cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The countermanding task revisited: mimicry of race models.

The countermanding or stop-signal task involves making a response to a go stimulus, but stopping this response on a subset on trials when a stop signal occurs. As the delay between the go stimulus and the stop signal (stop-signal delay or SSD) increases, stopping becomes more difficult, because the
Who is missing? The realities of the missing persons problem

Abstract Each year vast numbers of Americans are reported missing. Most return safely after a short period. Others, however, do not. Despite the extent of the problem, the topic of missing persons has been much neglected by academic researchers. This exploratory study examined the police records of a large eastern city for 1984. It provides a descriptive analysis of the background characteristics of persons reported missing and the circumtances surrounding their disappearance and their return.
Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in adenomyosis and autologous endometrium.

Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been related to macrophage recruitment and activation and has been identified in the human endometrium. We determined whether adenomyosis expresses GM-CSF, and if present, compared GM-CSF protein expression in adenomyosis with that in autologous endometrium. We examined ectopic and eutopic endometrium from 16 premenopausal women who had hysterectomies for abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, or uterine prolapse. Serial sections of premenopausal uteri containing endometrium and adenomyosis were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for GM-CSF ligand and receptor and CD68 macrophages. We analyzed the intensity of staining for GM-CSF ligand and receptor and macrophages in the glandular epithelium and stroma of adenomyosis and autologous endometrium. The GM-CSF ligand localized primarily in the glandular epithelium and myometrium with only light stromal staining. Staining for GM-CSF ligand was significantly higher in adenomyotic glands compared with autologous endometrial glands (P = .002), especially during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. There were no statistical differences in the amount and intensity of staining of the GM-CSF receptor in adenomyosis and autologous endometrium. Adenomyotic tissue contained significantly more macrophages than matched autologous endometrium (P = .0004). Adenomyotic glandular epithelium had greater expression of the GM-CSF ligand compared with autologous endometrium from premenopausal women, which indicates that GM-CSF may play a role in increasing the levels of activated macrophages in women with adenomyosis.
Depolymerization of F-Actin Produces a Pulling Force At the Plasma Membrane in vivo

We report that depolymerization of F-actin filaments produces a pulling force on the plasma membrane as predicted by calculations based upon energetics. We do this by monitoring the axial membrane force produced upon forming a long (> 15 μm) membrane tube filled with an actin bundle formed from a mammalian cell. The filopodium is formed with an optical trap which is also used to measure the force. We observe a dynamic sawtooth force riding atop the equilibrium force which increases slowly (10 s of seconds), stalls and decays rapidly back (ms) to equilibrium. Examination of the magnitude and time course of the force shows that the rise and decay of the axial membrane force is due to depolymerization and polymerization of F-actin at the barbed end of the bundle. From the magnitude of the force we determine the number of filaments ( 1 filament.Supported by R01DC00354 and R01DC02775.
New PEG-ylated Mn(III) porphyrins approaching catalytic activity of SOD enzyme.

Two new tri(ethyleneglycol)-derivatized Mn(III) porphyrins were synthesized with the aim of increasing their bioavailability, and blood-circulating half-life. These are Mn(III) tetrakis(N-(1-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)pyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin, MnTTEG-2-PyP5+ and Mn(III) tetrakis(N,N′-di(1-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethyl)imidazolium-2-yl)porphyrin, MnTDTEG-2-ImP5+. Both porphyrins have ortho pyridyl or di-ortho imidazolyl electron-withdrawing substituents at meso positions of the porphyrin ring that assure highly positive metal centered redox potentials, E1/2 = +250 mV vs. NHE for MnTTEG-2-PyP5+ and E1/2 = + 412 mV vs. NHE for MnTDTEG-2-ImP5+. As expected, from established E1/2vs. log kcat(O2˙−) structure–activity relationships for metalloporphyrins (Batinic-Haberle et al., Inorg. Chem., 1999, 38, 4011), both compounds exhibit higher SOD-like activity than any meso-substituted Mn(III) porphyrins-based SOD mimic thus far, log kcat = 8.11 (MnTTEG-2-PyP5+) and log kcat = 8.55 (MnTDTEG-2-ImP5+), the former being only a few-fold less potent in disproportionating O2˙− than the SOD enzyme itself. The new porphyrins are stable to both acid and EDTA, and non toxic to E. coli. Despite elongated substituents, which could potentially lower their ability to cross the cell wall, MnTTEG-2-PyP5+ and MnTDTEG-2-ImP5+ exhibit similar protection of SOD-deficient E. coli as their much smaller ethyl analogues MnTE-2-PyP5+ and MnTDE-2-ImP5+, respectively. Consequently, with anticipated increased blood-circulating half-life, these new Mn(III) porphyrins may be more effective in ameliorating oxidative stress injuries than ethyl analogues that have been already successfully explored in vivo.
Salivary cortisol responses to a psychosocial laboratory stressor and later verbal recall of the stressor: The role of trait and state rumination.

This study investigated whether trait rumination predicts greater increases in salivary cortisol concentration and delayed recovery in response to a standardized, acute laboratory psychosocial stressor (modified Trier Social Stress Test). It also tested whether trait and state rumination predict reactivation of the cortisol response during later verbal recall of the stressor. Fifty-nine undergraduates (31 females; 28 males) completed the stress protocol and returned 2 weeks later for a surprise interview about the first session, conducted in either a supportive or unsupportive context. Participants completed a measure of trait rumination and reported negative thoughts about the stressor in the 2 weeks between sessions (state rumination). Trait rumination was associated with greater reactivity of salivary cortisol level and delayed recovery from the stressor, F(1,310) = 6.77, p < 0.001. It also predicted greater cortisol reactivity when recalling the stressor, but only for males in the unsupportive intervi...
Progress and prospects: gene therapy for performance and appearance enhancement

While medical therapies aim at reversing, reducing or eliminating diseases, the goal of enhancements is to improve performance or appearance beyond normal levels. Distinction between the two interventions is not always clear as they often present as a continuum. Gene therapy typically aims at treating or preventing disease, but the technology can theoretically be employed for enhancement. Some of the gene therapy enhancement strategies include improving performance by increasing muscle mass, endurance, memory, and cognition and bettering appearance by controlling weight, height and hair growth. In addition to the technical challenges of making enhancement strategies safe and effective, genetic enhancement presents significant ethical/societal questions that must be addressed.
Gamma-ray enhanced diffusion in α-brass☆

Abstract Enhanced diffusion in α-brass has been studied under gamma irradiation. The parameters varied were the flux, the temperature, and the dislocation content of the alloy. It was found that the diffusion enhancement is highly sensitive to the state of cold work of the material and that the enhanced diffusion coefficient can be reduced by a factor of five by a reduction in cross-sectional area of 0.5 %. The flux dependence, although not precise, is concluded to be linear over the range of 1.7 × 105r/hr to 4.7 × 106r/hr. The temperature dependence is composed of a temperature dependent and a temperature independent part and it is shown that the data cannot be described by any of the three mechanisms of enhanced diffusion originally proposed by Dienes and Damask. A fourth mechanism is proposed in which a fraction of the vacancies anneal to dislocations and the remainder recombine with their own interstitials. It is shown that the data fit such a theory very well. On the basis of this model and the enhanced diffusion data of Arndt and Hines, which gave the migration energy of the vacancy as 0.8 eV, the migration energy of the interstitial is calculated to be 0.4 eV. The enhancement of diffusion by radiation permits the achievement of low temperature equilibrium states in alloys. The data obtained by this method show that the critical temperature for long-range order in 30% Zn α-brass lies below 41°C, and kinetic evidence is presented which indicates that the critical temperature probably lies even below 0°C.
Coping in chest pain patients with and without psychiatric disorders.

We first examined relations between psychiatric disorder and coronary heart disease (CHD) in 77 patients presenting with chest pain. The coping profiles of chest pain patients with and without psychiatric disorder and CHD were then compared. Psychiatric patients with no medical illness (n = 129) were also studied. On the basis of previous research we hypothesized specific coping differences across the groups. As expected, chest pain patients without psychiatric disorder scored significantly higher on a problem-focused coping scale than chest pain patients with psychiatric disorder, who in turn scored higher on this scale than psychiatric patients with no medical illness. The opposite pattern occurred for a measure of wishful thinking. Scores of chest pain patients with psychiatric disorder were higher on a measure of avoidance and lower on a measure of seeking of social supports than those without psychiatric disorder. Scores on a self-blame measure were not different across the groups. The results are discussed in the context of illness behavior and somatization. One of the major challenges that clinicians face is the diagnosis and treatment of patients with varying combinations of somatic and psychiatric symptoms. Although some patients present with somatic symptoms alone, many others have both medical and psychiatric symptoms. Still others complain of somatic symptoms, but upon assessment with appropriate medical procedures are discovered to have no discernable illness.
Digital Holographic Interferometry And Microscopy For 3-D Object Visualization

We use digital holographic interferometry to determine the 3-D dynamic deformation of dents evolution in time of reflective objects and also we use digital holographic microscopy for 3-D profile of spherical lenses on Silicon wafers.
Interobserver Variation in the Measurement of the Femoral Angle of Inclination

Ventrodorsal radiographs of the hips of 12 dogs were obtained. Copies of the radiographs were circulated to eight people with instructions for measurement of the angle of inclination of the femoral head and neck by two methods. A high degree of interobserver variation was found with both methods of measuring the angle of inclination.
Suppressor T-cell activity induced as a result of thermal injury.

Abstract Many thermally injured patients survive their initial trauma only to succumb to infection at 2 to 4 weeks after the burn. Both clinical and experimental data have suggested that acute thermal insult compromises immune function. In this report we have sequentially examined the ability of thermally injured mice to generate a specific in vitro primary antibody-forming cell (AFC) response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) at various times after thermal injury. Thermally injured mice appear to lose the ability to generate de novo antibody-forming cells in vitro after thermal injury. The defect was dissected as to the involvement of macrophage (φ), thymus-derived cell (T-cell), or bursal equivalent (B-cell) defects. Murine B cells from burned animals exhibited normal immunological function in the in vitro AFC system. T cells from burned mice were demonstrated as not only dysfunctional in the generation of immune AFC, but also as able to suppress generation of an AFC response by syngeneic normal cells.
Echoplanar MR imaging for ultrafast detection of brain lesions

We retrospectively evaluated the use of echo-planar imaging for ultrafast detection of brain lesions.In our retrospective study, 61 patients were imaged with the following echo-planar sequences: si...
The natural history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

There have been great advances in the conservative and surgical treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in the last few decades. The challenge for the physician is the decision for the optimal time to institute therapy for the individual child. This makes an understanding of the natural history and risk factors for curve progression of significant importance. Reported rates of curve progression vary from 1.6% for skeletally mature children with a small curve magnitude to 68% for skeletally immature children with larger curve magnitudes. Although the patient's age at presentation, the Risser sign, the patient's menarchal status and the magnitude of the curve have been described as risk factors for curve progression, there is evidence that the absolute curve magnitude at presentation may be most predictive of progression in the long term. A curve magnitude of 25o at presentation may be predictive of a greater risk of curve progression. Advances in research may unlock novel predictive factors, which are based on the underlying pathogenesis of this disorder.
The effect of 5-fluorouracil on bacterial protein and ribonucleic acid synthesis.

Abstract 1. 1. In the presence of 5-fluorouracil, a large amount of material accumulates that sediments with the smaller ribosomes. Upon removing the analogue, this material is not converted to larger particles. 2. 2. Fluorouracil has no effect on either the differential rate of incorporation of amino acids nor on the relative amino acid composition of logarithmically growing cells. 3. 3. In magnesium starved bacteria, fluorouracil inhibits both ribosome synthesis and protein synthesis. The effect appears to be directly on ribosome metabolism. 4. 4. The correlation of the selective inhibition of protein synthesis and of ribosome metabolism is discussed.
Every Completely Polynomially Bounded Operator Is Similar to a Contraction

It is proved that a bounded operator on a Hilbert space is similar to a contraction if and only if it is completely polynomially bounded. This gives a partial answer to Problem 6 of Halmos (Bull. Amer. Math. Soc. 76 (1970). 877–933). The set of completely bounded maps between C∗-algebras is studied to obtain some structure, representation, and extension theorems for this class of maps. These allow a characterization of the completely bounded representations, on a Hilbert space, of any subalgebra of a C∗-algebra to be obtained. The result in the title follows by applying this characterization to the disk algebra.
FORECASTING METROPOLITAN EMPLOYMENT USING AN EXPORT‐BASE ERROR‐CORBECTION MODEL

This paper shows that a time-series version of export-based location quotients, which decompose area employment into export and local components are co-integrated. Given the statistically established co-integrating relation between the time series for export and local employment, the Granger Representation Theorem tells us that an error-correction mechanism model is the appropriate time-series model specification. A set of forecasting experiments is carried out, in order to test whether the error-correction model produces better long-run forecasts that hold together in economically meaningful ways. Given the computer hardware and software that currently exist, the model developed here represents a simple, low-cost method for accurately forecasting local-area employment in the tradition of past work on export-base models.
CHICANA AND MEXICAN IMMIGRANT WOMEN AT WORK: The Impact of Class, Race, and Gender on Occupational Mobility

This article explores the process and meaning of occupational mobility among a selected sample of 40 immigrant and nonimmigrant women of Mexican descent in the San Francisco Bay Area who entered the secondary labor market of semiskilled clerical, service, and operative jobs in 1978-1979 and 1980-1981. This labor market was segmented along race and gender lines with few promotional ladders available as the work force became more nonwhite and female. When Chicanas and Mexicanas obtained jobs with fewer Chicano coworkers and greater avenues for advancement, they reported escalating conflictual social relations at work. Occupational mobility contained both objective and subjective dimensions for the respondents. Often a woman felt mobile in a job that lacked the means for advancement because she compared herself to a local Chicano or Mexicano working-class reference group and a self-concept rooted in her class, race, and gender.
Prevalence of human papillomavirus in inverted nasal papillomas.

• Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been associated with both benign and malignant neoplasms of the head and neck. To determine the prevalence and types of HPVs in this neoplasm, we examined fixed tissue from 21 patients by in situ hybridization. Human papillomavirus types 6b and 11 probes were used, and hybridization was positive to both types in lesions from 16 (76%) of 21 patients. Hybridization to the HPV-11 probe resulted in the most intense nuclear staining throughout the epithelium, probably indicating a high copy number. The high incidence of viral DNA sequences found in this tumor suggests a potential etiologic role. Therapeutic implications are briefly discussed. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg1988;114:23-26)
FCFS: a novel scheduling policy for tightly-coupled parallel computer systems

Tightly-coupled parallel computer systems are available from several vendors. The mechanism for process scheduling employed by virtually all of these systems is preemptive by job priority. This scheme for process scheduling consumes significant processor resources and can result in significant processor contention for the scheduling data structure. In this paper we show that it is possible to reduce the number of job priorities, and at the same time reduce the administrative overhead on the system, without significantly increasing job wait time. Also we show, by four simulation studies, that non-preemptive scheduling mechanisms are just as effective as preemptive techniques when coupled with time slice control and multiprogramming limits. Thus simplified scheduling techniques that require little overhead to prevent processor contention may be employed in a tightly coupled parallel environment without sacrificing either mean response time or the s of response time.
Synthesis of nano-Pt onto ceria support as catalyst for water–gas shift reaction by Reactive Spray Deposition Technology

Abstract Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (RSDT) was employed to synthesize 1 wt% Pt of 0.5–2 nm onto ceria of 8–30 nm. The catalyst was evaluated for water–gas shift (WGS) reaction with 1 vol% CO & 3 vol% H2O, atmospheric pressure, temperature range (100–350 °C) and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 8622 h−1. CO conversion of 15% (150 °C), 18% (200 °C), 37% (225 °C) and 100% (250 °C) was observed. Comparison with conventionally prepared catalysts (sol–gel, co–precipitation, and incipient wetness impregnation) from literature revealed superior activity with RSDT synthesized catalysts. Catalyst morphology was investigated with TGA, ICP–OES, XRD, TPR, HRTEM, and SEM with XEDS. No evidence of sintering or agglomeration of Pt nanoparticles was observed in HRTEM which could account for the dramatic improvement in activity.
All-Terrain Vehicle–Related Hospitalizations in the United States, 2000–2004

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of all-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related injury hospitalizations in the United States from 2000 through 2004, and to describe the types of injuries and associated hospital costs for the entire population. METHODS: Data for 2000 through 2004 were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample-a stratified probability sample of 1004 community hospitals from 37 states. ATV injuries were defined by ICD-9-CM external cause of injury codes within E821. Variables included age, gender, primary diagnoses, patient disposition, primary payer, and hospital charges. Data were analyzed in 2007. RESULTS: There were an estimated 58,254 ATV-related hospitalizations, increasing 90% over the 5-year period. Eighty percent were men. Thirty percent of the cases involved youth under age 18, and 8% were over age 60. Passengers accounted for 9% of the hospitalizations. Eighty-five percent were routinely discharged to home while 13% required long-term rehabilitation or home health care. Payers included private insurance (62%), Medicaid/Medicare (19%), and self-pay (12%). Rural hospitals treated 23% of the cases and urban teaching hospitals 47%. Estimated total hospital charges were about $1.1 billion (20% paid from public funds) with an average charge per patient of $19,671. Leading injuries included fractures of lower limbs (22%; mean hospital charges of $19,626), other fractures (15%; $18,873), and intracranial injuries (14%; $26,906). The overall hospital admission rate was 4.4 per 100,000 population with variation by year, gender, and age. CONCLUSIONS: Voluntary industry and government safety efforts have had little impact on the increasing incidence and cost of ATV injuries. Renewed prevention efforts to making ATV riding safer are warranted. Language: en
An examination of multiple goals in children's physical education: Motivational effects of goal profiles and the role of perceived climate in multiple goal development

Abstract In this paper, I present data from two studies that sought to examine multiple achievement goals in the context of children's physical education (PE). Study 1 examined the links that multiple-goal profiles (i.e. mastery/performance-approach/performance-avoidance goals) for PE had with self-determined motivation, affective patterns and levels of extracurricular sporting activity in a sample of 193 Year 7 pupils. Results suggested that children endorsing high mastery/high performance-approach/high performance-avoidance, high mastery/high performance-approach/low performance-avoidance, or high mastery/ low performance-approach/low performance-avoidance profiles typically exhibited the most adaptive motivational responses. In contrast, children endorsing a low mastery/high performance-approach/high performance-avoidance profile typically experienced more maladaptive motivational outcomes. Study 2 examined the development of multiple achievement goals over two terms of PE in conjunction with retrospec...
Young, adult, and old rats have similar changes in mRNA expression of many skeletal genes after fracture despite delayed healing with age

Genes active in fracture healing are not well understood. Because age slows skeletal repair, the change in gene expression between animals of differing ages may illuminate novel pathways important to this healing response. To explore this, 6-, 26-, and 52-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to mid-diaphyseal femoral fracture with intramedullary fixation. The fracture callus was collected at 0, 0.4 (3 days), 1, 2, 4, or 6 weeks after fracture. RNA was extracted and pooled between two animals for each sample. Three samples were done for each time point for each age for a total of 54 Affymetrix U34A GeneChip microarrays. Of the 8700 genes on each array, 3300 were scored as present. Almost all of these genes were affected by femoral fracture with either upregulation or downregulation in the 6 weeks after fracture. Upregulated genes included markers for matrix genes for both cartilage and bone, osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, fibroblasts, and mast cells. Downregulated genes included genes related to blood cell synthesis. Nearly all genes presently associated with bone metabolism showed the same response to fracture healing regardless of the age of the animal. In conclusion, skeletal fracture led to similar changes in RNA expression for most skeletal genes despite the delay in the formation of bone to bridge the fracture gap in old rats. Defects in the healing of skeletal trauma in older rats may lie in systems not normally studied by skeletal biologists.
An improved algorithm for optimal lightpath establishment on a tree topology

Routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) aims to assign the limited number of wavelengths in a wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) optical network so as to achieve greater capacity. In a recent paper, Datta et al. studied the problem of establishing a set of disjoint lightpaths on a tree topology using a single wavelength to maximize the total traffic supported by the chosen set of lightpaths. They discussed applications of this problem to RWA and presented a dynamic programming algorithm which optimally solves this problem in Oscr(n4+nDscr3) time, where n is the number of nodes in the network and Dscr is the maximum node degree. In this paper, we present an improved algorithm with a time complexity of Oscr(n2+nDscr2)
Dynamics and Transport Near Quantum-Critical Points

The physics of non-zero temperature dynamics and transport near quantum-critical points is discussed by a detailed study of the O(N)-symmetric, relativistic, quantum field theory of a N-component scalar field in d spatial dimensions. A great deal of insight is gained from a simple, exact solution of the long-time dynamics for the N = 1 d = 1 case: this model describes the critical point of the Ising chain in a transverse field, and the dynamics in all the distinct, limiting, physical regions of its finite temperature phase diagram is obtained. The N = 3, d = 1 model describes insulating, gapped, spin chain compounds: the exact, low temperature value of the spin diffusivity is computed, and compared with NMR experiments. The N = 3, d = 2, 3 models describe Heisenberg antiferromagnets with collinear Neel correlations, and experimental realizations of quantum-critical behavior in these systems are discussed. Finally, the N = 2, d = 2 model describes the superfluid-insulator transition in lattice boson systems: the frequency and temperature dependence of the the conductivity at the quantum-critical coupling is described and implications for experiments in two-dimensional thin films and inversion layers are noted.
Bayou Virus Detected in Non-Oryzomyine Rodent Hosts: An Assessment of Habitat Composition, Reservoir Community Structure, and Marsh Rice Rat Social Dynamics

ABSTRACT: In the United States, Bayou virus (BAYV) ranks second only to Sin Nombre virus (SNV) in terms of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) incidents, having been confirmed in cases from Texas and Louisiana since its discovery in 1994. This study on BAYV infection among sympatric, non-oryzomyine rodents (“spillover”) in Freeport, TX, is the first to link patterns of hantavirus interspecific spillover with the spatiotemporal ecology of the primary host (marsh rice rat, Oryzomys palustris). Mark-recapture and/or harvest methods were employed from March 2002 through May 2004 in two macrohabitat types. Rodent blood samples were screened for the presence of IgG antibody to BAYV antigen by IFA after which Ab-positive blood, saliva, and urine were analyzed for the presence of viral RNA by nested RT-PCR. From 727 non-oryzomyine captures, five seropositive (but not viral RNA positive) individuals were detected: one each of Baiomys taylori, Peromyscus leucopus, and Reithrodontomys fulvescens; and two Sigmodon hi...
Flexible filamentous virus structures from fiber diffraction

Fiber diffraction data have been obtained from Narcissus mosaic virus, a potexvirus from the family Flexiviridae, and soybean mosaic virus (SMV), a potyvirus from the family Potyviridae. Analysis of the data in conjunction with cryo-electron microscopy data allowed us to determine the symmetry of the viruses and to make reconstructions of SMV at 19 {angstrom} resolution and of another potexvirus, papaya mosaic virus, at 18 {angstrom} resolution. These data include the first well-ordered data ever obtained for the potyviruses and the best-ordered data from the potexviruses, and offer the promise of eventual high resolution structure determinations.
Quantification of color vision with cone contrast sensitivity

Human color vision is based fundamentally on three separate cone photopigments. Hereditary color deficiency, which affects up to 10% of males, results from an absorption shift or lack of L or M cone phototoreceptors. While hereditary S cone deficiency is rare, decreased S cone sensitivity occurs early in eye disease, underscoring the importance of quantifying S cone function. Our purpose is to describe a novel approach for quantifying human color vision based on the photopigments of normal color vision. Colored letters, visible to a single cone type, are presented in graded steps of cone contrast to determine the threshold for letter recognition. This approach quantifies normal color vision, indicates type and severity of hereditary deficiency, and reveals sensitivity decrements in various diseases.
Stages of oocyte development in the zebrafish, Brachydanio rerio

Oocyte development has been divided into five stages in the zebrafish Brachydanio rerio, based on morphological criteria and on physiological and biochemical events. In stage I (primary growth stage), oocytes reside in nests with other oocytes (Stage IA) and then within a definitive follicle (Stage IB), where they greatly increase in size. In stage II (cortical alveolus stage), oocytes are distinguished by the appearance of variably sized cortical alveoli and the vitelline envelope becomes prominent. In stage III (vitellogenesis), yolk proteins appear in oocytes and yolk bodies with crystalline yolk accrue during this major growth stage. Ooctes develop the capacity to respond in vitro to the steroid 17α, 20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) by undergoing oocyte maturation. In stage IV (oocyte maturation), oocytes increase slightly in size, become translucent, and their yolk becomes non-crystalline as they undergo final meiotic maturation in vivo (and in response to DHP in vitro). In stage V (mature egg), eggs (approx. 0.75 mm) are ovulated into the ovarian lumen and are capable of fertilization. This staging series lays the foundation for future studies on the cellular processes occurring during oocyte development in zebrafish and should be useful for experimentation that requires an understanding of stage-specific events. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Carpool Assignment Technique Application

A technique to determine the usage of carpools on high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes has been developed for the Washington, D.C., region, but can be applied to any metropolitan area. Planning and testing HOV facilities is an important part in performing an alternatives analysis of future transportation systems. The approach is to adjust zone‐to‐zone average car occupancies, which are output from the traditional four‐step transportation planning process, using an observed relationship between HOV travel time savings and increased car occupancies. These “new” average car occupancies can then be used to develop discrete trip tables by vehicle occupancy sizes based on Washington, D.C., data for corridors with and without HOV facilities. These trip tables stratified by vehicle occupancy sizes can then be loaded to a highway network using a traffic assignment computer program called MULTILOAD. This program available through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments loads up to four trip tables to a net...
Nanomaterial Development for Polymeric Solar Cells

Photoactive nanomaterials are being investigated as multifunctional additives in polymeric photovoltaic devices. Polymer photovoltaic devices which rely solely on photon absorption by the conducting polymer are bandgap-limited (typically > 2 eV) with regard to the solar spectrum. Therefore, nanomaterials with optical absorption below the conducting polymer bandgap can allow composite devices to absorb a larger portion of the solar spectrum. In addition, nanomaterials may play a role in polymer exciton disassociation and transport. We have investigated the use of rare-earth-doped oxide nanoparticles to absorb light in the lower energy region of the solar spectrum, and "up-convert" photons to energies above the polymer bandgap. In addition, we will highlight the synthesis of novel semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) namely, InSb, for absorption in the ideal region of the solar spectrum. Spectroscopy will be provided for both types of materials in addition to the photovoltaic performance of devices incorporating various up-converting nanoparticles. The prospect of coupling single-walled carbon nanotubes to the various up-converting nanoparticles and QDs will be discussed in terms of their previously demonstrated utility in prototype devices.
Active Plasmonics: Surface Plasmon Interaction With Optical Emitters

The interaction between surface plasmons and optical emitters is fundamentally important for engineering applications, especially surface plasmon amplification and controlled spontaneous emission. We investigate these phenomena in an active planar metal-film system comprising InGaN/GaN quantum wells and a silver film. First, we present a detailed study of the propagation and amplification of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at visible frequencies. In doing so, we propose a multiple quantum well structure and present quantum well gain coefficient calculations accounting for SPP polarization, line broadening due to exciton damping, and particularly, the effects of finite temperature. Second, we show that the emission of an optical emitter into various channels (surface plasmons, lossy surface waves, and free radiation) can be precisely controlled by strategically positioning the emitters. Together, these could provide a range of photonic devices (for example, surface plasmon amplifiers, nanolasers, nanoemitters, plasmonic cavities) and a foundation for the study of cavity quantum electrodynamics associated with surface plasmons.
Preeruptive Cerebellar Ataxia in Varicella

Abstract Varicella, or chicken pox, has an annual incidence of approximately 3 million cases, mainly in the pediatric population. Neurologic complications are well described and usually follow the onset of typical chicken pox lesions. We report the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented with cerebellar ataxia before the onset of chicken pox rash. He recovered without sequelae. Cerebellar ataxia is the most common neurologic complication of varicella infection and rarely precedes the development of a typical rash. [Belcher RS: Preeruptive cerebellar ataxia in varicella. Ann Emerg Med April 1996;27:511-513.]
Capacity of Data Collection in Arbitrary Wireless Sensor Networks

Data collection is a fundamental function provided by wireless sensor networks. How to efficiently collect sensing data from all sensor nodes is critical to the performance of sensor networks. In this paper, we aim to understand the theoretical limits of data collection in a TDMA-based sensor network in terms of possible and achievable maximum capacity. Previously, the study of data collection capacity has concentrated on large-scale random networks. However, in most of the practical sensor applications, the sensor network is not uniformly deployed and the number of sensors may not be as huge as in theory. Therefore, it is necessary to study the capacity of data collection in an arbitrary network. In this paper, we first derive the upper and lower bounds for data collection capacity in arbitrary networks under protocol interference and disk graph models. We show that a simple BFS tree-based method can lead to order-optimal performance for any arbitrary sensor networks. We then study the capacity bounds of data collection under a general graph model, where two nearby nodes may be unable to communicate due to barriers or path fading, and discuss performance implications. Finally, we provide discussions on the design of data collection under a physical interference model or a Gaussian channel model.
Variations2: improving music findability in a digital library through work-centric metadata

Summary form only given. The Variations2 Indiana University Digital Music Library is a large test-bed project funded in part by Phase 2 of the Digital Libraries Initiative, with support from the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. This demonstration shows the current state of the Variations2 test-bed software, focusing on the search user interface. Libraries of digitized multimedia content provide access to virtual entities. In the case of music, where there may be many performances and arrangements of a given work, newer metadata models that are less item-centric or book-centric promise superior search capabilities for digital library users. The Variations2 metadata model is one such model. Like the functional requirements for bibliographic records (FRBR) from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) our model is work-centric. Moreover, we have implemented a digital music library system based on that metadata model. One benefit of the Variations2 search user interface is the use of music-specific search fields such as key or performer. A second benefit is the ability to navigate directly to the desired work within a multiwork item. A third benefit is the introduction of stepwise disambiguation of the user's search criteria. The disambiguation process varies depending both on what fields the user fills in and the actual content of the digital library. Thus our implementation demonstrates some of the benefits of a work-centric, music-specific metadata model.
Somatospiny neurons in the rat lateral septal area are synaptic targets of hippocamposeptal fibers: A combined EM/Golgi and degejeration study

The mediolateral part of the lateral septal area (LSA) is a common target of hippocamposeptal afferents, neuropeptide containing, catecholaminergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic pericellular baskets of different origins. This specific innervation pattern as well as electrophysiological data concerning this area suggest a convergent input from different sources to particular LSA neuron populations. Light and electron microscopy combined with Golgi impregnation and acute anterograde degeneration techniques following transection of the fimbria-fornix were employed to determine whether LSA neurons with hippocampal input have any characteristic and distinctive morphological signs. About 20% of all Golgi impregnated LSA neurons were found to have somatic spines. All of these somatospiny neurons are synaptic targets of hippocamposeptal fibers. The degenerated hippocamposeptal boutons establish asymmetric synaptic contacts on their soma, somatic and dendritic spines, and on dendritic shafts. Somatospiny neurons located in the most medial and dorsal parts of the LSA seem to project toward the medial septum while all of the others appear to send descending fibers to ventral areas. Somatospiny neuron axons occasionally give out recurrent collaterals. Quantitative analysis on the spatial distribution of the somatospiny neurons revealed that practically all of them are encountered in the mediolateral division of the LSA. This area includes the lateral part of the intermediolateral septal nucleus and adjacent lateral portions of the dorsolateral and the ventrolateral septal nuclei.
Dynamic linear equaliser circuit

A novel dynamic linear equaliser circuit is proposed for high-speed transceiver applications. The evaluation phase of a strong-arm latch is exploited to provide equalisation while sampling the input data. The circuit does not require any special biasing and only consumes power during transitions, which makes it superior compared to traditional continuous-time linear equalisers followed by samplers in terms of power efficiency and process scalability.
Fractal Methods in the Investigation of the Time Dynamics of Fires: An Overview

Fires represent one of the most critical issues in the context of natural hazards. Yearly, they affect large areas worldwide causing loss of biodiversity, decrease in forests, alteration of landscape, soil degradation, increase in greenhouse, etc. Most of these fires have anthropic causes, however there are natural factors, above all summer drought, that strongly influence fire ignition and spread. The investigation of the time dynamics of fires can be carried out considering the fire process per se or focusing on some signal whose variability can be informative of a fire occurrence. In the first case, fires are described by a stochastic point process, whose events are identified by spatial location, occurrence time and size of burned area, or amount of loss. In the second case, time-continuous signals are employed to reveal indirectly the occurrence of fires; one of the mostly used signals is the satellite normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) that gives information about the “health” of vegetation and, thus, is suited to enhance the status of vegetation after a fire stress. In both cases, the concept of fractal can be used to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the time dynamics of fires. Fractals are featured by power-law statistics, and, if applied to time series, can be a powerful tool to investigate their temporal fluctuations, in terms of correlation structures and memory phenomena. In the present review we describe fractal methods applied to fire point processes and satellite time-continuous signals that are sensitive to fire occurrences.
Morphological Variations of Hippocampal Formation in Epilepsy

Researchers at Hospital Sao Paulo and other centers in Brazil compared the hippocampal formation (HF) morphology of healthy asymptomatic individuals (n=30) with that of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS)(n=68), of patients with malformations of cortical development (MCD)(n=34), and of patients with morphological HF variations without other structural signs (pure MVHF)(n=12).
Unpacking Territorial Disputes: Domestic Political Influences and War

What distinguishes the militarized territorial disputes that escalate to war from those that do not? Although research has clearly established that territorial conflicts are especially war-prone, t...
Layer-by-layer assembled fluorescent probes in the second near-infrared window for systemic delivery and detection of ovarian cancer

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1,000-1,700 nm) features deep tissue penetration, reduced tissue scattering, and diminishing tissue autofluorescence. Here, NIR-II fluorescent probes, including down-conversion nanoparticles, quantum dots, single-walled carbon nanotubes, and organic dyes, are constructed into biocompatible nanoparticles using the layer-by-layer (LbL) platform due to its modular and versatile nature. The LbL platform has previously been demonstrated to enable incorporation of diagnostic agents, drugs, and nucleic acids such as siRNA while providing enhanced blood plasma half-life and tumor targeting. This work carries out head-to-head comparisons of currently available NIR-II probes with identical LbL coatings with regard to their biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and toxicities. Overall, rare-earth-based down-conversion nanoparticles demonstrate optimal biological and optical performance and are evaluated as a diagnostic probe for high-grade serous ovarian cancer, typically diagnosed at late stage. Successful detection of orthotopic ovarian tumors is achieved by in vivo NIR-II imaging and confirmed by ex vivo microscopic imaging. Collectively, these results indicate that LbL-based NIR-II probes can serve as a promising theranostic platform to effectively and noninvasively monitor the progression and treatment of serous ovarian cancer.
Detection of cancer by tumor markers in the blood: a view to the future.

Markers for cancers in the blood include secreted glycoproteins of solid tissue tumors as well as cell surface markers, and chromosomal rearrangements or mutated genes in circulating blood cells. The most successful markers for the diagnosis of solid tissue cancers have been alphafetoprotein and prostate specific antigen. Other markers, such as CEA and a number of carbohydrate epitopes, e.g., CA 15.3, CA 19.9, CA 50, CA 242, and mucin epitopes, such as MCA, CA 125, and DU-PAN-2 are now being used to determine prognosis and to monitor the response to therapy of a variety of cancers. Cytologic markers in the blood include clusters of differentiation (CD) epitopes on blood cells and chromosomal changes, primarily translocations found in many human lymphomas. In the future more specific mutations in specific oncogenes or alterations in expression of oncogenes or suppressor genes, such as p53, may provide clinically useful markers.
Effects of laser-cutting selected properties of inconel 718

Laser cutting of sheet metal parts results in substantial cost savings compared, to the currently used sawing, milling, and drilling operations. The savings are especially significant if the laser-cut surfaces can be used in the as-cut condition. However, laser cutting is a thermal process similar to electrical discharge machining (EDM) which removes material by a combination of vaporization and melting. This results in a residual recast layer and heat-affected zone (HAZ), which affect material properties such as fatigue life if they are not removed. Thus, prior to using the process for specific applications, its effect on the material must be evaluated.
Technical Report: Evaluation of peripheral dose for flattening filter free photon beams

Purpose: To develop a comprehensive peripheral dose (PD) dataset for the two unflattened beams of nominal energy 6 and 10 MV for use in clinical care. Methods: Measurements were made in a 40 × 120 × 20 cm3 (width × length × depth) stack of solid water using an ionization chamber at varying depths (dmax, 5, and 10 cm), field sizes (3 × 3 to 30 × 30 cm2), and distances from the field edge (5–40 cm). The effects of the multileaf collimator (MLC) and collimator rotation were also evaluated for a 10 × 10 cm2 field. Using the same phantom geometry, the accuracy of the analytic anisotropic algorithm (AAA) and Acuros dose calculation algorithm was assessed and compared to the measured values. Results: The PDs for both the 6 flattening filter free (FFF) and 10 FFF photon beams were found to decrease with increasing distance from the radiation field edge and the decreasing field size. The measured PD was observed to be higher for the 6 FFF than for the 10 FFF for all field sizes and depths. The impact of collimator rotation was not found to be clinically significant when used in conjunction with MLCs. AAA and Acuros algorithms both underestimated the PD with average errors of −13.6% and −7.8%, respectively, for all field sizes and depths at distances of 5 and 10 cm from the field edge, but the average error was found to increase to nearly −69% at greater distances. Conclusions: Given the known inaccuracies of peripheral dose calculations, this comprehensive dataset can be used to estimate the out-of-field dose to regions of interest such as organs at risk, electronic implantable devices, and a fetus. While the impact of collimator rotation was not found to significantly decrease PD when used in conjunction with MLCs, results are expected to be machine model and beam energy dependent. It is not recommended to use a treatment planning system to estimate PD due to the underestimation of the out-of-field dose and the inability to calculate dose at extended distances due to the limits of the dose calculation matrix.