cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Emergency Department Visits to Connect Older Adults at Risk for Malnutrition and Food Insecurity to Community Resources: Design and Protocol Development for the BRIDGE Study

Malnutrition is a complex and costly condition that is common among older adults in the United States (US), with up to half at risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with several non-medical (i.e., social) factors, including food insecurity. Being at risk for both malnutrition and food insecurity likely identifies a subset of older adults with complex care needs and a high burden of social vulnerability (e.g., difficulty accessing or preparing meals, lack of transportation, and social isolation). US emergency departments (EDs) are a unique and important setting for identifying older patients who may benefit from the provision of health-related social services. This paper describes the protocol development for the Building Resilience and InDependence for Geriatric Patients in the Emergency Department (BRIDGE) study. BRIDGE was designed to assess the feasibility of an ED-based screening process to systematically identify older patients who are at risk for malnutrition and food insecurity and link them to health-related social services to address unmet social needs and support their health and well-being. Phase 1 efforts will be formative and focused on identifying screening tools, establishing screening and referral workflows, and conducting initial feasibility testing with a cohort of older patients and ED staff. In phase 2, which includes process and outcome evaluation, the screening and referral process will be piloted in the ED. A partnership will be formed with an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) identified in phase 1, to assess resource needs and identify community-based social services for older ED patients who screen positive for both malnutrition risk and food insecurity. Data on screening, referrals, linkage to community-based social services, and patient-reported quality of life and healthcare utilization will be used to assess feasibility. The tools and workflows developed and tested in this study, as well as learnings related to forming and maintaining cross-sector partnerships, may serve as a model for future efforts to utilize EDs as a setting for bridging the gap between healthcare and social services for vulnerable patients.
Bridging the Gap: Using Simulation to Build Clinical Skills among Advanced Standing Social Work Students

The integration of evidence-informed practices in social work education can be difficult given the crowded curricula of most Master of Social Work programs, particularly for advanced standing MSW s...
Developing Secondary Pre-Service Science Teachers' Instructional Planning Abilities for Language- and Literacy-Integrated Science Instruction in Linguistically Diverse Classrooms.

As science classrooms become more linguistically diverse, it is becoming increasingly important that pre-service teachers (PSTs) are trained with the skills and knowledge they need to support scien...
Vape Shop Employees: Do They Act as Smoking Cessation Counselors?

Author(s): Galimov, Artur; Meza, Leah; Unger, Jennifer B; Baezconde-Garbanati, Lourdes; Cruz, Tess Boley; Sussman, Steve | Abstract: IntroductionThis study examined smoking cessation advice offered by vape shop employees, as well as their perceived awareness of vaping research.Aims and methodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 121 vape shops in the Greater Los Angeles area of Southern California in four multiethnic communities (Hispanic/Latino, African American, Korean/Asian, and non-Hispanic White). A 35-minute interview assessed the employee's tobacco product use, perceptions of vaping research, and experience advising customers to quit cigarette smoking.ResultsAmong 121 vape shop employees surveyed, 106 (88%) reported that they provided smoking cessation advice or counseling to customers. Nearly half (45%) reported having no vaping-related research knowledge, while 30% were aware of provaping studies only. Approximately 85% of employees had quit cigarettes by switching to e-cigarettes instead, whereas 15% were dual users. Only 49% believed that vaping products contribute to nicotine addiction among youth. Those who provided advice on quitting cigarette smoking reported significantly lower knowledge of e-cigarette research than those who did not provide advice (p l .01).ConclusionsMost vape shop employees provide advice to customers who desire to quit cigarette smoking and initiate electronic cigarette use. However, they report a low level of awareness about e-cigarette research. Future research is warranted to examine the specifics of advice provided by vape shop employees. Training programs for vape shop employees and educational campaigns about evidence-based scientific findings on vaping may be beneficial.ImplicationsAlmost nine out of 10 surveyed vape shop employees offered cigarette smoking cessation advice to their customers, while almost half of the retailers report not being aware of any vaping-related research studies. Providing employees with training on evidence-based cessation advice could help protect customers. Also, training programs for vape shop employees and educational campaigns about the risk of nicotine addiction could potentially increase their motivation to avoid sales to minors and to warn adults about nicotine addiction.
GALEX ULTRAVIOLET IMAGING OF DWARF GALAXIES AND STAR FORMATION RATES

We present ultraviolet-integrated and azimuthally averaged surface photometric properties of a sample of 44 dwarf irregular (dIm), blue compact dwarf, and Sm galaxies measured from archival near-ultraviolet (NUV) and far-ultraviolet (FUV) images obtained with the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX). We compare the UV to Hα and V-band properties and convert FUV, Hα, and V-band luminosities into star formation rates (SFRs). We also model the star formation history from colors and compare the integrated SFRs and SFR profiles with radius for these methods. In most galaxies, the UV photometry extends beyond Hα in radius, providing a better measure of the star formation activity in the outer disks. The Hα appears to be lacking in the outer disk because of faintness in low-density gas. The FUV and V-band profiles are continuous with radius, although they sometimes have a kink from a double exponential disk. There is no obvious difference in star formation properties between the inner and outer disks. No disk edges have been observed, even to stellar surface densities as low as 0.1 M ☉ pc–2 and SFRs as low as 10–4 M ☉ yr–1 kpc–2. Galaxies with low H I to luminosity ratios have relatively low FUV compared to V-band emission in the outer parts, suggesting a cessation of star formation there. Galaxies with relatively high H I apparently have fluctuating star formation with a gigayear timescale.
Elementary Teachers' Intervention Fidelity in Relation to Reading and Vocabulary Outcomes for Students at Risk for Reading-Related Disabilities.

Teachers’ implementation of differentiated supplemental instruction is critical to help students with or at risk for reading-related disabilities acquire early reading and vocabulary skills. This s...
Behavioral comparisons in autistic individuals from multiplex and singleton families.

Autistic disorder (AD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. The role of genetics in AD etiology is well established, and it is postulated that anywhere from 2 to 10 genes could be involved. As part of a larger study to identify these genetic effects we have ascertained a series of AD families: Sporadic (SP, 1 known AD case per family and no known history of AD) and multiplex (MP, ≥2 cases per family). The underlying etiology of both family types is unknown. It is possible that MP families may constitute a unique subset of families in which the disease phenotype is more likely due to genetic factors. Clinical differences between the two family types could represent underlying genetic heterogeneity. We examined ADI-R data for 69 probands from MP families and 88 from SP families in order to compare and contrast the clinical phenotypes for each group as a function of verbal versus nonverbal status. Multivariate analysis controlling for covariates of age at examination, gender, and race (MANCOVA) revealed no differences between either the verbal or nonverbal MP and SP groups for the three ADI-R area scores: social interaction, communication, and restricted/repetitive interests or behaviors. These data failed to find clinical heterogeneity between MP and SP family types. This supports previous work that indicated that autism features are not useful as tools to index genetic heterogeneity. Thus, although there may be different underlying etiologic mechanisms in the SP and MP probands, there are no distinct behavioral patterns associated with probands from MP families versus SP families. These results suggests the possibility that common etiologic mechanisms, either genetic and/or environmental, could underlie all of AD.
Quantum well and quantum dot lasers: From strained-layer and self-organized epitaxy to high-performance devices

Strained heterostructures are now widely used to realize high-performance lasers. Highly mismatched epitaxy also produces defect-free quantum dots via an island growth mode. The characteristics of high-speed strained quantum well and quantum dot lasers are described. It is seen that substantial improvements in small-signal modulation bandwidth are obtained in both 1 μm (48 GHz) and 1.55 μm (26 GHz) by tunneling electrons directly into the lasing sub-band. In quantum dots the small-signal modulation bandwidth is limited by electron-hole scattering to ∼7 GHz at room temperature and 23 GHz at 80 K. The properties of these devices are described.
Sugar Repression of Mannitol Dehydrogenase Activity in Celery Cells

We present evidence that the activity of the mannitol-catabolizing enzyme mannitol dehydrogenase (MTD) is repressed by sugars in cultured celery (Apium graveolens L.) cells. Furthermore, this sugar repression appears to be mediated by hexokinases (HKs) in a manner comparable to the reported sugar repression of photosynthetic genes. Glucose (Glc)-grown cell cultures expressed little MTD activity during active growth, but underwent a marked increase in MTD activity, protein, and RNA upon Glc starvation. Replenishment of Glc in the medium resulted in decreased MTD activity, protein, and RNA within 12 h. Addition of mannoheptulose, a competitive inhibitor of HK, derepressed MTD activity in Glc-grown cultures. In contrast, the addition of the sugar analog 2-deoxyglucose, which is phosphorylated by HK but not further metabolized, repressed MTD activity in mannitol-grown cultures. Collectively, these data suggest that HK and sugar phosphorylation are involved in signaling MTD repression. In vivo repression of MTD activity by galactose (Gal), which is not a substrate of HK, appeared to be an exception to this hypothesis. Further analyses, however, showed that the products of Gal catabolism, Glc and fructose, rather than Gal itself, were correlated with MTD repression.
ASSESSING LANDSLIDE SUSCEPTIBILITY BY INCORPORATING THE SURFACE COVER INDEX AS A MEASUREMENT OF VEGETATIVE COVER

Local environmental conditions are known to be the most influential in landslide dynamics. Some variables, such as slope, elevation, lithology, vegetative cover, and soil type, are more common and influential than others. Every variable, except for vegetative cover, has been incorporated into many different statistical models as a continuous variable showing nuances and differentiation among the data. In regions where vegetative cover is the single most important variable in determining slope stability, a land cover classification cannot provide the level of information required for efficient modeling of landslide events. It is hoped that the surface cover index (SCI) can be used to numerically assess vegetative cover by using Landsat imagery and sub-pixel analysis. Two models utilizing simple raster calculations involving slope and the SCI were created. Each model was then assessed and validated for accuracy by using a user-created multi-temporal landslide inventory of the Dominical, Costa Rica area. Results determined that normalized inputs of slope and SCI can produce an algorithm with a high degree of accuracy and proved that the SCI can be used in assessing landslide hazard in a tropical forest environment. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model of autocatalytic replication

The catalytic effects that existing polymer chains have on the formation of new chains are modeled using ideas from spin glasses and neural networks. Computer simulation shows that isolated groups of chains in this model are capable of accurately replicating a wide variety of complex structures without templating. Replication in the model arises spontaneously and rapidly, leading to an extremely simple realization of a system exhibiting Darwinian evolution.
Electron tunneling and noise studies in ferromagnetic junctions

Abstract Transport properties of exchange-biased magnetic tunnel junction structures are reported as a function of tunnel barrier thickness. The temperature dependence of the tunneling conductance and magnetoresistance (MR) is consistent with recent theories relating it to the magnon excitations at the electrode–barrier interface or the temperature-dependent surface magnetization. We have also measured the bias voltage dependence of the MR. For CoFe magnetic electrodes, the reduction in MR is approximately 50% at biases of ∼250 mV. At low temperatures, we observe a cusp-like dip in the tunneling conductance at zero-bias. The conductance increases as the square-root of the bias voltage, indicating that electron–electron interactions as in disordered media may be important. Coating a magnetic electrode or the oxide barrier with an alternate, thin magnetic layer of higher spin polarization is shown to generally increase the MR by several percent but at the expense of higher 1/f noise.
Extraction of aerosol-size distributions from multispectral light extinction data

An algorithm for inverting remote sensing measurements to determine particle concentration and size distribution, proposed by Nguyen and Cox in 1989, is described and evaluated. This determination uses extinction measurements at multiple wavelengths with the solution of the Fredholm integral equation. The solution represents the second derivative of the particle-size distribution as a linear combination of orthogonal functions chosen so that the resulting solution is smooth and positive everywhere. We used this algorithm to reconstruct concentrations and size distributions for simulated and experimental measurements of light extinction caused by different test aerosols. An “information content parameter” was used to measure how well each size distribution could be reconstructed from its corresponding measurements. For a wavelength range of 340–940 nm, aerosols in the accumulation mode (300 nm < d 50 < 2500 nm) were reconstructed well. The algorithm was good at reconstructing moderately polydisperse aeroso...
Control of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 gene promoter activity during neural differentiation.

Here we demonstrate that vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) is expressed in the developing central nervous system on neuroepithelial cells, which are the precursors of neurons and glia. As these cells differentiate, VCAM-1 is restricted to a subset of the glial population. An understanding of mechanisms responsible for this restricted pattern could provide insights into how lineage-specific gene expression is maintained during neural differentiation. As a model of neural differentiation, we turned to the P19 embryonic carcinoma cell line, which in response to retinoic acid will differentiate along a neural pathway. We show that VCAM-1 expression on the differentiating P19 cells resembles that in the central nervous system. Transfection of VCAM-1 gene promoter constructs into P19 cells revealed that the VCAM-1 gene is controlled sequentially by negative and positive elements during differentiation. We present evidence that early during differentiation, POU proteins block VCAM-1 gene activity; however, later in differentiation coincident with the appearance of VCAM-1 the pattern of POU proteins changes and the VCAM-1 gene promoter is activated. This activation is mediated through the NFκB/rel complex p50/p65, which forms during P19 cell differentiation.
Cell/surface interactions of human osteo-sarcoma (HOS) cells and micro-patterned polydimelthylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces

Abstract This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the effects of three-dimensional micro-pattern geometry on cell/surface interactions and the adhesion between HOS cells and PDMS surfaces. Micro-grooves with well-controlled ridges and spacings were fabricated by curing poly-di-methy-siloxane (PDMS) in silicon molds produced by photolithography. HOS cells were then cultured onto these surfaces for durations of 6, 12 and 48 h. In cases, where the groove spacing was comparable to the spread cell size, the cells align well in the directions of microgrooves. However, as the ridge separation increases, the cell orientations become more random, and less dependent on ridge height and spacing. The actin cytoskeletal structure and the distribution of focal adhesions are also elucidated by immuno-fluorescence staining.
Use of the internet to revive fortunes in mycology: the MICH experience

The Internet can be used to promote mycology to a much larger audience than traditional print media. Once the intended audience has been identified, careful thought must be given to the design of documents and incorporation of new features that may not be supported by all web browsers. Obtaining copyright releases, especially for copyrighted photographs, may slow creation of documents. There is no single outlet for advertising an Internet site; several search services will have to be contacted as well as requesting links from other Internet sites. Academics should clarify the priority given outreach or service by their departments.
The Impact of Sex, Achievement Domain, and Conceptual Orientation on Causal Attributions.

Sex differences in achievement domain and achievement orientation were examined to better understand women's achievement. College students (84 women, 59 men) were asked to write brief accounts of a past success and a past failure and to provide causal attributions for each. More women recalled affiliative-process events, and proportionally more men recalled mastery-impact events. The relationship of topic domain and conceptual orientation to causal attributions was apparent only for accounts of failure. Topic domain and conceptual orientation interacted with sex to further influence stability attributions. When women conceptualized failure as a process, they emphasized attributions to effort and luck, while men accounted for the process failure by ability and task. When the failure was conceptualized in terms of final impact, the sex pattern of attributions was reversed.
Early eosinophilia induced in guinea pigs by intrapulmonary injection of antigenic determinants and antigens

Abstract Injections of antigens directly into the lungs of guinea pigs induced marked eosinophilia at the sites of injection within 72 hours. In contrast to generalized anaphylaxis, there was, at that time, no correlation between the eosinophilia in the lungs and the titer of circulating eosinophils, which remains stable. Antigen-induced eosinophilia was limited to the injected lung; no eosinophilia developed in the noninjected lung which served as a control. Neither homologous protein nor extract of ragweed pollen in aqueous solution or in Freund's adjuvant produced eosinophilia in the injected lung. Injection of arsanilic acid did not cause an increase in eosiniphils, but injection of arsanilic acid diazotized to homologous protein was followed by a marked increase in peribronchial eosinophils. p-Phenylene diamine, on the other hand, injected without conjugation in aqueous solution, produced a massive pulmonary eosinophilia.
Sparse Regression by Projection and Sparse Discriminant Analysis

Recent years have seen active developments of various penalized regression methods, such as LASSO and elastic net, to analyze high dimensional data. In these approaches, the direction and length of the regression coefficients are determined simultaneously. Due to the introduction of penalties, the length of the estimates can be far from being optimal for accurate predictions. We introduce a new framework, regression by projection, and its sparse version to analyze high dimensional data. The unique nature of this framework is that the directions of the regression coefficients are inferred first, and the lengths and the tuning parameters are determined by a cross validation procedure to achieve the largest prediction accuracy. We provide a theoretical result for simultaneous model selection consistency and parameter estimation consistency of our method in high dimension. This new framework is then generalized such that it can be applied to principal components analysis, partial least squares and canonical correlation analysis. We also adapt this framework for discriminant analysis. Compared to the existing methods, where there is relatively little control of the dependency among the sparse components, our method can control the relationships among the components. We present efficient algorithms and related theory for solving the sparse regression by projection problem. Based on extensive simulations and real data analysis, we demonstrate that our method achieves good predictive performance and variable selection in the regression setting, and the ability to control relationships between the sparse components leads to more accurate classification. In supplemental materials available online, the details of the algorithms and theoretical proofs, and R codes for all simulation studies are provided.
Erythropoietic protoporphyria: four novel frameshift mutations in the ferrochelatase gene

Human erythropoietic protoporphyria is an inherited disorder of the heme metabolic pathway caused by defects in the gene for ferrochelatase, the terminal enzyme of the pathway that catalyzes chelation of ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX to form heme. Mutation analysis was performed for families with erythropoietic protoporphyria and four novel frameshift mutations were identified. Two of the mutations, 205insA and 215insT in exon 3 of the ferrochelatase gene, are single bp insertions. The other two, 400delA in exon 4 and 678de1G in exon 6, are single bp deletions. All of the mutations result in premature termination codons downstream shortly after the mutation sites, and in one case the premature termination codon caused by 400deIA was also shown to reduce mRNA level via nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.
Numerical simulation studies of two-Dimensional turbulence: I. Models of statistically steady turbulence

Abstract It is demonstrated by numerical simulation that the addition of a linear drag term on the forced viscous vorticity equation allows the development of statistically steady-state two-dimensional turbulence, which then can be considered an analog of the large scale atmosphere. Two different types and two scales of forcing are applied, and the results are interpreted in terms of a Kovasznay-type closure theory. The energy spectrum is similar to that predicted by Kraichnan for forced two-dimensional turbulence but the drag term produces some significant modifications. Certain results are extrapolated to make predictions of the energy distribution in the large scale atmosphere. The predicted scale of maximum atmospheric energy is not easily tested, but seems somewhat too small. The relationships between two-dimensional turbulence and Charney's model of geostrophic turbulence are discussed.
Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine as premedication for platelet transfusions: a prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (NHTR) occur in up to 30% of patients receiving platelet transfusions. Premedication with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine is a common strategy to prevent NHTR, but its efficacy has not been studied. In this prospective trial, transfusions in patients receiving pre-storage leukocyte-reduced single-donor apheresis platelets (SDP) were randomized to premedication with either acetaminophen 650 mg PO and diphenhydramine 25 mg IV, or placebo. Fifty-one patients received 98 transfusions. Thirteen patients had 15 NHTR: 15.4% (8/52) in the treatment arm and 15.2% (7/46) in the placebo arm. Premedication prior to transfusion of pre-storage leukocyte reduced SDP does not significantly lower the incidence of NHTR as compared to placebo.
A comparative study of local perceptions of ecotourism and conservation at Five Blues Lake National Park, Belize

Understanding factors that strengthen community support for ecotourism and conservation is key to a successful ecotourism project. This study of Five Blues Lake National Park in central Belize explored attitudes towards ecotourism and conservation of local people living adjacent to and co-managing a national park. The authors conducted attitudinal surveys of residents of Saint Margarets village in 1995 and in 2003. The data suggested high levels of support for ecotourism development and continued protection of the land and conservation efforts. Despite this support, by 2003, most ecotourism activities and park management had been curtailed. Although the inception of co-managed ecotourism was received well and some level of interest existed, over time, there was a decline in community participation and ecotourism activities. This is attributable to factors including resident apathy, low community participation, diminished financial resources, insufficient local and national management capacity, and percept...
Infant bonding: mystique and reality.

Current formulations of the crucial significance of the mother-infant relationship in the neonatal period and the first year of life for the child's psychological development have important theoretical and practical implications. This review examines these formulations in their historical context and concludes that they are not supported by the research literature. An alternative approach is suggested.
When Assumptive Worlds Collide: A Review of Definitions of Collaboration in Consultation

Within the consultation literature, the terms collaboration and collaborative have been used to describe many different aspects of consultant-consultee interaction. Six implicit views of collaboration present in the consultation literature are described. Examples of how different underlying views of collaboration have fueled disagreements about consultation process and the data available to support collaboration are provided.
The axiomatic closure of the class of discriminating groups

In [6] squarelike groups were defined to be those groups G universally equivalent to their direct squares G × G. In that paper it was shown that G is squarelike if and only if G is universally equivalent to a discriminating group in the sense of [3]. Further it was shown that the class of squarelike groups is first-order axiomatizable while the class of discriminating groups is not. In this paper, we prove that the class of squarelike groups is the least axiomatic class containing the discriminating groups.
Urinary bladder segmentation in CT urography (CTU) using CLASS.

Purpose: The authors are developing a computerized system for bladder segmentation on CTU, as a critical component for computer aided diagnosis of bladder cancer. Methods: A challenge for bladder segmentation is the presence of regions without contrast (NC) and filled with intravenous contrast (C). The authors have designed a Conjoint Level set Analysis and Segmentation System (CLASS) specifically for this application. CLASS performs a series of image processing tasks: preprocessing, initial segmentation, 3D and 2D level set segmentation, and postprocessing, designed according to the characteristics of the bladder in CTU. The NC and the C regions of the bladder were segmented separately in CLASS. The final contour is obtained in the postprocessing stage by the union of the NC and C contours. With Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, the authors retrospectively collected 81 CTU scans, in which 40 bladders contained lesions, 26 contained diffuse wall thickening, and 15 were considered to be normal. The bladders were segmented by CLASS and the performance was assessed by rating the quality of the contours on a 10-point scale (1 = “very poor,” 5 = “fair,” 10 = “perfect”). For 30 bladders, 3D hand-segmented contours were obtained and the segmentation accuracy of CLASS was evaluated and compared to that of a single level set method in terms of the average minimum distance, average volume intersection ratio, average volume error and Jaccard index. Results: Of the 81 bladders, the average quality rating for CLASS was 6.5 ± 1.3. Thirty nine bladders were given quality ratings of 7 or above. Only five bladders had ratings under 5. The average minimum distance, average volume intersection ratio, average volume error, and average Jaccard index for CLASS were 3.5 ± 1.3 mm, (79.0 ± 8.2)%, (16.1 ± 16.3)%, and (75.7 ± 8.4)%, respectively, and for the single level set method were 5.2 ± 2.6 mm, (78.8 ± 16.3)%, (8.3 ± 33.1)%, (71.0 ± 15.4)%, respectively. Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential of CLASS for segmentation of the bladder.
Selenium Behavior in San Francisco Bay Sediments

Sediment and porewater samples (1997–1999) were collected in the Northern Reach of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta for determinations of sedimentary selenium and its chemical speciation. Total sedimentary selenium increased with depth, with approximately 50% of the sedimentary selenium as elemental selenium and 35% as organic selenide. Porewater total dissolved selenium increased with depth in the estuary and Delta, and fluxes out of the sediments were calculated at 0.01 and 0.06 nmol cm−2 year−1 for the estuary and Delta, respectively. Present-day sediment–water exchange of dissolved selenium and internal transformations cannot explain the observed increase in total sedimentary selenium with depth. However, mass balance calculations demonstrate that the increase in total selenium with depth may be linked to higher dissolved selenium concentrations in the water column in the 1980s, suggesting that the sediments could be used as historical recorders of selenium in the estuary.
Preparation of crystals suitable for profile angle measurement: optimum time-temperature sublimation, cantharidin.

Cantharidin crystals can be obtained at the optimum time-temperature of 120°. 15 minutes by sublimation in the cell and under the conditions described. Photomicrographs of these crystals are shown and the profile angles have been determined.
Auditory-driven phase reset in visual cortex: Human electrocorticography reveals mechanisms of early multisensory integration

Findings in animal models demonstrate that activity within hierarchically early sensory cortical regions can be modulated by cross-sensory inputs through resetting of the phase of ongoing intrinsic neural oscillations. Here, subdural recordings evaluated whether phase resetting by auditory inputs would impact multisensory integration processes in human visual cortex. Results clearly showed auditory-driven phase reset in visual cortices and, in some cases, frank auditory event-related potentials (ERP) were also observed over these regions. Further, when audiovisual bisensory stimuli were presented, this led to robust multisensory integration effects which were observed in both the ERP and in measures of phase concentration. These results extend findings from animal models to human visual cortices, and highlight the impact of cross-sensory phase resetting by a non-primary stimulus on multisensory integration in ostensibly unisensory cortices.
DYNAMICAL EFFECTS IN PAIR PRODUCTION BY ELECTRIC FIELDS

Nonperturbative dynamical effects in fermion-antifermion pair production by classical electric fields are investigated. Following a summary of the results previously given in the literature, a formal connection between fermion pair production in an external field and supersymmetric quantum mechanics is pointed out. Pair production probabilities are calculated in a uniform semiclassical approximation, which yields the Schwinger result in the constant field limit. The multiplicity distributions of the created pairs are shown to be related to the elementary symmetric functions.
Barium inhibition of sodium ion transport in toad bladder.

Abstract The effect of Ba2+ on Na+ transport and electrical characteristics of toad bladder was determined from change produced in short circuit current (Isc, epithelial, apical and basal-lateral potentials (ψt, ψa, ψb), epithelial and membrane resistances (Rt, Ra, Rb) and shunt resistance (Rs). Mucosal Ba2+ had no effect. Serosal Ba2+ reduced Isc, ψt, ψa, and ψb, but had no effect on Rt, Ra, Rb and Rs. Minimal effective Ba2+ concentration was 5 · 10−5 M. The phenomenon was reversed by Ba2+ removal, but not by 86 mM serosal K+. Ba2+ inhibition of Isc did not impair the response to vasopressin which was quantitatively the same as controls. ψa with Ba2+ equalled ψb. After Ba2+ inhibition, ouabain produced no further decrease in ψt and Isc. Ba2+ exposure after ouabain did not decrease ψt and Isc. The results suggest that Ba2+ inhibits the basal-lateral electrogenic Na+ pump.
Effect of Pulse Shaping on Micromachining Transparent Dielectrics

Successful efforts made with silicon micromachining prompts novel methods to study the femtosecond-laser induced ablation of transparent dielectrics. Characterized AFM images of the ablated surfaces will be presented.
Effect of diet on glucose tolerance of dairy calves one to thirteen weeks old.

Abstract Sixteen male Holstein-Friesian calves, three to four days old, were placed on one of four diets (four calves per diet) for a 13-wk experimental period. The diets included the following: Diet 1, milk and milk solids; Diet 2, milk and grain; Diet 3, milk, grain, and hay, inoculated (rumen ingesta from a mature cow introduced via stomach tube into the rumen of an experimental calf); and Diet 4, milk and grain, inoculated. Once each week after a 12–14 hr fast, 750 mg glucose/kg body weight were administered intravenously to each calf for a glucose tolerance test. Calves on Diet 1 had a constant glucose tolerance over the experimental period; a gradual decline in glucose tolerance was observed for calves on Diets 2 and 4; and calves on Diet 3 had a sharp decline. There may have been a slight difference in glucose tolerance between the calves of Diets 2 and 4. It was concluded that glucose tolerance of calves is dependent upon diet and the nature of the rumen fermentation activity.
Large deflections of laminated cylindrical and doubly-curved panels under thermal loading

Abstract Thermally-induced large-deflection behaviors of laminates, including flat plates and cylindrical and doubly-curved panels, are investigated. The finite element technique based on the first-order shear deformation theory is employed to predict the shell response. Post-critical equilibrium paths are traced using the arc-length and the Riks methods. Laminate strength is also predicted, based upon the Tsai-Wu criterion.
The use of Microfluorescence Analysis for Process Control in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry

A new method has been developed for the rapid, non-destructive, in situ detection and identification of sub-micron organic particulate contaminants. The equipment, its operation, and its application to the process control of a semiconductor manufacturing operation are discussed.
Aperiodic stochastic resonance.

Stochastic resonance (SR) is a phenomenon wherein the response of a nonlinear system to a weak periodic input signal is optimized by the presence of a particular level of noise. Recently, we presented a method and theory for characterizing SR-type behavior in excitable systems with aperiodic (i.e., broadband) input signals [Phys. Rev. E 52, R3321(1995)]. We coined the term aperiodic stochastic resonance (ASR) to describe this general type of behavior. In that earlier study, we demonstrated ASR in the FitzHugh-Nagumo neuronal model. Here we demonstrate ASR in three additional systems: a bistable-well system, an integrate-and-fire neuronal model, and the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) neuronal model. We present computational and theoretical results for each system. In the context of the HH model, we develop a general theory for ASR in excitable membranes. This work clearly shows that SR-type behavior is not limited to systems with periodic inputs. Thus, in general, noise can serve to enhance the response of a nonlinear system to a weak input signal, regardless of whether the signal is periodic or aperiodic. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Popular Misconceptions about Suicide: How Popular Are They?.

This study explores the prevalence of misconceptions about suicide in a sample of 643 United States residents who were administered the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ). Responses to the twenty ...
Localization of the genes coding for the 51 kDa PSII chlorophyll apoprotein, apocytochrome b6, the 65-70 kDa PSI chlorophyll apoproteins and the 44 kDa PSII chlorophyll apoprotein in pea chloroplast DNA.

DNA probes isolated from previously mapped spinach genes were used to locate 5 genes on pea ctDNA by heterologous hybridization. The genes mapped include psbC, psaA, psaB, psbB, and petB. PsbB and petB mapped to a 6.7 kbp XbaI DNA fragment adjacent to the petD gene. Northern probes from within the DNA which codes for psbB and petD hybridized to 6 RNAs ranging from 1.2 to 5.6 kbp. The psaA and psaB genes, which code for 65–70 kDa proteins of Photosystem I, were mapped to a 7.5 kbp. XbaI DNA fragment. A 5.8 kbp RNA is transcribed from the region which contains the psaA and psaB genes suggesting that these genes are co-transcribed. Finally the psbC gene which codes for a 44 kDa chlorophyll-protein of Photosystem II was mapped to a 12.3 kbp PstI DNA fragment. The pea psbC open reading frame overlaps the psbD coding sequence and this gene pair is within 3 kbp of the psaA-psaB genes. Overall, the organization of the 3 gene clusters analyzed in peas is similar to that reported for spinach.
Laboratory Measurements and Modeling of the Fe XVII X-Ray Spectrum

Detailed measurements, line identifications, and modeling calculations of the Fe XVII L-shell emission spectrum between 9.8 and 17.5 A are presented. The measurements were carried out on an electron beam ion trap under precisely controlled conditions where electron-impact excitation followed by radiative cascades is the dominant line formation process. In addition to the strong transitions emanating from the n = 3 shell, we identify and accurately determine wavelengths for transitions from higher shells up to n = 11, including two electric quadrupole transitions that have not been previously identified. Various theoretical values, including new distorted wave calculations, are compared to our measurements, which establish definitive values for testing spectral modeling predictions. We find a value of 3.04 ± 0.12 for the ratio of the intensity of the 2p-3d1P1 resonance and of the 2p-3d3D1 intercombination line situated at 15.01 and 15.26 A, respectively. This value is higher than the values observed in solar spectra, which supports claims that the solar value is affected by resonant scattering. However, because our value is significantly lower than calculated values, the amount of scattering has probably been overestimated in past analyses. Comparisons of the measured intensity ratios of the transitions originating in levels of higher principal quantum number n with present distorted wave calculations show good agreement up to n = 6. The combined flux of all 2p-nd transitions with n ≥ 5 and all 2s-np transitions with n = 4 and 5 relative to the flux of the 15.01 A resonance line has been measured to be 0.13+ 0.04−0.03 .
Theoretical models of sales promotions: Contributions, limitations, and a future research agenda

Our objective in this paper is to review theoretical models of sales promotions. We highlight the key contributions of these models, discuss their limitations, and outline an agenda for future research. Managerial questions examined in these models include some very fundamental issues such as why firms resort to the use of sales promotions in mature markets, and why the use of sales promotions has increased dramatically during the last two decades. Also included in this review are models that address firm level strategic issues such as the allocation of dollars between advertising and sales promotions, and the relative emphasis on trade promotions vis-a-vis consumer promotions. We also review theoretical models that explain how consumers respond to price promotions, and what type of sales promotion tools may be superior to others in a particular market. The review concludes with a possible agenda for future research.
Ontogenic development of proliferative and polyclonal antibody and autoantibody responses to staphylococcal peptidoglycan, protein A and cell walls in mice.

Abstract In the spleens of newborn mice, polyclonal IgM, IgG and IgA reponses were low to protein A, cell walls (CW) and PWM, intermediate to peptidoglycan (PG), and high to LPS. Small, not significant increases in Ig responses to LPS (which occurred during the first 2 wks) were observed, whereas, the responses to PG, protein A, CW and PWM continued to increase for 8 wks, and the increases were high and significant. In most cases, there was no change in the dose response and kinetics patterns (characteristic for each stimulant) during ontogeny. Ontogenic development of autoantibody-secreting cells was different from the development of cells secreting all Ig and anti-SRBC antibodies. The increases in the numbers of cells secreting IgM anti-DNA and IgM anti-bromelin-treated mouse RBC antibodies in response to LPS and PG during postnatal development were larger than the increases of all IgM-secreting cells. In contrast, the increases of IgM anti-DNA secreting cells in response to protein A and PWM were smaller than the increases of all IgM-secreting cells. The frequencies of cells secreting anti-DNA antibodies in LPS- and PG-stimulated cultures were low in newborns and continued to increase until 8 wks of age, but they were high and did not change throughout ontogeny in protein A-stimulated cultures. Changes in the frequencies of anti-RBC antibody-secreting cells were less distinct and mostly insignificant. Postnatal changes in mitogenic responses were smaller and not correlated with the development of polyclonal Ig responses. Our data indicate different modes of ontogenic development of the ability of cells to produce polyclonal Ig, autoantibodies and heteroantibodies, and to synthesize DNA, in response to different stimulants.
The Infralimbic Cortex Bidirectionally Modulates Mesolimbic Dopamine Neuron Activity via Distinct Neural Pathways

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) has been implicated in a number of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. One major regulator of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system is the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which makes direct and indirect connections to the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as directly to the VTA. The mPFC is comprised of two subregions: the infralimbic and prelimbic cortices (ilPFC and plPFC). However, the specific roles of these subregions in regulating VTA dopamine activity have remained unclear. In this study, we aim to clarify this role and to examine the divergent neuranatomical circuits by which the mPFC regulates VTA activity. Using in vivo extracellular recordings in rats, we tested the effects of pharmacological activation (with NMDA) and inactivation (with TTX) of the ilPFC and plPFC on dopamine neuron activity, and tested the roles of the ventral subiculum (vSub) and basolateral amygdala in this process. We found that the ilPFC exerts a bidirectional control of VTA dopamine neurons, which are differentially modulated through the vSub and the basolateral amygdala. Specifically, activation or inactivation of the ilPFC attenuated or activated dopamine neuron population activity, respectively. Furthermore, dopamine activation depended on the ventral hippocampus and inactivation on the amygdala. In contrast, only inactivation of the plPFC altered dopamine neuron activity. These data indicate that the mPFC has the ability to uniquely fine-tune dopaminergic activity in the VTA. Furthermore, the data presented here suggest that the ilPFC may have a role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders.
NRC Containment Safety Margins Program for light-water reactors

Abstract The Containment Safety Margins Program is a comprehensive program sponsored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and carried out by Sandia National Laboratories. The purpose of the program is to develop reliable predictions of the ultimate capacity of steel and concrete containment structures under loading subjected to accidents and severe environments.
Neuritogenic and metabolic effects of individual gangliosides and their interaction with nerve growth factor in cultures of neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma

The 4 major ganglioside species, GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT1b (200 micrograms/ml), were tested individually for the ability to stimulate neuronal trophic responses. The growth parameters measured were: morphologic changes, quantitated by computer-assisted morphometry of neurite length and number per soma, and metabolic changes, indicated by alterations in ornithine decarboxylase activity (ODC). In addition, the interaction of each ganglioside with nerve growth factor (NGF) was investigated with an NGF-responsive pheochromocytoma PC12 cell line and NGF-insensitive neuroblastoma Neuro-2a cultures. PC12 cells responded to gangliosides only in the presence of NGF (20 micrograms/ml): GM1 produced the greatest morphologic response, but did not alter metabolic levels; GT1b increased both parameters. The presence (5 micrograms/ml) or absence of NGF did not have an effect on the ganglioside-mediated morphologic responses of Neuro-2a cells to each species: GD1b elicited the greatest increase in neurite length, while GD1a and GT1b stimulated both length and number. In contrast, while GT1b alone was able to elevate ODC activity independently of NGF, the simultaneous exposure of Neuro-2a cultures to NGF and GM1 or GD1a resulted in a stimulation of cellular metabolism. These results indicate that each ganglioside species has a specific target action in the stimulation of different trophic responses and that performance in one category is not a predictor of the result in another. In addition, it is possible to confer a sensitivity to NGF by simultaneous treatment with specific gangliosides. This indicates that membrane gangliosides may modulate the actions of neurotrophic factors.
Interstitial thermoradiotherapy in treatment of malignant tumours

From October 1981 to October 1985, 48 recurrent/persistent tumours (46 patients) were treated with a combination of interstitial hyperthermia and interstitial radiation therapy. All patients had failed other conventional treatment modalities. Radiation was administered using 192Ir with doses varying from 2000 to 6000 rad, depending on the dose of previous irradiation. Hyperthermia was administered with either localized current fields (LCF) or microwaves, two sessions each, minimum tumour temperature of 42 5°C for 60 min. Of 37 lesions treated with at least one satisfactory hyperthermia session, there were 26 of 37 (70 per cent) complete responses and 11 of 37 (29.7 per cent) partial responses. Of 11 lesions with no sessions of satisfactory hyperthermia, there were no complete responses and only five partial responses. The detailed results are presented.