cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound-guided fetal tracheal occlusion.

Background/Purpose: This study was aimed at examining the feasibility of fetal tracheal occlusion guided exclusively by ultrasonography and at establishing the technical principles of this procedure based on current instrumentation and ultrasound technology. Methods: Time-dated pregnant ewes underwent a small laparotomy and partial uterine exposure. Under real-time ultrasound guidance, a steerable guide wire was fed into the fetal tracheal lumen. An 8F catheter then was fed around the guide wire into the trachea. This was followed by intratracheal placement of a 2F coaxial angiographic catheter, connected to a detachable silicone balloon at its extremity, which then was inflated with saline and delivered locally. Euthanasia was performed at term. Results: Complete tracheal occlusion was achieved in all fetuses (n = 7) intraoperatively. Operating time needed for tracheal occlusion, once access to the amniotic cavity was established, varied widely, but could be as short 1 minute. Tracheal lumen dimensions outgrew balloon diameter in 57.1% of fetuses (4 of 7), resulting in balloon dislodgment in those animals. No balloon rupture was observed. Conclusions: (1) Accurate access to the fetal trachea and local delivery of an occlusive detachable silicone balloon are consistently feasible exclusively under real-time ultrasound guidance with commercially available instrumentation. (2) Balloon dimensions are determining factors of displacement risk and must be selected carefully before tracheal delivery. Ultrasound-guided fetal tracheal occlusion may be a preferable alternative to surgical intervention for treatment of fetal pulmonary hypoplasia.
Is There a Future for Library Catalogers

Is there a future for the library cataloger? For the past thirty years this debate has increased with the continued growth of online resources and greater access to the World Wide Web. Many are concerned that library administrators believe budgetary resources would be better spent on other matters, leaving library users with an overabundance of electronic information to muddle through on their own. This article focuses on the future of the cataloging profession and its importance to the needs of library patrons.
Phase separation and step roughening of vicinal Si(111): An x-ray-scattering study

We present a high-resolution x-ray-scattering study of the temperature-dependent structure of Si(111) vicinally miscut by 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} along the 〈11\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0〉 direction. At temperatures below 1159 K, the surface phase separates into flat 7\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}7 terraces and densely stepped regions, in agreement with previous reports. The angle between the phase-separated regions shows a temperature dependence consistent with both entropic and strain-induced step-step repulsive interactions. At temperatures above 1159 K, the surface is shown to exist as a single, logarithmically rough phase; the observed scattering line shapes demonstrate the presence of a long-range step-step repulsion of a magnitude comparable to the entropic repulsion.
Generalization Error of Linear Discriminant Analysis in Spatially-Correlated Sensor Networks

Generalization error, the probability of error of a detection rule learned from training samples on new unseen samples, is a fundamental quantity to be characterized. However, characterizations of generalization error in the statistical learning theory literature are often loose and practically unusable for optimizing detection systems. In this work, focusing on learning linear discriminant analysis detection rules from spatially-correlated sensor measurements, a tight generalization error approximation is developed that can be used to optimize the parameters of a sensor network detection system. As such, the approximation is used to optimize network settings. The approximation is also used to derive a detection error exponent and select an optimal subset of deployed sensor nodes. A Gauss-Markov random field is used to model correlation and weak laws of large numbers in geometric probability are employed in the analysis.
Justification Is Not Truth, and Testing Is Not Measurement: Understanding the Purpose and Limitations of the Standards

Being convincing is not the same as being right. In this comment, I argue that the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing are best viewed as providing guidance for the construction of convincing arguments for the adequacy and appropriateness of tests, rather than for the construction and evaluation of measures to be used in scientific inquiry. That is, the Standards are primarily legalistic ratherthanscientific.However,evenso,thereareknowledge claims underwriting proposed interpretations of test scores that cannot be ignored, and many of these are not coherently discussedormadesubjecttoempiricalquestioning.Agreater focus on scientific concerns—such as the conditions under which one can defensibly claim that a test measures a psychological attribute—could also benefit the social purposes of the Standards.
X-ray photoemission study of Y-promoted oxidation of the Si(100) surface

Abstract The interaction of yttrium overlayers with an atomically clean Si(100) surface has been studied by X-ray photoemission. Also studied, were the effects of Y overlayers on the oxidation of silicon. It is found that the growth of yttrium on silicon can be explained by a three-step mechanism. At low coverage (θ ⩽ 2 ML) yttrium deposits on top of silicon associated with charge transfer from the Y overlayer to the silicon. Between 2 and 5 ML coverage silicon diffuses through the Y overlayer, and above 5 ML a metallic Y is deposited on top of the silicon. In addition, yttrium overlayers were found to significantly enhance the oxidation of the Si(100) surface. At 5 ML Y coverage the obtained SiO2 oxides were up to a factor of 15 thicker than those obtained for the clean unpromoted Si(100) surface.
Integrating ethics into technical courses: Micro-insertion

Perhaps the most common reason science and engineering faculty give for not including 'ethics' (that is, research ethics, engineering ethics, or some discussion of professional responsibility) in their technical classes is that 'there is no room'. This article 1) describes a technique ('micro-insertion') that introduces ethics (and related topics) into technical courses in small enough units not to push out technical material, 2) explains where this technique might fit into the larger undertaking of integrating ethics into the technical (scientific or engineering) curriculum, and 3) concludes with some quantified evidence (collected over more than a decade) suggesting success. Integrating ethics into science and engineering courses is largely a matter of providing context for what is already being taught, context that also makes the material already being taught seem 'more relevant'.
DART: dynamic address routing for scalable ad hoc and mesh networks

It is well known that the current ad hoc protocol suites do not scale to work efficiently in networks of more than a few hundred nodes. Most current ad hoc routing architectures use flat static addressing and thus, need to keep track of each node individually, creating a massive overhead problem as the network grows. Could dynamic addressing alleviate this problem? In this paper, we argue that the use of dynamic addressing can enable scalable routing in ad hoc networks. We provide an initial design of a routing layer based on dynamic addressing, and evaluate its performance. Each node has a unique permanent identifier and a transient routing address, which indicates its location in the network at any given time. The main challenge is dynamic address allocation in the face of node mobility. We propose mechanisms to implement dynamic addressing efficiently. Our initial evaluation suggests that dynamic addressing is a promising approach for achieving scalable routing in large ad hoc and mesh networks.
Cross-spectral analysis of rainfall and runoff for Raritan and Mullica river basins in New Jersey

Abstract Cross-correlation and cross-spectral analysis were employed in the analysis of rainfall and runoff in two river basins: the Raritan and Mullica River basins in New Jersey. Cross-covariance and coherence were studied in the correlograms for the following correlation cases: (a) rainfall-runoff for each one basin separately; (b) rainfall-rainfall analysis for two main meteorological stations in each one of the basins; (c) runoff-runoff for two main gaging stations in each one of the basins. From the estimates of the coherence at various frequencies the cross-spectral analysis shows a highly nonlinear relationship between rainfall and runoff in Raritan and Mullica River basins. A poor coherence observed at the annual cycles for each basin makes it difficult to predict the annual oscillations of runoff from those of rain-fall by a linear regression model. The high coherence between rainfall (or runoff) at the first station and rainfall (or runoff) at the second station within the same basin at almost all frequencies establishes an accurate prediction on a linear basis.
Selective Dehydrocoupling of Phosphines by Triamidoamine Zirconium Catalysts

New zirconium triamidoamine complexes (N3N)ZrR (N3N = N(CH2CH2NSiMe3)33-; R = Me, 1; PHPh, 2; PHCy, 4) are effective catalysts for the dehydrocoupling of primary and secondary phosphines and select for the diphosphine product. Mechanistic analysis revealed that metal-catalyzed P−P bond formation occurs via σ-bond metathesis steps.
Isms, Schisms, and the Freedom for Differences*

A historical perspective is used to argue that an insufficient tolerance of differences (a) fosters devisive isms and schisms, (b) hardens resistance to change and to new ideas, and (c) impedes the development of diversity and specialization in both the training and the professional practice of marriage and family counselors. Some historical sources and current examples of the low tolerance of differences are presented, followed by a reiterated plea that a greater tolerance of differences be implemented by encouraging a wider diversity in training programs and by granting a more equal status and importance to each of the many different specialty areas of practice by marriage and family counselors.
A software engineering methodology for rule-based systems

Current expert systems are typically difficult to change once they are built. The authors introduce a method for developing more easily maintainable rule-based expert systems, which is based on dividing the rules into groups and focusing attention on those facts that carry information between rules in different groups. They describe a new algorithm for grouping the rules of a knowledge base automatically and a notation set of software tools for the proposed method. The approach is supported by a study of the connectivity of rules and facts in rule-based systems; it is found that they indeed have the latent structure necessary for the programming methodology. Recent experimental results also support the approach. In contrast to the homogeneous way in which the facts of a rule-based system are usually viewed, this approach shows that certain facts are more important than others with regard to future modifications of the rules. >
Characterization of an opioid peptide-containing protein and of bovine α-lactalbumin by electrospray ionization and liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry methods have been used to characterize two proteins: an opioid peptide-containing protein extracted from bovine pituitary, and bovine α-lactalbumin (BAL). A protein that contains β-endorphin was found in bovine pituitary, and that protein was characterized with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS), gel permeation chromatography, reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), radioimmunoassay, trypsinolysis, and liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (LSIMS).BAL is a protein that was used as a model to develop analytical methods to study opioid peptide-containing proteins. Commercial BAL was purified by RP-HPLC, and its molecular weight (M.W.) was determined by ESIMS. The shift in mass observed following dithiothreitol (DTT) reduction estimated the number of disulfide bonds.For all of the data obtained for BAL with or without RP-HPLC separation, ESIMS determined the M.W. of the peptides produced by trypsin treatment of BAL, and LSIMS selected a precursor ion, the protonated molecule ion [M + H](+), of a tryptic peptide, which was analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Following DTT reduction, ESIMS and LSIMS detected each peptide that contained disulfide bonds in that mixture of tryptic peptides.
Long telomeres produced by telomerase-resistant recombination are established from a single source and are subject to extreme sequence scrambling.

Considerable evidence now supports the idea that the moderate telomere lengthening produced by recombinational telomere elongation (RTE) in a Kluyveromyces lactis telomerase deletion mutant occurs through a roll-and-spread mechanism. However, it is unclear whether this mechanism can account for other forms of RTE that produce much longer telomeres such as are seen in human alternative lengthening of telomere (ALT) cells or in the telomerase-resistant type IIR “runaway” RTE such as occurs in the K. lactis stn1-M1 mutant. In this study we have used mutationally tagged telomeres to examine the mechanism of RTE in an stn1-M1 mutant both with and without telomerase. Our results suggest that the establishment stage of the mutant state in newly generated stn1-M1 ter1-Δ mutants surprisingly involves a first stage of sudden telomere shortening. Our data also show that, as predicted by the roll-and-spread mechanism, all lengthened telomeres in a newly established mutant cell commonly emerge from a single telomere source. However, in sharp contrast to the RTE of telomerase deletion survivors, we show that the RTE of stn1-M1 ter1-Δ cells produces telomeres whose sequences undergo continuous intense scrambling via recombination. While telomerase was not necessary for the long telomeres in stn1-M1 cells, its presence during their establishment was seen to interfere with the amplification of repeats via recombination, a result consistent with telomerase retaining its ability to add repeats during active RTE. Finally, we observed that the presence of active mismatch repair or telomerase had important influences on telomeric amplification and/or instability.
On the mean particle size and water content of polar mesospheric clouds

Results from the ultraviolet spectrometer experiment (UVS) aboard the Solar Mesospheric Explorer, which measures ultraviolet sunlight scattered from air molecules in the mesosphere, are reported and discussed. The UVS experiment, its observing modes, and details of the observing sequence are described. The data are compared with predictions of Mie scattering theory, assuming the size distribution is parameterized by a mean radius and a width parameter. The water ice content, mean particle radius, and column number are calculated as a function of cloud brightness, and in terms of the unknown width parameter. It is concluded that polar mesospheric cloud particles are quite small, having average volume-effective radii less than 70 mm, and that clouds differ in their optical properties mainly as a result of their mean particle size.
Fluoroscopic transforaminal lumbar epidural steroids: An outcome study

Abstract Objectives: To determine the therapeutic value and long-term effects of fluoroscopic transforaminal epidural steroid injections in patients with refractory radicular leg pain. Background Data: Although numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy of traditional transsacral (caudal) or translaminar (lumbar) administration of epidural steroids, to our knowledge no studies have assessed specifically the therapeutic value of fluoroscopic transforaminal epidural steroids. Study Design: A prospective case series that investigated the outcome of patients with lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus and radiculopathy who received fluoroscopic transforaminal epidural steroid injections. Methods: Patients who met our inclusion criteria received fluoroscopically guided, contrast-enhanced transforaminal epidural administration of anesthetic and steroid directly at the level and side of their documented pathology. Patients were evaluated by an independent observer and received sequential questionnaires before and after injection, documenting pain level, activity level, and patient satisfaction. Results: Sixty-nine patients met our inclusion criteria and were followed for an average period of 80 weeks (range, 28 to 144 weeks); 75.4% of patients had a successful long-term outcome, reporting at least a >50% reduction between preinjection and postinjection pain scores, as well as an ability to return to or near their previous levels of functioning after only 1.8 injections per patient (range, 1 to 4 injections). Of our patients, 78.3% were satisfied with their final outcomes. Conclusions: Fluoroscopic transforminal epidural steroids are an effective nonsurgical treatment option for patients with lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus and radiculopathy in whom more conservative treatments are not effective and should be considered before surgical intervention.
Fetal alcohol syndrome: its implications for dentistry

Children of alcoholic women often manifest a pattern of anomalies. The dentist should the aware of problems he might encounter in treatment of these children. This article reviews the literature and presents a case report. Fetal alcohol syndrome affects children of chronically alcoholic mothers. The impact of alcohol on the growing fetus inflicts wide-ranging damage. This damage affects dental treatment because of the skeletal anomalies and the medical problems that may require coverage for subacute bacterial endocarditis and premedication for restorative treatment.
Toasted soybean flour components with trypsin inhibitor activity

Compounds in toasted soybean flour having trypsin inhibitor (TI) activity were isolated and characterized. Sodium hydroxide (0.01N) extracts of toasted soybean flour had an average of 2.59 mg TI/g sample. These extracts, after trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation and dialysis, yielded supernatant and precipitate fractions. Addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone to eliminate free tannins and phenolics in the extracts, which may lead to overestimation of TI activity, was unnecessary. Material balance studies revealed 91% protein recovery and 92% recovery of TI activity in the TCA supernatant (1.1% protein, 2.0% TI) and precipitate (89.8% protein, 90.0% TI) fractions. Column chromatography and electrophoresis showed the TCA supernatant and precipitate fractions to contain proteins, including those having TI activity. Kunitz type TI and Bowman-Birk type protease inhibitors accounted for most residual TI activity of toasted soybean flour, as verified by column chromatography, isoelectric focusing, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide electrophoresis, and size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography, using the two similarly treated protease inhibitors as standards. Immunoblotting was also used to detect and identify Kunitz type TI’s in toasted soybean meal extracts. This study established the proteinaceous nature of residual trypsin inhibitor activity in toasted soybean flour and the presence of both Kunitz and Bowman-Birk inhibitors.
The half-lives of 245Cm, 246Cm and 248Cm

Abstract The partial alpha decay half-lives of 245 Cm, 246 Cm, and 248 Cm have been determined by a relative specific activity technique with 244 Cm as a reference. The alpha decay half-lives are 8532 ± 53 yr, 4820 ± 20 yr, and (3·94 ± 0·04)10 5 yr, respectively. Partial spontaneous fission half-lives of (1·85 ± 0·02)10 7 yr and (4·20 ± 0·05)10 6 yr were determined for 246 Cm and 248 Cm, respectively, by plastic fission-track recorder, surface barrier detector, and 2π fission chamber methods.
Mechanical Stabilization of the Chest Wall in Preterm Infants improves Pulmonary Mechanics † 1714

Mechanical Stabilization of the Chest Wall in Preterm Infants improves Pulmonary Mechanics † 1714
Bilin-apoprotein bonds in cryptomonad phycoerythrin

Abstract Analysis of a homogeneous chromopeptide prepared by proteolytic digestion of Rhodomonas phycoerythrin revealed four amino acids: alanine, cysteine, serine, glutamic acid. The chromopeptide was also analyzed for N - and C -terminii and free thiol (cysteine) and hydroxyl (serine) groups. These results indicated that the bilin in cryptomonad phycoerythrin is bound through both propionic acid side-chains to serine (ester bond) and glutamic acid (amide bond) in the apoprotein.
The Paradox of Self–Consciousness Revisited

The so-called paradox of self-consciousness suggests that self-consciousness, understood as the capacity to think about oneself in a first-person way, cannot be explained. The author of the paradox contends that the only way to avert this result is by invoking the notion of nonconceptual first-person thought. This contention is rooted in adherence to the Linguistic Priority Principle, which dictates that pre- and nonlinguistic creatures lack concepts. I argue that the latter claim is dubious, and that the paradox of self-consciousness can be better disarmed by denying the dependence of first-person conceptual thought on first-person language.
The Effects of Monetary Instability on the Extent of Vertical Integration

Ronald Coase [1937] provided the theoretical foundation for all subsequent studies of the determinants of business integration. Although the transaction-costs paradigm he developed has been accused of lacking empirical conten t -of being tautological-even by some of Coase's admirers [Alchian and Demsetz, 1972, p. 783; Williamson, 1985, p. 4], its influence is beyond question. Coase's article remains modern because the particular causal factors that he specified as determining the size of firms continue to be emphasized in recent work. The Coasean tradition is preserved in the present paper. The general goal is to examine the effects of monetary instability on the extent of vertical integration. A major theme of the paper is that, according to the transactioncosts paradigm, the effect of such instability on optimal firm size is ambiguous: distortions in price signals caused by price fluctuations set in motion two distinct forces. One of these forces tends to increase the extent of intrafirm integration of production activities, while the other tends to reduce this integration. The special object of this paper is to investigate empirically the relative strengths of these opposed forces. This paper is not a test of the transaction-costs theory of the firm. Rather, the authors use this theory as the basis for an empirical investigation of the effects of monetary instability on the extent of vertical integration. With these ends in mind, the paper proceeds as follows: Section II reviews the transaction-costs theory of the firm. Section II I
Direct measurement of adhesive forces in amyloid beta peptide structures

possible AD samples are collected from a well-characterized clinical population in New York. Using protein two-dimensional electrophoresis, fluorescence staining and laser fluorescence scanning, we are able to visualize approximately 1200 protein spots from typical CSF samples. The Random Forest multivariate statistical analysis is applied to spot patterns from 68 samples to segregate AD and nonAD patient samples. Conclusions: A panel of 23 protein spots is most effective at segregating AD and nonAD patient samples. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization tandem time of flight mass spectrometry has permitted us to characterize and sequence many of these 23 proteins. Based on these identifications, the group of protein biomarkers include three general functions: Abeta transport, inflammation, and proteolytic enzyme inhibitors. These markers have 94% sensitivity, 94% specificity, and a predicted error classification rate of 5.9% for the 68 samples studied. In an ROC type analysis, the AUC is 0.965, which compares favorably to other reported AD biomarkers and suggest the potential for clinical diagnostic applications.
Neutrino masses from galactic supernovae and large water Čerenkov detectors

The range of μ and τ neutrino masses accessible to large water Cerenkov detectors via the observation of neutrinos from galactic supernovae is discussed. We show that the available neutrino mass window from detecting late (t > 10 s) arrivals is ∼ 75 eV–200 keV. A shortage of early (t < 0.1 s) events may signal a mass as small as 30 eV, but it seems unlikely that any technique using galactic supernovae may be used for masses as low as 10 eV.
An elastic rod model for anguilliform swimming.

We develop a model for anguilliform (eel-like) swimming as an elastic rod actuated via time-dependent intrinsic curvature and subject to hydrodynamic drag forces, the latter as proposed by Taylor (in Proc Roy Proc Lond A 214:158–183, 1952). We employ a eometrically exact theory and discretize the resulting nonlinear partial differential evolution both to perform numerical simulations, and to compare with previous models consisting of chains of rigid links or masses connected by springs, dampers, and prescribed force generators representing muscles. We show that muscle activations driven by motoneuronal spike trains via calcium dynamics produce intrinsic curvatures corresponding to near-sinusoidal body shapes in longitudinally-uniform rods, but that passive elasticity causes Taylor’s assumption of prescribed shape to fail, leading to time-periodic motions and lower speeds than those predicted Taylor (in Proc Roy Proc Lond A 214:158–183, 1952). We investigate the effects of bending stiffness, body geometry, and activation patterns on swimming speed, turning behavior, and acceleration to steady swimming. We show that laterally-uniform activation yields stable straight swimming and laterally differential activation levels lead to stable turns, and we argue that tapered bodies with reduced caudal (tail-end) activation (to produce uniform intrinsic curvature) swim faster than ones with uniform activation.
A novel in vitro assay for mouse IgE

A simple and sensitive assay for screening mouse IgE-producing hybridomas is described. Rat basophil leukemia (RBL) cells (either live or glutaraldehyde fixed) were sensitized by mouse monoclonal IgE and then rosetted with antigen-coated sheep red blood cells. The assay was established using a mouse monoclonal IgE anti-DNP and was able to detect as little as 5 ng/ml IgE. The rosette assay is also a useful technique for studying the binding of mouse IgG monoclonal (MC) antibodies to RBL cells.
1579 A SIMPLE ESTIMATE OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE (GFR) IN PREMATURE INFANTS (PT) WITH A GESTATIONAL AGE (GA) LESS THAN 35 WEEKS

PT are at higher risk than full term infants (FT) for renal failure. The assessment of GFR which is necessary for the administration of fluid, drugs and solutes requires accurate urine collections. A formula has been devised previously to estimate GFR (ml/min/1.73m2) without urine collection: GFR=kL/Pcr, where L is the body length (cm), Pcr is the plasma creatinine concentration (mg/dl) and k is a constant specific for each age group. This study was designed to establish the validity of such a formula in PT 0.5). We conclude that GFR can be reasonably estimated in PT by 0.3L/Pcr in the neonatal ICU. We have shown the value of k (PT: 0.3, FT: 0.45, child: 0.55, adolescent boys: 0.7) has a linear relationship to muscle mass and we speculate that k should increase in the first year of life in parallel with increments in the proportion of muscle mass to body weight.
Experimental Effects Are They Constant or Variable Across Individuals

The psychological literature has little to say about the constancy of experimental effects, whether those effects are the same for all individuals or vary with the individual. Investigators rarely ...
B-type natriuretic peptide levels in obese patients with advanced heart failure.

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Obese Patients With Advanced Heart FailureTamara B. Horwich, Michele A. Hamilton, Gregg C. FonarowAlthough recent studies show that obesity, or elevated body ma...
A Comparison of Vascular Pulsatility and Resistive Indices in Gynecological Tumor Detection Using Transvaginal Ultrasound

Transvaginal Doppler ultrasound was applied to 85 patients to determine whether pelvic malignancy could be predicted by pulsatility (PI) and resistive indices (RI) of intratu-moral, ovarian, and ut...
The treatment of limits in the calculus: are we becoming careless?

The standard calculus course for mathematics and science majors is now under considerable scrutiny. A common weakness that exists in many of the textbooks involves the concepts of limit for a function of several variables. In many cases the answers given in the book are incorrect, and sometimes even the textbook examples are not handled correctly within the scope of the given definitions. In other cases some of the examples and solutions provided for homework exercises are misleading. A survey made of both past and current textbooks will be discussed.
The charge density difference between 208Pb and 209Bi

Abstract Cross sections for elastic electron scattering from 208 Pb and 209 Bi have been measured for momentum transfers q between 0.7 and 2.8 fm −1 . The results were used to determine the Bi charge density and the difference of the Bi and Pb charge distributions. The density difference is compared to the wave function of the additional 1 h 9 2 proton in 209 Bi both with and without consideration of core polarisation effects.
Effects of environmental tobacco smoke exposure in utero and/or postnatally on brain development

Effects of Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Utero and/or Postnatally on Brain Development 1
Toughening MoSi2 with niobium metal-effects of size and orientation of ductile laminae

Abstract Effects of size and orientation of ductile laminae on the toughness of brittle matrix composites have been evaluated using MoSi2 composites reinforced with Nb laminae. Nb laminae with thicknesses ranging from 0.127 to 1.0 mm were hot pressed with MoSi2 powder to prepare the composites. Toughness of the composites was measured using four-point bend test on chevron-notched specimens. It was found that the toughness of the composites increased with increasing size of the niobium laminae. Furthermore, toughening was observed at crack propagation directions perpendicular to the lamina plane, indicating that ductile laminae offer two dimensional toughening. A model based on the bridging contribution of the ductile phase has been proposed to analyze the chevron-notched specimens of the ductile-phase-reinforced brittle matrix composites. The analysis showed that the dependence of the toughness of the composites on the size and orientation of the ductile laminae could be interpreted in terms of their bridging capability and bending contributions.
Every ergodic transformation is disjoint from almost every interval exchange transformation

We show that every transformation is disjoint from almost every interval exchange transformation (IET), answering a question of Bufetov. In particular, we prove that almost every pair of IETs is disjoint. It follows that the product of almost every pair is uniquely ergodic. A key step in the proof is showing that any sequence of density 1 contains a rigidity sequence for almost every IET, strengthening a result of Veech.
Roles of Nucleus Accumbens CREB and Dynorphin in Dysregulation of Motivation

Psychostimulants such as amphetamine and cocaine are believed to produce dependence by causing rapid, supraphysiological elevations in synaptic dopamine (DA) within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) (Volkow et al. 2009, Neuropharmacology 56: 3-8). These changes in forebrain DA transmission are similar to those evoked by natural reinforcers (Louilot et al. 1991, Brain Res 553: 313-317; Roitman et al. 2004, J Neurosci 24: 1265-1271), but are of greater magnitude and longer duration. Repeated drug exposure causes compensatory neuroadaptations in neurons of the NAc, some of which may modulate excess DA in a homeostatic fashion. One such adaptation is the activation of the transcription factor CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) within neurons of the NAc. Although elevated levels of transcriptionally active CREB appear to attenuate DA transmission by increasing expression of the endogenous κ opioid receptor (KOR) ligand dynorphin, increased dynorphin transmission may ultimately have undesirable effects that contribute to drug withdrawal states as well as comorbid psychiatric illnesses such as depression. This state may prompt a return to drug use to mitigate the adverse effects of withdrawal. This article summarizes our current understanding of how CREB and dynorphin contribute to the dysregulation of motivation and describes novel therapeutic strategies that derive from preclinical research in this area.
Location estimation and uncertainty analysis for mobile robots

A motion controller for the autonomous mobile vehicle commands the robot's drive mechanism to keep the robot near its desired path at all times. In order for the controller to behave properly, the controller must know the robot's position at any given time. The controller uses the information provided by the optical encoders attached to the wheels to determine vehicle position. The author analyzes the effect of measurement errors, wheel slippage, and noise on the accuracy of the estimated vehicle position obtained in this manner. Specifically the location estimator and its uncertainty covariance matrix are derived. >
Sex- and Estrous Cycle-Related Differences in the Effects of Acute Antipsychotic Drug Administration on Neurotensin-Containing Neurons in the Rat Brain

The effects of a single injection of haloperidol (2.0 mg/kg), a typical antipsychotic drug, on neurotensin (NT) concentrations and NT/neuromedin N (NT/NN) mRNA expression in adult female and male rats were examined. There were significant estrous cycle stage-related differences in both NT concentrations and NT/NN mRNA expression in female control rats. Although acute administration of haloperidol increased NT concentrations and NT/NN mRNA expression in the caudate/putamen and nucleus accumbens of both male and female rats, haloperidol did not increase NT/NN mRNA expression during diestrus 2 or NT concentrations during proestrus in the nucleus accumbens of female rats. These results indicate the presence of both sex- and estrous cycle-related differences in the regulation of NT-containing neurons and in the effects of antipsychotic drug administration on the NT system of the rat brain.
Evaluating the efficacy of various thermo-stable polymerases against co-extracted PCR inhibitors in ancient DNA samples

DNA from ancient and forensic specimens is often co-extracted with unknown amounts of unknown PCR inhibitors, which can lead to underestimated DNA concentrations, allelic drop-out, and/or false-negative results. It is not surprising, in this case, that numerous methods have been developed to remove PCR inhibitors or subdue their effects. One simple and cost effective approach could be the adoption of a polymerase that overcomes or is less affected by PCR inhibitors. In this study, nine different polymerases were evaluated for their efficacy against PCR inhibitors co-extracted with DNA from 63 ancient salmon vertebrae. These samples were excavated from two archeological sites located at the Dionisio Point locality on the northern end of Galiano Island in coastal southwestern British Columbia, Canada and date to 700-1000 and 1300-1500 years before present. Previously, DNA extracts from samples studied from this locality were determined to be largely inhibited to PCR amplification. In the present study, Omni Klentaq LA (DNA Polymerase Technology, Inc.) outperformed the other 8 polymerases in two measures: (1) its success in genetic species identification of these vertebrae, and (2) its ability to amplify an ancient DNA positive control when spiked with a volume of potentially inhibited extract from the vertebrae.
Radiation-induced reduction of the glial population during development disrupts the formation of olfactory glomeruli in an insect

Interactions between neurons and between neurons and glial cells have been shown by a number of investigators to be critical for normal development of the nervous system. In the olfactory system of Manduca sexta, sensory axons have been shown to induce the formation of synaptic glomeruli in the antennal lobe of the brain (Hildebrand et al., 1979). Oland and Tolbert (1987) found that the growth of sensory axons into the developing antennal lobe causes changes in glial shape and disposition that presage the establishment of glomeruli, each surrounded by a glial envelope. Several lines of evidence lead us to hypothesize that the glial cells of the lobe may be acting as intermediaries in developmental interactions between sensory axons and neurons of the antennal lobe. In the present study, we have tested this hypothesis by using gamma-radiation to reduce the number of glial cells at a time when neurons of the antennal system are postmitotic but glomeruli have not yet developed. When glial numbers are severely reduced, the neuropil of the resulting lobe lacks glomeruli. Despite the presence of afferent axons, the irradiated lobe has many of the features of a lobe that developed in the absence of afferent axons. Our findings indicate that the glial cells must play a necessary role in the inductive influence of the afferent axons.
Ethnography as Empirical Strategy: Process, Networks, and Spontaneity

This paper proposes conducting ethnography as an empirical strategy rooted in the politics of daily life. I suggest that ethnographic methods are necessary to uncover the informal networks that underlie formal political institutions, the process of politics that demonstrate divergent political behaviors, and the spontaneity of decision-making that shifts institutional pathways. Contextualizing politics in the context of the everyday reflects the realities that shape public opinion, institutional development, and political behavior—crucial aspects of the political science discipline. This paper has two major objectives: 1) To theoretically ground ethnographic research in the concept of the everyday and the politics of daily life, and 2) To demonstrate how ethnography as empirical strategy can be used for political science research through a consistent and systematic investigation of the politics of daily life.
Lymphangiogenesis: Origin, Specification, and Cell Fate Determination

The two vascular systems of our body are the blood and the lymphatic vasculature. Our understanding of the genes and molecular mechanisms controlling the development of the lymphatic vasculature network has significantly improved. The availability of novel animal models and better imaging tools led to the identification of lymphatics in tissues and organs previously thought to be devoid of them. Similarly, the classical textbook list of established functional roles of the lymphatic system has been expanded by the addition of novel findings. In this review we provide a historical perspective of some of the important landmarks that opened the doors to researchers working in this field. We also summarize some of the current views about embryonic lymphangiogenesis, particularly about the source(s), commitment, and differentiation of lymphatic endothelial cells.
Listening to Their Words: A Qualitative Analysis of Integrative Medicine Group Visits in an Urban Underserved Medical Setting

Objective. Integrative Medicine Group Visits (IMGVs) are an 8-week outpatient medical group visit program for chronic pain patients combining mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), integrative medicine, and patient education. The authors conducted a qualitative study with IMGV participants to better understand the effects of IMGVs on patients’ health. Design. This qualitative study enrolled a convenience sample of 19 participants from the parent prospective observational cohort study of IMGVs (n = 65). All participants in the parent study were invited to participate. Setting. Boston Medical Center (BMC) is a private, not-for-profit, 496-bed, academic medical center and the largest safety net hospital in New England. Subjects. Individuals in this study had a diagnosis of chronic pain and/or one or more chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, depression, or metabolic syndrome), had attended ≥1 group visit, and their 8-week session had ended before completing the interview. Methods. The authors conducted individual semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed. Results. Participants cite gains from IMGVs including improved self-monitoring, self-regulation, and increased mindfulness. The group setting leads patients to feel “not alone” in their health conditions, gain a sense of perspective on their health, and share coping strategies in a supportive network. These improvements in physical and mental health improved clinical outcomes for participants including reductions in pain. Conclusions. Group visits and integrative medicine both offer some potential solutions in the treatment of chronic pain. Models such as IMGVs can help individuals living with chronic conditions, addressing their emotional and physical health needs.
Studies in the Sexuality of the Heterobasidiae

(1937). Studies in the Sexuality of the Heterobasidiae. Mycologia: Vol. 29, No. 5, pp. 626-649.
Gaze-Stabilizing Deficits and Latent Nystagmus in Monkeys With Brief, Early-Onset Visual Deprivation: Eye Movement Recordings

The normal development and the capacity to calibrate gaze-stabilizing systems may depend on normal vision during infancy. At the end of 1 yr of dark rearing, cats have gaze-stabilizing deficits sim...
An Experimental Study of the Gas-Phase Bond Energies and Structures of [c-C4H8S∴c-SC4H8]+, [c-C5H10S∴c-SC4H8]+, and [c-C5H10S∴c-SC5H10]+ and of Reactions of [c-C4H8S]+ and [c-C5H10S]+

Experimental gas-phase high-pressure equilibrium determinations of ΔHorxn and ΔSorxn for the reactions: c-C4H8S+ + c-C4H8S ⇌ [c-C4H8S∴c-SC4H8]+, c-C5H10S+ + c-SC4H8 ⇌ [c-C5H10S∴c-SC4H8]+ and c-C5H10S+ + c-SC5H10 ⇌ [c-C5H10S∴c-SC5H10]+ have been carried out. The product ions of these reactions are examples of species which may contain two-center three-electron (2c−3e) sulfur−sulfur bonds. The heats of reaction result in the following bond enthalpies for the 2c−3e bonded adducts: 115 kJ/mol for [c-C4H8S∴c-SC4H8]+, 108 kJ/mol for [c-C5H10S∴c-SC4H8]+, and 106 kJ/mol for [c-C5H10S∴c-SC5H10]+ while the entropies of reaction are −119, −109, and −112 J/mol K, respectively. Metastable and collision induced dissociation (CID) spectra provide experimental evidence of the atomic connectivity and of the 2c−3e bonds. Metastable cleavage of the S∴S 2c−3e bonds appear to occur with no reverse activation barriers and to result in small average kinetic energy releases. In the unsymmetric ion [c-C5H10S∴c-SC4H8]+, both ion...
Loss Of Caveolin-1 Expression Leads To Decreased Calcium Flux In Freshly Isolated Airway Smooth Muscle Cells

Rationale: Caveolin-1 (cav-1) is the marker protein of caveolae, which are a specialized subset of lipid rafts. Cav-1 is highly expressed within the lung in epithelial cells, endothelial cells, various immune cells, and airway smooth muscle (ASM). Caveolae are thought of as membrane platforms that can concentrate and organize signaling proteins, leading to more rapid and effective activation of the signaling cascade. Additionally, it has been shown that cav-1 directly participates in various signaling pathways. We have previously reported (Brown et al., Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., Apr 2009; 179: A5093) that the caveolin-1 deficient (cav-1) mice exposed to aerosolized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have decreased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine challenge as compared to wild-type (WT) mice. We also showed that this decrease does not directly correlate with the inflammatory response, as inflammatory cytokine and chemokine levels were increased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cav-1 mice compared to WT mice. The reduced AHR was instead attributed to decreased contraction of ASM observed in an ex vivo challenge of isolated bronchial rings. In order to investigate the mechanism behind this decreased contraction, we measured cholinergic agonist-induced calcium responses in freshly isolated ASM cells and muscarinic receptor expression in lungs from cav-1 mice and their littermate WT controls.
CHARACTERISTIC ANALYSIS OF IMPACT-RUBBING BETWEEN MOVABLE AND STATIONARY PARTS ON TURBO-GENERATOR SET

Combined with the data of impact-rubbing between movable and stationary parts occurred in operation process of one unit,the said data have been analysed by using MATLAB wavelet transformation function.Analysis of said data shows that the fundamental frequency signal and multiple frequency signal are existing in the rotor vibration signal whether in local impact-rubbing or in full arc impact-rubbing;in the wave shape of local impact-rubbing sudden changes have appeared,but in the waveshape of full arc impact-rubbing,sudden changes haven't appeared.
Behavior of Listeria monocytogenes in the Presence of Lactic Acid Bacteria in an Agitated Medium with Internal pH Control.

An agitated medium with internal pH control (IPCM-2) was inoculated to contain Listeria monocytogenes (strain V7, Scott A or California) at ca. 103 CFU/ml and Streptococcus cremoris (Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris) or Streptococcus lactis (Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis) at 0.25 or 1.0% The inoculated medium was incubated with shaking in a waterbath at 30°C for 30 h. L. monocytogenes and lactic acid bacteria were enumerated and pH was determined at appropriate intervals. The area on a figure between curves for the control and treatment and designated as the area of inhibition (AI) was calculated and used to quantify inhibition of each strain of L. monocytogenes for a particular set of conditions in IPCM-2. Statistical analysis of AI values calculated from data obtained at 6, 24, and 30 h of incubation revealed no significant (p < 0.05) difference in inhibition among the three strains of L. monocytogenes for each type of lactic streptococcus present. Streptococcus cremoris was significantly (0.01 < p < 0.05) more inhibitory to all three strains of L. monocytogenes than was S. lactis at 24 and 30 h of incubation. IPCM-2 is considered ready for use at a pH of 5.4 or less, which was reached between 12 and 15 h of incubation in samples containing 0.25 or 1.0% S. cremoris. Populations of L. monocytogenes in such samples were ca. 104 to 106 CFU/ml regardless of strain of Listeria or percentage of S. cremoris added as inoculum. In samples initially containing 0.25 or 1.0% S. lactis, pH 5.4 was not reached until after 18-24 h of incubation. At this point all three strains of L. monocytogenes had grown to ca. 105 CFU/ml regardless of percentage of S. lactis added as inoculum. Despite the inhibition seen, substantial numbers of the pathogen were present when the medium was ready for use.
Side-Scan Processing of GLORI-B and SeaBeam 2000

A new side-scan processing software package has been developed to postprocess data from the new GLORI-B system and SeaBeam 2000 side-scan data using preexisting techniques. We describe the procedures used to process the side-scan data collected during Legs 5, 6 and 7 of the Gloria Expedition in the spring of 1993. The procedures included minimizing artifacts and merging the two types of side-scan data together. The final mosaic shows recent widespread volcanic flows over large areas of the seafloor, unlike any other volcanic chain surveyed on the seafloor. The side-scan data were also very useful in dredging young rocks which are described in recently submitted geochemical manuscripts. The unique style of widespread low-lying young volcanism is attributed to the combination of superfast seafloor spreading and an underlying hotspot channel.