cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adversarial Traces for Website Fingerprinting Defense

Website Fingerprinting (WF) is a traffic analysis attack that enables an eavesdropper to infer the victim's web activity even when encrypted and even when using the Tor anonymity system. Using deep learning classifiers, the attack can reach up to 98% accuracy. Existing WF defenses are either too expensive in terms of bandwidth and latency overheads (e.g. 2-3 times as large or slow) or ineffective against the latest attacks. In this work, we explore a novel defense based on the idea of adversarial examples that have been shown to undermine machine learning classifiers in other domains. Our Adversarial Traces defense adds padding to a Tor traffic trace in a manner that reliably fools the classifier into classifying it as coming from a different site. The technique drops the accuracy of the state-of-the-art attack from 98% to 60%, while incurring a reasonable 47% bandwidth overhead, showing its promise as a possible defense for Tor.
Incorporating Online Survey and Social Media Data into a GIS Analysis for Measuring Walkability

Existing walkability measurements have not considered some important components of the built environment, pedestrians’ preferences, or all walking purposes. As area-based measurements, they may overlook some detailed walkability changes. We propose a Perceived importance and Objective measure of Walkability in the built Environment Rating (POWER) method, which is a line-based approach considering both the perception of pedestrians and subjective characterizing of the urban built environment. Incorporating online survey and social media data, we present a built environment walkability study in a specific environment and the potential for more general scenarios. The survey can be customized for the particular urban environment and capture the preferences of a local population. The social media obtain general opinions from a broader audience. Although focusing on the specific setting at a university campus, we also included the general social media results to supplement the POWER structure and survey findings. Using social media and survey results can bring two scales together to provide a more complete understanding of walkability.
Developing Children's Oral Health Assessment Toolkits Using Machine Learning Algorithm.

Objectives:Evaluating children’s oral health status and treatment needs is challenging. We aim to build oral health assessment toolkits to predict Children’s Oral Health Status Index (COHSI) score ...
Design and Testing of the Address in Real-Time Data Driver Card for the Micromegas Detector of the ATLAS New Small Wheel Upgrade

The address in real-time data driver card (ADDC) is designed to transmit the trigger data in the micromesh gaseous structure (Micromegas, MM) detector of the ATLAS new small wheel (NSW) upgrade. The address in real-time (ART) signals are generated by the front-end application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), named VMM chip, to indicate the address of the first above-threshold event. A custom ASIC (ART ASIC) is designed to receive the ART signals from the VMM chip and implement the hit selection. The processed data from the ART ASIC will be transmitted out of the NSW through the gigabit transceiver (GBTx) serializer, the unidirectional versatile twin transmitter (VTTx), and fiber-optic links. The ART signal is critical for the ATLAS experiment trigger selection; thus, the performance and stability of the ADDC is very important. To ensure extensive testing of the ADDC, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) mezzanine card (FMC)-based testing platform and a specially designed firmware/software are developed. This test platform works with the commercial Xilinx VC707 FPGA development kit; independent of the other electronics in the NSW, it can test all the functions of the ADDC and it has long-term stability. This article will introduce the design, testing procedure, and results of the ADDC and the FMC testing platform.
Meta-SAC: Auto-tune the Entropy Temperature of Soft Actor-Critic via Metagradient.

Exploration-exploitation dilemma has long been a crucial issue in reinforcement learning. In this paper, we propose a new approach to automatically balance between these two. Our method is built upon the Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) algorithm, which uses an "entropy temperature" that balances the original task reward and the policy entropy, and hence controls the trade-off between exploitation and exploration. It is empirically shown that SAC is very sensitive to this hyperparameter, and the follow-up work (SAC-v2), which uses constrained optimization for automatic adjustment, has some limitations. The core of our method, namely Meta-SAC, is to use metagradient along with a novel meta objective to automatically tune the entropy temperature in SAC. We show that Meta-SAC achieves promising performances on several of the Mujoco benchmarking tasks, and outperforms SAC-v2 over 10% in one of the most challenging tasks, humanoid-v2.
The Rise of Craft Distilleries and Their Consumer Segments

Craft distilleries, despite excessive barriers to entry, are growing in sales volume and number of locations each year, and as a result, the distilled spirits segment is taking market share away fr...
Functions and Firms: Using Activity and Entity-Based Regulation to Strengthen the Financial System

For the fourth consecutive year, the Office of Financial Research (OFR) and The University of Michigan Center on Finance, Law, and Policy co-hosted a conference addressing timely issues in financial markets. The 2018 conference focused on an activities-based approach to financial stability risk monitoring and supervision. This document summarizes the main themes from each of the conference’s six panels. The conference brought together regulators, policymakers, lawyers, economists, financial market participants, investors, financial technology companies, and experts on data science, cybersecurity, and finance to address the following questions: ● How should regulators pursue an activities-based approach to promoting financial stability? ● How can the U.S. regulatory structure adapt to this approach, particularly given the potential risks presented by financial technology and emerging financial products? ● What kind of data do regulators need to be able to access for an activities-based approach to be effective and efficient? ● In addressing these challenges, what can we learn from other countries, industries, and academic disciplines?
Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide death among Veterans and service members: A comprehensive meta-analysis of risk factors

Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in America. Particularly at risk, Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-Veterans, and the suicide rate among service members has ...
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

No aspect of the immunology of pregnancy is more controversial than the subject of recurrent pregnancy loss, or, as it will be called here, recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSAb). Nor is there any subject in this book more laden with emotion because the immunologic facts, as perceived, have a very strong influence on therapy decisions for RSAb and thus, potentially, on the ability of the childless to have children. Indeed, it is the question of the relevance of immunology to RSAb that prompted the writing of this book. Because of these two factors—the controversial nature of the data and the emotional implications of the interpretation of the data—there will be few general statements in this chapter that will not be questioned by someone.
Class Conscious? Economic Inequality, Party Commitments, and Class Rhetoric in American Presidential Campaigns

The growing gap in outcomes and opportunities between citizens of different economic classes over the past five decades has given rise to an explosion of scholarly research on the ways in which economic inequality has reshaped the politics of class in American life. To date, however, this work has largely ignored whether - and if so, how - this development has affected the politics of presidential campaigning. Drawing on a comprehensive new dataset of presidential candidate class appeals over the 1952- 2012 period, we analyze trends in the volume, tone, and policy linkages of Democratic and Republican candidate class appeals. We show that these trends are closely linked to the rise in economic inequality, but that party differences have mediated this relationship, with Democratic candidates making much more extensive use of class rhetoric. Given mounting evidence that elected officials are most responsive to the wealthy, our findings raise concerns that candidates are increasingly exploiting the salient language of class for purely tactical purposes.
The importance of anisotropy in potential gradient calculations

The effects of anisotropy on potential gradient calculations in muscle tissue are investigated in an idealized two dimensional geometry. The percent of area above a gradient threshold (PAAT) is calculated in an uniform applied field and in a non-uniform field created by two point sources near the tissue. The percent RMS difference in PAAT between nominal anisotropic and isotropic conductivities in the uniform field is 37.6% compared to 3.3% in the non-uniform field. For the problem considered, an accurate anisotropy specification is required in uniform fields while an isotropic representation may be used in non-uniform fields. >
American Indian Water Rights

Abstract American Indian tribes own substantial quantities of water, but often encounter obstacles to winning legal and public recognition of their water rights. Antiquated nineteenth century water regimes completely cut reservations out of water allocations throughout the arid western states, leaving many Indian lands unproductive, even as public funds built massive federal irrigation projects to provide low-cost water for other farmers. Since the 1960s, protracted and acrimonious litigation has forced some changes in the status quo. Today, weary participants in the water wars are increasingly accepting the reality of tribal water rights and negotiating settlements of water claims. This paper presents case studies illustrating tribal efforts to secure water rights. It briefly explains United States water law and identifies the legal basis of the Indian reserved water right. The paper concludes with research guidance and an annotated bibliography of selected printed and electronic sources.
The influence of nutritional supplementation with epigallocatechin gallate and β-alanine in combination with physical exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and contextual fear conditioning in young adult BALB/cJ mice (629.4)

The influence of nutritional supplementation with Epigallacetechin gallate and β-alanine in combination with physical exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and contextual fear conditioning in young adult BALB/cJ mice. Nutritional supplementation and physical exercise can enhance cognitive function but the specific combinations of nutrients that maximize pro-cognitive effects are not known nor are the contributing neurobiological mechanisms. Epigallacetechin gallate (EGCG) is a flavonoid constituent of green tea which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and is known to cross the the blood brain barrier and affect brain structure and function. β -alanine (B-ALA) is a naturally occurring amino acid and could increase cognitive functioning by improving the exercise capacity of skeletal muscle. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of EGCG, B-ALA, and their combination with physical exercise on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and performance on the contextual fear condition...
CELLULAR BASIS OF PONTINE PONTO-GENICULO-OCCIPITAL WAVE GENERATION AND MODULATION

1. Pontogeniculooccipital (PGO) waves are recorded during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep from the pontine reticular formation. 2. PGO wave-like field potentials can also be recorded in many other parts of the brain in addition to the pontine reticular formation, but their distribution is different in different species. Species differences are due to variation in species-specific postsynaptic target sites of the pontine PGO generator. 3. The triggering neurons of the pontine PGO wave generator are located within the caudolateral peribrachial and the locus subceruleus areas. 4. The transferring neurons of the pontine PGO generator are located within the cholinergic neurons of the laterodorsal tegmentum and the pedunculopontine tegmentum. 5. The triggering and transferring neurons of the pontine PGO wave generator are modulated by aminergic, cholinergic, nitroxergic, GABA-ergic, and glycinergic cells of the brainstem. The PGO system is also modulated by suprachiasmatic, amygdaloid, vestibular, and brainstem auditory cell groups.
The Stochastic Difference Equation as a Tool to Compute Long Time Dynamics

Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations provide an atomically detailed description of complex systems on a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. Despite numerous successes and many insightful observations, a clear limitation of the MD approach is its short time scales. Routine simulations of complex and large molecular systems at the atomically level of detail are restricted to nanoseconds. This time scale is far too short to address many interesting processes in biophysics, such as conformational transitions, transport phenomena and reactions.
Varicose Veins, Retinal Tears and Deep Vein Thrombosis, New Insights into the Causes from Adams Disease

Adams disease is the consequence of overly active transient receptor potential cation channels (TRP). This case report presents a patient suffering from multiple vascular problems and may provide new insights into the causes of venous problems. Endothelial and smooth muscle cells in veins contain TRP. These channels when activated excessively result in calcium accumulation, oxygen radical formation and apoptosis of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. The death of critical cells in vein valves, may lead to varicose veins. The loss of endothelial cells in venules may lead to retinal tears. Damage to vein walls may lead to a deep vein thrombosis. Transient receptor potential cation channels may be new drug targets of interest in the treatment or prevention of these conditions.
Relationship between age and spasticity in children with diplegic cerebral palsy.

Abstract Pierce SR, Prosser LA, Lauer RT. Relationship between age and spasticity in children with diplegic cerebral palsy. Objective To examine the relationship between passive torque, reflex activity, co-contraction, and age during the assessment of spasticity of knee flexors and extensors in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Design Retrospective. Setting Pediatric orthopedic hospital. Participants Children (N=36) with spastic diplegic CP. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Spasticity of the knee flexors and knee extensors (as measured by peak passive torque, mean passive torque, reflex activity of the medial hamstrings, reflex activity of vastus lateralis, and co-contraction) was assessed during passive movements completed using an isokinetic dynamometer with concurrent electromyography. Results A significant positive relationship was found between age and mean knee flexor passive torque ( P P Conclusions Our results suggest that passive stiffness may play a larger role in spasticity than reflex activity as children with spastic diplegic CP age. Additional research is needed to determine whether subject age could influence the effectiveness of interventions, such as serial casting or botulinum toxin, for spasticity in children with spastic diplegic CP.
Architectural thinking and modeling with the architects' workbench

Collecting and organizing all of the architectural information for a system is a challenge faced by information technology (IT) architects. Transforming that information into models of a viable architecture and keeping associated work products consistent and up to date is an even greater challenge. Despite this, model-centric architectural methods are not as widely adopted or as closely followed as they could be, partly due to a lack of appropriate tools. The Architects' Workbench (AWB) is a prototype tool that addresses these problems and supports the creative process of architectural thinking and modeling. This paper presents key AWB innovations and discusses how their design was motivated by insights into architectural work and feedback from IT architects. We describe the design of AWB itself as a metamodel-driven and method-based tool, and we report on experience from the use of AWB in production environments.
High-throughput positive-dielectrophoretic bioparticle microconcentrator.

We introduce a new dielectrophoretic particle microconcentrator that combines interdigitated electrodes with a chaotic mixer to achieve high-throughput (>100 μL/min) particle concentration. The interdigitated electrodes use positive dielectrophoresis to attract particles to the surface, while the chaotic mixer circulates the particles to increase the number brought in proximity with the surface. We have used this microconcentrator to concentrate both beads and B. subtilis spores and have developed a microvolume concentration measurement method to determine the delivered off-chip concentration enhancement of the output sample. The resulting microconcentrator is sufficiently high throughput to serve as an interface between macroscale sample collectors and micro- or nanoscale detectors.
The Television Allocations Study Organization-A Summary of Its Objectives, Organization and Accomplishments

During the past three years, a comprehensive study has been made of the engineering factors underlying the allocation of frequencies for television broadcasting. This work has been carried on by an industry-wide group known as the Television Allocations Study Organization (TASO). This paper outlines the objectives and organization of TASO, and summarizes the more significant findings relating to field strength measurement and analysis, field tests of television reception, laboratory studies of television picture quality, tropospheric wave propagation, and performance of receiving and transmitting equipment. The performance capabilities of UHF and VHF television broadcasting systems are compared.
Melanocytic nevi of the oral mucosa: a clinicopathologic study of 130 cases from northern California

This paper presents analysis of data on 130 cases of oral melanocytic nevi from the files of the University of the Pacific, San Francisco and the University of California, San Francisco. This is the largest detailed series from one geographic location published to date. Nevi of the intramucosal type are the most common (63%) followed by the common blue nevus (19%). Compound nevi are uncommon (9%) and junctional nevi are rare (5%). Combined nevi are the rarest type (4%). The data are analyzed as to the location, presence of clinical pigmentation, configuration, and size of the nevi, as well as the patient's age, gender and race. Because the malignant potential of oral nevi is still uncertain and because preexisting macular pigmentation is present in about one third of all patients with oral melanoma, it is advisable to remove all pigmented lesions suspected to be melanocytic nevi.
Non-equilibrium charge transport at a first-order phase transition

Abstract We have studied penetration of a charge density disturbance cause by a moving bubble wall in relativistic plasma, using the self-consistent field approximation. We have shown that the charge density as a function of distance from the wall has a power-law tail 1 z 2 . We find that penetration of charge in plasma is most effective when the wall velocity is close to unity. However, for wall velocities u⪷0.7 , the effective, in the integral sense, penetration length is found to be essentially equal to the static Debye radius.
A mathematical model of T-cell effects in the humoral immune response

Abstract Numerical simulations of several mathematical models are used to compare possible roles of T-helper and T-suppressor cells in the humoral immune response. These simulations suggest that T-helper cells must help T-suppressor cells, and T-suppressor cells exert inhibition on all T-helper cell subpopulations. The models display the well-known phenomenon of memory, low zone and high zone tolerance.
Rapid detection of S-phase cells by anti-bromodeoxyuridine monoclonal antibody in 9L brain tumor cells in vitro and in situ.

FITC-conjugated anti-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) monoclonal antibody (anti-BU-MAb) was used to detect S-phase cells of 9L rat brain tumor cells in vitro and in situ. Monolayer 9L cells were treated with 0.625–20 μM of BrdUrd for 30 min, harvested, and reacted with a 1:100 dilution of FITC-conjugated anti-BU-MAb and analyzed with a flow cytometer. BrdUrd-treated cells stained satisfactorily with antibody. Values obtained for the labeling index using this method (48.6%) were 10%–20% higher than the fraction of cells in S-phase calculated from DNA histograms or as the labeling index calculated from autoradiographs of cells pulse-labeled with3H-thymidine. BrdUrd (1–40 mg/kg) was administered by i.p. injection to rats bearing 9L brain tumors. Single cell suspensions obtained by disaggregation of excised tumors were stained with anti-BU-MAb. The percent-age of fluorescent cells (15.9%) calculated using this method was similar to that of S-phase cells (17.2%) calculated from DNA histograms and from autoradiographics for tumor bearing rats pulse-labeled with3H-thymidine in situ. The antibody staining technique is a rapid and accurate method for various cell kinetic studies both in vitro and in vivo in a rat model, and has promise as a technique for the study of cell kinetics in humans.
[Regulation of anti-late RNA synthesis in bacteriophage T4: a delayed early control].

Abstract Bacteriophage T4 make mutually complementary RNA transcripts. The antisense RNA is made in the late region but at early times after infection. It is complementary in base sequence to late messenger RNA and, hence is called anti-late RNA. We have studied some of the physical characteristics and possible regulatory mechanisms involved in the synthesis of these unique early RNA species. Anti-late RNA sediments on 5% to 20% sucrose gradients with an average sedimentation coefficient of 20 to 22 S, comparable to that of late mRNA. The fact that anti-late synthesis becomes refractory to rifampicin before one minute after infection, suggests that it occurs from a class of immediate early promoters in the late regions. Anti-late RNA production is examined under several different conditions of altered early gene expression. In all circumstances where the delayed early gene transcription is altered, anti-late synthesis is also altered. From the data presented here, we postulate that anti-late RNA synthesis is controlled by the same mechanism as that regulating delayed early genes.
ESR and ENDOR applications of loop-gap resonators with distributed circuit coupling

Applications a la resonance magnetique d'une methode de couplage reparti dans laquelle le centre de la structure boucle-espace est place au maximum d'un champ magnetique microonde stationnaire a l'interieur d'une cavite microonde
Experimental Infection of Mongrel Dogs with Giardia lamblia Cysts and Cultured Trophozoites

In light of recent epidemiologic data implicating wild and domestic animals in the transmission of giardiasis, a study was undertaken to determine whether mongrel dogs could be infected with Giardia lamblia. After careful screening by stool examination (a minimum of six stools examined per week for three weeks), dogs were challenged orally with G. lamblia cysts from human stool or trophozoites from an axenic culture. Three of eight dogs became infected with cysts, and two of three became infected with trophozoites. Latency periods and the course of cyst excretion were similar to those observed in humans, but the dogs were not clinically ill. These data support the concept of interspecies transmission of Giardia and demonstrate that infection can be transmitted by the trophozoite form as well as by cysts. In early studies of the host specificity of Giardia species, there was disagreement over the transmission capabilities of the parasite between species. Because Giardia speciation was based on the animal host of origin, many species were identified without careful study to determine host range. Hegner [1] proposed rigid host specificity for Giardia species, a proposition which he later revised with his demonstration of apparent trans
Test-retest reliability and construct validity of the Experiential Discounting Task.

Delay discounting (the devaluation of delayed rewards) has been studied extensively using animal models with psychophysical adjustment procedures. Similar procedures have been developed to assess delay discounting in humans and these procedures most often use hypothetical rewards and delays. The Experiential Discounting Task (EDT) was developed to assess human delay discounting using real rewards and delays. In the present study we examined the test-retest reliability and construct validity of the EDT. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing it to a standard delay discounting task. The EDT had poor test-retest reliability and discounting rates obtained with this task were uncorrelated with those obtained in the standard delay discounting task. Area under the EDT discounting curve was negatively correlated with scores on a measure of boredom proneness (i.e., individuals prone to boredom more steeply discounted delayed money in the EDT). This correlation may underlie previous reports that discounting in the EDT is correlated with addictions, as some evidence suggests boredom proneness is correlated with gambling, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, and sensation-seeking. Boredom proneness scores were correlated with no other measure of discounting. These findings suggest the EDT measures a different construct than that measured by traditional delay discounting tasks.
Female circumcision: at our doorsteps and beyond.

Abstract Recent trends in international travel and emigration have brought the practice of female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation, to the awareness of an increasing number of physicians and public policy agencies in developed countries. The main reason for the continuation of this practice is deeply held tradition. The high incidence of complications attending the procedure leads to a poor quality of life and potential life-threatening problems. Female circumcision serves no biologically useful purpose and perpetuates the subjugation and social deprivation of females. Suggestions for the eradication of this custom include universal education of females and public enlightenment campaigns; legislation tends to send the practice underground. This review is aimed at providing objective background information on female circumcision to residents in obstetrics and gynecology. An effective solution to this problem requires not just knowledge but also wisdom in order to offer a compassionate approach to the management of these women. The American women’s health care specialist should be well informed on this issue because of the increasing likelihood of contact with these women. It is also hoped that health care providers will become sensitized to the point of designing and participating actively in effective schemes for the worldwide eradication of this practice.
One-row machine for the harvest of corn stover

Many corn (Zea mays L.) experiments require total dry matter determination in addition to grain yield. Mechanized small-plot grain harvest is a common practice, but determination of total dry matter is usually accomplished by hand harvesting. Hand harvesting is time consuming and labor intensive. Our objective was to construct a mechanized stover sampling system that would reduce the labor requirements for collecting dry matter data. A machine was assembled that cuts, chops, and delivers corn stover to a bag without hand cutting and carrying. A New Holland 707 forage harvester was modified and rear-mounted on a Model 1910 Ford tractor to harvest a single row with a minimum width of 0-76 m [...]
The gastric mucosal barrier.

The gastric mucosal barrier was a topic studied by many physiologists and clinicians in the 1960s and 1970s. I began my own work on it in early 1963, and when I stopped in the early 1980s I summarized my accomplishments in a book called The Gastric Mucosal Barrier: A Swan Song. The book was not formally published, but I distributed 40 photocopies to those who might be interested, and I deposited copies in some libraries. The result is that the book is readily available to the inquiring scholar.
Complexiton solutions of the Korteweg-de Vries equation with self-consistent sources

Abstract Complexiton solutions to the Korteweg–de Vires equation with self-consistent sources are presented. The basic technique adopted is the Darboux transformation. The resulting solutions provide evidence that soliton equations with self-consistent sources can have complexiton solutions, in addition to soliton, positon and negaton solutions. This also implies that soliton equations with self-consistent sources possess some kind of analytical characteristics that linear differential equations possess and brings ideas toward classification of exact explicit solutions of nonlinear integrable differential equations.
Metabolic disorders: Fathers' nutritional legacy

A female can develop a diabetes-like disease due to a high fat content in her father's diet before she was conceived. Epigenetic modifications of the father's sperm DNA might underlie this peculiar observation. See Letter p.963
Finding a place for computer-equipped lectures in a lab-rich environment

Many computer science courses are taught via a combination of lectures and laboratories; many of the lectures use a room equipped with a computer and data projector. But such lecture halls create a problem for instructors: how to use the lecture-hall computer for more than poor approximations to experiences students could have working one-on-one with a computer in the laboratory. One solution is to use computers in lecture halls as tools for collecting and archiving information, much of it generated by students (via methods such as questions, discussions, and group exercises). My initial experience using a lecture-hall computer in this manner was a great success.
The modified-single fiber test: A methodology for monitoring ballistic performance†

A minimally invasive testing methodology was developed to monitor the in-service performance of soft body armor. In the spirit of the single fiber test standard, ASTM C 1557-03, the fiber diameter was measured at five equally spaced locations along a 6-cm gauge length specimen. In addition, the single fiber test specimen was modified by placing reflecting tape just outside the specimen gauge length to allow the use of a laser extensometer for directly measuring fiber displacement and hence, strain. This modified testing methodology was found to be reproducible and provide data that was normally distributed based on descriptive statistics when variations in the fiber diameters along the length of the specimen were considered. The abnormality in the data, identified using Pierce's outlier criterion, may be associated with processing variations during the fiber manufacture and/or the woven fabrics and not associated with the testing methodology. Furthermore, the failure strain was found to be drastically reduced when the minimum fiber diameter along the length of the test specimen was less than 11 μm. This suggests that a methodology that accurately profiles fiber diameter changes along the gauge length of the fiber may be useful in analyzing single fiber test results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Binary Regression for Risks in Excess of Subject‐Specific Thresholds

We describe models for binary valued data to be used to explain the incidence of disease given the level of a known risk factor. Every individual has an unobservable tolerance of the risk. Risk levels below the individual tolerance do not increase the disease incidence above the background, unexposed rate. We estimate parameters from both the tolerance distribution and the risk function for a large group of mice exposed to very low levels of a known carcinogen.
Neuroblastoma masquerading as retroperitoneal Salmonella abscess

Symptomatic Salmonella infections usually manifest as self-limited gastrointestinal distress. Patients with chronic systemic illnesses or those who are immunosuppressed may rarely present with Salmonella infection as distant suppurative abscesses. We present a previously healthy Armenian boy who came to medical attention with abdominal pain, fever, and anemia. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a cystic suprarenal mass that was surgically explored and found to be a retroperitoneal Salmonella abscess. Postoperative CT scan showed resolving inflammation. A 6-month follow-up CT showed a large suprarenal tumor, which at exploration was found to be neuroblastoma. To our knowledge, Salmonella has never been reported presenting as a solitary retroperitoneal abscess, and neuroblastoma has not been described presenting as a Salmonella abscess. The patient is also unusual because the abscess contained a species unusual for suppurative salmonellosis.
Substance Disorder Among Persons with Mild Mental Retardation: A Comparative Study

The authors compared the nature and severity of substance disorder (SD) in patients with mental retardation (MR) compared with SD in non-MR patients. Subjects were patients sequentially admitted to alcoholism/addiction programs in two university medical centers (MR+SD = 40; SD-only = 308). Data were collected on demographic characteristics, substance use history, SD duration and severity, and family history of SD. Subjects with MR+SD began substance use at a later age, used fewer substances during their lifetime (especially illicit substances), used less frequently in the past year, had lower severity scores on measures of substance abuse severity, and demonstrated milder and briefer substance use histories. It appears that less substance abuse is required in MR than in non-MR persons to precipitate psychosocial crises and health problems associated with psychoactive substances.
Flexural deformation due to Amazon Fan loading: A feedback mechanism affecting sediment delivery to margins

The uplift associated with the peripheral bulge engendered by sediment loads such as the Amazon Fan may provide a potential tectonic feedback mechanism that affects both coastal and fluvial depositional processes. For example, topographic and geologic maps of the Brazilian margin document the existence of a drainage divide affecting coastal river networks that is spatially coincident with the location of the peripheral bulge predicted by our flexural modeling of the fan load. While regions in close proximity to the fan load are depressed, regions farther from the load are lifted (i.e., peripheral bulge) by ∼25-50 m, which is sufficient to cause subaerial exposure of large portions of the shelf and modification of existing fluvial drainage networks. Furthermore, our modeling results suggest that the development of the peripheral bulge may have deflected the sediment-laden waters of the Amazon River progressively southward through time. This prediction is consistent with the existence of canyons off the Amapa coast north of the present-day Amazon canyon and with the distribution of Amazon Fan sediments, both of which suggest that the proto-Amazon River delivered sediment farther north along the coast. However, changing the location of sediment input into a basin also changes the shape of the cumulative sediment load and thus the resultant deformation. This feedback between sediment loading and the peripheral bulge uplift modifies the spatial and temporal history of sediment delivery to the margin and provides a viable way to change base level without having to invoke glacial eustasy. The efficiency of this feedback is dependent on the flexural wavelength and thus the strength of the lithosphere at the time of loading and the relative position of the sediment load with respect to the continental margin.
Soft phonon modes and localization of d-electrons in superconducting vanadium

A few years ago, Matthias1 attempted to find some empirical relation between the superconducting transition temperature Tc and the number of electrons per atom in the transition metals and their alloys. To elucidate the relation, we present a theoretical investigation of the dependence of the soft phonon modes associated with the high Tc of superconducting vanadium on the degree of localization of its d electron and on the strength of the s-d resonant interaction, using the transition-metal model potential method in the self-consistent field and harmonic approximations.2 We find that, as the number of d-electrons localized at the vanadium ion varies from zero in V5+ to three in V2+, the longitudinal and the transverse phonon modes soften significantly, signaling lattice instability; and we discuss the implications of the results for the systems V, V3Ga and V3Si in which different valence states may be a factor determining the magnitude of Tc.
The seismic safety margins research program of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Abstract The Seismic Safety Margins Research Program is a comprehensive research program sponsored by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and carried out by the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory. The purpose of the program is to provide a methodology for determining the inherent margins of safety in a nuclear power plant when subjected to large postulated earthquakes. This paper presents a brief description of the background, objectives, approach and elements of the program.
Kinetics of alachlor transformation and identification of metabolites under anaerobic conditions

Abstract Alachlor is one of the two most commonly used herbicides in the United States. In the environment, little mineralization of this compound has been found to occur, and metabolites of alachlor may be formed and could accumulate. The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of alachlor biotransformation and to identify the transformation intermediates formed under aqueous denitrifying, methanogenic, and sulfate-reducing conditions. Second-order biotrasnformation coefficients for alachlor were determined to be 7.6 × 10 −5 (±4.0 × 10 −5 ), 2.9 × 10 −3 (±1.6 × 10 −3 ), and 1.5 × 10 −2 (±1.4 × 10 −2 ) 1 mg VSS −1 day −1 under denitrifying, methanogenic, and sulfate-reducing conditions, respectively. Acetyl alachlor and diethyl aniline were positively identified as transformation products of alachlor under all conditions. In denitrifying reactors aniline was identified as a product of alachlor. When acetyl alachlor was fed as the parent compound, aniline was also identified as a transformation product under methanogenic conditions. This research showed that although alachlor is degraded under denitrifying, methanogenic, and sulfate-reducing conditions, significant concentrations of several metabolites are formed and are only slowly degraded.
Molecular Absorption Measurements by FT/UV-Vis Spectrometry

Fourier transform spectrometry in the UV-Vis region (FT/UV-Vis), because it is source shot-noise limited, has a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) disadvantage in comparison to dispersive spectrometry, especially with dense spectra. At the expense of poorer S/N, FT/UV-Vis can be satisfactory for high-resolution measurements. However, low-resolution spectroscopic studies, such as molecular absorption measurements, are not expected to be performed advantageously by FT/UV-Vis. The broad, dense spectra with high intensity throughout a wide spectral range should show a significant S/N degradation, in comparison to results with dispersive spectrometry. To investigate these expectations, we have used a Michelson interferometer to obtain low-resolution molecular absorption spectra of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Deviation from Matthiessen's Rule in Dilute Nonmagnetic Alloys

It is shown how the low-temperature deviations from Matthiessen's Rule observed in a wide variety of dilute nonmagnetic alloys are a consequence of phonon drag in the regime where $\ensuremath{\lambda}$, the electron mean free path, is determined by electron-impurity scattering [i.e., ${g}^{2}{(\frac{T}{\ensuremath{\theta}})}^{3}\ensuremath{\ll}{({k}_{\mathrm{F}}\ensuremath{\lambda})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ where ${g}^{2}\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{{v}_{S}}{{v}_{\mathrm{F}}}$]. For a spherical Fermi surface ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{T}\ensuremath{\sim}{g}^{2}{(\frac{T}{\ensuremath{\theta}})}^{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{(\ensuremath{\lambda}{k}_{\mathrm{F}})}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\mathrm{ln}(\ensuremath{\lambda}{k}_{\mathrm{F}})+{g}^{4}{(\frac{T}{\ensuremath{\theta}})}^{5}\mathrm{ln}(\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}}{{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}}^{\mathrm{pure}}})$, where ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{T}={\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}\ensuremath{-}{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}}^{\mathrm{pure}}$ with ${{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}}^{\mathrm{pure}}$ being the resistivity of the alloy (host) at temperature $T$. For a cylindrical Fermi surface ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{T}\ensuremath{\sim}{g}^{2}{(\frac{T}{\ensuremath{\theta}})}^{3}\mathrm{ln}(\frac{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}}{{{\ensuremath{\rho}}_{T}}^{\mathrm{pure}}})$. It is also shown that the singular behavior noted by Mills is spurious.
Role of reduced glutathione in the Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase reaction of liver☆

Partially purified rat liver Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase (EC 5.3.3.1) is profoundly and specifically activated by reduced glutathione (GSH). This stimulating effect shows normal saturating kinetics, and both Km and Vmax are pH-dependent. The binding of GSH is independent of the concentration of Δ5-androstene-3,17-dione, whereas the Km for Δ5-androstene-3,17-dione is markedly reduced by saturating levels of GSH. The same catalytic site appears to isomerize both Δ5-androstene-3,17-dione and Δ5-pregnene-3,20-dione. Several steroidal inhibitors compete with Δ5-androstene-3,17-dione, whereas S-methyl-glutathione competes with GSH. This activation of Δ5-3-ketosteroid isomerase is also observed in the livers of other species (calf, guinea pig, human), and represents a hitherto unrecognized function of reduced glutathione.
Effects of Long-term Oral Administration of L-Arginine on the Rat Erectile Response

AbstractPurpose: Nitric oxide (NO), the neurotransmitter responsible for mediating penile erection in the rat, is synthesized from L arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in a reaction blocked by L-NAME (N-Omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester). To determine whether dietary supplementation of L-arginine can stimulate penile erection and whether ancillary pathways for penile erection may exist, a series of experiments were conducted in the Fischer 344 rat.Materials and Methods: Adult male (5 month old) and aged (20 month old) rats were fed L-arginine (2.25%) and L-NAME (0.7%) dissolved in tap water for 8 weeks. Animals (n = 6) underwent electrical field stimulation (EFS) of the cavernosal nerve to induce erection and both maximal intracavernosal pressure (MIP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP, mm. Hg −/− SEM) were measured. Tissue and serum levels of L-arginine were measured by an automated amino acid analyzer. Penile eNOS (endothelial) and nNOS (neuronal) content were measured by western blot densitometry....
Engendering Transnational Migration A Case Study Of Salvadorans

This article examines how transnational practices and discourses affect existing social identities and power relationships in a northeastern section of El Salvador that has become tightly networked to some of New York City's suburbs owing to years of migration. The author identifies various practices, discourses, and processes influencing gender relations and argues that transnational factors are a significant but not singular agent for change. Conversely, she finds that multiple agents and agencies at the local, regional, and transnational levels affect gender relations. This textured portraiture communicates mixed messages to the youthful population in this region who represent the next generation of likely migrants. In the conclusion, she addresses girls' and boys' attitudes in northern La Union toward migration and speculates how they have been shaped by transnational processes and gender relations.
Membrane Penetrating Ability of Ebola Matrix Protein, VP40

Ebola from the filoviridae family of viruses causes severe and mostly fatal hemorrhagic fevers in primates and has been listed as a category IV pathogen by the NIH. Viral Protein 40 (VP40), the major matrix protein of Ebola virus, regulates the assembly and budding of the virus and alone harbors the ability to form virus-like particles (VLPs) from human cells. We hypothesize that VP40 is a high affinity lipid binding and membrane curvature-inducing protein with specificity for plasma membrane (PM) lipids. This specificity leads to localization of VP40 to the PS-rich inner leaflet of the PM and formation of VLPs. Using fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate VP40 binding and insertion within lipid vesicles (POPC:POPS) containing brominated lipids. Because the fluorescence of the tryptophan is variably quenched depending on its distance from the bromine atoms on the lipid acyl chain, a tryptophan introduced into the membrane binding interface was utilized as a probe to detect the depth of membrane penetration of VP40. Results were indicative of VP40's high affinity and specificity for PS in a PS-concentration dependent manner demonstrating the robust ability of VP40 to penetrate membranes. Further analysis of VP40 membrane insertion revealed a depth of penetration more than halfway into one monolayer of the membrane. Data also confirmed that VP40 binds with nanomolar affinity to vesicles that recapitulated the PM in comparison to the nuclear membrane. In addition VP40-mutants, which inhibit membrane binding and penetration, obstruct VLP formation and release. Cellular assays confirmed the lipid-binding specificity of VP40 in the PM of different cell lines and also demonstrated that deep membrane penetration is essential for VLP. We predict that these results will elucidate the molecular basis of VP40 induced membrane curvature changes, a prerequisite to the PM deformation required for VLP production.
Neutron-rich rare isotope production in the Fermi energy domain

Abstract The production of neutron-rich rare isotopes around the Fermi energy is investigated in the present work. A large enhancement in the production of neutron-rich projectile residues has been observed in the reactions of a 25 MeV/nucleon 86 Kr beam with the neutron rich 64 Ni and 124 Sn targets relative to the predictions of the EPAX parametrization of high-energy fragmentation, as well as relative to the reaction with the less neutron-rich 112 Sn target. The present data demonstrate the significant influence of the target neutron-to-proton ratio (N/Z) in peripheral collisions at Fermi energies. A hybrid model based on a deep-inelastic transfer code (DIT) followed by a statistical de-excitation code was found to account for part of the observed large cross sections. The DIT simulation indicates that the neutron skins of the neutron-rich 64 Ni and 124 Sn target nuclei play an important role in the production mechanism. From a practical viewpoint, such reactions between massive neutron-rich nuclei offer a novel synthetic avenue to access extremely neutron-rich rare isotopes towards the neutron-drip line.