cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spinal cord projection neurons: a superficial, and also deep analysis

Today there are extensive maps of the molecular heterogeneity of primary afferents and dorsal horn interneurons, yet there is a dearth of molecular and functional information regarding the projection neurons that transmit pain and itch information to the brain. Additionally, most contemporary research into the spinal cord and medullary projection neurons focuses on neurons in the superficial dorsal horn; the contribution of deep dorsal horn and even ventral horn projection neurons to pain and itch processing is often overlooked. In the present review we integrate conclusions from classical as well as contemporary studies and provide a more balanced view of the diversity of projection neurons. A major question addressed is the extent to which labeled-lines are maintained in these different populations or whether the brain generates distinct pain and itch percepts by decoding complex convergent inputs that engage projection neurons.
Modification of food preferences by posthypnotic suggestions: An event-related brain potential study

The preference for high-over low-calorie food and difficulties in inhibiting the desire for high-calorie food are important factors involved in unhealthy food choices. Here, we explored posthypnotic suggestions (PHS), aiming to increase the desire for vegetables and fruits, as a possible new tool to induce a preference for low-calorie food. Following the termination of hypnosis, PHS was activated and deactivated in counterbalanced order, while event-related brain-potentials were recorded. Two tasks were administered, a food-face classification measuring implicit food preferences, where stimuli were categorized as showing food items or faces, and a Go-NoGo task measuring inhibition, where food items were selected as being appropriate for making a salad or not. In the food-face classification task without PHS, the early visual P1 component, a marker of stimulus reward-associations, was larger in response to high-than low-calorie food pictures; PHS eliminated this difference. PHS also yielded faster RTs and larger amplitudes of a late positive component in low-versus high-calorie items. Hence, PHS appeared to neutralize the positive perceptual bias toward high-calorie food items and enhance the effective processing of low-calorie items by increasing motivated attention. In the Go-NoGo task, PHS decreased the NoGo-N2; PHS increased the early Go- and NoGo-P3, possibly by turning low- and high-calorie items more pleasant and unpleasant, respectively, requiring more proactive control to inhibit task-irrelevant food-related emotions. Further, in the Go condition, PHS quickened the rejection of salad-inappropriate high-calorie items and increased the amplitude of late-P3, indicating facilitated classification of high-calorie items and increased response monitoring. Together, PHS effectively increased the preference for low-calorie food and the inhibition of impulses toward high-calorie food; therefore, PHS may be a promising tool for supporting healthy and sustainable food choices.
Macrophage regulator of G-protein signaling 12 contributes to inflammatory pain hypersensitivity.

Background Pain is a predominant symptom in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients that results from joint inflammation and is augmented by central sensitization. Regulator of G-protein signaling 12 (RGS12) is the largest protein in the RGS protein family and plays a key role in the development of inflammation. This study investigated the regulation of RGS12 in inflammatory pain and explored the underlying mechanisms and potential RA pain targets. Methods Macrophage-specific RGS12-deficient (LysM-Cre+;RGS12fl/fl) mice were generated by mating RGS12fl/fl mice with LysM-Cre+ transgenic mice. Collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) models were induced in LysM-Cre+;RGS12fl/fl mice by the administration of a cocktail of five monoclonal antibodies and LPS. Mouse nociception was examined using the von Frey and heat plate tests. Primary macrophages and RAW264.7 cells were used to analyze the regulatory function and mechanism of RGS12 in vitro. The expression and function of RGS12 and COX2 (cyclooxygenase 2) were determined by real-time PCR, ELISA, and luciferase assays. Results Ablation of RGS12 in macrophages decreased pain-related phenotypes, such as paw swelling, the clinical score, and the inflammatory score, in the CAIA model. LysM-Cre+;RGS12fl/fl mice displayed increased resistance to thermal and mechanical stimulation from day 3 to day 9 during CAIA, indicating the inhibition of inflammatory pain. Overexpression of COX2 and PGE2 in macrophages enhanced RGS12 expression, and PGE2 regulated RGS12 expression through the G-protein-coupled receptors EP2 and EP4. Furthermore, RGS12 or the RGS12 PTB domain strengthened the transcriptional regulation of COX2 by NF-κB, whereas inhibiting NF-κB suppressed RGS12-mediated regulation of COX2 in macrophages. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the deletion of RGS12 in macrophages attenuates inflammatory pain, which is likely due to impaired regulation of the COX2/PGE2 signaling pathway.
Public Trust in State-Run News Media in Rwanda:

This study examined public trust in the media through focus groups with young, educated urbanites in Rwanda. Despite the fact media in Rwanda incited violence during the 1994 genocide, results reve...
Percutaneous Ultrasound Guided Gastrostomy Tube Placement: A Prospective Cohort Trial.

Background:To compare the safety and efficacy of percutaneous ultrasound guided gastrostomy (PUG) tube placement with traditional fluoroscopic guided percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement (PRG).M...
More than green: Tree structure and biodiversity patterns differ across canopy change regimes in Baltimore’s urban forest

Abstract Urban tree canopy is a vital component of modern cities, and many cities aspire to increase canopy cover to bolster ecosystem services. However, canopy-based ecosystem services are disproportionately provided by old, large-statured trees. Legacies of where trees have been maintained are evident in urban landscapes and loss of these older trees is not easily negated by current planting efforts. Furthermore, tree species composition varies considerably across the landscape and may determine present canopy longevity, structure, and contribution to ecosystem amenities or disamenities. In this study, we leverage long-term data from 188 i-Tree Eco plots in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, to examine how canopy changes across 10 years are related to tree structure and biodiversity patterns. We delineated five distinct clusters based on starting canopy conditions (high or low) and the trajectory of canopy change (gain or loss) and compared how tree structure, community composition, and turnover varied among clusters and across time. We found distinct patterns of tree structure and biodiversity across clusters that can help clarify links between land use, community composition, and ecosystem function in the urban forest. Residential land use typically had fewer and larger trees than forests or parks and residential clusters supported high biodiversity. Regardless of land use, areas with increasing canopy were dominated by native species while areas experiencing canopy declines were dominated by non-native species. In all, these findings help untangle the complexities of urban forest change and clarify different canopy vulnerabilities and assets across an urban landscape.
Topology Management Techniques for Tolerating Node Failure

In Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) sensor nodes often operate unattended in a collaborative manner to perform some tasks. In many applications, the network is deployed in harsh environments such as battlefield where the nodes are susceptible to damage. In addition, nodes may fail due to energy depletion and breakdown in the onboard electronics. The failure of nodes may have major consequences. First, some areas may be left uncovered. Second, the fidelity of the collected data gets degraded. And finally, the network may get partitioned into disjoint segments. In particular, losing network connectivity has a very negative effect on the applications since it prevents data exchange and hinders coordination among some nodes. Therefore, restoring the overall network connectivity with the least resource overhead and performance impact is very crucial. This chapter focuses on network topology management techniques for tolerating node failures. It analyzes the effects of node failure on network connectivity in WSNs, categorizes recently published recovery schemes, and outlines related open issues.
Peripheral target regulation of dendritic geometry in the rat superior cervical ganglion

Dendritic arborizations of neurons in the adult rat superior cervical ganglion were measured in control ganglia and in ganglia innervating peripheral targets that were relatively larger or smaller than normal. The relative size of the target--the submandibular gland in these experiments--was manipulated during development by changing the ratio between the amount of target tissue and the number of innervating ganglion cells. Thus, ligating the submandibular salivary duct reduced the size of the gland, whereas partially denervating the gland produced a relatively larger target by making a smaller number of ganglion cells innervate a gland of normal size. Neurons innervating targets that were smaller than normal had significantly smaller dendritic arborizations and cell bodies than control cells. Conversely, neurons projecting to relatively larger than normal targets had larger dendritic arborizations and cell bodies, and more primary dendritic branches. Such cells were also innervated by a larger than normal number of preganglionic inputs. A similar change in dendritic geometry was observed when relative target size was increased after cutting the cervical sympathetic trunk, showing that target regulation of dendritic geometry is not dependent on ganglion cell activity or the presence of presynaptic innervation. Dendrites in the superior cervical ganglion normally grow in parallel with body size throughout life (Purves et al., 1986a; Voyvodic, 1987a). The present results imply that an important aspect of dendritic growth is an ongoing responsiveness of ganglion cells to feedback signals arising from the peripheral targets they innervate.
Parsing with suffix and prefix dictionaries

We show that greedy left-to-right (right-to-left) parsing is optimal w.r.t. a suffix (prefix) dictionary. To exploit this observation, we show how to construct a static suffix dictionary that supports on-line, linear-time optimal parsing. From this we derive an adaptive on-line method that yields compression comparing favorably to LZW.
Lillian Jean Kaplan International Prize for advancement in the understanding of polycystic kidney disease. Understanding polycystic kidney disease: a systems biology approach.

Understanding polycystic kidney disease: A systems biology approach. Fluid secretion was discovered in the mammalian nephron in the early 1970s upon a chance observation. This finding aroused interest in the possibility that a similar process might be involved in the filling of renal epithelial cysts. A research strategy was formulated to understand the life cycle of human renal cysts using a systems biology approach. A not-for-profit foundation was begun to increase the number of researchers in the United States and abroad working on the polycystic kidney disease (PKD) problem. Primary outcomes related to PKD include ( 1 ) explication of the transport mechanisms underlying the transepithelial secretion of chloride, sodium and fluid, and the regulation of that secretion by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP); ( 2 ) the discovery that cyclic AMP stimulates the proliferation of cyst epithelial cells through activation of of B-Raf and the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway; and ( 3 ) the discovery that normal medullary collecting ducts secrete solutes and fluid under the control of cyclic AMP. The Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation has become an international leader in promoting the research of these disorders and is a strong advocate for increased translation of fundamental laboratory discoveries to the care of the millions of patients with PKD.
Ocular angiosarcoma in the horse: morphological and immunohistochemical studies.

Angiosarcomas arising in ocular tissues of four aging horses are described. Tumors were locally invasive and eventually metastasized via the mandibular and cervical lymph nodes. Pathologically, the tumors contained well-differentiated regions, in which vascular channels were lined by pleomorphic endothelial cells, as well as poorly-differentiated regions, in which vascular channels were either rudimentary or absent. Red blood cells were scarce in vascular structures formed by the tumors. Factor VIII related antigen (VIII:RAg), a blood vascular endothelial marker, was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in tumor cells in both the well-differentiated and poorly-differentiated regions. The results suggest that ocular tumors arose in blood vascular endothelium and represented true hemangiosarcomas although a lymphatic endothelial origin could not be excluded. Immunohistochemical demonstration of VIII:RAg is a valuable adjunct to conventional stains in the diagnosis of equine vascular neoplasia.
Neuroimaging in HIV infection: a preliminary quantitative MRI study and review of the literature

Summary A review of both functional and structural imaging of the brain through the course of HIV infection leads to a fairly consistent pattern of involvement. Brain involvement in asymptomatic HIV positive individuals remains controversial. However, in symptomatic subjects, less controversy exists. Subcortical structures appear to be vulnerable early, followed by cortical and eventual diffuse involvement. Specific abnormal findings include symmetrical atrophy, hyperintense white matter lesions, both subcortical and cortical ventricular enlargement and focal metabolic abnormalities. It has' not been possible to correlate the specific underlying pathological mechanisms responsible for each of -these lesions and the pathophysiology probably involves multiple mechanisms, both direct and indirect. Some of these lesions are reversible with treatment, but the full implications of this reversibility with regard to pathogenesis and prognosis remain speculative. New evidence presented here suggests that both gray and white matter are involved in the atrophy.
A novel mechanism of alternative RNA splicing for the developmentally regulated generation of troponin T isoforms from a single gene

Abstract Troponin T (TnT) is a major regulatory protein of the striated muscle that exhibits developmental and tissue-specific structural heterogeneity. The molecular basis for this heterogeneity was studied at the level of TnT structural gene organization and RNA expression. Two tissue-specific and developmentally regulated TnT mRNAs, α and β, are derived from a single fast skeletal muscle TnT gene. Although otherwise structurally identical from amino acid 70 to the end of the 3′ untranslated region, the α and β TnT mRNAs differ by a small internal oligonucleotide coding for amino acids 229 to 242. These isoformspecific oligopeptides, both spanning the same internal portion of the TnT protein, are encoded by two distinct and adjacent miniexons in the TnT gene. Alternative and mutually exclusive splicing of these two miniexons results in the incorporation of either exon into the mature TnT mRNA and argues persuasively against a processive scanning model of RNA splice site selection.
Bayesian growth curve models with the generalized error distribution

To deal with the longitudinal data with both leptokurtic and platykurtic errors, we extend growth curve models using the generalized error distribution (GED) model. The Metropolis–Hastings algorithm is used to estimate the GED model parameters in the Bayesian framework. The application of the GED model is illustrated through the analysis of mathematical development data. Results show that the GED model can correctly identify the deviation from normal of the error distributions.
Local effects of a sedentary grazer on stream algae

SUMMARY 1. Larvae of the sedentary aquatic caterpillar Petrophila confusalis (Walker) construct silken retreats around which they feed; outside these clearly demarcated grazed areas, stream algae are exposed to a variety of mobile grazers. Comparisons of the algal community inside and just outside grazed zones were made for third- and fifth-instar Petrophila in the South Fork of the Eel River, California. 2. Densities of both the filamentous macroalga Cladophora and diatom assemblages were significantly reduced within the grazed areas during both larval instars. Grazing of diatoms was taxonomically non-selective. 3. In spring, the grazed zones were relatively large (mean = 22.7 cm2) and visibly increased epilithic spatial patchiness. 4. Per cent composition of diatom assemblages inside and outside the grazed areas differed during the third instar but not during the fifth instar. During the third instar, the grazed zone contained more Synedra ulna (a common immigrant) and less Gomphonema olivaceum (a late-successional species).
On measuring scholarly influence by citations

Bibliometric measures based on citations are widely used in assessing the scientific publication records of authors, institutions and journals. Yet currently favored measures lack a clear theoretical foundation and are known to have counter-intuitive properties. The paper proposes a new approach that is grounded on a theoretical "influence function," representing explicit prior beliefs about how citations reflect influence. Conditions are derived for robust qualitative comparisons of influence--conditions that can be implemented using readily-available data. Two examples are provided, one using the world's top-10 economics department, the other using the top-10 economics journals.
The Effect of Hafnium Content on the Transformation Temperatures of Ni49Ti51-xHfx. Shape Memory Alloys

Ternary alloys of NiTiHf, having higher transformation temperatures than binary NiTi shape memory alloys, have been produced and analyzed. Beginning with a base composition of Ni 49 Ti 51 , Hf was substituted for Ti up to 30 atomic percent. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the transformation temperatures of the as-cast alloys. The peak martensite temperature of the Ni 49 Ti 5I alloy was 69°C and increased to 525°C for the Ni 49 Ti 21 Hf 30 alloy. The peak austenite temperature of the Ni 49 Ti 51 alloy was 114°C and increased to 622°C for the Ni 49 Ti 21 Hf 30 alloy. An apparent minimum in the peak transformation temperatures occurred between 0 and 3 atomic percent Hf. Preliminary experiments were also conducted to determine the effect of thermomechanical processing on the shape memory properties of the Ni 49 Ti 41 Hf 10 . Data are presented on the effect of cold work and heat treatment on the transformation temperatures of this alloy.
Reflections on the Craft of Advising: Expert Advice and U.S. Foreign Aid Policymaking

Critics contend that conventional policy analyses usually ignore “inconvenient” aspects of real problem contexts, such as the many, varied, and often conflicting value demands of relevant stakeholders in the policy process. Mapping real problem contexts, with formal attention to policy participants' values, is an antidote to problem-blind, positivist policy analysis. For professional advisers to public managers, competent contextual mapping improves the chances for productive use of policy advice. Contextual mapping, as practiced by a policy adviser to a foreign aid agency, is examined, and generic categories for mapping policy contexts are elaborated.
Granulocyte yields in leukaphereses without steroids and hydroxyethyl starch (HES)

16 febrile, neutropenic patients, 3–77 years of aqe, received a total of 49 granulocyte transfusions (mean = 3,.06/pt) between May and December 1976. Granulocytes were used in addition to antibiotics for treatment of sepsis, either suspected or proved. Granulocytes were collected by semi-continuous centrifugation utilizing the Haemonetics Model 30 Blood Processor with ACD as the anticoagulant. Corticosteroids and HES, a rouleausproducing agent reported to improve the separation and collection of granulocytes, were not used in the leukaphereses. The mean volume of blood processed/transfusion was 2.92 liters (± 0.50) with a mean total WBC yield of 2.13 × 109/liter blood processed (LBP), (± 0.58 × 109). The mean yield of granulocytes/LBP was 0.63 × 109 (± 0.36 × 109). This granulocyte yield was markedly below values reported using HES and steroids in this system (3.5 × 109/LBP). The granulocyte yield we obtained was actually less than that obtained from simple phlebotomy of 500 ml of fresh whole blood (mean 1.67 × 109/500 ml ± 0.38 × 109). A good clinical response was achieved in only 5/16 patients (31%), and this was below the expected rate of response of at least 60%.
Intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration

Abstract Intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration is the association of a cystic lesion in the lung, practically always in the posterior basal segment of a lower lobe, with an artery of supply arising from the lower thoracic or upper abdominal aorta. This artery is of surgical significance, as it may offer a definite hazard during lobectomy. The anomalous artery is the result of persistence of connections between the dorsal aorta and pulmonary plexus via the splanchnic plexus. Such an artery may exist alone or in association with a number of developmental abnormalities such as pulmonary cysts, diaphragmatic hernia, arteriovenous pulmonary fistula or eventration of the diaphragm. Intralobar sequestration usually manifests itself clinically in young adults. Patients have a history of repeated attacks of upper respiratory infection, and roentgenograms of the thorax show evidence of a cystic lesion in the posterobasal segment of one of the lungs. Attention is drawn to the similarity of embryologic development of anomalous pulmonary veins, and to the occasional association of abnormalities of the bronchial tree with anomalous venous drainage of the lung. Indicator dilution studies would be interesting in the diagnosis of intralobar sequestration.
The Struggle for Justice in Bhopal: A New/Old Breed of Transnational Social Movement

Most analyses of the Bhopal disaster have focused on the management decisions leading up to the disaster on 3 December 1984. This article examines the evolution of the global movement for justice i...
Impact of simulated solar irradiation on disinfection byproduct precursors.

The Sacramento−San Joaquin Delta is the major drinking water source for 23 million California residents. Consequently, many studies have examined disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation in relation to Delta dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration. However, DOC characteristics within the Delta are not the same as those entering downstream water treatment facilities. As water is transferred to Southern California through the California Aqueduct, a 714.5 km-open channel, it is exposed to sunlight, potentially altering DBP precursors. We collected water from three sites within the Delta and one near the California Aqueduct, representing different DOC sources, and irradiated them in a solar simulator at a dose equivalent to that received during four days conveyance in the aqueduct. Photolytic changes in DOC were assessed by measuring CO2 and organic acid production, fluorescence, and ultraviolet absorbance over time. Trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) formation potentials, as well as the distri...
DFT study on the effect of exocyclic substituents on the proton affinity of 1-methylimidazole

Abstract A deeper understanding of the acid/base properties of imidazole derivatives will aid the development of solvents, polymer membranes and other materials that can be used for CO 2 capture and acid gas removal. In this study, we employ density functional theory calculations to investigate the effect of various electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups on the proton affinity of 1-methylimidazole. We find that electron-donating groups are able to increase the proton affinity relative to 1-methylimidazole, i.e., making the molecule more basic. In contrast, electron-withdrawing groups cause a decrease of the proton affinity. When multiple substituents are present, their effects on the proton affinity were found to be additive. This finding offers a quick approach for predicting and targeting the proton affinities of this series of molecules, and we show the strong correlation between the calculated proton affinities and experimental pK a values.
SPACECRAFT ATTITUDE CONTROL USING STAR FIELD TRACKERS

Abstract This paper describes a “maturing” class of attitude sensors used to determine spacecraft attitude with respect to the celestial sphere. During the past fifteen years, the design direction of attitude sensors has turned towards star field trackers and away from single-star trackers. The focus of this paper is on the description of the principles of operation and processes by which these star field trackers recognize and track a desired star field.
The other alliance: student protest in West Germany and the United States in the global Sixties

by Martin Klimke, Princeton, Princeton University Press, 2011, 368 pp., $24.95/£16.95 (paperback), ISBN 9780691152462 This engaging and deeply researched study adds an important dimension to the we...
Radioactive Kr Isotopes

A radioactive isotope of 1.1-hour half-life has been produced in krypton by alpha-particle bombardment of ${\mathrm{Se}}^{74}$, enriched electromagnetically from 0.9 percent to 14.1 percent. Assignment of the isotope is made to ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{77}$. Aluminum absorption measurements indicate a positron end point of 1.7 Mev. In addition to annihilation radiation, gamma-rays and $K$-capture have been observed. The ratio of $K$-capture to positron emission from the ${\mathrm{Se}}^{74}(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)$ reaction is computed as 2.6. The krypton 1.42-day isotope has been produced by an $\ensuremath{\alpha},n$ reaction on electromagnetically enriched ${\mathrm{Se}}^{76}$. The isotope is located as ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{79}$ and its half-life confirmed. A positron end point of 1.0 Mev is determined by aluminum absorption measurements. In addition to annihilation radiation, gamma-rays and $K$-capture have been observed. The ratio of $K$-capture to positron emission from the ${\mathrm{Se}}^{76}(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)$ reaction is computed to be 50. The cross-section ratio for formation of ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{77}$ compared to ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{79}$ by alpha-particle bombardment of selenium is computed as 1.4. The 4.6-hour ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{85}$ isotope has been produced by a $\mathrm{Se}(\ensuremath{\alpha},n)$ reaction.
Methylation of the Tumor Suppressor Protein, BRCA1, Influences Its Transcriptional Cofactor Function

Background Approximately half of hereditary breast cancers have mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2. BRCA1 is a multifaceted tumor suppressor protein that has implications in processes such as cell cycle, transcription, DNA damage response and chromatin remodeling. This multifunctional nature of BRCA1 is achieved by exerting its many effects through modulation of transcription. Many cellular events are dictated by covalent modification of proteins, an important mechanism in regulating protein and genome function; of which protein methylation is an important posttranslational modification with activating or repressive effects. Methods/Principal Findings Here we demonstrate for the first time that BRCA1 is methylated both in breast cancer cell lines and breast cancer tumor samples at arginine and lysine residues through immunoprecipitation and western blot analysis. Arginine methylation by PRMT1 was observed in vitro and the region of BRCA1 504–802 shown to be highly methylated. PRMT1 was detected in complex with BRCA1 504–802 through in vitro binding assays and co-immunoprecipitated with BRCA1. Inhibition of methylation resulted in decreased BRCA1 methylation and alteration of BRCA1 binding to promoters in vivo as shown through chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Knockdown of PRMT1 also resulted in increased BRCA1 binding to particular promoters in vivo. Finally, following methylation inhibition, Sp1 was found to preferentially associate with hypo-methylated BRCA1 and STAT1 was found to preferentially associate with hyper-methylated BRCA1. Conclusions/Significance These results suggest that methylation may influence either the ability of BRCA1 to bind to specific promoters or protein-protein interactions which alters the recruitment of BRCA1 to these promoters. Thus, given the importance of BRCA1 to genomic stability, methylation of BRCA1 may ultimately affect the tumor suppressor ability of BRCA1.
Predation by Limnocalanus as a Potentially Major Source of Winter Naupliar Mortality in Lake Michigan

Abstract Predation by adult Limnocalanus macrurus may have a significant impact on naupliar mortality in Lake Michigan. Naupliar mortality rates were estimated from plankton samples from winter and early spring of 1981, and compared with estimates of potential mortality due to predation by adult Limnocalanus . Naupliar mortality rates ranged from. 028 to .149 per day. Predation by Limnocalanus could have accounted for between 3 and 100 percent of the naupliar mortality. These percentages were highest in winter, and decreased with declining Limnocalanus densities in spring. Naupliar mortality rates increased from January through April, during the time of the spring “bloom” in the lake. Predation, rather than competition for food, is probably, the main influence on naupliar mortality rates.
Physical attractiveness and academic performance: Beauty is not always talent1

Stepwise multiple regressions were used to determine the relative importance of physical attractiveness in the prediction of academic achievement for two samples of college students. In the first study, only ACT scores made an independent contribution to the prediction of males' (N= 55) grade average. For females (N= 65), verbal IQ (as measured by Borgatta and Corsini's Quick Word Test) and father's education yielded the only independent effects. In the second, follow-up study, males' (N= 50) achievement was significantly positively associated with intelligence and high school grades and negatively associated with attractiveness. For females (N= 87), independent effects were obtained for intelligence, high school grades, socio-economic status (positively correlated), and need for approval (negatively correlated). Attractiveness was again not associated with females' academic performance. In a final study involving high school students, attractiveness was not associated with achievement for 84 boys but was negatively associated for 83 girls. The results are discussed in terms of potential underlying mechanisms and the limitations of a “what is beautiful is good” stereotype.
Virtual guiding avatar: an effective procedure to reduce simulator sickness in virtual environments

This study developed a new procedure, a Virtual Guiding Avatar (VGA), which combined self-motion prediction cues and an independent visual background (IVB) to alleviate simulator sickness (SS). The VGA, which was embodied as an abstract airplane, was designed to lead the participant along a horizontal motion trajectory through a virtual environment. Both motion prediction cues and IVBs, which provide an earth-fixed reference frame, reduced SS in separate previous studies. Participants were exposed to complex visual motion through a cartoon-like simulated environment in a very wide field of view driving simulator. Participants' responses to avatars with varying motion properties - fixed, rotation only or rotation plus translation - were assessed using a within-subjects experimental design. Results indicated that SS was reduced by a VGA that presented rotational cues alone or rotation plus translation. The VGA also increased participants' sense of presence and enjoyment relative to conditions lacking a VGA. The VGA procedure can be used to enhance user experiences in immersive virtual environments as well as to improve motion simulator design.
Eight-inch f5 deformable magnetic-membrane mirror

We demonstrate a method for producing a large, inexpensive, highly curved deformable mirror by stretching a thin polymer membrane coated with a reflective, magnetic material over a rigid frame. The membrane tension, thickness profile, and the transmembrane pressure differential determine the curvature of the mirror, while a computer-controlled electromagnet array deforms the membrane, both to correct the figure and to compensate for an aberrated wavefront. A telescope with an eight-inch f5 magnetic-membrane primary mirror and an adaptive-optics wavefront-measurement-andcontrol system was built and tested. The versatility, high surface quality, large actuator stroke, and low cost-to-aperture ratio of this design suggest that magnetic-membrane mirrors can be used to overcome many of the limitations of both deformable and static mirrors made from solid materials.
Thrombospondin-2 plays a protective role in multistep carcinogenesis: a novel host anti-tumor defense mechanism.

The angiogenic switch during tumorigenesis is thought to be induced by a change in the balance of pro- angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. To elucidate the biological role of the endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) during multistep carcinogenesis, we subjected TSP-2-deficient and wild-type mice to a chemical skin carcinogenesis regimen. Surprisingly, TSP-2 expression was strongly upregulated in the mesenchymal stroma of wild-type mice throughout the consecutive stages of tumorigenesis whereas the angiogenesis factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, was induced predominantly in tumor cells. TSP-2 deficiency dramatically enhanced susceptibility to skin carcinogenesis and resulted in accelerated and increased tumor formation. The angiogenic switch occurred in early stages of pre-malignant tumor formation, and tumor angiogenesis was significantly enhanced in TSP-2-deficient mice. While TSP-2 deficiency did not affect tumor differentiation or proliferation, tumor cell apoptosis was signific antly reduced. These results reveal upregulation of an endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor during multi step tumorigenesis and identify enhanced stromal TSP-2 expression as a novel host anti-tumor defense mechanism.
Optical interconnections and cryoelectronics: complimentary enabling technologies for emerging mainstream systems

Realization of future applications indicated by roadmaps of present mainstream circuit and system technologies implies surmounting major practical barriers of higher power dissipation and density, higher densities of interchip and inter-module connections, and high-speed system operation. Both in combination or separately, optical interconnections and low-temperature system operation provide important system-level approaches to overcome these barriers. Emerging advanced electronic computing, information, and communication systems will increasingly seek to selectively use active cooling to alleviate expected higher power densities, stabilize temperature sensitive device operation (e.g. lasers in WDM systems), and achieve improved CMOS performance in advance of next generation design rule technology. Extension of active cooling to cryogenic temperatures, seen as a necessity for deep submicron and nanoscale device operation, then presents only an incremental system cost increase. Taken together, cryoelectronics and optical interconnections can be complimentary, providing together greater flexibility and opportunity for enhanced system performance than derivable individually. This paper explores the role of optical interconnections in actively cooled electronic systems with emphasis given to packaging and architecture implications as well as low temperature performance of optoelectronic devices.
Cognitive and psychological predictors of the negative outcomes associated with playing MMOGs (massively multiplayer online games)

This study integrates research on problematic Internet use to explore the cognitive and psychological predictors of negative consequences associated with playing massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs). Participants recruited from online discussion boards completed self-report measures on their online game-related cognitions and psychological condition, social skills, psychological well-being, and negative life outcomes associated with game playing. The results demonstrated the important roles that psychological dependency and deficient self-regulation play in negative consequences associated with online gaming. The results also indicated that psychological dependency on MMOGs was predicted by cognitive preference for a virtual life-a construct that is negatively related to social control skills.
Chronic morphine decreases calbindin D28k immunoreactivity in a subset of cerebellar Purkinje neurons of rat brain

Abstract Calbindin D 28k is an intracellular calcium binding protein that is expressed in the cell bodies, nuclei, dendrites, and axons of nearly all Purkinje neurons of the rat cerebellum. Acute morphine administration has been reported to decrease the level of calbindin mRNA in extracts of whole rat cerebellum [75]. Using immunocytochemistry, we studied the effects of chronic morphine administration and morphine abstinence on levels of calbindin in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Treatment of male rats for 5 days with either morphine injections (10 mg/kg s.c. twice daily[ or subcutaneously implanted morphine pellets (75 mg/pellet, once daily[ markedly decreased levels of calbindin immunoreactivity in long stretches of Purkinje cell bodies in various folia of cerebellum. After 7 days of abstinence from morphine, the number of calbindin-positive neurons was still significantly decreased, and at 14 days of abstinence, the number of labeled neurons continued to be below that in control rat brain. The effects of morphine in cerebellum were not antagonized by co-administration of the N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor antagonist, MK-801 (0.2 mg/kg, twice daily for 5 days). MK-801 alone also decreased the number of calbindin-positive cells, but in a different pattern from that of morphine. Our findings of decreased calbindin immunoreactivity in Purkinje neurons following chronic morphine administration and abstinence suggest that persistent alterations in intracellular calcium buffering may be associated with opiate tolerance and dependence in cerebellum.
Correlation bounds for discrete-time systems with banded dynamics

Abstract We consider the steady-state error covariance for a discrete-time system with banded dynamics. Such systems frequently arise from the spatial and temporal discretization of partial differential equations. In such systems, the magnitudes of the entries of the steady-state covariance matrix typically decrease as the distance from the diagonal increases. We obtain a bound on the entries of the covariance matrix beyond a given distance from the diagonal.
Prophylactic versus therapeutic alpha-blockers after permanent prostate brachytherapy

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the influence of prophylactic versus therapeutic alpha-blockers on urinary morbidity after permanent prostate brachytherapy. Multiple clinical and treatment parameters were evaluated to identify the factors associated with acute urinary morbidity. Methods A total of 234 consecutive patients underwent permanent prostate brachytherapy in one of two prospective randomized studies from October 1999 through February 2001 using either palladium-103 or iodine-125 for clinical Stage T1b-T2b (1997 American Joint Commission on Cancer staging system) prostate cancer at either the Schiffler Cancer Center or Puget Sound Health Care System. The mean and median follow-up was 8.8 ± 4.6 months and 6 months, respectively. In 142 patients, an alpha-blocker was initiated before implantation and continued at least until the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) returned to baseline levels; 92 patients either did not receive an alpha-blocker or received a therapeutic alpha-blocker after implantation because of urinary obstructive symptoms. The clinical and treatment parameters evaluated for urinary morbidity included prophylactic versus therapeutic alpha-blockers, age, preimplant IPSS, ultrasound volume, use of neoadjuvant hormones, use of supplemental external beam radiotherapy, isotope, urethral dose, and multiple dosimetric quality indicators (minimal dose received by 90% of the prostate gland and percentage of prostate volume receiving 100% or 200% of the prescribed minimal peripheral dose). Catheter dependency and the duration of alpha-blocker dependency were also evaluated. Results In both the prophylactic and the therapeutic cohorts, the IPSS peaked 1 month after implantation. Patients receiving a prophylactic alpha-blocker returned to baseline at a mean of 4 months and a median of 3 months postoperatively. For those patients not receiving prophylactic alpha-blockers, the IPSS returned to the antecedent value at a mean and median of 10 months and 6 months, respectively. Of the 125 patients receiving prophylactic alpha-blockers, 102 (81.2%) remained medication dependent at the conclusion of the study, and 140 (78.2%) of 179 patients receiving alpha-blockers other than for hypertensive purposes did so. The incidence of prolonged urinary catheter dependency (greater than 3 days) and the need for postimplant transuretheral incision of the prostate/transurethral resection of the prostate were not affected by alpha-blocker use. Cox regression analysis revealed that only the prophylactic use of alpha-blockers and the difference between the preimplant IPSS and the 1-month IPSS were predictive of the time to return to the referent zone. Conclusions Prophylactic use of alpha-blockers results in significantly less urinary morbidity than either the absence or therapeutic use of alpha-blockers. In patients receiving prophylactic alpha-blockers, the IPSS normalized significantly faster but had no impact on urinary retention or the ultimate need for postimplant surgical intervention.
External Validity of Research in Legal Psychology

The growth of legal psychology in the past ten or so years has been reflected in a relatively large number of edited volumes and symposia at various conventions, in the far greater visibility of psychologists in various interdisciplinary forums (such as the meetings of the American Psychology-Law Society), in the increasing frequency with which psychologists appear as expert witnesses (whose testimony addresses an ever broader range of issues), and, finally, in the founding of this journal. The main purpose of the discipline, presumably, is to explore various aspects of the "interface" between psychology and the law, and, more specifically, to enhance the understanding of the operation of the legal system by using psychological research methods and by testing the validity of psychological assumptions contained in legal statutes or else made by legal practitioners on an ad hoc basis. It appears self-evident that legal psychology has a strong applied orientation. Many psychologists do research in it primarily because the results of their theoretical and empirical efforts can be applied in an obviously important social domain. Many lawyers take an interest in it because they have grudgingly begun to believe that psychologists can make a practical contribution to the judicial process. Furthermore, the research emphasis has been on the various practical aspects of criminal procedure, rather than, for example, on lofty speculations about the role of psychological principles in legal doctrines; namely, a close examination of the literature in legal psychology shows that a very large proportion of all research studies falls into the
Site-Dependent Fine Structure in Photoemission Branching Ratios.

The photoemission intensity ratio between the ${4d}_{3/2}$ and ${4d}_{5/2}$ spin-orbit-split states of the Sb $4d$ core level, known as the branching ratio, shows fine-structure oscillations as a function of photon energy, which are different for the Sb $/$Si(111)-( $\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\sqrt{3}$) and ( $5\sqrt{3}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}5\sqrt{3}$) adsorbate structures. We demonstrate that this branching ratio fine structure is related to the diffraction $\ensuremath{\chi}$ function, and can be used to deduce the adsorbate atomic structure. The dependence of the branching ratio on atomic bonding geometry has important implications for high-resolution core-level line shape analyses.
Psychological resilience and postdeployment social support protect against traumatic stress and depressive symptoms in soldiers returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Background: A number of studies have examined the prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and related psychiatric conditions in soldiers returning from Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF), but none have examined whether factors such as psychological resilience and social support may protect against these conditions in this population. Methods: A total of 272 predominantly older reserve/National Guard OEF/OIF veterans completed a mail survey assessing traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, resilience, and social support. Results: Resilience scores in the full sample were comparable to those observed in civilian outpatient primary-care patients. Respondents with PTSD, however, scored significantly lower on this measure and on measures of unit support and postdeployment social support. A hierarchical regression analysis in the full sample suggested that resilience (specifically, increased personal control and positive acceptance of change) and postdeployment social support were negatively associated with traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, even after adjusting for demographic characteristics and combat exposure. Conclusions: These results suggest that interventions to bolster psychological resilience and postdeployment social support may help reduce the severity of traumatic stress and depressive symptoms in OEF/OIF veterans. Depression and Anxiety, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mutagenesis of the region between env and src of the SR-A strain of rous sarcoma virus for the purpose of constructing helper-independent vectors

The major goal of these experiments is to derive stable, helper independent, retroviral vectors using the SR-A strain of Rous sarcoma virus. Because src is flanked by direct repeats of 110 bases, both src, and sequences that replace src in vector constructions, are lost at high frequency. We have sought to eliminate this homology in order to stabilize the vectors. One copy of the direct repeat must be retained for the virus to replicate properly. Because the downstream direct repeat is linked to the polypurine tract the entire downstream direct repeat cannot easily be eliminated. We therefore sought to eliminate the upstream direct repeat. Using linkers a series of defined deletions and duplications has been created within the region between env and src. The region is relatively large, 379 bases, and has a complex history (it is derived from three different nucleic acid segments each with a distinct and separate origin). We show here that this region provides no functions essential for growth and, for src expression, provides only a functional splice acceptor. We were able to successfully replace the splice acceptor found in the wild type virus with an unrelated splice acceptor partially derived from a synthetic DNA segment. The final product is a replication competent virus that expresses src, and that lacks the entire upstream repeat. Since src is flanked by ClaI sites in these constructions, src can easily be replaced by other genes. Substituting the Tn5 neo gene for src in this construction yields a virus that expresses the neo gene nonselectively.