cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Image-display optimization using clinical history

Modern imaging technology places new perceptual and cognitive demands on skilled interpreters of medical images. As a result, medical users sometimes perceive new display systems as clumsy and unfriendly because they are required to interactively manipulate images in ways that are foreign to them. The primary goal of this research is to transfer some of the burden of image manipulation from the observer to the computer. This will be accomplished by using clinical history prompts to set gray-scale imaging parameters that are most likely to enhance relevant diagnostic information called for by the prompt. The image processing is done in a series of invisible, off-line ''steps'' which normalize the gray-scale range, and display an image that has been tuned by an optimum gray-scale Look Up Table (LUT) derived from clinical-history data. The criteria that we have emphasized in designing the workstation are that it (a) is user friendly, (b) incorporates human-perception principles in the display interface, and (c) utilizes gray-scale transfer functions that improve contrast resolution of prompt-targeted diagnostic information. We will report on an experimental display workstation that links clinical-history prompts to an optimized gray-scale LUT. The clinical histories provide the basis for generating rules that call up a gray-scale transfer function designed to optimally display targeted diagnostic information in the medical image. From a perceptual point of view, a workstation that can display optimized images would mean that the initial transformed image not only matches the diagnostic disease category, but also the observer''s perceptual hypothesis so that a global diagnostic interpretation is possible before any fine- tuning of window and level settings. Because the initial perceptual encounter with the image fits observer expectancies, global pattern recognition should be facilitated.
Alcohol Use Among Depressed Patients: The Need for Assessment and Intervention

For many depressed patients, drinking may interfere with the successful treatment of their depression. Even among patients whose alcohol use does not rise to the level of an alcohol-use disorder, drinking can have a deleterious effect on depression and depressive symptoms and may dampen the impact of treatment for depression. However, subclinical drinking may not be addressed during the course of psychological or psychiatric treatment for depression. The authors advocate for the routine assessment of alcohol use, beyond questioning to diagnose alcohol abuse or dependence, in psychological and psychiatric settings. There is reason to believe that once identified, heavy alcohol use among depressed patients could be addressed effectively through the use of brief motivationally focused interventions.
Cp-jeez! Aza-natomy!

In this issue of Blood , Yan et al study the anatomy of azanuceoside methylation reversal.[1][1] The azanucleoside analogues 5-azacytidine and decitabine improve hematopoiesis in approximately half of treated myelodysplastic syndrome patients[2][2],[3][3]; in high-risk patients, 5-azactytidine
Nusselt Number and Friction Factor of Staggered Arrays of Low Aspect Ratio Micro-Pin-Fins Under Cross Flow for Water as Fluid

Experimental results of the thermal and hydraulic performances of silicon-based, low aspect ratio micro-pin-fin cold plates under cross flow conditions are reported. The pins were both circular and square in shape with dimensions (diameter for circular and sides for square) ranging from 50 to 150 μm. The test chip contained 20 integral 75×75 μm temperature sensors which were used to determine the thermal resistance (K W-1 ) of the cold plates. The experiments were conducted using water, over a Reynolds number (Re) ranging from 40 to 1000. The data show that the average Nusselt number (Nu) based on the fin diameter varies as Re0.84 for Re 100, where Re is the Reynolds number based on maximum velocity and the fin diameter. Analysis of the Fanning friction factor (f) data shows that f varies as Re-1.35 for Re 100.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Effects of millimeter-wave radiation on monolayer cell cultures. III. A search for frequency-specific athermal biological effects on protein synthesis

A method recently developed in this laboratory has been used to directly expose BHK-21/C13 cells to high levels of microwave radiation without significant microwave-induced heating (less than or equal to 0.1 degrees C). Monolayer cultures were grown on microwave-transparent polystyrene coverslips, placed on the open end of a wave guide, and maintained at 37.2 degrees C during irradiation at frequencies in both the E- and U-bands (average power densities 292 and 177 mW/cm2, respectively). Effects of microwave radiation were assessed at 0.1 GHz increments in the ranges of 38-48 GHz and 65-75 GHz. Protein synthesis was measured in quadruplicate cultures that were allowed to incorporate labeled methionine during the 15-minute period of microwave irradiation. Autoradiographs of each monolayer culture were scanned along the region corresponding to the longer axis of the wave guide aperture using a microdensitometer to quantify incorporation. Since microwave power incident on the cells was previously shown to vary along this axis according to a cosine2 relationship from zero at each edge of the wave guide to twice the average power density at the center of the wave guide, this technique should reveal biological effects that might only be manifested in narrow amplitude domains or "power windows." Observations of protein synthesis in monolayer cultures irradiated at 202 closely spaced frequencies in the E- and U-bands failed to reveal changes associated with microwave exposure. Thus no evidence was obtained in support of the existence of frequency-specific athermal biological effects of microwaves. In addition, no support was found for the existence of amplitude-specific "power windows."
Lateglacial and Holocene hydroclimate inferred from a groundwater flow-through lake, Northern Rocky Mountains, USA.

Climate-driven variations in lake-groundwater exchange are recorded by sediments in groundwater-dominated lakes. A groundwater flow-through lake in west-central Montana (USA) registers latest Pleis...
Oceanic Aerosol Levels Deduced from Measurements of the Electrical Conductivity of the Atmosphere

Abstract The electrical conductivity of the atmosphere, monitored at sites remote from sources of anthropogenic aerosols, may be used to provide an index of the level of suspended particulates for the area representative of the sampling site. Conductivity measurements taken at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, and from ocean research vessels, indicate that most of the oceanic regions of the world are maintaining a natural aerosol level unchanged by the activities of mankind. Significant exceptions are the paths of aerosol pollution extending eastward from the United States in the North Atlantic, from Japan in the North Pacific, and southward from Asia in the Northern Indian Ocean. These regions are discussed with respect to the lifetime of the suspended particulates and the influence of large-scale atmospheric circulation. Anthropogenic aerosols are largely produced from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil. The present trend is toward control of these particulate emissions and an inevitable switch to other ...
Cellular and learned tolerances to chlordiazepoxide hypothermia and ataxia.

Abstract Four groups of rats received chlordiazepoxide (CDP): a) intermittently, experiencing hypothermia and rotarod performance (RR) deficit after test doses (contingency); b) chronically, experiencing hypothermia and RR deficit after test doses; c) intermittently, RR preceding test doses and with protection against hypothermia afforded by exposure to heat lamps (nonexperienced, noncontingency); and d) chronically, RR preceding test doses and with protection against hypothermia. After 36 days of chronic CDP (groups 2 and 4) or vehicle (groups 1 and 3), all groups experienced RR and body temperature (BT) drug deficits after test doses of CDP at the postwithdrawal test. Group 1 but not group 3 was tolerant to peak hypothermia of the drug. Both chronic groups (2 and 4) showed marked tolerance to hypothermia. At the postwithdrawal test, after discontinuing chronic CDP or vehicle for 9 days, only groups 2 and 4 lost drug tolerance to hypothermia. After extinction training (daily testing of RR and BT after injecting vehicle over 9 days), group 2 but not group 4 was again less sensitive to CDP-induced hypothermia at the postextinction test. Regarding CDP-induced RR ataxia, group 1 was more tolerant than group 3 at the postchronic test, while group 4 but not group 2 also showed tolerance to ataxia. At the postwithdrawal test, only group 4 lost tolerance to peak RR ataxic effects of CDP. At the postextinction test, only group 1 lost tolerance for ataxia relative to postchronic test results. These findings differ from those of previous studies with alcohol and pentobarbital that matched learned tolerance [contingent tolerance (CT)] with contingent drug behavior presentation and cellular and/or dispositional tolerances [noncontingent tolerance (NCT)] with chronic drug treatment, but without need of drug-behavior contingency. In the present study, chronic CDP administration, while promoting cellular/dispositional tolerances (NCT), appeared to interfere with development of learned or behavioral tolerance (CT) even when contingent drug behavior training was done (in group 2). That this interference related to chronic CDP is assured because intermittent CDP at 4-day intervals with contingent drug behavior training (group 1) caused prominent CT whereas there was little evidence of CT in rats receiving intermittent CDP but not tested contingently (group 3). Therefore, CT does develop with spaced doses of CDP, and NCT develops dramatically with chronic CDP. But, chronic dosing may somehow nullify development of CT when these subjects (group 2) are also exposed to the contingent training procedure.
Reactive transport modeling of CO2 and SO2 injection into deep saline formations and their effect on the hydraulic properties of host rocks

Abstract Injection of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into formations containing carbonate minerals may affect the porosity and permeability of the host rock and overlying caprock due to dissolution of the primary carbonate minerals and possible precipitation of secondary minerals. Simulations of pilot-scale CO 2 injection with co-sequestration of sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) were conducted to assess the competing effects of dolomite dissolution and anhydrite precipitation on formation hydraulic properties. A geochemical model of two promising host formations in the midwestern United States (Rose Run and Copper Ridge) was developed for the purpose of assessing mineral dissolution and precipitation effects on injectivity and containment.
Regulation of platelet phosphorylase

Abstract A sensitive fluorimetric enzyme assay was developed for study of activation of glycogen phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1) in intact platelets and in platelet extracts. Activity was calculated as AMP independent (activity in the absence of AMP), total (activity in the presence of 1 mM AMP), and AMP dependent (difference between AMP independent and total). The following observations were made with intact rat platelets. (1) Stimulation of platelets with thrombin caused a 7-fold increase in total activity, with increases in both AMP-dependent and AMP-independent activities. Maximum activation was obtained within 10 s after addition of thrombin. (2) The divalent cation ionophore A23187 caused a similar, though less pronounced, activation of phosphorylase. (3) Acceleration of glycogenolysis by inhibition of respiration with cyanide caused similar changes in phosphorylase activity but with the maximum effect observed only after 45 s. (4) Dibutyryl cyclic AMP had two effects; it partially activated phosphorylase and blocked further activation by thrombin, but not A23187. Similar effects were observed with human platelets, but low resting levels of phosphorylase activity could not be maintained so that changes were not as large as with rat platelets. Experiments with extracts of rat platelets gave the following results. (1) Phosphorylase activity in many extracts of non-stimulated platelets could be increased by incubation with Mg 2+ -ATP and Ca 2+ ; ethyleneglycol-bis-(β-amino-ethylether) -N,N′- tetraacetic acid (EGTA) partially inhibited. (2) In some extracts there was essentially no activation by incubation with Mg 2+ -ATP and Ca 2+ , but addition of cyclic AMP gave partial activation while addition of rabbit muscle phosphorylase kinase gave full activation. (3) Incubation of extracts of thrombin-stimulated platelets caused conversion of AMP-dependent to AMP-independent activity.
Chemical modulation of metallothionein I and III mRNA in mouse brain

Metallothioneins (MTs) are sulfhydryl-rich proteins. MT-I and MT-II are found in all tissues of the body, while MT-III exists only in brain. Regulation of MT-I and MT-III mRNA was studied in brain and liver of control C57BL/6J mice and mice given chemicals known to increase MT-I, namely, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), zinc chloride (Zn), cadmium chloride (Cd), dexamethasone (Dex), ethanol, and kainic acid (KA). Northern blot analysis revealed that MT-I mRNA levels in liver were induced dramatically (12-27-fold over basal levels) by all of the chemicals, while in brain only LPS produced an increase in MT-I mRNA (2-fold). Interestingly, the MT-I inducers, Cd, Dex, ethanol, and KA, down-regulated brain MT-III mRNA levels by approx. 30%. Because brain is such a heterogenous tissue, in situ hybridization was used to localize MT-I and MT-III mRNA in control and treated mice. MT-I mRNA signal, which was most abundant in the glial cells of the Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum in control mice, appeared to be enhanced in mice given the MT-I inducers (LPS, Zn, Cd, Dex, ethanol, and KA). MT-I mRNA hybridization signal was also enhanced in the olfactory bulbs from LPS- and Cd-treated mice, while this signal was present but weak in control brains. MT-III mRNA hybridization signals were localized in hippocampus and co-localized with MT-I message in the glial cells of the Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum. In addition, diffuse MT-III mRNA signals were visible in areas of the cerebral cortex, and in the molecular layer of the cerebellum. Signals for MT-III in hippocampus appeared to be reduced by KA, Dex and LPS treatment, while in the cortical region, MT-III mRNA signals appeared to be enhanced by KA, Cd, and ethanol treatment. In conclusion, both MT-I and MT-III expression in brain appears to be modulated by exogenous treatment, however, the changes are small in relation to those observed in liver. Chemical-induced alterations of MT mRNA are non-uniform throughout the brain, and thus best studied in a region-specific manner.
How Has the Economic Downturn Affected Communities and Implementation of Science-Based Prevention in the Randomized Trial of Communities That Care?

This study examined implications of the economic downturn that began in December 2007 for the Community Youth Development Study (CYDS), a longitudinal randomized controlled trial of the Communities That Care (CTC) prevention system. The downturn had the potential to affect the internal validity of the CYDS research design and implementation of science-based prevention in study communities. We used archival economic indicators and community key leader reports of economic conditions to assess the extent of the economic downturn in CYDS communities and potential internal validity threats. We also examined whether stronger economic downturn effects were associated with a decline in science-based prevention implementation. Economic indicators suggested the downturn affected CYDS communities to different degrees. We found no evidence of systematic differences in downturn effects in CTC compared to control communities that would threaten internal validity of the randomized trial. The Community Economic Problems scale was a reliable measure of community economic conditions, and it showed criterion validity in relation to several objective economic indicators. CTC coalitions continued to implement science-based prevention to a significantly greater degree than control coalitions 2 years after the downturn began. However, CTC implementation levels declined to some extent as unemployment, the percentage of students qualifying for free lunch, and community economic problems worsened. Control coalition implementation levels were not related to economic conditions before or after the downturn, but mean implementation levels of science-based prevention were also relatively low in both periods.
Occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern along the California coast (2009–10) using passive sampling devices

Three passive sampling devices (PSDs), polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS), polyethylene devices (PEDs), and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) samplers were used to sample a diverse set of chemicals in the coastal waters of San Francisco Bay and the Southern California Bight. Seventy one chemicals (including fragrances, phosphate flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, and pesticides) were measured in at least 50% of the sites. The chemical profile from the San Francisco Bay sites was distinct from profiles from the sites in the Southern California Bight. This distinction was not due to a single compound or class, but by the relative abundances/concentrations of the chemicals. Comparing the PSDs to mussel (Mytilus spp.) tissues, a positive correlation exists for the 25 and 26 chemicals in common for the PEDs and SPME, respectively. Diphenhydramine was the only common chemical out of 40 analyzed in both POCIS and tissues detected at a common site.
Use of tertiarbutylphosphine for the growth of InP and GaAs 1 - x P x

A newly-developed phosphorus source, tertiarybutylphosphine (TBP), which is much less toxic than PH3, has been used to grow InP and GaAs1-xPx by atmospheric pressure organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE). Excellent morphologies are obtained for the growth of InP between 560 and 630° C for TBP partial pressures larger than 0.5 x 10-3. For the first time, V/III ratios as low as 3 have been used to grow InP epilayers with featureless morphologies at 600° C. To obtain good morphologies at both lower and higher temperatures, higher TBP partial pressures are necessary. The electron mobility increases and the electron density decreases as the temperature is increased. The highest room temperature mobilities and lowest electron densities, obtained at 630° C, are 3800 cm2/V-sec and 3 x 1015 cm-3, respectively. The 10 K photoluminescence spectra of the InP epilayers at higher growth temperatures show no carbon contamination. Bound excition half widths as low as 3.0 meV have been measured. The use of TBP to replace PH3 in the growth of GaAs1-xPx results in a nearly linear relationship between vapor and solid composition at 610° C,i.e., the P distribution coefficient is nearly unity. This contrasts sharply with the very low P distribution coefficient obtained using PH3 at such low growth temperatures.
Thought control moderates the relation between autogenous intrusions and the severity of obsessional symptoms: Further support for the autogenous–reactive model of obsessions

Lee and Kwon's (2003) autogenous–reactive model of obsessions proposes that obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is marked by two distinct types of intrusive thoughts—autogenous and reactive intrusive thoughts. Within Lee and Kwon's model, the use of thought control is purportedly of particular relevance to the phenomenology of autogenous intrusive thoughts. However, to date, the extant literature has provided equivocal conclusions as to the relevance of thought control to autogenous intrusive thoughts. Informed by cognitive-behavioral models of OCD, the relevance of thought control to autogenous intrusive thoughts was further examined in the present research by investigating whether thought control moderated the relation between autogenous/reactive intrusive thoughts and the severity of obsessional symptoms in a large nonclinical sample (N=401). Consistent with predictions, thought control moderated the relation between autogenous, but not reactive, intrusive thoughts and the severity of obsessional symptoms. Simple effects revealed that autogenous intrusive thoughts shared a significant association with the severity of obsessional symptoms at high, but not low, levels of thought control. Conceptual and therapeutic implications are discussed.
Cooperative multihop communication for underwater acoustic networks

In this work, multi-hop cooperative schemes for underwater sensor networks are studied and shown to be highly energy efficient. Also, the signal model for a multipath channel is derived taking into account the interference from other nodes. It is shown that while the effects of uncompensated intersymbol interference (ISI) can be quite detrimental, the network exhibits enough robustness against multiuser interference.
Scm3 deposits a (Cse4–H4)2 tetramer onto DNA through a Cse4–H4 dimer intermediate

The assembly of centromeric nucleosomes is mediated by histone variant-specific chaperones. In budding yeast, the centromere-specific histone H3 variant is Cse4, and the histone chaperone Scm3 functions as a Cse4-specific nucleosome assembly factor. Here, we show that Scm3 exhibits specificity for Cse4-H4, but also interacts with major-type H3-H4 and H2A-H2B. Previously published structures of the Scm3 histone complex demonstrate that Scm3 binds only one copy of Cse4-H4. Consistent with this, we show that Scm3 deposits Cse4-H4 through a dimer intermediate onto deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to form a (Cse4-H4)2-DNA complex (tetrasome). Scm3-bound Cse4-H4 does not form a tetramer in the absence of DNA. Moreover, we demonstrate that Cse4 and H3 are structurally compatible to be incorporated in the same nucleosome to form heterotypic particles. Our data shed light on the mechanism of Scm3-mediated nucleosome assembly at the centromere.
Prevalence of lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors in Peru: the PREVENCION study

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors in the adult population of Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru. METHODS: The prevalence and patterns of smoking, alcohol drinking, lack of physical activity, high-fat diet, and low fruit and vegetable intake were evaluated among 1 878 subjects (867 men and 1 011 women) in a population-based study. RESULTS: The age-standardized prevalence of current smoking, former smoking, and never smoking were 21.6%, 14.3%, and 64.1%, respectively. The prevalence of current smoking was significantly higher in men than women (31.1% vs. 12.1%; P < 0.01). The prevalence of current alcohol use was 37.7% and significantly higher in men than women (55.5% vs. 19.7%; P < 0.01). Similarly, the prevalence of binge drinking was 21.2%, and the percentage of men who binge drink (36.1%) was significantly higher than for women (6.4%; P < 0.01). The vast majority of alcohol drinkers reported a pattern of alcohol consumption mainly on weekends and holidays rather than regular drinking with meals during the week. The proportion of insufficiently active people was 57.6% and was significantly higher in women than men (63.3% vs. 51.9%; P < 0.01). Overall, 42.0% of adults reported consuming high-fat diets, 34.5% reported low fruit intake, and 33.3% reported low vegetable intake. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors found in this Andean population is of concern. Preventive programs are urgently needed to deal with this growing problem.
The Current Role of Medical Simulation in American Urological Residency Training Programs: An Assessment by Program Directors

Purpose: Although medical simulation opportunities are increasingly available, resident training to date has involved primarily hands-on, subjective assessments. The role of simulation and computer based training for urology residents remains unknown. We evaluated the current status of medical simulation among urological training programs in the United States.Materials and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was developed and mailed to the program director at the 119 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited United States urology training programs, and consisted of 17 questions documenting the prior experience of the responder to medical simulation as well as the current status of simulation at their institution. An additional 14 questions sought the responders’ opinion of medical simulation in urology training programs.Results: The questionnaire was returned by 41 program directors (35%). Among respondents, access to a laparoscopy simulator was 76%. In comparison, reported access to...
Ca2+- and Myristoylation-Dependent Association of Calcineurin with Phosphatidylserine

It has been proposed that N-terminal myristoylation of calcineurin B is necessary for the membrane association of calcineurin. We tested the effects of Ca(2+) and myristoylation on the binding of calcineurin B alone or heterodimeric calcineurin to phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylcholine vesicles. In the presence of excess phosphatidylserine, 50-60% of total calcineurin associated with phosphatidylserine in a Ca(2+)-sensitive manner. Calcineurin did not associate with phosphatidylcholine. Calcineurin containing both the alpha and beta catalytic subunit isoforms bound to phosphatidylserine. Calmodulin interfered with the association of calcineurin with phosphatidylserine. In the presence of Ca(2+), myristoylated calcineurin B alone did not bind to phosphatidylcholine but did bind to phosphatidylserine, although to a lesser extent than the calcineurin heterodimer. Non-myristoylated calcineurin B alone, or calcineurin containing non-myristoylated calcineurin B did not associate with phosphatidylserine in the presence of Ca(2+). These results indicate: (i) Both isoforms of calcineurin bind to phosphatidylserine. (ii) A phospholipid binding site is located on the calcineurin B subunit. (iii) Calcineurin B myristoylation is required for the Ca(2+)-sensitive binding of calcineurin to phosphatidylserine vesicles in vitro.
Loki: a state-driven fault injector for distributed systems

Distributed applications can fail in subtle ways that depend on the state of multiple parts of a system. This complicates the validation of such systems via fault injection, since it suggests that faults should be injected based on the global state of the system. In Loki, fault injection is performed based on a partial view of the global state of a distributed system, i.e. faults injected in one node of the system can depend on the state of other nodes. Once faults are injected, a post-runtime analysis, using off-line clock synchronization, is used to place events and injections on a single global timeline and to determine whether the intended faults were properly injected. Finally, experiments containing successful fault injections are used to estimate the specified measures. In addition to briefly reviewing the concepts behind Loki and its organization, we detail Loki's user interface. In particular, we describe the graphical user interfaces for specifying state machines and faults, for executing a campaign and for verifying whether the faults were properly injected.
Characterization of flow through an array of cylinders modeling Marine Hydrokinetic support structures

The flow around an array of vertical solid surface mounted cylinders is characterized. These cylinders model the support structures used for a Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) device. MHK devices extract the kinetic energy of flowing water and use it to turn an electrical generator. Array configuration is thought to contribute to performance and the amount of extractable power. For example an offset array might extract more energy than a side-by-side array. The offset array could extract more energy from the flow by having the wakes of the upstream structures funnel the incident flow, increasing kinetic energy flux onto a downstream turbine.
Problems of a Statistical Ensemble Theory for Systems Far from Equilibrium

The development of a general statistical physics of nonequilibrium systems was one of the main unfinished tasks of statistical physics of the 20th century. The aim of this work is the study of a special class of nonequilibrium systems where the formulation of an ensemble theory of some generality is possible. These are the so-called canonical-dissipative systems, where the driving terms are determined by invariants of motion. We construct canonical-dissipative systems which are ergodic on certain surfaces on the phase plane. These systems may be described by a nonequilibrium microcanocical ensemble, corresponding to an equal distribution on the target surface. Next we construct and solve Fokker-Planck equations; this leads to a kind of canonical-dissipative ensemble. In the last part we discuss the thoretical problem how to define bifurcations in the framework of nonequilibrium statistics and several possible applications.
Adult attachment and memory of emotional reactions to negative and positive events

Relations between adult attachment and memory for earlier emotional reactions to negative and positive events were examined. Hypotheses were that avoidance would be associated with underestimating earlier negative affect, whereas anxiety would be associated with overestimating earlier negative affect. Also, both avoidance and anxiety were expected to relate to underestimating earlier positive affect intensity. Participants (119 college students) completed daily report forms three times a day for 4 days on which they described and rated their immediate emotional reactions to events within each time period. Approximately 10 days later, they were asked to estimate their immediate emotional reaction to one negative event and one positive event. Events were coded as interpersonal or non-interpersonal. Contrary to hypotheses, for those lower on avoidance, anxiety related to lower levels of recalled negative affect (i.e., greater underestimation) for negative interpersonal events. As expected, with positive even...
Using multitemporal satellite imagery to characterize forest wildlife habitat: The case of ruffed grouse

Abstract Like many similar forest species, ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus; hereafter grouse) populations in the central and southern Appalachians (CSA) are strongly affected by forest composition at the landscape scale. Because these populations are in decline, managers require accurate forest maps to understand how stand level characteristics affect the survival and reproductive potentials of individual birds to design management strategies that improve grouse abundance. However, traditional mapping techniques are often labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive. We used a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from each of 8 Landsat images and the digital elevation model (DEM)-derived variables of elevation and aspect in discriminant analyses to classify 7 study areas to 3 overstory classes (evergreen, hardwoods, and oak) and distinguish evergreen and deciduous understories in the CSA, 2000–2002. Overall accuracy was 82.08%, varying from 83.59% for oak to 79.79% for hardwoods overstories. Periods with large phenological differences among classes, particularly early and late spring, were most useful for discriminating overstory vegetation types. Alternatively, winter NDVI in combination with elevation was critical for differentiating evergreen and deciduous understories. Multitemporal image sets used in concert with DEMs provided a cost-effective alternative to hyperspectral sensors for improving wildlife habitat classification accuracy with Landsat imagery. This allowed for enhanced understanding of grouse-habitat relationships and habitat affects on grouse populations that allowed for improved management. With the incorporation of simple adjustments for local forest plant species phenology into the model, it may be used to better classify wildlife habitat of similar species in areas with comparable forest communities and topography. Multitemporal images can also be used to differentiate grassland communities, monitor wetlands, and serve as baseline data for detecting changes in land use over longer temporal scales, making their use in forest wildlife habitat studies cost-justifiable.
Biobehavioral influences on recovery following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a rigorous therapy that carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality to individuals with hematologic malignancies undergoing this treatment. While relationships between psychosocial factors, immune function, and clinical outcomes have been documented in other cancer populations, similar studies of cancer patients undergoing HSCT have not yet been conducted. The clinical significance of these relationships may be particularly salient in this population given the critical role of a timely immune recovery and optimal immune regulation in preventing infections, mitigating risk for graft-versus-host disease, and eliminating malignant cells, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Evidence for the potential role of biobehavioral processes following HSCT is reviewed, mechanisms by which psychosocial factors may influence immune processes relevant to post-transplant outcomes are discussed, and a framework to ground future psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) research in this area is provided. The review suggests that the recovery period following HSCT may provide a "window of opportunity" during which interventions targeting stress-related behavioral factors can influence the survival, health, and well-being of HSCT recipients.
Rigidity of the Economic Right? Menu-Independent and Menu-Dependent Influences of Psychological Dispositions on Political Attitudes:

The rigidity of the right model posits that psychological needs for security and certainty (NSC) attract people to a broad right-wing ideology that includes both sociocultural and economic political attitudes. We review evidence that NSC characteristics do not consistently predict economically right-wing preferences and propose the Menu-Independent and -Dependent Influence (MIDI) model as an alternative account of disposition-politics relations. In this model, NSC naturally attracts people to socioculturally conservative attitudes, but its effects on economic attitudes are the net outcome of potentially competing dispositional and discursive influences. We review evidence in support of the MIDI model and discuss its implications for understanding the interplay of background characteristics, social context, and political conflict.
FRACTURE EXTENSION RESISTANCE (R-CURVE) CHARACTERISTICS FOR THREE HIGH-STRENGTH STEELS

New procedures for characterizing the fracture extension resistance of ductile metals have been established. The fracture extension resistance curve (R-curve), which delineates the increasing rate of plastic work to causecrack propagation in nonbrittle metals, is determined by using dynamic tear (DT) test procedures. The resistance parameter is the slope of the R-curve. The effect of thickness on the R-curve slope was investigated for three high-strength steels of high, intermediate, and low resistance to ductile fracture. R-curves were determined for each steel in the full thickness (1 in.) and for thicknesses of 0.625 and 0.325 in. The R-curve slopes showed good agreement for each section size, and a transition in the fracture mode from flat fracture at short crack extensions to the metal's characteristic degree of shear fracture for long extensions was observed for each steel. The data can be described by an exponential equation involving fracture energy, specimen cross-section dimensions, and a constant, Rp, which is proportional to the R-curve slope. For each steel, R p is unaffected by changing specimen geometry, thus indicating it to be a materia property.
The determination of noise temperatures of large paraboloidal antennas

A maser receiving system may have higher noise contributions from the antenna and transmission line than from the amplifier. To develop lower-noise receiving systems, it therefore is important to know the antenna and transmission-line noise temperature as well as the receiver noise temperature. Several techniques for the measurement of absolute antenna noise temperature have been tested at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Experiments have been conducted at 960 and 2388 Mc using an 85-ft paraboloidal reflector with several antenna feed configurations. At 2388 Mc, an antenna noise temperature of 15\deg K has been attained with an efficient antenna feed.
Direct in vivo VH to JH rearrangement violating the 12/23 rule

V(D)J recombination at the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus follows the 12/23 rule to ensure the correct assembly of the variable region gene segments. Here, we report characterization of an in vivo model that allowed us to study recombination violating the 12/23 rule, namely a mouse strain lacking canonical D elements in its IgH locus. We demonstrate that VH to JH joining can support the generation of all B cell subsets. However, the process is inefficient in that B cells and antibodies derived from the DH-less allele are not detectable if the latter is combined with a wild-type IgH allele. There is no preferential usage of any particular VH gene family or JH element in VHJH junctions, indicating that 23/23-guided recombination is possible, but is a low frequency event at the IgH locus in vivo.
Changes in DNA methylation at the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor may be a new biomarker for smoking

Background Smoking is the largest preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. In previous work, we demonstrated that altered DNA methylation at the aryl hydrocarbon receptor repressor (AHRR) is correlated with self-reported smoking in 19-year-old African Americans with relatively low levels of smoking. However, one limitation of the prior work is that it was based on self-reported data only. Therefore, the relationship of AHRR methylation to smoking in older subjects and to indicators such as serum cotinine levels remains unknown. To address this question, we examined the relationship between genome- wide DNA methylation and smoking status as indicated by serum cotinine levels in a cohort of 22-year-old African American men.
On symplectic submanifolds of cotangent bundles

Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for a symplectic submanifold of a cotangent bundle to itself be a cotangent bundle.
High-Throughput Screening to Identify Compounds That Increase Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein Expression in Neural Stem Cells Differentiated From Fragile X Syndrome Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited cognitive disability, is caused by a deficiency of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). In most patients, the absence of FMRP is due to an aberrant transcriptional silencing of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. FXS has no cure, and the available treatments only provide symptomatic relief. Given that FMR1 gene silencing in FXS patient cells can be partially reversed by treatment with compounds that target repressive epigenetic marks, restoring FMRP expression could be one approach for the treatment of FXS. We describe a homogeneous and highly sensitive time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay for FMRP detection in a 1,536-well plate format. Using neural stem cells differentiated from an FXS patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line that does not express any FMRP, we screened a collection of approximately 5,000 known tool compounds and approved drugs using this FMRP assay and identified 6 compounds that modestly increase FMR1 gene expression in FXS patient cells. Although none of these compounds resulted in clinically relevant levels of FMR1 mRNA, our data provide proof of principle that this assay combined with FXS patient-derived neural stem cells can be used in a high-throughput format to identify better lead compounds for FXS drug development.
Characterization of Particle Rebound Phenomena in the Erosion of Turbomachinery

The rebound of solid particles on material surfaces typical to jet turbines is predicted to assess the frequency of multiple impacts and secondary erosion. The numerical solution models boundary-layer growth, separation, and unsteady wake effects in the gas flow. The microgeometry of the surface is taken into account, via experimentally determined statistical boundary conditions applied to the particle phase. The three types of rebound phenomena identified include imbedment, single-impact rebound, and multiple impacts, which appear similar to the way a stone skips across water. The momentum change after impact is characterized with respect to primary and secondary erosion mechanisms. The secondary erosion is found to increase with particle size. This result is in part an aerodynamic effect. Nomenclature /R. = aspect ratio = o/R CD = drag coefficient of particle d = particle diameter k = time step (dimensionless) R = cylinder radius Re = flow Reynolds number = U2R/v Rep = particle Reynolds number = \u — up\d/v q — particle impact speed t = time (dimensionless) U = gas free stream speed u — gas velocity vector (dimensionless) up = particle velocity vector (dimensionless) a. — particle impact angle (measured from the surface) a0 = particle volume fraction /3 = particle rebound angle (measured from the surface) S* = average displacement thickness of boundary layer dj = relative density of particles to gas 6 = cylinder angle (measured from the front stagnation point)
Granulomatous slack skin : a possible precursor of Hodgkin's disease

Granulomatous slack skin (GSS) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that is an unusual variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).l It is characterized by the progressive laxity of affected skin, with predilection for flexural areas.‘, 3 The disease has a marked male predominance, with age at onset typically ranging from adolescence to middle age! Although histologically similar to granulomatous mycosis fungoides (MF), GSS can be distinguished from MF by both clinical and histologic criteria? Approximately one third of the reported patients with GSS have subsequently had Hodgkin’s disease.4 We describe a patient with GSS in whom Hodgkin’s disease developed approximately 11 years after the initial appearance of his skin lesions.
Regional Gene Pools for Restoration, Conservation, and Genetic Improvement of Prairie Grasses

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) are native warm-season grasses that have been identified as potential cellulosic bioenergy feedstock crops due to their potential for high yields, perennial life habit, and nutrient use efficiency. This chapter outlines the role that improved cultivars and unimproved locally collected ecotypes can play in meeting agronomic and conservation goals. Improved cultivars grown for use as a bioenergy feedstock will be established in areas where introgression will occur with native populations. The concerns regarding the introgression of transgenes or non-adaptive alleles are outlined along with several avenues for mitigating these concerns. The agronomic and breeding history of each species is reviewed, as well as their importance in the conservation and restoration efforts of the prairie ecosystems of North America. We argue that both improved and locally collected ecotypes can coexist on the landscape and help to jumpstart the shift to a bioenergy based economy that provides sufficient biomass to meet cellulosic bioenergy goals, restore native ecosystems, and provide an array of regulating, cultural, and supporting ecosystem services while increasing the sustainability of agriculture.
Decentralized synergetic control of multimachine systems

This paper utilizes decentralized synergetic control approach to control a multimachine nonlinear electric power system through the excitation subsystem. The interconnection between generators is modeled as a function of the local variables and is considered as external disturbance to each subsystem. The nonlinear decentralized controllers effectively dampen the rotor angle oscillations and regulate the terminal voltages when a fault occurs. Two test systems are used to verify the efficiency of the proposed method against the conventional power system stabilizers: a nine-bus three-machine power system with inductive load, and the typical four machine two — area system. Simulation results are obtained using the Power Analysis Toolbox (PAT).
The Skin as an Early Expression of Malignancies in the Neonatal Age: A Review of the Literature and a Case Series

Skin lesions are a frequent finding in childhood, from infancy throughout adolescence. They can arise from many conditions, including infections and inflammation. Most neonatal rashes are benign and self-limiting and require no treatment. Other conditions may be an expression of malignancy or may be a marker for other abnormalities, such as neural tube defects. Therefore, skin lesions require an extensive evaluation and close follow-up to ensure the best possible outcome. This paper briefly reviews the main tumor types presenting with cutaneous involvement in neonates, followed by the description of some patients admitted to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with an early skin expression of malignancies.
Design of a high turbulence intensity combustion system

Arturo Acosta-Zamora, Arif Hossain, Marco Quiroz, Ahsan Choudhuri, PhD NASA Center for Space Exploration Technology Research (cSETR) Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, Texas, 79968-0521 E-mail:csetr@utep.edu The design of a combustion system for flow in compressible, turbulent, and premixed conditions is hereby presented. An air-methane mix has been selected as the basis for this study where the system is composed of three main subsystems: the air handling and preparation, instrumentation and controls, and the combustor. A backward-facing step flame stabilization method and optical accessibility features for flow diagnostics were the main drivers for the combustor design, which was sized for compressible flow (M > 0.3), and a maximum operating pressure of 6 bar. A grid, or perforated plate, of different hole diameters and blockage ratios will be used as the turbulence generator for the experiment. Optical access to the chamber is provided via the use of quartz windows on three sides of the square chamber. In order to increase the inlet temperature of the air, a heating section was designed to use commercially available in-line heaters. Finally, a LabVIEW software interface has been selected as the control mechanism for the experimental setup. Preliminary understanding of the flow field inside the combustor was achieved through the use of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) analyses for fluid flow and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural integrity. Preliminary PIV integration analysis has been conducted with a prototype polycarbonate model of the combustor flow path.