cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preliminary results on Y 1 * and K* production in π-p collisions

One hundred ninety-four cases of π− + p→ hyperon + kaon + π have been observed in liquid hydrogen. Analysis shows evidence for the production of « K* » excited mesons in association with Σ- and Σ0, but not with λ0. Y1* production in association with kaons is also observed. The Y1* appears to be strongly polarized. The data suggest that the Y1* has spin =1/2 and negative parity with respect to the λ0, but the results are not statistically conclusive.
The accuracy of maternal self-reports: Agreement between reports on a computer simulation compared with observed behaviour in the supermarket

The validity of maternal self-reports about their parenting behaviour is evaluated with two studies. In both studies, the mothers were observed shopping in the supermarket with their 2-year-old children. One week later they responded to multiple choice questions on a computer that simulated the experience of shopping with their children. The exact agreement between the two types of data was then assessed. The results from the first study involving 28 mothers revealed some agreement, although it was generally low. In an effort to increase the level of agreement, the computer simulation was revised to allow multiple responses and to clarify some of the simulation vigenettes. A replication study resulted in a considerably higher level of agreement for 22 mothers. Implications of this method for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Semi-Automated Reconstruction of Neural Processes from Large Numbers of Fluorescence Images

We introduce a method for large scale reconstruction of complex bundles of neural processes from fluorescent image stacks. We imaged yellow fluorescent protein labeled axons that innervated a whole muscle, as well as dendrites in cerebral cortex, in transgenic mice, at the diffraction limit with a confocal microscope. Each image stack was digitally re-sampled along an orientation such that the majority of axons appeared in cross-section. A region growing algorithm was implemented in the open-source Reconstruct software and applied to the semi-automatic tracing of individual axons in three dimensions. The progression of region growing is constrained by user-specified criteria based on pixel values and object sizes, and the user has full control over the segmentation process. A full montage of reconstructed axons was assembled from the ∼200 individually reconstructed stacks. Average reconstruction speed is ∼0.5 mm per hour. We found an error rate in the automatic tracing mode of ∼1 error per 250 um of axonal length. We demonstrated the capacity of the program by reconstructing the connectome of motor axons in a small mouse muscle.
Continuous streamflow simulation with the HRCDHM distributed hydrologic model

Abstract The objective of the authors’ work in the area of distributed modeling is to determine the manner with which rainfall input and model parameter uncertainty shapes the character of the flow simulation and prediction uncertainty of distributed hydrologic models. Toward this end and as a tool for the investigation, a distributed model, HRCDHM, has been formulated and tested as part of the NOAA Distributed Model Intercomparison Project (DMIP). This paper examines hourly flow simulations from HRCDHM applied with operational data obtained for the DMIP study watersheds. HRCDHM is a catchment-based, distributed input, distributed parameter hydrologic model. The hydrologic processes of infiltration/percolation, evapotranspiration, surface and subsurface flow (includes leakage to deep groundwater) are modeled along the vertical direction on a subcatchment basis in a manner similar to the Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting model, and kinematic channel routing carries the flow through the network of subcatchments to the watershed outlet, providing capability for spatially distributed flow simulations. Subcatchment physical properties are derived from various digital terrain and land-characteristics databases through GIS processing and they are used to derive spatially distributed model parameter values. The NWS operational WSR-88D hourly radar rainfall estimates (Stage III product with pixel scale of approximately 4 km) constitute the rainfall forcing and a combination of model-derived and observed hourly surface meteorological data are used to produce the potential evapotranspiration forcing. HRCDHM was applied to and was calibrated for five watersheds for the period May 1993 through June 2000. Validation was done with data not used during the calibration period. This application shows that: (a) the HRCDHM, when forced with hourly data, is able to reproduce well the observed hourly streamflow at the outlet of each study watershed; and (b) beyond these outlet locations, HRCDHM is able to reproduce adequately the hourly flows at several interior locations. A companion paper [J. Hydrol. (2004)], in this issue details the use of the model for the characterization of simulation uncertainty within a Monte Carlo framework.
Resonance raman spectroscopic studies of cobalticinium ion in zeolite Y: influence of cations and hydration

Abstract High quality resonance Raman spectra were obtained for cobalticinium cation (Co(C5H5)2+) ion exchanged into zeolite cavities, in resonance with the 406 nm d—d band. Examination of the CH stretching frequency indicates that the cation forms stronger Hbonds in the hydrated zeolite cavities than in solution. Upon mild dehydration at 120°–200°C, the Coring bond gets polarized and the degree of polarization is dependent on the Co-cation and follows the order La+3 > Ca+2 > K+.
Experimental verification of noncoherent Doppler tracking at the Deep Space Network

A recently developed noncoherent Doppler tracking technique has been experimentally verified at the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) Test Facility. This technique permits highly accurate two-way Doppler measurements to he made with a simple transceiver system. The accuracy goal of 0.1 mm/s has been verified as well as the compatibility of the technique with the equipment, practices, and the radiometric file formats used by the DSN. The test setup and measured system performance are described. Several test conditions were varied including signal level, transceiver oscillator frequency drift, physical movement, and telemetry bit rate. A side-by-side comparison of the performance with a coherent transponder was also obtained.
Variations of covert modeling on cigarette smoking

Undergraduate volunteer smokers (final N =36)were assigned to four experimental groups: (1)self-monitoring control; (2)covert modeling; (3)covert modeling with high value-high rate overt consequation of between-session rehearsals of covert modeling scenes; and (4)covert modeling with low value-low rate overt consequation of rehearsals. All groups self-monitored smoking frequency, urge frequency, and urge intensity throughout the duration of the 4-week experiment and during the 1-month follow-up. A variety of checks indicated that the experimental manipulations were adequately implemented. All experimental groups except covert modeling alone, which failed to exhibit changes across time, produced the typical V-shaped reduction in smoking frequency that has been found with most smoking reduction programs. The other research questions, possible enhancement of covert modeling by overt motivational or signaling consequences, therefore remained unanswered in the present study.
4 Gastric electrical stimulation for gastroparesis: experience with higher settings

Introduction: Gastric electrical stimulation is a safe and efficient treatment option in medically refractory gastroparesis. Several controlled and open label trials have shown the effectiveness of gastric electrical stimulation in symptom palliation for patients with gastroparesis. Initial settings were established based on experiences in the animal model. We reviewed our experience using higher stimulator settings on symptom reduction after implantation of gastric electrical stimulators. Methods: 42 consecutive patients (38 females and 4 males, mean age 43 ± 1.8 years) with medically refractory gastroparesis were followed after implantation of gastric electrical stimulator between 1999 and 2005. The 42 patients included 29 patients with idiopathic gastroparesis and 13 patients with diabetic gastroparesis Baseline stimulation settings were 14 Hz, 5 mAmps, 330 micro-sec pulse width, 0.1 sec on, and 5 sec off. At each follow-up gastrointestinal symptom scores were assessed. If symptoms were unsatisfactory, stimulator settings were increased according to a standardized protocol. Dose response relationships were evaluated. Results: After a mean follow-up of 19 ± 2.6 months, 83% of patients had higher settings (p 0.05, paired t-test). There were 258 stimulator interrogations with a stepwise improvement in total symptom score (R2 = 0.08, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that frequency of electric stimulation was independently associated with improvement of total symptom score (R2 = 0.06, p < 0.02). A prolonged cycle on time correlated with worsening of nausea score (R2 = 0.09, p < 0.02) and vomiting score (R2 = 0.13, p < 0.001). A measurement of high impedance independently correlated with a low vomiting score (R2 = 0.19, p < 0.0001). Though not statistically significant, most patients’ symptoms were optimized at mean current of 10 mAmps, frequency of 55 Hz, pulse width of 330 micro-sec, cycle on time of 0.1 sec, and cycle off time of 1 sec. Conclusion: The majority of patients seem to benefit from higher than baseline settings. Optimal settings of the implanted device must be determined on an individual basis, but based upon experience in humans seem to be 10 mAmps, 55 Hz, 0.1 sec on, 0.4 to 1 sec off.
In(Ga)As/GaAs self-organized quantum dot light emitters grown on silicon substrates

We report growth characteristics of In(Ga)As/GaAs self-organized quantum dots on Si substrates. Low temperature (17 K) photoluminescence indicates an emission peak centered at 1.057 μm having a linewidth (FWHM) of 64 meV. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images confirm a regular array of In 0.4 Ga 0.6 As dots with a density of 1.2 x 10 11 cm - 2 for 8 monolayers of growth. We have also achieved electroluminescence from edge-emitting guided-wave LED heterostructures, containing a 3-5 layer In 0.4 Ga 0.6 As/GaAs quantum dot active region. These devices have demonstrated maximum power outputs of 3 μW (1.4 mW) at 300 K (17 K).
Electron spin resonance study of membrane protein alterations in erythrocytes in Huntington's disease.

HUNTINGTON'S disease (HD), a degenerative disease of the central nervous system inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, is characterised clinically by progressive choreiform movements and dementia1. Pathological changes include atrophy, severe cell loss and gliosis in the caudate nucleus and putamen and to a lesser extent the globus pallidus and cerebral cortex2. The aetiology and pathogenesis of this disease are not understood. Although HD is considered a defect of the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex, we report here evidence obtained by electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques (methods reviewed in ref. 3) which suggests HD may have more widespread membrane involvement.
Saccadic eye movement task identifies cognitive deficits in children with schizophrenia, but not in unaffected child relatives.

Background: The delayed oculomotor response (DOR) task requires response inhibition followed by movement of gaze towards a known spatial location without a current stimulus. Abnormalities in response inhibition and in the spatial accuracy of the eye movement are found in individuals with schizophrenia and in many of their relatives, supporting the use of these saccadic abnormalities as endophenotypes in genetic studies. It is unknown whether school-age children, either with psychosis or as relatives of a schizophrenic proband, can be included. Method: One hundred eighty-seven children, ages 5.8–16.0 years – 45 children with childhood-onset schizophrenia, 64 children with a first-degree relative with schizophrenia, and 84 typically developing children – completed DOR tasks with 1 and 3 second delays. Results: Children with childhood-onset schizophrenia demonstrated impaired response inhibition and impaired spatial accuracy compared to both relatives and typicals; however, relatives and typicals did not differ from each other. Conclusions: Children with childhood-onset schizophrenia have saccadic abnormalities similar to those found in adults with schizophrenia, supporting the continuity of executive function deficits in childhood-onset with adolescent and adult-onset schizophrenia. However, saccadic tasks are not sensitive to genetic risk in non-psychotic children and 6–15-year-old children should not be included in genetic studies utilizing this endophenotype.
Controlled release of DNA/polyamine complex by photoirradiation of a solid phase presenting o-nitrobenzyl ether tethered spermine or polyethyleneimine

Various gene transfer and automated/monitorized analytical applications require the controlled release of nucleic acid. A solid phase with spermine or polyethyleneimines (PEI, 600 MW) tethered by o-nitrobenzyl linkages was synthesized with polyethylene oxide beads (ArgoGel-NH(2)). The photolysis of test compound O-2-nitrophenethyl O,O-diethyl phosphate or solid phase with o-nitrobenzyl group as synthetic linker was completely degradable with photoirradiation at 365 nm for 10-18 min at 3.5 mW/cm(2). DNA binding with polyamine of the solid phase and releasing of DNA/polyamine were monitored by UV measurement and gel electrophoresis. The potential exists to employ a DNA-loaded solid phase for spatially, temporally, or dose-controlled release of DNA, at extracellular or intracellular sites.
Power series evaluation of transition and covariance matrices

Power series solutions to the matrix covariance differential equation \dot{P} = AP + (AP)' + Q and the transition differential equation \dot{\Phi} = A\Phi are reexamined. Truncation error bounds are derived which are computationally attractive and which extend previous results. Polynomial approximations are obtained by exploiting the functional equations satisfied by the transition and covariance matrices. The series-functional equation propagation technique represents a fast and accurate alternative to the numerical integration of the time-invariant transition and covariance equations.
The number, size and spatial distribution of neurons in lamina IV of the mouse SmI neocortex.

We located the corresponding barrel in Layer IV of the mouse SmI cortex in eleven cerebral hemispheres sectioned in a plane tangential to the pia overlying SmI and in one sectioned and prepared by a combined Golgi-Nissl method. In the section in which barrel C-1 could be optimally visualized each neuronal soma was outlined with a camera lucida and the cross-sectional area measured with the aid of a small computer. In all, nearly 7,000 neurons were measured. We estimate that on average barrel C-1 contains about 2,000 neurons. The mean cross-sectional area of the perikarya is 62.51 mu2 (S.D. plus or minus 14.51 mu2) and the size distribution of the neurons is unimodal and positively skewed. There is no segregation of cells within the barrel on the basis of size. The spatial distribution of cells in the barrel is fairly constant, from specimen to specimen, and the charactieristic cytoarchitectonic appearance of the barrel can be related to regional neuronal packing density since there are at least 1.6 as many neurons in the sides of the barrel as the hollow. The constancy of the cellular composition of the barrels indicates that the mechanisms responsible for the development of the mouse SmI cortex are fairly rigidly determined, and that the barrel field should lend itself well to further quantitative, developmental and physiological analysis.
The high-pressure pyrolysis of saturated and unsaturated C7 hydrocarbons

Abstract Pyrolysis experiments on n -heptane, 1-heptene and 1,6-heptadiene have been performed using the UIC High-Pressure Shock Tube (HPST) at pressures relevant to diesel combustion systems. The experimental pressures for these experiments ranged from 25 to 50 atm and temperatures varied from 1000 to 1350 K with reaction times ranging from 1 to 3 ms. Dilute reagent mixtures ∼100 ppm were prepared in bulk argon and shock heated to study the stable intermediates. The experimental data has been used to develop and validate an updated kinetic model for the pyrolysis of saturated and unsaturated C 7 hydrocarbons. The experimental results and their implication on increased NO emissions from biodiesel blends will also be discussed.
Low-frequency, low-field dielectric spectroscopy of living cell suspensions

We have developed a dielectric spectroscopy technique for low-frequencies and low-electric field amplitudes. The excellent sensitivity of this method enables us to apply field amplitudes that are below the linear threshold. The dielectric constants of inorganic and organic liquids are found to be consistent with the previously reported experimental data and theoretical predictions.
Effects of middle-ear disorders on power reflectance measured in cadaveric ear canals.

Objective Reflectance measured in the ear canal offers a noninvasive method to monitor the acoustic properties of the middle ear, and few systematic measurements exist on the effects of various middle-ear disorders on the reflectance. This work uses a human cadaver-ear preparation and a mathematical middle-ear model to both measure and predict how power reflectance R is affected by the middle-ear disorders of static middle-ear pressures, middle-ear fluid, fixed stapes, disarticulated incudostapedial joint, and tympanic-membrane perforations. Design R was calculated from ear-canal pressure measurements made on human-cadaver ears in the normal condition and five states: (1) positive and negative pressure in the middle-ear cavity, (2) fluid-filled middle ear, (3) stapes fixed with dental cement, (4) incudostapedial joint disarticulated, and (5) tympanic-membrane perforations. The middle-ear model of Kringlebotn (1988) was modified to represent the middle-ear disorders. Model predictions are compared with measurements. Results For a given disorder, the general trends of the measurements and model were similar. The changes from normal in R, induced by the simulated disorder, generally depend on frequency and the extent of the disorder (except for the disarticulation). Systematic changes in middle-ear static pressure (up to 6300 daPa) resulted in systematic increases in R. These affects were most pronounced for frequencies up to 1000 to 2000 Hz. Above about 2000 Hz there were some asymmetries in behavior between negative and positive pressures. Results with fluid in the middle-ear air space were highly dependent on the percentage of the air space that was filled. Changes in R were minimal when a smaller fraction of the air space was filled with fluid, and as the air space was filled with more saline, R increased at most frequencies. Fixation of the stapes generally resulted in a relatively small low-frequency increase in R. Disarticulation of the incus with the stapes led to a consistent low-frequency decrease in R with a distinctive minimum below 1000 Hz. Perforations of the tympanic membrane resulted in a decrease in R for frequencies up to about 2000 Hz; at these lower frequencies, smaller perforations led to larger changes from normal when compared with larger perforations. Conclusions These preliminary measurements help assess the utility of power reflectance as a diagnostic tool for middle-ear disorders. In particular, the measurements document (1) the frequency ranges for which the changes are largest and (2) the extent of the changes from normal for a spectrum of middle-ear disorders.
Long term video/EEG prevents unnecessary vagus nerve stimulator implantation in patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Abstract Objective Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are common paroxysmal events that mimic and can often be misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures. PNES account for 10 to 40% of patients referred to epilepsy centers. Patients with uncontrolled PNES are at times subjected to vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implantation. We report a series of such referred patients studied with video/EEG monitoring at our institution. Methods We evaluated patients who were implanted with a VNS by their primary neurologist for refractory seizures and who were referred to the Vanderbilt University epilepsy monitoring unit for a second opinion. The presumed diagnosis of epilepsy was based on abnormal routine EEG studies obtained by their primary neurologist. We evaluated these patients and recorded their typical spells between 2005 and 2009. We describe the results of 13 patients with VNS who were found to have PNES. The total number of patients with a VNS studied during this time was 60. Results None of the patients had undergone prior long-term video/EEG monitoring to document the nature of their events. A total of 13 patients with an implanted VNS had exclusive PNES, 9 women and 4 men with a mean age of 38.2 ± 10.4 years. Mean age at seizure onset was 28.5 ± 15.4 years. Patients were taking two to four antiepileptic medications in addition to VNS at the time of video/EEG monitoring. The average latency from the time of VNS implantation to the confirmatory diagnosis was 2.8 years. One to ten (median = 3) of these patients’ typical seizures were recorded during video/EEG monitoring. All patients were subsequently discharged off antiepileptic medications, and five of these patients were discharged home with the VNS turned off. Conclusion A VNS may be implanted inappropriately in patients with PNES. As video/EEG monitoring may help in excluding the diagnosis of PNES and preventing unnecessary VNS implants, it should be a requirement before VNS implantation.
The Automated Recording of Insect Activity: the House Fly

A reliable, widely adaptable capacitance discharge activity monitor for determining levels of insect activity is described. Sample activity patterns of a wild type stock of house flies maintained under a 16:8 LD photoperiod are given to illustrate the monitor's output. For the 1st 2 days of adult life, flies showed a pattern of increasing activity levels after which a bimodal diurnal pattern was established. Activity increased during the latter portion of the dark period until a peak was shown at the onset of lights. Mid-day activity levels were depressed but increased to a 2nd peak in the late afternoon. The use of the monitor in total darkness permitted the detection of the increasing activity levels during dark periods.
Drosophila Models of Proteinopathies: the Little Fly that Could

Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease are complex neurodegenerative conditions with high prevalence characterized by protein misfolding and deposition in the brain. Considerable progress has been made in the last two decades in identifying the genes and proteins responsible for several human ‘proteinopathies’. A wide variety of wild type and mutant proteins associated with neurodegenerative conditions are structurally unstable, misfolded, and acquire conformations rich in s-sheets (s-state). These conformers form highly toxic self-assemblies that kill the neurons in stereotypical patterns. Unfortunately, the detailed understanding of the molecular and cellular perturbations caused by these proteins has not produced a single disease-modifying therapy. More than a decade ago, several groups demonstrated that human proteinopathies reproduce critical features of the disease in transgenic flies, including protein misfolding, aggregation, and neurotoxicity. These initial reports led to an explosion of research that has contributed to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating conformational dynamics and neurotoxic cascades. To remain relevant in this competitive environment, Drosophila models will need to expand their flexible, innovative, and multidisciplinary approaches to find new discoveries and translational applications.
Intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring fails to detect double parathyroid adenomas: a 2-institution experience.

Background. We hypothesized that intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring (IOPTH) reliably would detect double parathyroid adenomas. Methods. This was a retrospective study of 20 patients undergoing conventional parathyroidectomy with resection of exactly 2 abnormal glands. Full exploration was performed regardless of IOPTH values, which were measured after anesthetic induction and 5 and 10 minutes following removal of the first abnormal parathyroid gland. Failure to fall below 50% of baseline value by 10 minutes following resection of the first gland indicated the presence of multiglandular disease. Results. All patients were cured. All excised glands were hypercellular on histology. Mean IOPTH values in 9 of the 20 patients with true negative results (noncurative decrease, another gland present) were 66% ± 7% at 5 minutes and 83% ± 15% at 10 minutes. The IOPTH values in 11 of the 20 patients with false positive results (curative decrease, another gland present) were 28% ± 4% at 5 minutes and 18% ± 2% at 10 minutes. The false positive rate of IOPTH was 55%. Conclusions. We found that IOPTH failed to reliably detect the presence of double parathyroid adenomas. These data suggest that caution should be exercised when terminating limited parathyroid exploration based on a curative fall in IOPTH values. (Surgery 2001;130:1005-10.)
Catalytic activity of mineral matter from western Kentucky coals for hydro-desulphurization and hydrodenitrogenation

Abstract A pulse reactor was used to study the catalytic activity and selectivity of mineral matter from Kentucky No.9 and No.11 seam coals and a low calorific value gasifier ash in the hydrodesulphurization (HDS) of thiophene and hydrodenitrogenation (HDN) of pyrrole, pyrrolidene and n-butylamine. Mineral matter in its least altered state was obtained by low temperature ashing. Thiophene conversion correlated well with the iron and zirconium contents (R > 0.95) of the catalysts, and at 450 °C all catalysts including a commercial Fe2O3/AI2O3 gave similar distributions of the butenes and pyrrolidine > pyrrole ≈0. Nickel was found to be the important element n-butylamine conversion and 1-butene was the predominant product species for all the catalysts. Mineral acid treatment of the mineral matter from No.11 coal decreased its HDN activity but increased its HDS activity. Results of this study indicate that hydrogen consumption for removal of sulphur and nitrogen can be reduced by using dehydrogenation-type catalysts.
High pressure infrared study of 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene (COT)

We have performed a high pressure synchrotron mid-infrared study 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene up to ~22 GPa and at ambient temperature in a diamond anvil cell. We have confirmed our prior observations of phase transitions via Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction near 3-4 GPa, and 7-10 GPa. We have also observed chemical reaction culminating in irreversible dimerization/polymerization of the material above 15 GPa.
Generalized Laplacian approximations in Bayesian inference

This paper presents a new Laplacian approximation to the posterior density of η = g(θ). It has a simpler analytical form than that described by Leonard et al. (1989). The approximation derived by Leonard et al. requires a conditional information matrix Rη to be positive definite for every fixed η. However, in many cases, not all Rη are positive definite. In such cases, the computations of their approximations fail, since the approximation cannot be normalized. However, the new approximation may be modified so that the corresponding conditional information matrix can be made positive definite for every fixed η. In addition, a Bayesian procedure for contingency-table model checking is provided. An example of cross-classification between the educational level of a wife and fertility-planning status of couples is used for explanation. Various Laplacian approximations are computed and compared in this example and in an example of public school expenditures in the context of Bayesian analysis of the multiparameter Fisher-Behrens problem. Cet article presente une nouvelle approximation laplacienne de la densite a posteriori de η = g(θ). Sa forme analytique est plus simple que celle decrite par Leonard et al. (1989). L'approximation de Leonard et al. exige qu'une matrice d'information conditionnelle Rη soit definie positive pour tout η fixe. Dans de nombreux cas, cependant, les Rη ne sont pas toutes definies positives. Le calcul de leur approximation echoue donc, car cette approximation est alors impossible a normaliser. En revanche, l'approximation proposee ici peut ětre modifiee de maniere a ce que la matrice d'information conditionnelle soit definie positive pour tout η fixe. Une procedure bayesienne de verification de modeles pour tableaux de frequence est egalement presentee. Un exemple de tri-croise entre le niveau de scolarite de femmes mariees et les moyens de contrǒle des naissances privilegies par leur couple sert a illustrer la methodologie. Plusieurs approximations laplaciennes sont calculees et comparees dans cet exemple, ainsi que dans le contexte d'une approche bayesienne du probleme de Fisher-Behrens multiparametrique appliquee a l'analyse des depenses d'une ecole du secteur public.
Radioimmunoassay of plasma progesterone during the reproductive cycle of male and female ring doves (Streptopelia risoria).

An increase in progesterone secretion has been claimed to play a significant role in mediating the transition from courtship to incubation behavior in male and female ring doves (Strep-topelia risoria). To test this idea, peripheral plasma progesterone concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay throughout the reproductive cycle in male and female doves. In male doves, progesterone values averaged 1.27 ± 0.08 ng/ml (X ± SEM) plasma during the cycle. There were no significant changes detected i n progesterone concentration during the cycle in males. In contrast, progesterone concentrations increased significantly in female doves by the fifth day of courtship. Mean levels in incubating and brooding females averaged 1.13 ± 0.11 ng/ml, whereas on the fifth day of courtship progesterone levels rose to a mean of 3.01 ± 0.30 ng/ml. Further analysis showed that there was a significant positive correlation between progresterone concentration and follicular development and oviduct weight during courtship. No s...
Runtime adaptive multi-factor authentication for mobile devices

The Runtime Adaptive Multi-factor authentication ENvironment (RAMEN) is a client and server-side framework that provides multi-factor authentication policy enforcement for mobile devices running iOS® and Android®. On the client side, RAMEN uses a security manager that can intercept network calls and forward them for secure authentication to a server-side proxy. The server-side proxy contains a dynamic policy engine that can be configured to choose between different authentication methods depending on the mobile context. RAMEN is an extensible framework that has interfaces to plug in different authentication methods. We describe the policy model and implementation of RAMEN. We show the value of RAMEN to developers through an implementation of location-aware security policies that can be set up to enforce security zones that relax or enhance security requirements for different applications.
Patterns of Very Insecure Attachment Found in Samples of High-Risk Infants and Toddlers.

Recent studies in which the Ainsworth Strange Situation (Ainsworth, Blehar, Waters, & Wall, 1978) assessment of attachment security was used with high-social-risk infants and toddlers have reported observing patterns of response that do not fit the Ainsworth A-B-C classification system. These “D” or “A/C” infants came from very problematic childrearing environments. Data on 44 insecurely attached 13-month olds from a high-social-risk sample are presented; these data are in agreement with the general findings of these other studies. The families of the 13 A/C infants were experiencing significantly more difficult life circumstances, more illness symptoms, and less social support as compared to the families of the 33 infants who received other insecure classifications. Implications of attachment research for services provided to handicapped children and families are discussed.
TU-C-17A-02: An Efficient Method for Making IMRT Treatment Planning Optimizations Results Robust Against Geometrical Uncertainties

Purpose: Systematic and random geometrical shifts of target and normal tissues can lead to delivered doses being significantly worse than planned dose distributions. We developed new methods to make treatment plans robust against geometrical uncertainties. Methods: We used prioritized prescription algorithms as a basis for development. Under the assumption that each structure moves rigidly, a 3-dimentional vector with a certain probability distribution was used to characterize the position of each structure. One important metric (e.g. mean dose for bladder) was selected to characterize the treatment quality for each structure. An additional optimization step was added to optimize both the mean of each priority Objectives: function as well as the variance values, with respect to the uncertainty probability distributions, while retaining the good quality of the initial optimization results. This method was tested on 10 de-identified prostate treatment cases. Results: Our optimization algorithm gave very good robust treatment plans consistently for the tested 10 prostate treatment cases, with almost the same robust quality as the traditional CTV-PTV method on targets but with much lower and more robust doses to sensitive structures, especially on structures very close or overlapping with PTV (the rectum and bladder). The method is computationally efficient: in average the method adds only 3 minutes to the overall optimization time (less than 5 minutes total time on a quad-core processor.) Conclusion: An optimization algorithm, compatible with prioritized (or lexicographic) optimization, was designed to generate robust treatment plans against motion uncertainties. The method optimizes both the mean and variance values of relevant dose metrics (e.g. bladder mean dose) for all interesting structures. This new algorithm theoretically works for any existing IMRT optimization algorithm and thus has great potential to improve treatment plan robustness.
Use of rhythmol in patients with cardiac arrhythmia.

Abstract Twenty-six patients were treated with Rhythmol (Ro 2-5803) during 29 episodes of arrhythmia. The drug was given orally and intravenously. The criterion of effectiveness was conversion to normal sinus rhythm. Restoration of sinus rhythm occurred in seven episodes of arrhythmia, six of these being acute arrhythmias. The seventh was chronic atrial arrhythmia. Only one of 15 episodes of chronic atrial arrhythmias was converted to sinus rhythm. Side effects were hypotension in 3 of 17 intravenous trials; gastrointestinal symptoms in 9 of 16 oral trials; and widening of the QRS complex of the electrocardiogram in 4 trials (three oral and one intravenous). In its present form, this drug has no advantages over the usual agents for the treatment of chronic atrial arrhythmias. Its use by mouth is associated with a forbidding incidence of gastrointestinal reactions.
Effect of 2% dimethyl sulfoxide on the mitogenic properties of epidermal growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor in primary hepatocyte culture

Two percent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) reversibly inhibited DNA synthesis in primary rat hepatocyte cultures maintained with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). These data suggest that, in vitro, DMSO is a non-specific inhibitor of hepatocyte proliferation, regardless of the stimulating mitogen. In addition, removal of DMSO from mitogen-free cultures resulted in an increase in DNA synthesis. Protein synthesis gradually but irreversibly declined in all cultures after DMSO removal. The relevance of these findings to regulation of hepatocyte growth is discussed.
Hydroxy-L-proline as a substrate for HOG kidney D-amino acid oxidase

Summary In contrast to earlier findings, hydroxy-L-proline is oxidized by hog kidney D-amino acid oxidase, with a V max comparable to that of L-proline but with a somewhat higher K. Kinetic constants and pH-dependency data are in reported both for hydroxy-L-proline and allohydroxy-D-proline.
Exchange anisotropy in cobalt-manganese alloys

Abstract Magnetization measurements between 4.2° and 750°K on Co-Mn alloys of about 25, 30 and 35 atomic per cent Mn indicate that no simple disappearance of ferromagnetism takes place with increasing Mn concentration, although the magnetic properties of these alloys are very sensitively dependent on composition. When cooled to 4.2°K in a magnetic field, all these alloys exhibit hysteresis loops that are asymmetrical with respect to the origin. This behavior, similar to that recently reported for Ni-Mn alloys, is believed to arise in this case also from exchange anisotropy interactions between regions of ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic spin alignment. From the high temperature paramagnetic susceptibilities of these Co-Mn compositions and of disordered Ni-Mn alloys of 20 to 35 atomic per cent Mn, it is concluded that an increasing number of atomic moments are antiferromagnetically aligned with increasing Mn concentration in both alloy systems. It is shown that this result combined with the statistical composition fluctuations inherent to a disordered alloy provides a plausible model for the exchange anisotropy in these materials.
Suppression of tyrosinase gene expression by bromodeoxyuridine in Syrian hamster melanoma cells is not due to its incorporation into upstream or coding sequences of the tyrosinase gene

5-Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), a thymidine analog, suppresses melanogenesis in Syrian hamster melanoma cells. Tyrosinase, which is the key enzyme for the synthesis of melanin, is suppressed by exposure to BrdU, and the drop in enzyme activity is correlated with a drop in tyrosinase mRNA level. In order to investigate whether suppression of tyrosinase mRNA by BrdU is due to BrdU substitution into coding sequences or upstream sequences of the tyrosinase gene, we carried out stable and transient transfection assays with constructs containing either the human tyrosinase cDNA sequence under the control of a nontyrosinase promoter or a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene under the control of 5′ flanking sequences of the mouse tyrosinase gene. When the plasmid containing the tyrosinase cDNA was stably transfected into mouse fibroblasts, tyrosinase activity in the transfectants was not suppressed by BrdU. Since BrdU would be incorporated into the tyrosinase cDNA integrated in these transfectants, the results suggest that BrdU suppression of tyrosinase gene expression is not due to its incorporation into coding sequences of the tyrosinase gene. When plasmids with tyrosinase regulatory sequences were transfected into melanoma cells for transient expression assays, CAT gene expression was suppressed by BrdU. Because the CAT plasmids do not contain a mammalian origin of replication and should not replicate under the conditions of transient transfection, BrdU would not be incorporated into the DNA of those plasmids. Therefore, these results suggest that the suppression of tyrosinase gene expression by BrdU also is not due to the incorporation of BrdU into upstream sequences of the tyrosinase gene.
Environment, trade, and strategic interdependence: A simple model with implications for NAFTA

Abstract Trade under oligopolistic industry structure is analyzed when the industries pollute the environment and when tax is used to regulate pollution. When trade occurs among neighboring countries, as is the case with NAFTA, the effectiveness of regulation depends on whether pollutants are global (i.e. cross borders) or are locally confined to each country. Not only do industries act strategically, but so do the regulators in each country act strategically vis-a-vis one another. A number of important and interesting results are derived.
THE ROLE OF IgA 1 RHEUMATOID FACTOR (RF) IN THE FORMATION OF IgA-CONTAINING CIRCULATING IMMUNE COMPLEXES (CIC) IN HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA (HSP)

Current evidence suggests that CIC are involved in the pathogenesis of HSP, and several studies have demonstrated both IgA and IgG containing CIC in patients with HSP. Recent work from this laboratory showed that over 50% of children with HSP have IgA RF. The present study was performed to investigate the role of IgA RF in the formation of IgA containing CIC in HSP, and to determine the subclass composition of IgA RF. CIC were isolated from the sera of 22 children with HSP and 13 controls by means of polyethylene giycol (PEG) precipitation. The percentage of IgG, IgA, and IgM precipitated by PEG was significantly greater in HSP patients than controls (P<0.01). There was a strong correlation (r=.723, P<0.001) between the amount of IgG and IgA in the PEG precipitates from HSP patients, but not controls. HSP patients had significantly higher levels of IgA RF in their serum (P<0.05) and in their PEG precipitates (P<0.05) compared to controls. PEG precipitation eliminated IgA RF activity from the serum of seven of eight HSP patients tested; IgA RF was recovered in the PEG precipitates from all patients. Testing of HSP patients showed that IgA1 was the predominant IgA subclass of the serum IgA RF (P<0.02) and PEG precipitate IgA RF (P<0.01). These results suggest that IgA RF is a constituent of IgA CIC in HSP, and that IgA RF is predominantly IgA1 in composition.
New Perspectives on Emotional Contagion: A Review of Classic and Recent Research on Facial Mimicry and Contagion

Recently, scholars from a wide variety of disciplines, using a variety of scientific techniques, have begun to study the influence of attention, facial mimicry, and social context on emotional contagion. In this paper we will review the classic evidence documenting the role of attention, facial mimicry, and feedback in sparking primitive emotional contagion. Then we will discuss the new evidence which scholars have amassed to help us better understand the role of facial mimicry in fostering contagion and the ability to “read” others’ thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Finally, we will briefly speculate as to where future research might be headed.
Discontinuous Galerkin methods for periodic boundary value problems

This article considers the extension of well-known discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element formulations to elliptic problems with periodic boundary conditions. Such problems routinely appear in a number of applications, particularly in homogenization of composite materials. We propose an approach in which the periodicity constraint is incorporated weakly in the variational formulation of the problem. Both H 1 and L2 error estimates are presented. A numerical example confirming theoretical estimates is shown. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 23: 000–000, 2007
Equivalent voice-coil models for real-time computation in electromagnetic actuation and sensor applications

This paper presents a method to derive equivalent models to characterize the magnetic field of a multi-layer (ML) voice coil. Two equivalent models are discussed. The first reduces the number of wire layers to a minimum. To offer some intuitive insights, a detailed derivation of an equivalent single layer (ESL) model is given in this paper. The second models the ML coil as an equivalent PM, the magnetic field of which has a closed-form solution. The equivalent models are validated by investigating the effects of coil geometry on the modeling errors, and by comparing the computed forces against published data. As illustrated with a number of examples in this paper, the field and force calculations which do not increase with the number of current loop-turns offer a number of advantages in real-time applications.
Retrospective reconstruction of three-dimensional radiotherapy treatment plans of the thorax from two dimensional planning data

Abstract Purpose : A method for the retrospective reconstruction of three-dimensional (3-D) radiotherapy treatment plans from two-dimensional (2-D) planning data is detailed in this paper. Methods and Materials : With these techniques the user can register an arbitrarily shaped portal on a simulation film with a diagnostic computed tomography study of the patient and then generate the resultant 3-D dose distribution or dose-volume histogram. Seven treatment plans were reconstructed of patients who had previously undergone 3-D treatment planning for fields involving the thorax and who had had a diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scan. The dose-volume histograms and the spatial positions of the beams on the reconstructed plans were then compared to those of the original 3-D plan, which until then, were not made available to the investigators. Results : The dose-volume histograms of the reconstructed plans did not differ from those of the original plans by more than 3% except in the low dose region. The error in positioning the beam in the reconstructed plan was determined to be approximately 5 mm. Conclusion : The technique of 3-D treatment plan reconstruction can be used, through retrospective studies, to obtain better assessments of normal tissue complication probabilities and tumor control probabilities.
Serum fibrosis markers to predict clinical and histological progression in hepatitis C non-responders

As in other chronic liver diseases, the clinically relevant end point for patients with chronic hepatitis C infection who have failed antiviral therapy, is progressive hepatic fibrosis and finally cirrhosis; with impending hepatic decompensation, liver failure and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.1–3 Of note, the natural history of liver fibrosis progression has been studied in greatest detail in the hepatitis C population. The course is variable with decades of viraemia causing mild fibrosis in some patients to post-transplant hepatitis C, where cirrhosis can develop within a few years post transplant. Percutaneous liver biopsy has been the reference standard for liver fibrosis staging since its general introduction by Menghini in the 1950s. The liver biopsy has the additional benefit of providing information on A. aetiology, B. grading of inflammation, C. steatosis and D. iron overload, making it a valuable diagnostic test. However, there are important limitations with liver biopsy that include a small but significant morbidity and mortality rate, which creates anxiety in patients, but most importantly a significant sampling variability coupled with intraobserver and interobserver variation in pathology reporting.1 3 4 Serum markers were originally developed to identify the degree of liver fibrosis as an alternative to liver biopsy. The idea of developing a simple blood test to identify and stage liver fibrosis, and to act as a surrogate marker of clinical severity of liver disease superior to conventional liver function tests has enormous potential. There have been many different serum marker panels studied in the hepatitis …
Enhanced terahertz bistability in a nonlinear Fabry-Perot resonator with n-type quantum wells.

The intrinsic bistable terahertz response of intersubband plasmons in wide n-type δ-doped quantum wells is predicted to be enhanced by a resonant Fabry–Perot cavity. With a simple low-Q resonator, the threshold for bistability is decreased by a factor of 2–3 compared with that for bare multiple quantum wells.