cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Point-of-sale marketing of little cigars and cigarillos on and near California Tribal lands.

Introduction American Indians have the highest cigarette smoking prevalence of any racial/ethnic group in the USA. Tobacco marketing at point-of-sale is associated with smoking, possibly due to easy access to cheap tobacco products. The sale of novel tobacco products like little cigars/cigarillos (LCCs) has increased in recent years which may further increase combustible tobacco use among American Indians. Methods Between October 2015 and February 2017, trained community health workers collected LCC product and price information by conducting audits of tobacco retailers on Tribal lands (n=53) and retailers within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands (n=43) in California. Χ2 analyses were performed to examine associations among the availability and advertising of LCCs, including indoor price promotions and store location. Results Overall, 85.4% of stores sold LCCs, 76.0% sold flavoured LCCs and 51.0% sold LCCs for less than $1. Indoor price promotions were displayed at 45 (46.9%) stores. Stores within a 1-mile radius of Tribal lands sold significantly more LCC (p Conclusions LCCs are widely available in stores on and near California Tribal lands. Stores located a short distance away from Tribal lands were more likely to sell LCCs, including flavoured versions, more likely to sell LCCs priced below $1, and more likely to advertise little LCC price promotions than stores on Tribal lands. Policy-makers and Tribal leaders should consider regulations that would limit access to LCCs at point of sale to help prevent youth initiation and reduce smoking-related morbidity and mortality among American Indians.
Scaling Effect of Fused ASTER-MODIS Land Surface Temperature in an Urban Environment

There is limited research in land surface temperatures (LST) simulation using image fusion techniques, especially studies addressing the downscaling effect of LST image fusion. LST simulation and associated downscaling effect can potentially benefit the thermal studies requiring both high spatial and temporal resolutions. This study simulated LSTs based on observed Terra Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) LST imagery with Spatial and Temporal Adaptive Reflectance Fusion Model, and investigated the downscaling effect of LST image fusion at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 250, 500, and 1000 m spatial resolutions. The study area partially covered the City of Los Angeles, California, USA, and surrounding areas. The reference images (observed ASTER and MODIS LST imagery) were acquired on 04/03/2007 and 07/01/2007, with simulated LSTs produced for 4/28/2007. Three image resampling methods (Cubic Convolution, Bilinear Interpolation, and Nearest Neighbor) were used during the downscaling and upscaling processes, and the resulting LST simulations were compared. Results indicated that the observed ASTER LST and simulated ASTER LST images (date 04/28/2007, spatial resolution 90 m) had high agreement in terms of spatial variations and basic statistics based on a comparison between the observed and simulated ASTER LST maps. Urban developed lands possessed higher LSTs with lighter tones and mountainous areas showed dark tones with lower LSTs. The Cubic Convolution and Bilinear Interpolation resampling methods yielded better results over Nearest Neighbor resampling method across the scales from 15 to 1000 m. The simulated LSTs with image fusion can be used as valuable inputs in heat related studies that require frequent LST measurements with fine spatial resolutions, e.g., seasonal movements of urban heat islands, monthly energy budget assessment, and temperature-driven epidemiology. The observation of scale-independency of the proposed image fusion method can facilitate with image selections of LST studies at various locations.
The local stability of positive solutions to the Hammerstein equation with a nonmonotonic nemytskii operator

LetE be a Banach lattice which consists of some functionsu:Ω→ℂ over a fixed domain Ω. This article is concerned with the local stability of a non-zero positive solutionu *∈E to the Hammerstein equationu(x)= $$ = \int\limits_\Omega {k(x,y)f(y,u(y))d\mu } (y),$$ x∈Ω, wherek≥0, andf:Ω×[0, ∞)→[0, ∞) is not necessarily increasing in the second variable. It is assumed thatf(x, 0)=0 and $$\left| {\frac{{\partial f(x,u)}}{{\partial u}}} \right|< \frac{{f(x,u)}}{u}$$ forx∈Ω,u>0. Under some mild additional hypotheses onE, k, μ andf it is proved that the spectral radius of the Frechet derivative atu * of the Hammerstein operator is less than one. Also the impact of local stability on secondary bifurcations is investigated. The proof of the main result is based on the spectral theory for completely continuous and irreducible positive operators on Banach lattices.
Inhibitory transmission in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in male and female mice following morphine withdrawal.

The United States is experiencing an opioid crisis imposing enormous fiscal and societal costs and driving the staggering overdose death rate. While prescription opioid analgesics are essential for treating acute pain, cessation of use in individuals with a physical dependence induces an aversive withdrawal syndrome that promotes continued drug use to alleviate/avoid these symptoms. Additionally, repeated bouts of withdrawal often lead to an increased propensity for relapse. Understanding the neurobiology underlying withdrawal is essential for providing novel treatment options to alleviate physiological and affective components accompanying the cessation of opiate use. Here, we administered morphine and precipitated withdrawal with naloxone to investigate behavioral and cellular responses in C57BL/6J male and female mice. Following 3 days of administration, both male and female mice demonstrated sensitized withdrawal symptoms. Since the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) plays a role in mediating withdrawal-associated behaviors, we examined plastic changes in inhibitory synaptic transmission within this structure 24 hours following the final precipitated withdrawal. In male mice, morphine withdrawal increased spontaneous GABAergic signaling compared with controls. In contrast, morphine withdrawal decreased spontaneous GABAergic signaling in female mice. Intriguingly, these opposing GABAergic effects were contingent upon activity-dependent dynamics within the ex vivo slice. Our findings suggest that male and female mice exhibit some divergent cellular responses in the BNST following morphine withdrawal, and alterations in BNST inhibitory signaling may contribute to the expression of behaviors following opioid withdrawal.
Age, Virility and Vernacularity: Boccaccio’s Portraits of the Artists as Young Men

ABSTRACTThis article explores discourses of youth and maturity in the pseudo-autobiographical frames to Boccaccio’s own works, and in his biographies of Dante and Petrarch. It analyses paradigmatic...
Concentration of a widespread breeding population in a few critically important nonbreeding areas: Migratory connectivity in the Prothonotary Warbler

One of the greatest challenges to informed conservation of migratory animals is elucidating spatiotemporal variation in distributions. Without such information, it is impossible to understand full-annual-cycle ecology and effectively implement conservation actions that address where and when populations are most limited. We deployed and recovered light-level geolocators (n = 34) at 6 breeding sites in North America across the breeding range of a declining long-distance migratory bird, the Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea). We sought to determine migratory routes, stopover location and duration, and the location of overwintering grounds. We found that the species exhibits a large-scale, east—west split in migratory routes and weak migratory connectivity across its range. Specifically, almost all individuals, regardless of breeding origin, overlapped in their estimated wintering location in northern Colombia, in an area 20% the size of the breeding range. Additionally, most of the individuals across all breeding locations concentrated in well-defined stopover locations in Central America while en route to Colombia. Although error inherent in light-level geolocation cannot be fully ruled out, surprisingly much of the estimated wintering area included inland areas even though the Prothonotary Warbler is considered a specialist on coastal mangroves in winter. Based on these results, conservation efforts directed at very specific nonbreeding geographical areas will potentially have benefits across most of the breeding population. Our findings highlight the importance of using modern technologies to validate assumptions about little-studied portions of a species' annual cycle, and the need to distribute sampling across its range.
Cost-effectiveness of second-line vasopressors for the treatment of septic shock

Abstract Purpose To determine the cost-effectiveness of escalating doses of norepinephrine or norepinephrine plus the adjunctive use of vasopressin or angiotensin II as a second-line vasopressor for septic shock. Materials and methods Decision tree analysis was performed to compare costs and outcomes associated with norepinephrine monotherapy or the two adjunctive second-line vasopressors. Short- and long-term outcomes modeled included ICU survival and lifetime quality-adjusted-life-years (QALY) gained. Costs were modeled from a payer's perspective, with a willingness-to-pay threshold set at $100,000/unit gained. One-way (tornado diagrams) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Adjunctive vasopressin was the most cost-effective therapy, and dominated both norepinephrine monotherapy and adjunctive angiotensin II by producing higher ICU survival at less cost. For the lifetime horizon, while norepinephrine monotherapy was least expensive, adjunctive vasopressin was the most cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $19,762 / QALY gained. Although adjunctive angiotensin II produced more QALYs compared to norepinephrine monotherapy, it was dominated in the long-term evaluation by second-line vasopressin. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated model robustness and medication costs were not significant drivers of model results. Conclusions Vasopressin is the most cost-effective second-line vasopressor in both the short- and long-term evaluations. Vasopressor price is a minor contributor to overall cost.
Heterotrimeric G-Protein Signaling in Plants

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins comprised of Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits are key regulators of a multitude of signaling pathways in all eukaryotes. In plants, these proteins are currently a focus of intense research due to their involvement in affecting many agronomically important traits such as seed yield, organ size, abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent signaling and stress responses, plant defense responses, symbiosis, and nitrogen use efficiency. The mechanistic details of G-protein signaling in modulating these processes remain largely unknown.
Knowledge, interest, and motivations surrounding self-managed medication abortion among patients at three Texas clinics

Abstract Background A rapid increase in restrictive abortion legislation in the United States has sparked renewed interest in self-managed abortion as a response to clinic access barriers. Yet little is known about knowledge of, interest in, and experiences of self-managed medication abortion among patients who obtain abortion care in a clinic. Objective (s): We examined patients’ knowledge of, interest in, and experience with self-managed medication abortion before presenting to the clinic. We characterized the clinic- and person-level factors associated with these measures. Finally, we examined the reasons why patients express an interest in or consider self-management before attending the clinic. Study Design We surveyed 1,502 abortion patients at three Texas clinics in McAllen, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. All individuals seeking abortion care who could complete the survey in English or Spanish were invited to participate in an anonymous survey conducted using iPads. The overall response rate was 90%. We examined the prevalence of four outcome variables, both overall, and separately by site: 1) knowledge of self-managed medication abortion; 2) having considered self-managing using medications before attending the clinic; 3) interest in medication self-management as an alternative to accessing care at the clinic; and 4) having sought or tried any method of self-management before attending the clinic. We used binary logistic regression models to explore the clinic- and patient-level factors associated with these outcome variables. Finally, we analyzed the reasons reported by those who had considered medication self-management before attending the clinic, as well as the reasons reported by those who would be interested in medication self-management as an alternative to in-clinic care. Results Among all respondents, 30% knew about abortion medications available outside the clinic setting (37% in Fort Worth, 33% in McAllen, 19% in San Antonio, p Conclusions Considering or attempting self-managed abortion may be part of the pathway to seeking in-clinic care, particularly among those experiencing access barriers. However, considerable interest in medication self-management as an alternative to the clinic also suggests demand for more autonomous abortion care options.
The Mars Dust Activity Database (MDAD): A comprehensive statistical study of dust storm sequences

Abstract A comprehensive Mars Dust Activity Database (MDAD) over 8 Mars years (MY 24, L s = 150°to MY 32, L s = 171°) is compiled from Mars Daily Global Maps. A total of 14,974 dust storm instances are cataloged with area > 10 5 km2 that are visually distinguishable from the surface. A dust storm instance is identified as a dust storm member over multiple sols if storm movement can be tracked. Dust storm sequences are collections of members that have a coherent trajectory from their origination areas over three or more sols. There are 228 sequences, with 125 originating in the northern hemisphere. Sequences primarily originate in Acidalia, Utopia, and Arcadia Planitiae in the northern hemisphere and Aonia–Solis–Valles Marineris and Hellas Basin in the southern hemisphere. Many northern hemisphere originating sequences flush into the southern hemisphere. The primary season for non-global dust events occurs during L s = 140°– 250°, with secondary seasons in L s = 300°– 360°in the northern hemisphere and L s = 10°– 70°in the southern hemisphere. Sequences are classified into three types. Main Member sequences have one dominant member; Continuous Development sequences have many smaller members; and Sequential Redevelopment sequences have repeating, medium-sized members. “Major” sequences have a maximum area > 10 7 km2, influence the zonal-mean global opacity, and exhibit flushing behavior. Major sequences occur over a narrower temporal range and are distinguished from other sequences by the larger size and duration distributions of their constituent members. Major sequences have unique antecedent conditions, with steadily increasing dust storm area in the 6 preceding sols that is significantly distinct from conditions preceding minor sequences.
A Comparison of the Cell Phone Driver and the Drunk Driver

We used a high-fidelity driving simulator to compare the performance of cell-phone drivers with drivers who were legally intoxicated from ethanol. When drivers were conversing on either a hand-held or hands-free cell-phone, their braking reactions were delayed and they were involved in more traffic accidents than when they were not conversing on the cell phone. By contrast, when drivers were legally intoxicated they exhibited a more aggressive driving style, following closer to the vehicle immediately in front of them and applying more force while braking. When controlling for driving conditions and time on task, cell-phone drivers exhibited greater impairment than intoxicated drivers. The results have implications for legislation addressing driver distraction caused by cell phone conversations.
Sex differences in early vulnerability to cerebral injury and their neurodevelopmental implications.

Sex differences in early vulnerability to cerebral injury were examined in a 10-year cohort of preterm infants. The 173 infants, whose gestational age was 32 weeks or less, were diagnosed with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), the most common cerebral insult in the premature neonate. Determination of ICH severity was based on neuroimaging evidence obtained during the neonatal period. Because the females in the sample exhibited greater dysmaturity coupled with lower birthweight, as compared with their male counterparts, analysis of covariance was applied to the data. After statistically controlling for the influence of potentially confounding perinatal variables, gender was found to provide a unique contribution to extent of ventricular dilation, an index of ICH severity. Male sex was associated not only with greater ventriculomegaly, but also with a higher grade of ICH. The latter effect was demonstrable in a large subsample of 72 males and 77 females whose birthweights were 1,750 g or below, and who did not differ significantly in gestational age. The implications of these results for theories about the neurobiological origins of sex differences in susceptibility to deviation from normal development are addressed.
Cold War Protagonists

This essay honors William E. Butler’s contributions to the study of Soviet/post-Soviet law and governance in the broader political context of the Cold War. Consistent with the spirit of the festschrift volume in which it is published, this story is told through a set of personal and allegorical reflections regarding the study of law and governance in moments of tremendous political pressure and transformation. Aside from acknowledging the centrality of Butler’s work to our understanding of the dynamic processes driving legal reform in Eurasia, the essay highlights Butler’s role in building institutional linkages between Anglo-American and Soviet legal academics and recalls parallel institution-building efforts during the Cold War, such as the rivalry between the American Committee on East-West Accord (ACEWA) and the Committee on the Present Danger (CPD). The central argument here is that, even in moments of intense ideological and geo-political hostility between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., institutional venues that facilitated ‘dialogue,’ ‘collaboration’ and ‘bilateral exchange’ did not merely serve as conduits for the exchange of people and ideas across hardened battle lines; more than that, depending on nature of their institutional form, they served as incubators for heterodox thinking on law and governance and offered valuable, and still underappreciated, opportunities for engagement between academics and policymakers. Normatively, the essay then draws several reflections regarding the start of a ‘Second Cold War’ and highlights the need for new institutional structures for the study of this conflict.
A Motion Picture Archiving Technique, and Its Application in an Ethnology Museum

This paper introduces database utilities for archiving motion pictures, and describes a prototype system called M-CIDB (Motion Color Image Data Base). There are two crucial problems in implementing motion picture archives: (1) scene indexing and database creation is time-consuming and error-prone, and (2) searching for scenes of interest is slow and awkward. The following techniques for solving the problems are proposed: (1) scene information structures including scene hierarchy and time-axis-based annotations for fast and random scene access, (2) automatic scene change detection and automatic representative frame image selection from all the original consecutive frame sequences, and (3) an interactive scene information editor for verifying and editing automatically detected scene information through a graphical user interface. A prototype system has been built and applied to an ethnology museum’s motion video in a preliminary feasibility study.
Peripartum and neonatal outcomes of small-for-gestational-age infants with gastroschisis.

Objectives Neonates with gastroschisis are often small for gestational age (SGA) based on population nomograms. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of SGA on perinatal and neonatal outcomes in cases of gastroschisis. Methods This is a retrospective study of neonates with prenatally diagnosed gastroschisis from two academic centers between 2008 and 13. Perinatal and neonatal outcomes of neonates with SGA at birth were compared with appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates. The primary composite outcome was defined as any of the following: neonatal sepsis, short bowel syndrome at discharge, prolonged mechanical ventilation (upper quartile for the cohort), bowel atresia or death. Results We identified 112 cases of gastroschisis, 25 of whom (22%) were SGA at birth. There were no differences in adverse peripartum outcomes between SGA and AGA infants. No difference was found in the primary composite neonatal outcome (52% vs 36%, p = 0.21), but SGA infants were more likely to have prolonged mechanical ventilation (44% vs 22%, p = 0.04) and prolonged length of stay (LOS) (52% vs 22%, p = 0.007). After adjusting for GA at delivery, SGA remained associated with prolonged LOS (OR = 4.3, CI: 1.6–11.8). Conclusion Among infants with gastroschisis, SGA at birth is associated with a fourfold increase in odds for prolonged LOS, independent of GA. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Effect of Oxygen and Nitrate on Protoporphyrin and Heme Synthesis from Δ-Amino Levulinic Acid in Bacterial Cultures

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. denitrificans accumulate more protoheme and considerably more protoporphyrin during anaerobic growth under denitrifying conditions than during aerobic growth. In Escherichia coli, the small accumulation of protoporphyrin and protoheme which occurs during anaerobic growth is slightly stimulated by nitrate and markedly stimulated by oxygen.
UCLA Library Center for Oral History Research

The UCLA Library Center for Oral History Research collects and creates oral history interviews related primarily to the history of Southern California and the Los Angeles metropolitan region. Today...
Mantle flow beneath Arabia offset from the opening Red Sea

[1] Continental rifting involves a poorly understood sequence of lithospheric stretching, volcanism, and mantle flow that evolves to seafloor spreading. We present new insight from inversion of seismic traveltimes and waveforms beneath Arabia and surroundings. Low velocities occur beneath the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, consistent with active spreading. However, hot material extends not below the northern Red Sea, but is offset eastward beneath Arabia, showing mantle flow from the Afar hotspot. The location of this channel beneath volcanic rocks erupted since rifting began 30 million years ago indicates that flow moves with Arabia. We propose that the absence of seafloor spreading in the northern Red Sea reflects the offset flow. This geometry may evolve to spreading in the Northern Red Sea, rifting of Arabia, or both. This situation has aspects of both active and passive rifting, showing that both can occur before coalescing to seafloor spreading.
From Object to Subject: Young women's experience of sexuality education within sex- negative taboos

Young female sexuality continues to be portrayed as problematic within cultural expectations of acceptable sexual conduct among young people (Moran, 2000; Russell, 2005; Welles, 2005). Contributing to this negativity is the marginalization of positive conceptualizations of female sexuality and the silencing of female sexual desire and pleasure within sexual education practices (Fields & Tolman, 2006; Fine, 1988; Tolman, 2002; Tolman, Hirschman, & Impett, 2005). This feminist critical ethnography utilizes the narratives of four young women participants in the From Object to Subject (O2S) curriculum—a curriculum emphasizing a sex-positive approach to sexuality education—to explore: (a) how adolescent females have been educated about sex and sexuality in the past; (b) how young women have experienced their own sexuality; and (c) the societal circumstances and messages that young women experience and have contributed to their sexual socialization. Findings revealed two major societal taboos that contribute to the marginalization of young female sexuality. The taboo of sexual awareness and the taboo of female sexuality, desire, and pleasure are described in detail. These taboos inform understanding of the realities young women experience within our nation’s contemporary climate of sex-negative sexual education practices and the nature of sexual socialization of young people. Implications for future research regarding young female sexuality and sexuality education policy reform are addressed.
STABILITY OF TOBACCO-MOSAIC VIRUS, MARMOR TABACI H, IN SOLUTIONS DILUTED BEYOND THE END POINT OF INFECTIVITY

Thornberry, H. H. (University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill.) and B. B. Nagaich. Stability of tobacco-mosaic virus, Marmor tabaci H, in solutions diluted beyond the end point of infectivity. J. Bacteriol. 83:1322-1326. 1962.-Tobacco-mosaic virus (TMV) in crude plant extract and in a partially purified preparation was diluted in distilled water, 0.1 m potassium phosphate buffer, and 0.1 m sodium chloride beyond detectable infectivity by usual assays on 12 primary leaves of Scotia beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. All assays were made with inoculum containing abrasive at pH 8.5 in 0.1 m phosphate buffer. Infectious virus was recovered from each highly diluted solution (10 liters at pH 7.5 and 4 C for 24 hr) by adsorption at pH 2.5 on Celite particles and desorption at pH 8.5 and 40 C with 100 or 150 ml of 0.1 m phosphate buffer. Thus, TMV is not irreversibly inactivated by such dilutions. To ascertain the infectivity of the virus at high dilutions, TMV in crude plant extracts at three dilutions (10(-6), 10(-7), and 10(-8)) was assayed on bean leaves (12 leaves for 10(-6), 120 leaves for 10(-7), and 1,200 leaves for 10(-8)). Infection was obtained from each diluted inoculum (10(-6), 26 total local lesions; 10(-7), 30; and 10(-8), 22). These data support the conclusions that TMV remains infectious at high dilutions and that the failure to obtain infection beyond the end point of infectivity by usual assays is owing to sparsity of infectious virus rather than to viral inactivation. In addition, they suggest that a single viral particle is capable of infecting a susceptible site.
Crack Closure and Variable-Amplitude Fatigue Crack Growth

The prediction of service lifetime and the selection of alloys for maximum fatigue crack growth resistance are made complicated by the effect of prior loading histories on the rate of crack growth. Some research indicatesthat crack closure can be an important factor in accounting for this history effect. This paper presents a review of the lifetime on load-interaction effects on fatigue crack growth and indicates some of the future research needed to better understand the factors giving rise to history effects in the growth of long and short cracks.
Advanced electrical power systems (AEPS) thrust at the office of naval research

This paper presents an overview of the thrust whose objectives are to provide the enabling science, technology and design tools to allow electrical power systems, electric propulsion, and auxiliary systems to meet future mission and affordability requirements by the AEPS (advanced electrical power systems) technologies. AEPS is also applicable to all surface ship, aircraft carrier, and submarine platforms. Energy conversion is fundamental to future electrical power systems. As a result, future systems also require new electrical, electromechanical, electrothermal, and photoelectric energy conversion processes and technologies. The AEPS thrust has the following sub-thrust that develop ship-wide energy conversion concepts, technologies and machinery for future electric warships: electromechanics, electrochemical energy conversion technology, electrical energy conversion technology, electromechanical energy conversion technology and electrical power systems. Lastly, the presentation provides an overview on focus areas, funded projects and funding mechanism.
Nonsymbolic number and cumulative area representations contribute shared and unique variance to symbolic math competence

Humans and nonhuman animals share the capacity to estimate, without counting, the number of objects in a set by relying on an approximate number system (ANS). Only humans, however, learn the concepts and operations of symbolic mathematics. Despite vast differences between these two systems of quantification, neural and behavioral findings suggest functional connections. Another line of research suggests that the ANS is part of a larger, more general system of magnitude representation. Reports of cognitive interactions and common neural coding for number and other magnitudes such as spatial extent led us to ask whether, and how, nonnumerical magnitude interfaces with mathematical competence. On two magnitude comparison tasks, college students estimated (without counting or explicit calculation) which of two arrays was greater in number or cumulative area. They also completed a battery of standardized math tests. Individual differences in both number and cumulative area precision (measured by accuracy on the magnitude comparison tasks) correlated with interindividual variability in math competence, particularly advanced arithmetic and geometry, even after accounting for general aspects of intelligence. Moreover, analyses revealed that whereas number precision contributed unique variance to advanced arithmetic, cumulative area precision contributed unique variance to geometry. Taken together, these results provide evidence for shared and unique contributions of nonsymbolic number and cumulative area representations to formally taught mathematics. More broadly, they suggest that uniquely human branches of mathematics interface with an evolutionarily primitive general magnitude system, which includes partially overlapping representations of numerical and nonnumerical magnitude.
Population forecast accuracy: does the choice of summary measure of error matter?

Population projections are judged primarily by their accuracy. The most commonly used measure for the precision component of accuracy is the mean absolute percent error (MAPE). Recently, the MAPE has been criticized for overstating forecast error and other error measures have been proposed. This study compares the MAPE with two alternative measures of forecast error, the Median APE and an M-estimator. In addition, the paper also investigates forecast bias. The analysis extends previous studies of forecast error by examining a wide range of trend extrapolation techniques using a dataset that spans a century for a large sample of counties in the US. The main objective is to determine whether the choice of summary measure of error makes a difference from a practitioner’s standpoint. The paper finds that the MAPE indeed produces error values that exceed the robust measures. However, except for situations where extreme outliers rendered the MAPE meaningless, and which are rare in real world applications, there was not a single instance where using an alternative summary measure of error would have led to a fundamentally different evaluation of the projections. Moreover, where differences existed, it was not always clear that the values and patterns provided by the robust measures were necessarily more correct than those obtained with the MAPE. While research into refinements and alternatives to the MAPE and mean algebraic percent error are worthwhile, consideration of additional evaluation procedures that go beyond a single criterion might provide more benefits to producers and users of population forecasts.
Immunodetection of the amyloid P component in Alzheimer's disease.

Amyloid P component (AP), a plasma constituent normally not found in brain arenchyma, has been immunohistochemically determined in brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tissue came from 11 clinically diagnosed and neuropathologically verified AD patients and from 6 normal aged controls. Positive labeling for AP was observed in amyloidotic blood vessels, senile plaques (SP) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). The immunoreactivity was specific for these AD-associated lesions and clearly revealed their morphological appearance. Affected blood vessels appeared to be mainly of the arteriolar types and were labeled abluminally in short segments. SP constituents such as amyloid fibrils, anyloid core and degenerative axonal and dendritic processes were positive for AP antiserum; the morphology and distribution of immunoreactive SP corresponded to previous descriptions. Labeling of NFT revealed the morphology of paired helical and straight filaments. In all cerebral areas studied, tangle-bearing neurons were immunoreactive to AP antiserum, suggesting that AP is involved in early cellular development of NFT. Given the large molecular weight of AP (about 220,000), these results point to a potential impairment of the blood-brain barrier in AD. Since AP is always present in systemic amyloidosis, its detection in cerebral amyloidosis associated with AD may suggest mechanisms common to the two disorders.
Stimulation of canine lymphocyte subpopulations separated nonlytically by monoclonal anti-T and polyclonal anti-B cell antibodies.

Canine blood lymphocytes were nonlytically separated on antibody-coated petri dishes into surface immunoglobulin-positive (SIg+) and -negative (SIg−) populations. SIg− cells were further separated into cells reactive or non-reactive with monoclonal antibody DT-2 recognizing canine T lymphocytes. The purity of the three enriched lymphocyte populations exceeded 90% as assessed by immunofluorescence. Mitogen stimulation showed a vigorous response of SIg+ cells to pokeweed mitogen and concanavalin A but only a weak response to phytohemagglutinin. In mixed lymphocyte cultures, SIg+ cells were poor responders but potent stimulators. DT-2− and DT-2+ cells responded to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen, and both populations were good responders in mixed leukocyte culture. Only DT-2− cells were potent stimulators; DT-2+ cells were not. Hence, canine blood T cells can be divided into two subsets, DT-2+ and DT-2−, both of which are responsive to mitogens and alloantigens.
Vouchers, tests, loans, privatization: Will they help tackle corruption in Russian higher education?

Higher education in Russia is currently being reformed. A standardized computer-graded test and educational vouchers were introduced to make higher education more accessible, fund it more effectively, and reduce corruption in admissions to public colleges. The voucher project failed and the test faces furious opposition. This paper considers vouchers, standardized tests, educational loans, and privatization as related to educational corruption. Many criticize the test for increasing educational corruption, but it is needed to replace the outdated admissions policy based on entry examinations. This paper also considers the growing de facto privatization of the nation’s higher education system as a fundamental process that should be legalized and formalized. It suggests that the higher education industry should be further restructured, and decentralized and privatized, and sees educational loans as a necessary part of the future system of educational funding.
Postmodernism and Organizational Research

Drawing selectively from the often countervailing currents of postmodernism, we argue for an epistemology that combines a skepticism toward metanarrative with a commitment to rigorous standards of enquiry in pursuit of radical challenges to accepted knowledge. We discuss five problematics concerned with normal science, truth, representation, style, and generalizability, and we provide examples of postmodern approaches to classic data sets, local knowledge, eclectic sources, and the counterintuitive. In this article we seek to provoke an ongoing conversation concerning the potential of postmodernism for revolutionizing organizational research.
A superdislocation model for the strengthening of metal matrix composites and the initiation and propagation of shear bands

Abstract Strengthening in metallic alloys resulting from dislocation-particle interaction is investigated in connection with the initiation and propagation of shear bands. A dislocation model is presented in this work to explain these phenomena. It consists of a discontinuous tilt wall initially containing N infinite straight dislocations. The wall interacts with rigid particles and bows out between them as these particles act as pinning points. At a critical stress, the bow-out becomes unstable and its front propagates to form a shear band. An analytical solution is formulated for the increase in the elastic strain energy as the tilt wall bows out between the two rigid particles. The bow-out configuration is approximated by a finite number of straight line segments. The critical state at the onset of instability is obtained by minimizing the free energy, leading to an estimate for the flow stress and its dependence on particle spacing. The model is in good agreement with experimental data found in the literature.
Technology, Teacher Education, and the Postmodern: Encouraging the Discourse

Abstract Current discourse in education regarding modernism and postmodernism requires the inclusion of technology and teacher education. The issue of empowering teachers and students through a critical perspective regarding technology and teacher education is a particular focus. The idea is that what many call our postmodern world can employ technology and teacher education in order to cope with multiple perspectives and lack of efficacy, rather than as devices to promote continued hegemony and disempowerment. A shift in social, cultural, political, and economic conditions brought on by increased globalization, capitalism, and corporatization suggests the need to deconstruct the purpose of education (and specifically technology and teacher education as vital components). Suggestions are provided regarding technology and teacher education in order to meet the needs of teachers and students in a postmodern world.
Stereoselective features of catecholamine disposition and their behavioral implications

Abstract The post-synaptic receptor actions of norepinephrine but not of dopamine are strikingly stereospecific. A considerably lesser “stereoselectivity” characterizes the presynaptic uptake and release properties of norepinephrine neurons in the peripheral sympathetic nervous system and in the brain. Dopamine nerve terminals display still less stereoselectivity in their uptake mechanism, none being demonstrable at the β-carbon while a variable degree can be detected at the α-carbon. The differential stereoselectivity of dopamine and norepinephrine neurons has prompted the use of isomers of amphetamine in attempts to discern whether particular behaviors in animals, such as turning after unilateral nigrostriatal lesion, stereotyped behavior, locomotor activation and hypothalamic or midbrain self-stimulation, are predominantly dopamine or norepinephrine mediated. In man, amphetamine isomers have been evaluated for central stimulant effects, production of “amphetamine psychosis” and exascerbation of schizophrenic symptoms.
Sapphire fibers for 3-μm delivery systems

Sapphire fibers for three micron delivery systemsGwynneth M. Clarke, David Chadwick, Ricky K. Nubling, and James A. HarrmgtonFiber Optic Material Research ProgramRutgers UniversityPiscataway, NJ 08855-0909ABSTRACTEr:YAG laser energy is highly absorbed by water, and therefore can provide excellent cutting precision with minimalthermal damage to surrounding tissue. Single crystal sapphire fibers are capable offransmittiig Er:YAG laser energy with lowloss and, additionally, they are chemically durable and bio-compatible. In this study, 300 tm diameter sapphire fibers wereevaluated for use in surgical applications. Scattering and absorption losses, effective NA, and power handling capabilitieswere measured. The fibers had losses less than 1 dB/m, an effective NA of 0.2, and damage thresholds exceeding 1 .2 kJ/cm2.The high damage thresholds were achieved only after a laser conditioning process at the proximal end of the fiber.Key words: Fiber optics, sapphire fibers, Er:YAG laser delivery systems, infrared fibers, sapphire1. INTRODUCTION
Kinetics of microbial inactivation by chlorine—II Kinetics in the presence of chlorine demand

Description et analyse des cinetiques de decomposition des coliformes dans l'eau usee a l'aide du modele empirique de Selleck
The Role of MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Migration, Invasion and Metastasis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a major class of small, noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by targeting mRNAs to trigger either translational repression or mRNA degradation. They have recently been more widely investigated due to their potential role as targets for cancer therapy. Many miRNAs have been implicated in several human cancers, including breast cancer. miRNAs are known to regulate cell cycle and development, and thus may serve as useful targets for exploration in anticancer therapeutics. The link between altered miRNA signatures and breast cancer development and metastasis can be observed either through the loss of tumor suppressor miRNAs, such as let-7s, miR-30a/31/34a/125s/200s/203/205/206/342 or the overexpression of oncogenic miRNAs, such as miR-10b/21/135a/155/221/222/224/373/520c in breast cancer cells. Some of these miRNAs have also been validated in tumor specimens of breast cancer patients, underscoring their potential roles in diagnostics, as well as targets for novel therapeutics for breast cancer. In this review article, we will provide an overview and update of our current understanding of the mode of action of several of these well characterized miRNAs in breast cancer models. Therefore, better understanding of the gene networks orchestrated by these miRNAs may help exploit the full potential of miRNAs in regards to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and therapeutics.
Research laboratory architecture and the structuring of communications

Leaf number 17 omitted in paging. The research reported in this paper was supported by grants from the Office of Science Information Service, National Science Foundation and the General Electric Foundation.
The Minimalist Y

The future of the mammalian Y chromosome has been the subject of much speculation. Because the sex chromosomes, X and Y, do not recombine genetic material through most of their length during meiosis (the process that produces gametes), it is argued that the Y chromosome is degenerating, undergoing a rapid evolution that is perhaps leading it down the road to extinction ( 1 ). In contrast to this view, sequencing efforts have revealed the complex and multilayered palindromic structure of the Y chromosome. Palindromic sequences may facilitate internal pairing of nucleotide bases, allowing the Y chromosome to repair itself through gene conversion ( 2 , 3 ). This debate is among many intriguing questions about the Y chromosome and its role in gametogenesis. Yamauchi et al. ( 4 ) investigated the minimal number of genes from the Y chromosome that are required to produce gametes that can generate offspring using assisted reproduction methods. On page 69 of this issue, the authors reveal the answer—only two genes.
Photoelectrolysis of H2S using an n-CdSe photoanode

Abstract A photoelectrochemical cell which makes use of chemically deposited thin CdSe film as photoanode and Pt as cathode has been fabricated to photoelectrolyze H 2 S to produce hydrogen. The cell converts light to stored chemical energy at 1.5% conversion efficiency and can also be used to convert light to stored chemical energy and electricity simultaneously. Under the conditions of co-withdrawal the maximum conversion efficiency is 2.85%. The cell showed 97% current conversion efficiency to hydrogen. If the hydrogen produced in the photoelectrochemical cell is used in a H 2 /air fuel cell for electricity generation, practical efficiency of 10.6% can be achieved. The cell has shown good stability for a time period of more than two weeks.
Molecular orbital conformational energy calculations of the aromatic heterocyclic poly(5,5′-bibenzoxazole-2,2′ diyl-1,4-phenylene) and poly(2,5-benzoxazole)

Interest in potential high-performance polymers, leading to characterization and development of the rodlike poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazoles) (PBO) and poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazoles) (PBT), has recently been extended to a related group of polymers referred to as AAPBO, ABPBO, AAPBT, and ABPBT. In this study, geometry-optimized CNDO/2 molecular orbital calculations have been carried out on AAPBO and ABPBO model compounds to determine conformational energies as a function of rotation about each type of rotatable bond within the repeat units. For AAPBO, which contains two types of rotatable bonds per repeat unit, the bond between the benzoxazole group and p-phenylene group prefers the coplanar conformation with a barrier to free rotation of 2.1 kcal mol−1, while the bond between the benzoxazole groups prefers a conformation approximately 60 degrees away from coplanarity with a barrier to coplanarity and to free rotation of 3.6 kcal mol−1. For ABPBO, which contains only the former type of rotatable bond per repeat unit, the coplanar conformations were preferred with a barrier to free rotation of 1.6 kcal mol−1. These results are in excellent agreement with the results of both theoretical and experimental studies on the structurally analogous PBO. They are also consistent with the liquid crystalline behavior found for ABPBO but not for AAPBO.
Species delimitation and cryptic diversity in the moss genus Scleropodium (Brachytheciaceae).

Cryptic lineage diversification is an important component of global biodiversity, but it presents challenges to our ability to catalog and understand that diversity. Because of their relative morphological simplicity and broad geographic distributions, bryophytes are an ideal study group for investigating this phenomenon. This study generated molecular data from 109 ingroup individuals to test morphological species circumscriptions and examine patterns of cryptic lineage diversification within the small north temperate moss genus Scleropodium (Brachytheciaceae). Maximum Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses and statistical parsimony network analyses of ITS and chloroplast rps4, psbA2 and trnG regions indicate that the genus comprises six distinct molecular groups. Five of these molecular groups correspond to previously recognized species: S. californicum (Lesq.) Kindb., S. cespitans (Mull.) Koch, S. julaceum Lawton, S. obtusifolium (Mitt.) Kindb. in Macoun and S. touretii Brid. (Koch). However, the sixth group does not correspond to any existing species. Maximum parsimony and Bayesian posterior probability support for the monophyly of species varied widely and depended on both the dataset (ITS, chloroplast, combined) and the analysis method (Parsimony/Bayesian). Low phylogenetic resolution of species is attributable to the lack of informative DNA sequence vaiation and incongruent placements of three accessions in the chloroplast and ITS gene trees, both suggesting recent divergence within the genus. Re-examination of the herbarium vouchers for the sixth molecular group reveals that they form a group nested within the morphological circumscription of S. obtusifolium. One subtle morphological character (relative frequency of a costa spine) was identified that has utility in discriminating these two genetically distinct but morphologically very similar species.