cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Video Compression for Wireless Communications

This research centers on providing digital video on demand to portable receivers through wireless communications. The three main technological issues for wireless video communication are compression efficiency, error recovery, and low-power implementation. The algorithmic goal is to develop compression algorithms that maintain consistent visual quality for image and video signals transmitted over a noisy channel. These algorithms must therefore provide efficient compression and provisions for recovery in situations of severely degraded transmission. The hardware goal is to demonstrate low-power decoder modules that implement the decompression algorithms with recovery capability for lost information.
Resolving the excess of long GRB's at low redshift in the Swift era

Utilizing more than 100 long gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) in the Swift-Ryan-2012 sample that include the observed redshifts and jet angles, Le & Mehta performed a timely study of the rate-density of LGRBs with an assumed broken power law GRB spectrum and obtained a GRB-burst-rate functional form that gives acceptable fits to the preSwift and Swift redshift and jet angle distributions. The results indicated an excess of LGRBs at redshift below $z \sim 2$ in the Swift sample. In this work, we are investigating if the excess is caused by the cosmological Hubble constant $H_0$, the $\gamma$-ray energy released $E_\gamma$, the low- and high-energy indices ($\alpha, \beta$) of the Band function, the minimum and maximum jet angles $\theta_{\rm j,min}$ and $\theta_{\rm j, max}$, or that the excess is due to a biased in the Swift-Ryan-2012 sample. Our analyses indicate that none of the above physical parameters resolved the excess problem, but suggesting that the Swift-Ryan-2012~sample is biased with possible afterglow selection effect. The following model physical parameter values provide the best fit to the Swift-Ryan-2012 and preSwift~samples: the Hubble constant $H_0 = 72 \, {\rm km s^{-1} Mpc^{-1}}$, the energy released $E_\gamma \sim 4.47 \times 10^{51}$ erg, the energy indices $\alpha \sim 0.9$ and $\beta \sim -2.13$, the jet angles of $\theta_{\rm j,max} \sim 0.8$ rad, and $\theta_{\rm j, min} \sim 0.065$ and $\sim 0.04$ rad for preSwift and Swift, respectively, $s \sim -1.55$ the jet angle power-law index, and a GRB formation rate that is similar to the Hopkins & Beacom observed star formation history and as extended by Li. Using the Swift Gamma-Ray Burst Host Galaxy Legacy Survey (SHOALS) Swift-Perley LGRB sample and applying the same physical parameter values as above, however, our model provides consistent results with this data set and indicating no excess of LGRBs at any redshift.
Notes on Use of the Composite Estimator: an Improvement of the Ratio Estimator

This article discusses use of the composite estimator with the optimal weight to reduce the variance (or the mean-squared-error, MSE) of the ratio estimator. To study the practical usefulness of the proposed composite estimator, a Monte Carlo simulation is performed comparing the bias and MSE of composite estimators (with estimated optimal weight and with known optimal weight) with those of the simple expansion and the ratio estimators. Two examples, one regarding the estimation of dead fir trees via an aerial photo and the other regarding the estimation of the average sugarcane acres per county, are included to illustrate the use of the composite estimator developed here.
P653 Modeling the impact of partially efficacious gonorrhea vaccines

Background Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Current control measures are inadequate and are threatened by the emergence of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance. This emerging challenge calls for a vaccine which will reduce the circulation and transmission of this infection, and thus emergence of drug-resistant strains in the population. Methods A novel deterministic compartmental mathematical model of the heterosexual transmission of Neisseria gonorrheae was constructed to assess the impact of a pre-exposure (prophylactic) vaccine. Results Catch-up vaccination with a prophylactic vaccine introduced in 2020, with vaccine efficacy in reducing susceptibility of 50% and vaccine coverage of 80% at 2030, reduced gonorrhea prevalence by 29% by 2030, 34% by 2040, and 37% by 2050. The number of vaccinations needed to avert one infection was 31 in 2030, 24 in 2040, and 13 in 2050. Through age group prioritization, the number of vaccinations needed to avert one infection (in 2030) ranged from 24 for the 15–19 years age group, to 50 for the 45–49 age group. Through risk group prioritization (also in 2030), prioritizing the highest sexual risk group (such as female sex workers) was most effective with only 1 vaccination needed per infection averted. Meanwhile, for the lowest sexual risk group (general population), 110 vaccinations were needed per infection averted. Conclusion Even a partially efficacious gonorrhea vaccine can considerably reduce the prevalence of infection. Vaccine effectiveness is optimized by targeting high sexual risk groups and young individuals. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Risk of venous thromboembolism in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

6073Background: To identify the incidence of newly occurring venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with ovarian cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Methods: Using our prospectively...
Introduction of a Hybrid Monitor for Cyber-Physical Systems

Computing systems and mobile technologies have changed dramatically since the introduction of firewall technology in 1988. The internet has grown from a simple network of networks to a cyber and physical entity that encompasses the entire planet. Cyber-physical systems (CPS) now control most of the day to day operations of human civilization from autonomous cars to nuclear energy plants. While phenomenal, this growth has created new security threats. These are threats that cannot be blocked by a firewall for they are not only cyber but cyber-physical. In light of these cyber-physical threats, this paper proposes a security measure that promises to enhance the security of cyber-physical systems. Using theoretical cyber, physical, and cyber-physical attack scenarios, this paper highlights the need for additional monitoring of cyber-physical systems as an extra security measure. Additionally, we illustrate the efficiency of the proposed monitor using a Shannon entropy proof, and a multiple security domain nondeducibility (MSDND) proof.
Socially dominant women strategically build coalitions of strong men in resource-rich environments

Abstract Selecting formidable male coalitions to navigate intergroup threats and resource acquisition evolved to enhance survival through group living, given men's enhanced ability to extract and protect resources through physical aggression. Though advantageous in certain contexts, formidable men can nonetheless inflict intragroup costs, suggesting preferences for this trait varies with resource availability in local ecologies. This study tasked participants (477 women, 140 men; MAge = 19.98, SD = 4.22) with building coalitions from arrays of physically strong and weak men to acquire resources in hopeful and desperate ecologies before assessing endorsement of several aspects of conservatism. Women high in social dominance orientation built more formidable coalitions in resource-abundant ecologies. Men's coalitional interests were unaffected by these factors. We frame results through evolved sex differences in coalition-building based on men and women's different formidability valuation thresholds while considering ancestral logic behind political ideology related to resource acquisition.
Attorney Fees and Expenses in Class Action Settlements: 1993–2008

We report on a comprehensive database of 18 years of available opinions (1993–2008, inclusive) on settlements in class action and shareholder derivative cases in state and federal courts. An earlier study, covering 1993–2002, revealed a remarkable relationship between attorney fees and class recovery size: regardless of the methodology for calculating fees ostensibly employed by the courts, the class recovery size was the overwhelmingly important determinant of the fee. The present study, which nearly doubles the number of cases in the database, confirms that relationship. Fees display the same relationship to class recoveries in both data sets and neither fees nor recoveries materially increased over time. Although the size of the class recovery dwarfs other influences, significant associations exist between the fee amount and both the fee method used and the riskiness of the case. We found no robust evidence of significant differences between federal and state courts. The strong association between fee and class recovery persists in cases with recoveries of $100 million or more, as do the significant associations between fee level and fee method and risk. Fees were not significantly affected by the existence of a settlement class, the presence of objectors, or opt outs from the class. Courts granted the requested fee in over 70 percent of the cases, with the Second Circuit granting the requested amount least often. In cases denying the requested fee, the mean fee was 68 percent of the requested amount. Fees and costs exhibit scale effects with the percent of each decreasing as the class recovery amount increased. Costs are strongly associated with hours expended on the case.
The Impact of Mental States on Semi-autonomous Driving Takeover Performance: A Systematic Review:

Semi-autonomous vehicles still require drivers to occasionally resume manual control. However, drivers of these vehicles may have different mental states. For example, drivers may be engaged in non...
Very High Crimes: Determining the Proper Venue for Crimes Committed on Board During Domestic Flights

American filmmaker and writer John Waters once said: “I’d be arrested if I still smoked because I’m the one who would be changing the battery in the airplane in the lavatory to take out the smoke detector. I would’ve been those people they warn you against.” Given the current state of federal law, Waters would have not only inconvenienced the passengers and flight crew, but also given many restless nights to his attorney. Regarding crimes committed aboard aircraft, the law is still very much unsettled. Crimes committed on international flights are governed by the Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft, commonly called the Tokyo Convention. It gives criminal jurisdiction to the State in which the aircraft was registered. Signatory states that are not the state of registry may also exercise criminal jurisdiction under limited circumstances. However, the Tokyo Convention does not apply in strictly domestic criminal cases. Domestically, the Federal Aviation Act, signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, created the Federal Aviation Agency (later the Federal Aviation Administration ) and gave it authority to regulate safety standards in the airline industry and oversee the use of American airspace by civilian and military aircraft. For air crimes, the statute provides that the proper venue criminal acts committed on-board is the district where the offense was committed or, if that is inapplicable, in the district where the defendant is arrested or first brought. However, the Federal Aviation Act is rarely used to determine venue when litigating in-flight crimes. The traditional approach, followed by the Tenth and Eleventh Circuits, provides that because crimes committed on commercial airlines involve transportation in interstate commerce, venue is proper in any state or district over which the aircraft flew. In a recent decision, the Ninth Circuit held that proper venue is the state over which the plane flew when the offense was committed. This Note discusses the current state of the law regarding the determination of venue for crimes committed aboard American aircraft during domestic flights. Section I provides background information on the unresolved circuit split regarding this issue and the most recent case to address it. Section II sets out the argument that the Ninth Circuit’s reasoning in splitting from the Eleventh and Tenth circuits was correct, but the result it reached is inapplicable. Section III suggests an alternative legal basis for determining the proper venue for crimes committed during domestic flights. Section IV gives a few recommendations for a much-needed new statute ascertaining venue for crimes committed above 30,000 feet.
Unsupervised gene selection for predicting cell spatial positions in the Drosophila embryo

Analyzing single cell RNA-seq data is important for deciphering the spatial relationships, expression patterns, and developmental processes of cells. Combining in situ hybridization-based gene expression atlas images, some works have successfully recovered spatial locations of cells in zebrafish and Drosophila embryos. In this article, we describe a highly ranked method in the DREAM Single Cell Transcriptomics Challenge for predicting cell positions in the Drosophila embryo. The method performs unsupervised feature extraction to select a small number of driver genes and then uses them to predict gene expression and spatial position of each individual cell. First, hierarchical clustering is used to select a subset of driver genes. Second, the similarity matrix of single cells in the bins of the reference atlas is computed. Based on the similarity matrix, the spatial positions of cells are then determined by hierarchical clustering. This method is evaluated on the cell positions and gene expressions in the DREAM Single Cell Transcriptomics Challenge. The comparison with the “silver standard” suggests that our method is effective in reconstructing the cell spatial positions and gene expression patterns in tissues.
Excited-State Copper Catalysis for the Synthesis of Heterocycles.

Heterocycles represent one of the largest groups of organic moieties with significant medicinal, chemical, and industrial applications. Herein, we report the discovery and development of visible-light-induced, synergistic excited-state copper catalysis using a combination of Cu(IPr)I as a catalyst and rac-BINAP as a ligand, which produces more than 10 distinct classes of heterocycles. The reaction tolerates a broad array of functional groups and complex molecular scaffolds, including derivatives of peptides, natural products, and marketed drugs. Preliminary mechanistic investigation suggests in situ generations of [Cu(BINAP) 2 ] + and [Cu(IPr) 2 ] + catalysts that work cooperatively under visible-light irradiation to facilitate catalytic carbo-aroylation of unactivated alkenes, affording a wide range of useful heterocycles.
Teil und Ganzes, Ursache und Wirkung

Die beiden vorangegangenen Kapitel behandelten zwei Aspekte des gleichen Themas:Wie kann die Natur von Objekten und Prozessen so aufgeschlusselt werden, dass sie uns einen umfassenden Einblick in die Geschichte und Wirkungsweise von naturlichen Phanomenen gewahrt. Die Frage danach, wie man die Welt in angemessene Einzelteile zergliedern kann, ist ein Resultat der analytischen Tradition, die die moderne Wissenschaft noch aus dem 17. Jahrhundert geerbt hat. Ware ein Tier tatsachlich einer Maschine vergleichbar, wie Descartes in Teil V seines Discours de la methode postulierte, dann sollte er aus klar definierbaren Einzelbestandteilen bestehen, von denen jedes einzelne wiederum in festgelegtem, ursachlichem Verhaltnis zu den Bewegungen der anderen Einzelbestandteile steht.
Crystal growth and spectroscopic performance of large crystalline boules of CsCaI3:Eu scintillator

Abstract The crystal growth of CsCaI 3 :Eu with improved quality over prior efforts for use in X-ray and gamma-ray detection applications is reported. Boules were grown using the vertical Bridgman technique in quartz ampoules at 15, 22, and 35 mm diameters. CsCaI 3 :Eu crystals show evidence of a heavily twinned microstructure likely caused by a solid-solid phase transformation of the crystal during the cooling process. Energy resolution (FWHM) in large and small samples taken from crystalline boules varies between 13% and 4.5% for 662 keV gamma rays indicating volumetric non-uniformity. Scintillation decay time is shown to increase with volume. Proportionality of the light yield of CsCaI 3 :Eu is reported for the first time.
Phase changes in nickel clusters from an embedded-atom potential

The meltinglike behavior of Nin, n=12,13,14,19 clusters is studied using molecular dynamics simulations. The cohesion in clusters is modelled by an embedded-atom potential incorporating many-body effects. The features of the phase change transition derived are compared to those obtained earlier from pairwise interactions and a different many-body (Gupta-like) potential.
Home-based physical activity intervention for colorectal cancer survivors.

Background The efficacy of a home-based physical activity (PA) intervention for colorectal cancer patients versus contact control was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Methods Forty-six patients (mean age = 57.3 years [SD = 9.7], 57% female, mean = 2.99 years post-diagnosis [SD = 1.64]) who had completed treatment for stages 1–3 colorectal cancer were randomized to telephone counseling to support PA (PA group, n = 20) or contact control (control group, n = 26). PA group participants received 3 months of PA counseling (based on the transtheoretical model and the social cognitive theory) delivered via telephone, as well as weekly PA tip sheets. Assessments of PA (Seven-day Physical Activity Recall [7-day PAR] and Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors [CHAMPS]), submaximal aerobic fitness (Treadwalk test), motivational readiness for PA, and psychosocial outcomes were conducted at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months post-baseline. Objective accelerometer data were collected at the same time points. Results The PA group reported significant increases in minutes of PA at 3 months (7-day PAR) and caloric expenditure (CHAMPS) compared with the control group, but the group differences were attenuated over time. The PA group showed significant improvements in fitness at 3, 6, and 12 months versus the control group. Improvements in motivational readiness for PA were reported in the PA group only at 3 months. No significant group differences were found for fatigue, self-reported physical functioning, and quality of life at 3, 6, and 12 months. Conclusion A home-based intervention improved survivors' PA and motivational readiness at 3 months and increased submaximal aerobic fitness at 3, 6, and 12 months. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nursing responsibility in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of the child with gastroesophageal reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been known to occur in infants but was thought to be normal. As a result of increased recognition of GER and a clear documentation of GER with extended (18 to 24 hour) esophageal pH monitoring, several severe complications of GER in children have become apparent. An immature cardiorespiratory system is susceptible to some complications of GER such as apnea, choking, recurrent cough or wheezing, and recurrent aspiration pneumonia. Noncardiorespiratory complications include weight loss, esophagitis, anemia, irritability, posturing, malnutrition, and developmental delays. Nursing assessment contributes to a complete clinical picture and the subsequent treatment choice of the physician. To form an accurate assessment of the child with suspected GER, the nurse must be aware of the symptoms and complications of this condition and must precisely execute diagnostic studies, particularly extended esophageal pH monitoring. Nursing responsibilities also include providing a safe yet stimulating environment for the child, teaching parents to participate in the child's care, supporting parents through hospitalization, and preparing both the parents and child for discharge and follow-up care at home.
Read optimized MRAM with separate read-write paths based on concerted operation of magnetic tunnel junction with correlated material

We propose a technique based on connecting CM like VO 2 in parallel with the MTJ in the read path of multi-port MRAMs. Utilizing insulator-metal transitions in CM, the proposed cell achieves 1.7X to 4.3X improvement in cell TMR (CTMR) along with 7% to 22% higher read disturb margin compared to a baseline cell. Due to the separation of read-write paths in multi-port MRAMs, the CM has no effect on the write operation. The proposed idea is not limited to VO 2 and its benefits may be further enhanced by exploring other suitable CMs [6] or by tuning the properties like resistivities, critical currents and thermal stability by techniques like strain [7] or Cr doping [8].
Clock synchronization in an N-modular redundant system

High integrity computer systems such as those found in aircraft and spacecraft often rely on fault tolerance to maintain functionality in the presence of one or more faults. A common strategy consists in comparing the output of functionally identical computers, allowing the output of healthy computers to mask out the output of faulty computers. This approach is generally known as N-Modular redundancy and requires that the redundant computers maintain a high degree of synchronization, as comparing the output of well functioning but out sync computers would defeat the fault detection strategy. The challenge is to devise a robust method for keeping healthy computers synchronized in the presence of potentially malfunctioning computers. The novice might suggest synchronizing the redundant computers to a common hardware clock, but this leads to a single point of failure should this hardware clock become faulty. The solution is not to rely on one hardware clock, but to synchronize the clocks in the redundant computers, thereby defining a distributed global common clock. This paper describes the clock synchronization strategy and implementation used in the Redundancy Management System (RMS) developed at Honeywell Aerospace Electronic Systems.
A ground level gamma-ray burst observed in association with rocket-triggered lightning

energetic radiation was observed at much earlier times, up to 160 ms before the return strokes. Because for such times, the dart leader tip must have been about 1000 m above the ground, it cannot be ruled out that for these events a gamma-ray (>1 MeV) component also originated from the cloud. [3] In this paper, we report an unusual event that occurred during the last rocket-triggered flash of the 2003 season. For this flash, an intense burst of MeV gamma-rays was observed from a distance of 650 m from the lightning channel, not in association with the dart leader or return stroke, but in association with a large current pulse (11 kA) occurring during the initial-stage (during the initial continuous current), about 20 ms after the vaporization of the triggering wire. In triggered lightning, the initial-stage is characterized by a steady current, preceding the return strokes, with superimposed pulses up to several kA in amplitude [Wang et al., 1999]. Considering the large distance of the detectors and the high energy of the gamma-rays, it is plausible that the burst originated in the cloud processes, perhaps many thousands of meters above the ground. This result may greatly facilitate the study of runaway breakdown of air inside thunderclouds [Gurevich et al., 1992], since it implies that observations of this phenomenon from the ground at sea level may be practical.
Optical measurements of surface oxide layer formation on metal films

We have employed two optical techniques which give complementary indications of the formation of monolayers of oxide on freshly evaporated aluminum and silicon thin films. Visible ellipsometry is utilized to observe the growth of the initial monolayer of oxide on these films. From these data, we deduce the pressure and coverage dependence as well as the growth rate for the initial monolayer arising from these surface reactions. In addition, extreme ultraviolet (xuv) reflectance vs angle of incidence measurements at 58.4 nm wavelength clearly indicate the growth of oxide on the surface of our freshly deposited aluminum and silicon films as well. We have utilized this reflectance data to deduce the optical constants of aluminum and silicon at 58.4 nm. We find that previous xuv measurements of these optical constants were hampered by the presence of oxides. We also determined that the xuv reflectivity performance of aluminum films freshly deposited in our uhv system does not degrade appreciably when stored for four weeks in a helium atmosphere of 2 x 10/sup -9/ Torr. 11 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.
Development of integrated learning modules for engineering technology students

This paper describes a project currently in progress at Penn State Altoona. The project deals with the development of learning modules which will integrate various concepts from physics, mathematics, and engineering technology to provide students with a clear understanding of the usefulness of physics and mathematics in real-world engineering problems. Case studies derived from real-life situations will constitute a significant part of these modules. These learning modules will be suitable for use in a one-semester physics course for associate degree engineering technology students. Both EET and MET students will benefit from these modules.
Synthesis of substituted pyrrolo[2,3-D]pyrimidine-2,4-diones

A facile route for the synthesis of substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,4-diones from substituted 2-amino-3-cyano-4-methylpyrroles is reported.
Characterization of Silica Sols Using Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

Abstract Separations of silica sols ranging in size from 5 to 500 nanometers have been accomplished with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Separations were achieved by free-zone electrophoresis in 50-μm internal diameter (id) fused silica capillaries filled with pH 9.0 ammonia buffers; detection of separated bands was accomplished via on-capillary turbidity measurements at 190 nm. Separations are relatively fast and moderately high-efficiency, with essentially baseline resolution of sub-100 nanometer sols differing by a factor of 2 accomplished in under 20 minutes. the ionic strength of the separation buffer was found to have a significant effect on the resolution and electrophoretic mobilities of the silica sols, with higher ionic strengths substantially improving resolution of smaller silica colloids while greatly increasing the elution time of the larger silica sols. Several areas of application of the CZE technique for separation and characterization of charged particulate species are discussed.
The promise of stem cells for neural repair

The realization that the adult nervous system develops from multipotential stem cells and that cells with stem-like properties are retained in the adult CNS has provoked an intense search for ways to utilize their potential for therapeutic treatments of multiple neurological disorders. Transplantation of neural stem cells or more restricted progenitors to replace cells lost to injury or disease may facilitate functional recovery in a spectrum of neurological disorders. Alternatively, expansion and recruitment of endogenous progenitors may be effective in treating widespread cell loss in the adult CNS. A major challenge to the development of effective stem cell therapies is to direct the fate of the newly generated cells to specifically replace those lost to disease. Insights from developmental research are providing molecular targets for regulating the differentiation of neural stem cells and their progeny in areas of injury to the adult CNS. Given the commonality of processes mediating the assembly of multicellular systems, the approaches developed in the CNS will likely be applicable for selective cell replacement in the auditory system.
Simple Reliable Method for Chronic Cannulation of the Jugular Vein for Pharmacokinetic Studies in Rats

Abstract □ A simple method for the preparation and implantation of silicone cannulas into the rat jugular vein is described. The implanted cannula can be used to administer drugs and collect blood samples at intervals of ≤ 1 min without causing stress to the animal. If necessary, the animals can be exanguinated within a few minutes using this cannula. With proper maintenance, the cannula is patent for weeks and could be used for repeated and crossover studies.
Ca2+ Signaling Requirements for Long-Term Depression in the Hippocampus

Abstract It has been hypothesized that the direction of synaptic weight change elicited by synaptic activity depends on the magnitude of the activity-dependent rise in intracellular Ca 2+ concentration. Several aspects of this hypothesis were examined at the Schaffer collateral CA1 synapse, where both long-term depression (LTD) and long-term potentiation (LTP) can be elicited and are Ca 2+ dependent. Brief tetanic stimulation, which normally generated LTP, could induce LTD when Ca 2+ entry via NMDA receptors was limited either by moderate concentrations of D-APV or by voltage clamping cells at negative membrane potentials. Repetitive activation of voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels in the absence of afferent stimulation could also elicit an LTD that was Ca 2+ dependent and was occluded by prior generation of homosynaptic LTD using prolonged low frequency stimulation. These results provide strong evidence that the minimal requirements for inducing LTD involve simply a transient influx of Ca 2+ into the postsynaptic cell, via either NMDA receptors or voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels.
Costs And Benefits Of Mitigating Radon In Drinking Water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering regulating radon, a naturally occurring soil gas dissolved in drinking water, because it poses a lung cancer risk. Benefits and costs of compliance are estimated for 29 water systems with radon above the proposed maximum contaminant level. The estimated cancer risk is three times higher than assumed by EPA, making it likely that a national regulatory standard of 300 picocuries per liter of water would pass a cost-benefit test. Site specific estimates of compliance costs are also substantially greater than EPA estimates. Nevertheless, the estimated cost per avoided death is only about $1 million.
1,3-Dinitrobenzene Metabolism and GSH Depletion

Previous work demonstrated that the mitochondrial fraction of rat seminiferous tubules is capable of metabolizing 1,3-dinitrobenzene, using NADPH as a cofactor. Moreover, 1,3-dinitrobenzene treatment of rat tubules caused a decrease in mitochondrial GSH levels. In situ mitochondrial metabolism of 1,3-dinitrobenzene may have caused this depletion through the production of reactive oxygen intermediates, generating oxidative stress and/or one or more metabolites of 1,3-dinitrobenzene which reacted nonenzymatically with GSH. The goal of this study is to investigate which of these two potential mechanisms may have caused the observed GSH depletion. Liver microsomes, known to rapidly metabolize 1,3-dinitrobenzene, generated the superoxide anion radical when incubated with 1,3-dinitrobenzene and NADPH. However, with the seminiferous tubule mitochondria, no oxygen radicals were detected. Hence, the aforementioned GSH depletion is unlikely due to the production of reactive oxygen intermediates from in situ mitocho...
Phenotypic continuum in neuronopathic gaucher disease: an intermediate phenotype between type 2 and type 3

Neuronopathic Gaucher disease, classically divided into two types, can have a continuum of phenotypes, often defying categorization. Nine children had an intermediate phenotype characterized by a delayed age of onset but rapidly progressive neurological disease, including refractory seizures and oculomotor abnormalities. There was genotypic heterogeneity among these patients.
Hierarchical production planning for a modern steel manufacturing system

SUMMARY Starting with forecast demand data, the methodology to be described here can derive a detailed production schedule which provides smooth continuous operations in a modern steel manufacturing system. The production schedule will satisfy the customers' orders and other desired objectives at the lowest possible energy costs. Two mathematical programming models and a sequencing heuristic are developed at different levels of an integrated control hierarchy. A simulation model, used to evaluate the planned system and investigate the primary results, has also been built. The statistical analysis indicates the performance improvements of the planned steel making process.
Development of a Mouse-Adapted Live Attenuated Influenza Virus That Permits In Vivo Analysis of Enhancements to the Safety of Live Attenuated Influenza Virus Vaccine

The live attenuated influenza virus vaccine (LAIV) is preferentially recommended for use in persons 2 through 49 years of age but has not been approved for children under 2 or asthmatics due to safety concerns. Therefore, increasing safety is desirable. Here we describe a murine LAIV with reduced pathogenicity that retains lethality at high doses and further demonstrate that we can enhance safety in vivo through mutations within NS1. This model may permit preliminary safety analysis of improved LAIVs.
Effects of ethanol upon lipid metabolism

Ethanol abuse produces fatty liver which cannot be prevented by supplementation in protein, minerals, vitamins, and choline. In rats, protein and choline deficiencies potentiate the effect, whereas replacement of dietary fat by medium chain triglycerides or carbohydrates decreases the capacity of ethanol to produce steatosis. Administration of a single dose of ethanol to rats represents a stressful condition associated with moderate hepatic accumulation of fatty acids derived from adipose tissue. By contrast, chronic ethanol administration produces more pronounced steatosis with a predominance of endogenously synthesized and, when available, dietary fatty acids. These accumulate because of decreased fat oxidation. Ethanol also stimulates hepatic lipogenesis. These various effects can be explained by the increase in the hepatic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ratio secondary to the oxidation of ethanol via the alcohol dehydrogenase pathway. In addition there are more lasting changes in intermediary metabolism, such as increased hepatic ketogenesis which could be linked to the persistent alteration in mitochondrial function and structure found after chronic ethanol ingestion. The ultrastructural changes also are characterized by proliferation of the hepatic smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The latter was documented by subfraction. This led to the description of a new pathway for ethanol metabolism, the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system, which doubles in activity after ethanol feeding. The existence of the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system may contribute to our understanding of increased cholesterol and lipoprotein synthesis. Other effects upon lipid metabolism include decreases in free fatty acids and glycerol concentrations and free fatty acid turnover which result from inhibition of peripheral fat mobilization by acetate, a metabolite of ethanol.
Chronic ethanol up-regulates the synaptic expression of the nuclear translational regulatory protein AIDA-1 in primary hippocampal neurons.

Abstract Recent studies have identified synaptic proteins that undergo synapse-to-nucleus translocation in response to neuronal activity that modulate protein synthesis. One such translational regulatory protein of the postsynaptic density (PSD) is AIDA-1d, which binds to PSD-95 via its C-terminus. Activation of synaptic NMDA receptors induces the cleavage of AIDA-1d, and the N-terminus is then shuttled to nuclear Cajal bodies where it plays a role in regulating global protein synthesis. Chronic ethanol exposure has been shown to increase the synaptic clustering of NMDA receptors and PSD-95. Here, we tested the hypothesis that AIDA-1d regulates chronic ethanol-induced increases in synaptic NMDA receptor expression. As reported, we found that AIDA-1 was highly enriched in dendritic spines and co-localized with PSD-95. Acute NMDA treatment increased AIDA-1 colocalization with p80 coilin, a marker of Cajal bodies. Chronic treatment (4 day) of cultures with ethanol (25–100 mM) or with the NMDA receptor antagonist AP-V (50 μM) enhanced the clustering of AIDA-1 at synaptic sites. However, chronic ethanol treatment (50 mM) in the presence of the NMDA receptor agonist NMDA (2.5 μM) prevented this increase. Surprisingly, PSD-95 did not seem to play a role in the synaptic distribution of AIDA-1 as this distribution was not affected by declustering PSD-95 from synapses in response to inhibition of palmitoylation. We found that lentiviral knockdown of AIDA-1d did not affect protein expression levels of NMDA receptor subunits GluN1, GluN1 C2′, or GluN2B. The results of this study demonstrate that synaptic AIDA-1 expression is enhanced by chronic ethanol exposure that can be prevented by concurrent stimulation of NMDA receptors. In addition, we found that the association of AIDA-1 with PSD-95 is not required for its localization to the PSD. Moreover, we found that AIDA-1 does not regulate protein expression levels or alternative splicing of the GluN1 subunit of NMDA receptors.
Fabrication of Biodegradable Polymeric Micro-Devices Using Laser Micromachining

Laser direct writing and percussion-drilling techniques are employed to fabricate two biodegradable micro-devices for biomedical engineering applications. Biodegradable polymeric material, poly-D-lactic acid (PDLA), and polymer poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA) were micropatterned by ultraviolet lasers. The morphology, dimensional accuracy, and surface conditions of the fabricated micro-devices after the laser ablation were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a surface profilometer. The experimental results for producing micro-devices are reported. This work on laser micromachining of a biodegradable polymer for applications in biomedical engineering is the first of its kind and demonstrated that this technique is well suited to produce biodegradable microdevices with minimum thermal damage to the surrounding material.
Early postoperative enteral feeding increases anastomotic strength in a peritonitis model.

Abstract Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) has been shown to decrease collagen synthesis and increase collagenase activity leading to impaired wound healing. Our hypothesis was that immediate postoperative feeding would decrease TNF-α, therefore increasing anastomotic healing in a peritonitis model. Methods: Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture to induce peritonitis. Six hours after induction of peritonitis an ileocecectomy and ileocolostomy was performed. Group 1 animals (n = 6) had immediate access to food and water, whereas group 2 (n = 6) had free access to water only. At 48 hours, weight loss, nitrogen loss, anastamotic bursting strength (ABS), TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 were measured. Results: Weight loss was similar in the two groups. Group 1 rats had a significantly lower mean TNF-α level (17.3 ± 10 versus 17.3 ± 10 mcg/Dl, P = 0.05). ABS was also significantly higher in group 1 rats when compared with group 2 rats (81 ± 34 versus 39 ± 13 mm HG, P = 0.03). Conclusions: These data suggest that immediate postoperative feeding results in a beneficial change in the cytokine profile.
Electron-Hole Scattering and the Electrical Resistivity of the Semimetal TiS 2

We present the first complete theory of the effect of collisions between charge carriers on the electrical resistivity of a simple degenerate semimetal. We find that (i) electron-hole scattering can explain the anomalous ${T}^{2}$ resistivity of stoichiometric ${\mathrm{TiS}}_{2}$, (ii) elsetron-electron and hole-hole scattering do not contribute to $\ensuremath{\rho}$, and (iii) the theory of electron-hole scattering predicts that the resistivity of nonstoichiometric ${\mathrm{TiS}}_{2}$ should fall significantly below ${T}^{2}$ at high temperatures.
Maternal predictors of behavioral disturbance in preschool children: a research note.

— The effects of maternal mental health and familial stress on child behavior were evaluated in a community sample of 691 preschoolers. Presence of behavior problems was determined using the Behavior Screening Questionnaire (BSQ) at age 3, and using the Conners Parent Rating Scale at age 4. In multivariate analyses, the development of disturbance was predicted by higher BSQ score, maternal role competition and maternal hostility assessed at both interviews; persistence was predicted by initial BSQ score and initial maternal hostility only. These results underscore the complexity of the relationships among maternal, familial and childhood variables
Transfer factor is ineffective in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Sixty-six patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of transfer factor. A structured rating score of neurological function was recorded after each monthly administration of transfer factor or placebo. Statistical analysis of mean scores for all patients and for those with specific clinical abnormalities showed no significant difference between the two groups. There was no evidence of therapeutic value for transfer factor. During the observation period of nearly one year, more than two-thirds of the deterioration occurred in the first six months. Meaningful clinical trials of other potential therapeutic agents could probably be conducted within six months in double-blind crossover trials.
Accelerated Plate Tectonics

The concept of a stressed elastic lithospheric plate riding on a viscous asthenosphere is used to calculate the recurrence interval of great earthquakes at convergent plate boundaries, the separation of decoupling and lithospheric earthquakes, and the migration pattern of large earthquakes along an arc. It is proposed that plate motions accelerate after great decoupling earthquakes and that most of the observed plate motions occur during short periods of time, separated by periods of relative quiescence.
Will They Stay or Will They Go? International Graduate Students and Their Decisions to Stay or Leave the U.S. upon Graduation

The U.S. currently enjoys a position among the world’s foremost innovative and scientifically advanced economies but the emergence of new economic powerhouses like China and India threatens to disrupt the global distribution of innovation and economic competitiveness. Among U.S. policy makers, the promotion of advanced education, particularly in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, has become a key strategy for ensuring the U.S.’s position as an innovative economic leader. Since approximately one third of science and engineering post-graduate students in the U.S. are foreign born, the future of the U.S. STEM educational system is intimately tied to issues of global competitiveness and American immigration policy. This study utilizes a combination of national education data, a survey of foreign-born STEM graduate students, and in-depth interviews of a sub-set of those students to explain how a combination of scientists’ and engineers’ educational decisions, as well as their experience in school, can predict a students’ career path and geographical location, which can affect the long-term innovation environment in their home and destination country. This study highlights the fact that the increasing global competitiveness in STEM education and the complex, restrictive nature of U.S. immigration policies are contributing to an environment where the American STEM system may no longer be able to comfortably remain the premier destination for the world’s top international students.
Use of a nuclear mutant of maize to identity components of Photosystem II

Abstract Previous analysis of a high fluorescent, nuclear mutant of maize, designated hcf-3 , indicated that the primary alterations of the photosynthetic membranes were associated with Photosystem (PS) II (Leto, K. and Miles, C.D. (1980) Plant Physiol. 66, 18–24). Further investigation reveals that the mutant thylakoids contain less than 20% of the wild-type manganese level and are missing most or all of at least six major polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of 49, 45, 34, 32, 16 and 10 kDa. The data provide evidence for the regulated production of a physiological PS II unit made up of these polypeptides and in terms of electron transport, extending from the water-splitting apparatus up to but not including the plastoquinone pool. This mutant may aid in the identification of membrane components associated with PS II as well as provide information concerning nuclear control of production of thylakoid complexes.
A compilation of measured lifetimes of gaseous diatomic molecules

A compilation of diatomic molecular lifetimes data is presented in the accompanying table. From these measured values transition probabilities, oscillator strengths, branching ratios, transition moments, and similar radiative properties of molecules can be calculated. The compilation does not include a complete list of measurements made in an indirect manner such as with the Hook method or with the shock tube and magnetic resonance techniques. The lifetimes of long-lived species are also not included. References for the time-of-flight technique, which involves accelerators, have been included as well as a few for magnetic resonance techniques. Since the latter is a recent development, extensive data have not yet been obtained.
Does One Size Fit All? The Induction Experience of Beginning Science Teachers from Different Teacher-Preparation Programs.

The number of induction programs available to teachers is increasing rapidly, and by necessity these programs are designed to meet the needs of all teachers regardless of their preparation and academic background. This study examines the impact of a science-focused induction program on secondary science teachers from different preparation programs. The 16 teachers were first-year secondary science teachers who graduated the previous year from one of four different teacher-preparation programs. All teachers were monitored during their first year of teaching, as they participated in the induction program, to understand their teaching beliefs, instructional practices, and experiences in the classroom. The analysis of data revealed that the preservice training of a science teacher influenced the type of support the teacher derived from the science-focused induction program. Teachers from a preservice program with an extended student-teaching experience and two science methods courses held beliefs aligned with student-centered practices and implemented more reform-based lessons than did other teachers during the year. This study reinforces the importance of induction programs for teachers and suggests that there is a need for specialized support programs for beginning science teachers. The study also provides specific suggestions for improving the preparation of secondary science teachers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 43: 963–985, 2006