cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attentive Prototypes for Source-free Unsupervised Domain Adaptive 3D Object Detection

3D object detection networks tend to be biased towards the data they are trained on. Evaluation on datasets captured in different locations, conditions or sensors than that of the training (source) data results in a drop in model performance due to the gap in distribution with the test (or target) data. Current methods for domain adaptation either assume access to source data during training, which may not be available due to privacy or memory concerns, or require a sequence of lidar frames as an input. We propose a single-frame approach for source-free, unsupervised domain adaptation of lidar-based 3D object detectors that uses class prototypes to mitigate the effect pseudo-label noise. Addressing the limitations of traditional feature aggregation methods for prototype computation in the presence of noisy labels, we utilize a transformer module to identify outlier ROI's that correspond to incorrect, over-confident annotations, and compute an attentive class prototype. Under an iterative training strategy, the losses associated with noisy pseudo labels are down-weighed and thus refined in the process of self-training. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed approach, we examine the domain shift associated with networks trained on large, label-rich datasets (such as the Waymo Open Dataset and nuScenes) and evaluate on smaller, label-poor datasets (such as KITTI) and vice-versa. We demonstrate our approach on two recent object detectors and achieve results that out-perform the other domain adaptation works.
Serious Air Rifle Injuries in Children

Seven potentially lethal air gun injuries in children are reported. Multiple-pump action air rifles have penetration velocities far in excess of the classic Daisy "BB" guns. However, these lethal weapons are sold to be used by children. Lack of effective regulatory legislation coupled with parental ignorance will continue to allow for serious injuries and deaths in children. Physicians should be aware of the potential lethality of any air gun injuries.
The Effects of Intermittent Flooding on Seedlings of Three Forest Species

Under greenhouse conditions, seedlings of three forest species, baldcypress (Taxodium distichum), nuttall oak (Quercus nuttallii), and swamp chestnut oak (Quercus michauxii) were subjected to an intermittent flooding and subsequent physiological and growth responses to such conditions were evaluated. Baldcypress showed no significant reductions in stomatal conductance (g s) or net photosynthetic rate (P N) in response to flood pulses. In nuttall oak seedlings g s and P N were significantly decreased during periods of inundation, but recovered rapidly following drainage. In contrast, in swamp chestnut oak g s was reduced by 71.8 % while P N was reduced by 57.2 % compared to controls. Baldcypress displayed no significant changes in total mass while oak species had significantly lower leaf and total mass compared to their respective controls. Thus baldcypress and nuttall oak showed superior performance under frequent intermittent flooding regimes due to several factors including the ability for rapid recovery of gas exchange soon after soil was drained. In contrast, swamp chestnut oak seedlings failed to resume gas exchange functions after the removal of flooding.
Virchow's triad: the vascular basis of cerebral injury.

Both the large arteries and microvascular beds of the central nervous system respond to injury by initiating processes compatible with Virchow’s triad: alterations in the microvascular permeability barrier, reduction in flow with the target bed, and/or thrombosis of brain-supplying arteries and of the microvasculature. This is particularly true during focal cerebral ischemia. The temporal and topographical coincidence of neuron injury and microvessel response during focal ischemia has suggested that neuron-microvessel interactions could be bidirectional. The neurovascular unit offers a conceptual and structural framework with which to examine events within the microvasculature and their impact on neuron integrity, with the participation of the intervening astrocytes, matrix, and other supportive cells (eg, pericytes and oligoden-droglia). Activation of the endothelium and of coagulation, capture of leukocytes, and increased microvessel permeability lead to the focal “no-reflow” phenomenon. Decreased shear stress is a component of the evolving ischemia. Strategies that inhibit the interactions within the microvasculature have been shown to prevent no-reflow and improve neurological outcome. It is, therefore, possible that addressing the processes of Virchow’s triad in the setting of focal ischemia could promote neurovascular function.
AFRICAN AMERICAN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF PRACTICING IN SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

Rapid demographic shifts in the United States’ school-aged population require school psychology to research and address issues related to limited racial/ethnic diversity in the profession. This qualitative study explored the work-related experiences and perceptions of 30 African American School Psychologists who practiced in the Southeastern United States. Findings revealed that African American School Psychologists perceive their ability to help children, advocate for children of color, and provide positive representations of people of color as opportunities. They perceive racial bias, including racial microaggressions, as a primary challenge in their careers. Based on these results, recommendations for research, training, and practice are provided.
Measuring erectile function after radical prostatectomy: comparing a single question with the International Index of Erectile Function

Study Type – Harm (individual cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Measuring erectile function after radical prostatectomy is challenging: While lengthy questionnaires may be more comprehensive and accurate, a single question tool may be more easily administered, for clinical and research purpose. The present study compares the performance of a single question and the widely used International Index of Erectile Function (TIEF) in assessment of post radical prostatectomy erectile function. OBJECTIVE • To present a single-question institutional erectile function scale, which was developed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) before the availability of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and to compare its performance with the IIEF. Erectile function status assessment after radical prostatectomy is a significant challenge both for research purposes and in clinical practice. Recently, there has been a shift away from complex questionnaire use such as the IIEF and regression to single-item assessment of erectile function. PATIENTS AND METHODS • Our erectile function score, a single question 5-point score based on physician–patient interview, was applied to 276 patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. Based on the erectile function score, patients were grouped into five groups. The mean IIEF score and the mean score of questions 3 and 4 of the IIEF were calculated and compared across the groups. • Each score group was compared with the preceding group and tested for significant difference. The erectile function domain of the IIEF and the institutional score were tested for correlation. RESULTS • The complete erectile function domain score from the IIEF was available for 170 patients and scores from questions 3 and 4 were available for 220 patients. The institutional erectile function score categorized the subjects into distinct groups based on erectile function status. • The institutional erectile function score was highly correlated with the IIEF erectile function domain score (r=−0.692, P < 0.001) and with the questions 3 and 4 combined score (r=−0.678, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS • The MSKCC erectile function scale is a practical, readily administered method to assess erectile function in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. • The erectile function score, as determined by this scale, is highly correlated with the IIEF erectile function domain score.
Fibroelastosis in adults; a review of the literature and report of a case.

Abstract The cases of fibroelastosis in adults reported from America and England are briefly summarized. Only twenty-four cases were found. The presenting clinical manifestations are those of myocardial failure. A case of fibroelastosis occurring in a white man, 38 years of age, is reported. The pathologic lesions in the heart are identical with those observed in infants. This process in the adult is considered congenital. The histologic findings in support of this opinion are the absence of any inflammatory reaction, and the presence of elastic tissue, and a thin band of cardiac muscle in the thickened endocardium. All cases of fibroelastosis in adults should be carefully studied in an attempt to better understand this cardiac lesion.
Metrazol tolerance in a "normal" volunteer population : An investigation of the potential significance of abnormal findings

Abstract The Metrazol tolerance of 40 normal volunteer subjects was investigated, tolerance was defined as that amount of Metrazol in mg./kg. at which the slow i.v. administration of the drug had to be stopped because of marked EEG changes, or on account of too marked subjective discomfort. In some instances 500 mg. was arbitrarily chosen as the cut-off point. The responses were graded on a 1–4 scale and correlated with symptoms reported in the subjects's history and with certain personality attributes of the individual. Statistically significant correlations were obtained between the Metrazol tolerance, the past history of the individual, and his interest in seeing a psychiatrist for therapeutic reasons. EEg changes as a result of Metrazol administration correlated with the state of the resting EEG, the hyperventilation response, and the individual's appraisal of himself as not getting anxious easily. Low tolerance because of marked subjective symptoms during the test correlated with a family history of psychiatric disorders and the subjects's appraisal of himself as being outwardly calm with inner turmoil. It is concluded that abnormal findings in normal volunteers should not be dismissed as “false positive” results, but as possible indications of overt neuropsychiatric illness. If careful evaluation fails to reveal conclusive evidence, it might be more appropriate to regard the subject as “at present asymptomatic” rather than simply “normal”.
Motor planning: effect of directional uncertainty with discrete spatial cues

We investigated the effect of spatial uncertainty on motor planning by using the cueing method in a reaching task (experiment 1). Discrete spatial cues indicated the different locations in which the target could be presented. The number of cues as well as their direction changed from trial to trial. We tested the adequacy of two models of motor planning to account for the data. The switching model assumes that only one motor response can be planned at a time, whereas the capacity-sharing model assumes that multiple motor responses can be planned in parallel. Both models predict the same relation between average reaction time (RT) and number of cues, but they differ in their prediction of the shape of the distribution of the reaction time. The results showed that RT increased with the number of cues independently from their spatial dispersion. This relation was well described by the function predicted by both models, whereas it was poorly described by the Hick-Hyman law. In addition, the distribution of RT conformed to the prediction of the capacity-sharing model and not to that of the switching model. We investigated the role that the requirement of a spatially directed motor response might have had on this pattern of results by testing subjects in a simple RT task (experiment 2) with the same cueing presentation as in experiment 1. The results contrasted with those in experiment 1 and showed that RT was dependent on the spatial dispersion of the cues and not on their number. The results of the two experiments suggest that the mode of processing of potential targets is dependent on the spatial constraints of the task. The processing resources can be either divided relative to the spatial distribution of possible targets or across multiple independent discrete representations of these targets.
Empires of the Flesh: Organ and Tissue Taboos

Goodwin argues that organ and tissue transplant regimes typically operate in isolated legal regimes. Further complicating the challenge in parsing out the trade in body parts is that it is wedged between two legal processes, altruistic organ donation and legalized tissue implantation. In this essay, the author argues against tissue and organ (T&O) default rules like presumed consent and offers a departure from the conventional scholarship addressing T&O supply and demand. The author makes three distinct normative evaluations. First, the author proposes compensating relatives for providing human tissue and bone for transplantation and medical research. The author then highlights the neglected distinction between organs and tissues. Second, the author proposes using incentives to promote living organ donation. The author argues that ex ante compensation models will generally result in better outcomes for donors because of better information-sharing and the costs and burdens associated with participation in organ procurement will be better understood. By contrast, the author argues that default compulsory or compulsory-like consent rules are far more problematic. The author demonstrates why associating incentives with living donations might help to resolve the organ supply problem in the United States and emphasizes incentives for cadaveric donations. Finally, Goodwin considers how we might begin to create frameworks that move the discussion of incentives for human biological materials beyond hypothetical treatments in the literature to actually testing them at the state level. To this end, the author stresses the importance of considering federalism to address localized concerns regarding compensation regimes.
Quantitative analysis of the cytosolic-free-Ca2+-dependency of aldosterone production in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. Different requirements for angiotensin II and K+.

Abstract Angiotensin II (AII) and K+ raise the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]i) and stimulate aldosterone production in isolated bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. The mechanisms leading to an elevation of [Ca2+]i were analysed with the fluorescent Ca2+ probe quin 2. (1) Whereas [Ca2+]i rose transiently and returned to basal values within 5 min in response to AII, the effect of K+ was sustained for at least 15 min. (2) AII released Ca2+ from intracellular stores, whereas the [Ca2+]i response to K+ depended solely on extracellular [Ca2+]. (3) When added after K+ stimulation, AII provoked a dramatic decrease in [Ca2+]i to below the resting value. The role of [Ca2+]i in stimulating steroidogenesis was determined by manipulating the concentration of this cation. (4) In a cell superfusion system, the aldosterone response to AII is biphasic. Suppressing the transient [Ca2+]i elevation triggered by AII resulted in the disappearance of the initial secretory peak, but the final production rate was similar to that of control cells. (5) Normal basal [Ca2+]i levels were, however, necessary to maintain continuous AII-induced steroidogenesis. (6) When added after AII, the antagonist analogue [Sar1,Ala8]AII suppressed steroidogenesis without affecting [Ca2+]i levels. (7) In contrast, continuously elevated [Ca2+]i values were required for the initiation and the maintenance of K+-stimulated aldosterone production. These results demonstrate important differences in the mechanisms through which AII and K+ activate the Ca2+ messenger system. Moreover, functional correlations have shown that K+, but not AII, depends solely on a sustained [Ca2+]i response for its steroidogenic effect. However, the AII-induced effect is also a Ca2+-requiring process: the initial [Ca2+]i transient accelerates the onset of steroidogenesis, which is subsequently extremely sensitive to [Ca2+]i decreases below normal basal levels.
Performance and Design of Electric Welders With Controlled Transients

IN AN ATTEMPT to verify the theory previously given of electric welders with controlled transients, tests have been made on a neutralized welder and a standard type welder with and without a reactor transformer. Oscillograms show that while the standard machine has a large rise of current when short-circuited for 2 or 3 cycles of a 60 cycle wave, the machines with controlled transients have a very much reduced rise of current, and to this their improved performance partly is ascribed. A second important factor is the recovery of voltage after short circuit. It is shown that the function of the reactor transformer is to neutralize the mutual induction between the series and shunt fields of the welder, thereby rendering the field current more nearly independent of occurrences in the welding circuit.
Age specific maternal defense in Gargaphia solani (Hemiptera: Tingidae)

It is predicted that the intensity of parental defense of offspring is a function of both the increasing reproductive value of offspring and the decreasing reproductive value of parents. The ontogeny of maternal defensive behavior in the lace bug Gargaphia solani is consistent with these predictions in that mothers become more aggressive as they age (between clutches) and also more aggressive as nymphs reach maturity (within clutches).
Further studies on the degradation of injected [131I]albumin by secondary lysosomes of mouse liver

Abstract 1. 1. The degradation of formaldehyde-treated [131I]albumin associated with particulate fractions of livers after intravenous injection into mice has been shown to occur within the particles. The acid-soluble radioactivity released into the medium upon incubation of the particles at 36° in 0.25 M sucrose was not [131I]iodide and therefore probably consisted of [131I] amino acids or small labeled peptides. 2. 2. 900 × g and 27000 × g radioactivity-containing particles showed osmotic properties with respect to sucrose concentration. Both showed greatest stability at 0.2 M. The 900 × g particles appeared to be more sensitive with respect to changes in molarity of the medium. These and other properties establish that the particles are secondary lysosomes according to the definition of De Duve 10. Particles sedimenting at 39 000 × g (1 h) also appeared to show osmotic properties which lends further support to the hypothesis that this fraction contained micropinocytosis vesicles. 3. 3. Both 900 × g and 27 000 × g lysosomes had a pH optimum of 5 for the release of acid-soluble radioactivity. This pH optimum appeared to be partly due to an increased lability of the lysosome membrane above pH 7, particularly with the 900 × g particles.
Prospective Trial of Ifosfamide, Paclitaxel, and Cisplatin in Patients with Advanced Non-transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urothelial Tract

Objectives Non-transitional cell carcinomas account for 5% to 10% of urothelial tract tumors and are each characterized by unique demographics, risk factors, and patterns of spread. A unifying feature of these malignancies is their aggressive course and poor outcome with standard chemotherapeutic regimens. Given the rarity of these tumors, no prospective data are available to guide management. Methods Patients with unresectable/metastatic adenocarcinoma or squamous cell, small cell, sarcomatoid, or poorly differentiated carcinoma of the urothelial tract were eligible for enrollment. Treatment consisted of paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1, cisplatin 70 mg/m2 intravenously on day 1, ifosfamide 1500 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 to 3 plus mesna. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered with each cycle. The treatment was started again every 3 to 4 weeks for a maximum of six cycles. Results A total of 20 patients were enrolled. They had the following histologic types: adenocarcinoma in 11, squamous cell carcinoma in 8, and small cell carcinoma in 1. Patients received a median of four cycles (range one to six). The treatment was generally well tolerated, and the toxicity was predominantly hematologic. Overall, 7 (35%) of 20 patients (95% confidence interval 15% to 59%) achieved a major response (3 partial and 4 complete). The median survival for patients with adenocarcinoma was 24.8 months (95% confidence interval 10.2 to 32.3), and for those with squamous cell carcinoma it was 8.9 months (95% confidence interval 5.4 to not yet reached). Conclusions The results of our study have shown that this regimen (ifosfamide, paclitaxel, and cisplatin) is active in patients with advanced non-transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study of a chemotherapeutic regimen in this patient population.
A National Evaluation of the Effect of Cops Grants on Police Productivity (Arrests) 1995-1999:

This research empirically examines the contribution that funding provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has had on police productivity in the United States from 1995 to 1999. Six years of panel data was assembled to assess the effect of COPS funding on police productivity (arrest) while controlling for other factors that could influence the relationship. COPS funding data was combined with Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data, 1990 U.S. Census data, and Labor Statistics data. A total of 4,482 cities are included in the study sample, accounting for more than 110 million Americans living in the United States. Primary findings suggest that after controlling for other factors, COPS hiring initiatives have resulted in a significant increase in police arrests for violent, drug, and social disorder offenses for the entire population of COPS grantees.
Tryptose phosphate broth as supplementary factor for maintenance of HeLa cell tissue cultures.

SummaryA mixture of tryptose phosphate broth, 15 to 25%, maintenance solution (MS), 67.5 to 77.5%, and chicken serum, 7.5%, maintained HeLa cells in tissue culture for at least 10 days. During this period HeLa cells increased 3 to 5 fold in number. Furthermore, smaller quantities of ARD, AD and Type I poliomyelitis viruses could be detected and significantly more ARD virus could be propagated in HeLa cells maintained in this medium than in cells supported with maintenance solution and chicken serum alone.
Precursors to microsecond delayed luminescence in oxygenevolving and inhibited chloroplasts

Abstract We have investigated submillisecond delayed luminescence in spinach chloroplasts under a variety of conditions. In Tris-washed chloroplasts, which are inhibited on the oxidizing side of P-680, the delayed light emission in the 7–200 μs time-range decayed with biphasic behavior. In fully dark-adapted samples illuminated by a single saturating laser pulse, the fast phase of delayed luminescence followed a nearly identical pH-dependent time-course as that observed optically and by ESR for P + -680 reduction, thus verifying the recombination hypothesis for the origin of delayed light. The observed slower phase of delayed luminescence was also pH dependent, but unlike the fast phase, could not be ascribed to specific electron transfer events of PS II. This phase could be rationalized by a heterogeneity in the population of P-680. While kinetic parameters were found to be insensitive to changes in ionic strength, the overall luminescence intensity was quite sensitive to the electrical parameters, thus indicating the role of ionic strength and local charges in delayed luminescence modulation. A similar series of experiments was performed on untreated chloroplasts. The pH-dependent delayed luminescence behavior in both untreated chloroplasts and Tris-washed chloroplasts was similar despite significantly faster kinetics associated with the reduction of P + -680 by the secondary PS II electron donor, Z, in the former preparation (e.g., Van Best, J.A. and Mathis, P. (1978) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 503, 178–188). Thus, it was concluded that, in untreated samples, microsecond delayed luminescence emanates primarily from centers which are not competent in oxygen evolution. The nearly identical delayed luminescence intensity in untreated chloroplasts and in Tris-washed chloroplasts was rationalized by a model which predicts modulations in delayed luminescence yield by the exciton-quenching effect of P + -680. Computer simulations demonstrate the feasibility of this model. The previously documented flash oscillations in microsecond delayed luminescence intensity in untreated chloroplasts (Bowes, J.M. and Crofts, A.R. (1979) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 547, 336–346), which we readily observed, were attributed to alterations in delayed luminescence yield (in nonfunctional centers) by variations in charge density stored at the oxygen-evolving complex of functional centers. Taken together, our results emphasize the dependence of delayed luminescence kinetics upon electron-transfer kinetics and the dependence of delayed luminescence amplitude upon the photochemical parameters, the exciton yield and the emission yield.
Linking summer foraging to winter survival in yellow pine chipmunks ( Tamias amoenus )

This study links summer foraging and scatter-hoarding to winter larder-hoarding and winter survival in yellow pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus) by comparing patterns of time allocation and winter larder contents in 2 years with very different levels of resource availability. In 2003, seed production and the number of trees and shrubs producing seeds were high. In 2004 seed crops were small. Chipmunks allocated more time to foraging when food resources were scarce (66% in 2004) compared to when they were abundant (39% in 2003). Increased time allocated to foraging in 2004 corresponded to significant decreases in time allocated to vigilance, resting, and social interactions. When seeds were scarce (i.e., in autumn 2004), chipmunks spent more time searching for cached food items than gathering seeds from plants or the ground surface. Despite the increase in foraging effort, the edible mass and caloric contents of larders were significantly smaller in 2004. In the year with low seed production, the diversity of seed species found in larders increased, and many of these seeds were of species that ripened in summer. When autumnal seed production by Jeffrey pine seeds was high, Jeffrey pine seeds were nearly the exclusive food item found in larders. Larder contents would have provisioned chipmunks for an estimated 116–257 days in 2003 and but only 6–111 days in 2004. It is likely that all chipmunks would have survived the winter of 2003 (duration ~110–120 days). However, none of the larders recovered in 2004 contained enough food to have provisioned the inhabitant for the ~148–158 days of winter.
Alpha-Keto Acids in Vitamin-Free Casein Hydrolyzates (Acid)

α-Ketoglutaric and pyruvic acids were isolated as their 2-4-dinitrophenylhydrazones from five different commercial samples of vitamin-free acid hydrolyzates of casein. In addition, one sample yielded traces of α-ketobutyric acid. The hydrazones were converted by hydrogenation to glutamic acid, alanine, and α-aminobutyric acid and identified by paper chromatography.
Sticks and Stones: Evaluations of Responses to Childhood Teasing

The present study addresses children's assessments of responses to teasing. Participants viewed videotaped interactions in which one child was being teased by two other children and responds in one of three ways (i.e., with humor, by ignoring, or with hostility). Participants rated the humorous response to teasing as the most effective way to respond to teasing, followed by ignoring. The hostile response was rated the least effective. The target's response to teasing significantly affected perceptions of the friendliness and popularity of the teasers and target. In addition, participants' previous experiences with teasing, as both victim and teaser, significantly affected their perceptionsof the teasing interaction. Results are discussed as they relate to understanding childhood teasing and effective ways of responding to teasing.
Transcranial translabyrinthine approach to vestibular schwannomas.

Surgeons who utilize the suboccipital approach for the removal of large vestibular schwannomas, can perform a planned labyrinthectomy from within the intracranial cavity via the suboccipital exposure. This transcranial translabyrinthine approach provides one of the major advantages of the conventional transmastoid translabyrinthine approach, namely, unambiguous identification of the facial nerve as it exits the internal auditory canal, without the need for complete mastoidectomy and labyrinthectomy. The labyrinthectomy is best performed prior to the complete exposure of the internal auditory canal. The approach requires the surgeon to identify the endolymphatic sac intracranially, then drill the temporal bone and follow the vestibular aqueduct to the utricle
Uses for model-based probability of detection curves

Evaluating the reliability and capabilities of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods has normally been done empirically with many costly round-robin test block exercises. These results are necessarily problem specific and limited in scope. Here, an alternative approach is described where model-based simulations are used to predict the probability of detection versus flaw size curves for components which can then be validated experimentally with a few samples. It is demonstrated how knowledge of these curves can be used to evaluate NDE inspection performance, to determine the influence of NDE tests on component reliability, and to design components with built-in inspectability criteria.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Understanding through Language

Although language is our chief means of communication, there are a number of problems connected with its use. A writer must be aware of these problems and learn to overcome them if he is to be understood by his readers.Some of the problems are: 1. Our language system is not adequate to meet all needs. 2. Words themselves do not have “meaning”—people give them meaning. 3. “Meaning” has several dimensions including denotative, connotative, structural and contextual. The writer must give attention to all of these types of meaning. 4. There is a basic conflict between maximum accuracy in writing and maximum understanding in reading.One of the most valuable tools used in improving understanding is redundancy. A reader's understanding level must be low if the rate of information flow exceeds his capacity to deal with it.
Acoustic-elastodynamic interaction in isotropic fractal media

This research explores the acoustic-elastodynamic interaction in isotropic fractal media. The analysis discusses the direct coupling of two constitutive models under dynamic loading: a continuous solid and an isotropic fractal medium. We consider two situations where in the first, the fractal medium is enclosed within a thin spherical shell (interior problem), while in the second, the fractal medium extends infinitely outside the shell (exterior problem). The two problems are simulated analytically, and the exact solution for the shell displacement is expressed in closed form in the Laplace domain. The formulation of the radiation condition for infinite fractal media is essential to derive the exterior problem’s solution. This study represents a meaningful idealization of real-application problems involving the interaction of multi-constitutive media, e.g. the human brain, whereby fractal features affect the response of this body under various excitations.
Uniformly Perfect Subsets of the Real Line and John Domains

Let E be a regular compact subset of the real line. We relate the Green function for the complement of E (with respect to the extended complex plane) to some conformal map f. We establish the relationship between the geometry of E and f(E).
Vocalization in rhesus monkeys: Conditionability

Three rhesus monkeys were individually trained to emit relatively prolonged calls in an experimental arrangement which required that intensity of each call be maintained within prescribed limits. Each animal learned to produce the calls when a stimulus signaled the appropriate occasion. Stimulus control over the calls was demonstrated by increased number of calls and increased average duration of calls when the signal was present, together with diminished number of calls when the signal was not present.
A Kainate Receptor Increases the Efficacy of GABAergic Synapses

Brain functions are based on the dynamic interaction of excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Spillover of glutamate from excitatory synapses may diffuse to and modulate nearby inhibitory synapses. By recording unitary inhibitory postsynaptic currents (uIPSCs) from cell pairs in CA1 of the hippocampus, we demonstrated that low concentrations of Kainate receptor (KAR) agonists increased the success rate (P(s)) of uIPSCs, whereas high concentrations of KAR agonists depressed GABAergic synapses. Ambient glutamate released by basal activities or stimulation of the stratum radiatum increases the efficacy of GABAergic synapses by activating presynaptic KARs, which facilitate Ca(2+)-dependent GABA release. The results suggest that glutamate released from excitatory synapses may also function as an intermediary between excitatory and inhibitory synapses to protect overexcitation of local circuits.
Children's exposure to neighborhood poverty and violence: Implications for Black student middle school literacy in Charlotte, North Carolina

This study investigates potential correlation between neighborhood indicators of poverty and violence and Black student literacy performance. The literature indicates that children exposed to violence and poverty are at greater risk for traumatic responses that impact behavior and academic achievement (Buka, Stichick, Birdthistle, & Earls, 2001; Flannery, Wester, & Singer, 2004; Ford, Chapman, Hawke, & Albert, 2007; Gorman-Smith & Tolan, 1998; Margolin & Gordis, 2000; North Carolina Justice and Community Development Center [NCJCDC], 2000; Thompson & Massat, 2005), and recommendations are made for interventions that address such trauma (Camilleri, 2007; Clise, 1994; Ford et al., 2007; Howell, 2003; Jones & Compton, 2003; Lantieri & Patti, 1996; Levin, 1994; McWhirter, J.J., McWhirter, B.T., McWhirter, E.H., & McWhirter, R.J., 2004; Stevenson, 2003). Spatial (geographic information system) and statistical (correlation matrices) analyses are incorporated in this study with literacy test scores for grades 6 a...
ADVANCING FORENSIC CHEMISTRY OF SPILLED OIL: SELF-NORMALIZING FINGERPRINT INDEXES

ABSTRACT Forensic approaches for differentiating spilled oils, tar balls, and oil-contaminated sediments by source can be enhanced by converting qualitative GC/MS data to quantitative values and applying statistical data analyses. Such techniques reduce the potential for chemist bias and fatigue that can result in false-positive and false-negative determinations. The suite of indexes used by our laboratory are highly discriminating, resistant to oil weathering and biodegradation, and are not subject to most day-to-day laboratory variances. We have applied the term “self-normalizing fingerprint indexes” (SFIs) to label such parameters or ratios. The SFI approach has been demonstrated to reduce investigator bias and highlight subtle differences in actual spill samples and baseline monitoring studies that might have been missed by standard qualitative approaches to source-fingerprinting. This approach represents another step in the development of legally defensible methods of oil spill response.
A Rare Case of De novo C634G Germline Mutation of the RET Proto-Oncogene in a Patient With MEN 2A Syndrome With Aggressive Pheochromocytoma

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) is an autosomal inherited disorder induced by mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. It is characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), accompanied in half of cases by pheochromocytoma and less frequently, by primary hyperparathyroidism. The aim of the study was to investigate a clinical case of a MEN 2A syndrome consisting of bilateral aggressive pheochromocytomas and MTC with loco-regional lymph node invasion caused by a rare de novo germline mutation in the RET proto-oncogene (Cys634Gly). We reported herein a 42-year-old man presented with hypertension refractory to various antihypertensive drug regimens administered over the preceding 3 years. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed a large right adrenal mass, and a smaller left adrenal nodule. Comprehensive biochemical analyses ( 24-hour urinary catecholamines and metabolites ) confirmed the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. 123 I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy revealed uptake in the left inferior thyroid nodule. Left t hyroid ultrasound-guided f ine needle aspiration established the diagnosis of MTC. The patient first underwent open right adrenalectomy, and 2 months later, total thyroidectomy with central neck compartment lymph node dissection. Screening for hyperparathyroidism was negative. On follow-up, the patient demonstrated no biochemical abnormalities, or clinical complaints. Genetic testing identified a point mutation in the RET proto-oncogene , confirming the diagnosis of MEN 2A. This missense mutation, located in exon 11, resulted in the replacement of a cysteine 634 residue with glycine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first MEN 2A case reported with de novo Cys634Gly RET germline mutation in North America, and also worldwide with regard to the aggressiveness of this genotypic variant. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jem120w
Development of INSPCT-S for Inspection of Spent Fuel Pool

In this paper, we discuss an accurate and fast software tool (INSPCT-S, Inspection of Nuclear Spent fuel-Pool Calculation Tool, version Spreadsheet) developed for calculation of the response of fission chambers placed in a spent fuel pool, such as Atucha-I. INSPCT-S is developed for identification of suspicious regions of the pool that may have missing or substitute assemblies. INSPCT-S uses a hybrid algorithm based on the adjoint function methodology. The neutron source is comprised of spontaneous fission, ({alpha}, n) interactions, and subcritical multiplication. The former is evaluated using the ORIGEN-ARP code, and the latter is obtained with the fission matrix (FM) formulation. The FM coefficients are determined using the MCNP Monte Carlo code, and the importance function is determined using the PENTRAN 3-D parallel Sn code. Three databases for the neutron source, FM elements, and adjoint flux are prepared as functions of different parameters including burnup, cooling time, enrichment, and pool lattice size. INSPCT-S uses the aforementioned databases and systems of equations to calculate detector responses, which are subsequently compared with normalized experimental data. If this comparison is not satisfied, INSPCT-S utilizes color coding to identify the suspicious regions of a spent fuel pool. (authors)
Microstrip multiplexer with four channels for broadband system applications

A microstrip multiplexer for broadband system applications from 10 to 21 GHz has been developed. The multiplexer consists of four microstrip bandpass filters with center passband frequencies at 10, 12, 19, and 21 GHz. The multiplexer efficiently suppresses the parasitic passbands of the 10- and 12-GHz filters and balances the phase relationship among the multiplexer channels. A method for improving the parasitic passband rejection has been devised. Measured results show that parasitic passband rejection is more than 38 dB. Measured insertion losses are 1.81, 1.90, 2.88, and 2.51 dB at 10.3, 12.25, 19.4, and 21.285 GHz, respectively. Measured out-of-band isolation is more than 32 dB at all these frequencies. This multiplexer has applications in communication transceiver systems with dual-channel receiver (12 and 21 GHz) and dual-channel transmitter (10 and 19 GHz). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 11: 48–54, 2001.
The structure of hemoglobin from an unusual deep sea worm (Vestimentifera)

Abstract 1. 1. The extracellular hemoglobin from a species of Vestimentifera, obtained from hydrothermal vents at 2.5 km depths of the ocean, has been studied. 2. 2. The hemoglobin molecules appear as two-tiered hexagonal structures in the electron microscope. The hexagons measure 160 A high and 245 A wide. 3. 3. The pigment, which was purified from frozen specimens, appears to be very unstable and elutes on Sepharose 4B as aggregates of approx 1.7 × 10 6 and 400,000 mol. wt. 4. 4. The subunit molecular weight of purified hemoglobin, determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, shows heterogeneity with molecular weights around 15,000 and 30,000. 5. 5. The purified hemoglobin contains one heme per 23,000 g protein. The amino acid compositions of isolated fractions are presented. 6. 6. This Vestimentifera, which shows characteristics of both the phylum Pogonophora as well as Annelida, has an extracellular hemoglobin whose structure is very similar to that of annelid extracellular hemoglobins.
A comparison of human performance in figural and navigational versions of the traveling salesman problem

Performance on a typical pen-and-paper (figural) version of the Traveling Salesman Problem was compared to performance on a room-sized navigational version of the same task. Nine configurations were designed to examine the use of the nearest-neighbor (NN), cluster approach, and convex-hull strategies. Performance decreased with an increasing number of nodes internal to the hull, and improved when the NN strategy produced the optimal path. There was no overall difference in performance between figural and navigational task modalities. However, there was an interaction between modality and configuration, with evidence that participants relied more heavily on the NN strategy in the figural condition. Our results suggest that participants employed similar, but not identical, strategies when solving figural and navigational versions of the problem. Surprisingly, there was no evidence that participants favored global strategies in the figural version and local strategies in the navigational version.
Transient Increase in Cyclic AMP Localized to Macrophage Phagosomes

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) regulates many biological processes and cellular functions. The importance of spatially localized intracellular gradients of cAMP is increasingly appreciated. Previous work in macrophages has shown that cAMP is produced during phagocytosis and that elevated cAMP levels suppress host defense functions, including generation of proinflammatory mediators, phagocytosis and killing. However, the spatial and kinetic characteristics of cAMP generation in phagocytosing macrophages have yet to be examined. Using a Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based cAMP biosensor, we measured the generation of cAMP in live macrophages. We detected no difference in bulk intracellular cAMP levels between resting cells and cells actively phagocytosing IgG-opsonized particles. However, analysis with the biosensor revealed a rapid decrease in FRET signal corresponding to a transient burst of cAMP production localized to the forming phagosome. cAMP levels returned to baseline after the particle was internalized. These studies indicate that localized increases in cAMP accompany phagosome formation and provide a framework for a more complete understanding of how cAMP regulates macrophage host defense functions.
Cyberbrides and Global Imaginaries Mexican Women’s Turn from the National to the Foreign

Through interviews with Mexican women who attend “Vacation Romance Tours” in Guadalajara to meet, date, and perhaps marry U.S. men, the author argues that women’s participation in these internation...
Child Abuse: Adolescent Records vs. Adult Recall.

In a follow-up study of incarcerated Connecticut youth, 69 subjects were interviewed during young adulthood. On follow-up, 26 gave histories of abuse discrepant with histories obtained from records and interviews conducted in adolescence. Eleven subjects agreed to an additional clarification interview, at which time they were apprised of the discrepancies. Of these, eight had adolescent records indicating that abuse had occurred but denied abuse during the adult follow-up interview. The remaining three had adolescent records indicating no abuse had ever occurred, but, on follow-up, reported having been abused. The additional clarification interviews revealed that all 11 subjects with discrepant histories had, in fact, been abused. Reasons for these discrepant data and strategies to enhance the investigator's ability to obtain accurate data regarding abuse are discussed.
Effects of environmental parameters on the elimination of cadmium by eastern oysters, Crassostrea virginica.

Laboratory studies were conducted to test the effects of salinity, humic acid, and temperature on the rate of elimination of109Cd from laboratory-dosed juvenile oysters,Crassostrea virginica. After 140 days, oysters maintained at 34 parts per thousand (ppt) salinity retained 67% of the109Cd dose (CPM), oysters in 20 ppt salinity retained 72% and those in 6 ppt salinity retained 80%. The presence of humic acid in 14 ppt salinity water enhanced the amount of109Cd eliminated in 140 days relative to oysters in control tanks without humic acid: oysters exposed to 10 parts per million (ppm) humic acid retained 65%, oysters exposed to 1 ppm humic acid retained 67%, controls retained 72%. Temperature had a significant effect on the rate of Cd elimination. Oysters held at 28°C and 20 ppt for 28 days retained 75%, oysters at 20°C and 20 ppt retained 81% and those at 12°C and 20 ppt retained 88% of109Cd dose. The effects of a strong Cd-chelator, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid-sodium salt (EDTA), were compared with those of the relatively weaker chelator, humic acid, on the rate of Cd elimination by oysters. No difference was observed between the two chelators over a 28 day depuration period. Cadmium concentrations were monitored in the water and Cd, Cu, Zn, Mg, and Fe concentrations were determined in the animals on the final day of the studies. Particle clearance assays were performed to determine if the rate of filtration by the oysters held in each of the test treatments correlated with the rates of Cd depuration. No direct correlation was observed.