cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extended dynamic range imaging for noise mitigation in fluorescence anisotropy imaging

Significance: Fluorescence polarization (FP) and fluorescence anisotropy (FA) microscopy are powerful imaging techniques that allow to translate the common FP assay capabilities into the in vitro and in vivo cellular domain. As a result, they have found potential for mapping drug–protein or protein–protein interactions. Unfortunately, these imaging modalities are ratiometric in nature and as such they suffer from excessive noise even under regular imaging conditions, preventing accurate image-feature analysis of fluorescent molecules behaviors. Aim: We present a high dynamic range (HDR)-based FA imaging modality for improving image quality in FA microscopy. Approach: The method exploits ad hoc acquisition schemes to extend the dynamic range of individual FP channels, allowing to obtain FA images with increased signal-to-noise ratio. Results: A direct comparison between FA images obtained with our method and the standard, clearly indicates how an HDR-based FA imaging approach allows to obtain high-quality images, with the ability to correctly resolve image features at different values of FA and over a substantially higher range of fluorescence intensities. Conclusion: The method presented is shown to outperform standard FA imaging microscopy narrowing the spread of the propagated error and yielding higher quality images. The method can be effectively and routinely used on any commercial imaging system and could be also translated to other microscopy ratiometric imaging modalities.
A clinically relevant decrease in contractile force differentially regulates control of glucocorticoid receptor translocation in mouse skeletal muscle.

Glucocorticoids induce significant skeletal muscle atrophy by activating the glucocorticoid receptor. Our work shows that muscle contractile force dictates glucocorticoid receptor nuclear transloca...
Total anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery: a systematic review.

Background: Although rare, coronary artery anomalies can have significant clinical implications. Total anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery (TCAPA) represents a rare subtype of coronary artery anomaly for which little is known. The aim of this review was to characterise the presentation, utilised diagnostic modalities, associated cardiac lesions, and treatment strategies in patients with TCAPA. Methods: A systematic review was performed for cases of TCAPA using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Keywords searched included “total anomalous origin of the coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery,” “single ostium anomalous coronary artery from the pulmonary artery,” and “anomalous origin of both coronary arteries from the pulmonary artery.” Results: Fifty-seven cases of TCAPA were identified in 50 manuscripts. Fifty-eight per cent of patients were male and the median age at presentation was 10 days (mean 1.71 ± 6.6 years, range 0 days–39 years). Most patients were symptomatic at the time of presentation; cyanosis (n = 22) and respiratory distress (n = 14) were the most common symptoms. Cases were most commonly diagnosed at autopsy (n = 26, 45.6%), but operative intervention was pursued in 22 cases (45.6%); aortic re-implantation (n = 14) and a Takeuchi-type repair (n = 7) were the most common routes of repair. Conclusions: The clinical presentation of patients with TCAPA was found to be variable, likely related to the presence of associated cardiac lesions. TCAPA should be considered in patients with suspected anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery for the serious consequences that can occur if not promptly corrected.
Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Reaction Center: The Role of Tyrosine L222

Reaction centers (RCs) from purple photosynthetic bacteria have been used as a model system for the study of herbicides which act as competitive inhibitors of the secondary quinone, QB, of the acceptor quinone complex (1). The x-ray structures of RCs for Rps. viridis (2) and Rb. sphaeroides (3) have revealed some details of the QB/herbicide binding domain, as well as features of the interaction. Many herbicide resistant mutants have been isolated by various groups by selecting cells that grow in the presence of herbicide (4,5). However, it is now possible to learn more about the structure/function relationships of the RC by selectively altering any amino acid in the QB binding domain through site-directed mutagenesis. Here, we report the construction of a RC deletion mutant of Rb. sphaeroides which can be complemented by mutant RC genes to produce mutant RC proteins. Preliminary characterization of a site-directed mutant at Tyr L222 in the QB binding domain of the RC is also presented.
Making History Count: A Primer in Quantitative Methods for Historians [Book Review]

This is the best textbook on statistical methods ever written for a historical audience, Realizing that computers can relieve the burden of most calculations, and that equations often frighten many historians whose work and comprehension of others' work would benefit from more than a passing acquaintance with statistics, Feinstein and Thomas require that their readers have only a general familiarity with high-school algebra, and they include no mathematical proofs. They offer clear, well-illustrated, and exceptionally well-presented intuitive explanations of the basic methods employed to analyze much historical data, particularly economic data, along with well-designed exercises using real or invented, but plausible, historical information. They return again and again to four case studies downloadable without charge from the Cambridge University Press website for further analysis and practice. Well-written and jargon-free, neither simplistic nor patronizing, offering acute advice on research design, as well as on statistical techniques, this work is equally appropriate for the classroom or self-study.
Limited additional lateral biopsies improve the diagnostic accuracy of transrectal ultrasound guided sextant prostate biopsy

We prospectively evaluated the need for routine use of additional lateral biopsies at the time of standard sextant prostatic biopsy to reduce the false negative rates. A total of 23 consecutive patients underwent 24 TRUS guided prostatic biopsies resulting in 246 biopsy cores. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 8/24 (33.3%) biopsies. Although the age and prostate volume did not significantly differ between patients with or without cancer (p>O. 05), the pre­biopsy PSA and PSAD were significantly higher in pa­tients diagnosed with prostate cancer (p<0.05). Of the 8 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer 2/8 (25%) had cancer in the biopsies lateral to but not in the standard sextant biopsy sites. The additional lateral biopsies im­proved the sensitivity and negative predictive value of TRUS guided biopsy by 33.3% and 13% respectively. In conclusion, in spite of the small sample size in this study, prostate cancer detection is increased by 25% because of additional lateral biopsies at time of standard sextant prostatic biopsy.
The Caratheodory-Fejer problem and H/sub /spl infin// identification: a time domain approach

Addresses a worst-case, robust control oriented identification problem. This problem is a variant in the general framework of H/sub /spl infin// identification problems which have been studied by several authors. In this problem the available a priori information consists of a lower bound on the relative stability of the plant, an upper bound on a certain gain associated with the plant, and an upper bound on the noise level. The plant to be identified is assumed to lie in a certain subset in the space of H/sub /spl infin//. The available experimental information consists of a corrupt finite output time series obtained in response to a known nonzero but otherwise arbitrary input. The objective is to identify from the given a priori and experimental information an uncertain model which includes a nominal plant model in H/sub /spl infin// and a bound on the modeling error measured in H/sub /spl infin// norm. The authors present both an identification error and several explicit lower and upper bounds on the identification error. The proposed algorithm is in the class of interpolatory algorithms which are known to posses desirable optimality properties in reducing the identification error. This algorithm may be obtained by solving an extended Caratheodory-Fejer problem via standard convex programming methods. The error bounds not only provide explicit estimates on the modeling error, but also are used to establish the convergence properties of the proposed identification algorithm. >
“CHERCHEZ LA FEMME,” OR SEX, LIES AND THE BIBLE

Abstract The article's title both unearths and introduces the article's prevailing proclivities on ideological grounds: unveiling and displaying the way the Biblical text cultivates an unworthy credo that embraces and internalizes indecent norms of abusing women by depriving them of their elementary rights and freedom, by belittling their intellectual faculties, by considering the woman as nothing a passive womb, or a piece of merchandise, devoid of any rights, appreciation, compassion. Indeed, the Bible exhibits some example that may contest the above. Such are the cases of Debora the prophetess; Yael who killed bravely the Israel's foe Sisera; and to a certain extend Miriam. Nevertheless, those examples are very few in comparison with the “myriads” cases in which the Biblical woman is humiliated, exploited, hoaxed, “enslaved”, both helplessly and hopelessly “harnessed” to a male oriented agenda, derogated, animadverted, put to shame, robbed of her most basis needs, wishes and an opportunity to defme and...
What Is the Effect of Timing of Removal on the Incidence and Severity of Complications

Purpose The purpose of this article is to summarize the literature that addresses the following question: “Among patients undergoing third molar removal, do patients who are younger, eg, Materials and Methods For the purposes of this study, relevant articles were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database, using the Medical Subject Headings search terms “third molars” or “wisdom teeth,” “complications” and “age,” linked to “recovery,” “infections,” “periodontal conditions,” “temporomandibular joint problems,” “nerve involvement,” “sinus communication,” and “mandibular fracture.” Results Relevant studies have been identified and are reported for the following complications and their relationship to the patient's age: 1) time to recovery; 2) incidence of fractures; 3) rates of infection; 4) periodontal complications; 5) nerve involvement; 6) temporomandibular joint complications; 7) nerve injury; and 8) sinus-related complications. Conclusions Studies indicate that as one becomes older, third molars (M3s) become more difficult to remove, may take longer to remove, and may result in an increased risk for complications associated with removal. The age of 25 years appears in many studies to be a critical time after which complications increase more rapidly. Conversely, there are no studies indicating a decrease in complications with increasing age. It also appears that recovery from complications is more prolonged and is less predictable and less complete with increasing age. As such, many clinicians recommend removal of M3s in patients as young adults. Advocates of M3 retention need to review carefully with their patients the risks of delaying M3 removal with the same degree of emphasis as the risks associated with operative treatment.
A Histone H2A Deubiquitinase Complex Coordinating Histone Acetylation and H1 Dissociation in Transcriptional Regulation

Deciphering the epigenetic "code" remains a central issue in transcriptional regulation. Here, we report the identification of a JAMM/MPN(+) domain-containing histone H2A deubiquitinase (2A-DUB, or KIAA1915/MYSM1) specific for monoubiquitinated H2A (uH2A) that has permitted delineation of a strategy for specific regulatory pathways of gene activation. 2A-DUB regulates transcription by coordinating histone acetylation and deubiquitination, and destabilizing the association of linker histone H1 with nucleosomes. 2A-DUB interacts with p/CAF in a coregulatory protein complex, with its deubiquitinase activity modulated by the status of acetylation of nucleosomal histones. Consistent with this mechanistic role, 2A-DUB participates in transcriptional regulation events in androgen receptor-dependent gene activation, and the levels of uH2A are dramatically decreased in prostate tumors, serving as a cancer-related mark. We suggest that H2A ubiquitination represents a widely used mechanism for many regulatory transcriptional programs and predict that various H2A ubiquitin ligases/deubiquitinases will be identified for specific cohorts of regulated transcription units.
Fiber mat deformation in liquid composite molding. I: Experimental analysis

When a resin in injected into the mold in liquid composite molding, the preplaced fiber mat may deform near the inlet gate because of the high momentum carried by the injected fluid. A fiber free region near the gate followed by the fiber mat deformation may emerge. This phenomenon is most likely to occur when the stacked fiber mats have low permeability and the resin has high viscosity. A set of mold filling experiments were carried out using an instrumented metal mold and a small transparent mold to investigate the fiber mat deformation during mold filling. Experimental results showed that the fiber mat deformation was limited to a small region near the gate and that deformation greatly reduced the molding pressure. A forced fiber mat deformation employing a modified gate design was proposed to facilitate mold filling in liquid composite molding.
Evidence for κ1 opioid receptor multiplicity in the guinea pig cerebellum

Both [3H]U69,593 alone and [3H]ethylketocyclazocine (EKC) in the presence of mu and delta blockers ([D-Ala2,MePhe4,Glyol5]enkephalin (DAMGO) and [D-Pen2,D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE)) label kappa receptors in the guinea pig cerebellum. Dynorphin A(1-17) and nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) potently competed the binding of both radioligands with Hill coefficients of approximately unity, strongly supporting a kappa classification of binding. However, saturation studies revealed that the Bmax for [3H]EKC binding was 45% greater than that for [3H]U69593, suggesting that [3H]EKC might be labeling more than one site. Although nonlinear regression analysis of dynorphin A(1-17) and nor-BNI competition of [3H]EKC binding best fit the curves with a one site model, competitions by dynorphin B, dynorphin A(1-9) and alpha-neoendorphin revealed Hill coefficients less than unity and were best fit to a two site model. Kinetic analysis also supported [3H]EKC binding heterogeneity. Together, these studies imply that under these conditions [3H]EKC labels more than one site in the guinea pig cerebellum. The sensitivity of all specific [3H]EKC binding to the selective kappa ligands dynorphin A(1-17) and nor-BNI indicates that both component are kappa while the differing sensitivities of dynorphin B, alpha-neoendorphin and dynorphin A(1-9) for these components support our previous hypothesis of kappa 1a and kappa 1b binding subtypes.
Lithopedion: stone baby.

• Two cases of lithopedion were encountered. In one case, computerized tomographic (CT) findings are illustrated. There are no classical clinical signs or symptoms that aid in the diagnosis of this rare condition. A calcified fetus and investing membranes are readily identified on a plain film of the abdomen, and these constitute an absolute sign of lithopedion. Excretory urography, barium enema examination, ultrasound, and CT represent other diagnostic modalities in the evaluation of this condition, but they are rarely indicated or valuable. (Arch Surg115:764-766, 1980)
Financing Economic Development in the 21st Century Edited by Sammis B. White, Richard D. Bingham, and Edward W. Hill

Sammis B. White, Richard D. Bingham, and Edward W. Hill (Eds.), Financing Economic Development in the 21st Century (Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe, 2003).This volume is a valuable replacement for the sam...
Does OxyVita, a new-generation hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, or oxyglobin acutely interfere with coagulation compared with normal saline or 6% hetastarch? An ex vivo thromboelastography study.

Objectives: Because hetastarches have deleterious effects on coagulation that increase with molecular weight (MWt), risk of coagulopathy associated with a high MWt hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) was studied. Design: Preliminary laboratory study of donor blood using thromboelastography (TEG). Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Volunteer donor blood. Interventions: Experiments simulated hemodilution during clinical resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock with varying doses of HBOCs. Coagulopathy related to 1:11, 1:5, 1:2, or 1:1 dilution of whole blood with normal saline, 6% hetastarch (670 kilodaltons [kD]), hemoglobin glutamer-200 (HBOC-200, 200 kD), or OxyVita (OXYVITA Inc, New Windsor, NY) (a new-generation, zero-link polymerized bovine hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier, 33 megadaltons) were analyzed. Measurements and Main Results: At 2 lower levels of hemodilution, hetastarch, HBOC-200, and OxyVita produced equivalent reductions in maximum clot strength (TEG-MA and TEG-G) that reached statistical significance compared with whole blood and normal saline. At 2 higher dilutions, OxyVita and HBOC-200 impaired maximum clot strength compared with whole blood, normal saline, and hetastarch. Dilution with hetastarch had a greater effect on clot propagation (K and α) than either HBOC. Conclusions: OxyVita and HBOC-200, HBOCs with different MWt, had similar effects on coagulation as measured by TEG. The impairment of coagulation by HBOCs and hetastarch occurred at doses corresponding to 12 mL/kg or a blood volume replacement of 17%. The use of HBOCs at doses corresponding to 23 mL/kg or a blood volume replacement of 33% significantly decreased coagulation to levels associated with increased clinical bleeding in this preliminary study. Minimal coagulopathic effects are expected with use of OxyVita at the manufacturer’s anticipated effective dose of 10 g or 2 to 3 mL/kg.
Children’s recall of S+, S−, and So as a function of feedback frequency

Children were given the minimum number of trials necessary to provide explicit information about both S+ and S− in a series of discrimination learning problems. In addition, a third stimulus (So) was present but never responded to by the Ss. Comparisons of S+ and S− recall with recall of So indicate that discrimination training facilitated S+ memory but did not affect S− memory. The superiority of S+ recall was not the result of a greater number of S+ trials, as might have been the case in previous studies, nor an artifact of recency, also possible in previous studies. The possibility of two independent effects of discrimination training on memory was considered, one concerned with the consequences associated with each stimulus and the other concerned with the strength of memory. Finally, the pattern of results was stable over the course of three consecutive discrimination problems.
Strategies for Reduction and Cessation of Alcohol Use: Adolescent Preferences

Background: Although the majority of youth and adults resolve alcohol problems without formal treatment, we know little about the strategies used by youth in their efforts to decrease alcohol use. Recent studies have begun to address change efforts that adolescents report being helpful in cutting down or stopping alcohol use. The current study seeks to improve our understanding of adolescent change processes in alcohol use by examining the perceptions of high school students. Methods: As part of a secondary alcohol intervention study of high school students (ages 12–18; 51% male), 1069 participants completed an anonymous supplemental questionnaire on change strategies for cutting down and stopping alcohol use. Based on content analysis of youth-generated responses, a classification system consisting of nine broad categories was developed (e.g., informal-interpersonal supports, formal aids, alternative activities). Participant responses were independently coded by two raters trained to criterion. Cases with full agreement (n= 934; 96%) were used for data analyses of methods for cutting down drinking, stopping drinking, and strategies recommended for a friend. Results: The five most frequently youth-generated change strategies to alter drinking were environmental exposure management (e.g., avoid drinking situations, 19%); informal interpersonal supports (e.g., talk to a friend, 18%); formal aids (e.g., peer support group, counselor, 17%); behavioral self-management (e.g., limit consumption, 14%); and alternative activities (e.g., recreation, sports, 10%). Whereas informal interpersonal supports were consistently endorsed for all change situations, behavioral self-management strategies were viewed as more useful for reduction of drinking and formal aids more critical for cessation efforts. Some differences were observed in youth-generated strategies for changing their own drinking compared with efforts to help friends, with environmental changes (e.g., reducing exposure to risk situations and people, formal aids) more often considered when changing youth's own behavior, and strategies reflecting a need for personal change (e.g., education) recommended to others. Conclusions: Our findings support theoretical conceptualizations of alcohol and drug problem resolution that accommodates multiple pathways to recovery. The normative information about specific change strategies generated by youth may further aid in the design of interventions more acceptable for adolescents.
Solubility and diffusion of oxygen in disordered Pd–Ag alloys (1123 K)

It has been shown that O solubilities in Pd can be determined from the subsequent trapping of H by the dissolved O. Diffusion constants of O were determined by the amounts of O that accumulate or leave a Pd plate at times shorter than those needed for equilibrium. The same technique is applied here to Pd–Ag alloys at 1123 K where both solubilities and diffusion constants decrease with the atom fraction of Ag.
The Statistical Prediction of Environmental Preferences Problems of Validity and Application

This paper discusses a number of statistical and interpretive problems which arise in the analysis of complex, multivariate data common in the study of man-environment relations. The problems are encountered in the course of a detailed analysis of a multiple regression model of landscape preferences developed by Shafer and coworkers. Questions raised by the analysis suggest that the predictive validity of the model and its usefulness for making any resource management decisions have not yet been demonstrated.
Renewable Resource Use: Transition from Capture to Allocation and Optimal Stock Recovery

Unlimited access and capture is the best allocation policy for any resource as long as there are no crowding externalities and the harvest rate does not exceed the regeneration rate. If harvest consistently overtakes growth, unlimited capture should no longer be permitted. Without a new institutional arrangement, individuals with access to a common pool resource may ignore the opportunity costs of their action. This practice has in fact caused many resource stocks to fall below the sustainable minimum levels. Because the transition to an efficient allocation mechanism was poorly designed (or missing) or because of the lack of communication with the affected parties, transitional economic and political issues have delayed and raised the cost of the needed institutional change, and in some cases thwarted the change entirely. Although transition issues have often frustrated the efforts to adopt efficient institutions, previous studies have devoted little attention to optimal stock recovery and transition issues. This study develops a model of optimal harvest path for stock recovery, explores implementation issues, and suggests ways to address typical equity and efficiency concerns in a transition process.
Aligning MIS with the business goals

Abstract A preliminary field study of MIS and non-MIS (general) managers was undertaken; it was designed to identify those factors which the MIS management and the general management perceived as important in aligning MIS with business goals of their organizations. The results are based upon a questionnaire study conducted in 1987. This involved managers/executives in a large metropolitan city in the southwestern U.S.A. The three most important factors which MIS management identified are: educating upper management in MIS, upper management commitment to MIS, and a strong set of organizational goals and objectives concerning MIS. On the other hand, the top three factors identified by general managers are: educating upper management in MIS, ability of MIS management to keep up with advances in information technology (IT), and educating MIS management in business goals and objectives. While upper management commitment is deemed critical by both groups in aligning MIS with their organizations' business goals, there is lack of agreement on the other issues. These issues are identified so that all management can take actions to achieve the alignment between the management information function and the business goals and objectives of the organization.
Tardive dyskinesia in a chronically institutionalized population of elderly schizophrenic patients: prevalence and association with cognitive impairment.

Background. Chronically hospitalized geriatric inpatients with schizophrenia are at particular risk for both tardive dyskinesia (TD) and cognitive impairment but have been insufficiently studied in this regard. Similarly, the relationship between TD and cognitive impairment has not been adequately addressed in this population. Objectives. (1) To determine the prevalence of TD in a cohort of chronically institutionalized schizophrenic geriatric inpatients. (2) To examine the relationship between the manifestations of TD in various body regions and several potentially related variables including current pharmacological regimen, age, age at first hospitalization and cognitive status. Method. TD was assessed by the Modified Simpson Dyskinesia Scale and cognitive status by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The relationship between manifestations of TD and other variables was examined by t-tests, ANOVA, MANOVA and correlational analysis. Results. The prevalence of TD was 60%. Prevalence increased with age but was not related to current antipsychotic or anticholinergic regimen. Mean MMSE score did not differ between groups of patients with and without TD as defined by the criteria of Schooler and Kane (1982); however, the mean MMSE score was significantly (p < 0.004) lower in subjects with orofacial TD as defined by Waddington and Youssef (1996), and the difference was not entirely accounted for by the older age of the latter group. Conclusions. TD and cognitive impairment both increase with age. However, TD alone does not account for the severity of cognitive impairment in this population. The present study provides further support for the hypothesis that the correlation between TD and cognitive impairment holds primarily for the orofacial manifestations of TD.
Anomalous triple junction surface pits in nanocrystalline zirconia thin films and their relationship to triple junction energy

Triple junctions (TJs) are the lines where three grains or grain boundaries meet and become increasingly important in nanocrystalline materials where they have a high areal number density and occupy a significant fraction of the total volume of the material. Surface pits are associated with TJs, just as surface grooves are associated with grain boundaries, and these pits may have particularly deleterious effects on the behaviors of thin films. We evaluate the surface topography associated with TJs in nanocrystalline ZrO2 thin films using thickness mapping images produced by energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), and compare our results with theoretical predictions. While many of the pits conform to the standard theoretical treatment, some of them exhibit considerably increased depth, possibly indicating that the junctions have line energy. No pits were observed with less than the theoretically predicted depth.
Holographic production of spatial filters for code translation and image restoration

Abstract Two spatial filters have been produced; one changes the word OBJECT into GHOST, while the other can deblur an unsharp image.
R2D: A FRAMEWORK FOR THE RELATIONAL TRANSFORMATION OF RDF DATA

The astronomical growth of the World Wide Web has resulted in data explosion that in turn has given rise to a need for data representation methodologies and standards to present required information in a rapid and automated manner. The Resource Description Framework (RDF) is one such standard proposed by W3C to address the above need. The ubiquitous acceptance of RDF on the Internet has resulted in the emergence of a new data storage paradigm, the RDF Graph Model, which, as with any data storage methodology, requires data modeling and visualization tools to aid with data management. This paper presents R2D (RDF-to-Database), a relational wrapper for RDF Data Stores, which aims to transform, at run-time, semi-structured RDF data into an equivalent domain-specific relational schema, thereby bridging the gap between RDF and RDBMS concepts and making the abundance of relational tools currently in the market available to the RDF Stores. The primary R2D functionalities and mapping constructs, the high-level system architecture, and deployment flowchart are presented along with algorithms and performance graphs for every stage of the transformation process and screenshots of a relational visualization tool using R2D as evidence of the feasibility of the proposed work.
Generalized combining rules for predicting transport properties of composite materials

Abstract A general relationship is presented to predict the effective transport properties (electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, dielectric constants, magnetic permeability, and diffusion coefficients) of composite materials in terms of the properties and concentration of the components and the internal microstructure. Numerous existing relationships are obtained as special cases. Filler shapes ranging from platelet, particulate, and short-fiber, to continuous fiber are consolidated within the relationship. Particular emphasis is given to isotropic composites containing particulate fillers. Simplifications appropriate for metal-filled polymers are presented. An interpretation of structural parameters is proposed which accounts for sharp transitions associated with percolation mechanisms.
A 'retraction' method for learned navigation in unknown terrains for a circular robot

The authors consider the problem of learned navigation of a circular robot R, of radius delta (>or=0), through a terrain whose model is not a priori known. The authors consider two-dimensional finite-sized terrains populated by an unknown (but finite) number of simple polygonal obstacles. The number and locations of the vertices of each obstacle are unknown to R; R is equipped with a sensor system that detects all vertices and edges that are visible from its present location. The authors deal with two problems: the visit problem and the terrain model acquisition problem. In the visit problem, the robot is required to visit a sequence of destination points, and in the terrain model acquisition problem, the robot is required to acquire the complete model of the terrain. The authors present an algorithmic network framework for solving these two problems based on a retraction of the free space onto the Voronoi diagram of the terrain. >
Days of Gold: The California Gold Rush and the American Nation

On the morning of January 24, 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold in California. The news spread across the continent, launching hundreds of ships and hitching a thousand prairie schooners filled with adventurers in search of heretofore unimagined wealth. Those who joined the procession - soon called 49ers - included the wealthy and the poor from every state and territory, including slaves brought by their owners. In numbers, they represented the greatest mass migration in the history of the Republic. In this first comprehensive history of the Gold Rush, Malcolm J. Rohrbough demonstrates that in its far-reaching repercussions, it was the most significant event in the first half of the nineteenth century. No other series of events between the Louisiana Purchase and the Civil War produced such a vast movement of people; called into question basic values of marriage, family, work, wealth, and leisure; led to so many varied consequences; and, left such vivid memories among its participants. Through extensive research in diaries, letters, and other archival sources, Rohrbough uncovers the personal dilemmas and confusion that the Gold Rush brought. His engaging narrative depicts the complexity of human motivation behind the event and reveals the effects of the Gold Rush as it spread outward in ever-widening circles to touch the lives of families and communities everywhere in the United States. For those who joined the 49ers, the decision to go raised questions about marital obligations and family responsibilities. For those men - and women, whose experiences of being left behind have been largely ignored until now - who remained on the farm or in the shop, the absences of tens of thousands of men over a period of years had a profound impact, reshaping a thousand communities across the breadth of the American nation.
Static stability and thermal wind in an atmosphere of variable composition: Applications to Mars

Radiometric measurements of the temperature of the south polar cap of Mars in winter have yielded values significantly below the expected 148 K. One proposed explanation for this result is a substantial reduction in the CO2 content of the atmosphere and a lowering of the mean molecule weight near the surface. The meteorological consequences of this explanation are explored by deriving a criterion for vertical static stability and a thermal wind law for an atmosphere of variable composition. The atmosphere proves to be statically unstable unless the anomaly in the CO2 mixing ratio extends to heights of tens of kilometers. The effect of varying molecular weight exceeds the effect of temperature gradient, producing shears with height of reversed sign. The shears are baroclinically unstable, and this instability would eradicate the latitudinal gradient of molecular weight. This inconsistency can be resolved by invoking a reasonable elevation of the central polar cap and by imposing an adequate zonal wind. It is concluded that if the explanation requiring a change in atmospheric composition is correct, it must be accompanied by other special circumstances to make it meteorologically consistent.
A novel magnetic random access memory design using square ring elements for the hard layer

The behavior of narrow permalloy square rings under the influence of a magnetic field was studied using magnetic force microscopy (MFM). Two stable states of opposite polarity at remanence and simple switching were observed. We propose a design for the hard layer of magnetic random access memory (MRAM) that uses these states in square rings for data storage.
The effect of x-radiation on the incorporation of 14C-orotic acid into rapidly labeled nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA.

Abstract The effects of X-radiation on 14C-orotic acid incorporation into nuclear and cytoplasmic rat liver RNA were studied in animals killed 24 hr after partial hepatectomy. The animals received total-body doses of 1500 R and were injected with orotic acid 10, 20, 40 and 60 min prior to sacrifice. X-radiation inhibits the incorporation of orotic acid into nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA in the livers of animals injected with the precursor 10 or 20 min before they are killed. Sixty minutes after orotic acid injection no inhibition of the labeling of nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA was observed. The results suggest that X-radiation retards the incorporation of 14C-orotic acid into the rapidly labeled nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA and that in the cytoplasm X-radiation preferentially interferes with the labeling of RNA with rapid turnover. The retardation of the incorporation of 14C-orotic acid into nuclear RNA can be detected 1 hr after irradiation and reaches a maximum at 6 hr. It is possible that the primary injury produced by X-radiation involves the DNA molecules which at the time of the irradiation function as template for the synthesis of rapidly labeled RNA.
Effect of potassium ion, theophylline and propranolol on the biphasic lipolytic response to some catecholamines

Abstract The biphasic lipolytic dose-response curves to the levo -isomers of the catecholamines were investigated to determine what role cyclic AMP played in the mediation of these responses. As has been reported previously, the dose-response curve to l -epinephrine was biphasic. The first phase of the response curve has been shown to be equivalent to the lipolytic response reported many times in the literature and was, therefore, considered to be mediated by cyclic AMP. Removal of potassium ion from the incubation medium abolished the first phase of the response (Lipolysis I), but had no effect on the second phase (Lipolysis II). In the absence of potassium ion, lipolytic response to l -epinephrine was significantly augmented by the presence of sublipolytic concentrations of theophylline and significantly inhibited by the presence of the betaadrenergic blocking agent, propranolol. The lipolytic dose-response curve to the dextro -isomer of epinephrine was monophasic. Omission of potassium ion from the incubation medium had very little effect on the lipolytic response to this agent. The response to d -epinephrine closely resembled the Lipolysis II response to l-epinephrine. The lipolytic activity of d -epinephrine was significantly augmented by theophylline and inhibited by propranolol. These data are interpreted to suggest that the second phase of the biphasic dose-response curve to l -epinephrine (Lipolysis II) was mediated by cyclic AMP.
Brazilian Mosaic: Portraits of a Diverse People and Culture

This selection of excerpts and essays delineates Brazilian culture as exemplified by its people. Two pieces that provide a general overview of Brazilian peoples are followed by four chronological sections, each of which is preceded by a historical sketch of the period under examination.
Overview and applications of the reproducing Kernel Particle methods

Multiple-scale Kernel Particle methods are proposed as an alternative and/or enhancement to commonly used numerical methods such as finite element methods. The elimination of a mesh, combined with the properties of window functions, makes a particle method suitable for problems with large deformations, high gradients, and high modal density. The Reproducing Kernel Particle Method (RKPM) utilizes the fundamental notions of the convolution theorem, multiresolution analysis and window functions. The construction of a correction function to scaling functions, wavelets and Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is proposed. Completeness conditions, reproducing conditions and interpolant estimates are also derived. The current application areas of RKPM include structural acoustics, elastic-plastic deformation, computational fluid dynamics and hyperelasticity. The effectiveness of RKPM is extended through a new particle integration method. The Kronecker delta properties of finite element shape functions are incorporated into RKPM to develop a Cm kernel particle finite element method. Multiresolution and hp-like adaptivity are illustrated via examples.
Analyzing the Link Between Real GDP and Employment: An Industry Sector Approach

This paper offers insight into the “jobless recovery” phenomenon recently experienced in the U.S. economy by examining industry-sector employment responsiveness to the long-term real GDP expansion occurring during 1991-2001. Two employment models are specified—one using real GDP as the only explanatory variable and the other using real GDP, five additional macroeconomic performance variables, and a time trend as explanatory variables. Monthly data for April 1991–March 2001, and OLSQ regressions are used to derive industry-sector elasticities of employment with respect to real GDP. Empirical results highlight the importance of controlling for non-real GDP macro variables when determining relationships between employment and real GDP. The results identify five industries exhibiting “jobless recovery” characteristics (having negative employment elasticities) and a broad range of employment elasticities across industry categories. The findings may be helpful to business economists modeling their own industry employment and suggest that even during extended periods of real GDP expansion, there may be a case for using industry-specific labor market transition initiatives to assist employment growth.
TREATMENT OF THE MENO-PAUSE WITH STILBESTROL

SINCE DODDS (1, 2) first reported the estrogenic effects of stilbestrol there have been numerous reports of clinical trials with this interesting drug. Bishop (3) reported that in 17 of 25 women it controlled the symptoms of the menopause. He ad-ministered stilbestrol to a total of 46 patients of all types, only 3 of whom developed nausea and vomiting. A breast biopsy, made on one patient after she had received 280 mg. of stilbestrol, showed increased epithelial activity but no evidence of carcinoma. Winterton and MacGregor (4) observed nausea in 6 of 51 patients treated for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea or the menopause. In 5 this symptom was slight and in one, severe enough to require omission of the drug. No other toxic reactions were noted. Others have reported similar results (5-14). Moricard and Saulnier (15), on the other hand, reported nausea in 7 of 12 patients. In 3 it was severe enough to make omission of the drug necessary. General malaise, nausea, vomiting and dizziness occurred in a large percent...
The impact of prematurity and low birth weight on the leading cause of infant mortality

Purpose Despite significant declines in the birth defects-specific infant mortality rate (BD-IMR), birth defects continue to be the leading cause of infant death in the United States, with the 1999 to 2001 average being 1.4 per 1000 live births. During this same time period, rates of low birth weight (LBW; Methods We conducted a study of U.S. BD-IMRs by birth weight and gestational age, stratified by plurality using data from the National Center for Health Statistics linked birth/infant death file for the years 1999 to 2001 combined. Rates were calculated for subgroups by race or ethnicity, maternal age, and type of anomaly—variables that potentially contribute to the impact of birth weight and gestational age on BD-IMRs. Results About 60% of infant deaths due to birth defects occurred to LBW infants and about half occurred to preterm infants. BD-IMRs were highest for LBW and preterm births. BD-IMRs increased with increasing plurality. Among LBW and preterm infants, however, these rates decreased with increasing plurality. Among singletons, non-Hispanic black infants (rate of 1.6 per 1000 live births) were more likely than non-Hispanic white (1.3) or Hispanic (1.4) infants to die due to a birth defect; however, non-Hispanic black LBW or preterm infants were less likely than corresponding non-Hispanic whites or Hispanics to die due to a birth defect. Conclusion These analyses provide important insight into the relationship among fatal birth defects, LBW, and preterm births. Prevention initiatives should consider the overlap in these conditions and their associated risk factors. In addition, an enhanced system of fetal death data in the United States would provide useful additions to our understanding of birth defects infant mortality.
Hospice Care for a Terminally-III Child in the School Setting

In our society, the words “dying” and “school” are not a natural fit. Recently they have occurred together all too frequently. When this happens, horror, fear, and confusion often prevail. The death of a child is always a tragedy, but handled well, it can bring positive growth and maturity to the school community. The death of a class member, teacher, or student affects the class in a way that no other event does. Accidental deaths, shootings, and other violent deaths cause multiple and complex problems within the school community. These dramatic and tragic events are present in the media and leave people with a violent concept of death. However, death sometimes comes in slow and lingering ways. In this article, the case study of a student named “Tyler” illustrates the painful but positive experiences of his class. This type of death — of a school-age child— brings a prolonged grief and struggle for students, teachers, and the school community.
Elevated Numbers of Proliferating Mononuclear Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Psoriatic Patients Correlate with Disease Severity

Although psoriasis is characterized by the accumulation of activated proliferating lymphoid cells in the psoriatic skin lesion, it is not known whether these cells are activated and proliferating before entry into the psoriatic plaque. The current study evaluates the number and phenotype of proliferating lymphoid cells in the blood of psoriatic patients. Proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated on cytospun preparations of these cells using autoradiographic techniques after pulsing the mononuclear cells with 3 H-methyl thymidine for 2 h. The phenotypes of the labeled peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined combining autoradiography and immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies directed at CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11c, CD22, and human leukocyte antigen-DR. The data demonstrated elevated numbers of proliferating lymphoid cells in the blood of psoriatic patients compared with normal nonpsoriatic volunteers (p + , CD4 + , CD8 + cells), B cells CD22 + cells), monocytes (CD11c + cells) and human leukocyte antigen-DR + cells were significantly elevated compared with nonpsoriatic skin (p 3 H-methyl thymidine (i.e., proliferating and presumably activated) when assayed in vitro.
The mechanics of community assembly and succession

Understanding the development of community pattern, manifest as species coexistence and relative abundance at local and regional scales, remains a focus of ecological research. Two strategies have been employed to understand distribution and abundance. The first approach is comparative and is based on correlation. In this case, organization is deduced from an analysis of extant community organization. The second approach seeks to understand organization by considering the production of the extant community state. This is as a question of the dynamics or development of an organizing system. The expression of ecological mechanisms is constrained by the sequence of community states which regulate the production of community pattern. The dynamics of this process are the mechanics of community assembly. Here, the mechanics of community assembly and production of ecological pattern are explored.
On computing sets of shortest paths in a graph

Two algorithms are presented that construct the k shortest paths between every pair of vertices in a directed graph. These algorithms generalize the Floyd algorithm and the Dantzig algorithm for finding the shortest path between every pair of vertices in a directed graph.