cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NUROV: The Network-controlled Underwater Remote Observation Vehicle

NVKOV is a small, observation class, remotely operated underwater vehicle developed at the Hawaii Mapping Research Group (HMRG) of the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. Utilizing a 100BASE-T IP network, NUROV is controlled via a web browser virtual control panel with streaming video from its onboard camera. The vehicle has two horizontal thrusters, a vertical thruster, and a motorized tilt for the onboard color video camera. Illumination is provided by Light Emitting Diode (LED) arrays that are mounted on either side of the camera; these arrays tilt with the camera to always illuminate the camera's field of view. The thruster motors, tilt motor, and junction box are oil filled for pressure tolerance. The prototype housings are designed for shallow water up to 50 meters, but future housings for depths to 6000 meters are planned. While connected to a node in an ocean observatory, NUROV can be used to monitor and investigate the area adjacent to the node. In addition to usage while connected to ocean observatory nodes, NUROV may also be deployed from a ship, lowered to the sea floor by a fiber-optic electromechanical cable. With the addition of a network switch, multiple vehicles could be deployed simultaneously on a single cable. Connecting the NUROV network to the Internet would allow users located around the world to operate the vehicle and to view the streaming video; this would be particularly useful for international collaboration and educational outreach.
Comparison of radiocarbon and uranium-series dating methods as applied to marine apatite

A comparison of uranium-series geochronology and radiocarbon dating, the first systematic test of its kind applied to authigenic marine apatite, has been made for nine seafloor phosphate nodules sampled from the Peruvian and Chilean shelves. Radiocarbon ages agree well with the 230Th ages for all six samples with 230Th ages younger than the practical dating limit of the 14C technique for marine samples. Two of three “old” samples contain no significant 14C activities, as expected. However, one sample with a high concentration of phosphate pellets contains more than 30% of the modern 14C activity. The discrepancy between the 14C and U-series age for this sample is thought to be due to post-depositional adsorption of the particle-reactive elements thorium and protactinium onto pellet surfaces.
Inhibition of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Activity by Adenovirus-mediated Gene Transfer and Its Effect on Insulin Action

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) is implicated in cellular events including glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, and protein synthesis. It is activated in insulin-stimulated cells by binding of the Src homology 2 (SH2) domains in its 85-kDa regulatory subunit to insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), and, others. We have previously shown that IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase activity is not essential for insulin-stimulated glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and that alternate pathways exist in these cells. We now show that adenovirus-mediated overexpression of the p85N-SH2 domain in these cells behaves in a dominant-negative manner, interfering with complex formation between endogenous PI 3-K and its SH2 binding targets. This not only inhibited insulin-stimulated IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase activity, but also completely blocked anti-phosphotyrosine-associated PI 3-kinase activity, which would include the non-IRS-1-associated activity. This resulted in inhibition of insulin-stimulated glucose transport, glycogen synthase activity and DNA synthesis. Further, Ser/Thr phosphorylation of downstream molecules Akt and p70 S6 kinase was inhibited. However, co-expression of a membrane-targeted p110CAAX with the p85N-SH2 protein rescued glucose transport, supporting our argument that the p85N-SH2 protein specifically blocks insulin-mediated PI 3-kinase activity, and, that the signaling pathways downstream of PI 3-kinase are intact. Unexpectedly, GTP-bound Ras was elevated in the basal state. Since p85 is known to interact with GTPase-activating protein in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the overexpressed p85N-SH2 peptide could titrate out cellular GTPase-activating protein by direct association, such that it is unavailable to hydrolyze GTP-bound Ras. However, insulin-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation was inhibited. Thus, PI 3-kinase may be required for this action at a step independent of and downstream of Ras. We conclude that, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, non-IRS-1-associated PI 3-kinase activity is crucial for insulin's metabolic signaling, and that overexpressed p85N-SH2 protein inhibits a variety of insulin's ultimate biological effects.
Educational Production and the Distribution of Teachers in Uruguay.

Abstract In this paper we discuss results from an analysis of a large dataset that includes virtually all sixth-grade students in Uruguay in 1996. We analyze the relationship between teacher attributes and student achievement scores and we explore the distribution of teachers according to characteristics identified as important by this analysis. We find that teachers with “important” attributes are distributed in a way that systematically favors schools with higher average achievement and socioeconomic context. Policy-related factors that may explain these patterns include Uruguay's system of teacher compensation, teachers’ working conditions, the level and locus of educational decision making in Uruguay, and teacher recruitment and assignment policies. The results are particularly interesting because Uruguay is a relatively equal society in Latin American terms, so the unequal distribution of teacher attributes is probably more accentuated in other Latin American societies.
Influence of Polarization Setting on Gold Nanorod Signal at Nonplasmonic Wavelengths Under Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy

Researchers rely on a variety of microscopic techniques for observing and tracking anisotropic nanoparticles in real time experiments. This technical note focuses on the optical behavior exhibited by gold nanorods at nonplasmonic wavelengths under differential interference contrast microscopy (DIC). Intense diffraction patterns appear at nonplasmonic wavelengths, and the behavior of these patterns can be altered by adjusting the surrounding medium or the polarizer setting. Such patterns are absent when linear and crossed polarizations are utilized. Making polarization adjustments is important in DIC microscopy, because it affects bias retardation and image contrast. The nonplasmonic diffraction bands that were observed could potentially be exploited for rotational tracking, but more importantly, researchers should exhibit care in selecting a nanorod sample and the polarization setting when working with DIC microscopy.
Effect of Corrugated Cover Directional Transmittance on the Thermal Performance of a Solar Collector

The benefits of light weight, structural strength, and reduced costs without significant reduction of transmission of solar energy of a corrugated fiberglass composite cover promise wide utilization of this cover in solar collectors to suppress convective and radiative heat losses from the absorber panel. In order to evaluate the thermal performance of a collector with a corrugated cover, the directional transmittance of the cover must be available. A study was undertaken to develop a model for the directional transmittance of a corrugated cover as represented by a sinusoidal periodic function. As an application of this model, hourly and daily thermal efficiencies of a solar collector with a corrugated cover are presented.
Major lower extremity amputations at a Veterans Affairs hospital.

Abstract Background This study was made to evaluate the experience at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital with consecutive major lower extremity amputations over a period of 7 years. Methods The records of 229 patients (221 male and 8 female) who underwent 296 consecutive major lower extremity amputations (119 above-knee amputations [AKA] and 177 below-knee amputations [BKA]) over a period of 86 months (September 1994 to October 2001) were retrospectively analyzed. All amputations were performed by members of the vascular surgery department. Results Forty of the 229 patients (17%) eventually required a contralateral amputation, 27 patients (12%) had BKAs that eventually necessitated conversion to AKA, and 44 amputations (15%) required an initial guillotine amputation. The 30-day mortalities for BKA, AKA, and BKA to AKA operations were 12%, 17%, and 7%, respectively. Eighty-eight of the amputations (30%) developed wound complications, and required 137 revisions. Seventy-seven of the amputations (26%) had undergone prior revascularization, of which 31 (48%) had an early failed bypass. The average preoperative ankle/brachial index (ABI) was 0.57. Of the patients undergoing amputation, 97 (42%) complained of rest pain, 91 (40%) complained of claudication, and 158 (69%) had tissue loss or gangrene at the time of their operation. One hundred and forty-six patients (64%) were diabetic. Twenty-two patients (9%) were dialysis dependent and 81 patients (35%) admitted to smoking. Of the known causes of death, 21 resulted from myocardial infarction, 22 from congestive heart failure, 14 from respiratory failure, 13 from disseminated cancer, 10 from sepsis, 7 from stroke, and 6 from renal failure. Preoperative functional status determinations revealed that of 272 patients with enough information to assess functional status, 43 were totally dependent, 97 were partially independent, and 132 were independent. Of the 229 patients, 168 (73%) were ambulatory prior to their amputation, and at the completion of this review only 53 patients (23%) were ambulatory. Conclusions Most patients undergoing major lower extremity amputations have many comorbidities; hence morbidity and mortality rates are high, with the most common causes of death being cardiac and respiratory in nature. These data suggest that major lower extremity amputations highlight a very high-risk population with only 39% survival at 7 years, as well as a costly subset secondary to prolonged hospitalization times (average 15 days, range 3 to 105), in addition to the extraordinary cost associated with diminished functional status.
Reflections on the language policy balance sheet in Africa

Abstract This article reflects on the state of language policies in post-colonial Africa at the time of the millennium, with a focus on efforts to promote the use of African languages in higher domains such as education. The evidence gleaned supports the argument that language policies in most African countries have succeeded only in creating space, on paper at least, for the promotion of the indigenous languages in higher domains. However, they have failed to implement the policies and sever ties with inherited colonial language policies. The article points out that language policy failure stems from the interplay of various ideologies, among them the ideology of development vs. the ideology of decolonisation; the ideology of globalisation vs. the ideology of localisation; and the legacy of inherited colonial language policies. The article deconstructs these ideologies and calls for a more pragmatic, decentralised, market-oriented approach to status planning for African languages, if the masses who speak...
Moral objections to suicide and suicidal ideation among mood disordered Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics.

Abstract Understanding the beliefs that protect individuals against suicide can help to enhance suicide prevention strategies. One measure of suicide non-acceptability is the moral objections to suicide (MOS) sub-scale of the reasons for living inventory (RFLI). This study examined the MOS and suicidal ideation of White, Black, and Hispanic individuals with mood disorders. We expected minority individuals to have stronger objections to suicide. Method Eight hundred and four, White (588), Black (122) and Hispanic (94) participants with DSM-IV diagnoses of MDD or bipolar disorder were administered the scale for suicide ideation, the reasons for living inventory and several measures of clinical distress. Results Higher suicidal ideation was modestly correlated with lower MOS scores overall ( r = 0.15, p = 0.001). Among Blacks however the relationship was inverted: despite having higher suicidal ideation than Whites or Hispanics, Blacks reported the least accepting attitudes toward suicide. Conclusion These results suggest that attitudes regarding the acceptability of suicide may be independent of suicidal ideation.
Time periods of morphological stages in populations of differentiating micro-organisms

Abstract A general method for determining the time periods of morphological stages in a population of differentiating micro-organisms is developed. The method may also be used to determine the fractional number of cells of distinct morphological types. The developmental cycles of a number of micro-organisms including budding bacteria or yeast ( Saccharomyces cervisae ), fissioning bacteria ( Bacillus subtilis ) and Caulobacter crescentus are discussed to illustrate the general method and the theoretical predictions are compared with available experimental data.
Conversations and correspondence with Burns on the ethics of transforming leadership

This short chapter was written from letters and conversations with my colleague and friend, James MacGregor Burns. Burns is a Pulitzer Prize winning historian and one of the most influential leadership scholars. He is best known for his theory of transforming leadership that later evolved into theories about transformational leadership. The reason why Burns’s work is so powerful, is because it was one of the first, and still few, studies that is truly interdisciplinary. His theory of transforming leadership is based on the history of real leaders, political theories, and work in psychology. Burns and I were kindred spirits when it came to interdisciplinary research, but we also enjoyed arguing about the theoretical and substantive differences we had about leaders and leadership. When Burns passed away in 2014, I had the opportunity to look over our correspondence and write this article about some of our discussions for an issue of Leadership and the Humanities that honored his work.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Mini-Fragment Hardware for Supination External Rotation Fractures of the Distal Fibula:

Background. Supination external rotation distal fibula fractures are common, requiring fixation when associated with talar displacement. Subcutaneous distal fibula hardware may become painful, necessitating operative removal. We hypothesize that mini-fragment and small-fragment constructs will demonstrate similar bio- mechanical stability. Methods. A bio- mechanical comparison was performed in synthetic osteoporotic sawbones. The first arm compared two 2.4-mm lag screws with one 3.5-mm lag screw for fixation of a simulated supination external rotation distal fibula fracture. The second arm compared a 2.4-mm plate-screw construct with a 3.5-mm lag screw and one-third tubular neu- tralization plate. During torsional test- ing, torque and displacement were recorded, and stiffness and peak torque were determined. Results. Differences in mean stiffness and mean load at failure were not statistically significant with lag screw-only fixation. The 3.5-mm plate-screw construct outper- formed the 2.4-mm plate-screw construct, but neither mean stiffness nor mean load at failure were statisti- cally significantly different. Dynamic testing also demonstrated similar results. Conclusion. Our data sug- gest that isolated 2.4-mm screws func- tion similarly to one 3.5-mm screw. Although the 3.5-mm plate-screw construct was stiffer, mean load at failure was equiva- lent for the 2 constructs. These data provide bio- mechanical evidence to support further investiga- tion in the use of mini- fragment hardware for distal fibula fracture fixation.
Tetrodotoxin administration in the suprachiasmatic nucleus prevents NMDA-induced reductions in pineal melatonin without influencing Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels.

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus contains a light-entrainable circadian pacemaker. Neurons in the SCN are part of a circuit that conveys light information from retinal efferents to the pineal gland. Light presented during the night acutely increases mRNA levels of the circadian clock genes Per1 and Per2 in the SCN, and acutely suppresses melatonin levels in the pineal gland. The present study investigated whether the ability of light to increase Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels and suppress pineal melatonin levels requires sodium-dependent action potentials in the SCN. Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels in the SCN and pineal melatonin levels were measured in Syrian hamsters injected with tetrodotoxin (TTX) prior to light exposure or injection of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA). TTX inhibited the ability of light to increase Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels and suppress pineal melatonin levels. TTX did not, however, influence the ability of NMDA to increase Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels, though it did inhibit the ability of NMDA to suppress pineal melatonin levels. These results demonstrate that action potentials in the SCN are not necessary for NMDA receptor activation to increase Per1 and Per2 mRNA levels, but are necessary for NMDA receptor activation to decrease pineal melatonin levels. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that the mechanism through which light information is conveyed to the pacemaker in the SCN is separate from and independent of the mechanism through which light information is conveyed to the SCN cells whose efferents suppress pineal melatonin levels.
Particle simulation of spiral galaxy evolution

Abstract Spiral galaxies are modelled as n-body systems by means of long-range and molecular-type short-range forces. A relatively massive, elliptic-type core is set into rotational motion in a less dense, tidal-prone medium. Pressure waves result, along whose leading edges there is increased luminosity, which develops in a spiral pattern. Qualitative results are obtained by parameter choices which yield dimensionless dynamical equations.
Metabolic changes associated with the long winter fast dominate the liver proteome in 13-lined ground squirrels

Small-bodied hibernators partition the year between active homeothermy and hibernating heterothermy accompanied by fasting. To define molecular events underlying hibernation that are both dependent and independent of fasting, we analyzed the liver proteome among two active and four hibernation states in 13-lined ground squirrels. We also examined fall animals transitioning between fed homeothermy and fasting heterothermy. Significantly enriched pathways differing between activity and hibernation were biased toward metabolic enzymes, concordant with the fuel shifts accompanying fasting physiology. Although metabolic reprogramming to support fasting dominated these data, arousing (rewarming) animals had the most distinct proteome among the hibernation states. Instead of a dominant metabolic enzyme signature, torpor-arousal cycles featured differences in plasma proteins and intracellular membrane traffic and its regulation. Phosphorylated NSFL1C, a membrane regulator, exhibited this torpor-arousal cycle pattern; its role in autophagosome formation may promote utilization of local substrates upon metabolic reactivation in arousal. Fall animals transitioning to hibernation lagged in their proteomic adjustment, indicating that the liver is more responsive than preparatory to the metabolic reprogramming of hibernation. Specifically, torpor use had little impact on the fall liver proteome, consistent with a dominant role of nutritional status. In contrast to our prediction of reprogramming the transition between activity and hibernation by gene expression and then within-hibernation transitions by posttranslational modification (PTM), we found extremely limited evidence of reversible PTMs within torpor-arousal cycles. Rather, acetylation contributed to seasonal differences, being highest in winter (specifically in torpor), consistent with fasting physiology and decreased abundance of the mitochondrial deacetylase, SIRT3.
Use of metal liquid-like films to generate nonconductive silver coatings

Abstract Metal liquid-like films (MELLFs) have high reflectivity and no conductivity in their liquid state. We report their use to generate coatings on glass slides, silica gels, and porous glass, with analysis by SEM and Raman spectroscopy. The coatings on glass slides are not conductive, but lose their glossiness. In contrast, the silica gel samples are both nonconductive and glossy, like the liquid-phase MELLF. Raman shows that the chemical nature of the film is not changed by drying onto the gels. SEM photos show how the preparatory methods affect the microstructure of the dried films. Finally, we compare Raman spectra from the silica gel samples with spectra of the native MELLF and with spectra of silver island films after exposure to the aqueous phase of the MELLF.
Fixing healthcare from the inside: teaching residents to heal broken delivery processes as they heal sick patients

There is a marked gap between the potential of medical science to treat illness and injury and the performance of the health care system in which hard-working, intelligent, well-trained people put that science to work. Care is available to too few, and costs and risks of injury are too high. This is avoidable. Experience in Boston, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and elsewhere indicates that quality can be raised-while risks and costs are dramatically reduced-by applying lessons from the highest-performing industrial organizations to designing, operating, and improving health care processes. What are these lessons? Improve sick processes with the same approaches used to treat patients. Specify "normal." When problems in quality, safety, efficiency, responsiveness, and the like occur, quickly determine exactly what is abnormal and determine what might be causing them. Develop a "treatment plan"-process changes that will eliminate or counteract the causal factors. Run the process (or a facsimile) with a modified, watching for gaps between actual and expected outcomes. When gaps occur, do a new work-up, diagnosis, treatment plan, and test. Lessons in designing, operating, and improving processes can be taught just as medical expertise is developed. Teach basic frameworks didactically; then, provide hands-on experience in applying those principles to real problems. Start with simple well-bounded situations that can be practiced frequently, with rapid feedback and close mentoring before advancing to more complex, less well bounded situations that occur less frequently and provide less immediate feedback between action and outcome. Incorporate development of process improvement skills into residency training so that deepening expertise within specialties is complemented by greater skill at integrating functional knowledge into well-integrated care processes.
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Improves Cardiac Excitation-Contraction Coupling (ECC) and Mitochondrial Function in Type-2 Diabetic Hearts

The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in type-2 diabetic patients is twice as high as in age-matched healthy subjects. However, the mechanisms linking type-2 diabetes with CVD remain poorly understood. We studied changes in ECC and mitochondrial function in control and diabetic (db/db) mice. We found no major changes in ECC (Ca transients, cell shortening, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ load) under basal conditions despite decreased heart-to-body weight. However, under stress conditions (beta-adrenergic stimulation) ECC was significantly impaired, and increased ROS generation and a shift of the redox environment towards oxidation were observed. Furthermore mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake was increased leading to enhanced mPTP opening. Mitochondrial respiration monitored using the Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer was decreased in diabetic hearts. We determined that despite elevated blood glucose levels (395 vs 157 mg/dl in control) and obesity (BMI was 5.50 vs 3.10 in control), blood levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (a ketone body formed in the liver) remained unchanged (821 vs 784 µM in control). Ketone body oxidation becomes a significant contributor to overall energy metabolism in extrahepatic tissues under numerous physiological conditions (neonatal period, starvation, post-exercise, low carbohydrate diet), when circulating ketone body concentrations increase from micromolar levels in normal fed state to 7 mM, and can rise to ∼20 mM under pathological conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis. We evaluated the effect of elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate levels on ECC and mitochondrial function in diabetic hearts. Exposure to 2-10 mM beta-hydroxybutyrate alone or in the presence of low concentrations of pyruvate (0.1-1 mM) improved cardiac ECC, preserved the redox environment, decreased ROS generation and mPTP opening with no effect on mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. Therefore, these data suggest that type-2 diabetes patients potentially could benefit from ketogenic (low carbohydrate) diet which increases beta-hydroxybutyrate generation.
Structures of multidomain proteins adsorbed on hydrophobic interaction chromatography surfaces

In hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), interactions between buried hydrophobic residues and HIC surfaces can cause conformational changes that interfere with separations and cause yield losses. This paper extends our previous investigations of protein unfolding in HIC chromatography by identifying protein structures on HIC surfaces under denaturing conditions and relating them to solution behavior. The thermal unfolding of three model multidomain proteins on three HIC surfaces of differing hydrophobicities was investigated with hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry (HXMS). The data were analyzed to obtain unfolding rates and Gibbs free energies for unfolding of adsorbed proteins. The melting temperatures of the proteins were lowered, but by different amounts, on the different surfaces. In addition, the structures of the proteins on the chromatographic surfaces were similar to the partially unfolded structures produced in the absence of a surface by temperature as well as by chemical denaturants. Finally, it was found that patterns of residue exposure to solvent on different surfaces at different temperatures can be largely superimposed. These findings suggest that protein unfolding on various HIC surfaces might be quantitatively related to protein unfolding in solution and that details of surface unfolding behavior might be generalized.
Radioimmunoassay for N6(methylnitroso)adenosine: Production and characterization of antibodies

Abstract Antibodies specific for N6(methylnitroso)adenosine have been produced in rabbits and a sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed. The nitroso group is immunodominant; 50% inhibition of the binding of [3H]N6(methylnitroso)adenosine to antibody was obtained with 9.6 pmoles of N6(methylnitroso)adenosine and 200 nmoles of N6-methyladenosine. Adenosine was essentially inactive. After nitrosation, N6(methylnitroso)adenosine can be detected only in those RNA molecules known to contain N6-methyladenosine.
Perceived Invasiveness and Fairness of Drug-Testing Procedures for Current Employees

A study was conducted with 225 college students to examine the effects of three organizational and policy variables on the perceived fairness and invasiveness of drug-testing practices. Specifically, the effects of warning type (no warning vs. advance warning), consequence of a positive drug test (termination vs. rehabilitation), and safety sensitivity of the job (safety sensitive vs. safety nonsensitive) were examined. Results suggested that specific features of the policy, as well as type of job under consideration, affected perceived invasiveness and fairness of drug testing. In general, testing was seen as more appropriate for safety-sensitive jobs, that is, those in which drug-impaired performance presented a high degree of danger for individuals. Although rehabilitation was perceived as more fair than termination, when safety was an issue, termination was viewed as a justifiable response by the company. Implications for organizational drug-testing policies are discussed.
Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) invasion alters organic matter dynamics in a desert stream

Summary 1. We investigated the impacts of saltcedar invasion on organic matter dynamics in a spring-fed stream (Jackrabbit Spring) in the Mojave Desert of southern Nevada, U.S.A., by experimentally manipulating saltcedar abundance. 2. Saltcedar heavily shaded Jackrabbit Spring and shifted the dominant organic matter inputs from autochthonous production that was available throughout the year to allochthonous saltcedar leaf litter that was strongly pulsed in the autumn. Specifically, reaches dominated by saltcedar had allochthonous litter inputs of 299 g ash free dry mass (AFDM) m−2 year−1, macrophyte production of 15 g AFDM m−2 year−1 and algal production of 400 g AFDM m−2 year−1, while reaches dominated by native riparian vegetation or where saltcedar had been experimentally removed had allochthonous litter inputs of 7–34 g AFDM m−2 year−1, macrophyte production of 118–425 g AFDM m−2 year−1 and algal production of 640–900 g AFDM m−2 year−1. 3. A leaf litter breakdown study indicated that saltcedar also altered decomposition in Jackrabbit Spring, mainly through its influence on litter quality rather than by altering the environment for decomposition. Decomposition rates for saltcedar were lower than for ash (Fraxinus velutina), the dominant native allochthonous litter type, but faster than for bulrush (Scirpus americanus), the dominant macrophyte in this system.
Periodic Points of the Open-Tent Function

Given a function f : S + S, it is of great interest in the field of dynamical systems to figure out which points in the set S are eventually sent back to themselves through repeated applications of f . More precisely, people like to know which points x and which positive integers n have the property that f n (x) = x , where f n denotes the nth iteration o f f . Such a point x is called aperiodicpoint, and the smallest such n is called the prime period of x. (Note that this does not require that n be a prime number.) According to a famous theorem by Li and Yorke [ti],for a continuous function f on a line or a closed interval S . if f has a point of prime period 3, then f has a point of prime period n for every n. This amazing result turns out to be a special case of the even more amazing Sarkovskii theorern [4. Ch. 111. To construct a simple example of a continuous function with a point of prime period 3 on the unit interval, we choose 0 -t 112 -t l -+ 0 as our 3-cycle and connect the points (0, 112). (1 12, 1). and ( 1 ,0) by a piecewise-linear function
Ion irradiation damage in ilmenite at 100 K

A natural single crystal of ilmenite (FeTiO{sub 3}) was irradiated at 100 K with 200 keV Ar{sup 2+}. Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and ion channeling with MeV He{sup +} ions were used to monitor damage accumulation in the surface region of the implanted crystal. At an irradiation fluence of 1 {times} 10{sup 15} Ar{sup 2+} cm{sup {minus}2}, considerable near-surface He{sup +} ion dechanneling was observed, to the extent that ion yield from a portion of the aligned crystal spectrum reached the yield level of a random spectrum. This observation suggests that the near-surface region of the crystal was amorphized by the implantation. Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction on this sample confirmed the presence of a 150 nm thick amorphous layer. These results are compared to similar investigations on geikielite (MgTiO{sub 3}) and spinel (MgAl{sub 2}O{sub 4}) to explore factors that may influence radiation damage response in oxides.
Role of glucose and insulin resistance in development of type 2 diabetes mellitus: results of a 25-year follow-up study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterised by resistance of peripheral tissues to insulin and a relative deficiency of insulin secretion. To find out which is the earliest or primary determinant of disease, we used a minimum model of glucose disposal and insulin secretion based on intravenous glucose tolerance tests to estimate insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose effectiveness (ie, insulin-independent glucose removal rate, SG), and first-phase and second-phase beta-cell responsiveness in normoglycaemic offspring of couples who both had type 2 diabetes. 155 subjects from 86 families were followed-up for 6-25 years. More than 10 years before the development of diabetes, subjects who developed the disease had lower values of both SI (mean 3.2 [SD 2.4] vs 8.1 [6.7] 10(-3) I min-1 pmol-1 insulin; p < 0.0001) and SG (1.6 [0.9] vs 2.3 [1.2] 10(-2) min-1, p < 0.0001) than did those who remained normoglycaemic). For the subjects with both SI and SG below the group median, the cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes during the 25 years was 76% (95% confidence interval 54-99). By contrast, no subject with both SI and SG above the median developed the disease. Subjects with low SI/high SG or high SI/low SG had intermediate risks. Insulin secretion, especially first phase, tended to be increased rather than decreased in this prediabetic phase and was appropriate for the level of insulin resistance. The development of type 2 diabetes is preceded by and predicted by defects in both insulin-dependent and insulin-independent glucose uptake; the defects are detectable when the patients are normoglycaemic and in most cases more than a decade before diagnosis of disease.
Methodologies for examining problem solving success and failure

When designing research to examine the variables underlying creative thinking and problem solving success, one must not only consider (a) the demands of the task being performed, but (b) the characteristics of the individual performing the task and (c) the constraints of the skill execution environment. In the current paper we describe methodologies that allow one to effectively study creative thinking by capturing interactions among the individual, task, and problem solving situation. In doing so, we demonstrate that the relation between executive functioning and problem solving success is not always as straightforward as one might initially believe.
Swelling of Four Glove Materials Challenged by Six Metalworking Fluids

The performance of protective gloves against metalworking fluids (MWFs) has rarely been studied because of the difficult chemical analysis associated with complex MWFs. In the present study, glove swelling was used as a screening parameter of glove compatibility after challenge of the outer surfaces of chloroprene, latex, nitrile, and vinyl disposable gloves by six MWF concentrates for 2 hours in an ASTM F-739-type permeation cell without collection medium. Swelling relative to original thickness was up to 39% for latex, 7.6% for chloroprene, and 3.5% for nitrile. Shrinking up to 9.3% occurred for vinyl. Chloroprene and latex did not swell significantly for the semisynthetic and synthetic MWFs. Vinyl, previously not tested, was a good candidate for MWFs other than the soluble oil type. Although nitrile was recommended by the National Institute for the Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for all types of MWFs, its swelling after 2-hour challenge was significant with Student t-tests for the soluble oil, synthetic, and semisynthetic MWFs. Glove swelling can be used as a screening chemical degradation method for mixtures such as MWFs with difficult chemical analysis. Further studies need to be conducted on the relationship between permeation and glove swelling.
CHARACTERIZATION OF AN EPITHERMAL IRRADIATION FACILITY

An epithermal energy neutron irradiation facility has been used to perform instrumental activation analysis for iodine, silicon, nickel, zirconium, uranium and thorium. The facility, which is adjacent to the fuel of the University of Virginia 2.0 MW pool reactor, consists of a dry sample region surrounded by a fixed cadmium shield. A boron nitride capsule can be used to hold the sample in the cadmium facility to further enhance the reduction of thermal neutron activation. The neutron fluence rate is 2.2×1016 n·m−2·s−1 for fission spectrum energy neutrons (measured with Ni(n,p)Co) and 8.2·1015 n·m−2·s−1 for resonance energy neutrons (measured with gold).
Lighting with paint

Lighting is a fundamental aspect of computer cinematography that involves the placement and configuration of lights to establish mood and enhance storytelling. This process is labor intensive as artists repeatedly adjust the parameters of a large set of complex lights to achieve a desired effect. Typical lighting controls affect the final image indirectly, requiring a large number of trials to obtain a suitable result.We present an interactive system wherein an artist paints desired lighting effects directly into the scene, and the computer solves for parameters that achieve the desired look. The artist can paint color, light shape, shadows, highlights, and reflections using a suite of tools designed for painting light. Our system matches these effects using a nonlinear optimizer made robust by a combination of initial estimates, system design, and user-guided optimization. In contrast, previous work on painting light has not permitted the lights to move, allowing for linear optimization but preventing its use in computer cinematography.To demonstrate our approach we lit several scenes, mainly using a direct illumination renderer designed for computer animation, but also including two other rendering styles. We show that painting interfaces can quickly produce high quality lighting setups, easing the lighting artist's workflow.
Consumer Direction, Consumer Choice, and the Future of Long-Term Care

Traditionally, our long-term care system has had a strong institutional bias, with care directed by health care professionals and few options for consumers. There is now a growing trend toward consumer direction and consumer choice in long-term care. Some degree of consumer direction can be achieved under different models of long-term care, but many consumers prefer the independent living model in which they hire, train, and manage their own personal assistants. The Supreme Court's Olmstead decision supported the consumer-direction trend, finding that unjustified institutionalization is discriminatory and that Medicaid recipients with disabilities must receive their care in the most integrated setting appropriate. Initiatives by disability rights advocates, states, and the federal government to ensure the option of consumer-directed home- and community-based care, as well as innovative home-based programs in other countries, have further fueled the trend. The policy challenge will be to offer consumer-dir...
Cytology of pleural, peritoneal and pericardial fluids in children. A 40-year summary.

Objective To determine the applicability of the cytologic examination of serous fluids in the management of malignant neoplasms in children. Study design A review of the reports of all cytologic specimens of pleural, peritoneal and pericardial fluids from children examined in our laboratory during a 40-year period. A total of 226 specimens from 146 patients under 18 years old with a documented neoplasm were analyzed by diagnosis and fluid type. The data were tabulated and analyzed in a format that allowed comparison with the results of earlier studies. Results Eighty-eight specimens (39%) from 66 patients (45%) were suspicious or positive for malignancy. The positive specimens included lymphoma and leukemia (52%), neuroblastoma (14%), Wilms' tumor (9%), gonadal and extragonadal germ cell neoplasms (8%), bone and soft tissue sarcomas (7%), epithelial neoplasms (5%), Ewing's sarcoma (2%) and other neoplasms (3%). Positive results were obtained in 47% (66/139) of pleural fluids, 23% (15/65) of ascitic fluids, 27% (4/15) of peritoneal washings and 43% (3/7) of pericardial fluids. Conclusion Cytologic examination of serous fluids is a simple and useful procedure in the management of pediatric neoplasms. This study showed a higher proportion of positive effusion cytology with lymphoma/leukemia and a lower proportion with sarcoma as compared with earlier reports. Pleural fluids were the most common specimen type and showed the highest proportion of positivity.
Hyaluronan-mediated CD44 Interaction with p300 and SIRT1 Regulates β-Catenin Signaling and NFκB-specific Transcription Activity Leading to MDR1 and Bcl-xL Gene Expression and Chemoresistance in Breast Tumor Cells

In this study we have investigated hyaluronan (HA)-mediated CD44 (an HA receptor) interactions with p300 (a histone acetyltransferase) and SIRT1 (a histone deacetylase) in human breast tumor cells (MCF-7 cells). Specifically, our results indicate that HA binding to CD44 up-regulates p300 expression and its acetyltransferase activity that, in turn, promotes acetylation of β-catenin and NFκB-p65 leading to activation of β-catenin-associated T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor transcriptional co-activation and NFκB-specific transcriptional up-regulation, respectively. These changes then cause the expression of the MDR1 (P-glycoprotein/P-gp) gene and the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-xL resulting in chemoresistance in MCF-7 cells. Our data also show that down-regulation of p300, β-catenin, or NFκB-p65 in MCF-7 cells (by transfecting cells with p300-, β-catenin-, or NFκB-p65-specific small interfering RNA) inhibits the HA/CD44-mediated β-catenin/NFκB-p65 acetylation and abrogates the aforementioned transcriptional activities. Subsequently, there is a significant decrease in both MDR1 and Bcl-xL gene expression and an enhancement in caspase-3 activity and chemosensitivity in the breast tumor cells. Further analyses indicate that activation of SIRT1 (deacetylase) by resveratrol (a natural antioxidant) induces SIRT1-p300 association and acetyltransferase inactivation, leading to deacetylation of HA/CD44-induced β-catenin and NFκB-p65, inhibition of β-catenin-T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor and NFκB-specific transcriptional activation, and the impairment of MDR1 and Bcl-xL gene expression. All these multiple effects lead to an activation of caspase-3 and a reduction of chemoresistance. Together, these findings suggest that the interactions between HA/CD44-stimulated p300 (acetyltransferase) and resveratrol-activated SIRT1 (deacetylase) play pivotal roles in regulating the balance between cell survival versus apoptosis, and multidrug resistance versus sensitivity in breast tumor cells.
Ventricular Function I. Starling's Law of the Heart Studied by Means of Simultaneous Right and Left Ventricular Function Curves in the Dog

Starling9s law of the heart has been studied in the dog with a complete circulation with the continuous registration of cardiac output, and atrial and arterial pressures. From this data ventricular function curves were constructed. In any given physiologic state there was a consistent and reproducible correlation between atrial pressure and ventricular stroke work on the same side. The classically conceived descending limb did not occur in the normal heart. The concept of a family of Starling or ventricular function curves adds a third dimension to the adaptive capacity of the heart as put forth by Frank and Starling.
Astrocyte volume regulation and ATP and phosphocreatine concentrations after exposure to salicylate, ammonium, and fatty acids.

Cellular volume regulation following swelling in hypo-osmotic phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and ATP and phosphocreatine concentrations of cells incubated in iso-osmotic or hypo-osmotic PBS were measured in primary cultured rat cerebral astrocytes exposed for 30 min to NH4Cl, salicylate, hexanoate, octanoate, and/or dodecanoate. These compounds have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral edema in Reye's Syndrome. NH4Cl (0.10–10 raM) had no effect on astrocyte volume regulation or ATP concentration. Salicylate significantly reduced ATP concentrations at 3.0 mM and 10 mM but had no effect on volume regulation. Hexanoate (10 mM and 30 mM) decreased astrocyte ATP content by over 80% while octanoate (10 mM) reduced ATP content by more than 50%. Concentrations of these fatty acids at or below 3.0 mM had no effect on ATP content. Volume regulation was inhibited by 3.0 mM hexanoate and 3.0 mM octanoate but not lower concentrations. Dodecanoate (0.1–3.0 mM) decreased cellular ATP content by 33–51% in iso-osmotic PBS solutions. Phosphocreatine content was reduced by exposure to salicylate or octanoate at concentrations which had no effect on ATP content. These results indicate that astrocyte energy metabolism and volume regulation may be compromised by agents associated with cerebral edema in Reye's Syndrome. Analysis of the dose-dependence of these effects suggests that inhibition of astrocyte energy metabolism is not sufficient to affect volume regulation.
Distribution and environmental limitations of an amphibian pathogen in the Rocky Mountains, USA

Abstract Amphibian populations continue to be imperiled by the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). Understanding where B. dendrobatidis (Bd) occurs and how it may be limited by environmental factors is critical to our ability to effectively conserve the amphibians affected by Bd. We sampled 1247 amphibians (boreal toads and surrogates) at 261 boreal toad (Bufo boreas) breeding sites (97 clusters) along an 11° latitudinal gradient in the Rocky Mountains to determine the distribution of B. dendrobatidis and examine environmental factors, such as temperature and elevation, that might affect its distribution. The fungus was detected at 64% of all clusters and occurred across a range of elevations (1030–3550 m) and latitudes (37.6–48.6°) but we detected it in only 42% of clusters in the south (site elevations higher), compared to 84% of clusters in the north (site elevations lower). Maximum ambient temperature (daily high) explained much of the variation in Bd occurrence in boreal toad populations and thus perhaps limits the occurrence of the pathogen in the Rocky Mountains to areas where climatic conditions facilitate optimal growth of the fungus. This information has implications in global climate change scenarios where warming temperatures may facilitate the spread of disease into previously un- or little-affected areas (i.e., higher elevations). This study provides the first regional-level, field-based effort to examine the relationship of environmental and geographic factors to the distribution of B. dendrobatidis in North America and will assist managers to focus on at-risk populations as determined by the local temperature regimes, latitude and elevation.
Getting the Feel: Email Usage in a Nonprofit Community Organization in a Low-Income Community

Through in-depth interviews of 26 employees, this study examined how social norms and values influence email usage in a nonprofit organization in a low-income urban community. Although adequate technical infrastructure was in place, a shared norm on getting a feel in social interactions reinforced face-to-face communication as the primary mode of communication among members. This norm, coupled with a lack of computer literacy and of technical support, led to low email usage and slow adaptation to external technological change. These findings revealed the importance of improving members' technical competence to experience a feel in computer-mediated communication before initiating changes in technology use.
Passively Q-switched Nd-doped waveguide laser.

A passively Q-switched waveguide laser operating at 1.054 μm has been demonstrated in a Nd-doped phosphate glass. The channel waveguide was fabricated by K-ion exchange from a nitrate melt. Passively Q-switched pulses were achieved by placement of an acetate sheet containing an organic saturable-absorbing dye within the laser cavity. The resulting pulse train consisted of pulses with a FWHM of ~25 ns and peak powers of 3.04 W. With an 80% transmitting output coupler, cw operation of the laser provided 5.2 mW of output power at 1.054 μm for 229 mW of absorbed 794-nm pump power.