cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electron-impact ionization in the iron isonuclear sequence

The distorted-wave approximation and electron-ion crossed beams have been employed to complete a theoretical and experimental study of electron-impact ionization along the Xe isonuclear sequence. Experimental results are given for Xe/sup 2 +/ through Xe/sup 6 +/ and the results of theoretical calculations are presented for Xe/sup +/ through Xe/sup 6 +/. The data reveal large contributions due to indirect ionization processes. Theoretical cross sections include the contributions of inner-shell excitations to autoionizing levels of the types Xe/sup q/+(4d/sup 10/5s/sup 2/5p/sup 6-q/)..-->..Xe /sup q/+(4d/sup 9/5s/sup 2/5p/sup 7-q/) and Xe/sup q/+(4d/sup 10/5s/sup 2/5p/sup 6-q/)..-->..Xe /sup q/+(4d/sup 9/5s/sup 2/5p/sup 6-q/nl) with nl = 4f, 5d, and 5f. Hartree-Fock structure calculations for the 4d/sup 9/5s/sup 2/5p/sup 6-q/nf configurations are highly term dependent and this has a pronounced effect on the magnitude and energy dependence of indirect contributions to the cross sections. Model calculations indicate that resonant-recombination double autoionization also contributes to the ionization cross sections of Xe/sup 2 +/ through Xe/sup 5 +/.
An Eulerian-Lagrangian finite element approach to large-deformation frictional contact

Abstract A new finite element technique for large-deformation frictional contact analysis based on the Eulerian-Lagrangian kinematic description is described. Both undeformed and deformed nodal coordinates are treated as unknowns, so the element mesh can adjust itself to changing contact zones during an analysis. The analysis method is applied to selected example problems, including geometric nonlinearity and stress singularities on the contact surface.
Outcome of Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy for Pheochromocytomas vs Aldosteronomas

Hypothesis Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is most commonly performed for pheochromocytomas (PHEs) and aldosteronomas (ALDs). We hypothesize that LA for these differing tumor types is associated with different operative courses and outcomes. Design Retrospective study of a 10-year experience with LA. Setting University teaching hospital. Patients Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed on 149 patients. During data analysis, the initial 35 LAs performed for various adrenal lesions were excluded to account for the learning curve. Twenty-six of 30 PHEs and 34 of 45 ALDs were included. Main Outcome Measures Analysis of variance was used to compare operative time, tumor size, estimated blood loss, and postoperative length of hospital stay between the PHE and ALD groups and subsets of these groups. χ 2 Analysis was used to compare tumor location, transfusion requirements, conversion to open procedures, and incidence of major complications. Results Right-sided lesions occurred in 19 of 26 PHEs, and left-sided lesions occurred in 28 of 34 ALDs ( P P P = .02). Mean ± SD estimated blood loss was greater for PHEs (276 ± 298 mL) than for ALDs (196 ± 324 mL) ( P = .33). Subset analysis revealed that the mean ± SD size of right-sided PHEs (5.3 ± 1.8 cm) was significantly larger than that of right-sided ALDs (3.0 ± 1.5 cm) ( P =.001). Mean ± SD operative time for right-sided PHEs (198 ± 44 minutes) was longer than that for right-sided ALDs (145 ± 37 minutes) ( P =.005). Six PHE patients required blood transfusions vs 2 ALD patients ( P = .05). Two LAs, 1 PHE and ALD, were converted to open procedures. Mean ± SD length of hospital stay was longer for PHE patients vs ALD patients (4 ± 4 vs 2 ± 3 days; P = .08). Six PHE patients had complications vs 3 ALD patients ( P = .13). Conclusions For PHEs, LA was associated with the removal of more right-sided lesions, larger tumors, longer operative times, and more complications. Trends toward greater estimated blood losses and longer hospital stays were observed for PHEs vs ALDs. Despite the advanced skills of an experienced surgeon, LA for PHEs is associated with a more complex course than for ALDs. Surgeons should begin performing LA for ALD early in their experience to avoid the potential pitfalls associated with PHEs.
CFD simulation of thermoacoustic cooling

In the field of thermoacoustic energy conversion, the application of numerical analysis techniques, specifically computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, have gained ground in recent years. Previous efforts have focused on single thermoacoustic couples that were subjected to the thermoacoustic effect through an oscillatory boundary condition. CFD simulations of an entire thermoacoustic device are computationally expensive and few examples exist. The present work presents an extension of a simulation of a whole thermoacoustic engine that also includes a refrigeration stack. Through interaction of thermally generated sound waves, cooling of the working gas in this stack is demonstrated.
Evidence for dyke intrusion earthquake mechanisms near Long Valley caldera, California

A re-analysis of the magnitude 6 earthquakes that occurred near Long Valley caldera in eastern California on 25 and 27 May 1980, suggests that at least two of them, including the largest, were probably caused by fluid injection along nearly vertical surfaces and not by slip on faults. Several investigators1,2 have reported difficulty in explaining both the long-period surface-wave amplitudes and phases and the locally recorded short-period body-wave first motions from these events, using conventional double-couple (shear fault) source models. They attributed this difficulty to: (1) complex sources, not representable by single-fault models; (2) artefacts of the analysis methods used; or (3) effects of wave propagation through hypothetical structures beneath the caldera. We show here that the data agree well with the predictions for a compensated linear-vector dipole (CLVD) equivalent-force system3 with its principal extensional axis horizontal and trending N 55–65° E. Such a mechanism is what would be expected for fluid injection into dykes striking N 25–35° W, which is the approximate strike of numerous normal faults in the area.
The application of social impact assessment to the study of criminal and juvenile justice programs: A case study

Abstract This article focuses on the utility of social impact assessment as a method for the study of criminal and juvenile justice programs. Social impact assessment is a relatively new research approach which has most often been used not in the field of criminal and juvenile justice, but to predict the many possible impacts of public construction programs on individuals, organizations, and the community. To illustrate the method of social impact assessment, a case study of one of the few applications of social impact assessment in a juvenile or criminal justice setting is provided. The case study is of a nationally acclaimed program model, the Community Arbitration Project (CAP), which was designed to improve the screening of juvenile delinquency cases before court. The case study compares CAP with a traditional screening program. It shows the procedure used to identify many types of possible impacts that may differ between the two programs, including those which are desired and not desired, and those which are intended and unintended. Furthermore, the case study demonstrates the process used to document selected impacts throughout the social system, in the case of CAP and traditional screening, on offenders, victims, police, the juvenile court, and the local community. The article concludes with a discussion of the feasibility of using the results of a social impact assessment as input into the modification of innovative model programs during their formative stage, and as input into the decision making that leads up to the choice of a model program for replication.
A system for automated disassembly of snap-fit covers

This paper reports on a prototype automated system for the disassembly of batteries from a family of electronic devices whose plastic, snap-fit covers house AA or AAA batteries, such as remote controls and calculators. Included in the development of the prototype system was the design of a disassembly tool that uses three force-sensing resistors to provide force feedback information. A pneumatically actuated vacuum gripper and electromagnet system was also developed for recovering the snap-fit cover and batteries once they were released by the disassembly tool. The disassembly module was mounted on the tool head of a three-axis translational motion robot, and a Visual Basic application was developed to interface and control the robot with a Galil digital motion controller. A model-based computer vision application was also developed in Visual C++ using a Kinect sensor and the Open Source Computer Vision library to identify and localize the electronic device placed on the disassembly robot. Using the information gathered by the model-based computer vision application, the robot was able to use the disassembly tool module to perform the necessary disassembly operations to remove the device’s snap-fit cover and batteries. The design of such a disassembly system could aid the future development of fully autonomous disassembly systems that can handle a broader range of electronic products.
Pathways to early delinquency: Exploring the individual and collective contributions of difficult temperament, low maternal involvement, and externalizing behavior ☆

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of difficult temperament and maternal involvement, measured at ages one and three years, respectively, on externalizing behavior at age five and early delinquency at age nine. Methods Maternal- and child-reports from 4,897 members of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) were included in a path analysis of four of five waves of FFCWS data: Wave 2 (difficult temperament at age 1), Wave 3 (maternal involvement at age 3), Wave 4 (externalizing behavior at age 5), and Wave 5 (delinquency at age 9). Findings Although difficult temperament at age 1 displayed a weak zero-order correlation with delinquency at age 9 and low maternal involvement at age 3 failed to correlate with delinquency at age 9, both entered into significant chained relationships with delinquency via externalizing behavior at age 5. In addition, difficult temperament at age 1 seemed to evoke low parental involvement at age 3. Conclusions The respective roles of a difficult temperament, maternal involvement, and externalizing behavior in a proximal chaining process may be partially responsible for the continuity that has been observed in antisocial behavior over time.
Single-Injection HPLC Method for Rapid Analysis of a Combination Drug Delivery System

Developing combination drug delivery systems (CDDS) is a challenging but necessary task to meet the needs of complex therapy regimes for patients. As the number of multi-drug regimens being administered increases, so does the difficulty of characterizing the CDDS as a whole. We present a single-step method for quantifying three model therapeutics released from a model hydrogel scaffold using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) hydrogel tablets were fabricated via photoinitiated crosslinking and subsequently loaded with model active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), namely, porcine insulin (PI), fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled bovine serum albumin (FBSA), prednisone (PSE), or a combination of all three. The hydrogel tablets were placed into release chambers and sampled over 21 days, and APIs were quantified using the method described herein. Six compounds were isolated and quantified in total. Release kinetics based on chemical properties of the APIs did not give systematic relationships; however, PSE was found to have improved device loading versus PI and FBSA. Rapid analysis of three model APIs released from a PEGDMA CDDS was achieved with a direct, single-injection HPLC method. Development of CDDS platforms is posited to benefit from such analytical approaches, potentially affording innovative solutions to complex disease states.
Structural Stability Analysis on 4-Dof Simple Welding Manipulator

The paper discusses the structural stability of 4-dof manipulator, which is suitable for welding spot of three-dimensional space concentrated distribution and approximate single-axis distribution in car body. By using the UG/CAE module, static analysis is applied to the main structure of the manipulator, and the results show that the whole structure meets the design requirement of stiffness and strength.
The Increase or Decrease of Mean-Flow Energy in Large-Scale Horizontal Flow in the Atmosphere.

Abstract The transfer of energy between mean flow and disturbance for a barotropic non-divergent fluid is investigated by solution of the vorticity equation to obtain initial tendencies corresponding to assigned flow-patterns. The initial rate and direction of energy transfer are computed for different types of mean flow and disturbance. These calculations suggest that the form, as well as the wavelength, of the disturbance is a controlling factor in determining the initial energy-transfer, and that conclusive inferences cannot be made merely from the character of the mean flow. The distribution of initial changes in mean flow is calculated in several cases; it is found that, for both initially amplified and initially damped disturbances, momentum may be transferred from both sides into a central zone of maximum mean flow.
Environmental risk factors and work‐related lower respiratory symptoms in 80 office buildings: An exploratory analysis of NIOSH data

Background We evaluated relationships between lower respiratory symptoms and risk factors for microbiological contamination in office buildings. Methods The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health collected data from 80 office buildings during standardized indoor environmental health hazard evaluations. Present analyses included lower respiratory symptom-based outcome definitions and risk factors for potential microbiologic contamination. Multivariate logistic regression models for selected outcomes identified key risk factors. Results Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for “at least three of four work-related lower respiratory symptoms” were, for debris in ventilation air intake, 2.0 (1.0–3.9), and for poor drainage in air-conditioning drip pans, 2.6 (1.3–5.2). Adjusted associations with risk factors were consistently stronger for outcomes requiring both multiple symptoms and improvement away from work, and somewhat stronger among diagnosed asthmatics. Conclusions Moisture and debris in ventilation systems, possibly by supporting microbiologic growth, may increase adverse respiratory effects, particularly among asthmatics. Data from more representative buildings are needed to confirm these findings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 43:630–641, 2003. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Enhanced hypoxic preconditioning by isoflurane: signaling gene expression and requirement of intracellular Ca2+ and inositol triphosphate receptors.

Neurons preconditioned with non-injurious hypoxia or the anesthetic isoflurane express different genes but are equally protected against severe hypoxia/ischemia. We hypothesized that neuroprotection would be augmented when preconditioning with isoflurane and hypoxic preconditioning are combined. We also tested if preconditioning requires intracellular Ca2+ and the inositol triphosphate receptor, and if gene expression is similar in single agent and combined preconditioning. Hippocampal slice cultures prepared from 9 day-old rats were preconditioned with hypoxia (95% N2, 5% CO2 for 15 min, HPC), 1% isoflurane for 15 min (APC) or their combination (CPC) for 15 min. A day later cultures were deprived of O2 and glucose (OGD) to produce neuronal injury. Cell death was assessed 48 hr after OGD. mRNA encoding 119 signal transduction genes was quantified with cDNA micro arrays. Intracellular Ca2+ in CA1 region was measured with fura-2 during preconditioning. The cell-permeable Ca2+ buffer BAPTA-AM, the IP3 receptor antagonist Xestospongin C and RNA silencing were used to investigate preconditioning mechanisms. CPC decreased CA1, CA3 and dentate region death by 64–86% following OGD, more than HPC or APC alone (P<0.01). Gene expression following CPC was an amalgam of gene expression in HPC and APC, with simultaneous increases in growth/development and survival/apoptosis regulation genes. Intracellular Ca2+ chelation and RNA silencing of IP3 receptors prevented preconditioning neuroprotection and gene responses. We conclude that combined isoflurane-hypoxia preconditioning augments neuroprotection compared to single agents in immature rat hippocampal slice cultures. The mechanism involves genes for growth, development, apoptosis regulation and cell survival as well as IP3 receptors and intracellular Ca2+.
Polar auxin transport: controlling where and how much

Auxin is transported through plant tissues, moving from cell to cell in a unique polar manner. Polar auxin transport controls important growth and developmental processes in higher plants. Recent studies have identified several proteins that mediate polar auxin transport and have shown that some of these proteins are asymmetrically localized, paving the way for studies of the mechanisms that regulate auxin transport. New data indicate that reversible protein phosphorylation can control the amount of auxin transport, whereas protein secretion through Golgi-derived vesicles and interactions with the actin cytoskeleton might regulate the localization of auxin efflux complexes.
CHANGING REACTIVITY OF A BIMETALLIC SURFACE VIA OXIDATION : REACTIONS OF METHANOL ON OXYGEN-COVERED CO THIN FILMS

Methanol reaction on oxygen-covered Co thin films deposited on Mo(110) exhibits selectivity different from reaction on the pure Co overlayers. The presence of oxygen favors partial oxidation to for...
Epilepsy in 2013: progress across the spectrum of epilepsy research.

Over the past year, we have witnessed major advances in several areas of epilepsy research, including genetics and disease mechanisms, neurodevelopmental effects of antiepileptic drugs, and new therapeutic approaches based on closed-loop neurostimulator systems. The findings have important implications both for clinical practice and for future research.
Allometric Relations and Scaling Laws for the Cardiovascular System of Mammals

The modeling of the cardiovascular system of mammals is discussed within the framework of governing allometric relations and related scaling laws for mammals. An earlier theory of the writer for resting-state cardiovascular function is reviewed and standard solutions discussed for reciprocal quarter-power relations for heart rate and cardiac output per unit body mass. Variation in the basic cardiac process controlling heart beat is considered and shown to allow alternate governing relations. Results have potential application in explaining deviations from the noted quarter-power relations. The work thus indicates that the cardiovascular systems of all mammals are designed according to the same general theory and, accordingly, that it provides a quantitative means to extrapolate measurements of cardiovascular form and function from small mammals to the human. Various illustrations are included. Work described here also indicates that the basic scaling laws from the theory apply to children and adults, with important applications such as the extrapolation of therapeutic drug dosage requirements from adults to children.
Designing a majorization scheme for the recourse function in two-stage stochastic linear programming

We discuss issues pertaining to the domination from above of the second-stage recourse function of a stochastic linear program and we present a scheme to majorize this function using a simpler sublinear function. This majorization is constructed using special geometrical attributes of the recourse function. The result is a proper, simplicial function with a simple characterization which is well-suited for calculations of its expectation as required in the computation of stochastic programs. Experiments indicate that the majorizing function is well-behaved and stable.
Point mutations close to the AUG initiator codon affect the efficiency of translation of rat preproinsulin in vivo

To determine whether sequence context influences the ability of an AUG triplet to be recognized as an initiator codon by eukaryotic ribosomes, single nucleotide changes were introduced near the translational start site in a cloned preproinsulin gene. Maximum synthesis of preproinsulin occurred when a purine, preferably adenosine, was located three nucleotides upstream from the initiator codon. Adenosine is found most frequently in that position in natural mRNAs.
Participatory videoconferencing for groups

For decades after its introduction, videoconferencing remained a marginal communications medium, used primarily by corporate businesses. However videoconferencing has been taken up by a wide range of individuals, groups and communities. Videoconferencing occurs when people at geographically dispersed sites communicate with each other by transmitting audio and visual data through videoconferencing systems. Group videoconferencing - or multi-site videoconferencing - refers to linking individuals or groups of people in three or more sites using videoconference systems. This unique method of communicating face-to-face without being there in-person is currently being used for education and learning, health and medicine, meetings and conferences, personal communication and community-building. Group videoconferencing does not necessarily lead to participation and knowledge retention; for this to occur it must be used thoughtfully and strategically. Based on the work of researchers and practitioners in the field and an analysis of participatory videoconferencing literature, this paper suggests potential good practices for increasing participation during group videoconferences.
Inhibitors of C5 complement enhance vaccinia virus oncolysis

Genetically engineered tumor-selective vaccinia virus (VV) has been demonstrated to be a highly effective oncolytic agent, but immune clearance may limit its therapeutic potential. As previously demonstrated, immunosuppression can lead to significant enhancement of viral recovery and therapeutic effect, but the magnitude of complement-mediated viral inactivation has not been fully elucidated and warrants further investigation. Using fluorescent microscopy and quantitative plaque assays, we have determined complement’s key role in viral clearance and its multi-faceted means to pathogen destruction. Complement can lead to direct viral destruction and inhibition of viral uptake into cells, even in the absence of anti-vaccinia antibodies. Our data demonstrate C5 to be integral to the clearance pathway, and its inhibition by Staphylococcal superantigen-like protein leads to a 90-fold and 150-fold enhancement of VV infectivity in both the presence and absence of anti-VV antibodies, respectively. This study suggests that complement inhibition may reduce vaccinia viral neutralization and may be critical to future in vivo work.
Attenuation of neuronal cell death by SOD1 is associated with extracellular signal-regulated kinase after transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice

Abstract Recent studies revealed that activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) may contribute to apoptosis, a cell death process involved in oxidative stress. We investigated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and oxidative stress after transient focal cerebral ischemia (FCI) using transgenic (Tg) mice that overexpress copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Mice were subjected to 60 min of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion by intraluminal suture blockade followed by 1, 4 and 24 h of reperfusion. Immunohistochemistry showed that phospho-ERK1/2 was markedly increased in the cortex within the MCA territory at 1 h of reperfusion, followed by a decrease at 24 h. In SOD1 Tg mice, phospho-ERK1/2 was prominently reduced compared with non-ischemic controls, shown by immunohistochemistry. Western blot analysis confirmed a significant decrease in phospho-ERK1/2 1 h after FCI in the ischemic cortex (P
Sheath fluid control to permit stable flow in rapid mix flow cytometry.

Background: Flow cytometry is a potentially powerful tool to analyze the kinetics of ligand binding, cell response and molecular assembly. The difficulty in adding reactant to cells, achieving adequate mixing, delivering those cells to the laser focal point and establishing stable flow, has historically limited flow cytometry to systems with reactions times longer than 5 s. With the advent of automated syringes and flow injection methods, sample injection times shorter than 1 s have become routine. However, an inherent problem in acquiring time courses starting under 1 s is that rapid sample introduction through the flow tip to the detection point perturbs laminar flow. The purpose of this work was to determine if stable flow could be reestablished more quickly if the sheath flow was reduced during sample introduction, returning to normal sheath and sample rates afterward. Methods: We used programmable syringes and valves to control sample mixing as well as sheath and sample delivery through the flow tip to the detection point for stream-in-air detection. Stable flow was monitored by mean particle fluorescence during sample introduction. Results: With no sheath reduction, stable flow recovered after more than 1 s. By reducing sheath flow during the short period (300 msec) of sample mixing and delivery, stable laminar flow recovered within 200 msec. Conclusions: This use of automated syringes to control both sheath and sample flow provides a potential for robust sample handling applicable to kinetic as well as high throughput flow cytometric analysis. Cytometry 35:75–79, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Developing a Rubric to Assess Student Learning Outcomes Using a Class Assignment

We developed a rubric to assess several of our department's undergraduate student learning outcomes (SLOs). Target SLOs include applications of principles of research methodology, using appropriate statistics, adherence to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, and written communication skills. We randomly sampled 20 percent (N = 55) of the final written manuscripts from several sections of a research methods course and trained 2 graduate-level raters to use the rubric to score the students' papers. We found statistically significant interrater reliability and convergent validity coefficients. These findings are discussed to encourage the development and evaluation of such rubrics to be used across colleges and universities.
Computer simulations driving improved implementation of Optical Projection Tomographic Microscopy

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide with approximately 1.37 millions deaths per year. In July 2013, the U.S. Preventative Servies Task Force approved low-dose Computed Tomography (CT) for early detection of lung cancer in heavy smokers, however its potential implementation is hindered by safety concerns due to its use of radiation and its overall cost to the healthcare system. Low-dose CT is also only capable of detecting masses greater than 2mm in diameter, which could hinder physicians ability to detect and effectively treat the cancer.
Effects of brief and sham mindfulness meditation on mood and cardiovascular variables.

Abstract Objectives: Although long-term meditation has been found to reduce negative mood and cardiovascular variables, the effects of a brief mindfulness meditation intervention when compared to a sham mindfulness meditation intervention are relatively unknown. This experiment examined whether a 3-day (1-hour total) mindfulness or sham mindfulness meditation intervention would improve mood and cardiovascular variables when compared to a control group. Methods: Eighty-two (82) undergraduate students (34 males, 48 females), with no prior meditation experience, participated in three sessions that involved training in either mindfulness meditation, sham mindfulness meditation, or a control group. Heart rate, blood pressure, and psychologic variables (Profile of Mood States, State Anxiety Inventory) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The meditation intervention was more effective at reducing negative mood, depression, fatigue, confusion, and heart rate, when compared to the sham and con...
Optimizing computer performance with geometric programming

Abstract The process of computer system performance evaluation has always been a difficult task. This paper develops a queueing model for an I/O and CPU overlap system and formulates two types of performance measures: 1. 1. Job stream performance given by thruput and, 2. 2. Hardware performance given by system utilization. These measures are then optimized for the given systems by using a Geometric Programming algorithm, thereby achieving better utilization of existing resources. The results are validated by applying them to an existing computer system.
A New Synthesis of the Potent 5-HT1 Receptor Ligand, 5-Carboxyamidotryptamine (5-CT)

Abstract A short, convenient and relatively efficient synthesis of 5-CT is developed through a modified Michael reaction. This method represents a new general synthesis for tryptamines with labile indole substituents.
Workshop - integrating sketch recognition technologies into your classroom

Graphical diagrams are an important part of the educational process, as students draw diagrams in fields as various as business, math, computer science, engineering, music, and many others. Hand-sketched student diagrams aid in active learning and creative processes. However, correcting hand-sketch diagrams take a significant amount of teacher time, and are thus often left out of the testing process. Automatically correcting these diagrams can provide immediate student and instructor feedback while significantly reducing instructor time. This workshop will introduce the audience to sketch recognition tools that are available for use in their classroom for active learning, immediate feedback, and automated assessment.
Sex role perceptions and the abortion decision

Abstract This paper is concerned with the relationship between two aspects of self‐concept—perception of gender role and perceived competence—and the decision to have an abortion as a solution to a problem pregnancy. It was hypothesized that (1) there will be a positive relationship between the choice of abortion and perceived competence, and (2) there will be a negative relationship between the choice of abortion and the degree to which female role is perceived traditionally. The data came from a broader study conducted throughout Michigan during 1974–75. The study group consisted of 921 women who chose to have an abortion. A comparison group included 360 women with problem pregnancies who chose to keep their child. Data were obtained through an anonymous questionnaire which included the two relevant indices. The abortion group was found to be significantly higher in perceived competence than those who chose to keep the child, and the black abortion group was significantly less traditional than the black...
Awakening as an operant behavior: preliminary results.

Abstract Albino laboratory rats, surgically implanted for polygraphic recording, were monitored electrophysiologically and behaviorally and subjected to programs of food reinforcement contingent on particular sleep parameters. It was found that rats could learn, in 4 to 8 days, to wake up before 10 sec of sleep had elapsed to receive drops of food upon awakening; randomly reinforced control rats did not exhibit this pattern. Rats required to decrease latency to sleep onset, while failing to do so, did show enhanced sleep preparatory behavior as indicated by decreased neck muscle EMG levels. A possible model of sleep as a sequence of discrete, theoretically conditionable behaviors is presented.
The isothermal transformation of metastable beta-uranium single crystals

Abstract The transformation of metastable beta-uranium crystals was found to proceed by a martensitic reaction at room temperature. The feature of the transformation of particular interest was that individual uranium martensite plates formed and grew at a slow rate isothermally.
Input richness and zero buffering in time-domain identification

We consider the notion of persistency within a deterministic, finite-data context, namely, in terms of the rank and condition number of the regressor matrix, which contains input and output data. The novel contribution of this work is the technique of zero buffering, in which the input signal begins with a sequence of zeros. We show that the degree of persistency of the input, which is the order of the minimal AR model that can generate the input signal, is increased by zero buffering. We then demonstrate the effectiveness of zero buffering in increasing the degree of persistency of a Schroeder-phased signal, which, without zero buffering, yields a poorly conditioned regressor matrix. We also investigate the feasibility of estimating the dynamic order in terms of the singular values of the regressor matrix by showing that the rank of the regressor matrix is related to the degree of persistency of the input, the order of the model, and the order of the true system. Under reasonable signal to noise ratios, this technique provides a useful estimate of the true system order.
Single-cell sphingosine kinase activity measurements in primary leukemia.

Sphingosine kinase (SK) is a promising therapeutic target in a number of cancers, including leukemia. Traditionally, SK has been measured in bulk cell lysates, but this technique obscures the cellular heterogeneity present in this pathway. For this reason, SK activity was measured in single cells loaded with a fluorescent sphingosine reporter. An automated capillary electrophoresis (CE) system enabled rapid separation and quantification of the phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated sphingosine reporter in single cells. SK activity was measured in tissue-cultured cells derived from chronic myelogenous leukemia (K562), primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from three patients with different forms of leukemia, and enriched leukemic blasts from a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Significant intercellular heterogeneity existed in terms of the degree of reporter phosphorylation (as much as an order of magnitude difference), the amount of reporter uptake, and the metabolites formed. In K562 cells, the average amount of reporter converted to the phosphorylated form was 39 ± 26 % per cell. Of the primary PBMCs analyzed, the average amount of phosphorylated reporter was 16 ± 25 %, 11 ± 26 %, and 13 ± 23 % in a chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patient, an AML patient, and a B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) patient, respectively. These experiments demonstrated the challenge of studying samples comprised of multiple cell types, with tumor blasts present at 5 to 87 % of the cell population. When the leukemic blasts from a fourth patient with AML were enriched to 99 % of the cell population, 19 ± 36 % of the loaded sphingosine was phosphorylated. Thus, the diversity in SK activity remained even in a nearly pure tumor sample. These enriched AML blasts loaded significantly less reporter (0.12 ± 0.2 amol) relative to that loaded into the PBMCs in the other samples (≥1 amol). The variability in SK signaling may have important implications for SK inhibitors as therapeutics for leukemia and demonstrates the value of single-cell analysis in characterizing the nature of oncogenic signaling in cancer.
ALCOHOL AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEMS INTERACTION—PART II Biochemical Mechanisms That Contribute to Alcohol‐Induced Hypogonadism in the Male

The above review has presented most if not all of the available evidence supporting a role for alcohol and acetaldehyde as putative environmental Leydig cell toxins for man and animals. Despite a considerable data base and much progress, particularly in the last decade, much yet remains to be learned concerning this phenomenon. It is hoped that this review, and this symposium, will contribute to future progress in this area by providing a basis for new and provocative observations and hypotheses to be tested by a new generation of clinical investigators.
An Alternative for Counselor Education.

What is it that makes the counselor a professional? Is it possible to separate the personal and political responsibilities of the professional counselor in today's world? In this article, David Island tries to answer these questions and provides an alternative model for approaching counseling and counselor education in a period of rapid cultural change.
Sorption and direct electrochemistry of mitochondrial cytochrome C on hematite surfaces

The interaction of cytochromes (heme proteins) with mineral surfaces is important from an environmental perspective (e.g. heavy metal remediation and reductive dehalogenation reactions), for designing biosensors and bioanalytical systems, and for emerging photovoltaic applications. In addition, the cytochrome studied here shares properties with some cytochromes from Fe-reducing bacteria and its general behavior sheds light on how other cytochromes might behave during Fe(III) reduction. The objectives of this study were to characterize the direct electrochemistry and sorption mechanism of horse heart ferricytochrome c (a mitochondrial cytochrome referred to as Hcc) on hematite surfaces as a function of pH, time of sorption and ionic strength. Hcc sorption on hematite mainly occurs between pH 8 and 10, the pH range in which hematite surfaces and Hcc are oppositely charged. Calculated net attractive forces correspond closely with the pH range of peak sorption, suggesting that sorption is mainly electrostatically controlled. Hcc sorption with ionic strength is consistent with this conclusion. The pH-dependent conformation of Hcc sorbed on hematite appears to be different from that in solution as indicated by UV-visible spectroscopy and its more negative reduction potential compared to native Hcc. Sorption kinetics were rapid and pH-independent across the pH range 3–10 with slow conformational changes occurring at >60 h. Our results suggest that the electrostatic attraction of the cytochrome towards the surface orient the cytochrome for favorable electron transfer between the heme group of the cytochrome and hematite.
Lower bounds on Bayes risks for estimating a normal variance: With applications†

Brown and Gajek (1990) gave useful lower bounds on Bayes risks, which improve on earlier bounds by various authors. Many of these use the information inequality. For estimating a normal variance using the invariant quadratic loss and any arbitrary prior on the reciprocal of the variance that is a mixture of Gamma distributions, we obtain lower bounds on Bayes risks that are different from Borovkov-Sakhanienko bounds. The main tool is convexity of appropriate functionals as opposed to the information inequality. The bounds are then applied to many specific examples, including the multi-Bayesian setup (Zidek and his coauthors). Subsequent use of moment theory and geometry gives a number of new results on efficiency of estimates which are linear in the sufficient statistic. These results complement earlier results of Donoho, Liu and MacGibbon (1990), Johnstone and MacGibbon (1992) and Vidakovic and DasGupta (1994) for the location case. Brown et Gajek (1990) ont donne des limites inferieures utiles aux risques de Bayes, qui ameliorent les limites donnees precedemment par differents auteurs. Plusieurs d'entre eux utilisent l'inegalite d'information. En estimant une variance normale a l'aide d'une fonction de perte quadratique invariante et d'un a priori arbitraire sur l'inverse de la variance, qui est un melange de distributions Gamma, on obtient des limites inferieures sur les risques de Bayes qui sont differentes des limites de Borovkov-Sakhanienko. L'outil principal est la convexite de fonctionnels appropries, et non l'inegalite de l'information. Les limites sont alors appliquees a differents exemples, dont a la situation multi-Bayesienne (Zidek et co-auteurs). L'utilisation subsequente de la theorie des moments et de la geometrie donne un certain nombre de nouveaux resultats sur l'efficacite des estimations, qui sont lineaires dans la statistique exhaustive. Ces resultats completent les resultats obtenus precedemment par Donoho, Liu et MacGibbon (1990), Johnson et MacGibbon (1992) et Vidakovic et DasGupta (1994) pour le cas de la position.
Effect of presenting video as a baseline during an american sign language animation user study

Animations of American Sign Language (ASL) have accessibility benefits for many signers with lower levels of written language literacy. Our lab has conducted several prior studies to evaluate synthesized ASL animations by asking native signers to watch different versions of animations and to answer comprehension and subjective questions about them. As an upper baseline, we used an animation of a virtual human carefully created by a human animator who is a native ASL signer. Considering whether to instead use videos of human signers as an upper baseline, we wanted to quantify how including a video upper baseline would affect how participants evaluate the ASL animations presented in a study. In this paper, we replicate a user study we conducted two years ago, with one difference: replacing our original animation upper baseline with a video of a human signer. We found that adding a human video upper baseline depressed the subjective Likert-scale scores that participants assign to the other stimuli (the synthesized animations) in the study when viewed side-by-side. This paper provides methodological guidance for how to design user studies evaluating sign language animations and facilitates comparison of studies that have used different upper baselines.
The Optimization of the Coalbed Methane Assessment Indexes in the High Abundance Coalbed Methane Enrichment Area in the Case of the Southern Part of the Qinshui Basin, China*

Abstract To seek the blocks for the coalbed methane (CBM) development and acquire the gas wells with the higher productivity are the final goals of the assessment on the high abundance CBM enrichment area. Based on the CBM geological conditions, reservoir conditions and CBM well productivity situations, to approach various factors impacting the CBM well productivity, and finally, the limit values of the assessment indexes on the high abundance CBM enrichment area are: the enrichment areas are located mostly in the groundwater stagnant area with the syncline structure and simpler hydrogeological conditions; the seam buried depth is shallower, permeability > 1md; gas-bearing saturation degree > 70%; reservoir pressure gradient > 0.5 MPa/100m; and daily gas production of single CBM well > 2000m 3 /d.
Conversion of Bacillus thuringiensis cryIAc-binding aminopeptidase to a soluble form by endogenous phosphatidylinositol phospholipase C

Abstract The 120-kDa Bacillus thuringiensis CryIAc-binding aminopeptidase N (APN: EC 3.4.11.2) located in the Manduca sexta brush border has a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchor. The GPI anchor causes the toxin-binding APN to form a tight aggregate with other proteins in brush border membrane preparations solubilized by non-ionic detergents. We report that an endogenous phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) cleaves the lipid moiety from the GPI anchor converting aggregated 120-kDa APN to a free 115-kDa form. The 115-kDa CryIAc-binding APN was readily purified by a combination of gel filtration and anion exchange chromatography. Based on APN activity, toxin binding, and N-terminal amino acid sequence analyzes, we showed that the 115-and 120-kDa APN are two forms of the same protein. Purified 115-kDa protein is recognized on protein blots by antibodies recognizing the cross-reacting determinant (CRD) found on PIPLC-solubilized proteins. Purification using a CryIAc toxin column followed by anion exchange chromatography also resulted in both 115-kDa free and 120-kDa aggregated forms of APN. The presence of an endogenous PIPLC in M. sexta brush border cells suggests a mechanism by which insects might release a toxin-binding protein from the target epithelia into the midgut lumen.
Population Dynamics of a Reservoir Sport Fish Community in Response to Hydrology

Abstract Sport fish from Normandy Reservoir, Tennessee, were sampled for more than 6 years with a variety of gears targeting different life stages. Normandy Reservoir experienced different hydrologic regimes over the sampling period that we roughly grouped into dry years (1992 and 1995), intermediate years (1993 and 1997), and wet years (1994 and 1996). Year-class strength of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides was fixed each year by late summer or early fall. Catch of age-1 largemouth bass in spring electrofishing samples was directly related to the number of days the reservoir was at or over full pool when the fish were age 0. Largemouth bass produced in a wet year and intermediate year were more than twice as abundant at age 3 than fish produced in two dry years. Recruitment of spotted bass M. punctulatus could not be linked to reservoir hydrology. Crappies Pomoxis spp., white bass Morone chrysops, and saugeyes (walleye Stizostedion vitreum × sauger S. canadense) produced poor year-classes in dry yea...
Endophyte-host associations in forage grasses. XIV : Primary stromata formation and seed transmission in Epichloe typhina : developmental and regulatory aspects

Fungus/host interactions during primary stroma formation were investigated for Acremonium ty? phinum in Agrostis hiemalis and Elymus canadensis and found to be essentially the same in both grasses. In Festuca obtusa, where no primary conidial stroma or perithecial Epichloe typhina stroma are formed, A. typhinum is seed transmitted and has a similar habit to A. coenophialum in Festuca arundinacea. Experiments were conducted to determine the possible role of sugar utilization capacity in regulating stromata formation.
PET-guided delineation of radiation therapy treatment volumes: a survey of image segmentation techniques

Historically, anatomical CT and MR images were used to delineate the gross tumour volumes (GTVs) for radiotherapy treatment planning. The capabilities offered by modern radiation therapy units and the widespread availability of combined PET/CT scanners stimulated the development of biological PET imaging-guided radiation therapy treatment planning with the aim to produce highly conformal radiation dose distribution to the tumour. One of the most difficult issues facing PET-based treatment planning is the accurate delineation of target regions from typical blurred and noisy functional images. The major problems encountered are image segmentation and imperfect system response function. Image segmentation is defined as the process of classifying the voxels of an image into a set of distinct classes. The difficulty in PET image segmentation is compounded by the low spatial resolution and high noise characteristics of PET images. Despite the difficulties and known limitations, several image segmentation approaches have been proposed and used in the clinical setting including thresholding, edge detection, region growing, clustering, stochastic models, deformable models, classifiers and several other approaches. A detailed description of the various approaches proposed in the literature is reviewed. Moreover, we also briefly discuss some important considerations and limitations of the widely used techniques to guide practitioners in the field of radiation oncology. The strategies followed for validation and comparative assessment of various PET segmentation approaches are described. Future opportunities and the current challenges facing the adoption of PET-guided delineation of target volumes and its role in basic and clinical research are also addressed.