cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diseases affecting bone quality: beyond osteoporosis.

Background Bone quantity, quality, and turnover contribute to whole bone strength. Although bone mineral density, or bone quantity, is associated with increased fracture risk, less is known about bone quality. Various conditions, including disorders of mineral homeostasis, disorders in bone remodeling, collagen disorders, and drugs, affect bone quality.
Translocation (4;15)(p16;q24): a novel reciprocal translocation in a patient with BCR/ABL negative myeloproliferative syndrome progressing to blastic phase.

Abstract A patient with BCR/ABL negative myeloproliferative syndrome with a 46,XY,del(3)(q21),t(4;15)(p16;q24) karyotype is described. Fluorescence in situ hybridization performed with chromosomes 4 and 15 painting probes confirmed a novel reciprocal (4;15) translocation. The absence of crkl tyrosine phosphorylation, no activation of the abl kinase as measured by autophosphorylation, and a normal-size abl transcript suggest an alternative mechanism for leukemogenesis to that operative in Ph positive BCR/ABL positive chronic myeloid leukemia. A number of genes potentially relevant to tumorigenesis, some involving the ras signaling pathway, map to the 4p16 and 15q24 chromosome regions.
Determining L-functions by twists

Abstract Suppose that L1(s) and L2(s) are two L-functions whose twists by a set of Dirichlet characters simultaneously vanish (vanish mod p) at a critical point. We examine the extent to which this property determines the L-functions in the cases of L-functions of elliptic curves, of number fields, and of curves over finite fields.
Management and outcome of pregnant women with interstitial and restrictive lung disease

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe our experience with management and outcome of restrictive lung disease in pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Between 1981 and 1994 nine pregnant women with interstitial and restrictive lung disease were prospectively managed and delivered at the University of Washington Medical Center. RESULTS: Three patients had severe disease, characterized by vital capacity ≤1.5 L (50% predicted) or diffusing capacity CONCLUSIONS: Restrictive lung disease is tolerated in pregnancy. Exercise intolerance is common and patients may require early oxygen supplementation. Adequate fetal growth can be achieved.
Cultural and biological evolutionary processes, selection for a trait under complex transmission.

Abstract We consider the evolution of a trait, which is under both genetic and phenotypic transmission. An individual is always born in one state but can be converted to the other before reaching adulthood. If the conversion takes place by a learning process, the native state is called “unskilled,” and that acquired by learning is called “skilled.” If phenotypic conversion takes place by way of infection, the native state is uninfected, and can be converted to infected. Native and converted phenotypes may be subject to selection; acquiring a skill may lead to selective advantage of skilled versus unskilled, while contracting a disease may involve a selective disadvantage. Conversion probability is a function of the parental phenotypes. In some of our models we assume that only one parent has teaching ability (or transmits the disease) and in others we consider more general situations. The probability of learning (or of taking the disease) may be determined by the individual's genotype. A diallelic locus is considered. The evolution of the genotypes and the phenotypes is studied in a variety of situations. Equilibria, and in a few simple cases the dynamics of the phenotypes and genotypes in the population are given. The usual equilibrium for heterozygote advantage is found to depend, in the present case, on the parameters of the learning process. Oscillatory equilibria and more than one stable equilibrium can exist in certain circumstances. Even in the absence of genotypic differences for the conversion probability gene frequencies may change.
Reduction of peroxides and dinitrobenzenes by Mycobacterium tuberculosis thioredoxin and thioredoxin reductase.

Abstract The thioredoxin (Trx) and thioredoxin reductase (TR) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been expressed in Escherichia coli and shown to reduce peroxides and dinitrobenzenes. The reduction of H 2 O 2 requires both Trx and TR and is more efficient under anaerobic than aerobic conditions. In contrast, cumene hydroperoxide is reduced to cumyl alcohol and acetophenone in a process that requires NADPH and TR but not Trx. Cumene hydroperoxide reduction is partially inhibited by chelation of trace metals in the medium. The reduction of cumene hydroperoxide by TR is more effective under anaerobic than aerobic conditions due to a competing oxidase reaction in which electrons are transferred from TR to O 2 . Under anaerobic conditions, dinitrobenzenes also serve as electron acceptors and are reduced by TR to nitroanilines, but the enzyme does not reduce mononitrobenzenes or mononitroimidazoles such as metronidazole. The reductive activity of the Trx–TR system may modify the antioxidant defenses of M. tuberculosis.
Labeling Index and Cell Density of Aging Rat Oral Tissues

Age changes were detected in oral epithelium, dental pulp, and periodontal ligament in the Simonsen rat.
Service parts logistics: a benchmark analysis

This paper summarizes the results of a benchmark study focusing on after-sales service logistics systems for technologically complex high-value products, i.e., in the computer industry. Current industrial practices and trends in service logistics operations are reported on. Specific data on costs, revenues, service measures, control policies, and distribution strategies were collected and used to define best practice performance. Analysis methodologies to support cross-sectional comparisons and causal factors are discussed.
A biomechanical comparison of two methods of fixation of fractures of the forearm.

In this study two different types of forearm internal fracture fixations were compared: limited-contact dynamic compression (DC) plates and fluted intramedullary (IM) rods. Eight matched pairs of intact forearms, consisting of the distal part of the humerus, elbow joint, radius, ulna, interosseus membrane, wrist joint, and metacarpals, were randomly separated into two groups. Each was placed into a custom-designed apparatus and subjected to medial bending, supination, pronation, axial compression, and distraction loading. Loads were applied by a materials testing system, and angular displacements were measured by inclinometers. The procedure consisted of first testing specimens intact, then retesting after oseotomizing and fixing the radius with either a plate or rod in half of the group and retesting after oseotomizing and fixing the ulna in the other half. Testing was continued by osteotomizing the remaining intact bone to create a two-bone fracture, fixing them, and retesting after creating a 5-mm gap at the osteotomy sites. These tests showed that the intact ulna contributes more to forearm stability in bending and torsion than does the radius. Therefore, if the radius is fractured but the ulna remains intact, IM rodding will produce constructs with greater stiffnesses, particularly in torsion, than if the ulna is fractured and the radius is intact. In the case of a two-bone fracture, implantation of rods will result in a construct with significantly less stiffness in torsion, as well as distraction and compression (in the case of a fracture gap), than if the fractures were plated. The torsional stiffness with rod fixation was low with a two-bone fracture (2.23% of intact specimens) compared with fixation with plates (83.4% of intact specimens) and the resistance to distraction and compression small (5–10 N of axial load). Consideration might be given to supplemental stabilization if IM rods are used in these circumstances.
A review of selected ecosystem services provided by coastal wetlands of the Laurentian Great Lakes

Significant ecosystem services derive from the coastal wetlands of the Laurentian Great Lakes even though two-thirds of the original coastal wetlands have been lost since European settlement, and the remaining 126,000 ha of U.S. coastal wetlands and ≥70,000 ha of Canadian wetlands are affected by anthropogenic stressors. Published information indicates that wildlife habitat, fisheries support, and water quality improvement are significant ecosystem services provided by Great Lakes coastal wetlands that should be strongly considered during management decision making. 30 species of waterfowl, 155 breeding bird species, and 55 species of reptiles and amphibians are supported by coastal wetland habitats across the Basin. Nearly all sport and commercial Great Lakes fish species use coastal wetlands for life-cycle functions, and Great Lakes food webs are supported by wetland export of young sport and forage fish. Biological responses indicate declines in the wildlife and fishery services with increasing levels ...
Dimensional crossover in the electrical and magnetic properties of the layered LaSb 2 superconductor under pressure: The role of phase fluctuations

We present electrical transport, magnetization, and ac as well as dc magnetic susceptibility measurements of the highly anisotropic compound LaSb${}_{2}$. Our data display a very broad anisotropic transition upon cooling below 2.5 K into a clean superconducting state with a field-dependent magnetization that is consistent with type I behavior. We identify distinct features of two-dimensionality in both the transport and magnetic properties. Application of hydrostatic pressure induces a two- to three-dimensional crossover evidenced by a reduced anisotropy and transition width. The superconducting transition appears phase-fluctuation-limited at ambient pressure, with fluctuations observed for temperatures greater than eight times the superconducting critical temperature.
Rates of the Phthalate Dioxygenase Reaction with Oxygen Are Dramatically Increased by Interactions with Phthalate and Phthalate Oxygenase Reductase

The phthalate dioxygenase system, which catalyzes the dihydroxylation of phthalate to form its cis-dihydrodiol (DHD), has two components: phthalate dioxygenase (PDO), a multimer with one Rieske-type [2Fe-2S] and one Fe(II) center per monomer, and phthalate dioxygenase reductase (PDR), which contains flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and a plant-like ferredoxin [2Fe-2S] center. PDR is responsible for transferring electrons from NADH to the Rieske center of PDO, and the Rieske center supplies electrons to the mononuclear center for the oxygenation of substrate. Reduced PDO (PDOred) that lacks Fe(II) at the mononuclear metal site (PDO-APO) reacts slowly with O2 (1.4 × 10-3 s-1 at 125 μM O2 and 22 °C), presumably in a direct reaction with the Rieske center. Binding of phthalate and/or PDRox to reduced PDO-APO increases the reactivity of the Rieske center with O2. When no PDR or phthalate is present, the oxidation of the Rieske center in native PDOred [which contains Fe(II) at the mononuclear site] occurs in two ph...
Rapid, efficient method for multiplex amplification from filter paper

Guthrie cards derived from the New York State Newborn Screening Program were utilized to develop a rapid, economical method for amplifying multiple genes to detect mutations that impact public health. These specimens are untraceable to the donor because identifiers are removed and discarded; therefore, these pilot studies were carried out anonymously. The sample preparation requires minimal manipulation, is amenable to automation, and is useful in laboratories which routinely process large numbers of samples, such as those in typical newborn screening laboratories. Multiple gene fragments may be amplified from a 1 mm punch which contains less than 1 μl of whole blood. The blood spots used in these studies contain sufficient material for up to 25 amplification reactions which multiplex at least four different gene fragments each. Since sufficient material remains on the card after the routine testing is complete, this simple assay can greatly expand the efficacy of current newborn screening programs by permitting DNA diagnosis of some disorders when indicated, particularly those in which genotype–phenotype correlations are useful. In addition to newborn screening specimens, this method is also applicable to whole blood from adults after phlebotomy and from lymphoblastoid cell lines. Use of filter paper for DNA analysis is particularly useful for shipped specimens or for population studies whose subjects are refractory to phlebotomy. Hum Mutat 11:404–409, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A COMPARISON OF THREE INTERVENTIONS FOR INCREASING ORAL READING PERFORMANCE: APPLICATION OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL HIERARCHY

The instructional hierarchy is a behavior-analytic model that links level of academic skill development (i.e., acquisition, fluency, generalization, adaptation) with appropriate instructional techniques. The present study used the instructional hierarchy to compare the effects of three instructional interventions (listening passage preview, subject passage preview, and taped words) on subjects' oral reading performance on word lists and passages. Subjects were 4 male students with learning disabilities who ranged in age from 8 years 10 months to 11 years 11 months. A multielement design was used to compare the effects of the three interventions to each other and to baseline. Results indicated that the listening passage preview intervention (which contained modeling, drill, and generalization components) produced the largest performance gains. The implications of these results for selecting academic interventions based on the instructional hierarchy are discussed.
The Code Red Worm

For Immediate Release: 3:00 PM (EDT) July 29, 2001 “A very real and present threat to the Internet: July 31 deadline for action. “Summary: The Code Red worm and mutations of the worm pose a continued and serious threat to Internet users. Immediate action is required to combat this threat. Users who have deployed software that is vulnerable to the worm (Microsoft IIS Versions 4.0 and 5.0) must install ... a vital security patch. “How big is the problem? On July 19, the Code Red worm infected more than 250,000 systems in just nine hours. The worm scans the Internet, identifies vulnerable systems, and infects these systems by installing itself. Each newly installed worm joins all the others causing the rate of scanning to grow rapidly. This uncontrolled growth in scanning directly decreases the speed of the Internet
Measurements of the virial coefficients and equation of state of the carbon dioxide+ethane system in the supercritical region

Gas-phase densities of the system carbon dioxide+ethane were measured with a Burnett apparatus at 320 K and at pressures up to approximately 10 MPa. Measurements were made on systems having carbon dioxide mole fractions of 0, 0.25166, 0.49245, 0.73978, and 1. Second and third virial coefficients were determined for each composition, and the cross virial coefficients were calculated. Comparisons were made with other recent high-quality measurements on this system. For each mixture compositionPρT measurements were made on five isochores having densities within ±30% of the critical density. Temperatures varied from 288 to 320 K. The two-phase boundary was determined and estimates are given forTc andPc for each composition.
Confirmation of Exchange-Degeneracy Predictions in the Line-Reversed Reactions: π + p-->K + Y * (1385) and K - p-->π - Y * (1385) at 11.5 GeV/c

We have measured in a single experimental setup the differential cross sections and polarizations of the ${Y}^{*}(1385)$ produced in the two line-reversed reactions ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{+}{Y}^{*}(1385)$ (260 eV/\ensuremath{\mu}b) and ${K}^{\ensuremath{-}}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{Y}^{*}(1385)$ (180 eV/\ensuremath{\mu}b) at 11.5 GeV/c. We compare these results to ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$ production in the same experiment. The data have been derived from a triggered bubble-chamber experiment using the SLAC Hybrid Facility. We find that both helicity-flip-dominated (${Y}^{*}$) and helicity-nonflip-dominated ($\ensuremath{\Sigma}$) processes are consistent with weak-exchange-degeneracy predictions.
PPARγ Activation in Human Endothelial Cells Increases Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-1 Expression PPARγ as a Potential Mediator in Vascular Disease

Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) is a major physiological inhibitor of fibrinolysis, with its plasma levels correlating with the risk for myocardial infarction and venous thrombosis. The regulation of PAI-1 transcription by endothelial cells (ECs), a major source of PAI-1, remains incompletely understood. Adipocytes also produce PAI-1, suggesting possible common regulatory pathways between adipocytes and ECs. Peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR)gamma is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates gene expression in response to various mediators such as 15-deoxy-Delta12, 14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) and oxidized linoleic acid (9- and 13-HODE). The present study tested the hypotheses that human ECs express PPARgamma and that this transcriptional activator regulates PAI-1 expression in this cell type. We found that human ECs contain both PPARgamma mRNA and protein. Immunohistochemistry of human carotid arteries also revealed the presence of PPARgamma in ECs. Bovine ECs transfected with a PPAR response element (PPRE)-luciferase construct responded to stimulation by the PPARgamma agonist 15d-PGJ2 in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting a functional PPARgamma in ECs. Treatment of human ECs with 15d-PGJ2, 9(S)-HODE, or 13(S)-HODE augmented PAI-1 mRNA and protein expression, whereas multiple PPARalpha activators did not change PAI-1 levels. Introduction of increasing amounts of a PPARgamma expression construct in human fibroblasts enhanced PAI-1 secretion from these cells in proportion to the amount of transfected DNA. Thus, ECs express functionally active PPARgamma that regulates PAI-1 expression in ECs. Our results establish a role for PPARgamma in the regulation of EC gene expression, with important implications for the clinical links between obesity and atherosclerosis.
Virginia: An Account of Schoenoplectus mucronatus (L.) Palla in Virginia with Comments on Species Introductions in Wetland Mitigation Sites

Schoenoplectus mucronatus (L.) Palla (CYPERACEAE)—King William County: Virginia Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (TNC) wetland restoration site, approximately 8 km west of Aylett on West River Road (Route 600). Approximately 50 plants were found growing in a seasonally ponded area along the southeast perimeter of the site among the following mixture of species: Persicaria maculosa Gray, Andropogon virginicus L., Rumex crispus L., Eleocharis palustris (L.) Roem. & Schult., Portulaca oleracea L., Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl., and Bidens aristosa (Michx.) Britton, 14 July 2009, N. McGoff and N. Zinn. Voucher specimen deposited at the Massey Herbarium at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia (VPI 105248). Significance. This is the first account of bog bulrush [Schoenoplectus mucronatus (L.) Palla] in Virginia and, to the best of our knowledge, the first record of this species within the South Atlantic states (Smith 2002, Virginia Botanical Associates 2009, United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service [USDA-NRCS] 2009). Bog bulrush is native to Africa and Eurasia and is listed as a problematic weed in 43 countries, presumably owing to its prolific colonization of rice fields and resistance to herbicide treatment (Smith 2002, Washington Noxious Weed Control Board 2010). The distribution of this species in the United States is localized in a few Pacific, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic/ Northeast states (USDA-NRCS 2009, Biota of North America Program 2010), likely following points of introduction from importation of biogenic goods. Populations represented by early records of this species from New Brunswick and New Jersey (prior to 1900) have presumably been extirpated; records from other Atlantic states (e.g., Pennsylvania, New York) are of doubtful persistence (Smith 2002). This finding represents one more in a series of species introductions observed in association with wetland mitigation in Virginia (Perry et al. 1998, DeBerry 2006, DeBerry and Perry 2007). In the case of created or restored wetlands, ‘‘introduction’’ may be viewed in an additional context beyond the ostensible native or non-native status of a species. What has come of interest to researchers and wetland managers is the mode of introduction, i.e., whether such species are ‘‘getting in’’ via natural dispersal vectors, or by anthropogenic means related to the construction and/or planting of the site. This question was first raised by Perry et al. (1998) for similar records in Virginia mitigation sites, but the topic has been covered extensively in other areas of the country (see review in Spieles 2005). From research on seed dispersal and seedbank dynamics in wetlands, it is clear that species such as bog bulrush are capable of colonizing wetland mitigation sites via natural dispersal vectors such as migra*email address: ddeberry@vhb.com Received March 8, 2010; Accepted April 26, 2010. CASTANEA 75(4): 503–505. DECEMBER 2010
A model syllabus for children and death courses

Abstract The subject of children and death is usually introduced, at least briefly, in courses on Death and Dying. It is a subject with many interesting facets, one that is important both for children and for adults, and one that attracts attention from a wide variety of audiences. Yet this subject can only be raised in passing in the crowded schedule of a Death and Dying course, though it surely deserves fuller attention in its own right. As a consequence, I believe faculty members and curriculum planners at the college and university level should develop regular, full-scale courses on Children and Death. In the following article, that conviction is defended by setting forth a model syllabus for such courses. This syllabus surveys the topical scope, organization, and rich resources currently available for courses on Children and Death. My aim is to show that such courses are both feasible and desirable in the present state of development of the death-awareness movement.
Leptin as a Modulator of Neuroendocrine Function in Humans

Leptin, a peptide hormone secreted by adipocytes in proportion of the amount of energy stored in fat, plays a central role in regulating human energy homeostasis. In addition, leptin plays a significant permissive role in the physiological regulation of several neuroendocrine axes, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, -thyroid, -growth hormone, and -adrenal axes. Decreased levels of leptin, also known as hypoleptinemia, signal to the brain a state of energy deprivation. Hypoleptinemia can be a congenital or acquired condition, and is associated with alterations of the aforementioned axes aimed at promoting survival. More specifically, gonadotropin levels decrease and become less pulsatile under conditions of energy deprivation, and these changes can be at least partially reversed through leptin administration in physiological replacement doses. Similarly, leptin deficiency is associated with thyroid axis abnormalities including abnormal levels of thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and leptin administration may at least partially attenuate this effect. Leptin deficiency results in decreased insulin-like growth factor 1 levels which can be partially ameliorated through leptin administration, and leptin appears to have a much more pronounced effect on the growth of rodents than that of humans. Similarly, adrenal axis function is regulated more tightly by low leptin in rodents than in humans. In addition to congenital leptin deficiency, conditions that may be associated with decreased leptin levels include hypothalamic amenorrhea, anorexia nervosa, and congenital or acquired lipodystrophy syndromes. Accumulating evidence from proof of concept studies suggests that leptin administration, in replacement doses, may ameliorate neuroendocrine abnormalities in individuals who suffer from these conditions.
On Causes and Consequences of Ancient and Modern Population Changes

Population growth is not an automatic tendency of either ancient or contemporary agrarian societies. It is not an autonomous “prime mover” which accounts for developmental episodes. Even when population problems occur it is wrong to assume that they will generally stimulate developmental innovations. Development is more apt to be stimulated by more effective demand and perceptions of new possibilities. Stresses due to shortages may actually reduce effective demand and inhibit development. Better approaches for understanding development are suggested.
New Electron Microscopy Techniques for the Study of Meteoritic Metal

Metallic Phases in extraterrestrial materials are composed of Fe-Ni with minor amounts of Co, P, Si, Cr, etc. Electron microscopy techniques (SEM, TEM, EPMA, AEM) have been used for almost 50 years to study micron and submicron microscopic features in the metal phases (Fig. 1) such as clear taenite, cloudy zone, plessite, etc [1,2]. However lack of instrumentation to prepare TEM thin foils in specific sample locations and to obtain micro-scale crystallographic data have limited these investigations. New techniques such as the focused ion beam (FIB) and the electron backscatter electron diffraction (EBSD) techniques have overcome these limitations. The application of the FIB instrument has allowed us to prepare {approx}10 um long by {approx} 5um deep TEM thin sections of metal phases from specific regions of metal particles, in chondrites, irons and stony iron meteorites, identified by optical and SEM observation. Using a FEI dual beam FIB we were able to study very small metal particles in samples of CH chondrites [3] and zoneless plessite (ZP) in ordinary chondrites. Fig. 2 shows a SEM photomicrograph of a {approx}40 um ZP particle in Kernouve, a H6 chondrite. Fig. 3a,b shows a TEM photograph of a section of the FIB prepared TEMmore » foil of the ZP particle and a Ni trace through a tetrataenite/kamacite region of the particle. It has been proposed that the Widmanstatten pattern in low P iron meteorites forms by martensite decomposition, via the reaction {gamma} {yields} {alpha}{sub 2} + {gamma} {yields} {alpha} + {gamma} in which {alpha}{sub 2}, martensite, decomposes to the equilibrium {alpha} and {gamma} phases during the cooling process [4]. In order to show if this mechanism for Widmanstatten pattern formation is correct, crystallographic information is needed from the {gamma} or taenite phases throughout a given meteorite. The EBSD technique was employed in this study to obtain the orientation of the taenite surrounding the initial martensite phase and the kamacite which forms as {alpha}{sub 2} or as Widmanstatten plates in a series of IVB irons. Fig. 4a,b shows EBSD orientation maps of taenite and kamacite from the Tawallah Valley IVB iron. We observe that the orientation of the taenite in the IVB meteorites is the same throughout the sample consistent with the orientation of the high temperature single phase taenite before formation of the Widmanstatten pattern.« less
Modeling of quantum-well lasers for computer-aided analysis of optoelectronic integrated circuits

A two-port circuit model for quantum-well (QW) lasers has been developed from rate equations. With emphasis on the physical principles, the phenomena of the recombination process of electron-hole pairs and the light wave resonance in the active region have been incorporated into this new model. The model has been implemented in a circuit simulator and validated with measured DC and transient laser characteristics. The frequency effects on the modulation properties of QW lasers have been studied and analyzed using a small-signal model. Simulation results show excellent agreement with experimental data. >
A survey of trailering problems in horses

Abstract A history form was sent to owners of 103 horses with trailer problems to determine what types of problems with trailering the horses exhibited, as well as the techniques the owners had used to mitigate the problem. Horses had problems with loading (53.4%) and traveling (51.5%). Of the horses who exhibited problems during travel, most had problems when the vehicle first began to move (53%) or when it went around a curve (47%). Less than half the horses (28.2%) had been cured by the methods the owners used. Breed differences in type of problems, in incidence of multiple problems, and in improvement were compared. There were no statistical differences in breed representation, either overall, or for any one particular problem or combination of problems. Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and Arabians were the most commonly presented breeds and the most common breeds at the time of the survey. No breed was more likely to be cured/improved or not. Orientation in the trailer and association of the trailer with aversive experiences may be important components of the etiology of trailering problems.
MIMO SVD-based multiplexing with imperfect channel knowledge

In narrowband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems with perfectly known channel state information (CSI), the singular value decomposition (SVD) is commonly used to decompose the MIMO channel into independent single-input single-output subchannels. In theory, optimal interference-free data multiplexing may then be carried out using the subchannel power levels provided by the well-known waterfilling solution. In practice, however, when finite codebooks are used and perfect CSI is unavailable, adaptations to power levels and bit-loading schemes are often needed to maintain reasonable performance. In this paper, we use expressions for the per-subchannel signal-to-interference- and-noise ratio for the imperfect CSI case to derive approximately optimal subchannel power levels and thresholds on the amount of CSI imperfections and noise tolerable in SVD-based multiplexing systems using M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation. Numerical simulations demonstrate the usefulness of the derived expressions.
NEW ALKENE-FORMING REACTION : PHENANTHRENES FROM 2-(2-FORMYLPHENYL)BENZALDEHYDE BIS-TOSYLHYDRAZONE DECOMPOSITION

Abstract Heating the dilithium or disodium salts of the bistosylhydrazones 5ab of the 2-(2-formylphenyl)benzaldehydes 1ab affords the phenanthrenes 2ab in fair to good yields.
Gender and Political Participation in the Chinese Countryside

This study draws on a four-county probability survey of Chinese countryside residents in order to assess the participation levels of women and men in light of postliberation developments and the impact of reform in the post-Mao era Participation rates for men exceed those for women across a variety of modes, a gap that remains substantial when other relevant traits are held constant and one which resembles that found in more open societies. An especially helpful trait for women is that of having a second occupation. Gender inequalities take on a parabolic shape across age, a pattern partially accounted for by similar inequalities in education experienced by different birth cohorts. In accordance with explanations offered in other polities, the lower participation rates for Chinese women stem from cross-sex differences in contemporary life situations, institutional and structural mechanisms, and preadult socialization patterns.
Opercular beat rate for rainbow darters Etheostoma caeruleum exposed to chemical stimuli from conspecific and heterospecific fishes

Opercular beat rates of rainbow darters Etheostoma caeruleum were used as a measure of a physiological response to chemical stimulation. Rainbow darters responded significantly to some chemical cues (active and ambush predators, competitors, novel stimuli and to conspecific and heterospecific alarm cues) with increases in opercular movements; neutral cues and novel alarm cues did not elicit significant changes. Changes in opercular movements may be a good bioassay for determining detection of chemical stimuli by rainbow darters.
A Statistical Evaluation of the Field Acceleration Parameter Observed During Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown Testing of Silica-Based Low-k Interconnect Dielectrics

Extensive time-dependent dielectric breakdown (TDDB) data were taken for several silica-based low-k interconnect dielectrics so that the full statistical-distribution for the field acceleration parameter (gamma) could be determined. The low-k materials tested during this study included: SiOF (k=3.6), SiOCl (k=2.9), SiOC2 (k=2.6) and MSQ (k=2.3). While a strong material-dependence was found for the breakdown strength and time-to-failure, all of these silica-based materials tested at 105degC were observed to have a similar field acceleration parameter of gamma = 4.13 +/- 0.85 cm/MV
Determinants of Risk Perceptions of a Hazardous Waste Site

A before-stimulus-after quasi-experimental design is used to assess the factors relating to risk perceptions of a hazardous waste site. First, a pretest obtains measures of attitudes and beliefs about hazardous waste and waste sites. Second, a detailed hypothetical {open_quotes}Superfund{close_quotes} scenario, including a complex cleanup plan, is introduced. Finally, indices of health risk estimates, trust, knowledge, and other pertinent beliefs are obtained. levels of concern, both before and after cleanup, are the dependent variables. Independent variables include risk management options, health risk estimates, trust, and five sociodemographic characteristics. Concern is extremely high prior to cleanup and moderately high after cleanup. Concern is a clear function of health risk estimates. Toxic chemicals from waste sites are viewed as a major cause of multiple health problems, especially cancers. Accurate health risk estimates moderate fears and are linked to levels of education. Education, however, does not explain concern. Trust is a major factor explaining concern and health risk estimates. The implications of these findings for risk communication is discussed. 13 refs., 4 tabs.
Pharmacological content of tablets sold as “ecstasy”: Results from an online testing service

Purpose: This study examined the pharmacological content of tablets sold as ecstasy, the variation of tablet content by geographic region, and change in tablet content between 1999 and 2005. Methods: The sample was comprised of tablets anonymously submitted for laboratory testing between 1999 and 2005 (n = 1214). Tablet height, width, geographic region, and year of submission were all used to predict the pharmacological content of the tablets. Results: Overall, 39% of the tablets were comprised of MDMA only, 46% only contained substances other than MDMA and 15% were mixtures of MDMA and other substances. Tablet height and width were inversely related to tablet purity. Ecstasy tablets from California and Florida had decreased likelihoods of containing non-MDMA substances. The purity of tablets decreased over time, which was largely a result of an increasing number of tablets comprised of MDMA along with other substances. Conclusions: Ecstasy users may be putting themselves at increased risk of substance-induced anxiety, mood, and psychotic disorders by unknowingly ingesting substances other than MDMA. To decrease detrimental health effects, prevention programs should emphasize the impurity of ecstasy tablets and focus on the health impacts of these substances, particularly for populations at high-risk of substance-induced disorders. © 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fontan completion after Norwood with bidirectional Glenn shunt: their haemodynamics and pulmonary artery configuration

OBJECTIVES We ranked the haemodynamics and pulmonary artery (PA) configurations of Norwood with bidirectional Glenn shunt (NW-G) patients among the other staged Fontan completion (conventional) patients in this study. METHODS Between August 2001 and April 2010, 91 consecutive patients completed staged Fontan operations. Among them, NW-G was performed in 11. RESULTS There was no operative or late death except in one case which resulted from a reoperation after Fontan completion. Although the age at bidirectional Glenn (BDG) and Fontan completion was younger in NW-G (4.2 vs. 10.9 months, P < 0.01, and 2.3 vs. 3.3 years, P < 0.01), the interval between BDG and Fontan completion was not significantly different in these groups (23.6 vs. 28.0 months, P = 0.71). On Fontan completion, the extracardiac conduit size was significantly different (16.4 vs. 17.7 mm, P < 0.01). However, the pulmonary artery size (PA index) and the PA pressure were not significantly different (165.4 vs. 205.1 mm(2)/m(2), P = 0.23, and 13.4 vs. 11.0 mmHg, P = 0.08). Particularly in hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients, the PA index was not significantly different between these groups (165.4 vs. 174.9 mm(2)/m(2), P = 0.59). CONCLUSIONS The NW-G patients could have a subsequent Fontan completion with good results. There was no significant difference with respect to Fontan completion.
Hypercoagulable state mutation analysis in white patients with early first-trimester recurrent pregnancy loss.

Abstract Objective: Antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) and other coagulation abnormalities have been associated with an increased risk of venous, arterial, and placental thrombosis and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Factor V Leiden (a point mutation [1691G→A] in the factor V gene), the prothrombin 20210G→A mutation, and homozygosity for a common polymorphism in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene (677C→T) have been associated with arterial and venous thrombosis and arterial occlusive disease. We explored an association between these markers of thrombophilic states and RPL. Design: Prospective case-control evaluation. Setting: University-associated private practice. Patient(s): Fifty nonpregnant women with three or more pregnancy losses and 50 healthy, nonpregnant controls. Intervention(s): None. Main Outcome Measure(s): Anticardiolipin and antiphosphatidylserine antibodies were detected in serum by ELISA. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify the factor V Leiden (1691G→A) mutation, the thermobile MTHFR (677C→T) mutation, and the prothrombin 20210G→A mutation. Result(s): The following were identified by restriction fragment-linked polymorphism analyses: 1 (2%) factor V Leiden heterozygosity; 1 (2%) prothrombin 20210G→A heterozygosity; and 4 (8%) thermolabile MTHFR homozygosity. None of these mutation frequencies in women with RPL were statistically significantly different from controls. Conclusion(s): These data suggest that factor V Leiden, thermolabile MTHFR (677C→T), and prothrombin 20210G→A are not found at an increased frequency in women with a history of early RPL.
Overlapping Student Environments: An Examination of the Homeschool Connection and Its Impact on Achievement

This study of the impact of the homeschool connection on achievement was part of a larger interpretive case study which examined high achieving readers in a low performing school. The primary participants in the study were 7 African American 6th graders. Caregivers’ thoughts on education and their aspirations for their children were examined through the lens of social reproduction theories, cultural-ecological theory, and the notions of cultural capital and habitus. Discourse analysis, analytic induction, and the constant-comparative method were used to analyze the data. Findings show disconnect among caregivers’ aspirations for their children, how these aspirations are fostered, and student achievement.
Nonlinear control theory and chaotic dynamical systems

The author treats the role of multiparameters in the existence of solutions of highly coupled nonlinear dynamical systems and numerical computation of solutions. An attempt is made to develop methods applicable to control of highly coupled nonlinear dynamical systems containing multiparameters which may have a chaotic behavior. Due to the loss of components of a nonlinear dynamical system it may have a chaotic solution instead of a stable controllable observable solution. The basic mathematics involved in such nonlinear multiparameter systems is treated so as to make sufficient changes in the system without losing the system completely as far as applications are concerned. This requires the development of time-dependent multiple objective numerical algorithms involving time to acomplish various desired maneuvers results obtained can be used to establish feedback control laws for nonlinear dynamical systems of a specified form. >
Relational Duals of Cluster-Validity Functions for the $c$ -Means Family

Clustering aims to identify groups of similar objects. To evaluate the results of cluster algorithms, an investigator uses cluster-validity indices. While the theory of cluster validity is well established for vector object data, little effort has been made to extend it to relationship-based data. As such, this paper proposes a theory of reformulation for object-data validity indices so that they can be used to rank the results produced by the relational -means clustering algorithms. More specifically, we create a class of relational validity indices, which is called dual-relational indices, that are guaranteed under certain, but easily met, constraints to produce the same results and, hence, the same cluster counts, as their object-data counterparts.
Hydrogen rearrangement and ring cleavage reactions study of progesterone by triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and density functional theory

The fragmentation mechanisms of progesterone have been studied by triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (MSMS) and density functional theory (DFT). Mechanisms leading to major product ions are proposed. The data suggest that progesterone fragments preferentially via hydrogen and other rearrangements lead to neutral losses. These fragmentations are quite complex and are preceded by σ-bond cleavages in most cases. Four major pathways for progesterone fragmentation are proposed involving: (1) cleavage of ring B at C9-C10, (2) cleavage of C6-C7 bond in ring B through m/z 191, (3) two types of cleavages of ring D, and (4) ketene elimination in ring A. Pathways (1)-(3) proceed via charge-remote fragmentations while pathway (4) proceeds via charge-site initiated mechanism. The geometry of product ions in these pathways were optimized using DFT at the B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory from which the free energies of the pathways were calculated. The effect that the choice of basis sets and density functionals has on the results was tested by performing additional calculations using B3LYP/6-31G(d) and B3PW91/6-311G(d,p).
DISCRETION WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS OF OPPORTUNITY: GENDER HOMOPHILY AND STRUCTURE IN A FORMAL ORG

Homophily is perhaps the most robust empirical regularity describing the structure of social relations. While we know that homophily results from both individual preference and uneven opportunity, ...
Testing real-time constraints in a process algebraic setting

Verifying timing properties of real-time systems by traditional approaches that depend on the exploration of the entire system state space is impractical for large systems. In contrast, testing allows the search for violations of a property to be narrowed to a relatively small portion of the overall state space, based on assumptions regarding the structure of an implementation. We present a domain testing based technique for verifying timing constraints of real-time systems, given timing constraints specified as minimum and maximum allowable delays between input/output events. The testing methodology is presented in a process algebraic setting where it is an efficient alternative to model checking for verifying system timing properties. An example illustrates the application of our testing technique to a timed interactive system.
Weighted System Dependence Graph

In this paper, we present a weighted, hybrid program-dependence model that represents the relevance of highly related, dependent code to assist developer comprehension of the program for multiple software-engineering tasks. Programmers often need to understand the dependencies among program elements, which may exist across multiple modules. Although such dependencies can be gathered from traditional models, such as slices, the scalability of these approaches is often prohibitive for direct, practical use. To address this scalability issue, as well as to assist developer comprehension, we introduce a program model that includes static dependencies as well as information about any number of executions, which inform the weight and relevance of the dependencies. Additionally, classes of executions can be differentiated in such a way as to support multiple software-engineering tasks. We evaluate this weighted, hybrid model for a task that involves exploring the structural context while debugging. The results demonstrate that the new model more effectively reveals relevant failure-correlated code than the static-only model, thus enabling a more scalable exploration or post hoc analysis.
Observations of Mixed-Phase Precipitation within a CaPE Thunderstorm

Abstract Various procedures for inferring hydrometeor characteristics from polarimetric radar data have indicated that regions with echoes exhibiting relatively high linear depolarization ratios along with relatively low differential reflectivity contain wet graupel or hail. Such particles could be found either in a melting zone below the 0°C level in a cloud or in a region of wet growth where the rate of supercooled cloud water accretion overwhelms the rate at which the latent heat associated with complete freezing can be dissipated. In subtropical clouds such as those studied in the Convection and Precipitation/Electrification (CaPE) project in Florida, at the −5°C level or higher, neither condition is obtained. Yet similar polarimetric radar signatures were nevertheless observed at such levels during CaPE. Examination of in situ observations by the T-28 aircraft in the Florida clouds, along with results from previous laboratory and theoretical studies, suggests that the signature regions were character...
Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders in Children and Adolescents

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) represents the end-stage manifestation of a prolonged infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Children and adolescents may contract AIDS from sexual contact with any infected person, following injection with contaminated blood, or from pre- or perinatal transmission.
Wr Hambrecht A Co.: Openipo

The purpose of this case is to evaluate opportunities and challenges the Internet presents for investment banks offering online initial public offerings (IPOs). Information included about Wit Capital, WR Hembrecht & Co., E*Offerings and other online investment banks and brokerages allows the student to identify and evaluate benefits and risks stemming form online IPOs, including discussions about investors access, issuer access, and pricing. The innovative Dutch auction system used by OpenIPO will illuminate one possible solution to pricing inefficiencies endemic to the traditional IPO process.