cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal electric vehicle charging scheduling with time-varying profits

EV (electric vehicle) charging scheduling to maximize the revenue of charging station while satisfying customer demands is challenging, mainly due to the time-varying nature of user demands and profits. In this paper, we develop an admission control and scheduling mechanism to jointly consider the revenue of charging stations and the service requirements of customers. We consider an offline setting. Given a set of inflexible service demands from customers, our objective is to design an admission control and scheduling scheme, so that the admitted demands can be satisfied while the revenue of the charging station is maximized. We first propose a calculus based scheduling algorithm, and show that if the system is underloaded, it maximizes the revenue of the charging station. We then consider the general overloaded case, and prove that it is NP-complete. We then develop a heuristic algorithm to greedily decline a subset of demands until the remaining demands can be satisfied. We evaluate the performances of the proposed algorithms through simulations.
Physiological and Ecological Adaptations of Slow-Growing, Heterotrophic Microbes and Consequences for Cultivation

There is a large discrepancy between the number of microbes that can be visualized in samples from most natural environments and the small number that grows readily in the laboratory. This anomaly hinders opportunities to advance our understanding of the vast metabolic and evolutionary diversity of microbes, and imposes severe limitations on our capacity to link patterns of ecological diversity with the functioning of microbial communities. This chapter focuses on slow-growing, heterotrophic microbes as a potential source of cultures to represent the remarkable phylogenetic diversity of the microbial world. Despite the obvious advantages conferred upon microbes that leave the most progeny per unit time, chronic limitation of nutrients in many environments selects for microbes that are able to survive and use resources efficiently, even if it involves a trade-off for faster growth when resources are abundant. Understanding the ecological strategies of slow-growing microbes and adjusting expectations for cultivation to match the physiological capabilities of these microbes offer an opportunity to narrow the tremendous gap between the microscopically visible microbes and those that are readily cultivated.
The Gravity of It All

Early in the seventeenth century, Galileo did extensive studies of bodies falling near the earth’s surface. Bodies projected with a component of velocity tangent to the earth’s surface—cannonballs, for example—are called projectiles.
The ethics of clinical research in low- and middle-income countries

The increasing conduct of clinical research in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is motivated by the desire to promote host country access to biomedical research, to enhance LMIC access to modern clinical care, and opportunities to conduct research with simpler regulatory requirements and at lower cost. Yet clinical research in LMIC is associated with ethical risks beyond those of clinical research conducted in high-income countries (HIC). Ethical challenges particular to clinical research in LMIC include the conduct of placebo-controlled clinical trials in LMIC despite HIC availability of effective comparator interventions, obtaining informed consent despite power inequities, and the obligation of HIC researchers to redress health disparities in LMIC. This chapter covers these and additional ethical challenges of clinical research in LMIC, and proposes ways to navigate these challenges through awareness, regulatory oversight, consultation, and collaboration with LMIC investigators and community representatives. With its ethical challenges properly managed, clinical research in LMIC provides historic opportunities to bring biomedical research and better healthcare infrastructure to countries previously left behind in the modern rush to biomedical innovation.
Principles of frequency-domain fluorescence spectroscopy and applications to cell membranes.

Fluorescence spectroscopy is often used to study the dynamic and hydrodynamic properties of proteins, membranes, and nucleic acids (Cundall and Dale, 1980; Lakowicz, 1983, 1986; Visser, 1985; Demchenko, 1986). More recently, the sensitivity of fluorescence detection, and advances in two-di-mensional detectors have resulted in increased emphasis on the use of fluo-rescence microscopy to obtain a more detailed understanding of cellular phenomena (Taylor et al., 1986). An unfavorable characteristic of fluorescence is the relatively low degree of specificity. The emission spectra of fluorophores often overlap on the wavelength scale, and the emission spectra of different fluorophores are often similar in shape. A further complication is that the emission may be complex due to the presence of multiple environments in a membrane, several fluorophores in a macromolecule, or the intrinsically complex emission of macromolecules or even simple molecules like tryptophan.
Embryology of the Vitreous

Vitreous embryology can be considered from three interrelated, yet separable perspectives (Table II-1). The first is the classical perspective of anatomists and histologists, who described vitreous embryogenesis in terms of structural events. A second perspective concerns cellular development of the vitreous, in particular the origin and development of the resident cells of the adult vitreous: hyalocytes and fibroblasts. A third perspective considers vitreous embryogenesis from the standpoint of the major molecular constituents (collagen and hyaluronic acid) and their influence upon vitreous and ocular development (see also Chapter IV-A). The following considers vitreous embryogenes is from each of these three perspectives.
Assessing the changing influence of cultural and social capital with respect to UK Higher Education participation across different cohorts

In this thesis we provide evidence that cultural and social factors are significantly associated with Higher Education (HE) participation in the UK. This is important because the current UK HE literature focuses almost exclusively on individual and family background characteristics. We argue that a more complete understanding of cultural and social influences has the potential to make significant contributions to our understanding of HE participation and that research in this area may highlight an underutilised policy avenue for achieving Widening Participation (WP) objectives. This thesis begins with a literature review in which we model an individual’s HE participation decision (using a Human Capital approach) and present some recent evidence relating to the association with individual and family background characteristics. We then introduce the concepts of Cultural and Social Capital and argue how these might affect HE participation. In our first empirical investigation we present evidence which reveals that particular elements of Cultural and Social Capital are significantly associated with an individual’s likelihood of HE participation, using two well-researched British birth cohorts (1958 and 1970). Our second piece of empirical work builds on these findings in two ways: first, by investigate whether measures of Cultural and Social Capital retain significant associations with HE participation, using a more recent cohort of individuals (born between 1989 and 1990); second, by investigating whether additional measures of Habitus (embodied Cultural Capital) and contextual sources of Social Capital also appear important. The results of this study reaffirm our earlier findings, whilst additional significant associations are apparent. Our third empirical investigation, which also uses this more recent cohort, aims to identify whether school attended (and their characteristics) exhibits an independent association with HE participation. Here we find that this appears to be the case, whilst our prior findings remaining largely unchanged.
A Simple Method For Ovarian Approximation and Hemostasis Cystectomy following

Video Objective This video describes a simple method for ovarian approximation and hemostasis following cystectomy. Setting A 31 year old patient with 1 year history of LLQ pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia and nausea. She has had a simple left ovarian cyst that was managed conservatively for several years, but recently increased in size. Ultrasound showed a large cyst in the midline measuring 9.2 × 6.3 × 9.1 cm. Laparoscopy showed a large 10 cm left ovarian mass that is cystic with serous fluid. A laparoscopic cystectomy was performed. Interventions A laparoscopic cystectomy was performed with ovarian approximation and hemostasis with polysorb endoloops. Conclusion This video demonstrates a simple and efficient method for approximating the ovarian tissue after large cystectomy, that provides adequate hemostasis without excessive thermal damage to the ovarian tissue, as well as potentially minimizing the risk of postoperative adhesions.
Biochemistry: An Organic Chemistry Approach

“There is a continuing demand for up to date organic & bio-organic chemistry undergraduate textbooks. This well planned text builds upon a successful existing work and adds content relevant to biomolecules and biological activity”. -Professor Philip Page, Emeritus Professor, School of Chemistry University of East Anglia, UK “Introduces the key concepts of organic chemistry in a succinct and clear way”. -Andre Cobb, KCL, UK Reactions in biochemistry can be explained by an understanding of fundamental organic chemistry principles and reactions. This paradigm is extended to biochemical principles and to myriad biomolecules. Biochemistry: An Organic Chemistry Approach provides a framework for understanding various topics of biochemistry, including the chemical behavior of biomolecules, enzyme activity, and more. It goes beyond mere memorization. Using several techniques to develop a relational understanding, including homework, this text helps students fully grasp and better correlate the essential organic chemistry concepts with those concepts at the root of biochemistry. The goal is to better understand the fundamental principles of biochemistry. Features: Presents a review chapter of fundamental organic chemistry principles and reactions. Presents and explains the fundamental principles of biochemistry using principles and common reactions of organic chemistry. Discusses enzymes, proteins, fatty acids, lipids, vitamins, hormones, nucleic acids and other biomolecules by comparing and contrasting them with the organic chemistry reactions that constitute the foundation of these classes of biomolecules. Discusses the organic synthesis and reactions of amino acids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and other biomolecules.
Screened Range-Separated Hybrid Functional with Polarizable Continuum Model Overcomes Challenges in Describing Triplet Excitations in the Condensed Phase Using TDDFT

Long range-corrected (LRC) or range-separated hybrid (RSH) functionals where the long-range (LR) limit of electronic interactions is set to the exact exchange have been shown to correct the tendency of traditional density functional theory (DFT) to underestimate the frontier orbital gap. Consequently, the use of such functionals in calculating electronic excited states using linear response based time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) has been successful in correcting the tendency for underestimating the energies of charge transfer states by DFT-based calculations. More recently formulations of functionals that attenuate the LR limit to address condensed-phase effects to polarize the electronic density have been reported. In particular screened RSH (SRSH) combined with polarizable continuum model (PCM) was benchmarked successfully in reproducing the fundamental gap and charge transfer state energies of molecular systems in the condensed phase. Here we use SRSH-PCM to address triplet excited states, and show its success in obtaining correspondence of the low-lying triplet states to the singlet-triplet gap in a similar way that the fundamental orbital gap corresponds to electron removal and addition energies. Importantly, the accuracy of the SRSH-PCM in calculating triplet excitations stands on the polarization consistent framework in addressing the scalar dielectric constant and without affecting the optimal tuning by triplet energies. The prospect of even further improving the SRSH-PCM accuracy in calculating triplet states can be achieved by optimal tuning on the basis of the spin multiplicity gap.
Keeping an eye on the clock: the role of timing and teacher hiring in the education

Despite the importance of hiring high quality teachers, less attention has been given to districts’ hiring practices, particularly in terms of the timing of hiring. To date, decisions regarding whe...
Salivary Fructosamine as a Noninvasive Glycemic Biomarker: A Systematic Review.

Background:Standard diagnostic and monitoring methods for glycemic status involve invasive sample collection through venous puncture or fingerstick. Recent attention has been focused on exploring n...
Immunologic Findings in a Case of Congenital CMV Compared to Infants with Aids

Infections with viruses of the herpes group, particularly cytomegalovirus (CMV), have been associated with a transient reversal of T-helper/T-suppressor (TH/TS) ratio. This reversal has been reported with CMV mononucleosis, immunosuppressed patients with CMV infection, and a few cases of congenital CMV. In none of these reports has the reversed TH/TS ratio been causally associated with other immune abnormalities. The reversed ratio is also a frequent finding in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and it is unclear as to what causal relationships may exist among the CMV infection of AIDS patients, the AIDS agent, the reversed TH/TS ratio, the other immune defects of AIDS, and the susceptibility to opportunistic infections experienced by AIDS patients. We have studied a child with congenital CMV throughout the first year of life who exhibited a persistently reversed TH/TS ratio, a lack of antibody to CMV in the IgM class, a delay in CMV-IgG antibody formation, and an unusually prolonged high titer of CMV excretion in his urine. In spite of these immunologic changes, he has not experienced opportunistic infections. This case study helps to clarify some of the above relationships.
A General Statement of Structured Singular Value Concepts

Some key concepts of strucred singular value theory for the stability and performance-robustness analysis of linear time-invariant multivariable systems are stated. Using a set-invariance principle, the theory is then generalized to allow for nonlinear and/or time-varying nominal systems and uncertainties. The general theory is then re-specialized to the case of nominally linear time-invariant systems subject to L 2 -induced-norm bounded uncertainties.
Use of chemical equilibrium data to calculate Iodox column operations

Correlations have been developed that use chemical equilibrium considerations to predict the operation of bubble-cap columns using hyperazeo-tropic nitric acid (Iodox system) to treat air streams c...
Targeting genes: delivery and persistent expression of a foreign gene driven by mammalian regulatory elements in vivo.

Abstract We present evidence that a foreign gene driven by natural mammalian regulatory elements can be targeted to hepatocytes and the resultant gene expression made to persist. This was accomplished using a soluble DNA carrier system consisting of two covalently linked components: 1) a polycation, poly-L-lysine, that can bind DNA in a strong but non-damaging interaction, and 2) an asialoglycoprotein which can be targeted specifically to hepatocytes by cell surface asialoglycoprotein receptors unique to this cell type. A plasmid, palb-CAT, containing the gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) driven by mouse albumin regulatory sequences was complexed to the carrier system. Intravenous injection of palb-CAT DNA in the form of a complex resulted in the presence of CAT enzyme activity in liver homogenates 24 h after injection. The targeted gene expression, however, was transient, reaching a maximum of 10 units/g liver at 24 h but was not detectable by 96 h. However, partial hepatectomy 30 min after injection resulted in persistent high levels of hepatic CAT activity (11.3 units/g) through 11 weeks post-injection. Southern analysis of livers 11 weeks after partial hepatectomy demonstrated that some of the targeted DNA had been integrated into the host genome. We conclude that a foreign gene driven by natural mammalian regulatory elements can be delivered to hepatocytes by intravenous injection in vivo using a soluble DNA carrier system. Foreign gene expression targeted in this manner can be made to persist by stimulation of hepatocyte replication.
Understanding Group Dynamics in Health Forums

Health communities play an important role in helping patients cope with chronic disease. We analyze the vitality of these groups, in terms of their ability to attract new members and foster discussion. We present methods for performing and interpreting event history analysis with many dynamic features that are only partially observed and are highly correlated, which arise from censoring to protect privacy and the natural growth of event-count-based features respectively. We apply this methodology to identify the factors that contribute to group vitality in a diabetes community. Our findings suggest that uniformly advertising popular groups was detrimental to the diversity of popular groups, limiting the growth of the overall community. We also identified three different modes of behavior for long term members and a strategic opportunity for community managers to recruit them for leadership in less popular groups.
Hidden regimes and the demand for carbon dioxide from motor-gasoline

Abstract Perhaps the most tactile source of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions stem from vehicle-use. Because consumers are well aware of their price and quantity decisions it is likely that consumer demand for CO2 emissions from motor-gasoline are quite responsive to the overall state of the economy. Using a structurally identified Markov-switching demand model I find that CO2 emissions respond asymmetrically to changes in income and the price of gasoline in expansionary and contracting states of the economy. The findings of this paper indicate that flexible policy instruments have the potential to mitigate undue burden on consumers and producers compared to their static counterparts.
Therapeutic Targets in Polycystic Liver Disease

Polycystic liver diseases (PLD) are a group of genetic disorders initiated by mutations in several PLD-related genes and characterized by the presence of multiple cholangiocyte-derived hepatic cysts that progressively replace liver tissue. PLD co-exists with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) and Autosomal Recessive PKD as well as occurs alone (i.e., Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Liver Disease [ADPLD]). PLD associated with ADPKD and ARPKD belong to a group of disorders known as cholangiociliopathies since many disease-causative and disease-related proteins are expressed in primary cilia of cholangiocytes. Aberrant expression of these proteins in primary cilia affects their structures and functions promoting cystogenesis. Current medical therapies for PLD include symptomatic management and surgical interventions. To date, the only available drug treatment for PLD patients that halt disease progression and improve quality of life are somatostatin analogs. However, the modest clinical benefits, need for long-term maintenance therapy, and the high cost of treatment justify the necessity for more effective treatment options. Substantial evidence suggests that experimental manipulations with components of the signaling pathways that influence cyst development (e.g., cAMP, intracellular calcium, receptor tyrosine kinase, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 4 (TRPV4) channel, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), histone deacetylase (HDAC6), Cdc25A phosphatase, miRNAs and metalloproteinases) attenuate growth of hepatic cysts. Many of these targets have been evaluated in pre-clinical trials suggesting their value as potential new therapies. This review outlines the current clinical and preclinical treatment strategies for PLD.
Introduction to the Special Section on the 2014 IEEE Asian Solid-State Circuits Conference (A-SSCC)

The papers in this special section were presented at the 2014 IEEE Asian Solid-State Circuits Conference (ASSCC), which was held in KaoHsiung, Taiwan, on November 10–12, 2014.
Symmetry of rydberg transitions in 1,4‐cyclohexadiene: Multiphoton ionization investigation

Although much work has been done concerning the absolute ordering of the occupied π molecular orbitals of 1,4-cyclohexadiene, this ordering has not yet been directly proven. Consequently, the ordering of the vacant π* orbitals cannot be said to be directly proven. Most recently, an electron impact spectroscopic investigation of the electronic transitions of 1,4-cyclohexadiene revealed that only two clear Rydberg transitions are present. Both are to p-Rydberg orbitals and each is from a different occupied π orbital. However, since only indirect assignments of those transitions were possible, the absolute ordering of the occupied π molecular orbitals is still unproven. The application of multiphoton ionization spectroscopy can directly answer this problem. For molecules like 1,4-cyclohexadiene, that have a center of symmetry, transitions which involve an even number of photons have selection rules gg or uu, while transitions with an odd number of photons have selection rules gu or ug. In the two-photon spectrum of this molecule only one strong signal, at 6.42 eV, has been observed. (The second transition at 7.30 eV is not accessible with two-photon excitation.) In the three-photon spectrum only one signal, at 7.30 eV, has been observed. From these results the signal at 6.42 eV can be unambiguously assigned as a uu transition, while the signal at 7.30 eV is assigned as a gu transition. Since all p-Rydbergs are of “u” symmetry, these assignments thus confirm the predicted ordering of the occupied π molecular orbitals: πu (SS) above πg(SA).
Infinite frequency solutions to discontinuous control systems with variable delay

In this article, we study the frequency of zeros in the solution tou′(t)=f(t, u(t−τ(t))), whereτ is a delay that depends on time, andf is a discontinuous function. First we show examples of solutions that have infinite frequency for autonomous systems with variable delay, and for non-autonomous systems with constant delay. Then we prove that infinite frequency solutions cannot come from finite frequency data. Also we prove that under certain conditions on the delay, the zero solution is the only solution that has infinitely many zeros in each interval of a fixed length.
Learning the Points of COMPASS-HF : Assessing Implantable Hemodynamic Monitoring in Heart Failure Patients⁎

Every [person] has to learn the points of COMPASS again as often as he awakes, whether from sleep or any abstraction. Not till we are lost, in other words, not till we have lost the world, do we begin to find ourselves, and realize where we are and the infinite extent of our relations. —Henry
Regulation of platelet phospholipase C

We have investigated factors affecting the activation of phospholipase C in human platelets. Prior exposure of platelets to phorbol esters that stimulate protein kinase C inhibits the activation of phospholipase C in response to a variety of receptor-directed agonists, including $\alpha$ - and $\gamma$ -thrombin and thromboxane A $\_2$ analogues. Such activation has been assayed by measurements of accumulated InsP $\_3$ (including Ins(1,4,5)P $\_3$ and Ins(1,3,4)P $\_3$ ) and PtdOH. Inhibition is not overcome by Ca $^{2+}$ ionophores, and substances that block or mimic Na $^+$ -H $^+$ exchange neither block nor mimic these inhibitory effects. Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, other agents known to inhibit phospholipase C activation, do not accumulate in platelets exposed to phorbol esters. Although a portion of the effects of phorbol ester on InsP $\_3$ accumulation may be explained by 5-phosphomonoesterase activity, it is likely that more direct effects on phospholipase C are being exerted as well, and contribute the major inhibitory route. We have examined the susceptibility of adenylyl cyclase-associated G $\_i$ and `G $\_p$ '-activated phospholipase C to inhibitory ADP-ribosylation by pertussis toxin-derived enzyme (S $\_1$ protomer) administered to saponin-permeabilized platelets. The effects of $\alpha$ -thrombin on adenylyl cyclase can be inhibited by up to 50% by S $\_1$ , at which point inhibition of phospholipase C is barely detectable. Thromboxane A $\_2$ analogues, which do not affect adenylyl cyclase (G $\_i$ ), stimulate phospholipase C; this effect is not impaired by S $\_1$ . We therefore propose that the inhibitory effects of phorbol esters on the activation of phospholipase C are not mediated primarily by effects on G $_i$ .
Ranked set sampling: Ranking error models and estimation of visual judgment error variance

Ranked set sampling where sampling is based on visual judgment of the differences between the sizes of pairs of units or on a concomitant variable is reviewed. An alternative model for judgment ranking based on ratios of sizes of pairs of units is presented. Computation of the variance of a visual ranked set sampling estimator of the mean of a distribution is enabled via maximum likelihood estimation of the visual judgment error variance. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Promotion of Sexual Health and Sexual Responsibility in Women’s Health and Men’s Health Magazines

This study analyzed the promotion of sexual health and sexual responsibility in Women’s Health and Men’s Health magazines as characterized by the Surgeon General’s Call to Action along with sexual health objectives targeted by Healthy People 2020 and sexual healthy behavior outcomes established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This study also identified the most frequently addressed sexual health topics included in Women’s Health and Men’s Health. Two coders conducted a content analysis of a total of 599 articles from 64 issues (32 Women’s Health and 32 Men’s Health) published between January 2009 and November 2012. More than half of all articles addressing sexual health were found to promote sexual health (57 %). Promotion of sexual responsibility was rare with variables such as ensuring that pregnancy occurs only when desired, recognition and tolerance for diversity, limiting the number of sexual partners, and using birth control consistently each mentioned in <3 % of articles in this study sample. Among topics coded, improving sex life (29 %), what men like (19 %), and what women like (18 %) were the most common in Women’s Health while What women like (46 %), improving sex life (27 %), and other men’s sexual health (16 %) were the most frequent topics in Men’s Health. Among the least common topics mentioned were homosexuality (0.16 %) and HIV/AIDS (0.33 %). No articles addressed rape or dating violence.
Insulin-like growth factor-I in muscle metabolism and myotherapies.

The critical anabolic and trophic role of signaling by insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II via the type-I IGF receptor (IGF-IR) is reviewed throughout the life of skeletal myocytes. The proliferative effects of IGF-IR stimulation, both during embryogenesis and during satellite cell proliferation following denervation or muscle injury, are mediated primarily through activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Signaling through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is essential to muscle protein synthesis and glucose uptake and may contribute to the observed resilience of mature muscle to programmed cell death. Degeneration or inhibition of the GH--IGF-I axis by aging, cachexia, sepsis, diabetes, drugs, and disuse all enhance muscle catabolism, and opposition of these effects by IGF-I may form the basis of effective myotherapy.
Silver-modified iron oxide nanoparticle impregnated fiberglass for disinfection of bacteria and viruses in water

Abstract Recent work has shown that a new material system composed of iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles loaded onto a fiberglass support displays excellent antiviral properties against the model virus, MS2 phage, but is ineffective against bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli (E. coli). To increase the antibacterial properties and still maintain antiviral activity, silver (Ag) nanoparticles were added to this system through an aqueous hydrothermal reduction process with 0.25 M silver nitrate (AgNO3). A 0.05 mg/mL loading of the new Ag modified oligodynamic nanoparticle impregnated fiberglass system consisting of Fe2O3 (9.1 wt.%) and Ag (0.1 wt.%)/g-fiber, displayed robust antibacterial activity by achieving a 2 log removal of 106 CFU/mL E. coli in 1 min. The inactivation rate of the Ag-modified Fe2O3 impregnated fiberglass (FG-Fe2O3/Ag) system was comparable to previously reported Ag nanoparticle impregnated fiberglass. The FG-Fe2O3/Ag displayed excellent dynamic performance, effectively eliminating 106 E. coli CFU/mL with no bacterial breakthrough up to 250 bed volumes.
Time-Dependent Increase in Plasma Prolactin after Pituitary Stalk Section: Role of Posterior Pituitary Dopamine*

PRL secretion is inhibited by dopamine (DA) input from two systems: the tuberoinfundibular (TIDA) with terminals in the median eminence, and the tuberohypophyseal (THDA) with terminals in the posterior pituitary. The aims of this study were 1) to determine the effects of pituitary stalk section (SS), which prevents DA input from the TIDA neurons, on PRL release, and 2) to assess if the anterior pituitary receives any DA input after SS. Ovariectomized rats were subjected to SS or sham surgery. Jugular blood was collected on the day of surgery (day 0) and for 6 days thereafter and was analyzed for PRL by RIA. DA concentration in the posterior pituitary was determined by HPLC. Unexpectedly, SS caused only a 2- to 3-fold initial rise in plasma PRL on day 0. This was followed by a gradual rise to 4-, 6-, and 8-fold above control levels on days 2, 4, and 6, respectively, without a further increase by 2 weeks. During this time, DA concentrations in the posterior pituitary progressively declined to 66%, 28%, and 6% of control values on days 1, 2, and 6 after SS, respectively. In the second experiment, intact and SS rats were treated with the DA receptor antagonist haloperidol. Haloperidol induced a dramatic 30- to 40-fold increase in plasma PRL in intact rats. Haloperidol induced a 3-fold rise in plasma PRL on day 1 after SS and a transient 2.5-fold rise on day 2. On day 6 after SS, when DA in the posterior pituitary was barely detectable, haloperidol failed to increase PRL secretion. The DA agonist apomorphine caused similar inhibitions of PRL release on days 1 and 6 after SS. Injections of TRH stimulated PRL secretion equally well in intact and SS rats. We conclude that SS does not induce refractoriness to PRL secretagogues or a dysfunction of the anterior pituitary DA receptors. The immediate rise in PRL after SS is modest because the anterior pituitary still receives DA input from the posterior pituitary. A gradual exhaustion of posterior pituitary DA, caused by the disconnection of the THDA terminals from their perikarya, leads to the progressive rise in plasma PRL levels. The DA input affecting PRL release is derived exclusively from the TIDA and THDA neurons, but their relative contributions are yet unknown.
Extratropical stratosphere‐troposphere mass exchange associated with isentropic mixing: A 1992–2005 climatology derived from advection‐diffusion calculations

[1] Tropopause folding and subsequent mixing are the primary vehicles for the stratosphere-troposphere mass exchange in the extratropics, but to isolate the irreversible transport associated with these processes is difficult. In this paper, a potential vorticity (PV)-like passive tracer, constructed from advection-diffusion calculations, is used to characterize the extratropical tropopause layer and the mass fluxes through it. The calculations are driven by the Met Office Stratospheric Analysis winds interpolated on 20 isentropic surfaces (285–380 K) for the period of 1992–2005. The mass fluxes associated with isentropic mixing are computed in the tracer coordinate, thus excluding the deformation of the tropopause itself from transport. The fluxes are partitioned into stratosphere-to-troposphere (STT) and troposphere-to-stratosphere (TTS) components using the formalism of Nakamura. The STT flux outweighs the TTS flux by approximately 2 to 1 in both hemispheres. These fluxes are several times greater than the well-known net annual mean tropopause flux (∼1010 kg s−1), and they increase sharply downward, acting to detrain mass from the tropopause layer. However, the observed mass of the tropopause layer is nearly steady throughout the year, suggesting that isentropic mixing is offset by other nonadvective processes on a seasonal timescale. Both the annual mean values and the seasonal variations of the mass fluxes are markedly greater in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere. Consistent with the previous studies, the Northern Hemisphere fluxes below 340 K maximize in spring and minimize in fall, whereas an almost opposite seasonality is observed above 340 K.
In the Shadow of the Grand Narrative: Revisiting the Early Holocene of the Northern Adriatic

In a 1995 article, ‘Reviving the Grand Narrative’, Andrew Sherratt critiqued stadial models based on binary opposition (Sherratt in J Eur Archaeol 3:1–32, 1995), causing some to question whether the ‘post’ of ‘post-Pleistocene’ was an appropriate way to understand the period. This paper uses that critique as a starting point and examines the Early Holocene of Mediterranean Europe, not as the backwater of Pleistocene big-game hunters, but rather as a dynamic period of socioeconomic as well as environmental changes, separate from yet related to both the preceding Epipaleolithic and the ensuing Early Neolithic.
Phase II trial of alternating courses of megestrol acetate and tamoxifen in advanced endometrial carcinoma: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.

Abstract Objectives . To estimate the objective response rate and toxicity associated with alternating megestrol acetate (MA) and tamoxifen citrate (T) in women with endometrial carcinoma. Methods . Consenting patients with measurable recurrent or advanced endometrial carcinoma were eligible if they had not received prior cytotoxic or hormonal treatment. MA 80 mg BID × 3 weeks alternating with T 20 mg BID × 3 weeks orally was given. Results . Of 61 patients entered, 56 eligible patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. Fifteen patients responded (12 complete, 3 partial) for an overall response rate of 27% (90% Confidence Interval: 17–38%). In 8 of 15 (53%) responders, response duration exceeded 20 months. The response rate was 38% in patients with histologic grade 1 tumors ( n = 16), 24% in those with grade 2 disease ( n = 17), and 22% among patients with grade 3 disease ( n = 23). Women less than or equal to 60 years ( n = 16) appear to have a better response rate than those >60 years ( n = 40), 44% versus 20%. The response rate in patients with extra pelvic disease ( n = 42) was 31% as compared to 14% in those with strictly pelvic and/or vaginal disease ( n = 14). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.7 months and median overall survival was 14.0 months. Two patients experienced a grade 4 thromboembolic event. Additional toxicities included one of each grade 3 gastrointestinal, grade 3 neurologic, and grade 3 genitourinary. Conclusion . A regimen of alternating megestrol acetate and tamoxifen is active in treating endometrial cancer and may result in a prolonged complete response (CR) in some patients.
Performing poorly, performing well: a view of the self-regulatory consequences of confidence and doubt

Abstract A general approach to the self-regulation of behaviour is outlined, in which people's continued efforts are seen as being partly determined by their outcome expectancies. If difficulties are not encountered either before or during an act, behaviour proceeds smoothly. If, however, difficulties are anticipated or encountered, the person considers (momentarily or for a longer period) the likelihood of attaining the desired outcome. Behavioural responses to this assessment form a rough dichotomy. Confidence of successful goal attainment promotes continued effort, even if the task is frustrating or anxiety provoking. Sufficient doubt about successful goal attainment promotes an impulse to disengage from further effort. This impulse sometimes is expressed overtly, sometimes covertly as psychological or mental disengagement. This analysis has served as a basis for exploring the dynamics underlying test anxiety and other discrete problems in self-management. More recently it has been used to explore the nature of optimism and pessimism. The diversity of the domains to which the theoretical principles have been applied suggests that they may also be of use as an orientation toward issues in educational research.
Reduction in inflammation-induced sensitization of dorsal horn neurons by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in anesthetized rats.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is utilized to treat a variety of painful conditions. Inflamed animals present with an increased response to noxious stimuli, i.e., hyperalgesia, at the site of injury (primary hyperalgesia) and outside the site of injury (secondary hyperalgesia). Further, following acute inflammation, dorsal horn neurons show an increased responsiveness to peripherally applied stimuli, which has been termed sensitization. Previous studies demonstrate a reduction in dorsal horn neuron activity following TENS treatment in normal animals and a reduction in primary and secondary hyperalgesia in acutely inflamed animals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of TENS on dorsal horn neurons sensitized by acute inflammation. Extracellular recordings from wide dynamic range (WDR), high threshold (HT) and low threshold (LT) dorsal horn neurons in anesthetized rats were assessed for spontaneous activity, responses to innocuous and noxious mechanical stimulation and receptive field size. Responses were measured before and 3 h after induction of inflammation, and immediately and 1 h after application of either high (100 Hz) or low (4 Hz) frequency TENS (motor intensity, pulse duration = 100 µs). TENS was applied to the inflamed paw to encompass the receptive field of the neuron for 20 min. WDR and HT dorsal horn neurons sensitized to mechanical stimulation after induction of inflammation. Application of either high or low frequency TENS to the inflamed paw reduced both innocuous and noxious evoked responses of WDR and HT dorsal horn neurons immediately and 1 h after treatment with TENS. Comparison of responses after TENS with baseline responses showed that the evoked responses in the majority of WDR and HT cells returned to or fell below baseline responses. TENS had no effect on responses of LT neurons. In summary, central neuron sensitization is reduced by TENS and may underlie the reduction in hyperalgesia observed after treatment with TENS.
Progress at brookhaven in the design of helium-cooled power transmission systems

Following an extensive study of cryogenic power transmission systems under development in this country and abroad it was concluded at Brookhaven that a flexible superconducting ac cable appeared to be the best choice for an economical high-capacity underground system with superior technical characteristics. A form of niobium-tin has been developed for this application with an intrinsic low-loss performance at 60 Hz. In addition, it has been determined that the ac characteristics of many commercial forms of Nb 3 Sn are degraded by additives, these effects are described. A flexible cable will require a lapped plastic insulation which must possess necessary properties both at room temperature and at the operating temperature, these are listed together with a summary of test results. Several designs for the cryogenic envelope to contain the cable are under development, the design options and trade-offs are discussed. Using performance data based on present knowledge of helium-cooled cables, systems were designed for an actual utility company transmission corridor 43 miles long rated at 4800 MVA. These designs are costed and compared to conventional transmission facilities.
Genetic testing in the myelodysplastic syndromes: molecular insights into hematologic diversity.

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are associated with a diverse set of acquired somatic genetic abnormalities. Bone marrow karyotyping provides important diagnostic and prognostic information and should be attempted in all patients who are suspected of having MDS. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) studies on blood or marrow may also be valuable in selected cases, such as patients who may have 5q- syndrome or those who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The MDS-associated cytogenetic abnormalities that have been defined by karyotyping and FISH studies have already contributed substantially to our current understanding of the biology of malignant myeloid disorders, but the pathobiological meaning of common, recurrent chromosomal lesions such as del(5q), del(20q), and monosomy 7 is still unknown. The great diversity of the cytogenetic findings described in MDS highlights the molecular heterogeneity of this cluster of diseases. We review the common and pathophysiologically interesting genetic abnormalities associated with MDS, focusing on the clinical utility of conventional cytogenetic assays and selected FISH studies. In addition, we discuss a series of well-defined MDS-associated point mutations and outline the potential for further insights from newer techniques such as global gene expression profiling and array-based comparative genomic hybridization.
Personal Plants: Making Botany Meaningful by Experimentation

The use of scientific inquiry in studying plant growth is perhaps as old as agriculture itself. Our ability to feed our current population is the result of the historical application of the scientific method to basic questions about the response of plants to their environment. However, most of today's students have likely never pondered basic questions about plant growth and may not even know general rules of thumb about growing their own food.
Asymptotic Theory of Wave-Propagation

A general method is presented for finding asymptotic solutions of problems in wave-propagation. The method is applicable to linear symmetric-hyperbolic partial differential equations and to the integro-differential equations for the electromagnetic field in a dispersive medium. These equations may involve a large parameter λ. In the electromagnetic case λ is a characteristic frequency of the medium. The parameter may also appear in initial data or in the source terms of the equations, in a variety of different ways. This gives rise to a variety of different types of asymptotic solutions. The expansion procedure is a “ray method”, i.e., all the functions that appear in the expansion satisfy ordinary differential equations along certain space-time curves called rays. In general, these rays do not lie on characteristic surfaces, but may, for example, fill out the interior of a characteristic hypercone. They are associated with an appropriately defined “group velocity”. In subsequent papers the ray method developed here will be applied to the analysis of transients, Cerenkov radiation, transition radiation, and other phenomena of wave-propagation.
Comment on “application of the Canadian regional climate model to the Laurentian Great Lakes region: Implementation of a lake model”

Abstract A recently published slab model formulation of lake thermodynamics (Goyette et al., 2000), including an empirical factor to adjust the incoming heat flux so that the modelled lake surface temperature agrees with observed climatology, leads to a distinct lack of energy conservation. The empirical adjustment conceptually represents an exchange of heat between the mixed‐layer water (the slab that is explicitly simulated in the model) and deeper layers of water. It ensures a realistic temporal progression of temperature in the mixed layer, but the thermodynamic balance of the deeper water is not considered. When the deeper water is considered, it is found that the empirical adjustment accounts for the entire heat input to the deeper water, and on an annual mean basis, it is considerably unbalanced. This reveals a flaw in this model concept and, although not entirely invalidating the model, it needs to be included as a caveat in its use.
Marine debris and northern fur seals: A case study

Since the early 1930s small numbers of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) have been observed with various objects caught around their necks, shoulders and, less frequently, their flippers. The incidence of such entanglement increased following the mid-1960s when fishing effort in the North Pacific and Bering Sea increased and when plastic materials began to be used extensively in making trawl netting and packing bands. The current incidence of entanglement observed among subadult males on St. Paul Island (of the Pribilof Islands) is about 0.4%, a level at least two orders of magnitude greater than observed in the 1940s. Almost all entangling materials observed on subadult males ashore weigh less than 0.4 kg and are predominantly fragments of trawl netting and plastic packing bands. Most of the trawl netting debris found at sea or on beaches in the Bering Sea area consists of fragments larger than those found on the seals that return to the Pribilof Islands. During pelagic surveys, trawl netting debris is sighted at the rate of 0.2–3.1 fragments per 1,000 km. Between 10 and 17% of these fragments have been observed to contain entangled seals. Seals appear to become entangled after approaching and investigating debris. Entanglement involves both sexes and appears predominantly to involve young animals, which are occasionally observed entangled as groups in large debris. Entanglement in debris results in increased energy expenditures, especially while dragging large fragments of net at sea. Compared to non-entangled seals, entangled seals spend more time at sea, whether foraging, travelling, or both. Changes in pup numbers born and unexpected mortality in the first several years of life exhibit a relationship with entanglement to provide a correlative explanation for recent population dynamics. These factors collectively suggest that mortality of fur seals due to entanglement in marine debris contributes significantly to declining trends of the population on the Pribilof Islands.
Spatially Located Visual CS Effects in Conditioned Shuttlebox Avoidance in Goldfish: A Phototactic Explanation

Earlier work found that goldfish (Carassius auratus) acquire a conditioned avoidance shuttle response (CASR) differentially as a function of CS location (same, opposite, or both tank ends) when the CS is a sudden onset of illumination, and hypothesized that subjects acquire an aversion to the light. The present study finds no evidence for a conditioned aversion, but shows initial negative phototactic effects in the onset illumination situation which occurs without acquisition. Additionally, when the localized CS is a color change rather than an illumination change, the differential effects between same and both do not occur, and the very low CASR acquisition of the opposite group is strikingly similar to a no-CS group, indicating a very low-magnitude CS for this condition. Using the negative phototaxis explanation, the failure of subjects to acquire a CASR differentially to a light offset, which does not yield the phototactic response, is understandable.