cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sequential experimentation and multilevel taguchi designs in simulation metamodeling of a maintenance float problem

Abstract This paper demonstrates the application of a sequential regression metamodeling to equipment maintenance float modeling. A three-level Taguchi design is used in order to estimate linear and quadratic effects. The study starts with an experimental design that utilizes minimal number of simulation trials. The significant main effects are further decomposed in order to examine the significance of their quadratic terms. A regression metamodel that considers both linear and quadratic terms as well as the mixture of their interaction effects is then developed. This model can be used to optimize a particular system. The approach presented in this paper expands the power of simulation modeling by utilizing limited number of simulation runs, making it possible to apply the model in both sensitivity and decision analysis without having to rerun the simulation model when key input variables change within the defined boundary of the problem.
A child with signs of developmental apraxia of speech with whom a palatal lift prosthesis was used to manage palatal dysfunction

A client is described who exhibited a large number of characteristics consistent with developmental apraxia of speech (DAS). The exhibited symptoms included excessive nasal resonance and nasal emission of air due to velopharyngeal port dysfunction, for which successful management was achieved by use of a palatal lift prosthesis. The results of the client's use of the lift, in conjunction with her speech and language remedial programming, is presented.
Multiple Homicide as a Function of Prisonization and Concurrent Instrumental Violence: Testing an Interactive Model—A Research Note

Prisonization (as measured by number of prior incarcerations) and concurrent instrumental offending (as measured by contemporaneous kidnapping, rape, robbery, and burglary offenses) were found to interact in 160 multiple-homicide offenders and 494 single-homicide offenders. Controlling for age, gender, race, criminal history, prior incarcerations, and instrumental contemporaneous offending, the interaction between prior incarceration and instrumental contemporaneous offending was a significant predictor of multiple homicide. These results constitute exploratory evidence suggesting that multiple homicide has a greater likelihood of occurring when prisonization and concurrent instrumental criminal offending are present. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
COMBINATORIAL NOVIKOV–MORSE THEORY

In [7, 8, 9], we developed a combinatorial Morse theory which can be applied to any CW complex. In [25, 26] Novikov presented a generalization of classical Morse theory in which the Morse function is replaced by a closed 1-forms. In this paper we extend our combinatorial Morse theory to include a combinatorial analog of Novikov's theory. Along the way we introduce the notion of a combinatorial differential form which is well-suited to our work, and which may have other applications.
Vibrations and stability of a flexible disk rotating in a gas-filled enclosure—Part 2: Experimental study

The vibrations and acoustic oscillations of a rotating disk coupled to surrounding fluids in an air-filled enclosure are investigated experimentally. Aeroelastically excited disk transverse vibrations are measured in a specially designed enclosure on a high-speed test stand using different disk materials. In addition, acoustic modes are monitored as a function of disk rotating speed using microphones which are installed at the top and bottom covers of the enclosure. It is shown from the acoustic pressure measurements that acoustic modes can be classified as in-plane modes that decouple from disk vibration or out-of-phase modes that couple to disk vibration. Further, it is also shown that with disk rotation both these types of acoustic modes split into forward and backward traveling waves, offering direct evidence of a rotating core in the fluid flow in the enclosure. It is confirmed from measurements of the disk vibration that disk flutter does not occur by mode coalescence but by a damping-induced instability as described in the accompanying theoretical paper. Beyond the flutter speed, it is shown that acoustic pressures oscillate severely at the frequency of disk instability. These phenomena are, for the most part, predicted by accompanying theory. Other phenomena are observed that are not predicted by current theory including moderate amplitude 1/2 rotation speed subharmonics in the disk vibration spectrum. Put together these experiments confirm several theoretical predictions, but also reveal new phenomena that can occur in enclosed rotating disk systems such as in CD/DVD ROMs, hard disk drives, and micro-gas turbines.
Conducting polymers and relativistic field theories

Abstract We review the origins, successes, and limitations of the surprising but valuable connection between “conducting” π-conjugated polymers and relativistic field theory models.
Sediment lipid biomarkers as recorders of the contamination and cultural eutrophication of Lake Erie, 1909–2003

Abstract Lake Erie is a large lake that has a well documented history of changes in organic matter (OM) production. We have evaluated the hydrocarbon (HC), fatty acid (FA) and fatty alcohol (OL) contents of a century-long sediment core from the lake as recorders of the changes in biogeochemical processes that accompanied its eutrophication. Although variations in the concentrations of the three groups of biomarkers are closely linked to changes in primary productivity within the lake, their molecular distributions reflect different aspects of the biogeochemical processes affecting OM preservation and accumulation. Even numbered n-alkenes from C16–C22 constitute an important fraction of the HC composition. Even numbered dominance is observed in the n-alkanes
Effect of Elevation and Aspect on Wind, Temperature and Humidity

Abstract Meteorological patterns around an isolated, conical mountain were analyzed for 2 consecutive years July through October. Nine remote automatic weather stations were deployed on nearly uniform slopes, all four aspects, and over an elevational range of from 2700 to 3300 m. The data were sorted according to light and strong winds, both night and day, in order to highlight influences due to airflow, surface heating and topography. Wind speeds grater than 5 m s−1 negate any slope, elevation or aspect differences present at low wind speeds. Detailed statistical analysis illustrated that the effects of aspect were much more pronounced than the effects of elevation on the wind components and, to a lesser degree on temperature.
Periodic structures and scaling Laws in a magnetic colloid

Phase separation was found in an eicosane-based ferrofluid in zero applied field. Upon applying a magnetic field, the condensed phase breaks up to form a lattice of periodic columns. The periodicity λ scales with the layer thicknessL. Two scaling regimes were found. When thickness is small, where no branching is observed, λ ∞L1/2. In the large-thickness regime, a tree type of structure develops at the tail of each column, and the columns are separated by side bands while the scaling relation crosses over to λ ∞L2/3.
Nonuniform dermal deposition patterns during occupational exposure to pesticides

Dermal exposure to pesticides was characterized by fluorescent tracers, video imaging, and patch sampling during orchard/airblast and greenhouse/handgunner applications. Pesticide deposits on skin and patches were nonuniform over individual body regions. Exposed surface areas of upper body regions of orchard/airblast workers were highly variable, and represented 4–22% of total regional surface areas. Deposition patterns were dependent on work activity and type of application; exposure was highest on the ventral segment of the forearm for mixers, but on the dorsal segment for applicators; exposure to the front of the head was three times higher than to the side of the head for airblast applicators, but three times lower for mixers. Use of different patches to estimate head exposure resulted in two to eight-fold differences dependent on worker activity. Nonuniformity of dermal exposure is the source of substantial uncertainty in exposure and risk assessments of agricultural workers.
Effect of neutron irradiation on fatigue and creep-fatigue crack propagation in alloy 718 at 427°C

Abstract The effects of neutron irradiation on both the fatigue and the creep-fatigue crack propagation performance of alloy 718 were investigated at 427°C at a level of ~7.0 dpa. The experimental results revealed that, for tests conducted with a continuous cyclic load at 0.17 Hz, the rates of crack propagation for both irradiated and unirradiated material conditions were nearly the same and were consistent with the previous results. However, for tests conducted with a one minute tensile hold period at the maximum cyclic load, the crack propagation rate for the irradiated material was found to be an order of magnitude higher than for material tested in the unirradiated condition. Fractographic observations have indicated that the basic mode of crack propagation for the unirradiated material was transgranular, regardless of hold time, as well as for the irradiated material tested with continuous cyclic loading. The crack propagation mode for the irradiated material tested with a one minute hold time was found to be intergranular in character in accordance with the higher crack propagation rates observed. The results suggest that the effects of irradiation exposure may severely reduce the crack propagation performance of alloy 718 during creep-fatigue loading conditions at even moderately elevated temperatures.
APPLICATION OF SUPERPHOSPHATE TO MYCORRHIZAL PLANTS SITIMULATES SPORULATION OF PHOSPHORUS-TOLERANT VERSICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MY CORRHIZAL FUNGI *

SUMMARY Sporulation of Gigaspora margarita, Glomus clarum, Gl, mosseae and Gi. Heterogama was increased significantly after established pot cultures of bahiagras were drenched with superphosphate. However, sporulation of Gl. Etunicatum, Gl. Macrocarpum and Gi. Gigantean was reduced by the superphosphate drench. Generally, improved sporulation after application of superphosphate was associated with phosphorus (P)-tolerance of the mycorrhizl fungi. Gigaspora margarita, Gl. Clarum and Gl. Mosseae could colonize roots in soil that had 199 mg kg −1of acid-extractable P. The other fungi could not colonize roots in this high-P soil. Removal of shoots, application of herbicide, and stresses from drought and exposure to cold and dark did not affect spore numbers significantly.
Identifying the poor in developing countries: Do different definitions matter?

Abstract This paper compares several commonly used definitions of poverty. Household survey data from Cote d'Ivoire are examined to see whether different definitions choose the same people as poor. We find that they often do not choose the same people, even though we, a priori, set all the definitions so that 30% of the population is classified as poor. This implies that different definitions of poverty may lead to different policy recommendations, which suggests that more attention should be given to the choice of a particular definition of poverty when analyzing the effects of economic policies on the poor.
Singlet oxygen in copper-catalyzed lipid peroxidation in erythrocyte membranes

Lipid hydroperoxide was generated in human erythrocyte membranes by irradiation with near ultraviolet (UV) light in the presence of a photosensitizer, hematoporphyrin, but no production of 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive materials (malonaldehyde and its precursors) was detected. Incubation of the irradiated membranes with CuSO4 led to increased levels of hydroperoxide and formation of malonaldehyde. Hydroperoxides were essential for initiating the Cu(II)-catalyzed peroxidation as no significant activity was observed with nonirradiated membranes and Cu(II) unless an organic peroxide, either t-butyl hydroperoxide or cumene hydroperoxide, was added. Catalytic activity was also found with Fe(II), but not with other metal ions tested. The peroxidation catalyzed with Cu(II) was partially inhibited by several singlet oxygen quenchers but was not affected by superoxide dismutase, catalase or OH radical scavengers. The possible involvement of singlet oxygen in the Cu(II)-catalyzed peroxidation reaction was further supported by a 3-fold enhancement of malonaldehyde production in D2O.
APOE ε4 influences β-amyloid deposition in primary progressive aphasia and speech apraxia.

Abstract Background Apolipoprotein E e4 ( APOE e4) is a risk factor for β-amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease dementia. Its influence on β-amyloid deposition in speech and language disorders, including primary progressive aphasia (PPA), is unclear. Methods One hundred thirty subjects with PPA or progressive speech apraxia underwent APOE genotyping and Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) PET scanning. The relationship between APOE e4 and PiB status, as well as severity and regional distribution of PiB, was assessed. Results Forty-five subjects had an APOE e4 allele and 60 subjects were PiB-positive. The odds ratio for a subject with APOE e4 being PiB-positive compared with a subject without APOE e4 being PiB-positive was 10.2 (95% confidence interval, 4.4–25.5; P APOE e4 allele did not influence regional PiB distribution or severity. Conclusion APOE e4 increases the risk of β-amyloid deposition in PPA and progressive speech apraxia but does not influence regional β-amyloid distribution or severity.
Oncogenic aberrations of cullin-dependent ubiquitin ligases

Accumulating evidence points to a key role of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in oncogenesis. Aberrant proteolysis of substrates involved in cellular processes such as the cell division cycle, gene transcription, the DNA damage response and apoptosis has been reported to contribute significantly to neoplastic transformation. Cullin-dependent ubiquitin ligases (CDLs) form a class of structurally related multisubunit enzymes central to the ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis of many important biological substrates. In this review, we describe the role of CDLs in the ubiquitinylation of cancer-related substrates and discuss how altered ubiquitinylation by CDLs may contribute to tumor development.
Regional anesthesia for pain associated with terminal pediatric malignancy

The objectives of this study were to identify the characteristics of children who required regional anesthesia for pain associated with terminal malignancy and to identify the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of regional anesthesia as an analgesic modality in terminal pediatric malignancy. A retrospective examination was made of the medical records of children who died of malignancy following treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts and who required either epidural or subarachnoid infusions, or neurolytic blockade for pain management (June, 1986--April, 1994) during the terminal phase of their illness. Eleven patients were identified, with a duration of epidural or subarachnoid infusions ranging from 3 days to 7 weeks. Indications for this intervention included limiting side effects of opioids, neuropathic pain unresponsive to either rapid escalation of opioids or massive opioid infusions, analgesia for thoracocenteses for the drainage of malignant pleural effusions and instillation of intrapleural chemotherapy. Pain was localized to one area in ll patients. Analgesia was judged to be satisfactory in all cases after regional anesthesia was instituted and remained satisfactory in all cases throughout the treatment course. Complications associated with regional anesthesia included dural puncture headache and mild respiratory depression. Five patients were nursed at home with either epidural or subarachnoid infusions.
Microwave plasma synthesis of Co and SiC-coated Co nanopowders

This work describes the use of microwave plasma synthesis technique to prepare cobalt nanopowders. The effects of flow rate of plasma gas and carrier gas to the average particle size were studied. Modification of the microwave plasma unit can be used to produce Co nanopowders with SiC coating. The Co and SiC-coated Co nanopowders were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Adherence to Physician Recommendation to Colorectal Cancer Screening Colonoscopy Among Hispanics

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among Hispanics in the United States (US), yet the use of CRC screening is low in this population. Physician recommendation has consistently shown to improve CRC screening.
Nitric Oxide in the Early Phase of Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn Piglets † 1764

Nitric Oxide in the Early Phase of Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Newborn Piglets † 1764
Distant futures and the environment

Abstract This paper develops guidelines for long-term environmental policy and an environmental ethical framework that addresses the distant future. It is assumed that humans have an obligation to maintain Earth-life into the distant future, even past the time when the Earth will become uninhabitable. To achieve the goal of maintaining Earth-life into the distant future requires intelligence. Presently, it can be argued that only humans possibly possess the intelligence required to achieve this goal. It is further assumed that if humans become extinct, the chances are poor that Earth-life with the requisite intelligence to achieve this goal will emerge through evolution. It is also assumed that a catastrophic die-off of species on this planet will lead to the extinction of the human species. Taking these assumptions together, then, it is argued that it is imperative that catastrophic die-off of species must be prevented. Several environmental threats to such an event are described and suggestions to overcome the threats are presented. It is argued that the central premise and associated policies and actions represent a unique environmental ethical framework. To ground the discussions, the Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere (SAMAB) region in the Southeastern United States is used for context, background, and transference of general principles to specific environmental policies.
On additive arithmetic functions f(n) for which f(an + b) − f(cn + d) is bounded

Abstract All additive arithmetic functions f(n) for which f(an + b) − f(cn + d) is bounded are characterized. This result, which generalises a theorem of Wirsing, solves a problem of Katai.
Technology and rural mental health.

In addition to the specific and pervasive rural issues of isolation and suitability of services, the rural mental health system faces many of the same problems as the health system in general: access and increasing costs. The introduction of technology adds the unknown dimensions of acceptability and feasibility. Technology has the potential to decrease the gap in services and improve education, support, and connectedness between the client and the provider. As an alternative to traditional face-to-face contact for those in rural and geographically dispersed areas, the Internet potentially can bridge the disparities in health care access for rural mental health services. With an improved understanding based on research, demonstration studies of model applications, and evidence of outcomes, the emerging technologies can serve as tools to achieve the major goals of preventing, assessment, and treating serious mental illnesses in the rural communities with less barriers and stigma.
Chromatin at the intersection of viral infection and DNA damage

During infection, viruses cause global disruption to nuclear architecture in their attempt to take over the cell. In turn, the host responds with various defenses, which include chromatin-mediated silencing of the viral genome and activation of DNA damage signaling pathways. Dynamic exchanges at chromatin, and specific post-translational modifications on histones have recently emerged as master controllers of DNA damage signaling and repair. Studying viral control of chromatin modifications is identifying histones as important players in the battle between host and virus for control of cell cycle and gene expression. These studies are revealing new complexities of the virus-host interaction, uncovering the potential of chromatin as an anti-viral defense mechanism, and also providing unique insights into the role of chromatin in DNA repair.
Estimating the destructiveness of crossover on binary tree representations

In some cases, evolutionary algorithms represent individuals as typical binary trees with n leaves and n-1 internal nodes. When designing a crossover operator for a particular representation and application, it is desirable to quantify the operator's destructiveness in order to estimate its effectiveness at using building blocks. For the case of binary tree representations, we present a novel approach for empirically estimating the destructiveness of any crossover operator by computing and summarizing the distribution of Robinson-Foulds distances from the parent to the entire neighborhood of possible children. We demonstrate the approach by quantifying the destructiveness of a popular tree-based crossover operator as applied to the problem of phylogenetic inferencing. We discuss the benefits and limitations of the destructiveness metric.
Automatically discovering properties that specify the latent behavior of UML models

Formal analysis can be used to verify that a model of the system adheres to its requirements. As such, traditional formal analysis focuses on whether known (desired) system properties are satisfied. In contrast, this paper proposes an automated approach to generating temporal logic properties that specify the latent behavior of existing UML models; these are unknown properties exhibited by the system that may or may not be desirable. A key component of our approach is Marple, a evolutionary-computation tool that leverages natural selection to discover a set of properties that cover different regions of the model state space. The Marple-discovered properties can be used to refine the models to either remove unwanted behavior or to explicitly document a desirable property as required system behavior. We use Marple to discover unwanted latent behavior in two applications: an autonomous robot navigation system and an automotive door locking control system obtained from one of our industrial collaborators.
A microcontroller‐based data‐logger design for seasonal hydrochemical studies

Detailed studies of seasonal patterns of karst processes are rare in remote regions with limited winter access. An important aspect of erosional and environmental processes is how these change over time, and how they relate to annual cycles of temperature, precipitation and runoff. Such measurements have consistently proved difficult in remote alpine areas, resulting in a paucity of continuous data from these environments. An automated data-logger installation designed to perform under difficult conditions, including limited sunlight for solar recharge, heavy snowfall and disturbance by bears, has provided four years of data at a 2-hour sampling interval of electrical conductivity (used to predict solute concentration), water level (used to predict discharge) and temperature, at the Marble Mountains karst resurgence, California, USA. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incongruity between occupational interests and academic skills in drug abusing women

Abstract This study assessed the occupational interests and academic skills of 50 patients of a center for addiction and pregnancy. Patient ratings of 31 occupations showed that a subset of ten occupations (telephone operator, cosmetologist, mail clerk, data entry operator, child care worker, receptionist, office clerk, word processor, billing clerk, secretary) were of interest to significantly more subjects than other occupations (P ≤ 0.05). Most of the desired occupations were office jobs requiring basic skills not possessed by most study participants. Although participants had completed a mean (range) of 11 (8–15) years of education, their mean (range) grade levels of reading, spelling and arithmetic were estimated at 6.9 (0.8–12), 6.8 (1–12), and 5.7 (2–11.8) years, respectively. These data suggest that the study participants will need basic skills training to achieve their occupational goals. Importantly, patient ratings also indicated that most participants were interested in receiving the needed training. Overall, the study suggests that provision of basic academic skills training may improve the long-term employment outcomes of these drug abusing women.
A chapter from lamaze history: birth narratives and authoritative knowledge in france, 1952-1957.

This article analyzes birth narratives gathered during what can be considered a formative period of the Lamaze movement in the West: from 1952 through Fernand Lamaze's death in early 1957. The use of women's birth narratives as an assessment tool is one of Dr. Lamaze's most enduring contributions to obstetric pain management. The early work of Lamaze and his collaborator Pierre Vellay provided a template for studies conducted elsewhere for decades to come. By examining expectations in another time and place, our own standards, so often normalized to the point of invisibility, are thrown into sharp relief. This article addresses the conflicting and contested nature of authoritative knowledge surrounding parturition.
The 4He total photo-absorption cross section with two- plus three-nucleon interactions from chiral effective field theory

The total photo-absorption cross section of {sup 4}He is evaluated microscopically using two- (NN) and three-nucleon (NNN) interactions based upon chiral effective field theory ({chi}EFT). The calculation is performed using the Lorentz integral transform method along with the ab initio no-core shell model approach. An important feature of the present study is the consistency of the NN and NNN interactions and also, through the Siegert theorem, of the two- and three-body current operators. This is due to the application of the {chi}EFT framework. The inclusion of the NNN interaction produces a suppression of the peak height and enhancement of the tail of the cross section. We compare to calculations obtained using other interactions and to representative experiments. The rather confused experimental situation in the giant resonance region prevents discrimination among different interaction models.
Evaluating CAD-CAM Generated Ceramic Veneers

As the CAD-CAM technique has been expanded to include porcelain facings, of particular interest is adapting the veneer to the prepared surface. In a comparison of the gap dimension of CAD-CAM generated veneers to those produced in the laboratory, no statistically significant differences were detected.
Experimentation with a transcranial magnetic stimulation system for functional brain mapping

We describe functional brain mapping experiments using a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device. This device, when placed on a subject's scalp, stimulates the underlying neurons by generating focused magnetic field pulses. A brain mapping is then generated by measuring responses of different motor and sensory functions to this stimulation. The key process in generating this mapping is the association of the 3-D positions and orientations of the TMS probe on the scalp to a 3-D brain reconstruction such as is feasible with a magnetic resonance image (MRI). We have developed a registration system which not only generates functional brain maps using such a device, but also provides real-time feedback to guide the technician in placing the probe at appropriate points on the head to achieve the desired map resolution. Functional areas we have mapped are the motor and visual cortex. Validation experiments focus on repeatability tests for mapping the same subjects several times. Applications of the technique include neuroanatomy research, surgical planning and guidance, treatment and disease monitoring, and therapeutic procedures.
Focus on the Advances in Nanomedicine Symposium, 233rd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, 2006

Nanomedicine – a concept that encompasses the myriad of applications of nanotechnology toward the betterment of human health – has become as inclusive as nanotechnology itself. Nevertheless, this term describes both conveniently and aptly the current efforts to develop nanoscale materials and metrologies for biomedical purposes, with staunch investments made by government agencies and increasing attention being paid to issues of regulatory concern. To the reader, it will be no surprise that nanomedicine has been making rapid advancements on numerous fronts, several of which were featured in a dedicated symposium last September at the 233rd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Francisco (CA, USA). Included among the recent nanomedical advances that were discussed during the meeting are nanoengineered materials for drug delivery, functionalized nanoparticles for imaging and therapy, organic and inorganic nanostructures with applications in tissue engineering and nanoscale substrates and devices for ex vivo biomedical diagnostics. This issue of Nanomedicine features several reviews and a research article that highlight some of the exciting research presented in San Francisco last year. A topical review by Victor Lin and colleagues discusses recent applications of mesoporous silica nanoparticles as vehicles for drug, gene and neurotransmitter delivery applications. The authors believe that many new and exciting applications of these novel materials will soon be realized. Wafa’ Al-Majal and Kostas Kostarelos provide an updated perspective on liposome-encapsulated particles (e.g., quantum dots, small iron oxide nanoparticles and silica and polystyrene nanoparticles) as hybrid nanostructures. Liposomes can make nanoparticles biocompatible and offer a clinically proven (having been in clinical use for over 10 years), versatile platform for the further extension of nanoparticle use in medicine. This review illustrates specific benefits of liposome use in biomedical applications. Vincent Rotello and colleagues review the use of functionalized gold nanoparticles as adjuvants for gene and drug delivery. These particles have unique dimensions and tunable functionalities, which make them particularly promising candidates for drug-delivery applications.
Desensitization of nicotine acetylcholine receptors: Modulation by kinase activation and phosphatase inhibition

Abstract The desensitization of α-bungarotoxin-insensitive native neuronal nicotinic receptors was studied in rat cortical cell cultures using the patch clamp technique. Thirty-minute perfusions of nicotine reduced currents evoked by short test pulses of 300 μM acetylcholine over a range of 3 to 300 nM, with an IC 50 of 51 nM. The time course of desensitization onset was fit by a biexponential function consisting of a fast time constant of about 1 min and a slower component of 6–10 min. The desensitization recovery process was also biexponential and was dominated by a slow time constant of 12–20 min, as well as a minor component of about 1 min. The intracellular dialysis of either the protein kinase C activator phorbol-12-myristate-13 acetate or the phosphatase inhibitor cyclosporin A accelerated the desensitization recovery rate by 2-fold. The data imply that endogenous cortical nicotinic receptor channels may enter one of two desensitization states. The first state (D 1 ) is characterized by rapid entry and recovery, whereas transitions into and out of the second state (D 2 ) occur at slower rates. The D 2 receptor state may arise by a sequential transition from the D 1 conformation. Protein kinase C activation or phosphatase 2B inhibition may favor the D 1 receptor state over that of D 2 to promote faster overall rates of desensitization recovery.
Temperature sensitivity of seeded second-harmonic generation in germanosilicate optical fibres

To evaluate models for efficient second-harmonic generation based on charge transport by hopping, we have prepared fibres at 300 and 77 K. No significant differences in the evolution and conversion and efficiency were observed.
3-D motion estimation by integrating visual cues in 2-D multi-modal opti-acoustic stereo sequences

Object reconstruction and target-based positioning are among critical capabilities in deploying submersible platforms for a range of underwater applications, e.g., search and inspection missions. Optical cameras provide high-resolution and target details, but their utility becomes constrained by the visibility range. In comparison, high-frequency (MHz) 2-D sonar imaging systems introduced to the commercial market in recent years can image targets at distances of tens of meters in highly turbid waters. Where fair visibility permits optical imaging at reasonable quality, the integration with 2-D sonar data can enable better performance compared to deploying either system alone, and thus enabling automated operation in a wider range of conditions. We investigate the estimation of 3-D motion by exploiting the visual cues in optical and sonar video for vision-based navigation and 3-D positioning of submersible platforms. The application of structure from motion paradigm in this multi-modal imaging scenario also enables the 3-D reconstruction of scene features. Our method does not require establishing multi-modal association between corresponding optical and sonar features, but rather the tracking of features in the sonar and optical motion sequences independently. In addition to improving the motion estimation accuracy, another advantage of the proposed method includes overcoming the inherent ambiguities of monocular vision, e.g., the scale-factor ambiguity and dual interpretation of motion relative to planar scenes. We discuss how our solution can also provide an effective strategy to address the complex opti-acoustic stereo matching problem. Experiment with synthetic and real data demonstrate the advantages of our technical contribution.
A Descriptive Study of Child Molestation: Victim and Offender Characteristics

The vast majority of studies focusing on child sexual abuse have been paved in psychological, social and historical perspectives. These studies often concern descriptions of the child sexual abuse offenders and their victims. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.) Behavioral Science unit has contributed a substantial amount of information regarding sexual child abuse. Typologies of child sexual abuse
On Varying-coefficient Independence Screening for High-dimensional Varying-coefficient Models

Varying coefficient models have been widely used in longitudinal data analysis, nonlinear time series, survival analysis, and so on. They are natural non-parametric extensions of the classical linear models in many contexts, keeping good interpretability and allowing us to explore the dynamic nature of the model. Recently, penalized estimators have been used for fitting varying-coefficient models for high-dimensional data. In this paper, we propose a new computationally attractive algorithm called IVIS for fitting varying-coefficient models in ultra-high dimensions. The algorithm first fits a gSCAD penalized varying-coefficient model using a subset of covariates selected by a new varying-coefficient independence screening (VIS) technique. The sure screening property is established for VIS. The proposed algorithm then iterates between a greedy conditional VIS step and a gSCAD penalized fitting step. Simulation and a real data analysis demonstrate that IVIS has very competitive performance for moderate sample size and high dimension.
Stem cells and osteoporosis therapy.

Skeletal remodeling requires recruitment of osteoblast precursors, in the form of MSCs, to the bone surface. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Wu et al. (2010) demonstrate that this event is mediated by osteoclastic mobilization of active transforming growth factor β1, which is inhibited by a common antiosteoporosis drug.
Impedance spectroscopy of organic hetero-layer OLEDs as a probe for charge carrier injection and device degradation

Impedance spectroscopy (IS) is a powerful method for characterizing the electrical properties of materials and their interfaces. In this study we use IS to investigate the charge carrier injection properties of different anodes and anode treatments in bottom-emitting organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). These are ITO-based (indium tin oxide) hetero-layer devices with TPD (N,N'-diphenyl-N,N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1'-biphenyl-4,4-diamine) as hole transporting layer (HTL) and Alq3 (tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum) as emission and electron transporting layer (EML and ETL, respectively). A detailed analysis of the capacitance as function of frequency and DC bias yields information about trapped and interfacial charges as well as the dynamics of injected charges. Furthermore, we use IS to study degradation processes in OLEDs.
Intra-eruption changes in composition of some mafic to intermediate tephras in Central America

Abstract Tephras provide stratigraphic control that allows documentation of changes in magma composition during eruptions. Stratigraphic sections of five recent mafic tephra deposits show a variety of different changes in composition, but three patterns stand out: elements abundant in plagioclase, Al, Sr and to a lesser extent Ca, are sometimes concentrated in the earliest eruptive products; elements common in ferromagnesian minerals, Mg, Fe, Cr and Ni, are usually concentrated in the latest eruptive products; the incompatible elements and Si are highest during the early phases of the eruption, although the very first erupted material will not have the highest incompatible element and Si contents if a high proportion of plagioclase crystals are present. The unusual pattern is the enrichment of Al, Sr and Ca in the earliest phases of eruptions. The two most mafic tephra sequences show the most enrichment, the intermediate tephras show slight enrichment and the most silicic sequence, which also had the longest repose interval, has an opposite pattern. Plagioclase phenocrysts are able to float in some mafic magmas, especially, when aided by the adherence of vesicles to their surfaces. Mafic magmas, especially water-rich ones, appear to have low enough viscosity to allow phenocryst sorting during the rise of magma to the surface. Random samples will not represent either the liquid component of the erupted magma or the parental magmatic liquid. Stratigraphic sampling of tephras produced by disruption of such magma is essential for deducing preeruptive conditions.
Paleoclimatic implications of the high stand of Lake Lahontan derived from models of evaporation and lake level

Based on previous climate model simulations of a split of the polar jet stream during the late Pleistocene, we hypothesize that (1) 20–13.5 ka BP, season-to-season variation in the latitudinal maximum of the jet stream core led to enhanced wetness in the Great Basin, and (2) after 13.5 ka BP, northward movement of the jet stream resulted in increased aridity similar to today. We suggest that the enhanced effective wetness was due to increased precipitation combined with an energy-limited reduction in evaporation rates that was caused by increased summer cloud cover. A physically based thermal evaporation model was used to simulate evaporation for Lake Lahontan under various hypothesized paleoclimates. The simulated evaporation rates, together with hypothetical rates of precipitation and discharge, were input to a water balance model of Lake Lahontan. A 42% reduction in evaporation rate, combined with maximum historical rates of precipitation (1.8 times the mean annual rate) and discharge (2.4 times the mean annual rate), were sufficient to maintain Lake Lahontan at its 20-15 ka BP level. When discharge was increased to 3.8 times the present-day, mean annual rate, the ∼ 13.5 ka BP maximum level of Lake Lahontan was attained within 1400 years. A 135-m drop from the maximum level to Holocene levels was simulated within 300 years under the imposition of the present-day hydrologic balance.
Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase is required for N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide-induced reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis

The synthetic retinoid N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) exhibits anticancer activity in vivo and triggers apoptosis in transformed cells in vitro. Thus, apoptosis induction is acknowledged as a mechanistic underpinning for 4HPR's cancer preventive and therapeutic effects. Apoptosis induction by 4HPR is routinely preceded by and dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in transformed cells. Very little evidence exists, outside the possible involvement of the mitochondrial electron transport chain or the plasma membrane NADPH oxidase complex, that would pinpoint the predominant site of 4HPR-induced ROS production in transformed cells. Here, we investigated the role of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH; an enzyme associated with the mitochondrial electron transport chain and required for de novo pyrimidine synthesis) in 4HPR-induced ROS production and attendant apoptosis in transformed skin and prostate epithelial cells. In premalignant prostate epithelial cells and malignant cutaneous keratinocytes the suppression of DHODH activity by the chemical inhibitor teriflunomide or the reduction in DHODH protein expression by RNA interference markedly reduced 4HPR-induced ROS generation and apoptosis. Conversely, colon carcinoma cells that lacked DHODH expression were markedly resistant to the pro-oxidant and cytotoxic effects of 4HPR. Together, these results strongly implicate DHODH in 4HPR-induced ROS production and apoptosis.
Inhibition of hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis by 13-cis-retinoic acid

Abstract Sixty-four male and female Syrian hamsters, 3 months of age and weighing 90 to 120 grams, were divided into four equal experimental groups. In animals of Groups 1 and 2 the left buccal pouch was painted three times weekly with a 0.5 percent solution of DMBA in heavy mineral oil. Group 2 animals also received 10 mg. of 13-cis-retinoic acid in peanut oil administered orally twice a week by pipette. Carcinogen and retinoid were administered on alternate days. Group 3 animals served as controls, receiving only 13-cis-retinoic acid. Group 4 animals served as untreated controls. Four animals in each group (two males and two females) were killed at 10, 12, 14, and 16 weeks. The Group 2 animals, which received 13-cis-retinoic acid, exhibited a significant delay in DMBA carcinogenesis of buccal pouch mucosa, as studied both grossly and histologically. Both groups eventually demonstrated well-differentiated epidermoid carcinomas, but the tumors were smaller in the DMBA-retinoid animals.
ENTHALPIES OF HYDROGENATION AND OF FORMATION OF 1-PHENYL CYCLOALKENES

Abstract The results of measurements are reported for the enthalpies of hydrogenation of 1-phenylcyclohexene, 1-phenylcycloheptene and 1-phenylcyclooctene. Enthalpies of formation of the (Z)- and (E)-isomers of these species are derived using molecular mechanics and the current and literature measurements.
Developments in Train Control Worldwide

This paper summarizes the evolution of train control systems for mass transit railways over the last 100 years; from wayside signals, to cab signals, to profile-based systems, to communications-based train control systems. Operational and performance benefits realized with the newer technology systems are discussed, together with the challenges of implementing such systems. Standardization initiatives are also described and industry trends presented.
Reactivity Patterns of Carbon Cluster Cations with Nitrogen-Containing Molecules

Reaction kinetics of cyclic carbon cluster ions C10+ to C24+ with acrylonitrile, four isomeric C4 nitriles, and pyrrole and pyridine are reported at 300 K. A prominent 4-fold periodicity was observed in reactivity with the five nitriles, with the highest reactivity being observed for the n = 4k + 1 series of Cn+ cluster ions. This is interpreted as reflecting enhanced reactivity for the Cn+ cluster ions which have an antiaromatic 4k electron count in the HOMO. The reactivity dropped off markedly with increasing cluster size, which is considered to indicate sharply decreasing cluster-ion/nitrile binding energy with increasing cluster size. By contrast, nearly all the cluster ions reacted rapidly with pyridine and pyrrole. A two-step mechanistic picture is discussed in which the overall reaction rate is controlled by the initial electronic interaction between the cluster ion and the neutral reactant, while subsequent bond-making/bond-breaking reactions are governed by the potential surface of the complex an...
Correlates of Past Homelessness in the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

This study sought to investigate correlates of past homelessness, especially mental illness and substance abuse, using data from the National epidemiological survey on alcohol and related conditions (NESARC), a large nationally representative survey conducted in 2001-2002. Multivariate analyses showed that the factors most strongly related to past homelessness were diagnoses of behavioral health conditions which showed consistently stronger association than sociodemographic characteristics, measures of economic well being, or general health indicators. The results presented here confirm in a nationally representative sample a number of single site studies that have also demonstrated the over representation of both mental illness and substance abuse disorders in homeless populations.
Studies on the infracerebral gland of the polychaete annelid, Nereis limnicola, in relation to reproduction, salinity, and regeneration

Abstract The a cells of the infracerebral gland, which in the viviparous, freshwater polychaete Nereis limnicola are unusually large and well-developed, were studied in relation to oocyte maturation and viviparity, salinity, and regeneration. The results showed that morphological changes in the a -cells were correlated only with maturation and viviparity. The infracerebral gland increased in thickness during oocyte maturation due to hypertrophy of the a cells, which give the gland the configuration of a columnar epithelium. This hypertrophy was accompanied by enlarged a -cell nuclear volume, which reached maximum at fertilization and decreased during the intracoelomic development of the larvae. It is unlikely that the unusual size of the infracerebral gland in N. limnicola is related to an osmoregulatory function or to the production of known endocrine factors, as has been previously speculated. It is suggested that the hypertrophy of the a -cells in this species is probably linked to some aspect of metabolism related to its viviparous reproduction, perhaps early development of the yolk-deficient oocytes.
Injuries from assaults on paramedics and firefighters in an urban emergency medical services system.

Objective. To determine the nature and frequency of injuries resulting from assaults on paramedics and firefighters in a large, fire department-based emergency medical services (EMS) system. Methods. This was a descriptive study involving retrospective analysis of an occupational injury database. All injury reports involving assaults from 1996 to 1998 were reviewed. Variables examined included the employee's age, sex, work assignment, and activity being performed when assaulted, the time of day and day of the week of the assault, the nature of the injury, whether medical care was sought, and whether time was lost from work. Assaults were classified as “intentional,” if the perpetrator intended to harm the victim, or “unintentional,” if the injury resulted from a patient's inadvertently striking the victim due to an acute medical condition. Results. There were 1,100 injury reports submitted during the study period, of which 44 (4.0%, 95% CI 0-10.9%) involved an assault. Paramedics were assaulted in 35 (79....