cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primitive and Poisson Spectra of Single-Eigenvalue Twists of Polynomial Algebras

We examine families of twists by an automorphism of the complex polynomial ring on n generators. The multiplication in the twisted algebra determines a Poisson structure on affine n-space. We demonstrate that if the automorphism has a single eigenvalue, then the primitive ideals in the twist are parameterized by the algebraic symplectic leaves associated to this Poisson structure. Furthermore, in this case all of the leaves are algebraic and can be realized as the orbits of an algebraic group.
A method of interstitial tonsillo-palatine implants.

Abstract A modified after-loading method of interstitial tonsillo-palatine implantation using 192 Ir ribbons is described. Removal of the ribbons is simplified by attaching sutures to the metallic clips which maintain the position of the implant. By this safe and apparently effective technique, increased doses of radiation can be delivered to oropharyngeal cancers after external beam radiotherapy. At the same time, radiation injury to the adjacent normal tissues can be minimized, since they receive only a negligible additional dose of radiation from the interstitial implant.
The design and operation of an improved olfactometer for behavioral and physiological investigation1

An improved olfactometer is described, and its range of application for the study of the olfaction in man is discussed. The apparatus is based on air dilution; an odorant is diluted in a constant-flowing stream of air. The odor-containing air flows to S, who is seated in an enclosed partition with his head in a Plexiglas hood. A visual signal system allows communication between E and S. Precision flowmeters, solenoid valves, one-way floats, and an automated control system permit E to select rapidly a large range of stimuli, stimulus concentrations, and trial lengths. The apparatus has been used in a variety of situations ranging from absolute threshold detection to adaptation and recovery.
Ascertainment: An Overwiew of the Classical Segregation Analysis Model for Independent Sibships

Several different methodologies for parameter estimation under various ascertainment sampling schemes have been proposed in the past. In this article, some of the methodologies that have been proposed for independent sibships under the classical segregation analysis model are synthesized, and the general likelihoods derived for single, multiple and complete ascertainment. The issue of incorporating the sibship size distribution into the analysis is addressed, and the effect of conditioning the likelihood on the observed sibship sizes is discussed. It is shown that when the number of probands in a sibship is not specified, the corresponding likelihood can be used for a broader class of ascertainment schemes than is subsumed by the classical model.
The effect of the controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor from ionic gelatin-based hydrogels on angiogenesis in a murine critical limb ischemic model

The localized delivery of exogenous, angiogenic growth factors has become a promising alternative treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia. In the present study, we describe the development of a novel controlled release vehicle to promote angiogenesis in a murine critical limb ischemic model. Ionic, gelatin-based hydrogels were prepared by the carbodiimide-mediated amidation reaction between the carboxyl groups of gelatin or poly-L-glutamic acid molecules and the amine groups of poly-L-lysine or gelatin molecules, respectively. The degree of swelling of the synthesized hydrogels was assessed as a function of EDC/NHS ratios and the pH of the equilibrating medium, while the release kinetic profile of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) was evaluated in human fibroblast cultures. The degree of swelling (DS) decreased from 26.5+/-1.7 to 18.5+/-2.4 as the EDC concentration varied from 0.75 to 2.5 mg/ml. Eighty percent of the FGF-2 was released at controlled rates from gelatin-polylysine (gelatin-PLL) and gelatin-polyglutamic acid (gelatin-PLG) hydrogel scaffolds over a period of 28 days. Cell adhesion studies revealed that the negatively charged surface of the gelatin-PLG hydrogels exhibited superior adhesion capabilities in comparison to gelatin-PLL and control gelatin surfaces. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging as well as CD31(+) capillary immunostaining demonstrated that the controlled release of FGF-2 from ionic gelatin-based hydrogels is superior in promoting angiogenesis in comparison to the bolus administration of the growth factor. Over 4 weeks, FGF-2 releasing gelatin-PLG hydrogels exhibited marked reperfusion with a Doppler ratio of 0.889 (+/-0.04) which was 69.3% higher than in the control groups.
The Effects of Display Code and Its Relation to the Optimal Decision Statistic in Visual Signal Detection

This study examined the effects of display element arrangement on observers' performance in both Yes/No and Four-Alternative-Forced-Choice (4AFC) visual signal detection tasks. Observers were given four independent informational sources whose values were drawn from either a signal or noise distribution, depending on the task and type of trial. The information was displayed graphically in one of six formats constructed from a combination of two factors: 1) whether the display elements were arranged to produce an emergent feature, and 2) whether or not the magnitude of the emergent feature was monotonically related to the optimal decision statistic (for the Yes/No task). Arranging the line graph displays to produce an emergent feature improved Yes/ No performance and impaired 4AFC performance. Due to the highly efficient performance produced by the angular element code, it was not possible to determine whether visual signal detection was affected by the relationship between the emergent feature and the opti...
Implementation of cable data systems: experience gained

High speed data (HSD) over hybrid fiber coax (HFC) holds the promise of up to 1000 times the speed now obtainable with conventional modems. This technology overcomes current bandwidth hurdles unleashing a plethora of new applications and services which provide exciting new revenue opportunities for service providers. Specific requirements to achieve a successful HSD over HFC system must, however, be accounted for in both the cable data system and the HFC plant. This paper presents critical requirements for a successful implementation of HSD over HFC based on recent deployment experiences. Topics include performance, bandwidth efficiency, operational simplicity, security, economics and return plant readiness issues.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cre-mediated chromosome loss in mice.

Chromosome loss in early human embryos is thought to cause a large proportion of spontaneous abortions1; when it occurs in specific cell lineages in older embryos or adults, it can result in neoplasia2. Although early embryonic chromosome loss can be modelled by breeding mice carrying robertsonian translocation chromosomes3, there is currently no method for producing mice with tissue-specific monosomies. Here we demonstrate that DNA recombination mediated by the site-specific recombinase Cre4 causes loss of a chromosome carrying loxP sites (Cre recognition sites) in an inverted orientation. Thus, when male mice carrying a Y-linked transgene containing inverted loxP sites are mated with females carrying a cre gene that is ubiquitously expressed in the early embryo, almost all their XY progeny lose the Y chromosome early in embryogenesis and develop as XO females. Because inverted loxP sites can be targetted to any mouse chromosome and mice can be produced that express cre in specific cell lineages, these data suggest a method for engineering tissue-specific loss of particular chromosomes to provide mouse models for human diseases caused by or associated with specific monosomies.
On the divergence-form finite-difference approximation to the momentum advection in curvilinear orthogonal coordinates

Abstract The traditional finite-difference schemes for the dynamical equations in curvilinear orthogonal coordinates have a basic flaw: they conserve only energy, but not momentum. A finite-difference approximation to these equations is suggested that conserves both energy and momentum.
Ge/Si(100) Island and Wetting Layer Composition

Etching water soluble Ge-oxides was used to investigate Si interdiffusion into epitaxial Ge / Si(100) samples. The Ge coverage, θ Ge , was measured using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) before and after water etching of samples grown at substrate temperatures between 400 °C and 650 °C. θ Ge was correlated with sample morphology determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The local Ge concentration was qualitatively assessed using energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) analysis. For samples grown at T=400 °C, water completely dissolves the islands and no Ge is detected by RBS. For samples grown at T=600 and 650 °C, AFM detects no change in the surface morphology and RBS indicates that θ Ge decreases by about 3 monolayers (ML). These results suggest that for growth at T=400 °C, both the islands and wetting layer are relatively pure Ge while for growth at T≥600 °C, the wetting layer is Ge rich compare to the SiGe alloy islands. EDX confirms this conclusion detecting no Ge signal between islands for etched samples grown at T≥600 °C. Our results suggest that for growth at T≥600 °C, Si interdiffusion into islands is through the region underneath the islands instead of from the wetting layer.
Reassessing current theories of nationalism: Nationalism as boundary maintenance and creation

After a brief assessment of mainstream theories of nationalisms, the article focuses on those that stress boundary mechanisms. The classical division of theories of nationalism into primordialist and instrumentalist approaches is rejected, arguing that at least three more approaches can bring a distinctive contribution to the field: homeostatic, transactionalist and ethno‐symbolist. The article defines nationalism as a process of border creation and/or maintenance. Boundaries are needed to ensure a distinction between two or more groups, or the spaces they inhabit. Hence, in all processes of nationality formation, as well as in all ethnic conflicts, political leaders give a prominent place to the boundaries which define ‘their’ national community. Finally, violence is used to reinforce ethnic boundaries when the latter are particularly weak or under threat.
Sirtuins in mammals: insights into their biological function

Sirtuins are a conserved family of proteins found in all domains of life. The first known sirtuin, Sir2 (silent information regulator 2) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, from which the family derives its name, regulates ribosomal DNA recombination, gene silencing, DNA repair, chromosomal stability and longevity. Sir2 homologues also modulate lifespan in worms and flies, and may underlie the beneficial effects of caloric restriction, the only regimen that slows aging and extends lifespan of most classes of organism, including mammals. Sirtuins have gained considerable attention for their impact on mammalian physiology, since they may provide novel targets for treating diseases associated with aging and perhaps extend human lifespan. In this review we describe our current understanding of the biological function of the seven mammalian sirtuins, SIRT1-7, and we will also discuss their potential as mediators of caloric restriction and as pharmacological targets to delay and treat human age-related diseases.
Supply network disruption and resilience: A network structural perspective

Increasingly, scholars recognize the importance of understanding supply network disruptions. However, the literature still lacks a clear conceptualization of a network-level understanding of supply disruptions. Not having a network level understanding of supply disruptions prevents firms from fully mitigating the negative effects of a supply disruption. Graph theory helps to conceptualize a supply network and differentiate between disruptions at the node/arc level vs. network level. The structure of a supply network consists of a collection of nodes (facilities) and the connecting arcs (transportation). From this perspective, small events that disrupt a node or arc in the network can have major consequences for the network. A failure in a node or arc can potentially stop the flow of material across network. This study conceptualizes supply network disruption and resilience by examining the structural relationships among entities in the network. We compare four fundamental supply network structures to help understand supply network disruption and resilience. The analysis shows that node/arc-level disruptions do not necessarily lead to network-level disruptions, and demonstrates the importance of differentiating a node/arc disruption vs. a network disruption. The results also indicate that network structure significantly determines the likelihood of disruption. In general, different structural relationships among network entities have different levels of resilience. More specifically, resilience improves when the structural relationships in a network follow the power-law. This paper not only offers a new perspective of supply network disruption, but also suggests a useful analytical approach to assessing supply network structures for resilience.
Surface Roughness Using Rutherford Backscattering

Ion bombardment has often been used to investigate the submicroscopic or atomic structure of surfaces, but rarely to look at the macroscopic structure. The nature of the surface depends on the way in which it is formed and on its crystalline or amorphous character. The processes of grinding and polishing produce periodic correlations in the surface both of ordinate and gradient. Much nondestructive information about such features of the surfaces can be obtained by Rutherford backscattering. Roughness changes the shape of the energy spectrum as compared with a spectrum from a material with a perfectly flat surface. This change can be described in terms of the surface profile and the autocorrelation function. Such information is particularly valuable for all experiments in which scattered particles are used to analyze the surface region. Roughness, for example, puts an upper limit on the depth resolution in profiling experiments. We have investigated a number of prepared surfaces, measuring proton energy spectra as a function of angle at energies in the vicinity of 400 keV. The results have been compared with analytical and computer calculations and establish a unique and new method to judge surface roughness by ion scattering.
Comments on the entropy-based transmission/disequilibrium test

It has recently been claimed in this journal (Zhao et al. in Hum Genet 121:357–367, 2007) that a so-called “entropy-based” TDT test has improved power over the standard TDT test of Spielman et al. (Am J Hum Genet 52:506–516, 1993). We show that this claim is contradicted by standard statistical theory as well as by our simulation results. We show that the incorrect claim arises because of inappropriate assumptions, and also show that the entropy-based statistic has various undesirable properties.
Overconfidence in estimation: Testing the anchoring-and-adjustment hypothesis

Abstract People are frequently overconfident in the accuracy of their estimates of uncertain quantities. The present study requested 50%- or 90%-confidence ranges. Overconfidence is shown when less than the target percentage of ranges include the true value. Tversky and Kahneman (1974) proposed that people use an anchoring-and-adjustment heuristic: They begin with a starting value, one supplied to them or generated by them, and insufficiently adjust their estimates around this anchor. The present data support the proposed anchoring process. If subjects receive another person's point estimates, their own implicit point estimates are correlated with these values. However, anchoring- and-adjustment processes do not invariably produce overconfidence. Subjects who receive anchors are no more overconfident than are those who do not receive anchors. If subjects are required to produce a point estimate first, overconfidence decreases; processes involved in explicitly displaying the point estimate are implicated. Overconfidence may occur because people do not realistically assess their estimation ability.
Feeding Pattern Responses to Changes in Dietary Energy or Environmental Temperature in the Domestic Fowl

Abstract Two experiments using 64-week-old Single Comb White Leghorn roosters were conducted to determine the meal response to an abrupt change in dietary energy or environmental temperature. In the first experiment, dietary energy level was changed from 200 kcal to either 250 or 150 kcal/75 g. In the second experiment, environmental temperature was changed from 22.2 C to either 13.3 or 30.0 C. Feeding behavior was recorded throughout both experiments. Meal size, meal frequency, and time spent eating a meal were measured. Roosters changed to high-energy or low-energy diets consumed low or high amounts of feed, respectively. Those fed the high-energy diet tended to decrease meal size and meal duration and to increase the number of meals. Roosters changed to the low-energy diet decreased meal size and meal duration and increased the number of meals eaten. The results tend to confirm the chemostatic mechanism in birds as food intake was related to energy in the diet. Roosters changed to high or low environmental temperature responded by decreasing or increasing their feed intake, respectively. Roosters changed to a high environmental temperature significantly decreased meal size, meal duration, and increased the number of meals. Those changed to a low environmental temperature significantly increased meal size and decreased meal frequency and meal duration.
Generating correlated gamma random fields with application to synthesis of simulated SAR imagery

A computationally efficient method is described for simulating high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. The method involves generating spatially correlated random numbers statistically distributed according to the gamma product model (K-distribution), a non-Gaussian model that has received a great deal of attention in the literature recently. The spatial correlation is created by exploiting the reproductive property of the gamma distribution, and is computed by summing elements of an uncorrelated, gamma distributed random field with properly chosen parameters. Comparisons are presented between the simulated SAR imagery and real SAR imagery gathered with the MIT Lincoln Laboratory millimeter-wave SAR. >
High-current radiofrequency quadrupole accelerators for current drive in tokamaks

Abstract Radiofrequency quadrupole accelerator designs were investigated as to their suitability for tokamak current drive applications. Designs are presented for both proton and deuteron machines. The effect of ion source voltage is also discussed. These studies show that one can obtain acceptable beam transmission for a large range of input emittance values. The overall results with respect to beam dynamics are encouraging; the design studies indicate that a 1–2 A beam at 2 MeV is feasible.
Ethane ignition and oxidation behind reflected shock waves

Several diluted C{sub 2}H{sub 6}/O{sub 2}/Ar mixtures of varying concentrations and equivalence ratios (0.5<{phi}<2.0) were studied at temperatures between 1218 and 1860 K and at pressures between 0.57 and 3.0 atm using a shock tube. The argon dilution ranged from 91 to 98% by volume. Reaction progress was monitored using chemiluminescence emission from OH{sup *} and CH{sup *} at 307 and 431 nm, respectively. The dependence of ignition delay time on temperature, activation energy, and reactant concentrations is given in a master correlation of all the experimental data. The overall activation energy was found to be 39.6 kcal/mol over the range of conditions studied. For the first time in a shock-tube C{sub 2}H{sub 6} oxidation study, detailed species profile data and quantitative OH{sup *} time histories were documented, in addition to ignition delay times, and compared against modern detailed mechanisms. Because of the comprehensive scope of the present study and the high precision of the experimental data, several conclusions can be drawn that could not have been reached from earlier studies. Although there is some discrepancy among previous ethane oxidation data, the present work clearly shows the convergence of ignition delay time measurements to those herein and the remarkable accuracymore » of current kinetics models over most of the parameter space explored, despite the variation in the literature data. However, two areas shown to still need more measurements and better modeling are those of higher pressures and fuel-rich ethane-air mixtures. After appropriate OH{sup *} and CH{sup *} submechanisms are added, two modern chemical kinetics mechanisms containing high-temperature ethane chemistry are compared to the data to gauge the current state of C{sub 2}H{sub 6} oxidation modeling over the conditions of this study. The reproduction of the OH{sup *} and CH{sup *} profiles, together with {tau}{sub ign} predictions by these models, are compared against the profiles and ignition times found in the experimental data. The models are then used to identify some key reactions in ethane oxidation and CH formation under the conditions of this study. (author)« less
Generative type abstraction and type-level computation

Modular languages support generative type abstraction, ensuring that an abstract type is distinct from its representation, except inside the implementation where the two are synonymous. We show that this well-established feature is in tension with the non-parametric features of newer type systems, such as indexed type families and GADTs. In this paper we solve the problem by using kinds to distinguish between parametric and non-parametric contexts. The result is directly applicable to Haskell, which is rapidly developing support for type-level computation, but the same issues should arise whenever generativity and non-parametric features are combined.
Does Research Participation Make a Difference in Residency Training

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery requirements state that an orthopaedic residency must offer at least 5 years of clinical education and some exposure to research. To expose residents to basic research, some programs, including ours, have a research track that allows for 1 year of basic science research. The degree to which research productivity during residency—which may be something that can perhaps be influenced by interventions like research tracks during residency—affects residency graduates’ future research contributions is unknown. Our research goals were to determine whether (1) residents who published in a peer-reviewed journal during residency were more likely to publish in their careers after graduation; (2) residents who participated in an elective research year were more likely to publish at least one paper in a peer-reviewed journal during residency; and (3) residents who participated in the research year were more likely to choose academic careers. Using questionnaires, online PubMed searches, and office contact, the career paths (academic versus private practice) and publications in peer-reviewed journals of all 122 Case Western Reserve University orthopaedics residents who completed training from 1987 to 2006 were analyzed. Seventy-five percent of residents who published peer-reviewed research during residency continued with peer-reviewed publications in their careers versus 55% of residents who did not publish during residency (p = 0.02). No difference in career paths was observed between the Case Western Reserve University research and traditional track-trained surgeons. During residency, however, research track-trained surgeons were more likely to publish in peer-reviewed journals (71% versus 41% of traditional track-trained surgeons, p < 0.01). Residents who publish in a peer-reviewed journal during residency are more likely to continue publishing in their future careers as orthopaedic surgeons. Future studies are needed to elucidate the causative factors in the association between publishing in a peer-reviewed journal during training and further contributions later in an orthopaedic surgeon’s career.
Human correlates of provocative questions in pancreatic pathology

Studies of cell lines and of animal models of pancreatic cancer have raised a number of provocative questions about the nature and origins of human pancreatic cancer and have provided several leads into exciting new approaches for the treatment of this deadly cancer. In addition, clinicians with little or no contact with human pathology have challenged the way that pancreatic pathology is practiced, suggesting that "genetic signals" may be more accurate than today's multimodal approach to diagnoses. In this review, we consider 8 provocative issues in pancreas pathology, with an emphasis on "the evidence derived from man."
Dual active sets and constrained optimization

Two dual methods for solving constrained optimization problems are presented: the Dual Active Set algorithm and an algorithm combining an unconstrained minimization scheme, an augmented Lagrangian and multiplier updates. A new preconditioner is introduced that has a significant impact on the speed of convergence.
A NudE/14-3-3 Pathway Coordinates Dynein and the Kinesin Khc73 to Position the Mitotic Spindle

Mitotic spindle position is controlled by interactions of cortical molecular motors with astral microtubules. In animal cells, Partner of Inscuteable (Pins) acts at the cortex to coordinate the activity of Dynein and Kinesin-73 (Khc73; KIF13B in mammals) to orient the spindle. Though the two motors move in opposite directions, their synergistic activity is required for robust Pins-mediated spindle orientation. Here, we identify a physical connection between Dynein and Khc73 that mediates cooperative spindle positioning. Khc73's motor and MBS domains link Pins to microtubule plus ends, while its stalk domain is necessary for Dynein activation and precise positioning of the spindle. A motif in the stalk domain binds, in a phospho-dependent manner, 14-3-3ζ, which dimerizes with 14-3-3e. The 14-3-3ζ/e heterodimer binds the Dynein adaptor NudE to complete the Dynein connection. The Khc73 stalk/14-3-3/NudE pathway defines a physical connection that coordinates the activities of multiple motor proteins to precisely position the spindle.
Component sizing approach for the sandwich plate system

The sandwich plate system (SPS) is a bridge deck system consisting of steel face plates bonded to a rigid polyurethane core. SPS bridges are typically constructed as a series of pre-fabricated SPS deck panels compositely connected with traditional steel girders. The decks are thin, lightweight and modular, and can be tailored to numerous applications including both new bridge and rehabilitated bridges. With new system, there exist hurdles in the implementation; for SPS, the primary challenge is the lack of an established design method for the panel cross-sections. Presented herein is a method for sizing SPS panel sections for bridge applications. This method is limited to the selection of steel plate and core dimensions, subjected to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) limit states of serviceability, strength and fatigue and does not consider connections or bond aspects of the system. The sizing approach considers the deck panels as plates with variable boundary con...
A cautionary note on the use of air trajectories in interpreting atmospheric chemistry measurements

Abstract The limitations of air trajectory models are reviewed, and suggestions are made regarding their appropriate use in interpreting atmospheric chemistry measurements. Single trajectories are shown to be potentially unrepresentative in the presence of large wind shears.
Virtues of Mueller matrix detection of objects embedded in random media

We will present a brief introduction to Mueller matrix imaging (MMI) from cradle to adolescence and then show how it can be effectively used for detection of objects embedded in a highly scattering medium when ordinary radiance imaging might fail. We will show which elements and combination of elements are important for gaining the highest contrast against the background continuum. The mapping of certain combinations of Mueller matrix elements into an equivalent human visual system will also be discussed.
Amelogenesis imperfecta, dentinogenesis imperfecta and dentin dysplasia revisited: problems in classification

The classification and prevalence of amelogenesis imperfecta is updated based upon new information in the literature. Problems with the currently used classification of inherited dentin defects are discussed.
Reducing rate/complexity in video coding by motion estimation with block adaptive accuracy

Classical block-based motion-compensated video coders need to find and code a motion field with one motion vector per image block. All motion vectors are computed and encoded with the same fixed accuracy, typically 1 or one-half pixel accuracy. Higher motion vector accuracies have been shown to significantly reduce the total bit rate in some video sequences, but motion estimation at such subpixel accuracies is computationally expensive and is usually not performed in practice. In this paper we show that computing and encoding different motion vectors with different accuracies in the same frame can significantly reduce the total bit rate, and that the complexity of the block adaptive motion estimation procedure can be as low as that of the classical motion estimation at 1 pixel accuracy. Our new block adaptive motion estimator uses a simple technique to decide how accurately to compute the motion vector for each block. This technique results from an analysis on the effect of the motion vector accuracy on the total bit rate, and indicates that motion vectors of higher texture blocks must be computed more accurately and that at higher levels of compression lower motion vector accuracies are needed. We implement two video coders based on our technique, present results on real video frames, and describe the rate/complexity benefits of our procedure.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Continuous determination of effect of temperature on enzymic activities

An electronic temperature controller was used to continuously change the temperature of cuvettes during enzymic assays. A microprocessor-controlled spectrophotometer continuously collected absorbance, time, and temperature data. Activation energies were calculated from Arrhenius plots of these data.
Naloxone inhibits mating and conditioned place preference for an estrous female in male rats soon after castration

Three experiments were conducted to assess the role of endogenous opioids in controlling mating behavior and sexual reward in the male rat. In Experiment 1 SC administration of naloxone (0.5, 1.0, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg) significantly reduced mounting and ejaculation in male rats tested 14, but not 7 days, after castration. In Experiment 2 naloxone (5.0 mg/kg) administered SC to gonadally intact males, which had ejaculated repeatedly with one female until they were sexually sated, significantly inhibited the resumption of mating after the reintroduction of a female partner. One interpretation of these results is that naloxone attenuated the reward experienced by castrated and sexually sated males in the presence of an estrous female, thereby disrupting males' coital performance. This hypothesis was tested in Experiment 3 using a conditioned place preference paradigm in which males copulated with an estrous female in an initially "non-preferred" (white) compartment, whereas on alternate days they remained alone in an initially "preferred" (black) compartment. After 10 such conditioning sessions, males were either castrated or sham-operated. They later were given free access to both compartments in the absence of an estrous female. Seven days after conditioning and surgery, sham-operated, naloxone-injected males and both groups of castrates spent significantly less time than sham-operated, saline-injected controls in the initially "non-preferred" compartment. Fourteen days after conditioning and surgery castrated, naloxone-treated males spent significantly less time in the "non-preferred" compartment than males in the other three groups. Endogenous opioids may play an important role in the interpretation by males of the incentive motivational stimuli which emanate from an estrous female.
Unsupervised multimodal VAD using sequential hierarchy

In speech processing systems, the performance of the Voice Activity Detector (VAD) is a bottleneck to the whole system. Traditional VADs are solely based on acoustic features. Additional modality in form of visual information is used to make robust VADs. In this paper, we propose a multimodal VAD based on decision fusion between two modalities. Visual VAD (VVAD) decision vectors are interpolated so that logical operators can be applied to both modalities. In order to avoid this interpolation, we suggest a sequential arrangement of both subsystems to achieve a multimodal VAD. The proposed method considerably reduces false alarm rates when compared with performance of standalone audio VAD (AVAD).
SOME MUTANT PHAGES PRODUCED DIRECTLY BY BACILLUS MEGATHERIUM 899A WITH THEIR RATE OF OCCURRENCE

The rate at which cultures of B. megatherium 899a produce certain mutants of its phage T (wild type) has been investigated in two media; one (peptone) in which reinfection of sensitive cells, if present, is virtually certain, and one (asparagine) in which reinfection is extremely unlikely. Little difference either in the number or types of mutants produced has been detected. It is concluded that phage mutants are produced directly by B. megatherium 899a and that no intermediate passage through a sensitive cell is necessary for the mutation. 396 individual mutant plaques have been isolated and classified into at least 18 types of plaque-forming mutants of B. megatherium 899a. The over-all mutant ratio found was in the order of 1:2000 while individual mutants appeared with rates between 1:7000 and less than 1:100,000.
The genetically optimized tunnel-entrance hood

Abstract A numerical procedure is investigated for optimizing the design of tunnel-entrance hoods used for controlling the compression wave generated when a high-speed train enters a tunnel. Long hoods are required for long tunnels and train speeds exceeding about 350 km/h. The hood must minimize the maximum pressure gradient across the compression wave-front by taking advantage of the pressure-release provided by open windows distributed along one or both of its walls. The compression wave produced by the train can be evaluated by means of a rapid computational scheme devised and validated against experiment. Optimization is achieved by representing a possible distribution of windows by a binary string. The individuals in an initial, random population of such strings are allowed to ‘mate’ and evolve by ‘natural selection’ through several generations towards an optimal configuration by application of a genetic algorithm. The genetically fittest hood is associated with the minimum possible maximum pressure gradient for prescribed values of the train speed and hood dimensions. The algorithm yields an optimal design from among a theoretically unlimited number of possibilities; it can also supply near-optimal, smoothly varying window distributions (or optimize the variation in width of a long slit-like window in the hood wall) satisfying additional constraints imposed by the designer.
Historical ontology and infrastructure

We explore the relationship between long-term scientific infrastructure and its changing objects of research. Specifically, we focus on the historical changes in HIV disease during the life of a longitudinal medical study investigating the disease for nearly thirty years. We ask, within the study of information infrastructure and research-based organizations, what are the things that inherently change, and how do such changes reverberate through the practice and organization of infrastructure? In applying the philosophical concept of historical ontology to cyberinfrastructure, we present the groundwork for a broader understanding of infrastructural sustainability within an environment inherently in flux.
Cell cycle dynamics in a response/signalling feedback system with a gap

We consider a dynamical model of cell cycles of n cells in a culture in which cells in one specific phase (S for signalling) of the cell cycle produce chemical agents that influence the growth/cell cycle progression of cells in another phase (R for responsive). In the case that the feedback is negative, it is known that subpopulations of cells tend to become clustered in the cell cycle; while for a positive feedback, all the cells tend to become synchronized. In this paper, we suppose that there is a gap between the two phases. The gap can be thought of as modelling the physical reality of a time delay in the production and action of the signalling agents. We completely analyse the dynamics of this system when the cells are arranged into two cell cycle clusters. We also consider the stability of certain important periodic solutions in which clusters of cells have a cyclic arrangement and there are just enough clusters to allow interactions between them. We find that the inclusion of a small gap does not greatly alter the global dynamics of the system; there are still large open sets of parameters for which clustered solutions are stable. Thus, we add to the evidence that clustering can be a robust phenomenon in biological systems. However, the gap does effect the system by enhancing the stability of the stable clustered solutions. We explain this phenomenon in terms of contraction rates (Floquet exponents) in various invariant subspaces of the system. We conclude that in systems for which these models are reasonable, a delay in signalling is advantageous to the emergence of clustering.
Concrete mix pouring sequence for uniform setting and curing of bridge decks

Concrete bridge decks are cast in segments using multiple mix batches in a process that can extend up to an entire working day. Construction codes state that the initial concrete must stay plastic over the entire casting operation, however this requirement is practically impossible to achieve with regular casting and curing procedures. This paper reports the experimental evaluation of the performance of a suggested pouring sequence of class K concrete designed for bridge decks, where retarding and accelerating admixtures were used to achieve homogeneous thermo-mechanical concrete properties based on uniform setting and curing at early age. The proposed pouring sequence was investigated in both laboratory conditions as well as in outdoors environment. In order to optimize the resulting properties, the effects of different curing methods were investigated. Taking into consideration variation in environmental conditions at a regular construction season of late spring and summer in West Virginia, the suggested sequence was able to achieve uniform setting times as well as thermal properties while being placed along an entire working day. (A) Reprinted with permission from Elsevier.
Identification of a new sea urchin vitelline envelope sperm binding glycoprotein

The sea urchin egg vitelline envelope (VE) is composed of eight major glycopolypeptides that are heavily mannosylated and contain fucose and N-acetylglucosamine moieties based on lectin staining. In the present study, the macromolecular composition of the VE and the potential role of a purified VE glycoprotein in initial gamete binding was investigated. The VE components were solubilized from the surface of intact, dejellied eggs with dithiothreitol in divalent cation-free seawater, and analyzed using native, reduced electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Three major VE glycoproteins, VE-A, VE-B and VE-C, and one minor component, VE-D, were identified with antisera against whole VE preparations and against glutaraldehyde-fixed, unfertilized eggs. The electrophoretically purified glycoproteins resolved into a common subunit doublet and one unique subunit each of decreasing size on blots of sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gels. Lectin affinity chromatography was used for analysis and purification of reduced VE components; a glycoprotein eluted from Con A columns with methyl-mannoside comigrated with VE-B when analyzed by immunoblotting. Whole VE preparations and VE-B obtained from Con A columns were found to inhibit fertilization when preincubated with sperm, thus directly establishing a role for VE-B in gamete binding.
A NATIONWIDE SURVEY OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES STANDARDS OF CARE FOR CARDIAC ARREST – VARIABILITY AMONGST AMERICA'S LARGEST URBAN SYSTEMS

Prehospital care for cardiac arrest (CA) impacts morbidity and mortality. Variability in emergency medical services (EMS) standards for CA management exists among large urban EMS systems related to each other and to the 2010 International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation/American Heart Association
Bovine herpesvirus 1 regulatory proteins are detected in trigeminal ganglionic neurons during the early stages of stress-induced escape from latency

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) establishes latency in sensory neurons. The synthetic corticosteroid dexamethasone consistently induces reactivation from latency. Within 90 min after latently infected calves are treated with dexamethasone, two BHV-1 regulatory proteins, BHV-1-infected cell protein 0 (bICP0) and viral protein 16 (VP16), are expressed in the same neuron. In this study, we demonstrate that VP16 and bICP0 can be detected at 22 and 33 min after dexamethasone (DEX) treatment of latently infected calves. However, we were unable to discern whether VP16 or bICP0 was expressed at early times after reactivation. VP16+ neurons consistently express the glucocorticoid receptor suggesting corticosteroid-mediated activation of its receptor rapidly stimulates reactivation from latency.
Improving Relevance Prediction for Focused Web Crawlers

A key issue in designing a focused Web crawler is how to determine whether an unvisited URL is relevant to the search topic. Effective relevance prediction can help avoid downloading and visiting many irrelevant pages. In this paper, we propose a new learning-based approach to improve relevance prediction in focused Web crawlers. For this study, we chose Naive Bayesian as the base prediction model, which however can be easily switched to a different prediction model. Experimental result shows that our approach is valid and more efficient than related approaches.
A Coincidental Sound Track for Time Flies

Sound tracks serve a valuable purpose in film and video by helping tell a story, create a mood, and signal coming events. Holst's "Mars" from The Planets yields a coincidental soundtrack to Eric Rohmann's Caldecott-winning book, Time Flies. This pairing provides opportunities for upper elementary and middle-school general music students to study specific music elements, while exploring the role of the music editor in syncing sound to image.
Independent Analysis of the Space Station Node Modal Test Data

With complex structures, comparison of independently derived sets of experimental modal parameters is an excellent way to increase confidence in the results. This paper presents modal identification results using the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm (ERA) on frequency response functions from the modal test of the Space Station Resource Node. The Resource Node is the first U.S-built structure for the International Space Station. The modal test was conducted by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in January 1997 for the Boeing Company, who designed and built the Node. The ERA-calculated parameters are compared with independent results obtained by the MSFC test team using commercial software. There was excellent correlation of mode shapes between the two sets of results for the first 21 vibration modes of the structure up to 35Hz. From 35 to 50 Hz, about 60 percent of 25 additional modes had excellent correlation. Natural frequencies and damping factors of most modes agreed within 0.1 Hz and 0.2 percent, respectively.
Changing the Technique of Background Subtraction Alters Calculated Renal Function on Pediatric Mercaptoacetyltriglycine Renography

AbstractPurpose: Although many operative decisions are based of apparent changes in function detected by serial diuretic renography, the reliability of relative renal function data has been questioned. We investigated the effect of background subtraction on calculated renal function.Materials and Methods: We reviewed 23 pediatric mercaptoacetyltriglycine renograms. Regions of interest for background subtraction were redrawn and relative renal function values were recalculated.Results: In patients with left hydronephrosis left differential renal function was consistently underestimated by 7.3% compared to the superior and 4.7% compared to the average background subtraction technique. In patients with right hydronephrosis, when considering lower pole background activity only, right differential renal function was consistently overestimated by 15.8% compared to the superior and 2.4% compared to the average background subtraction technique. In patients younger than 1 year at the time of study these difference...
The Effect of Lipemia upon Tissue Oxygen Tension in Man

The effect of varying levels of lipemia upon tissue oxygen tension has been investigated in human subjects with normal and decreased peripheral blood flow. Oxygen tension of the skin was determined during rapid clearing of lipemia to avoid the difficulties inherent in prolonged study over the several hours of increasing lipemia following a fat meal. Regardless of whether peripheral blood flow was normal or decreased, a mean increase of 21.7 per cent in skin oxygen tension occurred during heparin-induced clearing of plasma turbidity. In addition, skin oxygen tension increased during the spontaneous decline of lipemia in 1 subject. Oxygen tension was not increased after a saline placebo injection during lipemia or following heparin injections in subjects with "clear" fasting serum. The observed increase could not be attributed to changes in blood flow. Skin temperature remained stable during the experiments and the subject's response could not be correlated with skin blood flow as measured by the vasodilata...
A Social Work Model of Empathy

This article presents a social work model of empathy that reflects the latest interdisciplinary research findings on empathy. The model reflects the social work commitment to social justice. The three model components are: 1) the affective response to another’s emotions and actions; 2) the cognitive processing of one’s affective response and the other person’s perspective; and 3) the conscious decision-making to take empathic action. Mirrored affective responses are involuntary, while cognitive processing and conscious decision-making are voluntary. The affective component requires healthy, neural pathways to function appropriately and accurately. The cognitive aspects of perspective-taking, self-awareness, and emotion regulation can be practiced and cultivated, particularly through the use of mindfulness techniques. Empathic action requires that we move beyond affective responses and cognitive processing toward utilizing social work values and knowledge to inform our actions. By introducing the proposed model of empathy, we hope it will serve as a catalyst for discussion and future research and development of the model. Key Words: Empathy, Social Empathy, Social Cognitive Neuroscience