cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduced prepulse inhibition after electrolytic lesions of nucleus accumbens subregions in the rat

Abstract A variety of neurochemical and anatomical studies have shown that the ventral striatal nucleus accumbens (NAcc) can be divided into a predominantly medial `shell' and a predominantly lateral `core'. These accumbens subdivisions are innervated by different cortical regions and project to different anatomical targets. Additionally, recent behavioral observations suggest functional differences between the accumbens shell and core. In order to further examine core and shell function, we measured prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex after electrolytic lesions aimed at the central NAcc, the NAcc shell, the NAcc core, and the adjacent anteroventrolateral striatum. Acoustic startle is the contraction of whole-body musculature in response to a sudden, loud auditory stimulus, and PPI is the inhibition of acoustic startle by a weak auditory `prepulse' administered 30–500 ms prior to the startling stimulus. Previous work has shown that PPI is regulated by the NAcc, and recent observations suggest that PPI is regulated by different neurochemical interactions in the core and shell. PPI was significantly reduced by electrolytic lesions of the central NAcc, as well as by lesions that predominantly damaged either the NAcc shell or the core. Lesions of the anteroventrolateral striatum and lateral edge of the NAcc core did not significantly alter PPI. These findings suggest that, despite neurochemical differences between the two subregions, PPI is regulated by both the NAcc shell and core.
Naming to Empower: Lesbianism in the Arab Islamicate World Today

After a brief review of the proliferation of newly coined Arabic words to speak about LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and ally) identities, this article interrogates the facile imitation of Western labels and questions their usefulness in the context of Arab societies and cultures. It demonstrates that the assumptions that underlie the creation of new wordlists overlook and ultimately erase the very rich tradition on alternative sexual practices that has been prominent in the Islamicate world at least since the ninth century. Salvaging this tradition and its accompanying terminology on homosexuality challenges the claim that homosexuality is a Western importation, and renders the recourse to English categories superfluous. Moreover, uncovering the forgotten Arabic cultural material on alternative sexualities offers contemporary Arab gays and lesbians a rich and empowering indigenous heritage, as well as home-grown modes of resistance that are poised to challenge homophobic attitudes and policies in the Arab world, and the hegemony of Western sexual and cultural imperialism.
Insertion of SO2 into the Metal−Carbon Bonds of Rhodium and Iridium Compounds, and Reactivity of the SO2-Inserted Species

Sulfur dioxide has been found to insert into the metal−carbon bonds of both rhodium and iridium alkyl and aryl complexes. The sulfinate ligand can be removed with a strong acid such as HCl, generating free sulfinic acid. Acids with weakly coordinating anions protonate the sulfinate oxygen, but the sulfinic acid remains bound to the metal center. Added sulfinic acids can exchange with the coordinated sulfinate group.
See for yourself: implementing web-based remote observation/control

In the fall of 1999, Bucknell University's Information Services and Resources department (ISR) asked one of the authors to evaluate and recommend a software package that could be used for remote viewing and possibly control of desktop computers over the network to facilitate troubleshooting by our computing support staff. It was hoped that such a tool could greatly reduce the amount of time spent with some types of assistance calls, increase the effectiveness of our services and, we hoped, improve the satisfaction of the clients.At the time the most likely candidate for a solution seemed to be peer-to-peer packages like Timbuktu Pro and PCAnywhere. Then we discovered an entire new category of products-web-based services offering similar abilities. As we examined these services, we became excited by the possibilities; there are no licensing restrictions on clients, no previously installed software is necessary on the client's machine, and tracking usage and satisfaction statistics is easy. We also found that the Bucknell's Reference librarians were seeking a web-based client communication tool, and we began evaluating services together.Eventually we selected DesktopStreaming by Expertcity, which met nearly all the requirements of both the Technology/Media Desk (our computing and media "help desk") and the Reference Desk. This year we have deployed the service for the first time. It has required some interesting changes to our workflow, and to our student employee training program. Overall it has become a powerful new tool that shows great promise for enabling us to continue improving our services.
Simplified intrinsic equations for arbitrary elastic shells

Abstract The intrinsic equations of nonlinear thin shell theory are reduced to a relatively simple set of six equations in six unknowns. Boundary conditions to use in conjunction with the equations are obtained. The equations are compared with those of other authors for some special eases. For easy use, the equations and boundary conditions are given in lines-of-curvature coordinates.
15N Solid State NMR and EPR Characterization of N-Doped TiO2 Photocatalysts

The solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) analysis and structural characterization of N-doped TiO2 nanoparticle and monolayer materials suitable for visible photocatalysis is reported. The SSNMR analysis of 15N-doped TiO2 synthesized using 15N-urea before calcination indicates formation of various amino functionalities of the type NH, NH2, NH3, and probably NH4+, while the NMR spectrum of the yellow powder that results from high-temperature calcination shows that these nitrogen species oxidize to form nitrate. These and nonisotopically labeled materials were characterized also by X-ray diffraction, UV−vis, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Monitoring the oxidation of 1,2-13C-trichloroethylene (TCE), photochemical activity was confirmed by monitoring the production of CO2 by 13C NMR analysis. The powdered form of N-doped TiO2 proved to be a highly efficient visible light catalyst by oxidizing all of the TCE to chlorinated alkyl and acyl containing molecules along with CO2. The perf...
The Chromatin Signaling Pathway: Diverse Mechanisms of Recruitment of Histone-Modifying Enzymes and Varied Biological Outcomes

Posttranslational modifications of histones are coupled in the regulation of the cellular processes involving chromatin, such as transcription, replication, repair, and genome stability. Recent biochemical and genetic studies have clearly demonstrated that many aspects of chromatin, in addition to posttranslational modifications of histones, provide surfaces that can interact with effectors and the modifying machineries in a context-dependent manner, all as a part of the "chromatin signaling pathway." Here, we have reviewed recent findings on the molecular basis for the recruitment of the chromatin-modifying machineries and their diverse and varied biological outcomes.
INVERSE RELATION BETWEEN CHOICE AND LOCAL RESPONSE RATE WITH A SCHEDULE OF RESPONSE-PRODUCED BLACKOUTS1

Pigeons were exposed to a two-key concurrent chains schedule in which identical frequencies and distributions of food presentations generated different response rates in the terminal links. An inverse relation between local rate of response in the terminal links and relative frequency of response in the initial links was observed. The high response rate was produced in one terminal link by a second-order schedule in which responding produced brief blackouts of the response key. Responding under the same schedule in the other terminal link did not produce blackouts. Under initial training and after spatial reversal of the terminal-link schedules, two of three pigeons had lower relative frequencies of response in the initial member of the chain with the higher terminal link response rate. The third pigeon showed no change in preference at reversal.
Stereochemical investigation of conjugate additions of carbon- and heteronucleophiles to ring-substituted nitrosocyclohexenes

Intermolecular Michael-type conjugate additions of some in situ-generated ring-substituted nitrosocyclohexenes with both carbon- and heteronucleophiles have been found to be highly stereoselective, leading predominantly (or exclusively) to products resulting from axial attack on a half-chair conformation of the nitrosoalkene substrate.
Factors that Affect the Quality and Quantity of Sunlight Reflected from Alfalfa Canopies.

ABSTRACT Experiments were conducted from 1997 to 2000 in Ames and Nashua, IA, to quantify the effects of incident radiation, sun angle, leaf wetness, and sensor height on the quality and quantity of sunlight reflected from alfalfa canopies using a hand-held, multispectral radiometer. Incident radiation had negligible effects on the percentage of sunlight reflected from alfalfa canopies in the visible wavelength bands (460 to 710 nm) and significant negative effects on the percentage of sunlight reflected from alfalfa canopies in the near-infrared wavelength bands (760 and 810 nm). Percentage reflectance values (810 nm) decreased between 0.20 and 0.32% for each 100 watts m-2 increase in incident radiation. Percentage reflectance values in all wavelength bands obtained prior to 1100 h and after 1500 h CST were significantly higher than reflectance measurements obtained between 1100 h and 1500 h. The presence of moisture on leaves (leaf wetness) significantly increased percentage reflectance for all waveleng...
Microstructure and micromotion in recrystallization flow of octachloropropane: A first look

Advance of the genetic theory of metamorphic fabric depends in part on improved understanding of dynamic recrystallization processes, and the effects of these processes upon various fabric elements. This paper describes aspects of the microstructural evolution and associated small-scale motion in a dynamically recrystallizing sheet of octachloropropane. The material was deformed in progressive pure shear, at 2×10−3 sec−1 (with interruptions for photography and U-stage measurement), at 70 % of its absolute melting temperature. The dominant recrystallization process is migration of grain boundaries, with consequent major adjustment of the shapes and sizes of grains, but no marked change in the average grain size and no creation of new grains. Typical grains in the fully deformed material (30% bulk shortening) have a composite structure with primitive, high-strain regions inherited directly from the undeformed state, rimmed by successively younger regions of lower strain accreted behind outwardmoving boundaries. An array of second-phase marker particles permits distinction between grain boundary motion with and through the material, and reveals an unexpected ability of grains as a whole to migrate short distances up a bulk strain gradient. The markers also show that the only important deformation process is intragranular deformation and that it is proceeding at somewhat different rates in different grains. The central problem posed by the observations is to explain the direction and speed of each migrating boundary. Two hypotheses were tested, neither with outstanding success. One of these hypotheses is that grain boundary migration is part of a strain accomodation process, that operates between grains stretching or shortening at different rates parallel to their mutual boundary.
REMOVAL OF MERCURY(II) NITRATE AND OTHER HEAVY METAL IONS FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTION BY A THIOMETHYLATED LIGNIN MATERIAL

Lignin has been derivatized with methylthioether functional groups in order to reduce its solubility in water. This new chemically modified lignin material has been used as a solid adsorbent for mercury(II) nitrate from aqueous solution. This adsorbent strongly adsorbs nitrate salts of lead(II), cadmium(II), and copper(II) from their solutions in water. The nitrate salts of the trivalent metals chromium(III) and iron(III) are also strongly adsorbed. Sodium(I) nitrate is not adsorbed from aqueous solution and calcium(II) nitrate only moderately so. These metal extraction data are compared with those obtained with methylthioether functionalized calix[4]arenes, which show a similar preference for mercury(II), but a lower preference for lead(II), cadmium(II), and iron(III).
Environmental influence on life-history traits: Growth, survival, and fecundity in Black Brant ( Branta bernicla )

We studied relationships between body size of female Black Brant goslings (Branta bernicla nigricans) late in their growth period and first year survival, eventual adult body size, breeding propensity, and size and volume of clutches they eventually produced to examine the relationship between growth and fitness in this population. We indexed body size by calculating PC1 scores based on either culmen and tarsus, or culmen, tarsus, and mass. Gosling (PC scores based on culmen and tarsus) size was positively correlated with resighting rate (P = 0.005), indicating that larger goslings survived at a higher rate than did smaller goslings. Gosling size was correlated with adult size of the same individuals (P = 0.0004). Larger goslings were more likely to breed as 2- or 3-yr-olds than were medium or small goslings (P = 0.008). Larger adult brant laid more eggs (P = 0.03) and produced clutches with greater total volume (P = 0.03) than did smaller brant. Given the important role of foraging environment in growth of goslings, these data suggest an important role of early environment in determining life-history traits.
The Contribution of the Farm Sector to Annual Variations in Gross Domestic Product in Australia

A simple empirical model is developed in which some of the main linkages from the farm sector to the Australia macroeconomy are captured. The model is simulated over the period from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. The results. though necessarily tentative, suggest that the relative importance of the form sector as a source of short-term instability in the non-farm sector of the Australian economy may not have declined over this period despite the relative decline in the ‘importance’ of the farm sector as indicated by more traditional measures.
Thymomas: a cytological and immunohistochemical study, with emphasis on lymphoid and neuroendocrine markers

The current study correlates cytologic morphology with histologic type and describes immunophenotypes with a focus on epithelial, neuroendocrine, and lymphoid characteristics in an institutional series of surgically excised thymomas. Fine needle aspirates (FNAs) and surgical specimens were retrospectively analyzed, and immunohistochemical stains were performed for EMA, cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 20, CD57 CD5, bcl-2, calretinin, vimentin, CD3, CD20, CD1a, CD99 and Ki67. Tumors were classified by WHO criteria. There were eleven male and six female patients with an age range of 41 to 84 years (mean, 61 years) and a male to female ratio of 1.8:1. Four thymomas (4/17, 23.5%) were associated with neuromuscular disease: myasthenia gravis (n = 3) and limbic encephalitis (n = 1). FNA, under CT guidance, was performed in 7 cases. The positive predictive value for thymoma by FNA cytology was 100% and the sensitivity was 71%. Thymomas associated with neuromuscular disorders were WHO types B2 (n = 1) and B3 (n = 3), and showed a strong expression of CD57 in the majority of neoplastic epithelial cells accompanied by large numbers of CD20+ intratumoral B lymphocytes. Two of seventeen (11.7%) thymomas (all sporadic B3 type) contained numerous neoplastic epithelial cells positive for CD5 and bcl-2. Our results suggest that thymomas associated with autoimmune disorders contain a significant population of CD20+ intratumoral B lymphocytes. Strong CD57 positivity in thymomas may suggest a concomitant neuromuscular disorder, notably myasthenia gravis. CD5 expression is of limited value in the differential diagnosis of primary thymic epithelial neoplasms since both thymic carcinomas and thymomas may express CD5.
Meanings and Criteria in Ethics

IN RECENT years noncognitivist ethical theories have been supported by an argument which has come to be widely accepted among moral philosophers.' According to this argument, an ethical term like 'good' has both a commending function and a describing function, but between these functions there is the important difference that the commending function alone is invariant while the describing function varies greatly. For many and different things may be called good-hammers, sunsets, paintings, missionaries, cannibals-but despite these differences in the descriptive criteria for applying the word to objects, 'good' retains a common meaning in all these uses, for in each case the word is being used to commend. The conclusion drawn, then, is that because of its being the sole invariant or common feature of every use of 'good', the commendatory function rather than the varying descriptive function must be the primary meaning of 'good'. I shall refer to this as the commendatory invariance argument. The point of this argument is not affected if one demurs at the specific interpretation of 'good' as commending and opts instead for some other evaluative function or group of functions as central to the meaning, force, or use of the term. Whether one holds that 'good' primarily connotes approval or prescription or choice or some other act, attitude, emotion, or whatever, singly or in groups, the point remains the same so long as one insists on distinguishing such an evaluative connotation from a descriptive or factual meaning or use of 'good', and on holding that the former kind is the primary, because the sole invariant, meaning or use of the term. Among the issues which hinge on this argument is the old dispute between objectivists and subjectivists. For if the primary meaning of 'good' is descriptive, or if its descriptive meaning is at any rate not subordinate or secondary to its evaluative meaning, then moral value belongs to persons and acts in themselves; but if the primary meaning of 'good' is evaluative, then moral value belongs to objects rather in virtue of how they are evaluated by someone. The purpose of this paper is to make a critical examination of the 'See J. 0. Urmson, 'On Grading', in Logic and Language, II, ed. by A. Flew (Oxford, 1955), pp. 159-86; R. M. Hare, The Language of Morals (Oxford, 1952), chaps. 6-9; P. H. Nowell-Smith, Ethics (London, 1954), pp. 164-80 passim; S. E. Toulmin, The Uses of Argument (Cambridge, 1958), pp. 30 ff.: F. E. Sparshott, An Enquiry into Goodness (Chicago, 1958), pp. 83, 173-77. The argument is also adumbrated in C. L. Stevenson, Ethics and Language (New Haven, 1944), pp. 85 ff.
Elimination of system induced torque pulsations in doubly fed induction generators via field reconstruction method

Effects of system unbalance and system harmonics on the operation of DFIG are of great concern. This is primarily due to the fact that system unbalance and harmonics can generate unwanted torque undulations that can potentially undermine the mechanical integrity of the tower and reduce the life time of the moving components that are attached to the generator shaft. The present paper focuses on development of a solution for the above problem by judicious selection of the rotor currents to actively eliminate/mitigate these undesirable vibrations. The enabling technology for optimal calculation of the rotor currents is based on the field reconstruction method (FRM). FRM is an analytical tool for approximation of the magnetic field distribution in the middle of the airgap. Once the FRM formulation is set up it is capable to predict the tangential/normal components of the magnetic forces. In the present paper the FRM is applied to compute the rotor phase currents in lieu of the availability of the real time stator currents such that the resultant field will generate a smooth torque.
Applied Mechanics of Materials in Conservation Research

Much of the damage found in cultural and artistic objects is not chemical in nature but results from mechanical responses to stimuli such as changes in temperature, relative humidity, impact, and vibration. Analytical tools of engineering mechanics are available that allow us both to diagnose existing problems as well as to predict the effects of future potential hazardous conditions for many objects. A systematic approach of applying engineering principles to cultural objects requires two fundamental steps: 1, determining the mechanical properties of the constitutive material found in objects, and 2, developing analytical procedures that determine the overall effect of the individual material responses to various stimuli on the object as a whole. The individual material properties are typically defined as the yield and ultimate strengths, the elastic modulus, and the strains to yield and failure. For the vast proportion of cultural objects, the materials are organic, and their mechanical properties are dramatically altered by environmental factors such as changes in temperature and relative humidity. One of the most successful analytical techniques is Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using the digital computer. This method will allow one to numerically model an object, to mathematically induce environmental changes as well as determine the mechanical effects of these changes on the object modeled.
A review of temperature and oxygen tolerance studies of tunas pertinent to fisheries oceanography, movement models and stock assessments

Detailed data on the physiological abilities and habitat requirements of some tuna species have now been collected. Laboratory and field studies show tunas are not strictly prisoners of their own thermoconserving mechanisms, but have rapid and extensive control over the efficacy of their vascular countercurrent heat exchangers. Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) are, therefore, probably not forced out of formerly suitable habitats as they grow because of the potential for overheating, as formerly thought. Because of their thermoregulatory abilities, bigeye tuna (Thunnus obe-sus) apparently can exploit food resources well below the thermocline by minimizing rates of heat loss when in cold water, and then maximizing rates of heat gain from the environment during brief upward excursions into the warmer mixed layer. Widely cited estimates of limiting oxygen levels, based on estimated metabolic rates at minimum hydrostatic equilibrium swimming speeds, are not accurate because tunas have exceptionally high oxygen demands even at slow speeds. High metabolic rates, even at slow swimming speeds, most likely result from the high osmoregulatory costs engendered by tunas' large thin gills and/or their other adaptations for achieving exceptionally high maximum metabolic rates. Recent laboratory research and modelling efforts suggest the capacity of tunas' cardiorespiratory systems to deliver oxygen at extraordinarily high rates was evolved to allow rapid recovery from strenuous exercise, rapid digestion, and high rates of gonadal and somatic growth, not high sustained cruising speeds. The rate at which reduced ambient oxygen levels prolong the time required for tunas to recover from strenuous exercise appears to be a good index of habitat suitability, with respect to oxy-een.
On amplitude and operating point control of a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator

In this work, a system architecture is presented for a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO) with integrated Pierce structure and varactors in a deep submicron CMOS process. To meet low crystal drive, wide pull range, and negative resistance specifications in a low power supply leads to Pierce VCXO designs requiring both amplitude and operating point regulation. In this design, an automatic amplitude control (AAC) loop and embedded replica bias are implemented with the Pierce cell to provide the required regulation.
Comparison of Magnetic Field Calculations to Measurements on a CBA 2-In-1 Magnet System

The CBA1 2-in-1 dipole magnet provides a complex system to test field calculation techniques. In particular the quadrupole term in one half of the magnet induced by the operation of the other half of the magnet is studied. A comparison with field measurement data is made for calculated magnetic field harmonics as a function of current for symmetric and asymmetric operations of the two sides of the magnets. The calculations are made using both differential equation solving programs (PE2D, 2 POISSON3) and integration based programs (GFUN).4 These programs are compared to each other and to the measured data.
Label-free electrical detection of pyrophosphate generated from DNA polymerase reactions on field-effect devices

We introduce a label-free approach for sensing polymerase reactions on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using a chelator-modified silicon-on-insulator field-effect transistor (SOI-FET) that exhibits selective and reversible electrical response to pyrophosphate anions. The chemical modification of the sensor surface was designed to include rolling-circle amplification (RCA) DNA colonies for locally enhanced pyrophosphate (PPi) signal generation and sensors with immobilized chelators for capture and surface-sensitive detection of diffusible reaction by-products. While detecting arrays of enzymatic base incorporation reactions is typically accomplished using optical fluorescence or chemiluminescence techniques, our results suggest that it is possible to develop scalable and portable PPi-specific sensors and platforms for broad biomedical applications such as DNA sequencing and microbe detection using surface-sensitive electrical readout techniques.
Truncus arteriosus repair: outcomes, risk factors, reoperation and management.

Objectives: Truncus arteriosus (TA) continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but there have been clinically significant improvements with early repair. Methods: Sixty patients underwent physiological correction of TA between November 1978 and January 2000. The average age was 76 days (range, 3 days‐20 months). Associated cardiac anomalies were frequently encountered, the most common being severe truncal valve regurgitation (na 7), interrupted aortic arch (na 6), coronary artery anomalies (na 6), non-confluent pulmonary arteries (na 4), and total anomalous pulmonary venous return (na 1). Truncal valve replacement was performed initially or subsequently in seven patients with severe regurgitation (mechanical prostheses in six patients and a cryopreserved aortic homograft in one patient). Right ventricle‐pulmonary artery continuity was established with an aortic (na 16) or pulmonary homograft (na 32) in 48 patients, a Dacron polyester porcine valved conduit in five, a non-valved polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tube in three, direct anastomosis to the right ventricle with anterior patch arterioplasty in three, and a bovine jugular venous valve conduit in one patient. Results: There were ten hospital deaths (17%; 70% confidence limit, 7‐25%). Multivariate and univariate analyses demonstrated a relationship between hospital mortality and associated cardiac anomalies. In the 43 patients without these associated cardiac anomalies, the early survival was 91% (group I). In the 17 patients with one or more of these risk factors, the survival was 71% (group II, Pa 0:002). There was one late death. Twentythree patients (46%) required reoperation for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction at a mean follow-up time of 59.1 months. In 23 patients, the RVOT reconstruction was performed with a PTFE monocusp, and six patients had of a variety of replacement conduits inserted. Postoperatively, there were 34 (68%) patients in New York Heart Association functional class I and 16 (32%) in class II. Twentyeight surviving patients are reported as doing well without any medication. The freedom of reoperation in the 39 hospital survivors (group I) without risk factors was 64% at 7 years; and 36% at 10 years in the 11 patients (group II) surviving with risk factors. Conclusions: Associated cardiac anomalies were risk factors for death after the repair of TA. In the absence of these associated lesions, TA can be repaired with an excellent surgical outcome in the neonatal and early infancy period. q 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Magnetic resonance imaging of theshoulder: Rotator cuff disease and glenohumeral instability

Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful tool for the noninvasive evaluation of the musculoskeletal system. The use of MRI for the evaluation of disorders of the shoulder, however, remains more controversial than its use for the study of the knee. MRI has been shown by numerous investigators to be an accurate technique for confirming the presence of rotator cuff tears, determining their size, determining the presence of atrophy of the cuff muscles, and detecting the presence of different causes of cuff impingement. The use of MRI for the evaluation of glenohumeral instability is more problematic. In the presence of a large amount of joint fluid, MRI is reasonably accurate for the depiction of anatomic abnormalities associated with instability. In the absence of effusion, MRI is relatively inaccurate. For these cases MR arthrography is probably necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Properties and Algorithms for Unfolding of Probabilistic Data-Flow Graphs

It is known that any selection statement (e.g. if and switch-case statements) in an application is associated with a probability which could either be predetermined by user input or chosen at runtime. Such a statement can be regarded as a computation node whose computation time is represented by a random variable. This paper focuses on iterative applications (containing loops) reflecting those uncertainties. Such an application can then be transformed to a probabilistic data-flow graph. Two timing models, the time-invariant and time-variant models, are introduced to characterize the nature of these applications. Since there can be many unfolding factors associated with each of the possible graph outcomes, for the time-invariant model, we propose a means of selecting a constant minimum rate-optimal unfolding factor for unfolding the probabilistic graph. We demonstrate that this factor guarantees the best schedule length. We also suggest a good estimate for choosing an unfolding factor for a graph under the time-variant model. Experiments show that using our selection scheme results in an iteration period close to the theoretical iteration bound of the experimental graph. Furthermore, this paper discusses an alternative approach which selects a few optimal schedules (with respect to the graph outcomes) to be stored in the system. The other possibilities will be represented by a modified template graph.
Intravenous Ferumoxytol Allows Noninvasive MR Imaging Monitoring of Macrophage Migration into Stem Cell Transplants

The macrophage tracking technique presented could reveal differential macrophage accumulation in viable versus apoptotic matrix-associated stem cell implants and could potentially also be applied for comparative investigations of macrophage responses to other stem cell transplants.
Mechanical and Electrical Design of the Fermilab Lithium Lens and Transformer System

A lithium lens focusing device will be used for the collection of 8 GeV antiprotons in the Fermilab Tevatron I Project. The details of the mechanical and electrical design of the Fermilab lens and its associated toroidal transformer are discussed. The lens, with a radius of 1 cm and length 15 cm, is expected to achieve gradients of 1000 T/m for a focal distance of 0.225 m. The gradient requires a current on the order of 5x105A, resulting in large electromagnetic and thermal stresses. The power supply discharge current and the effect of the inductance of the power leads and connections are minimized by the use of a toroidal matching transformer surrounding the lens itself.
Interpersonal Understanding Fuels Knowledge Acquisition

Beginning in infancy, humans acquire knowledge at a pace far outstripping that found in any other species. Recent evidence indicates that interpersonal understanding—in particular, skill at inferring others' intentions—plays a pivotal role in this achievement. Infants as young as 12 to 18 months actively utilize clues to others' intentions to guide their interpretation of language, emotion, and action more generally. In the language domain, for example, on hearing a new word, infants spontaneously check the speaker for intentional clues such as gaze direction, emotional expression, gestures, and body posture, and interpret the word in light of such information. By capitalizing on information about intentions, infants are able to avoid a wide range of potential errors, and to quickly learn relevant new skills. Current research is exploring the origins and developmental course of such early-emerging interpersonal skill, ultimately with an eye to understanding how disruptions in such abilities affect childre...
Numerical Calculation of Viscous Flow Over Hypersonic Waveriders

An efficient parabolized Navier-Stokes (PNS) code has been developed to compute the three-dimensional viscous flow over hypersonic waveriders. The new code has been used to compute the laminar flow over two waverider geometries. Both on-design and off-design numerical solutions are compared with experimental data and previous Navier-Stokes calculations. The computed surface pressure coefficients and skin friction coefficients are found to be in good agreement with previous results. The current study demonstrates the efficiency of the PNS code in the analysis of waverider configurations.
Variation in the structure of glucuronoxylomannan in isolates from patients with recurrent cryptococcal meningitis

Capsular glucuronoxylomannans (GXM) of Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans isolates from patients with recurrent cryptococcal meningitis were analyzed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and for reactivity with factor sera (Iatron, Tokyo, Japan). For each patient the initial and relapse isolates had previously been shown to be indistinguishable by DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. For patients J11 and J22 the GXM of the initial and relapse isolates were identical. For patients SB4 and SB6 the GXM of the initial and relapse isolates differed in structure and reactivity with factor sera. In patient SB4 the initial isolate had a serotype A/D structure, and the first relapse isolate had a serotype A structure. The second relapse isolate was a mixture of structures composed of serotype D components, glucuronomannan (GM), and a minor serotype A component. Analysis of the initial isolate from patient SB6 showed a structure composed mainly of serotype D, GM, and minor serotype A components and components not assigned to a particular serotype (N). The relapse isolate had the same composition as the initial isolate except for an increase in the serotype A component. This increase in the serotype A component of the relapse isolate resulted in a change in the serological specificity from serotype D to serotype A/D. The initial isolate from patient J9 had serotype D and GM structures. The first two relapse isolates had serotype D, N, and GM structures and a minor serotype A component. The third relapse isolate had mainly a serotype D structure. All the J9 isolates reacted only with serotype D-specific factor serum. These results indicate that some isolates obtained from patients with recurrent C. neoformans infections have undergone a change in GXM structure during the course of infection. The modification of GXM structure observed in some relapse isolates is reflected in changed serological properties. The results may have important implications for the design of vaccines and antibody-based therapeutic strategies against C. neoformans.
Researcher-advocate collaborations to end violence against women: toward liberating methodologies for action research

This article relies on literature from the field and on research conducted by the National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center to describe the difficulties encountered in collaborations between researchers and advocates working on the prevention of violence against women. The article summarizes guidelines for collaboration that have been suggested by many researchers and advocates, and it makes the claim that a feminist approach to liberating methodologies for action research is needed to increase the likelihood of successful collaborations.
Lactoferrin receptor mediates apo- but not holo-lactoferrin internalization via clathrin-mediated endocytosis in trophoblasts

Lactoferrin receptor (LfR) is expressed in most mammalian tissues including placental trophoblasts and is presumed to mediate the internalization of lactoferrin (Lf). However, the physiological significance of trophoblast LfR is not understood. Using a cytotrophoblast cell model (BeWo) we demonstrated that transfection with LfR siRNA significantly decreased apo- but not holo-Lf uptake compared to mock-transfected controls and that apo- but not holo-Lf significantly increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity. As Lf functionality is related to the presence (holo-Lf) or absence (apo-Lf) of iron within the Lf molecule, our results suggest that apo-Lf may play a role in cellular invasion. Moreover, we detected LfR (~105 kDa) in association with the plasma membrane and ligand blotting confirmed that Lf binds to a LfR of ~105 kDa. Apo-Lf treatment significantly increased LfR abundance at the plasma membrane and internalization likely occurred via clathrin-mediated endocytosis through early and recycling endosomes as LfR was co-localized with EEA1 and TfR using confocal microscopy and hypertonic medium (0.4 M sucrose) significantly inhibited apo-Lf internalization. In summary, our data demonstrate that apo- but not holo-Lf is internalized by LfR and suggest that, following internalization via LfR, apo-Lf plays a role in cytotrophoblast invasiveness by inducing MMP-2 activity. Moreover, LfR facilitates apo-Lf uptake specifically through clathrin-mediated endocytosis into early endosomes and potentially into a recycling pathway. Taken together, our data provide a new dimension in understanding ligand-dependant function that may be directly related to the ability of LfR to selectively internalize apo- but not holo-Lf.
Improved angular resolution for spatial smoothing techniques

Spatial smoothing techniques are used to estimate the directions of coherent arrivals. The performance of these techniques deteriorates rapidly as the coherent arrivals become closely spaced. The author examines the resolution performance of the existing forward-only and forward/backward spatial smoothing techniques. It is shown that the resolution for coherent signals can be improved by squaring array covariance matrices before forming smoothed array covariance matrices. >
Adrenergic fight-or-flight: S-NO falls on PKA targets

In this issue of Circulation Research , Irie et al1 demonstrate novel aspects of crosstalk downstream of β-adrenergic receptors (β-AR) between classical cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) target proteins and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) signaling in cardiac myocytes. This study opens up intriguing new questions for this field. Article, see p 793 The classic and simple story of β-AR–induced cardiac inotropy that we typically teach students (depending on the level) is as follows. β-AR stimulation by norepinephrine or epinephrine stimulates Gs-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase, which produces cAMP that activates PKA to phosphorylate key target proteins in excitation–contraction coupling. Key functional targets that we discuss are the L-type Ca channel, phospholamban (PLN), and troponin I (TnI).2 Sometimes we also include myosin-binding protein C, the ryanodine receptor, phospholemman (that modulates the Na/K-ATPase akin to PLN regulation of the sarcoplasmic reticulum [SR] Ca-ATPase [SERCA]), delayed rectifier K+ channels (IKr and IKs), and Cl− channels (ICFTR and ICl(Ca)).3 So even from the simple β-AR–cAMP–PKA pathway, there are many targets that produce meaningful functional effects in the integrated β-AR fight-or-flight response. But, based on our recent analysis,3 the main targets likely to contribute quantitatively to β-AR– and PKA-induced inotropy and lusitropy are L-type Ca channel, PLN, phospholemman, IKs, TnI, and myosin-binding protein C. My own simple functional model is that (1) the L-type Ca channel and PLN/SERCA effects elevate cellular and SR Ca2+ content, which causes a major increase in Ca transient amplitude, (2) phospholemman and IKs effects temper the rise in myocyte Ca2+ by enhancing Na+ extrusion via the Na pump and limiting action potential duration, respectively, (3) PLN/SERCA and TnI mediate lusitropy by accelerating [Ca2+]i decline and Ca2+ dissociation from …
The Whittier Narrows, California Earthquake of October 1, 1987 ― simulation of recorded accelerations

Abstract We have simulated accelerograms from many of the strong motion stations close to the mainshock of the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake using a semi‐empirical Green's function summation technique. This method allows gross aspects of the source rupture process to be treated deterministically using a kinematic model based on first motion studies, teleseismic modeling and the distribution of aftershocks. Stochastic aspects of the rupture process are then included to simulate irregularity in both rupture and slip velocity. Gross aspects of wave propagation are modeled using theoretical Green's functions calculated with generalized rays. Detailed aspects of the source radiation at high frequencies, as well as unmodeled propagational aspects such as scattering, are included empirically by using multiple recordings of a smaller Imperial Valley earthquake as empirical source functions. Our main objective is to see how well we can predict the peak ground accelerations, time histories and response spectra o...
On the search for optimal damage precursors

A new approach to predict the service life of critical components via study of damage precursors is emerging and is the topic of this article. To date, most service life predictions are based on measurements of damage indicators and their growth toward criticality or failure, for example, fatigue crack length and material loss due to corrosion or wear. This makes lifetime estimates based on measurements of damage, for example, around half-life, or even at 80% life, difficult and inaccurate. To improve the accuracy and reliability of lifetime prediction, efforts are now underway to determine the state awareness of a critical component during service, based on property characterizations, in addition to the measurements of the direct damage indicators, such as crack length, acoustic emission, ultrasound signals, and eddy current measurements. These characterizations will include indirect damage indicators, that is, precursors and allied or affiliated damage indicators. For affiliated damage indicators, resid...
Primary versus Flap Closure of Perineal Defects following Oncologic Resection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:Abdominoperineal resection and pelvic exenteration for resection of malignancies can lead to large perineal defects with significant surgical-site morbidity. Myocutaneous flaps have been proposed in place of primary closure to improve wound healing. A systematic review was conducted to co
Analysis of Purchase Intent Scales Weighted by Probability of Actual Purchase

The authors show how to incorporate actual purchase behavior data (usually from diaries) into the calculation of standard errors for making inferences about the proportion of purchasers from self-r...
Metformin Use Is Associated with Improved Survival in Patients Undergoing Resection for Pancreatic Cancer.

Preclinical evidence has demonstrated anti-tumorigenic effects of metformin. The effects of metformin following pancreatic cancer, however, remain undefined. We sought to assess the association between metformin use and survival using a large, nationally representative sample of patients undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer. Patients undergoing a pancreatic resection between January 01, 2010, and December 31, 2012, were identified using the Truven Health MarketScan database. Clinical data, including history of metformin use, as well as operative details and information on long-term outcomes were collected. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of metformin use on overall survival (OS). A total of 3393 patients were identified. The mean age of patients was 54.2 years (SD = 9.1 years). Roughly one half of patients were female (n = 1735, 51.1 %); 49.1 % (n = 1665) presented with a Charlson comorbidity index of 3 or greater (CCI ≥3); and 19.6 % (n = 664) had diabetes. At the time of surgery, 60.0 % (n = 2034) of patients underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy, 35.7 % (n = 1212) a partial/distal pancreatectomy, while 4.3 % (n = 147) had a total pancreatectomy. On pathology, 1057 (31.2 %) had lymph node metastasis. Metformin use was identified in 456 patients (13.4 %) and was more commonly administered among patients without locally advanced disease (14.3 vs. 11.6 %, p = 0.038). While OS was comparable between patients within the first year of surgery (OS at 1 year 65.4 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 63.4–67.3 %] vs. 69.2 % [95 % CI 64.2–73.4 %]), patients who received metformin demonstrated an improved OS beginning at 18 months following surgery. On multivariable analysis adjusting for patient and clinicopathologic characteristics, metformin use was independently associated with a decreased risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.79, 95 % CI 0.67–0.93, p = 0.005). Metformin use was associated with an improved overall survival among patients undergoing pancreatic surgery for pancreatic cancer. Further work is necessary to better understand its role in modifying cancer-specific and overall health outcomes.
Fibrous Dysplasia/McCune-Albright Syndrome: Clinical and Translational Perspectives

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is an uncommon and debilitating skeletal disorder resulting in fractures, deformity, functional impairment, and pain. It arises from post-zygotic somatic activating mutations in GNAS, in the cAMP-regulating transcript α-subunit, Gsα. Constitutive Gs signaling results in activation of adenylyl cyclase and dysregulated cAMP production. In the skeleton, this leads to the development of FD lesions with abnormal bone matrix, trabeculae, and collagen, produced by undifferentiated mesenchymal cells. FD may occur in isolation or in combination with extraskeletal manifestations, including hyperfunctioning endocrinopathies and cafe-au-lait macules, termed McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS). This review summarizes current clinical and translational perspectives in FD/MAS, with an emphasis on FD pathogenesis, natural history, pre-clinical and clinical investigation, and future directions.