cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suppression of cortical neural variability is stimulus- and state-dependent

Internally generated, spontaneous activity is ubiquitous in the cortex, yet it does not appear to have a significant negative impact on sensory processing. Various studies have found that stimulus onset reduces the variability of cortical responses, but the characteristics of this suppression remained unexplored. By recording multiunit activity from awake and anesthetized rats, we investigated whether and how this noise suppression depends on properties of the stimulus and on the state of the cortex. In agreement with theoretical predictions, we found that the degree of noise suppression in awake rats has a nonmonotonic dependence on the temporal frequency of a flickering visual stimulus with an optimal frequency for noise suppression ~2 Hz. This effect cannot be explained by features of the power spectrum of the spontaneous neural activity. The nonmonotonic frequency dependence of the suppression of variability gradually disappears under increasing levels of anesthesia and shifts to a monotonic pattern of increasing suppression with decreasing frequency. Signal-to-noise ratios show a similar, although inverted, dependence on cortical state and frequency. These results suggest the existence of an active noise suppression mechanism in the awake cortical system that is tuned to support signal propagation and coding.
Discordant localization of 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose in 6-[18F]-fluorodopamine- and [123I]- metaiodobenzylguanidine-negative metastatic pheochromocytoma sites

Background Although the majority of pheochromocytomas (PHEO) are benign, a subset is malignant. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) localize PHEO with high sensitivity but, because of limited specificity, [ 1 3 1 I]- or [ 1 2 3 I]-metaiodobenzylguanidine ([ 1 3 1 I]-or [ 1 2 3 I]-MIBG) is often used as a complementary agent 6-[ 1 8 F]-fluorodopamine ([ 1 8 F]-DA) has been developed as a radiopharmaceutical for the targeting of noradrenergic pathways, and has been shown to result in a better detection rate of PHEO sites than MIBG; however, [ 1 8 F]-DA has shown a lack of accumulation in some patients with metastatic PHEO. Methods Five patients with widespread metastatic PHEO who had CT and MRI evidence of metastatic disease (one man and four women; age range, 25-64 years), and who underwent imaging with [ 1 2 3 I]-MIBG, [ 1 8 F]-DA and 2-[ 1 8 F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-o-glucose ([ 1 8 F]-FDG), were evaluated retrospectively. Tomographic imaging was performed and positron emission tomography (PET) images were inspected visually and quantitatively. Results All five patients had [ 1 2 3 I]-MIBG scans that grossly underestimated the extent of disease when compared with conventional CT and MRI. All lesions seen on [ 1 2 3 I]-MIBG scans were detected on [ 1 8 F]-DA scans, which also detected additional lesions. Nonetheless, [ 1 8 F]-DA also failed to detect numerous lesions seen on CT and MRI. In all of these cases, [ 1 8 F]-FDG PET showed lesions that were not detected on either [ 1 2 3 I]-MIBG or [ 1 8 F]-DA scans. Conclusions When [ 1 2 3 1]-MIBG or [ 1 8 F]-DA fails to localize lesions seen on conventional imaging studies, [ 1 8 F]-FDG may be recommended as an ancillary test for the diagnosis and localization of metastatic PHEO. This is particularly important in patients with aggressive PHEO.
Effects of inhaled 1,1,1 -Trichloroethane on locomotor activity in mice

To quantify the motoric effects of an abused solvent, photocells were added to two exposure systems. The first system utilized a static exposure chamber that recirculated vapor-laden air. A second dynamic system allowed for removal of waste gases with replenishment of fresh air combined with test vapors. In the present studies, male mice were examined for effects on locomotor activity following 30-min inhalation exposures to several concentrations of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCE), a widely used and abused solvent. TCE produced significant increases in locomotor activity at intermediate concentrations. Minimally effective concentrations for activity-increasing effects in the dynamic and static systems were 1,250 ppm and 2,500 ppm, respectively. At higher concentrations, motor activity was decreased with the highest dynamic system concentration (10,000 ppm), resulting in 26% of baseline control values. Biphasic, motor activity increasing and decreasing effects of TCE as a function of exposure concentration may reflect the CNS-depressant drug-like effects of abused solvents.
Microphase separation of a dense two-component grafted-polymer layer

We report results of a large-scale Monte Carlo study of a grafted-polymer "brush" composed of two types of chains of length N = 100 segments under near-melt conditions, with respulsive interactions of strength χ acting between segments of the two species. Following a quench from χ = 0 to χ = 1, we observe the formation of a strongly segregated structure which is laterally microphase-separated, or "rippled" with a modulation wavelength comparable to the distance that chains fluctuate from side to side.
Mapping Induced Residential Demand for Electricity in Kenya

Despite substantial gains in the past few decades, 550 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity. Rural areas present the largest electrification challenge, with access levels below 12% in most countries. Public rural electrification efforts, where undertaken, have generally effected slow and limited change. Further, to motivate the substantial investment required for traditional large-scale generation and transmission projects, strong demand for electricity services is required, and this demand is not easily demonstrated in rural African settings in which little data and substantial uncertainty exist. In this paper, we develop a predictive model for mapping induced residential demand for electricity -- the hypothetical demand that would exist if access to electricity services were made available. We apply this model on a fine geographic basis to Kenya to demonstrate the applicability of the approach to informing public or private electrification efforts. Together with spatially explicit cost models for generation, transmission, and distribution, these induced demand predictions can be used to evaluate various technology options, business models, and tariff structures, or to guide public sector electrification program development.
MRF4 gene expression in Xenopus embryos and aneural myofibers

Vertebrate embryos express the transcription factor MRF4 during skeletal muscle differentiation. Previous studies of MRF4 expression in embryonic Xenopus laevis and its response to muscle denervation in adults have led to the suggestion that its transcription may be activated in myotomes and in multinucleate myofibers through an interaction with the motor nerves. We tested this hypothesis by assaying for MRF4 gene transcripts in early neurula stage embryos, beginning before the appearance of neurons. MRF4 transcripts were detectable by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from at least stage 13-14, well before the differentiation of either nerves or myocytes. We also tested the nerve-dependence of MRF4 gene expression in multinucleate myofibers by comparing transcript levels between interhyoideus muscles in normal larvae and muscles whose motor innervation had been prevented through surgical removal of the brain before cranial motor axon outgrowth. RT-PCR demonstrated similar MRF4 transcript levels in the aneural muscles and controls. These results fail to support the hypothesis that MRF4 gene expression is triggered or is significantly up-regulated in myogenic cells by signals from motor axons.
Simultaneous two-photon calcium imaging at different depths with spatiotemporal multiplexing

In vivo two-photon calcium imaging would benefit from the use of multiple excitation beams to increase scanning speed, signal-to-noise ratio and field of view or to image different axial planes simultaneously. Using spatiotemporal multiplexing we circumvented light-scattering ambiguity inherent to deep-tissue multifocal two-photon microscopy. We demonstrate calcium imaging at multiple axial planes in the intact mouse brain to monitor network activity of ensembles of cortical neurons in three spatial dimensions.
Feasibility of a social networking site to promote physical activity in adults

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of a social networking website on promoting physical activity in an ethnically diverse group of adults. Participants were recruited from English classes at an urban adult education center. Initial measurements included height, weight, and a study-specific survey about exercise and social media use. Participants were invited to join a social networking website as part of an 8-week intervention to promote physical activity. Feasibility of the intervention was determined by analysis of the website use and post-intervention focus groups. Eighteen individuals completed baseline testing and were invited to join the social networking group (4 males, 14 females, 35 ± 13 years of age, mean ± standard deviation). Only six study participants (all women) joined the social networking group. Website visits significantly decreased from the first month to the second month, but participants spent significantly more time per visit during the second compared to the fir...
Collision of multi-particle and general shape objects in a viscous fluid

The dynamics of particle-particle collisions in a viscous fluid are numerically investigated. A distributed-Lagrange-multiplier-based computational method in a solid-fluid system is developed and a collision strategy for general shape objects is presented. In earlier methods, a repulsive force is applied to the particles when their separation is less than a critical value and, depending on the magnitude of this repulsive force, collision may not be prevented or particles may bounce unrealistically. In the present method, upon collision of two or more particles, a uniformly distributed force is added to each particle. The contact force is calculated and the relative velocity of the particles along their line of center vanishes. For non-spherical (or non-cylindrical in 2-D) particles the force due to collision may lead to a torque around the center of mass of each particle. In this situation, the uniform distributed force is modified in order to create a net torque around the center of mass of each particle without changing the net force applied to that particle. The contact force is impulsive at the onset of the collision process and decreases smoothly to zero when contact ends. Particles separate from each other when the contact force vanishes and subsequently, a rigidity constraint is satisfied for each particle separately. Results for systems of multi-particle and general shape objects in a viscous fluid are presented.
Research Participants' Views on Ethics in Social Research: Issues for Research Ethics Committees

The study reported in this paper explored the ethical requirements of social research participants, an area where there is still little empirical research, by interviewing people who had participat...
SnTe–AgBiTe2 as an efficient thermoelectric material with low thermal conductivity

SnTe is an intriguing alternative to its sister compound PbTe in thermoelectric energy conversion because of their electronic and structural similarity; however, it is challenging to optimize its thermoelectric performance to the level of PbTe because of the difficulties in decreasing its intrinsically large hole population and high thermal conductivity arising from the tin vacancies. We demonstrate here that by alloying some AgBiTe2 in SnTe, thus forming AgSnxBiTex+2 compositions the hole concentration can be duly decreased because of the high efficiency of Bi as an electron donor. The lattice thermal conductivity is also decreased due to the strong scattering of phonons (by point defect scattering as well as Ag-rich nanostructures) to achieve a value of ∼0.7 W m−1 K−1 at ∼750 K. As a result, a high thermoelectric figure ZT of merit of ∼1.1 at 775 K is achieved by chemical composition optimization (×∼15), making lead free SnTe–AgBiTe2 a promising thermoelectric material.
Use of Biomarkers in Oil Spill Risk Assessment in the Marine Environment

ABSTRACT Numerous molecular, cellular, and physiological biomarkers have been used to assess the responses of marine animals to petroleum compounds. To be used in ecological risk assessment after an oil spill, a biomarker response needs to be linked to petroleum exposure and not strongly influenced by internal and external confounding factors. Biomarker responses to petroleum PAH, dominated by alklated two-and three-ringed aromatics, can be quite different than responses to pyrogenic PAH, dominated by four-and five-ringed aromatics. In many field sites there is a mixture of petrogenic and pyrogenic PAH, along with other contaminants, making it difficult to relate biomarker responses to a particular contaminant class. Biomarkers used to assess marine animal responses in the field include the cytochrome P450 system, heat stress protein, histopathology, and bile fluorescent compounds (FAC). Other biomarkers, including DNA/chromosomal damage and phase 2 enzymes, have been shown to respond after laboratory exp...
Rapid determination of total hydroxyproline (HYP) in human urine by HPLC analysis of the phenylisothiocyonate (PITC)-derivative

A recent development in the preparation for amino acid analysis is the use of phenylisothiocyanate (PITC) as a precolumn derivatizing agent prior to analysis to form a stable derivative. These derivatives can then be separated by reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Because of interest in the accurate measurement of urinary hydroxyproline (HYP), PITC was used for derivatization followed by HPLC analysis. Using an automated computer-controlled sampler system, up to 75 samples can be analyzed each 24 h. Technical details, specificity, and reliability of this method are provided. Duplicate measurements of HYP had a coefficient of variation (CV) of 5.5% and with a recovery of HYP in spiked urine samples of 94 to 104%. A sample frozen and thawed 10 times showed no change in the concentration of HYP. When total HYP was measured in 230 healthy women between 20 and 39 years of age, it was found to be 236.62 +/- 146.41 mumoles/L. These samples were researched in 3.5 days using this technique.
Flare-up of pericarditis complicating myocardial infarction after two years of steroid therapy.

Abstract A case of myocardial infarction is reported in which the acute stage was complicated by recurrent febrile episodes and pleuropericardial pain. Post-myocardial infarction syndrome was diagnosed. Administration of corticosteroids brought prompt relief. Repeated attempts at withdrawal of the hormones resulted in relapse of fever and chest pain. Steroid therapy was continued for more than 2 years. On two occasions, that is, 10 months and 2 years, after institution of steroid therapy, withdrawal of hormones was followed by development of pericarditis with effusion, pleuritis, and pneumonitis. The observations made in this case offer another argument against the view that the postmyocardial infarction syndrome is of infectious origin.
On Weyl’s solution for space-times with two commuting Killing fields

The solution of the metric coefficients for space-times with diagonal metrics and two commuting Killing fields can be reduced to a Laplace or a wave equation in two variables and to a further pair of integrable differential equations. This reduction can be achieved in a variety of ways. The choice of a coordinate frame and the selection of the combination of metric functions that satisfies the Laplace or the wave equation depend on the physical problem that is considered. The resolution of the issues that arise is illustrated in the contexts of three physical problems; and the solution of the remaining pair of equations, of most frequent occurrence in these contexts, is obtained in explicit form.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF EXCHANGE TRANSFUSIONS IN ERYTHROBLASTOTIC BABIES ON IMMUNOLOGIC TOLERANCE FOR THE A-B-O AGGLUTINOGENS.

Seven children, who as newborn infants had been treated for Rh hemolytic disease by exchange transfusions with A-B-O incompatible blood, were tested for their anti-A and anti-B titers. For comparison 11 children were tested who had received exchange transfusions of A-B-O compatible blood. No difference in antibody titers was detected between the two groups of patients. Thus, there was no evidence that the massive transfusions of A-B-O incompatible blood can induce immunologic tolerance to A and B substances, even when carried out during the neonatal period when the immunologic system is still immature. The answer appears to be that for tolerance to develop, the transfused cells must survive and multiply, while the blood received by exchange transfusion is eliminated within three or four months.
Venous admixture in COPD: pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches.

Chronic obstructive and interstitial lung diseases impair pulmonary gas exchange leading to wasted ventilation (alveolar dead space) and wasted perfusion (venous admixture). These two fundamental types of abnormality represent opposite ends of the spectrum of ventilation-perfusion mismatch with V˙/Q˙ ratios of infinity and zero. Treatment approaches that improve airway function, reduce air trapping and hyperinflation have received much attention and might be successful at ameliorating the problems associated with high V˙/Q˙. However, in patients with low V˙/Q˙ abnormality in whom venous admixture leads to hypoxemia, there are few therapeutic options. Indeed, some patients are refractory to treatment with supplemental oxygen particularly during exercise. Theoretically these patients could benefit from an intervention that increased mixed venous oxygen content thereby ameliorating the deleterious effects of venous admixture. In this perspective article we discuss the mechanisms whereby venous admixture contributes to hypoxemia and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. We explore methods which could potentially increase mixed venous oxygen content thus ameliorating the deleterious effects of venous admixture. One such intervention that warrants further investigation is the therapeutic creation of an arterio-venous fistula. Such an approach would be novel, simple and minimally invasive. There is reason to believe that complications would be minor leading to a favorable risk-benefit analysis. This approach to treatment could have significant impact for patients with COPD but should also benefit any patient with chronic hypoxemia that impairs exercise performance.
Spectral analysis of the Pekeris operator in the theory of acoustic wave propagation in shallow water

ThePekeris differential operator is defined by $$Au = - c^2 (x_n )\rho (x_n )\nabla \cdot \left( {\frac{1}{{\rho (x_n )}}\nabla u} \right),$$ wherex=(x1,x2,...xn)∈Rn,∇=(∂/∂x1, ∂/∂x2,...∂/∂xn), and the functionsc(xn),σ(xn) satisfy $$c(x_n ) = \left\{ \begin{gathered} c_1 , 0 \leqq x_n< h, \hfill \\ c_2 , x_n \geqq h, \hfill \\ \end{gathered} \right.$$ and $$\rho (x_n ) = \left\{ \begin{gathered} \rho _1 , 0 \leqq x_n< h, \hfill \\ \rho _2 , x_n \geqq h, \hfill \\ \end{gathered} \right.$$ wherec1,c2,ϱ1,ϱ2, andh are positive constants. The operator arises in the study of acoustic wave propagation in a layer of water having sound speedc1 and densityϱ1 which overlays a bottom having sound speedc2 and densityϱ2.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for retreatment of gross perineural invasion in recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

OBJECTIVES To report outcomes, failure patterns, and toxicity after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for recurrent head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with gross perineural invasion (GPNI). METHODS Ten patients who received SRS as part of retreatment for recurrent head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with GPNI were included. All patients exhibited clinical and radiologic evidence of GPNI before SRS. Previous treatments included surgery alone in 3 patients and surgery with adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in 7 patients. Retreatment included SRS alone in 2 and EBRT boosted with SRS in 8 patients. Magnetic resonance images were obtained every 3 to 6 months after SRS to track failure patterns. RESULTS At a median 22-month follow-up, the 2-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 20% and 50%, respectively. Seven patients exhibited local failures, all of which occurred outside both SRS and EBRT fields. Five local failures occurred in previously clinically uninvolved cranial nerves (CNs). CN disease spreads through 3 distinct patterns: among different branches of CN V; between CNs V and VII; and between V1 and CNs III, IV, and/or VI. Five patients experienced side effects potentially attributable to radiation. CONCLUSIONS Although there is excellent in-field control with this approach, the rate of out-of-field failures remains unacceptably high. We found that the majority of failures occurred in previously clinically uninvolved CNs often just outside treatment fields. Novel treatment strategies targeting this mode of perineural spread are needed.
Ray-tracing triangular trimmed free-form surfaces

This paper presents a new approach to rendering triangular algebraic free-form surfaces. A hierarchical subdivision of the surface with associated tight bounding volumes provides for quick identification of the surface regions likely to be hit by a ray. For each leaf of the hierarchy, an approximation to the corresponding surface region is stored. The approximation is used to compute a good starting point for the iteration, which ensures rapid convergence. Trimming curves are described by a tree of trimming primitives, such as squares, circles, polygons, and free-form curves, combined with Boolean operations. For trimmed surfaces, an irregular adaptive subdivision is constructed to quickly eliminate all parts outside the trimming curve from consideration during rendering. Cost heuristics are introduced to optimize the rendering time further.
Optimal design of journal bearings

Abstract A new mathematical optimization technique, geometric programming, is used to optimize a number of journal bearing design problems. Though a few simplifying assumptions must be made in order to write the bearing design problem mathematically, no additional simplifying assumptions are required in order to apply geometric programming. Geometric programming is found to be a powerful technique for optimizing journal bearing design problems.
PECTINASE IN ASCLEPIAS LATEX AND ITS POSSIBLE ROLE IN LATICIFER GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

A B S T RA CT A pectinase with a pH optimum of 5.2 is present in the latex of the common milkweed, Asclepias syriaca L. The enzyme was partially purified from the serum fraction of fresh latex by dialysis and ammonium sulfate fractionation. Enzyme activity was detected by a viscometry assay and by the dinitrosalicylic acid assay for reducing sugars. Pectin and polygalacturonic acid could serve as substrates for the enzyme. Pectolytic activity in latex presents a basis for describing the development of the non-articulated branched laticifer system. Enzyme activity may facilitate intrusive tip growth of the laticifer among other cells by solubilizing pectic substances of the middle lamella and also may be important for loosening wall material of the laticifer itself to facilitate extension growth. THE INTRUSIVE GROWTH and extensive elongation
Suppression of immune responses in collagen-induced arthritis by a rationally designed CD80-binding peptide agent

Objective The CD80/CD86–CD28/CD152 costimulatory pathways transmit signals for CD4+ T cell activation and suppression and are critically involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A significant number of CD4+ T cells and macrophages in the rheumatoid synovium express elevated levels of CD80, increasing the potential for costimulation in trans of naive T cells. To determine the effect of blockade of this costimulatory axis in RA, we designed novel CD80-binding peptides and evaluated their therapeutic potential in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), an animal model of RA. Methods The conserved MYPPPY motif of CD152 adopts a polyproline type II (PPII) helical conformation in the CD80–CD152 complex. The pairing preferences of the critical residues at the CD80–CD152 interface and their propensity to form PPII helices were integrated to design peptides with optimum PPII helical content that selectively block CD80–receptor interactions. The clinical efficacy was tested in DBA/1LacJ mice that were administered the CD80 blocking agents, called CD80-binding competitive antagonist peptides (CD80-CAPs), at the time of immunization with bovine type II collagen or 3 weeks after immunization. Results A single administration of select CD80-CAPs significantly reduced the clinical, radiologic, and histologic disease severity in CIA. Importantly, administration of CD80-CAPs during activated immune response significantly suppressed disease development by reducing mononuclear cell infiltration in the joints and mediating peripheral deletion of activated CD4+ T cells. Conclusion A rationally designed CD80-binding peptide both prevents and suppresses CIA, suggesting a potential application in RA. Apoptosis of activated CD4+ T cells following in vivo blockade suggests that the effects of CD80-CAPs may be long-lasting.
DNA annealing and DNA-protein interactions by capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract This work deals with annealing of single-stranded DNA and the binding of a serum respond factor to a DNA probe containing specific binding site. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) method is explored and compared with the mobility-shift gel electrophoresis (GE) procedure. The results indicate the CE method offers direct and rapid annealing of the DNA strands. It requires no prior incubation with additives (polynucleotides, proteins) to reduce nonspecific DNA–protein interactions. Unwanted nonspecific interactions are not observed in the CE method. The presence of a fluorescein tag to the DNA probe yields identical results to those with the radioactive label. A fluorescein tag in the CE work can be used without any adverse effects. The dissociation constant ( K d ) of this protein–DNA complex by the CE method was similar to those determined by the GE method (≅10 −6 M). The proposed method is extremely powerful, highly sensitive, quantitative, and fast. It can determine even very small conformational differences of the DNA probe.
Gastric heterotopia in the gallbladder.

Abstract This is a case report of a 7 year old patient with acute noncalculous cholecystitis due to gastric heterotopia in the gall bladder.
High-speed high-density holographic memory using electro-optic beam steering devices

An innovative compact holographic memory system will be presented. This system utilizes a new electro-optic (E-O) beam steering technology to achieve high-speed, high-density holographic data storage.
Low-cost optical lifetime assisted ratiometric glutamine sensor based on glutamine binding protein.

Abstract Here we report a reagentless fluorescence sensing technique for glutamine in the submicromolar range based on the glutamine binding protein (QBP). The S179C mutant is labeled with the short-lived acrylodan (lifetime 300 μs) at the –SH and the N-terminal positions, respectively. In the presence of glutamine the fluorescence of acrylodan is quenched, while the fluorescence of europium complex remains constant. In this report we describe an innovative technique, the so called lifetime assisted ratiometric sensing to discriminate the two fluorescence signals using minimal optics and power requirements. This method exploits the large difference between the fluorescence lifetimes of the two fluorophores to isolate the individual fluorescence from each other by alternating the modulation frequency of the excitation light between 300 Hz and 10 kHz. The result is a ratiometric optical method that does not require expensive and highly attenuating band pass filters for each of the dyes, but only one long pass filter for both. Thus, the signal to noise ratio is enhanced, and at the same time, the optical setup is simplified. The end product is a simple sensing device suitable for low-cost applications such as point-of-care diagnostics or in-the-field analysis.
Enkephalinergic modulation of non-cholinergic transmission in mammalian prevertebral ganglia

The non-cholinergic excitatory potential elicited in neurons of the isolated inferior mesenteric ganglia was depressed by bath application of Met- or Leu-enkephalin and enhanced by naloxone or naltrexone. The membrane depolarization induced by exogenously applied putative transmitter substance P was not appreciably affected by either enkephalin (Enk) or opiate antagonists. Our results indicate that the non-cholinergic excitatory transmission which may be mediated by substance P in prevertebral ganglia is modulated presynaptically by endogenously released Enk in a manner that may resemble the interaction between these two peptides in the spinal cord.
A CAMAC Crate Controller Using a Microprocessor

An inexpensive CAMAC system has been developed around a microprocessor. This system may be used as a stand-alone system or as a subsystem in a distributed processor system. It incorporates both CAMAC modules and non-CAMAC devices.
Individual Life Chances, 1850-1910: A Norwegian-American Example

Norwegian-American farm children who came of age during the late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century Midwest faced an era of declining real wages and increasing land prices. Two data sets constructed from parish records, community genealogies, and the United States federal census illustrate structural inequalities in marital opportunity and length of residence in the natal family, according to the sex and birth order of children. Utilizing time-dependent proportional hazards models, the results indicate that earlier-born sons and daughters were more likely to marry and that daughters tended to leave home earlier than their brothers. The results also indicate that marriage, for sons and daughters alike, was more likely among children who left the rural settlement of their parents.
A Novel Method of Network Text Analysis

This paper describes a novel method of network text analysis, one that involves a new approach to 1) the selection of words from a text, 2) the aggregation of those words into higher-order concepts, 3) the kind of the relationship that establishes statements from pairs of concepts and 4) the extraction of meaning from the text network formed by these statements. After describing the method, I apply it to a sample of the seven most recent winners of the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay―Little Miss Sunshine, Juno, Milk, The Hurt Locker, The King’s Speech, Midnight in Paris, and Django Unchained. Consistent with prior research, I demonstrate that structure encodes meaning. Specifically, it is shown that statements associated with a text network’s least constrained nodes are consistent with themes in the films’ synopses found on Wikipedia, the International Movie Database, and Rotten Tomatoes.
Solvated electron extinction coefficient and oscillator strength in high temperature water.

The decadic extinction coefficient of the hydrated electron is reported for the absorption maximum from room temperature to 380 °C. The extinction coefficient is established by relating the transient absorption of the hydrated electrons in the presence of a scavenger to the concentration of stable product produced in the same experiment. Scavengers used in this report are SF6, N2O, and methyl viologen. The room temperature value is established as 22 500 M−1 cm−1, higher by 10−20% than values used over the last several decades. We demonstrate how previous workers arrived at a low value by incorrect choice of a radiolysis yield value. With this revision, the integrated oscillator strength, corrected by refractive index, is definitely (ca. 10%) larger than unity. This result is fully consistent with EPR and resonance Raman results which indicate mixing of the hydrated electron wave function with solvent electronic orbitals. Oscillator strength appears to be conserved vs temperature.
Effect of an immunonutrient mix on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell growth and viability

Abstract Objective l -Glutamine, l -arginine, RNA, and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been incorporated into nutritional formulas to improve immunity of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. We therefore examined the individual and net effects of these immunonutrients on four different human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines. Methods LS174T, HT-29, CO112, and Caco-2 cells were exposed to dilutions of 1:50, 1:100, and 1:1000 of a mix or individual components of a mix of 15 g/L of l -glutamine, 16.3 g/L of l -arginine, 1.6 g/L of RNA, and 2.7 g/L of ω-3 PUFAs. Cell growth kinetic was assessed using cell count with a flow cytometer. Cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated with double fluorescence-activated cell sorter analyses using bromodeoxyuridine labeling index and annexin V staining, respectively. One-way analysis of variance and Student’s t tests were used for comparison. Results Evaluation of the cell growth kinetic over an 18-d period showed that the immunonutrient mix stimulated cancer cell growth only when diluted ≥100 times. Individual component evaluation indicated that the cell growth stimulation was mainly due to the presence of l -glutamine and to a lesser extent RNA in the mix. l -Arginine had no effect. At a lower dilution of 1:50, ω-3 PUFA concentrations were sufficient to induce cell cycle arrest and massive cell death in part through apoptosis. Conclusion These results suggest that cancer cell growth stimulation by current immunonutrient formulas is unlikely due to predominant cytotoxic effect of ω-3 PUFAs.
Ionization and Dissociation of Molecules by Electron Impact

Among the methods available for experimental study of molecular structure an important place is occupied by that one which uses a mass spectrograph to study the kind of products formed when molecules are struck by electrons of known energy. In the following paper we wish to give some illustrations of work done in this field including a brief account of some new results recently obtained which will be published in detail elsewhere.
Apolipoprotein binding to protruding membrane domains during removal of excess cellular cholesterol

Abstract High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are believed to protect against cardiovascular disease by removing excess cholesterol from cells. Lipid-free HDL apolipoproteins remove cellular cholesterol and phospholipids by an active, Golgi-dependent process that is still poorly understood. Here we characterized the morphology of apolipoprotein binding sites on cultured cells by immunogold electron microscopy. After 6 h incubations with lipid-free apoA-I or apoE, immunogold-labeled apolipoproteins were distributed sparsely along the planar surface of human fibroblasts and THP-1 macrophages. Overloading these cells with cholesterol led to a several-fold increase in the concentration of immunogold-labeled apoA-I and apoE on the cell surface, and over 80% of these gold particles were associated with novel electron-opaque structures protruding from the plasma membrane. Protrusions binding apoE were larger (100–200 nm) than those binding apoA-I (10–60 nm), and similar apoA-I-binding structures appeared when cells were incubated with either purified apoA-I or HDL particles. These structures were formed and enlarged by a time-dependent process inhibited by the Golgi disruptor brefledin A, the energy poison NaF, and low temperature. Moreover, formation of these structures was nearly absent in fibroblasts from a subject with Tangier disease, cells that lack a functioning apolipoprotein-mediated lipid removal pathway. Thus, formation of novel apolipoprotein binding structures protruding from the cell surface is an intermediate step in the cellular pathway by which apolipoproteins remove excess cholesterol.
Activation and attenuation of apoptosis of CD4+ T cells following in vivo exposure to two common environmental toxicants, trichloroacetaldehyde hydrate and trichloroacetic acid

Abstract Exposure to occupationally relevant concentrations of the environmental pollutant, trichloroethylene (TCE), in the drinking water of autoimmune-prone MRL+/+ mice has been shown to promote the generation of lupus and autoimmune hepatitis in association with the activation of Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing CD4+ T cells. Since blocking TCE metabolism suppressed the TCE-induced alteration in immune function, the present study was initiated to determine whether the major metabolites of TCE, trichloroacetaldehyde hydrate (TCAH) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) could also mediate these immunoregulatory affects in vivo. TCAH and TCA were administered to the drinking water of MRL+/+ mice for 4 weeks. CD4+ T cells from TCAH and TCA-treated MRL+/+ mice, unlike CD4+ T cells from control mice, demonstrated functional and phenotypic signs of activation, as evidenced by increased IFN-γ production in association with the increased percentage of CD62Llo CD4+ T cells. Interestingly, it was also found that the CD4+ T cells from the TCAH and TCA-treated mice showed a decreased susceptibility to the activation-induced cell death (AICD) form of apoptosis following re-stimulation in vitro. By demonstrating that TCAH and TCA can activate CD4+ T cells and inhibit their apoptosis following in vivo exposure represents a mechanism by which environmental toxicants may induce or accelerate the development of autoimmune disease.
Examining police use of force: a smaller agency perspective

Purpose – This research seeks to examine police use of force from a smaller police agency perspective in comparison with what is known from previous research using data from larger‐scale agencies.Design/methodology/approach – Using police use of force reports involving arrests (n=3,264) over a three‐year period (2002‐2004) from a small police agency located in the upper‐Midwest, this study utilizes descriptive and multivariate analyses to examine how and why officers use force.Findings – While officers resorted to physical force (beyond handcuffing) in 18 percent of the arrest encounters, the majority of force is located at the lower end of the force continuum (e.g. soft hand control). However, unlike officer behavior, much of the resistant behavior displayed by suspects is toward the upper end of the spectrum (e.g. defensive/active). The results also indicate that the most powerful predictor of force is the presence and level of suspect resistance presented to officers. These findings are placed within t...
Assessment of Behavioral and Emotional Problems in Infancy: A Systematic Review

Behavioral and emotional problems are highly prevalent in early childhood and represent an important focus of practice for clinical child and pediatric psychologists. Although psychological or psychiatric disorders are not typically diagnosed in children under the age of 2 years, recent research has demonstrated the appropriateness of assessing behavioral and emotional problems during the first 2 years of life (defined throughout as “infancy”). The current paper provides a systematic review of assessment procedures used to identify behavioral and emotional problems during infancy. Existing assessment procedures for infants take the form of parent- or caregiver-report questionnaires, observational coding procedures, and diagnostic classification systems. The questionnaires and observational coding procedures both had substantial psychometric evidence for use with infants, although observational coding may have limited utility in clinical practice. The classification systems have less empirical support for use with infants, and further research is necessary to demonstrate the appropriateness of these procedures with infants. Utilizing the reviewed procedures to assess behavioral and emotional problems in infants can have a substantial impact in research and practice settings, and further research is needed to determine the usefulness of these procedures in developing, testing, and implementing preventive and early intervention programs for infants and their families.
Outcome of patients on combined extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy: a retrospective study.

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a lifesaving therapy used in the management of cardiopulmonary failure. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is often added to the treatment for the correction of fluid and electrolyte imbalance in patients with acute kidney injury. Most of the literature on the use of combined ECMO and CRRT has been on pediatric patients. There are limited outcome data on the use of these combined modalities in adult patients. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of all the patients above the age of 18 years who underwent combined ECMO and CRRT at a tertiary care medical center during the period January 2007 to January 2012. The primary outcomes measured were mortality at one year and renal recovery or dialysis dependence at one month. Results A total of 40 patients who were treated concurrently with ECMO and CRRT were identified. The mean age was 47.01 ± 18.29 years. The most common indications for initiation of CRRT were combined fluid overload and electrolyte imbalance. Mortality at one month was (32/40) 80%. Among the 8 survivors (20%), 3 patients required continuation of hemodialysis and 5 patients were independent of dialysis at 30 days. Conclusions Mortality of patients treated with combined ECMO and CRRT is high. Initiation of CRRT in these patients is simply an indicator of severity of illness and fatality. Younger age, higher arterial pH, left ventricular dysfunction and use of VA ECMO are associated with improved survival in these patients.
Diffusion of oxygen from gas pockets to capillaries.

Abstract Exit rate of O 2 from subcutaneous gas pockets in unanesthetized rats was studied at 1 atm pressure, breathing air or pure O 2 , and in a hyperbaric environment, breathing 1 atm of O 2 , remainder N 2 . The findings were (a) rats had lower O 2 exit rate ( V O 2 ) when breathing O 2 than when breathing air and (b) at low P O 2 , curves of V O 2 vs pocket P O 2 were concave downward but changed to linear or concave upward above 1 atm. These data are consistent with a model which assumes that O 2 diffuses through tissue until it meets a capillary and that the means by which blood carries O 2 changes as pocket P O 2 increases: Hb does not become saturated at low P O 2 , but does at higher P O 2 , and physical solution becomes important at very high P O 2 . The success of the model implies that for diffusion of gases, the tissue-capillary milieu approximates a homogeneous medium in which both diffusion and clearance take place at the same time and at every location.
The Nonlinear Viscoelastic-Viscoplastic Behavior of IM7/5260 Composites Subjected to Cyclic Loading:

A constitutive model consisting of a combination of the Schapery non-linear viscoelastic heredity integral and a nonlinear viscoplastic functional employed by Zapas and Crissman is described. Material constants associated with the constitutive models are measured for graphite-bismaleimide (IM7/5260) composites at elevated temperatures and stress levels. These results are then combined with classical lamination theory, so as to predict the response of a multi-angle laminate to cyclic thermomechanical loadings. Predictions are favorably compared with measurements obtained during a 50-hr test involving ten 5-hr loading cycles.
Decentralized controller design for smart structural systems

In this paper, we show how to design decentralized controllers for smart structural systems to achieve multiple objectives associated with performances defined by H∞ or H2 norm, robust stability for model uncertainty, and limited actuator authority. The decentralized controller is designed in a sequential procedure for each control loop by solving synthesis conditions represented in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The simultaneous design of decentralized controller, formulated as a non-convex minimization problem, is also discussed. The proposed design method was experimentally tested on a three-mass structure with three control loops.
Microalgae of the Lanzhou (China) Cryptogamic Crust

Abstract Cryptogamic crust was collected near Lanzhou, central China, in April 1986 before the start of the monsoon rains, which average 358 mm annually. The site lies on windblown loess at an elevation of 1556 m, where minimum January temperatures average — 14°C and maximum July temperatures average 29°C. The crust was analyzed for microalgae and cyanobacteria. Eleven organisms were isolated and described. Eukaryotic algae included two unicellular forms, Bracteococcus sp. and Myrmecia sp., and one filamentous branched alga, Moncilia sp., which was the largest algal component of the crust. Cyanobacteria included homocystous Oscillatoria williamsii an LPP group B isolate, and Phormidium sp., and heterocystous Nostoc spp., Anabaena sp., and Tolypothrix sp. The Lanzhou crust lacked the genus Microcoleus found in the western United States, Argentina, and Hungary, yet contained the genus Oscillatoria found in Argentina and India. The diversity of the Lanzhou crust composition indicates some potential for N2 fi...
Spectroelectrochemical sensing based on multimode selectivity simultaneously achievable in a single device. 2. Demonstration of selectivity in the presence of direct interferences.

Three modes of selectivity based on charge-selective partitioning, electrolysis potential, and spectral absorption wavelength were demonstrated simultaneously in a new type of spectroelectrochemical sensor. Operation and performance of the three modes of selectivity for detection of analytes in the presence of direct interferences were investigated using binary mixture systems. These binary mixtures consisted of Fe(CN)63- and Ru(bpy)32+ and of Fe(CN)64- and Ru(CN)64- in aqueous solutions. Results on the Fe(CN)63-/Ru(bpy)32+ binary mixture showed that an anion-exchange coating consisting of PDMDAAC-SiO2 [where PDMDAAC is poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride)] and a cation-exchange coating consisting of Nafion-SiO2 can trap and preconcentrate analytes with charge selection. At the same time, such coatings exclude interferences carrying the same type of charge as that of the exchange sites in the sensor coating. Using the Fe(CN)64-/Ru(CN)64- binary mixture, the Fe(CN)64- component can be selectively detecte...
What to Consider When Preparing a Model Core Curriculum for GIS Ethics: Objectives, Methods, and a Sketch of Content.

The purpose of this article is to provide a summary of what is known about teaching ethics in engineering, science, and related disciplines. Such a summary should provide a useful starting point for preparation of a detailed curriculum for teaching the ethics of geo-coded information systems broadly understood (“GIS ethics” for short). It attempts to answer the following questions: What is “ethics” for the purpose of GIS? What is teaching ethics? What objectives should teaching ethics have in a technical curriculum? What methods should be used? How should student work in ethics be assessed? How should the teaching of ethics be assessed?