cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuroanatomical specificity of prolactin-induced hyperphagia in virgin female rats.

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of PRL increases food intake in virgin female rats but the brain site(s) at which PRL acts to promote feeding behavior is not known. The present studies investigated the role of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), ventromedial nucleus (VMH), and medial preoptic nucleus (MPOA) in the hyperphagic actions of PRL. Ad-libitum-fed virgin female rats received twice daily site-specific injections of PRL (800 ng) over a period of 10 days. Only subjects demonstrating regular vaginal cyclicity were included in the study. Food intake, body weight, and vaginal cyclicity were measured daily. Results showed that PRL significantly increased food intake when injected into the PVN. A nonsignificant trend towards a hyperphagic response in the last 5 days of testing was observed in rats receiving intra-VMH injections of PRL, and the MPOA was not responsive to the feeding-stimulating properties of PRL. None of the manipulations affected body weight or vaginal cyclicity as demonstrated by vaginal smears. In sum, the present results reveal that one brain site at which PRL acts to increase food intake is the PVN, but these studies do not rule out the possibility that the effects of PRL on food intake may also involve other brain areas.
Search needs a shake-up

On the twentieth anniversary of the World Wide Web's public release, Oren Etzioni calls on researchers to think outside the keyword box and improve Internet trawling.
An SLP filter algorithm for probabilistic analytical target cascading

Decision-making under uncertainty is particularly challenging in the case of multidisciplinary, multilevel system optimization problems. Subsystem interactions cause strong couplings, which may be amplified by uncertainty. Thus, effective coordination strategies can be particularly beneficial. Analytical target cascading (ATC) is a deterministic optimization method for multilevel hierarchical system design that has been extended to probabilistic formulations. Solving the probabilistic optimization problem requires propagation of uncertainty, namely, evaluating or estimating the output distributions, a task that is computationally expensive for highly nonlinear functions. This article presents the use of sequential linear programming (SLP) for probabilistic ATC. By linearizing and solving a problem successively, the strategy takes advantage of the simplicity and ease of uncertainty propagation for a linear system under the assumption that inputs are normally distributed or can be transformed into equivalent normal distributions. A suspension strategy, developed for a deterministic SLP coordination strategy for ATC, is applied to reduce computational cost by suspending the analyses of subsystems that do not need considerable redesign. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed coordination strategy is demonstrated with several numerical examples.
Cultural industries policy in regional trade agreements: the cases of NAFTA, the European Union and MERCOSUR:

This article compares cultural industries policy in three regional trade areas: NAFTA, the EU and the MERCOSUR. Each of these trade regions has uniquely combined liberalization, cooperation and exemption, resulting in different policy outcomes. Three factors are explored to account for these differences: industry profile, domestic communication policies and cultural distance. While in the NAFTA cultural products are treated as commodities, the EU has established a proactive policy for the sector, setting both economic and cultural goals. In the case of MERCOSUR, cultural industries policy is still in blueprint. However, political and economic factors greatly constrain the available policy options. The conclusion offers a comparative perspective on audiovisual policies in the three trade blocs.
Hypoxanthine and inosine analogues as chemotherapeutic agents in chagas' disease

Analogues of purines, especially those of hypoxanthine and inosine, appear to hold considerable promise for the treatment of Chagas' disease.
The Origin of Isotope Symbolism

In response to a reader query, the article traces the origins of our current nomenclature and symbolism for isotopes.
α1-Antitrypsin and lysozyme in fibrous papules and angiofibromas

The large stellate and polygonal cells observed in eleven fibrous papules and two angiofibromas were examined immunohistochemically for α 1 -antitrypsin and lysozyme. The positive findings suggest that these cells are related to histiocytes rather than nevomelanocytes.
Critical time for NSF, NASA funding bills

Although the new fiscal year does not start until October, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the amount of money which the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration receive. Scientists who want to communicate their views to key representatives and senators about these agencies should do so now. Every year Congress must pass new funding, or appropriations, legislation. Both NSF and NASA funding come under the jurisdiction of the House and Senate appropriations subcommittees for the Veterans Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies. These two subcommittees have already heard from NSF officials, and will wrap-up official NASA testimony this week. Several days of hearings from public witnesses are also scheduled.
The advantage of being first and competition between firms

Abstract It is frequently suggested that the first brand in a product market enjoys a price advantage over its imitators due to imperfect information about product quality. This article considers the effect of this advantage on prices and market shares in a dominant firm price leadership model. An established firm with a price advantage faces free entry by firms producing unbranded products (generics). In equilibrium, the first brand enjoys a market share advantage over entrants in entry and post entry periods. If the initial price disadvantage is large, entry will not occur.
A Method for the Measurement of Lubricating Property of Medicinal Products

The need for the evaluation of lubricants used in medical practice disclosed a lack of any instrument or quantitative method for the determination of lubricating property, or lubricity. The conditions required for testing medicinal lubricants are compared with those used in the testing of industrial lubricants. An instrument is described which is designed to measure the lubricant effect of medicinal products under conditions approaching normal use. The range and the accuracy of the instrument are illustrated by use with several classes of lubricants.
Nucleotide sequence at the 5′ end of ovalbumin messenger RNA from chicken

DNA-sequence analysis of 300 nucleotides from the region of cloned, double-stranded ovalbumin cDNA corresponding to the 5' end of ovalbumin messenger RNA was accomplished using the technique of Maxam and Gilbert (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA (1977) 74,560-564). The AUG initiation codon was located 52 nucleotides from the AT linkers used in cloning and immediately adjacent to the amino terminal peptide of ovalbumin, indicating the absence of a "signal peptide" in this protein. The nucleotide sequence coding for a phosphorylated peptide from ovalbumin was also found. These results demonstrate that the coding portion of mRNAov begins near the 5' end of the molecule leaving some 600 nucleotides of noncoding information at the 3' end.
Prevention of surface crack formations on polymeric coatings using carbon nanotubes

Polymeric coatings are frequently utilized for the protection of materials surface against UV light and other environmental factors (e.g., oxygen, pollutants and moistures) by many industries. However, the organic films have yet to be perfected and failures due to the degradation caused by the environmental factors are potential hazards. These hazards can cost the US economy billions of dollars and cause serious accidents. In order to minimize UV and other environmental factors on the polymeric coatings, new studies are focused on functional coating systems. In the present study, we have developed a nanocomposite coatings to reduce the crack formations and increase the life-time of the coatings. Different weight percentages (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were indvidually dispersed in the coating maetrials, and then sprayed on the surfaces of aircraft Al alloys. UV light and salt chamber tests were applied to the prepared coating samples. Optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies showed that the micro and nanocrack formations on coatings were significanly lowered at higher MWCNT loadings (e.g., 2%). As a results, it is concluded that CNTs played a vital role in protecting of polymeric coatings against UV degradation and corrosion.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Phosphine Loss from Bis(phosphine)rhodium(I) η2-(C,O)-Diphenylketene Complexes Leading to η4-(C4) Coordination and Fluxionality of the Ketene

Significant structural changes accompany phosphine loss from bis(phosphine) complexes trans-ClRh[η2-(C,O)-Ph2CCO](PR3)2 [4, where PR3 = PMe(t-Bu)2, P(i-Pr)3, or PCy3], giving ClRh[η4-(C4)-Ph2CCO](PR3) (5). As shown by the X-ray crystal structure of 5a [PR3 = PMe(t-Bu)2] and variable-temperature NMR studies, the metal moves from the ketene C,O bond to the C,C bond and also coordinates weakly to two carbons of a ketene phenyl substituent, resulting in fluxional behavior unique among complexes of aryl- or vinyl-substituted ketenes.
Distribution of three nicotinic receptor α4 mRNA transcripts in rat brain : selective regulation by nicotine administration

Northern blot analysis determined whether multiple alpha 4 transcripts for neuronal nicotinic receptors in rat brain could be detected as distinct bands. When poly(A)+ RNA was isolated from brain regions and hybridized with a Hinfl fragment of alpha 4-1 cDNA containing a sequence shared by both alpha 4-1 and alpha 4-2, but little homology with other alpha or beta subunits, bands at 6.0, 4.6, and 2.6 kb were obtained. When a Taql fragment with selectivity for alpha 4-1 was used, a single band was present at 6.0 kb. The 6.0-kb band was least abundant in all brain regions; the 2.6-kb band was most abundant in frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum, basal forebrain, and thalamus, whereas the 4.6-kb band was most abundant in midbrain and cerebellum. Nicotine (3.6 mumol/kg, a.c., twice daily) increased the abundance of the 4.6-kb transcript in frontal cortex significantly by 28% following 2.5 days of injections; the 6.0- and 2.6-kb transcripts were unchanged. Nicotine did not affect alpha 4 transcripts in other brain regions. Results suggest that increased mRNA levels may mediate the nicotine-induced up-regulation of receptors in cerebral cortex.
Line shape and temperature dependence of the first order Raman spectrum of diamond

Abstract It is shown that a modified Voigt profile best represents the first order Raman line shape of diamond. The temperature dependence of the peak position and the width of this spectrum has been measured in the temperature range of 25–1000 K. The shift of the peak position can be almost fully accounted for by thermal expansion alone. A small contribution due to anharmonic effects becomes evident for temperatures above 700 K. The half-width data agree well with a two-phonon decay process.
Lysosome and HER3 (ErbB3) Selective Anticancer Agent Kahalalide F: Semisynthetic Modifications and Antifungal Lead-Exploration Studies

Kahalalide F (1) shows remarkable antitumor activity against different carcinomas and has recently completed phase I clinical trials and is being evaluated in phase II clinical studies. The antifungal activity of this molecule has not been thoroughly investigated. In this report, we focused on acetylation and oxidation of the secondary alcohol of threonine, as well as reductive alkylation of the primary amine of ornithine, and each product was evaluated for improvements in antifungal activity. 1 and analogues do not exhibit antimalarial, antileishmania, or antibacterial activity; however, the antifungal activity against different strains of fungi was particularly significant. This series of compounds was highly active against Fusarium spp., which represents an opportunistic infection in humans and plants. The in vitro cytotoxicity for the new analogues of 1 was evaluated in the NCI 60 cell panel. Analogue 5 exhibited enhanced potency in several human cancer cell lines relative to 1.
On 10Be standards and the half-life of 10Be

Using accelerator mass spectrometry, we have made absolute measurements of the ratios of 10Be to 9Be in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard reference material SRM 4325, and in material produced by ICN. We obtain for SRM 4325 a value that is 14% higher than that claimed by the NIST (30.6 ± 1.4 × 10−12 instead of 26.8 ± 1.4 × 10−12, 2σ uncertainty). Our absolute values for the ratios of 10Be to 9Be, and the activity measurements of the NIST and ICN, yield values for the half-life of 10Be of 1.53 ± 5% and 1.48 ± 5% Ma, respectively.
The treatment of technical names

`Rules-of-thumb' are developed for guidance in the handling of technical names so that readers can benefit-rather than suffer-from italization, and other stylistic conventions in technical writing. The discussion also promotes the elimination of jargon, special meanings and ad hoc abbreviations.
Metabolic Adaptation in the Manic-Depressive

WHEN the manic–depressive is psychologically disturbed, biogenic amine metabolism1, adrenal cortical activity2, the disposition of sodium3 and the concentration of cyclic AMP in the urine4 may be modified. During normothymic intervals none of these measures of endocrine function fall outside of normal limits1–4. Occasional and temporary diabetic-like responses to a glucose tolerance test appear, however, not only during episodes of depression and mania, but also during asymptomatic periods, despite an adequate carbohydrate intake and with no discernible impact on affect5. If, as we have suggested6, manic–depressives have a defect in the regulation of hormonal balance, an environmentally induced perturbation might make the difficulty apparent even when they are normothymic and their response to a glucose load is normal.
Liquid-Core Capsules via Interfacial Polymerization: A Free-Radical Analogy of the Nylon Rope Trick

Liquid-core capsules have wide-ranging applications in the high-efficiency encapsulation and controlled release of drugs, dyes, enzymes, and other substrates. Their great utility has driven the rapid development of various preparation techniques. However, there remains no convenient technique for the preparation of submicrometer liquid-core capsules with shell thicknesses less than 100 nm. Here, we demonstrate a new interfacial free-radical polymerization approach for the straightforward preparation of liquid-core polymer capsules. Conceptually, this interfacial free-radical polymerization is analogous to the classical “nylon rope trick” wherein hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers alternately copolymerize to constrain the polymerization at interfaces, but its free-radical mechanism allows precise control of initiation, which makes it possible to finely disperse the immiscible phases prior to polymerization.
The Zienkiewicz–Zhu error estimator for multiple material problems

The validity of the Ziekiewicz–Zhu a posteriori error estimator for elasticity problems involving more than one material is examined. A simple modification to the estimation process is suggested to obtain acceptable error indicators and error estimator values for problems involving multiple materials.
Pathogenesis and recent therapeutic trends in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis

Objective To review the current pathophysiologic mechanisms and recent therapeutic trends in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Data Sources A MEDLINE search for SJS and TEN in combination with Fas, Fas ligand (FasL), cytotoxic T cells, intravenous immunoglobulin, and cyclosporine for articles published in English during 1966 to 2006. Study Selection Information was derived from original research articles and reviews published in peer-reviewed journals. Results The hallmark of SJS and TEN is epidermal cell apoptosis, which may be mediated through keratinocyte Fas-FasL interaction or through cytotoxic T-cell release of perforin and granzyme B. Whereas systemic corticosteroid therapy showed contradictory results, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and cyclosporine have shown promising outcomes. IVIG contains anti-Fas antibodies that can abrogate apoptosis when preincubated with keratinocytes. Most studies on IVIG in SJS and TEN reported improvement in arresting disease progression and reduction in time to skin healing. Because of variations among studies, the findings cannot be optimally compared. In general, mortality varied from 0% to 12% in studies that supported the use of IVIG and 25% to 41.7% in those that did not demonstrate a beneficial effect. Cyclosporine inhibits CD8 activation and thus may reduce epidermal destruction. Relatively few case reports and 1 case series have been published regarding the use of cyclosporine in SJS and TEN. In general, cyclosporine was associated with a significant improvement in time to disease arrest and to complete reepithelization, with no reported fatalities. Conclusions Both IVIG and cyclosporine have been associated with enhanced healing and better survival through inhibition of apoptosis. Multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trials using a standardized design are needed to validate these findings.
Simple Radioassay for Measuring Serum Activity of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme in Sarcoidosis

Using a new simple radioassay, which has some advantages over the spectrophotometric and spectrofluorometric methods, we found the serum activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme in 62 normal subjects and 60 patients with various nonsarcoid pleuropulmonary diseases to be 90.7 ± 23.4 mU/ml (mean ± SD) and 84.6 ± 28.5 mU/ml, respectively. Taking an activity of 137.5 mU/ml (mean ± 2 SD) as the highest limit of normal, we found the frequency of false-positive results was two of 62 in normal subjects and five of 60 in various nonsarcoid pulmonary diseases. The serum activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme in 40 patients with active sarcoidosis was 177.7 ± 59.7 mU/ml, which was significantly elevated (P
The Effects of Polyphosphates on Several Organoleptic, Physical, and Chemical Properties of Stored Precooked Frozen Chickens

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the effects of marinating broiler quarters in 0, 6 or 12% polyphosphate solutions before baking and frozen storage on several organoleptic, physical, and chemical properties. The percent cooked yield of the quarters increased with increases in polyphosphate content of the marinade. Phosphorus content of the cooked tissue increased as the polyphosphate content of the marinade increased, with the light meat absorbing more phosphate than the dark meat. Organoleptic evaluation of the quarters indicated that chicken and meaty flavors decreased throughout the storage period with increased polyphosphate levels in the marinade. There was no difference in fatty flavor except at 1 month storage when the 6 and 12% polyphosphate treatments had lower scores. Apart from 0 month storage, the scores for rancid flavor were decreased by polyphosphate treatment. Warmed over flavor was decreased by increased polyphosphate treatment throughout the study. An objectionable baking soda like flavor was present and increased in intensity with increased polyphosphate treatment. Over-all flavor ratings were decreased markedly with increased polyphosphate treatment at 0 and 1 month of frozen storage, but after 3 and 6 months of storage the decrease with increased polyphosphate treatment was not as pronounced. The polyphosphate treated quarters were consistently more tender and juicy.
Paclitaxel (Taxol): A Novel Anticancer Chemotherapeutic Drug

Objective To review the literature on the clinical activity and toxic effects of paclitaxel (Taxol * *Use of the trade name "Taxol" throughout this report is simply for familiarity and does not imply endorsement of this agent.). Design Results of phase I and II trials of Taxol in patients with various types of tumors are provided. Material and Methods Taxol is the first drug in a new class of antineoplastic agents known as the taxanes. These drugs demonstrate a novel mechanism of action characterized by promotion of the assembly of microtubules and stabilization of the tubules against depolymerization, resulting in mitotic arrest. Results Numerous phase I and phase II trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Taxol in refractory ovarian carcinoma, breast carcinoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and lymphoma. Various durations of infusions of Taxol have been used in several studies. In the treatment of most patients with ovarian cancer, Taxol can probably be administered by either short infusion or 24-hour infusion with no compromise in antitumor effect. Neutropenia seems to be less common when 3-hour infusions are used. Additional phase II trials are currently in progress, as are combination chemotherapy trials. Conclusion Taxol has definite antitumor activity in advanced ovarian and breast cancers and seems to have activity in lung cancer. Further clinical trials will determine the spectrum of activity of Taxol in other malignant tumors and define its role in combination chemotherapy for sensitive tumor types.
The exaggerated supine oblique view of the cervical spine.

The technique of the 60 degree supine oblique view is described together with anatomic skeletal studies of this projection. The view is convenient for emergency room radiography and useful in other clinical radiography. The view separates widely the anterior and posterior portions of the vertebrae in a side to side projection. This makes for an elongated but detailed view of the articular processes, pedicles, and intervertebral foramina. In the cadavar specimen and clinically the view is shown to be useful in delineating fracture deformities of the articular process and visualizing constriction of the intervertebral foramen superiorly. Encroachment of the foramen superiorly is likely to compromise the emerging nerve root in this area.
The additive blood pressure lowering effects of exercise intensity on post-exercise hypotension.

Background Evidence contends lower levels of physical exertion reduce blood pressure (BP) as effectively as more rigorous levels. We compared the effects of low (40% peak oxygen consumption, Vo 2 peak), moderate (60% Vo 2 peak), and vigorous (100% Vo 2 peak) exercise intensity on the BP response immediately following aerobic exercise. We also examined clinical correlates of the BP response. Methods Subjects were 45 men (mean ± SEM, 43.9 ± 1.4 years) with elevated awake ambulatory BP (ABP, 144.5 ± 1.5/85.4 ± 1.2 mm Hg). Men completed four randomly assigned experiments: non-exercise control and three exercise bouts at low, moderate, and vigorous intensity. All experiments began with a baseline period of seated rest. Subjects left the laboratory wearing an ABP monitor. Results Systolic ABP increased 2.8 ± 1.6 mm Hg less after low, 5.4 ± 1.4 mm Hg less after moderate, and 11.7 ± 1.5 mm Hg less after vigorous than control over 9 h ( P P r = -0.415), C-reactive protein ( r = -0.362), renin ( r = −0.348), fasting insulin ( r = 0.310), and fasting low density lipoprotein ( r = −0.298) ( R 2 = 0.400, P = .002). Baseline correlates of the diastolic ABP post-exercise response to vigorous were Vo 2 peak ( r = −0.431), fasting low density lipoprotein ( r = -0.431), renin ( r = -0.411), fibrinogen ( r = 0.369), and fasting glucose ( r = −0.326) ( R 2 = 0.429, P Conclusions The antihypertensive effects of exercise intensity occurred in dose response fashion. Clinicians should weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing vigorous exercise intensity for those with hypertension on an individual basis.
A new fast converging Kalman filter for sensor fault detection and isolation

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to present an approach to detect and isolate the sensor failures, using a bank of extended Kalman filters (EKF) using an innovative initialization of covariance matrix using system dynamics.Design/methodology/approach – The EKF is developed for nonlinear flight dynamic estimation of a spacecraft and the effects of the sensor failures using a bank of Kalman filters is investigated. The approach is to develop a fast convergence Kalman filter algorithm based on covariance matrix computation for rapid sensor fault detection. The proposed nonlinear filter has been tested and compared with the classical Kalman filter schemes via simulations performed on the model of a space vehicle; this simulation activity has shown the benefits of the novel approach.Findings – In the simulations, the rotational dynamics of a spacecraft dynamic model are considered, and the sensor failures are detected and isolated.Research limitations/implications – A novel fast convergence Kalman filter ...
Circuit theory and microphotonic circuit design: from resonant filters to light-powered nanomachines

Physically intuitive coupled-mode and equivalent electrical-circuit theories are described for synthesis of nanophotonic resonator/interferometer circuits, including a new phase law for general 4-ports. Synthesis of self-adaptive (highly-nonlinear) optomechanical systems based on light forces is introduced.
A 1994–1995 survey of Haemophilus influenzae susceptibility to ten orally administered agents A 187 clinical laboratory center sample in the United States☆

Abstract During August, 1994 to April, 1995, a total of 2278 clinical isolates of Haemophilus influenzae were obtained from 187 clinical laboratories in the United States (U.S.). The vast majority of these isolates (75%) were from respiratory sites, and the remaining organisms were from blood, ear, eye, and spinal fluid sources. The overall rate of β-lactamase production and ampicillin resistance was 36%. The antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was determined by reference broth microdilution testing against ten orally administered agents. MIC values were compared according to 12 geographical regions, inpatient or outpatient status, gender, and eight age groupings. Modest and occasionally significant differences were observed: 1) greater numbers of β-lactamase-producing strains among out-patients, in males, in the mid-Atlantic region, and in children ≤ 12 years of age; 2) lower prevalence of β-lactamase-producing isolates in the Southeast and Pacific regions; 3) cefaclor, cefprozil, and loracarbef activity was lowest among the younger children (≤ six years); and 4) macrolide in vitro efficacy was lowest in patients > 50 years of age and in three eastern regions. Overall, more than 99% of the strains were susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefixime, and cefpodoxime (e.g., widest potential clinical use). Susceptibilities using National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) breakpoint criteria for the other agents were: 96.6% to cefuroxime, 86.5% to loracarbef, 84.0% to clarithromycin, 81.8% to cefaclor, and 80.7% to cefprozil. Non-β-lactamase mechanisms of resistance to ampicillin were rare (0.2%) or episodic and were attributed to altered penicillin-binding proteins. Although there is an increased prevalence of β-lactamase production among H. influenzae isolates compared to prior years, four β-lactams remain highly active (> 95% susceptibility) against contemporary strains of H. influenzae . Other monitored compounds seem to have declined in spectrum and surveillance trials for resistance among H. influenzae isolates should continue in an effort to identify trends in the U.S.
Mapping whitebark pine mortality caused by a mountain pine beetle outbreak with high spatial resolution satellite imagery.

Insect outbreaks cause significant tree mortality across western North America, including in high-elevation whitebark pine forests. These forests are under several threats, which include attack by insects and white pine blister rust, as well as conversion to other tree species as a result of fire suppression. Mapping tree mortality is critical to determining the status of whitebark pine as a species. Satellite remote sensing builds upon existing aerial surveys by using objective, repeatable methods that can result in high spatial resolution monitoring. Past studies concentrated on level terrain and only forest vegetation type. The objective of this study was to develop a means of classifying whitebark pine mortality caused by a mountain pine beetle infestation in rugged, remote terrain using high spatial resolution satellite imagery. We overcame three challenges of mapping mortality in this mountainous region: (1) separating non-vegetated cover types, green and brown herbaceous cover, green (live) tree co...
Relative and absolute photorefractoriness in turkey hens: profiles of prolactin, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine early in the reproductive cycle

An experiment was conducted to determine whether a commercial strain of turkey hens exhibits relative photorefractoriness (rPR) during a reproductive cycle and to ascertain whether plasma levels of certain hormones early in the reproductive cycle might be associated with subsequent expression of rPR or absolute photorefractoriness (aPR). Twenty-seven percent of hens maintained on a stimulatory photoperiod of 18L:6D for 19 wk and then given a shorter, but still stimulatory, photoperiod (13L:11D) ceased to lay and their ovaries regressed within 4 wk. These hens were considered rPR. Subsequent exposure to the 18L:6D photoperiod resulted in ovarian recrudescence in 41.7% of these PR individuals, confirming the presence of rPR at 19 wk after photostimulation. Absolute PR was observed in 15.1% of hens during a 27-wk reproductive season. Hens that became rPR or aPR exhibited significantly lower plasma prolactin levels at 8 and 14 wk after photostimulation than did hens that remained photosensitive (PS). Plasma levels of thyroxine were lower at 1 and 2 wk following photostimulation in hens that subsequently became PR than in hens that remained PS. We conclude that turkey hens may exhibit rPR and aPR during a reproductive cycle, whereas flockmates may remain PS for at least 27 wk. The presence of long daylengths, thyroid hormones, and PRL did not assure expression of PR. The expression of PR appears to be associated with reduced plasma throxine levels during a period when programming of PR is thought to occur and with reduced levels of prolactin following peak egg production.
Stretching wiggly strings.

How does the amplitude of a wiggle on a string change when the string is stretched We answer this question for both longitudinal and tranverse wiggles and for an arbitrary equation of state, i.e., for an arbitrary relation between the tension [tau] and the energy per unit length [epsilon] of the string. This completes our derivation of the renormalization of string parameters which results from averaging out small scale wiggles on a string. The program is presented here in its entirety.
DELAY MATCHING OF BETA--GAMMA COINCIDENT PULSES.

Abstract The time-jitter of β-γ coincidence pulse pairs is examined in terms of their time-order of appearance at the coincidence gate. The relative channel delays may be set to a preferred mean zero value by adjusting for near-equal β-and γ-coincidence gating frequencies. A gating analyzer for this application is described in detail.
Characterization and sintering of lead zirconate-titanate powders

Two techniques — conventional calcining of mixed oxides and molten salt synthesis—have been used to prepare lead zirconate-titanate powders for subsequent sintering experiments. Several characterization methods, including SEM microscopy and pressing behavior, were used to evaluate the primary particle size and agglomerate state of the powders. In the powders produced by conventional calcining of mixed oxides, the primary particle size was strongly dependent on calcining temperature. These powders also contained a large proportion of very strong agglomerates. The powders produced using molten salt synthesis had a primary particle size nearly independent of processing temperature. The agglomerates formed appeared to be quite friable. Subsequent sintering experiments showed that grain growth was more pronounced with the conventionally calcined powders. The ceramics produced from molten synthesized powders had a more uniform grain size which was nearly independent of powder processing conditions. The densities of these ceramics were, however, always lower than those produced from conventionally calcined powders.
Design Optimization of Composite Plates: Part II—Structural Optimization by Plydrop Tapering

A preliminary design tool was developed to optimize structures such as beams and plates, with optional cutouts, subject to multiple loadsets and any boundary conditions. SUNSPOT provides with simple, tapered and manufacturable layups.Sublaminates, made of multiple plies at various orientations, combining one or more materials, are repeated or dropped in different zones of the structure, yielding the plydrops taper while ensuring physical continuity of the fibers in all composite layers.The orientation and thickness of each ply group in this reference sublaminate as well as its number of repetitions in the zones across the structure, are optimized using the Nelder-Mead algorithm in conjunction with parametric SAMCEF Finite Element Analyses, all integrated within SUNSPOT.The optimization objective is minimum weight for first ply failure strength. Maximum displacement constraints and economical manufacturing can be enforced additionally. Therefore, extended Tsai-Wu strength failure criteria were derived; new...
Simultaneous feature-based identification and track fusion

A tactical pilot typically experiences difficulty in maintaining accurate identification on multiple-interacting targets in the presence of clutter. We propose a multilevel feature-based association (MFBA) algorithm to aid a pilot in a dynamic multi-target environment. We investigate MFBA for an air-to-ground scenario in which a plane, equipped with a high-range resolution radar sensor, processes kinematic and target features at different levels, and fuses these features to simultaneously track and identify targets.
Dissipation in Implicit Turbulence Models: A Computational Study

We describe a series of computational experiments that employ nonoscillatory finite volume methods to simulate the decay of high Reynolds number turbulence. These experiments cover a broad range of physical viscosities and numerical resolutions. We have extracted a data set from these experiments detailing the energy dissipation by physical viscosity and by the numerical algorithm. We offer a preliminary analysis of this data, including new insights into the (computational) transition between direct numerical simulation and large eddy simulation.
Lessons from the Ketchup Bottle

We have all encountered the stubborn ketchup bottle that refuses to give up its contents, until our growing annoyance results in a vigorous shake, causing sudden release of ketchup all over the dinner plate. This often-frustrating property of such complex solutions is known as “shear thinning”—the decrease in resistance to flow with increased shear stress. Gaharwar and colleagues have harnessed this peculiar property of complex solutions to efficiently deliver a hemostatic gel to bleeding wounds. The authors’ hemostatic gel comprised synthetic silicate disks 2 µm in diameter and 1 nm thick. The discs were positively charged along the edge and negatively charged on the top and bottom surfaces. When combined with gelatin, which contains both positive and negative regions, the disks self-assembled via charge interactions to form structures that could dynamically form and break apart. These properties produced a gel that was thin during injection through a needle to promote ease of application but stiffened within seconds when applied to a wound. This stiffening provided a barrier to bleeding. In vitro clotting times were reduced by 77% in the presence of the gel compared with controls, including a mineral-based hemostatic agent. Coagulation proteins and blood platelets were found to spontaneously concentrate at the nanodisks, as the likely mechanism of enhanced clot formation. When injected into the soft tissue of mice, the nanocomposite gel was integrated into tissues and degraded more efficiently with less inflammatory reaction than a mineral hemostatic agent. The nanocomposite also reduced blood loss and improved survival without major side effects comparably with other hemostats when tested in a rat model of bleeding from liver injury. Further testing in high-pressure bleeding models is required to fully define the hemostatic capabilities of this nanocomposite gel. But, perhaps one day these lessons first learned at the dinner table can be translated to new therapies to stop bleeding. A. K.Gaharwar et al ., Shear-thinning nanocomposite hydrogels for the treatment of hemorrhage. ACS Nano , published online 8 October (2014). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn503719n
Statistical properties of determinantal point processes in high-dimensional Euclidean spaces

The goal of this paper is to quantitatively describe some statistical properties of higher-dimensional determinantal point processes with a primary focus on the nearest-neighbor distribution functions. Toward this end, we express these functions as determinants of N N matrices and then extrapolate to N →. This formulation allows for a quick and accurate numerical evaluation of these quantities for point processes in Euclidean spaces of dimension d. We also implement an algorithm due to Hough et al. for generating configurations of determinantal point processes in arbitrary Euclidean spaces, and we utilize this algorithm in conjunction with the aforementioned numerical results to characterize the statistical properties of what we call the Fermi-sphere point process for d =1–4. This homogeneous, isotropic determinantal point process, discussed also in a companion paper S. Torquato, A. Scardicchio, and C. E. Zachary, J. Stat. Mech.: Theory Exp. 2008 P11019. ,i s the high-dimensional generalization of the distribution of eigenvalues on the unit circle of a random matrix from the circular unitary ensemble. In addition to the nearest-neighbor probability distribution, we are able to calculate Voronoi cells and nearest-neighbor extrema statistics for the Fermi-sphere point process, and we discuss these properties as the dimension d is varied. The results in this paper accompany and complement analytical properties of higher-dimensional determinantal point processes developed in a prior paper.
Impact of gamma sterilization on clinical performance of polyethylene in the knee

Damage and rapid wear of the ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene bearings of knee components continue to be major sources of failure of knee prostheses. Despite considerable research into the roles of design, polyethylene thickness and quality, and component alignment, the source of the rapid wear failures has remained a mystery. This study documents elevated oxidation resulting from the use of gamma sterilization in air, the most common sterilization technique used by the orthopaedic implant industry. This oxidation reduces static strength and elongation properties and significantly decreases the resistance of polyethylene bearings to fatigue, a frequent source of early damage of many of these devices.
The analysis of social network data: an exciting frontier for statisticians

The catalyst for this paper is the recent interest in the relationship between social networks and an individual's health, which has arisen following a series of papers by Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler on person- to-person spread of health behaviors. In this issue, they provide a detailed explanation of their methods that offers insights, justifications, and responses to criticisms [1]. In this paper, we introduce some of the key statistical methods used in social network analysis and indicate where those used by Christakis and Fowler (CF) fit into the general framework. The intent is to provide the background necessary for readers to be able to make their own evaluation of the work by CF and understand the challenges of research involving social networks. We entertain possible solutions to some of the difficulties encountered in accounting for confounding effects in analyses of peer effects and provide comments on the contributions of CF. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing amplifier placements in a multiwavelength optical LAN/MAN: the unequally powered wavelengths case

Optical networks based on passive-star couplers and employing WDM have been proposed for deployment in local and metropolitan areas. These networks suffer from splitting, coupling, and attenuation losses. Since there is an upper bound on transmitter power and a lower bound on receiver sensitivity, optical amplifiers are usually required to compensate for the power losses mentioned above. Due to the high cost of amplifiers, it is desirable to minimize their total number in the network. However, an optical amplifier has constraints on the maximum gain and the maximum output power it can supply; thus, optical amplifier placement becomes a challenging problem. In fact, the general problem of minimizing the total amplifier count is a mixed-integer nonlinear problem. Previous studies have attacked the amplifier-placement problem by adding the "artificial" constraint that all wavelengths, which are present at a particular point in a fiber, be at the same power level. This constraint simplifies the problem into a solvable mixed-integer linear program. Unfortunately, this artificial constraint can miss feasible solutions that have a lower amplifier count but do not have the equally powered wavelengths constraint. In this paper, we present a method to solve the minimum-amplifier-placement problem, while avoiding the equally powered wavelength constraint. We demonstrate that, by allowing signals to operate at different power levels, our method can reduce the number of amplifiers required.
MIXED FINITE ELEMENT MODELS FOR PLATE BENDING ANALYSIS: A NEW ELEMENT AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Abstract With a few exceptions, finite element packages available in today's commercial software environment contain in their libraries displacement-type elements only. The present paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility that properly formulated mixed-type elements compete most favorably with displacement-type elements and should, therefore, be considered as potential candidates for inclusion in general purpose finite element packages. In doing so, the development of a new triangular doubly—curved mixed-hybrid shallow shell element and its extensive testing in carefully chosen example problems are reported on.
Implementing a GPU programming model on a Non-GPU accelerator architecture

Parallel codes are written primarily for the purpose of performance. It is highly desirable that parallel codes be portable between parallel architectures without significant performance degradation or code rewrites. While performance portability and its limits have been studied thoroughly on single processor systems, this goal has been less extensively studied and is more difficult to achieve for parallel systems. Emerging single-chip parallel platforms are no exception; writing code that obtains good performance across GPUs and other many-core CMPs can be challenging. In this paper, we focus on CUDA codes, noting that programs must obey a number of constraints to achieve high performance on an NVIDIA GPU. Under such constraints, we develop optimizations that improve the performance of CUDA code on a MIMD accelerator architecture that we are developing called Rigel. We demonstrate performance improvements with these optimizations over naive translations, and final performance results comparable to those of codes that were hand-optimized for Rigel.
Border Security Credibility Assessments via Heterogeneous Sensor Fusion

A heterogeneous network of sensors that measure physiological and behavioral indicators of arousal, cognitive effort, and stress can facilitate deception detection, while limiting subjective judgments and improper profiling.
Reducing seabird bycatch in longline, trawl and gillnet fisheries

With an increasing number of seabird species, particularly albatross and petrels, becoming threatened, a reduction of fishery impacts on these species is essential for their future survival. Here, mitigation methods to reduce and avoid seabird bycatch are assessed in terms of their ability to reduce bycatch rates and their economic viability for longline, trawl and gillnet fisheries worldwide. Factors influencing the appropriateness and effectiveness of a mitigation device include the fishery, vessel, location, seabird assemblage present and season of year. As yet, there is no single magic solution to reduce or eliminate seabird bycatch across all fisheries: a combination of measures is required, and even within a fishery there is likely to be refinement of techniques by individual vessels in order to maximize their effectiveness at reducing seabird bycatch. In longline demersal and pelagic fisheries, a minimum requirement of line weighting that achieves hook sink rates minimizing seabird bycatch rates should be tailored with a combination of strategic offal and discard management, bird-scaring lines (BSLs) and night-setting, particulary in Southern Hemisphere fisheries. Urgent investigation is needed into more effective measures at reducing seabird interactions with trawl nets and gill nets. In trawl fisheries, a combination of offal and discard management, the banning of net monitoring cables, paired BSLs, and a reduction in the time the net is on or near the surface are likely to be the most effective in reducing seabird interactions with the warp cables and net. Few seabird bycatch reduction methods have been developed for gillnet fisheries, although increasing the visibility of the net has been shown to reduce seabird bycatch. Further studies are required to determine the efficacy of this technique and its influence on target species catch rates.
An Evolutionary Psychological Perspective on Cultures of Honor

A key element of cultures of honor is that men in these cultures are prepared to protect with violence the reputation for strength and toughness. Such cultures are likely to develop where (1) a man's resources can be thieved in full by other men and (2) the governing body is weak and thus cannot prevent or punish theft. Historically a herding culture operating outside of formal government, the southern United States has a rich culture of honor. In this article, I briefly review research conducted by Nisbett, Cohen, and colleagues on the southern culture of honor. I then present several important but unanswered questions about the development and maintenance of the southern culture of honor. I next argue that current models of the development and maintenance of cultures of honor and violence can be informed by an evolutionary psychological perspective. I conclude with a tentative evolutionary psychological analysis of the development and maintenance of the southern culture of honor.