cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface ultrastructure of pit organ, spectacle, and non pit organ epidermis of infrared imaging boid snakes: A scanning probe and scanning electron microscopy study.

Abstract Boid snakes possess unique infrared imaging pit organs. The ultrastructure of the surfaces of these organs scatter or reflect electromagnetic radiation of specific wavelengths. Pit organ epidermal surfaces of boid snakes are covered with arrays of pore-like structures called micropits. In order to determine the dimensions of this complicated surface structure, we have performed the first ultrastructural analysis on snake epidermis by high-resolution microscopy techniques. Using scanning probe microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we found that the epidermis of pit organ, maxillary non pit organ, spectacle, and ventral scales contain arrays of micropits. These scale surfaces also contain major surface features of overlapping plate-like structures. Pit organ micropits averaged 319 nm in diameter and 46 nm in depth and were spaced an average of 808 nm from each other. These micropits were significantly deeper, of greater diameter, and spaced at greater distances apart than those of the other scales. Plate structures of the pit organs had a mean distance between plates of 3.5 μm and a mean plate step height of 151 nm. These differences serve to strengthen the argument that arrays of micropit and plate surface structures function as spectral filters or anti-reflective coatings with respect to incident electromagnetic radiation.
A neural-based technique for estimating self-similar traffic average queueing delay

Estimating buffer latency is one of the most important challenges in the analysis and design of traffic control algorithms. In this paper a novel approach for estimating average queueing delay in multiple source queueing systems is introduced. The approach relies on the modeling power of neural networks in predicting self-similar traffic patterns in order to determine the arrival rate and the packet latency of low loss, moderately loaded queueing systems accommodating such traffic patterns.
Some Effects of Trainers on their T Groups

Relationships among certain dimensions of T-Group trainer behavior, members' reactions to the trainer, group climate, and participant learning were investigated through questionnaires administered to 118 participants and 20 trainers in a human relations laboratory held at Bethel, Maine, in the summer of 1966. As expected, trainer empathy and security were related to liking for the trainer and perceived member learning. Trainer affection was related to participants' liking for the trainer, but not to learning measures. Trainer tendencies to reward and punish were related to discomfort and tension, but not to learning. Unexpectedly, trainer openness showed little relationship to participant learning.
A Detailed Router Based on Incremental Routing Modifications: Mighty

For the macrocell design style and for routing problems in which the routing regions are irregular, two-dimensional routers are often necessary. In this paper, a new routing technique that can be applied for general two-layer detailed routing problems, including switchboxes, channels, and partially routed areas, is presented. The routing regions that can be handled are very general: the boundaries can be described by any rectilinear edges, the pins can be on or inside the boundaries of the region, and the obstructions can be of any shape and size. The technique is based on an algorithm that routes the nets in the routing region incrementally and intelligently, and allows modifications and rip-up of nets when an existing shortest path is "far" from optimal or when no path exists. The modification steps (also called weak modification) relocate some segments of nets already routed to find a shorter path or to make room for a blocked net. The rip-up and reroute steps (called strong modifiction) remove segments of nets already routed to make room for a blocked connection; these steps are invoked only if weak modification fails. The algorithm has been rigorously proven to complete in finite time and its complexity has been analyzed. The algorithm has been implemented in the "C" programming language. Many test cases have been run, and on all the examples known in the literature the router has performed as well as or better than existing algorithms. In particular, Burstein's difficult switchbox example has been routed using one less column than the original data. In addition, the router has routed difficult channels such as Deutsch's in density and has performed better than or as well as YACR-II on all the channels available to us.
A model for combustion of gaseous and liquid fuels in a refractory tube

A model has been developed and solved for the combustion of liquid and gaseous fuels in a refractory tube. The model postulates plug flow, and therefore is restricted to the regime of turbulent flow. It also postulates that the liquid droplets vaporize prior to ignition and that the reaction rate can be represented by a global expression insofar as the energy balance is concerned. The solution of this model was greatly simplified by the approximate reduction of the integro-differential equation arising from radiative transfer to a differential equation. A convergent, exact solution for the resulting set of ordinary differential equations was obtained using finite-difference methods. The numerical solutions are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data of Chen and Churchill and Bernstein and Churchill for premixed propane and air and with those of Choi and Churchill for hexane droplets and air. The model provides a theoretical confirmation and explanation for the observed multiple, stationary states and the low (5–40 ppm) measured concentrations of NO x . However, the primary value of the model and method of solution is for the prediction of behavior for conditions not yet studied experimentally.
CANNABINOID RECEPTOR AGONISTS UPREGULATE AND ENHANCE SEROTONIN 2A (5-HT2A) RECEPTOR ACTIVITY VIA ERK1/2 SIGNALING

Recent behavioral studies suggest that nonselective agonists of cannabinoid receptors may regulate serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor neurotransmission. Two cannabinoids receptors are found in brain, CB1 and CB2 receptors, but the molecular mechanism by which cannabinoid receptors would regulate 5-HT2A receptor neurotransmission remains unknown. Interestingly, we have recently found that certain cannabinoid receptor agonists can specifically upregulate 5-HT2A receptors. Here, we present experimental evidence that rats treated with a nonselective cannabinoid receptor agonist (CP 55,940, 50 µg/kg, 7 days) showed increases in 5-HT2A receptor protein levels, 5-HT2A receptor mRNA levels, and 5-HT2A receptor-mediated phospholipase C beta (PLCβ) activity in prefrontal cortex (PFCx). Similar effects were found in neuronal cultured cells treated with CP 55,940 but these effects were prevented by selective CB2, but not selective CB1, receptor antagonists. CB2 receptors couple to the extracellular kinase (ERK) signaling pathway by Gαi/o class of G-proteins. Noteworthy, GP 1a (selective CB2 receptor agonist) produced a strong upregulation of 5-HT2A receptor mRNA and protein, an effect that was prevented by selective CB2 receptor antagonists and by an ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD 198306. In summary, our results identified a strong cannabinoid-induced upregulation of 5-HT2A receptor signaling in rat PFCx. Our cultured cell studies suggest that selective CB2 receptor agonists upregulate 5-HT2A receptor signaling by activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Activity of cortical 5-HT2A receptors has been associated with several physiological functions and neuropsychiatric disorders such as stress response, anxiety and depression, and schizophrenia. Therefore, these results may provide a molecular mechanism by which activation of cannabinoid receptors might be relevant to the pathophysiology of some cognitive and mood disorders in humans. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acid sensing by sweet and bitter taste neurons in Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster can taste various compounds and separate them into few basic categories such as sweet, bitter and salt taste. Here we investigate mechanisms underlying acid detection in Drosophila and report that the fly displays strong taste aversion to common carboxylic acids. We find that acid tastants act by the activation of a subset of bitter neurons and inhibition of sweet neurons. Bitter neurons begin to respond at pH 5 and show an increase in spike frequency as the extracellular pH drops, which does not rely on previously identified chemoreceptors. Notably, sweet neuron activity depends on the balance of sugar and acid tastant concentrations. This is independent of bitter neuron firing, and allows the fly to avoid acid-laced food sources even in the absence of functional bitter neurons. The two mechanisms may allow the fly to better evaluate the risk of ingesting acidic foods and modulate its feeding decisions accordingly.
A Nomogram for Chi-Square

T O DECIDE if a calculated value of x2 is significant it is customary to use a table such as that given by Fisher [5]. The experimenter thus finds the frequency with which, according to some hypothesis as to the population(s) from which the samples are drawn, random sampling would give numbers leading to a x2 greater than that actually obtained. Presently available tables may give values of this probability for integral values of x2 (Elderton, Yule), or, as in Fisher's table, values of x2 for selected values of the probability. The results obtained with either type of table can be obtained by use of the attached nomogram or alignment chart (Figure 1). If an index line, such as a stretched thread or a line ruled on some flat transparent material is used to connect the calculated values of x2 on the right-hand scale with the appropriate number of degrees of freedom (DF) on the middle scale, the point at which the index line crosses the left-hand scale gives the value of the probability (P). Example: Suppose we have calculated a value of x2 = 9.837 for three degrees of freedom. Connecting these values on the appropriate scales of the nomogram by the index line, we read on the left-hand scale P = 0.020. From Fisher's Table III we also find 0.020. For the frequently occurring and important case of one degree of freedom, the degree of accuracy to be expected from the nomogram is shown by Table 1, where readings from the nomogram are compared with the correct probabilities as given on p. 445 of Kendall [7]. The nomogram contains higher values of x2 and DF than found in most tables, enabling cases in which such values occur to be treated directly without any approximate calculations. Example: A value of x2=64 corresponding to DF =41 has been found. From the nomogram, P=0.0103. Yule and Kendall [8], on p. 459, give P=0.0103.
Image reconstruction of arc cone-beam CT with reprojection: a preliminary study

A reprojection reconstruction is proposed for limited angle cone-beam CT. This approach can be used as an improved method for any non-reprojection method such as total vibration (TV) minimization based and/or projection onto convex sets (POCS) methods in cone-beam CT reconstruction. Since the reprojection and backprojection are mutually inversed operations, the reprojection as line integral can be implemented with backprojector currently used in most CT systems. In this study, we focused on the effect of reprojection reconstruction with a small arc cone-beam CT scan. A human head phantom and a fiber glass plate were used for the study with 15 projections spanning 45° of the scan. The results showed that the ringing artifacts and edge unsharpness are greatly improved by the reprojection reconstruction method. We also found that an arc scan covering larger projection areas of the object would result in a much greater reconstruction result than a scan covering smaller projection areas with and without reprojection reconstruction method.
The pattern of early lung parenchymal and air space injury following acute blood loss

UNLABELLED Acute lung injury is a frequent clinical occurrence following blood loss and trauma. The nature of this injury remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To examine the relative parenchymal and intra-alveolar distribution of inflammation in a rat model of hemorrhage and resuscitation. METHODS Rats were anesthetized and subjected to hemorrhage followed by resuscitation with shed blood and saline. Myeloperoxidase activity of lung homogenates and cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were used to measure total lung and intra-alveolar neutrophil invasion. Extravasation of i.v.-administered [125I]-albumin was used to determine total lung and alveolar permeability. Permeability results were analyzed using their base-10 logarithmic transformations. RESULTS 86 animals were studied. Whole-lung myeloperoxidase activity was increased (control = 0.34 +/- 0.16 units, injured = 0.84 +/- 0.43 units, p < 0.01), while there was no difference in intra-alveolar leukocyte counts (injured = 1.85 +/- 1.30 x 10(5)/mL, control = 2.44 +/- 1.75 x 10(5)/mL, p = 0.40), suggesting that the cellular component of the injury was more severe in the intravascular and interstitial spaces. There was a strong trend toward increased permeability in the interstitial compartment, and a significant increase in permeability in the intra-alveolar compartment (whole-lung permeability: control = -0.27 +/- 0.19 units, injured = 0.10 +/- 0.55 units, p = 0.06; alveolar permeability: control = -2.00 +/- 0.47 units, injured = -1.32 +/- 0.49 units, p < 0.01), suggesting that the loss of integrity to macromolecules was not limited to the interstitium. CONCLUSION Hemorrhage and resuscitation resulted in an acute lung injury characterized by extravasation of intravascular protein into both the interstitium and the intra-alveolar space. Neutrophil invasion of the lung was demonstrable only in the interstitial compartment.
Thermal performance of heat pipe arrays in soil

Arrays of heat pipes placed in soil may be used to good advantage for cooling or heating equipment. This paper gives results of a study that included the coupling of heat pipe thermal characteristics with soil thermal characteristics for such applications. A transient mathematical model was developed for the combination that accounted for thermal capacitance and resistance of the individual heat pipes, the number and arrangement of heat pipes in the soil, and soil properties. The model was verified by comparing it with published experimental and analytical results. Parametric studies were then performed, and the results were used to develop some correlation equations that may be used to predict the thermal performance of arrays of heat pipes in soil. The dependence of spacing, type of array, heat pipe properties, and soil properties is included in the simple correlation equations.
Automated Identification of Putative Methyltransferases from Genomic Open Reading Frames

We have analyzed existing methodologies and created novel methodologies for the automatic assignment of S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet)-dependent methyltransferase functionality to genomic open reading frames based on predicted protein sequences. A large class of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases shares a common binding motif for the AdoMet cofactor in the form of a seven-strand twisted β-sheet; this structural similarity is mirrored in a degenerate sequence similarity that we refer to as methyltransferase signature motifs. These motifs are the basis of our assignments. We find that simple pattern matching based on the motif sequence is of limited utility and that a new method of "sensitized matrices for scoring methyltransferases" (SM2) produced with modified versions of the MEME and MAST tools gives greatly improved results for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast genome. From our analysis, we conclude that this class of methyltransferases makes up ∼0.6–1.6% of the genes in the yeast, human, mouse, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Escherichia coli genomes. We provide lists of unidentified genes that we consider to have a high probability of being methyltransferases for future biochemical analyses.
Stability of the bound states in Coulomb three-body systems with unit charges. I. Low-lying P and D states

The results of highly accurate variational calculations of low-lying bound P (L=1) and D (L=2) pre-threshold states in a Coulomb three-body system with unit charges (X+Y+Z-) are presented. The pre-threshold behaviour of the binding energy is studied. The presence of quasi-stationary states is briefly discussed.
The effect of heparin on the metabolism of triglycerides by the liver

Abstract The output of triglyceride by the perfused rat liver was depressed by heparin (Upjohn) added to the medium in vitro . The impairment in output of triglyceride by the liver which resulted from fasting, alloxan diabetes, and from poisoning of the animal with carbon tetrachloride was observed whether or not heparin was used as an anticoagulant. The output of triglyceride by the liver was inhibited significantly by crystalline heparin (Sigma) only at the smallest concentration (0.42 USP units/ml perfusate) of heparin added to the medium. The release of lipolytic activity by the liver was stimulated as the concentration of heparin in the medium was increased; the maximal effect was obtained at a concentration of 42 units heparin/ml perfusate. Paradoxically, as the lipolytic activity in the medium increased, the inhibition of output of triglyceride by heparin diminished. The uptake and utilization by the liver of chylomicra labeled with palmitic acid-1- 14 C was accelerated by crystalline heparin, presumably as a result of the increased lipolytic activity. There was, however, a real, albeit smaller, utilization of chylomicron triglyceride when heparin was omitted from the medium. One can surmise from these observations that the output of triglyceride into the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) by the liver and the uptake of either chylomicron triglyceride or the VLDL-triglyceride occur by different cellular mechanisms, since heparin appears to affect each of these processes in diverse manners.
Complex three‐dimensional microstructural permeability prediction of porous fibrous media with and without compaction

Much of the work in permeability prediction has so far been done with respect to the in-plane properties. Guided by Darcy's law, the in-plane permeabilities (i.e. Kxx and Kyy) have been well characterized by researchers both experimentally and, to some extent, analytically and numerically. Work on transverse or through thickness permeability, however, has been sparse. Owing to the fact that the limited length scale in the through thickness direction of most fibre preforms makes transverse permeability a difficult value to measure experimentally, the objective of the present development is to study the feasibility of applying the methodology proposed by the authors in a previous work for in-plane permeability prediction to the estimation of transverse, as well as the in-plane, permeability of a typical 3D woven fibre preform. The additional objective of this work is to present a preliminary study on the effects of fibre mat compression on the fibre preform permeability. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLARS).

Objective: The research provides a chronology of the US National Library of Medicine's (NLM's) contribution to access to the world's biomedical literature through its computerization of biomedical indexes, particularly the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLARS). Method: Using material gathered from NLM's archives and from personal interviews with people associated with developing MEDLARS and its associated systems, the author discusses key events in the history of MEDLARS. Discussion: From the development of the early mechanized bibliographic retrieval systems of the 1940s and to the beginnings of online, interactive computerized bibliographic search systems of the early 1970s chronicled here, NLM's contributions to automation and bibliographic retrieval have been extensive. Conclusion: As NLM's technological experience and expertise grew, innovative bibliographic storage and retrieval systems emerged. NLM's accomplishments regarding MEDLARS were cutting edge, placing the library at the forefront of incorporating mechanization and technologies into medical information systems.
Thermochronologic constraints on Late Cretaceous to Cenozoic exhumation of the Bendeleben Mountains, Seward Peninsula, Alaska

In the Bendeleben Mountains, Seward Peninsula, mid-Cretaceous granites are exposed in an uplifted block bounded on its south side by an E-W striking normal fault. The Bendeleben fault has well-preserved scarps 4–7 m in height that offset Holocene moraines. Seismic activity, young normal faulting, and Quaternary basaltic volcanism are all evidence of active extension. South of the Bendeleben fault, there is a 3–4 km deep basin. Fifteen apatite (U-Th)/He ages from granitic samples of the footwall yield an Eocene weighted mean age of 41.3±4.8 Ma. Biotite 40Ar/39Ar ages from the country rock of the Bendeleben pluton are 81–83 Ma. In spite of the young fault scarps, HeFTy and Pecube thermal modeling results illustrate that rapid exhumation of the Bendeleben Mountains occurred in the Late Cretaceous-Eocene and slowed since the Oligocene. A weak age-elevation relationship of apatite He ages and a lack of correlation between age and distance from the fault indicate that exhumation was accomplished with minimal block rotation on a steeply dipping, long-lived normal fault. Timing of extension in the Seward Peninsula can be correlated with deformation in the offshore Hope Basin where seismic reflection lines document Early Tertiary large-magnitude normal faulting followed by minor post-Miocene reactivation. The faulting observed in the Bendeleben Mountains is part of an extensional system that spans a large portion of the Bering Strait region. The tectonic model proposed in previous studies suggests that clockwise rotation of the Bering block relative to North America is the cause of extensional deformation in western Alaska.
Selenomethionine Extraction from Selenized Yeast: an LC-MS Study of the Acid Hydrolysis of a Synthetic Selenopeptide

A synthetically prepared seleno-peptide (AHPDVLTVXLQMLDDGR) was used as a model system for the acid hydrolysis of selenized yeast proteins. The seleno-peptide is a tryptic peptide of a heat shock protein 104 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was subjected to acid hydrolysis using methanesulfonic acid over a time period of 8 hours. Aliquots of the solution were sub-sampled at predetermined time intervals and the peptide fragments characterized by reversed phase LC MSn. Similarly, the appearance of amino acid residues in the solution was monitored. It was found that after about 8 hours the synthetic peptide completely hydrolyzed. The use of a selenopeptide as a model for hydrolysis of selenized yeast hydrolysis was validated by comparing the decomposition time profile of the synthetic peptide with that of a selenized yeast sample. The rate of hydrolysis was identical in both systems, suggesting that the employed acid hydrolysis yields to the complete decomposition of the Se containing proteins in yeast and consequently to the liberation of selenomethionine.
Carbon nanotube films for transparent and plastic electronics

A two-dimensional network – often referred to as a thin film – of carbon nanotubes can be regarded as a novel transparent electronic “material” with excellent – and tunable – electrical, optical and mechanical properties. The films display high conductivity, high carrier mobility and optical transparency, in addition to flexibility, robustness and environmental resistance. These attributes, coupled with room temperature printing or spraying technology, ensure that the material will have a significant impact on a variety of emerging technologies and markets, ranging from macroelectronics to solid state lighting, organic solar cells and smart fabrics. The performance parameters of the first devices fabricated – smart windows, OLEDs and organic solar cells – indicate that the material is ready for product development
Pulmonary blastoma; longterm survival of juvenile patient.

An 11-year-old boy (at the time of initial treatment) has survived eight years, free of recurrence after left lower lobectomy for pulmonary blastoma. Pulmonary blastoma is a distinct subtype of pulmonary malignancy not be confused with carcinosarcoma. Its distinguishing features are gland-like structures lined by nonciliated epithelium with a surrounding stroma resembling mesenchyme. Three of the 19 known are living five or more years after surgical treatment.
The relationship between self-perceived personality andimpression management on the neo-ffi

Abstract This study examined the relationship between self-perception of personality traits andadoption of a self-presentational strategy on the NEO-FFI. Research participants were providedwith blank NEO-FFI Summary Forms and asked to estimate their levels of Neuroticism,Extroversion, Openness, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness on a 3-point scale. Self-ratings onthe NEO Summary Form served as the measure of self-perceived personality. Participants thencompleted the NEO-FFI under one of five instructional sets (fake good, fake bad, graduatepsychology and police academy admissions and control). Results suggest that NEO-FFI scoreswere influenced by both instructional set and self-perceived personality. That is, even whenparticipants were faking, their NEO-FFI scores still reflected the influence of self-perceivedpersonality. The control group provided an opportunity to assess the relationship betweenself-perceived personality and scores obtained on the NEO-FFI under standard instructional set.Correlations ranged from 0.58 to 0.70 and were all statistically significant, suggesting amoderately strong overlap between individuals' perceptions of personality and scores obtained onthe NEO-FFI. The results suggest that for participants in this study, self-perceived personalitystructure influenced results when instructed to fake on the NEO-FFI
Reasoning about object-oriented programs that use subtypes

Programmers informally reason about object-oriented programs by using subtype relationships to classify the behavior of objects of different types and by letting supertypes stand for all their subtypes. We describe formal specification and verification techniques for such programs that mimic these informal ideas. Our techniques are modular and extend standard techniques for reasoning about programs that use abstract data types. Semantic restrictions on subtype relationships guarantee the soundness of these techniques.
Contribution of beta-lactamases to bacterial resistance and mechanisms to inhibit beta-lactamases

Resistance of bacteria to beta-lactam antibiotics has become a serious problem in the past several decades. Virtually all Staphylococcus aureus, and many Hemophilus influenzae, Branhamella catarrhalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Bacteroides species possess beta-lactamases that hydrolyze penicillins and cephalosporins. The most common plasmid-mediated beta-lactamase is the TEM enzyme (Richmond-Sykes type IIIa), which is present in Hemophilus, Neisseria, and Enterobacteriaceae. One technique to overcome bacterial resistance has been the development of beta-lactamase inhibitors. Clavulanic acid is a beta-lactamase inhibitor that inhibits the beta-lactamases of S. aureus, Hemophilus, Neisseria, Branhamella, Eschericia coli, Klebsiella, and Bacteroides. Clavulanate acts as a "suicide" inhibitor, forming a stable enzyme complex that binds to serine at the active site of the enzyme. Clavulanate readily crosses the outer cell wall of most Enterobacteriaceae to interact with beta-lactamases in the periplasmic space. Clavulanate does not inhibit beta-lactamases such as the Richmond-Sykes type I enzymes found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter species, which are inducible enzymes that function primarily as cephalosporinases.
Modeling of soil vapor extraction (SVE) systems — Part I

A model is presented for the remediation of a vadose-zone soil by soil vapor extraction (SVE). The proposed model allows for flexibility in the characterization of the soil as a combination of sorbents of different properties. The realism and accuracy of the simulated extraction rate and vacuum predictions are demonstrated by comparison with field data while the species conservation aspects of the model are validated by column data from soil materials of many different characteristics. One simulation is compared to data from a pilot SVE project where trichloroethylene (TCE) was the contaminant, and is shown to predict species concentration levels and cumulative removal to a good degree of accuracy.
HSV-1 vector mediated neuronal gene delivery. Strategies for molecular neuroscience and neurology.

Un Herpes virus simplex de type I, non virulent, peut etre utilise comme vecteur pour le transfert de genes dans des neurones in vivo et in vitro. La regulation de la physiologie neuronale peut ainsi se faire grâce a l'expression de genes tels que ceux des proteines kinases II et C ou de l'adenylate cyclase. Cette therapie genique pourrait s'appliquer a des neuropathologies tells que la maladie de Parkinson
Strategies Used by Bonnet Macaques (Macaca radiata) to Reduce Predation Risk While Sleeping

Sleep results in a decrease in alertness, which increases an animal’s vulnerability to predation. Therefore, choice of sleeping sites would be predicted to incorporate predator-avoidance strategies. The current study, conducted in two national parks in southern India, examined the behaviors adopted by bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata) to reduce the risk of being preyed upon while sleeping. Bonnet macaques from an urban setting with a low predatory risk were included for comparison. The physical characteristics of the sleeping sites in the forest corresponded with features that were most difficult for predators to access; bonnet macaques selected emergent trees with high boles near human settlements. These trees typically overhung water. Within the canopy, individuals slept in huddled subgroups near the terminal ends of branches, preferentially selecting branches over water. Subgroups were generally composed of members of the same age and sex, which likely promoted social bonding. Adult males and females with infants selected branches higher than members of other age and sex categories. The lateral distances of individuals along branches from the main trunk were similar across demographic categories. The size of a subgroup appeared to be limited by the weight a branch could support; lateral distances were maintained by regulation of mean subgroup weight, with heavier individuals forming smaller subgroups. The urban troop slept on the top of a building. Subgroup compositions at the urban site were similar to those at the forest sites. However, subgroup size, not restricted by branch fragility, resulted in larger subgroups than those found in the forest. Our results indicate that bonnet macaques adopted a suite of behaviors that reduced their risk of being preyed upon at night by selecting sleeping sites that minimized predator encounters and by selecting the safest locations within the canopy.
Retention deficit after d-amphetamine treatment: memory defect or performance change?

Retention deficits in discrete trial delayed alternation and delayed matching to sample tasks following administration of d -amphetamine have been interpreted to support the view that arousal facilitates the decay of information from short-term memory (STM) ( Kesner, 1973 ). But since amphetamine causes numerous changes in performance, alternative explanations of the deficit are also plausible. In an attempt to separate drug effects on memory from those on performance, the effects of d -amphetamine on spatial memory in the radial maze were studied in rats. The unusually long span of accurate working memory in this setting permits drug administration within the retention interval as well as prior to the to-be-remembered event (TBRE). In rats tested at a 5-hr retention interval d -amphetamine (2 mg/kg) disrupted retention when given 0.5 hr before or 4.5 hr after the TBRE, but the same treatment 0 or 2 hr after the TBRE or 3 hr before the TBRE was without effect. At a 5-hr retention interval 3 mg/kg d -amphetamine impaired performance if given 2 hr after the TBRE, but not when given 0 hr after the TBRE or 3 hr before the TBRE. However, when the retention interval was lengthened to 7 hr, administering 3 mg/kg d -amphetamine 2 hr after the TBRE did not disrupt performance. The effects of d -amphetamine on spatial memory are best explained in terms of the well established effects of the drug on motor activity and appetite. Similar changes in performance may account for the “memory” impairments observed after amphetamine treatment in other tasks.
Student Interest in Activities in a Secondary Physical Education Curriculum: An Analysis of Student Subjectivity

Situational interest is defined as a student's perception of interest inherent in an activity. Holding interest is conceptualized as a specific situational interest perceived by a student based on his or her subjective understanding of the activity's meaningfulness. It motivates the student to continuously participate in that activity. This research was designed to examine the patterns of holding interest for physical activities in a state physical education curriculum for secondary schools. A group of college students (N = 35) who completed their entire secondary education in the state was invited to construct their perceptions of interest in the activities selected from their secondary physical education curriculum. Q methodology was used to determine and analyze patterns of the interest. Four patterns of holding interest were determined: fitness, socialization, activity variation, and self-expression. Specific activities associated with each pattern were identified, and relationships among the four patterns were described. Findings (a) support the notion that holding interest is based on students' subjective understanding and valuing of the unique meanings in physical activities and (b) suggest that holding interest is person- and activity-specific, implying that physical educators should focus on student-activity matching when making curricular decisions.
Response to Drs. Mahady and Pendland—pretreatment testing for H. pylori in duodenal ulcer disease

Response to Drs. Mahady and Pendland—pretreatment testing for H. pylori in duodenal ulcer disease
The Propensities of Amino Acids To Form Parallel β-Sheets

This paper reports synthetic and structural studies of a 16-membered combinatorial library of chemical models for parallel β-sheets (1) and two four-membered libraries of controls (2 and 3). The libraries contain glycine, alanine, valine, and leucine residues, and the structural studies use 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy to measure the relative degrees of intramolecular hydrogen bonding of the parallel β-sheet models in chloroform solution. These studies indicate that leucine and valine are relatively good at forming parallel β-sheets, alanine is moderate, and glycine is poor (L, V > A > G).
A perspective on sporadic inclusion-body myositis The role of aging and inflammatory processes

Sporadic inclusion-body myositis (sIBM) is an age-related condition manifested after midlife. This review points out salient features of sIBM that are shared with normal aging in muscle and with inflammatory changes in vascular atheromas and senile plaques of Alzheimer disease (AD). The amyloid precursor protein (APP) and derived Abeta peptides are found in both AD and sIBM. Because transgenic expression of human APP induces sIBM like changes, it is of potential interest that an inducer of APP, IL-1, increases during aging in mouse muscle. Because various subsets of the usual aging changes in aging brain, muscle, and vessels can be attenuated in rodents by caloric intake and possibly in humans by drugs with anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activities, this study suggests that diet and inflammation may be useful experimental variations in exploring the pathogenesis of sIBM.
Dimensionality of the Human Electroencephalogram

The goal was to evaluate anesthetic depth in patients by dimensional analysis. Although it was difficult to obtain clean EEG records from the operating room due to noise of electrocautery and movement of the patient's head by operating room personnel. The results are presented on one case of our calculations, followed by a discussion of problems associated with dimensional analysis of the EEG. We consider only two states: aware but quiet, and medium anesthesia. The EEG data we use comes from Hanley and Walts. It was selected because anesthesia was induced by a single agent, and because of its uninterrupted length and lack of artifacts. 26 refs., 27 figs., 1 tab.
Fluid-core optical transmission for laser angioplasty

Optically transparent fluids were investigated as a means of transmitting laser energy (LE) in laser angioplasty catheters as an alternative to fused silica fibers. A catheter was constructed which transmits LE through a flowing stream of iodinated contrast media. LE is launched into a stream of contrast media and is internally reflected by a lower index of refraction cladding-providing transmission efficiency of 75%. As the stream exits the catheter, blood acts as an optical cladding and allows transmission 1 cm distal to the catheter tip. The low pressure stream removes intervening blood and provides an atraumatic surface for light interaction with target tissues. Fluoroscopy of the contrast stream allows real-time visualization of the catheter, the site of LE delivery and distal vasculature. We conclude that a fluid-core laser angioplasty catheter can transmit high peak-power laser energy and offers simplicity, blood removal, improved flexibility and real-time imaging during intravascular LE delivery.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations across the Florida Panhandle continental shelf and slope after the BP MC 252 well failure

Abstract The Florida Panhandle continental shelf environment was exposed to oil from the BP oil well failure in the Gulf of Mexico during 2010. Floating mats of oil were documented by satellite, but the distribution of dissolved components of the oil in this region was unknown. Shipek® grab samples of sediments were taken during repeated cruises between June 2010 and June 2012 to test for selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as indicators of this contamination. Sediments were collected as composite samples, extracted using standard techniques, and PAHs were quantified by GC/MS-SIM. PAHs in samples from the continental slope in May 2011 were highest near to the failed well site and were reduced in samples taken one year later. PAHs from continental shelf sediments during the spill (June 2010) ranged from 10 to 165 ng g −1 . Subsequent cruises yielded variable and reduced amounts of PAHs across the shelf. The data suggest that PAHs were distributed widely across the shelf, and their subsequent loss to background levels suggests these compounds were of oil spill origin. PAH half-life estimates by regression were 70–122 days for slope and 201 days for shelf stations.
Improved Coagulation with Saline Solution Pretreatment during Radiofrequency Tumor Ablation in a Canine Model

PURPOSE To determine whether pretreatment with local NaCl injection can increase radiofrequency (RF)-induced coagulation in a large animal model. MATERIAL AND METHODS Multiple canine venereal sarcomas ( n = 25) were implanted subcutaneously in eight mildly immunosuppressed dogs (25 mg/kg cyclosporin A twice daily). Tumors were incubated for 8–12 weeks to a diameter of 4.2–6.3 cm (5.1 cm ± 0.7). Internally cooled RF ablation (1-cm tip; 12 min; pulsed technique; 2,000-mA maximum) was performed. Tumors were pretreated with 6 mL of 18%, 24%, or 36% NaCl injected intratumorally under direct ultrasound guidance after RF electrode insertion, and this treatment was compared to RF treatment without NaCl injection and to 36% NaCl injection without RF ablation. Impedance measurements and remote thermometry were performed. These measurements and resultant coagulation were compared. RESULTS Significantly greater RF heating (73°C ± 11°C at 20 mm) was observed when the tumors were treated with 24% or 36% NaCl pretreatment, compared to the 47°C ± 5°C observed when 18% or no NaCl was injected ( P P CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment with intratumoral injection of small volumes of highly concentrated NaCl markedly increases RF heating and coagulation in a large animal tumor model. The complete destruction of tumors 5 cm in diameter or larger suggests that this substantial increase may be achieved for tumor ablation in clinical practice.
Hamiltonian cycles and paths in vertex-transitive graphs with abelian and nilpotent groups

Abstract In 1968, L. Lovasz conjectured that every connected, vertex-transitive graph had a Hamiltonian path. In this paper the following results are proved: (1) If a connected graph has a transitive nilpotent group acting on it, then the graph has a Hamiltonian path; (2) a connected, vertex-transitive graph with a prime power number of vertices has a Hamiltonian path.
Compressive sensing for Gauss-Gauss detection

The recently introduced theory of compressed sensing (CS) enables the reconstruction of sparse signals from a small set of linear measurements. If properly chosen, the number of measurements can be much smaller than the number of Nyquist rate samples. However, despite the intense focus on the reconstruction of signals, many signal processing problems do not require a full reconstruction of the signal and little attention has been paid to doing inference in the CS domain. In this paper we show the performance of CS for the problem of signal detection using Gauss-Gauss detection. We investigate how the J-divergence and Fisher Discriminant are affected when used in the CS domain. In particular, we demonstrate how to perform detection given the measurements without ever reconstructing the signals themselves and provide theoretical bounds on the performance. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of CS under Gauss-Gauss detection.
Comparison of Chemigated and Aerially-Applied Chlorpyrifos and Fenvalerate for Control of European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae

Aerial and overhead center-pivot irrigation system (chemigated) applica- tions of chlorpyrifos 4 emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and fenvalerate 2.4EC significantly reduced numbers of first- and second-generation European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner, larvae in field corn, Zea mays L. The number of first-generation O. nubilalis larvae, pupae, or cavities per plant in plots chemigated with chlorpyrifos in 1984 was significantly less than in plots where chlorpyrifos was applied aerially. A similar trend was observed for fenvalerate in 1985. No significant differences among application methods were observed for second-generation O. nubilalis treatments. Chlorpyrifos and fenvalerate were effective O. nubilalis control agents but efficacy differences between these two insecticides were variable. Corn yields did not vary significantly among application meth- ods.
Predictors of use of services among dementia caregivers.

Caregivers of persons with dementia do not use community resources until late in the disease process, despite the fact that judicious use of community resources can delay nursing home admission. Da...
New Fiber-Optic-Based Instrumentation for the Measurement of Low-Temperature Phosphorescence Intensities and Lifetimes

New fiber-optic instrumentation for phosphorescence-lifetime determinations and for steady-state phosphorescence measurements is shown to perform comparably to conventional instrumentation. The importance of optimal glass formation in the fiber-optic sample cell is considered in some detail. Detection limits for acetophenone, benzophenone, and p-nitrophenol are reported, and phosphorescence lifetimes are measured for several compounds, with values ranging from 2.5 ms to 4.7 s.
Phase, amplitude and polarization microscope using a robust and compact interferometer

We coupled a compact and robust phase-shifting and shearing interferometer (sampling field sensor) to the imaging port of a standard, infinity corrected, transmission microscope to obtain phase, amplitude and polarization images of unstained biological samples.
Whither health care inflation.

During the 1993 American health care reform debate, spiraling health care costs were the clarion call for action. Many promoters of comprehensive reform cited data highlighting the potential impact of health care inflation on the economy as a whole. For instance, health care costs in the form of insurance premiums were estimated to “add” thousands of dollars to the cost of an American made car. Over the 5-y period from 1988 to 1993 US per capita spending on health care had increased 51.4% (from $2199 to $3329) while the gross domestic product (GDP) had increased only 22.5% over the same period. The most ardent doomsayers predicted that if something was not done to control costs, health care would paralyze the economy and bankrupt the system.’ Given the available data and forecasts at the time, the gloomy projections for health care costs seemed reasonable.* Subsequent experience, however, has shown that this is far from the case. In 1996, US per capita spending on health care had increased to $3708, a growth of only 11.4% in the setting of GDP growth of 11.9%. Health care costs, which had been previously rising at a rate of greater than twice that of inflation, were now rising at a rate below inflation. Most spectacularly, the per capita growth of health care spending increased only 1.8% between 1995 and 1996!3 The “miraculous’ ’ disappearance of American health care inflation becomes far less mysterious when viewed within a broader context. Health care inflation was an international phenomenon during the
Antecedents and Civic Consequences of Choosing Real versus Ersatz Social Activities

Social capital (Coleman, 1990), democracy's wellspring (Putnam, 1993; Tocqueville, 1835/2000), must now accrue within a social fabric that has been changed by the ubiquitous adoption of technologies such as television and the Internet. Three studies (N = 313) of college students supported a theory of ersatz social behavior, which proposed that: a) the use of technological (replacement/ersatz) alternatives to real social interaction may be less conducive to the skill building and opinion formation that foster social capital; b) ersatz activities involve fewer costs (effort, risk of rejection) than real interactions; and c) ersatz alternatives are regularly chosen, even though real interaction is ostensibly preferred. The results provide increased understanding of when and how mediated interaction can be detrimental to social capital formation.
Intramedullary Screw Fixation of Jones Fractures: A Biomechanical Study

The management of proximal fifth metatarsal (“Jones”) fractures in athletes has become increasingly more aggressive, despite a lack of biomechanical data in the literature. A cadaver biomechanical ...
A Robust Fusion Algorithm for Sensor Failure

Accurate multimodal and multisensor detection of a target phenomenon requires knowledge of probabilistic sensor characteristics to determine an appropriate fusion rule which optimizes an objective of interest, traditionally the expected Bayesian risk. However, a particular sensor characteristic can change online, introducing unaccounted additional risk to the fusion rule that was based on assumed sensor specifications. To mitigate such changes, we propose a sensor-failure-robust fusion rule assuming that only first order characteristics of a probabilistic sensor failure model are known. Under this failure model, we compute the expected Bayesian risk and minimize this risk to develop the proposed fusion method.