cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hormonal Control of Lipid Metabolism in Mouse Mammary Gland Explants

Lipid biosynthesis in cultured mammary tissues from mice during midpregnancy was maximally stimulated by the combined actions of PRL, insulin, and a glucocorticoid. The minimal concentration of cortisol that was consistently permissive for the action of PRL on lipid synthesis was 0.1 μg/ml (2.76 × 10-7 M). The PRL effect began after 6–8 h of exposure to PRL. The response to PRL was essentially all or none, with 25 ng/ml sufficient for maximal stimulation. Specificity of the PRL effect is suggested by the observation that 1 μg/ml bovine GH was without effect in cultured mammary tissues. Additionally, PRL had no effect on lipid metabolism in explants of ovarian fat pad, suggesting that the PRL effect in the mammary gland is not a generalized effect on fat cells. The action of PRL in the mammary gland requires both ongoing RNA and protein syntheses, since both actinomycin D and puromycin abolished its effect. The early action of PRL on lipid biosynthesis was specific for the formation of triglycerides, but n...
Two sides of the same coin: Learning via positive and negative reinforcers in the human striatum

The human striatum has been previously implicated in the processing of positive reinforcement, but less is known about its role in processing negative reinforcement. In this experiment, participants learn specific approach or avoidance responses, mediated by positive and negative reinforcers respectively to investigate how affective learning and associated neural activity are influenced by the motivational context in which learning occurs. The paradigm was divided into two discrete sessions, where participants could either earn monetary rewards (approach sessions) or avoid monetary losses (avoid sessions) based on successful learning. Specifically, a conditioned cue predicted the chance to win or avoid losing money contingent on a correct button press (pre-learning trials), which upon learning led to the delivery of rewards or termination of losses (post-learning trials). Skin conductance responses (SCRs) and subjective ratings confirmed a learning effect (greater SCRs pre vs. post-learning) irrespective of reinforcer valence. Concurrently, activity in the ventral striatum was characterized by a similar learning effect, with greater responses during pre-learning. Interestingly, such learning effect was enhanced in the presence of a negative reinforcer, as suggested by an interaction between learning phase and session, highlighting the influence negative reinforcers can have on striatal circuits involved in learning and motivated behavior.
Oxidative alterations of cyclooxygenase during atherogenesis.

Abstract Nitric oxide ( NO) and eicosanoids are critical mediators of physiological and pathophysiological processes. They include inflammation and atherosclerosis. NO production and eicosanoid synthesis become disrupted during atherosclerosis and thus, it is important to understand the mechanisms that may contribute to this outcome. We, and others, have shown that nitrogen oxide (NOx) species modulate cyclooxygenase (COX; also known as prostaglandin H2 synthase) activity and alter eicosanoid production. We have determined that peroxynitrite (ONOO−) has multiple effects on COX activity. ONOO− can provide the peroxide tone necessary for COX activation, such that simultaneous exposure of COX to its arachidonic acid substrate and ONOO− results in increased eicosanoid production. Alternatively, in the absence of arachidonic acid, ONOO− can modify COX through nitration of an essential tyrosine residue (Tyr385) such that it is incapable of catalysis. In this regard, we have shown that COX nitration occurs in human atherosclerotic tissue and in aortic lesions from ApoE−/− mice kept on a high fat diet. Additionally, we have demonstrated that Tyr nitration in ApoE−/− mice is dependent on the inducible form of NO synthase (iNOS). Under conditions where ONOO− persists and arachidonic acid is not immediately available, the cell may try to correct the situation by responding to ONOO− and releasing arachidonic acid via a signaling pathway to favor COX activation. Other post-translational modifications of COX by NOx species include S-nitrosation of cysteine (Cys) residues (which may have an activating effect) and Cys oxidation. The central focus of this review will include a discussion of how NOx species alter COX activity at the molecular level and how these modifications may contribute to altered eicosanoid output during atherosclerosis and lesion development.
Dynamic programming and optimal control of variable multichannel stochastic service systems with applications

Abstract Control problems arising in stochastic service systems are treated by a decomposition technique involving the methods of queuing theory and dynamic programming. This approach is applied to the optimal operation of the surgical facilities in a hospital. The generalization of the method to other stochastic service systems is immediate.
A modified Clausius equation of state for calculation of multicomponent refrigerant vapor-liquid equilibria

Abstract Gow, A.S., 1993. A modified Clausius equation of state for calculation of multicomponent refrigerant vapor-liquid equilibria. Fluid Phase Equilibria, 90: 219-249. A modified Clausius equation of state with a single temperature dependent energy-volume parameter a(T) in the attractive term was designed to describe the vapor pressure vs. temperature relationship of 39 pure refrigerant fluids including elementary cryogenic materials (e.g. He, Ar, N2, CO2, CH4, etc.), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), fluorocarbons (FCs), and various other simple cryogenic compounds. The equation developed represents the vapor-liquid coexistence dome, and the superheated vapor compressibility factor and enthalpy for pure refrigerants. The vapor-liquid equilibrium for refrigerant mixtures is calculated using a “phi-phi” method with “one fluid” van der Waals mixing and combining rules for the equation of state parameters aM(T), bM and cM. A single interaction constant k12 is used to describe non-ideal behavior of each binary. The binary interaction constant, which is a strong function of temperature, and the sign of which signifies the type of deviations from Raoult's law, is obtained by correlating experimental bubble point data for isothermal binary refrigerant mixtures. The proposed equation of state generally describes binary P-x,y data more accurately the higher the temperature for a given system. The method presented is extended to predict vapor-liquid equilibria for the R14-R23-R13 ternary system at 198.75 K using binary interaction constants at this temperature for the three binaries involved.
Sociocultural values of appearance and attachment processes: An integrated model of eating disorder symptomatology.

Abstract Sociocultural and attachment processes were integrated into a single model predicting eating disorder symptomatology to determine their relative influence. Using normative, self-report data from 146 female undergraduates, path analyses tested the fit of a conceptual model with two hypothesized pathways: (1) higher awareness of sociocultural values about appearance would lead to less perceived appearance satisfaction which would, in turn, lead to eating disordered behavior, and (2) attachment avoidance and anxiety (modeled separately) across mother, father, and romantic partner domains would predict psychological correlates of eating disorders, thereby increasing risk for disordered behaviors. Although both were significant, the sociocultural path was slightly stronger (β = − .46; path from attachment/psychological correlates to behaviors β = .27). Further, attachment avoidance exhibited stronger effects than anxiety (explaining 31% and 25% of variance in psychological correlates, respectively). Results underscored the need to consider multiple factors in eating disorder research and treatment programs.
Characteristics of residual plastic zone under static and dynamic Vickers indentations

An experimental technique based on elastic stress wave propagation phenomena in a slender rod is utilized for determining the dynamic Vickers indentation hardness in metals. Dynamic Vickers hardness (DVH) for several engineering metals is found to be greater than their static Vickers hardness (VH). The results were verified by obtaining the constitutive response of materials at similar strain rates and then correlating the yield stress with the corresponding hardness. The characteristics of the induced plastic zone under static and dynamic indentations were investigated by contouring microindentation hardness measurements and microstructural analysis of the deformed regions. The studies revealed that the size of the plastic zone is strongly a function of yield stress under static and dynamic conditions.
Dynamical conductivity in the infrared from impurity scattering in a polar semiconductor.

We derive an expression for the contribution to the dynamical conductivity from impurity scattering in a polar semiconductor. The derivation is based on the Kubo formalism and diagrammatic perturbation theory. Several different derivations of the dynamical conductivity and free-carrier absorption can be found in the literature. In the few cases where the impurity contribution has been considered, in the presence of coupling to optical phonons, the results which have been published disagree with each other. The purpose of this work is to resolve this problem and to find the cause of these discrepancies.
Parasite cryopreservation by vitrification

Parasitic protozoa and helminths and parasitic/vector insects each have distinct requirements for cryopreservation. Most parasitic protozoa respond to cryopreservation stresses similarly to other single cell suspensions, but few species are currently routinely cryopreserved by protocols specifically designed for vitrification. With slow equilibrium cooling, some protozoa osmotically dehydrated by solutes concentrated in the residual unfrozen fraction will survive by vitrifying. Several species of helminths, together with insect embryos cannot be cryopreserved by slow cooling protocols and have an absolute requirement for vitrification. Studies incorporating slow cooling and stepped cooling of both protozoa and helminths, particularly the intraerythrocytic stages of malaria and the schistosomula larvae of Schistosoma mansoni have aided in the design of vitrification protocols for parasites. For helminths, the most widely used cryopreservation protocol, originally successful for cryopreserving S. mansoni schistosomula, consists of the addition of ethanediol in two steps, followed by rapid cooling (approximately 5100 degrees C min(-1)) to -196 degrees C. This technique exploits the temperature-dependent differential in permeability of the cryoprotectant additive (CPA) to first permeate into the organism at 37 degrees C followed by a dehydration-mediated internal CPA increase in concentration resulting from incubation in a second higher CPA concentration at 0 degree C. Samples are rapidly warmed/diluted (approximately 14,000 degrees C min(-1)) to recover the organisms from liquid nitrogen storage. Variations on this technique have also been successful in cryopreserving the larvae and adult worms of filariae, muscle stage larvae of Trichinella spp., the infective stages of gastro-intestinal nematode parasites and insect embryos. Other protocols where the dehydration step precedes CPA addition have been used to cryopreserve entomogenous nematode larvae by vitrification. Techniques that utilize high concentrations of CPA cocktails and slower cooling, developed for the vitrification of mammalian embryos, have been applied to the cryopreservation of parasitic protozoa, but with limited success to date. Where cryopreservation by classical slow cooling methods is possible, vitrification has enhanced the levels of survival obtained. And vitrification has enabled the successful cryopreservation of those parasitic species not able to be cryopreserved by traditional methods. Since a limited number of parasitic organisms has been cryopreserved using vitrification protocols, there is considerable scope for further improvement in the cryopreservation techniques used for many parasitic species.
Size-Controlled Synthesis of Nanoparticles. 2. Measurement of Extinction, Scattering, and Absorption Cross Sections

Extinction, scattering, and absorption cross sections and efficiencies were experimentally measured for chemically clean silver nanoparticles in water for 16 different sizes ranging from 29 to 136 nm. The measured efficiencies indicate that particles interact with light 4−10 times stronger than the geometric cross section suggests. Absorption and scattering components of the plasmon resonance were separately measured across the visible spectral range. A method, termed standard subtraction, is suggested for the simple and reliable determination of particle concentrations independent of their size, shape, and aggregation state.
Ethical Issues regarding Service: Perceptions of Health Education Faculty

Abstract This study assessed the perceptions of health education faculty members regarding ethical scenarios pertaining to university, community, and professional service and assessed the perceptions of the scenarios by sex, tenure status, and whether service counted for yearly pay raises. A three-wave mailing was sent to a national random sample of university health education faculty and 215 (81%) responded. The majority of faculty perceived 5 of 13 scenarios related to university activities as unethical. Three of 9 scenarios regarding ethical issues at agencies outside the university were also perceived as unethical by the majority of respondents. Perceptions of what was ethical varied widely by respondents for the remaining scenarios.
Augmentation with sulpiride for a schizophrenic patient partially responsive to clozapine.

Objective: Schizophrenic patients who are only partially responsive to clozapine pose a therapeutic challenge. In these circumstances some clinicians would consider adding in a second antipsychotic. We present a case report and review evidence for the efficacy of such augmentation strategies. Method: Single case report and literature review. Results: The total number of patients in studies and case reports of combining clozapine with other antipsychotics is small. There has been only one randomized controlled trial. This found the addition of sulpiride to clozapine resulted in clinical improvement in some patients. Conclusion: Further randomized controlled studies of augmentation of clozapine therapy are needed to provide scientific justification for this clinical practice.
Scanning electron microscopy studies of interaction of proteins and polyamino acids with erythroblasts transformed by Friend virus.

Abstract Scanning electron microscope studies were carried out on the cell surface responses and adhesive properties of cultured erythroblasts transformed by Friend virus (HFL cells) after incubation with different proteinaceous compounds for 10 min at 5 C. Surface responses observed were changes in the number of microvilli and the appearance of localized blebs and domains of depressions. Although each compound caused several different changes in cell surface morphology, it was possible, in some cases, to identify a dominant morphological type. Compounds with greatly different physicochemical properties often resulted in almost the same changes in surface topography. Cell-to-cell adhesion by Concanavalin A and gelatin was observed. Aggregates of from 2 cells formed with poly-L-lysine to 20 cells with gelatin. Phosphate-buffered saline alone formed aggregates of up to 12 cells.
SU-FF-T-309: Monte Carlo Study of An Electronic Brachytherapy Source Using MCNP5 and EGSnrc

Purpose: To compare calculated dose rates and photon spectra for the Xoft Axxent™ electronic brachytherapy source using the MCNP5 and EGSnrc Monte Carlo codes. Method and Materials: The source was modeled using cavity.cpp, which is a Monte Carlo user code distributed as part of the EGSnrc C++ class library. The same dimensions and material compositions were used in EGSnrc as were used in MCNP5 by Rivard et al. (Med. Phys. 33, 4020–4032, 2006), with the exception of an approximation for the plastic cooling catheter. Both codes were used to calculate the dose to water at 1 cm along the transverse axis of the source, the air kerma at 100 cm from the source, and the photonspectrum in vacuum at 1 cm from the source. Air kerma was also scored at 1 cm in vacuum using track length estimator tallies with both codes. Results: Several variance reduction techniques were available in MCNP5 that helped increase the efficiency of the simulations relative to cavity.cpp. There were no significant differences between the calculated doses to water or the air kerma at 100 cm with the two codes, but this could be due to the poor statistics in the cavity.cpp simulations (2–3%). The air kerma at 1 cm in vacuum was 3.8% ± 0.4% higher in cavity.cpp compared to MCNP5, which can be partially attributed to the tungsten L‐shell fluorescent photons present in the cavity.cppphotonspectrum. Conclusions: EGSnrc and MCNP5 produced very similar dose rates and photon spectra for the Axxent™ sources, but the statistics were poor for the EGSnrc simulations. Once accurate photon spectra are known they can be used to calculate the corrections required to develop a primary measurement standard for these sources. Conflict of Interest: Funding for this research was provided by Xoft, Inc.
Understanding excitation energy transfer in metalloporphyrin heterodimers with different linkers, bonding structures, and geometries through stimulated X-ray Raman spectroscopy

We present simulations of stimulated X-ray Raman (SXRS) signals from covalently bonded porphyrin heterodimers with different linkers, chemical bonding structures, and geometries. The signals are interpreted in terms of valence electron wavepacket motion. One- and two-color SXRS signals can both mark excitation energy transfer (EET) between the porphyrin monomers. It is shown that the SXRS signals provide a novel window into EET dynamics in multiporphyrin systems, and can be used as a powerful tool to monitor the subtle chemical environment which affects EET.
Why “Sudden Appearance” Is Not as It Appears

Recent action taken by the Texas State Board of Education has opened the door to the inclusion of creationist arguments into public school science curriculum in that state and—because of the critical role of Texas in textbook adoptions—perhaps in many other states as well. One of the arguments that have been targeted by creationists is the “sudden appearance” of animal phyla at the base of the Cambrian period (i.e., the Cambrian explosion). While the creationist argument is both misleading and deeply flawed, high school biology teachers are often lacking the relevant paleontological knowledge to refute the argument. This paper attempts to provide teachers with a set of core counterpoints to the creationists’ claims along with a list of online resources that are highly visual in nature and should provide the means to help stimulate genuine student critical thinking about this issue, an alleged goal of the creationist agenda.
Role of particle shape and contact profile on the dynamic response of particulate materials

Abstract Experimental and numerical studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of particle shape and particle surface roughness on intergranular load transfer, velocity and wavelength of a stress wave transmitted through granular media subjected to explosive loading. Dynamic photoelasticity was used as the experimental technique to study stress-wave propagation through granular media simulated by assemblies of elliptical and circular particles with varying surface roughnesses. Numerical studies employed a computational scheme based on the distinct element method. Results indicate that the shape of the particle affects both the velocity of the transmitted stress-wave pulse and the load-transfer characteristics. The wavelength shows no appreciable dependency on the particle shape. Particle surface roughness seems to affect the load-transfer characteristics and the wave length, and to a limited extent, the wave velocity.
Optimum design and control of anchored wave energy generators

The study reported in this paper deals with the development of design data and strategies for optimizing the performance of wave energy generators. Rectangular buoys are considered for illustration. The buoy dimensions necessary for maximizing the conversion efficiency while minimizing its size for a particular ocean condition are evaluated. A control scheme based on changing the load damping coefficient provides an effective means for maximizing the conversion efficiency at different wave frequencies.
Neuromuscular neutral zones response to cyclic lumbar flexion

The in vivo lumbar spine of the anaesthetized feline was subjected to passive cyclic anterior flexion-extension at 0.25 Hz and 40 N peak load for cumulative 60 min duration. Displacement (or displacement neuromuscular neutral zones-DNNZ) and tension (or tension neuromuscular neutral zones-TNNZ) at which reflexive EMG activity from the multifidi muscles was initiated and terminated were recorded, for single-test cycles, before and for 7h after cyclic loading. Displacement and tension NNZs increased significantly after loading. The displacement NNZs decreased exponentially to near baseline by the 7th hour of rest. The tension NNZs, however, decreased to below the baseline by the 2nd to 3rd hour after loading and continued decreasing into the 7th hour. Peak EMG significantly decreased (49-57%) to below the baseline immediately after loading and then exponentially increased, exceeding the baseline by the 2nd to 3rd hour and reaching 33-59% above baseline by the 7th hour. EMG median frequency decreased after loading and then exceeded the baseline after the 3rd hour, indicating initial de-recruitment, followed by recruitment of new motor units. These findings suggest that the lumbar spine was exposed to instability for 2-3h after cyclic loading, due to concurrent laxity of the viscoelastic tissues and deficient muscular activity. A delayed neuromuscular compensation mechanism was found to exist, triggering the musculature significantly earlier and at higher magnitude than baseline, while the viscoelastic tissues were still lax. Thus, it is suggested that prolonged cyclic loading may compromise lumbar stability during the immediate 2-3h post-loading, increasing the risk of injury.
Kinetics of a non-catalytic gas-solid chemical reaction under SHS-like conditions

Nitration of metallic tantalum under self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) conditions (i.e. rapid heating rates 2000–3000 Ks−1, and short heating periods 2–100 s) has been studied. Phase analysis and microstructural characterization have been performed. A two-phase mixture region of solid solution TaNx and tantalum subnitride, namely Ta2N, was observed in the nitrided tantalum at temperatures of 1600–2600 K and a partial nitrogen pressure of 0.1–0.8 MPa. It was also found that tantalum subnitride phase formed before the formation of Ta-N solid solution throughout the sample during nitration. A theoretical study was conducted in order to determine the intrinsic reaction kinetics of a typical combustion synthesis reaction. A new model was developed to explain all experimental observations. The computer simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data. The results indicate that at sufficiently large heating rates the product layer does not necessarily act as a diffusion barrier that prevents further uptake of nitrogen. The results are helpful in developing an understanding of the mechanism of powder-based SHS.
Microfluorometric method to measure ammonium in natural waters1

Ammonium can be measured fluorometrically after a simple chromatographic separation from amino acids and reaction with o-phthalaldehyde. The method (<0.5-ml sample required) is sensitive down to 0.2 µm NH4+ in seawater. Fluorescence is proportional to concentration over the range of 0–100 µm NH4+ and analysis time is 6 min per sample.
Differential effect of long-term esophageal acid exposure on mechanosensitivity and chemosensitivity in humans

Abstract Background & Aims: Chronic tissue injury in the esophagus associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease may result in sensitization of afferent pathways mediating mechanosensitivity and chemosensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity to intraluminal acid and to distention of the esophagus in patients with mild-to-moderate gastroesophageal reflux disease. Methods: Perceptual responses to intraluminal acid perfusion and to esophageal distention and pressure volume relationships were evaluated in 10 healthy volunteers and in 11 patients. Mechanosensitivity was evaluated with a barostat using unbiased distention protocols and verbal descriptor ratings of sensations. Chemosensitivity to acid was determined at baseline and after a 1-month treatment of acid suppression. Results: Patients showed enhanced perception of acid perfusion but not of esophageal distension. Chemosensitivity but not mechanosensitivity was correlated with reflux symptoms and with the degree of endoscopically shown tissue injury at baseline. Tissue injury was not associated with altered compliance. Conclusions: Mild-to-moderate chronic tissue injury in gastroesophageal reflux disease differentially affects mechanosensitive and chemosensitive afferent pathways. Chronic acid reflux by itself is not likely to play a role in reported esophageal hypersensitivity to distention in patients with noncardiac chest pain. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1998;115:1363-1373
Microwave optical double resonance and reanalysis of the CaF A2Πr-X2Σ band system

Abstract A laser excitation spectrum of the (0,0) and (1,1) bands of the CaF A 2 Π- X 2 Σ system has been recorded and all 12 rotational branches assigned on the basis of laser induced fluorescence measurements. Microwave optical double resonance (MODR) measurements were also made on several low- J transitions to obtain precise spectroscopic constants of the X 2 Σ state. The present set of molecular constants for both the A 2 Π and X 2 Σ states represent a vast improvement in precision over previously reported values because of the larger number of line position measurements and the use of a more reasonable Hamiltonian. The excellent agreement between the rotational constants derived from the optical and microwave measurements fully validates the assignments. Important derived constants are listed below (in cm −1 ) with 95% confidence limits in parentheses.
Psychological reactions to air pollution

Interviews with a large representative sample of Los Angeles residents reveal that these citizens are somewhat aware and concerned about air pollution, but not knowledgeable about its causes. Direct behaviors to reduce causes of pollution or one's exposure to it are rare. A moderate percentage of people seek out information about air pollution or complain about it. Fewer follow state health advisories by reducing automobile driving or restricting activity during air pollution episodes. Preliminary modeling of citizen compliance with air pollution health advisories suggest that personal beliefs about negative health effects are a important predictor of compliance. Finally, modest but significant relationships are noted between ambient photochemical oxidants and anxiety symptoms. The latter finding controls for age, socioeconomic status, and temperature.
Hierarchical learning of robot skills by reinforcement

It is shown how reinforcement learning can be made practical for complex problems by introducing hierarchical learning. The agent at first learns elementary skills for solving elementary problems. To learn a new skill for solving a complex problem later on, the agent can ignore the low-level details and focus on the problem of coordinating the elementary skills it has developed. A physically-realistic mobile robot simulator is used to demonstrate the success and importance of hierarchical learning. For fast learning, artificial neural networks are used to generalize experiences, and a teaching technique is employed to save many learning trials of the simulated robot. >
Violence-Related Behaviors of Adolescents Relations with Responsive and Demanding Parenting

Examined in this study were the relations between two dimensions of parenting behavior and violence-related behaviors in a sample of 1,221 9th-and 10th-grade adolescents. The results indicated that the higher the perceived responsiveness and demandingness offathers and of mothers, the lower the likelihood that adolescents had hit peers, beat up peers, carried a weapon to school, or threatened a peer with a weapon. When compared with adolescents who perceived high levels of parental responsiveness or demandingness, adolescents who perceived relatively low levels of these dimensions were two to three times more likely to report violence-related behaviors. The results also indicated that parental responsiveness and demandingness were associated more strongly with the violence-related behaviors offemales than with those of males. Studies are needed that evaluate the effects of parenting skills training on adolescent violence and that identify gender differences in how family socialization processes influence ...
CREST-Snow Field Experiment: analysis of snowpack properties using multi-frequency microwave remote sensing data

The CREST-Snow Analysis and Field Experiment (CREST-SAFE) was carried out during January-March 2011 at the research site of the National Weather Service office, Caribou, ME, USA. In this experiment dual-polarized mi- crowave (37 and 89 GHz) observations were accompanied by detailed synchronous observations of meteorology and snow- pack physical properties. The objective of this long-term field experiment was to improve understanding of the effect of changing snow characteristics (grain size, density, temper- ature) under various meteorological conditions on the mi- crowave emission of snow and hence to improve retrievals of snow cover properties from satellite observations. In this pa- per we present an overview of the field experiment and com- parative preliminary analysis of the continuous microwave and snowpack observations and simulations. The observa- tions revealed a large difference between the brightness tem- perature of fresh and aged snowpack even when the snow depth was the same. This is indicative of a substantial impact of evolution of snowpack properties such as snow grain size, density and wetness on microwave observations. In the early spring we frequently observed a large diurnal variation in the 37 and 89 GHz brightness temperature with small depo- larization corresponding to daytime snowmelt and nighttime refreeze events. SNTHERM (SNow THERmal Model) and the HUT (Helsinki University of Technology) snow emis- sion model were used to simulate snowpack properties and microwave brightness temperatures, respectively. Simulated snow depth and snowpack temperature using SNTHERM were compared to in situ observations. Similarly, simulated microwave brightness temperatures using the HUT model were compared with the observed brightness temperatures under different snow conditions to identify different states of the snowpack that developed during the winter season.
Numerical Methods for Realizing Nonstationary Poisson Processes with Piecewise-Constant Instantaneous-Rate Functions

Nonstationary Poisson processes are appropriate in many applications, including disease studies, transportation, finance, and social policy. The authors review the risks of ignoring nonstationarity in Poisson processes and demonstrate three algorithms for generation of Poisson processes with piecewise-constant instantaneous rate functions, a capability that has been implemented in commercial simulation software. They test these algorithms in C programs and make comparisons of accuracy, speed, and variability across disparate rate functions and microprocessor architectures. Choice of optimal algorithm could not be predicted without knowledge of microprocessor architecture.
Strength training and older women: a cross-sectional study examining factors related to exercise adherence

Background: Despite the recognized health benefits, few older women participate in strength-training exercises. Methods: The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to older women’s adherence to strength training after participation in the Strong Women Program, a nationally disseminated community program. Adherence was defined as ≥4 months of twice-weekly strength training. Surveys were sent to 970 program participants from 23 states and to participants’ corresponding program leaders. Five-hundred fifty-seven participants responded (57%). Results: Of respondents who completed surveys (527), 79% (415) adhered to strength training; adherers reported a mean of 14.1 ± 9.1 months of strength training. Logistic-regression analysis revealed that exercise adherence was positively associated with age (p = .001), higher lifetime physical activity levels (p = .045), better perceived health (p = .003), leader’s sports participation (p = .028), and leader’s prior experience leading programs (p = .006). Co...
Guidelines and Practice Standardization for Female Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI)

The estimated prevalence of urinary incontinence in the middle-aged and elderly population is estimated between 30–60 % and increases with age (16). Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) defined as the leakage of urine with an increase in intra-abdominal pressure (coughing, laughing, or sneezing) accounts for at least half of all urinary incontinence. Estimates of SUI are as high as 46 % of women. Surgery for SUI is extremely common in the U.S. alone with more than 210,000 women undergoing surgical correction. As our population continues to age and obesity remains rampant, we will continue to treat more women for SUI. This article reviews the guidelines and current recommendations for the evaluation and management of women with stress incontinence. Furthermore, we provide an algorithm for which surgical option would be appropriate.
Two-Point Discrimination Assessment in the Upper Limb in Young Adult Men and Women

Two-point discrimination sensitivity in the upper limb was evaluated in a sample of healthy, young adult men and women. A commercially available compass-type instrument was used to determine limits of two-point discrimination sensitivity in 11 skin areas on the subject's dominant side. For dermatomal regions of the arm and forearm, mean values ranged from 30.7 mm to 45.4 mm. In the hand, the skin overlying the first dorsal interosseous muscle demonstrated discrimination values of 21.0 mm while that covering the volar surface of the tips of the thumb and long and little fingers showed values of 2.6 mm. Mean discrimination values for men and women in the test sample were not significantly different for any of the areas tested except the medial surface of the forearm where women showed a greater degree of sensitivity than men. The most striking observation was the large interindividual variation in two-point discrimination sensitivity. The existence of large interindividual variation within the normal population suggested that caution should be used when one is interpreting the results of two-point discrimination testing in select patient populations.
Asia's Irrigation Management in Transition: A Paradigm Shift Faces High Transaction Costs

Many water management problems have arisen in past Asian irrigation projects. They have been characterized as a vicious cycle involving the lack of maintenance, poor irrigation service, low rates of fee collection, inadequate institutional arrangements, and lack of user participation. This article argues that we have generally agreed on a strategy to address these problems and asks whether or not the strategy is being implemented effectively. A review of the irrigation record of six countries in Asia (including India and China) shows that they have implemented several of the key irrigation management reforms but that high transaction costs have delayed reform.
Policing post-war transitions: Insecurity, legitimacy and reform in Northern Ireland

This article explores the critical role of the police in addressing the fundamental challenges that a peace process presents: the demobilization of armed groups and the local security vacuums that emerge as a result. Policing is centrally important but deeply political in divided societies; it is often one of the most difficult aspects of a peace deal to reach agreement on. The article draws on a study of Northern Ireland, a relatively successful case of post-war police reform, to highlight the political challenges that emerge even in a best-case scenario where the basic resource and training needs of the police are met. Northern Ireland demonstrates that whether, and to what degree, people view the police as legitimate is linked to their perceptions about the legitimacy of the state. This has important implications for cases of asymmetric conflict, because improving the perceived legitimacy of the police presents distinct challenges in communities that are traditionally pro-state versus hostile to it. Pe...
Sparse Volterra and Polynomial Regression Models: Recoverability and Estimation

Volterra and polynomial regression models play a major role in nonlinear system identification and inference tasks. Exciting applications ranging from neuroscience to genome-wide association analysis build on these models with the additional requirement of parsimony. This requirement has high interpretative value, but unfortunately cannot be met by least-squares based or kernel regression methods. To this end, compressed sampling (CS) approaches, already successful in linear regression settings, can offer a viable alternative. The viability of CS for sparse Volterra and polynomial models is the core theme of this work. A common sparse regression task is initially posed for the two models. Building on (weighted) Lasso-based schemes, an adaptive RLS-type algorithm is developed for sparse polynomial regressions. The identifiability of polynomial models is critically challenged by dimensionality. However, following the CS principle, when these models are sparse, they could be recovered by far fewer measurements. To quantify the sufficient number of measurements for a given level of sparsity, restricted isometry properties (RIP) are investigated in commonly met polynomial regression settings, generalizing known results for their linear counterparts. The merits of the novel (weighted) adaptive CS algorithms to sparse polynomial modeling are verified through synthetic as well as real data tests for genotype-phenotype analysis.
Surgical treatment of stage IIIa non-small cell lung cancer

Stage IIIa non-small cell lung cancer indicates extension of the primary tumor either to chest wall or proximally and/or mediastinal lymph node involvement. This significantly worsens the prognosis. T3 tumors can be completely excised with a 30-50% five year survival rate if no nodes are involved. Adjuvant chemotherapy has not been demonstrated to improve survival and adjuvant radiotherapy decreases loco-recurrence rate without affecting survival. Mediastinal lymph node involvement identified preoperatively has a very poor prognosis with less than 10% of such patients cured following surgical resection. Studies are underway to assess the value of induction chemo/radiotherapy for this stage of disease. Mediastinal disease discovered only at the time of surgery should be resected but the ultimate five year survival rate cannot be expected to be greater than 30%. Adjuvant radiotherapy is often employed to decrease locoregional recurrence rate. Surgeons must be very selective in offering surgical resection for patients preoperatively identified to have stage IIIa disease and must be able to ensure that a complete resection is possible.
The new meteor radar at Penn State

In order to provide new and improved meteor radar sensing capabilities, Penn State has been developing advanced instruments and technologies for future meteor radars, with primary objectives of making such instruments more capable and cost effective to study basic properties of the global meteor flux, such as average mass, velocity, and chemical composition. Using low-cost field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and open source software tools, we describe a state-of-the art radar system that is both cost-effective and efficient, optimized to collect and display instantaneous profiles of atmospheric parameters and climatology on a daily basis throughout the year. An overview of the system and some of the emerging technologies developed for this meteor radar are presented.
GROSS‐MOTOR SKILL ACQUISITION BY PRESCHOOL DANCE STUDENTS UNDER SELF‐INSTRUCTION PROCEDURES

The effects of two training procedures—(a) modeling and praise and (b) self-instruction, modeling, and praise—on complex gross-motor chain acquisition for preschool dance class students were evaluated. Six girls participated in the study. A multiple baseline design across six gross-motor chains with a secondary group comparison for treatment order effects was used. Both procedures were effective in teaching the gross-motor chains. Nevertheless, for 4 of the 6 participants, the self-instruction procedure produced a faster acquisition rate in at least two of the three comparable pairs of gross-motor chains. Furthermore, very early in gross-motor chain acquisition, for five of the six gross-motor chains, the self-instruction condition was associated with faster response acquisition. DESCRIPTORS: acquisition, dance, gross-motor chains, modeling, self-instruction, training procedures
A functional evolution of the Leucobryaceae

Recent conclusions on the limits of the Leucobryaceae and on the function of the Leucobryaceous leaf are used as basis for further observations on evolution of the group. Eight genera are recognized in the family; 1. Leucobryum , 2. Steyermarkiella , 3. Ochrobryum, 4. Arthrocormus , 5. Schistomitrium, 6. Holomitriopsis , 7. Cladopodanthus , and 8. Octoblepharum. The leaf form, capsule shape, and peristome substructure of Leucobryum seems to derive from a Campylopus- type member of the Dicranaceae. Four basic stages are noted in the functional evolution of the family. 1. The stratification of the leaf into leucocysts and chlorocyst layers with leucocysts holding water and internally generated gas; 2. The shift from soil substrates seen mostly in Temperate Zone Leucobryum to rotten wood substrates or epiphytism; 3. Increasing reliance on vegetative reproduction with reduction of reliance on sporophytes; 4. Morphogenetic increase of the number of chlorocysts in the leaf. Geographical concentrations of the genera are noted, and distributions between hemispheres are apparently mostly by way of the South Atlantic. The use of functional considerations in evolutionary studies is emphasized. The retention of paraphyletic groups in taxonomy is defended.
Four Keys to Managing Emergence

In volatile and uncertain environments, managers must encourage and enable the spurts of participatory innovation that lead to emergent processes and solutions.
Atomic Layer Epitaxy of h-BN(0001) Multilayers on Co(0001) and Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth of Graphene on h-BN(0001)/Co(0001)

The direct growth of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by industrially scalable methods is of broad interest for spintronic and nanoelectronic device applications. Such applications often require atomically precise control of film thickness and azimuthal registry between layers and substrate. We report the formation, by atomic layer epitaxy (ALE), of multilayer h-BN(0001) films (up to 7 monolayers) on Co(0001). The ALE process employs BCl3/NH3 cycles at 600 K substrate temperature. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low energy electron diffraction (LEED) data show that this process yields an increase in h-BN average film thickness linearly proportional to the number of BCl3/NH3 cycles, with BN layers in azimuthal registry with each other and with the Co(0001) substrate. LEED diffraction spot profile data indicate an average BN domain size of at least 1900 A. Optical microscopy data indicate the presence of some domains as large as ∼20 μm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ambient exposure studies demonstrate macroscopic and microscopic continuity of the h-BN film, with the h-BN film highly conformal to the Co substrate. Photoemission data show that the h-BN(0001) film is p-type, with band bending near the Co/h-BN interface. Growth of graphene by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is observed on the surface of multilayer h-BN(0001) at temperatures of 800 K. LEED data indicate azimuthal graphene alignment with the h-BN and Co(0001) lattices, with domain size similar to BN. The evidence of multilayer BN and graphene azimuthal alignment with the lattice of the Co(0001) substrate demonstrates that this procedure is suitable for scalable production of heterojunctions for spintronic applications.
Parathyroid hypertrophy and hyperplasia in fowls

Physiological overgrowth of the parathyroid glands in mammals has been very rarely observed. Erdheim,1 Bauer2 and Strada3 have recently described its occurrence in man in association with some cases of osteomalacia. Three instances of undoubted general parathyroid enlargement in bitches in association with lactation have come under my observation.In the reports of partial removal and of transplantation of mammalian parathyroids, particularly in dogs, one of the most characteristic features has been the absence of any noteworthy compensatory enlargement of the remaining portion within the time limits in which other tissues, like the thyroid, heart muscle, kidney, etc., react to artificially induced insufficiencies.In the course of some experiments with the thyroid gland in fowls in 1910, I observed several instances of marked enlargement of the parathyroids independent of the changes occurring in the thyroid glands. These parathyroid changes were found in fowls which had been fed with maize and wheat for p...
Relationship Between Population Density of Citrus Rust Mite (Acari: Eriophyidae) and Damage to ‘Hamlin’ Orange Fruit

Six studies were conducted to quantify the relationship between fruit surface damage of ‘Hamlin’ orange, Citrus sinensis , and population denisty of the citrus rust mite, Phyllocoptruta oleivora (Ashmead). Over time, the damage rate per mite-day increased in sigmoid fashion mainlyas a result of a sigmoid increase in cumulative mite-days. The sigmoid increase in cumulative mite-days resulted from the single-peaked, more or less symmetrically shaped mite population growth. Increasing fruit maturity increased susceptibility to mite feeding. This was indicated by a decline in mite-days required to cause a given percentage of surface damage as fruit maturity increased. Tree age and grove location did not seem to have obvious effect on the general trend in damage rate. A mathematical model was developed to describe the relationship between cumulative damage and cumulative mite-days. The model could be used to predict fruit surface damage based on mite population data.