cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finite-State Robots in the Land of Rationalia

Advancing technologies have enabled simple mobile robots that collaborate to perform complex tasks. Understanding how to achieve such collaboration with simpler robots leverages these advances, potentially allowing more robots for a given cost and/or decreasing the cost of deploying a fixed number of robots. This paper is a step toward understanding the algorithmic strengths and weaknesses of robots that are identical mobile finite-state machines (FSMs)—FSMs being the avatar of “simple” digital computers. We study the ability of (teams of) FSMs to identify and search within varied-size quadrants of square \(n \times n\)) meshes of tiles—such meshes being the avatars of tesselated geographically constrained environments. Each team must accomplish its assigned tasks scalably—i.e., in arbitrarily large meshes (equivalently, for arbitrarily large values of \(n\)). Each subdivision of a mesh into quadrants is specified via a pair of fractions \(\langle \varphi , \psi \rangle \), where \(0 < \varphi , \psi < 1\), chosen from a fixed, finite repertoire of such pairs. The quadrants specified by the pair \(\langle \varphi , \psi \rangle \) are delimited by a horizontal line and a vertical line that cross at anchor mesh-tile \(v^{(\varphi , \psi )} = \langle \lfloor \varphi (n-1) \rfloor , \lfloor \psi (n-1) \rfloor \rangle \). The current results: \(\bullet \) A single FSM cannot identify tile \(v^{(\varphi , \psi )}\) in meshes of arbitrary sizes, even for a single pair \(\langle \varphi , \psi \rangle \)—except when \(v^{(\varphi , \psi )}\) resides on a mesh-edge. \(\bullet \) A pair of identical FSMs can identify tiles \(v^{(\varphi _i, \psi _i)}\) in meshes of arbitrary sizes, for arbitrary fixed finite sets of \(k\) pairs \(\{\langle \varphi _i, \psi _i \rangle \}_{i=1}^k\). The pair can sweep each of the resulting quadrants in turn. \(\bullet \) Single FSMs can always verify (for all pairs and meshes) that all of the tiles of each quadrant are labeled in a way that is unique to that quadrant. This process parallelizes linearly for teams of FSMs.
His Last Bow (1917)

Crowe provides an analysis centered on the idea of a Gestalt shift of the eight Holmes stories anthologized in His Last Bow. Included are some of the very best Holmes stories such as “The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans,” “The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax,” and “His Last Bow.”
Colposcopic appearance of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions: relationship to histopathology.

PURPOSE: The incidence of anal cancer is increased in men with a history of anal receptive intercourse. Analogous to cervical cancer, whose precursor is cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), anal cancer may be preceded by anal HSIL. Although not yet proven, detection, follow-up, and treatment of HSIL may prevent development of anal cancer. Cervical colposcopic methodology was used to describe anal lesions and to determine if HSIL could be distinguished from low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). METHODS; The colposcopic characteristics of 385 biopsied anal lesions were described and correlated with results of histopathology in a cohort of 121 human immunodeficiency virus-positive and 31 human immunodeficiency-negative homosexual/bisexual men with anal lesions followed as part of a longitudinal study of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. Color, contour, surface, and vascular patterns of anal lesions were analyzed and correlated with histologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Sixty-seven percent of biopsies showed LSIL and 26 percent showed HSIL. The positive predictive value for anal HSIL in lesions with characteristics typical of cervical LSIL was 7.7 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 1.8–14), whereas the positive predictive value for anal HSIL in lesions with characteristics typical of cervical HSIL was 49 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 40–58). CONCLUSIONS: The colposcopic appearance of different grades of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions was similar to those described for the cervix. Incorporation of colposcopy into assessment of anal disease could aid in distinguishing anal LSIL from HSIL.
An Approach to Robust Synchronization of Electric Power Generators

We consider the problem of synchronizing two electric power generators, one of which (the leader) is serving a time-varying load, so that they can ultimately be connected to form a single power system. Both generators are described by second-order reduced state-space models, and we assume that the generator not serving any load initially (the follower) has access to measurements of the leader generator phase angle corrupted by some additive disturbances. By using these measurements, and leveraging results on reduced-order observers with ISS-type robustness, we propose a procedure that drives (i) the angular velocity of the follower close enough to that of the leader, and (ii) the phase angle of the follower close enough to that of the point at which both systems will be electrically connected. An explicit bound on the synchronization error in terms of the measurement disturbance and the variations in the electrical load served by the leader is computed. We illustrate the procedure via numerical simulations.
Impact of Corticosteroid Administration on Outcomes Following Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy for Non-small-cell Lung Cancer.

Abstract Introduction Radiotherapy produces immune-promoting effects, which may be blunted by the delivery of corticosteroids (CS). We thus aimed to evaluate the impact of CS use on recurrence and survival outcomes of patients with early stage non–small-cell lung cancer treated with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). Materials and Methods A prospectively registered database of patients with stage I to II (T1-3N0M0) stage non–small-cell lung cancer treated with SABR from 2004 to 2015 was queried. Concurrent CS administration was defined as receipt of CS within 2 days of the SABR course. Statistics included Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazards modeling, and cumulative incidence analysis utilizing death as a competing risk. Results Of 912 patients, 87 (9.5%) received CS with their SABR course. The most common agent was prednisone (64.4%). Indications for CS use were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 53 cases (60.9%), chemotherapy in 7 (8.0%), arthritis in 7 (8.0%), chronic pain in 4 (4.6%), transplant-related in 3 (3.4%), and “others” in 13 (14.9%; pneumonia, asthma, anemia, etc.). The median follow-up time was 59.3 months. Compared with patients who did not receive CS, receipt of CS was associated with poorer overall survival (P = .004). However, CS administration was not associated with worse time to progression (P = .766) or any recurrence when using death as a competing risk (local P = .119, regional P = .449, distant P = .847, and any recurrence P = .708). Toxicity rates were not statistically different between cohorts. Conclusions These data do not suggest increased recurrence rates when patients undergoing SABR are administered corticosteroids. However, owing to limitations of retrospective analyses, individualized judgment is still recommended.
Digital Equalization With ADC-Based Receivers: Two Important Roles Played by Digital Signal Processingin Designing Analog-to-Digital-Converter-Based Wireline Communication Receivers

Wireline input/output (I/O) bandwidth demand within networks in large data centers has increased rapidly over the last decade because of the explosion in data generation from cloud computing, mobile devices, and Internet of Things applications. To support this, both the number of I/O lanes per component and the per-lane data rate have continuously scaled up. For example, Figure 1 shows that the aggregate bandwidth of a typical large Ethernet switch application-specified integrated circuit (IC) has increased by an order of magnitude roughly every five years, starting at about 240 Gb/s with 24 channels operating at 10 Gb/s in 2008 and projected to near 25.6 Tb/s with 256 channels operating close to 100 Gb/s in 2019 [1]. This has led to the development of the current serial I/O standards at 56 Gb/s and planned future links operating in excess of 100 Gb/s.
Stability analysis of stationary variational and hemivariational inequalities with applications

Abstract In this paper, we provide a comprehensive stability analysis for stationary variational inequalities, hemivariational inequalities, and variational-hemivariational inequalities. With contact mechanics as application background, stability is analyzed for solutions with respect to combined or separate perturbations in constitutive relations, external forces, constraints, and non-smooth contact boundary conditions of the inequality problems. The stability result is first proved for a general variational-hemivariational inequality. Then, stability results are obtained for various variational inequalities and hemivariational inequalities as special cases. Finally, we illustrate applications of the theoretical results for the stability analysis of model problems in contact mechanics.
A systematic review of high-risk environmental circumstances for adolescent drinking

Background: The social and physical environment in which drinking occurs can impact the level of alcohol consumption and related consequences among adolescents. Understanding which aspects of the d...
Plant Nutritional Deficiency and Its Impact on Crop Production

Nutritional imbalances in plants influence their responses and defense mechanisms against abiotic stress, pests, and diseases, ultimately impacting crop production. Normal functioning and growth of the plant are affected due to insufficient availability of an essential nutrient(s). Plants have developed highly complex and specialized nutrient sensing and signaling systems to respond to varying nutrient availability in the soil. Interaction of nutritional status and complex signaling mechanisms play a crucial role in plant’s tolerance against diseases and pests. The potential role of deficiency or excess nutrients in plant’s defense against pest and diseases and nutrient sensing and signaling mechanisms in plants is discussed in this chapter. These insights will lead to the development of strategies for a long-term sustainable nutrient management and improved nutrient use efficiency.
Superconductivity on Edge: Evidence of a One-Dimensional Superconducting Channel at the Edges of Single-Layer FeTeSe Antiferromagnetic Nanoribbons.

How superconductivity emerges from antiferromagnetic ordering is an essential question for Fe-based superconductors. Here, we explore the effect of dimensionality on the interplay between antiferromagnetic ordering and superconductivity by investigating nanoribbons of single-layer FeTe1-xSex films grown on SrTiO3(001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy, we find a one-dimensional (1D) superconducting channel 2 nm wide with a TC of 42 ± 4 K on the edge of FeTe1-xSex (x < 0.1) ribbons, coexisting with a non-superconducting ribbon interior that remains bicollinear antiferromagnetically ordered. Density functional theory calculations indicate that both Se and the presence of the edge destabilize the bicollinear antiferromagnetic magnetic order, resulting in a paramagnetic region near the edge with strong local checkerboard fluctuations that is conducive to superconductivity. Our results represent the highest TC achieved in 1D superconductors and demonstrate an effective route toward stabilizing superconductivity in Fe-based superconductors at reduced dimensions.
Imaging of Retinal Vascular Disease

The retina is supplied by two circulations: the choroidal circulation via the choroidal vessels and the retinal circulation via the central retinal artery (Jakobiec 1982). In up to 32% of the eyes (Justice and Lehmann 1976), an additional branch, the cilioretinal artery, may extend from the choroidal circulation to supply a portion of the inner retina, mainly in the macular region.
Impedance-to-scattering matrix method for large silencers Part II: Integral formulation, acoustic reciprocity and practical issues

Abstract The collocation-based impedance-to-scattering matrix method recently developed in conjunction with the boundary element method (BEM) for large silencer analysis is reformulated by using the reciprocal identity integral. The reciprocal identity integral also forms the foundation of the classical theory of acoustic reciprocity for silencers. Contrary to the conventional wisdom, when the inlet and the outlet of a large silencer are switched, the transmission loss (TL) may not remain the same at frequencies above the plane-wave cutoff of the inlet and outlet. Numerical results using the BEM as well as the finite element method (FEM) are provided to confirm the hypothesis. Some practical issues related to the application of the impedance-to-scattering matrix method are also investigated. One issue is on the combination of subsystems in series connection using the scattering matrices. It is found that the more stable Redheffer star product must be used instead of the simple matrix multiplication using the transfer scattering matrices. Another practical issue is on the modeling of large silencers with a ½ or a ¼ reflective symmetry. A more restrictive selection of modes must be used in place of the general complete modal expansion in cylindrical coordinates.
Chimeric Ad5.F35 vector evades anti-adenovirus serotype 5 neutralization opposing GUCY2C-targeted antitumor immunity.

Background Adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) is a commonly used viral vector for transient delivery of transgenes, primarily for vaccination against pathogen and tumor antigens. However, endemic infections with Ad5 produce virus-specific neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) that limit transgene delivery and constrain target-directed immunity following exposure to Ad5-based vaccines. Indeed, clinical trials have revealed the limitations that virus-specific NAbs impose on the efficacy of Ad5-based vaccines. In that context, the emerging focus on immunological approaches targeting cancer self-antigens or neoepitopes underscores the unmet therapeutic need for more efficacious vaccine vectors. Methods Here, we evaluated the ability of a chimeric adenoviral vector (Ad5.F35) derived from the capsid of Ad5 and fiber of the rare adenovirus serotype 35 (Ad35) to induce immune responses to the tumor-associated antigen guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C). Results In the absence of pre-existing immunity to Ad5, GUCY2C-specific T-cell responses and antitumor efficacy induced by Ad5.F35 were comparable to Ad5 in a mouse model of metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, like Ad5, Ad5.F35 vector expressing GUCY2C was safe and produced no toxicity in tissues with, or without, GUCY2C expression. Importantly, this chimeric vector resisted neutralization in Ad5-immunized mice and by sera collected from patients with colorectal cancer naturally exposed to Ad5. Conclusions These data suggest that Ad5.F35-based vaccines targeting GUCY2C, or other tumor or pathogen antigens, may produce clinically relevant immune responses in more (≥90%) patients compared with Ad5-based vaccines (~50%).
Model-driven directed-energy-deposition process workflow incorporating powder flowrate as key parameter

Abstract Process optimization for directed-energy-deposition, an industrial laser-based additive manufacturing technique, is a time-intensive endeavor for manufacturers. Herein we investigate the use of a modified analytical process-model based on powder-bed-fusion techniques, to predict quality build parameters by incorporating the effects of three key parameters: laser-power, scanning-speed, and powder flowrate. Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) tracks of varying parameters were built, studied, and used to predict parameters for quality builds used at different parameters. The model agreed well with experimental build quality at powder flowrates less than 6.5 g/min, whereas, higher flowrates created significant unmelted-particle regions, despite optimal parameter predictions. Processing of multi-layer bulk samples revealed that parameters in the optimal range account for relative densities >99%, indicating quality bulk processing parameters. Our results indicate that process modeling with the incorporation of powder feedrate as a key parameter is possible using a commercial laser-based additive manufacturing system.
Outcomes of Aortic Valve Replacement for Chronic Aortic Insufficiency: Analysis of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database.

Abstract Background This study evaluated outcomes and risk factors for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for aortic insufficiency (AI) in a national cohort. We analyzed the incidence, outcomes, and risk factors for SAVR for AI in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. Methods The national database was queried for patients with moderate or greater AI undergoing isolated SAVR between July 2011 and December 2018. Patients with moderate or greater aortic stenosis, acute dissection, active endocarditis, concomitant procedures, or emergent operation were excluded. AI was staged using guideline criteria based on symptoms and ventricular remodeling. Operative mortality and morbidity were compared between stages, and risk factors for operative death were identified. Results A total of 12,564 patients underwent isolated SAVR for AI from 2011 to 2018. Patients were most frequently AI stage D (7019 [57.5%]), compared with B (1405 [11.2%]), C1 (1128 [9.0%]), or C2 (1325 [10.5%]). Operative mortality was 1.1% overall, and increased between stage C1, C2, and D (0.4% vs 0.7% vs 1.6%, respectively, P Conclusions Operative mortality and morbidity for isolated SAVR for AI is very low in a national cohort, providing a benchmark for future transcatheter approaches. Operative risk increases with advanced ventricular remodeling. SAVR before development of ventricular remodeling may be appropriate in patients with severe AI.
Epigenetic age acceleration, fatigue, and inflammation in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND The authors measured epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) during and after cancer treatment and its association with inflammation and fatigue, which is a debilitating symptom in patients with cancer. METHODS Patients who had head and neck cancer without distant metastases were assessed before, immediately after, and at 6 months and 12 months postradiotherapy. Blood DNA methylation was assessed using a proprietary bead chip (the Illumina MethylationEPIC BeadChip). EAA was calculated using the Levine epigenetic clock (DNAmPhenoAge), adjusted for chronological age. Fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20. Inflammatory markers were measured using standard techniques. RESULTS Most patients (N = 133) were men, White, had advanced disease, and received concurrent chemoradiation. EAA changes over time were significant, with the largest increase (4.9 years) observed immediately after radiotherapy (P < .001). Increased EAA was associated with elevated fatigue (P = .003) over time, and patients who had severe fatigue experienced 3.1 years higher EAA than those who had low fatigue (P < .001), which was more prominent (5.6 years; P = .018) for patients who had human papillomavirus-unrelated disease at 12 months posttreatment. EAA was also positively associated with inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), over time (P < .001), and patients who had high CRP and IL-6 levels exhibited increases of 4.6 and 5.9 years, respectively, in EAA compared with those who had low CRP and IL-6 levels (P < .001). CRP and IL-6 mediated the association between EAA and fatigue (CRP: 95% CI, 0.060-0.279; IL-6: 95% CI, 0.024-0.220). CONCLUSIONS Patients with head and neck cancer experienced increased EAA, especially immediately after treatment completion. EAA was associated with greater fatigue and inflammation, including 1 year after treatment. Inflammation may be a target to reduce the impact of age acceleration on poor functional outcomes.
The Substitutability of Capital, Labor, and R&D in U.S. Manufacturing

This paper examines the relationship between inputs in industrial production. The inputs studied here are capital, labor, and research and development (R&D). Using translog technology, our cross-industry analysis of six industries reveals that capital and labor are complements in production while R&D and labor are substitutes. However, the relationship between capital and R&D is not so clear cut. It is also found that constant-returns-to-scale hold for only two of the six industries. A test of sensitivity to changes in the R&D depreciation rates suggests that some industries are sensitive to such changes.
The influence of auditory rhythms on the speed of inferred motion

The present research explored the influence of isochronous auditory rhythms on the timing of movement-related prediction in two experiments. In both experiments, participants observed a moving disc that was visible for a predetermined period before disappearing behind a small, medium, or large occluded area for the remainder of its movement. In Experiment 1, the disc was visible for 1 s. During this period, participants were exposed to either a fast or slow auditory rhythm, or they heard nothing. They were instructed to press a key to indicate when they believed the moving disc had reached a specified location on the other side of the occluded area. The procedure measured the (signed) error in participants’ estimate of the time it would take for a moving object to contact a stationary one. The principal results of Experiment 1 were main effects of the rate of the auditory rhythm and of the size of the occlusion on participants’ judgments. In Experiment 2, the period of visibility was varied with size of the occlusion area to keep the total movement time constant for all three levels of occlusion. The results replicated the main effect of rhythm found in Experiment 1 and showed a small, significant interaction, but indicated no main effect of occlusion size. Overall, the results indicate that exposure to fast isochronous auditory rhythms during an interval of inferred motion can influence the imagined rate of such motion and suggest a possible role of an internal rhythmicity in the maintenance of temporally accurate dynamic mental representations.
Instrumentation for Routine Analysis of Acrylamide in French Fries: Assessing Limitations for Adoption

The purpose of this experimental review was to detect acrylamide in French fries using methods most adaptable to the food process industry for quality control assessment of products. French fries were prepared at different cook times using the same fryer oil over a five-day period to assess the influence of oil degradation and monitor trends in acrylamide formation. Acrylamide detection was performed using LC-MS, GC-MS and FT-NIR. The low levels of acrylamide produced during frying, low molecular weight of the analyte, and complexity of the potato matrix make routine acrylamide measurement challenging in a well-outfitted analytical lab with trained personnel. The findings of this study are presented from the perspective of pros and cons of each acrylamide measurement method in enough detail for food processors to appraise the method that may work best for them based on their available instrumentation and extent of personnel training.
Management of Musculoskeletal Pain

Acute musculoskeletal pain is a common presenting complaint among patients and is often the first symptom of an operative pathology. Pain is a subjective sensation and an emotional response involving a complex series of pathways from nociception at the site of injury to registration in the cerebral cortex. Measurement of pain is largely subjective, but may be guided by a variety of validated and effective tools. The treatment of acute pain, which relied heavily on opioids in the past, is now understood to be more safely and effectively treated with a combination of multimodal analgesics and non-pharmacologic therapy, including psychological assessment and treatment. Opioids remain an important component of therapy, but their benefits must be weighed against their significant side-effect profile, risk of dependence, diversion, and subsequent addiction. The current opioid epidemic constitutes a national emergency and is associated with astronomical costs, both economically and in human lives. Efforts by physicians to better understand acute musculoskeletal pain and its appropriate treatment regimens are critical in order to provide safe and compassionate care while lessening the broad impact of opioid dependence, addiction, and opioid-related deaths.
A 0.5V filter with PLL-based tuning in 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS

Design techniques that allow analog circuit operation with supply voltages as low as 0.5V are presented. A fully integrated 135kHz fifth-order elliptic LPF, including automatic bias circuits and an on-chip PLL for tuning, is implemented with standard devices in a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process. The 1mm/sup 2/ chip has a measured DR of 57dB and draws 2.2mA from the 0.5V supply.
Mechanisms of Acupuncture Analgesia

Acupuncture analgesia has been a common modality for management of acute and chronic pain. Acupuncture analgesia was based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of the balance of Yin and Yang to regulate the Qi (energy) and blood. The Qi travels through various channels in the body via meridians. Although it is difficult to translate and poorly understood in Western scientific terms, both basic and clinical research on acupuncture analgesia has begun to expose substantial progress. There are correlations between acupuncture analgesia and the neural pathways such as afferent peripheral transduction and nerve transmission, ascending and descending modulation pathways, interpretation and central processing in the brain. Ongoing animal study models have yielded insight into acupuncture analgesia starting from behavioral observation and then dissect into the molecular level. Newer imaging techniques, e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging (FMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scan have gradually revealed varying levels of neural modulation throughout central nervous system. Despite the deficiency of a vibrant consensus exploring the mechanism of its effect on analgesia, acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial in management of acute and chronic pain. Basic and clinical research has explored and compared electroacupuncture to manual acupuncture. There were greater analgesia and less intense pain during a brief period of electrical stimulation versus manual acupuncture. The clinical assessment and application of diverse frequencies and duration of electroacupuncture versus manual acupuncture may provide effective and systematic benefit. Further ongoing research is still in great demand in order to better elucidate the mechanism of acupuncture analgesia.
Cyclic 3',5'-nucleotide phosphodiesterase. Preparation of a partially inactive enzyme and its subsequent stimulation by snake venom.

Abstract 1. 1. A cyclic 3′,5′-nucleotide phosphodiesterase has been partialy purified from bovine brain cortices. The “purified” enzyme showed little activity unless preincubated with snake venom. Phosphodiesterase as extracted from the cortices was maximally active but gradually lost activity as purification proceeded. Activation by venom was seen only after phosphodiesterase had been purified and was not due to protection by proteins in venom. 2. 2. The venom presumably contained a stimulatory factor(s), which activated the purified but not the crude enzyme. Since 5′-adenosine monophosphate did not affect phosphodiesterase activity, stimulation was not due to relief of product inhibition by 5′-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5) of venom. Based on stability studies, the stimulatory factor could be distinguished from 5′-nucleotidase of venom. 3. 3. The stimulatory factor was labile to extreme pH's and elevated temperatures, but part of the activity survived these treatments. It was not dialyzable and appeared to be a fprotein. Although venom exhibited tryptic activity, neither its tryptic nor stimulatory activity was affected by trypsin inhibitor. Activation of phosphodiesterase by venom appeared to be monomolecular reaction and was not dependent on Mn 2+ at a concentration optimal for phosphodiesterase activity.
Support Group Webcasting: A Feasibility Assessment

Stress from chronic illness can be ameliorated by participation in support groups (SGs). Attending “gold standard” in-person, moderated SGs can be challenging. Taking care to address confidentiality concerns, we developed a web-based method for remote participants to “attend” in-person SGs. Authorized participants gain a realtime, audiovisual connection to the SG; on-site attendees discuss textual comments sent by remote participants to, and selected for discussion by, the group moderator. Feasibility studies with three SGs are encouraging.
Action for Children’s Television and the Regulation of Broadcast Indecency

This brief article discusses the decision in Action for Children’s Television v. FCC, where the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the “safe harbor” provisions of the Public Telecommunications Act of 1992 permitting the broadcast of indecent programming only between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The ACT III court found that the time-channeling regulation was supported by the government’s compelling interest in protecting children from broadcast indecency.
Effects of Propagation, Transverse Mode Coupling and Diffraction on Nonlinear Light Pulse Evolution

The effective computational methods developed to efficiently tackle transverse and longitudinal reshaping associated with single-stream and two-way propagation effects in cooperative light-matter interactions, using the semi-classical model are described. The mathematical methods are justified on physical grounds. Typical illustrative results of propagation in resonant absorbers, amplifiers and superfluorescence systems are presented.
Modifications of single acetylcholine-activated channels in BC3H-1 cells. Effects of trimethyloxonium and pH.

We have examined the effects of chemical modification with trimethyloxonium (TMO) and changes in external pH on the properties of acetylcholine (ACh)-activated channels in BC3H-1 cells, a clonal muscle cell line. TMO reacts covalently and specifically with carboxylic acid moieties in proteins to convert them to neutral methyl esters. In BC3H-1 cells TMO modification reduces the whole-cell response to ACh measured at negative membrane potentials by approximately 60%. G omega seal patch-clamp recordings of single ACh channel currents showed that the reduction in ACh sensitivity is due to alterations in both the current-carrying and the kinetic properties of the channels. Under all our experimental conditions, i.e., in external solutions of normal or low ionic strength, with or without external divalent cations, and at external pHs between 5.5 and 8.1, TMO treatment reduced ACh single-channel conductance to 70-90% of normal. The effects of TMO on channel kinetics were dependent on the ionic conditions. In normal ionic strength solutions containing both calcium and magnesium ions TMO modification reduced the channel average open time by approximately 25%. A similar reduction in open time was seen in calcium-free solution, but was not present when both calcium and magnesium ions were absent from the external solution. Lowering the ionic strength of the solution increased the mean open time in normal channels by about threefold, but did not affect the kinetics of modified channels. In low ionic strength solutions normal ACh channel open times were maximal at approximately pH 6.7 and decreased by three- to fourfold at both acid and alkaline pH. TMO modification removed the pH dependence of channel kinetics, and average open times were short at all pHs between 5.5 and 8.1. We suggest that TMO modifies normally titratable groups on the external surface of ACh channels that help to determine both the gating and permeability properties of ACh channels.
On the discrete generalized Lyapunov equation

Abstract In this paper we study the discrete generalized Lyapunov equation for implicit systems. We show how the anticipation phenomenon and the asymptotic stability of the system can be studied in terms of the solutions to the discrete generalized Lyapunov equation. We further study under which conditions these solutions are unique. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the results presented.
Victimization in the Peer Group and Children's Academic Functioning.

This short-term longitudinal investigation focused on associations between victimization in the peer group and academic functioning over a 1-year period. The authors used a multi-informant approach to assess peer victimization, symptoms of depression, and academic outcomes for 199 elementary schoolchildren (average age of 9.0 years; 105 boys, 94 girls). Frequent victimization by peers was associated with poor academic functioning (as indicated by grade point averages and achievement test scores) on both a concurrent and a predictive level. Additionally, the authors' analyses provided some evidence that peer group victimization predicts academic difficulties through the mediating influence of depressive symptoms. Taken together, these results highlight the potential negative impact of victimization by peers on children's academic functioning.
Compressible Fluid Model for the Seismic Waves Generated by A Sunquake

The solar convection zone is modeled as a horizontally stratified atmosphere with a constant gravitational field and an adiabatic temperature gradient (a neutrally stratified polytrope). At equilibrium, the gas pressure and density decreases to zero at the solar surface so that the solar surface is treated as a free surface which is bounded by vacuum. The evolution of small amplitude perturbations about the equilibrium state is described by the linearized Euler equations for an inviscid compressible fluid with an adiabatic equation of state. A sunquake is initiated at time zero by means of an initial perturbation with a Gaussian velocity profile and the exact solution of the initial value problem is obtained in terms of a Fourier integral. Comparisons between theory and observations indicate that this highly simplified model is able to predict the propagation of sunquake waves across the solar surface with an error of approximately 10% or 20%.
Regulation of the promoter of CUG triplet repeat binding protein, Cugbp1, during myogenesis.

Abstract CUG triplet repeat binding protein, CUGBP1, plays a critical role in the development of skeletal muscle pathology in patients with Myotonic Dystrophy 1 (DM1). In this paper, we have characterized transcriptional regulation of mouse Cugbp1 gene during normal myogenesis. There are several Cugbp1 mRNA species with variable 5′ ends. We found that these mRNA species have different patterns of expression during myogenesis. Isoforms 1 and 2 are mainly expressed in myotubes, while expression of isoform 3 is increased during transition of myoblasts to myotubes and during transition of myotubes to myofibers. We have cloned a short region of the Cugbp1 promoter, which is responsible for the regulation of the isoform 3, and have identified within this region three different transcription start sites. This promoter region exhibits high activity in myoblasts and the activity of this region is significantly increased in myotubes. The Cugbp1 promoter contains three E-box elements. A mutation of one of the E-boxes, E3, significantly reduces activity of the Cugbp1 promoter. Gelshift and ChIP assays showed that E3-box is occupied by E12, CBP and p300 proteins in myoblasts, while in differentiated myotubes this element is occupied by myogenin, E12 and p300. The binding of myogenin to the Cugbp1 promoter correlates with activation of the promoter during differentiation. Our data show that myogenin is a key regulator of the Cugbp1 promoter since overexpression of myogenin increases the activity of the Cugbp1 promoter; while the inhibition of myogenin reduces activity of the Cugbp1 promoter. These data show that transcription of Cugbp1 gene in muscle is regulated by myogenin and E proteins and suggest that the co-operation of several transcription factors is important for the activation of the Cugbp1 promoter.
A Dicoordinate Palladium(0) Complex with an Unusual Intramolecular η1-Arene Coordination

The reaction of (tmeda)PdMe2 with dcpBiph gives (dcpBiph)2Pd in high yield. The solid-state structure of (dcpBiph)2Pd reveals a bent P−Pd−P framework and an unusual η1-arene interaction between the...
Macromolecular organization of hemocyanins and apohemocyanins as revealed by electron microscopy.

Macromolecular organization of hemocyanins and apohemocyanins as revealed by electron microscopy
History in My Hand—Making Artifact Kits in the Intermediate Grades

ost social studies textbooks M devote at least a few pages of text and pictures to the art, architecture, and other forms of material culture that characterize a civilization. No picture, however, can substitute for the experience of handling an object or viewing it in three dimensions. Tangible artifacts and primary source documents, or copies of same, can help students understand the political, social, and cultural nature of a time period and the ideas, assumptions, and attitudes of the people who fabricated them. Whether one examines song lyrics, house construction or furnishings, changing types of agricultural and household implements, styles of clothing, personal grooming aids, recipes, keepsakes, personal letters, or mementos, artifacts reflect cognition. As James Deetz has persuasively argued, “Material culture systems represent the minds of the people who put them together” (Metcalf and Downey
Influence of Mineral Composition on the Simple Shear Response of Sands: Experimental Study

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the role of mineral composition on the direct simple shear response (i.e., volume change during shear) of uniform sands composed of “strong” quartz grains and “weak” calcareous grains. The dry specimens were loaded in a custom-made direct simple shear apparatus and separated after testing with respect to grain size by sieving and with respect to mineral composition by dissolving the calcareous grains retained on each sieve. The results indicate that the presence of weak grains affects the direct simple shear response of predominately strong-grained sands: at low stresses, the response is controlled by particle shape; at high stresses, the response is controlled by weak particle breakage.
Proton reactivity of butterfly oxo and sulfido clusters and structural characterization of HFe3Mn(CO)10(dmpm)(μ4-O)

Phosphine substitution for CO in the butterfly oxo cluster [Fe 3 Mn(CO) 12 (μ 4 -O)] − ( 1 ) produces the bis-phosphine clusters [Fe 3 Mn(CO) 10 (PR 3 ) 2 (μ 4 -O)] − (R=OCH 3 ( 2a ), CH 3 ( 2b )) and [Fe 3 Mn(CO) 10 (dmpm)(μ 4 -O)] − ( 3 ). In the presence of the strong acid, HSO 3 CF 3 , the oxo cluster 1 is not protonated, 3 is protonated at the FeFe backbone of the butterfly, and [Fe 3 Mn(CO) 12 (μ 4 -S)] − ( 5 ) loses CO and Mn upon protonation to yield H 2 Fe 3 (CO) 9 (μ 3 -S) and a manganese containing by-product. The structure of the protonated cluster HFe 3 Mn(CO) 10 (dmpm)(μ 4 -O) ( 4 ), determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, compared with its parent, 1 , compound 4 , has elongated metalmetal bonds, a smaller dihedral angle (111° compared to 113°), and shorter wingtip metal-to-oxo ligand distances. Additionally, the carbonyl ligands on 4 shift to accommodate the hydride ligand on the hinge iron metals and the bidentate phosphine ligand spanning the hinge and wingtip iron atoms. The butterfly clusters were characterized by 1 H NMR, variable temperature 13 C NMR, 31 P NMR, and infrared spectroscopy. Crystal data for 4 : monoclinic ( Cc ), a =7.917(2), b =18.541(2), c =16.196(1) A, β =95.41(1)°, Z =4, R ( R w )=0.022 (0.029).
Do Split Brains Listen to Prozac

. Cognitive science challenges our understandings of self and freedom. In this article, adapted from a chapter in Minding God: Theology and the Cognitive Sciences (Peterson 2003), I review some of the scientific literature with regard to issues of self and freedom. I argue that our sense of self is a construct and heavily dependent on the kind of brain that we have. Furthermore, understanding the issue of freedom requires an understanding of the findings of cognitive science. Human beings are constrained to be free; our biology in no small way determines the kinds of freedom that we are able to have.
Progesterone stimulates DNA synthesis and lobulo-alveolar development in mammary glands in ovariectomized mice.

The objective of this study was to determine whether sustained progesterone (P) use in the absence of estrogen could influence mammary development in mice. Three-week-old intact or ovariectomized mice were primed with subcutaneous (s.c.) cholesterol (C), estrogen (E), P, or estrogen and progesterone (E/P) together. Nine days after priming, mammary glands were removed and incubated as a whole organ in media supplemented with various combinations of lactogenic hormones. After 5 days in whole organ culture, glands were removed and end buds, alveolar buds and lobulo-alveoli were quantified. Glands from mice primed with C or E developed significantly less lobulo-alveoli than glands from mice primed with P or E/P. While the development was greater in animals treated with E/P compared to those treated with P, it was clear that P in the absence of E could still induce lobulo-alveolar development. We have shown in this paper that P, in the absence of E, can stimulate cell proliferation during priming. Subsequently, the P primed glands can differentiate in response to lactogenic hormones. J. Cell. Physiol. 180:298–304, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Advanced gray‐scale compensator for TN‐LCDs for avionics applications

The gray-scale and contrast-viewing-angle deficiencies of normally white TN-LCDs must be overcome for the device to be utilized in high-performance avionics display applications. A compensator that enhances the contrast and gray scale of normally white TN-LCDs over a wide range of viewing angles is described. The compensator includes a unique biaxial element with an obliquely oriented principal optical axis. The compensator's design, fabrication, modeled performance, and performance measured on an avionics display system are presented.
Identifying g: the current role of intelligence

Provides a brief description of Spearman’s g which has become the cornerstone for most theories of intelligence and highlights the social, scientific and political controversy in which this is surrounded. Discusses the identification of g before covering the criticisms, the physiological manifestations and the practical and social implications together with education. Summarizes that this construct routinely accounts for more variance than all other cognitive factors combined and so holds a high position in any model of the structure of human cognitive abilities.
Combined modality therapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma.

Multi-modality treatment consisting of cisplatin, VP-16, and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy given concomitantly with external beam radiation was used to treat 64 patients with locally advanced Stage III non-small cell lung carcinoma. This regimen was used in a preoperative fashion for four cycles in patients considered surgically resectable and with curative intent for six cycles in the remainder of patients. The clinical response rate for the entire group was 84% and the overall local control rate was 74%. The median survival was 13 months with a median follow-up for live patients of 19 months. The actuarial 3-year survival and disease-free survival rates were 30% and 23%, respectively. Histologic complete response was 39% and appeared to predict for survival. The 3-year actuarial survival and disease-free survival rates for 23 resected patients were 69% and 45%, respectively, with the complete histologic responders having a disease-free survival of 78%. The pattern of first recurrence did not appear to differ by histology or presence of lymph nodes in this subset of patients. The actuarial 3-year survival and disease-free survival rates for inoperable patients receiving six cycles of treatment were 18% and 23%, respectively. The local control was 67% with the majority of these patients having Stagemore » IIIB disease. The Mountain International staging system appeared to predict for operability, local recurrence, and survival. This concomitant treatment regimen is feasible, with the major toxicities being leukopenia, nausea, and vomiting.« less
Instrumentation for gamma-ray astronomy

The current status of gamma-ray-telescope technology for ground, airborne, and space observations is surveyed and illustrated with drawings, diagrams, and graphs and tables of typical data. For the low- and medium-energy ranges, consideration is given to detectors and detector cooling systems, background-rejection methods, radiation damage, large-area detectors, gamma-ray imaging, data analysis, and the Compton-interaction region. Also discussed are the gamma-ray interaction process at high energies; multilevel automated spark-chamber gamma-ray telescopes; the Soviet Gamma-1 telescope; the EGRET instrument for the NASA Gamma-Ray Observatory; and Cerenkov, air-shower, and particle-detector instruments for the TeV and PeV ranges. Significant improvements in resolution and sensitivity are predicted for the near future.
Nudge Ethics for Health Plans

In order to improve alignment of incentives and behaviors in health care, health plans are actively exploring the use of principles of behavioral economics to influence two of their key constituenc...
Comparing various short-form Geriatric Depression Scales leads to the GDS-5/15.

Purpose: To compare three published short GDS scales and to identify a valid and reliable short-form alternative to the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Design: Comparative validation study via retrospective chart review of 816 acute care patients in an 830-bed academic medical center in the USA in 2001. Methods: Data of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and demographic data were extracted from medical records after patient discharge. Three scales: the D'Ath GDS-4, van Marwijk GDS-4, and Hoyl GDS-5, were compared to the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: The Hoyl 5-item version showed the highest sensitivity (97.9%). Concern for GDS-5 false positives when compared to the 15-item GDS (specificity 72.7%) led to re-ordering the 15 GDS items into a new two-tiered instrument, the GDS-5/15. In this study of 816 older adult inpatients, 60% were screened as “not depressed” using the first 5 items on the GDS-5/15, leaving 40% for continued screening and completion of all 15 GDS items. Conclusions: A shorter screening tool might encourage more providers to add depression screening to routine health care visits. The GDS-5/15 is an alternative screening tool.