cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stochastic matched-field processing using polynomial chaos expansions to model environmental uncertainty

A stochastic generalization of matched-field processing (MFP) is presented that incorporates stochastic steering matrices rather than steering vectors. This provides a natural framework for including environmental uncertainty associated with incompletely known environmental knowledge. Parametric probabilities allow use of polynomial chaos (PC) expansions to describe environmental uncertainty in a rigorous manner, yielding efficient representations of the stochastic steering matrices through the application of sparse sampling methods. In particular, PC methods apply to the uncertainty of sediment variability that can be modeled via horizontal spectral methods. With moderate variability over scales justified by data in the New Jersey shelf region, the sediment uncertainty can be modeled with relatively few PC expansion coefficients, which depend only on the mean amplitude of spectral components. The coefficients express the nonlinear dependence of the acoustic field on the sediment variability, essentially orthonormalizing higher moments. The coefficients lead immediately to stochastic steering matrices, which are then compared via various MFP processors against acoustic data for MFP source localization. [Work supported by the U.S. Office of Naval Research.]
Plant-Based Diets for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: All Plant Foods Are Not Created Equal

Plant-based diets have been widely promoted for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. This review discusses the various definitions of plant-based diets and summarizes their associations with CVD risk, specifically distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy plant-based diets. Despite wide variation in definition, most studies suggest that plant-based diets are generally beneficial for cardiovascular health. Many previous studies have defined plant-based diets by the complete exclusion of meat or animal products, while others have accounted for plant-based diets including moderate amounts of animal-source foods. Only a few studies have considered the healthfulness of the specific plant foods included in these dietary patterns. In these studies, plant-based diets containing higher amounts of healthy foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, oils, tea, and coffee are associated with lower CVD risk. However, plant-based diets including higher amounts of less healthy plant foods, such as refined grains, potatoes/fries, and foods and beverages high in added sugar, are linked to increased risk. A wide spectrum of plant-based diets can be nutritionally adequate and confer cardiovascular benefits, as long as they are planned appropriately and include high-quality foods. Contrary to popular belief, plant-based diets do not have to be vegan or vegetarian. For most people, complete elimination of meat or animal products is unrealistic and not necessary for cardiovascular health. Quality of the specific components of plant-based diets is also important to consider, as not all plant-source foods have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Healthy plant-based diets can be customized to fit individual and cultural preferences and, with large-scale adoption, could concurrently mitigate threats to both human and environmental health.
“Yonder Bank”: Milton’s SAMSON AGONISTES and Spenser’s JULYE

At the commencement of Milton’s closet drama, the blinded Samson directs his anonymous guide to lead him a little further on;For yonder bank hath choice of Sun or shade,There am I wont to sit, wh...
Diritto e letteratura a dialogo nella tradizione italiana: Introduzione al volume:

The intertwining of law and literature in the Italian tradition constitutes the subject of the present issue of Forum Italicum. The volume is divided into a first section of scholarly essays and a ...
Reflecting on Action: Implications from the Child Mathematics Inquiry Portfolio

This article examines how the Child Mathematics Inquiry Portfolio (CMIP), a semester-long field experience project attached to an elementary mathematics methods course, can impact preservice teachers’ understanding about teaching and learning mathematics and set them on more positive mathematics teaching journeys as they prepare to enter the field. This action research study, grounded in reflective practice, was contextualized in undergraduate and graduate elementary mathematics methods courses with 92 participants over two academic years. Data came from preservice teachers’ written reflections on the child mathematics inquiry process. Findings reveal that the CMIP impacted the preservice teachers’ mathematics teaching and learning in four major areas: bridge between mathematics methods course, textbook, and actual classroom experience; mathematical confidence; greater understanding of how teachers shape students’ mathematics dispositions; and personal. Implications for mathematics teacher education are discussed.
Brain Tumor Surgery is Safe in Octogenarians and Nonagenarians: A Single-Surgeon 741 Patient Series.

Objectives Elderly patients with surgically accessible brain tumors are often not offered clinically indicated brain tumor surgery (BTS) because of to assumptions of greater risk for perioperative morbidity and mortality. Because brain tumor incidence is highest in the geriatric population, and because the global population is aging, accurate understanding of BTS risk in elderly patients is critical. We aimed to compare safety of BTS in elderly patients with younger counterparts to better understand the risk–benefit profile of BTS for elderly patients. Methods Retrospective cohort study of young (20–29 years), senior (60–79 years), and elderly (80+ years) patients who underwent BTS with a single neurosurgeon. Differences between pre- and postoperative modified Rankin score (ΔmRS), length of hospitalization (LOH), complication rate, and 30-day readmission rates (30DRR) were recorded. Results A total of 741 patients (83 elderly, 570 senior, and 88 young) were identified. No significant difference in preoperative mRS between different age groups, χ2 = 0.269, P = 0.874. Elderly complication rate was 6.0%, not significantly different from young (4.5%, P = 0.667) or senior (7.2%, P = 0.696) complication rate. Elderly LOH was 1.93 ± SD 0.176 days; not significantly different from young (3.01 ± 0.384 days, P = 0.081) or senior (2.47 ± 0.144 days, P = 0.881). Statistical equivalence testing showed with 95% confidence that there was equivalence in ΔmRS among age groups. Conclusions Elderly patients did not have significantly different ΔmRS, LOH, 30DRR, or complication rates after BTS compared with younger counterparts. Therefore, in healthy patients, advanced age alone should not prevent patients from being offered BTS.
Susceptibility of Rice to Oebalus pugnax (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Feeding at Different Levels of Grain Maturity and Impacts on Insecticide Termination.

The stages of rice, Oryza sativa L. (Poales: Poaceae), grain maturity that are most susceptible to rice stink bug, Oebalus pugnax (F.), damage have been identified; however, the stage at which they are no longer capable of causing appreciable damage during grain maturity is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of rice to rice stink bug feeding at different levels of grain maturity and determine an insecticide termination timing. Rice stink bug damage was examined using five levels of grain maturity described as percent of kernels reaching mature straw coloration referred to as hard dough (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%) across a range of infestation levels using single panicle sleeve cages and large cages. Hybrid and conventional cultivar rice panicles at 20, 40, and 60% hard dough were found to be susceptible to indirect yield loss, as two rice stink bugs per panicle resulted in over 7% peck. In large cage trials, 25 rice stink bugs caused 0.7–1% peck to hybrid and conventional rice plots at 20% hard dough. Much less damage was observed once rice reached 60% hard dough, where peck averages only reached 0.4%. Decreased damage at 60% hard dough was validated using uncaged trials where 0.4% additional peck was observed in unsprayed plots. These data indicate that rice in the early stages of hard dough is susceptible to large levels of indirect yield loss, but unless significant densities of rice stink bug are present at 60% hard dough, no more sampling or applications are necessary.
Bayesian data selection

Insights into complex, high-dimensional data can be obtained by discovering features of the data that match or do not match a model of interest. To formalize this task, we introduce the "data selection" problem: finding a lower-dimensional statistic - such as a subset of variables - that is well fit by a given parametric model of interest. A fully Bayesian approach to data selection would be to parametrically model the value of the statistic, nonparametrically model the remaining "background" components of the data, and perform standard Bayesian model selection for the choice of statistic. However, fitting a nonparametric model to high-dimensional data tends to be highly inefficient, statistically and computationally. We propose a novel score for performing both data selection and model selection, the "Stein volume criterion", that takes the form of a generalized marginal likelihood with a kernelized Stein discrepancy in place of the Kullback-Leibler divergence. The Stein volume criterion does not require one to fit or even specify a nonparametric background model, making it straightforward to compute - in many cases it is as simple as fitting the parametric model of interest with an alternative objective function. We prove that the Stein volume criterion is consistent for both data selection and model selection, and we establish consistency and asymptotic normality (Bernstein-von Mises) of the corresponding generalized posterior on parameters. We validate our method in simulation and apply it to the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing datasets using probabilistic principal components analysis and a spin glass model of gene regulation.
Do grocery food taxes incentivize participation in SNAP

Abstract The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal food assistance program in the United States and is designed to reduce food insecurity especially for low income working families, disabled people, and senior citizens. Although economists have extensively studied the factors influencing SNAP participation by eligible households as well as SNAP efficacy in reducing food insecurity, there has been no research on the potential link between the grocery food sales tax and SNAP participation rates, which is a less visible benefit of SNAP participation because participants are not taxed on their food purchases. The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of grocery food tax differences between state border counties on differences in SNAP participation. We collect food sales tax data from 2010 to 2017 including all 1184 counties on state borders in the United States, and almost one-half of those border counties (42.6% for 2017) had a sales tax on grocery food. Our results suggest that a 1% increase in the grocery tax difference between cross-border neighbors is associated with a 0.12% increase in the difference in county-level SNAP participation. That is, counties with higher grocery taxes than their neighboring counties have higher SNAP participation rates, which is likely due to the tax shielding feature of SNAP. This result has implications for states/counties that rely on the grocery tax for funding government programs.
Collective Intelligence in Law Reforms: When the Logic of the Crowds and the Logic of Policymaking Collide

This paper shows how the two virtues of collective intelligence -- cognitive diversity and large crowds -- turn into perils in crowdsourced policymaking. That is because of a conflict between the logic of the crowds and the logic of policymaking. The crowd's logic differs from that of traditional policymaking in several aspects. To mention some of those: In traditional policymaking it is a small group of experts making proposals to the policy, whereas in crowdsourced policymaking, it is a large, anonymous crowd with a mixed level of expertise. The crowd proposes atomic ideas, whereas traditional policymaking is used to dealing with holistic and synthesized proposals. By drawing on data from a crowdsourced law-making process in Finland, the paper shows how the logics of the crowds and policymaking collide in practice. The conflict prevents policymaking fully benefiting from the crowd's input, and it also hinders governments from adopting crowdsourcing more widely as a practice for deploying open government principles.
Probing Water and CO2 Interactions at the Surface of Collapsed Titania Nanotubes Using IR Spectroscopy

Collapsed titania nanotubes (cTiNT) were synthesized by the calcination of titania nanotubes (TiNT) at 650 °C, which leads to a collapse of their tubular morphology, a substantial reduction in surface area, and a partial transformation of anatase to the rutile phase. There are no significant changes in the position of the XPS responses for Ti and O on oxidation or reduction of the cTiNTs, but the responses are more symmetric than those observed for TiNTs, indicating fewer surface defects and no change in the oxidation state of titanium on oxidative and/or reductive pretreatment. The interaction of H₂O and CO₂ with the cTiNT surface was studied. The region corresponding to OH stretching absorptions extends below 3000 cm(-1), and thus is broader than is typically observed for absorptions of the OH stretches of water. The exchange of protons for deuterons on exposure to D₂O leads to a depletion of this extended absorption and the appearance of new absorptions, which are compatible with deuterium exchange. We discuss the source of this extended low frequency OH stretching region and conclude that it is likely due to the hydrogen-bonded OH stretches. Interaction of the reduced cTiNTs with CO₂ leads to a similar but smaller set of adsorbed carbonates and bicarbonates as reported for reduced TiNTs before collapse. Implications of these observations and the presence of proton sources leading to hydrogen bonding are discussed relative to potential chemical and photochemical activity of the TiNTs. These results point to the critical influence of defect structure on CO₂ photoconversion.
Critical What What

More than twenty years after the establishment of Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a self consciously defined intellectual movement, defining oneself as a Critical Race Theorist can still engender the question: critical what what? When asked, the inquiry is not just about the appellation, though this is certainly part of what engenders the question. The query is about the whatness (or, less charitably, the “there, there”) of CRT as well. What is the genesis of CRT? What are the core ideas? What are its goals and aspirations? What intellectual work does the theory perform outside of legal discourse? What are the limitations of the theory? What is its future trajectory? This Afterword employs Kimberle Crenshaw’s lead article, and the essay responses to it, to engage the foregoing questions.
Diffusion accessibility as a method for visualizing macromolecular surface geometry

Important three-dimensional spatial features such as depth and surface concavity can be difficult to convey clearly in the context of two-dimensional images. In the area of macromolecular visualization, the computer graphics technique of ray-tracing can be helpful, but further techniques for emphasizing surface concavity can give clearer perceptions of depth. The notion of diffusion accessibility is well-suited for emphasizing such features of macromolecular surfaces, but a method for calculating diffusion accessibility has not been made widely available. Here we make available a web-based platform that performs the necessary calculation by solving the Laplace equation for steady state diffusion, and produces scripts for visualization that emphasize surface depth by coloring according to diffusion accessibility. The URL is http://services.mbi.ucla.edu/DiffAcc/.
Using Futures Prices to Filter Short-Term Volatility and Recover a Latent, Long-Term Price Series for Oil

Oil prices are very volatile. But much of this volatility seems to reflect short-term, transitory factors that may have little or no influence on the price in the long run. Many major investment decisions should be guided by a model of the long-term price of oil and its dynamics. Data on futures prices can be used to filter out the short-term volatility and recover a time series of the latent, long-term price of oil. We test a leading model known as the 2-factor or short-term, long-term model. While the generated latent price variable is clearly an improvement over the raw spot oil price series, we also find that (1) the generated long-term price series still contains some of the short-term volatility, and (2) a naýve use of a long-maturity futures price as a proxy for the long-term price successfully filters out a large majority of the short-term volatility and so may be convenient alternative to the more cumbersome model.
Afatinib plus Cetuximab Delays Resistance Compared to Single-Agent Erlotinib or Afatinib in Mouse Models of TKI-Naïve EGFR L858R-Induced Lung Adenocarcinoma

Purpose: The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), erlotinib and afatinib, have transformed the treatment of advanced EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma. However, almost all patients who respond develop acquired resistance on average ~1 year after starting therapy. Resistance is commonly due to a secondary mutation in EGFR (EGFRT790M). We previously found that the combination of the EGFR TKI afatinib and the EGFR antibody cetuximab could overcome EGFRT790M-mediated resistance in preclinical models. This combination has shown a 29% response rate in a clinical trial in patients with acquired resistance to first-generation TKIs. An outstanding question is whether this regimen is beneficial when used as front-line therapy. Experimental Design: Using mouse models of EGFR mutant lung cancer, we tested whether the combination of afatinib plus cetuximab delivered upfront to mice with TKI-naive EGFRL858R-induced lung adenocarcinomas delayed tumor relapse and drug-resistance compared to single agent TKI. Results: Afatinib plus cetuximab markedly delayed the time to relapse and incidence of drug-resistant tumors, which occurred in only 63% of the mice, in contrast to erlotinib or afatinib treatment where 100% of mice developed resistance. Mechanisms of tumor escape observed in afatinib plus cetuximab resistant tumors include the EGFRT790M mutation and Kras mutations. Experiments in cell lines and xenografts confirmed that the afatinib plus cetuximab combination does not suppress the emergence of EGFRT790M. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential of afatinib plus cetuximab as an effective treatment strategy for patients with TKI-naive EGFR mutant lung cancer and indicate that clinical trial development in this area is warranted.
A Phylogenetic Analysis of Western North American Draba (Brassicaceae) Based on Nuclear Ribosomal DNA Sequences from the ITS Region

To clarify relationships among western North American members of the genus Draba, we produced a mo- lecular phylogeny using nucleotide sequences from both internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA and the 5.8S rRNA gene (collectively, ITS). Sequence data from 17 Draba taxa and two outgroups were subjected to both parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses. The phylogenetic results support previously proposed informal groupings for the sam- pled species. Western North American Draba are divided into two well-supported clades: 1) all taxa with a chromosome number based on x 5 8, and 2) taxa whose chromosome base numbers appear to be aneuploid, deviating from x 5 8. The resulting phylogenetic framework also reveals the taxonomic limitations of flower color, chromosome base number, and growth habit for predicting relationships within the genus.
Vertical transport of anthropogenic mercury in the ocean

[1] We investigate the vertical transport of mercury (Hg) within the ocean using a simple box diffusion model to represent vertical water transport coupled with a particulate Hg flux. The particulate flux assumes that the Hg content of marine particles is proportional to the Hg concentration of surface waters via a sorption equilibrium constant, Kd. The model is forced with the observed factor of 3 increase in atmospheric Hg deposition over the industrial era. The modeled vertical profile of oceanic Hg shows a subsurface maximum at ∼500 m depth due to remineralization of Hg bound to sinking organic particles, consistent with observations. Model results indicate that surface (top 100 m) concentrations of Hg have increased by 150% since preindustrial times. Over the past 150 years, 280 Mmol of anthropogenic Hg have accumulated in the ocean, representing a 18% increase in the total oceanic Hg content. We find that 36% of the anthropogenic Hg occurs in the top 400 m and only 7% occurs below 1500 m. Over the industrial era, we find that 14% of cumulative anthropogenic emissions have accumulated in the ocean. Our model results show that half of the accumulation of anthropogenic Hg in the ocean is due to sinking on particulates. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the model results are most dependent on the value of Kd.
Dynamics of a model for an ac Josephson effect in superfluid 4 He

Abstract The model represents superfluid helium in a resonator consisting of two chambers separated by a partition with two holes. One of the holes, being very small, acts as a weak link. The total current I between the chambers obeys the equation of a periodically forced damped oscillator that performs jumps at critical levels determined by n , the superfluid circulation quantum number. The dynamics are determined by the competition between the nonlinear dissipation due to jumps, and the forcing and damping acting between jumps. On a coarse scale, I is approximately sinusoidal in the stationary state. As a function of the forcing intensity, its amplitude shows a step structure characteristic of a Josephson effect. On a fine scale there are either one or two seemingly periodic attractors. The periods can be very long, and nonperiodic attractors cannot be excluded. The corresponding sequences of n -values can be very complex.
Revenue maximizing inflation

Abstract A classic monetary policy result is that revenue maximization entails setting the inflation tax rate equal to the inverse of the interest semi-elasticity of the demand for money. The standard approach underlying “Cagan's rule” is partial equilibrium in nature, treating money demand as being given from outside the model and abstracting from the real effects of inflation. This paper reconsiders the question of the revenue maximizing inflation rate in a general equilibrium framework with a labor-leisure choice, where money is held because it reduces transactions costs. In this framework, the revenue maximizing inflation tax rate is lower than that implied by Cagan's rule.
Adolescent Girls' Coping With Relational Aggression

This study was designed to examine coping strategies for relational aggression. Ninety-eight female middle- and high-school students completed the Revised Ways of Coping Scale (Folkman & Lazarus, 1985) and reported characteristics of a relational aggressive act of which they were the victim and characteristics of their friendship before and after the act. We explored the relationship between characteristics of the relationally aggressive act and the method of coping. Results of the study indicate that the more hurt the girl was by the aggression, the more likely she was to use passive and avoidant coping strategies, such as wishful thinking. The girls who felt closer to their friends after the aggressive act were the girls who coped by seeking social support significantly more often than any other type of coping strategy.
The Many Faces of Gertrude: Opening and Closing Possibilities in Classroom Talk

The authors examine classroom discussions of Hamlet in two distinct and separate contexts. They display contrasting patterns of discourse to highlight the influence of a classroom's interpretive norms on students' opportunities for critical readings of literature. The excerpts of classroom talk focus on how two teachers and their students constructed Queen Gertrude's character and illustrate how classroom discourse can shape students' understandings of literature and of literary characters. The authors suggest that the nature of students' participation in classroom discussion is based on their construal of the classroom culture, and they raise questions about the roles that teachers play in creating that culture. Opening possibilities for students to raise questions of compelling interest, to initiate topics of substance, and to consider the complexity and ambiguity of plight and motive requires a constellation of classroom supports. After exploring the patterns of interaction and their different results in the two classrooms, the authors suggest strategies for supporting students' developing literary thinking as well as their emerging critical perspectives of social power and position.
Russian Monetary Policy and Industrialization, 1861-1913

Some recent critics of Russian industrial policy argue that the costs of the Witte System may have been excessive relative to its benefits and that similar rates (or perhaps higher rates) of industrial growth could have been attained if alternate fiscal and monetary policies had been adopted. Once differential rates of growth of prices and real national income are considered, it appears that the Russian money supply was not unduly constrained. The authors also demonstrate that foreign capital inflows made a substantial contribution to Russian economic development, as did the decision to adhere to the international gold standard.
Pregn-4-ene-3,6,20-trione: a compound formed by the alkaline oxidation of progesterone and its role in the fluorimetric determination of progesterone.

Abstract Pregn-4-ene-3,6,20-trione was identified as one of the products formed when progesterone is reacted with methanolic potassium hydroxide in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. Identification was accomplished by a comparison of the spectral and physical characteristics of the product to those of authentic pregn-4-ene-3,6,20-trione. This compound was also shown to be responsible for most of the fluorescence observed when progesterone is treated with methanolic potassium hydroxide and dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid. An oxidation of the type described has not been previously reported for 3-keto-4-ene-steroids.
On the Nuclear Two-, Three- and Four-Body Problems

The simplest nuclear Hamiltonian satisfying all present requirements includes a Majorana-Heisenberg interaction ${(1\ensuremath{-}g)P+gPQ}V(r)$ between unlike particles and an attractive singlet interaction between like particles which is equal to that for unlike particles. The experimental mass defects of ${\mathrm{H}}^{2}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ together with the cross section $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ for slow neutron-proton scattering will determine the range $b$ and depth $B$ of the triplet well and the proportion $g$ of Heisenberg force (we use throughout the potential $B{e}^{\ensuremath{-}2\frac{r}{b}}$). An exact analytic expression relating $\ensuremath{\sigma}$, $b$, $B$ and $g$ is derived for this potential and $g$ is found to be very insensitive to $\ensuremath{\sigma}$. An exact solution of ${\mathrm{H}}^{2}$ gives the relation between $B$ and $b$. The final relation which fixes the parameters is furnished by a Ritz-Hylleraas variational treatment of ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$ with the above Hamiltonian and the wave function: $\ensuremath{\psi}={2}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{3}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{3}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2}){\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{1}+{6}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{2}}({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{1}({\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{3}+{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{3}{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{2})\ensuremath{-}2{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{1}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{2}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{3}){\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{2}$ where ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{1}$ and ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{2}$ each represents an exponential times a power series in the interparticle distances of proper symmetry ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{2}$ is brought in by the Heisenberg term; the Breit-Feenberg operator is used for the small triplet like-particle interaction). The convergence of energies obtained from successive improvements in $\ensuremath{\psi}$ is rapid and the eigenvalue may be closely estimated. After a relativistic correction is made we obtain: $b=1.73\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ cm; $B=242 m{c}^{2}$ and $g=0.215$. The binding energy of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ is obtained by the same method and the ${\mathrm{H}}^{3}$---${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ difference is found to be $1.48 m{c}^{2}$, agreeing well with experiment. The proton-proton scattering depth is checked to within 1 percent. When applied to ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$, our potential gives approximately 20 percent too much binding energy. Parallel calculations with the Gaussian and Morse curves lead to essentially the same result. No reasonable modification of the experimental data can explain more than a small fraction of the discrepancy.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 120

Abstract The 1960 version of Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 120 has been revised on the basis of experimental data received prior to September 1, 1975. Results from approximately 130 papers and communications have been included in the present evaluation. Data on ten A = 120 nuclei are presented. Two β —decaying isomers are known for each of the odd-odd nuclei 120 Ag, 120 In, 120 Sb, and 120 I. Only for 120 Ag is the energy ordering of the two isomers known, and only for 120 In and 120 Sb are the decay schemes for the two isomers well determined. With the exception of 120 I, other excited levels in these odd-odd nuclei have not been identified. Reaction studies to determine excited levels in 120 Sb would seem particularly appropriate. Other than a half—life, little is known about the remaining odd-odd nucleus, 120 Cd. For the even-even nuclei, the decay scheme for 120 Cd is somewhat uncertain, although it is likely that most of the decay directly feeds the 1 + isomer in 120 In. Many levels in stable 120 Sn and 120 Te are known from a variety of decay and reaction studies. The complex decay scheme for 120 Xe appears well determined, but little is known about 120 Ba decay. A few excited levels for 120 Xe and 120 Ba comprising rotational bands have been proposed from in—beam γ -ray spectroscopy.
How to stay in a set or König’s lemma for random paths

Starting at statex∃X, a player selects the next statex 1 from the collection Τ(x) of those available and then selectsx 2 from Τ(x 1) and so on. Suppose the object is to control the pathx 1,x 2, … so that everyx i will lie in a subsetA ofX. A famous lemma of Konig is equivalent to the statement that if every Τ(x) is finite and if, for everyn, the player can obtain a path inA of lengthn, then the player can obtain an infinite path inA. Here paths are not necessarily deterministic and, for eachx, Τ(x) is the collection of possible probability distributions for the next state. Under mild measurability conditions, it is shown that if, for everyn, there is a random path of lengthn which lies inA with probability larger than α, then there is an infinite random path with the same property. Furthermore, the measurability and finiteness assumptions can be dropped if, in the hypothesis, the positive integersn are replaced by stop rulest. An analogous result holds when the object is to visitA infinitely many times.
Quantification of choline and ethanolamine phospholipids in rabbit myocardium.

Abstract To facilitate evaluation of the influence of myocardial phospholipid metabolities on the development of electrophysiologic abnormalities induced by ischemia, a method for the quantification of choline and ethanolamine phospholipids suitable for accurate and reproducible analysis of small amounts of myocardium was developed. The procedure combines chloroform and methanol extraction of phospholipids after tissue homogenization with subsequent separation by sequential thin-layer and high-performance liquid chromatography. Phosphorus in purified lipid classes was determined with the correction for recovery based on 14 C-labeled internal standards.
Selective absorption of mineral elements by native plants of Wisconsin

Native plants of Wisconsin seem to show considerable selectivity in the absorption of mineral elements. This was indicated by an unusually high or low concentration of a specific element in a species in comparison with other species growing under generally similar conditions, and by the fact that a species might have an unusually high concentration of one or several elements but an unusually low content of other elements. A capacity for selective uptake of a particular element was in general characteristic of samples of the same species obtained from different sites. The potassium content of some accumulator species was as high as 7.0 per cent when the average concentration in other species from the same sample area was only 2.0 per cent. Manganese seemed to be selectively excluded by some species.Cornus canadensis, for example, collected from a bog of pH 4.0 contained only 149 ppm manganese in comparison with an average concentration of 1061 ppm in other species from the same area.Nemopanthus mucronata showed an unusual capacity for selective zinc accumulation. Samples of this species contained from 300 to 700 ppm zinc while comparison species from the same sites contained less than 50 ppm. Some of the nutritional and ecological implications of the results are discussed.
Exciting trips for TRPs.

A potentially common, but poorly understood, mode of activation for the TRP family of cation channels is regulated translocation of the protein to the plasma membrane. The pathway underlying exocytosis of TRPC5 has now been outlined and demonstrates its importance for modulating neurite extension.
Applying Optimization Technology to Portfolio Management

Multiperiod optimization models are typical in portfolio management. Prominent examples include fund construction, the investment/consumption problem for individual investors, and asset/liability management for global financial organizations. Powerful optimization technology can expand the range of solvable portfolio applications, especially for investment problems over time. Three primary frameworks?stochastic control, stochastic programs, and optimizing simulators?have their particular advantages. Advanced optimization tools will be useful in many future applications.
Image Theory: Testing the Role of Image Compatibility in Progress Decisions

Abstract Image compatibility, one of Image Theory′s (Beach & Mitchell, 1987; 1990) most instrumental components, was tested in two lab studies. Consistent with theory propositions, results show that when perceptions of a project′s current and target images were more compatible, decision makers were more inclined to continue a project and more willing to commit additional resources. This pattern was found when project performance feedback was positive or negative (Experiment 1), or merely framed in a positive or negative manner (Experiment 2). Moreover, data from both studies indicated that image compatibility accounted for significant variance over and above that predicted by feedback sign and dissatisfaction with project performance alone. Results are discussed in terms of their contribution to the current status of the Image Theory paradigm and as a basis from which future research might build.
Proton adsorption at an adularia feldspar surface

Abstract The concentration of H + which reacts with an adularia surface, [H S + ], was measured with acid-base titrations of adularia powder-water suspensions. Due to the complexity of feldspar surface reactions, it was necessary to calculate a H + mass balance in order to separate the fractions of H + involved in cation exchange reactions, [H ex + ]; dissolution reactions, [H dis + ]; and adsorption at surface hydroxyl sites, [H ads + ]. Reproducibility of acid and base titrations of H S + was pH-dependent, ranging from ±3 μmol H + m −2 at pH 4 to ±1.5 μmol H + m −2 at pH > 6.5. This departure was due to the exchange of K fsp + for H aq + , which was not completely reversible under the conditions of our experiment. Reproducibility of acid and base titration curves for [H ads + ] vs. pH was ± 1.5 μmol m −2 , suggesting the H + adsorption reaction was reversible. Fifteen μmol H + m −2 reacted with the washed feldspar surface during an acid titration from pH 10 to pH 4, in distilled water. 50–60% of the total is attributed to cation exchange, which is estimated to take place at >3 A depth within the surface, suggesting the near-surface is porous, and that H + reacts with sites within the surface pores as well as at the external surface. Less than 5% of [H S + ] was due to [H dis + ], and the remainder to [H ads + ]. [H ex + ] decreases with increasing concentrations of NaCl, presumably because of competition between the solution ions, H + and Na + , for K + exchange sites in the feldspar. [H ex + ] is independent of (CH 3 ) 4 NCl concentrations, suggesting that (CH 3 ) 4 N + cannot compete with H + for the K + exchange sites. The relatively large diameter of (CH 3 ) 4 N + probably prohibits it from penetrating the pores of the adularia surface; therefore, it cannot access exchange sites within the pores which are available to the smaller H + , Na + , and K + ions. Feldspar dissolution rates, often modeled as rate = k H [H ads + ] n , where k H = the rate constant, and n = the reaction order, have been observed to decrease with increasing ionic strength. Because we observe an ionic strength dependence in [H ex + ], rather than [H ads + ], we suggest a rate model where rate = k H [H ex + ] n . This expression emphasizes that dissolution rates are dependent upon K + −H + exchange at the feldspar surface, and that rates decrease with increasing {Na + } due to competition between Na + and H + for the surface exchange site.
Functional vasopressin V1 type receptors are present in variant as well as classical forms of small-cell carcinoma.

Abstract North, W. G., M. J. Fay, K. Longo and J. Du. Functional vasopressin V 1 type receptors are present in variant as well as classical forms of small-cell carcinoma. PEPTIDES 18(7) 985–993, 1997.—Vasopressin and other neuropeptides are believed to serve as autocrine growth factors for small-cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL), and these mitogenic influences are reported to involve increases in intracellular Ca 2+ . Of the classical and variant forms of SCCL, the latter is not only more drug-resistant but also refractory to vasopressin, and other peptides, with respect to changes in intracellular Ca 2+ . It is currently unclear if this refractiveness of variant SCCL is due to the absence of involved peptide receptors, to the production of abnormal receptors, or to abnormalities in components of induced transduction cascades. In this study, the presence of structurally-normal and functional vasopressin V 1a receptors, was examined in a classical SCCL cell line (NCI H345) that is Ca 2+ -responsive to vasopressin, and a variant SCCL cell line (NCI H82) that is unresponsive in this regard to the peptide. Both cell lines were shown to express an mRNA of 1.9 Kb for the vasopressin V 1a receptor. RT-PCR, cloning, and DNA sequencing revealed the structure of the mRNA was identical for both cell lines, and, in turn, identical to the mRNA expressed for this receptor by human liver cells. In both cell lines and liver, this mRNA was shown by Western analysis and RIA to generate major protein products of approximately 70,000 and 43,000 daltons. Vasopressin action on NCI H82 cells resulted in a substantial rise in the levels of total inositol phosphates. However, it was reaffirmed that these changes in inositol phosphates were not accompanied by a rise in Ca 2+ levels. All of these data indicate that variant SCCL, as well as classical SCCL, expresses structurally-normal and functional vasopressin V 1a receptors, but their activation in variant SCCL raises IP 3 levels without a corresponding rise in intracellular Ca 2+ . This difference between the two SCCL sub-types therefore involves either steps in the inositol triphosphate cascade beyond the activation of phospholipase C, or alternatively, components of other transduction events that might be involved with changes in intracellular Ca 2+ .
Task-related coherence and task-related spectral power changes during sequential finger movements

In order to investigate the activity of cortical regions in the control of complex movements, we studied task-related coherence (TRCoh) and task-related spectral power (TRPow) changes in 8 right-handed subjects during the execution of 4 different finger movement sequences of increasing complexity. All sequences were performed with the right hand and were paced by a metronome at 2 Hz. EEG power spectra and coherence values were computed within alpha (8-12 Hz) and beta (13-20 Hz) frequency bands for 29 scalp EEG positions during the execution of the sequences and were compared with values obtained during a rest (control) condition. Movement sequences were associated with TRPow decreases in the alpha and beta frequency bands over bilateral sensorimotor and parietal areas, with a preponderance over the contralateral hemisphere. Increases of TRCoh occurred over bilateral frontocentral regions. TRCoh decreases were present over the temporal and occipital areas. The spatial extent and the magnitude of TRPow decreases and TRCoh increases in both frequency bands were greater for sequential movements of higher complexity than for simpler ones. These results are consistent with previous findings of bilateral activation of sensorimotor areas during sequential finger movements. Moreover, the present results indicate an active intercommunication between bilateral and mesial central and prefrontal regions which becomes more intense with more complex sequential movements.
Experimental chronic hypertension in the rat; structural changes in blood vessels, heart and kidneys.

SummaryVarying degrees of chronic hypertension were produced in 16 rats by application of a figure-of-eight ligature to one or both kidneys. The animals were killed after the blood pressure had been maintained between levels of 150 to 240 mm of mercury for periods varying from 1 to 8 months. Microscopic examinations disclosed in each animal a marked cardiac hypertrophy particularly of the left ventricle. Renal lesions apparently responsible for the hypertension were observed in every kidney to which a ligature was applied and focal lesions of a slight degree apparently due to the hypertension were observed in the opposite intact kidney. No pertinent changes of any degree were seen in the large or small arteries of the organs examined.
A Conceptual Model for Achieving Value from Hospital Participation in Health Information Exchanges

Many policy makers and practitioners argue that the easy exchange of clinical data across the health care system is a key step to improving health service delivery in the United States. Indeed, the federal government has recently allocated $20 billion to support this effort. Hospital executives, however, often question the strategic value of participation in health information exchanges (HIEs) and remain reluctant to participate. Compounding the issue, existing research fails to adequately illuminate the potential value derived from HIEs by hospitals. This paper begins to close this gap by developing a conceptual model describing how HIEs can be structured and incorporated into hospitals to enable both financial and quality value creation. This model uses the complementary theoretical perspectives of the relational view and systems theory to specify the HIE and hospital conditions requisite for value creation. This framework has the advantage of describing both the hospital’s internal conditions and the H...
High-resolution observations of aggregate flux during a sub-polar North Atlantic spring bloom

Abstract An aggregate flux event was observed by ship and by four underwater gliders during the 2008 sub-polar North Atlantic spring bloom experiment (NAB08). At the height of the diatom bloom, aggregates were observed as spikes in measurements of both particulate backscattering coefficient ( b bp ) and chlorophyll a fluorescence. Optical sensors on the ship and gliders were cross-calibrated through a series of simultaneous profiles, and b bp was converted to particulate organic carbon. The aggregates sank as a discrete pulse, with an average sinking rate of ∼75 m d −1 ; 65% of aggregate backscattering and 90% of chlorophyll fluorescence content was lost between 100 m and 900 m. Mean aggregate organic carbon flux at 100 m in mid-May was estimated at 514 mg C m −2 d −1 , consistent with independent flux estimates. The use of optical spikes observed from gliders provides unprecedented coupled vertical and temporal resolution measurements of an aggregate flux event.
Patterns of HIV service use and HIV viral suppression among patients treated in an academic infectious diseases clinic in North Carolina.

Irregular participation in HIV medical care hinders HIV RNA suppression and impacts health among people living with HIV. Cluster analysis of clinical data from 1,748 patients attending a large academic medical center yielded three HIV service usage patterns, namely: ‘engaged in care’, ‘sporadic care’, and ‘frequent use’. Patients ‘engaged in care’ exhibited most consistent retention (on average, >88 % of each patient’s observation years had ≥2 visits 90 days apart), annualized visit use (2.9 mean visits/year) and viral suppression (>73 % HIV RNA tests <400 c/mL). Patients in ‘sporadic care’ demonstrated lower retention (46–52 %), visit use (1.7 visits/year) and viral suppression (56 % <400 c/mL). Patients with ‘frequent use’ (5.2 visits/year) had more inpatient and emergency visits. Female, out-of-state residence, low attendance during the first observation year and detectable first-observed HIV RNA were early predictors of subsequent service usage. Patients ‘engaged in care’ were more likely to have HIV RNA <400 than those receiving sporadic care. Results confirm earlier findings that under-utilization of services predicts poorer viral suppression and health outcomes and support recommendations for 2–3 visits/year.
Asymptotic number of symmetries in locally restricted trees

Abstract Exact and asymptotic formulas were used to compute the number of symmetries in several types of unlabeled trees with vertices of small degree.
Antioxidant activity-guided fractionation of blue wheat (UC66049 Triticum aestivum L.).

Antioxidant activity-guided fractionation based on three in vitro antioxidant assays (Folin–Ciocalteu, TEAC, and leucomethylene blue assays) was used to identify major antioxidants in blue wheat (UC66049 Triticum aestivum L.). After consecutive extractions with solvents of various polarities and multiple chromatographic fractionations, several potent antioxidants were identified by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-rutinoside), tryptophan, and a novel phenolic trisaccharide (β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-β-d-glucopyranoside) were the most active water-extractable constituents. However, anthocyanins were found to be major contributors to the overall blue wheat antioxidant activity only when the extraction steps were performed under acidic conditions. Alkylresorcinols were among the most active antioxidants extractable with 80% ethanol in the TEAC assay....