cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data Analysis Using Regression and Multilevel/Hierarchical Models: Simulation for checking statistical procedures and model fits

This chapter describes a variety of ways in which probabilistic simulation can be used to better understand statistical procedures in general, and the fit of models to data in particular. In Sections 8.1–8.2, we discuss fake-data simulation , that is, controlled experiments in which the parameters of a statistical model are set to fixed “true” values, and then simulations are used to study the properties of statistical methods. Sections 8.3–8.4 consider the related but different method of predictive simulation , where a model is fit to data, then replicated datasets are simulated from this estimated model, and then the replicated data are compared to the actual data. The difference between these two general approaches is that, in fake-data simulation, estimated parameters are compared to true parameters, to check that a statistical method performs as advertised. In predictive simulation, replicated datasets are compared to an actual dataset, to check the fit of a particular model. Fake-data simulation Simulation of fake data can be used to validate statistical algorithms and to check the properties of estimation procedures. We illustrate with a simple regression model, where we simulate fake data from the model, y = α + β x + ∊, refit the model to the simulated data, and check the coverage of the 68% and 95% intervals for the coefficent β.
Weaving properties of Hilbert space frames

We will prove some new results in the theory of Weaving Frames. Two frames {φi}ieI and {Ψ i }ieI in a Hilbert space H are woven if there are constants 0 i } ieσ ∪ {ψ i } ieσc is a frame for H with frame bounds A, B. We begin by introducing the main results in weaving frames. We then prove some new basic properties. This is followed by showing a fundamental connection between frames and projections, providing intuition on woven frames. Finally, a weaving equivalent of an unconditional basis for weaving Riesz bases is considered.
Changing Paradigms, Shifting Societal Discourses, and Organizational Responses

This chapter begins with a description of the transformational changes undertaken at the Portland Trail Blazers’ basketball arena campus when messages within their external environment changed to highlight environmental sustainability. Two paradigms generally used to describe the belief systems of people and people groups regarding our relationship with the natural environment are described: the dominant social paradigm and the new ecological paradigm. The societal shift toward the growing importance of the sustainable development Discourse within businesses, cities, and universities is described. Paradigms are differentiated from Discourses and ten environment-related Discourses are identified (i.e., the industrialism Discourse, survivalism, the Promethean response, administrative rationalism, democratic pragmatism, economic rationalism, green politics, green consciousness, ecological modernization, and sustainability). Criticisms of the ecological modernism and sustainability Discourses are reviewed. Communication’s role in reinforcing and challenging paradigms is discussed. The chapter ends by discussing forces which influence how environmentally related issues are framed, contested, and reframed. In addition to paradigms, Discourses, and ideology, theories or theoretical concepts highlighted include discursive closure, critical theory and the neo-Marxian perspective on sustainable development, framing, schemata of interpretation, systematically distorted communication, and social judgment theory. Throughout the chapter, interview data gathered from small businesses, an activist organization (the Natural Resources Defense Council), a nongovernmental organization, South Dakota’s state government, multiple cities (e.g., the City and County of Denver), two sports organizations (the Portland Trail Blazers, Aspen Skiing Company), a university, and two multinational organizations (Tyson Foods, Sam’s Club) is integrated.
Geological Occurrence of Groundwater

The occurrence, movement, and storage of groundwater are controlled by geology. The geologic factors that control groundwater are petrography, stratigraphy, structure, geomorphology, lithology, and thickness. The petrography of a given rock type controls the porosity and permeability. Porosity defines the storage capacity of an aquifer. There are two types of porosity: primary and secondary. Primary porosity, such as pores between sand grains, is created when rocks are formed. The shape, sorting, and packing of grains determine primary porosity. Sedimentary rocks are poorly sorted when the grains are not the same size creating spaces between the larger grains that are filled by smaller grains. Secondary porosity such as joints, fractures, and solution opening, is formed after the rock has been deposited. The number and arrangement of fracture openings and the degree to which they are filled with fine-grained material control secondary porosity. Keywords: confined aquifer; unconfined aquifer; aquifer; continuing zone
Photometric computation of the sign of Gaussian curvature using a curve-orientation invariant

The authors compute the sign of Gaussian curvature using a purely geometric definition. Consider a point p on a smooth surface S and a closed curve /spl gamma/ on S which encloses p. The image of /spl gamma/ on the unit normal Gaussian sphere is a new curve /spl beta/. The Gaussian curvature at p is defined as the ratio of the area enclosed by /spl gamma/ over the area enclosed by /spl beta/ as /spl gamma/ contracts to p. The sign of Gaussian curvature at p is determined by the relative orientations of the closed curves /spl gamma/ and /spl beta/. They directly compare the relative orientation of two such curves from intensity data. They employ three unknown illumination conditions to create a photometric scatter plot. This plot is in one-to-one correspondence with the subset of the unit Gaussian sphere containing the mutually illuminated surface normals. This permits direct computation of the sign of Gaussian curvature without the recovery of surface normals. Their method is albedo invariant. They assume diffuse reflectance, but the nature of the diffuse reflectance can be general and unknown. Simulations, as well as empirical results, demonstrate the accuracy of the technique.
Application of Optimization Approach to the Problem of Land Use Plan Design

This paper deals with an application of optimization technique to the problem of land use plan design: a spatial design of primary land uses in a given area and the associated linkage requirements for transportation and utilities. Using a random search procedure the discrete land use elements, called modules, are assigned to discrete land areas, known as cells. An optimal plan is obtained which satisfies the given design constraints as well as minimizes the private and public costs which include site development and linkage costs. This normative approach can be used to arrive at an ideal land use plan design which then can be considered as a standard to evaluate other alternatives. The validity of the proposed technique has been established through a small-scale controlled experiment. The large-scale application of the technique is illustrated by using the example of the Village of Germantown, Wisconsin. Apart from providing an optimal feasible plan the model also makes a sensitivity analysis for given design constraints. Furthermore, a plotting subroutine allows the model output to be given in the form of a map generated on-line. It is believed that such a model can be an extremely useful tool in the land use planning process.
Parallel array architectures for motion estimation

Motion estimation is one of the most computationally intensive tasks required in digital video compression. The authors propose parallelizable motion estimation algorithms with low computational cost for both sub-optimal and optimal motion estimation. For efficient optimal motion estimation, they develop theoretical bounds based on convexity to reduce the required operations. All algorithms are tested on multiple motion estimation paradigms for performance evaluation. >
Gender Differences in the Paths Leading to a STEM Baccalaureate

Objectives Many have wondered why U.S. women continue to shun certain STEM fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This study investigates this question and examines the pathways that women and men follow in attaining their STEM bachelor's degrees. Methods Using NELS 88-00 and the postsecondary transcript data, the descriptive analysis examines gender differences in the three stages of the STEM pipeline: expected college major, first major, and bachelor degree major. The multivariate analysis examines the outcomes of STEM degree attainment, the subfields attainment and the pathways in a series of logical steps. Results Drawing from the pipeline model and its associated cumulative disadvantage theory, and the alternative framework of revolving door theory, analyses from this study indicate that men are more likely than women to follow the complete persistence pathway to attain STEM degrees, but women are as persistent as men once they expect a major in STEM as high school seniors. High school achievement, attitudes, and course taking are related to the subfields attainment, as well as the pathways of the STEM degree attainment. Conclusions Taken together, the results are more aligned with revolving door theory and support the contextual variability in the salience of gender to understand gender differences in attaining STEM fields.
Reductive dechlorination of PCDD/F by anaerobic cultures and sediments

Abstract The fate of highly chlorinated (5 to 7 chlorines per molecule) dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners was studied in anaerobic microcosms, using polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated Hudson River sediments, and creosote-contaminated aquifer sediments. The PCDD/PCDF concentrations in active microcosms were shown to decrease at higher rates than in chemical and biological controls. The net loss of PCDD/F from active microcosms was up to 35% higher than in autoclaved controls after extended incubation periods. Lesser chlorinated PCDD/F, identified to be peri-dechlorinated, have been found as the accumulating products resulting from reductive dechlorination under anaerobic methanogenic conditions.
Abstract A38: A functional connection between the SWI/SNF-BAF ATPase BRG1 and the tumor suppressor BRCA1 in DNA damage response

We and others have shown that the SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin remodeling complex plays a role in the repair of UV-induced DNA damage. It was proposed that chromatin remodeling activities are utilized to increase the accessibility of NER machinery and checkpoint factors to the damaged DNA. It was demonstrated recently that BRCA1 contributes to UV damage response by promoting photoproduct excision, triggering post-UV checkpoint activation and post replicative repair. In this study, we show that BRCA1 rapidly binds to UV damage sites when cells are undergoing DNA synthesis. In contrast, two phosphorylated forms of BRCA1 do not accumulate at sites of UV damage. Depletion of BRG1, a core subunit of the human SWI/SNF-BAF complex, impairs the recruitment of BRCA1 to the damage sites and attenuates DNA damage induced BRCA1 phosphorylation. At UV lesions-stalled replication forks, BRG1 promotes RPA phosphorylation in response to UV irradiation, since UV-induced phosphorylation of chromatin bound RPA drops significantly when BRG1 is depleted in human cells. In addition, activation of ATR/ATM is attenuated when BRG1 is depleted. We propose that BRG1 functions upstream of BRCA1 and modulates its response to UV irradiation. Citation Format: Ling Zhang, Hua Chen, Feng Gong. A functional connection between the SWI/SNF-BAF ATPase BRG1 and the tumor suppressor BRCA1 in DNA damage response. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Jun 19-22, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(13 Suppl):Abstract nr A38.
RESEARCH IN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS AND OPERATIONS

This article is a brief comment on Turnquist's transportation systems supply resource paper (see IRRD 287454). It addresses three areas: (1) expansion to consider in greater detail the prospect of knowledge based expert systems applications in this area; (2) prospect and problems associated with automated vehicle control; (3) difference in emphasis with respect to the selection of suitable modelling approaches. (TRRL)
Identity Orientations And Forms Of Social Exchange In Organizations

I attempt to explain why employees prefer different forms of social exchange by proposing that such preferences align with their identity orientations. I also develop a model outlining how identity orientations play an important role in developing employee exchange relations and how they may help predict the consequences of exchange dynamics. By identifying linkages between identity orientations and forms of social exchange, I hope to stimulate future research on the connections between social exchange theory and the identity orientation framework.
Mechanistic Aspects of Transition-Metal Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Silane Coupling Reactions

Abstract Dehydrogenative silane couplings to give Si-Si bonded compounds are catalyzed by a number of transition-metal complexes. A mechanism based on transition-metal silylene complexes, LnM = SiR2, seems possible for some of these reactions; however, little evidence exists to support their involvement in known systems. Based on precedents that exist in stoichiometric reactions, a more likely mechanism for late transition-metal catalysts consists of oxidative addition/reductive elimination cycles. For early transition metal (d°) catalysts, evidence accumulated to date points toward a “σ-bond metathesis” mechanism based on concerted, 4-center transition states.
Findings of Case Studies in Enterprise Systems Engineering

The systems engineering community is increasingly facing challenges of engineering enterprises that consist of many interrelated systems without a single hierarchical control authority. Although there are technical papers describing such complex adaptive systems as well as some early papers contributing to the theory of systems engineering of enterprises, there is no generally accepted theory or set of best practices. This paper presents the findings from over a dozen case studies in enterprise systems engineering conducted at the MITRE Corporation during 2005 and 2006. The projects studied were related to the US Air Force's Command and Control (C2) enterprise which is being engineered through many different programs by different contractors for different immediate customers - yet is expected to work as an integrated C2 enterprise. However, the findings presented are applicable to any net-centric enterprise with multiple users, operators and stakeholders.
Linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopy of a strongly coupled microdisk–quantum dot system

Cavity quantum electrodynamics, the study of coherent quantum interactions between the electromagnetic field and matter inside a resonator, has received attention as both a test bed for ideas in quantum mechanics and a building block for applications in the field of quantum information processing. The canonical experimental system studied in the optical domain is a single alkali atom coupled to a high-finesse Fabry–Perot cavity. Progress made in this system has recently been complemented by research involving trapped ions, chip-based microtoroid cavities, integrated microcavity-atom-chips, nanocrystalline quantum dots coupled to microsphere cavities, and semiconductor quantum dots embedded in micropillars, photonic crystals and microdisks. The last system has been of particular interest owing to its relative simplicity and scalability. Here we use a fibre taper waveguide to perform direct optical spectroscopy of a system consisting of a quantum dot embedded in a microdisk. In contrast to earlier work with semiconductor systems, which has focused on photoluminescence measurements, we excite the system through the photonic (light) channel rather than the excitonic (matter) channel. Strong coupling, the regime of coherent quantum interactions, is demonstrated through observation of vacuum Rabi splitting in the transmitted and reflected signals from the cavity. The fibre coupling method also allows us to examine the system's steady-state nonlinear properties, where we see a saturation of the cavity–quantum dot response for less than one intracavity photon. The excitation of the cavity–quantum dot system through a fibre optic waveguide is central to applications such as high-efficiency single photon sources, and to more fundamental studies of the quantum character of the system.
Vaginal silastic device containing 0.25% 15(S)-15 methyl prostaglandin F2α methyl ester for early second trimester abortion

Abstract Nine women thought to be 15–16 weeks pregnant were treated with a vaginally inserted silastic device containing a 0.25% concentration of 15(S)-15 methyl prostaglandin F 2α methyl ester for elective termination of pregnancy. All aborted before 22 hours. Mean time to fetal abortion was 12.7 ± 4.2 hours. All patients experienced some vomiting and diarrhea initially. Ease of administration and excellent abortifacient efficacy justify a wider trial of this promising approach to pregnancy termination.
A user-friendly three-dimensional kinetic model for analyzing manual lifting tasks

Abstract Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders resulting from manual material handling tasks has been among the foremost concerns of industrial ergonomics researchers. Kromodihardjo and Mital (1986, 1987) contributed significantly to the research in this area by developing a 3-D kinetic model for the analysis of manual lifting. Kromodihardjo and Mital's model (K–M model), and other kinetic models, rely on explicit kinematic information of the tasks being performed. Thus, time variations of displacements, velocities and accelerations (both linear and angular) for all body joints have to be known beforehand in order to perform an analysis. This, in turn, requires experiments to be conducted with individual subjects each time an analysis is needed. This is a tedious procedure and deters the generic use of such models. The present work was, therefore, initiated with the objective of encapsulating the K–M model into a form which could be readily used and applied to industrial situations. A comparison of the results obtained with the simplified model with results from K–M model shows an excellent match. Relevance to industry A readily usable PC-based 3-D kinetic model to analyze symmetrical and asymmetrical manual lifting activities is presented. The model eliminates cumbersome data collection and data reduction requirements.
Towards validation of the Big Blue® transgenic mouse mutagenesis assay: The mutational spectrum of ex vivo pinpoint mutant plaques

To explore further the origin of spontaneous mutations recovered with the Big Blue transgenic mouse mutagenesis assay, the spectrum of ex vivo mutations from pinpoint mutant plaques was determined and compared with the spectrum of putatively mouse-derived mutations from circular, mutant plaques. The entire lacI gene and lacZ operator region from 62 pinpoint blue plaques was sequenced. The observed mutational spectrum of pinpoint mutants differed significantly from that seen in circular mutants (p < 0.0001). Only four percent of the mutations were transitions at CpG sites whereas this type of mutation was the most common (35%) in circular mutants. Microdeletions/microinsertions were seen more frequently in pinpoint mutants relative to circular mutants. Four base pair deletion/insertion events at the E. coli hotspot tandem repeats were seen in 10 of 62 (16%) pinpoint mutants and minor hotspots of mutation were observed at bp 141 and 1110. The mutational spectrum of pinpoint mutants provides further evidence that most circular mutants originate in mouse.
Transcriptional control of chondrocyte fate and differentiation

Chondrogenesis is an essential process in vertebrates. It leads to the formation of cartilage growth plates, which drive body growth and have primary roles in endochondral ossification. It also leads to the formation of permanent cartilaginous tissues that provide major structural support in the articular joints and respiratory and auditory tracts throughout life. Defects in chondrogenesis cause chondrodysostoses and chondrodysplasias. These skeletal malformation diseases account for a significant proportion of birth defects in humans and can dramatically affect a person's expectancy and quality of life. Chondrogenesis occurs when pluripotent mesenchymal cells commit to the chondrocyte lineage, and through a series of differentiation steps build and eventually remodel cartilage. This review summarizes and discusses our current knowledge and lack of knowledge about the chondrocyte differentiation pathway, from mesenchymal cells to growth plate and articular chondrocytes, with a main focus on how it is controlled by tissue patterning and cell differentiation transcription factors, such as, but not limited to, Pax1 and Pax9, Nkx3.1 and Nkx3.2, Sox9, Sox5 and Sox6, Runx2 and Runx3, and c-Maf.
Improving the efficiency of hematoporphyrin phototherapy of ocular tumors.

Malignant melanoma of the choroid is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adult humans. Controversy exists over which is the most effective therapy. One therapeutic modality that has not been thoroughly investigated is hematoporphyrin derivative phototherapy (HPdPRT), a technique used successfully in the clinic on many non-ocular tumors. The effect of HPd PRT on an ocular, amelanotic melanoma was evaluated using Greene melanoma implanted on pigmented rabbit iris. The parameters used clinically on non-ocular tumors (intravenous 2.5 mg HPd kg-1 body weight and irradiation at 633 nm 48 h later) were totally ineffective in killing Greene melanoma implanted on the iris. The dose of dye (2.5–5 mg kg-1), wavelength of light (500-700 nm), and illumination intensity were varied to determine the most efficient parameters for treating this tumor. The most important parameter was dye dose; increasing it to 5 mg kg-1 resulted in some control of tumor growth. Administering 100% O2 prior to and during irradiation also improved HPd PRT cytotoxicity. The use of pulsed light (pulses of 1 or 2 min) further enhanced killing and reduced the length of irradiation needed. These studies suggested that HPd PRT might be used efficiently on ocular melanomas.
Selenium deficiency increases the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in RAW 264.7 macrophages: role of nuclear factor-κB in up-regulation

The inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is implicated in atherosclerosis, malignancy, rheumatoid arthritis, tissue and reperfusion injuries. A key determinant of the pro-oxidant versus protective effects of NO is the underlying redox status of the tissue. Selenoproteins, such as glutathione peroxidases (GPxs) and thioredoxin reductases, are key components of cellular defence and promote optimal antioxidant/oxidant balance. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between Se status, iNOS expression and NO production in Se-deficient and Se-supplemented RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines. The cellular GPx activity, a measure of Se status, was 17-fold lower in Se-deficient RAW 264.7 cells and the total cellular oxidative tone, as assessed by flow cytometry with 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, was higher in the Se-deficient cells than the Se-supplemented cells. Upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of these cells in culture, we found significantly higher iNOS transcript and protein expression levels with an increase in NO production in Se-deficient RAW 264.7 cells than the Se-supplemented cells. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-luciferase reporter assays and Western blot analyses indicate that the increased expression of iNOS in Se deficiency could be due to an increased activation and consequent nuclear localization of the redox-sensitive transcription factor NF-kappaB. These results suggest an inverse relationship between cellular Se status and iNOS expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and provide evidence for the beneficial effects of dietary Se supplementation in the prevention and/or treatment of oxidative-stress-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Investigation of Reaction Steps for the Hydrodechlorination of Chlorine-Containing Organic Compounds on Pd Catalysts

Abstract Reaction steps for the reaction of hydrodechlorination on Pd were investigated by means of isotope-exchange experiments. The reversibility of bond scission for the two C–Cl bonds in CF3CFCl2 was investigated by following 37Cl enrichment in the reactant and products. No enrichment of 37Cl was observed in the reactant CF3CFCl2 but the product CF3CHFCl was enriched. Thus, the scission of the first C–Cl bond is irreversible; once the reactant loses the first chlorine it desorbs only as a product. However, after the first C–Cl bond is broken, the second chlorine may be exchanged with the pool of surface chlorine. Isotope exchange experiments between D2 and HCl during hydrodechlorination of CF3CFCl2 showed that the forward rate and reverse rate for the overall reaction H2+2Cl*=2HCl+2* were nearly 400 times faster than the overall hydrodechlorination reaction rate. Thus, this experiment confirms that this step is in quasi-equilibrium.
Recurrence Time Statistics for Chaotic Systems and Their Applications

By studying recurrence time statistics for chaotic systems, we identify two different types of recurrences and develop scaling laws relating the mean recurrence time to the information dimension of the chaotic attractor. We then design two novel and simple ways of using the recurrence time statistics for analyzing transient as well as nonstationary time series. We show that the methods are capable of detecting nonstationarity due to drift of parameters, locating bifurcations, telling the periodicity of major transient periodic motions, and other types of changes in the dynamics.
Foreword: Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference

This Proceedings contains 360 papers and 15 posters presented at the 32nd International Conference on Coastal Engineering, which was held in Shanghai, China, 30 June to 5 July 2010. The Proceedings is divided into seven parts: Keynote; Waves; Swash, Nearshore Currents, and Long Waves; Sediment Transport and Morphology; Coastal Structures; Coastal Management, Environment, and Risk, and Posters. The individual papers cover a broad range of topics including theory, numerical and physical modeling, field measurements, case studies, design, and management. These papers provide engineers, scientists, and planners state-of-the-art information on coastal engineering and coastal processes.
The relative nephrotoxicity of cisplatin, cis-[Pt(NH3)2(guanosine)2]2+, and the hydrolysis product of cisplatin in the rat.

An examination of the comparative nephrotoxicity in the tat of cisplatin, its hydrolysis product (mostlycis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl(H2O)]+ under the conditions applied), andcis-[Pt(NH3)2(guanosine)2]2+ revealed that these compounds differed significantly in the extent of renal damage they produced following their i.v. injection in Sprague-Dawley rats. The hydrolysis product was found to be the most toxic of the three complexes studied and produced nephrotoxicity at doses lower than those at which cisplatin was nephrotoxic. Under the conditions used, the i.v. administration ofcis-[Pt(NH3)2(guanosine)2]2+ resulted in no observable signs of nephrotoxicity at levels at which an equimolar dose of cisplatin produces clear evidence of renal function impairment and morphological alterations. The nephrotoxicity of these complexes appears to be generally related to the ease with which they undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions. The lack of substantial nephrotoxicity found forcis-[Pt(NH3)2(guanosine)2]2+ suggests that the products resulting from the action of the DNA repair processes on platinated DNA do not contribute significantly to the nephrotoxicity of cisplatin. Renal platinum levels found following the administration of these compounds correlated with the degree of nephrotoxicity produced by each compound, but no general correlation of nephrotoxicity and renal platinum levels was found. The nephrotoxicity ofcis-[Pt(NH3)2Cl(H2O)]2+ on a molar basis was estimated to be approximately 3 times as great as that of cisplatin itself.
Cocaine-like discriminative stimulus effects of procaine, dimethocaine and lidocaine in rats

The discriminative stimulus effects of several local anesthetics and (+)-amphetamine were assessed in a drug discrimination based on the psychomotor stimulant cocaine. Two groups of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were trained in two-lever operant chambers in a cocaine versus saline discrimination, or a cocaine versus procaine or saline discrimination, using a fixed ratio 20 schedule of food reinforcement. Cocaine, (+)-amphetamine and dimethocaine all dose-dependently substituted for the training dose of cocaine (10 mg/kg) in both procedures. While procaine and lidocaine showed partial substitution in the cocaine versus saline procedure, much less substitution occurred in the cocaine versus procaine or saline discrimination. These data demonstrate that it is possible to train rats to discriminate between cocaine and another local anesthetic procaine, resulting in an increased pharmacological specificity of cocaine discrimination. The fact that dimethocaine fully substituted for cocaine in both procedures indicates that this local anesthetic has more cocaine-like effects than others so far tested, which is consistent with results from other behavioral and neurochemical studies with this compound.
A review of protocols for selecting species at risk in the context of US Forest Service viability assessments

In December 2000, the USDA Forest Service (USFS) commissioned a review of their process for conducting viability assessments under the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). The objectives of the USFS review were to establish the scientific basis for geographic and temporal scales used in the assessment of viability, to identify and improve approaches that could be used to assess species viability within the context of NFMA, and to describe the strengths and limitations of the approaches used in the viability assessment process. In this paper, we present one aspect of this overall review: methods available and in use for selection of species at risk for the viability assessment process. A representative group of methods includes threatened and endangered species protocols such as the IUCN protocol, the Heritage ranks, the method devised by Millsap et al. (1990) to identify threatened and endangered species in Florida, as well as protocols for narrower taxonomic and geographic ranges. We provide a description of each of the nine protocols reviewed and compare them in terms of their taxonomic and geographic range, biological attributes, consideration of threats and population trends, data requirements, reliability and robustness, transparency and ability to deal with uncertainty. We found that all threatened and endangered species protocols are useful for classifying species at risk, however, those that explicitly include current and future threats are of most use in determining which species will be adversely affected by proposed management actions. We recommend that Heritage ranks be used to identify an initial set of candidate species for assessment of viability considerations, with further refinement and supplementation based on species distributions, relative to the scale of the planning area.
Reactivity and stability of large ecosystems

The study of local stability has a long tradition in community ecology. Stability describes whether an ecological system will eventually return to its original steady state after being perturbed. More recently, the study of the transient dynamics of ecological systems has been recognized as crucial, given that continuously disturbed systems might never reach a steady state, and thus the instantaneous response to perturbations could largely determine species persistence. A stable equilibrium can be nonreactive -- all perturbations decay immediately, or reactive -- some perturbations are initially amplified before decaying. Here we derive analytical criteria for the reactivity of large ecological systems in which species interact at random. We find that in large ecological systems both stability and reactivity are governed by the same quantities: number of species, means of the intra- and inter-specific interaction strengths, variance of inter-specific interactions, and the correlation of pairwise interactions. We identify two phase transitions, one from nonreactivity to reactivity and one from stability to instability. As reactivity is an intermediate state between nonreactivity and instability, it could be used to develop an early-warning signal for systems approaching instability.
Reevaluation of synaptic relationships of cerebellar terminals in the ventral lateral nucleus of the rhesus monkey thalamus based on serial section analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction.

Terminals of cerebellar afferents (CB) to different regions of the ventral lateral nucleus (VL) of the rhesus monkey thalamus were labeled with wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase following injections into the dentate nucleus. Synaptic relationships of 17 CB with projection neuron dendrites (PNd) and local circuit neuron dendrites (LCNd) were analyzed in serial ultrathin sections from dorsal and ventral VL regions, which are known to differ cytoarchitecturally and functionally. Three terminals were reconstructed using three-dimensional (3D) computer image analysis techniques to obtain volumetric and planar measurements. CB in the ventral VL were often flat and elongated with synaptic vesicles arranged in clusters. Each CB was engaged with one PNd and one to four LCNd. A single bouton formed 8–50 synaptic contacts, with those on PNd outnumbering the ones on LCNd 4.1∶1. Only some CB in the ventral VL were engaged in complex synaptic arrangements such as triads and serial synapses. Most CB in the dorsal VL displayed a roundish shape and numerous uniformly distributed synaptic vesicles. They formed 5–25 synaptic contacts with a 3∶1 ratio of contacts on PNd compared with those on LCNd. CB in the dorsal VL participated in a variety of complex synaptic arrangements. Two types of triads were found: classic with CB, PNd and LCNd, and unconventional with CB and two LCNd. CB were also involved in serial synapses with two LCNd or LCNd and another PNd, and serial sequential synapses with two LCNd and a PNd. Three glomerulus-like structures were encountered in the dorsal VL. 3D reconstruction and volumetric measurements revealed that synaptic contacts formed by CB on PNd had varying shapes and sizes (0.022–0.274 μm2). Synapses formed on LCNd were larger (0.09–0.407 μm2). The total area of all active zones of a single CB on LCNd was either equal to or about 40% smaller than that of synapses on PNd. The entire active zone area comprised 1–1.6% of the total CB surface area and did not seem to correlate with the volume. Synaptic contacts formed by associated LCNd on PNd in complex arrangements were usually small (0.021–0.044 μm2). The results suggest that: synapses formed by CB on PNd and LCNd, and synapses formed by LCNd on PNd may differ in strength; a variety of different circuits participate in the processing of cerebellar afferent information in the primate VL; and these circuits differ in functionally different VL subdivisions.
Quality of life after treatment for prostate cancer.

Quality of life is a major concern of patients when they are choosing treatment for prostate cancer. Health-related quality of life is a patient-centered variable from the field of health services research that can be measured in a valid and reliable manner. Using standardized questionnaires specifically developed to capture health-related quality of life data in men with prostate cancer, the effect of treatments on patients’ quality of life can be studied. Patients with localized disease who are undergoing radical prostatectomy tend to have more sexual and urinary dysfunction than men undergoing external beam radiation therapy, although both groups have more impairment in these areas than agematched controls. Men undergoing external beam radiation therapy have worse bowel function and more urinary distress from irritative voiding symptoms than men undergoing radical prostatectomy or age-matched controls. Recent studies of men undergoing interstitial brachytherapy indicate that these patients have less urinary leakage than those who undergo radical prostatectomy, but experience considerably more irritating voiding symptoms, which often profoundly affect their quality of life. Better information regarding the potential impact of prostate cancer treatment on quality of life will improve medical decision-making.
It takes a village: the effects of 10th grade college-going expectations of students, parents, and teachers four years later.

Adolescents are surrounded by people who have expectations about their college-going potential. Yet, few studies have examined the link between these multiple sources of college-going expectations and the actual status of students in postsecondary education years later. The study draws on data collected in the 2002–2006 Educational Longitudinal Study and employs an underutilized statistical technique (cross-classified multilevel modeling) to account for teacher reports on overlapping groups of students (typical of high school research). Results showed that positive expectations of students, parents, English, and mathematics teachers in the 10th grade each uniquely predicted postsecondary status 4 years later. As a group, the four sources of expectations explained greater variance in postsecondary education than student characteristics such as socioeconomic status and academic performance. This suggests positive expectations are additive and promotive for students regardless of their risk status. Teacher expectations were also found to be protective for low income students. Implications for future expectancy research and equity-focused interventions are discussed.
414 PHARMACOKINETIC BASIS FOR ANTENATAL DOSING OF PHENOBARBITAL FOR THE PREVENTION OF NEONATAL INTRACERE BRRL HEMORRHAGE

Transplacental and elimination pharmacokinetics of phenobarbital (PB) were analyzed in pregnant women and their neonates with the aim of determining the dose to be administered to pregnant women to achieve levels in the neonate for prevention of neonatal intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A single PB dose of 500 mg was selected to achieve a serum concentration of 10 μg/mL in the women according to the equation: dose (mg/Kg) = serum cone (μg/ mL) x Vd (L/Kg); assuming average weight to be 50 Kg and Vd =1.0 L/Kg. Twenty-five women in premature labor <35 wks gestation received 500 mg PB administered intravenously over 30 min. Average weight of the women was 69.1 ± 13.5 Kg (all values mean ± SD); the actual mean dose of PB therefore was 7.5 ± 1.4 mg/Kg. The mean time from PB administration to delivery was 5.6 ± 4.6 hrs (range 16 min. to 17 hrs). The maternal serum PB level at delivery was 8.8 ± 1.2 ug/mL and the cord serum level was 9.0 ± 1.8 μg/mL. There was no correlation between the time from PB administration to delivery and the cord:maternal serum concentration ratio. This indicated transplacental equilibration within 16 min. of maternal dosing. Mean apparent th of PB estimated in 11 infants was 175.5 ± 45.6 hrs; this is comparable with th in neonates receiving PB postnatally. Based on this study, we recommend a 10 mg/Kg dose of PB for the pregnant woman to achieve a level of 10 pg/ml. This level has been found to be protective against ICH (Shankaran et al, Ann Neurol Abstr #14, 1984).
Morphological characteristics of a unique intracytoplasmic neuronal inclusion body

Unique intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies unaccompanied by a clinically apparent neurologic disease were found in the neurons of the hippocampus, subiculum, and mammillary body of a man who died suddenly, presumably of cardiac disease. The eosinophilic inclusions were round and often targetoid, with a central core that had the staining characteristics of RNA. Ultrastructurally, the inclusions were mainly composed of osmiophilic granular material. Rabies viral antigen was not detected by immunofluorescence, and heavy metals were not detected by energy dispersive spectrometry. These neuronal inclusions should be distinguished from Negri bodies.
An efficient and stable spectral method for electromagnetic scattering from a layered periodic structure

The scattering of acoustic and electromagnetic waves by periodic structures plays an important role in a wide range of problems of scientific and technological interest. This contribution focuses upon the stable and high-order numerical simulation of the interaction of time-harmonic electromagnetic waves incident upon a periodic doubly layered dielectric media with sharp, irregular interface. We describe a boundary perturbation method for this problem which avoids not only the need for specialized quadrature rules but also the dense linear systems characteristic of boundary integral/element methods. Additionally, it is a provably stable algorithm as opposed to other boundary perturbation approaches such as Bruno and Reitich's ''method of field expansions'' or Milder's ''method of operator expansions''. Our spectrally accurate approach is a natural extension of the ''method of transformed field expansions'' originally described by Nicholls and Reitich (and later refined to other geometries by the authors) in the single-layer case.
Spiked sample standards; Their uses and disadvantages in analytical quality control

Abstract Standard samples, that is matrices containing precisely known concentrations of various radionuclides, are necessary adjuncts to any analytical quality control program. In general, we prefer the use of “natural matrix standards,” samples into which the radionuclides have become incorporated under natural conditions, and over as long a time span as possible. Under some circumstances, however, real advantages are offered by “spiked sample standards” samples to which the isotope of interest has been added in a precisely known amount, at the time of preparing the standard. It is our purpose to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of spiked standards and to contrast them with those of natural matrix standards, as well as to discuss the preparation of the former class of standards and the evidence supporting our recommendation of caution in their use. In general, spiked standards offer advantages of low cost of preparation, of advance assurance that the amount and chemical form of the radioisotopes added are known, and of the possibility of preparation of unnatural matrices, or of nuclides that are to be expected but not yet to be found in nature. The most salient disadvantages of spiked standards derive from the usual uncertainty concerning the concentration of any radionuclides in the matrix before spiking and from the difficulty of insuring that there will be no difference in analytical behavior between the spike and the same isotope that has become incorporated in the matrix under natural conditions. Consideration of these advantages and disadvantages leads to identification of a list of special problems for which spiked standards may be advantageous and of a list of precautions indicated in the interpretation of the resulting data. The argument against the general applicability of spiked standards appear overwhelming.
The Musical Experiences, Career Aspirations, and Attitudes Toward the Music Education Profession of All-State Musicians:

Gaining insight into reasons student musicians choose or do not choose to pursue music education as a career is invaluable to our efforts to sustain and strengthen our discipline. This study sought...
Bench top interferometric test bed for LISA

The optical paths on the LISA bench must have a length instability of less than 10~pm/square root Hz over time scales of 1s to 1000s. A small rigid interferometer has been constructed to measure the optical path length changes using various bonding techniques. The interferometer was constructed entirely from ultra-low expansion (ULE) glass by optically contacting ULE beamsplitters to a ULE bench. Preliminary results taken with the interferometer operating in air indicate optical path length fluctuations of approximately 100 pm/ sqaure root Hz or less for frequencies between 1 mHz and 1 Hz.
New directions in sex therapy: innovations and alternatives

New directions in sex therapy: innovations and alternatives (2nd ed.), edited by Peggy J. Kleinplatz, New York and London, Routledge, 2012, 409 pp., £28.49 (Hardback), £21.39 (Kindle), ISBN 13-978-...
Cleft lip and palate genetics and application in early embryological development

The development of the head involves the interaction of several cell populations and coordination of cell signalling pathways, which when disrupted can cause defects such as facial clefts. This review concentrates on genetic contributions to facial clefts with and without cleft palate (CP). An overview of early palatal development with emphasis on muscle and bone development is blended with the effects of environmental insults and known genetic mutations that impact human palatal development. An extensive table of known genes in syndromic and non-syndromic CP, with or without cleft lip (CL), is provided. We have also included some genes that have been identified in environmental risk factors for CP/L. We include primary and review references on this topic.
Steady-state diagnostic model of the New York bight

Abstract A qualitative evaluation is made of the output from a finite-element, steady-state diagnostic model to observed time-averaged currents. The model uses a vorticity balance equation with linear bottom friction and inputs observations of near-bottom currents on the model boundary, density field and bottom topography. The output is the near-bottom (barotropic) velocity field over the entire modeled region. Velocity profiles are constructed using the thermal wind equation with the observed density field from May 1976 and a turbulent closure scheme model of Mellor and Durbin to reproduce the top and bottom Ekman layers. Transport is computed in layers above and below the pycnocline by integrating the geostrophic velocity profile and adding the Ekman layer transport. Comparisons of the modeled bottom velocities at three moorings interior to the region and modeled vertical profiles of velocity at the interior moorings and the four boundary moorings to the observations at those points, show favorable agre...
Variation in phlorotannin content within two species of brown macroalgae (Desmarestia anceps and D. menziesii) from the Western Antarctic Peninsula

Phlorotannins are metabolites found only in the Phaeophyceae (brown algae) and have a variety of metabolic roles, including both primary (e.g. cell wall construction) and secondary (e.g. herbivore defence and UV protection). This study aimed to establish the level of variation of phlorotannins in two species of dominant Antarctic macroalgae (Desmarestia anceps and D. menziesii). Thirteen samples were taken from specific locations throughout the thallus of multiple individuals at two depths at three locations near Anvers Island, Antarctica. Overall average concentrations were 0.117±0.003 g g−1dwt in D. anceps and 0.052±0.002 g g−1dwt in D. menziesii. Concentrations varied greatly at the 13 sampling locations in each individual, but not in any consistent manner. Significant variation occurred between locations in both species and between depths in D. anceps.