cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computer Assisted Accummulation of Reliability Information

A computer program which creates and stores a cummulative item covariance matrix upon each administration of an instrument is described. Program input is the former item covariance matrix as well as subjects' item scores from the new administration. Thus storage of all the subjects' item scores, and recalculation of previous subjects' contribution to item covariance upon each new administration is avoided. As all classical psychometric information including reliability can be calculated from the item covariance matrix, use of this program would facilitate keeping a constant log on reliability in situations in which the test is administered to different groups over a period of time. Alternately, reliability could be calculated after a respectable size sample is accummulated.
Vigilance and automobile accidents in patients with sleep apnea or narcolepsy.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea or narcolepsy report difficulty remaining alert and attentive. To detect impaired vigilance, we designed Steer Clear, a computer program simulating a long and monotonous highway drive that presents 780 obstacles in 30 min. Sixty-two patients with sleep apnea hit a higher percentage of obstacles (4.3 ± 0.6% [SEM]) than 12 age- and sex-matched subjects without sleep apnea (1.4 ± 0.3%; p 4.5% of obstacles) had a significantly higher auto accident rate than the patients who performed normally (hitting
Optimum control of certain linear systems with quadratic loss. I

The asymptotic properties of the particular class of N -stage, discrete-time, multidimensional linear control systems, subject to quadratic loss in both state and control, are investigated from the deterministic and stochastic points of view. A third point of view, the adaptive, will be reported on in a subsequent paper. It is shown that this class of control systems has an optimal policy, when optimality is defined as minimum of expected total quadratic loss. Expressions for the optimal policy, the minimum expected total loss, and the system-state are obtained. The asymptotic properties (as the number of stages increases indefinitely) are discussed. It is seen that the loss functional of a homogeneous deterministic system (as defined in this paper) always converges, and the loss functional of a stochastic process is asymptotic to KN ( K is a known constant).
Is bioenergy for the birds? An evaluation of alternative future bioenergy landscapes

Bioenergy production—either for fuels or electricity—is the most land intensive form of energy production (1). The consequences of increased demand for land associated with bioenergy crops initially gained attention because of the implications for carbon emissions associated with land clearing (2, 3), but, more recently, the potential impacts of bioenergy’s land demand on biodiversity have gained increased attention (4–6). The study by Meehan et al. (7) in PNAS provides a quantitative look at predicted landscape-scale biodiversity impacts under alternative bioenergy cropping scenarios. Specifically, the authors (7) predict impacts of either greatly expanded row crops or greatly expanded perennial grasses for bird communities in the Upper Midwest, making use of the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) data to correlate bird species richness with landscape features at 265 sites across seven upper Midwestern states (Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio).
Regulation of Sleep and Growth Hormone in Adolescent Depression

This article reviews findings of sleep, growth hormone (GH), and cortisol measures from a number of separate controlled studies of prepubertal and adolescent depression carried out by Puig-Antich and colleagues since 1978. New data are presented comparing 24-hour GH measures in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) (N = 44; mean age = 14.8 +/- 2.0) to normal control adolescents (N = 37; mean age = 15.3 +/- 1.5). There were no significant overall group differences in summary GH measures between MDD and normal controls. Splitting the MDD group on the basis of suicidality (definite plan or attempt) (N = 20), revealed a significant blunting of sleep GH compared to the nonsuicidal group (N = 24). These results are discussed in the context of the other sleep and neuroendocrine findings in this population, with evidence for dysregulation around sleep onset. The influences of development on sleep and GH regulation are also considered.
A Green Heat Transfer Design Project to Introduce Globalization and Society Awareness

Energy, environmental issues and society awareness are three of the main components in many engineering problems. Engineering Schools use general education courses to address these issues. However, the bridge between the engineering skills and these issues is still a challenge. In the present work, an open-ended design project was used in a senior level Heat Transfer course to address this need. The students were asked to work in teams to design and build a one- or two-person shelter that is built from recycling material and has no active heat source. The shelter should be portable and easily assembled and disassembled using limited tools to match the use in the time of crises or in developing countries. The details of the project are presented and supported by samples from the students’ work.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Modeling and Characterization of a Chemomechanical Actuator Based on Protein Transporters

Plants and animal cells are naturally occurring actuators that exhibit force and motion driven by fluid transport through the cell membrane. The protein transporters embedded in the cell membrane serve as the selective gateway for ion and fluid transport. The actuator presented in this work generates force and deformation from mass transport through an artificial membrane with protein transporters extracted from plant cell membranes. The artificial membrane is formed from purified 1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-[Phospho-L-Serine] (Sodium Salt) (POPS), 1-Palmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine (POPE) lipids and supported on a porous substrate. The protein transporter used in the actuator membrane is a proton-sucrose cotransporter, SUT4, extracted from yeast cells that genetically modified to grow the cotransporter in their cell membranes. The SUT4 transporter conducts proton and sucrose from the side of the membrane with higher concentration and carries water molecules across the membrane. It is observed from transport characterization experiments that fluid flux through the membrane varies with the applied sucrose concentration and hence is chosen as the control stimulus in the actuator. A modified four-state facilitated diffusion model is applied to the transport characterization data to compute the two characteristic parameters for fluid transport, saturation concentration and translocation rate, through the membrane. The flux rate through the membrane is observed to increase with the concentration till a particular value and saturates at a higher concentration. The concentration at which the flux rate through the membrane saturates is referred to as the saturation concentration. The saturation concentration for the actuator is experimentally found to be 6±0.6mM sucrose on the side with lower pH. The corresponding maximum translocation rate is found to be 9.6±1.2 nl/μ.cm2 .min. The maximum steady state deformation produced by the actuator is observed at 30 mM sucrose that corresponds to a force of 0.89 mN.© 2007 ASME
What Do School Principals Think About Current School-Family Relationships?:

This study explores the nature of teacher—parent relations as perceived by principals at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Participants included 144 principals who completed a survey examining differences in parent and teacher involvement at each level, preparedness of first-year teachers to communicate with parents, and the types of support schools provide parents and teachers to facilitate teacher—parent alliances. Significant differences were found at each level. Recommendations are made for improving school—family relationships through preservice and in-service training.
A highly electroluminescent molecular square

Chiral molecular triangles and squares containing the Pt(diimine) metallocorners were synthesized and characterized, and used as the triplet MLCT luminophore in highly efficient light-emitting devices.
The Mucus Slurper: a novel tracheal tube that requires no tracheal tube suctioning. A preliminary report

The buildup of mucus within the endotracheal tube (ETT) progressively reduces its internal volume. We devised the Mucus Slurper as an integral part of the tracheal tube to aspirate all mucus automatically at its distal tip. In vitro, and in vivo studies in sheep at the National Institutes of Health, NHLBI, PCCMB. Six sheep, sedated, paralyzed, and mechanically ventilated We evaluated the Mucus Slurper in vitro, and we evaluated its efficacy and safety in three healthy sheep during 24 h on volume-controlled mechanical ventilation in comparison to three sheep managed with open tracheal tube suctioning. In vitro: with the Mucus Slurper connected to a source of vacuum of 450–500 mmHg the total volume of a single suction lasting 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 s was, respectively, 75.4 ± 7.9, 114.5 ± 4.6, and 143.4 ± 8.7 ml; with the measured vacuum within the lumen of the Mucus Slurper ring of 37 cmH2O. In vivo: during mechanical ventilation we aspirated through the Mucus Slurper 13.4 ± 3.3 cc mucus/24 h. During the course of single aspiration the Mucus Slurper never affected the level of applied PEEP. The tracheal tube was free of tracheal secretions in the Mucus Slurper group while thin secretions were found within the ETT in the control group. The Mucus Slurper is a novel device designed to keep the tracheal tube and proximal trachea free of mucus. In studies in sheep lasting 24 h the Mucus Slurper was safe and prevented all mucus accumulation within the ETT.
Limitation of Fasting Plasma Glucose for the Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus

We have analyzed data from 3370 OGTTs performed during epidemiologic studies in three different ethnic groups (Micronesian, Polynesian, and Melanesian) in various Pacific countries to examine the value of a single fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 140 mg/dl as a diagnostic test for diabetes (defined as 2-h plasma glucose greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl). A fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 140 mg/dl is a highly specific test for diabetes, specificity in the various populations ranging from 98.1% to 99.7%. On the other hand, the sensitivity of fasting plasma glucose was not high and varied greatly between the populations (46.2%-79.0%). The predictive value of fasting plasma glucose for the diagnosis of diabetes was lowest in populations with a low diabetes prevalence and improved in higher prevalence groups. These data indicate that a fasting plasma glucose greater than or equal to 140 mg/dl is not a good screening test, apart from populations with a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and the 2-h postload plasma glucose is preferable.
Endothelial Cells Express a Novel, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-regulated Variant of HOXA9

Abstract The expression of the class 1 homeobox (HOX) family of “master control” transcription factors has been studied principally in embryogenesis and neoplasia in which HOX genes play a critical role in cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. We wished to test whether HOX family members were also involved in a differentiation-like process occurring in normal, diploid adult cells, that is, cytokine-induced activation of endothelial cells (EC). Screening of a human EC cDNA library yielded several members of the A and B groups of HOX transcription factors. One clone represented a novel, alternatively spliced variant of the human HOXA9gene containing a new exon and the expression of which was driven by a novel promoter. This variant termed HOXA9EC appeared restricted to cells of endothelial lineage, i.e. expressed by human EC from multiple sources, but not by fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, or several transformed cell lines. HOXA9ECmRNA was rapidly down-regulated in EC in response to tumor necrosis factor-α due to an apparent reduction in transcriptional rate. Reporter construct studies showed that the 400 base pairs of genomic DNA directly 5′ to the transcription initiation site ofHOXA9EC contained the information required for both up-regulation in response to cotransfection with a HOXA9ECexpression vector and tumor necrosis factor-α-dependent down-regulation of this gene. These results provide evidence of a novel HOX family member that may participate in either the suppression or the genesis of EC activation.
Baroreceptor involvement in classically conditioned heart rate responses of restrained rats

A group (N = 8) of restrained, baroreceptor denervated rats and a sham-operated-control group (n = 8) received discriminated classical conditioning consisting of 30 reinforced trials in which a CS+ was paired with an electric shock US and 30 non-reinforced trials in which a different CS (CS-) was presented alone. The control group displayed a decelerative heart rate CR and a biphasic pressor-depressor blood pressure CR. The denervated group failed to show a heart rate CR but did show a pressor-only blood pressure CR. The URs of the denervated group consisted of a major depressor change in blood pressure and a slight tachycardia whereas the URs of the control group consisted of a slight pressor response and tachycardia. The results indicated that centrally initiated activity in the efferent vagal pathways mediating the decelerative HR CR in rats may be blocked by the absence of normal afferent baroreceptor neural discharge. An integrating role of baroreceptor input was also suggested for the URs.
Characterizing Enhanced Porosity Concrete using electrical impedance to predict acoustic and hydraulic performance

Enhanced Porosity Concrete (EPC) is manufactured by gap grading coarse aggregates to create interconnected porosity in the system. The porosity and physical features of the pore network are characterized in this paper using Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Porosity alone was found to be an inaccurate indicator of the electrical conductivity of the sample. While several studies have shown that a conventional form of Archie's law can describe porous systems, it was observed that Archie's law did not completely describe the electrical conductivity of the EPC system. Therefore, a modified version of Archie's law was used that incorporated the matrix conductivity, which described the system more accurately than the conventional form. The pore connectivity factor determined using EIS is found to be linearly related to the acoustic absorption of the material. Similarly, conductivity results determined from EIS were used with total porosity to compute the hydraulic connectivity factor. This factor was related to intrinsic permeability calculated from hydraulic conductivity (measured using a falling head permeameter). Based on these studies, it appears that a single electrical impedance test could provide information for the design, quality control/quality assurance, and utilization of EPC.
Does Decompression of Odontogenic Cysts and Cystlike Lesions Change the Histologic Diagnosis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to report the histopathologic findings after postdecompression definitive treatment of odontogenic cystlike lesions and determine whether the diagnosis was consistent with the pretreatment diagnosis, thereby answering the clinical question: does decompression change the histologic diagnosis? Materials and Methods The authors implemented a retrospective cohort study from a sample of patients diagnosed with a benign odontogenic cystlike lesion and who underwent decompression followed by definitive surgery as part of their treatment. The predictor variable was treatment by decompression and the dependent variable was change in histologic diagnosis. Age, gender, and lesion location were included as variables. The χ2 test was used for statistical analysis of the categorical data and P values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. Results Twenty-five cysts and cystlike lesions in 25 patients were treated with decompression followed by enucleation and curettage. The mean age was 34 years (range, 13 to 80 yr) and 56% (14) were male patients. Lesions were located in the mandible in 76% (19 of 25) of patients. Postdecompression histologic examination at the time of definitive surgical treatment was consistent with the preoperative biopsy diagnosis in 91% (10 of 11) of keratocystic odontogenic tumors, 67% (2 of 3) of glandular odontogenic cysts, 75% (3 of 4) of dentigerous cysts, and 100% (7 of 7) of cystic ameloblastomas. Conclusions The histologic diagnosis at time of definitive treatment by enucleation and curettage is consistent with the predecompression diagnosis. Therefore, all lesions should be definitively treated after decompression based on the initial lesion diagnosis, with all patients placed on appropriate follow-up protocols.
Early Neuro Networks

The History of Neuroscience in Autobiography . Vol. I. LARRY R. SQUIRE, Ed. Society for Neuroscience, Washington, DC (distributor, Academic Press, San Diego). xii, 607 pp., illus. $49. ISBN 0-12-660301-4.
Technic for preparation of glycerol-extracted whole frog hearts for study of myocardial fiber responses.

SummaryA method is described for the study of contraction-relaxation phenomena in glycerol-extracted cardiac muscle. Excised hearts of bullfrogs are mounted and extracted in 50% glycerine; subsequently, perfusion with electrolyte solutions and ATP may be carried out, and the contraction recorded by a mechanical system. The ease of preparation and the dependability of the muscle model may prove to be of value in the study of glycerol-extracted heart muscle.
Is Prophylactic Anticoagulation for Deep Venous Thrombosis Common Practice After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose—Prophylactic anticoagulation for deep venous thrombosis prevention after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is safe. Current guidelines recommend prophylactic anticoagulation after cessation of hematoma growth. We aimed to evaluate nationwide trends in deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis after ICH. Methods—In an analysis of the Premier database, we identified adult patients with ICH (International Classification of Diseases Ninth edition code 431) from 2006 to 2010 who survived to day 2 of hospitalization. We excluded those with trauma or who underwent craniotomy or angiography. We abstracted type of anticoagulant used and date of first administration. We used univariate statistics and multivariable logistic regression to assess factors associated with prophylactic anticoagulation after ICH. Results—Among 32 690 (mean age, 69.7 years; 50.1% men) patients with spontaneous ICH, 5395 (16.5%) patients received any prophylactic anticoagulation during the hospital stay. Among these patients, 2...
Noncompact quantum knot invariants

We describe one avenue to the explicit calculation of partition functions of knot complements in Chern-Simons theory with noncompact gauge group SL(2,C), following [1]. Our techniques involve geometric quantization of the moduli space of flat connections on the torus, combined with quantization of the classical A-polynomial of a knot complement. We also compare these methods to known results for compact gauge group SU(2).
Decision Making and Cognition in Multi-Echelon Supply Chains: An Experimental Study

Supply chain performance often depends on the individual decisions of channel members. Even when individuals have access to relevant information, order variation tends to increase when moving up the supply chain, a phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect. While prior research has investigated several structural/environmental factors which can mitigate the bullwhip effect, the underlying behavioral factors contributing to it are an open question. Using a production and distribution decision-making simulation representing a four-stage serial supply chain, we find that the cognitive profile of decision makers contributes to the bullwhip effect. We found that the specific decision tendency to underweight the supply line is linked to an individual's level of cognitive reflection. Furthermore, performance differs for entire supply chains and for specific echelons, and holds under standard mitigation efforts. The findings have implications for supply chain design, education, and industry
TEM In Situ Investigation on Non-Equilibrium Eutectics in Semicontinuous Casting Ingot of Al-6.2Zn-2.3Mg-2.3Cu Super-High Strength Aluminum Alloy

The in-situ investigation on morphology, chemical contents and crystal structure of non-equilibrium eutectics in semicontinuous casting ingot of Al-6.2Zn-2.3Mg-2.3Cu super-high strength aluminum alloy have been carried out by transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX). The results show that a large amount of lamellar non-equilibrium eutectics exists in semicontinuous casting ingot of this alloy; the non-matrix phase of this eutectics is a secondary phase which contains Al, Zn, Mg and Cu elements, with the atom ratio of approximately 1:1:1:1, and this non-matrix phase of non-equilibrium eutectics owns the same crystal structure as that of η phase (MgZn2).
WISC and Nebraska performance of deaf and hearing children.

-The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to evaluate the visual-perceptual skills of deaf and of hearing children; ( 2 ) to compare the performances of the two groups o n two tests frequently used to assess intellectual functioning; and ( 3 ) to compare the performance of deaf children in a day school with those in a residential school. Results indicate deaf children are not inferior to hearing children on visual-perceptual tasks and day-school deaf children performed bener than residential deaf children. Differences between the deaf and hearing o n the two tests were significant on 3 of the 10 subtests. In addition, normative scores on at least one subtest of the Nebraska appear too high, and correction may be in order. Correlations between the two tests, for both deaf and hearing children, were low.
Design of a Virtual Reality-Based System For Hand and Arm Rehabilitation

We have previously designed a virtual reality-based training system for hand rehabilitation. Here we report the design of an extended version of the system that allows training of the hemiparetic arm and hand during one training session, and provides haptic assistance during hand motion and during arm movements in three-dimensional space. It also allows bimanual training of the hand and arm. Hand training was based on a virtual piano activity that was designed to promote finger range of motion and independence. Hand exercises included reaching to stationary and moving targets presented in stereo. The use of a three-dimensional robot based on admittance control allowed the use of active force applied by the subject as an input to the haptic controller. Two stroke survivors were trained for three weeks using computer gamelike activities. Subjects improved on movement kinematics and on several of the clinical tests.
When network neutrality met privacy

Incorporating the consideration of privacy into the ongoing debate concerning network neutrality.
Toward a taxonomy of copresence

This paper contributes to the presence literature by explicating the meanings and subtypes of copresence. Copresence is defined here as consisting of two dimensions: copresence as mode of being with others, and copresence as sense of being with others. Mode of copresence refers to the physical conditions that structure human interaction. Six such conditions are delineated. Sense of copresence, on the other hand, refers to the subjective experience of being with others that an individual acquires in interaction. The main argument of this paper is that mode of copresence affects sense of copresence, and knowledge of now the former affects the latter will benefit copresence design.
Representative functions on discrete solvable groups

The topic here is the representation of discrete groups as automorphisms of finite-dimensional vector spaces over a field. The results here are mainly generalizations to the class of solvable groups of finite torsion-free rank of results of Mostow concerning polycyclic groups. In discussing the finite-dimensional representations of a group f over a field k, one is led to consider the “continuous dual” k[r]O of the group algebra, where “continuous” refers to the topology on k[r] in which a fundamental system of neighborhoods of zero is the family of kernels of finitedimensional representations of r over k. k[r]” has the structure of a coalgebra--indeed, of a Hopf algebra-and the locally finite-dimensional k[f]-modules correspond to the k[f]’ comodules. The advantage of looking at k[f]” is that any finite-dimensional k[F]“-comodule is a subcomodule of the direct sum of finitely many copies of k[r]“. A further advantage is that, when k is algebraically closed, k[fJ” is the polynomial algebra of a pro-affme algebraic group Gk(IJ whose rational representations correspond exactly to the locally finite-dimensional representations of f over k. This brings to bear the structural results on pro-afftne algebraic groups, which are strongest when the base field k is of characteristic zero. In Section 1, we examine the unipotent radical U,(T) of the pro-affine group Gk(IJ associated with a discrete group r, and we prove that, on the category of solvable groups of finite torsion-free rank (i.e., the groups of type A, in Mal’cev’s classification [lo] ), the assignment of Uk(ZJ to f is an exact functor to the category of unipotent affrne algebraic groups. In Section 2, we consider a certain homomorphic image Bk(I) of G,(T) which we call the basic k-group associated with I-; this group is the “lowest” homomorphic image of Gk(r) to “preserve” the unipotent radical U,(f). The assignment of Bk(f) is functorial on a subcategory of the category of 272 OO21-8693/87 $3.00
THEORY OF A SUPERFLUID FERMI LIQUID. II. COLLECTIVE OSCILLATIONS

The long-wavelength, low-frequency "collisionless" collective oscillations of a superfluid Fermi liquid are studied throughout the region $0lTl{T}_{c}$ with the help of a field-theoretic formalism developed in a previous paper. It is found that any collective mode (other than the density fluctuation) that is possible in the normal phase persists below ${T}_{c}$ as an oscillation of the normal component, but disappears at some finite temperature which in general depends on the Landau interaction parameters ${F}_{0}$,${F}_{1}$,${Z}_{0}$, etc. The behavior of the density-fluctuation mode depends critically on ${F}_{0}$, if the latter is negative, there is a well-defined collective oscillation only for $T\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{c}$, while if it is small and positive, the oscillation is well defined for $T\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{c}$ and $T\ensuremath{-}{T}_{c}\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{c}$ but not in the intermediate region. If ${F}_{0}$ is large and positive, the density-fluctuation collective mode exists throughout the whole region $0lTl{T}_{c}$ and its velocity is approximately temperature-independent.
Scattering and Attenuation of Elastic Waves in Random Media

In seismic exploration, elastic waves are sent to investigate subsurface geology. However, the transmission and interpretation of the elastic wave propagation is complicated by various factors. One major reason is that the earth can be a very complex medium. Nevertheless, in this paper, we model some terrestrial material as an elastic medium consisting of randomly distributed inclusions with a considerable concentration. The waves incident on such an inhomogeneous medium undergo multiple scattering due to the presence of inclusions. Consequently, the wave energy is redistributed thereby reducing the amplitude of the coherent wave.
Professional identity of a reading teacher: responding to high‐stakes testing pressures

This case study explores the professional identity of one reading specialist, Marsha, who struggled with testing pressures at her urban elementary school in the U.S. It offers an in‐depth look at how Marsha’s instructional decisions and practices in a pull‐out reading program aimed at helping English Language Learners (ELL) shifted when she was faced with tensions between her own professional beliefs and knowledge about effective reading instruction and district based pressures to help her students pass the ‘test.’ Unlike other studies, instead of viewing teachers as autonomous agents who make simplistic instructional decisions in response to testing pressures, this article illuminates the complexities and contextual tensions some reading teachers must navigate in an era of high stakes accountability. Ethnographic and grounded theory methodologies were used for this study. Findings suggest that Marsha struggled over her commitment to help her students pass the test and at the same time grappled with how t...
Influence of texture on the analysis of thermoelastic/plastic anisotropy and the initial yielding of zircaloy tubes

Abstract Averaging procedures are developed to obtain texture factors relating the thermoelastic properties of single crystals of zirconium to polycrystalline properties. The effect of various approximations to the elastic properties of poly crystalline material and various assumed yield criteria on the transition from elastic to plastic behavior for a tube subjected to various boundary conditions is examined. It is found that thermal anisotropy has a greater effect on the elastic-plastic transition than does elastic anisotropy. The choice of yield condition can also affect appreciably the predicted yielding behavior of a tube.
Topological crystalline insulators.

The recent discovery of topological insulators has revived interest in the band topology of insulators. In this Letter, we extend the topological classification of band structures to include certain crystal point group symmetry. We find a class of three-dimensional ``topological crystalline insulators'' which have metallic surface states with quadratic band degeneracy on high symmetry crystal surfaces. These topological crystalline insulators are the counterpart of topological insulators in materials without spin-orbit coupling. Their band structures are characterized by new topological invariants. We hope this work will enlarge the family of topological phases in band insulators and stimulate the search for them in real materials.
The Effects of Ideology on Federal Trial Judges' Decisions to Admit Scientific Expert Testimony

This article examines trial court rulings concerning the admissibility of scientific expert testimony. In Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals (1993), the Supreme Court reaffirmed the trial judge's role as a “gatekeeper” and gave trial judges substantial discretion over their scrutiny of expert testimony. Because the external constraints on admissibility rulings are minimal, one might expect that if trial judges' ideology were to play some role in their decision making, it might do so here. To test this expectation, I perform a binomial logit analysis of federal district court Daubert rulings in tort cases from 1983 to 2003. I find substantial support for the claim that trial judges' ideology can predict decisions on admissibility. I find less support, however, for the claim that Daubert affected trial judges' willingness to admit such testimony, and no evidence that such decisions are affected by the prospect of reversal on appeal.
Synthesis and characterization of an internal emission standard and applications to fluorescence studies of photosystem II

Fluorescence measurements of photosynthetic organisms and isolated proteins at ambient and low temperature have played an important role in understanding their function. When comparing fluorescence measurements at cryogenic temperatures, the differences in the scattering properties of frozen samples make it difficult to compare the fluorescence intensity of these samples. An internal emission standard can be used to scale the fluorescence intensity, compensating for these differences. We report the synthesis, purification and characterization of a luminescent terbium chelate complex for use as an internal emission standard for the study of photosystem II fluorescence at cryogenic temperatures. The ligand consists of a diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid derivative where pyrimidine rings sensitize the terbium luminescence, overcoming the inherently low absorption of terbium. The chelated lanthanide remains in solution in the aqueous phase and does not interfere with photosystem II function. By scaling to the terbium emission, the fluorescence intensity of different samples can be readily compared. This chelate complex could also be used as an internal emission standard for studies of other proteins. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electron-hole recombination spectra and kinetics in PbTe/PbEuTeSe multiquantum wells

We have investigated basic optical properties of PbTe/PbEuTeSe multiple quantum wells in samples of two different well thicknesses (Lz = 92 A and 51 A) from measurements of photoluminescence over a range of temperatures and magnetic fields. Spectral energies yield tentative assignments for values of the band offsets. Hot electron effects are pronounced in the Lz = 92 A sample and show that the electron-LO phonon interaction is substantially reduced in comparison with bulk PbTe. The energies of the lowest Landau levels have been measured in several samples from shifts in luminescence energies in external fields. Finally, measurements of excess electron-hole recombination rates by time-resolved techniques show lifetimes less than 10 ns in these quantum wells.
Effects of trace elements on β-glucosaminidase activity in soils

Abstract The enzyme β-glucosaminidase ( N -acetyl-β- d -glucosaminidase, EC 3.2.1.30) hydrolyzes N -acetyl-β- d -glucosamine residues from the terminal non-reducing ends of chitooligosaccharides in soils. This is one of the enzymes that play a major role in N mineralization in soils. Studies to evaluate the effects of salts of 23 trace elements on the activity of β-glucosaminidase in three Iowa surface (0–15 cm) soils showed that at 5 mmol kg −1 soil, the activity of β-glucosaminidase was inhibited by 18 and activated by five of the trace elements tested. The inhibition values ranged from 0 to 73%, depending on the trace element and the soil used. In general, Ag(I) and Hg(II) were the most effective inhibitors. Other metals that inhibited the β-glucosaminidase activity in soils were Cu(I), Ba(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Sn(II), Zn(II), As(III), Cr(III), Se(IV), Ti(IV), V(IV), W(VI) and Mo(VI). At the concentration tested, Al(III), Fe(II), and Fe(III) also inhibited the activity of this enzyme. The elements Co(II), Mg(II), Mn(II), B(III) and As(V) activated this enzyme by values ranging from 4 to 68% in three soils.
Pattern selection in a boundary-layer model of dendritic growth in the presence of impurities

Presently analyzed, in the context of a boundary-layer model, is the problem of pattern selection in dendritic growth in a situation where impurities are present in the undercooled liquid. It is found that the tip-velocity selection criterion that has been proposed recently for the geometrical model and the boundary-layer model of a pure substance can be extended, in a nontrivial way, to this more complex situation where two coupled diffusion fields (temperature and solute) determine the interface dynamics. This model predicts a sharp enhancement of tip velocity in good qualitative agreement with experiment. This agreement is consistent with the conjecture that a solvability condition can be used to determine the operating point of the dendrite in the full nonlocal problem.
Partial Ulnar Osteotomy With Free Autogenous Fat Grafting for Treatment of Radius Curvus in the Dog

The efficacy of free autogenous fat grafts in inhibiting healing of partial ulnar ostectomies was investigated. Fat grafts did impede or prevent bone union in the treated ulnar ostectomies. Protection from forced weight bearing on the operated limb by splinting minimized varus deformity of the radius and ulna, and enhanced the survival of the fat graft and the formation of an ulnar nonunion. The procedure was then applied to treatment of radius curvus resulting from surgically induced premature distal ulnar physeal closure. Partial ulnar ostectomy with free autogenous fat grafting released the ulnar restraint on radial growth and allowed partial correction of the degree of radial curve associated with premature distal ulnar physeal closure.
TGFbeta2 knockout mice have multiple developmental defects that are non-overlapping with other TGFbeta knockout phenotypes

The growth and differentiation factor transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGFbeta2) is thought to play important roles in multiple developmental processes. Targeted disruption of the TGFbeta2 gene was undertaken to determine its essential role in vivo. TGFbeta2-null mice exhibit perinatal mortality and a wide range of developmental defects for a single gene disruption. These include cardiac, lung, craniofacial, limb, spinal column, eye, inner ear and urogenital defects. The developmental processes most commonly involved in the affected tissues include epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, cell growth, extracellular matrix production and tissue remodeling. In addition, many affected tissues have neural crest-derived components and simulate neural crest deficiencies. There is no phenotypic overlap with TGFbeta1- and TGFbeta3-null mice indicating numerous non-compensated functions between the TGFbeta isoforms.
A Decision Support Model for Filtering RFID Read Data

As RFID tags gain widespread acceptance in a wide variety of domains, there is a need to improve their read rate accuracy. Although this is an important issue that needs to be addressed, there is relatively few published work in this area. We consider a model for filtering data that is already being gathered in RFID systems, and utilize it to improve read rate accuracy. We implement the proposed model and illustrate its performance using an example.
The Complexity of N-body Simulation

The n-body simulation problem is stated as follows: Given initial positions and velocities of n particles that have pair-wise force interactions, simulate the movement of these particles so as to determine the positions of the particles at a future time.
RC delay metrics for performance optimization

For performance optimization tasks such as floorplanning, placement, buffer insertion, wire sizing, and global routing, the Elmore resistance-capacitance (RC) delay metric remains popular due to its simple closed form expression, fast computation speed, and fidelity with respect to simulation. More accurate delay computation methods are typically central processing unit intensive and/or difficult to implement. To bridge this gap between accuracy and efficiency/simplicity, we propose two new RC delay metrics called delay via two moments (D2M) and effective capacitance metric (ECM), which are virtually as simple and fast as the Elmore metric, but more accurate. D2M uses two moments of the impulse response in a simple formula that has high accuracy at the far end of RC lines. ECM captures resistive shielding effects by modeling the downstream capacitance by an "effective capacitance." In contrast, the Elmore metric models this as a lumped capacitance, thereby ignoring resistive shielding. Although not as accurate as D2M, ECM yields consistent performance and may be well-suited to optimization due to its Elmore-like recursive construction.
Triple-axis X-ray diffraction analyses of lysozyme crystals.

High-resolution triple-axis X-ray diffraction techniques have been used to monitor the defect structure in hen egg-white lysozyme crystals. Analyses from the (440), (1{\overline 2}0) and (160) reflections showed significant differences in the intensity distribution around the respective reciprocal-lattice points. This work suggests that X-ray diffraction analytical methods developed primarily for relatively perfect inorganic crystals can be successfully applied to structurally defective macromolecular crystals. The analysis of defects at high angular resolution is complicated, however, by the observation that protein crystals lie at the convergence of the kinematic (ideally imperfect) and dynamic (ideally perfect) treatments of diffraction.
Precision polyolefin structure: Modeling polyethylene containing alkyl branches

Step-growth acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization chemistry followed by exhaustive hydrogenation offers a new modeling approach for the study of polyethylene structures. ADMET controls branch identity and frequency, both of which are predetermined during the monomer synthesis, allowing sequence control in the resultant polymer. This review describes the synthesis and thermal behavior of ADMET polymers that serve as models for copolymers of ethylene with α-olefins such as 1-propene, isobutylene 1-butene, and 1-octene.
Histogram-based image retrieval using Gauss mixture vector quantization

Histogram-based image retrieval requires some form of quantization since the raw color images result in large dimensionality in the histogram representation. Simple uniform quantization disregards the spatial information among pixels in making histograms. Since traditional vector quantization (VQ) with squared-error distortion employs only the first moment, it neglects the relationship among vectors. We propose Gauss mixture vector quantization (GMVQ) as the quantization method for a histogram-based image retrieval to capture the spatial information in the image via the Gaussian covariance structure. Two common histogram distance measures are used to evaluate the similarity of histograms resulting from GMVQ. Our result shows that GMVQ with a quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) distortion outperforms the two typical quantization methods in the histogram- based image retrieval.
A Reply to Weitzer

This is a reply to Ronald Weitzer’s criticisms of anti-pornography feminism. I argue that Weitzer has misrepresented the anti-pornography feminist position reflected in the work of Gail Dines.
An ovarian tumour with a potential appendiceal origin

A 14-year-old girl underwent left oopherectomy for a multicystic ovarian mass. Histology revealed this to be an intestinal type mucinous borderline tumour (IMBT). In view of this, a semi-urgent laparoscopic appendicectomy was carried out. The appendix was histologically normal. IMBT of the ovary is a mucinous tumour with atypical proliferation of the goblet cell containing epithelium. It is known to occur simultaneously with tumours of the appendix. Paediatric surgeons need to be aware of this rare tumour and when operating on any ovarian pathology should always inspect the peritoneal cavity for mucinous deposits and examine the appendix.
Chemical ecology of fruit defence: synergistic and antagonistic interactions among amides from Piper

Summary 1. Although ripe, fleshy fruits function primarily to attract seed dispersers, they must also be defended against diverse communities of seed predators and pathogens. For some plants, the concentration and diversity of secondary metabolites in fruits can exceed that of leaves and other plant parts, but little is known about the functional significance of the suites of compounds found in fruits. Fruit secondary metabolites may function in defence, or they may play a variety of other roles in seed development and dispersal. 2. In this study, we conducted a series of experiments to test the effects of amides, a highly diverse class of secondary metabolites found in Piper fruits, on a variety of antagonistic fruit pests, including an insect seed predator (Sibaria englemani, Pentatomidae) and three unidentified species of fungi isolated from ripe Piper reticulatum (Piperaceae) fruits. We tested the effects of amide-rich extracts from unripe and ripe fruits of P. reticulatum and the effects of two pure compounds, piperine and piplartine, presented alone and in combination. 3. Amide-rich extracts from unripe and ripe fruits had no effect on insect feeding preferences, but strong negative effects on fungal growth rates. A comparison of the relative bioactivity of unripe and ripe fruit extracts, controlling for concentration, showed that the specific composition of compounds in unripe fruits provides a more effective defence than that of ripe fruits against two of the three fungal species tested. 4. Pure amides had variable effects on insect feeding preferences and strong negative effects on fungal growth rates. Tests of the bioactivity of two pure amides, presented alone and in combination, showed that the same two compounds can interact either synergistically or antagonistically in mixtures depending on the particular consumer involved. 5. Together, these results suggest that the secondary metabolites in fruits may be a key characteristic contributing to fruit defence and plant reproductive success. Specifically, our results emphasize: (i) the potential for slight changes in the composition of mixtures to alter the efficacy of defence; and (ii) the potential for complex interactions among compounds in mixtures that can alter the bioactivity of secondary metabolites differentially among different consumers.
Exploring the role of spirituality in self-management practices among older African-American and non-Hispanic White women with chronic conditions.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among older women with chronic conditions.Methods: A sample of 41 African-American and non-Hispanic White women, of age 66 and older, participated in the process of self-care study. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and analysed for common themes using the Grounded Theory method.Results: Audiotaped and transcribed interviews identified four categories that emerged to suggest the influence of spirituality in behavioural change and disease management: (1) God’s involvement in illness management; (2) prayer as a mediator; (3) spirituality as a coping mechanism; and (4) the combination of conventional and spiritual practices.Discussion: Older women with various chronic illnesses defined ‘spirituality’ in a broad, holistic way, and the findings suggest that spirituality played a part in documenting the self-management process. Knowledge of spirituality and the role it plays i...
Novel biodegradable and thermosensitive Dex-AI/PNIPAAm hydrogel

The dextran-allyl isocyanate/poly(N-iso-propylacrylamide) (Dex-AI/PNIPAAm) hydrogel was designed and prepared by copolymerization of the modified dextran with N-isopropylacrylamide(NIPAAm). Thisnovel Dex-AI/PNIPAAm hydrogel is biodegradable and intelligent due to its biodegradable dextran linkage and thermosensitive PNIPAAm moiety. With an increase in dextran content, it exhibits the increased lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and decreased porous microstructure. Also, the thermosensitivity of this hydrogel is also controllable and adjustable depending on the different compositions.
Bosutinib: A Second-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Objective: To review clinical trials and main characteristics of bosutinib, a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Data Sources: Pertinent data were identified through a search of PubMed (January 1990-April 2013) using the primary search terms SKI-606, bosutinib, and CML. Additionally, preliminary reports published in abstract form by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology (January 1990-April 2013) were screened for inclusion. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Clinical Phase 1, 2, and 3 studies reported in English evaluating the safety and efficacy of bosutinib in patients with CML were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Bosutinib is a TKI of the breakpoint cluster region/Abelson murine leukemia (BCR-ABL) gene approved by the Food and Drug Administration on September 4, 2012, for second-line treatment of chronic phase, accelerated phase, and blast phase CML. In the second-line setting, bosutinib is effective ...