cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: Clinical and molecular aspects

The fatal CNS demyelinating disease, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), is rare and appears to occur almost always as a consequence of immune dysfunction. Thus it is associated with HIV/AIDS and also as a side-effect of certain immunomodulatory monoclonal antibody therapies. In contrast to the rarity of PML, the etiological agent of the disease, the polyomavirus JC (JCV) is widespread in populations worldwide. In the forty years since JCV was first isolated, much has been learned about the virus and the disease from laboratory and clinical observations. However, there are many aspects of the viral life cycle and the pathogenesis of the disease that still remain unclear and our understanding is constantly evolving. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of the clinical features of PML and molecular characteristics of JCV and how they relate to each other. Clinical observations can inform molecular studies of the virus and likewise molecular findings concerning the life cycle of the virus can guide the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Algorithmic Program Synthesis with Partial Programs and Decision Procedures

Program synthesizer can derive programs that are efficient, even surprising, but it must be first "programmed" with human insights about the domain and its implementation tricks. In deductive synthesis, the insights are captured by domain theories, often elusive and always requiring formal expertise. To bring synthesis to everyday programmers, we have been exploring algorithmic synthesis, which is to deductive synthesis what model checking is to deductive verification: Rather than deducing a program with a theorem prover, algorithmic synthesis systematically finds the program in a space of candidate implementations. If we help programmers turn their insights into descriptions of candidates, we have a chance for a practical synthesizer. I will show how sketches-partial programs that syntactically define the candidate space-allow programmers to express their insight while eliding tedious code fragments. These fragments are filled in by CEGIS, our counterexample-guided inductive synthesis algorithm that exploits recent advances in automated decision procedures. I will also show how these decision procedures allow us to implement an oracle that helps the programmer refine and formalize his insight about a problem. Finally, I will describe the linguistic support for synthesis in our SKETCH language and show how we synthesized complex implementations of ciphers, scientific codes, and concurrent lock-free data-structures.
Measuring Time-To-Contact Using Active Camera Control

In this paper we use a simple, active-camera model to estimate the time-to-contact (TTC) of a moving object. We estimate TTC by enforcing a “uniform scale” constraint on the moving object. By actively adjusting the focal length of the pinhole model, the projected object maintains a fixed image scale regardless of its motion. These adjustments on the ideal pinhole focal length are translated into changes of the actual zoom and focus settings of a real camera system. We obtain improvements over a fixed-camera approach because the scale adjustment (zoom) improves image divergence measurements. We show experimental results indicating that our active method can reduce errors over a larger distance range than fixed-camera methods of estimating time-to-contact.
Imaging of fluorophore concentration and lifetime in turbid media [tumors detection application]

Summary form only given. Recently fluorescence has been explored as a means to enhance the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of heterogeneities in thick turbid media. This approach relies on the fact that the fluorophore will preferentially accumulate in tumors in comparison to background tissues, and that the fluorophore lifetime is often altered in different environments as a result of tissue oxygenation, pH, and glucose. Here the authors demonstrate a method whereby one can simultaneously derive a spatial map of the concentration and lifetime of heterogeneous fluorophore distributions, using variations in the amplitude and phase of fluorescent diffusing photon density waves.
The Social and Educational Consequences of Identity-Based Rejection

Legal and social sanctions on overt discrimination in educational institutions were implemented to redress the inequalities associated with years of segregation and unequal treatment of groups on the basis of social identity characteristics such as race, gender, and nationality. In this article, we draw on research and theory demonstrating that, despite sanctions on overt discrimination, biases and cues of threat persist in educational institutions and are often present in subtle and ambiguous forms. These threats burden members of historically stigmatized groups (e.g., women, racial minority group members) with stress in the form of negative achievement expectations that ultimately undermine their psychological well-being and academic achievement and success outcomes. To capture the process by which these threats impact students from historically stigmatized groups, we present a critical review and analysis of research and theory from the identity-based Rejection Sensitivity literature. This literature demonstrates the interplay between the individual's appraisals and coping mechanisms with the threatening messages present in the environment. Our analysis applies a stress and coping framework to integrate the literatures on social identity threat and identity-based Rejection Sensitivity, and to ground education policy recommendations.
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (wais-iii) comes from a tradition of mental ability testing that began in 1939 with the publication of the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale, Form I (W-B I). The W-B I, which was named after David Wechsler and the Bellevue Hospital where he was employed as chief psychologist, was considered a unique clinical instrument because it possessed good face validity with adolescents and adults, grouped items into subtests, and provided extensive assessment of both verbal and nonverbal abilities. The scale also utilized standard scores and deviation IQs instead of the mental age values and ratio IQs provided by contemporary tests such as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, Forms L and M.
The anal sphincter in fecal incontinence.

Anal sphincter characteristics were studied in eight children who had repair of an imperforate anus. Six of the eight had problems with fecal impaction and soiling. Resting yield pressure (RYP) was measured by gradual distension of a balloon within the sphincter and defined as the point at which a pressure plateau was reached and further distension of the balloon produced no further increase in recorded pressure. At this point the patients were asked to "squeeze down on the balloon" and this superimposed voluntary pressure was termed the "squeeze pressure." Both of these pressures were lower in the patients who had been operated on than in age-matched controls. Two patients who had developed continence had pressures approaching normal. Six patients with psychogenic constipation had sphincter pressures similar to the normal controls. This simple method of recording anal pressures may help to differentiate organic from non-organic types of fecal soiling.
Adjoint-based estimation of plate coupling in a non-linear mantle flow model: Theory and examples

We develop and validate a systematic approach to infer plate boundary strength and rheological parameters in models of mantle flow from surface velocity observations. Based on a realistic rheological model that includes yielding and strain rate weakening from dislocation creep, we formulate the inverse problem in a Bayesian inference framework. To study the distribution of parameters that are consistent with the observations, we compute the maximum a posteriori (MAP) point, Gaussian approximations of the parameter distribution around that MAP point, and employ Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling methods. The computation of the MAP point and the Gaussian approximation require first and second derivatives of an objective function subject to non-linear Stokes equations; these derivatives are computed efficiently using adjoint Stokes equations. We set up 2-D numerical experiments with many of the elements expected in a global geophysical inversion. This setup incorporates three subduction zones with slab and weak zone (interplate fault) geometry consistent with average seismic characteristics. With these experiments, we demonstrate that when the temperature field is known, we can recover the strength of plate boundaries, the yield stress and strain rate exponent in the upper mantle. When the number of uncertain parameters increases, there are trade-offs between the inferred parameters. These trade-offs depend on how well the observational data represents the surface velocities, and on the weakness of plate boundaries. As the plate boundary coupling drops below a threshold, the uncertainty of the inferred parameters increases due to insensitivity of plate motion to plate coupling. Comparing the trade-offs between inferred rheological parameters found from the Gaussian approximation of the parameter distribution and from MCMC sampling, we conclude that the Gaussian approximation—which is significantly cheaper to compute—is often a good approximation, in particular locally around the MAP point. Thus, the method can be applied to the global problem of inferring non-linear constitutive parameters and plate coupling factors for each subduction zone in a global geophysical inversion with known slab structure.
Chirped Pulse Adiabatic Passage in CARS

We use adiabatic passage control scheme implementing chirped femtosecond laser pulses to maximize coherence of Raman transitions in CARS. We investigate energy and phase relaxation as factors of quantum decoherence.
Turbocharger Component Matching System Development

This paper outlines the development of the Turbocharger Component Matching System (TuCMS) software package that can be used to inexpensively analyze turbocharger performance, and match turbocharger components to integrate and optimize turbocharger-engine performance. The software system is being developed with the intent to reduce the time taken to experimentally match a turbocharger with an engine, a task that is key to engine emission reductions. TuCMS uses one-dimensional thermo-fluid equations to analyze both the compressor and turbine side of a turbocharger. The program calculates the velocities, pressures, temperatures, pressure drops, and efficiencies for a specified set of turbocharger geometry and atmospheric conditions. Both the compressor and turbine side include established loss models found in the open literature. Work and rotational speed are the parameters used in the turbine and compressor analysis algorithms to integrate the turbocharger system. TuCMS utilizes a component-based architecture to simplify model enhancements. TuCMS can be used as a cost effective engineering tool for preliminary turbocharger testing during engine upgrades and modifications.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and methyl chloroform fluxes in southern California ecosystems

Chloroform (CHCl3), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and methyl chloroform (CH3CCl3) are important carriers of chlorine to the stratosphere and account for an estimated 15% of the total organic chlorine in the troposphere, roughly equivalent to chlorine load due to methyl chloride (CH3Cl). The tropospheric burden of chlorine has declined since 1994, largely due to the restriction of CH3CCl3 and CCl4 use as specified by the Montreal Protocol. However, few field studies have been conducted on the terrestrial-atmosphere exchange of these chlorinated hydrocarbons, leading to uncertainties about the natural cycling of these trace gases. This work shows the results of 75 flux measurements conducted in a variety of southern California ecosystems, including coast sagebrush, chamise chaparral, creosote bush scrub, shoreline, and coastal salt marsh. We find no evidence of a significant soil sink in these ecosystems but rather a small net source of CHCl3 and possibly CCl4.
Novel biodegradable copolymers containing pendant amine functional groups based on aspartic acid and poly(ethylene glycol)

Abstract A new biodegradable poly( l -aspartic acid-co-poly(ethylene glycol)) having pendant amine functional groups was synthesized by the melt polycondensation reaction of prepolymer prepared from N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)- l -aspartic acid anhydride (N-Z- l -aspartic acid anhydride) and poly(ethylene glycol). The synthesized polymer was characterized by FTi.r., 1H n.m.r., d.s.c., g.p.c. and solubility. The weight-average molecular weight of the prepolymer increased about 11 times via melt polycondensation at 160°C in a vacuum for
Renovascular adaptive changes in chronic hypoxic polycythemia

Renovascular adaptive changes in chronic hypoxic polycythemia. Background Chronic hypoxia in rats produces polycythemia, and the plasma fraction falls, reducing renal plasma flow (RPF) relative to renal blood flow (RBF). Polycythemia also causes increased blood viscosity, which tends to reduce RBF and renal oxygen delivery. We studied how renal regulation of electrolyte balance and renal tissue oxygenation (which is crucial for erythropoietin regulation) are maintained in rats during hypoxic exposure. Methods Rats of two strains with differing polycythemic responses, with surgically implanted catheters in the urinary bladder, femoral artery, and left renal and right external jugular veins, were exposed to a simulated high altitude (0.5 atm) for 0, 1, 3, 14, and 30days, after which RPF (para-aminohippurate clearance), glomerular filtration rate (GFR, polyfructosan clearance), hematocrit and blood gases were measured, and RBF, renal vascular resistance and hindrance (resistance/viscosity), renal oxygen delivery, and renal oxygen consumption were calculated. Results During chronic hypoxia RBF increased, but RPF decreased because of the polycythemia. GFR remained normal because the filtration fraction (FF) increased. Renal vascular resistance decreased, and renal vascular hindrance decreased more markedly. Renal oxygen delivery and consumption both increased. Conclusions During chronic hypoxia GFR homeostasis apparently took precedence over RBF autoregulation. The large decrease in renal vascular hindrance suggested that renal vascular remodeling contributes to GFR regulation. The reduced hindrance also prevented a vicious cycle of increasing polycythemia and blood viscosity, decreasing RBF, and increasing renal hypoxia and erythropoietin release.
The sensitivities of creatine and adenylate kinases to the neurotoxins acrylamide and methyl n-butyl ketone

Abstract It has recently been proposed that the similar multifocal axonopathies caused by several industrial toxins are due to the inhibition of metabolic enzymes with sensitive sulfhydryl groups. We find that the neurotoxins acrylamide and methyl n -butyl ketone in millimolar concentrations irreversibly inhibit rat brain and rabbit muscle creatine kinase and brain adenylate kinase. Brain creatine kinase was more sensitive to the toxins than was muscle creatine kinase or brain adenylate kinase. The chemically related but “nonneurotoxic” agents, N,N ′-methylene bisacrylamide and methyl isobutyl ketone, were somewhat less effective than the known toxins. Dithiothreitol protected the enzymes against the toxins. However, differences in the effects of temperature and the protection by dithiothreitol indicated complex enzyme -toxin -dithiothreitol interaction. Protection by dithiothreitol does not necessarily implicate enzyme sulfhydryl groups or the site of toxin action. The lack of of cificity of toxin action and the concentrations of toxin required make it unlikely that metabolic enzyme inhibition alone accounts for hydrocarbon axonopathy.
The Internet's Impact on Competition, Free Riding and The Future of Sales Service in Retail Automobile Markets

This paper investigates the impact of the internet on intra-brand competition in new car markets by empirically examining its role in the search process. The model is a two-equation simultaneous system with one continuous and one dichotomous dependent variable. Equation one explains the overall amount of intra-brand search while equation two explains the decision to utilize the internet in the search process. Having established a significant increase in intra-brand competition, the paper proceeds to address the impact on free riding in retail automobile markets, long argued to be the likely outcome of excessive intra-brand competition.
Regulation of protein and prostaglandin secretion in polarized primary cultures of caprine uterine epithelial cells

Caprine uterine epithelial (UE) cells were cultured on Matrigel-coated filters. Transmission electron microscopy revealed polarized UE cells characterized by basally located nuclei, apical microvilli, convoluted lateral membranes, and junctional complexes. Domain-specific secretion of prostaglandins and radiolabeled proteins provide further evidence of functional epithelial cell polarity. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate factors controlling prostaglandin E2 (PGE) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) secretion. In experiment one, steroid-treated (estradiol, progesterone, or estradiol + progesterone) polarized UE cells were treated with interferon tau (IFNtau) and/or oxytocin (OT). Steroid treatment did not influence PGE or PGF secretion. However, analysis of variance revealed an IFNtau by OT interaction (P < .01) for both PGE and PGF This interaction was caused by a reduction in PGE and PGF secretion by cultures receiving only IFNtau and the inability of IFNtau to block OT-induced release of PGE or PGF. In experiment 2, polarized UE cells were cultured in progesterone, with or without IFNtau, and sequentially challenged with estradiol and OT. Oxytocin stimulated the release of both PGE and PGF by polarized cUE cells (P < .01) and resulted in an increased accumulation of PGE (OT*domain; P < .01) in the basal compartment. Interferon tau did not influence PGE (P < .1) secretion. However, further analysis revealed that IFNtau reduced PGF secretion and was unable to block OT-induced PGF secretion (IFNtau*OT; P < .05) by polarized UE cells. Therefore, caprine UE cells form polarized monolayers and retain responsiveness to IFNtau and OT in vitro.
Spatial-social network visualization for exploratory data analysis

There has been considerable interest in applying social network analysis methods to geographically embedded networks such as population migration and international trade. However, research is hampered by a lack of support for exploratory spatial-social network analysis in integrated tools. To bridge the gap, this research introduces a spatial-social network visualization tool, the GeoSocialApp, that supports the exploration of spatial-social networks among network, geographical, and attribute spaces. It also supports exploration of network attributes from community-level (clustering) to individual-level (network node measures). Using an international trade case study, this research shows that mixed methods --- computational and visual --- can enable discovery of complex patterns in large spatial-social network datasets in an effective and efficient way.
PERCEIVED PROBLEM-SOLVING AND VOCATIONAL IDENTITY : IMPLICATION FOR NONTRADITIONAL PREMEDICAL STUDENTS

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between vocational identity and self-appraised problem solving. A total of 86 students enrolled in a special program took the Vocational Identity subscale of My Vocational Situation and the Problem Solving Inventory one week apart. Pearson product-moment correlations indicated a relationship between personal problem-solving appraisal and vocational identity, suggesting the inventories assess one construct. Implications for intervention strategies for the present population are discussed.
Ethics consultation in United States hospitals: a national survey.

Context: Although ethics consultation is commonplace in United States (U.S.) hospitals, descriptive data about this health service are lacking. Objective: To describe the prevalence, practitioners, and processes of ethics consultation in U.S. hospitals. Design: A 56-item phone or questionnaire survey of the “best informant” within each hospital. Participants: Random sample of 600 U.S. general hospitals, stratified by bed size. Results: The response rate was 87.4%. Ethics consultation services (ECSs) were found in 81% of all general hospitals in the U.S., and in 100% of hospitals with more than 400 beds. The median number of consults performed by ECSs in the year prior to survey was 3. Most individuals performing ethics consultation were physicians (34%), nurses (31%), social workers (11%), or chaplains (10%). Only 41% had formal supervised training in ethics consultation. Consultation practices varied widely both within and between ECSs. For example, 65% of ECSs always made recommendations, whereas 6% nev...
Expelling genomania from evolution, development, and evo-devo

The central theme of Jason Scott Robert's book Embryology, Epigenesis, and Evolution: Taking Development Seriously, as you might guess from the title, is that ‘our understanding of biology depends on our understanding of development.’ As an evolutionary developmental biologist, I couldn't agree more with Robert's assessment and this has been a hot topic in the field of evo-devo for some time [1–3]. According to the frontispiece, and the author, this is one of the first philosophical analyses of developmental biology and evolution.
Hybrid micro-/nanogels for optical sensing and intracellular imaging.

Hybrid micro-/nanogels are playing an increasing important part in a diverse range of applications, due to their tunable dimensions, large surface area, stable interior network structure, and a very short response time. We review recent advances and challenges in the developments of hybrid micro-/nanogels toward applications for optical sensing of pH, temperature, glucose, ions, and other species as well as for intracellular imaging. Due to their unique advantages, hybrid micro-/nanogels as optical probes are attracting substantial interests for continuous monitoring of chemical parameters in complex samples such as blood and bioreactor fluids, in chemical research and industry, and in food quality control. In particular, their intracellular probing ability enables the monitoring of the biochemistry and biophysics of live cells over time and space, thus contributing to the explanation of intricate biological processes and the development of novel diagnoses. Unlike most other probes, hybrid micro-/nanogels could also combine other multiple functions into a single probe. The rational design of hybrid micro-/ nanogels will not only improve the probing applications as desirable, but also implement their applications in new arenas. With ongoing rapid advances in bionanotechnology, the well-designed hybrid micro-/nanogel probes will be able to provide simultaneous sensing, imaging diagnosis, and therapy toward clinical applications. Keywords: stimuli-responsive polymer; microgel; nanogel; hybrids; optical biosensor; cell imaging; intracellular detection (Published: 9 December 2010) Citation: Nano Reviews 2010, 1 : 5730 - DOI: 10.3402/nano.v1i0.5730
Functionalized polyethylene via acyclic diene metathesis polymerization: Effect of precise placement of functional groups

The preparation of a variety of model functionalized polyethylenes using step polymerization techniques is described. Specifically, the synthesis and preliminary thermal characterization of sequence-ordered ethylene-co-acrylate, -co-styrene, and -co-vinyl chloride polymers with precisely defined ethylene run lengths is reported. Unsaturated precursor polymers with pendant groups separated by a precise number of carbons are prepared by acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization, which upon hydrogenation of the olefin linkages become formally ethylene/polar monomer copolymers. The only variable in the microstructure of these copolymers is the identity of the pendant group allowing the strict comparison of various “comonomers” on melting point. The synthesis of the necessary symmetric diene monomers with central pendant alkoxycarbonyl, phenyl, and chloride groups is outlined. Preliminary thermal analysis shows these copolymers to melt sharply with a trend of increased melting point depression with incre...
Ultra-thin silicon-dioxide breakdown characteristics of MOS devices with n + and p + polysilicon gates

In this work we investigate the effect of the gate material on the breakdown characteristics of ultra-thin silicon dioxide films at low voltages (<6 V). When MOS capacitors are stressed with a positive gate voltage, the charge to breakdown and time to breakdown at a fixed oxide-voltage drop are significantly smaller in p+ polysilicon-gate capacitors than in n+ polysilicon-gate capacitors. The results are interpreted in terms of a simple model of hole tunneling resulting from hot-hole generation in the anode by hot electrons entering from the silicon dioxide. Extrapolation of high-voltage-breakdown lifetime measurements for relatively thick-oxide devices to low voltages may be complicated by this mechanism.
Effects of measurement uncertainty on air quality summary statistics

Abstract This paper examines the effects of measurement uncertainty on various summary statistics that are routinely used in air quality data analysis. Analytical approximations and computer simulation techniques are employed to illustrate and quantify how the uncertainty associated with an individual measurement results in an uncertainty for different summary statistics. Measurement uncertainty may be viewed as consisting of bias and imprecision. It is shown that even when there is no bias for individual measurements it is possible for imprecision alone to result in bias for certain commonly used summary statistics. Different types of statistics are shown to be less influenced by measurement imprecision and, consequently, a data set may be acceptable for some purpose but not for others. The desired precision of the summary statistic may be viewed as a guide in determining an acceptable level of imprecision for individual measurements.
A95: The Risk of Dyslipidemia in Pediatric Arthritis Patients Is Similar to That of Adult Patients With Arthritis

Background/Purpose: Patients with autoimmune diseases run a higher risk for dyslipidemia due to chronic inflammatory processes and immune dysregulation. This phenomenon has been recognized to a certain extent in adult arthritis patients but has not been previously explored in pediatric arthritis patients. The objective of this study is to compare the frequency of dyslipidemia in children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), children with Non-Specific Arthritis (NOSA), adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and adults with Osteoarthritis (OA). Determining differences amongst these groups is important in understanding the connection between arthritis and dyslipidemia risk, especially in the pediatric population. Methods: After IRB approval, patient's in this retrospective data base study were gathered from chart review of consecutive patient's with JRA, NOSA, RA, and OA who presented to the pediatric rheumatology and adult rheumatology clinics at an academic center. Outcomes of interest that were compared included total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol: HDL ratio, non-HDL, and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Other demographic information compared included patient age, sex, and use of biologic DMARD. Comparisons between groups were made using the Fisher's Exact Test and multiple testing adjustments were made by controlling for the False Discovery Rate. Results: There were 32 pediatric patients (40.6% male) ranging from age 2–17 (median 11 years). Out of 32 pediatric patients, 22 had JRA and 10 had non- specific arthritis (NOSA). Furthermore, there were 82 adult patient's (18.3% male) ranging from age 30–85 (median 63 years). Out of these, 49 had diagnosis of RA while 33 had diagnosis of OA. In the pediatric cohort, more JRA patients than NOSA had abnormal LDL values (68.2% and 0.0%, p value = 0.005) and non-HDL values (50.0% and 0.0%, p value = 0.05). Other lipid parameters were not significantly different. Between the pediatric cohort and adult cohort, the pediatric cohort had greater percentages of abnormal LDL (46.9% and 19.5%, p value = 0.05), TG (93.8% and 24.4%, p value <0.001), and VLDL (62.5% and 15.9%, p value <0.001). No significant difference in lipid parameters between patients with RA and OA. There was also no significant difference in lipid parameters between those with or without RF/CCP positivity, male sex, or biologic DMARD use. Conclusion: Pediatric JRA patients were more likely to have an abnormal lipid panel, specifically LDL and non–HDL, as compared to NOSA patients. Interestingly, pediatric patients had higher rates of abnormal LDL, triglycerides, and VLDL. This suggests that the concern for dyslipidemia in the adult population should also be shown to pediatric patients with JRA. Additional studies are needed to determine whether modification of cardiovascular risk in pediatric patients with chronic inflammatory disease is beneficial in preventing clinically significant premature atherosclerosis.
EXTINCT RADIOACTIVE NUCLIDES AND PRODUCTION OF XENON ISOTOPES IN NATURAL GAS.

IT has been established from isotope studies of zenon in meteorites that two radioactive nuclides that are now extinct once existed in the solar system. In 1960 Reynolds1 discovered radiogenic 129Xe, the decay product of 129I, in the Richardton chondrite and in 1965 Rowe and Kuroda2 found an enrichment in the heavy xenon isotopes 131–136Xe in the Pasamonte achondrite due to the spontaneous fission of 244Pu. Terrestrial lead from oceanic sediments fits the isochron defined by the lead isotopes in meteorites3, which suggests that the Earth also formed at a time when 129I and 244Pu were present among the elements of the solar system.
Pain Perception in the Elderly Patient: An Overview of Issues

The control of pain is an issue of major importance for older patients. As the proportion of elderly persons in society grows, these problems take on particular humanitarian and economic significance. Review of the literature indicates that the sensory mechanisms subserving pain in older persons are not unique, but painful pathologic states are more likely to occur in old age. Stereotypes of the older person have led to insufficient management and overmedication of this patient population. Moreover, the complex nature of chronic pain in the aged patient has not been appreciated by health care professionals. The literature points to an urgent need for more data that will shed light on the nature of pain problems in old age.
Unusual Sorption of Caesium by Vermiculite

SEVERAL recent reports1–5 show that micas and vermiculite exhibit a strong affinity for caesium in dilute solutions. These sorptions, however, have been carried out in the presence of free electrolyte and the quantities sorbed were measured after equilibrium was reached. This communication describes an unusual time course of sorption of caesium by vermiculite in the absence of free electrolyte.
Stimulation of LH fragments with reduced bioactivity following GnRH agonist administration in women.

In eumenorrheic women with endometriosis and in oligo-amenorrheic women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCO), chronic administration of a long-acting GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) reduced the circulating concentrations of estrogens and androgens to levels similar to those of castrated women. The concommittant elevation of LH in both groups suggested that the measured immunoreactive LH had reducedbioactivity. In seven women with endometriosis, bioactive LH (BA LH) measured as the in-vitro secretion of testosterone by dispersed Leydig cells, was significantly (p < 0.001)reduced from 10.8 ± 1.2 (SEM) to 4.4 ± 0.2 mlU/ml at the end of 28 days of GnRH-a therapy. In five women with PCO, BA LH decreased from 44.2 ± 15.5 to 5.7 ± 0.6 mlU/ml(p = 0.06). These changes of BA LH appeared to be responsible for the suppression of ovarian androgen secretion during GnRH-a treatment and in turn may have contributed to the profound decreases of estrogen production by reducing the amount of precursor androgen available for aromatiz...
Strategic bidding and investments in final offer arbitration: Theory and experimental evidence

Abstract Given the sizeable savings, many disputes are resolved via arbitration. Numerous studies have considered the strategic incentives of various forms of arbitration, most notably final offer arbitration (FOA). While previous work focused exclusively on optimal offers, in reality disputants make a series of perhaps interrelated choices. This paper considers FOA disputants making an additional investment decision regarding their case. We consider four cases distinguished by the sequence and observability of choices. The theoretical results indicate that it is socially optimal for disputants to make publicly observable offers prior to investment decisions. Behavior in controlled laboratory experiments weakly confirms this conclusion.
Exercise against lower body negative pressure as a countermeasure for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning.

Abstract Exposure to lower body negative pressure (LBNP) with oral salt and water ingestion has been tested by astronauts as a countermeasure to prevent postflight orthostatic intolerance. Exercise is another countermeasure that astronauts commonly use during spaceflight to maintain musculoskeletal strength. We hypothesize that a novel combination of exercise and simultaneous exposure to lower body negative pressure during spaceflight will produce Earth-like musculoskeletal loads as well as cardiovascular stimuli to maintain adaptation to Earth's gravity. Results from recent studies indicate that leg exercise within a LBNP chamber against the suction force of 100 mmHg LBNP in horizontal-supine posture produces an equivalent, if not greater exercise stress compared to similar leg exercise in upright posture (without LBNP) against Earth's gravity.12 Therefore, the concept of LBNP combined with exercise may prove to be a low cost and low mass technique to stress the cardiovascular and the musculoskeletal systems simultaneously.
Electron radiation damage of α-alumina

Abstract Electron irradiation studies of α-alumina were conducted in both high vacuum and ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments. In the high vacuum (10−5 Pa) of a conventional high resolution electron microscope (C-HREM), the crystal surfaces damaged to form characteristic “dark-line” facets under low-flux ( 10 A cm 2 ) conditions. However, in the UHV (10−8 Pa) environment and similar electron flux, the surfaces did not facet and only suffered from oxygen loss. Under continued irradiation crystallites of aluminum formed on the surfaces. The damage process was accelerated at 100 keV, a regime where relative rate of ionization is favored and ballistic knock-on processes are minimized. These results signify that the damage process in α-alumina is associated with an ionization mechanism where the reaction products are greatly controlled by the ambient vacuum in the microscope.
Closure of a giant saphenous vein graft aneurysm with embolization coil.

Aneurysms of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) to coronary arteries are rare, usually asymptomatic and found incidentally. We report a case of an 84-year-old female who was found to have 8.1 × 8.4 cm aneurysm of an SVG to obtuse marginal (OM) artery. The aneurysm was prior to the distal anastamosis but no flow into the OM artery was noted. Cook Tornado Embolization Coils were used successfully to occlude the SVG proximal to the aneurysm. No complications occurred. The use of embolization coils is an effective and safe method for aneurysm occlusion when the anatomy is suitable and especially when patient is high risk for repeat surgical intervention.
Etching silicon surfaces with hydrogen atoms

Abstract We describe the first quantum-chemical calculations of the etching of silicon surfaces with atomic hydrogen. The calculations were carried out using MINDO/3. The {100}, {110}, and {111} surfaces were studied, with two different terminations of the last surface considered. The results are illustrated using a {111} surface, and show the typical release of an SiH2 molecule.
NASA End-to-End Data System /NEEDS/ information adaptive system - Performing image processing onboard the spacecraft

The Information Adaptive System (IAS) is an element of the NASA End-to-End Data System (NEEDS) Phase II and is focused toward onbaord image processing. Since the IAS is a data preprocessing system which is closely coupled to the sensor system, it serves as a first step in providing a 'Smart' imaging sensor. Some of the functions planned for the IAS include sensor response nonuniformity correction, geometric correction, data set selection, data formatting, packetization, and adaptive system control. The inclusion of these sensor data preprocessing functions onboard the spacecraft will significantly improve the extraction of information from the sensor data in a timely and cost effective manner and provide the opportunity to design sensor systems which can be reconfigured in near real time for optimum performance. The purpose of this paper is to present the preliminary design of the IAS and the plans for its development.
Development of high resolution population and social dynamics models and databases

High resolution population distribution data is critical for successfully addressing critical issues ranging from energy and socio-environmental research to public health to homeland security. Commonly available population data from Census is constrained both in space and time and does not capture the population dynamics as functions of space and time. This imposes a significant negative consequence on the fidelity of event based simulation models with sensitive space-time resolution. Such limitations, to a large degree, can be overcome by developing population data with a finer resolution in both space and time at sub-Census levels. Geodemographic data at such scales will represent a more realistic non-uniform distribution of population. Using an innovative approach with Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has made significant progress towards solving this problem. ORNL, as part of its LandScan global population project, has developed the finest resolution global and US population distribution models. This talk will describe ongoing development of the computational framework for spatial data integration and modeling framework for LandScan. Discussions will cover development of algorithms to utilize population infrastructure datasets (such as residences, business locations, academic institutions, correctional facilities, and public offices) along with behavioral or activity-based mobility datasets for representing temporal dynamics of population. In addition, we will discuss development and integration of transportation, physical and behavioral science computational algorithms; the integration of these models that address different scales and different time frames; and the development of dynamic optimization routines to take advantage of real-time data from sensor networks.
Further evidence for a stiff nuclear equation of state from a transverse-momentum analysis of Ar(1800 MeV/nucleon) + KCl.

The novel momentum analysis technique introduced by Danielewicz and Odyniec can be used to detect and exhibit collective flow in the light system Ar(1800 MeV/nucleon) + KCl where the usual kinetic energy flow analysis fails. The microscopic Vlasov-Uehling-Uhlenbeck theory which includes the nuclear mean field, two-body collisions, and Pauli blocking is used to study this phenomenon. The resulting transverse momentum transfers turn out to be quite sensitive to the nuclear equation of state. From a comparison with experimental data, evidence is presented for a rather stiff nuclear equation of state. The cascade model is unable to describe the data.
Polarization stability and dynamics in a model for a polarization-isotropic laser that goes beyond third-order Lamb theory

Instabilities and dynamical pulsations are common features of solutions of a model that includes the material variable dynamics for a laser with a polarization isotropic resonator and with a homogeneously broadened j=1\ensuremath{\rightarrow}j=0 transition. These resemble in some respects features found in third-order Lamb theories under anisotropic conditions, such as splitting of the optical field into two relatively independent orthogonally polarized modes with different optical frequencies. At higher intensities the amplitudes and frequencies of these modes exhibit such strong coupling that a ``two-mode'' description loses its usefulness or effectiveness. Various periodic attractors with strong intensity and polarization pulsations are found for moderate excitation levels. Some of these attractors preserve the breaking of the polarization isotropy on average just as does any linearly polarized solution. But in some cases the dynamics restore the polarization isotropy on average. We also find other dynamical phenomena, including periodic and apparently chaotic states, often involving rapid switching between long interludes of nearly constant polarization, and homoclinic behavior. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
ENTRE DOS AGUAS: IDENTIDAD MORAL EN LA RELACIÓN ENTRE CORPORACIONES MINERAS Y LA COMUNIDAD INDÍGENA DE TOCONCE EN EL DESIERTO DE ATACAMA

El proposito de este trabajo es exponer resultados acerca de los impactos de la identidad moral en la relacion entre mineria y comunidades atacamenas en la cuenca del rio Loa en el norte de Chile con especial enfasis en la comunidad de Toconce. Se trata de un estudio etnografico sobre los vinculos establecidos entre mineria y comunidades basandose en la descripcion de tres aspectos de dicha relacion: (a) la percepcion de los impactos sociales y medioambientales que tienen los toconcenos acerca de la mineria; (b) la memoria social de los toconcenos en la que establecen un fuerte contraste entre la relacion con la mineria en los tiempos en que los americanos eran duenos de la industria y la mineria en la actualidad; y (c) se analiza un contrato economico formal de arrendamiento de agua firmado entre una empresa y una comunidad indigena. Este material indica entre otras cosas, que el impacto de la identidad moral esencialmente negativa asociada a la mineria en la region define en gran medida las expectativas que tienen comunidades atacamenas rurales como Toconce sobre aquello que ven como las obligaciones morales que debieran cumplir las empresas mineras en el desierto de Atacama.
1-Benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline passes through the blood-brain barrier of rat brain: an in vivo microdialysis study.

Abstract Previous work has established that 1-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (1-BnTIQ) causes a parkinsonian syndrome in rats. The present study reports the blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability of 1-BnTIQ in freely moving rats with the aid of in vivo microdialysis-based measurements. The microdialysis probe was implanted in the frontal cortex of rat brain. Brain dialysate samples were analyzed using an HPLC-MS/MS assay. 1-BnTIQ, when administered i.p., dose-dependently appeared in brain extracellular fluid (ECF), reaching a maximum concentration after about 40 min. Two other tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) and 6,7-dihydroxy-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline [salsolinol (SAL)], served as positive and negative controls, respectively. The results confirmed an earlier report that SAL does not reach the brain after i.p. administration. In contrast, TIQ readily passed through the BBB. The brain dialysate concentration of 1-BnTIQ was about 24% that of TIQ when administered i.p. at the same dose. Both of them decreased quickly with a half-life of about 50 min.
Abstraction, Federation, and Scalability

I've often mused about the properties of structures that make them scalable. Regularity is often an element, as in geodesic domes. Abstraction is another contributor. An example of this is the layered, hierarchical, and federated structure of the Internet. Sequences of bits (physical transmission) are organized into frames (link structure) that are organized into packets with header and payload structure. TCP organizes sequences of packets into “connections” that deliver abstract sequences of payload bytes (“octets”) and are organized into higher level abstractions. At each “level” of abstraction, the details become less visible, and emergent structure becomes apparent. Groups of computers (for example, routers) form Autonomous Systems (networks) that share a common property (an “internal gateway protocol” such as IS-IS and an “external gateway protocol” such as BGP4). Encapsulation hides the lowerlayer structure in the payload of a “higher”-layer structure.
Analytical solutions of nonlinear and variable-parameter transport equations for verification of numerical solvers

All numerical codes developed to solve the advection–diffusion-reaction (ADR) equation need to be verified before they are moved to the operational phase. In this paper, we initially provide four new one-dimensional analytical solutions designed to help code verification; these solutions are able to handle the challenges of the scalar transport equation including nonlinearity and spatiotemporal variability of the velocity and dispersion coefficient, and of the source term. Then, we present a solution of Burgers’ equation in a novel setup. Proposed solutions satisfy the continuity of mass for the ambient flow, which is a crucial factor for coupled hydrodynamics-transport solvers. By the end of the paper, we solve hypothetical test problems for each of the solutions numerically, and we use the derived analytical solutions for code verification. Finally, we provide assessments of results accuracy based on well-known model skill metrics.
The CIRES Tethered Lifting System: a survey of the system, past results and future capabilities

This paper presents a survey of the Tethered Lifting System (TLS) being developed for atmospheric research by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at University of Colorado. Basic elements of the system are described, and examples of both published results and work in progress are presented.
Children's cued recall: Developmental differences in retrieval operations

Abstract Second and fifth grade children were aurally presented a study list containing eight target items plus primacy and recency buffers, followed first by free recall, then by cued recall for items not produced in free recall. Two additional buffer items were used at Grade 5 in an effort to equate the two age groups in free recall of targets. The cues were either of high or of moderate associative strength, and equal for the two age groups. Free recall of targets did not differ with age, suggesting equivalent storage of targets. At Grade 2 the cued recall level matched expectations based on a simple associative account of cuing effects. However, cued recall at Grade 5 was much higher than the normative association values, implicating strategic retrieval operations, the possible nature of which was discussed.