cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative effectiveness of education alone versus stress inoculation training in the treatment of dental phobia

In order to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the educational component of stress inoculation training (SIT) versus the procedure as a whole, 24 dental phobics were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: education alone; coping skills plus application training; coping skills, application training and education; and wait-list control. Pre-and postmeasures of dental anxiety and state-trait anxiety were obtained. In addition to posttreatment measures of pain tolerance (ischemic muscle pain and cold pressor tasks), all subjects were monitored as to whether they scheduled and completed an actual dental appointment. No significant differences were observed between the four experimental conditions in terms of the anxiety and pain tolerance measures. Significantly more subjects from the three treatment conditions scheduled posttreatment dental appointments than subjects from the wait-list control group. However, significantly more subjects from the two treatments which involved training in and application of coping skills went through with the scheduled appointments as compared to subjects from the education-alone condition. These findings would indicate that education may motivate individuals to take initial steps in seeking health care but may be insufficient in terms of getting patients to follow through with this process.
THE FEASIBILITY OF HEAVY CHARGED‐PARTICLE MICROSCOPY*

The idea of applying accelerated heavy ions to microscopy was developed and proposed about ten years ago. The advancement of heavy-ion accelerator technology has promoted development of a new imaging system for diagnostic radiology. The plastic nuclear track-etch detector technique has recently been used for microradiography with low-energy heavy ions, and images of various biological specimens, including living plant cells, have been obtained. A simple and straightforward theoretical analysis indicates that a resolution of a few hundred angstroms may be reached in imaging a living cell with heavy particles of 10-..mu..m range. At present, however, such a high resolution is not expected, since the radiation damages to the specimen can be very severe at high doses. With certain improvement the present heavy-ion microradiography technique, nevertheless, can be used for gaining information on the density of organelles in a living cell and for obtaining a three-dimensional image of a living cell. A preliminary study on contrast mechanisms suggests that the heavy-ion microscope may give an equal or better contrast than the electron microscope. Other possible means of getting information with heavy-ion microscopes should be explored also. An energy or range analysis of heavy particles that passed through the biological specimen withmore » a proper detector, for example can provide additional information of interest.« less
Ensuring the right of professional dissent: A review of a proposed new NRC policy

There have been many allegation that the professional judgments of engineering employees of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) have been peremptorily overridden by management on nontechnical grounds [1]. Furthermore, it has been claimed that, particularly when they pressed their concerns (usually safety related) beyond their immediate supervisors, the engineers involved were subjected to various forms of harassment, including “lateral” transfers to other divisions of NRC.
Data assimilation in agent based simulation of smart environment

Agent-based simulation is useful for studying people's movement in smart environment. Existing agent-based simulations are typically used as offline tools that help system design. They are not dynamically data-driven because they do not utilize any real time sensor data of the environment. In this paper, we present a method that assimilates real time sensor data into an agent-based simulation model. The goal of data assimilation is to provide inference of people's occupancy information in the smart environment, and thus lead to more accurate simulation results. We use particle filters to carry out the data assimilation and present some experiment results, and discuss how to extend this work for more advanced data assimilation in agent-based simulation of smart environment.
Steroidal derived acids as inhibitors of human Cdc25A protein phosphatase

Abstract A group of steroidal derived acids were synthesized and found to be human Cdc25A inhibitors. Their potency ranged from 1.1 to >100 μM; the best ones compare very favorably with that of the novel cyano-containing 5,6-seco-cholesteryl acid 1 Download : Download high-res image (46KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure 1 . Chemical structures for dysidiolide, SC-ααδ, menadione, and compound 1 . (IC50=2.2 μM) reported by us recently (Peng, H.; Zalkow, L. H.; Abraham, R. T.; Powis, G. J. Med. Chem. 1998, 41, 4677). Structure–activity relationships of these compounds revealed that a hydrophobic cholesteryl side chain and a free carboxyl group are crucial for activity. The distance between these two pharmacophores is also important for the potency of these compounds. Several of the compounds showed selective growth inhibition effects in the NCI in vitro cancer cell line panel.
Transformation of “spin direction” by ordinary Lorentz transformation

A method is given for the transformation of spin direction by ordinary Lorentz transformations by the use of an intermediate frame in which the particle is at rest. The example of a pi - mu decay in flight is considered.
High-Angle Backscatter from Snow on the Ground

In January and February of 1981 and 1982, the Ballistic Research Laboratory (BRL) participated in SNOW-ONE at Camp Ethan Allen, VT, sponsored by the US Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL). The BRL conducted high-angle radar measurements there, measuring backscatter at 35 GHz. from various areas of undisturbed snow, acquiring time series data under varied weather conditions. A dual-polarized, 35 GHz radar was used to make the snow backscatter measurements. Polarity of the transmitted signal, vertical or horizontal, was controlled by means of an R.F. switch. The received signal was passed through an orthomode transducer to two receivers, allowing both parallel and cross polarized components to be recorded simultaneously. The sensor was supported 15 meters above the ground on an elevation-over-azimuth antenna mount. Elevation angle was adjusted so that radar beam angle was 30-degrees from vertical. Azimuth angle was varied so as to scan areas of undisturbed snow around the base of the support. The sensor was enclosed in an insulated box and heated to a fixed temperature. Signal returned to the sensor by the snow was, in large part, dependent upon the condition of the surface snow as it was affected by air temperature. When the temperature was well below freezing, sigma-zero was around -7dB with parallel polarization (-13dB, cross polarization). When the temperature increased to the freezing point, the snow became wet, packed easily, and had a lower sigma-zero (-17dB, parallel, and -22dB, cross polarization). The condition of the snow surface had a secondary effect upon the value of sigma-zero. A smoothed surface reflected less energy back to the sensor than a roughened surface. The combined effect of these two variables produced the changes that were measured in sigma-zero.
Continuous stress finite element analysis of a free-edge delamination specimen

Abstract A mixed finite element formulation based on minimization of potential energy is developed to analyze the free-edge delamination problem in composite laminate coupons under uniform longitudinal strain. In this displacement-based procedure continuities of both displacement and traction, along interelement as well as interlaminar boundaries, are ensured through appropriate displacement-stress transformations.
Solute and Solvent Activities of CaCl2(aq) Solutions from the Adsorption Isotherm Treatment

The values of the two Brunauer−Emmett−Teller (BET) parameters calculated by Stokes and Robinson (1948) are reevaluated using recent experimental data on the activity coefficients of CaCl2(aq) reported by Rard and Clegg (1997). At the 95% confidence level, no significant statistical differences are observed in the values of the BET parameters reported in this work and those reported by Stokes and Robinson (1948). The water activities aw, osmotic coefficients φ, and mean ionic activity coefficients, γ± of CaCl2(aq) are then calculated from saturation to dilute solution. Since the standard state of the solute in the BET model is the anhydrous liquid electrolyte rather than the infinitely dilute solution, the technique of Ally and Braunstein (1996) is utilized to obtain the mean ionic activity coefficients of CaCl2(aq) over the entire concentration range. The differences between the chemical potentials of the solute in the infinitely dilute solution standard state (hypothetical) and the anhydrous liquid elect...
Exchange-energy density functional: Reparametrization of Becke's formula and derivation of second-order gradient correction

Two studies are carried out on the density functional for the Hartree-Fock exchange energy. (1) Becke's semiempirical formula for the exchange energy [Phys. Rev. A 38, 3098 (1988)] is reparametrized and applied to selected molecules. The results are excellent. (2) A new theoretical derivation is given of the coefficient \ensuremath{\beta} in the standard second-order gradient expansion for the exchange energy. The \ensuremath{\beta} value obtained is 0.001 429.
The evolution of diabetic response to ischemia/reperfusion and preconditioning in isolated working rat hearts

Objective: Studies have shown that the diabetic heart exhibits abnormalities in cellular ion transport, which can affect susceptibility to reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation (VF), tachycardia (VT) and functional derangements. It has been shown that “preconditioning” renders the heart very resistant to a subsequent prolonged ischemic episode. This phenomenon has been extensively studied in healthy myocardium, but such a study has not been previously done in diseased (hypertrophic or myopathic) hearts. Methods: We studied the incidence of reperfusion-induced VF, VT, cardiac function, and ion shifts (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) induced by ischemia/reperfusion in isolated hearts from rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Following 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of diabetes, hearts were isolated and subjected to 30 min global ischemia followed by reperfusion. Results: In the 2-week diabetic group the total incidence of VF and VT was reduced from their non-diabetic age-matched control value of 100 and 100% to 42 ( P < 0.05) and 42% ( P < 0.05), respectively. Such a reduction in the incidence of VF and VT was not observed with progressive diabetes (4, 6, and 8 weeks). In the 2-week diabetics, the reduction in the VF and VT was reflected in the improvement of postischemic function, the reduction of ischemia and reperfusion-induced Na+ and Ca2+ gains, and the prevention in K+ and Mg2+ loss. This diabetes-induced initial protection was not seen in the 4- and 6-week diabetics, and a deterioration of postischemic function was observed in the 8-week diabetics. Four cycles of preconditioning, each consisting of 5 min ischemia followed by 10 min reperfusion, failed to reduce the incidence of VF and VT, improve cardiac function, and prevent ion shifts induced by 30 min ischemia followed by 30 min reperfusion in 4- and 8-week diabetics. Conclusions: In the early phase of diabetes the heart is more resistant to ischemia/reperfusion than the non-diabetic heart. Preconditioning does not afford protection against a prolonged period of ischemia in diabetics, indicating that preconditioning may be a “healthy heart phenomenon”.
Absorption and the low velocity zone

It is well known that elastic wave velocities are independent of frequency only for a non-dissipative medium. In a real solid dispersion must accompany absorption. This effect has been emphasised by Randall and Liu et al. The effect is small when the seismic quality factor Q is large or unimportant if only a small range of frequencies is being considered—that is, the spectra of P waves. Even in these cases, however, the measured velocities, or inferred elastic constants, are not the true elastic properties but lie between the high frequency and low frequency limits or the so-called ‘unrelaxed’ and ‘relaxed’ moduli. The magnitude of the effect depends on the nature of the absorption band and the value of Q. When comparing data taken over a wide frequency band the effect of absorption can be considerable especially considering the accuracy of present body-wave and free-oscillation data. Thus, Jeffreys questions conclusions based on free oscillation data, particularly where they differ from body-wave results which are based on much shorter periods. Carpenter and Davies and Davies attempted to reconcile body-wave and surface-wave Earth models by allowing for physical dispersion using Futterman's and Kolsky's dispersion–absorption relationships. Jeffreys used Lomnitz' relationships. Liu et al. have shown that dispersion depends to first-order on absorption in the seismic frequency band and derived a linear superposition model that gives a Q that is independent of frequency. It can be shown that all of the above theories give equivalent absorption–dispersion relations for moderate absorption. Liu et al. and Anderson et al. have shown how to correct surface-wave and free-oscillation data for physical dispersion. Much of the support for the existence of an upper mantle low velocity zone has come from the inversion of normal mode data that have been uncorrected for physical dispersion due to absorption. In the light of these developments, we decided to re-examine the question of a shearwave low velocity zone.
Learning in the tactile sense

The effect of training on the two point discrimination threshold (TPDT) is investigated as part of ongoing efforts to optimize the design of electrotactile displays for artificially communicating sensory information in the categories of tactile, kinesthetic, visual and auditory sensation.
Structural, optical and magnetic properties of diluted magnetic semiconducting Zn1-xMnxO films

Abstract We have investigated the structural, optical and magnetic properties of high quality epitaxial Zn 1− x Mn x O (diluted magnetic semiconductor) films. These films were deposited on (0001) sapphire substrate by a pulsed laser deposition technique. The nonequilibrium nature of the laser–material interaction allowed us to dope higher Mn contents ( x =0.36) than allowed by thermal equilibrium limit ( x ∼0.13). All the films investigated here were found to be single phased and epitaxial with (0001) orientation. As the Mn concentration increases in the system, the c -axis lattice constant was found to increase linearly. Optical transmittance study showed an increase in the insulating band-gap ( E g ) with increase in Mn atomic fraction x following E g =3.270+2.760x−4.988x 2 eV . DC magnetization measurements showed the paramagnetic nature of the system.
Strip Element Method to Analyze Wave Scattering by Cracks in Anisotropic Laminated Plates

The strip element method (SEM) has been extended to investigate wave scattering by cracks in anisotropic laminated plates. The cracked plates are divided into domains in which the extended SEM is applied. For each domain a set of SEM equations is obtained which gives a relationship between the traction and displacement vectors on the vertical boundaries. These equations are solved by using the conditions at the junctures of the domains. To obtain the time domain response a Fourier transform technique is used, and an exponential window method is introduced to avoid singularities in the Fourier integration. For composite plates with horizontal and vertical cracks, scattered wave fields in both the time and frequency domains are computed, and discussed in comparison with results for uncracked plates. A technique for determining the length of a crack in a plate is also presented. It is shown that the SEM is an efficient technique for the calculation of elastodynamic fields in cracked anisotropic laminated plates.
Bilingual Children and Communication Disorders: A 30-Year Research Retrospective

We present a review of the empirical literature at the intersection of bilingualism and pediatric communication disorders. A computer search of six electronic databases was done to identify studies published in English since 1950 that directly investigated some aspect of speech, language, or cognitive performance in developing bilinguals and children with communication impairments. The computer search yielded 116 non-duplicated articles, the first published in 1978. An article review by the authors further reduced the number of studies meeting search criteria to 64. A majority of studies focused on primary developmental language impairment (LI) and children learning two languages sequentially. Spanish and English were the most frequent combination of languages for bilingual participants. Collective study findings are presented with respect to trends, clinical implications, and areas for future research.
Total correction of tetralogy of fallot at age 40 years and older: Long-term follow-up

Whether total surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot in adults aged 40 years old or older has acceptable operative risk and gratifying long-term results is unknown. The Mayo Clinic experience (June 1960 to May 1982) with 30 patients 40 to 60 years old (mean 47) who had total surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot was reviewed. Preoperatively, 4 patients (13%) were in functional class I, 9 (30%) in class II and 17 (57%) in classes III and IV. Eight patients (27%) had had preoperative complications: five had a cerebrovascular accident and three had infective endocarditis. Only 11 patients (37%) had had palliative surgery 16 to 34 years (mean 22) before total surgical correction. Total surgical correction was successful in all patients. Right ventricular to left ventricular (RV/LV) pressure ratio of 0.65 or less was achieved in 28 (93%) of the 30 patients. One patient died of ventricular fibrillation (RV/LV ratio = 0.8) 2 days postoperatively, one had complete heart block and one had a cerebrovascular accident 7 days after operation. At follow-up of 5 to 266 months (mean 110), there were seven late deaths: two sudden at 5 and 21 years, respectively, after operation, one from myocardial infarction at 11 years, one from cerebrovascular accident at 11 years, one from congestive heart failure (RV/LV ratio = 1.0) at 8 years and two from noncardiac causes. Of the 22 patients who survived, 16 are in class I, 5 are in class II and 1 is in class III. Total surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot can be recommended in patients 40 years old or older since the operative risk (3%) is acceptable and the long-term results are gratifying.
Schizophreniform Psychosis Induced by Large-Dose Administration of d-Amphetamine

(1969). Schizophreniform Psychosis Induced by Large-Dose Administration of d-Amphetamine. Journal of Psychedelic Drugs: Vol. 2, “Speed Kills: A Review of Amphetamine Abuse”, pp. 25-27.
First-principles study of piezoelectricity in tetragonal PbTiO3

Abstract The e 33 component of the piezoelectric strain tensor in tetragonal PbTiO3 was studied by an allelectron ab initio method, and was found to be in good agreement with the experimental piezoelectric stress constant of high quality twin-free single PbTiO3 crystals. Equations of the density functional theory were solved within the general gradient approximation (GGA) using the general potential linearized augmented plane-wave local orbital (LAPW + LO) method. Macroscopic polarization values necessary to calculate the piezoelectric coefficient and elements of the Born effective charge tensors were determined via finite differences using the geometric phase formulation. In this approach, bulk quantities are expressed as the property of the phase of the wavefunction in terms of a Berry connection. The e 33 component of the piezoelectric tensor, i.e. the change in polarization with strain, was extracted from results of groundstate Berry's phase calculations performed on units cells of different strains a...
Pacific island avian extinctions: the taphonomy of human predation

We propose a strategy for evaluating the contribution of human predation to the depletion of endemic birds on Pacific islands. Humans reduced avian populations indirectly through habitat alteration, for which there is much archaeological evidence. However, direct evidence of human predation and its role in avian extinctions has seldom been critically evaluated. Because many archaeological sites containing bird bones occur in nesting locales such as coastal dunes and rockshelters, distinguishing naturally from culturally deposited material is crucial. We address this problem by analyzing bird bones from nine archaeological sites on Moloka'i, Hawaiian Islands. Species composition, weathering, non-human predation, burning, element frequencies, and modification are considered. Similarity between archaeological and replicated breakage suggests human consumption of some extirpated bird species. We couple these results with converging, independent lines of evidence to identify human predation in avian assemblages from Moloka'i. We stress that determining the chronology of avian extinctions is best accomplished by directly dating bird bones with butchering marks and other evidence of human consumption.
A chromosome anomaly in an infant with a degenerative disease of the central nervous system.

A presumably balanced reciprocal translocation involving 2 chromosomes of Group E (16–18) has been observed in an infant with a degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Human translocation involving 2 members of Group E has not previously been observed. It is generally stated that balanced reciprocal translocations produce no detectable phenotypic effect since there is no loss of genetic material. However, the naked-eye method of karyotype analysis may fail to detect the loss of small amounts of genetic material. Whether the relationship between the abnormal karyotype and the clinical disorder in this case is causal or fortuitous remains to be determined.
Propagation Parameter Measurements Of Optical Waveguides

Improvements in optical waveguide manufacturing processes have reduced the attenuation rate to approximately the material limit imposed by Rayleigh scattering. Today there is a need to develop measurement techniques or Procedures which can be used to predict the overall system insertion loss and bandwidth. Multimode propagation in graded waveguides makes it difficult to define the attenuation rate and bandwidth without referencing the particular source Power distribution used in making the measurement. This paper will discuss the problems in making these measurements and will present a recent model and results which can be used to predict system performance.
Passing American Security

Forum: The State of Feminist Security Studies: Continuing the Conversation. This forum comprises seven pieces conceived in response to the recent Politics & Gender Critical Perspectives section that featured contributions from Carol Cohn, Valerie Hudson, Jennifer Lobasz, Laura Sjoberg, Ann Tickner, Annick Wibben, and Lauren Wilcox ( P&G 2011, Vol. 7, Issue 4). Throughout, we refer to this collection as “the CP section.”
Computer analysis of nuclear waste glass composition effects on leaching

Borosilicate glasses have been under development for many years as the solid form of immobilization of high-level radioactive wastes. These studies have resulted in the leach testing of many compositions of glass frits with differing percentages and compositions of real and simulated wastes. Because of the large number of components (30-50) in these materials it has been very difficult to compare results and generalize as to the effects of composition on leach rates. Until the last few years, comparison was also inhibited by the use of dissimilar leach tests in the various labs around the world. The large number of possible combinations of compositional variables also made comparison of the large volume of data difficult without computer assistance. Several events during the last few years have eliminated these difficulties. Numerous laboratories have adopted the MCC-1 static leach test for comparative testing of nuclear waste glasses and have shared results for this comparison. These labs include: Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratories, Savannah Laboratory and the University of Florida Materials Science Laboratory in the U.S.; SKBF/ Project KBS in Sweden; and Marcoule Laboratory and the Laboratorie de Verres, CNRS and the University of Montpellier in France. Also, the recent increase in the availabilitymore » of micro-computers has provided the capability for easy storage, calculation, access and manipulation of data, with the ability to produce time dependence and ternary compositional plots of leach rates through the use of remotely operated data plotters.« less
Soviet strategic conduct and the prospects for stability

Throughout the nuclear age American defence planners have had ample exposure to the broad essentials of Soviet military thought, including its stress on the operational virtues of strategic superiority and its persistent advocacy of forces capable of fighting to meaningful victory in the event of war. Until recently, however, American officials tended to dismiss these views as merely the parochial axe-grindings of the General Staff and to profess confidence that those civilians on the Politburo ‘who really mattered’ had the inherent good sense to appreciate the superior wisdom of prevailing Western strategic logic.1
Properties of selective low pressure chemically vapor deposited tungsten films produced by hydrogen reduction in a cold wall system

Abstract The properties of selective low pressure chemically vapor deposited tungsten films deposited on silicon by hydrogen reduction of tungsten hexafluoride in a cold wall system and the interaction of tungsten and silicon on subsequent annealing are presented. The hydrogen reduction process produces pure films with resistivities around 9–10 μΩ cm for film thicknesses below 500–600 nm. These selectively deposited tungsten blanket films have large columnar grains whose size increases linearly with film thickness. Selectivity of the films can be excellent with careful wafer and chamber cleaning. High growth rates (more than 50 nm min−1) can be achieved at turret temperatures above 550 °C. Subsequent annealing of W-Si structures in forming gas results in uniform tungsten and silicon reactions to produce silicides. As a result of enhanced silicide formation above 800°C, films turn cloudy with increase in resistivity.
Vulnerability in the Asian or Pacific Islander immigrant child.

The influx of Asian or Pacific Islander immigrants has created a challenge for United States public schools. The purpose of this article is twofold. First, it elucidates the unique situation the Asian or Pacific Islander child faces in public schools by using a case study and a vulnerability model. Its second purpose is to provide school nurses with important tools to guide them in caring for these vulnerable children. The tools consist of an assessment questionnaire for school nurses to use when they measure a child’s vulnerability level and tips to improve communication with non-English-speaking children. School nurses can use the information obtained from these tools to initiate primary, secondary, or tertiary prevention.
Medicaid Reimbursement Rates and Access to Nursing Homes Implications for Gender, Race, and Marital Status

Medicaid reimbursement rates vary widely around the country and at times are just 70 to 80 percent of prevailing private pay rates. These differences may create economic incentives for nursing homes to discriminate against Medicaid applicants. The 1997 National Nursing Home Survey of Current Residents provides the opportunity to develop a ratio of Medicaid to private pay rates for a nationally representative sample of 6,081 residents. Logistic regression modeling shows that even when controlling for sex, race, marital status, and functional level, residents are less likely to be on Medicaid at admission when the ratio is small than when it is close to 1.0. Older Blacks and Hispanics, and older unmarried persons, are more likely to be on Medicaid; therefore, they are more likely to face delay or denial of admission. A possible policy resolution comes from Minnesota, where an equalization law requires nursing home and welfare state officials to work together to set rates, making discriminatory practices aga...
DNA Methylation – Role in Gene Regulation and Detection Methods.

Alteration in the epigenome, which includes DNA methylation, is by far, the most frequent cancer-specific event, and likely one of the earliest in the process of carcinogenesis. Human tumors display global hypomethylation, but selective hypermethylation occurs in the promoters of growth and tumor suppressor genes, which leads to subsequent silencing of gene expression. In addition to protein coding genes, this epigenetic control is exercised in the case of microRNAs as well. DNA methylation acts in concert with histone modifications to achieve an open or closed chromatin conformation that is conducive to gene transcription or silencing respectively. Methylation of DNA takes place at cytosine residues of CpG dinucleotides. When it occurs at multiple CpG dinucleotides (CpG islands) present in the promoter region of the gene, silencing of gene expression can ensue. The current state of knowledge regarding the components of this complex but reversible machinery will be discussed. Tumor specific methylation of genes and microRNAs has been reported in all types of liquid and solid tumors. Thus, tumor specific gene methylation has provided an embarrassment of riches as potential markers for risk assessment, early detection, predictive markers for drug susceptibility, and for predicting response to therapy. The ability to pharmacologically reverse epigenetic silencing of gene expression has resulted in the identification of number of drugs with great potential for treating all types of cancers. How does one detect methylation in DNA? The study of DNA methylation was revolutionized by the development of PCR and methods that rely on base changes brought about by treatment of DNA with sodium bisulfite. Recently, other methods have relied on separation of DNA using antibodies that recognize methylated DNA. These analyses are performed on a selected panel of genes or aim to determine the global methylation profile of a specific subset of cells in a tissue. A major challenge in the clinic is the application of these methods to very small clinical samples such as single biopsy sections, or microliters of body fluids while retaining a high level of sensitivity and specificity. These methods will be discussed, presenting advantages and disadvantages of each. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr ES4-1.
A PROBABILITY MODEL FOR CENTRAL PLACE LOCATIONS1

ABSTRACT A probability model for the locational properties of central place theory is formulated as a type of two-dimensional stochastic point process obtained by combining a random element with the hexagonal point lattice of classical central place theory. Lattice points identify equilibrium positions, and the realized position of each central place point is a random displacement from its equilibrium position. A stochastic process generating this type of point pattern is identified and the resulting pattern is described by the spacing between neighboring points. Both the general form of spacing measures and special cases related to the normal probability law are examined. For the Gaussian model, it is shown that under mild restrictions the spacing between neighboring points is distributed as an order statistic from the non-central chi-square distribution. Because some integrals are not evaluated, a Monte Carlo simulation of the model is also described. The Gaussian model is applied to an urban system in ...
VUV photoelectron emission spectroscopy of liquid systems

Abstract Feasibility and potential usefulness of studying photoelectron emission by pure liquids or solutions in the vacuum ultraviolet range (≲ 10 eV) are demonstrated by means of relatively simple equipment. Experimental results include: quantum yield spectral response curves for ferrocyanide, iodide and bromide ions; energy distribution curves for ferrocyanide. The photoionization spectrum of ferrocyanide in solution is determined and interpreted in terms of bound-continuum transitions and autoionization of excited bound states.
Review: Cardiac resynchronization reduces mortality and hospitalizations in patients with either more or less symptomatic HF

Source Citation Al-Majed NS, McAlister FA, Bakal JA, Ezekowitz JA. Meta-analysis: cardiac resynchronization therapy for patients with less symptomatic heart failure. Ann Intern Med. 2011;154:401-12...
The algebra of currents as a complete dynamical method in the nuclear many-body problem: Application to an exactly soluble model

Abstract A method for obtaining approximate solutions to the standard shell-model problem, as applied to collective states, is described which exploits two features of such problems. One is the completely general mathematical feature that the Hamiltonian is a simple polynomial in the generators of a Lie group. The second is the widespread physical feature that when the matrix element of a product of generators, taken between suitable low-lying states, is evaluated by sum rule techniques, the intermediate state sums are exhausted by a few terms (collective states). Such sum rule techniques can be applied to the Lie algebra, the Casimir operators of the algebra (whose eigenvalues specify the representations appropriate to the fermion system under study), to the condition that the Hamiltonian be diagonal in the space of its eigenstates, and to the equations of motion for the generators taken between such states. In this paper the technique is applied to an exactly soluble model introduced by Meshkov, Lipkin, and Glick. It is seen that the sum rules can be cut at various levels of approximation and with sufficient care in the way this is done that the resulting systems of non-linear equations among physical matrix elements constitutes a complete (or even overcomplete but reasonably self-consistent) dynamical scheme for the computation of a specified set of physical quantities. Even the crudest such approximation gives qualitatively reasonable results right through the phase transition exhibited by the model. The best approximation carried out yields all the physical quantities associated with the lowest four eigenstates of the system, i.e. up to three phonon-states in the vibrational regime. Essentially exact results for all coupling constants are obtained for the quantities normally calculated by the random phase approximation and good values for the remaining quantities. The strength of the method is seen to be that for systems with collective modes, the complexity of its application depends only on the structure of the group studied and on the number of physical states taken into account and is independent of the total number of particles treated.
Some Naididae and Tubificidae from Central Africa

This first contribution to knowledge of Naididae and Tubificidae of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua reports the occurrence of 17 forms. Of these, Nais communis, N. elinguis, N. pardalis, Dero digitata, Pristina longiseta, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri and L. udekemianus are cosmopolitan species, while Dero pectinata and Allonais inaequalis are widely distributed in the southern hemisphere. Slavina evelinae and Aulodrilus cernosvitovi were previously known only from South America and occurred here in fertile lowland lakes, environments having the greatest similarity to waters of the regions from which they were originally recorded. The specific identity and affinities of the six other forms must await further collections and study. Descriptions, as far as is possible from whole mounts, have been included here to facilitate their recognition in future work. Surprisingly, no mature specimens of the cosmopolitan Tubifex tubifex (Muller 1774) occurred in these collections. In fact, of the 875 specimens examined in this study, only one immature tubificid from L. Amatitlan (Loc. 4), resembled T. tubifex. Its absence would indeed be surprising; T. tubifex is known from many localities in North America and has been collected in Brazil (Marcus 1942), and from Bogota, Columbia by this author. In many parts of the world T. tubifex, “with Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri is the commonest tubificid in all sorts of habitats” (Brinkhurst 1963). If T. tubifex does occur in Central America, the scarcity in these collections of specimens even resembling it, suggests that it is unusually rare.
Cell cycle-dependent expression of proteins reacting with anti-human antiserum in a somatic cell hybrid between human and hamster cells.

Abstract AL 106 cells are hybrid cells derived from Syrian hamster tsAF8 cells and human LNSV cells. They contain hamster chromosomes and one human chromosome (A3) and are capable of growing at the temperature nonpermissive for tsAF8 cells. By immunofluorescence, AL106 cells react with antisera against human nonhistone protein-DNA complexes (which are species-specific) as well as with antisera raised in hamsters injected with whole AL 106 cells. However, in both cases, immunofluorescence is positive only in cells at certain points of the cell cycle. We have reported in a previous paper the formation of somatic cell hybrids between tsAF8 and LNSV cells (Ming et al. , 1976) . tsAF8 is a temperature-sensitive (ts) cell line, derived from BHK cells (Meiss and Basilico, 1972) , which is blocked, at the nonpermissive temperature, at a specific point in the G1_ phase of the cell cycle (Burstin et al , 1974 , Kane et al , 1976) . LNSV cells are SV-40 transformed Lesch-Nyhan fibroblasts, of human origin. All hybrid clones between these two cell lines contained, besides the hamster chromosomes, a variable number of human chromosomes among which A3 was always present (Ming et al , 1976) . In this paper we report the cell cycle-dependent appearance of cellular material reacting with anti-human antibodies in AL 106 cells, a tsAF8 × LNSV hybrid clone containing only one human chromosome (A3) and capable of growing at the temperature non-permissive for tsAF8 cells.
Patterns of gene expression in pig adipose tissue: Insulin-like growth factor system proteins, neuropeptide Y (NPY), NPY receptors, neurotrophic factors and other secreted factors ☆

Abstract Although cDNA microarray studies have examined gene expression in human and rodent adipose tissue, only one microarray study of adipose tissue from growing pigs has been reported. Total RNA was collected at slaughter from outer subcutaneous adipose tissue (OSQ) and middle subcutaneous adipose tissue (MSQ) from gilts at 90, 150, and 210d ( n =5age −1 ). Dye labeled cDNA probes were hybridized to custom porcine microarrays (70-mer oligonucleotides). Gene expression of insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs), hormones, growth factors, neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors (NPYRs) and other receptors in OSQ and MSQ changed little with age in growing pigs. Distinct patterns of relative gene expression were evident within NPYR and IGFBP family members in adipose tissue from growing pigs. Relative gene expression levels of NPY2R, NPY4R and angiopoietin 2 (ANG-2) distinguished OSQ and MSQ depots in growing pigs. We demonstrated, for the first time, the expression of IGFBP-7, IGFBP-5, NPY1R, NPY2R, NPY, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) genes in pig adipose tissue with microarray and RT-PCR assays. Furthermore, adipose tissue CTGF gene expression was upregulated while NPY and NPY2R gene expression were significantly down regulated by age. These studies demonstrate that expression of neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors in pig adipose tissue may be involved in regulation of leptin secretion. Many other regulatory factors were not influenced by age in growing pigs but may be influenced by location or depot.
Abstract dynamic programming

The research monograph, ‘Abstract Dynamic Programming’ (Athena Scientific, 2013) by Dimitri Bertsekas, provides a unified and economical development of the core theory and algorithms of total cost ...
Effect of combined supplementation with alpha-tocopherol, ascorbate, and beta carotene on low-density lipoprotein oxidation.

BACKGROUND Data continue to accumulate supporting a proatherogenic role for oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). Antioxidant micronutrients such as ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol, and beta carotene, levels of which can be favorably manipulated by dietary measures without side effects, could be a safe approach in inhibiting LDL oxidation. In fact, in vitro studies have shown that all three antioxidants can inhibit LDL oxidation. The present study was undertaken to ascertain both the safety and antioxidant effect of combined supplementation with alpha-tocopherol, ascorbate, and beta carotene on LDL oxidation. METHODS AND RESULTS The effect of combined supplementation with alpha-tocopherol (800 IU/d) plus ascorbate (1.0 g/d) and beta carotene (30 mg/d) on copper-catalyzed LDL oxidation was tested in a randomized, placebo-controlled study in two groups of 12 male subjects over a 3-month period. Blood samples for the lipoprotein profile, antioxidant levels, and LDL isolation were obtained at baseline and at 3 months. Neither placebo nor combined antioxidant therapy resulted in any side effects or exerted an adverse effect on the plasma lipoprotein profile. Compared with placebo, combined antioxidant therapy resulted in a significant increase in plasma ascorbate and lipid standardized alpha-tocopherol and beta carotene levels (2.6-, 4.1-, and 16.3-fold, respectively). At baseline, there were no significant differences in the time course curves and kinetics of LDL oxidation as evidenced by the thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) assay and the formation of conjugated dienes. However, at 3 months, combined supplementation resulted in a twofold prolongation of the lag phase and a 40% decrease in the oxidation rate. The combined antioxidant group was also compared with a group that received 800 IU of alpha-tocopherol only. Although the combined antioxidant group had significantly higher ascorbate and beta carotene levels than the group supplemented with alpha-tocopherol alone, there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to LDL oxidation kinetics. CONCLUSIONS Combined supplementation with ascorbate, beta carotene, and alpha-tocopherol is not superior to high-dose alpha-tocopherol alone in inhibiting LDL oxidation. Hence, alpha-tocopherol therapy should be favored in future coronary prevention trials involving antioxidants.
Dumb-bell schwannoma of the jugular foramen.

This case represents the youngest patient recorded with a jugular foramen schwannoma and the first report of the classic ‘dumb-bell’ configuration of this tumor in a child. The case illustrates the importance of excluding an intracranial component when these tumors present as a swelling in the neck.
Computational challenges of modelling interactions between aerosol and gas phase processes in large‐scale air pollution models

Discusses computational challenges in air quality modelling (as viewed by the authors). The focus of the paper will be on Di, the “current” state‐of‐affairs. Owing to limitation of space the discussion will focus on only a few aspects of air quality modelling: i.e. chemical integration, sensitivity analysis and computational framework, with particular emphasis on aerosol issues.
Never fat or gaunt.

Bacteria stringently regulate the synthesis of their membrane phospholipids, but the responsible regulatory mechanisms are incompletely understood. In this issue of Developmental Cell, a study reports negative regulation of the transcription of several genes of fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis plus identification of the regulatory protein.
The effects of sampling frequency on estimates of recruitment of the domino damselfish Dascyllus albisella Gill

Abstract Sampling frequency and methods can potentially affect estimates of demographic rates in population studies. To determine the effects of various sampling protocols on estimating recruitment rate, the rate of larval settlement by the coral reef damselfish Dascyllus albisella Gill to an experimental grid of coral heads was monitored over several intervals by either removing newly settled larvae (recruits) at each census, or not. By sampling every 5 h during two 24-h periods, it was found that most recruits (75% on Day 1 and 81% on Day 2) settled between dusk and dawn. Coral heads that already supported conspecific juvenile groups attracted more recruits than empty coral heads during both 24-h periods, although this was statistically significant on Day 2 only. Subsequent tagging of recruits from 1 to 19 days after settlement revealed that movement between coral heads was negligible after the 1st day postsettlement, but apparent mortality was high over the same period. The settlement rate of larvae to the coral grid during a 19-day period was estimated by employing three protocols of census frequency and recruit removal. This suggested that frequent sampling with recruit removal would most closely estimate true settlement rate for D. albisella and probably other species, while less frequent censuses without recruit removal may provide closer estimates of the size of the recruit cohort that will enter the juvenile population. Considerable variation exists in the sampling protocols used by researchers studying settlement rate in damselfishes and I caution against directly comparing results among these studies.
NMR on superfluid 3 He in aerogel

The transition to superfluidity of3He in high porosity (98.2%) acrogel has been observed by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques. The onset of the transition at all pressures above 13 bar is marked by a sharp increase in NMR frequency similar to that observed in bulk3He-A. This suggests that the aerogel/superfluid phase is highly homogeneous although both the transition temperature, Tc, and the amplitude of the order parameter are substantially suppressed. The acrogel strands are ≈ 50A in diameter, much smaller than the superfluid coherence length. Consequently, we have attempted to interpret our observations as an impurity scattering problem. Based on our measurements of the magnetic field dependence of Tc it appears that both magnetic and potential scattering play important roles where the magnetic scattering can be associated with solid3He on the aerogel surface. This is determined by isotopic exchange with4He, a process which appears to stabilize a new superfluid state similar to the bulk B-phase.
Impact of simulated microgravity on the normal developmental time line of an animal-bacteria symbiosis

The microgravity environment during space flight imposes numerous adverse effects on animal and microbial physiology. It is unclear, however, how microgravity impacts those cellular interactions between mutualistic microbes and their hosts. Here, we used the symbiosis between the host squid Euprymna scolopes and its luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri as a model system. We examined the impact of simulated microgravity on the timeline of bacteria-induced development in the host light organ, the site of the symbiosis. To simulate the microgravity environment, host squid and symbiosis-competent bacteria were incubated together in high-aspect ratio rotating wall vessel bioreactors and examined throughout the early stages of the bacteria-induced morphogenesis. The host innate immune response was suppressed under simulated microgravity; however, there was an acceleration of bacteria-induced apoptosis and regression in the host tissues. These results suggest that the space flight environment may alter the cellular interactions between animal hosts and their natural healthy microbiome.