cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching Gambits: The Effect of Instruction and Task Variation on the Use of Conversation Strategies by Intermediate Spanish Students

Abstract: Gambits are words or phrases that facilitate the flow of conversation by giving the speaker time to organize his or her thoughts, maintain or relinquish the floor, expound on an argument, or specify the function of a particular utterance. This study, based in part on previous research by Wildner-Bassett (1984), examined (1) whether gambit use in Spanish can be taught effectively in the classroom, allowing the student to use gambits appropriately in unplanned speech; (2) how the type of interactional situation (a friendly discussion versus a complaint) affects the production of gambits; and (3) what types of gambits show the greastest increases in use for each interactional situation. Participants were intermediate students. A repeated-measures design was used. Results suggest that students can be taught to use gambits effectively and appropriately in the classroom. In addition, the nature of the interactional situation seemed to make a difference in the ability of the students to produce gambits in spontaneous interaction and in the types of gambits they produced.
A Complete Spectral Polarimeter Design for Lightwave Communication Systems

The authors describe a fast spectral polarimeter operating in the lightwave communications band capable of measuring both state-of-polarization and degree-of-polarization of hundreds (up to thousands) of spectral components in parallel within milliseconds. In this paper, the design incorporates fast switching ferroelectric liquid crystals for polarization component selection on the 100-mus scale. Dispersion elements and an arrayed detector are used for wavelength-parallel sensing. Bandwidth of coverage can be scaled from a single wavelength-division multiplexed channel to more than 100 nm, and 256 spectral polarization measurements in under 1 ms are verified. Finally, a calibration algorithm is used to minimize measurement error. This instrument offers unprecedented sensing capability relevant to the monitoring and compensation of polarization-related impairments in high-speed lightwave communications
Generalized learning of receptive and expressive action-object responses by language-delayed preschoolers.

This study examined the effectiveness of matrix-training procedures in teaching action + object utterances in both the receptive and expressive language modalities. The subjects were 4 developmenta...
Calculation of Thermal Conductivity in Nanofluids From Atomic-Scale Simulations

Nanofluids that consist of nanometer sized particles and fibers dispersed in base liquids have shown the potential to enhance the heat transfer performance. Although three features of nanofluids including anomalously high thermal conductivities at very low nanoparticle concentrations, strongly temperature dependent thermal conductivity and significant increases in critical heat flux have been studied widely, and layering of liquid molecules at the particle-liquid interface, ballistic nature of heat transport in nanoparticles, and nanoparticle clustering are considered as the possible causations responsible for such kind of heat transfer enhancement, few research work from atomic-scale has been done to verify or explain those fascinating features of nanofluids. In this paper, a molecular dynamic model, which incorporates the atomic interactions for silica by BKS potential with a SPC/E model for water, has been established. To ensure the authenticity of our model, the position of each atom in the nanoparticle is derived by the crystallographic method. The interfacial interactions between the nanoparticle and water are simplified as the sum of interaction between many ions. Due to the electrostatic interaction, the ions on the nanoparticle’s surface can attract a certain number of water molecules, therefore, the effect of interaction between the nanoparticle and water on heat transfer enhancement in nanofluids is studied. By using Green-Kubo equations which set a bridge between thermal conductivity and time autocorrelation function of the heat current, a model which may derive thermal conductivity of dilute nanofluids that consist of silica nanoparticles and pure water is built. Several simulation results have been provided which can reveal the possible mechanism of heat enhancement in nanofluids.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Renal function improves in liver transplant recipients when switched from a calcineurin inhibitor to sirolimus

Sirolimus (Rapamune; Wyeth-Ayerst, Philadelphia, PA) is a newer immunosuppressive drug with no known acute or chronic nephrotoxic effects; however, limited data are available in liver transplant recipients. We prospectively evaluated changes in renal function in liver transplant recipients after conversion from a calcineurin inhibitor to sirolimus monotherapy. We measured serial serum creatinine levels in liver transplant recipients with chronic nephrotoxicity caused by calcineurin inhibitors before and after conversion to sirolimus therapy. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Change in eGFR over time, incidence of acute hepatocellular rejection, and adverse events while being administered sirolimus monotherapy were recorded. Mean interval between liver transplantation and initiation of sirolimus therapy was 310 weeks (range, 9 to 780 weeks). Of 21 patients included in our study, 18 patients were converted to sirolimus monotherapy and 3 patients were switched to sirolimus and low-dose steroid therapy. Patients were followed up for a mean of 66.8 +/- 38.9 (SD) weeks after conversion. Renal function improved in 71% of patients (15 of 21 patients). Median eGFR improved significantly from 34 mL/min/1.73 m2 at the time of conversion to 43 mL/min/1.73 m2 at the last follow-up (27% increase in eGFR; P = 001). Median monthly change in eGFR was from -0.25 mL/min/1.73 m2 pre-sirolimus therapy to +1.28 mL/min/1.73 m2 post-sirolimus therapy (P =.09). Adverse events were mostly mild and self-limited. Only 1 patient developed biopsy-proven acute cellular rejection, which was treated with sirolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Two patients discontinued sirolimus therapy because of toxicity (oral ulceration, 1 patient; interstitial pneumonitis, 1 patient). Renal function improved significantly in the majority of liver transplant recipients with renal insufficiency caused by calcineurin inhibitors when converted to sirolimus therapy. Sirolimus monotherapy provided adequate immunosuppression with a low incidence of acute cellular rejection and minimal adverse events.
Extreme polyandry improves a honey bee colony’s ability to track dynamic foraging opportunities via greater activity of inspecting bees

We explored the worker-level interactions that enhance the organization of foraging in honey bee colonies with extremely polyandrous queens by determining whether a colony’s patriline number affects the activity of its inspectors (foragers who visit a previously utilized food source to see if it is profitable again). We monitored the use of sucrose feeders by foragers in free-flying colonies that had either multiple patrilines or a single patriline as the feeders were sequentially stocked, emptied, and then restocked. Multiple-patriline colonies tended to have more inspectors than single-patriline colonies, their inspectors inspected their feeder at higher rates when it was empty, and then foraged at higher rates and performed more waggle runs when it was restocked, which quadrupled feeder recruitment. The patriline profile for a colony’s inspectors consistently differed from that of its general population. We show clear ergonomic benefits of extreme polyandry for honey bee queens and their colonies.
Hydrolysis of procaine and its quaternary derivatives within lyotropic smectic mesophases.

The effect of solvent anisotropicity on ester hydrolysis was studied in lyotropic liquid crystalline phases. Procaine hydrochloride and two of its quaternary derivatives, procaine methyl chloride and procaine ethyl chloride, were employed as substrates, and an aqueous gel consisting of 55% polyoxyethylene tridecyl ether, identified as a neat smectic system, was chosen as the solvent medium. Pseudo‐first‐order rate constants for the hydrolysis were obtained in the apparent pH range 8.80‐11.40, at a temperature of from 30 to 50°, over a surfactant span of 50‐65% in the mesophase. Rate measurements were also carried out in aqueous media and in mixed aqueous systems containing polyethylene glycol 300 and 400. The esters were located within the aqueous polyoxyethylene layers as indicated by their UV spectral characteristics. The reaction rates were found to be considerably slower (300‐ to 1100‐fold) in the liquid crystalline phases than in aqueous media. The reactions, as they occur within the smectic phase, are characterized by relatively low apparent activation energies and by large negative entropies of activation.
Deep space antennas

Three 26-m tracking antennas operated by the NASA Deep Space Network at Goldstone, Calif.; Madrid, Spain; and near Canberra, Australia, will cease operations on Dec. 1, 1981. The stations will continue to operate 64-m and 34-m deep space tracking antennas. Ending operation of the 26-m antennas will cause a reduction of about 30%; of the Deep Space Network tracking and data acquisition capability. This means less support for NASA planetary spacecraft. Currently, the Deep Space Network is supporting Voyagers 1 and 2, Helios 1, the Mars Viking 1 Lander and Pioneers 6 through 12.
Banks, bankruptcy, and public regulation

Abstract In a simple state-preference model with a complete capital market, some surprising implications of equilibrium in the banking industry are derived. For example, to limit a bank's probability of bankruptcy, it is sufficient for public regulators to control the composition and relative size of its portfolio or marketable securities. Generally, its loans need not be restricted. Also, under most publicly subsidized deposit insurance, bankers select very risky portfolios of bonds and loans with or without any risk adjustment in the insurance premium. In fact, with many types of subsidized insurance, public monitoring of bank loans is essential.
Real-time low-frequency signal modulated texture compression using intensity dilation

We present a real-time algorithm for compressing textures based on low frequency signal modulated (LFSM) texture compression. Our formulation is based on intensity dilation and exploits the notion that the most important features of an image are those with high contrast ratios. We present a simple two pass algorithm for propagating the extremal intensity values that contribute to these contrast ratios into the compressed encoding. We use our algorithm to compress PVRTC textures in real-time and compare our performance with prior techniques in terms of speed and quality. http://gamma.cs.unc.edu/FasTC
Regulation and functional consequences of ADP receptor-mediated ERK2 activation in platelets

We have previously shown that ADP-induced thromboxane generation in platelets requires signalling events from the G q -coupled P2Y 1 receptor (platelet ADP receptor coupled to stimulation of phospholipase C) and the G i -coupled P2Y 12 receptor (platelet ADP receptor coupled to inhibition of adenylate cyclase) in addition to outside-in signalling. While it is also known that extracellular calcium negatively regulates ADP-induced thromboxane A 2 generation, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study we sought to elucidate the signalling mechanisms and regulation by extracellular calcium of ADP-induced thromboxane A 2 generation in platelets. ERK (extracllular-signal-regulated kinase) 2 activation occurred when outside-in signalling was blocked, indicating that it is a downstream event from the P2Y receptors. However, blockade of either P2Y 1 or the P2Y 12 receptors with corresponding antagonists completely abolished ERK phosphorylation, indicating that both P2Y receptors are required for ADP-induced ERK activation. Inhibitors of Src family kinases or the ERK upstream kinase MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK kinase] abrogated ADP-induced ERK phosphorylation and thromboxane A 2 generation. Finally ADP- or G i +G z -induced ERK phosphorylation was blocked in the presence of extracellular calcium. The present studies show that ERK2 is activated downstream of P2Y receptors through a complex mechanism involving Src kinases and this plays an important role in ADP-induced thromboxane A 2 generation. We also conclude that extracellular calcium blocks ADP-induced thromboxane A 2 generation through the inhibition of ERK activation.
Neural Correlates of Positive and Negative Emotion Regulation

The ability to cope adaptively with emotional events by volitionally altering one's emotional reactions is important for psychological and physical health as well as social interaction. Cognitive regulation of emotional responses to aversive events engages prefrontal regions that modulate activity in emotion-processing regions such as the amygdala. However, the neural correlates of the regulation of positive emotions remain largely unexplored. We used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine the neural correlates of cognitively increasing and decreasing emotional reactions to positive and negative stimuli. Participants viewed negative, positive, and neutral pictures while attempting to increase, decrease, or not alter their emotional reactions. Subjective reactions were assessed via on-line ratings. Consistent with previous studies, increasing negative and positive emotion engaged primarily left-lateralized prefrontal regions, whereas decreasing emotion activated bilateral prefrontal regions. Different activations unique to increasing versus decreasing emotion were observed for positive and negative stimuli: Unique increase-related activations were observed only for positive stimuli, whereas unique decrease-related activations were observed only for negative stimuli. Regulation also modulated activity in the amygdala, a key emotion-processing region. Regulation effects on amygdala activity were larger for positive than for negative stimuli, potentially reflecting a greater malleability of positive emotional reactions. Increasing and decreasing positive and negative emotion can thus increase and decrease subjective reactions and associated amygdala activity in line with regulatory goals, and is associated with different patterns of prefrontal activation as a function of emotional valence and regulatory goal.
Analysis of regulatory CD8 T cells in Qa-1-deficient mice

The mouse protein Qa-1 (HLA-E in humans) is essential for immunological protection and immune regulation. Although Qa-1 has been linked to CD8 T cell-dependent suppression, the physiological relevance of this observation is unclear. We generated mice deficient in Qa-1 to develop an understanding of this process. Qa-1-deficient mice develop exaggerated secondary CD4 responses to foreign and self peptides. Enhanced responses to proteolipid protein self peptide were associated with resistance of Qa-1-deficient CD4 T cells to Qa-1-restricted CD8 T suppressor activity and increased susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. These findings delineate a Qa-1-dependent T cell-T cell inhibitory interaction that prevents the pathogenic expansion of autoreactive CD4 T cell populations and consequent autoimmune disease.
A Summary of Timing Measurements at Fermilab for PET-TOF

Abstract One of the key parameters of new photodetectors for use in medical imaging is their excellent timing resolution. Fermilab has been investigating the timing properties of microchannel plate photomultipliers and silicon photomultipliers, with measurements in the lab and at Fermilab's Test Beam Facility. We report on the technology we use to obtain picosecond level measurements and discuss the systematics involved in these measurements.
Effect of an insoluble surfactant on capillary oscillations of bubbles in water: Observation of a maximum in the damping.

The excess damping of capillary waves caused by a surfactant monolayer is demonstrated to be present as well for the quadrupole shape mode of an isolated acoustically trapped bubble in water. To facilitate measurements of damping as a function of surface concentration, a method was developed for depositing a known amount of insoluble surfactant (stearic acid) on the surface of the bubble. As the bubble dissolves, the stearic acid concentration increases, and the excess damping has a pronounced local maximum near 0.26 ${\mathrm{nm}}^{2}$ per molecule specific area in agreement with capillary wave data for a flat surface. The method of depositing insoluble surfactant should be applicable to the characterization of other surface-limited processes in isolated bubbles.
Institutions and the Rising Economic Value of Man

I TAKE it to be true that there is a strong connection between the investment in human capital and the secular rise in the economic value of man. The institutional implications of this development are, however, far from clear. My purpose is to show that the rise in the economic value of human agents makes new demands on institutions, that some political and legal institutions are especially subject to these demands, that there are lags in adjusting to the new demands and these lags are the key to important public problems, and that economic theory is a necessary analytical tool in clarifying and solving these problems. It might be said that human capital is protesting the status quo of institutions as it seeks participation rights for itself. Be that as it may, there is enough historical perspective to see that the ownership of land is declining as a source of economic leverage, and so is the ownership of physical capital relative to that of human capital. We have long known that Ricardian rent is not the fulcrum of economic values; nor is physical capital the critical historical factor, as Marx believed. The institutions governing private rights in land and in other forms of physical capital when Ricardo and Marx made their contributions would be far from adequate in contemporary society with its large investment in human capital. Would that economics could have been blessed by the marriage of Irving Fisher's allinclusive concept of capital [4] and John R. Commons' legal foundations of that capital [3]. It is currently a mark of sophistication in presenting economic models not to mention institutions. But for all that, it is a significant trait of contemporary economics that, despite this omission, it manages somehow to find support for institutional changes. It is a neat trick, but it cannot hide the fact that, in thinking about institutions, the analytical cupboard is bare. There are a few old boxes on the back shelf labeled "institutional economics" which have been pushed aside and which have long been
Anterior thoracic wall trauma in elderly homicide victims. The "CPR defense".

During the course of medicolegal postmortem examinations, forensic pathologists often encounter the sequelae of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that was administered by medical and paramedical personnel. A wide variety of CPR-related injuries have been described since the institution nearly 30 years ago of this now common-place emergency technique. The forensic pathologist must be aware of both typical and unusual CPR-related trauma patterns in order to differentiate between injury produced during emergency therapy procedures and injury sustained through other mechanisms (for example, during an assault or an accident). This article describes two recent separate and unrelated incidents in which an elderly woman was murdered. In each instance, bony injuries of the anterior thoracic wall structures were identified during the autopsy. Defense attorneys in each case attempted to use these injuries as proof that their accused clients had performed external cardiac massage on their victims, thus indicating that the homicides had not been intentional, and that the perpetrators showed remorse. These cases are presented, with a discussion of the typical features of CPR-related thoracic wall trauma as compared with willfully inflicted injury. Language: en
Laser processing of TiSi 2 and CoSi 2 thin films on silicon (100) substrates

We have investigated the formation of TiSi2 and CoSi2 thin films on Si(100) substrates using laser (wave length 248 nm, pulse duration 40 ns and repetition rate 5 Hz) physical vapor deposition (LPVD). The films were deposited from solid targets of TiSi2 and CoSi2 in vacuum with the substrate temperature optimized at 600° C. The films were characterized using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and four point probe ac resistivity. The films were found to be polycrystalline with a texture. The room temperature resistivity was found to be 16 μΩ-@#@ cm and 23 μΩ-cm for TiSi2 and CoSi2 films, respectively. We optimized the processing parameters so as to get particulate free surface. TEM results show that the silicide/silicon interface is quite smooth and there is no perceptible interdiffusion across the interface.
Commentary: Should we move away from an attachment framework for understanding disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED)? A commentary on Zeanah and Gleason (2015).

Zeanah and Gleason have contributed a very informative and comprehensive review of the considerable recent advances in understanding reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED). Research in the past 15 years has grounded these diagnoses in a solid evidence base, due to the sophisticated work carried out by investigators of the ERAS and BEIP studies, as well as other efforts. The authors do an elegant job of synthesizing this new evidence and highlighting the questions and current controversies that emerge from so much new information. Given the scope of their task, they had limited space to elaborate on underlying etiological and conceptual models for these disorders and, in particular, the conceptual controversy underlying the recent DSM-5 decision to relabel Reactive Attachment Disorder- Indiscriminate Type to Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder. That change essentially turns on whether DSED should be considered a disorder of attachment or a disorder with a nonattachment-related etiology. This is an important controversy that will define research agendas for future studies and that goes to the heart of how to mount effective interventions for DSED. Thus, it is important to clarify the conceptualizations of etiological mechanisms that might underlie DSED.
Studies of the mechanism of induction of infectious murine leukemia virus from AKR mouse embryo cell lines by 5-iododeoxyuridine and 5-bromodeoxyuridine

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of two thymidine analogs, 5-iododeoxyuridine (IdUrd) and 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd), as inducers of murine leukemia virus (MLV) synthesis in virus-negative cell clones derived from AKR mouse embryos. The results of screening other compounds, such as other base analogs, chemical carcinogens, and mutagens, demonstrate that these two thymidine analogs are by far the most efficient inducers of MLV synthesis in these cells. To obtain maximal activation of virus synthesis by the thymidine analogs, it was necessary to define both the optimal level of drug and time of exposure for each cell system. The studies presented here indicate that incorporation of IdUrd or BrdUrd into cellular DNA plays a vital role in the activation of murine leukemia virus production in the AKR cell lines. (1) If DNA synthesis is blocked or decreased by cytosine arabinoside or serum depletion during the halogenated pyrimidine treatment, the proportion of cells activated is diminished. (2) When analog incorporation into DNA is blocked by simultaneous treatment with thymidine, no induction of virus occurs. (3) When analog incorporation into DNA is enhanced by simultaneous treatment with fluorodeoxyuridine, the proportion of cells induced to produce virus is significantly increased. (4) When cells containing analog-substituted DNA are irradiated with visible light or X-rays, the number of cells activated also increases.
Geographical Distribution of Climate Feedbacks in the NCAR CCSM3.0

AbstractThis study performs offline, partial radiative perturbation calculations to determine the geographical distributions of climate feedbacks contributing to the top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiative energy budget. These radiative perturbations are diagnosed using monthly mean model output from the NCAR Community Climate System Model version 3 (CCSM3.0) forced with the Special Report Emissions Scenario (SRES) A1B emission scenario. The Monte Carlo Independent Column Approximation (MCICA) technique with a maximum–random overlap rule is used to sample monthly mean cloud frequency profiles to perform the radiative transfer calculations. It is shown that the MCICA technique provides a good estimate of all feedback sensitivity parameters. The radiative perturbation results are used to investigate the spatial variability of model feedbacks showing that the shortwave cloud and lapse rate feedbacks exhibit the most and second most spatial variability, respectively. It has been shown that the model surface tempera...
Impact of the Gauss-Markov Mobility Model on Network Connectivity, Lifetime and Hop Count of Routes for Mobile Ad hoc Networks

The high-level contribution of this paper is a simulation based analysis of the network connectivity, hop count and lifetime of the routes determined for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) using the Gauss-Markov mobility model. The Random Waypoint mobility model is used as a benchmark in the simulation studies. Two kinds of routes are determined: routes with the longest lifetime (stable paths) and routes with the minimum hop count. Extensive simulations have been conducted for different network density, node mobility values and different values of the degree of randomness parameter for the Gauss-Markov model. In low-density network scenarios, we observe that the network connectivity under the Gauss-Markov model is significantly lower than that obtained under the Random Waypoint model. In moderate and high density network scenarios, the network connectivity obtained under the two mobility models is almost equal. The minimum hop paths determined under the Gauss-Markov model have a larger number of hops than those computed under the Random Waypoint model. The lifetime of stable paths determined under the Gauss-Markov model is smaller than those determined under the Random Waypoint model. Low-density networks using the Gauss-Markov mobility model attain larger connectivity for intermediate values of the degree of randomness parameter, while the connectivity of moderate and high-density networks is not significantly dependent on the degree of randomness parameter. The minimum hop count of the paths is not much affected by different values of the degree of randomness parameter, while maximum lifetime stable paths are obtained for larger intermediate values of the degree of randomness parameter, but not for unity.
Symbolic mathematical computation: a survey

The impact of high-speed computers on the scientific community over the past 25 years has been well documented. Their successful use for numerical computations in a number of areas of engineering and the sciences was followed by an interest in their being employed for 'literal' or symbolic computations. Problems in celestial mechanics, mathematics, and theoretical physics already pointed to the desirability of having such a capability. A number of systems for symbolic computation began to appear in the early 1960's. By 1965, sufficient interest in this area had developed to warrant the formation by the Association for Computing Machinery of the ACM Special Interest Group on Symbolic and Algebraic Manipulation (SIGSAM). During the next ten years, the field exhibited considerable growth as some of these early systems were revised, additional systems were introduced, and new symbolic capabilities were implemented. This has led to an ever-increasing use of symbolic computation on a wide variety of applications.
Sinologism, the western world view, and the chinese perspective

In his article "Sinologism, the Western World View, and the Chinese Perspective" Ming Dong Gu discusses how the West formulated its ways of observing China and how the rest of the world and the Chinese themselves view Chinese culture through the Western lens. Gu discusses the thought of selected scholars in Western history who have contributed to the formation of Sinologism and explores the motivation, logic, rationale, epistemology, methodology, and characteristics of the West's long-term endeavor to incorporate China into the Western-centered world system. Ming Dong Gu, "Sinologism, the Western World View, and the Chinese Perspective" page 2 of 9 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 15.2 (2013): Thematic Issue Asian Culture(s) and Globalization. Ed. I-Chun Wang and Li Guo
Neoplasms of Immunoregulatory T Cells in Clinical Investigation

Normal T cells play a critical role in the regulation of humoral immune responses by acting as potentiators (helper cells) or inhibitors (suppressor cells) of the process by which B cells differentiate into immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells. Certain diseases in which malignant T cells appear to retain an immunoregulatory function are characterized by a propensity of a lymphomatous T-cell population to infiltrate skin. Some cutaneous T-cell lymphoinas, as well as some T-cell neoplasms without derinatologic involvement, provide a homogeneous supply of T lymphocytes which act as immunoregulators. The availability of neoplastic T cells with immunoregulatory properties could accelerate the serologic and biochemical analysis of the cellular control of normal immunity in man.
Uniaxial load analysis under stretch-dependent fiber remodeling applicable to collagenous tissue

This article investigates the relation between stress and deformation of a fibrous material that is subjected to a constant fiber creation rate and deformation-dependent fiber dissolution rate. Experimental studies show such behavior in certain highly collagenous tissue. The investigation focuses on two different constitutive hypotheses: (a) fibers that reassemble in an undeformed state and (b) fibers that reassemble in a pre-strained state that is equal to the strain state of the surrounding matrix. The matrix component of the material is treated as isotropic and hyperelastic, and its mechanical properties remain constant in time. Separate processes of step displacement and step load are considered. In each case, an initial state of homeostasis is disrupted by the step input. The system then evolves to a new state of homeostasis that can be predicted in advance. The approach to this new homeostasis requires the consideration of a Volterra-type integral equation.
Ambient air pollution and term birth weight in Texas from 1998 to 2004

Previous studies have explored the association between air pollution levels and adverse birth outcomes such as lower birth weight. Existing literature suggests an association, although results across studies are not consistent. Additional research is needed to confirm the effect, investigate the exposure window of importance, and distinguish which pollutants cause harm. We assessed the association between ambient pollutant concentrations and term birth weight for 1,548,904 births in TX from 1998 to 2004. Assignment of prenatal exposure to air pollutants was based on maternal county of residence at the time of delivery. Pollutants examined included particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < or = 10 and < or = 2.5 microm (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). We applied a linear model with birth weight as a continuous variable. The model was adjusted for known risk factors and region. We assessed pollutant effects by trimester to identify biological exposure window of concern, and explored interaction due to race/ethnicity. An interquartile increase in ambient pollutant concentrations of SO2 and O3 was associated with a 4.99-g (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.87-8.11) and 2. 72-g (95% CI, 1.11-4.33) decrease in birth weight, respectively. Lower birth weight was associated with exposure to O3 in the first and second trimester; whereas results were not significant for other pollutants by trimester A positive association was exhibited for PM2.5 in the first trimester. Effects estimates for PM10 and PM2.5 were inconsistent across race/ethnic groups. Current ambient air pollution levels may be increasing the risk of lower birth weight for some pollutants. These risks may be increased for certain racial/ethnic groups. Additional research including consideration of improved methodology is needed to investigate these findings. Future studies should examine the influence of residual confounding.
Tissue strain amplification at the osteocyte lacuna: a microstructural finite element analysis.

A parametric finite element model of an osteocyte lacuna was developed to predict the microstructural response of the lacuna to imposed macroscopic strains. The model is composed of an osteocyte lacuna, a region of perilacunar tissue, canaliculi, and the surrounding bone tissue. A total of 45 different simulations were modeled with varying canalicular diameters, perilacunar tissue material moduli, and perilacunar tissue thicknesses. Maximum strain increased with a decrease in perilacunar tissue modulus and decreased with an increase in perilacunar tissue modulus, regardless of the thickness of the perilacunar region. An increase in the predicted maximum strain was observed with an increase in canalicular diameter from 0.362 to 0.421 μm. In response to the macroscopic application of strain, canalicular diameters increased 0.8% to over 1.0% depending on the perilacunar tissue modulus. Strain magnification factors of over 3 were predicted. However, varying the size of the perilacunar tissue region had no effect on the predicted perilacunar tissue strain. These results indicate that the application of average macroscopic strains similar to strain levels measured in vivo can result in significantly greater perilacunar tissue strains and canaliculi deformations. A decrease in the perilacunar tissue modulus amplifies the perilacunar tissue strain and canaliculi deformation while an increase in the local perilacunar tissue modulus attenuates this effect.
A GCM Study of the 1988 United States Drought

Abstract June 1988 has been classified as one of the hottest and driest months on record in the United States. This study used the NMC Medium-Range Forecast(MRF) T40 model to simulate circulation features of June 1988 and to investigate the relationship between sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) and circulation patterns in the Northern Hemisphere. Three control experiments have been performed using three different initial conditions, separated by one day (21, 22, and 23 May 1988) and using SSTA fixed at the starting date. The three forecasts, and their average, are remarkably skillful in the Northern Hemisphere. The observed anomaly of June 1988, a wave train with a persistent ridge in the north-central United States and a northward shifting of the jet stream in the Pacific–North America area, is very well simulated in each of the integrations. All three experiments were repeated using the same initial conditions, but with climatological SST. The wave train generated is similar to that in the contro...
Regulation of Actin by Ion-Linked Equilibria

Actin assembly, filament mechanical properties, and interactions with regulatory proteins depend on the types and concentrations of salts in solution. Salts modulate actin through both nonspecific electrostatic effects and specific binding to discrete sites. Multiple cation-binding site classes spanning a broad range of affinities (nanomolar to millimolar) have been identified on actin monomers and filaments. This review focuses on discrete, low-affinity cation-binding interactions that drive polymerization, regulate filament-bending mechanics, and modulate interactions with regulatory proteins. Cation binding may be perturbed by actin post-translational modifications and linked equilibria. Partial cation occupancy under physiological and commonly used in vitro solution conditions likely contribute to filament mechanical heterogeneity and structural polymorphism. Site-specific cation-binding residues are conserved in Arp2 and Arp3, and may play a role in Arp2/3 complex activation and actin-filament branching activity. Actin-salt interactions demonstrate the relevance of ion-linked equilibria in the operation and regulation of complex biological systems.
Recovery of radiation-damaged plastic light-guide materials

Abstract Radiation damage and subsequent recovery of PMMA-based and amorphous fluoropolymer (Teflon-AF) light guides (LG) were studied using uv-visible absorption, ESR, and thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) techniques. No appreciable decay of the γ-ray-induced 420-nm band of the PMMA-based LG was observed in air at room temperature (RT) within a week after irradiation, while it was found to be annealable by isothermal heating at temperatures varying between 40 and 100°C or by heating in a microwave oven. Emission of light was also observed during the isothermal annealing of the LG. X- and γ-irradiated Teflon-AF showed a broad absorption band spreading from 200 to 350 nm with no observable degradation of its optical clarity. In conjunction with ESR measurements the uv absorption was attributed to the radiation-induced peroxy radicals formed at the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) site of the main copolymer chain. The recovery of the Teflon-AF was obtained in a few days by post-irradiation storage in air at room temperature. However, a rapid recovery could be obtained by heating at higher temperatures (RT≤T≤95°C) as suggested by TSL result.
The impact of provider availability and legal restrictions on the demand for abortions by young women

The purpose of the present study is to determine the factors that affect the abortion decision at the individual level. Using individual-level data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) and state-level data on abortion providers and legal restrictions on abortions, results suggest that legal restrictions had no statistically significant effects on the abortion decision, but that the number of per capita abortion providers does affect the decision whether or not to abort a fetus. Socioeconomic characteristics, such as age and race, also have effects on the abortion decision.
Measurement of gonadal hormones in dried blood spots versus serum: verification of menstrual cycle phase.

In the present study, we show that blood spot assays for estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone are a reliable, accurate, and sensitive means for measuring circulating gonadal hormones. The lower limit of sensitivity of each blood spot assay is sufficient to determine gonadal hormone levels in adult females. Correspondence of serum to blood spot measures is high, with blood spot hormone levels explaining an average of 88.60% of the variance in serum gonadal hormones in females, but only 46.20% in males. We provide formulas for converting hormone levels in blood to hormone levels in serum (which traditional endocrinology studies report). Finally, we show that careful attempts to estimate hormone status by day-count methods are unreliable when compared to hormone assay in blood spots.
Integration of biological sources: current systems and challenges ahead

This paper surveys the area of biological and genomic sources integration, which has recently become a major focus of the data integration research field. The challenges that an integration system for biological sources must face are due to several factors such as the variety and amount of data available, the representational heterogeneity of the data in the different sources, and the autonomy and differing capabilities of the sources.This survey describes the main integration approaches that have been adopted. They include warehouse integration, mediator-based integration, and navigational integration. Then we look at the four major existing integration systems that have been developed for the biological domain: SRS, BioKleisli, TAMBIS, and DiscoveryLink. After analyzing these systems and mentioning a few others, we identify the pros and cons of the current approaches and systems and discuss what an integration system for biologists ought to be.
International arena of ultrasound education.

he urgent need to raise the level of ultrasound education worldwide has been recognized by the World Health Organization. An impoverished nation cannot afford to invest heavily in expensive, highly technological diagnostic imaging equipment. Ultrasound scanners, however, are relatively inexpensive and highly effective in the hands of a trained operator. More importantly, ultrasound is a “sustainable technology” for developing and impoverished nations because of its relatively low cost of purchase, low cost for maintenance and supplies, portability, and durability in comparison with all other imaging modalities. After carefully assessing all of the medical imaging technology available, the World Health Organization has recommended ultrasound for dissemination to developing nations as the second phase of its earlier basic radiology system initiative.1 Almost since the inception of ultrasound, the need for training has been recognized. I can cite my own experiences to give you some idea of how ultrasound education has advanced since its beginnings in the 1960s. In the early days, those working with ultrasound often received visitors on an apprentice-type basis. Leaders in the field were soon developing formalized training courses in response to a growing demand. These same leaders helped to institute educational programs at national and international meetings, demonstrating ultrasound’s usefulness in diagnosis to increasing numbers of physicians and paramedical personnel. In the United States, such organizations as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine led the way in developing educational opportunities through refresher programs at their annual national meeting and focused courses throughout the year. This concept has become widespread and is being used by societies in all specialties around the world. As ultrasound matured into an important imaging modality, supplying information in many cases not available with other imaging techniques, it was incorporated as an integral part of training programs in many specialties, in particular, radiology, cardiology, and obstetrics and gynecology. The rapid dissemination of ultrasound occurred in the early 1970s in the United States as a result of its approval for payment under Medicare. Before that time, it had been considered as an experimental procedure. In the past decade, the need for trained personnel increased as the use of Address correspondence to Barry B. Goldberg, MD, Jefferson Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107; e-mail: barry.b.goldberg@mail.tju.edu.
An intelligent tutor for intrusion detection on computer systems

Abstract Intrusion detection is the process of identifying unauthorized usage of a computer system. It is an important skill for computer-system administrators. It is difficult to learn on the job because it is needed only occasionally but can be critical. We describe a tutor incorporating two programs. The first program uses artificial-intelligence planning methods to generate realistic audit files reporting actions of a variety of simulated users (including intruders) of a Unix computer system. The second program simulates the system afterwards, and asks the student to inspect the audit and fix the problems caused by the intruders. This program uses intrusion-recognition rules to itself infer the problems, planning methods to figure how best to fix them, plan-inference methods to track student actions, and tutoring rules to tutor intelligently. Experiments show that students using the tutor learn a significant amount in a short time.
Maternal Intergenerational Transmission of Childhood Multitype Maltreatment

Previous research suggests that child maltreatment is transmitted across familial generations. However, extant studies focused exclusively on single maltreatment subtypes, instead of the more common experience of multitype maltreatment. This limitation is addressed in the first known study to examine the maternal intergenerational transmission of childhood multitype maltreatment among 104 mothers and their children. Findings demonstrated that mothers' childhood multitype maltreatment directly predicted their children's multitype maltreatment, instead of having indirect effects through maternal romantic attachment dimension, intimate partner violence, and psychological distress. Mothers' childhood multitype maltreatment was also related to intimate partner violence and anxious romantic attachment but unrelated to psychological distress. Our findings highlight the need for clinical attention to the long-term generational effects of diverse childhood traumas.
File structure determination

An approach to determining an appropriate file structure for a given application is presented, by outlining a methodology for comparing some important aspects of data management system performance. The aspect chosen for analysis is the processing time required to evaluate Boolean functions defined on data values contained within a file structure and select elements from the structure satisfying the expression.Two file structures are studied. The structures are each combinations of hierarchical and inverted file organizations, which differ in the use of the pointers contained in the inverted file. In one case they link a value to nodes corresponding to its occurrence in the data hierarchy and in the second they link a value to the entry which contains the node corresponding to an occurrence.Algorithms for processing within each of the structures are discussed. Each algorithm is then modeled, and approximating models developed for simulation of the algorithms.
Design of Affine Controllers via Convex Optimization

We consider a discrete-time time-varying linear dynamical system, perturbed by process noise, with linear noise corrupted measurements, over a finite horizon. We address the problem of designing a general affine causal controller, in which the control input is an affine function of all previous measurements, in order to minimize a convex objective, in either a stochastic or worst-case setting. This controller design problem is not convex in its natural form, but can be transformed to an equivalent convex optimization problem by a nonlinear change of variables, which allows us to efficiently solve the problem. Our method is related to the classical -design procedure for time-invariant, infinite-horizon linear controller design, and the more recent purified output control method. We illustrate the method with applications to supply chain optimization and dynamic portfolio optimization, and show the method can be combined with model predictive control techniques when perfect state information is available.