cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Sexual Dimorphism in Three Somatic Tissues of Cattle

Summary A method of illustrating a sexual dimorphism in three somatic tissues of cattle has been perfected. A small, mildly chromotropic, planoconvex chromatin mass found predominantly in females was interpreted to be the sex chromatin reported present in many other mammalian species. In liver, pancreas, and adrenal the sex chromatin appeared in 68, 62, and 61%, respectively, of the cells examined, but in only 10% or less of the male cells. The possible uses of sexual dimorphism at the cellular level in elucidating embryonal development, and its proposed use as a method of antenatal sex determination in veterinary practice, were considered. Unknown tissues were properly classified as to sex in 19 of 20 cases.
Automated registration of digital ocular fundus images for comparison of lesions

In the STARE project (structured analysis of the retina) we are developing a system that will automatically diagnose images of the ocular fundus, compare sequential images for change, and make clinically significant measurements of lesions and anatomical structures in the images. Ophthalmologists need to compare color images, fluorescein angiograms, indocyanine angiograms, and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy for onset of disease and changes in lesions. The images are made from fundus cameras of different manufacture and at different magnification. Consequently we designed our system to register images of different magnification or appearance automatically.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biologically Labile and Refractory Phosphorus Loads from the Agriculturally-Managed Upper Eau Galle River Watershed, Wisconsin

Abstract Fractionation techniques were used to quantify various biologically labile (i.e., directly available for biological uptake or subject to recycling pathways) and refractory (i.e., biologically unavailable and subject to burial) particulate and soluble phosphorus (P) forms along the longitudinal axis of the agriculturally-managed Upper Eau Galle River watershed in west-central Wisconsin. P loading increased as a function of increasing distance from the river's headwaters. However, areal P export rates were similar longitudinally, indicating a relatively homogeneous land-use mosaic throughout the watershed. P loads were composed of predominantly biologically labile constituents (i.e., 79%), with soluble P forms (i.e., soluble reactive and unreactive P) accounting for 49% and labile particulate P forms (i.e., loosely-bound PP, iron-bound PP, and labile organic/polyphosphate PP) accounting for 30% of the P load. Soluble P forms are either directly available for biological uptake or can be converted to...
TREPONEMA MUCOSUM (NEW SPECIES), A MUCIN-PRODUCING SPIROCHAETA FROM PYORRHEA ALVEOLARIS, GROWN IN PURE CULTURE.

1. A mucin-producing spirochœta has been obtained in pure culture from a case of pyorrhea alveolaris. This organism is an independent species of the genus Treponema and, as it is recognized for the first time, I propose for it the name Treponema mucosum . 2. Morphologically the mucosum is difficult to separate from the pallidum and microdentium, but, through its biological properties and animal reactions it is easily differentiated from all the rest of the spirochœtae. 3. The mucosum is not parasitic in the strict sense of the term, but exerts a certain pyogenous action when the tissue has been so injured by foreign substances as to enable it to survive. 4. The strong fetid odor in the discharge from pyorrhea alveolaris is due, at least in part, to the presence of the mucosum in the affected tissue.
The isotopic characterization of methane, non-methane hydrocarbons and formaldehyde in the troposphere

Interest in the isotopic composition of trace species in the troposphere continues to increase because of the utility of isotopic information for interpreting timely concerns such as the effects of climate change, O3 production and OH depletion. With the exception of CO2, isotopic information has served, to a large extent, only an ancillary role in determining global cycles of trace species, including their chemistries. Often, isotopic information is only used to interpret isolated parts of atmospheric cycles. For example, hydrogen and carbon isotopic ratios of CH4 source emissions have been used to help quantify source contributions to the global CH4 budget. Less emphasis has been placed on isotopic information for interpreting the atmospheric cycling of CH4 and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) to formaldehyde and CO. Here, we review compositions of the stable isotopes (13C and 2H) and radioactive isotopes (l4C and 3H) for the various hydrocarbon components and formaldehyde in the tropospheric hydrocarbonOHCO system. Included are isotopic ratios of CH4 and NMHCs at sources and in ambient air as well as isotope effects during chemical transformation. Variations in the data are discussed with respect to measurement uncertainty and natural variation. Emphasis is on multi-isotopic signatures, for example, 13C12C and DH ratios and 14C activities for individual CH4 sources.
Sentinel node biopsy in head and neck desmoplastic melanoma: An analysis of 244 cases†

Objectives/Hypothesis: Desmoplastic melanoma's low rate of sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity and predilection for the head and neck region have led some to question the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in patients with this rare histologic variant. Given desmoplastic melanoma's sarcoma-like histology and aberrant clinical behavior, we hypothesized that SLN status may not be indicative of outcomes in desmoplastic melanoma of the head neck. The objective of this study was to compare melanoma-specific survival among patients with head and neck desmoplastic melanoma based on SLN status. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of patient data and outcomes using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database Methods: The SEER database was queried for patients who were diagnosed with desmoplastic melanoma and underwent SLNB. Clinicopathologic data and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) were compared among patients with positive and negative SLNs. Results: We identified 244 patients with desmoplastic melanoma of the head and neck who underwent SLNB. Of these, only nine had positive SLNs (3.69%). Among the SLN-positive patients, five (55.6%) had scalp/neck tumors, three (33.3%) had ulcerated tumors, and tumor thickness ranged from 1.7 to 8.5 mm (mean, 4.8 mm). On univariable and multivariable analysis, SLN positivity did not significantly affect DSS in head and neck desmoplastic melanoma (P = .19 and P = .48, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings provide further evidence against routine SLNB in head and neck desmoplastic melanoma by demonstrating a lack of prognostic significance related to the procedure, and by confirming a significantly low rate of SLN positivity as well.
Choosing Emma’s ending: Exploring the intersection of small and big stories, antenarrative, and narrative

This single story investigation explores the ontological framework for analyzing how personal stories emerge. This analysis delineates a story told by Emma in a fashion to resemble that of audience members listening to a story for the first time. This article breaks apart the traditional narrative research approach of beginning, middle, and end facilitating a renewed focus on the role of orator and audience’s involvement. The purpose of this paper demonstrates how Emma as the orator builds a narrative while involving the audience and forces the listeners to consider the multiple paths she may experience. Showcasing Emma’s story evolution simultaneously demonstrates a theoretical understanding of how small and big stories intersect with antenarratives and narratives. The multiple paths encourage readers to interactively reinterpret their understanding of the narrative and experience antenarrative. This exploration addresses a gap in narrative research and scrutinizes antenarrative analysis applicability through a singular oral story performance.
New method for identifying cortical convolutions in MR brain images

Abstract Analysis of brain images often requires accurate localization of cortical convolutions. Althoughmagnetic resonance (MR) brain images offer sufficient resolution for identifying convolutions in theory,the nature of tomographic imaging prevents clear definition of convolutions in individual slices. Existingmethods for solving this problem rely on brain atlases created from a small number of individuals. Thesemethods do not usually provide high accuracy because of large biological variations among individuals.We propose to localize convolutions by linking realistic visualizations of the cortical surface with theoriginal image volume itself. We have developed a system so that a user can quickly localize key convolu-tions in several visualizations of an entire brain surface. Because of the links between the visualizationsand the original volume, these convolutions are simultaneously localized in the original image slices. Inthe process of our development we have also implemented a fast and easy method for visualizing corticalsurfaces in MR images and therefore makes our scheme usable in practical applications.
Midbrain dopamine neurons sustain inhibitory transmission using plasma membrane uptake of GABA, not synthesis

Synaptic transmission between midbrain dopamine neurons and target neurons in the striatum is essential for the selection and reinforcement of movements. Recent evidence indicates that nigrostriatal dopamine neurons inhibit striatal projection neurons by releasing a neurotransmitter that activates GABAA receptors. Here, we demonstrate that this phenomenon extends to mesolimbic afferents, and confirm that the released neurotransmitter is GABA. However, the GABA synthetic enzymes GAD65 and GAD67 are not detected in midbrain dopamine neurons. Instead, these cells express the membrane GABA transporters mGAT1 (Slc6a1) and mGAT4 (Slc6a11) and inhibition of these transporters prevents GABA co-release. These findings therefore indicate that GABA co-release is a general feature of midbrain dopaminergic neurons that relies on GABA uptake from the extracellular milieu as opposed to de novo synthesis. This atypical mechanism may confer dopaminergic neurons the flexibility to differentially control GABAergic transmission in a target-dependent manner across their extensive axonal arbors.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01936.001.
Effect of tidal volume, intrathoracic pressure, and cardiac contractility on variations in pulse pressure, stroke volume, and intrathoracic blood volume.

Purpose: We evaluated the impact of increasing tidal volume (Vt), decreased chest wall compliance, and left ventricular (LV) contractility during intermittent positive- pressure ventilation (IPPV) on the relation between pulse pressure (PP) and LV stroke volume (SVLV) variation (PPV and SVV, respectively), and intrathoracic blood volume (ITBV) changes. Methods: Sixteen pentobarbitalanesthetized thoracotomized mongrel dogs were studied both before and after propranolol-induced acute ventricular failure (AVF) (n = 4), with and without chest and abdominal pneumatic binders to decrease chest wall compliance (n = 6), and during Vt of 5, 10, 15, and 25 ml/kg (n = 6). SVLV and right ventricular stroke volume (SVRV) were derived from electromagnetic flow probes around aortic and pulmonary artery roots. Arterial pressure was measured in the aorta using a fluid-filled catheter. Arterial PPV and SVV were calculated over three breaths as (max - min)/[(max + min)/2]. ITBV changes during ventilation were inferred from the beat-to-beat volume differences between SVRV and SVLV. Results: Arterial PP and SVLV were tightly correlated during IPPV under all conditions (r2 = 0.85). Both PPV and SVV increased progressively as Vt increased and with thoraco-abdominal binding, and tended to decrease during AVF. SVRV phasically decreased during inspiration, whereas SVLV phasically decreased 2–3 beats later, such that ITBV decreased during inspiration and returned to apneic values during expiration. ITBV decrements increased with increasing Vt or with thoraco-abdominal binding, and decreased during AVF owing to variations in SVRV, such that both PPV and SVV tightly correlated with inspiration-associated changes in SVRV and ITBV. Conclusion: Arterial PP and SVLV are tightly correlated during IPPV and their relation is not altered by selective changes in LV contractility, intrathoracic pressure, or Vt. However, contractility, intrathoracic pressure, and Vt directly alter the magnitude of PPV and SVV primarily by altering the inspiration-associated decreases in SVRV and ITBV.
Efficient methods for formally verifying safety properties of hierarchical cache coherence protocols

Multicore architectures are considered inevitable, given that sequential processing hardware has hit various limits. Unfortunately, the memory system of multicore processors is a huge bottleneck. To combat this problem, one needs to design aggressively optimized cache coherence protocols. This introduces the design correctness problem for advanced cache coherence protocols which will be hierarchically organized for scalable designs. Experiences show that monolithic formal verification will not scale to hierarchical designs. Hence, one needs to handle the complexity of several coherence protocols running concurrently, i.e. hierarchical protocols, using compositional techniques. To solve the problem, we develop a family of compositional approaches all based on assume-guarantee reasoning to reducing the verification complexity. We show that for the three hierarchical protocols with certain realistic features that we developed for multiple chip-multiprocessors, more than a 20-fold improvement in terms of the number of states visited can be achieved. Also, to avoid false alarms wasting designer time, we have developed an error trace justification method to eliminate false alarms using heuristics that also capitalize on our assume-guarantee approaches. Our techniques need no special tool support. They can be carried out using the widely used Murphi model checker along with support tools for abstraction and error trace justification that we have built.
An analysis of the spectra of genetic activity produced by known or suspected human carcinogens.

Abstract For 24 agents classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as known or suspected human carcinogens, we previously catalogued the qualitative genetic bioassay data available in the literature. In the present analysis, dose information, where available, was added to this data base: either the lowest effective dose (LED) or the highest ineffective dose (HID) was recorded for each agent and bioassay system. Bioassay systems were organized according to classes of genetic activity and subdivided by the phylogenetic level of the test organism. For each compound, the quantitative results in the test systems were represented by computer-generated bar graphs (‘genetic activity spectra’). The x-axis unit values corresponded to the 100 different test systems, and the y-axis values were the logarithmically transformed LED or HID values. Statistical methods and pattern-recognition techniques were used to evaluate the genetic activity spectra. Spectra were compared among agents grouped according to target-organ specificity. In addition, the spectra of all possible pairs of compounds were compared to identify compounds displaying qualitatively or quantitatively similar genetic activity. Chemically similar compounds frequently produced similar spectra of genetic activity, and it was possible to identify the most appropriate test systems for some classes of compounds. As the data base for human carcinogens is enlarged, analysis of genetic activity spectra may contribute to our understanding of the structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action of these agents.
Hemodynamic responses to verapamil monotherapy in patients with renal disease.

We have explored the effect of verapamil on renal hemodynamics and the renin-aldosterone system in ten patients with chronic renal disease and hypertension before and after 3 months of therapy. The mean +/- SEM glomerular filtration rates were 55 +/- 7 mL/min pre- and 55 +/- 8 mL/min posttherapy; the renal plasma flow was 231 +/- 29 mL/min pre and 244 +/- 35 mL/min posttherapy. The filtration fraction (0.24 pre; 0.23 post) and the renal vascular resistance (492 +/- 144 pre; 422 +/- 101 post) also remained stable with verapamil therapy. Blood pressure was lower after treatment (P less than .02) in 7 of 10 patients. Urinary albumin excretion was reduced only when blood pressure was lowered. Verapamil had a modest effect on the renin-aldosterone axis. While the mean increase in plasma renin activity from a pretreatment value of 1.8 +/- 0.42 ng/mL/h to 2.1 +/- 0.56 ng/mL/h failed to reach statistical significance, the increases in urinary aldosterone excretion from 8.2 +/- 2.2 mg/24 h to 11.1 +/- 2.3 mg/24 h did (P less than .001). Our results demonstrate that verapamil lowered blood pressure without renal hemodynamic compromise in hypertensive patients with chronic renal disease. The antihypertensive response was associated with a rise in urinary aldosterone excretion, with unchanged serum electrolytes. We conclude that verapamil is effective, safe, and well-tolerated in patients with renal impairment and hypertension, and may be suitable for clinical trials evaluating long-term progression of renal disease.
Variance estimation over sliding windows

Capturing characteristics of large data streams has received considerable attention. The constraints in space and time restrict the data stream processing to only one pass (or a small number of passes). Processing data streams over sliding windows make the problem more difficult and challenging. In this paper, we address the problem of maintaining ∈-approximate variance of data streams over sliding windows. To our knowledge, the best existing algorithm requires O(1/∈2 log N) space, though the lower bound for this problem is Ω(1/∈ log N). We propose the first ∈-approximation algorithm to this problem that is optimal in both space and worst case time. Our algorithm requires O(1/∈ log N) space. Furthermore, its running time is O(1) in worst case.
Characterization of a new radiochromic three-dimensional dosimeter.

The development of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has created a clear need for a dosimeter that can accurately and conveniently measure dose distributions in three dimensions to assure treatment quality. PRESAGE{sup TM} is a new three dimensional (3D) dosimetry material consisting of an optically clear polyurethane matrix, containing a leuco dye that exhibits a radiochromic response when exposed to ionizing radiation. A number of potential advantages accrue over other gel dosimeters, including insensitivity to oxygen, radiation induced light absorption contrast rather than scattering contrast, and a solid texture amenable to machining to a variety of shapes and sizes without the requirement of an external container. In this paper, we introduce an efficient method to investigate the basic properties of a 3D dosimetry material that exhibits an optical dose response. The method is applied here to study the key aspects of the optical dose response of PRESAGE{sup TM}: linearity, dose rate dependency, reproducibility, stability, spectral changes in absorption, and temperature effects. PRESAGE{sup TM} was prepared in 1x1x4.5 cm{sup 3} optical cuvettes for convenience and was irradiated by both photon and electron beams to different doses, dose rates, and energies. Longer PRESAGE{sup TM} columns (2 x2x13 cm{sup 3}) were formed without an externalmore » container, for measurements of photon and high energy electron depth-dose curves. A linear optical scanning technique was used to detect the depth distribution of radiation induced optical density (OD) change along the PRESAGE{sup TM} columns and cuvettes. Measured depth-OD curves were compared with percent depth dose (PDD). Results indicate that PRESAGE{sup TM} has a linear optical response to radiation dose (with a root mean square error of {approx}1%), little dependency on dose rate ({approx}2%), high intrabatch reproducibility (<2%), and can be stable ({approx}2%) during 2 hours to 2 days post irradiation. Accurate PRESAGE{sup TM} dosimetry requires temperature control within 1 deg. C. Variations in the PRESAGE{sup TM} formulation yield corresponding variations in sensitivity, stability, and density. CT numbers in the range 100-470 were observed. In conclusion, the small volume studies presented here indicate PRESAGE{sup TM} to be a promising, versatile, and practical new dosimetry material with applicability for radiation therapy.« less
A study of groundwater matrix effects for the destruction of trichloroethylene using Fe/Pd nanoaggregates

Iron nanoaggregates have been prepared using the sodium borohydride reduction method and postcoated with Pd using aqueous phase electro-deposition. The Fe/Pd nanoaggregates were used to examine dechlorination of trichloroethylene (TCE) with regard to matrix effects using materials representative of a potential zero-valent metal remediation site surrounding the Paducah gaseous diffusion plant in Paducah, KY. A surface-area-normalized first-order rate constant of 1.4 × 10−1 L m−2 h−1 was obtained for the case of ideal dechlorination of 19.6 mg L−1 TCE at room temperature and pH 6.2 using 0.5 g L−1 Fe/Pd (0.42 wt % Pd) loading. This value decreases by an order of magnitude to 1.9 × 10−2 L m−2 h−1 when the reaction is carried out in a realistic background matrix when the pH is high (8.8). For all variables tested, Pd content has the most impact on reaction rates. Circulating batch-column experiments are used to study dechlorination under flow conditions and demonstrate the ability of nonstabilized Fe/Pd nanoaggregates to remove significant amounts of TCE (80–90%) over a broad range of groundwater velocities (12.9–83 ft per day) using moderate metal loadings (0.23–0.5 g L−1). © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Experiences with the New Jersey Master Faculty Program

The New Jersey Master Faculty Program is a state-wide faculty-oriented program designed to increase teaching effectiveness and student learning. The participating faculty are grouped into pairs. One member assumes the role of observer and the other the role of observed. The roles of the members changes each semester. Six students taking an 'observed course' are selected at the beginning of the semester; three of these meet regularly with the observer and the other three with the course instructor, the 'observed'. The aim of these interviews is to investigate how students learn and what impediments they encounter in their learning process. The ultimate goal is to use the knowledge obtained from discussions with the paired faculty member and the students to enhance teaching effectiveness of the faculty involved. The author describes the Master Faculty Program, topics discussed with students, and how the program is implemented at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. >
Asymmetry in atlas bone specimens: a pilot study using radiographic analysis

Objective Vertebral asymmetries can present a challenge to analysis of the anatomical and biomechanical misalignment component of chiropractic vertebral subluxation. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of asymmetry among 10 natural bone atlas specimens using radiographic analysis.
Social Competence in Children with Chronic Illness: A Meta-analytic Review

Objective To conduct a meta-analysis of social competence in children with a chronic illness. Methods The meta-analysis included 57 studies comparing levels of social competence in children with chronic illness to those of children without chronic illness. A random effects model was used to calculate overall effect, subgroup, and meta-regression analyses. Results Overall, the meta-analysis calculated 90 unique outcomes, producing a summary standardized mean difference of d ¼� 0.44, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) � 0.52 to � 0.36 indicating a medium overall effect for decrease social competence. Chronic illness, measure, and informant moderated social competence outcomes. Conclusions The impact of chronic illness on youth varied by individual child factors (e.g., gender, chronic illness type) and by measurement features such as informant and measure type. The current study demonstrates a need for further research of the assessment of social competence and has implications for the development of social skills programs for children with chronic illness.
A Comparison of Object-Based with Pixel-Based Land Cover Change Detection in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area using Multitemporal High Resolution Remote Sensing Data

This paper presents the methods and results of two post-classification change detection approaches, using multitemporal high-spatial resolution Emerge aerial imagery in the Gwynns Falls watershed, which includes portions of Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Maryland, USA. The results indicated that the object-based approach provides a better means for change detection than a traditional pixel-based method because it provides an effective way to incorporate spatial information and expert knowledge into the change detection process. The overall accuracy of the change map produced by the object-based method was 90.0%, with Kappa statistic of 0.854, whereas the overall accuracy and Kappa statistic of that by the pixel-based method were 81.3% and 0.712, respectively.
ESP3: a high-level graphics language

Most graphics languages are composed of a primitive set of commands which allow for the creation and manipulation of graphical objects. These commands are generally at a low level, in that each command causes one operation to be performed. Often the commands are to subroutines embedded in an algorithmic language so that the arithmetic and control features of the higher level language may be used.ESP3 (Extended SNOBOL Picture Pattern Processor) is a new high-level graphics and pattern recognition language. ESP3 was designed in an effort to provide simple, natural, and efficient manipulation of line drawings. ESP3 differs from present graphics languages in the following ways:1) It provides a high-level method for picture construction. The evaluation of a picture expression (analagous to the SNOBOL4 string-valued expression) causes the construction of a picture.2) It provides extensive referencing facilities for naming and accessing points, subpictures, and attributes of pictures.3) It provides predicates for testing attributes of and relationships among pictures and points.4) It provides a means for defining picture patterns that describe classes of line drawings in much the same way that SNOBOL4 patterns describe classes of strings. Picture pattern matching is a built-in facility.ESP3 is based on the premise that structural descriptions are an essential part of both picture construction and pattern recognition. The concept of a structural description of a picture has its origin with the linguistic-approach to pattern recognition. In the linguistic approach, formal grammars are used as a mechanism for picture description. [Kirsch (1964), Narasimhan (1964, 1966,1970), Anderson (1968), Evans (1968), Miller and Shaw (1969), Fu and Swain (1971), Shaw (1970, 1972), Chien and Ribak (1972), Thomason and Gonzalez (1975)]. Stanton (1970) described a graphics language based on linguistic pattern recognition. ESP3 incorporates and extends many ideas from the above work, and includes all of the features of SNOBOL4 to provide a high-level graphics and pattern recognition language. Some suggested applications of ESP3 are the generation of graphical output, AI programs with imaging capabilities, pattern recognition systems, and scene analysis programs.This paper will describe picture construction and pattern recognition in ESP with emphasis on picture construction. Some tests performed with an experimental version of ESP3 will also be discussed. For a more detailed description of ESP3, see Shapiro (1974).
CREATIVITY NARRATIVES AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS: Sociability and Everyday Creativity

Despite foundations in early pragmatism,research on social patterning of creative action has been scarce in the multidisciplinary literature on creativity. We address this by exploring how students perceive their creative contributions to college life. By analyzing narratives, we find that the majority of creativity is associated with everyday experiences and social interactions,in contrast to a popular and scholarly focus on extraordinary individual achievement in domains like art and science. We also find strong trends in sociability as students negotiate both “where they stand” with regards to those around them as well as “how they stand out” as individuals.
Xiaoming Wang, Lawrence J. Flynn, and Mikael Fortelius. 2013. Fossil Mammals of Asia: Neogene Biostratigraphy and Chronology. Columbia University Press, New York, New York, 732 pp. ISBN-978-0-231-15012-5, price (hardbound), $99.50; ISBN-978-0-231-52082-9, price (e-book), $79.99

Xiaoming Wang, Lawrence J. Flynn, and Mikael Fortelius. 2013. Fossil Mammals of Asia: Neogene Biostratigraphy and Chronology. Columbia University Press, New York, New York, 732 pp. ISBN-978-0-231-15012-5, price (hardbound), $99.50; ISBN-978-0-231-52082-9, price (e-book), $79.99.
The separability of space and time: Dimensional interaction in the memory trace

The speeded-classification paradigm, adapted from the study of perceptual interactions, was used to examine interactions among features of the short-term memory trace. In each of four experiments, a trial began with the presentation of a pair of stimuli, each member of which occurred either first or second in time and above or below a fixation point. One of the two stimuli was then presented again, and the task was to classify its prior temporal (Experiments 1 and 3) or spatial (Experiments 2 and 4) position. The main question of interest asked whether subjects could selectively attend to one of these occurrence dimensions while ignoring irrelevant variation along the other. The results suggested that whereas subjects can selectively ignore temporal or spatial variation when no recall of the irrelevant dimension’s value is required, they suffer interference whenvalues on both dimensions must be remembered. The obtained patterns of interference are consistent with postperceptual interactions of the-spatial aridternporal components of the memory trace.
A comparison of three optimization methods for scheduling maintenance of high cost, long-lived capital assets

A range of minimization methods exist enabling planners to tackle tough scheduling problems. We compare three scheduling techniques representative of "old" or standard technologies, evolving technologies, and advanced technologies. The problem we address includes the complications of scheduling long-term upgrades and refurbishments essential to maintaining expensive capital assets. We concentrate on the costs of being able to do maintenance work. Using a standard technology as the baseline technique, constraint programming (CP) produces a 50-yr maintenance approach that is 31% less costly. Genetic programming produces an approach that is 60% less costly.
Review of station keeping strategies for elliptically orbiting constellations in along-track formation

Abstract Three techniques for station keeping an orbiting constellation of satellites in an elliptical orbit are developed: (1) based on an application of the linearized Tschauner–Hempel (TH) equations for the motion of a daughter satellite relative to a reference (mother) satellite together with the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control strategy which can be used in a piecewise adaptive manner; (2) since the mathematical model is inherently nonlinear and time varying, a control law based on a non-linear Lyapunov function is applied to daughter satellites’ osculating orbital elements; (3) by carefully selecting relative orbital design parameters so that the relative secular drifts due to the non-spherical Earth’s perturbation in the longitude of the ascending node, the argument of perigee and mean anomaly could vanish or be constrained to a desired value.
Speckle Reduction Using Multiple Tones of Illumination

The occurrence and smoothing of speckle are studied as a function of the line width for a highly collimated illuminating source. A general theory is presented for speckling in the image of a partially diffuse, phase type of object, which has a variable number of random scattering centers per resolution element. Then, an expression is derived for the wavelength spacing required to decouple the speckle patterns arising from two monochromatic tones in an imaging system, thereby establishing that it is feasible to smooth speckle using multicolor illumination. This theory is verified in a series of experiments using both laser illumination and band-limited light from a carbon arc. With highly collimated sources, we show that speckle appears laserlike for an imaged diffuser even up to line widths of 5 A. Then, smoothing of speckle is demonstrated in the imaging of a diffuser and for a section of an optic nerve when the illumination is provided by six narrow lines spread over 1500 A. Since with color-blind, panchromatic viewing the speckle smooths, a direct extension of this method to holographic microscopy, using a multitone laser, should permit one to record and reconstruct holograms of diffraction-limited resolution that are essentially speckle-free.
Sphere Decoding for Multiprocessor Architectures

Motivated by the need for high throughput sphere decoding for multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems, we propose a parallel depth-first sphere decoding (PDSD) algorithm that provides the advantages of both parallel processing and rapid search space reduction. The PDSD algorithm is designed for efficient implementation on programmable multi-processor platforms. We investigate the trade-off between the throughput and computation overhead when the number of processing elements is 2, 4 and 8, for a 4 × 4 16-QAM system across a wide range of SNR conditions. Through simulation, we show that PDSD can offer significant throughput improvement without incurring substantial computation overhead by selecting the appropriate number of processing elements according to specific SNR conditions.
Effect of Entry Timing and Salinity on Overwinter Growth of Sockeye Salmon Fry in Seawater

Abstract Groups of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka (approximately 2 g in weight) were introduced into seawater tanks at three distinct times: 3 weeks before the fall equinox, at the equinox, and 3 weeks after the equinox. All groups were reared for 8 months (September–May) in those tanks to determine the relative effects of seawater entry timing and salinity (20‰ and 30‰) on overwinter growth in seawater. The growth rates in all groups declined from more than 2% of body weight per day (BWD) to less than 0.5% of BWD following the equinox. Growth rates did not differ significantly between fish transferred to seawater before the autumnal equinox and those transferred after the equinox. Fish transferred to water with reduced salinity (20‰) had significantly better initial growth than those transferred directly to full-strength seawater (30‰) at the same time. This difference did not persist past the winter solstice, however. These data suggest that managers can successfully rear sockeye salmon fry as small ...
Studies on the Mode of Action of Calciferol. XXIX.Biochemical Characterization of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Receptors in Chick Pancreas and Kidney Cytosol*

Macromolecular cytoplasmic components which specifically bind the steroid hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [lα,25-(OH)2D3] were identified in rachitic chick pancreas and kidney. These receptors were very similar to the analogous 1α,25-(OH)2D3 receptors present in chick intestinal cytosol. Similar to the intestinal receptors, the cytoplasmic hormone macromolecular complex formed by the incubation of chick kidney or pancreas cytosol with tritiated hormone exhibited a sedimentation coefficient of 3.6S in 0.3-M KC1 sucrose gradients. The interaction of 1,25-(OH)2-[3H]D3 occurred at low concentrations of hormone (<10-8 M) and with high affinity [Kd = 4.0± 1 × 10-10 M at 4 C for the binding of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to pancreas cytosol receptor and 6.6 ± 2.7 × 10-10 M for kidney cytosol receptor]. The time course of association of lα,25-(OH)2D3 to kidney and pancreatic cytosol at 4 and 24 C was found to be similar to the time course of association of 1α,25-(OH)2D3 to intestinal cytosol. The concentration of the kidney r...
REST in good times and bad: roles in tumor suppressor and oncogenic activities.

The repressor element 1 (RE-1)-silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as the neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF), was originally discovered as a transcriptional repressor of a large number of primarily terminal neuronal differentiation genes in nonneuronal cells and neural stem cells (NSCs). Although REST is expressed in NSCs, its transcription is generally blocked as NSCs undergo differentiation, and it is rarely expressed in terminally differentiated neurons. In support of its function as a transcriptional repressor, REST was found to contain a DNA-binding domain and two repressor domains. The repressor domains were found to associate, directly or indirectly, with a large number of cellular repressor complexes. Thus, REST was considered a major epigenetic regulator controlling chromatin modification. However, REST is expressed in some differentiated neurons, and when bound to a double-stranded small RNA, REST was later found to also function as an activator of its same target neuronal d...
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: should it be first-line therapy?

Although much has changed in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) over the past 20 years, pharmacologic therapy still remains the principal means of treatment. h-Adrenergic blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and digoxin are used to slow the ventricular rate during AF. Warfarin and aspirin are used to decrease the stroke risk associated with AF. Class I (eg, propafenone, flecainide, disopyramide) and class III (eg, sotalol, dofetilide, amiodarone) antiarrhythmic drugs are used to decrease the frequency of recurrences of AF. Although these pharmacologic approaches are all relatively effective, there are significant limitations and risks of side effects. Rate control drugs frequently have associated nuisance side effects, such as fatigue, decreased exercise capacity, and sexual dysfunction, and may exacerbate bradyarrhythmias, heart failure, and obstructive lung disease. Pharmacologic approaches for rate control may also be ineffective for controlling rate during AF in up to 25% of patients. Warfarin is substantially more effective than either aspirin alone or the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel for prevention of strokes in patients with AF. Nonetheless, pooled data from prospective trials with warfarin demonstrate only a 65% reduction in stroke risk by intention-to-treat analysis. This lower than expected risk reduction is primarily related to the frequent discontinuation of warfarin because of concerns about bleeding risks and the difficulties maintaining patients in the relatively narrow therapeutic international normalized ratio range of 2 to 3. Based on pooled data from clinical trials, warfarin is associated with a 1% per patient-year risk of major bleeding and a 0.3% per patientyear risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. Accumulated over time; this represents a substantial risk to patients. The risks of anticoagulation therapy are even worse under more typical clinical circumstances (ie, outside of controlled clinical studies), where the risk of major bleeding may be as high as 12%. Perhaps most controversial is the use of class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs for suppression of AF recurrences.
Decision Neuroscience and Aging

Over the past several years, a subfield of the cognitive neuroscience of aging has emerged to investigate age differences in reward-based decision making across adulthood. The approach combines experimental methods, models, and theory from psychology, economics, and neuroscience to characterize age differences in decision making in the laboratory and in the real world. This chapter reviews what is presently known about how age differences in the structure and function of frontostriatal brain systems supporting reward-based decision making are related to age differences in sensitivity to monetary gains and losses, intertemporal decision making, risky decision making, and reward learning. Already this work has identified interesting divergent patterns across adulthood; in some situations, the elderly outperform young adults and in other situations they appear to make more mistakes. Taken together, the evidence suggests that older adults do well when making decisions that rely on accumulated life experience, and perform suboptimally in uncertain environments that require the fluid integration of novel information.
The potential benefits of multi_modal social interaction on the web for senior users

The Internet has become a key factor in today's society for improving lifestyles, from entertainment to obtaining every day life necessities. Despite this, most seniors hesitate to use the Internet. As a result, there is a lower growth rate in Internet usage among seniors compared to those of younger populations. In this research, a web interface using a virtual conversational agent has been designed to address the problems of existing web interfaces; especially e-commerce sites. Data from a comparative study between an avatar design and a traditional design for a web-based retail store has been collected and analyzed. The results support the avatar design over a traditional web design; however, in some cases, the evidence collected showed no statistical significance.
Characterization of the Adeno-Associated Virus 1 and 6 Sialic Acid Binding Site

ABSTRACT The adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), which are being developed as gene delivery vectors, display differential cell surface glycan binding and subsequent tissue tropisms. For AAV serotype 1 (AAV1), the first viral vector approved as a gene therapy treatment, and its closely related AAV6, sialic acid (SIA) serves as their primary cellular surface receptor. Toward characterizing the SIA binding site(s), the structure of the AAV1-SIA complex was determined by X-ray crystallography to 3.0 A. Density consistent with SIA was observed in a pocket located at the base of capsid protrusions surrounding icosahedral 3-fold axes. Site-directed mutagenesis substitution of the amino acids forming this pocket with structurally equivalent residues from AAV2, a heparan sulfate binding serotype, followed by cell binding and transduction assays, further mapped the critical residues conferring SIA binding to AAV1 and AAV6. For both viruses five of the six binding pocket residues mutated (N447S, V473D, N500E, T502S, and W503A) abolished SIA binding, whereas S472R increased binding. All six mutations abolished or decreased transduction by at least 50% in AAV1. Surprisingly, the T502S substitution did not affect transduction efficiency of wild-type AAV6. Furthermore, three of the AAV1 SIA binding site mutants—S472R, V473D, and N500E—escaped recognition by the anti-AAV1 capsid antibody ADK1a. These observations demonstrate that common key capsid surface residues dictate both virus binding and entry processes, as well as antigenic reactivity. This study identifies an important functional capsid surface “hot spot” dictating receptor attachment, transduction efficiency, and antigenicity which could prove useful for vector engineering. IMPORTANCE The adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector gene delivery system has shown promise in several clinical trials and an AAV1-based vector has been approved as the first gene therapy treatment. However, limitations still exist with respect to transduction efficiency and the detrimental effects of preexisting host antibodies. This study aimed to identify key capsid regions which can be engineered to overcome these limitations. A sialic glycan receptor recognition pocket was identified in AAV1 and its closely related AAV6, using X-ray crystallography. The site was confirmed by mutagenesis followed by cell binding and transduction assays. Significantly, residues controlling gene expression efficiency, as well as antibody escape variants, were also identified. This study thus provides, at the amino acid level, information for rational structural engineering of AAV vectors with improved therapeutic efficacy.
Estimating the Potential Impact of Tobacco Control Policies on Adverse Maternal and Child Health Outcomes in the United States Using the SimSmoke Tobacco Control Policy Simulation Model.

Introduction Numerous studies document the causal relationship between prenatal smoking and adverse maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. Studies also reveal the impact that tobacco control policies have on prenatal smoking. The purpose of this study is to estimate the effect of tobacco control policies on prenatal smoking prevalence and adverse MCH outcomes. Methods The US SimSmoke simulation model was extended to consider adverse MCH outcomes. The model estimates prenatal smoking prevalence and, applying standard attribution methods, uses estimates of MCH prevalence and relative smoking risks to estimate smoking-attributable MCH outcomes over time. The model then estimates the effect of tobacco control policies on adverse birth outcomes averted. Results Different tobacco control policies have varying impacts on the number of smoking-attributable adverse MCH birth outcomes. Higher cigarette taxes and comprehensive marketing bans individually have the biggest impact with a 5% to 10% reduction across all outcomes for the period from 2015 to 2065. The policies with the lowest impact (2%-3% decrease) during this period are cessation treatment, health warnings, and complete smoke-free laws. Combinations of all policies with each tax level lead to 23% to 28% decreases across all outcomes. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate the substantial impact of strong tobacco control policies for preventing adverse MCH outcomes, including long-term health implications for children exposed to low birth weight and preterm birth. These benefits are often overlooked in discussions of tobacco control.
Effects of chlorpromazine and d-lysergic acid diethylamide on sex behavior of male rats.

Summary and ConclusionsEffects of chlorpromazine and LSD-25 on sex behavior of 12 male albino rats were studied. Chlorpromazine at 2.5 mg/kg injected 30 minutes before trial and LSD at both 200 γ/kg and 130 γ/ kg injected 5 minutes before trial, reduced the number of copulations preceding ejaculation. Reduction in number of copulations by LSD did not follow the pattern of tolerance described for impairment of rope-climbing by LSD. Rate of copulation on the first trial that chlorpromazine was given was significantly slowed.
Pesticide Drift: Deposit Efficiency from Ground Sprays on Cotton

Total spray deposits from high-clearance ground applications of DDT to cotton were measured by: (1) extracting row segments of entire cotton stalks and (2) collecting that spray which fell through the canopy to the soil. In short cotton (29 in. height) 39% of the spray were deposited on the plants and 34% fell to the soil, or a total of 73% deposited on target; in rank cotton (49 in. height) 83% were deposited on plants and 6% on soil, totaling 89% on target. These rates of deposit from ground application are much higher than from the usual aerial applications.