cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design concepts of a storage ring for a high power XUV free electron laser

Abstract We report on the study of a storage ring capable of sustaining an electron beam of the quality required for a high-gain free electron laser in the vacuum ultraviolet and X-ray region. We describe a method for the optimization of the design of the storage ring where several competing and often conflicting requirements come into play. We present an example design of a ring that satisfies the required conditions of beam quality and is able to produce coherent radiation at 400 A with tens of megawatts of peak power.
Quality of Psychopharmacological Medication Prescribing and Mortality in Medicare Beneficiaries in Nursing Homes

Objectives: To examine the influence of quality measures of psychopharmacological medication (PPM) prescribing on all-cause mortality in a Medicare long-stay nursing home (NH) population. Design: Longitudinal. Setting: 2007–09 Medicare data linked to Minimum Data Set 2.0 files. Participants: Four new-user cohorts of residents initiating antipsychotic (n = 13,105), antidepressant (n = 14,251), anxiolytic and sedative–hypnotic (n = 10,789), and any PPM (n = 14,568) medication. Measurements: Three measures of PPM prescribing quality were assessed monthly with a 6-month look-back: evidence of appropriate indication, dose (modified standardized daily dose (mSDD); below ( 1) recommended geriatric dose), and duration of therapy (DOT; ≤30, 31–60, 61–90, 91–180 days from medication initiation). Complementary log–log models with quality measures as time-dependent variables were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality. Results: Appropriate use of antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedative–hypnotics, and any PPMs, as evidenced by appropriate indications, was significantly associated with lower mortality risk (HRantidepressants = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.76–0.86; HRanxiolytics and sedative–hypnotics = 0.81, 0.75–0.88; HRPPM = 0.89, 0.83–0.95). Antipsychotic and anxiolytic and sedative–hypnotic users with a mSDD of less than 1 had lower mortality risk than those with a mSDD greater than 1, whereas a protective effect was observed in antidepressant users with a mSDD greater than 1. In all four cohorts, those with a DOT of 91 to 180 days had lower mortality than those with a DOT of 1 month or less; the lower risk of mortality was detected after antipsychotic use for 31 days or longer. Conclusion: Optimal PPM prescribing quality, as measured by indication and duration, is associated with low mortality. The benefit related to drug dosage varied by therapeutic class. When prescribing PPMs to NH residents, providers should consider not only drug choice, but also dose and duration of prescribed regimens.
An extension of the Córdoba–Fefferman theorem on the equivalence between the boundedness of certain classes of maximal and multiplier operators

Abstract The Cordoba–Fefferman theorem involving the equivalence between boundedness properties of certain classes of maximal and multiplier operators is extended utilizing the recent work of Bateman on directional maximal operators as well as the work of Hagelstein and Stokolos on geometric maximal operators associated to homothecy invariant bases of convex sets satisfying Tauberian conditions. To cite this article: P. Hagelstein, A. Stokolos, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 346 (2008).
Energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis of monovalent electrolytes in large brain cortical cells of rats after chronic reserpine treatment

Summary The influence of chronic reserpine administration on the nuclear and cytoplasmic monovalent electrolytes of large brain cortical cells of rat was studied by using energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. A drug-dependent significant increase was found for the nuclear Cl − and K + as well as for the cytoplasmic K + contents. The total ionic strength increases of 16% and 10% in the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively, originating unfavourable conditions for the cellular functionality.
Global spectral classification of Martian low-albedo regions with Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS-TES) data

[1] Martian low-albedo surfaces (defined here as surfaces with Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS-TES) albedo values ≤0.15) were reexamined for regional variations in spectral response. Low-albedo regions exhibit spatially coherent variations in spectral character, which in this work are grouped into 11 representative spectral shapes. The use of these spectral shapes in modeling global surface emissivity results in refined distributions of previously determined global spectral unit types (Surface Types 1 and 2). Pure Type 2 surfaces are less extensive than previously thought, and are mostly confined to the northern lowlands. Regional-scale spectral variations are present within areas previously mapped as Surface Type 1 or as a mixture of the two surface types, suggesting variations in mineral abundance among basaltic units. For example, Syrtis Major, which was the Surface Type 1 type locality, is spectrally distinct from terrains that were also previously mapped as Type 1. A spectral difference also exists between southern and northern Acidalia Planitia, which may be due in part to a small amount of dust cover in southern Acidalia. Groups of these spectral shapes can be averaged to produce spectra that are similar to Surface Types 1 and 2, indicating that the originally derived surface types are representative of the average of all low-albedo regions.
Seminal fluid androgen binding protein.

Summary The following study was undertaken to determine the presence of an androgen binding protein (ABP) in the ejaculate. Seminal fluid was obtained from ten fertile subjects. Sperm counts ranged from 20 times 106/cc to 80 times 106/cc. Each sample was preincubated with tritiated dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Second, after preincubation of the samples with tritiated DHT, the samples were mixed with Concanavalin-A bound to sepharose-D (C-S) and the supernate separated and counted. Finally, saturation analysis of the samples using dextran-coated charcoal for separation was performed and Scatchard analysis was used to determine the concentration of ABP present. PAGE demonstrated ABP in seven of ten samples studied. The bound counts of DHT were removed by C-S. The concentrations of ABP ranged from 0.132 to 0.468 nanomoles ABP/dl semen. These data indicate there is an ABP in seminal fluid similar to that from the Sertoli cell. Androgen-Bindungs-Protein im Spermaplasma Zusammenfassung In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird der Versuch unternommen, ein Androgen-Bindungs-Protein (ABP) im Spermaplasma nachzuweisen. Das Spermaplasma stammte von 10 gesunden fertilen Mannern. Die Spermatozoendichte schwankte zwischen 20 und 80 Mill. Sp./ml, die Motilitatsrate lag uber 40%. Jede Probe wurde prainkubiert mit tritiummarkiertem Dihydrotestosteron; die Auswertung erfolgte mittels Polyacrylamid-Gel-Elektrophorese. In einem zweiten Schritt wurden die Proben nach Prainkubierung mit tritiummarkiertem DHT mit Concanavalin A gemischt, das an Sepharose-D (C-S) gebunden war; der Uberstand wurde abgetrennt und ausgewertet. Schlieslich wurde eine Sattigungsanalyse der Proben mit Dextran-erhitzter Holzkohle fur die Trennung durchgefuhrt und die Scatchard-Analyse zur Bestimmung des vorhandenen ABP vorgenommen. Die Polyacrylamid-Gel-Elektrophorese ergab in 7 von 10 Proben den Nachweis von ABP. Die Konzentration von ABP schwankte zwischen 0,132–0,468 nanomol ABP/dl Sperma. Die Untersuchungsbefunde belegen, das ABP im Spermaplasma vorhanden ist, ahnlich wie es auch in den Sertolizellen nachgewiesen wurde.
Comparison of the linear least mean squares procedure and the vector projection method of spectral analysis

Abstract A mathematical analysis of two methods commonly used for the determination of fractions of secondary structure from circular dichroism spectral data—the vector projection method of Baker & Isenberg [Biochem. 15, 629 (1976)] and the classical linear least mean squares procedure-reveals that the two procedures handle errors of all types in an equivalent fashion and yield identical values of the fractional amounts of secondary structure present, as long as the same method of integration of the data is employed. Analyses of simulated data show that the method of integration [rectangular, trapezoidal or parabolic (Simpson's Rule)] has an insignificant effect on the calculated values of the fractions of secondary structure present. Our study also shows that the insensitivity of the fraction of α helix calculated using a given random coil reference spectrum is a natural consequence of certain intrinsic properties of the reference spectra of the α helix, β structures and random coil forms, rather than the method of calculation employed.
Numerical evaluation of Near-Field to Far-Field transformation robustness for EMC

Near-Field (NF) to Far-Field (FF) transformation techniques are widely used for antenna radiation problems. To perform a NF to FF or a NF to NF transformation for EMC applications, the large frequency range, and a weak signals will require data in the reactive near field. In principle, the transformation can be performed if all sources are confined in the scanned area using Huygens' Principle, which requires knowledge of the exact phase and magnitude data of measured fields. In reality, this cannot be achieved, due to uncertainties in the field probe measurements, presence of active and passive cables and limited scan areas. Thus, it is attempted to perform a transformation based on an incomplete and uncertain data set. Results of a numerical simulation tool usage for NF to FF transformation based on NF-Scanning system measured data are demonstrated.
Networks: the telecommunications infrastructure and impacts of change

This article reviews the telecommunications environment and infrastructure, discusses the major forces influencing change within this environment, and suggests certain likely outcomes, as seen by the author, that will have significant influences on the future telecommunications infrastructure. This information is then used as the basis for assessing likely impacts on various aspects of library and information systems, their providers and users. Specifically discussed are impacts foreseen for: 1) national online information providers; 2) local online information providers; 3) local and long‐distance telephone companies as providers of information; and 4) users of information. Impacts on library and information system‐related endeavors are seen to be generally unfavorable in the near term, with information delivery costs seen to rise significantly in the next three to five years. A more favorable prognosis, however, is seen for the longer term.
Neuroblastoma: an analysis of 160 cases

Neuroblastoma was observed in 160 patients from 1948–1978. Ninety-seven patients were boys and 63 were girls. At diagnosis, 74 patients were less than 2 years of age, 28 between 2–3 years, and 58 over 3 years. Sixty-two (38%) patients had localized disease, while 98 (62%) had metastases. Patients were grouped by extent of disease according to the staging criteria of Evans et al.: stage I (5), stage II (31), stage III (26), stage IV (82), stage IV-S (16). Tumors occurred in the neck (3), mediastinum (16), abdomen (136), and pelvis (3). Clinical findings often included abdominal mass, weight loss, anemia, bone pain, and proptosis. Six patients had diarrhea and 3 had cerebellar ataxia and nystagmus. Lesions were often calcified (>50%), and bone marrow aspirate frequently demonstrated tumor clumps (rosettes). Urinary VMA was elevated in 85% of cases.
Homeostatic adaptation to endoplasmic reticulum stress depends on Ire1 kinase activity

Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). Ire1, an ER-resident transmembrane kinase/RNase, senses the protein folding status inside the ER. When activated, Ire1 oligomerizes and trans-autophosphorylates, activating its RNase and initiating a nonconventional mRNA splicing reaction. Splicing results in production of the transcription factor Hac1 that induces UPR target genes; expression of these genes restores ER homeostasis by increasing its protein folding capacity and allows abatement of UPR signaling. Here, we uncouple Ire1's RNase from its kinase activity and find that cells expressing kinase-inactive Ire1 can regulate Ire1's RNase, splice HAC1 mRNA, produce Hac1 protein, and induce UPR target genes. Unlike wild-type IRE1, kinase-inactive Ire1 cells display defects in Ire1 deactivation. Failure to properly inactivate Ire1 causes chronic ER stress and reduces cell survival under UPR-inducing conditions. Thus, Ire1-catalyzed phosphoryl-transfer aids disassembly of Ire1 signaling complexes and is a critical component of the UPR homeostatic feedback loop.
Lithium isotope geochemistry of pore waters from ocean drilling program Sites 918 and 919, Irminger Basin

The distribution of Li isotopes in pore waters to a depth of 1157 m below seafloor is presented for ODP Sites 918 and 919 in the Irminger Basin, offshore Greenland. Lithium isotope data are accompanied by strontium isotope ratios to decipher diagenetic reactions in the sediments which are characterized by the pervasive presence of volcanic material, as well as by very high accumulation rates in the upper section. The lowering of the 87Sr/86Sr ratio below contemporaneous seawater values indicates several zones of volcanic material alteration. The Li isotope profiles are complex suggesting a variety of exchange reactions with the solid phases. These include cation exchange with NH4+ and mobilization from sediments at depth, in addition to the alteration of volcanic matter. Lithium isotopes are, therefore, a sensitive indicator of sediment-water interaction. δ6Li values of pore waters at these two sites vary between −42 and −25 ‰. At shallow depths (<100 mbsf), rapid decreases in the Li concentration, accompanied by a shift to heavier isotopic compositions, indicate uptake of Li into alteration products. A positive anomaly of δ6Li observed at both sites is coincident with the NH4+ maximum produced by organic matter decomposition and may be related to ion exchange of Li from the sediments by NH4+. In the lower sediment column at Site 918, dissolved Li increases with depth and is characterized by enrichment of 6Li. The Li isotopic compositions of both the waters and the solid phase suggest that the enrichment of Li in deep interstitial waters is a result of release from pelagic sediments. The significance of sediment diagenesis and adsorption as sinks of oceanic Li is evaluated. The maximum diffusive flux into the sediment due to volcanic matter alteration can be no more than 5% of the combined inputs from rivers and submarine hydrothermal solutions. Adsorption on to sediments can only account for 5–10% of the total inputs from rivers and submarine hot springs.
TECH PREP IN TEXAS: AN IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

The process of developing a long‐range plan for the statewide implementation of Tech Prep associate of applied science (AAS) degree programs in Texas is presented from a state‐agency perspective. The critical need for partnership development at state and local levels is emphasized within the context of regional economic development. Issues related to program quality assurance, equal access for all students, and practical and effective program design elements are discussed. The basis for the development of the state model for Tech Prep AAS degree programs, and the proposed method for implementation in Texas schools and community and technical colleges, are outlined.
Mechanisms of particle transfer from a continuous oil to a dispersed water phase

Abstract The kinetics of particle transfer from a continuous to a dispersed liquid phase has a major effect on the performance of solid/liquid separation processes which use a dispersed liquid phase as a mass separating agent. Previous studies have been inconclusive because of the competing effect of surfactant transfer kinetics which can produce a time-dependent three-phase contact angle. Model glass particles with well defined wetting characteristics which were obtained by chemisorbed silanizing agents were utilized in this investigation. The three-phase contact angle was constant because additional surfactant wetting agents were not employed. The experimental investigation indicated that the three-phase contact angle, mixing speed, and initial particle concentration in the oil phase were primary parameters which affect both the rate and extent of particle transfer from a continuous oil phase to a dispersed water phase. A kinetic model was developed which considers the hydrodynamics of film rupture as a dispersed water droplet approaches a particle. The model includes the induction time for the rupture of the oil film during the encounter between water and particles and the induction time for the rupture of a water film when particles are transferred back from the dispersed water phase to the continuous oil phase. particles are transferred back from the dispersed water phase to the continuous oil phase.
Cardiac perfusion with dextran-dimethyl sulfoxide for cardiac preservation☆

Abstract Ten canine hearts undergoing perfusion with 200 to 300 ml. of clinical dextran containing 15% DMSO during extracorporeal support maintained the circulation acutely and seven supported life beyond the acute period. The seven long-term survivors maintained their weight, evidenced normal activity, and had unremarkable electrocardiographic tracings. Light microscopy demonstrated a significant myocardial lesion in the surviving heart perfused with the most dextran-DMSO, which may have been related to electrical defibrillation. Electron microscopy revealed no definite abnormalities. Catecholamine content of the myocardium was moderately reduced. Myocardial analysis for electrolytes, fat, carbohydrates, and various glycolytic and citric acid cycle enzymes revealed no major deviations from normal.
A hybrid CPU-GPGPU approach for real-time elastography

Ultrasound elastography is becoming a widely available clinical imaging tool. In recent years, several real- time elastography algorithms have been proposed; however, most of these algorithms achieve real-time frame rates through compromises in elastographic image quality. Cross-correlation- based elastographic techniques are known to provide high- quality elastographic estimates, but they are computationally intense and usually not suitable for real-time clinical applications. Recently, the use of massively parallel general purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs) for accelerating computationally intense operations in biomedical applications has received great interest. In this study, we investigate the use of the GPGPU to speed up generation of cross-correlation-based elastograms and achieve real-time frame rates while preserving elastographic image quality. We propose and statistically analyze performance of a new hybrid model of computation suitable for elastography applications in which sequential code is executed on the CPU and parallel code is executed on the GPGPU. Our results indicate that the proposed hybrid approach yields optimal results and adequately addresses the trade-off between speed and quality.
FROM THE EDITOR: A DIALOGUE ON SOCIAL JUSTICE

(2008). FROM THE EDITOR: A DIALOGUE ON SOCIAL JUSTICE. Journal of Social Work Education: Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 1-6.
Effect of cold shock on lipid A biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Induction At 12 degrees C of an acyltransferase specific for palmitoleoyl-acyl carrier protein.

Palmitoleate is not present in lipid A isolated from Escherichia coli grown at 30 °C or higher, but it comprises ∼11% of the fatty acyl chains of lipid A in cells grown at 12 °C. The appearance of palmitoleate at 12 °C is accompanied by a decline in laurate from ∼18% to ∼5.5%. We now report that wild-type E. coli shifted from 30 °C to 12 °C acquire a novel palmitoleoyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP)-dependent acyltransferase that acts on the key lipid A precursor Kdo2-lipid IVA. The palmitoleoyl transferase is induced more than 30-fold upon cold shock, as judged by assaying extracts of cells shifted to 12 °C. The induced activity is maximal after 2 h of cold shock, and then gradually declines but does not disappear. Strains harboring an insertion mutation in thelpxL(htrB) gene, which encodes the enzyme that normally transfers laurate from lauroyl-ACP to Kdo2-lipid IVA (Clementz, T., Bednarski, J. J., and Raetz, C. R. H. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 12095–12102) are not defective in the cold-induced palmitoleoyl transferase. Recently, a gene displaying 54% identity and 73% similarity at the protein level to lpxL was found in the genome of E. coli. This lpxL homologue, designated lpxP, encodes the cold shock-induced palmitoleoyl transferase. Extracts of cells containing lpxPon the multicopy plasmid pSK57 exhibit a 10-fold increase in the specific activity of the cold-induced palmitoleoyl transferase compared with cells lacking the plasmid. The elevated specific activity of the palmitoleoyl transferase under conditions of cold shock is attributed to greatly increased levels of lpxP mRNA. The replacement of laurate with palmitoleate in lipid A may reflect the desirability of maintaining the optimal outer membrane fluidity at 12 °C.
A novel sulfonylurea receptor family member expressed in the embryonic Drosophila dorsal vessel and tracheal system.

Abstract Sulfonylurea receptors (SURx) are required subunits of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel. SURx alone is electrophysiologically inert. However, when SURx is combined with an inward rectifier Kir6.2 subunit, ATP-sensitive potassium channel activity is generated. We report the identification, characterization, and localization of Dsur, a novel Drosophila gene that is highly related to the vertebrate SUR family. The Dsur coding sequence contains structural features characteristic of the ABC transporter family and, in addition, harbors 1.7 kilobases of a distinctive sequence that does not share homology with any known gene. When Dsur alone is expressed in Xenopus oocytes glibenclamide-sensitive potassium channel activity occurs. During Drosophilaembryogenesis, the Dsur gene is specifically expressed in the developing tracheal system and dorsal vessel. Studies of theDrosophila genome support that only a singleDsur gene is present. Our data reveal conservation of glibenclamide-sensitive potassium channels in Drosophilaand suggest that Dsur may play an important role duringDrosophila embryogenesis. The lack of gene duplication in the Drosophila system provides a unique opportunity for functional studies of SUR using a genetic approach.
Analysis and implementation of the Lagrange programming neural network for image restoration

In this paper, we propose a modification to the Lagrange programming neural network (LPNN) and its implementation procedure for maximum entropy image restoration with signal independent noise. Our approach has better transient behavior and convergence speed without imposing strict restrictions on the initial information and starting point. Gray level real images with practical size (256 X 256) can be restored in less than 10 iterations, which greatly reduces computational complexity and brings the maximum entropy image restoration technique to a practical stage. Computer simulation results and detailed discussions are provided, with comparisons to restoration using a Hopfield neural network.
Calculation of the response of silicon detectors of finite radius to π− mesons stopping in tissue

Abstract Calculated results are presented for the response of silicon detectors of various radii placed in a large region of π − mesons stopping in tissue.
Patterns of Alcohol Use and Expectancies Predict Sexual Risk Taking Among Non-Problem Drinking Women

Objective:Although alcohol consumption and sexual risk taking are associated, not everyone who drinks alcohol engages in risky sexual behavior. The purposes of the present study were to identify patterns of alcohol use behaviors and alcohol expectancies among women who are non–problem drinkers and to examine how these patterns are associated with indices of sexual risk.Method:Data from 758 non–problem drinking women who have sex with men and were not in committed relationships were analyzed using latent profile analysis to determine patterns of alcohol use and alcohol-related expectancies.Results:Of the four patterns observed, three classes had similar alcohol-related expectancies but differed with respect to drinking behavior (moderate drinking, regular heavy episodes, and frequent heavy episodes), and the fourth class consisted of moderate drinkers with low expectancies (low expectancies). Results revealed that those in the frequent heavy episodes class had the greatest number of sexual partners in the ...
Camp Randall Military Prison: Confederate prisoners of war in Madison, Wisconsin

The mistreatment of prisoners taken and held overseas in the war on terrorism has a domestic corollary in US history. The great suffering endured by American Civil War era prisoners and the justification used by Union and Confederate governments responsible for such cruelty provide some striking parallels to contemporary experience. This paper first reviews scholarly interpretations offered by penal historians who have attempted to understand the causes for the inhumane conditions that existed during the Civil War in most military prisoner‐of‐war camps. It then provides an illustrative case study of one such prison for Confederate prisoners at Camp Randall in Wisconsin. The findings from the historical evidence on Wisconsin's Civil War camp experience are discussed and weighed within the context of customs and practices for handling prisoners of war.
Low-dose sufentanil as a supplement to halothane/N2O anaesthesia in infants and children.

Sufentanil as a supplement to halothane/N2O anaesthesia was evaluated in 32 unpremedicated infants and children age 6 months to 9 yr undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Patients were randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to receive one of four intravenous supplements: placebo, sufentanil 0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 µg · kg-1. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR) and end-tidal halothane concentration were recorded before and after induction, supplement administration, tracheal intubation, incision and every 15 min during the procedure. Venous catecholamine samples were obtained before and after incision. A pain score was assigned to the patients in the postanaesthesia care unit (PACU). Sufentanil at all three doses prevented increases in SAP and HR with intubation and incision, provided superior pain relief in the PACU and did not prolong wake-up time. Sufentanil 1.0 and 1.5 µg · kg-1 allowed far a reduction in the halothane requirements. Sufentanil 1.5 µg · kg1 was associated with lower catecholamine levels than in the placebo group following incision. Sufentanil supplementation at 1.0 and 1.5 µg · kg1 was associated with bradycardia and/or hypotension during induction and an increased incidence of vomiting during the first 24 hours postoperatively. One patient in the sufentanil 1.0 µg · kg-1 group whose surgical time was less than 45 min exhibited respiratory depression in the PACU requiring narcotic reversal. In conclusion, sufentanil 0.5 µg · kg1 improved immediate postoperative pain relief and is acceptable as a supplement during halothane anaesthesia in infants and children. The associated side effects of larger doses of sufentanil (1.0 and 1.5 µg · kg1) make their use as a supplement to halothane anaesthesia unacceptable.
GnRH pulse frequency differentially regulates steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), dosage-sensitive sex reversal-AHC critical region on the X chromosome gene 1 (DAX1), and serum response factor (SRF): potential mechanism for GnRH pulse frequency regulation of LH beta transcription in the rat.

The issue of how rapid frequency GnRH pulses selectively stimulate LH transcription is not fully understood. The rat LHβ promoter contains two GnRH-responsive regions: the proximal region has binding elements for SF1, and the distal site contains a CArG box, which binds SRF. This study determined whether GnRH stimulates pituitary SF1, DAX1 (an endogenous SF1 inhibitor), and SRF transcription in vivo, and whether regulation is frequency dependent. Male rats were pulsed with 25 ng GnRH i.v. every 30 min or every 240 min for 1–24 h, and primary transcripts (PTs) and mRNAs were measured by real time PCR. Fast frequency GnRH pulses (every 30 min) increased SF1 PT (threefold) within 1 h, and then declined after 6 h. SF1 mRNA also increased within 1 h and remained elevated through 24 h. Fast frequency GnRH also stimulated a transient increase in DAX1 PT (twofold after 1 h) and mRNA (1.7-fold after 6 h), while SRF mRNA rose briefly at 1 h. Slow frequency pulses did not affect gene expression of SF1, DAX1, or SRF. These findings support a mechanistic link between SF1 in the frequency regulation of LHβ transcription by pulsatile GnRH.
Segmentation of object surfaces using the Haar wavelet at multiple resolutions

The paper addresses the idea of using Haar wavelets to generate multiresolution versions of a binary object's surface and to determine the dominant points of that surface. Finding the dominant points is equivalent to segmenting the surface into its piecewise linear components. Two dimensional and three dimensional segmentation algorithms are described and segmentation results are presented for simple 2D and 3D objects. The performance of this approach is compared for the 2D case to two other established methods. >
Performance evaluation of software virtual private networks (VPN)

Virtual private networks implemented in software provide an economic and accessible alternative to hardware VPN solutions. Software VPNs may have a significant impact on performance, producing high CPU usage and limiting network throughput. This paper presents the performance measurements of several VPN programs. The results over a 100 Mb/s Ethernet link show that the transference speed can degrade in more than 65% while the CPU usage can reach 97%, when strong encryption is enabled. Compression implemented at the user level adds an additional CPU overhead that has a negative effect on the performance. The results over a low speed serial link show that the CPU usage is not significantly affected by the VPN. Furthermore, compression can be enabled without overhead, increasing the network throughput when the data is compressible.
A comparison of survey and focal follow methods for estimating individual activity budgets of cetaceans

Activity budget data are essential for determining behavioral responses to physiological and ecological variables. Yet, few studies are available to investigate the robustness, accuracy, and biases of the methods used to estimate activity budgets for cetaceans. In this study, we compare activity budgets of 55 adult female bottlenose dolphins in Shark Bay, Australia derived from two methods: surveys (n = 6,903) and focal follows (n = 1,185, totaling 2,721 h of observation). Activity budgets estimated from survey data differed in all behavioral states compared to focal follow data. However, when controlling for temporal autocorrelation, only time spent socializing and time spent traveling remained disparate between the methods. To control for biases associated with assigning group-level behavior to individuals, we also compared survey and focal follow activity budgets for lone females. Here we found differences between methods in time spent foraging and traveling regardless of whether we controlled for temporal autocorrelation, which suggests detection biases likely play a role in explaining differences in activity budget estimates between the two methodologies. Our results suggest that surveys are less representative of individual-level activity budgets, and thus, when individual-level knowledge about behavior is needed, focal follows are preferred. How an animal uses its time, its activity budget, has critical implications for survival and reproduction. Variation in activity budgets across a wide range of taxa has been linked to demographic (Bicca-Marques and Calegaro-Marques 1994), ecological (Cowlishaw 1997), and physiological factors (Matsumoto-Oda and Oda 1998, del Castillo et al. 2005, Hamel and C^! 2008). While cetaceans present particular methodological challenges (Mann 1999), activity budget data have shed light on the relationship between behavior and prey ecology, bathymetry, tidal state, time of day,
Insights on Perceived Importance of Information Sources for Vacation Decisions among the Elderly in the United States

The perceived importance of ten sources of information, including internal and external sources, on vacation trip destination decisions of 94 elderly and 88 middle aged group members was investigated. Data for this study were collected by self-administered questionnaires distributed at the regular meetings of the organizations. Family, experience, and travel agents were the three information sources most often rated as important by both samples, although the elderly perceived all three sources to be less important than the middle aged. Implications of the results are presented.
The Differential Persistence of Accruals and Cash Flowsfor Future Operating Income versus Future Return on Assets

Prior research shows that a higher proportion of accrued relative to cash earnings is associated with lower earnings performance in the subsequent period (Sloan 1996). The result has been widely interpreted as indicative of higher levels of operating accruals relative to cash flows from operations signaling (opportunistic) earnings management. We note, however, that earnings performance in prior studies (e.g., Sloan 1996) is typically defined as one-year-ahead operating income divided by one-year-ahead average total assets. Consequently, and not unimportant to our study or prior studies, the deflation of operating income transforms operating income into return on assets (i.e., an income measure into a profitability measure). We find that accruals have a greater impact than cash flows on one-year-ahead average total assets, the denominator of return on assets. We also find that, although accruals are less persistent than operating cash flows for one-year-ahead return on assets, accruals and cash flows have equivalent associations with one-year-ahead operating income. We conclude that the lower persistence of accruals relative to cash flows should not be interpreted as evidence of earnings management, but instead, as evidence that accruals are more highly correlated with one-year-ahead average total assets than are cash flows.
Reduced-nicotine cigarettes increase platelet activation in smokers in vivo: a dilemma in harm reduction.

Nicotine is a primary constituent of tobacco and smoke, and its roles in causing addiction and causing disease are commonly conflated. In the present work, we investigated whether nicotine protects smokers' platelets against smoke-induced activation in vivo, raising a possible dilemma in harm-reduction strategies. In vivo platelet activation state (PAS) was measured by fixing blood at drawing and measuring a standard marker, platelet P-selectin (CD62P). We conducted two studies: (1) 32 smokers smoked three medium-nicotine (0.6 mg nicotine) cigarettes for 1 h. Following this initial conditioning phase, 16 subjects continued with five of the same cigarettes from 1-2.5 h, resulting in a 33% increase in PAS. The other 16 subjects smoked five low/zero-nicotine cigarettes (0.05 mg nicotine), causing a 94% increase in PAS. The increase in PAS caused by nicotine withdrawal in the second group is very significant (p .09). We conclude that in smokers, nicotine modulates platelet activation, and it may significantly moderate the risk of cardiovascular disease caused by non-nicotine smoke components. Conversely, reduced-nicotine cigarettes may increase harm.
Brain opiate receptor concentrations are increased in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The saturable binding of3 H-naltrexone in the brains of eight week old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) is about twice that measured in corresponding normotensive WKY rats. This increase is dependent on age since in three and four week old SHR and WKY rats no difference in binding is observed. Scatchard analysis of the saturation curves for the adult animals revealed that the change in binding is due to an increase in the number of binding sites and does not reflect a difference in binding affinity. The increase in opiate receptor content of SHR rats coincides with the appearance of elevated blood pressure in these animals, and supports a concept in which an interaction between the endorphins and the endocrine system may be involved in the mechanisms controlling hypertension.
Fuzzy Expert System Shell Development with Computer Security Assessment Application

The paper describes development of the universal fuzzy basic expert system shell (BESS). The goal of the Bess system is to provide a fuzzy expert system development framework that is not only language independent, but is not attached to a specific expert system shell either. An expert system that is written in Bess may be written exactly once regardless of the number of shell implementations and modifications on which it is intended to run; the only changes required in the system are the additions of new data, or the modifications of existing data. This arrangement completely separates the knowledge and data bases in an expert system from the rules engine used to make inferences. Bess is built on top of a simple, easy to use XML compliant language for describing expert systems in terms that are commonly used for this purpose. This software is used for developing an expert system for computer security evaluation.
Structural differences of proteins between solution state and solid state probed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

A Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic method combined with an attenuated total reflection (ATR) sampling technique has been developed to analyze protein secondary structure in both solid and solution states. The method has been applied to analyze the protein structural differences between solution state and solid state. For α-helix dominant proteins, β-sheet structures increase significantly in the solid state, with significant decrease in α-helical structures. For β-sheet dominant proteins, β-sheet structures increase only moderately in the solid state. When proteins are re-dissolved in solution, their structures are re-natured to their native structures, as suggested by the fact that their structures in solution state are similar to those determined by X-ray crystallography or other spectroscopic methods in solution state. The ATR sampling technique avoids the high pressure and chemicals that are needed for the conventional potassium bromide (KBr) disc method for solid samples in FT-IR spectroscopy. Our approach from this study demonstrated that ATR sampling is more appropriate for analysis of protein structures in the solid state.
IMPACTED BUTTON-BATTERY MASQUERADING AS CROUP

Abstract Background Foreign body ingestion is a frequent complaint in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Objective Button-battery ingestion is discussed, with particular attention being given to its management. Case Report Here is an interesting case of a button-battery ingestion by a 1-year-old boy with known asthma who presented to our Emergency Department. He presented in acute respiratory distress with signs of upper airway obstruction. Failing conventional therapy, a chest radiograph was obtained, which led to the diagnosis and subsequent removal. Conclusion The management of a button-battery ingestion depends on the patient’s age, the presence or absence of symptoms, the size of the object, and location of the object within the gastrointestinal tract. In years past, every esophageal button battery required emergent endoscopic removal. But revised guidelines from the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at the National Capital Poison Center have adjusted this management, which is discussed.
Gender Bias in Developmental Psychology Textbooks: The Example of Sigmund Freud

The vast majority of textbooks in developmental psychology, child psychology, and human development include a chapter or section on theories of development. The theories described are most often the theories of dead white Western men ([1], p. 129). However, what has traditionally been excluded from these selected theories are the beliefs about and treatment of women by these male theorists. One example is Sigmund Freud. His theory of psychosexual development is usually part of the canon but not his ideas about the differences in development between women and men. This article describes the problem of gender bias in the theories described in developmental psychology texts, explaining that much of this bias related to Freud and the other male theorists, is what is not reported rather than what is said. Suggestions are provided as to how to correct this injustice in developmental psychology texts and courses.
Cool Artists, Cool City

Like its catchy title, The Warhol Economy makes an argument about contemporary urban redevelopment in Sex and the City tones. The author, urban planning professor Elizabeth Currid, shows a breathless fanlike devotion to the doyens of design who "drive New York City" as her subtitle says, and this serves her well when she wants to chat up the movers and shakers who are loosely affiliated in social networks that meet at downtown art galleries, gala events, and clubs, and who are seen in the pages of Vogue and in the tents of Bryant (now Damrosch) Park during the semi-annual Fashion Week. Currid's point is that these social networks produce the culture that is New York City's best known commodity. To keep the economic engine going, participants must keep making connections across industry lines, and policymakers must nurture the places, from art schools to bars to inexpensive artists' districts, where connections are made.
Mesh-Based Coverage for Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of spatially-distributed autonomous sensors that can cooperatively monitor physical and environmental conditions. Because of sensors' resource-constraints in terms of size, power, and bandwidth, one of the fundamental objectives in WSNs is improving energy-efficiency. In this paper, we propose a mesh-based technique to obtain energy-efficiency in sensing and improve the quality of coverage. Our technique dynamically schedules a set of active sensors based on a square mesh or an equilateral-triangular mesh. The purpose of our technique is to quickly build an energy-efficient mesh that is self-adaptive to the local topology and allows energy balancing. Furthermore, a hole detection and recovery mechanism is discussed to guarantee full coverage. The simulation results confirm that our mesh-based coverage technique reduces sensing energy consumption and maintains a sound coverage ratio for reliable surveillance.
Wavelength-dependent backscattering measurements for quantitative monitoring of apoptosis, Part 1: early and late spectral changes are indicative of the presence of apoptosis in cell cultures

Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death with unique morphological and biochemical features, is dysregulated in cancer and is activated by many cancer chemotherapeutic drugs. Noninvasive assays for apoptosis in cell cultures can aid in screening of new anticancer agents. We have previously demonstrated that elastic scattering spectroscopy can monitor apoptosis in cell cultures. In this report we present data on monitoring the detailed time-course of scattering changes in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and PC-3 prostate cancer cells treated with staurosporine to induce apoptosis. Changes in the backscattering spectrum are detectable within 10 min, and continue to progress up to 48 h after staurosporine treatment, with the magnitude and kinetics of scattering changes dependent on inducer concentration. Similar responses were observed in CHO cells treated with several other apoptosis-inducing protocols. Early and late scattering changes were observed under conditions shown to induce apoptosis via caspase activity assay and were absent under conditions where apoptosis was not induced. Finally, blocking caspase activity and downstream apoptotic morphology changes prevented late scattering changes. These observations demonstrate that early and late changes in wavelength-dependent backscattering correlate with the presence of apoptosis in cell cultures and that the late changes are specific to apoptosis.
Mortality of zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, veligers during downstream transport

SUMMARY 1. Streams flowing from lakes which contain zebra mussels, Dreissena polymorpha, provide apparently suitable habitats for mussel colonization and downstream range expansion, yet most such streams contain few adult mussels. We postulated that mussel veligers experience high mortality during dispersal via downstream transport. They tested this hypothesis in Christiana Creek, a lake-outlet stream in south-western Michigan, U.S.A., in which adult mussel density declined exponentially with distance downstream. 2. A staining technique using neutral red was developed and tested to distinguish quickly live and dead veligers. Live and dead veligers were distinguishable after an exposure of fresh samples to 13.3 mg L ‐1 of neutral red for 3 h. 3. Neutral red was used to determine the proportion of live veligers in samples taken longitudinally along Christiana Creek. The proportion of live veligers (mean a SE) declined from 90 a 3% at the lake outlet to 40 a 8% 18 km downstream. 4. Veligers appear to be highly susceptible to damage by physical forces (e.g. shear), and therefore, mortality in turbulent streams could be an important mechanism limiting zebra mussel dispersal to downstream reaches. Predictions of zebra mussel spread and population growth should consider lake-stream linkages and high mortality in running waters.
Toxicokinetic analysis of losartan during gestation and lactation in the rat.

Previous developmental and reproductive toxicity studies in rats with losartan, a potent AT 1 -selective angiotensin II (All) receptor antagonist, correlated maternal treatment during gestation day (GD) 15-20 with irreversible renal abnormalities in the F 1 generation (Spence et al., '95a,b). Continued treatment through lactation was also associated with increases in pup mortality and decreases in pup body weights that persisted through weaning. The studies presented here were undertaken to quantify fetal and neonatal exposure to losartan when administered to the dam by oral gavage during early gestation, late gestation, and lactation. Following daily oral dosing of 135 mg/kg/day on GD6-15, fetal drug levels were negligible. However, losartan and its active metabolite, EXP3174 (L-158,641) were readily detectable in fetal plasma on GD 20 (estimated AUC values, 50.70 and 167.70 μg/hr/ml, respectively) and maternal milk during lactation (1.61 and 1.67 μg/ml, respectively). These studies suggest that the relative increased sensitivity of the fetus as compared to the neonate for losartan-induced renal lesions is related to the degree of exposure which is dependent on the time of administration (early gestation vs. late gestation/lactation) and the route of exposure (transplacental or through the milk). Furthermore, the maximum exposure to losartan and EXP3174 correlates with the ontogeny of the renin angiotensin system on approximately GD 17 and the critical period for losartan-induced renal lesions (GD15-20). The data support the hypothesis that the observed adverse fetal and neonatal effects are pharmacologically mediated, presumably through the lack of AT 1 receptor stimulation.