cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-Stabilizing Master-Slave Token Circulation in Unoriented Cactus Graphs

Token circulation in networks is a fundamental task in the distributed systems. In this paper, we consider selfstabilizing master-slave token circulation in a Cactus graph. Cactus graph is a connected undirected graph where cycles are pairwise edge disjoint. Cactus graphs are being increasingly used in many applications of sensor, ad hoc and other clustered networks, especially when the tree topology is not appropriate. The master-slave model is especially suitable for sensor network or ad hoc networks based on cluster architecture, where a base station or a cluster head has more memory, and is more powerful than other ordinary nodes and can serve as master node (cluster head). The proposed token circulation algorithm for a bidirectional Cactus Graph (1) does not need to know the size of the cactus graph and so, can tolerate dynamic addition and removal of nodes as long as the cactus topology is preserved; (2) works under an unfair distributed daemon (an arbitrary non-empty subset of privileged nodes is selected to move at each step); (3) is a randomized protocol. The algorithm stabilizes in O(n2 log n) steps using an unfair distributed daemon. Most previous randomized protocols for token circulation have assumed only directed graphs.
Abstract WP320: Coaching Stroke Quarterbacks in an Academic Medical Center to Improve Door to Treatment Times

Background: Rapid treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) improves patient outcomes. In an academic medical center AIS treatment often involves a large team including trainees. A clear process al...
Vegetation Index Weighted Canopy Volume Model (CVMVI) for soybean biomass estimation from Unmanned Aerial System-based RGB imagery

Abstract Crop biomass estimation with high accuracy at low-cost is valuable for precision agriculture and high-throughput phenotyping. Recent technological advances in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) significantly facilitate data acquisition at low-cost along with high spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of UAS RGB imagery-derived spectral, structural, and volumetric information, as well as a proposed vegetation index weighted canopy volume model (CVMVI) for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] aboveground biomass (AGB) estimation. RGB images were collected from low-cost UAS throughout the growing season at a field site near Columbia, Missouri, USA. High-density point clouds were produced using the structure from motion (SfM) technique through a photogrammetric workflow based on UAS stereo images. Two-dimensional (2D) canopy structure metrics such as canopy height (CH) and canopy projected basal area (BA), as well as three-dimensional (3D) volumetric metrics such as canopy volume model (CVM) were derived from photogrammetric point clouds. A variety of vegetation indices (VIs) were also extracted from RGB orthomosaics. Then, CVMVI, which combines canopy spectral and volumetric information, was proposed. Commonly used regression models were established based on the UAS-derived information and field- measured AGB with a leave-one-out cross-validation. The results show that: (1) In general, canopy 2D structural metrics CH and BA yielded higher correlation with AGB than VIs. (2) Three-dimensional metrics, such as CVM, that encompass both horizontal and vertical properties of canopy provided better estimates for AGB compared to 2D structural metrics (R2 = 0.849; RRMSE = 18.7%; MPSE = 20.8%). (3) Optimized CVMVI, which incorporates both canopy spectral and 3D volumetric information outperformed the other indices and metrics, and was a better predictor for AGB estimation (R2 = 0.893; RRMSE = 16.3%; MPSE = 19.5%). In addition, CVMVI showed equal prediction power for different genotypes, which indicates its potential for high-throughput soybean biomass estimation. Moreover, a CVMVI based univariate regression model yielded AGB predicting capability comparable to multivariate complex regression models such as stepwise multilinear regression (SMR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) that incorporate multiple canopy spectral indices and structural metrics. Overall, this study reveals the potential of canopy spectral, structural and volumetric information, and their combination (i.e., CVMVI) for estimations of soybean AGB. CVMVI was shown to be simple but effective in estimating AGB, and could be applied for high-throughput phenotyping and precision agro-ecological applications and management.
In-band LOS discovery using highly directional transceivers

Abstract Directional Radio Frequency (RF) / Free-Space-Optical (FSO) transceivers are envisioned to play a great role in future generation wireless networks. They provide benefits in terms of better throughput, enhanced spectrum utilization and lower interference from unwanted sources. However, the stringent requirement of line-of-sight (LOS) communication makes it tough for a mobile node to maintain a link without a-priori information about its neighbor’s position. Hence, neighbor discovery takes a very crucial role in mobile ad hoc networks with directional transceivers. In this paper, we focus on neighbor discovery using highly directional transceivers operating on the same communication channel. We consider two nodes that can discover each other by steering their transceivers with a randomly chosen angular speed and performing a simple three-way handshaking protocol. We provide a theoretical analysis of the proposed neighbor discovery method. Additionally, we propose an algorithm where each node chooses its transceiver’s angular speed and renews it if the neighbor is not discovered within an optimal time interval. We evaluate the proposed method via simulation as well as on a system prototype. Results from both simulations and experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed neighbor discovery protocol.
Modulation of fault strength during the seismic cycle by grain-size evolution around contact junctions

Abstract Earthquake prediction is fundamentally hampered by insufficient knowledge of the constitutive behavior of faults. Laboratory and theoretical work by Dieterich (1978) and Ruina (1983) formed the basis of rate-and-state friction, a constitutive framework that captures the healing and weakening of frictional contacts. The rate-and-state law successfully explains the frictional behavior of a wide range of rocks and many phenomena associated with fault slip. The physics underlying the rate-and-state friction law is not fully understood, but it is generally accepted that several micro-mechanisms operate depending on the texture, maturity, fluid content, and other physical and kinematic conditions of the fault. Here, I formulate a constitutive framework that unifies a number of laboratory experiments on silicate rocks, and the gouges derived from these rocks, that describe the effect of grain-size, temperature, real area of contact, gouge thickness, and fault roughness. Fundamental to the model is that fault strength is controlled by the area of the interfacial contact junctions that support the shear and normal loads. The curvature of asperities weakly controls the area of their contact junction and the resulting fault strength. As a result, the dynamics of grain-size evolution around micro-asperities enables the seismic cycle. The model quantitatively explains the correlation between the characteristic weakening distance and the gouge thickness (Marone and Kilgore, 1993), the correlation of the static friction coefficient with the rate-dependence parameters (Ikari et al., 2011), the dependence of frictional resistance to sub-solidus temperatures (Chester, 1994), and predicts a range of grain sizes that is compatible with observations at exposed fault zones. However, the dynamics of grain-size evolution is still challenging to verify experimentally. The model features a regularization at vanishing slip speeds that implies distinct dynamics at low strength. For friction coefficients lower than 0.1, seismic cycle simulations predict the emergence of frictional instabilities with complex source time-functions. This is a significant departure from the predictions of rate-and-state friction that is most relevant to the dynamics of decollements, serpentinized shear zones, and other low-strength faults.
Do Patient-specific or Fracture-specific Factors Predict the Development of Acute Compartment Syndrome After Pediatric Tibial Shaft Fractures?

BACKGROUND Tibial shaft fractures are the most common injuries preceding acute compartment syndrome (ACS), so it is important to understand the incidence of and risk factors for ACS after pediatric tibial shaft fractures. The purposes of this study were to determine the rate at which ACS occurs and if any patient or fracture characteristics are significantly associated with developing ACS. METHODS All patients aged 5 to 17 years treated for a tibial shaft fracture at a level 1 pediatric trauma center, a level 1 adult trauma center, and an outpatient orthopaedic practice between 2008 and 2016 were retrospectively identified. Demographics, mechanisms of injury, and fracture characteristics were collected from the medical records. Radiographs were reviewed by study authors. ACS was diagnosed clinically or by intracompartmental pressure measurement. Univariable analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test for nominal variables and simple logistic regression for continuous variables. Multivariable analysis was performed using stepwise logistic regression. RESULTS Among 515 patients with 517 tibial shaft fractures, 9 patients (1.7%) with 10 (1.9%) fractures developed ACS at a mean age of 15.2 years compared with a mean age of 11 years in patients without ACS (P=0.001). One patient with bilateral tibial fractures developed ACS bilaterally. Age greater than 14 years (P=0.006), higher body mass index (P<0.001), motorcycle or motor vehicle accidents (P=0.034), comminuted and segmental tibial shaft fractures (P<0.001), ipsilateral fibular fracture (P=0.002), and associated orthopaedic injuries (P=0.032) were all significantly more common in the ACS group. CONCLUSIONS ACS developed in 1.7% of the patients with tibial shaft fractures in this retrospective study-a rate significantly lower than previously reported. Age greater than 14 years, higher body mass index, motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents, comminuted or segmental fracture pattern, ipsilateral fibular fracture, and associated orthopaedic injuries are all significantly associated with its development. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE Level III-retrospective comparative study.
Mycoplasma bovis: Interactions with the Immune System and Failure to Generate an Effective Immune Response.

Host responses are often ineffective at clearing Mycoplasma bovis infection and may contribute to the pathogenesis of disease. M bovis possesses a surprisingly large repertoire of strategies to evade and modulate host responses. Unopsonized M bovis impairs phagocytosis and killing by neutrophils and macrophages. Apoptosis of neutrophils and lymphocytes is enhanced, whereas it is delayed in macrophages. Both proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines are stimulated during M bovis infection depending on the cell type and location, and overall systemic responses tend to have a T-helper 2 bias. M bovis reduces proliferation of T cells and, in chronic infection, causes T-cell exhaustion.
Recruitment in AIDS Clinical Trials: Investigation of Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Factors Affecting Participation in Clinical Research

The primary objective of this study was to identify the social, psychological, and behavioral factors that influenced recruitment in AIDS clinical trials. The study compared HIV-infected individuals participating in a trial (n = 113) and a group of HIV-infected patients not currently participating in a trial (n = 103). Trial participants were more likely to be White (61.5% vs. 38.8%, p < .004), MSM (40.7% vs. 20.4%, p < .0001), with no IDU history (74.0% vs. 38.8%, p < .0001). Among trial nonparticipants, 42.2% indicated willingness to participate in a trial. Gender, race, and IDU history was not related to willingness to participate in a trial. Trial nonparticipants rated almost all aspects of the trial regimen as significantly more difficult compared to trial participants. Trial participants differed significantly on sociodemographic dimensions and in beliefs and attitudes toward medical therapies. These differences may limit the generalizability of trial results and, consequently, the effectiveness of HIV therapeutics.
Framing of criminal justice and crime in the news: 2015-2017

This study examined newspaper coverage of crime and criminal justice issues from 2015 through 2017, a period that encompassed significant political change. A total of 300 articles from four major n...
Quantifying infection risks in incompatible living donor kidney transplant recipients

Desensitization has enabled incompatible living donor kidney transplantation (ILDKT) across HLA/ABO barriers, but added immunomodulation might put patients at increased risk of infections. We studied 475 recipients from our center from 2010 to 2015, categorized by desensitization intensity: none/compatible (n = 260), low (0-4 plasmaphereses, n = 47), moderate (5-9, n = 74), and high (≥10, n = 94). The 1-year cumulative incidence of infection was 50.1%, 49.8%, 66.0%, and 73.5% for recipients who received none, low, moderate, and high-intensity desensitization (P < .001). The most common infections were UTI (33.5% of ILDKT vs. 21.5% compatible), opportunistic (21.9% vs. 10.8%), and bloodstream (19.1% vs. 5.4%) (P < .001). In weighted models, a trend toward increased risk was seen in low (wIRR = 0.77 1.402.56 ,P = .3) and moderately (wIRR = 0.88 1.352.06 ,P = .2) desensitized recipients, with a statistically significant 2.22-fold (wIRR = 1.33 2.223.72 ,P = .002) increased risk in highly desensitized recipients. Recipients with ≥4 infections were at higher risk of prolonged hospitalization (wIRR = 2.62 3.574.88 , P < .001) and death-censored graft loss (wHR = 1.15 4.0113.95 ,P = .03). Post-KT infections are more common in desensitized ILDKT recipients. A subset of highly desensitized patients is at ultra-high risk for infections. Strategies should be designed to protect patients from the morbidity of recurrent infections, and to extend the survival benefit of ILDKT across the spectrum of recipients.
Optimal $m$ Sizing of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station with Integration of PV and Energy Storage $S O C_{t} P_{m}^{\text{Pk}}$

This paper proposes an optimization model for the optimal configuration of an grid-connected electric vehicle (EV) extreme fast charging station considering integration of photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage. The proposed model minimizes the annualized net cost (i.e., maximizes the annualized net profit) of the extreme fast charging station, including investment and maintenance cost of charging ports, PV and energy storage, net cost of purchasing energy from utility and selling energy to EV customers, degradation cost of energy storage and demand charge. The decision variables are number of charging ports, capacity of invested PV and the power and energy ratings of invested energy storage. The Erlang-loss system is adopted to model the EV mobility. Results of numerical simulations indicate that investment of PV and energy storage could increase the annualized profit of the extreme fast charging station. In addition, the impacts of various parameters on the optimal solution are investigated by sensitivity analysis.
The Influence of Government Controlled DMOs on Destination Competitiveness: the Case of Belarus

Belarus is facing unprecedented conflict as it attempts to shed its communist ideals and move towards a free society. This paper investigates the challenges facing Belarus in negotiating its identi...
Structural requirements for interleukin 13 to bind IL13R-alpha2, a tumor associated receptor

4674 We have found that a vast majority of patients with high-grade astrocytoma (HGA) over-express IL13R-alpha2, a receptor (R) for an immune regulatory cytokine, interleukin 13 (IL13). The other receptor for IL13, IL13/4R, is shared with IL4, transduces intracellular signaling and is expressed comparably in both vital organs and human malignancies. In addition, IL13R-alpha2 can be induced in normal cells otherwise not-expressing this tumor-restricted receptor in response to IL13 alone. The cytokine also stimulates a signaling cascade in cancer cells that leads to further activation of oncogenic pathways. Thus, in the development of diagnostics/therapeutics the ligand should be deprived of any ability to bind and activate IL13/4R, unlike IL13, and bind tighter the IL13R-alpha2. Our laboratory documented that residues at positions 105, 106, and 109 in alpha-helix D of IL13 contribute to the binding of IL13 to IL13R-alpha2. We began to determine the structural requirements of IL13 to interact with IL13R-alpha2. In the Conolly’s algorithm surface analysis we found Lys-105 and Arg-109 lay one above the other with a depression in between the residues while Lys-106 lies farther away. It is plausible that the receptor-binding pocket for IL13R-alpha2 encompasses this specific region. Next, we analyzed the structural side-chain changes at position 105 upon substitution with various amino acids. We noted a proximity between the side chain −NH2 group of Lys-105 and −C (NH2)=NH- group of Lys-109, and we suggest that such orientation may in fact favor the residues to anchor the receptor site coordinately. All position 105 mutants of IL13 studied, namely IL13.K105E, IL13.K105D, IL13.K105A and IL13.K105L do not to have the extended side-chain and none of them competes for the IL13R-alpha2 binding. Accordingly, a mutant of IL13, IL13K105R, has the arginine side chain protruding in parallel to that of Lys-109 and competes for the IL13R-alpha2 sites even better than the wild type IL13. Another possible explanation for Arg-105 substitution enabling preserved or even better binding to IL13R-alpha2 is that the epsilon-N-group in Arg has a restricted rotation due to the partial double bond character due to resonance, and Arg is able to interact better with the backbone carbonyl oxygens providing structural rigidity to the protein. We suggest that in IL13.K105R, Arg increases the rigidity of the protein and influences the overall electrostatic potential of the protein surface. We thus propose that a positively-charged polar residue with an extended side-chain orientation at position 105 in the alpha-helix D region in IL13 may be crucial for its anchoring property towards the HGA-associated receptor. This knowledge should allow us to generate other IL13 mutants/peptidomimetics of desired characteristics for future development of specific tumor targeting molecules.
Managing Personal and Professional Boundaries

Empathy and sensitivity are resources in family-oriented primary care that are largely developed in the providers’ own personal and family life. A physician’s appreciation of the richness of emotional life, the complexity of human problems, and the humility inherent in human suffering forms the foundation for such empathy and fuels a successful doctor-patient relationship. A physician may be drawn to primary care in the first place because his or her upbringing has resulted in a highly developed sense of responsibility and altruism. Many primary care physicians played a caretaking role that was highly valued in their original families, and has led to a commitment to serving others and a sensitivity to illness and loss.
A voltage-clamp analysis of gene-dosage effects of the Shaker locus on larval muscle potassium currents in Drosophila

Mutations of the Shaker (Sh) locus of Drosophila reduce, eliminate, or otherwise alter a transient potassium current, IA, in muscle. Recent molecular studies indicate that the Sh locus produces several proteins by alternative splicing, but the relationships of the variety of Sh gene products to IA channels in the various excitable membranes still remain to be determined. In Drosophila, many enzymes have been shown to exhibit gene-dosage effects; their amounts vary in direct proportion to the number of structural genes present. We describe a physiological isolation of IA in larval muscle which allowed precise quantification of gene-dosage effects on IA in Sh heterozygotes and aneuploids. We found that doubling the number of Sh genes in aneuploids increased IA to twice that of normal, consistent with the notion that the Sh locus encodes the entire IA channel in larval muscle. We further examined heterozygous combinations of different Sh mutations for evidence of interactions among Sh gene products within the IA channel, which may yield clues to the possible subunit composition of the channel. Combinations among 5 Sh mutations plus their normal counterpart followed a simple gene-dosage effect; in each case the resulting IA was about the average of the homozygous currents, compatible with the notion of additive contributions from 2 independent populations of IA channels. Two additional Sh mutations caused pronounced departures from the simple dosage effect; the amplitude of IA in heterozygotes was significantly smaller than that expected from gene dosage, a strong dominant effect attributable to interactions among protein subunits. These contrasting observations may be accounted for by certain hetero- or homo-multimeric arrangements of Sh products in the IA channel.
Creative Imagery: Discoveries and inventions in Visualization

Bringing together the results of experiments on discovery and invention in visualization conducted by the author over a three year period, this book reports new findings on the generation of creative inventions and concepts using mental imagery, and proposes a reconceptualization of the creative process. Creative Imagery introduces the concept of “preinventive forms” and describes an approach to creative invention differing from those typically used in problem-solving studies. There are two unique features of this book. First, it combines the experimental methods of cognitive science with the opportunity to explore and discover creative inventions in imagination. Second, it provides readers with numerous opportunities to use the creative imagery techniques to develop their own inventions and conceptual discoveries. This text is of particular interest to scientists working in the fields of experimental psychology, cognitive psychology, and cognitive science. The techniques for generating creative inventions will also be of interest to people working in engineering, architectural design, and the visual arts.
Anatomy of an Epidemic

Robert Whitaker was a medical writer at the Albany Times Union from1989–1994. In 1994 he co-founded a publishing company to cover the pharmaceutical clinical trials industry; he is the author of Ma...
NEXUS chest: validation of a decision instrument for selective chest imaging in blunt trauma.

RESULTS Of 9905 enrolled patients, 43.1% had a single CXR, 42.0% had CXR and chest CT, 6.7% had CXR and abdominal CT (without chest CT), 5.5% had multiple CXRs without CT, and 2.6% had chest CT alone in the emergency department. The most common trauma mechanisms were motorized vehicle crash (43.9%), fall (27.5%), pedestrian struck by motorized vehicle (10.7%), bicycle crash (6.3%), and struck by blunt object, fists, or kicked (5.8%). Thoracic injury seen on chest imaging was seen in 1478 (14.9%) patients with 363 (24.6%) of these having major clinical significance, 1079 (73.0%) minor clinical significance, and 36 (2.4%) no clinical significance. NEXUS Chest had a sensitivity of 98.8% (95% CI, 98.1%-99.3%), a negative predictive value of 98.5% (95% CI, 97.6%.6-99.1%), and a specificity of 13.3% (95% CI, 12.6%-14.1%) for TICI. The sensitivity and negative predictive value for TICI with clinically major injury were 99.7% (95% CI, 98.2%-100.0%) and 99.9% (95% CI, 99.4%-100.0%), respectively.
Assessing Young Children's Number Magnitude Representation: A Comparison Between Novel and Conventional Tasks

Previously, researchers have relied on asking young children to plot a given number on a 0-to-10 number line to assess their mental representation of numbers 1 to 9. However, such a (“conventional”) number-to-position (N-P) task may underestimate the accuracy of young children's magnitude estimates and misrepresent the nature of their number representation. The purpose of this study was to compare young children's performance on the conventional N-P task and a “modified” N-P task that is more consistent with a discrete-quantity view of number and with measures of theoretically related mathematical competencies. Participants (n = 45), ranging in age from 4;0 to 6;0, were administered both versions of the N-P task twice during 4 sessions in 1 of 2 randomly assigned and counterbalanced orders. Between and within conditions, children were significantly more accurate on the modified version than on the conventional task. The results indicate that the conventional task, in particular, may be confusing and that ...
Two generalizations of Dykstra's cyclic projections algorithm

Dykstra's cyclic projections algorithm allows one to compute best approximations to any pointx in a Hilbert space from the intersectionC = źlrCi of a finite number of closed convex setsCi, by reducing it to a sequence of best approximation problems from theindividual setsCi. Here we present two generalizations of this algorithm. First we allow the number of setsCi to beinfinite rather than finite; secondly, we allow arandom, rather than cyclic, ordering of the setsCi.
Nonlinear dependence of hydraulic conductivity on tissue deformation during intratumoral infusion.

Efficiency of intratumoral infusion for drug and gene delivery depends on intrinsic tissue structures as well as infusion-induced changes in these structures. To this end, we investigated effects of infusion pressure (Pinf) and infusion-induced tissue deformation on infusion rate (Q) in three mouse tumor models (B16.F10, 4T1, and U87) and developed a poroelastic model for interpreting data and understanding mechanisms of fluid transport in tumors. The collagen concentrations in these tumors were 2.9±1.2, 12.2±0.9, and 18.1±3.5 μg/mg wet wt. of tissues, respectively. During the infusion, there existed a threshold infusion pressure (Pt), below which fluid flow could not be initiated. The values of Pt for these tumors were 7.36, 36.8, and 29.4 mmHg, respectively. Q was a bell-shaped function of Pinf in 4T1 tumors but increased monotonically with increasing Pinf in other tumors. These observations were consistent with results from numerical simulations based on the poroelastic model, suggesting that both the existence of Pt and the nonlinear relationships between Q and Pinf could be explained by infusion-induced tissue deformation that anisotropically affected the hydraulic conductivity of tissues. These results may be useful for further investigations of intratumoral infusion of drugs and genes.
Session 1A feedstock supply, logistics, processing, and composition.

A cost effective and sustainable supply of biomass feedstocks is a cribical component of a viable biorefinery industry that is capable of making a credible impact on petroleum displacement. Feedstock costs can amount to a very significant fraction of the cost of the final biorefinery product. Thus, the reduction of the costs of feedstock production, harvest, collection, transportation, storage, and preprocessing can have a direct and positive effect on the overall viability of a given biorefinery. In addition, the feedstock and technology choices that are made for maintaining a sustainable biomass supply will have important implications not only for the biorefinery industry, but also for society as a whole. This session focused on feedstock supply, logistics, processing and composition, all of which are important elements of the feedstock supply chain.
ADSORPTION BEHAVIOR OF ALKYLARYLETHOXYLATED ALCOHOLS ON SILICA

The effect of ethoxylation of long chain alcohols on their adsorption behavior is investigated in this study for a series of alkylarylethoxylated alcohols. The degree of ethoxylation affects markedly both the maximum plateau adsorption and the uptake of the surfactant at lower concentrations. Hydrogen bonding is considered to provide the initial driving force for adsorption. Surfactants with lower ethoxylation show preferential adsorption on silica compared with those with higher ethoxylation because of the steric effect of ethylene oxide chains on the hydrocarbon chain-chain interaction at the solid/liquid interface. The hydrophobicity of silica surface after surfactant adsorption has been found to be dependent on the structure of surfactant as well as the adsorption density. While both C8EO10 and C8EO40 impart hydrophobicity to silica surface above a threshold concentration, C8EO40 shows a return to hydrophilicity near the CMC. These changes in hydrophobicity are interpreted by considering changes in orientation of the hydrocarbon chain of the adsorbed surfactant.
FOLLISTATIN (FS) AND INHIBIN A & B IN CENTRAL PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY(CPP): IMPACT OF GnRH AGONIST (GnRHa)-INDUCED PITUITARY DESENSITIZATION.• 491

FOLLISTATIN (FS) AND INHIBIN A & B IN CENTRAL PRECOCIOUS PUBERTY(CPP): IMPACT OF GnRH AGONIST (GnRHa)-INDUCED PITUITARY DESENSITIZATION.• 491
Delivery, reworking and export of fine-grained sediment across the sandy Skagit River tidal flats

Abstract Tidal flats with fluvial input can have ample fine-grained sediment supply, and yet the Skagit River tidal flats remain mostly sandy. Therefore, hydrodynamic mechanisms must efficiently export mud off the flats. This study evaluates short-term deposition and long-term burial of mud on an intertidal flat and links seabed deposits to sediment-transport processes. To investigate the fine-grained sediment-transport mechanisms within the sandy Skagit River tidal flats, seabed and water-column observations were collected seasonally from 2008 to 2009 under varying river discharge conditions. Little mud was observed deposited on the seabed. Spatially, mud was most common near channels and on the seaward flat edge. Its presence was temporary, and was typically observed following high river discharge. Strongest current velocities and high suspended-sediment concentrations were measured during spring tidal cycles with peaks in the late ebb. Maximum velocities were observed within channels, permitting for rapid transport of fine-grained particles to the seaward edge of the flat and export beyond. These physical processes also act to mobilize the mostly sandy seabed, which is reworked at various frequencies: on a semi-diurnal tidal timescale, both channel and flat seabeds are reworked to 1–2 cm; and over a decadal timescale, lateral channel migration acts to rework the seabed to 1–2 m, making the limited mud deposits available for export. Overall, channel networks on sandy tidal flats with fluvial input not only deliver fine-grained sediment to the flat, but also aid in the export of suspended sediment at ebb tides and in the release of muddy deposits through reworking of the seabed.
The transport of photoexcited electrons in photoconductive THz sources with spatially patterned excitation

We studied the transport properties of photoexcited electrons in an electrically biased photoconductor with different spatially patterned excitations using spatially resolve Monte Carlo simulations coupled with a self-consistent Poisson solver.
Exploring perceptual processing of ASL and human actions: Effects of inversion and repetition priming

In this paper, we compare responses of deaf signers and hearing non-signers engaged in a categorization task of signs and non-linguistic human actions. We examine the time it takes to make such categorizations under conditions of 180° stimulus inversion and as a function of repetition priming, in an effort to understand whether the processing of sign language forms draws upon special processing mechanisms or makes use of mechanisms used in recognition of non-linguistic human actions. Our data show that deaf signers were much faster in the categorization of both linguistic and non-linguistic actions, and relative to hearing non-signers, show evidence that they were more sensitive to the configural properties of signs. Our study suggests that sign expertise may lead to modifications of a general-purpose human action recognition system rather than evoking a qualitatively different mode of processing, and supports the contention that signed languages make use of perceptual systems through which humans understand or parse human actions and gestures more generally.
Utilization management in anatomic pathology

From the perspective of utilization management, surgical and cytopathology are fundamentally different from laboratory-based testing in that billed revenues include both a technical component (part A) and a professional component for physician services (part B). Due to the professional billing component under fee for service, there can be a disincentive for anatomic pathologists to engage in utilization management which could impact practice revenues. Unlike clinical laboratory testing where clinicians are often leaders in utilization management initiatives, in most cases clinicians are unaware of mis-utilization of anatomic pathology services. Consequently there are relatively few published studies concerning utilization management in anatomic pathology or cytopathology. Nonetheless a review of the literature combined with personal experiences reveals a number of potential utilization management opportunities that can be successfully implemented in anatomic pathology.
Experimental study of 136Nd at high angular momentum

Abstract The γ-ray multiplicities following 100 Mo ( 40 Ar , x n γ) Nd have been studied by several methods. The measured width of the multiplicity distribution and the shape of the multiplicity spectrum as a function of transition energy suggest a broad region of feeding into the 4n channel. The dependence of the multiplicity on transition energy, for the sum of all reaction channels and for only the 4n reaction channel, is well reproduced by a calculation which suggests that the products become deformed rotors at spins above 30ħ.
Predator Avoidance and Community Structure: Interactions among Piscivores, Planktivores, and Plankton

We present the results of an experiment designed to examine the role pred- ator-avoidance behaviors play in structuring a community. Previous studies have shown that small bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus) shift their habitat use in the presence of their predator, the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The addition of bass causes small bluegills to make greater use of structured (vegetated) habitats and reduces their use of open (limnetic) habitats. We hypothesized that these effects of bass on bluegill behaviors should lead to an increase in the abundance and mean size of zooplankton when bass are present. We tested this prediction in two ponds by stocking small bluegills with and without bass. Pronounced differences in zooplankton abundance and size structure developed be- tween treatments, with three cladocerans (Daphnia, Diaphanosoma, and Ceriodaphnia), and the phantom midge Chaoborus, becoming more abundant with bass. These effects of bass were not due to changes in bluegill abundance, as very few bluegills were eaten by the bass, and bluegill densities did not differ between treatments. Calculation of bluegill feeding rates shows that the fish exerted substantial mortality on the zooplankton and that cladocerans experienced lower per capita death rates (due to bluegill) in the presence of bass. We discuss these results in light of current theory predicting how foragers should deplete prey among habitats that differ in mortality risk.
Calculation of returns from Sodium beacons for different types of laser

We describe a Monte Carlo code that includes the effects and optical pumping, radiation pressure and magnetic fields on the interaction between a laser beam and a sodium atom in the mesosphere. The code is sufficiently general that it can calculate the return for different types of laser. We find that conventional theory overestimates saturation and does not include the effect of optical down-pumping, which significantly reduces the population of sodium atoms available for excitation. We compare the theoretical returns for two types of laser and predict significant enhancements to the photon return/watt can be achieved with tailored spectral and temporal formats.
Subclasses of adenosine receptors in brain membranes from adult tissue and from primary cultures of chick embryo.

: Membranes from adult chicken brain have high-affinity binding sites for N6-cyclohexyl[3H]adenosine (CHA) (KD= 4 nM, Bmax= 0.6 pmol/mg protein). This CHA binding could be attributed to adenosine receptors of the A1 type, since substituted adenosine analogs, e.g. N6-(l-2-phenylisopropyl)adeno sine (IC50= 60 nM), were very potent displacers. Binding sites for 1,3-diethyl- 8-[3H]phenylxanthine (DPX) in adult brain membranes have a moderate affinity (KD= 50 nM, Bmax= 1.5 pmol/mg). The association of DPX with these sites could be completely displaced by 8-phenyltheophylline (IC50= 300 nM) and other xanthines, but only 45% of specific DPX binding could be displaced by phenylisopropyladenosine. This suggests that about half of DPX sites are putative A1 receptors and the other half are of the A2 type. Primary cultures of pure glial and neuronal cells from chick embryo brain were also examined for adenosine receptors. Specific binding of CHA could not be detected in these preparations, but both glial and neuronal membranes have specific sites for DPX. At a [3H]DPX concentration of 20 nM, specific binding was 50% higher (per mg protein) in glial than in neuronal membranes. The maximum binding of DPX to glial membranes (Bmax= 1.6 pmol/mg) was comparable to values for adult brain, but the glial affinity (KD= 90 nM) was somewhat less. Phenylisopropyladenosine was able to displace less than 20% of the total glial sites for DPX. This finding was in accord with the lack of CHA sites and demonstrates that A1 receptors make little contribution to DPX binding in glial membranes. In decreasing order of potency, 8-phenyltheophylline, CHA, theophylline, caffeine, and 3-isobutyl-I-methylxanthine completely displace DPX association with glia. DPX binding to glial membranes thus appears due to a single class of receptors, which may prove to be of the A2 type.
The Problem of Administrative Evil in a Culture of Technical Rationality

The prevailing cultural context in the modern age, with its emphasis on technical rationality, has enabled a new and dangerous form of evil. The Holocaust was the signal event marking the emergence of administrative evil, but the tendency toward administrative evil, as manifested in acts of dehumanization and genocide, is deeply woven into the identity of professions in public life. The common characteristic of administrative evil is that ordinary people, within their normal professional and administrative roles, can engage in acts of evil without being aware that they are doing anything wrong. Under conditions of moral inversion, people may even view their evil activity as good.
Optimization for pattern classification using biased random search techniques

We demonstrate how optimization problems arise in the field of pattern classification, in particular in using piecewise-linear classification and classification based on an optimal linear separator. We motivate the need in this area for a general purpose optimization approach. We discuss ALOPEX, a biased random search approach, from the point of view of this need. While ALOPEX itself failed to fulfil our need, a newly-introduced generalization of it (iterated ALOPEX) was found to be appropriate for the optimization problems of our particular concern. We conclude the paper with a brief critical evaluation of this approach as compared to our original aims.
Sertraline in the treatment of rape victims with posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant problem following rape, yet reports on the efficacy of pharmacological agents in this population are lacking. The results of an open 12-week clinical trial utilizing sertraline (mean dose 105 mg) in the treatment of adult female rape victims with chronic PTSD are presented. The five completers were, on average, 41.6 years old and 15.6 years postassault. Sertraline reduced PTSD and related symptoms in these rape victims. The mean Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) scores decreased by 53%, with four out of five participants responding positively to treatment. These preliminary results support the need for systematic assessment of sertraline in this population.
Mineralogic Investigation into Occurrence of High Uranium Well Waters in Upstate South Carolina USA

High levels of U (up to 5570 {micro}g/L) have been discovered in well waters near Simpsonville, South Carolina, USA. In order to characterize the mineralogical source of the U and possible structural controls on its presence, a deep (214 m) well was cored adjacent to one of the enriched wells. The highest gamma-ray emissions in the recovered core occur in coarse biotite granite at a depth just below 52 m. A slickenlined fault plane at 48.6 m and narrow pegmatite layers at depths of 113, 203 and 207 m also yield high gamma-ray counts. Thin sections were made from the above materials and along several subvertical healed fractures. Uraninite and coffinite are the principal U-rich minerals in the core. Other U-bearing minerals include thorite and thorogummite, monazite, zircon and allanite. Primary uraninite occurs in the biotite granite and in pegmatite layers. Secondary coffinite is present as tiny (<5 {micro}m) crystals dispersed along fractures in the granite and pegmatites. Coffinite also occurs along the slickenlined fault plane, where it is associated with calcite and calcic zeolite and also replaces allanite. Coffinite lacks radiogenic Pb, hence is considerably younger than the uraninite. Dissolution of partially oxidized Ca-rich uraninite occurring in the surficialmore » biotite granite (or secondary coffinite in fracture zones) is likely the main source for the current high levels of U in nearby area wells. The high-U well waters have a carbonate signature, consistent with pervasive calcite vein mineralization in the core. Aqueous speciation calculations suggest U transport as an uranyl (U{sup 6+}) hydroxyl-carbonate complex. Later reduction resulted in secondary precipitation along fractures as a U{sup 4+} mineral (i.e., coffinite).« less
Social-Emotional Development, School Readiness, Teacher-Child Interactions, and Classroom Environment.

This article investigates the effectiveness of a statewide 6-month early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC) model on teachers’ emotional support of children and classroom organization. We provide a brief historical and theoretical background of the field of ECMHC, present the logic model for our ECMHC intervention, and discuss the existing research that supports this logic model. Research Findings: Participants included 445 teachers from 158 child care centers statewide. The mental health consultation improved the quality of early childhood teachers’ interactions (e.g., emotional support and classroom organization) with children in their care. Teachers with more experience and more than a high school degree tended to score higher on many of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (R. C. Pianta, K. M. La Paro, & B. K. Hamre, 2008) dimensions. Practice or Policy: This study demonstrates that mental health consultants can partner successfully with early childhood educators and provide support that ...
Dietary fat modulates immunoresponsiveness in UV-irradiated mice.

Previous studies have shown that a high level of dietary lipid (corn oil) exacerbates UV-carcinogenic expression in hairless mice. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that this effect occurs at the postinitiation, or promotion, stage of UV-carcinogenesis--a stage believed to be modulated immunologically. Thus, we sought to examine the influence of dietary lipid on specific immune parameters at various times within a UV-carcinogenic protocol, with the purpose of detecting potential relationships to UV carcinogenesis. Hairless mice were fed either a high- (12%, wt/wt, corn oil) or low-fat (0.75%, wt/wt, corn oil) diet for 2 weeks prior to start of the UV or experimental protocols. Animals were sensitized to dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) hapten and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) was assessed. Delayed-type hypersensitivity was significantly suppressed (P = 0.01) in the high-fat group, even before UV irradiation. Although both groups exhibited UV-induced suppression of this response, the high-fat group was totally suppressed after 3 weeks of UV, whereas the low-fat group exhibited reactivity through week 8. The splenic T-lymphocyte (Thy 1.2+) population had declined by about 50% at the time of UV termination (11 weeks). Dietary lipid exerted no apparent influence upon this T-cell population. However, after 6 weeks of UV, I-J+ cells (a marker shown to be acquired adaptively by suppressor T lymphocytes) began to increase. By week 15 (4 weeks post-UV) I-J+ cells had increased by about 65% in the high-fat group, twice the % increase that occurred in the low-fat group. When UV-induced tumors were transplanted to recipient animals receiving various periods (0, 6, 11 weeks) of UV irradiation, no significant differences in median tumor rejection times between the two dietary groups occurred at 0 or 6 weeks. After 11 weeks of UV, the low-fat group exhibited a tumor rejection time that was comparable to that of nonirradiated animals, i.e. 21 days. However, median tumor rejection time for the high-fat group was greater than 63 days, significantly (P = 0.01) longer than that of the low-fat group. Thus, suppression of tumor rejection by high fat occurred at a time when high fat had been shown to exacerbate carcinogenic expression and when I-J+ cells had markedly increased. These data demonstrate that level of dietary lipid modulates immunoresponsiveness in UV-irradiated animals and is compatible with the thesis that immune suppression may account for the exacerbation of carcinogenic expression elicited by high dietary fat.
On the incorporation of radioactive amino acids into the protein fraction ofTorula utilis

Der Eiweissanteil in Gegenwart von radioaktivemdl-Alanin gezuchteter Hefe zeigt eine Aktivitatsverminderung, wenn der Suspension nicht radioaktivesd- oderl-Alanin zugefugt wird. Offenbar vermag die Hefezelle beide Isomere auszunutzen.
Evaluation of fat saturation technique for T2-weighted endorectal coil MRI of the prostate

The use of fat suppression has been found to improve tissue contrast and artifact control for performance of body coil MR imaging of the pelvis. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether use of fat suppression confers similar advantages when endorectal coil MR examinations are performed for staging of prostate cancer. Sixty consecutive patients were evaluated with conventional T1-weighted (TR 600, TE 20) and conventional and fat saturation proton density-/T2-weighted (TR 2500, TE 35/80) sequences. Thirteen of 60 patients underwent subsequent radical prostatectomy and constituted the study group for which conventional and fat suppressed long TR images were directly compared by three reviewers. Criteria assessed included the relative ability of each sequence to demonstrate zonal distinction, periprostatic venous plexus, fibromuscular stroma, capsule definition, seminal vesicle architecture, tumor conspicuity, capsular penetration and/or seminal vesicle tumor invasion, artifact control, and overall image quality. There was no statistically significant improvement in factors relating to image quality with use of fat saturation. In addition, depiction of the anatomic and pathologic features listed above was not significantly improved for fat-suppressed as compared with conventional endorectal coil images. It is concluded that fat saturation does not result in significant improvement over conventional T2-weighted images in endorectal MR imaging of the prostate.