cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fathers, Fathering, and Fatherhood Across Cultures

This chapter reviews the development and current status of fathering research worldwide with a focus on the cultural context of fatherhood. Parenting research in large-scale societies initially focused on mothers and when fathers were studied they typically were White, North American, and middle-class. Currently evidence is available from cultures in every continent but the coverage within and between nations varies widely. Uneven coverage makes cross-cultural comparisons difficult but when possible they often challenge previous assumptions made in Western cultures. Approaches to fathering vary widely from a primary concern with being a disciplinarian and provider to those focusing on nurturing child care with many possible types and combinations in between. Non-Western fathering varies more dramatically than fathering practices in the Western world. However, almost all research on fathers across cultures since 1990 suggests some change in the direction of greater involvement by fathers. Cultures with more involved fathers tend to be more peaceful and have more gender equality. Comparative studies are needed within regions, within a given culture, and that focus on shared conditions like emigration.
Engineering Efficient, Broadband Upconversion in Core/Rod/Emitter Semiconductor Nanostructures

We characterize upconversion (UC) photoluminescence (PL) in semiconductor quantum dot/rod/emitter nanostructures using one- and two-color cw excitation. We engineer improvements in UC quantum efficiency to 3% of the PL emission efficiency.
Effects of milling methods and cooling strategies on tool wear, chip morphology and surface roughness in high speed end-milling of Inconel-718

This paper presents the results of experimental investigation of the effects of milling methods (up-milling and down-milling) and cooling strategies [emulsion cooling, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), cryogenic cooling using liquid nitrogen (LN2) and combined (MQL + LN2)] on flank wear, chip morphology and surface roughness in peripheral high speed end-milling of Inconel-718. The experimental results show that down-milling generated lower maximum flank wear than up-milling for all cooling strategies, thus improves machinability. MQL cooling with down-milling generated lowest maximum flank wear of 0.072 mm after eight passes and is recommended for machining Inconel-718, whereas LN2 cooling with up-milling generated highest flank wear of 1.984 mm after first pass only. Tool wear mechanism in up-milling is adhesion and failure modes are chipping and plastic deformation, causing rapid tool wear, while abrasion is the tool wear mechanism under down-milling causing progressive tool wear. Also, emulsion up-milling generated lowest surface roughness of 0.29 μm, whereas emulsion, MQL and combined (MQL + LN2) cooling strategies with down-milling generated equal and second lowest surface roughness of 0.34 μm. Results show that using MQL cooling under down-milling for machining Inconel-718 can lead to significant cost saving and sustainable machining.
Extreme weather, public transport ridership and moderating effect of bus stop shelters

Abstract This paper examines how extreme weather conditions influence urban public transport ridership with a particular focus on the role of bus stop shelters. Using bus ridership data from the Salt Lake City metropolitan area, we find that extreme weather such as very high and low temperatures, and heavy rainfall reduces public transport ridership, while bus stop shelters have a modest effect on mitigating ridership losses resulting from these adverse weather conditions. The moderating effect of shelters is more pronounced on weekdays, and for bus stops with lower service frequency and fewer transfers. Our research also shows that the installation of bus shelters correlates with a variety of factors including service frequency, land use types, and local socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Overall, our findings suggest that public transport amenities with weather-proof attributes have the potential to retain and attract more ridership on extreme weather days.
Preface to the National Lawyers Guild Review, 69-2

Introduces: 1. Commemorative 75th Anniversary Issue by Victor Rabinowitz and Michael Krinsky. 2. Ferdinand Pecora Put "Capitalism on Trial for its Life" by Ann Schneider. 3. Barney Rosenstein -- Last Living Founder of the NLG by Micheal Ray. 4. Thomas I. Emerson: Brave During the Scare by Nathan Goetting. 5. Ben Margolis: Portrait of a Founder as a Young Man by Barbara Enloe Hadsell. 6. Maurice Sugar: Socialist, Activist, Lawyer by Steve Babson. 7. Charles Hamilton Houston by Brent E. Simmons. 8. Carol Weiss King by Aaron David Frishberg.
(226) Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Defines an Itch-Specific Circuit in the Spinal Dorsal Horn

Recent studies have indicated that the spinal activity of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and its receptor, GRPR, selectively modulate itching behaviors over other somatosensations including pain behaviors. Despite behavioral selectivity, how GRP acts within the spinal cord to selectively convey itch to the brain is not understood. Utilizing a novel ex vivo somatosensory preparation, retrograde labeling of spinal projection neurons, and multiphoton Ca2+ imaging, the activity of excitatory interneurons and projection neurons in the ex vivo spinal cord can be recorded in response to natural stimulation of the skin and pharmacologic modulation of GRP signaling. Using this technique to visualize activity, we found that GRP activates a primary population of neurons at the spinal dorsal horn which subsequently drives activity in a larger secondary population of interneurons. The activity of this circuit also drives output from the spinal dorsal horn through activation of local projection neurons. These experiments begin to define a network of neurons that may be involved in itch-selective signaling.
A light controlled, sensitive, selective and portable spiropyran based receptor for mercury ions in aqueous solution

Abstract A substituted benzothiazolinic spiropyran was synthesized through a reaction between 2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-nitrobenzaldehyde and 2-ethyl-3-methylbenzo[d]thiazol-3-ium-4-toluenesulfonate in the presence of piperidine. The spiropyran derivative was characterized using IR, NMR, mass and SCXRD analysis. Owing to the presence of a methoxy group ortho to the phenolic oxygen atom, the affinity of the synthesized spiropyran derivative towards toxic metal ions was investigated in CH3CN: water (1:1). A hypsochromic shift in the absorption and fluorescence spectra was observed in response to the presence of Hg2+ ions. The formation of complex was also observed through a visible change in color from dark yellow to colorless. UV–vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and digital image analysis were used to obtain good limit of detection value (5.5 μM, 78.5 nM and 0.62 μM, respectively) for the receptor towards Hg2+ ions. The 1H-NMR spectroscopy indicated the interaction of the phenolic oxygen atom and Hg2+ ions. The density functional theory was further used to investigate the stabilities of the different stereoisomers of the spiropyran derivative and their complex. The DFT studies also supported the interaction between the phenolic oxygen atom and the Hg2+ ions. TD-DFT studies were also performed to analyze the observed changes in the UV-Visible spectra upon addition of the Hg2+ ions, which indicates an increase in the HOMO-LUMO gap.
Whole Genome Sequencing Identifies CRISPLD2 as a Lung Function Gene in Children With Asthma.

Background Asthma is a common respiratory disorder with a highly heterogeneous nature that remains poorly understood. The objective was to use whole genome sequencing (WGS) data to identify regions of common genetic variation contributing to lung function in individuals with a diagnosis of asthma. Methods WGS data were generated for 1,053 individuals from trios and extended pedigrees participating in the family-based Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica study. Asthma affection status was defined through a physician’s diagnosis of asthma, and most participants with asthma also had airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to methacholine. Family-based association tests for single variants were performed to assess the associations with lung function phenotypes. Results A genome-wide significant association was identified between baseline FEV1/FVC ratio and a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the top hit cysteine-rich secretory protein LCCL domain-containing 2 (CRISPLD2) (rs12051168; P = 3.6 × 10−8 in the unadjusted model) that retained suggestive significance in the covariate-adjusted model (P = 5.6 × 10−6). Rs12051168 was also nominally associated with other related phenotypes: baseline FEV1 (P = 3.3 × 10−3), postbronchodilator (PB) FEV1 (7.3 × 10−3), and PB FEV1/FVC ratio (P = 2.7 × 10−3). The identified baseline FEV1/FVC ratio and rs12051168 association was meta-analyzed and replicated in three independent cohorts in which most participants with asthma also had confirmed AHR (combined weighted z-score P = .015) but not in cohorts without information about AHR. Conclusions These findings suggest that using specific asthma characteristics, such as AHR, can help identify more genetically homogeneous asthma subgroups with genotype-phenotype associations that may not be observed in all children with asthma. CRISPLD2 also may be important for baseline lung function in individuals with asthma who also may have AHR.
Relationships between certain f -divergences

We investigate the concavity deficit of the entropy functional. Some properties of the skew-divergence are developed and a “skew” $\chi^{2}$ divergence is introduced. Various relationships between these f - divergences and others are established, including a reverse Pinsker type inequality for the skew divergence, which in turn yields a sharpening on the upper bound for the entropic concavity deficit.
On the two-loop amplitude for $gg \to ZZ$ production with full top-mass dependence

In this talk, we discuss top-quark contributions to $ZZ$ production through gluon fusion at two loops. We use syzygies and modular arithmetic to compute the reductions to master integrals. In order to numerically evaluate the amplitude, we express it in terms of finite integrals using a new method to construct integrable linear combinations of divergent integrands.
A phase II clinical trial of the Safety Of Simvastatin (SOS) in patients with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis and with tuberous sclerosis complex

Abstract Inroduction The mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) sirolimus and everolimus stabilize lung function in patients with pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) but do not induce remission. Pre-clinical studies suggest that simvastatin in combination with sirolimus induces LAM cell death. The objective of this study was to assess the safety of simvastatin with either sirolimus or everolimus in LAM patients. Methods This was a phase II single arm trial evaluating the safety of escalating daily simvastatin (20–40 mg) in LAM patients already treated with sirolimus or everolimus. Adverse events and changes in lipid panel profile, pulmonary function tests, and VEGF-D were assessed. Results Ten LAM patients on a stable dose of mTORi for >3 months were treated with 20 mg simvastatin for two months followed by 40 mg for two months. The most common adverse events were peripheral edema (30%), cough (30%), and diarrhea (30%). No patients withdrew or had a reduction in simvastatin dose because of adverse events. Two patients required sirolumus dose reduction for supratherapeutic trough levels following simvastatin initiation. Total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins declined over the study period (−46.0 mg/dL±20.8, p = 0.008; −41.9 mg/dL±22.0, p = 0.01, respectively). There was also a decline in FEV1 (−82.0 mL±86.4, p = 0.02) but no significant change in FVC, DLCO, or VEGF-D. Conclusions The combination of simvastatin with mTORi in LAM patients is safe and well-tolerated from an adverse events perspective. The addition of simvastatin, however, was associated with decline in FEV1 and the efficacy of this combination should be explored in larger trials.
Unsupervised Clustering of COVID-19 Chest X-Ray Images with a Self-Organizing Feature Map

Machine learning approaches are gaining popularity in the medical field for diagnostics, predictive analytics and general research. With data often being unlabeled or sparse to collect, there is a need for unsupervised learning networks in the medical field. Self-Organizing Feature Maps (SOFM) are a common application of unsupervised networks and allow for the use of unlabeled data in their training. We applied chest x-ray images of COVID-19 patients to an SOFM network and found a distinct classification between sick and healthy patients with an average euclidean distance of 1.1 between 1st and 2nd winning neurons in our testing set. We were also able to show which features of the input space had the highest weight on the classification, to study saliency of features on this unsupervised network. This work shows that unsupervised learning is able to extract features of medical data, specifically chest x-rays of COVID-19 patients, while also accurately classifying the image. This SOFM network can be found at https://github.com/king2b3/SOFM.
Automated Coding Using Machine Learning and Remapping the U.S. Nonprofit Sector: A Guide and Benchmark:

This research developed a machine learning classifier that reliably automates the coding process using the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities as a schema and remapped the U.S. nonprofit sector. I...
Public support for body-worn cameras: the need for inclusion of more comprehensive measures of public concerns

Research finds that the public generally supports the use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) by police. Much of the support for BWCs is attributed to the technology’s ability to promote police accountabili...
Multi-Agent Path Planning Under Observation Schedule Constraints

We consider the problem of enhanced security of multi-robot systems to prevent cyber-attackers from taking control of one or more robots in the group. We build upon a recently proposed solution that utilizes the physical measurement capabilities of the robots to perform introspection, i.e., detect the malicious actions of compromised agents using other members of the group. In particular, the proposed solution finds multi-agent paths on discrete spaces combined with a set of mutual observations at specific locations to detect robots with significant deviations from the preordained routes.In this paper, we develop a planner that works on continuous configuration spaces while also taking into account similar spatio-temporal constraints. In addition, the planner allows for more general tasks that can be formulated as arbitrary smooth cost functions to be specified. The combination of constraints and objectives considered in this paper are not easily handled by popular path planning algorithms (e.g., sampling-based methods), thus we propose a method based on the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM). ADMM is capable of finding locally optimal solutions to problems involving different kinds of objectives and non-convex temporal and spatial constraints, and allows for infeasible initialization. We benchmark our proposed method on multi-agent map exploration with minimum-uncertainty cost function, obstacles, and observation schedule constraints.
Pluripotent stem-cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitors to model demyelination caused by Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus and other viruses

Abstract There is considerable interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), and finally mature, myelinating oligodendrocytes as new discoveries in these pathways could allow for targeted therapies to increase remyelination in diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Numerous studies demonstrate that a variety of distinct oligodendrotropic viruses, or viruses that infect oligodendrocytes, can interfere with the development of OPCs, OPC migration in the central nervous system (CNS), differentiation and ultimately myelination, and pluripotent stem cells have emerged as powerful tools to study virus infections in these cell types. This chapter reviews cellular proteins and pathways involved in oligodendrocyte differentiation and how viruses disrupt maturation of oligodendrocytes and myelination, with a focus on Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV), a virus that causes a demyelinating disease with pathological similarities to MS. Pure populations of myelinogenic OPCs derived from pluripotent stem cells have been useful to investigate disruption of OPC maturation and myelination by TMEV. Pluripotent stem cells may also be used to study virus–oligodendrocyte interactions for other viruses and further elucidate OPC maturation, myelin formation, and virus-induced demyelination.
A Flexible Non-Radiative Dielectric Waveguide with a 1-dB Loss PCB-to-NRD Coupler for mm-Wave Array Applications

Signal distribution across a large aperture remains a major problem for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) arrays. This paper demonstrates a mm-wave non-radiative dielectric (NRD) waveguide that realizes flexible interconnect and low propagation loss. Two back-to-back grounded coplanar waveguides (CPW-G) are used for coupling from the printed circuit board (PCB) to the NRD waveguide as a forward-wave coupler. Due to the field distribution similarity of the longitudinal section electric (LSE) mode of the NRD waveguide to the quasi-TEM mode of the CPW-G, the proposed coupler achieves a smooth and efficient transition. Measurement results for PCB-NRD-PCB links at 60 GHz with 10-cm and 20-cm lengths are demonstrated. The measured propagation and coupling losses of the proposed NRD waveguide and coupler are 30.0 ±3.3 dB/m and 1.0 ±0.4 dB from 56 to 64 GHz. respectively.
Utilizing Computer Programming to Analyze Post-Tonal Music: Contour Analysis of Four Works for Solo Flute

A computer application was written to complete the task of contour reduction. The application was used to complete analyses of twentieth-century post-tonal works for solo flute. The methodology of Rob Schultz’s Contour Reduction Algorithm was chosen for implementation. While contour reduction is a useful analytical tool, it is a meticulous and time-consuming process. Computer implementation of this procedure produces quick and accurate results while reducing analyst fatigue and human error. Java computer programming language is used to create a contour reduction application. This implementation greatly reduces the time needed to analyze a melody. Computer programming is combined with music analysis to produce informed and expressive musical interpretations.
Commercial Arbitration in El Salvador

At the time the C.P.C. was enacted, its approach to arbitration and the role given to party autonomy in the arbitral process was progressive. The traditional approach had been that jurisdiction is first circumscribed to the territorial competence of each court, and that no decision rendered by a foreign court should be readily enforced in El Salvador. This explains why the drafters of the nineteenth century C.P.C. accepted the idea of jurisdictional power based on the roles of the parties, which signified an important advance at that time. However, the formal recognition of party autonomy was never given a chance to develop because it was not considered acceptable in El Salvador to refer the settlement of a domestic dispute to foreign tribunals.
Throwing Down the Visual Intelligence Gauntlet

In recent years, scientific and technological advances have produced artificial systems that have matched or surpassed human capabilities in narrow domains such as face detection and optical character recognition. However, the problem of producing truly intelligent machines still remains far from being solved. In this chapter, we first describe some of these recent advances, and then review one approach to moving beyond these limited successes – the neuromorphic approach of studying and reverse-engineering the networks of neurons in the human brain (specifically, the visual system). Finally, we discuss several possible future directions in the quest for visual intelligence.
Response to General Dynamic Loading

In the preceding chapter we studied the response of a single degree-of-freedom system with harmonic loading. Through this type of loading is important, real structures are often subjected to loads that are not harmonic. In this chapter we shall study the response of the single degree-of-freedom system to a general type of force. We shall see that the response can be obtained in terms of an integral that for some simple load functions can be evaluated analytically. For the general case, however, it will be necessary to resort to a numerical integration procedure.
E-Business With Net.Commerce

I. GETTING STARTED. 1. E-business and Net.Commerce 2. Getting Started with Net.Commerce. II. POPULATING TE DATABASE. 3. Setting Up the Site. 4. Entering the Store Catalog. 5. Mass-Importing Product and Category Data. III. CREATING WEB PAGES. 6. Store Pages. 7. A Net.Data Rule. 8. Modifying the Supplied Store Pages. IV. CUSTOMIZING THE SITE. 9. Commands, Tasks, and Overridable Functions. 10. The Net.Commerce Classes. 11. Net.Commerce Programming Conventions. 12. Planning Overridable Functions. 13. Writing Overridable Functions. 14. Activating and Testing Overridable Functions. 15. Planning Commands. 16. Writing Commands. 17. Activating and Testing Commands. V. APPENDIXES. Appendix A: Net.Commerce Product Advisor. Appendix B: Creating Store Models. Appendix C: Net.Commerce Database Tables. Appendix D: Net Commerce Commands. Appendix E: Net.Commerce Tasks. Appendix F: Net.Commerce Overridable Functions. Appendix G: The Net.Commerce Object Model. Index.
Membrane-bound O-acyltransferases (MBOATs)

The MBOATenzyme family, identified in 2000, comprises 11 genes in the human genome that participate in a variety of biological processes. MBOAT enzymes contain multiple transmembrane domains and share two active site residues, histidine and asparagine. Several MBOAT members are drug targets for major human diseases, including atherosclerosis, obesity, Alzheimer disease, and viral infections. Here we review the historical aspects of MBOAT enzymes, classify them biochemically into 3 subgroups, and describe the essential features of each member.
Monitoring of timing constraints and streaming events with temporal uncertainties

There are many emerging applications which need a functionality of monitoring of streaming events. In most extant work for monitoring streaming events, the exact occurrence time of every event is assumed to be known. However, there are practical situations where we are not sure about the exact occurrence time of an event but we are able to limit the range of the temporal uncertainty. In this thesis, we study how to monitor timing constraints and streaming events with uncertain timestamps. Time intervals are adopted to represent the temporal uncertainties in the timestamps of events. New specification schemes for timing constraints over interval timestamps and efficient monitoring algorithms are presented. Firstly, we introduce two modalities, certain and possible, to impose timing constraints over interval timestamps. The satisfaction of a timing constraint having the certain modality means that the condition of the timing constraint is met for sure. A timing constraint with the possible modality is deemed to be satisfied if there is any chance that the condition of the timing constraint is met. The algorithms for monitoring such timing constraints and the techniques for deriving implicit constraints from a set of timing constraints are also introduced. Then, we propose another timing constraint specification method using a probabilistic approach. A user can state a confidence threshold in a timing constraint specification denoting the minimum acceptable probability for the timing constraint. To detect violations of timing constraints efficiently, we derive the maximum satisfaction probability graph for deadline constraints. Given a threshold we can compute with this graph the earliest time at which we can declare a timing violation when the waiting event needed for satisfying the constraint is absent. Lastly, we introduce a new type of stream join operator, the interval timing join. The interval timing join enables users to correlate streaming events from various stream sources by assessing temporal conditions over the interval timestamps of the events. We present an effective technique for range searching in stream buffers for within timing predicates. Various interval timing join algorithms are designed and performance experiments are done for showing the effectiveness of our proposed technique.
Molecular genetics of retinitis pigmentosa

Hereditary degenerations and dysfunctions of the retina are an extremely heterogeneous group of diseases. This summary deals with recent advances in the molecular genetics of a subset of those disorders, namely, those encompassed under the diagnosis 'retinitis pigmentosa'. Over 20 loci where mutations cause retinitis pigmentosa have been mapped ; the review focuses on the seven retinitis pigmentosa loci that have been identified.
Characteristics, Treatment, and Health Care Expenditures of Medicare Supplemental‐Insured Patients with Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Post‐Herpetic Neuralgia, or Fibromyalgia

Objective To describe the characteristics, treatment, and health care expenditures of Medicare Supplemental-insured patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (pDPN), post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), or fibromyalgia. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting United States clinical practice, as reflected within a database comprising administrative claims from 2.3 million older adults participating in Medicare supplemental insurance programs. Subjects Selected patients were aged ≥65 years, continuously enrolled in medical and prescription benefits throughout years 2008 and 2009, and had ≥1 medical claim with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis code for DPN, PHN, or fibromyalgia, followed within 60 days by a medication or pain intervention procedure used in treating pDPN, PHN, or fibromyalgia during 2008–2009. Outcome Measures Utilization of, and expenditures on, pain-related and all-cause pharmacotherapy and medical interventions in 2009. Results The study included 25,716 patients with pDPN (mean age 75.2 years, 51.2% female), 4,712 patients with PHN (mean age 77.7 years, 63.9% female), and 25,246 patients with fibromyalgia (mean age 74.4 years, 73.0% female). Patients typically had numerous comorbidities, and many were treated with polypharmacy. Mean annual expenditures on total pain-related health care and total all-cause health care, respectively, (in 2010 USD) were: $1,632, $24,740 for pDPN; $1,403, $16,579 for PHN; and $1,635, $18,320 for fibromyalgia. In age-stratified analyses, pain-related health care expenditures decreased as age increased. Conclusions The numerous comorbidities, polypharmacy, and magnitude of expenditures in this sample of Medicare supplemental-insured patients with pDPN, PHN, or fibromyalgia underscore the complexity and importance of appropriate management of these chronic pain patients.
Demands on Reduced Beam Section Connections with Out-of-Plane Skew

AbstractSome architectural designs for steel buildings require skew at moment frame connections. Reduced beam section (RBS) moment connections with out-of-plane skew have not been tested experimentally, and it is unclear how much skew, if any, should be permitted. In this study, finite-element models were used to investigate the effect of out-of-plane skew on RBS moment connection rotation capacity. The parameters investigated were the column depth, amount of skew, and model configurations (boundary conditions). The models simulated inelastic buckling in the RBS and corresponding strength degradation under cyclic loading. A low-cycle fatigue damage model was used to evaluate the results to determine if out-of-plane skew made the RBS or weld regions more susceptible to fracture. It was found that out-of-plane skew resulted in increased column twisting and minor yielding at the column flange tips, but not lower connection rotation capacity or increased susceptibility to fracture.
Pentobarbital quantification in the presence of phenobarbital by fluorescence polarization immunoassay.

We developed a method for measuring pentobarbital in samples that also contain phenobarbital. The phenobarbital is destroyed by adding sodium hydroxide and then heating at 95 degrees C for 60 min. Pentobarbital is not affected by this pretreatment and can then be measured with an Abbott TDx barbiturates kit. Using this method, we obtained an average analytical recovery of 98% of added pentobarbital and a correlation of y = 0.953x + 3.4 vs HPLC. The intra-assay CV was 3.7% at 25.8 mg/L; the interassay CV was 6.2% at 16.1 mg/L. Other long-acting barbiturates, e.g., hexobarbital, are also effectively destroyed by this alkali pretreatment. Other short-acting barbiturates, e.g., secobarbital, are not removed and would produce an interference.
The effect of dehydration, starvation, and pitressin injections on thyroid activity in the rat.

ONE of the usual effects of severe stress in experimental animals is depression of the activity of the thyroid gland (1-6). In studies of the role that the hypothalamus plays in this response it has been demonstrated that section of the pituitary stalk prevents the usual thyroid inhibitory reaction to pain or restraint in the rabbit (7, 8). Pituitary stalk section will also prevent the usual discharge of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) which follows “emotional stress” in the rabbit (7, 9) or rat (10). Taking into consideration the absence of secreto-motor nerves to the anterior pituitary gland (11) it has been postulated that both the thyroid inhibition and the increased adrenal cortical activity which are observed following “emotional” stress are brought about through the effects on the anterior pituitary gland of neurohumeral substances transmitted by way of the hypophysial portal vessels (8, 9, 12). The identity of these suspected neurohumors is not known at present, but a number of observations po...
Radio-isotopic determination of subnanomolar amounts of peroxide.

A new radio-isotopic method for determination or peroxide in subnanomolar concentrations has been described. The method is based on the reactivity of peroxide with α-Ketoglutaric acid containing [I-14C]-α-Ketoglutaric acid, and measurement of the resulting 14CO2 by radioactivity. The recovery of standard peroxide. alone or mixed with some biologically derived samples. following this technique was found to be 97 ± 2.7%. The method may therefore be useful for determination of peroxides in active biological samples.
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of the Spermatic Cord

AbstractPurpose: We analyzed 26 cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma and report our conclusions regarding the diagnosis, pathology and treatment of this unusual tumor.Materials and Methods: We reviewed 25 previously reported cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the spermatic cord and report 1 additional case. Further data on patient survival and tumor recurrence rates were obtained from some of the previous authors.Results: Of 26 patients 5 are long-term survivors (more than 5 years). Longest reported followup is 14 years. However, malignant fibrous histiocytoma has recurred as late as 6 years after surgery. To date 4 deaths have been reported, including 1 unrelated to the tumor and 3 from metastatic tumor. Disease recurred in 5 patients. In no case was there local lymph node involvement at surgery.Conclusions: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma presents earlier in the spermatic cord than at other sites and seems to have a more favorable prognosis. Ultrasound may aid in the diagnosis. Definitive trea...
Tight-binding model for calcium nanoclusters: Structural, electronic, and dynamical properties

The tight-binding (TB) Hamiltonian is parametrized for Ca nanoclusters by fitting to the energy surfaces of small clusters and to the total energy and band structure of bulk fcc and bcc calcium calculated within an all-electron density-functional formalism. Clusters of $32\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}84\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{atoms}$ are optimized using the TB model and a combination of molecular dynamics--simulated annealing and genetic algorithms. At zero temperature, magic numbers are predicted for 34-, 37-, 39-, 45-, 53-, 57- 61-, and $82\text{\penalty1000-\hskip0pt}\text{atoms}$ clusters, which range from $1\phantom{\rule{0.5em}{0ex}}\text{to}\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ in size. The nanoclusters' positive ions keep the same geometrical structure as their neutral counterparts. Novel structures are obtained for 35-, 38-, 43-, 50-, 58-, 59-, 62-, 63-, and $76--84\text{\penalty1000-\hskip0pt}\text{atoms}$ nanoclusters. There is an enhanced ratio of surface to bulk atoms in these nanoclusters that favors an expansion of the surface bond lengths. Furthermore, based on TB molecular-dynamics results of the mean-square displacement as a function of temperature, a premelting of the surface occurs around $600\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. The energy gap between occupied and empty states in the valence band is cluster-size-dependent. Large fluctuations of this energy gap indicate that nanoclusters with more than $50\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{atoms}$ have metallic characteristics. A normal mode vibrational analysis predicts that the structure of the magic number clusters is maintained even at temperatures around $600\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$.
Hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan synthesis by lung fibroblasts in basal and activated states

Most glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) formed by lung fibroblasts under both basal and stimulated conditions were secreted into the culture medium. High molecular weight (>106 daltons) hyaluronic acid (HA) was the major GAG species formed. Most of the SO4-GAG synthesized by lung fibroblasts was of proteoglycan (PG) monomer size. Agents stimulating complex carbohydrate formation also exhibited some selectivity with respect to whether HA or PG was formed in incremental amounts. Hyaluronate synthesis was especially stimulated by endotoxins, SO4-GAG by β-xylosides, and PG by CTAP-III.
Discrete auroral arc, electrostatic shock and suprathermal electrons powered by dispersive, anomalously resistive field line resonance

Particle and field data from a 4100-km-altitude satellite pass through a 1.3-mHz field line resonance, identified by ground-based optical, magnetic and radar signatures, are compared with results from a two-fluid MHD-gyrokinetic simulation, including dispersively and resistively sustained parallel electric fields. It is shown that the resonance powers spatially adjacent up- and down-going suprathermal-electron fluxes, a 10-km-scale auroral arc and an imbedded electrostatic shock. Alfven wave dispersion and anomalous plasma resistivity are key elements in the interpretation of the event.
Frequency of Toxicity With Chemical Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation With Dofetilide

Dofetilide is a class III antiarrhythmic agent approved for the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). The goal of this study was to determine if chemical cardioversion (CCV) suggests a greater sensitivity to dofetilide and, therefore, portends a higher risk of proarrhythmia. We analyzed 99 consecutive patients with persistent AF who were loaded on dofetilide before cardioversion. CCV occurred after 2 ± 1.5 doses of dofetilide in 46 patients whereas electrical cardioversion (ECV) was required in the remaining 53 patients after 4.7 ± 1.3 doses. During index hospitalization, there were higher rates of dofetilide discontinuation because of QT prolongation or torsades de pointes (TdP) in the CCV group compared with the ECV group (24% vs 2%, p = 0.001). All patients with CCV requiring drug discontinuation converted after a single dose of dofetilide. Additionally, all 3 patients with TdP were in the CCV group. Furthermore, 15 of the 21 patients with CCV (71%) who converted after the first dose of dofetilide developed significant QT prolongation, requiring dose adjustment or discontinuation of drug. Among patients discharged on drug, AF recurrence and drug discontinuation rates were similar between groups at 2-year follow-up. In patients hospitalized for initiation of dofetilide, CCV occurs in almost 50% and is associated with higher rates of pathologic QT prolongation and TdP compared with those who require ECV. Once discharged on dofetilide, safety and efficacy is similar in both groups. In conclusion, patients with CCV may require closer monitoring for proarrhythmia.
Undecided/Undeclared: Working with "Deciding" Students

Nationally, it is est imated that 77 percent of all freshmen and sophomores are in the process of deciding on an academic major (Rayman, 1993). The s tudent body at Universi ty of Missouri Columbia (MU) is no exception. In addition, a number of students have chosen majors, but for the wrong reasons: "My parents want me to be a . . . " , "I must have a major in order to get good academic a d v i s i n g . . . " , "I have to choose a major or I can't r e g i s t e r . . . " , "Everyone else has a m a j o r . . . " , etc. These negative connotations of being "undecided" led the Career Center (CPPC) to view this population from a more positive point of view. CPPC wants students to feel that it is not only okay, bu t normal to be "deciding" and most importantly to realize that he/she is not alone. The term "deciding" is now used to describe the group of students who have tradit ionally been labeled "undecided." "Deciding" is perceived as a more active and positive term by both students and administrators. Typically, students are exploring a variety of avenues, and this indecisiveness relates to choosing from a mult i tude of career possibilities. CPPC is an information center tha t provides a variety of services and has always taken an active role in assisting students in choosing an academic major. The CPPC philosophy is to educate stu-
Regenerating nerves follow the road more traveled

An in-vivo imaging study shows that regenerating axons retrace their previous paths after nerve crush, apparently guided by the mechanical properties of endoneurial tubes.
Formation of oxo-centered trinuclear chromium carboxylate complexes and hydrolysis of Cr3 as established by paramagnetic 2H NMR spectroscopy

Paramagnetic (2)H NMR techniques have been utilized to study the mechanism of formation of the oxo-bridged trinuclear Cr(III) carboxylate assembly [Cr3O(O2CCD3)6(H2O)3](+) from [Cr(H2O)6](3+) and d4-acetic acid. These studies reveal a complex mechanism dominated by the involvement of dinuclear intermediates. The oxo-bridged trinuclear Cr(III) carboxylate assembly [Cr3O(O2CCH2CH3)6(H2O)3](+) has been suggested for use as a chromium nutritional supplement and therapeutic agent as it is readily absorbed and has been proposed to enter cells intact. The paramagnetic (2)H NMR technique has been utilized to follow the stability of this Cr(III) carboxylate assembly in biologically relevant media; its stability is consistent with the assembly being able to enter cells intact.
Identification, Characterization, and Partial Purification of Mammalian Skin Wound Hyaluronidase

A recently described mammalian wound hyaluronidase is successfully characterized and partially purified in the current study. Peak enzyme activity occurred on postwound day 7, pH optimum 4.5. Both crude and purified wound enzyme exhibited endoglycosidic activity against hyaluronate and chondroitin-4-sulfate but not against chondroitin-6-sulfate or dermatan sulfate. A 5.3-fold increase in activity was obtained by the DEAE-Sephadex purification technique described. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis yielded a single major band near the gel's midrange and one minor banal of lesser electrophoretic mobility. These enzyme characteristics support a biochemical analogy between tissue repair in skin and numerous developmental systems and may also provide a simple means for enzymatic differentiation among chondroitin sulfate isomers.
Research Trends of Stimuli-Responsive Polymer Hydrogels in Japan:

In recent years, biological functions have been increasingly investigated on the molecular and/or atomic level. Synthesis and assemblies of various functional polymers have also been researched. In particular, research of stimuli-responsive polymeric materials having the func tion and efficiency of a biological system has been of interest. The materials are still in the embryonic period, but there are great expectations surrounding their progress.In this article, the research trends in Japan of stimuli-responsive polymer gel are summarized from the viewpoint of synthesis, fabrication, and applications.On synthesis, researches have been summarized on stimuli including light, heat or temperature, pH or ion, electric field, and chemicals. On fabrication, researches have been summarized on two types of fabrication methods: chemical methods, such as grafting and hybridization; and physical methods, such as blend, microgel, film, fiber and composite. On industrial applications, many at tempts have been made in ...
Percutaneous stenting of incidental unilateral renal artery stenosis: decision analysis of costs and benefits.

PURPOSE To determine the incremental cost-effectiveness of prophylactic percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with stent placement (PTA-S) in patients with incidentally discovered, asymptomatic renal artery stenosis (RAS) compared to delaying PTA-S until patients develop refractory hypertension or renal insufficiency (therapeutic PTA-S). METHODS The Markov decision analysis model was used to determine the incremental cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY) saved for prophylactic PTA-S as compared to therapeutic PTA-S in a hypothetical cohort of patients with 50% unilateral atherosclerotic RAS followed from age 61 to death. RESULTS Prophylactic PTA-S compared to therapeutic PTA-S results in more QALYs/patient (10.9 versus 10.3) at higher lifetime costs ($23,664 versus $16,558). The incremental cost effectiveness of prophylactic PTA-S was estimated to be $12,466/QALY. Prophylactic stenting was not cost effective (>$50,000/QALY) if the modeled incidence of stent restenosis exceeded 15%/year and the incidence of progression in the contralateral renal artery was <2% of arteries/year. CONCLUSIONS PTA-S of incidental, asymptomatic unilateral RAS may improve patients' quality of life at an acceptable incremental cost. However, this technology should be used hesitantly until a randomized comparison confirms its effectiveness.
Device engineering and CMOS integration of nanoscale memristors

Our group focuses on developing better nanoscale memristor with improved performance, understanding the underlying device physics, and exploring new applications for this novel device. This paper introduces our recent work on memristor device engineering and CMOS integration. We have fabricated the smallest memristors (8 nm × 8 nm) in a crossbar array, with each of the device consumes orders of magnitude lower energy per switch event than their larger counterparts. We have demonstrated that a very thin layer of chemically produced silicon oxide can be used to make memristors that only need ~0.5 V to switch. We have also proved that with multiple oxides as switching layer, both high ON/OFF ratio and high endurance can be achieved in the same device. Finally, we successfully integrated planar memristors with CMOS substrates, implementing hybrid memristor-CMOS integrated circuit with lower switching voltages and more uniform performance.
Nonheme iron protein as a possible site of rotenone inhibition of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase.

Abstract The inhibition by rotenone of NADH oxidase activity of submitochondrial particles (ETP) has been studied, and a titer of 0.07 mμmoles rotenone/mg protein has been found for 50% inhibition. The extent of reduction of flavoproteins has been examined spectrophotometrically using the wavelength pair 470 minus 500 nm, during the slow oxidation of NADH in the presence of varying concentrations of rotenone. With concentrations of rotenone of 0.2 mμmoles/mg protein or more, a pigment was observed which showed a decrease in absorbance at 470 nm relative to 500 nm. This pigment remains reduced after the oxidation of NADH by the rotenone inhibited system. The optical difference spectrum of this pigment is characterized by two broad troughs with minima at about 415 and 455 nm. The extent of reduction of the nonheme iron protein associated with NADH dehydrogenase has been evaluated by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. These experiments showed the presence of an EPR signal at g = 1.94 after the slow oxidation of NADH in the presence of rotenone. From these results it is suggested that the nonheme iron protein associated with NADH dehydrogenase is involved in the mechanism of inhibition of NADH oxidation by rotenone.
Listening to Narratives: The Dynamics of Capturing Police Experience

Abstract This article details a method of listening gradually discovered during years of interviewing police officers. The method is especially revealing of the role that control, and giving up control, plays in listening. The use of narratives allowed the author to focus on the function “core stories” serve to keep unwanted/fringe members in line and perpetuate organizational culture. Thus, using a qualitative method, the article discusses the importance of giving up control in listening.
Privacy protecting data collection in media spaces

Around the world as both crime and technology become more prevalent, officials find themselves relying more and more on video surveillance as a cure-all in the name of public safety. Used properly, video cameras help expose wrongdoing but typically come at the cost of privacy to those not involved in any maleficent activity. What if we could design intelligent systems that are more selective in what video they capture, and focus on anomalous events while protecting the privacy of authorized personnel? This paper proposes a novel way of combining sensor technology with traditional video surveillance in building a privacy protecting framework that exploits the strengths of these modalities and complements their individual limitations. Our fully functional system utilizes off the shelf sensor hardware (i.e. RFID, motion detection) for localization, and combines this with a XML-based policy framework for access control to determine violations within the space. This information is fused with video surveillance streams in order to make decisions about how to display the individuals being surveilled. To achieve this, we have implemented several video masking techniques that correspond to varying user privacy levels. These results were achievable in real-time at acceptable frame rates, while meeting our requirements for privacy preservation.