cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of FDTD modeling of VLF Signals to D-Region Chemistry: Quiescent & Disturbed Conditions

Radio signals are strongly impacted by natural and artificial ionospheric disturbances which can be challenging to model. This is especially true of D- Region chemistry which is affected from below by shocks, acoustic-gravity waves and thunderstorm electric fields, and from above by solar x-rays, high-energy protons, and precipitating electrons. Detailed chemistry schemes have been developed by various research groups, with many 10s of species and many 100s of reactions, that have been used to calculate RF absorption during geomagnetic events. In contrast, advanced studies of VLF signal propagation typically employ reduced D-Region chemistry schemes [1]–[2], e.g., the four species Glukhov-Pasko-Inan scheme [3], that rely upon simplified parameterizations of electron attachment, detachment and recombination.
Emission of Positive Ions Formed at Metal Surfaces (Surface Ionization)

When atoms or molecules from a molecular beam or from a vapor impinge on an incandescent metal surface, they may evaporate partly as neutral atoms and partly as positive or negative ions after a mean residence time τ a or τ i respectively. Langmuir and Kingdon [420] first observed the formation of positive cesium ions on an incandescent wolfram surface. Subsequently, numerous studies of positive surface ionization have been conducted, since this effect opens interesting possibilities for ion production as well as for the detection of molecular and atomic beams. The developments in recent years have followed two main directions. On the one hand there have been attempts to extend the classes of atoms and metal surfaces for which surface ionization occurs and the Saha-Langmuir equation is valid. On the other hand, and to a much smaller extent, there has been an attempt to study the mechanism of surface ionization itself, as for example by direct determinations of desorption probabilities for ions and atoms, and for the charge-transfer probabilities
Photosynthesis, respiration, and carbon allocation of two cool-season perennial grasses in response to surface soil drying

The study was conducted to investigate carbon metabolic responses to surface soil drying for cool-season grasses. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb.) were grown in a greenhouse in split tubes consisting of two sections. Plants were subjected to three soil moisture regimes: (1) well-watered control; (2) drying of upper 20-cm soil (upper drying); and (3) drying of whole 40-cm soil profile (full drying). Upper drying for 30 d had no dramatic effects on leaf water potential (Ψleaf) and canopy photosynthetic rate (Pn) in either grass species compared to the well-watered control, but it reduced canopy respiration rate (Rcanopy) and root respiration rate in the top 20 cm of soil (Rtop). For both species in the lower 20 cm of wet soil, root respiration rates (Rbottom) were similar to the control levels, and carbon allocation to roots increased with the upper soil drying, particularly for tall fescue. The proportion of roots decreased in the 0-20 cm drying soil, but increased in the lower 20 cm wet soil for both grass species; the increase was greater for tall fescue. The Ψleaf, Pn, Rcanopy, Rtop, Rbottom, and carbon allocation to roots in both soil layers were all significantly higher for upper dried plants than for fully dried plants of both grass species. The reductions in Rcanopy and Rtop in surface drying soil and increases in root respiration and carbon allocation to roots in lower wet soil could help these grasses cope with surface-soil drought stress.
Pediatric spinal injury in the US: epidemiology and disparities

OBJECT In the US, race and economic status have pervasive associations with mechanisms of injury, severity of injury, management, and outcomes of trauma. The goal of the current study was to examine these relationships on a large scale in the setting of pediatric spinal injury. METHODS Admissions for spinal fracture without or with spinal cord injury (SCI), spinal dislocation, and SCI without radiographic abnormality were identified in the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) and the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) registry for 2009. Patients ranged in age from birth up to 21 years. Data from the KID were used to estimate nationwide annual incidences. Data from the NTDB were used to describe patterns of injury in relation to age, race, and payor, with corroboration from the KID. Multiple logistic regression was used to model rates of mortality and spinal fusion. RESULTS In 2009, the estimated incidence of hospital admission for spinal injury in the US was 170 per 1 million in the population under 21 years of age. The incidence of SCI was 24 per 1 million. Incidences varied regionally. Adolescents predominated. Patterns of injury varied by age, race, and payor. Black patients were more severely injured than patients of other races as measured by Injury Severity Scale scores. Among black patients with spinal injury in the NTDB, 23.9% suffered firearm injuries; only 1% of white patients suffered firearm injuries. The overall mortality rate in the NTDB was 3.9%. In a multivariate analysis that included a large panel of clinical and nonclinical factors, black race retained significance as a predictor of mortality (p = 0.006; adjusted OR 1.571 [1.141-2.163]). Rates of spinal fusion were associated with race and payor in the NTDB data and with payor in the KID: patients with better insurance underwent spinal fusion at higher rates. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiology of pediatric spinal injury in the US cannot be understood apart from considerations of race and economic status. Language: en
The cybrarian's web : an A-Z guide to 101 free Web 2.0 tools and other resources

A review of Cheryl Ann Peltier-Davis' book The Cybrarianâs Web: An A-Z Guide to 101 Free Web 2.0 Tools and Other Resources.
Hegel e Filosofia Analítica

This paper analyzes important elements in the reception of Hegel’s philosophy in the present. In order to reach this goal we discuss how analytic philosophy receives Hegel’s philosophy. For that purpose, we reconstruct the reception of analytic philosophy in the face of Hegel, especially from those authors who were central in this movement of reception and distance of his philosophy, namely, Bertrand Russell, Frege and Wittgenstein. Another central point of this paper is to review the book of Paul Redding, Analytic Philosophy and the Return of Hegelian Thought, in comparison with the reception of Hegel, developed here by analytic philosophy. Finally, we show how a dialogue can be productive of these apparently opposing currents.
Use of 2D images of depth and integrated reflectivity to represent the severity of demineralization in cross-polarization optical coherence tomography

Several studies have demonstrated the potential of cross-polarization optical coherence tomography (CP-OCT) to quantify the severity of early caries lesions (tooth decay) on tooth surfaces. The purpose of this study is to show that 2D images of the lesion depth and the integrated reflectivity can be used to accurately represent the severity of early lesions. Simulated early lesions of varying severity were produced on tooth samples using simulated lesion models. Methods were developed to convert the 3D CP-OCT images of the samples to 2D images of the lesion depth and lesion integrated reflectivity. Calculated lesion depths from OCT were compared with lesion depths measured from histological sections examined using polarized light microscopy. The 2D images of the lesion depth and integrated reflectivity are well suited for visualization of early demineralization.
Cyber Siren: What Mami Wata reveals about the Internet and Chinese presence in Kinshasa

In 2012, images of a mystical mermaid known locally as Mami Wata circulated on the Internet and via people's mobile phones, sparking rumours that Chinese labourers had captured her as they were installing underwater fibreoptic cables. Appearing as a grotesque sea-creature with a gnarled, shrivelled body, this new image of Mami Wata challenges older, popular depictions of her as a beautiful maiden. Further, in her deformed body, Mami Wata reveals new tensions arising from promises of wealth and modernisation promoted by both Chinese and Congolese governments. Accounts of rumours/urban legends and metaphors of contagion animate larger contemporary discussions concerning development projects, “otherness” and the influence of the Internet and mobile phone technology on production of popular African culture. The female siren, Mami Wata, is a recurring motif in Kinshasa's collective urban imaginary. Historically she has been an expression of modernity and hybridity through visual representation in popular paint...
Hybrid techniques for electrostatic analysis of nanowires

We propose an efficient approach, namely the hybrid BIE/Poisson/Schrodinger approach, for electrostatic analysis of nanowires. In this approach, the interior and the exterior domain electrostatics are described by Poisson's equation (or Poisson's equation coupled with Schrodinger's equation when quantum-mechanical effects are dominant) and the boundary integral formulation of the potential equation, respectively. We employ a meshless finite cloud method and a boundary cloud method to solve the coupled equations self-consistently. The proposed approach significantly reduces the computational cost and provides a higher accuracy of the solution.
The impact of advancing age on postoperative outcomes in plastic surgery

Age has been shown to be an independent predictor of complications in general surgery patients. In contrast, the effect of age on outcomes after plastic surgery has yet to be confirmed or refuted. The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate a possible association between age and postoperative outcomes after plastic surgery. The 2005-2012 NSQIP database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing plastic surgery. Patients ≥60 years with procedures under the category of plastic surgery in NSQIP were selected for analysis. The primary outcome of interest was 30-day overall complication rates. Multivariate regression models were constructed to control for potential perioperative confounders. Of the 2,320,920 patients captured in the NSQIP database, 36,819 patients underwent plastic surgery and met inclusion criteria. The incidence of unadjusted overall complications increased with age with an overall complication rate of 9.0% in patients 80 years). Age alone should not be included as a decisional factor in patients <80 years old considering plastic surgery.
The efficiency of plate tectonics and nonequilibrium dynamical evolution of planetary mantles

Consideration of the structure of dynamical equilibria in terrestrial planets using simplified descriptions of the relevant heat transport processes (rigid-lid convection, plate tectonics, and heat pipe volcanism) reveals that if the efficiency of plate tectonic heat transport decreases at higher mantle temperature, then it cannot govern quasi-equilibrium dynamical evolution, and the system is always evolving away from the plate tectonic regime. A planet on which plate tectonics is less efficient at higher temperature stays in heat pipe mode longer, spends less time undergoing plate tectonics, and has a low and ever-decreasing Urey number during this phase. These conclusions are based solely on the structure of the equilibria in a system with less efficient plate tectonics in the past and are independent of the mechanisms leading to this behavior. Commonly used quasi-equilibrium approaches to planetary thermal evolution are likely not valid for planets in which heat transport becomes less efficient at higher temperature.
Purification and Partial Characterization of a Vibrio fetus Immunogen

Abstract An antigen released into broth culture medium (2 mg/100 ml of culture medium) during 20-hr growth of Vibrio fetus was removed from the growth medium by salt precipitation [50 g of (NH4)2SO4/100 ml of broth] and centrifugation. About 30 mg of the postgrowth broth (PGB) antigen protein was removed from other salt precipitable material during one polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic run. The PGB antigen was further purified by using gel filtration on Sephadex G-200, and a molecular weight of 135,000 was established. The purified PGB antigen was shown to contain protein and carbohydrate but not lipid and was a glycoprotein. The antigen had an isoelectric point at pH 4.2 and an RF value of 0.30 on acrylamide gel electrophoresis. At least one PGB antigen was detected in all (31) V. fetus isolants tested. These antigens were heat labile.
Sequential hypothesis testing for dynamic SAR resource allocation

In this paper we describe a novel method of automatic target detection applied directly to the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) phase history. Our algorithm is based on a sequential likelihood ratio test (Wald test). The time dynamic behavior of the SAR phase history is modeled as a 2D autoregressive process. The sequential test attempts to dynamically ascertain the presence/absence of a target while the SAR phase history data is being collected. A target/no target decision can then be made during the collection aperture. System resources such as collection aperture and image formation processing can be dynamically reallocated depending on scene content. In contrast, image based detection methods wait until the entire aperture is collected, an image formed, then an algorithm is applied. We will show that significant savings in collection aperture can be obtained using this detection structure which may increase system search rates.
Optical Amplitudes and Radio Spectra of Variable Galaxies

Le Squeren, Biraud and Lauque1 have proposed that the compact galaxy I Zw187 (1727 + 50) (ref. 2) be placed in a class of objects like BL Lacertae. These objects (“lacertids”1) have the following distinguishing characteristics : featureless optical spectrum, flat radio spectrum and fast and irregular optical and radio variations. A major feature of the members of this class is the extremely large total range of optical variability. We have examined the optical record of I Zw187 from the Harvard plate collection and published data and find a total optical amplitude of at least 2.1 blue photographic magnitudes, which places the object within the range of variability of the other proposed members of the class. There is also a suggestion of an empirical relationship between optical amplitude and radio spectral index for members of the class, in the sense that more inverted (centimetre excess) radio spectra are associated with larger total optical amplitudes.
Cytosine Arabinoside Plus Hemin Treatment of a Human Erythroid Cell Line, Kmoe, Strongly Induces Embryonic, Fetal, and Adult β-Like Globin Genes

A variety of regimens were utilized on KMOE cells to maximally raise globin mRNA levels for the purpose of improving the usefullness of this line for globin gene studies. Steady-state mRNA levels of embryonic (ϵ), fetal (γ) and adult (β) globin genes were assayed by the S1-nuclease protection method before and after exposure to inducing compounds. Exposure of KMOE cells to cytosine arabinoside and hemin leads to over 20-fold increases in β- and γ-globin mRNA steady-state levels, and an over 60-fold increase in ϵ-globin mRNA level. Exposure to cytosine arabinoside alone induced β- and ϵ-globin but not γ-globin gene expression. The α-like globin genes (ζ and α) were also monitored but found to be poorly expressed and not significantly inducible. The presence of ϵ-globin mRNA and the lack of α-globin mRNA distinguishes this line, KMOE-EL, from the KMOE sublines previously described.
Pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder: Symptom patterns and confirmatory factor analysis

Abstract Pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder. This study evaluates patterns of obsessions and compulsions in pediatric OCD and assesses symptom dimensions in OCD based on the Children's Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Participants were 77 youths (ages 5–18) with OCD [22 with pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and 55 with non-PANDAS OCD]. All participants were administered Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM-IV and CY-BOCS. CFA was run to test a four-factor model with the following CY-BOCS factors: ordering/repeating, contamination/cleaning, hoarding, and forbidden thoughts. The most common obsessions were aggressive and contamination and most common compulsions were checking and washing/cleaning. Eighty-eight percent of participants reported multiple current obsessions and compulsions. CFA results supported the fit of the hypothesized factor model to the data within this sample. Defining OCD dimensions will guide investigations of etiology and help predict and monitor response to treatments.
The Rod-and-Frame Test: Some Comments on Methodology

The technique of the Rod-and-frame Test as used by most psychologists is criticized for difficulties in control of head position, starting position effects, control readings, and the effect of instructions. Differences in results reported with Witkin's method and with other methods are discussed.
Endotoxin-mediated hepatic lipid accumulation during parenteral nutrition in rats.

Objective: To assess the effect of endotoxemia on hepatic lipid content during parenteral nutrition (PN) in rats.Methods: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats (185–230 gm) were randomized to receive PN (n=9) or PN plus a continuous infusion of E. coli 026:B6 lipopolysaccharide (LPS; n=11). All animals received isocaloric (170 kcal/kg/day), isonitrogenous (1.1 g N/kg/day), glucose-based PN for the next 78 hours. After 30 hours of adaptation to TPN, the animals were randomized to receive PN or PN plus LPS at 6 mg/kg/day for the remaining 48 hours of study. The animals were euthanized and the livers were harvested.Results: Liver weight increased significantly (by 60%) from 7.5 ± 0.6 g to 12.1 ± 2.4 g (p ≤ 0.01) in the animals who received PN versus LPS, respectively. The proportion of liver water remained the same for PN and LPS groups (72.9 ± 3.2% versus 72.3 ± 3.8%, respectively, p = N.S.). However, liver fat increased disproportionately (by about 130%) from 0.20 ± 0.05 g to 0.46 ± 0.20 g (p ≤ 0.01) total fat w...
Anticonvulsant potency and toxicity of 5,5-diphenyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione

The anticonvulsant ED50 of 5,5-diphenyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione (DPO) was determined in male CF.971 mice by a standard maximal electroshock method, and compared with that for phenytoin (PHT) and phenobarbital (PB). Acute neurotoxicity (TD50) and acute lethality (LD50) were also determined. The anticolvulsant ED50 (308 mg/kg) of DPO was significantly less than that of either PHT (7.1 mg/kg) or PB (19.0 mg/kg). Neurotoxicity was observed with doses of DPO required for anticonvulsant action (TD50=335 mg/kg)
Dark matter: What happens next?

Any of the types of dark matter searches – in deep mines, with space telescopes, the Large Hadron Collider – could be near a breakthrough
The role of protein kinase C in long-term potentiation: a testable model

With the use of appropriate reagents, LTP may be divided into at least two stages, induction and maintenance. Induction of LTP is dependent upon the activation of the NMDA receptor, and the consequent influx of calcium into the postsynaptic cell. Both correlational evidence (measures of PKC activity, protein F1 phosphorylation, and PI turnover) and interventive evidence (application of PKC inhibitors and activators) indicate that PKC activation is necessary for maintenance of the LTP response. An important regulatory pathway for PKC activation is the liberation of c-FAs from membrane phospholipids by PLA2. In LTP, activation of this pathway may stabilize PKC in an activated state, and thus contribute to maintenance of the potentiated response. LTP maintenance could result from presynaptic alteration (increased neurotransmitter release), postsynaptic alteration (increases in receptor number or sensitivity, or alterations of postsynaptic morphology), synapse addition, or any of these processes in combination. If LTP maintenance is mediated by presynaptic alteration, as has been indicated by measurement of glutamate release, then one must posit a signal that travels from the postsynaptic to the presynaptic membrane to activate presynaptic PKC. Alternatively, if LTP maintenance is mediated by postsynaptic alteration, a signal contained within the dendritic spine would suffice to activate postsynaptic PKC-mediated maintenance processes. We suggest that the contributions of presynaptic and postsynaptic processes to LTP maintenance may be determined by the differential distribution of PKC subtypes and substrates among hippocampal synaptic zones.
Empirically derived job characteristics measures and the motivating potential score

The relationship of job satisfaction to empirically derived measures of job perceptions originally investigated by Zaccaro and Stone (1988) and to measures of the job from the Job Diagnostic Survey (JDS: Hackman & Old-ham, 1975) was investigated. The multiplicative nature of the JDS scales forming the Motivating Potential Score (MPS) was tested. The extent to which job satisfaction mediated the relationship between job perceptions and intent to leave was explored using a path analysis. The empirically derived measures of Zacarro and Stone were found to account for a significant increment in variance in the case of satisfaction with work itself, but not with overall satisfaction or satisfaction with other job facets. No evidence for the multiplicative formulation of the MPS was found. Both perception of job danger and a linear composite motivating potential scale exhibited direct effects on intent to leave not mediated by job satisfaction.
Structure, activity, and immune (T and B cell) recognition of botulinum neurotoxins.

Botulism, which was first reported over a century ago, is caused by botulinum neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum in seven immunological serotypes (A through G). The primary structures of a number of these BoNTs have been determined and are reviewed here, together with their gene structure and synthesis. The biological actions of BoNTs, which result in their ability to block neurotransmitter release have been the subject of intensive study, and in this review we discuss the binding of BoNTs to the cell surface as well as the mechanism of their intercellular action. The ability of BoNTs to block neurotransmitter release has been exploited in therapeutic applications to reduce muscle hyperactivity for the treatment of a variety of clinical conditions associated with involuntary muscle spasm and contractions. The advantages, limitations, and risks of these applications are discussed. Certain compounds provide some limited protection against BoNT. However, more effective protection has been obtained immunologically either by passive immunity (i.e., by administration of anti-BoNT Abs) or by immunization with inactivated toxin. More recently, excellent protection has been obtained by immunization with the receptor-binding region comprising the C-terminal (residues 860 to 1296) fragment (Hc) of the heavy chain of BoNT/A. Here we review the mapping of the epitopes on the Hc region of BoNT/A that are recognized by anti-BoNT/A Abs raised in horse, human, and mouse. The epitopes on the Hc that are recognized by anti-Hc Abs and by Hc-primed T lymphocytes were mapped in two mouse strains [BALB/c (H-2d) and SJL (H-2s)]. The peptides, which contain Ab or T cell epitopes (or both) on the Hc, were used as immunogens in BALB/c and SJL mice and we identified those peptides whose Ab and/or T-cell response cross-react with Hc. Identification of these peptides is an important first step in the intricate requirements for the design of a synthetic vaccine.
A MINIATURE MICROBIAL FUEL CELL OPERATING WITH AN AEROBIC ANODE CHAMBER

Abstract A miniature microbial fuel cell (mini-MFC) is described that utilizes an aerobic culture of Shewanella oneidensis DSP10 as the active electrochemical species in the anode chamber. We find that the maximum aerobic mini-MFC power without the addition of exogenous mediators was 0.40 mW, a 33% decrease when compared with an anaerobic DSP10 culture (0.6 mW) operating in the mini-MFC. This decrease is most likely due to the presence of dissolved oxygen in the anode chamber that scavenges electrons to form water, thereby reducing the number of electrons donated to the anode. Aerobic power and current density at maximum power using the true surface area of the anode (611 cm2) were calculated to be 6.5 mW m−2 and 13 mA m−2. The power density rises to 2.0 W m−2 and 330 W m−3 when calculated using the cross-sectional area and volume of the device (2 cm2, 1.2 cm3). The Coulombic efficiency was also reduced from 11 to 5% when using the aerobic versus anaerobic culture. Similar results were found when the external mediator anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) was added to the aerobic culture, resulting in a maximum power of 0.54 mW, a 37% drop in power when compared to the anaerobic mediated system.
The effect of head position on scapular orientation and muscle activity during shoulder elevation

The purposes of this study were to compare the effects of flexed head positions on scapular orientation and muscle activity during humeral elevation, and to determine any association of kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) responses. Twenty-five subjects, 19–37 years old and without any recent history of shoulder or neck symptoms, were evaluated. Three-dimensional scapular coordinate data and surface EMG signals from the trapezius (upper and lower), levator scapulae, and serratus anterior were collected at static positions (0°, 90°, and 140°) of humeral elevation in the scapular plane and head positions (0°, 25°, and 50°) of sagittal plane flexion. Scapular upward rotation and tipping were significantly decreased in flexed head positions. The effect of head position on scapular tipping increased as humeral elevation increased. Mean EMG activity of the levator scapula, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior was unchanged across head positions. The lower trapezius demonstrated small but statistically significant increases in mean activity at the 0° and 140° arm positions when the head was flexed to 50°. Significant correlations were found between some EMG and kinematic responses in flexed head positions, however, no consistent patterns were apparent across muscles or positions.
Genomic identification and biochemical characterization of the mammalian polyamine oxidase involved in polyamine back-conversion

In the polyamine back-conversion pathway, spermine and spermidine are first acetylated by spermidine/spermine N1 -acetyltransferase (SSAT) and then oxidized by polyamine oxidase (PAO) to produce spermidine and putrescine respectively. Although PAO was first purified more than two decades ago, the protein has not yet been linked to genomic sequences. In the present study, we apply a BLAST search strategy to identify novel oxidase sequences located on human chromosome 10 and mouse chromosome 7. Homologous mammalian cDNAs derived from human brain and mouse mammary tumour were deduced to encode proteins of approx. 55 kDa having 82% sequence identity. When either cDNA was transiently transfected into HEK-293 cells, intracellular spermine pools decreased by approx. 30%, whereas spermidine increased 2-4-fold. Lysates of human PAO cDNA-transfected HEK-293 cells, but not vector-transfected cells, rapidly oxidized N1-acetylspermine to spermidine. Substrate specificity determinations with the lysate assay revealed a preference ranking of N1-acetylspermine= N1-acetylspermidine> N1,N12-diacetylspermine>>spermine; spermidine was not acted upon. This ranking is identical to that reported for purified PAO and distinctly different from the recently identified spermine oxidase (SMO), which prefers spermine over N1-acetylspermine. Monoethyl- and diethylspermine analogues also served as substrates for PAO, and were internally cleaved adjacent to a secondary amine. We deduce that the present oxidase sequences are those of the FAD-dependent PAO involved in the polyamine back-conversion pathway. In Northern blot analysis, PAO mRNA was much less abundant in HEK-293 cells than SMO or SSAT mRNA, and all three were differentially induced in a similar manner by selected polyamine analogues. The identification of PAO sequences, together with the recently identified SMO sequences, provides new opportunities for understanding the dynamics of polyamine homoeostasis and for interpreting metabolic and cellular responses to clinically-relevant polyamine analogues and inhibitors.
Addendum to the Supplement to the Guidelines for the Management of Transient Ischemic Attacks

In the November 1999 issue of Stroke, an ad hoc committee of the Stroke Council of the American Heart Association published a supplement to the guidelines for the management of transient ischemic attacks. …
Classroom Processes, Sex of Student, and Confidence in Learning Mathematics.

The purpose of this study was to compare the classroom processes of girls and boys who differed in confidence in their ability to learn mathematics. The students were observed daily during their seventh-grade mathematics classes for 3 to 4 weeks. All 93 students observed (i.e., the target students) scored at or above the mean on a standardized test of mathematics achievement. Trained observers recorded characteristics of each verbal interaction between a target student and the teacher and the amount of time each target student spent on task in mathematics. Boys were involved in more public interactions with their teacher than girls were. Highand lowconfidence students differed very little in their interactions with the teacher. Differences between boys and girls in their interactions with the teacher varied from classroom to classroom.
Sites for hydrogen adsorption on GaAs(001)

Abstract The adsorption of hydrogen atoms on the c(2 × 8) and (1 × 6) reconstructions of GaAs(001) has been studied by multiple internal-reflection infrared spectroscopy. A series of vibrational bands are observed which are due to arsenic hydrides, bridging gallium hydrides and terminal gallium hydrides. These species result from hydrogen adsorption on arsenic dimers, second-layer As atoms, gallium dimers, and second-layer Ga atoms, respectively. The hydrides on these sites form at about the same rate during dosing and disappear at about the same rate during heating. The increase in coverage with dosage follows a Langmuir adsorption isotherm with an initial sticking probability of 0.1–1.0 at 303 to 433 K. Assuming a second-order reaction, the average frequency factor and activation energy for H 2 desorption are 1.0 ± 0.5 × 10 8 s −1 and 14 ± 2 kcal/mol (60 ± 8 kJ/mol). However, these rate constants may be shifted below their true values as a result of hydrogen desorbing off multiple surface sites.
High glucose concentration causes a rise in [Ca2+]i of cardiac myocytes

High glucose concentration causes a rise in [Ca 2+ ]i of cardiac myocytes. Diabetes mellitus is associated with an elevation in the basal levels of cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+ ]i) of cardiac myocytes. This may be due in part to a glucose-induced elevation in [Ca 2+ ]i. The present study examined this issue and explored the cellular pathways responsible for such a phenomenon. A total of 30mm glucose, mannitol or choline chloride, but not urea, induced a time- and dose-dependent rise in the [Ca 2+ ]i of cardiac myocytes. G protein inhibition by GDPβS or pertussis toxin produced significant inhibition (≥ 80%) in the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i. Incubation of cardiac myocytes in a calcium free medium or in media containing verapamil, nifedipine or amlodipine almost completely abolished the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i, while ryanodine produced only small reduction (10%) in the glucose-induced rise in [Ca 2+ ]i. Rp-cAMP or H-89, inhibitors of the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway, produced a modest decrease in the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i, while staurosporine (an inhibitor of PKC) and HOE 694 (an inhibitor of the Na + -H + exchanger) had no effect on the rise in [Ca 2+ ]i. The results indicate that the osmotic activity of glucose (cell shrinkage) activates G protein(s), most likely through a stretch receptor, which in turn stimulates calcium channels inhibitable by verapamil, nifedipine and amlodipine, thus permitting a calcium influx into the cardiac myocytes. The increased calcium entry may stimulate a calcium release from intracellular stores by a calcium-induced calcium release process. Thus, in cardiac myocytes direct activation of calcium channels, and to a small extent activation of the cAMP-protein kinase A, and calcium-induced calcium release mediate the high glucose-induced acute rise in their [Ca 2+ ]i.
Finite size effects and chiral symmetry breaking in quenched three-dimensional QED

Abstract Finite size effects and the chiral condensate are studied in three-dimensional QED by the Lanczos and the conjugate-gradient algorithms. Very substantial finite size effects are observed, but studies on L3 lattices with L ranging from 8 to 80 indicate the development of a non-vanishing chiral condensate in the continuum limit of the theory. The systematics of the finite size effects and the fermion mass dependence in the conjugate-gradient algorithm are clarified in this extensive study.
Regulation of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger by pyridine nucleotide redox potential in ventricular myocytes.

The cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is the major Ca2+ efflux pathway on the sarcolemma, counterbalancing Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ current during excitation-contraction coupling. Altered NCX activity modulates the sarcoplastic reticulum Ca2+ load and can contribute to abnormal Ca2+ handling and arrhythmias. NADH/NAD+ is the main redox couple controlling mitochondrial energy production, glycolysis, and other redox reactions. Here, we tested whether cytosolic NADH/NAD+ redox potential regulates NCX activity in adult cardiomyocytes. NCX current (INCX), measured with whole cell patch clamp, was inhibited in response to cytosolic NADH loaded directly via pipette or increased by extracellular lactate perfusion, whereas an increase of mitochondrial NADH had no effect. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation was enhanced by increasing cytosolic NADH, and NADH-induced INCX inhibition was abolished by the H2O2 scavenger catalase. NADH-induced ROS accumulation was independent of mitochondrial respiration (rotenone-insensitive) but was inhibited by the flavoenzyme blocker diphenylene iodonium. NADPH oxidase was ruled out as the effector because INCX was insensitive to cytosolic NADPH, and NADH-induced ROS and INCX inhibition were not abrogated by the specific NADPH oxidase inhibitor gp91ds-tat. This study reveals a novel mechanism of NCX regulation by cytosolic NADH/NAD+ redox potential through a ROS-generating NADH-driven flavoprotein oxidase. The mechanism is likely to play a key role in Ca2+ homeostasis and the response to alterations in the cytosolic pyridine nucleotide redox state during ischemia-reperfusion or other cardiovascular diseases. Background: Regulation of the sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) modulates cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, and NCX contributes to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Results: Increased cytosolic NADH inhibits NCX through a ROS-dependent mechanism. Conclusion: Regulation by cytosolic NADH reveals a novel way that NCX responds to changes in energy metabolism. Significance: NADH-dependent regulation of NCX regulation represents a potential therapeutic target for ameliorating ischemia-reperfusion injury or chronic cardiovascular disease.
Studies of radiation absorption on flame speed and flammability limit of CO2 diluted methane flames at elevated pressures

Abstract The effects of spectral radiation absorption on the flame speed at normal and elevated pressures were experimentally and numerically investigated using the CO 2 diluted outwardly propagating CH 4 –O 2 –He flames. Experimentally, the laminar burning velocities of CH 4 –O 2 –He–CO 2 mixtures at both normal and elevated pressures (up to 5 atm) were measured by using a pressure-release type spherical bomb. The results showed that radiation absorption with CO 2 addition increases the flame speed and extends the flammability limit. In addition, it was also shown that the increase of pressure augments the effect of radiation absorption. Computationally, a fitted statistical narrow-band correlated- k (FSNB-CK) model was developed and validated for accurate radiation prediction in spherical geometry. This new radiation scheme was integrated to the compressible flow solver developed to simulate outwardly propagating spherical flames. The comparison between experiment and computation showed a very good agreement. The results showed that the flame geometry have a significant impact on radiation absorption and that the one-dimensional planar radiation model was not valid for the computation of the flame speed of a spherical flame. An effective Boltzmann number is extracted from numerical simulation. Furthermore, the FSNB-CK model was compared with the grey band SNB model. It was shown that the grey band SNB model over-predicts the radiation absorption. It is concluded that quantitative prediction of flame speed and flammability limit of CO 2 diluted flame requires accurate spectral dependent radiation model.
Design and Development of a Chipscale Multifingered Micromanipulator System for Coordinated Microassembly

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a novel chipscale micromanipulator with multiple fingers that can be independently actuated and coordinated to manipulate and assemble micro-scale objects within a predefined workspace on the chip. The manipulator chip has an overall footprint of 5 mm × 5 mm and the workspace area for micromanipulation is about 4600 μm2 . The micromanipulator is integrated with tiny piezoelectric actuators and enclosed in a specially designed and precision machined compact housing, which has an overall size of 5 cm × 5 cm × 1.5 cm, to isolate the workspace area of the manipulator to minimize external disturbances. The topology and shape of the miltifingered micromanipulator chip were obtained through a systematic design optimization process maximizing the operating workspace of the micromanipulator, and a prototype was fabricated in silicon using the standard microfabrication processes. Preliminary experiments have confirmed the predicted behavior of the micromanipulator fingers as well as the feasibility of controlling multiple fingers to achieve a coordinated action to grasp a micro-scale object as commanded by the user.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
SES VERSUS IQ IN THE RACE‐IQ‐DELINQUENCY MODEL

Means, medians and SD for available socio‐economic status (SES) black‐white differences are here substituted for those of IQ in a between‐groups model published by the author over a decade ago. The goodness of fit of the SES variables used is compared with that for the earlier IQ data. Even when SES variables are relatively successful this can be viewed as additional evidence of the importance of IQ differences to black‐white differences in delinquency.
Homophobia and Communal Coping for HIV Risk Management Among Gay Men in Relationships

Men who have sex with men (MSM) remain disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic in the US and estimates suggest that one to two-thirds of new infections occur among main partners. Previous research has focused on individual MSM and their risk for HIV, yet couples’ ability to manage risk has been largely understudied. In particular, the role that homophobia plays in shaping the ability of gay male couples to cope with HIV risk is currently understudied. A sample of 447 gay/bisexual men with main partners was taken from a 2011 survey of gay and bisexual men in Atlanta. Linear regression models were fitted for three couples’ coping outcome scales (outcome efficacy, couple efficacy, communal coping) and included indicators of homophobia (internalized homophobia and homophobic discrimination). Findings indicate that reporting of increased levels of internalized homophobia were consistently associated with decreased outcome measures of couples’ coping ability regarding risk management. The results highlight the role that homophobia plays in gay male couples’ relationships and HIV risk, extending the existing literature in the field of same-sex relationships as influenced by homophobia.
Cerebrospinal fluid corticotropin-releasing factor increases following haloperidol withdrawal in chronic schizophrenia.

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), an endogenous neuropeptide, has been shown to coordinate endocrine, behavioral and autonomic responses to stress. However, while previous studies of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CRF in schizophrenia have not demonstrated significant differences compared to control groups, these studies have not examined the effects of symptom severity or antipsychotic medication. CSF CRF concentrations increased in 18 of 21 male schizophrenic (DSM-III-R) patients after maintenance haloperidol was replaced by placebo (P<0.0001); there was also a trend for relatively greater increases in relapsers. CRF concentrations were not significantly related to severity of psychosis, depression, anxiety or negative symptoms. During haloperidol treatment, but not after medication withdrawal, worse childhood premorbid adjustment was associated with higher CSF CRF levels. Finally, in contrast to the positive correlation between CSF CRF and norepinephrine concentrations reported in depression, a negative trend was seen in this schizophrenic sample.
Enhancer RNAs and regulated transcriptional programs

A large portion of the human genome is transcribed into RNAs without known protein-coding functions, far outnumbering coding transcription units. Extensive studies of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have clearly demonstrated that they can play critical roles in regulating gene expression, development, and diseases, acting both as transcriptional activators and repressors. More recently, enhancers have been found to be broadly transcribed, resulting in the production of enhancer-derived RNAs, or eRNAs. Here, we review emerging evidence suggesting that at least some eRNAs contribute to enhancer function. We discuss these findings with respect to potential mechanisms of action of eRNAs and other ncRNAs in regulated gene expression.
Piaget’s Theory of Knowledge: Its Philosophical Context

An understanding of Piaget’s theoretical position on the knowing process is necessary in order to appreciate fully the impact of his research. His theory of knowledge has many significant points in common with that of the German philosopher Kant. This article sketches the epistemologies of the 17th and 18th century movements of rationalism, empiricism, and romanticism which preceded Kant, Kant’s revolutionary conclusions concerning reality and the knowing process, and some parallels and areas of divergence between the Kantian and Piagetian theories of knowledge
The Effects of Earlier Intergenerational Affection, Normative Expectations, and Family Conflict on Contemporary Exchanges of Help and Support

This article extends previous research by examining the relationship between prospective accounts of intergenerational affection, normative expectations, and conflict on current patterns of supportive exchanges between parents and adult children. Research questions are addressed using data from 680 parent-child dyads participating in the 1988 and 1991 waves of the University of Southern California Longitudinal Study of Generations. Findings indicate that a history of affection in a parent-adult child relationship is associated with equitable and reciprocal exchanges of support and a greater likelihood of receiving and giving various forms of help and support. A strong sense of obligation to family at an earlier time period was related to exchange relationships with fathers but not with mothers: Duty-driven exchanges were less equitable, with adult children giving much more than they received. Earlier conflict in parent-adult child relationships did not interfere with contemporary exchanges of help and sup...
Optical implementation of a shift-invariant neocognitron

An optical neural network based upon the Neocognitron paradigm is introduced. A novel aspect of the architectural design is shift-invariant multichannel Fourier optical correlation within each processing layer. An innovative bipolar neural weights holographic synthesis technique is introduced to implement both the excitatory and inhibitory neural functions. Multilayer processing is achieved by iteratively feeding back the output of the feature correlator to the input spatial light modulator and updating the Fourier filters. By designing the neural net with characteristic features extracted from the target images, successful pattern recognition with intra-class fault tolerance and inter-class discrimination is achieved. A detailed system description is provided. Experimental demonstrations of a two-layer neural network for space objects discrimination is also presented.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Internal Organisational Domain and Competitive Strategy

Popularity of the resource‐based theory of the firm has brought renewed interest in internal organisational domain as an important contributing factor toward organisational success. Generally, this research has taken the perspective that a direct link exists between internal domain and performance. An underlying premise of this view is that competitive direction is simply a reflection of the parameters of this domain. This study investigates the strength and direction of the link between internal domain and competitive direction to determine the significance of this assertion.
Free electron lasing in a longitudinal electric wave

Abstract It is shown that stimulated bremsstrahlung in the transverse undulating magnetic field alone decreases with the electron energy. The amplification of a laser wave by single-photon stimulated bremsstrahlung in an longitudinal electric wave propagating in the lasing beam direction (traveling longitudinal electric wiggler) is calculated from relativistic quantum-mechanical principles. It is found that the single-pass gain by stimulated bremsstrahlung of a lasing bunch in an envisioned two-beam wake-field cavity is sufficiently great to generate a coherent radiation in the soft X-ray region.
Calculated reduction of radiation damage on thin layered interference mirrors

Thin Layered h Interfertence Mirrors consist of a collection of m = 0, 1, 2, ...,N thin material layers, the layer having thickness dm. The layers are separated from each other by other material such as dielectrics (possibly vacuum, although that is more difficult to realize). To simplify the calculation, here we treat the case where the separating layers are vacuum, the radiation is monochromatic with wavelength λ , and normally incident on the mirror. The dominant radiation damage is assumed to be caused by heating due to induced currents. We present design examples when dm 10 2 . Because of competing damage mechanisms, the order of magnitude of fr is probably more significant than its calculated numerical value.