cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Auditory evoked potentials of utricular hair cells in the plainfin midshipman, Porichthys notatus.

The plainfin midshipman, Porichthys notatus, is a soniferous marine teleost fish that generates acoustic signals for intraspecific social communication. Nocturnally active males and females rely on their auditory sense to detect and locate vocally active conspecifics during social behaviors. Previous work showed that the midshipman inner ear saccule and lagena are highly adapted to detect and encode socially relevant acoustic stimuli, but the auditory sensitivity and function of the midshipman utricle remain largely unknown. Here, we characterize the auditory evoked potentials from hair cells in the utricle of non-reproductive type I males and test the hypothesis that the midshipman utricle is sensitive to behaviorally-relevant acoustic stimuli. Hair cell potentials were recorded from the rostral, medial and caudal regions of the utricle in response to pure tone stimuli presented by an underwater speaker. We show that the utricle is highly sensitive to particle motion stimuli produced by an underwater speaker positioned in the horizontal plane. Utricular potentials were recorded across a broad range of frequencies with lowest particle acceleration (dB re: 1 ms-2) thresholds occurring at 105 Hz (lowest frequency tested; mean threshold=-32 dB re: 1 ms-2) and highest thresholds at 605 to 1005 Hz (mean threshold range=-5 to -4 dB re: 1 ms-2). The high gain and broadband frequency sensitivity of the utricle suggests that it likely serves a primary auditory function and is well suited to detect conspecific vocalizations including broadband agonistic signals and the multiharmonic advertisement calls produce by reproductive type I males.
Post-Earthquake Emergency Response Time to Locations of Fire Ignition

This paper investigates fire department response time to locations of ignition after an earthquake and proposes a framework to identify vulnerable areas in a community by considering both the likel...
A Vicious Viewership: Transatlantic Television Audiences and LGBTQ Identities

This paper uses the series Vicious (2013–2016), which aired on the British network ITV and the American noncommercial network PBS, as a case study in transatlantic reception for LGBTQ content. I draw on critical reception for the series, the star personae of lead actors Derek Jacobi and Ian McKellen, and studies of American perceptions of British masculinities. The varied reception for the series, understood through the networks’ economic models and cultural constructions of masculinities, reveals how notions of “quality” and “social progress” change as canned television travels to different national contexts.
Migrant Detention and COVID-19: Pandemic Responses in Four New Jersey Detention Centers

On March 24, 2020, a 31-year-old Mexican national in Bergen County Jail, New Jersey, became the first federal immigration detainee to test positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). By April 10...
The Role of the Stem-Loop A RNA Promoter in Flavivirus Replication

An essential challenge in the lifecycle of RNA viruses is identifying and replicating the viral genome amongst all the RNAs present in the host cell cytoplasm. Yet, how the viral polymerase selectively recognizes and copies the viral RNA genome is poorly understood. In flaviviruses, the 5'-end of the viral RNA genome contains a 70 nucleotide-long stem-loop, called stem-loop A (SLA), which functions as a promoter for genome replication. During replication, flaviviral polymerase NS5 specifically recognizes SLA to both initiate viral RNA synthesis and to methylate the 5' guanine cap of the nascent RNA. While the sequences of this region vary between different flaviviruses, the three-way junction arrangement of secondary structures is conserved in SLA, suggesting that viruses recognize a common structural feature to replicate the viral genome rather than a particular sequence. To better understand the molecular basis of genome recognition by flaviviruses, we recently determined the crystal structures of flavivirus SLAs from dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). In this review, I will provide an overview of (1) flaviviral genome replication; (2) structures of viral SLA promoters and NS5 polymerases; and (3) and describe our current model of how NS5 polymerases specifically recognize the SLA at the 5' terminus of the viral genome to initiate RNA synthesis at the 3' terminus.
Iterative design of a high zT thermoelectric material

Designing a high efficiency thermoelectric material for thermal to electric energy conversion means simultaneously optimizing multiple properties of the material. Although it might seem straightforward to maximize the electrical power and minimize thermal losses, the convoluted relationship between these properties makes optimization complex, requiring a more sophisticated algorithm. The Accelerated Insertion of Materials (AIM) methodology developed to engineer the mechanical properties of complex multiphase steel alloys provides a framework for optimization that can be applied to engineer the thermal and electrical transport properties of a multiphase thermoelectric material. The AIM methodology can be utilized in creating a high figure of merit (zT) material by considering the effects of each structural parameter, such as grain size and grain boundary properties, precipitate volume fraction, and doping and defect concentration of the matrix phase on the zT of the material using a variety of analytical models. The combination of these models provides a way to accelerate the design of high zT materials.
A Theory of Network Tracing

Traceroute is a widely used program for computing the topology of any network in the Internet. Using Traceroute, one starts from a node and chooses any other node in the network. Traceroute obtains the sequence of nodes that occur between these two nodes, as specified by the routing tables in these nodes. Each use of Traceroute in a network produces a trace of nodes that constitute a simple path in this network. In every trace that is produced by Traceroute, each node occurs either by its unique identifier, or by the anonymous identifier"*". In this paper, we introduce the first theory aimed at answering the following important question. Is there an algorithm to compute the topology of a network N from a trace set T that is produced by using Traceroute in network N , assuming that each edge in N occurs in at least one trace in T , and that each node in N occurs by its unique identifier in at least one trace in T ? We prove that the answer to this question is "No" if N is an even ring or a general network. However, it is "Yes" if N is a tree or an odd ring. The answer is also "No" if N is mostly-regular, but "Yes" if N is a mostly-regular even ring.
From rural transformation to global integration: comparative analyses of the environmental dimensions of China’s rise

An American geographer and specialist on Asia’s environments reviews three theoretical frameworks (Classical, Ecological Modernization, and Critical Political Ecology) that offer different prognoses and solutions to the problem of environmental degradation in China. He argues that the former two approaches limit understanding of (and available solutions to) China’s environmental problems, often framed in environmental crisis narratives. He demonstrates how the third framework (Critical Political Ecology) offers an alternative analysis of the fundamental environmental issues accompanying China’s rise, yielding quite different insights informing policy and practice.
Child death review. The state of the nation.

Abstract Background Child death review (CDR) is a mechanism to more accurately describe the causes and circumstances of death among children. The number of states performing CDR has more than doubled since 1992, but little is known about the characteristics of these programs. The purpose of this study was to describe the current status of CDR in the United States and to document variability in program purpose, scope, organization, and process. Methods Investigators administered a written survey to CDR program representatives from 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC), followed by a telephone interview. Results All 50 states and DC participated; 48 states and DC have an active CDR program. A total of 94% of programs agreed that identifying the cause of and preventing future deaths are important purposes of CDR. Assistance with child maltreatment prosecution was cited as an important purpose by only 13 states (27%). Twenty-two states (45%) review deaths from all causes, while six states (12%) review only deaths due to child maltreatment. CDR legislation exists in 33 states. Fifty-three percent of the CDR programs were implemented since 1996, and 59% report no or inadequate funding. CDR contributes to the death investigation process in seven states (14%), but the majority (59%) of reviews are retrospective, occurring months to years after the child’s death. Conclusions CDR programs in the United States share commonalities in purpose and scope. Without national leadership, however, the wide variation in organization and process threatens to limit CDR effectiveness.
Model-driven techniques for evaluating the QoS of middleware configurations for DRE systems

This paper provides two contributions to R&D on model-driven development (MDD) techniques that help codify the impact of middleware configurations on end-to-end distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) system quality of service (QoS). First, we describe how MDD techniques can help select middleware configuration parameters that satisfy key functional and QoS requirements of DRE systems. Second, we apply our MDD techniques to empirically evaluate the end-to-end QoS of representative DRE systems in the avionics and industrial manufacturing domains. Our results show how MDD techniques significantly enhance conventional ad hoc processes used by developers to configure middleware that meets the QoS needs of DRE systems.
Cognition and classroom quality as predictors of math achievement in the kindergarten year

Abstract Using a sample of 171 children, we examined classroom quality as a potential moderator of the link between three distinct but related aspects of cognition (fluid intelligence, crystallized intelligence, and executive functioning) and math achievement across the kindergarten year. Multilevel modeling analyses were conducted to account for nesting of students within classrooms. Results revealed significant aptitude by treatment interactions for fluid and crystallized intelligence, suggesting that classroom practices may affect children differently depending on their abilities. Children with higher levels of fluid intelligence and of crystallized intelligence fared better in higher quality classrooms. Results also provide some support for Cattell's investment hypothesis. Implications of the results are discussed.
Effect of Estrogen Implants on Hepatic Lipid Deposition in Chicks Fed Different Isonitrogenous and Isocaloric Diets

Two experiments were conducted to determine if differences in response of livers to estradiol administration in male broiler chicks would be observed if fed isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets of different composition. A polymethylsiloxane tube filled with estradiol dipropionate was implanted under the neck skin to ensure a constant release of hormone. Different tube sizes were implanted in two- to three-week-old chicks fed a basal corn-soybean meal (CS) diet or a diet containing fish meal, alfalfa meal, and torula yeast (FAY) o distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Body weight gains were significantly reduced by the highest level of estradiol in chicks fed the CS diet but not chicks fed FAY or DDGS. Liver weight, deposition of lipid in liver and plasma lipid were markedly increased in proportion to the size of estradiol tube in chicks fed all diets. Increase of liver weight and lipid deposition by the highest level of estradiol in chicks fed the CS diet was significantly greater than that in chicks fed the FAY diet. Liver weight and the liver lipid response to estradiol in chicks fed the CS diet were significantly greater than that in chicks fed the FAY diet when dose response equations were compared among diets. These data show that the response on deposition of lipid in liver to estrogen administration was modified by the type of ingredients included in diets with similar energy and nutrient profiles.
A multi‐step approach for downscaling daily precipitation extremes from historical analogues

A unique approach for downscaling daily precipitation extremes from historical analogues is presented. While various analogue methods have been developed for the purpose of downscaling local climate data, few have placed an emphasis on downscaling daily extremes. Unlike previous approaches, the new method utilizes a two-step procedure in which the occurrence of extreme precipitation on a given target day is first determined based on the observed probability of extreme precipitation on that day's closest historical analogue days. Then, if extreme precipitation occurred on the selected analogue day, the historical precipitation observations associated with the analogue day are used to ascribe precipitation amounts on the corresponding target day. The method is developed and tested for a very strict definition of extreme precipitation (partial duration series events), as well as a more lenient definition of extreme precipitation (95th percentile of non-zero precipitation events). The analogue approach is more skillful than climatology at identifying the occurrence of both partial duration series (PDS) and 95th percentile events. In both cases, the analogue method slightly underestimates the observed occurrence of extreme precipitation. Return period precipitation amounts estimated from the downscaled PDS are similar to, but generally lower than those calculated from observed PDS. Over the entire study domain (157 stations in New York State and surrounding regions of adjacent states and Canada), the median difference between downscaled and observed 5-year (100-year) return period precipitation amounts is less than 5% (10%). These median differences are smaller than those obtained from historical dynamically downscaled climate model simulations.
Does Completion of Quantitative Courses Predict Better Quantitative Reasoning-in-Writing Proficiency?

Using data from Carleton College, this study explores the connection between students’ completion of a range of quantitative courses and the quality of their quantitative reasoning in writing (QRW) as exhibited in courses throughout the undergraduate curriculum during the first two years of college. Because the assessment takes place in the context of a campus-wide initiative which has improved QRW on the whole, the study identifies course-taking patterns which predict stronger than average improvement. Results suggest QRW is not exceptionally improved by taking courses in statistics, principles of economics, or in the social sciences more broadly. QRW performance is, on the other hand, correlated strongly with having taken a firstyear seminar specifically designed to teach QR thinking and communication. To a lesser degree, QRW is correlated with courses in the natural sciences and upper-level calculus. It is impossible to rule out all forms of selection bias explanations for these patterns. However, the broad pattern of correlations between QRW, courses, and standardized test scores argues for a causal interpretation.
Analysis of mammary tumors for cytochemical evidence of endogenous mammary peroxidase.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not endogenous mammary peroxidase can serve as a cytochemical marker to distinguish ovarian hormone-dependent from ovarian hormone independent mammary tumors. Spontaneous mammary tumors arising in virgin C3H and GR mice (hormone independent tumors) and hormone-dependent mammary tumors arising during pregnancy in GR mice were examined. None of these tumors contained mammary peroxidase. Mammary tumors induced in Sprague-Dawley rats with methylnitrousourea (MNU) and dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) were also examined. These tumors included hormone-dependent and hormone independent ones. Several of the DMBA-induced hormonedependent tumors contained a few peroxidase-positive cells, but the hormone independent tumors were negative. All of the MNU-induced tumors examined were negative for mammary peroxidase. Twenty human breast tumors (malignant and non-malignant) removed from women at surgery, were also negative for mammary peroxidase. Our results indicate that endogenous mammary peroxidase cannot be used to distinguish hormone-dependent from hormone independent mammary tumors.
A hybrid BEM formulation for multiple cracks in orthotropic elastic components

Abstract Local analysis schemes capable of detailed representations of micro-features (e.g. micro-crack interactions) of a problem are integrated with a macro-scale BEM technique capable of handling orthotropic elastic components with complex finite geometries and realistic boundary conditions. The micro-scale effects are introduced into the macro-scale BEM analysis through an augmented fundamental solution obtained from an integral equation representation of the micro-scale features. The proposed hybrid micro-macro BEM formulation allows decomposition of the complete problem into two sub-problems, one residing entirely at the micro-level and the other at the macro-level. This allows for investigations of the effects of the micro-structural attributes while retaining the macro-scale geometric features and actual boundary conditions for the component or structure under consideration. As a first attempt, elastic fracture mechanics problems with interacting cracks at close spacings are considered. The proposed micro-macro BEM formulation can easily be extended to investigate the effects of other micro-features (e.g. interfaces, short or continuous fiber reinforcements, voids, and inclusions, in the context of linear elasticity) on macroscopic failure modes observed in structural components.
First-principles study of pentaerythritol tetranitrate single crystals under high pressure: Vibrational properties

Abstract First-principles theoretical methods were used to investigate the vibrational properties of pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) under hydrostatic compression up to 4 GPa. Bond lengths and bond angles for the PETN molecules and the pressure–volume relation for the crystal under high pressure were calculated and compared with previous calculations and with experimental results. Based on the calculated optimized geometries at ambient conditions and under hydrostatic pressure, the frequencies of the internal vibrational modes of the PETN molecules in the crystal and pressure-induced frequency shifts of these vibrational modes were obtained. The calculated vibrational frequencies are compared with previous single molecule calculations and with experimental data.
A community collaborative practice experience between med/peds and family practice

Purpose The medical literature has followed educational outcomes of Medicine-Pediatric (Med/Peds) physicians, but limited studies exist as to clinical outcomes for these combined specialty physicians. Although a variety of practice environments are available for a growing number of Med/Peds physicians, a collaborative practice setting with family physicians may optimize the Med/Peds practice potential. This study investigates clinical practice outcomes and utilization efficiencies of collaborative Med/Peds family practice physicians within a community, which should provide an effective model in a growing managed care environment. Patients and methods Two collaborative practice settings in a moderate size Midwest community were analyzed with respect to patient demographics and utilization scores provided by a practice management group and a nationally based health care network. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding was used to follow demographic trends for over 45,000 patient visits for 1 year. Efficiency ratings (Z-scores) were used over the same year for over 6,000 health care network patient visits to 10 collaborative practice-based physicians, which were then compared to 141,101 community family practice patient encounters, 26,617 general internist patient encounters, and 29,995 patient encounters to pediatricians for utilization trends. Results Med/Peds and Family Practice patient care data reflected nearly identical patient demographics between specialties with only a few exceptions. Med/Peds physicians cared for three times the total number of children less than 2 years old. Med/Peds physicians experienced a higher complexity of illness, in part due to a 40% increase in internal referrals from family practice colleagues in the ambulatory care setting, while maintaining a third of the proportion of outpatient referrals. Cost-effective interoffice utilization was still maintained, supported by a more optimal efficiency rating for Med/Peds physicians compared to collaborative family practice colleagues. Inpatient efficiency was demonstrated for Med/Peds specialists even though a threefold increase in hospitalizations was observed, in part resulting from physicians within these collaborative practices arranging all newborn nursery and pediatric admissions be covered by Med/Peds physicians. Both collaborative primary care specialists demonstrated more cost-effective overall practice utilization scores when compared to community-based primary care specialists. Conclusions Med/Peds physicians in this study have been trained to provide cost-effective patient care in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Decreased outside referrals by collaborative family practice physicians through utilization of Med/Peds colleagues serves to optimize practice economy by eliminating the threat of competition that exists among community-based generalists. Such a model helps to control an overused referral system to subspecialists.
Integrating Buprenorphine Treatment into Office-based Practice: a Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND Despite the availability and demonstrated effectiveness of office-based buprenorphine maintenance treatment (BMT), the systematic examination of physicians’ attitudes towards this new medical practice has been largely neglected.
Alterations in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA induced by 5-azacytidine in vivo.

Abstract Administration in vivo of 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR) caused suppression of [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) incorporation into DNA of bone marrow and gastrointestinal mucosa of mice and a more prolonged suppression of L1210 ascites tumor. Single doses of 5-aza-CR caused a modest and short-lived suppression of incorporation of [3H]uridine ([3H]UR) into nuclear RNA of L1210 ascites tumor cells. No suppression of [3H]UR incorporation into RNA of bone marrow or gastrointestinal mucosa was observed. L1210 tumor cells resistant to the other active cytidine analogue, cytosine arabinoside, demonstrated less disruption of [3H]TdR incorporation after exposure to 5-aza-CR, suggesting some cross resistance in the effects of these two drugs on DNA synthesis. Survival studies carried out in mice bearing both the sensitive and resistant L1210 tumor cell lines confirmed cross resistance of the anti-tumor effects of the two cytidine analogues. Second doses of 5-aza-CR, with the timing og administration based upon the differing patterns of recovery of [3H]TdR incorporation between normal tissues and tumor cells, led to a prolongation of survival in mice bearing the sensitive L1210 ascites tumor.
Inheritance of Shoulder Spotting in the Tetra, Hyphessobrycon bentosi Characidae

The tetra (Hyphessobrycon bentosi) exhibits two phenotypes associated with shoulder spotting. Fish possess ei- ther a prominent black vertical spot located directly behind the operculum (H. b. bentosi, bentosi white tip tetra) or lack this spot (H. b. rosaceus, rosy tetra). Segregation patterns observed from the progenies of ten different crosses suggest that the inheritance of these phenotypes is controlled by two autosomal loci acting in a complementary fashion, with domi- nance at both loci required for the expression of the spotted phenotype.
Analysis of Oxalic Acid Leachates of Geologic Materials by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

The introduction of induction coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) has satisfied, to a large degree, the requirement for a higher quality data-generating technique. The methods used in exploration geochemistry include many partial or selective digestion techniques that can readily be adapted to ICP-AES analysis. Extensive and highly significant new information cannot only be added to a mineral's evaluation by providing associated trace metals previously overlooked or unobtainable because of detection limits, but also suggests a degree of differentiation of mineral fractions and their ability to scavenge trace metals from other sources. Oxalic acid leaching of soils and stream sediments has long been recognized as a method for dissolving secondary Fe and Mn oxides. Modifications in the digestive procedure to produce solutions compatible with ICP-AES instrumentation have not only significantly reduced analytical time and increased precision over previously used instrumental methods, but have also provided a technique that allows for greater geochemical interpretation.
The Role of Breast Milk Immunoglobulins in the Development of Oral Tolerance in a Murine Model of Peanut Allergy

Resumen del poster presentado al Annual Meeting of American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology celebrado en San Francisco (US) del 18 al 22 de marzo de 2011.
Is a Communicative Approach Practical for Teaching English in China? Pros and Cons.

Abstract This article explores the pros and cons of using the communicative approach in teaching English in China. It investigates the reasons for teaching and learning English in China, delineates the obstacles a communicative approach must overcome, and explains the advantages of using a communicative approach before citing the experiences of foreign teachers in the classroom and reviewing the attitudes of Chinese educators with respect to this approach.
Progress towards a quantitative understanding of Antarctic ozone depletion

The possibility that the stratospheric ozone layer could be depleted by half at certain latitudes and seasons would have been deemed a preposterous and alarmist suggestion in the early 1980s. A decade later, the statement is acknowledged as proved beyond reasonable scientific doubt. Observations of the composition of the Antarctic stratosphere have established that the chemistry of this region is highly unusual because of its extreme cold temperatures, leading to a greatly enhanced susceptibility to chlorine-catalysed ozone depletion.
Colocalization of [3H]muscimol and antisera to GABA and glutamic acid decar☐ylase within the same neurons in monkey retina

Two procedures have been used to test for the colocalization of different neuroanatomical γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic markers within the same neurons in primate retina. First, sequential immunocytochemical processing of sections was done using antisera to glutamic acid decar☐ylase and to GABA, and these antisera were visualized by peroxidase-antiperoxidase and fluorescein isothiocyanate techniques respectively. Colocalization of both antisera was found within the same neuron cell bodies. In the second experiment, immunocytochemical staining using GABA antiserum was performed on retinal tissue that had been previously incubated in vitro for neuronal uptake of [3H]muscimol. Both markers colocalized in 70% of the labeled cell body population.
An Electrochemical Puzzle: The Catalyzed Anodic Dissolution of I-coated Palladium in Halide-Free Acid Solutions

Iodine adsorbed on a Pd electrode has been shown to catalyze the anodic dissolution of Pd in halide-free acidic solutions. An undergraduate instrumental analysis laboratory experiment has been developed that enables students to use basic electrochemical techniques (cyclic voltammetry and chronocoulometry) to detect and confirm this phenomenon. Cyclic voltammograms of clean Pd and I-coated Pd were done in 0.5 M sulfuric acid solutions containing iodide and iodine as well as halide free 0.5 M sulfuric acid. The large currents noted in the halide-free solution indicate an anodic process that is not related to the oxidation process in solutions containing iodine species. Chronocoulometry was used to determine the total charge that was passed in the 0.5 M sulfuric acid solutions for clean and I-coated Pd electrodes. The results of these experiments point to a unique catalyzed corrosion process for this otherwise inert metal.
Radiative transfer with anisotropic scattering in an isothermal slab

Abstract Two types of anisotropic scattering, linear anisotropic scattering and Rayleigh anisotropic scattering, are considered in the analysis of radiative transfer for an isothermal, plane-parallel medium confined between gray, diffuse walls. The problem is formulated in terms of a coupled pair of integral equations containing the intensity-moments as the unknown variables. These intensity-moments are shown to be the components of the source function. The set of equations is then solved both numerically and in closed form. The results reveal clearly the effects of anisotropic scattering on important characteristics such as heat flux directional emittance and incident radiant energy per unit area. These effects are well predicted by the approximate closed-form solution.
Middle UV to near-IR spectrum of electron-excited SO2

We investigated the electron impact-induced fluorescence spectrum of SO2 to provide excitation cross sections for modeling Io's mission spectrum and analyzing Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem observations. The electron-excited middle-ultraviolet visible optical near-infrared (VOIR) emission spectrum of SO2 gas was generated in the laboratory and studied from 2000 to 11,000 A at a resolution of (Delta)(lamda) approximately 2.5 A full width at half maximum (FWHM). The VOIR laboratory spectrum longward of 6000 A consists entirely of S I, II and O I, II multiplets for electron impact energies above approximately 15 eV. Between 2000 and 6000 A, we find previously identified molecular bands from both SO and SO2. This work represents a significant improvement in spectral resolution over our earlier work done at 18 A FWHM. From a measurement of the medium-resolution spectrum, we provide detailed 25- and 100-eV emission cross sections for spectral features from 2000 to 11,000 A . On the basis of these data, we suggest future ground-based and satellite telescopic observations in the VOIR that are of promise for understanding Io's atmosphere.
Design modeling of the 100-J diode-pumped solid state laser for Project Mercury

We present the energy, propagation, and thermal modeling for a diode-pumped solid-state laser called Mercury being designed and built at LLNL using Yb:S-FAP [i.e., Yb{sup 3+}-doped Sr{sub 5}(PO{sub 4}){sub 3}F crystals] for the gain medium. This laser is intended to produce 100 J pulses at 1 to 10 ns at 10 Hz with an electrical efficiency of {approximately}10%. Our modeling indicates that the laser will be able to meet its performance goals.
Systematics of hot giant electric dipole resonance widths

Giant Electric Dipole Resonance (GDR) parameters for γ decay to excited states with finite spin and temperature have been compiled by two of the authors ( nucl-ex/0605004 ). Over 100 original works have been reviewed and from some 70 of them, more than 300 sets of hot GDR parameters for different isotopes, excitation energies, and spin regions have been extracted. All parameter sets have been brought onto a common footing by calculating the equivalent Lorentzian parameters. Together with a complementary compilation by Samuel S. Dietrich and Barry L. Berman [At. Data Nucl. Data Tables 38 , 199-338, (1988)] on ground-state photo-neutron and photo-absorption cross sections and their Lorentzian parameters, it is now possible by means of a comparison of the two data sets to shed light on the evolution of GDR parameters with temperature and spin.
Primum non nocere

Mevrouw A is op 77-jarige leeftijd door verhuizing naar een verzorgingshuis bij ons in de praktijk gekomen. Haar voorgeschiedenis vermeldde PTCA, PMR, chronisch pijnsyndroom, wervelkanaalstenose en de aanleg van een dubbelloops ileostoma vanwege obstipatieklachten door verstoorde darmmobiliteit na uterusextirpatie.
The American Proctologic Society

Abstract In closing, I wish to pay tribute to the sincere, active Fellows of the American Proctologic Society whose prolonged pioneering efforts in the years past, since the inception of our society, have been responsible for the remarkable achievement in the proctologic progress that has been attained. Time does not permit giving mention of those Fellows. Suffice it to say their names will always be a source of inspiration to those who will carry on. Whether or not this progress shall be sustained is solely dependent upon the future activity of our younger Fellows. As president of the American Proctologic Society I want to thank the officers, members of the Council, those who have served on committees and our genial and efficient secretary and his secretary for their earnest consideration and cooperation during the past year in making, what at first seemed to me an insurmountable task, one of the most pleasant experiences of my professional career. I wish to express my appreciation to those of our members and guests who are contributing of their time and energy by appearing on our program. Also I want to thank the wives and sweethearts of our members for their gracious presence which always has added so much to the success of our meeting. Last but not least, I want to express my sincere thanks to the members of this society for the privilege and honor of serving as your president during this past year. As retiring president, I pledge my best effort to the administration of our president-elect, with a prayer that 1948 will be one of the most successful years in the history of the American Proctologic Society.
Immune regulatory mechanisms in allergic conjunctivitis: Insights from mouse models

Purpose of review This review highlights recent findings regarding the immune regulation of allergic conjunctivitis (AC). Mouse models have facilitated prospective studies that have not been possible in patients. The availability of gene knockout mice and the wealth of monoclonal antibodies have permitted exquisite dissection of the pathophysiology and immune regulation of AC.
Equilibria in sequential bargaining games as solutions to systems of equations

Abstract No-delay, stationary equilibrium points of sequential bargaining games with history-dependent random recognition rules and general agreement rules are characterized via a finite number of equalities and inequalities. Existence of equilibrium is established using Brouwer's fixed point theorem.
Epidemiology, immunopathogenesis and management of pediatric central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating conditions.

Purpose of reviewPediatric inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system diseases comprise monofocal and potentially monophasic disorders like optic neuritis and transverse myelitis, the multifocal, self-limiting disorder of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and multifocal chronic diseases l
482. T Cells as Carriers for Systemic Measles Virotherapy of Multiple Myeloma

Top of pageAbstract The bane of virotherapy is the presence of pre-existing antiviral antibodies or the induction of such antibodies after first dose therapy, which potentially could diminish therapeutic efficacy. We are interested to use oncolytic measles virus as a virotherapy agent for multiple myeloma, a disseminated plasma cell malignancy found predominantly in the bone marrow. Though about 50% of myeloma patients do not have protective levels of anti-measles antibodies due to their disease, we are keen to explore strategies to improve virus delivery to the tumor sites for patients that are positive for measles antibodies. Here, we investigated the potential of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) as carriers to protect and deliver oncolytic measles virus (MV) to myeloma cells and tumor xenografts in the presence and absence of neutralizing anti-measles antibodies. In contrast to cell-free virus, MV-infected PBLs were able to fuse with and transfer MV infection to myeloma cells after exposure to anti-measles antibodies. SCID mice bearing subcutaneous ARH-77 or disseminated KAS 6/1 myeloma xenografts were rendered measlesimmune by passive transfer of anti-measles antibodies. The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of viral gene expression were monitored using luciferase imaging and tumor response followed via a soluble tumor marker. Gamma camera images using indium-111 oxine and fluorescence microscopy revealed that the majority of infected PBLs trafficked initially to the lungs and later to the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Imaging of virally encoded luciferase gene expression revealed intense signals in the lungs 30 min post cell infusion and subsequent trafficking of MV-Luc infected PBLs to tumor sites in measles na|[iuml]|ve or immunized mice. Mice with subcutaneous tumors responded equally well to therapy by cell-free and cell-associated virus. Preliminary results with an advanced model of systemic myeloma disease showed no appreciable difference in therapeutic outcome with cell free or cell associated viruses. Oncolytic MV was delivered to tumor sites in the cell carrriers in the presence of anti-viral antibodies but subsequent virus spread was inhibited. It is likely that depletion of antiviral antibodies will be required for effective measles virotherapy in cancers where patients are not immunosuppressed with low Ab titers.
Seismic responses of secondary systems in base-isolated structures

Abstract This paper presents the results of a series of numerical simulation studies on seismic responses of secondary systems in base-isolated structures including equipment-structure interactions. A three-storey building is used as the primary structure, while the equipment is modelled as a single-degree-of-freedom linear system. A number of base isolation systems such as the Laminated Rubber Bearing, the Pure Friction, the Resilient-Friction, and the Electricite de France system are considered. Several earthquake records including the N00W component of El Centro 1940, the S16E components of Pacoima Dam 1971, and the N90W component of Mexico City 1985 earthquakes are used as ground accelerations. Acceleration and deflection response spectra of the secondary system under different conditions are evaluated and the effects of equipment — structure interactions are studied. It is shown that the use of base isolation provides considerable protection for structural contents. However, peak responses of the secondary systems vary substantially depending on the base isolation system used. Among the base isolation systems considered, the Laminated Rubber Bearing system appears to be remarkably effective in reducing peak responses of secondary systems under a variety of conditions.
The Impact of Jewish Values on Marketing and Business Practices

Judaism, which relies on the Torah for its written law, has had a great impact on marketing and business. The Torah is replete with precepts dealing with business, and the Talmud, the source of Jewish oral law, elaborates and expands Torah law. The process is ongoing, and rabbinical authorities today build on the decisions of their predecessors to apply Jewish law to modern problems. Some of the issues examined in this article include honesty in the marketplace, fair pricing, employer-employee relations, and environmental issues. Jewish law is not only concerned with practical legal advice but in encouraging individuals to go beyond the requirements of the law and practice the “way of the pious.” Judaism does not have a negative attitude toward business and wealth—indeed, most of the Talmudic sages had occupations, and some were quite wealthy—but riches must be acquired honestly and used to help the poor, the needy, and the stranger.
Chemoimmunotherapy and Withdrawal of Immunosupression for Monomorphic Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Abstract Background Monomorphic PTLDs are the most aggressive type of PTLD occurring after SOT. Current guidelines for treatment suggest a stepwise approach that includes a reduction of immunosuppression (RIS) with or without rituximab, followed by chemotherapy if there is no response. Nevertheless, recommendations regarding the extent and duration of RIS are nonstandardized and RIS as an initial strategy might be associated with an unacceptably high frequency of graft loss and disease progression. Patients and Methods We reviewed the outcome of a combination program of aggressive chemoimmunotherapy and complete withdrawal of immunosuppression in treating 22 patients with monomorphic PTLD between January 1995 and August 2012. Results Twelve of 22 patients (55%) received CHOP-R (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab) every 2 weeks (dose-dense CHOP-R) and 10 patients received other doxorubicin-based regimens. There was no treatment-related mortality. Complete response was seen in 91% of patients. Median OS was 9.61 years (95% confidence interval (CI), 5.21-10.74). Median progression-free survival was 5.39 years (95% CI, 2.10-10.74). The graft rejection rate was 18% (95% CI, 0.03-0.34). Conclusion The use of aggressive chemoimmunotherapy in combination with the withdrawal of immunosuppression approach yields excellent results and should be prospectively studied in a multiinstitutional setting.
Poverty and Mobility in Low-status Minorities: The Cuban Case in International Perspective

Abstract The paper traces the mobility experience of four low-status, hard-core minorities. It also addresses how governments and others attempt to close their poverty/status gap and with what success. Progress to socioeconomic parity has been uneven: nearly complete for Cuba's blacks (but perhaps now regressing); at an early stage for India's Dalits (“untouchables”); advanced but incomplete for Japan's Burakumin and US blacks. Analysis in the paper indicates how Cuba succeeded where other countries have not, and informs the speculation as to whether interracial equality can persist as Cuba becomes more market-oriented. The four-variable model underpins the analysis and integrates human capital theory with economic, sociological and historical theorizing.
Steroid Hormonal Independence of HER-2/neu mRNA Expression in Four Human Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines

Abstract Overexpression of HER-2/ neu , a 185-kDa tyrosine kinase growth factor receptor, in human ovarian cancers has been correlated with a poor prognosis for survival of the disease. Previous studies have demonstrated that dexamethasone (Dex) induces a dose-dependent increase in HER-2/ neu mRNA levels in the ovarian cancer cell line SK-OV-3 by stabilizing the HER-2/ neu message. We extended these studies to test whether estrogen (Es), progesterone (Pr), and Dex were capable of regulating HER-2/ neu mRNA levels in the human ovarian cancer cell lines NIH:OVCAR-3, SW 626, OVCA 433, and Caov-3. Southern blotting demonstrated that all four cell lines contained a single copy of the 12.5-kb HER-2/ neu gene. Blotting techniques demonstrated low to barely detectable levels of HER-2/ neu mRNA and protein in these cell lines. To determine whether steroids regulated HER-2/ neu expression, all four ovarian cancer cell lines were cultured in the presence of 1 × 10 -7 M Es, Pr, or Dex and Northern blotting was completed. Unlike SK-OV-3 cells, the cell lines tested did not respond to the steroid treatments with alterations in their HER-2/ neu mRNA levels. In conclusion, neither Es, Pr, nor Dex regulates HER-2/ neu mRNA levels in NIH:OVCAR-3, SW 626, OVCA 433, and Caov-3 ovarian cancer cells. Future therapeutic manipulations of HER-2/ neu should not involve hormonal intervention.
Taste preferences for sucrose solutions and water under cholinergic and deprivation thirst.

Abstract Water deprived and cholinergically stimulated animals were given two bottle sucrose-water preference tests. Results indicated that cholinergically stimulated and deprived animals show a similar pattern of sucrose solution and water ingestion when the intake is monitored carefully over the course of an exposure session. Thus, thirsty animals did not show a specific preference as a function of the particular manipulation used to induce that thirst. They did, however, show an ingestion pattern or profile which reflected the relative strength of the drive induced by a given manipulation.
An integral equation perturbation technique in applied mathematics-ii

This paper is devoted to the applications of an integral equation perturbation technique to the problems of scattering by soft and rigid obstacles in acoustics, scattering by rigid inclusions and cracks in elastic medium and conducting bodies in electromagnetism, Various interesting shapes such as spheres, ellipsoids, disks and spherical caps are considered, All these scattering problems are solved when the incident wave is a time-harmonic axially symmetric plane wave,problems are solved when the incident wave is a time-harmonic axially symmetric plane wave, Formulas are presented for the far-field amplitude as well as the scattering cross section for all the above-mentioned obstacles, In the case of scattering by rigid inclusions in elastic medium we present the analysis for both P-wave and S-wave, We further derive the stress intensity factor in the case of the crack problem, For the problem of electromagnetic scattering by a conducting circular disk we also derive the value of the electric current dens...
Nitrendipine and Ω-conotoxin modulate gonadotropin release and gonadotrope [Ca2+]i☆

We have examined the pharmacology of the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCCs) that mediate gonadotropin secretion from primary cultures of rat pituitary cells, stimulated by either cell depolarization or by binding of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). We also measured single-cell [Ca2+]i transients using fura-2 in gonadotropes identified by a reverse hemolytic plaque assay employing an antiserum to luteinizing hormone (LH). Cell depolarization evoked by either 50 mM K+ or 30 microM veratridine induced 2- to 6-fold increases in gonadotropin secretion over basal levels. GnRH caused 6- to 20-fold increases in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH secretion, respectively, with maximal stimulation at 100 nM GnRH. K(+)- or GnRH-induced FSH release was largely prevented by co-incubation with 1 mM CdCl. Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 5 microM) prevented the veratridine-, but not the K(+)- or GnRH-induced, stimulation of FSH secretion. Nitrendipine (Ntd, 1 microM) produced 35-50% inhibition (NS) of both FSH and LH release stimulated by either 50 mM K+ or 100 nM GnRH. Ntd also inhibited the K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i rise (greater than 90%), as well as the secondary, plateau phase of the GnRH-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i (100% inhibition). Omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx, 100 nM) partially suppressed FSH and LH release (NS) due to both K+ (33% each) and GnRH (44% and 18%, respectively). omega-CgTx showed variable effects on [Ca2+]i transients evoked by K+ or GnRH ranging from clear inhibition to no effect. We conclude that influx of extracellular Ca2+ is one of several fundamental events underlying the depolarization- or receptor-activated release of LH and FSH, and that this influx can be inhibited by dihydropyridine-sensitive ('L') Ca2+ channels. Two classes of L-channels may exist in gonadotropes, that differ in their sensitivity to omega-CgTx.