cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of the VLF induction method for studying some volcanic processes of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii

Abstract The very low-frequency (VLF) induction method has found exceptional utility in studying various volcanic processes of Kilauea volcano, Hawaii because: (1) significant anomalies result exclusively from ionically conductive magma or still-hot intrusions (> 800°C) and the attendant electrolytically conductive hot groundwater; (2) basalt flows forming the bulk of Kilauea have very high resistivities at shallow depths that result in low geologic noise levels and relatively deep depths of investigation (∼100 m); and (3) the azimuths to two of the usable transmitters (NLK and NPM) are aligned favorably with most of the principal geologic features. Measurements of the tilt angle and ellipticity of the polarization ellipse of the magnetic field, using a simple, hand-held receiver, have been used to: (1) delineate the lateral extent of shallow, partially solidified lava lakes, active lava tubes, and recent intrusive dikes; (2) obtain an indication of the attitude of some recent dikes; (3) show that many eruptive fissures cool faster than their intrusive counterparts; (4) show that some fumarolic areas are underlain by shallow, highly altered, and conductive zones; and (5) provide control information for interpreting data obtained with other electrical techniques. Complementary measurements of scalar apparent resistivity and surface impedance phase, using a new attachment for the VLF receiver, have substantially increased the utility of VLF studies in Kilauea. They provide better lateral resolution of conductors and reduce the ambiguity in interpretation. Notwithstanding recent advances in theoretical modeling techniques, the excellent quality of some of the data warrants extension of interpretive techniques, particularly for quantitatively characterizing the configuration and conductivity of small-dimension bodies. These VLF induction methods should have wide application to studies of active volcanic regions in other parts of the world and could provide some insights into the workings of larger-scaled geothermal systems.
Comparison of n- and p-type quantum well infrared photodetectors

Rapid progress in quantum well IR photodetectors (QWIPs) technology has made it possible to develop large format, and high uniformity QWIP focal plane arrays (FPAs) for IR imaging sensor applications. So far, all QWIP FPAs are made of n-type GaAs/AlGaAs material systems grown on GaAs substrates due to the maturity of this material system and excellent detector performance. However, due to quantum selection rules, normal incidence absorption is forbidden in n-type QWIPs. As a result, n-type QWIP FPAs are required to use dielectric or metal gratings to efficiently couple the IR radiation into the quantum wells under normal incidence illumination. On the other hand, normal incidence absorption is allowed in p-type QWIPs without using the grating couplers. This property makes p-type QWIPs potentially more attractive for large format FPA applications. This paper will review the recent development in both n-type and p-type QWIPs for mid-wavelength, long-wavelength and very long wavelength IR detections. The basic device physics, structures, and performance parameters such as dark current, spectral responsivity, and detectivity for both n-type and p-type QWIPs will be depicted. Finally, a comparison of the advantages and drawbacks of n-type and p-type QWIPs will also be given.
Effects of functional group interactions on the gas-phase methylation and dissociation of acids and esters

Functional group interactions have been observed to affect gas-phase ion-molecule chemistry in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. Gas-phase methylation and collisionactivated dissociation reactions of a series of related acids and esters allows an evaluation of the structural factors that influence reactivity and functional group interactions of these compounds. Examination of the [M+H]+ or [M+15]+ product ions by collision-activated dissociation has provided insight into the conformations from which diacids and diesters undergo electrophilic addition. Collision-activated dissociation has provided not only more detailed information on the structures of the ions, but also the data necessary for confident mechanistic interpretation. Labeling studies were done to probe fragmentation pathways. Upon activation of the [M+CD3]+ products of dimethyl maleate and dimethyl succinate, formed from reaction of the neutrals with CD3OCD 2 + ions, a rapid interfunctional group methyl transfer causes scrambling of the methyls prior to elimination of dimethyl ether or methanol. The [M+15]+ ions of dimethyl maleate are believed to lose dimethyl ether through a rate-determining 1,6-methyl transfer, whereas the [M+15]+ ions of dimethyl succinate eliminate methanol through a rate-determining 1,5-proton transfer.
Strong Light-Matter Coupling in Mid-Infrared Monolithic Metamaterial Nanocavities

We present the design and realization of strong light-matter coupling in monolithic metamaterial nanocavities. We achieve a Rabi frequency of 2.5 THz (corresponding to a polariton splitting of 20%) in a mode volume of 1.34t10m3(l/n)3
There once was a verb: The predicative core of possessive and nominalization structures in American Sign Language

This dissertation presents two extensive case studies in the morpho-syntactic structure of American Sign Language (ASL) based on original fieldwork conducted with native, deaf signers.The first case study focuses on the structure of attributive and predicative POSS possessives. Based on language-internal diagnostics, this study shows that the possessive marker, POSS, functions as a verbal predicate of possession, not as a DP-internal marker of the possessive relation. The structure and interpretation of predicative POSS possessives are reduced to the interaction of the verbal POSS structure with two functional components of the predicative domain: (i) locative structure and (ii) licensing positions of definite objects. Attributive POSS possessives are derived as prenominal reduced relative clause modifiers formed from this underlying predicative structure. The second case study presented here addresses the structural uniformity and semantic ambiguity of two classes of deverbal nominals formed via reduplication in ASL: concrete object-denoting nominals and result-denoting nominals. Based on a morpho-semantic decomposition of verbal structure that is transparent in the surface form of verbal predicates in ASL, it is shown that nominalization via reduplication targets the lowest constituent of the verbal structure (VP-Res ). Nominalization of VP-Res yields the class of result-denoting nominals, while concrete object-denoting nominals are derived as relative clause structures headed by a nominal argument that is introduced by the classifier structure present in the relevant verbal forms.
The Heuristic Value of Regarding Classroom Instruction as an Aesthetic Medium

If one defines classroom instruction as an aesthetic medium, a lesson can be evaluated alternatively as a kinetic performance, a message, and a work of art. Viewed as a kinetic performance, a lesson might be evaluated in terms of the cognitive activities of an evaluator. Research in athletics suggests that process tracing and memorial tasks could be used to uncover schemas that experienced evaluators unconsciously invoke to help interpret incoming information. As a symbolic medium of communication, classroom instruction follows certain grammatical rules of structure that students must negotiate to learn from lessons. Studies of the film/TV medium illustrate how unfamiliarity with grammatical rules can impair the extraction of information. Analogous studies might be designed to examine the ability of low-achieving students to decode the structures found within classroom lessons. Finally, as a work of art, a lesson contains spatial and temporal patterns that might be judged in terms of symmetry, balance, an...
Fatal outcome in a patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with an IgM bithermic anti‐ITP

BACKGROUND: Several cold autoantibodies (usually IgG) with IT specificity have been reported previously, as have autoantibodies with joint I and P blood group specificities (IP1, ITP1, iP1, IP). A fatal outcome associated with an IgM cold autoantibody of ITP specificity is reported. CASE REPORT: A 54-year-old man suffered from progressively severe cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia for 9 months. Hemoglobin concentration ranged from 6 to 7 g per dL (60–70 g/L) and reticulocytes from 3 to 5 percent (0.030-0.050). The direct antiglobulin test was weakly positive for IgM and strongly positive for C3d. The serum contained a cold agglutinin that reacted strongest with cord i red cells (RBCs) > adult I RBCs > adult i RBCs, which is consistent with IT specificity. The Donath-Landsteiner test was positive; the reaction was neutralized by globoside. The serum reacted weakly or was negative with RBCs from five group p blood donors, which suggests anti-ITP specificity. Dithiothreitol treatment of the serum abolished the cold agglutinin reactivity, which suggests that the anti-IT was IgM. The patient received > 40 RBC transfusions and failed to respond to oral steroids, oral cytoxan, high-dose pulse intravenous steroids, and plasma exchange at room temperature and at 35 degrees C. He died of sepsis following an unsuccessful trial of chlorambucil. Autopsy revealed unsuspected disseminated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. CONCLUSION: Serologic studies are consistent with our patient's having a single IgM cold autoantibody with IT and P specificities (anti-ITP) and requiring both specificities on the same RBC to permit maximal antibody expression.
Relativistic nuclear matter with self-consistent correlation energy.

We study relativistic nuclear matter in the [sigma]-[omega] model including the ring-sum correlation energy. The model parameters are adjusted self-consistently to give the canonical saturation density and binding energy per nucleon with the ring energy included. Two models are considered, mean-field theory where we neglect vacuum effects, and the relativistic Hartree approximation where such effects are included but in an approximate way. In both cases we find self-consistent solutions and present equations of state. In the mean-field case the ring energy completely dominates the attractive part of the energy density and the elegant saturation mechanism of the standard approach is lost, namely, relativistic quenching of the scalar attraction. In the relativistic Hartree approach the vacuum effects are included in an approximate manner using vertex form factors with a cutoff of 1--2 GeV, the range expected from QCD. Due to the cutoff, the ring energy for this case is significantly smaller, and we obtain self-consistent solutions which preserve the basic saturation mechanism of the standard relativistic approach.
Issues relating to “holes” in the oi 1304 Å far u.v. dayglow

Abstract The results from a detailed model of the multiple scattering of atomic oxygen radiation at 1304 A developed by Meier and Lee (1982) have been used to draw conclusions regarding the interpretation of “holes” observed in the far ultraviolet airglow by the Dynamics Explorer 1 satellite. However, insufficient information has been published so far on the OI 1304 A airglow problem to warrant quantitative conclusions. In the present short paper, characteristics of the 1304 A radiation transport are described in more detail, emphasizing the origin of photons leaving the top of the atmosphere. It is argued that the “hole” phenomenon cannot be the result either of depletions in thermospheric atomic oxygen or of persistent absorbing clouds within the atmosphere.
Bi-national evaluation of herbal product use on the United States/México border.

The study objective was to compare the prevalence of herbal product use between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, the largest U.S./Mexico border population. 500 households on each side of the border were randomly selected following a strict procedure for household and participant selection. 1001 adult residents of selected households participated. Trained bi-lingual interviewers conducted semistructured interviews using a bi-lingual questionnaire. A chi-square test was used to compare populations when considering discrete variables and a t test was used for continuous variables. There was no significant difference in the overall prevalence of herbal product (HP) use between the El Paso (68%) and Ciudad Juarez samples (65%). El Paso residents used a greater number of HPs compared to Ciudad Juarez residents (P = 0.001). The most common HPs used in El Paso were chamomile, aloe vera, garlic, peppermint and lime. In Ciudad Juarez, they were chamomile, eucalyptus, garlic, linden tree flower and peppermint. In addition, intra-city variation in the use of HPs was observed. On both sides of the border, relatives were the most common source of advice regarding HP use, and most HPs were reportedly used in raw form. While participants in both groups believed that the HPs were effective and safe, a large number of HPs that could potentially be responsible for drug interactions, and side effects were identified. Very low disclosure rates to physicians were reported (33% in El Paso and 14% in Ciudad Juarez). A high prevalence of HP use was documented on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border. Some significant variations in HP use were also identified. The possibilities of HP-related problems combined with low disclosure rates are of significant concern.
Efficacy and Safety of Sleep-Promoting Agents

As described in this article, the management of insomnia has been affected dramatically by advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology and morbidity of insomnia, by new applications for behavioral treatments of insomnia, and by the development of new therapeutic targets for the pharmacologic management of insomnia.
Imidazole-containing diarylether and diarylsulfone inhibitors of farnesyl-protein transferase

The design and syntheses of non-thiol inhibitors of farnesyl-protein transferase are described. Optimization of cysteine-substituted diarylethers led to highly potent imidazole-containing diarylethers and diarylsulfones. Polar diaryl linkers dramatically improved potency and gave highly cell active compounds.
A comprehensive ABET-focused assessment plan designed to involve all program faculty

In this paper, we present a comprehensive and innovative assessment plan and continuous improvement process used by one of the newest engineering programs in the United States. The program was developed from the ground up to have a strong culture of assessment in preparation for ABET. In developing the assessment plan and continuous improvement process, one design requirement was that the assessment plan involve all faculty in the program in order to establish a strong assessment culture. The assessment plan includes both direct and indirect assessment measures, as well as quantitative and qualitative evaluations of student outcome attainments. The assessment plan targets not only program-level continuous improvement, but also course-level continuous improvement. Course-level continuous improvement involves Course Evaluations and Course Assessment and Continuous Improvement (CACI) Reports, which are prepared by the faculty and serve to document direct assessments of course outcomes and student outcomes. Program-level continuous improvement involves evaluation of the collection of CACI Reports that feed into the Student Outcome Summary Reports (SOSR), which are annually prepared by the Assessment Committee members. Methods developed as part of our assessment plan are generalizable and included in the paper.
Mimetic Minorities: National Identity and Desire on Thailand's Fringe

Representations of identity are always political acts, but their politics are unpredictable. Among ethnic minorities in northern Thailand, there is a striking difference between the absence of ethnic markers from a political confrontation and the profusion of ethnic markers at non-confrontational festivals. I situate the difference in engagements with a national contact zone where so-called Mountain Peoples are denied political agency. Minority assertions of ethnic distinction and national compatibility take various forms that resonate with mimesis. Thai notions of Mountain Peoples suggest equally mimetic aspects of self-making through denied similarities. Theoretical approaches to mimesis emphasize interaction and denied resemblance as much as representation. Performances and imagery involving minority identity and difference in northern Thailand contradict common expectations of a fundamental tension between rural and minority communities and the state, and highlight often-overlooked dimensions of ident...
Estradiol as a Mechanism for Sex Differences in the Development of an Addicted Phenotype following Extended Access Cocaine Self-Administration

Women progress more rapidly after initial cocaine use to addiction as compared with men. Similarly, female rats appear to require less cocaine exposure before developing an addicted phenotype with evidence implicating estradiol as a potential mechanism. The goals of this study were to determine whether there are sex differences in the magnitude of the addicted phenotype under optimized conditions that induce its development in both males and females and to determine the role of estradiol in this effect. Following acquisition, intact male and intact and ovariectomized (OVX) female rats with and without estradiol replacement were given access to cocaine (1.5 mg/kg per infusion) under either extended access (ExA; discrete trial procedure, 4 trials/h, 24 h/day, 10 days) or short access (ShA) conditions (20 infusions maximum/day, 3 days). Motivation to obtain cocaine (0.5 mg/kg/infusion), as assessed under a progressive-ratio schedule, was then examined following a 2-week abstinence period. Results showed that following ExA self-administration, both males and females developed an addicted phenotype, with 9 of 11 males and 8 of 10 females showing a greater than 15% increase in levels of motivation to obtain cocaine as compared with ShA controls. In contrast, within the OVX groups, responding was enhanced from control levels after ExA self-administration in estradiol-replaced rats only. These results suggest that while females may have an enhanced vulnerability to developing an addicted phenotype, they may be similar to males once addiction has developed. These results also suggest that estradiol is critically involved in the development of an addicted phenotype in females.
On the theoretical and empirical framework for studying genetic interactions within and among species.

Abstract: We present a quantitative genetic (QG) interpretation of the Bateson‐Dobzhansky‐Muller (BDM) genetic model of speciation in order to unify the theoretical framework for understanding how the genetic differentiation of populations is associated with the process of speciation. Specifically, we compare the QG theory of joint scaling with the Turelli‐Orr mathematical formulation of the BDM model. By formally linking the two models, we show that a wealth of empirical methods from QG can be brought to bear on the study of the genetic architecture of hybrid phenotypes to better understand the connections, if any, between microevolution within populations and macroevolution in the origin of species. By integrating the two theories, we make additional novel predictions that enrich the opportunities for empirically testing speciation genetic theory or facets of it, such as Haldane’s rule. We show that the connection between the two theories is simple and straightforward for autosomal genes but not for sex...
Chimerism and tolerance in transplantation

Studies in experimental models (1953–1956) demonstrated that acquired donor-specific allotolerance in immunologically immature or irradiated animals is strongly associated with donor leukocyte chimerism. Bone marrow transplantation in immune-deficient or cytoablated human recipients was a logical extension (1968). In contrast, clinical (1959) and then experimental organ transplantation was systematically accomplished in the apparent absence of leukocyte chimerism. Consequently, it was assumed for many years that success with organ and bone marrow transplantation involved fundamentally different mechanisms. With the discovery in 1992 of small numbers of donor leukocytes in the tissues or blood of long-surviving organ recipients (microchimerism), we concluded that organ engraftment was a form of leukocyte chimerism-dependent partial tolerance. In this initially controversial paradigm, alloengraftment after both kinds of transplantation is the product of a double immune reaction in which responses, each to the other, of coexisting donor and recipient immune systems results in variable reciprocal clonal exhaustion, followed by peripheral clonal deletion. It was proposed with Rolf Zinkernagel that the individual alloresponses are the equivalent of the MHC-restricted T cell recognition of, and host response to, intracellular parasites and that the mechanisms of immune responsiveness, or nonresponsiveness, are governed by the migration and localization of the respective antigens. Elucidation of the mechanisms of nonresponsiveness (clonal exhaustion-deletion and immune ignorance) and their regulation removed much of the historical mystique of transplantation. The insight was then applied to improve the timing and dosage of immunosuppression of current human transplant recipients.
A clinician-driven automated system for integration of pharmacogenetic interpretations into an electronic medical record.

Advances in pharmacogenetic testing will expand the number of clinically important pharmacogenetic variants. Communication and interpretation of these test results are critical steps in implementation of pharmacogenetics into the clinic. Computational tools that integrate directly into the electronic medical record (EMR) are needed to translate the growing number of genetic variants into interpretive consultations to facilitate gene-based drug prescribing. Herein, we describe processes for incorporating pharmacogenetic tests and interpretations into the EMR for clinical practice. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2012); 92 5, 563–566. doi:10.1038/clpt.2012.140
Dental Caries and Dental Fluorosis Among Schoolchildren Who Were Lifelong Residents of Communities Having Either Low or Optimal Levels of Fluoride in Drinking Water

OBJECTIVE This paper reports findings for dental caries and dental fluorosis in 8-10- and 13-16-year-old schoolchildren who were lifelong residents of communities having either naturally occurring low (Broken Bow and Holdrege, NE; < 0.3 ppm) or optimal (Kewanee, IL; 1 ppm) levels of fluoride in drinking water. METHODS Findings are reported for participants who received both dental caries and dental fluorosis examinations (n = 495). The DMFS and TSIF indices, respectively, were used to assess dental caries and dental fluorosis. RESULTS The mean DMFS score adjusted for age, sealant presence, and fluoride use was significantly lower in Kewanee (1.8) than was the adjusted mean caries score in either Holdrege (2.9) or Broken Bow (3.6). Adjusted mean DMFS scores in Broken Bow and Holdrege were not statistically different. The mean percent of fluorosed tooth surfaces per person, adjusted for age and use of dietary fluoride supplements, was similar in the three communities (approximately 15%); more than 80 percent of tooth surfaces in all participants were fluorosis-free. CONCLUSIONS Findings from the present study suggest that water fluoridation still is beneficial and that dental sealants can play a significant role in preventing dental caries. In addition, findings from this survey appear to support the premise that the difference in dental fluorosis prevalence between fluoridated and nonfluoridated communities has narrowed considerably in recent years.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Spinoculation Enhances Infection through Virus Binding

The study of early events in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) life cycle can be limited by the relatively low numbers of cells that can be infected synchronously in vitro. Although the efficiency of HIV-1 infection can be substantially improved by centrifugal inoculation (spinoculation or shell vial methods), the underlying mechanism of enhancement has not been defined. To understand spinoculation in greater detail, we have used real-time PCR to quantitate viral particles in suspension, virions that associate with cells, and the ability of those virions to give rise to reverse transcripts. We report that centrifugation of HIV-1(IIIB) virions at 1,200 x g for 2 h at 25 degrees C increases the number of particles that bind to CEM-SS T-cell targets by approximately 40-fold relative to inoculation by simple virus-cell mixing. Following subsequent incubation at 37 degrees C for 5 h to allow membrane fusion and uncoating to occur, the number of reverse transcripts per target cell was similarly enhanced. Indeed, by culturing spinoculated samples for 24 h, approximately 100% of the target cells were reproducibly shown to be productively infected, as judged by the expression of p24(gag). Because the modest g forces employed in this procedure were found to be capable of sedimenting viral particles and because CD4-specific antibodies were effective at blocking virus binding, we propose that spinoculation works by depositing virions on the surfaces of target cells and that diffusion is the major rate-limiting step for viral adsorption under routine in vitro pulsing conditions. Thus, techniques that accelerate the binding of viruses to target cells not only promise to facilitate the experimental investigation of postentry steps of HIV-1 infection but should also help to enhance the efficacy of virus-based genetic therapies.
BENCHMARKS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES IN OECD COUNTRIES

The Innocenti Report Card 8 presents ten benchmarks for early childhood services. It represents a bold first step towards the ultimate goal of improving the lives of young children by enabling international comparisons to be made in the early childhood field, thereby encouraging countries to learn from each other’s experiences. The current paper provides some critical reflections on the challenges involved in establishing the principle of standard-setting in the early childhood field and suggests factors that should command our attention as the principle - as is hoped - becomes established and the process of standard-setting matures.
Neural estimation of scatterer density in ultrasound

Ultrasonic backscatter can provide information on the density of scatterers within biological media, and is therefore an important tool in tissue characterization. In this paper, a novel neural network approach to estimate scatterer density from generalized entropy is proposed. Neural estimation compares favorably with nonlinear least-squares models.
Hand Synergies During Reach-to-Grasp

An emerging viewpoint is that the CNS uses synergies to simplify the control of the hand. Previous work has shown that static hand postures for mimed grasps can be described by a few principal comp...
Electromagnetics scattering from a cluster of spheres

The authors present a solution for electromagnetic scattering from a cluster of spheres by using the generalized RATMA (recursive aggregate T-matrix algorithm). Numerical simulations demonstrate that this method could easily generate an electromagnetic scattering solution for hundreds of spheres. The computational complexity of the algorithm is proportional to N/sup 2/MP/sup 2/, where N is the number of spheres and P is the number of spherical harmonics used in the expansion of the field, instead of N/sup 3/P/sup 3/ for the brute force method. >
Predicting the Sharing of Household Labor: Are Parenting and Housework Distinct?:

Using a representative sample of married couples with preschool-aged children in the United States, this study analyzes the condi- tions under which husbands share household tasks conventionally per- formed by wives. Survey data are analyzed using LISREL VII procedures, with proportional hourly contributions to child care (feeding, bathing, dressing, or putting child to bed) and housework (housecleaning, shopping, cooking, meal cleanup or laundry) treated as conceptually distinct depen- dent variables. Husbands perform an average of 26 percent of the child care and 21 percent of the housework and contribute more to both child care and housework if they are employed fewer hours than their wives. For house- work, couples share more if wives earn a larger share of the family income, have more education, and hold more favorable attitudes toward maternal employment. For preschool-aged child care, couples share more if they have more and older children and husbands hold more favorable attitudes toward maternal employment. Theoretical explanations for the observed findings are discussed; we advocate modeling and measuring child care and house- work as distinct, but interrelated activities.
Intracranial hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Purpose: Intracranial hypertension (IH) mimicking pseudotumor cerebri (i.e., idiopathic IH) has been reported in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) since the 1960s. Although various mechanisms have been proposed (e.g., venous thrombosis, medication side effect, and immunologic or inflammatory disease) none have been proven to be causal. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with IH and SLE at a single tertiary care institution. Results: In a cohort of IIH patients the percentage of patients in our study with SLE was 1% (4 in 410). Three out of the four patients had serologic evidence for a hypercoagulable state but only one had cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Two patients had onset or worsening of IH in close temporal relationship to steroid withdrawal. The course, treatment, and prognosis of our patients with SLE and intracranial hypertension did not differ significantly from our clinical experience with IIH or with the published natural history data for IIH. Conclusions: The...
When Individual Dispositions and Social Pressure Conflict: A Catastrophe

When a personal dispositional variable is in conflict with social pressure, the resulting behavior is hypothesized to follow a cusp catastrophe. The catastrophe model allows'for discontinuities and bimodality in behavior. Specifically, when social pressure is low, behavior is expected to be a smooth, monotonic function of disposition. When social pressure is high and disposition is low, behavior will be low; when social pressure is high and disposition is high, relevant behavior will be bimodal-some people engaging in low levels of behavior and some engaging in high levels of behavior. In dynamic terms, shifts in dispositions at high levels of social pressure will result in discontinuous, i.e., "catastrophic" changes in behavior. Increments in social pressure at high levels of disposition will result in divergence, i.e., bimodality.
Cellular mechanisms of cardiomyopathy

The heart exhibits remarkable adaptive responses to a wide array of genetic and extrinsic factors to maintain contractile function. When compensatory responses are not sustainable, cardiac dysfunction occurs, leading to cardiomyopathy. The many forms of cardiomyopathy exhibit a set of overlapping phenotypes reflecting the limited range of compensatory responses that the heart can use. These include cardiac hypertrophy, induction of genes normally expressed during development, fibrotic deposits that replace necrotic and apoptotic cardiomyocytes, and metabolic disturbances. The compensatory responses are mediated by signaling pathways that initially serve to maintain normal contractility; however, persistent activation of these pathways leads to cardiac dysfunction. Current research focuses on ways to target these specific pathways therapeutically.
Numerical Estimations of Horizontal Advection inside Canopies

Abstract Local advection of scalar quantities such as heat, moisture, or carbon dioxide occurs not only above inhomogeneous surfaces but also within roughness elements on these surfaces. A two-dimensional advection–diffusion equation is applied to examine the fractionation of scalar exchange into horizontal advection within a canopy and vertical turbulent eddy transport at the canopy top. Simulations were executed with combinations of various wind speeds, eddy diffusivities, canopy heights, and source strengths. The results show that the vertical turbulent fluxes at the canopy top increase along the fetch and approach a limit at some downstream distance. The horizontal advection in the canopy is maximum at the edge of canopy and decreases exponentially along the fetch. All cases have the same features, except the absolute quantities depend on the environmental conditions. When the horizontal axis is normalized by using the dimensionless variable xK/uh2, horizontal diffusion is negligible, and the upwind c...
Utilization of partially predated snail shells by the hermit crab Pagurus longicarpus Say, 1817

The hermit crab Pagurus longicarpus was shown to inhabit shells that were partially predated from intertidal areas of Long Island, New York. Among field collections of P. longicarpus, 2.13% of the hermit crabs (46 of 2155) were found with shells with snail tissue present. Over 90% of these partially predated snail shells were occupied by male hermit crabs. Although hermit crabs were in 8 species of snail shells, only Littorina littorea and Nassarius obsoletus were found occupied by hermit crabs and containing snail tissue. In the laboratory, we found that specimens of the spider crab Libinia emarginata were able to pull off the operculum of snails, leaving damage as found in field collections. In contrast, specimens of P. longicarpus were not able to prey on live, healthy snails. When specimens of P. longicarpus were placed in communal tanks, hermit crabs preferred partially predated snail shells to empty and original shells. However, original shells and empty shells were occupied with more frequency than partially predated shells when crabs were isolated. These findings indicate P. longicarpus actively seeks shells soon after attack and abandonment by snail predators, especially in the presence of competitors.
Telomerase as a universal tumor antigen for cancer vaccines

T-cell immunotherapy relies on the fundamental concept that tumor antigens exist and are presented in the context of MHC molecules for recognition by specific T cells capable of cytolysis. However, heterogeneous expression of most characterized tumor antigens limits the broad applicability of cancer vaccines that target such antigens. Telomerase, on the other hand, represents a prototype of a universal tumor antigen due to both its expression by the vast majority of tumors and its inherent functional involvement in oncogenic transformation. Given these attractive features, the identification of epitopes within human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), the catalytic subunit of telomerase, has led to the investigation of this tumor antigen as a broadly applicable immunological target. Basic immunological analyses have revealed that hTERT is immunogenic, and initial clinical trials of multiple vaccine formulations have demonstrated that hTERT-specific immune responses can be safely induced in patients and impact on clinical outcomes. Second-generation vaccines are now addressing strategies to enhance cellular immunity against hTERT without toxicity. Findings obtained from these trials will inform the possibility of broad-spectrum cancer immunotherapy or even immunoprevention.
Developmental regulation and neuroprotective effects of striatal tonic GABAA currents.

Striatal neurons are known to express GABAA receptor subunits that underlie both phasic and tonic inhibition. Striatal projection neurons, or medium spiny neurons (MSNs), are divided into two classes: MSNs containing the dopamine D1 receptor (D1-MSNs) form the direct pathway to the substantia nigra and facilitate movement while MSNs expressing the dopamine D2 receptor (D2-MSNs) form the pallidal pathway that inhibits movement. Consequently, modulating inhibition in distinct classes of MSNs will differentially impact downstream network activity and motor behavior. Given the powerful role of extrasynaptic inhibition in controlling neuronal excitability, we examined the nature of striatal tonic inhibition and its potential role in preventing excitotoxicity. Consistent with earlier studies in young (P16–P25) mice, tonic GABA currents in D2-MSNs were larger than in D1-MSNs. However, with age (>P30 mice) the tonic GABA currents increased in D1-MSNs but decreased in D2-MSNs. These data demonstrate a developmental switch in the MSN subtype expressing larger tonic GABA currents. Compared to wild-type, MSNs from adult mice lacking the GABAAR δ subunit (Gabrd−/− mice) had both decreased tonic GABA currents and reduced survival following an in vitro excitotoxic challenge with quinolinic acid. Furthermore, muscimol-induced tonic GABA currents were accompanied by reduced acute swelling of striatal neurons after exposure to NMDA in WT mice but not in Gabrd−/− mice. Our data are consistent with a role for tonic inhibition mediated by GABAAR δ subunits in neuroprotection against excitotoxic insults in the adult striatum.
Deregulation of a Hox protein regulatory network spanning prostate cancer initiation and progression.

Purpose: The aberrant activity of developmental pathways in prostate cancer may provide significant insight into predicting tumor initiation and progression, as well as identifying novel therapeutic targets. To this end, despite shared androgen-dependence and functional similarities to the prostate gland, seminal vesicle cancer is exceptionally rare. Experimental Design: We conducted genomic pathway analyses comparing patient-matched normal prostate and seminal vesicle epithelial cells to identify novel pathways for tumor initiation and progression. Derived gene expression profiles were grouped into cancer biomodules using a protein–protein network algorithm to analyze their relationship to known oncogenes. Each resultant biomodule was assayed for its prognostic ability against publically available prostate cancer patient gene array datasets. Results: Analyses show that the embryonic developmental biomodule containing four homeobox gene family members (Meis1, Meis2, Pbx1, and HoxA9) detects a survival difference in a set of watchful-waiting patients ( n = 172, P = 0.05), identify men who are more likely to recur biochemically postprostatectomy ( n = 78, P = 0.02), correlate with Gleason score ( r = 0.98, P = 0.02), and distinguish between normal prostate, primary tumor, and metastatic disease. In contrast to other cancer types, Meis1, Meis2, and Pbx1 expression is decreased in poor-prognosis tumors, implying that they function as tumor suppressor genes for prostate cancer. Immunohistochemical staining documents nuclear basal-epithelial and stromal Meis2 staining, with loss of Meis2 expression in prostate tumors. Conclusion: These data implicate deregulation of the Hox protein cofactors Meis1, Meis2, and Pbx1 as serving a critical function to suppress prostate cancer initiation and progression. Clin Cancer Res; 18(16); 4291–302. ©2012 AACR .
SAPP: scalable and adaptable peak power management in nocs

To address peak power concerns in networks-on-chip (NoCs), dynamic peak power management schemes that handle varying power requirements are essential. Previous schemes use deterministic peak power budget management techniques that do not scale or adapt efficiently to changing power budget requirements. Using a non-deterministic and independent approach, this research proposes SAPP, a Scalable and Adaptable Peak Power management technique for NoCs. Evaluation of SAPP on uniform and non-uniform varying injection loads demonstrates flit latency and effective throughput improvements averaging 47% and 36%, respectively. Efficient power budget utilization makes SAPP an ideal technique for peak power management in NoCs under varying traffic patterns.
Goal agreement and relationship quality among college students and their parents

Two hundred eight parent–college student dyads (total N = 416) participated in the current study, which examined the link between goal agreement and perceived conflict within their relationships. Undergraduate participants (91 male, 117 female) completed a demographic form, a 65 items goal measure, and a measure of parental conflict. Parents (98 fathers, 110 mothers) were asked to rate the importance of the same 65 goals for their emerging adult children. College students tended to place more importance on independence, affect control, health, social relationships, and financial concern goals than their parents did, whereas parents placed more importance on moral and religious goals than their emerging adult children did. However, relative goal agreement between parents and college students was found to be moderately high. Those parent–college student dyads who experienced less conflict tended to have higher goal agreement, whereas those dyads with a higher level of conflict had lower goal agreement. These findings provide further evidence for the link between interpersonal relationships and the personality construct of goals.
The influence of atmospheric zonal wave three on Antarctic sea ice variability

[1] The study examines the relationship between atmospheric zonal wave three and Antarctic sea ice variability using an index of zonal wave three and sea ice concentration. The net sensible heat flux and the surface air temperature are used to explain the apparent atmosphere-sea ice interaction. The results show that zonal wave three forces an alternating pattern of equatorward (colder) and poleward (warmer) flow which influences the temperature difference between the atmosphere and the ocean. The net sensible heat flux is positive, ocean heat loss is greater, and sea ice growth and expansion is greater in regions of colder air. The reverse is true in regions of warmer air. This influence of zonal wave three on sea ice concentration appears greatest in the southern fall and early winter. It is most clearly seen in the Ross and Weddell Seas outflows and off the Amery iceshelf.
Real-time image processing algorithms for an automated retinal laser surgery system

Although laser retinal surgery is the best available treatment for a variety of ophthalmic disorders, the current procedure has a success rate of less than 50%. A computer-controlled instrument is under development for minimizing this failure rate. This paper presents core image-processing methods used for this system. The image-processing problems of interest in this paper are (i) the computation of a retinal map from video retinal angiograms, and (ii) real-time eye tracking and location determination during laser surgery. The algorithms described here comprise of a fast method for detecting retinal landmark feature points, a fast method for matching feature-tagged point sets, feature-based method for montaging retinal angiograms, and an algorithm for real-time image tracking.
PL Spatial Variation in InGaN/GaN MQWs Studied by Confocal Microscopy and TRPL Spectroscopy

Confocal laser scanning microscopy and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectroscopy were used to study blue-emitting InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells. Spatial and spectral variations of photoluminescence (PL) were observed over submicron-scale regions. Spectral measurements showed that the bright regions have a higher PL intensity as well as smaller peak energy than the dark regions. Correlations among the bright region-dark region PL peak energy difference, the average PL intensity, the PL FWHM, the bright region PL intensity, and the extent of PL intensity fluctuation were observed. As the energy difference increased, the average PL intensity, the PL FWHM, and the bright region PL intensity increased, with a higher degree of areal PL intensity fluctuations. TRPL measurements and calculations showed that the effective PL lifetime at bright regions was longer than that at dark regions, and bright region lifetime increases as energy difference increases, possibly as a result of stronger confinement.
The Application of Size-Robust Trend Statistics to Global-Warming Temperature Series

Abstract In this note, new evidence is provided confirming that global temperature series spanning back to the mid-1800s have statistically significant positive trends. Although there is a growing consensus that global temperatures are on the rise systematically, some recent studies have pointed out that strong serial correlation (or a unit root) in global temperature data could, in theory, generate spurious evidence of a significant positive trend. In other words, strong serially correlated data can mimic trending behavior over fixed periods of time. A serial-correlation–robust trend test recently was proposed that controls for the possibility of spurious evidence due to strong serial correlation. This new test is valid whether the errors are stationary or have a unit root (strong serial correlation). This test also has the attractive feature that it does not require estimates of serial correlation nuisance parameters. The test is applied to six annual global temperature series, and it provides strong ev...
Antibiotic-Bonded Graft Patency in the Setting of a Polymicrobial Infection in Swine (Sus scrofa)

INTRODUCTION: Impaired diabetic wound healing, a source of significant disability, has been attributed to the reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) and an overabundance of oxidative stress. We demonstrated that xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), important in purine metabolism and reactive oxygen species production, is highly expressed in regenerating skin. It is also a strong nitrite reductase that can produce NO from nitrite. We hypothesized that XOR can be harnessed to generate NO from nitrite and may improve diabetic wound healing.
The Effect of Oral Contraceptives on Calcium Absorption

An impressive body of experimental and clinical evidence has accumulated which describes the effects of pharmacological and physiological doses of estrogens and progestogens on calcium and bone metabolism in man. One of the most obvious and glaring observations in this regard is that cyclic therapy of prepubertal subjects with estrogens and progestogens leads to a marked acceleration of epiphysial closure and linear growth with a resultant telescoping of the skeletal growth pattern. Accordingly, the present extensive use of various estrogenic-progestational combinations for the purpose of contraception warrants an objective review of the effects of prolonged therapy with these agents on calcium and mineral metabolism in man. This analysis should include not only any evaluation of hormonal effects in the younger menstruating (and presumably contraceptive prone) population, but also in the older post-menopausal patient since the so-called “oral contraceptive agents” have recently been advocated (and used) for the “therapy” of symptomatic osteoporosis. Subsequent reviews in this symposium will be concerned with the nature and extent of bone mineral and osteoid changes as well as the alterations in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis observed during intervals characterized by increasing circulating levels of estrogens and progestogens. Intrinsic to any scheme proposed to account for these effects is a knowledge of the effects of estrogens and/or progestogens on the intestinal absorption of calcium.