cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unilateral and Multilateral Military Intervention: Effects on Stability and Security

The success rate of military intervention has traditionally been judged by its ability to end conflict and/or serve intervener security interests. However, contemporary military intervention in troubled or collapsing states is often intended not only to increase security but also to establish conditions in which political reform or reconstruction can proceed. Judging the success of intervention therefore means isolating and measuring its impact on internal change. Scholars and policymakers have staked many assumptions on the belief that the motivation and form of military intervention might improve conditions for peacebuilding over time. Among these are expectations that multilateral interventions undertaken for purposes of social reconstruction and reform might be the best hopes for security and long-term stability. The data tested here generally give reason for pause in such assumptions. Our findings only slightly support neoliberal arguments and assumptions about the superiority of multilateral or neut...
In vivo evidence that isoproterenol may increase heart rate in the rat by mechanisms in addition to activation of cardiac β1- or β2-adrenoceptors

This study demonstrates that the tachycardia produced by systemic injections of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol (10 microg/kg, i.v.), in conscious rats were not reduced after injection of the selective beta(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist, atenolol (1 mg/kg, i.v.), or after subsequent injection of the beta(1,2)-adrenoceptor antagonist, propranolol (1 mg/kg, i.v.). The hypotensive responses produced by isoproterenol were slightly diminished by atenolol and markedly diminished by propranolol. The tachycardia produced by catecholamines released for cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals were blocked by atenolol. These results suggest that the hypotensive actions of a 10 microg/kg dose of isoproterenol are mediated by activation of beta(1,2)-adrenoceptors whereas the increases in heart rate may be due to activation of another type of beta-adrenoceptor in cardiac pacemaker cells.
DIII-D and ITER rapid shutdown with radially uniform deuterium delivery

Fast shutdowns of DIII-D and ITER plasmas are simulated in 3D with the NIMROD code. The simulations assume uniform deposition of deuterium, raising the total electron density by factors of 100–150. Under these conditions, the plasma is found to be stable to n = 1 and n = 2 instabilities for the duration of the shutdown. However, 2D effects are significant, particularly in the evolution of the electron density, which tends to drop as recombination occurs in the cold edge plasma. The DIII-D simulation finds that a factor of 100 densification will not enable collisional suppression of runaway electron avalanching. Although the ITER simulation marginally exceeds the threshold for avalanche suppression, ITER is a more promising candidate to remain in the avalanche-free regime given carefully tailored initial conditions.
Sensor networks: decentralized monitoring and subspace classification of events

Sensor networks are an emerging technology that promises fast and easy monitoring of the physical world. One of the applications of sensor networks is environmental monitoring, which consists of a large number of sensors collecting massive data about the atmosphere, thus making centralized monitoring extremely difficult. In this paper, we show that centralized monitoring is not necessary due to the fact that there exist different types of events in the data, each of which can be effectively monitored by a small subset of sensors. We propose decentralized monitoring of a sensor network that automatically identifies these event types and the related groups of sensors. Our contribution is twofold: (1) the proposed decentralized solution achieves event classification performance equivalent to the centralized solution and (2) it mines valuable information (event types and groups of sensors) useful for researchers studying events and sensor deployment strategies. We provide a thorough evaluation of the proposed...
Knowledge integration using problem spaces: A study in resource-constrained project scheduling

The need to develop schedules for projects with resource constraints and cash flows arises in organizational settings ranging from construction planning to research and development. Given the intractable nature of the problem, a variety of knowledge sources relevant to the project scheduling task have been identified in the Operations Management literature. These include a large number of heuristic procedures that can be used to generate feasible project schedules as well as recent neural network-based approaches that can select appropriate heuristic procedures to apply to a specific instance of the project scheduling problem. While integrated application of these knowledge sources is required to effectively support scheduling, previous work has focussed on developing and implementing them in isolation. The problem space computational model presented in this paper addresses this shortcoming by integrating these various knowledge sources, thus enabling the development of decision support systems for resource constrained project scheduling. More generally, the modeling approach used in this paper can be applied to create systems to assist knowledge intensive tasks that arise in many organizational settings.
On “Methodological Monism” in Rural Sociology1

This paper is a brief outline of the history of methods in rural sociology which suggests that the dominant methodological practice results from institutional arrangements and the traditions of the academic culture, as well as commitment to a scientific sociology. The A. notes oft-stated critiques of the positivist model relevant to rural sociology's « methodological monism », including imprecise measurement, low levels of predictability, and a social psychological orientation. He suggests, in addition, that methodological homogeneity in rural sociology presents social life as social facts rather than social process, leads to a simplistic understanding of the interview, and separates the researcher from the experience of research. A wider methodological orientation would, he suggests, encourage the examination of a wider range of issues and encourage wider participation in a subdiscipline which, because of its particular history, has developed in isolation from mainstream sociology
A quarter century of student branch conference activity

JUST 25 years ago the first Student Branch Conference of the AIEE met at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. It was then called a Student Branch Convention and was a joint activity of the Philadelphia Section and the Student Branch at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering. The following account of that meeting is quoted from the April 1925 AIEE Journal:
Accommodation of wheelchair-reliant individuals by community fitness facilities

Adhering to the recommended healthy physical activity guidelines can be difficult for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), stroke or other paralytic conditions. Ordinary community structures such as curbs, stairs and narrow passageways can present as major obstacles for individuals who are reliant on wheelchairs. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 mandates that public facilities, including community fitness centers, should be accessible to everyone. Analysis of compliance of the ADA and accommodation of wheelchair-reliant individuals. To determine the level of compliance with ADA and the degree of accommodation of wheelchair-reliant individuals. Community fitness centers in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi metropolitan area. Ten fitness centers consented to unfettered access for evaluation of ADA compliance and accommodation of wheelchair-reliant individuals using an 82-item checklist. All surveyed facilities were found to be partially compliant, with none of the facilities being 100% compliant. The areas of least compliance were access to and free movement around exercise equipment and full access to restrooms. Beyond ADA accessibility, only 20% of the participating facilities provided suitable adaptive equipment, and no facilities employed staff trained for the special needs of those with paralytic conditions. Beyond mandated physical accessibility, accommodation of individuals who are reliant on wheelchairs because of SCI or other paralytic conditions was found to be lacking. It remains important for health-care professionals and other advocacy groups to stress the need for inclusion and accommodation of individuals with disabilities to community fitness facilities allowing wellness needs to be met.
The first rib of hominoids.

Homo sapiens is unique among extant hominoids in displaying a univertebral articular pattern for the first rib; that is, the head of the first rib articulates only with the body of the first thoracic vertebra. All other hominoids, indeed virtually all other mammals, display a bivertebral pattern; that is, the head of the first rib articulates with the bodies of both the seventh cervical and the first thoracic vertebrae, as well as the intervening disk. Two fossil hominid partial first ribs, A.L. 288-lax and A.L. 333-118, show that the univertebral pattern was fully established in the hominid lineage by the appearance of Australopithecus afarensis. Four hypotheses, based in functional anatomy, can be postulated for the evolution of the univertebral pattern: (1), it increases the volume (via increased length) of the neck, which could, in turn, compensate for the functional loss of the laryngeal sac systems in hominid vocalization; (2), it is a consequence of the more barrel-shaped thorax in hominids; (3), it is a consequence of functional modifications in the hominid shoulder girdle; and/or (4), it is a consequence of modifications in hominid first rib motion while breathing in an upright stance. Fossil evidence supports all but the first hypothesis, and most strongly supports the third. However, evidence for the first hypothesis does suggest that the evolution of descent of the upper respiratory system in the hominid lineage may have been permitted by the presence of the univertebral pattern, while the reverse is probably not true. Furthermore, fossil evidence for the third hypothesis shows that, by the appearance of A. afarensis, the hominid upper limb had been freed from locomotor constraints, which concomitantly confirms full adaptation to upright posture. Thus, because of their potential relationship with upright posture, the two remaining hypotheses (i.e., “thoracic shape” and “first rib movement during breathing”) also have support from the fossil evidence.
Expanding the Boundaries of Sex Research

Sex researchers come from a vast array of disciplines, and sexual science is advanced through interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. Today, a greater number of academic disciplines are involved in this scientific network. In addition, our research has become more global in focus. This cross‐cultural study of sexuality has challenged some of our most basic assumptions and theoretical formulations. We have recognized that so many of our concepts, models, and theories are culturally bound (Herdt, 1989). The boundaries of topics of sex research are also expanding. We have moved beyond the scientific paradigm of reproductive biology and have begun to recognize that sexuality has many more purposes. Research on attraction, communication, types of relationships, gender, sex roles, sexual attitudes and values becomes a part of sexual science. In addition, our methodologies have been expanding beyond empirical research, and we have recognized the value of humanistic and phenomenological scientific meth...
The impact of nicotine replacement therapies on cigarette demand

Over the past 20 years, several nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) have been approved for use as smoking cessation aids, with over-the-counter use of these products approved beginning in 1996. To date, only one econometric study has examined the impact of NRT on cigarette demand, providing limited evidence that the availability of these products has reduced cigarette demand. This paper adds to this limited literature by examining the impact of NRT availability, pricing, and use on U.S. cigarette demand, concluding that NRT is a substitute for cigarettes and that the elasticity of cigarette demand with respect to NRT sales is-0.06.
Electron attachment and compound formation in flames IV. negative ion and compound formation in flames containing potassium and molybdenum

Four different experimental techniques (flame-ion mass spectrometry, microwave cavity resonance, electrostatic probe and absorption spectrophotometry) are employed in a study of fuel-rich, laminar, atmospheric-pressure premixed H2/O2/N2 flames containing potassium and molybdenum. Addition of molybdenum-containing compounds to flames seeded with potassium causes large reductions in concentrations of potassium atoms and extensive electron attachment. The results are interpreted in terms of a homogeneous reaction mechanism involving formation of the stable species KHMoO4, MoO3−, and HMoO4−, and the following enthalpy changes and equilibrium constants are inferred: K + H 2 Mo O 4 ⇄ KHMo O 4 + H Δ H 0 ∘ = − 46 ± 40 kJ mole − 1 K = 3.6 exp ⁡ ( 3500 / T ) H 2 Mo O 4 + e − ⇄ HMo O 4 − + H Δ H 0 ∘ = + 50 ± 40 kJ mole − 1 K = 24 exp ⁡ ( 500 / T ) HMo O 4 − + H ⇄ Mo O 3 − + H 2 O Δ H 0 ∘ = − 60 ± 40 kJ mole − 1 K = 0.85 exp ⁡ ( 10400 / T ) The electron affinities of HMoO4 and MoO3 implied are approximately 410 and 249 kJ mole−1, respectively.
Radionuclide transport simulation and uncertainty analyses with the saturated-zone site-scale model at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

Evaluation of radionuclide transport in the saturated zone (SZ) to the accessible environment is an important component of performance assessment for the proposed radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain. Simulations of radionuclide migration in the SZ have been performed using the calibrated three-dimensional (3-D) SZ site-scale flow and transport model. An innovative particle-tracking method was used to simulate transport that includes the processes of advection, dispersion, matrix diffusion, and sorption. The uncertainties in groundwater flow and radionuclide transport were quantitatively evaluated to develop uncertainty distributions for key model parameters, and multiple realizations of the SZ system were simulated using the SZ site-scale model. The results of multiple realizations of radionuclide transport indicate significant aggregate uncertainty in transport times through the SZ. The simulated radionuclide mass breakthrough curves in the SZ have been coupled with other components of the repository system in Total System Performance Assessment (TSPA) analyses and constitute the means by which uncertainty in the SZ is incorporated into regulatory analyses. Regression analysis has been used to determine the sensitivity of radionuclide transport simulation results to the uncertainty of individual model input parameters. Results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that median radionuclide transport times were dominantly controlled by uncertainty in the specific discharge in the SZ, with sorption and retardation in the alluvium playing important roles for some radionuclides.
Influence of Age, Body Type, Fashion, and Garment Type on Women's Professional Image

The purpose of this research was to extend implicit personality theory in an attempt to explain further the inferred relationship between a person's physical characteristics and personal traits. Specifically, this study examined business and professional men's and women's perceptions of the professional image of women as a function of the women's physical characteristics, the type of garment worn, and the fashion detail of the garment. Participants (N = 207) viewed six black-and-white photographs of females wearing either suits or dresses. Re sponses to six 7-point, unipolar adjective checklists were then summed to obtain a score indicating the degree of professional image perceived. A 3 (age of model) × 3 (body type of model) × 3 (fashion detail) incomplete randomized block design was used. Men's and women's responses to models in suits and dresses were analyzed separately using analysis of variance. Results indicate that (a) suits convey a stronger professional image than dresses for women of any age or body type; (b) when judged by business and professional men, older women convey a stronger professional image than younger women when wearing dresses; (c) gar ments with innovative fashion detail contribute to a weaker professional image than garments with contemporary or classic fashion detail; and (d) thin women convey a stronger professional image than larger women.
100G high gain FEC performance measurement using 10Gbps PRBS signal

A novel 100G high gain FEC performance measurement scheme employing simple frame multiplexing and synchronous data mapping of 10Gbps PRBS signal is proposed. We successfully demonstrate FEC performance measurements around 2×10−2 input BER condition.
Border crossings: Telling Indian histories at the frontière

The drive south to the border between the province of Quebec and the state of Maine is lonely. Gradually the houses fall away and there's nothing on the road but a few log trucks, hauling fallen tr...
A case of occult ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting tumor: diagnostic and management dilemmas.

ABSTRACT Objective To report a case of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome in a patient whose tumor was not localized by radiographic or biochemical means and to discuss the difficulties inherent in this patient’s care, illustrative of the challenges encountered by clinicians faced with similar cases. Methods We describe the clinical presentation of our case and discuss its management. Results A 49-year-old woman presented with symptoms and physical findings strongly suggestive of Cushing syndrome. Findings on biochemical evaluation were consistent with ectopic ACTH syndrome. Radiographic imaging did not clearly identify a discrete tumor. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling and whole-body selected venous sampling were unsuccessful in localizing the source of ACTH secretion. Surgical exploration was undertaken with use of intraoperative ultrasonography. Both a primary tumor and metastatic disease were identified, and the patient underwent distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy, as well as sequential bilateral adrenalectomy. The primary lesion was a neuroendocrine tumor that did not stain positive for ACTH. Chemotherapeutic agents were used to control bulky hepatic metastatic lesions until the patient’s demise 2½ years after her initial presentation. Conclusion This case illustrates the difficulties encountered in the assessment and management of a patient with ectopic ACTH syndrome when conventional methods of tumor localization fail to identify the source of hormone secretion. (Endocr Pract. 2008;14:588-591)
Isopycnic analysis of intact cells — IV: Comparison of anaerobic shift-down with autonomous phage shut-down in Escherichia coli

Abstract The repression of genomic expression of ribosome synthesis in E. coli by a rapid shift-down from aerobic to anaerobic conditions is equal to that of cells in which the genome has been destroyed by T4 infection. It is suggested that such a shift-down represents a severe level of repression, and also that inhibition by 2′, 5′-bisdiphospho-guanosine of transcription can be absolute.
PROFILING NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: PERSONALITY CORRELATES OF SUCCESSFUL IDEATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

This study was aimed at investigating the relationship between personality traits and success in different roles involved in New Business Development (NBD). NBD is a process in which analysts generate ideas for new products or services, evaluate their feasibility, and develop implementation plans for those that are most promising. A personality inventory was created to identify individuals with traits better suited for the idea generation or concept implementation role. To evaluate the validity of the inventory, supervisors rated 68 NBD employees who also completed the personality inventory. Results indicated that being more innovative and less methodical was associated with success at idea generation, whereas being less innovative and more methodical was related to role success for implementation. This suggests that personality tests can be used to guide the selection and/or placement of employees in NBD settings.
A multi-chemical death involving caffeine, nicotine and malathion.

Abstract Death of a 21-year-old man who was found in a shower stall in his residence is described in the study. At the scene, a 3 4 filled blue glass bottle labeled “Black Leaf 40” (an insecticide containing nicotine), a white plastic pitcher 1 3 full of thick white fluid, a beer mug 1 4 full of thick white fluid, and an empty carton of milk were found. In addition, a can of malathion and an empty bottle labeled caffeine also were found in the vicinity. Autopsy was performed, and the gross examinations of organs revealed no specific findings to account for the death. However, marked congestion in lung, liver, spleen and kidney were noted at microscopic level. Autolytic degenerative changes were also observed in stomach, small bowel and colon. Toxicological analyses of the autopsy samples (blood, urine, liver and gastric contents) revealed the presence of caffeine and nicotine in each sample. Malathion was found to be present only in gastric content. Caffeine and nicotine were analyzed by utilizing gas liquid chromatography-nitrogen phosphorus detector, while malathion was by gas liquid chromatography-flame photometric detector. Analyses of the fluids from the bottle, pitcher and mug disclosed the presence of nicotine in the concentrations of 17.8%, 3.7% and 5.7% (w/w), respectively. The fluids from the pitcher and mug also contained 2.7–2.9% malathion. Results conclude the death was associated with caffeine, nicotine and malathion.
Three-dimensional simulation of an isolation trench refill process

Abstract We use EVOLVE-3D to simulate film profile evolution during an isolation trench refill process, focusing on the corner regions of the trench. EVOLVE-3D is a first principles, physically based simulator for low pressure deposition processes, i.e. the chemical reaction rate expressions used were developed from independent experiments. The trenches are refilled using two low pressure deposition processes: (1) low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of silicon dioxide from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS); (2) LPCVD of polysilicon (poly-Si) from silane. Three-dimensional deposition process simulations are used to estimate the film profiles after refilling in the idealized trenches with different aspect ratios. We find that the straight portions close before the trench corners close. If enough poly-Si is deposited to close the corners, the top of the void in the poly-Si moves up as a trench corner is approached. The position dependence of the void top should be considered in the optimization of the trench process, in order to avoid reopening trench corners when the poly-Si is etched back.
Properties of Attention during Reading Lessons.

This study investigated the attention of 116 children in 6 2nd- and 3rd-grade classrooms while they participated in 4 lessons involving progressively more difficult stories. Analysis of videotapes of the lessons revealed that the likelihood of a lapse of attention was highest during the first 15 s of attention episodes. Lapses in attention were more likely among 2nd graders than among 3rd graders, among boys than among girls, in low groups than in middle groups, and in middle groups than in high groups. The more difficult the story, the more likely were lapses in attention, especially among younger and less able students
Application of Gaseous Ozone for Inactivation of Bacillus subtilis Spores

The effectiveness of gaseous ozone (O3) as a disinfectant was tested on Bacillus subtilis spores, which share the same physiological characteristics as Bacillus anthracis spores that cause the anthrax disease. Spores dried on surfaces of different carrier material were exposed to O3 gas in the range of 500-5000 ppm and at relative humidity (RH) of 70-95%. Gaseous O3 was found to be very effective against the B. subtilis spores, and at O3 concentrations as low as 3 mg/L (1500 ppm), approximately 3-log inactivation was obtained within 4 hr of exposure. The inactivation curves consisted of a short lag phase followed by an exponential decrease in the number of surviving spores. Prehydration of the bacterial spores has eliminated the initial lag phase. The inactivation rate increased with increasing O3 concentration but not >3 mg/L. The inactivation rate also increased with increase in RH. Different survival curves were obtained for various surfaces used to carry spores. Inactivation rates of spores on glass, a vinyl floor tile, and office paper were nearly the same. Whereas cut pile carpet and hardwood flooring surfaces resulted in much lower inactivation rates, another type of carpet (loop pile) showed significant enhancement in the inactivation of the spores.
Human automatic postural responses: responses to horizontal perturbations of stance in multiple directions

The effect of the direction of unexpected horizontal perturbations of stance on the organization of automatic postural responses was studied in human subjects. We recorded EMG activity from eight proximal and distal muscles acting on joints of the legs and hip known to be involved in postural corrections, while subjects stood on an hydraulic platform. Postural responses to horizontal motion of the platform in 16 different directions were recorded. The amplitude of the EMG responses of each muscle studied varied continuously as perturbation direction was changed. The directions for which an individual muscle showed measurable EMG activity were termed the muscle's "angular range of activation". There were several differences in the response characteristics of the proximo-axial muscles as opposed to the distal ones. Angular ranges of activity of the distal muscles were unipolar and encompassed a range of less than 180 degrees. These muscles responded with relatively constant onset latencies when they were active. Proximo-axial muscles, acting on the upper leg and hip showed larger angular ranges of activation with bimodal amplitude distributions and/or onset latency shifts as perturbation direction changed. While there were indications of constant temporal relationships between muscles involved in responses to perturbations around the sagittal plane, the onset latency relationships for other directions and the response amplitude relationships for all directions varied continuously as perturbation direction was changed. Responses were discrete in that for any particular perturbation direction there appeared to be a single unique response. Thus, while the present results do not refute the hypothesis that automatic postural responses may be composed of mixtures of a few elemental synergies, they suggest that composition of postural responses is a complex process that includes perturbation direction as a continuous variable.
Imaging of brain iron by magnetic resonance : T2 relaxation at different field strengths

Abstract Soon after the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MR1) as a diagnostic modality in the 1980s, it was recognized that some of the contrast found in brain imaging correlated with patterns of iron deposition. The presence of non-heme iron had previously been established by pathological studies on post-mortem brains. The iron concentration is highest in specific nuclei of the basal ganglia and some associated structures. It is low at birth and increases with age until a relatively constant level is reached at an age of 20–30 years. There is evidence for further increases in very elderly persons. Although iron is ubiquitous in human tissues, only in a few situations is the concentration large enough to affect MRI. Because MRI has the ability to detect, in a noninvasive fashion, the naturally occurring iron in the basal ganglia and related nuclei, it may be used to study the physiology and pathology of these important structures. Magnetic resonance imaging has confirmed the results of earlier post mortem studies of the anatomical localization and age-dependence of brain iron. Initial steps have been taken toward the use of MRI to study disorders of thought, movement, and behavior that are believed to be related to brain iron. However, additional understanding is required of the physical details of the contrast mechanism, the physiology of the iron accumulation, and the significance of abnormal patterns of iron deposition. In this report, data are presented on the normal variation in MRI parameters and their dependence on magnetic field strength. The potential clinical and basic science applications are briefly reviewed. Information from widely differing fields is relevant to the study of the physical and pathological significance of brain iron, and for this reason, extensive, although not exhaustive, literature references are included.
Recognizing Uncertainty and Linked Decisions in Public Participation: A New Framework for Collaborative Urban Planning

To promote collaboration, urban planners need to devise processes that consider stakeholders' interests not as an afterthought but as an integral component of decision analysis. In this paper, I introduce and illustrate a framework that attempts to do so using a long-running road extension planning process in Urbana, Illinois, USA. Drawing upon archival research, stakeholder reactions, and my experiences as an observer, the case study demonstrates how assumptions in problem framing and analysis and a focus on hardened positions can lead to disagreements. Using a stylized scenario exercise, I then present an alternative framework that can explicitly recognize the uncertainties and linked decisions involved in the analysis and allow the stakeholders to expound their concerns. A test of the principles shows that by bringing out the basic objectives of stakeholders and considering a wider range of choices and uncertainties, the framework can help identify underlying areas of agreement. I conclude that recognizing limitations of analytical methods and systematically bringing stakeholder values to a planning process can help improve its efficacy. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelin receptor antagonism is protective in in vivo acute cyclosporine toxicity.

Endothelin receptor antagonism is protective in in vivo acute cyclosporine toxicity. Endothelin (Et) has been implicated in cyclosporine A (CsA) nephrotoxicity. We have previously shown that CsA treatment in rats results in up-regulation of Et receptors specifically within the kidney. The role of Et in vivo CsA nephrotoxicity was therefore studied further with a new competitive antagonist, BQ-123, specific for Et A receptors (EtRA). Systemic administration of CsA in Munich-Wistar rats resulted in marked glomerular hypoperfusion and hypofiltration, with RPF in left and right kidneys falling by some 40% to 1.60 ± 0.25 and 1.73 ± 0.38 ml/min and GFR decreasing by some 20% to 0.61 ± 0.05 and 0.67 ± 0.11 ml/min, respectively. Selective infusion of EtRA into the left renal artery following systemic CsA treatment had no effect on this hemodynamic pattern (RPF 1.58 ± 0.29 and 1.92 ± 0.34 ml/min and GFR 0.60 ± 0.09 and 0.70 ± 0.08 ml/min in left and right kidneys, respectively, P = NS vs. CsA period). By contrast, intrarenal infusion of EtRA prior to systemic administration of CsA resulted in a strikingly different pattern of renal hemodynamics. Thus, EtRA pretreatment in the left kidney protected against glomerular dysfunction following CsA: RPF was maintained, 3.23 ± 0.28 ml/min versus 2.96 ± 0.31 (P = NS EtRA vs. EtRA + CsA), as was the GFR, 1.04 ± 0.16 ml/min versus 1.12 ± 0.09 (P =NS). However, the contralateral right kidneys of these rats, not pretreated with EtRA, showed no protective effect: RPF decreased from 3.15 ± 0.34 ml/min to 2.39 ± 0.19 and GFR from 1.04 ± 0.10 ml/min to 0.85 ± 0.07 (P A antagonist can largely prevent this CsA-induced glomerular hypofiltration and hypoperfusion.
Children's Representations of the Pattern of Daily Activities.

An important part of humans' knowledge of time depends on forming mental representations of recurrent temporal patterns. This study was an attempt to characterize the representations of one such pattern--the relative times of occurrence of daily activities such as waking, lunch, dinner, and going to bed in 4-9-year-old children. The results of 3 experiments showed that by 5 years of age children can judge the backward order of daily activities, judge the forward order from multiple reference points within the day, and evaluate the lengths of intervals separating daily activities. By about 7 years, children can also judge backward order from multiple reference points. These findings impose constraints on the types of representational models that can explain young children's knowledge of this pattern. The results also show that certain operations can be performed on this content about 6 years earlier than on 2 other temporal contents--the patterns of days of the week and months.
Distribution of extrajunctional acetylcholinesterase in muscle of normal and dystrophic chickens.

Abstract A specific histochemical staining of serial cross sections of frozen muscle samples for AChE activity was performed to investigate the distribution of sarcoplasmic AChE activity and its relationship to the motor end plate in individual muscle fibers of 1-, 2-, and 6-week-old normal and dystrophic chickens. A photographic cytophotometric technique was used to determine AChE activity. There were no differences between normal and dystrophic muscle fibers in the distribution or level of AChE activity at both 1 and 2 weeks of age. By 6 weeks, AChE activity had spread to either side of the motor end plates for approximately five times the distance found in normal fibers. In addition, the level of AChE activity had almost tripled in dystrophic fibers in comparison to normal fibers. These findings suggest that dystrophic chicken muscle develops similarly to normal muscle with respect to AChE localization and level of activity for at least 2 weeks following hatching, and then AChE spreads along the muscle fiber from the motor end plate. The data are consistent with the idea that there is a myogenic defect in the maturation of AChE regulation associated with the motor end plate of dystrophic chickens.
Strength, fracture, and fatigue behavior of advanced high-temperature intermetallics reinforced with ductile phases

The results of recent studies on the fatigue and fracture behavior of extruded Ti-48A1 + 20 vol pct TiNb and hot-isostatically pressed (“hipped”) MoSi2 + 20 vol pct Nb are presented (compositions in atomic percent unless stated otherwise). The effects of ductile phase reinforcement of Ti-48A1 and MoSi2 on the micromechanisms of fracture under monotonie and cyclic loading are elucidated. Micromechanics models are applied to the prediction of crack-tip shielding components, and the effects of temperature on tensile/compressive/flexure strengths are discussed. Ductile phase toughening under monotonie loading conditions is shown to be associated with lower fatigue crack growth resistance. The lower fatigue resistance is attributed to the absence of crack-tip shielding, higher crack opening displacements, and the effects of inelastic strains that are developed in ductile phase-reinforced composites under cyclic loading conditions.
Specific multisubstrate adduct inhibitors of aminopropyltransferases and their effect on polyamine biosynthesis in cultured cells.

We have designed and synthesized multisubstrate adduct inhibitors for each of the three enzymes in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway (equation 1). The specific aminopropyltransferase inhibitors AdoDATO (2b) and AdoDATAD (2d) have been used to study the effects of specific polyamine depletion on cell growth. As shown in Table 2, these compounds effectively modulate the biosynthesis of Spd and Spm in vitro. However, tight regulation of the biosynthetic and degradative pathways results in little or no change in total polyamine levels in the presence of a single inhibitor (Table 2). Further studies with these aminopropyltransferase inhibitors in combination with other specific inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis or degradation (e.g. DFMO) should shed light on the mechanism(s) underlying this tight biological regulation.
Helping End-User Programmers "Engineer' Dependable Software

Summary form only given. Not long ago, most software was written by professional programmers, who could be presumed to have an interest in software engineering methodologies and in tools and techniques for improving software dependability. Today, however, a great deal of software is written not by professionals but by end-users, who create applications such as multimedia simulations, dynamic Web pages, and spreadsheets. Applications such as these are often used to guide important decisions or aid in important tasks, and it is important that they be sufficiently dependable, but evidence shows that they frequently are not. For example, studies have shown that a large percentage of the spreadsheets created by end-users contain faults, and stories abound of spreadsheet faults that have led to multi-million dollar losses. Despite such evidence, until recently, relatively little research had been done to help end-users create more dependable software. In this paper, I'll show that it's possible to address this problem by adapting formal software engineering techniques to the realm of end-user programming. Focusing on work done in the spreadsheet application paradigm, I present several of approaches to using program analysis techniques to help end-users build more dependable spreadsheets. Behind the scenes, these methodologies use static analyses such as dataflow analysis and slicing, together with dynamic analyses such as execution monitoring, to support user tasks such as validation and fault localization. I show how, to accommodate the user base of spreadsheet languages, an interface to these methodologies can be provided that does not require users to understand the theory behind the analyses, yet supports the interactive, incremental process by which spreadsheets are created. I present empirical results gathered in the use of these methodologies, that highlight several costs and benefits tradeoffs
On path anomaly detection in a large transportation network

The purpose of anomaly (outlier) detection is to find a small group of objects that are numerically distant from the rest of the data set. It is generally applied to identifying anomalies from normal patterns and events in urban traffic flow, trends in air quality change, human activities in urban environments, route quality assurance and control, etc. Traditional research in this field has focused on cases where objects can be represented as points or sequences, and popular methods include clustering, distribution, and distance-based methods. In this paper, we present a new type of outlier detection, path outlier detection, in a large spatial graph typically representing a transportation network. Two types of abnormal paths are presented and their corresponding applications are discussed. To perform path anomaly detection, we propose two fundamental distance metrics, spatial-region-based and perimeter-based, along with path segmentation based metrics to capture local feature differences and to jointly combine similarity and dissimilarity. Search algorithms for three distance metrics and outlier detection algorithms are provided to detect abnormal paths and potentially assist with identifying abnormal events or phenomena which occur during a trip. Experiments were performed on synthetic data sets that correspond to two real-world scenarios, and the results show that the efficient perimeter-based distance metric is very effective when used with path segmentation to capture local features and global features, and to combine similarity and dissimilarity.
Light adaptation in cone photoreceptors: The occurrence and significance of unitary adaptive strength

The behavior of "peak response-log intensity" functions generated by the "dark glasses model" is examined and is shown to describe previously observed light adapted behavior in cone photoreceptors. The models of Boynton and Whitten (1970) and Norman and Werblin (1974) are closely related to the dark glasses model -- the Boynton-Whitten model being more specific and the Normann-Werblin model more general. For the models, a certain parameter relationship will produce systems which have optimal intensity discriminative capacities. When the data are fitted, this parameter relationship -- unitary adaptive strengh -- seems to emerge. Possible evolutionary and psychophysical implications are discussed.
Ontogeny of various solute carrier family (SLC) transporter expression in human pediatric liver biopsies

This study investigates developmental changes in mRNA expression of seven SLC transporters including SLCO1B1, SLCO1B3, SLCO2B1, SLCO4A1, SLC22A7, SLC22A1, and SLC10A1 in human pediatric liver. It is hypothesized that expression of these genes undergoes developmental changes during the early years of life. Sixty-one human pediatric liver samples were collected from living donors aged 0.3 to 12 years through liver biopsy. Real-time RT-PCR was used to quantify mRNA expression relative to cyclophilin for all target transporters. One-way ANOVA with post hoc pairwise comparisons was performed to assess statistical differences in expression amongst different age groups (A: 0.3–0.7, B: 0.7–2, C: 2–5, D: 5–12 yrs). Mean normalized relative mRNA expression is presented in the table (bold figures indicate statistical significance (p<0.05)). It is concluded that in human pediatric liver, there are significant age-dependent differences in mRNA expression of SLCO1B3 (OATP-8) and SLCO4A1 (OATP-E). Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P95–P95; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.258 Table 1. A(n = 9) B (n = 19) C (n = 12) D (n = 21) SLCO1B1 1928 7203 5370 3771 SLCO1B3 20.7 74.1 68.8 58.8 SLCO2B1 0.16 0.40 0.45 0.52 SLCO4A1 0.003 0.009 0.014 0.015 SLC22A7 1.65 4.23 4.17 3.31 SLC22A1 6.17 10.9 12.0 16.0 SLC10A1 28.0 35.7 20.9 25.4
BDNF attenuates functional and structural disorders in nerves of galactose-fed rats

Galactose intoxication of rats was used to disrupt metabolism of Schwann cells and skeletal muscle, two sites that contain the polyol-forming enzyme aldose reductase (AR). Galactose-fed rats develop a neuropathy characterized by nerve conduction deficits and axonal atrophy. To investigate the possibility that galactose metabolism by AR influences axonal function and structure by altering production of neurotrophic factors, the impact of galactose intoxication on nerve and muscle BDNF levels and the effects of exogenous BDNF treatment on galactose neuropathy were examined using biochemical, electrophysiologic and morphometric techniques. Galactose feeding increased BDNF protein in peripheral nerve and muscle. Exogenous BDNF treatment attenuated motor nerve conduction velocity deficits in the sciatic nerve of galactose-fed animals and myelin splitting of motor axons in the ventral root. In contrast, sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) deficits in the sciatic nerve and myelin splitting in the central projections of sensory neurons were not prevented by BDNF treatment. BDNF treatment did not attenuate reduced axonal caliber in the sciatic nerve, but did ameliorate the diminution of the caliber of central sensory projections in the dorsal root. These findings point to the potential use of BDNF in the treatment of peripheral neuropathies.
Family Engagement in Rural and Urban Head Start Families: An Exploratory Study

An exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted to examine parents’ levels of perceived family engagement to the Head Start program from different community locations. Data collected from this study were obtained from a survey provided to Head Start families from rural and urban areas that had a child currently receiving Head Start services. Participants included 419 urban and rural parents from the Midwest. All participants were surveyed using the Parent and School Survey (PASS). There was one independent variable, community location. The independent variable had two categories: rural and urban families whose children attended Head Start. The dependent variable was parents’ levels of perceived family engagement to the Head Start program. Results using the PASS instrument found an overall difference in family engagement in rural and urban Head Start parents. The need for further research and implications of these findings for the Head Start program are discussed.
Criteria for selection of target materials and design of high-efficiency-release targets for radioactive ion beam generation

Abstract In this report, we define criteria for choosing target materials and for designing, mechanically stable, short-diffusion-length, highly permeable targets for generation of high-intensity radioactive ion beams (RIBs) for use at nuclear physics and astrophysics research facilities based on the ISOL principle. In addition, lists of refractory target materials are provided and examples are given of a number of successful targets, based on these criteria, that have been fabricated and tested for use at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF).
Diagnostic and prognostic application of positron emission tomography in breast imaging: emerging uses and the role of PET in monitoring treatment response

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an imaging modality that using radiotracers, permits real-time dynamic monitoring of biologic processes such as cell metabolic behavior and proliferation, and has proven useful as a research tool for understanding tumor biology. While it does not have a well-defined role in breast cancer for the purposes of screening, diagnosis, or prognosis, emerging PET technologies and uses could expand the applications of PET in breast cancer. Positron emission mammography may provide an alternative adjunct imaging modality for the screening and diagnosis of high-risk patients unable to tolerate MRI. The development of radiotracers with the ability to measure hormonal activity could provide a non-invasive way to assess hormone receptor status and functionality. Finally, the role of PET technologies in monitoring early treatment response may prove particularly useful to research involving new therapeutic interventions.
Simulation of digital control systems on an analog computer with digital logic

This paper describes a procedure for simulation of digital control systems on an analog computer with digital logic. The digital elements are only those normally provided in the digital panel now available as an optional accessory from most analog computer manufacturers. When used in conjunction with the conventional analog amplifiers and integrators connected as track-hold devices, it is possible to simulate complete systems which include not only the straightforward single-rate system but also those having two or more sampling rates or subsystems, and those having delayed or skip sampling characteristics. The digital logic connections for some simple but typical problems are given and are suggestive of those required for more sophisticated applications.A couple of oscilloscope photographs are included which show the informative presentation which can be obtained with this simulation technique.