cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Higher‐order MITC general shell elements

Two mixed-interpolated general shell finite elements for non-linear analysis-a 9-node element and a 16-node element-are presented. The elements are based on the Mixed Interpolation of Tensorial Components (MITC) approach in which the covariant strain component fields for the in-plane and shear actions are interpolated and tied to the also interpolated displacement field. Both the 9-node element, referred to as the MITC9 element, and the 16-node element, referred to as the MITC16 element, are tested numerically and found to have high predictive capabilities.
Large jugular bulb abnormalities involving the middle ear.

Objective Jugular bulb abnormalities (JBA), such as jugular bulb diverticula (JBD) or large jugular bulbs, rarely present in the middle ear. We review a large series of temporal bone histopathologic specimens to determine their prevalence and present a series of cases of JB abnormalities involving the middle ear (JBME) that shed light on the probable mechanism for their development. Patients 1,579 unique temporal bone specimens and individuals with radiographically-diagnosed JBME. Intervention Histopathologic and clinical review of temporal bone specimens and patient presentations, radiographic findings, treatments and outcomes. Main outcome measure Shared characteristics of JBME. Results There were 17 cases of JBME in 1,579 temporal bone (1.1%), of which, 15 involved the inferior mesotympanum below the level of the round window membrane (RWM), whereas 2 encroached upon the RWM or ossicles. In addition, 4 clinical cases of large JBME extending above RWM were encountered; these occurred in both sexes with ages spanning from young to old (7-66 yr). They presented with conductive hearing loss (n = 3), ear canal mass (n = 1), and intraoperative bleeding (n = 1). Radiologically, they had multiple diverticula of the JB on the side with JBME, with 1 patient demonstrating growth on serial imaging studies. All patients who underwent additional imaging had marked hypoplastic contralateral transverse sinus. Conclusion JBME abnormalities are rare, present across age groups, and may demonstrate serial growth over time. They are usually associated with multiple other diverticula within the same JB. Our clinical series suggests that JBME's development and uniquely aggressive behavior results from contralateral transverse sinus outflow obstruction.
Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Model Program

This article describes a new 3-yr demonstration program, funded by NIAAA, to intervene in female alcohol abuse during pregnancy and to prevent fetal alcohol syndrome.
A new kind of scientist

Climate researchers must begin to bridge disciplinary divides — and institutions must begin to reward them for it.
Ultraviolet irradiation of tobacco leaves: inhibition of tobacco mosaic virus-ribonucleic acid photoreactivation.

— Short-wave (254-nm) ultraviolet irradiation of the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum var. Xanthi, n.c. inhibits their ability to photoreactivate ultraviolet-inactivated tobacco mosaic virus ribonucleic acid (TMV-RNA). The inhibition is stable in the dark; however, subsequent illumination of the leaves relaxes the inhibition. The spectral region most effective in relaxing the inhibition is the same one effective in photoreactivation. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that ultraviolet-induced lesions in cellular nucleic acids in the dark form stable complexes with agents responsible for the photoreactivation of TMV-RNA (effectively isolating the agents from the TMV-RNA) and that upon illumination these complexes dissociate (presumably with repair of the lesions). We therefore suggest that the system which photoreactivates ultraviolet-damaged TMV-RNA also photorepairs ultraviolet damage in cellular nucleic acids.
"Entombed pollen": a new condition in honey bee colonies associated with increased risk of colony mortality.

Here we describe a new phenomenon, entombed pollen, which is highly associated with increased colony mortality. Entombed pollen is sunken, capped cells amidst ‘‘normal”, uncapped cells of stored pollen, and some of the pollen contained within these cells is brick red in color. There appears to be a lack of microbial agents in the pollen, and larvae and adult bees do not have an increased rate of mortality when they are fed diets supplemented with entombed pollen in vitro, suggesting that the pollen itself is not directly responsible for increased colony mortality. However, the increased incidence of entombed pollen in reused wax comb suggests that there is a transmittable factor common to the phenomenon and colony mortality. In addition, there were elevated pesticide levels, notably of the fungicide chlorothalonil, in entombed pollen. Additional studies are needed to determine if there is a causal relationship between entombed pollen, chemical residues, and colony mortality.
Beta blocker treatment in heart failure

Abstract The sympathetic nervous system occupies a prominent role in heart failure both as a marker of severity of disease and also as an important factor in its progression. Beta blocker therapy, once thought heretical in heart failure, has consistently improved cardiac function and slowed progression of disease. Large clinical trials of mild to moderate heart failure show improved survival as well as reduction in hospitalization. Beta blockers now have stronger data in heart failure than converting enzyme inhibitors, and should be considered standard therapy in mild-moderate heart failure. Ongoing trials are addressing beta blocker therapy in advanced heart failure and comparisons between agents. Copyright © 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, Vol. 41, No. 4 (January/February), 1999: pp 301-322
Palaeoecological evidence of state shifts between forest and barrens on a Michigan sand plain, USA:

Recent disturbances have induced state shifts in many ecosystems. It has been proposed that human actions degrade system resilience, thus allowing state changes to occur more easily. Unless system dynamics in the absence of human influence are understood, however, we can not address two fundamental questions: are human actions producing dynamics that were previously absent in those systems? Or, are human actions simply replacing natural drivers of change in systems susceptible to state shifts? I use fossil pollen and charcoal to document Holocene vegetation and disturbance dynamics on a sand plain in Michigan to evaluate a recent anthropogenic state shift from forest to a barrens plant community. A 10 500-yr pollen record shows that a community similar to the modern barrens was present three times between 9000 and 5000 yr BP. These periods coincide with distinct peaks in the charcoal record, linking the barrens vegetation community and fire. The barrens vegetation community is thus a rare component of the Kingston Plain system, associated with both natural and anthropogenic disturbances. However, with no evidence of barrens vegetation during the last 5000 years, it appears that climate is also an important driver of vegetation change on the Kingston Plain. Ancient barrens occurred when annual precipitation was lower than current climate, and summer temperatures were warmer than current climate. Projections of decreased soil moisture and warmer temperatures in the Great Lakes region during the next century may thus imply decreased resilience of Great Lakes forests to future disturbances.
Influence of soil compaction on tunnel network construction by the eastern subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae).

Eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), workers were introduced into arenas containing low, moderate, and high compaction builder’s sand (1.05 g/cm3, 1.18 g/cm3, or 1.35 g/cm3 bulk densities, respectively), and they immediately began tunneling. Termites built the tunnel network significantly fastest in soil of low compaction compared with moderately or highly compacted soil. In soil of low compaction, 221.67 ± 4.73 cm of total tunnel distance was constructed in 1 d compared with only 96 cm of tunneling in highly compacted soil. At 14 d, total tunnel distance averaged 216.83 ± 4.56 cm in soil of low compaction compared with 169.70 ± 4.10 and 181.18 ± 6.13 cm in moderately and highly compacted soil, respectively. Decreases in total tunnel distance between 1 and 14 d were caused by backfilling of seldom-used tunnels. Termites did the majority of tunneling during the first day of introduction into arenas. In soil of low and moderate compaction, termites essentially constructed the entire tunnel network within the first day, only modifying it by backfilling or maintaining tunnels. In highly compacted soil, 53% of the final tunnel network was constructed during the first day, 87% was constructed by the third day, and 97% was constructed by the seventh day. Soil compaction did not affect the number of primary tunnels or the number and diameter of secondary tunnels. The angle between the secondary tunnel and primary tunnel also was not significantly affected by soil compaction. However, the number of secondary tunnels in soil of low compaction (5.89 ± 0.51) was significantly greater than in moderately (2.74 ± 0.36) and highly (3.58 ± 0.59) compacted soils.
Commercial Tanning Bed Treatment Is an Effective Psoriasis Treatment: Results from an Uncontrolled Clinical Trial

Phototherapy is highly effective in the therapy of psoriasis, but patient access to phototherapeutic facilities is not universal. Commercial tanning facilities are universal, but their efficacy in psoriasis treatment is unestablished. Our purpose was to conduct a study to assess the effect of a commercial tanning unit outfitted with nonprescription lamps on psoriasis. We conducted a 6-wk open study of 20 adult patients with stable psoriasis vulgaris. Clinical response was defined as a decrease in the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) or the Self-Administered PASI (SAPASI) by ≥l0%. There were 16 men and 4 women who participated with a mean (±SD) age of 43.0 ± 14.8 y. Initial and final health-related quality of life information collected included the following instruments: the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Psoriasis-Related Stressor Scale (PRSS), and the Psoriasis Disability Scale (PDS). Side effects of tanning therapy were closely monitored. Fifteen subjects completed the entire 6-wk trial, and exit data on all subjects were used for analysis. The mean number of tanning sessions was 19 ± 7.6 with a median of 19 and range of 3 to 29. Analysis of all 20 enrolled subjects found that 16 (80%) showed clinical response as measured by PASI, whereas 17 (85%) showed SAPASI response. Initial and final PASI scores decreased (p = 0.0001) from 7.96 ± 1.77 to 5.04 ± 2.5, and SAPASI scores also decreased (p = 0.02) from 11.8 ± 4.4 to 7.9 ± 7.7. `When controlled for age and sex, a dose-response relationship was demonstrated with the PASI and SAPASI (p
The physiological concomitants of reaction time performance as a function of preparatory interval and preparatory interval series.

The cardiac deceleration which occurs during the preparatory interval (PI) of a reaction time (RT) task was examined with reference to a facilitatory feedback model in contrast with a model which viewed the response as part of a somatic inhibitory response. Sixty-three male Ss were run in three independent groups in an RT study. Two groups received 96 trials (divided into blocks of 24) with PIs of 2, 4, 8, and 16 sec presented in a regular series counterbalanced for order. The third group received the same number of trials of each PI in a restricted random order. Heart rate (HR), chin electromyograph (EMG), eye blinks, and eye movements were recorded as dependent variables. Results indicated an orderly, time-locked decline in EMG, eye blinks and movements, which was closely concomitant with a deceleration in HR during the PI. With some exceptions, the various measures demonstrated similar functional relationships with Group and PI variables. The results failed to differentiate between the feedback and somatic inhibitory models because the only combination of variables which eliminated HR deceleration also eliminated the inhibition of the somatic measures. This fact is consistent with the somatic inhibitory model, but is neutral with respect to the feedback model. Different statistical methods for examining the cardiac-somatic concomitance were discussed.
Cleavage of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) at site-1 requires interaction with SREBP cleavage-activating protein. Evidence from in vivo competition studies.

Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are membrane-bound transcription factors that promote lipid synthesis in animal cells. They are embedded in the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a helical hairpin orientation and are released from the ER by a two-step proteolytic process. Proteolysis begins when the SREBPs are cleaved at Site-1, which is located at a leucine residue in the middle of the hydrophobic loop in the lumen of the ER. Sterols suppress Site-1 cleavage, apparently by interacting with a polytopic membrane protein designated SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP). SREBPs and SCAP are joined together in ER membranes through interaction of their cytoplasmic COOH-terminal domains. Here we use an in vivo competition assay in transfected cells to show that the SREBP.SCAP complex is essential for Site-1 cleavage. Overexpression of the truncated COOH-terminal domains of either SREBP-2 or SCAP disrupted the complex between full-length SREBP-2 and SCAP as measured by co-immunoprecipitation. This resulted in a complete inhibition of Site-1 cleavage that was restored by concomitant overexpression of full-length SCAP. The transfected COOH-terminal domains also inhibited the transcription of a reporter gene driven by an SRE-containing promoter, and this, too, was restored by overexpression of full-length SCAP. We interpret these data to indicate that the SREBP.SCAP complex directs the Site-1 protease to its target in the lumenal domain of SREBP and that disruption of this complex inactivates the Site-1 cleavage reaction.
Changes in glucose metabolism and cyanide sensitivity in Schistosoma mansoni during development

Abstract Schistosoma mansoni was studied by biochemical and electrophysiological techniques to follow the physiological changes occurring during transformation in the mammalian host. Volume conducted electrical potentials and measurement of CO 2 , evolution indicate that 3 h post-transformational schistosomula are highly sensitive to cyanide. By 24 h after transformation, evolution of CO 2 under control conditions is reducted by 77% from 3 h levels, while lactate excretion rises by 84%. Cyanide does not affect the frequency or magnitude of endogenous electrical transients, but does eliminate 83% of the already reduced levels of CO 2 evolved in 24 schistosomula. Electrophysiological analyses indicate that the timecourse of metabolic changes in skin- and mechanically transformed schistosomula are similar, and incubation of schistosomula in 200 μg ml −1 puromycin does not alter the onset of cyanide insensitivity. The adult parasite evolves a low level of CO 2 which is reduced by 88% in the presence of 1 mM cyanide. No significant Pasteur effect is detected, however, and endogenous electrical activity as well as mechanical responses of the adult musculature are unaffected by cyanide exposure. Our results indicate that schistosomula continue to rely on cyanide-sensitive respiratory components for at least 3 h after transformation; by 24 h, however, the parasites are metabolically similar to the adult stage, i.e., they depend on lactate fermentation for most of their energy requirements.
Photic Maculopathy Secondary to Short-circuiting of a High-tension Electric Current

A 21-year-old man was exposed accidentally to the flash of a high-tension short circuit. He subsequently developed a yellow-gray foveolar lesion with mild central visual loss. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated the area of retinal pigment epithelial disruption and was used to follow its evolution over eight months. The energy level at the retina was estimated at 0.87 Joules/cm2, insufficient to create a thermal burn. Therefore, although the patient suffered thermal facial burns, the foveolar lesion represents a photochemical injury to the retinal pigment epithelium and, hence, is similar to solar retinopathy, eclipse blindness, and arc-welder's retinopathy.
Polarization or Pluralism? Language, Identity, and Attitudes toward American Culture among Algeria's Youth

Muslim and Arab identities have long been instrumentalized to forge unifying national and regional identities. The impact of Algeria’s post-colonial Arabization policies that educated people in Standard Arabic (to the exclusion of dialectal Arabic, Berber, or French) on economic cleavages and attitudes has been underexplored. Algeria has been described as polarized, with cultural and religious cleavages between Arabs and Berbers and traditionalists and modernists blamed for the country’s instability. Questions from a 2004 survey of 820 Algerian students allow us to distinguish between maternal language and preference for Standard Arabic or French used in professional settings. We analyze the influence of mother tongue, religiosity, and socioeconomic status on Arabophone or Francophone language orientation and whether there is evidence for the common assumption that Algeria is polarized politically and culturally among the three main language groups. Berber speakers and less religious students are more likely to complete the written survey in French, but socioeconomic status is a more important determinant of language choice. Francophone orientation is associated with more positive attitudes about Western and American culture, suggesting that Arabization has indeed produced a society somewhat polarized between a Francophone elite and a large population of students trained in Standard Arabic who cannot find jobs in the public and private sectors still demanding French skills. The findings point to the utility of using survey research to understand sociolinguistic patterns and including nuanced measures of language distinct from ethnicity and mother tongue in diglossic societies to analyze social cleavages and their relationship to attitudes about politics, culture, and foreign policy. The results also emphasize the need for educational reform, expansion of employment opportunities, and democratization to reduce the potential for conflict among Algerian youth.
Solitary Solvable Groups

A subgroup H of a group G is a solitary subgroup of G if G does not contain another isomorphic copy of H. Combining together the concepts of solitary subgroups and solvable groups, we define (normal) solitary solvable groups and (normal) strongly solitary solvable groups. We derive several results that hold for these groups and we discuss classes of groups that, under certain hypotheses, are (normal) solitary solvable and (normal) strongly solitary solvable. We also derive several results about p-groups that are solitary solvable.
SAR target feature extraction using the 2D continuous wavelet transform

In this paper, we introduce the 2D continuous wavelet transform (CWT) as a tool for the detection stages of an SAR ATR system. We demonstrate that the 2D CWT tuned to reasonable target sizes can enhance the signal to clutter radio and improve detection performance in a focus of attention algorithm as compared to the traditional CFAR algorithm. We also show that the 2D CWT can be used to estimate the size and pose of a target, which can provide important features for second level detection. The detection and feature extraction algorithms were tested on measured one foot resolution SAR data.
Kinetics of nitrogen oxide production following experimental thermal injury in rats

Nitric oxide is biosynthesized from the amino acid L-arginine by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, a neurotransmitter, and may modulate immune function. The experiments presented here were performed to determine whether the synthesis of nitric oxide is increased following experimental burn injury in rats. After a 30% total body surface area burn in 300-g Lewis rats, the urinary output of nitrate, a stable metabolite of nitric oxide, was significantly increased for 8 days postburn compared with that in sham-burned control rats. The origin of the urinary nitrate from L-arginine was demonstrated by administering the stable isotope 15 N 2 -guanido-arginine to bumed and sham-burned rats and observing an immediate enrichment of 15 N in nitrate
Abstract IA20: Deregulation of stem cell self-renewal pathways in cancer

Most common cancers, such as cancers of the breast and colon, arise in organs such as the breast that contain a small population of stem cells that constantly replenish the mature cells of the tissue. Stem cells are defined by the ability to divide and give rise to a new stem cell (self-renewal), as well as the ability to give rise to the differentiated cells of an organ, and thus are the only long-lived cell population in many tissues. Extensive molecular and cellular analyses factors that play a role in the self-renewal of normal and malignant epithelial stem cells will be discussed. Citation Format: Michael Clarke. Deregulation of stem cell self-renewal pathways in cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr IA20.
AN EVALUATION OF THREE THEORIES REGARDING THE GROWTH OF BLACK FEMALE-HEADED FAMILIES

The rapid growth in the number of black female-headed familles during the past two decades has been widely noted in the popular press as well as in the research literature, but there has been no consensus on the cause or causes of this phenomenon. Three prominent hypotheses that attempt to explain the rapid growth and high level of female-headed families among blacks are identified and tested in this study. The first hypothesis suggests that welfare transfer payments available to female-headed families entice women to have children out of wedlock or encourage men to leave their families in order to make the families eligible for welfare thus increasing the number of female-headed families. The second hypothesis holds that the increase in black female-headed households is due to the relative scarcity of Marriageable black males, a fact which encourages black women to have children and maintain a family without the presence of a man The third potential explanation suggests that shifts in values and attitudes about marriage and childbearing in the black community have led to increased acceptance of out-of-wedlock childbearing and growth in black female-headed families. Collectively, these factors explain 41% of the variation in the growth of black female-headed families between 1970 and 1980. The decline in labor force status of black mules is the strongest single predictor, with the 1970 level of black female headship (used here as a measure of the cultural environment) being the second most powerful predictor. However, the 1970 level of black female headed did not operate in the expected manner. The level of public assistance is only marginally significant and the sex ratio of persons age 16 to 39 is statistically insignificant.
Agonistic behaviour and endogenous plasma hormones in male Japanese quail

Agonistic relationships established among male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) in shortterm dyadic encounters of a round-robin tournament were stable and appeared to be maintained by a form of recognition. The aggressive or submissive behaviour displayed by competitors throughout the tournament did not relate to their circulating levels of luteinizing hormone, androstenedione, 5 α-dihydrotestosterone or corticosterone. However, plasma levels of testosterone were correlated with fighting success in the early phases of the tournament, before agonistic associations were defined. Once relationships stabilized, levels of plasma testosterone in winners declined to values comparable with those of the losers and the qualitatively distinct displays observed in winners or losers were no longer correlated with plasma levels of testosterone. In light of other work, these data suggest that androgens, primarily testosterone, influence the aggressiveness of an individual in initial encounters, helping in turn to determine dominance relationships between opponents. Thereafter, other factors such as learned response biases take precedence. The maintenance of stable social relationships appears to be independent of circulating levels of testosterone in adult male Japanese quail.
The pattern of β-catenin responsiveness within the mammary gland is regulated by progesterone receptor

Experiments involving beta-catenin loss- and gain-of-function in the mammary gland have decisively demonstrated the role of this protein in normal alveologenesis. However, the relationship between hormonal and beta-catenin signaling has not been investigated. In this study, we demonstrate that activated beta-catenin rescues alveologenesis in progesterone receptor (PR; Pgr)-null mice during pregnancy. Two distinct subsets of mammary cells respond to expression of DeltaN89beta-catenin. Cells at ductal tips are inherently beta-catenin-responsive and form alveoli in the absence of PR. However, PR activity confers beta-catenin responsiveness to progenitor cells along the lateral ductal borders in the virgin gland. Once activated by beta-catenin, responding cells switch on an alveolar differentiation program that is indistinguishable from that observed in pregnancy and is curtailed by PR signaling.
Training pediatric residents to evaluate congenital heart disease in the current era

Working with young pediatricians to create an exciting educational environment in which to learn cardiology remains a challenge for all of us. Numerous forces impact our efforts, making the process of training residents to evaluate and treat congenital heart disease in the current era a dynamic and, at times, difficult endeavor. This article considers the changes that have occurred in the medical school graduate who chooses pediatrics and subsequently pediatric cardiology as a career; explores the changes in the graduate medical training guidelines, requirements, and restrictions that have been put into place within the last several years; and discusses the seemingly constant advances in scientific understanding and technology that shape our field and move us forward as a discipline.
Variability in stress system regulatory control of inflammation: a critical factor mediating health effects of stress

Chronic stress has been associated with disease but the biological pathways are not completely understood. Stress systems such as the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system are prime candidates but alterations in their baseline activity are not consistently found in chronic stress. Evidence suggests that stress-related changes in the sensitivity of inflammatory pathways towards glucocorticoid regulation, that is, the development of glucocorticoid resistance, might help explain inflammatory disinhibition and the subsequent development of disease. Recent data show a similarly important role for sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation of the inflammatory cascade for the maintenance of health. This article argues that variation of target tissue sensitivity towards anti-inflammatory effects of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis, as well as sympathetic and parasympathetic signaling, might be involved in the development of low-grade inflammation under chronic psychosocial st...
Materials Issues in Nuclear-Waste Management

In this article, materials issues in the management of nuclear waste, including its generation, processing, storage, transport, and disposal, are examined for low-level and high-level waste, with an emphasis on the aspects of their immobilization and long-term isolation. Selecting materials for low-level and high-level waste form and containers is reviewed, and the long-term performance issues with these materials as barriers to nuclide migration or release are discussed.
Simultaneous noncatalytic solid‐fluid reactions

Solid-fluid reactions often involve two or more simultaneous reactions because either the feed contains multiple fluid reactants or the fluid products are reactive with the solid. Three types of simultaneous reactions, independent, parallel, and consecutive, are examined in terms of the selectivity and the effectiveness factor based on the unreacted core shrinking model under isothermal conditions. Criteria for high selectivities are derived, and effects of diffusion and chemical reaction are discussed.
The Impact of School Characteristics on House Prices: Chicago 1987-1991

Do estimates of the prices attached to different school characteristics depend on the characteristics utilised in the hedonic analysis or on the decision to use district-level or school level measures? To answer this question, we merge information from the American Housing Survey and the Illinois School Report Cards and assign to each house the school-level data for the closest school. In both district- and school-level analyses, we find that per-pupil expenditures and test scores have similar impacts on house values. However, unlike the district-level results, the school-level results imply that individuals respond to the racial composition of schools when choosing a home.
An algebraic approach to prediction of the performance of PM electric machines during sustained fault conditions

A computer aided method for predicting the performance of three-phase permanent magnet machines during normal and sustained fault conditions is presented. An approach based on Fourier series signal representations of the machine parameters and waveforms is used to determine the sustained fault currents and voltages. Using a model in the abc reference frame, the unknown but periodic currents and/or voltages are modeled as Fourier series. With the constant velocity assumption, the derivatives of the inductances can be calculated, and derivatives of the currents can be calculated as functions of the unknown current Fourier series coefficients. Thus the model equations become algebraic and hence solvable by algebraic means.
The Upgraded Pinsker Model for Airplane Height Loss During Piloted Missed Approach

An upgraded version is presented and evaluated , of a model pioneered by W.J.G. Pinsker that estimate s an airplane ’s physical height loss when the pilot executes a missed approach . The upgraded model includes the airplane’s initial acceleration and jerk as inputs, and its accuracy is substantiated statistically by comparing the mode l’s height loss predications to actual values obtained from the test flight data of 165 USAF KC -10 missed approaches. It is found that when the pilot’s average delay time to initiate a mis sed approach is taken as 1.0 s and otherwise typical FAA (Federal A viation Administration) inputs values are used, the upgraded Pinsker model has a standard deviation in height loss error of about 2 m and a maximum error of 6 m between its predictions and actual KC -10 height loss values, with most height loss estimates in error by less than 2 m. Furthermore , a comparison is made with some previo us implementations of Pinsker ’s original model , in which simplifying approximations were made and initial acceleration and jerk were assumed to be zero. More work is suggested in order to incorporate the effects of adverse lift and variation in atmospheric temperature and density effects, which are ex pected to be a large part of the remaining error in the model’s predictions. It is anticipated that this model or a close relative w ill be implemented to replace the current simplified estimate of the model that exists within the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) CRM ( Collision Risk Model ). Nomenclature H(t) = Height (m) of the aircraft above the ground ( at time t) o H = Vertical velocity (m/s) at t = 0 V = Speed during the missed approach ) ( ˆ t H = Height (m) of the aircraft above the straight line determined by the velocity vector at t=0 �(t) = Climb angle (angle of the flight path relative to the air mass, upward from horizontal ) �(t) = Angle of attack (or angle of the airplane longitudinal reference direction, upward from the fligh t path) �(t) = Pitch angle (�(t) + �(t) ) �b(t) = Airc raft elevator deflection xb = Aircraft longitudinal body axis forward (m) zb = Aircraft body axis (m) out the bottom of the plane, perpendicular to the x b-axis and to the wings tR = Delay time (s) from when the pilot initiates application of the elevator until full application ny = Acceleration (g) of the aircraft normal to its velocity vector within the air mass �n� = Long -term i ncrement of normal acceleration (g) applied by the pilot for missed approach P = Period (s) of the short period of longitudinal pitching os cillations of the aircraft T = Corresponding short period (s) of longitudinal pitching if no dampi ng were present �max = Maximum elevator deflection g = Gravitational acceleration at earth’s surface � = Damping coefficient (dimensionless) for the short period oscillations tf = Time (s) when aircraft reaches its low point HL = Height loss during the m issed approach (m) tL = Time (s) from init iation of the missed approach until the aircraft reaches its low position ( tf+ tR /2)
Human interaction with passive assistive robots

We are studying the use of programmable constraint machines for rehabilitation and as assistive devices in materials handling. In this paper we describe initial experiments in human interaction with a two-joint passive programmable constraint device, or cobot. The user grasps the manipulandum at a handle, and the manipulandum implements a smooth, hard, low friction constraint curve. Initial experiments in reaching tasks subject to such a constraint show that subjects apply significant forces against the constraint, in a manner dependent on the movement speed and constraint shape. These forces can be broken into passive forces (due simply to the dynamics of the human arm) and forces actively generated by the muscles. Some motor adaptation is also evident.
A user-level process package for PVM

This paper describes an approach to supporting efficient processor virtualization and dynamic load balancing for message-based, parallel programs. Specifically, a user-level process package (UPVM) for SPMD-style PVM applications is presented. UPVM supports light-weight virtual processors that are transparently and independently migratable. It also implements a source-code compatible PVM interface, which means that existing PVM programs only need to be recompiled and re-linked. The performance of UPVM is discussed and compared with that of standard PVM. >
Primary Trauma of Female Partners in a Military Sample: Individual Symptoms and Relationship Satisfaction

Research traditionally has focused on the development of symptoms in those who experienced war trauma directly but overlooked the impact of trauma in the partners of soldiers. The current study reports data from 45 couples where the male partners were Army soldiers who recently returned from deployments to Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) or Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom). Results from this study indicated that female partner primary trauma, particularly trauma related to PTSD re-experiencing and arousal symptoms, has an influence on levels of relationship satisfaction, both for female partners and soldiers.
A Longitudinal Study in Adults With Sequential Bilateral Cochlear Implants: Time Course for Individual Ear and Bilateral Performance

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the rate of progress in the 2nd implanted ear as it relates to the 1st implanted ear and to bilateral performance in adult sequential cochlear impla...
HERB: a home exploring robotic butler

We describe the architecture, algorithms, and experiments with HERB, an autonomous mobile manipulator that performs useful manipulation tasks in the home. We present new algorithms for searching for objects, learning to navigate in cluttered dynamic indoor scenes, recognizing and registering objects accurately in high clutter using vision, manipulating doors and other constrained objects using caging grasps, grasp planning and execution in clutter, and manipulation on pose and torque constraint manifolds. We also present numerous severe real-world test results from the integration of these algorithms into a single mobile manipulator.
Neurochemical regulation of hypothalamic oxytocin messenger ribonucleic acid levels during early lactation in rats.

The objective of the present studies was to investigate whether the stimulatory influence of the suckling offspring on the level of hypothalamic oxytocin (OT) messenger RNA (mRNA) in early lactation in rats is mediated by activation of the central noradrenergic and/or oxytocinergic systems, both of which have been strongly implicated in suckling-induced OT release. Experiments tested whether the effect of litter separation immediately postpartum to reduce hypothalamic OT mRNA could be mimicked by pharmacological disruption of either noradrenergic or oxytocinergic signals. Bilateral microinjections of the catecholamine neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine into either the supraoptic nucleus (SON) or paraventricular nucleus/anterior commissural nucleus regions significantly reduced the concentrations of norepinephrine in these areas, but did not alter the relative levels of OT mRNA in these regions, suggesting that the stimulatory inputs provided by the suckling offspring are not transmitted through the noradrenergi...
STABILITY AND OPENNESS OF CHARACTER

This paper clarifies how stability of character is a good thing and how it is related to being open to change for the better by considering four ways character can be stable or unstable and four stable characteristics that are forms of openness to improvement of character.
CD8+ Type 1 CD44hi CD45 RBlo T lymphocytes control intracellular Brucella abortus infection as demonstrated in major histocompatibility complex class I- and class II-deficient mice

Genetically engineered mice with a targeted disruption in the beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) gene or the H2-I-A beta chain (A beta) which lack functional CD8+ or CD4+ T cells, respectively, were used to assess the role of T cell subsets in Brucella abortus infection. Murine brucellosis was markedly exacerbated in beta 2-m-deficient mice (beta 2-m-/-) compared to A beta mutant (A beta-/-) or C57BL/6 mice, strongly indicating that optimal resistance to B. abortus requires CD8+ T cells. Splenocytes from Brucella-primed beta 2-m-/-, A beta-/- and C57BL/6 mice exhibited a type 1 cytokine profile marked by elevated IFN-gamma mRNA expression and protein production, and basal levels of IL-2 and IL-4 transcripts. B. abortus did not induce secretion of TGF-beta 1, but substantial IL-10 activity was detected in spleen cell supernatants from all mouse strains studied. CD8+ T cells from A beta-/- and C57BL/6 mice displayed a CD44hi CD45RBlo phenotype and a type 1 cytokine transcription profile featuring high levels of IFN-gamma mRNA. Additionally, we have shown the ability of C57BL/6 CD8+ CTL to kill Brucella-infected macrophages. This study illustrates the predominant role of MHC class I-restricted T cells in controlling B. abortus infection.
Biomarkers of Arginine and Lysine Excess

Arginine supplementation is used in several disease states. In arginine-deficient states, supplementation is a logical choice of therapy. However, the definition of an arginine-deficient state is complex. For example, plasma arginine levels could be within normal range but intracellular arginine levels could be reduced because of membrane transport problems. Lysine competes with arginine for transport into the cell. In these situations, arginine supplementation of higher than required levels is proposed. Arginine has several important functions in metabolism as it is a precursor of metabolically active components such as nitric oxide (NO), ornithine, creatine, and polyamines. Supplementing arginine in excess could potentially overstimulate metabolism via enhanced production of NO. NO is a reactive component that, via production of radicals, will inactivate proteins. NO is also a powerful vasodilator, which could lead to severe hemodynamic instability. A good marker for excess supplementation of arginine or lysine could be an increased or reduced production rate of NO. However, NO production is difficult to measure because NO is a very labile component and is rapidly oxidized in blood. Stable isotope-labeled arginine and citrulline are used to trace the arginine-NO route. During supplementation of arginine in septic pigs or patients in septic shock, NO production, measured with stable isotope technology, is enhanced.
Amyloid precursor protein modulates β-catenin degradation

Background: The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is genetically associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Elucidating the function of APP should help understand AD pathogenesis and provide insights into therapeutic designs against this devastating neurodegenerative disease. Results: We demonstrate that APP expression in primary neurons induces β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41 (S33/37/T41) residues, which is a prerequisite for βcatenin ubiquitinylation and proteasomal degradation. APP-induced phosphorylation of β-catenin resulted in the reduction of total β-catenin levels, suggesting that APP expression promotes βcatenin degradation. In contrast, treatment of neurons with APP siRNAs increased total β-catenin levels and decreased β-catenin phosphorylation at residues S33/37/T41. Further, β-catenin was dramatically increased in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells from APP knockout animals. Acute expression of wild type APP or of familial AD APP mutants in primary neurons downregulated βcatenin in membrane and cytosolic fractions, and did not appear to affect nuclear β-catenin or βcatenin-dependent transcription. Conversely, in APP knockout CA1 pyramidal cells, accumulation of β-catenin was associated with the upregulation of cyclin D1, a downstream target of β-catenin signaling. Together, these data establish that APP downregulates β-catenin and suggest a role for APP in sustaining neuronal function by preventing cell cycle reactivation and maintaining synaptic integrity. Conclusion: We have provided strong evidence that APP modulates β-catenin degradation in vitro and in vivo. Future studies may investigate whether APP processing is necessary for β-catenin downregulation, and determine if excessive APP expression contributes to AD pathogenesis through abnormal β-catenin downregulation.
Comparison of costs and utilization among buprenorphine and methadone patients

Aims Buprenorphine is an effective alternative to methadone for treatment of opioid dependence, but economic concerns represent a barrier to implementation. The economic impacts of buprenorphine adoption by the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) were examined. Design Prescriptions of buprenorphine, methadone treatment visits, health-care utilization and cost, and diagnostic data were obtained for 2005. Findings VHA dispensed buprenorphine to 606 patients and methadone to 8191 other patients during the study year. An analysis that controlled for age and diagnosis found that the mean cost of care for the 6 months after treatment initiation was $11 597 for buprenorphine and $14 921 for methadone (P < 0.001). Cost was not significantly different in subsequent months. The first 6 months of buprenorphine treatment included an average of 66 ambulatory care visits, significantly fewer than the 137 visits in methadone treatment (P < 0.001). In subsequent months, buprenorphine patients had 8.4 visits, significantly fewer than the 21.0 visits of methadone patients (P < 0.001). Compared to new methadone episodes, new buprenorphine episodes had 0.634 times the risk of ending [95% confidence interval 0.547–0.736]. Implementation of buprenorphine treatment was not associated with an influx of new opioid-dependent patients. Conclusion Despite the higher cost of medication, buprenorphine treatment was no more expensive than methadone treatment. VHA methadone treatment costs were higher than reported by other providers. Although new buprenorphine treatment episodes lasted longer than new methadone episodes, buprenorphine is recommended for more adherent patients.
Experimental validation of Monte Carlo modeling of fluorescence in tissues in the UV-visible spectrum.

The goal of the work is to experimentally verify Monte Carlo modeling of fluorescence and diffuse reflectance measurements in turbid, tissue phantom models. In particular, two series of simulations and experiments, in which one optical parameter (absorption or scattering coefficient) is varied while the other is fixed, are carried out to assess the effect of the absorption coefficient ( μ a ) and scattering coefficient ( μ s ) on the fluorescence and diffuse reflectance measured from a turbid medium. Moreover, simulations and experiments are carried out for several fiber optic probe geometries that are designed to sample small tissue volumes. Additionally, a group of conversion expressions are derived to convert the optical properties and fluorescence quantum yield measured from tissue phantoms for use in Monte Carlo simulations. The conversions account for the differences between the definitions of the absorption coefficient and fluorescence quantum yield of fluorophores in a tissue phantom model and those in a Monte Carlo simulation. The results indicate that there is good agreement between the simulated and experimentally measured results in most cases. This dataset can serve as a systematic validation of Monte Carlo modeling of fluorescent light propagation in tissues. The simulations are carried out for a wide range of absorption and scattering coefficients as well as ratios of scattering coefficient to absorption coefficient, and thus would be applicable to tissue optical properties over a wide wavelength range (UV-visible/near infrared). The fiber optic probe geometries that are modeled in this study include those commonly used for measuring fluorescence from tissues in practice.
Exercise Is Associated With Elevated Proinflammatory Cytokines in Human Milk

ABSTRACT Objectives To explore relationships between self-reported exercise in postpartum women and concentrations of cytokines and secretory immunoglobulin A in their milk. Method Fifty-eight frozen, unthawed aliquots of human hindmilk were available for analysis from a previous larger study on the influence of lactation on postpartum stress and immunity. The samples were early-morning, hand-expressed, hindmilk that had been collected between 4 and 6 weeks. Milk cytokines were analyzed by a multiplex assay of 20 cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Milk secretory immunoglobulin A was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Exercise data were extracted from a demographic questionnaire that was used in the original study and approximate metabolic-equivalent tasks assigned to the exercise levels reported. Based on reported frequency of exercise at a particular metabolic-equivalent task, caloric expenditures were calculated for each mother. Results With increasing metabolic-equivalent tasks, and thus caloric expenditures, proinflammatory cytokines increased in mothers' milk. Secretory immunoglobulin A concentrations were not affected by mother's exercise. Conclusions There are several possible interpretations for these results. These data are preliminary, and a larger, longitudinal study with a more structured exercise instrument will clarify if recommendations should be made about heavy exercise in the early postpartum months.