cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genotype to Phenotype: Insights from Evo-Devo

All models of evolution make assumptions about how genotypic variation influences phenotypic variation. As such, they make assumptions about development. The simplest such assumption is that genes contribute additively to phenotype. While this is sometimes a reasonable approximation, there are many cases in which it is not. This article discusses a number of these cases in which development cannot be ignored. These include the quantitative genetics of highly correlated traits, questions about the presence or absence of phenotypic traits in large phylogenetic groups, and questions about the evolution of specific loci that interact epistatically in development.
Impact of EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy sampling with a new core needle on the need for onsite cytopathologic assessment: a preliminary study

Background and Aims FNA is the primary method of EUS tissue acquisition. In an attempt to improve our yield of EUS-guided tissue acquisition, we compared fine-needle biopsy (FNB) sampling without rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) with FNA with ROSE and assessed the concordance of FNA and FNB sampling. Methods This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from consecutive patients. Patients underwent FNB sampling and FNA of the same single lesion, with the same needle gauge and number of passes. FNA with ROSE was performed with a standard FNA needle. FNB sampling was performed with a new dedicated core needle. FNA samples were assessed with ROSE, and a final interpretation was provided by cytopathology staff; FNB samples were analyzed by surgical pathologists, each not made aware of the other's opinion. Results Thirty-three patients underwent 312 passes in 42 different lesions. A diagnosis of malignancy was more likely with FNB sampling than with FNA (72.7% vs 66.7%, P = .727), although statistical significance was not reached. FNA and FNB sampling had similar sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies for cancer (81.5% vs 88.9%, 100% vs 100%, and 84.8% vs 90.9%, respectively). FNB sampling provided qualitative information not reported on FNA, such as degree of differentiation in malignancy, metastatic origin, and rate of proliferation in neuroendocrine tumors. Conclusions FNB sampling without ROSE using a dedicated core needle performed as well as FNA with ROSE in this small cohort, suggesting that FNB sampling with this new core needle may eliminate the need for an onsite cytopathologic assessment, without loss of diagnostic accuracy.
Channeled Scablands: A Megaflood Landscape

The Channeled Scabland of east-central Washington in the USA is a complex of anastomosing, rock-cut fluvial channels, rock basins, cataracts, streamlined loess hills, and immense gravel bars. It was all produced by cataclysmic erosion and deposition from Pleistocene megaflooding derived from the margins of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet that covered much of the mountainous northwestern part of North America.
Environmental drivers of subalpine and alpine fen vegetation in the Southern Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA

Fens are widely distributed wetlands worldwide and provide vital habitat for plant and animal species in mountainous regions. Alpine fens are rare in the Rocky Mountains and concentrated in the San Juan Mountains where broad regions at high elevation have relatively level topography and suitable climate to favor peat accumulation. Studies of montane and boreal peatlands have identified water chemistry as a main driver of vegetation composition. This study investigated whether similar drivers of vegetation composition are important for alpine and subalpine fens in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, USA. Water chemistry variables were most important in structuring subalpine and alpine fen vegetation. However, these variables explained considerably less variation in alpine than subalpine fen vegetation. In addition, lower variance of water chemistry in alpine fens did not lead to lower beta diversity of vegetation in alpine than in subalpine fens. Although alpine and subalpine fen vegetation supports similar beta diversity, key differences occur in the environmental drivers of their vegetation composition.
Optical Matched Filter Correlator Memory Techniques And Storage Capacity

The techniques used for storing matched filters in image processing units of the optical matched filter image correlator (OMFIC*) type determine to a large extent the capacity and discrimination of the complete system. In this progress report of an ongoing investigation sponsored by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), techniques and materials for storing matched filters are reported upon. Results are related by performance in the areas of diffraction efficiency, and signal to clutter measurements with selected imaging of targets in terrain scenes. Coherent and noncoherent addition of images for overlayed matched filter recording was investigated and is reported upon. Dichromated gelatins are used as matched filter recording media and the results compared with silver salt photographic materials. A formula is derived for MF capacity and the analysis extended to the case where the medium sets the resolution for MF recording.
Unusual tumors of the temporal bone

This chapter discusses rare tumors of the temporal bone. While squamous cell carcinoma is the most common tumor to affect the temporal bone, other rare tumors are recognized. These tumor types include endolymphatic sac tumors, giant-cell tumor, and hemangiopericytoma. These tumors have unique characteristics and are individually discussed. Endolymphatic sac tumors and hemangiopericytomas are highly vascular tumors that often require preoperative embolization. Complete surgical excision is treatment of choice but is often difficult to achieve given the anatomy of the temporal bone. Radiotherapy offers reasonable local control in the postoperative setting when residual tumor remains.
Rees Theorem and Quotients in Linear Algebraic Semigroups

Let S be an irreducible linear algebraic semigroup over an algebraically closed field k. We analyze the Rees theorem for a regular \(\mathcal{J}\)-class J of S. We define the support of J to be \(\mathbb{X} = J/\mathcal{H}\). We show that \(\mathbb{X}\) is a quasi-projective variety that is isomorphic to the direct product of two geometric quotients of algebraic group actions. When J is completely simple, \(\mathbb{X}\) is an affine variety, while in reductive monoids, \(\mathbb{X}\) is always a projective variety. We define the support of S to be that of the maximum regular \(\mathcal{J}\)-class of S. We study closed irreducible regular subsemigroups S of the full linear monoid M n (k) with projective supports \(\mathbb{X}\). We determine the possible \(\mathbb{X}\) and for a given \(\mathbb{X}\), all the possible S. Along the way, we pose some open problems, the chief among which is the conjecture that any irreducible regular linear algebraic semigroup S with zero has projective support. We prove this in the simplest case of when S is a completely 0-simple semigroup.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Selected Psychotropic Drugs

The study of pharmacokinetics is intended to provide information about the dynamics of the various factors which determine the proportion of a given dose of a drug which will become available at specific receptor sites to produce a therapeutic or a toxic effect. In a generalized overview of the subject, Levine (1973) notes that these factors include (1) the rate and extent of absorption from the site of application; (2) the rate and extent of distribution to various tissues and fluids; (3) the rate of biotransformation to active or inactive metabolites; and (4) the rate of excretion from the body. These processes are a function of the physiochemical properties of the drug (e.g., lipid solubility and molecular weight) and of the physiologic status of the patient. As will be seen, this latter aspect is determined not only by intervening pathologic processes, but also to a great extent by normal interindividual variability in parameters such as the proportion of drug bound to plasma proteins, the rate of hepatic blood flow, and the activity of enzymatic processes responsible for biotransformation.
Monte Carlo Simulation of Near-Source Dry Deposition

Calculations of the dry deposition flux in regional budgets are commonly based on estimates of the dry deposition velocity together with ambient concentration measurements at a reference height for a well-developed one-dimensional boundary layer. Alternate approaches are needed to estimate dry deposition to sensitive systems near major sources. In this study, the dry deposition flux is calculated using a steady-state Gaussian plume model that includes dry deposition. Cumulative frequency distributions of five required environmental variables and covariance relationships between variables are determined in order to perform Monte Carlo simulations of ambient concentrations and deposition fluxes near an area source.
Abstract 5479: Targeting fructose-induced metabolic reprogramming in liver metastasis

Primary tumors gradually accumulate genetic alterations and are influenced by their microenvironment until they acquire the ability to metastasize to distant organs. Typical of this process, colorectal cancer (CRC) progresses through an adenoma-to-carcinoma sequence that eventually leads to metastasis, preferentially (~70% patients) to the liver. At this phase, the disease becomes challenging to treat and eventually develops resistance to most forms of combination therapy, making CRC metastasis a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Patients with inoperable liver metastasis respond poorly to chemotherapeutic intervention and have a median survival of 6 to 9 months. Liver lesions have also been shown to seed tertiary tumors in the lungs of patients. Current chemotherapy for advanced CRC does not target liver metastases specifically. This is partly based on observations that CRC metastases are not consistently associated with any specific genetic mutations and they generally resemble cells in the primary tumor. However, emerging evidence suggests that nongenetic alterations, such as epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming, may promote cancer metastasis, including CRC. Targeting such mechanisms may provide a way to enhance therapeutics against metastasis. In this study, pair-wise analysis of 90 matched samples (normal colon, primary CRC, liver metastasis) from 30 Stage IV CRC patients and an in vivo CRC metastasis model via cecum transplantation suggests that CRC liver metastases alter activity levels of certain metabolic pathways. LC-MS based metabolomics systematically mapped the altered metabolic pathways in CRC liver metastasis. In particular, via hypoxia-responsive GATA6 and fructose-responsive ChREBP, liver metastases upregulate ALDOB, an enzyme involved in fructose metabolism, given that 70% of fructose is metabolized in the liver. Intrahepatic implantation indicates that the liver environment causes CRC cells to upregulate ALDOB. Metabolomics and 13C-labeled fructose tracing studies indicate that ALDOB promotes fructose metabolism to fuel glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and the pentose phosphate pathway. Fructose also triggered downstream signaling to enhance lipid synthesis. ALDOB silencing or dietary fructose restriction suppresses growth of CRC liver metastases, but not primary tumors or lung metastases, highlighting the importance of tumor environment. Our findings suggest that metastatic cells can take advantage of abundant metabolites in their new microenvironment, and manipulation of involved pathways impacts the course of metastatic growth. Citation Format: Xiling Shen. Targeting fructose-induced metabolic reprogramming in liver metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5479.
Application of Schwann Cells in Neural Tissue Engineering

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Schwann cells (SCs) are the principal glial cells that myelinate axons. Unlike the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system has the potential to regenerate after injury. SCs effectively respond to injury and help in axon regeneration during the early stage of peripheral nerve injury. Schwann cells also participate in the remyelination of axons in spinal cord injury (SCI). Following SCI, endogenous SCs migrate and invade the injury site where they associate with regenerating axons. Recent studies have demonstrated that Schwann cell transplantation can significantly enhance regeneration post-neural tissue injury. In this chapter, we review the critical role of Schwann cell in peripheral and spinal cord injuries.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations leading to hypoxemia in child with primary ciliary dyskinesia

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic condition characterized by respiratory tract infections, situs inversus or heterotaxy, and male infertility. Chronic respiratory infections begin in childhood and result in complications such as bronchiectasis. As hypoxemia is often attributed to bronchiectasis, other etiologies for desaturation in this setting are not routinely evaluated. The development of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in PCD is not an established association. PAVMs as the etiology for hypoxemia may have been overlooked due to the lack of awareness of this rare association. We present a child with diagnosis of PCD with significant hypoxemia in the absence of bronchiectasis, found to have diffuse bilateral PAVMs and discuss possible physiopathologic mechanisms.
Regionalization with Hierarchical Hydrologic Similarity and Ex-situ Data for the Estimation of Mean Annual Groundwater Recharge at Ungauged Watersheds

Abstract. There are various methods available for annual groundwater recharge estimation using in-situ observations. However, a great number of watersheds around the world still remain ungauged, i.e., without in-situ observations of hydrologic responses. One approach for making estimates at ungauged watersheds is through regionalization, namely, transferring information obtained at gauged watersheds to ungauged ones. The reliability of regionalization depends on (1) the underlying system of hydrologic similarity, i.e., the similarity in how watersheds respond to precipitation input, as well as (2) the approach by which information is transferred. In this paper we present a set of ready-to-use tools for obtaining informative estimates of hydrologic responses at ungauged watersheds, using a nested tree-based modeling approach to condition the estimates on ex-situ data. It invokes a two-leveled hierarchical hydrologic similarity, where the higher level determines the relative importance of various watershed characteristics under different conditions, and the lower level performs the regionalization and estimation of hydrologic responses based on the watershed characteristics of the ungauged watershed of interest. We apply the nested tree-based modeling approach to investigate the complicated relationship between mean annual groundwater recharge and watershed characteristics, and to test the applicability and usefulness of the hierarchical hydrologic similarity. Our findings reveal the decisive role of soil available water content in hydrologic similarity at regional and annual scales, as well as certain conditions under which it is risky to resort to climate variables for determining hydrologic similarity. These findings contribute to the understanding of the physical principles governing robust information transfer.
Quantum 3D imaging through multiscattering media of 10 optical depth

High resolution three dimensional (3D) optical imaging in the turbid underwater scenarios over extended length remains an outstanding challenge, primarily impeded by the absorption and scattering in turbid water, which result in substantial signal attenuation over short propagation distances. Overcoming water absorption by using optimum illumination wavelengths (480- 600 nm) of the visible spectrum, however, still requires one to address the strong scattering effects. To address the above challenge, we introduce a novel 3D imaging modality based on quantum parametric mode sorting (QPMS). It is a nascent quantum measurement technique that utilizes mode-selective quantum frequency conversion (QFC) in a χ2 nonlinear waveguide to up convert signal photons in a single spatiotemporal mode efficiently. Undesirable photons in other modes, even if they spectrally and temporally overlap with the signal, are converted with much less efficiency. This unique feature, combining with picosecond time gated detection as defined by the pump pulse width, can isolate signal photon backscattered by the target from multiscattered photons by the obstacle. It thus enables imaging through a strongly scattering medium, where the background photons are orders of magnitude stronger. With QPMS, we demonstrate 3D imaging of a target occluded by strongly scattering turbid media with optical depth < 9 (<18 round trip), while needing only 10&#1048576;5 detected photons/pulse to achieve sub-millimeters resolution. This makes our single photon sensitive 3D imager suitable for imaging and remote sensing applications in photon-starved natural water environments where it's high sensitivity and excellent temporal resolution can be exploited to its full extent.
Analysis of the testing results of measles and rubella monitoring from 2006 to 2007 in Zhanjiang

Objective The serodiagnosis consistency of measles suspected cases and the testing results of rubella in Zhanjiang were analysed, in order to improve the test of measles and rubella monitoring and provide the basis for en-hancing further diagnosis. Method Measles and rubella IgM-antibodies were tested by ELISA, the results and case infor-marion were analysed. Results 747 serum specimem of suspected measles cases were tested with 502 IgM-positive, the laboratory diagnostic accordance rate was 67.20%(502/747);rubella IgM-antibodies of the remaining 245 measles IgM-negative samples were tested with 48 positive (19.59%). The peak incidence of measles focused on March to July (78.29%)and rubella was mainly in April and December; the majority incidence ages of measles were 0 ～ 9 years old (73.31%)and rubella were 15 ～ 24 years old; the distribution of measles and rubella cases were almost local residents( more than 99% ) ; the ratios of male and female of measles and rubella were 1.55 : 1 and 1.09: 1 respectively; cases with no and unknown immunization history against measles accounted for 95.02%, cases with no and unknown immunization history of rubella accounted for 97.92% .Conclusions In recent two years, the epidemic of measles raise rapidly that showes the immune barrier to protect susceptible people has not formed enough and the immunization project must be further strengthened, meanwhihe, the control of rubella is also needed. Key words: Measles; Rubella; Network-lab; Antibody; Testing
Cardiac resynchronization therapy improves the ventricular function of patients with Fontan physiology.

Background Past studies have not detected consistent improvement in ventricular function (VFxn) following initiation of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in Fontan patients. However, these studies used qualitative assessments of VFxn and/or quantitative assessments of VFxn that rely upon anatomic and/or geometric assumptions that may not be valid in patients with single ventricles. To address this, we used quantitative indices of global VFxn (dP/dtic and the Tei index) that are not encumbered by the limitations associated with the indices used in previous studies of CRT in Fontan patients. Methods Patients with Fontan physiology who had received CRT therapy from 2004 to 2019 were included in the study. They were compared to a concurrent group of Fontan patients who had received standard dual-chamber pacemakers (DCPMs). Results VFxn was assessed at 3 time points: prior to, shortly after, and late after initiation of pacemaker therapy. Prior to initiation of pacemaker therapy, VFxn of the CRT patients tended to be worse than that of the DCPM patients. For both groups, VFxn appeared to be stable or slightly improved shortly after initiation of pacemaker therapy. In the CRT group, VFxn improved significantly between early and late follow-up. In contrast, VFxn in DCPM patients tended to decline during this period. Changes in VFxn correlated with concurrent changes in New York Heart Association classification. Conclusions Quantitative assessments of VFxn using indices not confounded by complex cardiac anatomy, segmental wall motions abnormalities, or inappropriate geometric assumptions revealed that CRT in Fontan patients is associated with preservation or improvement VFxn compared to standard DCPM. Changes in VFxn correlate with concurrent changes in New York Heart Association classification.
“Accessories included”: Armed Christians and the mythos of heroic violence:

The myth of the “good guy with a gun” is a seductive one for Americans, who cite self-defense as the foremost reason for gun ownership, and Pew data show that white, self-identified evangelicals ar...
An automated classification method of thunderstorm and non-thunderstorm wind data based on a convolutional neural network

Abstract Historical wind data analysis is a key part of estimating design wind loads. Current design standards do not separately consider the wind loading effects by different wind hazard types. One reason for this lack of consideration is that the separation between thunderstorm and non-thunderstorm wind data is still an issue. A previous study about the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) provided a classification method of wind data as thunderstorm or non-thunderstorm based on thunderstorm ‘flags’ (Lombardo et al., 2009). However, this method relies mainly on manual or automated weather observations which are limited to a subset of stations worldwide. This paper first develops a revised wind hazard type recognition method based on a neural network. In this method, the historical wind data recorded is segmented in different time domains to be applied in a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) for an automated thunderstorm (T) or non-thunderstorm (NT) classification. Also, based on the trained 1D-CNN, a more comprehensive wind database can be extracted. The classification result from ASOS can automatically provide different peak wind speed for different wind hazard types.
Comparative Review of Consensus Controls with Triangle Mesh Topology for Reactive Power Sharing

In mismatched feeder line condition, reactive power sharing among distributed generators in islanded microgrids is one of the recent challenges. A comparative study is presented between two mathematical models of adaptive virtual impedance based on the leaderless and leader-followers consensus control methods. Also, a triangle mesh communication topology is proposed with these consensus methods to compare the accuracy of sharing reactive powers, enhancement of the rate of convergence, and the communication topology cost. A MATLAB/Simulink model with six distributed generators units validates the proposed control methods’ performances and finds the difference in the rate of convergence between leaderless and leader-followers consensus algorithms. The findings of the paper are leaderless consensus control is a reliable option with large systems, while the leader-followers consensus control is suitable for the small systems.
Prevention of Vascular Calcification by Magnesium and Selected Polyphenols.

Arterial vascular calcification (VC) represents formation of calcium phosphate deposits on the interior of arteries, which could restrict blood flow leading to heart health problems, including morbidity and mortality. VC is a complex and tightly regulated process that involves transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to bone-like cells and subsequent deposition of calcium as hydroxyapatite. Natural bioactives, including quercetin (Q), curcumin (C), resveratrol (R), and magnesium (Mg), have been reported to inhibit VC. Thus, we conducted an in vitro study using rat vascular smooth muscle cells (rVSMCs) to evaluate the protective effect of natural bioactives found in OptiCel, that is, Mg combined with polyphenols (PPs), Q, C, and R. Calcification was induced by culturing rVSMCs in a high phosphate (HP) medium. The addition of Mg and Q + C + R separately decreased the HP-induced calcium deposition by 37.55% and 42.78%, respectively. In contrast, when Mg was combined with Q, C, and R, the inhibition of calcium deposition was decreased by 92.88%, which is greater than their calculated additive inhibition (80.33%). These results demonstrate that the combination of Mg with selected PPs (Q, C, and R) is more effective than when used separately. The findings also suggest the combination has a synergistic effect in inhibiting VC, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Thus, regular consumption of these natural bioactives could have a beneficial effect in reducing the development of heart diseases.
Subdural Hygroma: A Rare Complication of a Common Brain Malformation.

Introduction Arachnoid cysts are a common incidental finding on head imaging. While the natural history of these cysts in poorly described, hemorrhage with subdural hygroma formation is rare. We review the clinical course of a patient who developed a subdural hygroma following trauma. Case The patient was a previously healthy 14-month-old male who presented to the Emergency Department with vomiting after a fall and was found to have esotropia without other focal neurological deficits and a CT scan consistent with a subdural cerebrospinal fluid collection with midline shift. The patient was treated conservatively and his symptoms resolved. Discussion Arachnoid cyst rupture is a rare complication which can lead to increased intracranial pressure with devastating consequences. Clinical manifestation can be similar to that of other intracranial pathologies. Prompt diagnosis is required to avoid life-threatening symptoms. Conclusion Arachnoid cyst rupture should be considered when evaluating patients with non-specific neurological symptoms following trauma.
Anticipatory racism stress, smoking and disease activity: the Black women’s experiences living with lupus (BeWELL) study

African American women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have worse disease outcomes compared to their White counterparts. Stressors associated with race may contribute to poorer health in this population through maladaptive behavioral pathways. This study investigated relationships between stress associated with anticipating racism, smoking, and SLE disease activity. Data were from 432 African American women with SLE in the Black Women’s Experiences Living with Lupus (BeWELL) Study. Controlling for sociodemographic and health-related covariates, multivariable regression analyses revealed a significant association between anticipatory racism stress (ARS) and disease activity (p = 0.00, b = 1.13, 95% CI [0.43, 1.82]). A significant interaction between ARS and smoking also indicated that smoking exacerbated the effect of ARS on disease activity (p = 0.04, b = 1.95, CI = 0.04, 3.96). Test for evidence of smoking mediating the effect of ARS on disease activity were not statistically significant (z = 1.77, p = 0.08). Findings have implications for future SLE disparities research among African American women with SLE.
Western Blot Analysis of Protein-DNA Complexes Formed during Gel Shift Experiments

Protein-DNA interactions and the identification of DNA-binding proteins have been studied mostly by using the most widely used electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). This chapter details the Shift-Western blotting method developed and described by Matthias Harbers to analyze further protein-DNA complexes formed during EMSA experiments. Shift-Western blotting is a procedure where the protein and DNA molecules present in a polyacrylamide gel are transferred to stacked membranes. In the first part, a nitrocellulose membrane holds the proteins while double-stranded DNA passes through the nitrocellulose membrane and binds only to a charged membrane positioned underneath. Restrained proteins can then be stained with precise antibodies, while the DNA can be detected using a radioactive label or a nonradioactive detection system. Shift-Western blotting can overcome several supershift experiments’ restrictions and permit the study of intricate protein-DNA complexes containing many protein factors. Furthermore, proteins and/or DNA may be recovered from membranes following the blotting step for additional analysis by other methods.
3D Model of the Early Melanoma Microenvironment Captures Macrophage Transition into a Tumor-Promoting Phenotype.

Tumor immune response is shaped by the tumor microenvironment (TME), which often evolves to be immunosuppressive, promoting disease progression and metastasis. An important example is melanoma tumors, which display high numbers of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) that are immunosuppressive but also have the potential to restore anti-tumor activity. However, to therapeutically target TAMs, there is a need to understand the early events that shape their tumor-promoting profile. To address this, we built and optimized 3D in vitro co-culture systems, composed of a collagen-I matrix scaffolding murine bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), YUMM1.7 melanoma cells, and fibroblasts to recreate the early melanoma TME and study how interactions with fibroblasts and tumor cells modulate macrophage immune activity. We monitored BMDM behavior and interactions through time-lapse imaging and characterized their activation and secretion. We found that stromal cells induced a rapid functional activation, with increased motility and response from BMDMs. Over the course of seven days, BMDMs acquired a phenotype and secretion profile that resembled melanoma TAMs in established tumors. Overall, the direct cell–cell interactions with the stromal components in a 3D environment shape BMDM transition to a TAM-like immunosuppressive state. Our systems will enable future studies of changes in macrophage–stromal cross-talk in the melanoma TME.
Conflict behaviors as animal models for the study of anxiety

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on conflict behaviors as animal models for the study of anxiety. In this chapter, conflict behavior is operationally defined as that situation in which behavior is influenced by two opposing motivational forces. These motivational forces may be inherent in the subject or they may be controlled by the consequences of a particular behavior. The behavior of subjects in conflict paradigms usually represents a compromise between the effects which would have resulted by either of the two opposing motivational forces when applied alone. Conflict behaviors can be divided into two primary categories: those in which electric shocks are used as punishing stimuli, and those in which more natural motivational forces—for example, fear of novelty, fear of open areas, and fear associated with high levels of illumination—are used to suppress behavior. The chapter also reviews the use of behavioral conflict paradigms as animal models for the study of anxiety. It also reviews the criteria for the evaluation of conflict paradigms as animal models for anxiety.
The Channeled Image Intensifier

Publisher Summary Since the invention of the photomultiplier, the simplest and most successful method of amplifying a weak photoelectric current has been by means of secondary electron emission. Several attempts have been made to extend this principle from single channel electron multipliers to two-dimensional arrays of many picture elements—that is, a true image intensifier. The first step in the development of a channeled multiplier is that of finding a suitable dynode geometry that will shape the electric fields within the channels in the proper way to ensure that as large a fraction as possible of the secondaries emitted from one dynode will be drawn to the active area of the next. There are many dynode geometries and screen cross sections that can be arranged to give acceptable multiplier efficiencies and therefore useful gains. The relatively good efficiencies obtained with the trapezoidal screens in the large-scale tubes showed that the basic dynode geometry was satisfactory; therefore, further work on the multiplier itself has been directed toward a step-by-step reduction in scale with the aim of improving the resolution.
EFFECT OF AGE AND DIET ON EXCRETION OF STRONTIUM AND CALCIUM BY RATS

Abstract Mature (8-month-old) and growing (26-day-old) rats, maintained on diets varying in calcium content from 0.03 to 2.0% were given a single injection of 90Sr and 45Ca and subsequent excretion of these radionuclides, in urine and feces, was measured over a period of 60 days. Similarities and differences in their patterns of excretion are discussed in relation to the probable mechanisms responsible for the behavior noted. Of particular interest was the decrease in ratio of urinary to fecal excretion of both 90Sr and 45Ca as a function of time following injection. This change was more evident for strontium than for calcium, was more evident in the adult than in the growing rat, and was most marked on a high calcium diet. To explain this variation it is hypothesized that strontium and calcium released from firm binding sites in bone may exist in the blood in a different form than strontium and calcium in equilibrium with freely exchangeable sites on bone surfaces.
Abstract T P20: Rate of Endovascular Ischemic Stroke Treatment Increases with Onsite Rather than Regional Capabilities

Introduction: Currently in the US, hospitals with Neuro-Interventional capabilities represent a small proportion of all acute care facilities, and most hospitals rely on regional transfers for these services. At the same time, it is known, that having to transfer patients for Neuro-interventional stroke therapy (NIST) decreases the rate of offering this therapy, because of the time lost in the transfer process. Objective: We sought to compare the rates of NIST being offered to patients after the inception of these services on-site, compared with the prior calendar year. Methods: All patients presenting with neurological disturbance within 4.5 hours with a National Institutes of Health Stroke score (NIHSSS) >/= 4 undergo emergent non contrast head computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA). All patients who have no contra-indications to systemic thrombolysis receive intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) and in addition, those with large vessel occlusion on CTA are offered NIST. Results: A total of 333 patients were admitted with the diagnosis of ischemic stroke (IS) in 2013. Of these 15 (4.3%) patients were transferred for NIST of which 9 received IV tPA and 6 did not. In addition, 2 patients were declined for NIST by regional centers and 2 who were transferred were unable to undergo NIST due to CT changes upon transfer. In the calendar year 2014 to date (8.5 months), among 225 IS patients, 21 (9.3%) were offered NIST, including 1 patient who was transferred from a neighboring facility. All patients offered treatment, underwent treatment. Among the 21 patients, 1 had spontaneous recanalization, another had a distal stenosis but no occlusion, and in 3, the target lesion could not be reached for intervention due to proximal carotid occlusion. Among these patients the mean initial NIHSSS was 20 and mean NIHSSS at discharge was 10. No patients experienced symptomatic hemorrhage, and one patient expired due to malignant ischemic swelling. Conclusion: Having on-site NI capabilities doubled our rate of offering NIST. Such data may factor into a hospital’s gap analysis as to its need for NIST. Further analysis is needed to assess whether our experience of significant decline in discharge NIHSSS corresponds to long-term good functional outcome.
The Simulation of a Manufacturing Cell

The introduction of robotics technology has created a renewed interest in the work cell option in manufacturing. While the cell has been historically used since the advent of manufacturing, it has been relatively recent that it has been replaced by its efficient counterpart, the assembly line.
Rainbow Rummy : a Web-based game for vocabulary acquisition using computer-directed speech

This paper describes a new on-line game we have developed which allows learners of Chinese or English to practice speaking in a communicative setting. Game play resembles gin rummy or Mah Jong, and is intended to be sufficiently engaging to invite persistent replay. Students compete in a social game against other students at remote settings, or they can play against a robotic partner. A user study was conducted on 16 students of Chinese, to assess whether a configuration that utilizes speech recognition is as effective for learning vocabulary as a configuration that only requires the student to listen. Results show that the vocabulary learning gains averaged across subjects were greater following use of the speech-enabled version of the game compared to the listening-only version.
RNA pseudoknots. Stability and loop size requirements.

The effects of ionic conditions, loop size and loop sequence on the formation of pseudoknots by RNA oligonucleotides have been investigated using biochemical and biophysical methods. An oligonucleotide with the sequence 5′ GCGAUUUCUGACCGCUUUUUUGUCAG 3′ and oligonucleotides with variations in the sequences of the two loop regions, denoted by bold face type, were studied. Each sequence with the potential to form a pseudoknot can also form two stable hairpins. The pseudoknot structure is stabilized relative to the hairpins by addition of Mg2+. Even in the presence of Mg2+, the pseudoknots formed by the sequences investigated are only marginally more stable (1.5 to 2 kcal mol−1 in free energy at 37 °C) than either of the constituent hairpins. The pseudoknot structure is the stable conformation in the presence of Mg2+ when the first loop region is at least three nucleotides and the second is at least four nucleotides. Further deletion of nucleotides from the loop regions stabilizes possible hairpin structures relative to the pseudoknot and equilibria among secondary and tertiary structures result.
BizMap: A framework for mapping business applications to IT infrastructure

Large enterprises are confronted with an increased need to fully understand the IT systems that support their business applications. Unfortunately, conventional communication trace-based approaches to discovering IT infrastructure dependencies are insufficient to gain a comprehensive mapping of business applications to IT infrastructure. This paper describes BizMap, a novel, information-discovery-based approach for deriving accurate business application topologies. BizMap uses a combination of information management, data analysis, and interactive visualization techniques to rapidly develop accurate topology models based on discovered information and configuration experts' insight. BizMap's evaluation is based on a comparison of the topologies created by BizMap's automated topology discovery with manually derived topologies with respect to performance and accuracy. It also includes a discussion of the user validation of the interactive BizMap steps.
Commerce vs Commentary: Gripe Sites, Parody and the First Amendment in Cyberspace

The Global Online Freedom Bill of 2006 emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech on the Internet as a fundamental human right. However, the backbone of the World Wide Web, the Internet domain name system, is a poor example of protecting free speech, particularly in terms of the balance between speech and commercial trademark interests. This is apparent from the manner in which the legislature and the judiciary deal with cases involving Internet gripe sites and parody sites. The lack of a clear consensus on the protection of free speech in these contexts is troubling, and can be found in a number of recent cases including: use of the peta.org domain name for a parody site on the activities of 'People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals'; use of 'bosleymedical.com' for a gripe site about the practices of the Bosley Medical Institute; and, use of a misspelling of the Reverend Jerry Falwell's last name (fallwell.com) for a website critical of the Reverend's viewpoints on homosexuality. This article examines how trademark law has come to trump freedom of expression under the domain name system, and makes recommendations for regulatory reform to ensure a better balance of rights in the future. In particular, it suggests the development of presumptions against trademark infringement in cases clearly involving criticism or parody of a trademark holder in cyberspace.
On the Demise of Shareholder Primacy (or, Murder on the James Trains Express)

The hypothetical introduced by Vice Chancellor Leo Strine’s Essay1 exposes an important arena of corporate governance where adherence to the traditional norm of “shareholder primacy” is particularly troublesome. In fact, it is hard to find an analogous domain of corporate governance law that is as jarringly discontinuous as that found in the factual circumstances suggested by Strine’s hypothetical. Explicitly, the legal scrutiny accorded to managers who resist a hostile acquisition depends critically on whether a court invokes the Revlon doctrine or the Unocal doctrine as the appropriate governing standard. Under the former (and its progeny),2 shareholder primacy arguments carry great (and nearly exclusive) weight: corporate directors must be able to demonstrate that its resistance is reasonably calculated to maximize short-term shareholder value. Under the latter doctrine,3 however, immediate shareholder interests are just one of a panoply of considerations that directors may use to justify resistance to a hostile bid. Moreover, the factual distinctions that separate a Revlon case from a Unocal case can be surprisingly modest and nuanced. 4
In Search of the Early Universe. I. the Oldest Stars

The epoch of galaxyformation can be dated in a numberof ways. This lectureexplores the question of how we can date the oldest identifiable stars. It is shown that reliable ages can only be found for stars that belong to star clusters and that it is still not possible to age-date them to an accuracy of better than approximately 2 Gyr. Indirectevidence also comes from the abundances of the elements in old field stars, but these data are not able to produce precise ages, though they do indicate indirectly the great age of certain stars. Only a very few galaxies have so far been age-dated reliably. These include the galaxies that are near enough to obtain accurate main sequence turn-off magnitudes and colors using, especially, the Hubble Space Telescope. The oldest galaxies so studied have ages of 14.5Gyr, but with uncertainties of at least 2 Gyr, which include both observational and theoretical uncertainties.
Integrating a full custom microprocessor in a user defined ASIC array as a fully diffused core

A MC68000 microprocessor has been embedded in a gate array device as a fully diffused core, allowing ASIC designers to combine up to 60 K gates of user-defined logic, verified within the Verilog simulation environment. The MC68000 can be implemented on other array sizes utilizing the same flow. For each new array the layout flow is repeated to generate a new base wafer that includes the MC68000. This allows migration to arrays with larger gate availability and various package offerings. >
Montes submarinos de Nazca y Salas y Gómez: una revisión para el manejo y conservación

Con motivo de la creciente preocupacion internacional por el manejo y conservacion de ecosistemas marinos vulnerables, entre los que se cuentan los montes submarinos y los corales de aguas frias de las cordilleras de Nazca y Salas y Gomez, y en vista de la inminente creacion de la Organizacion Regional de Administracion Pesquera del Pacifico Sur, se hace necesaria una revision de los principales antecedentes cientificos sobre estas cadenas montanosas como un insumo para la toma de decisiones. El presente documento atiende dicha necesidad considerando los aspectos geologicos, oceanograficos, biologicos, ecologicos y pesqueros asociados a Nazca y, Salas y Gomez, junto con identificar las opciones de manejo. A pesar que los estudios en el area son escasos y fragmentados, se destaca su particularidad debido a los altos niveles de ende-mismo, alta diversidad de especies, alta concentracion de montes submarinos, presencia de corales de aguas frias, mayor nivel de productividad en relacion a las aguas circundantes y su potencialidad para actividades de oceano-mineria y pesca de fondo. Debido a la lejania del area y los altos costos involucrados, una mayor cooperacion internacional se requerira para abordar futuros estudios, al tiempo que la creacion de una red de A-reas Marinas Protegidas se identifica como la mejor opcion para el manejo y conservacion.
Effect of the substitution of f-electron elements on the structure and elastic properties of UO2

Abstract The chemistry of nuclear reactor fuel initially is complex, and continuous loss of uranium and plutonium, and formation of a broad range of new species due to fission introduce a challenging time-dependence to this chemistry. Lanthanides and/or Actinides substitution on the uranium sublattice occurs (a) during fission, (b) when mixed oxide fuel is used, and (c) when minor Actinides are reprocessed in UO2 matrix fuel as part of a closed nuclear fuel cycle. These fission products and minor Actinides influence a variety of thermo-physical properties, which depend on structure and elastic properties. How these structural and elastic properties vary with Lanthanide and Actinide substitution is not well studied. In this study we use atomic level simulations to investigate the effect of 4+ and 3+ ion substitutions on the structural and elastic properties of urania matrix. Our results show that most of the 4+ ions reduce the overall lattice parameter, while all the 3+ ions considered here increased the lattice parameter of the urania matrix. This effect is guided by the interplay between the elastic and electrostatic effect of the substituted ions. We calculate the chemical expansion and chemical expansion coefficient with the change in concentration based on the ionic radii of the substituted 3+ and 4+ ions. In general, elastic properties are enhanced for 4+ ions substitution and reduced for 3+ ion substitution.
CO2 adsorption in single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract Adsorption of CO 2 on purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been studied in the temperature range of 0–200 °C and found to be mainly a physisorption process. The SWNTs adsorb nearly twice the volume of CO 2 compared to activated carbon. The experimental results yield a CO 2 heat of adsorption of 2303 J/mol (0.024 eV) in SWNTs. Our computational study yields a similar binding energy and shows that the CO 2 is physisorbed side-on to the nanotube.
Extracorporeal Photochemotherapy Of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma.

A photochemotherapy based on the synergistic action of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and long wavelength ultraviolet light (UVA, 320-400 nm) has been used extensively since 1974 for the treatment of psoriasis, a hyperprolifierative disease of the skin. More recently, this photochemotherapy has been used for the extracorporeal irradiation ot the blood of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) patients in the leukemic stage of the disease. 8-MOP is ingested; two hours later when peak blood levels have been achieved the affected tissue is irradiated (skin in psoriasis and blood in CTCL). Using 8-MCP-DNA photoadduct formation as a cheillical actinometer, the effective dose of UVA radiation delivered to lymphocytes during photochemotherapy in the presence of erythrocytes was found to be ~1 J/cm2. In addition, a monoclonal antibody prepared in our laboratory was used in competitive ELISA assays to quantify the formation of 8-MOP photoadducts during the photochemotherapy.