cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dyskinesia estimation during activities of daily living using wearable motion sensors and deep recurrent networks

Levodopa-induced dyskinesias are abnormal involuntary movements experienced by the majority of persons with Parkinson’s disease (PwP) at some point over the course of the disease. Choreiform as the most common phenomenology of levodopa-induced dyskinesias can be managed by adjusting the dose/frequency of PD medication(s) based on a PwP’s motor fluctuations over a typical day. We developed a sensor-based assessment system to provide such information. We used movement data collected from the upper and lower extremities of 15 PwPs along with a deep recurrent model to estimate dyskinesia severity as they perform different activities of daily living (ADL). Subjects performed a variety of ADLs during a 4-h period while their dyskinesia severity was rated by the movement disorder experts. The estimated dyskinesia severity scores from our model correlated highly with the expert-rated scores (r = 0.87 (p < 0.001)), which was higher than the performance of linear regression that is commonly used for dyskinesia estimation (r = 0.81 (p < 0.001)). Our model provided consistent performance at different ADLs with minimum r = 0.70 (during walking) to maximum r = 0.84 (drinking) in comparison to linear regression with r = 0.00 (walking) to r = 0.76 (cutting food). These findings suggest that when our model is applied to at-home sensor data, it can provide an accurate picture of changes of dyskinesia severity facilitating effective medication adjustments.
A Multiscale Simulation Approach for the Mechanical Response of Copper/Nickel Nanofoams With Experimental Validation

Abstract Metallic nanofoams, cellular structures consisting of interlinked thin nanowires and empty pores, create low density, high surface area materials. These structures can suffer from macroscopically brittle behavior. In this work, we present a multiscale approach to study and explain the mechanical behavior of metallic nanofoams obtained by an electrospinning method. In this multiscale approach, atomistic simulations were first used to obtain the yield surfaces of different metallic nanofoam cell structures. Then, a continuum plasticity model using finite elements was used to predict the alloy nanofoam's overall strength in compression. The manufactured metallic nanofoams were produced by electrospinning a polymeric non-woven fabric containing metal precursors for alloys of copper–nickel and then thermally processing the fabric to create alloy metallic nanofoams. The nanofoams were tested with nanoindentation. The experimental results suggest that the addition of nickel increases the hardening of the nanofoams. The multiscale simulation modeling results agreed qualitatively with the experiments by suggesting that the addition of the alloying can be beneficial to the hardening behavior of the metallic nanofoams and helps to isolate the effects of alloying from morphological changes in the foam. This behavior was related to the addition of solute atoms that prevent the free dislocation movement and increase the strength of the structure.
Using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with Exposure for Anxious Students with Classroom Accommodations

Millions of college students across the United States experience anxiety disorders, evidencing a high need for evidence-based counseling techniques. At the same time, impairment resulting from anxi...
Continued Relevance of Initial Temperature Measurement in Trauma Patients.

OBJECTIVES Hypothermia occurs in 30-50% of severely injured trauma patients and is associated with multiple metabolic derangements and worsened outcomes. However, hypothermia continues to be under-diagnosed which leads to inadequate triage and treatment in trauma patients. Our study set out to determine if hypothermia is an independent predictor of mortality in trauma patients. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data of all trauma activation patients over a 5-year period. Data were collected on patient demographics, initial core temperature, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on presentation, and injury severity score (ISS). Patients were then stratified into groups based on presenting temperature, ISS, and GCS. Outcomes compared were mortality, blood products received, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Correlations and logistic regression were used to test the hypotheses. RESULTS Survival and temperature data were reviewed on 15,567 patients. Initial temperature was not significantly associated with ICU length of stay or blood products transfused (P = .21 and P = .08, respectively). However, odds ratio of mortality in hypothermic patients (<35°C) compared to normothermic patients (35-39°C) was 3.95 (95% CI 2.90-5.41). When controlling for GCS and ISS, separately, temperature remained an independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS Hypothermia is an independent risk factor for mortality in trauma patients. It remains crucial to obtain accurate presenting temperatures in trauma patients in order to triage and treat hypothermia. Based on our data, obtaining core temperatures and rapidly treating hypothermia continues to be a vital part of the secondary survey of trauma patients.
T2* relaxometry and volume predict semi-quantitative histological scoring of an ACL bridge-enhanced primary repair in a porcine model

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variables, such as T2* and volume, can predict the healing ligament structural properties. How these MR variables relate to semi-quantitative histology of the healing ACL is yet unknown. We hypothesized that T2* and volume would predict the histological scoring of a healing ACL. Yucatan minipigs underwent ACL transection and received bridge-enhanced ACL repair or no treatment. The surgical legs were harvested after 52 weeks and imaged using a high resolution 2-echo sequence. For each ligament, the volume and median T2* values were determined. The ACL specimens were then histologically analyzed using the advanced Ligament Maturity Index (LMI). The T2* of the healing ligaments significantly predicted the total LMI score as well as the cell, collagen and vessel sub-scores; R2 = 0.78, 0.67, 0.65, and 0.60, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). The ligament volume also predicted the total LMI score, cell, and collagen sub-scores; R2 = 0.39, 0.33, 0.37, and 0.60, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). A lower ligament T2* or a higher volume was associated with higher histological scores of the healing ligaments. This study provides a critical step in the development of a non-invasive method to evaluate ligament healing on a microscopic scale. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1180–1187, 2015.
An optimization-based approach to lookup table program transformations

Scientific programmers can improve the performance of function evaluation by precomputing and storing results in a lookup table LUT, thereby replacing costly evaluation code with an inexpensive memory access. A code transformation that replaces computation with LUT code can improve performance; however, accuracy is reduced because of error inherent in reconstructing values from LUT data. LUTs are commonly used to approximate expensive elementary functions. The current practice is for software developers to: i manually identify expressions that can benefit from an LUT; ii modify the code by hand to implement the LUT transformation; and iii run experiments to determine if the resulting error is within application requirements. This approach reduces productivity, obfuscates code, and limits programmer control over accuracy and performance. We propose source code analysis and program transformation to substantially automate LUT transformations. Our approach uses a novel optimization algorithm that selects Pareto optimal sets of expressions that benefit most from an LUT, on the basis of the error and performance estimates. We demonstrate our methodology with the Mesa tool, which achieves speedups of 1.4-6.8× on scientific codes with an acceptable loss of accuracy. Our tool makes the programmer more productive and facilitates finding effective LUT transformations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of thymosin β4 treatment following experimental traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. No effective pharmacological treatments are available for TBI because all phase II/III TBI clinical trials have failed. This highlights a compelling need to develop effective treatments for TBI. Endogenous neurorestoration occurs in the brain after TBI, including angiogenesis, neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, oligodendrogenesis, and axonal remodeling, which may be associated with spontaneous functional recovery after TBI. However, the endogenous neurorestoration following TBI is limited. Treatments amplifying these neurorestorative processes may promote functional recovery after TBI. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is the major G-actin-sequestering molecule in eukaryotic cells. In addition, Tβ4 has other properties including antiapoptosis and anti-inflammation, promotion of angiogenesis, wound healing, stem/progenitor cell differentiation, and cell migration and survival, which provide the scientific foundation for the corneal, dermal, and cardiac wound repair multicenter clinical trials. Here, we describe Tβ4 as a neuroprotective and neurorestorative candidate for treatment of TBI.
Mutation of the high affinity calcium binding sites in cardiac troponin C

Fast skeletal and cardiac troponin C (TnC) contain two high affinity Ca2+/Mg2+ binding sites within the C-terminal domain that are thought to be important for association of TnC with the troponin complex of the thin filament. To test directly the function of these high affinity sites in cardiac TnC they were systematically altered by mutagenesis to generate proteins with a single inactive site III or IV (CBM-III and CBM-IV, respectively), or with both sites III and IV inactive (CBM-III-IV). Equilibrium dialysis indicated that the mutated sites did not bind Ca2+ at pCa 4. Both CBM-III and CBM-IV were similar to the wild type protein in their ability to regulate Ca(2+)-dependent contraction in slow skeletal muscle fibers, and Ca(2+)-dependent ATPase activity in fast skeletal and cardiac muscle myofibrils. The mutant CBM-III-IV is capable of regulating contraction in permeabilized slow muscle fibers but only if the fibers are maintained in a contraction solution containing a high concentration of the mutant protein. CBM-III-IV also regulates myofibril ATPase activity in fast skeletal and cardiac myofibrils but only at concentrations 10-100-fold greater than the normal protein. The pCa50 and Hill coefficient values for Ca(2+)-dependent activation of fast skeletal muscle myofibril ATPase activity by the normal protein and all three mutants are essentially the same. Competition between active and inactive forms of cardiac and slow TnC in a functional assay demonstrates that mutation of both sites III and IV greatly reduces the affinity of cardiac and slow TnC for its functionally relevant binding site in the myofibrils. The data indicate that although neither high affinity site is absolutely essential for regulation of muscle contraction in vitro, at least one active C-terminal site is required for tight association of cardiac troponin C with myofibrils. This requirement can be satisfied by either site III or IV.
Capital Ownership under Market Incompleteness: Does It Matter?

The implications of a context with household heterogeneity and incomplete financial markets have been mostly studied under the assumption that households own the physical capital and undertake the intertemporal investment decision. Further, firms rent capital and labor from the households to maximize period profits. The present paper provides the conditions under which this assumption is still irrelevant when markets are incomplete. It is shown that, if firms choose the optimal investment to maximize their asset value, in the sense that they discount future cash flows with state price processes that are consistent with security prices, the equilibrium allocations are the same as in the standard setting with static firms. On the other hand, the firm valuation of future cash flows only coincides with the valuation of the unconstrained shareholders. Given this, value maximization might still lead to shareholder disagreement in the presence of effectively binding portfolio restrictions.
A contingency model for user involvement in DSS development

Many authors have stressed that DSS development requires a high level of user involvement. Three DSS case studies are presented which illustrate that the level of user involvement can vary considerably. Based upon the existing literature, a tentative model of the dimensions affecting user involvement in the creation of a DSS is hypothesized. This model is then refined in light of the three case studies presented.
Spectrum analysis of surface electromyogram (EMG)

Modern spectrum analysis has been recently applied to various biomedical signal processing. One of the widely used bioelectrical signals which is called electromyogram (EMG) is treated in the paper. Surface EMG was measured from the left forearm flexor muscles of healthy subjects using two electrodes placed on the skin. Power spectrum estimates of EMG were obtained by maximum entropy method (MEM) and compared with the estimates by fast Fourier transform (FFT). Effects of increasing load to spectral characteristic changes were investigated. The results from both MEM and FFT indicated 1) low frequency increase 2) high frequency decay 3) total increase in amplitude. In the paper, spectral analysis of surface EMG signal is described with experimental examples.
Study of the analgesic effect of lanepitant in patients with osteoarthritis pain.

Objective Lanepitant selectively blocks substance P binding to the neurokinin-1 receptor, preventing neurogenic inflammation and pain transmission. Substance P is present in synovial fluid and in excess in cerebral spinal fluid. We investigated the effect of lanepitant on pain caused by osteoarthritis to evaluate the role of neurokinin-1 blockade. Methods Outpatients (n = 214) with moderate to severe lower-limb osteoarthritis pain were treated for 3 weeks in a parallel, randomized double-blind study with initial doses of 20, 60, 200, or 600 mg lanepitant, 375 mg naproxen, or placebo, followed by 10, 30, 100, or 300 mg lanepitant twice a day, 375 mg naproxen twice a day, or placebo twice a day in the multiple-dose period. Pain intensity, pain relief, patient global impression, and adjunctive analgesic use were compared across treatments. Safety was evaluated with adverse events, vital signs, and laboratory assessments. Results There was no statistically significant difference in efficacy or safety across treatments for the initial dose assessment. After 1 week of therapy, naproxen was statistically significantly (P < .05) better than placebo and lanepitant in reducing average pain. During the second and third weeks of therapy, patients receiving naproxen continued to have statistically significantly (P < .05) less pain than those receiving placebo or lanepitant despite using significantly less adjunctive analgesic medication. There were no statistically significant differences in rates of discontinuation across treatments. Lanepitant treatment was associated with diarrhea, whereas naproxen treatment was associated with gastric discomfort. There were no clinically relevant changes in vital signs or laboratory analytes for any of the treatments. Conclusion Lanepitant was ineffective in relieving osteoarthritis pain, possibly because neurokinin-1 binding of substance P does not play a significant role in osteoarthritis pain or because lanepitant fails to adequately penetrate the blood-brain barrier to affect central pain perception. (Clin Pharmacol Ther 2000;67:419-26.) Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2000) 67, 419–426; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2000.105243
Comparative base compositions of chloroplast and cytoplasmic tRNA Phe 's from Eugiena gracilis

The nucleoside compositions of chloroplast and cytoplasmic tRNAPhe's from Euglena gracilis have been determined. The modified nucleoside compositions of these two tRNAs indicate that tRNAPheChl is more similar to procaryotic (E. coli) tRNAPhe than to either the Euglena cytoplasmic tRNAPhe or other eucaryotic cytoplasmic tRNAPhe's.
Light scattering in absorbing ceramic suspensions: Effect on the width and depth of photopolymerized features

Abstract Light scattering in photopolymerizable ceramic suspensions affects the resolution of photopolymerization processing methods; it is necessary to predict the cure width and cure depth at a given energy dose for a suspension with a known composition. The volume fraction of ceramic powder in the suspension or the refractive index (RI) contrast between the ceramic powder and the liquid solution was varied, measuring the quasi-Beer–Lambert suspension properties. For these suspensions, the depth and width attenuation and the depth and width critical energy doses were determined. The volume fraction of powder has no effect on the broadening depth; the solids loading can be varied without concern for increased scattering within the suspension. The broadening depth decreases with the logarithm of RI contrast. Suspensions with a small RI contrast are able to cure deep, narrow features without broadening.
Fetal Brain-directed AAV Gene Therapy Results in Rapid, Robust, and Persistent Transduction of Mouse Choroid Plexus Epithelia

Fetal brain-directed gene addition represents an under-appreciated tool for investigating novel therapeutic approaches in animal models of central nervous system diseases with early prenatal onset. Choroid plexuses (CPs) are specialized neuroectoderm-derived structures that project into the brain's ventricles, produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and regulate CSF biochemical composition. Targeting the CP may be advantageous for adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapy for central nervous system disorders due to its immunoprivileged location and slow rate of epithelial turnover. Yet the capacity of AAV vectors to transduce CP has not been delineated precisely. We performed intracerebroventricular injections of recombinant AAV serotype 5-green fluorescent protein (rAAV5-GFP) or rAAV9-GFP in embryonic day 15 (E15) embryos of CD-1 and C57BL/6 pregnant mice and quantified the percentages of GFP expression in CP epithelia (CPE) from lateral and fourth ventricles on E17, postnatal day 2 (P2), and P22. AAV5 was selective for CPE and showed significantly higher transduction efficiency in C57BL/6 mice (P = 0.0128). AAV9 transduced neurons and glial cells in both the mouse strains, in addition to CPE. We documented GFP expression in CPE on E17, within just 48 hours of rAAV administration to the fetal lateral ventricle, and expression by both the serotypes persisted at P130. Our results indicate that prenatal administration of rAAV5 and rAAV9 enables rapid, robust, and sustained transduction of mouse CPE and buttress the rationale for experimental therapeutics targeting the CP.
LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID POTENTIATES POLYPEPTIDE GROWTH FACTOR-INDUCED AIRWAY SMOOTH MUSCLE DNA SYNTHESIS 1821

LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID POTENTIATES POLYPEPTIDE GROWTH FACTOR-INDUCED AIRWAY SMOOTH MUSCLE DNA SYNTHESIS 1821
The role of education in the development of Black feminist thought, 1860‐1920

(1993). The role of education in the development of Black feminist thought, 1860‐1920. History of Education: Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 365-275.
Some Remarks on Panpsychism and Epiphenomenalism

Many writers, both scientists and philosophers, when discussing the mind-body problem, adopt what might be called the physicalist principle of the closedness of the physical world. They reject the possibility that the physical world is causally open to a realm of conscious experience that is not part of it. Among the upholders of such a view are those who may be called radical materialists or radical physicalists, who deny that there exists a realm of conscious experience. Also, there are the proponents of various identity theories, who admit that there is such a realm, but claim that it may be in some sense identified with parts of the physical world. There are, however, other writers who accept the physicalist principle, but who nevertheless also accept that there exists a genuinely autonomous realm of conscious experience. Such writers often hold some form of panpsychism or epiphenomenalism, and in what follows these two views are briefly explained and critically discussed.
A language for specifying recursive traversals of object structures

We present a domain-specific language for specifying recursive traversals of object structures, for use with the visitor pattern. Traversals are traditionally specified as iterations, forcing the programmer to adopt an imperative style, or are hard-coded into the program or visitor. Our proposal allows a number of problems best approached by recursive means to be tackled with the visitor pattern, while retaining the benefits of a separate traversal specification.
Epitopic regions recognized by monoclonal antibodies against rat brain hexokinase: association with catalytic and regulatory function.

Abstract Using direct and competitive epitope mapping methods, 23 monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against rat brain hexokinase (ATP: d -hexose 6-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.1) were divided into nine groups, each recognizing epitopes within defined surface regions of the N- or C-terminal domains; the latter have been associated with regulatory or catalytic functions, respectively. Reactivity of Mabs with the isolated domains was also studied. Based on the effect of various ligands on immunoreactivity, specific regions involved in ligand-induced conformational changes were identified. Adjacent epitopic regions, designated Regions F and G and located in the N- and C-terminal domains, respectively, were selectively affected by inhibitory hexose 6-phosphates (or analogs), marking these regions as being involved in transmission of the conformational signal from the regulatory N-terminal domain to the catalytic C-terminal domain. Consistent with this, the K i for inhibition of the enzyme by the glucose 6-phosphate analog, 1,5-anhydroglucitol-6-phosphate, was markedly increased by Mabs binding in these regions, but unaffected by Mabs binding elsewhere in the molecule. Reactivity with Mabs recognizing conformationally sensitive epitopes in Region H of the C-terminal domain was greatly decreased by binding of substrate hexoses that induce closure of a cleft in the catalytic domain; selective recognition of the “open cleft” conformation, thereby preventing closure of the cleft required for progression of the catalytic cycle, can account for the marked decrease in V max that results from binding of these Mabs. Reactivity with Mabs binding to Region H was also decreased in the presence of inhibitory hexose 6-phosphates, implying that cleft closure was also induced by the latter; this is consistent with the suggestion that limitation of access to the C-terminal ATP binding site, resulting from cleft closure, is a factor in inhibition of the enzyme.
Microstructures and domain size effects in diamond films characterized by Raman spectroscopy

The issues related to Raman scattering characterization of the microstructure of diamond thin films are reviewed. The optical effects of the transparent/absorbing composite of sp2/sp3 bonded material is discussed. Then the dependence of the Raman spectra on the microcrystalline size is described. The comparison is made with crystalline Si, and the analysis is applied to a series a diamond films. Lastly micro-Raman scattering from the initial stages of diamond film growth are described, and the results are correlated with STM measurements of the nuclei. Surface enhanced Raman scattering is applied to examine the regions between diamond nuclei.
Some rotifers from coastal lakes of Brazil, with description of a new rotifer, Lepadella (Xenolepadella) curvicaudata n. sp.

Four relatively rare, two common rotifers and one rotifer new to science are described from some coastal lakes near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each rotifer is described in detail, and several are accompanied by illustrations and mensuration data. Geographic distribution and individual habitats of the rotifers are also discussed. Several species show a larger geographic distribution than previously known.
Use of morphology and the low Fourier frequencies in hierarchical fuzzy FLIR target segmentation and classification

A fuzzy hierarchical FLIR ATR is proposed which more closely models the fuzziness in the FLIR data and the human decision process than the traditional ATR methods. The target and its internal hot spots are segmented out from the background by use of an iterative volume based morphological contrast peak extraction routine. The segmented regions are then represented by a set of silhouettes for each segmented blob rather than just the one `best' silhouette. For the target or foundation segment, the primary recognition feature, silhouette shape, is captured by the low frequencies of the 2-D DFT of each member of the set. The hot spots are represented both by the shape features (DFT) and by positional features. The first level of this hierarchical classification system uses an Euclidean distance figure of merit for the foundation's silhouette to assign a fuzzy classification to the target. This initial guess is then adjusted based on the internal features.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Purification and characterization of a bovine colostrum-derived growth factor.

A growth factor in bovine colostrum was purified to homogeneity by a combination of acid extraction, boiling, cation exchange chromatography, isoelectric focusing, and reverse phase HPLC. The bovine colostrum growth factor (BCGF) had an isoelectric point of about 10, a native mol wt of about 30,000, was resistant to inactivation by boiling and exposure to pH 1, but was inactivated by dithiothreitol. BCGF appeared to be structurally related to human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and competed with human PDGF in a radioreceptor assay. However, while human PDGF appeared to be a heterodimer of 17,000 and 14,000 mol wt subunits, BCGF appeared to be a homodimer of 20,000 mol wt subunits. Purified BCGF had a specific activity in stimulating 3T3 cell proliferation of about 3–6 U/ng and was activeat about 1–2 ng/ml.
Identification of inflammatory cells in bovine milk by flow cytometry

Cells recovered from normal or mastitic bovine milk were examined by flow cytometry. All milk samples contained particulate material that was heterogeneous in size and that produced a right-angle light-scatter signal equal to or greater than that produced by human or bovine neutrophils. Although this material labeled with Hoechst 33342, it produced fluorescence intensities below that of intact bovine cells, suggesting that it consisted of cell fragments. Mastitic milk additionally contained other populations of cells that were poorly resolved from the normal particulate material by size (electronic volume sensor) and right-angle light scatter. In order to improve this resolution, the milk cells were incubated with carboxydimethylfluorescein diacetate (CMFDA) to label intact cells. When milk samples labeled with CMFDA were examined by dual-parameter analysis using green fluorescence and right-angle light scatter, five or more populations of cells could be identified in mastitic milk. These populations included intact and degenerate neutrophils, lymphocytes, including both small and activated cells, monocytes, and large activated macrophages containing many vacuoles and phagocytosed particles. Using this procedure, all the animals in the University of Nevada-Reno Holstein dairy herd were tested once a month for 6 months. In addition, individual animals with mastitis were examined one or more times each day during the course of the inflammatory process. In the routine screening, the flow cytometric examination detected mastitis before overt symptoms developed. In cows identified to have mastitis, the flow cytometric examination provided prognostic information regarding the success of treatments.
Diamagnetic anisotropy of quadruple MoMo bonds: α-Mo2Cl4(diphosphine)2 complexes

Abstract Two components (χxV — χ′hu and χxV — χ″hu) of magnetic anisotropy of MoMo quadruple bonds have been obtained by using the X-ray crystallographic molecular structure and the low temperature 1H NMR spectrum of α-Mo2Cl4[(C6H5)2PCH2CH2P(p-RC6H4)2]2 [R  H (dppe), CH3 (dpdt) and tert-C4H9 (dpdbp)]. The values of χxV — χ′hu and χxV — χ″hu for the dpdbp case are −(8470 ± 200) x 10−36 and −(5540 ± 70) x 10−36 m3 molecule−1, respectively, which are several times as large as χxV — χhu (Mo3Mo). Through detailed examination of the 1H NMR signals of the ethylene protons, conformational flexing of the chelate rings of α-Mo2Cl4(dpdbp)2 has been recognized.
Graphite–magnetite aggregates in ordinary chondritic meteorites

The graphite-magnetite component has been found (1) as abundant isolated inclusions in eight ordinary-chondritic, regolith breccias; (2) as the sole matrix in a new kind of unequilibrated chondrite that forms clasts in these regolith breccias; and (3) together with a Huss matrix in six unequilibrated ordinary chondrites. It is suggested that the component was formed by low-temperature, gas-solid reactions before the accretion of the meteorite, and that the isolated inclusions of graphite-magnetite in regolith breccias were derived from bodies composed of the new kind of chondrite that has graphite-magnetite as its sole matrix.
Low leaf N and P resorption contributes to nutrient limitation in two desert shrubs

Both water and nutrients are limiting in arid environments, and desert plants have adapted to these limitations through numerous developmental and physiological mechanisms. In the Mono Basin, California, USA, co-dominant Sarcobatus vermiculatus and Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. consimilis are differentially N and P limited. We hypothesized that low leaf N resorption contributes to N-limitation in Sarcobatus and that low leaf P resorption contributes to P-limitation in Chrysothamnus. As predicted, Sarcobatus resorbed proportionally 1.7-fold less N than Chrysothamnus, but reduced leaf P in senescent leaves to lower levels than Chrysothamnus (8.0–10.8-fold lower based on leaf area or mass, respectively), consistent with N, but not P limitations in Sarcobatus. Again, as predicted, Chrysothamnus resorbed proportionally 2.0-fold less P than Sarcobatus yet reduced leaf N in senescent leaves to lower levels than Sarcobatus (1.8–1.3-fold lower based on leaf area or mass, respectively), consistent with P, but not N limitations in Chrysothamnus. Leaf N and P pools were approximately 50% of aboveground pools in both species during the growing season, suggesting leaf resorption can contribute significantly to whole plant nutrient retention. This was consistent with changes in leaf N vs. P concentration as plants grew from seedlings to adults. Our results support the conclusion that N-limitation in Sarcobatus and P-limitation in Chrysothamnus are in part caused by physiological (or other) constraints that prevent more efficient resorption of N or P, respectively. For these species, differential nutrient resorption may be a key physiological component contributing to their coexistence in this saline, low resource habitat.
A detailed examination of a X-line region in the distant tail: ISEE-3 observations of jet flow and B(sub z) reversals and a pair of slow shocks

We report an observation of Petschek-type magnetic reconnection at a distant neutral line (X = -230 R(sub e)) with a full set of signatures of the magnetic merging process. These features include a reversal of plasma flows from earthward to tailward, a pair of slow shocks and the magnetic field X-type line. These two slow shocks are shown to satisfy the shock criteria used by Feldman et al. (1987). The spacecraft first crosses a slow shock to enter the earthward flowing plasmasheet with velocity of about 440 km/s. The embedded magnetic field has a positive B(sub z) component. The spacecraft next enters a region of tailward plasma flow with speed approximately 670 km/s and an embedded negative B(sub z), indicating entry into the plasmasheet tailward of the X-line. These observed velocities are comparable to calculated velocities based on Rankine-Hugoniot conservation relationships. The spacecraft subsequently returns into the south tail lobe by crossing another slow shock. Coplanarity analyses shows that the two slow shocks have orientations consistent with that predicted by the Petschek reconnection model. We note that this event occurs during northward interplanetary magnetic fields. Thus, a magnetic stress built-up in the distant tail may be responsible for this reconnection process.
Comparison of activity of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists in dog and rabbit saphenous vein.

The alpha adrenoceptors present on the saphenous vein of the dog and rabbit were characterised in vitro using the selective alpha1 antagonist prazosin and the alpha2 antagonists rauwolscine and yohimbine. In the dog saphenous vein, prazosin and rauwolscine competitively antagonised contractile responses to phenylephrine and UK-14,304 respectively. Noradrenaline was competitively blocked by prazosin only. In contrast, phenylephrine and methoxamine-induced responses in the rabbit saphenous vein were insensitive to prazosin and corynanthine. Rauwolscine competitively blocked responses to UK-14,304, noradrenaline and phenylephrine and pA2 values were similar against each agonist. Noradrenaline and UK-14,304 were equipotent agonists on the rabbit saphenous vein while in the dog vein noradrenaline has a lower potency than UK-14,304. These results suggest that the dog saphenous vein has a mixed population of alpha adrenoceptors, while the alpha adrenoceptors on the rabbit vein are homogeneous, with characteristics of the alpha2 subtype.
“Seeds” of wild grasses: A major food of Southwestern Indians

A search of the ethnobotanical literature revealed wild grasses to be a major food of Southwestern Indians. Oryzopsis, Sporobolusand Panicumwere shown to be especially important throughout the Southwest, though a large number of other genera were of local importance. Reasons for the preference of some species over others are discussed. The proportion of annual and perennial species used as food is equivalent to the proportions of annuals and perennials in the grass flora of the region.
Wavy steps on Si(001).

Using low-energy electron microscopy we have found a new phase transition on the Si(001) surface at miscut angles smaller than \ensuremath{\sim}0.1\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The surface phase separates into facets with \ensuremath{\sim}300 \AA{} terrace width, and regions with much larger, wavy terraces. This wavy phase is stabilized by a reduction of surface-stress-induced strain energy. A theoretical study by Tersoff and Pehlke compares favorably with our observations.
The Use of Narrative Data to Inform the Psychotherapeutic Group Process with Suicide Survivors

While bereavement is considered by many to be among one of the most stressful life events, it becomes even more distressing when it is related to the suicide of a loved one. A synopsis of psychosocial outcomes of suicide survivor bereavement is presented along with an overview of group interventions designed to help these survivors cope with their grief. The structure of an ongoing eight-week bereavement support group is described to lay a foundation for the application of narrative theory within the group process. Using narrative theory and structural analysis, the discourse of group members is presented and various themes are discussed in an effort to contribute to the task of developing effective psychotherapeutic group interventions for survivors of suicide.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse pattern regulates GnRH receptor gene expression: augmentation by estradiol

GnRH acts via a single cell surface receptor (GnRH-R), and the number of pituitary GnRH-R increases on proestrus, after gonadectomy, or in response to pulsatile GnRH in the rat. Estradiol (E2) is known to exert a transient positive action to increase GnRH-R number, and the rise in plasma E2 contributes to initiation of the midcycle LH surge. The present study was designed to determine the effect of GnRH pulse amplitude and frequency on GnRH-R messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and to assess the relative contributions of GnRH and gonadal steroids to increasing GnRH-R gene expression. These studies were conducted in vivo using previously characterized GnRH-deficient male (castrate testosterone-replaced) and ovariectomized phenoxybenzamine-treated female models. To investigate the effect of GnRH pulse amplitude, adult male and female rats received GnRH iv (5-250 ng/pulse at 30-min intervals; saline pulses to controls) for 12 or 24 h. In males, GnRH-R mRNA was increased by all pulse doses, with maximal effects (3-fold) at 5-25 ng/pulse. In contrast, only lower doses (5-10 ng/pulse) were effective in females (2-fold increase). In a subsequent study, GnRH pulses (25 ng for males; 10 ng for females) were given at 8-, 30-, or 240-min intervals for 12 or 24 h. Some animals received a continuous GnRH infusion (200 ng/h). In males, GnRH-R mRNA levels were stimulated by all GnRH pulse intervals (maximal after 30-min pulses), whereas continuous GnRH was ineffective. In females, only 30- and 240-min pulse intervals increased GnRH-R mRNA levels, with faster (8-min) pulses or continuous GnRH being ineffective. To determine the relative roles of ovarian steroids and GnRH, ovariectomized phenoxybenzamine-treated female animals received GnRH (10 ng/pulse, 30-min interval), E2 (via sc implants; plasma E2 levels, approximately 50 pg/ml), or their combination for 12-24 h (saline pulses to controls). In the absence of E2, GnRH-R concentrations fell by 70% between 12-24 h. E2 alone tended to increase GnRH-R mRNA at 12 h, with a 2-fold rise observed after 24 h. Pulsatile GnRH alone increased GnRH-R mRNA by 50% at 12 h (compared to saline-pulsed controls; P < 0.05) and by 6-fold after 24 h. When GnRH and E2 were combined, the magnitude of the increase (vs. saline controls) was greater than that seen for either GnRH or E2 alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The existence of maximal slicings in asymptotically flat spacetimes

We consider Cauchy data (g,π) on IR^3 that are asymptotically Euclidean and that satisfy the vacuum constraint equations of general relativity. Only those (g,π) are treated that can be joined by a curve of sufficiently bounded initial data to the trivial data (d, 0). It is shown that in the Cauchy developments of such data, the maximal slicing condition tr π=0 can always be satisfied. The proof uses the recently introduced weighted Sobolev spaces of Nirenberg, Walker, and Cantor.
A cross-national study of interdependence structure and distributor attitudes: the moderating effect of group orientation

Abstract Extant literature on channel management highlights the important link between the interdependence of channel members and distributor attitudes. The study reported here expands the scope of this research stream in two ways. First, expanding the national scope of the research, the author contrasts the United States with Japan and suggests that the interdependence structure and its links with distributor attitudes are contingent on the cultural context of a distribution channel system: the extent of group orientation. Second, expanding the scope of the research beyond consumer product channels, the author examines distribution channels for industrial products. The author conducts a two-stage analysis with the data from national surveys of industrial distributors in the United States and Japan. The results of the cross-national analysis support the moderating effect of group orientation on the link between interdependence asymmetry and distributor attitudes partially. The results of the country-level analysis show some intriguing similarities and differences between the United States and Japan.
Functional and immunohistochemical characterization of CB1 and CB2 receptors in rat bladder.

Objectives To determined the localization of CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in rat bladder and investigate the effect of a mixed CB 1 /CB 2 receptor agonist, ajulemic acid (AJA), on chemically evoked release of the sensory neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Methods Whole rat bladders were incubated in a series of tissue baths containing physiologic salt solution to measure baseline CGRP release by enzyme immunoassay. Capsaicin (30 nM) and adenosine triphosphate (10 μM) were used to provoke CGRP release in the presence or absence of AJA. Specificity of AJA for CB 1 and CB 2 receptors was determined using antagonists. Localization was determined by immunofluorescence for CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in fixed bladders. Results Immunofluorescence showed the localization of CB 1 and CB 2 receptors in the bladder. Mean baseline CGRP release was 605 ± 62 pg/g of bladder weight, and AJA had no effect on CGRP release. The addition of adenosine triphosphate/capsaicin significantly increased the CGRP release over baseline, by 44% ( P P 1 and CB 2 antagonists AM 251 and AM 630, respectively, reversed the blunting effect of AJA on evoked CGRP release, resulting in an increase of 40% and 38% over baseline, respectively. Conclusions CB 1 and CB 2 receptors are localized in the urothelium of rat bladder, and application of AJA inhibits the evoked release of CGRP by acting on CB 1 and CB 2 receptors. These findings identify a potential new pathway for study in the evaluation and treatment of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
Marketing India as a tourist destination in North America—challenges and opportunities

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how effective marketing can be employed by India's tourist department to attract North American tourists. It is found that Indian tourism marketers have traditionally attempted to ‘sell’ their services rather than market them. Seven specific steps are recommended for increasing tourism to India: (1) improving the image, (2) identifying target markets; (3) strategically locating tourist offices; (4) developing promotional themes; (5) correcting attitudinal problems; (6) improving product strategy; and (7) promoting India as a convention destination. It is concluded that the Indian Government must attend to all seven steps before being able to significantly improve their ability to attract North American tourists.
Paper: A novel approach to the attitude control of axisymmetric spacecraft

We consider the problem of attitude stabilization of an axisymmetric spacecraft using two pairs of gas jet actuators. These actuators provide control torques about two axes spanning the two-dimensional plane orthogonal to the axis of symmetry. Using a new kinematic formulation, we derive a stabilizing control law that achieves arbitrary reorientation of the spacecraft under the assumption that the initial spin rate about the symmetry axis is zero.
In situ immobilization of palladium nanoparticles in microfluidic reactors and assessment of their catalytic activity

We report on the synthesis and characterization of catalytic palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs) and their immobilization in microfluidic reactors fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The Pd NPs were stabilized with D-biotin or 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) to promote immobilization inside the microfluidic reactors. The NPs were homogeneous with narrow size distributions between 2 and 4 nm, and were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Biotinylated Pd NPs were immobilized on APTMS-modified PDMS and glass surfaces through the formation of covalent amide bonds between activated biotin and surface amino groups. By contrast, APTMS-stabilized Pd NPs were immobilized directly onto PDMS and glass surfaces rich in hydroxyl groups. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed successful attachment of both types of Pd NPs on glass and PDMS surfaces. Both types of Pd NPs were then immobilized in situ in sealed PDMS microfluidic reactors after similar surface modification. The effectiveness of immobilization in the microfluidic reactors was evaluated by hydrogenation of 6-bromo-1-hexene at room temperature and one atmosphere of hydrogen pressure. An average first-run conversion of 85% and selectivity of 100% were achieved in approximately 18 min of reaction time. Control experiments showed that no hydrogenation occurred in the absence of the nanocatalysts. This system has the potential to provide a reliable tool for efficient and high throughput evaluation of catalytic NPs, along with assessment of intrinsic kinetics.
The embryotoxic effect of phototherapy: separation of therapeutic and gametotoxic activities.

— Illumination of gametes of the American sea urchin with visible light from a phototherapy unit causes abnormal development. Filters prevent these embryotoxic effects and permit their separation from the therapeutic effect of these lights, i.e. conversion of bilirubin to water-soluble products.
Structured visibility profiles with applications to problems in simple polygons (extended abstract)

A number of problems in computational geometry involving simple polygons can be solved in linear time once the polygon has been triangulated. Since the worst-case time bound for triangulating a general simple polygon is currently super-linear, these algorithms are not linear time in the worst case. In this paper we define the structured visibility profile of a polygonal path and show how to compute it in linear time. We apply this result to solve many problems in linear time that previously required triangulation. Our list of problems includes: translation separability of two simple polygons, computing the weak visibility region for a segment within a simple polygon, finding shortest monotone paths in a simple polygon, ray shooting from an edge, and the convex rope problem.
Current harmonics injected in three-phase power systems by chopper controlled DC loads

This study explains the mechanism of generation of non-characteristic harmonics in three-phase systems supplying dc chopper controlled loads. The results presented will enable designers to predict the current harmonic spectrum on ac lines and to evaluate the impact of chopper load upon the converter transformer and the distribution system. The results published will assist in the optimization of the LC input filter and to determine the best switching frequency strategies.