cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mariana blueschist mud volcanism: Implications for conditions within the subduction zone

Several recently discovered active mud volcanoes on the nonaccretionary Mariana convergent plate margin are erupting slab-derived fluids, serpentine mud, and metamorphosed rocks from depths of as great as 25 km. Blueschist materials from the metamorphosed subducted plate are contained in the muds. Pore fluids indicate a depth dependence for decarbonation. The mud volcanoes record in situ conditions along the decollement, including pressure and temperature conditions and physical properties within the subduction zone. Similar mud-flow material occurs worldwide as “sedimentary serpentinite” deposits in accreted fragments of former convergent margins, making this kind of mud volcanism a more important phenomenon in convergent margins than previously recognized.
Sex differences in XIAP cleavage after traumatic brain injury in the rat.

Abstract Sex influences histological and behavioral outcomes following traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the underlying sex-dependent pathomechanisms regulating outcome measures remain poorly defined. Here, we investigated the TBI-induced regulation of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) that, in addition to suppressing cell death by inhibition of caspases, is involved in signaling cascades, including immune regulation and cell migration. Since estrogen has been shown to have anti-apoptotic properties, we specifically examined sex differences and the influence of estrogen on XIAP processing after TBI. Sprague–Dawley male (TBI-M), female (TBI-F), ovariectomized female (TBI-OVX) and ovariectomized females supplemented with estrogen (TBI-OVX + EST) were subjected to moderate (1.7–2.2 atm) fluid percussion (FP) injury. Animals were sacrificed 24 h after FP injury; cortical tissue (ipsilateral and contralateral) was dissected and analyzed for XIAP processing by immunoblot analysis ( n = 6–7/group) or confocal microscopy ( n = 2–3/group). Significant differences in XIAP cleavage products in the ipsilateral cortex were found between groups ( p p
Formation of a pseudogap in the 2D symmetric Anderson lattice model

Abstract We calculate the spin susceptibility and self-energy for the 2D symmetric Anderson lattice model in a conserving approximation. The susceptibility rises with decreasing temperature to reach a maximum and then drops abruptly, and the density of states shows a crossover from metallic behavior at high temperatures to insulating behavior at low temperatures.
Tissue distribution of S-sulfonate metabolites following exposure to sulfur dioxide

S-Sulfonate compounds (RS-SO/sup -//sub 3/), metabolites of sulfur dioxide (SO/sub 2/), were formed, presumably by the sulfitolysis of disulfide bonds, in the tracheas of male New Zealand White rabbits exposed continuously to either 10 ppM SO/sub 2/ for 1 to 72 h or to 3 ppM SO/sub 2/ for 3 to 24 h. An apparent equilibrium between inhaled SO/sub 2/ and tracheal wall RS-SO/sup -//sub 3/ concentration was established after 3 h resulting in 53 and 107 nmoles/gm dry wt of trachea for 3 and 10 ppM SO/sub 2/ respectively, the latter RS-SO/sup -//sub 3/ concentration representing an approximately seven-fold increase above endogenous levels. S-Sulfonates were formed in the soft membranous tissues of the walls, the underlying connective tissue support, and in the mucus of exposed rabbits. Exposures longer than 24 h caused a gradual rise in tracheal wall RS-SO/sup -//sub 3/ concentration which we ascribed to increased mucus production. The toxicological implications of sulfitolysis of disulfide bonds in tracheal mucus are discussed. S-Sulfonate metabolites were also formed in the plasma during inhalation of 10 ppM SO/sub 2/, thereby providing evidence for its absorption into the blood. There was, however, minimal RS-SO/sup -//sub 3/ formation in the distal parenchymatous tissuemore » of the posterior lung lobes and no evidence of exogenous RS-SO/sup -//sub 3/ in the descending aorta in spite of a high concentration of sulfite-reactive disulfide bonds at both sites. We interpreted these results as reflecting the relative concentrations of sulfite at these sites during SO/sub 2/ inhalation and concluded that, with the possible exception of the lower lung, there was no evidence for the transport of sulfite to tissues removed from the site of SO/sub 2/ absorption.« less
Mathematical analysis of the asymptotic behavior of the leslie population matrix model

Let L be a Leslie population matrix. Leslie (1945) and others have shown that the matrix L has a leading positive eigenvalue λ0 and that in general: lim ⁡ t → ∞ L t X λ 0 t = γ X λ 0 , ( 1 ) where X λ 0 is an eigenvector corresponding to λ0, X is any initial population vector, and γ is a scalar quantity determined by X. In this article we generalize (1) exhaustively by removing the mild restrictions on the fertility rates which most writers impose. The result is an oscillatory limit of a kind first noted by Bernardelli (1941) and Lewis (1942) and described by Bernardelli as “population waves”. We calculate in terms of λ0 and the entries of the matrix L the values of this oscillatory limit as well as its time-independent average over one period. This calculation includes as its leading special case the result of (1), confirming incidentally that γ is non-zero. To stabilize a population, the matrix L must be adjusted so that λ0 = 1. The limits calculated for the oscillatory and non-oscillatory cases then have maximum significance since they represent the limiting population vectors. We discuss a simple scheme for accomplishing stabilization which yields as a byproduct an easily accessible scalar measure of L's tendency to promote population growth. The reciprocal of this measure is the familiar net reproduction rate.
Modulation of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels in Drosophila by a cAMP-mediated pathway.

Drosophila has proved to be a valuable system for studying the structure and function of ion channels. However, relatively little is known about the regulation of ion channels, particularly that of Ca2+ channels, in Drosophila. Physiological and pharmacological differences between invertebrate and mammalian L-type Ca2+ channels raise questions on the extent of conservation of Ca2+ channel modulatory pathways. We have examined the role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) cascade in modulating the dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive Ca2+ channels in the larval muscles of Drosophila, using mutations and drugs that disrupt specific steps in this pathway. The L-type (DHP-sensitive) Ca2+ channel current was increased in the dunce mutants, which have high cAMP concentration owing to cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) disruption. The current was decreased in the rutabaga mutants, where adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity is altered thereby decreasing the cAMP concentration. The dunce effect was mimicked by 8-Br-cAMP, a cAMP analog, and IBMX, a PDE inhibitor. The rutabaga effect was rescued by forskolin, an AC activator. H-89, an inhibitor of protein kinase-A (PKA), reduced the current and inhibited the effect of 8-Br-cAMP. The data suggest modulation of L-type Ca2+ channels of Drosophila via a cAMP-PKA mediated pathway. While there are differences in L-type channels, as well as in components of cAMP cascade, between Drosophila and vertebrates, main features of the modulatory pathway have been conserved. The data also raise questions on the likely role of DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channel modulation in synaptic plasticity, and learning and memory, processes disrupted by the dnc and the rut mutations. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 39: 491–500, 1999
A wavelet-Galerkin method for simulating the Doi model with orientation-dependent rotational diffusivity

Abstract A numerical method based on wavelet approximations is developed to solve the diffusion equations that arise from kinetic theory models of polymer dynamics and for coupling with continuum calculations for simulating complex flows of polymer solutions. The dynamics of a liquid crystalline polymer solution in a simple, homogeneous shear flow is computed by using the Doi model with orientational-dependent rotational diffusivity as a function of Deborah number, De, and different initial conditions. Stochastic methods were previously used for computing this flow, and aperiodic behavior was found at high De. Calculations with the wavelet-Galerkin method demonstrate a stable limit cycle in the same parameter regime. The existence of the time-periodic solution is traced to a supercritical Hopf bifurcation at De=De Hopf ; the value of De Hopf scales with ( U − U c ) α , where U is the strength of the intermolecular potential. The exponent in this correlation, α , depends on the form of the mean-field intermolecular potential and can be used to characterize the anisotropic environment experienced by the polymer molecules.
Ras Isoform-Specific Signaling: Location, Location, Location

The proteins that compose the Ras family of small guanosine triphosphatases share a remarkably high degree of sequence similarity, yet recent evidence indicates that they may have unique biological properties. How is it that similar proteins carry out different jobs in the cell? Wolfman addresses this question by surveying recent reports that indicate that different biological roles may be born out of distinct subcellular localizations of the Ras proteins. It appears that the small differences in their amino acid sequences and their different posttranslational modifications may be all that is necessary to direct various Ras proteins to different sites.
Morphometric approaches for evaluating pulmonary toxicity in mammals: Implications for risk assessment

Recent advances in quantitative morphology provide all the tools necessary to obtain structural information in the lung that can be quantified and interpreted in the three-dimensional world of toxicology. Structural hierarchies of conducting airways and parenchyma of the lung provide: (1) numbers of cells per airway, lobe, or lung; (2) surface areas of cells, airways, and alveoli; (3) length of airways and vessels; and (4) volumes of cells, alveoli, airways, vessels, and individual lobes or the entire lung. Unbiased sampling of these subcompartments of the lung requires fractionation of lobes or individual airways. Individual airways of proximal and distal generations are obtained by airway microdissection along one axial pathway and comparisons made between airway generations. Vertical sections of selected airways are used to sample epithelium and interstitium. Using this unbiased approach of quantitative morphology, we have shown that inhalation of low ambient concentrations of ozone ([O3]0.15 ppm) near or at the United States National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) (0.12 ppm O3) induces significant alterations in bronchiolar epithelium and interstitium in nonhuman primates but not rats. The alterations do not appear to be concentration- or time-dependent, thereby bringing into question the current NAAQS that may be at or above the threshold for distal airway injury in primates. Unbiased morphometric methods are critical in a quantitative evaluation of toxicological injury of mammalian tracheobronchial airways.
The cyclic fatigue of high-performance fibers

High-performance fibers are virtually ubiquitous in our everyday lives. In a variety of structural applications, fibers and fiber-reinforced composites are subjected to cyclic mechanical loading. This paper reviews the fatigue behavior of some common high-performance fibers such as polymer, metal, and ceramic fibers. Fatigue mechanisms unique to each type of fiber are identified and a description of fatigue damage and fracture is provided.
Creating Musculoskeletal Programs for Culturally Diverse, Underserved Communities: A Community-Based Participatory Research Survey:

Background Arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases are the most prevalent health conditions in the USA, causing enormous financial and social burdens, especially in underserved communities. Targeted care and prevention programs are urgently needed.
FMRFamide-like activity in the ganglia and in a single identified neurone of Helix aspersa.

Abstract 1. Extracts of cell F1, the largest neurone in the right parietal ganglion, contain FMRFamide-like activity when assayed on the radula protractor muscle of Busycon contrarium . 2. The activity, in terms of FMRFamide equivalents, varied from 1 to 7 pmol/cell. The neurones of recently aestivating snails had about twice the activity of cells from continually nonaestivating animals. 3. The active substance from F1 had a higher R f value (0.83) on thin-layer chromatograms than authentic FMRFamide (0.75). 4. Extracts of pooled ganglia contain FMRFamide-like activity that coelutes with authentic FMRFamide on Sephadex G-15 columns, but that separates from authentic FMRFamide during cation-exchange chromatography. This activity has a slightly higher R f value (0.82) than FMRFamide on cellulose thin-layer chromatograms. 5. The FMRFamide-like factor in the giant cell F1 is probably the same as that found in whole brain extracts. Both substances are peptide analogues of FMRFamide, probably with some modifications at the N -terminal.
Selected Predictors of Health Services Needs of Inmates Over Age 50

The purpose of this study was to correlate the characteristics of 1,051 elderly inmates (those over 50 years of age) in the Federal Bureau of Prisons with the number of medical encounters for selec...
Horseradish peroxidase histochemistry: a new method for tracing efferent projections in the central nervous system.

Abstract A new method for tracing connections in the central nervous system is described. Horseradish peroxidase is injected into the area of interest where it is taken up by cell bodies and dendrites and transported to their axons and terminals. The enzyme is then demonstrated histochemically, revealing the efferent connections of the injected area. The method has several advantages with regard to existing techniques: it is reliable, simple to perform, and requires very little time. Furthermore, the technique can be used for both light and electron microscopic analyses. In some cases the terminalis of labeled axons failed to stain indicating that in its present from the method may not be appropriate for use in all brain systems.
Magnetooptical characterization of multilayers by incident-angle analysis

A method for the accurate determination of the complex magnetooptic constant of magnetic films is described. The technique uses a computer-driven system that measures reflectance and Kerr rotation as functions of incident angle and polarization. Least-squares-type algorithms are used to extract the normal optical constants (n and k) and the complex magnetooptic constant (q). Results on two multilayer magnetic films with different magnetization anisotropies (in-plane and perpendicular) are presented. >
Manipulating market shares: The indirect effects of voluntary import expansions (VIEs)

Abstract Oligopolists have incentives to distort their output decisions if they perceive that market-shares differences across national markets can be used as evidence of the existence of implicit trade barriers and the need for results-oriented policies, such as VIEs. This distortion constitutes an important indirect effect of adopting VIEs as policy options. This effect exists even if negotiations over VIEs fail to produce an agreement, as has happened recently. By considering both direct and indirect effects, I show that adopting VIEs as trade policy instruments may produce unintended effects such as hurting the firm petitioning for assistance or facilitating collusive outcomes.
Ozone exposure, adaptation, and changes in lung elasticity.

Abstract In rabbits, the left lung (LL) was compressed by a unilateral pneumothorax to prevent ventilation while the right lung (RL) was exposed to ozone (O 3 ) (2 ± 0.2 or 5± 0.4 ppm) for 3 hr. Following the exposure, the LL was reexpanded. One week later the lungs were exposed bilaterally to higher concentrations of O 3 (16 ± 2.2 or 19 ± 0.4 ppm) for 3 hr. The animals were then killed and the two lungs were excised, weighed, and subjected to volume/pressure measurements. The previously exposed RL was found to be less edematous, but also less distensible than the paired LL. In addition, the LL showed increases in wet and dry weights below what would be expected from its single direct exposure to O 3 . The findings indicate that while the reduction in edema formation associated with adaptation or tolerance to O 3 occurs mostly on a local basis, a part of the tissue response of the respiratory system to O 3 , as evidenced by the changes in weight of the LL, may be mediated systemically. The possible relation between the reduction in edema formation and altered distensibility of the RL is discussed.
Cross-Layer Modeling and Simulation of Circuit Reliability

Integrated circuit design in the late CMOS era is challenged by the ever-increasing variability and reliability issues. The situation is further compounded by real-time uncertainties in workload and ambient conditions, which dynamically influence the degradation rate. To improve design predictability and guarantee system lifetime, accurate modeling, and simulation tools for reliability are essential to both digital and analog circuits. This paper presents cross-layer solutions for emerging reliability threats, including: 1) device-level modeling of reliability mechanisms, such as transistor aging and its statistical behavior; 2) circuit-level long-term aging models that capture unique operation patterns in digital and analog design, and directly predict the degradation; and 3) simulation methods for very-large-scale designs. Built on the long-term model, the new methods significantly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of reliability analysis. As validated by silicon data, these solutions close the gap between the underlying reliability physics and circuit/system design for resilience.
Screening for Primary Aldosteronism in Essential Hypertension: Diagnostic Accuracy of the Ratio of Plasma Aldosterone Concentration to Plasma Renin Activity

Background: The ratio of plasma aldosterone concentration to plasma renin activity (PRA) is considered the screening test of choice for primary aldosteronism. Uncertainty exists, however, regarding its diagnostic accuracy and the effects of antihypertensive drugs and dietary sodium balance on test characteristics. Methods: We measured PRA and aldosterone in 118 white adults [71 men and 47 women; mean (SD) age, 51 (7) years] with previously diagnosed essential hypertension. Measurements were made while individuals were on antihypertensive drug therapy, after a 2-week drug-free period, after 4 days of dietary sodium loading, and after acute furosemide diuresis. We measured 24-h urine aldosterone excretion and PRA on the 4th day of dietary sodium loading to establish the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. ROC curves were constructed for ratios measured under each clinical condition, and likelihood ratios were determined for individuals on or off antihypertensive drug therapy. Results: Fifteen patients [13%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 7–20%] met the reference standard for primary aldosteronism. The mean (SD) areas under the ROC curves did not differ significantly across conditions of measurement [range, 0.80 (0.10) to 0.85 (0.04); P = 0.72]. When measured on and off antihypertensive drug therapy, the 95% CIs for the optimum cutpoint for the ratio overlapped. Point estimates of sensitivity on and off therapy were 73% (95% CI, 50–96%) and 87% (70–100%), respectively, and specificities were 74% (65–83%) and 75% (66–84%). Under either condition, increased ratios were associated with 2.4- to 13-fold increases of posttest odds above pretest odds. Conclusions: The aldosterone:PRA ratio provides only fair diagnostic accuracy in screening for primary aldosteronism, but concomitant antihypertensive drug therapy or acute variation in dietary sodium balance does not adversely affect test accuracy. Reporting of likelihood ratios associated with ranges of values of the aldosterone:PRA ratio, rather than use of a single “optimum” cutpoint, may enhance the usefulness of the test.
Prosolierius, a new mid-Cretaceous genus of Solieriinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) with three new species from Burmese amber

Investigation of the well-preserved fauna in Cretaceous amber deposits from Myanmar (Burma) continues to illuminate the evolution of the beetle family Staphylinidae, particularly within the Staphylinine group of subfamilies. We document the unexpected discovery of the hypothesized sister group of the monotypic austral South American genus Solierius, previously the sole known member of Solieriinae, in both Burmese deposits and the Cretaceous of Lebanon. The higher species richness of Solieriinae in the Cretaceous suggests a relict status for Solierius. This discovery further documents the active Cretaceous diversification and long-standing wide distribution of the Staphylinine group of Staphylinidae. It also provides an additional cautionary example of a now seemingly Gondwanan relict group whose roots are not necessarily Gondwanan.
Credit risk migration analysis of farm businesses

The migration approach to credit risk measurement is based on historic rates of movements of individual loans among the classes of a lender’s risk‐rating or credit‐scoring system. This article applies the migration concept to farm‐level data from Illinois to estimate migration rates for a farmer’s credit score and other performance measures under different time‐averaging approaches. Empirical results suggest greater stability in rating migrations for longer time‐averaging periods (although less stable than bond migrations), and for the credit score criterion versus ROE and repayment capacity.
Damped Lyα system toward QSO1854+116: A new type of absorber?

A puzzle of the low-redshift damped Lyα absorption system toward QSO 1854+116 is presented. Problems which conventional intepretation of damped Lyα systems encounters in this case are sketched and a possible explanation, based on transience of the phenomenon, is suggested. It is shown that the detailed Hα tomography can observationally resolve the controversy in the very near future.
Relative humidity under radiant warmers: influence of humidifier and ambient relative humidity.

The effects of humidifier air temperature and flow, and ambient relative humidity (RH(amb)) on RH and air temperature under a radiant warmer (RW) were determined in stable and unstable conditions, using an infant surrogate. Mean supplemented RH under the RW was 36.3% at 14% RH(amb) and 67.6% at 55% RH(amb). Humidifier temperature of 38 degrees C and air flow of 10 LPM produced highest RHs (74.5% and 43.1% in high and low RH(amb), respectively). RH(amb) was highest in summer and lowest in winter in this midwest U.S. hospital, and could be predicted by calendar date (r = 0.58). Humidification equipment capabilities and limitations must be known when using this method to limit evaporative water loss.
Shape selective recognition of T.A base pairs by hairpin polyamides containing N-terminal 3-methoxy (and 3-chloro) thiophene residues.

Hairpin polyamides selectively recognize predetermined DNA sequences with affinities comparable to naturally occurring proteins. Internal side-by-side pairs of unsymmetrical aromatic rings within the minor groove of DNA distinguish each of the four Watson-Crick base pairs. In contrast, N-terminal ring pairs exhibit less specificity, with the exception of Im/Py targeting G.C base pairs. In an effort to explore the sequence specificity of new ring pairs, a series of hairpin polyamides containing 3-substituted-thiophene-2-carboxamide residues at the N-terminus was synthesized. An N-terminal 3-methoxy (or 3-chloro) thiophene residue paired opposite Py displayed 6- (and 3-) fold selectivity for T.A relative to A.T base pair, while disfavoring G,C base pairs by >200-fold. Our data suggests shape selective recognition with projection of the 3-thiophene substituent (methoxy or chloro) to the floor of the minor groove.
p-Nonyl-phenol: an estrogenic xenobiotic released from "modified" polystyrene.

Alkylphenols are widely used as plastic additives and surfactants. We report the identification of an alkylphenol, nonylphenol, as an estrogenic substance released from plastic centrifuge tubes. Th...
MADCAP: a scientific compiler for a displayed formula textbook language

A discussion is presented of some of the unique features of a compiler for scientific problems which was designed at Los Alamos for the MANIAC II computer. The compiler, MADCAP, is an attempt to eliminate the disparity between the textbook presentation of a problem and that presentation which serves as input for a compiler. (T.R.H.)
Governance, institutions and the environment-income relationship: a cross-country study

This paper examines the environment-income relationship in the context of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), and explores the possible role that factors like governance, political institutions, socioeconomic conditions, and education play in influencing this relationship. The results suggest that the EKC exists for carbon dioxide emissions for cross-country data over the period 1984–2002. However, there is nothing automatic about this relationship; policies designed to protect the environment may be responsible for this phenomenon. Two other significant findings are: one, countries with better quality of governance, stronger political institutions, better socioeconomic conditions and greater investment in education have lower emissions; and two, only around 15% of the countries in the dataset have reached income levels high enough to be associated with an unambiguous decline in emissions. The implications of these results are discussed within the context of the international environmental policy arena and the Kyoto Protocol. One of the main objectives of this paper is to bridge the gap between studies conducted on the EKC and developments in the international environmental policy arena. As a final note this paper emphasizes that one needs to connect the body of knowledge on the EKC hypothesis to the international environmental policy arena, despite the apparent difficulty of doing so. One hopes that future studies will further build on this line of thought.
Simultaneous measurements of cerebral blood flow by the xenon/CT method and the microsphere method. A comparison.

Simultaneous measurements of cerebral blood flow have been performed in baboons to assess the correlation between the acute and invasive nondiffusible microsphere technique and the noninvasive xenon-enhanced CT method. Blood flows in small tissue volumes (approximately 1 cm3) were directly compared. The results of these studies demonstrate a statistically significant association between the two methods (P less than .001). Similar correlations were obtained by both the Kendall tau (tau) and the Spearman (r) methods. The problems and limitations of such correlations are discussed.
Adaptive regulation of alanine transport in hepatic plasma membrane vesicles from the endotoxin-treated rat.

Abstract The mechanisms by which hepatic alanine consumption is increased during endotoxemia were investigated to gain further insight into the altered amino acid metabolism which characterizes critical illness. Rats were studied 12 hr after receiving endotoxin (ENDO) or saline. Hepatic alanine delivery was determined in vivo and hepatic alanine content was measured. Hepatocyte transport activity was studied by evaluation of [3H]-alanine accumulation in hepatocyte plasma membrane vesicles (HPMVs). Vesicle integrity was demonstrated by electron microscopy and a 14-fold enrichment in 5′-nucleotidase. Endotoxin treatment resulted in a state of hyperalaninemia and a threefold increase in hepatic alanine delivery (2.79 ± 0.17 μmole/100 g body weight/min in controls vs 8.13 ± 0.98 in ENDO animals; P
Studies on thioamides and their derivatives, VI. New synthesis of 5‐membered heterocyclic compounds

Reaction de thioamides avec des hydrazides (A): obtention de triazoles-1,2,4; S-alkylation par l'iodomethane de piperidides ou morpholides d'acides carbothioiques puis reaction avec les composes A: obtention d'oxadiazoles-1,3,4
Self-hydrodynamic focusing in a parallel microfluidic device

Flow focusing is a fundamental prior step in order to sort, analyze and detect particles or cells. In traditional flow-cytometry flow focusing is achieved by hydrodynamic focusing. An additional sheath fluid is used in order to confine the sample one. The main drawback of the method is the need of at least two inlets, one for the sheath and one for the sample fluid. This adds a big limitation: it is difficult to realize a device with multiple parallel micro-channels, and therefore exploit one of the main advantages introduced by microfluidic technology. As a matter of fact, the possibility of having more channels working simultaneously helps with the clogging problems, and at the same time improves the throughput. In this work we propose a parallelized microfluidic device that allows getting hydrodynamic focusing by needing of only one inlet. This is achieved by introducing a cross-filter region at each micro-channel.
Ultrastructure of the ejaculatory duct region producing the male housefly accessory material.

Abstract The male accessory material of houseflies is produced by what appears to be one type of cell in the anterior part of the ejaculatory duct. The cells of this part of the ejaculatory duct have an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum, numerous free ribosomes, and many Golgi complexes. Secretion of the accessory material seems to occur as a mixture of release via individual Golgi vesicles, the splitting off of portions of cytoplasm, and the lysis of entire cells. No evidence was found of replacement of lysed cells. Synthesis of the secretory material is most active soon after emergence and after mating. The material accumulates around the duct lumen between the secretory cells and the intima and passes directly through the intima in being discharged from its storage area.
Students' Use of Technological Features while Solving a Mathematics Problem.

Abstract The design of technology tools has the potential to dramatically influence how students interact with tools, and these interactions, in turn, may influence students’ mathematical problem solving. To better understand these interactions, we analyzed eighth grade students’ problem solving as they used a java applet designed to specifically accompany a well-structured problem. Within a problem solving session, students’ goal-directed activity was used to achieve different types of goals: analysis, planning, implementation, assessment, verification, and organization. As we examined students’ goals, we coded instances where their use of a technology feature was supportive or not supportive in helping them meet their goal. We categorized features of this applet into four subcategories: (1) features over which a user does not have any control and remain static, (2) dynamic features that allow users to directly manipulate objects, (3) dynamic features that update to provide feedback to users during problem solving, and (4) features that activate parts of the applet. Overall, most features were found to be supportive of students’ problem solving, and patterns in the type of features used to support various problem solving goals were identified.
Genetic and environmental influences on infant weight and weight change: The fels longitudinal study

Despite significant progress in understanding the mechanisms by which the prenatal/maternal environment can alter development and adult health, genetic influences on normal variation in growth are little understood. This work examines genetic and nongenetic contributions to body weight and weight change during infancy and the relationships between weight change and adult body composition. The dataset included 501 white infants in 164 nuclear and extended families in the Fels Longitudinal Study, each with 10 serial measures of weight from birth to age 3 years and 232 with body composition data in mid-adulthood. Heritability and covariate effects on weight and weight z-score change from birth to 2 years of age were estimated using a maximum likelihood variance decomposition method. Additive genetic effects explained a high proportion of the variance in infant weight status (h2=0.61-0.95), and change in weight z-score (h2=0.56-0.82). Covariate effects explained 27% of the phenotypic variance at 0-1 month of age and declined in effect to 6.9% of phenotypic variance by 36 months. Significant sex, gestational age, birth order, birth year, and maternal body mass index effects were also identified. For both sexes, a significant increase in weight z-score (>2 SD units) (upward centile crossing) was associated with greater adulthood stature, fat mass, and percent body fat than decrease or stability in weight z-score. Understanding genetic influences on growth rate in a well-nourished, nutritionally stable population may help us interpret the causes and consequences of centile crossing in nutritionally compromised contexts.
Effect of barbital on the pituitary-thyroid axis

Barbital (diethylbarbituric acid), administered via the drinking water (0.1% solution), elicited mild goitrogenic responses in rats (p < 0.05), accompanied by a slight depression in serum T4 titers (p < 0.02). The goitrogenic responses appeared to be the result of slight elevations in the serum TSH levels and in the case of neonate rats, whose mothers were fed barbital during pregnancy and lactation, the elevations of TSH in the circulation were pronounced (p < 0.01). However, continuation of barbital treatment beyond puberty resulted in mean serum TSH titers declining to twice the mean control values so that only the variances between the data were different(p < 0.05)This group of young adults showed endocrine profiles which resembled those of more mature rats. The latter group included the mothers of these young adults and of the neonates. In contrast to the action of barbital, feeding rats 0.05% propylthiouracil (PTU) in the drinking water caused substantial increases in mean serum levels of TSH (p < 0.001) and goiter size (p < 0.001). Moreover, the precipitous declines in serum T4 elicited by PTU were of far greater magnitude than that caused by barbital (p < 0.001).
Removal of ocular artifacts from electro-encephalogram by adaptive filtering

The electro-encephalogram (EEG) is useful for clinical diagnosts and in biomedical research. EEG signals, however, especially those recorded from frontal channels, often contain strong electro-oculogram (EOG) artifacts produced by eye movements. Existing regression-based methods for removing EOG artifacts require various procedures for preprocessing and calibration that are inconvenient and timeconsuming. The paper describes a method for removing ocular artifacts based on adaptive filtering. The method uses separately recorded vertical EOG and horizontal EOG signals as two reference inputs. Each reference input is first processed by a finite impulse response filter of length M (M=3 in this application) and then subtracted from the original EEG. The method is implemented by a recursive leastsquares algorithm that includes a forgetting factor (λ=0.9999 in this application) to track the non-stationary portion of the EOG signals. Results from experimental data demonstrate that the method is easy to implement and stable, converges fast and is suitable for on-line removal of EOG artifacts. The first three coefficients (up to M=3) were significantly larger than any remaining coefficients.
Charisma and Conversion

The author examines the dynamic process involved in charisma and conversion. Conversion is discussed following Murphy's study of Puritan conversion as identification, introjection, and displacement. Charisma is described as a special power attributed to person(s) by observers. The affect of charisma on the convert in terms of the importance of the leader as the embodiment of faith, i.e., a model, affirmer, teacher, cause of improvement, and public relations person.
Retrieval of Temperature and Concentration Profiles From Absorption Measurements with Error

Abstract The widely used methods for obtaining the inverse of the Radon transform, the underlying reconstruction problem in the determination of temperature and species concentralion profiles from absorption measurements, have been developed for medical imaging appticaitons and are not well-suited for limited data set problems. The application of a new method, that is especially suited for limited data problems involving smooth distributions, to this retrieval problem has been previously reported. Performance of the new method with error containing absorption data is studied with regard to the stability and accuracy of the retrieved temperature and concentration profiles. Test results demonstrating the superiority of this new method over the convolution backprojection method, a widely used benchmark for the discrete data set inverse Radon transform problem, are presented.
Rising Prevalence and Neighborhood, Social, and Behavioral Determinants of Sleep Problems in US Children and Adolescents, 2003–2012

We examined trends and neighborhood and sociobehavioral determinants of sleep problems in US children aged 6-17 between 2003 and 2012. The 2003, 2007, and 2011-2012 rounds of the National Survey of Children's Health were used to estimate trends and differentials in sleep problems using logistic regression. Prevalence of sleep problems increased significantly over time. The proportion of children with <7 days/week of adequate sleep increased from 31.2% in 2003 to 41.9% in 2011-2012, whereas the prevalence of adequate sleep <5 days/week rose from 12.6% in 2003 to 13.6% in 2011-2012. Prevalence of sleep problems varied in relation to neighborhood socioeconomic and built-environmental characteristics (e.g., safety concerns, poor housing, garbage/litter, vandalism, sidewalks, and parks/playgrounds). Approximately 10% of children in neighborhoods with the most-favorable social environment had serious sleep problems, compared with 16.2% of children in neighborhoods with the least-favorable social environment. Children in neighborhoods with the fewest health-promoting amenities or the greatest social disadvantage had 37%-43% higher adjusted odds of serious sleep problems than children in the most-favorable neighborhoods. Higher levels of screen time, physical inactivity, and secondhand smoke exposure were associated with 20%-47% higher adjusted odds of sleep problems. Neighborhood conditions and behavioral factors are important determinants of sleep problems in children.
Initial and final state interaction effects in small-x quark distributions

We study the initial and final state interaction effects in the transverse momentum dependent parton distributions in the small-x saturation region. In particular, we discuss the quark distributions in the semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering, Drell-Yan lepton pair production and dijet-correlation processes in pA collisions. We calculate the quark distributions in the scalar-QED model and then extend to the color glass condensate formalism in QCD. The quark distributions are found universal between the DIS and Drell-Yan processes. On the other hand, the quark distribution from the qq'-->qq' channel contribution to the dijet-correlation process is not universal. However, we find that it can be related to the quark distribution in DIS process by a convolution with the normalized unintegrated gluon distribution in the CGC formalism in the large Nc limit.
Efficient dynamic simulation of a quadruped using a decoupled tree-structured approach

Efficient simulation of a dynamically stable, fast-moving quadruped vehicle has been undertaken at The Ohio State University. Individual leg-link inertial properties, espe cially important at high ...
Medical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism with Concommitant Multiple Myeloma

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and multiple myeloma (MM) are frequently observed in the adult population and can each independently lead to hypercalcemia. Despite the frequency of hypercalcemia secondary to PHPT and MM, these two conditions only rarely concurrently present in patients. We describe the management of PHPT in the setting of poorly differentiated MM in a patient presenting with hypercalcemia and pancytopenia. The patient was deemed at increased risk for surgical removal of the parathyroid gland and refused surgical intervention, so we chronically managed her PHPT and hypercalcemia with Cinacalcet and bisphosphonates. All of the similar cases in the literature are reviewed in this report along with medical management of PHPT. We believe that we describe the first medically managed PHPT in the setting of MM.
The sun-exposed peel of apple fruit has higher xanthophyll cycle-dependent thermal dissipation and antioxidants of the ascorbate–glutathione pathway than the shaded peel

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine how xanthophyll cycle-dependent thermal dissipation and the antioxidant system in the peel of apple fruit respond to the natural light exposure within the tree canopy. Fruit from exterior and interior canopies of both mature ‘Gala’ and ‘Smoothee’ apple trees were sampled at noon and/or predawn to measure chlorophyll fluorescence, xanthophyll cycle pool size and composition, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Compared with the shaded side, the sun-exposed peel of the fruit had more excess absorbed photon flux density (PFD) as a result of a lower photosystem II operating efficiency and a higher incident PFD at noon. The efficiency of excitation transfer was lower in the sun-exposed peel than in the shaded peel, indicative of higher thermal dissipation. The sun-exposed peel had a larger xanthophyll cycle pool size and a higher conversion state. It also had higher activities of ascorbate peroxidase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase, and a larger size and a higher reduction state of the ascorbate pool and the glutathione pool. However, catalase activity was lower in the sun-exposed peel than in the shaded peel. Superoxide dismutase did not show significant trend with regard to fruit peel type or position in the canopy. We conclude that both the xanthophyll cycle and the ascorbate–glutathione pathway in the apple fruit peel are acclimated to the prevailing light exposure within the tree canopy to meet the respective needs for dissipating excess absorbed PFD and detoxifying reactive oxygen species.
Temporally dependent C, N, and P dynamics associated with the decay of Rhizophora mangle L. leaf litter in oligotrophic mangrove wetlands of the Southern Everglades

We performed two litter decomposition experiments using nearly-senesced red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.) leaves collected from an Everglades dwarf mangrove wetland to understand the short-term (3 weeks) and long-term (1 year) changes in mass, as well as C-, N-, and P-content of decomposing leaf litter. We expected that leaves decomposing in this oligotrophic environment would be short-term sources of C, N, and P, but potential long-term sinks for N and P. In May 1998, we conducted a 3-week leaching experiment, incubating fresh, individual leaves in seawater for up to 21 days. From May 1997 to May 1998, leaf litter in mesh bags decomposed on the forest floor at two dwarf mangrove sites. Leaching accounted for about 33% loss of dry mass from R. mangle leaves after 3 weeks. Leaching losses were rapid, peaking by day 2, and large, with leachate concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) and total phosphorus (TP) increasing by more than an order of magnitude after 3 weeks. Mean leaf C:N increased from 105 to 115 and N:P increased from a mean of 74 to 95 after 21 days, reflecting the relatively large leaching losses of N and P. Loss of mass in the litterbags leveled off after 4 months, with roughly 60%dry mass remaining (DMR) after nearly 1 year of decomposition. The mass of carbon in each litterbag declined significantly after 361 days, but the mass of nitrogen and phosphorus doubled, indicating long-term accumulation of these constituents into the detritus. Subsequently, the leaf C:N ratio dropped significantly from 90 to 34 after 361 days. Following an initial 44-day increase, leaf N:P decreased from 222 to 144, reflecting high accumulation of P relative to N. A review of several estuarine macrophyte decomposition studies reveals a trend in nitrogen accumulation through time regardless of site, but suggests no clear pattern for C and P. We believe that the increase in litter P observed in this study was indicative of the P-limited status of the greater Everglades ecosystem and that decomposing mangrove litter may represent a substantial phosphorus pool in the system.
Fully printed organic thin film transistors (OTFT) based flexible humidity sensors

A flexible fully printed organic thin film transistor (OTFT) was successfully fabricated and employed as a humidity sensor. The bottom gated OTFT, with width to length ratio (w/l) ratio of 26, was printed on a flexible poly ethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. Conductive gate and dielectric layers were printed using gravure printing technique. Source and drain electrodes were deposited by means of screen printing. An active layer of pentacene, a humidity sensitive material, was deposited using inkjet printing. The current-voltage characteristics of the fully printed device were studied from 25% RH to 90% RH. A percentage change of 2000 % at 90% RH, in the drain current (ID), was registered when compared to the ID at 25% RH. The response of the fully printed sensor towards relative humidity was studied and is reported in this paper.
Disease progression model for cognitive deterioration from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database

Abstract Background A mathematical model was developed to describe the longitudinal response in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive (ADAS-cog) obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Methods The model was fit to the longitudinal ADAS-cog scores from 817 patients. Risk factors (age, apolipoprotein ɛ4 [ APOE ɛ4] genotype, gender, family history of AD, years of education) and baseline severity were tested as covariates. Results Rate of disease progression increased with baseline severity. Age, APOE ɛ4 genotype, and gender were identified as potential covariates influencing disease progression. The rate of disease progression in patients with mild to moderate AD was estimated as approximately 5.5 points/yr. Conclusions A disease progression model adequately described the natural decline of ADAS-cog observed in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Baseline severity is an important covariate to predict a curvilinear rate of disease progression in normal elderly, mild cognitive impairment, and AD patients. Age, APOE ɛ4 genotype, and gender also influence the rate of disease progression.
Quantitative analysis of pulsed ultrasonic beam patterns using a schlieren system

The acoustic output from pulsed ultrasonic transducers has traditionally been analyzed with a hydrophone. Recently, a new faster technique has been developed using the principles of optical diffraction. This schlieren method allows the direct two-dimensional visualization of the ultrasonic beam as a pulse train. In order to obtain quantitative information in the form of temporal-average acoustic intensity, however, tomographic reconstruction has to be performed. In this study, tomographic reconstruction was achieved by acquiring 250 images over a 180/spl deg/ angle. Automation of the measurement was obtained by using a frame grabber, a stepper motor, and digital delays all controlled by an IBM-compatible computer. Comparisons of the schlieren results to those obtained by a hydrophone are made in terms of both the -3 dB beamwidths and axial profiles. The results demonstrate that the schlieren method may be a more time efficient alternative for the characterization of ultrasonic transducers.