cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transesophageal echocardiography to detect atrial clots in candidates for percutaneous transseptal mitral balloon valvuloplasty

Left atrial thrombi are common in patients with mitral stenosis. When percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty is performed on such patients, there is a potential risk of thrombus dislodgment and embolization. In this study conventional transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography were performed for percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty on 19 consecutive candidates (6 men, 13 women, 23 to 81 years old). In five patients (26%), transesophageal echocardiography revealed a left atrial thrombus; in only one of these was there a suspicion of left atrial thrombus on transthoracic echocardiography. Balloon mitral valvuloplasty was canceled in four of the five patients. Three underwent mitral valve surgery that confirmed the echocardiographic findings. Transesophageal echocardiography is better than conventional transthoracic echocardiography in detecting left atrial clots in candidates for balloon mitral valvuloplasty. Because of the potential risk of embolization, transesophageal echocardiography is recommended in all candidates for balloon mitral valvuloplasty.
Uninsured in America: problems and possible solutions

Failure to ensure access to health care for all lies at the heart of the US failure to achieve value for money, says Karen Davis
Computational and experimental environments for fuzzy logic and control

Abstract Fuzzy logic and fuzzy expert control systems have been one of the most active research and development areas of artificial intelligence in recent years. Thanks to tremendous technical advances and many industrial applications in Japan, fuzzy logic enjoys an unprecedented popularity. An equally important issue is the educational need for training the students of engineering and science for both theory and experiments with fuzzy logic. In this paper one such educational experience is described. The paper is organized as follows: Section 2 will provide some computational and simulation experience, while the experimental experiences for real-time fuzzy control will be given in the next section. Conclusions and future work will be given next. A number of examples will be given to illustrate the efforts.
G protein-coupled receptors and the regulation of autophagy

Autophagy is an important catabolic cellular process that eliminates damaged and unnecessary cytoplasmic proteins and organelles. Basal autophagy occurs during normal physiological conditions, but the activity of this process can be significantly altered in human diseases. Thus, defining the regulatory inputs and signals that control autophagy is essential. Nutrients are key modulators of autophagy. Although autophagy is generally accepted to be regulated in a cell-autonomous fashion, recent studies suggest that nutrients can modulate autophagy in a systemic manner by inducing the secretion of hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Emerging studies show that GPCRs also regulate autophagy by directly detecting extracellular nutrients. We review the role of GPCRs in autophagy regulation, highlighting their potential as therapeutic drug targets.
Confidence regions having different shapes for the failure distribution function

Abstract A failure distribution represents an attempt to describe mathematically the length of life of a device.Most often the possibility remains that the analysts may be hesitant or unwilling to entertain any well known theoretical failure distribution. Therefore, one must rely on actual observations of the time to failure to construct an empirical cumulative failure distribution function. We present some useful results in constructing statistical confidence regions for the entire failure cumulative distribution function (cdf), F(x) from which a random sample has been drawn. The bandwidth of these regions becomes narrower in some parts of the distribution where we may want to have more precise information about failure cdf than is afforded by the ordinary Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K−S) confidence region. The problem of constructing the best, having minimum risk, confidence region from a decision theoretic approach is also considered.Illustrative numerical examples are presented.
Production of Cysteic Acid, Taurine and Cystamine under Primitive Earth Conditions

IT is now well established that most of the simple, biologically-important ‘monomers’ (such as amino-acids, pentoses, purines and fatty acids) are formed when various high-energy sources are applied to samples of the atmosphere of the primitive Earth1–2. This atmosphere is assumed to consist mainly of methane, water, ammonia, nitrogen and hydrogen (the last decreasing rapidly with increased age of the Earth)3. Although the amino-acids are among the most prominent products of the irradiations of ‘primitive-Earth atmospheres’, no report has yet appeared in the literature of the appearance of the sulphur-containing amino-acids. This has presented no problem, since it can safely be assumed that the primitive atmosphere contained at least traces of hydrogen sulphide—however, it is important to have laboratory experimentation to back up assumptions.
Rape, murder and revenge in ‘slavery's pleasant homes’: Lydia Maria child's antislavery fiction and the limits of genre

Abstract As a genre created to arouse sympathy for slaves among readers who refused to purchase abolitionist tracts, antislavery fiction was fraught with contradictions. Writers who sought to dispel romantic illusions about slavery were hampered by romantic conventions and a code of gentility that barred ‘vulgar’ language, sordid details, and frank treatment of sexuality. Lydia Maria Child wrestled with these contradictions in her masterpiece, ‘Slavery's Pleasant Homes,’ which depicted the plantation as a harem. Dramatizing a female slave's rape and murder and defending a male slave's retaliation against his master, the story proved too radical to publish outside of antislavery circles.
Thermoelastic effect in liquid mercury at high hydrostatic pressures

Effets thermiques dans le mercure liquide dans le domaine de temperatures 298-370 K et pour des pressions dhyrostatiques de 13 a 200 MN m 2
Space debris: Conjunction opportunities and opportunities for international cooperation

Space debris comprises all non-functional human-made objects in Earth orbit or re-entering the atmosphere. Potentially hazardous orbital debris is proliferating. If current trends continue, orbital debris will become a significant factor in constraining space activity. Space, however, is one of the most strategically important theatres of the 21st century. It is thus imperative, given humanity's reliance on space, that the issue of space debris be addressed. This paper provides an overview of the existing space debris environment, sources of debris and international efforts to monitor it. It analyses space debris mitigation guidelines and the proposed International Code of Conduct for Outer Space Activities. It considers an international treaty to govern space debris as well as the establishment of an international review board to assist in regulating and reducing the amount of debris. It also assesses the challenges of remediation and other policy actions to increase international cooperation to preserve the space environment. Copyright The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com, Oxford University Press.
Characterization of a zebrafish estrogen-sulfating cytosolic sulfotransferase: inhibitory effects and mechanism of action of phytoestrogens.

Abstract Cytosolic sulfotransferases (STs) are generally thought to be involved in detoxification of xenobiotics, as well as homeostasis of endogenous compounds such as thyroid/steroid hormones and catecholamine hormones/neurotransmitters. We report here the identification and characterization of a zebrafish estrogen-sulfating cytosolic ST. The zebrafish ST was bacterially expressed, purified, and examined for enzymatic activities using a variety of endogenous compounds as substrates. Results showed that the enzyme displayed much higher activities toward two endogenous estrogens, estrone (E 1 ) and 17β-estradiol (E 2 ), in comparison with thyroid hormones, 3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (T 3 ) and thyroxine (T 4 ), dopamine, dihydroxyphenylalanine (Dopa), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The kinetic parameters, K m , and V max , with estrogens and thyroid hormones as substrates were determined. The calculated V max / K m for E 1 , E 2 , T 3 , and T 4 were, respectively, 31.6, 16.7, 1.5, and 0.8 nmol min −1 mg −1 μM −1 , indicating clearly the estrogens being preferred physiological substrates for the enzyme. The inhibitory effects of isoflavone phytoestrogens on the sulfation of E 2 by this zebrafish ST were examined. The IC 50 determined for quercetin, genistein, and daidzein were 0.7, 2.5, and 8 μM, respectively. Kinetic analyses revealed that the mechanism underlying the inhibition by these isoflavones to be of the competitive type.
Acceptability Norms toward Fire Management in Three National Forests

Norm theory offers a paradigm for understanding why the public judges management actions acceptable or unacceptable. This study assesses normative beliefs about acceptable wildland fire management. The acceptability of three fire management actions for eight scenarios was examined. The scenarios varied by fire origin and fire impact on air quality, private property, forest recovery, and outdoor recreation. The data were obtained from a mail survey of visitors to three national forests: (a) Arapaho-Roosevelt, Colorado (n = 469), (b) Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Washington (n = 498), and (b) San Bernardino, California (n = 321). Results of a mixed design ANOVA indicated that the acceptability of wildland fire management actions varied according to the fire scenario evaluated, but substantive differences in normative beliefs were not noted among the three forests. Chi-square analyses identified differences in normative agreement for fire management actions across scenarios but did not reveal substantive differences...
SU‐FF‐J‐57: IBreathe: Monitoring Respiration with the Accelerometer in An IPod Touch

Purpose: The breathing pattern for respiration management is obtained by various methods, including infra‐red reflector monitored by a camera (RPM by Varian), spirometer (ABC by Elekta), belt connected to a bellows (4D‐CT by Phillips), or inductive belt (commonly used in sleep studies). We are exploring the use of the accelerometer in the widely available iPod‐Touch as a wireless device to monitor the breathing pattern for respiration management in radiation therapy. This device has wireless communication built into a compact form factor and powered by a battery. It can potentially be a convenient portable device for acquiring breathing patterns. Method and Materials: The iPod‐Touch has a three‐axis accelerometer so that it can detect the magnitude and direction of the local gravitational field relative to its housing. The angular resolution achievable is 0.1 degrees. The iPod‐Touch is placed on a Styrofoam platform with three adjustable legs for leveling. The platform is placed on the abdomen or chest of the patient, depending on the application. The change in inclination of the platform during respiration is detected by the accelerometer and recorded by the iPod‐Touch. For the current study, the recorded inclinations are sent as an attachment in an email for analysis. Results: Breathing traces of healthy subjects were acquired. The amplitude of the change in inclination corresponding to tidal volume was greater than 5 degrees peak‐to‐peak. The breathing trace was recorded at >10 Hz. For a 10 breath‐per‐minute breathing cycle, there are >60 recorded samples per breath. Conclusion: The accelerometer in an iPod‐Touch is sensitive enough to detect the breathing pattern and the recorded trace can be sent wirelessly for analysis. Further work will establish a wireless link between this device and a computer to continuously acquire real‐time breathing data. Supported in part by NIH P01‐CA59827.
Localization of a Peripheral Patch: The Role of Blur and Spatial Frequency

Abstract Peripheral vision serves to direct our attention and fixation to objects of interest. This requires that the visual system be capable of accurately localizing peripherally presented targets having different spatial structures. The question we address is “to what extent does stimulus spatial structure influence the precision of peripheral localization?” To address this issue, we measured the precision of spatial localization (with reference to a foveal target) for a single Gaussian or Gabor patch briefly presented in the periphery. For both stimuli, we find that when the standard deviation of the stimulus envelope (SD) is less than 1 5 the stimulus eccentricity, localization thresholds are independent of SD and are approximately 1 50 of eccentricity. For larger values of SD, localization thresholds increase linearly with increasing SD, and are approximately 1 5 of SD. The results hold over a range of eccentricities (from 2.5 to 10 deg) and stimulus contrasts (from near detection threshold to 80%). In addition, for Gabor patches, the results are independent of frequency, phase and orientation of the carrier. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Alluvium-reinforced ice: A preliminary report of bending strength tests

Abstract If ice could be effectively and economically reinforced, it would be an ideal construction material for offshore drilling platforms, temporary construction pads, and other such structures in Arctic regions. Whilst a variety of reinforcing materials have been shown to be effective strengtheners of ice, all require transporting to the Arctic and significant clean-up after the platform, or structure, has melted, both of which are expensive. An alternative reinforcing agent is alluvium, which is readily available, either in the form of seabed silt in the Arctic offshore, or from various onshore deposits. This note presents preliminary measurements of the bending strength of alluvium-reinforced ice. Results show that bending strength tends to increase with decreasing particle size, and also suggest that there is a critical percentage reinforcement, above which value considerably higher bending strengths are obtained. Further work is ongoing in this new and potentially very useful area.
Dynamic in-lake spawning migrations by female sockeye salmon

Abstract – Precise homing by salmon to natal habitats is considered the primary mechanism in the evolution of population-specific traits, yet few studies have focused on this final phase of their spawning migration. We radio tagged 157 female sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) as they entered Lake Clark, Alaska, and tracked them every 1–10 days to their spawning locations. Contrary to past research, no specific shoreline migration pattern was observed (e.g., clockwise) nor did fish enter a tributary unless they spawned in that tributary. Tributary spawning fish migrated faster (mean = 4.7 km·day−1, SD = 2.7, vs. 1.6 km·day−1, SD = 2.1) and more directly (mean linearity = 0.8, SD = 0.2, vs. 0.4, SD = 0.2) than Lake Clark beach spawning fish. Although radio-tagged salmon migrated to within 5 km of their final spawning location in an average of 21.2 days (SD = 13.2), some fish migrated five times the distance necessary and over 50 days to reach their spawning destination. These results demonstrate the dynamic nature of this final phase of migration and support studies indicating a higher degree of homing precision by tributary spawning fish.
Freiman's inverse problem with small doubling property

Abstract Let N be the set of all nonnegative integers, A ⊆ N be a finite set, and 2A be the set of all numbers of the form a + b for all a and b in A. In [G.A. Freiman, Foundations of a Structural Theory of Set Addition, Transl. Math. Monogr., vol. 37, American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 1973 (translated from the Russian)] the arithmetic structure of A was optimally characterized when | 2 A | ⩽ 3 | A | − 3 . 2 In [G.A. Freiman, Foundations of a Structural Theory of Set Addition, Transl. Math. Monogr., vol. 37, American Mathematical Society, Providence, RI, 1973 (translated from the Russian)] the structure of A was also characterized without proof when | 2 A | = 3 | A | − 2 . Since then the efforts have been made to generalize these results, see [V. Lev, P.Y. Smeliansky, On addition of two distinct sets of integers, Acta Arith. 70 (1) (1995) 85–91; V. Lev, On the structure of sets of integers with small doubling property, unpublished manuscripts, 1995; Y.O. Hamidoune, A. Plagne, A generalization of Freiman's 3 k − 3 theorem, Acta Arith. 103 (2) (2002) 147–156] for example. However, no optimal characterization of the structure of A has been obtained without imposing extra conditions, until now, when | 2 A | > 3 | A | − 2 . In this paper we optimally characterize, with the help of nonstandard analysis, the arithmetic structure of A when | 2 A | = 3 | A | − 3 + b , where b is positive but not too large. Precisely, we prove that there is a real number ϵ > 0 and there is K ∈ N such that if | A | > K and | 2 A | = 3 | A | − 3 + b for 0 ⩽ b ⩽ ϵ | A | , then A is either a subset of an arithmetic progression of length at most 2 | A | − 1 + 2 b or a subset of a bi-arithmetic progression 3 of length at most | A | + b . An application of this result to the inverse problem for upper asymptotic density is presented near the end of the paper. In the application we improve the most important part of the main theorem in [R. Jin, Solution to the inverse problem for upper asymptotic density, J. Reine Angew. Math. (Crelle's J.) 595 (2006) 121–166].
A procedure for recognition of uncommon species combinations in sets of vegetation samples

In a set of vegetation samples the presence in a single sample of a number of unique (or rare) species may indicate that the sample is in some sense peculiar, and that its removal is likely to render the residue more uniform. By repeated test and removal—a process which can be controlled at a fixed significance level—one may restrict the samples to a uniform subset, within which the presence or absence of different species may acceptably be ascribed to chance.
Adsorption of Ultrathin Films of Sulfur-Containing Siloxane Oligomers on Gold Surfaces and Their In situ Modification

Commercially available poly[methyl(mercaptopropyl)siloxane] oligomers have been chemisorbed to gold surfaces from organic solution via gold-alkanes thiolate bonds. Bound films of monolayer thickness (15-20 A) are shown to form spontaneously and are compositionally and structurally isotropic, regardless of solution concentration. XPS yields evidence for two distinct sulfur species in these films: one consistent with gold-thiolate bonds and one representing free, unbonded thiol. A high content of unbonded thiol has been used to modify these organic films in situ using photochemistry
Early intervention after universal neonatal hearing screening: impact on outcomes.

This article summarizes the developmental outcomes of Colorado children with significant hearing loss. Some of the research compares children born in hospitals that have implemented universal newborn hearing screening programs for newborns. Other research compares the developmental outcomes of children who have been early-identified with hearing loss. Early-identification is defined as identification of hearing loss within the first six months of life. Late identification in the Colorado studies is defined as age of identification of hearing loss after the age of six months. In a few of the Colorado studies, age at initiation of intervention was used. Within the Colorado system, age of identification can be interpreted as almost synonymous with age of intervention, as the vast majority of children enter intervention services with two months after the identification of the hearing loss. Children who were early-identified and had early initiation of intervention services (within the first year of life) had significantly better vocabulary, general language abilities, speech intelligibility and phoneme repertoires, syntax as measured by mean length of utterance, social-emotional development, parental bonding, and parental grief resolution. Two other studies (Nebraska and Washington state) of early- versus later-initiation of intervention services report findings similar to the Colorado studies. Direct comparisons with the historical literature are not possible because the developmental delays of what would now be termed "later-identified" were too low to report developmental ages for the birth through five-year-old population.
SOLVING THE TRAVELING SALESMAN PROBLEM USING EFFICIENT RANDOMIZED PARALLEL APPROXIMATION ALGORITHMS

In this paper, we combine the techniques of approximation, parallelism, and randomization to solve the traveling salesman problem, one of the most celebrated problems in computer science. We show that there is an EREW PRAM algorithm A 1 such that A 1(l) ≤ 2 OPT(l) for all TSP instances l, where A 1(l) is the length of the tour produced by A 1, and OPT(l) is the length of an optimum tour. The algorithm has time complexity O(log2 n), and uses O(n 2) processors. There is a similar CREW PRAM algorithm A 2 that uses O(n 2/log2 n) processors. Furthermore, there is a Monte Carlo CREW PRAM algorithm A 3 which, for all TSP instances l, finds a traveling salesman lour such that A 3(l) ≤ 1.5OPT(l) with probability at least 1 − (1/2 k ), where k is any large integer. The randomized algorithm has time complexity O(log2 n), and uses O(n 5.5 L) processors, where L is the length of the interval which contains all distances in l. We also show that there is a Las Vegas CREW PRAM algorithm A 4 which, for all TSP instances l...
Geologic, geomorphic and hydrologic framework and evolution of the Bengal basin, India and Bangladesh

Abstract The Bengal basin, the largest fluvio-deltaic sedimentary system on Earth, is located in Bangladesh and three eastern states of India. Sediment accumulates in the basin from the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna (GBM) river systems and is dispersed into the Bay of Bengal, forming the largest submarine fan in the world. The basin is located in the Himalayan foreland at the junction of the Indian, Eurasian, and Burmese plates. The basin is bounded by the Indian craton on the west and the Indo-Burmese fold belts on the east. It can be broadly divided into a stable shelf and a foredeep separated by a deep seismic hinge zone. Basin sediments overlie Gondwanan basement and vary in thickness from a few kilometers on the stable shelf to more than 16 km in the foredeep. The basin was initiated at the breakup of Gondwanaland in the late Mesozoic and evolved through the formation of the proto-GBM delta to the present delta starting around 10.5 Ma. The stratigraphy of the different parts of the basin differs considerably, because of contrast in depositional history within the several sub-basins that were produced by intra-plate tectonic activities associated with ongoing Himalayan orogeny. The present-day geomorphology is dominated by the extensive Holocene GBM floodplain and delta. The vertical succession of the deltaic plain can be classified into five units on the basis of differences in grain size, which reflect differing depositional environments. The initiation of the modern GBM delta at the onset of the Pleistocene glacial maximum and its evolution to the present configuration are intricately related to Holocene fluvio-dynamic processes, eustatic sea-level changes, and tectonic movements. The sedimentology and mineralogy of the different parts of the basin reflect differences in sediment provenance. The mineralogy is dominated by detrital quartz, some feldspar, and minor amounts of carbonates; illite and kaolinite are the main clay minerals. The basin has profuse groundwater resources, but the architecture of the aquifers is not yet well resolved. Different classification schemes have been proposed on the basis of lithology. Regional groundwater flow follows a low hydraulic gradient from north to south, but pumping for irrigation during the past several decades appears to have severely distorted regional flow. Recharge occurs primarily during the monsoon season. Groundwater chemistry is dominated by anoxic, Ca–HCO 3 -type water with relatively high concentrations of Fe, Mn, and As. Carbonate dissolution, silicate weathering, FeOOH reduction, and mixing with saline water are the primary processes controlling hydrochemistry.
Polarography in solution of some problems in organic chemistry: recent applications

Abstract Applications of chromatographic and atomic absorption methods are compared with those of electroanalytical techniques. The limitations of electroanalytical procedures and their advantages, such as speed, sensitivity and speciation are discussed. Among applications of polarography and voltammetry to a solution of basic problems, attention has been paid to the possibility to distinguish the degree of conjugation (e.g. of compounds containing the grouping CNNC), to a contribution to understanding of solution chemistry of mitomycin C and to processes involved in the reduction of cephalosporins. Among practical applications, the possibility to analyze suspensions, which can be carried out without separation offers advantages. Examples are interactions in suspensions of bile salts in the presence of metal (II) ions, adsorptions of various pesticides and other toxic materials on lignin and the possibility to follow alkaline cleavage of lignin in buffers pH 8–12 at 25 °C. Most of these studies would not be possible to carry out using other techniques.
Identification of glycosphingolipid-glycoprotein hybrids in gastric epithelium

Summary A glycolipid fraction, obtained from dog gastric epithelium by detergent solubilization, was found to contain the glycoconjugates with features common to both glycosphingolipids and glycoproteins. Three such compounds have been purified to homogeneity and their composition and structural characteristics determined. The purified glycosphingolipid-glycoprotein hybrids had a molecular weight in the range of 14,000 and contained 88.2 – 91.1% carbohydrate, 3.1 – 4.5% protein, 2.0 – 2.4% sphingosine, and 1.1 – 1.9% fatty acids. The oxidation of the olefinic bond of sphingosine followed by β-elimination reaction led to the release from each compound of glucose and mannose containing oligosaccharides. Deglycosylation with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid exposed the core regions of the hybrid molecules which were found to consist of sphingosine, glucose, N-acetylglucosamine and amino acids. The data suggest that glycosphingolipid-glycoprotein hybrid molecules are held together by amide linkages between the sphingosine and aspartic or glutamic acid.
Monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism during acclimatization to hypoxia in rats

Abstract The levels and turnovers of NE, DA and 5HT were determined in whole brain, brain stem, cervical and thoracic spinal cord and carotid bodies (CB) of rats exposed to from 1 h to 7 days of hypobaric hypoxia ( P B = 450 torr ). Monoamine levels decreased only transiently upon acute exposure to hypoxia. Monoamine turnover in the CNS was estimated from the average of (a) monoamine buildup following inhibition of catabolism, and (b) monoamine breakdown following inhibition of synthesis. Hypoxic effects on CNS monoamine turnover showed that: (a) NE was not affected; (b) DA was not affected in acute hypoxia, but was reduced to about 40% of normoxia control after 1–7 days hypoxia; (c) 5HT fell 50–60% during acute hypoxia but returned to and was maintained at control over 1–7 days of hypoxia; (d) acute restoration of normoxia following acute hypoxia restored 5HT and DA to control or above and in the acclimatized animal acute normoxia increased DA and 5HT turnover to about 1.4 and 1.8 × control. In the CB, DA levels gradually increased to 4 × control after 7 days of hypoxia and further increased to 6 × control upon acute restoration of normoxia. Changes in the metabolism of both central 5HT and CB DA may be related to the mechanisms mediating ventilatory acclimization to chronic hypoxia.
Behavioral and Electrophysiological Indices of Negative Affect Predict Cocaine Self-Administration

The motivation to seek cocaine comes in part from a dysregulation of reward processing manifested in dysphoria, or affective withdrawal. Learning is a critical aspect of drug abuse; however, it remains unclear whether drug-associated cues can elicit the emotional withdrawal symptoms that promote cocaine use. Here we report that a cocaine-associated taste cue elicited a conditioned aversive state that was behaviorally and neurophysiologically quantifiable and predicted subsequent cocaine self-administration behavior. Specifically, brief intraoral infusions of a cocaine-predictive flavored saccharin solution elicited aversive orofacial responses that predicted early-session cocaine taking in rats. The expression of aversive taste reactivity also was associated with a shift in the predominant pattern of electrophysiological activity of nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons from inhibitory to excitatory. The dynamic nature of this conditioned switch in affect and the neural code reveals a mechanism by which cues may exert control over drug self-administration.
Drugs that antagonize limb flick behavior induced by D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) in cats.

In cats observed in their home cages limb flicks (LF) are a sensitive measure of the behavioral effects of LSD. LF induced by LSD (50 μg/kg) were blocked by dextrorphan (0.6 mg/kg), dextromethorphan (0.6 mg/kg), and imipramine (5 mg/kg) at doses that did not produce ataxia or sleep. Levorphanol (0.6 mg/kg), a narcotic that is a congener of dextrorphan, did not block LF induced by LSD possibly because it produced an excitatory effect when given alone. Pentobarbital at low doses (2 and 4 mg/kg) increased the number of LF induced by LSD but at a high dose (8 mg/kg) decreased LF induced by LSD either by producing ataxia, so the cats tended to remain immobile, or by producing sleep. Chlorpromazine (CPZ) at three doses (2,4, and 8 mg/kg) attenuated the effects of LSD on LF, but did not block LF as completely as the above three blocking drugs, and produced ataxia and sleep.
Primary Voters Versus Caucus Goers and the Peripheral Motivations of Political Participation

Depending on their state of residence, Americans can participate in Presidential nomination contests either by voting in a primary or by attending a caucus. Since caucus participation requires more time and effort than primary voting, it has long been thought that caucuses must attract a more partisan, activist, and politically extreme cohort of citizens than primaries. This paper challenges the view that more burdensome electoral institutions necessarily ought to attract more politically engaged citizens. I propose a theory of peripheral motivations that predicts caucus goers and primary voters will not differ in terms of their political attitudes or interest, but they will differ in their levels of community engagement. The key insight is that many of the reasons why citizens choose to participate or abstain from politics actually have little to do with politics. Analysis of two surveys from the 2008 Presidential election substantiates the theoretical expectations.
β-arrestin1 mediates metastatic growth of breast cancer cells by facilitating HIF-1-dependent VEGF expression

β-Arrestins 1 and 2 are multifunctional adaptor proteins originally discovered for their role in desensitizing seven-transmembrane receptor signaling via the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins. Recently identified roles of β-arrestins include regulation of cancer cell chemotaxis and proliferation. Herein, we report that β-arrestin1 expression regulates breast tumor colonization in nude mice and cancer cell viability during hypoxia. β-Arrestin1 robustly interacts with nuclear hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α) that is stabilized during hypoxia and potentiates HIF-1-dependent transcription of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Increased expression of β-arrestin1 in human breast cancer (infiltrating ductal carcinoma or IDC and metastatic IDC) correlates with increased levels of VEGF-A. While the anti-angiogenic drug thalidomide inhibits HIF-1-dependent VEGF transcription in breast carcinoma cells, it does not prevent HIF-1α stabilization, but leads to aberrant localization of HIF-1α to the perinuclear compartments and surprisingly stimulates nuclear export of β-arrestin1. Additionally, imatinib mesylate that inhibits release of VEGF induces nuclear export of β-arrestin1-HIF-1α complexes. Our findings suggest that β-arrestin1 regulates nuclear signaling during hypoxia to promote survival of breast cancer cells via VEGF signaling and that drugs that induce its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm could be useful in anti-angiogenic and breast cancer therapies.
Relationships Between Attribution Style, Child Abuse History, and PTSD Symptom Severity in Vietnam Veterans

Relationships between learned helplessness, locus of control, child abuse histories, adult trauma exposure and subsequent PTSD symptom severity in a clinical sample of male Vietnam veterans were examined. Learned helplessness and external locus of control were not only reliably associated with each other, but also differentially associated with childhood abuse and PTSD symptom severity. Learned helplessness, in particular, evidenced significant relationships with both childhood trauma and current distress. Contrary to expectations, child abuse history was not reliably associated with combat-related PTSD. Overall results suggested that learned helplessness and external locus of control are correlated, but independent constructs with compelling links to adult psychopathology.
Mental Health Needs of Spanish-Speaking Latinos in Southern California

To better understand current mental health needs of Spanish-speaking people in Southern California,268 Latinos completed questionnaires that surveyed their perceived mental health needs. In addition, 43 therapists,self-identified as serving Spanish-speaking clients, completed a survey regarding their approaches in providing counseling to this population. Low-skilled, working-poor, primarily monolingual Hispanics were compared with Hispanic college students to explore differences and similarities between these groups. Both groups preferred counseling approaches in which the counselor gives a lot of advice, asks a lot of questions, and focuses on current problems, especially family issues. They preferred a relationship that was professional and personal and preferred counseling more than medication to deal with emotional problems. These preferences corresponded with the therapists who stated that they develop a friendly but professional relationship. The therapists also stated that the treatment models most...
RAIL TRACK DEFECT DETECTION USING DERIVATIVE WAVELET TRANSFORM

Railroad track monitoring systems are used for finding rail defects that may lead to a derailment of the train. The classical limit-value based defect detection systems are simple but are limited in their capability to detect small defects. As a cutting-edge supervision method, signal derivative filters can help to reveal information in the acceleration signal collected while the train is moving on the rail. The derivative filters are designed based on the required performance of the application. However, their design should be done with caution because they can greatly amplify the noise in the data, especially in high frequencies.Derivative filters can be implemented in the sample domain of space or time. The derivative filters in time domain are not always sufficient to study all the features of a signal. To explore the signal content, wavelet transformation was chosen, because it gives accurate description of the frequency contents according to their position in time. It should be noted that the wavelet transform that gives the derivative of a signal, has the properties of smoothing and differentiation.The proposed algorithm processes the data using continuous and discrete derivative wavelets filters, and is able to locate defects and provide information that may help to distinguish between various types of rail and wheel defects, including rail cracks, squats, corrugation, and wheel out-of-rounds. The wavelet-based algorithm developed was applied to a sample accelerometer signal and the results show the potential of this algorithm to locate and diagnose defects from limited bogie vertical acceleration data.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Phylogenetic relationships among the macaques: evidence from the nuclear locus NRAMP1.

Abstract The macaques, genus Macaca, represent one of the most successful radiations within the Order Primates, with a geographical distribution that ranks second in size only to that of humans among extant primates. Although the number of macaque species recognized depends on the classification scheme used, most authors currently follow the classifications of either Fooden or Delson, both of whom recognize 19 extant macaque species. These two classifications differ in their placement of macaque species into more inclusive taxa (i.e., species groups). While researchers have attempted to use mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to resolve these phylogenetic relationships, different studies have generated conflicting conclusions. Consequently, we screened nuclear DNA sequences of a large number of macaques to determine if such data provide greater insight into the phylogenetic relationships among macaques. The data generated from the comparison of two (noncoding) introns within the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene generally agree with the classification scheme of Delson. However, the data also support several novel observations. Specifically, the NRAMP1 data demonstrate that M. silenus and M. nemestrina lack nuclear genetic variation, while M. assamensis and M. radiata exhibit the greatest amount of genetic variation. In addition, these data suggest that M. fascicularis may not be as “primitive” (with respect to other members of the fascicularis group) as the mtDNA based data suggest.
Hollow to bamboolike internal structure transition observed in carbon nanotube films

The transition of the internal structure in microwave chemical-vapor-deposited carbon nanotubes is investigated using scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. By controlling the thickness of the iron catalyst layer, a sequence of carbon nanotube films was obtained with diameters ranging from a few nanometers to over 100nm. Experiments have established that by continuous reduction of the Fe layer thickness to 1nm, multiwall carbon nanotube films can be synthesized. It was also found that for an Fe thickness ⩾5nm, interlayers (i.e., bamboolike or periodically compartmentalized nanotubes) were formed, while for an iron thickness <2nm the tubes were primarily hollow. For an intermediate Fe thickness the internal structure of the carbon nanotubes was a mixture of hollow and bamboolike. A growth model which considers bulk and surface diffusions of carbon into and∕or on...
Design aids for simplified nonlinear soil–structure interaction analyses

Abstract This manuscript presents the development of charts that structural engineering practitioners can use to quickly quantify the restraining effect at the bases of columns and walls supported on shallow foundations. The formulation is derived based on compatibility, equilibrium, and a simplified constitutive relation that uses two basic parameters to characterize the soil-foundation: the subgrade modulus – the stiffness parameter and the ultimate bearing capacity – the strength parameter. The model captures the intrinsic non-linear behavior of the soil with increasing loading, and the coupling between moments and axial loads. Using the proposed charts, calculated rocking responses for rigid footing models under combined axial load and moment are found to compare reasonably well with experimental results.
Discrete representation of continuous signals: the Huggins transform

The discrete representation of continuous linear time-invariant signal processing systems is discussed. The orthogonal Huggins representation is introduced as an important special case of the discrete orthogonal representation. This representation uses an orthogonalized collection of complex exponentials as the orthogonal basis. Additionally, the Huggins representation of continuous linear time-invariant systems is proposed. The Huggins representation is formed as the discrete eigenfunction representation of continuous linear time-invariant systems in terms of a collection of complex exponentials. The orthogonal Huggins representation results in a quadratic computational complexity, whereas the Huggins representation yields a linear computational complexity. >
A case study examining the impact of factor screening for neural network metamodels

Metamodeling of large-scale simulations consisting of a large number of input parameters can be very challenging. Neural Networks have shown great promise in fitting these large-scale simulations even without performing factor screening. However, factor screening is an effective method for logically reducing the dimensionality of an input space and thus enabling more feasible metamodel calibration. Applying factor screening methods before calibrating Neural Network metamodels or any metamodel can have both positive and negative effects. The critical assumption for factor screening under investigation involves the prevalence of two-way interactions that contain a variable without a significant main effect by itself. In a simulation with a large parameter space, the prevalence of two-way interactions and their contribution to the total variability in the model output is far from transparent. Important questions therefore arise regarding factor screening and Neural Network metamodels: (a) is this a process worth doing with today's more powerful computing processors, which provide a larger library of runs to do metamodeling; and (b), does erroneously screening these buried interaction terms critically impact the level of metamodel fidelity that one can achieve. In this paper we examine these questions through the construction of a case study on a large-scale simulation. This study projects regional homelessness levels per county of interest based on a large array of budget decisions and resource allocations that expand out to hundreds of input parameters.
Use of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Diagnosing Plasmacytoma of the Pancreas

Context An extramedullary plasmacytoma is a discrete collection of monoclonal plasmocytes arising in tissues other than the bone. Gastrointestinal involvement has been reported in approximately 10% of cases and usually involves the liver; however, there have been a number of cases involving the pancreas. Discussion Although helical CT can be used to diagnose pancreatic plasmacytomas based on a typical radiological appearance, there are a number of pitfalls with CT including similar radiologic appearances of other pancreatic tumors, malignant seeding induced by CT biopsy, and creation of multiple secondary plasmacytomas precipitated by CT biopsy. Tissue diagnosis is critical to management in pancreatic lesions as the decision to pursue surgery (pancreatic adenocarcinoma) versus chemotherapy (lymphoma) or radiation (extramedullary plasmacytoma) is dependent on a correct tissue diagnosis. Tissue diagnosis can change morbidity and mortality with respect to specific treatment of pancreatic lesions in the milieu of pancreatic tumor variance. In the confirmed tissue diagnosis of pancreatic plasmacytoma, radiation and chemotherapy can be preferentially chosen over high risk surgery. EUS-FNA has a lower risk of malignant seeding, complications, and a high sensitivity in the diagnosis of pancreatic plasmacytomas, especially with an increased number of passes and bedside cytopathologists. Conclusion It is important for physicians to have a high index of suspicion for diagnosing pancreatic plasmacytomas in the appropriate clinical setting (i.e., a previously diagnosed multiple myeloma, extramedullary plasmacytoma or any other plasma cell neoplasm). EUS-FNA is now an indispensable imaging modality to achieve the diagnosis of pancreatic extramedullary plasmacytomas with an inherently lower rate of complications, and should be the first choice for tissue evaluation.
RICH CO-ORDINALS, ADDITION ISOMORPHISMS, AND RETs'

?0. Summary and notation. In this paper a special type of co-ordinal, called rich, is studied. Basic properties of rich co-ordinals are proved in ?1. In ?2 rich co-ordinals are seen to be the co-ordinals occurring in paths which are addition isomorphic to initial segments of the classical ordinals. The results of ?1 are applied to obtain information about and examples of such paths. In the next section the order types of rich co-ordinals with a given field, X, is seen to be determined essentially by the finite divisors of X. RETs satisfying various divisibility conditions are constructed in ?4. These RETs and the results of ?3 determine the collection of sets of ordinals which are order types of rich co-ordinals with a fixed field.
Differential TRPV1 and TRPV2 Channel Expression in Dental Pulp

Hypersensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli can occur in painful pulpitis. To explore the neuro-anatomical basis of heat and mechanical sensitivity, we evaluated expression of TRPV1 (heat) and TRPV2 (heat/mechanical) channels in the cell bodies and terminal arborizations of neurons that innervate the dental pulp (DP) and periodontal tissues (PDL). We report that ~50% of trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons retrogradely labeled from the DP express TRPV2, and this was significantly greater than the general expression of this channel in the TG (15%) and slightly more than what is expressed in the PDL by retrograde labeling (40%). The TRPV1 receptor, however, was less prevalent in neurons innervating the DP than their general expression in the TG (17% vs. 26%) and was more extensively expressed in neurons innervating the PDL (26%). Co-labeling studies showed that 70% of neurons that innervate the DP are myelinated. Approximately 1/3 of the retrogradely labeled neurons from the DP were calcitonin-gene-related-peptide-positive (peptide-expressing), but very few expressed the IB4 marker of non-peptidergic unmyelinated afferents. These findings suggest that the DP has a unique neurochemical innervation with regard to TRP receptor expression, which has significant implications for the mechanisms contributing to odontogenic pain and management strategies.
The Interaction between Steroid Hormones and Lipid Monolayers on Water

The interaction of progesterone, testosterone, androsterone, and etiocholanolone with insoluble lipid films (cholesterol and saturated hydrocarbons containing either alcohol, ester, acetamide, phosphate, amine, or carboxyl groups) was studied. In addition to surface pressure and surface potential measurements of the surface films, radioactive tracers were used to measure the concentration of adsorbed steroid in the lipid films. In general, steroids form mixed films with the insoluble lipid films. Compression of the insoluble lipid films to their most condensed state leads to complete ejection of adsorbed steroid from the surface in all cases except with the amine, for which a small amount of steroid is still retained in the surface. Interactions between the steroids and insoluble lipids are primarily due to van der Waals or dispersion forces; there were no significant contributions from dipole-dipole interactions (except possibly with the amine). Specific interactions between cholesterol and the soluble steroids were not observed. Evidence suggests that low steroid concentrations influence structure of lipid films by altering the hydration layer in the surface film. In contrast to a specific site of action, it is proposed that steroid hormones initiate structural changes in a variety of biological sites; this model of steroid action is consistent with the ubiquity of many steroid hormones.