cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Individual differences in distributional learning for speech: What's ideal for ideal observers?

Research demonstrates that efficient speech perception is supported by listeners’ ability to dynamically modify the mapping to speech sounds to reflect cumulative experience with talkers’ input distributions. Here we test the hypothesis that higher-level receptive language ability is linked to adaptation to low-level distributional cues in speech input. Listeners completed two blocks of phonetic categorization for stimuli that differed in voice-onset-time (VOT), a probabilistic cue to the voicing contrast in English stop consonants. In each block, two distributions were presented, one specifying /g/ and one specifying /k/. Across the two blocks, variance of the input distributions was manipulated to be either narrow or wide, reflecting distributions that were relatively more to relatively less consistent, respectively, in terms of how VOT cued the voicing contrast. As predicted by ideal observer computational frameworks, the participants in the aggregate showed steeper identification slopes for consistent compared to inconsistent input distributions. However, the magnitude of learning showed wide individual variability, which was predicted by receptive language ability as measured using standardized assessments. Individuals with poorer receptive language scores showed diminished distributional learning due to a failure to capitalize on consistent input distributions; instead, their perceptual decisions showed instability even the face of acoustic-phonetic certainty.
Detection of novel allelic variations in soybean mutant population using Tilling by Sequencing

ABSTRACT One of the most important tools in genetic improvement is mutagenesis, which is a useful tool to induce genetic and phenotypic variation for trait improvement and discovery of novel genes. JTN-5203 (MG V) mutant population was generated using an induced ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis and was used for detection of induced mutations in FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B genes using reverse genetics approach. Optimum concentration of EMS was used to treat 15,000 bulk JTN-5203 seeds producing 1,820 M2 population. DNA was extracted, normalized, and pooled from these individuals. Specific primers were designed from FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B genes that are involved in the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway for further analysis using next-generation sequencing. High throughput mutation discovery through TILLING-by-Sequencing approach was used to detect novel allelic variations in this population. Several mutations and allelic variations with high impacts were detected for FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B. This includes GC to AT transition mutations in FAD2-1A (20%) and FAD2-1B (69%). Mutation density for this population is estimated to be about 1/136kb. Through mutagenesis and high-throughput sequencing technologies, novel alleles underlying the mutations observed in mutants with reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids will be identified, and these mutants can be further used in breeding soybean lines with improved fatty acid profile, thereby developing heart-healthy-soybeans.
Estimating the Localizability in Tunnel-like Environments using LiDAR and UWB

The application of robots in inspection tasks has been growing quickly thanks to the advancements in autonomous navigation technology, especially the robot localization techniques in GPS-denied environments. Although many methods have been proposed to localize a robot using onboard sensors such as cameras and LiDARs, achieving robust localization in geometrically degenerated environments, e.g. tunnels, remains a challenging problem. In this work, we focus on the robust localization problem in such situations. A novel degeneration characterization model is presented to estimate the localizability at a given location in the prior map. And the localizability of a LiDAR and an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) ranging radio is analyzed. Additionally, a probabilistic sensor fusion method is developed to combine IMU, LiDAR and the UWB. Experiment results show that this method allows for robust localization inside a long straight tunnel.
Constraints and Negotiations to Student Recreational Sport Center Usage

Studies have shown that student recreational sports centers offer a variety of benefits to emerging adult students. Previous research has identified the presence of constraints to physical activity and student recreational sports center (SRSC) usage (Flood & Parker, 2014; Stankowski, Trauntvein, & Hall, 2017; Young, Ross, & Barcelona, 2003). However, little research has examined the negotiation strategies which students use to increase their physical activity levels through use of the SRSC. This study focused on the constraints and negotiation strategies which affected both users and infrequent users of the SRSC at a mid-size, public university in the northeastern United States. Results suggested that constraints and negotiation strategies differed significantly between user groups and that several constraints and negotiations predict frequency of visitation to the SRSC. Findings suggest the importance of management actions which help students to create social networks, improve their planning and prioritization, and develop self-efficacy with regard to physical activity at the SRSC.
Regulation of Nitric Oxide Metabolism and Vascular Tone by Cytoglobin.

Significance: Cytoglobin (Cygb) was discovered as a new addition to the globin superfamily and subsequently identified to have potent nitric oxide (NO) dioxygenase function. Cygb plays a critical role in the oxygen-dependent regulation of NO levels and vascular tone. Recent Advances: In recent years, the mechanism of the Cygb-mediated NO dioxygenation has been studied in isolated protein, smooth muscle cell, isolated blood vessel, and in vivo animal model systems. Studies in Cygb-/- mice have demonstrated that Cygb plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and vascular tone. This review summarizes advances in the knowledge of NO dioxygenation/metabolism regulated by Cygb. Advances in measurement of NO diffusion dynamics across blood vessels and kinetic modeling of Cygb-mediated NO dioxygenation are summarized. The oxygen-dependent regulation of NO degradation by Cygb is also reviewed along with how Cygb paradoxically generates NO from nitrite under anaerobic conditions. The important role of Cygb in the regulation of vascular function and disease is reviewed. Critical Issues: Cygb is a more potent NO dioxygenase (NOD) than previously known globins with structural differences in heme coordination and environment, conferring it with a higher rate of reduction and more rapid process of NO dioxygenation with unique oxygen dependence. Various cellular reducing systems regenerate the catalytic oxyferrous Cygb species, supporting a high rate of NO dioxygenation. Future Directions: There remains a critical need to further characterize the factors and processes that modulate Cygb-mediated NOD function, and to develop pharmacological or other approaches to modulate Cygb function and expression.
Trim-Away mediated knock down uncovers a new function for Lbh during gastrulation of Xenopus laevis

We previously identified the protein Lbh as necessary for cranial neural crest (CNC) cell migration in Xenopus through the use of morpholinos. However, Lbh is a maternally deposited protein and morpholinos achieve knockdowns through prevention of translation. In order to investigate the role of Lbh in earlier embryonic events, we employed the new technique "Trim-Away" to degrade this maternally deposited protein. Trim-Away utilizes the E3 ubiquitin ligase trim21 to degrade proteins targeted with an antibody and was developed in mammalian systems. Our results show that Xenopus is amenable to the Trim-Away technique. We also show that early knockdown of Lbh in Xenopus results in defects in gastrulation that present with a decrease in fibronectin matrix assembly, an increased in mesodermal cell migration and decrease in endodermal cell cohesion. We further show that the technique is also effective on a second abundant maternal protein PACSIN2. We discuss potential advantages and limit of the technique in Xenopus embryos as well as the mechanism of gastrulation inhibition.
Yes-associated protein-1 may serve as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for residual/recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma post-transarterial chemoembolization☆.

Abstract Background and aim The transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1) has been implicated as an oncogene and is overexpressed in different kinds of human cancers, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of YAP1 has not been reported in residual/recurrent HCC after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Our aim is to determine whether YAP1 is overexpressed in the residual/recurrent HCC after TACE. Methods A total of 105 tumor tissues from 71 patients including 30 cases of primary HCC without prior treatment, 35 cases of residual/recurrent HCC post TACE, and 6 cases of hepatoblastoma were included in the immunohistochemical study. YAP1 immunoreactivity was blindly scored as 0, 1+, 2+ or 3+ in density and percentages of positive cells. Results About 33.3% (10/30) of primary HCC without prior treatment showed 2+ of YAP1 immunoreactivity. While 82.8% (29/35) of residual/recurrent HCCs after TACE treatment displayed 2–3+ of YAP1 immunoreactivity, which was significantly higher compared to primary HCC without prior treatment (P = 0.0002). YAP1 immunoreactivity was moderately to strongly positive (2–3+) in 100% of the hepatoblastoma, particularly in the embryonal components (3+ in 100% cases). Conclusions YAP1 is significantly upregulated in the residual/recurrent HCCs post TACE treatment, suggesting that YAP1 may serve as a sensitive diagnostic marker and a treatment target for residual/recurrent HCC post TACE.
Compton Polarimetry at a TEV Collider

An electron beam polarization of 80% or greater will be a key feature of a 1 TeV Linear Collider. Accurate measurements of the beam polarization will therefore be needed. We discuss design considerations and capabilities for a Compton-scattering polarimeter located in the extraction line from the Interaction Point. Polarization measurements with 1% accuracy taken parasitic to collision data look feasible, but detailed simulations are needed. Polarimeter design issues are similar for both electron-positron and electron-electron collider modes, though beam disruption creates more difficulties for the electron-electron mode.
Machine learning and statistical prediction of patient quality-of-life after prostate radiation therapy.

Thanks to advancements in diagnosis and treatment, prostate cancer patients have high long-term survival rates. Currently, an important goal is to preserve quality of life during and after treatment. The relationship between the radiation a patient receives and the subsequent side effects he experiences is complex and difficult to model or predict. Here, we use machine learning algorithms and statistical models to explore the connection between radiation treatment and post-treatment gastro-urinary function. Since only a limited number of patient datasets are currently available, we used image flipping and curvature-based interpolation methods to generate more data to leverage transfer learning. Using interpolated and augmented data, we trained a convolutional autoencoder network to obtain near-optimal starting points for the weights. A convolutional neural network then analyzed the relationship between patient-reported quality-of-life and radiation doses to the bladder and rectum. We also used analysis of variance and logistic regression to explore organ sensitivity to radiation and to develop dosage thresholds for each organ region. Our findings show no statistically significant association between the bladder and quality-of-life scores. However, we found a statistically significant association between the radiation applied to posterior and anterior rectal regions and changes in quality of life. Finally, we estimated radiation therapy dose thresholds for each organ. Our analysis connects machine learning methods with organ sensitivity, thus providing a framework for informing cancer patient care using patient reported quality-of-life metrics.
Development of an innovative curriculum-to-career transition program for nurse practitioners in primary care.

Abstract Background Unlike physicians, there are no current requirements or funding for the post graduation training of advanced practice nurses. Given the complexity of health care, more post graduate training programs are needed to meet growing demand. Purpose A taskforce was convened to research gaps in preparation for real-world practice, as well as effective models of curricular and clinical support to promote positive patient outcomes. Methods Supportive structures for advance practice nurses are dependent upon understanding the barriers, facilitators and structural support required to implement such a program. Findings Starting a curriculum-to-career program the semester prior to graduation is a relatively untested model for advanced practitioners to receive enhanced mentored education and support to increase resiliency, reduce early burnout and burden on the health setting. Discussion Advanced practice nurse fellowships should be considered as essential as medical residencies are for physicians in clinical practice.
Running-Induced Vertigo in an Adolescent: A Treatable Orthostatic Vestibular Migraine Variant (P2.133)

Objective: To describe the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and effective treatment of recurrent vertigo that occurs exclusively during strenuous running. Background: Recurrent vertigo occurs frequently in adolescents, typically while they are at rest, and usually is migraine-related. Vestibular migraine refers to vertigo as a symptom of migraine with attacks of spontaneous or positional vertigo lasting seconds to days, often without headache, and patients may have photophobia, phonophobia, or nausea. Running-induced vertigo has not been deemed to be an exercise-related orthostatic migraine variant in the medical literature in adults or children. Design/Methods: Case Report Results: This 17-year-old female cross-country runner experienced vertigo with nausea and occasional headache during strenuous running, but not with swimming, biking, prolonged standing, or while resting. She had infrequent tension type headaches and motion sickness. Family history was positive for migraine. General and neurological examinations were normal. Diagnostic testing with vestibular and audiology testing, cardiac assessment, and blood work were normal. Brain MRI showed Chiari I malformation. Serum ferritin level was 17 ng/mL. The 24-hr urine sodium level was 88 mmol with 500 mL of urine in 24 hr. The patient was treated with 3 grams of sodium chloride tablets daily, increased water intake to 2 or more liters daily, iron supplementation, and premedication with ibuprofen and 16 ounces of sport drink before running. She improved gradually and became symptom-free during running in few months. Repeat 24-hr urine sodium level after recovery was 263 mmol with urine volume of 1800 mL. Conclusions: Running-induced vertigo may be related to vestibular dysfunction, motion sickness, and orthostatic intolerance, and may represent a treatable, newly defined variant of vestibular migraine. Treatment with improved hydration and increased salt intake, iron supplementation, and pre-running fluid load and ibuprofen may help prevent symptoms. Disclosure: Dr. Jarjour has nothing to disclose.
The RNA structurome in the asexual blood stages of malaria pathogen plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium falciparum is a deadly human pathogen responsible for the devastating disease called malaria. In this study, we measured the differential accumulation of RNA secondary structures in codi...
Common-Centroid Layouts for Analog Circuits: Advantages and Limitations

Common-centroid (CC) layouts are widely used in analog design to make circuits resilient to variations by matching device characteristics. However, CC layout may involve increased routing complexity and higher parasitics than other alternative layout schemes. This paper critically analyzes the fundamental assumptions behind the use of common-centroid layouts, incorporating considerations related to systematic and random variations as well as the performance impact of common-centroid layout. Based on this study, conclusions are drawn on when CC layout styles can reduce variation, improve performance (even if they do not reduce variation), and when non-CC layouts are preferable.
Pandemics, Socioeconomic Gaps, and Macroeconomic Policy: The Ugly Truth Highlighted by COVID-19

Economic stratification lies at the heart of persistent inequities, which have been considerably amplified under COVID-19. To tackle these persistent inequities, a social economics approach and com...
Amino Acid Transport and Metabolism Regulate Early Embryo Development: Species Differences, Clinical Significance, and Evolutionary Implications.

In this review we discuss the beneficial effects of amino acid transport and metabolism on pre- and peri-implantation embryo development, and we consider how disturbances in these processes lead to undesirable health outcomes in adults. Proline, glutamine, glycine, and methionine transport each foster cleavage-stage development, whereas leucine uptake by blastocysts via transport system B0,+ promotes the development of trophoblast motility and the penetration of the uterine epithelium in mammalian species exhibiting invasive implantation. (Amino acid transport systems and transporters, such as B0,+, are often oddly named. The reader is urged to focus on the transporters’ functions, not their names.) B0,+ also accumulates leucine and other amino acids in oocytes of species with noninvasive implantation, thus helping them to produce proteins to support later development. This difference in the timing of the expression of system B0,+ is termed heterochrony—a process employed in evolution. Disturbances in leucine uptake via system B0,+ in blastocysts appear to alter the subsequent development of embryos, fetuses, and placentae, with undesirable consequences for offspring. These consequences may include greater adiposity, cardiovascular dysfunction, hypertension, neural abnormalities, and altered bone growth in adults. Similarly, alterations in amino acid transport and metabolism in pluripotent cells in the blastocyst inner cell mass likely lead to epigenetic DNA and histone modifications that produce unwanted transgenerational health outcomes. Such outcomes might be avoided if we learn more about the mechanisms of these effects.
Hepatic Tumor Induction in c- Myc mono-transgenic and TGF- α/c-Myc double-transgenic Mice

Double transgenic mice bearing fusion genes consisting of mouse albumin enhancer/promoter-mouse c-myc cDNA and mouse metallothionein 1 promoter-human TGF-α cDNA were generated to investigate the interaction of these genes in hepatic oncogenesis and to provide a general paradigm for characterizing both the interaction of nuclear oncogenes and growth factors in tumorigenesis as well as to produce an experimental model to test how environmental chemicals might interact with these genes during the neoplastic process. Coexpression of c-myc and TGF-α as transgenes in the mouse liver resulted in a tremendous acceleration of neoplastic development in this organ as compared to expression of either of these transgenes alone. The two distinct cellular reactions that occurred in the liver of the double transgenic mice prior to the appearance of liver tumors were dysplastic and apoptotic changes in the existing hepatocytes followed by emergence of multiple focal lesions composed of both hyperplastic and dysplastic cell populations.
Reshaping the Aperture Fields in Impulse Radiating Antennas and Oscillator Reflector Antennas

Wideband, focused aperture antennas like impulse radiating antennas (IRAs) and oscillator reflector antennas (ORAs) can see improved aperture efficiency through control of the aperture fields and aperture shape. It has been suggested recently that the aperture efficiency can be further improved by reshaping the aperture fields through the use of uniaxially conducting reflectors, e.g. reflectors made of conducting wires rather than solid sheets.1 In this paper, the benefit that can be obtained by using this strategy is explored analytically. Optimum filament orientation are shown, and the improvements possible in coplanar plate-fed IRAs and ORAs are presented. For common antenna configurations and impedances, the aperture height can be increased by amounts ranging from 7% to 67%. A method for extending the concept to lens IRAs is also proposed.
Towards the Usage of Optical Flow Temporal Features for Facial Expression Classification

Psychological evidence suggests that the human ability to recognize facial expression improves with the addition of temporal stimuli. While the facial action coding community has largely migrated towards temporal information, the facial expression recognition community has been slow to utilize facial dynamics. This paper contrasts the contributions of static vs. temporal features, including both dense and sparse facial tracking methodologies in combination with sparse representation classification. The temporal methods of facial feature point tracking, motion history images, free form deformation, and SIFT flow are adapted for facial expression classification. Dense optical flow for facial expression recognition is successfully utilized. We show that when used in isolation, the best temporal methods are just as good as static methods. However, when fusing temporal dynamics with static imagery significant increases in facial expression classification are achieved.
Schottky barrier characteristics and interfacial reactions of Ti on n-In0.52Al0.48As

Schottky barrier heights (ϕB) and ideality factors (n) of Ti∕Pt∕Au diodes on n-InAlAs were characterized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations were utilized to correlate the electrical performance with interfacial reactions. The enhancement of ϕB and increase in n were obtained with increasing annealing temperatures. TEM studies confirmed that amorphous layers were formed at the Ti∕InAlAs interface at short annealing times, while prolonged annealing resulted in the crystallization of TiAs, defective layer formation, and Kirkendall void formation. Such aggressive reactions after prolonged annealing extended deep into the InAlAs and may affect the active region of InAlAs∕InGaAs-based transistors. The activation energy for this reaction was calculated to be 1.5±0.1eV.
Observing Preferences for Educational Quality: The Weak Complementarity Approach

This paper applies the weak complementarity approach to the problem of estimating the demand for school quality and other local public goods. Using the same data used by Oates (1969) in his classic study, a demand function for housing is estimated, from which the efficient relative levels of public goods provision are computed. The statistical problems involved in estimating a housing demand function from cross-section data are discussed.
Overexpression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis manB, a phosphomannomutase that increases phosphatidylinositol mannoside biosynthesis in Mycobacterium smegmatis and mycobacterial association with human macrophages.

Summary Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) pathogenesis involves the interaction between the mycobacterial cell envelope and host macrophage, a process mediated, in part, by binding of the mannose caps of M. tb lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) to the macrophage mannose receptor (MR). A presumed critical step in the biosynthesis of ManLAM, and other mannose-containing glycoconjugates, is the conversion of mannose-6-phosphate to mannose-1-phosphate, by a phosphomannomutase (PMM), to produce GDP-mannose, the primary mannose-donor in mycobacteria. We have identified four M. tb H37Rv genes with similarity to known PMMs. Using in vivo complementation of PMM and phosphoglucomutase (PGM) deficient strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and an in vitro enzyme assay, we have identified both PMM and PGM activity from one of these genes, Rv3257c (MtmanB). MtmanB overexpression in M. smegmatis produced increased levels of LAM, lipomannan, and phosphatidylinositol mannosides (PIMs) compared with control strains and led to a 13.3 ± 3.9-fold greater association of mycobacteria with human macrophages, in a mannan-inhibitable fashion. This increased association was mediated by the overproduction of higher order PIMs that possess mannose cap structures. We conclude that MtmanB encodes a functional PMM involved in the biosynthesis of mannosylated lipoglycans that participate in the association of mycobacteria with macrophage phagocytic receptors.
The Social Logic of Taqlīd and the Rise of the Mukhataṣar

The study of the relationship between ijtihād and Taqlīd has been dominated by an approach that privileges ijtihād over Taqlīd on the assumption that the former is an intellectually superior mode of legal reasoning. By analyzing the role of Taqlīd in regulating the actions of muftīs and judges as discussed by post-6th/12th century jurists of the Mālikī school, I conclude that Taqlīd resulted from the desire to have uniform rules rather than as a result of intellectual stagnation. While ijtihād was individualistic and solipsistic, Taqlīd was the result of group interpretation that provided an objective basis upon which legal decisions and legal rulings could be described as being either substantively correct or incorrect. Viewed in this light, Taqlīd was originally a desire to limit the discretionary power of legal officials, especially those at the bottom of the legal hierarchy. The desire to possess uniform rules found its logical outcome in the legal genre of the mukhtaṣar as it emerged in the 7th/13th century. The mukhtaṣar functioned as the authoritative collection of a legal school's doctrine, and, for that reason, I argue that Islamic law in the age of mukhtaṣars is best understood as a codified Common Law.
New Developments in the Chemistry of Oxazolones

Publisher Summary This chapter considers the recently reported 2-oxazolin-5-ones and 3-oxazolin-5-ones. The classical Erlenmeyer synthesis of azlactones, which includes condensation of aldehydes with hippuric or aceturic acid in the presence of acetic anhydride and sodium acetate, is considered the most commonly used method for preparation of 2-oxazolin-5-ones. Other methods for synthesis include the use of polyphosphoric acid, from 5-oxazolonium perchlorates and other heterocycles and open-chain compounds. The chapter describes oxidation, cycloaddition, conversion into other heterocycles, hydrolysis, and photolysis. With regard to stereochemistry, the chapter describes optically active oxazolones and racemization and geometrical isomerism. Moreover, it illustrates the methods of preparation and reactions for 3-oxazolin-5-ones, 2-oxazolin-4-ones, 4-oxazolin-2-ones, and 3-oxazolin-2-ones, respectively and considers the nomenclature as per the chemical abstracts.
The Reverend Jennie Johnson and African-Canadian History, 1868–1967. by Nina Reid-Maroney

Nina Reid-Maroney resurrected a powerful and fascinating story of the Reverend Jennie Johnson, an African-Canadian Baptist preacher, in this book, situated within the fields of feminist, black Cana...
Forecasting fish biomasses, densities, productions, and bioaccumulation potentials of mid‐atlantic wadeable streams

Regional fishery conditions of Mid-Atlantic wadeable streams in the eastern United States are estimated using the Bioaccumulation and Aquatic System Simulator (BASS) bioaccumulation and fish community model and data collected by the US Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). Average annual biomasses and population densities and annual productions are estimated for 352 randomly selected streams. Realized bioaccumulation factors (BAF) and biomagnification factors (BMF), which are dependent on these forecasted biomasses, population densities, and productions, are also estimated by assuming constant water exposures to methylmercury and tetra-, penta-, hexa-, and hepta-chlorinated biphenyls. Using observed biomasses, observed densities, and estimated annual productions of total fish from 3 regions assumed to support healthy fisheries as benchmarks (eastern Tennessee and Catskill Mountain trout streams and Ozark Mountains smallmouth bass streams), 58% of the region's wadeable streams are estimated to be in marginal or poor condition (i.e., not healthy). Using simulated BAFs and EMAP Hg fish concentrations, we also estimate that approximately 24% of the game fish and subsistence fishing species that are found in streams having detectable Hg concentrations would exceed an acceptable human consumption criterion of 0.185 μg/g wet wt. Importantly, such streams have been estimated to represent 78.2% to 84.4% of the Mid-Atlantic's wadeable stream lengths. Our results demonstrate how a dynamic simulation model can support regional assessment and trends analysis for fisheries. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;X:000–000. Published 2015 SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States.
Health Care Reform and the Stock Market: Economic Impact, Growth Opportunity and Private Sector Investors

Objective: To study the potential economic impact of the health care reform (PPACA) on business in the health care sector. Data Sources: Financial statement data from Compustat and stock return data from CRSP. Study Design: Firms are categorized into 12 industries including medical clinics, drug distributors, hospitals, insurers, medical product manufacturers, nursing homes, pharmaceuticals, etc. To study the PPACA’s economic impact on the health care sector, we use the event study method and regression analysis to examine the excess stock returns caused by the Congress’s passage of the PPACA in 2010 and the Supreme Court’s upholding of the Act in 2012. Findings: The market appears to support the Act in general and reacts positively to the health service business including hospitals, medical clinics, and specialty outpatient facilities. Conclusions For regulators who want to explore how to reduce the costs of public funding to health care, or for private investors who are considering entering the health care market, this result helps identify growth opportunities within the sector and the levels of interest that majority of investors have towards them.
Near-field measurements of the speckle pattern for diffusive and localized waves in random media

We present measurements of the speckle pattern for two perpendicular polarization components of the field transmitted through random quasi -one dimensional samples as a function of incident frequency for both diffusive and localized microwave radiation.
Focus on Fathers: A Qualitative Study of the Nutrition Education Needs and Preferences of Fathers

Abstract A two-phase series of guided, small-group discussions (GSGDs) was held to determine the food and nutrition-related educational needs of limited-income, urban fathers. The convenience sample of GSGDs was structured according to Krueger. Phase I consisted of two GSGDs attended by 14 urban agency staff involved with fathers’ programs. Phase II consisted of four GSGDs attended by 16 limited-income, urban fathers who had children between the ages of 4 and 11. Analysis involved extensive review of the videotaped and transcribed GSGDs, a pooling and coding of responses, and development of a written display and matrix. The topics of greatest interest reported by participants were cooking, inexpensive ways to eat healthily, meal planning, healthy eating for children, and the effect and importance of food on the body. Analysis suggested that important factors for effective nutrition education with this audience include focusing on food, focusing on the basics, providing a safe and supportive environment for learning, promoting a positive message delivered in a positive fashion, ensuring that attention is given to motivators, choosing an appropriate leader, and honoring the diversity of participants.
Warpage analysis of epoxy molded packages using viscoelastic based model

Package warpage during the cooling process just after the molding is one of the critical issues in the manufacture of plastic integrated circuit (IC) packaging. Such warpage depends on the epoxy molding compound characteristics and the dimensional details of the IC package design such as downset and the chip to die-pad area ratio. In this study, the analysis methodology using a viscoelastic based material model is adopted to account the time and temperature dependent behavior of epoxy molding compound. Using such model the effect of compound thickness ratio of the top to bottom side of the package is optimized to reduce the package warpage. Secondly, the effect of the cooling rate on the warpage is also examined in this study.
Toxin-encoding nucleic acid fragments derived from a Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis gene

Novel nucleic acid fragments coding for insecticidal proteins, the insecticidal proteins encoded thereby, insecticidal compositions containing such proteins, and the use of these proteins in combatting insects, particularly mosquitoes, are described. Chimeric genes containing the novel nucleic acid fragments, and microorganisms, tissues, seeds, and plants incorporating the nucleic acid fragments are also discussed.
mPPM, viewed as a co-design effort

The Piecewise Parabolic Method (PPM) was designed as a means of exploring compressible gas dynam-ics problems of interest in astrophysics, including super-sonic jets, compressible turbulence, stellar convection, and turbulent mixing and burning of gases in stellar interiors. Over time, the capabilities encapsulated in PPM have co-evolved with the availability of a series of high performance computing platforms. Implementation of the algorithm has adapted to and advanced with the architectural capabilities and characteristics of these machines. This adaptability of our PPM codes has enabled targeted astrophysical applica-tions of PPM to exploit these scarce resources to explore complex physical phenomena. Here we describe the means by which this was accomplished, and set a path forward, with a new miniapp, mPPM, for continuing this process in a diverse and dynamic architecture design environment. Adaptations in mPPM for the latest high performance machines are discussed that address the important issue of limited bandwidth from locally attached main memory to the microprocessor chip.
Degeneration and phagocytosis of synaptic endings and axons in the medial trapezoid nucleus of the cat

This study deals with the fine structure of the degenerative changes in the axonal calyces of the medial trapezoid nucleus after destruction of their cell bodies of origin in the contralateral cochlear nucleus. Two to four days after such lesions the main calycine processes which normally contain a core of neurofilaments, show a marked hyperplasia of neurofilaments, shrinkage, decrease in number of microtubules and mitochondria, swelling and decrease in number of synaptic vesicles, and the appearance of vesicular debris and coated vesicles. After seven days all of the calyces have degenerated. They are replaced by extracellular accumulations of neurofilaments, surrounded by phagocytic processes of proliferating astroglia and microglia. In contrast, the calycine appendages exhibit a dense mode of degeneration. Thus the different kinds of endings, arising from the very same fibers and synapsing on the very same cell bodies, exhibit two entirely different modes of degeneration. There is a correlation between the normal cytological features of the endings and their modes of degeneration. The preterminal calycine axons undergo filamentous hyperplasia in early degeneration. The observations indicate that both microglia and astroglia may participate in phagocytosis of the preterminal fibers and their endings and that astrocytes undergo mitosis. The microglia in electron micrographs correspond to the classical microglial cells that appear in perivascular locations in Golgi preparations. The disintegration of the calyces is accompanied by mutual invaginations of thin axonal and glial processes, followed by the disappearance of the axolemma. Extracellular break-up appears to be a regular feature of this process, which may involve the intercellular transfer of soluble breakdown products by calycine and glial vesicles and uptake by tubular elements of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the phagocytes. Incisures of Schmidt-Lanterman occur in the large calyciferous fibers; these fibers are often invaded by phagocytes before the myelin sheath degenerates.
1575 VESTIBULAR RESPONSES TO CALORIC STIMULATION IN PREMA-TURE INFANTS AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH ACQUISITION OF HEAD CONTROL

Premature infants are often delayed in the acquisition of head and postural control even in the absence of neuromuscular deficits. Our previous studies have shown that vestibular responses to rotation and caloric irrigation are late to mature in prematures. 13 premature infants were followed prospectively for a period of 2 years with repeated neurodevelopmental evaluations and vestibular tests, recording oculo-motor responses to rotation and cold caloric stimulation by electronystagmography. 36 full term infants were recruited and followed simultaneously. None of the infants had evidence of neuromuscular dysfunction. The time of appearance and the quality of vestibular responses recorded were compared with the time when good head control in the sitting position was acquired. Delayed head control was found in all the infants who had either delayed appearance of vestibular responses to rotation, poor caloric responses bilaterally or only a unilateral response. Among the prematures, gestational age alone did not correlate well with the time of acquisition of head control. The incidence of delayed abnormal vestibular responses was much higher in the premature babies who,as a group, also had a higher incidence of delayed head control. An excellent time correlation was found between the recording of good vestibular responses to caloric stimulation and the acquisition of head control. The study suggests that the acquisition of head control in infants is largely dependent on appropriate information from the vestibular organs.
Categorization in aphasia: Access and organization of goal-derived and common categories

Abstract This investigation examined aphasic adults' access and organization for goal-derived and common categories. Fluent and non-fluent aphasic subject groups and a group of non-brain-damaged controls participated in category verification and exemplar generation tasks. Although both groups with aphasia consistently required additional time to verify category examples for both types of categories, performance accuracy was similar for all three groups, regardless of category type. Both aphasic groups displayed difficulty accessing peripheral category examples for the common categories on exemplar generation. The results support recent suggestions that both fluent and non-fluent aphasic individuals retain partially normal semantic category information which is reflected in their appropriate production of central or in-set category examples; however, these adults present with impoverished representations of the boundaries around a category's referential field.
Continuous Adjoint Method for Unstructured Grids

Adjoint-based shape optimization methods have proven to be computationally efficient for aerodynamic problems. The majority of the studies on adjoint methods have used structured grids to discretize the computational domain. Because of the potential advantages of unstructured grids for complex configurations, in this study we have developed and validated a continuous adjoint formulation for unstructured grids. The hurdles posed in the computation of the gradient for unstructured grids are resolved by using a reduced gradient formulation. The methods to impose thickness constraints on unstructured grids are also discussed. The results for two- and three-dimensional simulations of airfoils and wings in inviscid transonic flow are used to validate the design procedure. Finally, the design procedure is applied to redesign the shape of a transonic business jet configuration; we were able to reduce the inviscid drag of the aircraft from 235 to 216 counts resulting in a shock-free wing. Although the Euler equations are the focus of the study in this paper of the adjoint-based approach, the solution of the adjoint system and gradient formulation can be conceptually extended to viscous flows. The approach presented in this study has been successfully used by the first and third authors for viscous flows using structured grids. However, particular aspects of the design process, such as the robustness of the mesh deformation process for unstructured grids, need more attention for viscous flows and are therefore the subject of ongoing research.
Determination of Particle Vapor Pressures Using the Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer

The application of the tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) as a means of measuring vapor pressures of aerosol species is extended to include vapor saturation effects in the particle evaporator. To verify the analysis experiments were conducted with the controlled evaporation of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) particles with initial sizes ranging from 60 to 95 nm in diameter in a laminar flow evaporator. Vapor pressures of DOP determined with the TDMA were found to agree within 14% of those available in the literature. The results presented enable the use of the TDMA as a means to determine particle vapor pressure for substantially higher particle number concentrations than previously reported.
Applications of twin analysis to studying meteorite impact structures

Abstract This paper describes a technique, twin analysis of dolomite and calcite, which was used to estimate the level of erosion of an impact crater. If the age of impact is known, the level of erosion gives the amount of sediments present at that time. The estimate of the level of erosion, and the presence or absence of tectonic strains in calcite constrains the age of impact. This technique might also be useful in identifying deeply eroded impact structures. Twin analysis gives the greatest shortening direction, e 1 . Tilt corrected e 1 directions converge at or above the present day surface, if a shallow gas explosion or meteorite impact explains the structure, rather than a deep gas or cryptovolcanic explosion. The energy density recorded by twinning distinguishes an impact from a shallow gas explosion for structures ≤ 100 m diameter. At Serpent Mound, a well-established impact structure, e 1 directions converge at 1400 ± 390 m (95% confidence interval of the mean) above the present day structure and the sample closest to the center of the structure records an energy density of 1.7 × 10 7 J/m 3 . These results are consistent with previous studies showing that Serpent Mound is an impact (e.g., [R.W. Carlton, C. Koeberl, M.T. Baranoski, G.A. Schumacker, Discovery of microscopic evidence for shock metamorphism at the Serpent Mound structure, south–central Ohio: confirmation of an origin by impact, Earth and Planet. Sci. Lett. 162 (1998) 177–185]). The level of erosion and other data suggests that Serpent Mound formed between 290 and 256 Ma and was originally 8.5 to 11 km in diameter. Dolomite twinning is not observed at Serpent Mound suggesting that this technique may only be useful for studying larger, more deeply eroded structures.
Total Synthesis of 17-isoLevuglandin E4 and the Structure of C22-PGF4α

The isolevuglandin 17-isoLGE4 (10-acetyl-11-formyl-14-hydroxynonadeca-4(Z),7(Z),12(E),16(Z)-tetraenoic acid) is a levulinaldehyde derivative that is expected to be generated during the free radical-induced oxidation of docosahexaenoic acid. A total synthesis was executed to facilitate detection and identification of 17-isoLGE4 in biological samples. Conjugate addition of a higher order vinyl cyanocuprate to a γ-alkoxy enone achieved the final carbon−carbon bond formation to complete a convergent elaboration of the 17-isoLGE4 carbon skeleton. Attempted construction of the requisite vinyl nucleophile synthon using hydrostannylation of an alkyne was foiled by tri-n-butylstannyl radical-promoted isomerization of a cis to a trans double bond. Derivatization of 17-isoLGE4 with methoxylamine under anhydrous or wet conditions generated bismethoximes of 17-isoLGE4 or the isomerized Δ11-17-isoLGE4 respectively. Analysis of the mass spectrum of a bismethoxime−pentafluorobenzyl ester−trimethylsilyl ether derivative o...
Chlorophyllase Activity of Spinach Chloroplastin

When spinach chloroplasts are treated with digitonin, a chlorophyll-lipoprotein complex is solubilized. Careful addition of ethanol to the clear green solution gives a green precipitate which is one of the components (factor 1) of cytochrome c photooxidase (1, 9, 10). Since factor 1 is a chlorophyll-lipoprotein complex, it may properly be called chloroplastin. The present paper is concerned with the determination of the chlorophyllase activity of this chloroplastin.
Laminated films with isotropic in-plane properties

Commercially available polymer films used in structural applications, such as biaxially oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate), exhibit pronounced anisotropy in mechanical properties, thermal expansion, and long-term dimensional stability. Films with more nearly isotropic in-plane properties have been produced by laminating plies of PET film at various angles to one another. In addition, composite films have been made with nearly isotropic properties and with significantly reduced coefficients of expansion compared to those of commercially available polymer films. A laminate with PET faces bonded to a low expansion alloy foil core had the best dimensional stability and the least anisotropy of the films studied.
Three Approaches to the Problem of Child Abuse and Neglect

Presentation des trois solutions liberale, conservatrice et radicale, apportees au probleme de la maltraitance et de la negligence des enfants en termes d'intervention de l'etat et de redefinition du role des parents. Sans revendiquer un retour a la famille traditionnelle, l'A. privilegie une version realiste de la solution radicale.