cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring interactive information retrieval: an integrated approach to interface design and interaction analysis

In this paper, we describe a novel methodology that integrates the design of the (i) user interface; (ii) interaction logger; and (iii) log analyzer. It is based on formalizing, via UML state diagrams, the functionality that is supported by an interactive system, deriving XML schemas for capturing the interactions in activity logs and deriving log parsers that reveal the system states and the state transitions that took place during the interaction. Subsequent analysis of state activities and state transitions captured in the logs can be used to study the user-system interaction or to test some research hypothesis. While this approach is rather general and can be applied in studying a variety of interactive systems, it has been devised and applied in research work on exploratory information retrieval, where the focus is on studying the interaction and on finding interaction patterns.
Application Of Novel Metal Nanoparticles As Optical/Thermal Agents In Optical Mammography And Hyperthermic Treatment For Breast Cancer

Low heat (42∼ 45oC) hyperthermia is an effective cancer therapy with few side effects. Well engineered nanoparticles can effectively guide heat to the tumor without damaging the normal tissue. When nano-sized particles are injected to an organ with a tumor, they tend to accumulate in the tumor due to the unorganized nature of its vasculature. Magnetic nanoparticles, such as Fe3O4, are heated by a well selected alternating electromagnetic frequency. At a frequency of 450 KHz or lower, Fe3O4 nanoparticles at a size of 10∼ 30 nm were heated effectively, without heating tissue main components. Gold nanoparticles are known as strong near infrared (NIR) absorbers. Nanogold particles at a diameter of 150 nm were added at 0.01wt% to the tumor model, placed at depths of 1∼ 2.5 cm, in an optically equivalent experimental breast model. Then the surface of the breast model was scanned with NIR light at 788 nm. The particles in the tumor model increased the optical contrast of the tumor by 1∼ 3.5dB. Considering that some of the FDA approved MRI contrast agents are made of Fe3O4, gold-coated Fe3O4 particles have a potential to be used as safe optical and thermal markers, allowing seamless breast cancer detection and cancer-specific hyperthermic treatment.
Banach algebras and the general theory of *-algebras

This is the second volume of a two-volume set that provides a modern account of basic Banach algebra theory including all known results on general Banach *-algebras. The author emphasizes the roles of *-algebra structure and explores the algebraic results which underlie the theory of Banach algebras and *-algebras. Proofs are presented in complete detail at a level accessible to graduate students. The books will become the standard reference for the general theory of *-algebras. This second volume deals with *-algebras. Chapter 9 develops the theory of *-algebras without additional restrictions. Chapter 10 proves nearly all the results previously known for Banach *-algebras and hermitian Banach *-algebras for *-algebras with various essentially algebraic restrictions. Chapter 11 restates the previous results in terms of Banach *-algebras and uses them to prove results explicitly involving the complete norm. Chapter 12 is devoted to locally compact groups and the *-algebras related to them.
Thermodynamics and effective temperatures in sheared granular matter and emulsions

Recent theories postulate that the non-equilibrium behavior of systems experiencing jamming or structural arrest could be described by equilibrium thermodynamic concepts. If a thermodynamic framework can describe the behavior of systems far from equilibrium, then an effective temperature with a true thermodynamic meaning exists as a key parameter in characterizing the material's properties. In order to examine the validity of the thermodynamics for jammed systems, we perform a numerical experiment with a realistic granular matter model specially conceived to be reproducible in the laboratory. The results strongly support the thermodynamic picture.
Two implementations of shared virtual space environments.

While many issues in the area of virtual reality (VR) research have been addressed in recent years, the constant leaps forward in technology continue to push the field forward. VR research no longer is focused only on computer graphics, but instead has become even more interdisciplinary, combining the fields of networking, distributed computing, and even artificial intelligence. In this article we discuss some of the issues associated with distributed, collaborative virtual reality, as well as lessons learned during the development of two distributed virtual reality applications.
Discontinuities in Microeconomic Systems

The insight of Adam Smith (1776) that the “invisible hand” can efficiently allocate resources in many markets simultaneously1 inspired the efforts of Leon Walras (1874) to define and establish the existence of competitive general economic equilibrium in algebraic systems of linear supply and demand equations. Although his approach of counting equations and unknowns was insufficient for establishing such existence, it was carried forward by Pareto (1909) who introduced the use of calculus and gave a clear definition of optimality that was posited to coexist with competitive general equilibrium.
Experimental Tropical Cyclone Forecasts Using a Variable-Resolution Global Model

AbstractTropical cyclone (TC) forecasts at 14-km horizontal resolution (0.125°) are completed using variable-resolution (V-R) grids within the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM). Forecasts are integrated twice daily from 1 August to 31 October for both 2012 and 2013, with a high-resolution nest centered over the North Atlantic and eastern Pacific Ocean basins. Using the CAM version 5 (CAM5) physical parameterization package, regional refinement is shown to significantly increase TC track forecast skill relative to unrefined grids (55 km, 0.5°). For typical TC forecast integration periods (approximately 1 week), V-R forecasts are able to nearly identically reproduce the flow field of a globally uniform high-resolution forecast. Simulated intensity is generally too strong for forecasts beyond 72 h. This intensity bias is robust regardless of whether the forecast is forced with observed or climatological sea surface temperatures and is not significantly mitigated in a suite of sensitivity simulations aimed at ...
Subsidy–stress response of macroinvertebrate community biomass to a phosphorus gradient in an oligotrophic wetland ecosystem

We used a subsidy-stress model as a basis for predicting macroinvertebrate community response to a steep gradient of P enrichment in the Florida Everglades, a P-limited wetland ecosystem. We tested the hypothesis that consumers were resource limited and their biomass would show a subsidy response (increase) to low-to-moderate levels of P enrichment, but a stress response (decrease) at high levels of P enrichment because dense emergent macrophytes, particularly Typha, might significantly reduce periphyton food resources. We used a spatially extensive sampling design (14 clusters of 9 sites, 126 total) that incorporated vegetation pattern to evaluate consumer responses along the P gradient. We then conducted a 1-y temporal study at 3 of the 14 clusters to evaluate how seasonal hydrological variation interacted with nutrients to influence consumer biomass. Macroinvertebrate community biomass showed a significant unimodal response to increasing P enrichment consistent with a subsidy-stress relationship. Eight of 12 major taxonomic groups (Amphipoda, Decapoda, Diptera, Empheroptera, Gastropoda, Hirudinea, Odonata, Oligochaeta) had this unimodal response, whereas 3 (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Isopoda) increased monotonically and 1 (Trichoptera) decreased monotonically in response to P. Periphyton C:N and C:P ratios declined with increasing P, but periphyton cover was minimal at high levels of P enrichment where tall invasive macrophytes limited its growth. The temporal study revealed a subsidy-stress response except after marsh reflooding following the dry season when the most P-enriched clusters of sites had the highest consumer biomass, presumably because drought-induced senescence reduced macrophyte cover, which enabled heavy growth of periphyton. Our results suggest that an interaction between increased quality and decreased quantity of periphyton caused the subsidy-stress patterns observed. We suggest our findings could be generalized to other wetland ecosystems where nutrient enrichment leads to invasion of weedy emergent macrophytes, such as Typha, and elimination of open-canopy habitats rich in periphyton.
Effects of acute and chronic clozapine on dopaminergic function in medial prefrontal cortex of awake, freely moving rats

Abstract We previously showed that chronic administration of the clinically atypical and clinically superior antipsychotic drug clozapine selectively reduces dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens but not neostriatum, and that this effect appears mediated by anatomically selective mesolimbic DA depolarization blockade. The present study extends that research to another mesocorticolimbic DA locus, the medial prefrontal cortex. Acute clozapine challenge (5–40 mg/kg i.p) produced dose-dependent increased extracellular levels of DA and its metabolites, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), in the medial prefrontal cortex of awake, free-moving rats as measured by in vivo brain microdialysis. Chronic clozapine treatment (20 mg/kg/day for 21 days) did not significantly change basal extracellular levels of DA, DOPAC or HVA. Acute clozapine challenge on day 22 in the chronic clozapine-treated animals produced no significant differences in medial prefrontal cortex, DA, DOPAC or HVA as compared to chronic vehicle-treated animals, indicating that tolerance to clozapine does not develop in the mesocortical DA system, in contrast to the mesolimbic system. The DA agonist apomorphine (100 μg/kg) produced decreased basal extracellular levels of DA, DOPAC and HVA in medial prefrontal cortex of both chronic clozapine-treated and chronic vehicle-treated rats. These results suggest that: (1) mesocortical DA neurons respond to acute clozapine in similar manner to both mesolimbic and mesostriatal DA neurons; (2) mesocortical DA neurons respond to chronic clozapine in similar manner to mesostriatal DA neurons but not to mesolimbic DA neurons; (3) mesocortical DA neurons do not develop tolerance to acute clozapine after chronic clozapine treatment; (4) a functional DA autoreceptor appears to exist within the mesocortical DA system; and (5) chronic clozapine does not induce depolarization blockade in the mesocortical DA system, in contrast to the profound depolarization blockade induced by chronic clozapine in the mesolimbic DA system.
On beamforming solution for secrecy capacity of MIMO wiretap channels

A Gaussian multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wiretap channel model is considered, where there exists a transmitter, a legitimate receiver and an eavesdropper each equipped with multiple antennas. The problem of finding the optimal input covariance matrix that achieves secrecy capacity subject to a power constraint is studied. In particular, it is shown that when the difference between the Grams of legitimate and eavesdropper channel matrices has all negative eigenvalues except one positive eigenvalue, beamforming is optimal. For that case, the secrecy capacity is obtained.
Stereotactic radiosurgery: Relative biological effect of continuous vs. intermittent radiation exposures

Linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiosurgery is increasingly used in place of gamma knife equipment. Conforming radiation isodoses to complex volumes requires multiple isocenters and arcs per isocenter and may result in a protracted and intermittent radiation exposure. The experiments in this study were designed to quantitate the difference between continuous and intermittent radiation schedules which are typical for gamma knife and linear accelerator-based radiosurgery, respectively. Two radiobiologically well-characterized cell lines, V79 Chinese hamster and U-87MG human malignant glioma cells, were irradiated in vitro to 12 Gy delivered as a continuous 5 min exposure and an intermittent exposure lasting maximally 112 min. The effect of continuous vs. intermittent irradiation to a dose of 31.5 Gy was also measured in vivo using FSaII fibrosarcomas, implanted into C3Hf/Sed mice, in a tumor growth assay. The in vitro experiments demonstrated a significant reduction in biological radiation effect reflected in 2- to 3-fold increases in cell survival with intermittent vs. continuous irradiation schemes. Similar effects were seen with the FSaII tumors. The reduced effect of the intermittent irradiation schemes is most likely due to repair processes after radiation exposure, such as Potentially Lethal Damage Repair (PLDR) and Sublethal Damage Repair (SLDR), which can occur during 5–15 min intervals between radiation increments of intermittent stereotactic radiosurgery treatments. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Manifestation of aromaticity and its effects on the electronic structure of finite single-wall carbon nanotubes

Abstract Finite single-wall carbon nanotubes ( p , q ), characterized by p = n + l +1, q = n − l , 0⩽ l ⩽ n , and n =1,2,…, consisting of even nanotube (NT) sections may be viewed as a chain of aromatic `molecules' with each `molecular-unit' consisting of two NT sections of 4 n +2 sp 2 -bonded carbon atoms. Such (group II) NTs, have large energy gaps for short tubes, whereas for tubes of intermediate lengths, the energy gap decreases monotonically as a function of NT length. The energy gap behaviors are totally different from the previously studied group I NTs with p = n + l and q = n − l , which exhibited oscillatory characteristics.
Real-time checking of linear control systems using analog checksums

In the recent past, there has been a proliferation of complex control problems in sensor network design, multi-agent systems such as autonomous vehicles and robotics, to name a few. While prior research has focused on the design of optimal controllers for real-time systems, in the future it will become increasingly difficult to perform periodic maintenance of such systems due to their mobile and autonomous nature. Moreover, in safety-critical real-time applications it will become increasingly necessary to perform real-time monitoring of the plant as well as its controller functions for reasons of reliability and safety. In this paper, we develop, for the first time, a theory for implementing low-overhead and high coverage detection of transient errors and permanent faults in linear control systems consisting of the plant and its controller using analog checksums. The approach is demonstrated on a servo-motor control problem. It is shown that small parametric perturbations as well as transient errors are detected in real-time using the proposed checking methodology.
Tight-Binding Hamiltonians for Carbon and Silicon

We demonstrate that our tight-binding method - which is based on fitting the energy bands and the total energy of first-principles calculations as a function of volume - can be easily extended to accurately describe carbon and silicon. We present equations of state that give the correct energy ordering between structures. We also show that quantities that were not fitted, such as elastic constants and the band structure of C60, can be reliably obtained from our scheme.
Benzocoumarins, a New Family of Laser Dyes

Coumarin compounds are efficient fluorescers, and several of them have been tested for their laser properties1–5. Of particular interest is the wide tunability resulting from the tautomerism of 7-hydroxycoumarins. The structure of 4-methylumbelliferone (4MU) (I) or 4-methyl-7-hydroxy-coumarin is shown in Fig. 1. We have designed, synthesized and tested the hydroxybenzocoumarins for their spectral and laser properties. We have designed these compounds with the intention of obtaining a compound with the wide laser tunability of 7-hydroxycoumarins but with a tunability range beyond the green region of the spectrum which coumarin laser dyes cover. The increase in the π conjugation length in organic molecules is in general accompanied by the bathochromic shift in the absorption and emission spectra. The tautomerism mechanism which we have proposed suggested that the conjugation length between the carbonyl and the hydroxyl groups is the major factor determining the fluorescence λmax. Therefore, the extension of the conjugation from hydroxycoumarins to hydroxybenzocoumarins was made between those groups. (The only benzocoumarin compound reported in the literature as a laser dye is 3-carboxy-5,6-benzocoumarin, which does not contain any hydroxyl group5.) Also, the tautomerism mechanism is satisfied only if the hydroxyl group is placed at specific carbon atoms of benzocoumarin. We have synthesized these compounds, which can be prepared in one step from the commercially available chemicals. Compounds II-VI shown in Fig. 1 have been prepared. Compounds III, V, and VI are reported for the first time in the literature. (By the Chemical Abstracts nomenclature system, III, V, and VI are 9-hydroxy-1 -trifluoromethyl-3H-naphtho[2,1-b]pyran-3-one, 8-hydroxy-4-trifluoromethyl-2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-2-one and 8-hydroxy-4-phenyl-2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-2-one, respectively.)
Effect of mitomycin C, verapamil, and hyperthermia on human gastric adenocarcinoma

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of verapamil (20 μM) and hyperthermia (42°C) as modifiers of mitomycin C (MMC), used at different concentrations, in inhibiting the growth of human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cells. Combined verapamil and hyperthermia treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell count by 72.2% as compared with the control value. Verapamil drastically enhanced the growth-inhibitory activity of MMC at high concentration against AGS cells by 67.5% and had no effect at intermediate and low concentrations. Hyperthermia did not enhance the effect of MMC on AGS cells. The modalities analyzed in this study require further investigation and may have potential for in vivo studies on gastric cancer therapy in the near future.
A unified model-based fault diagnosis scheme for nonlinear discrete-time systems with additive and multiplicative faults

In this paper, a novel model-based fault diagnosis scheme is proposed for a class of uncertain nonlinear discrete-time systems which can be subjected to both additive and multiplicative faults. Faults are detected by using a novel (FD) observer consisting of two online approximators in discrete-time (OLAD) and a robust adaptive term. Upon detection, a fault diagnosis scheme is introduced to determine the fault type by monitoring the input residual generated via the first OLAD output. Then the appropriate OLAD is included in the observer while the other OLAD is switched off. Next, by using both the parameter update law of the active OLAD and user-selected failure thresholds, an online time-to-failure (TTF) scheme is introduced. Boundedness and asymptotic convergence of the residual and parameter estimation errors respectively are derived in the case of multiplicative and additive faults respectively. Finally a simulation example is used to demonstrate the proposed fault diagnosis scheme.
Methods and Applications of Raman Microspectroscopy to Single-Cell Analysis:

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful biochemical analysis technique that allows for the dynamic characterization and imaging of living biological cells in the absence of fluorescent stains. In this review, we summarize some of the most recent developments in the noninvasive biochemical characterization of single cells by spontaneous Raman scattering. Different instrumentation strategies utilizing confocal detection optics, multispot, and line illumination have been developed to improve the speed and sensitivity of the analysis of single cells by Raman spectroscopy. To analyze and visualize the large data sets obtained during such experiments, sophisticated multivariate statistical analysis tools are necessary to reduce the data and extract components of interest. We highlight the most recent applications of single cell analysis by Raman spectroscopy and their biomedical implications that have enabled the noninvasive characterization of specific metabolic states of eukaryotic cells, the identification and characterization of stem cells, and the rapid identification of bacterial cells. We conclude the article with a brief look into the future of this rapidly evolving research area.
“An Existential Place of Pain”: The Essence of Despair in Women

While there is a substantive body of knowledge on depression, little is known about the experience of despair. Though the terms depression and despair are often used interchangeably, studies of despair suggest that it is distinguishable from depression as experienced by women. This study explored women's experience of despair through qualitative interviews with 14 women ages 28 to 55 (M = 45) who self-identified as experiencing despair. Three themes emerged: “Crippling and Debilitating,” “There's Nothing You Can Do,” and ‘‘It’ll Never End.” The findings lend support to the notion that despair is distinguishable from depression, but this warrants further study. The findings also suggest that while there are common elements of despair among women, there are also unique experiences of despair.While there is a substantive body of knowledge on depression, little is known about the experience of despair. This phenomenological study explored women's experience of despair through qualitative interviews with 14 wo...
Estimated dose to man from uranium milling via the beef/milk food-chain pathway

One of the major pathways of radiological exposure to man from uranium milling operations is through the beef/milk food chain. Studies by various investigators have shown the extent of uptake and distribution of 238U, 234U, 230Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, and 210Po in plants and cattle. These long-lived natural radioisotopes, all nuclides of the uranium decay series, are found in concentrated amounts in uranium mill tailings. In this paper, data from these investigations are used to estimate the dose to man from consumption of beef and milk from cattle that have fed on forage contaminated with the tailings. The estimated doses from this technologically enhanced source are compared with those resulting from average dietary intake of these radionuclides from natural sources.
Identification of novel target genes of CeTwist and CeE/DA.

Abstract Twist, a basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor, plays an important role in mesoderm development in many organisms, including C. elegans where CeTwist is required to direct cell fate specifications of a subset of mesodermal cells. Although several target genes of CeTwist have been identified, how this protein accomplishes its function is unclear. In addition, several human genes whose mutations cause different syndromes of craniosynostosis (premature fusion of cranial sutures) have homologues in the CeTwist pathway. Identification of novel target genes of CeTwist will shed more light on the functions of CeTwist in mesoderm development, and the corresponding human homologues will be good candidates for related syndromes with unidentified mutated genes. In our study, both CeTwist and its heterodimeric partner, CeE/DA, were overexpressed from the inducible heat-shock promoter, and potential target genes were detected with Affymetrix® oligonucleotide microarrays. Using transcriptional GFP reporters, we found 11 genes were expressed in cells coincident with known CeTwist target gene products. Based on subsequent validation experiments, 9 genes were defined as novel CeTwist and CeE/DA targets. Human homologues of two of these genes might be involved in craniofacial diseases, which further validates C. elegans as a good model organism for providing insights into these disorders.
Outlier Detection in Multivariate Time Series by Projection Pursuit

In this article we use projection pursuit methods to develop a procedure for detecting outliers in a multivariate time series. We show that testing for outliers in some projection directions can be more powerful than testing the multivariate series directly. The optimal directions for detecting outliers are found by numerical optimization of the kurtosis coefficient of the projected series. We propose an iterative procedure to detect and handle multiple outliers based on a univariate search in these optimal directions. In contrast with the existing methods, the proposed procedure can identify outliers without prespecifying a vector ARMA model for the data. The good performance of the proposed method is illustrated in a Monte Carlo study and in a real data analysis.
Thin film packaging process for MEMS device using polycrystalline diamond

This work reports two designs of a poly-C thin film packaging process, each including an encapsulated poly-C device. The 1st design uses boron-doped poly-C as electrical feedthroughs which can be embedded into the undoped, electrically insulating poly-C package. Access ports were opened along the package edge to release the thin film package and the device. Then, additional poly-C growth was used to seal the access ports. The 2nd design is based on the concept of using porous diamond to release the structures from the top of the package, thereby significantly reducing the release and sealing time of the package, without significantly affecting the device. A preliminary test regarding the package's fluidic hermeticity was performed to demonstrate that the poly-C thin film package has good fluidic hermeticity in an acidic environment. This is the first time that porous diamond created by RIE has been used in all-diamond thin film packaging including poly-C electrical feedthroughs, and a poly-C encapsulated device has been reported.
Revisiting the Emergence of Young Children’s Literacy: One Child Tells Her Story

This article explores the progression of one child’s literacy from 4 months to 38 months. The emergence of literate behaviour is interpreted in the light of current theories such as those of Halliday and Dyson. One of the most significant aspects of this emergence is shown to be interaction with others in authentic literacy activities, a feature which has a number of implications for teachers and researchers alike.
Biodegradation process and the nature of metabolism of metalaxyl in soil

SUMMARY The enhanced biodegradation of metalaxyl was studied in tobacco, citrus, avocado and corn soils. The most rapid degradation of metalaxyl occurred in a tobacco soil in which the half-life (50% degradation) of metalaxyl was 6 days. The main breakdown product of metalaxyl in all soils was the acid metabolite. Ring labelled [14C]metalaxyl incubated for 4 wk in 6 soils demonstrated a low rate of 14CO2 evolution ranging from 2.1% to 11.3% which was unrelated to the biodegradation properties of the soil. A relationship between the concentration of metalaxyl and the subsequent rate of biodegradation was found in the tobacco soils. Higher concentrations of metalaxyl resulted in faster biodegradation rates. A single exposure of tobacco and corn soils to metalaxyl (100 μg/ml or 200 μg/g dry weight of soil) significantly increased their subsequent capacity to degrade the fungicide. Addition of the fungicide thiram or the antibiotics streptomycin and chloramphenicol to an avocado soil resulted in 75% and 51% inhibition of metalaxyl degradation, respectively. A combination of the fungicide and antibiotics resulted in 89% inhibition. The results indicate that enhanced microbial degradation of metalaxyl can occur in a wide range of soils. Under experimental conditions using soil solutions or soil systems, a single application of the fungicide may trigger this event. A wide range of fungi and bacteria appear to take part in degrading metalaxyl.
Interferometric seeing measurements on Mt. Wilson: power spectra and outer scales.

We have measured power spectra of atmospheric phase fluctuations with the Mark III stellar interferometer on Mt. Wilson under a wide variety of seeing conditions. On almost all nights, the high-frequency portions of the temporal power spectra closely follow the form predicted by the standard Kolmogorov–Tatarski model. At lower frequencies, a variety of behavior is observed. On a few nights, the spectra clearly exhibit the low-frequency flattening characteristic of turbulence with an outer-scale length of the order of 30 m. On other nights, examination of individual spectra yields no strong evidence of an outer scale less than a few kilometers in size, but comparison of the spectra on different interferometer baselines shows a saturation of the spatial structure function on long baselines. This saturation is consistent with the assumption of an outer-scale length similar to that derived for the nights when low-frequency flattening of the spectra is clearly seen. We discuss possible explanations of this behavior and conclude that power spectra from a single interferometer baseline are a poor diagnostic for the effective outer scale compared with multiple-baseline spectra.
Effects of leptin receptor mutation on Agrp gene expression in fed and fasted lean and obese (LA/N-faf) rats.

Agouti-related protein provides an orexigenic signal, probably through interaction with central melanocortin receptors. Expression of Agrp is markedly increased in the hypothalamus of mice deficient in leptin (Lep ob /Lep ob ) or its receptor (Lepr db /Lepr db ), suggesting that leptin mediates signals suppressing Agouti-related protein production. The regulation of Agrp expression in the rat hypothalamus has not been reported. We, therefore, analyzed the expression of Agrp in the medial basal hypothalamus of lean (1/1, 1/fa f ) and obese leptin receptor-deficient (fa f /fa f ) LA/N rats. Using a sensitive solution hybridization/S1 nuclease protection assay, we found no significant difference in Agrp messenger RNA (mRNA) levels (pg/mg total RNA 6 SEM) in obese rats (n 5 5), compared with lean controls (n 5 5): 0.46 6 0.06 vs. 0.47 6 0.06 (P 5 0.9). Similarly, no difference in Agrp expression was found using in situ hybridization or semiquantitative RT-PCR. In contrast to Agrp, Pomc mRNA levels were significantly suppressed in the obese, compared with the lean, rats (P 5 0.001). Thus, the ratio of Pomc to Agrp mRNA is decreased in the obese rats and may be an important modulator of food intake. To assess the physiological regulation of Agrp in rats, we examined the effect of food deprivation in lean Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. There was a 273% increase in medial basal hypothalamus Agrp mRNA in SD rats fasted for 48 h (n 5 8), compared with rats fed ad libitum (n 5 8): 0.82 6 0.23 vs. 0.30 6 0.08 (P 5 0.0001). Lean LA/N rats (n 5 7) fasted for 48 h also showed a 231% increase in Agrp expression, compared with fed lean controls (n 5 8): 0.74 6 0.11 vs. 0.32 6 0.03 (P 5 0.002), whereas Pomc expression was decreased by 32% in fasted animals from the same experiment (0.34 6 0.05 vs. 0.50 6 0.07; P 5 0.03). There were no significant differences in Agrp or Pomc mRNA levels between fasted and fed obese LA/N-fa f rats. These results suggest that, in the rat, the Agrp response to fasting may involve leptin-mediated phenomena, but factors in addition to leptin must also be involved in the regulation of Agrp gene expression. (Endocrinology 141: 2465‐2471, 2000)
Multiple opioid receptors criteria for identification and classification

Abstract The existence of several different types of opioid receptor - mu, delta, kappa, epsilon and sigma - has been established. However, the criteria for differentiating between them have been unsatisfactory, mostly due to lack of ligand specificity. In this review Avram Goldstein and Iain James discuss the problems of binding and pharmacologic assays for analysis of receptor type. They also identify the more type-selective ligands and describe how selective alkylation can be used to assess pharmacologic selectivity.
A Seismic Retrofit Design Methodology for R/C Bridge Columns Using Fiber Composites

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) are attractive materials for seismic upgrading. This paper proposes a design approach for retrofitting reinforced concrete bridge piers with fiber composites in whic...
Nutritional profile of football athletes eating from a training table

Abstract Food consumption of 11 male, intercollegiate football athletes (19.6±0.4 yr old (mean±S.E.), 108.1±2.9 kg BW, 191±1 cm HT) was studied over 3 consecutive weekdays to characterize nutritional intakes relative to food choice behavior. Subjects took all meals from a training table, and they trained 2.0 hr/d. The investigators observed and recorded the kinds and amounts of foods eaten by subjects. Food items from the trayline were weighed. Mean energy intake was 3593±217 kcal/d distributed as 22% protein, 39% fat, and 39% carbohydrate. Total carbohydrate intake (329±12 g/d) and its contribution to energy was less than generally recommended for athletes (500 g/d or 60% kcal). Subjects emphasized meat consumption; meat provided 33% kcal, 63% protein, and 45% fat intake. The overall mean intake of 10 vitamins and minerals exceeded the RDAs, but the intake of magnesium, folacin, and pyridoxine were 70–100% RDA. There were individual instances of marginal intakes (
COOPERATING AGAINST SMALL-STATE MARGINALIZATION: A Postcolonial Perspective on UNSC Resolution 1529 in Haiti

Employing postcolonial critical international relations theory as its theoretical bedrock, this article uses the U.N.-U.S.-French-led humanitarian intervention in Haiti in 2004 to examine top-tier states' claims to universal human rights and bottom-tier states' claims to sovereign national democratic rights. This article critically interrogates both the theoretical and policy assumptions of an emergent interventionism by the North into the South, and examines Haitian social forces and their pan-African allies (CARICOM, the AU, and CBC), who are opposed to the universalist appropriation and imposition of a rights domain that curtails freedom in the international arena.
Analysis of the breakdown of continuum and semidiscrete approximation of a nonlinear model for the DNA double helix

We show that the continuum and semidiscrete approximations break down for the propagation of pulses in a nonlinear model developed to mimic some dynamic aspects of the DNA double helix. The model assumes nonlinear behavior for the interbase hydrogen bonds. The effects of longer-range interactions and additional nonlinearities of the system are explored. Numerical solutions showing the effects of these additional factors are displayed.
Effects of pre- and postnatal cysteamine exposure on renal function in the rat.

The safety of cysteamine after renal transplantation and during pregnancy is an important issue, since girls with cystinosis are in better health on cysteamine therapy and thus more likely to become pregnant. In the first study, cysteamine was given to pregnant rats on days 6.5–18.5 post conception in oral doses of 0, 37.5, 75, 100, and 150 mg/kg per day. The dams were sacrificed on day 20.5, the fetal kidneys removed and prepared for histological examination. In the second study, cysteamine was given to dams on days 6.5–19.5 post conception in oral doses of 0, 37.5, 50, and 75 mg/kg per day. Dams were allowed to give birth naturally and pups were given cysteamine on days 4–21 to yield the same oral doses of cysteamine given to the dam. Renal function was evaluated on day 35. Histological examination of fetal kidneys revealed no changes even in kidneys from fetuses with growth retardation and malformations. Furthermore, there were no alterations in renal function in offspring on day 35. These findings demonstrate that cysteamine therapy does not affect renal development in the rat. Further investigations will be required to prove whether cysteamine therapy has the potential to affect renal development in the human.
Nonequilibrium Model for Hydrogen Combustion in Supersonic Flow

A model for nonequilibrium combustion of hydrogen in air is presented and demonstrated for one-dimensional supersonic combustion in a duct. The computational tractability makes the model appropriate for multidimensional Navier-Stokes calculations. This model contains eight chemical species and associated reactions but can be described by only two variables in addition to the gasdynamic set. These variables are a reaction progress variable for the radical pool and the "mixture fraction" for the local composition. The latter is not needed in premixed flows. The model makes the realistic assumption that ignition is rapid compared with burnout, the latter being governed by decay of the radical pool via relatively slow three-body recombination reactions. Such models have been successfully tested against laser-based spectroscopic data for major and minor species, temperature, velocity, and NO* in subsonic turbulent flames. The model shows that the length of a constant-area supersonic combustor increases rapidly with decreasing static pressure and that an asymptotic maximum progress toward equilibrium is attained in diverging combustors.
Interstellar formaldehyde. I - The collisional pumping mechanism for anomalous 6-centimeter absorption.

Investigation of the quantum mechanics of the collisional pumping process which Townes and Cheung (1969) propose as the cause of 'anomalous' formaldehyde absorption in diffuse dark nebulae discussed by Palmer et al. (1969). Quantum effects are taken into account in an attempt to determine whether such nebulae are likely to provide the physical conditions required for the collisional pumping process.
Persuasion, Manipulation, and Dimension

Manipulation of dimensions, a heresthetic strategy advanced by Riker (1986), is described as a deterministic strategy. The dimensions of a political decision, once established, cannot be ignored. This article explores conceptually the factors that might make it impossible to ignore new or fixed dimensions. Two factors, the existence of an audience that could be persuaded to accept the dimension as relevant and the beliefs of manipulated actors about the audience, are claimed to play an important role in effective manipulation. Potential changes in the audience's support or opposition are the factors the manipulator seeks to affect by controlling the dimensions under consideration. Persuasion thus may play a role in manipulation of dimensions, both by facilitating a change in audience opinion and by influencing other actors' perceptions of audience opinion. Riker's central claim, however, that manipulation of dimensions as a form of heresthetic is distinct from persuasion is supported.
Extending chi-squared statistics for key comparisons in metrology

We examine different χ2 statistics appropriate for high-level metrology. "Key" measurement comparisons often need statistics that can be used before a reference value is chosen. One such statistic is the pair-difference χ2, presented here. This is also a natural way to examine bilateral equivalences essential for trade. Monte Carlo simulation is a practical means to extend rigor beyond conventional χ2 testing, and permits the use of a wide variety of reference values for familiar null-hypothesis testing. Further, simulation enables the handling of measurements purportedly drawn from Student distributions or with reported inter-laboratory covariances.
Expectant management in spontaneous preterm premature rupture of membranes between 14 and 24 weeks' gestation.

Expectant Management in Spontaneous Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes between 14 and 24 Weeks' Gestation
Sleep deprivation does not affect operative results in cardiac surgery

Abstract Background There has been an increasing trend towards the mandatory reduction in work hours for physicians because of the fear that sleep-deprived (SD) surgeons are more prone to make mistakes. We hypothesized that sleep deprivation would not be associated with increased morbidity or mortality in cardiac operations. Methods A retrospective review was done of all cases performed by all attending cardiac surgeons from January 1994 to April 2003. Complication rates of cases performed by SD surgeons were compared with cases done when the surgeons were not sleep-deprived (NSD). A surgeon was deemed sleep deprived if he or she performed a case the previous evening that started between 10:00 pm and 5:00 am, or ended between the hours of 11:00 pm and 7:30 am. Results A total of 6,751 cases were recorded in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database over the 9-year period examined. Of these, 339 cases (5%) were performed by SD surgeons, and 6,412 (95%) cases were performed by NSD surgeons. Mortality rates for coronary artery bypass operations showed no significant differences (1.7% [SD = 4/223] vs 3.1% [NSD = 133/4206)] p = 0.34). Operative ( p = 0.47), pulmonary ( p = 0.60), renal ( p = 0.93), neurologic ( p = 0.11), and infectious ( p = 0.87) complications of all cases also failed to show any statistically significant differences in any group. Perfusion times, cross-clamp times, and the use of blood products were also similar between groups. Conclusions Sleep deprivation does not affect operative morbidity or mortality in cardiac surgical operations. These data do not support a need for work hour restrictions on surgeons.
Effects of Attachment Representations, Rumination, and Trait Depression on Co-Rumination in Friendships: A Dyadic Analysis

The current study addressed whether attachment, rumination, and trait depression were predictive of co-rumination in dyadic friendships. The final sample consisted of 205 pairs of same-sex friends (Mage = 18.93 years, SD = 1.31) and 135 (66%) of the dyads were female. Results revealed that an individual's attachment avoidance was significantly related to their own (actor effect) and their friend's (partner effect) co-rumination. Gender moderated the (1) effect of attachment avoidance on co-rumination at the actor and partner levels and (2) effect of attachment anxiety on co-rumination at the partner level. Furthermore, an interaction emerged between friendship duration and trait depression on co-rumination at the actor level. Considering the adjustment trade-offs of co-rumination (e.g., closer friendship quality accompanied with greater levels of depression and anxiety), it is important to understand the predictors of co-rumination and the consequences of it in order to effectively apply intervention efforts.
The role of TREK-1 in cerebrovascular regulation remains elusive: focus on “Cerebrovascular responses in mice deficient in the potassium channel, TREK-1”

potassium (k+) channels in the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle are important to regulation of vascular tone ([5][1], [8][2]). The K+ channel, TREK-1, a member of the recently identified family of two-pore domain K+ channels, is highly expressed in vascular tissues. In particular, TREK-1
Composition and size of some termite colonies in Arizona and Mexico.

Counts of larvae or workers, nymphs, soldiers, reproductives, and eggs are given in tabular form for 49 colonies representing 4 families of termites. Some support is given to the view that termites maintain rather speciesspecific caste ratios, at least in colonies of comparable size or age. In dry-wood species most individuals were larvae and nymphs, with nymphs sometimes far outnumbering larvae. In 2 dry-wood species the proportion of soldiers decreased with increase in colony size. It is suggested that some relation between surface area of the wood and number of openings to be guarded may influence soldier production. The percent alates in 10 drywood colonies varied from 10 to 37%. Annual alate production apparently increases with colony size, and evidence from 2 colonies of Zootermopsis indicated that the proportion of alates may greatly increase in colonies stressed for moisture. Although most dry-wood colonies were headed by primary reproductives, several contained neotenic reproductives, some replacing the primaries, others supplementing either primary or replacement reproductives. Totals indicate that mature dry-wood termite colonies seldom contain more than a few thousand individuals.
Measurement of anxious traits: a contemporary review and synthesis

Trait anxiety is a characteristic predisposition to appraise stimuli as threatening and respond with anxiety. Trait anxiety is proposed to serve as a vulnerability factor for greater frequency and intensity of anxiety experiences as well as the development of anxious pathology. Cognitive, behavioral, and physiological components of trait anxiety have been described. Common self-report measures of trait anxiety are reviewed with an emphasis on: components assessed, factor structure, internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity. Measures were selected if instructions ask individuals to endorse items based on their characteristic, rather than a time sensitive, response. Selection criteria resulted in a focus on the following measures: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Anxiety Inventory-Trait (BAIT), Cognitive Somatic Anxiety Questionnaire (CSAQ), Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales-Trait (EMAS-T), Four Systems Anxiety Questionnaire (FSAQ), State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety (STICSA), and the Three Systems Anxiety Questionnaire (TSAQ). While the STAI has the advantage of normative data and frequent use in prior research, newer measures, such as the BAIT and the STICSA, demonstrate greater discriminant validity. The strengths and weaknesses of each of the reviewed measures are highlighted. Recommendations for measure selection and future research are provided.
Diffusion in a pore of varying cross section

The ratio of the effective to the normal diffisivity of a material diffusing within porous solids is less than unity. In the simple theory the porosity and tortuosity, or labyrinth, factors are used to explain the magnitude of this ratio and to account, respectively, for the re duced cross-sectional area and the increased diffusion distance. However, abnormally large values of the tortuosity factor are obtained from experimentally measured effective diffusivities within pelleted or extruded porous solids. This work is concerned with the quantitative effect of periodic pore constrictions on the effective diffusivity. The pore model assumed for this study is a hyperbola of revolution giving a pore constriction at the vertex of the hyperbola. Solutions to the steady state diffusion equation in a pore of this shape were obtained at various values of beta , the ratio of the maximum to the minimum cross-sectton in the pore. Comparison of the rate of diffusive tansport in this pore and an equivalent cylindrical pore indicates that sigma , the ratio of the effective to the normal diffusivity, is about 0.33 at beta = 25 for large pores. At the same value of beta , sigma would be smaller for diffusion in themore » Knudsen region. (auth)« less