cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bypass of N2-ethylguanine by human DNA polymerase κ☆

The efficiency and fidelity of nucleotide incorporation and next-base extension by DNA polymerase (pol) κ past N2-ethyl-Gua were measured using steady-state and rapid kinetic analyses. DNA pol κ incorporated nucleotides and extended 3′ termini opposite N2-ethyl-Gua with measured efficiencies and fidelities similar to that opposite Gua indicating a role for DNA pol κ at the insertion and extension steps of N2-ethyl-Gua bypass. The DNA pol κ was maximally activated to similar levels by a twenty-fold lower concentration of Mn2+ compared to Mg2+. In addition, the steady state analysis indicated that high fidelity DNA pol κ-catalyzed N2-ethyl-Gua bypass is Mg2+-dependent. Strikingly, Mn2+ activation of DNA pol κ resulted in a dramatically lower efficiency of correct nucleotide incorporation opposite both N2-ethyl-Gua and Gua compared to that detected upon Mg2+ activation. This effect is largely governed by diminished correct nucleotide binding as indicated by the high Km values for dCTP insertion opposite N2-ethyl-Gua and Gua with Mn2+ activation. A rapid kinetic analysis showed diminished burst amplitudes in the presence of Mn2+ compared to Mg2+ indicating that DNA pol κ preferentially utilizes Mg2+ activation. These kinetic data support a DNA pol κ wobble base pairing mechanism for dCTP incorporation opposite N2-ethyl-Gua. Furthermore, the dramatically different polymerization efficiencies of the Y-family DNA pols κ and ι in the presence of Mn2+ suggest a metal ion-dependent regulation in coordinating the activities of these DNA pols during translesion synthesis.
Targeting Errors in the ICU: Use of a National Database

The authors believe that as we move from viewing adverse event reporting system as punitive, and as the safety culture improves, reporting will likely increase. Voluntary incident reporting systems can be used to improve patient safety in the ICU by identifying broken or inadequate systems that lead to adverse events [26]. Voluntary external reporting systems such as the ICUSRS can be used to target errors and produce evidence-based best practice measures to improve patient safety in the ICU.
An Intuitive Approach to Teaching Analysis of Variance

A significant number of students in introductory statistics courses may function at Piaget's concrete operational level of thought. These students may find it difficult to understand the complex correlations and interactions between variables that typify many statistical procedures. A technique for introducing analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a concrete fashion is presented. This technique leads students to an intuitive understanding of the concepts of between- and within-groups variance and their relationship to each other.
RENAL PHOSPHATURIC RESPONSE TO PARATHYROID HORMONE ADMINISTRATION AND DIETARY INTAKE OF PHOSPHORUS IN MAN.

The effect of a change in phosphorus content of the diet and afternoon measurement of urinary phosphorus excretion rates in response to a standard dose of parathyroid hormone (PTH) has been studied in 6 normal subjects, 4 patients with hypoparathyroidism, 1 patient with pseudohypoparathyroidism, and 1 patient with vitamin Dresistant rickets. The use of afternoon collection periods reduced the effect of diurnal variation on basal phosphorus excretion rates in all subjects. A low phosphorus diet further reduced this variation and produced a more easily demonstrable effect of PTH on phosphorus excretion. The low phosphorus diet and afternoon collection periods increase the ability of PTH-induced phosphaturia to discriminate between patients with hypoparathyroid disorders and normal subjects.
Post-Chicxulub depositional and diagenetic history of the northwestern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Abstract The Chicxulub Sedimentary Basin of the northwestern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, which was formed because of the largest identified Phanerozoic bolide impact on Earth, became a site of deposition of dominantly marine carbonate sediments during most of the Cenozoic Era. This is a study of the filling and diagenetic history of this basin and surrounding areas. The study makes use of lithologic, biostratigraphic, petrographic, and geochemical data obtained on core samples from boreholes drilled throughout the northwestern Yucatan Peninsula. The core sample data indicate that: 1) The Chicxulub Sedimentary Basin concentrated the deposition of pelagic and outer-platform sediments during the Paleocene and Eocene, and, in places, during the Early Oligocene, as well, and filled during the Middle Miocene, 2) deeper-water limestone also is present within the Paleocene and Lower Eocene of the proposed Santa Elena Depression, which is located immediately south of the Basin, 3) shallow-water deposits are relatively more abundant outside the Basin and Depression than inside, 4) the autigenic and allogenic silicates from the Paleogene formations are the most abundant inside the Depression, 5) sediment deposition and diagenesis within the Basin also were controlled by impact crater topography, 6) the abundance of the possible features of subaerial exposure increases upward and outward from the center of the Basin, and 7) the formation of replacive low-magnesium calcite and dolomite, dedolomitization, dissolution, and precipitation of vug-filling calcite and dolomite cement have been more common outside the Basin than inside. δ 18 O in whole-rock (excluding vug-filling) calcite from core samples ranges from − 7.14‰ to + 0.85‰ PDB. δ 13 C varies from − 6.92‰ to + 3.30‰ PDB. Both stable isotopes correlate inversely with the abundance of subaerial exposure features indicating that freshwater diagenesis has been extensive especially outside and at the edge of the Chicxulub Sedimentary Basin. δ 18 O and δ 13 C in whole-rock (excluding vug-filling) dolomite ranges from − 5.54‰ to + 0.87‰ PDB and − 4.63‰ to + 3.38‰ PDB, respectively. Most dolomite samples have negative δ 18 O and positive δ 13 C suggesting that replacive dolomitization involved the presence of a fluid dominated by freshwater and/or an anomalously high geothermal gradient. Most dolomite XRD-determined mole percent CaCO 3 varies between 51 and 56. Replacive dolomite is larger, more euhedral, and less stoichiometric inside the Chicxulub Sedimentary Basin than outside.
Mouse models for dengue vaccines and antivirals

Dengue virus (DENV) has substantial global impact, with an estimated 390million people infected each year. In spite of this, there is currently no approved DENV-specific vaccine or antiviral. One reason for this is the difficulty involved with development of an adequate animal model. While non-human primates support viral replication, they do not exhibit signs of clinical disease. A mouse model is an ideal alternative; however, wild-type mice are resistant to DENV-induced disease. Infection of interferon receptor-deficient mice results in disease that recapitulates key features of severe dengue disease in humans. For the development of vaccines, interferon receptor-deficient mice provide a stringent model for testing vaccine-induced immune components from vaccinated wild-type mice.
Removable partial denture design for the mandibular resection patient.

Abstract Design of removable partial dentures for patients who have had mandibular surgical resections varies from partial denture design for patients with intact mandibles. The extent of the surgical resection and the location and quality of the remaining structures will dictate the need to alter some basic principles of partial denture design. Suggestions for variations of design for different degrees of resections have been discussed. Even though the application of basic principles may vary in mandibular resection patients, the basic concepts of support, retention, and stability should be fulfilled.
Considering Location, Compliance, and Storage in Decisions on Brackish Water Resource Development

In the past, brackish water resources have often been dismissed due to concerns over the cost gap between desalination and conventional treatment, but this simple comparison neglects several important factors that should be considered when making water supply development choices. Although desalination is more expensive than conventional treatment, the costs of delivering potable water are also linked to source location (relative to users) and steps needed to maintain regulatory compliance and supply reliability, factors largely unexplored in previous cost comparisons. This work describes an approach to more comprehensively evaluate the costs of developing and using brackish surface water and groundwater resources, then compares these to similar costs for freshwater supplies. Freshwater and brackish water supplies are compared in terms of the “total cost of supply and treatment,” which includes the costs of raw water acquisition, storage, conveyance, treatment, and residuals disposal. Results show that bra...
On normative futures research

This paper is less a state-of-the-art discussion of normative futures research than a critique of current thinking about futures research in general. It argues strongly for an integration of diverse approaches to identification of alternative futures (as contrasted with reliance on a single approach, however sophisticated), because of the difficult problem of hidden bias. Applying this principle to the present situation of industrialized society, it identifies a set of dilemmas which appear unresolvable except through a thoroughgoing transformation of culture and institutions. Furthermore, it suggests some evidence that we may indeed be witnessing the beginning stages of a revolutionary transformation. The paper concludes with a suggestion of some of the characteristics futures research would have to have if it is to illuminate us with regard to whether such a transformation is taking place, and with regard to the choices it poses.
NMR and MS Analysis of Decomposition Compounds Produced from N-Acetyl-l-glutamine at Low pH

N-Acetyl-L-glutamine decomposition products glutamine, glutamic acid, pyroglutamic acid, N-acetylglutamic acid, and a novel compound, N-(2,6-dioxo-3-piperidinyl) acetamide, have been identified by NMR and MS techniques. N-Acetylglutamine, a modified amino acid, offers greater chemical stability than glutamine in conditions that are experienced during typical sterilization and shelf storage of liquid nutritionals. However, to support safety and stability studies, potential decomposition products of N-acetyl-L-glutamine needed to be identified. Therefore, atypically harsh conditions were used; an unbuffered (pH <3) 1 mg/mL water solution of N-acetyl-L-glutamine was heated to 100 degrees C for 3 h. One-dimensional proton and proton-decoupled carbon-13 NMR and electrospray LC-MS/MS techniques were employed to identify the molecular structures of the generated N-acetyl-L-glutamine decomposition products. Additionally, DEPT and two-dimensional NMR techniques TOCSY, GMQCOSY, GHSQC, and GHMBC were employed to derive the final structure of the acetamide.
The exceptionally stable cobalt(III)–desferrioxamine B complex

Abstract The biogeochemistry of trivalent iron, manganese, and cobalt in the oceans is dominated by soluble complexes formed with high-affinity organic ligands that are believed to be microbial siderophores or similar biogenic chelating agents. Desferrioxamine B (DFOB), a trihydroxamate siderophore found in both terrestrial and marine environments, has served as a useful model for a large class of microbial siderophores in studies of 1:1 complexes formed with trivalent iron and manganese. However, no data exist concerning DFOB complexes with Co(III), which we hypothesize should be as strong as those with Fe(III) and Mn(III) if the current picture of the ocean biogeochemistry of the three trivalent metals is accurate. We investigated the complexation reaction between DFOB and Co(III) in aqueous solution at seawater pH using base and redox titrations, and then characterized the resulting 1:1 complex Co(III)HDFOB + using X-ray absorption, resonance Raman spectroscopy, and quantum mechanical structural optimizations. We found that the complex stability constant for Co(III)HDFOB + (log K [Co(III)HDFOB + ] = 37.5 ± 0.4) is in fact five and seven orders of magnitude larger than that for Fe(III)HDFOB + (log K [Fe(III)HDFOB + ] = 32.02) and Mn(III)HDFOB + (log K [Mn(III)HDFOB + ] = 29.9), respectively. Spectroscopic data and the supporting theoretical structural optimizations elucidated the molecular basis for this exceptional stability. Although not definitive, our results nevertheless are consistent with the evolution of siderophores as a response by bacteria to oxygenation, not only because of sharply decreasing concentrations of Fe(III), but also of Co(III).
COLUMBID HERPESVIRUS-1 IN TWO COOPER'S HAWKS (ACCIPITER COOPERII ) WITH FATAL INCLUSION BODY DISEASE

We report two separate naturally occurring cases of fatal herpesviral disease in Cooper's Hawks (Accipiter cooperii). Gross lesions included splenomegaly and hepatomegaly, with diffuse pale mottling or scattered small white foci. Histologic lesions included splenic and hepatic necrosis associated with eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies characteristic of herpesvirus. In one case, necrosis and inclusions were also noted in bone marrow, thymus, bursa of Fabricius, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, ceca, and the enteric system. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated viral particles typical of herpesvirus within hepatocyte nuclei and budding from the nuclear membrane. Herpesviral DNA was amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of paraffin-embedded liver and spleen, and sequence data were consistent with columbid herpesvirus-1, an alphaherpesvirus of Rock Pigeons (Columba livia). PCR results provide evidence that this disease is transmitted to raptors via Rock Pigeons, most likely through ingestion of Rock Pigeons as prey.
Prediction of deep submicron CMOS transistor performance and comparison with projected performance trends using tuned simulations

In this paper, a simulation study to predict the performance of CMOS technology in the deep sub-micron regime (0.20 micrometer down to 0.05 micrometer) is presented. The metric used to evaluate the CMOS transistor performance is a Figure of Merit (FOM). Using tuned process and device simulators, the performance FOM of bulk CMOS technologies were evaluated, with varying (1) gate lengths in the range of 0.05 - 0.20 micrometer, (2) power supply voltages (Vdd) of 1.0 - 1.8 V, (3) gate oxide thicknesses (Tox) of 20 - 40 A, (4) maximum off-state leakage currents of 0.01, 1 and 100 nA/micrometer, (5) different source/drain resistances and (6) different polysilicon doping levels. Vdd and Tox were scaled with gate length such that Vdd/Tox is fixed at about 5 MV/cm. It is found that it is increasingly difficult to keep the proportionality between performance FOM and 1/L gate as the gate length is scaled to around 0.10 micrometer or below. This deviation is due to the decreasing trend of transistor drive current caused by the low supply voltages to be used and the nonscalability of V T . In order to try and improve the performance of CMOS technology, metal-gated Fully Depleted SOI CMOS transistors were evaluated in this study. It was found that although Fully Depleted Metal-Gate SOI provides an improvement in performance over conventional bulk CMOS technology, the FOM does not linearly scale with the gate length. The improvement in FOM obtained is almost entirely due to the smaller junction capacitance in SOI and not due to significantly increased drive currents in metal-gate FD-SOI when compared to conventional CMOS. Further, FOM performance falls short of the roadmap targets as the gate lengths are scaled below 0.10 micrometer just as in bulk CMOS. The effects of Off Current specifications and supply voltage on FOM were studied. It is shown that the CMOS performance can be improved by: (1) slightly increasing the supply voltage, and (2) using a dual- V T approach in which low-V T transistors are used in the critical path to improve circuit performance. With these approaches it is possible to extend the proportionality between FOM and 1/L gate down to about 0.08 micrometer gate length.
Feasibility of volume-of-interest (VOI) scanning technique in cone beam breast CT—a preliminary study

This work is to demonstrate that high quality cone beam CT images can be generated for a volume of interest (VOI) and to investigate the exposure reduction effect, dose saving, and scatter reduction with the VOI scanning technique. The VOI scanning technique involves inserting a filtering mask between the x-ray source and the breast during image acquisition. The mask has an opening to allow full x-ray exposure to be delivered to a preselected VOI and a lower, filtered exposure to the region outside the VOI. To investigate the effects of increased noise due to reduced exposure outside the VOI on the reconstructed VOI image, we directly extracted the projection data inside the VOI from the full-field projection data and added additional data to the projection outside the VOI to simulate the relative noise increase due to reduced exposure. The nonuniform reference images were simulated in an identical manner to normalize the projection images and measure the x-ray attenuation factor for the object. Regular Feldkamp–Davis–Kress filtered backprojection algorithm was used to reconstruct the 3D images. The noise level inside the VOI was evaluated and compared with that of the full-field higher exposure image. Calcifications phantom and low contrast phantom were imaged. Dose reduction was investigated by estimating the dose distribution in a cylindrical water phantom using Monte Carlo simulation based Geant4 package. Scatter reduction at the detector input was also studied. Our results show that with the exposure level reduced by the VOI mask, the dose levels were significantly reduced both inside and outside the VOI without compromising the accuracy of image reconstruction, allowing for the VOI to be imaged with more clarity and helping to reduce the breast dose. The contrast-to-noise ratio inside the VOI was improved. The VOI images were not adversely affected by noisier projection data outside the VOI. Scatter intensities at the detector input were also shown to decrease significantly both inside and outside the VOI in the projection images, indicating potential improvement of image quality inside the VOI and contribution to dose reduction both inside and outside the VOI.
Waves in random media: Weak scattering reconsidered

Wave propagation in a weak random medium has generally been understood to give rise to log-normal field statistics, and first Born approximation of log amplitude and phase. Yet no derivation of the field probability distribution seems to exist; only an inference. The moments of the field (not just the amplitude) are derived from moment equations, and from these it is shown that extra terms must be identified with phase and amplitude in the customary representation of the field.
Pressure Transients Across Constrictions

The modeling of pressure transient across constrictions is achieved by using a one-dimensional, isothermal, noncompositional, single-phase representation of the Eulerian model. A TVD scheme was used to solve the ensuing nonhomogeneous hyperbolic set of first-order quasi-linear partial differential equations. Three types of constrictions were modeled and in each case the behavior of the transient was analyzed, This analysis was used to interpret the pressure response at the inlet resulting from the reflection of the transient at the constrictions. The comparisons between the predicted and inputted data are very good, suggesting that the technique has much promise.
Exchange Field Induced Magnetoresistance in Colossal Magnetoresistance Manganites

The effect of an exchange field on the electrical transport in thin films of metallic ferromagnetic manganites has been investigated. The exchange field was induced both by direct exchange coupling in a ferromagnet/antiferromagnet multilayer and by indirect exchange interaction in a ferromagnet/paramagnet metallic superlattice. The electrical resistance of the metallic manganite layers was found to be determined by the magnitude of the vector sum of the effective exchange field and the external magnetic field.
H-BOMB “SECRETS” AND THE PROGRESSIVE

(1980). H-BOMB “SECRETS” AND THE PROGRESSIVE. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 99-114.
Toner-modified asphalt demonstration projects

Abstract Although there has been interest in recycling of toner in asphalt binder, few studies have been conducted despite the potential saving benefits to the photocopier and pavement industries. This research project describes the results of three demonstration projects in the Laredo, Houston, and Pharr districts in Texas where waste toner was used as an asphalt binder modifier. For each of these projects, a binder design was performed, including blending time, performance grading, storage stability, and mixing and compaction temperature calculation. The performance-grade (PG) properties of the toner-modified asphalt binders used in each test section varied according to the amount of polymers in the toner. Objectives of the research included determining the toner levels needed to arrive at a given PG, as well as a better understanding of the effect of toner level on the PG properties of a binder. Test results indicate that the stiffness of the blend increases at all temperatures as the percentage of the toner content present increases. This stiffening effect is more pronounced when the level of toner content is at higher levels. Results also show that 2 h of blending time is sufficient to achieve a homogeneous toner–asphalt mix; significant storage stability problems are expected regardless of the level of toner in the blend; and mixing and compaction temperatures stay at reasonable levels.
Efficient Model Checking of Hardware Using Conditioned Slicing

In this work, we present an abstraction based property verification technique for hardware using conditioned slicing. We handle safety property specifications of the form G([email protected]?consequent). We use the antecedent of the properties to create our abstractions, Antecedent Conditioned Slices. We extend conditioned slicing to Hardware Description Languages (HDLs). We provide a theoretical foundation for our conditioned slicing based verification technique. We also present experimental results on the Verilog RTL implementation of the USB 2.0. We demonstrate very high performance gains achieved by our technique when compared to static program slicing, using state-of-the-art model checkers.
Environmental data sets matter in ecological niche modelling: an example with Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri.

Aim In response to a recent paper suggesting the failure of ecological niche models to predict between native and introduced distributional areas of fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), we sought to assess methodological causes of this failure. Location Ecological niche models were developed on the species’ native distributional area in South America, and projected globally. Methods We developed ecological niche models based on six different environmental data sets, and compared their respective abilities to anticipate the North American invasive distributional area of the species. Results We show that models based on the ‘bioclimatic variables’ of the WorldClim data set indeed fail to predict the full invasive potential of the species, but that models based on four other data sets could predict this potential correctly. Main conclusions The difference in predictive abilities appears to centre on the complexity of the environmental variables involved. These results emphasize important influences of environmental data sets on the generality and ability of ecological niche models to anticipate novel phenomena, and offer a simpler explanation for the lack of predictive ability among native and invaded distributional areas than that of niche shifts.
Spin-polarized low-density neutron matter

Low-density neutron matter is relevant to the study of neutron-rich nuclei and neutron star crusts. Unpolarized neutron matter has been studied extensively over a number of decades, while experimental guidance has recently started to emerge from the field of ultracold atomic gases. In this work, we study population-imbalanced neutron matter (possibly relevant to magnetars and to density functionals of nuclei) by applying a quantum Monte Carlo method that has proven successful in the field of cold atoms. We report on the first ab initiosimulations of superfluid low-density polarized neutron matter. For systems with small imbalances, we find a linear dependence of the energy on the polarization, the proportionality coefficient being dependent on the density. We also present results for the momentum and pair distributions of the two fermionic components.
Cell therapy for neuropathic pain in spinal cord injuries.

Cell therapy to treat neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) is in its infancy. However, the development of cellular strategies that would replace or be used as an adjunct to existing pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain have progressed tremendously over the past 20 years. The earliest cell therapy studies for pain relief tested adrenal chromaffin cells from rat or bovine sources, placed in the subarachnoid space, near the spinal cord pain- processing pathways. These grafts functioned as cellular minipumps, secreting a cocktail of antinociceptive agents around the spinal cord for peripheral nerve injury, inflammatory or arthritic pain. These initial animal, and later clinical, studies suggested that the spinal intrathecal space was a safe and accessible location for the placement of cell grafts. However, one major problem was the lack of a homogeneous, expandable cell source to supply the antinociceptive agents. Cell lines that can be reversibly immortalised are the next phase for the ...
Changes in Work-Family Connections Among Highly Educated Men and Women 1970 to 1980

Traditionally, work and family roles have been less compatible for women than for men. Census data are used to describe changes in the work-family connection between 1970 and 1980 for highly educated men and women, aged 30 to 39. The analyses reveal that despite educational and occupational advances for women during the 1970s, gender differences in the connection between work and family experiences remained substantial over the decade. Marriage and parenting continue to be positively associated with work involvement and rewards for men, but are related to persistent employment disadvantages for women. The traditional pattern of men marrying less educated women, which has remained the norm across the 20th century, is offered as one explanation for this enduring gender gap in work-family connections.
Stimulation of recombinant Cav3.2, T-type, Ca2+ channel currents by CaMKIIγC

Molecular cloning of low-voltage activated (LVA) T-type calcium channels has enabled the study of their regulation in heterologous expression systems. Here we investigate the regulation of Cav3.2 α1-subunits (α1H) by calcium- and/or calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). 293 cells stably expressing α1H were transiently transfected with CaMKIIγC. Using the whole-cell recording configuration, we observed that elevation of pipette free Ca2+ (1 μm) in the presence of CaM (2 μm) increases T-type channel activity selectively at negative potentials, evoking an 11 mV hyperpolarizing shift in the half-maximal potential (V1/2) for activation. The V1/2 of channel inactivation is not altered by Ca2+/CaM. These effects reproduced modulation observed in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells. The potentiation by Ca2+/CaM was dependent on the co-expression of CaMKIIγC and required Ca2+/CaM-dependent kinase activity. Peptide (AIP) and lipophilic (KN-62) protein kinase inhibitors prevented the Ca2+/CaM-induced changes in channel gating without altering basal Cav3.2 channel activity (27 nm free Ca2+) as did replacing pipette ATP with adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), a non-hydrolysable analogue. CaMKII-dependent potentiation of channel opening resulted in significant increases in apparent steady-state open probability (Po) and sustained channel current at negative voltages. Under identical conditions, CaMKII activation did not regulate the activity of Cav3.1 channels, the first cloned member (α1G) of the T-type Ca2+ channel family. Our results provide the first evidence for the differential regulation of two members of the Cav3 family by protein kinase activation and the first report reconstituting CaMKII-dependent regulation of any cloned Ca2+ channel.
Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease in patients with retinal ischemic syndromes.

The extracranial carotid systems of 105 patients with retinal ischemia were examined using B-mode ultrasonography with integrated pulsed Doppler. Sixty-four patients had amaurosis fugax (AF), 17 central retinal artery occlusions (CRAO), and 21 branch retinal artery occlusions (BRAO). The prevalence of carotid stenosis (≥60%) ipsilateral to the symptomatic eye was low (16%). Eighty-six percent of AF patients had either no plaque or plaque causing less than a 60% stenosis. A significant proportion of subjects with normal duplex scans had alternative explanations for their retinal ischemia (eg, migraine, cardiac embolus). Patients with Hollenhorst plaques were more likely to have stenotic or ulcerated plaque (p = 0.04). The degree of carotid stenosis correlated significantly with the number of vascular risk factors identified in individual patients (p = 0.02). The presence of risk factors was more common in CRAO and BRAO patients compared with the AF group. Combined ultrasound-Doppler investigations of the carotid bifurcation are valuable noninvasive tools for the screening of patients with retinal ischemia.
An electrically small meandered line antenna with truncated ground plane

An electrically small meandered microstrip line antenna was investigated. The antenna was designed, fabricated and measured for an operating frequency of 2.4 GHz with a 10 dB return loss bandwidth of 2%. In order to improve the efficiency and gain, a truncated ground plane was used, and its effect on balancing the antenna currents has been studied. A Wheeler Cap was designed for the efficiency measurement and the 3-antenna method was used for measuring the gain. Ka of this antenna is 0.26, it has a gain of −0.86 dB and an efficiency of 49.7%, making it one of the efficient and high gain small antennas.
Failure detection and isolation for the Space Shuttle Main Engine

The Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) for Failure Detection and Isolation (FDI) is designed for the space shuttle main engine (SSME). The algorithm uses the entire thirty-seven state model of the SSME, as well as a set of fifteen sensors. It can be used for online FDI, as well for postfiight analysis. At the design stage, it can help determine the detectablility and distinguishability of failures, given a sensor configuration. Emphasis in the paper is on input/output failures, i.e., failures in the valves and sensors, but the likelihood ratio approach can be extended to include structural failures. Identifiers: failure, detection, isolation, identification, engine, health monitoring, RLV, SSME.
Moderating Effect of Intimate Exchange on Delinquent Socialization Processes

Research indicates peer socialization processes affect the development of problem behavior in childhood and adolescence; however moderating peer factors have not been readily examined. Friendship intimate exchange may be an important factor to consider, as literature suggests that intimate exchange becomes an increasingly important aspect of friendships as children age into adolescence. Accordingly, the current study examined the moderating effect of intimate exchange on the relation between peer socialization and change in externalizing behavior over 1 year. Participants included 65 children (67% male), age 10 to 13 years at baseline (M = 11.95, SD = 1.29), and their primary caregivers. Intimate exchange was found to moderate the relation between peer delinquency and externalizing behavior over time. At low levels of intimate exchange, peer delinquency predicted increases in externalizing behavior; whereas at high levels of intimate exchange, peer delinquency predicted decreases in externalizing behavior. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Robust Threshold based Sensor Activation Policies under Spatial Correlation

We consider a system of rechargeable sensor nodes deployed redundantly in the region of interest. Active sensor nodes are subject to a discharge process which depends on the occurrence of events in the system. All sensor nodes experience a continuous recharge of their battery energies, however at a considerably lower rate than of discharge. The decision problem is to find the optimal activation policy for the sensor nodes which would maximize the aggregate system utility. We model our rechargeable sensor system as a system of finite-buffer queues and show the existence of a simple threshold activation policy that achieves near optimal performance. Our results hold both in presence as well as absence of correlation in the discharge and/or recharge processes, thereby showing the robustness of such policies with respect to the degree of correlation in the system.
On variability in high resolution range profiles

Radar target classification often uses feature sets derived from high range resolution profiles as an input to a classifier. However, rage profiles typically exhibit variability that is subsequently passed on to the feature vectors used in classification. This results in degraded classification performance as the variance in the feature vectors is too large and the mean distance between feature vector too small. In this paper we examine the fundamental causes of such variability. Specifically we demonstrate via modeling, simulation and experimentation that (i) the output of the matched filter is a sensitive function of the relative position of scatters distributed along the length of a target and (ii) the apparent location of a scatterers phase center is a sensitive function of viewing angle causing significant variability even over orientation changes of a fraction of a degree.
The Semiotic Hitchhiker's Guide to Creaky Voice: Circulation and Gendered Hardcore in a Chicana/o Gang Persona

This paper aims to build on some of Jane Hill's contributions to the understanding of indexicality and the creation of an intertextual media series (Hill 2005), as well as to elucidate the varying levels of awareness that speakers have of linguistic features in the circulation of a stereotype. I show how creaky voice, a type of nonmodal phonation, becomes enregistered within an early narrative context, and is then catapulted by centrifugal media forces, taken as part of a constellation of features that cluster around the persona of “hardcore Chicano gangster.” The data presented come from four separate but intricately related sources. One is a narrative of a Chicana girl from Northern California, collected in the 1990s when she was involved in gangs. I also analyze a media-based data set that includes songs about cholos by a Chicano hip hop artist, web-based text and video tutorials on how to act like a cholo, and a representation of a Chicano gangster in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. I explain a mechanism through which a metapragmatically less-than-salient feature can become a semiotic hitchhiker, co-occurring with more overtly ideologized and stereotyped phenomena such as codeswitching and the usage of specific discourse markers. [creaky voice, intertextuality, metapragmatic awareness, enregisterment, Chicanos]
Conditioned Effects Produced by Naltrexone Doses That Reduce Ethanol‐Reinforced Responding in Rhesus Monkeys

Clinical trials have shown that naltrexone is effective in treating alcohol dependence; nausea and dysphoria have been reported as “side effects” in many of these studies. In primates, naltrexone reduces reinforced responding for oral ethanol, sucrose, and phencyclidine. This study was designed to determine if naltrexone reduces reinforced responding for various solutions by producing an interoceptive stimulus that may result in a conditioned taste aversion. Four opioid antagonist-naive rhesus monkeys responded for solutions from a two-spout operant panel for 30 min per day. During a conditioning phase, the monkeys received novel Kool-Aid@ solutions paired with either saline or naltrexone (0.32 mgikg) given 30 min before the session. The monkeys then had seven choice sessions between the saline-paired solution or the naltrexone-paired solution. During the conditioning phase, the naltrexone reduced responding after five naltrexone/solution pairings. In addition, a conditioned taste aversion was produced; the naltrexone-paired solution maintained significantly less responding than did the saline-paired solution during the choice phase. In the next phase, the saline and naltrexone were given “unpaired” from any distinct part of the operant session, and another seven choice sessions followed. Naltrexone had no effect when given “unpaired” from the operant session. Then, another conditioning phase was undertaken followed by another series of choice sessions. During the replication of the conditioning, naltrexone reduced responding by the second pairing, although no conditioned aversion was observed in the subsequent choice sessions. Thus, given in the same manner (dose, route, and pretreatment time) as situations in which naltrexone reduces oral ethanol-, sucrose-, and phencyclidine-reinforced responding, naltrexone produced a conditioned taste aversion. These results suggest that naltrexone-induced nausea and its conditioned effects should be considered in naltrexone’s effect in alcoholics.
Vapor Leak Detection for an Underground Storage Tank System

This paper presents a mathematical model for the pressure inside the vapor space of an underground storage tank (UST). Using mass balances based on dispensing activities, vapor recovery, evaporation, leaks, and the safety vent, the model resulted in a system of nonlinear differential equations with unknown parameters, leak rate and evaporation rate. Given the leak rate and evaporation rate, the pressure inside the UST can be obtained by solving the system of differential equations numerically. Given the pressure inside a UST over a period of time, one can find the evaporation and leak rates such that the calculated pressure from our model best fits the given pressure data. This optimal value of leak rate can allow us to determine whether the UST system is leaking and if the leak rate is above the EPA standard. Numerical results and statistical analysis of our model are also presented.
Sex-specific activity and function of hypothalamic nonapeptide neurons during nest-building in zebra finches

Vertebrate species from fish to humans engage in a complex set of preparatory behaviors referred to as nesting; yet despite its phylogenetic ubiquity, the physiological and neural mechanisms that underlie nesting are not well known. We here test the hypothesis that nesting behavior is influenced by the vasopressin–oxytocin (VP–OT) peptides, based upon the roles they play in parental behavior in mammals. We quantified nesting behavior in male and female zebra finches following both peripheral and central administrations of OT and V1a receptor (OTR and V1aR, respectively) antagonists. Peripheral injections of the OTR antagonist profoundly reduce nesting behavior in females, but not males, whereas comparable injections of V1aR antagonist produce relatively modest effects in both sexes. However, central antagonist infusions produce no effects on nesting, and OTR antagonist injections into the breast produce significantly weaker effects than those into the inguinal area, suggesting that antagonist effects are mediated peripherally, likely via the oviduct. Finally, immunocytochemistry was used to quantify nesting-induced Fos activation of nonapeptide neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Nest-building induced Fos expression within paraventricular VP neurons of females but not males. Because the avian forms of OT (Ile8-OT; mesotocin) and VP (Ile3-VP; vasotocin) exhibit high affinity for the avian OTR, and because both peptide forms modulate uterine contractility, we hypothesize that nesting-related stimuli induce peptide release from paraventricular vasotocin neurons, which then promote female nesting via peripheral feedback from OTR binding in the oviduct uterus.
The End of Interstellar Chemistry as the Origin of Nitrogen in Comets and Meteorites

We describe a mechanism for enhanced nitrogen isotope fractionation in dense molecular gas where most of the molecules containing carbon and oxygen have condensed on grains but where N2 remains in the gas. The lack of hydroxl molecules prevents the recycling of N atoms into N2, and the nitrogen eventually becomes atomic. Ammonia is formed efficiently under these conditions and rapidly accretes as ice. We find that a significant fraction of the total nitrogen is ultimately present as solid NH3. This interstellar ammonia is enhanced in 15N with 15NH3/14NH3 almost 80% higher than the cosmic 15N/14N ratio. It is possible that a large part of the nitrogen available to the early solar system was highly fractionated ammonia ice and hence that the 15N enhancements of primitive solar system material and the depletion of N2 in comets are concomitant. Other implications of this theory for observations of dense molecular material and the nitrogen inventory available to the protosolar nebula are briefly discussed.
Anticraving Medications for Relapse Prevention: A Possible New Class of Psychoactive Medications

Psychiatrists have gradually developed a list of medications that are effective in the treatment of addictive disorders. Although alcoholism has received the most attention, nicotine, heroin, and cocaine have all been shown to be influenced by heredity. Of course, the immediate goal is the reduction of drug craving and the prevention of relapse to compulsive drug taking. A medication that can aid in the maintenance of the opiate-free state is naltrexone, a specific opiate antagonist. Naltrexone is also a good example of an anticraving medication used in the treatment of alcoholism. Clinicians currently have two types of medication to aid in the treatment of tobacco use disorder, arguably the most important addiction. Bupropion and nicotine replacement can be given in a coordinated fashion to provide the best available results. At present, no medication is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the indication of cocaine addiction. Recently, however, five different medications, already approved for other purposes, have been found to be effective among cocaine addicts. Despite clinical trials that show benefit, anticraving medications are not well known and are underused by clinicians. Addiction is a heterogeneous condition, with variability in reactivity to the drug of abuse and to the medications available to treat it. Recent developments in pharmacogenetics may result in improved selection of medications based on genotype.
Seniors and Technology: Results from a Field Study

In this paper we discuss the results of a survey of senior citizens' interaction with information technology. We expected that the “digital divide” between young and old might be diminishing, and we found evidence of that. We also report on information technologies that seem to be attracting seniors and those that have not yet attracted this age group. We also report findings with regard to senior IT skill levels and how seniors are using their IT skills. Finally, we discuss some limitations of this study and suggest some motivations for future research including some suggestions of what some of that research might include.
Collisional broadening and shift of the rubidium D1 and D2 lines () by rare gases, H2, D2, N2, CH4 and CF4

Abstract The collision induced broadening and line shifts for the Rb D1 ( 5 2 P 1 2 -5 2 S 1 2 ) and D2 ( 5 2 P 3 2 -5 2 S 1 2 ) transitions at low buffer gas pressure (0–300 torr) and T = 394 K were obtained from high resolution laser absorption spectra. The shifts, δ, and broadening, γL for H2, D2, N2, CH4 and CF4 are in MHz per torr δ(5 2 P 1 2 ) = −2.17, −2.22, −7.41, −7.92, −5.41; δ(5 2 P 3 2 ) = −3.83, −4.09, −5.79, −7.0, −5.73; γ L (5 2 P 1 2 ) = 17.3, 14.1, 16.3, 29.1, 18.7; γ L (5 2 P 3 2 ) = 26.4, 20.6, 18.3, 26.2, 17.3 , respectively. Similar results are reported for rare gas collision partners. These values have been further interpreted using the impact approximation for collisional broadening to obtain the parameters for the Leonard Jones interaction potentials. The rates for pressure broadening are clearly correlated with polarizability of the collision partner.
Instability of Frontal Waves.

Abstract The stability of the classical Norwegian polar front model is investigated, using a numerical technique to supplement the more precise conclusions which are possible in the limiting cases of zero density difference or zero wavenumber. The feasibility of the numerical technique depends on a careful formulation of boundary conditions at the limits of the frontal zone. The numerical results cover the region of Rossby number (Ro) ≤ 3 and Richardson number(Ri) ≤ 5, but their interpretation is unclear at Ri > 2 and Ro > 1. Unstable waves exist at all wavelengths; Rayleigh shear instability at small Ri, Helmholtz shear instability at large Ro and small Ri, shear instability and geostrophic baroclinic instability simultaneously at small Ro and Ri > 2, and a combination of geostrophic and Helmholtz instability when Ri > 2 and Ro < l (but not too small). The previous conclusion of Kotschin that this frontal model is stable for Ri < 2 is therefore incorrect.
Overprivileged, self-absorbed, dumb jocks: Exploration of stereotypes of student-athletes

In this study, lists of traits typically associated with several groups of students were created using empirically supported methods. Specifically, these traits were grouped into a taxonomy based on the extent to which they were classified as being stereotypical for male student-athletes, female student-athletes, male non-athlete students, female non-athlete students, masculine individuals, feminine individuals, athletes, and non-athletes. The purpose behind this study was to create lists of stereotypes associated with the above categories to address the methodological limitations of measures used previous research in sport psychology stereotypes. Results obtained using intraclass correlation measures of interrater agreement, chi-square and proportion analyses of forced-choice card sort data, and reliability analyses of stereotype ratings indicated support for a stereotype taxonomy encompassing each of these distinct groups. Additionally, the psychometrically based methods used in this study could provide a template for categorizing trait-adjectives about specific groups in more reliable and valid ways in many areas of psychology. The information from this specific study may be useful for future studies when determining applicable stereotypes to use for stereotype threat, perceptions of student-athletes, and perceptions of personality.
Morphology of Polythrincium, causing sooty blotch of clover

In 1910, the writer first attempted to isolate the fungus that causes the sooty blotch disease of clover, but was unsuccessful. Repeated attempts have been made, without success, in subsequent years. Apparently similar failures have rewarded the efforts of all other investigators, among whom are Killian (5), BaylissElliott and Stanfield (1), and Horsfall (3), who have studied this fungus. It has been necessary, because this organism is so refractory in this regard, to confine the study of its morphology and development to such phases as could be ascertained from ob? servations made in the field and from microscopic examinations of material collected at intervals throughout the year. The fmd? ings that have resulted are not in accord, in certain features, with those of others, and are herein recorded as a contribution to a better understanding of the structure of this unusual fungus.