cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-Base Oligodeoxyguanosine-Binding Proteins on Nonspecific Cytotoxic Cells: Identification of a New Class of Pattern-Recognition Receptors

The present study was designed to identify a possible new class of pathogen-recognition proteins that bind single-base oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) ligands. Binding by the teleost natural killer cell equivalent [referred to as nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC)] was compared with mammalian cells (mouse RAW264.7 cells and human THP-1 cells). The ODN analysed were composed of 20-mers of guanosine (dG20), adenosine (dA20), thymidine (dT20) or cytosine (dC20). Binding studies first determined the 50% saturation levels for NCC (1.25 µg/ml), RAW264.7 (0.2 µg/ml) and THP-1 (0.8 µg/ml). Binding by dG20 to all the three cell types was saturable. Ligand blots of NCC membrane lysates with biotinylated dG20 revealed two different major molecular weight species (16–18 and 29 kDa) of binding proteins. The 29-kDa protein was identified with the help of Western blot analysis using a polyclonal antibody specific to an NCC antimicrobial protein (ncamp-1). The membrane expression of the 29-kDa ncamp-1 was determined by the binding of surface-biotinylated NCC membrane proteins with digoxigenin dG20 followed by immunoprecipitation using anti-digoxigenin agarose beads. The 29 and 14–18 kDa NCC membrane proteins were cross-reactive using Western blot examination with a polyclonal anti-histone 1 antibody. Function studies revealed that dG20 activated a twofold upregulation of membrane binding by homologous dG20-biotin. dG20 also stimulated NCC-increased membrane expression of NCC receptor protein 1. Additional experiments were performed to determine the DNase sensitivity of the different ODN. dG20 appeared to be more resistant to DNase treatment, compared to dC20, dA20 and dT20. The single-base ODN-binding proteins may represent a new class of pattern-recognition receptors that are involved in innate anti-bacterial resistance mediated by NCC.
Tailored optical force fields using evolutionary algorithms.

We introduce a method whereby the electromagnetic field that governs the force on a Rayleigh particle can be tailored such that the resultant force field conforms to a desired geometry. The electromagnetic field is expanded as a set of vector spherical wavefunctions (VSWFs) that describe the field over all space. Given the incident field, the resultant force on a given Rayleigh particle can be calculated throughout a volume of interest. We use an evolutionary algorithm (EA) to search the space of coefficients governing the VSWFs for those that produce the desired force field. We demonstrate how Maxwell’s equations will support an “optical tunnel” that guides particles to a trap location while at the same time preventing particles outside the tunnel from approaching the trap. This result is of interest because the field is impressed throughout the domain; that is to say, once the field is generated, no additional control is required to guide the particles.
Structure of young upper crust at the East Pacific Rise near 9°30'N

Eight on-bottom seismic refraction experiments are analyzed in an effort to resolve the structure of the emplacement zone of lavas and dikes at the fast-spreading East Pacific Rise. The results suggest that the volcanic section doubles in thickness within ∼1 km of the axial summit caldera (ASC) due to the emplacement of lava that either overflows the ASC or is transported through lateral tube conduits, and the depth to the top of the sheeted dike complex increases from ∼160 m within the ASC to ∼340 m a kilometer away on the flank.
Computer Programming of Diagnostic Tests

A great many medical diagnostic tests have been developed to supplement the patient information obtained from history and physical examination. These tests vary greatly in amount of discomfort to the patient, complexity, and cost. It is obvious that diagnostic tests should be kept to a minimum. Logical consideration to help determine the minimum additional medical tests needed in a specific case will be discussed.
On the scaling of the average multiplicity in hadron-hadron collisions

We show that, under rather general assumptions, the ratio of the average multiplicity to the cross section (rather than the average multiplicity itself) is expected to grow as Ins. We see that this ratio is already linear in lns at presently-available energy, and we extrapolate this linear dependence to predict the value of this ratio at higher energy.
Characterizing Hilbert cube manifolds by their homological structure

Abstract A hierarchy of disjoint Cech carriers properties is introduced; and each is shown to be characteristic of ANR's whose products with 2-cells are Hilbert cube manifolds.
Dobutamine stress echocardiography: Detection of coronary artery disease in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy☆

Abstract Objectives. This study attempted to determine the safety and accuracy of dobutamine stress echocardiograpby for detection of coronary artery disease in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Background. Detection of regional wall motion abnormalities at rest does not reliably distinguish ischemic front nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Previous studies have shown that dobutamine stress echocardiography safely and accurately identifies coronary artery disease in patients without dilated cardiomyopathy. Methods. Seventy patients with dilated cardiomyopathy under-went dobutamine stress echocardiography. Echocardiograms were obtained at baseline and at low (5 to 10 μg/kg body weight per min) and peak doses of dobutamine. Rest and stress left ventricular wall motion scores were derived from analysis of regional wall motion. Fifty-four subjects underwent coronary angiography. Results. Dobutamine infusion was terminated after achievement of the target heart rate or maximal protocol dose in 49 patients (70%), ischemia in 12 (17%), arrhythmia in 4 (6%) and side efects in 5 (7%). No patient had prolonged ischemia or sustained arrhythmia. Of those with angiographic studies, 40 had significant coronary artery disease (≥50% diameter stenosis). Use of the change in global wall motion score index from low to peak dose resulted in a sensitivity of 83% for dobutamine stress echocardiography and a specificity of 71% for detection of coronary artery disease. Sensitivity for detection of triple-,double-and single-vessel disease was 100%, 83% and 69%, respectively. Conclusions. Dobutamine stress echocardiography safely provides diagnostic information in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. This technique has high sensitivity for multivessel coronary artery disease but only moderate specificity.
Substrate specificity and structure-function analysis of the 3'-phosphoesterase component of the bacterial NHEJ protein, DNA ligase D.

DNA ligase D (LigD) performs end remodeling and end sealing reactions during nonhomologous end joining in bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa LigD consists of a central ATP-dependent ligase domain fused to a C-terminal polymerase domain and an N-terminal phosphoesterase (PE) module. The PE domain catalyzes manganese-dependent phosphodiesterase and phosphomonoesterase reactions at the 3′ end of the primer strand of a primer-template. The phosphodiesterase cleaves a 3′-terminal diribonucleotide to yield a primer strand with a ribonucleoside 3′-PO4 terminus. The phosphomonoesterase converts a terminal ribonucleoside 3′-PO4 or deoxyribonucleoside 3′-PO4 of a primer-template to a 3′-OH. Here we report that the phosphodiesterase and phosphomonoesterase activities are both dependent on the presence and length of the 5′ single-strand tail of the primer-template substrate. Although the phosphodiesterase activity is strictly dependent on the 2′-OH of the penultimate ribose, it is indifferent to a 2′-OH versus a2′-H on the terminal nucleoside. Incision at the ribonucleotide linkage is suppressed when the 2′-OH is moved by 1 nucleotide in the 5′ direction, suggesting that LigD is an exoribonuclease that cleaves the 3′-terminal phosphodiester. We report the effects of conservative amino acid substitutions at residues: (i) His42, His48, Asp50, Arg52, His84, and Tyr88, which are essential for both the ribonuclease and 3′-phosphatase activities; (ii) Arg14, Asp15, Glu21, and Glu82, which are critical for 3′-phosphatase activity but not 3′-ribonucleoside removal; and (iii) at Lys66 and Arg76, which participate selectively in the 3′-ribonuclease reaction. The results suggest roles for individual functional groups in metal binding and/or phosphoesterase chemistry.
Preparing teacher leaders: Perceptions of the impact of a cohort-based, job embedded, blended teacher leadership program☆

Abstract This qualitative study was designed to examine teachers’ and principals’ perceptions of the impact of a graduate program designed to prepare teacher leaders. Impact was investigated through interviews with 20 graduates and 6 principals. Using Mezirow’s concept of transformational learning, the study documents perceived transformation of teachers’ frames of reference: two related to teaching (adopt an inquiry stance; learn to view oneself as an autonomous professional), and two related to leadership (adopt a leadership stance; view student learning as a communal responsibility). The study includes implications for the design of graduate level teacher education programs to enhance their impact and effectiveness.
A criterion for isolated solution structure and global computability for operator equations

Abstract This paper considers the description and determination of the fixed points of compact, continuously differentiable mappings T in Banach spaces. In particular, our results describe situations when the fixed point set of T is isolated, and when at least one fixed point can be computed by a globally convergent Newton/continuation algorithm, beginning at zero. The entire framework is motivated by applications to nonlinear elliptic systems for which these properties hold.
Replacement of sugar in the product formulation of “Bomboyson” by jaggery

"Bomboyson" is a traditional heat desiccated dairy product of eastern Nepal, prepared using khoa, sugar, and ghee, and has a great commercial potential. This study was carried out to standardize the product and study its nutritive value and storage life for the organized production. The formulation was based on survey and the best product was selected using 9-point hedonic rating scale method. The sugar in the best product was replaced by jaggery, and both were compared with the most popular market product for sensory and nutritional qualities. The products were stored at ambient (25°C) and refrigerated (5°C) temperatures to study the microbiological qualities. Bomboyson prepared from 100 parts khoa, 40 parts sugar, and 20 parts ghee was found to be superior (P 0.05) while both the product had lower contents (P < 0.05) of moisture and total ash than the jaggery-added product. The microbiological study confirmed that the products were acceptable throughout the storage period of 28 days at 5°C and 21 days at 25°C.
Registration of 'Riveland' lentil.

'Riveland' (Reg. No. CV-32, PI 649919) lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) was released by the USDA-ARS (Pullman, WA) in cooperation with Washington State University Agricultural Research Center, University of Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station, and North Dakota State University Agricultural Experiment Station in June 2007. Riveland was released on the basis of exceptionally large seed size, broad adaptation to U.S. production zones, excellent seed quality, and high yield potential. Riveland was named after Neil Riveland, agronomist, North Dakota State University, Williston Research Extension Center, Williston, ND. Riveland was selected as an F 5 plant row in 1998. It originated from the cross 'Laird'/ VW000412 (cross number X95L073) made by F.J. Muehlbauer in 1995. Laird is a large-seeded yellow-cotyledon cultivar developed in Canada by A.E. Slinkard, and VW000412 is a large-seeded breeding line developed by V.E. Wilson, a USDA-ARS agronomist at Pullman (retired).
Heuristics for workforce planning with worker differences

This study considers decisions in workforce management assuming individual workers are inherently different as measured by general cognitive ability (GCA). A mixed integer programming (MIP) model that determines different staffing decisions (i.e., hire, cross-train, and fire) in order to minimize workforce related costs over multiple periods is described. Solving the MIP for a large problem instance size is computationally burdensome. In this paper, two linear programming (LP) based heuristics and a solution space partition approach are presented to reduce the computational time. A genetic algorithm was also implemented as an alternative method to obtain better solutions and for comparison to the heuristics proposed. The heuristics were applied to realistic manufacturing systems with a large number of machine groups. Experimental results shows that performance of the LP based heuristics performance are surprisingly good and indicate that the heuristics can solve large problem instances effectively with reasonable computational effort.
Oral Tranexamic Acid versus Combined Oral Contraceptives for Adolescent Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Pilot Study

Abstract Study Objective To compare the efficacy of oral tranexamic acid (TA) with combined oral contraceptives (COC) in reducing menstrual blood loss (MBL) and improving quality of life in adolescent heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective randomized crossover trial with 17 postmenarchal girls aged 21 years and younger with HMB who were seen at our institution. Interventions Patients were randomized to group A (TA arm) or group B (COC arm), each for 3 cycles, with crossover to the second arm after 1-month washout. Main Outcome Measures The primary end points were difference in improvement in MBL and QOL, from baseline to end of each therapy. Results Seventeen patients were enrolled (mean age 14.2 years, range 11.7 to 16.8 years). Nine patients completed both arms; 8 patients withdrew from the study due to adverse events or noncompliance. Compared with baseline, significant improvement ( P TM version 4.0 Generic Scales score increase: TA, 15.6; COC, 16.75), but no significant difference was noted between TA and COC ( P > .05). There was statistically significant reduction in the length of menstrual cycle for COC only (mean reduction 5.3 days; P = .04) and not for TA ( P = .18). Ten patients (58%) experienced adverse events that were possibly drug related (TA: n = 3, 30%; COCP: n = 7, 64%). Conclusion In this pilot study, oral TA appeared as efficacious as COC in the management of adolescent HMB by reducing MBL and improving quality of life.
Absence of REM and altered NREM sleep in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration and slow saccades

The pontine tegmentum contains the neurons responsible for generation of saccadic eye movements and certain phases of sleep. We studied two genetically unrelated patients with spinocerebellar degeneration and slow saccadic eye movements. Multiple all-night sleep studies in both patients disclosed absence of REM and stage 4 sleep with an extremely short stage 3 and long stage 2. Both patients had a sleep stage (X) not previously reported. These are the first awake and ambulatory humans in whom consistent absence of REM sleep has been demonstrated. Both behaved appropriately during wakefulness and showed no overt psychological abnormalities.
Use of intralesional poly-L-lactic acid in the treatment of corticosteroid-induced lipoatrophy.

Intramuscular corticosteroid injection is a common treatment for a variety of medical conditions. Localized subcutaneous lipoatrophy is among the most common adverse effects and can result from the infiltration of the dermis and subcutaneous fat. Surgical excision of the defect is possible, but this
Medical Students’ Observations, Practices, and Attitudes Regarding Electronic Health Record Documentation

Background: Medical students are increasingly documenting their patient notes in electronic health records (EHRs). Documentation short-cuts, such as copy–paste and templates, have raised concern among clinician-educators because they may perpetuate redundant, inaccurate, or even plagiarized notes. Little is known about medical students’ experiences with copy-paste, templates and other “efficiency tools” in EHRs. Purposes: We sought to understand medical students’ observations, practices, and attitudes regarding electronic documentation efficiency tools. Methods: We surveyed 3rd-year medical students at one medical school. We asked about efficiency tools including copy–paste, templates, auto-inserted data, and “scribing” (documentation under a supervisor's name). Results: Overall, 123 of 163 students (75%) responded; almost all frequently use an EHR for documentation. Eighty-six percent (102/119) reported at least sometimes observing residents copying data from other providers’ notes and 60% (70/116) repor...
Kuhn and the Discovery of Paradigms

I present a history of Kuhn’s discovery of paradigms, one that takes account of the complexity of the discovery process. Rather than emerging fully formed in Structure, the concept paradigm emerged...
Interspecies variation in mammary gland growth rate: relationship to gestation length.

Abstract Growth of the mammary gland is measured by several indices including total wet weight, dry fat-free tissue, and deoxyribonucleic acid. The latter is a superior measure of true growth because it represents changes of cell numbers. Sufficient data have been generated to determine the relationship among species of mammals between gestation length and differences in rates of mammary growth. Exponential growth equations were estimated for eight mammalian species with gestation lengths from 16.5 d for the hamster to 280 d for the cow. The form of the most appropriate equation was Y=Ae Bx where Y is mammary deoxyribonucleic acid or dry fat-free tissue, x is day of gestation, e is the base of natural logs, and A and B are constants. The A term was related to body weight (W) and the B-term to gestation length (G). Resulting equations were deoxyribonucleic acid (mg) = .0547W .803 e 1.98G−.98 × and dry fat-free tissue (mg) = 2.35W .779 e .719G−.77 x. First-order rate constants of mammary growth ranged in a reverse order from a high of .141 d −1 in hamsters to a low of .008 d −1 in cows; in other words, mammary deoxyribonucleic acid in hamsters doubled in 4.9 d but in the bovine it took 87 d to double.
Production of insect resistant potato by genetic transformation with a δ-endotoxin gene from Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki

Abstract Solanum tuberosum L. selection FL1607 was transformed using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens binary vector containing DNA encoding a translational fusion between the Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (B.t.k.) HD-73 δ-endotoxin and neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPT II). Two hundred forty-three shoots were regenerated from 50 inoculated leaf explants. Putatively transformed shoots were selected based on their ability to root in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 50 mg/l kanamycin. DNA sequences encoding NPT II were detected using the polymerase chain reaction in several plants which formed roots in the selection medium. Southern blot hybridization of total DNA isolated from a greenhouse-grown transformed plant demonstrated integration of the translational fusion into the plant genome. In addition, transcription of the gene fusion in the transgenic potato plant was detected by reverse transcription of mRNA followed by amplification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Insect assays, using tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) neonate larvae, indicated a significant reduction of leaf consumption in the transgenic plant when compared to a control potato plant.
Percutaneous pulmonary artery gene transfer in pigs using naked plasmid DNA delivered during angioplasty.

Gene transfer techniques are increasingly being used to study blood vessel biology and develop models for gene therapy. To date, there are no reports of pulmonary vascular gene transfer performed either without adjunctive agents or during angioplasty. We sought to demonstrate the feasibility of recombinant gene transfer to the pulmonary artery of juvenile pigs using naked plasmid DNA delivered via percutaneous angioplasty techniques. Plasmid DNA directing the expression of β-galactosidase was used to transfect one pulmonary artery while the contralateral vessel served as an untreated control. One delivery technique used a standard angioplasty balloon coated with a DNA–heparin mixture. The second involved infusion of DNA between an angioplasty balloon and a surrounding, microporous balloon. Vessels were harvested 3 or 4 days following gene delivery. Protein expression was demonstrated by immunohistochemical staining in transfected but not control vessels in 9/9 pigs. Vascular wall expression was limited to endothelial cells. Pulmonary artery gene transfer using naked plasmid DNA delivered via percutaneous angioplasty techniques is feasible. Using naked plasmid DNA removes the potential for toxicity associated with adjunctive agents. The described techniques provide novel methods for studying pulmonary vascular biology in vivo and for developing future gene therapies.
Full-scale two-phase flow measurements on Athena research vessel

Measurements of gas volume fraction, bubble velocity, chord length and bubble size distributions were performed on the research vessel Athena II operating in Saint Andrew Bay in the gulf coast near Panama City, FL. Double tipped sapphire optical local phase-detection probes were used to acquire indicator functions downstream of the breaking bow wave, behind the masker and at the stern. These indicator functions were also taken at different depths, operating speeds and headings respect to the waves. The data processing includes the computation of velocity of individual bubbles and chord lengths, resulting in chord length distributions. These chord length distributions are used to obtain bubble size distributions using a novel procedure described in detail herein. Uncertainty analysis is performed for gas volume fraction, average bubble velocity and chord length. The results indicate that air entrainment increases with ship speed and sailing against the waves at all positions. The bow wave exhibits unsteady breaking that creates bubble clouds, which were characterized and identified by signal processing. At the stern a very strong dependence of bubble size with depth was found, with evidence that small bubbles (smaller than 500 μm) are transported through the bottom of the hull and reach the transom. The roller present at the transom, the associated strong unsteadiness and bubble entrainment are well captured, as indicated by the stern results, showing the frothy nature of the upper layer.
Inverse analysis of material removal data using a multiscale CMP model

This paper describes a mechanical model for a representative dual axis rotational chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) tool. The model is three-dimensional, multiscale and includes sub-models for bulk pad deformation, asperity deformation, lubrication based slurry flow, carrier film deformation, wafer compliance and material removal by abrasive particles in the slurry. With the model, material removal rate (MRR) can be determined as a function of stress applied to the wafer, relative sliding speed, and material and geometric parameters of the pad and slurry. Experimental material removal rate profiles obtained from Cu polishing experiments performed on a wafer without rotation are analyzed as an inverse problem. We use MRR data to predict local CMP conditions such as fluid film thickness, fluid pressure and contact pressure. The results are consistent with available experimental and analytical information. This inverse technique offers promise as an improved method of CMP model verification.
Chemistry of thienopyridines. XXXIII. Synthetic routes to 5- and 7-substituted thieno[3,2-b]pyridines from the N-oxide†

Thieno[3,2-b]pyridine (1) is oxidized to N-oxide 1a by means of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (83%). Compound 1a forms adducts with hydrogen chloride and picric acid and gives ring substitution alpha or gamma to the heteronitrogen atom. Thus, 1a plus nitric and sulfuric acids produces the 7-nitro-N-oxide 1m (63%), or plus phosphorus oxychloride gives a mixture of 5-chloro and 7-chloro (1j) derivatives of 1. Compound 1m is convertible into a variety of other derivatives of 1, viz. 7-chloro-N-oxide, 1j, 7-bromo-N-oxide, 7-nitro and 7-amino. 5-Cyano-1, formed from 1a, is, in turn, transformed into a methyl imidate (93%), cyclic amidines, and a 5-tetrazolyl-1 (91%). These results confirm the prediction that 1a, thieno[2,3-b]pyridine-4-oxide and quinoline 1-oxide should exhibit closely similar (i.e. analogous) chemical reactions.
Peripheral action of serotonin as a model of depression.

Aprison and coworkers (Aprison and Hingtgen 1981, 1983; Nagayama et al. 1981; Hingtgen and Aprison, 1982) have postulated that some types of human depression are related to increased release of free serotonin (5-HT) acting upon hypersensitive postsynaptic receptors. They have cited as supporting evidence the fact that administration of fairly large doses of the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) administered intraperitoneally to rats suppresses lever pressing for sweetened milk. They have referred to this suppression of responding as “depression” and have demonstrated that several 5-HT receptor antagonists blocked this suppression of responding. They have also shown that several of the antidepressant drugs that bind to 5-HT receptors will also block the 5-HTP-induced suppression of responding (Nagayama et al. 1981). These findings have been used as supporting evidence for the theory that some types of depression are caused by the interaction of 5-HT with hypersensitive receptors. Recently, LY53857, a potent and specific 5-HTz receptor antagonist (Cohen et al. 1983), was shown to block this 5-HTP-induced suppression of operant responding, and it was suggested that LY53857 should be tested clinically as an antidepressant (Hingtgen et al. 1985).
Comparisons of mescal bean alkaloids with mescaline, Δ9 - THC and other psychotogens

Abstract Prior to the discovery of peyote, many American Indian tribes of the Southwest apparently used seeds of the Texas Mountain Laurel. The seeds are commonly referred to as “mescal beans,” “red beans,” and “dry whiskey,” and were utilized by the Indians to induce visions and serve as a divinatory medium for various ceremonial purposes. Indications that this material is a part of the modern drug scene prompted studies in which the three major alkaloids from this plant (cytisine, sparteine, and methylcytisine) were compared with a variety of known psychoactive compounds [N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), mescaline, psilocybin, amphetamine, Δ9 - tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and pentobarbital] to determine whether similarities in behavioral effects exist. Rats were tested for gross locomotor activity, locomotor activity pattersn (“pauses” and “bursts”), locomotor skill (rotorod testing), and conditioned avoidance response. A Duncan's Multiple Range Comparison of all of the drugs at several dose levels of each revealed that the alkaloids produced responses similar to the responses produced by the known hallucinogenic drugs (mescaline, DMT, psilocybin) and clearly dissimilar to normal saline, amphetamine, pentobarbital, and THC.
The explanation facility and the explanation effect

Abstract The ability to explain reasoning processes used for problem solving distinguishes the expert system from other decision support systems. The explanation facility is intended to help the user critically analyze the expert system output. Studies investigating the explanation effect, however, report that the act of explaining an event's occurrence increases the perceived likelihood of the event. The consideration of expert system explanations, therefore, may lead to greater agreement with the system's output rather than the intended critical review of the output. This research examines the explanation effect resulting from the consideration of expert system explanations. The differential impact of considering expert system explanations is compared to the effect of generating written explanations. In addition, the differential impact of positive versus negative explanations is investigated. A hypothetical audit case was administered to 41 practicing auditors. An explanation effect was observed when the expert system explanation was negative. An explanation effect was not observed when the expert system explanation was positive. An explanation effect was not observed for either positive or negative self-generated explanations. Therefore, the most influential explanations were those which were expert system generated and negative or conservative in direction.
Analytic solution of a generalized critical state model of type II superconductors

Abstract For a type II superconductor obeying a generalized critical state model characterized by Jc of type J c (H) = J 0 H 0 n (|H| + H 0 ) n , we present an analytical solution of magnetic field profiles inside a cylindrical sample subject to an arbitrary cyclic magnetic field applied parallel to the cylindrical axis. Consistency with published analytic solutions for the special cases n=0 viz. Bean's model [1] and n = 1, viz. the Kim-Anderson model [2,3], is verified.
Modification of a double focusing mass spectrometer for the observation of metastable ions decaying in two field‐free regions

The occurrence of ‘metastable’ ions formed in the ion source as one species decays to a lower mass ion prior to mass analysis provides direct evidence for dissociation mechanisms in organic mass spectra. Both unimolecular and collision-induced decay processes provide useful information on available dissociation pathways, ion structures, and energetics. In double-focusing mass spectrom-eters the existence of two field-free regions presents a convenient vehicle for studying these processes and for obtaining kinetic information on consecutive metastables through simple modification in circuitry and operating conditions. These modifications are described and the method is used to demonstrate consecutive metastable decay processes in acetyl acetone, 1-butene, toluene and alumin-um hexafluoroacetylacetonate. Drift tube pressure studies showed that, within experimental error, consecutive metastables observed in acetyl acetone and 1-butene were collision-induced, while toluene and the aluminum chelate both exhibit two-step unimolecular decays.
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF SYNAPTIC PATHWAYS INFLUENCING TRANSMISSION IN THE SPECIFIC CEREBELLO-THALAMOCORTICAL PROJECTION SYSTEM.

Abstract Effects of stimulation of midline thalamic nuclei, caudate nucleus and reticular formation on responses evoked in n. ventralis lateralis by brachium conjunctivum stimulation have been studied to further elucidate the properties of synaptic pathways influencing input-output relations in n. ventralis lateralis. Low-frequency midline thalamic or caudate stimulation produces early facilitation and later developing inhibition of brachium conjunctivum-evoked responses in n. ventralis lateralis. These effects in n. ventralis lateralis are associated with diphasic negative-positive, focal potentials which are fundamentally similar in overt characteristics. Caudate evoked responses in n. ventralis lateralis have a longer latency and are more temporally dispersed than those elicited by midline thalamic stimulation. Inhibitory interactions between midline thalamic and brachium conjunctivum-evoked activities in n. ventralis lateralis are abolished by high-frequency caudate stimulation. The caudate-induced blockade of inhibitory interactions in n. ventralis lateralis is similar in many respects to that observed following high-frequency brain stem reticular formation stimulation. However, additional effects of reticular stimulation are seen in facilitation of brachium conjunctivum-evoked responses in n. ventralis lateralis, motor cortex and corticospinal tract. Motor cortex stimulation elicits a focal positivity in n. ventralis lateralis which is associated with inhibition of brachium conjunctivum-evoked activity. This inhibition mediated by corticofugal projections is not preceded by a phase of facilitation as in the case of midline thalamic or caudate stimulation. The results indicate that transmission of activity in cerebellothalamocortical projections may be dramatically influenced in n. ventralis lateralis by inhibitory and excitatory drives in intrathalamic, striothalamic and reticulothalamic synaptic pathways. Involvement of these synaptic pathways is considered in the genesis of movement disorders and the clinical effects of n. ventralis lateralis lesions in the treatment of dyskinesias.
Semiparametric Bayesian analysis of gene-environment interactions with error in measurement of environmental covariates and missing genetic data

Case-control studies are widely used to detect gene-environment interactions in the etiology of complex diseases. Many variables that are of interest to biomedical researchers are difficult to measure on an individual level, e.g. nutrient intake, cigarette smoking exposure, long-term toxic exposure. Measurement error causes bias in parameter estimates, thus masking key features of data and leading to loss of power and spurious/masked associations. We develop a Bayesian methodology for analysis of case-control studies for the case when measurement error is present in an environmental covariate and the genetic variable has missing data. This approach offers several advantages. It allows prior information to enter the model to make estimation and inference more precise. The environmental covariates measured exactly are modeled completely nonparametrically. Further, information about the probability of disease can be incorporated in the estimation procedure to improve quality of parameter estimates, what cannot be done in conventional case-control studies. A unique feature of the procedure under investigation is that the analysis is based on a pseudo-likelihood function therefore conventional Bayesian techniques may not be technically correct. We propose an approach using Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling as well as a computationally simple method based on an asymptotic posterior distribution. Simulation experiments demonstrated that our method produced parameter estimates that are nearly unbiased even for small sample sizes. An application of our method is illustrated using a population-based case-control study of the association between calcium intake with the risk of colorectal adenoma development.
Dead or Alive: Molecular Assessment of Microbial Viability

Nucleic acid-based analytical methods, ranging from species-targeted PCRs to metagenomics, have greatly expanded our understanding of microbiological diversity in natural samples. However, these methods provide only limited information on the activities and physiological states of microorganisms in samples. Even the most fundamental physiological state, viability, cannot be assessed cross-sectionally by standard DNA-targeted methods such as PCR. New PCR-based strategies, collectively called molecular viability analyses, have been developed that differentiate nucleic acids associated with viable cells from those associated with inactivated cells. In order to maximize the utility of these methods and to correctly interpret results, it is necessary to consider the physiological diversity of life and death in the microbial world. This article reviews molecular viability analysis in that context and discusses future opportunities for these strategies in genetic, metagenomic, and single-cell microbiology.
Job search and employment

Abstract A multistage search method based on fuzzy preference is used to analyze the processes of job search. An employment decision based on fuzzy preference results in an exact choice. The incorporation of fuzzy interval preference into employment decision, however, may lead to multiple choices, which provides a theoretical justification for the existence of fuzzy supply of labor. Thus, fuzziness, in addition to randomness, offers an explanation to wage dispersion.
Effects of timed melatonin injections on reproduction in pinealectomized Peromyscus leucopus

Fifty reproductively mature female pinealectomized or sham-operated white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were injected daily for 7 weeks with 50 μg melatonin at 12 hr after lights on. The injections started either on the day following surgery or 2 weeks after surgery. All mice were maintained at room temperature under long-day photoperiod (LD 16:8). Pinealectomized and sham-operated mice injected immediately following surgery and shamoperated mice injected beginning 2 weeks after surgery had reduced reproductive tract weights (30 ± 6, 33 ± 6, and 33 ± 3 mg, respectively) compared to the pinealectomized mice injected beginning 2 weeks after surgery (78 ± 8 mg). In a second study 74 pinealectomized or sham-operated mice were injected at either 2, 7.5, 12, or 15 hr after lights on with 50 μg melatonin. Irrespective of surgical treatment, mice injected at 15 hr had a mean (±SE) reproductive tract weight (33 ± 10 mg) which was substantially less than the 2-hr group (78 ± 17 mg) while the 7.5- and 12-hr groups were intermediate (P < 0.001). Pinealectomized and sham-operated animals responded similarly to melatonin injections at these four time points (P < 0.35). The clearance rate of plasma melatonin after a single 50-μg melatonin injection or after 2 weeks of daily injections at either 2 or 12 hr after lights on was determined. Melatonin concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay. There was an initial rapid decrease in plasma melatonin during the first 60–120 min followed by a gradual loss in all groups. Chronic injections resulted in more rapid melatonin clearance relative to an acute injection.
Selective removal of reward and nonreward odors to assess their control of patterned responding in rats

Control of straight-alleyway patterned responding (discrimination) in rats by differential conspecific odors arising from rewarded and nonrewarded trials was examined by selectively removing odors on one or both kinds of trials. Response patterning established with odors undisturbed on both rewarded and nonrewarded trials was maintained when odors were removed on rewarded trials. Removal of odors on both rewarded and nonrewarded trials or on only nonrewarded trials disrupted patterning, although it was reestablished under the latter condition. These data indicate that odors arising both from rewarded and nonrewarded conspecifics can control patterned responding in this task. Although the greater change in speed occurred with removal of “nonreward odor,” both odors were functional, as indicated by (1) better patterning based on nonreward vs. clean than based on nonreward vs. reward conditions and (2) a reversal of patterning immediately after removal of nonreward odor only.
Depressive symptoms predict incident cognitive impairment in cognitive healthy older women.

Objective There is an increasing evidence that depressive symptoms are associated with the development of cognitive impairment and dementia in late life. The authors sought to examine whether depression increased the risk of incident cognitive impairment in a longitudinal study of older women. Methods Observational study, up to six examinations spanning up to 9 years. Setting University-based Division of Geriatric Medicine. Participants Community-based sample of 436 older, nondemented women. Measurements Participants were followed up with regular medical and neuropsychiatric evaluations. Cognitive assessment included episodic immediate and delayed memory, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning. Participants were characterized as having incident impairment on a cognitive test when scores fell below the 10th percentile on age-adjusted norms. Baseline depressive symptoms were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) (30-item). Discrete-time Cox proportional hazards regression with generalized linear models were used to determine whether baseline risk factors predicted incident impairment on each cognitive test, defined as performance below the tenth percentile on age-adjusted norms. Results Baseline GDS was highly associated with incident impairment on all cognitive tests (p Conclusion These data suggest that depression may be the risk factors for cognitive decline, and thus a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Marine Mammals: New Objectives in U.S. Fishery Management

Traditionally, fishery management has been directed to the objectives of sustainable yield and resource conservation. Since the early 1970s, as a consequence of implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act and their interaction with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the objective of protecting marine mammal populations has been added. The active pursuit of this protection has been hastened by public pressure. Among the ways that marine mammals interact with fisheries are through accidental catch in fishery operations and through direct and indirect competition for prey. The interactions are illustrated in case studies of Steller sea lions and the eastern North Pacific fisheries, dolphins in the tuna fishery of the eastern tropical Pacific, and sea otters and the shellfish fisheries of the California coast. These studies demonstrate both the conflicting legal frameworks and the relative roles of science and societal values in the broadening o...
Quantifying Uncertainty in Urban Flooding Analysis Considering Hydro-Climatic Projection and Urban Development Effects

How will the combined impacts of land use change, climate change, and hydrologic modeling influence changes in urban flood frequency and what is the main un- certainty source of the results? Will such changes differ by catchment with different degrees of current and future ur- ban development? We attempt to answer these questions in two catchments with different degrees of urbanization, the Fanno catchment with 84% urban land use and the Johnson catchment with 36% urban land use, both located in the Pa- cific Northwest of the US. Five uncertainty sources - gen- eral circulation model (GCM) structures, future greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios, land use change scenarios, natural variability, and hydrologic model parameters - are considered to compare the relative source of uncertainty in flood frequency projections. Two land use change scenarios, conservation and development, representing possible future land use changes are used for analysis. Results show the highest increase in flood frequency under the combination of medium high GHG emission (A1B) and development sce- narios, and the lowest increase under the combination of low GHG emission (B1) and conservation scenarios. Although the combined impact is more significant to flood frequency change than individual scenarios, it does not linearly increase flood frequency. Changes in flood frequency are more sensi- tive to climate change than land use change in the two catch- ments for 2050s (2040-2069). Shorter term flood frequency change, 2 and 5 year floods, is highly affected by GCM structure, while longer term flood frequency change above 25 year floods is dominated by natural variability. Projected flood frequency changes more significantly in Johnson creek than Fanno creek. This result indicates that, under expected climate change conditions, adaptive urban planning based on the conservation scenario could be more effective in less de- veloped Johnson catchment than in the already developed Fanno catchment.
Combining search and action for mobile robots

We explore the interconnection between search and action in the context of mobile robotics. The task of searching for an object and then performing some action with that object is important in many applications. Of particular interest to us is the idea of a robot assistant capable of performing worthwhile tasks around the home and office (e.g., fetching coffee, washing dirty dishes, etc.). We prove that some tasks allow for search and action to be completely decoupled and solved separately, while other tasks require the problems to be analyzed together. We complement our theoretical results with the design of a combined search/action approximation algorithm that draws on prior work in search. We show the effectiveness of our algorithm by comparing it to state-of-the-art solvers, and we give empirical evidence showing that search and action can be decoupled for some useful tasks. Finally, we demonstrate our algorithm on an autonomous mobile robot performing object search and delivery in an office environment.
Microstructural integrity of the corpus callosum linked with neuropsychological performance in adolescents.

Background: Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has revealed microstructural aspects of adolescent brain development, the cognitive correlates of which remain relatively uncharacterized. Methods: DTI was used to assess white matter microstructure in 18 typically developing adolescents (ages 16–18). Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusion (MD) were evaluated within the splenium and body of the corpus callosum in relation to cognitive performance. Results: Visuospatial construction abilities were associated with white matter integrity in both the splenium and body of the corpus callosum, while only splenium integrity was associated with language and psychomotor function. Conclusion: Results suggest that, for typically developing adolescents, white matter coherence positively relates to visuospatial, psychomotor, and language skills. These findings may have implications for the cognitive functioning of clinical populations in which typical white matter development is altered.
Wet Etching of Pillar-Covered Silicon Surfaces: Formation of Crystallographically Defined Macropores

Silicon substrates exposed to laser ablation in a chemically reactive environment such as SF 6 or HCl can experience spontaneous formation of conical pillars. We use these pillars as a template to define the dimensions and order of macropores produced by etching such substrates in aqueous solutions of KOH or tetramethylammonium hydroxide. The pillars anchor the sidewalls of the pores during etching, and the interpillar spacing controls the width of the pores. The macropores have crystallographically defined shapes for which we develop an explanation based on the kinetics of etching. Si(001) macropores can be etched such that they are rectangular with straight walls and an inverted pyramidal bottom. They have been etched as through holes, which is of interest for optical applications. On Si(lll), there is a transition from hexagonal to triangular macropores that are all aligned in one direction. The Si(lll) pores exhibit an optimum etch time before they begin to disappear. The behavior of the macropores is quite similar regardless of whether the pillars are produced by nanosecond or femtosecond lasers. Differences observed relate to the different initial structures (spacing and regularity) of these two different types of pillar-covered surfaces.
Product Line Sigraphs

Intuitively, a signed graph is a graph in which every edge is labeled with a + or - sign. For each edge, its sign represents the mode of the relationship between the vertices it joins. In a signed graph, cycles can be naturally given the sign corresponding to the product of its edges. Then, a signed graph is called balanced when all the cycles have positive sign. Balanced signed graph have multiple applications in the field of social networks. Consequently, there is a significant amount of research in the problem of determining if a signed graph is balanced or not. In particular, some authors investigated extensions to signed graph of the line graph and studied under what circumstances the signed graphs obtained are balanced or not. This paper presents a new operation, which is also an extension to signed graphs of the line graph, with the property that applied to any signed graph always produces a balanced signed graph.