cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protecting Access by Minorities and Women to the Political Process

Many nations now provide by law for a means for advancing or protecting the interests of groups when those persons or voters might not otherwise be able to win election to the national legislature. These provisions are the result of the work of many organizations. International treaties and standards allow special measures for advancing ethnic minorities or groups that have suffered past discrimination, and such measures are not considered necessarily discriminatory themselves. Many organizations have pushed for greater representation of women on party lists or in the national legislature.
Reading and writing connections: a commentary

This commentary reviews the theoretical and empirical support for how reading and writing are connected and can support the development of each other and can be used in conjunction to accomplish learning goals. It then reviews studies on reading and writing presented in three chapters, detailing how they advance our knowledge and theory in this area. Finally, it provides recommendations for future research.
Predictors of Treatment Interruption During Frameless Gamma Knife Icon Stereotactic Radiosurgery

Abstract Purpose The Gamma Knife (GK) Icon allows for the delivery of stereotactic radiosurgery using a thermoplastic mask in combination with intrafraction motion monitoring using high definition motion management. The system pauses treatment if the magnitude of motion in all directions exceeds 1 to 1.5 mm, causing a break in treatment and prolongation of the session. We reviewed the records of patients treated in a frameless manner on our GK Icon system to determine predictors for treatment interruption. Methods and Materials We reviewed the records of patients treated between May 2019 and May 2020 on the GK Icon using a frameless technique for brain metastases, gliomas, schwannomas, and meningiomas. We recorded treatment time as noted in the plan document, actual treatment delivery time, and any pauses in treatment. We tabulated baseline characteristics including age, gender, diagnosis, performance status, and shifts at time of treatment. We used a receiver operating curve analysis to determine a timepoint corresponding with treatment interruption. We then conducted a logistic regression analysis to generate odds ratios for likelihood of treatment. Results We identified 150 patients meeting inclusion criteria. The majority (82%) were patients with brain metastases. The median age was 63 and the median dose was 27 Gy (16-30 Gy) in 3 fractions (1-5 fractions). The median treatment time was 23 minutes (4-108 minutes). Sixty-nine patients (46%) had at least 1 pause in treatment (range, 1-7). Receiver operating curve analysis revealed treatment time >19 minutes and rotation >0.47 degrees to be associated with interruption. Multivariable logistic regression revealed rotation >0.47 degrees and treatment time >19 minutes as predictive of interruption. Conclusions For patients with rotations exceeding 0.47 degrees or an extended treatment time, physicians should expect treatment interruptions, consider fractionation to lessen table time, or use a frame-based approach.
Cerebellar Activation Bidirectionally Regulates Nucleus Accumbens Shell and Core

Abstract Traditionally viewed as a motor control center, the cerebellum (CB) is now recognized as an integral part of a broad, long-range brain network that serves limbic functions and motivates behavior. This diverse CB functionality has been at least partly attributed to the multiplicity of its outputs. However, most studies have focused on cerebellar-cerebral cortical connections, at the expense of subcortical limbic structures. Nothing is known about how the CB connects to the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a subcortical region with which the CB shares functionality in motivated behaviors. Here, we report findings from in vivo electrophysiological experiments that investigated the functional connectivity between CB and NAc. We found that electrical microstimulation of deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) modulates NAc spiking activity. This modulation differs in terms of directionality (excitatory vs. inhibitory) and temporal characteristics, in a manner that depends on NAc subregion: in the medial shell of NAc (NAcMed), slow inhibitory responses prevail over excitatory ones, whereas the proportion of fast excitatory responses is greater in the NAc core (NAcCore) compared to NAcMed. Differences also exist in response onset latencies and dependence on CB stimulation intensity, which further argues for differential connectivity. If different pathways provide signal to each subregion, the divergence likely occurs downstream of the CB because we did not find any response-type clustering within DCN. We propose that the fast excitatory responses would be well poised to support rapid communication of information critical to the control of motivated behavior, such as prediction or prediction-error signals. The slower, less synchronous and longer-lasting modulation may be suggestive of a regulatory function, such as gain control of the communication between NAc and other brain regions. Finally, because there are no direct monosynaptic connections between CB and NAc, we performed viral tracing experiments to chart disynaptic pathways that could potentially mediate the newly discovered CB-NAc communication. We identified two anatomical pathways, which recruit the ventral tegmental area and intralaminar thalamus as nodes. These pathways and the functional connectivity they support could underlie the role of the CB in motivated behaviors.
COVID-19-Specific Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adolescents.

This study examined the presence and correlates of COVID-specific suicidal thoughts and behaviors (i.e., thoughts of or engaging in intentional COVID-19 exposure with associated suicidal intent) among psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. Adolescents (N = 143) completed study measures as part of the standard intake process between March 13th and August 14th, 2020. Participants answered questionnaires assessing COVID-specific passive and active suicidal ideation (SI) and suicidal behavior, as well as COVID-related stressors and emotions, and public health guidance compliance. Findings highlights that COVID-specific SI is common in high-risk youth. COVID-specific SI was associated with COVID-19-related negative emotions, elevated stress, and decreased public health guidance compliance. Results suggest that COVID-specific suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and risk correlates, should be assessed within high-risk populations to facilitate prevention of risky behavior associated with intentional COVID-19 exposure.
Effects of gastrointestinal hormones on adenylate cyclase activity in human jejunal mucosa.

Various polypeptide hormones and prostaglandin E1 were tested for their ability to alter adenylate cyclase activity in vitro in homogenates of human jejunal mucosal biopsies. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and prostaglandin E1 activated adenylate cyclase, while pentagastrin, gastrin, C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin, secretin, glucagon, and calcitonin failed to stimulate adenylate cyclase or alter the stimulation produced by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide or prostaglandin E1. Several guanyl nucleotides significantly increased basal adenylate cyclase activity, but did not alter effects of prostaglandin E1 or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide.
Intercultural Competence Game That Fosters Metacognitive Agility and Reflection

In this paper we describe the development of a multi-player computer game created to train the intercultural competence and metacognitive agility (self-awareness and self-regulated learning) of United States Army Special Forces team leaders. We describe a unique design that features a novel role for real-time, in-game peer performance assessment and feedback to encourage user reflection and self-explanation. We also discuss how the multiplayer game is successfully used in Special Forces intercultural communication education and offer user feedback results from a study conducted with 51 Special Forces officers.
Transport in technicolor: mapping ATP-binding cassette transporters in sea urchin embryos

One quarter of eukaryotic genes encode membrane proteins. These include nearly 1,000 transporters that translocate nutrients, signaling molecules, and xenobiotics across membranes. While it is well appreciated that membrane transport is critical for development, the specific roles of many transporters have remained cryptic, in part because of their abundance and the diversity of their substrates. Multidrug resistance ATP-binding cassette (ABC) efflux transporters are one example of cryptic membrane proteins. Although most organisms utilize these ABC transporters during embryonic development, many of these transporters have broad substrate specificity, and their developmental functions remain incompletely understood. Here, we review advances in our understanding of ABC transporters in sea urchin embryos, and methods developed to spatially and temporally map these proteins. These studies reveal that multifunctional transporters are required for signaling, homeostasis, and protection of the embryo, and shed light on how they are integrated into ancestral developmental pathways recapitulated in disease.
Fusing lidar and digital aerial photography for object-based forest mapping in the Florida Everglades

The Florida Everglades has a diverse forest community which needs to be accurately mapped to support the ongoing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). In this study, we examined whether a combination of light detection and ranging (lidar) and digital aerial photography can improve the accuracy of forest mapping in the Everglades, compared with using fine spatial resolution digital aerial photographs alone. We extracted lidar elevation and intensity features from original point cloud data at the object level to avoid the errors and uncertainties in the raster-based lidar methods. These features were combined with lidar-derived topographic information, and aerial photograph derived texture measures to map 7 forest communities in a portion of the Everglades. An overall accuracy of 71% and Kappa value of 0.64 were produced. We found that low-posting-density lidar data (i.e., <4 pts/m2) can significantly increase forest classification accuracy by providing important elevation, intensity, and topogr...
HI Observations of the Interacting Galaxies — VV 371 and VV 329

Recent evidence for the tidal interaction among neighboring galaxies in the form of HI bridges and streamers has been accumulated by Haynes(1981). The successful application of computer simulations to model these encounters has largely been restricted to the nearby systems such as the Milky Way. In this paper, I will report on preliminary observations of the HI distributions associated with two interacting systems — VV 371 and VV 329.
General conditions for lossless propagation in near-infrared hyperbolic metamaterial waveguides

We present general conditions for lossless propagation in near-infrared hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) waveguides with lateral confinement. We conclude that HMMs based on noble metals, rather than transparent conducting oxides, offer greatest promise for low-loss propagation.
Behavioral profiles of character types in EverQuest II

This study examines behavioral profiles of different character types in EverQuest II, a popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Sony Online Entertainment. The study uses the game's player activity data to construct behavioral profiles of online game players for the applications of normal behavior recognition and anomaly detection. The behavioral profiles give insight into not only what players do in the game to level up but also how they perform on different types of task and how they work with other players. The behavioral profiles this study reports provide insight into online game player behavior, and it provides information useful for choosing a character type suitable for one's objectives in playing the game. In this study, we develop a framework for automatic behavior profiling. The proposed framework consists of the following key components; 1) segmentation analysis of historical player behaviors, 2) behavior profiling of input users (new players whose behaviors we want to label, and 3) recommendation of tasks based on input users' objectives.
A personal view of nonverbal communication

Paul Byers Teachers College, Columbia University New York, New York T hroughout my life I have been a professional "communicator." I have been, serially, a writer, cryptanalyst, musician, photographer, and teacher. Across all these involvements the same question kept cropping up to unsettle me: "What am I doing? What I really doing?" A little more than twenty years ago I became a researcher (in nonverbal communication, of course) and the question is still there. Why does our species do all this stuff we call communication? And just what are we studying? As I look across the field of communication it appears to me that there are a number of important research thrusts. I believe they are important because they have yielded important (or at least interesting) things about the operation of the human biotechnology involved in message exchanging and something about the subtleties of human relation. But I ask myself "what has the study of communication told us about the nature of humankind in the context of this total (i.e. cosmic) environment?" and "why does our subdiscipline still appear to be a collection of bits and pieces held together by labels?" I believe it is important to consider these matters and that is what I propose to do in this article. The answers I would like to find by asking my rather vague questions should have these characteristics: 1. The answers should reflect our most fundamental understanding of the nature of man. Then, following the usual research paradigm of research to theory to further research, we can both contribute to and draw from that understanding. 2. The answers should provide a perspective from which to understand the significance of our research results. We can talk about our research and its significance in terms of a "what man does" perspective, but I am insisting here that we think in terms of "what man is." Our present scientific epistemology almost disallows that question. But we can use a different epistemology, and I believe that present day research demands that we do. 3. The answers should help us discover the farthest horizons of our research domain and, in so doing, suggest communication processes we have not yet imagined or at least not included in our research in communication.
Indications for surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformations.

The indications for surgical treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain are evolving. In general, any AVM whose natural history and anatomic characteristics make it more likely to cause morbidity or mortality than the treatment itself should be treated. Given the relatively high rate of hemorrhage associated with AVMs without treatment, their obliteration is usually desirable. Microsurgical removal remains the mainstay of definitive treatment, but the management of AVMs fundamentally requires a team approach. Advances in endovascular therapy and radiosurgery offer options that must be considered when formulating any treatment plan. Most patients’ plans incorporate a combination of modalities. As we critically evaluate treatment outcomes, it has become clear that microsurgical removal is only one branch in a decision tree that may include the option of no treatment for some patients. This article reviews the indications for treatment of AVMs in general and then focuses on the selection of surgery as a treatment modality, alone and in combination with embolization and radiosurgery. The decision about whether and how to treat an AVM depends on a number of factors, the most important elements of which are the patient’s age, symptoms, and medical condition; the size of the AVM; its location; the type of venous drainage; the history of the AVM; and the natural history of
Cylindrical diffuser performance using a truncated plug nozzle

Cylindrical diffuser performance for a truncated plug nozzle without external flow was tested in a blowdown wind tunnel. The nozzle was designed for an exit Mach number of 1.9 and the plug was conical in shape from the throat and converged to the axis of symmetry at an angle of 10 degrees. The diffuser section was fashioned into two 13.97 cm lengths to facilitate boring of the duct diameter and to allow for testing of two different duct lengths. A slotted hypotube was installed in the base of the diffuser to measure pressure distribution down the centerline of the diffuser. The data obtained included: the typical centerline and sidewall pressure ratio variation along the diffuser, cell pressure ratio vs overall pressure ratio for long and short diffusers and a comparison of minimum experimental cell pressure ratio vs area ratio.
Mobile scanning x-ray source for mine detection using backscattered x rays

A continuously operating, scanning x-ray machine is being developed for landmine detection using backscattered x-rays. The source operates at 130 kV and 650 mA. The x-rays are formed by electrons striking a high Z target. Target shape is an approximate 5 cm wide by 210 cm long racetrack. The electron beam is scanned across this target with electromagnets. There are 105, 1-cm by 1-cm collimators in each leg of the racetrack for a total of 210 collimators. The source is moved in the forward direction(the direction perpendicular to the 210-cm dimension) at 3 mi/h. The forward velocity and collimator spacing are such that a grid of collimated x-rays are projected at normal incidence to the soil. The spacing between the collimators and the ground results in a 2-cm by 2-cm x-ray pixel on the ground. A unique detector arrangement of collimated and uncollimated detectors allows surface features to be recognized and removed, leaving an image of a buried landmine. Another detector monitors the uncollimated x-ray output and is used to normalize the source output. The mine detector is being prepared for an Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD). The ATD is scheduled for midyear of 1998. The results of the source performance in pre ATD tests will be presented.
Prevalence of Fungal Entomopathogens in the Life Cycle of Pear Thrips, Taeniothrips inconsequens (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in Vermont Sugar Maple Forests

Abstract Few data are available on the occurrence of fungal infections in pear thrips populations in sugar maple stands. Such studies are essential to the long-term development of fungi as effective biological control agents for pear thrips. Our goal was to determine the natural prevalence of infection at different phases in the pear thrips' life cycle, while simultaneously recovering new fungal isolates for possible use in a future control strategy. Sampling thrips from four different sites in central Vermont, the developmental stages associated with the forest soil had the highest levels of infection compared with life stages found predominantly on foliage. The highest rates were seen in larvae recovered from soil samples (11.9%), followed by adults collected from emergence traps and buds (5.9%) and larvae collected from the forest floor (3.9%). In contrast, 1.9% of the individuals sampled from the understory and 1.9% of the thrips collected from the upper canopy were infected. Further studies are needed to test and characterize these strains and assess their potential for use in a pear thrips management program.
Competing classical and quantum effects in shape relaxation of a metallic island.

Pb islands grown on a silicon substrate transform at room temperature from the initially flattop facet geometry into an unusual ring, shape with a volume-preserving mass transport process catalysed by the tip electrical field of a scanning tunnelling microscope. The formation of such ring shape morphology results from the competing classical and quantum effects in the shape relaxation. The latter also leads to a sequential regrowth on alternating, strips of the same facet defined by the underlying substrate steps, showing for the first time the dynamical impact of the quantum size effect on the stability of a nanostructure.
Higher dietary intake of long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is inversely associated with depressive symptoms in women

Abstract Objective Experimental and observational data suggest that a higher dietary intake of long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated acids may lead to a decreased risk of depressive disorders. We assessed multivariable-adjusted associations of fish consumption and dietary intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) with depressive symptoms in a population-based sample of 3317 African-American and Caucasian men and women from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. Methods Diet was assessed in year 7 (1992–1993) and depressive symptoms were measured in years 10 (1995–1996), 15 (2000–2001), and 20 (2005–2006) by the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Depressive symptoms were defined as a Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score ≥16 or self-reported use of antidepressant medication. Results In the entire cohort, the highest quintiles of intakes of EPA (≥0.03% energy), DHA (≥0.05% energy), and EPA + DHA (≥0.08% energy) were associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms at year 10 ( P for trends = 0.16, 0.10, and 0.03, respectively). The observed inverse associations were more pronounced in women. For the total number of occasions with depressive symptoms, the multivariable adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) in women were 0.75 (0.55–1.01) for fish intake, 0.66 (0.50–0.89) for EPA, 0.66 (0.49–0.89) for DHA, and 0.71 (0.52–0.95) for EPA + DHA when comparing the highest with the lowest quintiles. Analyses of continuous Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale scores revealed inverse associations with fourth-root–transformed ω-3 variables in women. Conclusion Our findings suggest that dietary intakes of fish and long-chain ω-3 fatty acids may be inversely associated with chronic depressive symptoms in women.
Oxidation of bilirubin by brain mitochondrial membranes--dependence on cell type and postnatal age.

Bilirubin is oxidized by brain mitochondrial membranes at a rate which may contribute significantly to clearance of bilirubin from the brain. Neurons appear to be more sensitive to bilirubin toxicity than glial cells. Clinical experience has suggested that sensitivity to bilirubin neurotoxicity may be greater in the neonate than later in life. We hypothesized that the ability to oxidize bilirubin would be lower in mitochondrial membranes from a pure neuronal compared to a mixed glial/neuronal source, and lower in immature than more mature brains. Mitochondria of synaptosomal and nonsynaptosomal origin were obtained from young rat brains by differential centrifugation in sucrose gradients. Synaptosomes were lysed by hypoosmotic treatment, and mitochondria were ruptured by sonication. The change in optical density of a bilirubin solution at 440 nm was measured over time following addition of the membrane suspension. The rate of bilirubin oxidation was significantly higher in nonsynaptic than in synaptic mitochondrial membranes [99.1 ± 42.3 (mean ± SD) vs 69.9 ± 30.9 pmol/min/mg protein,t= 4.835,P= 0.0003]. “Crude” mitochondrial membranes were obtained by differential centrifugation in sucrose from the forebrains of rats of 7, 14, and 21 days postnatal age as well as adults, and from rabbits of 1 and 7 days postnatal age as well as adults. In both species the rates of bilirubin oxidation increased significantly with postnatal age (rats:F= 55.3,P< 0.0001; rabbits:F= 101,P< 0.0001). Mitochondrial membranes from a pure neuronal source oxidize bilirubin at a significantly lower rate than membranes from a mixed glial/neuronal source. This suggests that neurons may be less able to detoxify bilirubin locally and thus might contribute to the apparent higher sensitivity to bilirubin toxicity in these cells vs glia. Similarly, the lower bilirubin-oxidizing ability of mitochondrial membranes from immature brains seems compatible with the clinical impression of increased vulnerability to bilirubin neurotoxicity in the newborn.
L-system modeling of neurons

A formal representation of neuron morphology, adequate for the geometric modeling of manually-traced neurons, is presented. The concept of a stochastic L-system is then introduced and the critical distribution functions governing the stochastic generation of dendritic and axonal trees are defined. Experiments with various stochastic L-system models for pyramidal, motoneuron, and Purkinje cells are reported which generate synthetic neurons with promising proximity to neurons in the neurobiology literature. Work is in progress to improve this degree of proximity, but more importantly to validate the derived stochastic models against available databases of manually-traced neurons. To this end a neuron morphology modeler is described which provides a methodology for iterative refinement of the stochastic L-system model.
High-power coherent sources based on antiguided structures

Antiguided arrays (80 micrometers aperture) have demonstrated 0.5 W CW in a diffraction limited beam with reliable operation over several thousand hours. Larger aperture (120 micrometers ) devices have demonstrated 1 W CW in a beam 1.7 X D.L. Due to the parallel nature of the leak-wave coupling, antiguided structures are unique among coupled oscillator systems in that they display temporal stability to high output powers. Preliminary results on aluminum- free InGaP based antiguided structures are 0.5 W pulsed in a D.L. beam from a 40 micron aperture source.
Global optimization for artificial neural networks: A tabu search application

The ability of neural networks to closely approximate unknown functions to any degree of desired accuracy has generated considerable demand for neural network research in business. The attractiveness of neural network research stems from researchers' need to approximate models within the business environment without having a priori knowledge about the true underlying function. Gradient techniques, such as backpropagation, are currently the most widely used methods for neural network optimization. Since these techniques search for local solutions, they are subject to local convergence and thus can perform poorly even on simple problems when forecasting out-of-sample. Consequently, a global search algorithm is warranted. In this paper we examine tabu search (TS) as a possible alternative to the problematic backpropagation approach. A Monte Carlo study was conducted to test the appropriateness of TS as a global search technique for optimizing neural networks. Holding the neural network architecture constant, 530 independent runs were conducted for each of seven test functions, including a production function that exhibits both increasing and diminishing marginal returns and the Mackey-Glass chaotic time series. In the resulting comparison, TS derived solutions that were significantly superior to those of backpropagation solutions for in-sample, interpolation, and extrapolation test data for all seven test functions. It was also shown that fewer function evaluations were needed to find these optimal values.
Privacy and Big Data

Big data's explosive growth has prompted the US government to release new reports that address the issues--particularly related to privacy--resulting from this growth. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/j49eoe5g8-c is an audio recording from the Computing and the Law column, in which authors Brian M. Gaff, Heather Egan Sussman, and Jennifer Geetter discuss how big data's explosive growth has prompted the US government to release new reports that address the issues--particularly related to privacy--resulting from this growth.
Monitoring of Galvanic Replacement Reaction between Silver Nanowires and HAuCl4 by In Situ Transmission X-ray Microscopy

Galvanic replacement reaction between silver nanowires and an aqueous solution of HAuCl4 has been successfully monitored in real time by using in situ transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) in combination with a flow cell reactor. The in situ observations clearly show the morphological evolution of the solid silver nanowires to hollow gold nanotubes in the course of the reaction. Careful analysis of the images reveals that the galvanic replacement reaction on the silver nanowires involves multiple steps: (i) local initiation of pitting process; (ii) anisotropic etching of the silver nanowires and uniform deposition of the resulting gold atoms on the surfaces of the nanowires; and (iii) reconstruction of the nanotube walls via an Ostwald ripening process. The in situ TXM represents a promising approach for studying dynamic processes involved in the growth and chemical transformation of nanomaterials in solutions, in particular for nanostructures with dimensions larger than 50 nm.
The effects of calcium and calcium-chelating agents on the aspartate-isolated frog PIII response

Abstract The effects of calcium-chelating agents and variation in extracellular calcium were examined on the aspartate-isolated PIII responses of the perfused frog retina. In essentially calcium-free media prepared in double-distilled, deionized water, PIII responses exhibited a complex waveform. an initial increase in amplitude and decrease in threshold, but a subsequent rapid decline with time. Graded variation in extracellular calcium above and below control levels produced changes in response amplitude and threshold without alteration of PIII waveform. The results are discussed with reference to the ionic (calcium) and enzymic (cyclic AMP) hypotheses of visual excitation.
Natural Gas Prices, LNG Transport Costs, and the Dynamics of LNG Imports

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, LNG is projected to become a much larger share of U.S. natural gas consumption, rising from current levels of around 2.5% of total natural gas consumption to 12.4% by 2030. Because natural gas and LNG are substitutes, natural gas prices are expected to be an important determinant of LNG imports. Furthermore, an increasing share of LNG is traded under short-term contracts with spot shipments being diverted to markets offering the highest returns (netbacks). Natural gas prices as well as LNG transportation costs are important determinants of LNG netbacks. This paper examines the empirical relationship between U.S. LNG imports, the Henry Hub price of natural gas, and a proxy for LNG transportation costs using monthly data from 1997 to 2007. Granger causality tests, error variance decomposition, and impulse response analyses using a VAR model are employed to establish Granger-causality as well as the dynamics of natural gas prices and LNG transportation innovations on LNG imports.
A new formulation of the linear dynamic response to random excitations

Abstract With the damped harmonic oscillator as a model, a new formulation is presented of the stochastic response of linear dynamic systems under random excitation. The starting point of the method is the Fourier-Stieltjes representation for a general random process first introduced by Priestley. A unique feature of the present formulation is analytical compactness. This becomes a significant advantage over existing methods when one attempts to compute the covariance matrix elements which are often necessary for crossing problems.
Regulation of Drosophila lifespan by JNK signaling

Cellular responses to extrinsic and intrinsic insults have to be carefully regulated to properly coordinate cytoprotection, repair processes, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Stress signaling pathways, most prominently the Jun-N-terminal Kinase (JNK) pathway, are critical regulators of such cellular responses and have accordingly been implicated in the regulation of lifespan in various organisms. JNK signaling promotes cytoprotective gene expression, but also interacts with the insulin signaling pathway to influence growth, metabolism, stress tolerance and regeneration. Here, we review recent studies in Drosophila that elucidate the tissue-specific and systemic consequences of JNK activation that ultimately impact lifespan of the organism.
Hypertension following adrenal enucleation and its absence during desoxycorticosterone treatment in Long-Evans rats.

The administration of DOCA to unilaterally nephrectomized rats given a high NaCl intake caused an intense saline polydipsia and induced hypertensive vascular disease accompanied by cardiac hypertrophy in Sprague—Dawley animals. Similarly treated Long—Evans rats developed none of these changes, although they readily developed them when subjected to enucleation of the adrenal glands. These findings would seem to be incompatible with the assumption that adrenal—regeneration hypertension (ARH) is due to endogenous DOC hypersecretion by enucleate adrenal glands. The possibility is moot: evidence both for and against such an altered steroid secretory pattern has been presented from other laboratories. If so, it may well contribute to the response, but in view of the observation that Long—Evans rats are highly refractory to the development of DOCA hypertension but highly susceptible to ARH, it can hardly be held solely responsible. (Endocrinology 92: 1175, 1973)
Electronic Transient Visualizers

Cathode-ray oscillographs, a few years ago found only in research laboratories, have become extremely useful tools in the hands of operating engineers, research technicians, and teachers alike; however the usefulness of cathode-ray oscillographs of the ordinary portable type is limited almost entirely to the observation of sustained periodic phenomena, and is of little use in the study of transients. Methods of extending the field of application of this instrument to include visual observation of circuit and line transients are presented in this paper.
Absence of progestin receptors alters distribution of vasopressin fibers but not sexual differentiation of vasopressin system in mice

Perinatal estrogens increase the number of vasopressin-expressing cells and the density of vasopressin-immunoreactive fibers observed in adult male rodents. The mechanism of action of estrogens on sexual differentiation of the extra-hypothalamic vasopressin system is unknown. We hypothesized that the sexually dimorphic expression of progestin receptors (PRs) during development would masculinize vasopressin expression in mice. We compared the number of vasopressin-expressing cells in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and medial amygdala and the density of vasopressin-immunoreactive fibers in several brain regions of male and female wild type and PRKO mice using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. As expected, sex differences in vasopressin cell number were observed in the BNST and medial amygdaloid nucleus. Vasopressin-immunoreactive fiber density was sexually dimorphic in the lateral septum, lateral habenular nucleus, medial amygdaloid nucleus, and mediodorsal thalamus. Sex differences were also observed in the principal nucleus of the BNST and medial preoptic area but not in the dorsomedial hypothalamus, which are thought to receive vasopressin innervation from the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Deletion of PRs did not alter the sex difference in vasopressin mRNA expression and vasopressin fiber immunoreactivity in any area examined. However, deletion of PRs increased the density of vasopressin fiber immunoreactivity in the lateral habenular nucleus. Our data suggest that PRs modulate vasopressin levels, but not sexual differentiation of vasopressin innervation in mice.
Long-Time Conformational Transitions of Alanine Dipeptide in Aqueous Solution: Continuous and Discrete-State Kinetic Models

We present an analysis of the thermodynamics, conformational dynamics, and kinetics of the solvated alanine dipeptide molecule. Solvation was treated in the framework of the OPLS/analytic generalized born with nonpolar interactions effective potential model. The effective free energy map was generated in a series of multiwindow umbrella sampling all-atom simulations using the weighted histogram analysis method. A Brownian dynamics approach was used to examine the room-temperature dynamics of the dipeptide. To emulate the realistic dynamics of conformational interconversions of the alanine dipeptide in water, the parameters that govern the time evolution of the reduced model were chosen to mimic the intermediate-time dynamics of a model which treats both the solute and the solvent explicitly. The characteristic time (mean first passage time) for the “fast” C7eq → αR transition was found to be around 249 ps in good agreement with the results of previously reported studies. From an ensemble of microsecond Br...
Lognormal distribution and maintainability in support systems research

This article presents a method for predicting the downtime distribution for a new complex electronic equipment. A theoretical discussion is given which indicates that the downtime distribution for such an equipment can be represented by a lognormal function. Experimental data are shown which establish that the two-parameter lognormal distribution function adequately describes the downtimes of a diverse group of electronic equipments. It is concluded that this analytical expression for the downtime distribution of complex electronic equipments provides the basis for a quantitative and scientific approach to the measurement and prediction of maintainability. This approach takes account of equipment maintenance characteristics and maintenance personnel capabilities.
High resolution measurements of p+ArKLL and KLM Auger electrons

Initial measurements of ArKLL and KLM Auger electron lines produced by 4 MeV proton bombardment are reported. Energies and relative intensities of all observed peaks are tabulated. For the identifiable KLL transitions, the measured relative intensities are compared to theory.
Establishment of reentry intervals for organophosphate-treated cotton fields based on human data: III. 12 to 72 hours post-treatment exposure to monocrotophos, ethyl- and methyl parathion

Five human volunteers entered methyl parathion, ethyl parathion, or monocrotophos treated cotton fields for five-hr exposure periods when the residues of the respective pesticides had aged 12 hr, 24 and 48 hr, and 48 and 72 hr. Foliage residues of methyl parathion disappeared fastest, those of monocrotophos slowest. Personal exposure to pesticide was evaluated from contamination of skin, clothing, and ambient air, while actual absorption of chemical was assessed from pesticide concentration in blood, urinary metabolite excretion, and effects on blood cholinesterase activities. There was good correspondence between magnitudes of foliar residue, estimates of personal contamination, and measures of chemical absorption. Field exposures caused no symptoms or clinical signs of organophosphate poisoning and depressed averaged blood cholinesterase activities by no more than 14% of pre-exposure levels.
Evaluation of intelligence in an adolescent bariatric population.

Abstract Background The use of bariatric surgery as treatment for morbid obesity in adolescents has nearly tripled in recent years. Intelligence is an important component to a patient's assent of surgery and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. The objective of this study was to describe the intelligence testing performance of a cohort of adolescents seeking laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Twenty-nine patients (93% female, 62% white) with a mean age of 16 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 49 kg/m 2 were enrolled in an adolescent bariatric program in the United States. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis, evaluating patient intelligence at a single preoperative time point using the Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV or Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV. Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were analyzed descriptively and in relationship to patient anthropometric measurements and characteristics. Results Mean IQ was average for age (95, SD 16), although 21% of patients had an IQ 120. There was no significant association between IQ and BMI, weight, or waist circumference. Mean IQ was lower in patients who had failed a grade compared with those who had not failed a grade ( P P Conclusion In our cohort of adolescents seeking LAGB, mean IQ was average for age, suggesting capability to understand the procedure and healthy lifestyle concepts. Patients who exhibit deficits in intellect prior to surgery may benefit from educational resources and clinician support tailored to their reasoning abilities.
The counterdiffusion of lead and chromate in agar gel

Abstract Measurements on the counterdiffusion of Pb ++ and CrO 4 − in agar gel were made by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The diffusion equation was applied to calculate diffusion parameters of the system, and the results were compared with experimental observations. The significance of CrO 4 − accumulation at the first PbCrO 4 ring is discussed in terms of the permeability of the precipitate of PbCrO 4 to diffusing ions.
Adsorption of acetylenic diol-based nonionic surfactants on lampblack and phthalocyanine blue pigment

The adsorption of acetylenic diol based surfactants on lampblack and phthalocyanine blue has been studied to determine the mechanisms of surfactant adsorption and the orientation of these molecules at hydrophobic surfaces. The TMDD series of reagents, commonly known as acetylenic diol-based surfactants, are derivatives of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol. While studies of conventional nonionic surfactants have included alkyl ethoxylates and ethoxylated alkyl phenol surfactants, limited information is available for acetylenic diol-based surfactants. The effect of the degree of ethoxylation of these surfactants was determined. Although the Langmuir model could be used to fit adsorption data in many cases, further analysis of the data showed that the free-energy per molecule was a function of adsorption density. The change in free energy with adsorption density could be interpreted by considering a change in the orientation of the adsorbed molecules. Acetylenic diol-based surfactants were found to have an area per molecule of two to three times that of similarly ethoxylated alkyl phenols. The area per molecule was found to increase linearly with increased ethoxylation within each family of surfactants.
Two-fluid theory of thermal conductivity of dielectric crystals

A theory of lattice thermal conductivity is formulated in which phonons are divided into propagating and reservoir groups. At high temperatures, the groups are differentiated according to whether they occupy nondispersive modes below or dispersive modes above the U-process combination frequency threshold. Below this threshold, only N processes can be completed and it is assumed that there is no entropy production. Dissipation occurs in the rapidly relaxing reservoir modes above the threshold, and the heat current is carried by the more slowly relaxing phonons in the nondispersive modes. Appeal to the variational principle yields the result that the anharmonic relaxation rate for propagating modes is determined uniquely by the scattering into the reservoir modes. The theory carries over toward low temperatures with extrinsic resistivity providing reservoir relaxation in nondispersive modes as U processes die out. An explicit expression for the required anharmonic scattering rate for transitions to reservoir modes is adapted from existing acoustic absorption theory and combined with direct extrinsic scattering in the conventional way to provide the total relaxation time for the thermal conductivity. Minimum zone-boundary frequencies, maximum frequencies of nondispersive branches, a reservoir relaxation time, a Gr\"uneisen gamma, and parameters for boundary and imperfection scattering are used as adjustable parameters to fit experimental thermal conductivities over broad temperature ranges for crystals of four major classes. Good to fair agreement is obtained for reasonable values of these parameters in all cases. Low-temperature relaxation times for N-process scattering into the extrinsic reservoir are in accord with conventional results except that they depend upon the purity of the specimen.
Nanosurgical interventions in the practice of human ARTs

Human ARTs have draw heavily upon observation and manipulations on a “micro” scale. Thanks in large measure to the evolution of the light microscope and digital imaging, the secrets of sperm, oocytes and embryos are no longer hidden from view but, rather, broadcast with aplomb throughout the embryology laboratory, on a daily basis. Current clinical practices offer patients an array of procedures that involve probing, injecting, sucking, and cutting our gametes and embryos—all under the skillful eyes of the embryologist and with the intent to achieve a pregnancy for our patients. Thus, ICSI, polar body or blastomere biopsy, assisted hatching et al, collectively reflect the translational incorporation of microscopy and micro scale engineering into the daily practices of human ARTs. So, how distant is the day when, as a matter of scale, ARTs enters the nanoworld?
Transvaginal cone electron beam technique for a varian 18 MeV linear accelerator

Abstract Gynecologic neoplasms constitute a major portion of the radiation oncologist's work: carcinoma of the cervix occurs most frequently. The majority of patients can be treated in a standard manner but some can benefit by non-standard techniques such as a transvaginal cone. We describe a simple, economical device designed for use with a Varian Clinac 18 to administer transvaginal electron beam therapy. The technique is effective. It is adaptable to other sites, i.e.. as an intra-oral technique for head and neck neoplasms.
Walking through doorways causes forgetting: situation models and experienced space.

We investigated the ability of people to retrieve information about objects as they moved through rooms in a virtual space. People were probed with object names that were either associated with the person (i.e., carried) or dissociated from the person (i.e., just set down). Also, people either did or did not shift spatial regions (i.e., go to a new room). Information about objects was less accessible when the objects were dissociated from the person. Furthermore, information about an object was also less available when there was a spatial shift. However, the spatial shift had a larger effect on memory for the currently associated object. These data are interpreted as being more supportive of a situation model explanation, following on work using narratives and film. Simpler memory-based accounts that do not take into account the context in which a person is embedded cannot adequately account for the results. This research was supported in part by a grant from the Army Research Institute, ARMY-DASW01-02-K-0003 and by funding from J. Chris Forsythe of Sandia National Laboratories.
Development of CoX/Pd multilayer perpendicular magnetic recording media with granular seed layers

Abstract CoCrRu-based granular seed layers are studied to control the hysteresis properties of CoX/Pd multilayer based perpendicular magnetic recording media. Proper choice of the CoCrRu growth conditions is found to reduce the hysteresis slope parameter α and to improve the switching field distribution, suggesting that this granular seed layer is effective in producing exchange decoupled columnar structures. The results are confirmed by magnetic force microscopy studies of recorded patterns as well as by DC/AC-erase noise measurements, remanent coercivity studies and microstructural observations by transmission electron microscopy.
MHC class I antigen presentation: learning from viral evasion strategies

To limit detection by host T cells, viruses have evolved numerous mechanisms to inhibit viral antigens being processed and presented by MHC class I molecules. As described here, studying these viral immune evasion strategies is proving useful for understanding MHC class I presentation and other cellular pathways.