cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kansas Case Study Applications of Nitrogen-15 Natural Abundance Method for Identification of Nitrate Sources

The nitrogen-15 natural abundance method has been a tool for identifying sources of nitrate contami­ nation in groundwater for almost 30 years. Different ranges of δ 15 N in groundwater are associated with different sources such as fertilizer and animal wastes. However processes such as denitrification, nitrification, and volatilization can alter the δ 15 N signature. Use of this method in Kansas has had mixed results. One case study documented in this paper showed the utility of the method in an area with a sandy unsaturated zone and aquifer, a shallow water table, and an animal waste lagoon. The regional groundwater had an average nitrate-N concentration of 13 mg/L and a δ 15 N signature of +3‰, which indicates a fertilizer source. Effluent leaking from the lagoon ( δ 15 N value of +18‰) facilitated denitrification, affecting the regional groundwater, and resulted in a lower nitrate-N concentration of 4 mg/L with a δ 15 N signature of +12 to +20‰ downgradient of the site. The second case study illustrated the utility of the method to identify a variety of sources and the effects of the unsaturated zone on the observed δ 15 N signature in areas with no observable animal waste sources. The presence of carbonate in a loess unsatur­ ated zone resulted in enriched 15 N, owing to possible volatilization and preferential loss of 14 N.
Aspirnaut: a rural high school pipeline to increase diversity in STEM.

A critical need exists for innovations in education that increase the recruitment of high school students from diverse backgrounds into the biomedical research workforce. Aspirnaut is one model that addresses this challenge.
Optimal Policies for Routing Multi Sensor-Effector Combined Autonomous Devices

We use Monte Carlo tree search to create policies that simultaneously perform active learning about the concentration of contaminants using a Bayesian prior, while also performing mitigation. The policy is asymptotically optimal for one device. We then propose different information sharing protocols to coordinate a fleet.
Non-structural carbohydrate pools not linked to hydraulic strategies or carbon supply in tree saplings during severe drought and subsequent recovery

Non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) pools fluctuate based on the interplay between photosynthesis, demand from various carbon (C) sinks and tree hydraulic status. Thus, it has been hypothesized that tree species with isohydric stomatal control (i.e., trees that close stomata rapidly in response to drought) rely heavily on NSC pools to sustain metabolism, which can lead to negative physiological consequences such as C depletion. Here, we seek to use a species' degree of isohydry or anisohydry as a conceptual framework for understanding the interrelations between photosynthetic C supply, hydraulic damage and fluctuations in NSC pools. We conducted a 6-week experimental drought, followed by a 6-week recovery period, in a greenhouse on seven tree species that span the spectrum from isohydric to anisohydric. Throughout the experiment, we measured photosynthesis, hydraulic damage and NSC pools. Non-structural carbohydrate pools were remarkably stable across species and tissues-even highly isohydric species that drastically reduced C assimilation were able to maintain stored C. Despite these static NSC pools, we still inferred an important role for stored C during drought, as most species converted starches into sugars during water stress (and back again post-drought). Finally, we did not observe any linkages between C supply, hydraulic damage and NSC pools, indicating that NSC was maintained independent of variation in photosynthesis and hydraulic function. Our results advance the idea that C depletion is a rare phenomenon due to either active maintenance of NSC pools or sink limitation, and thus question the hypothesis that reductions in C assimilation necessarily lead to C depletion.
Death Penalty Cases

In 1986, the USSC ruled that it was a violation of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution (cruel and unusual punishment) to execute someone who was ‘insane’. (Ford v. Wainwright) In capital cases, a sentencing proceeding has, for many years, consisted of a jury hearing ‘aggravating factors’ from the state and ‘mitigating factors’ from the defense. Defense attorneys are now able to proffer someone’s mental health history as a possible mitigating factor in capital cases, arguing that the mental illness played some role in the commission of the crime, and that therefore, the defendant should be sentenced to life imprisonment rather than death. A case called Eddings v. Oklahoma (1982) argued in front of the USSC resulted in a finding that the defense is entitled to use any possible mitigating evidence in a capital trial. Of course, the prosecution wants to present a strong case for capital punishment and therefore will present aggravating factors that include the defendant’s propensity for violent behavior. Unfortunately, all too often these predictions of dangerousness are made in expert testimony where the expert is unaware of the real limitations documented in the research of predicting future violent behavior. In 2002, the USSC ruled that it was unconstitutional (again Eighth Amendment violation) to execute a mentally retarded defendant (Atkins v. Virginia). Unfortunately, several individual states adopted rather idiosyncratic definitions of mental retardation and some allowed the artificial inflation of I.Q. scores based on testimony that it was an ‘ethnic adjustment’. This chapter describes some of the ways mental health professionals can work in death penalty clinics with defense attorneys or with state prosecutors on these cases.
Vps54 regulates Drosophila neuromuscular junction development and interacts genetically with Rab7 to control composition of the postsynaptic density

Vps54 is a subunit of the Golgi-associated retrograde protein (GARP) complex, which is involved in tethering endosome-derived vesicles to the trans-Golgi network (TGN). In the wobbler mouse, a model for human motor neuron (MN) disease, reduction in the levels of Vps54 causes neurodegeneration. However, it is unclear how disruption of the GARP complex leads to MN dysfunction. To better understand the role of Vps54 in MNs, we have disrupted expression of the Vps54 ortholog in Drosophila and examined the impact on the larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Surprisingly, we show that both null mutants and MN-specific knockdown of Vps54 leads to NMJ overgrowth. Reduction of Vps54 partially disrupts localization of the t-SNARE, Syntaxin-16, to the TGN but has no visible impact on endosomal pools. MN-specific knockdown of Vps54 in MNs combined with overexpression of the small GTPases Rab5, Rab7, or Rab11 suppresses the Vps54 NMJ phenotype. Conversely, knockdown of Vps54 combined with overexpression of dominant negative Rab7 causes NMJ and behavioral abnormalities including a decrease in postysynaptic Dlg and GluRIIB levels without any effect on GluRIIA. Taken together, these data suggest that Vps54 controls larval MN axon development and postsynaptic density composition through a mechanism that requires Rab7.
Catalyst free removal of trithiocarbonate RAFT CTAs from poly(vinylpyridine)s using tris(trimethylsilyl)silane and light

Tris(trimethylsilyl)silane (TTMSS) is introduced as a non-toxic and kinetically superior hydrogen source for the photo-driven reduction of trithiocarbonates from poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, and poly(vinyl pyridine)s (PVP)s created through RAFT polymerization. No other reagents were necessary and quantitative reduction is achieved under UV- and blue-light irradiation. PVP reduction and sequestering of chain combination events is investigated for the first time.
Measuring the effectiveness of communication programming on menstrual health and hygiene management (MHM) social norms among adolescent girls in India.

This manuscript has two objectives: (1) operationalise and measure the fit of two theory-based measures of social norms and (2) examine the relationship between a social and behaviour change commun...
Dissipation-scale fluctuations and mixing transition in turbulent flows

A small separation between reactants, not exceeding 10−8 − 10−7 cm, is the necessary condition for various chemical reactions. It is shown that random advection and stretching by turbulence leads to the formation of scalar-enriched sheets of strongly fluctuating thickness ηc. The molecular-level mixing is achieved by diffusion across these sheets (interfaces) separating the reactigants. Since the diffusion time scale is , knowledge of the probability density Q(ηc, Re) is crucial for evaluation of mixing times and chemical reaction rates. According to Kolmogorov–Batchelor phenomenology, the stretching time τeddy ≈ L/urms = O(1) is independent of large-scale Reynolds number Re = urmsL/ν and the diffusion time is very small. Therefore, in previous studies, molecular diffusion was frequently neglected as being too fast to contribute substantially to the reaction rates. In this paper, taking into account strong intermittent fluctuations of the scalar dissipation scales, this conclusion is re-examined. We derive the probability density Q(ηc, Re, Sc), calculate the mean scalar dissipation scale and predict transition in the reaction rate behaviour from to the high-Re asymptotics . These conclusions are compared with known experimental and numerical data.
Social Media and the Public Interest: Governance of News Platforms in the Realm of Individual and Algorithmic Gatekeepers

This paper seeks to identify the basic contours of how the notion of the public interest is taking shape in the realm of social media. Drawing upon social media governance discourse and research on the dynamics of how social media platforms are being used in the dissemination and consumption of news and information, this paper argues that a preventative and individualist model of the public interest characterizes the social media space. This paper then considers the broader implications of this emergent model of the public interest in social media governance.
Material Parameter Extraction Using Terahertz Time-Domain Reflection Spectroscopy in the Presence of Air Gaps

To solve the phase ambiguity problem in the THz reflection spectroscopy, current material parameter extraction methods require the sample to make an ideal contact with an optically transparent window. We treat these samples as a multilayer system and present a new algorithm that estimates the thickness of the potential air gap and calculates the complex refractive index of the samples.
Biases Inherent in Self-Rating Measurement Scales—A Potential Solution: The Case of Customer Orientation Measures

Within a sales management context, measurement scales are often used in support of a variety of sales management decisions. Since the results of aptitude, personality, or behavior-based measures will often influence sales management decisions, it is important to strive for accurate measures. There is a critical link between good measures of these important constructs and the ability to make accurate managerial decisions concerning issues such as recruitment, motivation, and training. This paper has two objectives; to contribute to our understanding of the measurement of customer orientation and to improve the measurement of salesperson behaviors and attitudes.
Vitamin A supplementation programmes are missing children from scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. New evidence from India

Surveys have indicated that 62 % of preschool-age Indian children suffer from sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency (VAD), with a threefold higher prevalence of severe forms of VAD among children from schedule castes (SC) or schedule tribes (ST). The objective of this analysis is to assess whether India’s national vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programme is reaching the districts with higher concentration of SC/ST children in the seven states with the largest burden of under-five mortality (74 % of India’s under-five deaths). Disaggregated analyses of trends in and outcome VAS coverage and full VAS coverage were conducted between 2006 and 2011 by state and SC/ST concentration quintile using three data sources—India’s national VAS programme, Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, and District-Level Household Survey—to compute exposure (SC and/or ST concentration) and outcome (VAS coverage and full VAS coverage) were conducted. Between 2006 and 2011, all SC/ST concentration quintiles reported significant increases in full VAS coverage (two doses/child/year). The mean full VAS coverage over the 6-year period was positively correlated with the SC/ST concentration quintile: the district quintile with the highest concentration of SC/ST households reported the highest full VAS coverage (62.5 %), while the district quintile with the lowest concentration of SC/ST households reported the lowest coverage (47.9 %). The estimated number of children not fully covered by the VAS programme decreased by 39.0 % among children from SC/ST households and by 51.7 % among children from non-SC/ST households. The mean annual number of SC/ST children not fully covered was similar across SC/ST concentration quintiles (1.1 to 1.3 million). Indian states have achieved significant progress in expanding the coverage of the VAS programme. However, a large proportion of children are not benefitting from this child survival intervention, particularly among SC/ST children. These children are potentially among the most vulnerable to VAD and its consequences. India’s national VAS programme needs to be strengthened in sub-district-level units (i.e. blocks and villages) with higher concentrations of SC/ST children, with particular emphasis on SC children.
17.3: D-CIELAB: A Color Metric For Dichromatic Observers

A color metric for dichromatic subjects is proposed and evaluated empirically. The color metric extends the widely used CIELAB color difference metric, an international standard for trichromatic observers. The dichromatic extension (D-CIELAB) is implemented by specifying a linear transformation that maps the two types of cone absorptions in dichromats to the three types of cone absorptions in trichromats and then applies the standard CIELAB color metric to these values. The linear mapping is derived from between-eye color-matches of observers who are dichromatic in one eye and trichromatic in the other eye. We evaluate the accuracy of the D-CIELAB metric by predicting and measuring color discrimination thresholds for two dichromatic observers.
Observation of stimulated Raman amplification in silicon waveguides

This paper demonstrates the use of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in silicon to create optical amplification in SOI waveguides. Advantages of this approach include its tunability and the fact that it does not necessitate special impurities or nanostructures. Moreover, SRS is also a candidate for realization of lasers on silicon.
Fluoroaromatic-fluoroaromatic interactions between inhibitors bound in the crystal lattice of human carbonic anhydrase II.

Intermolecular interactions of eleven different fluoroaromatic inhibitors are probed within the scaffolding of the crystal lattice of Phe-131→Val carbonic anhydrase II. The degree and pattern of fluorine substitution on the inhibitor benzyl ring modulate its size, shape, and electronic character. In turn, these properties affect the geometry of intermolecular interactions between the fluoroaromatic rings of two different inhibitor molecules bound in the crystal lattice, as determined by X-ray crystallography. Depending on the degree and pattern of fluorine substitution, we observe a face-to-face (aromatic−aromatic) interaction, an atom-to-face (carbonyl−aromatic) interaction, or no interaction at all. These interaction geometries are analyzed with regard to van der Waals, electrostatic, and possible charge-transfer effects. For the aromatic−aromatic interactions investigated in this study, with aromatic ring quadrupoles specifically “tuned” by the degree and pattern of fluorination, the structural results...
Choice Predictor for Free

Reducing energy consumption has become the first priority in designing microprocessors for all market segments including embedded, mobile, and high performance processors. The trend of state-of-the-art branch predictor designs such as a hybrid predictor continues to feature more and larger prediction tables, thereby exacerbating the energy consumption. In this paper, we present two novel profile-guided static prediction techniques— Static Correlation Choice (SCC) prediction and Static Choice (SC) prediction for alleviating the energy consumption without compromising performance. Using our techniques, the hardware choice predictor of a hybrid predictor can be completely eliminated from the processor and replaced with our off-line profiling schemes. Our simulation results show an average 40% power reduction compared to several hybrid predictors. In addition, an average 27% die area can be saved in the branch predictor hardware for other performance features.
Cultural competence in web-based instruction: a conceptual framework

Web-based instruction has become a preferred method of instruction for increasingly diverse communities of learners. To address the instructional needs of these learners greater consideration must be given to cultural differences in course design including architecture and instructional course structure. This paper argues that a cultural competence model of instruction is needed to guide web-based instruction and to develop the potential of online communities of learners. A cultural competence framework is described to meet this need. It incorporates cultural considerations within three domains: cognitive, interpersonal and environmental. The framework provides a guide for designing and using web-based instruction.
Endovascular Therapy for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: State of the Art in 2012

Conventional surgery for thoracic aortic pathology involves replacing the affected segment of aorta with an interposition graft and often requires the use of extracorporeal circulatory support with or without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Although operative results have improved consistently over 60 years, patients with extensive aneurysms face a considerable risk with conventional surgery, particularly when burdened with multiple comorbidities. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was first performed in 1994 and has become a well-established alternative therapy for many thoracic aortic pathologies. TEVAR is most frequently performed through a small groin incision to access the common femoral artery. Wires and catheters are used to deliver and deploy the stent graft in the thoracic aorta under fluoroscopic control. Occasionally, TEVAR is performed as part of a complex hybrid procedure including one stage of conventional open surgery that may utilize a thoracic incision and cardiopulmonary bypass support. The less invasive nature of TEVAR offers the potential for lower mortality and peri-procedural morbidity. Although long-term results of TEVAR are still being gathered, mid-term results are excellent and most late vascular complications can be treated with additional transcatheter procedures. Recent development of fenestrated and branched stent grafts is expanding the application of endovascular therapies to complex aortic pathologies involving the thoracoabdominal aorta and aortic arch. Although conventional techniques continue to be the gold standard for treatment of ascending aortic pathology, recent reports have proven TEVAR to be a viable alternative in specific situations. Design improvements continue to expand the indications for TEVAR, and technological advancements in the field of imaging facilitate safer and more accurate planning, delivery, and assessment of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms. Hybrid operating rooms provide the optimal environment with state of the art imaging technology for the cardiovascular team to perform TEVAR or alternative hybrid procedures.
Evaluation of a scheme for establishing and maintaining dosage of theophylline in ambulatory patients with chronic asthma.

To assess the utility of a dose-titration scheme for determining maintenance theophylline requirements, dose requirements and stability of serum concentrations were examined using 3537 serum determinations from 1073 patients with chronic asthma during a 5-year period. When the dosing scheme was followed, 78% of initial serum concentrations were within the target range of 10 to 20 μg/ml; the mean number of measurements to attain this range was 1.3. Among 404 of these patients prospectively questioned, adverse effects were not present in all 41 whose initial serum concentration was 20 μg/ml. After final dose adjustment, mean dose requirements among those who attained serum concentrations of 10 to 20 μg/ml averaged 22 mg/kg/day in 1- to 9-year-old children, 20 mg/kg/day in 9- to 12-year-old children, 18 mg/kg/day in 12- to 16 year-old children, and 13 mg/kg/day in the 94 patients older than 16 years of age. Repeat serum concentrations after 3 months to 2 years showed 66% remaining within the 10 to 20 μg/ml range and another 15% between 7.5 and 10 μg/ml; 9% were >20 μg/ml, and none >30 μg/ml. Thus the dosing scheme produces serum concentrations in the usual therapeutic range with a minimum of samples and few side effects; most patients maintained acceptably stable blood levels.
Relation between electron- and photon-caused oxidation in EUVL optics

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV)-induced oxidation of silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayer mirrors in the presence of background levels of water vapor is recognized as one of the most serious threats to multilayer lifetime since oxidation of the top silicon layer is an irreversible process. The current work directly compares the oxidation on a silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayers caused by EUV photons with the oxidation caused by 1 keV electrons in the presence of the same water vapor environment (2 x 10-6 Torr). Similar, 4 nm, silicon-capped, [Mo/Si] multilayer mirror samples were exposed to photons (95.3 eV) + water vapor at the ALS, LBNL, and also to a 1 keV electron beam + water vapor in separate experimental systems. The results of this work showed that the oxidation produced by ~1 µA of e-beam current was found to be equivalent to that produced by ~1 mW of EUV exposure. These results will help allow the use of 1 keV electrons beams, instead of EUV photons, to perform environmental testing of multilayers in a low-pressure water environment and to more accurately determine projected mirror lifetimes based on the electron beam exposures.
Behavioral treatment of obesity: Results and limitations

Results of a large behavioral weight control program suggest that patients lose modest amounts of weight during treatment and maintain these losses for at least 1 year. One hundred forty-three males lost an average of 6.77 kg during treatment and 7.63 kg at 1-year follow-up; 447 females lost an average of 4.27 kg and 5.24 kg during treatment and follow-up, respectively. By follow-up, 4.7% of these patients had achieved their goal weight. Behavior modification, as it is presently taught, is effective for many mildly to moderately obese patients. It is less effective with heavier patients. Research is needed to develop procedures for helping patients achieve goal body weights.
Frequency Dependent Dielectric Properties of BT/Parylene Nanocomposites for Energy Storage Applications

With climbing worldwide oil prices and global warming, energy crisis poses a threat to living standards, economy, and even global environment. Nanodielectrics become one of the new materials activated to play a unique role in sustainable and clean energy production, energy transportation, energy storage, and end usage. Based on our recent research on frequency-dependent dielectric properties of BaTiO3 (BT) single domain, BT/parylene nanodielectric composites have been examined in wide-ranging frequency at room temperature by several theoretical models. The projected models combined with Debye type of dissipation and soft mode theory to obtain more precise frequency dependent dielectric spectrum. Among the others, Wiener mixture rule, Lichtnecker model, Rayleigh model, Yamada rule, Maxwell-Wagner model, modified Kerner model were used to find frequency dependent nanocomposites dielectric spectrum. The predicted results are compared with our experimental results and explored the frequency dependent dielectric behavior of nanodielectric composites. The dielectric constant decreases while dielectric loss increases with increasing frequency due to at very high frequency, only electronic polarization can occur. This investigation provides the fundamental knowledge on dielectric properties of nanocomposites with a wide frequency range instead of trial-and-error strategy of experiments for the future development of energy storage devices.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
On deterministic packet marking

In this article, we present a novel approach to IP Traceback - deterministic packet marking (DPM). DPM is based on marking all packets at ingress interfaces. DPM is scalable, simple to implement, and introduces no bandwidth and practically no processing overhead on the network equipment. It is capable of tracing thousands of simultaneous attackers during a DDoS attack. Given sufficient deployment on the Internet, DPM is capable of tracing back to the slaves responsible for DDoS attacks that involve reflectors. In DPM, most of the processing required for traceback is done at the victim. The traceback process can be performed post-mortem allowing for tracing the attacks that may not have been noticed initially, or the attacks which would deny service to the victim so that traceback is impossible in real time. The involvement of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) is very limited, and changes to the infrastructure and operation required to deploy DPM are minimal. DPM is capable of performing the traceback without revealing topology of the providers' network, which is a desirable quality of a traceback method.
Explaining the structural plasticity of α-synuclein.

Given that α-synuclein has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, deciphering the structure of this protein is of particular importance. While monomeric α-synuclein is disordered in solution, it can form aggregates rich in cross-β structure, relatively long helical segments when bound to micelles or lipid vesicles, and a relatively ordered helical tetramer within the native cell environment. To understand the physical basis underlying this structural plasticity, we generated an ensemble for monomeric α-synuclein using a Bayesian formalism that combines data from NMR chemical shifts, RDCs, and SAXS with molecular simulations. An analysis of the resulting ensemble suggests that a non-negligible fraction of the ensemble (0.08, 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.12) places the minimal toxic aggregation-prone segment in α-synuclein, NAC(8–18), in a solvent exposed and extended conformation that can form cross-β structure. Our data also suggest that a sizable fraction of structu...
Turnover of chloroplast and cytoplasmic ribosomes during gametogenesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardi

Abstract A number of novel observations on ribosomal metabolism were made during gametic differentiation of Chlamydomonas reinhardi . Throughout the gametogenic process the amount of chloroplast and cytoplasmic ribosomes decreased steadily. The kinetics and extent of such decreases were different for each of the two ribosomal species. Comparable rRNA degradation accompanied this ribosome degradation. Concurrent with the substantial ribosome degradation was the synthesis of rRNA, ribosomal proteins and the assembly of new chloroplast and cytoplasmic ribosomes throughout gametogenesis. The newly synthesized chloroplast ribosomes exhibited distinctively faster turnover than their cytoplasmic counterpart. Cytoplasmic ribosomes, pulse-labeled in early gametogenic stages, retained label until differentiation was nearly complete even though a net decrease in the level of cytoplasmic ribosomes continued, indicating that the newly synthesized cytoplasmic ribosomes were preferentially retained during differentiation. Hence the regulation of ribosome metabolism during gametogenesis contrasts with the conservation of ribosomes obtained during vegetative growth of C. reinhardi and other organisms. This unique pattern of ribosome metabolism suggests that new ribosome synthesis is necessary during gametogenesis and that some specific structural or functional difference relating to the development stage of the life cycle might exist between degraded and newly synthesized ribosomes.
Melt-Textured Growth of Grain Aligned Bulk Oxide Thermoelectrics

A new process, based on melt processing has been investigated with oxide thermoelectrics to achieve long-range grain alignment for low resistivity as well as to embed secondary phase precipitates and associated crystal defects for low thermal conductivity. Melt-processing of Bi2Sr2Co2Ox and CaMnO3 has been studied. A high degree of (00l) grain alignment has been achieved by melt processing. Good values of Seebeck coefficient of nearly -250 μV/K were measured in the melt-processed CaMnO3. Secondary phases of Ca4Mn3O10 and CaMn2O4 are found to be trapped between the aligned grains which led to high electrical resistivity values and limited the figure of merit in our initial samples.
On the Design of Planning Information Systems

System designs for a planning MIS, in particular settings, are developed. The designs are described by one or more information generation modes (personal, interactive, reports, and analysis) applied in a particular sequence. Each design is related to planning stages (formulation, conceptualization, detailing, evaluation, and implementation) and to planning in “simple” and “complex” environments.
A curvilinear spectral overlay method for high gradient problems

Abstract The spectral overlay method is extended to domains with curvilinear boundaries. In the spectral overlay method, high resolution of localized steep gradients is achieved by overlaying a spectral interpolant on a standard finite element mesh. A special integration scheme is developed which enables the method to satisfy the patch test for a curvilinear overlay. Results are compared to closed from solutions with high gradients and the method is shown to be very powerful in capturing the shape of the gradient field and its peak value.
Specific heat of proximity-coupled superconducting multilayers

Abstract The Ginzburg–Landau equations have been solved numerically for Pb–Sn and Nb–Zr multilayer systems. The calculated specific heats as a function of temperature are found to be in good agreement with experiment. In particular, the proximity-effect broadened Sn transition near T=3 K in the Pb–Sn systems is well reproduced by the calculations.
Magnetic resonance imaging simulator: a teaching tool for radiology.

The increasing use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a clinical modality has put an enormous burden on medical institutions to cost effectively teach MRI scanning techniques to technologists and physicians. Since MRI scanner time is a scarce resource, it would be ideal if the teaching could be effectively performed off-line. In order to meet this goal, the radiology Department at the University of Pennsylvania has designed and developed a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Simulator. The simulator in its current implementation mimics the General Electric Signa (General Electric Magnetic Resonance Imaging System, Milwaukee, WI) scanner’s user interface for image acquisition. The design is general enough to be applied to other MRI scanners. One unique feature of the simulator is its incorporation of an image-synthesis module that permits the user to derive images for any arbitrary combination of pulsing parameters for spin-echo, gradient-echo, and inversion recovery pulse sequences. These images are computed in 5 seconds. The development platform chosen is a standard Apple Macintosh II (Apple Computer, Inc, Cupertino, CA) computer with no specialized hardware peripherals. The user interface is implemented in HyperCard (Apple Computer Inc, Cupertino, CA). All other software development including synthesis and display functions are implemented under the Macintosh Programmer’s Workshop ‘C’ environment. The scan parameters, demographics, and images are tracked using an Oracle (Oracle Corp. Redwood Shores, CA) data base. Images are currently stored on magnetic disk but could be stored on optical media with minimal effort.
Immunoblot reactivity of a non‐hiv protein with human sera

Examination of serum for the presence of antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by immunoblot analysis requires precise identification of reactivities with various HIV specific proteins. During a recent survey of approximately 2,000 sera, we identified 22 sera from non-HIV-reactive blood donors and 2 from individuals receiving blood products for congenital blood disorders, which consistently and exclusively reacted with a protein of a molecular weight slightly greater than 65,000 daltons (termed AT65). Since the HIV pol p65 protein reacts with specific antibodies at about the same position (i.e., 65,000 daltons), it was essential to determine the viral or nonviral origin of the AT65 reactivity. Our data indicate that the AT65 reaction is due to a protein present on normal or activated lymphocytes, which can co-purify with HIV preparations used for immunoblot analysis. Recognition of HIV-specific p65 and nonspecific AT65 reactions is important to those responsible for interpretation of HIV immunoblots and may aid in the evaluation of some "indeterminant" results.
An empirical examination of commutations and executions in post-Furman capital cases

A review of the literature on capital punishment reveals evidence that the death penalty was imposed capriciously in the past. Previous research on executive clemency in capital cases revealed similar forces in operation. In the voluminous literature surrounding capital punishment, however, relatively little contemporary empirical work focuses directly on the characteristics of the final clemency decision to commute or execute, especially post-Furman. In this paper I explore some of these elements and find that several extralegal factors, possibly including political motivation, still may play a role in this highly discretionary decision-making process.
Characteristics of female obstetrician-gynecologists in the United States.

Abstract Objective: To describe characteristics of United States female obstetrician-gynecologists, a large and growing group, and to contrast them with other female physicians. Methods: We contrasted data from 313 obstetrician-gynecologists to data from 4132 other female physician respondents to the Women Physicians’ Health Study, a national questionnaire-based study. Results: Obstetrician-gynecologists assumed fewer domestic responsibilities, reported higher personal and household incomes, and were more likely to be in a group practice than other female physicians. Female obstetrician-gynecologists’ personal health behaviors and other personal characteristics, career satisfaction, and desire to remain in their specialty were similar to those of other female physicians. Obstetrician-gynecologists did more counseling and screening than primary care physicians (family and general practitioners and internists) with respect to breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Obstetrician-gynecologists performed equivalently to primary care physicians with respect to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), colorectal cancer, blood pressure, weight, exercise, and smoking, performed like other specialists with respect to cholesterol, skin cancer, and flu vaccine, and between these two groups with respect to nutrition and alcohol. Obstetrician-gynecologists’ perceived relevance of, training in, and confidence regarding counseling were higher for HRT and breast cancer compared with other physicians. Conclusion: Obstetrician-gynecologists have many similarities with other female physicians, including level of career satisfaction, but earned more and assumed fewer domestic responsibilities. Although obstetrician-gynecologists counseled more than other specialists, with the increasing role of obstetrician-gynecologists as primary care doctors, it is noteworthy that female obstetrician-gynecologists frequently provide gynecologic-specific preventive care, but are less likely to address other non-obstetric-gynecologic areas of prevention. This finding could be transformed by continued changes in the education of residents and practicing physicians.
Does Busing Improve the Racial Interactions of Children

racial interaction and friendship. The assumption has been that academic achievement of black children in bi-racial schools would be highest in integrated settings. This assumption grew out of a decade of esearch by Irwin Katz (1964, 1969, a, b) studying black performance in bi-racial situations. Coleman (1966) studied this phenomenon in the Equal Educational Opportunity Survey, as did Cohen, Pettigrew, Riley (1972), and Armor (1972). These studies have typically involved regressing schools' racial climates on schools' average achievement, rather than direct measures of within school friendship choices. W ile broadscale surveys are useful to produce general overviews, more spe ific detailed probing is necessary if we are to understand whether children of different races interact with one another; and if so, what the effects are of such interactions. The study that follows is an example of the kind of specific inquiry we are advocating. The basic question in this study is: do children in bi-racial elementary schools interact across racial lines and develop friendships with one another.
Use of a geographic information system for storm runoff prediction from small urban watersheds

The use of computer-assisted map analysis techniques for prediction of storm runoff from a small urban watershed in the United States is investigated. An automated procedure for calculating input parameters for the US Soil Conservation Service (SCS) method of predicting storm runoff volume and peak timing is presented. Advanced techniques of spatial analysis are used to characterize spatial coincidence, surface configuration and effective hydrologic distance. A limited verification of the automated procedure indicates that the model reasonably characterizes water flow. A sensitivity analysis of basin disaggregation suggests that the SCS method yields increased volume and peak discharge predictions as the watershed is divided into smaller and smaller subunits. As a means to demonstrate the practical application of the automated procedure, a simulation of the effects on surface runoff for a potential residential development is presented.
Pure Form in Aristotle

Cherniss for one has imputed this paradoxical doctrine of pure form to Aristotle.3 In commenting on Metaphysics Z 11 Cherniss asserts that Aristotle, in trying both to attack the theory of ideas and to perfect and argue in favor of his own theory of definition, differentiated the materiate universal from the essential form of true (i.e. natural) substances. He continues: "Yet, apart from the epistemological difficulty introduced by this differentiation, if the so-called pure form be identified with the soul and the soul is the essence of a certain kind of body... this form itself cannot be defined without reference to the
Presence in neuroblastoma cells of a μ3 receptor with selectivity for opiate alkaloids but without affinity for opioid peptides

Evidence is presented for the occurrence of a unique opiate alkaloid-selective, opioid peptide-insensitive binding site in N18TG2 mouse neuroblastoma cells and in late passage hybrid F-11 cells, derived from N18TG2 neuroblastoma cells and rat dorsal root ganglion cells. Those cells lacked classical opioid peptide-sensitive receptor subtypes, but contained [3H]morphine and [3H]diprenorphine binding sites with affinity for certain opiate alkaloids but not for any endogenously occurring opioid peptide or peptide analog tested, including D-ala2-D-leu5-enkephalin (DADLE), D-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol (DAGO) and dynorphin A(1-17). The binding site differed from hitherto described mu, delta and kappa neuronal opioid receptors not only on the basis of peptide insensitivity, but also on the basis of selectivity and affinities of alkaloids. Saturation experiments with [3H]morphine indicated the presence of a single site with Kd = 49 nM and Bmax = 1510 fmol/mg protein. This novel binding site was not present in F-11 hybrid cells at early passage. Instead the hybrid cells contained conventional opioid receptors (predominantly delta and also mu) capable of binding DADLE and other peptides as well as opiate alkaloids. With additional passage (cell divisions) of the hybrid cells, during which a limited change occurred in mouse chromosome number, the peptide-insensitive binding appeared and the opioid peptide-binding (delta and mu) receptors were lost reciprocally. Thus, expression of the peptide-insensitive binding normally may be repressed when conventional opioid receptors are expressed. The peptide-insensitive opiate binding site described here appears to correspond to the mu 3 receptor subtype, recently identified pharmacologically and functionally in several cell types of the immune system.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The effect of glyburide on pregnancy outcomes in morbidly obese women with gestational diabetes

WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES JOSE DUNCAN, JERRIE REFUERZO, NATALIA CAMACHO, JYOTHI NICHANAMETLA, SEAN BLACKWELL, ROBERT SOKOL, YORAM SOROKIN, Wayne State University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, Wayne State University, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, Wayne State University, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Detroit, Michigan, Wayne State University, Ob/Gyn/Maternal Fetal Med, Detroit, Michigan OBJECTIVE: Glyburide has been shown to be as effective as insulin for the treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM). The objective of this study is to determine whether glyburide results in similar delivery outcomes compared to insulin in morbidly obese women with GDM. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed including women with GDM requiring medical therapy from January 2002 to December 2004. Women with multiple gestations and chromosomal/structural defects were excluded. Morbid obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) O 40 kg/m. Women were divided into morbidly obese and non-morbidly obese groups. Delivery outcomes were then compared between women on glyburide therapy versus insulin. RESULTS: There were 90 women who delivered with GDM requiring medical therapy, 28.9% (n=26) were morbidly obese and 71.1% (n=54) were not. Glyburide was given to 34.6% (n=9) of morbidly obese women and to 35.2% (n=19) of non-morbidly obese women. There was no difference between maternal age, race, gestational age at delivery, pre-eclampsia, rates of labor induction or smoking history between women treated with glyburide compared to insulin. In morbidly obese women, glyburide had similar rates of macrosomia (0% vs 23.5%, p=0.159) and cesarean section (55.6% vs. 35.3%, p=0.281) compared to insulin. In the non-morbidly obese women, glyburide significantly reduced the rates of macrosomia (0% vs. 22.9%, p=0.023) and cesarean section (10.4% vs. 51.4%, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: While glyburide has similar delivery outcomes compared to insulin in morbidly obese women with GDM, such therapy appears most effective in reducing the rates of macrosomia and cesarean section in women who are not morbidly obese.
Cortisol suppresses prolactin release through a non-genomic mechanism involving interactions with the plasma membrane.

In the classical theory of steroid hormone action, steroids diffuse through the membrane and alter transcription of specific genes resulting in synthesis of proteins important for modulating cell function. Most often, steroids work solely through the genome to exert their physiological actions in a process that normally takes hours or days to occur. In tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), cortisol inhibits prolactin (PRL) release within 10–20 min in vitro. This action is accompanied by similarly rapid reductions in cellular Ca2+ and cAMP levels, second messengers known to transduce the membrane effects of peptide hormones. We further examined whether cortisol might inhibit PRL release through a non-genomic, membrane-associated mechanism using the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide, and a membrane impermeant form of cortisol, cortisol-21 hemisuccinate BSA (HEF/BSA). Cycloheximide (2 and 10 μg/ml) was ineffective in overcoming PRL release induced by hyposmotic medium or that inhibited by cortisol over 4 h static incubations. These dosages reduced protein synthesis as measured by amino acid incorporation in pituitaries by 75 and 99%, respectively. During 4-h incubation, HEF/BSA and HEF significantly reduced PRL release in a dose-dependent fashion. These studies suggest that cortisol inhibits PRL release through a plasma membrane-associated, protein-synthesis independent (non-genomic) pathway.
Structure-based Systems Biology for Analyzing Off-target Binding

Here off-target binding implies the binding of a small molecule of therapeutic interest to a protein target other than the primary target for which it was intended. Increasingly such off-targeting appears to be the norm rather than the exception, rational drug design notwithstanding, and can lead to detrimental side-effects, or opportunities to reposition a therapeutic agent to treat a different condition. Not surprisingly, there is significant interest in determining a priori what off-targets exist on a proteome-wide scale. Beyond determining putative off-targets is the need to understand the impact of such binding on the complete biological system, with the ultimate goal of being able to predict the phenotypic outcome. While a very ambitious goal, some progress is being made.
Observation of TeV–PeV cosmic ray anisotropy with IceCube, IceTop and AMANDA

Abstract The study of cosmic ray anisotropy in the TeV–PeV energy range could provide clues about the origin and propagation of cosmic rays in our galactic neighborhood. Since the observed anisotropy is very small, below the per mille level, large event volumes are needed in order to characterize it in sufficient detail. The IceCube Observatory has already collected more than 150 billion cosmic ray induced muon events. This large data sample made it possible to detect anisotropies in the southern hemisphere, down to the 10 −5 level, at primary energies in excess of 10 TeV. The observed anisotropy is not a simple dipole, but it can be described as composed of multipole components of the spherical harmonic expansion, down to about 10°. A change in topological structure of the cosmic ray arrival distribution is observed above 100 TeV. Data collected with the air shower array IceTop above 300 TeV confirm the observations up to the PeV energy scale. Moreover, the addition of data collected with the AMANDA neutrino telescope, which operated between 2000 and 2007, has enabled us to search for time variability in the observed TeV anisotropy.
ATTITUDES TOWARD SUCCESSFUL INDIVIDUALS WITH AND WITHOUT HISTORIES OF PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION

Studies which have investigated attitudes toward mental illness invariably have found that distinct differences exist between subjects' attitudes toward normals and toward people considered mentally ill. Although much literature substantiates this point, little attention has been given to attitudes toward people who had been labeled mentally ill but who subsequently had demonstrated adjustment to a “normal” and successful life. The purpose of this study was to examine whether subjects perceived an ex-mental patient who subsequently had stabilized his disability and appeared to be a successfully adjusted normal as being different from someone who had roughly the same childhood and adolescent experiences but who had not been admitted for psychiatric treatment. An ex-patient was perceived as less internal, more controlled by chance and others.