cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Space, self, and the theater of consciousness

Over a decade ago, I introduced a large-scale theory of the cognitive brain which explained for the first time how the human brain is able to create internal models of its intimate world and invent models of a wider universe. An essential part of the theoretical model is an organization of neuronal mechanisms which I have named the Retinoid Model [Trehub, A. (1977). Neuronal models for cognitive processes: Networks for learning, perception and imagination. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 65, 141-169; Trehub, A. (1991). The Cognitive Brain: MIT Press]. This hypothesized brain system has structural and dynamic properties enabling it to register and appropriately integrate disparate foveal stimuli into a perspectival, egocentric representation of an extended 3D world scene including a neuronally tokened locus of the self which, in this theory, is the neuronal origin of retinoid space. As an integral part of the larger neuro-cognitive model, the retinoid system is able to perform many other useful perceptual and higher cognitive functions. In this paper, I draw on the hypothesized properties of this system to argue that neuronal activity within the retinoid structure constitutes the phenomenal content of consciousness and the unique sense of self that each of us experiences.
Certification: It Does Matter

The debate on certification requirements is flourishing in several states. Within the context of the debate is the assumption that a positive relationship exists between certification and teaching effectiveness. Although this assumption may be valid, the relationship is yet to be firmly established empirically. In this study, the authors examine the relation ship between mathematics teacher certi fication and teaching effectiveness. They report a positive relationship between the two variables and make suggestions for further study.
Using visual codes for comparisons of pictures

In two experiments, Ss indicated for a series of trials whether or not two pictures of common objects had the same name (a positive or negative response, respectively). The pictures were separated by one of three interstimulus intervals (ISis), and reaction time (RT) was recorded. In Experiment I, positive trials involved pictures that were identical (identity match), mirror images (mirror match), or physically different but had the same name (name match). The stimuli came from either an S set, in which name-match pairs were physically similar, or a D set, in which name-match pairs were physically dissimilar. The mean RTs for mirror and identity matches were virtually the same but faster than name-match RTs, an advantage that decreased with increasing ISI. It was expected that name-match RT for the S set would be less than for the D set, indicating a facilitative effect of physical similarity; however, the identity-match RTs showed the expected difference. These results were extended in Experiment II, which involved only the identity and name matches, in pure sessions (which included positive trials of just one type) or mixed sessions (which included both types of positive trials). For mixed sessions, name- as well as identity-match RTs differed between the S and D sets. These results provide evidence for the use of visual codes in comparing nonidentical pictures, codes that apparently vary with experimental context and task demands.
Myocardin-related transcription factors control the motility of epicardium-derived cells and the maturation of coronary vessels

An important pool of cardiovascular progenitor cells arises from the epicardium, a single layer of mesothelium lining the heart. Epicardium-derived progenitor cell (EPDC) formation requires epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the subsequent migration of these cells into the sub-epicardial space. Although some of the physiological signals that promote EMT are understood, the functional mediators of EPDC motility and differentiation are not known. Here, we identify a novel regulatory mechanism of EPDC mobilization. Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A and MRTF-B (MKL1 and MKL2, respectively) are enriched in the perinuclear space of epicardial cells during development. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling and disassembly of cell contacts leads to nuclear accumulation of MRTFs and the activation of the motile gene expression program. Conditional ablation of Mrtfa and Mrtfb specifically in the epicardium disrupts cell migration and leads to sub-epicardial hemorrhage, partially stemming from the depletion of coronary pericytes. Using lineage-tracing analyses, we demonstrate that sub-epicardial pericytes arise from EPDCs in a process that requires the MRTF-dependent motile gene expression program. These findings provide novel mechanisms linking EPDC motility and differentiation, shed light on the transcriptional control of coronary microvascular maturation and suggest novel therapeutic strategies to manipulate epicardium-derived progenitor cells for cardiac repair.
Search engine case study: searching the web using genetic programming and MPI

Abstract The generation of a Web page follows distinct sources for the incorporation of information. The earliest format of these sources was an organized display of known information determined by the page designers' interest and/or design parameters. The sources may have been published in books or other printed literature, or disseminated as general information about the page designer. Due to a growth in Web pages, several new search engines have been developed in addition to the refinement of the already existing ones. The use of the refined search engines, however, still produces an array of diverse information when the same set of keywords are used in a Web search. Some degree of consistency in the search results can be achieved over a period of time when the same search engine is used, yet, most initial Web searches on a given topic are treated as final after some form of refinement/adjustment of the keywords used in the search process. To determine the applicability of a genetic programming (GP) model for the diverse set of Web documents, search strategies behind the current search engines for the World Wide Web were studied. The development of a GP model resulted in a parallel implementation of a pseudo-search engine indexer simulator. The training sets used in this study provided a small snapshot of the computational effort required to index Web documents accurately and efficiently. Future results will be used to develop and implement Web crawler mechanisms that are capable of assessing the scope of this research effort. The GP model results were generated on a network of SUN workstations and an IBM SP2.
Where Are the Female Coaches

There have great participation gains in the number of female student-athletes since the enactment of Title IX 43 years ago, but we have not seen similar growth in leadership opportunities on the coaching and administrative fronts. This article analyses the current trends and reasons behind the dwindling number of female coaches.
Effect of agricultural policy on regional income inequality among farm households

Abstract Policymakers are under constant pressure to alleviate financial stress, mainly associated with farm business income, on farm households through government farm program payments. The 1996 FAIR Act signaled the end of these payments and Congress decided that agricultural policy should be more market oriented. Using the Gini coefficient concept and a large farm-level dataset, this study investigates the impact of government payments on income inequality among farm households in nine farming resource regions of the U.S. Results indicate that distribution of income among farm households in the Fruitful Rim region was above the level of dispersion for all U.S. farm households; however, income inequality in the Heartland region was below the level of dispersion for all U.S. farm households. Finally, income from government farm programs helped reduce total income inequality in the Heartland and Northern Great Plains regions, while income from off-farm wages and/or salaries played an important role in reducing total income inequality in Basin and Range and Fruitful Rim regions of the U.S. farm sector.
Composition-dependent hydrogen motion in a random alloy, VxNb1-xH0.2: From localized motion at V atoms to long-range hydrogen diffusion.

Proton spin-lattice relaxation times (${T}_{1}$) measured for the first time across a random transition-metal alloy system, ${\mathrm{V}}_{\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$${\mathrm{H}}_{0.2}$, from 100 to 700 K reveal (a) a suppression of hydride phase precipitation at low temperatures accompanied by enhanced retention of hydrogen in the solid-solution (\ensuremath{\alpha}) phase compared to pure V or Nb, (b) hydrogen motion in the \ensuremath{\alpha} phase at intermediate compositions governed by a distribution of activation energies, and (c) a transition to short, almost temperature-independent, ${T}_{1}$ behavior in \ensuremath{\alpha}-${\mathrm{V}}_{0.1}$${\mathrm{Nb}}_{0.9}$${\mathrm{N}}_{0.2}$ consistent with localized hydrogen motion around attracting V atoms.
904-52 Verapamil Therapy in Infants with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The safety and efficacy of verapamil therapy in infants with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was prospectively evaluated in 17 children presenting at age 2 days to 1 year (median 3.5 months) with primary HCM (asymmetric or regional hypertrophy excluding infants of diabetic mothers, and metabolic disorders). Acute response to intravenous verapamil infusion was assessed during cardiac catheterization. Effects of chronic therapy were assessed by clinical, echocardiographic, and Holter monitor evaluation. At presentation, 10 of 17 were symptomatic (7 congestive heart failure, 4 cyanosis, 1 arrhythmia, 1 apnea). Three cases were diagnosed on prenatal ultrasound. There was a positive family history in 7/15,16/17 had murmurs, all had abnormal ECGs, 6 had weight g 5%ile, and 2 had Noonan's syndrome. Acute verapamil infusion was well tolerated by all, without adverse electrophysiologic effects. Hemodynamic effects of verapamil were consistent with a negative inotropic effect with a significant fall in cardiac index (4.6 ± 1.2 to 4.0 ± 0.7 l/min/m 2 ), no change in end-diastolic pressure (15 ± 8 mmHg before to 15 ± 6 mmHg after), and a small fall in systolic blood pressure (mean -7 mmHg). In the 8 patients with LV outflow obstruction, the LV to aortic gradient decreased by -18 mmHg mean (range +1 to -45). Followup is not available in 1 of 17 patients. Two patients underwent surgery for subaortic stenosis. During 1 to 116 months (mean 32 months) of oral verapamil therapy, two patients died (one sudden, one after cardiac transplant). The sudden death occurred during Holter monitoring and appeared unrelated to verapamil. Complete heart block was seen transiently in one but other significant electrophysiologic side effects were not observed. Among the 14 survivors with followup, 6 are clinically and echocardiographically improved, 8 are stable, and none have had clinical deterioration or worsening disease on echocardiography. Echocardiographically, LV outflow obstruction decreased in 8/10 patients, remained unchanged in 1, and increased in the patient who subsequently underwent cardiac transplantation. Two patients have had complete resolution of hypertrophy on echocardiogram. We found that verapamil was well tolerated in infants with HCM without evidence of adverse effects and outcome was considerably better in these patients compared with prior reports. Resolution of hypertrophy in some patients suggests that either reversal of the phenotypic expression of this disorder is possible or else clinical and echocardiographic criteria may result in misdiagnosis.
Intramolecular 1,3-diyl trapping reactions. Use of a diylophile directly linked to the diyl. Preparation of bicyclic furans

The chemistry of diazenes 1-3, each of which possesses a diylophile directly linked by a CC bond to a latent 1,3-diyl, was investigated. Each undergoes a loss of nitrogen and conversion to products 4-6 respectively.
Apoptosis induction and interferon signaling but not IFN-β promoter induction by an SV5 P/V mutant are rescued by coinfection with wild-type SV5

Abstract Infection of human cells with the paramyxovirus simian virus 5 (SV5) results in minimal cytopathic effect, and host interferon (IFN) and apoptotic pathways are not activated. We have previously shown that an rSV5 containing six naturally occurring P/V gene substitutions (rSV5-P/V-CPI−) displays premature and elevated expression of viral RNA and protein. In addition, cells infected with rSV5-P/V-CPI− show induction of the IFN-β promoter as well as activation of IFN signaling and apoptotic pathways. In this article, we have tested the hypothesis that rSV5-WT can supply trans -acting factors that prevent host cell antiviral responses induced by rSV5-P/V-CPI−. During coinfection of human A549 cells, rSV5-WT blocked cell rounding, loss of cell volume, and DNA fragmentation induced by rSV5-P/V-CPI−, three later events in the apoptotic pathway, but was not able to block the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ m ), an early event in the cell death process. As expected, IFN signaling was blocked during coinfections, and this was attributed to the loss of STAT1 induced by the rSV5-WT V protein. Surprisingly, simultaneous infection with rSV5-WT could not suppress the activation of the IFN-β promoter by rSV5-P/V-CPI− infection. However, the IFN-β promoter was not activated in cells that were first preinfected for 1 h with rSV5-WT and then subsequently infected with rSV5-P/V-CPI−. A model is proposed for activation of host responses to infection with the rSV5-P/V-CPI− mutant and the steps that are blocked by rSV5-WT.
A comparison of methods for determining wear volumes and surface parameters of spherically tipped sliders

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate some of the methods of determining the wear volume and geometric surface parameters of a scar resulting from sliding either a sphere or spherically tipped pin on a nominally flat surface. There are several broad classes of methods for making this type of measurement. In this paper we will briefly describe these classes in general and then use abrasive wear data to illustrate three specific techniques in detail: two-dimensional analysis, done either manually or with an image analyzer; three-dimensional analysis where the X, Y, Z points came from a stylus-type profiling instrument; three-dimensional analysis where the X, Y, Z points were estimated from a two-dimensional projection obtained from a specially programmed image analyzer.
Flexible FPGA-based parallel architecture for identification of repetitive sequences in interleaved pulse trains

The poster presents a novel and flexible architecture for deinterleaving combined pulse trains. Deinterleaving an interlaced pulse train arises in various areas of signal processing applications. Most of these applications require the identification of the main characteristics of pulse trains such as frequency. So far, most of the suggested algorithms for solving this problem are restricted to problems with several limiting assumptions. However, our design solves deinterleaving problem in a more general case by considering all the disturbing conditions such as jitter, dropped pulses, arbitrary start and end points, and a few number of existing pulses from one pulse train available. We used a modified version of sequential search for designing a parallel solution for deinterleaving problem. The proposed architecture utilized parallelism in order to achieve the best possible combination of accuracy and performance. This architecture employs several parameters in order to gain the desirable combination of accuracy, speed, memory usage and number of processing elements. Based on the situation and the value of disrupting stimulus, these parameters can be fixed to achieve the best possible trade-off between the major resource concerns. Simplicity and versatility of implementation on FPGA is one of the major points considered in this proposed architecture. Furthermore, FPGA infrastructure provides a convenient platform for implementing substantial parallel processing cores with arbitrary interconnections. On the other hand, considering the FPGA resource limitations, the total amount of available time and memory, we can fix the main parameters of this architecture to attain the best balance. Implementation of the architecture on a Xilinx Virtex-II FPGA and also analytical estimations show that the major concern for achieving the best accuracy is the limit on the total number of processing elements, not the amount of memory. This implies that we can gain more improvement in the accuracy in comparison to the amount of improvement in the speed
Online outlier detection for data streams

Outlier detection is a well established area of statistics but most of the existing outlier detection techniques are designed for applications where the entire dataset is available for random access. A typical outlier detection technique constructs a standard data distribution or model and identifies the deviated data points from the model as outliers. Evidently these techniques are not suitable for online data streams where the entire dataset, due to its unbounded volume, is not available for random access. Moreover, the data distribution in data streams change over time which challenges the existing outlier detection techniques that assume a constant standard data distribution for the entire dataset. In addition, data streams are characterized by uncertainty which imposes further complexity. In this paper we propose an adaptive, online outlier detection technique addressing the aforementioned characteristics of data streams, called Adaptive Outlier Detection for Data Streams (A-ODDS), which identifies outliers with respect to all the received data points as well as temporally close data points. The temporally close data points are selected based on time and change of data distribution. We also present an efficient and online implementation of the technique and a performance study showing the superiority of A-ODDS over existing techniques in terms of accuracy and execution time on a real-life dataset collected from meteorological applications.
Improvised nuclear device case study: An analytic framework for disaster management

Reducing the casualties of catastrophic terrorist attacks requires an understanding of weapons of mass destruction effects, infrastructure damage, atmospheric dispersion, and health effects. The Federal Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation provides the strategy for response to an improvised nuclear device detonation. The supporting science developed by national laboratories and other technical organizations for this document significantly improves our understanding of the hazards posed by such an event. Detailed fallout predictions from the advanced suite of three-dimensional meteorology and plume/fallout models developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, including extensive global geographical and realtime meteorological databases to support model calculations, are a key part of response planning. This presentation describes the methodology and results to date, including visualization aids developed for response organizations. These products have greatly enhanced the community planning process through first-person points of view and description of the dynamic nature of the event.
Reefer madness? Assessing the effects of cannabinoids with a less jaundiced eye.

CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonism: a new strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Teixeira-Clerc F, Julien B, Grenard P, Tran Van Nhieu J, Deveaux V, Li L, Serriere-Lanneau V, Ledent C, Mallat A, Lotersztajn S. Hepatic fibrosis, the common response associated with chronic liver diseases, ultimately leads to cirrhosis, a major public health problem worldwide. We recently showed that activation of hepatic cannabinoid CB2 receptors limits progression of experimental liver fibrosis. We also found that during the course of chronic hepatitis C, daily cannabis use is an independent predictor of fibrosis progression. Overall, these results suggest that endocannabinoids may drive both CB2-mediated antifibrogenic effects and CB2-independent profibrogenic effects. Here we investigated whether activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (encoded by Cnr1) promotes progression of fibrosis. CB1 receptors were highly induced in human cirrhotic samples and in liver fibrogenic cells. Treatment with the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A decreased the wound-healing response to acute liver injury and inhibited progression of fibrosis in three models of chronic liver injury. We saw similar changes in Cnr1−/− mice as compared to wild-type mice. Genetic or pharmacological inactivation of CB1 receptors decreased fibrogenesis by lowering hepatic transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and reducing accumulation of fibrogenic cells in the liver after apoptosis and growth inhibition of hepatic myofibroblasts. In conclusion, our study shows that CB1 receptor antagonists hold promise for the treatment of liver fibrosis. [Abstract reproduced by permission of Nat Med 2006;12:671–676]
Martian Wave of Darkening: A Frost Phenomenon?

A new hypothesis attributes the Martian "wave of darkening" to soil frost phenomena. Diurnal thawing and freezing of the ground, which uses moisture transported by the atmosphere from the melting polar cap, can produce various minute, frost-heaved, soil surface features. These microrelief features result in a complex porous surface structure, which causes optical darkening. The boundary at which the wave of darkening terminates on the winter hemisphere correlates with the latitude at which the diurnal peak surface temperature drops below 0°C. The hypothesis is examined in terms of known properties of the Martian atmosphere and surface and the availability of water.
Use of Kinin in breaking Rest in Buds of Vitis vinifera

KININS, auxins, and gibberellins are now recognized as constituting the three main classes of plant hormones. Kinins have been shown to be involved in cell division and enlargement, shoot initiation, bud elongation, leaf growth, and possibly root growth1,2. Kinins also are known to extend the after-harvest life and freshness of vegetables3. Kinetin (6-furfurylaminopurine) has been shown to promote germination of seeds of lettuce4, tobacco5, and certain other plants1. I am aware of no report of a kinin breaking the rest period in a woody plant.
Multispectral Imaging in Combustion Analysis

Optical techniques employing a variety of light scattering mechanisms and detection strategies are important tools for studying combustion. Developments in lasers and detectors have enabled increasingly detailed measurements in these complex systems.
The Postsecondary Educational Progress of Youth From Immigrant Families

Approximately 650 youth from a variety of ethnic and generational backgrounds participated in a longitudinal study of the postsecondary educational experiences of youth from immigrant families. Youth completed questionnaires and provided official school records in the 12th grade and participated in a phone interview 3 years later. Youth from immigrant families demonstrated the same level of postsecondary educational progress as their peers from American-born families across a broad array of indicators. In addition, youth from immigrant families were more likely to support their families financially, and some were more likely to live with their parents as compared with those from American-born families. Variability among those from immigrant families suggested that youth from families with higher incomes, higher levels of parental education, and East Asian backgrounds were more likely to enroll and persist in postsecondary schooling as compared with their peers.
The control of geometric form in lead chloride crystals for the production of characteristic profile angles. Application to the identification of lead

By varying the molarity of hydrochloric acid, it has been found possible to obtain PbCl2 in different geometric forms. The profile angles may serve as constants for the identification of lead.
NLS Advanced Development - Launch operations

Attention is given to Autonomous Launch Operations (ALO), one of a number of the USAF's National Launch System (NLS) Launch Operations projects whose aim is to research, develop and apply new technologies and more efficient approaches toward launch operations. The goal of the ALO project is to develop generic control and monitor software for launch operation subsystems. The result is enhanced reliability of system design, and reduced software development and retention of expert knowledge throughout the life-cycle of the system.
Differentiation of human neuroblastoma cells in culture

Modulation of a membrane glycoprotein, approximate molecular weight 200,000, in concert with active ionic flux has been shown in a human neuroblastoma cell line. The modulating agent was 2% dimethyl sulfoxide. Other neuronal properties, acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase, were also modulated but to a lesser extent. The appearance of this glycoprotein on the surface of both human and mouse neuroblastoma cells only under conditions of differentiation leads to the suggestion that it is directly involved with the active Na+ channels.
Food Microbiology and Safety

Coverage of original research on foodborne pathogens, pathogenesis, risk assessment, spoilage, fermentation, preservation, microbial growth/inactivation, biotechnology, and methods
Reducing the risk of becoming a victim of terrorism while on international business assignments

This article presents an experiential exercise on how a businessperson, engaged in foreign travel, can decrease the risk of becoming an easy victim of terrorism or crime. This exercise provides an introduction to those unfamiliar with international travel security issues to identify the vulnerabilities that could be exploited by terrorists and, then, to develop a plan to diminish such threats. A quiz and expert answers are included as part of the exercise to bolster participants' depth of analysis and their understanding of how to avoid becoming a victim of a terrorist act.
Hyperinflation and Intrinsic Positive End-Expiratory Pressure: Less Room to Breathe

Clinically, the symptoms and limited exercise capabilities of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) correlate better with changes in lung volumes than with airflow measurements. T
Suppression of Proinflammatory Signal Transduction and Gene Expression by the Dual Nucleic Acid Binding Domains of the Vaccinia Virus E3L Proteins

Cells have evolved elaborate mechanisms to counteract the onslaught of viral infections. To activate these defenses, the viral threat must be recognized. Danger signals, or pathogen-associated molecular patterns, that are induced by pathogens include double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), viral single-stranded RNA, glycolipids, and CpG DNA. Understanding the signal transduction pathways activated and host gene expression induced by these danger signals is vital to understanding virus-host interactions. The vaccinia virus E3L protein is involved in blocking the host antiviral response and increasing pathogenesis, functions that map to separate C-terminal dsRNA- and N-terminal Z-DNA-binding domains. Viruses containing mutations in these domains allow modeling of the role of dsRNA and Z-form nucleic acid in the host response to virus infection. Deletions in the Z-DNA- or dsRNA-binding domains led to activation of signal transduction cascades and up-regulation of host gene expression, with many genes involved in the inflammatory response. These data suggest that poxviruses actively inhibit cellular recognition of viral danger signals and the subsequent cellular response to the viral threat.
A model system for examining the radial distribution function

The radial distribution function provides a means of characterizing an amorphous material and is a measure of the spatial distribution of a system of particles. We introduce an experiment suitable for the undergraduate laboratory that illustrates the meaning and application of the radial distribution function to a two-dimensional system of hard spheres comprised of varying area fractions. Larger area fractions lead to an increase in the correlation length and the magnitude of the underlying particle–particle correlations.
Actigraphy Reliability with Normal Sleepers

Introduction: Actigraphy has gained popularity as an objective method for measuring sleep in a home setting. We evaluated whether missing data affects the utility of actigraphy for the measurement of sleep parameters in normal sleepers. Methods: We evaluated actigraphy data from 60 normal sleepers who participated in a study of the effects of changes in setting on sleep. Participants were asked to wear a Mini Mitter Actiwatch actigraph for 35 days and to use event markers to record bedtime and arising time. Counts of nights on which participants failed to supply usable data were computed using the following criteria: missing nights, missing bedtime markers, missing arising time markers, and multiple markers supplied at bedtime or arising time. A night on which any of these problems occurred was counted as unscorable. Results: We evaluated a total of 2,100 nights, of which 559 (27%) nights were deemed unscorable due to missing data. Missing markers at bedtime (206) and arising time (172) accounted for the ...
Antigenic analysis of the surface glycoproteins of a Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (TC-83) using monoclonal antibodies

Abstract Splenic lymphocytes from BALB/c mice immunized with the TC-83 vaccine strain of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEE) were fused to the nonsecreting myeloma cell line Sp2/0-Ag 14. Fusion products were screened for antibody synthesis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with purified TC-83 virus. Antigenic specificity of cloned hybridoma cells was determined by ELISA or radioimmune precipitation using purified E2 (gp56), El (gp50), and capsid. Antibodies were charcterized by chromatography on protein A-Sepharose and by isoelectric focusing. Analysis of antigenic epitopes by cross-reactivity panels using closely related VEE strains and competitive binding assays indicated the presence of three epitopes on the gp56 and four epitopes on the gp50. Close spatial arrangement of gp56 and gp50 in the native virion could be demonstrated. The biologic functions of hemagglutination and virus neutralization were primarily associated with only one antigenic epitope present on the gp56.
Ion-assisted deposition of lanthanum fluoride thin films

Ion-assisted deposition has been used to deposit lanthanum fluoride thin films with near-unity film packing densities and no significant increase in absorption. Rutherford backscattering analysis has determined the effect of ion bombardment on the film stoichiometries including the degree of fluorine deficiency. Oxygen atoms or compounds appear to occupy most of the available anion vacancies if sufficient oxygen is available in the ion beam or the residual atmosphere.
Serum apolipoprotein C-III is independently associated with chronic hepatitis C infection and advanced fibrosis.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is known to disrupt lipid metabolism, making serum lipoprotein levels good candidates to explore as markers of HCV disease progression. Assessment of the major apolipoproteins (Apo) and their relationship to hepatic fibrosis remain largely unexplored. We compared the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and Apo A-I, -B, -C-III, and -E between patients with cleared versus active infection (n = 83), and between those chronically infected patients (n = 216) with advanced versus mild–moderate hepatic fibrosis (METAVIR stage F3–4 vs. F0–2) using multiple logistic regression. Apo C-III levels were 25% higher in subjects with cleared infection versus those with active infection (p = 0.009). Low levels of Apo C-III (p = 1.3 × 10−5), Apo A-I (p = 2.9 × 10−5), total cholesterol (p = 5.0 × 10−4), LDL-C (p = 0.005), and HDL-C (p = 2.0 × 10−4) were associated with advanced fibrosis in univariate analyses. Multivariable analysis revealed Apo C-III as the most significant factor associated with advanced fibrosis (p = 0.0004), followed by age (p = 0.013) and Apo A-I (p = 0.022). Inclusion of both Apo C-III and Apo A-I in a model to predict advanced fibrosis improved the area under the receiver operator curve only modestly. Relative to other lipoproteins, low serum Apo C-III levels are the most strongly associated with chronic versus cleared infection and decline with increasing severity of hepatic fibrosis. Apo C-III deserves further attention as a possible marker of HCV disease progression.
Prephonatory Chest Wall Posturing in Stutterers

The possibility that prephonatory chest wall posturing is abnormal in stutterers was explored by observing rib cage and abdominal hemicircumference changes during the interval between the presentat...
Thalamic inhibition by thalamic stimulation

Exploration of unit activity in the immediate vicinity of a thalamic stimulating electrode revealed that a considerable proportion of cells is silenced by an electrical stimulus. Therefore, the view that excitation is the effect of electrical stimulation of a brain structure like the thalamus may be a misleading over-simplification.
Sub-Doppler Diode Laser Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy of Barium in a Low-Pressure Graphite Furnace

As a first step toward developing an optical isotope abundance measurement technique, sub-Doppler saturated absorption spectroscopy has been demonstrated by using a scanning diode laser as a tunable light source and a low-pressure graphite furnace for sample atomization. Spectral linewidths were reduced by a factor of 49 from the pressure-broadened, Doppler-limited value of 2.8 GHz to 57 MHz. This reduction in linewidths was accompanied by a 60- fold increase in detection limits, mainly due to increased loss of analyte through rapid diffusion at the low pressure used to minimize collisional broadening. Some residual homogeneous broadening was observed, which is primarily attributed to laser power broadening.
Rearing Methods and Biology of the Lesser Peach Tree Borer, Synanthedon pictipes, in the Laboratory

A laboratory method for continuous rearing of Synanthedon pictipes (Grote & Robinson) is described. Mating was accomplished in a specially designed chamber. After mating, females were placed in individual oviposition cups for 0 days. Eggs produced were transferred to larval rearing trays containing small apples. Adult emergence began about 40 days after egg hatch. Observations on the biology of the insect and preliminary results obtained with a semisynthetic diet are reported.
A Drosophila G-protein alpha subunit, Gf alpha, expressed in a spatially and temporally restricted pattern during Drosophila development.

Abstract Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) couple receptors for extracellular signals to intracellular second messenger-generating systems. Previous studies have shown that G-protein alpha subunits (G alpha) are expressed in a spatially and temporally restricted manner during Drosophila embryogenesis and, thus, may be responsible for mediating developmental interactions. We have used the polymerase chain reaction to search for specific G alpha subunits that function primarily during development and not in the adult fly. Using poly(A)+ RNA isolated from early pupae (day 1), we have isolated a cDNA coding for a fly G alpha subunit, designated Gf alpha. This subunit is 30-38% identical to previously described vertebrate and Drosophila G alpha subunits and appears to define an additional family of G alpha proteins. Gf alpha transcripts are expressed primarily during embryonic, larval, and early pupal stages and only at low levels in adult flies. In situ hybridization studies indicate that Gf alpha transcripts are expressed maternally and later during embryogenesis primarily in the developing midgut and transiently in the amnioserosa. The Gf alpha gene has been characterized and mapped to position 73B of the Drosophila genome.
Women, and the comparative study of American Negro slavery

(1985). Women, and the comparative study of American Negro slavery. Slavery & Abolition: Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 25-40.
Goal-directed attentional deployment to emotional faces and individual differences in emotional regulation

Abstract This study investigated whether goal-directed attentional deployment to emotional faces serves as an effective mechanism for emotion regulation and whether individual differences in this ability predicts more effective emotion regulation. Undergraduate participants ( N = 109) performed the dot-probe task under stress and were given either a goal to focus their attention on happy faces and avoid angry faces or no attentional goal. Participants given this goal reported nearly three times less frustration in reaction to a stressful anagram task compared to those not given this goal. In addition, those with a greater ability to focus on happy faces and avoid angry faces persisted significantly longer on a stressful anagram task. Trait anxiety did not moderate these effects. These findings have important implications for theories of emotion regulation and anxiety-related attentional biases. Training goal-directed attentional deployment holds considerable promise for future research on developing effective emotion regulation techniques.
Transport-controlled kinetics of dissolution and precipitation in the sediments under alkaline and saline conditions

Abstract Over 1.6 million liters of radioactive, high-temperature, Al-rich, alkaline and saline high-level waste (HLW) fluids were accidentally discharged from tank leaks onto the sediments at the Hanford Site, Washington. In order to better understand processes that might occur during the migration of HLW through sediments and to estimate their extents, we studied the effects of Al-rich, alkaline and saline solutions on soil mineral dissolution and precipitation during reactive transport. Metal- and glass-free systems were used to conduct miscible-displacement experiments at 50 °C under CO2 and O2 free conditions. Results showed significant release of Si, K, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, and Ba into the aqueous phase. The transport-controlled release of these elements was time dependent as evidenced by its extent varying with the fluid residence time. Silica initial dissolution rates (6.08 × 10-11 and 5.38 × 10-13 mol m-2 s-1) increased with base concentration, decreased with Al concentration, and decreased with fluid residence time. Aluminum precipitation rates varied in the range from 0.44 to 1.07 × 10-6 mol s-1 and were faster in these column experiments than in previous batch studies. The initial rate constant of Al precipitation reaction was 0.07 h-1 (half-life of 9.9 h at about 3 PV); it increased up to 0.137 h-1 (half-life of 5.1 h at about 20 PV). The precipitates identified with SEM and suggested from the modeling results were mainly NO3-cancrinite. SEM analyses also indicated the formation of sodalite when Al was not present in the leaching solution. In addition, results from modeling suggested the precipitation of brucite, goethite and gibbsite; the latter may precipitate in the presence of high Al concentrations. Aqueous and solid phase transformations caused by base-induced dissolution and subsequent secondary phases precipitation should be important determinants of the fate of contaminants and radionuclides in the vadose zone under alkaline and saline conditions.
Test Analysis and Calculation of Polyphase Hysteresis Motors

This paper presents a method of analyzing hysteresis motors for their parameters, gross power, losses and magnetizing ampere turns. A method is shown for calculating performance from either calculated or tested parameters. A synthesis method is given for determining rotor ring thickness.
High current-density broad-beam boron ion implantation

Abstract Characteristics of iron discs implanted with boron using a high current-density broad-beam system with a rapid processing capability are examined. The effects of ion implantation temperature (150–900 °C), energy (7–50 keV) and current density (200–1000 μA cm −2 ) on the microstructures and thicknesses of layers implanted with B are examined using Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy. Boron condensation on a surface is observed during implantation unless the combination of energy and temperature are sufficiently great to prevent it. The microstructures observed when conditions enable B penetration are amorphous, Fe 3 B and Fe 2 B. It is argued that the relative balance between the rate of B implantation into and temperature-controlled diffusion out of the ballistic layer determine the microstructure which forms. Preliminary wear tests show a layer containing Fe 2 B in an α-Fe matrix which was formed at the highest temperature investigated (900 °C) yields the most wear-resistant surface.
Utilizing Hormonal Effects on Intracellular Calcium to Enhance Cisplatin Anti-Cancer Actions on MCF-7 Cells

Abstract We aim to improve Cisplatin Cancer Efficacy. Cisplatin was applied to MCF7 cells pre-incubated with menstrual hormones. Intracellular calcium was measured with fluorescence microscopy and was associated with reduced cell survival in contrast to Cisplatin application only. Syncing Cisplatin administration and menstrual cycle can enhance treatment.
Dual Electrode Ensembles with Core and Shell Nanoelectrodes for Dopamine Sensing Applications

This paper presents the fabrication of dual electrode ensembles for electrochemical sensing of dopamine. A new dual electrode ensemble consists of vertically aligned core nanowire electrodes and a shell electrode with a hemi-cylindrical nanocavity structure and submicron inter-electrode spacing between the two working electrodes. By using a 3-dimensional cavity structure of two working electrodes, collection efficiency in redox cycling of dopamine is enhanced. Initial measurement results show the ability to detect 200 μM concentration of dopamine with 69% collection efficiency on a dual electrode ensemble.
Generations of Higgs bosons in supersymmetric models

We examine extensions of the MSSM with more than one generation of Higgs bosons. If one assumes that a symmetry eliminates the tree-level FCNC, then the extra scalar bosons do not acquire VEVs, do not couple to fermions and do not mix with the ordinary Higgs bosons; the lightest is absolutely stable. The two lightest neutral scalars, $\phi_S$, and $\phi_P$, are degenerate in mass, and the mass difference between those and the lightest charged scalar, $\phi_+$, is calculated. For most of the parameter space, the charged scalar is between a hundred MeV and a few GeV heavier than the neutral scalars. The $\phi_+$ will decay at the vertex; the signature for this decay will be like that of a chargino with a nearly degenerate undetected neutralino. Next, the possibility that the symmetry that eliminates FCNC is a flavor symmetry is discussed. In an example, the U(2) model, tree-level FCNC processes can be calculated in terms of quark masses. The strongest constraint on this model is from $D-\bar{D}$ mixing, which should be within an order of magnitude of the current bound.
The nicotinic receptor antagonists abolish pathobiologic effects of tobacco-derived nitrosamines on BEP2D cells.

Identification of the mechanisms leading to malignant transformation of respiratory cells may prove useful in the prevention and treatment of tobacco-related lung cancer. Nitrosamines 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and N′-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) can induce tumors both locally and systemically. In addition to the genotoxic effect, they have been shown to affect lung cells due to ligating the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressed on the plasma membrane. In this study, we sought to establish the role for nAChRs in malignant transformation caused by NNK and NNN. We used the BEP2D cells that represent a suitable model for studying the various stages of human bronchial carcinogenesis. We found that these cells express α1, α3, α5, α7, α9, α10, β1, β2, and β4 nAChR subunits that can form high-affinity binding sites for NNK and NNN. Exposure of BEP2D cells to either NNK or NNN in both cases increased their proliferative potential which could be abolished in the presence of nAChR antagonists α-bungarotoxin, which worked most effectively against NNK, or mecamylamine, which was most efficient against NNN. The BEP2D cells stimulated with the nitrosamines showed multifold increases of the transcription of the PCNA and Bcl-2 genes by both real-time polymerase chain reaction and in-cell western assays. To gain a mechanistic insight into NNK- and NNN-initiated signaling, we investigated the expression of genes encoding the signal transduction effectors GATA-3, nuclear factor-κB, and STAT-1. Experimental results indicated that stimulation of nAChRs with NNK led to activation of all three signal transduction effectors under consideration, whereas NNN predominantly activated GATA-3 and STAT-1. The GATA-3 protein-binding activity induced by NNK and NNN correlated with elevated gene expression. The obtained results support the novel concept of receptor-mediated action of NNK and NNN placing cellular nAChRs in the center of the pathophysiologic loop, and suggest that an nAChR antagonist may serve as a chemopreventive agent.
Predictors of breast conservation therapy: size is not all that matters.

BACKGROUND Despite the National Institutes of Health consensus statement in 1991 that breast-conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy is an appropriate approach to the treatment of early-stage breast carcinoma, studies have shown a relatively low rate of BCS in the United States. The current study investigated predictors of breast conservation therapy in a large, diverse patient population. METHODS Between 1990 and 1998, 43,111 patients underwent surgery for breast carcinoma and were entered into the Cancer Surveillance Program database for Los Angeles County. Of these, 29,666 (68.3%) had complete data on patient demographics, staging, surgeon, type of surgery, and hospital. Data were collected regarding extent of disease, lymph node status, tumor size, age, race, socioeconomic status (SES), surgeon specialization, surgeon volume, hospital specialization, and hospital volume. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that extent of disease, lymph node status, tumor size, age, race, SES, surgeon and hospital specialization, and surgeon and hospital volume all were significantly associated with surgery type (P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that not only did extent of disease impact choice of surgery, but so did race, SES, hospital volume, surgeon volume, and surgeon specialization (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that not only does the extent of locoregional disease play a role in the likelihood of a woman undergoing breast conservation therapy, but patient age, socioeconomic status, racial/ethnic factors, and the experience of both the surgeon and hospital have an effect. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.