cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Critical Review of the Study of Neuroprotective Diets to Reduce Cognitive Decline.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias are now the seventh leading cause of death in the world and are projected to affect 115.4 million people by 2050. Delaying the onset of AD by just five years is estimated to reduce the cost and prevalence of the disease by half. There is no cure for AD nor any drug therapies to halt its progression once the disease begins. Lifestyle choices including diet are being seen as a viable complementary therapy to reduce cognitive decline, the hallmark of AD. Mediterranean, DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), and MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diets have biological mechanisms supporting their potential neuroprotective benefits, but the findings of study outcomes about these benefits have been inconsistent. This paper analyzed five Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) (from 2000 to 2021) and 27 observational studies (from 2010 to 2021) focused on the link between cognitive health and the Mediterranean/DASH/MIND diets to identify gaps and challenges that could lead to inconsistent results. These include a lack of accuracy in assessing food intake, multiple dietary pattern scoring systems, a shifting metric among studies focused on the Mediterranean diet, a lack of standards in the tools used to assess cognitive decline, and studies that were underpowered or had follow-up periods too short to detect cognitive change. Insights from these gaps and challenges are summarized in recommendations for future RCTs, including both pragmatic and explanatory RCTs.
Supporting language and literacy development with intensive small-group interventions: An early childhood efficacy study

Abstract The strong association of early language skills to later reading ability suggests that supporting the development of these skills in children who enter school with below average language abilities may lead to stronger literacy development. Despite this, few evidence-based supplemental language interventions exist for school-based implementation. The current paper reports on 2 large-scale randomized trials of 5 small-group, intensive language-focused interventions implemented in preschool and kindergarten settings. After screening on an expressive language measure, 342 preschool children were randomized to either business-as-usual general education or to 1 of 3 10- or 12-week interventions. Comparably, after screening, 905 kindergarten children were randomized to business-as-usual or to 1 of 4 8-12-week interventions. Children were assessed pre- and post-intervention on a battery of distal standardized language, including listening comprehension, and early literacy measures. Results indicated significant impacts for 3 of the 5 interventions in 1 or 2 grades, on at least 1 standardized measure, although none of the interventions directly impacted listening comprehension measures. Implications for supporting language development and for the early prevention of reading comprehension difficulties are discussed.
Pure Trash: New Woods and Old Claims in Architectural Materiality

In the twentieth century, a decades-long debate about timber conservation in America began to shift. As opposed to cutting fewer trees and planting more, conversations about sustaining the nation’s...
A Systematic Review of the Methodological Quality of Economic Evaluations in Genetic Screening and Testing for Monogenic Disorders

Purpose: Understanding the value of genetic screening and testing for monogenic disorders requires high-quality, methodologically robust economic evaluations. This systematic review sought to assess the methodological quality among such studies and examine opportunities for improvement. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science for economic evaluations of genetic screening/testing (2013-2019). Methodological rigor and adherence to best practices were systematically assessed using the BMJ checklist. Results: Across 47 identified studies, there was substantial variation in modeling approaches, reporting detail, and sophistication. Models ranged from simple decision trees to individual-level microsimulation, comparing between two and >20 alternative interventions. Many studies failed to report sufficient detail to enable replication or did not justify modeling assumptions, especially for costing methods and utility values. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, or calibration were rarely used to derive parameter estimates. Nearly all studies conducted some sensitivity analysis, and more sophisticated studies implemented probabilistic sensitivity/uncertainty analysis, threshold analysis, and value of information analysis. Conclusion: We describe a heterogeneous body of work and present recommendations and exemplar studies across the methodological domains of (1) perspective, scope, and parameter selection, (2) use of uncertainty/sensitivity analyses, and (3) reporting transparency for improvement in the economic evaluation of genetic screening/testing.
Inducing Immunity to Human Melanoma Cells: Opening the Bag of Immunological Tricks

Successful immunotherapy of human cancer requires the induction of a cell-mediated immune response to weakly immunogenic tumor-associated antigens. To accomplish that aim, we have used two immunological strategies, each of which is based on well-established findings in experimental animals.
The fastest capillary penetration of power-law fluids

Abstract The engineering and modeling of non-Newtonian power-law fluids (i.e., shear thinning and thickening fluids) in porous media has received wide attention in natural systems, oil recovery, and microfluidic devices. In this work, we theoretically explore the dynamics of power-law fluids in the form of capillary flow confined by a straight tube and a Y-shaped tree network, both of which are basic elements of many advanced materials. The straight tube and the tree network are composed of sub-tubes with different radii and lengths. The proposed model reveals that the evolution of the penetration time to the penetration distance is highly dependent on the viscous and capillary effects. If the viscous resistance is high, the flow is slow. If the capillary pressure increases, the flow accelerates. An interesting question is therefore in what optimal structure is the power-law flow fastest, considering different responses of viscous resistance and capillary force to the structural parameters. Based on optimization of the radius and length distribution of sub-tubes, we find the minimum penetration time of the fluids or the fastest flow in both straight tubes and tree networks under size constraints. The unique optimal transport behaviors of power-law fluids, which are different from those of Newtonian fluids, are analyzed in details with different power components.
Automated Correctness Proofs of Machine Code Programs for a Commercial Microprocessor

We have formally specified a substantial subset of the MC68020, a widely used microprocessor built by Motorola, within the mathematical logic of the automated reasoning system Nqthm, i.e., the Boyer-Moore Theorem Prover. Using this MC68020 specification, we have mechanically checked the correctness of MC68020 machine code programs for Euclid''s GCD, Hoare''s Quick Sort, binary search, and other well-known algorithms. The machine code for these examples was generated using the Gnu C and the Verdix Ada compilers. We have developed an extensive library of proven lemmas to facilitate automated reasoning about machine code programs. We describe a two stage methodology we use to do our machine code proofs.
Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae in whole blood by PCR.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of bacteremia in both children and adults. Currently, the diagnosis of pneumococcal bacteremia relies on the isolation and identification of the bacteria from blood cultures. We have developed a sensitive assay for the detection of S. pneumoniae in whole blood by the PCR. A specific primer-probe set (JM201 and JM202 primers with JM204 probe) designed from the penicillin-binding protein 2B gene was demonstrated to reproducibly detect between 10 and 100 fg of input purified S. pneumoniae DNA. This assay system was shown to be inclusive for all strains of S. pneumoniae evaluated, including 15 different serotypes and a battery of penicillin-resistant and -sensitive strains. The specificity of this PCR-based assay was demonstrated by its inability to support amplification from a series of human, bacterial, and yeast genomic DNAs. A general specimen preparation method which should be suitable for the purification of DNA from any pathogens in whole blood was developed. With this protocol it was possible to detect S. pneumoniae-specific DNA from whole blood specimens inoculated with as little as 4 CFU/ml. Copurified human blood DNA, ranging from 0 to 4.5 micrograms per PCR, did not affect the sensitivity of S. pneumoniae detection by PCR. A blinded clinical trial was used to compare the PCR-based assay with standard microbiological blood culture for the detection of S. pneumoniae bacteremia in 36 specimens obtained from pediatric patients seen in the emergency room of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Normal oligodendrocytes in tissue culture: A preliminary report on the pulsatile glial cells in tissue cultures from the corpus callosum of the normal adult rat brain

1. 1. Cells believed to be oligodendrocytes have been obtained in outgrowths from explants in vitro of normal adult rat corpus callosum. These cells show a characteristic rhythmic pulsatility apparently identical with that described in 1935 by Canti, Bland and Russell in the case of oligodendrocytes obtained in culture from oligodendroglioma of the human brain. We believe also that we have seen similar cells in a few tissue culture preparations from the cortex cerebri of the normal adult human brain. 2. 2. The morphology of this cell in the living state in culture has been described and some analysis has been attempted of its pulsation as studied by timelapse cine-photomicrography. 3. 3. Some possible physiological and pathological implications of this pulsatile activity of oligodendrocytes are discussed.
Classical Chromo-Dynamics of Relativistic Heavy Ion Collisions

Relativistic heavy ion collisions produce thousands of particles, and it is sometimes difficult to believe that these processes allow for a theoretical description directly in terms of the underlying theory—QCD. However once the parton densities are sufficiently large, an essential simplification occurs—the dynamics becomes semi-classical. As a result, a simple ab initio approach to the nucleus-nucleus collision dynamics may be justified. In these lectures, we describe the application of these ideas to the description of multi-particle production in relativistic heavy ion collisions. We also discuss the role of semi-classical fields in the QCD vacuum in hadron interactions at low and high energies.
Nutritional modulation of guinea pig skin hyperproliferation by essential fatty acid deficiency is associated with selective down regulation of protein kinase C-beta

In a previous study we demonstrated that 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE), a 15-lipoxygenase metabolite of linoleic acid is incorporated into epidermal phosphatidyl 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns 4,5-P2) and released as 13-HODE-containing-diacylglycerol (13-HODE-DAG). In vitro, 13-HODE-DAG was shown to selectively inhibit epidermal total protein kinase C (PKC-beta) activity. To determine whether these observations are relevant in vivo, guinea pigs were made essential fatty acid deficient (EFAD) by feeding them a basal diet supplemented with 4% hydrogenated coconut oil for 8 wk. Tissue levels of putative 13-HODE-DAG, protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes and tissue hyperproliferation were determined in the epidermal preparations from skin of control safflower oil-fed guinea pigs, those fed EFAD diet and those fed EFAD diet followed by the control diet for 2 wk. Our data revealed that cutaneous 13-HODE and 13-HODE-DAG were significantly lower in EFAD animals than in safflower-fed controls. These reductions were associated with both elevated epidermal hyperproliferation and elevated expressions and activities of PKC-alpha and beta-isozymes. Refeeding the animals with safflower oil for 2 wk replenished tissue levels of 13-HODE-DAG, which inversely correlated with the selective down regulation of PKC-beta expression and activity and the reversal of hyperproliferation. In contrast, although, the expression and activity of PKC-alpha was elevated in the epidermis of the EFAD guinea pigs, this elevated PKC-alpha expression was not down regulated after refeeding the safflower oil diet to the animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Annual and seasonal fluctuations of precipitation and streamflow in the Aconcagua River basin, Chile

Abstract The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon has been shown to influence dramatically precipitation and streamflow in tropical western South America. The statistical properties of annual and winter precipitation totals and streamflow characteristics in the Aconcagua River basin, in temperate central Chile, are investigated in such a way as to permit the identification of flood- and drought-generating processes and their possible linkages to upset behavior in the tropical Pacific. Despite the considerable distance to those regions generally associated with ENSO events, the phenomenon produces marked effects upon the various physical processes which govern the surface hydrometeorology of the study area. El Nino years result in significant increases in annual and winter precipitation, particularly along the coastal margin. The likelihood of rain or rain-on-snow flooding, in the succeeding winter, increases, as does the size of spring snowmelt in the southern summer, 1 year after the upset conditions in the tropical region. Annual low flows are of higher magnitude and occur earlier in the year than is usual.
Cross-polarization in 14N overtone NMR spectroscopy of solids

Abstract Several versions of cross-polarization (CP) sequences are analyzed in order to improve the sensitivity of 14 N overtone NMR of biological solids. Optimum conditions are determined from experiments on a single crystalline sample of a model peptide, N -acetyl- d , l -valine, for an efficient CP from 1 H to 14 N overtone frequency. Experimental results infer that a CP sequence consisting of an amplitude modulated spin-locking of 14 N overtone frequency during the CP period followed by a composite 90° postpulse is efficient in transferring the proton dipolar order to the observable overtone signal.
Radiation Effects in LDD MOS Devices

The purpose of this work is to investigate the response of lightly doped drain (LDD) n-channel transistors to ionizing radiation. Transistors were fabricated with conventional (non-LDD) and lightly doped drain (LDD) structures using both standard (non-hardened) and radiation hardened gate oxides. Characterization of the transistors began with a correlation of the total-dose effects due to 10 keV x-rays and Co-60 gamma rays. We find that for the gate oxides and transistor structures investigated in this work, 10 keV x-rays produce more fixed-charge build-up in the gate oxide, and more interface charge than do Co-60 gamma rays. We have determined that the radiation response of LDD transistors is similar to that of conventional (non-LDD) transistors. In addition, both standard and radiation-hardened transistors subjected to hot carrier stress before irradiation show a similar radiation response. After exposure to 1.0 × 106 rads(Si), non-hardened transistors show increased susceptibility to hot-carrier degradation, while the radiation-hardened transistors exhibit similar hot-carrier degradation to non-irradiated devices. We have demonstrated a fully-integrated radiation hardened process that is solid to 1.0 × 106 rads(Si), and shows promise for achieving 1.0 × 107 rad(Si) total-dose capability.
Hybridization and the evolution of invasiveness in plants and other organisms

Less than a decade ago, we proposed that hybridization could serve as a stimulus for the evolution of invasiveness in plants (Ellstrand and Schierenbeck Proc Nat Acad Sci USA 97:7043–7050, 2000). A substantial amount of research has taken place on that topic since the publication of that paper, stimulating the symposium that makes up this special issue. Here we present an update of this emergent field, based both on the papers in this volume and on the relevant literature. We reevaluate the lists that we presented in our earlier paper of reports in which hybridization has preceded the evolution of invasiveness. We discard a few cases that were found to be in error, published only as abstracts, or based on personal communication. Then we augment the list from examples in this volume and a supplementary literature search. Despite the omissions, the total number of cases has increased. Many have been strengthened. We add a list of cases in which there has been evidence that intra-taxon hybridization has preceded the evolution of invasiveness. We also provide a number of examples from organisms other than plants. We consider how our examples suggest mechanisms whereby hybridization may act to stimulate the evolution of invasiveness. Hybridization does not represent the only evolutionary pathway to invasiveness, but it is one that can explain why the appearance of invasiveness often involves a long lag time and/or multiple introductions of exotics.
A computational system for a Mars rover

This paper presents an overview of an onboard computing system that can be used for meeting the computational needs of a Mars rover. The paper begins by presenting an overview of some of the requirements which are key factors affecting the architecture. The rest of the paper describes the architecture. Particular emphasis is placed on the criteria used in defining the system and how the system qualitatively meets the criteria.
Evaluation of the Growth of Dislocations Density in Fatigue Loading Process via Electrical Resistivity Measurements

The paper focuses on quantitative evaluation of the microstructural changes - growth of the dislocation density - in stainless steel specimens subjected to fatigue loading. We propose to use electrical resistivity measurements for this goal. Change in electrical resistance of the specimens has been monitored in dependence on the number of fatigue cycles and the relative growth of the dislocation density was calculated from these data and known values of the specific resistivity of dislocations for iron. We also estimated the growth of dislocation density using analysis of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of etched specimens. This estimate however appears to be unreasonably low, so that SEM may be used for qualitative analysis only.
Enhanced translation of chimaeric messenger RNAs containing a plant viral untranslated leader sequence

Eukaryotic messenger RNAs are translated with unequal efficiencies in vivo and in vitro and the molecular basis of this phenomenon is not understood. As an approach to understanding the role of the 5' untranslated leader sequence in regulating mRNA translational efficiency, chimaeric mRNAs have been generated by joining a heterologous leader to complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences, followed by in vitro transcription using SP6 RNA polymerase and in vitro protein synthesis. We used the untranslated leader from the coat protein mRNA of alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV RNA 4), a well-translated, highly competitive message, to replace the leader sequence of barley alpha-amylase (B alpha A) and human interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) cDNAs. Deletion of transcribed vector sequences and replacement of the native untranslated region with the AMV RNA 4 leader can result in as much as a 35-fold increase in mRNA translational efficiency; moreover, the translational efficiency of the chimaeric mRNAs containing the AMV RNA 4 leader is at least as great as that of virion RNA 4. The results suggest that the chimaeric AMV-mRNAs have either a higher relative affinity or a diminished requirement for a limiting component(s) of the translational machinery; in addition, it may be feasible, through use of heterologous leader sequences, to increase expression of engineered genes or cDNAs without changing the antigenic or biological properties of the encoded protein.
Pressure tuning of frequencies and resonance in the infrared and Raman spectra of n-pentadecane

Abstract Raman and IR spectra of neat n-pentadecane were measured as a function of increasing hydrostatic pressure up to 56 and 54 kbar, respectively. The application of high pressure leads to drastic changes in the frequencies, intensities and band shapes of the CH stretching and CH bending modes. The pressure-induced changes in the vibrational spectra of n-pentadecane are discussed in terms of phase transitions, molecular orientation, interchain interactions, frequency dispersions, and Fermi resonance interactions. The results are compared with the effect of pressure on the Raman and IR spectra of n-hexadecane. It is shown that the different pressure effect on these two n-alkanes results from differences in the effect of pressure on the frequency dispersion of the 2δCH2 states in n-pentadecane and n-hexadecane.
Mathematical Methods for Physicists: A Concise Introduction

This text is designed for an intermediate-level, two-semester undergraduate course in mathematical physics. It provides an accessible account of most of the current, important mathematical tools required in physics these days. It is assumed that the reader has an adequate preparation in general physics and calculus. The book bridges the gap between an introductory physics course and more advanced courses in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal and statistical physics. The text contains a large number of worked examples to illustrate the mathematical techniques developed and to show their relevance to physics. The book is designed primarily for undergraduate physics majors, but could also be used by students in other subjects, such as engineering, astronomy and mathematics.
Imperialism: Necessary and Beneficial?—Review of the Works of Hobson, Weber, and Schumpeter

Proponents of imperialism claim that imperialism is beneficial and necessary. J. A. Hobson, Max Weber, and Joseph Schumpeter have written scholarly critiques in which they question these claims. Hobson argued that imperialism is not only unnecessary, but is pernicious. Weber acknowledged the need for an expansive foreign doctrine, but he suggested that imperialism was neither necessary nor beneficial. Schumpeter argued that the various types of imperialisms were variations on war and he concluded that there were better methods to improve a country's economic standing. The critiques of imperialism by Hobson, Weber, and Schumpeter are noteworthy for a number of reasons, among them, that Weber and Schumpeter knew Hobson's writings well, and that Weber and Schumpeter not only read each other's writings but knew each other personally. All three offer penetrating scholarly critiques that can be used as critical commentaries on contemporary claims for imperialism.
State and Local Responses to Children's Injuries: The Massachusetts Statewide Childhood Injury Prevention Program

Attention and efforts must be focused on the prevention of childhood injuries. Governmental agencies must increase their involvement. One model of such involvement is a program in Massachusetts which implemented a strategic injury prevention plan. Schools, health departments and other child service agencies must pool their resources for this cause. Language: en
Dual wavelength optical fibre sensor for ph measurement

Abstract A rapid response, inexpensive, fibre optic pH sensor which uses a two-wavelength time division multiplexed system to measure the change in absorption of an indicator dye and provide a reference channel for other losses in the light path has been constructed and described, for use in solution, with solid state LED sources and detectors being employed.
Co-purification of type I alkaline phosphatase and type I phosphoprotein phosphatase from various animal tissues

Abstract A purification procedure, which included ethanol treatment as a step for dissociating the large molecular forms of type I phosphoprotein phosphatase, was employed for the studies of the alkaline phosphatase and phosphoprotein phosphatase activities in bovine brain, heart, spleen, kidney, and uterus, rabbit skeletal muscle and liver, and lobster tail muscle. The results indicate that the major phosphoprotein phosphatase (phosphorylase a as a substrate) and alkaline phosphatase ( p -nitrophenyl phosphate as a substrate; Mg 2+ and dithiothreitol as activators) activities in the extracts of all tissues studied were copurified as an entity of M r = 35,000. The purified enzymes from different tissues exhibit similar physical and catalytic properties with respect to either the phosphoprotein phosphatase or the alkaline phosphatase activity. The present findings indicate that (a) the M r = 35,000 species, which represents a catalytic entity of the large molecular forms of type I phosphoprotein phosphatase, is widespread in animal tissues, indicating that it is a multifunctional phosphatase; (b) the association of type I alkaline phosphatase activity with type I phosphoprotein phosphatase is a general phenomenon.
Geobotanical assessment in the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains and Himalaya

Abstract Vegetation patterns and dendrochronology were used to study landforms and processes in three unique geographic areas. Specifically, we report on geobotanical associations related to forest fires, slope failures, rivers, and glaciers. The work was conducted in the Niobrara valley of the Great Plains of Nebraska, Tensleep Canyon of the Bighorn Mountains, Yellowstone Teton fire areas of the Snake River drainage in Wyoming, and the Nanga Parbat and Batura areas of the western Himalaya. Results indicate that geobotanical associations can be used to provide additional information to study landforms, natural hazards, and sediment yields. In addition, geobotany can be used to detect processes responsible for environmental change. Remote sensing technology can play an important role in detecting vegetation distributions and green biomass variations.
The status of thermal discharges east of the Mississippi River

At the present time some 86 fossil-fueled plants are discharging their thermal effluents into the waters abounding the East Coast of the United States. Emphasis is placed on the rapid development of nuclear power facilities, which because of their vast requirements for cooling water, may further threaten areas already plagued by water pollution problems. The consequences of synergistic reactions in polluted waters must be considered when dealing with the ecological effects of thermal discharges.
Prospective randomized trial compares suction versus water seal for air leaks

Abstract Background . Surgeons treat air leaks differently. Our goal was to evaluate whether it is better to place chest tubes on suction or water seal for stopping air leaks after pulmonary surgery. A second goal was to evaluate a new classification system for air leaks that we developed. Methods . Patients were prospectively randomized before surgery to receive suction or water seal to their chest tubes on postoperative day (POD) #2. Air leaks were described and quantified daily by a classification system and a leak meter. The air-leak meter scored leaks from 1 (least) to 7 (greatest). The group randomized to water seal stayed on water seal unless a pneumothorax developed. Results . On POD #2, 33 of 140 patients had an air leak. Eighteen patients had been preoperatively randomized to water seal and 15 to suction. Air leaks resolved in 12 (67%) of the water seal patients by the morning of POD #3. All 6 patients whose air leak did not stop had a leak that was 4/7 or greater ( p p = 0.001). The remaining 14 patients were then placed to water seal and by the morning of POD #4, 13 patients' leaks had stopped. Of the 32 total patients placed to seal, 7 (22%) developed a pneumothorax and 6 of these 7 patients had leaks that were 4/7 or greater ( p = 0.001). Conclusions . Placing chest tubes on water seal seems superior to wall suction for stopping air leaks after pulmonary resection. However, water seal does not stop expiratory leaks that are 4/7 or greater. Pneumothorax may occur when chest tubes are placed on seal with leaks this large.
A generalized bound on LPT sequencing

In this paper we shall generalize Graham's result so as to include a parameter characterizing the number of tasks assigned to processors by the LPT rule. The new result will show that the worst-case performance bound for LPT sequencing approaches unity approximately as 1+1/k, where k is the least number of tasks on any processor, or where k is the number of tasks on a processor whose last task terminates the schedule. Thus, we shall have a result very similar to the parameterized bounds for bin-packing heuristics [JDUGG]. We shall also obtain out of the analysis an alternate proof of Graham's result.
Direct expression cloning of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, a cytokine-induced endothelial protein that binds to lymphocytes.

Abstract We have cloned a previously undescribed adhesion molecule, VCAM-1, which is induced by cytokines on human endothelial cells and binds lymphocytes. Using a novel method requiring neither monoclonal antibodies nor purified protein, VCAM-1-expressing clones were selected by adhesion to human lymphoid cell lines. VCAM-1 mRNA is present in endothelial cells at 2 hr after treatment with IL-1 or TNF-α and is maintained for at least 72 hr; leukocyte binding activity parallels mRNA induction. Cells transfected with VCAM-1 bind the human leukemia lines Jurkat, Ramos, Raji, HL60, and THP1, but not peripheral blood neutrophils. VCAM-1, which belongs to the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, may be central to recruitment of mononuclear leukocytes into inflammatory sites in vivo.
Linking Roadway Geometrics and Real-Time Traffic Characteristics to Model Daytime Freeway Crashes: Generalized Estimating Equations for Correlated Data

A model was developed to predict daytime crashes on a freeway when real-time traffic flow characteristics and roadway geometric features are known. The data used were for 337 daytime crashes that occurred on Interstate 4 in 1999 in Orlando, Florida (13.25 mi), where corresponding loop detector traffic data were available up stream and downstream of the location of every crash and for at least 30 min before the crash occurred. The traffic data included average speed, volume, and occupancy rate for every 30 s at 0.5-mi intervals. Traffic characteristics for noncrash cases at the same locations and at similar times of the crash cases were extracted and fed to the model. The generalized estimating equations technique with binomial probit link function was used to account for correlation between crashes that occurred at the same location. Three different correlation structures (independent, exchangeable, autoregressive) were used, discussed, and compared. The modeling results showed that the existence of an on...
Synthesis of novel difunctional monomers with photochromic potential

3,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydro-4a (2H)hydroxymethyl-2-methylenenaphtalene, capable of undergoing π2s+π2s photochemical cycloaddition, was prepared in several steps from readily available starting materials and characterized. This compound opened the door to an entirely new class of potentially photochromic materials. Difunctional monomers were synthesized from this compound and either a diisocyanate or diacid chloride
Milestones in Geospace Environment Modeling

This article, the first of a series of three on the GEM program to appear in Eos, provides an overview of the program organization and current scientific activities. The second article by George Siscoe will report on GGCM development, and the third article by Larry Lyons will report on the GEM observing campaigns and data/model comparisons. The Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) Program is now in its third year as one of the U.S. global change programs receiving core support from the Geosciences Directorate of the National Science Foundation. The GEM program is contributing to progress in space environment forecasting and to the fundamental understanding of geospace in general by enabling the construction of a Geospace General Circulation Model (GGCM) with predictive capabilities. The observational component of the program provides for the deployment and intercalibration of a worldwide network of ground-based instruments that are used to monitor the dynamical state of the magnetosphere and ionosphere, as well as statistical trends in their variations. Because the scope of both the modeling and observing efforts are ambitious and global, GEM participants are making use of resources within both the U.S. and international space and atmospheric science communities that effectively leverage the modest resources that are currently available for the program from NSF.
Effect of asphaltenes on the hydraulic drag in pipelines with crude oil

The feasibility has been established of using asphaltenes and tars for reducing the hydraulic drag in pipelines with a turbulent flow of crude oil.
Cognitive and Emotional Control and Perspective Taking and Their Relations to Empathy in 5-Year-Old Children

The experience of empathy has been described as involving both emotional and cognitive components. The primary hypothesis tested in this study is that cognition and emotion are integrated within 2 distinct types of abilities-control and perspective taking-and that interactions between emotional and cognitive control and between affective and cognitive perspective taking would be related to children's empathic responding. We also hypothesized that boys' control and perspective-taking skills would be more strongly related to empathy than would those of girls. Fifty-seven 5-year-olds completed tasks measuring cognitive control, cognitive and affective perspective taking, and empathy, and their mothers completed a measure of children's emotional control. Results indicated that cognitive perspective taking moderated the relation between affective perspective taking and empathy. In addition, the relation between cognitive inhibitory control and empathy was moderated by gender; boys' control was positively related to empathy, but girls' control was marginally negatively related to empathy.
The pentostatin plus cyclophosphamide nonmyeloablative regimen induces durable host T cell functional deficits and prevents murine marrow allograft rejection.

We describe a novel animal model of nonmyeloablative bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using the purine analog pentostatin. Other cohorts of mice received another purine analog, fludarabine, which we and others have previously evaluated in nonmyeloablative murine models. We evaluated pentostatin for its ability to (1) operate synergistically with cyclophosphamide to induce host T cell depletion; (2) induce host T cell suppression, as defined by modulation of cytokine secretion in vitro and abrogation of host-versus-graft reactivity in vivo; (3) constrain host T cell recovery post-therapy; and (4) prevent the rejection of T cell–depleted, fully major histocompatibility complex–mismatched bone marrow allografts. Relative to single-agent regimens, combination regimens with pentostatin and cyclophosphamide (PC) and with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (FC) worked synergistically to deplete host CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. PC and FC regimens were developed that yielded similar levels of host T cell and myeloid cell depletion. In the setting of these generally comparable states of host T cell and myeloid cell depletion, the PC regimen was found to be highly immunosuppressive, as evidenced by a reduced host T cell capacity to secrete interleukin-2 and interferon-γ in vitro, to mediate host-versus-graft reactivity in vivo, and to recover numerically and functionally during a 2-week observation period after chemotherapy. Finally, using B6 hosts treated with the 14-day chemotherapy regimens, the PC regimen more consistently prevented the rejection of BALB/c T cell–depleted allografts compared with the FC regimen (rate of alloengraftment, 14/15 [93%] of PC-treated recipients vs 8/14 [57%] of FC-treated recipients; P
Proper volume and its application in the general theory of relativity

Proper volume elements and hence the proper volumes of finite bodies are defined in a system for which the co-ordinates are of the general nature of space and time variables. It is shown that the usual condition for incompressible motion can be interpreted as the condition for proper volume to be unchanged during the motion, and it is shown, moreover, that this volume is independent of the system of space-time co-ordinates used in its determination. The concept of proper volume is also used, in conjunction with the general form of the stress-energy tensor, to extend the well-known relationE= Mc2 to finite material bodies whereE andM are the total energy and total mass of the body at any time. More specifically, it is shown that the intrinsic, kinetic, and stress energies of the body are related to the intrinsic, kinetic, and stress masses, respectively, by this same type of relation. Finally, it is shown that the intrinsic energy and the intrinsic mass of a finite body, under the usual differential conservation assumption, will be constant during the motion of the body and will have the same values in all allowable systems of space-time co-ordinates.
I OUGHT, THEREFORE I CAN

I defend the following version of the ought-implies-can principle: (OIC) by virtue of conceptual necessity, an agent at a given time has an (objective, pro tanto) obligation to do only what the agent at that time has the ability and opportunity to do. In short, obligations correspond to ability plus opportunity. My argument has three premises: (1) obligations correspond to reasons for action; (2) reasons for action correspond to potential actions; (3) potential actions correspond to ability plus opportunity. In the bulk of the paper I address six objections to OIC: three objections based on putative counterexamples, and three objections based on arguments to the effect that OIC conflicts with the is/ought thesis, the possibility of hard determinism, and the denial of the Principle of Alternate Possibilities.
Male-related Pheromones and the Activation of Female Reproduction in the Prairie Vole (Microtus ochrogaster)

In virgin female Microtus ochrogaster, increases in uterine weight, indicative of reproductive activation, were observed as early as 20 days of age. Exposure to an unfamiliar adult male for a period of I h or less induced, within 48 h, increases in uterine weight lasting for at least 10 days. Applications of male urine induced increases in uterine weight equivalent to those observed in females exposed to additional visual, auditory, and olfactory stimuli from the male; urine from castrated males was less effective than urine from intact males. Direct physical contact with intact males or their urine was essential to reproductive activation, and visual or air-borne cues were not adequate. Sibling male-female pairs of this species do not ordinarily reproduce, probably due to the failure of the female to become reproductively active. Estrus and subsequent reproduction were induced, however, by applications of sibling male urine to the female’s upper lip, suggesting a behavioral barrier to reproduction among siblings.
Active microresonator devices for WDM photonic integrated circuits

Active microdisk resonators vertically coupled to transparent waveguides are discussed as general purpose elements for wavelength selective switches, tunable add / drop filters, amplifiers, and sources in a WDM photonic integrated circuit technology and demonstrated.
Estimation of measures of effectiveness based on Connected Vehicle data

Vehicle-infrastructure cooperation via the Connected Vehicle initiative is a promising mobile data source for improving real-time traffic management applications such as adaptive signal control. This paper focuses on developing estimation methods with the use of Connected Vehicle data for several measures of effectiveness (e.g., queue length, average speed, number of stops), essential for determining traffic conditions on urban signalized arterials for real-time applications. This research systematically determines minimum penetration rates that allow accurate estimates for a wide range of measures of effectiveness in undersaturated traffic conditions. The estimation of these measures and minimum penetration requirements has been tested using Next Generation Simulation (NGSIM) data.
Acetylcholine and bradykinin trigger preconditioning in the heart through a pathway that includes Akt and NOS.

In the rabbit heart, bradykinin and ACh trigger preconditioning by a mechanism involving ATP-sensitive potassium channel-dependent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recent evidence indic...
NRL's research at the Lasercomm Test Facility: characterization of the maritime atmosphere and initial results in analog FM lasercomm

The US Naval Research Laboratory has undertaken a multi-year research effort in free space optical communications. The goals of this research are to understand and quantify the propagation of optical beams through the maritime atmosphere, assess the global maritime availability and performance of Naval lasercomm, and research methods to improve the robustness of Naval lasercomm links. In support of these goals, NRL has continued to add monitoring and testing capabilities to the Lasercomm Test Facility (LCTF) at NRL-Chesapeake Bay Detachment (CBD). The LCTF has provided volumes of information about maritime laser propagation and atmospheric turbulence. Highlights of recent research collected at the LCTF are presented in this paper.
Degradation of poly(glycoamidoamine) DNA delivery vehicles: polyamide hydrolysis at physiological conditions promotes DNA release.

Poly(glycoamidoamine)s (PGAAs) are a group of efficient and degradable gene delivery vehicles that consist of three main functionalities: carbohydrate groups, secondary amines, and amide bonds. Herein, we have created nonhydroxylated models to these structures by polymerizing oxylate, succinate, or adipate groups with pentaethylenehexamine. The resulting polymers (named O4, S4, and A4, respectively) were created to understand how the absence of hydroxyl groups and changes in the amide bond spacing affect polymer degradation, plasmid DNA (pDNA) complexation, toxicity, and transfection efficiency in vitro. An additional model was also created that retains a galactaramide unit, but we have replaced the secondary amines with ethyleneoxide units (GO2) to understand the effects of the amine groups on polymer degradation. We have found that the secondary amines and hydroxyls are necessary to facilitate rapid degradation of these polymers, and analogues lacking hydroxyls or amines did not degrade over the time co...
Alcoholism: is it a model for the study of disorders of mood and consummatory behavior?

Depression, eating disorders, and carbohydrate craving are frequently seen in alcoholics or recovering alcoholics. Accordingly, these disorders may share some mediating pathways. It is now well-established that there is a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Through genetic means, our laboratory has developed an animal model of alcoholism. Free-fed Wistar rats were selectively bred for the traits of alcohol-preference (the P line) and non-preference (the NP line). After more than 20 generations of selection, the lines show a stable difference of more than six-fold in voluntary ethanol consumption. We have now shown that the P line satisfies all the perceived requirements of an animal model of alcoholism. One major discovered difference between the P and the NP line is the lowered content of serotonin in certain brain regions of the P rats. Interestingly, fluoxetine curbs the alcohol-seeking behavior of the P rats; variation in the carbohydrate content of the diet, however, does not modify voluntary ethanol intake. The P rats are similar in body weight to the NP rats, but are more active in a novel environment than the NP rats. Language: en
Expression of FAM20C in the Osteogenesis and Odontogenesis of Mouse

Mutations in FAM20C were recently identified as the cause of lethal osteosclerotic bone dysplasia, which highlighted the important role of this molecule in biomineralization. No systematic studies have been performed to evaluate the expression pattern of this relatively new molecule in the developmental processes of bone and tooth. In the present study, we analyzed in detail the expression profile of FAM20C during osteogenesis and odontogenesis using ISH and IHC approaches. The specimens analyzed were mouse tissues spanning embryonic day 13.5 (E13.5) to postnatal 8 weeks. The earliest presence of FAM20C was observed at E14.5. During osteogenesis, FAM20C mRNA was detected in the chondrocytes and osteoblasts of the long bone, whereas its protein was observed in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of bone and in the cytoplasm of the chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and osteocytes. During odontogenesis, FAM20C mRNA was detected in the ameloblasts, odontoblasts, cementoblasts, and periodontal ligament fibroblasts, whereas its protein was observed in the matrices of dentin, enamel, and alveolar bone and in the cytoplasm of the aforementioned cells. The temporospatial expression profile revealed in this study indicates that FAM20C is an ECM protein that may play an important role in controlling the mineralization of bone and tooth. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:957–967, 2010)
Involvement of nucleus accumbens AMPA receptor trafficking in augmentation of D- amphetamine reward in food-restricted rats.

Chronic food restriction (FR) increases behavioral responsiveness to drugs of abuse and associated environments. Pre- and postsynaptic neuroadaptations have been identified in the mesoaccumbens dopamine pathway of FR subjects but the mechanistic basis of increased drug reward magnitude remains unclear. Effects of FR on basal and d-amphetamine-induced trafficking of AMPA receptor subunits to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) postsynaptic density (PSD) were examined, and AMPA receptor involvement in augmentation of d-amphetamine reward was tested. FR and ad libitum fed (AL) rats were injected with d-amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle. Brains were harvested and subcellular fractionation and Western analyses were used to assess AMPA receptor abundance in NAc homogenate and PSD fractions. A follow-up experiment used a curve-shift protocol of intracranial self-stimulation to assess the effect of 1-naphthylacetyl spermine (1-NASPM), a blocker of Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors, on rewarding effects of d-amphetamine microinjected in NAc shell. FR increased GluA1 in the PSD, and d-amphetamine increased p-Ser845-GluA1, GluA1, GluA2, but not GluA3, with a greater effect in FR than AL rats. d-amphetamine lowered reward thresholds, with greater effects in FR than AL rats, and 1-NASPM selectively reversed the enhancing effect of FR. Results suggest that FR leads to increased synaptic incorporation of GluA1 homomers to potentiate rewarding effects of appetitive stimuli and, as a maladaptive byproduct, d-amphetamine. The d-amphetamine-induced increase in synaptic p-Ser845-GluA1, GluA1, and GluA2 may contribute to the rewarding effect of d-amphetamine, but may also be a mechanism of synaptic strengthening and behavior modification.
The functions of fossils: Inference and explanation in functional morphology

Abstract This paper offers an account of the relationship between inference and explanation in functional morphology which combines Robert Brandon's theory of adaptation explanation with standard accounts of inference to the best explanation. Inferences of function from structure, it is argued, are inferences to the best adaptation explanation. There are, however, three different approaches to the problem of determining which adaptation explanation is the best. The theory of inference to the best adaptation explanation is then applied to a case study from the history of functional morphology: the case of the crested duckbilled dinosaurs.