cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting position along a looping immune response trajectory

When we get sick, we want to be resilient and recover our original health. To measure resilience, we need to quantify a host's position along its disease trajectory. Here we present Looper, a computational method to analyze longitudinally gathered datasets and identify gene pairs that form looping trajectories when plotted in the space described by these phases. These loops enable us to track where patients lie on a typical trajectory back to health. We analyzed two publicly available, longitudinal human microarray datasets that describe self-resolving immune responses. Looper identified looping gene pairs expressed by human donor monocytes stimulated by immune elicitors, and in YF17D-vaccinated individuals. Using loops derived from training data, we found that we could predict the time of perturbation in withheld test samples with accuracies of 94% in the human monocyte data, and 65-83% within the same cohort and in two independent cohorts of YF17D vaccinated individuals. We suggest that Looper will be useful in building maps of resilient immune processes across organisms.
The speed limit of outer hair cell electromechanical activity

The outer hair cell of Corti’s organ provides mechanical feedback into the organ to boost auditory perception. The fidelity of voltage-dependent motility has been estimated to extend beyond 50 kHz, where its force generation is deemed a requirement for sensitive high-frequency mammalian hearing. Recent investigations have shown, however, that the frequency response is substantially more low pass at physiological membrane potentials where the kinetics of prestin impose their speed limit. Nevertheless, it is likely that the reduced magnitude of electromotility is sufficient to drive cochlear amplification at high frequencies.
Applying Game Theoretic Techniques to Improve the Accuracy of Tree-based Classification Results

The application of game-theoretic techniques to enhance data mining results in financial applications has been widely explored. While results have been promising, further investigation is needed to generate a more robust model and minimize errors. In this work, a two-step, data mining and game-theoretic analysis model is examined to reduce classification error and improve predictions. Using credit-worthiness and loan applications from the German Credit dataset, we are able to reduce classification errors using payoff tables, game trees, and associated binomial distributions. Our results show that applying game-theoretic techniques after data mining results in a combined model can improve overall accuracy and enhance decision accuracy.
Caffeine inhibits PI3K and mTORC2 in Dictyostelium and differentially affects multiple other cAMP chemoattractant signaling effectors

Caffeine is commonly used in Dictyostelium to inhibit the synthesis of the chemoattractant cAMP and, therefore, its secretion and the autocrine stimulation of cells, in order to prevent its interference with the study of chemoattractant-induced responses. However, the mechanism through which caffeine inhibits cAMP synthesis in Dictyostelium has not been characterized. Here, we report the effects of caffeine on the cAMP chemoattractant signaling network. We found that caffeine inhibits phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2). Both PI3K and mTORC2 are essential for the chemoattractant-stimulated cAMP production, thereby providing a mechanism for the caffeine-mediated inhibition of cAMP synthesis. Our results also reveal that caffeine treatment of cells leads to an increase in cAMP-induced RasG and Rap1 activation, and inhibition of the PKA, cGMP, MyoII, and ERK1 responses. Finally, we observed that caffeine has opposite effects on F-actin and ERK2 depending on the assay and Dictyostelium strain used, respectively. Altogether, our findings reveal that caffeine considerably affects the cAMP-induced chemotactic signaling pathways in Dictyostelium, most likely acting through multiple targets that include PI3K and mTORC2.
The impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard on US oil refineries

Abstract This paper uses a confidential refinery-level dataset to estimate how unexpected changes in the costs of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) affected US oil refinery prices and production decisions for regulated and non-regulated products between 2012 and 2014. The RFS mandates blending of biofuels with conventional gasoline and diesel. Each gallon of biofuel blended with conventional fuel generates a renewable fuel credit (RIN). Refineries comply with the RFS by purchasing RINs from blenders and retiring them with the EPA. I find that RIN costs were fully passed through to wholesale gasoline and diesel prices on average, consistent with previous literature and a necessary condition to ensure the effectiveness of the RFS. Furthermore, I estimate full pass-through in all regions of the US, with the exception of the Eastern Seaboard. I also find that RIN cost increases are associated with higher jet fuel production, a non-regulated product, and with decreased jet fuel prices. Finally, I corroborate previous findings by showing that refinery specific input cost shocks are not fully passed-through to wholesale output prices. These results, combined with other estimates in the literature, suggest that on average the RFS is functioning efficiently and that the wholesale petroleum market is highly competitive.
Relationship between Structure, Functionality, and Viscosity for Aerosol-Mimicking Solutions Containing Ammonium Sulfate, Glyoxal, and a Series of Oxidized C1–C5 Compounds

The physical properties of aqueous secondary organic aerosol (SOA) can be influenced by the chemical composition of the solvent matrix within which SOA-forming reactions take place. The chemical st...
Validity of a Functional Assessment for Smoking Treatment Recommendations Questionnaire

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and imposes a substantial economic cost. Despite the well-established potential harm, relapse rates remain high during quit attempts. In the realm of applied behavior analysis, functional assessment has long been recognized as a reliable method to increase effectiveness of treatments for a variety of problem behaviors. Functional assessment may aid in designating targeted treatment for smokers based on the maintaining function(s) of the behavior. The current study (N = 414) sought to assess the reliability and validity of the Functional Assessment of Smoking for Treatment Recommendations (FASTR) and provide preliminary evidence towards a hypothesized factor structure. The full FASTR included five subscales derived from the field of functional behavior assessment: 1) Automatic Positive Reinforcement, 2) Social Positive Reinforcement, 3) Automatic Negative Reinforcement, 4) Social Negative Reinforcement, and 5) Antecedent Stimuli. The full battery of subscales was found to be adequately reliable and valid, with overall sample reliability coefficients ranging from α = 0.69 to α = 0.90. Confirmatory factor analysis of the five-factor model produced acceptable fit indices (CFI = 0.908, TLI = 0.896, RMSEA = 0.059, SRMR = 0.071). A five-factor model performed favorably across several fit indices, providing preliminary validity for the FASTR. Further research should aim to replicate the observed factor structure in other samples and establish the clinical utility of the FASTR.
Seeking Alpha from Share Repurchases

We assess the announcement wealth effects and trading opportunities on the stocks of share repurchasing firms. We join the traditional CAR approach to estimating abnormal returns with the EVA style approach to investing. Our empirical results are robust and statistically significant for a sample of 1,540 share repurchases observed over the 18-year reporting period, 1997–2014. Our CAR and EVA style findings confirm both information signaling and the potential availability of alpha-generating trading opportunities on the stocks of share repurchasing firms. Our empirical insights are observed in the overall sample and across the EVA styles. The information signaling content of share repurchases is also observed for sub-periods before, during, and following the Global Financial Crisis. For active investors, we conclude that alpha returns may be available for investors by going long the stocks of share repurchasing firms at the time of the announcement and holding the position open for some 30 trading days thereafter (with caveats concerning the length of our default event trading window). A notable finding linked to EVA style is that alpha-generating returns were consistently available on the stocks of “wise” or cyclical restructuring firms. TOPICS:Analysis of individual factors/risk premia, factor-based models, style investing Key Findings • Our CAR and EVA-joined style findings on share repurchasing firms confirm both information signaling at time of announcement and the potential for alpha-generating trading returns thereafter. • For active investors, alpha-generating trading opportunities may be available by longing the stocks of share repurchasing firms at announcement and holding the position open for several days thereafter. • Based on EVA style classifications of value creators and value destroyers, we find that alpha-generating trading returns from share repurchases were consistently available on the stocks of “wise” or cyclical restructuring firms.
Chemoimmunotherapy with Cyclophosphomide, Fludarabine, Alemtuzumab and Rituximab (CFAR) Is Effective in Relapsed Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Abstract Abstract 3431 Poster Board III-319 Chemoimmunotherapy forms the basis of treatment for patients (pts) with CLL. FCR is an effective salvage regimen in relapsed pts who are not heavily pretreated or refractory to fludarabine (F). Alemtuzumab (A) has demonstrated efficacy in F-refractory pts and pts with 17p del. We combined A with FCR to improve remission rates for pts with relapsed and refractory CLL. We present a long-term follow-up of 80 pts who received CFAR as salvage therapy. Eighty pts with previously treated CLL received CFAR consisting of C-250mg/m2 d3-5; F-25mg/m2 d-3-5; A-30mg IV d1,3,5; R 375-500 mg/m2 d2, every 28 days for an intended total of 6 courses. Premedication prior to antibody therapy was with steroids. Pts received prophylactic TMP-SMZ DS and either valacyclovir or valgancyclovir. Responses were evaluated by 1996 NCI-WG criteria. Prognostic factors (including Rai stage, B2M, LDH, CD38, metaphase karyotype, ZAP70, IgVH, FISH) were assessed prior to initiating therapy (table). Overall survival (OS) was defined as time from initiation of therapy to death. Time to treatment failure (TTF) was defined as time from treatment to resistance or progression of disease, transformation to other hematological malignancies or death from any cause. Eighty pts received at least one courses of CFAR, 61 pts (76%) received at least 3 courses and 14 pts (18%) received all 6 courses of therapy (median 3). One patient was not evaluable for response. Median number of prior treatments was 3 (1-14) with 75% of pts having received prior F in combination with alkylator (including FCR 56%) or mitoxatrone (N); 39% pts were refractory to fludarabine. Of 79 pts, there were 21 CR (27%), 3 NPR (4%) and 29 PR (37%) for an ORR 67%. Predictors for higher likelihood of CR included B2M 1.5 ×109/l, albumin >3.5 g/dl and fludarabine sensitivity. Variables independently associated with longer time to progression in responding pts were age Causes of early cessation of therapy included cytopenia (n=15), hemolytic anemia (n=2), infection (n=22), and lack of response or progression of disease (n=11). G3/4 haematological toxicity included neutropenia (62% of courses), thrombocytopenia (34%) and anemia (16%). G3/4 infectious complications included pneumonia (n=7) or sepsis (n=3). Other infections included minor infections (n=32), CMV reactivation (n=13), or other herpes virus infections (n=5). Patients on prophylactic valganciclovir had a lower rate of CMV reactivation compared to valacyclovir (24% v. 3%, p=0.01) CFAR is an effective therapy in this group of heavily treated pts with CLL. We demonstrated favorable responses in pts younger than 70 years with F-sensitive disease who had 5 or fewer prior therapies. CFAR is a good salvage regimen for pts who have received prior FC or FN based regimen. Disclosures Garcia-Manero: Cyclacel, Inc.: Research Funding.
Sustainable development of territories in the framework of smart initiatives

The research based on analysis smart city-initiatives in framework of sustainable development. The main hypothesis is a lack of a comprehensive vision of a smart city slows down the development of the city as a whole. The results of research are developed methodology of community analysis and designed template for competitive passport of the city (community). The competitive passport of the city that developing on bases of proposed methodology will allow to reveal explicit and implicit competitive advantages of the territory, to choose the most needed at this stage of smart-technology, to develop an up-to-date strategy with specific (measurable and achievable) goals. Thereby using the concept of smart cities allows cities, regardless of their size, to achieve economic development, attract investors, and mobilize local people and create new jobs. The smart platform allows share data between all participants and stakeholders, this improves efficiency and stimulate changes.
Multi-UAS Formation Recognition in Dynamic Environments

Abstract As Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are becoming ubiquitous, more and more use cases will be relying on multi-UAS systems for mission-oriented applications (e.g., surveillance, reconnaissance, and package delivery). The multi-UAS formation has been shown to play a critical role in the ability of the system to conserve energy and reduce travel time thus, greatly impacting mission success. The need to identify, recognize and create such formations is critical for effective control of multi-UAS platforms, especially in challenging dynamic environmental conditions. In this paper, we propose and describe a framework for off-line identification and categorization of various types of multi-UAS formations based on the relative position of UAS in a two-dimensional space using machine learning techniques. The formation algorithm is trained with simulation trace data of different formations so that it is capable of accurately recognizing one that is materialized in the world. This information is proven crucial to enable formation-based adaptation of multi-UAS in highly dynamic environment thus, contributing to the resilience of the system. A prototype implementation and simulation are currently in development which will illustrate the capabilities of our approach.
Ferromagnetic phase of the spinel compound MgV 2 O 4 and its spintronics properties

Spinel compound, ${\mathrm{MgV}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, known as a highly frustrated magnet has been extensively studied both experimentally and theoretically for its exotic quantum magnetic states. However, due to its intrinsic insulating nature in its antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground state, its realistic applications in spintronics are quite limited. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we examine the ferromagnetic (FM) phase of ${\mathrm{MgV}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, which was found to host three-dimensional flat band (FB) right near the Fermi level, consequently yielding a large anomalous Hall effect (AHE, $\ensuremath{\sigma}\ensuremath{\approx}670\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\text{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$). Our calculations suggest that the half-metallicity feature of ${\mathrm{MgV}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ is preserved even after interfacing with MgO due to the excellent lattice matching, which could be a promising spin filtering material for spintronics applications. Lastly, we explore experimental feasibility of stabilizing this FM phase through strain and doping engineering. Our study suggests that an experimentally accessible amount of hole doping might induce a AFM-FM phase transition.
A model for Antarctic surface mass balance and ice core site selection

In this study, we develop a model for Antarctic surface mass balance (SMB), which allows us to assess regional and global uncertainty in SMB estimation and carry out a model‐based design to propose new measurement sites. For this analysis, we use a quality‐controlled aggregate data set of SMB field measurements with significantly more observations than previous analyses; however, many of the measurements in this data set lack quality ratings. In addition, these data demonstrate spatial autocorrelation, heteroscedasticity, and non‐Gaussianity. To account for these data attributes, we pose a Bayesian Gaussian process generalized linear model for SMB. To address missing reliability ratings, we use a mixture model with different variances to add robustness to our model. In addition, we present a novel approach for modeling the variance as a function of the mean to account for the heteroscedasticity in the data. Using this model, we predict Antarctic SMB and compare our estimates with previous estimates. In addition, we create prediction maps with uncertainty to visualize spatial patterns in SMB and to identify regions of high SMB uncertainty. Our model estimates the total SMB to be 2,156 Gton/yr over the range of our data, with 95% credible interval (2,081, 2,234) Gton/yr. Overall, our results suggest lower Antarctic SMB than previously reported. This lower SMB estimate may be indicative of a more dire diagnosis of the long‐term health of the Antarctic ice sheets. Lastly, we use our model to propose 25 new measurement sites for the field study utilizing a sequential design, minimizing the integrated mean squared error.
Evaluating rural Pacific Northwest towns for wildfire evacuation vulnerability

Wildfire is an annual threat for many rural communities in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. In some severe events, evacuation is one potential course of action to gain safety from an advancing wildfire. Since most evacuations occur in a personal vehicle along the surrounding road network, the quality of this network is a critical component of a community's vulnerability to wildfire. In this paper, we leverage a high-resolution spatial dataset of wildfire burn probability and mean fireline intensity to conduct a regional-scale screening of wildfire evacuation vulnerability for 696 Oregon and Washington rural towns. We characterize each town’s surrounding road network to construct four simple road metrics related to the potential to quickly and safely evacuate: (1) the number of paved lanes leaving town that intersect a fixed-distance circular buffer; (2) the variety of lane directions available for egress; (3) the travel area that can be reached within a minimum distance while constrained only to movement along the paved road network; and (4) the sum of connected lanes at each intersection for the road network within a fixed-distance circular buffer. We then combine the road metrics with two metrics characterizing fire hazard of the surrounding landscape through which evacuation will occur: (1) burn probability and (2) mean fireline intensity. By combining the road and fire metrics, we create a composite score for ranking all towns by their overall evacuation vulnerability. The most vulnerable towns are those where poor road networks overlap with high fire hazard. Often, these towns are located in remote, forested, mountainous terrain, where topographic relief constrains the available road network and high fuel loads increase wildfire hazard. An interactive map of all road quality and fire hazard metrics is available at https://www.fs.fed.us/wwetac/brief/evacuation.php .
Receipt of treatment among a nationally representative sample of US adults with communication disorders.

Abstract Introduction A robust body of literature exists on clinical research outcomes for persons with communication disorders (CD). Comparatively few studies have examined population-based health service outcomes for CD-related services, which capture persons with CDs who may not be part of clinical or administrative data. This is important to describe access to treatment and the factors impacting access. We address this gap, describing four CD-related healthcare outcomes among adults reporting problems with communication (voice, speech, and language): (1) utilization, (2) utilization determinants, (3) professionals providing CD care, and (4) patient-reported service-related outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults (≥18 years) in the US self-reporting CD on the nationally representative 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Separate analyses examined adults with voice (n = 1,323), speech (n = 658), and language (n = 396) disorders. We used survey weighted logistic regression to assess the likelihood of treatment, controlling for health, disorder, and sociodemographic characteristics; Pearson's chi square was calculated for other outcomes. Results An estimated 10% of adults reporting CD described receiving care addressing their CD. Employment, sociodemographic and economic status, health insurance, level of severity, and presence of co-occurring CD were associated with receiving treatment. Over half of respondents with speech and language disorders and less than a fifth of respondents with voice disorders reported receiving care from speech-language pathologists. Adults who received CD-related services reported improvements in activities (52–69% overall) and CD (33–48% overall). Conclusions This population-based study shows that general access to CD services is low. Underserved populations have less access to treatment than their counterparts with more resources. Improving access to CD services requires creative interventions addressing patient and provider needs, as well as healthcare system design. Population-based follow-up studies are necessary to track progress toward improving access to care.
An Estimate of the Influence of the Compressor Stability Margin on the Thrust of a Turbojet Engine

The relations derived in the paper make it possible to analyze. the influence of the compressor stability margin upon the thrust of a turbo jet engine. The engines operating within the economy range (minimum fuel consumption) and optimum range (maximum thrust) are considered.
What are the Data of Emotion

The NATO Conference at Ciocco focused on cognitive theories of emotion. This included both the hermeneutic development of older views, along with the exposure of space-age models from artificial intelligence. In attending to these presentations and the discussion they engendered, I was struck by the diversity of phenomena being addressed, and the many different definitions of emotion that drove efforts at explanation. Is there a common data base that theories of emotion should address? The following is an effort to respond to this question. Two major issues are elucidated: (1) the problem of discordance and desynchrony among measures of emotion; (2) the question of whether emotions are best conceived as discrete organismic states, or as affective dimensions. The paper concludes with some suggestions for theorists, and a listing of problems that the data compel any theory of emotion to address.
The autologous mixed-lymphocyte reaction.

Publisher Summary It had been suggested that the autologous mixed-lymphocyte reaction (MLR) might result from perturbations of the responding or stimulating cells during cell fractionation or exposure to foreign sera in culture. The autologous MLR is regarded as a good model for the cooperative interaction between cells involved in the immune response. The lymphocytes that recognize autologous MHC determinants are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of the immune response. The genetic restriction required for cell cooperation among lymphocyte subpopulations and mononuclear cells involves the recognition of HC gene products. These determinants, specified by the HLA-D locus also stimulate the autologous MLR in humans. The discovery that immunological tolerance could be induced by administering foreign antigen to fetal or neonatal animals suggested a mechanism to explain the failure of the immune system to react to autologous antigens. Self-tolerance, established during the ontogeny of the immune system, might preclude immune reactions to autologous antigens. In addition to cell recognition of autologous MHC determinants, regulatory products of T and B lymphocytes react with determinants on autologous cells. Thus, factors produced by suppressor T lymphocytes act only on cells that share I-region determinants with the suppressor T lymphocytes. Auto-anti-idiotypic antibody recognizes surface determinants on autologous B lymphocytes. The impaired autologous MLR observed in patients with diseases associated with abnormal immunological regulation lends additional support for an immunoregulatory role of the autologous MLR. Immune disturbances have been documented in systemic lupus erythematosus, infectious mononucleosis, multiple sclerosis, aging, Sjogren's syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and Hodgkin's disease. The autologous MLR is altered in each of these states..
Non-commutative System of Fuzzy Interval Logic Generated by the Checklist Paradigm Measure m3 Containing Early Zadeh Implication

This paper continues investigation of systems of fuzzy interval logics based on the Checklist Paradigm semantics of Bandler and Kohout [1] [2]. While the early papers dealt with checklist paradigm based interval systems containing commutative AND and OR, this paper is the fifth in the series of papers in which we have been describing the systems in which these connective types are non-commutative. In the present paper we investigate non-commutative interval system generated from implication operators based on the Checklist Paradigm measure m 3 of Bandler and Kohout. This system includes the well-known Early Zadeh implication operator (PLY) which is not contrapositive. While the commutative systems can be sufficiently characterized by an 8-element group of transformations, the non-commutative systems require the 16 element group ${\mathcal S}_{2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2}$.
Stun Gun Injuries in the Abuse and Death of a Seven-Month-Old Infant

The author autopsied a seven-month-old infant who was shocked repeatedly with a stun gun by his foster mother, in an attempt by the foster mother to get the infant to stop crying. The stun gun injuries were round, well-circumscribed, erythematous macular lesions, which were found in pairs. The lesions were 2 in. apart, and were found to match the distance between the electrodes of the stun gun found in the foster mother's purse. Based on the electrical output of the stun gun, the small size of the infant, location of stun gun discharge, and the decreased resistance of the infant's skin, it can be concluded that the stun gun injury is responsible for the infant's death.
Dielectric characterization of thin films using microstrip ring resonators

This article presents a microstrip ring resonator technique for characterizing thin film substrates up to 110 GHz. A coupling structure was designed to efficiently couple energy into rings despite the tight microstrip-substrate confinement. Various ring sizes are designed and fabricated, and both dielectric constant and loss tangent results are presented. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:2306–2310, 2015
Who Supports Compensation? Embedded Liberalism and Preferences over Trade-Related Unemployment Insurance

The political economy of trade literature argues that the policy of compensating those who lose from trade is an important component of maintaining public support for free trade, a linkage known as the embedded liberalism thesis. This article tests the causal mechanisms underlying embedded liberalism by examining support for trade-related compensation using survey data from the United States. The results show mixed support for embedded liberalism: while those who expect to be harmed by trade support compensation, as expected, those who expect to gain do not. Further, the expected effect of trade strongly predicts support for trade-related unemployment insurance but has no influence on support for general unemployment insurance.
Performance optimization of the pulsatile synchronous LVAD based on myocardial energetics and cardiac output using a computer simulation

When myocardial infarction compromises cardiac output, treatment sometimes involves the application of a pulsatile synchronous left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The authors use a computer simulation to explore the possibility of optimal phasing of pump cycle with respect to events in the cardiac cycle from the standpoint of improved myocardial energetics and system flow. Central to the simulation is a time-varying elastance model of the left ventricle. It is coupled to a closed-loop circulatory model that consists of a nonlinear multielement aorta model, the main aortic branches including the coronaries, a lumped venous system model, a time-varying elastance model of the right ventricle, and lumped models of the pulmonary arteries, and veins. Oxygen availability per beat is calculated from the arteriovenous oxygen difference and the total coronary flow and oxygen consumption per beat is computed. >
Serum gonadotropin and steroid patterns in early human gestation

Abstract Concentrations of Estradiol (E 2 ), progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone-human chorionic gonadotropin (LH-HCG), and human placental lactogen (HPL) were measured by radioimunoassay in serum samples obtained daily from 3 women from the last menses prior to conception throughout the first few months of gestation. FSH levels declined after implantation in one subject and remained unchanged in the others. HCG levels began to rise above luteal phase LH values 11 to 14 days after the mid-cycle LH peak. HPL became detectable 34 to 38 days after the LH peak. E 2 levels rose steadily after the postovulatory nadir, increasing more rapidly 4 weeks after the LH peak. The patterns of P and 17-OHP were initially similar. Both rose after ovulation, remained elevated for several weeks, and then declined. About 11 weeks after the last menstrual period, levels of P again increased while 17-OHP remained low. Single serum samples were obtained from an additional 159 gravid women 6 to 16 weeks after the last menstrual period, and the 3 steroids were measured in each. Mean levels of E 2 steadily increased and 17-OHP steadily decreased. Mean P dropped to a nadir at 9 weeks and rose thereafter. Since 17-OHP is mainly of luteal origin, these findings indicate that in normal pregnancy the corpus luteum has maximal activity for about 4 weeks after ovulation. Falling levels of P in the next 3 weeks prior to increased trophoblast production of this hormone may contribute to the cause of first-trimester uterine bleeding in some women who have normal term pregnancies.
Neuron-Based Heredity and Human Evolution

It is widely recognized that human evolution has been driven by two systems of heredity: one DNA-based and the other based on the transmission of behaviorally acquired information via nervous system functions. The genetic system is ancient, going back to the appearance of life on Earth. It is responsible for the evolutionary processes described by Darwin. By comparison, the nervous system is relatively newly minted and in its highest form, responsible for ideation and mind-to-mind transmission of information. Here the informational capabilities and functions of the two systems are compared. While employing quite different mechanisms for encoding, storing and transmission of information, both systems perform these generic hereditary functions. Three additional features of neuron-based heredity in humans are identified: the ability to transfer hereditary information to other members of their population, not just progeny; a selection process for the information being transferred; and a profoundly shorter time span for creation and dissemination of survival-enhancing information in a population. The mechanisms underlying neuron-based heredity involve hippocampal neurogenesis and memory and learning processes modifying and creating new neural assemblages changing brain structure and functions. A fundamental process in rewiring brain circuitry is through increased neural activity (use) strengthening and increasing the number of synaptic connections. Decreased activity in circuitry (disuse) leads to loss of synapses. Use and disuse modifying an organ to bring about new modes of living, habits and functions are processes in line with Neolamarckian concepts of evolution (Packard, 1901). Evidence is presented of bipartite evolutionary processes-Darwinian and Neolamarckian-driving human descent from a common ancestor shared with the great apes.
Iodopyridine-for-iodobenzene substitution for use with low molecular weight radiopharmaceuticals: application to m-iodobenzylguanidine

Substituting a pyridine ring for a benzene ring in the acylation agent N-succinimidyl 3-iodobenzoate has resulted in a useful approach for the radiohalogenation of monoclonal antibodies, peptides, and labeled biotin conjugates. It was hypothesized that such a substitution in m-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), a radiotracer used in the detection and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors, might result in an analogue with more rapid normal tissue clearance, thereby facilitating its use for tumor therapy. For the preparation of this analogue, 3-guanidinomethyl-5-iodopyridine (GMIP; 9b), the silicon precursor 4 was synthesized starting from 5-bromonicotinic acid. Attempts to convert 4 to 9b under various conditions were not successful. Radioiodinated 9b could be prepared by the iododestannylation of the tin precursor 8 in 65-70% radiochemical yield. A number of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo studies showed that pyridine-for-benzene substitution in MIBG yielded a compound that no longer was taken up by the uptake-1 pathway.
Electron-gas He-sio potential hypersurface for vibrational- rotational excitations through collisions

Abstract The Gordon-Kim electron-gas method was used to compute an ab initio potential hypersurface for the He-SiO interaction. The results are reported in the form of potential parameters associated with an accurate analytic fit of the electron-gas values.
Reliability of individual differences in initial sensitivity and acute tolerance to nitrous oxide hypothermia.

On average, the hypothermia exhibited by rats receiving 60% nitrous oxide (N2O) eventually abates despite the continued inhalation of the drug (i.e., acute tolerance develops). However, large individual differences occur in both the magnitude of hypothermia achieved and the degree of acute tolerance that develops. To determine whether the degree of temperature loss and subsequent recovery during N2O administration are reliable characteristics of an individual, we measured intraperitoneal temperature via telemetry in 77 Long-Evans rats that each received 60% N2O for 5 h during two sessions separated by 14 days. Good intersession reliability (Pearson's r) was observed for simple change and adjusted change scores for both initial N2O temperature sensitivity (.61 < or = r < or = .62), and acute tolerance development (.46 < or = r < or = .52). In a separate experiment, three groups of rats were selected based on their individual body temperature patterns during an initial N2O administration: (1) insensitive to N2O hypothermia (n = 8); (2) marked hypothermia followed by acute tolerance development (n = 6); and (3) marked hypothermia followed by little acute tolerance development (n = 6). When retested 10 days later, each group exhibited a body temperature profile similar to that observed during the initial N2O exposure. Thus, the temperature profile observed during a rat's initial exposure to 60% N2O reflects a reproducible response for that animal.
Taxonomy of a mixed Cylindrocystis assemblage from vermont soil. II. Isozyme variations

Summary Isolates of Cylindrocystis obtained from Vermont and Pennsylvania have been analysed. Isozymes of the enzymes Malate Dehydrogenase, Isocitrate Dehydrogenase, Shikimate Dehydrogenase, and Malic enzyme have been compared. Analysis of each enzyme revealed considerable variability among the strains examined. Isozyme patterns were invariant, however, for all enzymes within groups delineated by cell morphology and location of isolation. This variant yet invariant isozyme distribution is considered in terms of species delineation in this taxonomically difficult group of algae.
Mind-Body Interaction and Development: Biology, Behavior and Context

Theoretical models that integrate or segregate mind and body have been in existence since the 15th century. The purpose of this contribution is to present contemporary models that integrate biological, psychological, and social contextual processes in human development, specifically, the development of antisocial behavior. The discussion begins with a historical background on the progression of mind-body models that have been used to integrate biological and psychological processes. Recent developmental science perspectives, the neurobiology of mind-body interaction, and the concept of stress and antisocial behavior are considered instances demonstrating the importance of integrating biological and psychological processes. Empirical evidence for the concept of low physiological arousal and antisocial behavior is presented. The strengths of a holistic mind-body holistic interaction model for theory development and research in the future is discussed.
Robust support vector machines for classification and computational issues

In this paper, we investigate the theoretical and numerical aspects of robust classification using support vector machines (SVMs) by providing second order cone programming and linear programming formulations. SVMs are learning algorithms introduced by Vapnik used either for classification or regression. They show good generalization properties and they are based on statistical learning theory. The resulting learning problems are convex optimization problems suitable for application of primal-dual interior points methods. We investigate the training of a SVM in the case where a bounded perturbation is added to the value of an input xi∈n. A robust SVM provides a decision function that is immune to data perturbations. We consider both cases where our training data are either linearly separable or non linearly separable respectively and provide computational results for real data sets.
Laser bending for adjusting curvatures of hard disk suspensions

The purpose of this work is to use 3D finite element analyses to compute bending of a hard disk suspension using a laser. The pitch and roll of the suspension can be precisely adjusted by producing a controlled amount of residual strain using the laser as a heat source. In the computational model, an uncoupled thermo-mechanical analysis is applied to calculate the laser induced thermal loading and mechanical deformation. The relation between suspension bending and laser parameters is studied based on extensive simulations. Bending resolution as high as 0.01° can be achieved. In addition, a data table is established where laser parameters, such as laser power and laser scan length can be found to correct a given pitch and roll of a hard disk suspension. Effects of uncertainties, such as sample thickness and material yield strength are also studied.
Separation of Lanthanide β-Diketonates via Organophosphorus Adduct Formation by Supercritical Fluid Chromatography

This paper describes a novel method for separation and detection of lanthanide β-diketonates by adduct formation/supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) with an open-tubular capillary column and a FID detector. Separation of lanthanide β-diketonates cannot be achieved by SFC due to the hydration of the complexes, which exhibit strong intermolecular interactions and decomposition in the system. Formation of adducts of lanthanide β-diketonates with a neutral donor, tributylphosphine oxide (TBPO) or trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO), alters their SFC behavior. The adduct formation approach leads to the first successful separation of lanthanide complexes of the same β-diketone ligand by SFC using neat CO2 as the mobile phase.
The changing role of Naval forces: The Russian view of the 1991 Persian Gulf War

Abstract : This report reviews Soviet commentary during the various stages of coalition military and maritime operations in the Persian Gulf. It then turns to the early analyses of the war and then finally subsequent more in-depth analyses. An overall assessment is then offered. The shift to a new defensive doctrine and the lessons of the Persian Gulf war have been reasons for the Soviet and now Russian navy to once again make a case for an increased role. Operation DESERT SHIELD demonstrated to the West that the Soviet Union did not view its own security from the sole perspective of military preparedness. The Persian Gulf war is not simply an episode but rather the model upon which future doctrine and organizational development will be built. The forces of choice for future Russian defensive missions will be the type of forces that the coalition successfully used in Operation DESERT STORM. The initial period of war will offer Russia the opportunity to contain crises without having to mobilize its full military potential. The role of the navy and air forces in certain theaters of strategic military operations will increase relative to that of the Russian ground forces. Perhaps the most significant lesson of the Soviet and Russian views on the Persian Gulf war is to once again remind us that their open-source discussions must be seen in the context of the larger debates that are ongoing. Russia, Military strategy, Desert Storm, USSR, Persian Gulf War, Navy, Desert Shield.
Anisotropic Permeability, Eolian Lyons Sandstone: ABSTRACT

Directional permeabilities from nine attitude-oriented core samples of well-laminated eolian Lyons Sandstone from Larimer County, Colorado, were measured with a gas permeameter. Intrinsic permeabilities across the laminae, parallel to lamination and dip, and parallel to lamination End_Page 306------------------------------ and strike, were quantified and compared. Relative permeabilities of gas over the spectrum of oil saturation and porosities were also determined. Permeability across the laminae ranged from 0.5 to 4 md, whereas permeability parallel to lamination ranged from 3 to 97 md. Permeability parallel to lamination was not significantly different when strike and dip directions were compared. Quantitative analyses of textures and fabrics of individual laminae explain the observed diversity of permeabilities. Relative permeabilities were highest at a given oil saturation measured downdip and along the laminae and lowest when measured perpendicular to lamination. End_of_Article - Last_Page 307------------
Assessing high-latitude winter precipitation from global precipitation analyses using GRACE.

Abstract This study compares cold-season, high-latitude precipitation estimates from two global, merged satellite–gauge precipitation analyses—Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and Climate Prediction Center Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP)—to total water storage anomalies produced from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). In general, spatial patterns and interannual variability are highly correlated between the datasets, although significant differences are also observed. Differences vary by region but typically increase at higher latitudes. Furthermore, results indicate that the gauge undercatch correction used by GPCP may be overestimated. These comparisons may be useful for assessing precipitation estimates over large regions, where in situ gauge networks may be sparse.
Acculturation, socioeconomic status, and obesity in Mexican Americans, Cuban Americans, and Puerto Ricans

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between acculturation and obesity in United States (US) Hispanics, controlling for socioeconomic status (SES). METHODS: The sample included 3141 Mexican American, 828 Cuban American, and 1211 Puerto Rican adults 18–74 y of age in the 1982–84 Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES). Acculturation was measured by language preference and generation; SES by income and education; and obesity by body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Mean and standard deviations of BMI (kg/m2) were 25.9±4.4, 26.0±4.2, and 25.5±4.3 in men of Mexican American, Cuban American, and Puerto Rican origin, respectively. For women, the corresponding values were 26.6±5.8, 25.9±5.0, and 26.2±5.9. Linear regression models of BMI which included acculturation, income, education, and other covariates were carried out. Income and education were not associated consistently with BMI. Acculturation, but only among Mexican Americans, was associated with BMI. Specifically, greater preference for English was associated with reduced BMI among women (P<0.01). Also, men and women of the second (P<0.001 in both sexes) and third (P<0.01 in men and P<0.001 in women) generation had greater BMIs. Relative to the first generation, the increase in BMI units was 1.15±0.34 in men and 1.76±0.39 in women in the second generation and 0.83±0.31 in men and 1.83±0.37 in women of the third generation. CONCLUSIONS: BMI was not associated with SES, an unexpected finding since the relationship is generally negative in women from developed countries. The relationship between BMI and acculturation was weak and conditional. BMI in Mexican Americans appeared to be somewhat more sensitive to the process of acculturation than among Cubans or Puerto Ricans.
Self-medication among traumatized youth: structural equation modeling of pathways between trauma history, substance misuse, and psychological distress

In an effort to self-medicate psychological distress stemming from exposure to traumatic life events, at-risk youth may be likely to seek intoxication via substance use. Concomitantly, self-medication with psychoactive substances is theorized to confer risk of developing future psychiatric and substance use disorders. The present study employed structural equation modeling to examine self-medication among a sample of 723 youth in residential treatment for antisocial behavior via recursive and non-recursive relationships between trauma history, substance misuse, and psychological distress. Results supported study hypotheses that: (a) the effects of trauma history on psychological distress are partially mediated by substance misuse, and (b) exposure to traumatic life events drives a feedback loop between substance misuse and psychological distress. Findings from this large-scale survey of adolescents exhibiting behavioral dysfunction suggest that identification of self-medication processes among traumatized youth may be crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment initiatives.