cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Implied Shape of an Object in Adults’ and Children’s Visual Representations

When hearing an object label, a specific object may come to mind. With the phrase, “There was a balloon in the pack/air” the representation of balloon varies based on the implied shape (deflated vs...
Preserving the Hypernym Tree of WordNet in Dense Embeddings.

In this paper, we provide a novel way to generate low-dimension (dense) vector embeddings for the noun and verb synsets in WordNet, so that the hypernym-hyponym tree structure is preserved in the embeddings. We call this embedding the sense spectrum (and sense spectra for embeddings). In order to create suitable labels for the training of sense spectra, we designed a new similarity measurement for noun and verb synsets in WordNet. We call this similarity measurement the hypernym intersection similarity (HIS), since it compares the common and unique hypernyms between two synsets. Our experiments show that on the noun and verb pairs of the SimLex-999 dataset, HIS outperforms the three similarity measurements in WordNet. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, the sense spectra is the first dense embedding system that can explicitly and completely measure the hypernym-hyponym relationship in WordNet.
COVID-19 and the 24/7 News Cycle: Does COVID-19 News Exposure Affect Mental Health?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has upended nearly every aspect of social life in the United States and abroad. People turn to news to provide public health updates about the virus...
Rhabdomyolysis in the Setting of Concomitant Use of Tafamidis, Atorvastatin, and Amiodarone.

Abstract An 85-year-old women with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis presented with generalized weakness, elevated liver function test levels, and creatinine kinase consistent with rhabdomyolysis 1...
Kumeyaay Ethnobotany: Shared Heritage of the Californias: by Michael Wilken-Robertson, 2017, Sunbelt Publications, San Diego, CA, xxx + 281 pp., $29.95 (paper), ISBN 978-1941384305.

The concept of “shared heritage” combines two general themes. The first theme is the idea of specific histories and practices that belong to a community of people, their heritage. The second theme,...
Invited Review: On-farm pain management of food production animals

ABSTRACT Purpose The purpose of this review was to describe the current options and unmet needs for on-farm pain control in food production animals. Sources Peer-reviewed literature was the primary source of data and information for this review. Synthesis There are millions of farm animals that experience painful livestock management procedures each year. Moreover, disease conditions such as lameness require on-farm analgesic treatment. Consumer concerns about the welfare of food animals experiencing painful procedures have increased the requirement for producers to implement pain management protocols on farms. However, objective pain evaluation methods are lacking, making it difficult to identify animals in pain and to secure regulatory approval of analgesics for livestock. Flunixin, meloxicam, and ketoprofen are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with supporting research for on-farm analgesia. An understanding of their pharmacological properties and effects in animals, regulatory restrictions such as meat withholds, costs, and dosing requirements are needed to make the most prudent drug choice. Conclusions and Applications Options for on-farm analgesia are limited, and further research is needed on simple and objective ways to measure pain in food animals. The use of local anesthetics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as flunixin or meloxicam are currently the best options for on-farm analgesia.
Hybrid genome de novo assembly with methylome analysis of the anaerobic thermophilic subsurface bacterium Thermanaerosceptrum fracticalcis strain DRI-13 T

There is a dearth of sequenced and closed microbial genomes from environments that exceed > 500 m below level terrestrial surface. Coupled with even fewer cultured isolates, study and understanding of how life endures in the extreme oligotrophic subsurface environments is greatly hindered. Using a de novo hybrid assembly of Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequences we produced a circular genome with corresponding methylome profile of the recently characterized thermophilic, anaerobic, and fumarate-respiring subsurface bacterium, Thermanaerosceptrum fracticalcis, strain DRI-13T to understand how this microorganism survives the deep subsurface. The hybrid assembly produced a single circular genome of 3.8 Mb in length with an overall GC content of 45%. Out of the total 4022 annotated genes, 3884 are protein coding, 87 are RNA encoding genes, and the remaining 51 genes were associated with regulatory features of the genome including riboswitches and T-box leader sequences. Approximately 24% of the protein coding genes were hypothetical. Analysis of strain DRI-13T genome revealed: 1) energy conservation by bifurcation hydrogenase when growing on fumarate, 2) four novel bacterial prophages, 3) methylation profile including 76.4% N6-methyladenine and 3.81% 5-methylcytosine corresponding to novel DNA methyltransferase motifs. As well a cluster of 45 genes of unknown protein families that have enriched DNA mCpG proximal to the transcription start sites, and 4) discovery of a putative core of bacteriophage exclusion (BREX) genes surrounded by hypothetical proteins, with predicted functions as helicases, nucleases, and exonucleases. The de novo hybrid assembly of strain DRI-13T genome has provided a more contiguous and accurate view of the subsurface bacterium T. fracticalcis, strain DRI-13T. This genome analysis reveals a physiological focus supporting syntrophy, non-homologous double stranded DNA repair, mobility/adherence/chemotaxis, unique methylome profile/recognized motifs, and a BREX defense system. The key to microbial subsurface survival may not rest on genetic diversity, but rather through specific syntrophy niches and novel methylation strategies.
Deconvolution of the Photon Strength Function

The nuclear reaction photon strength function (PSF) is defined as the product of a level density formulation (LDF) and a γ-ray strength function (GSF). The photonuclear reaction PSF is completely described by a standard Lorentzian (SLO) built on the Giant Dipole Resonance (GDR) using the Brink-Axel (BA) formulation. Photonuclear data can be deconvoluted into a predominantly E1 photoexcitation GSF that decreases nearly exponentially from ≈10−8 MeV−2 at Eγ = 2 MeV to between ≈10−14 − 10−19 MeV−2 at Eγ = 25 MeV. Other reaction PSFs cannot be described by BA because they include M1 and E2 transitions that may not be described by the SLO formulation. In this work GSFs for 92−98Mo have been deconvoluted from Oslo reaction data by removing the measured level density dependence from their PSFs. For each nuclide both significant low and high-energy GSF enhancements are observed.
Decentralized Robust Control Design for Systems with Strong Interconnections

We design decentralized controls for interconnected nonlinear dynamical systems with uncertainties. This uncertainty is (possibly fast) time-varying. It may appear in each system as uncertain parameter and input disturbance. It also may appear in the interconnections. No statistical information about the uncertainty is imposed; only its possible bound is assumed to be known. The design we propose here takes the interconnections into explicit account. In other words, the interconnections are to be compensated than to be tolerated.
Multi-channel analog-to-digital conversion using a single-channel quantizer

We present a novel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) architecture and conversion scheme to digitize multiple input channels using a single-channel quantizer. The proposed system consists of an analog front-end and a digital back-end. In the analog front-end, bandlimited M-channel sparse signals are discretized using sample-and-hold circuits, and then modulated using pseudo-random binary sequences. After modulation, the modulated signals are summed together before quantization. This mixture is converted to digital sequences with finite resolution followed by a single quantizer. The digital back-end separates the digitized mixture into M-channel digital sequences. For separation, we propose different classes of reconstruction methods that are used in sparse signal representation. The experimental results, with an ideal quantizer, show perfect recovery of the input signals if the input signals have sufficient sparseness. In the case of a realistic ADC with 16-bit quantization noise, the reconstruction is possible up to 108 dB in signal-to-reconstruction error ratio.
14q32-encoded microRNAs mediate an oligometastatic phenotype

Oligometastasis is a clinically distinct subset of metastasis characterized by a limited number of metastases potentially curable with localized therapies. We analyzed pathways targeted by microRNAs over-expressed in clinical oligometastasis samples and identified suppression of cellular adhesion, invasion, and motility pathways in association with the oligometastatic phenotype. We identified miR-127-5p, miR-544a, and miR-655-3p encoded in the 14q32 microRNA cluster as co-regulators of multiple metastatic pathways through repression of shared target genes. These microRNAs suppressed cellular adhesion and invasion and inhibited metastasis development in an animal model of breast cancer lung colonization. Target genes, including TGFBR2 and ROCK2, were key mediators of these effects. Understanding the role of microRNAs expressed in oligometastases may lead to improved identification of and interventions for patients with curable metastatic disease, as well as an improved understanding of the molecular basis of this unique clinical entity.
Differences in Medicine: Unraveling Practices, Techniques, and Bodies

Differences in Medicine: Unraveling Practices, Techniques, and Bodies. Marc Berg and Annemarie Mol. eds. Durham, NC, and London: Duke University Press, 1998. + 270 pp.
Single-Purpose institutions for nursing programs: To be or not to be

This article examines the legitimacy of baccalaureate and higher degree nursing programs being offered by single-purpose institutions. The arguments in support of and in opposition to the concept are analyzed and discussed. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing position statement on single-purpose institutions is reviewed. The author concludes that there is no inherent flaw in the concept of single-purpose institutions as an appropriate vehicle for delivery of nursing education programs. She further concludes that those programs that have successfully completed the rigorous reviews associated with institutional and specialized accreditation have, in that process, earned the right to be recognized and respected as legitimate members of the higher education community.
The Determinants of State Capture in Eastern Europe

State capture by business, a high-level form of corruption aimed at influencing the rules of the market game, has been a serious concern in Eastern Europe, and more generally a major danger of the economic transformation from communism to capitalism. This paper uses a quantitative analysis of the measure state capture used by the World Bank’s Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey (BEEPS) in order to find the determinants of this phenomenon and of its evolution over time. Between 1999 and 2005, state capture has significantly declined across the region, suggesting that market reforms in most transition economies were not high-jacked by local oligarchs or former state enterprise managers, as some suggested (Hellman 1998). My research shows that banking reform has played a key role in the reduction in state capture, by eliminating access to soft financing, which was key to state capture attempts. I also consider alternative measures of economic and institutional reform, and I explore the role of political variables further than previous research.
Clinical Transplantation and Tolerance: Are We There Yet?

Organ transplantation is not only considered as the last resort therapy but also as the treatment of choice for many patients with end-stage organ damage. Recipient-mediated acute or chronic immune response is the main challenge after transplant surgery. Nonspecific suppression of host immune system is currently the only method used to prevent organ rejection. Lifelong immunosuppression will cause significant side effects such as infections, malignancies, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes. This is more relevant in children who have a longer life expectancy so may receive longer period of immunosuppressive medications. Efforts to minimize or complete withdrawal of immunosuppression would improve the quality of life and long-term outcome of pediatric transplant recipients.
The Rickel Gaze Model: A Window on the Mind of a Virtual Human

Gaze plays a large number of cognitive, communicative and affective roles in face-to-face human interaction. To build a believable virtual human, it is imperative to construct a gaze model that generates realistic gaze behaviors. However, it is not enough to merely imitate a person's eye movements. The gaze behaviors should reflect the internal states of the virtual human and users should be able to derive them by observing the behaviors. In this paper, we present a gaze model driven by the cognitive operations; the model processes the virtual human's reasoning, dialog management, and goals to generate behaviors that reflect the agent's inner thoughts. It has been implemented in our virtual human system and operates in real-time. The gaze model introduced in this paper was originally designed and developed by Jeff Rickel but has since been extended by the authors.
The Use of Attenuated Total Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy to Study the Intercalation of Molten Polymer into Layered Silicates in Real Time

The intercalation of molten polymer into layered silicates (nanoclays) is a critical step in the fabrication of commercial polymer nanocomposite products, so it is therefore very important to understand the process of intercalation and exfoliation, as well as to properly characterize the final state achieved. Following on our recent work demonstrating the potential of transmission infrared spectroscopy for this purpose, we show in this work how the attenuated total reflection technique can be used to study the intercalation process in real time. Although various aspects of the Si-O stretching bands near 1150-950 cm(-1) are sensitive to the intercalation, the most sensitive parameter is the relative intensity of the out-of-plane band near 1077 cm(-1). A method based on the second derivative of the spectrum has been developed to quantify this aspect. The application of this approach is described in detail and examples are given involving different polymers.
Control of Gaussian beams in periodic graded-index waveguides with Kerr nonlinearity

The combined effects of a large-scale (in comparison with wavelength) longitudinal periodicity and self-focusing on a Gaussian beam propagation through parabolic-index waveguide with Kerr nonlinearity is investigated analytically in the paraxial approximation of the scalar Helmholtz equation using an aberrationless model of self-focusing in which the beam remains Gaussian. The demonstrated possibility of controlling the beam in such waveguides can be useful for generation of temporal solitons and for design of various all-optical components.
SAS procedures for approximate randomization tests

Approximate randomization tests are alternatives to conventional parametric statistical methods used when the normality and homoscedasticity assumptions are violated This article presents an SAS program that tests the equality of two means using an approximate randomization test This program can serve as a template for testing other hypotheses, which is illustrated by modifications to test the significance of a correlation coefficient or the equality of more than two means.
Finding an interior point in the optimal face of linear programs

We study the problem of finding a point in the relative interior of the optimal face of a linear program. We prove that in the worst case such a point can be obtained in O(n3L) arithmetic operations. This complexity is the same as the complexity for solving a linear program. We also show how to find such a point in practice. We report and discuss computational results obtained for the linear programming problems in the NETLIB test set.
Convergence of embedded minimal surfaces without area bounds in three-manifolds

Abstract We announce various results from an ongoing investigation into convergence of embedded minimal surfaces in three-manifolds.
Transient flow and heating characteristics in a pinched plasma column.

The generation of axial flow and heating of an argon plasma in a pinched plasma column of a pulsed, linear z-pinch device was examined experimentally and analytically. Transient (about 5 microsec) axial pressure profiles identify three characteristic periods in the column history. These include (1) strong axial pressure asymmetry indicative of plasma streaming, (2) isotropic, rapidly rising plasma pressure indicative of plasma heating, and (3) column breakup. An efficient conversion of radial collapse to axial streaming velocity is identified. Mechanisms for such an effect and subsequent heating are evaluated; significance to transients in pulsed plasma accelerators is identified.
Capsule hoist system for vertical transport of coal and other mineral solids

A capsule hoist system for the vertical transport of solids in pipelines is studied. For this system a cylindrical capsule loaded with cargo is inserted into the lower end of a vertical liquid filled tube. The capsule which is of lower average density than the liquid is lifted due to natural buoyant forces. A theoretical analysis of capsule speed and system transport efficiency is carried out. The predicted results are in good agreement with a substantial number of experimental results. Of particular interest was the effect of the ratios of capsule diameter to tube diameter, capsule diameter to capsule length and average capsule density to liquid density. The principal goal of the study is to determine design factors which will maximize the rate of hoisting cargo for a particular system. It was concluded that the best ratios for capsule diameter to tube diameter and capsule density to liquid density are both approximately 2/3. It was further concluded that capsule length and the shape of the capsule nose has little influence on the efficiency of this transport system. On a etudie un systeme a capsule mobile pour le transport vertical de matieres solides dans des pipe-lines. Dans ce systeme, on introduit une capsule cylindrique, chargee a l'extremite inferieure d'un tube vertical rempli de liquide; la capsule dont la densite moyenne est inferieure a celle du liquide est soulevee par sa force naturelle de flottabilite. On fait une analyse theorique de la vitesse de la capsule et de la capacite du transport du systeme. Les resultats prevus concordent bien avec un nombre substantiel de resultats experimentaux. Les points suivants se sont averes particulierement interessants: (a) l'effet du rapport entre le diametre de la capsule et celui du tube; (b) l'effet du rapport entre le diametre de la capsule et sa longueur; (c) l'effet du rapport entre la densite moyenne de la capsule et la densite du liquide. L'objectif principal de l'etude est de determiner les facteurs de conception qui maximisent la vitesse du soulevement d'une charge pour un systeme particulier. On a conclu que les meilleurs rapports entre le diametre de la capsule et le diametre du tube ainsi qu'entre la densite de la capsule et celle du liquide sont approximativement 2/3 dans les deux cas. On a aussi deduit que la longueur de la capsule et la forme de sa proue n'ont que peu d'influence sur l'efficacite du systeme de transport.
A comparative study on finite element methods for dynamic fracture

The performance of finite element methods for dynamic crack propagation in brittle materials is studied. Three methods are considered: the extended finite element method (XFEM), element deletion method and interelement crack method. The extended finite element method is a method for arbitrary crack propagation without remeshing. In element deletion methods, elements that meet a fracture criterion are deleted. In interelement crack methods, the crack is limited to element edges; the separation of these edges is governed by a cohesive law. We show that XFEM and interelement method show similar crack speeds and crack paths. However, both fail to predict a benchmark experiment without adjustment of the energy release rate. The element deletion method performs very poorly for the refinements studied, and is unable to predict crack branching.
Use of Cre-adenovirus and CAR transgenic mice for efficient deletion of genes in post-thymic T cells.

Conditional gene deletion using lineage-specific transgenic expression of Cre has been useful for defining the role of specific gene products in mice in vivo. However, this technology has had limitations for studies of peripheral T cell biology, since the T-lineage promoters commonly used are active early in thymic development. As such, T cell development can be altered by the resulting genetic alterations, thus limiting the interpretation of the data in post-thymic T cell studies. Thus, new strategies are needed to delete targeted genes directly in peripheral T lymphocytes. The availability of transgenic mice expressing the CAR in the T cell compartment enabled testing of Cre-mediated recombination using an adenoviral vector in naive peripheral T cells in vitro, even without cellular activation. Using Rosa26R reporter × CAR transgenic mice, we describe conditions by which Cre-mediated deletion of targeted genes can be achieved with primary T cells in vitro. These cells can also be adoptively transferred into defined recipient mice for study in vivo. We use conditional PTEN-deficient mice as proof of concept to confirm the value of this technique for deleting a negative regulator of T cell activation. This technology should be broadly applicable for studies of T cell-specific gene deletion to gain understanding of function in the post-thymic T cell compartment.
Solution of electrostatic problems by the p‐version of the finite element method

The main points of the finite element formulation of electrostatic problems are summarized and illustrated with a two-dimensional example which is representative of wiring capacitance computations in VLSI circuit design. Quality control procedures in finite element analysis, based proper mesh design, p-extension and extraction procedures are demonstrated.
Infrared spectra of DNA: Correlation of theoretical and observed frequencies

Abstract Theoretical absorption frequencies in DNA are compared with lines which occur in its infrared spectra. The comparison was made in an effort to gain insight into the accuracy of theoretical hydrogen bond potential curves for DNA. The observed infrared lines do not correlate exactly with the theoretical predications. The reasons for this are discussed.
Notch1 mutations are important for leukemic transformation in murine models of precursor-T leukemia/lymphoma.

NOTCH1 is frequently mutated in human precursor T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (pre-T LBL). In the current study, we found that 13 of 19 cell lines and 29 of 49 primary tumors from SCL/LMO1, OLIG2/LMO1, OLIG2, LMO1, NUP98/HOXD13, and p27-/-/SMAD3+/- mice had Notch1 mutations in either the heterodimerization (HD) or the glutamic acid/serine/threonine (PEST) domain but not both. Thymocytes from clinically healthy SCL/LMO1 mice aged 5 weeks did not have Notch1 mutations, whereas thymocytes from clinically healthy SCL/LMO1 mice aged 8 to 12 weeks did have Notch1 mutations and formed tumors upon transplantation into nude mice. Remarkably, all of the HD domain mutations that we identified were single-base substitutions, whereas all of the PEST domain mutations were insertions or deletions, half of which mapped to 1 of 2 mutational “hot spots.” Taken together, these findings indicate that Notch1 mutations are very frequent events that are acquired relatively early in the process of leukemic transformation and are important for leukemic cell growth. (Blood. 2006;107: 2540-2543)
Neurogenesis in the vomeronasal epithelium of adult garter snakes. 1. Degeneration of bipolar neurons and proliferation of undifferentiated cells following experimental vomeronasal axotomy.

Summary Postnatal cell proliferation, presumably for the purpose of neuronal replacement, was demonstrated in the vomeronasal epithelium of adult garter snakes using experimental vomeronasal axotomy. The luminal supporting cell layer of the epithelium did not undergo mitosis, nor necrosis, but exhibited some morphological modifications following axotomy. The bipolar neuron layer underwent progressive irreversible degeneration following denervation. Degeneration of neurons progressed initially from alteration of cellular ultrastructure, to gross distortion of neuronal shapes followed by disintegration and disappearance of neurotic neurons. Maximal depletion of neurons occurred two weeks following surgery. The columnar epithelium at that time was characterized by the presence of a cell-depleted zone located between the luminal supporting cell layer and the basal, undifferentiated (Ud) cell layer. This cell-depleted zone occupied 70–80% of each degenerated cell column. Regeneration of axotomized neurons did not occur. The basally located, Ud cells exhibited no changes indicative of necrotic processes, but underwent active cell proliferation following axotomy. Changes in proliferative properties in the Ud cell layer were temporally related to the degeneration of the neuronal cell layer following nerve lesion. The Ud cell proliferation rate was slower than the rate of Bp cell degeneration. Proliferating Ud cells in the denervated epithelium may serve as the source of reconstituted vomeronasal bipolar neurons.
Optical parallel image skeletonization using content-addressable memory-based symbolic substitution

In this paper, two optical image skeletonization algorithms are introduced. In both algorithms, the matching between an input and a set of precalculated parallel check patterns is performed. Based on the matching results, multistage symbolic substitution operations are incorporated. For an optical implementation, an optical hologram-based content-addressable memory technique is employed. The corresponding optical architecture as well as character skeletonization examples are presented.
Diffusion of substance abuse treatment: will buprenorphine be a success?

Abstract The availability of buprenorphine promises to return the treatment of heroin addiction to mainstream medicine in the United States for the first time in nearly a century. This new treatment also provides an opportunity to reflect on the introduction of methadone and LAAM and their subsequent successes and failures in clinical implementation. The three articles that follow in this issue highlight the potential pharmacological. clinical, and logistic advantages of buprenorphine and provide clinicians with guidelines for its use in an integrated treatment setting. The clinical success of buprenorphine, however, depends in large part on factors beyond its pharmacological advantages. Clinician attitude and the extent to which they embrace buprenorphine will play an important role in determining the future success of this medication.
Pre- and Postinfection Activity of Fungicides in Control of Hop Downy Mildew

Optimum timing and use of fungicides for disease control are improved by an understanding of the characteristics of fungicide physical mode of action. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to quantify and model the duration of pre- and postinfection activity of fungicides most commonly used for control of hop downy mildew (caused by Pseudoperonospora humuli). In greenhouse experiments, control of downy mildew on leaves was similar among fungicides tested when applied preventatively but varied depending on both the fungicide and the timing of application postinfection. Disease control decreased as applications of copper were made later after inoculation. In contrast, cymoxanil, trifloxystrobin, and dimethomorph reduced disease with similar efficacy when applied 48 h after inoculation compared with preventative applications of these fungicides. When fungicides were applied 72 h after inoculation, only dimethomorph reduced the sporulating leaf area similarly to preinoculation application timing. Adaxial chlorosis, necrosis, and water soaking of inoculated leaves, indicative of infection by P. humuli, were more severe when plants were treated with cymoxanil, trifloxystrobin, and dimethomorph 48 to 72 h after inoculation, even though sporulation was suppressed. Trifloxystrobin and dimethomorph applied 72 h after inoculation suppressed formation of sporangia on sporangiophores as compared with all other treatments. In field studies, dimethomorph, fosetyl-Al, and trifloxystrobin suppressed development of shoots with systemic downy mildew to the greatest extent when applied near the timing of inoculation, although the duration of preventative and postinfection activity varied among the fungicides. There was a small reduction in efficacy of disease control when fosetyl-Al was applied 6 to 7 days after inoculation as compared with protective applications. Trifloxystrobin had 4 to 5 days of preinfection activity and limited postinfection activity. Dimethomorph had the longest duration of protective activity. Percent disease control was reduced progressively with increasing time between inoculation and application of dimethomorph. These findings provide guidance to the use of fungicides when applications are timed with forecasted or post hoc disease hazard warnings, as well as guidance on tank-mixes of fungicides that may be suitable both for resistance management considerations and extending intervals between applications.
A superposed epoch study of SuperDARN convection observations during substorms

[1] Case studies of flow patterns during substorms have revealed characteristic patterns in the period leading to expansion onset. Velocities in the premidnight region have been observed to become strongly sheared, and the premidnight convection reversal has been observed to extend across the midnight meridian. At expansion onset, the shear decreases and flow at midnight becomes meridional, out of the polar cap. The study presented here superposes flow patterns from 10 substorm intervals to determine the average flow patterns. The study confirms the findings of the case studies and extends them to additional local time sectors. In addition, changes to the flow pattern after expansion onset are examined.
Functional derivative relations for a finite non-uniform molecular fluid in the canonical ensemble

Functional derivative relations are developed for a finite non-uniform molecular fluid in the canonical ensemble. The total correlation function h(12) satisfies a normalization condition that renders the corresponding response kernel singular. Thus the inverse response kernel does not exist, and the direct correlation function cannot be defined in terms of h(12) by the Ornstein-Zernike equation. This difficulty is circumvented by subtracting the finite volume correction term from h(12) to obtain a modified total correlation function ĥ(12). A simple derivation of the form of this correction term is given; the result confirms and generalizes an earlier result of Lebowitz and Percus. The Ornstein-Zernike equation defines the direct correlation function in terms of ĥ(12). The functional derivative relations then assume the familiar forms appropriate to an infinite system or in the grand canonical ensemble, but with h(12) replaced by ĥ(12) and with the external potential φ(1) replaced by φ(1) - μ, where μ is t...
DOWNREGULATION OF TGF-β1 GENE EXPRESSION IN ANTERIOR PITUITARY CELLS TREATED WITH FORSKOLIN

Abstract Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) has recently been shown to inhibit the growth of lactotropes by an autocrine/paracrine mechanism. Because the growth and function of lactotropic cells in the anterior pituitary are under control by hormones that modulate intracellular cAMP levels, the effect of a cAMP elevating agent forskolin on TGF-β1 and TGF-β1 gene expressions in primary cultures of anterior pituitary cells was tested. Treatment with a dose of forskolin (5 μM), known to induce PRL gene transcription, significantly inhibited TGF-β1 levels in culture medium and TGF-β1 mRNA levels in cellular extracts. Nuclear run-off transcription analysis revealed that the forskolin effect on TGF-β1 mRNA expression is due to reduced transcription initiation rates. These data suggest that the transcription of TGF-β21 may be regulated by cAMP dependent mechanisms in anterior pituitary cells.
Pulsars and Local Cosmic Ray Prehistory

Pulsars have ages and distances which, if they are supernova remnants, would make them significant sources of local cosmic rays during the last 106 years.
STATE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND CHANGES IN FEDERAL POLICIES: MANAGED CARE, WELFARE REFORM, AND PRIVATIZATION

This manuscript draws a linkage to United States federal policy and the resulting trend towards greater privatization of state public health services, Medicaid managed care and welfare reform. Findings suggest that the consolidation of publicly funded health services under the auspices of a small number of corporatized Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) has severely constrained the choices available to Medicaid/Medicare recipients and that such adversely affects rural communities and racial/ethnic minorities. Findings also suggest that public health departments are being reduced to training academies for the higher paying MCOs and thus public health department officials are advised to redefine their roles as public advocates for vulnerable, marginalized communities and individuals
Aromatic diamine complexes. II. Tetragonal distortion in some cobalt(II) complexes

Abstract The synthesis of six coordinate cobalt(II) complexes containing two and three molecules of the aromatic diamines o -phenylenediamine, 1,8-diaminonaphthalene, and 2,2′ diaminobiphenyl is described. The complexes have been characterized by magnetic and vibrational and electronic spectral measurements. The complexes containing two molecules of diamine are assigned trans structures and their visible and near infrared spectra explained on the basis of tetragonal distortion, with local molecular symmetry D 4h or D 2h about the cobalt(II) ion.
Preliminary Evaluation of the First NOAA Demonstration Network Wind Profiler

Abstract The first wind profiler for a demonstration network of wind profilers recently passed the milestone of 300 h of continuous operation. The horizontal wind component measurements taken during that period are compared with the WPL Platteville wind profiler and the NWS Denver rawinsonde. The differences between the network and WPL wind profilers have standard deviations of 2.30 m s−1 and 2.16 m s−1 for the u- and v-components, respectively. However, the WPL wind profiler ignores vertical velocity, whereas the network radar measures it and removes its effects from the u- and v-component measurements. The differences between the network wind profiler and the NWS rawinsonde (separated spatially by about 50 km) have standard deviations of 3.65 m s−1 and 3.06 m s−1 for the u- and v-components, respectively. These results are similar to those found in earlier comparison studies. Finally, the new network wind profiler demonstrates excellent sensitivity, consistently reporting measurements at all heights msl...
Self-concept and contraception: Pre-conception decision-making

This paper deals with the extent to which two dimensions of self-concept, perceived competence and attitudes toward the female role, are a factor in pre-conception decision-making on contraceptive usage among women who have unwanted conceptions. The study was done throughout Michigan in 1974–75. The sample was 1746 women with unwanted conceptions, selected by means of a two-stage stratified sampling design. A standardized questionnaire included items on demographics, birth control use, and pregnancy resolution, as well as a feminism scale and a scale to measure perceived competence. Several multiple regression analyses were carried out. A hypothesis that contraceptive usage would be positively associated with perceived competence and negatively associated with traditional attitudes toward the female role was strongly supported. In an analysis of various subgroups, differing in age, race, and marital status, self-concept variables were significant predictors only among unmarried adults, regardless of race. Other important predictors of contraceptive usage among the subgroups were father's educational level, number of children raised by respondent, having a regular physician, and frequency of church attendance. For this sample, self-concept variables generally were better predictors of the pre-conception decision-making than of the post-conception decision.
Simplified Method for Complete Characterization of an Ultrasonic NDE Measurement System

The electroacoustic measurement model (EAM model) is a model that combines models and measurements for all the electrical and electromechanical components and the acoustic/elastic wave propagation and scattering processes present in an ultrasonic measurement system to predict the measured output voltage. A new approach for implementing the EAM model is described. This approach uses a recently developed model-based pulse–echo method for determining the transducer electrical impedance and sensitivity. This method greatly simplifies the determination of the transducer sensitivity and as a consequence makes the entire EAM model more practical to implement. The experimental protocols needed to implement this simplified EAM model are described, and examples of experimentally determined characteristics of all the different system components are presented. These measured/modeled parameters of the system components are combined to predict the output signal in an ultrasonic immersion measurement system. It is shown...
Effect of fin number and position on thermal behavior of natural convection in enclosed cavity using fuzzy controller algorithm

Laminar natural convection in an enclosed cavity with differentially heated walls and having fins on the cold wall is investigated. The effect of the number of fins and their position on the cold wall on heat transfer characteristics is analyzed. Governing equations of continuity, momentum and energy are solved using SIMPLER algorithm. A fuzzy controller with pre-defined set of fuzzy rules is implemented as a guiding mechanism for faster convergence. Relaxation factors are adjusted using fuzzy rules which guide the iterative scheme towards convergence in comparatively fewer numbers of iterations. A total of 16 cases with different fin aspect ratios (0.1 and 0.4) and their position on the cold wall are considered for a range of Grashof numbers (103, 105 and 107).
Density functional theory gas- and solution-phase study of nucleophilic substitution at di- and trisulfides

Density functional calculations indicate that nucleophilic substitution in the thiolate–disulfide and thiolate–trisulfide exchange reactions proceeds by an addition–elimination pathway. Solution calculations were performed using B3LYP/6-31+G* and the polarized continuum method. These solution-phase calculations indicate that for the reactions where the sulfur under attack bears a hydrogen atom, the substitution proceeds via an addition–elimination mechanism; however, when a methyl group is attached to the sulfur under attack, the SN2 mechanism is predicted.
Enhancement of electron spin relaxation rates of metalloporphyrins due to interaction with a faster relaxing metal bound to an appended bipyridyl

Abstract Complexes of 5,10,15-tri-p-tolyl 20-4-(4-methyl) bipyridyl) porphyrin were prepared with Zn(II), Cu(II) or vanadyl coordinated to the porphyrin and bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)copper(II), Cu(hfac)2, or bis(ethylxanthato)nickel(II), Ni(ex)2, bound to the bipyridyl. Continuous wave EPR, electron spin echo and saturation recovery measurements were performed to determine the effect of metal-metal interaction on the EPR lineshapes between 6 K and room temperature and on the electron spin relaxation rates between about 10 and 120 K. Metal-metal exchange was larger for the Cu(II) porphyrins than for the vanadyl porphyrins. For the Cu(hfac)2 adducts the spin-spin interaction caused the relaxation rate for the slower relaxing Cu(II) or vanadyl in the porphyrin to become approximately equal to that for the faster relaxing Cu(hfac)2 moiety. The zero-field splitting for the Ni(II) complex was too large to permit detection of Ni(II) EPR signals at X-band, but the effect of the Ni(II) on the slower relaxing Cu(II) or vanadyl provided information on the relaxation rates for the Ni(II). Although the electron spin relaxation rates for the Ni(II) were orders of magnitude faster than for the Cu(II) in the Cu(hfac)2 moiety, this did not result in proportionately larger effects of the Ni(II) on the relaxation rates for the slower relaxing centers because of the large separation between the Ni(II) and Cu(II) or vanadyl transition energies.
Intra-aortic balloon pump for hemodynamic support in hepatobiliary surgery: report of a case

The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) can be used transiently to improve cardiac function mechanically, in patients with severe cardiomyopathy and heart failure refractory to medical therapy. In the field of surgery, the IABP is most commonly used for patients with myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, or other chronic cardiac conditions, who are undergoing cardiac surgery. Conversely, it is rarely used in hepatobiliary surgery, with only two reports found in the literature, excluding cases of emergency cholecystectomy. We describe how we used an IABP successfully during surgery to repair a transected bile duct in a patient with peripartum cardiomyopathy.
Ectopic Functioning Adrenocortical Oncocytic Adenoma (Oncocytoma) with Myelolipoma Causing Virilization

Functioning adrenal adenomas are well-described entities that can rarely occur outside the adrenal gland in the ectopic adrenal tissue. Similarly, myelolipoma is an another benign lesion of the adrenal tissue which can rarely occur outside the adrenal gland. We report the first case of a testosterone producing an extra-adrenal adrenocortical oncocytoma accompanied by a myelolipoma. The patient presented with virilization and elevated androgen levels. Imaging revealed a retroperitoneal mass, which histologically consisted of oncocytes and intermingled myelolipoma. Postoperative androgen levels decreased to normal. The tumor cells were strongly positive for inhibin and Melan-A, supporting the adrenal origin. This case demonstrates a diagnostic challenge in which correlation with histology, immunohistochemistry, and serum endocrine studies led to the final diagnosis.
Some Biological Investigations of the Smaller European Elm Bark Beetle in Missouri with Reference to Systemic Insecticidal Control

The recent use of short-lived systemic insecticides for control of the twig-feeding activities of Scolytus multistriatus (Marsham) has emphasized the need for more knowledge of the biology of this species at southern latitudes. Field-rearing studies were conducted in 1965, 1966, and 1967 in Boone County, Missouri, to provide such information. The life history of S. multistriatus was found to include 2 complete and a partial 3rd generation each year. The 1st generation initial emergence varied from mid-April to early May. Peak 1st-generation emergence dates occurred 2-3 weeks after initial emergence. Secondgeneration emergence began the 1st or 2nd week of July, with a peak occurring the 3rd or 4th week of July. Thirdgeneration emergence began the last week of September and continued to November. Peak 3rd-generation emergence dates are indefinite. The 1st-generation emergence constituted about 86% of the total seasonal emergence. Spathius Greatest Ashmead was the most common insect parasite. Greatest parasitization by S. canadensis appeared to occur in partial shade locations of brood material of the 2nd generation of beetles. Enoclerus nigripes var. dubius Spinard was the most common insect predator. Greatest predation appeared to occur with the 2nd generation of bark beetles.
Measurement of mass flow of water in the stems of herbaceous plants

Abstract. Heat balance methods of stem flow measurement offer the opportunity to measure directly the mass flow rate of water in plants. We have tested one such approach; the constant power heat balance method of Sakuratani (1981). The results supported his statement of an approximate accuracy of 10% when measuring the transpiration rate of herbaceous plants. The response to sudden changes in stem flow rate is not instantaneous, but investigation of the time constant shows that it decreases as stem flow increases, to the extent that, at flow rates typical of daytime conditions the system is capable of accurately tracking changes in stem flow within 5 min or less. We describe a new gauge design that is relatively rugged, simple to use with an appropriate digital datalogger and suitable for field use over prolonged periods of time. It does not injure or penetrate the stem, is amenable to continuous and direct recording of the mass flow rate of water in the stem and requires no calibration. A further refinement, which should improve both the accuracy and the dynamic response of the system, is proposed.
Energy Levels and Magnetic Dipole Transitions in the 4p 4 Ground Configuration of Singly Ionized Atomic Bromine (Br ii)

Improved values of the previously known Br ii energy levels relative to the 4p43P2 ground level at 0.0 cm−1 have been obtained from preliminary observations in the vacuum ultraviolet region. The position of the 4p41S0 level was found from the “forbidden” transition, 4p43P1−4p41S0 at 4042.42 A. An observation of the transverse Zeeman effect for this line yields a Lorentz triplet with the usual polarizations reversed and approximately the expected splitting. It is thus confirmed that the line arises from magnetic dipole radiation. A similar line at 8269.65 A, due to the transition 4p43P2−4p41D2, shows hyperfine-structure broadening consistent with the calculated structure. New values for the levels of 4p4 are: 3P1 = 3136.4 cm−1, 3P0 = 3837.5 cm−1, 1D2 = 12 089.1 cm−1, and 1S0 = 27867.1 cm−1. The values for all levels above 4p4, as given in Atomic Energy Levels, Vol. II, should be reduced by 5.9 ± 0.5 cm−1. Intermediate-coupling parameter values which yield a good fit for Br ii4p4 are F2(4p,4p)=1690cm−1 and ζ(4p)=2800cm−1.
Stationary solutions of the non‐linear Boltzmann equation in a bounded spatial domain

A contraction mapping (or, alternatively, an implicit function theory) argument is applied in combination with the Fredholm alternative to prove the existence of a unique stationary solution of the non-linear Boltzmann equation on a bounded spatial domain under a rather general reflection law at the piecewise C1 boundary. The boundary data are to be small in a weighted L∞-norm.
Optimum location of BF3 counters in a neutron moderator

Abstract A method has been developed for determining the optimum location of several BF 3 counters in a moderating medium, such as water. This method, which gives a maximum sensitivity to a neutron flux with a given energy spectrum, requires the use of data on (a) the interaction characteristics for sets of two and three counters and (b) the relative count rate profiles along the axis of symmetry of the moderator and along a line perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. In addition to a description of the method, experimental verification is presented for the case of three BF 3 counters in a rectangular water moderator.