cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A national, geographic database of CDC-funded HIV prevention services: development challenges and potential applications

Background From 2000–2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded a study that was designed to improve the information available to program planners about the geographic distribution of CDC-funded HIV prevention services provided by community-based organizations (CBOs). Program managers at CDC recognized the potential of a geographic information system (GIS) to organize and analyze information about HIV prevention services and they made GIS a critical component of the study design. The primary objective of this study was to construct a national, geographically-referenced database of HIV prevention services provided by CDC-funded CBOs. We designed a survey instrument to collect information about the geographic service areas where CBOs provided HIV prevention services, then collected data from CBOs that received CDC funding for these services during fiscal year 2000. We developed a GIS database to link questionnaire responses with GIS map layers in a manner that would incorporate overlapping geographies, risk populations and prevention services. We collected geographic service area data in two formats: 1) geopolitical boundaries and 2) geographic distance.
Ectopic Expression of WRINKLED1 Affects Fatty Acid Homeostasis in Brachypodium distachyon Vegetative Tissues.

Triacylglycerol (TAG) is a storage lipid used for food purposes and as a renewable feedstock for biodiesel production. WRINKLED1 (WRI1) is a transcription factor that governs fatty acid (FA) synthesis and, indirectly, TAG accumulation in oil-storing plant tissues, and its ectopic expression has led to TAG accumulation in vegetative tissues of different dicotyledonous plants. The ectopic expression of BdWRI1 in the grass Brachypodium distachyon induced the transcription of predicted genes involved in glycolysis and FA biosynthesis, and TAG content was increased up to 32.5-fold in 8-week-old leaf blades. However, the ectopic expression of BdWRI1 also caused cell death in leaves, which has not been observed previously in dicotyledonous plants such as Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ). Lipid analysis indicated that the free FA content was 2-fold elevated in BdWRI1 -expressing leaf blades of B. distachyon . The transcription of predicted genes involved in β-oxidation was induced. In addition, linoleic FA treatment caused cell death in B. distachyon leaf blades, an effect that was reversed by the addition of the FA biosynthesis inhibitor cerulenin. Taken together, ectopic expression of BdWRI1 in B. distachyon enhances FA biosynthesis and TAG accumulation in leaves, as expected, but also leads to increased free FA content, which has cytotoxic effects leading to cell death. Thus, while WRI appears to ubiquitously affect FA biosynthesis and TAG accumulation in diverse plants, its ectopic expression can lead to undesired side effects depending on the context of the specific lipid metabolism of the respective plant species.
Two-dimensional chromatography on silica gel-loaded paper for the microanalysis of polar lipids

Two-dimensional chromatography on commercially available silica gel-loaded paper for the microanalysis of polar lipids from various tissues is described. All common phospholipids and their lyso derivatives can be reproducibly separated. As many as 22 lipid components were separated on a single chromatogram. Improved methods for staining lipids and for determining phosphorus in the chromatographic spots are reported.
Entamoeba histolytica: from Adherence to Enteropathy

Entamoeba histolytica, a cause of invasive colitis or liver abscess, is responsible for substantial worldwide morbidity and mortality. An understanding of the biochemical basis for the parasite adherence and cytolytic activities and antiamebic host immune response mechanisms are prerequisites for vaccine development. The E. histolytica galactose (Gal) or N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc) inhibitable adherence lectin mediates attachment of trophozoites to colonic mucins or mammalian target cells. Amebic cytolysis of target cells requires Gal/GalNAc-lectin-mediated adherence, parasite phospholipase A activity, and maintenance of an acid pH in amebic intracellular vesicles. Cytolytic activity is stimulated by phorbol esters (activators of protein kinase C) and results from an E. histolytica-mediated increase in free Ca++ within the target cell. The Gal/GalNAc adherence lectin is a highly conserved antigen that is universally recognized by human immune sera; patients cured of invasive amebiasis possess antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity effective in vitro against E. histolytica trophozoites. Promising vaccines include the purified adherence lectin, for eliciting an intestinal secretion of IgA antibody to lectin, and additional E. histolytica antigens, which elicit cell-mediated amebicidal responses.
Moving gradients: a path-based method for plausible image interpolation

We describe a method for plausible interpolation of images, with a wide range of applications like temporal up-sampling for smooth playback of lower frame rate video, smooth view interpolation, and animation of still images. The method is based on the intuitive idea, that a given pixel in the interpolated frames traces out a path in the source images. Therefore, we simply move and copy pixel gradients from the input images along this path. A key innovation is to allow arbitrary (asymmetric) transition points, where the path moves from one image to the other. This flexible transition preserves the frequency content of the originals without ghosting or blurring, and maintains temporal coherence. Perhaps most importantly, our framework makes occlusion handling particularly simple. The transition points allow for matches away from the occluded regions, at any suitable point along the path. Indeed, occlusions do not need to be handled explicitly at all in our initial graph-cut optimization. Moreover, a simple comparison of computed path lengths after the optimization, allows us to robustly identify occluded regions, and compute the most plausible interpolation in those areas. Finally, we show that significant improvements are obtained by moving gradients and using Poisson reconstruction.
How business transcends politics

The paper states the importance of the free market in combating racial prejudice through the ability to offer compensating price differentials. Required withdrawal of US firms from South Africa would have a negative effect on race relations in South African workplaces.
Central nervous system axonal regeneration into sciatic nerver grafts: Physiological properties of the grafts and histologic findings in the neuraxis

Abstract Autologous nerve grafts were implanted extraspinally between the medulla and the ipsilateral cervical spinal cord in adult rats. Four to eight months after implantation, electrical stimulation of the grafts evoked EMG activity in a variety of head and neck muscles in 8 10 rats. In 5 10 rats, electrical stimulation of the graft during inspiration potentiated or inhibited EMG activity in each of the diaphragms. After the recordings were completed, the grafts were cut and their ends soaked in horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The average count of HRP-labeled neurons, both in the spinal cord and brain stem, was 969 (252 to 1961). Most labeled neurons were located within ±2 mm of the implant sites, with labeling seen in neurons as far as 9 mm away. In the brain stem, 20 different nuclei were labeled. Among them were the reticular formation, raphe complex, cranial nerve nuclei, the subceruleus, ventrolateral pontine tegmentum regions, and contralateral red nucleus. These results in adult rats showed that (i) CNS axons elongating within peripheral nerve grafts were able to conduct action potentials and maintain functional synapses on CNS neurons; (ii) newly growing neurons were situated in close proximity to the nerve graft; and (iii) many different kinds of central neurons, including monoaminergic and descending spinal tract neurons, can elongate their axons into peripheral nerve grafts.
Paired-pulse plasticity in the strength and latency of light-evoked lateral inhibition to retinal bipolar cell terminals.

Synapses in the inner plexiform layer of the retina undergo short-term plasticity that may mediate different forms of adaptation to regularities in light stimuli. Using patch-clamp recordings from axotomized goldfish Mb bipolar cell (BC) terminals with paired-pulse light stimulation, we isolated and quantified the short-term plasticity of GABAergic lateral IPSCs (L-IPSCs). Bright light stimulation evoked ON and OFF L-IPSCs in axotomized BCs, which had distinct onset latencies (∼50–80 and ∼70–150 ms, respectively) that depended on background light adaptation. We observed plasticity in both the synaptic strength and latency of the L-IPSCs. With paired light stimulation, latencies of ON L-IPSCs increased at paired-pulse intervals (PPIs) of 50 and 300 ms, whereas OFF L-IPSC latencies decreased at the 300 ms PPI. ON L-IPSCs showed paired-pulse depression at intervals <1 s, whereas OFF L-IPSCs showed depression at intervals ≤1 s and amplitude facilitation at longer intervals (1–2 s). This biphasic form of L-IPSC plasticity may underlie adaptation and sensitization to surround temporal contrast over multiple timescales. Block of retinal signaling at GABAARs and AMPARs differentially affected ON and OFF L-IPSCs, confirming that these two types of feedback inhibition are mediated by distinct and convergent retinal pathways with different mechanisms of plasticity. We propose that these plastic changes in the strength and timing of L-IPSCs help to dynamically shape the time course of glutamate release from ON-type BC terminals. Short-term plasticity of L-IPSCs may thus influence the strength, timing, and spatial extent of amacrine and ganglion cell inhibitory surrounds.
Can articulatory behavior in motor speechdisorders be accounted for by theories of normal speech production

Abstract This paper deals with the relationship of speech production theoriesto articulatory behavior in motor speech disorders. The ability of translation and gesture theories to account for some selected facts of motor speech disorders is first considered, followed by a report of a small-scale experiment designed to demonstrate a specific application of certain aspects of gesture theory to articulatory variability in apraxia of speech. The results of this experiment seem to indicate that a gesture perspective on the speech production deficit in motor speech disorders may yield important insights for both normal and disordered speech production.
Roselle—a potentially important plant fiber

Not yet exploited in the Western Hemisphere, this jute-like African fiber possesses commercial possibilities and is obtained from a plant that furnishes also edible fleshy calyces and oil-containing seeds.
A multi-level surface rebalancing approach for efficient convergence acceleration of 3D full core multi-group fine grid nodal diffusion iterations

Abstract A new multi-level surface rebalancing (MLSR) approach has been developed, aimed at enabling an improved non-linear acceleration of nodal flux iteration convergence in 3D steady-state and transient reactor simulation. This development is meant specifically for anticipating computational needs for solving envisaged multi-group diffusion-like SP N calculations with enhanced mesh resolution (i.e. 3D multi-box up to 3D pin-by-pin grid). For the latter grid refinement regime, the previously available multi-level coarse mesh rebalancing (MLCMR) strategy has been observed to become increasingly inefficient with increasing 3D mesh resolution. Furthermore, for very fine 3D grids that feature a very fine axial mesh as well, non-convergence phenomena have been observed to emerge. In the verifications pursued up to now, these problems have been resolved by the new approach. The novelty arises from taking the interface current balance equations defined over all Cartesian box edges, instead of the nodal volume-integrated process-rate balance equation, as an appropriate restriction basis for setting up multi-level acceleration of fine grid interface current iterations. The new restriction strategy calls for the use of a newly derived set of adjoint spectral equations that are needed for computing a limited set of spectral response vectors per node. This enables a straightforward determination of group-condensed interface current spectral coupling operators that are of crucial relevance in the new rebalancing setup. Another novelty in the approach is a new variational method for computing the neutronic eigenvalue. Within this context, the latter is treated as a control parameter for driving another, newly defined and numerically more fundamental eigenvalue to unity. This paper presents a rigorous derivation of the new approach, followed by a comparison on convergence efficiencies, for a number of 3D full core nodal grid resolution regimes, between the previously available multi-level rebalancing setup and the new multi-level surface rebalancing concept. The surface rebalancing methodology and a number of related concepts are covered in the patents EP2091049, EP2287855, EP2287854 and EP2287853 that were granted in 2012.
Yng2p-dependent NuA4 Histone H4 Acetylation Activity Is Required for Mitotic and Meiotic Progression

In all eukaryotes, multisubunit histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes acetylate the highly conserved lysine residues in the amino-terminal tails of core histones to regulate chromatin structure and gene expression. One such complex in yeast, NuA4, specifically acetylates nucleosome-associated histone H4. Recent studies have revealed that NuA4 comprises at least 11 subunits, including Yng2p, a yeast homolog of the candidate human tumor suppressor gene, ING1. Consistent with prior data, we find that cells lacking Yng2p are deficient for NuA4 activity and are temperature-sensitive. Furthermore, we show that the NuA4 complex is present in the absence of Yng2p, suggesting that Yng2p functions to maintain or activate NuA4 HAT activity. Sporulation of diploid yng2 mutant cells reveals a defect in meiotic progression, whereas synchronized yng2 mutant cells display a mitotic delay. Surprisingly, genome-wide expression analysis revealed little change from wild type. Nocodazole arrest and release relieves the mitotic defects, suggesting that Yng2p may have a critical function prior to or during metaphase. Rather than a uniform decrease in acetylated forms of histone H4, we find striking cell-to-cell heterogeneity in the loss of acetylated histone H4 in yng2mutant cells. Treating yng2 mutants with the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A suppressed the mitotic delay and restored global histone H4 acetylation, arguing that reduced H4 acetylation may underlie the cell cycle delay.
Significance of linear features and volcanism in the tectonic development of the Lake Van Region, Eastern Turkey

Abstract Large format orbital camera images covering the Lake Van area, eastern Turkey, were used to produce explicit subscenes for geologic and structural interpretation. The region comprises the locus of the Arabian/Eurasia collisional front and is characterized by a complex mode of deformation. Lineaments that designate subsurface phenomena were mapped. Their spatial distribution, pattern and regional trend variations were interpreted in terms of tectonic significance. An important role is played by northeast-trending active fractures and voluminous calcalkaline/alkaline volcanic rocks. Correlation of the image data with regional geotectonic elements suggests that the motion of an Arabian microplate has veered to a northwest direction since late Miocene time. The increasing prevalence of NE-oriented fracture systems and contempraneous volcanisms in the Lake Van region suggests that northward Arabian convergence is taken up by dextral transpressional shear.
The MesoHABSIM model revisited

The MesoHABSIM simulation model was developed in 2000 as an enhancement of the habitat descriptions used in the physical habitat simulation model (PHABSIM). MesoHABSIM integrates system-scale assessment of ecological integrity in flowing waters with quantitative information on physical habitat distribution to simulate habitat changes at the watershed scale. The goal was better integration of physical habitat models into river management by ‘upscaling’ to address issues relevant at management levels. This paper describes the most updated version of the MesoHABSIM approach resulting from the experience gained during the application of the model in projects since 2000. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measure for Measure: A commentary on Heinrich and the state of civil society indicators research

Over the last few years, a number of authors have introduced ways of measuring and assessing the state of civil society or some of its main facets or dimensions (see Howard, 2003; Anheier, 2004; Sa...
Specific tension measurements in single soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscle fibers of the cat

Abstract Direct measurements of the sizes of and forces produced by single fibers of the cat soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles were made to determine whether or not different fiber types have characteristically distinct specific tensions. Single fibers (5-mm lengths), whose sarcolemmas had been chemically removed using a 5-mM EGTA “skinning” solution, were attached to a photodiode force transducer. Each single fiber was first placed in “relaxing” solution (22 ± 1°C, p H 7.0, p Ca 8), its sarcomere length set at 2.7 μm using its laser diffraction pattern, and its diameter measured using the calibrated graticule of a microscope eyepiece (±2 μm). Subsequently, each fiber was transferred to an activating bathing solution ( p Ca 3.6) in which the fiber produced its maximum tension. The specific tension values for single soleus muscle fibers displayed a threefold range (1.19 to 3.53 kg/cm 2 ) with a mean value of 2.30 ± 0.61 (SD) kg/cm 2 ( N = 42). The medial gastrocnemius fibers studied had a fourfold range in specific tensions (1.05 to 4.47 kg/cm 2 ) and a mean value of 2.42 ± 0.61 kg/cm 2 ( N = 104). Many medial gastrocnemius fibers ( N = 64) were type-identified using a standard actomyosin ATPase histochemical assay. Type I medial gastrocnemius fibers had mean specific tension values of 2.45 ± 0.47 kg/cm 2 ( N = 18), whereas, type II single fibers had mean specific tension values of 2.43 ± 0.67 kg/cm 2 ( N = 46). Our results suggest that there is no significant difference between the specific tensions of the different muscle fiber types within the cat medial gastrocnemius muscle.
Corporate Expectations of the IT Department in an Age of Terrorism: Ensuring “Battle Readiness”

Contemporary businesses face many new and unprecedented challenges including the threat of terrorism. The impact of a terrorist attack can undermine an organization's success and survival. A significant area of organizational vulnerability to acts of terrorism involves the information systems infrastructure of the organization. This article discusses the mission-critical expectations that corporate executives have for their information technology departments with respect to securing and protecting these essential resources.
The Neglect of Power in Recent Framing Research

This article provides a critique of recent developments in research examining media frames and their influence. We contend that a number of trends in framing research have neglected the relationship between media frames and broader issues of political and social power. This neglect is a product of a number of factors, including conceptual problems in the definition of frames, the inattention to frames sponsorship, the failure to examine framing contests within wider political and social contexts, and the reduction of framing to a form of media effects. We conclude that framing research needs to be linked to the political and social questions regarding power central to the media hegemony thesis, and illustrate this focus by exploring how framing research can contribute to an understanding of the interaction between social movements and the news media. Examinations of the production, character, and influence of news stories represent an enduring focus of media scholarship. A variety of approaches, including gatekeeping, agenda setting, organizational studies of news work, and analyses of news bias, have explored either the gathering of news or journalism’s political role. In recent decades, a rapidly expanding research literature on news frames has sought to provide a comprehensive perspective on the production, reception, and influence of news texts. This article provides a critique of recent developments in research examining media frames and their influence. We contend that a number of trends in framing research have neglected the relationship between media frames and broader issues of political and social power. This neglect is a product of conceptual problems in the definition of frames, the inattention to frame sponsorship, the failure to examine framing contests within wider political and social contexts, and the reduction of framing to a form of media effects. In keeping with early sociological research on framing (Gitlin, 1980; Tuchman, 1978), we suggest that framing processes need to be examined within the contexts of the distribution of political and social power. We, therefore, call for the integration of framing research with the
Candidate Type II Quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. II. From Radio to X-Rays

Type II quasars are luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs) whose central engines and broad-line regions are obscured by intervening material; such objects only recently have been discovered in appreciable numbers. We study the multiwavelength properties of 291 type II AGN candidates (0.3 < z < 0.8) selected on the basis of their optical emission-line properties from the spectroscopic database of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. This sample includes about 150 objects luminous enough to be classified as type II quasars. We matched the sample to the FIRST (20 cm), IRAS (12?100 ?m), 2MASS (JHKs), and RASS (0.1?2.4 keV) surveys. Roughly 10% of optically selected type II AGN candidates are radio-loud, comparable to the AGN population as a whole. About 40 objects are detected by IRAS at 60 and/or 100 ?m, and the inferred mid/far-IR luminosities lie in the range ?L? = 1045?3 ? 1046 ergs s-1. Average IR?to?[O III] ?5007 ratios of objects in our sample are consistent with those of other AGNs. Objects from our sample are 10 times less likely to have soft X-ray counterparts in RASS than type I AGNs with the same redshifts and [O III] ?5007 luminosities. The few type II AGN candidates from our sample that are detected by RASS have harder X-ray spectra than those of type I AGNs. The multiwavelength properties of the type II AGN candidates from our sample are consistent with their interpretation as powerful obscured AGNs.
Overview of rare and forbidden charm decays

Rare and forbidden decays of charmed D mesons are discussed. An estimate is made of the sensitivity of BR (D → μ±e∓X) to higher mass generation-changing gauge bosons. A calculation is made of the rate for the second order weak decay c → ul+l−.
SU-E-T-214: Predicting Plan Quality from Patient Geometry: Feature Selection and Inference Modeling.

Purpose: To investigate and develop methods to infer treatment plan quality from the geometric features of PTV/OAR structures; to discover and identify features of high prognostic values. Methods: This study explores the prognostic utility of geometric features of two categories: (1) absolute geometry, characterizing the volumes of single structures (PTV, OARs); and (2) relative geometry, based on the minimal 3D distance and/or overlapping volume between pairs of structures. Using prostate as a pilot site, we developed inference models to ‘predict’ SBRT plan quality of DVH end points. We developed and assessed (1) a full linear regression model based on both absolute and relative geometric features, (2) a sparsity‐penalized linear regression model, (3) a linear regression model based on absolute geometry features only; (4) a learning‐based nonparametric model. Cross‐validation was used for both selecting the parameter values as well as quantifying the inference performance. The best inference method for each of the DVH end points was identified to reveal the structural and prognostic differences among them. Results: For linear regression, using sparsity‐regularization discovered geometric features that were mostly absolute, demonstrating their dominant linear prognostic utility. However, introducing relative geometric features improved the plan quality prediction by 15% for all DVH end points. In contrast, nonparametric models had a heavier dependence on relative geometry features. While linear regression based on both features sets predicted OAR DVH points slightly better, the nonparametric method excelled in predicting PTV coverage and conformality. Conclusions: The inference result from this study provides an ‘expectation’ for the plan quality before the planning is to be performed, providing reference goals for the planner and a baseline for detecting abnormality. The use of relative geometry complements the absolute geometry with information on spatial configuration of the PTV/OAR structures of individual patients, and the variation in achievable conformality as a consequence.
Oligoproline effects on polyglutamine conformation and aggregation.

There are nine known expanded CAG repeat neurological diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD), each involving the repeat expansion of polyglutamine (polyGln) in a different protein. Similar conditions can be induced in animal models by expression of the polyGln sequence alone or in other protein contexts. Besides the polyGln sequence, the cellular context of the disease protein, and the sequence context of the polyGln within the disease protein, are both likely to contribute to polyGln physical behavior and to pathology. In HD, the N-terminal, exon-1 segment of the protein huntingtin contains the polyGln sequence immediately followed by an oligoproline region. We show here that introduction of a P10 sequence C-terminal to polyGln in synthetic peptides decreases both the rate of formation and the apparent stability of the amyloid-like aggregates associated with this family of diseases. The sequence can be trimmed to P6 without altering the suppression, but a P3 sequence is ineffective. Spacers up to at least three amino acid residues in length can be inserted between polyGln and P10 without altering this effect. There is no suppression, however, when the P10 sequence is either placed on the N-terminal side of polyGln or attached to polyGln via a side-chain tether. The nucleation mechanism of a Q40 sequence is unchanged upon addition of a P10 C-terminal extension, yielding a critical nucleus of one. The effects of oligoPro length and structural context on polyGln aggregation are correlated strongly with alterations in the circular dichroism spectra of the monomeric peptides. For example, the P10 sequence eliminates the small amount of alpha helical content otherwise exhibited by the Q40 sequence. The P10 sequence may suppress aggregation by stabilizing an aggregation-incompetent conformation of the monomer. The effect is transportable: a P10 sequence fixed to the C terminus of the sequence Aβ similarly modulates amyloid fibril formation.
A Compact Dual-Frequency Rectifying Antenna With High-Orders Harmonic-Rejection

This paper proposes a novel dual-frequency rectifying antenna operating at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz. The rectifying antenna consists of two compact ring slot antennas, a hairpin lowpass filter, and a rectifying circuit. The annual slot ring antenna uses a meander line structure to reduce its size to 52% of the regular ring slot antenna. The hairpin filter helps suppress the second order and the third order harmonics of both operation frequencies. The dual-frequency rectifying antenna (rectenna) achieves RF-to-dc conversion efficiencies of 65% and 46% at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz, respectively, while the power density is 10 mW/cm2. The rectenna is the smallest dual-frequency rectenna ever reported.
What Principals Should Know About Sheltered Instruction for English Language Learners

ELLs come from diverse backgrounds; some are more proficient than others academically and linguistically. One approach to help teach this group of students is sheltered instruction, a strategic way to make subject matter concepts comprehensible while promoting English language development. Ways to recognize, evaluate, and implement quality sheltered instruction programs are discussed.
Creation of Entanglement by Interaction with a Common Heat Bath

I show that entanglement between two qubits can be generated if the two qubits interact with a common heat bath in thermal equilibrium, but do not interact directly with each other. In most situations the entanglement is created for a very short time after the interaction with the heat bath is switched on, but depending on system, coupling, and heat bath, the entanglement may persist for arbitrarily long times. This mechanism sheds new light on the creation of entanglement. A particular example of two quantum dots in a closed cavity is discussed, where the heat bath is given by the blackbody radiation.
The Neuroblast Assay: An Assay for the Generation and Enrichment of Neuronal Progenitor Cells from Differentiating Neural Stem Cell Progeny Using Flow Cytometry

Neural stem cells (NSCs) can be isolated and expanded in large-scale, using the neurosphere assay and differentiated into the three major cell types of the central nervous system (CNS); namely, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons. These characteristics make neural stem and progenitor cells an invaluable renewable source of cells for in vitro studies such as drug screening, neurotoxicology and electrophysiology and also for cell replacement therapy in many neurological diseases. In practice, however, heterogeneity of NSC progeny, low production of neurons and oligodendrocytes, and predominance of astrocytes following differentiation limit their clinical applications. Here, we describe a novel methodology for the generation and subsequent purification of immature neurons from murine NSC progeny using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) technology. Using this methodology, a highly enriched neuronal progenitor cell population can be achieved without any noticeable astrocyte and bona fide NSC contamination. The procedure includes differentiation of NSC progeny isolated and expanded from E14 mouse ganglionic eminences using the neurosphere assay, followed by isolation and enrichment of immature neuronal cells based on their physical (size and internal complexity) and fluorescent properties using flow cytometry technology. Overall, it takes 5-7 days to generate neurospheres and 6-8 days to differentiate NSC progeny and isolate highly purified immature neuronal cells.
The Preparation of 2-(4-Oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)-1-phenyl-ethanones by the Condensation/Cyclization of Dilithiated 1-Benzoylacetone with Lithiated Methyl Salicylates

Abstract Dilithiated 1-benzoylacetone was prepared in excess lithium diisopropylamide and condensed with several lithiated methyl salicylates, followed by acid cyclization to 2-(4-oxo-4H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)-1-phenylethanones (2-phenacyl-chromones).
Landscape vegetation modelling with vital attributes and fuzzy systems theory

Abstract Landscape vegetation modelling is a simulation modelling approach to the analysis of landscape dynamics. The model developed here is a spatially-explicit ecologically-mechanistic simulator based on previous work in vital attributes theory and fuzzy systems theory. The model employs multiple individual forest stands with spatially-linked processes of seed distribution and disturbance propagation. Two synthetic landscapes were constructed consisting of four distinct environments with 400 polygons arranged in a hex grid mapped onto a torus. The two landscapes differ in inherent environmental heterogeneity, with one landscape consisting of smooth gradation in the four environments (gradient landscape) and the other with randomized environments (random landscape). The two landscapes are subjected to five different fire regimes. The effects of fire regime, environmental heterogeneity, and the interaction of environmental heterogeneity and fire regime are presented with regard to landscape characteristics of fragmentation, patch diversity, and gamma diversity. Environmental heterogeneity and fire regime form a complex relationship of non-monotonic response and interaction effects. Landscape fragmentation and diversity are found to have a modal or sinusoidal relationship to fire return interval, and the positions of the minima and maxima differ between the random and gradient landscapes. Landscape gamma diversity shows relatively less effect of fire return interval, although longer fire return intervals generally produce higher gamma diversity through the development of higher alpha diversity in mesic fire-sensitive stands. An interaction exists between landscape heterogeneity and fire return interval where some fire return intervals accentuate and some attenuate the differences between the gradient and random landscapes. Interaction effects of environmental heterogeneity and fire return interval on gamma diversity are small.
Population-based analysis of inpatient vascular procedures and predicting future workload and implications for training

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the trend in inpatient vascular procedures in the United States over the past decade and predict the future demand for vascular surgeons. Methods The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried to determine the weighted national estimates of inpatient vascular procedures performed on adult patients (age ≥18) between 1997 and 2008. Using population estimates from the United States Census Bureau, the per capita rates of inpatient procedures were calculated for age-specific groups (18-64 years, 65-84 years, and ≥85 years). The change in per capita rates over the past decade along with population forecasts were used to predict future workload. Results There was a net increase of 22% from 971,046 inpatient vascular procedures for all adults in 1997 to 1,188,332 in 2008. During the same time period, the adult population increased by 16% from 198 to 230 million. The age-stratified per capita rates of all vascular procedures were +21% for age 18 to 64; −4% for age 65 to 84; and +18% for age ≥85. This resulted in a net increase of 5% (490 to 515 procedures per 100,000 capita) in the per capita rate for all adults. Based on the assumption that trends in age-specific rates remain constant, there is a predicted inpatient workload increase (compared to 2008) of 18% by 2015, 34% by 2020, and 72% by 2030. The vascular workload is predicted to more than double by the year 2040. Conclusions Despite a conservative approach of using a population-based analysis of only inpatient procedures, there is a dramatic increase in the predicted vascular workload for the future. The vascular surgery training process will need to adapt to ensure an adequate number of fellowship-trained vascular surgeons is available to provide quality vascular care in the future.
Optimization of an electrolytic cell with use of a GRG algorithm

Abstract Recent technological improvements and changing economic factors indicate the need to apply more sophisticated and efficient optimization techniques to today's increasingly complex electrochemical processes. In this study a reduced gradient optimization scheme is applied to a model of a chloralkali cell to determine maximum profit for a single cell and to investigate the sensitivity of the optimal solution to changes in selected design variables. The model consists of 39 constraints, 37 equalities and 2 inequalities, including mass, voltage and heat balance relationships, in 40 variables. A methodology is developed that allows state-of-the-art optimization techniques to be easily applied to electrochemical cells and processes for which algebraic models can be formulated. Electrochemical systems represent a new area of application for nonlinear programming algorithms.
ELIMINATION OF ATOMIC ERRORS FROM MOLECULAR CALCULATIONS

The intra-atomic correlation correction method (ICC) arose because the analytic orbitals for optimum parameter values differ significantly from atomic and ionic HartreeFock functions and because the intra-atomic correlation energy is much more than the dissociation energy for the molecules. An analysis of ICC calculations is presented for H/sub 2/ and HeH/sup +/. (R.E.U.)
In vitro release of prostaglandins from the renal medulla.

Abstract Prostaglandins E 2 and F 2α were released from slices of rabbit renal inner incubated in vitro in Krebs solution. Since the amounts released spontaneously were greater than those directly extractable from non-incubated tissues and were temperature- and oxygen-dependent, it was concluded that some of the released prostaglandins had been newly synthesized. Phospholipase A stimulated the rate of release while depolarization with potassium or incubation in the presence of norepinephrine or isoproterenol were without demonstrable effects. Vasopressin (100 mU/ml) significantly increased the release of prostaglandins. This effect by vasopressin was apparently independent of changes in cyclic AMP levels since dibutyryl cyclic AMP reduced the release of prostaglandins below control levels. The enhanced release of prostaglandins by vasopressin supports the hypothesis that prostaglandins may play a role in the regulation of hormonal effects in the kidney.
Decreased reaction time produced by discordant warning and reaction stimuli

Decreased reaction time (RT) was obtained when the stimulus modality of the warning signal (WS) differed from that of the reaction stimulus (RS). This effect was obtained only when the interval between the WS and RS was relatively short (.5 sec) and not when it was lengthened to 2 sec.
Modulation of the in vivo antibody response by a benzodiazepine inverse agonist (DMCM) administered centrally or peripherally

Abstract Exposure to stressors can result in changes in immune function. Although there is increasing information concerning the peripheral hormonal and neural mediators of stress-induced changes in immune function, there is little information concerning the central nervous system mechanisms that lead to the peripheral changes. The following experiments examined the possible involvement of the benzodiazepine-GABA A -chloride complex in modulation of the in vivo antibody response. Rats were given either peripheral or intracerebroventricular injections of methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM), a drug that has been shown to act at the benzodiazepine-GABA A complex and produces a behavioral state similar to anxiety. Rats were then immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and serum levels of KLH-specific antibody were measured for 2 weeks after immunization. Both peripheral and central administration of DMCM modulated the in vivo antibody response. The dose-response relationship of DMCM and changes in antibody levels was nonmonotonic, with high doses resulting in an increase in serum antibody levels and moderate doses resulting in a decease in serum antibody levels. A possible role of the benzodiazepine-GABA A system in stress-induced immunomodulation is discussed.
The Study of Culture at a Distance: A Prototype

IT IS EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT TODAY, more than 30 years later, to recover the elan with which, in 1947, we began work as members of Columbia University Research in Contemporary Cultures. Contrary to the accepted view of how anthropologists should do research, many of us had already worked for several years on cultures we had no way of approaching in person. Now we felt vindicated in making the attempt. The future was openand there was so much to do. The research about which I am writing here has been known by various names, depending in part on the context of the discussion. It has been called the study of culture at a distance (Mead and Metraux 1953), the study of national character (Gorer 1953; Mead 1951c, 195h3b), the study of national culture, and as it was conceived in the initial research design developed by Ruth Benedict, Margaret Mead, and others, research in contemporary cultures. By whatever name, the research has been concerned centrally with the delineation of regularities in culture patterns and in the character structure of members of a culture through work with individual identified informants and with the available resources of a complex contemporary society as these may be analyzed within an anthropological frame of reference. Carried out at a distance from the living society, the research was seen as a first-stage exploration, to be followed where this was possible by fieldwork (Mead 1953a). Columbia University Research in Contemporary Cultures (RCC), which continued for four years, 1947-51, was the prototype. There were successor projects in which members of the original research group took part; the research methods explored in RCC were used, and the idea of uncovering cultural regularities was a principal aim. These were Studies in Soviet Culture (SSC) and Studies in Contemporary Cultures (SCC), which included separate projects on the Soviet Union and on Germany; both were carried out under the auspices of the American Museum of Natural History, although with different sources of funds. The Soviet studies were directed by Margaret Mead; the German study was carried out jointly by Nelly Schargo Hoyt and myself. At further remove was a medically oriented project, Studies in Human Ecology-China, under the direction of Harold Wolff, at Cornell University Medical College. At still further remove was a study of technical change, directed by Margaret Mead, sponsored by the World Federation for Mental Health and funded by UNESCO; its only product was the book, Cultural Patterns and Technical Change (Mead 1953c). Here, however, I shall discuss only the prototype research.
Effect of Telephone and Face-to-Face Communication on Rated Extent of Self-Disclosure by Female College Students:

70 female college students volunteered to be interviewed by a female interviewer on a highly intimate topic, sexual behavior. Half of the subjects were randomly assigned to a group interviewed over the telephone and half to a group interviewed in a face-to-face situation. Responses were rated on the basis of two scales, a 5-point Extent of Self-disclosure Scale and a 5-point Impression Scale. Oneway analysis of variance suggested that the measures of self-disclosure were reliable and showed convergent validity. Self-disclosure was not influenced by the communication medium. Suggestions for research using different communication situations, different measures of self-disclosure and different intimate topics are given.
Nucleation of cubic boron nitride thin films

Abstract High-energy electrons (300 keV to 1 MeV) in a transmission electron microscope have been used to cause ballistic atomic displacements in hexagonal boron nitride. The high-resolution imaging capabilities of the TEM have allowed us to study the effect of the atomic displacements on the crystal structure of the BN. We report the formation of nanoarches — fullerene structures consisting of half of a BN nanotube capping the ends of the planar BN graphitic sheets. To form a basis of comparison between the high-energy electron bombardment and the ion bombardment typically used for cubic BN film growth, TRIM calculations were also performed to simulate Ar+ ion bombardment of hexagonal BN. A model is presented, indicating a process through which the nanoarches can serve as nucleation sites for the cubic phase of BN. The nucleation model is consistent with current experimental reports on the formation of cubic BN thin films.
Barriers and Facilitators to Using 9-1-1 and Emergency Medical Services in a Limited English Proficiency Chinese Community

Effective communication during a medical emergency is crucial for an appropriate emergency medical services (EMS) response. This exploratory qualitative study explored intentions to use 9-1-1 in a Chinese speaking community and the barriers and facilitators to accessing EMS. Focus groups with Chinese adults who self-reported limited English proficiency were conducted. An inductive iterative approach was used to categorize and connect themes identified in the discussions. Language difficulties, negative perceptions of EMS, perceived costs of using emergency services, and no previous experience with 9-1-1 were commonly described as barriers to calling EMS during emergencies. Positive past experiences with EMS and encountering an emergency situation perceived as too great to manage alone are common facilitators for calling 9-1-1. Further exploration is necessary to assess barriers to calling 9-1-1 unique to specific communities, test findings, and tailor interventions to improve EMS communication.
Price of Risk - Recent Evidence from Large Financials

Probability of default (PD) measures have been widely used in estimating potential losses of, and contagion among, large financial institutions. In a period of financial stress however, the existing methods to compute PDs and generate loss estimates that may vary significantly. This paper discusses three issues that should be taken into account in using PD-based methodologies for loss or contagion analyses: (i) the use of - risk-neutral probabilities - vs. -real-world probabilities; - (ii) the divergence between movements in credit and equity markets during periods of financial stress; and (iii) the assumption of stochastic vs. fixed recovery for financial institutions’ assets. All three elements have nontrivial implications for providing an accurate estimate of default probabilities and associated losses as inputs for setting policies related to large banks in distress.
Reduced preprosomatostatin messenger ribonucleic acid in the periventricular nucleus of hypophysectomized rats determined by quantitative in situ hybridization.

Physiological evidence suggests that somatostatin (SS) inhibits the release of GH and TSH from the anterior pituitary and that elements of these two systems may feed back to regulate hypothalamic SS release or synthesis. Hypophysectomy reduces hypothalamic SS content in rats, an effect that may be attributable to a change in SS synthesis, storage, or release. We tested the hypothesis that hypophysectomy would reduce hypothalamic SS synthetic capacity, as reflected by a reduction in SS mRNA levels. Using in situ hybridization and a computerized image analysis system, we measured SS mRNA signal levels over individual cells in the periventricular nucleus of hypophysectomized and intact male rats. SS mRNA signal levels were 45.1% lower in hypophysectomized rats compared to those in intact controls (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate that SS synthetic capacity in the periventricular nucleus is influenced by the presence of the pituitary, and this system may represent one example of the regulation of central ...