cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ECCI based characterization of dislocation shear in polycrystalline arrays during heterogeneous deformation of commercially pure titanium

Abstract A new electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI) based approach for the characterization of heterogeneous plastic deformation across multiple grains in a polycrystal is presented. The nature of the shear accommodation at grain boundaries has been assessed by evaluating the spatial distribution of dislocations and slip system activities near the boundaries and relating these observations to standard slip transfer criteria and the global state of stress. The direction of slip band propagation, and consequently the location of dislocation slip band nucleation, was determined by characterizing the slip band widths across individual grains. This assessment leads to a better understanding of the factors involved in polycrystalline deformation, including the grain boundary shear accommodation associated with both dislocation pile-ups and grain boundary dislocation nucleation. Because ECCI allows study of dislocation structures over large surface areas, and thus larger overall volumes than typically are accessible by other techniques, the overall approach allows the dislocation distribution across individual grains to be understood in terms of the broader polycrystalline constraints.
Introduction to theoretical neurobiology

The human brain contains billions of nerve cells whose activity plays a critical role in the way we behave, feel, perceive, and think. This two-volume set explains the basic properties of a neuron - an electrically active nerve cell - and develops mathematical theories for the way neurons respond to the various stimuli they receive. Volume 1 contains descriptions and analyses of the principal mathematical models that have been developed for neurons in the past thirty years. It provides a brief review of the basic neuroanatomical and neurophysiological facts that will form the focus of the mathematical treatment. Tuckwell discusses the mathematical theories, beginning with the theory of membrane potentials. He then goes on to treat the Lapicque model, linear cable theory, and time-dependent solutions of the cable equations. He concludes with a description of Rall's model nerve cell. Because the level of mathematics increases steadily upward from Chapter Two, some familiarity with differential equations and linear algebra is desirable.
Role of Oxidative Stress in Mediating Elevated Blood Pressure with Aging

Blood pressure increases with age in men and women. Whether and how oxidative stress plays a role in mediating hypertension has been under intense study for the past 10 years. Although most animal studies have shown that oxidative stress will increase blood pressure, the clinical trials using antioxidants to treat hypertension in humans have not been successful. One theory for how oxidative stress increases blood pressure is that oxidants cause an increase in renal vasoconstriction that increases sodium and water reabsorption by the kidney. However, whether the blood pressure in males and females responds the same to increases in oxidative stress is not clear. There are several problems with regard to the study of oxidative stress: the lack of consistent measurements of oxidative stress, lack of specific inhibitors of oxidants or scavengers of reactive oxygen species, and the lack of specific, selective ways to increase oxidative stress in animal models. Problems in human studies contribute additional roadblocks to answering the questions of whether and how oxidative stress contributes to hypertension, such as genetic differences in the population, lack of power to take into consideration that men and women may respond differently to antioxidants, and lack of separation of genders in analyses of the data. This review will address these issues.
Extrachromosomal circular DNA, microDNA, without canonical promoters produce short regulatory RNAs that suppress gene expression

ABSTRACT Interest in extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) molecules has increased recently because of their widespread presence in normal cells across every species ranging from yeast to humans, their increased levels in cancer cells, and their overlap with oncogenic and drug-resistant genes. However, the majority of eccDNA (microDNA) are too small to carry protein coding genes. We have tested functional capabilities of microDNA, by creating artificial microDNA molecules mimicking known microDNA sequences and have discovered that they express functional small regulatory RNA including microRNA and novel si-like RNA. MicroDNA is transcribed in vitro and in vivo independent of a canonical promoter sequence. MicroDNA which carry miRNA genes form transcripts which are processed into mature miRNA molecules, through the endogenous RNA-interference pathway, which repress a luciferase reporter gene as well as endogenous mRNA targets of the miRNA. Further, microDNA containing sequences of exons repress the endogenous gene from which the microDNA was derived through the formation of novel si-like RNA. We also show that endogenous microDNA associate with RNA polymerases subunits POLR2H and POLR3F. Together, these results suggest that microDNA may modulate gene expression through the production of both known and novel regulatory small RNA.
Sonication and Short-term Incubation Alter the Content of Bovine Milk Exosome Cargos and Exosome Bioavailability (OR26-08-19)

Objectives Exosomes are endogenous nanoparticles that participate in cell-to-cell communication through the transfer of cargos such RNAs, lipids and proteins from donor cells to recipient cells. Previously, we showed that mammals absorb exosomes from milk. Ultrasonication causes a transient disruption of the exosome membranes, leading to loss of microRNAs. When mice were fed diets based on the AIN-93G formulation, modified to contain a physiological amount of milk exosomes (exosome and RNA-sufficient diet, ERS) or sonicated exosomes (exosome and RNA-depleted diet, ERD), we observed a loss of circulating and tissue microRNAs and phenotypes such as aberrant purine metabolism. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis ofthe effects of sonication on exosomes cargos and bioavailability, thereby generating insights into mechanisms through which ERD elicits phenotypes.
The Minimal Clinically Important Difference for PROMIS Physical Function in Patients With Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthritis

Background: This study was performed to determine the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) computer adaptive test (CAT) for patients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed data from 152 adults receiving surgical and nonsurgical care for unilateral thumb CMC arthritis at a single institution between January 2016 and January 2018. Patients completed PROMIS PF v1.2/2.0 CAT at each visit. At follow-up, patients also completed two 6-item anchor questions assessing the degree of perceived improvement. Statistical testing analyzed the ability of the clinical anchor to discriminate levels of improvement. An anchor-based MCID estimate was calculated as the mean PROMIS PF change score in the mild improvement group. The anchor-based MCID value was examined for the influence of patient age, initial and final PROMIS scores, and follow-up interval. A distribution-based MCID value was calculated incorporating the standard error of measurement and effect size. Results: The change in PROMIS PF scores was significantly different between encounters where patients reported no change, mild improvement, and much improvement. The anchor-based MCID estimate for PROMIS PF was 3.9 (95% confidence interval, 3.3-4.7). Individual MCID values were weakly correlated with the final absolute PROMIS PF score but did not correlate with patient age, time between visits, or the initial absolute PROMIS PF score. The distribution-based MCID value was 3.5 (95% confidence interval, 3.1-3.9). Conclusions: The estimated range of MCID values for PROMIS PF is 3.5 to 3.9 points in patients treated for thumb CMC arthritis.
Accelerated Material-Efficient Investigation of Switchable Hydrophilicity Solvents for Energy-Efficient Solvent Recovery

In most chemical industries, solvent removal and recovery processes are heavily dependent on hazardous volatile solvents with energy-intensive distillation processes because of their ease of separa...
Herding a Deluge of Good Samaritans: How GitHub Projects Respond to Increased Attention

Collaborative crowdsourcing is a well-established model of work, especially in the case of open source software development. The structure and operation of these virtual and loosely-knit teams differ from traditional organizations. As such, little is known about how their behavior may change in response to an increase in external attention. To understand these dynamics, we analyze millions of actions of thousands of contributors in over 1100 open source software projects that topped the GitHub Trending Projects page and thus experienced a large increase in attention, in comparison to a control group of projects identified through propensity score matching. In carrying out our research, we use the lens of organizational change, which considers the challenges teams face during rapid growth and how they adapt their work routines, organizational structure, and management style. We show that trending results in an explosive growth in the effective team size. However, most newcomers make only shallow and transient contributions. In response, the original team transitions towards administrative roles, responding to requests and reviewing work done by newcomers. Projects evolve towards a more distributed coordination model with newcomers becoming more central, albeit in limited ways. Additionally, teams become more modular with subgroups specializing in different aspects of the project. We discuss broader implications for collaborative crowdsourcing teams that face attention shocks.
Age-related outcomes of arteriovenous grafts for hemodialysis access.

Abstract Background The prevalence of end-stage renal disease spans the spectrum of age. Arteriovenous grafts are viable alternatives for hemodialysis access in patients whose anatomy precludes placement of an arteriovenous fistula. This report describes the age-related outcomes after arteriovenous graft placement in a population-based cohort. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients who initiated hemodialysis in the U.S. Renal Data System (2007-2014). The χ2 test, t-test, Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test, and multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were employed to evaluate access maturation, interventions, patency, and mortality. Results Of the 78,341 patients studied, 10,150 (13%) were younger than 50 years, 13,167 (16.8%) were 50 to 59 years, 19,975 (25.5%) were 60 to 69 years, 20,307 (25.9%) were 70 to 79 years, and 14,742 (18.8%) were 80+ years. There was no significant difference in access maturation time for patients in the older age categories compared to patients younger than 50 years. Primary patency at 5 years comparing Conclusions In this population-based cohort of hemodialysis patients, there was no significant association between older age and prosthetic graft maturation or patency. However, older age was associated with a decrease in severe graft infection and the expected increase in mortality.
Development of reference summer weather years for analysis of overheating risk in buildings

Overheating in buildings arising from climatic extreme heat events has been identified as a health concern to vulnerable occupants. However, there have been very limited studies to generate suitabl...
Investigation of Thermal Properties of β-Ga2O3 Nanomembranes on Diamond Heterostructure Using Raman Thermometry

The β-Ga2O3 nanomembrane (NM)/diamond heterostructure is one of the promising ultra-wide bandgap heterostructures that offers numerous complementary advantages from both materials. In this work, we have investigated the thermal properties of the β-Ga2O3 NM / diamond heterostructure with three different thicknesses of -Ga2O3 nanomembranes (NMs), namely 100 nm, 1000 nm, and 4000 nm thick β-Ga2O3 NMs using Raman thermometry. The thermal property – temperature relationships of these β-Ga2O3 NM / diamond heterostructures, such as thermal conductivity and interfacial thermal boundary conductance were determined under different temperature conditions (from 100 K to 500 K with a 40 K interval). Furthermore, we have compared our values with other reported values and predicted the multi-dimensional thermal properties-β-Ga2O3 thickness-doping concentration relationship. Our results provide benchmark knowledge about the thermal conductivity of β-Ga2O3 NMs over a wide temperature range for the design of novel -Ga2O3-based power electronics and optoelectronics.
The effect of centralization of care on overall survival in primary urethral cancer.

Abstract Purpose Centralization of care to high-volume centers improves outcomes across urologic malignancies, but there exists a paucity of data for low-incidence cancers. Given the rarity of primary urethral cancer (UC) and the need for complex multidisciplinary treatment, we sought to evaluate differences in practice patterns and clinical outcomes across types of treating facilities. Materials and Methods We identified all patients diagnosed with UC from 2004 to 2016 in the National Cancer Database. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to investigate independent predictors of OS. The chi-square test was used to analyze differences in practice patterns. Results We identified 6,445 patients with UC. Median overall survival was 40.5 months (interquartile range 38.4–42.6). There was a significant difference in OS based upon facility type, and this difference remained significant on subgroup analysis for squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma. Academic centers had superior OS on pairwise comparisons (all P Conclusion There exist significant differences in survival for patients with UC based upon treating facility. Variations in practice patterns including multimodal treatment, radical surgery, and regional lymphadenectomy may contribute to the observed differences in clinical outcomes.
On mean-field theory of quantum phase transition in granular superconductors

Abstract In previous work on the quantum phase transition in granular superconductors, where mean-field theory was used, the assumption was made that the order parameter as a function of the mean field is a convec up function. Though this is not always the case in phase transitions, this assumption must be verified, which is done in this article.
Understanding stakeholder positionalities and relationships to reimagine asylum at the US–Mexico border: Observations from McAllen, TX:

This paper draws on observational research conducted in McAllen, Texas, during the summer of 2019, of three major stakeholder groups involved in asylum management: Catholic Charities Humanitarian R...
Formal Requirements Specification: Z Notation Meta Model Facilitating Model to Model Transformation

Model Driven Software Engineering (MDSE) has become a widely adopted approach in software development industry. Besides other software development phases, specifying requirements formally, is a crucial activity for developing model based software systems. There exist a number of formal languages that can be used for formal requirements specification. However, these formal languages are hard to comprehend and difficult to use for formal specification. Nonetheless, in many researches, abstraction of these formal languages is required and their benefits are tremendous. Z Notation is a formal language which guarantees that the software system must meet regulations and standards by specifying clear and unambiguous requirements. This leads to a high quality software and greater user satisfaction. However, formal languages are not welcomed with UML models because of rigorous use of mathematics. A bridge is required to minimize the gap between UML and Formal Requirements Specification languages. Therefore, we have presented a meta-model of a relatively mature and widely used Z Notation so that it may facilitate the future researchers by providing a reasonable level of abstraction. This paper aims to reduce the overhead of comprehension of formal language i.e. Z notation and to facilitate model-to-model transformations (source model: UML model, target model: Z Notation model). Further, we have validated the proposed meta-model via case study using UML Use Case. It has been demonstrated through case study that the Meta model facilitates shared understanding among stakeholders and facilitates model to model transformation leading to unambiguous requirements specification but can also be automated for the model based development of such a system which transforms informal requirements into formal Z-Notation specifications.
A systematic review and psychometric evaluation of self-report measures for hoarding disorder.

Abstract Background Hoarding disorder (HD) affects approximately 2.5% of the general population, leads to significant distress and impairment, and is notoriously difficult to treat. The crux of developing effective treatments for HD is our ability to reliably and validly measure relevant constructs in HD to better understand its presentation and, subsequently, formulate appropriate interventions. Methods We identified measures specific to HD and evaluated their psychometric properties using rating criteria formulated by the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) group. Results The 17 included measures were developed to assess adult and pediatric hoarding severity, functional impairment, and maladaptive processes (e.g., material scrupulosity). The Saving Inventory-Revised, the most widely used measure of HD severity showed the strongest psychometric properties. However, psychometric investigations were generally of poor quality across all measures and results indicated unsatisfactory performance of measures. Limitations The current review excluded non-English measures and ratings inherently contain some element of subjectivity despite use of predetermined criteria and two independent reviewers. Conclusions We suggest that clinical researchers continue to develop and modify measures used to conceptualize and, ultimately, improve treatment for HD.
Hacer hablar al silencio: la intensificación de la realidad en la poesía de Xavier Villaurrutia

O presente artigo tem como objeto de estudo a criacao poetica do poeta contemporâneo mexicano Xavier Villaurrutia, destacando-se, sobretudo, o aspecto da intensificacao da realidade como uma presenca constante em sua obra, que se faz sentir atraves de uma potente revitalizacao do espaco e do tempo do poema. Procura-se analisar de que forma esta intensificacao se conecta a uma despolarizacao entre as ideias de vida e de morte e como a morte e significada e representada na sua producao. Por ultimo, e dado um enfoque especial ao tema do erotismo, tema indissociavel da propria elaboracao da morte.
Proteomic signatures of myeloid derived suppressor cells from liver and lung metastases reveal functional divergence and potential therapeutic targets.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) promote immunosuppressive activities in the tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in increased tumor burden and diminishing the anti-tumor response of immunotherapies. While primary and metastatic tumors are typically the focal points of therapeutic development, the immune cells of the TME are differentially programmed by the tissue of the metastatic site. In particular, MDSCs are programmed uniquely within different organs in the context of tumor progression. Given that MDSC plasticity is shaped by the surrounding environment, the proteomes of MDSCs from different metastatic sites are hypothesized to be unique. A bottom-up proteomics approach using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) was used to quantify the proteome of CD11b+ cells derived from murine liver metastases (LM) and lung metastases (LuM). A comparative proteomics workflow was employed to compare MDSC proteins from LuM (LuM-MDSC) and LM (LM-MDSC) while also elucidating common signaling pathways, protein function, and possible drug-protein interactions. SWATH-MS identified 2516 proteins from 200 µg of sample. Of the 2516 proteins, 2367 have matching transcriptomic data. Upregulated proteins from lung and liver-derived murine CD11b+ cells with matching mRNA transcriptomic data were categorized based on target knowledge and level of drug development. Comparative proteomic analysis demonstrates that liver and lung tumor-derived MDSCs have distinct proteomes that may be subject to pharmacologic manipulation.
Occupant-centric robotic air filtration and planning for classrooms for Safer school reopening amid respiratory pandemics

Coexisting with the current COVID-19 pandemic is a global reality that comes with unique challenges impacting daily interactions, business, and facility maintenance. A monumental challenge accompanied is continuous and effective disinfection of shared spaces, such as office/school buildings, elevators, classrooms, and cafeterias. Although ultraviolet light and chemical sprays are routines for indoor disinfection, they irritate humans, hence can only be used when the facility is unoccupied. Stationary air filtration systems, while being irritation-free and commonly available, fail to protect all occupants due to limitations in air circulation and diffusion. Hence, we present a novel collaborative robot (cobot) disinfection system equipped with a Bernoulli Air Filtration Module, with a design that minimizes disturbance to the surrounding airflow and maneuverability among occupants for maximum coverage. The influence of robotic air filtration on dosage at neighbors of a coughing source is analyzed with derivations from a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. Based on the analysis, the novel occupant-centric online rerouting algorithm decides the path of the robot. The rerouting ensures effective air filtration that minimizes the risk of occupants under their detected layout. The proposed system was tested on a 2 × 3 seating grid (empty seats allowed) in a classroom, and the worst-case dosage for all occupants was chosen as the metric. The system reduced the worst-case dosage among all occupants by 26% and 19% compared to a stationary air filtration system with the same flow rate, and a robotic air filtration system that traverses all the seats but without occupant-centric planning of its path, respectively. Hence, we validated the effectiveness of the proposed robotic air filtration system.
Mossy cell dendritic structure quantified and compared with other hippocampal neurons labeled in rats in vivo

Mossy cells are likely to contribute to normal hippocampal function and to the pathogenesis of neurologic disorders that involve the hippocampus, including epilepsy. Mossy cells are the least well-characterized excitatory neurons in the hippocampus. Their somatic and dendritic morphology has been described qualitatively but not quantitatively. In the present study rat mossy cells were labeled intracellularly with biocytin in vivo. Somatic and dendritic structure was reconstructed three-dimensionally. For comparison, granule cells, CA3 pyramidal cells, and CA1 pyramidal cells were labeled and analyzed using the same approach. Among the four types of hippocampal neurons, granule cells had the smallest somata, fewest primary dendrites and dendritic branches, and shortest total dendritic length. CA1 pyramidal cells had the most dendritic branches and longest total dendritic length. Mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal cells both had large somata and similar total dendritic lengths. However, mossy cell dendrites branched less than CA3 pyramidal cells, especially close to the soma. These findings suggest that mossy cells have dendritic features that are not identical to any other type of hippocampal neuron. Therefore, electrotonic properties that depend on soma-dendritic structure are likely to be distinct in mossy cells compared to other neurons.
A Task Centered Framework for Computer Security Data Visualization

Most of the existing computer security visualization programs are data centered. However, some studies have shown that task centered visualization is perhaps more effective. To test this hypothesis, we have developed a new framework of visualization and apply it to computer security visualization. This framework provides a new way for users to interact with data set and potentially will provide new insights into how visualization can be better constructed to serve users' specific tasks.
ONLINE NETWORKS AND EMOTIONAL ENERGY: How pro-anorexic websites use interaction ritual chains to (re)form identity

There has been a great deal of social theory written about how groups form and affect members in the offline world, but less research about how online groups can affect the behaviors and identity of the individuals who choose to participate in them. Pro-anorexia, or pro-ana, websites have been shown to have an effect on those individuals who participate in and/or view them by previous research, but previous research is inconsistent or lacking concerning the reason(s) for that effect. This study analyzes qualitative data gathered from 22 pro-ana websites over 18 months, and suggests how Collins' theory of interaction ritual chains can be extended to understand how those who participate in those websites generate emotional energy to aid them in identifying with being pro-anorexic and continue with this identity. This theory states that four initiating conditions (the ability to assemble, common linguistic and behavioral norms, and a shared focus of attention) create a boundary to outsiders, which then allow...
A Review of Evil Angels

I was in Australia in late 1987, my first visit to the country, when I heard about the case of Lindy Chamberlain. She was convicted years earlier, in 1982, of the murder of her nine-week-old daughter Azaria. To this day, the case arouses strong, divided opinion among Australians. It has gripped the nation like nothing else. Wherever one would go, people would talk about it. It is Australia's most controversial criminal case.
Bicultural Parent Engagement: Advocacy and EmpowermentE. M. Olivos, O. Jiménez-Castellanos, and A. M. Ochoa

In Bicultural Parent Engagement: Advocacy and Empowerment, the editors, Olivos, Jimenez-Castellanos, and Ochoa (2011), argue that currently the power to define the nature of bicultural parent engag...
Impact of process variation phenomena on performance and quality assessment

Summary form only given. Logic product density and performance trends have continued to follow the course predicted by Moore's Law. To support the trends in the future and build logic products approaching one billion or more transistors before the end of the decade, several challenges must be met. These challenges include: 1) maintaining transistor/interconnect feature scaling, 2) the increasing power density dilemma, 3) increasing relative difficulty of 2-D feature resolution and general critical dimension control, 4) identifying cost effective solutions to increasing process and design database complexity, and 5), improving general performance and quality predictability in the face of the growing control, complexity and predictability issues. The trend in transistor scaling can be maintained while addressing the power density issue with new transistor structures, design approaches, and product architectures (e.g. high-k, metal gate, etc.). Items 3 to 5 are the focus of this work and are also strongly inter-related. The general 2-D patterning and resolution control problems will require several solution approaches both through design and technology e.g. reduce design degrees of freedom, use of simpler arrayed structures, improved uniformity, improved tools, etc. The data base complexity/cost problem will require solutions likely to involve use of improved data structure, improved use of hierarchy, and improved software and hardware solutions. Performance assessment, predictability and quality assessment will benefit from solutions to the control and complexity issues noted above. In addition, new design techniques/tools as well as improved process characterization models and methods can address the general performance/quality assessment challenge.
Temperature-dependence of L-type Ca(2+) current in ventricular cardiomyocytes of the Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis).

To lend insight into the overwintering strategy of the Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis), we acclimated fish to 15 or 5 °C and then utilized whole-cell patch clamp to characterize the effects of thermal acclimation and acute temperature change on the density and kinetics of ventricular L-type Ca2+ current (I Ca). Peak I Ca density at 5 °C (−1.1 ± 0.1 pA pF−1) was 1/8th that at 15 °C (−8.8 ± 0.6 pA pF−1). However, alterations of the Ca2+- and voltage-dependent inactivation properties of L-type Ca2+ channels partially compensated against the decrease. The time constant tau (τ) for the kinetics of inactivation of I Ca was ~4.5 times greater at 5 °C than at 15 °C, and the voltage for half-maximal inactivation was shifted from −23.3 ± 1.0 mV at 15 °C to −19.8 ± 1.2 mV at 5 °C. These modifications increase the open probability of the channel and culminate in an approximate doubling of the L-type Ca2+ window current, which contributes to approximately 15 % of the maximal Ca2+ conductance at 5 °C. Consequently, the charge density of I Ca (Q Ca) and the total Ca2+ transferred through the L-type Ca2+ channels (Δ[Ca2+]) were not as severely reduced at 5 °C as compared to peak I Ca density. In combination, the results suggest that while the Alaska blackfish substantially down-regulates I Ca with acclimation to low temperature, there is sufficient compensation in the kinetics of the L-type Ca2+ channel to support the level of cardiac performance required for the fish to remain active throughout the winter.
The effect of exercise-training on sarcoplasmic reticulum function in fast and slow skeletal muscle.

Abstract The effect of endurance exercise on the capacity of crube homogenates (CH) to sequester Ca 2+ was determined in the slow type I soleus, the fast type IIA deep region of the vastus lateralis (DVL), and the fast type IIB superficial region of the vastus lateralis (SVL). The Ca 2+ uptake capacity was affected by exercise in a fiber type specific manner. The fast-twitch SVL showed a 35% decrease in the maximal rate of Ca 2+ uptake (V max ) and a significantly lower K m while the slow soleus and fast DVL were unaltered. The time course of Ca 2+ uptake, and the peak amount of Ca 2+ sequestered was not altered by exercise in any of the muscles studied. The homogenates from the exercise-trained soleus muscles exhibited an increased ability to retain Ca 2+ and in this capacity became more like fast muscle.
Effects of Packaging and Processing Procedures on the Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh Pork Loins

Thirty crossbred hogs were slaughtered and the longissimus muscle from the left side was removed and divided into two equal sections within 20 min postmortem (HP) and those from the right side were removed and divided 24 hr postmortem(CP). One-half of the muscle from each side was wrapped in parchment paper (PP) and the other half was vacuum packaged (VP) and loin sections were assigned to storage intervals of 0, 7, 14, 21, or 28 days. At the end of each storage period, loins were evaluated for moisture loss, bacterial levels, off-odor, sensory properties and retail case display. VP and HP treatments had reduced moisture loss (P<0.05). Off-odor scores were higher (P<0.05) for PP wrapped loins on day 14. Few palatability differences were observed with packaging and processing treatments. Vacuum packaging had positive effects on the storage and retail display characteristics of fresh pork.
CA125 as a serum marker for poor prognosis in ovarian malignancies

In cancer of the ovary, a tumor marker is much needed to assist the conventional methods for monitoring the disease course. All published reports of the CA125 serum immunoassay to date have indicated that rising or falling CA125 levels correlated with disease progression or regression in patients with ovarian malignancies. Our experience with CA125 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham shows that rising CA125 levels are highly suggestive of progressive disease. However, the significance of our findings with CA125 is that, contrary to other reports, falling CA125 levels are not a reliable indicator for regressive disease. Thus, falling CA125 levels are not clinically useful whereas rising CA125 levels may be interpreted as indicative of poor tumor response to therapy, and of the presence of persistent or recurrent disease either prior to second-look laparotomy or during post-treatment follow-up.
Opinions on abortion as measured by the lost-letter technique.

This study uses a postal card as a modification of the “lost letter” technique to obtain information about abortion attitudes. The message on the cards (which can be read easily by the finder) included 100 with a promise to donate money to a proabortion committee, 100 to an antiabortion committee, and 100 contained a neutral message having nothing to do with abortion. 50 of each type of card were dropped in one of two urban areas. There were more antiabortion than proabortion cards mailed, but the highest return rate of neutral cards suggests a need for additional study of abortion attitudes.
Union Membership and Coverage Files from the Current Population Surveys: Note

This note informs readers about the availability of disaggregate annual unionization data compiled from the Current Population Surveys (CPS). Union membership, membership density, and contract coverage density are calculated for employed civilian wage and salary workers from the monthly CPS for January 1983 through December 1991. Workers are classified by demographic and labor market characteristics, industry, occupation, state, metropolitan area, and state-by-industry. The union membership and coverage files described in the note are available from the authors, without charge, in machine-readable form.
Development and application of a small gamma camera

This work investigates the design, construction, and application of a portable gamma camera based on a single position-sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT) rather than an array of conventional phototubes. The PSPMT is an innovation in photomultiplier design that allows two-dimensional position information to be obtained from a single phototube. PSPMT-based portable gamma cameras can have several distinct advantages over portable systems using conventional technology: lower weight, reduced electronics, and smaller size. This design can be incorporated as modules in conjugate imaging, orthogonal view, or ring detectorsystems, or even in large-area planar imagers. The PSPMT design is applicable for diagnostic clinical procedures and for basic biomedical research. Two small gamma camera (SGC) systems have been constructed. Computer simulations and physical measurements have been applied to the performance characterization of the SGC. The SGC incorporates a maximum-likelihood position estimation scheme. The intrinsic resolution of the SGC is 1.7 mm FWHM (3.2 mm FWTM) at the center of the 48 mm×48 mm field of view. The SGC has been evaluated for several nuclear medicine imaging applications as well as laboratory research imaging. The clinical applications include planar and tomographic imaging.Radiotracerimaging with the SGC has been applied to the in vivo investigation of electroporation injury and tissue repair.
Structures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae N-myristoyltransferase with bound myristoylCoA and peptide provide insights about substrate recognition and catalysis.

MyristoylCoA:protein N-myristoyltransferase (Nmt) attaches myristate to the N-terminal Gly residue of proteins involved in a variety of signal transduction cascades, and other critical cellular fun...
Some proposals for distributing central computing power at a University

The object of this paper is to present a number of ideas for distributing computer time and power at a University with overtaxed centralized computing. Topics discussed include how to determine who gets computer resources and how much; how to share a centralized facility among administrators, researchers, and students; how to secure a flexible system for the user; and how to devise a system which encourages good user habits.The computing history of San Diego State University (SDSU) is very briefly presented as background for the computer allocation proposals to be presented. The proposals themselves arose from an appointed sub-committee1 and are presented in a rather top-down manner much as they were introduced on the SDSU campus. It is hoped that a number of other institutions will find some of the ideas or specific strategies proposed to be worthy of careful consideration.
Intentional and unintentional memory in young children: remembering vs. playing.

Abstract In an exploration of Istomina's (1975) paradigm contrasting children's recall from an involuntary or game-like context with recall from an intentional or lesson-like context, this study investigated the relative efficacy of asking 4- and 5-year-olds “to remember” or “to play with” a set of 16 pictures or toys in a naturalistic or laboratory setting. The children's behavior and language were measured during two 2-min study phases, after which recall was assessed. Toys promoted different study phase activities and better retention than pictures, asking a child “to remember” a set of toys led to less recall than asking the child “to play” with the toys, and, across all conditions, instructions “to play” and “to remember” elicited differentiated study phase responses but similar levels of retention.
A more rapid method of total sugar analysis for soybean seed.

The total sugar content of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.} cultivars is important to the soyfood industry. The method of total sugar analysis reported in the literature is labor intensive and time consuming. The objective of this study was to develop a more rapid method for the determination of total sugar in soybean seed. The original method was modified by reducing the amounts of reagents used, eliminating sample filtering, reducing the number of sample dilutions, and increasing the rate of acid hydrolysis. There was a significant difference between the original (187 g kg -1 ) and the rapid (224 g kg 1 ) method for the means of 10 samples with a broad range of total sugar, but no significant sample x method interaction was observed. The phenotypic correlation between the two methods for total sugar of the 10 samples was 0.91 (P < 0.05). The number of samples that could be analyzed in 1 d increased from 12 for the original method to 70 for the rapid method, and the estimated cost per sample was reduced from $5.34 to $0.92. The rapid method can be used to determine the relative differences among soybean samples for total sugar content.
A Specification Method for Specifying Data and Procedural Abstractions

A specifilcation method designed primarily for specifying data abstractions, but suitable for specifying procedural abstractions as well, is described. The specification method is based on the abstract model approach to specifying abstractions. Several data abstractions and procedural abstractions are specified and a proof of implementation correctness is given for one of the data abstractions–a symbol table.
Finite representation type and direct-sum cancellation

Abstract Consider the notion of finite representation type (FRT for short): An integral domain R has FRT if there are only finitely many isomorphism classes of indecomposable finitely generated torsion-free R-modules. Now specialize: Let R be of the form D+c O where D is a principal ideal domain whose residue fields are finite, c∈D is a nonzero nonunit, and O is the ring of integers of some finite separable field extension of the quotient field of D. If the D-rank of R is at least four then R does not have FRT. In this case we show that cancellation of finitely generated torsion-free R-modules is valid if and only if every unit of O /c O is liftable to a unit of O . We also give a complete analysis of cancellation for some rings of the form D+c O having FRT. We include some examples which illustrate the difficult cubic case.
THE CHANGING STRUCTURE OF A CITY TEMPORAL CHANGES IN CUBIC SPLINE URBAN DENSITY PATTERNS

Using the basic summary of urban structure given by the population density function this paper estimates changes which have occurred in the structure of the Detroit [Michigan] metropolitan area during the past two decades. Both overall density changes and direction-specific changes are estimated using census data and the method of cubic spline regression. The results give more revealing insight into the structural changes which have occurred in the city than has been possible with traditional models of urban population density. (EXCERPT)
Analyzing Grammy, Emmy, and Academy Awards Data Using Regression and Maximum Information Coefficient

Prediction of winners has always been fascinating to many people, whether it be for sports, lottery, presidential election, or performing arts awards. The basic approach for prediction is to build a model from the observed data with known outcome labels, and use the model to determine the outcomes of the new observations. It is a typical classification problem in data analysis. An important aspect in the model building process is to select attributes (independent variables) of the data that have the most discriminating power for classification. In this paper, we present our study using multiple logistic regression and multiple linear regression modeling along with Maximal Information-based Nonparametric Exploration (MINE) statistics to analyze three of the most well-regarded awards in the entertainment industry - the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys that are high-profile awards given annually to top artists in the areas of film, television, and music.
Subclavian Insertion of the Bicaval Dual Lumen Cannula for Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has demonstrated utility in the management of adult respiratory failure refractory to mechanical ventilation. The recent introduction of a bicaval dual-lumen ECMO cannula has improved the efficiency of venovenous ECMO and has enabled the concept of full extracorporeal respiratory support in place of mechanical ventilation. Standard placement of this cannula through the right internal jugular vein is particularly troublesome in individuals of short stature, because of excess cannula length. We describe a method for cannula placement through the left subclavian vein that is well suited for smaller patients and convenient for patient mobility.
Managerial performance: A new look at underlying dimensionality

Abstract This paper reports an investigation of the underlying dimensionality of managerial performance utilizing a multidimensional scaling approach. Using similarities and preference data supplied by practicing managers, four dimensions were identified: Perceived Managerial Competence, Activity Level, Role Centrality, and Purposefulness. Dimensions were replicated in three independent analyses. These dimensions are descriptive and represent the relevant and discriminable criteria used by managers to evaluate managers. It is suggested that performance and evaluator “profiles” may provide a rich source of data for the analysis of managerial performance. The authors propose that a better understanding of the dimensionality of performance is a necessary precondition for the development of meaningful normative models.
Dimensions of physical activity and their relationship to physical and emotional symptoms in breast cancer survivors

Background Many breast cancer survivors experience long term sequelae, including fatigue, decreased physical functioning, pain, and psychological distress. Physical activity can ameliorate these problems, but there is little research on how activity should be performed to be most beneficial. This study explores how dimensions of physical activity (total energy expenditure, frequency, and duration) are associated with symptoms among breast cancer survivors.
Reason and National Goals

An assumption that equality problems are either absent or relatively trivial and easy is seen particularly in connection with issues related to the environment, national resources, knowledge and technology, and population growth. This chapter examines that assumption and systematically shows how a concern with rationality that ignores questions of ethics or justice is self-deluding if not self-serving. The entire basis of major national resource allocations is rarely probed in any depth. If national interest and prestige are to be useful in determining national goals, they must be defined by reference to other values whose independent validity is clear. In the case of military security, of course, there must be a national policy—it cannot be left up to the individual. Admittedly, many people submit in a docile fashion to paternalism in military affairs, although fewer are docile about less important but more personal matters such as pornography and marijuana.
De‐Sovietisation of Latvian Textbooks Made Visible

Abstract This article examines the political, cultural and social changes in two Latvian language textbook editions, one published in 1980 during the Soviet era, and the other in 1994 in the newly independent Republic of Latvia. The following findings stemming from the quantitative and qualitative analysis are presented: political information; cultural information; geographical information; role models and heroes; and spatial scene. The study suggests that the process of the de‐Sovietisation of Latvian textbooks does not imply depolitization, since one form of political reproduction, teaching Soviet citizenship, appears to have been entirely replaced by another form of political reproduction, Latvian citizenship.
Correlation Technique for Estimating Traffic Speed from Cameras

A new algorithm is presented for estimating speed from roadside cameras in uncongested traffic, congested traffic, favorable weather conditions, and adverse weather conditions. Individual vehicle lanes are identified and horizontal vehicle features are emphasized by using a gradient operator. The features are projected into a one-dimensional subspace and transformed into a linear coordinate system by using a simple camera model. A correlation technique is used to summarize the movement of features through a group of images and estimate mean speed for each lane of vehicles.