cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-throughput morphologic phenotyping of the mouse brain with magnetic resonance histology.

Abstract The Mouse Biomedical Informatics Research Network (MBIRN) has been established to integrate imaging studies of the mouse brain ranging from three-dimensional (3D) studies of the whole brain to focused regions at a sub-cellular scale. Magnetic resonance (MR) histology provides the entry point for many morphologic comparisons of the whole brain. We describe a standardized protocol that allows acquisition of 3D MR histology (43-μm resolution) images of the fixed, stained mouse brain with acquisition times
Sleep-disordered breathing in patients with heart failure: pathophysiology, assessment, and management.

Purpose To provide clinicians in primary care settings information on the effects of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with heart failure (HF). Assessment and screening tools, as well as management considerations, are presented. Data Sources Review of the scientific literature of the past 10 years, along with classic studies and Internet sources. Conclusions HF is an increasingly prevalent problem with a high degree of associated sleep-disordered breathing. There are two broad categories of sleep-disordered breathing: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea/Cheyne-Stokes breathing. Both of these occur on a continuum of mild hypopnea to severe apnea with hypoxia. Sleep apneas are particularly harmful to patients with HF and, if left untreated, may adversely affect their prognosis. Yet sleep apnea is not routinely screened for in this population. Implications for Practice Given the serious consequences of untreated sleep-disordered breathing, there is sound justification to screen for sleep apnea in all patients with HF. Subsequent treatment of those patients with sleep apnea can significantly improve their quality of life and can decrease their mortality.
Influence of Mass Ratio on Displacement Cascades in Diatomic Solids

The influence of mass ratio on the displacement cascade initiated when an atom of a solid of type $\mathrm{AB}$ receives considerable energy is investigated for a simple model. Isotropic scattering, equal probabilities for collisions of various pairs of atoms, and a single threshold energy for displacement are assumed. The formulation of the problem is like that of Harris, but threshold energy is introduced in the manner of Kinchin and Pease. Comparatively simple equations are obtained and solutions which are always approximately correct have been found by the Laplace transform method.The total number of displacements does not vary greatly with mass ratio. When the mass of the heavy atom is more than about ten times that of the light, the difference between the numbers of $A$ atoms and $B$ atoms displaced by a primary $A$ atom increases as a fractional power of the primary energy. For smaller mass ratios, the difference approaches a constant. To illustrate some implications of the results, the relative numbers of $A$ and $B$ atoms displaced by incident monoenergetic protons are considered.
Rephasing invariants and CP violation

We discuss all possible rephasing invariants of the Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix. We find that all CP-violation phenomena of the KM matrix are expressed by linear or quadratic functions of one special class of nine invariants and the imaginary parts of these invariants are the same with respect to the KM angles and phase i.e. ${C}_{1}$${C}_{2}$${C}_{3}$${S}_{1}$${}^{2}$${S}_{2}$${S}_{3}$ sin\ensuremath{\delta} where ${C}_{i}$=cos${\mathrm{theta}}_{i}$ and ${S}_{i}$=sin${\mathrm{theta}}_{i}$.
Les origines du développement du cancer

Resume La decouverte d’un carcinome rare a cellules claires du vagin chez les jeunes femmes ayant ete exposees au cours de la gestation au diethylstilbestrol (DES), un compose estrogenique, a permis de soutenir de maniere empirique l’hypothese qu’une exposition prenatale aux xenoestrogenes pourrait causer le cancer. Ce fait est venu contredire deux notions bien etablies : (i) le developpement des mammiferes etait simplement le deroulement d’un programme genetique et (ii) seuls des agents mutagenes pouvaient causer le cancer. Le mouvement pour une biologie de l’ecologie et du developpement (eco-devo) a revitalise le concept de la plasticite du developpement via l’apparition de polyphenismes par lesquels un seul genotype produit divers phenotypes qui sont determines par des facteurs environnementaux. En se basant sur les principes d’eco-devo et sur la theorie du champ d’organisation tissulaire (tissue organization field theory [TOFT]), nous avons emis l’hypothese qu’une exposition in utero aux xenoestrogenes augmentait la propension a developper un cancer du sein a l’âge adulte. De nouvelles donnees epidemiologiques ont revele une incidence accrue du cancer du sein chez les femmes qui ont ete exposees au DES pendant la gestation. Ainsi, l’experimentation animale et les donnees epidemiologiques viennent renforcer l’hypothese selon laquelle l’exposition du fœtus aux xenoestrogenes pourrait etre une cause sous-jacente de l’augmentation de l’incidence des cas de cancer du sein observee au cours des 50 dernieres annees.
Magnetic properties of NiBr2·6H2O

Abstract NiBr 2 ·6H 2 O is quite similar magnetically to NiCl 2 ·6H 2 O. With an antiferromagnetic T c of 8.30 ± 0.02 K, the susceptibilities at higher temperatures display small anisotropy, and may be fit by the usual spin hamiltonian. The energy gap in the spin-wave spectrum at к = 0 corresponds to T AE ≈ 7.0 K.
The Misplaced Illusion? The Case of the Mueller-Lyer Perceptual Incongruity Figure

Development of the computer-based analogue to the Mueller-Lyer apparatus was described along with the significance of this perceptual illusion figure to the history of psychometrics. Parallels between the computer generated graphics display field and the theoretical principles of structuring perceptual fields were discussed in light of epistemological and ontological problems related to the controversy between rational and neoromantic Dionysian modes of scientific thought.
Enhancing research and practice in early childhood through formative and design experiments

This article describes formative and design experiments and how they can advance research and instructional practices in early childhood education. We argue that this relatively new approach to education research closes the gap between research and practice, and it addresses limitations that have been identified in early childhood research. We provide examples of this approach's potential benefits, trace its origins, present its defining characteristics, illustrate a representative framework for conducting a formative experiment using an example from our own work and we argue that formative and design experiments introduce useful new metaphors into early childhood research.
Ultra-low temperature sensitive deep-well quantum cascade lasers (λ - 4.8 μm) via uptapering conduction band edge of injector region

A new design feature for deep-well quantum cascade (QC) lasers, in which the conduction band edge of the injector region is uptapered, results in virtual suppression of carrier leakage out of the active regions of 4.8 µm emitting devices. For heatsink temperatures in the 20–90°C range the characteristic temperature coefficients for threshold, T0, and slope efficiency, T1, reach values as high as 278 and 285 K, respectively, which are nearly twice the values for conventional QC lasers. At 20°C, the threshold current density for uncoated, 30 period, 3 mm-long devices is only ∼1.8 kA/cm2.
Allelic exclusion of mouse T cell receptor α chains occurs at the time of thymocyte TCR up-regulation

Abstract We report a detailed analysis of TCR Vα and Vβ chain expression on immature versus mature thymocytes of normal, TCRβ-transgenic, and TCRa-hemizygous mice. Chain pairing between TCR Va and Vβ chains is random on immature thymocytes, but individual chain pairs are selected in mature thymocytes. This indicates that Vα-Vβ chain pairing preferences are determined during thymic selection, and not as a result of structural constraints. Dual Va chain expression is found frequently on immature, but not mature thymocytes. It is not found in TCRα-hemizygous mice, showing that cell surface expression of dual α chains is caused by lack of allelic exclusion in immature thymocytes. Down-regulation of one of the α chains occurs concurrently with differentiation from TCR lo , CD69 − to TCR hi , CD69 + phenotype, suggesting that it is associated with positive selection of the functional TCR.
Determination of mixing efficiency in a model food mixer

Mixing is widely used in the food processing industry to ensure uniform product quality. However, a fundamental understanding of the process is limited and there is increasing need for setting scientific criteria to optimize the design and performance of mixers. Mathematical analysis is particularly relevant to mixers with complex geometry where predicting performance characteristics such as efficiency and power requirements is very difficult. Mathematical analysis enables the determination of complex flow patterns in the mixer and thereby elucidates the nature of the process, whether dispersive or distributive. Using the lamellar model of mixing, the mechanism of mixing in a model food mixer, the Brabender Farinograph was elucidated. The analysis was developed using local velocity data obtained with a Laser-Doppler Anemometer. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Adv Polym Tech 18: 209–224, 1999
Longitudinal patterns of youth access to cigarettes and smoking progression: Minnesota Adolescent Community Cohort (MACC) study (2000–2003)

Abstract Objectives To measure community-level changes in the methods youth use to obtain cigarettes over time and to relate these methods to the progression of smoking. Methods We analyzed 2000–2003 data from the Minnesota Adolescent Community Cohort study, where youth (beginning at age 12), who were living in Minnesota at baseline, were surveyed every 6 months via telephone. We conducted mixed model repeated measures logistic regression to obtain probabilities of cigarette access methods among past 30-day smokers ( n = 340 at baseline). Results The probability of obtaining cigarettes from a commercial source in the past month declined from 0.36 at baseline to 0.22 at the sixth survey point while the probability of obtaining cigarettes from a social source during the previous month increased from 0.54 to 0.76 ( p for both trends = 0.0001). At the community level, the likelihood of adolescents obtaining cigarettes from social sources was inversely related to the likelihood of progressing to heavy smoking ( p Conclusions During this time, youth shifted to greater reliance on social sources and less on commercial sources. A trend toward less commercial access to cigarettes accompanied by an increase in social access may translate to youth being less likely to progress to heavier smoking.
Roadlessness and the 'Path to Communism': Building Roads and Highways in Stalinist Russia

This article discusses how the construction and maintenance of roads within the Soviet Union of the 1920s helped to support two major Stalinist aims – collective farming and mass industrialization. The author notes that in 1927, the Soviet Union counted less than 20,000 vehicles, including both trucks and automobiles. In addition, Soviet factories produced only a few hundred vehicles annually. Moreover, the czarist era national road network, established to connect the European part of the empire with European capitals, suffered from neglect, due to both World War I (1914-1918) and the country's revolution and civil war period (1917-1922). Funding for roads was pushed into the background in favor of railroads. However, beginning in July 1927, a series of articles written in "Pravda" by Communist Party official Valerian Osinskii, brought the country's poor road conditions to the forefront. Beyond Pravda articles, Osinskii also used his influence as a founding member of Avtodor (Society for the Promotion of Automobilism and Road Improvement) to note how poor road conditions affect the rural areas. Through Avtodor's efforts, the Soviet leadership began, in 1931, to build and rehabilitate roadways, along with producing more motor vehicles. By 1937, road building and maintenance became routine activities in rural areas. This allowed Communist ideology to more easily permeate the country while more firmly binding the rural population to the aims of the State.
Frostbite Protection in Mice Expressing an Antifreeze Glycoprotein

Ectotherms in northern latitudes are seasonally exposed to cold temperatures. To improve survival under cold stress, they use diverse mechanisms to increase temperature resistance and prevent tissue damage. The accumulation of anti-freeze proteins that improve cold hardiness occurs in diverse species including plants, arthropods, fish, and amphibians. We previously identified an Ixodes scapularis anti-freeze glycoprotein, named IAFGP, and demonstrated its cold protective function in the natural tick host and in a transgenic Drosophila model. Here we show, in a transgenic mouse model expressing an anti-freeze glycoprotein, that IAFGP protects mammalian cells and mice from cold shock and frostbite respectively. Transgenic skin samples showed reduced cell death upon cold storage ex vivo and transgenic mice demonstrated increased resistance to frostbite injury in vivo. IAFGP actively protects mammalian tissue from freezing, suggesting its application for the prevention of frostbite, and other diseases associated with cold exposure.
APPLICATION OF CFD IN THE DESIGNING OF A MEMBRANE OXYGENATOR

A CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model was developed to simulate flow in a membrane oxygenator. The hollow fiber bundles were treated as a porous medium. This study demonstrated that the numerical model could accurately predict the distributions of flow velocity, pressure, shear stresses, temperature, and oxygen concentration in the device. The numerical model is a powerful tool for the designing of a membrane oxygenator.
Fatigue characterization of tire rubber

Abstract An investigation of the fatigue behavior of tire rubber was undertaken. The tire rubber used in this work is a blend of natural rubber and polybutadiene. It is vulcanized and filled with carbon black. Fatigue tests were conducted on edge-notched prismatic specimens subjected to tension–tension loading in a displacement-controlled machine. The maximum strain was 8% and the minimum strain was 0.8%. The waveform of the fatigue cycle was sinusoidal at a frequency of 10 Hz. Initial cracks of various lengths were cut into the edge of the rubber specimens with a sharp razor blade. The tearing energy was calculated during the test. A power law relation between the crack growth rate and tearing energy was obtained. The fatigue life of tire rubber was estimated based on the integration of the power law relations and the tearing energy versus fatigue cycles curves in conjunction with the value of the critical tearing energy at crack growth initiation.
The optimal concentration measure: theory and evidence for Canadian manufacturing industries

Researchers in industrial organization and applied macroeconomics do not usually concern themselves greatly with the choice of the measure of concentration measures which are correlated; they usually opt for the easy to calculate four firm concentration ratio. We show that a high correlation between alternative measures does not ensure that empirical results will be insensitive to the choice of concentration measure and present empirical evidence for Canadian manufacturing industries showing that misspecification of the concentration measure leads to quantitatively important errors in the estimation of response elasticities. If a concentration ratio is used instead of the theoretically correct Herfindahl index in an industrial structure-performance relationship, the responsiveness of performance to concentration will be biassed upwards, the resulting elasticity being overestimated by some one hundred to two hundred per cent.
An analysis of in-core flux and temperature data for the evaluation of the performance of an operating reactor

A method of analysis of in-core flux measurements for nuclear reactors is presented. By appropriate data processing, the method determines separately the statistical and deterministic errors present in the measurement. Those errors are carried throughout the analysis for determination of the local power produced, the nuclear hot channel factor FΔHN and the DNB ratio with a required confidence level. An application of the method is given using the flux measurement data obtained for the first core cycle at San Onofre Unit 1. In addition, the method is extended to the processing of the recorded data from in-core thermocouples to obtain the engineering hot channel factors FΔHE and the coolant by-pass fraction. The results of this analysis stresses the importance of accurate processing of nuclear reactor in-core data. Valuable estimates can be made of the core flow distribution and the flow by-pass fraction. These estimates, however, require in-core and loop temperature measurements within an accuracy of ±0·2°F for a corresponding accuracy of 5 per cent on the by-pass flow fraction. This accuracy on temperature measurement is not presently obtainable but should be set as a goal for future pressurised water reactor instrumentation performances. Accurate knowledge of the power and flow distributions under normal operating conditions does contribute significantly to the safe operation of nuclear power stations. In the selection of in-core instrumentation and its degree of sophistication such an advantage must be considered in the overall economic balance of the plant.
A MUCILAGE-FORMING LACTOBACILLUS SPECIES ISOLATED FROM CIDER. PART II. POLYSACCHARIDE FORMATION

SUMMARY: Cultures grown at 25° under an atmosphere of CO2 in a medium containing maltose, inorganic salts and ethanolic extracts of peptone and yeast autolysate produced a polysaccharide, which was isolated and purified. Examination by a variety of chemical and biological methods indicated that it was a dextran of low molecular weight.
Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow via proximal message passing

In this paper, we propose a distributed algorithm to solve the Security Constrained Optimal Power Flow (SC-OPF) Problem. We consider a network of devices, each with its own dynamic constraints and objective, subject to reliability constraints across multiple scenarios. Each scenario corresponds to the failure or degradation of a set of devices and has an associated probability of occurrence. The network objective is to minimize the cost of operation of all devices, over a given time horizon, across all scenarios subject to the constraints of transmission limit, upper and lower generating limits, generation-load balance etc. This is a large optimization problem, with variables for consumption and generation for each device, in each scenario. In this paper, we extend the proximal message passing framework to handle reliability constraints across scenarios. The resulting algorithm is extremely scalable with respect to both network size and the number of scenarios.
ORIGIN OF THE LIGHT ELEMENTS

It is shown that the observed isotopic abundances of Li, Be, and B can be explained by their spallation in small, prototerrestrial bodies. Spheres of arbitrary composition and radius are irradiated by protons; approximate expressions are found for the solar-flare proton spectrum, the spallation cross sections, and neutron production. A new approximation is made for the effect of the fast neutrons. It is then found that the present day proton flux is too soft to give the desired results reasonably, and that a mean proton energy of 300 MeV is necessary to get the observed isotopic ratios. The results are not sensitive to the composition, and we can obtain the measured Li, Be, and B abundances by taking dry silicate spheres of about 140 m for the protoasteroidal bodies. In order to obtain the observed D/H ratio from the irradiation, however, it is necessary to add 10% ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O. The measured crustal abundances of Li, Be, B lead to different values for D/H and for the depletion of ${\mathrm{Gd}}^{157}$ for the earth and for asteroids, contrary to observation. These discrepancies disappear if we assume that Li, Be, and B have been concentrated tenfold in the earth's crust. The different isotopic ratios found for terrestrial and meteoritic material are consistent with this model, and enable us to calculate the ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$/${\mathrm{Li}}^{6}$ ratios to be expected on the other planets.
Mechanisms of Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) deposit formation in sewer lines

FOG deposits in sewer systems have recently been shown to be metallic salts of fatty acids. However, the fate and transport of FOG deposit reactant constituents and the complex interactions during the FOG deposit formation process are still largely unknown. In this study, batch tests were performed to elucidate the mechanisms of FOG deposit formation that lead to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). We report the first formation of FOG deposits on a concrete surface under laboratory conditions that mimic the formation of deposits in sewer systems. Results showed that calcium, the dominant metal in FOG deposits, can be released from concrete surfaces under low pH conditions and contribute to the formation process. Small amounts of additional oil to grease interceptor effluent substantially facilitated the air/water or pipe surface/water interfacial reaction between free fatty acids and calcium to produce surface FOG deposits. Tests of different fatty acids revealed that more viscous FOG deposit solids were formed on concrete surfaces, and concrete corrosion was accelerated, in the presence of unsaturated FFAs versus saturated FFAs. Based on all the data, a comprehensive model was proposed for the mechanisms of FOG deposit formation in sewer systems.
“SAY IT LIKE YOU SEE IT”: RADIO BROADCASTING AND THE MASS MEDIATION OF CREOLE NATIONHOOD IN ST. LUCIA

This article examines the role of Caribbean creole languages in the imagining and “mass mediating” of postcolonial nationhood. The focus is radio broadcasting in St. Lucia, where an Afro-French creole language known as Kweyol coexists with the official language, English. Since St. Lucia's independence in 1979, Kweyol has been used increasingly on the airwaves (formerly the exclusive domain of English) by broadcasters intent on rapidly “modernizing” the language to transform it into a vehicle of national development on a par with English. But when Kweyol is forced into strongly regimented “English” broadcasting formats and genres, as when international news reports received at the studio in English are translated word for word into Kweyol, the results often seem less than “authentically” St. Lucian. In recent years some broadcasters have been responding to such problems by experimenting with distinctively “creole” programming formats that give voice to local folk perspectives and counterdiscourses. These d...
Exosomes Derived from M. Bovis BCG Infected Macrophages Activate Antigen-Specific CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells is required for an effective immune response to an M. tuberculosis infection. However, infected macrophages are poor antigen presenting cells and may be spatially separated from recruited T cells, thus limiting antigen presentation within a granuloma. Our previous studies showed that infected macrophages release from cells small membrane-bound vesicles called exosomes which contain mycobacterial lipid components and showed that these exosomes could stimulate a pro-inflammatory response in naive macrophages. In the present study we demonstrate that exosomes stimulate both CD4+ and CD8+ splenic T cells isolated from mycobacteria-sensitized mice. Although the exosomes contain MHC I and II as well as costimulatory molecules, maximum stimulation of T cells required prior incubation of exosomes with antigen presenting cells. Exosomes isolated from M. bovis and M. tuberculosis infected macrophages also stimulated activation and maturation of mouse bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Interestingly, intranasal administration of mice with exosomes isolated from M. bovis BCG infected macrophages induce the generation of memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. The isolated T cells also produced IFN-γ upon restimulation with BCG antigens. The release of exosomes from infected macrophages may overcome some of the defects in antigen presentation associated with mycobacterial infections and we suggest that exosomes may be a promising M. tuberculosis vaccine candidate.
Molecular interactions of nonpeptide agonists and antagonists with the melanocortin-4 receptor.

The melanocortin-4 (MC4) receptor is a potential therapeutic target for obesity and cachexia, for which nonpeptide agonists and antagonists are being developed, respectively. The aim of this study was to identify molecular interactions between the MC4 receptor and nonpeptide ligands, and to compare the mechanism of binding between agonist and antagonist ligands. Nonpeptide ligand interaction was affected by mutations that reduce peptide ligand binding (D122A, D126A, S190A, M200A, F261A, and F284A), confirming overlapping binding determinants for peptide and nonpeptide ligands. The common halogenated phenyl group of nonpeptide ligands was a determinant of F261A and F284A mutations' affinity-reducing effect, implying this group interacts with the aromatic side chains of these residues. All affected compounds contain this group, the mutations reduced binding of 2,4-dichloro-substituted compounds more than 4-chloro-substituted-compounds, and F284A mutation eliminated the affinity-enhancing effect of 2-chloro-...
Femtosecond Dynamics of Carotenoid to Chlorophyll Energy Transfer in Thylakoid Membrane Preparations from Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Nannochloropsis sp.

Carotenoids serve as light-harvesting pigments in nearly all photosynthetic organisms. Despite the ubiquity and importance of carotenoid-to-chlorophyll (chl) energy transfer, a thorough description of the process is lacking. Studies on photosynthetic bacteria have shown that both the quantum efficiency and the dynamics of carotenoid-to-bacteriochlorophyll singlet energy transfer vary considerably among species. Transfer efficiencies from ∼20% to ∼100% have been reported [1], while transfer times from ∼0.2 [2] to ∼5 ps [3, 4] have been measured. The reasons for the variability are not certain. Here we report time-resolved measurements of carotenoid-to-chl a singlet energy transfer in thylakoid membrane preparations from the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the eustigmatophyte Nannochloropsis sp. (clone GSB Sticho) and discuss the implications of our results for the description of carotenoid-chl coupling.
Using Population Viability Analysis to Develop Recovery Criteria for Endangered Insects: Case Study of the Fender's Blue Butterfly

The U. S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires that recovery plans establish "objective, measur- able" criteria on which to base listing decisions. Recovery plans are more effective if these criteria are clearly linked to the biology of species of interest. We reviewed recovery plans for 27 listed insect species. Recovery cri- teria for threatened and endangered insects were poorly linked to species biology. We used population viabil- ity analysis to develop quantitative recovery criteria for insects whose population sizes can be estimated, and applied this framework in the context of a recently listed butterfly, the Fender's blue ( Icaricia icarioides fenderi ). We used a simple diffusion-approximation approach developed to estimate extinction risk from count-based census data. The method assumes that future trends can be predicted based on current condi- tions and that observer error is minimal. Of 12 sites we surveyed for at least 8 years, only one population had a high likelihood of persistence. Given observed variation in population growth rate ( � 2 � 0.79) and an ini- tial population size of 300 butterflies, a minimum average growth rate ( � ) of 1.83 would be needed for there to be a 95% probability that a population would survive 100 years. As the number of independent sites in- creased, the minimumrequired to have a 95% probability that at least a population at one site would sur- vive 100 years declined. For downlisting, we recommend that three independent sites be maintained or re- stored in each region of the Fender's blue, with minimum average growth rates of at least � � 1.55 over 10 years. Given that 41 insect species are listed under the ESA, development of quantitative recovery criteria would be useful and feasible for at-risk insect species whose population sizes can be estimated.
Aspirin-induced acute liver injury

Aspirin is thought to be a relatively safe drug in adults. The association of aspirin and Reye syndrome in children is well documented. We report a 41-year-old female with pericarditis who was treated with high-dose aspirin and developed subsequent acute liver injury. After discontinuation of aspirin, liver enzyme elevation and right upper quadrant pain both resolved. We conclude that high-dose aspirin should be considered as a potentially hepatotoxic agent.
Group Processes and Street Identity: Adolescent Chicano Gang Members

Adolescence is often characterized as a period of life in which a person's identity undergoes marked changes to adjust to new body appearances and societal expectations. Early life experiences, sociocultural environmental conditions, and agents of socializaton must be accounted for in assessing this new identity formation. For a small, but considerable portion of barrio (neighborhood) youth with problematic backgrounds, the street gang has arisen as a competitor of other institutions, such as family and schools, to guide and direct self-identification. For those who do become members, the gang norms, its functions, and its roles help shape what a person thinks about himself and others, and the gang provides models for how to look and act under various circumstances. Such youths usually become involved with the gang during their adolescent "psychosocial moratorium" (Erikson 1956), a stage between childhood and adulthood when peers especially help guide self-identification. For some gang members the psychosocial need for peer affirmation, convention, and support becomes more or less long lasting. Through immersion in gang routines and affairs, they accomplish the personal task of age and sex role clarification, contribute to the role defini
A Computational Investigation of Bio-Inspired Formation Flight and Ground Eect

Energy saving strategies such as formation flight and near-ground flight are frequently exploited in nature. The energy reduction mechanisms of these approaches are conceptually simple; however, the unsteady wake vortex structures that result from flapping may provide additional benefits. Since these flight strategies oer increased energy savings over simple flight situations, they have received much attention from both the biological sciences and engineering research communities; however, these analysis have traditionally been restricted to the steady aerodynamics of rigid wing vehicles. In this paper, we present a preliminary computational study of energy saving strategies in flapping flight. In both formation flight and ground eect flight, beneficial energy savings are predicted. In the case of formation flight, optimal savings are predicted to occur when the unsteady wake vorticity is exploited by ensuring that the two flappers’ wakes are in spatial phase with wingtips slightly overlapping.
The Wolf Viewing Experience in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone National Park

Reintroduction of the gray wolf to Yellowstone National Park created an opportunity to recreationally view wolves in a manner that was unanticipated both in terms of frequency and popularity. During the summer and winter of 1999/2000 the authors conducted interviews to gain insight into the wolf watching experience. Results indicate that the Lamar Valley offers visitors an engaging wolf viewing experience opportunity that may be characterized as accessible authenticity. Visitors engaged in extended viewing events, which were characterized by anticipation, emotional involvement, drama, and mystery. Many of these elements were present even when respondents did not see wolves. The discussion considers the viewing experience in the Lamar Valley in light of other wildlife viewing opportunities.
High temperature polymer dielectrics from the ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)

Recently much research has focused on the development of new polymer dielectric materials to fabricate capacitors for use in the inverters of next generation hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The capacitors used in HEVs inverters will be required to operate at 150 °C, 600V, and have an energy density of 0.9 J/cm3. Polymer based thin film capacitors are ideal for this application due to their relatively high energy density, low cost, and high dielectric breakdown strength. We have polymerized several ring strained monomers using ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and have identified a promising polymer system based on N-Phenyl-7-oxanorbornene-5,6-dicarboximide (PhONDI). Several of its copolymers with norbornene have been evaluated for possible use as next generation high temperature polymer dielectrics in thin film capacitors. The copolymers were cast into thin films and Au electrodes were deposited on the polymer film. The electrical properties were evaluated as a function of temperature. The polymer system exhibited very good high temperature dielectric properties and is potentially useful as a high temperature capacitor dielectric.
LastingNVCache: A Technique for Improving the Lifetime of Non-volatile Caches

Use of non-volatile memory (NVM) devices such as resistive RAM (ReRAM) and spin transfer torque RAM (STT-RAM) for designing on-chip caches holds the promise of providing a high-density, low-leakage alternative to SRAM. However, low write endurance of NVMs, along with the write-variation introduced by existing cache management schemes significantly limits the lifetime of NVM caches. We present LastingNVCache, a technique for improving the cache lifetime by mitigating the intra-set write variation. LastingNVCache works on the key idea that by periodically flushing a frequently-written data-item, next time the block can be made to load into a cold block in the set. Through this, the future writes to that data-item can be redirected from a hot block to a cold block, which leads to improvement in the cache lifetime. Microarchitectural simulations have shown that LastingNVCache provides 6.36X, 9.79X, and 10.94X improvement in lifetime for single, dual and quad-core systems, respectively. Also, its implementation overhead is small and it outperforms a recently proposed technique for improving lifetime of NVM caches.
High-resolution landcover classification using Random Forest

Potential data sets for landcover classification, such as Landsat (or pre-processed data such as the National Land Cover Dataset (NLCD)), are often too coarse for fine-scale research needs or are cost-prohibitive (Quickbird, Ikonos and Geoeye). Repeated attempts at classifying high spatial resolution data, National Agricultural Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery, based on traditional techniques, such as a maximum likelihood supervised classification, have failed to produce a product with sufficient accuracy. We used the ensemble Random Forests (RFs) classifier to classify landcover at 1 m resolution using 2009 NAIP imagery in south-eastern Wyoming. We classified riparian areas within a 225 km2 study area, at 1 m spatial resolution, using RFs with emphasis on riparian corridors that yielded a land cover map with overall accuracy of 81% and a kappa coefficient of 79%. Users’ accuracy of important riparian vegetation species, aspen, riparian grasses and willow were 79%, 81% and 83%, respectively. Techniques pres...
A perceptually-supported sketch editor

The human visual system makes a great deal more of images than the elemental marks on a surface. In the course of viewing, creating, or editing a picture, we actively construct a host of visual structures and relationships as components of sensible interpretations. This paper shows how some of these computational processes can be incorporated into perceptually-supported image editing tools, enabling machines to better engage users at the level of their own percepts. We focus on the domain of freehand sketch editors, such as an electronic whiteboard application for a pen-based computer. By using computer vision techniques to perform covert recognition of visual structure as it emerges during the course of a drawing/editing session, a perceptually supported image editor gives users access to visual objects as they are perceived by the human visual system. We present a flexible image interpretation architecture based on token grouping in a multiscale blackboard data structure. This organization supports multiple perceptual interpretations of line drawing data, domain-specific knowledge bases for interpretable visual structures, and gesture-based selection of visual objects. A system implementing these ideas, called PerSketch, begins to explore a new space of WYPIWYG (What You Perceive Is What You Get) image editing tools.
Strong minimum energy topology in wireless sensor networks: NP-completeness and heuristics

Wireless sensor networks have recently attracted lots of research effort due to the wide range of applications. These networks must operate for months or years. However, the sensors are powered by battery, which may not be able to be recharged after they are deployed. Thus, energy-aware network management is extremely important. In this paper, we study the following problem: Given a set of sensors in the plane, assign transmit power to each sensor such that the induced topology containing only bidirectional links is strongly connected. This problem is significant in both theory and application. We prove its NP-completeness and propose two heuristics: power assignment based on minimum spanning tree (denoted by MST) and incremental power. We also show that the MST heuristic has a performance ratio of 2. Simulation study indicates that the performance of these two heuristics does not differ very much, but; on average, the incremental power heuristic is always better than MST.
The Inhibitory Action of P56 on Select Functions of E1 Mediates Interferon's Effect on Human Papillomavirus DNA Replication

The interferon (IFN)-induced protein P56 inhibits human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA replication by binding to HPV E1, which has several distinct functions in initiating viral DNA replication. Here, we determined that P56 inhibited HPV type 18 (HPV18) E1's DNA helicase activity, E2 binding, and HPV Ori sequence-specific DNA binding but not nonspecific DNA binding. We observed that deletion of a single amino acid, F399, produced an E1 mutant that could not bind P56. This E1 mutant retained its ability to support Ori DNA replication, but this activity was not inhibited by IFN, demonstrating that P56 is the principal executor of the anti-HPV action of IFN.
Priapism: Diagnosis and Management

Recent advances in the understanding of erectile physiology have improved the prompt diagnosis and treatment of priapism. During the initial assessment, the physician must distinguish between the two basic types of priapism—low and high flow—because their associated treatment and prognosis differ. To illustrate the diverse manifestation of priapism, we describe the management of four patients with a history of priapism due to varying causes. In addition, we propose an algorithm that provides a systematic and timely approach to treatment. Resumption of erectile function after a prolonged episode of priapism has traditionally been poor but has improved. Patients must be informed that the long-term sequelae of priapism can be avoided with prompt medical or surgical treatment.
Regional activation in the rat brain during visceral stimulation detected by c-fos expression and fMRI.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine and compare the areas of brain activated in response to colorectal distention (CRD) using functional mag- netic resonance imaging (fMRI) and c-fos protein expression. Methods: For fMRI study (3.0 T magnet), anaesthet- ized rats underwent phasic CRD, synchronized with fMRI acquisition. Stimulation consisted of eight cycles of balloon deflation (90 s) and inflation (30 s), at 40, 60 or 80 mmHg of pressure. For c-fos study two sets of experiments were performed on anaesthetized rats: comparing (A) brain activation in rats with the inserted colorectal balloon (n ¼ 5), to the rats without the balloon (n ¼ 5); and (B) rats with inserted balloon (n ¼ 10), to the rats with inserted and distended bal- loon (n ¼ 10). The pressure of 80 mmHg was applied for 2 h of 30 s inflation and 90 s deflation, alternating cycles. Results: Functional MRI revealed significant activa- tion in the amygdala, hypothalamus, thalamus, cere- bellum and hippocampus. Significant increase in c-fos expression was observed in amygdala and thalamus in the first set of experiments, and hypothalamus and parabrachial nuclei in the second. Conclusion: The two methods are not interchangeable but appeared to be complementary: fMRI was more sensitive, whereas c-fos had much greater resolution.
ETANA-DL: a digital library for integrated handling of heterogeneous archaeological data

Archaeologists have to deal with vast quantities of information, generated both in the field and laboratory. That information is heterogeneous in nature, and different projects have their own systems to store and use it. This adds to the challenges regarding collaborative research between such projects as well as information retrieval for other more general purposes. This paper describes our approach towards creating ETANA--DL, a digital library (DL) to help manage these vast quantities of information and to provide various kinds of services. The 5S framework for modeling a DL gives us an edge in understanding this vast and complex information space, as well as in designing and prototyping a DL to satisfy information needs of archaeologists and other user communities.
The Late Mesolithic Landscape

The Early Atlantic was a period of higher temperatures and rainfall than the preceding Boreal. Immigration of a variety of deciduous trees and other plants proceeded during this time and a mosaic of vegetational communities continued to develop. The natural landscape became increasingly differentiated into various relatively stable patches in different topographic and edaphic contexts. Vegetational density was also generally increasing.
Serum analysis after transplant nephrectomy reveals restricted antibody specificity patterns against structurally defined HLA class I mismatches

Abstract This study deals with HLA-mismatched kidney transplants that have been removed following rejection. Sera from 27 patients were screened for HLA-specific antibodies by direct complement-dependent lymphocytotoxicity with HLA-typed cell panels. Circulating donor-specific antibodies were detected in 3 cases (11%) before and in 26 cases (97%) after allograft nephrectomy. These findings demonstrate the production of donor-specific antibodies in patients with rejected transplants, but in most cases, they were undetectable before nephrectomy, because the graft had adsorbed them. With an HLAMatchmaker-based serum analysis program, we observed restricted antibody specificity patterns against amino acid triplet-defined epitopes on donor HLA-A,B antigens. Many donor triplets were non-reactive while others were apparently recognized by antibodies. In some patients, the donor triplet specific antibodies persisted for a long time whereas in many other patients, they became undetectable after a few months. The characterization of the antibody specificity profiles of post-allograft nephrectomy sera is clinically useful in defining criteria of HLA mismatch acceptability for sensitized patients awaiting another transplant. It provides also opportunities for determining the relative immunogenicity of mismatched triplets.
Field experiments across the social sciences

Using field experiments, scholars can identify causal effects via randomization while studying people and groups in their naturally occurring contexts. In light of renewed interest in field experimental methods, this review covers a wide range of field experiments from across the social sciences, with an eye to those that adopt virtuous practices, including unobtrusive measurement, naturalistic interventions, attention to realistic outcomes and consequential behaviors, and application to diverse samples and settings. The review covers four broad research areas of substantive and policy interest: first, randomized controlled trials, with a focus on policy interventions in economic development, poverty reduction, and education; second, experiments on the role that norms, motivations, and incentives play in shaping behavior; third, experiments on political mobilization, social influence, and institutional effects; and fourth, experiments on prejudice and discrimination. We discuss methodological issues conce...
A Car Crash Solved—with a Swiss Army Knife

Though not well known, Eves�s theorem is a fundamental result of projective geometry�a tool as versatile as a Swiss Army knife. Named for the late Howard W. Eves (1911�2004), the theorem establishes a class of numerical projective invariants, of which the famous cross ratio is a special case. We illustrate the versatility of Eves�s theorem by applying it to accident scene reconstruction, to the circular products in the theorems of Ceva and Menelaus, and to perspective illustrations of the geometric mean. In addition, we show that the theorem is illustrated by everyday photographs of buildings and other common objects.
Clinical utility of RAS mutations in thyroid cancer: a blurred picture now emerging clearer

RAS mutations play an important role in thyroid tumorigenesis. Considerable effort has been made in the last decade to apply RAS mutations as molecular markers to the clinical management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Yet, for the low diagnostic sensitivities and specificities of RAS mutations, when used alone, and for their uncertain role in the clinical outcomes of thyroid cancer, it has been unclear how to appropriately use them to assist the management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Studies from recent years, now added from the Alexander group, have shed light on this issue, making a blurred clinical picture now emerge clearer—RAS mutations, when combined with other genetic markers, have high diagnostic negative predictive values for thyroid cancer; cytologically benign thyroid nodules, including those positive for RAS mutations, have long-term clinical stability when non-surgically managed; and differentiated thyroid cancers harboring RAS mutations alone have an excellent prognosis. This progress in understanding RAS mutations in thyroid cancer is showing a major impact on molecular-based practice in the management of thyroid cancer.
Burden of mental illness on hospital and patient outcomes among asthma hospitalizations

AbstractObjective: Empirical evidence demonstrates the comorbidity of asthma and mental illness, though limited studies have evaluated the patient and hospital outcomes associated with such conditions. As such, this study evaluated the burden of this comorbidity on health resource utilization and patient disposition among asthma hospitalizations. Methods: A secondary analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2009–2011) was conducted, with study population of asthma hospitalizations limited to those 18 years of age and older. International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes were utilized to identify asthma and mental illness discharges. Length of stay was defined as number of days stayed in the hospital, total charges were inflation-adjusted, and patient disposition was defined as routine versus not routine. All analyses were survey-weighted and adjusted for patient and hospital characteristics. Results: Approximately 29% of the asthma hospitalizations reported mental i...