cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and quantitative analysis of nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments

An integrated analytical methodology has been developed for determining nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which enables quantitation of individual contaminants as low as 1 μg/kg in sediment samples. A cross-sectional profile from the Hamilton Harbour sediment samples was analyzed for azaarenes. These contaminants were separated by Soxhlet extraction, and pH adjustment allowed their isolation from different classes of neutral and acidic components. Separation and identification of the organic bases in each sample were achieved by using open tubular column gas chromatography with thermionic detection and HRGC-mass spectrometry. Organic bases present in the samples included mostly azaarenes such as acridines, benzacridines, azafluorene, benzoquinolines, azapyrenes, etc. Quantitation and environmental significance of these compounds are discussed. Recoveries of individual azaarenes at two different levels were evaluated. Data presented indicate that detection limits of this method are between 1 and 10 μg/kg. Recovery azaarenes from bottom sediment samples at concentration levels between 1 to 100 μg/kg is 81 ± 17%.
URANIUM CONTENT OF TWO IRON METEORITES

AN extensive series of investigations by Dalton and co-workers1,2 using fluorimetric and radon-counting techniques has indicated that the uranium content of many iron meteorites lies in the range 20–100 × 10−10 gm./gm. This supports an age of only a few hundred million years for some of these meteorites, and implies a distribution coefficient of only about one hundred for a very electropositive element between the silicate and metal phases of planets3.
Time-sliced, two-dimensional, near-infrared imaging of normal and malignant human breast tissues

Development of optical modalities for screening of breast cancer is an intensely pursued area of contemporary research. Here, the authors present the initial results of a time-sliced transillumination imaging approach to image and distinguish between normal and cancerous regions of in vitro breast tissue samples. The approach uses optimal picosecond-scale slices of the transmitted light pulse to form images. The experimental arrangement used 800 nm, approximately 130-fs duration, l-kHz repetition-rate pulses with 400-mW average beam power from a Ti:sapphire laser system for transillumination imaging. The beam was expanded by a beam expander, and a 3-cm diameter central part of it was selected out using an aperture to illuminate the sample. Time slicing was accomplished using a gated image intensifier coupled to a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera system that provided an electronic gate pulse whose duration (full width at half maximum) could be adjusted to a minimum of 80 ps and the position could be varied in steps of 25 ps over a 15-ns range. The time-sliced image was recorded by the CCD camera and displayed on a personal computer. The breast tissue sample consisted of a cancerous piece placed between two normal pieces of 5-mm nominal thickness and lateral dimensions between 8-14 mm. The pieces were compressed between two glass plates to provide uniform thickness and good physical contact between the adjacent pieces of tissue. The tissues obtained from National Disease Research Interchange came from the left breast of a 61-yr-old female patient.
Preliminary investigation of an early mental health intervention for Head Start programs: Effects of Child Teacher Relationship Training on children's behavior problems

Head Start teachers and their aides (n = 24) were assigned to either the experimental or active control treatment in this preliminary investigation on the effects of Child Teacher Relationship Training (CTRT) on 52 disadvantaged preschool children identified with behavioral problems. CTRT is based on the principles and procedures of Child Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), a structured, time-limited approach that trains young children's caregivers to be active participants in an early mental health delivery system. Analysis of pre- to mid- to posttest findings revealed that, compared to the active control, CTRT demonstrated a large treatment effect on reducing children's externalized behavior problems; furthermore, the between-group difference over time was statistically significant. The statistical, practical, and clinical significance of findings provide preliminary support for CTRT as a developmentally responsive school-based intervention for at-risk preschool children exhibiting clinical levels of behavioral problems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computerized encounter registers in primary care research: is there a gold standard?

Computer technology as well as the need to conduct research in primary care settings, has stimulated the creation in the U.S. of information networks linking private physicians' offices and other primary care practice sights. These networks give rise to several problems which have philosophic interest. One is a “numerator problem” created by the difficulty in primary care of using the more complicated or invasive diagnostic technologies commonly employed in tertiary care research. Another is a “denominator problem” arising from the difficulties in determining which and how many patients constitute the population from which a practice is drawn. Finally, this mode of research raises questions about the social construction of medical reality and how “objective” medical truth is actually based on carefully selected patient experience. All these questions combine to challenge the “gold standard” view on medical research: the idea that some sorts of medical knowledge are epistemologically privileged and can serve as a bench-mark to determine whether new data are valid.
Predictors of Occult Scleral Rupture

Purpose: To determine which signs are sensitive and specific in the setting of trauma to establish the diagnosis of an occult scleral rupture. Methods: The charts of patients with presumed scleral rupture were identified retrospectively. The ocular findings among the patients who had a rupture based on findings at surgery were compared with those patients who were noted to have normal findings at surgery. Results: Visual acuity worse than 20/400, decreased intraocular pressure, intraocular pressure less than that in the nontraumatized eye, and an afferent pupillary defect were all significant indicators of an open globe. Conclusion: Determining the likelihood of an occult rupture can be facilitated by noting the presence or absence of those indicators that are significant and carry a high specificity.
NOx emissions in n-heptane/air partially premixed flames

NOx emissions in n-heptane/air partially premixed flames (PPFs) in a counter-flow configuration have been investigated. The flame is computed using a detailed mechanism that combines the Held’s mechanism for n-heptane and the Li and Williams’ mechanism for NOx. The combined mechanism contains 54 species and 327 reactions. Based on a detailed analysis, dominant mechanisms responsible for NOx formation and destruction in PPFs are found to be thermal, prompt, and reburn mechanisms. The dominant reactions associated with these mechanisms are also identified. The effects of strain rate (as) and equivalence ratio (φ) on NOx emissions are characterized for conditions in which the flame contains two spatially separated reaction zones; a rich premixed zone on the fuel side and a non-premixed zone on the air side. For most conditions, except for relatively high level of partial premixing, the NO formation rate in the non-premixed zone is significantly higher than that in the rich premixed zone. Within the rich premixed zone, the contribution of thermal NO to total NOx is higher than that of prompt NO, while in the non-premixed zone, the prompt NO is the major contributor. The behavior is related to the transport of acetylene from the rich premixed to the non-premixed zone, and higher concentrations of CH, O, and OH radicals in the latter zone. A notable result in this context is that the existence of CH does not automatically imply that prompt NO will form. The existence of O and OH is also necessary, in addition to CH, to form prompt NO. The relative contributions of thermal and prompt mechanisms to total NOx are generally insensitive to variations in as, but show strong sensitivity to variations in φ. There is a NOx destruction region sandwiched between the rich premixed and the non-premixed reaction zones. The NOx destruction occurs mainly through the reburn mechanism. The NOx emission index (EINOx) is computed as a function of φ and as. These results are qualitatively in accord with previous numerical and experimental results for methane-air PPFs.
Improving tracking performance of automotive air conditioning system via μ synthesis

In order to improve the performances of air conditioning systems, it is desirable to track time-varying trajectories generated by optimization algorithms, which H∞ synthesis techniques have been proved to successfully solve. However, the control-oriented models of vapor compressor cycles used for algorithm development, even if built from first-principles, suffer from model uncertainties introduced by modeling assumptions, calibration inaccuracies, and linearization errors. The differences between the actual plant and the control-oriented model, mainly in the form of unmodeled dynamics and parameter uncertainty, undermine the stable margin as well as the performance of the closed-loop system with H∞ controllers. In order to solve the problem, the concept of the structured singular value μ is used to analyze the influences of model uncertainties on robust stability and robust performance. Based on μ analysis results, μ synthesis techniques, compared to H∞ methods, achieve better stability and performance margins over the same set of uncertainties. Furthermore, simulation results show that the μ controller achieves better performances of output tracking and disturbance rejection than the H∞ controller for the automotive air conditioning system studied.
Use of a scanning probe microscope to measure marring mechanisms and microhardness of crosslinked coatings

A scanning probe microscope (SPM) was equipped with a high-modulus probe to indent coating surfaces when normal force is applied. A method for measuring microhardness with this probe is described. The high-modulus probe was also used to mar coating surfaces under controlled conditions by application of normal force plus lateral motion. Dimensions of the mars were measured by conventional scanning probe microscopy. The data were analyzed in terms of a “three response, two mechanism model” of marring in which three types of responses of polymeric materials: elastic, plastic deformation, and fracture, are measured. Of the three responses, only plastic deformation and fracture result in marring, and the two mechanisms can be quantified. A fourth quantity which combines plastic deformation and fracture is suggested as a method of comparing “micro mar resistance” of materials under specified conditions. Three crosslinked polymeric coatings were studied in detail. Two had hard crusts of material near their surfaces that responded quite differently than the bulk of the material.
The key function of a conserved and modified rRNA residue in the ribosomal response to the nascent peptide

The ribosome is able to monitor the structure of the nascent peptide and can stall in response to specific peptide sequences. Such programmed stalling is used for the regulation of gene expression. The molecular mechanisms of the nascent-peptide recognition and ribosome stalling are unknown. We identified the conserved and posttranscriptionally modified 23S rRNA nucleotide m2A2503 located at the entrance of the ribosome exit tunnel as a key component of the ribosomal response mechanism. A2503 mutations abolish nascent-peptide-dependent stalling at the leader cistrons of several inducible antibiotic resistance genes and at the secM regulatory gene. Remarkably, lack of the C2 methylation of A2503 significantly function induction of expression of the ermC gene, indicating that the functional role of posttranscriptional modification is to fine-tune ribosome–nascent peptide interactions. Structural and biochemical evidence suggest that m2A2503 may act in concert with the previously identified nascent-peptide sensor, A2062, in the ribosome exit tunnel to relay the stalling signal to the peptidyl transferase centre.
GPR30: a G protein-coupled receptor for estrogen

Estrogen is a critical steroid in human physiology exerting its effect both at the transcriptional level as well as at the level of rapid intracellular signaling through second messengers. Many of estrogen's transcriptional effects have long been known to be mediated through classical nuclear steroid receptors but recent studies also demonstrate the existence of a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor, GPR30 that responds to estrogen with rapid cellular signaling. There is currently controversy over the ability of classical estrogen receptors to recapitulate GPR30-mediated signaling mechanisms and vice versa. This article will summarize recent literature and address the relationship between GPR30 and conventional estrogen receptor signaling.
Deposition of suspensions in the entrance of a diffuser-electrostatic and gravitational effects

Abstract A numerical investigation of the mechanics of deposition with gravitational and electrostatic influences in a diffuser has been made and a mathematical model developed for the deposition process. The analysis was restricted to laminar flow of dilute suspensions with electrostatic charge, gravity and surface adhesion. The results show that the gravity flow parameter has the most effect on deposition even in the presence of an electrostatic field. Furthermore, when the diffusive Peclet number is large, the bottom deposition rate increases to very high values just before separation of the boundary layer occurs.
Increased γ-globin expression in a nondeletion HPFH mediated by an erythroid-specif ic DNA-binding factor

IN man, a shift from γ- to β-globin gene expression in erythrob-lasts underlies a switch from fetal to adult haemoglobin during development1. In hereditary persistence of fetal haemoglobin (HPFH), inappropriately high γ-globin expression in adult life is associated with deletions in the β-globin cluster or with single-base changes upstream of the γ-globin genes. To account for enhanced γ-gene expression in HPFH of the non-deletion type, we tested the nuclear proteins of human erythroleukaemia cells2 that bind γ-promoter sequences in vitro by correlating specific mutations in their binding sites with promoter activity. An eryth-roid-specific factor (GF-1) binds as a single molecule to the –195 to –170 region and contacts two TATCT(AGATA) motifs, but not the conserved octamer (ATGCAAAT)3–8 that separates them. We observe that a single change (at –175, T→C ) found in HPFH9,10 leads to increased promoter activity only in erythroid cells. This effect is mediated by GF-1, the human counterpart of the chicken erythroid factor11 Eryf 1. The form of HPFH we studied here is an inherited disorder which can be ascribed to the action of a cell-specific DNA-binding factor on a mutant promoter.
Volumetric error analysis of a multi-axis machine tool machining a sculptured surface workpiece

Abstract The objective of this research is to develop a geometric error model for multi-axis machine tools based on a closed-loop configuration. In this study, the geometric error model of each axis is derived by using 4×4 homogeneous transformation matrix. The ideal cutter location of the sculptured workpiece surface is calculated using the Bezier bicubic parametric surface representation method and machine geometric errors. The actual cutter locations is calculated by considering runout error of the cutting tool and machine geometric errors. Then, the step-by-step volumetric error analysis method is suggested on the basis of the closed-loop configuration of the multi-axis machine tools. The simulation study shows the simplicity and effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Secondary Reinforcement with and Without Control for Response Facilitation

(1960). Secondary Reinforcement with and Without Control for Response Facilitation. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 83-86.
On equilibrium states of heated self-gravitating gas clouds cooling by conduction in an external gravitational field

Exact analytic solutions are presented for equilibrium states of a self-gravitating one-dimensional cloud of gas, embedded in an external gravitational field due to a plane of 'stars' being heated at a rate proportional to the local gas density, and cooling by thermal conduction. It is found that the general topology of the solutions is such that the gas density has a minimum on the plane of 'stars', rising to an infinite but integrable peak away from the plane so that the total mass of gas in the cloud is finite. The results may be of interest in investigations of interstellar molecular clouds and of filamentary structures in supernova remnants as well as in the modeling of gas distributions around 'cocoon' protostars.
Splines as a Useful and Convenient Statistical Tool

Abstract The framework for a unified statistical theory of spline regression assuming fixed knots using the truncated polynomial or “+” function representation is presented. In particular, a partial ordering of some spline models is introduced to clarify their relationship and to indicate the hypotheses that can be tested by using either standard multiple regression procedures or a little-used conditional test developed by Hotelling (1940). The construction of spline models with polynomial pieces of different degrees is illustrated. A numerical example from a chemical experiment is given by using the GLM procedure of the statistical software package SAS (Barr et al. 1976).
Cerocene Revisited: The Electronic Structure of and Interconversion Between Ce2(C8H8)3 and Ce(C8H8)2

New synthetic procedures for the preparation of Ce(cot)2, cerocene, from [Li(thf)4][Ce(cot)2], and Ce2(cot)3 in high yield and purity are reported. Heating solid Ce(cot)2 yields Ce2(cot)3 and COT while heating Ce2(cot)3 with an excess of COT in C6D6 to 65 °C over four months yields Ce(cot)2. The solid state magnetic susceptibility data of these three organocerium compounds show that Ce(cot)2 behaves as a TIP (temperature independent paramagnet) over the temperature range of 5−300 K, while that of Ce2(cot)3 shows that the spin carriers are antiferromagnetically coupled below 10 K; above 10 K, the individual spins are uncorrelated, and [Ce(cot)2]− behaves as an isolated f1 paramagnet. The EPR spectra recorded at 1.5 K confirm that Ce2(cot)3 and [Ce(cot)2]− have a ground-state of MJ= ± 1/2. The LIII edge XANES of Ce(cot)2 (Booth, C.H.; Walter, M.D.; Daniel, M.; Lukens, W.W., Andersen, R.A., Phys. Rev. Lett. 2005, 95, 267202) and Ce2(cot)3 over 30−500 K are reported; the Ce(cot)2 XANES spectra show Ce(III) an...
Mass spectrometry studies of a novel digoxin-like substance (DLIS-2) isolated from human plasma ultrafiltrate.

Two unique low molecular weight (531) compounds with both digoxin-like immunoreactivity and Na,K-ATPase inhibitory properties have been isolated from human plasma. One of these, digoxin-like substance 2, (DLIS-2), was studied by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and collisionally activated dissociation mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The fragment patterns were interpreted as being derived from a lysophosphatidyl serine containing a novel 19:4 fatty acid side chain. The molecular formula C 25 H 42 O 9 NP is consistent with these observations.
Energy optimization for proactive unicast route maintenance in MANETs under end-to-end reliability requirements

Many time-critical applications for Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANETs), such as the military applications and disaster response, call for proactive link and route maintenance to ensure low latency for reliable data delivery. The goal of this paper is to minimize the energy overhead due to the high control traffic caused by the periodic route and link maintenance operations in the proactive routing protocols for MANETs. This paper - (i) categorizes the proactive protocols based on the maintenance operations performed; (ii) derives analytical estimates of the optimum route and link update periods for the different protocol classes by considering (a) the data traffic intensity, (b) link dynamics, (c) target reliability, measured in terms of Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), and (d) the network size; and (iii) proposes a network layer dynamic Optimization of Periodic Timers (OPT) method based on the analytical estimates to locally vary the update periods in the distributed nodes. Simulation results show that DSDV-Opt, a variation of DSDV protocol using OPT, - (i) achieves the target PDR with 98.7% accuracy while minimizing the overhead energy; (ii) improves the protocol scalability; and (iii) reduces the control traffic for low data traffic intensity.
Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon Transfers in Cerebral Palsy

Flexor carpi ulnaris tendon transfer to either the extensor carpi radialis longus or extensor carpi radialis brevis has become a standard procedure to improve function in patients with cerebral palsy. In this retrospective study of the procedure, we have compared preoperative and postoperative wrist position, analysed potential outcome predictors and assessed function by objective and subjective measures. Sixteen children, with flexor carpi ulnaris transfer to extensor carpi radialis longus or brevis or extensor digitorum, were tested at an average follow-up of 4 years (range, 1-9). General resting position improved and the centre of the arc of motion averaged 6 degrees pronation and 9 degrees extension. Subjectively, 14 of 16 parents felt there was an improvement in function, 16 of 16 felt that cosmesis was improved, 14 of 16 would recommend the procedure to others, and 15 of 16 were satisfied overall.
Why “indigenous” knowledge?

(2009). Why “indigenous” knowledge? Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand: Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 157-158.
In-hospital mortality for children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after stage I surgical palliation: teaching versus nonteaching hospitals.

Objectives Teaching hospitals are perceived to provide a higher quality of care for the treatment of rare disease and complex patients. A substantial proportion of stage I palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) may be performed in nonteaching hospitals. This study compares the in-hospital mortality of stage I palliation between teaching and nonteaching hospitals. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Kids' Inpatient Database 1997 and 2000. Patients with HLHS undergoing stage I palliation were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic and procedural codes. Results Seven hundred fifty-four and 880 discharges of children with HLHS undergoing stage I palliation in 1997 and 2000, respectively, were identified. The in-hospital mortality for the study population was 28% in 1997 and 24% in 2000. Twenty percent of stage I palliation operations were performed in nonteaching hospitals in 1997. Two percent of operations were performed in nonteaching hospitals in 2000. In 1997 only, in-hospital mortality remained higher in nonteaching hospitals after controlling for stage I palliation hospital volume and condition-severity diagnoses. Low-volume hospitals performing stage I palliation were associated with increased in-hospital mortality in 1997 and 2000. Conclusions Patients with HLHS undergoing stage I palliation in nonteaching hospitals experienced increased in-hospital mortality in 1997. A significant reduction in the number of stage I palliation procedures performed in nonteaching hospitals occurred between 1997 and 2000. This centralization of stage I palliation into teaching hospitals, along with advances in postoperative medical and surgical care for these children, was associated with a decrease in mortality. Patients in low-volume hospitals performing stage I palliation continued to experience increased mortality in 2000.
Gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography of visceral arteries in patients with suspected chronic mesenteric ischemia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate accuracy of dynamic gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography (MRA) of the celiac, superior, and inferior mesenteric arteries in patients with suspected mesenteric ischemia compared with catheter angiography or surgery. Sixty-five patients with suspected mesenteric ischemia underwent three-dimensional spoiled gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state (GRASS) gadolinium-enhanced MRA. Correlative studies were performed on 14 patients, catheter angiography alone was performed on 12 patients, and surgery alone was performed on two patients. Six patients had mesenteric ischemia. In all patients, the celiac artery (CA) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were seen well enough to evaluate; however, the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) could be evaluated in only 9 of the 14 patients. MRA showed severe stenosis (> 75%) or occlusion of the celiac axis in seven patients, of the SMA in six patients, and of the IMA in four patients. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 95%, respectively, compared with catheter angiography and surgery. The two errors were caused by overgrading the severity of IMA disease. Three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MRA can accurately demonstrate the origins of the CA and SMA and is useful in evaluation of patients with suspected mesenteric ischemia.
Improved dual leaky bucket policing algorithm for ATM networks

In high speed communication, traffic management plays a significant role to control the use of network resources to prevent bottlenecks. In particular, when the network resources are allotted to more sources than the network can support, the network performance degrades for users. So, the network resources should be allotted in such a way that the network can operate at acceptable levels (maintain the QoS for all the existing connections) at times when the offered load to the network exceeds its capacity. So, a policing function is set up at the user network interface (UNI) for preventive congestion control. Many algorithms have previously been proposed for the UNI. Only a few algorithms are concerned with the cell delay variation (CDV). In the present paper, an improved version of the leaky bucket algorithm is presented to monitor traffic. This algorithm also checks those cells which are crossing the policing rate due to the effect of CDV and compensates them by sending them into the network without discarding. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the superior performance of this traffic control algorithm. The algorithm also makes use of the feedback control of the network status which in turn improves the throughput.
Cholangiocarcinoma: New Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Biology

OVERVIEW Recentstudieshaveshownanincreasedglobalincidenceofcholangiocarcinomas,rare malignant tumors with morphologic features of biliary tract epithelia. This aggressive and poorly understood malignancy remains largely incurable. Biliary tract inflammation resulting from liver fluke infection or other causes is a well-defined risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma. Recent studies have explored the relationship between inflammatory mediators and biliary tract carcinogenesis and provided an insight into the molecular and genetic perturbations involved in the pathogenesis of cholangiocarcinoma. CLASSIFICATION Cholangiocarcinomas are classified into 2 major categories based on their anatomic location. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICCs) arise within the hepatic parenchyma and most often present as a mass lesion without major bile duct obstruction or jaundice. Ductal cholangiocarcinoma arises within the large bile ducts, namely common bile duct, common hepatic duct, and right or left hepatic duct up to the secondary bifurcation. Perihilar cholangiocarcinomas, or Klatskin tumors, are often considered separately but should be classified as ductal cholangiocarcinomas based on their location and presentation. These lesions can extend into the hepatic parenchyma and have also been classified as intrahepatic or extrahepatic. The lack of a consistent convention has led to inaccurate reporting of the epidemiology, natural history, and prognosis. Among the hilar lesions, the Bismuth classification has been widely used as a guide to surgical intervention. Intrahepatic and ductal cholangiocarcinomas can be further classified on the basis of the pathology. The staging system
Tackling Complex Phenomena in Nanoscale Multiferroics

An atomistic scheme is used to study the dependence of nanodots and ultra-thin films made of the lead-free BiFeO3 (BFO) multiferroic material on electrical boundary conditions. The ground-state patterns of the electrical dipoles, oxygen octahedral tiltings and magnetic dipoles are found to dramatically depend on such electrical boundary conditions, as well as on the dimensionality of the BFO nanostructure. These unusual dependencies are of large fundamental importance, and may open the door for novel devices with unprecedented performances.
Mental health spillovers and the Millennium Development Goals: The case of perinatal depression in Khayelitsha, South Africa

Mental illness currently ranks among the top ten causes of burden of disease in low-income countries [1]. In the African region specifically, neuropsychiatric disorders account for approximately 5% of disability-adjusted life years lost, with nearly one-quarter of this burden attributable to unipolar depressive disorders [1]. Furthermore, this burden is projected to increase by 2030 [2]. There is accumulating evidence on the potential public health impact of scalable mental health treatments involving non-psychiatrists [3-5], with more studies under way [6-8], but overall the prevention and treatment of mental disorders have been relatively neglected in the global agenda [9,10]. A substantive portion of the burden of mental disorders in low-income countries is thought to be attributable to many of the failures of human development as targeted through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), including poverty, HIV, and gender inequality. The evidence on depressive disorders and depressed mood is most well developed in this respect (see Figure 1). Depression has been associated with economic deprivation, especially in low-income countries and with regards to specific indicators of deprivation such as food insecurity [12,13]. Depression is also a known consequent of poor physical health [14]. And finally, gender inequality [15], often manifested starkly as violence against women in low-income countries [16], is commonly conceptualized as a risk factor for poor mental health among women [17]. Figure 1 Conceptual framework of multilevel influences on depression and corresponding types of interventions. Adapted from McKinlay & Marceau [11]. If these relationships were causal and unidirectional, then interventions targeting MDG indicators related to poverty, HIV, and gender inequality would be expected to reduce the burden of disease from mental disorders. However, some of these relationships are bidirectional, suggesting that scaling up interventions to improve mental health may support efforts to achieve the MDGs. Emphasizing these spillover effects on other health outcomes of greater political interest may be one effective strategy to build support for mental health programming [18]. For example, depressive disorders and depressed mood are associated with significant psychosocial disability resulting in reduced economic productivity [19]. Depressed mood among women in the postnatal period has been associated with elevated risks for diarrhea and poorer growth among their newborn infants [20-23]. And, among persons living with HIV/AIDS, psychological stress and poor mental health have been associated with reduced adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy [24] and worsened HIV-related outcomes [25]. Photo: Courtesy of Dr Mark Tomlinson, personal collection
Adaptive-adaptive subarray narrowband beamforming

A two-stage adaptive narrowband beamformer is introduced. Adaptive beamformers give high-resolution angle-of-arrival estimates, but at considerable computational cost. To reduce the computational cost, N. Owsley and D. Abraham (1989) have introduced a two-stage beamformer-conventional first-stage, adaptive second-stage-which gives near full adaptive resolution. This beamformer, however, can produce false alarms in the presence of dominant interferers. The authors present an adaptive-adaptive beamformer, which does not produce false alarms, while maintaining near full adaptive resolution and low computational cost. A comparison of computational cost for the adaptive-adaptive and conventional-adaptive beamformers is also given. >
Double Layer Capacitance of Porous Platinum Electrodes in Zirconia Electrochemical Cells

This paper reports on the capacitance of the double layer at the interface between porous platinum electrodes and yttria-stabilized zirconia measured by potential step chronoampermetry. The capacitance is independent of oxygen partial pressure and electrode potential and increases from 0.2 {mu}F/cm{sup 2} at 555{degrees}C to 1.3 {mu}F/cm{sup 2} at 695{degrees}C. These value are at least an order of magnitude smaller than capacitances extracted from the low-frequency portion of ac impedance spectra. This indicates that the capacitive behavior of platinum electrodes in zirconia cells is dominated by time-dependent faradaic processes.
Linkage to Care for HIV-Infected Heterosexual Men in the United States

In the United States, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among heterosexual men disproportionately affects individuals involved with the criminal justice system, injection drug and other substance users, and racial and ethnic minorities. These overlapping populations confront similar social and structural disparities that contribute to HIV risk and limit access to HIV testing, treatment, and care. In this review, we discuss barriers to linkage to comprehensive HIV care for specific subpopulations of heterosexual men and examine approaches for enhancing linkage to care for this diverse population.
An Expanded VVP Technique to Resolve Primary and Environmental Circulations in Hurricanes

AbstractAn expansion of the volume velocity processing (VVP) single-Doppler radar analysis method is presented for use with hurricanes. The so-called hurricane VVP (HVVP) method connects the estimated coefficients of a second-order Taylor series expansion of the wind field to the kinematic properties of a wind model that assumes axisymmetry of the tangential and radial wind and a vertically varying environmental flow. HVVP extracts the average radial profiles of these wind components between 1.0- and 3.5-km altitudes along with two parametric indicators of axisymmetry. A new method is thus provided to simultaneously monitor the trends in lower-tropospheric hurricane and environmental winds near landfall. In addition, novel kinematic approximations between the radial variations of the tangential and radial winds developed for HVVP will be of interest to the hurricane research community.Estimates of bias caused by expected average deviations of the true wind from the assumed wind model suggest that the HVVP...
Real-time push middleware and mobile application for electric vehicle smart charging and aggregation

This paper presents a real-time push middleware and mobile application for data and multimedia content delivery to enable electric vehicle smart charging and aggregation. Intelligent aggregation and charge scheduling software can leverage the battery capacity of an EV to level peak loads by delaying or throttling charging during peak loads, 'valley fill' during off-peak times, and contribute to demand response and spinning reserves by sending electricity into the grid. EV users are updated on the status of their vehicle and may set their charge parameters via web or native mobile application. Facility and utility operators can monitor and control garage and microgrid status through a separate web or mobile application. The content to facilitate aggregated smart charging and monitoring may come from a variety of sources including web servers, ftp servers, Bluetooth or Zigbee or other protocol sensors, and local or remote databases. The middleware will accept content upload and database storage, securely provide content to outside entities, match content to user subscriptions, use user context including connection speed, device type, and location to deliver appropriately formatted content, and provide a reliable mechanism for push content delivery to a multitude of devices including mobile phones and tablet.
Pseudo-Minkowskian coordinates in asymptotically flat space-times

For a rich class of asymptotically flat vacuum space-times, we show that it is possible to introduce a global coordinate system in a canonical fashion that is analogous to the standard Minkowskian coordinate systems used in flat space. This is accomplished by studying the intersection of the future light cone of interior space-time points with future null infinity. This intersection, referred to as a light cone cut of future null infinity, is piecewise a two-surface which can be described analytically by a function of the coordinates of null infinity. This function ~the light cone cut function! can be given a special spherical-harmonic decomposition with the coefficients depending on the interior points. The canonical pseudo-Minkowskian coordinates are defined from the four coefficients of thel50,1 spherical harmonics. In Minkowski space-time this prescription yields precisely the standard Cartesian flat coordinates. @S0556-2821~97!05304-6#
Rapid complementation assays measuring replicative potential of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein mutants.

Rapid assays which measure the ability of mutant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoproteins to mediate cell-free and/or cell-to-cell transmission of virus are described. By using these assays, envelope glycoprotein mutants with varying degrees of syncytium-forming ability were tested for ability to complement viral replication in trans. As expected, mutants that dramatically affect association of the gp120-gp41 envelope subunits, CD4 binding, or membrane fusion were unable to form syncytia or to support cell-free or cell-to-cell transmission. Surprisingly, some membrane fusion-defective mutants significantly attenuated in syncytium-forming ability were able to complement viral replication. Conversely, mutations in the carboxyl terminus of gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein, although not affecting syncytium-forming ability, significantly attenuated both forms of virus transmission. These results indicate that syncytium formation is not sufficient for cell-to-cell transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. Furthermore, virus transmission appears to be less sensitive to inhibition of membrane fusion than is syncytium formation. Images
Taking Stock of Science in the Schoolhouse Four Ideas to Foster Effective Instruction

In the opening discussion of this special issue, I take stock of science and schooling for students with learning disabilities (LD) before probing four ideas to foster effective instruction in contemporary schools: (a) Turn to science as the best trick we know for solving educational problems; (b) specify clearly what we hope to achieve in our instructional decisions for students with LD; (c) rely on instruction as the best tool we have for improving student performance; and (d) cultivate-and keep-competent and caring personnel. I invite commentary, from the perspectives of researchers, practitioners, and those who prepare teachers and administrators, to assess the status of science in the schoolhouse and to offer practical strategies for how the scientific orientation of schools might be enhanced.
A Survey of Non-Classical Polyandry

We have identified a sample of 53 societies outside of the classical Himalayan and Marquesean area that permit polyandrous unions. Our goal is to broadly describe the demographic, social, marital, and economic characteristics of these societies and to evaluate some hypotheses of the causes of polyandry. We demonstrate that although polyandry is rare it is not as rare as commonly believed, is found worldwide, and is most common in egalitarian societies. We also argue that polyandry likely existed during early human history and should be examined from an evolutionary perspective. Our analysis reveals that it may be a predictable response to a high operational sex ratio favoring males and may also be a response to high rates of male mortality and, possibly, male absenteeism. Other factors may contribute, but our within-polyandry sample limits analysis.
Variable block size adaptive lapped transform-based image coding

A new adaptive lapped transform (ALT) structure is introduced to implement time-varying linear-phase paraunitary and biorthogonal filter banks. The new ALT is based on the generalized lapped transform (GLT). A time-varying filter bank is constructed through the factorization of the GLT into cascaded matrix stages. Variable-length LTs are subsequently generated by cascading a number of these matrix stages to build specific length filters. A fixed and variable block size embedded ALT image codec is presented.
“The ANC brand is bulletproof”: accountability and the logic of the brand in South African politics

In this paper, I draw on analyses of the brand in the commercial world to explore the implications of branding when applied to political parties and politicians. Specifically, I examine the ramifications of the logic of the brand for accountability within a multi-party democracy. I argue that in branding discourse, the brand serves as a risk-management strategy by creating relations of loyalty with consumers, designed to secure forgiveness for possible transgressions on the part of the brand and thus protect brand equity. Through an analysis of how branding discourse is applied to South African politics by journalists, political parties and participants in social media, I show how in this arena, branding logic works to defer accountability for political parties and politicians who fail to deliver on election promises. Culpability becomes assessed in terms of damage to brand.
Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Increasingly, it is recognized that significant ventricular dysfunction can exist in the absence of symptoms for an extended period of time in patients with cardiovascular disease. Recent multicenter trials have demonstrated that therapy during the asymptomatic phase can reduce progression to symptomatic heart failure and mortality. Little is known about the epidemiology of this problem. However, preliminary studies suggest that the prevalence of asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction may approach that of clinically apparent congestive heart failure. The mechanisms whereby some patients with severe ventricular dysfunction may remain asymptomatic while others with similar degrees of ventricular dysfunction have severe symptoms of heart failure remain unclear. By understanding these mechanisms, we may devise novel therapies which will prolong the asymptomatic phase and hopefully prevent the progression to heart failure. This review focuses on pertinent clinical and pathophysiologic issues pertaining to asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.
Most Michigan Local Officials are Satisfied with Their Privatized Services, But Few Seek to Expand Further

This report presents Michigan local government leaders’ assessments of privatizing — or contracting out — public services or government operations in their jurisdictions. These findings are based on statewide surveys of local government leaders in the Spring 2014 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).
U.S. Trends in Inpatient Utilization of Fractional Flow Reserve and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) of intermediate coronary stenosis is a highly accurate, reproducible, and cost-effective modality with powerful prognostic value. Results of the FAME (Fractional Flow Reserve versus Angiography for Multivessel Evaluation) [(1)][1] and FAME-2 trials [(2)][2] have shown a
Penultimate Static Pressure Containment Considerations and Possible Applications to Metallic Hydrogen Preparation

It is the purpose of this presentation to consider how large a pressure can be contained in a static pressure vessel. Because the sphere is a particularly simple geometry from a theoretical viewpoint, these discussions will be confined to it.
A fragmented past: (re)constructing antiquity through 3D artefact modelling and customised structured light scanning at Athienou- Malloura , Cyprus

Many archaeological objects are recovered as fragments, and 3D modelling offers enormous potential for the analysis and reconstruction of large assemblages. In particular, structured light scanning provides an accurate record of individual artefacts and can facilitate the identification of joins through details of breakage surfaces and overall morphology. The creation of 3D digital models has the further advantage of enabling the records to be accessed and manipulated remotely, obviating the need for prolonged access to the original materials in museums or repositories. Here, the authors detail the use of structured light scanning to produce a corpus of 3D models based on a sample from a large assemblage of terracotta and limestone sculptural fragments from the Cypro-Archaic period (c. 750�475 BC) at Athienou-Malloura, Cyprus.
Nitrous Oxide, From the Operating Room to the Emergency Department

Nitrous oxide is a gas inhalation agent that has a long history of administration in procedures requiring analgesia and sedation. Although use may be limited by patient condition, patient comorbidities, and appropriate scavenging equipment, nitrous is a proven and safe tool for use in many health care settings—from the dental office to the operating room to the emergency department.
Le biblioteche e gli archivi durante la seconda guerra mondiale. Il caso italiano

Andrea Capaccioni, Andrea Paoli and Ruggero Ranieri (eds) (2007) Le biblioteche e gli archivi durante la seconda guerra mondiale. Il caso italiano (Bologna: Edizioni Pendragon), xxxvii + 581 pp., I...
Empowering limitations

This paper explores the nature of a broad range of limitations and the value of coming to terms with them. It's an attempt to help conceive and encourage a shared and coherent vision of computing for the common good that does not rely heavily on market forces and uncritical assumptions about social roles and possibilities in society generally and in computing in particular. Ideally, this exploration will help engender research and action.
Cellular Aspects of Sexual Differentiation of the Brain

For of course, said Mr. Foster, in the vast majority of cases fertility is merely a nuisance … but we want to have a good choice. And of course one must always leave an enormous margin of safety. So we allow as many as 30 per cent of the female embryos to develop normally. The others get a dose of male sex hormone every twenty-four metres for the rest of the course. Result: they're decanted as free-martins—structurally quite normal (except, he had to admit, that they do have just the slightest tendency to grow beards), but sterile, guaranteed sterile. [Aldous Huxley (1932). Brave New World].