cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wives and Mothers at Risk: The Role of Marital and Maternal Status in Criminal Activity and Incarceration:

As the numbers of women entering prison are increasing, more attention is being paid to the social circumstances of criminally-involved women. Crime research has highlighted the familial roles of women more than men, focusing on the social and personal roles of women. This study examines a cross-sectional sample of 423 women in one state, assessing the associations of motherhood and intimate partnership with criminal activity. The study finds that criminal activity, particularly economic crime, is highly related to motherhood. Economic crime is predicted by having a higher number of young children, while both economic and violent crimes are predicted by a woman's history of victimization. Additional findings suggest marriage does not reduce these risks.
The Atom and the Fault

The reader is provided an interesting perspective of the growing pains, tribulations, and intricate processes of nuclear powerplant siting and licensing. The concepts of scientific truth, honesty, integrity, and objectivity and how these exist among scientific experts is explored through examination of still-controversial cases such as Bodega Head, Malibu, Diablo Canyon, and Vallecitos. A dilemma evolves that stems from both the variations in the interpretations of geologic features and the differing positions on issues expressed by consulting geologists, U.S. Geological Survey geologists, Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff, and intervenors. Although the author espouses honesty and integrity, an inquisitive reader may find a measure of the author's bias in the examination of “scientific truth” developed during the licensing proceedings.
Endurance Improvement of Ge2Sb2Te5-Based Phase Change Memory

We describe a cycling failure mode in Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 -based phase change memory, based on density difference of GST in different phases and the SET/RESET thermal operations. Voids that develop and merge with each other within GST programming volume after cycling eventually lead to cell failure. By adding suitable amount of doping material into GST, we are able to delay this void formation process and to significantly improve the cell endurance to more than 10 9 cycles.
"Signaling and uncertainty: A case study"

This paper studies the well-known counter example of Witsenhausen when the initial uncertainty is small. Using an asymptotic approach, it is established that linear strategies are asymptotically optimal over a large class of nonlinear strategies. This serves as a guideline for optimal solutions of non-classical problems with very noisy communication channels.
The dynamic stress intensity factor for a semi-infinite crack in orthotropic materials with concentrated shear impact loads

Abstract The transient elastodynamic response of an orthotropic material due to concentrated shear impact loads on the faces of a semi-infinite crack is examined, and the solution for the stress intensity factor history around the crack tip is found. Laplace and Fourier transforms together along with the Wiener–Hopf technique are employed to solve the equations of motion. Even though the problem has characteristic length, it has been shown in previous works that the Wiener–Hopf technique can be applied. The asymptotic expression of stress near the crack tip is analyzed, which leads to the dynamic mode II stress intensity factor. The results are presented for orthotropic materials as well as for an isotropic material.
The effects of gaba and biogenic amines behavior and brain electrical activity in chicks

Abstract 1. Small doses of epinephrine given i.p. and i.v., GABA and 5-HT given i.p produce behavioral and EEG changes which resemble those seen in natural sleep. 2. Large doses of epinephrine and GABA given i.p. produce marked behavioral depression and EEG changes similar to those seen with anesthetic doses of ether and pentobarbital (biphasic spiking and burst suppression). 3. ACh given i.v. produces marked EEG activation in alert chicks and transient behavioral and EEG arousal in chicks behaviorally depressed by epinephrine given i.v.
An iterative algorithm for optimizing the conditional lifetimes of distributed sensors

A provably optimal algorithm is developed for maximizing the lifetime of sensor networks. The algorithm attempts to find a Pareto Optimal solution in an iterative fashion. In the first iteration, the minimum lifetime of the network is maximized. If the solution is not Pareto Optimal a second iteration is performed which maximizes the second minimum lifetime subject to the minimum lifetime being maximum. At the nth iteration, the algorithm maximizes the nth minimum lifetime subject to the (n - 1)th minimum lifetime being maximum, subject to the (n -2)th minimum lifetime being maximum, etc. The algorithm can be stopped at any iteration n.
Stat1 acetylation inhibits inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in interferon-γ-treated RAW264.7 murine macrophages

Background We hypothesized that acetylation of the Stat1 regulates interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mediated macrophage expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Methods RAW 264.7 iNOS expression was induced with IFN-γ. Deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A (TSA) or valproic acid (VPA) were added. Stat1 and iNOS mRNA and protein were measured. Acetylated Stat1 was determined by immunoprecipitation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assessed in vivo binding of Stat1 to the iNOS promoter. Results IFN-γ significantly increased nitrite, iNOS protein and iNOS mRNA, and iNOS promoter activation. ( P P P P Conclusions Acetylation of Stat1 protein correlates with decreased Stat1 binding to the iNOS promoter with resultant inhibition of IFN-γ–mediated iNOS expression. Acetylation of the Stat1 protein may downregulate iNOS expression in proinflammatory states.
Lesion of infralimbic cortex occludes stress effects on retrieval of extinction but not fear conditioning.

Chronic stress produces dendritic retraction in medial prefrontal cortex and impairs retrieval of extinction of conditioned fear, a behavior mediated by the infralimbic region (IL) of medial prefrontal cortex. To test the hypothesis that stress-induced changes in IL contribute to the stress-induced impairment in extinction retrieval, we performed an occlusion experiment in which we assessed the effects of stress alone, lesion of IL alone, and the combined effects of stress and lesion on extinction retrieval. If IL is the substrate upon which stress acts to produce deficits in extinction retrieval, then prior removal of IL should prevent the effect of stress on extinction retrieval. Rats received either sham or ibotenic acid lesions of IL. Rats in each group then remained unstressed or underwent daily restraint stress for 1 week. Following the final day of restraint, rats received five habituation trials to a 30-s tone, followed by seven pairings of the tone with a 500-ms coterminating footshock. One hour later, rats received tone-alone extinction trials. On the following day, rats were given two extinction trials to test for extinction retrieval. Percent freezing was assessed throughout. Stress increased freezing during conditioning, and IL lesion did not block this effect. Either IL lesion alone or stress alone increased freezing on initial extinction trials. IL lesion did not attenuate the effect of stress during initial extinction. Similarly, IL lesion alone and stress alone produced deficits in extinction retrieval. However, stressed rats with IL lesions showed extinction retrieval comparable to that seen in unstressed, sham-lesioned rats. Thus, lesion of IL occluded the stress-induced impairment of extinction retrieval but failed to prevent the stress-induced facilitation of fear conditioning. This dissociation suggests that the effects of stress on these two aspects of emotion regulation are mediated at least in part by independent mechanisms, and that stress-induced changes in IL contribute to stress-induced deficits in extinction retrieval.
Cutaneous Fusarium infection in an adolescent with acute leukemia.

: Disseminated fusariosis occurred in a pediatric patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia in relapse. The patient had fever and neutropenia, and scattered violaceous papules and vesicles with central erosions that rapidly progressed to generalized, painful, violaceous, papulovesicular lesions with central necrosis. Severe myalgias were associated. The diagnosis was suspected by noting hyphae on a smear of vesicular contents, and confirmed by culture. The clinical course was rapidly fatal despite early institution of amphotericin B therapy. Disseminated Fusarium infection should be suspected in immunocompromised patients with fever and neutropenia who have generalized, eroded, violaceous papules, vesicles, and pustules, particularly with associated myalgias.
An associative model of rat serial pattern learning in three-element sequences.

Hypotheses ranging from subsymbolic to symbolic have been proposed to account for rat sequential behaviour, and in the subsymbolic domain alone there are multiple proposed subsymbolic processes or factors thought to affect serial behaviour. A behavioural study and computer simulations were conducted to evaluate these hypotheses, and a new computational associative model based on pairwise associations and generalization was evaluated. Seven 3-element sequences were selected for study that systematically (1) varied sequence discriminability, (2) varied reward magnitude, and (3) manipulated the order of food quantities. Neither element discriminability nor response enhancement subsymbolic processes in isolation were able to account for the behavioural data; however, simulations from the computational model known as the sequential pairwise associative memory (SPAM) model with a log-linear mapping of stimulus dimension items to food quantities correlated well with the behavioural data. SPAM accounts for differ...
Supersonic flow sensor using semiconductor diamond films

AbstractThe frequency response of thin film sensors can be enhanced by using a film of semiconducting diamond. Conventional sensors made of metallic films such as Ni can only be used for measuring flow turbulences of the orderof 60 KHz. The proposed diamond sensor can measure instabilities as high as 2x105 Hz. A computer simulation wascarried out to compare the response of the proposed sensor with a Ni film sensor. The rationale for choosing theappropriate film and substrate materials has also been explained. 1. IntroductionThin film anemometers are useful for detecting turbulence fluctuations and measuring skin friction coefficients'. They have a higher frequency response and a higher signal to noise ratio as compared to hot wireanemometers, due to their larger surface area to mass ratio. This combined with their ruggedness and their abilityto insulate the sensor make them a more acceptable instrument for monitoring fluid flows.All conventional hot film anemometers work on the same basic principle that a moving fluid convectively
Opsoclonus: clinical and immunological features.

Abstract Background Opsoclonus is felt to be a saccadic oscillation disorder but the neuroanatomical substrate for generating the abnormal eye movements is poorly understood. Methods We recorded eye movements and studied serum samples from 7 patients who presented with opsoclonus and with either myoclonus or generalized tremor. Anti neuronal antibodies were detected by immunohistochemestry using rat and human cerebellar sections. Results In all patients but one the opsoclonus resolved within 2 weeks (after immunosuppression in 4, resection of the underlying neoplasm in 1 and spontaneously in 1). Opsoclonus was arrhythmic and multidirectional with a wide frequency range (4–10 Hz). No known paraneoplastic antibodies were found in the initial commercial screen. Three patients had antiPurkinje cell antibodies with a characteristic punctate staining in the molecular layer. Conclusions The clinical and immunological findings are consistent with the hypothesis, that in some patients, opsoclonus results from antibodies directed at the parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapse. The antibodies block parallel fiber input to Purkinje cells allowing spontaneous oscillating activity generated in the inferior olives to be passed on to the oculomotor nuclei via the flocculus.
Sequence of the high-activity equine erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase: N-terminal polymorphism (acetyl-ser/acetyl-thr) and homologies to similar mammalian isozymes

The amino acid sequence of the high-activity equine erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase (CA-II) has been determined. Two different N-termini are noted, the C1 form having an N-acetyl-serine and the C2 form an N-acetyl-threonine. The sequence of the equine enzyme is most homologous to the human CA-II isozyme, with 224 of the 259 residues being identical.
Lactic acidosis in childhood: Part II

Lactic acidosis is associated with both inherited and acquired metabolic diseases. Lactic acid metabolism in the presence of altered gluconeogenesis, anaerobic glycolysis, and acid-base balance is a major factor in many disorders. Lactic acid can be formed only from pyruvic acid; therefore, disorders that increase pyruvate concentration, enhance lactic acid formation, or reduce lactic acid degradation cause lactic acidosis. Inborn metabolic errors that are accompanied by derangement of metabolic pathways of glucose, pyruvate, amino acids, and organic acids as well as toxic and systemic conditions that promote tissue hypoxia or mitochondrial injury result in lactic acidosis. In the presence of acquired disorders, treatment is directed initially toward modification or cure of the primary condition and then toward eliminating acidosis and other metabolic complications. Specific therapy is available for some inborn errors of metabolism.
Andean-scale highlands in the Late Cretaceous Cordillera of the North American western margin

From the Late Jurassic through the Cretaceous, collision between the North American and Farallon plates drove extensive thin-skinned thrusting and crustal shortening that resulted in substantial relief in the North American Cordillera. The elevation history of this region is tightly linked to the tectonic, climatic and landscape evolution of western North America but is not well constrained. Here we use an atmospheric general circulation model with integrated oxygen isotope tracers (isoCAM3) to predict how isotope ratios of precipitation would change along the North American Cordillera as the mean elevation of orogenic highlands increased from 1200 m to 3975 m. With increases in mean elevation, highland temperatures fall, monsoonal circulation along the eastern front of the Cordillera is enhanced, and wet season (generally spring and summer) precipitation increases. Simulated oxygen isotopic ratios in that precipitation are compared to those obtained from geologic materials (e.g. fossil bivalves, authigenic minerals). Quantification of match between model and data-derived δ18O values suggests that during the Late Cretaceous, the best approximation of regional paleoelevation in western North America is a large orogen on the scale of the modern Andes Mountains with a mean elevation approaching 4000 m and a north-south extent of at least 15° of latitude.
ACCIDENT ANALYSIS AT RAILROAD-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSINGS IN URBAN AREAS

THE PURPOSES OF THIS INVESTIGATION WERE TO DEVELOP MATHEMATICAL MODELS THAT MEASURE THE RELATIVE SAFETY OR HAZARD OF URBAN CROSSINGS AND TO ESTABLISH A PRIORITY RATING SYSTEM, BASED ON THESE MODELS, FOR DETERMINING PROTECTION IMPROVEMENTS IN URBAN AREAS. THE MATHEMATICAL TECHNIQUES OF DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS AND REGRESSION ANALYSIS WERE UTILIZED TO DEVELOP DISCRIMINANT MODELS WITH LINERLY ASSIGNED PROBABILITIES. THESE MODELS PERMIT POTENTIAL HAZARD TO BE EXPRESSED AS THE PROBABILITY THAT A GRADE CROSSING IS ACCIDENT PRONE. A GRADE CROSSING WHERE A VEHICLE-TRAIN ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED DURING A TWO-YEAR PERIOD WAS CONSIDERED AS A REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER OF THE POPULATION OF ACCIDENT PRONE CROSSINGS. A LOCATION WHICH HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A VEHICLE-TRAIN ACCIDENT FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE FIELD INVESTIGATION WAS ASSUMED AS A REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER OF THE POPULATION OF NON-ACCIDENT PRONE GRADE CROSSINGS. DATA WERE COLLECTED AT 295 ACCIDENT LOCATIONS AND 281 NON-ACCIDENT LOCATIONS IN URBAN PORTION OF THE STATE OF INDIANA. THE BEST DISCRIMINANT MODEL IS 74 PERCENT SUCCESSFUL IN CLASSIFYING THE TRUE GROUP MEMBERSHIP OF THE SAMPLE GRADE CROSSINGS. THIS MODEL EXPRESSES POTENTIAL HAZARD AS A FUNCTION OF PROTECTIVE DEVICE, AVERAGE DAILY HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, AVERAGE DAILY TRAIN TRAFFIC, DEGREE OF EFFECTIVE SIGHT DISTANCE, AND ROADSIDE DISTRACTIONS. A METHODOLOGY WAS DEVELOPED FOR SELECTING A MINIMUM LEVEL OF GRADE CROSSING PROTECTION AND FOR ESTABLISHING PRIORITIES FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PROTECTION AT URBAN RAILROAD-HIGHWAY GRADE CROSSINGS. /AUTHOR/
Teaching Software Engineering by Reverse Engineering

Teaching software engineering (SE) is a difficult but critical task, whether students are undergraduates, graduates, or professionals. Most designs of undergraduate courses are based on a large project. During this project, students apply methods that have been introduced during lectures. Project schedules usually follow life cycles corresponding to the steps that lead to the creation of new pieces of software. My intention is to analyze the difficulties that occur in SE undergraduate courses and to propose a method to improve course quality and to meet with industrial needs that are more reusability‐ and maintenance‐oriented. This article outlines a typical course and some of its weaknesses. Then, it proposes changes and discusses a different way of teaching SE based on the following ideas: Apply a reverse engineering life cycle that starts by making students deal with code, and, step by step, parts of design, specification, and requirement documents. This phase aims to motivate students, to make them cr...
Subdivisions of the medial geniculate body in the tree shrew (Tupaia glis)

Summary The medial geniculate body of the tree shrew has 3 major division which can be identified on the basis of cytoarchitecture. Each of these major divisions can be subdivided further. The present paper describes these divisions and compares them in terms of their patterns of afferent and efferent connections. In particular, anterograde degeneration and autoradiographic techniques are used to demonstrate that the dorsal and medial divisions receive projections from the deep layers of the superior colliculus and from the tegmentum. Results are also presented which indicate that the dorsal division projects to a non-primary cortical area adjacent to primary auditory cortex. Evidence is discussed which suggests that large sectors of what we have called the medial geniculate body constitute subdivisions of the auditory thalamus.
Microorganisms for MEMS

Uni- and multicellular microorganisms are capable of performing a variety of functions. Many of these self-replicating biological entities can synthesize and structure materials, sense, convert energy, communicate, and generate mechanical motion. From an engineering vantage point, these microorganisms may be considered as functional systems that can further the state-of-the-art in microelectromechanical system microfabrication technology and device function. Microorganisms can synthesize a wide range of inorganics at room temperature in aqueous environment, can form nanoscale objects with resolutions beyond the capabilities of conventional photolithography, and can be used to construct highly target-specific chemical and biological sensors among other applications. In this paper we consider the unique opportunities offered by microorganisms-when used to complement a microfabrication process or used as an integral part of a microelectromechanical system-in inorganic material synthesis, in formation of structures, and in transduction. We catalog many of the microorganisms that can be potentially used in this fashion and under each category discuss the specifics of a few model microorganisms. Our goal is to discuss the pros and cons of integration of microorganisms and microelectromechanical system technology and provide a reference point for researchers in this promising area
Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Undiscovered Monospecific Genera in the tribe Episcieae (Gesneriaceae)

Abstract Recent molecular phylogenetic analyses have revealed that many genera in tribe Episcieae of Gesneriaceae are polyphyletic. The strong support from molecular data necessitates name changes for these taxa. In this paper we make the formal transfer of these species. As a result, four monospecific new genera are described to accommodate monophyletic lineages. The option to create monospecific genera is made as opposed to including these species in single, large, morphologically heterogeneous genera. The new genera are Christopheria, Lesia, Pachycaulos , and Pagothyra , and include the species Christopheria xantha, Lesia savannarum, Pachycaulos nummularium , and Pagothyra maculata .
Site-Directed Mutagenesis and Structural Studies Suggest that the Germination Protease, GPR, in Spores of Bacillus Species Is an Atypical Aspartic Acid Protease

Germination protease (GPR) initiates the degradation of small, acid-soluble spore proteins (SASP) during germination of spores of Bacillus and Clostridium species. The GPR amino acid sequence is not homologous to members of the major protease families, and previous work has not identified residues involved in GPR catalysis. The current work has focused on identifying catalytically essential amino acids by mutagenesis of Bacillus megaterium gpr. A residue was selected for alteration if it (i) was conserved among spore-forming bacteria, (ii) was a potential nucleophile, and (iii) had not been ruled out as inessential for catalysis. GPR variants were overexpressed in Escherichia coli, and the active form (P41) was assayed for activity against SASP and the zymogen form (P46) was assayed for the ability to autoprocess to P41. Variants inactive against SASP and unable to autoprocess were analyzed by circular dichroism spectroscopy and multiangle laser light scattering to determine whether the variant's inactivity was due to loss of secondary or quaternary structure, respectively. Variation of D127 and D193, but no other residues, resulted in inactive P46 and P41, while variants of each form were well structured and tetrameric, suggesting that D127 and D193 are essential for activity and autoprocessing. Mapping these two aspartate residues and a highly conserved lysine onto the B. megaterium P46 crystal structure revealed a striking similarity to the catalytic residues and propeptide lysine of aspartic acid proteases. These data indicate that GPR is an atypical aspartic acid protease.
Paired-Comparisons Intransitivity Related to Age of Subjects:

A stratified random sample of 82 subjects, 4 to 25 years of age, was used to examine relationships between intransitivity of paired-comparison responses and age of subjects. Intransitivity scores of early childhood subjects (4-7 years) were significantly higher than those of the middle childhood group (p < .05), adolescents (p < .001), and young adults (p < .01). Comparisons between other group means were not significant. It was concluded that there is a floor level (6-7 years) below which response intransitivity increases significantly. Above the floor level, intransitivity appears to generalize across age groups. Alternative hypotheses based on a cognitive-developmental theory and a content-specific perspective are given as possible explanations for results.
Large serrated polyps: molecular and familial links to a serrated neoplasia predisposition

Background The serrated pathway to colorectal cancer is associated with a CpG-island methylator-phenotype (CIMP) and is distinct of the classical adenoma-to-carcinoma sequence. There is increasing evidence that a subset of hyperplastic polyps (HPs) serves as intermediates in an oncogenic sequence resulting in a CIMP colorectal cancer. This study analyzes molecular changes in large HPs to define their potential relationship to the serrated polyp pathway and links them to a predisposition to colorectal cancer.
Low-resistance Ti/n-type Si(100) contacts by monolayer Se passivation

Low-resistance contacts fabricated by selenium passivation between Ti and n-type Si(100) substrates have been characterized by low-temperature I-V, four-point probe and circular transmission line methods. The Ti-Si contacts on Se-passivated samples demonstrate a significant reduction in Schottky barrier height over control samples in low-temperature I-V. Sheet resistance of the contacts on Se-passivated 10 19 cm -3 doped n-type Si(100) substrates shows a 30% reduction as compared with control samples. Accordingly, the extracted contact resistance decreases by about one order of magnitude for samples with different Ti thicknesses and different annealing temperatures. A 125%-2900% reduction in contact resistivity is achieved by Se passivation on highly-doped n-type SOI substrates with 500 A un-doped Si buffer layer. The reduction in contact resistance is attributed to the minimization of interface states between Ti and Si(100) surface.
Dynamics of Pseudoperonospora cubensis Sporangia in Commercial Cucurbit Fields in Michigan

Major outbreaks of cucurbit downy mildew have been observed since 2005 in Michigan, the top state for pickling cucumber production in the United States. Airborne concentrations of Pseudoperonospora cubensis sporangia were monitored from 2006 to 2009 in a commercial cucurbit field in each of five Michigan counties. Temperature, relative humidity, leaf wetness, and rainfall were recorded on site in 2008 and 2009. Seasonal and daily trends for sporangial concentrations were examined using loess regression to determine when sporangia were present throughout the growing season. Airborne sporangia were detected from June through September, and concentrations increased during this period. Peak airborne sporangial concentrations occurred between 8:00 and 13:00 h. Airborne sporangial concentrations were positively correlated with temperature (r = 0.17 to 0.38, P < 0.0001) and negatively correlated with relative humidity (r = -0.16 to -0.45, P ≤ 0.0046) and leaf wetness (r = -0.14 to -0.39, P ≤ 0.0001) in 2008 and 2009 at all sites. In autoregressive moving average models, sporangial concentrations were negatively related to relative humidity (slope = -0.03 to -1.34, P < 0.0496) at three of five sites in 2008 and four of five sites in 2009. Hence, sporangia are likely to be airborne above the crop canopy during periods with high temperatures and low relative humidity and leaf wetness.
Why a Net Bond exists when it appears to be Nonexistent: The Electronic Structures of F2 and Inert Gas Fluorides

In a previous note1, I gave an example of why an effective bond can exist when a real bond is absent within Single Determinant SCF-MO (SD-SCF-MO) theory. I now consider a much more complex problem, which is soluble only at the level of SCF-MO-CI theory, in order to further illustrate the conceptual and formal advantages of VB-type theories.
Clinical and Pathogenetic Studies of Medical Lake Macaque Virus Infections in Cynomolgus Monkeys (Simian Varicella)

The Medical Lake macaque (MLM) virus produced varicelliform eruptions in cynomolgus monkeys. Not all experimentally infected monkeys developed overt disease; viremia was found, and specific antibodies were detected. Specific lesions were found in skin, lymph nodes, and spleen. Focal inflammatory lesions were present in liver, pancreas, and lung (after intratracheal instillation of virus). MLM virus was recovered from these and other organs. The temporal movements of MLM virus in and out of primary and secondary target organs remained partially unsolved. MLM virus is related to the Wu strain of varicella virus.
A fish oil diet produces different degrees of suppression of apoB and triglyceride secretion in human apoB transgenic mouse strains.

Human apolipoprotein B (apoB) transgenic (HuBTg) mouse strains were used to assess genetic effects on the response to fish oil (FO), a source of n-3 fatty acids. A congenic HuBTg strain of the C57BL/6 (B6) background and six F1 HuBTg strains were fed a FO for 2 weeks. Different responses of plasma lipid levels to FO were observed among these strains. In particular, plasma apoB levels changed minimally in FO-fed male B6 HuBTg mice, but increased markedly (∼40%) in FO-fed male FVB/NJ (FVB) × B6 F1 HuBTg mice. These strain differences were determined mainly by hepatic apoB secretion rates and were likely regulated by posttranscriptional mechanisms. In addition, plasma triglyceride (TG) levels were reduced (14%) in FO-fed B6 mice, but not in FVB × B6 mice. These strain differences were determined mainly by TG secretion rates, but were not due to differences in hepatic lipogenesis. Hepatic mRNA levels of acyl-CoA oxidase, reflective of peroxisomal β-oxidation rate, were increased in FO-fed B6 but not in FVB × B6 mice, which could account for the difference in TG secretion rates. In summary, differential effects of FO on plasma apoB and TG levels in B6 and FVB × B6 HuBTg mice were associated with strain differences in hepatic apoB and TG secretion and in peroxisomal β-oxidation.
Modulation of Activity of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus Preintegration Complexes by Host Factors In Vitro

We have explored the requirements for host proteins in the integration of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV) cDNA in vitro. Following infection, it is possible to lyse cells and obtain preintegration complexes (PICs) capable of integrating the MoMuLV cDNA into an added target DNA in vitro (intermolecular integration). PICs can be stripped of required proteins by gel filtration in high-salt buffers (600 mM KCl), allowing the nature of the removed factors to be investigated by in vitro reconstitution. In a previous study of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) PICs, the host protein HMG I(Y) was found to be able to restore activity to salt-stripped PICs. In contrast, salt stripping and reconstitution of MoMuLV PICs led to the proposal that a host factor is important for a different activity, blocking integration into the cDNA itself (autointegration). In this report, we investigated reconstitution of salt-stripped MoMuLV PICs and found that addition of cellular extract from uninfected NIH 3T3 cells could block autointegration and also restore intermolecular integration. Isolation of the intermolecular integration-complementing activity yielded HMG I(Y), as in the HIV-1 case. However, HMG I(Y) could not block autointegration, implicating a different host factor in this process. Additionally, when MoMuLV PICs were partially purified but not salt stripped, the intermolecular integration activity was reduced but could be stimulated by the addition of any of several purified DNA binding proteins. In summary, three activities were detected: (i) the intermolecular integration cofactor HMG I(Y), (ii) an autointegration barrier protein, and (iii) stimulatory DNA binding proteins.
Regional Impacts of Future Land-Cover Changes on the Amazon Basin Wet-Season Climate

State-of-the-art socioeconomic scenarios of land-cover change in the Amazon basin for the years 2030 and 2050 are used together with the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) to simulate the hydrometeorological changes caused by deforestation in that region under diverse climatological conditions that include both El Nino and La Nina events. The basin-averaged rainfall progressively decreases with the increase of deforestation from 2000 to 2030, 2050, and so on, to total deforestation by the end of the twenty-first century. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of rainfall is significantly affected by both the land-cover type and topography. While the massively deforested region experiences an important decrease of precipitation, the areas at the edge of that region and at elevated regions receive more rainfall. Propagating squall lines over the massively deforested region dissipate before reaching the western part of the basin, causing a significant decrease of rainfall that could result in a catastrophic collapse of the ecosystem in that region. The basin experiences much stronger precipitation changes during El Nino events as deforestation increases. During these periods, deforestation in the western part of the basin induces a very significant decrease of precipitation. During wet years, however, deforestation has a minor overall impact on the basin climatology.
Power, performance, and cost comparisons of monolithic 3D ICs and TSV-based 3D ICs

Power, performance, area, and cost analysis of TSV, mini-TSV, and monolithic 3D ICs is presented. Power savings for TSV, mini-TSV, and monolithic 3D ICs are 21%, 25%, and 37%, respectively, compared to that of a 2D IC. It is shown that monolithic 3D can deliver one node PPC benefit, whereas TSV 3D or mini-TSV 3D can only achieve a half node PPC advantage.
Peer Influence, Images of Smokers, and Beliefs about Smoking among Preadolescent Nonsmokers

The purpose of the current study was to test whether perceived peer influence is related to image of a typical smoker, and whether image of a typical smoker is associated with beliefs about the effects of smoking among preadolescent nonsmokers. Two hundred and ninety-two preadolescents completed a survey indicating their perceptions of the prevalence and encouragement for smoking among peers, image of a typical smoker, beliefs about the social and physical consequences of smoking, and overall harm caused by smoking. Hypotheses were partially supported. Perceived peer influence was related to image of a typical smoker; image of a typical smoker was related only to the beliefs about harm caused by smoking. Results are discussed in terms of the cognitive mechanisms involved in the process of peer influence.
Data fusion for detecting sonar contacts from multiple sensors: the two sensor case

The detection performance obtained by combining the output of two sensors is considered. Four combination methods are analyzed and compared: combine by summing the signals; make 0,1 decisions at the sensors and OR the decisions; use the 0,1 decisions in an AND detector; sum threshold signals to make detections summing the threshold signals provides a system designer with tradeoffs between message rate from the sensor to the detection processor, prob(false alarm), and prob(detection). The comparisons also show that the OR detector performance is much better than the AND performance if there is a large difference in signal levels at the two sensors. >
Evaluation and modelling the mechanical damage to cowpea seeds under impact loading

Mechanical damage of seeds due to harvest, handling and other process is an important factor that affects the quality and quantity of seeds. Mechanical damage to the cowpea seeds with moisture contents of 9.65 to 25% (wet basis) at four impact velocities from 7.5 to 15 m/s, was evaluated using an impact damage assessment device. The results showed that impact velocity, moisture content, and the interaction effects of these two variables significantly influenced the percentage physical damage in cowpea seeds (P<0.01). Increasing the impact velocity from 7.5 to 15 m/s caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in the mean values of damage from 4.42 to 33.58%. The mean values of physical damage decreased significantly (P<0.05) by a factor of 2.77 (from 29.56 to 10.64%), with increase in the moisture content from 9.65 to 20%. However, by a higher increase in the moisture from 20 to 25%, the mean value of damage showed a non-significant increasing trend. There was an optimum moisture level of about 20%, at which s...
Cytoplasmic pH Response to Acid Stress in Individual Cells of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis Observed by Fluorescence Ratio Imaging Microscopy

The ability of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis to regulate their cytoplasmic pH is well studied in cell suspensions but is poorly understood in individual adherent cells and biofilms. We observed the cytoplasmic pH of individual cells using ratiometric pHluorin. A standard curve equating the fluorescence ratio with pH was obtained by perfusion at a range of external pH 5.0 to 9.0, with uncouplers that collapse the transmembrane pH difference. Adherent cells were acid stressed by switching the perfusion medium from pH 7.5 to pH 5.5. The E. coli cytoplasmic pH fell to a value that varied among individual cells (range of pH 6.2 to 6.8), but a majority of cells recovered (to pH 7.0 to 7.5) within 2 min. In an E. coli biofilm, cells shifted from pH 7.5 to pH 5.5 failed to recover cytoplasmic pH. Following a smaller shift (from pH 7.5 to pH 6.0), most biofilm cells recovered fully, although the pH decreased further than that of isolated adherent cells, and recovery took longer (7 min or longer). Some biofilm cells began to recover pH and then failed, a response not seen in isolated cells. B. subtilis cells were acid shifted from pH 7.5 to pH 6.0. In B. subtilis, unlike the case with E. coli, cytoplasmic pH showed no "overshoot" but fell to a level that was maintained. This level of cytoplasmic pH post-acid shift varied among individual B. subtilis cells (range of pH, 7.0 to 7.7). Overall, the cytoplasmic pHs of individual bacteria show important variation in the acid stress response, including novel responses in biofilms.
Traumatic brain injury, coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular mortality

AbstractBackground: Traumatic-brain-injury (TBI) is a devastating-condition resulting in cerebral edema and ischemia. This study investigates the association of mild-TBI (mTBI) to sub-clinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular (CV) mortality.Methods: Five hundred and forty-three veterans without known coronary artery disease or diagnosed mental disorder, who underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning for clinical indications, were followed for a median of 4-years. Veterans' medical diagnoses and neuropsychiatric health status (mTBI vs non-mTBI) were evaluated using VA electronic medical records. CAC was defined as 0, 1–100, 101–400 and 400+.Results: CAC was higher in mTBI, compared to without-mTBI (p < 0.05). TBI was more prevalent with the-severity of CAC (p < 0.05). Regression-analyses revealed that mTBI is an independent-predictor of CAC (p < 0.01). The CV mortality rate was 25% in mTBI and 10.5% in without-mTBI (p = 0.0001). Multivariable survival regression analyses revealed a significant-asso...
Learning and planning in environments with delayed feedback

This work considers the problems of learning and planning in Markovian environments with constant observation and reward delays. We provide a hardness result for the general planning problem and positive results for several special cases with deterministic or otherwise constrained dynamics. We present an algorithm, Model Based Simulation, for planning in such environments and use model-based reinforcement learning to extend this approach to the learning setting in both finite and continuous environments. Empirical comparisons show this algorithm holds significant advantages over others for decision making in delayed-observation environments.
Detecting the Influence of Best Management Practices on Vegetation Near Ephemeral Streams With Landsat Data

Abstract Various best management practices (BMPs) have been implemented on rangelands with the goals of controlling nonpoint source pollution, reducing the impact of livestock in ecologically important riparian areas, and improving grazing distribution. Providing off-stream water sources to livestock in pastures, cross-fencing, and rotational grazing are common rangeland BMPs that have demonstrated success in drawing livestock grazing pressure away from streams. We evaluated the effects of rangeland BMP implementation with six commercial-scale pastures in the northern mixed-grass prairie. Four pastures received a BMP suite consisting of off-stream water, cross-fencing, and deferred-rotation grazing, and two pastures did not receive BMPs. We hypothesized that the BMPs increased the quantity of riparian vegetation cover relative to the conditions in these pastures during the pre-BMP period and to the two pastures that did not receive BMPs. We used a series of 30-m Landsat normalized difference vegetation in...
Atherosclerosis in the rat. Effect of x-ray and a high fat diet.

SummaryForty-two albino Wistar rats, average weight 133 g, fed on a supplemented high fat diet, were divided into 2 groups. One group was treated with 2500 r (X-rays) to the thorax, and the other kept on the high fat diet, but not irradiated. The rats were killed 20 to 28 weeks after completion of irradiation. Marked atherosclerotic lesions were observed in the coronary arteries of 38.8% of the irradiated group and in 22.7% in the group on the high fat diet alone. In the pulmonary arteries similar changes were noted in 25% of the irradiated group and none in the unirradiated group. Previous studies showed that in 8–15 weeks post-irradiation marked coronary lesions were present in 26.6% of the irradiated group and none in the unirradiated. It is suggested that X-irradiation accelerates the process that develops with diet and with time.
Variability of porcelain color reproduction by commercial laboratories.

Abstract Statement of problem Many investigations in the field of metal ceramics have examined materials, manipulative variables, and the relationship of these factors to a restoration's color. However, the effect of the artistic component of restoration fabrication is not known. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine through instrumental colorimetry the variability in color reproduction for metal ceramic crowns fabricated by commercial dental laboratory technicians. Material and methods Fifty metal ceramic crowns were fabricated on standardized metal frameworks to the same shade specifications by 5 commercial dental laboratories (n=10). Laboratory prescriptions requested that the technician match the shade and translucency of a provided Vita Lumin A3.5 shade tab. Technicians used the porcelain and technique of their own selection to match the tab. Color differences were determined by use of a colorimeter between crowns and the prescribed shade tab at middle and incisal sites. Analysis of variance was used to determine whether differences in color reproduction existed among laboratories. Where statistically significant interactions existed, the Tukey honestly significant difference test was used to determine significant differences between laboratories according to sites (α=.05). Results Color reproduction was significantly different ( P Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, the ability to reproduce the color of the target shade tab differed among laboratories. Most crowns fabricated by the laboratories in this study, when compared to the prescribed shade tab, were above the clinical threshold for an acceptable shade match under intraoral conditions (ΔE 3.7).
Assessing test-driven development at IBM

In a software development group of IBM Retail Store Solutions, we built a non-trivial software system based on a stable standard specification using a disciplined, rigorous unit testing and build approach based on the test- driven development (TDD) practice. Using this practice, we reduced our defect rate by about 50 percent compared to a similar system that was built using an ad-hoc unit testing approach. The project completed on time with minimal development productivity impact. Additionally, the suite of automated unit test cases created via TDD is a reusable and extendable asset that will continue to improve quality over the lifetime of the software system. The test suite will be the basis for quality checks and will serve as a quality contract between all members of the team.
Survival and Space Use of Fawn White-tailed Deer in Southern Michigan

ABSTRACT Many cervids exhibit similar behavior near and following parturition. For example, during their first 2 mo of life, fawn white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are relatively sedentary, may be at their highest risk for mortality and are not yet functional ruminants. Relatively few studies describe demographics or space use of fawn white-tailed deer ≤2 mo old despite the potential for mortality through this time period having a relatively large influence on deer population dynamics. Our objectives were to estimate survival, assess cause-specific mortality and describe space use (i.e., cover) of fawn white-tailed deer in an agro-forest ecosystem in south central Michigan. We captured (mid-May to mid-Jun.), radiomarked and monitored 34 fawns during 2004–2006 and pooled data for analyses. Two- and 6-mo survival estimates (Mayfield method) were 81% and 67%, respectively, and canids caused most mortalities during both time periods. Kernel home ranges (95%) during the first 2 mo averaged 40.9 ha (ra...
Tissue Engineered Conduit

The repair of critical nerve defects continues to be challenging. The current gold standard is an autograft repair which can lead to significant donor site morbidity. Therefore, the search for an alternative method continues. This study was designed to assess a new technique of peripheral nerve repair using a stromal cell epineural construct (SCEC). Our objective was to engineer a bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) epineural construct for nerve repair by combining the neurotrophic effects of the epineural sheath with bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC). We hoped to create a synergistic effect in vivo by combining them ex vivo prior to implantation. A total of 32 Lewis rats were assigned to four groups. Group 1 underwent repair of 2 cm defect with the stromal cell epineural construct (SCEC) filled with saline and was evaluated at 12 weeks. Groups 2 and 3 underwent repair of 2 cm defect with the stromal cell epineural construct (SCEC) filled with either isogenic BMSC or allogenic BMSC. Group 4 underwent a standard autograft repair. Nerve regeneration was assessed using SSEP, pin prick (PP), and toe spread (TS). The SSEP results were calculated as percentages of the unoperated side to serve as an intra-animal control and to account for different planes of anesthesia for each animal. Muscle denervation atrophy was evaluated by gastrocnemius muscle index (GMI). The nerve defect was bridged in all animals at the time of harvesting. Toe spread scores were statistically comparable between the allogenic BMSC and the autograft repair. The GMI was significantly higher in the autograft group. In conclusion, the addition of allogenic BMSC yielded comparable results to an autograft repair and no immunosuppressive therapy was required.
(n,2n) CROSS SECTION OF Na$sup 23$ AT 14.1 MEV

An experimental determination of this cross section was made on six individual samples and involved the use of $4\ensuremath{\pi}$ counting, low background counting, neutron monitoring, and sample thickness corrections. The value obtained is 13.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.2 millibarns and the error quoted is twice the standard deviation obtained from the six samples. The experimental work is described in detail and a discussion of the possible errors is given.
America in Afghanistan: Naivete, Greed and Good Intentions: An Anthropological View

An examination of the Afghan War from an anthropological perspective, joining an economic history of American involvement and a regional picture of the interests of various nations. Contemporary Western ideological explanations are compared to historical sources and cultural values of America.