cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The estrogen receptor from a tamoxifen stimulated MCF-7 tumor variant contains a point mutation in the ligand binding domain

The nonsteroidal antiestrogen tamoxifen (TAM) is the most commonly used endocrine treatment for all stages of breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women. However, the development of resistance to the drug is common, as most patients treated with TAM eventually experience a recurrence of tumor growth. One of the potential mechanisms of treatment failure is the acquisition by the tumor of the ability to respond to TAM as a stimulatory rather than inhibitory ligand. We (Gottardis and Jordan, Cancer Res 48: 5183-5187, 1988; Wolfet al., J Natl Cancer Inst 85: 806-812, 1993) and others (Osborneet al., Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol 23: 1189-1196, 1987; Osborneet al., J Natl Cancer Inst 83: 1477-1482, 1991) have extensively described the reproducible development of TAM stimulated growth in a laboratory model system using MCF-7 human breast cancer cells grown as solid tumors in athymic mice. In this paper we report on the isolation of an estrogen receptor (ER) from a TAM stimulated tumor (MCF-7/MT2) which contains a point mutation that causes a tyrosine for aspartate substitution at amino acid 351 in the ligand binding domain. The mutant appears to the major form of ER expressed by this tumor. We also report that only wild type ER was detected in three other TAM stimulated MCF-7 tumor variants, suggesting that multiple mechanisms are possible for the development of TAM stimulated growth. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Fatal work-related injuries in the U.S. chemical industry 1984-89.

Several mortality studies of the chemical industry have examined fatal injuries, but most of these studies have been of employees of large chemical firms and have not separated work-related from non-work-related injuries. We examined all U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation files in 1984-89 in 47 U.S. states of fatal injuries in the chemical industry, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2800–2899. OSHA investigates all reported deaths over which it has jurisdiction; this includes most causes of work-related death except for homicide and motor vehicle crashes. For the 6 year period, there were 234 fatalities in the chemical industry, for a work-related fatality rate of 0.55 per 10,000 workers/year. The largest category of deaths was from explosions, with 99 (42%), followed by fire & burns, with 32 (14%), poisoning, with 31 (13%), and falls, with 18 (8%). Of the 99 deaths from explosions, 45 (45%) involved manufacture or handling of fireworks or other explosives. The fatality rate at firms with fewer than 50 employees was more than twice that of larger firms (P < 0.05) and employees at small firms were less likely to have been covered by a union contract (P < 0.05). OSHA issued citations for safety violations in 73% of the deaths. While regulatory authorities and the media often focus attention on large, multinational chemical corporations, the highest worker fatality rates are found at the smallest chemical firms.
Transom effect on the properties of an air cavity under a flat-bottom hull

One of the promising methods for ship drag reduction relies on air cavities generated under ship hulls. The air-cavity characteristics are sensitive to the hull geometry and flow conditions. In this paper, the effect of the hull transom on the properties of an air cavity formed behind a wedge is studied by a potential flow model. This model is based on hydrodynamic point sources distributed on the water boundary. The variable parameters include the cavity length, proximity to the transom and transom submergence. It is found that the air-cavity properties deteriorate when it is placed close to the transom, resulting in lower-pressure cavities with increased wedge pressure drag and larger amplitudes of waves behind the transom. The length of the longest cavity that can be created at a given speed and wedge geometry decreases in the vicinity of the transom.
Dopamine D2 receptor binding, Drd2 expression and the number of dopamine neurons in the BXD recombinant inbred series: genetic relationships to alcohol and other drug associated phenotypes.

Background: It has not been established to what extent the natural variation in dopamine systems contribute to the variation in ethanol response. The current study addresses this issue by measuring D2 dopamine (DA) receptor binding, the expression of Drd2, the number of midbrain DA neurons in the BXD recombinant inbred (RI) series and then compares these strain means with those previously reported for a variety of ethanol and other drug-related phenotypes. Methods: Data were collected for 21 to 23 of the BXD RI strains and the parental strains. D2 DA receptor autoradiography was performed using 125I-epidepride as the ligand [Kanes S, Dains K, Cipp L, Gatley J, Hitzemann B, Rasmussen E, Sanderson S, Silverman S, Hitzemann R (1996) Mapping the genes for haloperidol-induced catalepsy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 277:1016–1025]. Drd2 expression was measured using the Affymetrix oligoarray system. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to determine the number of midbrain DA neurons [Hitzemann B, Dains K, Hitzemann R (1994) Further studies on the relationship between dopamine cell density and haloperidol response. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 271:969–976]. Results and Conclusions: The range of difference in receptor binding for the RI strains was approximately 2-fold in all regions examined, the core, the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the dorsomedial caudate-putamen (CPu); heritability in all regions was moderate—(h 2∼0.35). Drd2 expression in forebrain samples from the RI and parental strains ranged 1.5- to 2-fold and h2 was moderate—0.47. Variation in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons was moderate, 41% and 26% and h2 was low—0.19 and 0.15 for the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra compacta (SNc), respectively. Significant correlations were found between D2 DA receptor binding and the low dose (1.33 g/kg) ethanol stimulant response. (p < 0.002) and between Drd2 expression and conditioned place preference (CPP) (p < 0.0005). No significant correlations were detected between ethanol preference and either receptor binding or Drd2 expression; however, a significant correlation was found between preference and Ncam expression. Ncam is approximately 0.2 Mb from Drd2. Overall, the data suggest ethanol preference and CPP are associated with the expression of Drd2 or closely linked genetic loci.
Size distribution and mass fraction of microclusters in laser-irradiated plasmas

Abstract Laser interactions with a mixture of a gaseous plasma and microclusters depend strongly on the cluster-size distribution, which is usually difficult to measure directly. We present a new method for recovering the cluster-size distribution and cluster mass fraction from measurements of a time-dependent refractive index of the medium in a two-pulse pump-probe experiment. The refractive index is determined from power absorption and phase shift of the probe measured for various delays between the two pulses. The primary cause of absorption is plasma resonances in clusters with peak density above the critical density, which makes the approach especially suitable for determining the tail of the cluster-size distribution. We demonstrate the feasibility of the method by analyzing the data from recent pump-probe experiments at the University of Texas. We have determined that the distribution of clusters over the initial cluster radii for these experiments is well approximated by a lognormal distribution shifted with respect to zero radius.
The physiology of hypothermia in the black-capped Chickadee, Parus atricapillus

The shivering, body temperature, and metabolic response to stable and decreasing ambient temperature were measured in winter acclimatized Black-capped Chickadees,Parus atricapillus. Shivering activity, measured by duration and amplitude of bursts, increased curvilinearly from thermoneutral temperatures of 27°C down to 0°C. This parabolic shivering response may be a major component of the curvilinear response of metabolism to decreasing ambient temperature.
Impact of Fixed-Dose Combination Drugs on Adherence to Prescription Medications

Background The inverse correlation between the complexity of a drug regimen and medication adherence is well established. Fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapies are hypothesized to enhance compliance by decreasing the number of required pills.
Repeated stimulation of dopamine D1 receptors enhances the effects of dopamine receptor agonists

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) received either twice daily injections of the selective D 1 agonist SKF 38393 (8.0 mg/kg s.c.) or saline for 21 days. For the last injection, both groups received SKF 38393 and were observed (30 min) for D 1 receptor-mediated grooming behavior
Explicit mass formulas for heavy mesons and baryons

Applying the recently developed shifted large-N expansion technique to the Schroedinger equation with the Martin power-law interquark potential, we obtain simple mass formulas for mesonic and baryonic states composed of heavy quarks (s,c,b,. . .).
An assessment of finite difference beam propagation method

A finite-difference beam propagation method (FD-BPM) is outlined and assessed in comparison with a conventional beam propagation method (FFT-BPM) which uses fast Fourier transformation. In the comparative study three straight waveguides with different index profiles that are frequently encountered in integrated optics are utilized. Using both methods normalized effective index values of the eigenmodes of these waveguides are calculated and compared with the exact values obtained from analytical expressions. As a further accuracy criterion, the power loss due to numerical errors when an eigenmode of a waveguide is excited is evaluated. Based on this comparison the accuracy, computational efficiency, and stability of the FD-BPM are assessed. >
CAN CREATINE KINASE PHOSPHORYLATE THE MYOFIBRIL-BOUND NUCLEOTIDE OF MUSCLE:?

Abstract The interaction of creatine kinase (ATP: creatine phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.3.2) with deoxycholate-treated skeletal-muscle myofibrils has been studied in the light of an earlier report that, in this system, the myofibril-bound ADP can be phosphorylated. Analysis by the firefly-luminescence method showed that the bound nucleotide of washed myofibrils contains practically no ATP. A small amount of ATP was sometimes observed in acid extracts of mixtures containing myofibrils, creatine kinase, and phosphocreatine; however, this ATP may have been an artifact arising from the action of the creatine kinase during acid extraction. The coupled system catalyzed the hydrolysis of phosphocreatine, but this reaction apparently involved the mediation, not of myofibril-bound ADP, but of a small amount of nucleotide released into free solution from the treated myofibrils. It appears probable, therefore, that no direct reaction occurs between the phosphagen system and the myofibrils without the mediation of added nucleotide.
States excited in /sup 146/Nd by thermal and average-resonance neutron-capture gamma rays

Thermal neutron capture in enriched and natural neodymium targets and average-resonance neutron capture in natural-neodymium targets yield high- and medium-energy ..gamma..-ray spectra. These spectra are compared with each other to determine the energies and relative intensities of ..gamma.. rays from /sup 146/Nd which are then used to construct a partial level scheme for /sup 146/Nd. A cooled intrinsic-germanium detector is used in both coincidence and anticoincidence modes of operation to measure the spectra. Of 146 ..gamma.. rays observed in the 400 to 2800 keV range, 56 are located as transitions among 33 states. Thirty-one primary transitions following average neutron capture are used to describe all but one of the excited states. Most of the states are newly reported here with definite parity assignments and restricted spin choices. A search for the 2/sup +/ member of a previously suggested two-phonon triplet indicates that the existence of this member is not likely. The capture state energy is determined to be 7564.7 +- 0.4 keV. (AIP)
Mindfulness in the Workplace

Abstract For many of us, work is a major element in our lives. Job related stress and its consequences has had an increasing impact on productivity, relationships, and the work environment. To address this, we are proposing a program of mindfulness that would retrain our attention to be more fully present, rather than dwelling on the past or future. To do this we fully describe mindfulness and exemplify its counterpart, mindlessness. We discuss the efficacy of mindfulness training, then offer ways in which mindfulness can be learned, including a full description of the mindfulness process. Finally, we offer both general and specific ways in which mindfulness training can be applied in the work setting. We believe that this program of mindfulness training can offer numerous benefits in many diverse settings by enhancing communication, concentration, and productivity by managing stress, by creating harmony among employees, and by reducing the effects of extraneous stimuli. Although applications of mindfulne...
Invited paper: Accelerating neuromorphic vision on FPGAs

Reconfigurable hardware such as FPGAs are being increasingly employed for application acceleration due to their high degree of parallelism, flexibility and power efficiency — factors which are key in the rapidly evolving field of embedded real-time vision. While recent advances in technology have increased the capacity of FPGAs, lack of standard models for developing custom accelerators creates issues with scalability and compatibility. In this paper, we describe a model for designing streaming hardware accelerators with run-time configurability. This model provides a generic interface for each hardware module, a modular and hierarchical structure for parallelism at multiple levels and a run-time reconfiguration framework for increased flexibility. We present case studies to accelerate sample neu-romorphic vision algorithms which are inspired by models of the mammalian visual cortex. Experimental results show speedups of several factors over comparable CPU implementations and higher performance-per-watt over relevant GPU implementations.
Use of high-altitude aerial photography for inventorying forested wetlands in the United States

Abstract The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is conducting an inventory of the wetlands of the United States through its National Wetlands Inventory Project (NWI). After considering alternative remote-sensed data sources, the NWI selected high-altitude aerial photography (1:40 000 to 1:130 000 scale) as its primary data source. Stereoscopic interpretation of this photography is an efficient and cost-effective method for identifying, classifying, and inventorying wetlands on a national, regional, and statewide basis. This paper outlines the NWI procedures and summarizes NWI's experience in inventorying forested wetlands, emphasizing problems encountered and their resolution.
Efficacy of azithromycin in prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: a randomised trial

Summary Background Azithromycin in combination with sulphonamides is active against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in animals. We assessed the clinical efficacy of azithromycin for PCP prophylaxis in human beings. Methods We identified HV-1-infected patients with PCP during a prospective randomised trial comparing azithromycin, rifabutin, and the two drugs in combination for prevention of disseminated Mycobacterim avium infection. Patients had CD4-cell counts less than 100/ μL at entry and received PCP prophylaxis according to the standard practice of their clinician. Analysis was by intention to treat. Findings Patients receiving azithromycin, either alone (n=233) or in combination with rifabutin (n=224), had a 45% bwer risk of developing PCP than those receiving rifabutin alone (n=236; p=0·008). Compared with rifabutin alone, hazard ratio for azithromycin was 0·54 (95% CI 0·32–0·94), for azithromycin plus rifabutin was 0·55 (0·32–0·94), and for regimens containing azithromycin was 0·55 (0·35–0·86). The most common side-effects involved the gastrointestinal tract with dose-limiting toxicities, and were mainly seen in patients receiving combination therapy. Interpretation Azithromycin as prophylaxis for M avium complex disease provides additional protection against P carinii over and above that of standard PCP prophylaxis. Use of azithromycin is beneficial only as primary prophylaxis.
Lack of Prophylactic Efficacy of Oral Maraviroc in Macaques despite High Drug Concentrations in Rectal Tissues

Maraviroc (MVC) is a potent CCR5 coreceptor antagonist that is in clinical testing for daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. We used a macaque model consisting of weekly SHIV162p3 exposures to evaluate the efficacy of oral MVC in preventing rectal SHIV transmission. MVC dosing was informed by the pharmacokinetic profile seen in blood and rectal tissues and consisted of a human-equivalent dose given 24 h before virus exposure, followed by a booster postexposure dose. In rectal secretions, MVC peaked at 24 h (10,242 ng/ml) with concentrations at 48 h that were about 40 times those required to block SHIV infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. Median MVC concentrations in rectal tissues at 24 h (1,404 ng/g) were 30 and 10 times those achieved in vaginal or lymphoid tissues, respectively. MVC significantly reduced macrophage inflammatory protein 1β-induced CCR5 internalization in rectal mononuclear cells, an indication of efficient binding to CCR5 in rectal lymphocytes. The half-life of CCR5-bound MVC in PBMCs was 2.6 days. Despite this favorable profile, 5/6 treated macaques were infected during five rectal SHIV exposures as were 3/4 controls. MVC treatment was associated with a significant increase in the percentage of CD3+/CCR5+ cells in blood. We show that high and durable MVC concentrations in rectal tissues are not sufficient to prevent SHIV infection in macaques. The increases in CD3+/CCR5+ cells seen during MVC treatment point to unique immunological effects of CCR5 inhibition by MVC. The implications of these immunological effects on PrEP with MVC require further evaluation.
Investigation of a Supersonic Surface Jet—Hypersonic Flow Interaction with Axial Symmetry

An experimental investigation of axially symmetric slot injection of a supersonic jet into a hypersonic stream has been carried out A cone of 5° half angle was constructed in such a way that jet injection at six different angles could be provided. The throat areas and exit areas of the slots were the same in all cases, and provided a nominal jet Mach number of (2)*. The freestream Mach number was 6 in all cases. The boundary layer at the point of injection was fully turbulent Optical investigations were made, and surface pressure distributions were obtained. Stagnation temperature and stagnation pressure surveys were made downstream of the injection point, the results being reduced by digital computer to provide mass flux profiles. The results indicate that three basic types of interaction occur depending on the angle of the jet. Equations describing the displacement of the dividing streamline for each of the three interaction types are established empirically, and the streamline displacement is compared to separation and shock displacement scales. Jet mass entrainment is also examined. It is tentatively concluded that jets of intermediate angle hold promise of advanced propulsion applications, while jets at small angles provide stable films, as necessary in thermal protection applications.
Tanagra: a mixed-initiative level design tool

Tanagra is a prototype mixed-initiative design tool for 2D platformer level design, in which a human and computer can work together to produce a level. The human designer can place constraints on a continuously running level generator, in the form of exact geometry placement and manipulation of the level's pacing. The computer then fills in the rest of the level with geometry that guarantees playability, or informs the designer that there is no level that meets their requirements. This paper presents the design of Tanagra, a discussion of the editing operations it provides to the designer, and an evaluation of the expressivity of its generator.
Pediatric ambulatory nurses at the intersection of healthcare reform and health information technology.

The requirement to engage with patients and families electronically will increase the demand to digitally interact with patients and virtually coordinate care with multiple disciplines and providers. NURSES ARE AT the forefront of dramatic changes in healthcare. When reading this statement it brings to mind nurses in acute care settings utilizing technology for the treatment of critically ill patients. Seldom is this concept of technology placed within the context of the nurse at a pediatrician's office or at a community clinic. However, with the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) the landscape is changing. The next decade will bring about dramatic changes targeted at primary care practices with an emphasis on increasing access to care, improving quality, and controlling costs (Swan & Haas, 2011). Nurses will need to not only be prepared to respond to the paradigm shift, they will need to lead it. It is a well-known fact that individuals who have access to regular primary care are more likely to receive preventative care and to avoid the development of chronic health conditions that are difficult and costly to treat. Having regular access to a primary healthcare provider is associated with a lower rate of preventable emergency room visits and less hospitalizations. Underutilized primary care resources have contributed to an uncoordinated and expensive U.S. healthcare system (Abrams, Nuzum, Mika, & Lawlor, 2011). The Institute of Medicine (2010) report on the future of nursing emphasizes that nurses and advanced practice nurses are uniquely qualified to remodel the current health care system. Nurses are in a strategic position to create innovative models of care, engage in patient-centered outcomes research, and promote collaborative practice improvement efforts geared to strengthening the quality and affordability of care for all Americans. Robert W. Block, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), endorses the provisions of the ACA because it supports the AAP's mission of child
Experimental models of transfer zones in rift systems

Transfer zones in rift basins are classified into convergent, divergent, and synthetic, based on the relative dip directions of adjacent faults within the transfer zone. Experimental models were constructed to determine the geometry, evolution, and fault patterns associated with each of these transfer zones. In addition, basement faults with initially approaching, laterally offset, and overlapping geometries were modeled. The models consisted of two layers, with stiff clay representing basement and soft clay representing the sedimentary cover. Laser scanning and three-dimensional surface modeling were used to determine the map geometry to compare the models with examples of natural structures. The experimental models showed many similarities with conceptual models but also showed more details and a few significant differences. Typically, divergent transfer zones are narrower than convergent transfer zones, for the same initial spacing between basement faults. The differences between the different initial fault configurations (approaching, laterally offset, or overlapping) are the degree of interaction of the secondary faults, the amount of overlap between the fault zones, and in some cases, the width of the transfer zone. The main faults propagate laterally and upward and curve in the direction of dip of the faults, so that the faults curve toward each other in convergent transfer zones, away from each other in divergent transfer zones, and in the same direction in synthetic transfer zones. A primary difference with schematic models is the significant component of extensional fault propagation folding (drape folding), accompanied by secondary faulting within the sedimentary cover, especially in the early stages of fault propagation. Therefore, all three types of transfer zones are characterized by significant folding and related variations in the shapes of structures. The transfer zones are marked by a progressive change in relief from the footwall to the hanging wall, resulting in a saddle-shaped geometry. The hanging walls of the faults are marked by a gentle flexure or rollover into the fault, with the amount of flexure increasing with fault throw away from the fault tip. The geometries and fault patterns of the experimental structures match some of the observations in natural structures and also provide predictive analogs for interpretation of surface and subsurface structures and the delineation of structural traps in rift basins.
Parameterization and evaluation of a flexible water model

The thermodynamic, dielectric, and dynamic properties of a newly parameterized flexible water model are studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The potential function developed is based on the popular simple point charge (SPC) rigid model with the addition of appropriate harmonic and anharmonic energy terms for stretching and bending. Care was taken to account for the self-polarization and gas-phase monomer energy corrections during the parameterization, which have typically been ignored in past studies. The results indicate that an increased Lennard-Jones repulsive coefficient and slightly scaled partial charges are required when adding flexibility to the rigid model potential to reliably reproduce the experimental density, energy, and O O radial distribution function of water at 298 K and 1 atm. Analysis of the power spectrum derived from the H-velocity autocorrelation function allowed the water potential to be evaluated further and refined by adjusting the valence forces to fit the vibrational frequencies of the gas and liquid. Once a consistent set of parameters was determined, the static dielectric properties of the water model were calculated at two temperatures using the reaction field method to treat long-range forces and correlations. The dielectric constant of 75 ± 7 calculated at 300 K is in good agreement with the experimental value of 78.5. The Kirkwood g factor was also examined for temperature dependence and showed the correct increasing behavior with decreasing T. As a final check of the water potential, the free energies of solvation of a flexible water molecule and neon were predicted using thermodynamic perturbation methods. The calculated solvation energies of −7.0 ± 0.8 for water and 2.7 ± 0.7 for neon are both consistent with the experimental values of −6.3 and 2.7 kcal/mol. Comparisons are made throughout the study with the results of previous rigid and flexible model simulations. © 1995 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The impact of quantum yield through limiting efficiency for multiple exciton generation with intermediate band solar cells

We develop the hybrid thermodynamic limit model using the intermediate band solar cells assisted with multiple exciton generation under blackbody radiation. For this hybrid solar cell model, we manage the spectral splitting to maximize the generated number of electron and hole pairs (EHP). First, we have separated two areas to explain the carrier transition. For regarding of quantum yield and charge neutrality, the multiple EHPs are generated at barrier bandgap and one carrier generation is in quantum dot. Thus, to extract additional carrier in quantum dot, it is required additional absorption paths or more photon energy. After studying the procedure of carrier multiplication in intermediate band solar cells, we have calculated the theoretical conversion efficiencies with number of generated EHPs. Its maximum theoretical efficiencies are increased and optimum bandgap is lowered compared to conventional intermediate band solar cells. And, based on these results, we can also choose the suitable material for these hybrid solar cells.
The Mechanism of the Nervous Regulation of the Crayfish Heart

A preparation is described in which the peripheral inhibitor and accelerator nerves of the crayfish (Cambarus clarkii) heart can be separately or simultaneously stimulated. The effect of different frequencies of stimulation were investigated; complete stoppage of the heart was obtained only with rather high frequencies (45 per sec.); maximal acceleration, with lower frequencies (30 per sec.). No difference in effects between left and right nerves was found. Perfusion with acetylcholine and stimulation of the accelerator nerve produce identical effects. Perfusion with eserin does not influence the normal heart beat but enhances the effect of acceleration. The nerve of Lemoine has no regulatory influence on the heart. Special inhibitory and acceleratory tracts have been prepared in the suboesophageal commissures. Each of these tracts makes heterolateral as well as homolateral connexions. The influence of the frequency of stimulation on the central tracts has been studied. An hypothesis with regard to the mechanism of the crayfish heart beat and its control is presented.
Future Climate in the Yellowstone National Park Region and Its Potential Impact on Vegetation

Biotic responses to future changes in global climate are difficult to project for a particular region because the responses involve processes that operate at many spatial scales. This difficulty is exacerbated in mountainous regions, where future vegetation changes are often portrayed as simple upward displacements of vegetation zones in response to warming. We examine the scope of future responses that may occur in a mountainous area by illustrating the potential distributions of selected tree taxa in the region of Yellowstone National Park. The output of a coarse-resolution climate model that incorporated a doubling of carbon diox- ide concentration in the atmosphere was interpolated onto a 5-minute grid of topographically adjusted cli- mate data. The output was also used as input into statistical relationships between the occurrence of individ- ual taxa and climate. The simulated vegetation changes include a combination of elevational and directional range adjustments. The range of high-elevation species decreases, and some species become regionally extir- pated. The new communities have no analogue in the present-day vegetation because they mix low-elevation montane species currently in the region with extralocal species from the northern and central Rocky Moun- tains and Pacific Northwest. The projected climate changes within the Yellowstone region and the individual- ism displayed by species in their potential range adjustments are equal or greater than the changes seen in the paleoecologic record during previous warming intervals. Although the results support conservation strate- gies that include habitat connectivity, the magnitude of the changes may exceed the ability of species to adjust their ranges. The predicted patterns call into question the adequacy of current management objectives to cope with the scope of future changes.
Who REALLY Wants to be a Millionaire? Gender Differences in Game Show Contestant Behavior Under Risk*

Objective. On the popular game show Who Wants to be a Millionaire men appear to average higher winnings than women. This article investigates potential reasons, including different uses of information sources (lifelines) and different perceptions of risk. Method. We analyzed the decisions and resultant winnings of 164 contestants (95 men and 69 women) over 42 episodes of the show. Results. Gender-based tests of Kahneman and Tversky's prospect theory demonstrated evidence of gender differences in the certainty effect and suggested the counterintuitive conclusion that men are rewarded for acting slightly more cautiously than do women. Conclusions. These gender differences may be owing to self-selection of contestants, particularly for women, and to different goals: whereas men play to maximize their winnings, women may be less concerned with profit than with the experience as a whole. These findings suggest that examination of gender-related behavior in other risky, high-profile contexts may be worthwhile.
Data Skeletonization via Reeb Graphs

Recovering hidden structure from complex and noisy non-linear data is one of the most fundamental problems in machine learning and statistical inference. While such data is often high-dimensional, it is of interest to approximate it with a low-dimensional or even one-dimensional space, since many important aspects of data are often intrinsically low-dimensional. Furthermore, there are many scenarios where the underlying structure is graph-like, e.g, river/road networks or various trajectories. In this paper, we develop a framework to extract, as well as to simplify, a one-dimensional "skeleton" from unorganized data using the Reeb graph. Our algorithm is very simple, does not require complex optimizations and can be easily applied to unorganized high-dimensional data such as point clouds or proximity graphs. It can also represent arbitrary graph structures in the data. We also give theoretical results to justify our method. We provide a number of experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness and generality of our algorithm, including comparisons to existing methods, such as principal curves. We believe that the simplicity and practicality of our algorithm will help to promote skeleton graphs as a data analysis tool for a broad range of applications.
XPS analysis of fluorinated polyimides

Five different fluorinated polyimides were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Elemental compositions and polyimide stoichiometries as elucidated with XPS are reported. The fluorinated polyimides derived from corresponding poly(amic acid)s were completely imidized after thermal cure at 350°C, giving rise to a single N 1s peak at 400.8 eV. Interestingly, fluorine segregation on the cured polyimide surface was found to be a function of the polyimide backbone stiffness.
Functional Microsatellite Polymorphism Associated with Divergent Social Structure in Vole Species

Forebrain vasopressin/vasotocin systems regulate a diverse set of complex social behaviors in a species-specific manner. Among mammals, vasopressin gene sequences and peptide distributions in the brain are highly conserved across species. In contrast, vasopressin V1a receptors (V1aR) are conserved at the protein level, but not at the level of gene structure or neuroanatomical distribution of the receptor. Here, we examine the functional role of a microsatellite segment in the 5' region of V1aR that differs significantly between monogamous and nonmonogamous vole species with divergent V1aR expression patterns. Using luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrate that this microsatellite plays a significant role in transcriptional regulation in a cell-type-specific manner. These results suggest that significant evolutionary changes in social behavior can occur through variation in regulatory regions of genes already involved in social behavior.
PEDESTRIAN REACTION TO CROSSING SIGNAL DELAY

Pedestrians with experience at a certain intersection learn by heart the length of signal cycle and phase change pattern and order of which traffic flow is released at a time and which follow. They have a higher chance of noncompliance to traffic signals. Most of the non-complying pedestrians save a small amount of time, less than 18 seconds, i.e., cross shortly before the onset of the WALK signal indication. The study agrees with other studies done in the past that pedestrians do ignore traffic signals. They do so with the main aim of reducing their own delays.
Use of actors as simulated patients in nutritional counseling.

Simulated patient scenarios have been used in medical schools to provide realistic and effective training for students without the risks inherent in practicing with actual patients. In addition to bridging the gap between theory and practice, simulated patient training has resulted in significant improvements in interpersonal communications, interviewing techniques, and problem-solving skills in medical students. Students often report lower stress, improved attitudes, and more effective patient interactions following simulated patient counseling experiences. Medical training programs often utilize fellow students in patient simulations. However, use of peers in role-play counseling reportedly results in performance anxiety and a limited sense of realistic training. In contrast, use of actors trained to perform as simulated patients can provide a level of expertise to the encounter that medical students do not have the training to provide and thus, a more realistic experience.
Two Distinct Populations of ARF Bound to Golgi Membranes

ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) is a small molecular weight GTP-binding protein (20 kD) and has been implicated in vesicular protein transport. The guanine nucleotide, bound to ARF protein is believed to modulate the activity of ARF but the mechanism of action remains elusive. We have previously reported that ARF binds to Golgi membranes after Brefeldin A-sensitive nucleotide exchange of ARF-bound GDP for GTP gamma S. Here we report that treatment with phosphatidylcholine liposomes effectively removed 40-60% of ARF bound to Golgi membranes with nonhydrolyzable GTP, presumably by competing for binding of activated ARF to lipid bilayers. This revealed the presence of two different pools of ARF on Golgi membranes. Whereas total ARF binding did not appear to be saturable, the liposome-resistant pool is saturable suggesting that this pool of ARF is stabilized by interaction with a Golgi membrane-component. We propose that activation of ARF by a guanine nucleotide-exchange protein results in association of myristoylated ARF GTP with the lipid bilayer of the Golgi apparatus. Once associated with the membrane, activated ARF can diffuse freely to associate stably with a target protein or possibly can be inactivated by a GTPase activating protein (GAP) activity.
Superficial femoral popliteal vein: An anatomic study.

Abstract Objective : The superficial femoral popliteal vein (SFPV) has been used as an alternative conduit for both arterial and venous reconstructive surgery. Its popularity continues to grow, despite concern about the potential for venous morbidity after harvest. The purpose of this study was to determine an anatomic "safe" length of SFPV for harvest, assuming that the preservation of at least one valve and one significant collateral vein in the remaining popliteal vein (PV) segment can minimize venous morbidity. Methods : Forty-four SFPVs were harvested from 39 cadaveric specimens. The length of both the superficial femoral vein (SFV) and PV was measured, and the number and location of valves and significant side branches (more than 2 mm in diameter) of the PV were measured. The Student two-tailed t test was used as a means of comparing vein lengths between the sexes. Correlation coefficients were determined for the effect of patient height on vein length, stratified by means of sex. Results : Vein length (SFV mean, 24.4 ± 4 cm; PV mean, 18.8 ± 4 cm) varied with sex (male SFV mean, 28.1 ± 5 cm; male PV mean, 21.5 ± 3 cm; female SFV mean, 22.6 ± 4 cm; female PV mean, 18.4 ± 3 cm; P =.01). Valve number (mean, 1.8 ± 0.5) and location and collateral vein number (mean, 5 ± 1.8) and location were variable and independent of height or sex. Conclusion : An anatomic "safe" length of SFPV for harvest to minimize venous morbidity would include all the SFV and 12 cm of PV in 95% of women and 15 cm of PV in 95% of men. We found that the male sex was a significant determinant for a longer safe length of vein that can be harvested. (J Vasc Surg 2000;31:450-5.)
Even‐degree lateral variations in the Earth's mantle constrained by free oscillations and the free‐air gravity anomaly

The recent occurrence of several large earthquakes, in particular the 1994 June 9 Bolivia event, has motivated a re‐examination of the Earth's large‐scale heterogeneity from a normal‐mode or free‐oscillation perspective. Compared to earlier studies, the number of normal‐mode constraints on lateral variations in the mantle has increased five‐fold, and toroidal and cross‐coupled modes complement the traditional spheroidal mode data set. It is demonstrated that this large collection of mode data, combined with the free‐air gravity anomaly, can reliably constrain even‐degree lateral variations in wave velocities as well as density. We present the first whole‐mantle density model constrained by seismology. Our shear and compressional velocity models are consistent with existing models based upon traveltimes and waveforms, and are reasonably well correlated throughout the mantle. Shear and bulk sound velocity models exhibit a gradual decrease in correlation with depth, and are anti‐correlated near the core–mantle boundary. We find that lateral variations in density are poorly correlated with wave velocities, and are locally anti‐correlated with shear velocity in the lowermost mantle. The correlations between wave velocities and density suggest both a thermal and a compositional origin to lateral heterogeneity. In addition to traditional maps of lateral variations in wave velocity, we also present maps of lateral variations in shear and bulk moduli. The inversion puts weak constraints on even‐degree topographic variations on the core–mantle boundary, the 660 km discontinuity and dynamic free surface topography. Finally, we determine both radially and laterally varying scaling relationships, including Poisson's ratio.
Range Assignment Approximation Based on Steiner Tree in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

In this paper, we discuss the problem of introducing relay nodes in the given set of original nodes and assigning transmitting ranges to the nodes. The main contribution of this paper is the O(N log N) algorithm to relay nodes to the wireless network and 2-approximation to assign transmitting ranges to nodes (original and relay). The output of the algorithm is the minimal Steiner tree on the graph consists of terminal (original) nodes and relay (additional) nodes. The output of approximation is the range assignments to the nodes.
The effects of synchronization on topology-transparent scheduling

Topology-transparent scheduling is an attractive medium access control technique for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The transmission schedule for each node is fixed and guarantees a bounded delay independent of which nodes are its neighbours, as long as the active neighbourhood is not too dense. Most of the existing work on topology-transparent scheduling assumes that the nodes are synchronized on frame boundaries. Synchronization is a challenging problem in MANETs and in WSNs. Hence, we study the relationships among topology-transparent schedules, expected delay, and maximum delay, for successively weaker models of synchronization: frame-synchronized, slot-synchronized, and asynchronous transmission. For each synchronization model, we give constructive proofs of existence of topology-transparent schedules, and bound the least maximum delay. Perhaps surprisingly, the construction for the asynchronous model is a simple variant of the slot synchronized model. While it is foreseen that the maximum delay increases as the synchronization model is weakened, the bound is too pessimistic. The results on expected delay show that topology-transparent schedules are very robust to node density higher than the construction is designed to support, allowing the nodes to cope well with mobility, and irregularities of their deployment.
On the stability of receding horizon control with a general terminal cost

We study the stability and region of attraction properties of a family of receding horizon schemes for nonlinear systems. Using Dini's theorem on the uniform convergence of functions, we show that there is always a finite horizon for which the corresponding receding horizon scheme is stabilizing without the use of a terminal cost or terminal constraints. After showing that optimal infinite horizon trajectories possess a uniform convergence property, we show that exponential stability may also be obtained with a sufficient horizon when an upper bound on the infinite horizon cost is used as terminal cost. Combining these important cases together with a sandwiching argument, we are able to conclude that exponential stability is obtained for input-constrained receding horizon schemes with a general nonnegative terminal cost for sufficiently long horizons. Region of attraction estimates are also included in each of the results.
Application specific coarse-grained FPGA for processing element in real time parallel particle filters

This paper presents an application specific reconfigurable architecture based on coarse-grain FPGA for real-time parallel particle filters. The architecture consists of a set of heterogeneous arithmetic units and buffer banks, where their interconnections are reconfigurable at the hardware level. The proposed architecture separates fixed and reconfigurable units for high-throughput realization. We compare potential throughput of the design with that of commercial FPGAs and DSPs. The proposed architecture is implemented in 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS process.
Ultrastructure and size of rat anterior pituitary secretory granules.

The ultrastructure of the cells of male and female rat anterior pituitary glands was studied by negative staining and by sectioning for electron microscopy. Negative staining showed that pituitary granules are flexible, colloid-filled sacs that usually absorb the stain and are flattened by its drying. Six morphologically distinct cell types were identified and measurements of sections of their granules were made. The granules from each cell type showed variation both in ordinary sections and in middle diameters of serial sections. Up to 4-fold differences in diameter and 25-fold differences in volume of granules were observed within individual cells. The mean values obtained by the 2 types of measurements were not significantly different. Other evidence showed that the level of sectioning had little effect on the apparent size of granules in sections and that the variation in granule size is real and not an artifact of sectioning. This finding was confirmed by measurements made on granules in individual t...