cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain Serotonin Signaling Does Not Determine Sexual Preference in Male Mice

It was reported recently that male mice lacking brain serotonin (5-HT) lose their preference for females (Liu et al., 2011, Nature, 472, 95–100), suggesting a role for 5-HT signaling in sexual preference. Regulation of sex preference by 5-HT lies outside of the well established roles in this behavior established for the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and the main olfactory epithelium (MOE). Presently, mice with a null mutation in the gene for tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), which are depleted of brain 5-HT, were tested for sexual preference. When presented with inanimate (urine scents from male or estrous female) or animate (male or female mouse in estrus) sexual stimuli, TPH2-/- males show a clear preference for female over male stimuli. When a TPH2-/- male is offered the simultaneous choice between an estrous female and a male mouse, no sexual preference is expressed. However, when confounding behaviors that are seen among 3 mice in the same cage are controlled, TPH2-/- mice, like their TPH2+/+ counterparts, express a clear preference for female mice. Female TPH2-/- mice are preferred by males over TPH2+/+ females but this does not lead to increased pregnancy success. In fact, if one or both partners in a mating pair are TPH2-/- in genotype, pregnancy success rates are significantly decreased. Finally, expression of the VNO-specific cation channel TRPC2 and of CNGA2 in the MOE of TPH2-/- mice is normal, consistent with behavioral findings that sexual preference of TPH2-/- males for females is intact. In conclusion, 5-HT signaling in brain does not determine sexual preference in male mice. The use of pharmacological agents that are non-selective for the 5-HT neuronal system and that have serious adverse effects may have contributed historically to the stance that 5-HT regulates sexual behavior, including sex partner preference.
Evaluation of the left ventricular function in aortic regurgitation by echocardiography and indicator dilution method.

The left ventricular function and severity of LV volume overload were assessed in 30 patients with aortic regurgitation by a combined use of echocardiography and indicator dilution method.With decreasing functional capacity of patients, there tended to be greater increase in EDV, and decreases in CO, EF, Vcf, and BAP(DN)/ESV, and shift of LV function curve downward and to the right, reflecting LV myocardial dysfunction.There was a substantial correlation between functional capacity and the severity of regurgitation as well as LV myocardial function, suggesting the possibility that clinical symptoms may depend upon both the myocardial function and severity of aortic regurgitation. In contrast with many patients with AR of functional class I or II, who had relatively normal LV function, the patients of class III consistently showed substantial LV myocardial dysfunction.After sublingual administration of ISDN, BAP lowered, EDV and RF decreased. Lowering of BAP and RF were more prominent in class III than in class I.It has been proved that a combined use of echocardiography and indicator dilution method is of value in assessing the left ventricular function and regurgitant fraction in patients with aortic regurgitation, allowing a better understanding of the disease process and the potential for recognizing patients who may require early valve replacement.
Quantum nanostructures in strongly spin-orbit coupled two-dimensional systems

Recent progress in experimental studies of low-dimensional systems with strong spin-orbit coupling poses a question on the effect of this coupling on the energy spectrum of electrons in semiconductor nanostructures. It is shown in this paper that this effect is profound in the strong coupling limit. In circular quantum dots a soft mode develops, in strongly elongated dots electron spin becomes protected from the effects of the environment, and the lower branch of the energy spectrum of quantum wires becomes nearly flat in a wide region of the momentum space.
Progress in nonlinear optical materials for high power lasers

Abstract Over the last few years, substantial progress has been made at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in nonlinear materials for high power laser applications. Specifically, we are developing materials for frequency conversion of lasers used in laser driven, thermonuclear fusion experiments and in high average power laser systems. We have developed new experimental procedures for fully characterizing the linear and nonlinear optical properties of microcrystals. Using new theoretical results we have developed a systematic method of selecting and optimizing nonlinear crystals for high-power and high-average-power laser applications. Our molecular engineering strategy for developing new materials for the fusion application has resulted in the discovery of several new materials with more attractive parameters than KDP.
The sparking plug Some design of considerations

Abstract The sparking plug is a good example of the interplay of materials properties and design to give a product of optimum performance. Different engines require different spark plug designs. Methods of “fine-tuning” of the design are discussed for different engine conditions and mention is made of the role of materials changes in the ceramic insulator for economic production and performance.
Detection of Contact-Lens-Based Iris Biometric Spoofs Using Stereo Imaging

Cosmetic contact lenses can be used to spoof an iris biometric system, either to evade being matched to a watch list or in principle even to masquerade as a selected other person. Existing approaches to detecting whether or not a person is wearing cosmetic contact lenses either are limited to detecting lenses created by a particular manufacturing technology, assume knowledge of the particular pattern printed in/on the lens, or require a sequence of images. We present proof-of-concept results for a method of detecting cosmetic contact lenses that is general, in the sense that it assumes nothing about the manufacturing technique or texture pattern of the lens, and that requires only a “snapshot” instance of imaging. The “snapshot” is a stereo pair of images, from which the shape of the surface of the iris texture region is estimated. In the absence of contacts or the presence of clear contacts, the iris region presents a coarse planar surface. In the presence of cosmetic contacts, the iris region presents a convex surface. Thus the problem of determining if a person is wearing a cosmetic contact lens is transformed into the problem of classifying the estimated surface shape for the iris region. This is the first approach to analyze iris biometric images in the context of 3D shape.
Factors modulating the levels of the allelochemical sorgoleone in Sorghum bicolor.

Sorgoleone is the major component of the hydrophobic root exudate of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The presence of this allelochemical is intrinsically linked to root growth and the development of mature root hairs. However, factors modulating root formation and the biosynthesis of sorgoleone are not well known. Sorgoleone production was independent of early stages of plant development. The optimum temperature for root growth and sorgoleone production was 30°C. Seedling development and sorgoleone levels were greatly reduced at temperatures below 25°C and above 35°C. The level of sorgoleone was also sensitive to light, being reduced by nearly 50% upon exposure to blue light (470 nm) and by 23% with red light (670 nm). Applying mechanical pressure over developing seedlings stimulated root formation but did not affect the biosynthesis of this lipid benzoquinone. Sorgoleone production did not change in seedlings exposed to plant defense elicitors. On the other hand, sorgoleone levels increased in plants treated with a crude extract of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) root. This stimulation was not associated with increased osmotic stress, since decreases in water potential (Ψw) by increasing solute concentrations with sorbitol reduces sorgoleone production. Sorgoleone production appears to be constitutively expressed in young developing sorghum plants. Other than with temperature, changes in the environmental factors had either no effect or caused a reduction in sorgoleone levels. However, the stimulation observed with velvetleaf root crude extract suggests that sorghum seedlings may respond to the presence of other plants by releasing more of this allelochemical.
The Recent Magnetic Storm and Aurora

AN aurora of unusual form appeared here this evening at 7.8 p.m. My attention was attracted by a patch of light in the south-west about 10° above the horizon, and about 6° in diameter. On looking to the north, I saw the usual streamers and bright light indicating an aurora; presently another patch of light, similar to the first, appeared in the south-east, and then others between these two, forming a continuous arch lying, as near as I could judge, in the diurnal path of the sun in midwinter. The arch had a sharp outline below, and from the brightest portion of it extended short streamers, towards the zenith; the colour was a greenish white. In a few minutes the continuous arch disappeared, leaving the brightest portions, which disappeared and reappeared alternately in patches until 7.40, when the last rather suddenly died out.
Comparison of integrated assessment models: Carbon price impacts on U.S. energy

Abstract Integrated assessment models (IAMs) are increasingly used to evaluate carbon policy impacts on energy structure, but different models can yield considerably different results. This paper seeks to frame model results for policymakers and other consumers of model outputs. In this analysis we compare three models: GCAM, MERGE, and EPPA. We apply diagnostic carbon price scenarios, such as ramps and shocks, to identify key differences in model behavior that drive inter-model variability in projected policy impacts on the U.S. energy system. We report model results using several economic parameterizations and find that variation in carbon emissions across models results primarily from differences in carbon intensity of energy supply. These differences arise because models include different low-carbon energy technology options and vary widely in how flexible the electricity supply sector is at adapting to a change in policy. The timing of emissions abatement is also strongly influenced by whether the model is a simulation or an inter-temporal optimization scheme and the amount of foresight exhibited in the model. Our analysis demonstrates the usefulness of novel IAM diagnostic indicators and clarifies model features that are highly relevant for consumers of model results.
Nitrogen substituent polarity influences dithiocarbamate-mediated lipid oxidation, nerve copper accumulation, and myelin injury.

Dithiocarbamates have a wide spectrum of applications in industry, agriculture, and medicine, with new applications being investigated. Past studies have suggested that the neurotoxicity of some dithiocarbamates may result from copper accumulation, protein oxidative damage, and lipid oxidation. The polarity of a dithiocarbamate’s nitrogen substituents influences the lipophilicity of the copper complexes that it generates and thus potentially determines its ability to promote copper accumulation within nerve and induce myelin injury. In the current study, a series of dithiocarbamate−copper complexes differing in their lipophilicity were evaluated for their relative abilities to promote lipid peroxidation determined by malondialdehyde levels generated in an ethyl arachidonate oil-in-water emulsion. In a second component of this study, rats were exposed to either N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate or sarcosine dithiocarbamate; both generated dithiocarbamate−copper complexes that were lipid- and water-soluble, respec...
An Ultra-Low Power Pulse-Based UWB Transceiver SoC with on-Chip ADC

Ultra-low power is desirable in wireless mobile communications. This paper presents design of an ultra-low power, pulse-based, non-carrier, ultra wideband (UWB) transceiver system-on-a-chip (SoC) with on-chip analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for high payload wireless video/audio/multimedia streaming applications. A novel global power switching technique is used to reduce the UWB SoC power dissipation. The UWB SoC adopts a single-band (7.5GHz from 3.1GHz to 10.6GHz), pulse-based non-carrier architecture, which consists of pulse generator, low-noise amplifier (LNA), correlator, integrator, timing controller and on-chip ADC. The SoC features BPSK modulation and Gaussian pulsing. Simulation shows that the global power switching technique can save up to 95% power at 100Mbps and up to 70% power at 1Gbps for the UWB SoC without serious performance degradation. The UWB SoC performance is satisfactory as following: LNA features NF<3dB and gain of 10dB; pulse generator features pulse width of 50ps; correlator features NF<4dB and conversion gain of 0.6dB; ADC features 10b, 500Msps, INL of 0.8LSB, DNL of 0.5LSB and SINAD of 57dB; and total power is only 136.53mW at 100Mbps. The UWB SoC is designed in IBM 0.18?m CMOS.
The Fate of Bonneville Cisco Eggs in Bear Lake: Evaluating Mechanisms of Egg Loss

Abstract Bonneville cisco Prosopium gemmifer are endemic to and found only in Bear Lake, Utah–Idaho. As part of an investigation into life history characteristics of this species of special conservation concern, we examined survival of Bonneville cisco eggs by measuring changes in egg density under natural environmental conditions. Eggs were vacuumed off the lake bottom over a month period in 1992 and 1993. This survey indicated that egg loss was high: fewer than 4% of the eggs remained after 30 d of an incubation period lasting more than 100 d. Thirty percent of this egg loss could be explained by unsuccessful fertilization or improper embryonic development. An exclosure experiment demonstrated, however, that the majority of the Bonneville cisco egg loss was due to fish predation. A second exclosure experiment indicated that predation rates were not affected by changes in egg density. Our results suggested that fish predation on the eggs may determine recruitment success of Bonneville cisco.
Homogeneous bilateral block shifts

A new 3-parameter family of homogeneous 2-by-2 block shifts is described. These are the first examples of irreducible homogeneous bilateral block shifts of block size larger than 1.
System Development in the Federal Government: How Technology Influences Outcomes

Institutional analyses of federal programs to develop large technical systems explain outcomes in terms of a conflict between coalitional politics and program administration. Such analyses gain precision when they take into account how the technical system being developed mediates the conflict of politics and administration. Attention to technology helps explain the different outcomes of three federal programs: the superconducting supercollider, the space shuttle, and intelligent transportation systems.
A self-consistent Weibull analysis of carbon fibre strength distributions

Abstract A new method is developed for analysing carbon fibre tensile strength distributions. The method uses a Weibull probabilistic model of fibre strength and treats the parameters of the probability distributions as an intrinsic fibre property, independent of fibre length. Self-consistency is built into the method by forcing a single set of parameters to give an optimum fit to experimental tensile strength data taken at several different gauge lengths. The modality of the probability distribution used to model the fibre strength is determined from a factor analysis of the experimental histograms. The method is applied to fibres from mesophase pitch (Thornel-P) whose tensile properties have been measured at four different gauge lengths. The variation of the mean fibre strength with gauge length at very short gauge lengths predicted from the self-consistent Weibull parameters is less than that predicted by non-self-consistent methods.
Central role of Ifh1p–Fhl1p interaction in the synthesis of yeast ribosomal proteins

The 138 genes encoding the 79 ribosomal proteins (RPs) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae form the tightest cluster of coordinately regulated genes in nearly all transcriptome experiments. The basis for this observation remains unknown. We now provide evidence that two factors, Fhl1p and Ifh1p, are key players in the transcription of RP genes. Both are found at transcribing RP genes in vivo. Ifh1p, but not Fhl1p, leaves the RP genes when transcription is repressed. The occupancy of the RP genes by Ifh1p depends on its interaction with the phospho-peptide recognizing forkhead-associated domain of Fhl1p. Disruption of this interaction is severely deleterious to ribosome synthesis and cell growth. Loss of functional Fhl1p leads to cells that have only 20% the normal amount of RNA and that synthesize ribosomes at only 5–10% the normal rate. Homeostatic mechanisms within the cell respond by reducing the transcription of rRNA to match the output of RPs, and by reducing the global transcription of mRNA to match the capacity of the translational apparatus.
Activation of old cuticle chitin as a substrate for chitinase in the molt of Manduca.

Abstract During the molt, chitin in the old cuticle of Manduca is digested by chitinase taken up from molting fluid, but the chitin in intact (= premolt) cuticle is not accessible to chitinase. As a prerequisite of digestion, old cuticle chitin is rendered competent to serve as chitinase substrate in a reaction attributable to trypsin-like proteolytic activity of molting fluid.
Should transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt stent grafts be underdilated

Although underdilation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) stent grafts is commonly performed to limit complications arising from excessive portosystemic shunting, it is uncertain whether underdilated stents retain their smaller diameter indefinitely or eventually expand to nominal caliber. In this investigation, postprocedure computed tomography (CT) was used to compare diameters of underdilated TIPSs and TIPSs expanded to a nominal diameter of 10 mm in 61 cases. The groups had comparable shunt diameters on post-TIPS imaging (9.8 mm vs 9.9 mm; P = .079), with similar incidences of hepatic encephalopathy (34% vs 20%; P = .372), indicating stent self-expansion over time, and bringing into question the advantages of underdilation for customization of shunt caliber.
New perspective on cosmic coincidence problems

Cosmological data suggest that we live in an interesting period in the history of the universe when ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{M}\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{R}$. The occurrence of any epoch with such a ``triple coincidence'' is puzzling, while the question of why we happen to live during this special epoch is the ``Why now?'' problem. We introduce a framework which makes the triple coincidence inevitable; furthermore, the ``Why now?'' problem is transformed and greatly ameliorated. The framework assumes that the only relevant mass scales are the electroweak scale ${M}_{\mathrm{EW}}$, and the Planck scale ${M}_{\mathrm{Pl}}$ and requires ${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{1/4}\ensuremath{\sim}{M}_{\mathrm{EW}}^{2}/{M}_{\mathrm{Pl}}$ parametrically. Assuming that the true vacuum energy vanishes, we present a simple model, where a false vacuum energy yields a cosmological constant of this form.
20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is excreted as a glucuronide conjugate in human urine

20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, a major renal P-450 metabolite of arachidonic acid, has been quantified in human urine using capillary gas chromatography/electron capture negative ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The urinary excretion of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid was in the low pg/ml range. However, treatment of urine with beta-glucuronidase resulted in a 13- to 28-fold increase in its concentration. This suggests 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid differs from other eicosanoids in that it is excreted primarily as a glucuronide conjugate.
Synthesis and in vitro characterization of drug conjugates of l-carnitine as potential prodrugs that target human Octn2

The objective was to evaluate the potential of drug conjugates with l-carnitine as prodrugs that target organic cation/carnitine transporter (OCTN2). Twenty-two l-carnitine analogues were evaluated for human organic cation/carnitine transporter (hOCTN2) inhibition; the 3'-hydroxyl group was found to be the only functional group not contributing to l-carnitine interaction with hOCTN2 among the three functional groups on l-carnitine (i.e., 3'-hydroxyl, amine, and carboxylate). The 3'-hydroxyl group on l-carnitine was therefore chosen as the conjugate site. Three drug-l-carnitine conjugates (i.e., valproyl-l-carnitine, naproxen-l-carnitine, and ketoprofen-l-carnitine) were synthesized along with two ketoprofen analogues that incorporated a linker group (glycolic acid or glycine) between ketoprofen and l-carnitine (i.e., ketoprofen-glycolic acid-l-carnitine and ketoprofen-glycine-l-carnitine). These potential prodrugs were evaluated for their in vitro inhibition, transport, and metabolism properties. All three drug-l-carnitine conjugates and ketoprofen-glycine-l-carnitine were OCTN2 inhibitors, as well as substrates. For valproyl-l-carnitine, K(i)=155 ± 19 μM, K(m)=132 ± 23 μM, and normalized J(max)=0.467 ± 0.028; for naproxen-l-carnitine, K(i)=5.97 ± 0.81 μM, K(m)=257 ± 57 μM, and normalized J(max)=0.141 ± 0.012; for ketoprofen-l-carnitine, K(i)=82.2 ± 5.3 μM, K(m)=77.0 ± 4.0 μM, and normalized J(max)=0.412 ± 0.015; for ketoprofen-glycine-l-carnitine, K(i)=14.4 ± 1.4 μM, K(m)=58.5 ± 8.7 μM, and normalized J(max)=0.0789 ± 0.0037. Ketoprofen-glycolic acid-l-carnitine was unstable in metabolic buffers and chemical buffers. On the contrary, naproxen-l-carnitine, ketoprofen-l-carnitine, and ketoprofen-glycine-l-carnitine were stable in chemical and metabolic buffers. The results demonstrate the potential of drug-l-carnitine conjugates to serve as prodrugs that target OCTN2.
Studies on glucosammonium chloride. III. Kinetics of alkaline degradation in the centimolar concentration range

Abstract Rate studies on the degradation of glucosammonium chloride in alkali lead to a mechanism for the process involving an induction step which probable consists of an intramolecular rearrangement of the sugar molecule. This rearranged intermediate is subjected to two further, competitive degradation processes, one of which leads to deamination, the other to a retention of a nonbasic nitrogen atom in the molecule. Activation energies and frequency factors for the several steps are obtained, and these indicate the relatively important role played by steric and entropic factors in the degradation.
Intraspecific dental variability in cf. Coryphodon anthracoideus (Mammalia: Pantodonta) from Roehler's Coryphodon Catastrophe Quarry, Washakie Basin, Wyoming

Roehler9s Coryphodon Catastrophe Quarry (Wasatch Formation, lower Eocene) in the Washakie Basin, Wyoming is a paucispecific assemblage containing a minimum of 10 individuals from a single population of cf. Coryphodon anthracoideus . The RCCQ Coryphodon assemblage provides a relatively rare opportunity to assess intraspecific variation in a genus that has historically been difficult to classify due to variation from specimen to specimen and species to species. Variation in metric features of the dentition (i.e., length, width, and molar area) in the RCCQ Coryphodon is within the range observed in comparable sexually dimorphic extant species. The RCCQ Coryphodon assemblage is also compared to another paucispecific, single population assemblage of Coryphodon molestus from New Mexico. Intraspecific metric variation characterizing these two assemblages is also comparable. In both assemblages, overall intraspecific metric variation is most pronounced in the third molar, suggesting sexual dimorphism as the source of variation.
Dipole-dipole interactions in microtubules.

Dimers in microtubules possess a dipole moment with components along three axes. The interaction energy among all dipole components in a microtubule was calculated for an un-deformed and an elliptically deformed microtubule in a “dry” condition. The interaction energy was found to increase with deformation. The total interaction energy among all dipoles is positive, which implies that the un-deformed cylindrical shape of a microtubule represents a condition of minimum energy. This suggests that the cylindrical shape of microtubules is a consequence of dipole–dipole interactions. There may be other causes as well but these are not discussed in this paper. From these results, the contributions of the dipole–dipole interaction energy to the microtubule longitudinal and transverse flexural rigidities were calculated. It is shown that the longitudinal contribution to the elastic modulus is approximately 50–60% of the total measured value while the calculated transverse contribution is smaller than the longitudinal contribution by a factor of approximately 3. The ratio of the measured axial to the measured transverse flexural rigidity is approximately 125, in agreement with recent observations. However, these values are uncertain for reasons discussed in the text.
Enumeration of plane partitions

Abstract Using some recent results involving Young tableaux and matrices of non-negative integers [10], it is possible to enumerate various classes of plane partitions by actual construction. One of the results is a simple proof of MacMahon's [12] generating function for plane partitions. Previous results of this type [12, 4, 3, 8, 7] involved complicated algebraic methods which did not reveal any intrinsic “reason” why the corresponding generating functions have such a simple form.
America's press-radio war of the 1930s: a case study in battles between old and new media

(1994). America's press-radio war of the 1930s: a case study in battles between old and new media. Historical Journal of Film, Radio and Television: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 299-314.
Thermodynamics of fluid mixtures near to and far from the critical region

A theory for an equation of state for simple fluid mixtures valid both near to and far from critical points is presented. The base equation of state obtained from integral-equation theory using the mean-spherical approximation is used to compute the contribution of short-wavelength fluctuations to the free energy of the fluid mixture. Wilson's phase space cell approximation, as extended by White, is used to compute the contribution of long-wavelength fluctuations. The resulting theory possesses nonclassic critical exponents similar to those observed experimentally. Far from the critical region, where long-wavelength fluctuations are not important, the theory reduces to that corresponding to the base equation of state. The complete theory is used to represent the thermodynamic properties and phase behavior of binary mixtures of methane, carbon dioxide, and n-butane. In the critical region, agreement with experiment is dramatically improved upon, adding to the base equation of state corrections from long-wavelength fluctuations.
Galvanic corrosion of Al alloys—III. The effect of area ratio

Abstract The Al alloys 2024 and 7075 have been electrically coupled to Cu, stainless steel 304L, 4130 steel, Ti-6Al-4V, Cd or Zn in 3–5%NaCl. Galvanic current and weight loss data have been obtained for area ratios AC/AA = 0·1, 1 and 10 in 24 h tests. Experimental results confirm theoretical calculations based on mixed potential theory, according to which the galvanic c.d. igA with respect to the anode is directly proportional to the area ratio: igA = k1 AC/AA, while the dissolution rate rA of the anode is related to the area ratio by: rA = k2(1 + AC/AA). The galvanic current Ig is independen t of anode area AA and directly proportional to the cathode area AC: Ig = K1AC. The galvanic c.d. igA can be converted into dissolution rates rA according to: r A = k 3 i g A ( 1 + A A A C ) .
An elliptic complex associated to the Yang-Mills constraint equations

This paper presents an elliptic complex of linear spaces and operators which resolves the linearized constraint equations for the initial data for a Yang-Mills (gauge) field. The complex exists when the background gauge field satisfies a certain condition corresponding to self-duality in the Riemannian case and is defined on a spacetime which has a spacelike Cauchy surface.
Faunal Assemblages from Type Topanga Formation, Santa Monica Mountains, California: ABSTRACT

The middle Miocene Topanga formation at its type locality in Topanga Canyon, 10 miles northwest of Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, California, consists of more than 8,000 feet of conglomerates, sandstones, and shales with intercalated basalts. An abundant molluscan fauna, obtained from four different horizons within the formation is divisible into two major faunal assemblages separated stratigraphically by 1,200 feet of barren beds. The lower assemblage ranges through approximately 200 feet of strata at the base of the formation and is characterized by the presence of Turritella ocoyana s. s. and Pecten (Lyropecten) crassicardo n. var. The upper assemblage ranges through the three upper horizons and is characterized by the presence of numerous specimens of Turritella oc yana topangaensis and Turritella temblorensis. End_of_Article - Last_Page 188------------
The Lees of Virginia: Seven Generations of an American Family

In The Lees of Virginia, Paul Nagel chronicles seven generations of Lees, from the family founder Richard to General Robert E. Lee, covering over two hundred years of American history. We meet Thomas Lee, who dreamed of America as a continental empire. His daughter was Hannah Lee Corbin, a non-conformist in lifestyle and religion, while his son, Richard Henry Lee, was a tempestuous figure who wore black silk over a disfigured hand when he made the motion in Congress for Independence. Another of Thomas' sons, Arthur Lee, created a political storm by his accusations against Benjamin Franklin. Arthur's cousin was Light-Horse Harry Lee, a controversial cavalry officer in the Revolutionary War, whose wild real estate speculation led to imprisonment for debt and finally self-exile in the Caribbean. One of Harry's sons, Henry Lee, further disgraced the family by seducing his sister-in-law and frittering away Stratford, the Lees' ancestral home. Another son, however, became the family's redeeming figure--Robert E. Lee, a brilliant tactician who is still revered for his lofty character and military success. In these and numerous other portraits, Nagel discloses how, from 1640 to 1870, a family spirit united the Lees, making them a force in Virginian and American affairs. Paul Nagel is a leading chronicler of families prominent in our history. His Descent from Glory, a masterful narrative account of four generations of Adamses, was hailed by The New Yorker as "intelligent, tactful, and spiritually generous," and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian W.A. Swanberg, in the Chicago Sun-Times, called it "a magnificent embarrassment of biographical riches." Now, in The Lees of Virginia, Nagel brings his skills to bear on another major American family, taking readers inside the great estates of the Old Dominion and the turbulent lives of the Lee men and women.
Mixed adsorbed films at oil-water interfaces.

Abstract Measurements have been made of the interfacial tensions of aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate against solutions of octyl alcohol in benzene. By the application of the Gibbs adsorption theorem approximate calculations have been made of the surface excess of alcohol molecules and detergent molecules in the mixed adsorbed interfacial film on the assumption that this film contains no water molecules. The suggestion is made that, for systems in true equilibrium, the effect of oil-soluble impurities in the sodium dodecyl sulfate should be less than in corresponding experiments at air-water surfaces. The properties of the mixed adsorbed films are intermediate between those of the two pure components.
Progress toward information-extraction methods for hyperspectral data

A focused research program has been under way for several years to discover optimally effective means for analysis of multispectral and hyperspectral data. The methods pursued are based upon fundamental principles of signal theory and signal processing. The basic approach revolves around viewing N spectral bands of data from a pixel as a single point in N dimensional space, thus, an important aspect of the work has been to discover unique aspects of higher dimensional spaces which can be exploited for their information-bearing aspects. Substantial progress on this problem has been made in the last several years, with several key algorithms having been defined. Among these are algorithms for transforms which define optimal case-specific features, and which improve the ability of the classifier to generalize. A more fundamental finding has been to understand the characteristics of high dimensional space and the significance of design samples and their use in defining the classifier. These results have been published in separate papers over the last several years. The purpose of this paper is to survey these results and to show how they relate to one another in achieving an effective overall analysis procedure for analyzing a hyperspectral image data set.
Pulmonary reactions to inhalation of methylene chloride: effects on lipid peroxidation in rats.

Abstract The inhalation effects of methylene chloride on lipid peroxidation in rat lungs were investigated. In rats of both sexes, a significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed in the pulmonary tissue as well as in the pulmonary secretions of the exposed rats compared to the control animals.
Personal and psychosocial characteristics associated with psychiatric conditions among women with human immunodeficiency virus.

This study presents information on correlates of mental health and substance abuse problems among women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a particularly vulnerable, poor and minority population. Data are from 847 women in the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study, a national probability sample of adults with known human immunodeficiency virus infection. Fifty-five percent of women manifested a probable psychiatric condition. Results indicated that increased risk for psychiatric conditions among these women was associated with younger age, having acquired immunodeficiency virus (rather than asymptomatic), using avoidant coping strategies, reporting increased conflict with others, and prior physical abuse, needing income assistance, and putting off going to the doctor because of caring for someone else. Findings suggest we need to address women’s need for safety from assaultive partners and that we may need special programs for women burdened with having to care for others.
THE INFLUENCE OF PREGNANCY ON RESISTANCE TO THYROXINE, WITH DATA ON THE CREATINE CONTENT OF THE MATERNAL AND FETAL MYOCARDIUM

Pregnant rats tolerate doses of thyroid and thyroxine which in non-pregnant controls cause rapid loss of weight and death. Indeed, pregnant rats thus treated may show increases of weight which, at least superficially, seem comparable to the gains of normal pregnant rats. This remarkable resistance was first observed in animals receiving desiccated thyroid, but in a more detailed study of the problem synthetic thyroxine (Hoffmann-LaRoche) has been used. The rats employed in this work were from a pure, inbred Wistar strain, reared in the laboratory under very favorable conditions. The diet was adequate in all respects and contained an overabundance of vitamin B (and G) as the requirement for this dietary essential seems to be considerably increased in hyperthyroidism (1), as well as in pregnancy. The resistance of the pregnant rat to thyroxine is illustrated by the curves in figure 1. Rats 384, 385, 387, 388, 390, 391, 392, 393 and 394, previously virgin were mated on March 10, 1935. The mates were separate...
Interlimb amplitude differences, spatial assimilations, and the temporal structure of rapid bimanual movements

Abstract When subjects make rapid bimanual aiming movements over different distances, spatial assimilations are shown; the shorter distance limb overshoots when paired with a longer distance limb. According to Marteniuk and MacKenzie's (1980) model of two-hand control, the magnitude of the spatial assimilations are directly related to the interlimb difference in end location, with larger differences resulting in larger assimilation effects. In order to test this prediction of the model, twelve right-handed female subjects (aged 18–23) combined 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60° lever reversal movements in the left hand with a standard 60° reversal movement in the right hand. The left limb overshot by 4.8° (16%) and the right limb undershot by 2.6° (4.3%) in the 30°–60° dual condition relative to single movements. No other spatial assimilations were found, suggesting that spatial assimilations were limited to bimanual conditions where interlimb differences in end location were greater than 20°. Relative timing was maintained across limbs and conditions, suggesting the same temporal structure was utilized in both single and bimanual movements.
Conditioned taste avoidance induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the Fischer (F344) and Lewis (LEW) rat strains

Abstract Although Fischer (F344) and Lewis (LEW) rats differ in their sensitivity to the rewarding effects of ∆ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), no data have been reported on differences in their sensitivity to the drug's aversive effects, a limiting factor in drug use and abuse. Examining the degree of differences (if any) in such effects in these strains may help further characterize possible genetic factors important to abuse vulnerability. Accordingly, the aversive effects of THC (1–5.6 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) were examined in 32 F344 and 32 LEW subjects using the conditioned taste avoidance (CTA) procedure. Thermoregulation was assessed following an acute injection of THC (same as CTA groups) after a week washout period following the last trial. Subjects in both strains displayed dose-dependent THC-induced taste avoidance, with no significant strain difference. THC induced dose-dependent decreases in core body temperature in both strains. LEW subjects displayed lower core body temperatures than F344 rats, although this effect was independent of THC and was likely stress related. These results were discussed in terms of the nature of THC-induced taste avoidance and the basis of strain differences in the aversive effects of drugs of abuse.
Direct Regulation of CLOCK Expression by REV-ERB

Circadian rhythms are regulated at the cellular level by transcriptional feedback loops leading to oscillations in expression of key proteins including CLOCK, BMAL1, PERIOD (PER), and CRYPTOCHROME (CRY). The CLOCK and BMAL1 proteins are members of the bHLH class of transcription factors and form a heterodimer that regulates the expression of the PER and CRY genes. The nuclear receptor REV-ERBα plays a key role in regulation of oscillations in BMAL1 expression by directly binding to the BMAL1 promoter and suppressing its expression at certain times of day when REV-ERBα expression levels are elevated. We recently demonstrated that REV-ERBα also regulates the expression of NPAS2, a heterodimer partner of BMAL1. Here, we show that REV-ERBα also regulates the expression another heterodimer partner of BMAL1, CLOCK. We identified a REV-ERBα binding site within the 1(st) intron of the CLOCK gene using a chromatin immunoprecipitation - microarray screen. Suppression of REV-ERBα expression resulted in elevated CLOCK mRNA expression consistent with REV-ERBα's role as a transcriptional repressor. A REV-ERB response element (RevRE) was identified within this region of the CLOCK gene and was conserved between humans and mice. Additionally, the CLOCK RevRE conferred REV-ERB responsiveness to a heterologous reporter gene. Our data suggests that REV-ERBα plays a dual role in regulation of the activity of the BMAL1/CLOCK heterodimer by regulation of expression of both the BMAL1 and CLOCK genes.
Do medical decision analyses' largest gains grow from the smallest trees?

Some decision analysts recommend reserving their models for careful, complete study of complex problems. Others believe simple problem analyses provide the greatest gains. To clarify these issues, I tested: (1) whether simple published analyses compared to complex ones, produced results as non-intuitive; and (2) whether non-intuitiveness represented analytic gain (or equivalently, intuitive loss). Very limited data also examined (3) the gain from adding model intricacy for a given problem vs. selecting more complex problems for analysis. To assess two non-intuitiveness measures, 75 subjects (33 physicians and 42) non-physicians stated their intuitive preferences in 40 (22 published and 18 unpublished) medical dilemmas. For both physicians and non-physicians, simpler models (those with lees than 30 terminal branches in the decision tree) had about one third the non-intuitiveness of more complex ones. Three tests also supported the premise that analyses outperform intuition, therefore that on average the formers' non-intuitiveness reflects less analytic gain. In addition, for different models of the same problem, tree complexity did not correlate with gain. Thus, simpler trees may not generally gain less because they inadequately describe problems. Instead, simpler analyses may represent simpler problems, with more similar intuitive and formal solutions. If so, these findings may help us avoid some costly but unnecessary simple analyses.
Diabetes and Altered Glucose Metabolism with Aging

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance affect a substantial proportion of older adults. Abnormal glucose metabolism is not a necessary component of aging. Older adults with diabetes and altered glucose status likely represent a subset of the population at high risk for complications and adverse geriatric syndromes. Goals for treatment of diabetes in the elderly include control of hyperglycemia, prevention and treatment of diabetic complications, avoidance of hypoglycemia, and preservation of quality of life. Research exploring associations of dysglycemia and insulin resistance with the development of adverse outcomes in the elderly may ultimately inform use of future glucose-lowering therapies in this population.
Measurement of atrial septal defect size: a comparative study between three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography and the standard balloon sizing methods.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) size measurement is of paramount importance for the successful deployment of a transcatheter septal occluder. The stretched balloon diameter (SBD) has long been regarded as the gold standard for selection of the size of any device. Three-dimensional (3-D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can visualize the overall structure of the atrial septum, therefore rendering an accurate size of the ASD. In this study we aimed to validate the accuracy of ASD size measurement by 3-D TEE and to elucidate the reason for the difference between balloon sizing and 3-D measurement. Forty-one consecutive patients were enrolled in this protocol for ASD device closure using the Amplatzer septal occluder. Thirty-nine patients were diagnosed by 2-D transthoracic echocardiography as secundum ASD and 2 patients were diagnosed as patent foramen ovale. Two measurements of the balloon size were sequentially obtained by 2-D TEE after the balloon was fully inflated in the left atrium. First, no residual shunt across the septum could be seen while the balloon was pulled back against the septum. This measurement was called the balloon occlusive diameter (BOD). Second, with balloon deflation, a slight deformity of the balloon was seen just prior to its popping through the septum. This measurement was called the stretched balloon diameter (SBD). Three-dimensional TEE was performed in all patients at the beginning of the procedure before device deployment and within 15 minutes after device release. Three-dimensional TEE provided superior views of the ASDs, showing the spatial relationship between the ASD and the neighboring structures. For maximal ASD size measurement, balloon sizing was larger than 3-D TEE examination, whereas 2-D was smaller than the other two methods. The best correlation was found between 3-D TEE measurements and the BOD (r= 0.98, p < 0.0001). Three-dimensional TEE provides en face view of ASD; thus, it can accurately measure the size of ASD. Three-dimensional TEE measurement of ASD can be used instead of balloon sizing for the selection of transcatheter ASD occluder size.
Interhospital transfer of blunt multiply injured patients to a level 1 trauma center does not adversely affect outcome.

BACKGROUND: Stops at nontrauma centers for severely injured patients are thought to increase deaths and costs, potentially because of unnecessary imaging and indecisive/delayed care of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). METHODS: We studied 754 consecutive blunt trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score greater than 20 with an emphasis on 212 patients who received care at other sites en route to our level 1 trauma center.
Social Context of Work Injury Among Undocumented Day Laborers in San Francisco

OBJECTIVE: To identify ways in which undocumented day laborers’ social context affects their risk for occupational injury, and to characterize the ways in which these workers’ social context influences their experience of disability.
Wildfire Policy and Fire Use on Public Lands in the United States

ABSTRACT Current wildfire management policy succeeds in suppressing 99% of all fires on public lands. Indirect costs of this achievement include the development of dense vegetation in the absence of fire, and increasingly more intense fires when they do erupt. The result is a fire management system with rising costs and fire-dependent forests that are frequently characterized by declining health. Wildland fire use (WFU), the use of fire to accomplish specific pre-stated resource management objectives, is considered appropriate in many remote wildlands where a naturally ignited fire may safely be used to improve forest health. Ecological benefits associated with WFU include improved watershed conditions, enhanced wildlife habitat, and more resilient forested ecosystems. Economic benefits include reduced suppression and fuels treatment costs over the long term. Policy challenges are complex, however; land management agencies face increased planning requirements as well as the need to develop both institutio...
TURNOVER OF THYROID HORMONE IN COLDEXPOSED RATS DETERMINED BY RADIOACTIVE IODINE STUDIES1

SMALL mammals subjected to low environmental temperatures for short periods (3-21 days) exhibit alterations in the thyroid gland. Although such changes as increased gland weight (1,2), cellular hypertrophy (3, 4, 5), and increased radioiodine (I131) content 2 hours after isotope injection (5, 6, 7) have been interpreted as indicating increased functional activity of the gland, they are relatively indirect measures of hormonal secretion rates. However, more direct parameters of hormonal output, such as biologic decay (8) and hormone utilization or requirement (9) are consonant with these interpretations, and suggest that secretion of thyroid hormone increases following exposure to cold. The increased metabolic rate of small mammals placed at low temperatures (1, 10, 11) appears related to these changes in the functional capacity of the thyroid gland. After animals have been exposed to 5° C for 60 days or more their metabolic rate remains markedly higher than that of unexposed animals, whereas studies of th...