cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A generic memory module for events

The ability to remember past experiences enables a system to improve its performance as well as its competence. For example, a system might be able solve problems faster by adapting previous solutions. Additional tasks, such as avoiding unwanted behavior by detecting potential problems, monitoring long-term goals by remembering what subgoals have been achieved, and reflection on past actions, become feasible. As the tasks that an intelligent system accomplishes become more and more complex, so does the experience it acquires in the process. Such experience has a temporal extent and is expressed in terms of concepts and relations with deep semantics associated to them. Memory systems should be able to deal with the temporal aspect of experience, exploit this semantic knowledge for storage and retrieval and do so in a scalable fashion. However, relying just on experience will not achieve a broad coverage, as it needs to be used in conjunction with other reasoning mechanisms. That is why we need the ability to add episodic memory functionality to intelligent systems. Today's knowledge-based systems are complex software applications and the ability to develop them in a modular fashion, using generic, reusable components is essential. We propose to separate the episodic memory from the system that uses it and to build a generic, reusable memory module that can be attached to a variety of applications in order to provide this functionality. Its goal is to provide accurate, scalable, efficient and content-addressable access to prior episodes. Having such a reusable memory module should allow research to focus on the generic aspects of memory representation, organization and retrieval and its interaction with the external application and it should also reduce the complexity of the overall system. In this dissertation we propose a set of general requirements that any memory module should provide regarding memory encoding, storage and retrieval. We present an implementation that satisfies these requirements and evaluate it on three different tasks: plan synthesis, plan recognition and Physics problem solving. The memory module proved easily adaptable to these tasks, providing fast, accurate and scalable retrieval.
Kernel regression for smoothing percentile curves: reference data for calf and subscapular skinfold thicknesses in Mexican Americans

A nonparametric kernel regression was used to smooth selected percentile curves for Mexican Americans from Hispanic HANES. Kernel regression can provide good approximations to irregular data when the parametric method is inappropriate due to restricted assumptions on the shape of the curves. The principle of kernel regression is weighted averaging ofthe observed values. The study sample was categorized into annual ages groups from 1 to 18 y and, for each age group, the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles of calf and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were generated for each sex. Each percentile curve comprised a specific percentile level for ages from 1 to 18 y. Kernel regression was applied to these curves using linear, cubic, and quintic polynomials as weight functions with smoothing parameters ofO. 1 , 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 .0 y. After evaluating the goodness of fit from residual mean square errors, a smoothing parameter of0.5 y, in combination with cubic polynomials, was chosen. The results from kernel estimation were compared with those from the restricted cubic splines model. It is concluded that the restricted cubic splines model is appropriate for fairly regular data, but for irregular data kernel estimation is a better choice. Am J C/in Nuir l990;5 1: 908S16S.
Post mortem histological artifacts created by poor tissue handling during necropsy

Histological artifacts may be introduced into the tissue of laboratory animals during sample collection at the time of necropsy or during tissue processing. To identify and characterize tissue artifacts, modifications in necropsy/tissue processing standard operating procedures were made in order to reproduce some of these effects in the lungs, thyroid glands, and stomach of rats; the liver, spleen, and kidney of dogs; and the liver and spleen of non-human primates. Induced artifacts included lungs over-infused with formalin, stomachs subjected to mechanical damage, and thyroid glands roughly handled with forceps. Oversized sections of liver, spleen, and kidney tissues were forced into cassettes. All tissues were preserved for 24 hours in formalin before trimming. These tissues were processed, embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Tissues were then examined microscopically by a pathologist and compared with control tissues collected at necropsy under standard conditions. The evaluation confirmed that artifacts such as those induced in this study can interfere with accurate histologic examination, ultimately confounding pathology interpretation. These results emphasize the importance of rigorous necropsy and tissue collection practices to ensure a consistently high quality of tissue specimens.
Yeast Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4B (eIF4B) Enhances Complex Assembly between eIF4A and eIF4G in Vivo

Translation initiation factor eIF4F (eukaryotic initiation factor 4F), composed of eIF4E, eIF4G, and eIF4A, binds to the m7G cap structure of mRNA and stimulates recruitment of the 43S preinitiation complex and subsequent scanning to the initiation codon. The HEAT domain of eIF4G stabilizes the active conformation of eIF4A required for its RNA helicase activity. Mammalian eIF4B also stimulates eIF4A activity, but this function appears to be lacking in yeast, making it unclear how yeast eIF4B (yeIF4B/Tif3) stimulates translation. We identified Ts− mutations in the HEAT domains of yeast eIF4G1 and eIF4G2 that are suppressed by overexpressing either yeIF4B or eIF4A, whereas others are suppressed only by eIF4A overexpression. Importantly, suppression of HEAT domain substitutions by yeIF4B overexpression was correlated with the restoration of native eIF4A·eIF4G complexes in vivo, and the rescue of specific mutant eIF4A·eIF4G complexes by yeIF4B was reconstituted in vitro. Association of eIF4A with WT eIF4G in vivo also was enhanced by yeIF4B overexpression and was impaired in cells lacking yeIF4B. Furthermore, we detected native complexes containing eIF4G and yeIF4B but lacking eIF4A. These and other findings lead us to propose that yeIF4B acts in vivo to promote eIF4F assembly by enhancing a conformation of the HEAT domain of yeast eIF4G conducive for stable binding to eIF4A.
Global survey of color variations on 433 Eros: Implications for regolith processes and asteroid environments

Abstract High-resolution imaging acquired with the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous Shoemaker (NEAR Shoemaker) spacecraft is used to elucidate the spectral properties and spatial distribution of color units on Asteroid 433 Eros. Previous workers mapped four distinct types of color units on the surface ( bright streaks , dark soils , ponded materials, average regolith ). These units exhibit albedo and color boundaries but there is no evidence to indicate they represent distinct rock types. Rather the units are thought to show evidence of complex regolith transport and sorting processes. Here we report the results of a comprehensive study of all viable color MultiSpectral Imager (MSI) data to identify and characterize the distribution and nature of color units across the whole asteroid. Due to a spacecraft upset that resulted in contamination of the MSI optics, color images are affected with a scattered light problem that hampers interpretation of subtle color contrasts, even after a rigorous remediation. To constrain interpretations of the MSI color data we characterize this residual scattered light and demonstrate how complete correction would affect derived color ratios. Results of our comprehensive study are consistent with previous mapping—confirming that bright streaks, average regolith and dark soils fall on a mixing line, consistent with space weathering effects. We find that the ponded deposits do not fall on this putative mixing line. The color and reflectance of the ponded deposits are consistent with some combination of compositional, grain size and maturity variations from the average regolith. Additionally we show that spectral separation of the four units on ratio plots would only increase with full removal of residual scattered light, especially for features that are small in terms of pixels. Global analysis of the Eros color units illustrates complex regolith processes and grain sorting that may hold clues to understanding space weathering processes and the link between asteroids and meteorites.
The Use of Structured Learning Therapy and Transfer Programming with Disruptive Adolescents in a School Setting.

Abstract In behavior change literature, little attention has been paid to the systematic study of variables affecting transfer of training. The present study employed a skill-training method known as Structured Learning Therapy (SLT) for the dual purpose of testing the effectiveness of this method and to identify variables that will promote transfer of training. Forty-three disruptive male adolescents were assigned to three experimental and two control conditions. One experimental group received SLT plus an additional transfer-enhancing procedure referred to as Transfer Programming (TP) which consisted of in vivo practice of treatment gains and peer reinforcement. Another group received only SLT, and a third group received only TP. One control group received only brief instructions pertaining to the nature of the skill, while the second group served as an attention control. Consistent with predictions, the results were that the two groups receiving the SLT performed significantly better than the three groups not receiving SLT on all dependent measures at posttest. These differences generally maintained at follow-up. Contrary to expectations, the implementation of TP did not prove to promote transfer of training beyond that found with SLT alone.
T-cell activation promotes tumorigenesis in inflammation-associated cancer

Chronic inflammation has long been associated with a wide range of malignancies, is now widely accepted as a risk factor for development of cancer, and has been implicated as a promoter of a variety of cancers including hematopoietic malignancies. We have described a mouse model uniquely suited to examine the link between inflammation and lymphoma in which the Tax oncogene, expressed in activated T and NK cells, perpetuates chronic inflammation that begins as microscopic intraepithelial lesions and develops into inflammatory nodules, subcutaneous tumors, and large granular lymphocytic leukemia. The use of bioluminescent imaging in these mice has expanded our ability to interrogate aspects of inflammation and tumorigenesis non-invasively. Here we demonstrate that bioluminescence induction in these mice correlated with inflammation resulting from wounding, T cell activation, and exposure to chemical agents. In experiments in which long-term effects of inflammation on disease outcome were monitored, the development of lymphoma was promoted by an inflammatory stimulus. Finally we demonstrated that activation of T-cells in T-cell receptor (TCR) transgenic TAX-LUC animals dramatically exacerbated the development of subcutaneous TCR- CD16+ LGL tumors. The role of activated T-cells and acquired immunity in inflammation-associated cancers is broadly applicable to hematopoietic malignancies, and we propose these mice will be of use in dissecting mechanisms by which activated T-cells promote lymphomagenesis in vivo.
Complete DNA Sequence of a ColBM Plasmid from Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Suggests that It Evolved from Closely Related ColV Virulence Plasmids

Received 7 February 2006/Accepted 12 May 2006 Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), an extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli causing colibacillosis in birds, is responsible for significant economic losses for the poultry industry. Recently, we reported that the APEC pathotype was characterized by possession of a set of genes contained within a 94-kb cluster linked to a ColV plasmid, pAPEC-O2-ColV. These included sitABCD, genes of the aerobactin operon, hlyF, iss, genes of the salmochelin operon, and the 5 end of cvaB of the ColV operon. However, the results of gene prevalence studies performed among APEC isolates revealed that these traits were not always linked to ColV plasmids. Here, we present the complete sequence of a 174-kb plasmid, pAPEC-O1-ColBM, which contains a putative virulence cluster similar to that of pAPEC-O2-ColV. These two F-type plasmids share remarkable similarity, except that they encode the production of different colicins; pAPEC-O2-ColV contains an intact ColV operon, and pAPEC-O1-ColBM encodes the colicins B and M. Interestingly, remnants of the ColV operon exist in pAPEC-O1-ColBM, hinting that ColBM-type plasmids may have evolved from ColV plasmids. Among APEC isolates, the prevalence of ColBM sequences helps account for the previously observed differences in prevalence between genes of the “conserved” portion of the putative virulence cluster of pAPEC-O2-ColV and those genes within its “variable” portion. These results, in conjunction with Southern blotting and probing of representative ColBM-positive strains, indicate that this “conserved” cluster of putative virulence genes is primarily linked to F-type virulence plasmids among the APEC isolates studied.
Adler is right

The birth order of 249 prison inmates in jail for felony, drunkenness, and miscellaneous crimes between 1977 and 1986 was examined using chi-square analysis. There were significantly more first- and last-born people (combined) in jail for each of the above three categories of crimes than there were middle-born people. These data are among the few available current evidences bearing on Alfred Adler’s notion that first- and last-born children are more likely to be drunkards and criminals than are middle-born children.
Synthesis and field emission properties of hybrid structures of ultrananocrystalline diamond and vertically aligned carbon nanofibers

Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films with and without nitrogen doping were deposited onto vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs). The field emission properties of these hybrid structures were studied. It is found that the UNCD films were deposited on VACNFs with a high degree of conformality using an optimized seeding process. This hybrid structures exhibited greatly improved macroscopic field emission performance compared with uncoated VACNFs. Further enhancement was observed for nitrogen-doped UNCD on VACNFs, with low threshold field emission (2.5 V/μm) and low work functions for the field emission. The stability of the emission was also improved as compared to the uncoated VACNFs.
Spectral-moment constrained bounds for absolute maxima of single-particle probability densities of excess electrons

Rigorous lower and upper bounds are derived for the single-particle absolute density maxima of excess electrons. These bounds are expressed solely in terms of the dispersion in position and the dispersion in momentum of a typical electron, which are directly determinable from the pertinent spectral moments of the electron's measured absorption spectrum. The bounds obtained enable estimates to be made of absolute density maxima that are far better than within an order of magnitude of the actual values.
Optical Limiting In Media With Absorbing Microparticles

We have characterized the nonlinearities observed in suspensions of carbon black particles in liquids (CBS). We have developed a preliminary explanation of the optical limiting characteristic of the CBS that qualitatively explains the low thresholds, broad-band response and other limiting characteristics. In this model, the microscopic carbon particles are heated by linear absorption to a temperature at which a plasma can be created by the optical field. These microplasmas rapidly expand, thus scattering the incident light and limiting the transmittance. This model is consistent with our observations that nonlinear scattering dominates transmission losses. We find that limiting depends on the input fluence (J/cm2) rather than irradiance (W/cm2). Therefore, limiting works well (i.e., low limiting energy) for long pulses (≥ 10 nsec) but is less effective for short pulses (≈ psec). In addition, the CBS rapidly degrades with repetitive laser firings, thus, flowing or moving the liquid between firings is necessary.
Conservation: Making marine protected areas work

Globally consistent surveys of five factors influencing the success of marine protected areas — age, size, isolation, protection and enforcement — reveal that only when all five are present does nature thrive. See Letter p.216 Marine protected areas are an important and increasing component of marine conservation strategy, but their effectiveness is variable and much debated. These authors assemble data from a global sample of fished regions and 87 marine protected areas and demonstrate that the effectiveness of a protected area depends on five key properties: how much fishing is allowed, enforcement levels, how long protection has been in place, area and degree of isolation. Conservation is assured only when all five of these boxes have been ticked.
A further characterization of cytembena-induced nephrotoxicity

Abstract Cytembena (cis-β-4-methoxybenzoyl-β-bromoacrylic acid, NSC-104, 801) has been tested for its anticancer activity. One complication to its use is the possibility of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. The present study was designed to characterize further the nature of the renal damage. Rats injected ip with cytembena (50 or 150 mg/kg) showed urinary protein and glucose excretion, increased urine volumes (by 50 to 150%), and decreased urine osmolalities (from approx 1500 m osm /liter to approx 500 m osm /liter). No changes in urinary pH were noted. The slice-to-medium ratios (concentration per gram of tissue per concentration per milliliter of bathing medium) for p-aminohippurate (PAH) (with and without lactate), tetraethylammonium chloride, and α-aminoisobutyric acid uptakes were depressed by pretreatment with 150 mg/kg of cytembena. In addition, tissue slice electrolyte and water distributions were disrupted. Similar effects were produced with cytembena added directly to fresh slices, with the effects on PAH transport being the most marked. Because the organic compounds studied are transported by proximal tubules, it must be concluded that cytembena does have a proximal tubular effect.
Latitudinal variations in Jovian stratospheric temperature

Ground-based observations of Jupiter show that the planet's stratospheric and tropospheric thermal emission are anticorrelated. The observations can possibly be explained by latitudinal variations in cloud altitude. These variations cause differential stratospheric heating by sunlight which is reflected off the clouds and then absorbed within the stratosphere by visible and near-infrared bands of methane.
On some relations of a one-electron reaction with two partial charge transfer steps

Abstract The experimentally established relations for the transfer coefficients, α T e , α T k +α T a e a +α e k =1, were explained on the basis of a reaction with partial charge transfer steps. (α T is determined from the Tafel slope, α e is determined from the concentration dependence of the polarization resistance.) For a one-electron reaction with two charge transfer steps these relations were theoretically obtained. The quantitative comparison between experimentally established α e and the α e calculated on the basis of the theoretically derived relations shows a good agreement.
Mammalian sperm and oviducts are sexually selected: evidence for co‐evolution

Oviduct length was measured in 48 species representing 33 genera of mammals in order to examine possible relationships between female morphology and the occurrence of sperm competition due to matings with multiple males. Multiple regression analyses revealed that residuals of oviduct length were positively correlated both with residuals of testes weight and with sperm midpiece volume in the genera and species studied. These correlations remained significant after application of comparative analysis of independent contrasts to control for possible phylogenetic biases in the data set. These results indicate that sexual selection (relating to sperm competition and cryptic female choice) has influenced co-evolution of oviduct length, testes size and sperm morphology in mammals.
Effect of concentration of vortices on streakline patterns

This investigation addresses simulation of flow visualization of vortical structures, accounting for both the circulation and the degree of concentration of vorticity of the vortices via the exact nonlinear solution of Stuart for an unsteady mixing layer. At a fixed value of circulation, an increased concentration of vorticity (which corresponds to decrease in the area containing most of the vorticity) actually spreads the visualization marker over an increased area of the flow. Moreover, different combinations of vorticity concentration and circulation give essentially the same flow patterns.
Consumer friendly financial services: Combining efficiency and effectiveness

Overemphasis on efficiency is interfering with the banking sector's effectiveness. This overemphasis on efficiency has resulted in the use of computers and other technological devices without consideration of consumer's needs (effectiveness). The authors identify and relate seven individual psychological needs for banks' services to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. By fulfilling these seven needs, the authors demonstrate how banks can optimize their long term profit by combiningefficiency and effectiveness. Finally, the authors posit that banks must use a Theory Y management style to deal with their customers efficiently and effectively.
Emptiness as Defense in Severe Regressive States

This paper examines the empty states experienced by severely ill borderline patients. At times of stressful regression, these patients use complaints of emptiness to describe profound disturbances of affect, cognition, object relations, and bodily experience. Empty states may be seen as complex defensive configurations which protect a borderline level of psychic structure from the impact of aggressively charged object relations, and ward off further regression to states of fragmentation or fusion. Severely ill borderline patients consolidate an empty screen by means of a characteristic repertoire of primitive defenses consisting of various forms of projective identification, including bitriangulation and projective identification of psychic agencies, somatization, acting out, and specific alterations in cognition. The author describes the highly deviant organizations of the object world seen in empty states, and the complex and disturbing countertransferences which these states evoke.
SCALE EFFECT IN TOWED BARGE COURSE STABILITY TESTS

Abstract Towed barges are engaged in many operations in waterways, ports and coastal waters. The safety and economy of the towing operation require both good course keeping stability as well as low towing resistance. Results from earlier studies have shown the course stability of towed vessels to be a function of tow speed U , barge hull, towline length l , separation of center of gravity from tow point x p , water depth h , as well as critical towline tension T C . This paper considers the influence of the scale effect in towed model and barge resistance R T . The analysis of full scale and 1 25 model resistance data indicates that the scale effect can cause the model barge to appear more course stable than the full scale barge. A method for checking this situation is presented.
Synthesis of 1,2- bis (2′-ethynylpyrimidyl) benzene and characterization of the coordination complexes with palladium(II) chloride and silver(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate

Design, synthesis and coordination chemistry of a new trans-coordinating dipyrimidyl ligand are reported. Sonogashira coupling of 2-iodopyrimidine with 1,2-diethynylbenzene yielded the ligand 1,2-bis(2′-ethynylpyrimidyl)benzene (3), in good yield. Coordination complexes were formed with silver(I) and palladium(II) salts. The X-ray crystallographic characterization of the 1 : 1 complex formed between palladium(II) dichloride and 3, and the 4 : 2 complex formed between silver(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate and 3 are reported.
Tendon Repair: Zone I and II Flexor Tendons and Extensor Tendons

Tendon injuries in the hand are common, yet represent some of the most challenging problems in the hand to both patient and surgeon. The goal is for a repair or reconstruction to be strong enough to allow for early active range of motion, yet to retain its anatomic morphology to allow for smooth gliding. This review will discuss optimal repair characteristics and will offer a suggestion of techniques that are effective and applicable to the daily practicing hand surgeon. The focus will be on zones I and II flexor tendon repairs and reconstruction and extensor tendon repair. The anchor button technique for zone I injuries and reconstruction, cross-locked cruciate–interlocking horizontal mattress repair method for zone II injuries, and the running-interlocking horizontal mattress method for extensor tendon repair provide excellent biomechanical characteristics that allow for early active range of motion. Rationale for these techniques with specific descriptions will be presented.
A chromosome arm number index and its application to the phylogeny and classification of lemurs

A method is described for assessing the degree to which chromosome evolution via centric fusion has occurred within a taxonomic group, using a numerical index which expresses the average number of major chromosome arms per chromosome in a diploid cell. Index values thus calculated agree with a previously proposed plan of prosimian phylogeny, and substantiate some recently suggested changes in taxonomic groups of the Lemurs, based on karyotypic evidence.
Some unsolved problems of geophysics

After a brief review of what is already known about the whole Earth, from the upper limit of the atmosphere at several hundred miles above the surface down to the very center at a depth of four thousand miles, attention is called to six of the particularly baffling problems in geophysics. These are: The origin of mountain chains; the origin of geosynclines, that is to say, the great troughs or depressions that existed during geologic times at various places on the Earth, that by filling with the products of erosion washed down from adjacent land areas are intimately associated with the great deposits of limestone, shale, and sandstone, often amounting to several miles in thickness; the cause of igneous activity, including volcanism, a group of phenomena that continue to give us striking evidence of a hot and active interior of the Earth; the origin of deep-focus earthquakes, that is, the ones caused by some still mysterious processes at depths of as much as four hundred miles below the surface; the origin of the Earth's magnetic field about which much is known, but of which the underlying cause is still uncertain; and the temperatures prevailing in the interior of the Earth, a knowledge of which would provide a clue for solving many other problems. It is urged that more effort be devoted to scientific investigations in the several branches of the physics of the Earth, utilizing all possible theoretical as well as experimental methods.
Influence of dna ploidy and adjuvant treatment on progression and survival in patients with pathologic stage T3 (PT3) prostate cancer after radical retropubic prostatectomy

Abstract Objectives To determine whether adjuvant treatment (AT: hormonal or radiation) affects outcome in pathologic Stage T3 (pT3) prostate cancer when analyzed according to DNA ploidy. Methods The predictive value of nuclear DNA ploidy and AT on clinical and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression and on overall and cause-specific survival after radical retropubic prostatectomy was assessed in 894 patients with pT3 prostate cancer. Results Mean follow-up was 6.7 years (range, 0.3 to 20). Mean age was 66 years (range, 39 to 79). Six hundred sixty patients (74%) had no immediate AT, 131 (15%) had early adjuvant radiotherapy (ART), and 103 (12%) had early adjuvant orchiectomy (AHT). DNA diploid tumors were found in 445 patients (52%), tetraploid tumors in 346 (41%), and aneuploid tumors in 59 (7%). DNA ploidy was a significant ( P P = 0.004). Use of early AHT or ART was associated with decreased overall clinical progression for diploid and nondiploid tumors ( P P P Conclusions In the present nonrandomized study, AHT was as effective as ART for all endpoints except for PSA more than 0.2 ng/mL progression, for which it appeared to be superior to ART for patients with nondiploid tumors.
The moderating role of distress tolerance in the association between anxiety sensitivity physical concerns and panic and PTSD-related re-experiencing symptoms.

Abstract The present investigation evaluated the moderating role of distress tolerance (DT) in the relation between the physical concerns (PC) dimension of anxiety sensitivity (AS–PC) and panic and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related re-experiencing symptoms in a nonclinical, undergraduate sample (n = 416; 300 females; M age=20.3 years, SD = 4.8). Consistent with prediction, there was a significant interactive effect between AS–PC and DT in regard to panic symptoms, such that greater AS–PC and low DT was associated with greater panic symptoms after controlling for the variance accounted for by negative affectivity and the respective main effects. However, contrary to prediction, AS–PC and DT did not significantly interact to predict PTSD-related re-experiencing symptoms. Also consistent with prediction, there was no interactive effect apparent for symptoms of depression or general anxiety, suggesting that the interaction between AS–PC and DT is specific to panic psychopathology.
Focusing on Children's Inhalation Dosimetry and Health Effects for Risk Assessment: An Introduction

Substantial effort has been invested in improving children's health risk assessment in recent years. However, the body of scientific evidence in support of children's health assessment is constantly advancing, indicating the need for continual updating of risk assessment methods. Children's inhalation dosimetry and child-specific adverse health effects are of particular concern for risk assessment. When focusing on this topic within children's health, key issues for consideration include (1) epidemiological evidence of adverse effects following children's exposure to air pollution, (2) ontogeny of the lungs and effects on dosimetry, (3) estimation and variability of children's inhalation rates, and (4) current risk assessment methodologies for addressing children. In this article, existing and emerging information relating to these key issues are introduced and discussed in an effort to better understand children's inhalation dosimetry and adverse health effects for risk assessment. While much useful evid...
EWS-ATF1 fusion transcripts in gastrointestinal tumors previously diagnosed as malignant melanoma

Summary Background Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is classically a deep soft tissue tumor associated with tendons or aponeuroses, although cases of primary CCS of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract have recently been reported. Because it is difficult to distinguish CCS from metastatic melanoma based on morphology, immunohistochemical profile, and ultrastructural features, it is possible that some GI tumors diagnosed as metastatic melanoma actually represent primary GI CCS. Because the EWS-ATF1 fusion transcript and the associated t(12;22)(q13;q12) translocation occur in CCS but not cutaneous melanoma, we investigated the use of molecular-based testing for discriminating CCS from metastatic melanoma (MM) in GI tumors. Methods Patients with GI tumors diagnosed as MM were identified from departmental files. The tumors were tested for the EWS-ATF1 fusion transcript by RT-PCR and for t(12;22)(q13;q12) by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results Detailed review of medical records revealed that 16 (80%) of the 20 had a documented history of cutaneous melanoma. Two cases (10%) harbored the EWS-ATF1 fusion transcript, and fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed the presence of t(12;22) in both cases. Of the 2 positive tumors, 1 developed in a patient who had no history of cutaneous melanoma, and the other developed in a patient with a remote history of vulvar melanoma. Conclusion Based on molecular genetic findings, a subset of GI tumors diagnosed as MM by routine histopathologic evaluation represents CCS.
Coal conversion technology: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Coal conversion is currently not economically viable and its commercialization is not advisable. Both liquefaction and gasification for converting coal to synfuels are hydrogen-enrichment processes. The theoretical yield and efficiency of coal conversion are constrained by hydrogen stoichiometry and cannot be improved through research. Coal conversion is capitalintensive, with capital charges ranging from 40 to over 60% of the total cost. Hydrogen generation and gasification are particularly expensive but may be amenable to cost reduction through research. Coal conversion is most promising for transportation fuels, particularly high-octane gasoline and diesel fuel. Development of utility centers to provide steam, fuel, and electricity to industrial complexes and to commercial and residential communities through cogeneration could soon make coal conversion technology economically viable in some areas. Research efforts should concentrate on generating and testing novel ideas in bench-scale units. Proven ideas can be further developed on a large scale as needed. For large-scale engineering studies, the unit operations approach can be employed without tying the research to a specific process.
Nanocrystalline silicon thin film transistors

P-channel and n-channel thin film transistors (TFTs) can be made from directly deposited nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) at temperatures as low as 150°C. A staggered top gate, bottom source/drain geometry, which is adapted to the structural evolution of nc-Si:H, ensures that the channel is the last-to-grow layer, avoids plasma etch damage, and opens a wide process window for source/drain patterning. The TFT structure is fabricated on top of a ∼50 nm thick intrinsic nc-Si:H seed layer, which serves to develop the crystalline structure of the channel layer. A hole mobility of ∼0.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an electron mobility of ∼40 cm2 V−1 s−1 are obtained in TFTs on glass substrates, at a maximum process temperature of 150°C. The processes have been integrated for p- and n-channel TFT fabrication on single glass or Kapton E polyimide substrates. The p-channel TFTs reach a hole mobility of ∼0.2 cm2 V−1 s−1 on glass and ∼0.17 cm2 V−1 s−1 on Kapton, and the n-channel TFTs have an electron mobility of ∼30 cm2 V−1 s−1 on glass and ∼23 cm2 V−1 s−1 on Kapton. These mobility values suggest that directly deposited nc-Si:H is an attractive channel material for realising CMOS on plastic. However, high gate leakage and shifts in the TFT characteristics indicate that the gate dielectric and the channel layer/dielectric interface are not yet ready for CMOS fabrication.
An Effective Procedure for Training Early Special Education Teams to Implement a Model Program.

A set of procedures was developed for training four early special education teams to use the Playschool model for young autistic or severely disturbed, developmentally delayed children in center-based special education preschool classes. Twenty team members serving 11 autistic young children and 10 other developmentally disabled children participated in the training. Evaluation of training effects revealed (1) positive subjective perception of the value and utility of the training, (2) significant positive increases in knowledge regarding child development, infantile autism, and the Playschool model, and (3) signficant positive changes in their use of Playschool techniques. Evaluation of the 11 autistic children revealed significant positive changes in five key developmental domains above and beyond what would have been expected had they continued to receive their regular preschool intervention program. Finally, earlier findings concerning the ability of the Playschool model program to enhance the develop...
Predictors of Sports Motivation Among Gay and Bisexual Men

Athletic activities are associated with reduced levels of stress and negative mood states among heterosexuals; thus, examining this association among gay/bisexual men is warranted. The current study examined the relationship between sports motivation and mood states, self-esteem, body esteem, life satisfaction, perceptions of masculinity/femininity, and parental encouragement for athletic endeavors among 195 gay/bisexual men. The results were mixed, but suggest that sports participation among gay/bisexual men may relate to a desire to express their masculinity and maintain a positive body image. Gay/bisexual men may be more likely to participate in sports if they receive positive reinforcement from others.
The Sacred Geography of the Tamil Shaivite Hymns

Revitalization movements, past and present, have become subjects of special interest to both historians and social scientists. Nativistic, millennarian, messianic, and other kind of revitalization movements have provided scholars with useful data for the study of political, social and religious change, as well as what might be called "cultural crises" 1). Hinduism has experienced many such revitalization movements, in response to the internal development of Indian society or to the external challenges of invading peoples and alien faiths. We need only remind ourselves of the many syncretic Hindu cults which have developed as a result of challenges posed to the Hindu social order by Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity, in order to recognize the remarkable capacity of Hinduism for self-renewal. Among the most interesting revitalization movements to have developed within Hinduism are the various cults of bhakti devotionalism, with their simple but impassioned messages and their implied egalitarian bias. In particular, Tamil devotionalism has long been a subject of interest to students of Indian religious history. But the recent development of scholarly interest in modern Indian regionalism and its historic roots has added new urgency to the task of studying those movements which, like Tamil devotionalism, have important implications for the cultivation and dissemination of religious and literary symbols, values, and themes which are shared by the inhabitants of a particular linguistic region. One conclusion which emerges from a series
Collusive game solutions via optimization

A Nash-based collusive game among a finite set of players is one in which the players coordinate in order for each to gain higher payoffs than those prescribed by the Nash equilibrium solution. In this paper, we study the optimization problem of such a collusive game in which the players collectively maximize the Nash bargaining objective subject to a set of incentive compatibility constraints. We present a smooth reformulation of this optimization problem in terms of a nonlinear complementarity problem. We establish the convexity of the optimization problem in the case where each player's strategy set is unidimensional. In the multivariate case, we propose upper and lower bounding procedures for the collusive optimization problem and establish convergence properties of these procedures. Computational results with these procedures for solving some test problems are reported.
Using highly efficient nonlinear experimental design methods for optimization of Lactococcus lactis fermentation in chemically defined media

Optimization of fermentation media and processes is a difficult task due to the potential for high dimensionality and nonlinearity. Here we develop and evaluate variations on two novel and highly efficient methods for experimental fermentation optimization. The first approach is based on using a truncated genetic algorithm with a developing neural network model to choose the best experiments to run. The second approach uses information theory, along with Bayesian regularized neural network models, for experiment selection. To evaluate these methods experimentally, we used them to develop a new chemically defined medium for Lactococcus lactis IL1403, along with an optimal temperature and initial pH, to achieve maximum cell growth. The media consisted of 19 defined components or groups of components. The optimization results show that the maximum cell growth from the optimal process of each novel method is generally comparable to or higher than that achieved using a traditional statistical experimental design method, but these optima are reached in about half of the experiments (73-94 vs. 161, depending on the variants of methods). The optimal chemically defined media developed in this work are rich media that can support high cell density growth 3.5-4 times higher than the best reported synthetic medium and 72% higher than a commonly used complex medium (M17) at optimization scale. The best chemically defined medium found using the method was evaluated and compared with other defined or complex media at flask- and fermentor-scales.
Effects on H− production in a multicusp ion source by mixtures of H2 with H2O, NH3, CH4, N2H4, and SF6

Effects of H− production in a multicusp ion source are measured by separately mixing with hydrogen small amounts (0.33%–10%) of water, ammonia, methane, and hydrazine—molecules which produce large amounts of H− via dissociative attachment (DA) resonances at higher electron energies. The mixing was done in a separate reservoir, with careful measurement of individual pressures. Experimental enhancements of 1.4 and less were observed, whereas calculated enhancements, using accurate DA cross sections for ground‐state H2, should have produced factors of 1.5, 3.0, 1.3, and 2.4 enhancements for water, ammonia, methane, and hydrazine, respectively, at a mean electron energy of 1.0 eV in the extraction region. The difference is accounted for by including, in the enhancement calculation, vibrationally and rotationally excited H2 molecules, with v‘=5–11, and J‘=0–5, and the large DA cross sections for the excited H2(v‘,J‘). The relative populations of H2(v‘,J‘) thus obtained are found to be substantially smaller than those predicted by theoretical calculations. The effect on H− current was also studied by mixing small amounts of SF6 with H2. A 1.5% mixture was found to reduce the H− output by one half.
The Paraguayan agro-export model of development

Abstract This study examines the performance of the Paraguayan agro-export model and the distribution of crops, land, and livestock that constitutes its successful expansion. The author associates the major staples — corn, sugarcane, cotton, soybeans, wheat, and cattle — with distinct farm sizes and suggests that these have supported different segments of the peasantry in the face of an extremely unequal land distribution and under the repressive conditions of the Stroessner era (1954–1989). It may be ironic that the success of the model has depended on export (cotton) and food crops (corn and manioc) which are the domain of the minifundia . As Paraguay now embarks on the transition to democratic government, it must grapple with the ecological and social imbalances which underlie the agrarian model.
Canine narcolepsy is associated with an elevated number of α2-receptors in the locus coeruleus

alpha 2-Receptors in the canine brain were pharmacologically characterized using [3H]yohimbine binding. Competition studies revealed a single class of binding sites in frontal cortex but two distinct subtypes in nucleus caudatus. The role of central alpha 2-receptors in narcolepsy was investigated in 5 normal and 5 narcoleptic Doberman pinschers. Scatchard analysis of [3H]yohimbine binding in different brain areas revealed an increase in the number of alpha 2-binding sites limited to the locus coeruleus. This suggests that altered autoinhibition of norepinephrine release may be associated with the narcoleptic symptomatology.
Scaling and alpha-helix regulation of protein relaxation in a lipid bilayer.

Protein conformation and orientation in the lipid membrane plays a key role in many cellular processes. Here we use molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the relaxation and C-terminus diffusion of a model helical peptide: beta-amyloid (Aβ) in a lipid membrane. We observed that after the helical peptide was initially half-embedded in the extracelluar leaflet of phosphatidylcholine (PC) or PC/cholesterol (PC/CHOL) membrane, the C-terminus diffused across the membrane and anchored to PC headgroups of the cytofacial lipid leaflet. In some cases, the membrane insertion domain of the Aβ was observed to partially unfold. Applying a sigmoidal fit to the process, we found that the characteristic velocity of the C-terminus, as it moved to its anchor site, scaled with θu−4/3, where θu is the fraction of the original helix that was lost during a helix to coil transition. Comparing this scaling with that of bead-spring models of polymer relaxation suggests that the C-terminus velocity is highly regulated by the peptide helical content, but that it is independent of the amino acid type. The Aβ was stabilized by the attachment of the positive Lys28 side chain to the negative phosphate of PC or 3β oxygen of CHOL in the extracellular lipid leaflet and of the C-terminus to its anchor site in the cytofacial lipid leaflet.
An Experimental Study to Explore Attacker Response to Changes in Security and Reward

In previous simulation studies, attackers were assumed to respond to changes in reward with an S shaped curve and to changes in security with a declining S shaped curve. This paper reports experimental work that investigates the validity of those assumptions. In general, the results suggest that the assumptions are reasonable.
Complicating Factors of Using Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid to Enhance Electrokinetic Remediation of Multiple Heavy Metals in Clayey Soils

Batch and electrokinetic experiments were conducted to investigate the removal of three different heavy metals, chromium(VI), nickel(II), and cadmium(II), from a clayey soil by using ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a complexing agent. The batch experiments revealed that high removal of these heavy metals (62-100%) was possible by using either a 0.1M or 0.2M EDTA concentration over a wide range of pH conditions (2-10). However, the results of the electrokinetic experiments using EDTA at the cathode showed low heavy metal removal efficiency. Using EDTA at the cathode along with the pH control at the anode with NaOH increased the pH throughout the soil and achieved high (95%) Cr(VI) removal, but the removal of Ni(II) and Cd(II) was limited due to the precipitation of these metals near the cathode. Apparently, the low mobility of EDTA and its migration direction, which opposed electroosmotic flow, prevented EDTA complexation from occurring. Overall, this study found that many complicating factors a...
Absence of Humoral Response in Flamingos and Red-Tailed Hawks to Experimental Vaccination with a Killed West Nile Virus Vaccine

Abstract Sixteen Chilean flamingos, Phoenicopterus chilensis, and 10 red-tailed hawks, Buteo jamacensis, were vaccinated in the pectoral muscle with 0.2 ml of a commercially produced killed West Nile virus vaccine intended for use in horses. Half the birds of each species received a booster vaccination 3 weeks after the first injection. Three weeks after the booster vaccination, none of 13 birds surveyed had detectable antibody to West Nile virus.