cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ICP0 antagonizes Stat 1-dependent repression of herpes simplex virus: implications for the regulation of viral latency.

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ICP0 protein is an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which is encoded within the HSV-1 latency-associated locus. When ICP0 is not synthesized, the HSV-1 genome is acutely susceptible to cellular repression. Reciprocally, when ICP0 is synthesized, viral replication is efficiently initiated from virions or latent HSV-1 genomes. The current study was initiated to determine if ICP0's putative role as a viral interferon (IFN) antagonist may be relevant to the process by which ICP0 influences the balance between productive replication versus cellular repression of HSV-1. Wild-type (ICP0+) strains of HSV-1 produced lethal infections in scid or rag2-/- mice. The replication of ICP0- null viruses was rapidly repressed by the innate host response of scid or rag2-/- mice, and the infected animals remained healthy for months. In contrast, rag2-/- mice that lacked the IFN-α/β receptor (rag2-/- ifnar-/-) or Stat 1 (rag2-/- stat1-/-) failed to repress ICP0- viral replication, resulting in uncontrolled viral spread and death. Thus, the replication of ICP0- viruses is potently repressed in vivo by an innate immune response that is dependent on the IFN-α/β receptor and the downstream transcription factor, Stat 1. ICP0's function as a viral IFN antagonist is necessary in vivo to prevent an innate, Stat 1-dependent host response from rapidly repressing productive HSV-1 replication. This antagonistic relationship between ICP0 and the host IFN response may be relevant in regulating whether the HSV-1 genome is expressed, or silenced, in virus-infected cells in vivo. These results may also be clinically relevant. IFN-sensitive ICP0- viruses are avirulent, establish long-term latent infections, and induce an adaptive immune response that is highly protective against lethal challenge with HSV-1. Therefore, ICP0- viruses appear to possess the desired safety and efficacy profile of a live vaccine against herpetic disease.
Peer to peer media management for augmented reality

Immersion into rich multimedia is now the norm in today's Internet. Combining multiple streams of textual, audio and media data from a variety of sensors and sources, allow the presentation of a world that is almost “real”. Users equipped with portable and wearable devices can become consumers and contributors to an augmented reality. In this paper we describe a general software architecture for an augmented reality immersion network based on crowd sourced media gathering and distribution. We describe a prototypical implementation with cloud and mobile components to establish a secure sharing network, to coordinate and to synchronize the media streams. Joining the content sharing network is subject to peer-to-peer trust management to protect the content and the participants.
Urine Latex Agglutination Tests

We recently presented data suggesting that urine latex agglutination (ULA) tests had little effect on the management of febrile children at risk for invasive bacterial infection, in that treatment and disposition decisions were driven by clinical factors rather than test results.1 While our paper was in press, data from another center were published yielding similar conclusions.2 We report herein that the diagnostic behavior of clinicians at our children9s hospital appears to have been affected by logical arguments against ULA testing and data supporting those arguments (these data were presented to the medical staff and residents several years before publication of the paper).
Acousto-Optic Time-Integrating Correlators Using Integrated Optics Technology

Implementation of the acoustooptic time-integrating correlators using integrated optics techniques is suggested. A hybrid version of such integrated acoustooptic correlators can be conveniently implemented in a LiNb03 substrate. Based on the findings of preliminary experiments such an integrated optic processor is expected to provide superior performance figures as well as a number of desirable features.
Tubular Plexiglas maze

Abstract A modular maze constructed of Plexiglas tubing, reduces angles, minimizes extraneous sniffing, facilitates cleaning, and offers maximal homogeneity of construction while allowing the design of mazes of varying complexity by the simple addition of modular components. It is easily standardized to facilitate more direct comparison of results between laboratories, and is particularly suited for pheromone research or any maze testing situation where maximal flexibility and control of extraneous variables are required.
Method to detect line-to-ground faults in high-resistance-ground networks

An Industrial-Power-Converter-System (IPCS) is a system made up of several power converters, such as Adjustable Speed Drive (ASDs), filters, and any kind of reactive power-compensation components. Today, an IPCS requires the ability to accurately detect and isolate electric faults to avoid further compromise of the integrity of the whole system. One particular type of electric fault is the cable line-to-ground fault. Due to the complexity and asymmetry of IPCSs, reliably detecting cable line-to-ground faults is a formidable task. Therefore, it is necessary to identify current/voltage signature uniquely linked to the occurrence of the fault. A filter realization to track specific harmonics is proposed.
Pheromonal inhibition of male courtship behaviour in the brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis: a mechanism for the rejection of potential mates

Pheromones play a central role in coordinating the events leading up to copulation in snakes. We report here a novel pheromone system in the brown tree snake in which females release a pheromone that inhibits male courtship behaviour. In a previous study, we made observations of female brown tree snakes releasing cloacal secretions (CS) during courtship that appeared to cause courting males to cease courtship. All snakes have glands that release CS through ducts located along the cloacal orifice. Although CS have been studied for many years, their function in the mediation of snake behaviour has not been experimentally well determined. We examined the role of CS in the reproductive behaviour of male and female brown tree snakes. We conducted four experiments to test the effect of both male and female CS on brown tree snake behaviour under two behavioural contexts, courtship and male–male ritualized combat. Within each experiment, we compared the effects of CS to a control. Female CS caused a decrease in the time that males spent courting females and a decrease in the intensity of courtship compared with the control treatment. Male CS did not, however, affect the time that males spent displaying courtship or the intensity of that courtship. Neither male nor female CS had significant effects on male ritualized combat behaviour, including time that males spent in combat or the intensity of combat behaviours displayed. Furthermore, neither female nor male CS had an effect on female courtship versus controls. The inhibition of brown tree snake reproductive behaviours is specific to female CS inhibiting male courtship behaviour. This pheromone acts in concert with the female sex pheromone to regulate the events leading to copulation.Copyright 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
Use of Helical TomoTherapy for the Focal Hypofractionated Treatment of Limited Brain Metastases in the Initial and Recurrent Setting

BACKGROUND Whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or both are commonly employed in the treatment of limited brain metastases in the initial or recurrent setting. Hypofractionated partial volume irradiation is also employed, however published experience using HT for this purposes is limited. We reviewed our institutional experience to assess patient selection factors, fractionation scheme, and outcomes associated with this technique. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate patients treated with partial volume hypofractionated HT-based IMRT for brain metastases at our institution. RESULTS Thirteen patients (7M/6F, median age 62, median KPS 90) with a limited (1-9) number of brain metastases in the primary or recurrent setting were identified. Primary malignancies included colorectal (3), NSCLC (5), RCC (1), breast (1), melanoma (1), uterine (1) and ovarian (1). The median time from initial diagnosis to brain metastases was 20.7 months (range 0-61.3). Treatment was delivered to intact metastases in 6 patients, to a single resection cavity in 6 patients, and to both in one patient. A total of 27 lesions were treated. The median number of intact metastases treated was 2 (range 1-9). Previous treatments included WBRT (5), WBRT+SRS (3), SRS alone (1), and none (4). The most common fractionation schemes were 25 Gy in 5 fractions and 27.5 Gy in 5 fractions to each lesion. At a median of 6 months follow up (range 1.26-20.13) after TomoTherapy, 10 patients were deceased, 2 were alive and 1 was lost to follow up. The median intracranial progression free survival and overall survival after TomoTherapy was 6.3 months. Freedom from local failure for treated lesions was 71% and 59% at 6 and 12 months CONCLUSIONS TomoTherapy-based hypofractionated radiotherapy is associated with acceptable disease control and survival outcomes and represents a viable treatment option in the primary and recurrent setting for select patients.
Prolonged survival with a remnant kidney.

Surgical ablation of five-sixths renal mass in Munich-Wistar rats fed a high protein diet leads to focal sclerosis in the remnant kidney and progressive renal failure. Experimental data suggest that this injury results from intraglomerular hypertension and/or chronic glomerular hyperfiltration. Data in humans largely are limited to patients with unilateral renal agenesis or uninephrectomy, either for unilateral renal disease or for kidney transplant donation. Isolated case reports have documented focal sclerosis and progressive renal failure in two patients with a remnant kidney. To obtain data in humans with a remnant kidney, we surveyed more than 800 urologists and nephrologists in the United States and abroad. Criteria for inclusion in the study were (1) surgical resection (in one or more operations) resulting in the presence of a remnant kidney; and (2) an adequate period of follow-up, defined as 5 years or greater. A total of 13 patients were identified (from 13 different centers). Twelve patients had renal cancer and one had tuberculosis. Six patients were observed for 10 or more years postoperatively and all have stable serum creatinine levels of less than 270 μmol/L (3.0 mg/dL); two of these six patients are now more than 25 and 30 years postoperation. The other seven patients, observed for 5 to 7 years, have serum creatinine levels less than 270 μmol/L (3 mg/dL), while one has an increasing serum creatinine level. The two longest surviving patients both have undergone successful pregnancy with no overall change in serum creatinine. These observations demonstrate that it is possible for humans to survive more than 30 years with a stable serum creatinine, despite the presence of only a remnant kidney.
433 EFFECT OF CHRONIC ADMINISTRATION OF CLONIDINE IN NORMAL CHILDREN WITH SHORT STATURE: RATE OF GROWTH AND SOMATOMEDIN LEVELS

The oral administration of Clonidine, (C) a selective Alpha-Adrenergic agonist has been shown to increase growth hormone(GH) secretion in children and has been proposed as one of the reliable tests of GH reserve. The effects of chronic administra tion of C on growth have not yet been reported. We have now evaluated the effects of C administration on the rate of growth (RG) and somatomedin C (SM-C) levels in normal prepubertal children with short stature. Ten children (4-9y) with normal RG and normal GH reserve as assessed by the C test and SM-C determination were the subjects of this study. C was administer ed orally to these children as a single dose (0.15mg/m2/body surface area) every night during a 6-month period. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured. Plasma SM-C was determined before and one week after the last C dose. No side effects were observed during the 6-month period. The administration of C during that period produced a significant increase in the RG and SM-C levels. We conclude that C-administration could be used as an alternative treatment modality for normal children with short stature
Expression of the genes encoding the ecdysteroid and retinoid receptors in regenerating limb tissues from the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator

Using sequence information derived from the Drosophila melanogaster (Dm) ecdysteroid receptor (EcR)- and retinoid X receptor (RXR)-encoding gene homologs, we have isolated cDNA clones corresponding to the DNA-binding domains (DBD) for these two nuclear receptors from the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator (Up). Both genes appear to be represented in 1-2 copies in the Up genome, and unlike Dm, contain an intron within the DBD-encoding region. Sequence comparisons to the Dm EcR and RXR homologs indicate 76 and 82% nucleotide identity, respectively, corresponding to 6 and 4 single-amino acid substitutions which primarily cluster in the region of the molecule involved in dimerization. RT-PCR analysis indicates that both the EcR and RXR homologs are expressed during the initial stages of limb regeneration, temporally concomitant with early blastema formation and the secretion of a flexible sac cuticle at the site of limb loss.
A pervaporation model: Membrane design

Abstract Theoretical penetrant concentration profiles under steady-state pervaporation conditions were generated using a newly developed transport model. The transport model assumes the presence of an imaginary phase (liquid or vapor) which is in thermodynamic equilibrium with the membrane phase. Theoretical profiles were compared with experimental concentration profiles. The calculation for the phase boundary between imaginary liquid and vapor phases was also performed using the transport model. The present work is the first theoretical work that can reconstruct penetrant profiles inside the membrane showing concentration polarization.
The riddle of the reader in mass‐produced ‘women's fiction’

Robert C. Allen. Speaking of Soap Operas. Chapel Hill and London: University of North Carolina Press, 1985. 245 pp. $9.95 paper. Janice A. Radway. Reading the Romance: Women, Patriarchy and Popular Literature. Chapel Hill and London: University of North Carolina Press, 1985. 274 pp. $7.95 paper.
Creep and Microstructural Evolution in Lead-Free Microelectronic Solder Joints

Microelectronic solder joints are typically exposed to aggressive thermo-mechanical cycling (TMC) conditions, resulting in significant strain-enhanced microstructural coarsening during service. This microstructural evolution produces continuously evolving mechanical properties during extended use. Since solder joint life is dictated largely by the creep strain range, it is necessary to develop microstructurally adaptive creep models for solders to enable accurate prediction of joint life. In this paper, we present (1) a new closed-form creep model incorporating microstructural coarsening in lead-free solders, which can be easily incorporated into life-prediction models; and (2) a methodology for impression creep testing of Sn-3.5Ag solders which can potentially enable creep testing of individual flip chip or BGA balls in a package. The proposed creep model incorporates the effects of both static and strain-enhanced coarsening of second phase intermetallic particles which are present in lead-free solders, and shows that as a joint undergoes TMC, the creep rate increases continuously, adversely impacting life. This inference is supported by the impression creep experiments, which are shown to capture the essential features of creep in Sn-Ag alloys, in accordance with the available literature. It is also shown that the creep resistance of a given alloy composition is strongly dependent on the microstructure, making it important that creep data used for joint life prediction be based on testing of actual joints or very tightly controlled microstructures.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Skills of Inquiry and Advocacy: Why Managers Need Both

The growing emphasis on the role of learning in organizations will highlight the need to balance the skills of inquiry with the skills of advocacy. Most organizations in the West draw their communicative styles from a tradition of argumentation and debate. The core communicative skills, the skills that are often rewarded and modeled, are the skills of advocacy. Advocacy skills are crucial when persuasion and motivation are needed; however, another set of communicative skills are usually required before a proposal or position even exists. These skills are rooted not in the ability to advocate a position, but to create one. These are inquiry skills. Too often in organizations, the ability to prevail overpowers the ability to explore. We promote leaders, often on the basis of their advocacy skills, but neglect the increasing importance of inquiry skills. Management education, and particularly our management communication curricula, should foster both of these vital communication skills and offer students the...
The Progress in Ultra Thin Gate Dielecgtric for System LSI Application

EOT reduction is a key challenge to keep the Moore's law, especially in low power LSIs. Nice candidates of gate dielectric as alternative to conventional SiO2 are N-rich SiON and high-K. However, in each case, we truly need tuning tools of Vth in the system LSI applications. F incorporation technique should be effective in Vth tuning with both N-rich SiON and high-K. Moreover, F incorporation is promising from reliability aspect
Noise suppression and spectral decomposition for state-dependent noise in the presence of a stationary fluctuating input

It recently has been shown that the observed noise amplitude of an intrinsically noisy system may be reduced by causing the underlying state to fluctuate [Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 950 (2001)]]. This paper extends the previous theory by considering the full power spectrum of the output signal, interpreting noise reduction in terms of the low-frequency end of the spectrum as well as the integrated spectrum. Our treatment accounts for arbitrarily sized fluctuations and deals with both continuous and discretely sampled observations. We show that noise suppression is possible if and only if the stationary average of the intensity of state-dependent noise decreases. We apply our analysis to an example involving saturable electrical conduction discussed in the original paper by Vilar and Rubi.
HYPOGLYCEMIA,HYPOALANIEMIA, AND KETONEMIA IN THE FASTED POSTNATAL RAT PUP: LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION

To determine the long-term metabolic consequences of intrauterine growth retardation, we fasted rat pups who were growth retarded due to bilateral maternal uterine artery ligation (L) at 3, 4, and 5 weeks of age. Pups of sham (S) and nonoperated (N) mothers were controls since birthweight differed significantly between groups. L pups had significantly reduced body and carcass mass throughout the 5 weeks. At 3 weeks, 48 hours fast reduced plasma glucose in L pups (L 78.4±5; S 89±4; N 88±2 mg/dl; p<.01). Insulin decreased (L 12.2±.2; S 25.9±.5; N 22.5±.2μU/ml; p<.01) and glucagon increased (L 862±100; S 538±65; N 539±96 pg/ml; p<.01) appropriately. Hepatic phos-phoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity (L .55±.02; S .59±.02; N .58±.02μmoles PEP/g liver/min) and glycogen content did not differ. L pups did have significantly reduced plasma alanine (L .14±.02; S .22±.02; N .22±.02μmoles/ml; p<.05) and elevated betahydroxybutyrate (L 1.178±.90; S .799±.090; N .812±.094 μmoles/ml; p<.01). No difference in response to fasting occurred at 4 or 5 weeks. Limited gluconeogenic substrate availability may be responsible for hypoglycemia in the fasted 3 week L pup. This may represent a mechanism to spare already limited carcass protein. These metabolic alterations resemble ketotic hypoglycemia of infancy, a disorder often associated with intrauterine growth retardation.
The relationship between myocardial retention of technetium-99m teboroxime and myocardial blood flow.

Abstract Objectives. The aim of this study was to define the temporal changes in the relationship between technetium-99m teboroxime tissue retention and myocardial blood flow in a canine model. Background. Technetium-99m teboroxime is a new neutral lipophilic myocardial perfusion agent. It is known to be highly extracted by the myocardium but to have a rapid clearance rate. Methods. A wide range of myocardial blood flow was induced in each experiment by regional coronary occlusion and dipyridamole infusion. Myocardial retention of technetium-99m teboroxime was determined by in vitro tissue counting at 1, 2 or 5 min after injection of the tracer. Tracer retention was correlated with microsphere-determined blood flow and the data were fitted to nonlinear functions. Results. Correlation coefficients for these functions were 0.92, 0.95 and 0.95 at 1, 2, and 5 min, respectively. At 1 min after injection, the relationship of technetium-99m teboroxime retention to blood flow was linear over a wide flow range, becoming nonlinear at flow rates > 4.5 ml/min per g. After 5 min the retention-flow relationship was linear only to 2.5 ml/min per g, above which little change in retention was noted. Normalized myocardial retention, expressed as a percent of the retention at 1 ml/min per g, was also calculated. At flow rates of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 ml/min per g, normalized retention was 100, 169, 228, 277 and 317% at 1 min and 100, 171, 217, 239 and 237% at 5 min after injection. Conclusions. At 1 min after injection, the relationship of technetium-99m teboroxime myocardial retention to blood flow is well maintained over a wide range of flow. However, after only 5 min, tracer retention underestimates flow changes at moderate and high flow rates. Thus, rapid acquisition protocols are necessary to fully exploit the potential of this promising new tracer in the evaluation of myocardial perfusion.
Connections and Regulation of the Human Estrogen Receptor

Estrogen regulates a plethora of functionally dissimilar processes in a broad range of tissues. Recent progress in the study of the molecular mechanism of action of estrogen(s) has revealed why different cells can respond to the same hormone in a different manner. Three of these findings are of particular importance: (i) There are two genetically and functionally distinct estrogen receptors that have distinct expression patterns in vivo; (ii) the positive and negative transcriptional activities of these receptors require them to engage transcription cofactors (coactivators or corepressors) in target cells; and (iii) not all cofactors are functionally equivalent, nor are they expressed in the same manner in all cells. Thus, although the estrogen receptor is required for a cell to respond to an estrogenic stimulus, the nature and extent of that response are determined by the proteins, pathways, and processes with which the receptor interacts.
The Stimulus Familiarity Problem in Semantic Memory Research

Much of the research in the area of semantic memory is concerned with determining what characteristics of words (e.g., category size) or relationships between words (e.g., instance—category relatedness) influence reaction time (RT) in sentence verification tasks. Research of this sort is essentially correlational, so that it is impossible to establish with any degree of certainty that a particular result is due to a particular independent variable, rather than to some extraneous variable confounded with it. The present study suggests that in several recent semantic memory experiments, the independent variables of interest have been confounded with the familiarity of the stimulus words, and that the RT results obtained in these experiments may reflect the effects of stimulus familiarity rather than, or in addition to, the effects of the explicitly manipulated variables. The first part of the paper discusses familiarity problems in connection with an experiment by E. E. Smith, E. J. Shoben, and L. J. Rips (Psychological Review, 1974, 81, 214–241) which suggests that verification RT is determined not by category size, but by instance—category relatedness. It is argued that (1) relatedness was assessed inappropriately in the Smith et al. experiment; (2) category size and relatedness were confounded with the familiarity of the stimulus words; and (3) the familiarity confound played an important role in producing the pattern of results obtained by Smith et al. The second part of the paper considers the question of whether familiarity confounds are prevalent in semantic memory research. Recent experiments by R. F. Lorch, Jr. (Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 1978, 17, 523–537) and M. McCloskey and S. Glucksberg (Cognitive Psychology, 1979, 11, 1–37) are shown to have familiarity confounds, suggesting that such confounds may be rather widespread. Finally, the implications of the present findings for current issues and future research are discussed.
The Development of the Redox Concept Inventory as a Measure of Students' Symbolic and Particulate Redox Understandings and Confidence.

This article describes the development of the Redox Concept Inventory (ROXCI) as a measure of students’ understandings and confidence of both the symbolic and particulate domains of oxidation–reduction (redox) reactions. The ROXCI was created using a mixed-methods design in which the items were developed based upon themes that emerged from the analysis of semi-structured student interviews. The final version of the ROXCI was administered to first- and second-semester general chemistry students post-instruction and post-assessment on redox chemistry. The results include qualitative and quantitative evidence for the content, response process, and association types validity of the data, as well as individual item function and descriptive statistics for each student sample. In conjunction with the validity evidence, reliability was evaluated via a test–retest study. This included the results of the stability of (i) the total scores and average confidence; (ii) the difficulty and discrimination indices per ite...
Hybrid atomistic-macroscale modeling of long-time phase change in nanosecond laser–material interaction

Abstract In this work, large-scale hybrid atomistic-macroscale simulation is performed to study the long-time material behavior in nanosecond laser–material interaction. Different phase change phenomena are studied, including solid–liquid interface speed, temperature, maximum melting depth, and ablation rate. Full solidification/epitaxial re-growth is observed within 60 ns for the laser fluence of 5 J/m2. Strong fluctuation is observed at the solid–liquid interface and surface of the molten pool. No visible super-heating is observed at the solid–liquid interface. For the laser fluences studied in this work, an almost linear relationship is observed between the ablation yield and the laser fluence, indicating weak phase explosion.
Aromatase activity in the rat brain: Hormonal regulation and sex differences

The intracellular conversion of testosterone to estradiol by the aromatase enzyme complex is an important step in many of the central actions of testosterone. In rats, estrogen given alone, or in combination with dihydrotestosterone, mimics most of the behavioral effects of testosterone, whereas treatment with antiestrogens or aromatase inhibitors block facilitation of copulatory behavior by testosterone. We used a highly sensitive in vitro radiometric assay to analyze the distribution and regulation of brain aromatase activity. Studies using micropunch dissections revealed that the highest levels of aromatase activity are found in an interconnected group of sexually dimorphic nuclei which constitutes a neural circuit important in the control of male sexual behavior. Androgen regulated aromatase activity in many diencephalic nuclei, including the medial preoptic nucleus, but not in the medial and cortical nuclei of the amygdala. Additional genetic evidence for both androgen-dependent and -independent control of brain AA was obtained by studies of androgen-insensitive testicular-feminized rats. These observations suggest that critical differences in enzyme responsiveness are present in different brain areas. Within several nuclei, sex differences in aromatase induction correlated with differences in nuclear androgen receptor concentrations suggesting that neural responsiveness to testosterone is sexually differentiated. Estradiol and dihydrotestosterone acted synergistically to regulate aromatase activity in the preoptic area. In addition, time-course studies showed that estrogen treatment increased the duration of nuclear androgen receptor occupation in the preoptic area of male rats treated with dihydrotestosterone. These results suggest possible ways that estrogens and androgens may interact at the cellular level to regulate neural function and behavior.
hprt mutant frequencies, nonpulmonary malignancies, and domestic radon exposure: "postmortem" analysis of an interesting hypothesis.

The hypothesis that exposure to domestic radon raises the risk for leukemia and other nonpulmonary cancers has been proposed and tested in a number of epidemiologic studies over the past decade. During this period, interest in this hypothesis was heightened by evidence of increased frequencies of mutations at the hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (hprt) gene in persons exposed to domestic radon (Bridges BA et al. [1991]: Lancet 337:1187-1189). An extension of this study (Cole J et al. [lsqb[1996]: Radiat Res 145:61-69) and two independent studies (Albering HJ et al. [1992[: Lancet 340:739; Albering HJ et al. [1994[: Lancet 344:750-751) found that hprt mutant frequency was not correlated with domestic radon exposure, and two well-designed epidemiologic studies showed no evidence of a relation between radon exposure and leukemia in children or adults. In this report, we present additional data from a study of Colorado high school students showing no correlation between domestic radon exposure and hprt mutant frequency. We use reanalyses of previous studies of radon and hprt mutant frequency to identify problems with this assay as a biomarker for domestic radon exposure and to illustrate difficulties in interpreting the statistical data. We also show with analyses of combined data sets that there is no support for the hypothesis that domestic radon exposure elevates hprt mutant frequency. Taken together, the scientific evidence provides a useful example of the problems associated with analyzing and interpreting data that link environmental exposures, biomarkers, and diseases in epidemiologic studies.
Factors Influencing Species Richness and Community Composition of Breeding Birds in a Desert Riparian Corridor

Abstract The San Pedro River in southeastern Arizona is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the southwestern United States that maintains significant stretches of perennial water. While critical for birds, this river is vulnerable to salt cedar (tamarisk, Tamarix spp.) invasion, woody encroachment into grassland, and alteration of hydrologic regime resulting from groundwater pumping. Bird species richness and community composition metrics provide a means to assess effects of management or conservation efforts. To estimate these metrics, we used methods that incorporated species detection probabilities from data collected at 160 points at 23 sites on the San Pedro River during 1998–2001. Species richness, co-occurrence, and uniqueness were estimated as a function of four riparian vegetation types (cottonwood-willow [Populus-Salix], salt cedar, mesquite [Prosopis spp.], and grassland), three hydrologic regimes (perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral), and riparian location (floodplain and terrace). We fo...
On discriminating between geometric strategies of surface-based orientation

Recently, a debate has manifested in the spatial learning literature regarding the shape parameters by which mobile organisms orient with respect to the environment. On one hand are principal-axis-based strategies which suggest that organisms extract the major and minor principal axes of space which pass through the centroid and approximate length and width of the entire space, respectively. On the other hand are medial-axis-based strategies which suggest that organisms extract a trunk-and-branch system similar to the skeleton of a shape. With competing explanations comes the necessity to devise experiments capable of producing divergent predictions. Here, we suggest that a recent experiment (i.e., Sturz and Bodily, 2011a) may be able to shed empirical light on this debate. Specifically, we suggest that a reevaluation of the design reveals that the enclosures used for training and testing appear to produce divergent predictions between these strategies. We suggest that the obtained data appear inconsistent with a medial-axis-based strategy and that the study may provide an example of the types of designs capable of discriminating between these geometric strategies of surface-based orientation. Such an approach appears critical to fundamental issues regarding the nature of space and spatial perception.
It's a Question of Development: Autism from Bench to Clinic

On his second birthday, a child looks from flame to mother and back again, sharing his joy and excitement about the glittering sparkler on his cake. Now try to imagine the same child and parent developing their relationship without a functional social interaction system. Because parental behavior depends so much on the infant's responses, what can we expect when the child doesn't attend other people? With deficits in social interactions as the cardinal feature, combined with language impairments and restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common developmental neuropsychiatric disorders.
Inhomogeneous random sequential adsorption with equilibrium initial conditions.

We study the exact solution for the irreversible addition of nearest-neighbor hard-core particles to a lattice structure occupied at an initial time by particles of the same kind that are in a thermal equilibrium state. The adsorption probabilities are inhomogeneous in both time and space. This problem is attacked via the Bethe lattice, whose topology provides local forms of inverse relations with site coverages as controlling variables, separately for equilibrium as well as for nonequilibrium regimes. It is shown that the interference of the two inverse formats does not break their locality, due to a factorization property of equilibrium multisite correlations. The complete inverse solution is used to point out the absence of nonequilibrium phase transitions within irreversible stochastic dynamics.
Composite filter trees and image recognition via binary search

Construction rules for building composite binary phase-only filters (CBPOFs) designed for use at the nodes of a binary tree have been developed using upweighted superposition algorithms. This paper describes the use of this method to build a four-target, rotation-invariant CBPOF bank on which binary tree searches can be performed. Each of the four trees in this filter bank consists of 256 simple filters (BPOFs) and 254 composites. Sequential search of the 256 simple filters is replaced by a binary search which uses at most 26 composites and 4 simple BPOFs. An image recognition system utilizing the filter bank has been developed, assembled, and evaluated by simulation and experiment. The empirical results obtained using a hybrid optical correlator with computer-controlled magneto-optic spatial light modulators (MOSLMs) at the input and filter planes are presented.
Role of polyamine in the regulation of RNA synthesis in uterine nucleoli.

Abstract Administration of estradiol (E 2 ) to ovariectomized mature rats has been shown to result in synthesis of uterine polyamines in the same temporal manner as E 2 regulation of nucleolar transcription. Data is presented on the in vivo and in vitro effects of polyamines on uterine nucleolar RNA synthesis. Transcervical intrauterine administration of putrescine (100 μg), spermidine (100 μg), or spermine (100 μg) resulted in an increased transcriptional activity of 93 and 82% in uterine nucleoli isolated from putrescine and spermidine treated animals, respectively. Spermine administration was without effect on uterine nucleolar transcription. The polyamine-induced increase in transcription was totally accounted for by an increased rate of elongation of previously initiated RNA chains. No effect on the number of nucleolar RNA chains in the act of synthesis was observed. Preincubation of uterine nucleoli, isolated from control animals (no E 2 ) with putrescine, spermidine, or spermine in the presence, but not in the absence of ATP, resulted in 44, 83 and 31% increased nucleolar RNA synthesis, respectively. In vitro polyamine-induced nucleolar RNA synthesis was correlated with a polyamine activated phosphorylation of nucleolar proteins of 110,000 24,000, 18,000 and 14,000 Da. Results suggest that early E 2 action may result in activation of the polyamine pathway which modulates nucleolar protein kinase activity; initiating an increase in nucleolar transcription.
Velocity distribution on the Masuda panel

Abstract This paper is a study of the velocity distribution of 30 micron particles on the Masuda panel. The panel is operated with a two phase a.c. voltage in an attempt to trap particles for long periods to measure their velocity with a Laser Doppler Anemometer (LDA). It was found that there are two modes of motion. Close to the panel's surface, 5 mm or less, the particles are trapped and have an average velocity of about 0.7 m/s. Above this height the particles can be transported in either direction with a velocity between 2 and 3 m/s.
Patient Satisfaction in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Individualized Patient-centered Communication:

Background: Patient satisfaction is becoming an increasingly prevalent topic in medicine, but little is known about patient satisfaction in women’s health and other specialties. We review current methods of improving patient satisfaction in the field of obstetrics and gynecology with the intent to increase patient satisfaction even further by enhancing and combining previously used strategies. Methods: A search from inception to June 2010 for electronic literature was performed using Medline. The search strategy used the medical subject heading terms “patient satisfaction”, “obstetrics”, “gynecology”, “patient-centered communication”, “communication training”, and “malpractice”. The company websites for Press Ganey Associates, Inc and Integrated Health Associates’ were also reviewed. Studies in both general medicine and the field of obstetrics and gynecology were reviewed to emphasize disparities between patients’ satisfaction in diverse medical specialties. Results: Studies indicating the importance of patient satisfaction, the factors contributing to patient satisfaction, and an evaluation of current, evidence-based methods of increasing patient satisfaction were reviewed. The studies included suggest that current methods of assessing/improving patient satisfaction are effective, but may not be the most productive. Conclusions: We expect that the combination of previously successful methods of improving patient satisfaction to allow physicians to employ individualized patient-centered communication may improve patient satisfaction even further. Studying the use of our proposed enhancements in physician-patient communication may be worthwhile tools to increase patient satisfaction and optimize the quality of women’s healthcare.
Update on the management of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adults: patient considerations and the role of lisdexamfetamine

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by atypical levels of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impair daily living activities. Although commonly associated with children and adolescents, current literature and practice now demonstrate the impairment the disorder may impose on adults as well. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medications are the first-line therapy for ADHD. CNS stimulants include methylphenidate and amphetamine derivatives. Longer-acting formulations used once daily are often preferred to avoid medication administration during school or work as well as to avoid side effects associated with rapid fluctuations in serum concentrations associated with multiple daily dosing. Lisdexamfetamine, a new, novel amphetamine product, has been shown to provide efficacy upwards of 12 hours in children and adults with a side effect profile similar to those of other longer-acting amphetamine products. Owing to its unique prodrug composition and the need for oral administration to activate the medication, lisdexamfetamine may offer advantages in clinical situations where stimulant abuse is a concern.
Optimal control of affine nonlinear continuous-time systems

In this paper, the optimal regulation and tracking control of affine nonlinear continuous-time systems with known dynamics is undertaken using a novel single online approximator (SOL)-based scheme. The SOLA-based adaptive approach is designed to learn the infinite horizon continuous-time Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation and its corresponding optimal control input. A novel parameter tuning algorithm is derived which not only ensures the optimal cost (HJB) function and control input are achieved, but also ensures the system states remain bounded during the online learning process. Lyapunov techniques show that all signals are uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) and the approximated control signal approaches the optimal control input with small bounded error. In the absence of OLA reconstruction errors, asymptotic convergence to the optimal control is shown. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Throughput comparison of microscope objectives and custom lenses for laser diode output beam collimation

The efficiency with which various microscope objectives and custom lenses collimate laser diode emission has been measured. Throughput efficiencies for diode operation above and below threshold are presented.
Optimizing quality of service of wireless mobile ad-hoc networks using evolutionary computation

This proposal will formulate a model representing key, multi-attribute Quality of Service (QoS) parameters for wireless Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs), consistent with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11 standards. Designing and implementing MANETs can be quite complex due to the inherent nature of wireless communications and adverse effects, such as channel capacity variations, routing failures, and erratic power control, can wreak havoc with these implementations. The developed model, built on scalable, real-world scenarios from academia, government, and industry, will determine a compromise solution for these attributes and their non-linear trade-offs. After depicting representative models, network simulations and subsequent empirical data compilations will be analyzed for optimization purposes. Since solving the optimization problem will be highly complex, characterizing the salient QoS parameters using classical gradient-approach methods were considered unsuitable and impractical. Rather, a Non-Polynomial-complete model using evolutionary programming tools was conceived. The corresponding fitness function will represent these parameters through the use of computation intelligence techniques, preferably fuzzy logic associative memories and genetic algorithms. The outcome is expected to benefit design and implementation of data link protocol and network layer routing algorithm improvements for QoS control.
Teaching residents to work with torture survivors: experiences from the Bronx Human Rights Clinic

Introduction Despite the 1984 United Nations’s Convention Against Torture calling to train doctors to work with torture survivors, many physicians are unaware of their obligation and few are taught the requisite clinical skills.
Does Church Attendance Really Increase Schooling

This article shows that religiosity during adolescence has a significant effect on total number of years of schooling attained. It differs from previous research by focusing on church attendance rather than on denomination and by controlling more completely for the effects of omitted-variables bias. Any estimated correlation between church attendance and schooling without such controls may reflect unmeasured family, community, and individual characteristics. The size of the effect for individuals who attended church 52 weeks per year compared to individuals who do not attend at all is equivalent to over three years of parents' schooling. This finding implies that changes in church attendance, either due to exogenous changes in attitudes or as an indirect effect of government or other institutional activity, may have large spill-over effects on socioeconomic variables.
Sequential Kinking and Flared Energy-Absorbing End Terminals for Midwest Guardrail System

The Midwest guardrail system (MGS), developed at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, was designed to improve the performance of traditional strong-post, W-beam guardrail systems. These improvements include decreasing the potential for rollover with high center-of-gravity vehicles, decreasing the potential for rail rupture at the splice locations, and decreasing the sensitivity of the system to the installation rail height. However, safe guardrail termination options for the MGS must be developed before the system can be implemented on the roadside. Two end terminal designs, the sequential kinking terminal (SKT) and the flared energy-absorbing terminal (FLEAT), were partially redesigned and crash tested in conjunction with the MGS according to NCHRP Report 350 criteria. The new versions of the terminals were named the SKT-MGS and the FLEAT-MGS to designate them for use with the MGS. To evaluate the performance of the terminals with the MGS, a series of four full-scale crash tests was conducted: two redirection tests, NCHRP Report 350 Test Designations 3-34 and 3-35, and two head-on impacts, Test Designations 3-30 and 3-31. The results from the four crash tests were found to meet all relevant safety requirements. The SKT-MGS and FLEAT-MGS end terminals are the first successfully tested end terminals for use with the MGS.
A Comparison of Finestructure Spectra from the Main Thermocline

Abstract Large numbers of STD casts taken during five cruises to the same location in the central North Pacific permitted the separation of the temperature profile into mean T¯ (z) and fluctuating T′(z) components. Spectra of the T′ (z) records were ensemble-averaged by cruise and compared with similar spectra from one cruise to the South Pacific and with those from the MODE site. Two wavenumber ranges with power law behavior were found: for 0.002 cpm <k<(0.06−0.1) cpm the spectra fall with slopes slightly less than k−2, for 0.1 cpm<k<2 cpm the spectra fall as k−3. Spectra in the low k range were consistent with formation of T′(z) by internal waves. The break in slope at 0.1 cpm suggests that either the internal wave dynamics change at that scale or the smaller fluctuations are true finestructure. The spectral levels remained the same at the North Pacific location suggesting that the internal wave energy levels are stationary in time at that location. However, there was a factor of 10 variation of the lev...