cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid additive manufacturing (3D printing) and characterization of functionally gradient materials via in situ laser curing

This paper presents a hybrid additive manufacturing (3D Printing) process for fabricating functionally gradient materials. A multi-axis robot was integrated with microextrusion, picojet, and fiber laser systems to deposit conductive traces of different materials. Laser and furnace curing mechanisms were investigated to evaluate their effect on grain morphology and electrical resistivity of the traces. An increase in the number of laser passes resulted in microstructure evolution from a powder-like to densely packed structure for different materials (Ag, Ni, and C). The laser curing mechanism offered lower resistivity and rapid curing times ( 2 h). Optimal sintering parameters were obtained for 4-pass laser at 18 W with comparable resistivity with bulk materials. Localized infiltration (doping) of nanoparticle silver within the micro-extruded carbon trace demonstrated a significant enhancement in electrical properties (two orders of magnitude reduction in resistivity). The energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of the infiltrated traces displayed uniform dispersion of nano-particulate silver within the carbon matrix. Multilayer-multi-material (MLMM) traces deposited displayed distinctive morphology of each constituent material based on in situ laser curing. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinctive microstructure and graded elemental composition of different layers (FGM) based on targeted laser sintering of individual materials. The versatile hybrid AM platform provides a basis to fabricate functionally gradient materials (FGMs) for electronic components with several applications.
Electrostatic regulation of blue copper sites

In the last 50 years, the blue copper proteins became central targets of investigation. Extensive experiments focused on the Cu coordination to probe the effect of local perturbations on its properties. We found that local electric fields, generated by charged residues evolutionarily placed throughout the protein edifice, mainly second sphere, but also more remotely, constitute an additional significant factor regulating blue copper proteins. These fields are not random, but exhibit a highly specific directionality, negative with respect to the and vectors in the Cu first shell. The field magnitude contributes to fine-tuning of the geometric and electronic properties of Cu sites in individual blue copper proteins. Specifically, the local electric fields evidently control the Cu-SMet bond distance, Cu(ii)-SCys bond covalency, and the energies of the frontier molecular orbitals, which, in turn, govern the Cu(ii/i) reduction potential and the relative absorption intensities at 450 nm and 600 nm.
When belongingness backfires: experienced discrimination predicts increased cardiometabolic risk among college students high in social belonging.

Research implicates experiences of discrimination in exacerbating cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk. Belongingness has been suggested as a buffer against the adverse effects of discrimination. However, when discrimination occurs in an environment to which one feels they belong, then the potential benefits of belongingness may dissipate or even exacerbate the effects of discrimination. In the present study, we examined these competing hypotheses on how campus belonging might moderate the relationship between discrimination experienced on campus and CMD risk. College students (n = 160, 60.9% Latino/a/x) reported the frequency of on-campus discrimination and campus belongingness, and then completed items assessing risk for CMD. More frequent discrimination related to higher comparative CMD risk among those who reported high campus belongingness, even after adjusting for relevant covariates. These findings highlight the complicated nature of belongingness in the context of physical health. Future research is needed to better understand the role of environment when considering morbidity among college students.
Data to inform counseling on parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal origin.

Abstract Background The risk of postoperative hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal origin may alter the course of treatment, including the hospital length of stay and readmission rates. We sought to identify additional patient or hospital factors that might contribute to hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal origin. Methods Patients who underwent a parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal origin were identified in a geographically diverse, 10-state, discharge data set. Covariates included demographic data, payer status, 31 comorbidities, and hospital characteristics. The primary outcome variable of interest was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes were complications and 30-day readmission. Results Of 796 patients studied, 164 patients (20.6%) were diagnosed with hungry bone syndrome. There were no differences in the rates of hungry bone syndrome by race or number of comorbidities. The average age of hungry bone syndrome patients (45.7 years ± 13.9) was younger than that of non–hungry bone syndrome patients (50.7 ± 14.8; P Conclusion Hungry bone syndrome occurs in 1 of 5 patients after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal origin. Patients should be informed of the possibility of a relatively long (6 days) length of stay after surgery as well as the moderate possibility (>20%) of another hospitalization within the 30-day postdischarge period.
Attribution, Temptation, and Expectation: A Formal Framework for Defense-by-Deception in Cyberwarfare

Defense-by-deception is an effective technique to address the asymmetry challenges in cyberwarfare. It allows for not only misleading attackers to non-harmful goals but also systematic depletion of attacker resources. In this paper, we developed a game theocratic framework that considersattribution, temptation andexpectation, as the major components for planning a successful deception plan. We developed as a case study a game strategy to proactively deceive remote fingerprinting attackers without causing significant performance degradation to benign clients. We model and analyze the interaction between a fingerprinter and a target as a signaling game. We derive the Nash equilibrium strategy profiles based on the information gain analysis. Based on our game results, we designDeceiveGame, a mechanism to prevent or to significantly slow down fingerprinting attacks. Our performance analysis shows thatDeceiveGame can reduce the probability of success of the fingerprinter significantly, without deteriorating the overall performance of other clients. Beyond the DeceiveGame application, our formal framework can be generally used to synthesize correct-by-construction cyber deception plans against other attacks.
Chapter 3 Fluorescent Detection of Nuclear RNA and DNA: Implications for Genome Organization

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the methodology used for the fluorescence detection of individual genes and their nuclear transcripts. The techniques for localizing DNA and RNA are very similar, but with some key differences. It is often necessary to distinguish rigorously between hybridization to DNA versus RNA; hence, it is useful to consider both protocols and their respective differences. The chapter also describes the current technical protocols and illustrates some recent and potential applications in the study of nuclear and chromosome organization. In situ hybridization is a powerful and versatile methodological approach, which makes it possible to visualize specific nucleic acid sequences directly within the morphological context of individual cells, nuclei, and chromosomes. The fluorescence detection technological advances allow for sensitive, high-resolution detection of a single-copy DNA sequence in interphase or metaphase cells, and RNA sequences in the nucleus and cytoplasm. This technique has numerous applications in both biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. It has a large impact on the investigation of genome organization in chromosomes and on the functional state within the interphase nucleus.
Dynamic Response of Fiber Bundle under Transverse Impact

Research and development of soft body armor have been extremely critical to efficiently protect the soldiers and law enforcement personnel from ballistic injury. High strength ballistic fabrics have been developed and utilized in soft body armors. Improvement of the fabrics performance against ballistic impact is still ongoing. It is desirable to understand the dynamic response of the fabrics under high-speed transverse impact. Technically it is a good start to investigate the transverse impact response of the fiber bundles that are primary components in fabrics.
International Law and Identity Rights for Adopted Children

(2003). International Law and Identity Rights for Adopted Children. Adoption Quarterly: Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 85-96.
Using computer spreadsheets in engineering and education

A Lotus 1-2-3 template worksheet that does calculations and gives the results in their common graphical forms is described for use in two areas of machine design: calculations using the Mohr circle and fatigue failure design. The purpose of these spreadsheet templates is to relieve the user of many of the tedious tasks required to solve design problems. In both templates the ease of performing calculations makes it possible to have the students try several possible solutions to a problem. Particularly in the case of fatigue design this approach is much more realistic than having the students laboriously work through one or two examples of a complicated design. >
A pilot study to assess tobacco use among sexual minorities in Houston, Texas.

Background and Objectives To assess tobacco use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals from the 2014 Houston Pride Parade and Festival in Houston, Texas (TX). Methods Cross-sectional study using convenience sample of LGBT individuals (n = 99) examining tobacco use, sexual orientation, and other socio-demographic factors through survey participation. Results Findings showed a high prevalence of tobacco and electronic cigarettes use. White LGBT individuals had greater odds of using any type of tobacco product. Discussion and Conclusions Despite a high smoking prevalence among the surveyed LGBT individuals, this study sample did not identify tobacco use as a health issue. Scientific Significance Supports the need for further investigation on tobacco-related disparities among LGBT individuals in Houston, TX. (Am J Addict 2015;24:391 –395)
A Nonpeptide, Piperidine Renin Inhibitor Provides Renal and Cardiac Protection in Double-Transgenic Mice Expressing Human Renin and Angiotensinogen Genes

Controlling hypertension by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), mechanisms that inhibit later pathway steps in the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), have clinically afforded protection against cardiac and renal disease. In order to determine if blocking the RAS rate-limiting step of angiotensin II generation via renin inhibition could afford similar end organ protection in a human-relevant preclinical model, this study investigated the cardiac and renal effects of a nonpeptide, piperidine renin inhibitor (RI; 100 mg/kg/day PO) in double transgenic mice (dTGM) which express both human renin and angiotensinogen genes. RI was compared to the ARB, candesartan (3 mg/kg/day PO), and to the ACEI, enalapril (60 mg/kg/day PO) in a 4-week dosing paradigm. These doses of RI, ACEI and ARB were previously found to normalize mean blood pressure (MBP) to 110 + 3, 109 + 7 and 107 + 6 mmHg, respectively, after 1 day of treatment. In the dTGM, PRA, plasma aldosterone, GFR, microalbuminuria and left ventricular free wall thickness (LVH) were higher than in the wild type C57BL/6 mice. Microalbuminuria and LVH were significantly reduced by 93% and 9% for the RI, 83% and 13% for enalapril and 73% and 6% for candesartan, respectively. PRA and aldosterone were reduced by the RI 56% and 23%, respectively. These results suggest that the RI provides protection against cardiac and renal disease, similar to ARB and ACEI.
Polarity neutral lines on the solar surface and magnetic structures in the corona

This paper elucidates the topological relationship between the distribution of polarity neutral lines on the solar surface and the interspersion of closed field lines among open field lines in the corona. The solar surface contains polarity neutral lines, that are spatially nested in a series-and-parallel hierarchy. The corona is partitioned by separatrix surfaces into a corresponding hierarchy of nested magnetic cells. The complexity of the magnetic structure of the corona consists in the embedding of magnetic cells of closed field lines amid open field lines.
High performance dc-dc conversion with voltage multipliers

The voltage multipliers using capacitors and diodes first developed by Cockcroft and Walton in 1932 were reexamined in terms of state of the art fast switching transistors and diodes, and high energy density capacitors. Because of component improvements, the voltage multiplier, used without a transformer, now appears superior in weight to systems now in use for dc-dc conversion. An experimental 100-watt 1000-volt dc-dc converter operating at 100 kHz was built, with a component weight of about 1 kg/kW. Calculated and measured values of output voltage and efficiency agreed within experimental error.
Insubstantial pageants: Women's work and the (im)material culture of the early modern stage

The excavations of the sites of the Rose and Globe playhouses have uncovered thousands of small objects that early moderns wore about their persons, holding together parts of their clothing and headwear and adding lustre to them. The labour of manufacturing and applying such objects was mainly female, in contrast to that of the professional playing companies, which was exclusively male. The drama itself is recurrently concerned with the status of such female labour, which can be read in the context of wider anxieties about women's freedom, sexual behaviour, and appearance. This article explores these anxieties using the data recoverable from documentary and archaeological evidence to reflect upon the stagecraft of the commercial theatre as it was influenced by increasingly elaborate and spectacular court masques. The greater the demand for spectacularly decorated bodies, the greater the reliance upon women's labour and anxiety concerning its products and social effects.
Child body shape measurement using depth cameras and a statistical body shape model

We present a new method for rapidly measuring child body shapes from noisy, incomplete data captured from low-cost depth cameras. This method fits the data using a statistical body shape model (SBSM) to find a complete avatar in the realistic body shape space. The method also predicts a set of standard anthropometric data for a specific subject without measuring dimensions directly from the fitted model. Since the SBSM was developed using principal component (PC) analysis, we formulate an optimisation problem to fit the model in which the degrees of freedom are defined in PC-score space. The mean unsigned distance between the fitted-model based on depth-camera data and the high-resolution laser scan data was 9.4 mm with a standard deviation (SD) of 5.1 mm. For the torso, the mean distance was 2.9 mm (SD 1.4 mm). The correlations between standard anthropometric dimensions predicted by the SBSM and manually measured dimensions exceeded 0.9.
Diagnostic accuracy of AIDS-related CNS lesions

Because of the high incidence of neurological complications seen in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), an increasing number of these cases are being referred to neurosurgeons for consideration of intracranial biopsy. To better determine the need for biopsy in these patients we evaluated the accuracy of non-tissue-based neurological diagnoses in AIDS patients who subsequently had a final diagnosis on the basis of biopsy or postmortem brain examinations. The records of 56 AIDS patients who had undergone either autopsy or brain biopsy were retrospectively reviewed. Of the ten patients who underwent biopsy, three were found to have a lesion that was different from the suspected diagnosis and that resulted in a change in treatment. Thirty patients with neurological symptoms had postmortem brain examinations. In the case of the 12 patients who had carried specific diagnoses and received treatments based on those diagnoses, only six diagnoses (50%) were proven correct at autopsy. Of the 18 cases that did not record a specific antemortem diagnosis, in only 5 were normal brains reported, while the others reported a variety of nonspecific or infectious findings. Twelve patients without neurological symptoms had postmortem brain examinations and only six of these (50%) had normal or slightly atrophic brains. Case reports of the others noted nonspecific findings most of which were suggestive of subacute HIV encephalitis. The poor rate of diagnostic accuracy in this series suggests that biopsy should be considered for atypical lesions or those that do not respond to empiric therapy. The use and relative sensitivities of various diagnostic studies are also discussed.
Antigenic complementarity resulting in idiotype-antiidiotype immune complexes: possible contributor to AIDS pathogenesis and autoimmunity.

One hundred and sixty seven combinations of viral+viral antibodies or viral+bacterial antibodies were tested for their ability to precipitate each other. Some antibodies produced against HIV epitopes recognize and precipitate some antibodies produced against cytomegalovirus (CMV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen, and Mycobacteria tuberculosis (MTb) and Staphylococcus epitopes but not those against HBV surface antigen, herpes simplex types 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV2) or Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Streptococcus, or Escherichia coli. In addition, CMV antibodies precipitate those of HBV core and surface antigens as well as MTb, but not HSV1, HSV2, EBV, Streptococcus or E. coli. HBV core (but not surface) antibodies precipitated Mycobacterium avium antibodies (MAv) but not MTb, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus or E. coli antibodies. Binding constants vary between kds of 10-9 and 10-7 M. Interactive antibodies act like idiotype–antiidiotype pairs suggesting that the inducing antigens are molecularly complementary....
Vedic and devotional waters: The Jalabheda of vallabhācārya

Bhāvas, or comprehensive states of mental and emotional awareness, manifest different guṇas, or attributes, of the Lord. These attributes are wholly composed of saccidānanda, but due to variations in their bearers (ādhāra), which is to say in the antaḥkaraṇa of different speakers and listeners, they are affected, expressed, and experienced differently. In this way, bhāvas cannot exist without the Lord’s divine attributes, nor can they exist in the absence of the individual jīva. They are eternal because they belong to the Lord but become meaningful only because the individual through the senses can realize them. They thus serve as a fulcrum between the human and divine, and it is at this delicate point of balance that līlā is played out.
Strong duality and weak interactions

Abstract We investigate the possibility that weak lepton-lepton scattering satisfies duality. In particular, we exhibit a Veneziano model with reasonable coupling, plausible cross sections, and sensible group structure. Within the model neutral currents observable in ν-hadron scattering are suppressed in ν μ -e scattering.
A method for investigating protein-protein interactions related to Salmonella typhimurium pathogenesis

We successfully modified an existing method to investigate protein−protein interactions in the pathogenic bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (Salmonella Typhimurium). This method includes (i) addition of a histidine-biotin-histidine tag to the bait proteins via recombinant DNA techniques, (ii) in vivo cross-linking with formaldehyde, (iii) tandem affinity purification of bait proteins under fully denaturing conditions, and (iv) identification of the proteins cross-linked to the bait proteins by liquid-chromatography in conjunction with tandem mass-spectrometry. In vivo cross-linking stabilized protein interactions and permitted the subsequent two-step purification step conducted under denaturing conditions. The two-step purification greatly reduced nonspecific binding of noncross-linked proteins to bait proteins. Two different negative controls were employed to eliminate the possibility of identifying background and nonspecific proteins as interacting partners, especially those caused by no...
PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS IN THE FAMILY HYALOSCYPHACEAE INFERRED FROM SEQUENCES OF ITS REGIONS, 5.8S RIBOSOMAL DNA AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS

The family Hyaloscyphaceae includes saprobic species of the order Helotiales characterized by well differentiated hairs on the apothecium and an ectal excipulum of textura prismatica. Because of th...
Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance of insect hemolymph sera.

Abstract Sera from larval and pupal stages of the tobacco hornworn, Manduca sexta, have been investigated using phosphorus-31 pulsed Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance. Spectra of larval and pupal sera containing 5 m m EDTA were characterized by four major peaks and one or more minor resonances. A phosphorus-31 spectrum of dialyzed larval serum showed several weak signals which indicated the presence of some higher-molecular-weight phosphorylated compounds as well. None of those signals, however, corresponded to any of the ones seen with undialyzed sera. Three of the four prominent peaks and one minor peak in the whole larval serum had the same chemical shifts as those in the pupal samples. The pupal sera, in addition, displayed an extra peak well upfield from those of the larval stage. All of the low-molecular-weight resonances detectable in the hemolymphs have been identified and included four compounds not previously reported; trehalose-6-phosphate, phosphoarginine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanol-amine. The phosphometabolites found at millimolar or higher concentrations in larval hemolymph were α-glycerolphosphate, phosphorylcholine, phosphorylethanolamine, inorganic phosphate, trehalose-6-phosphate, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine. All of the above compounds were found in pupal sera as well except for the addition of phosphoarginine and the deletion of phosphorylethanolamine. The levels of the phosphometabolites in common between the two stages of development, however, were quite different as were their stabilities after extraction. While the intensities of the larval phosphates remained virtually constant in the presence of EDTA at pH 7.8, those of the pupal sera changed rapidly. This was especially true for arginine phosphate which disappeared quickly.
Thermal Atropisomerism of Aglucovancomycin Derivatives: Preparation of (M,M,M)- and (P,M,M)-Aglucovancomycins

The degradation of vancomycin to a series of aglucovancomycin derivatives containing modifications in key functional groups and a study of their thermal atropisomerism are detailed. In all of the cases, selective isomerism of the DE ring system atropisomers was observed under conditions where the CD and AB stereochemistries were unaffected. Competitive retro aldol ring cleavage of the CD and DE ring systems (CD > DE) was observed but could be minimized by the choice of solvent and thermal conditions (DE ring system) or precluded by alcohol protection (CD ring system). Similarly, competitive main chain succinimide formation through the loss of ammonia from the Asn residue could be minimized by the choice of thermal conditions or prevented by carboxamide protection. Resynthesis of natural aglucovancomycin, (M,M,M)-2, and its unnatural DE atropisomer (P,M,M)-2 from 6 are described. The comparative antimicrobial activity of the key derivatives and their unnatural DE ring system P-diastereomers are disclosed.
Validation study of prevalence and correlates of depressive symptomatology in multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Objective To validate previous research findings on the prevalence of and factors associated with depressive symptoms in a community-dwelling sample of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Method A cross-sectional survey study of 530 individuals with MS from Eastern Washington (EW) was conducted and compared to a previous cross-sectional survey study of 738 individuals with MS from Western Washington (WW). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and multivariate logistic regression was employed to detect related factors. Results Prevalence of depressive symptoms was similar in both populations (EW 51%, WW 45%). Factors associated with a clinically significant level of depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥16) in both groups were greater disease severity, shorter disease duration, lower education and less social support (all P Conclusions Despite differences in disease-related and demographic factors, predictors of depressive symptoms were highly similar in both MS study populations.
Single-incision laparoscopic surgery in children: initial single-center experience.

Abstract Background In continued efforts to further improve the advantages of minimally invasive surgery to patients, surgeons have developed single-incision laparoscopic techniques. We report our initial experience in children with a variety of single-site procedures. Method A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent a single-site procedure from April 2009 to April 2010. Results There were 142 consecutive procedures: 24 cholecystectomies, 103 appendectomies for nonperforated appendicitis, 2 splenectomies, 1 combined splenectomy/cholecystectomy, 8 ileocecectomies, 2 Meckel diverticulectomies, 1 small bowel duplication resection, and 1 jejunal stricture resection. There were 12 conversions to conventional laparoscopy: 10 during appendectomy and 2 during cholecystectomy. Mean operative time was 34 minutes for appendectomy, 73 minutes for cholecystectomy, 90 minutes for splenectomy, 116 minutes for combined splenectomy/cholecystectomy, 86 minutes for ileocecectomy, and 43 minutes for the small bowel procedures. The only complications were umbilical surgical site infections after appendectomy in 6 patients. Conclusion This institution's preliminary experience suggests that single-incision laparoscopic surgery in children has at least comparable outcomes to conventional laparoscopic surgery. However, prospective data are needed to prove that single-incision laparoscopic surgery is superior to conventional laparoscopy.
Bowel management for patients with myelodysplasia.

Children born with menigomyelocele have a compendium of neurologic disorders including a disrupted defecation process. Many of the multiple factors that contribute to an effective bowel movement are altered in meningomyelocele. Aggressive and proactive management using mechanical and pharmacologic therapies can result in functional and continent patients. This article reviews mechanical purgatives, diet and fiber, laxatives, and adjunctive therapy as methods to assist those who have meningomyelocele in maintaining a good clinical lifestyle.
Algorithms for the model configuration problem

The model configuration problem is a combinatorial optimization problem that arises in the context of switching cabinet manufacturing in the telecommunication industry. We discuss the manufacturing environment and define the q-model problem in this context, for q ≥ 1. We then discuss the structural properties of the q-model problem, and propose an efficient procedure for solving the 1-model problem. We also propose several heuristic procedures for solving the 2-model problem, and present an evaluation of these procedures through an extensive computational experiment.
mTORC1 controls fasting-induced ketogenesis and its modulation by ageing

The multi-component mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) kinase is the central node of a mammalian pathway that coordinates cell growth with the availability of nutrients, energy and growth factors. Progress has been made in the identification of mTORC1 pathway components and in understanding their functions in cells, but there is relatively little known about the role of the pathway in vivo. Specifically, we have little knowledge regarding the role mTOCR1 has in liver physiology. In fasted animals, the liver performs numerous functions that maintain whole-body homeostasis, including the production of ketone bodies for peripheral tissues to use as energy sources. Here we show that mTORC1 controls ketogenesis in mice in response to fasting. We find that liver-specific loss of TSC1 (tuberous sclerosis 1), an mTORC1 inhibitor, leads to a fasting-resistant increase in liver size, and to a pronounced defect in ketone body production and ketogenic gene expression on fasting. The loss of raptor (regulatory associated protein of mTOR, complex 1) an essential mTORC1 component, has the opposite effects. In addition, we find that the inhibition of mTORC1 is required for the fasting-induced activation of PPARα (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α), the master transcriptional activator of ketogenic genes, and that suppression of NCoR1 (nuclear receptor co-repressor 1), a co-repressor of PPARα, reactivates ketogenesis in cells and livers with hyperactive mTORC1 signalling. Like livers with activated mTORC1, livers from aged mice have a defect in ketogenesis, which correlates with an increase in mTORC1 signalling. Moreover, we show that the suppressive effects of mTORC1 activation and ageing on PPARα activity and ketone production are not additive, and that mTORC1 inhibition is sufficient to prevent the ageing-induced defect in ketogenesis. Thus, our findings reveal that mTORC1 is a key regulator of PPARα function and hepatic ketogenesis and suggest a role for mTORC1 activity in promoting the ageing of the liver.
SRB measures as zero-noise limits

We consider zero-noise limits of random perturbations of dynamical systems and examine, in terms of the continuity of entropy and Lyapunov exponents, circumstances under which these limits are Sinai–Ruelle–Bowen (SRB) measures. The ideas of this general discussion are then applied to specific classes of attractors. We prove, for example, that partially hyperbolic attractors with one-dimensional center subbundles always admit SRB measures.
Attitude and Norm Accessibility Affect Processing of Anti-Smoking Messages

Objective: Anti-smoking PSAs are not always effective in reducing cigarette smoking, and there is a lack of research into mechanisms through which PSAs affect the attitudes and behaviors of viewers. The present research was designed to better understand how smokers and non-smokers process anti-smoking ads. Design: In a repeated measures design, the accessibility of smokers’ (N 70) and non-smokers’ (N 96) attitudes toward and norms concerning smoking were assessed and then their reactions to four anti-smoking PSAs were measured. Results: The accessibility of smokers’ attitudes toward smoking– how quickly they bring their attitudes to mind–predicted their central processing of ad content, and smokers who counterargued in response to the ads were not persuaded by them. The accessibility of smokers’ norms for smoking–how quickly they bring to mind social support for smoking–predicted their peripheral processing of the ads, and imbued resistance to persuasion. In contrast, non-smokers’ attitude and norm accessibility were unrelated to ad processing. Conclusion: These results suggest that antismoking ads may have paradoxical effects on smokers and may actually undermine anti-smoking efforts. Furthermore, smokers who can readily access a pro-smoking norm are unlikely to process anti-smoking messages, which may further hinder anti-smoking efforts.
An update on juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDMS) is a systemic vasculopathy characterized primarily by inflammation of skin and muscle. JDMS is identified in more than three per million persons per year, using established diagnostic criteria. Although originally thought to be a relatively homogeneous disease, new data confirm that heterogeneity in JDMS may be found at several levels and that each variant may be associated with a different disease course. Unlike adults with dermatomyositis, of whom more than 50% have a specific myositis-associated antibody (MSA), a much smaller number of children appear to test positive for a known MSA (about 10%), despite the evidence that more than 60% of children with JDMS test positive for antinuclear antibodies. In children, the most common MSA is directed against Mi-2, not toward one of the tRNA synthetases, such as tRNA histidine, as is found in 20% to 30% of adults with myositis. About 50% of children with JDMS have circulating evidence of endothelial cell damage (increased vWF:Ag), whereas others have different indicators of disease activity, such as elevated neopterin (> 60%) or increased circulating B cells with peripheral lymphopenia (> 80%). Newer modes of assessment of functional ability may help evaluate response to therapy. Finally, physicians with newly diagnosed (< 6 months) JDMS patients are urged to call the new National Institutes of Health Rare Disease Registry for New Onset Dermatomyositis (312-880-3333) to enroll their patients and for more information on the onset of this disease.
Transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression

The ability of the endothelium to produce nitric oxide is essential to maintenance of vascular homeostasis; disturbance of this ability is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of vascular diseas...
Orientation effects in thin-film crystallization

A simple two-dimensional model has been used to examine the influence of growth-rate anisotropy, nucleation (seeding) density, and orientation of nuclei on the crystallization kinetics and extent of crystal orientation in thin films. It has been shown that variations in growth-rate anisotropy produce large changes in the kinetics, but relatively small changes in crystal orientation. On the other hand, the orientation of the nuclei has a small influence on the kinetics of crystallization, but strongly influences the extent of crystal orientation at early times.
Overview of the SIM PlanetQuest Light mission concept

The Space Interferometry Mission PlanetQuest Light (or SIM-Lite) is a new concept for a space borne astrometric instrument, to be located in a solar Earth-trailing orbit. SIM-Lite utilizes technology developed over the past ten years for the SIM mission. The instrument consists of two Michelson stellar interferometers and a precision telescope. The first interferometer chops between the target star and a set of Reference stars. The second interferometer monitors the attitude of the instrument in the direction of the target star. The telescope monitors the attitude of the instrument in the other two directions. SIM-Lite will be capable of one micro-arc-second narrow angle astrometry on magnitude 6 or brighter stars, relative to magnitude 9 Reference stars in a two degree field. During the 5 year mission, SIM-Lite would search 65 nearby stars for planets of masses down to one Earth mass, in the Habitable Zone, which have orbit periods of less than 3 years. SIMLite will also perform global astrometry on a variety of astrophysics objects, reaching 4.5 micro-arc-seconds absolute position and parallax measurements. As a pointed instrument, SIM-Lite will be capable of achieving 8 micro-arc-second astrometric accuracy on 19th visual magnitude objects and 15 micro-arc-second astrometric accuracy on 20th visual magnitude objects after 100 hours of integration. This paper will describe the instrument, how it will do its astrometric measurements and the expected performance based on the current technology.
Ramsey f. Markus, m.d.

We are extremely pleased to have as our guest editor for this issue Dr. Ramsey Markus. Dr. Markus completed his dermatology residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and his laser fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is currently the director of laser surgery for Baylor College of Medicine. He is a recognized world authority on the use of laser technology for reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He has published extensively in this field and has numerous research studies related to laser surgery. He has put together an excellent issue covering the full spectrum of laser topics. We are confident that this issue will be used as a future reference for surgeons participating in this field.
Some Effects of Feeding Lactates to Dairy Cows

Summary Experiments were conducted to determine the value of mixed lactates for ketosis prevention and to observe the effects of feeding them to normal cows. Fifty cows were used in the ketosis study. One-half were controls and one-half were fed an average of 1.21 lb of lactates per day for 6 wk, starting at calving. Although there was a slight advantage for the lactate-fed cows in terms of higher blood sugar and lower blood ketone levels, there was no reduction in the incidence of ketosis and no effect on milk production. Eight normal cows in mid-lactation were used to study the effects of feeding mixed lactates compared to comparable levels of sodium propionate. Lactates fed at a level of 2 lb daily increased blood ketones and solids-not-fat content of the milk. Propionate increased blood sugar and decreased blood ketones as well as hay consumption.
Ephedrine-containing oral nutritional supplements in a pregnant athlete: is it worth the risk?

The use of ephedrine-containing products to enhance athletic performance has recently received a great deal of attention, primarily due to a number of well-publicized adverse side-effects associated with the use of this products (1–4). However, to date, no reports have specifically addressed the issue of use/misuse of ephedrine-containing performance-enhancing products in pregnancy. I herein present such a case report followed by a brief discussion of this timely subject.
Alcohol-induced salivary hyperamylasemia

The effects of alcohol intoxication on serum amylase levels were tested in both normal subjects and chronic alcoholics. Paired samples of ethanol levels and isoamylase levels in the normal subjects (n = 11) showed a rise in both total serum amylase (P less than 0.01) and nonpancreatic isoamylase (P less than 0.05) after drinking. Unpaired cohort groups of sober chronic alcoholics at a rehabilitation facility (n = 46) and intoxicated chronic alcoholics in an emergency room (n = 58) were also compared. Average blood alcohol levels in the intoxicated controls were 93 mg% compared to a level of 301 mg% in the intoxicated chronic alcoholic. Intoxication superimposed on chronic alcoholism caused a moderate rise in the total serum amylase (NS) and a significant elevation of the nonpancreatic isoamylase (P less than 0.01). Sober chronic alcoholics had a significantly greater average total serum amylase (P less than 0.001) and nonpancreatic isoamylase (P less than 0.01) than the normal controls. No difference in the average pancreatic isoamylase levels was seen in any group. These data suggest a biphasic response to alcohol on the serum amylase level. Acute and chronic changes appear to operate independently. The cause for these effects is speculative. Isoamylase analysis is needed in the alcoholic population to sort out the meaning of hyperamylasemia.
Nontarget insect attraction to methyl eugenol traps used in male annihilation of the oriental fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in riparian Hawaiian stream habitat.

This study set out to identify insect species associated with the riparian habitat of Hawaiian streams that were susceptible to deployment of the plant kairomone, methyl eugenol, used in male annihilation of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Sixteen nontarget insect species (13 Diptera and 3 Coleoptera) were found to be attracted to methyl eugenol traps deployed in riparian habitat in a variety of stream ecotypes at various elevations. Only 2 Diptera attracted to the lure, Drosophila perissopoda Hardy and D. Crucigera Grimshaw (Drosophilidae), were Hawaiian endemics, whereas the remainder were alien (nonnative) species. Alien drosophilids Drosophila immigrans Sturtevant and D. suzukii (Matsumura) and alien Desmometopa tarsalis Loew (Milichiidae) were the most abundant species captured in traps overall. Both plant-associated as well as carrion-associated species were captured in methyl eugenol traps. It is suggested that the fruiting cycle of wild guava, Psidium guajava and P. cattelianum , in mountainous and lowland areas of Hawaii is an important mechanism driving the population dynamics of insects attracted to methyl eugenol traps. Host plant demographics and species similarities in ecological requirements are important factors influencing the occurrences of susceptible species between sites. Seasonal periods of low oriental fruit fly numbers coupled with low abundances of nontarget insects create windows of opportunity during which male annihilation procedures with methyl eugenol can achieve maximum effect with minimal environmental risk. Environmentally acceptable use patterns for methyl eugenol can be developed through the modification of delivery systems and adaptation of these systems in surgical procedures tailored to specific ecotypes. These procedures can then provide Hawaiian agriculture with badly needed farm-level or area-wide control of destructive oriental fruit flies.
On tests of representative consumer asset pricing models

Abstract This paper assesses the validity of common tests of the consumption CAPM. It constructs a representative consumer economy calibrated to accord with annual asset pricing data. In this economy, Friend and Blume's (1975) estimation technique seriously underestimates the degree of risk aversion of the single agent, and cannot be treated as a reliable benchmark. Further, it shows that in this economy, assuming that the large sample properties of Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimators are true in small samples can lead one to ‘overreject’ the model. It suggests that tests proposed by Hansen and Jagannathan (1989) may avoid these difficulties.
Life characteristics of plastic encapsulated semiconductor devices

Abstract The life characteristics of plastic encapsulated semiconductor devices have been defined. It consists of an initial period of failure-free operation followed by a period of an increasing number of failures. The initial failure-free period is related to the time required for moisture ingress through the encapsulating material and device passivation. The period of increasing failure relates to the rate at which corrosion of device metallization occurs. This paper illustrates how these periods are affected by temperature-humidity stress, biasing and salt atmosphere content and also alludes to other potential influences.
A continuum model for root growth

This paper presents a study of a simple one-dimensional continuum model for growth of the plant root. A fundamental constitutive equation is derived. The model is studied by means of various special cases of increasing complexity. Asymptotic expansions are used to derive approximate solutions to the equation of the model under the fundamental assumption that cell wall thickness is small in comparison with the diameter of the cell. The basic results of the study may be summarized as follows. The observed growth pattern of the root cannot be modelled by a mechanical system whose properties are independent of position on the root. The observed pattern can be modelled by a simple mechanical system in which, for example, cell wall yield stress first decreases and then increases. Two fundamental observations are made based on the modelling study. The first is that any mechanical model must take into account the convective displacement from the tip of points along the root. The second is that in describing growth, data on cell wall mechanical properties are meaningless without corresponding data on cell water potential, and vice versa.
Phylogenetic Distribution and Function of the Hypophysiotropic Hormones of the Hypothalamus

Synopsis. Following the isolation, synthesis and subsequent development of specific and sensitive radioimmunoassays for the hypothalamic hormones thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) and growth hormone release-inhibiting hormone (somatostatin), it was recognized that these peptides were not localized solely in the hypothalamus, but were widely distributed throughout the mammalian nervous system. Somatostatin occurs outside the nervous system altogether, being located in the gastrointestinal tract of vertebrates where it may have a physiologic role in the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones. TRH, also, has been located outside the nervous system, occurring in large quantities in the skin of Rana species where it may be of physiologic importance in skin function. This tripeptide is found throughout the nervous system of vertebrate and invertebrate species in situations where it has no pituitary-thyroid function. These peptides are present in brain synaptosomes and enzymatic degrading systems have been recognized for each in brain tissue. For TRH, specific receptors and synthesizing activity have been detected outside the hypothalamic-pituitary system. The anatomic location, phylogenetic distribution, neurophysiologic and behavioral effects strongly support a role for these substances in neuronal regulation, apart from control of pituitary secretion. Evolutionary studies, especially of TRH, suggest that their primary function may be as neurotransmitters.
Infrastructure for the representation of events and their contexts

The design of information storage and retrieval systems has traditionally privileged persons and topics (“subjects”). Persons are important both as creators and as topics, but the focus has been personal identity and, through Name Authority Files, the disambiguation of different persons with the same name and different names for the same person. Topics tend to include any concept that has not given separate treatment (as persons and places often are). The treatment of events has received less attention. In this short paper / poster we examine the characteristics of events, both in general and, more specifically, biographical events, the episodes in persons' lives.