cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-Cell Mass Cytometry of Archived Human Epithelial Tissue for Decoding Cancer Signaling Pathways

The emerging phenomenon of cellular heterogeneity in tissue requires single-cell resolution studies. A specific challenge for suspension-based single-cell analysis is the preservation of intact cell states when single cells are isolated from tissue contexts, in order to enable downstream analyses to extract accurate, native information. We have developed DISSECT (Disaggregation for Intracellular Signaling in Single Epithelial Cells from Tissue) coupled to mass cytometry (CyTOF: Cytometry by Time-of-Flight), an experimental approach for profiling intact signaling states of single cells from epithelial tissue specimens. We have previously applied DISSECT-CyTOF to fresh mouse intestinal samples and to Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) human colorectal cancer specimens. Here, we present detailed protocols for each of these procedures, as well as a new method for applying DISSECT to cryopreserved tissue slices. We present example data for using DISSECT on a cryopreserved specimen of the human colon to profile its immune and epithelial composition. These techniques can be used for high-resolution studies for monitoring disease-related alternations in different cellular compartments using specimens stored in cryopreserved or FFPE tissue banks.
PGT-A in Poor, Normo- and Hyper-Responders

The number of embryos available for transfer is significantly lower in PGT-A than in regular IVF simply because of genetic selection. Our aim is to evaluate ovarian reserve and ovarian response in relation to the probability of finding at least one euploid embryo (POE), which is the main determinant for PGT-A success. Over a six-year period, 2011-2017, PGT-A cycles were retrospectively analyzed and 5952 blastocysts were biopsied and diagnosed either by aCGH or NGS. The POE per cycle and the euploidy rate (ER) per diagnosed embryos were evaluated according to maternal age and ovarian reserve as measured by Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH), day3 Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, and ovarian response as measured by the number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), metaphase II (MII) oocytes retrieved, top and good quality blastocyst (TQ+GQ) and biopsied blastocysts. According to a logistic regression analysis conducted to correlate maternal age and the ER per cycle, ER decreased by 1.9-fold with each additional year, whereas for POE, the same decline per cycle was around 0.8-fold in a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) (p In conclusion female age is the most significant predictor of euploidy rate.Euploidy rate does not directly correlate with the number of oocytes retrieved. POE decreases significantly with advancing maternal age. AMH level, d3 FSH levels, the number of COCs, MII oocytes and the number of TQ+GQ and biopsied blastocyst are the main variables affecting POE after adjustment for age indicating that ovarian reserve and response have a significant impact. These findings emphasize the importance of evaluating and counselling the patients for factors both negative and positive, which may affect the success of PGT.
Morphological Reduction of Dendritic Neurons

Computational models are important tools for determining dendritic properties and for understanding their functional roles. However, these models are limited by simulation time and storage requirements, particularly when modeling neuronal networks. We review reduced models of the neuron that accurately report the transmembrane potential at a few specified locations while retaining dendritic properties, including the spatial distribution of synaptic inputs throughout the dendritic tree. These models are rooted in two classes of methods from linear algebra: methods based on the singular value decomposition and moment-matching methods. The reduced models can be used to further elucidate dendritic function as they greatly reduce the computational cost associated with simulating networks of morphologically accurate neurons. We demonstrate this capability by simulating a network of hippocampal pyramidal cells and interneurons coupled through chemical synapses and electrical gap junctions.
Primary Cilia Exhibit Mechanosensitivity to Cyclic Tensile Strain and Lineage-Dependent Expression in Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

Non-motile primary cilia are dynamic cellular sensory structures and are expressed in adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). We have previously shown that primary cilia are involved in chemically-induced osteogenic differentiation of human ASC (hASCs) in vitro. Further, we have reported that 10% cyclic tensile strain (1 Hz, 4 hours/day) enhances hASC osteogenesis. We hypothesize that primary cilia respond to cyclic tensile strain in a lineage dependent manner and that their mechanosensitivity may regulate the dynamics of signaling pathways localized to the cilium. We found that hASC morphology, cilia length and cilia conformation varied in response to culture in complete growth, osteogenic differentiation, or adipogenic differentiation medium, with the longest cilia expressed in adipogenically differentiating cells. Further, we show that cyclic tensile strain both enhances osteogenic differentiation of hASCs while it suppresses adipogenic differentiation as evidenced by upregulation of RUNX2 gene expression and downregulation of PPARG and IGF-1, respectively. This study demonstrates that hASC primary cilia exhibit mechanosensitivity to cyclic tensile strain and lineage-dependent expression, which may in part regulate signaling pathways localized to the primary cilium during the differentiation process. We highlight the importance of the primary cilium structure in mechanosensing and lineage specification and surmise that this structure may be a novel target in manipulating hASC for in tissue engineering applications.
Safety of prolonged magnesium sulfate infusions during treatment for severe pediatric status asthmaticus.

Objective Magnesium sulfate (Mg) is one of several "second-tier" therapies for treating severe status asthmaticus. Pediatric reports primarily describe bolus use with limited data regarding prolonged infusions. We sought to describe the safety of prolonged Mg infusions during therapy of status asthmaticus in critically ill children. Design Single center, retrospective study. Setting Thirty-four-bed tertiary level medical/surgical/cardiac surgical pediatric intensive care unit. Patients Pediatric patients 2 to 18 years of age admitted with status asthmaticus receiving Mg infusion for more than 24 hours. Interventions None. Measurements and main findings A total of 154 children received Mg infusions for a median of 53.4 hours (interquartile range = 36.6-74.8). The most common adverse event (AE) was hypotension (48.1%), almost exclusively diastolic (94%), and was mostly limited to 1 blood pressure measurement (78%). 2.9% of events required intervention (fluids, decrease Mg infusion). Other AEs included nausea/emesis (22.7%), transient weakness (14.9%), and flushing (6.5%). Five patients experienced serious AEs including hypotonia (n = 1), escalation to continuous or bilevel positive airway pressure (n = 3), and sedation (n = 1), all attributed to progression of underlying medical disease. No patient required endotracheal intubation. Supratherapeutic levels (>6 mg/dL) were uncommon (2%) and were not more likely to be associated with AEs. Most (81%) patients were therapeutic by the 2nd Mg level check. Conclusion Prolonged Mg infusions were well tolerated in pediatric status asthmaticus patients. While diastolic hypotension was not uncommon, rarely were interventions deemed necessary. No serious AEs were attributed to Mg. Toxicity was uncommon suggesting that Mg levels could potentially be checked less frequently than historically reported.
Nuclear Matrix Elements for Allowed β Transitions

Nuclear matrix elements are evaluated for all allowed $\ensuremath{\beta}$ transitions in the strict $j\ensuremath{-}j$ coupling shell model, i.e., for states of lowest seniority. The wave functions for the ${j}^{N}$ configurations are obtained by algebraic means in the formalism of coefficients of fractional parentage. The matrix elements are given for the two assumptions, firstly that isotopic spin is a good quantum number, and secondly that the neutrons and are coupled separately to their lowest seniority states. The latter includes the case where the protons end in a $j=l+\frac{1}{2}$ shell, while the neutrons end in the $j=l\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}$ shell. A similar explicit form is given for the magnetic moments of the states of the ${j}^{N}$ configuration with seniority one.
Interactive Effects of White-Tailed Deer, an Invasive Shrub, and Exotic Earthworms on Leaf Litter Decomposition

Herbivore overabundance and species invasions could alter decomposition rates in temperate forests, with consequent effects on carbon sequestration, nutrient retention, and other ecosystem processes. At local scales, herbivores, invasive plants, and soil macroinvertebrates can be important drivers of decomposition, but interactive effects among these different groups are unknown. We tested for the effects of white-tailed deer, Amur honeysuckle, and earthworm activity (manipulated via mesh exclusion) on litter decomposition rates and loss of litter nitrogen (N) in five hardwood forest sites in southwestern Ohio. Each site consisted of a 20 × 20-m deer exclosure paired with a deer access plot; honeysuckle was removed from half of each plot. Effects of earthworm activity were tested using paired litter boxes of fine mesh (0.25 mm; earthworms excluded) or coarse mesh (10 mm; earthworm access). Restriction of earthworm activity in fine mesh treatments slowed litter decomposition and increased retention of N in the litter layer compared to coarse mesh. Deer access interacted with mesh treatments, with faster decomposition occurring in deer access, coarse mesh treatments relative to others. Greater earthworm biomass in deer access plots relative to deer exclosure plots corresponded with more rapid litter decomposition. Honeysuckle presence did not affect litter decomposition, but did increase litter N retention. The interactions between deer and earthworm activity indicate that reductions in deer populations may slow litter decomposition rates, increasing complexity of habitat structure at the soil surface, which relates to habitat for plants and animals.
Variation in phenolic profiles and antioxidant properties among medicinal and culinary herbs of the Lamiaceae family

Lamiaceae herbs are known for their ability to produce high concentrations of phenolic compounds and other antioxidants. In this study, the phenolic content and antioxidant properties of twenty-three Lamiaceae plants spanning ten different genera—including well known and less common cultivars—were determined and phenolic compounds were identified within these herbs. Phenolic production in plants is highly dependent on various environmental factors, so herbs were grown under identical conditions to minimize differences in chemical composition due to agronomic practices. Results showed statistical differences in the total phenolic contents, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) reducing capacities, and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant capacities among these culinary and medicinal herbs. Genus also significantly influenced phenolic concentrations and antioxidant properties. Thirteen phenolic compounds were identified within the plants including hydroxycinnamates, hydroxybenzoates, flavonoid glycosides, and tuberonic acid glucoside (a jasmonate). Hierarchical cluster analysis placed herbs in the Monarda genus in a single group that was characterized by high phenolic levels and strong antioxidant properties. Monarda plants are valued in traditional medicine based upon their healing properties, and our results suggest that these herbs are important candidates for further investigation.
In reply: Synthetic legal intoxicating drugs

Readers comment on synthetic legal intoxicating drugs (April 2012) and on the geriatric patient-centered medical home (May 2012).
De Fries–Fulker Analysis†

DeFries-Fulker (DF) analysis involves a series of models that provide traditional estimates of genetic and environmental parameters for individual differences on a trait, along with unique parameters specific to the etiology of extreme levels of a trait. These models are presented along with reference to a new model-fitting implementation of the DF approach. Keywords: De Fries-Fulker analysis; etiology of the extremes; model-fitting; regression
Doppler Signature Analysis of Mixed O/X-Mode Signals in Over-The-Horizon Radar

We analyze the Doppler signatures of local multi-path signals in an over-the-horizon radar in the presence of both ordinary (O) and extraordinary (X) polarization modes. As the ionospheric signal reflection for the two polarization modes varies from each other, the existing local multipath model developed for a single polarization mode must be extended to account for such a propagation environment. In this paper, we focus on the case with small delays between the signals corresponding to the two propagation modes. We exploit the multipath signal model considering the mixed O/X mode signals and analyze the variation in the resulting Doppler signatures. The analytical as well as numerical results show that the existence of both O/X polarization modes renders more signal components with close Doppler signatures. In the underlying situation with small delays between the two modes, the mixed O/X-mode signals corresponding to each local multipath signal component are unresolvable and yield time-varying fading magnitude. Accurate parameter estimation is still achieved using fractional Fourier transform over a longer coherent processing time.
Performance-weighted-voting model: An ensemble machine learning method for cancer type classification using whole-exome sequencing mutation.

With improvements in next-generation DNA sequencing technology, lower cost is needed to collect genetic data. More machine learning techniques can be used to help with cancer analysis and diagnosis. We developed an ensemble machine learning system named performance-weighted-voting model for cancer type classification in 6,249 samples across 14 cancer types. Our ensemble system consists of five weak classifiers (logistic regression, SVM, random forest, XGBoost and neural networks). We first used cross-validation to get the predicted results for the five classifiers. The weights of the five weak classifiers can be obtained based on their predictive performance by solving linear regression functions. The final predicted probability of the performance-weighted-voting model for a cancer type can be determined by the summation of each classifier’s weight multiplied by its predicted probability. Using the somatic mutation count of each gene as the input feature, the overall accuracy of the performance-weighted-voting model reached 71.46%, which was significantly higher than the five weak classifiers and two other ensemble models: the hard-voting model and the soft-voting model. In addition, by analyzing the predictive pattern of the performance-weighted-voting model, we found that in most cancer types, higher tumor mutational burden can improve overall accuracy. This study has important clinical significance for identifying the origin of cancer, especially for those where the primary cannot be determined. In addition, our model presents a good strategy for using ensemble systems for cancer type classification.
Taking Out the Immune Response

Since the discovery of Fas (Apo-1/CD95) and its ligand (FasL), the rapid and profound apoptosis triggered by this receptor has held the imagination of researchers in the areas of cell biology and immunology. Antibodies to Fas are potent inducers of apoptosis in many different cell types (Yonehara et al., 1989, Trauth et al., 1989, Owen-Schaub et al., 1992), and the mechanism of this effect is the subject of extensive research (and some controversy). This overview, however, will deal with a different aspect of Fas-mediated apoptosis: its role in the regulation of immune responses.
Why an Ancient Roman Philosophy Captured the Imaginations of Slaves & Kings—And How it Can Empower You

Philosophy is often dismissed as “too abstract.” Yet Stoicism is pragmatic. Practical. Its books constitute a series of self-help manuals—without the charlatan-like lure of instant change. When life gets tough, the advice of the Stoics—based on the lived experience of ancient people facing eternal problems—is there, readily accessible. Stoicism's immense healing power and rigorous philosophy helped it capture the imaginations of emperors and kings, and its advice remains just as relevant today.
Elevated serotonin coordinates mammary metabolism in dairy cows.

Serotonin plays a diverse role in maternal and mammary metabolism. Recent research in the dairy cow has shown a relationship between serotonin and calcium, with increased serotonin concentrations improving calcium homeostasis in the peri-partum dairy cow. Therefore, the objective was to elucidate how administration of 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan (5-HTP), the immediate precursor to serotonin, altered serotonin and calcium metabolism in lactating dairy cows. Twelve mid-late lactation multiparous cows were blocked by parity, production and days in milk and allocated to a daily intravenous infusion of (i) 1.5 mg/kg of 5-HTP (n = 6) or (ii) saline (n = 6) for 3 consecutive days. Milk samples were collected daily. Blood samples were collected before and after each infusion with mammary biopsies and blood samples collected at 48, 56, and 72 h relative to termination of first infusion. Infusion of 5-HTP increased (p = 0.001) circulating serotonin concentrations and decreased blood calcium via a transient hypocalcemia immediately after each infusion (p = 0.02). Treatment with 5-HTP increased milk calcium concentrations (p = 0.02) and calcium release-activated channel protein 1 (ORAI1) mRNA at 56 h and protein at 48 h relative to termination of first infusion (p = 0.008 and p = 0.09, respectively). Fifty-six hours from termination of the first infusion mRNA of parathyroid hormone-related protein and mammary serotonin content were increased relative to control (p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively). These findings demonstrate the ability of 5-HTP infusion to increase circulating serotonin concentrations and alter endocrine and mammary autocrine/paracrine calcium and serotonin metabolism in the lactating dairy cow.
The Cost of Inclusion: How Student Conformity Leads to Inequality on College Campuses: Silver, B. (2020). The cost of inclusion: How student conformity leads to inequality on college campuses. University of Chicago Press. 232 pp. $82.50 (cloth); $27.50 (paper).

While the pursuit of social inclusion among college students is generally seen as inherently good, Blake Silver called this axiom into question throughout his new book, The Cost of Inclusion: How S...
Access to Higher Education in New Mexico: Racial, Ethnic and Geographic Disparities

This chapter, written for a collected volume on Race in Rural America, assesses the intersections of race and ethnicity with rurality in relation to higher education access and attainment in the State of New Mexico. New Mexico is one of the nation’s most rural states and is home to a distinct population in terms of race and ethnicity: the greatest percentage Latinx/Hispanic population—right at half and growing fast—and the third smallest population of non-Hispanic whites among all states. Further, more than a tenth of New Mexicans identify as American Indian, the second greatest percentage among the states. The fifth most sparsely populated state in the nation, New Mexico struggles chronically with a lagging economy, high poverty and child poverty rates, and low educational attainment. Against that demographic and economic backdrop, the analysis in this chapter reveals disappointing educational attainment among Hispanic and American Indian students as measured against these groups’ proportion of the state’s broader population, but particularly in relation to New Mexico’s college-aged population. In other words, young Hispanics’ status as a majority does not appear to be a protective factor—or at least not a sufficiently protective one—when it comes to higher educational attainment. American Indian students struggle to an even greater degree, falling far behind both their non-Hispanic white and Hispanic counterparts. While rural residents’ education level consistently falls behind that of metropolitan residents, it is impossible to determine the extent to which this is due to a rural brain drain—the phenomenon of young people raised in rural areas who migrate to urban areas to obtain their college degrees and then stay, often because of better economic opportunities. Indeed, the data suggest bleak higher education outcomes for all low-income and rural residents, regardless of race or ethnicity. We attribute this in part to inadequate state funding of public higher education and to a mismatch between how that funding is currently spent, e.g., four-year institutions, merit-based student aid, and how it could be better spent to promote access and attainment for the most vulnerable students. We close the chapter with recommendations for policy makers seeking to achieve equity in education and thus also foster a brighter economic future for the entire state. We emphasize the need for the collection of more nuanced data so that the State of New Mexico can better understand trends and shift resources in ways that will make education access more equitable across race, ethnicity and geography.
Basic type dominance and its use in measure-modeled uncertainty in decision making

We introduce the concept of a fuzzy measure μ on a finite space X and discuss its use in providing information about the value of an uncertain variable V. Here, the measure of a subset A of X, μ(A), models the anticipation of finding the value of V in A. We are here in a situation in which the values in X are ordered and in particular, the problem is one of determining which of two measures on X can be considered as bigger. To address this problem, we make use of the idea of stochastic dominance from probability theory and generalize it to the concept of basic measure-based dominance. To define our concept of basic measure-based dominance, we introduce the idea of the dual of μ, denoted $$\hat{\mu }$$ , and note in this context $$\hat{\mu }$$ (A) models the anticipation of not finding the value of V in not A. We emphasize that both μ(A) and $$\hat{\mu }$$ (A) are getting at the same idea. We point out that only for a special class of measures, called self-dual are they exactly equal. Here, we use the average of μ(A) and $$\hat{\mu }$$ (A) to provide a formulation for our new concept basic measure-based dominance.
Chapter 8 Culture of Aorta

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the culture and function of organ-cultured artery. Mature tissues usually have difficulty in organ culture because of the ischemic conditions. The tissue matrix of mature explants in cultures can become altered, and fibroblast-like cells will proliferate from these explants and grow out as a monolayer on a glass or plastic surface. The whole vessel in culture has cells that have interactions with one another as well as interactions with connective tissue matrix. Stationary organ cultures were employed for the identification of cells that release cathepsin D into the extracellular matrix. With the use of this organ-culturing technique, a population of cells that secrete cathepsin D was identified in the atheromatous-like plaque and in the adventitia. In normal diet groups, injured and uninjured, there was no release of cathepsin D in the intima or medial wall, but there cathepsin D was released in the adventitia. In stationary cultures, vessel homogenates from cholesterol diet-injured animals maintained the same cathepsin D concentration after 6 days in culture. Organ cultures of scraped whole aorta may be the way to investigate cellular proliferation of smooth muscle cells from the medial wall into the intimal space in a controlled environment.
Teaching advanced problem solving: implications for the CS curriculum

In this paper, we discuss our experiences with an advanced problem solving seminar and ACM programming contests. These are both activities that require teams of students to solve problems that are more challenging than those typically encountered in computer science courses. After presenting some effective and not-so-effective strategies in these environments, we conclude the paper by taking our observations and applying them to the computer science curriculum as a whole. By casting a spotlight on the curriculum from this more advanced setting, we are able to identify some weaknesses that must be addressed. Because our curriculum is a fairly typical one, we hope that his analysis might help other universities and colleges reflect upon their curricula as well.
To 'Joy My Freedom: Southern Black Women's Lives and Labors After the Civil War

To 'Joy My Freedom: Southern Black Women's Lives and Labors After the Civil War. Tera W. Hunter. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1997. 311 pp. (Cloth US$29.95)
A Non-Iterative Algorithm for Estimating the Impulse Response of ISI Channels

A new non-iterative training algorithm is proposed for estimating the sampled impulse response of a multipath-fading intersymbol interference (ISI) channel during the training mode of an adaptive channel estimator. This training algorithm requires no multiplications or divisions, and is therefore very easy to implement using any DSP processor. In this paper, the training algorithm is applied to receivers that use sequence estimation techniques for combating the effects ofISI. The performance of the training algorithm is evaluated through software simulation studies as applied to a slightly modified version of the IS-54 digital cellular standard. These studies show that the new training algorithm has faster convergence than the LMS algorithm, and will result in a significantly lower bit error probability.
Cooperation and Competition among Frontal Eye Field Neurons during Visual Target Selection

The role of spike rate versus timing codes in visual target selection is unclear. We simultaneously recorded activity from multiple frontal eye field neurons and asked whether they interacted to select targets from distractors during visual search. When both neurons in a pair selected the target and had overlapping receptive fields (RFs), they cooperated more than when one or neither neuron in the pair selected the target, measured by positive spike timing correlations using joint peristimulus time histogram analysis. The amount of cooperation depended on the location of the search target: it was higher when the target was inside both neurons' RFs than when it was inside one RF but not the other, or outside both RFs. Elevated spike timing coincidences occurred at the time of attentional selection of the target as measured by average modulation of discharge rates. We observed competition among neurons with spatially non-overlapping RFs, measured by negative spike timing correlations. Thus, we provide evidence for dynamic and task-dependent cooperation and competition among frontal eye field neurons during visual target selection.
Permeability of Green Ceramic Tapes as a Function of Binder Loading

The permeability of green ceramic tapes was determined as a function of binder content for binder removed by air oxidation. The tapes were comprised of barium titanate as the dielectric, and polyvinyl butyral and dioctyl phthalate were the main components of the binder mixture. The flow in porous media through the tapes was analyzed in terms of models for describing Knudsen, slip, and Poiseuille flow mechanisms. The characteristic pore size was determined to be 1–2 μm, and thus Poiseuille flow was the dominant transport mechanism contributing to the flux. The permeability was then determined from Darcy's law for flow in porous media. The permeability was also determined from microstructural attributes in terms of the specific surface, the pore fraction, and a term to account for tortuosity and constrictions.
Fourier transform infrared assay of membrane lipids immobilized to silica: leaching and stability of immobilized artificial membrane-bonded phases.

A nondestructive, sensitive assay to monitor the hydrocarbon content of silica-based chromatography particles has been developed. The assay requires a microscope accessory interfaced with a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. For determining hydrocarbon content, undiluted alkyl-silica-bonded phases were pressed into a thin wafer. Hydrocarbon content was quantitated using the integrated hydrocarbon band intensity between 2995 and 2825 cm-1 [i.e., band area C-H] and the integrated silica oxide band intensity between 1945 and 1780 cm-1 [i.e., band area Si-O]. Plotting the [band area C-H]/[band area Si-O] ratio vs the carbon content determined by elemental analysis gave a correlation coefficient of r = 0.997. The FTIR assay was validated on 5-, 7-, and 12-microns silica particles using three different immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) silica-bonded phases. The utility of the FTIR assay in determining hydrocarbon content was demonstrated by evaluating hydrocarbon leaching from IAM phases exposed to mobile-phase solvents. The ability of organic solvents to leach hydrocarbon from IAM phases containing phosphatidylcholine (PC) as the immobilized ligand was chloroform greater than ethanol approximately methanol greater than ethyl acetate greater than methylene chloride greater than acetonitrile greater than acetone. Acetone and acetonitrile cause very little hydrocarbon leaching from HPLC-IAM.PC columns. When challenged with different mobile phases, IAM.PC columns perfused with mobile phase are more stable than IAM.PC-bonded phases stirred in mobile phases. IAM.PC contains lecithin linked to silica by amide bonds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Factors affecting support for Puget Sound Marine Protected Areas

Abstract Previous studies suggest that collaboration between management agencies and the public has the potential to increase the legitimacy of Marine Protected Area (MPA) establishment processes, thereby leading to increased support for MPAs. A social survey was conducted in communities near seven Puget Sound MPAs to examine relationships between indicators of participatory democracy and process legitimacy, as well as respondents’ stated support for MPAs. Results show that, in addition to the effect of process variables, significant predictors of support include environmental beliefs, perceptions of ecological success of MPAs, and demographic variables. Taken together, these variables explain almost 70% of the variance in stated MPA support.
The relationship of glucagon and insulin to sequential changes in metabolic fuel utilization in shock

Abstract Previous studies in the dog have demonstrated significant alterations in the mobilization of metabolic fuel during shock. In particular, mobilization of depot fat is markedly depressed. The present study examines the sequential utilization of nonlipid fuels over a 24-hr shock period. Metabolic rates were unchanged from controls. Skeletal muscle glycogen fell exponentially from 7.0 ± 0.5 to 2.7 ± 0.2 mg/g ( P P 2 production fell from 70% in early shock to 42% in the final 12 hr of the 24-hr shock period. This compares to 23% in controls. Protein catabolism alone accounted for an average of 32% of CO 2 production in shock. While insulin levels rose slightly in early shock and then fell, glucagon rose rapidly in the first 5 hr of shock and then remained significantly and constantly elevated throughout the entire shock period. The insulin-glucagon molar ratio remained in the severely catabolic range throughout.
Nuclear Structure and the Microdistribution of Radiation Damage in DNA

Evidence for the roles of proteins and metal ions in the microheterogeneity of DNA damage is reviewed. Decondensation of chromatin in hypotonic buffers markedly sensitizes the DNA to radiation, while treatment of nuclei with hypertonic buffers strips the DNA of histones and other nuclear proteins and enhances the radiosensitivity of the DNA with respect to double-strand break (dsb) formation. Addition of the radical scavenger DMSO reduces the yield of strand breaks, but dehistonized chromatin remains ∼ 2·5 times more sensitive to radiation than does native chromatin at 0·1M DMSO. DNA—protein crosslink (DPC) formation is relatively unaffected by the removal of the majority of histones from chromatin. Most DPC form at or near the nuclear matrix, and matrix is stabilized and radiosensitized by Cu++. To elucidate the role of Cu++, the induction of dsb and DPC by γ-radiation has been compared with that by hydroxyl radical from Fe++-EDTA, or Cu++ catalysed Fenton reactions. Data comparing the size of DNA fragme...
Stresses in a bonded wafer

Several theoretical and experimental analyses of the stresses on the bonded interface of a loaded or heated bimaterial structure are reported. The results extend previous studies and illustrate the difficulties and limitations of stress analysis of a bonded interface.
Pathologic findings in a patient with a vein of Galen aneurysm treated by staged endovascular embolization

Vein of Galen aneurysms are uncommon malformations that can be treated with a combination of endovascular embolization and surgery. Since the relevant techniques are new and innovative, their pathologic sequelae are not yet well described. A patient treated with staged embolization over a 15-month period developed evidence of cerebral venous hypertension on angiography. At necropsy, we observed marked myointimal proliferation of the aneurysm wall, dura, and cerebral vessels in addition to severe widespread encephalomalacia, calcinosis, and rare mural thrombi. These vascular changes have not been previously described in cases of vein of Galen aneurysm, and may, in part, be a consequence of embolization therapy.
Effects of Air Temperature and Fertilizer Nitrogen on Spike Development in Spring Barley

Spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain yield levels are determined in part by kernel numbers per spike. Planting dates affects grain yields, in part, because of variation in air temperature; hence, there is a need to understand the effects of air temperature during initiation and development of the barley spike. The objectives of this study were to determined the effects of air temperature on the plant development stage, duration of apex differentiation, and number of spikelets per spike (...)
SCHEDULING PROJECTS WITH STOCHASTIC ACTIVITY DURATION TO MAXIMIZE EXPECTED NET PRESENT VALUE

Abstract Although uncertainty is rife in many project management contexts, little is known about adaptively optimizing project schedules. We formulate the problem of adaptively optimizing the expected present value of a project’s cash flow, and we show that it is practical to perform the optimization. The formulation includes randomness in activity durations, costs, and revenues, so the optimization leads to a recursion with a large state space even if the durations are exponentially distributed. We present an algorithm that partially exercises the “curse of dimensionality” as computational results demonstrate. Most of the paper is restricted to exponentially distributed task durations, but we sketch the adaptation of the algorithm to approximate any probability distribution of task duration.
The ballistocardiogram as a predictor of myocardial infarction.

Abstract 1. (1) The ballistocardiogram may be the only abnormal finding in persons who later develop myocardial infarctions. However, especially in younger persons, it may be normal both before and after an infarction. 2. (2) Factors other than coronary disease may be important in the genesis of an abnormal ballistocardiogram. Lack of exercise and tension or fatigue are among these factors. 3. (3) Considerable further work will have to be done to evaluate the role of the ballistocardiogram as a predictor of infarction in the absence of other signs of coronary disease. Comparisons with blood lipid levels will be of interest.
Formation mechanisms of laboratory double layers in triple plasma devices.

The evolution processes of double-layers have been studied in a series of laboratory experiments using a triple plasma device. It was found that the existence of virtual cathode type potential wells at the electron injection boundary was the dominant triggering mechanism. The rapid growth of the potential well led to collisionless ion trapping and the establishment of the necessary trapped ion population. For double layers with small potential drops, collisionless ion trapping actually induced ion–ion streaming instabilities and the formation of ion phase-space vortices. In this regime, the system often exhibited relaxation type oscillations which corresponded to the disruption and the recovery of the double layers.
The Relation between Mothers' Hostile Attribution Tendencies and Children's Externalizing Behavior Problems: The Mediating Role of Mothers' Harsh Discipline Practices

This study examined relations among mothers' hostile attribution tendencies regarding their children's ambiguous problem behaviors, mothers' harsh discipline practices, and children's externalizing behavior problems. A community sample of 277 families (19% minority representation) living in three geographic regions of the United States was followed for over 4 years. Mothers' hostile attribution tendencies were assessed during the summer prior to children's entry into kindergarten through their responses to written vignettes. Mothers' harsh discipline practices were assessed concurrently through ratings by interviewers and reports by spouses. Children's externalizing behavior problems were assessed concurrently through written questionnaires by mothers and fathers and in the spring of kindergarten and first, second, and third grades through reports by teachers and peer sociometric nominations. Results of structural equations models demonstrated that mothers' hostile attribution tendencies predicted children's future externalizing behavior problems at school and that a large proportion of this relation was mediated by mothers' harsh discipline practices. These results remained virtually unchanged when controlling for initial levels of children's prekindergarten externalizing behavior problems at home.
Comment: Nickel-associated delayed cerebral hypersensitivity- Recognition is key.

This report of a 60-year-old woman describes an initially uncomplicated coiling of an asymptomatic terminal internal carotid artery aneurysm via endovascular approach.1 A nickel-titanium guide wire was used to assist placement of platinum coils. In subsequent weeks, she developed recurrent symptoms in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery/anteriorcerebral artery territories, each time associated with multifocal, nonrestricting, T2-hyperintense lesions on MRI. Complete evaluation found no intra-aneurysmal thrombus, CNS emboli, CNS infection, or seizure. After the second event, the patient received steroids, markedly improving her symptoms and resolving her MRI lesions. Skin patch testing revealed strong reactivity to nickel but not to the balloon material.
TRANSFER BETWEEN VARIANTS OF QUANTITATIVE ITEMS

This study investigated the transfer of solution strategies between close variants of quantitative reasoning questions. Pre- and posttests were obtained from 406 college undergraduates, all of whom took the same posttest; pretests varied such that one group of participants saw close variants of one set of posttest items while other groups saw close variants of other sets. Some participants also saw items that looked similar to some posttest questions but were mathematically different. Between pre- and posttests, some participants viewed solution rationales explaining their incorrect answers. Students at all ability levels performed better on close variants, suggesting there was some positive transfer, but the presence of appearance variants interfered with this transfer. This study suggests an important first step toward understanding how tests and item vats can be designed to capitalize on the extent to which students set up test-taking strategies.
Development of Taylor−Couette flow on an intermediate timescale

We study the growth and decay of Taylor vortices on a timescale that is sufficiently slow to allow analysis by perturbation methods, but which is sufficiently fast to exclude the quasi-steady theory as an approximation. The time-dependent behaviour of the base flow and the Taylor vortices is studied by means of matched series for the amplitude, both for increasing and decreasing Reynolds numbers, and detailed results are presented for the case when the radius ratio equals 0.951.
Role of zirconia addition in pore development and grain growth in alumina compacts

The role of 12.4 vol% ZrO{sub 2} addition in the microstructure evolution of alumina compacts during the intermediate and final stages of sintering was investigated by means of small-angle neutron scattering measurements and stereological analysis. Both the pore-size evolution results and the grain-growth data indicate a narrowly defined onset density for the transition to the final sintering stage. The presence of ZrO{sub 2} as a second phase apparently maintains the stability of the intermediate sintering stage out to significantly higher density than in single-phase alumina and plays an important role in inhibiting grain growth and in preventing pore-grain boundary separation. The influence of the ZrO{sub 2} second phase on pore evolution, grain growth, and sinterability of the alumina-zirconia composite is discussed and compared to the behavior of single-phase alumina. The samples were prepared from commercially available powders, with naturally occurring porosity distributions, rather than from artifact (model) pore compacts prepared from nominally pure research-grade materials. The goal was to gain an improved understanding of microstructure development in real materials. (c) 1999 Materials Research Society.
Character Values Congruence and Person-Organization Fit in Student Affairs: Compatibility Between Administrators and the Institutions That Employ Them

This study examined the frequency of selected character values deemed important for work in student affairs administration by 953 members of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. Demographic characteristics of gender, graduate curriculum, institutional type and functional area of employment were examined to determine the level of congruence for the purposes of studying person-organization fit.
Phosphorylation of α-crystallin B in Alexander's disease brain

The phosphorylation of α-crystallin B was studied in homogenates of autopsy samples of brain tissue from patients with Alexander's disease, a condition characterized by over-expression of this protein. After incubation in the presence of [γ-32P]ATP and cAMP the homogenates were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis, (isoelectric focusing followed by SDS-PAGE). Three major polypeptides having the same molecular weight as bovine lens α-crystallin B and pIs 7.1, 6.9 and 6.7 were detected in the Coomassie blue stained gels. These three polypeptides were recognized by an α-crystallin B-specific antiserum in Western blots. The polypeptides with pIs 7.1 and 6.7 co-migrated in isoelectric focusing gels with bovine lens αB and its phosphorylated form αBp, respectively. Radioautography of the two-dimensional gels demonstrated the presence of 32P in the most acidic polypeptide. The results demonstrate the occurrence of αB phosphorylation in Alexander's disease brain tissue.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development: The Quest for Green Communities, Part I

This is the first of two commentaries that explore the role of local governments in mitigating and adapting to climate change through sustainable development strategies. They focus on the significant authority to regulate land use and building construction that is delegated to local governments by their states, and how that authority can be coordinated with the roles and responsibilities of state and federal governments to manage climate change and achieve sustainable development.
Melt-crystallized nylon-6 nucleated by the constrained chains of its non-stoichiometric cyclodextrin inclusion compounds and the nylon-6 coalesced from them

Abstract Non-covalently bonded crystalline inclusion compounds (ICs) have been formed by threading host cyclic starches, cyclodextrins (CDs), onto guest nylon-6 (N-6) chains. When excess N-6 is employed, non-stoichiometric (n-s)-N-6-CD-ICs, with partially uncovered and “dangling” N-6 chains, result. While the host crystalline CD lattice is stable to ∼300 °C, the uncovered, yet constrained, portions of the N-6 chains emanating from the CD-IC surfaces may crystallize below, or be molten above ∼225 °C, and confer upon them shape-memory. When heated between the Tm of N-6 and the decomposition temperature of the (n-s)-N-6-CD-IC, they may be deformed into a new shape, which is retained following a rapid quench below Tm. When this newly-shaped sample is heated above the Tm of the un-included and crystalline portions of N-6, it reverts back to its original shape in response to the constraining CD-IC crystals. When added at low concentrations, the non-toxic (n-s)-N-6-CD-ICs serve as effective nucleating agents for the bulk crystallization of N-6 from the melt. This is a consequence of the ability of the N-6 chains protruding from their (n-s)-CD-ICs to crystallize more rapidly and at higher temperatures than bulk N-6 chains when their molten mixture is cooled, thereby providing finely dispersed crystalline nuclei for the subsequent crystallization of the bulk N-6 chains. Melt-crystallized N-6 nucleated with (n-s)-N-6-CD-ICs have finer grained more homogeneous morphologies than un-nucleated N-6 samples. Furthermore, N-6s coalesced from their CD-ICs by appropriate removal of the host CD are also found to effectively nucleate the melt-crystallization of bulk N-6, even after long periods of annealing above the Tm of N-6. N-6 coalesced from stoichiometric CD-ICs, with full N-6 coverage, and from (n-s)-N-6-CD-ICs, with only partial N-6 coverage, show very similar crystallization behaviors and both are effective as nucleants, and this is reflected by their higher densities and improved mechanical properties.
Fuzzy complex numbers

Abstract This paper first defines fuzzy complex numbers and shows closure under the basic arithmetic operations. It is shown that arithmetic of fuzzy complex numbers may be performed in terms of α-cuts. Next two special types of fuzzy complex numbers based on the forms z = x + iy and z = re i γ for regular complex numbers are investigated. Introducing a metric on the space of fuzzy complex numbers then allows us to discuss continuity and differentiability of fuzzy complex functions.
A Plug-In Framework for Modeling Plant Growth

Modeling plant growth is a hot topic in computer graphics and agronomic communities, with the goal to understand the biological processes involved in the function and growth of plants. Several models and software tools have been developed by researchers from different areas for this aim, but due to the different goals and background of the research teams, these models have been developed in different programming languages at a given scale. Lack of interoperability and reusability are two common problems among these models. In this paper, we present a flexible plug-in based software framework designed to facilitate the integration, reusability and interoperability of heterogeneous models and techniques from different research teams in plant modeling communities. This framework consists of: (a) a plug-in based framework that allows for the dynamic management and composition of software plug-ins; (b) a complete set of 3D-geometric components for modeling and visualization, includes primitives like spheres, cones and boxes, height fields, lights and spline/NURBS surfaces; and (c) a graphical designing environment for enhancing the use of plant models and for rapid prototyping. The experimental examples will demonstrate that the proposed framework is useful for plant growth simulation.