cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gaussian beam based finite-frequency turning wave tomography

Abstract We introduce a Gaussian beam based method to calculate finite-frequency sensitivity kernels and use these kernels in seismic turning-wave tomography. The Gaussian beam summation method has the advantage of high computation efficiency and without any angle limitation. Thus, it is suitable in generating sensitivity kernels for high-frequency, long-distance and wide-angle waves, particularly for turning waves in models with vertical velocity gradient. We first validate the Gaussian beam calculated sensitivity kernels by comparing them with those calculated using analytical and finite-difference solutions. Then, we build an inversion system based on these kernels for turning wave travel-time tomography. The proposed method incorporates the wave phenomena into the inversion, avoiding drawbacks usually encountered by the high-frequency asymptotic method. On the other hand, this method still keeps the simplicity of the ray-based travel-time tomography. The numerical results are used to demonstrate the potential applications of this method in building velocity models using turning waves.
Structure of hydrogen triple flames and premixed flames compared

Triple flames consisting of lean, stoichiometric, and rich reaction zones may be produced in stratified mixtures undergoing combustion. Such flames have unique characteristics that differ from premixed flames. The present work offers a direct comparison of the structure and propagation behavior between hydrogen/air triple and premixed flames through a numerical study. Important similarities and differences are highlighted. Premixed flames are generated by spark-igniting initially quiescent homogeneous mixtures of hydrogen and air in a two-dimensional domain. Triple flame results are also generated in a two-dimensional domain by spark-igniting initially quiescent hydrogen/air stratified layers. Detailed flame structure and chemical reactivity information is collected along isocontours of equivalence ratio 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 in the triple flame for comparison with premixed flames at the same equivalence ratios. Full chemistry and effective binary diffusion coefficients are employed for all computations.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression, part VII: Coping with precipitating events

Cognitive-behavioral treatments are effective for many clients suffering from depression. These treatments include strategies designed to improve social functioning, reduce cognitive biases, enhance problem-solving skills, and improve self-control skills. The present manuscript describes cognitive-behavioral strategies designed to enhance the client's ability to cope with stressful life events. Several unproductive coping responses are described and should be discouraged. A range of productive coping responses are described and have been found effective in dealing with stressful life events. A conceptual model is presented to help understand the way in which stressful life events may precipitate depressive reactions and can be addressed in treatment.
Nitric Oxide Chemical Ionization Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of Automotive Exhaust Constituents

Nitric oxide chemical ionization in a glow discharge ionization source coupled with a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer has been evaluated for application to automotive exhaust measurements. Emphasis was placed on the determination of hydrocarbons at parts-per-million to parts-per-billion levels. Nitric oxide chemical ionization was found to yield diagnostic ions for alkanes, alkenes, and arenes, whereas water chemical ionization failed to provide diagnostic ions for the alkanes. The ability to measure a variety of hydrocarbons present at roughly 15 ppb at measurement rates of 3 Hz was demonstrated. All of the ions with potential to serve as parent ions in a tandem mass spectrometry experiment were found to yield parent-to-product conversion efficiencies greater than 75%. The flexibility afforded to the ion trap by the use of tailored waveforms applied to the endcaps allows parallel monitoring schemes to be devised that provide many of the advantages of tandem mass spectrometry without a major loss in...
Free energy determinants of secondary structure formation: II. Antiparallel beta-sheets.

The factors that determine the stability of antiparallel β-sheets are consideredviaa theoretical analysis of conformational free energies. A series of idealized model polyalanine β-sheets are built with constraints such that the angular geometry of hydrogen bonding varies in the range observed in proteins while hydrogen bonding distance remains fixed. The conformations of the sheets generated in this way have a broad distribution of twist angles ranging from highly twisted left-handed to highly twisted right-handed orientations. The association free energies of the sheets are calculated with a gas phase CHARMM potential and FDPB/γ solvation models. Left-handed structures are found to be less stable than right handed structures due to intrachain steric hindrance in isolated left-handed strands. This explains why antiparallel β-sheets in proteins are invariably twisted in the right-handed direction. The free energy surface for right-handed sheets shows particular preference for conformations ranging from flat to those that exhibit a pronounced right-handed twist. This suggests that antiparallel β-sheets can adopt a variety of right-handed conformations, a result that is consistent with observations on known proteins. In parallel with our study of α-helices we find that van der Waals and hydrophobic interactions are the primary factor stabilizing polyalanine β-sheets, while electrostatic interactions including hydrogen bonding are found to be destabilizing. However, in contrast to helices, the net change in conformational free energy involving only backbone-backbone interactions (including β-carbons) is not sufficient to overcome the loss in configurational entropy that accompanies sheet formation. Rather we suggest that cross-strand non-polar side-chain–side-chain interactions are essential for sheet formation, explaining why large non-polar amino acids have the greatest sheet forming propensities. Thus, sheet propensities involve pairwise interactions and are expected to be context dependent, as has been observed in recent experiments.
13C-NMR spectral study of reductively [13C]methylated glycophorin B

Abstract Glycophorin BN was reductively [13C]methylated and the 13C chemical shift of the N-terminal [13C]dimethyl-leucine residue was monited as a function of pH. These results were compared to the pH-dependent chemical shift studies of the N-terminal [132C]dimethylleucine residues of intact glycophorin AN and N-terminal glyco-octapeptide AN. The results indicate that the titration data for [13C]dimethylleucine of glycophorin BN more closely resembles the titration data observed for the [13C]dimethylleucine residue of the N-terminal glyco-octapeptide AN rather than for the [13C]dimethylleucine residue of intact glycophorin AN. Integration of the 13C resonances indicated that glycophorin BN contains 3–4 lysine residues.
Linkage Analysis in Psychiatry

The success that linkage analysis is having in single-gene disorders (like cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy) has prompted researchers in psychiatry to apply it to more complex traits (like schizophrenia and affective disorders). In the latter, twin and family studies strongly suggest the presence of a genetic component. However, this component may not act as a single-gene; thus, the lod scores resulting from applying linkage analysis (whether positive or negative) require a very cautious interpretation. We will discuss some of the problems encountered when using this method to study psychiatric disorders.
Enhancing micro-scale membrane extraction by implementing a barrier film

Hollow fiber based microextraction techniques have shown much promise in the extraction and preconcentration of analytes. Typically, a solvent held in the membrane is used as an extractant (or an acceptor). However, the acceptor also permeates out during long extractions and vigorous agitation. The stabilization of the acceptor is important for high enrichment and good reproducibility. Coating the membrane with a low permeability barrier film can provide diffusional resistance to reduce the outflow of the acceptor. Several compounds were evaluated as potential barrier films. They were found to protect the organic acceptor and significantly enhance extraction performance. In a study with six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), enrichment factors ranged between 494 and 4555 were obtained and the detection limits were at low ppb to ppt levels. Good reproducibility with RSDs between 1.60 and 7.65%, and large linear dynamic ranges with good linearity (R2 between 0.9870 and 0.9997) were also achieved.
Complexity Analysis for Maximum Flow Problems with Arc Reversals

We provide a comprehensive study on network flow problems with arc reversal capabilities. The problem is to identify the arcs to be reversed in order to achieve a maximum flow from source(s) to sink(s). The problem finds its applications in emergency transportation management, where the lanes of a road network could be reversed to enable flow in the opposite direction. We study several network flow problems with the arc reversal capability and discuss their complexity. More specifically, we discuss the polynomial time algorithms for the maximum dynamic flow problem with arc reversal capability having a single source and a single sink, and for the maximum (static) flow problem. The presented algorithms are based on graph transformations and reductions to polynomially solvable flow problems. In addition, we show that the quickest transshipment problem with arc reversal capability and the problem of minimizing the total cost resulting from arc switching costs are \(\mathcal{NP}\) -hard.
Adaptive controllers and robustness analysis for curve tracking with unknown control gains

We study adaptive control and parameter identification for robotic curve tracking under unknown control gains. We build adaptive controllers that identify the unknown control gains and stabilize equilibria corresponding to a fixed constant distance to the curve and zero bearing. Our strict Lyapunov function method allows us to prove robust performance under actuator errors in terms of integral input-to-state stability under a bound on the disturbance that maintains forward invariance of a class of invariant hexagons. This extends existing curve tracking results to allow controller uncertainty and parameter identification. We demonstrate our work in simulations.
Evaluation of a radioimmunoassay for type III procollagen peptide in the dog.

Summary Type III procollagen peptide (P-3-P) is a serum marker for hepatic fibrosis in humans. The utility of a commercially available radioimmunoassay for P-3-P was evaluated in the dog. The specificity of the assay was assessed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of canine serum and purified bovine P-3-P, followed by Western immunoblotting with rabbit anti-P-3-P serum. The sensitivity was assessed by performing the radioimmunoassay on dilutions of sera from 22 dogs. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified bovine P-3-P and sera from two dogs suspected of having elevated P-3-P concentrations revealed no homologous bands of staining. Western immunoblotting showed marked cross-reactivity of the high antisera concentrations with several components of the serum proteins, but none corresponding to the purified P-3-P. All tested sera from dogs had minimal competitive binding with radiolabeled P-3-P in the radioimmunoassay. Dilution curves of dog sera did not parallel either the standard curve or the dilution curve of a known test human serum. There were no statistically different P-3-P concentrations in any of the groups of dogs studied. It was concluded that currently available radioimmunoassay kits for the measurement of P-3-P in the human are not applicable in the dog. Seemingly, the structure or metabolism of canine P-3-P may vary significantly from that of the bovine or human, limiting the sensitivity and specificity of this assay in the dog.
Large aperture optical switching devices

We have developed a new approach to constructing large aperture optical switches for next generation inertial confinement fusion lasers. A transparent plasma electrode formed in low pressure ionized gas acts as a conductive coating to allow the uniform charging of the optical faces of an electro-optic material. In this manner large electric fields can be applied longitudinally to large aperture, high aspect ratio Pockels cells. We propose a four-electrode geometry to create the necessary high conductivity plasma sheets, and have demonstrated fast (less than 10 nsec) switching in a 5x5 cm aperture KD*P Pockels cell with such a design. Detaid modelling of Pockels cell performance with plasma electrodes has been carried out for 15 and 30 cm aperture designs.
Comparative outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis plus anticoagulation vs anticoagulation alone to treat lower-extremity proximal deep vein thrombosis

Importance The role of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of acute proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is controversial, and the nationwide safety outcomes are unknown. Objectives The primary objective was to compare in-hospital outcomes of CDT plus anticoagulation with those of anticoagulation alone. The secondary objective was to evaluate the temporal trends in the utilization and outcomes of CDT in the treatment of proximal DVT. Design, Setting, and Participants Observational study of patients with a principal discharge diagnosis of proximal or caval DVT from 2005 to 2010 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. We compared patients treated with CDT plus anticoagulation with the patients treated with anticoagulation alone. We used propensity scores to construct 2 matched groups of 3594 patients in each group for comparative outcomes analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary study outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes included bleeding complications, length of stay, and hospital charges. Results Among a total of 90 618 patients hospitalized for DVT (national estimate of 449 200 hospitalizations), 3649 (4.1%) underwent CDT. The CDT utilization rates increased from 2.3% in 2005 to 5.9% in 2010. Based on the propensity-matched comparison, the in-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the CDT and the anticoagulation groups (1.2% vs 0.9%) (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 0.88-2.25]) ( P = .15). The rates of blood transfusion (11.1% vs 6.5%) (OR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.57-2.20]) ( P P P = .03), and vena cava filter placement (34.8% vs 15.6%) (OR, 2.89 [95% CI, 2.58-3.23]) ( P P P Conclusions and Relevance In this study, we did not find any difference in the mortality between the CDT and the anticoagulation groups, but evidence of higher adverse events was noted in the CDT group. In the context of this observational data and continued improvements in technology, a randomized trial with outcomes such as mortality and postthrombotic syndrome is needed to definitively address this comparative effectiveness.
Expression of genes for bone morphogenetic proteins and receptors in human dental pulp

Abstract Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) have been shown to induce reparative dentine formation experimentally but the cells responsible, which respond to BMPs, have not been identified. The BMP signal is probably mediated by interaction of type I and II BMP receptors (R). Here, the RNA of human adult dental pulp and pulp cells in culture was examined by reverse transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for evidence of mRNA for BMPs. mRNAs for BMP-2, -4, osteogenic protein-1, ActR-l (activin-like kinase receptor), BMPR-IA, -IB and -II were detected by RT-PCR. The 698-bp PCR fragment for BMPR-IB was used to probe pulp cells for expression of that receptor. Cell expression of BMPR-IB was detected by the hybridization probe. The findings suggest that resident pulp cells may be able to respond to BMPs to initiate tissue formation.
The role of various nicotinic receptor subunits and factors influencing nicotine conditioned place aversion.

Affective nicotine withdrawal symptoms are of major motivational significance in contributing to relapse and continued tobacco use; thus, it is important to understand the molecular and receptor-mediated mechanisms that mediate affective withdrawal behaviors. Previous work using the conditioned place aversion (CPA) model has shown that nicotine withdrawal is associated with a negative affective state, and place aversion to previously neutral environmental stimuli represents a motivational component in the maintenance of drug use. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of genotype, sex, and age and to extend previous studies examining the role of various nicotinic receptor subtypes in the development of nicotine withdrawal aversion using the CPA model. Mice were chronically treated with nicotine and conditioned for two days with various nicotinic receptor antagonists. The major findings showed that mecamylamine and dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE), but not hexamethonium or methyllycaconitine citrate (MLA), precipitated significant aversion in the CPA model. This pharmacological data support our previous knockout mouse data suggesting that nicotine CPA is mediated by central β2-containing nicotinic receptors, but not α7 nicotinic receptors. Further, we show that sex and age are contributing factors to the development of nicotine CPA. Overall, the results of our study provide some insight into pharmacological and behavioral factors involved in the development of an aversive motivational component associated with nicotine withdrawal.
Body Mass Index in Amputees

Whereas estimates of percent deviation of body weight from ideal (F delta weight) are corrected for amputation, those of body mass index (BMI) are not, creating discrepancies in evaluating obesity. A correction of the BMI formula for amputation is proposed. The formula for BMI was corrected for amputation mathematically. The mathematical model predicts that the uncorrected BMI formula underestimates body fat in unilateral amputees and overestimates body fat in subjects with bilateral amputations at the same length of the legs. F delta weight and corrected and uncorrected BMI estimates were computed in 15 subjects with unilateral leg amputation and in 8 subjects with multiple amputations. BMI estimates were as follows: in unilateral amputees, corrected 24.1 +/- 4.1 kg/m2, uncorrected 22.2 +/- 3.9 kg/m2 (p < .001); and in multiple amputees, corrected 21.6 +/- 2.4 kg/m2, uncorrected 32.6 +/- 11.8 kg/m2 (p = .043). Linear regressions of F delta weight obtained from standard nutrition assessment on F delta weight computed from uncorrected and corrected BMI values were as follows: in unilateral amputees, uncorrected F delta weight = -0.079 + 0.932 x actual F delta weight, r = .974, p < .01, and corrected F delta weight = 0.002 + 1.005 x actual F delta weight, r = .997, p < .01; in multiple amputees, uncorrected F delta weight = 0.528 + 1.930 x actual F delta weight, r = .607, p is not significant, and corrected F delta weight = -0.010 + 0.920 x actual F delta weight, r = .936, p < .01.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Utility of the maternal perinatal scale (MPS) in distinguishing normal from learning disabled children

This study examined perinatal complications and risk factors as predictors of learning disabilities in schoolaged children. Specifically, the Maternal Perinatal Scale (MPS) was used to distinguish between normal children and those classified as learning disabled (LD) by their school system. One hundred and eight participants, 54 in each classification, were selected from a small Midwestern area. A stepwise discriminant analysis demonstrated that all four factors of the MPS contribute significantly to the prediction. A linear composite of MPS factor scores correctly classified 93.5% of all participants, with only two normal and five LD children being misclassified. Repeating the results with other clinical populations, these results support the use of the MPS in assessing the perinatal history. More importantly, these data are consistent with the notion that perinatal complications increase the likelihood of future impairment. Moreover, the MPS shows promise as a screening device for use in early preventative programs which diminish the negative psychological, sociological, and neuropsychological outcomes for children with neurological disorders.
Characterization of neurons born and incorporated into a vocal control nucleus during avian song learning

In male zebra finches, song learning is accompanied by the addition of new neurons to Area X, a nucleus necessary for normal song development. We examined whether Area X neurons born after 15 days post-hatch are recruited into the efferent pathway from Area X to the dorsolateral nucleus of the medial anterior thalamus (DLM). Our data suggest that the majority of these new Area X neurons are interneurons and that DLM-projecting neurons are incorporated into Area X prior to song learning.
Punishment as retribution

The article is concerned with punishment as retribution. A number of reasonable assumptions concerning the punishment of criminals as well as the punishment of innocent individuals are made. These assumptions are consistent and from them a comprehensive ‘justice map’ is drawn. Several implications concerning justice are derived and there is an analysis as to where slack in the pursuit of justice is most likely to occur. It is then shown that all of the assumptions and consequently all the results can be derived from a simple utility maximization model. Throughout the paper, behavior consistent with the concept of retribution is presented and there is some comparison to other theories of punishment. More generally, the article can be seen as a building of a social welfare function. In contrast to other work on social welfare functions which begin with just methods of aggregating preferences, this article begins with just preferences.
ETHNIC TRENDS IN NEONATAL MORTALITY: A LOOK AT HISPANIC POPULATION

To examine ethnic trends in neonatal mortality rates (NMR) and to find reasons for the trends, we analyzed several maternal and infant variables (based on our perinatal data monitoring system Winegar, Am. J. Ob. Gyn, 1983) in 4659 Hispanic, 6350 black and 12679 white mothers and their children in our network. Epidemiological standardization to account for differences in birthweight distribution (B.Wt. Dist) and weight-specific (Wt. Sp.) death rates were applied to evaluate their influence on outcome trends. (Table. Late PCN= prenatal care after 32 weeks of pregnancy). Although Hispanic NMR was better than blacks, it was entirely due to a better B.Wt. Dist. If Hispanics did have black B.Wt. Dist. their NMR would have been worse than the observed black rate 14.6 Vs 11.9). If Hispanics did have Wt. Sp. death rate as either whites or blacks of our network, their NMR should have been 5.16 and 4.52, which are 17% and 33% better than the observed NMR of 6.05. These trends suggest that although maternal factors and crude NMR seem to be better in Hispanics, their outcome is not as good as it should have been, considering their better B. Wt. Distribution. Late entry into prenatal care and high incidence of diabetes may be in part, responsible for these trends.
Experimental realization of a two-bit phase damping quantum code

Using nuclear-magnetic-resonance techniques, we experimentally investigated the effects of applying a two-bit phase error detection code to preserve quantum information in nuclear spin systems. Input states were stored with and without coding, and the resulting output states were compared with the originals and with each other. The theoretically expected result, net reduction of distortion and conditional error probabilities to second order, was indeed observed, despite imperfect coding operations which increased the error probabilities by approximately 5%. A systematic study of the deviations from the ideal behavior provided quantitative measures of different sources of error, and good agreement was found with a numerical model. Theoretical questions in quantum error correction in bulk nuclear spin systems including fidelity measures, signal strength, and syndrome measurements are discussed.
Perspectives on fetal lung development

Lung development requires carefully regulated coordination of anatomic, physiologic, and biochemical processes. The result of these maturational events must be an organ having an adequate surface area, sufficient vascularization, and the metabolic capability to sustain oxygenation and ventilation during the neonatal period. Recent investigative efforts have greatly increased our understanding of fetal lung maturation by defining the composition of lung surfactant, by documenting changes in the concentration of surfactant components throughout gestation, and by identifying the role of potential metabolic regulatory mechanisms governing lung phospholipid synthesis and turnover. Accordingly, this review addresses salient features of lung development in a multidisciplinary fashion with emphasis on recent biochemical observations and their implications.
Realistic laser cooling theory for multi-state atoms

Abstract A laser cooling theory based on expansion of the atomic density operator in photon momentum is presented for an arbitrary multi-state atom. Langevin equation simulations of the three-dimensional optical molasses yield sub-Doppler limit temperatures in quantitative agreement with experiments, but also bring out unexpected features such as non-gaussian and anisotropic velocity distributions.
Self-care for patients with breast cancer to prevent side effects of chemotherapy: a concern for public health nursing.

A convenience sample of 30 patients with breast cancer who were initiating their first course of chemotherapy recorded in a log the side effects of treatment they were experiencing and the preventive self-care activities they undertook. The patients recalled an average of 2.6 (14 percent) potential side effects they were at risk of developing. Their preventive self-care activity was low; the average number of initiated behaviors was 0.9. Given that the average number of potential side effects from chemotherapy was 18.8 (mode = 18), the lack of self-care activity is remarkable. Patients cited themselves as the most frequent source of information for their preventive self-care actions, then physicians, and last nurses. This clearly emphasizes the need for public health nurses to become more active in facilitating outpatient self-care activities, since scheduled contact with health care professionals occurs only once every three weeks.
Strain-energy-density factor applied to mixed mode crack problems

This paper deals with the general problem of crack extension in a combined stress field where a crack can grow in any arbitrary direction with reference to its original position. In a situation, when both of the stress-intensity factors,k 1,k 2 are present along the crack front, the crack may spread in any direction in a plane normal to the crack edge depending on the loading conditions. Preliminary results indicate that the direction of crack growth and fracture toughness for the mixed problem of Mode I and Mode II are governed by the critical value of the strain-energy-density factor,S cr. The basic assumption is that crack initiation occurs when the interior minimum ofS reaches a critical value designatedS cr. The strain-energy-density factorS represents the strength of the elastic energy field in the vicinity of the crack tip which is singular of the order of 1/r where the radial distancer is measured from the crack front. In the special case of Mode I crack extensionS cr is related tok 1c alone asS cr = (κ − 1)k 1 2 /8μ. In general,S takes the quadratic forma 1 1 k 1 + 2a 1 2 k 1 k 2 +a 2 2 k 2 whose critical value is assumed to be a material constant. The analytical predictions are in good agreement with experimental data on the problem of an inclined crack in plexiglass and aluminum alloy specimens. The result of this investigation provides a convenient procedure for determining the critical crack size that a structure will tolerate under mixed mode conditions for a given applied stress.
Widely integrative properties of layer 5 pyramidal cells support a role for processing of extralaminar synaptic inputs in rat neocortex.

Abstract We have compared the length, strength, conduction velocity and divergence of horizontal connections onto layers 2/3 and 5 neurons in slices of rat primary somatosensory neocortex. Slices were cut along laminar borders to eliminate most vertical connections, and excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were recorded from pyramidal cells in adjacent uncut tissue. When electric stimuli were delivered within the same layer as the recorded cell, EPSPs could be evoked up to 2000 μm away for both layers 2/3 and 5 pyramids. Estimates of horizontal axonal conduction velocities (∼0.4 m/s) and the thresholds for activation also did not differ between layers. However, layers 2/3 cells rarely responded to stimuli delivered to isolated deeper layers, while layer 5 neurons were often excited by horizontal inputs from isolated layers 2/3 and 4.
Analyzing spacecraft configurations through specialization and default reasoning

For an intelligent system to describe a real-world situation using as few statements as possible, it is necessary to make inferences based on observed data and to incorporate general knowledge of the reasoning domain into the description. These reasoning processes must reduce several levels of specific descriptions into only those few that most precisely describe the situation. Moreover, the system must be able to generate descriptions in the absence of data, as instructed by certain rules of inference. The deductions applied by the system, then, generate a high-level description from the low-level evidence provided by the real and default data sources. An implementation of these ideas in a real-world situation is described. The application concerns evaluation of Space Shuttle electromechanical system configurations by console operators in the Mission Control Center. A production system provides the reasoning mechanism through which the default assignments and specializations occur. Examples are provided within this domain for each type of inference, and the suitability is discussed of each toward achieving the goal of describing a situation in the fewest statements possible. Finally, several enhancements are suggested that will further increase the intelligence of similar spacecraft monitoring applications.
Confessions of a Fellow Traveler

Margaret Anderson considers the interaction between scholarship and life, and the interventions of mentors and friends, in her continuing education as a teacher and scholar of European and Catholic history. © 2013 Project MUSE.
Thickness-Magnetic Field Phase Diagram at the Superconductor-Insulator Transition in 2D

The superconductor-insulator transition in ultrathin films of amorphous Bi has been tuned by changing both film thickness and magnetic field on the same set of films. A thickness--magnetic field phase diagram has been mapped in the $T\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0$ limit. A finite size scaling analysis has been carried out to determine the critical exponent product $\ensuremath{\nu}z$, which was found to be $1.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$ and $1.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$ for the thickness-tuned transitions in zero and finite magnetic fields, respectively. These are different from the exponent found for the magnetic-field-tuned transition in the same system, $0.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2$.
The effects of cold exposure and hibernation on the thyroidal activity of Mesocricetus auratus

Abstract The effect of low environmental temperatures on the activity of the thyroid gland was investigated in the golden hamster. No histological hyperactivity was observed in cold-exposed animals but I 131 uptakes and conversion ratios in cold-exposed hamsters were significantly greater than control animals. Chromatograms of thyroid hydrolysates of cold-exposed and control hamsters were similar. No significant differences in the protein-bound iodine level and the red cell uptake of I 131 labeled triiodothyronine were demonstrated between these two groups. The half-life of radioactive thyroxine was significantly shorter in cold-exposed than control hamsters. It is concluded that the thyroid gland does not play an important causative role in the initiation of hibernation. In hibernating hamsters, there was an extremely low incorporation of I 131 . Chromatograms of thyroid hydrolysates revealed that MIT and DIT were present while T 3 and T 4 were not detectable. No significant differences were observed in the protein-bound iodine levels of hibernating and control hamsters. The red cell uptake of hibernating hamsters was significantly lower than control hamsters. In vitro incubation of thyroid glands at 37°C revealed a significantly lower uptake of I 131 in tissue from hibernating hamsters. It is suggested that the reduced activity of the thyroid gland observed in vivo during hibernation is due to the direct effect of lowered temperature on the metabolism of the thyroid gland and the decreased secretion of thyrotropin by the pituitary gland.
Water-soluble proteins of the human red cell membrane.

Procedures were developed for preparation of red cell membranes almost free of hemoglobin but with minimal loss of membrane proteins. Two water-soluble protein fractions are described, each constituting about 25% of the ghost protein. The first is ionically bonded and can be solubilized in water rapidly at pH 7.0 and more slowly at higher ionic strength solutions, with a minimal rate at 20mm. This fraction contains four major components with molecular weights ranging from 30,000 to 48,000. The second fraction can only be solubilized at an appreciable rate if Ca++ is absent and at higher pH (9.0). It is predominantly a single molecular weight component (150,000). It tends to aggregate at higher ionic strength and in the presence of Ca++. Evidence is presented suggesting that the water-soluble proteins are present at the inner face of the membrane. The lipids remain in a water-insoluble residue that contains four major protein components ranging in molecular weight from 30,000 to 100,000. The latter is the predominant component. Only the residue contains the Na+−K+-activated ATPase, the cholinesterase, antigenic activity and most of the sialic acid and carbohydrate. The first water-soluble fraction contains a Mg++-activated ATPase. The extraction of the water-soluble proteins is accompanied by anatomical changes resulting finally in the formation of small membranous vesicles.
The behavioral functions of the cholinergic basalforebrain : lessons from 192 IgG-SAPORIN

Until recently our understanding of the functional neuroanatomy of the cholinergic basal forebrain (CBF) has been hindered by the lack of a lesioning technique that is truly selective. The development of the immunotoxin 192 IgG-saporin (192-sap) has greatly improved our ability to create specific lesions of the CBF. Rats with such lesions have been studied in a wide variety of behavioral paradigms of learning, memory, and attention. Complete or near-complete destruction of the CBF results in deficits in a variety of behavior paradigms including passive avoidance, spatial tasks (water and radial mazes), delayed matching to position/sample, and attentional tasks. However, interpretation of many experiments is hampered by incomplete lesions and/or concomitant damage to cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Future studies will need to address these issues. Recent development of a similar immunotoxin that is effective in primates should permit more sophisticated behavioral analysis of CBF function. Additionally, immunotoxins selective for other types of neurons, such as the noradrenergic selective anti-DBH-saporin, will permit analysis of the behavioral functions of other diffusely projecting systems and how these other systems may interact with the CBF.
Necrotic arm lesions in an intravenous drug user.

A 62-year-old woman with a history of long-term intravenous drug use and chronic Hepatitis C virus infection was admitted to another hospital unresponsive with profound hypotension. Her symptoms were attributed to a drug overdose leading to a depressed mental status, and possibly septic shock with aspiration pneumonia. She was placed on mechanical ventilation, and treated with vasopressors, high-dose corticosteroids and several broad-spectrum antibiotics. Blood and urine cultures were negative. When she failed to improve after 1 week she was transferred to the intensive care unit at our institution. On transfer, she was unresponsive, intubated, on mechanical ventilation, and hypotensive on vasopressors. We also noted that she had multiple ulcerated skin lesions on both upper extremities (Fig. 1). The lesions involved the dorsum of both hands and wrists, medial aspects of both arms, and the left antecubital fossa. The edges of the lesions were necrotic and the base was macerated. The WBC count was 22,500 mm with 85% neutrophils and 7% band forms. The creatinine was 3 mg/dL. An acute renal failure was attributed to acute tubular necrosis. HIV testing was negative. The CT scans of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, and MRI of the head were unrevealing, and a lumbar puncture was unremarkable. A skin biopsy of the leading edge of the ulcer was performed.
Inferring local to regional changes in forest composition from Holocene macrofossils and pollen of a small lake in central Upper Michigan

Abstract Vegetational response to climatic change involves processes of population and community dynamics within local stands, which scale up to landscape-level changes in vegetation composition and broad-scale changes in species distributions. Understanding these dynamics poses a critical challenge to paleoecological explanation, because of the broad range of scales at which these dynamics take place and interact. We present an 8600-year paleoecological record of local and regional changes in forest composition from a small (2.6 ha) lake in central Upper Michigan. Plant macrofossils provide a spatially precise record of local forest composition, while pollen data provide a spatially integrated record of regional vegetational changes. Temporal patterns among different macrofossil types within species show overall coherence, indicating that changes in macrofossil abundance generally record changes in local tree abundance. Temporal patterns in macrofossil sequences correspond to patterns in pollen sequences, indicating that local changes contributed to the large-scale changes in the surrounding region. The pollen and macrofossil records show nearly continuous turnover in vegetation composition throughout the past 8600 years; the longest period without major compositional change was ca 1600 years, and dynamics at multidecadal to multicentennial scales are observed during many periods. Coordinated application of temporally precise sequences of pollen and macrofossil data at multiple sites can support inferences concerning vegetation dynamics at multiple spatial and temporal scales, and test mechanistic hypotheses.
Dehydration kinetics with soot densification in the VAD process

In the vapor-phase axial deposition (VAD) method, the dehydration technique with an agent of CI2 is one of the efficient techniques in fabricating high-quality optical fibers such as the ultimate low OH content fibers.1 However, there is not enough detailed investigation of the dehydration reaction of soot preforms. There are two reasons: the densification itself Is very complicated, and It has a complex effect on the dehydration reaction.
Potential Application of Biliverdin Reductase and its Fragments to Modulate insulin/IGF-1/MAPK/PI3-K Signaling Pathways in Therapeutic Settings

The range and diversity of functions of biliverdin reductase (BVR) are unmatched by any enzyme characterized to date. BVR is the sole catalyst for the conversion of biliverdin-IXα, the activity product of the stress-inducible HO-1 and the constitutive HO-2, to bilirubin-IXα. Bilirubin is both cytoprotective and cytotoxic, quenches reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits inflammatory and mitogen-induced ROS-mediated responses, and its elevated levels in the newborn adversely effect neuronal cells. Thus, BVR occupies a center stage in cellular defense mechanisms. As a dual specificity (serine/threonine/tyrosine) kinase the human (h) BVR influences transduction of extracellular stimuli to kinases downstream of the insulin/IGF-1(insulin-like growth factor-1)/MAPK/PI3-K signaling pathways. As a bZip-type transcription factor it binds to AP-1 (activator protein-1) and CRE (cAMP response element) sites and stimulates stress-inducible gene expression; as a scaffold protein, it is a platform for interaction of kinases; while acting as an intracellular shuttle, it transports regulatory factors to their target sites. hBVR promoter has consensus sequences with several regulatory elements. The gene is subject to negative and positive regulation, respectively, by TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) and oxidative stress/hypoxia. Small human BVR-based peptides effectively duplicate polypeptide's activating influence on kinases, or mimic inhibitors of cell signaling. This, points to a realistic prospect of their use in clinical settings. The present review will briefly update cytoprotective activity and cytotoxicity of bile pigments and will focus on findings that link hBVR to cell signaling.
The geology and petrology of the Mullaley area of New South Wales

Abstract Igneous rocks dominate over sedimentary rocks in the Mullaley area and are divided, on the basis of field relationships and petrochemistry, into six groups: Garrawilla Volcanics, Nombi Extrusives, Glenrowan Intrusives, Napperby Limburgite, Tambar Trachybasalt, and Bulga Complex. The area consists of a basement of Permian Black Jack Formation overlain by Triassic Digby and Napperby Beds. This is overlain by vesicular and non‐vesicular flows of alkali basalt, hawaiite, mugearite, and soda trachyte, and pyroclastic units of the Upper Triassic/Lower Jurassic Garrawilla Volcanics. Basanites of the Nombi Extrusives are of similar age but crop out sporadically over a larger area. The Glenrowan Intrusives are found as sills of alkali dolerite and microsyenodolerite intruded into the volcanics and the Triassic Beds. Sedimentary rocks of the Purlawaugh and Pilliga Beds overlie the volcanic sequence in the south and west, indicating that much of the Garrawilla sequence remained as an island or west‐jutting ...
Microcosm/field comparison of trace element uptake in crops grown in fly ash-amended soil

Acidic (pH 4.98) precipitator fly ash was mixed with the topsoil of a nearly neutral Crosby silt-loam soil in both laboratory microcosms and field plots. The objective was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of intact microcosms to predict trace element enrichment in field-grown crops due to fly ash amendment. Laboratory and field experimental units were amended with fly ash at 0, 100, 400, and 700 MT/ha, prior to planting a mixed crop of alfalfa, timothy, and oats. Microcosms accurately predicted the enrichment ratios (ERs) of 22 out of the 25 trace elements analyzed in field-grown alfalfa. Boron was the only element which accumulated in plant tissue at levels reported to be toxic to plants and may have caused the yield declines in all plants at high fly ash treatment levels. Plant uptake of Mo, Se, and As, particularly at the highest fly ash amendment levels, was sufficient to make the crops hazardous as a forage for cattle or sheep. Intact agricultural microcosms are recommended for prediction of potential trace element uptake in the field associated with untested combinations of soil type, fly ash, and plant species.
Maximizing the lifetime of delay-sensitive sensor networks via joint routing and sleep scheduling

Network lifetime is critical to any battery operated wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Especially for delay-sensitive WSNs, it is challenging to prolong the network lifetime, while meeting the delay requirements of different applications. In this paper, we investigate how to optimize the network lifetime of delay-sensitive WSNs with respect to energy efficient routing and sleep scheduling. Instead of treating routing and sleep scheduling as two separate approaches, we have a joint consideration of them, and mathematically formulate the lifetime maximization problem under multiple constraints (i.e., routing, end-to-end delay bounds, sleep scheduling, energy consumption of transmission, receiving and listening, etc.). Since the formulated problem is a mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problem and NP-hard to solve, we relax it into a linear programming (LP) problem and solve the relaxed problem for the upper bound. We also develop a heuristic algorithm for the feasible solution, which yields a lower bound of WSNs' lifetime. Through extensive simulations, we show that the solution found by the proposed algorithm is close to the optimal one and the proposed scheme is effective in prolonging the lifetime of delay-sensitive WSNs.
Dress as An Influence on The Perceptions of Management Characteristics in Women

Evaluations from 77 personnel administrators were used to determine the effect of costume on interviewers' perceptions of personal characteristics for women applying for management level positions. Four costumes representing four dis tinct levels of Yangness (masculinity) were used in the experimental treatments. Four female applicants were videotaped in each of the four costumes in a sim ulated interview. Personnel administrators viewed color videotapes of each of the four applicants in a different costume in a systematically selected sequence and rated each applicant on the following personal characteristics: forceful, self- reliant, dynamic, aggressive, and decisive. An incomplete block design incor porating two simultaneous blocking variables (person and showing sequence) was used to isolate the effect of costume. Three-way least squares analysis of variance was used to test the hypothesis. The results showed costume had both a positive and significant effect on the perception of each of the selected per sonal characteristics. It was concluded that a female applicant's clothing does provide an avenue for conveying personal characteristics necessary for manage ment.
Tunable far-infrared spectroscopy

Tunable, CW, far-infrared radiation has been generated by nonlinear mixing of radiation from two CO2 lasers in a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diode. The FIR difference-frequency power radiated from the MIM diode antenna to a calibrated indium antimonide bolometer. Two-tenths of a microwatt of FIR power was generated by 250 mW from each of the CO2 lasers. The combination of lines from a waveguide CO2 laser, with its larger tuning range, with lines from CO2, N2O, and CO2 isotopic lasers promises complete coverage of the entire far-infrared band from 100 to 5000 GHz (3-200 per cm) with stepwise-tunable CW radiation. To demonstrate the usefulness of the technique, the J = 4-5 line of CO was observed at 567 GHz.