cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Quality of Life Outcomes After Robotic-Assisted Minimally Invasive and Open Esophagectomy

Background Minimally invasive esophagectomy may improve some perioperative outcomes over open approaches; effects on quality of life are less clear. Methods A prospective trial of robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) and open esophagectomy was initiated, measuring quality of life via the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Esophageal and Brief Pain Inventory. Mixed generalized linear models assessed associations between quality of life scores over time and by surgery type. Results In total, 106 patients underwent open esophagectomy; 64 underwent minimally invasive esophagectomy (98% RAMIE). The groups did not differ in age, sex, comorbidities, histologic subtype, stage, or induction treatment (P = .42 to P > .95). Total Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Esophageal scores were lower at 1 month (P .95), anastomotic leak (3% vs 9%; P = .41), and 90-day mortality (2% vs 4%; P = .85) did not differ between groups. Pulmonary (14% vs 34%; P = .014) and infectious (17% vs 36%; P = .029) complications were lower for RAMIE. Conclusions RAMIE is associated with lower immediate postoperative pain severity and interference and decreased pulmonary and infectious complications. Ongoing data accrual will assess mid-term and long-term outcomes in this cohort.
How college credit in high school impacts postsecondary course-taking: the role of AP exams

This paper uses Advanced Placement (AP) exams to examine how receiving college credit in high school alters students’ subsequent human capital investment. Using data from one large state, I link hi...
Endoscopic surgical treatment for symptomatic spinal metastases in long-term cancer survivors

Background To evaluate the feasibility of awake transforaminal endoscopic surgery in the management of symptomatic spinal metastases. Methods Transforaminal endoscopic spine procedures were performed by 1 surgeon in 325 patients over a period of 4 years from 2014 to 2018. Four of these patients suffered from radicular pain secondary to nerve compression from metastatic spine disease and are the basis of our analysis. Data was evaluated retrospectively in these patients with a minimum follow up of 1 year. Results All 4 patients treated with transforaminal endoscopic spine surgery for decompression of their metastatic spine disease had successful resolution of their symptoms without any perioperative complications and only brief recovery periods required. Conclusions Awake endoscopic surgery for the treatment of symptomatic metastatic spine disease is an effective outpatient surgical option for the treatment of patients suffering from radicular pain due to nerve compression from metastatic spine disease.
SUV measurements from images reconstructed with the block sequential regularized expectation maximization algorithm: comparison of motion corrected vs. non-motion corrected data

3120 Objectives: PET-based deviceless gating (Q.Static®) was recently introduced as a software enhancement to the SiPM-based Discovery MI PET/CT scanner (GE Healthcare). In brief, it uses data-driven gating techniques capable of prospectively analyzing PET list data to detect motion and reconstuct images using data from the quiescent period only. We started using Q.Static® acquisition and reconstruction in June 2019, in addition to our standard block sequential regularized expectation maximization (Q.Clear®) reconstructions. The aim of the study is to determine if SUV measurements are significantly different between non-gated and gated reconstructions in standard organs. Methods: A preliminary analysis of 169 consecutive patients whose images were acquired with deviceless respiratory gating turned on yielded 17 patients whose detected motion in the areas of interest for this investigation met the system threshold required to trigger gated acquisition and reconstruction. All patients in this cohort were injected with 18F-FDG for standard of care clinical scans, with a mean injected dose of 10.42mCi +/- 1.07 mCi . Both gated and non-gated simultaneously acquired PET data were reconstructed using Q.Clear®and a penalty factor (beta value) of 400. Data was analyzed using MIM software. A 40mm region of interest (ROI) was placed over the normal liver and right lung, and a 20mm ROI was placed over the aortic arch. We retrospectively collected the SUVmax and SUVmean measurements from these ROIs. We used GraphPad® software to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between the SUV measurements of gated and non-gated reconstructions. Results: The mean SUV for each data set was calculated, and the mean difference between the non-gated and gated data was determined (Table 1). There is a slight yet statistically significant increase in the SUVmax measurements of liver using gated reconstruction while the SUVmean measurements show a slight decrease using deviceless respiratory gating. Lung tissue shows a slight yet statistically significant increase in both SUVmax and SUVmean using gated reconstruction. Aortic arch SUV showed a statistically significant increase in SUVmax, but no statistically significant difference in SUVmean. Conclusions: Further investigation and a larger cohort of patients is necessary to determine the significance of these findings for clinical applications, as well as performing a direct comparison of the SUV changes in lesions versus healthy tissue. This should be weighed against the ability to identify more lesions using Q.Static®. Table 1. Mean Difference (MD) in SUVmax and SUVmin in Gated and Non-gated Reconstructions
Impacts of a Major Mississippi River Freshwater Diversion on Suspended Sediment Plume Kinematics in Lake Pontchartrain, a Semi-enclosed Gulf of Mexico Estuary

MODIS satellite imagery and in situ water measurements were used to quantify inorganic sediment concentration (ISC) and, subsequently, sediment plume motion and evolution during the 2016 diversion of the Mississippi River through the Bonnet Carre Spillway (BCS) within Lake Pontchartrain (LP) estuary in Louisiana, USA. Satellite images revealed that sediment plume areal distribution was closely linked to BCS discharge rate. The plume flowed eastward along the southern LP coastline at an average speed of ~ 0.3 m s−1 during the first week of the event and attained its maximum areal extent (~ 1117 km2; 68% of the total LP area) on 23 January. In an attempt to examine the plume kinematics and potential sediment resuspension impacts, wind information was also assessed. Following BCS closure, the prevailing wind direction, but not wind speed, corresponded to significant differences in LP ISC. LP was further subdivided into four separate quadrants to assess relationships between ISC within each quadrant to BCS discharge rate and winds. While the BCS was open, the plume’s eastward motion was associated with a high correlation (r2 = 0.93) between BCS discharge and ISC in the southeast quadrant. However, the weak relationship (r2 = 0.42) between BCS discharge and ISC in the northwest quadrant was attributed to influences from other tributaries. These results will benefit future research regarding impacts of freshwater diversions on coastal and estuarine processes that are sensitive to sediment influx by providing a satellite-based sediment map time series that can be used to help validate numerical circulation and sediment transport models.
HIV-1 capsids mimic a microtubule regulator to coordinate early stages of infection

While the microtubule end-binding protein, EB1 facilitates early stages of HIV-1 infection, how it does so remains unclear. Here, we show that beyond its effects on microtubule acetylation, EB1 also indirectly contributes to infection by delivering the plus-end tracking protein (+TIP), cytoplasmic linker protein 170 (CLIP170) to the cell periphery. CLIP170 bound to intact HIV-1 cores or in vitro assembled capsid-nucleocapsid complexes, while EB1 did not. Moreover, unlike EB1 and several other +TIPs, CLIP170 enhanced infection independently of effects on microtubule acetylation. Capsid mutants and imaging revealed that CLIP170 bound HIV-1 cores in a manner distinct from currently known capsid cofactors, influenced by pentamer composition or curvature. Structural analyses revealed an EB-like +TIP-binding motif within the capsid major homology region (MHR) that binds SxIP motifs found in several +TIPs, and variability across this MHR sequence correlated with the extent to which different retroviruses engage CLIP170 to facilitate infection. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into the complex roles of +TIPs in mediating early stages of retroviral infection, and reveal divergent capsid-based EB1 mimicry across retroviral species.
Toward sampling from undirected probabilistic graphical models using a D-Wave quantum annealer

A D-Wave quantum annealer (QA) having a 2048 qubit lattice, with no missing qubits and couplings, allowed embedding of a complete graph of a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM). A handwritten digit OptDigits dataset having 8 × 7 pixels of visible units was used to train the RBM using classical contrastive divergence. Embedding of the classically trained RBM into the D-Wave lattice was used to demonstrate that the QA offers a high-efficiency alternative to the classical Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) for reconstructing missing labels of the test images as well as a generative model on a classically trained RBM. At any training iteration, the D-Wave-based classification had classification error less than half of that in MCMC. The main goal of this study was to investigate the quality of the QA sample from the RBM model probability distribution and compare it to a classical MCMC during the Gibbs sampling traditionally used in RBM training. For the OptDigits dataset, the states in the D-Wave sample belonged to about twice as many local valleys (LVs) as in the MCMC sample. All the lowest energy (the highest joint probability), local minima in the MCMC sample were also found by the D-Wave. The D-Wave missed many of the higher-energy LVs, while also finding many “new” LVs consistently missed by the MCMC. It was established that the “new” LVs that the D-Wave finds are important for the model distribution in terms of the energy of the corresponding local minima, the width of the LVs and the height of the escape barrier.
Irradiation-induced amorphization of Fe-Y-based second phase particles in accident-tolerant FeCrAl alloys

Abstract Second phase intermetallic particles in an advanced accident-tolerant FeCrAl (Fe-13Cr-5Al-2Mo) alloy are formed in the α-Fe matrix during processing. These particles are prominently related to the added Y. Neutron irradiation to ~7 displacements per atom (dpa) with a dose rate of ~8.16 × 10−7 dpa/s at 282 °C resulted in the amorphization of these precipitates which could degrade the mechanical properties of the FeCrAl alloys. Analytical electron microscopy and diffraction analysis combined with structural freedom analysis have been used to investigate the radiation resistance of the second phase particles. Radiation tolerance is closely linked to the particle Fe-Y content and can be tailored using the structure freedom value.
Predicting successful reproduction and establishment of non-native freshwater fish in peninsular Florida using life history traits

Identification of factors that facilitate successful completion of invasion process stages by nonnative species is a major priority among invasion biologists. Stage-based analyses of non-native fish species traits have been conducted for several regions, but not for a subtropical non-native species hotspot like peninsular Florida. Typically, establishment is the first stage of analysis but Florida is home to many nonnative fish species that have successfully reproduced, yet failed to establish. Therefore, we used life history traits and three model types (categorical and regression trees, logistic regression, and discriminant analysis) to predict successful reproduction and establishment by non-native fishes in peninsular Florida. Statistical models for predicting both successful reproduction and establishment suggested parental care was the most important variable, but other traits included in the best models differ between the two stages. The high level of parental care in successful non-native fishes of Florida is unique among non-native freshwater fish faunas across the United States. Other studies also found that suites of traits used to predict various stages of the invasion process differ, suggesting that stage-based analyses provide a good foundation for better understanding invasion processes. Our results may be applied to stage-based risk screening tools for nonnative fishes in Florida.
Black-body radiation in space plasmas

We generalize Planck's law for black-bodies, classically described by Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions, to include space and astrophysical plasmas described by kappa distributions. This provides the spectral intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted by black bodies in thermal equilibrium with the surrounding and interacting plasmas. According to the generalized concept of thermal equilibrium, systems with correlations among their particles' velocities/energies reside in stationary states described by kappa distributions associated with the thermodynamic parameters of temperature and kappa index. Using these distributions, we derive the generalized expressions of the i) mean energy of photon ensemble, ii) spectral intensity with respect to frequency and wavelength, and iii) Stefan-Boltzmann law, characterized by the well-known fourth power of temperature, but now multiplied by a new kappa-dependent factor. Finally, we discuss the implications of these new developments for space and astrophysical plasmas.
Expanding application of the voussoir beam analog to horizontally bedded and passively bolted flat-roof excavations using the discrete element method

Abstract The voussoir beam analog is a well-established analytical method that has been successfully applied to the design of flat-roof excavations in discontinuous rockmasses. However, application of voussoir beam theory is limited to very specific conditions. Previous authors have attempted to account for more realistic loading and geometric conditions, but have not presented systematic or verified methods to account for variations in inelastic material behavior or supported roof geometry. This study presents multiple original numerical models that methodically assess the effects of increasing material and geometric complexity on voussoir beam mechanical behavior and develops adjustments to the Diederichs & Kaiser (1999) analytical solution to account for variations in post-peak material behavior and the interactions between multiple passively bolted layers. A step-by-step guide is presented for implementing these adjustments.
Calcium channel antagonists in the prevention of neurotoxicity.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that calcium-channel antagonists can be neuroprotective agents. The chapter distinguishes between neuronal and systemic effects of calcium-channel antagonists. The types of neurotoxicity to be considered are delineated. Then, the various types of calcium channels that are voltage dependent (also known as voltage activated, -stimulated, or -gated) are briefly discussed to determine important calcium channels in neurotoxicity. This knowledge is necessary to assess the effectiveness of the various types of pharmacological antagonists that are available against each of the channel types. The chapter examines the effects of calcium-channel antagonists on various in vitro models of primary neurons, followed by in vivo models of neurotoxicity. The prospects and results of preliminary human studies are discussed in the chapter.
Improved mobility and QoS in tactical wireless IP networks

In the spring of 2001 the US Army CECOM initiated the Multifunctional On-the-move Secure Adaptive Integrated Communications (MOSAIC) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) program. This program was conceived to address the need for secure, seamless, multimedia, on-the-move communications across heterogeneous ad-hoc and infrastructure-based wireless/wireline networks in a highly dynamic environment. In the target environment the communicating entities are moving, and the infrastructure itself is also mobile. This dictates the need to provide continuous and uninterrupted communications services through smooth handoffs among multiple wireless networks with similar characteristics on the ground (called horizontal handoff) and through smooth handoffs among multiple near-ground and space networks with widely varying characteristics (called vertical handoff). In support of this program, Rockwell Collins is extending and integrating current commercial and DoD ad hoc networking technologies to provide new capabilities to support improved mobility and quality of service for the next generation Tactical Internet (TI). This paper describes the system concepts, the advanced networking technologies, and the wideband Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) prototype that is used to demonstrate them.
A control architecture for long-term autonomy of robotic assistants

A major challenge in deploying service robots into the real world is to design a framework that provides effective, long-term interactions with people. This includes interacting with people in a natural way, dealing with multiple users, and being continually aware of the surroundings. This paper proposes a robot control architecture that addresses these issues. First, it enables the representation of complex, sequential, and hierarchical robot tasks, in a behavior-based framework. Second, it provides a robot with the flexibility to deal with multiple requests and interruptions, over extended periods. Third, it uses a visual awareness mechanism to recognize users and to identify their need for robot interaction. We demonstrate our approach on a Pioneer 3DX mobile robot, performing service tasks in a real-world environment.
The osa gene of pSa encodes a 21.1-kilodalton protein that suppresses Agrobacterium tumefaciens oncogenicity.

Abstract The incompatibility group W plasmid pSa suppresses Agrobacterium tumefaciens oncogenicity (J. Loper and C. Kado, J. Bacteriol. 139:591-596, 1979). The oncogenic suppressive activity was localized to a 3.1-kb region of pSa by Tn5 mutagenesis and deletion analysis. Within this fragment, a 1.1-kb subclone bearing oncogenic suppressive activity was subjected to further characterization. Nucleotide sequencing of the 1.1-kb fragment revealed a 570-bp open reading frame (ORF1) that has a coding capacity for a protein of 21.1 kDa. Sequencing of flanking regions revealed a second ORF (ORF2) located 3 bp upstream of ORF1, with a coding capacity for a protein of 22.8 kDa. Gene fusions of these ORFs to a T7 phi 10 expression system in Escherichia coli resulted in the synthesis of polypeptides of the predicted sizes. An E. coli promoter consensus sequence was not found in the expected positions in the region preceding ORF1. However, several sequences with similarity to the consensus -10 sequence of the A. tumefaciens vir gene promoters were found upstream of ORF1. Potential translational start signals are upstream of ORF1 and ORF2. These sequences showed no significant similarity at the nucleotide or amino acid levels with those in available data bases. However, the C-terminal portion of the ORF1 protein is rich in hydrophobic residues. Perhaps oncogenicity suppression is effected by an association of this protein with the Agrobacterium membrane such that T-DNA transfer is blocked.
Superprotonic conductivity in β-Cs3(HSO4)2(Hx(P,S)O4)

Abstract Investigations of the system CsHSO4–CsH2PO4 led to discovery of the new compound, β-Cs3(HSO4)2(Hx(P,S)O4), with a superprotonic phase transition at 125°C. The room temperature structure of β-Cs3(HSO4)2(Hx(P,S)O4) is related to that of α-Cs3(HSO4)2(H2PO4) and that of CsHSO4-II. It is unique, however, in that P and S occupy the same crystallographic position in the structure, and there is accordingly a variable H content and a partially occupied hydrogen bond. This leads to room temperature conductivity that is significantly higher than either of the two related compounds. The conductivity in the high temperature phase is comparable to that of CsHSO4-I. Furthermore, the transition exhibits a relatively large heat of 30 J g−1 and some hysteresis. These are explained by probable disordering between S and P sites upon transition to the superprotonic state.
Stimulation of neutrophils with a chemoattractant activates several novel protein kinases that can catalyze the phosphorylation of peptides derived from the 47-kDa protein component of the phagocyte oxidase and myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate

Novel protein kinases that may participate in the signal transduction pathways of neutrophils were sought by a procedure based on the ability of these enzymes to undergo renaturation and catalyze the phosphorylation of a peptide substrate fixed in a gel. We report that neutrophils contain four uncharacterized protein kinases with molecular masses of about 69, 63, 49, and 40 kDa, which are rapidly activated upon stimulation of these cells with the chemoattractant fMet-Leu-Phe. These kinases can catalyze the phosphorylation of a peptide that corresponds to residues 297-331 of the 47-kDa subunit of the NADPH oxidase system (p47-phox). A peptide that corresponds to residues 153-178 of the human myristolyated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) protein was also a substrate for the 69- and 63-kDa kinases. The time course for the activation of these enzymes was similar to the phosphorylation of p47-phox and MARCKS in intact neutrophils. In contrast, stimulation of these cells with 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, the calcium ionophore A23187, or the combination of these agonists did not activate these enzymes. Activation of the 63- and 40-kDa protein kinases was blocked by pertussis toxin, calyculin A, and staurosporine. Several other unidentified protein kinases were also active with these peptides but did not exhibit enhanced activity after cell stimulation with this method.
Probing the Substrate Specificity and Protein-Protein Interactions of the E. coli Fatty Acid Dehydratase, FabA

Microbial fatty acid biosynthetic enzymes are important targets for areas as diverse as antibiotic development to biofuel production. Elucidating the molecular basis of chain length control during fatty acid biosynthesis is crucial for the understanding of regulatory processes of this fundamental metabolic pathway. In Escherichia coli, the acyl carrier protein (AcpP) plays a central role by sequestering and shuttling the growing acyl chain between fatty acid biosynthetic enzymes. FabA, a β-hydroxyacyl-AcpP dehydratase, is an important enzyme in controlling fatty acid chain length and saturation levels. FabA-AcpP interactions are transient in nature and thus difficult to visualize. In this study, four mechanistic crosslinking probes mimicking varying acyl chain lengths were synthesized to systematically probe for modified chain length specificity of 14 FabA mutants. These studies provide evidence for the AcpP-interacting "positive patch," FabA mutations that alter substrate specificity, and the roles that the FabA "gating residues" play in chain length control.
Focusing on Customer Time in Field Service: A Normative Approach

Although customer convenience should be rightfully considered a central element in field services, the customer experience suggests that service enterprises rarely take the customer's preferred time into account in making operational and scheduling decisions. In this paper we present the results of our exploratory research into two interrelated topics: the explicit inclusion of customer time in nonemergency field service delivery decisions and the analysis of trade-off between the customer's convenience and field service provider's cost. Based on prior research in service quality we identify and illustrate two time-based performance metrics that are particularly appropriate for assessing service quality in nonemergency field services: performance and conformance quality. To determine vehicle routes, we develop a hybrid heuristic derived from the existing and proven heuristic methods. A numerical example closely patterned after real-life data is generated and used within a computational experiment to investigate alternate policies for promise time windows. Our experiment shows that over a reasonable range of customer cost parameters the policy of shorter promise time windows reduces the combined total cost incurred by the provider and the customers and should be considered a preferred policy by the field service provider. Managerial implications of this result are discussed.
A Symmetry-Driven Search for Electrostatic Interaction Partners in Charybdotoxin and a Voltage-Gated K+ Channel†

A structural model of charybdotoxin bound to a Shaker K+ channel has emerged from mechanistic and mutagenic analysis of toxin-channel interactions. We test this model by predicting through-space electrostatic interactions between specific pairs of channel-toxin residues. Dissociation constants of channel-toxin variants, determined by radiolabeled toxin binding to Shaker-transfected COS membrane fragments, were used to identify pairs of residues located closely enough to interact electrostatically. The results further refine the structural model of the bound complex and produce a more detailed view of the vestibule of the Shaker channel.
Transport critical currents of a superconducting HoBa2Cu3O7−δ film

Abstract Superconducting thin films of HoBa2Cu3O7−δ were fabricated using a magnetron sputtering technique. Transport critical current densities were measured in the temperature range from 4.2 to 90 K and in magnetic fields up to 5 T. The experimental data are compared with the mechanisms of flux creep and weak links.
The Value Contribution of Manufacturing Technology Suppliers

This research examined the value of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT) supplier support by testing a structural model that relates need for support with actual support received, and the impact of that support on implementation, operational and business success. Current research is expanded by simultaneously testing the relationship between these factors in a single model. The recent adoption of a specific subset of AMT (CNC/DNC machines and material working lasers/robots), was the unit of analysis. The proposed model has good statistical fit and the four hypotheses were supported. Firms adopting new manufacturing technologies benefit from collaborative relationships with manufacturing technology suppliers, suggesting that the service capabilities of technology suppliers be critically evaluated during supplier selection.
Polarization switching by stretched exponential functions in 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3

Polarization reversal and domain dynamics have been investigated in 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.3PbTiO3 using a method of current transients. Investigations were performed as a function of applied electric field. The kinetics of the transients have been modelled by a stretched-exponential-type function.
Is Universal Coverage Good for Neurons

In this issue of Neuron , Snider et al. analyze dendritic and axonal arbors of several cell types in several species. They show that general features of arbor structure are shared by the diverse cell populations, suggesting that the growth of these arbors is guided by universal principles.
Release of thyroid stimulating hormone from chick anterior pituitary glands by thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH).

Abstract Chicks two and ten days-of-age respond to a wide range of thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) dosages as measured by thyroid uptake of 32 P. The duration of hormone and 32 P action is important. Excellent responses were obtained with the injection of 1.0 μCi 32 P at one hour and TRH either at one or four hours before autopsy in both two-day and ten-day-old birds. The 32 P uptake in the thyroid glands was increased by doses of hormone which ranged from 40 nanograms to 125,000 nanograms and was bimodal. Analysis of the data when calculated using log 10 of dose was best accomplished by the use of 5th-degree polynomial equations. It is suggested that the bimodal response is a result of a dual action of TRH. First, TRH initiates the release of stored TSH from the anterior pituitary; and second, TRH stimulates the secretion of newly synthesized TSH by the anterior pituitary.
Dissociable Effects of Kappa-Opioid Receptor Activation on Impulsive Phenotypes in Wistar Rats

The kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) is the primary target for the endogenous opioid peptide dynorphin (DYN), and KORs reside within brain circuitry underlying the complex integration of information related to different behavioral domains such as motivation, negative affect, and decision-making. Alterations in extended amygdala DYNs and KOR function following chronic alcohol exposure have been shown to mediate escalated alcohol self-administration during acute withdrawal. In addition to excessive alcohol consumption and increased negative affect, other symptoms of alcohol dependence include compromised impulse control. Given that DYN and KOR expressions are dysregulated within prefrontal brain circuitry associated with decision-making and impulse control in alcohol-dependent humans and rodents, and have been shown to modify multiple neurotransmitter systems associated with impulse-control disorders, we hypothesized that KOR activation could contribute to impulsive phenotypes. To test this hypothesis, separate cohorts of male Wistar rats were trained in one of the two animal models of impulsivity: delay-discounting (DD) or stop-signal reaction time (SSRT) tasks, and once stable responding was observed, received intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of the KOR agonist U50,488 (0–50 μg) according to a within-subject dosing regimen. The results demonstrated a dissociable effect of U50,488 on impulsive phenotypes related to intolerance to delay or response inhibition, with selective effects in the SSRT. Furthermore, the pro-impulsive effects of KOR activation were rescued by pretreatment with the KOR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI). Therefore, KOR activation was shown to induce an impulsive phenotype that was nor-BNI-sensitive. Dysregulation of impulsive behavior by increased DYN/KOR activity could serve to increase vulnerability for the initiation, or perpetuate existing patterns of excessive alcohol abuse and can enhance the probability of relapse in dependent individuals. Furthermore, KOR-mediated impulsivity has implications for numerous neuropsychiatric disorders.
Cyclicity in the acquisition of phonemic distinctions

Abstract Symmetric, asymmetric, and recurring patterns in the acquisition of phonemic distinctions by children with phonological delay are examined. In an attempt to reconcile observed regularities and dichotomies in phonemic structure, a cyclic principle of acquisition is advanced. The principle involves specifically Laryngeal-Supralaryngeal Cyclicity whereby distinctions are added to an inventory in alternation of these two domains. Laryngeal-Supralaryngeal Cyclicity is demonstrated from both cross-sectional and longitudinal perspectives, and the structure of emerging phonemic systems is shown to be derivative of the principle. The Cyclicity principle has further consequences for theories of acquisition and of language generally.
Design of composites using a generic unit cell model coupled with a hybrid genetic algorithm

Structural optimization for any kind of laminate or weave composite material is a computationally expensive and intense process. In this study, two research objectives are addressed: (i) to introduce architecturally independent, adaptive unit cells and representative volume elements, and (ii) to use a hybrid genetic algorithm procedure for composite structural optimization. By employing this approach, state parameters and non-uniform homogenization are adopted, resulting in high prediction accuracy and low computational cost without loss of the local (micro) detail of the composite structure. Furthermore, genetic algorithm optimization procedures necessitated in determining the type of reinforcing material, architecture (stacking sequence of laminates, woven type of fabric), shape and size of the final product in order to meet certain design deliverables are explored. The prospective unit cells contain the information required to form a laminate, or woven, composite and record different modes of crack propagation. Unit cells are built such that they become discrete entities, easily adopted to build a geometric architecture. The attention is primarily focused on the applicability of genetic algorithms in promoting improved analytical and finite element computations of specific objective functions. This paper demonstrates the process of building and combining UCs to form any desired structure and architecture, and illustrates its implementation and effectiveness with the developed hybrid genetic algorithm with memory model. To this end, issues such as efficient coding, selection procedures and effects of anisotropic material properties are particularly emphasized.
A graph theoretic upper bound on the permanent of a nonnegative integer matrix. II. The extremal case

Abstract Matrices A for which the upper bound per( A )⩽1+min{Π( c i −1), Π( r i −1)} holds with equality are characterized. Cases where the bound is achieved correspond to multigraphs with the property that there exists a unique path from any vertex to any disjoint cycle union. This occurs precisely when some multigraph associated with A has the mastercycle property: all cycles thread all branchpoints in the same circular order. Such multigraphs may also be characterized as a circular concatenation of certain acyclic multigraphs, each having a unique source and sink. This analysis yields two normal forms for the extremal matrices, one based on a nested block decomposition, and another based on an overlapping block decomposition. The extremal cases are invariant under contractions, yielding another characterization.
Effects of internal viscous damping on the stability of a rotating shaft driven through a universal joint

Abstract A rotating flexible shaft, with both external and internal viscous damping, driven through a universal joint is considered. The mathematical model consists of a set of coupled, linear partial differential equations with time-dependent coefficients. Use of Galerkin's technique leads to a set of coupled linear differential equations with time-dependent coefficients. Using these differential equations some effects of internal viscous damping on parametric and flutter instability zones are investigated by the monodromy matrix technique. The flutter zones are also obtained on discarding the time-dependent coefficients in the differential equations which leads to an eigenvalue analysis. A one-term Galerkin approximation aided this analysis. Two different shafts (“automotive” and “lab”) were considered. Increasing internal damping is always stabilizing as regards to parametric instabilities. For flutter type instabilities it was found that increasing internal damping is always stabilizing for rotational speeds v below the first critical speed, v1. For v>v1, there is a value of the internal viscous damping coefficient, Civ, which depends on the rotational speed and torque, above which destabilization occurs. The value of Civ (“critical value”) at which the unstable zone first enters the practical range of operation was determined. The dependence of Civ critical on the external damping was investigated. It was found for the automotive case that a four-fold increase in external damping led to an increase of about 20% of the critical value. For the lab model an increase of two orders of magnitude of the external damping led to an increase of critical value of only 10%. For the automotive shaft it was found that this critical value also removed the parametric instabilities out of the practical range. For the lab model it is not always possible to completely stabilize the system by increasing the internal damping. For this model using Civ critical, parametric instabilities are still found in the practical range of operation.
A GPU-based real-time spatial coherence imaging system

Advanced ultrasonic beamforming techniques are often computationally intensive and difficult to implement in real-time. GPU computing has become a vital tool for software beamforming because of its massive parallel computing capabilities. However, GPU-based software beamforming has not yet been integrated into a real-time imaging system. We have recently introduced short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) imaging as a coherence-based beamforming technique that is more robust to clutter than conventional B-mode imaging. The algorithm is computationally expensive, and has been limited to offline processing to date. By combining SLSC beamforming on the GPU with a Verasonics ultrasound scanner, we have realized a real-time side-by-side B-mode and SLSC imaging system capable of achieving up to 6 frames per second (fps). We demonstrate the system's real-time capabilities with phantom and in vivo scans, and briefly examine the relative performance of B-mode and SLSC imaging.
Behavioral sensitization: characterization of enduring changes in rotational behavior produced by intermittent injections of amphetamine in male and female rats.

Factors influencing the behavioral sensitization (“reverse tolerance”) produced by intermittent amphetamine (AMPH) injections were studied by quantifying rotational behavior in rats that had a unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesion of the substantia nigra. The results indicate that (1) a single injection of a low dose of AMPH enhances rotational behavior induced by a second injection of AMPH for up to 12 weeks; (2) multiple, weekly injections of AMPH produce a progressive enhancement in rotational behavior, over-and-above that produced by a single injection; (3) female rats show more robust sensitization than males following single or multiple injections of AMPH; (4) this sex difference may be due to the suppression of sensitization by an androgen, because removal of testicular hormones potentiates sensitization; (5) the long-lasting sensitization of rotational behavior produced by infrequent injections of AMPH is not due to drug-environment conditioning effects, but perhaps to a persistent AMPH-induced change(s) in brain catecholamine systems; and (6) a simple change in DA receptors is probably no involved, because the sensitization produced by infrequent injections of AMPH does not influence the rotation produced by a subsequent injection of apomorphine. The results illustrate an intriguing example of neuroplasticity that may have clinical relevance.
Attenuation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response to chronic “binge” pattern cocaine administration corresponds to decreased CRH mRNA in rat hypothalamus

Abstract The effects of subacute or chronic “binge” pattern administration of cocaine on the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA in rat hypothalamus and corticosterone concentrations in blood were studied. On day 3 of cocaine administration (15 mg/kg, i.p. at 1 hour intervals × 3 /day), no significant change in hypothalamic CRH mRNA levels was observed in injection-adapted rats. In contrast, this subacute “binge” pattern cocaine administration caused a significant elevation in plasma corticosterone concentrations ( p ). Following 14 days of chronic cocaine administration using the “binge” pattern, the levels of CRH mRNA in the hypothalamus were significantly reduced by 32% ( p ), compared with control animals. This decrease was coupled with a reduction in levels of plasma corticosterone compared to corticosterone levels in the subacute cocaine administration group ( p ). These results suggest that chronic “binge” pattern cocaine administration alters the hypothalamic — pituitary — adrenal response through a hypothalamic CRH-mediated mechanism.
The Anatomy of Aggression and Its Ritualization in Canidae: a Developmental and Comparative Study

The postnatal development of agonistic behavior patterns in the wolf, coyote and grey fox are described, and in the red and Arctic fox which were first observed at a later age. Piloerection and back arching were present in all species, the latter behavior being especially well developed in the grey fox. The orientation of attack was almost exclusively directed at the cheek in the grey fox, but in other canids the shoulder hackle area, throat and muzzle area were also attacked; prolonged bouts of jaw-muzzle wrestling occurred in the wolf, scruff-wrestling in wolf and coyote and dog, and cheek-wrestling in the grey fox during agonistic play (play-fighting). Orientation of attack was correlated with distinctive body markings in various species. The contribution of social experience in the ontogeny of scruff-oriented attack was demonstrated in hand-raised isolated dogs and visually deprived group-raised dogs. The significance of head-turning, looking away and avoidance of eye contact in the wolf and dog is discussed.
SEEING MEASUREMENTS USING A SHEARING INTERFEROMETER

A portable seeing monitoring system featuring an optical shearing interferometer with on-line data acquisition and processing has been developed. The instrument is briefly described and results of an observing program are presented. On the basis of this experience, the role of such an instrument in seeing monitoring and site testing is discussed.
Workforce and Salary Survey Trends: Opportunities and Challenges for the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists

The American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD) designed and directed 2 surveys of the AAMD membership. The first was in 2011 and the second in 2014. There were a number of questions common to both surveys, and this article seeks to evaluate these common questions to determine trends among the professional membership of the AAMD. It is demonstrated that the observed trends are consistent with the goals and objectives established by the leadership of the AAMD and the Medical Dosimetry Certification Board (MDCB) for the medical dosimetry community. In addition, certain challenges and opportunities involving the scope of practice for the medical dosimetry profession are discussed.
Curvature variation of the clearance reduction in a short cylindrical bearing with asymmetrical heating

Abstract Exact solutions are given for the curvature variation of clearance reduction in short cylindrical dry journal bearings with asymmetrical frictional heating. It is assumed that the heating takes place uniformly over an arc of contact of angle 2β between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder which are of identical materials. The steady state thermoelastic curvature of clearance is computed for contact arcs such that 0° β ⩽ 360°. The outer ring (cylinder) is cooled externally. Solutions are offered in a form whereby they may be adapted to a variety of practical bearing problems as well as some classes of labyrinth seals. The current investigation draws upon a relation between curvature and maximum clearance reduction which may inversely estimate the maximum clearance reduction δ max by measuring the corresponding curvature easily. One way for seizure to be avoided is for δ max to be less than or equal to the initial manufactured clearance.
A note on using only position equations for robotic hand/eye calibration

In two previous papers, we proposed an iterative algorithm for robotic hand/eye calibration. We stated that the iterative algorithm has two distinct advantages over traditional linear approaches: it is less sensitive to noise and it can calibrate the hand/eye matrix by using only relative sensor position measurements. In this correspondence, we point out that although the iterative algorithm does not require direct measurement of the sensor relative rotation, it still needs the user to provide the same amount of sensor orientation information. We also explain why the accuracy performance of the iterative algorithm was not improved by the inclusion of rotation equations.
A model for the combustion and extinction of composite solid propellants during depressurization

Abstract In this paper are described some results of an investigation of the transient burning rate and critical pressure decay rate required to cause extinction of a steadily burning solid propellant subject to sudden depressurization. The analysis takes into account the finite times associated with the conduction process and the variation of condensed phase heat release in the solid during a transient. It is postulated that composition of the solid decomposition products,is oxidizer-rich immediately after the start of depressurization and fuel-rich afterwards. The theoretically calculated transient burning rates qualitatively agree with experimentally measured values, reported by Norton and Schultz [1]. Yin and Hermance [2], and Fletcher and Bunde [3]. A stability analysis under the linear approximation predicts the existence of a minimum burning, surface temperature below which stable combustion of the solid propellant is not possible. The analysis correctly predicts the critical depressurization rate required to extinguish a burning solid propellant by sudden preventing of the combustion chamber.
Venus volcanism and El Chichon

Reinterpretations of telemetry data returned to earth from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter suggest that the surface of Venus may be characterized by violent immense volcanic activity. L.W. Esposito has made an interactive analysis of Pioneer ultraviolet spectral data and similar data from the earth's atmosphere [Science, 223, 1072–1074, 1984]. Spacecraft analysis of sulfur dioxide in the earth's upper atmosphere, apparently released by El Chich[acu]on, Mexico, in March 1982 (EOS, June 14, 1983, p. 411, and August 16, 1983, p. 506) prompted reanalysis of accumulated Pioneer ultraviolet data. Massive injections of sulfur dioxide into the Venus atmosphere could be the result of volcanic eruptions about the size of the Krakatoa explosive eruption that took place between Java and Summatra in 1883.
Miniature image guided three-axis scanning and positioning system

We have developed a high precision three axes scanning and positioning system for integration with Multifunctional Image Guided Surgical (MIGS) Platform. The stage integrates three main components: an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe, laser scalpel and suction cup. The requirements for this stage were to provide scanning area of 400mm2, resolution of less than 10 microns and scanning velocity in the range of 10 - 40 mm/s. The stage was modeled using computer aided design software NX Unigraphics. In addition to the parameters mentioned above, additional boundary conditions for the stage were set as low volume and modularity. Optimized stage model was fabricated by using rapid prototyping technique that integrates low cost stepper motors, threaded rod drive train and a stepper motor controller. The EZ4axis stepper motor controller was able to provide 1/8th microstep resolution control over the motors, which met the criterion desired for the MIGS platform. Integration of computer controlled three-axis stage with MIGS platform provides the opportunity for conducting intricate surgical procedures using remote control or joystick. The device is image guided using the OCT probe and it is able to pin point any location requiring a laser scalpel incision. Due to the scanning capabilities, a high quality threedimensional image of the tissue topography is obtained which allows the surgeon to make a confident decision of where to apply the laser scalpel and make an incision.
ANALYZING SELF-REPORTED CHALLENGES AND PREFERENCES FOR ENHANCING RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF INTERNATIONAL FEMALE GRADUATE ENGINEERING STUDENTS

-pared to their male colleagues. Statistical analyses showed female students having concerns with lan-guage and culture change more than males. Furthermore, female students also reported location of uni-versity and funding opportunities as more important in choosing a school. Female graduate students reported in-school issues, such as courses, funding, and adjusting to culture, as the most challenging