cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of γ-interferon and tumor necrosis factor α on thyroid cells: induction of class II antigen and inhibition of growth stimulation

Abstract A functioning rat thyroid cell line (FRTL5) was used to study interactions of thyrotropin (TSH) and various cytokines on expression of class I and II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens and on growth stimulation. Only γ-interferon (γ-IFN) affected MHC antigen expression, i.e., to enhance class I. that was constitutive, and to induce class II. A concomitant, but probably not directly related, effect of γ-IFN was to diminish growth stimulation, as effected by TSH and other activators of adenylate cyclase and measured by DNA increase and enhanced incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA. Stimulation of growth by tetradecanoylphorbol ester was also decreased by γ-IFN. These effects of γ-IFN were mimicked to some degree by tumor necrosis factor but there was major synergism between the two cytokines. Enhanced accumulation of cAMP by TSH and other agents was not diminished in these experiments. Flow cytometry analysis showed that inhibition of growth stimulation involved blocking of the passage of cells from the g 0 1 phase to the S phase. The data may have relevance to goiter size in autoimmune thyroid disease.
Universal Quantum Computation through Control of Spin-Orbit Coupling

We propose a method for quantum computation which uses control of spin-orbit coupling in a linear array of single electron quantum dots. Quantum gates are carried out by pulsing the exchange interaction between neighboring electron spins, including the anisotropic corrections due to spin-orbit coupling. Control over these corrections, even if limited, is sufficient for universal quantum computation over qubits encoded into pairs of electron spins. The number of voltage pulses required to carry out either single-qubit rotations or controlled-Not gates scales as the inverse of a dimensionless measure of the degree of control of spin-orbit coupling.
Child abuse: A societal problem with educational implications

Child abuse is defined as "an adult physically injuring a child not by accident, but in anger or deliberately . . . in the process of caring for the child." Many abused children are physically handicapped, mentally retarded, or emotionally disturbed either before the abuse or as a result of it. Child abuse is often considered synonymous with child battering or the battered child syndrome. Although it may not seem important to differentiate between the two, they do differ and we should treat them accordingly. The battered child syndrome represents an extreme form of child abuse. Characteristics of perpetrators of this subgroup differ from the larger group. The prevention, treatment, and general prognosis of the victim and the perpetrator also vary greatly from those of simple child abuse. The battered child syndrome is a cross-cultural phenomenon. Abuse in this case is predetermined and can be likened to torture. In many instances, the perpetrator is psychopathic. The beatings are almost always recurrent; the prognosis, poor. Hefler and Kempe suggest that a battered child returned to this environment has a fifty-fifty chance of surviving more than one year.2 Many students of this form of abuse suggest that the child not be returned to his previous environment. Child abuse as a whole, however, presents a different set of characteristics. Even though the battered child syndrome is generally demographically included, several ecological patterns emerge which lend hope to the survival and even much improved environment of the victim.
Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Microvesicles Induce Gene Expression Changes in Müller Cells of the Retina

Cell-derived microvesicles (MVs), recognized as important components of cell-cell communication, contain mRNAs, miRNAs, proteins and lipids and transfer their bioactive contents from parent cells to cells of other origins. We have studied the effect that MVs released from embryonic stem cells (ESMVs) have on retinal progenitor Muller cells. Cultured human Muller cells were exposed to mouse ESMVs every 48 hours for a total of 9 treatments. Morphological changes were observed by light microscopy in the treated cells, which grew as individual heterogeneous cells, compared to the uniform, spindle-like adherent cellular sheets of untreated cells. ESMVs transferred to Muller cells embryonic stem cell (ESC) mRNAs involved in the maintenance of pluripotency, including Oct4 and Sox2, and the miRNAs of the 290 cluster, important regulators of the ESC-specific cell cycle. Moreover, ESMV exposure induced up-regulation of the basal levels of endogenous human Oct4 mRNA in Muller cells. mRNA and miRNA microarrays of ESMV-treated vs. untreated Muller cells revealed the up-regulation of genes and miRNAs involved in the induction of pluripotency, cellular proliferation, early ocular genes and genes important for retinal protection and remodeling, as well as the down-regulation of inhibitory and scar-related genes and miRNAs involved in differentiation and cell cycle arrest. To further characterize the heterogeneous cell population of ESMV-treated Muller cells, their expression of retinal cell markers was compared to that in untreated control cells by immunocytochemistry. Markers for amacrine, ganglion and rod photoreceptors were present in treated but not in control Muller cells. Together, our findings indicate that ESMs induce de-differentiation and pluripotency in their target Muller cells, which may turn on an early retinogenic program of differentiation.
Functional Characterization of Residues in the P-loop Motif of the RecA Protein ATP Binding Site

Abstract We have introduced a large number of single amino acid substitutions at six positions that lie within the P-loop motif of the ATP binding site in the Escherichia coli RecA protein. The activity of each recA mutant was determined using genetic assays which assess the catalytic proficiency of the RecA protein for both homologous genetic recombination and recombinational repair of damaged DNA. The six residues displayed unique patterns of allowed versus non-allowed substitutions that define the functional and structural constraints at each position. Our results shows that while the restricted mutability of Gly66 and Ser70 conform to expectations based on their position in the RecA crystal structure, strict constraints are in effect at positions 68 and 69 that are not apparent in the RecA structure but would be compatible with the proximity of these side-chains to bound DNA. Thr74 shows a rather unexpected pattern of allowed substitutions that may reflect two distinct structural solutions to optimal stabilization of bound nucleotide. In addition, specific substitutions at Pro67 result in mutant RccA proteins that appear to discriminate between homologous genetic recombination and recombinational DNA repair.
Further characterization of the murine collagenase (type IVB) gene promoter and analysis of mRNA expression in murine tissues

Abstract The collagenase B type IV (Col4B) gene is highly expressed in the osteoclast, the primary bone-resorbing cell. However, factors that regulate expression of the Col4B gene are not well characterized. A murine P1 genomic clone containing a 94 kb sequence insert which contains the Col4B gene was isolated. A 4 kb EcoR1 DNA fragment containing the 5′ flanking sequence of the gene was further subcloned and restriction mapped. Putative transcription factors such as SRY, Lyf-1, and GATA1 and 2, binding motifs were identified by sequence analysis in this promoter region. Enhancer and suppressor regions were mapped by transient expression of Col4B gene promoter deletion mutant-luciferase reporter gene constructs in HepG2 cells. Col4B mRNA expression in different murine tissues was analyzed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and demonstrated high levels of expression in bone, clavaria, spleen and thymus. This promoter provides a valuable tool for targeing gene expression to the osteoclast.
EXCITED SINGLET-STATE YIELDS IN HYDROCARBON LIQUIDS EXPOSED TO X-RAYS

The yields of excited singlet states formed in some liquid hydrocarbons are reported for exposure to synchrotron X-rays of energies between 5 and 14 keV. The yields are derived from measurements of ultraviolet fluorescence emission of the hydrocarbons. Results reported are relative to the yield of excited singlets in liquid benzene. The yields decrease with decreasing X-ray energy, and at the lowest energies studied G(1S*) ) 1.5/100 eV for cisand trans-decalin. Results are compared to computer simulations.
The Viscosity Interaction of Barley Beta-Glucan with Trichoderma viride Cellulase in the Chick Intestine

Abstract A culture filtrate from Trichoderma viride was used as a source of cellulose degrading enzymes. This filtrate, when added to a barley ration fed to chicks, improved growth and feed efficiency by 19% and 8%, respectively. The response was saturable since increasing amounts of filtrate above 50 mg/kg produced no further improvement. Barley beta-glucan was added to a corn-based diet (10 g/kg) to evaluate the effect of the culture filtrate on the viscosity of beta-glucan in the chick intestinal contents. Barley beta-glucan increased the viscosity of the supernatant of the chick intestinal contents threefold and the culture filtrate reduced the viscosity to near control levels when combined with the diet containing beta-glucan. The presence of beta-glucan in barley probably limits growth of chicks by increasing viscosity of intestinal contents.
An In-vitro Evaluation of Silicone Elastomer Latex for Topical Drug Delivery

A silicone elastomer latex was evaluated as a topical drug-delivery system. With the addition of a fumed silica and the removal of water, the latex produced elastomeric solid films. The water vapour permeability of the solid film was found to be a function of the film composition. An increase in silica content and the incorporation of a water-soluble component, PEG 3350, rendered the silicone elastomer-free film even more permeable to water vapour. The release of hydrocortisone from the elastomer film can be described by a matrix-diffusion-controlled mechanism. Drug diffusion is thought to occur through the hydrophobic silicone polymer network and the hydrated hydrophilic silica region in the film matrix. Silicone elastomer film with a higher silica content exhibited a faster drug-release rate. The addition of PEG 3350 to the film further enhanced the drug-release rate.
Self-perception of poor health and suicidal ideation in medical patients.

Objective. To determine the relationship between self-perceived health and suicidal ideation among patients in general internal medicine practice settings.Method. A representative sample of 4007 patients was assessed for current suicidal ideation, self-perception of health, current medical disorders and current mental disorders (major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks and alcohol use disorder) with the PRIME-MD Patient Health Questionnaire.Results. Patients with self-perception of poor health, compared with those who reported more favourable health perception, were significantly more likely to report current suicidal ideation (35.2% v. 8.3%; χ2 = 97.4, df = 1, P<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the perception of poor health was associated with a significantly increased risk of suicidal ideation (OR = 3.1, CI 1.9, 5.0), even after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, mental disorders and common physical illnesses.Conclusion. Self-perception of poor health is associated with a significantly increased risk of suicidal ideation among general medical patients, even in the absence of common mental and physical disorders. These findings add to a growing literature on the importance of self-perceived health in the treatment and outcomes of mental and physical well-being by documenting self-perceived poor health as a risk factor for suicidal ideation in medical patients.
Effects of PhXA41, A New Prostaglandin F2α Analog, on Aqueous Humor Dynamics in Human Eyes

Purpose: PhXA41, a new phenyl-substituted analog of a prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α ) prodrug (13,14-dihydro-17-phenyl-18,19,20-trinor-prostagland in F 2α -1-isopropyl ester), is an effective ocular hypotensive agent in patients with glaucoma. To understand its mechanism of action, various components of aqueous humor dynamics were examined after topical application to human eyes. Methods: In a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study, PhXA41 (0.006%) was given topically twice daily for 1 week to one eye each of 22 volunteers with normotension or ocular hypertension. The other eye was similarly treated with vehicle. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by pneumatonometry and tonographic outflow facility by pneumatonography. Aqueous flow and outflow facility were determined either directly or indirectly by a fluorophotometric technique, and uveoscleral outflow was calculated secondarily. Comparison of values obtained in treated versus contralateral control eyes and on baseline versus day 8 of treatment were made. Results: Compared with baseline measurements, PhXA41 significantly ( P P P Conclusions: PhXA41 decreases IOP in humans by increasing uveoscleral outflow without significantly affecting other parameters of aqueous humor dynamics.
"L'Anima della Villa Toscana": Gabriele D'Annunzio at the Gamberaia, 1896 and 1898

Abstract Two entries under the heading ‘Ariel’ in the taccuino or notebook of Gabriele D'Annunzio dated 27 and 28 April 1896 describe what were probably the poet's first visits to the Gamberaia and the thoughts, images and sensations elicited by this very personal experience.1 Some two years later, D'Annunzio recorded in another notebook, under I6 May and 20 June 1898, the impressions and reminiscences from other visits.2 Since that time, the taccuini containing these entries have been published in the national edition of D'Annunzio's collected writings, but they have been mentioned only marginally in connection with his literary work, overlooked in essays on D'Annunzio as critic and interpreter of gardens, and never taken into account in studies of the Villa Gamberaia itself.3 The present paper is simply a brief introduction to these topics, but it may offer new insights and suggest new directions of research, for D'Annunzio's descriptions of the Gamberaia not only capture and transform into poetic image...
The Effects of CaNa2EDTA on Brain Lead Mobilization in Rodents Determined Using a Stable Lead Isotope Tracer

Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of CaNa(2)EDTA for reducing lead (Pb) levels in blood and soft tissues, including brain. However, a concern remains that a single dose of CaNa(2)EDTA may cause a significant increase in brain Pb levels due to a redistribution of endogenous Pb. Here we utilized a rodent model of Pb exposure in combination with a sensitive stable Pb isotope tracer methodology to assess the effects of CaNa(2)EDTA chelation treatment on the redistribution of Pb in brain, blood, kidney, and bone tissues. Thirty-two adult female albino rats (n = 6-7 animals/group) were exposed to 100 microg Pb/mL in drinking water for 4 weeks. Stable (204)Pb tracer was administered via i.p. injection over 2 days prior to chelation. CaNa(2)EDTA was administered i.p. at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day for 1 to 5 days. Statistical differences were evaluated with univariate ANOVA. Under the Pb exposure and chelation treatment regimens utilized here, there was no evidence of a measurable redistribution of endogenous Pb (as total Pb or labile (204)Pb tracer) into the brain after a single CaNa(2)EDTA dose. Further, CaNa(2)EDTA was not efficacious in measurably reducing brain or bone Pb levels, although brain levels of labile (204)Pb tracer were significantly reduced after 5 days of chelation. CaNa(2)EDTA treatment was effective in significantly reducing both blood and kidney Pb levels. Overall, these data substantiate the efficacy of CaNa(2)EDTA for reducing soft tissue Pb levels, but not total brain Pb, and they do not support concern for a transient increase in brain Pb levels with treatment.
Molested as children: A hidden contribution to substance abuse?

A history of child sexual victimization may be much more prevalent among substance abusers than previously suspected and may be commonly missed if not assessed directly in every patient. The rates of reporting child sexual abuse among inpatient substance abusers were compared before and after the question was routinely asked in a treatment program. Before routine inquiry, 4% of men and 20% of women disclosed such abuse but after routine inquiries began the rates for adult men quadrupled, up to 42% of the teenaged boys reported such abuse, about 75% of adult women admitted such abuse, and 71 to 90% of teenaged girls disclosed histories of child sexual abuse. Unresolved issues from childhood sexual abuse may be a hidden factor underlying much substance abuse and if not treated may lead to rapid relapse.
Fighting ability and motivation: determinants of dominance and contest strategies in females of a passerine bird

The communication of aggressive motivation or fighting ability has important fitness consequences for competing animals. Selection should favour rapid and honest communication between opponents to settle dominance relationships while avoiding prolonged and intense fighting. We investigated factors that influence fighting strategies and contest outcomes in female house finches, Carpodacus mexicanus, specifically focusing on the following questions. (1) What social contexts trigger an aggressive response? (2) Does body size and condition contribute to female fighting ability? (3) Do contextual factors, such as mate presence, nest status, nest proximity, and site experience contribute to fighting motivation? (4) Does contest intensity and duration increase as the differences in fighting ability between opponents decrease? (5) What is the relative contribution of fighting ability and aggressive motivation to the outcome of a contest? We found that aggression was triggered most frequently by female intrusions in the vicinity of nest and by extrapair female intrusions on an established pair. Female fighting and contest outcomes were strongly influenced by body condition and body size, and females were more motivated to initiate fights and won more contests when their mates were present. Females at the later breeding stages and those fighting closer to their nests were dominant and won more fights compared to females at earlier breeding stages or further from their nests. Females initiated a greater proportion of contests against opponents with similar local familiarity and breeding history. Escalated and prolonged contests, while rare, occurred exclusively between females of the most similar body size and condition. When differences in body condition between opponents are not easily perceived, contestants might escalate contests for more reliable assessments of relative fighting ability. Finally, body condition was not a strong determinant of contest outcome in the contexts with easily assessed differences in the resource value (e.g. mate presence), but without these motivational differences, body condition was the ultimate determinant of contest outcomes.
Maternal and congenital rubella before 1964: Frequency, clinical features, and search for isoimmune phenomena

Maternal rubella occurring during 1959 to 1964 was identified in 25 of 30,059 pregnancies, an attack rate of 4 to 8 per 10,000 pregnancies during this nonepidemic period. The expanded congenital rubella syndrome occurred in infants of these mothers, suggesting that no recent change has occurred in the syndrome or in the virulence of the virus. Increased amounts of anti-IgG antibodies were found in postpartum maternal sera. These anti-immunoglobulins are 19S and probably have no effect on the immunologic competence of the fetus and infant. Cord serum IgM levels were elevated in 3 of 9 patients tested.
Population dynamics of an asexual brine shrimp Artemia population

Abstract An asexual population of brine shrimp Artemia parthenogenetica Barigozzi located in a commercial salina at Salin de Giraud, France, was sampled weekly during one growing season. A minimum of five generations is estimated to occur. Population levels increased rapidly through late March, then leveled at an approximate average density of 12000 · m −3 for the remainder of the growing season. Adults constituted 40% of the density but >95% of the standing crop (biomass) and calories. From 23 May to 5 June, four changes occurred in the population: (1) mean female fecundity decreased from 100 to 12 offspring-brood−1, (2) size frequencies shifted, (3) adult density leveled and (4) a shift occurred from ovoviviparity to the production of encysted embryos. Salinities and population densities were estimated in late July for the numerous ponds that constitute the Salin de Giraud complex. Artemia were found in ponds ranging from 40 to 310‰ salt. Densities were positively correlated (P
Mask data processing in the era of multibeam writers

Mask writers’ architectures have evolved through the years in response to ever tightening requirements for better resolution, tighter feature placement, improved CD control, and tolerable write time. The unprecedented extension of optical lithography and the myriad of Resolution Enhancement Techniques have tasked current mask writers with ever increasing shot count and higher dose, and therefore, increasing write time. Once again, we see the need for a transition to a new type of mask writer based on massively parallel architecture. These platforms offer a step function improvement in both dose and the ability to process massive amounts of data. The higher dose and almost unlimited appetite for edge corrections open new windows of opportunity to further push the envelope. These architectures are also naturally capable of producing curvilinear shapes, making the need to approximate a curve with multiple Manhattan shapes unnecessary.
Reflections of an Eos editor

I served as the Eos Planetary Sciences Section editor from 1997 to 1999, and I want to share a few thoughts and reflections on this experience and to deliver some unsolicited advice regarding the future of Eos and our section. It has been an incredibly interesting and active period for planetary sciences. I'm happy to say that much of the excitement has been shared with the section and the rest of AGU in the pages of Eos. You've written a wonderful group of feature articles, news stories, meeting reports, and opinion pieces in the past 3 years, providing visibility to the work we do in planetary sciences and educating the more than 35,000 other members of the Union about the scientific and societal impact of what we do. It really has been rewarding working with many of you to help get your thoughts and results into print every week
Determination of nitrofurantoin in urine by reduction at rotating platinum electrode

Abstract The application of the reduction of nitrofurantoin at the rotating platinum electrode to the determination of the drug in the urine of clinical patients was evaluated and compared to a commonly used colorimetric method. The new electrochemical method was found to be faster and more efficient with precision and accuracy comparable to those of the colorimetric method.
Comparing apples and oranges: a randomised prospective study

For many years the comparison of apples and oranges was thought to be impossible. Many authors use the analogy of the putative inability to compare apples and oranges as a means of scornfully reviewing the work of others. The titles of some recent publications 1 2 suggest an actual comparison of apples and oranges, but the authors do not, in fact, compare these two fruits. Our laboratory has been interested in this problem for many years. We attempted numerous pilot studies (unpublished data) but had not accomplished a true comparison until now. At last, successful comparison of apples and oranges has been achieved and is the subject of this report. We investigated …
Effect of molecular charge on para‐ and transcellular access of horseradish peroxidase into rat bile

The permeability pathway into the biliary tree for small inert molecules exhibits a charge selectivity. Using a method which distinguishes trans- from paracellular access, we have examined the charge selectivity of biliary access pathways for the 40-kD protein horseradish peroxidase (pI 7.5), which was derivatized to strongly anionic (pI 9.5) isoenzymes. Each isoenzyme was injected as a bolus into the perfusate of an isolated rat liver perfused in situ with a nonrecirculating Krebs-Ringer buffer. Bile was collected at intervals and horseradish peroxidase activity was measured. Its appearance allowed differentiation of paracellular from transcellular access, and the amount entering via each pathway was quantified. The species of enzyme entering bile was the same as that injected as determined by cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography of biliary horseradish peroxidase. Paracellular biliary access of anionic horseradish peroxidase was less than 50% that of neutral and cationic horseradish peroxidase both in the control state and when paracellular entry was augmented with 10−10M vasopressin. Transcellular access of anionic horseradish peroxidase was similarly restricted. To determine whether this restriction of anionic transcellular access was brought about by diminished hepatocellular uptake or augmented catabolism, we studied these parameters in 4-hr primary hepatocyte cultures. The uptake rates of all species were similar. Little or no degradation or efflux of any horseradish peroxidase species occurred over 30 min in the cultured cells. We conclude that access is charge selective for macromolecules and that this selectivity holds for trans- as well as for paracellular pathways. The selectivity of transcellular access may occur at the stage of intracellular sorting for biliary excretion.
Physiological effects of temperature and growth regulators on foliar chlorophyll, soluble protein, and cold hardiness in citrus

Leaf chlorophyll (Chl, A, B) and total soluble protein were assayed in greenhouse-grown 1.5-year-old trees of 2 citrus types, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) and sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) exposed to 12 h (day/night) photoperiods in growth chambers under high (30°/21°C, day/night; noncold-hardening) and low (16°/5°C; cold-hardening) temperature regimes. Trees were sprayed 2 × per week for 5 weeks with one of the following solutions at 100 μM: napthaleneacetic acid (NAA), paclobutrazol (2RS, 3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pentan-3-ol) (PPP333), benzyl-adenine (BA), abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA3), minerals only (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and BA (+) minerals. NAA, PP333, ABA and GA3 decreased Chl A, B and soluble protein in both citrus types under cold-hardening conditions in contrast to increases with the use of BA and BA (+) minerals especially in trifoliate orange. Both BA and GA3 increased Chl A, B and protein synthesis under high temperature in both citrus types. Under noncold-hardening temperatures, GA3 enhanced Chl A, B but sharply reduced foliar protein concentration. Dieback of both cultivars following exposure to temperatures down to −6.7°C was decreased 7% by NAA sprays during noncold-hardening temperatures. Cold tolerance of noncoldhardened trifoliate orange trees was also improved with ABA and PP333. Foliar sprays of NAA (sour orange) and PP333 and BA (+) minerals (trifoliate) increased cold tolerance of cold-hardened trees by 8%. Results indicate that spray applications of growth regulators influence physiological factors associated with foliar functioning and cold tolerance in citrus during different temperature regimes. Growth promoters (BA) and inhibitors (NAA) have the potential to promote cold hardines through either a strong stimulatory effect on foliar physiology or a marked inhibition of growth in general. This suggests that each growth regulator may possess an independent role in the cold-hardiness phenomenon and may also interact with physiological processes other than soluble protein and chlorophyll metabolism. The relationship between soluble protein levels in citrus foliage and the degree of cold hardiness remains uncertain and is essentially unresolved pending more specific qualitative research.
Pultruded glass fiber/bio-based polymer: Interface tailoring with silane coupling agent

Abstract Economical glass fiber reinforced polymer composites were developed from biorenewable resins utilizing a highly automated pultrusion process. The composites were successfully pultruded with a self-built table-top pultrusion machine. The interfacial interaction of the composites was significantly improved after surface modification with a silane coupling agent. The optimum silane concentration was determined by testing the mechanical properties of the pultruded fiber reinforced composites. Composites reinforced with fibers that were treated with a 3% silane solution exhibited the best properties in both DMA and flexural tests.
The occurrence of Jovian planets and the habitability of planetary systems

Planets of mass comparable to or larger than Jupiter's have been detected around over 50 stars, and for one such object a definitive test of its nature as a gas giant has been accomplished with data from an observed planetary transit. By virtue of their strong gravitational pull, giant planets define the dynamical and collisional environment within which terrestrial planets form. In our solar system, the position and timing of the formation of Jupiter determined the amount and source of the volatiles from which Earth's oceans and the source elements for life were derived. This paper reviews and brings together diverse observational and modeling results to infer the frequency and distribution of giant planets around solar-type stars and to assess implications for the habitability of terrestrial planets.
Planning complex physical tasks for disaster response with a humanoid robot

Humanoid robots are attempting ever more complex tasks in lieu of humans. Disaster response is a promising area for the use of humanoids due to safety concerns. However, controlling a high DOF humanoid robot to autonomously perform a complex task in unknown and unstructured environments is challenging. In this paper we describe a simulation framework for humanoid grasping and transport tasks that includes dynamics, and is easily ported to a real physical humanoid robot. The system can be used to rapidly prototype humanoid motions and dynamics in simulation, and can then be ported to the physical hardware. Experimental results are presented, both in simulation and physical experiments, with the HUBO humanoid, on a task from the DARPA Robotics Challenge, attaching a fire hose to a hydrant.
USE OF MODERN ELECTRON TRANSFER THEORIES TO DETERMINE ELECTRONIC COUPLING MATRIX ELEMENTS IN INTRAMOLECULAR SYSTEMS

The dependence of the donor/acceptor electronic coupling on the topology of donor−bridge−acceptor (DBA) molecules is probed experimentally and theoretically. The temperature dependence of photoinduced electron-transfer rate constants is analyzed with a semiclassical electron-transfer model to extract the donor/acceptor electronic coupling matrix elements |V| and the low-frequency reorganization energy at 295 K, λo(295 K), for four rigid DBA molecules. The sensitivity of the electronic coupling |V| to the models and parameters used to fit the data are extensively investigated. The treatment of the low-frequency reorganization energy's temperature dependence has a significant impact on the analysis. The identity of the principal coupling pathways is determined for molecular linkages that propagate symmetry allowed donor/acceptor interactions and molecular linkages that propagate symmetry forbidden donor/acceptor interactions. For the symmetry forbidden case, these analyses demonstrate that solvent molecules...
Galerkin approximations of infinite-dimensional compensators for flexible structures with unbounded control action

Galerkin (finite elements) approximations of compensators/estimators for partially observed infinite-dimensional systems with unbounded control operators are considered. It is shown that these approximations enjoy two features: (i) they provide a near-optimal performance, and (ii) they retain uniform asymptotic stability properties (uniform with respect to the parameter of discretization) of the entire closed loop system. Examples of hyperbolic equations with boundary controls and boundary observations are provided.
Private speech in two preschools: Significance of open-ended activities and make-believe play for verbal self-regulation

Abstract Contextual influences on private speech were examined in two preschools differing in the learning environments they provide for children. Observations of 3- to 5-year-olds were made during free-choice periods in a Montessori and a traditional (play-oriented) program. Consistent with Vygotsky's theory that make-believe play serves as a vital context for the development of self-regulation, the incidence of private speech was much higher during open-ended activities, especially fantasy play, that require children to determine the goal of the task, than during closed-ended tasks with predetermined goals. In line with previous research, the more direct involvement, or external regulation, teachers displayed, the lower the rate of children's private speech. In addition, transitions (as opposed to involvement in activities) were linked to reduced private speech, whereas engagement with peers, in the form of associative play, predicted greater self-directed language. Diminished make-believe play, greater teacher direct involvement, and heightened time spent in transitions largely accounted for the lower incidence of private speech in the Montessori compared with the traditional preschool. Contextual factors also contributed to a drop in private speech at age 5. Implications for fostering children's verbal self-regulation during early childhood are considered.
Design and Analysis on Bidirectionally and Passively Coupled QVCO With Nonlinear Coupler

This paper studies quadrature voltage-controlled oscillators (QVCOs) employing bidirectional current injection from the two adjacent terminals and using a passive nonlinear coupler (BPN-QVCO). For such a QVCO to achieve quadrature locking while being robust to components mismatch, the odd-order nonlinearity of the coupling cell is essential and its significance in the performance merits is introduced. To verify the provided theory on BPN-QVCOs with resistive couplers, a modified diode is proposed as the coupling cell with doubled third-order nonlinearity for improved phase error without introducing additional capacitive loading. The proposed prototype and a standard 26-GHz BPN-QVCO using conventional diode couplers are fabricated in 65-nm CMOS. The phase error due to the LC-tank mismatch is demonstrated to be half with the proposed coupling cell, verifying the theory. The proposed theory also applies to BPN-QVCOs using nonlinear capacitors as coupling cells.
Impact of Maternal Substance Abuse on Neonatal Assisted Ventilation

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between maternal drug use during pregnancy, which was identified by positive toxicology screening tests, and subsequent neonatal assisted ventilation. The study population consisted of 38,762 women and their babies who were born alive in 1995 or 1996 at 7 Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals with neonatal intensive care nurseries (NICU's). Data available on each mother-infant pair included demographics, toxicology screen results (including specific drugs for which each screen was positive), NICU admission status, and neonatal assisted ventilation use. Overall, 4.2% of mothers (n=1642) had at least one positive toxicology test during their pregnancy. Of the 11 drugs tested for, the following 5 were considered most harmful to the fetus and were used either singly or in combinations by 965 of the women who ever tested positive: alcohol (n=197 women ever tested positive, 0.5% of the total), amphetamines (n=161, 0.4%), methamphetamines (n=183, 0.5%), cocaine (n=91, 0.2%), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (n=666, 1.7%). Women were counted once for each drug for which they ever tested positive. In this 2-year cohort, 2.7%(n=1034) of all babies required assisted ventilation. Significantly more babies of mothers ever found positive for any of the 5 most harmful drugs required assisted ventilation (5.4%) than those who did not test positive(2.6%; Chi square test, p=0.001). This finding was driven by the results for intermediate low birthweight babies between 1500 and 2499 grams, in which 26.3% of babies whose mothers tested positive for one of the 5 most harmful drugs required assisted ventilation compared to 13.2% of the babies whose mothers did not test positive for any of those drugs (p=0.001). These results suggest that babies of mothers who tested positive for alcohol, amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine or THC during pregnancy are significantly more likely to require assisted ventilation than babies of mothers who do not test positive for those drugs, particularly in the intermediate low birthweight category. The morbidity experienced by these babies and the costs of associated neonatal services are enormous. Identifying drug-using women early in pregnancy and providing rehabilitation programs might lower morbidity and neonatal services costs considerably.
NONSTEROID ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS IN THE THERAPY OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES

: The management of rheumatoid arthritis is outlined in detail since certain basic principles are applicable to the management of other rheumatic disorders discussed much more briefly. Emphasis is laid on the physician-patient relationship. It is important for the physician to inform the patient of some of the basic facts about the disease and the general objectives of treatment. Also important is the patient's choice of objectives. Therapy with the following nonsteroid drugs is discussed: salicylates, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, aminoquinoline compounds and gold salts. The treatment of rheumatic diseases is largely empiric and is directed toward symptomatic relief and palliation. Knowledge of causes and cure is grossly deficient, and our therapeutic capabilities are limited. Nevertheless, significant advances are being made in the investigative laboratories and in the application to patients of the knowledge and therapy which are available.
Soft pion solution of Kl3 parameters

Abstract A new soft-pion relation involving the Kl3 form-factors is proposed. Together with the well-known soft pion theorem, a solution of the Kl3 parameters is obtained under various assumptions of linearity of form-factors.
Ionic strength, pH, and the electrostatic correction of redox protein reaction rates.

Summary A kinetic study was made of the oxidation of reduced Chromatium vinosum high potential iron-sulfur protein (HiPIP) by ferricyanide as a function of both ionic strength and pH. From the ionic strength results at each of several pH's, the calculated net charge of the protein was found to become more negative as the pH increased and compared well with the net charge of the protein based on the primary sequence. Also the rates were ionic strength dependent at each pH. When the rates were corrected for electrostatic interactions between the negatively charged ferricyanide and the protein at each pH, two apparent pK a 's were observed at about pH 7 and 10. It is concluded that since the net redox protein charge does change with pH, that in rate-pH profile and other kinetic studies, especially of nonphysiological redox couples, the second order rate constants need to be electrostatically corrected. Through the electrostatic correction of these rates, it is then possible to partition purely electrostatic effects from mechanistically significant ionizations of specific amino acid residues.
A data-driven test to compare two or multiple time series

In this paper, a data-driven test is proposed to compare two independent or dependent stationary time series, in terms of the second order dynamics. We show that the problem of time series comparison is equivalent to a goodness-of-fit test checking if a constant model is adequate. Using the same framework, the proposed test is easily extended to compare multiple time series and time series of different lengths. Different to previous methods, it is based on generalized score statistics in an estimating equation setting, with some weak and flexible conditions. An extensive simulation study illustrates the validity of the asymptotic result and finite sample properties, using the tapered periodogram. The proposed test is found to perform well for many different situations, including time series with heavy-tailed or skewed innovations. An application to damage detection using vibration data is discussed.
Competition from large males and the alternative mating tactics of small males of dawson’s burrowing bee (Amegilla dawsoni) (apidae, apinae, anthophorini)

Males of Dawson’s burrowing bees (Amegilla dawsoni) search for virgin females at three locations: (1) open clay patches where females are emerging from underground brood cells, (2) the vegetated peripheral zone adjacent to emergence areas (through which females pass after emerging), and (3) clusters of flowering plants, which are often some distance from emergence areas. Males of Dawson’s burrowing bees exhibit a size dimorphism with large major and small minors. Major males patrol only the open emergence sites, whereas minor males may be found in all three locations. Although most females are mounted and presumably mated immediately upon emergence, some are not, and these females make up a pool of potential mates for the small males patrolling the peripheral zone and flower patches. The density of males at emergence sites and the probability of male-male aggression change over the course of a day and over the entire flight season. When the level of competition is low, some minor males hunt for mates at emergence areas, where potential mates are relatively numerous. But when the presence of many large rivals makes it unlikely that a small male can avoid being displaced from emerging females, minors make the best of a bad job by shifting to areas where majors are absent.
Technical assistance in prevention programs: Correlates of perceived need in communities that care

Technical assistance is an important component of the design of prevention programs that aim to widely disseminate an empirically-supported model to diverse local sites while maintaining fidelity. In the context of an evaluation of Communities That Care (CTC) in Pennsylvania, this study examines issues important for the delivery and allocation of technical assistance resources. Questions examined include whether local program implementers are reliable guides as to, which sites require higher levels of technical assistance (TA), and whether local participants are able to accurately specify which areas of technical assistance would be most useful for their project. Correlational and mixed-model (HLM) analyses were conducted utilizing measures of project functioning in 21 CTC sites from participant (n=203) and the research staff's perspectives. Local participants' perceived level of overall TA need was related to coalition members' perceived effectiveness of the local CTC organizations. Further, participants' ratings of specific areas of TA need were associated with hypothesized domains of CTC (e.g. community readiness, coalition members' attitudes/knowledge regarding prevention, internal coalition functioning, perceived effectiveness). However, our conclusions regarding the ability of local participants to identify TA needs are qualified by two aspects of the results: The magnitude of the hypothesized specific domain associations were moderate, and participants' ratings of overall technical assistance need were not linked to technical assistant providers' ratings of overall site functioning. Results are discussed in the context of the importance of ongoing technical assistance for community-based prevention models.
Variations in neuro-control strategies with scaling of optimization criteria

An eighth-order nonlinear Hill-based muscle-joint model is used with a global optimization scheme to study normal-to-fast single-joint movement strategies. The optimization criterion includes measures of neuromuscular effort and dynamic performance of the movement. By systematically varying the relative weights of such competing criteria as position error and neural or muscle effort, a continuum of optimized movements is obtained. These range from very fast time-optimal movements which come at high neural and muscle effort, through more efficient fast movements, and then finally to moderate-speed movements coming at much lower cost to any criteria related to effort, efficiency or smoothness. Sensitivity analysis of each individual criterion to the inclusion of the other in the optimization suggests muscle stress to be a particularly effective criterion. >
Remote Sensing in Dryland Cotton: Relation to Yield Potential and Soil Properties

The use of soil and topography information to explain crop yield variation across fields is often applied for crop management purposes. Remote sensed data is a potential source of information for site-specific crop management, providing both spatial and temporal information about soil and crop condition. Studies were conducted in a 104-acre (42-hectare) dryland cotton field in 2001 and 2002 in order to (1) qualitatively assess the spatial variability of soil physical properties from kriged estimates, (2) compare actual yields with normalized difference vegetation reflectance indices (NDVI) obtained from multispectral imagery and from in situ radiometer data, and (3) predict site-specific cotton yields using a crop simulation model, GOSSYM. An NDVI map of soybean in 2000 obtained from a multispectral image was used to establish four sites in each low, medium and high NDVI class. These 12 sites were studied in 2001 and 12 more sites selected at random were studied in 2002 (n = 24). Site-specific measurements included leaf area index (LAI), canopy hyperspectral reflectance, and three-band multispectral image data for green, red, and near-infrared reflectance wavebands at spatial resolutions of 2 m in 2001 and 0.5 m in 2002. Imagery was imported into the image analysis software Imagine (ERDAS, v. 8.5) for georegistration and image analysis. A 6x6 pixels (144 m2) area of interest was established on top of each field plot site and digital numbers (DN) from reflectance imagery were extracted from each band for derivation of NDVI maps for each of four sampling dates. Lint yield from each plot site was collected by hand and also by a cotton picker equipped with AgLeader yield monitor and OmniStar differential global positioning system. We found plant height, leaf area index, and lint yield were closely associated with NDVI maps and with NIR band values acquired from either an aircraft or handheld (GER-1500) sensor during peak bloom in mid July. Results indicate NDVI and NIR bands could be used to produce estimated field maps of plant height, leaf area index and yield, which offer a potentially attractive mid-season management tool for site specific farming in dryland cotton.
Acute monocytic leukemia: A surface marker study

Thirteen cases of acute monocytic leukemia (AMoL) were studied morphologically, cytochemically, and immunologically in an attempt to determine similarities and/or differences between acute monocytic and lymphocytic leukemias. Single class surface immunoglobulins (IgG kappa) were seen in six cases. These markers are thought to represent serum immunoglobulins attached to the leukemic monocytes via the receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin and are not synthesized by the cells as is the case with B lymphocytes. Receptors for complement were also noted. It appears that surface immunoglobulins and receptors for the Fc portion of the immunoglobulin and complement, which are found on several classes of normal lymphocytes and monocytes, may also be found on leukemic monocytes. Antisera to B lymphocytes, detecting HlA-DRw antigens, also reacted with some of the leukemic monocytes.