cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of a novel role-play methodology: The standardized idiographic approach

Despite the widespread use of role-plays for assessing interpersonal performance, the validity of such assessments remains a major focus of concern. The present study was designed to investigate the viability of a novel idiographic approach to role-play assessment using assertion as an example of this approach. The idiographic procedure combines interview and role-play procedures requesting clients to recall and role-play specific recent and relevant extended interactions. Following a series of test development studies, 16 high, 16 moderate, and 16 low-assertion undergraduates were assessed twice using a six week test-retest interval. The result revealed consistent test performance over time (r=.87) that did not appear to be inflated by memory effects. Significant relationships with a surreptitious telephone assessment and other measures of assertion supported the validity of the procedure and indicated that it elicited accurate roleplays of the outcomes of interactions but relatively poor portrayals of the number of interchanges during interactions. Overall, the results strongly supported the viability of a standardized idiographic assessment methodology.
Self-energy corrections to the K-electron binding in heavy and superheavy atoms

The self-energy corrections of order $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ to the $K$-electron binding energy in high-$Z$ atoms are studied numerically throughout the range $Z=70\ensuremath{-}160$. Nuclear finite-size effects are included in the electron wave functions and in the electron propagator to avoid the Coulomb singularity at $Z\ensuremath{\alpha}=1$. Denoting the self-energy correction by $\ensuremath{\Delta}E=\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}{(Z\ensuremath{\alpha})}^{4}F(Z\ensuremath{\alpha})m{c}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}$, it is found that $F(Z\ensuremath{\alpha})$ increases smoothly from a minimum near $Z=90$ through $F(100\ensuremath{\alpha})=1.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01$ to $F(160\ensuremath{\alpha})=3.34\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.16$. For comparison purposes, the self-energy corrections in a Coulomb field for $Z$ between 50 and 130 are evaluated, and the values of $F(Z\ensuremath{\alpha})$ thus obtained are in close agreement with previously published values; the Coulomb field values of $F(Z\ensuremath{\alpha})$ are very close to the finite-nucleus results for $Zl90$.
The preparation of [closo-1-CB9H8-1-COOH-10-(4-C3H7C5H9S)] as intermediate to polar liquid crystals

Abstract The preparation of iodo acid [closo-1-CB9H8-1-COOH-10-I]− (1) is optimized and scaled from 1 to 40 g of B10H14. The improved preparation of the [arachno-6-CB9H13-6-COOH]− (5) uses four times smaller volume and can be run conveniently in up to 40 g scale in a 3-L vessel. The optimized oxidation of 5 to [closo-2-CB9H9-2-COOH]− (4) requires less oxidant, 12 times smaller volume, and significantly shorter reaction time. The overall yields of the iodo acid 1 as the [NMe4]+ salt are typically 8–10% (10–12 g) for 40 g of B10H14. The iodo acid 1 was transformed to amino acid 8, then to dinitrogen acid 10, and finally to sulfonium acid 2[3] in overall yield of about 13%. The search for a more efficient phosphine ligand for the Pd-catalyzed amination process was not fruitful. Three routes to the sulfonium acid 2[n] were investigated, and the best yield of about 47% was obtained for Cs2CO3-assisted cycloalkylation. Liquid crystalline ester of acid 2[3] and 4-butoxyphenol was prepared and investigated.
Subjective Evaluation of Physical and Mental Workload Interactions Across Different Muscle Groups

Both physical and mental demands, and their interactions, have been shown to increase biomechanical loading and physiological reactivity as well as impair task performance. Because these interactions have shown to be muscle-dependent, the aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of the NASA Task Load Index (NASA TLX) and Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) to evaluate physical and mental workload during muscle-specific tasks. Twenty-four participants performed upper extremity and low back exertions at three physical workload levels in the absence and presence of a mental stressor. Outcome measures included RPE and NASA TLX (six sub-scales) ratings. The findings indicate that while both RPEs and NASA TLX ratings were sensitive to muscle-specific changes in physical demand, only an additional mental stressor and its interaction with either physical demand or muscle groups influenced the effort sub-scale and overall workload scores of the NASA TLX. While additional investigations in actual work set...
Memory of Extracellular Adenosine A2A Purinergic Receptor-mediated Signaling in Murine T Cells *

Abstract Accumulation of extracellular and intracellular adenosine (Ado) under hypoxic conditions or in the absence of adenosine deaminase results in lymphocyte depletion and in severe combined immunodeficiency, which are currently explained by direct intracellular lymphotoxicity of Ado metabolites. In support of the alternative, “signaling” mechanism, we show that extracellular Ado (extAdo) suppresses all tested T cell receptor (TCR)-triggered effector functions of T lymphocytes including the TCR-triggered FasL mRNA up-regulation in cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Strong evidence against the intracellular lymphotoxicity of Ado (and in support of the signaling model) is provided by abrogation of TCR-triggered growth inhibition in Ado-exposed T cells. The brief exposure to Ado was sufficient to observe inhibition of TCR-triggered effector functions. The “memory” of T cells to exposure to extAdo is best explained by sustained increases in cAMP. Selective agonist (CGS21680) and antagonist (ZM241385) of A2A adenosine receptor were used in functional assays and cDNA probes for different sybtypes of adenosine receptors were used in Northern blot studies. A2Areceptors are identified as the predominantly expressed subtype of Gs-coupled Ado receptors in T cells. The demonstration of cross-talk between the A2A receptors and TCR in both directions support the possible role of A2A receptors in mechanisms of extAdo-mediated immunosuppression in vivounder adenosine deaminase deficiency and hypoxic conditions in,e.g., solid tumors.
Correlation between Bleeding Times and Platelet Counts in Women with Preeclampsia Undergoing Cesarean Section

Platelet count and bleeding time and the correlation between these two variables in women with preeclampsia who received epidural or general anesthesia for cesarean section were evaluated. The study included 106 women with preeclampsia who were undergoing cesarean section and 94 healthy, term parturients receiving epidural anesthesia for labor analgesia or for cesarean section. Platelet counts were measured using an automated Coulter Counter, and bleeding times were measured using the modified Ivy bleeding time technique. Platelet count was significantly lower and bleeding time significantly prolonged in patients with preeclampsia compared with the control group (P less than 0.0001). In the preeclampsia group, eight patients (7.5%) had thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 100,000/mm3), whereas in the control group, all women had a normal platelet count (greater than 150,000/mm3). All but one patient with thrombocytopenia had prolonged bleeding time. In addition, 34% of those women with severe preeclampsia and 13% with mild preeclampsia had prolonged bleeding time, although their platelet count was adequate. In the control group, 2% had abnormal bleeding time in the presence of a normal platelet count. There was good correlation between bleeding time and platelet count only when platelet count was lower than 100,000/mm3 (r = -0.76, P less than -0.02).
Dynamic analysis of multibody systems using component modes

Abstract This paper is concerned with dynamic analysis of flexible multibody systems. The configuration of each elastic components is identified by three sets of modes; rigid-body, reference, and normal modes. Rigid body modes are introduced using a set of Lagrangian coordinates that describe rigid-body translation and large rotations of a body reference. Reference modes are defined using a set of reference conditions that are required to define a unique displacement field. These reference conditions, that define the nature of the body axes, have to be consistent with the system constraint equations. Their number should be equal or greater than the number of the rigid-body modes. Normal modes, however, define the deformation relative to the body reference. An automated scheme for imposing the boundary conditions of a constrained flexible component in a multibody system is presented. It is also shown that the mean axis and the body-fixed axis are the result of imposing a special set of reference conditions.
Release of 3H-norepinephrine by ammonium and its modification by changes in pH

Abstract The effect of ammonium (0.3 to 3.6 mM) was studied on the overflow of 3 H-norepinephrine in the vas deferens and the brain of the rat. Ammonium enhanced the overflow of 3 H-norepinephrine in both organs and this response was greatly facilitated by alkaline pH (7.8) and was blocked by pH 7.0. Calcium was not needed for ammonium-induced overflow. In fact, the overflow was exaggerated by the omission of calcium. Enhanced overflow of sympathetic neurotransmitter by ammonium, together with its modification by changes in pH, may be one of the factors responsible for the toxicities of hyperammonemia.
Uncertainties of particle emission probabilities

Abstract This paper presents analytical methods for calculating uncertainties of particle emission probabilities, and shows how they are affected by decay-scheme normalization procedures. The equations have been derived with standard mathematical error-propagating techniques, using first-order approximations in Taylor series expansions of emission probabilities.
Lunar Regolith Simulant Feed System for a Hydrogen Reduction Reactor System

One of the goals of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on the moon is to produce oxygen from the lunar regolith which is present in the form of Ilmenite (FeTi03) and other compounds. A reliable and attainable method of extracting some of the oxygen from the lunar regolith is to use the hydrogen reduction process in a hot reactor to create water vapor which is then condensed and electrolyzed to obtain oxygen for use as a consumable. One challenge for a production system is to reliably acquire the regolith with an excavator hauler mobility platform and then introduce it into the reactor inlet tube which is raised from the surface and above the reactor itself. After the reaction, the hot regolith (-1000 C) must be expelled from the reactor for disposal by the excavator hauler mobility system. In addition, the reactor regolith inlet and outlet tubes must be sealed by valves during the reaction in order to allow collection of the water vapor by the chemical processing sub-system. These valves must be able to handle abrasive regolith passing through them as well as the heat conduction from the hot reactor. In 2008, NASA has designed and field tested a hydrogen reduction system called ROxygen in order to demonstrate the feasibility of extracting oxygen from lunar regolith. The field test was performed with volcanic ash known as Tephra on Mauna Kea volcano on the Big Island of Hawai'i. The tephra has similar properties to lunar regolith, so that it is regarded as a good simulant for the hydrogen reduction process. This paper will discuss the design, fabrication, operation, test results and lessons learned with the ROxygen regolith feed system as tested on Mauna Kea in November 2008.
An engineered nonsense URA3 allele provides a versatile system to detect the presence, absence and appearance of the [PSI+] prion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Common methods to identify yeast cells containing the prion form of the Sup35 translation termination factor, [PSI+], involve a nonsense suppressor phenotype. Decreased function of Sup35p in [PSI+] cells leads to read-through of certain nonsense mutations in a few auxotrophic markers, e.g. ade1-14. This read-through results in growth on adenine-deficient media. While this powerful tool has dramatically facilitated the study of [PSI+], it is limited to a narrow range of laboratory strains and cannot easily be used to screen for cells that have lost the [PSI+] prion. Therefore we have engineered a nonsense mutation in the widely used URA3 gene, termed the ura3-14 allele. Introduction of the ura3-14 allele into an array of genetic backgrounds, carrying a loss-of-function URA3 mutation and [PSI+], allows for growth on media lacking uracil, indicative of decreased translational termination efficiency. This ura3-14 allele is able to distinguish various forms of the [PSI+] prion, called variants, and is able to detect the de novo appearance of [PSI+] in strains carrying the prion form of Rnq1p, [PIN+]. Furthermore, 5-fluoroorotic acid, which kills cells making functional Ura3p, provides a means to select for [psi-] derivatives in a population of [PSI+] cells marked with the ura3-14 allele, making this system much more versatile than previous methods.
A new incremental algorithm for computing Groebner bases

In this paper, we present a new algorithm for computing Grobner bases. Our algorithm is incremental in the same fashion as F5 and F5C. At a typical step, one is given a Grobner basis G for an ideal I and any polynomial g, and it is desired to compute a Grobner basis for the new ideal , obtained from I by joining g. Let (I: g) denote the colon ideal of I divided by g. Our algorithm computes Grobner bases for and (I: g) simultaneously. In previous algorithms, S-polynomials that reduce to zero are useless, in fact, F5 tries to avoid such reductions as much as possible. In our algorithm, however, these "useless" S-polynomials give elements in (I: g) and are useful in speeding up the subsequent computations. Computer experiments on some benchmark examples indicate that our algorithm is much more efficient (two to ten times faster) than F5 and F5C.
Early activation and cell cycle entry of resting B cells after Fab-anti-Ig treatment: role of receptor crosslinking

Abstract Comparison of the effect of goat anti-rabbit Ig (GARIg) and its monovalent fragment (Fab-GARIg) demonstrates that surface Ig (sIg) crosslinking is not necessary to effect G 0 to G 1 transition in rabbit peripheral blood B cells but is required for induction of DNA synthesis. Five micrograms per milliliter or more of GARIg is sufficient to induce DNA synthesis but up to 50 μg/ml of Fab-GARIg is not. However, the monovalent reagent induces microscopically observable cytoplasmic and nuclear changes (blast transformation) in a dose-dependent manner. These differ qualitatively and quantitatively from the morphological changes seen with comparable doses of GARIg; Fab anti-Ig produces “small blasts” whereas complete GARIg induces large blasts. The monovalent reagent, in a wide range of concentrations, is as effective as the complete antibody in modulating sIg from rabbit B cells. Fab-GARIg treatment modulates sIg in a biphasic manner. It clears the high-density sIg within 5 min, whereas the remaining low-density receptors disappear after 4 hr. Cytosolic protein kinase C levels decline equally after treatment with either Fab-GARIg or whole anti-Ig. RNA synthesis, as measured by [ 3 H]uridine incorporation, increases for the first 12 hr in cells activated with either reagent. It declines to basal levels in Fab-GARIg stimulated cells, but a continuous increase occurs in cells stimulated with 5 and 50 μg/ ml of complete antibody. Simultaneous addition of 50 μg/ml Fab-GARIg with 5 μg/ml of GARIg causes greater RNA synthesis for 12 hr after stimulation than is caused by GARIg alone. After 12 hr the monovalent reagent has an inhibitory effect on RNA synthesis. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of acridine orange-stained cells shows that Fab anti-Ig-stimulated cells have higher RNA content than resting cells, but lower than GARIg-activated cells. These findings suggest that rabbit B cells can be activated from the G 0 stage of cell cycle to G 1 by monovalent anti-Ig reagents but further cell cycle progression requires maintenance signals provided by receptor crosslinking. The implications of these results for B cell activation signalling are discussed in the context of the floating receptor model.
Investigation of operational and environmental variability effects on damage detection algorithms in a woven composite plate

Abstract Variability in structural health monitoring systems can result in reduced reliability by increasing the likelihood of false-positive/-negative indications of damage. It is important to understand how sources of operational, environmental, and even computational variability influence damage indicator functions. A sensitivity model-based technique, which focuses on the physical rather than the statistical nature of variability, is described. Each source of static/dynamic variability is sequentially isolated with a variability test matrix for a woven composite plate. Computational sources of variability are investigated by comparing two different damage detection algorithms (i.e., transmissibility and embedded sensitivity). It is determined that by using a piecewise variability feedback process, certain parameters of the frequency response measurement and analysis (e.g., frequency band, input–output locations, etc.) can be chosen to reduce sensitivity of the damage indices to variability. It is also shown that the sensitivity due to changes in the sensor frequency bandwidth accounts for the largest source of static variability. Finally, by using a root mean square normalization procedure, static and dynamic sources of variability can be compared with changes in damage indicators due to actual damage. It is shown that damage detection algorithms can be improved by selecting specific frequency ranges that accentuate damage indicators while minimizing the effects of variability.
Boxer: a reconstructible computational medium

Programming is most often viewed as a way for experts to get computers to perform complex tasks efficiently and reliably. Boxer presents an alternative image—programming as a way for nonexperts to control a reconstructible medium, much like written language, but with dramatically extended interactive capabilities.
Models for prediction in fluvial geomorphology

That fluvial geomorphology has not produced more and better models for prediction is due to some severe difficulties inherent in the subject and to certain other impediments that are more psychological in nature. A major inherent difficulty is the strong nonlinearity of the dominant process, namely sediment transport by running water, which not only causes serious mathematical obstacles but also underlies an instability that in turn gives rise to a significant random element in fluvial systems. Another deep-seated difficulty is the extreme differences in characteristic time scales of the interacting processes, such as slope and channel processes. A serious psychological impediment is the commonly held notion that geomorphology should be derived entirely from supposedly more fundamental sciences, such as fluid mechanics. Even more serious is a pervasive disagreement among fluvial geomorphologists over legitimacy of aims, methods, and basics. This lack of paradigm shows signs of change, however, most significantly in the nascent realization that particular processes do not necessarily produce corresponding particular forms. The problem of process and form has two interdependent aspects: derivation of the fundamental differential equations governing landform evolution requires investigating processes in terms of form, that is, in terms of variables such as elevation and gradient; and solution of the equations requires studying landforms to identify relevant special characteristics, especially ones that may simplify the problem. Other propitious influences that will benefit geomorphological research are tight budgets, new research tools and techniques, and the necessity for a better scientific base to support environmental engineering and planetary geology. Finally, and most important, the accumulation of an imposing stockpile of poorly understood observations on fluvial systems and of a substantial fund of highly promising ideas about them makes fluvial geomorphology ripe for progress toward powerful new models for prediction.
Identification of potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors of caspase-3 through the use of extended tethering and structure-based drug design.

The design, synthesis, and in vitro activities of a series of potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors of caspase-3 are described. From extended tethering, a salicylic acid fragment was identified as having binding affinity for the S4 pocket of caspase-3. X-ray crystallography and molecular modeling of the initial tethering hit resulted in the synthesis of 4, which reversibly inhibited caspase-3 with a Ki = 40 nM. Further optimization led to the identification of a series of potent and selective inhibitors with Ki values in the 20−50 nM range. One of the most potent compounds in this series, 66b, inhibited caspase-3 with a Ki = 20 nM and selectivity of 8−500-fold for caspase-3 vs a panel of seven caspases (1, 2, and 4−8). A high-resolution X-ray cocrystal structure of 4 and 66b supports the predicted binding modes of our compounds with caspase-3.
Psychodynamics of Political Correctness

Political correctness represents a regression in university functioning in which paternal influences are repudiated and a biparental model of authority is replaced by one revolving around a primordial conception of the mother. Paternal influences are those that represent the engagement with external reality, and regression to the primordial mother is therefore a rejection of external reality. Aspects of university functioning that are explained by this model include the inversion of valuation, the assault against white males, the subordination of rationality in decision making, the balkanization of the university, the drive to the extreme, and the anomaly of female power.
In-home, self-assembled sleep studies are useful in diagnosing sleep apnea in the elderly

Objectives Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common and treatable among the elderly. Yet, few older adults seek evaluation for OSA at sleep disorders centers. The authors assessed the feasibility of a two-stage screening procedure for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in a community-based sample of older adults. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Participants' domicile (in-home) and academic sleep research center. Participants There were 452 Medicare recipients residing in the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area with the complaint of daytime sleepiness. Interventions None. Measurements and results All participants underwent in-home unattended sleep studies that recorded airflow, and standard in-laboratory polysomnography. Additional measures included symptoms of sleep apnea, body mass index, neck circumference, age, and sex. When comparing diagnostic approaches, the best-performing single-stage model was one that combined apnea symptoms with age and neck circumference. This model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.774 and negative posttest probability of 1.2%. The best-performing two-stage model combined symptoms, neck circumference, age, and sex in the first stage, followed by an unattended portable study with a corresponding AUC of 0.85 and negative posttest probability of 0.5%. Conclusions Unattended, self-assembled, in-home sleep studies recording airflow and respiratory effort are most useful if applied in tandem with clinical data, including a carefully obtained sleep history. This two-stage model is accurate in identifying severe OSAS in older adults and represents a practical diagnostic approach for older adults. Incorporating clinical data was vital and increased accuracy well above that of unattended studies of airflow and effort alone.
Effects of insulin on renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure and natriuretic response to volume expansion in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by alterations in fluid balance and blood volume homeostasis. Renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure (RIHP) has been shown to play a critical role in mediat...
Characterization of a primary hepatocyte culture system for toxicological studies

An hepatocyte culture system was developed for potential use in toxicological studiesin vitro. Rat hepatocytes were isolated by two-step collagenase perfusion and cultured on Vitrogen-coated Permanox™ dishes in a modified Chee’s medium containing 1μM dexamethasone and 1% dimethylsulfoxide. The cells remained highly viable for at least 10 d as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release and total protein levels. Albumin secretion into the medium, as a measure of differentiated function, was maintained at elevated levels over the course of 10 d in culture. A number of CYP activities were determined by the analysis of testosterone metabolism in freeze-thawed cells, diazepam metabolism in live cells, and specific assays for CYP 1A1/2, 2B1/2, 2E1, and 3A. Results of these assays indicated that a wide range of CYP isozymes were maintained, some activities were enhanced under the conditions of culture and some activities were inducible. Activities of the phase II enzymes, glutathione S-transferase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, and glutathione levels were also maintained in the cultured hepatocytes for at least 6 d. These results strongly support the use of this hepatocyte culture system forin vitro toxicological studies.
Inhibition of bacterial conjugation by cell wall preparations.

Abstract The restrictions imposed by the specificity of the association of competent mating cells must, in some measure, contribute to species identity. Such restrictions would be operative in an environment containing different microbial species capable of sexual reproduction. During sexual reproduction in bacteria, it is reasonable to assume that the initial effective surface contact between male and female cells involves areas of complementary structure ( Sneath and Lederberg, 1961 ) and that this initial linkage is followed by the formation of a conjugation bridge. If this assumption is correct it would be expected that the cell wall derived from the male or female cell would inhibit conjugation between viable male and female cells by competition for complementary sites. In this report the inhibition of conjugation in E. coli by cell wall will be described.
Resurrecting the recalcitrant T-cell.

Delayed immune recovery after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is arguably the single greatest barrier to the successful use of this treatment modality.[1][1] In this issue of Blood , Merindol et al dissect the phenotypic and functional patterns of T-cell recovery in
The Effects of Structured Turn-Taking on Disfluencies

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of structured conversational turn-taking on the amount and types of disfluencies as well as on the speech rate of a 5-year-old boy who stuttered. A single subject design with measures of disfluencies under conditions of structured turn-taking versus no turn-taking was used (ABAB withdrawal design). All analyses were performed on tape recordings of dinner-time conversations in the subject’s home. Results appear to indicate that disfluencies decreased when structured conversational turn-taking was instituted and increased when turn-taking conditions were not enforced. The implications for counseling parents of children who stutter are discussed.
The stages of the prediagnostic period in chronic, life‐threatening childhood illness: A process analysis

This is one of a series of articles explicating a theory of family behavior under conditions of sustained uncertainty brought about by the diagnosis of a chronic, life-threatening illness of a child. The procedures of the grounded theory method were used to collect and analyze data. The analysis illuminated a perceptual–interpretive–behavioral process that made visible the emergence and intensification of the uncertain state during the prediagnostic period. This process, which may consist of up to three stages, most frequently began with the parents' initial awareness of the child's illness cues and terminated with the diagnostic announcement. The stages were categorized as Lay Explanatory (I), Legitimating (II), and Medical Diagnostic (III). The duration of stage III was found to be a significant factor in explaining the variation in parental response to the diagnosis. ©1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Radioimmunoassay for sulprostone

Abstract The development of a radioimmunoassay for measuring subnanogram amounts of the prostaglandin uterine stimulant, sulprostone (N-methanesulfonyl 16-phenoxy-ω-tetranor PGE2 carboxamide), is described. The 9-carboxymethoxime derivative of sulprostone was coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin to prepare the immunogen, and to tyramine to yield a precursor suitable for radioiodination. The antiserum generated from rabbits was specific for sulprostone, showing cross reactivities of less than 0.1% against PGE2, PGF2α, and known sulprostone metabolites. The range for routine assay of sulprostone was 10–300 pg which corresponded to 50–1500 pg/ml of plasma. The coefficient of variation for replicate analyses on the same sample was 8–12%. The assay was used to measure the plasma levels of sulprostone in patients who had received the drug intramuscularly.
2DST mappings on languages and related problems

Let l be a family of languages effectively closed under inverse homomorphism and intersection with regular sets and such that the languages have effectively constructible semilinear Parikh maps. We show that there is an algorithm to decide given a language L in L and a language R accepted by a one-way nondeterministic multicounter machine, where each counter makes exactly one reversal, whether L∩R is empty. This result has many applications. In particular, it can be used to show that there is an algorithm to decide given a language L in L and two-way deterministic sequential transducers (2DST's) S1 and S2 whether S1 and S2 are equivalent on L.
Nurses, Children, and Play

A child's play is recognized as a useful tool for nurses in the diagnostic process of making judgments about a hospitalized child's compliance with medical procedures, adjustment to the hospital environment, degree of pain, and level of psychosocial functioning. However, the knowledge base that is required to effectively help a pediatric patient “play” in a therapeutic mode appears to be extremely limited for most nurses and is rarely addressed in a substantive manner in nursing education. Educational programs must be willing to incorporate a “developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and family-centered approach” using clincal experiences and professional role models in their nursing curricula. The end product should be nurses who are competent in a much wider range of medical technological and psychosocial issues than has been necessary in the past. In short, nurses must learn to play.
Consuming materials: The American way

Abstract Sustaining the U.S. economy requires large inputs of materials, and their extraction, processing, and consumption affect the environment in many ways. In the United States, as in most industrialized countries, bulk materials consumption no longer runs in tanden with economic activity. Demand for raw materials in the richer countries has fallen well below the forecasts of decades ago, confounding predictions of dire shortage and reducing the projected income of countries that rely on mineral exports. Demographic shifts in the US and individual consumer preferences drive greater and more varied consumption. Saturated markets and technological advances offer promise for reduction. The success of large-scale materials recycling depends on the economics of secondary materials recovery and the suitability of secondary materials for reuse. Powerful social and demographic forces that draw more materials into the system will vie with technological innovations intended to limit inputs in shaping the future path of materials consumption in the United States.
A Family of 1,1,3,3-Tetraalkylguanidine (H-TAG) Solvated Zinc Aryloxide Precatalysts for the Ring-Opening Polymerization of rac-Lactide

Reaction of [Zn(μ-TAG){N(SiMe3)2}]2 {TAG = N=C[N(CH2CH3)2N(CH3)2] (DEDMG), N=C{[NCH2CH2CH2CdH2(N–Cd)]N(CH2CH3)2} (DEPYRG) and N=C{[NCH2CH2CH2CH2CeH2(N–Ce)]N(CH2CH3)2} (DEPIPG)} with 2 equiv. of ethanol (EtOH) and 2 equiv. of HOAr {OAr = OC6H3(CMe3)-2-(CH3)-6 (BMP) or OC6H2[C(CH3)3]2-2,6-(CH3)-4 (4MeDBP)} results in dizinc alkoxides with the general formula [Zn(μ-OEt)(OAr)(H-TAG)]2 (1–3). Et2Zn was additionally treated with 2 equiv. of 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (H-TMG) and H-BMP or HOC6H3(C6H5)2-2,6 to yield [Zn(BMP)2(H-TMG)2] (4) and [Zn{OC6H3(C6H5)2-2,6}2(H-TMG)2] (5). Complexes 1, 2, 4, and 5 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Polymerization of rac-lactide with 1–5 and [Zn(μ-OMe)(4MeDBP)(H-TMG)]2 (6) were found to generate polylactide (PLA). The bulk powders for all complexes were found to be in agreement with the crystal structures based on elemental analyses, FTIR spectroscopy, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies.
A moving topic: control and dynamics of animal locomotion

Animal locomotion arises from complex interactions among sensory systems, processing of sensory information into patterns of motor output, the musculo-skeletal dynamics that follow motor stimulation, and the interaction of appendages and body parts with the environment. These processes conspire to produce motions and forces that permit stunning manoeuvres with important ecological and evolutionary consequences. Thus, the habitats that animals may exploit, their ability to escape predators or attack prey, their capacity to manoeuvre and turn, or the use of their available energy all depend upon the processes that determine locomotion. Here, we summarize a series of 10 papers focused on this integrative research topic.
First observation of the neutron-rich isotope 19 B

The particle stability of $^{19}\mathrm{B}$ and the particle instability of $^{18}\mathrm{B}$ are demonstrated. Light neutron-rich nuclei were searched for among the projectile fragments resulting from interactions of a $670A$- MeV $^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ beam in a 7.9-g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ Be target. A detector consisting of a magnetic spectrometer, threshold Cherenkov paddles, and scintillator paddles was used to determine the charge and mass of the projectile fragments.
Cryobot: an ice penetrating robotic vehicle for Mars and Europa

NASA's desire to study and characterize the solar system will be done by in-situ robotic systems in the near term. Specific interest is focused towards finding water on Mars and understanding both the climatic and depositional history of the planet. In the case of Europa, scientists desire to unravel the mysteries surrounding the thick ice crust, its chemical properties, and subsurface ocean properties. For both Mars and Europa, the major scientific interest is whether there are signs of past or extant life in either the Mars polar ice, or the sub-ice ocean of Europa. The best way to explore either of these environments is a cryobot mole vehicle, which carries a suite of instruments suitable for sampling and analyzing the ice or ocean environments. JPL is currently developing a unique robotic vehicle, which utilizes gravity, and both passive and active heating systems to drive ice to a melt state, in order to facilitate mobility. This paper describes the science driven requirements for such a vehicle, a description of the cryobot design, and results of recent performance tests in both clean and dust laden ice. Although a radioisotope power system for a flight version of the cryobot is currently baselined, no decision on the final design of the flight cryobot will be made until the environmental review process is complete. Any use of the cryobot for Mars or Europa will conform to all environmental and planetary protection requirements.
Acceptability Ratings of Psychotherapeutic Treatments for Elderly Individuals

Adults age 60 and older were presented with written scenarios depicting a 75-year-old woman with a behavioral problem The client in the case varied by cognitive capacity (impaired or intact), behavior problem (physical aggression, verbal disruption, or noncompliance), and living situation (nursing home or family home) Participants rated six types of psychotherapy treat ments with Kazdin's Treatment Evaluation Inventory: person-centered therapy, strategic family therapy, transactional analysis, play reading, group therapy, and purposeful activity. All treat ments were considered acceptable by these older respondents; however, person-centered therapy was rated the most acceptable. These treatments were also rated as slightly more acceptable for cognitively intact case clients than for impaired ones. Treatment ratings varied according to the case client's living situation (i.e., nursing home or family home).
An Application-Oriented Spectrum Sharing Architecture

The current opportunistic spectrum access architecture suffers from several technical barriers. Capitalizing on recent spectrum policy evolution and technology advances, we propose an application-oriented spectrum sharing architecture, termed on-demand spectrum access , to eliminate the barriers bothering the opportunistic spectrum access architecture. We consider a spectrum service provider that has a mesh infrastructure network and offers on-demand spectrum services to users. The users can dynamically set up application-oriented virtual topologies to carry out specific applications such as video conferences. We develop an efficient online spectrum service provision algorithm, termed Provision based on Onion Subsetting . The time complexity and the correctness are analyzed. We evaluate the performance of the on-demand spectrum access architecture under the provision algorithm through simulations.
Effects of morphiceptin in the medial preoptic area on male sexual behavior

Morphiceptin, a selective μ opioid agonist, injected into the medial preoptic area (MPOA), delayed the onset of copulation in male rats, but did not affect genital reflexes, sexual motivation or general motor activity. In a dose-dependent manner, morphiceptin (100 ng and 1000 ng) injected into the MPOA increased mount and intromission latencies. Similar injections of morphiceptin into the ventromedial hypothalamus had no effect on any parameter of copulation. The increase in copulatory latencies following the injection of the highest dose of morphiceptin was blocked by pretreatment with the opioid antagonist naloxone. In the X-maze task, morphiceptin had no effect on sexual motivation, as measured by the percentage of trials on which the male chose the female's chamber, but it increased the number of trials in which the subject did not select a chamber within 60 s and the latency to the female the first time he chose her chamber. Similar to the copulation task, the mount and intromission latencies were also increased in the X-maze, after the male reached the female. Morphiceptin in the MPOA had no effect on ex copula genital reflexes, tested in restrained supine males, or on motor activity, tested in a grid box. These results suggest that morphiceptin disrupts either the specific copulatory somatomotor pattern or a more general motivational component.
Freshwater Cichlid Crenicara punctulata Is a Protogynous Sequential Hermaphrodite

Abstract Several papers have suggested that the Freshwater Cichlid Crenicara punctulata is capable of protogynous sex change. These studies provide behavioral data and descriptive details of external morphology but lack information about gonadal histology, which is essential for definitive evidence of sequential hermaphroditism. Therefore, this study was designed to determine whether C. punctulata is a sequential hermaphrodite. The present study included a behavioral experiment, an isolation/transformation experiment, as well as a detailed analysis of gonadal structure. The behavioral experiment established social hierarchies in four groups of juvenile female C. punctulata. The hypothesis that the dominant female in each group would be the only individual to develop male secondary sexual characteristics in that group was verified. The isolation experiment tested the hypothesis that female C. punctulata would change sex without the presence of conspecifics. After social isolation, females that were previou...
Ovine Uterine Gland Knock-Out Model: Effects of Gland Ablation on the Estrous Cycle

Ovine endometrial gland development is a postnatal event that can be inhibited epigenetically by chronic exposure of ewe lambs to a synthetic progestin from birth to puberty. As adults, these neonatally progestin-treated ewes lack endometrial glands and display a uterine gland knockout (UGKO) phenotype that is useful as a model for study of endometrial function. Here, objectives were to determine: 1) length of progestin exposure necessary from birth to produce the UGKO phenotype in ewes; 2) if UGKO ewes display normal estrous cycles; and 3) if UGKO ewes could establish and/or maintain pregnancy. Ewe lambs (n = 22) received a Norgestomet (Nor) implant at birth and every two weeks thereafter for 8 (Group I), 16 (Group II), or 32 (Groups III and IV) weeks. Control ewe lambs (n = 13) received no Nor treatment (Groups V and VI). Ewes in Groups I, II, III, and VI were hemihysterectomized (Hhx) at 16 weeks of age. After puberty, the remaining uterine horn in Hhx ewes was removed on either Day 9 or 15 of the estrous cycle (Day 0 = estrus). Histological analyses of uteri indicated that progestin exposure for 8, 16, or 32 weeks prevented endometrial adenogenesis and produced the UGKO phenotype in adult ewes. Three endometrial phenotypes were consistently observed in Nor-treated ewes: 1) no glands, 2) slight glandular invaginations into the stroma, and 3) limited numbers of cyst- or gland-like structures in the stroma. Overall patterns of uterine progesterone, estrogen, and oxytocin receptor expression were not different in uteri from adult cyclic control and UGKO ewes. However, receptor expression was variegated in the ruffled luminal epithelium of uteri from UGKO ewes. Intact UGKO ewes displayed altered estrous cycles with interestrous intervals of 17 to 43 days, and they responded to exogenous prostaglandin F(2 approximately ) (PGF) with luteolysis and behavioral estrus. During the estrous cycle, plasma concentrations of progesterone in intact control and UGKO ewes were not different during metestrus and diestrus, but levels did not decline in many UGKO ewes during late diestrus. Peak peripheral plasma concentrations of PGF metabolite, in response to an oxytocin challenge on Day 15, were threefold lower in UGKO compared to control ewes. Intact UGKO ewes bred repeatedly to intact rams did not display evidence of pregnancy based on results of ultrasound. Collectively, results indicate that 1) transient, progestin-induced disruption of ovine uterine development from birth alters both structural and functional integrity of the adult endometrium; 2) normal adult endometrial integrity, including uterine glands, is required to insure a luteolytic pattern of PGF production; and 3) the UGKO phenotype, characterized by the absence of endometrial glands and a compact, disorganized endometrial stroma, limits or inhibits the capacity of uterine tissues to support the establishment and/or maintenance of pregnancy.
Mechanically Assembled Non-Bonded Transducers Utilizing PVDF Film

The objective was to build special transducers having the same operating characteristics as several commercial transducers, but which would fit into specialized housings. This was required by physical space limitations in several test development requests.
EGF Activates Its Receptor by Removing Interactions that Autoinhibit Ectodomain Dimerization

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is the prototype of the ErbB (HER) family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which regulate cell growth and differentiation and are implicated in many human cancers. EGF activates its receptor by inducing dimerization of the 621 amino acid EGF receptor extracellular region. We describe the 2.8 A resolution crystal structure of this entire extracellular region (sEGFR) in an unactivated state. The structure reveals an autoinhibited configuration, where the dimerization interface recently identified in activated sEGFR structures is completely occluded by intramolecular interactions. To activate the receptor, EGF binding must promote a large domain rearrangement that exposes this dimerization interface. This contrasts starkly with other RTK activation mechanisms and suggests new approaches for designing ErbB receptor antagonists.
Polyetherimides. I. Preparation of dianhydrides containing aromatic ether groups

A general synthetic method and characterization of bis(ether anhydride)s, the ether containing aromatic dianhydrides of the following structure, are presented. The method involves aromatic nitro-displacement of N-substituted 3- or 4-nitrophthalimide with bisphenoxides to form N-substituted arylene-bis(phthalimido)ethers or bis(ether imide)s. Sixteen structurally different bis(ether imide)s have been prepared and subsequently converted to the corresponding bis(ether anhydride)s. Bis(ether anhydride)s are stable crystalline compounds of a moderate reactivity. Unlike highly reactive dianydrides such as pyromellitic and benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydrides bis(ether anhydride)s are semipermanently stable against hydrolysis in the presence of atmospheric moisture.
Population Evacuation: Assessing Spatial Variability in Geophysical Risk and Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards

Developing an effective evacuation strategy for hurricane zones presents challenges to emergency planners because of spatial differences in geophysical risk and social vulnerability. This study examines spatial variability in evacuation assistance needs as related to the hurricane hazard. Two quantitative indicators are developed: a geophysical risk index, based on National Hurricane Center and National Flood Insurance Program data, and a social vulnerability index, based on census information. These indices are combined to determine spatial patterns of evacuation assistance needs in Hillsborough County, Florida. Four evacuation dimensions are analyzed: population traits and building structures, differential access to resources, special evacuation needs, and a combination of variables. Results indicate that geophysical risk and social vulnerability can produce different spatial patterns that complicate emergency management. Different measures of social vulnerability also confound evacuation strategies and can result in ineffective practices. It is argued that careful consideration be given to the characteristics of local populations.
Boston radar history - from $10,000 magee to $10 single chip T/R module … better than fiction

We cover the amazing progress from the $10,000 microwave magee; the early World War (WW) II Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT) Radiation Laboratory fire control and precision landing radars (N/SCR-584 and Ground Approach Control [GCA] Mark-I); to the Hawk system; the early air traffic control radars; the first mass produced phased array radar (Precision Approach Radar [PAR] AN/TPS-25); to present day $7 magee; the new “Wonder of the World” the SBX missile defense 75 ft diameter, 45,056 GaAs Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) Transmit/Receive (T/R) module X-band active array radar; the single chip ≪ $10 X-band MMIC T/R module; the low cost ($100's) 24 GHz car blind spot phased array radar; the new GaN technology which allows higher power (∼x10) and power efficiency; the hand held Hot Wheels $ 20 speed radar.