cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attending to Temporal Assumptions May Enrich Autonomous Agent Computer Simulations

Agent-based computer simulations use agents on landscapes to investigate epidemics, social phenomena, decision making, supply networks, the behavior of biological systems, and physical and chemical processes, among other things. This essay examines how agents and landscapes are oriented in time and this orientation's relevance to observing and interpreting findings. I argue that the proposed temporal deepening of how simulations are constructed involving interaction of multiple temporalities itself a kind of temporality could lead to the unexpected triggering of cascades of secondary emergences. Such cascades may already be there but going unobserved. Buddhist cosmology is briefly used as a contrast with current simulation temporal orientations to illuminate key points. Katherine Hayles's work on media, my theoretical work on time-ecologies and heterochrony, and J. T. Fraser's theory of the nested hierarchy of time and associated causalities are used to explore these issues.
Identification and characterization of a full-length cDNA encoding for an auxin-induced 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase from etiolated mung bean hypocotyl segments and expression of its mRNA in response to indole-3-acetic acid

1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (EC 4.4.1.14) is the key regulatory enzyme in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway. The identification and characterization of a full-length cDNA (pAIM-1) 1941 bp in length for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)-induced ACC synthase is described in this paper. The pAIM-1 clone has an 87 bp leader and a 402 bp trailing sequence. The open reading frame is 1452 bp long encoding for a 54.6 kDa polypeptide (484 amino acids) which has a calculated isoelectric point of 6.0. In vitro transcription and translation experiments support the calculated molecular weight and show that the enzyme does not undergo processing. Eleven of the twelve amino acid residues which are conserved in aminotransferases are found in pAIM-1. The sequence for pMAC-1 which is one of the 5 genes we have identified in mung bean is contained in pAIM-1. pAIM-1 shares between 52 to 65% homology with previously reported sequences for ACC synthase at the protein level. There is little detectable pAIM-1 message found in untreated mung bean tissues; however, expression is apparent within 30 min following the addition of 10 μM IAA reaching a peak after approximately 5 h with a slight decrease in message after 12 h. These changes in message correlate with changes in ACC levels found in these tissues following treatment with 10 μM IAA.
Solution properties of biobased hyperbranched polyols investigated by multiple-detection size exclusion chromatography

We used multiple-detection size exclusion chromatography and batch-mode light scattering to fol- low the structural development of hydroxylated fatty acid methyl esters of soybean oil into hyperbranched (HB) polyol during polymerization by analyzing samples, collected at different times, in dilute solutions in tetrahy- drofuran. The size of HB molecules was, as expected, smaller and more compact than that of their linear ana- logues of the same molecular weight (MW). Addition- ally, HB polyols were roughly spherical in shape. Plots of MW as a function of retention time and plots of the radius of gyration (Rg) as a function of MW showed an upturn; this indicated mixing of the high-MW compo- nents in late-eluting fractions, caused by either adsorp- tion onto or trapping by the pore. For region of the plot before the turning points, the exponent in the Mark- Houwink equation was between 0.3 and 0.4. The expo- nent in the power relationship between Rg and MW was also below 0.5. It appeared that the shape of molecules for the same MW varied with the progress of the syn- thesis, as observed by a slope change in the viscometric radius dependence on MW for different HB polyol sam- ples. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 125: E586-E594, 2012
An interactive video-computer tracking system for quantification of locomotor behavior

We have developed a flexible, moderately priced, behavioral analysis system which has been used to determine the response of salmonids to certain olfactory stimulants. The system, which we call ITS for interactive computer-video tracking system, consists of a 128K Apple IIe computer with software, a video camera and videocassette recorder, and a special-effects generator. Experiments are video taped and then, during playback, the special effects generator is used to simultaneously display the video image and the graphics output of the computer on a monitor. The user tracks the animal of interest using an electronic pen, and the position of that animal in the test chamber, in the form ofx-y coordinates, is determined by the computer at user-defined time intervals. When tracking is complete, a plot of the track of the animal is printed within the outline of the test chamber. The following data can also be calculated: swimming velocity, distance from a predetermined point in the chamber (for example, olfactory stimulant source), and time spent in a given area. These variables can be calculated over any chosen time periods and/or for the entire experiment. ITS has numerous advantages over commercially available devices that perform similar tasks. First, it is relatively inexpensive, especially if one already owns video equipment and a computer. Second, it can analyze many types of experiments that can be stored on video tape, including field observations or manipulations. Third, because it is not automated, it is easy to track multiple objects, even if their tracks cross or are not easily located against a low-contrast background. Finally, because whole images do not have to be digitized, and data collection intervals can be adjusted by the user, it is possible to analyze very long experiments with a microcomputer. In this paper we describe ITS and then we demonstrate how we have used it to demonstrate that changes in ambient pH alter the behavioral response of juvenile Atlantic salmon to olfactory stimuli.
Antibodies to sperm-specific human FA-1 inhibiti in vitro fertilization in rhesus monkeys: development of a simian model for testing of anti-FA-1 contraceptive vaccine

Abstract The feasibility of using the rhesus monkey as a non-human primate model for testing the efficacy of a contraceptive vaccine based on FA-1 antigen was evaluated. Affinity-purified anti-FA-1 polyclonal antibodies (Fab' fragments) and anti-FA-1 monoclonal antibody were used as probes in these studies. Anti-FA-1 antibodies (polyclonal Fab' as well as monoclonal IgG) predominantly reacted with the postacrosomal, mid-piece and tail regions of rhesus monkey sperm, as with human sperm, by an indirect immunofluorescence technique (IFT). These antibodies also specifically recognized a single protein band of 51 ± 2 kDa, corresponding to the dimeric form of FA-1 antigen, on a Western blot of lithium diiodosalicylate (LIS)-solubilized monkey sperm. Anti-FA-1 antibodies, when present in the insemination mixture, inhibited the in vitro fertilization (IVF) of monkey oocytes. These results indicate that FA- l -antigen in rhesus monkey sperm is similar in subcellular localization, molecular identity and function to that in human sperm, and that the rhesus monkey represents a permissible non-human primate model in which the efficacy of a contraceptive vaccine based on FA-1 antigen can be tested.
Iordanskii force and the gravitational Aharonov-Bohm effect for a moving vortex

I discuss the scattering of phonons by a vortex moving with respect to a superfluid condensate. This allows us to test the compatibility of the scattering-theory derivation of the Iordanskii force with the galilean invariance of the underlying fluid dynamics. In order to obtain the correct result we must retain $O(v_s^2)$ terms in the sound-wave equation, and this reinforces the interpretation, due to Volovik, of the Iordanskii force as an analogue of the gravitational Bohm-Aharonov effect.
Thermal variation of Ce valence in mixed valence-Kondo lattice systems CeT2(Si1-xGex)2 with T = Mn and Ni

Abstract The results on the thermal variation of Ce L 3 -valence in CeT 2 (Si 1− x Ge x ) 2 series with 0⩽ x ⩽1 and T=Mn and Ni are reported. It is observed that for both series, the Ce valence increases with decreasing temperature and has little thermal variation for samples in the nearly trivalent regime. The magnitude of this thermal variation in the T=Mn series is much greater than in the T=Ni series. The results are explained by the degenerate Anderson model and correlated with the specific heat data.
Sex difference and estrous cycle variations in amphetamine-elicited rotational behavior

The experiments reported here were designed to determine if there are sex- and/or estrus cycle-dependent differences in amphetamine (AMPH)-elicited rotational behavior in unlesioned rats. Whole brain or striatal levels of AMPH produced by systemic administration of the drug were also measured. At all doses tested (1.0-10.0 mg/kg) systemic administration of AMPH resulted in significantly higher brain levels of AMPH in females than in males. A systemic dose was then calculated which produced equivalent brain levels of AMPH in males and females. Even with equivalent brain levels of AMPH, males produced significantly fewer net rotations than females in estrus, diestrus 2, or proestrus. In female rats the brain levels of AMPH produced by systemic administration did not vary with the estrous cycle. However, the amount of AMPH-elicited rotational behavior did. On the day of estrus, female produced significantly more net rotations than they did 24 h later, on the day of diestrus 1. It is suggested that sex and estrous cycle dependent differences in rotational behavior may be due to the direct or indirect modulation of mesostriatal dopamine activity by gonadal steroid hormone.
Heterogeneities in salinity in a river plume

Abstract Continuous and discrete measurements of salinity off the mouth of the Rhone River show the effects of wind induced mixing and of internal waves on the salinity structure. Vertical salinity changes of up to 25%‰ in 1 meter and internal waves with periods of two to three minutes were observed in the upper meter of the water column.
A newly designed arterial monitoring/perfusion cannula for cardiac operations.

Abstract A newly designed arterial monitoring and perfusion cannula for cardiopulmonary bypass eliminates the need for cannulation of a peripheral artery for pressure monitoring. The double-lumen cannula is designed as follows: the large central lumen (12 to 26F) acts as the arterial inflow conduit from the pump oxygenator, while a second, smaller lumen (18 gauge) constructed in the wall of the first cannula acts as the pressure-monitoring port and the source for blood sampling and drug infusion. This monitoring/perfusion cannula has been used successfully in more than 250 clinical patients in a variety of settings—total cardiopulmonary bypass, left heart bypass, and when multiple arterial inflow lines were necessary (as in aortic arch replacement). Use of this cannula is advantageous in the infant and pediatric patient or in the emergency setting, when insertion of a peripheral arterial line can be difficult. Used in conjunction with a Doppler system, the cannula provides accurate, dependable blood pressure monitoring.
A Comparison of Mushroom Tyrosinase Dopaquinone and Dopachrome Assays Using Diode-Array Spectrophotometry: Dopachrome Formation vs Ascorbate-Linked Dopaquinone Reduction

Abstract Comparisons of two assay methods for the catecholase activity of mushroom tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) are reported. Tyrosinase (or polyphenol oxidase) is a widely distributed copper-containing enzyme which possesses both monooxygenase (cresolase) and oxidase (catecholase) activities. In this report the substrate employed is L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-alanine and the dopachrome formation and ascorbate-linked dopaquinone reduction assay methods are compared using a photodiode array spectrophotometer. This instrument has an advantage over a conventional spectrometer for kinetic studies since it is able to carry out simultaneous multiwavelength kinetic measurements at a relatively fast rate. The use of this capability in performing the two assays is described.
Elastic Constants and Soft Optical Modes in Gadolinium Molybdate

The complete set of elastic constants in single-crystal gadolinium molybdate (GMO) is presented in a temperature range from 20 to 200 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. This covers the structural phase transition at 159 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C, below which GMO is both ferroelastic and ferroelectric. Elastic constants in both phases behave as $c(T)=c(\ensuremath{\infty})+A{|{T}_{0}\ensuremath{-}T|}^{\ensuremath{-}K}$, where $K$ ranges from 0.76 to 0.90. Some components of the critical part of the elastic tensor, $\ensuremath{\delta}{c}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\beta}}={c}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\beta}}(T)\ensuremath{-}{c}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\beta}}(\ensuremath{\infty})$, are interrelated. The relations are $\ensuremath{\delta}{c}_{12}^{2}=\ensuremath{\delta}{c}_{11}\ensuremath{\delta}{c}_{22}$ for both phases. From this relation and from the Curie-Weiss-like behavior of the elastic constants we conclude that (i) the soft mode near the $M$ point of the tetragonal cell ${\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}}_{0}=(\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{a}, \frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{a}, 0)$ interacts anharmonically with acoustic phonons and gives rise to critical softening of specific elastic constants; and (ii) the findings are compatible with a dispersion relation near ${k}_{0}$ of the form ${\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}(k)={\ensuremath{\omega}}^{2}({k}_{0})+{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{x}{({k}_{x}\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{a})}^{2}+{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{y}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{({k}_{y}\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\pi}}{b})}^{2}+{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{z}{q}_{z}^{2}$, with ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{x}={\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{y}\ensuremath{\gg}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{z}$. A comparison is made with the elastic tensor in quartz.
Mechanics of Failure of Composite Laminates with an Embedded Fiber Optic Sensor

Embedding fiber optic sensor (FOS) in fiber reinforced composites caused resin pockets and geometric disturbance of the reinforcing fibers around the optical fiber. The disturbance angle varied from 6.2 to 8.2 and the resin pocket area varied from 7 to 10 times the cross-sectional area of the sensor. These two act like defects and cause premature failure initiation. Failure initiation was hypothesized as due to transverse stress concentration. A static experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an embedded optical fiber in unidirectional composite laminates. Inclination of FOS with respect to reinforcing fiber (loading direction) varied from 0 to 90 and the laminate thickness varied from 8 to 20 plies. The embedment had practically no loss of tensile modulus and about 10% loss of tensile strength while compression strength reduction was as large as 40%.
Disease determinants of sporadic salmonellosis in four Northern California counties A case-control study of older children and adults

A population-based, case-control study of sporadic salmonellosis was conducted in 1988 and 1989 in four northern California counties. The study included 120 patients and 265 control subjects. Conditional logistic regression analysis (adjusted for age) revealed that patients were more likely to consume undercooked chicken prior to the onset of disease (odds ratio [OR], 23.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.89 to 192.30). Elevated associations were also found with recent travel to foreign countries (OR, 9.69; 95% CI, 3.18 to 29.56), diabetes (OR, 6.29; 95% CI, 1.56 to 25.34), hormonal replacement therapy (principally conjugated estrogen) in older women (OR, 4.20; 95% CI, 1.82 to 9.71), and antibiotic therapy prior to illness (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 0.86 to 4.37). The problems of studying self-selected cases that may lead to alternative explanations for these findings are also discussed.
Sootblowing as a key part of powerstation efficiency

The use of compressed air for sootblowing, rather than steam, can give added benefits to power-station efficiency in both economic and technical terms
Sorghum-Sudan Hybrid SX-11, Piper Sudan Grass, and Alfalfa-Orchardgrass for Dairy Pastures

Abstract Sorghum-Sudan hybrid SX-11 was compared to alfalfa (one year) and Piper Sudan grass (two years) as a pasture crop for dairy cows when grazed continuously in a rotational system during the entire season. Three management systems for SX-11 were compared during the second year. The carrying capacity of the pastures was adjusted weekly. The least-squares means for production of daily milk per cow were 21.8, 21.4, and 21.9kg in 1965 for cows grazing alfalfa (Treatment 1), SX-11 (Treatment 2), and Piper Sudan grass (Treatment 3), respectively. During 1966 the least-squares means for milk were 21.5, 22.0, 21.1, and 22.1kg for cows grazing early-seeded Piper Sudan grass (Treatment 4), early seeded SX-11 (Treatment 5), SX-11 late-seeded (Treatment 6), and SX-11 early seeded, grazed after 15 days regrowth (Treatment 7), respectively. None of the treatment differences for milk was significant (P>0.05). The seasonal totals of cow-weeks of grazing obtained per ha were 100.7, 132.2, 101.9, 73.9, 83.6, 60.7, and 81.0 for Treatments 1 through 7, respectively. Grazing each plot for five days instead of seven (15 vs. 21 days of regrowth) resulted in the forage containing a higher protein percentage (18.6 vs. 16.8% for first growth, 18.2 vs. 17.4% for regrowths) and slightly lower levels of ADF (32.2 vs. 33.0 for first growth, 30.8 vs. 31.1 for regrowths). Seeding SX-11 in late June and early July rather than May resulted in an 18% decrease in seasonal carrying capacity, but 29% more grazing during late July, August, and September.
Veratridine-induced release of acetylcholine from mouse forebrain minces: Dependence on the hydrolysis of cytoplasmic acetylcholine for a source of choline

Abstract The importance of depolarization induced hydrolysis of cytoplasmic acetylcholine (ACh) in providing choline for the veratridine- and high K+-induced release of acetylcholine was studied in mouse forebrain minces. Results indicated that a loss of hydrolyzable cytoplasmic ACh prior to depolarization reduced the amount of ACh released by veratridine but not the amount released by high K+. The reduction in the veratridine-induced release of ACh did not occur during the first 5 min of incubation. Loss of vesicular ACh prior to depolarization reduced both the veratridine- and K+-induced release of ACh during the first 5 min of incubation. Blockade of extra-cellular choline transport by hemicholinium (HC-3) did not affect the veratridine-induced release of ACh during a 10 min incubation period unless the cytoplasmic pool of ACh had first been depleted and was unavailable as a source of choline. In contrast, HC-3 reduced the K+-induced release of ACh from brain tissue with normal stores of cytoplasmic ACh. These results indicate that both depolarizing agents primarily stimulate the release of preformed ACh from a vesicular fraction during the first 5 min of mince incubation. Thereafter, they both stimulate the release of newly synthesized ACh, however, they differ in one important respect. The principal source of choline for the veratridine-induced release of newly synthesized ACh appears to be the cytoplasmic pool of ACh, whereas the major source of choline for the K+-induced release of newly synthesized ACh appears to be extracellular choline.
The role of cleaning conditions and epitaxial layer structure on reliability of Sc2O3 and MgO passivation on AlGaN/GaN HEMTS

Abstract The effect of layer structure (GaN versus AlGaN cap) and cleaning procedure prior to Sc2O3 or MgO deposition at 100 °C were examined for their effects on the long-term bias-stress stability of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). Surface cleaning by itself was not sufficient to prevent current collapse in the devices. The forward and reverse gate leakage currents were decreased under most conditions upon deposition of the oxide passivation layers. After ≈13 h of bias-stressing, the MgO-passivated HEMTs retain ⩾90% their initial drain–source current. The Sc2O3-passivated devices retained ∼80% recovery of the current under the same conditions.
Fractal dimension and avalanches of invasion percolation: the effect of aspect ratio

Abstract Troubled by unreliable estimates of the fractal dimension from straightforward box-counting applied to invasion percolation in million site short-wide systems (i.e., the length in the average flow direction is the smaller dimension), we undertook a study of the effect of aspect ratio on fractal dimension determinations and on avalanche structure. In box-counting, we found evidence of a competition between the different singular behaviors associated with the bulk and the external hull (interface), which was most noticeable for the short-wide systems with a long external hull. Modifying the box-counting to exclude those boxes covering the external hull provides results for the short-wide systems which are consistent with results from the literature and from straightforward box-counting on long-narrow systems. Not surprisingly, we found that the avalanche size distribution was ‘cut off’ by the length in the short-wide systems; however, we also found that the distribution was cut off by the width in the long-narrow systems. Therefore, the smaller dimension served as a cut-off length for the distribution of avalanche sizes, so that in the long-narrow systems, the distribution of avalanche sizes collapses long before the injected fluid reaches the outlet. This results in fingering patterns in the long-narrow systems that are different from those in the short-wide systems where the avalanche size distribution is maintained all the way to the outlet. Determining the fractal dimension from the power-law dependence of mass upon a typical length scale was found to be unaffected by the length of the external hull, providing the standard literature values of fractal dimension for the problematic short-wide systems.
Ethanol up-regulates nucleus accumbens neuronal activity dependent pentraxin (Narp): Implications for alcohol-induced behavioral plasticity

Neuronal activity dependent pentraxin (Narp) interacts with α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) glutamate receptors to facilitate excitatory synapse formation by aggregating them at established synapses. Alcohol is well-characterized to influence central glutamatergic transmission, including AMPA receptor function. Herein, we examined the influence of injected and ingested alcohol upon Narp protein expression, as well as basal Narp expression in mouse lines selectively bred for high blood alcohol concentrations under limited access conditions. Alcohol up-regulated accumbens Narp levels, concomitant with increases in levels of the GluR1 AMPA receptor subunit. However, accumbens Narp or GluR1 levels did not vary as a function of selectively bred genotype. We next employed a Narp knock-out (KO) strategy to begin to understand the behavioral relevance of alcohol-induced changes in protein expression in several assays of alcohol reward. Compared to wild-type mice, Narp KO animals: fail to escalate daily intake of high alcohol concentrations under free-access conditions; shift their preference away from high alcohol concentrations with repeated alcohol experience; exhibit a conditioned place-aversion in response to the repeated pairing of 3 g/kg alcohol with a distinct environment and fail to exhibit alcohol-induced locomotor hyperactivity following repeated alcohol treatment. Narp deletion did not influence the daily intake of either food or water, nor did it alter any aspect of spontaneous or alcohol-induced motor activity, including the development of tolerance to its motor-impairing effects with repeated treatment. Taken together, these data indicate that Narp induction, and presumably subsequent aggregation of AMPA receptors, may be important for neuroplasticity within limbic subcircuits mediating or maintaining the rewarding properties of alcohol.
Studies of the Carbohydrate Metabolism of Mammary Gland Tissue in Vitro. I. Production and Utilization of Various Carbohydrate Substances

Summary 1. It has been possible to increase the concentration of gycogen in perfused mammary gland tissue to a level comparable to that of normal intact mammary glands. This was accomplished by the perfusion of excised mammary glands with high concentrations of blood glucose. 2. It has been possible to convert the glycogen formed during perfusion to lactose by means of incubation of the perfused tissues. This does not in any way prove that this is the path of lactose formation in mammary glands, but it appears to be a possible mode of metabolism by which several compounds could be converted to lactose. 3. Glycogen could not be increased in incubating tissue breis from glucose, lactic acid, pyruvic acid and citric acid individually, and in combinations of these, as well as in the presence of added glycogen. 4. Lactose was formed during incubation of mammary tissue slices with glucose, glucose and lactic acid, maltose, and glycogen. 5. Lactic acid was formed in incubating tissue alone, as well as from added glucose, maltose, glycogen, pyruvic acid, and citric acid.
Accurate Phase Measurements for Thick Spherical Objects using Optical Quadrature Microscopy

In vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures have resulted in the birth of over three million babies since 1978. Yet the live birth rate in the United States was only 34% in 2005, with 32% of the successful pregnancies resulting in multiple births. These multiple pregnancies were directly attributed to the transfer of multiple embryos to increase the probability that a single, healthy embryo was included. Current viability markers used for IVF, such as the cell number, symmetry, size, and fragmentation, are analyzed qualitatively with differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. However, this method is not ideal for quantitative measures beyond the 8-cell stage of development because the cells overlap and obstruct the view within and below the cluster of cells. We have developed the phase-subtraction cell-counting method that uses the combination of DIC and optical quadrature microscopy (OQM) to count the number of cells accurately in live mouse embryos beyond the 8-cell stage. We have also created a preliminary analysis to measure the cell symmetry, size, and fragmentation quantitatively by analyzing the relative dry mass from the OQM image in conjunction with the phase-subtraction count. In this paper, we will discuss the characterization of OQM with respect to measuring the phase accurately for spherical samples that are much larger than the depth of field. Once fully characterized and verified with human embryos, this methodology could provide the means for a more accurate method to score embryo viability.
Targeting Insulin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Signaling in Breast Cancer

The insulin and insulin like growth factor (IGF) signaling systems are implicated in breast cancer biology. Thus, disrupting IGF/insulin signaling has been shown to have promise in a number of preclinical models. However, human clinical trials have been less promising. Despite evidence of some activity in early phase trials, randomized phase III studies have thus far been unable to show a benefit of blocking IGF signaling in combination with conventional strategies. In breast cancer, combination anti IGF/insulin signaling agents with hormone therapy has not yet proven to have benefit. This inability to translate the preclinical findings into useful clinical strategies calls attention to the need for a deeper understanding of this complex pathway. Development of predictive biomarkers and optimal inhibitory strategies of the IGF/insulin system should yield better clinical strategies. Furthermore, unraveling the interaction between the IGF/insulin pathway and other critical signaling pathways in breast cancer biology, namely estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways, provides additional new concepts in designing combination therapies. In this review, we will briefly summarize the current strategies targeting the IGF/insulin system, discuss the possible reasons of success or failure of the existing therapies, and provide potential future directions for research and clinical trials.
A new species of treeskink (Squamata: Scincidae: Emoia samoensis species group) from Rotuma, south-central Pacific

Abstract Rotuma, the northern-most Fijian island, reportedly has two resident species of treeskinks of the Emoia samoensis species group. One species is a member of the Emoia concolor species subgroup and was last reported from Rotuma in the 1890s. The other species is a member of the Emoia samoensis subgroup. Members of the latter subgroup are robust-bodied skinks in contrast to the more slender-bodied concolor. The abundant treeskink on Rotuma is more slender-bodied than other samoensis subgroup members but clearly belongs to this subgroup. It possesses other differences, particularly in scalation, that demonstrate its differentiation and speciation in the remote and isolated Rotuma Islands. It is recognized herein as a new species Emoia oriva. A key to the members of the Emoia samoensis species group provides a current summary of phenetic relationships in this group although on-going studies suggest at least a half-dozen species remain undescribed in the samoensis species group.
Thymosins: hormones of the thymus gland

Abstract Although the important role of the thymus gland in immunoregulation has long been known, thymus-derived factors with hormone-like activity — the thymosins — have only been identified in the last 20 years. Several other roles of these hormones have now been identified. For example, in addition to their function in maintaining a balanced immune system, thymosins may play a significant part in the initiation of the aging process. A thymosin imbalance has been associated with the lethal disease AIDS, and measurement of thymosin α 1 levels could provide an important diagnostic aid. The potential of thymic hormones as therapeutic agents in pathogenic or iatrogenically-induced immunodeficiency is beginning to be realized.
An Abstraction Test for Normal and Learning Disabled Children

The performance of 18 neurocognitively impaired learning disabled children on visual abstraction was compared to that of 20 intact learning disabled controls and 20 normals. The normals were matched for age and IQ to the imact LD group. The Abstraction Test for Children was specifically developed and standardized as the measure of abstraction. To control for IQ differences between groups, a difference of differences method was employed. The result indicated that, relative to IQ, neurocognitively impaired LD children are not specifically deficient in abstraction. Lastly, it was found that Block Design and abstraction are not highly correlated in the LD population, suggesting that these two constructs are relatively independent of one another in atypical populations.
Fighting Spirits The Racial Politics of Sports Mascots

This article explores the racial politics of sports mascots through a comparative account of the uses of Indianness at Florida State University and the centrality of Confederate symbols at the Univ...
A study of group communication intervention with chronically aphasic persons

Abstract Aten et al (1982) demonstrated that a group of mild moderate chronically aphasic individuals made statistically significant improvement on the CADL subsequent to group treatment emphasizing functional communication skills. However, no improvement was apparent on the PICA. The present study investigated the effects of a relatively more structured group treatment programme on the communication ability of chronically aphasic patients. Ten aphasics, a minimum of 18 months post-onset, participated in a 60-week programme that included two series of 20 weeks of group treatment and 10 weeks of treatment withdrawal. The chronic aphasic subjects in this study did make gains in overall communication ability after 20 weeks of structured group treatment, and initial gains were retained throughout treatment withdrawals. Reinitiation of structured treatment after a no-treatment interval resulted in a significant gain in communication ability as measured by the PICA. Significant CADL gains were limited to the fi...
Encoded moire inspection based on a computer solid model

An investigation into a system linking a computer solid modeler to an active stereo imaging inspection station is presented. Given the computer solid model of a surface, a projected pattern can be encoded so that the reflections from the object's surface exhibit a uniformly simple pattern when the object's surface and the modeled surface are identical. Research concerning the method of generating projection patterns, as well as the sensitivity of the system, is discussed. A prototype system consisting of a computer graphics workstation; a flexible projector, and a machine vision system was used to inspect two different manufactured parts. >
Tonganoxichnus, a new insect trace from the Upper Carboniferous of eastern Kansas

Upper Carboniferous tidal rhythmites of the Tonganoxie Sandstone Member (Stranger Formation) at Buildex Quarry, eastern Kansas, USA, host a relatively diverse arthropod-dominated ichnofauna. Bilaterally symmetrical traces displaying unique anterior and posterior sets of morphological features are well represented within the assemblage. A new ichnogenus, Tonganoxichnus, is proposed for these traces. T. buildexensis, the type ichnospecies, has an anterior region characterized by the presence of a frontal pair of maxillary palp impressions, followed by a head impression and three pairs of conspicuous thoracic appendage imprints symmetrically opposite along a median axis. The posterior region commonly exhibits numerous delicate chevron-like markings, recording the abdominal appendages, and a thin, straight, terminal extension. T. buildexensis is interpreted as a resting trace. A second ichnospecies, T. ottawensis, is characterized by a fan-like arrangement of mostly bifid scratch marks at the anterior area that records the head- and thoracic-appendage backstrokes against the substrate. The posterior area shows chevron-like markings or small subcircular impressions that record the abdominal appendages of the animal, also ending in a thin, straight, terminal extension. Specimens display lateral repetition, and are commonly grouped into twos or threes with a fix point at the posteriormost tail-like structure. T. ottawensis is interpreted as a jumping structure, probably in connection with feeding purposes. The two ichnospecies occur in close association, and share sufficient morphologic features to support the same type of arthropod producer. T. buildexensis closely mimics the ventral anatomy of the tracemaker, whereas T. ottawensis records the jumping abilities of the animal providing significant ethologic and paleoecologic information. The presence of well-differentiated cephalic, thoracic, and abdominal features, particularly in T. buildexensis, resembles the diagnostic tagmosis and segmentation of insects. Detailed analysis of trace morphology and comparison with described Paleozoic insect fossils and extant related forms suggest a monuran as the most likely tracemaker.
The sensitivity of ecosystem carbon exchange to seasonal precipitation and woody plant encroachment

Ongoing, widespread increases in woody plant abundance in historical grasslands and savannas (woody encroachment) likely will interact with future precipitation variability to influence seasonal patterns of carbon cycling in water-limited regions. To characterize the effects of woody encroachment on the sensitivity of ecosystem carbon exchange to seasonal rainfall in a semi-arid riparian setting we used flux-duration analysis to compare 2003-growing season NEE data from a riparian grassland and shrubland. Though less seasonally variable than the grassland, shrubland NEE was more responsive to monsoon rains than anticipated. During the 2004-growing season we measured leaf gas exchange and collected leaf tissue for δ13C and nitrogen content analysis periodically among three size classes of the dominant woody-plant, Prosopis velutina and the dominant understory species, Sporobolus wrightii, a C4 bunchgrass, present at the shrubland. We observed size-class and plant functional type independent patterns of seasonal plant performance consistent with greater-than-anticipated sensitivity of NEE in the shrubland. This research highlights the complex interaction between growing-season precipitation, plant-available alluvial groundwater and woody plant abundance governing ecosystem carbon balance in this semi-arid watershed.
Effects of thiols on topoisomerase‐IIα activity and cell cycle progression

Thiol containing compounds exhibiting antioxidant properties are currently being evaluated for use in cytoprotection and chemoprevention. Many of these have also been found to be effective in inhibiting cell cycle progression and cellular proliferation. N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (L-NAC), along with its nonmetabolically active stereoisomer N-acetyl-D-cysteine (D-NAC), together with captopril and dithiothreitol (DTT) were investigated to assess their effects on cell cycle progression as determined by flow cytometry. Topoisomerase-IIa (topo-II alpha) activity, an enzyme involved in DNA synthesis, was also monitored as a function of drug dose using a kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) decatenation assay. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) AA8 cells were exposed to each thiol at concentrations ranging from 4 microM to 4 mM for a period of 3 h. Following the removal of the thiols, cell cultures were followed for an additional 5 h to assess changes in cell cycle progression. L-NAC, which also serves as a precursor for glutathione (GSH) synthesis, effectively inhibited topo-IIa activity by at least 50% at all concentrations tested. Associated with this reduction in enzyme activity was a sixfold increase in the relative number of cells accumulating in G2phase. D-NAC, which is unable to participate in GSH synthesis, was only half as effective as L-NAC at each concentration tested in inhibiting topo-IIa activity as well as perturbing cell progression through G2. In comparison, captopril, an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), had little effect on the progression of cells into G2 phase. In contrast to the repressive effects of L-NAC and D-NAC, it enhanced topo-IIa activity over control values by approximately 20%. DTT, a well characterized thiol known to be capable of reducing disulphides in proteins, was observed to be relatively ineffective in either perturbing cell cycle progression or affecting topo-IIa activity. This suggests an involvement of a mechanism(s) in addition to thiol mediated affects on reduction/oxidation processes. The inhibitory effects of L-NAC and D-NAC on topo-IIa activity, in contrast to the other two thiols, may be due in part to the presence of amine groups which could allow for their participation in polyamine related processes. The difference in the magnitude of the effect exhibited by L-NAC, as compared to D-NAC, on the repression topo-IIa activity also suggests a role for GSH in this process. Inhibition of cellular progression and proliferation by thiols can therefore be mediated by diverse mechanisms which include both cycle-phase specific (i.e. L-NAC and D-NAC) and non cell cycle specific (i.e. captopril) processes.
Comparing the Functional Representations of Central and Border Whiskers in Rat Primary Somatosensory Cortex

The anatomical representations of the large facial whiskers, termed barrels, are topographically organized and highly segregated in the posteromedial barrel subfield (PMBSF) of rat layer IV primary somatosensory cortex. Although the functional representations of single whiskers are aligned with their appropriate barrels, their areal extents are rather large, spreading outward from the appropriate barrel along the tangential plane and thereby spanning multiple neighboring and non-neighboring barrels and septal regions. To date, single-whisker functional representations have been characterized primarily for whiskers whose corresponding barrels are located centrally within the PMBSF (central whiskers). Using intrinsic signal imaging verified with post-imaging single-unit recording, we demonstrate that border whiskers, whose barrels are located at the borders of the PMBSF, also evoke large activity areas that are similar in size to those of central whiskers but spread beyond the PMBSF and sometimes beyond primary somatosensory cortex into the neighboring dysgranular zones. This study indicates that the large functional representation of a single whisker is a basic functional feature of the rat whisker-to-barrel system and, combined with results from other studies, suggest that a large functional representation of a small, point-like area on the sensory epithelium may be a functional feature of primary sensory cortex in general.
Separate bias Kalman estimator with bias state noise

A modified decoupled Kalman estimator suitable for use when the bias vector varies as a random-walk process is defined and demonstrated in a practical application consisting of the calibration of a strapdown inertial navigation system. The estimation system accuracy associated with the modified estimator is shown to be essentially the same as that of the generalized partitioned Kalman estimator. Considering that the sensor error random rates assumed in the example are on the order of 5 to 10 times greater than normally associated with contemporary strapdown systems, it may be inferred that inertial navigation systems possessing more typical sensor error random growth characteristics should be amenable to a decoupled estimator approach in a broad spectrum of aided-navigation system applications. This should also be true in a variety of other applications in which the bias vector experiences only limited random variation. >
Potential clinical applications of the oxygen carrying solutions.

Two major areas of research of the oxygen carrying solutions are 1) utilization of hemoglobin and 2) perfluorochemicals. Even though they are not perfect red blood cell substitutes, the “oxygen carrying solutions” have many potential clinical applications because they will reach tissues more easily than normal human red cells and can deliver oxygen directly to tissues. In this paper, important examples of such usages are suggested. Additional clinical and non-clinical applications of the oxygen carrying solutions may be added in the near future.
The utility of the combination of dextromethorphan and quinidine in the treatment of bipolar II and bipolar NOS.

Abstract Background Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter antitussive agent that may be a rapidly acting treatment for bipolar depression. Like ketamine, it is an NMDA receptor antagonist. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of depressed patients with treatment resistant bipolar II or bipolar NOS disorder who were treated with the combination of dextromethorphan 20 mg and quinidine 10 mg (DMQ). One pill of DMQ taken once or twice a day was added to participants׳ drug regimen. No changes were made to the pre-existing drug regimen during the course of treatment with DMQ. The primary outcome measure was the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) score after 90 days of treatment. Results Seventy-seven participants met the inclusion criteria. All had been experiencing depressive symptoms for at least two years, and the mean number of failed medication trials was 21.2. The average CGI-I score at day 90 was 1.66 (1=slightly improved, 2=much improved). Some patients reported improvement within 1–2 days of starting DMQ. Nineteen patients discontinued treatment due to adverse effects, chiefly nausea. Limitations Because this was a retrospective chart review with no control group, conclusions about causation cannot be made. Nevertheless, the duration of depressive symptoms prior to starting DMQ makes spontaneous recovery less likely. Conclusions DMQ, an NMDA antagonist, may be effective in the treatment of bipolar depression. Because its putative mechanism does not depend on the monoaminergic system, it may be appropriate for patients who have not responded to other medications. Unlike ketamine, DMQ does not require IV administration.
Language, culture and the neurobiology of pain: a theoretical exploration.

Language and culture, as conceptualized in traditional anthropology, may have an important influence on pain and brain-behavior relations. The paradigm case for the influence of language and culture on perception and cognition is stipulated in the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis which has been applied to phenomena “external” to the individual. In this paper, the paradigm is applied to information the person retrieves from “inside” his body; namely, “noxious” stimuli which get registered in consciousness as pain.
Uptake and loss of water in a cenosphere–concrete composite material

Abstract Cenospheres are hollow, aluminum silicate spheres, between 10 and 300 μm in diameter. Their low specific gravity (0.67) makes them ideal replacements for fine sand for producing low-density concrete. In an effort to understand the potential for practical use of the cenospheres as a fine aggregate in concrete, the moisture uptake and loss by cenospheres and water uptake and loss in cenosphere–concrete composites have been studied in this paper. The equilibrium moisture content of cenospheres is about 18 times higher than that of sand, reflecting the porous nature of cenospheres. The temporal evolution of water penetration into the cenosphere–concrete is modeled using Washburn kinetics. The effective pore size using this model is of the order of several nanometers. These results imply a lack of connectivity within the pores, leading to a low permeability. SEM images of the concrete reveal pore sizes of the order of 2–5 μm. The drying flux for cenospheres shows a classical behavior—a constant rate followed by a linear falling rate period. Thus, experiments done at these conditions can be used to predict drying times for wet cenospheres exposed to other environments. The flux of water vapor away from both the cenosphere–concrete as well as the normal concrete shows a nonlinear change with moisture content throughout the drying cycle, implying that the pore structure within the concrete strongly influences the drying behavior.
Teaching data structures using competitive games

A motivated student is more likely to be a successful learner. Interesting assignments encourage student learning by actively engaging them in the material. Active student learning is especially important in an introductory data structures course where students learn the fundamentals of programming. In this paper, the author describes a project for a data structures course based on the idea of competitive programming. Competitive programming motivates student learning by allowing students to evaluate and improve their programs throughout an assignment by competing their code against instructor-defined code and the code of other students in a tournament environment. Pedagogical results indicate that the combination of game development and friendly student competition is a significant motivator for increased student performance.
Toward Predicting Collective Behavior via Social Dimension Extraction

The SocioDim framework demonstrates promising results toward predicting collective behavior. However, many challenges require further research. For example, networks in social media are continually evolving, with new members joining a network and new connections established between existing members each day. This dynamic nature of networks entails efficient update of the model for collective behavior prediction. It is also intriguing to consider temporal fluctuation into the problem of collective behavior prediction.