” through a historical case study of the life of Gertrude Elise MacDougald Ayer, the first African American woman principal in New York City. I begin by situating Ayer’s leadership practice in light of the social and political context of Harlem in the 1930s and early 1940s. Then I compare her leadership approach to findings from historiographies of African American educators before 1960, as well as current case studies of African American women leaders. In the end I conceptualize the “culturally responsive” urban school leader as public intellectual, curriculum innovator, and social activist and argue that leadership for social justice must be analyzed in light of the historical, political, and social contexts in which it is practiced.
Review of Micro Vortex Generators in High-Speed Flow

A review of the state-of-the-knowledge of micro vortex generators (MVGs) and their effect on separated shock/boundary-layer interactions is provided. MVGs are thought to be effective for reducing the separation zone. However, details of how they affect the separation zone remain to be understood properly. In addition, metrics on how the MVGs affect the separation have not been well developed. Suggestions for further study are provided.
Reflected pump technique for saturated absorption spectroscopy inside photonic bandgap fibers

Saturated absorption spectroscopy in acetylene-filled photonic bandgap fibers is investigated. A new simplified technique for saturated absorption spectroscopy is described, where pressure and power parameters have been optimized for use as a frequency reference.
Nonuniform decimation and reconstruction of generalized-bandlimited MD signals

The nonuniform decimation and reconstruction of generalized-bandlimited multidimensional (MD) signals are discussed. An example which shows the feasibility of reconstructing an MD signal from its nonuniformly decimated version. This idea is extended to the general case, and the theory and design of synthesis filters for reconstruction are discussed. The conditions for the feasibility of perfect reconstruction and the efficient polyphase implementation of synthesis filters are addressed. >
Anisomycin inhibition of estradiol-induced and progesterone-facilitated luteinizing hormone surges in the immature rat.

These studies were designed to examine the effect of anisomycin, a potent and reversible inhibitor of protein synthesis with low systemic toxicity in rodents, on induction of luteinizing hormone (LH) surges by estradiol and their facilitation by progesterone. Immature female rats that received estradiol implants at 0900 h on Day 28 had LH surges approximately 32 h later (1700 h on Day 29). Insertion of progesterone capsules 24 h after estradiol led to premature (by 1400 h) and enhanced LH secretion. Protein synthesis was inhibited by 97%, 95%, 47%, and 16% in the hypothalamus-preoptic area (HPOA) and by 98%, 87%, 35%, and 0% in the pituitary at 30 min, 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h after s.c. injection of anisomycin (10 mg/kg BW), respectively. A single injection of anisomycin at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 27, or 30 h after estradiol treatment significantly lowered serum LH levels at 32 h. The effect of injecting anisomycin at 0, 24, or 27 h was overridden by progesterone treatment at 24 h, but LH secretion was delayed serum LH levels were basal (10-30 ng/ml) at 1400 h but elevated (500-800 ng/ml) at 1700 h. Complete suppression of LH surges in estradiol-plus-progesterone-treated rats was achieved with 2 injections of anisomycin on Day 29 at 0900 h and again at 1200 h or 1400 h. Further experiments were designed to examine proteins that might be involved in anisomycin blockade of progesterone-facilitated LH surges. Intrapituitary LH concentrations at 1700 h on Day 29 were 70-80% higher (102 +/- 12.5 micrograms/pituitary) in rats that received 2 injections of anisomycin than in vehicle-treated controls (58.5 +/- 7.7 micrograms/pituitary). There were no significant effects of anisomycin on cytosol progestin receptors in the HPOA (7.1 +/- 1.5 fmol/tissue, anisomycin; 7.2 +/- 0.3, vehicle) or pituitary (8.3 +/- 1.3 fmol/tissue, anisomycin; 11.7 +/- 2.9, vehicle) at this time. The concentration of pituitary gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors (GnRH-R), however, was significantly lower after anisomycin (265 +/- 30 vs. 365 +/- 37 fmol/mg protein) treatment. These results suggest that both estradiol-induced and progesterone-facilitated LH surges involve protein synthetic steps extending over many hours. Blockade of progesterone-facilitated LH surges by anisomycin appears to be due primarily to an effect on release of LH to which lowering of GnRH-R levels may contribute.
Synthesis of tri‐, tetra‐, and penta‐deuterated forms of vitamin a

The synthesis of 20,20,20-trideutero, 14,20,20,20-tetradeutero, 12,14,20,20,20-pentadeutero, and 10,19,19,19-tetradeutero analogs of retinoic acid ethyl ester and retinyl acetate, by a modified Wittig-Horner synthesis, is described. Deuterium was introduced by base-catalyzed exchange into appropriate intermediates. The 10,19,19,19-2H4-vitamin A, because of its high isotopic integrity (>98% 2H4), is the preferred analog for biological studies of vitamin A metabolism.
Human B1 cells in umbilical cord and adult peripheral blood express the novel phenotype CD20+CD27+CD43+CD70−

B1 cells differ in many ways from conventional B cells, most prominently in the production of natural immunoglobulin, which is vitally important for protection against pathogens. B1 cells have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune dyscrasias and malignant diseases. It has been impossible to accurately study B1 cells during health and illness because the nature of human B1 cells has not been successfully defined. This has produced controversy regarding the existence of human B1 cells. Here, we determined the phenotype of human B1 cells by testing sort-purified B cell fractions for three fundamental B1 cell functions based on mouse studies: spontaneous IgM secretion, efficient T cell stimulation, and tonic intracellular signaling. We found that a small population of CD20+CD27+CD43+ cells present in both umbilical cord and adult peripheral blood fulfilled these criteria and expressed a skewed B cell receptor repertoire. These B cells express little or no surface CD69 and CD70, both of which are markedly up-regulated after activation of CD20+CD27−CD43− (naive) and CD20+CD27+CD43− (memory) B cells. This work identifies human B1 cells as CD20+CD27+CD43+CD70−. We determined that the proportion of B1 cells declines with age, which may contribute to disease susceptibility. Identification of human B1 cells provides a foundation for future studies on the nature and role of these cells in human disease.
Dielectrophoretic assembly of insulinoma cells and fluorescent nanosensors into three-dimensional pseudo-islet constructs.

Dielectrophoretic forces, generated by radio-frequency voltages applied to micromachined, transparent, indium tin oxide electrodes, have been used to condense suspensions of insulinoma cells (BETA-TC-6 and INS-1) into a 10times10 array of three-dimensional cell constructs. Some of these constructs, measuring ~150 mum in diameter, 120 mum in height and containing around 1000 cells, were of the same size and cell density as a typical islet of Langerhans. With the dielectrophoretic force maintained, these engineered cell constructs were able to withstand mechanical shock and fluid flow forces. Reproducibility of the process required knowledge of cellular dielectric properties, in terms of membrane capacitance and membrane conductance, which were obtained by electrorotation measurements. The ability to incorporate fluorescent nanosensors, as probes of cellular oxygen and pH levels, into these 'pseudo-islets' was also demonstrated. The footprint of the 10times10 array of cell constructs was compatible with that of a 1536 microtitre plate, and thus amenable to optical interrogation using automated plate reading equipment.
Which Congregations Will Take Advantage of Charitable Choice? Explaining the Pursuit of Public Funding by Congregations*

Objective. To determine the effects of clergy attitudes on the willingness of con-gregations to seek public funding to provide social welfare. Methods. Survey dataare drawn from a probability sample of clergy leading congregations in metropol-itan Atlanta, Georgia. A logistic regression model examines the effects of clergyattitudes on the potential pursuit of public funding by congregations. Re-sults. Controlling for a set of congregation attributes, a positive attitude towardpartnerships between congregations and secular groups and a fear of governmententanglement with religion are the strongest attitudinal predictors of congregationwillingness to pursue public funding. However, attributes, particularly the racialcomposition of members and denominational afﬁliation, also predict congregationwillingness to seek public funding. Conclusions. Congregation willingness to pur-sue public funding is a function of clergy attitudes and congregation attributes,which has implications for politics and public policy.
Tight asymptotic bounds for the deletion channel with small deletion probabilities

In this paper, we consider the capacity C of the binary deletion channel for the limiting case where the deletion probability p goes to 0. It is known that for any p < 1/2, the capacity satisfies C ≥ 1−H(p), where H is the standard binary entropy. We show that this lower bound is essentially tight in the limit, by providing an upper bound C ≤ 1−(1−o(1))H(p), where the o(1) term is understood to be vanishing as p goes to 0. Our proof utilizes a natural counting argument that should prove helpful in analyzing related channels.
Degradation of Single-Quantum Well InGaN Green Light Emitting Diodes Under High Electrical Stress

We performed a degradation study of high-brightness Nichia single-quantum well AlGaN/InGaN/GaN green light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The devices were subjected to high current electrical stress with current pulse amplitudes between 1 A and 7 A and voltages between 10 V and 70 V with a pulse length of 100 ns and a repetition rate of 1 kHz. The study showed that when the current amplitude was increased to the 6 A - 7.5 A range, a fast (about 1 s) degradation occurred, with a visible discharge between the p and n-type electrodes. Subsequent failure analysis revealed severe damage to metal contacts which lead to the formation of shorts in the surface plane of diode. For currents smaller than 6 A, a slow degradation was observed as a decrease in optical power and an increase in the reverse current leakage. After between 24 and 100 hours however, a rapid degradation occurred which was similar to the rapid degradation observed at higher currents. Failure analysis results suggest that carbonization of the plastic encapsulation material on the diode surface leads to the discharge which destroys the diode.
Ten Simple Rules for Creating a Good Data Management Plan

Research papers and data products are key outcomes of the science enterprise. Governmental, nongovernmental, and private foundation sponsors of research are increasingly recognizing the value of research data. As a result, most funders now require that sufficiently detailed data management plans be submitted as part of a research proposal. A data management plan (DMP) is a document that describes how you will treat your data during a project and what happens with the data after the project ends. Such plans typically cover all or portions of the data life cycle—from data discovery, collection, and organization (e.g., spreadsheets, databases), through quality assurance/quality control, documentation (e.g., data types, laboratory methods) and use of the data, to data preservation and sharing with others (e.g., data policies and dissemination approaches). Fig 1 illustrates the relationship between hypothetical research and data life cycles and highlights the links to the rules presented in this paper. The DMP undergoes peer review and is used in part to evaluate a project’s merit. Plans also document the data management activities associated with funded projects and may be revisited during performance reviews. Open in a separate window Fig 1 Relationship of the research life cycle (A) to the data life cycle (B); note: highlighted circles refer to the rules that are most closely linked to the steps of the data life cycle. As part of the research life cycle (A), many researchers (1) test ideas and hypotheses by (2) acquiring data that are (3) incorporated into various analyses and visualizations, leading to interpretations that are then (4) published in the literature and disseminated via other mechanisms (e.g., conference presentations, blogs, tweets), and that often lead back to (1) new ideas and hypotheses. During the data life cycle (B), researchers typically (1) develop a plan for how data will be managed during and after the project; (2) discover and acquire existing data and (3) collect and organize new data; (4) assure the quality of the data; (5) describe the data (i.e., ascribe metadata); (6) use the data in analyses, models, visualizations, etc.; and (7) preserve and (8) share the data with others (e.g., researchers, students, decision makers), possibly leading to new ideas and hypotheses.
Raising Awareness of COPD in Primary Care

COPD is a major cause of mortality and a significant drain on health-care resources but is widely underdiagnosed in the primary-care setting. There is an urgent need to raise the profile of the disease among both primary-care physicians and patients. At the workshop "COPD: Working Towards a Greater Understanding," a panel of COPD experts from Europe and the United States discussed ways in which awareness of COPD could be raised. Access to spirometry, and education in its use and relevance, was identified as a major goal for primary-care physicians. Simple questionnaires can promote patient awareness and provide feedback to physicians. COPD needs to be identified as not just a disease of smokers.
Behavioral Health: Focus on Preventive Child Health Behavior

In the past several decades, and within this century in particular, there has been a major shift in the nature of the ills which threaten man’s quality of life and longevity. Whereas previously the major health challenge which confronted mankind involved survival amidst a host of environmental pathogens (predators, infectious diseases, starvation), the major sources of morbidity and mortality among modern humans are those in which our own behavior and lifestyle are the major contributors (Califano, 1979; Matarazzo, 1983). In order of their contribution to the mortality rates of all American citizens, the major killers of today are heart disease (37.8% of all deaths), cancer (20.4%), and stroke (9.6%), as shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 gives the comparable mortality figures for children in the 1–4 and 5–14 year age groups.
The Effects of Compensation Disclosure and Consensus on Perceptions of Online Product Reviews

Online product reviews are an influential source of information during a purchase decision. This has drawn the attention of some marketers who attempt to manipulate the reviews by compensating reviewers for favorable reviews. In response, the FTC has mandated disclosure of any compensation the reviewers receive. Using Prominence-Interpretation Theory and Social Validation theory, this work explores the competing impacts of compensation disclosure and review consensus on credibility and helpfulness of reviews. A 3 (no disclosure, disclosure with no warning, disclosure with warning) x 2 (consensus, disagreement) experiment was conducted (N = 267). Compensation disclosure decreased credibility and helpfulness for all reviews. But, this effect was moderated by the provision of consensus information. Disagreement among reviewers enhanced the effect of a compensation disclosure, but consensus among reviewers mitigated the disclosure's effect. Warnings about potential conflicts of interest prior to encountering a disclosure did not impact credibility and helpfulness.
GENDER, RACE, AND CLASS POLITICS AND THE INCLUSION OF WOMEN IN TITLE VII OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS ACT:

An examination of the historical circumstances surrounding the inclusion of gender in Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act reveals how race, class, and gender operate in complex and contradictory patterns to shape social policy. Two levels of analysis are presented. One focuses on political conflict within the state. The other is a textual analysis of the actual congressional debate on the gender amendment to Title VII.
Flexor reflex decreases during sympathetic stimulation in chronic human spinal cord injury

A better understanding of autonomic influence on motor reflex pathways in spinal cord injury is important to the clinical management of autonomic dysreflexia and spasticity in spinal cord injured patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the modulation of flexor reflex windup during episodes of induced sympathetic activity in chronic human spinal cord injury (SCI). We simultaneously measured peripheral vascular conductance and the windup of the flexor reflex in response to conditioning stimuli of electrocutaneous stimulation to the opposite leg and bladder percussion. Flexor reflexes were quantified using torque measurements of the response to a noxious electrical stimulus applied to the skin of the medial arch of the foot. Both bladder percussion and skin conditioning stimuli produced a reduction (43-67%) in the ankle and hip flexor torques (p<0.05) of the flexor reflex. This reduction was accompanied by a simultaneous reduction in vascular conductance, measured using venous plethysmography, with a time course that matched the flexor reflex depression. While there was an overall attenuation of the flexor reflex, windup of the flexor reflex to repeated stimuli was maintained during periods of increased sympathetic activity. This paradoxical depression of flexor reflexes and minimal effect on windup is consistent with inhibition of afferent feedback within the superficial dorsal horn. The results of this study bring attention to the possible interaction of motor and sympathetic reflexes in SCI above and below the T5 spinal level, and have implications for clinicians in spasticity management and for researchers investigating motor reflexes post SCI.
Social Cognitive Model of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Elementary School Children

Abstract Fruit and vegetable consumption is related to reduced risk for certain forms of cancer. Health organizations recommend the increased consumption of fruit and vegetables. Despite these recommendations, few U.S. children eat the recommended number of at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Understanding the determinants of consumption might improve our ability to increase consumption. Few theory-based models have been developed to explain and predict the consumption of various foods by children. This study proposed a model to explain fruit and vegetable consumption in children based on Social Cognitive Theory and on the literature in nutrition education. The model was tested using structural equation modeling techniques. Data from 414 third-graders were gathered on five predictors including availability, modeling, nutrition education, motivation (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, food preferences), and knowledge. The proposed model was tested with two random splits of the data and also separately for males and females. Results indicate adequate fit of the models for each of the four data sets (split 1, split 2, males, females). The pattern of significant paths was similar across the data sets. Availability and motivation (i.e., self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, food preference) were most consistently related to consumption and to other constructs in the model.
Path-robust multi-channel wireless networks

A mathematical-plus-conceptual framework is presented for studying problems such as the following. One wants to deploy an n-node multi-channel wireless network N in an environment that is inaccessible for repair and/or that contains malicious adversaries. (Example: One wants to “harden” a facility—say, a control base or organizational headquarters or hospital or computation center—against “destructive incidents” such as attacks by malicious adversaries or accidents of nature.) Given a (finite) set Ω of topologies that one wants to be able to “overlay” on (the surviving portion of) network N, one wants to design N to be Ω-robust, in the following very strong sense. Even if any set of m ≪ n nodes is disabled, one still wants all of the surviving n - m nodes to be able to organize themselves (logically, in the manner of an overlay network) into any topology T ∈ Ω that has ≤ n-m nodes. A mathematical model for multi-channel wireless networks is presented and is used to develop a scalable, deterministic strategy for designing networks that are Ω-robust, for a very broad class of sets Ω. The strategy is illustrated for the simple case when Ω is the set of all paths of lengths ≤ n. The resulting path-robust networks: (a) are within a factor of 2 of optimal in complexity, as measured by the number of node-channel access points; (b) enable power-efficient communication, in that a node's logical neighbors in the overlay path are its physically nearest nodes in the surviving portion of N. It is suggested how the model and approach can extend to a much richer variety of topologies.
A case of autism with an interstitial deletion on 4q leading to hemizygosity for genes encoding for glutamine and glycine neurotransmitter receptor sub-units (AMPA 2, GLRA3, GLRB) and neuropeptide receptors NPY1R, NPY5R

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder characterized by a triad of deficits: qualitative impairments in social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Although autism is etiologically heterogeneous, family and twin studies have established a definite genetic basis. The inheritance of idiopathic autism is presumed to be complex, with many genes involved; environmental factors are also possibly contributory. The analysis of chromosome abnormalities associated with autism contributes greatly to the identification of autism candidate genes.
Structural Adaptations of Early Archaeocete Long Bones

Fossil remains recovered during the past decade have provided the first glimpse of the appendicular skeleton of early cetaceans (Gingerich et al., 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995; Hulbert and Petkewich, 1991; Aleshire, 1993; Madar and Thewissen, 1994; Hulbert, 1994, this volume; Thewissen et al., 1994, 1996). When coupled with archaeocete craniofacial, dental, and axial remains, a much clearer picture is emerging of the morphological transitions that occurred during cetacean evolution. The ancestry of modern cetaceans is linked at present to the terrestrial mesonychian condylarths (Van Valen, 1966; Prothero et al., 1988; Thewissen, 1994). Members of this group possess postcranial features linked to cursoriality, though emphasizing endurance rather than speed (Szalay and Gould, 1966; Zhou et al., 1992; O’Leary and Rose, 1995). Given this ancestry, early archaeocete postcranial skeletons should document the series of structural modifications that occurred in a move from complete terrestrial competence, through an amphibious or semiaquatic stage, to the type of highly specialized aquatic locomotion that characterizes modern cetaceans (Thewissen et al., 1996; Thewissen and Fish, 1997; Buchholtz, this volume).
Research Aircraft Determination of D-Value Cross Sections

Useofanairborneplatformtodeterminethedynamicsofatmosphericmotionhasbeenongoingforoverthree decades. Much of the effort has been centered on the determination of the horizontal pressure gradient force along an isobaric surface, and with wind measurements the nongeostrophic components of motion can be obtained. Recent advances using differential GPS-based altitude measurements allow accurate assessment of the geostrophic wind. Porpoise or sawtooth maneuvers are used to determine the vertical cross section of the horizontal pressure gradient force. D-values, the difference of the height of a given pressure level from that in a reference atmosphere, are used to isolate the vertical structure of the horizontal component of the pressure gradient force from the vastly larger hydrostatic pressure gradient. Comparison of measured D-value cross sectionswith airborne measurements ofthehorizontal pressuregradientis shown.Comparisonof D-values with output from the WRF Model demonstrates that the airborne measurements are consistent with finescale numerical simulations. This technique provides a means of inferring the thermal wind, thereby enabling a detailed examination of the vertical structure of the forcing of mesoscale and synoptic-scale wind regimes.
Serial Morphology as a Technique for Determination of Reproductive Patterns in the Corn Earworm, Heliothis Zea (Boddie)

The morphology of the reproductive system and the mechanics of spermatophore formation in Heliothis zea are described. The ductus ejaculatorius simplex of the male was found to consist of two separate functioning parts, divided by a coil area where the frenum of the spcrmatophore is formed. Spermatophore formation involves a complicated series of operations in which the male endophallus expands drawing the spermatophore from the ductus ejaculatorius simplex and depositing it in the bursa copulatrix of the female. As the fat body in unmated moths is depleted the production of mature eggs having the chorion is inhibited, possibly by the absorption of the immature eggs not having the chorion. Formation of mature eggs is not inhibited in mated moths. Percentages of mating for moths of various age groups were obtained by dissections of large samples from several light-trap sources.
Identifying Policy Opportunities to Increase Physical Activity in the Southeast Asian Community in Long Beach, California

Abstract This article describes how implementing policy changes in organizations and communities supported physical activity in the Southeast Asian community. Case studies describe the components of successful policy development for physical activity in the Families in Good Health program in Long Beach, California. Levels of policy attainment are described in two examples: organizational policy change at a local YMCA and advocacy attempts toward a city-developed policy to support community gardens. Increased policy opportunities occurred when high levels of five factors were present: Program champions were cultivated; strong partnerships were formed; the community gave approval of program results; community leaders were involved; and organizations or resources were ready for policy development. This article also proposes elements of a model approach that is applicable to future health promotion efforts in Southeast Asian communities.
Phase differences in patients with paced right ventricular rhythm and left bundle branch block with normal and abnormal myocardial perfusion

1124 Objectives Phase analysis can describe regional myocardial contraction in patients (pts) undergoing gated myocardial SPECT. It is unknown whether phase differences occur in pts with left bundle branch block (LBBB) and pts with right ventricular paced rhythm (PACED), mimicking LBBB, and whether phase abnormalities are associated with abnormal myocardial perfusion. Methods We identified LBBB and PACED pts from a cohort of 44,407 pts having stress adenosine myocardial SPECT. Pts with a history of CAD, cardiomyopathy, ejection fraction ≤ 40% and cardiac transplantation were excluded. Regional mean phase angle (onset of myocardial contraction) was calculated in the anterior, lateral, inferior, septal and apical walls from stress images to assess activation patterns. Global phase parameters of standard deviation (SD), bandwidth and entropy were compared between pts with normal and abnormal perfusion (summed stress score ≥ 4). Analyses were performed using QGS software developed at Cedars-Sinai (Van Kriekinge et al. J Nucl Med. 2008; 48:1790-7). Results PACED pts (N=86) showed the earliest site of myocardial activation to be the apex (76%) and the septal (16%) walls with late activation at the lateral (47%) and anterior (33%) walls. In LBBB pts (N=83) the earliest sites were the apex (54%) and septal (34%) walls and the latest site the lateral wall (82%). PACED pts with normal perfusion had lower entropy and bandwidth than pts with abnormal perfusion (53%±9% v 58%±8%, P=0.02 and 66°±26° v 75°±25°, P=0.13). LBBB pts with normal perfusion also had lower entropy and bandwidth than pts with abnormal perfusion (47%±30% v 55%±9%, P=0.14 and 55°±32° v 72°±44°, P=0.048). Conclusions Regional phase analysis of myocardial stress and rest SPECT detects different myocardial activation patterns in PACED and LBBB pts. Pts with abnormal perfusion exhibit increased global dyssynchrony
Defining the Social Insurance Function of Consumer Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy scholars generally agree that consumer bankruptcy functions, at least in part, as a form of social insurance. It does so by allowing individuals to discharge unsecured debts that they incur and cannot pay as a result of the occurrence of one or more particular events or circumstances. Available data suggest that the consumer bankruptcy system primarily insures individuals against the effects of unemployment, illness, disability, and marital dissolution. But other regimes - unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, Medicare, spousal support laws, etc. - insure individuals against these circumstances as well. To the extent that legal scholars have considered the relationship between bankruptcy and these other programs, they have tended to assume that bankruptcy filings reflect failures of other social insurance programs, gaps in the social safety net. It is reasonable to believe, however, that an optimal social insurance system would allocate significant functions to bankruptcy. This Article frames basic questions that must be resolved in determining the optimal role of bankruptcy within the American social insurance system. By way of illustration, it compares the wage insurance functions of bankruptcy and unemployment insurance with respect to administrative costs, co-insurance costs, moral hazard, and effects on labor and credit markets. It also considers potential policy implications of such a comparison. These include changing the scope of benefits and/or eligibility under non-bankruptcy programs and altering the exemption rules that operate in bankruptcy. Resolving such normative questions about the relationship between bankruptcy and other social insurance programs is an essential step in evaluating the significance of current bankruptcy rates and the desirability of recent bankruptcy reforms.
Prognostic significance of serial changes in left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with congestive heart failure

Background. In congestive heart failure patients, a single measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) provides important prognostic information. The importance, if any, of improvement or worsening in serial LVEF has not been defined. The Department of Veterans Affairs Cooperative Vasodilator-Heart Failure Trials (V-HeFT) data base was analyzed to determine the prognostic importance of LVEF changes. Methods and Results. The data bases for V-HeFT I (n=642) and V-HeFT II (n=804) were analyzed. All patients had heart failure with documented exercise intolerance and abnormal LVEF or cardiac dilatation by chest x-ray or echocardiography
Oncological outcomes following radical prostatectomy for patients with pT4 prostate cancer.

Objectives: Radical prostatectomy (RP) for locally advanced prostate cancer may reduce the risk of metastasis and cancer-specific death. Herein, we evaluated the outcomes for patients with pT4 disease treated with RP. Materials and methods: Among 19,800 men treated with RP at Mayo Clinic from 1987 to 2010, 87 were found to have pT4 tumors. Biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival, systemic progression (SP) free survival and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association of clinic-pathological features with outcome. Results: Median follow-up was 9.8 years (IQR 3.6, 13.4). Of the 87 patients, 50 (57.5%) were diagnosed with BCR, 30 (34.5%) developed SP, and 38 (43.7%) died, with 11 (12.6%) dying of prostate cancer. Adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy was administered to 77 men, while 32 received adjuvant external beam radiation therapy. Ten-year BCR-free survival, SP-free survival, and OS was 37%, 64%, and 70% respectively. On multivariate analysis, the presence of positive lymph nodes was marginally significantly associated with patients' risk of BCR (HR: 1.94; p=0.05), while both positive lymph nodes (HR 2.96; p=0.02) and high pathologic Gleason score (HR 1.95; p=0.03) were associated with SP. Conclusions: Patients with pT4 disease may experience long-term survival following RP, and as such, when technically feasible, surgical resection should be considered in the multimodal treatment approach to these men.
Application of a laser-wakefield driven monochromatic photon source to nuclear resonance fluorescence

Nuclear resonance fluorescence is of particular interest to the detection of special nuclear material (SNM) where isotopic characterization is paramount. In addition to photons emitted by resonance de-excitation, there will also be a significant amount of backscattered photons that will distort the NRF signal. The backscattered spectra must be characterized in order to design a detection system that maximizes the material identification probability. However, to our knowledge the cross-sections for nuclear resonance absorption do not exist in any version MCNP. Therefore, a novel method is applied here to reproduce the measured results from Bertozzi et al. using bremsstrahlung X-rays. The NRF signal this source was compared with the response from the University of Nebraska (UNL) quasi-monochromatic X-ray source to compare the performance on a per source photon basis. An absolute comparison of each source is left for future work. The results of the simulations show that the UNL source would have a higher efficiency on a per source photon basis by a factor of approximately 170.
Effects of Grain Boundary Misorientation and Chromium Segregation on Corrosion of CoCrMo Alloys

The influence of grain boundary interfacial energy on the structure of carbides and the local segregation of chromium were investigated at the nanoscale for coincident site lattice boundaries in a ...
Underactuated Potential Energy Shaping With Contact Constraints: Application to a Powered Knee-Ankle Orthosis

Body-weight support (i.e., gravity compensation) is an effective clinical tool for gait rehabilitation after neurological impairment. Body-weight supported training systems have been developed to help patients regain mobility and confidence during walking, but conventional systems constrain the patient’s treatment in clinical environments. We propose that this challenge could be addressed by virtually providing patients with body-weight support through the actuators of a powered orthosis (or exoskeleton) utilizing potential energy-shaping control. However, the changing contact conditions and the degrees of underactuation encountered during human walking present significant challenges to consistently matching a desired potential energy for the human in closed loop. We therefore derive a generalized matching condition for shaping Lagrangian systems with holonomic contact constraints. By satisfying this matching condition for four phases of gait, we derive passivity-based control laws to achieve virtual body-weight support through a powered knee-ankle orthosis. We demonstrate the beneficial effects of virtual body-weight support in simulations of a human-like biped model, indicating the potential clinical value of this proposed control approach.
The interphotoreceptor retinoid binding (IRBP) is essential for normal retinoid processing in cone photoreceptors.

11-cis Retinal is the light-sensitive component in rod and cone photoreceptors, and its isomerization to all-trans retinal in the presence of light initiates the visual response. For photoreceptors to function normally, all-trans retinal must be converted back into 11-cis retinal through the visual cycle. While rods are primarily responsible for dim light vision, the ability of cones to function in constant light is essential to human vision and may be facilitated by cone-specific visual cycle pathways. The interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) is a proposed retinoid transporter in the visual cycle, but rods in Irbp –/– mice have a normal visual cycle. However, there is evidence that IRBP has cone-specific functions. Cone electroretinogram (ERG) responses are reduced, despite having cone densities and opsin levels similar to C57Bl/6 (WT) mice. Treatment with 9-cis retinal rescues the cone response in Irbp –/– mice and shows that retinoid deficiency underlies cone dysfunction. These data indicate that IRBP is essential to normal cone function and demonstrate that differences exist in the visual cycle of rods and cones.
Encapsulation of ferulic acid ethyl ester in caseinate to suppress off-flavor formation in UHT milk.

Abstract Phenolic compounds can principally suppress the off-flavor development in ultrahigh temperature (UHT) treated milk, but little has been studied for lipophilic phenolic compounds that are to be encapsulated for even distribution in milk. The objective of this work was to study physicochemical properties of ferulic acid ethyl ester (FAEE) encapsulated in sodium caseinate and the inhibition of volatile formation after UHT processing. The capsules had an average hydrodynamic diameter of 246.2 ± 10.9 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.26 ± 0.01, and a zeta-potential of −31.72 ± 0.74 mV. The capsules and the encapsulated FAEE were stable after heating at 138 °C for 16 min and UV radiation at 365 nm for 32 h. The encapsulated FAEE at a level of 0.18–1.42 mg/mL suppressed the formation of 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline in model UHT milk by 32.8–63.2% after 30-day storage at 30 °C. Therefore, FAEE encapsulated in caseinate can be potentially used to improve the quality of UHT milk.
Insurgent safety: Theorizing alternatives to state protection:

In the United States, public safety is embraced as an unquestioned social good. Broadly speaking, the criminal justice system is tasked with administering and maintaining public safety through the use of law enforcement, the courts, and prisons. First, through a focus on racialized police violence, this article develops a critique of the dominant model of public safety practiced in the United States—identified herein as ‘carceral safety’. Second, through an analysis of findings from the (Re)imagining Public Safety Project (RPSP), this article seeks to sketch out an alternative model and practice of safety that does not rely on banishment, policing, or mass criminalization. In contradistinction to the forms of state protection exercised under the seemingly innocuous rhetoric of ‘public safety’, RPSP participants conceptualized what I am calling ‘insurgent safety’: locally determined, anti-capitalist practices and ethics for reducing, and responding to harm.