cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the gut microbiome in wild rocky mountainsnails (Oreohelix strigosa).

BACKGROUND The Rocky Mountainsnail (Oreohelix strigosa) is a terrestrial gastropod of ecological importance in the Rocky Mountains of western United States and Canada. Across the animal kingdom, including in gastropods, gut microbiomes have profound effects on the health of the host. Current knowledge regarding snail gut microbiomes, particularly throughout various life history stages, is limited. Understanding snail gut microbiome composition and dynamics can provide an initial step toward better conservation and management of this species. RESULTS In this study, we employed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to examine gut bacteria communities in wild-caught O. strigosa populations from the Front Range of Colorado. These included three treatment groups: (1) adult and (2) fetal snails, as well as (3) sub-populations of adult snails that were starved prior to ethanol fixation. Overall, O. strigosa harbors a high diversity of bacteria. We sequenced the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene on an Illumina MiSeq and obtained 2,714,330 total reads. We identified a total of 7056 unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 36 phyla. The core gut microbiome of four unique OTUs accounts for roughly half of all sequencing reads returned and may aid the snails' digestive processes. Significant differences in microbial composition, as well as richness, evenness, and Shannon Indices were found across the three treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS Comparisons of gut microbiomes in O. strigosa adult, fetal, and starved samples provide evidence that the host internal environments influence bacterial community compositions, and that bacteria may be transmitted vertically from parent to offspring. This work provides the first comprehensive report on the structure and membership of bacterial populations in the gastropod family Oreohelicidae and reveals similarities and differences across varying life history metrics. Strong differentiation between these life history metrics demonstrates the need for wider sampling for studies of dynamics of the snail gut microbiome.
Workplace Violence, Firearm Prohibitions, and the New Gun Rights

Workplace violence is surprisingly common – some estimates suggest there are more than one million incidents per year, including several hundred workplace homicides and suicides. Mass shootings and active shooter rampages also occur at places of employment. In spite of the prevalence of workplace gun violence, and partly in response to it, legislatures and some courts have begun to restrict employers’ ability to prohibit firearms at the workplace facility – especially in employee parking lots, but in some cases, within the workplace building itself. Employees have growing legislative protection and even encouragement to bring guns to work, and customers or patrons may also have enhanced rights to bring guns into businesses or offices that they visit, regardless of the wishes of employers, managers, or shift supervisors. This trend coincides with a larger trend of liberalized laws about carrying concealed or openly displayed firearms; in addition, increasing numbers of gun owners are now carrying handguns outside the home. In half the states, obtaining a concealed carry permit exempts the permittee from undergoing any subsequent federal background checks when purchasing a firearm from a dealer, and in most states, private person-to-person sales do not require background checks, meaning employers cannot rely on regulatory controls to screen unstable or discharged employees, or upset patrons, from purchasing firearms. At the same time, unarmed co-workers, supervisors, and business customers or clients often feel threatened, intimidated, or even bullied by the presence of firearms in their immediate work environment, especially in the wake of highly-publicized mass shootings at workplaces, including stores, schools, and office spaces. The presence of firearms can have a chilling effect on employee communication and interactions and can alter the dynamics of relationships within a workplace, such as declining romantic overtures or responding to teasing by an armed co-worker. This paper will explore the recent legislative and judicial developments in this area (forcing employers to permit guns on workplace grounds or within facilities), the new trend for employers to provide active shooter response training or purchase active shooter insurance policies, the policy arguments and trade-offs regarding gun-free workplaces versus employee gun rights, and the need for employers to reduce the risk of violence, and especially lethal violence, in the workplace.
Impact of cilia-related genes on mitochondrial dynamics during Drosophila spermatogenesis

Abstract Spermatogenesis is a dynamic process of cellular differentiation that generates the mature spermatozoa required for reproduction. Errors that arise during this process can lead to sterility due to low sperm counts and malformed or immotile sperm. While is estimated that 1 out of 7 couples encounter infertility, the underlying cause of male infertility can only be identified in 50% of cases. Here, we describe and examine the genetic requirements for missing minor mitochondria (mmm), sterile affecting ciliogenesis (sac), and testes of unusual size (tous), three previously uncharacterized genes that are predicted to be components of the flagellar axoneme. Using Drosophila, we demonstrate that these genes are essential for male fertility and that loss of mmm, sac, or tous results in complete immotility of the sperm flagellum. Cytological examination uncovered additional roles for sac and tous during cytokinesis and transmission electron microscopy of developing spermatids in mmm, sac, and tous mutant animals revealed defects associated with mitochondria and the accessory microtubules required for the proper elongation of the mitochondria and flagella during ciliogenesis. This study highlights the complex interactions of cilia-related proteins within the cell body and advances our understanding of male infertility by uncovering novel mitochondrial defects during spermatogenesis.
Bayesian optimization of functional output in inverse problems

Motivated by the parameter identification problem of a reaction-diffusion transport model in a vapor phase infiltration processes, we propose a Bayesian optimization procedure for solving the inverse problem that aims to find an input setting that achieves a desired functional output. The proposed algorithm improves over the standard single-objective Bayesian optimization by (i) utilizing the generalized chi-square distribution as a more appropriate predictive distribution for the squared distance objective function in the inverse problems, and (ii) applying functional principal component analysis to reduce the dimensionality of the functional response data, which allows for efficient approximation of the predictive distribution and the subsequent computation of the expected improvement acquisition function.
Accounts of Single Fatherhood: A Qualitative Study

Relying on single fathers' accounts, this study examined the experience of single fatherhood and the communication practices between single fathers and their child. Single fathers also answered closed-ended questions. Results offer insight into the challenges and joys that single fathers experience. Single fathers clearly disclosed love for their child and a valuation of their relationship with their child, and expressed exasperation and dissatisfaction with the court system and negative perceptions of single fathers by society. More detailed information and discussion follow
Orthogonal built-in self-test

The author introduces a new way to organize memory elements into scan chains for built-in self-testable data path logic. The goal of the procedure is to minimize the hardware overhead and performance impact associated with pseudo-random built-in self-test (PR-BIST) techniques by organizing the memory elements such that some of the logic required for BIST and scan operations is also used during normal operation. The author identifies function types that are well suited for implementation with the register designs required for BIST and shows that these function types are found in data path designs. Functional use is made of the BIST logic by organizing the memory elements in the design into orthogonal scan chains. A data path design example is used to compare an implementation using a normal BIST configuration to one using the orthogonal configuration. >
Alexandria Digital Library: Rapid Prototype and Metadata Schema

The rapid prototype system for Alexandria Digital Library has proven of great value in clarifying the issues that we will have to resolve in the next stages of development of a digital library for geo-spatial information. In particular, we resolved several important issues concerning both the user interface and the catalog. In relation to the catalog, metadata standards arose as a key issue for the exchange of metadata between different digital libraries. Unfortunately, the number of metadata standards is growing and an international metadata standard for DLs appears unlikely to appear soon. In consequence, we need to be able to import and export different existing metadata standards.
9.3.7 Systems Engineering Support Using an Embodied Conversational Agent

This paper will provide the rationale for and capabilities of simple intelligent agents and more advanced Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs) as an augmentation to the Systems Engineering Professor and Systems Engineering Mentor. The use of these agents to support in-house Systems Engineering Management training and mentoring efforts with a limited number of teachers and practitioners is discussed. Suppose an intelligent agent or ECA could provide real-time support to a student that reduces the need for direct instructor involvement. Perhaps a practitioner with a real world problem needs performance support after core business hours. These agents provide a spectrum of capabilities from a series of indexed Frequently Asked Questions to a highly tailored context intelligent response? Yes, this approach allows users to have an interaction with a “guide/mentor” who answers direct questions and can sometimes anticipate the next in the thread based on user profiling. The ECA can react appropriately to the question, tailor the response and generally seem lifelike. How would you go about developing this capability? Is there added benefit in preparing new faculty? How would the practitioner benefit? By discussing the use in terms of the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) and using an existing Systems Engineering case study we'll explore the answers to these questions.
Come Together, Right Now, Over Science: Socio-Scientific Issues and Citizenship in Social Studies Education

Using a Structured Academic Controversy (SAC) to unpack a socio-scientific issue is a powerful way for students to learn content and skills needed for active citizenship and participation in a democratic society. We argue for the importance of preparing citizens to think about socio-scientific issues and offer an example of how a SAC can be used to help students think about the complexity of a socio-scientific issue within society and practice skills related to discussion, argument and judgment of evidence. This method can be a powerful way for social studies and science teachers to help students make connections between themselves, their environment, and their society.
Chemical signal-response in diatoms of the genus Amphora

Summary The marine diatom Amphora coffeaeformis is positively chemotactic to glucose and sugars of similar structure. A free hydroxyl group is required at the 2-position of the ring; however, D-mannose (a toxic sugar) and L-glucose promote negative chemotaxis. Sugar metabolism is not necessary for a chemosensory response. When the direction of higher concentration in a D-glucose gradient is reversed, cells already orientated reverse their direction of movement. Pretreatment of diatoms with a uniform concentration of D-glucose before exposure to a concentration gradient eliminates the chemotactic response. When diatom cells attached to surfaces in the presence of 5mM-Ca 2+ are exposed to 0-25-0-625 mM Ca 2+ , their motility drops rapidly. However, when this experiment is carried out in the presence of a uniform concentration of D-glucose or 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, motility is sustained for 25-30 min before falling. Speed of motility is also increased during this period. These results can be interpreted in terms of an agonist bindingsecretion coupling model for diatom chemotaxis.
Predicting depth of electrode insertion by cochlear measurements on computed tomography scans.

Objectives/Hypothesis To evaluate the effectiveness of cochlear measures obtained by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan in predicting depth of cochlear implant insertion. Study Design Retrospective case review. Methods Patients who underwent cochlear implantation in an academic referral center between 2010 and 2013 were considered. Inclusion criteria included available preoperative HRCT scan and complete operative data. Subjects with labyrinthitis ossificans, cochlear hypoplasia, or major inner ear malformations were excluded. Subsequently, measures of cochlear height in the coronal plane and basal turn width in the axial plane were obtained using electronic calipers of the stored digital HRCT images by a blinded investigator. The insertion was considered deep when the electrode was placed at least 23 mm into the cochlea. Subjects were divided into those who had a deep insertion and those who did not. Regression analyses were done to associate cochlear measures with deep insertion. Results A deep insertion was possible in 25 patients out of 35. There was no statistically significant association between deep insertion and age at implantation, gender, and type of cochleostomy. The mean cochlear height was 6.22 mm (standard deviation [SD] = 0.32 mm) and 5.80 mm (SD = 0.3mm) in subjects with and without deep insertion, respectively (Student t test, P = .0015). Only cochlear height showed an association with deep insertion (logistic regression, P = .0007). For a cochlear height of 6.27 mm, the probability of deep insertion was 0.90. Conclusions Linear measurements of standard CT scans of the cochlea can predict the depth of insertion and may help the selection of the appropriate electrode array preoperatively. Level of Evidence 4. Laryngoscope, 126:1656–1661, 2016
The formal valence shell model for structure of amorphous semiconductors

Abstract We have proposed a structural model, the Formal Valence Shell (FVS) model, for amorphous semiconductors. This model is based on assumptions of non-doping and the domination of covalency. A concept of formal valence is used. The model states that the coordination number of each constituent atom is eight minus the formal valenve for the atom and that the average coordination number of a given composition is eight minus the average valence of the composition. The model is applicable to systems which contain non-metal (4 ⩽ N ⩽7) as well as metal atoms (1 ⩽ N ⩽3), where N is the valence or column number in the periodic table. The model therefore generalizes the conventional 8 - N rule which is applicable only to non-metal atoms. Sublattice assignments in ternaries are proposed. Given a set of constituent elements and their sublattice assignments, this model can provide coordination numbers, stoichiometric compositions, and trend of glass formation. I-V-VI ternaries are used for illustration, and other systems (binaries and ternaries) are addressed briefly. The calculated results generally agree with experimental data.
Influence of Co-morbidity on Mortality and Morbidity in Patients Treated With Hemodialysis

It has been established that mortality among US end-stage renal disease patients is higher than in many other developed countries. The explanation for this apparent difference in outcome results has caused considerable concern. The explanations for this difference are complex and could include differences in case mix as well as indices of severity of illness. To evaluate potential patient-based explanations for these discrepancies, we have evaluated existing reports as well as the available database at the Regional Kidney Disease Program at Hennepin County Medical Center, with particular emphasis on medical co-morbidity present in US end-stage renal disease patients. These data indicate that increasing age, a greater prevalence of diabetes mellitus patients, and a greater proportion of end-stage renal disease patients with complex medical co-morbidity contribute to the higher mortality seen in US patients receiving hemodialytic therapies.
Gap dynamics in Allegheny northern hardwood forests in the presence of beech bark disease and gypsy moth disturbances

To determine changes in gap dynamics over a 6-year period in forests affected by beech bark disease and gypsy moth infestations, we conducted line transect surveys of gaps and gap makers in three Allegheny hardwood forests in central New York. Gap makers were defined as any trees whose death or loss of >50% of the branches caused an opening in the canopy, and were divided into three categories: decline (standing live trees with >50% branch loss), standing dead, and treefall. Total land area in gaps increased significantly (p≤0.00) from 19.7 to 31.9% over the 6-years of the study. American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) represented 52.4% of the gap makers in 1990 and 1996. Of the total beech gap makers, 30% were decline and 53% were treefall gap makers in 1990, but by 1996, only 8% were decline as compared to 76% treefall gap makers. In contrast, the majority of oak (Quercus spp.) gap makers were standing dead in 1990 and 1996. Although the rate of gap formation slowed at the end of this study, the predominance of beech in the subcanopy and regeneration layers poses persistent challenges for forest managers.
Pesticide Distribution Patterns in Two-Layer Microporous Fabrics Revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy:

Scanning electron microscopy was used to study relative pesticide distribution in two-layer microporous fabrics. Backscattered electron imaging and x-ray microanalysis provided a better understanding of pesticide deposition within a bicomponent micro porous membrane. An emulsifiable concentrate of diazinon was applied to three two- layer microporous fabrics; the samples were labeled with osmium tetroxide and then analyzed qualitatively. Results show that penetration of the pesticide through the microporous membrane is not uniform.
Biaxial bulge testing of polymeric sheets

Abstract The through thickness total strains of hydrostatically bulged domes of materials are usually determined indirectly. The in-plane circumferential strains are readily measured, and then constancy of volume is invoked to determine the “missing” or unknown strain. Some of our recent work with polymers has shown that volume constancy in large-scale deformation does not hold so that the usual computations of stress and strain during bulging of sheet may be in error. We describe an electrical device that reduces such errors by directly measuring the through thickness (and, thus, the thickness “strain”) for nonmetallic materials.
New Fe4, Fe6, and Fe8 clusters of iron(III) from the use of 2-pyridyl alcohols: structural, magnetic, and computational characterization.

The syntheses, crystal structures, magnetochemical characterization, and theoretical calculations are reported for three new iron clusters [Fe6O2(NO3)4(hmp)8(H2O)2](NO3)2 (1), [Fe4(N3)6(hmp)6] (2), and [Fe8O3(OMe)(pdm)4(pdmH)4(MeOH)2](ClO4)5 (3) (hmpH = 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine; pdmH2 = 2,6-pyridinedimethanol). The reaction of hmpH with iron(III) sources such as Fe(NO3)3·9H2O in the presence of NEt3 gave 1, whereas 2 was obtained from a similar reaction by adding an excess of NaN3. Complex 3 was obtained in good yield from the reaction of pdmH2 with Fe(ClO4)3·6H2O in MeOH in the presence of an organic base. The complexes all possess extremely rare or novel core topologies. The core of 1 comprises two oxide-centered [Fe3(µ3-O)]7+ triangular units linked together at two of their apexes by two sets of alkoxide arms of hmp− ligands. Complex 2 contains a zigzag array of four FeIII atoms within an [Fe4(µ-OR)6]6+ core, with the azide groups all bound terminally. Finally, complex 3 contains a central [Fe4(µ4-O)]...
Toxicity of fire effluents: Application of test data

The application of the results of any fire toxicity test is extremely difficult because of the complexity of the problem and the limitations of the test. This paper will discuss the potential use of test data in the decision-making process.
Psychological treatment of couples undergoing fertility treatment

This article addresses a number of questions directly relevant to clinicians working with infertility patients. Issues addressed include a review of the impact of moderating variables on psychological adjustment; how to identify whether an individual or couple is experiencing psychological or marital distress that warrants treatment; whether to treat the individual or the couple; and what treatment interventions are appropriate for a given individual or couple.
Spatial Occupancy and Abundance Trends of Endangered Florida Grasshopper Sparrows at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area

Abstract We analyzed spatiotemporal variations in point counts of Ammodramus savannarum floridanus (Florida Grasshopper Sparrow) at Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area (WMA) during 2003–2012 to provide a detailed report of population changes during that period. There were significant increases in estimates of occupancy probability and abundance of Florida Grasshopper Sparrows at count points in some parts of Three Lakes WMA from 2003 to 2008 followed by significant reductions in these estimates from 2008 to 2012. Inconsistent, finer-scale population fluctuations appeared to be occurring within these time periods. From 2003 to 2012, estimates of overall change in occupancy probability and abundance of the Florida Grasshopper Sparrows at count points were largely negative throughout the area, but a region in the northeast portion of the WMA may offer the greatest chance for population persistence. The count points characterized by most persistent occurrence and abundance were ≥600 m from the edge of non-pr...
Putrescine biosynthesis in mammalial cells: Essential for DNA synthesis but not for mitosis

Abstract The object of this study was to examine the role of putrescine in the regulation of DNA synthesis and mitosis in synchronized Chinese hamster ovary cells using 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP) which is a potent inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.17). Inhibition of putrescine biosynthesis significantly reduced the incorporation of [ 3 H ]-TdR into DNA but had no effect on the progression of cells from G1 to S phase. However, inhibition of putrescine synthesis in synchronized S phase cells did not affect their progression to mitosis. In these experiments, the DAP treatment had little or no effect on the levels of spermidine and spermine. These results indicate that putrescine biosynthesis is essential for the completion of DNA synthesis but not required for mitosis and cell division.
Breastfeeding: A holistic Concept Analysis

Breastfeeding is a critical public health intervention. Nurses play a vital role in promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding practices in infants and young children. An analysis following the eight-part Walker & Avant method provides clarity and context to the concept of breastfeeding. The antecedents of the concept of breastfeeding indicate nurse interventions to facilitate and the consequences provide key points for education related to the benefits of breastfeeding.
Maximization of FEL gain for a hole-coupled resonator

Abstract For a hole-coupled resonant cavity without FEL gain, it is possible to have amplitude cancellation of the optical Gaussian modes at the hole location and, as a result, a null is generated to give very low cavity loss due to the presence of the hole. However, in a warm cavity, i.e. when the electron beam is present and the optical power starts to build up, the FEL gain tends to amplify the modes unequally, and the unbalanced gain for different optical modes results in significant power radiated through the hole. In this paper we present a guideline, based upon variation of the Rayleigh length, for mode selection that maximizes net gain.
Topological charge and U(1)A symmetry in the high temperature phase of QCD

Abstract We discuss the global symmetries of the high temperature phase of QCD with Nf massless quarks. We show that the U(Nf) × U(Nf) symmetries are only violated by operators of dimension ≥ 3Nf. For Nf > 2 this implies that the thermal two-point correlation functions of the η′ and πa's are identical. We discuss the implications of this for the chiral phase transition at finite temperature.
Technical opinion Motivational affordances: reasons for ICT design and use

Organizations hoping to improve employee productivity, increase strategic advantages, and gain or hold the competitive edge have invested heavily in information and communication technology (ICT). Similarly, ICT development firms and other stakeholders have struggled to attract potential consumers, increase consumer loyalty, and stimulate continued ICT use. Yet despite such heavy investment and keen interest, our understanding of what contributes to ICT acceptance and use is still limited. The limits are largely owing to the theoretical perspectives researchers have chosen to study the phenomenon.
Carbohydrate transport in trypanosoma lewisi

Abstract 1. 1. Using isotopically labeled sugars the transport kinetics of glucose uptake and the inhibitory effect of mannose, sorbose, fructose, galactose, glucosamine and 3-0-methyl glucose on glucose uptake have been studied in Trypanosoma lewisi. 2. 2. The inhibitory activity of these carbohydrates on one another has also been examined. 3. 3. The results of these experiments suggest that the sites of sugar reaction with the transport mechanism(s) may be qualitatively different from known analogous mechanisms in metazoan organisms. 4. 4. Two possible sites for carbohydrates transport in T. lewisi have been proposed.
Atmospheric aerosol profiling with a bistatic imaging lidar system

Atmospheric aerosols have been profiled using a simple, imaging, bistatic lidar system. A vertical laser beam is imaged onto a charge-coupled-device camera from the ground to the zenith with a wide-angle lens (CLidar). The altitudes are derived geometrically from the position of the camera and laser with submeter resolution near the ground. The system requires no overlap correction needed in monostatic lidar systems and needs a much smaller dynamic range. Nighttime measurements of both molecular and aerosol scattering were made at Mauna Loa Observatory. The CLidar aerosol total scatter compares very well with a nephelometer measuring at 10 m above the ground. The results build on earlier work that compared purely molecular scattered light to theory, and detail instrument improvements.
Sexual dimorphism in north American hawks I. Sex organs

The development of the gonads of the marsh hawk, Circus hudsonius, Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperi, and the red-tailed hawk, Buteo borealis borealis has been investigated. The occurrence and relatively long persistence of the cortex on both testes of the marsh hawk is evidence of bilateral amphisexuality in this form. The embryonic condition of the ovaries is related to the degree of asymmetry in the adult organs. Nearly symmetrical, paired ovaries were found in three species and varying amounts of reduction of the right ovary in all others. The disappearance of the right oviduct in the ontogeny of the female red-tailed hawk and the occurrence of accessory gonad tissue in male embryos of the same species are described and figured. The extent of reduction of the right ovary of eleven species is described, figured and classified. The following species are listed in the above order of classification: Circus hudsonius, Accipiter cooperi, Accipiter velox velox, Accipiter atricapillus atricapillus, Falco sparverius sparverius, Aquila chrysaetos canadensis, Buteo borealis borealis, Buteo lineatus lineatus, Buteo lagopus sancti-johannis, Cathartes aura septentrionalis, Buteo platypterus platypterus. It is concluded that two ways by which organs may disappear are realized in the right ovary and oviduct of the hawks. (1) by failure of an embryonic inductor in the case of the ovary, and (2) in the right oviduct by secondary atrophy of an originally well-developed embryonic structure.
Inhibition of P-glycoprotein transport: a mechanism for endocrine disruption in the channel catfish?

Abstract P-glycoprotein (pgp), an efflux transporter localized in a variety of tissues including the intestinal mucosa, renal tubules and bile canaliculi, is known to participate in the disposition of a variety of chemicals, including steroid hormones. This study examined the relationship of pgp to the movement into the bile of the hormone estradiol (E2), and the potential for transport interactions between the environmental pollutant nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) and E2. Biliary-cannulated in situ-prepared isolated perfused livers were used to assess pgp transport function. E2, in competitive transport preparations with Rhodamine 123 (Rho123), a pgp substrate, demonstrated significant decreases in Rho123 transport into bile, as did the prototypic inhibitor and substrate verapamil. [3H]E2 (0.28 nM) transport into bile was significantly reduced with either 20 μM NPE or verapamil. These results suggest that E2 is a substrate and/or modulator for the catfish biliary pgp transporter, and that NPE potentially influences biliary transport and excretion of E2.
High Affinity Stereospecific Binding of [3H] Cocaine in Striatum and its Relationship to the Dopamine Transporter

A high affinity (KD 35 nM) binding site for [3H]cocaine is detected in rat brain Striatum present at 2–3 pmol/mg protein of synaptic membranes. This binding is displaced by cocaine analogues with the same rank order as their inhibition of [3H]dopamine ([3H]DA) uptake into striatal synaptosomes (r = 0.99), paralleling the order of their central stimulant activity. The potent DA uptake inhibitors nomifensine, mazindol, and benztropine are more potent inhibitors of this high affinity [3H]cocaine binding than desipramine and imipramine. Cathinone and amphetamine, which are more potent central stimulants than cocaine, displace the high affinity [3H] cocaine binding stereos-pecifically, but with lower potency (IC50 ∼ 1μM) than does cocaine. It is suggested that the DA transporter in Striatum is the putative “cocaine receptor.Binding of [3H] cocaine, measured in 10 mM Na2HPO4-0.32 M sucrose, pH 7.4 buffer, is inhibited by physiologic concentrations of Na+ and K+ and by biogenic amines. DA and Na+ reduce the affi...
Artificial Intelligence: Cooperative Computation and Man&#8211;Machine Symbiosis

Artificial intelligence (AI) joins forces with brain research, cognitive psychology, and linguistics to probe the nature of intelligeice. It is asserted that the current AI emphasis on representation of knowledge will be augmented by increasing attention to cooperative computation and learning. AI also contributes to a man-machine symbiosis: providing specialized packets of intelligence to augment our own. As we augment our intelligence with our machines, building on current success with robotics, scene analysis, language understanding, and expert systems, we must better understand our own intelligence to enable the construction of high-bandwidth man–machine interfaces. This, too, is a form of cooperative computation.
Predictions of laser-cooling temperatures for multilevel atoms in three-dimensional polarization-gradient fields

We analyze the dynamics of atom-laser interactions for atoms having multiple, closely spaced, excited-state hyperfine manifolds. The system is treated fully quantum mechanically, including the atom's center-of-mass degree of freedom, and motion is described in a polarization gradient field created by a three-dimensional laser configuration. We develop the master equation describing this system, and then specialize it to the low-intensity limit by adiabatically eliminating the excited states. We show how this master equation can be simulated using the Monte Carlo wave function technique, and we provide details on the implementation of this procedure. Monte Carlo calculations of steady state atomic momentum distributions for two fermionic alkaline earth isotopes, {sup 25}Mg and {sup 87}Sr, interacting with a three-dimensional lin-perpendicular-lin laser configuration are presented, providing estimates of experimentally achievable laser-cooling temperatures.
Women in Executive Office: Variation Across American States

The number of women serving in state-level executive office varies tremendously across the American states. Drawing upon a comparative politics framework developed by Pippa Norris and findings from...
Strategic alignment and value maximization for IT project portfolios

Managing project portfolios has been a challenge to many IT organizations due to the size and complexity of their initiatives that are often cross-functional, fast changing, and transformational in nature. A governance process on project solicitation, evaluation, and monitoring is thus essential to ensure the resulting portfolio creates tangible values, balances across priorities, and supports business objectives. An optimization model to streamline the decision processes for IT portfolios and programs is proposed. We consider project characteristics such as the extent of strategic alignment, expected benefit, development cost, and cross-project synergy to maximize the portfolio value. We also consider team proficiency and resource availability to determine a project portfolio that could be implemented within the overall development time. The multi-objective model identifies the optimal mix among project types and the solution procedure efficiently produces recommendations that are superior to those found with current empirical techniques. We also describe an evolutionary algorithm to find approximate solutions to the optimization model. Possible extensions on how the optimization procedure can go beyond projects to also streamline decisions such as the renewal or replacement of in-flight applications is discussed.
Differential diagnosis of suspected cervical pregnancy and conservative treatment with the combination of laparoscopy-assisted uterine artery ligation and hysteroscopic endocervical resection.

Abstract Objective To determine the accuracy of differential diagnosis by team consultation of abortion in progression, low-lying implantation/cervicoisthmic pregnancy, and cervical pregnancy (CP) in patients referred for suspicion of abnormal implantation on the lower segment and cervix of the uterus and to determine the efficacy of endoscopic surgery with uterine artery blockade followed by cervical evacuation in the treatment of confirmed CP. Design Prospective observational study under multiple-clinic and multiple-hospital cooperation. Setting Tertiary clinical and academic medical center. Patient(s) Twenty-seven women with a tentative diagnosis of CP made at their primary gynecologists' offices from July 1999 to June 2003. Intervention(s) Second-opinion ultrasound scanning with transabdominal and transvaginal approach and optional color Doppler use. For patients with confirmed CP, a new treatment modality with laparoscopy-assisted uterine artery ligation followed by hysteroscopic local endocervical resection to remove the ectopic pregnancy was employed. For patients with abortion in progression or low-lying implantation/cervicoisthmic pregnancy (non-CP) requiring termination, dilatation and curettage (D&C) was performed under transabdominal ultrasound guidance. Main outcome measure(s) Fulfillment of ultrasound-based diagnostic criteria and operative course, convalescence, and commencement of menstruation in those patients with confirmed CP. Result(s) Cervical pregnancy was diagnosed in six (22.2%) patients at ≤9-weeks' gestation, and they were all successfully treated without the need for adjuvant therapy. The mean operating time was 119 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 125 mL. Menstruation began a mean of 63 days after the treatment. Termination of non-CPs was achieved by a simple D&C. Conclusion(s) Team consultation minimizes false-positive ultrasound-based diagnosis of CP. A single-step combination endoscopic operation is an effective uterus-preserving alternative in the management of CP.
Simulating the Relaxation of Stretched DNA in Slitlike Confinement

Brownian dynamics simulations of bead−spring chains were used to study the relaxation of an initially stretched DNA molecule in slitlike confinement. Taking into account excluded volume effects but...
Dynamic analysis of a class of mixed lumped-distributed parameter systems via numerical techniques

The modeling via transfer matrices of mixed lumped-distributed parameter systems with feedback control is discussed and novel methods of obtaining information on the controlled system's dynamic response via numerical methods is presented. These methods utilize numerical searches in the complex plane for the roots of the transcendental characteristic equation to determine the closed loop system eigenvalues. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm is utilized but in the inverse fashion (from frequency domain to time domain). The information obtained is identical to that contained in a model in modal coordinates, and can be used to construct such a model. An interactive computer program to do the required calculation is described, as well as its application to a manipulator arm design problem.
Radiative Correction to High-Energy Electron Scattering

The one-photon radiative correction to the high-energy electron scattering by a nuclear field is analyzed to all orders of Born approximation for the nuclear potential. The leading term of the fractional decrease of the elastic scattering cross section is shown to be exactly the same as that given by the first Born approximation. A detailed analysis of the effect of the long Coulomb tail on the infrared divergence is made. Also, an analysis is made on the origin of the $logm$ term which appears in the radiative correction.
Electron-Correlated Calculations of Electric Properties of Nucleic Acid Bases

Full geometry optimizations have been performed at the MP2 level of theory using the 6-31G(d,p) basis set for the five common nucleic acid bases (uracil, thymine, cytosine, adenine, and guanine) and three related bases (fluorouracil, 5-methylcytosine, and hypoxanthine). Several electric properties were subsequently calculated using the optimized geometries and the larger polarized basis sets of Sadlej. Including electron correlation decreases the magnitude of the dipole moments by 10−15% for every base except adenine. In all cases, inclusion of electron correlation increases the mean polarizability by 8−12% and also increases the polarizability anisotropy by as much as 14−20%. Results for structurally similar bases were compared in order to qualitatively study the effects of functional group substitution on geometries and electric properties.
Metaphors as Learning Aids in University Lectures

AbstractTwo experiments were conducted with college students to determine the extent to which metaphors affected the learning of statistical principles. The first experiment used examples from nonbusiness domains as metaphors in a lecture on the scientific method applied to business decisions. The question was whether these metaphors would help students generate novel examples of statistics used to make business decisions. The results indicated that the students taught with metaphors generated more examples than students who learned the same material without metaphors. Two other questions not addressed by the metaphors showed no differences between the two groups. The second experiment tested whether metaphors improved the inferences students made in answering questions based on the information presented in the lectures. The results confirmed that students taught with metaphors were better able to make appropriate inferences than students taught without the aid of metaphors. Furthermore, the students who ...
Stability analysis and aerodynamic design optimization of euler equations using variational methods

The one- and two-dimensional inviscid Euler equations are formulated in an integro-differential form for shape design sensitivity analysis and optimization. The principal tool employed to derive the performance derivative sensitivity equations is the variational method, which is a continuous alternative to the discrete sensitivity analysis. Along with the sensitivity equations, the co-state equations and their boundary conditions are derived. Thereafter, based on the modal analysis of Von Neumann theory, the stability limits of the co-state equations are investigated. The stability characteristics of the co-state equations are compared with those of the Euler equations. Finally, using the criteria from the stability analysis of the state and co-state equations, some results of shape design optimization and sensitivity analysis for both quasi one- and two-dimensional Euler equations are presented. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Source Function for a Dynamic Brittle Unilateral Shear Fracture

Summary A two-dimensional brittle unilateral shear fracture was numerically simulated to form and stop in an elastic isotropic continuum. The final displacements and stresses for unilateral fracture were found to be similar to those for bilateral fracture. However, during and shortly after fracture, dynamic differences in the two types of fracture exist. Displacements normal to the fracture are more complex in the unilateral case because the fracture rotates about its instantaneous centre which moves as the fracture grows larger. For displacements normal and parallel to the fracture, the rise times are substantially shorter at the terminal end than at the starting end of the fracture. Overshoot is observed on all displacements near the unilateral fracture model which incorporated a dynamic coefficient of friction equal to 0·05 along the fracture surface.
Cumulative stress-induced mortality of gizzard shad in a southeastern U.S. reservoir

Starvation was apparently responsible for a large die-off of gizzard shad, Dorosoma cepedianum, in several east Tennessee reservoirs during the spring of 1983. Condition indices, calorific equivalents, lipids, and blood parameters of electrofished (control) shad from Watts Bar Reservoir were significantly higher than these parameters for recently dead shad and for stressed shad, indicating that the stressed and dead fish were at similar levels of physiological condition. We hypothesize that mortality due to starvation resulted from a year-long series of unusual environmental conditions beginning with an abnormally warm spring in 1982 which delayed spawning for some shad, a mild winter in 1982–1983 which increased metabolic demands, and an unusually cool spring in 1983 which delayed food availability. These events may have acted in a cumulative fashion, with each inducing additional increments of stress until lipid stores were depleted to a nonrecovery level, which appears to be about 4% of dry body weight. At least 10% of the adult gizzard shad died of starvation. Most predators were probably not adversely affected by the die-off because of the high availability of shad smaller than 16 cm (total length) and the vulnerability of stressed shad to predation.
Metropolitan fiscal structure and migration.

This abstract examines the degree to which individuals vote with their feet when considering metropolitan fiscal structure. Local (and state) fiscal policies are considered in detail by investigating migration impacts of expenditures and revenues as well as by examining effects of distribution of expenditures by type and revenues by source. These impacts are considered across 3 dimensions of the migration decision: the decision of a metropolitan resident to move (relocate) the decision to depart the metropolitan area and the decision to enter such an area. Empirical results indicate that fiscal structure plays an important role within these decisions and particularly that to depart the metropolitan area. (authors)
Morphogenesis in dictyostelium: an orbital hypothesis

Free-living amoebae of Dictyostelium discoideum aggregate when deprived food, guided by the intercellular transmission of signals of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate. A succession of multicellular forms is then constructed, each with a circular cross section in every plane normal to its central axis. Amoebae are in constant circular and helical motion around the circumference of these structures. A theory is proposed wherein the sustained progagation of waves of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate secretion in cellular loops determines their circumference and thereby organizes morphogenesis in this organism.
Lewin's Impact on Education: Instilling Cooperation and Conflict Management Skills in School Children

There are implications of several ideas by Kurt Lewin for addressing the challenges facing today's schools and school children. A Lewinian orientation to educational problems provides a very different view of schools from those that currently prevail. It focuses on social bases of difficulties and takes multiple perspectives. It views classes as dynamic, it examines the social forces surrounding the children as well as the various environments that they experience, and it encourages active involvement of students in their learning. This orientation not only fits current “innovative” thinking in education such as models for making education multicultural, but it has also provided the bases of important applied work on cooperative learning techniques and constructive ways of structuring conflict within educational settings.
Guest editors' introduction to feature section: bariatric surgery.

bariatric surgery Stephen W. Trenkner, Alexander R. Margulis, Alfons Pomp Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA Weill Cornell Medical College, 525 East 68th Street, F-053, New York, NY 10065, USA Section of Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 190065, USA