cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Immediate Impact of COVID-19 on Law Enforcement in the United States.

During pandemics, like COVID-19, law enforcement agencies are responsible for working with government and public health officials to contain spread, serve the local community, and maintain public order. Given the person-to-person spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets, law enforcement officers are also at a heightened risk of exposure due to their close contact with members of the public. To protect officers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other agencies have made numerous recommendations for law enforcement agencies to protect officers and the public. Departments around the country have responded to the pandemic in various ways, such as reassigning personnel to high-traffic areas, suspending training, roll calls, and community outreach initiatives, only issuing citations for low-level crimes, implementing safety precautions for officers, and limiting access to department facilities. The COVID-19 pandemic also has exposed some key obstacles for law enforcement, related to communication, resource management, the enforcement of public health restrictions, and changes to crime and service patterns. Based on these early/initial responses and obstacles during the COVID-19 outbreak, the current paper highlights directions for future responses to pandemics to ensure the safety and security of police officers and the communities they serve.
Gluconic acid as a chelator to improve clarity of skim milk powder dispersions at pH 3.0.

Abstract Clear acidic protein beverages have a niche market. Acidification of skim milk powder (SMP) dispersions to pH 3.0 using citric acid (CA) lowers turbidity but the dispersion remains translucent. The present study aimed at comparing physicochemical properties of 5% w/v SMP dispersions acidified to pH 3.0 using chelating gluconic acid (GA) and CA and non-chelating hydrochloric acid. GA was the most effective in reducing the dispersion turbidity to 394 NTU at pH 3.0, which was further reduced to 248 NTU after heating at 90 °C for 2 min resulting in transparent dispersions. The better chelating ability of GA than CA was supported by the higher extent of dissolved CCP in serum phase. The aggregation of dissociated caseins was not observed for the GA treatment based on transmission electron microscopy. The findings from this study may be used to produce clear casein-based protein beverages.
Opportunities for ABA intervention in Phelan–McDermid syndrome

Phelan–McDermid syndrome (PMS), also called 22q13.3 deletion syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder affecting at least 2,000 people worldwide (Phelan–McDermid Syndrome Foundation, 2019, How rare is P...
A future so close: Mapping 10 years of promises and futures across the augmented reality development cycle:

When the augmented reality (AR) industry was first forming, many hyperbolic futures were imagined. These futures served important functions, whether it was growing the community, motivating investo...
Maternal diet quality during pregnancy is associated with biomarkers of metabolic risk among male offspring.

Limited data exist on the association between maternal diet quality during pregnancy and metabolic traits in offspring during early childhood, which is a sensitive period for risk of obesity-related disorders later in life. We aimed to examine the association of maternal diet quality, as indicated by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI), in pregnancy with offspring metabolic biomarkers and body composition at age 4–7 years. We used data from 761 mother–offspring pairs from the Healthy Start study to examine sex-specific associations of HEI >57 vs ≤57 with offspring fasting glucose, leptin, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, percentage fat mass, BMI z score and log-transformed insulin, 1/insulin, HOMA-IR, adiponectin, triacylglycerols, triacylglycerols:HDL, fat mass, and sum of skinfolds. Multivariable linear regression models accounted for maternal race/ethnicity, age, education, smoking habits during pregnancy and physical activity, and child’s age. During pregnancy, mean (SD) HEI score was 55.0 (13.3), and 43.0% had an HEI score >57. Among boys, there was an inverse association of maternal HEI with offspring glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR and adiponectin. For instance, maternal HEI >57 was associated with lower fasting glucose (−0.11; 95% CI −0.20, −0.02 mmol/l), and lower concentrations of: insulin by 15.3% (95% CI −24.6, −5.0), HOMA-IR by 16.3% (95% CI −25.7, −5.6) and adiponectin by 9.3% (95% CI −16.1, −2.0). Among girls, there was an inverse association of maternal HEI with insulin and a positive association with LDL. However, following covariate adjustment, all estimates among girls were attenuated to the null. Greater compliance with the USA Dietary Guidelines via the HEI may improve the maternal–fetal milieu and decrease susceptibility for poor metabolic health among offspring, particularly boys. Future studies are warranted to confirm these associations and determine the underlying mechanisms.
Reduction of hospital transfers: After integration of an advanced practice registered nurse practitioner and situation-background-appearance-review and notify form

Abstract Objectives This article aims to address the hypothesis that the incorporation of the use of an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and the Situation-Background-Appearance-Review and Notify form from the Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers program will reduce the number of hospital transfers from nursing home facilities. Methods This hypothesis was measured using de-identified data on hospital transfers from three facilities, as well as de-identified Situation-Background-Appearance-Review and Notify and Quality Initiative forms completed by the nursing staff at these facilities. Results The collective number of hospital transfers seen over the eight-week pre-intervention period was 115 compared with the collective number of transfers seen over the eight-week post-intervention period which was 75. This represents an 34.8% overall reduction in hospital transfers. Conclusions Implications of this project include the confirmation that the use of the Situation-Background-Appearance-Review and Notify tool integration of an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse can help reduce hospital transfers. These findings can help to initiate future projects and protocol changes.
Distributed Optimal Control Framework based on Coordinate Descent Optimization for Multi-Agent Robots

In this paper, we present a distributed optimal control framework for a multi-agent robotics system based on coordinate descent optimization. Our framework exploits the underlying graph topology to compute the optimal control trajectory in a distributed manner. It only requires a modest amount of information exchange among the neighboring robot, and the computation depends on the underlying graph structure connecting the agents. Hence, if the underlying graph topology is sparse, e.g. a line graph, then it scales well with the problem's dimension, and any fast convergent algorithm can be used to ensure real-time computation. To show the efficacy of the framework, we apply it to a problem where a team of robots is tasked with establishing a communication link between source and destination while minimizing the overall system's mobility and communication energy. We analyzed its performance in simulation and on actual robots using an experimental robotic testbed, robotarium [1], and compare it to the centralized solution of the same problem. The results show that the distributed framework converges and outperforms its centralized version as the problem's dimension increases. While the aforementioned energy-balancing problem serves to motivate the paper, the algorithm is defined and presented in a more general setting, and its potential extensions to other types of systems are pointed out.
Resistance Measurements in the Human Urethra

A number of new experimental and clinical results have been obtained through the use of the voiding dynamometer. The investigators have adapted the rationale of the hydraulician and have discovered concepts which would otherwise have remained hidden. Since the vocabulary of the hydraulics engineer and the urodynamicist are often mutually incomprehensible it is necessary prior to the introduction of the results to present a review of the basic theory and the pertinent physical principles.
Active synovial matrix metalloproteinase-2 is associated with radiographic erosions in patients with early synovitis.

Serum and synovial tissue expression of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 and their molecular regulators, MMP-14 and TIMP-2 was examined in 28 patients with inflammatory early synovitis and 4 healthy volunteers and correlated with the presence of erosions in the patients. Immunohistological staining of MMP-2, MMP-14 and TIMP-2 localized to corresponding areas in the synovial lining layer and was almost absent in normal synovium. Patients with radiographic erosions had significantly higher levels of active MMP-2 than patients with no erosions, suggesting that activated MMP-2 levels in synovial tissue may be a marker for a more aggressive synovial lesion.
The Globalization of the Jury Trial: Lessons and Insights from Korea

Recent years have witnessed the widespread diffusion of the criminal jury trial across the globe. Considered by many to be foundational to participatory democracy, nations as culturally and geographically diverse as Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Japan are currently in the process of adopting mechanisms for lay participation in the adjudication of criminal cases. This Article investigates the historical origins of the jury trial’s global spread, focusing particular attention on the recent example of South Korea. Identifying three “waves” of the jury trial’s global diffusion – the first driven by British Colonialism, the second by the Napoleonic Wars, and the third by the post-Cold War spread of political democracy – the Article notes that the jury trial’s introduction into Asia lies within this most-recent wave. It then offers a socio-political account of the origins of the Korean jury trial, finding that – contrary to existing accounts – its rise is best conceptualized as merely one rivet in larger atmospheric shifts occurring within Korean society at the turn of the millennium. The Article also explores the curious discord between escalating skepticism of the jury trial in those nations where it enjoys the deepest historical roots and its recent vast geographic expansion. Assessing the Korean system from within this inconsistency, the Article finds that – by adopting a unique, hybrid institutional design, which combines elements of the common law jury, the mixed tribunal prevalent in many civil law nations, and homegrown innovations – the Korean system endeavors to alleviate tensions inherent in existing iterations of lay adjudication. In so doing, it serves as a potential model for nations allured by the democratic promise of vesting ordinary citizens with judicial authority, but reticent to adopt either of the two most-prevalent, yet widely-discredited, institutional mechanisms thereof. The Article then attempts to carefully unpack how the Korean jury trial system contrasts with existing systems, especially those in the United States and Western Europe. In addition, it identifies a range of possible critiques of the Korean system and assesses their relative weight from a comparative perspective. The Article finds that – while significant – the Korean system’s weaknesses are generally comparable to the well-documented afflictions of existing systems. Finally, the Article offers a brief exploration of the ways in which the introduction of the jury trial in Korea might have broader effects on the nation’s legal system: by enhancing systemic legitimacy, by enabling a new avenue for doctrinal development, and by shifting bargaining power to criminal defendants.
Review of River Engineering in Switzerland, Vol. 6, by H.-E. Minor and W. H. Hager

As in many other countries, river engineering in Switzerland has been of outstanding significance for centuries. In earlier times, the protection of settlements and agricultural land from flooding was as much an important task as the construction and maintenance of navigation routes. Without the river works that provided stabilization of river courses, the economic development of the country would not have been possible. Railways and roads endangered by rivers overtopping their banks provided the basis for hydroelectric power development. In recent years, rivers and lakes have become subjected to the increasing demands for recreational use and at the same time better integration into the environment. The exceptional flood events of the past decade required a purposeful allocation of resources for flood protection works that consider both ecological and economic benefits. This booklet aims at presenting the historical development of river engineering in Switzerland. Major engineering projects are presented in separate chapters. The booklet covers a wide spectrum of river engineering developments starting before the 18th century up to river engineering methods used today. Several authors deserve credit for writing separate chapters of this book: D. L. Vischer, Chr. Maag, L. Kalt, A. Kuhne, L. Filippini, S. Pellandini, H.-P. Willi, G. R. Bezzola, R. Fah., and A. Dredge from Colenco Power Engineering Ltd. translated the manuscript into English. The book is separated into eight nearly equal chapters: “Until 1800”; “Linth”; “The Alpine Rhine; Jura Waterways”; “Ticino”; “Pioneers”; “20th Century”; and “River Engineering Today.” The main attribute of this booklet is that it integrates river engineering technology developed in very different parts and cantons, of Switzerland. All regions experienced similar problems dealing with flood control and navigation over several centuries. This booklet portrays Switzerland as a haven for young engineers and scientists motivated to control runoff to prevent devastating floods. The authors deserve a lot of credit for nicely highlighting the integral solutions to Alpine River engineering problems experienced in a culturally diverse environment. Numerous figures and sketches contain text and fragmented explanations in German, French, and Italian. This booklet is extremely well illustrated. It contains a tremendous collection of photographs, paintings, and sketches dating as far back as Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. Brief sketches of pioneers are presented from one of the fathers of Swiss River engineering, Jost Knopfli, in the 16th century to Hans-Albert Einstein and Robert Muller, both renowned for their sediment transport formulas.
Immunologic characterization of a 35-kilodalton recombinant antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Abstract A 35-kilodalton (kDa) recombinant antigen (35-kDa antigen) produced by Escherichia coli JM107 carrying DNA from Mycobacterium tuberculosis was purified and immunologically examined by in vivo and in vitro methods. A monoclonal antibody (2B2) was produced against the 35-kDa antigen. The protein was purified from the insoluble fraction of the recombinant E. coli strain by either affinity chromatography with the 2B2 monoclonal antibody or preparative isoelectric focusing. In enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot (immunoblot) analyses, antibody to 2B2 reacted with whole-cell sonic extracts of M. tuberculosis and other slowly growing mycobacteria but not with two rapid growers, M. chelonae and M. fortuitum. An injection series totaling less than 1 mg of purified protein without adjuvant elicited a humoral response in guinea pigs. In one guinea pig, 10 micrograms of purified protein injected intradermally elicited both a humoral and a cell-mediated response. Results of these studies suggest that the 35-kDa antigen is a membrane-associated protein that stimulates both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and should be evaluated as a vaccine candidate.
Notes on the systematics and nomenclature of Tritonia (Iridaceae: Crocoideae)

Study of some early types of species now known to belong to the genus Tritonia Ker Gaw l.. a member of Iridaceae. sub­ family Crocoideae, comprising some 28 species of southern and south tropical Africa, has shown the need for some nomen- clatural adjustments. Ixia undulata Burm.f. (1768) is an earlier name for T. crispa (L.f.) Ker Gawl. based on Gladiolus crispus L.f. (1782) and the combination T. undulata (Burm.f.) Baker must be used for the species, which is native to the western half of Western Cape, South Africa. The variety T. crispa var. parx iflora is also reduced to synonymy. The type specimen of Ixia gladiolaris Lam. (1789), currently considered a synonym of Tritonia securigera (Aiton) Ker Gawl.. has flowers that lack the characteristic tooth-like ridges on the lower tepals of the latter, and corresponds closely to the eastern southern African T. lineata (Salisb.) Ker Gawl., based on Gladiolus lineatus Salisb. (1796). The new combination T. gladiolaris (Lam.) Goldblatt & J.C. Manning is made and T. lineata is reduced to synonymy. Montbretia lacerata and Tritonia lacerata. erroneously regarded as synonyms of T. crispa , are combinations based on Gladiolus laceratus Burm.f., a species that remains unidenti­ fied because no type is known and the description is too vague to permit its identification. Lastly, field studies have shown that the cnsped-leaved T. watermeveri is connected by a series of morphological intermediates to typical T. securigera . which has straight leaves and identical flowers. The new combination T. securigera subsp. watermeveri (L.Bolus) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt is proposed for this taxon.
A prospective study of alcohol consumption and HIV acquisition among injection drug users.

Objective: To estimate the effect of alcohol consumption on HIV acquisition while appropriately accounting for confounding by time-varying risk factors. Design: African-American injection drug users in the AIDS Link to Intravenous Experience cohort study. Participants were recruited and followed with semiannual visits in Baltimore, Maryland between 1988 and 2008. Methods: Marginal structural models were used to estimate the effect of alcohol consumption on HIV acquisition. Results: At entry, 28% of 1525 participants were women with a median (quartiles) age of 37 (32-42) years and 10 (10-12) years of formal education. During follow-up, 155 participants acquired HIV and alcohol consumption was 24, 24, 26, 17, and 9% for 0, 1-5, 6-20, 21-50, and 51-140 drinks per week over the prior 2 years, respectively. In analyses accounting for sociodemographic factors, drug use, and sexual activity, hazard ratios for participants reporting 1-5, 6-20, 21-50, and 51-140 drinks per week in the prior 2 years compared to participants who reported 0 drinks per week were 1.09 (0.60-1.98), 1.18 (0.66-2.09), 1.66 (0.94-2.93), and 2.12 (1.15-3.90), respectively. A trend test indicated a dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and HIV acquisition (P value for trend=9.7 × 10 -4 ). Conclusion: A dose-response relationship between alcohol consumption and subsequent HIV acquisition is indicated, independent of measured known risk factors.
Networking for large-scale science: Infrastructure, provisioning, transport and application mapping

Large-scale science computations and experiments require unprecedented network capabilities in the form of large bandwidth and dynamically stable connections to support data transfers, interactive visualizations, and monitoring and steering operations. A number of component technologies dealing with the infrastructure, provisioning, transport and application mappings must be developed and/or optimized to achieve these capabilities. We present a brief account of the following technologies that contribute toward achieving these network capabilities: (a) DOE UltraScienceNet and NSF CHEETAH network testbeds that provide on-demand and scheduled dedicated network connections; (b) experimental results on transport protocols that achieve close to 100% utilization on dedicated 1Gbps wide-area channels; (c) a scheme for optimally mapping a visualization pipeline onto a network to minimize the end-to-end delays; and (d) interconnect configuration and protocols that provides multiple Gbps flows from Cray X1 to external hosts.
The IS Organization of the Future: Impacts of Global Sourcing

Global sourcing will continue to have a major impact on IS organizations. Fourteen "new" and traditional skills that IS organizations will need in tomorrow's global sourcing environment are highlighted.
Contractile and electrophysiologic characterization of optimized self-organizing engineered heart tissue.

Background Engineered heart tissue (EHT) is being developed for clinical implantation in heart failure or congenital heart disease and therefore requires a comprehensive functional characterization and scale-up of EHT. Here we explored the effects of scale-up of self-organizing EHT and present detailed electrophysiologic and contractile functional characterization. Methods Fibers from EHT were generated from self-organizing neonatal rat cardiac cells (0.5 × 10 6 to 3 × 10 6 /fiber) on fibrin. We characterized contractile patterns and measured contractile function using a force transducer, and assessed force–length relationship, maximal force generation, and rate of force generation. Action potential and conduction velocity of EHT were measured with optical mapping, and transcript levels of myosin heavy chain beta were measured by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Results Increasing the cell number per construct resulted in an increase in fiber volume. The force–length relationship was negatively impacted by increasing cell number. Maximal force generation and rate of force generation were also abrogated with increasing cell number. This decrease was not likely attributable to a selective expansion of noncontractile cells as myosin heavy chain beta levels were stable. Irregular contractile behavior was more prevalent in constructs with more cells. Engineered heart tissue (1 × 10 6 /construct) had an action potential duration of 140.2 milliseconds and a conduction velocity of 23.2 cm/s. Conclusions Engineered heart tissue displays physiologically relevant features shared with native myocardium. Engineered heart tissue scale-up by increasing cell number abrogates contractile function, possibly as a result of suboptimal cardiomyocyte performance in the absence of vasculature. Finally, conduction velocity approaches that of native myocardium without any electrical or mechanical conditioning, suggesting that the self-organizing method may be superior to other rigid scaffold–based EHT.
Electron microscopy of non-neuronal cellular changes accompanying neural degeneration in thalamic nuclei of the rabbit. I. Reactive hematogenous and perivascular elements within the basal lamina.

Electron microscopic examination of several thalamic nuclei undergoing neural degeneration following ablation of their cortical projection fields revealed reactive changes in vessels unrelated to direct mechanical trauma. A series of 30 rabbits were studied at post-operative survivals of one to 238 days. Many neurons display signs of retrograde atrophy within the first week accompanied by a distinct increase in the number of perivascular cells within the basal lamina surrounding venules and large capillaries. This reaction was optimally observed between 5 and 98 days post-operatively and was limited to the circumscribed zones of degeneration. In early stages, some vessels displayed margination of hematogenous elements, predominantly agranular leukocytes, of which some examples were seen in phases suggestive of diapedesis. Cells within the perivascular space exhibited diverse morphology. In addition to the indigenous “pericyte” population, there were numerous agranular leukocytes, and a few plasma cells and eosinophils. Within the second to third week postoperatively, some perivascular elements become enlarged and display electron-lucent lipid vacuoles and PTA-positive dense bodies of complex morphology, many of which are clearly lysosomal in nature. This cellular reaction persists for three to four months, after which time the cytoplasm displays evidence of cholesterol crystals and lysosomal transformations suggestive of terminal or residual bodies. Morphological criteria for identifying the possible origin of vacuolated, lysosomeladen perivascular cells are presented for a consideration of their possible derivation from pericytes and/or hematogenous elements. Of the several hypotheses considered to account for these findings, it appears likely that lipid and protein end-products of neural degeneration provide the stimulus for perivascular aggregation and subsequent transformation.
Smoothing of stepwise multiple testing procedures

Abstract Cohen et al. (2007) introduced the concept of a smooth multiple testing procedure and suggested a method for smoothing traditional stepwise procedures. We propose an alternative way of smoothing, which has some advantages over the CKS method.
Qubits Underlie Gifted Savants

Qubits restricted to spin up or spin down may be realized with neurons to explain the gifted behaviors of savants. This paper synthesizes qubit systems that are electrically and procedurally reversible, and that support quick learning, or memorization and calculational achievement as demonstrated by gifted savants.
Stochastic passivity of discrete-time Markovian jump nonlinear systems

In this paper, we analyze stochastic passivity of discrete-time Markovian jump nonlinear systems (MJNS). We define the notions of general stochastic dissipativity, stochastic QSR dissipativity and then stochastic passivity for these systems. Based on these definitions, the discrete-time stochastic KYP lemma is derived, which gives a necessary and sufficient condition for such a Markovian jump nonlinear system to be stochastic QSR dissipative. Based on the stochastic KYP lemma, we prove that a Markovian jump nonlinear system is locally stochastic feedback passive if and only if its zero dynamics are locally stochastic passive. Furthermore, we extend these results to interconnected MJNS. Given such interconnected subsystems that are stochastic feedback passive, we design a feedback control law and obtain the conditions on the weighted Laplacian matrix between all the subsystems to stabilize the entire system in the stochastic sense.
The female athlete triad: Components, nutrition issues, and health consequences

This paper, which was part of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) 2007 Nutritional Consensus Conference, briefly reviews the components of the female athlete triad (Triad): energy availability, menstrual status, and bone health. Each component of the Triad spans a continuum from health to disease, and female athletes can have symptoms related to each component of the Triad to different degrees. Low energy availability is the primary factor that impairs menstrual dysfunction and bone health in the Triad. We discuss nutritional issues associated with the Triad, focusing on intakes of macronutrients needed for good health, and stress fractures, the most common injury associated with the Triad. Finally, we briefly discuss screening and treatment for the Triad and the occurrence of the Triad in men.
Outcomes before and after implementation of a pediatric rapid-response extracorporeal membrane oxygenation program.

Background Rapid-response extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (RR-ECMO) has been implemented at select centers to expedite cannulation for patients placed on ECMO during extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). In 2008, we established such a program and used it for all pediatric venoarterial ECMO initiations. This study was designed to compare outcomes before and after program implementation. Methods Between 2003 and 2011, 144 pediatric patients were placed on venoarterial ECMO. Records of patients placed on ECMO before (17 ECPR and 62 non-ECPR) or after (14 ECPR and 51 non-ECPR) RR-ECMO program implementation were retrospectively compared. Results The peak performance of the ECMO team was assessed by measuring ECMO initiation times for the ECPR patient subgroup (n = 31). There was a shift toward more ECPR initiations achieved in less than 40 minutes (24% pre-RR-ECMO versus 43% RR-ECMO; p = 0.25) and fewer requiring more than 60 minutes (47% pre-RR-ECMO versus 21% RR-ECMO; p = 0.14) after program implementation, although these changes did not reach statistical significance. After multivariable risk adjustment, RR-ECMO was associated with a 52% reduction in neurologic complications for all patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.23 to 0.98; p = 0.04), but the risk of in-hospital death remained unchanged (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.50 to 1.99; p = 0.99). Conclusions Implementation of a pediatric RR-ECMO program for venoarterial ECMO initiation was associated with reduced neurologic complications but not improved survival during the first 3 years of program implementation. These data suggest that development of a coordinated system for rapid ECMO deployment may benefit both ECPR and non-ECPR patients, but further efforts are required to improve survival.
Measuring Similarity among Hispid Cotton Rats (Sigmodon hispidus) of Known Relatedness with DNA Fingerprinting

Determining mating strategies and social behavior of natural populations of mammals is equivocal when individuals can not be observed directly. DNA fingerprinting holds promise to elucidate relationships among individuals indirectly; however, few empirical data assess accuracy of DNA fingerprints in portraying relatedness in natural populations of mammals. Using the hispid cotton rat ( Sigmodon hispidas ) as a model, we determined accuracy of DNA fingerprinting for separating wild-caught individuals into categories according to their relatedness and ascertained repeatability of the pattern of DNA fingerprints. We used individuals from known breedings to compute similarity (S) in DNA fingerprints from pair-wise matchings. Because relatedness of these individuals was known, we obtained the actual distribution of band-sharing scores and computed the known mean S for each relatedness category. We detected significant differences in S between primary, secondary, and unrelated categories but could not distinguish statistically among related groups within these categories. High within-gel repeatability in the DNA banding pattern indicated a robust technique, but variation in scoring among readers confirmed that a single individual should score gels. Our results demonstrated that DNA fingerprints can be used to determine relatedness categories and uncover behavioral-social interactions for species that can not be observed directly. Routine demographic information (e.g., body mass, spatial proximity) collected during field studies and used in conjunction with DNA fingerprinting can provide a finer level of distinction among related groups.
The Shape of Eros from NEAR Imaging Data

Abstract Images obtained during the NEAR spacecraft flyby of 433 Eros in December 1998 reveal a curved object, of a mean size and shape close to those inferred from lightcurve and radar data. The resolution of the images was sufficient to identify landmarks and establish a surface-based coordinate system.
Historical volume estimation and a structured method for calculating habitable volume for in-space and surface habitats ☆

Abstract Habitable volume is an important spacecraft design figure of merit necessary to determine the required size of crewed space vehicles, or habitats. In order to design habitats for future missions and properly compare the habitable volumes of future habitat designs with historical spacecraft, consistent methods of both defining the required amount of habitable volume and estimating the habitable volume for a given layout are required. This paper provides a brief summary of historical habitable volume requirements and describes the appropriate application of requirements to various types of missions, particularly highlighting the appropriate application for various gravity environments. Then the proposed “Marching Grid Method”, a structured automatic, numerical method to calculate habitable volume for a given habitat design, is described in detail. This method uses a set of geometric Boolean tests applied to a discrete set of points within the pressurized volume to numerically estimate the functionally usable and accessible space that comprises the habitable volume. The application of this method to zero gravity and nonzero gravity environments is also discussed. This proposed method is then demonstrated by calculating habitable volumes using two conceptual-level layouts of habitat designs, one for each type of gravity environment. These include the US Laboratory Module on ISS and the Scenario 12.0 Pressurized Core Module from the recent NASA Lunar Surface Systems studies. Results of this study include a description of the effectiveness of this method for various resolutions of the investigated grid, and commentary highlighting the use of this method to determine the overall utility of interior configurations for automatically evaluating interior layouts.
Formation of In2Se3 thin films and nanostructures using electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy

Abstract The formation of the III–VI compound In 2 Se 3 , at room temperature by electrochemical atomic layer epitaxy (EC-ALE) is reported here. EC-ALE involves the use of surface limited reactions to form atomic layers of the elements making up a compound (In and Se) in a cycle. In electrodeposition, surface limited reactions are referred to as under potential deposition, and generally result in the formation of an atomic layer of the depositing element. These layers are deposited alternately in a cycle, resulting in the formation of a one monolayer of the compound, In 2 Se 3 . Cyclic voltammograms were used to determine approximate deposition potentials for each element. An automated deposition program was used to form thin films of In 2 Se 3 , with from up to 350 cycles. Electron probe microanalysis was performed to determine the stoichiometry of the thin films. The atomic ratio of Se/In in the thin films was found to be 3/2. X-ray diffraction of 350 cycle films indicated the deposits contained beta phase In 2 Se 3 . Band gaps were determined by FT-IR reflection absorption measurements, and found to be 1.73 eV. The surface morphology was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), suggesting that the deposits consist of 100 nm crystallites. Deposits on rougher substrates resulted in still smaller crystallites, and a blue shift in the band gap, possibly due to quantum confinement. Photoelectrochemical measurements suggested a band gap of 1.82 eV. In 2 Se 3 nanostructures were electrodeposited inside the pores (200 nm) of commercial polycarbonate membrane using EC-ALE. AFM images indicated that nanostructures were higher then expected, for 200 cycles of deposition. Studies of the Au vapor-deposited on the membrane showed that it had ingressed into the holes, accounting for most of the extra height. Microprobe data suggested that the total coverage was 1/6th that observed for a thin film, consistent with the observed coverage of nanostructures.
Identification of Nilsson states in transcurium nuclei

In recent years, we have studied the structure of transcurium nuclei using the best available actinide sources and state-of-the-art instruments. These include the largest amount of high-purity samples produced in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the GAMMASPHERE spectrometer located at Argonne. Proton single-particle states in 249Bk were investigated by measuring the γ-ray spectra of an extremely pure 253Es sample and reactor-produced 249Cm sources. Neutron single-particle states were identified in 251Cf by measuring γ-ray spectra of 255Fm sources and a cyclotron-produced 251Es source. By combining the results of these measurements with the results of one-nucleon transfer reactions, we were able to identify almost all the single-particle states up to 1 MeV excitation in 249Bk and 251Cf. The level energies in these nuclei are in good agreement with energies calculated with a Woods–Saxon potential and pairing interactions.
Heat Transfer and Flow Visualization in Natural Convection in Rapidly Spinning Systems

Thesis (Sc.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 1984.
Heat shock protein 90 as a molecular target for cancer therapeutics.

From this brief overview, it should be apparent that Hsp90 inhibitors are unique in that, although they are directed toward a specific molecular target, they simultaneously inhibit multiple signaling pathways on which cancer cells depend for growth and survival, thereby perhaps circumventing the characteristic genetic plasticity that has allowed cancer cells to eventually evade the toxic effects of most molecularly targeted agents. However, the complex activity of such drugs will present many challenges, including how to clinically define the best use of Hsp90 inhibitors not only as single agents, but also when combined with other chemotherapeutics or signaling modulators (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, taxol, gemcitibine, and doxorubicin, to name several combinations that have shown preclinical efficacy). A more complete understanding of the biologic activity of Hsp90 and its many cochaperones should make this task somewhat easier.
Characterization of estrous cyclicity in the sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) through fecal progestagen monitoring

Fecal progesterone metabolite monitoring techniques were validated for the sable antelope and used to characterize ovarian cycle dynamics and reproductive seasonality in a captive population at the National Zoological Park's Conservation and Research Center. Hormone was homogeneously distributed within fecal samples. Longitudinal fluctuations in fecal progesterone metabolites were consistent with typical luteal phase patterns and corresponded closely with changes in serum progesterone. The lag time from an im injection of progesterone to peak excretion in feces was 16 h. The pattern of births showed a slight peak in the summer (May-July), but year-round endocrine monitoring of six nonpregnant females showed no evidence of seasonality in ovarian activity. Females exhibited 11-14 estrous cycles per year, averaging 24.2 +/- 0.9 days in length. Luteal and interluteal phases were 18.4 +/- 0.9 and 5.8 +/- 0.4 days in length, respectively. Although only a small number of hippotragine antelope species have been studied, data indicate that they exhibit considerable interspecific variability in estrous cycle length and reproductive seasonality and thus may be a useful group for further investigation of factors regulating fertility.
SSRL 1990 — status and future plans

Abstract The present status and future directions of scientific, machine, and insertion device research at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (SSRL) are reviewed. A central focus is on the transformation of SPEAR into a fully dedicated synchrotron radiation (SR) source with a dedicated 3 GeV injector synchrotron. Recently implemented upgrades of SPEAR are reviewed and a summary of the March/April (1990) run is given. Effects of the October 1989 earthquake on SPEAR and PEP are noted and the characterization and performance of the two hard X-ray beam lines on PEP are summarized.
β-Lactamases: A Survey of Protein Diversity

Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and beta-lactamase inhibitors is an ever increasing problem that threatens the clinical utility of drugs that form the cornerstone of the antibiotic armamentarium. Especially among Gram-negative pathogens, elaboration of structurally and mechanistically novel beta-lactamase enzymes is the most important means by which resistance occurs. An appreciation of the tremendous diversity of these drug-modifying enzymes will assist in understanding why so few generally effective inhibitory agents exist for these unique drug targets. This review will give a general background on the reaction mechanisms and classification schemes of the more than 340 beta-lactamase enzymes described to date. A discussion will follow highlighting the emerging Class A SHV and TEM-derived extended-spectrum (ESBLs), and inhibitor-resistant enzymes, non-TEM, non-SHV Class A ESBLs, and carbapenemases, Class B metallo-beta-lactamases and some of their novel inhibitors, plasmid and chromosomally encoded Class C enzymes, and finally, the OXA-type oxacillinases, ESBLs, and carbapenemases of Class D. The clinical importance of multiple resistance mechanisms in conjunction with the production of beta-lactamase enzymes is emphasized.
Combination therapy using metformin or thiazolidinediones and insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus

The biguanide, metformin, sensitizes the liver to the effect of insulin, suppressing hepatic glucose output. Thiazolidinediones such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone enhance insulin-mediated glucose disposal, leading to reduced plasma insulin concentrations. These classes of drugs may also have varying beneficial effects on features of insulin resistance such as lipid levels, blood pressure and body weight. Metformin in combination with insulin has been shown to significantly improve blood glucose levels while lowering total daily insulin dose and body weight. The thiazolidinediones in combination with insulin have also been effective in lowering blood glucose levels and total daily insulin dose. Triple combination therapy using insulin, metformin and a thiazolidinedione improves glycaemic control to a greater degree than dual therapy using insulin and metformin or insulin and a thiazolidinedione. There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of metformin or thiazolidinediones in type 1 diabetic patients. Although these agents are largely well tolerated, some subjects experience significant gastrointestinal problems while using metformin. Metformin is associated with a low risk of lactic acidosis, but should not be used in patients with elevated serum creatinine or those being treated for congestive heart failure. The thiazolidinediones are associated with an increase in body weight, although this can be avoided with careful lifestyle management. Thiazolidinediones may also lead to oedema and are associated with a low incidence of hepatocellular injury. Thiazolidinediones are contraindicated in patients with underlying heart disease who are at risk of congestive heart failure and in patients who have abnormal hepatic function. The desired blood glucose-lowering effect and adverse event profiles of these agents should be considered when recommending these agents to diabetic patients. The potential for metformin or the thiazolidinediones to impact long-term cardiovascular outcomes remains under investigation.
Magneto-optic multilayers

Magneto-optical multilayers are of interest to the optical data storage community as a possible second-generation medium of the future. The important Co/Pt-superlattice system is introduced in this respect, and an extensive reference listing is provided to previous research. Magneto-optical modeling studies of Co/Pt are presented, and it is concluded that the interfacial Pt is magnetized and is magneto-optically active at the short wavelengths of interest (approximately 4 eV) for applications. Magneto-optics in the ultrathin limit are discussed, and an additivity law is presented and verified experimentally utilizing data for epitaxial Fe/Ag(111) superlattices. Finally, the surface magnetic anisotropy that provides the vertical easy axes of magnetization in candidate superlattice systems is discussed and illustrated experimentally using ultrathin epitaxial films of Fe grown on a variety of substrates. It is concluded that magneto-optic multilayers will provide many stimulating basic and applied challenges in the years ahead.
Cardiac ectopy in chronic autonomic failure

Chronic autonomic failure (CAF), as in Parkinson disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and pure autonomic failure (PAF), typically entails baroreflex failure, neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH), and supine hypertension. The combination might predispose to cardiac ectopy, which in turn might predispose to syncope and falls during manipulations decreasing venous return to the heart. This study assessed whether CAF is associated with an increased prevalence of cardiac ectopy. Recordings lasting ≥15 min of the electrocardiogram, beat-to-beat heart rate, and continuous blood pressure were reviewed from a total of 97 CAF patients (34 PD + NOH, 48 MSA, 15 PAF) and 82 control subjects (41 PD without NOH, 33 non-parkinsonian patients, 8 healthy volunteers). Cardiac ectopy was considered present if there were at least two premature beats or an arrhythmia. Atrial ectopy was found in 74% of patients with PD + NOH, 68% with MSA, and 63% with PAF, prevalences 2–3 times those in PD without NOH (28%, p < 0.0001) or other controls (24%, p < 0.0001). Atrial ectopy was related to subject age (p < 0.0001), supine systolic pressure (p < 0.0001), and the orthostatic fall in systolic pressure (p = 0.0007) and inversely with baroreflex-cardiovagal gain (p = 0.005) and the orthostatic increment in plasma norepinephrine (p = 0.0004). In two PD + NOH patients, atrial ectopy was associated with documented sustained hypotension after the Valsalva maneuver; and in an MSA patient, acute atrial flutter/fibrillation was associated with sudden loss of consciousness. CAF patients have a relatively high frequency of atrial ectopy, which might interact with baroreflex failure to increase morbidity from orthostatic hypotension.
Phylogenetics and diversification of tanagers (Passeriformes: Thraupidae), the largest radiation of Neotropical songbirds.

Thraupidae is the second largest family of birds and represents about 4% of all avian species and 12% of the Neotropical avifauna. Species in this family display a wide range of plumage colors and patterns, foraging behaviors, vocalizations, ecotypes, and habitat preferences. The lack of a complete phylogeny for tanagers has hindered the study of this evolutionary diversity. Here, we present a comprehensive, species-level phylogeny for tanagers using six molecular markers. Our analyses identified 13 major clades of tanagers that we designate as subfamilies. In addition, two species are recognized as distinct branches on the tanager tree. Our topologies disagree in many places with previous estimates of relationships within tanagers, and many long-recognized genera are not monophyletic in our analyses. Our trees identify several cases of convergent evolution in plumage ornaments and bill morphology, and two cases of social mimicry. The phylogeny produced by this study provides a robust framework for studying macroevolutionary patterns and character evolution. We use our new phylogeny to study diversification processes, and find that tanagers show a background model of exponentially declining diversification rates. Thus, the evolution of tanagers began with an initial burst of diversification followed by a rate slowdown. In addition to this background model, two later, clade-specific rate shifts are supported, one increase for Darwin’s finches and another increase for some species of Sporophila. The rate of diversification within these two groups is exceptional, even when compared to the overall rapid rate of diversification found within tanagers. This study provides the first robust assessment of diversification rates for the Darwin’s finches in the context of the larger group within which they evolved.