cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Efficient and Continuous Approach to Information-Theoretic Exploration

Exploration of unknown environments is embedded and essential in many robotics applications. Traditional algorithms, that decide where to explore by computing the expected information gain of an incomplete map from future sensor measurements, are limited to very powerful computational platforms. In this paper, we describe a novel approach for computing this expected information gain efficiently, as principally derived via mutual information. The key idea behind the proposed approach is a continuous occupancy map framework and the recursive structure it reveals. This structure makes it possible to compute the expected information gain of sensor measurements across an entire map much faster than computing each measurements’ expected gain independently. Specifically, for an occupancy map composed of |M| cells and a range sensor that emits |Θ| measurement beams, the algorithm (titled FCMI) computes the information gain corresponding to measurements made at each cell in O(|Θ||M|) steps. To the best of our knowledge, this complexity bound is better than all existing methods for computing information gain. In our experiments, we observe that this novel, continuous approach is two orders of magnitude faster than the state-of-the-art FSMI algorithm.
Local Warming Increases Climate Policy Support: Analysis of Behavioral Intentions, Internet Searches, and US Congressional Vote Shares

We report on four studies that examine the effects of abnormal temperature experiences on climate policy support. Study 1 shows perceived weather abnormality to be correlated with self-reported climate policy support, an effect that is robust across USA, Italy, and China but strongest in the USA. Study 2 identifies a significant effect of objective temperature abnormality on climate policy support in a large US sample. Study 3 analyzes the impacts of objective temperature abnormality on information acquisition behavior, namely Google searches about climate change and climate policies, finding strong evidence that weather abnormalities increase such searches. Lastly, Study 4 analyzes a high-effort and highly consequential behavioral outcome, voting for candidates who support climate policies, showing that experienced temperature abnormalities significantly decreased Republican candidates’ vote shares in the 2018 US midterm elections.
An Artistic Visualization of Music Modeling a Synesthetic Experience.

This project brings music to sight. Music can be a visual masterpiece. Some people naturally experience a visualization of audio - a condition called synesthesia. The type of synesthesia explored is when sounds create colors in the 'mind's eye.' Project included interviews with people who experience synesthesia, examination of prior art, and topic research to inform project design. Audio input, digital signal processing (including Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs)) and data manipulation produce arguments required for our visualization. Arguments are then applied to a physics particle simulator which is re-purposed to model a synesthetic experience. The result of the project is a simulator in MAX 8, which generates a visual performance using particles by varying each particle's position, velocity, and color based on parameters extracted via digital processing of input audio.
Imaging in VTOS

Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (most commonly spontaneous upper extremity deep vein thrombosis) originates from repetitive compression of the subclavian vein as it traverses anteriorly between the first rib and the clavicle. A good history and detailed physical exam with replication of the arm and shoulder movements that reproduce the symptomatology may establish the diagnosis of VTOS. If venous thoracic outlet syndrome (VTOS) is suspected, Duplex ultrasound imaging of the axillary-subclavian veins will provide a cost-effective, relatively sensitive method for confirming the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is not well established by non-invasive means, catheter-based upper extremity venography, non-invasive dynamic CT venogram, or MR venogram will verify the diagnosis. Percutaneous catheter-based venography is confirmatory, and is almost always performed due to the need in most cases for therapeutic intervention.
Effects of maxillomandibular advancement surgery on a skeletal Class III patient with obstructive sleep apnea: A case report

This case report describes the successful surgical treatment of a patient diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A 55-year-old Caucasian male patient with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.6 kg/m2 sought treatment with a chief concern of excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. An initial polysomnography report showed moderate OSA with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 21.2 events/h, and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) of 12/24. The patient was initially prescribed with CPAP treatment but was unable to tolerate treatment after a few months. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a concave facial profile with maxillary retrognathism. Intraoral examination revealed generalized gingival recession, missing upper lateral incisors and lower first premolars, anterior crossbite, and maxillary transverse deficiency with bilateral posterior crossbite. The lateral cephalogram showed a narrow posterior airway space at the level of the base of the tongue. The patient was treated with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery to improve airway obstruction. Results showed balanced facial esthetic and stable occlusion with a complete resolution of the patient’s OSA and a post-operative improvement of AHI from 21.2 to 0.7 events/h and ESS from 12/24 to 3/24. The lowest oxyhemoglobin saturation during sleep was improved to 97%, and the BMI decreased from 25.6 to 25.2 kg/m2. These results suggest that MMA surgical procedure can be used as a definitive treatment for patients with maxillomandibular deficiency and OSA.
Global Value Chain Participation, Competition, and Markups: Evidence from Ethiopian Manufacturing Firms

This study uses detailed manufacturing census panel data for 2000 to 2014 to explore the relationship between Ethiopian firms’ global value chain (GVC) participation and markups. We find that GVC firms, defined as firms involved in both exporting and importing intermediate inputs, tend to have lower markups relative to non-trading firms and firms that are involved only in material imports. Moreover, the more intensely a firm is integrated into a GVC (measured by the share of export value added and imported inputs in total sales), the lower its markup is. Finally, we explore competition effects at the industry level and find that firms operating in industries with a relatively high GVC presence and suppliers selling inputs to such industries tend to have lower markups owing to horizontal competition and backward linkages, respectively. All of these findings suggest that GVC participation is associated with greater competition for Ethiopian firms.
The Blood–Brain Barrier, Oxidative Stress, and Insulin Resistance

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a network of specialized endothelial cells that regulates substrate entry into the central nervous system (CNS). Acting as the interface between the periphery and the CNS, the BBB must be equipped to defend against oxidative stress and other free radicals generated in the periphery to protect the CNS. There are unique features of brain endothelial cells that increase the susceptibility of these cells to oxidative stress. Insulin signaling can be impacted by varying levels of oxidative stress, with low levels of oxidative stress being necessary for signaling and higher levels being detrimental. Insulin must cross the BBB in order to access the CNS, levels of which are important in peripheral metabolism as well as cognition. Any alterations in BBB transport due to oxidative stress at the BBB could have downstream disease implications. In this review, we cover the interactions of oxidative stress at the BBB, how insulin signaling is related to oxidative stress, and the impact of the BBB in two diseases greatly affected by oxidative stress and insulin resistance: diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease.
Natural Competence and Transformation in Campylobacter

Over 40 naturally competent bacterial species are known, and that number continues to grow. Almost all competent bacteria studied to date use components of the type II secretion/type IV pilus biogenesis family of proteins for transformation, with slight differences between the transformation machinery in each system. The two known exceptions are Helicobacter pylori, which requires components of a type IV secretion/conjugation system for transformation, and Campylobacter jejuni, in which some strains use both type II-like and type IV-like secretion systems. Three different mechanisms may contribute to generating genetic diversity. The first is local sequence change such as nucleotide substitutions or small insertions or deletions of one or a few nucleotides. Another mechanism is DNA rearrangement, where related sequences in the genome undergo recombination to create novel fusion genes, and duplicate or delete DNA segments. Finally, diversity can be generated by horizontal acquisition of DNA through mechanisms such as natural transformation, conjugation, and transduction. Given the natural competence of most Campylobacter species, antibiotic resistance is probably spread in part through transformation. Several species of Campylobacter are naturally competent for transformation, including C. jejuni and C. coli. The candidate gene approach identified recombinase RecA as having a function in transformation. recA mutants were unable to be transformed to streptomycin resistance in three C. jejuni strains tested, 81-176, VC83, and 81-116. Modification of C. jejuni proteins by addition of an N-linked glycan is due to the activity of a number of genes found in the pgl locus.
Chapter 6 Methods Used in the Axenic Cultivation of Paramecium aurelia1

Publisher Summary Paramecium aureliu has been cultured in axenic media since 1948, first in a mixture of yeast extract and an autoclaved culture of Aerobacter aerogenes in “baked lettuce” infusion and since then, in progressively more refined media. Several of these media have been successfully used in the cultivation of these ciliates for the purpose of conducting biochemical studies. These media contained a yeast preparation that was not only time consuming to prepare but also inconsistent in its growth-promoting properties. A comparatively simple medium, free of this yeast preparation, has been developed. The medium supports the luxurious growth of a number of strains of P. aurelia. The preparation of this medium and other specialized techniques used in the axenic culture of P. aurelia are described in this chapter. Before axenic cultures can be started the paramecia must be free from contaminating bacteria, molds, and spores. For this purpose two methods that yield comparatively large numbers of organisms, may be used—for example, electromigration and continuous washing.
An on-screen keyboard for users with poor pointer control

This paper describes a novel design for an on-screen keyboard that makes it easier for some users with relatively poor pointer control to type. The keyboard uses the edge of the screen to reduce the dimensionality of the pointing task required to identify a character, and uses gesture, rather than click or dwell to select it for typing. A prototype keyboard is used in a study involving people with and without physical impairments using several types of pointing devices. The results show that this approach has some significant advantages compared to a conventional two dimensional on-screen keyboard, especially with some types of pointing devices.
Investigation of the failure mode of shale rocks in biaxial and triaxial compression tests

Abstract High horizontal in-situ stress and weak sedimentary laminated roof rock can severely affect underground coal mine roof stability. These sedimentary rocks possess planes of weakness along the horizontal direction in a mine roof and delaminate easily when acted upon by high lateral stresses. Empirical studies have shown that the magnitude of these stresses can be as much as two to three times the local overburden stress. The resulting ground control problems (buckling, cutters, etc.) in such conditions are quite challenging for mining engineers. This paper describes the failure observed in coal mine shale rocks under biaxial and triaxial stress conditions. To carry out the investigation, special platens were fabricated that are capable of applying biaxial compressive stress on a cubic rock specimen when the entire arrangement is used inside a uniaxial compressive loading device. This experimental set-up was further modified to apply a pseudo-triaxial compressive stress. Laminated shale specimens tested under biaxial stress condition showed tensile failure along the laminations at macrolevel. Black shale specimens showed extreme brittle failure. Limestone specimens tested under similar conditions failed violently and it was concluded that failure observed in each rock type tested was unique and not an artifact of the experimental design. The pseudo-triaxial conditions reduced the influence of laminations on the failure mode. Laminated shale specimens were found to fail along multiple shear planes.
Hierarchical Models for Causal Effects

Hierarchical models play three important roles in modeling causal effects: (i) accounting for data collection, such as in stratified and split-plot experimental designs; (ii) adjusting for unmeasured covariates, such as in panel studies; and (iii) capturing treatment effect variation, such as in subgroup analyses. Across all three areas, hierarchical models, especially Bayesian hierarchical modeling, offer substantial benefits over classical, non-hierarchical approaches. After discussing each of these topics, we explore some recent developments in the use of hierarchical models for causal inference and conclude with some thoughts on new directions for this research area. Keywords: hierarchical models; causal inference; Bayesian inference; interactions; varying treatment effects
Masonry Construction Operations

In the United States masonry contractors, who typically employ seven persons but together have gross receipts of about $2 billion annually, frequently neglect good business practices of planning, organization, management, appraisal, and control detailed in this paper. Cited mason productivity research results from more than 200 investigators are summarized, which can increase mason productivity 50%. The cost of nearly 7,000 masonry construction accidents is $40,000,000 annually. Since union apprenticeship programs have never met mason manpower needs, vocational education in public high schools offers the best available alternative. Prefabricated masonry is well developed and internationally available. Many advantages claimed for prefabricated masonry as listed, with several counter problem areas.
Metallic Burden of Deciduous Teeth and Childhood Behavioral Deficits

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects 5%-8% of children in the U.S. (10% of males and 4% of females). The contributions of multiple metal exposures to the childhood behavioral deficits are unclear, although particular metals have been implicated through their neurotoxicity. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the body burden of Mn is positively correlated with ADHD symptoms. We also investigated the putative roles of Ca, Fe, Pb, and Hg. We collected shed molars from 266 children (138 boys and 128 girls) who lost a tooth between 11 and 13 years of age. The molars were analyzed for metals using ICP-OES. The third grade teacher of each child completed the Teacher's Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (DBD) to produce a score for "Total Disruptive Behavior" and subscale scores for "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder", Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, Inattention, and Oppositional/Defiant. The mean Mn, Fe, Pb and Ca concentrations found in teeth was 6.1 ± 5.7 µg/g, 22.7 ± 24.1 µg/g, 0.9 ± 1.4 µg/g, and 6.0 × 105 ± 1.6 × 105 µg/g, respectively. Hg was not detected. No significant association was found between Mn and behavioral deficits. Ca was significantly negatively associated, and Pb showed a significant positive association with Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, Inattention, and Oppositional/Defiant Disorders. These findings call into question the putative independent association of manganese exposure and behavioral deficits in children, when the balance of other metallic burden, particularly Ca and Pb burdens play significant roles.
An operator interaction framework for visualization systems

Information visualization encounters a wide variety of different data domains. The visualization community has developed representation methods and interactive techniques. As a community, we have realized that the requirements in each domain are often dramatically different. In order to easily apply existing methods, researchers have developed a semiology of graphic representations. We have extended this research into a framework that includes operators and interactions in visualization systems, such as a visualization spreadsheet. We discuss properties of this framework and use it to characterize operations spanning a variety of different visualization techniques. The framework developed in the paper enables a new way of exploring and evaluating the design space of visualization operators, and helps end users in their analysis tasks.
Effect of carbon nanotubes’ crystal structure on adsorption kinetics of small molecules

The effect of carbon nanotubes’ (CNT) crystal structure on chemical reactivity has been studied in much detail in the liquid phase using CNT suspension. This type of information is pertinent for developing CNT separation strategies. However, few experimental studies are available providing data for gas–CNT interactions utilizing ultra-high vacuum (UHV) surface science techniques. Structure–activity relationships (SAR) for gas–surface interactions are important for sensor designs and heterogeneous catalysis exploring, for example, CNT’s potential as a support for fuel cell catalysts. We report on UHV kinetics experiments with single-wall metallic, semiconducting, and mixed CNTs in order to provide the experimental basis to correlate CNT’s crystal structure and chemical activity. Thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS), a simple temperature ramping technique, has been used to determine the binding energies of a number of probe molecules including alkanes, alcohols, thiophene, benzene, and water on CNTs at UHV conditions. TDS allows for the identification of adsorption sites of probe molecules in CNT bundles, using gold foil or silica as a support for the drop-and-dry technique. A weak and probe molecule dependent SAR is present for adsorption inside the CNTs but not for the population of external sites by the probe molecules. The experimental data are in part consistent with current theoretical predictions by other groups. In addition, the effect of different solvents (methanol, SDS, and NMP) and cleaning procedures will briefly be discussed using results of spectroscopic (Auger electron spectroscopy) and kinetic techniques. Furthermore, molecular beam scattering techniques were utilized to characterize the adsorption dynamics, i.e., the gas-to-surface energy transfer processes of alkanes on CNTs. For example, opening the CNT tube ends by high temperature annealing, increases the so-called initial adsorption probability, that is, the probability for adsorption in the limit of zero surface concentration (coverage). This result directly illustrates the effect of large surface areas of CNTs, using internal and external surfaces, for gas adsorption.
How Differences in Roadways Affect School Travel Safety

Problem, research strategy, and findings: Three children 14 and younger are killed daily in the United States and almost 500 more are injured in traffic crashes, often while traveling to or from school. Previous studies examine the effect of built environmental characteristics on school travel safety, but are limited. I simultaneously evaluate the impact of street segment–level and neighborhood-level design characteristics on crashes involving elementary school–aged child pedestrians during school travel time around 78 elementary schools in Austin (TX). I find that more school travel–related collisions happen on highways and interstates and arterial roads and where there are traffic-generating land uses and transit stops. Fewer crashes occur on local roads and when there are connected sidewalks. Unfortunately, I do not consider microlevel features of the built environment; more-over, the crash data may include children's crashes not related to school travel.Takeaway for practice: Planners should collabora...
spe-29 Encodes a Small Predicted Membrane Protein Required for the Initiation of Sperm Activation in Caenorhabditis elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans spermatids complete a dramatic morphogenesis to crawling spermatozoa in the absence of an actin- or tubulin-based cytoskeleton and without synthesizing new gene products. Mutations in three genes (spe-8, spe-12, and spe-27) prevent the initiation of this morphogenesis, termed activation. Males with mutations in any of these genes are fertile. By contrast, mutant hermaphrodites are self-sterile when unmated due to a failure in spermatid activation. Intriguingly, mutant hermaphrodites form functional spermatozoa and become self-fertile upon mating, suggesting that spermatids can be activated by male seminal fluid. Here we describe a mutation in a fourth gene, spe-29, which mimics the phenotype of spe-8, spe-12, and spe-27 mutants. spe-29 sperm are defective in the initiation of hermaphrodite sperm activation, yet they maintain the ability to complete the morphogenetic rearrangements that follow. Mutant alleles of spe-12, spe-27, and spe-29 exhibit genetic interactions that suggest that the wild-type products of these genes function in a common signaling pathway to initiate sperm activation. We have identified the spe-29 gene, which is expressed specifically in the sperm-producing germ line and is predicted to encode a small, novel transmembrane protein.
Adaptive Integration Operators for Real-Time Digital Simulation

An adaptive procedure is presented which estimates the eigenvalue of a system and calculates the coefficients of a discrete-time integration operator based on the estimate. The coefficients of the integration operator are chosen so that a stable transfer function results even though the simulation time step has been chosen independent of the expected range of values of the eigen value.
Recalibration of rotational locomotion in immersive virtual environments

People recalibrate, or adjust, their actions as environmental conditions change. For example, people can easily recalibrate to walking outside on a windy day. Locomotive recalibration, such as walking or turning, has already been investigated in several real world experiments. However, there has been little research of locomotive recalibration in immersive virtual environments (IVEs). This work describes a series of experiments that were created to determine if and how people recalibrate to different rates of rotation in IVEs. The experiments were designed after real world experiments conducted by Pick, Rieser, Wagner and Garing [1999]. The results of our experiments show that people do recalibrate to virtual environments in a way that is similar to the way they recalibrate in the real world. In addition, these results verify that IVEs can be an alternative way to conduct traditional real world perception experiments.
Partially miscible blends of epoxy resin and epoxidized rubber: Structural characterization of the epoxidized rubber and mechanical properties of the blends

The cure process and the mechanical properties of blends of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A–based epoxy resin and hydroxyl terminated, internally epoxidized polybutadiene rubber have been studied. Internal oxirane groups are characterized by a main absorption at 885 cm−1 in the infrared spectrum while the terminal oxirane groups of the diepoxide monomer absorb at 913 cm−1. In the absence of prereaction of the rubber, gelation of the epoxy matrix occurs much faster than any reaction involving the internal oxirane groups or the terminal hydroxyl groups. Therefore, only weak chemical bonding between the rubber particles and the epoxy matrix exists and the fracture toughness of the blends does not show any significant improvement. Upon prereaction of the rubber with an excess diepoxide monomers, a 40% improvement in the value of the critical stress intensity factor is obtained. However, dynamic mechanical spectra of these blends acquired in the rubbery plateau region uniquely demonstrate that this improvement is due to the incorporation of the rubber into the epoxy network rather than to the presence of phase-separated rubber particles. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Intrinsic Reaction and Self‐Diffusion Kinetics for Silicon Carbide Synthesis by Rapid Carbothermal Reduction

A one-dimensional nonisothermal model has been developed for the “rapid carbothermal reduction” synthesis of fine silicon carbide powders. Intrinsic reaction and self-diffusion kinetics are identified through simulation of the model and comparison to experimental results. The reaction rate follows a shrinking-core mechanism and is described by the relation [formula omitted] The self-diffusion coefficient for SiC in the aerosol flow reactor is described by the relation The self-diffusion coefficient for SiC in the aerosol flow reactor is described by the relation
Sol-gel processing of PZT thin films: A review of the state-of-the-art and process optimization strategies

Abstract Sol-gel processing has been widely employed for the fabrication of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films. To successfully optimize thin film material properties for different applications, we must develop a fundamental understanding of the processing-property relationships inherent in the sol-gel fabrication process. In the asprepared state, sol-gel thin films are amorphous, have large organic contents, and can possess significant porosity. The preparation of thin films with acceptable properties requires that we effectively control densification and crystallization of the as-deposited film. We have determined that this “structural evolution” into the dense, crystalline ceramic phase may be affected by many aspects of the preparation process. In this paper we review the effects that tailored solution precursor characteristics and heat-treatment ramp rate can have on structural evolution. Specific examples are presented for process variation effects on the densification of thin films in the mod...
Extracting intergranular exchange coupling in perpendicular magnetic recording media

Abstract A micromagnetic numerical technique has been used to demonstrate how intergranular exchange coupling and intrinsic anisotropy field dispersion can be extracted from measuring two types of M–H curves. A realistic grain configuration formed by planar Voronoi cells is used to simulate perpendicular magnetic media. This technique effectively separates the effects of intergranular exchange coupling and anisotropy dispersion by finding their correlation to differentiated M–H curves with different initial magnetization states, even in the presence of thermal fluctuation. The validity of this method is investigated with a series of intergranular exchange couplings and anisotropy dispersions for different media thickness. A relationship between the auto-correlation function of an ac-erased sample and dispersion of the exchange interaction is demonstrated. Utilizing magnetization auto-correlation functions, the magnetic intergranular exchange coupling statistics show a correlation with the auto-correlation function shape in terms of zero-cross and undershoot values.
An investigation of the space charge distribution in silver chloride by ac techniques

Abstract Alternating current conductance and capacitance experiments have been performed to investigate the space charge distribution in the solid phase near a silver chloride-aqueous solution interface. The results of these experiments are consistent with those obtained by dc techniques and demonstrate the existence and the nature of the space charge region.
EFFECTS OF SOLAR UV-B RADIATION IN THE ACCUMULATION OF RHIZOCARPIC ACID IN A LICHEN SPECIES FROM ALPINE ZONES OF CHILE

En la especie liquenica Acarospora schleicheri, recolectada en gradientes altitudinales a 18o, 19o y 33o Lat. S, en zonas alpinas de Chile, se determinaron y compararon las concentraciones de acido rizocarpico. Se observaron incrementos significativos en la acumulacion del metabolito con la altura s.n.m. y el aumento en los niveles de radiacion UV-B en los gradientes seleccionados. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que la sintesis de acido rizocarpico es inducida por la radiacion UV-B y que su presencia representa una adaptacion quimica frente a los elevados niveles de radiacion UV-B en los habitats de esta especie liquenica.
The image force on a moving charge ; oblique and grazing incidence

Abstract We present a description of the image force on a charged particle reflected from a solid surface, moving with constant speed on a straight trajectory. The discussion extends an earlier discussion by the present author to the case of non-normal incidence. For the case where the speed of the particle is non-relativistic, we find formulae for the component of the image force normal to and parallel to the surface. In the limiting case of grazing incidence, rather simple final expressions are obtained, for a particle moving near the surface of a dielectric with the dielectric constant e(ω) = e ∞ + Ω 2 P /(ω 2 0 − ω 2 ) . The importance of the coupling between the charge and surface polaritons is evident in these results.
Taurodontism: Familial tendencies demonstrated in eleven of fourteen case reports

Abstract The families of fourteen persons demonstrating taurodontism have been investigated. Familial relationships of taurodontism are evidenced by the fact that eleven of the fourteen persons were members of three families. Of the remaining three cases, one is an isolated report and two appear to have no familial relationship. The literature review, summarized in outline form, is divided into anthropologic studies and case reports.
Processing and nutritive evaluation of broiler litter as livestock feed

Broiler litter was deep stacked at 30 and 40% moisture or ensiled at 40% moisture for 6 weeks in quadruplicate and subsequently evaluated for changes in chemical composition, pathogenic microbial load and in vitro dry matter degradability (IVDMD). A metabolism trial was conducted with lambs, in which a low-protein basal diet supplemented with litter, deep stacked at 30% and 40% moisture for 6 weeks or ensiled were compared with an isocaloric, isonitrogenous soybean meal supplemented diet. The maximum stack temperature of 65°C (irrespective of moisture level) was attained on day 7 at 45 cm depth and 60.5°C on day 10 at 80 cm depth, which eliminated coliforms. Increases in lactic and acetic acids were recorded with increase in moisture levels and advancement of stacking period. A small increase in crude protein (CP) content was associated with considerable declines in organic matter (OM), cellulose, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and hemicellulose in deep-stacked litters. The apparent digestibility of nutrients and N-retention in the litter-supplemented diets were similar to those of the soybean meal supplemented diet. It is concluded that by deep stacking at 30 or 40% moisture, or ensiling, the litter was rendered free of pathogens and could be incorporated in the diet of livestock without adversely affecting digestibility of fiber and efficiency of N utilization.
Multiple cation binding by bola-amphiphilic crown ethers: Assessment by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry

Abstract Bola-amphiphiles having two aza-18-crown-6 ether rings attached by a covalent spacer (O—O) and an analogous tris (macrocycle) (O—O—O) have been prepared and their cation complexation behavior has been assessed by fast atom bombardment and collisionally activated dissociation tandem mass spectrometry; the key finding is that two cations may simultaneously be complexed by a two- or three-crown system and that this complexation may also involve an anion.
Coevolution of Self-Fertilization and Inbreeding Depression I. Mutation-Selection Balance at One and Two Loci

Abstract Simple theories for the evolution of breeding systems suggest that the fate of an allele that modifies the rate of self-fertilization hinges only on the degree to which selfing reduces opportunities for outcrossing (“pollen discounting”) and the extent of inbreeding depression. These theories predict that outcrossing evolves whenever deleterious mutations have a more severe effect in combination than expected from their individual effects. We study the evolutionary dynamics of a modifier of the rate of self-fertilization in populations subject to complete pollen discounting and recurrent mutations which impair viability at a single locus in diploids and at two loci in haploids. Our analysis indicates that genetic associations arising immediately upon the introduction of a rare modifier allele generate substantial quantitative and qualitative departures from expectation. Higher rates of segregation under selfing in our one-locus diploid model generate positive associations between enhancers of selfing and wild-type viability alleles, which in turn favor the evolution of selfing under a wider range of conditions than expected. Greater opportunities for recombination under outcrossing in our two-locus haploid model generate positive associations between enhancers of outcrossing and wild-type viability alleles. These associations favor the evolution of outcrossing under a wider range of conditions, and introduce the possibility of stable mixed mating systems involving both selfing and outcrossing. Our explicit analysis of genetic associations between loci affecting viability and the rate of self-fertilization indicates that modifiers that enhance the production of offspring with very high (and very low) viability by promoting segregation or recombination develop positive associations with high viability. This advantage of producing extremes can compensate for an initial disadvantage in offspring number.
Four-Hydroxynonenal, a Product of Lipid Peroxidation, is Increased in the Brain in Alzheimer's Disease

Recent studies have implicated increased oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased lipid peroxidation and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acid levels have been described in the brain in AD. Four-hydroxynonenal (HNE), an aldehyde product of lipid peroxidation, has been demonstrated to be a neurotoxin in tissue culture and in vivo studies and is elevated in ventricular fluid in AD. We report here an increase in mean free HNE in multiple brain regions in AD compared with age-matched control subjects. These increases reached statistical significance in the amygdala and hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, regions showing the most pronounced histopathological alterations in AD. This study, in conjunction with cell culture studies, suggests that HNE may be an important substance in the pathogenesis of neuron degeneration in AD.
The United States’ Vietnam War: a selective annotated bibliography

Since the end of the United States’ Vietnam War and Indochina’s second war, little scholarly attention has been paid to a war that has so greatly affected the American public’s attitude towards politics, and their views towards their country’s management of foreign policy. Now that the USA has lifted trade embargos, and has normalized relations with Vietnam, many higher education institutions are offering additional courses about the Vietnam War. There are many perspectives of the war – civilian, military, political, French, North Vietnamese, South Vietnamese, and American – that need to be identified and acknowledged to fully understand and explain the involvement of the USA in Vietnam. This selective, annotated bibliography of print sources and Web sites is meant to provide guidance to academic libraries desiring to build a collection of resources.
Bioassay of TSH using dog thyroid cells in monolayer culture

The cAMP response to TSH stimulation in dog thyroid cells in monolayer culture was adapted as a means to assay TSH bioactivity. Of a variety of polypeptide hormones examined, only TSH and LH stimulated thyroid cell cAMP generation, but stimulation by LH probably represented contamination with TSH. Serum was found to be a potent, noncompetitive inhibitor of the thyroid cell cAMP response to TSH stimulation. The inhibitor(s) present in serum was nondialyzable and, on Sephadex G-200 gel filtration, eluted over a wide range between the void volume and the albumin peak. Because of this inhibitory effect of serum, partial purification of TSH from serum was necessary, and was achieved using Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration. Columns were calibrated with human TSH as measured by radioimmunoassay and bovine TSH as measured by bioassay. Intraassay variation of the thyroid cell cAMP response to a 100 microU/ml TSH standard was 9.2%. TSH standards were added to human serum following which the TSH was extracted by gel filtration and assayed for bioactivity. With TSH standards of 100 microU/ml intra-assay variation was 19.9%; and with TSH standards of 25 microU/ml, interassay variation was 34.5%. TSH bioactivity was demonstrable in serum from 21 of 25 patients with primary hypothyroidism, 4 of 14 normal subjects and none of 3 patients on exogenous thyroxine replacement. Although a positive correlation was observed between serum TSH bioactivity and immunoactivity, numerous individual samples displayed a dichotomy between the two measurements. This study provides new evidence that immunoassayable TSH in the serum of patients with primary hypothyroidism is not necessarily synonymous with TSH bioactivity.
Helga Wanglie revisited: medical futility and the limits of autonomy.

There is little to indicate from, her circumstances that events would propel Helga Wanglie, an 86-year-old Minneapolis woman, into the center of public controversy. We know little of her life prior to the events that removed her from the world of conscious, sentient beings. By the time of her death on 4 July 1991, Mrs. Wanglie had become the focus of a nationwide public and professional debate on the rights of a patient in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) to receive aggressive medical treatment when such treatment is felt by the patient's doctors not to be in the patient's best interests.
Valvular and coronary heart disease. When is it time for surgical referral

As our population ages, more and more patients are likely to become candidates for cardiac valvular or revascularization procedures. The primary care physician often must advise these patients as t...
Light and electron microscopic study of m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in the basal forebrain of the rat

The m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor gene is expressed at high levels in basal forbrain, but the paucity of information about localization of the encoded receptor protein has limited the understanding of cellular and subcellular mechanisms involved in cholinergic actions in this region. The present study sought to determine the cellular localization of m2 protein, its relationship to cholinergic neurons, and its pre-and postsynaptic distribution in the rat medial septum-diagonal band complex using immunocytochemistry with polyclonal rabbit antibodies and a newly developed rat monoclonal antibody specific to the m2 receptor. Light microscopic colocalization studies demonstrated that m2 was present in a subset of choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive neurons, in choline acetyltransferase-negative neurons, and in more neuropil elements than was choline acetyltransferase. Intraventricular injections of 192 IgG-saporin, an immunotoxin directed to the low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor, resulted in depletion of choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive neurons in the medial septum-diagonal band complex, whereas m2 immunoreactivity in neurons and in the neuropil was unchanged. By electron microscopy, m2 receptor in medial septum-diagonal band complex was localized to the plasmalemma of a small population of small to medium-sized neurons, and it was also found in dendrites, axons, and axon terminals in the neuorpil Neurons expressing m2 immunoreactivity recived synaptic contacts from unlabelled axon terminals. A small distinct subpopulation of large neurons, unlabelled by m2 immunoreactivity, received synaptic contacts from m2-immunoreactive terminals. Thus, m2 receptor is situated to mediate the local effects of acetylcholine on basal forebrain cholinergic and noncholinergic neurons and, also, at both pre-and postsynaptic sites. © 1995 Willy-Liss, Inc.
“Why I am writing from where you are not”: Absence and presence in Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

In this article, I demonstrate how Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close creates counter‐narratives through the text’s representation of multiple voices within complex meta‐textual narrative structures. Foer exploits the narrative structures/styles of conventional novels by delving into Bildungsroman, confessional realism, and one‐sided epistolary arrangements in order to represent the chaos and lacunas of traumatic events. Both the meta‐textual and the twists on traditional narrative forms create aesthetic artifacts that disrupt reader expectation and amplify the sites of transference holding readers accountable for the retention of cultural memory, thus making it possible to engage in trauma literature in ethical‐empathetic ways.
Neoplastic transformation of fetal lamb kidney cells by bovine leukemia virus

Neoplastic transformation of fetal lamb kidney (FLK) cells by bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is reported. Morphological transformation was observed in FLK cells within a few weeks of BLV inoculation. BLV-transformed FLK cells had the following properties generally associated with viral transformation: (1) altered morphology; (2) increased growth rate; (3) colony formation in soft agar medium; (4) formation of large cell aggregates and growth in this aggregate form above an agar base; and (5) tumorigenicity in nude mice. The transformed cells contained BLV-specific p24 and gp51 antigens and were virus producers. BLV was detected in transformed cells by syncytial assay. The transformed cells yielded high-titered viral reverse transcriptase activity and viral particles. The transformed cells contained marker chromosomes (M1, M , M , M4 and M7) and a large submetacentric chromosome, but control cells did not. Thus, we demonstrated the neoplastic transformation of FLK cells by BLV.
Sintering mechanisms in strontium doped lanthanum chromite

The sintering behavior of (La0.7Sr0.3)xCrO3 (0.95 ≤ x ≤ 1.05) is investigated to compare liquid phase sintering phenomena occuring in stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric compositions. Shrinkage analysis revealed marked contrast between the densification characteristics of the A-site enriched (x > 1.00) and A-site depleted (x < 1.00) materials. A-site depleted samples typically exhibited a single liquid phase sintering event at 1250 °C attributed to the melting of an exsoluted SrCrO4 phase. A-site enriched samples indicated two rapid shrinkage events due to the melting of SrCrO4, and a Sr2.67(CrO4)2 phase with a melting temperature of 1450 °C. Sr2.67(CrO4)2 was shown to evolve from a decomposition reaction between SrCrO4 and La2CrO6, detected together in A-site enriched samples from 800–1000 °C. Maximum densities (93% theoretical density) were achieved for (La0.7Sr0.3)xCrO3 x = 1.00 after sintering at 1700 °C for two hours.
Distribution and seasonality ofLegionella pneumophila in colling towers

The numbers of presumptiveLegionella pneumophila cells in waters and sediments of nine different cooling towers located on the same site in the northeastern United States were determined at approximately monthly intervals for 18 months. All systems received makeup water from the same source and received the same chemical treatments. PresumptiveL. pneumophila were found in both water and sediment samples from all systems on all sampling dates. An important result of this study was the finding that tower sediments represent large reservoirs ofL. pneumophila. The only correlation between levels of presumptiveL. pneumophila and any of the physical, chemical, or operating characteristics evaluated was with winter shutdown and drainage followed by a nonoperational period. These systems showed a definite seasonal response with the highest levels of presumptiveL. pneumophila found in the summer and fall. Systems operated year round showed relatively constant numbers ofL. pneumophila in both water and sediments.
Capsaicin-induced thermal hyperalgesia and sensitization in the human trigeminal nociceptive pathway: an fMRI study

The aim of this study was to differentiate the processing of nociceptive information, matched for pain intensity, from capsaicin-induced hyperalgesic vs. control skin at multiple levels in the trigeminal nociceptive pathway. Using an event-related fMRI approach, 12 male subjects underwent three functional scans beginning 1 h after topical application of capsaicin to a defined location on the maxillary skin, when pain from capsaicin application had completely subsided. Brush and two levels of painful heat (low-Thermal-1 and high-Thermal-2) were applied to the site of capsaicin application and to the mirror image region on the opposite side. Temperatures for each side were set to evoke perceptually matched pain (mean temperatures [capsaicin/control]: Thermal-1=38.4/42.8 degrees C; Thermal-2=44.9/47.8 degrees C). We found differences in activation patterns following stimuli to treated and untreated sides in sensory circuits across all stimulus conditions. Across the trigeminal nociceptive pathway, Thermal-2 stimulation of hyperalgesic skin evoked greater activation in trigeminal ganglion and nucleus, thalamus, and somatosensory cortex than the control side. Thus, trigeminal nociceptive regions showed increased activation in the context of perceptually equal pain levels. Beyond these regions, contrast analyses of capsaicin vs. control skin stimulation indicated significant changes in bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and amygdala. The involvement of these emotion-related regions suggests that they may be highly sensitive to context, such as prior experience (application of capsaicin) and the specific pain mechanism (hyperalgesic vs. normal skin).
Reactor-pumped laser facility at DOE's Nevada Test Site

The Nevada Test Site (NTS) is one excellent possibility for a laser power beaming site. It is in the low latitudes of the U.S., is in an exceptionally cloud-free area of the southwest, is already an area of restricted access (which enhances safety considerations), and possesses a highly skilled technical team with extensive engineering and research capabilities from underground testing of our nation's nuclear deterrence. The average availability of cloud-free clear line of site to a given point in space is about 84%. With a beaming angle of +/- 60 degree(s) from the zenith, about 52 geostationary-orbit (GEO) satellites could be accessed continuously from NTS. In addition, the site would provide an average view factor of about 10% for orbital transfer from low earth orbit to GEO. One of the major candidates for a long-duration, high- power laser is a reactor-pumped laser being developed by DOE. The extensive nuclear expertise at NTS makes this site a prime candidate for utilizing the capabilities of a rector pumped laser for power beaming. The site then could be used for many dual-use roles such as industrial material processing research, defense testing, and removing space debris.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.