cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation Lengthens Exhalation in the Context of Traumatic Stress

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve is believed to deliver afferent signaling to the brain that, in turn, yields downstream changes in peripheral physiology, including cardiovascular and respiratory parameters. While the effects of transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) on these parameters have been studied broadly, little is known regarding the specific effects of tcVNS on exhalation time and the spontaneous respiration cycle. By understanding such effects, tcVNS could be used to counterbalance sympathetic hyperactivity following distress by enhancing vagal tone through parasympathetically favored modulation of inspiration and expiration – specifically, lengthened expiration relative to inspiration. We thus investigated the effects of tcVNS on respiration timings by decomposing the respiration cycle into inspiration and expiration times and incorporating state-of-the-art respiration quality assessment algorithms for respiratory effort belt and electrocardiogram derived respiration signals. This enabled robust estimation of respiration timings from quality measurements alone. We thereby found that tcVNS increases expiration time minutes after stimulation, compared to a sham control (N = 26). This suggests that tcVNS could counteract sympathovagal imbalance, given the relationship between expiration and heightened vagal tone.
The evolution of flower longevity in unpredictable pollination environments

Pollination requires a flower to remain open for long enough to allow for the arrival of pollinators. However, maintaining flowers costs energy and resources. Therefore, flower longevity, the length of time a flower remains viable, is critical for the outcome of plant reproduction. Although previous studies showed that the evolution of flower longevity depends on the rates of pollen deposition and removal, whether plants should increase or decrease flower life span when the pollination environment is unpredictable has not been explored. Moreover, the common hypothesis that an unpredictable pollination environment should select for increased flower longevity may be too simplistic since there is no distinction drawn between the effects of spatial and temporal variation. Adopting evolutionary game theory, we investigate the evolution of flower longevity under three types of variation: spatial heterogeneity, daily fluctuations within a flowering season and yearly fluctuations between flowering seasons. We find that spatial heterogeneity often selects for a shorter flower lifespan, while temporal fluctuations of fitness accrual rates at both daily and yearly time scales tends to favour greater longevity, although daily and yearly fluctuations have somewhat different effects. However, the presence of correlation between female and male fitness accrual rates seems to have no effect on flower longevity. Our work suggests that explicit measurements of spatial and temporal variation in both female and male functions may provide a better understanding of the evolution of flower longevity and reproduction.
Application of the Method of Subregions to Measurement of Layered Materials

Layered material coatings are often applied to surfaces in order to reduce the scattered field strength within specific frequency bands. A full understanding of the transient behavior of the reflected field from layered materials can be used to diagnose the composition of these coatings. It has been shown previously that the transient field reflected from a two-layer conductor-backed geometry can be broken into responses from subregions of the material stack [1]. Experimental validation of the form of the reflected field from an Nlayered material structure is of interest here. The method of subregions is used to show that the transient plane-wave field reflected from an N-layer planar stack of materials consists of a series of late-time responses of subregions of the stack, with the i-th subregion consisting of the first i-material layers backed by a semi-infinite region with the material parameters of region (i+1). Each of these late-time responses exists during time periods corresponding to the excitation of the different layers of the N-layered medium. Measurements are made using the MSU Reflectivity Arch Range which is a circular structure 6.096 meters in diameter, standing 1.219 meters high with horn antennas mounted around the periphery. These antennas can be placed in various configurations around the arch, but for these measurements are placed side by side in order to approximate a mono-static arrangement. Scattering from the material stack, which is mounted in the center of the circular structure and at the same height as the horn antennas, is measured using a true time domain system consisting of a digital sampling oscilloscope with time-domain reflectometry plug-in and a pulse generating network. A PEC plate calibration is used to characterize the system (cabling, horn antennas, etc.) in order to attain the desired response. Measured results are compared in the time domain with responses of various subregions of the material stack in order to show that each subregion can be characterized individually, disregarding the composition of the rest of the material stack, whose response will turn on once the incident wave has propagated further into the layered
Phase contrast MRI is an early marker of micrometastatic breast cancer development in the rat brain.

The early growth of micrometastatic breast cancer in the brain often occurs through vessel cooption and is independent of angiogenesis. Remodeling of the existing vasculature is an important step in the evolution of co-opting micrometastases into angiogenesis-dependent solid tumor masses. The purpose of this study was to determine if phase contrast MRI, an intrinsic source of contrast exquisitely sensitive to the magnetic susceptibility properties of deoxygenated hemoglobin, could detect vascular changes occurring independent of angiogenesis in a rat model of breast cancer metastases to the brain. Twelve nude rats were administered with 10 6 MDAMB-231BRL “brain seeking” breast cancer cells through intracardiac injection. Serial, multiparametric MRI of the brain was performed weekly until metastatic disease was detected. The results demonstrate that images of the signal phase were more sensitive to metastatic brain lesions (area under receiver operating characteristic curve, AUC = 0.97) compared to T2* gradient echo magnitude images, (AUC = 0.73). The difference between the two techniques was likely the result of the confounding effects of edema on the magnitude signal. A region of interest analysis revealed that vascular abnormalities detected with phase contrast MRI preceded tumor permeability as measured with contrast-enhanced MRI by 1 to 2 weeks. Tumor size was correlated with permeability (R 2 = 0.23, p < 0.01), but phase contrast was independent of tumor size (R 2 = 0.03). Histopathological analysis demonstrated that capillary endothelial cells coopted by tumor cells were significantly enlarged, but less dense, compared to the normal brain vasculature. Whereas co-opted vessels were VEGF-negative, vessels within larger tumor masses were VEGFpositive. In conclusion, phase contrast MRI is believed to be sensitive to vascular remodeling in co-opting brain tumor metastases independent of sprouting angiogenesis and may therefore aid in pre-clinical studies of angiogenic-independent tumors or monitoring continued tumor growth following anti-angiogenic therapy.
Soil respiration and the global carbon cycle

Soil respiration is the primary path by which CO2fixed by land plants returns to the atmosphere. Estimated at approximately 75 × 1015gC/yr, this large natural flux is likely to increase due changes in the Earth's condition. The objective of this paper is to provide a brief scientific review for policymakers who are concerned that changes in soil respiration may contribute to the rise in CO2in Earth's atmosphere. Rising concentrations of CO2in the atmosphere will increase the flux of CO2from soils, while simultaneously leaving a greater store of carbon in the soil. Traditional tillage cultivation and rising temperature increase the flux of CO2from soils without increasing the stock of soil organic matter. Increasing deposition of nitrogen from the atmosphere may lead to the sequestration of carbon in vegetation and soils. The response of the land biosphere to simultaneous changes in all of these factors is unknown, but a large increase in the soil carbon pool seems unlikely to moderate the rise in atmospheric CO2during the next century.
The reliable specification of software

A system that supports experimentation by specification writers with the consequences of their specifications, by automatically translating trace specifications into Prolog programs, is described. An introduction to trace specifications and Prolog is provided. An implementation-free semantics for a subset of Prolog that allows characterization of the class of specifications that can be mechanically translated into complete programs is developed. A grammar for a subset of translatable specifications is also described. >
Time trends in a study of 440 mass slayings/rampages occurring in public places.

We looked for variations in the timing of mass slayings/rampages (MS/R) committed in public places by solitary perpetrators. News reports on 440 MS/R from 1920 to 1996 yielded 379 onset times which were examined for temporal patterns. There was a dramatic increase in the number of MS/R from 1966 to 1995. We observed a significant monthly variation with peaks in July–August and December, and a bimodal daily rhythm for MS/R onset with a major peak at 11:00 a.m. and a minor peak at 8:00 p.m. Observed time trends for MS/R could help develop protective programs to reduce stress and violence in public places.
Social adjustment of six patients with hemophilia prior to and during prophylactic treatment.

A study has been made of six patients treated for hemophilia by repeated frequent infusions of plasma. Prior to beginning treatment these patients were semi-invalids, hospitalized frequently for periods of weeks and months and handicapped in their adjustment to normal social life. Since treatment they and their families have gained a feeling of confidence, without fear of hemorrhage "hanging over their heads." They know that if a hemorrhage occurs, it probably will not incapacitate them, but that even if it does, the period of incapacitation will be comparatively short. Our observations indicate great improvement in the lives of the patients studied, Whatever the future may hold for these patients, they have acquired a new outlook on life and many positive experiences. Also, from this study some insight has been gained into the social component of this disease and of the problems both solved and created by effective treatment.
EYE MOVEMENTS AND THE PERCEPTUAL SPAN DURING VISUAL SEARCH

Subjects searched for a target letter in arrays consisting of visually similar or dissimilar letter distractors. A window moved in synchrony with their eye movements and how much information was available for processing on each fixation was controlled. The results of the experiments indicated that the size of the perceptual span in the search task was very similar to the size of the perceptual span in reading. Further results indicated that 3-6 letters were identified per fixation while 12-16 letters received some type of processing. Similarities and differences between the search task and reading were discussed.
Synaptic Organization of the Barrel Cortex

The inception of the burgeoning field of barrel cortex neurobiology can be traced to the influential publication by Woolsey and Van der Loos (1970). Although barrel-like structures were previously described in the somatosensory cortices of rodents (e.g., Droogleever Fortuyn, 1914; Lorente de No, 1938; Woolsey, 1967), Woolsey and Van der Loos were the first to present a detailed description of these structures, and to offer a comprehensive theory for their role in processing somatosensory inputs from the mystacial vibrissae, or whiskers. Furthermore, they predicted that this cortical area would become a particularly suitable model for various neurobiological studies, such as information processing in the cerebral cortex, development of cortical circuitry, and plasticity in cortical function. The works in this volume, synthesizing data collected in numerous laboratories in the past quarter of a century, attest to the perspicacity of these predictions.
Abstract B46: Epigenetic alterations associated with platinum resistance in an ovarian cancer cell model

Platinum resistance in ovarian cancer continues to be an impediment to clinical effectiveness. While multiple alterations associated with platinum resistance have been proposed, mechanisms responsible for those alterations, particularly epigenetic alterations, are still under investigation. Epigenetic alterations, specifically epigenetic silencing induced by DNA methylation, to genes involved in drug response is a common occurrence in platinum resistance. We have previously published that activation of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) in ovarian cancer cells increases activity of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and extended EGFR activation can also increase global DNA methylation. In a concurrent abstract, we show that acute cisplatin treatment activates the EGFR and increases DNMT activity. Our overarching hypothesis for this work is that the EGFR is a key player in the development of platinum resistance by its ability to regulate DNMT activity and DNA methylation and thereby could be a therapeutic target for preventing acquisition of platinum resistance during chemotherapeutic treatment. Here, we show data obtained using a cellular model of platinum resistance that we have generated in the lab. We show that OVCA 433 cells treated repeatedly with increasing doses of cisplatin acquire resistance and demonstrate resistance in a 3D model which is more indicative of the ovarian cancer cell microenvironment. These cisplatin resistant cells (CPR) also display significantly increased DNMT activity compared to passage control (non-resistant) cells, with modest increases in global DNA methylation. While hyperactivation of the EGFR is not observed in this chronic model of cisplatin treatment, we do see a significant decrease in Copper transporter 1 (CTR1) levels in CPR cells. CTR1 is particularly important in cisplatin drug uptake, thus we believe that platinum resistance in CPR cells is due to downregulation of CTR1 potentially by DNA methylation. Current studies are evaluating DNA methylation of CTR1 and other genes that may be contributing to the development of platinum resistance. Future studies inhibiting the EGFR during cisplatin treatment will be imperative in linking cisplatin induced EGFR activation to the changes in DNMT activity and methylation that we are observing in our model of platinum resistance. This work implicates EGFR driven alterations to DNMT activity and DNA methylation as a novel mechanism for development of platinum resistance. Citation Format: Sabrina L. Samudio-Ruiz, Michaela L. Granados, Laurie G. Hudson. Epigenetic alterations associated with platinum resistance in an ovarian cancer cell model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Precision Medicine Series: Drug Sensitivity and Resistance: Improving Cancer Therapy; Jun 18-21, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2015;21(4 Suppl): Abstract nr B46.
Screening for fetal aneuploidy and neural tube defects

Maternal serum screening for neural tube defects and fetal aneuploidy in the second trimester has been incorporated into obstetrical practice over the past two decades. Now, as a result of several multicenter trials, first trimester screening between 11 and 14 weeks has been shown to be an effective and reliable screening test for Down syndrome and trisomy 18. This policy updates the American College of Medical Genetics policy statement entitled Second Trimester Maternal Serum Screening for Fetal Open Neural Tube Defects and Aneuploidy (2004), incorporates First trimester diagnosis and screening for fetal aneuploidy (2008) and complements the sections of American College of Medical Genetic’s Standards and Guidelines for Clinical Genetics Laboratories entitled Prenatal Screening for Down syndrome (2005) and Prenatal Screening for Open Neural Tube Defects (2005).
Molecular Survival in Evolved Planetary Nebulae: Detection of H2CO, c-C3H2, and C2H in the Helix

H2CO, c-C3H2, and C2H have been identified in the neutral envelope of the highly evolved planetary nebula (PN), the Helix (also know as NGC 7293). Emission from these species were detected toward a peak position in CO, 372'' east of the central star, using the facilities of the Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO). C2H and c-C3H2 were identified on the basis of their 3 mm transitions, measured with the ARO 12 m, while five lines of H2CO were observed using the 12 m at 2 and 3 mm and the ARO Submillimeter Telescope at 1 mm. From a radiative transfer analysis of the formaldehyde emission, the molecular material was determined to have a density of n(H2) ~3 × 105 cm–3, with a kinetic temperature of T kin ~20 K. Column densities for C2H, H2CO, and c-C3H2 of N tot ~1.4 × 1013 cm–2, 1.1 × 1012 cm–2, and 3 × 1011 cm–2, respectively, were derived, corresponding to fractional abundances relative to H2 of f (H2CO) = 1 × 10–7, f (c-C3H2) = 3 × 10–8, and f (C2H) = 1 × 10–6 . The physical conditions found support the notion that molecules in evolved PNe survive in dense clumps in pressure equilibrium, shielded from photodissociation. The presence of H2CO, c-C3H2, and C2H, along with the previously observed species CN, HNC, HCN, and HCO+, indicates that a relatively complex chemistry can occur in the late stages of PN evolution, despite potentially destructive ultraviolet radiation. These molecules have also been observed in diffuse clouds, suggesting a possible connection between molecular material in evolved PNe and the diffuse ISM.
Solution of optimal control problems on a high-speed hybrid computer

This paper presents a method for finding the solutions to minimum-time optimal control problems. The procedure is to implement Pontryagin's Maximum Principle on an iterative hybrid computer. The state and adjoint equations as well as the control law are simulated using conven tional analog components. The troublesome two-point boundary-value problem, which is always associated with Maximum Principle, is solved by iteration, using a digital parameter optimizer. Thus, a manual trial-and-error search for the proper initial values of the adjoint variables is un necessary.We show that, for a large class of systems, it is not necessary to generate the Hamiltonian, because the neces sary condition that it normally must satisfy is redundant. This allows many problems to be greatly simplified. We also present an optimizing routine that solves the boun dary-value problem. This permits the proposed method to be used on any hybrid computer that incorporates a general-purpose digital computer.The solutions to two prob...
AtCSLD2 is an integral Golgi membrane protein with its N-terminus facing the cytosol.

Cellulose synthase-like proteins in the D family share high levels of sequence identity with the cellulose synthase proteins and also contain the processive β-glycosyltransferase motifs conserved among all members of the cellulose synthase superfamily. Consequently, it has been hypothesized that members of the D family function as either cellulose synthases or glycan synthases involved in the formation of matrix polysaccharides. As a prelude to understanding the function of proteins in the D family, we sought to determine where they are located in the cell. A polyclonal antibody against a peptide located at the N-terminus of the Arabidopsis D2 cellulose synthase-like protein was generated and purified. After resolving Golgi vesicles from plasma membranes using endomembrane purification techniques including two-phase partitioning and sucrose density gradient centrifugation, we used antibodies against known proteins and marker enzyme assays to characterize the various membrane preparations. The Arabidopsis cellulose synthase-like D2 protein was found mostly in a fraction that was enriched with Golgi membranes. In addition, versions of the Arabidopsis cellulose synthase-like D2 proteins tagged with a green fluorescent protein was observed to co-localize with a DsRed-tagged Golgi marker protein, the rat alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase. Therefore, we postulate that the majority of Arabidopsis cellulose synthase-like D proteins, under our experimental conditions, are likely located at the Golgi membranes. Furthermore, protease digestion of Golgi-rich vesicles revealed almost complete loss of reaction with the antibodies, even without detergent treatment of the Golgi vesicles. Therefore, the N-terminus of the Arabidopsis cellulose synthase-like D2 protein likely faces the cytosol. Combining this observation with the transmembrane domain predictions, we postulate that the large hydrophilic domain of this protein also faces the cytosol.
Structure of southeastern Antarctic Peninsula ice shelves and ice tongues from synthetic aperture radar imagery

Examination of synthetic aperture radar data collected over the southeastern Antarctic Peninsula shows that features sometimes mapped as ice shelves are more likely composed of numerous ice tongues interspersed within a matrix of fast ice and icebergs. The tongues are formed by the seaward extension of numerous small mountain glaciers that drain from the Antarctic Peninsula. Once afloat, the tongues intermingle with a matrix of fast ice and brash. Examination of 1997 RADARSAT-1 image mosaics shows that southeastern Antarctic Peninsula composite-ice shelves covered an area of about 3500 km 2 . Like ice tongues around the rest of Antarctica, these features are highly fragmented and likely to be susceptible to mechanical failure. One such composite shelf, located between New Bedford and Wright Inlets, was observed to decrease in area by 1200km 2 between 1997 and 2000.
Relationships among selected antecedent variables and coping effectiveness in postmyocardial infarction patients

Selected theoretical relationships from Lazarus' (1966) model of stress were tested in a convenience sample of 81 postmyocardial infarction clients. Two hypothesized causal models were analyzed. Results from regression analyses indicated 63% of the variance in coping effectiveness was explained by marital status, length of time since hospitalization, perceived availability of social support, uncertainty, degree of threat, coping strategies, and emotions. A revised model that fit the data was proposed. Findings indicated that emotions were an outcome of threat, not coping; threat did not directly affect coping strategies; and coping strategies did not directly influence coping effectiveness. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Heavy-ion dynamics from the point of view of classical mean-field theory

A simple classical force model, based on mean-field dynamics, is applied to fusion phenomena and other processes in heavy-ion collisions. We find reasonable agreement with trends in the fusion cross section going to heavy nuclei, including the barrier to fusion at high Z2/A. Collision times are calculated for a variety of reactions; recent evidence for non-equilibration of energy suggests that the equilibration time for energy is smaller than 300 fm/c and larger than 50 fm/c.
On the relationship between matrix free Mg2+ concentration and total Mg2+ in heart mitochondria

The matrix free magnesium ion concentration, [Mg2+]m, estimated using the fluorescent probe furaptra, averaged 0.67 mM in 15 preparations of beef heart mitochondria containing an average of 21 nmol total Mg2+ per mg protein. [Mg2+]m was compared with total Mg2+ during respiration-dependent uptake and efflux of Mg2+ and during osmotic swelling. In the absence of external Pi these mitochondria contain about 32 nmol/mg non-diffusible Mg-binding sites with an apparent Kd of 0.34 mM. [Mg2+]m depends on both the size of the total Mg2+ pool and the ability of matrix anions to provide Mg-ligands. Pi interacts strongly with Mg2+ to decrease [Mg2+]m and, in the absence of external Mg2+, promotes respiration-dependent Mg2+ efflux and a decrease in [Mg2+]m to very low levels. The uptake of Pi by respiring mitochondria converts delta pH to membrane potential (delta psi) and provides additional Mg-binding sites. This permits large accumulations of Mg2+ and Pi with little change in [Mg2+]m. Nigericin also converts delta pH to delta psi in respiring mitochondria and induces a large and rapid increase in both total Mg2+ and [Mg2+]m. Mersalyl increases the permeability of the mitochondrial membrane to cations and this also induces a marked increase in both total Mg2+ and [Mg2+]m. These results suggest that mitochondria take up Mg2+ by electrophoretic flux through membrane leak pathways, rather than via a specific Mg2+ transporter. Mitochondria swollen by respiration dependent uptake of potassium phosphate show decreased [Mg2+]m, whereas those swollen to the same extent in potassium acetate do not. This suggests that [Mg2+]m is well-buffered during osmotic volume changes unless there is also a change in ligand availability.
Multiuse Trails: Benefits and Concerns of Residents and Property Owners

Multiuse trail development has experienced rapid growth in the United States and many other countries. These trails are said to benefit local residents and stimulate economies, and in some cases are they are tourist attractions. Previous research explained many aspects of user dynamics and how trails benefit a community in general, but literature on the residents and property owners adjacent to trails is limited. However, this group is potentially affected more than other residents by trail development due to their proximity to the trail. Therefore, this exploratory case study focused on the benefits and concerns of those living and owning property adjacent to a trail. Many benefits commonly reported by general trail users were experienced by this study’s sample; however, the additional benefits of convenience and access, scenic views, and an enhanced social life were also revealed. While numerous benefits were uncovered, few concerns were voiced and often very individualistic. Differences in benefits and concerns were noted between respondents when characteristics such as trail use, land use, and time of ownership were evaluated. Findings provide constructive information for trail planners, managers, land developers, residential real estate professionals, and urban/rural-focused researchers.
Dermal-epidermal deposition of complement components and properdin in systemic lupus erythematosus.

SUMMARY Skin lesions and clinically normal skin of thirteen patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were examined, by the use of immunofluorescent techniques, to determine the presence of Ciq, C3, C3 proactivator (C3PA), properdin, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM), and fibrin. IgM deposition was present in all thirteen skin lesions and in all eleven normal areas tested, whereas IgG deposition occurred in eleven of the lesions but in only six normal areas. IgA was the least frequently encountered immunoglobulin. C1q deposition occurred in all thirteen skin lesions, and C3 deposition was present in twelve. Seven of nine and eight of eleven clinically normal areas demonstrated C1q and C3 deposition, respectively. Although less intense than C1q and C3 deposition, properdin deposition occurred in eight of the thirteen skin lesions tested but in only two of nine normal areas. C3PA deposition was of greater intensity than was properdin, but was seen in only five lesions and three clinically normal areas. Seven skin lesions and two normal areas also demonstrated fibrin deposition. Although alternate pathway activation is. apparent, our findings suggest that the classical pathway (C1 to C9) is the primary complement pathway involved in slli skin.
Postmortem validation of breast density using dual-energy mammography.

Purpose: Mammographic density has been shown to be an indicator of breast cancer risk and also reduces the sensitivity of screening mammography. Currently, there is no accepted standard for measuring breast density. Dual energy mammography has been proposed as a technique for accurate measurement of breast density. The purpose of this study is to validate its accuracy in postmortem breasts and compare it with other existing techniques. Methods: Forty postmortem breasts were imaged using a dual energy mammography system. Glandular and adipose equivalent phantoms of uniform thickness were used to calibrate a dual energy basis decomposition algorithm. Dual energy decomposition was applied after scatter correction to calculate breast density. Breast density was also estimated using radiologist reader assessment, standard histogram thresholding and a fuzzy C-mean algorithm. Chemical analysis was used as the reference standard to assess the accuracy of different techniques to measure breast composition. Results: Breast density measurements using radiologist reader assessment, standard histogram thresholding, fuzzy C-mean algorithm, and dual energy were in good agreement with the measured fibroglandular volume fraction using chemical analysis. The standard error estimates using radiologist reader assessment, standard histogram thresholding, fuzzy C-mean, and dual energy were 9.9%, 8.6%, 7.2%, and 4.7%, respectively. Conclusions: The results indicate that dual energy mammography can be used to accurately measure breast density. The variability in breast density estimation using dual energy mammography was lower than reader assessment rankings, standard histogram thresholding, and fuzzy C-mean algorithm. Improved quantification of breast density is expected to further enhance its utility as a risk factor for breast cancer.
Why comparable? A multiverse explanation of the dark matter-baryon coincidence

The densities of dark and baryonic matter are comparable: $\ensuremath{\zeta}\ensuremath{\equiv}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{D}/{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{B}\ensuremath{\sim}O(1)$. This is surprising because they are controlled by different combinations of low-energy physics parameters. Here we consider the probability distribution over $\ensuremath{\zeta}$ in the landscape. We argue that the Why Comparable problem can be solved without detailed anthropic assumptions, and independently of the nature of dark matter. Overproduction of dark matter suppresses the probability like $(1+\ensuremath{\zeta}{)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, if the causal patch is used to regulate infinities. This suppression can counteract a prior distribution favoring large $\ensuremath{\zeta}$, selecting $\ensuremath{\zeta}\ensuremath{\sim}O(1)$. This effect not only explains the Why Comparable coincidence but also renders otherwise implausible models of dark matter viable. For the special case of axion dark matter, Wilczek and independently Freivogel have already noted that a $(1+\ensuremath{\zeta}{)}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ suppression prevents overproduction of a GUT-scale QCD axion. If the dark matter is the LSP, the effect can explain the moderate fine-tuning of the weak scale in simple supersymmetric models.
Magnetic flux density measurements in rotating machines

The Hall effect in a semiconductor is utilized to measure the flux density in the air gap of a rotating machine under transient conditions of starting and loading. This method offers several advantages over the conventional exploring-coil generator. Measurements of the flux density in a synchronous converter were made to demonstrate its applicability.
Becoming Father: The Politics of Succession in Satyajit Ray's Pratidwandi (The Adversary)

Satyajit Ray's Pratidwandi (The Adversary) (1970) opens with a portentous event that occurs within a Bengali middle class home: the death of the father. The sequence, shot in negative, shows the co...
GENERAL NATURE OF THE PROCESS OF SALT ACCUMULATION BY ROOTS WITH DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIMENTAL METHODS.

The discussion in this paper is based on the assumption that the reader is familiar with earlier work on Yalonia, Nitella, and Chara cells (3, 5, 15-17, 23-25, 42), and with the series of recent reports by Steward (32-36) and his co-workers (2, 37-40) on accumulation of salts by storage tissues. These latter researches yielded clear evidence that salt accumulation (movement of cations and anions into the vacuole against concentration gradients) by storage tissues is dependent upon the metabolic activities of living cells, reflected in aerobic respiration. It was concluded that capacity for maintained salt accumulation by these tissues is associated with a state of intense cell metabolism characteristic of cell growth and cell division. The problem now to be discussed is that of salt accumulation by roots with particular reference to metabolic processes. This problem has special significance for students of soil and plant interrelations, and at the same time has broad ramifications in the field of general physiology. One of the most fundamental of cell functions is involved.
Structure of an ultrathin TiOx film, formed by the strong metal support interaction (SMSI), on Pt nanocrystals on TiO2(110)

Abstract We use first-principles density functional theory to study ultrathin TiOx films on Pt(1 1 1). The preferred interface with Pt has Ti with O as an overlayer. However, this ordering, preferred over Ti/O/Pt by 2.9 eV/Ti–O unit, produces >10% stress. This explains a complex structure, seen using STM, of TiOx bilayers encapsulating Pt(1 1 1) nanofacets: the energetics of stress relief is about ten times that of differences in the various possible O/Ti/Pt(1 1 1)-layer site occupations, thus favoring dislocation formation. A structure is found that is stable. It consists of a series of linear misfit dislocations at the relatively weak Ti/Pt interface that are 6/7 Ti/Pt rows wide. In addition, strong interactions at the O/Ti interface and O-layer strain also cause the Ti/Pt interface to abruptly change from hcp- to fcc-site Ti, producing linear “canyons” (Ti/Pt dislocation cores occur between these stripes). Furthermore, alternating hcp- and fcc-site triangles, each with ten O-atoms, are separated by bridging O in an abrupt O/Ti misfit dislocation, thus producing a zigzag pattern. The above dislocations release strain along both the x- and y-directions in the surface plane. However, we have been unable to find a stable structure if the zigzag ends consist of O, but stability is found if they consist of Ti. Finally, reverse bias STM images indicate the ends might indeed different than the line portions of the zigzag features.
MODEL CATALYSTS FABRICATED USING ELECTRON BEAM LITHOGRAPHY AND PULSED LASER DEPOSITION

Supported metal nanoparticles have been fabricated using electron beam lithography (EBL) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). EBL produced ordered two-dimensional arrays with particle diameters of 40...
Design Maps for the Tensile Yield Strength of Nanoscale Metallic Multilayers

Metallic nanolayered composite materials can exhibit yield strengths one and a half to two times that of the constituents from which they are constructed. However, experimental data frequently show that there is a critical bi-layer period Λ below which the strength no longer increases with decreasing Λ. To help understand the origins of this behavior and to guide future design of multilayers, maps of the internal stress and overall tensile macroyield stress are calculated as functions of the volume fractions of the two alternating constituents and bi-layer period, for a given lattice parameter ratio and elastic modulus ratio. Adopted here is a premise suggested by embedded atom simulations of Cu/Nb multilayers and recent experimental work on γ-Ni/γ’-Ni3Al multilayers that the overall tensile strength is determined by the applied stress needed to eliminate the compressive bi-axial stress in the alternating layers. The results indicate that indeed, there is a critical bi-layer period below which the strength is independent of bi-layer period. In this regime, multilayer tensile strength is most effectively improved by increasing the stored compressive stress. This is achieved by decreasing the volume fraction of the compressively stressed phase. This manuscript extends previous work by providing closed-form expressions for the macroyield strength of free-standing multilayered thin films.
Relating state-based and process-based concurrency through linear logic (full-version)

This paper has the purpose of reviewing some of the established relationships between logic and concurrency, and of exploring new ones. Concurrent and distributed systems are notoriously hard to get right. Therefore, following an approach that has proved highly beneficial for sequential programs, much effort has been invested in tracing the foundations of concurrency in logic. The starting points of such investigations have been various idealized languages of concurrent and distributed programming, in particular the well established state-transformation model inspired by Petri nets and multiset rewriting, and the prolific process-based models such as the @p-calculus and other process algebras. In nearly all cases, the target of these investigations has been linear logic, a formal language that supports a view of formulas as consumable resources. In the first part of this paper, we review some of these interpretations of concurrent languages into linear logic and observe that, possibly modulo duality, they invariably target a small semantic fragment of linear logic that we call LV^o^b^s. In the second part of the paper, we propose a new approach to understanding concurrent and distributed programming as a manifestation of logic, which yields a language that merges those two main paradigms of concurrency. Specifically, we present a new semantics for multiset rewriting founded on an alternative view of linear logic and specifically LV^o^b^s. The resulting interpretation is extended with a majority of linear connectives into the language of @w-multisets. This interpretation drops the distinction between multiset elements and rewrite rules, and considerably enriches the expressive power of standard multiset rewriting with embedded rules, choice, replication, and more. Derivations are now primarily viewed as open objects, and are closed only to examine intermediate rewriting states. The resulting language can also be interpreted as a process algebra. For example, a simple translation maps process constructors of the asynchronous @p-calculus to rewrite operators. The language of @w-multisets forms the basis for the security protocol specification language MSR 3. With relations to both multiset rewriting and process algebra, it supports specifications that are process-based, state-based, or of a mixed nature, with the potential of combining verification techniques from both worlds. Additionally, its logical underpinning makes it an ideal common ground for systematically comparing protocol specification languages.
Chronic stress exposure may affect the brain's response to high calorie food cues and predispose to obesogenic eating habits

Exaggerated reactivity to food cues involving calorically-dense foods may significantly contribute to food consumption beyond caloric need. Chronic stress, which can induce palatable "comfort" food consumption, may trigger or reinforce neural pathways leading to stronger reactions to highly rewarding foods. We implemented functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess whether chronic stress influences activation in reward, motivation and executive brain regions in response to pictures of high calorie and low calorie foods in thirty women. On separate lab visits, we also assessed food intake from a snack food buffet and circulating cortisol. In women reporting higher chronic stress (HCS), pictures of high calorie foods elicited exaggerated activity in regions of the brain involving reward, motivation, and habitual decision-making. In response to pictures of high calorie food, higher chronic stress was also associated with significant deactivation in frontal regions (BA10; BA46) linked to strategic planning and emotional control. In functional connectivity analysis, HCS strengthened connectivity between amygdala and the putamen, while LCS enhanced connectivity between amygdala and the anterior cingulate and anterior prefrontal cortex (BA10). A hypocortisolemic signature and more consumption of high calorie foods from the snack buffet were observed in the HCS group. These results suggest that persistent stress exposure may alter the brain's response to food in ways that predispose individuals to poor eating habits which, if sustained, may increase risk for obesity.
A wave propagation problem for non-uniform screw dislocation motion in a viscoelastic half-plane

The wave propagation problem for a largely arbitrary anti-plane displacement discontinuity imposed along a line perpendicular to the surface of a stress-free linearly viscoelastic half-plane is considered. The general Laplace transform solution is obtained and then inverted for the case of a screw dislocation moving at an arbitrary speed in a Maxwell material. It is shown that the material viscoelasticity alters the coefficient of the dislocation edge stress singularity and damps the surface displacements from the elastic values. The surface damping increases with time, distance from the dislocation path and dislocation speed, whether sub- or supersonic.
Alcohol use among college students: responses to raising the purchase age.

Abstract On December 1, 1985, New York State raised its alcohol purchase age from 19 to 21. We used a quasi-experimental research design to explore the changes in alcohol use behaviors and attitudes of undergraduates at a large central New York university before and after this legislation was enacted. The overwhelming majority of this undergraduate population is under 21 years old and is thus affected by the new legislation. A comparison of data from the two survey times revealed that 90% of the undergraduates sampled continued to drink at least occasionally. Our analysis of drinking quantity showed a slight moderation in alcohol consumption overall, with the greatest changes occurring for the heaviest drinkers—men and members of Greek organizations. Even with apparent moderation in student drinking, reported negative consequences such as physical injuries were more common. A change in drinking location to less-controlled environments, such as private rooms and unmonitored parties, is offered as one possi...
ADP-ribosylation of membrane proteins and activation of adenylate cyclase by cholera toxin in fat cell ghosts from euthyroid and hypothyroid rats

Abstract Incubation of fat cell ghosts with activated cholera toxin, nucleoside triphosphate, cytosol, and NAD results in increased adenylate cyclase activity and the transfer of ADP-ribose to membrane proteins. The major ADP-ribose protein comigrates on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels with the putative GTP-binding protein of pigeon erythrocyte membranes ( M r 42 000), which is also ADP-ribosylated by cholera toxin. The treatment with cholera toxin enhances the stimulation of the fat cell membrane adenylate cyclase by GTP, but the stimulation by guanyl-5′-yl imidodiphosphate is unaltered. Subsequent stimulation of fat cell adenylate cyclase by 10 μM epinephrine is not particularly affected. These changes were qualitatively the same for membranes isolated from fat cells of hypothyroid rats. Although the cyclase of these membranes has a reduced response to epinephrine, guanyl-5′-yl imidodiphosphate or GTP, as compared to euthyroid rat fat cell membranes, the defect is not rectified by toxin treatment and cannot be explained by a deficiency in the cholera toxin target.
DNA Exposure and Condensation in the X and 21 Chromosomes

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) whole chromosome painting probe studies have been carried out with X and 21 chromosomes on normal human fibroblasts grown in tissue culture. The majority of the cells were in G1 phase (including G0). The X chromosome, which exhibits differential inactivation, displays an active form which is most commonly in the nuclear periphery, is diffused over a large area with dark regions interspersed with bright regions, and exhibits punctate bright spots at its edges. The inactive X, which contains a small fraction of active genes, is also most often at the nuclear periphery, is highly condensed and also exhibits punctate labeling around its outer edge. Occasional nuclei exhibit X chromosomal material adjacent to a nucleolus. These observations fit the pattern proposed by the genome exposure theory in which inactive gene regions are sequestered by chromosome condensation, and become exposed by decondensation into a condition invisible by the video-imaging technique employed. Such exposed genes can then be activated by appropriate molecular messengers. In accordance with this theory, the total fluorescence observed from the active X is appreciably less than that of the inactive. The FISH pattern from chromosome 21 is very different, displaying two fluorescent bodies usually connected with the nucleoli. Both bodies contain condensed and decondensed regions, and both are much more similar in their degree of decondensation than was the case with the X chromosomes, although a small difference cannot be ruled out. Use of DNase I treatment of nuclei reveals the existence of exposed DNA. The use of FISH as demonstrated here can indicate sequestered DNA. Together the two techniques promise elucidation of gene regions of various chromosomes which are active and inactive in particular tissues and in normal and pathologic conditions.
Evaluating medical expert systems.

Abstract Approximately 90% of all computerized medical expert systems have not been evaluated in clinical environments. This paper: (1) identifies the principal methods used to assess the performance of medical expert systems in both laboratory and clinical settings, (2) describes the different research strategies used in the evaluation of medical expert systems at different development stages, and (3) discusses past evaluation efforts in relationship to future applications of different decision support technologies and expert systems in health care.
Photoaffinity labeling of H1-histamine receptors in isolated smooth muscles by 4(5)-[2-(4-azido-2-nitroanilino)ethyl]imidazole: characterization in guinea-pig aorta and lack of pharmacological antagonism in dog trachealis.

Abstract The compound 4(5)-[2-(4-azido-2-nitroanilino)ethyl]imidazole (AAH), a photoaffinity label analog of histamine, has been observed previously to produce a photolysis-dependent, specific and irreversible antagonism of histamine-induced contractile responses of the guinea-pig vas deferens. The pharmacological effects of AAH in isolated guinea-pig aorta (GPA) and dog trachealis (DT) were evaluated in the present study. Photolysis of 3 × 10−5 M AAH for 5 min with visible light in organ baths containing the GPA resulted, after washout of AAH, in a nonequilibrium competitive antagonism of contractile responses to histamine; responses to norepinephrine and KCl were not affected. In contrast, photolyzed AAH (3 × 10−5 M, one or two photoalysis treatments; 10−4 M AAH, two treatments) did not antagonize contractile responses of the DT to histamine, nor were responses to acetylcholine or KCl affected. To test the possibility that AAH lacks affinity for histamine receptors in the DT, molar KB values were obtained for nonphotolyzed AAH used as a conventional equilibrium competitive antagonist; KB values for GPA and DT were not different (−log KB were 5.48±0.18 and 5.04±0.23 for GPA and DT, respectively; P>0.05). pA2 values for diphenhydramine, an H1-histamine receptor antagonist, indicated a moderately greater potency in GPA compared to DT (pA2 were 7.58±0.10 and 6.89±0.13 for GPA and DT, respectively; P