cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of eye movements in first episode schizophrenia: Smooth pursuit, visually guided saccades and the oculomotor delayed response task

Schizophrenia patients show eye movement abnormalities that suggest dysfunction in neocortical control of the oculomotor system. Fifteen never-medicated, first episode schizophrenia patients and 24 matched healthy individuals performed eye movement tasks during functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. For both visually guided saccade and smooth pursuit paradigms, schizophrenia patients demonstrated reduced activation in sensorimotor areas supporting eye movement control, including the frontal eye fields, supplementary eye fields, and parietal and cingulate cortex. The same findings were observed for an oculomotor delayed response paradigm used to assess spatial working memory, during which schizophrenia patients also had reduced activity in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. In contrast, only minimal group differences in activation were found during a manual motor task. These results suggest a system-level dysfunction of cortical sensorimotor regions supporting oculomotor function, as well as in areas of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex that support spatial working memory. These findings indicate that a generalized rather than localized pattern of neocortical dysfunction is present early in the course of schizophrenia and is related to deficits in the sensorimotor and cognitive control of eye movement activity.
Some transition metal (oxy)phosphates and vanadium oxides for lithium batteries

Iron and vanadium oxides have a rich structural chemistry when combined with phosphate groups; the transition metal most commonly in an octahedral coordination. The inductive effect increases the potential difference between Fe3+/Fe2+ and Li/Li+ couples in phosphate lattices relative to the pure iron oxides; a similar behavior is found for the corresponding vanadium compounds. Of the iron phosphates, the olivine phase LiFePO4 has high thermal and chemical stability, even when lithium-free; the challenges of low electronic conductivity are being overcome, but data is lacking on the true lithium diffusion behavior. The all-ferric lipscombite-type phase, Fe1.33PO4OH, shows the highest capacity of the iron phosphates for lithium intercalation. The e-VOPO4 material, formed by the oxidative de-intercalation of protons from H2VOPO4, can reversibly react with two lithium atoms in two steps. The face- and edge-sharing transition metal octahedra lead to a range of interesting and structurally revealing magnetic interactions. A number of vanadium oxide phases are known, with those containing VO6 octahedra showing the greatest stability when undergoing redox reactions. Such structures have been synthesized using xerogel, hydrothermal and electrochemical methods. The double-sheet delta structures show reversible lithium intercalation of up to one lithium ion per vanadium, leading to the highest storage capacities. However, the large potential width of discharge and the apparent low reaction rates will minimize their use unless improved.
A Three-Dimensional Concept of Worldview

Several Christian school associations and many Christian schools identify developing a Biblical worldview in their students as an essential component of their organizational mission, yet few report on their level of success. This study investigates the concept of worldview from an Evangelical Christian perspective. The first step in investigating worldview is to establish a working definition of the term worldview. A Biblical definition of worldview is a challenge since Scripture does not use the term, but various writers have defined the term with language that is Biblically relevant. This study used the definition of worldview as derived by James W. Sire in 2004 as the basis for a three-dimensional conception of worldview. The dimensions are propositional, behavioral, and heart-orientation.
Indentation and microcutting fracture damage in a silicon carbide coating on an Incoloy substrate

The fracture damage morphology for static indentation tests and controlled microcutting tests using a Vickers indentor was investigated for an amorphous silicon carbide coating deposited on an Incoloy substrate. Crack initiation thresholds were detected for both testing modes using an acoustic emission sensor. The fracture damage morphology for static indentation consisted of Hertzian-like cracks surrounding the indentation site with no lateral crack-chipping occurring up to the maximum indentation load of 8 N. In contrast, microcutting generates lateral cracks at the microcutting groove entrance for loads as low as 0.3 N. For loads up to 1 N, the groove damage was confined to the 5 μm thick coating and the fracture response is similar to that occurring in a monolithic brittle solid. At higher loads, extensive lateral crack chipping occurred along the microcutting grooves accompanied by coating decohesion at the root of the chip.
Influence of virtual transitions on spontaneous emission of an excited atom in vacuum

Abstract Time evolution of an excited two-level atom in free space is theoretically discussed in the Schrodinger picture by explicitly taking into account the virtual transitions that are made possible by the counter-rotating terms in the Hamiltonian of the atom–field system. It is found that, because of these virtual transitions, the atom’s relaxation from its excited state is expedited as compared with the case of rotating-wave approximation. It is also found that due to the introduction of a cut-off frequency to the vacuum modes to make the nonrelativistic Hamiltonian valid, the probability to find the atom in its ground state with one photon emitted is no longer an exponential function of time even when the counter-rotating terms are absent.
PTA and stenting of benign venous stenoses in the pelvis : Long-term results

Purpose: To provide follow-up data on endovascular intervention for venous stenoses in the pelvis.
Use of the optical quadrature method in tomographic microscopy

The optical quadrature imaging technique, as derived and extended from microwave and laser radar quadrature detection techniques, provides an efficient method for obtaining phase information from a sample that has little or no amplitude contrast. We are able to resolve internal structures of a sample that are defined by relatively small refractive index differences without the use of dyes or stains, while using much lower light levels than conventional techniques. We have constructed a prototype system for imaging microscopic phase- only objects. In this paper, we present its capabilities, as well as the imaging and reconstruction methods used to obtain quantitative information about a sample.
Do carotid atheromas on panoramic images prognosticate arterial calcifications on mammograms: acknowledged markers of future adverse cardiovascular events?

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between calcified carotid artery plaque (CCAP) on panoramic images and breast arterial calcifications (BAC) on mammograms, a validated independent risk indicator of fatal myocardial infarctions and strokes. Materials and Methods Women ≥55 years old having CCAP diagnosed by their dentists had their mammograms evaluated for BAC by a physician. Other study variables were age, ethnicity, body mass index, and medications for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Descriptive and bivariate statistics and logistic regression were computed. Results Researchers identified 40 women (mean age 62.2 ± 6.2 years old) with CCAP, of whom 9 (prevalence rate 22.5%) also had BAC. The women with BAC tended to be older (65.1 vs 61.3 years old), more frequently hypertensive (100% vs 80.6%), and more frequently black than those without BAC, although these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.10). Conclusions CCAP on panoramic images of women is unrelated to the presence of BAC on mammograms.
Numerical Simulations of Inclusion Behavior and Mixing Phenomena in Gas-stirred Ladles with Different Arrangement of Tuyeres

A CFD-PBM (Computational Fluid Dynamic-Population Balance Model) coupled model has been developed to investigate the effects of different number and position of bottom tuyeres and gas flow rate on the bubbly plume flow, inclusion removal and mixing phenomena in gas-stirred ladle. It is found that the dual blowing gives a shorter mixing time and higher inclusion removal ratio in comparison with the center blowing or eccentric blowing with one tuyere. With the increasing of separation angle of two tuyeres, the inclusion removal ratio increases, while mixing time decreases first and then increases. With the increasing of radial position of two tuyeres, the inclusion removal first increases and then decreases, and the mixing time decreases until the radial position exceeds 0.7R from the bottom center, where R is the bottom radius of ladle. It is recommended to use the two tuyeres placed at radial position of 0.6R and the angle of 135 deg in ladle to improve the joint efficiency both the inclusion removal and mixing. With the gas flow rate increasing, the efficiency both mixing and inclusion removal with the optimized tuyeres arrangement increases, however when the gas flow rate exceeds 300 NL/min in 150 ton ladle, the removal ratio and mixing time change little.
X-Ray Variability in the Young Massive Triple θ2 Orionis A

Massive stars rarely show intrinsic X-ray variability. One exception is θ2 Ori A, which has shown strong variability over the last 5 years. We observed a large outburst of the X-ray source with the High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer on board Chandra and compare the emissivity and line properties in states of low and high flux. The low state indicates temperatures well above 25 MK. In the high state we find high emissivities in the range from 3 to over 100 MK. The outburst event in stellar terms is one of the most powerful ever observed and the most energetic one in the ONC, with a lower total energy limit of 1.5 × 1037 ergs. The line diagnostics indicate that the line-emitting regions in the low states are as close as within 1-2 stellar radii from the O star's photosphere, whereas the hard states suggest a distance of 3-5 stellar radii. We discuss the results in the context of stellar flares, magnetic confinement, and binary interactions. By matching the dates of all observations with the orbital phases of the spectroscopy binary orbit, we find that outbursts occur very close to the periastron passage of the stars. We argue that the high X-ray states are possibly the result of reconnection events from magnetic interactions of the primary and secondary stars of the spectroscopic binary. Effects from wind collisions seem unlikely for this system. The line properties in the low state seem consistent with some form of magnetic confinement. We also detect Fe fluorescence indicative of the existence of substantial amounts of neutral Fe in the vicinity of the X-ray emission.
Survival during murine hemorrhagic shock is improved in the absence of antibodies

Abstract Introduction: Hemorrhage represents a major cause of mortality after trauma or major surgery. As some perfusion continues during the shock period, this can be viewed as a systemic example of ischemia and reperfusion injury. Here we directly test the analogy to local reperfusion injury by examining hemorrhagic shock in knockout mice which are known to be protected from local reperfusion injury. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 50% blood volume depletion, calculated by weight,through a heparin-laced carotid artery cannula over 30 minutes,followed by 90 minutes of unresuscitated hypotension. Mortality during the shock period (90 minutes) is noted. The same procedure is performed for complement C4 and C3 knockout strains,in RAG -/- animals(completely antibody deficient), RAG animals reconstituted with mouse wild type serum, and RAG animals given SCR1 to block complement. Results: RAG-1 animals have the highest survival rate (85%), followed by RAG+SCR1 (71.43%), wild type (63%), C3 deficient (57%), RAG+ wild type serum (57%). C4 deficient animals have the worst survival rate at 20% (p Conclusions: Like local reperfusion injury, in hemorrhagic shock, animals devoid of antibody altogether were protected from death.This protection was lost when the animals’ antibodies were reconstituted with wildtype serum.This effect is independent of the complement system as inhibition of complement by C3 deficiency or sCR1 had no such effect, a major distinction from local reperfusion injuries. The unexpected decrement in survival seen with C4 knockout animals indicates that the mannose-binding lectin pathway of complement activation may also play a role in hemorrhagic shock, a second point of potential therapeutic intervention.
Developmental responses of Acrasis rosea to the visible light spectrum

Abstract Low energies of light in the blue region were highly stimulatory for inducing fruiting of the NC-18 isolate of the cellular slime mold Acrasis rosea. A comparison of energy input versus fruiting response at 420, 450, and 475 mμ indicated that 450 mμ (± 7 mμ) was the most efficient tested wavelength for induction of fruiting. Different wavelengths between 537 mμ and 790 mμ, at 2–3 times the energy input of the blue region, were weakly stimulatory or nonstimulatory for fruiting. At higher energies, broad-spectrum red light, but not far red, induced good fruiting responses. Cultures first exposed to white light and given a subsequent dark period of 6 hours were exposed to different wavelengths of light for 4 and 10 minutes and returned to darkness for 8 hours. Blue light irradiations were the only low energy light conditions which caused discernible inhibitions of fruiting. High energies of broad-spectrum red light, but not far red, also delayed fruiting. Fruiting of NC-18 amoebae, previously stimulated by white light, occurred in continuous far red. There was no evidence of any red- far red interaction similar to that reported in higher plants.
Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor Induces Down-regulation of Its Receptor and Desensitization of Signal Transduction Pathways in Vivo NON-EQUIVALENCE WITH PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Despite the widespread use of polypeptide growth factors as pharmacological agents, little is known about the extent to which these molecules regulate their cognate cell surface receptors and signal transduction pathways in vivo. We have addressed this issue with respect to the neurotrophic molecule ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Administration of CNTF in vivo resulted in modest decreases in levels of CNTFRα mRNA and protein in skeletal muscle. CNTF causes the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of LIFRβ and gp130 and the induction of the immediate-early gene, tis11; injection of CNTF 3-7 h after an initial exposure failed to re-stimulate these immediate-early responses, suggesting a biochemical desensitization to CNTF not accounted for by decreased receptor protein. To determine whether the desensitization of immediate-early responses caused by CNTF resulted in a functional desensitization, we compared the efficacy of multiple daily injections versus a single daily dose of CNTF in preventing the denervation-induced atrophy of skeletal muscle. Surprisingly, injections of CNTF every 6 h, which falls within the putative refractory period for biochemical responses, resulted in efficacy equal to or greater than injections once daily. These results suggest that although much of the CNTF signal transduction machinery is down-regulated with frequent CNTF dosing, biological signals continue to be recognized and interpreted by the cell.
Market analysis of alfalfa hay: California case

Factors influencing alfalfa hay markets are identified. Alfalfa hay acreage response, demand, and price forecasting models are developed and estimated for California, using econometric and time-series (ARIMA) techniques. The estimated models are used for forecasting alfalfa acreage and prices, and evaluating the dominant market forces. The econometric and time-series models are compared on the basis of their forecasting ability and usefulness in economic analysis.
660: Altered methylation in eotaxin-3/CCL26 gene identifies novel association with lower maternal serum levels in preeclampsia at delivery

novel association with lower maternal serum levels in preeclampsia at delivery Wendy White, Jonathan O’Brien, Elizabeth Baldwin, Arij Faksh, Angelica Garrett, Brian Brost, Carl Rose, Norman Davies, Zhifu Sun, Stephen Turner, Vesna Garovic Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Rochester, MN, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Rochester, MN, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Hypertension and Nephrology, Rochester, MN OBJECTIVE: Eotaxin-3 or CCL26 is a chemokine important in leukocyte recruitment implicated in vasculitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma, but has not been described in the context of normal or pathologic pregnancy. DNA methylation can inversely correlate with gene transcription. We sought to characterize methylation patterns in the CCL26 gene in normal and preeclamptic pregnancy and correlate with serum protein levels. STUDY DESIGN: The methylation profile of 2 CpG sites in the CCL26 gene was characterized in DNA from maternal blood longitudinally in 14 women at 16 gestational weeks, at delivery and postpartum; in 14 nulligravid controls; and in 14 preeclamptics at delivery. All women were non-smokers, matched for age and BMI. Genomic DNA was derived from buffy coat, purified, and bisulfite modified then run on the Illumina platform. Mean methylation levels at each CpG site and protein levels in serum as determined by ELISA were compared with a t-test. RESULTS: CCL26 methylation patterns did not differ significantly between the non-pregnant groups. In contrast, CCL26 CpG sites were significantly hypo-methylated during early pregnancy as compared with the non-pregnant state (p 10-3) but hypermethylation in preeclamptic women at delivery (p 10-3). ELISA demonstrated decreased levels of CCL26 in maternal serum in preeclampsia compared with normal pregnancy at the time of delivery (0.86 v. 1.69 pg/ml; p 0.03). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that early pregnancy is associated with decreased methylation and preeclampsia at the time of delivery correlates with relative hypermethylation in the CCL26 gene. Methylation levels inversely correlate with a significant decrease in protein level as measured by ELISA in serum of women with preeclampsia. Altered methylation may be an epigenetic mechanism to control CCL26 production in normal early pregnancy and in preeclampsia. Methylation analysis can identify novel chemokines involved in normal and pathologic pregnancy.
Effect of He on the swelling/microstructure produced in Mo by ion bombardment

Abstract Pure molybdenum has been bombarded simultaneously with heavy ions and helium in a dual beam accelerator facility to simulate the helium generation and displacement damage expected in a fusion reactor first wall. Compared to the damage produced by the heavy ions (7 MeV Ta +++ ) alone, simultaneous helium injection results in a high void density that continues to increase with dose. The results suggest continuous void nucleation due to the helium. The swelling during dual beam irradiations is essentially independent of dose at high dose levels. At high doses >40dpa, the helium has little effect on the absolute magnitude of the swelling which is approximately 0.5% with or without helium. Comparisons are made to extrapolated swelling data from fission neutron irradiation studies.
How to Measure Left Atrial Volume

Figure 1. M-mode measurement of LA size from a parasternal window. According to ASE guidelines, the measurement (leading-edge to leading-edge method) is performed at end-systole, measured at the maximum dimension from the leading edge of the posterior wall of the aorta, to the dominant line of the posterior wall of the LA (arrows). aortic root. The anteroposterior LAD is used to measure LA size by M-mode and twodimensional (2D) studies.1 This measurement is relatively insensitive to LA enlargement, but when it is increased, it is specific for such (Fig. 1). The LA is normally a slightly tapered, pillowshaped three-dimensional structure, without a natural long or short axis. LA dimensions can
Identity formation and social relations during late adolescence

Theoretical assumptions outlined by Erik Erikson on psychosocial crisis resolution hypothesizes that the positive resolution of the identity crisis is predictive of more mature intimacy formation. To test this hypothesis, college-aged late adolescents (48 subjects) completed interviews and selfreport instruments measuring identity formation and degree of intimacy along with daily records of social interactions for one week. Analyses indicated a complex association between identity and intimacy formation. Comparisons were made between the exploration and commitment process of identity and the measures of intimacy formation and social interaction measures. Numerous complex sex differences were observed with several interactions between gender, exploration, commitment, and intimacy context. Findings are discussed in terms of broadening future research direction beyond the simple study of the linkage of identity and intimacy.
Pressor reflex response to static muscular contraction: Its afferent arm and possible neurotransmitters

Static muscular contraction has been shown to increase cardiovascular and ventilatory function in reflex manner. The sensory arm of this reflex arc is comprised of group III and IV muscle afferents. The discharge properties of these muscle afferents whose activation causes the pressor reflex response to contraction were investigated. Group III afferents were more responsive to mechanical stimuli, such as tendon stretch and probing their receptive fields than were group IV afferents. In contrast, group III afferents were less responsive to ischemic contraction than were group IV afferents. Equal percentages of group III and IV afferents were stimulated by potassium, lactic acid and arachidonic acid, each of which are metabolic products of contraction. Adenosine, phosphate and lactate, however, had no effect on the discharge of the afferents. Intrathecal injection of antagonists or antibodies to substance P and somatostatin attenuated the pressor response to contraction by about half, a finding that suggests a role for these 2 peptides in the spinal transmission of the reflex.
SELECTION OF PSYCHOPATHIC FROM NON-PSYCHOPATHIC PRISONERS WITHIN A CANADIAN PRISON'

Discrimination of psychopaths from non-psychopaths wichin a prison secting can be advantageous boch in terms of segregating these groups for treatment and for research. The present study was an attempt to determine, by means of a check list of psychiatrically defined characteristics of psychopachs, which prisoners would be grouped under the category of psychopath and which would not. The underlying assumption was that ". . . all criminals are certainly not psychopachs" (Pennington 8: Berg, 1954, p. 427). As a check on the validity of che selection, the two groups were compared by using the Minnesoca Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) since ocher scudies have indicated its usefulness in recognizing the psychopathic group (Dahlstrom & Welsh, 1960, p. 102; Gough, 1946; Guthrie, 1950; Hunt, et al., 1948; McKinley & Hathaway, 1944; Schmidt, 1945). A cwo-year follow up decermined the number of prisoners from each group known to return in that time period to some prison. METHOD From a pool of 126 characteristics obcained from the psychiatric literature, 56 items considered representative of the 126 were condensed into simple statements.Qch statement was numbered and presented in the form of a. check list to 10 Saskatchewan psychiatrists who were asked to race each item as "very significant," "significanc," or of "little significance" in diagnosing a psychopach. Of the 10 psychiatrists, 3 were selected who agreed on the mosc items (18) in their ratings, and all icems (with one excepcion) raced as "very significant" or "significanc" were included in a final check list. The one item deleted from the list, "shows inadequate and ofcen aggressive behavior to society," was considered useless in differentiating between groups already incarcerated. Items on the check list indicaced in Table 1 were given arbitrary weightings of 1 and 2 depending upon their original rating as "significanc" or "very sigp~ ~~ 'This study represents a reworking of a master's thesis completed at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, and presented at MPA, Detroit, 1958. The author wishes to express his gratitude to D. Smith for his guidance throughout the study, and to D. Spearman for his suggestions and help in the development and use of a psychopathic check list. 'The original check list may be obtained for a fee from the American Documentation Institute. Order Document No. 7097 from AD1 Auxiliary Publications Project, Photoduplication Service, Library of Congress, Washingron 25, D.C., remitting in advance $1.25 for microfilm or photocopies. Make checks payable to: Chief, Photoduplication Service, Library of Congress.
Neurite outgrowth promotion by the alternatively spliced region of tenascin-C is influenced by cell-type specific binding

We have investigated the impact of cellular environment on the neurite outgrowth promoting properties of the alternatively spliced fibronectin type-III region (fnA-D) of tenascin-C. FnA-D promoted neurite outgrowth in vitro when bound to the surface of BHK cells or cerebral cortical astrocytes, but the absolute increase was greater on astrocytes. In addition, different neurite outgrowth promoting sites were revealed within fnA-D bound to the two cellular substrates. FnA-D also promoted neurite outgrowth as a soluble ligand; however, the actions of soluble fnA-D were not affected by cell type. Therefore, we hypothesized that different mechanisms of cellular binding can alter the growth promoting actions of bound fnA-D. We found that fnA-D utilizes two distinct sequences to bind to the BHK cell surface as opposed to the BHK extracellular matrix. In contrast, only one of these sequences is utilized to bind to the astrocyte matrix as opposed to the astrocyte surface. Furthermore, Scatchard analysis indicated two types of receptors for fnA-D on BHK cells and only one type on astrocytes. These results suggest that active sites for neurite outgrowth within fnA-D are differentially revealed depending on cell-specific fnA-D binding sites. Therefore, the function of tenascin-C and its various domains must be considered in terms of cellular context.
Possible Use of Stonehenge

HAWKINS1,2 has suggested that the Aubrey holes at Stonehenge were used to count the years of a 56-year cycle, important in the motion of the Moon and the occurrence of eclipses. Hoyle3 and Colton and Martin4 have suggested other ways that Stonehenge could have been used to predict eclipses. Here we suggest a use of Stonehenge that has nothing to do with eclipses. We suggest also that the Aubrey holes, if they were used as counters at all, were used to count intervals of 56 months rather than 56 years.
Simplifying Central Place Theory Using GIS and GPS

A constant struggle for teachers at all levels is finding ways to successfully teach students complex theories and concepts. Student comprehension is often enhanced by applying these theories and concepts to real world situations. This project demonstrates central place theory by examining highway billboard signs along major Wisconsin highways. In addition, the concepts of range, threshold, and intervening opportunities are demonstrated. Using global positioning systems (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS), data were collected on the location, distribution, and type of establishment advertised. Using statistical and spatial analysis this article suggests an alternative method for teaching undergraduate students urban theories through fieldwork, GIS, and GPS.
Father beliefs as a mediator between contextual barriers and father involvement

Fathers' beliefs were examined as mediators between multiple risk factors and involvement practices with children age zero to five enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start. A diverse sample of 101 fathers, living in rural Midwestern communities of the USA completed questionnaires assessing mediators (i.e. parenting efficacy, role beliefs, and responsibility to an intervention program), barriers (e.g. lack of time, energy, work constraints), and father involvement (i.e. physical play, didactic engagement, caregiving, socialisation, involvement in the program, and accessibility). In each of the regression models, father efficacy and beliefs reduced the influence of barriers and were significant unique predictors of father involvement. Findings suggest that fathers' beliefs are more proximal to parenting practices than is family context, which have implications for early intervention programs serving children in at‐risk families.
Epigenetics of Autism-related Impairment: Copy Number Variation and Maternal Infection

Objective: Epidemiological data have suggested maternal infection and fever to be associated with increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Animal studies show that gestational infections perturb fetal brain development and result in offspring with the core features of autism and have demon- strated that behavioral effects of maternal immune activation are dependent on genetic susceptibility. The goal of this study was to explore the impact of ASD-associated copy number variants (CNVs) and prenatal maternal infection on clinical severity of ASD within a dataset of prenatal history and complete genetic and phenotypic findings. Methods: We analyzed data from the Simons Simplex Collection sample including 1971 children with a diagnosis of ASD aged 4 to 18 years who underwent array comparative genomic hybridization screening. Information on infection and febrile episodes during pregnancy was collected through parent interview. ASD severity was clinically measured through parent-reported interview and questionnaires. Results: We found significant interactive effects between the presence of CNVs and maternal infection during pregnancy on autistic symptomatology, such that individuals with CNVs and history of maternal infection demonstrated increased rates of social communicative impairments and repetitive/restricted behaviors. In contrast, no significant interactions were found between presence of CNVs and prenatal infections on cog- nitive and adaptive functioning of individuals with ASD. Conclusions: Our findings support a gene- environment interaction model of autism impairment, in that individuals with ASD-associated CNVs are more susceptible to the effects of maternal infection and febrile episodes in pregnancy on behavioral out- comes and suggest that these effects are specific to ASD rather than to global neurodevelopment. (J Dev Behav Pediatr 36:61-67, 2015) Index terms: autism, autism spectrum disorders, fever, gene-environment, infection, pregnancy.
Transcriptional expression of a putative tachykinin-like peptide receptor gene from stable fly.

Abstract Guerrero, F. D. Transcriptional expression of a putative tachykinin-like peptide receptor gene from stable fly. Peptides 18(1) 1–5, 1997.—STKR is a 4118 bp clone from a stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, cDNA library which encodes a protein with significant amino acid identity to tachykinin-like peptide receptors. Ribonuclease protection assays and RT-PCR were utilized to examine the transcriptional expression of STKR from various life stages of the stable fly. STKR expression was detectable in all stages, but was most abundant in isolated adult fly gut and lowest in developing embryos.
Investigations on the Mechanism of the Brassinosteroid Response

A brassinosteroid treatment of light-grown first internode sections of Phaseolus vulgaris results in an increased bending response following unilateral indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) application. Reverse isotope dilution analysis shows that this increased response is not due to an increase in the concentration of applied IAA in the tissue or a change in the amount of IAA conjugated. Treatment with the brassinosteroid also does not affect the rate of IAA transport as measured using the agar block method. These results indicate that even though brassinosteroid potentiates auxin action, it does not have a direct effect on IAA uptake, metabolism, or cell to cell transport.
In vitro effects of psychotropic agents on the microviscosity of platelet membranes.

Normal platelet membranes were exposed in vitro to a variety of psychotropic agents, including chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, imipramine, and lithium. Changes in microviscosity of the hydrocarbon layer of the drug-exposed membranes were determined by steadystate fluorescence polarization measurements, employing the fluorescent probe 1,6-diphenyl 1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH). Concentrations of the phenothiazines chlorpromazine and fluphenazine above 200 nM produced significant increases in microviscosity, while haloperidol produced a small but consistent decrease in microviscosity in the concentration range of 200 nM to 200 μM. Imipramine and lithium were without effect. The phenothiazine-induced increase in microviscosity was apparently dependent upon the structure of the phenothiazine nucleus; side chain structure was less important to this effect.
Production of Activated Carbon from Athabasca Oilsands Bitumen

The carbonization process of the pentane insoluble (end-cut) fraction from Athabasca oilsands bitumen in the presence NaOH has been investigated. Chemical activation produced carbon with a well-developed mesoporous structure and a much reduced sulfur content. The yield of the activated carbon increased, whereas sulfur content decreased with an increase in the NaOH load. Physical activation with carbon dioxide resulted in significant improvement in surface area. The properties of an activated carbon produced from end-cut were compared with those for carbon derived from fluid coke. Compared to fluid coke, end-cut is more suitable in the preparation of the carbon with low sulfur content and high mesopore surface area.
Transmission of muskmelon necrotic spot virus in muskmelons by cucumber beetles.

Muskmelon necrotic spot virus, a new disease of greenhouse-grown melons, was transmitted to 13 and 8% of muskmelon test plants by the western spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecimpunctata Mannerheim, and the banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte, respectively. The virus also was recovered from extracts from these beetles. This demonstration of insect transmission of the virus means that dissemination of this seed-borne virus in commercially grown melons is a definite possibility.
Split-level I/O scheduling

We introduce split-level I/O scheduling, a new framework that splits I/O scheduling logic across handlers at three layers of the storage stack: block, system call, and page cache. We demonstrate that traditional block-level I/O schedulers are unable to meet throughput, latency, and isolation goals. By utilizing the split-level framework, we build a variety of novel schedulers to readily achieve these goals: our Actually Fair Queuing scheduler reduces priority-misallocation by 28x; our Split-Deadline scheduler reduces tail latencies by 4x; our Split-Token scheduler reduces sensitivity to interference by 6x. We show that the framework is general and operates correctly with disparate file systems (ext4 and XFS). Finally, we demonstrate that split-level scheduling serves as a useful foundation for databases (SQLite and PostgreSQL), hypervisors (QEMU), and distributed file systems (HDFS), delivering improved isolation and performance in these important application scenarios.
Intra-cavity frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser with dual-stability-range cavity emitting high power near-diffraction-limited radiation in CW and Q-switched mode

A diode-pumped frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser has been demonstrated which emits 7.2 W of 532-nm radiation in the CW mode as well as 23 ns, 2.7 mJ pulses at a repetition rate of 10 kHz in the Q-switched mode. The high power in both modes was achieved by intra-cavity second harmonic generation in lithium triborate. The nonlinear output coupling through SHG in this laser causes a factor of 5.7 change of intra-cavity power between the CW and the Q-switched mode. The resulting variation of the thermal lens in the laser rod makes it challenging to maintain a geometrically stable cavity in both operation regimes, which is essential for diffraction limited beam quality. Diffraction limited beam quality with M 2 values of less than 1.1 in the CW and less than 1.2 in the Q-switched regime was achieved by a novel dual-stabilityrange cavity-design. This design provides geometrically stable cavity configurations in both operation regimes, which are separated by an unstable region. This cavity makes it possible to switch between the two operation regimes without any moving components.
Engineering Experience and Competitions Implement ABET Criteria

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has adopted a revised set of criteria for accrediting engineering programs. Nevertheless, as in the past, civil engineering departments will be required to demonstrate proficiency in specific subject areas which are included in the ABET program criteria. This paper investigates, according to civil engineering students, the level at which their understanding of various subjects required by ABET and listed in the Program Criteria for Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs and the General Criteria (Professional Component) has been enhanced by being involved with projects associated with the steel bridge and concrete canoe competitions. The results are also compared with students who have practical civil engineering experience. In particular, the findings suggest that students who are directly involved with project work believe that four areas have been greatly enhanced. They include: structural engineering, project management/scheduling an...
Scale-dependent neighborhood effects: shared doom and associational refuge

A resource’s susceptibility to predation may be influenced by its own palatability and the palatability of its neighbors. We tested for effects of plant chemical defenses on seed survival by manipulating the frequency of palatable and less palatable sunflower seeds in food patches subject to harvest by fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) and gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). We varied resource distributions at three scales: among stations (aggregates of patches ca. 50 m apart), among patches immediately adjacent to each other, and within patches. When food patches were segregated into high-palatability and low-palatability stations (Experiment 1), seeds suffered greater mortality at stations with high levels of palatable seeds. In the same experiment, within patches, squirrels selected strongly for palatable seeds over less palatable seeds. When high- and low-palatability food patches were placed together at the same stations (Experiment 2), increasing densities of co-occurring palatable seeds amplified the mortality of less palatable seeds, indicating “shared doom.” When palatable and less palatable seeds were partitioned into micropatches (Experiment 3), associational effects disappeared, as predicted. Furthermore, selectivity in less palatable patches increased as the initial densities of palatable seeds increased, and selectivity in palatable patches decreased as the initial densities of less palatable seeds increased. Foraging theory predicts associational effects among prey that vary in palatability. Our results show how the type and magnitude of associational effects emerge from the interplay among the spatial scale of prey heterogeneity, the diet selection strategy, and the scale-dependent foraging responses of the consumer.
Splanchnic Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis After Neonatal Heart Surgery

Infants with critical congenital heart disease, especially patients with a single-ventricle (SV) physiology, are at increased risk for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Decreased splanchnic oxygen delivery may contribute to the development of NEC and may be detected by regional oximetry (rSO2) via splanchnic near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This prospective study enrolled 64 neonates undergoing biventricular (BV) repair or SV palliation for CHD and monitored postoperative splanchnic rSO2 before and during initiation of enteral feedings to determine whether changes in rSO2 are associated with risk of NEC. Suspected or proven NEC was observed in 32 % (11/34) of the SV subjects and 0 % (0/30) of the BV subjects (p = 0.001). Compared with the BV subjects, the SV palliated subjects had significantly lower splanchnic rSO2 before and during initiation of enteral feedings, but the groups showed no difference after correction for lower pulse oximetry (SpO2) in the SV group. The clinical parameters were similar among the SV subjects with and without NEC except for cardiopulmonary bypass times, which were longer for the patients who experienced NEC (126 vs 85 min; p = 0.03). No difference was observed in splanchnic rSO2 or in the SpO2-rSO2 difference between the SV subjects with and without NEC. Compared with the patients who had suspected or no NEC, the subjects with proven NEC had a lower average splanchnic rSO2 (32.6 vs 47.0 %; p = 0.05), more time with rSO2 less than 30 % (48.8 vs 6.7 %; p = 0.04) at one-fourth-volume feeds, and more time with SpO2-rSO2 exceeding 50 % (33.3 vs 0 %; p = 0.03) before feeds were initiated. These data suggest that splanchnic NIRS may be a useful tool for assessing risk of NEC, especially in patients with an SV physiology.
Subband/VQ coding in perceptually uniform color spaces

A subband/VQ coder that combines the three color components of each subband pixel into a length 3 vector and then vector quantizes each subband is presented. Perceptual weights derived from subjective visual experiments are used along with the rate-distortion curves to determine a perceptually optimal bit allocation. Advantages of this method are that fewer codebooks need to be designed and the resulting bit allocation problem is simplified. Preliminary results show that this method achieves results comparable to the more standard subband/VQ method where the color components of each subband are vector quantized separately using the perceptually optimal bit allocation algorithm. To obtain the required compression ratio and the high color fidelity required for HDTV applications, the vector quantization is done in a perceptually uniform color space. >
Echocardiography in Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty.

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty (BV) has been used successfully in recent years for the relief of mitral stenosis, and in many instances, as an alternative to cardiac surgery. This procedure requires precise evaluation of both valve morphology and function for preprocedure decision making and follow-up of patients. Two-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography is a unique, noninvasive tool for evaluating morphologic characteristics of valve, subvalvular apparatus, and valve annular size. Doppler echocardiogarphy provides functional information on transvalvular flow velocity, which can be used to derive pressure gradient across valve and regurgitant flow. Mitral valve area can be either obtained from 2-D echocardiography or derived from Doppler pressure half time. Echocardiography is currently the most widely used technique for assessing results of percutaneous BV. More recently, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been used for the evaluation of patients undergoing percutaneous mitral BV in whom left atrial thrombus is suspected and for the intraoperative monitoring of the valvuloplasty procedure. In this article we discuss the advantages and limitations of both transthoracic echocardiography and TEE, its recent developments in monitoring the procedure, evaluation of immediate results and long term follow-up after the valvuloplasty procedure, and its clinical utility in the selection of patients for percutaneous BV.
Arthur Conan Doyle's Use of Restoration History in The Musgrave Ritual

In The Musgrave Ritual, which first appeared in Strand Magazine in May 1893, Sherlock Holmes is asked by Reginald Musgrave, a former schoolmate, to investigate the disappearance of two of his serva...
On Admissibility and Completeness of Linear Unbiased Estimators in a General Linear Model

Abstract Admissibility and completeness of linear unbiased estimators in a linear model with general covariance structure are examined. Under rather unrestrictive conditions, a minimal complete class of linear unbiased estimators is described.
Diagnosis and Management of Aortic Poppet Embolism

Abstract Evidence indicates that a lower incidence of ball variance has resulted from the use of Silastic poppets manufactured since 1965. For patients in whom poppet embolization is the first indication of variance, the diagnosis must first be suspected and then confirmed by physical findings and plain roentgenography or, in the case of radiolucent poppets, possibly aortography. Immediate operation with poppet replacement and then embolectomy is indicated. Only 2 patients have so far undergone surgical correction of poppet embolism, and neither has survived. The details of 1 of these patients are presented to emphasize considerations relating to this problem. Although one must retain a guarded outlook, an aggressive approach to the management of these patients is advisable.
Calculation of Solar Irradiances. I. Synthesis of the Solar Spectrum

Variations in the total radiative output of the Sun as well as the detailed spectral irradiance are of interest to terrestrial and solar-stellar atmosphere studies. Recent observations provide measurements of spectral irradiance variations at wavelengths in the range 1100-8650 ? with improved accuracy, and correlative studies give procedures for estimating the spectral irradiance changes from solar activity records using indicators such as those derived from Ca II K and Mg II indices. Here we describe our approach to physical modeling of irradiance variations using seven semiempirical models to represent sunspots, plage, network, and quiet atmosphere. This paper gives methods and details, and some preliminary results of our synthesis of the variations of the entire irradiance spectrum. Our calculation uses object-oriented programming techniques that are very efficient and flexible. We compute at high spectral resolution the intensity as a function of wavelength and position on the disk for each of the structure types corresponding to our models. These calculations include three different approximations for the line source function: one suited for the very strong resonance lines where partial redistribution (PRD) is important, another for the most important nonresonance lines, and another approximation for the many narrow lines that are provided in Kurucz's listings. The image analysis and calculations of the irradiance variation as a function of time will be described in a later paper. This work provides an understanding of the sources of variability arising from solar-activity surface structures. We compute the Ly? irradiance to within 3% of the observed values. The difference between our computations and the Neckel & Labs data is 3% or less in the near-IR wavelengths at 8650 ?, and less than 1% in the red at 6080 ?. Near 4100 ? we overestimate the irradiance by 9%-19% because of opacity sources missing in our calculations. We also compute a solar cycle variability of 49% in the Ly? irradiance, which is very close to observed values. At wavelengths between 4100 ? and 1.6 ?m, we obtain spectral irradiance variations ranging from -0.06% to 0.46% in the visible?the higher values correspond to the presence of strong lines. The variability in the IR between 1.3 and 2.2 ?m is ~-0.15%.