cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Development of Children's Beliefs about Prayer

In this study we explored the development of children's beliefs about the concept of prayer. Three- to 8-year-old children were given a combination of tasks and structured interview questions designed to assess a number of basic aspects of their concepts of prayer. We also considered potential relations between children's concepts of prayer and two other explanatory systems — naive psychology and magic — by probing understanding of the roles of knowledge and thinking in prayer and by comparing beliefs in prayer to beliefs in wishing. Results revealed significantly more sophisticated concepts of prayer than found in previous studies, including an earlier understanding of its mentalistic nature. We propose a new developmental trajectory for children's understanding of prayer and discuss interrelations between children's religious beliefs and their developing ontologies.
Direct detection and quantification of abasic sites for in vivo studies of DNA damage and repair

Abstract Use of chemotherapeutic agents to induce cytotoxic DNA damage and programmed cell death is a key strategy in cancer treatments. However, the efficacy of DNA-targeted agents such as temozolomide is often compromised by intrinsic cellular responses such as DNA base excision repair (BER). Previous studies have shown that BER pathway resulted in formation of abasic or apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, and blockage of AP sites led to a significant enhancement of drug sensitivity due to reduction of DNA base excision repair. Since a number of chemotherapeutic agents also induce formation of AP sites, monitoring of these sites as a clinical correlate of drug effect will provide a useful tool in the development of DNA-targeted chemotherapies aimed at blocking abasic sites from repair. Here we report an imaging technique based on positron emission tomography (PET) that allows for direct quantification of AP sites in vivo. For this purpose, positron-emitting carbon-11 has been incorporated into methoxyamine ([ 11 C]MX) that binds covalently to AP sites with high specificity. The binding specificity of [ 11 C]MX for AP sites was demonstrated by in vivo blocking experiments. Using [ 11 C]MX as a radiotracer, animal PET studies have been conducted in melanoma and glioma xenografts for quantification of AP sites. Following induction of AP sites by temozolomide, both tumor models showed significant increase of [ 11 C]MX uptake in tumor regions in terms of radioactivity concentration as a function of time, which correlates well with conventional aldehyde reactive probe (ARP)-based bioassays for AP sites.
Grass tetany: an hypothesis concerning its relationship with ammonium nutrition of spring grasses.

Abstract An hypothesis suggests that grass tetany is caused by the peculiar growing conditions during early spring resulting in unique compositional characteristics of spring forages. Winter leaching, low soil temperatures, and application of ammonium containing fertilizers make the ammonium ion the principal source of nitrogen available to the plant during this period. Absorption of ammonium by the plant results in greatly reduced uptake of magnesium and calcium with little effect on potassium and produces high amide concentration in the plant with depletion of carbohydrates. These factors combine in the animal to create a high concentration in the rumen of free ammonia and an increased pH, depletion of the remaining carbohydrate, and a further reduction in the availability of the already low magnesium and calcium. When these factors are expressed, they result in low magnesium in blood serum and interact to produce hypomagnesemic tetany in the animal.
Endovascular Treatment of a Dissecting Posteroinferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm: Case Report

IMPORTANCE : To demonstrate the usefulness of endovascular techniques in the treatment of fusiform, dissecting aneurysms. CLINICAL PRESENTATION : A 45-year-old woman presented with the acute onset of left-sided neck pain and headaches. Computed axial tomography demonstrated subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage as well as a left posterior cerebellar infarct. Conventional cerebral and magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated a dissecting fusiform aneurysm at the origin of the left posteroinferior cerebellar artery. INTERVENTION : A balloon occlusion of the left vertebral artery at the posteroinferior cerebellar artery origin was tolerated without complication, and the patient underwent successful occlusion of the left posteroinferior cerebellar artery, with platinum microembolization coils. CONCLUSION : In patients who tolerate temporary balloon occlusion, endovascular treatment of dissecting fusiform aneurysms with platinum microembolization coils is safe and effective therapy.
Criteria and Concepts for a Model Forensic Science Laboratory

ABSTRACTThe National Academy of Sciences Forensic Science Committee issued a report in 2009 that raised a number of issues concerning forensic science. One of the major criticisms of the report concerned the nature of forensic science laboratories in the U.S. The report focused on the fragmentation of the system, the lack of universal accreditation and certification of laboratories and personnel, the management and funding models and a serious lack of standards in reporting, terminology, and methods of analysis. The question thus arises; if one could design the model of a forensic science laboratory, what should it look like? What should its management structure be? Should it be affiliated with a law enforcement agency or independent? Must it be accredited? Must all of the scientists who work in the lab be certified? What standards should be developed that govern the operation of the laboratory? What types of training should be put in place? The answers to these and other, similar questions can provide a ...
Regulation of Actin Filament Turnover in Brain Tumor Cell Motility

Cell migration and invasion is driven by turnover of the actin cytoskeleton, a process initiated by cofilin activation. Active cofilin concentrations correlate with the grade of primary brain tumors, tumor cell migration and brain invasion (Nagai S, Moreno O, Smith CA, Ivanchuk S, Romagnuolo R, Golbourn B, Weeks A, Seol HJ, and Rutka JT. 2011, Genes Cancer. Sep;2(9):859-69). To investigate how cell migration and invasion is enhanced in high grade brain tumors by cofilin we have developed a physical model based on the molecular mechanisms for actin turnover already known to be enhanced by cofilin. The model is then used to fit actin distributions in eGFP-actin transfected U251 brain tumor cells using model convolution microscopy. The best fits of the model yield estimates for the kinetic parameters for actin turnover in high grade brain tumor cells. These parameters are similar to isolated in vitro measurements made in the presence of cofilin and suggest that actin turnover is stimulated throughout the cell by cofilin. Further analysis of the model is used to elucidate potential mechanisms to regulate brain tumor cell motility.
The Combination of Forecasts: a Bayesian Approach

This paper develops a general Bayesian approach to the problem of combining forecasts. This approach leads to the results of Bates and Granger in certain special cases and to a geometric averaging formula in other special cases.
Interfering RNA-mediated purine analog resistance for in vitro and in vivo cell selection.

The advancement of gene therapy has been slowed, in part, by inefficient transduction of targeted cells and poor long-term engraftment of genetically modified cells. Thus, the ability to select for a desired population of cells within a recipient would be of great benefit for improving gene therapy. Proposed strategies for in vivo cell selection using drug resistance genes have had disappointing outcomes and/or require highly genotoxic medications to be effective. We hypothesized that resistance to purine analogs, a well-tolerated, relatively low-toxicity class of medications, could be provided to cells using interfering RNA against hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase. Using a lentiviral vector, we found that interfering RNA-mediated purine analog resistance (iPAR) provided relative resistance to 6-thioguanine (6TG) in murine hematopoietic cells compared with control- and untransduced cells. iPAR attenuated 6TG-induced G2/M checkpoint activation, cell-cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Furthermore, in recipients of transplanted bone marrow cells with iPAR, treatment with 6TG resulted in increased percentages of transduced peripheral blood cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells in the bone marrow. Secondary transplantations resulted in higher hematopoietic contributions from 6TG-treated primary recipients relative to phosphate-buffered saline-treated recipients. These findings indicate that iPAR/6TG can be used for in vivo hematopoietic progenitor cell selection.
CSCW research at GMD-FIT: from basic groupware to the social Web

GMD-FIT, the Institute for Applied Information Technology, is a research unit of GMD, Germany's National Research Center for Information Technology. It is located on GMD's Schloss Birlinghoven campus near Bonn. FIT is committed to inventing and designing innovative information technology which is really needed and wanted by users, is based on an understanding of human communication and human information processing, and is seamlessly integrated into the user environment. We pursue a vision of information technology moving• from personal computing to social computing,• from distributing information to helping utilize information,• from rigid systems to user-adaptive environments, and• from automation tools to enabling systems.The main application areas of FIT are office and home environments, and the area of medicine.The FIT institute is grouped in two departments: Cooperation Support Systems (CSCW) and Human- Computer Interaction (HCI). The following sections give an overview of our work in the CSCW group.
Adequacy of low-stress arbutamine to provoke myocardial ischemia during echocardiography

Abstract Arbutamine is a new, potent, short-acting synthetic catecholamine developed specifically for use as a cardiac stress agent. Previous reports on the accuracy of arbutamine for the detection of coronary artery disease have relied on heart rate (HR) increases similar to those seen at peak exercise. This study was undertaken to test the potential to provoke ischemic wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography using arbutamine at a HR below that associated with peak exercise. One hundred forty-six patients with coronary artery disease underwent computerized closed-loop stress testing with arbutamine; 120 (82%) had echocardiographic images adequate for analysis at baseline, low stress (20 beats/min above baseline), and peak stress (target of 85% age-predicted peak HR). Ejection fraction increased from 59 ± 10% at baseline to 72 ± 12% at low stress, and remained stable at 72 ± 14% at peak stress. Of 88 patients with echocardiographic evidence of ischemia at peak stress, 73 (83%) had evidence of ischemia at low stress. Change in wall motion score index from baseline to low stress represented 62% of the change noted from baseline to peak stress. A greater number of stenotic vessels were associated with a somewhat higher proportion of ischemic responses evident at low stress. The present study suggests that the maximal motropic effects of arbutamine may occur at a dose lower than that required for maximal chronotropic effect. In the future, it may be possible to establish an infusion end point for arbutamine stress testing using a HR
St. Clair: a nineteenth-century coal town's experience with a disaster-prone industry

In lectures and reflections on the waxing and waning of American industrialization, my attention frequently returns to St. Claire. During wanderings in southeastern Pennsylvania I am drawn to a cliff in this town, overlooking a graded valley floor, now virtually empty of human-made structures. The floor once sited a Reading Railroad freight yard, the world's largest and devoted to the anthracite trade. What happened here, historically? With his latest book, Wallace provides the fascinating interrelated backgrounds to the rise from about 1825 through the 1880s of St. Claire and its Schuylkill anthracite region. Yet again, Wallace produces illuminating historical analyses, not obscured or encumbered by theoretical excesses, in the ethnology of American industrialization. The analyses are crafted with sensitivity to the processes and conditions of work and insight into the broader social organizational and ideological contexts of these. The small community allows researchers to examine sociocultural dynamics in rich detail and this holds true for historical industrial ethnology such as that of St. Claire. In this locational crucible, Wallace skillfully investigates and reports dynamics such as the formation and maintenance of social classes; the interplay among technology, society, and ideology; and the evolution of a fundamentally important industry. At St. Claire the reader learns how the environmental limitation of unfavorable geology and technological constraint of underengineering molded the social organization and economic basis of the region. The reader learns why financially strapped, frugal American capitalists stinted on the diffused British technology of mining and related safety, thus operating an extractive industry that consumed immigrant labor and produced black diamonds. The geological base, engineering structures, and extractive tools and techniques are explained thoroughly and lucidly. For example, the problems of seeping ground water, suffocating methane gas, unstable tunnel tops, and blasting in such an environment are explored with an eye to the miner's viewpoint. Depicted in their interactions are the occupational hierarchies of above and underground producers and managers. Apart from these are the coal operators, risking their capital in attempts at profit beyond expenses and the royalties paid to the owners of the mine lands. With haphazard operations the typical operator made no profit and with primitive accounting he did not immediately recognize his financial losses. Transportation costs further squeezed the operators. Between 1820 and 1875 about 95 percent of these small entrepreneurs failed.
Cenozoic bathyal and abyssal ostracods beneath the oligotrophic South Pacific Gyre (IODP Expedition 329 Sites U1367, U1368 and U1370)

Abstract This study reports on Paleocene through Pleistocene deep sea ostracod assemblages from carbonate sequences recovered at Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Sites U1367, U1368, and U1370 during Expedition 329 to the South Pacific Gyre (SPG). The SPG has the lowest surface primary productivity in the world oceans, and the sedimentary system beneath it has the lowest rates of organic matter flux to the seafloor in the ocean. Results show that this oligotrophic oceanic environment supported abundant and diverse ostracod faunas during the Oligocene, and the middle Miocene suggesting that ostracods are capable of exploiting low levels of food availability in the deep ocean. The SPG records revealed ostracod assemblages following major global climatic transitions: the Cretaceous/Paleocene (~ 65.5 Ma) and the Eocene/Oligocene (~ 33.5 Ma) transitions, and the middle Miocene climatic optimum (~ 14 Ma). The Danian ostracod assemblage is scarce and characterized by Paraphysocythere spp. and Anebocythereis hostizea. High faunal turnover by the early Oligocene gives rise to an assemblage predominantly characterized by typical lower bathyal and abyssal genera Krithe, Poseidonamicus, Argilloecia, and Cytheropteron that are indicative of cold, moderately oxygenated conditions and signal the cooling of the deep ocean after the E/O transition. An increase in abundance of robust epifaunal taxa Bradleya, Henryhowella, Dutoitella, Pennyella, and Rugocythereis, and a pronounced decrease Argilloecia and Cytheropteron characterize the middle Miocene and Pleistocene assemblages, and indicate the presence of more corrosive bottom waters and enhanced oligotrophic conditions in the SPG. However, low variability in the ostracod assemblage taxonomic composition and stratigraphic distribution at Sites U1367 and U1368 suggest that mostly stable paleoceanographic conditions existed in the South Pacific Gyre during the early to the late Oligocene and from the middle to late Miocene (U1368). Declines in ostracod abundances toward the top of the sedimentary sequences at these sites are synchronous with the late Oligocene warming and the late Miocene carbonate crash in the equatorial Pacific, but they seem to also overlap the time when the site locations subsided below the calcium carbonate compensation depth (CCD) as they moved away from the East Pacific Rise.
Recall pneumonitis : adriamycin potentiation of radiation pneumonitis in two children

The radiographic findings in two children with acute "recall" pneumonitis, associated with administration of Adriamycin (doxorubicin hydrochloride) and actinomycin D at variable intervals after local radiation therapy, were presented to emphasize the unique radiographic appearance and clinical course. A 10-year-old girl underwent radiation therapy 9 weeks after completing an initial cycle of chemotherapy. Within hours of the resumption of chemotherapy, she was in clinical respiratory distress. Chest radiography showed a well-defined area of alveolar consolidation in the periphery of the right lung corresponding to the area of radiation. Shortness of breath and right chest rales developed in a 15-year-old boy within 12 hours of the resumption of chemotherapy 6 weeks after radiation therapy was completed. Chest radiography showed an alveolar infiltrate extending from the apex to the base of the right lung corresponding to the area of radiation. Symptoms may be confused with an infectious pathogenesis; thus,...
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels for the last 500 million years

The last 500 million years of the strontium-isotope record are shown to correlate significantly with the concurrent record of isotopic fractionation between inorganic and organic carbon after the effects of recycled sediment are removed from the strontium signal. The correlation is shown to result from the common dependence of both signals on weathering and magmatic processes. Because the long-term evolution of carbon dioxide levels depends similarly on weathering and magmatism, the relative fluctuations of CO2 levels are inferred from the shared fluctuations of the isotopic records. The resulting CO2 signal exhibits no systematic correspondence with the geologic record of climatic variations at tectonic time scales.
Scleritis and Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis

Scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) can present as isolated conditions or as part of a systemic inflammatory or infectious disorder. Both are serious ocular conditions that can result in vision loss and require early diagnosis and treatment. Nearly two thirds of patients with non-infectious scleritis require systemic glucocorticoid therapy and one fourth need a glucocorticoid-sparing agent as well. Essentially all patients with non-infectious PUK require systemic glucocorticoids. A detailed clinical history, thorough physical examination, and thoughtful laboratory evaluations are important in the exclusion of underlying disorders and extraocular involvement.
Invariant subspaces of H2 on a torus

Abstract This paper answers two questions about unitarily equivalent pairs of invariant subspaces X1 and X2 of the Hardy space H2(Tn); these satisfy X2 = ψX1 for some unimodular ψ ϵ L∞ (Tn): (I) Must ψ then be a quotient of inner functions? (II) If ψ = g 2 g 1 is such a quotient, does it follow that the inner functions g1 and g2 can be so chosen that g 1 X 1 = g 2 X 2 is an invariant subspace of H2(Tn), not merely of L2(Tn)? When n > 1, both answers are: No.
Nature and Fictitious Capital: The Historical Geography of an Agrarian Question

Capitalism is produced in part through its own production of nature, but it has been argued that nature also poses certain obstacles to capitalist development. Political economists and rural sociologists have argued that in certain instances agriculture, as a form of production based in nature, has proven resistant to capitalist transformation. The Mann–Dickinson thesis still stands as one of the best such formulations. This essay argues for turning the Mann–Dickinson thesis on its head so as to ask how it is that an obstacle for one set of capital comprises an opportunity for other capitals. The essay therefore examines agriculture as a nexus of nature and circulating capital. It argues that what has been construed as a primary obstacle (the disunity of working and production time and the cumulative effects thereof) has been poorly appreciated as comprising a distinctive opportunity for capitalist investments and appropriations through the credit system. Credit, by no means an exogenous or anachronistic force, develops along with production and constitutes a social relation of production along with other such relations. These contentions are borne out in a critique of the nature-as-obstacle argument and then in a discussion of late-nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century agriculture in the United States, especially in California. In the latter discussion, I focus on the role of credit as the system that mediates the relations between nature and capital in and between different space–times. Credit, I argue, was necessarily constituted spatially and was contingently tied to the rise of agrarian formations in the American West.
Principles of animation physics

An understanding of physics is essential for creating believable animated motion. Many basic concepts in animation (such as follow-through, drag, and weight shift) are clearer when considered in the context of basic mechanics.This course was developed with support from the National Science Foundation by Alejandro Garcia, who was on leave at the Department of Artistic Development at Dreamworks Animation SKG, where he presented over 30 classes and special lectures on physics as it applies to animation. The course covers essential topics from physical mechanics to basic bio-mechanics that apply specifically to character animation.
Arachidonic acid metabolism by isolated epidermal basal and differentiated keratinocytes from the hairless mouse

The metabolism of arachidonic acid was studied using basal and differentiated keratinocytes as well as sebaceous cells isolated from hairless mice. These disassociated cells metabolized arachidonic acid predominantly to the prostaglandin H synthase products prostaglandins E2 and D2. 12-Hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid (HHT), prostaglandin F2 alpha, thromboxane B2 and 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha were also detected. Smaller amounts of the lipoxygenase products 5-, 12- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) were also detected. The major lipoxygenase product observed was 12-HETE. No leukotrienes or dihydroxy fatty acids were observed. The identity of the metabolites was established using several high-pressure liquid chromatography solvent systems. The biosynthesis of prostaglandins E2 and D2 was very rapid and was inhibited by the addition of indomethacin to the cells. The mixed population of keratinocytes and sebaceous cells were separated into enriched fractions by metrizamide gradients and elutriation techniques. The small, undifferentiated cells had high prostaglandin H synthase and 12-lipoxygenase activity. The basal cell-enriched fractions had the highest activity. With increasing differentiation of the cells, decreased biosynthetic activity was observed. These results indicate that undifferentiated keratinocytes, that is, the basal cells, may be an important source of prostaglandins and 12-HETE but are not a source of leukotrienes for the hairless mouse. It also suggests a role for keratinocyte-derived eicosanoids in the normal physiology of epidermal differentiation.
The role of nAChR‐mediated spontaneous retinal activity in visual system development

In the developing vertebrate retina, nAChR synapses are among the first to appear. This early cholinergic circuitry plays a key role in generating "retinal waves," spontaneously generated waves of action potentials that sweep across the ganglion cell layer. These retinal waves exist for a short period of time during development when several circuits within the visual system are being established. Here I review the cholinergic circuitry of the developing retina and the role these early circuits play in the development of the retina itself and of retinal projections to the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus.
Ejection time by ear densitogram and its derivative - Clinical and physiologic applications.

Ear densitographic ejection times (EDET) and first derivative ear densitogram ejection times (dEDET) were studied to determine whether their reliability and validity justify their substitution for ejection times derived from the far less stable carotid pulse tracing. Inter- and intra-subject comparisons were made on thirty individuals under a wide variety of disease and challenge states. Statistical analysis of the data - which had been obtained through a blinded procedure - showed an overall correlation (r) of .98 for carotid vs EDET and .99 for carotid vs dEDET. The t-test demonstrated no significant differences among ejection times derived from the three methods. Moreover, the close tracking at rest and during challenges of ejection times derived from these curves with those from the carotid indicate that either method may be substituted for standard carotid curves without sacrificing reliability or validity of the measure.
Effects of protamine on myocyte contractile function and β-adrenergic responsiveness

Abstract The use of protamine sulfate in patients has been associated with severe circulatory collapse and myocardial failure. However, the exact mechanisms responsible for these reactions to protamine remain unclear. Accordingly, we examined the effect of protamine on isolated myocyte contractile function. Indexes of isolated myocyte contractile function, percent shortening, and velocity of shortening were examined using videomicroscopy. Porcine cardiocytes (n = 75) were studied at baseline and in the presence of 80 μg/mL protamine. In addition, myocyte function was examined sequentially, first during treatment with 8 IU/mL heparin and then after the addition of a protamine dose sufficient to completely bind the heparin. The binding of heparin and protamine resulted in the formation of a heparin-ptotamine complex. The protamine concentration of 80 μg/mL is approximately equal to the serum concentration of protamine obtained in patients when administered in a dose of 5 mg/kg. In the presence of 80 μg/mL protamine, both percent shortening and velocity of shortening fell by more than 32% from baseline values ( p
Parametric Signal Processing

Recent advances in parametric signal processing are described. Parametric mixer role in processing of high-speed signals is recognized and illustrated in analog and digital domains. Rate-scalable signal replication in efficient, wideband mixer was used to redefine traditional analog-to-digital conversion and channelizer architectures. The limits and practical challenges of the parametric mixer technology are discussed.
The effect of carbohydrates on affect

This report reviews studies addressing the issue of the effect that carbohydrates have on affective behavior. The review begins with an overview of the physiologic and psychological mechanisms that have been proposed to explain a carbohydrate-induced behavioral effect. Attention is then devoted to studies that have investigated the mood-altering effect of carbohydrates on normal individuals, depressed individuals, obese individuals, and individuals with seasonal affective disorder and premenstrual syndrome. Throughout the report it is apparent that carbohydrate consumption is relevant for individuals experiencing symptoms of emotional distress, particularly symptoms indicative of depression, and that the individuals with depressive symptoms show a preference for sweet simple carbohydrates. Enduring questions permeating the diet-behavior field are delineated and future research directions are suggested.
Interval boundary element method in the presence of uncertain boundary conditions, integration errors, and truncation errors

In engineering, most governing partial differential equations for physical systems are solved using finite element or finite difference methods. Applications of interval methods have been explored in finite element analysis to model systems with parametric uncertainties and to account for the impact of truncation error on the solutions. An alternative to the finite element method is the boundary element method. The boundary element method uses singular functions to reduce the dimension of the domain by transforming the domain variables to boundary variables. In this work, interval methods are developed to enhance the boundary element method for considering causes of imprecision such as uncertain boundary conditions, truncation error, and integration error. Examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and potential of an interval approach in the boundary element method.
Derivation of a unified transfer function in the theory of flicker.

In the study of the human vision system based on the temporal-modulation transfer-function curve, Kelly [J. Opt. Soc. Am. 59, 1665 (1969); 61, 537 (1971)] proposed two different diffusion models. In Kelly’s second model the theoretical results fitted well with his experimental data in a wide range of adaptation levels. However, from a mathematical point of view, this model was based on formal assumptions without reasonable justifications. The purpose here is to derive a new transfer function utilizing a more rigorous mathematical development and to show that it is compatible with Kelly’s two models.
Target organ regulation of sympathetic neuron development.

Summary The role of target organs in the morphological and biochemical development of sympathetic neurons was examined in the neonatal rat. The superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and its end organs, the salivary glands and iris were employed as a model system. Unilateral sialectomy and iridectomy prevented the normal developmental increase in ipsilateral ganglion tyrosine hydroxylase (T-OH) activity, a marker for adrenergic maturation. Enzyme activity remained depressed by approximately 30% for at least 6 months, the longest time tested. Ganglion morphometry was performed to investigate the basis of the abnormal biochemical ontogeny. Target organ removal significantly decreased the number of adrenergic neurons in the SCG by approximately 30%. Total ganglion volume was reduced in a parallel fashion. Thus, end organ extirpation may prevent the biochemical maturation of the SCG by decreasing adrenergic neuron survival. Sialectomy without iridectomy prevented the normal postnatal increase inganglion T-OH activity, but did not alter iris activity. These observations suggest that target removal prevents the development of only those neurons destined to innervate that organ. In addition to preventing normal adrenergic neuron ontogeny, target extirpation also prevented the normal development of presynaptic choline acetyltransferase activity. Presynaptic ganglion terminals may have failed to mature normally secondary to adrenergic destruction, or may have responded in some other manner to target organ extirpation.
Body condition score and day of lactation regulate fatty acid metabolism in milk somatic cells and adipose tissue of beef cows

Abstract We hypothesized that body condition score ( BCS ) at parturition and day of lactation will alter transcript abundance of mammary and adipose tissue lipogenic enzymes, as well as adipose tissue protein concentrations of lipogenic and transcription factors during early lactation in beef cows fed supplemental fat. Beginning 3 d postpartum three-year-old Angus × Gelbvieh beef cows nutritionally managed to achieve a BCS of 4 ± 0.07 (BW = 479 ± 36 kg; n = 18) or 6 ± 0.07 (BW = 579 ± 53 kg; n = 18) at parturition were assigned to a hay diet plus low-fat control supplement or high-fat supplements (isonitrogenous and isocaloric with 5% of DMI as fat) until day 60 of lactation. At day 30 and day 60 of lactation, somatic cells from 300 mL of milk were collected for ribonuclease protection assay as a measure mammary transcript abundance for lipoprotein lipase ( LPL ), acetyl-CoA carboxylase ( ACC ), fatty acid synthase ( FAS ), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase ( SCD ). Abundance of mRNA was greater for FAS ( P = 0.02) and SCD ( P = 0.04) in cows of BCS 4 compared with 6. By using RT-PCR to quantify mRNA in biopsies of adipose tissue we determined that BCS 4 cows had less mRNA for LPL ( P HSL ) ( P = 0.05) compared with BCS 6 cows. Abundance of LPL mRNA was lower ( P = 0.001) at day 30 postpartum compared to day 60; whereas, HSL mRNA was greater at day 30 ( P P = 0.03) in the BCS 6 cow adipose tissue. Both signal transducer and activator of transcription-subtype 5 (STAT-5) ( P P = 0.05) were greater at day 30 compared to day 60 postpartum. We conclude that abundance of mammary gland lipogenic enzyme mRNA was mainly affected by BCS at parturition; whereas, in adipose tissue, mRNA for enzymes for fatty acid uptake and mobilization, as well as fatty acid transport were affected by both BCS and day of lactation. Also, data suggest there was a shift in nutrient partitioning away from the mammary gland to subcutaneous adipose tissue at 60 d postpartum in beef cows.
Robust signals of coevolution of interacting residues in mammalian proteomes identified by phylogeny-aided structural analysis

The structure of a protein depends critically on the complex interactions among its amino acid residues. It has long been hypothesized that interacting residues might tend to coevolve, but it is not known whether such coevolution is a general phenomenon across the proteome. Here, we describe a novel methodology called phylogeny-aided structural analysis, which uncovers robust signals of interacting-residue coevolution in mammalian proteomes. Furthermore, this new method allows the magnitude of coevolution to be quantified. Finally, it facilitates a comprehensive evaluation of various factors that affect interacting-residue coevolution, such as the physicochemical properties of the interactions between residues, solvent accessibility of the residues and their secondary structure context.
Programmed Logic Array Optimization

This paper presents an account of algorithms, and the execution of their programs, applied to large practical problems, for array logics, programmed logic arrays (PLA's), in particular for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology for the Venus Probe and for certain nuclear propulsion studies. The problem of array logic optimization—covering switching functions—is classical. The use of array logic as a solution to an acute problem of LSI fabrication has led to a resurgence of interest in this problem. A new formulation of the multiple output problem which leads to algorithmic/computational as well as conceptual simplifications is given. Previous methods of handling multiple output problems involved encoding the outputs as inputs and solving as a many-input, single-output problem. The present method encodes these in cubes with input parts and output parts. The classical operators and the execution of algorithms are thus rendered more compact and more efficient.
Themes in the Mediation of Social Conflict

During the last several years there has been an upsurge in interest in the mediation of social conflict. Innovations in mediating disputes at all levels of society have also given rise to research aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of mediation and a better understanding of the nature of the mediation process. We critically examine the burgeoning empirical literature, with particular reference to the research reported in this volume. Four major issues are examined: (1) Evidence about the general effectiveness of mediation, especially in comparison to adjudication; (2) findings regarding the types of disputes and disputing parties for which mediation appears most useful; (3) classification of mediator tactics and evidence regarding the effectiveness of these tactics; and (4) methodological and conceptual problems confronting the student of mediation.
Multicentric Osteoid Osteoma Presenting a Diagnostic Dilemma

We present a case of a relatively common benign tumor that was a diagnostic dilemma because of its atypical appearance in multiple imaging modalities. Our patient was a 22-year-old man who presented with complaint of three months of shin pain with running. The radiographically demonstrated sclerotic lesion in his right tibia initially was thought most likely to be a stress fracture, but on further evaluation, it had features that suggested a subacute osteomyelitis or Brodie’s abscess with focal sequestra. It was in fact, biopsy proven to be an osteoid osteoma with multiple, closely adjacent nidi. Its elongate, multicentric, “string of beads” arrangement as well as its intramedullary location is uncommon and it was larger than normally expected. Because of the unusual presentation and appearance of this lesion it caused a diagnostic dilemma. This lesion was evaluated with a full spectrum of modalities including radiographs, CT, MRI, Technetium 99m-MDP bone scan and Indium-111 white blood cell scan. After biopsy achieved a definite diagnosis, this tumor was successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation of all nidi in one session.
Breast tumor detection using piezoelectric fingers: first clinical report

Background Mammography is key to detection of breast cancer in high-risk populations. Currently, aside from palpation and risk-assessment questionnaires, there is no prescreening test that can improve the accuracy, safety, and cost effectiveness of screening low-risk populations. The piezoelectric finger (PEF) is a radiation-free, portable, and low-cost breast tumor detector we developed to be used as a prescreening tool. Study Design Patients presenting with breast abnormalities detected by palpation or imaging were enrolled in this IRB-approved study. The PEF testing was performed with the patient in supine position before undergoing biopsy or surgical excision. The locations of the lesions detected by PEF were compared with those confirmed on imaging or pathology. Results A total of 40 patients were enrolled and 46 lesions were confirmed by imaging or pathology. The PEF reported 55 lesions, with 9 false positives and 2 true positives not originally found on imaging or palpation. The overall sensitivity of the PEF test was 87% (40 of 46). In women 40 years old or younger, overall sensitivity was or 100% (19 of 19). In women who had a lesion visible on mammography, PEF had a sensitivity of 83% (24 of 29). Of these, in women aged 40 years or younger, PEF identified all 7 mammographically visible lesions, including 2 malignant lesions. When compared with ultrasound, PEF correctly identified 87% (34 of 39) in this group. Of these, in women aged 40 years or younger, PEF identified 100% (19 of 19) of all ultrasound-visible lesions. Conclusions The PEF identified abnormalities in all 39 patients who presented with breast abnormalities and did not demonstrate any false negatives that would prevent the patients from additional evaluation, which makes it a good prescreening tool. In addition, PEF demonstrated 100% sensitivity in women aged 40 years or younger, a traditionally low-risk population.
Words that predict outstanding performance

Abstract This study applied word count strategies developed by expressive writing researchers to examine whether the words students use to describe and reflect on their field practicum experiences would predict practicum supervisors’ ratings of their performance. The weekly journals of 66 students who completed a practicum at a mental health or school setting were analyzed using a computerized text-analysis program. As expected, positive emotion words and “insight” words were positively correlated with almost all dimensions of evaluation, with the exception of organizational ability, and “we” words were associated with dimensions that focused on interpersonal relations. These findings further support the view that positive emotion words and “insight” words are powerful markers of cognitive broadening and behavioral flexibility and that “we” words index feelings of affiliation and belonging. As one might expect, there was an increase in “we” words and a decrease in “anxiety” words over the course of the internship.
Changes in hearing acuity in ambulance personnel

Objectives. To determine whether emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics suffer excessive hearing loss as a result of occupational noise exposure. A secondary objective was to determine...
Defects and electronic structure of interfaces in ZnO: Cluster molecular orbital calculations

Abstract Models for the electronic structures of various native bulk and interface defects in ZnO were constructed on the basis of self-consistent-field X-α scattered wave cluster molecular orbital calculations. The dispositions and characters of the defect states relative to the valence and conduction bands of bulk ZnO have been studied for zinc and oxygen atomic clusters representing a coordinatively unsaturated zinc surface site, free and chemi-sorbed molecular oxygen and zinc and oxygen vacancies. The calculations indicate that coordinative unsaturation at ZnO interfaces (i.e. lattice truncation) does not give rise to defect levels which lie in the ZnO band gap. Upon adsorption at free ZnO interface sites, molecular oxygen forms a deep acceptor. The highest occupied levels are antibonding with respect to the adsorbed O 2 molecule and therefore are expected to facilitate dissociative O 2 chemisorption when fully occupied at higher temperatures and/or bulk electron concentrations. Calculations of ZnO bond-centered clusters, in which zinc and oxygen second nearest neighbors are present, indicate that oxygen vacancies form deep donors ( E D ≈ 2 eV ). Zinc vacancies are predicted to form shallow acceptors ( E ⩾ 0.1 eV ), contrary to experimental data for bulk ZnO. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Increasing rates of labor induction

Abstract Objective: To compare labor induction rates in our referral centers and state with the reported national induction rate. Methods: A space marked ‘induction of labor‘ was available on all birth certificates beginning in 1989. The number of labor inductions was obtained from these certificates from 1990 to 1997, as reported by the New Mexico (NM) State Health Department. Bernalillo County (BC) has the two major referral centers in our state with maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) faculty. The labor induction rates calculated for our county and state were compared with the U.S. induction rate reported by the Centers for Disease Control. Chi-square tests were used for time-trend analyses. Results: A significant increase in the rates of labor induction was seen in each of the three geographic areas during the 8 years studied. The area representing referral centers with MFM faculty had a less marked increase, stabilizing between 13.4% and 14.3%. The table shows the percentage of labors induced each year. Area 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 P US 9.5 10.5 11.4 13.4 14.7 16.0 16.9 18.0 NM 7.9 9.1 10.6 11.7 12.4 14.1 19.3 21.1 BC 8.2 11.2 11.0 9.8 11.5 13.4 14.3 14.1 Conclusions: The practice of labor induction has increased substantially in our state in a manner similar to that reported nationally. Although less abrupt, our referral centers show the same trend. Causes for these increasing trends and their effect on perinatal outcomes merit evaluation.
Shrinkage estimator in normal mean vector estimation based on conditional maximum likelihood estimators

Abstract Estimation of normal mean vector has broad applications such as small area estimation, estimation of nonparametric functions and estimation of wavelet coefficients. In this paper, we propose a new shrinkage estimator based on conditional maximum likelihood estimator incorporating with Stein’s risk unbiased estimator (SURE) when data have the normality. We present some theoretical work and provide numerical studies to compare with some existing methods.
Aluminum Alkoxides as Synthons for Methylalumoxane (MAO): Product-Catalyzed Thermal Decomposition of [Me2Al(μ-OCPh3)]2

The thermal decomposition of [Me2Al(μ-OCPh3)]2, to yield Ph3CMe and methylalumoxane ([MeAlO]n, MAO), is initially catalyzed by the addition of AlMe3; however, the reaction is also catalyzed by the MAO product. The overall reaction rate takes the form: rate = kTMA[{Me2Al(μ-OCPh3)}2][AlMe3] + kMAO[{Me2Al(μ-OCPh3)}2][MAO], where kMAO ≫ kTMA. The ΔH⧧ for the AlMe3- and MAO-catalyzed reactions have been determined as 175 ± 8 and 190 ± 15 kJ·mol-1, respectively. Both reactions show a large positive value of ΔS⧧ (41 ± 8 eu and <53 eu, respectively), indicative of a dissociative reaction. The thermal decomposition of [Me2Al(μ-OCPh3)]2 is also catalyzed by Lewis acids, including AlCl3, AlCl2Me, and AlClMe2. On the basis of the relative rates of the AlMe3-catalyzed thermal decomposition of [Me2Al(μ-OCPh3)]2, [Me2Al(9-Ph-fluoroxy)]2 (1), and [Me2Al(9-Me-fluoroxy)]2 (2) and the MAO-catalyzed C-methylation of [Me2Al(μ-OR)]2 [R = CMePh2 (3), CMe2Ph (4), CH2Ph, C6H11, C6H4-4-tBu (5)], it is proposed that the rate-deter...
Stabilized electro-optical airborne instrumentation platform (SEAIP)

Airborne testing of sensors presents unique challenges to the researcher. Prototype sensors are not typically configured for aircraft mounting, and testing requires comparative (truth) data for accurate sensor performance evaluation. The U.S. Army Redstone Technical Test Center (RTTC) has developed a large Stabilized Electro-optical Airborne Instrumentation Platform (SEAIP) for use with rotary wing aircraft as a sensor test bed. This system is designed to accommodate the rapid integration of multiple sensors into the gimbal, greatly reducing the time required to enter a sensor into testing. The SEAIP has been designed for use with UH-1 or UH-60 aircraft. It provides nominal 35 μradian (RMS) line-of-sight stabilization in two axes. Design has been optimized for support of multiple/large prototype (brassboard) sensors. Payload combinations up to 80 lbs can be accommodated. Gimbal angle ranges are large to permit flexibility for sensor pointing. Target acquisition may be done manually, or with the use of a GPS tracker. Non-visible targets may be engaged, and sensor information may be mapped real-time to digitized maps or photographs of the test area. Two SEAIP systems are currently used at RTTC. Numerous sensors have been successfully integrated and tested, including MMW, LADAR, IR, SAL, multi-spectral, visible, and night vision.
Science and the Humanities: Stephen Jay Gould's Quest to Join the High Table.

Stephen Jay Gould was a scientist, a paleobiologist, who was also a professional-level historian of science. This essay explores Gould’s work, showing how he used the history of science to further his agenda as a working scientist.