cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contributions of Dr. Sirajul Husain in the Greatest Unsolved Problems in Cognitive Science

The most significant contribution of Dr. Sirajul Husain is a theory of consciousness that has offered solutions to the three major unsolved problems in Cognitive Science: How a conscious experience arises in a physical brain, how it acquires meaning, and how meaning is represented in the brain. His research marks a major paradigm shift by his introduction of a non-reductionist approach to the phenomenon of consciousness as the foundation of cognition. His insightful prediction of a novel society of non-coding genes as a non-reductive source for emergence of consciousness, (International Conference on “Toward a Science of Consciousness”, University of Arizona, 2004) was based on his conviction that consciousness cannot be reduced to brain physiology, and that it emerges as a field, with neurobiology essentially acting as a neurocatalyst. His prediction was duly fulfilled by a monumental discovery of a set of forty nine non-coding genes, (University of California, Santa Cruz, 2006), in particular, RNA gene (HAR1F), which was found to be responsible for development of human cerebral cortex, the centre of cognitive process. These favourable circumstances led Dr. Husain to develop a unified cognitive field theory of consciousness, which mathematically describes the cognitive kinematics of how meaning arrives in a conscious experience and how it is represented, essentially independent of a language. In order to account for semantic relativistic effect that arises when conscious experiences are expressed using a natural languages, Dr. Husain propounded a non-Euclidean, curved, four-dimensional space, termed sense-sound continuum, comprising of auditory, visual, somatosensory, and sound, for conserving semantic invariance of a conscious experience. Dr. Husain’s interdisciplinary research in consciousness and cognitive science has a far reaching impact on several disciplines, from reconciliation of theory of relativity and quantum mechanics to a theory of everything, from psychiatry to mind-body medicine, and to theology. However, by far the most significant aspect of his research is toward a theory of human mind, the most efficient, self-regulating system in nature that is known to function at negative entropy. One can say we are entering an Era of the Mind, vis-a-vis the Decade of the Brain, of the nineties. NeuroQuantology | June 2013 | Volume 11 | Issue 2 | Page 305-313
Rapid spectroscopic confirmation of the presence of polystyrene in polymer particles of mixed composition

A technique for rapid determination of the presence of polystyrene in individual micron-diameter polymer particles of mixed composition is presented. This technique is based upon observation of visible emission from conjugated regions of the polymer backbone, generated photochemically, while the particle is held in an optical trap. Particle emission characteristics are dependent upon particle size and suspending solvent. Emission spectra are provided for single component polystyrene particles and mixed polymer particles containing poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone), and polystyrene. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 999–1004, 1998
Multi-attribute choice and affect: The influence of naturally occurring and manipulated moods on choice processes

Based on a two-dimensional model of affect that views Pleasantness and Arousal as affect's two primary dimensions, this study investigates the effects of emotions on choice processes and outcomes. In Study 1, subjects first described their naturally occurring emotional state and then performed two multi-attribute product choice tasks. Subjects in more pleasant mood deliberated longer, used more decision-related information, re-examined more previously examined information, and made more interdimensional moves. Subjects in more aroused mood spent less time deliberating, revealed less information, ignored more product-describing attributes, and re-examined less of previously examined information. Study 2 replicated many of these effects with experimentally manipulated emotions and using a managerial decision-making task. The results are interpreted in terms of (1) a congruency between one's hedonic state and selected decision strategy and (2) a restriction in attentional capacity induced by increased Arousal.
Estimation of the mean field bias of radar rainfall estimates

Abstract In this paper procedures are developed for estimating the mean field bias of radar rainfall estimates. Mean field bias is modeled as a random process that varies not only from storm to storm but also over the course of a storm. State estimates of mean field bias are based on hourly raingage data and hourly accumulations of radar rainfall estimates. The procedures are developed for the precipitation processing systems used with products of the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system. To implement the state estimation procedures, parameters of the bias model must be specified. Likelihood-based procedures are developed for estimating these parameters. A simulation experiment is carried out to assess performance of the parameter estimation procedure. Convergence of parameter estimators is rapid for the cases studied, with data from approximately 25 storms providing parameter estimates of acceptable accuracy. The state estimation procedures are applied to radar and raingage data from the 27 May ...
The influence of examiner race on the cognitive functioning of urban and rural children of different races

Abstract Urban and rural girls enrolled in second grades of a school system in the South were randomly assigned to black and white examiners to be tested on an individually administered intelligence test. The interaction of race of examiner, race of subject, and location of subject's home on test performance was investigated using a factorial design employing analysis of covariance. This interaction was not significant. However, as found in other studies, the white children as a group scored significantly higher than the black children. A discussion of conditions in which an interaction relationship may result is presented.
Developmental toxicity of four model alkylating agents on japanese medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) embryos

As public and scientific interest increases in identifying in vitro alternatives to whole-animal testing, there is a need to characterize the responses of in vitro systems to defined chemical agents. In this paper we have utilized the medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryo culture system to examine the developmental toxicity of a series of chemically defined model alkylating agents. The medaka embryo culture system was used because it offers numerous advantages over other in vitro embryo systems. This study has examined the developmental toxicity of four model alkylating agents: methylnitrosourea (MNU), ethylnitrosourea (ENU), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). These alkylating agents represent chemical models for compounds that are environmental and occupational pollutants. The embryotoxic parameters that were monitored include embryolethality and specific malformations. Medaka embryos in early organogenesis (stage 20) were exposed for 2 h to the test compound at concentrations ranging from 0.75 to 120 mM. The embryos were cultured at 20°C in Petri dishes and were assessed daily for viability and gross malformations until hatching. All agents tested produced concentration-dependent decreases in viability and increases in malformations. The developmental toxicity of the four alkylating agents examined is, in order of decreasing potency, MNU > ENU > MMS > EMS. A similar spectrum of malformations was produced following exposure to each alkylating agent; however, agents undergoing first-order nucleophilic substitution reactions were more potent developmental toxins than those agents which undergo second-order nucleophilic substitution reactions. Observed abnormalities included flexure, cardiac, optic, and cephalic malformations.
Development of an integrated cell culture—Real-time RT-PCR assay for detection of reovirus in biosolids

Abstract The current method for viral detection in biosolids is a plaque assay, as specified by the EPA in the 40 CFR Part 503 rule. Development of an integrated cell culture-polymerase chain reaction (ICC-PCR) assay has allowed detection of viruses that are under-detected and undetected by the plaque assay. This study examined the efficiency of the ICC-PCR method to detect mammalian orthoreovirus, a virus typically under-detected in biosolids. Biosolid samples seeded with mammalian orthoreovirus type 1 (Lang) detected to 3 × 105 plaque forming units (pfu) with a plaque assay, 102 pfu equivalents with real-time RT-PCR and no incubation, and 108 pfu equivalents with real-time RT-PCR after 7 days incubation. More infectious virus was detected using ICC-real-time RT-PCR than a plaque assay. Twenty-four environmental samples from three locations around the United States did not plaque with the EPA method; however the ICC-PCR detected infectious reovirus in 13 of the samples. Raw biosolids samples accounted for 12 of the positive samples, and 1 positive was from an aerobically digested sample.
Evaluating MIMO systems with multi-polarized antennas.

It is well known that spatially separated antennas can provide uncorrelated signals in a rich scattering environment. Under suitable conditions, orthogonally polarized antennas can provide uncorrelated signals without requiring any or much spatial separation. The channel capacity gains that result from MIMO (in general) depend heavily on the scattering environment. In this paper, we are interested in studying the capacity gains (or losses) that result from using co-located multi-polarized antennas in relation to that which would result from using an antenna array with spatially separated antennas. These gains are likely a function of the scattering environment and propagation conditions. To facilitate this study, we utilize a physical model for MIMO wireless channels, which takes into account scatterer geometry, gain and polarization pattern of the antenna and polarization coupling mechanism, among other details. The channel capacity performance of three different 3 × 3 MIMO configurations are reported for various different channel scenarios. The results indicate that a multi-polarized tripole antenna configuration provides robust MIMO performance for all the channel scenarios considered. A multimode patch antenna configuration also displays robust performance and also has the added advantage of being co-planar.
Neighborhood Necessities: Seven Functions that Only Effectively Organized Neighborhoods Can Provide

Ours is an era of “pulling back.” Our institutions— not-for-profit organizations, government, and businesses—are downsizing, retracting, and sequestering. These are all names for the process by which systems are occupying less space in society. They are beginning to abandon functions they had previously claimed to perform. Whether they are schools, medical systems, police departments, human service systems, or businesses, they are receding. The functional space they no longer occupy creates either a crisis or an opportunity.
Experimental determination of domain orientations and domain orientation relationships across lamellar interfaces in polysynthetically twinned TiAl crystals

Abstract Six domain orientations in an as-grown polysynthetically twinned (PST) TiAl crystal are unambiguously determined. Fifteen domain orientation relationships across lamellar interfaces (not including those across order-translational lamellar interfaces) are uniquely identified. The atomic arrangements of these 15 domain orientation relationships are investigated. Domains within a lamellar lath are related to each other by a 120°-rotation: either domains [I] to [III] or domains [IV] to [VI] are within a lamellar lath. Diffraction patterns across the lamellar interfaces show that a 1 01] zone disordered twin diffraction pattern (the twin diffraction pattern without superlattice diffraction spots) taken parallel to the lamellar interfaces cannot unambiguously determine whether the interface is a true-twin related interface or a pseudo-twin related interface. A second different zone diffraction pattern is necessary to characterize the twin-related interfaces but 2 11> zone diffraction patterns can not be used to determine the twin relationships since the diffraction spots from both crystals are coincident. A diffraction criterion for an unambiguous determination of domain orientations and domain orientation relationships across lamellar interfaces is proposed.
RSSI Based Indoor Localization for Smartphone Using Fixed and Mobile Wireless Node

Nowadays with the dispersion of wireless networks, smartphones and diverse related services, different localization techniques have been developed. Global Positioning System (GPS) has a high rate of accuracy for outdoor localization but the signal is not available inside of buildings. Also other existing methods for indoor localization have low accuracy. In addition, they use fixed infrastructure support. In this paper, we present a novel system for indoor localization, which also works well outside. We have developed a mathematical model for estimating location (distance and direction) of a mobile device using wireless technology. Our experimental results on Smartphones (Android and iOS) show good accuracy (an error less than 2.5 meters). We have also used our developed system in asset tracking and complex activity recognition.
Effect of dilution media type and temperature on measurement of sperm membrane integrity

Experiments were performed to determine the effects of dilution media type and temperature on sperm membrane integrity (SMI; %) when using a fluorescence-based (propidium iodide, PI) commercial instrument (NucleoCounterTM, ChemoMetec, Allerod, Denmark) Preliminary experiments with four temperatures and eight dilution media were conducted to select two temperatures (22 C, 15 C) and three dilution media (phosphate buffered saline without CaCl2 and MgCl2 [PBS], PBS with CaCl2 and MgCl2 [PBS+CaMg], and lactated Ringer’s solution [LRS]) for final evaluation. Three ejaculates from each of five stallions (n1⁄415) were subjected to each of six treatments (PBS, PBS+CaMg, or LRS set at 15 or 22 C), and SMI was determined using methodology provided by the manufacturer. Dilution ratio with media varied from 1:100 to 1:200, depending on sperm concentration of raw semen. Samples were inserted in the instrument for analysis immediately following dilution in media. Data were analyzed using analysis-of-variance procedures (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) and are presented as mean SEM. Temperature 22 C yielded higher SMI than 15 C over all media (72 2 vs. 66 2, respectively; p<0.05); however, a media-bytemperature interaction was detected (p<0.05). At 15 C,
Operating Efficiencies of a Lysholm, Helical Expander for Brayton-Cycle Heat Engines

Operating tests on a Lysholm helical expander have been done to develop a data base for comparing the performance of helical expanders with turbine expanders by using simple scaling arguments. The eventual goal of such work would be to develop a rugged and reliable ceramic helical expander for operating at temperatures up to 1300/sup 0/C (2400/sup 0/F). We used a 127.5 mm (5.020 in.) metal expander on which we measured seven performance variables against applied pressure ratio at six shaft speeds and an inlet gas temperature of 100/sup 0/C (212/sup 0/F). Our data system included: a torque and angular-speed cell to measure power; flow, pressure, and temperature instrumentation; and a data reduction program. Test results are presented in seven data plots; equations for computing the performance variables are tabulated. Adiabatic efficiency was found to be at least 85% in the pressure ratio range of 2.75 to 5.00. Performance is strongly influenced by gas leakage. Large machines with clearance ratios the same as smaller machines would benefit by size scaling effects. We expect that ceramic helical expanders for 1300/sup 0/C service would be able to operate at adiabatic efficiencies higher than 85%. 9 refs., 12 figs., 1 tab.
Enhancing Plastic Yielding in Polyestercarbonate Glasses by 1,4-Cyclohexylene Linkage Addition

Two series of polyestercarbonates containing 1,4-cyclohexylene linkages were designed and synthesized to allow investigation of the relationship between local molecular motion and mechanical proper...
Modulation of activin and BMP signaling

Activins and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) elicit diverse biological responses by signaling through two pairs of structurally related types I and II receptors. Here, we summarize recent advances in understanding the mode of action of activins and BMPs, focusing on our elucidation of the crystal structure of BMP-7 in complex with the extracellular domain (ECD) of the activin type II receptor and our identification of a binding site for activin on the type I receptor ALK4. As a consequence of the broad range of activities of activins and BMPs, it is perhaps not surprising that additional mechanisms are continually being discovered through which a cell's responsiveness to these ligands is modulated. In this review, we describe novel ways in which the two extracellular cofactors, betaglycan and Cripto, regulate BMP and/or activin signal transduction.
Response to Early Literacy Instruction: Practical Issues for Early Childhood Personnel Preparation.

Abstract Converging research has demonstrated the importance of early literacy intervention to prevent reading disabilities. However, no one program can meet the needs of all children. One proposed revision of current special education identification procedures is known as the response‐to‐intervention (RTI) model. RTI will require that early childhood educators deliver research‐based early literacy instruction, assess children's progress in the curriculum, and develop intensive individualized interventions to improve outcomes for children who do not make adequate progress. This article addresses the challenge facing professionals who provide preservice and in‐service early childhood teacher education and who must train personnel to implement RTI.
COPI-mediated protein and lipid sorting in the early secretory pathway

The major function of the secretory pathway of eukaryotes is to maintain the compartmental organization of the endomembrane system and organelle-associated functions by proper distribution of newly synthesized molecules. Protein and lipid transport is mediated by vesicular intermediates that connect the various organelles throughout this pathway. This principle enables the eukaryotic cell to actively sort proteins and lipids at every level of this route, in both the anterograde and the retrograde direction. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of nonclathrin (COPI and COPII)-coated-vesicle biogenesis and how transport vesicle formation is linked to protein and lipid sorting in the early secretory pathway.
A method for obtaining benchmark Navier-Stokes solutions

A refinement to an established method for obtaining benchmark Navier–Stokes solutions is presented. Pressure and body forces are derived explicitly such that the momentum equations are satisfied. The problem is reduced to determining a streamfunction in separation of variables form that describes a desired flow pattern. Examples based upon the well-known shear flow cavity are presented. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adeno‐associated viral vector transduction of green fluorescent protein in kidney: effect of unilateral ureteric obstruction

OBJECTIVE To evaluate adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated renal gene transfer, by examining the localization and time course of gene expression in the kidneys of mice with unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) and controls. AAV is a replication-defective virus that has the potential to deliver genes into the kidney to improve renal damage after UUO. MATERIALS AND METHODS An AAV vector carrying a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene (rAAV-GFP) was used. In control mice, GFP expression was evaluated at 4, 7, 14 and 28 days after intrapelvic injection of rAAV or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In mice with UUO, the left ureter was obstructed, and 24 h later either rAAV or PBS was injected; GFP expression was evaluated 4, 7 and 14 days later by direct fluorescence. RESULTS In the control mice, at least 7 days was required to detect GFP expression, whereas after UUO, GFP expression was already evident at 4 days after injection. GFP was localized mainly to the medullary tubules. CONCLUSIONS This study shows successful transduction of GFP into mouse kidney using an AAV vector; GFP was expressed sooner in UUO kidneys than in the controls. These results show the feasibility of using AAV to transduce GFP into the obstructed kidney, and suggest that it might be useful in transducing therapeutically active agents.
RESIDUAL STRESS OF Pt FILMS WITH Ti AND TiOx ADHESION LAYERS ON Si AND SAPPHIRE SUBSTRATES

ABSTRACT The residual stress and morphology of Pt electrodes were investigated using Ti and titanium oxide (TiOx) adhesion layers. Conventional or rapid thermal annealing (RTA) was used to compare the morphologies. The morphology depended on the substrate, adhesion layer, and annealing conditions, with large hillocks formed for electrodes incorporating Ti on Si. Electrode stacks utilizing TiOx adhesion layers resulted in residual stresses that were ∼50% less than those with Ti. Ba0.60Sr0.40TiO3 (BST) thin films were deposited onto several electrodes to investigate the integrity of the electrode/film heterostructures. Delamination or roughening of the film was observed depending on the adhesion layer.
Influence of kraft pulping on carboxylate content of softwood kraft pulps

This study characterizes changes in fiber charge, which is the carboxylate content of fibers, for two sets of kraft pulps: (1) conventional laboratory cooked loblolly pine kraft pulps and (2) conventional pulping (CK) versus low solids pulping (LS) pulps. Laboratory kraft pulping of loblolly pine was carried out to study the influence of pulping conditions, including effective alkali (EA), sulfidity, and pulping temperature, on fiber charge. The results indicated that, when pulping to the same H-factor, low EA charge and low pulping temperature are favorable for increasing bulk carboxylic acid group content of fibers. Sulfidity did not have an obvious effect on bulk or surface carboxylic acid group content of fibers. Surface charge was not significantly affected by pulping temperature. Bulk fiber charge has a linear relationship with water retention value. Roughnesses of holocellulose fiber handsheets were determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). No apparent relationship between roughness and surface...
AGATE: A High Energy Gamma-Ray Telescope Using Drift Chambers

The exciting results from the highly successful Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) has contributed significantly to increasing our understanding of high energy gamma-ray astronomy. A follow-on mission to EGRET is needed to continue these scientific advances as well as to address the several new scientific questions raised by EGRET. Here we describe the work being done on the development of the Advanced Gamma-Ray Astronomy Telescope Experiment (AGATE), visualized as the successor to EGRET. In order to achieve the scientific goals, AGATE will have higher sensitivity than EGRET in the energy range 30 MeV to 30 GeV, larger effective area, better angular resolution, and an extended low and high energy range. In its design, AGATE will follow the tradition of the earlier gamma-ray telescopes, SAS-2, COS B, and EGRET, and will have the same four basic components of an anticoincidence system, directional coincidence system, track imaging, and energy measurement systems. However, due to its much larger size, AGATE will use drift chambers as its track imaging system rather than the spark chambers used by EGRET. Drift chambers are an obvious choice as they have less deadtime per event, better spatial resolution, and are relatively easy and inexpensive to build. Drift chambers have low power requirements, so that many layers of drift chambers can be included. To test the feasibility of using drift chambers, we have constructed a prototype instrument consisting of a stack of sixteen 1/2m × 1/2m drift chambers and have measured the spatial resolution using atmospheric muons. The results on the drift chamber performance in the laboratory are presented here.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GLOBAL SOURCES OF ATMOSPHERIC SOIL DUST IDENTIFIED WITH THE NIMBUS 7 TOTAL OZONE MAPPING SPECTROMETER (TOMS) ABSORBING AEROSOL PRODUCT

[1] We use the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) sensor on the Nimbus 7 satellite to map the global distribution of major atmospheric dust sources with the goal of identifying common environmental characteristics. The largest and most persistent sources are located in the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in a broad “dust belt” that extends from the west coast of North Africa, over the Middle East, Central and South Asia, to China. There is remarkably little large-scale dust activity outside this region. In particular, the Southern Hemisphere is devoid of major dust activity. Dust sources, regardless of size or strength, can usually be associated with topographical lows located in arid regions with annual rainfall under 200–250 mm. Although the source regions themselves are arid or hyperarid, the action of water is evident from the presence of ephemeral streams, rivers, lakes, and playas. Most major sources have been intermittently flooded through the Quaternary as evidenced by deep alluvial deposits. Many sources are associated with areas where human impacts are well documented, e.g., the Caspian and Aral Seas, Tigris-Euphrates River Basin, southwestern North America, and the loess lands in China. Nonetheless, the largest and most active sources are located in truly remote areas where there is little or no human activity. Thus, on a global scale, dust mobilization appears to be dominated by natural sources. Dust activity is extremely sensitive to many environmental parameters. The identification of major sources will enable us to focus on critical regions and to characterize emission rates in response to environmental conditions. With such knowledge we will be better able to improve global dust models and to assess the effects of climate change on emissions in the future. It will also facilitate the interpretation of the paleoclimate record based on dust contained in ocean sediments and ice cores.
Identification of two hERR2-related novel nuclear receptors utilizing bioinformatics and inverse PCR.

Abstract Identification of novel nuclear receptors based on the highly conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD) has previously depended mainly on low stringency hybridization of cDNA libraries and degenerate PCR. Establishment of the expressed sequence tag (EST) database in recent years has provided an alternative approach for the discovery of novel members of gene families. The rate-limiting step is the conversion of ESTs to full-length cDNA. This article describes the identification of two novel nuclear receptors (hERRβ2 and hERRγ2) related to human estrogen-receptor-related receptor 2 (hERR2) by mining the EST database and retrieving of full-length cDNA via inverse PCR on subdivided primary cDNA library pools. The deduced protein sequences of hERRβ2 and hERRγ2 contain 500 and 458 amino acid (aa) residues respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that hERRβ2 and hERRγ2 respectively share 95% and 77% overall aa sequence identity with hERR2. However, the extra C-terminal domain in hERRβ2 and extra N-terminal domain in hERRγ2 are not present in the closely related hERR2 or mouse ERR2 (mERR2). Extensive sequence verification revealed that hERR2 previously reported as a human gene is actually a rat gene, whereas hERRβ2 is the true human ortholog of hERR2 and mERR2. Tissue distribution studies showed that hERRγ2 was expressed in a broader panel of tissues at a higher level than hERRβ2. hERRβ2 was mapped to cytogenetic locus 14q24.3∼–14q31, a region containing multiple loci involved in genetic diseases, including Alzheimer and diabetes. hERRγ2 was mapped to 1q32. Given the high sequence homology between hERRβ2 and mERR2, the two receptors may have similar biological function in vivo.
Potentiation of oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced neuronal death after induction of iNOS.

Background and Purpose Previous studies have shown that brain ischemia and other insults can induce a marked increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in astrocytes and some immune cells, but the biological significance of this phenomenon has not been elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether this induction of astrocyte iNOS alters neuronal vulnerability to severe hypoxic insults. Methods Astrocytic iNOS was induced by exposure of murine cortical cultures to interferon gamma in combination with either interleukin-1β or lipopolysaccharide. Cultures were exposed to combined oxygen-glucose deprivation. The extracellular concentration of glutamate was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. N -Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity was assessed by measurement of 45Ca2+ influx; neuronal death was assessed by morphological examination and quantitated by measurement of lactate dehydrogenase efflux to the bathing medium. Results In murine neocortical cell cultures containing neurons and astrocytes, neuronal injury induced by combined oxygen-glucose deprivation was not reduced by the addition of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitors N G-nitro-l-arginine or L G-nitro-arginine methyl ester. However, after induction of astrocyte iNOS activity with interferon gamma plus lipopolysaccharide or interleukin-1β, oxygen-glucose deprivation–induced neuronal injury was markedly enhanced and nitric oxide synthase inhibitors became protective. This iNOS-mediated potentiation was associated with a large increase in both extracellular glutamate accumulation and 45Ca2+ influx into neurons. The potentiation could be blocked by MK-801 but not CNQX, suggesting critical involvement of NMDA receptor activation. Conclusions These results support the idea that nitric oxide production mediated by induced astrocytic iNOS can potentiate NMDA receptor–mediated neuronal death consequent to hypoxic-ischemic insults.
Doppler blood velocity assessment based on image analysis of video-tape-recorded image data

A novel method for a fully automated determination of maximum blood velocity curves in Doppler ultrasound flow diagrams is reported. The method bases on VCR-recorded image sequences and hence uses an image processing scheme. Time-sequences of flow diagrams are evaluated and a chronological sequence of cardiac cycles is extracted. The cardiac cycles are numerically evaluated and the results in form of the peak velocity and the velocity-time-integral are reported.
The capacity limitations of orientation summary statistics

The simultaneous–sequential method was used to test the processing capacity of establishing mean orientation summaries. Four clusters of oriented Gabor patches were presented in the peripheral visual field. One of the clusters had a mean orientation that was tilted either left or right, whereas the mean orientations of the other three clusters were roughly vertical. All four clusters were presented at the same time in the simultaneous condition, whereas the clusters appeared in temporal subsets of two in the sequential condition. Performance was lower when the means of all four clusters had to be processed concurrently than when only two had to be processed in the same amount of time. The advantage for establishing fewer summaries at a given time indicates that the processing of mean orientation engages limited-capacity processes (Exp. 1). This limitation cannot be attributed to crowding, low target–distractor discriminability, or a limited-capacity comparison process (Exps. 2 and 3). In contrast to the limitations of establishing multiple summary representations, establishing a single summary representation unfolds without interference (Exp. 4). When interpreted in the context of recent work on the capacity of summary statistics, these findings encourage a reevaluation of the view that early visual perception consists of creating summary statistic representations that unfold independently across multiple areas of the visual field.
Internally pressurized elliptical composite cylinders

Abstract Presented is the development of a semi-analytical solution based on minimization of the total potential energy, the Rayleigh–Ritz procedure, and the Kantorovich method, to study the response of elliptical composite cylinders to internal pressure. Using the solution, the response of a quasi-isotropic elliptical cylinder is compared with the response of a quasi-isotropic circular cylinder to study the effects of noncircular geometry. The distinguishing features of the response of an ellipse are the inward normal displacement at the ends of the major diameter that occur despite the outward force of the internal pressure, the presence of circumferential displacements, and the presence of inplane shear strains. These effects lead to spatial variations, including sign reversals, of a number of displacement, strain, and curvature responses. To study the influence of material orthotropy, the responses of axially stiff and circumferentially stiff elliptical cylinders are also examined. It is shown that in some instances material orthotropy can be used to mitigate the influence of the elliptical geometry, and make particular responses look like those of a circular cylinder.
Issues on simulation and optimization II: targeting aviation delay through simulation optimization

Analyses of benefits due to changes in the National Airspace System (NAS) tend to focus on the delay reduction (or similar metric) given a fixed traffic schedule. In this paper, we explore the use of simulation optimization to solve for the increased traffic volume that the proposed change can support given a constant delay. The increased traffic volume as a result of the change can therefore be considered another benefit metric. As the NAS is a highly nonlinear stochastic system, the technique required to compute the increase traffic volume necessarily requires stochastic optimization methods.
Ecological limits to terrestrial biological carbon dioxide removal

Terrestrial biological atmospheric carbon dioxide removal (BCDR) through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECS), afforestation/reforestation, and forest and soil management is a family of proposed climate change mitigation strategies. Very high sequestration potentials for these strategies have been reported, but there has been no systematic analysis of the potential ecological limits to and environmental impacts of implementation at the scale relevant to climate change mitigation. In this analysis, we identified site-specific aspects of land, water, nutrients, and habitat that will affect local project-scale carbon sequestration and ecological impacts. Using this framework, we estimated global-scale land and resource requirements for BCDR, implemented at a rate of 1 Pg C y−1. We estimate that removing 1 Pg C y−1 via tropical afforestation would require at least 7 × 106 ha y−1 of land, 0.09 Tg y−1 of nitrogen, and 0.2 Tg y−1 of phosphorous, and would increase evapotranspiration from those lands by almost 50 %. Switchgrass BECS would require at least 2 × 108 ha of land (20 times U.S. area currently under bioethanol production) and 20 Tg y−1 of nitrogen (20 % of global fertilizer nitrogen production), consuming 4 × 1012 m3 y−1 of water. While BCDR promises some direct (climate) and ancillary (restoration, habitat protection) benefits, Pg C-scale implementation may be constrained by ecological factors, and may compromise the ultimate goals of climate change mitigation.
Dopamine D1 receptors and phosphorylation of dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 in the medial preoptic area are involved in experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior in rats.

The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is an integral site for male sexual behavior. Dopamine is released in the MPOA before and during copulation and facilitates male rat sexual behavior. Repeated sexual experience and noncopulatory exposures to an estrous female facilitate subsequent copulation. However, the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate such enhancement remain unclear. Here, we examined the role of dopamine D₁ receptors in the MPOA in experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior in rats. In experiment 1, microinjections of the D₁ antagonist SCH-23390 into the MPOA before each of seven daily 30-min noncopulatory exposures to a receptive female impaired copulation on a drug-free test on Day 8, compared to vehicle-treated female-exposed animals. Copulatory performance in drug-treated animals was similar to that of vehicle-treated males that had not been preexposed to females. This effect was site specific. There were no group differences in locomotor activity in an open field on the copulation test day. In experiment 2, a separate cohort of animals was used to examine phosphorylation of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) in the MPOA of animals with acute and/or chronic sexual experience. DARPP-32 is a downstream marker of D₁ receptor signaling and substrate of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Western immunoblot analysis revealed that p-DARPP-32 expression was greatest in the MPOA of males that received both acute and chronic sexual experience, compared to all other mated conditions and naive controls. These data suggest that D₁ receptors in the MPOA contribute to experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior, perhaps through a PKA regulated mechanism.
The Effect on Voters of Misleading, Confusing, and Difficult Ballot Titles

AMERICAN voters are constantly being asked to vote on one or another issue, such as state constitutional amendments, bond issues, and initiative petitions. One estimate is that as many as 16,000 such issues are submitted to voters each year (Clubb and Traugott, 1972). The decisions made by the voters not only make public policy, but also have substantial influence on public opinion. For example, the passage of Proposition 13 in California stimulated many other tax reductions, a result not previously achieved by the numerous letters and public opinion polls in which voters had complained about high taxes. This article is about the ballot titles used to describe those issues. The title on the ballot is the single most important piece of information about the issue, because it is the item that each voter is most likely to see, and it is the last item that the voter sees before voting. No studies have been reported, however, on voter interpretation or understanding of ballot titles.' The possibility that the wording of the
Postnatal development of frequency and intensity sensitivity of neurons in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of kittens

Abstract Tuning curves and spike count-vs.-intensity functions were derived from tone-burst responses of single neurons of the anteroventral cochlear nucleus of kittens 4–45 days of age. During the first postnatal week tuning curves are relatively shallow and thresholds are high. With advancing age there is a progressive reduction in threshold and sharpness of tuning. Sharpening of tuning during the first several weeks postpartum seems to be due to a differential reduction in threshold between CF and frequencies below CF. Spike count-vs.-intensity functions are steep in young kittens as compared to adults. During the first few postnatal weeks the dynamic range and shapes of the functions take on the characteristics of adult AVCN neurons.
Time course of peptidergic expression in fetal suprachiasmatic nucleus transplanted into adult hamster.

Abstract The time course of peptidergic expression in fetal suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) grafted into the third ventricle of adult hamsters was compared to SCN in situ in age-matched animals. Specifically, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide- (VIP), vasopressin- (VP) and neuropeptide Y- (NPY) like immunoreactivity in SCN was examined after transplantation into adult hosts on embryonic day 15 (E15) and in age-matched control SCN tissue. The results indicate that the grafted SCN expresses VIP by day 7–10, VP by day 10–16, and NPY by day 19–25 after transplantation. The SCN in situ expresses VIP by E14, VP by postnatal day 1 (P1), and NPY by P7. The transplantation procedure seems to produce a developmental regression or delay of a few days in detectable peptidergic expression in the SCN. The developmental delay seen in tissue implanted into the third ventricle is substantially less than that previously reported in SCN tissue implanted into the anterior chamber of the eye27. The delay in peptidergic expression in transplanted SCN tissue may account, in part, for the delay in restoration of circadian locomotor rhythmicity following transplantation of SCN into lesioned adult hosts.
Functionalization of cross-linked poly(styrene) in the preparation of a PET target material

Abstract In an effort to prepare an improved carbon-rich target material for the generation of [ 13 N]ammonia for use in PET, styrene was polymerized and cross-linked with various percentages of divinylbenzene (DVB). The resulting copolymers were then sulfonated and nitrated and the degree of substitution was determined by elemental analysis. As expected, increased levels of DVB sterically hindered substitutions of the aromatic ring.
The presence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens plasmid DNA in crown gall tumour cells.

SUMMARY: DNA hybridization studies indicate the presence of DNA complementary to Agrobacterium tumefaciens plasmid in bacterium-free crown gall tumour cells. The amount of this DNA is estimated to be about 0.1% of the tumour cell DNA.
Conditioning of an odor aversion in preweanlings with isolation from home nest as the unconditioned stimulus.

Four experiments assessed the acquisition of aversions by preweanling rats to odors experienced during isolation from their home-nest environment. Conditioned aversion occurred for animals given a second novel odor paired with the home-nest environment, depending upon the duration of the odor-isolation pairing. With a brief duration of pairing (two pairings of 3 min each) novel odors became more preffered when paired with isolation or, to a lesser extent, when paired with home. With longer durations of pairing (two pairings of 4 hr each) the odor paired with isolation became absolutely aversive, although the odor paired with home did not become absolutely preferred. With intermediate durations neither aversion nor preference for the odors was substantial. Animals conditioned at ages 9, 16 or 23 days postnatal acquired aversions to odors paired with isolation, but 30-day-old rats did not.
Adaptive Location-Oriented Content Delivery in Delay-Sensitive Pervasive Applications

In this paper, we introduce a delay-sensitive service that involves transmitting large amounts of location-based data to nodes at multiple locations. Given a limited amount of access points (APs) and an abundance of service requests that result from the nodes moving around, a typical content delivery service would inevitably introduce considerable delay. To solve this problem, we analyze the movement pattern of mobile nodes and approximate it as a semi-Markov process. Based on this model, we explore different components of the underlying service delay and propose that APs should use a multicast strategy to minimize the queuing delay component. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of employing nodes, which already have their own local copies of location-relevant data, to relay such data to other nodes by employing one or multiple communication channels. Lastly, we examine the resulting algorithms and study their performance relative to baseline content-delivery schemes through simulations.
AGA Gastroenterology Training Exam (GTE): a progress report.

Subspecialty fellowship program directors (PDs) are keenly interested in monitoring and enhancing their trainees’ academic progress throughout their fellowship experience. In addition to assessing trainee clinical acumen and knowledge base, PDs are required to demonstrate growth in clinical performance to validate advancement to subsequent training years, for which training programs have been confronted with increasing requirements by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The ACGME has established core competency domains under which trainee progress can be objectively evaluated (medical knowledge, patient care, practice-based learning and improvement, systems-based practice, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism). These assessments potentially identify strengths and weaknesses at the individual level, prompting additional study and clinical exposures in these domains. Further, these evaluations facilitate the PDs’ identification of potential strengths and deficiencies in fellowship training at the institution, such that one can optimize the focus of future didactic lectures, faculty and program development, and potentially even strategic faculty recruitment. The standardized training examination addresses both educational development of the individual trainee, and resources in imparting training and education on the part of the training program. Therefore, the goal of such an examination needs to be formative, that is, to perform an assessment that will provide feedback to the trainee and PD which can be used to inform future teaching and learning opportunities. This is in contrast to American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certification, which functions as a summative examination and is intended to evaluate clinical proficiency and competence for licensing purposes. Given the objective of the GTE, gastroenterology fellows are encouraged to not dedicate formal “study” in anticipation of taking the GTE.
Distal embolization is common after directional atherectomy in coronary arteries and saphenous vein grafts

Abstract Coronary embolization is a complication of coronary intervention procedures. The incidence, predictors, and clinical significance of this phenomenon during directional atherectomy were examined in 111 consecutive patients who underwent directional atherectomy to 120 lesions. Distal embolization occurred in 31 (28%) of the patients. It was noted mainly in the saphenous vein graft group of patients (12 [48%] of 25) versus the native coronary group (19 [22% of 86]; p = 0.01). Clinical predictors were age and de novo lesions. Morphologic predictors were larger artery size, larger postprocedure minimal luminal diameter, calcific lesions, and type C lesions. The only difference in clinical outcome was a longer hospitalization in the distal embolization group with 3.9 ± 3.7 days versus the rest of the patients 2.4 ± 2.4 days ( p = 0.01). In the majority of patients there was no significant adverse clinical outcome.
Monsters of the Sea Serpent: Parasites of an Oarfish, Regalecus russellii

Abstract: Examination of a small portion of the viscera of an oarfish (Regalecus russellii) recovered from Santa Catalina Island, southern California, revealed numerous tetraphyllidean tapeworm plerocercoids, Clistobothrium cf. montaukensis; 2 juvenile nematodes, Contracaecum sp.; and a fragment of an adult acanthocephalan, family Arhythmacanthidae. This suggests that the fish was relatively heavily parasitized. The presence of larval and juvenile worms suggests that oarfish are preyed upon by deep-swimming predators such as the shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, known to be a definitive host for the adult tapeworm, and also by diving mammals such as sperm whales, Physeter catodon L., hosts of Contracaecum spp. nematodes.