cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of cable networks of various configurations in suppressing stay-cable vibration

Cross-ties have often been used as a passive mitigation system for wind- and rain-wind-induced vibrations of stay cables on cable-stayed bridges. Recently, dampers have also been incorporated in cable networks formed using cross-ties in the hope of combining the mechanisms of both systems, and to achieve improved mitigating performance. This paper presents the results from a recent study conducted to investigate the effectiveness of cross-tie and damper-cross-tie systems of various configurations. This investigation, which is based on both analytical formulation and full-scale measurement, represents a step toward the development of guidelines for the design of cable-networks for stay cable vibration mitigation.
The characterization of arachnoid cell transport II: paracellular transport and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier formation.

We used an immortalized arachnoid cell line to test the arachnoid barrier properties and paracellular transport. The permeabilities of urea, mannitol, and inulin through monolayers were 2.9 ± 1.1 × 10(-6), 0.8 ± .18 × 10(-6), 1.0 ± .29 × 10(-6)cm/s. Size differential permeability testing with dextran clarified the arachnoidal blood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier limit and established a rate of transcellular transport to be about two orders of magnitude slower than paracellular transport in a polyester membrane diffusion chamber. The theoretical pore size for paracellular space is 11A and the occupancy to length ratio is 0.8 and 0.72 cm(-1) for urea and mannitol respectively. The permeability of the monolayer was not significantly different from apical to basal and vice versa. Gap junctions may have a role in contributing to barrier formation. Although the upregulation of claudin by dexamethasone did not significantly alter paracellular transport, increasing intracellular cAMP decreased mannitol permeability. Calcium modulated paracellular transport, but only selectively with the ion chelator, EDTA, and with disruption of intracellular stores. The blood-CSF barrier at the arachnoid is anatomically and physiologically different from the vascular-based blood-brain barrier, but is similarly subject to modulation. We describe the basic paracellular transport characteristics of this CSF "sink" of the brain which will allow for a better description of mass and constitutive balance within the intracranial compartment.
Activation of thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) increases the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein -1 (MCP-1)/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and recruits macrophages to promote invasion of lung cancer cells.

Thromboxane synthase (TXAS) and thromboxane A2 receptor (TP), two critical components for thromboxane A2 (TXA2) signaling, have been suggested to be involved in cancer invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanisms by which TXA2 promotes these processes are still unclear. Here we show that TXA2 mimetic, I-BOP, induced monocyte chemoattractant protein -1(MCP-1)/chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) expression at both mRNA and protein levels in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells stably over-expressing TP receptor α isoform (A549-TPα). The induction of MCP-1 was also found in other lung cancer cells H157 and H460 that express relatively high levels of endogenous TP. Using specific inhibitors of several signaling molecules and promoter/luciferase assay, we identified that transcription factor SP1 mediates I-BOP-induced MCP-1 expression. Furthermore, supernatants from I-BOP-treated A549-TPα cells enhanced MCP-1-dependent migration of RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, co-culture of A549 cells with RAW 264.7 macrophages induced expression of MMPs, VEGF and MCP-1 genes, and increased the invasive potential in A549 cells. These findings suggest that TXA2 may stimulate invasion of cancer cells through MCP-1-mediated macrophage recruitment.
Some resolutions of S(5, 8, 24)

Abstract There exist 13 mutually disjoint resolutions of the Steiner system S(5, 8, 24). There also exist nine nonisomorphic mutually disjoint resolutions of S(5, 8, 24) where three of the resolutions have the same L2(23) as an automorphism group and the other six have the same affine group C2311 as an automorphism group. A resolution of S(5, 8, 24) using a group of order 21 is displayed and a 13-dimensional Room-type design is mentioned.
Production and uses of diffractionless beams

It is proposed to obtain intense optical fields, whose form shows little change in size over long paths, through the use of either conical lenses or spherical lenses showing spherical aberration together with a single projecting lens. The conical lens is shown to produce fields whose transverse structure is given by a zero-order Bessel function J0, while the spherical aberrating lens produces (real or virtual) J0-like transverse structures, provided that the central portion of the aberrating lens is occluded. In all cases projection gives a J0 real-image optical structure. Intensity, size of the transverse structure, and range considerations are developed, and some aspects of optimization are discussed. A negative aberrating lens gives a long range of nearly constant size in the image field, and a universal expression is presented to describe the image size as a function of image distance for this case. Projection with an aberrating projection lens is shown to improve the constancy of the final J0 pattern size dramatically. Typical photographic results are included for beams generated by using a low-power He–Ne laser. Brief considerations of practical uses of diffractionless beams are presented.
Identification of a CD36-related Thrombospondin 1–binding Domain in HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein gp120: Relationship to HIV-1–specific Inhibitory Factors in Human Saliva

Human and non–human primate salivas retard the infectivity of HIV-1 in vitro and in vivo. Because thrombospondin 1 (TSP1), a high molecular weight trimeric glycoprotein, is concentrated in saliva and can inhibit the infectivity of diverse pathogens in vitro, we sought to determine the role of TSP1 in suppression of HIV infectivity. Sequence analysis revealed a TSP1 recognition motif, previously defined for the CD36 gene family of cell adhesion receptors, in conserved regions flanking the disulfide-linked cysteine residues of the V3 loop of HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120, important for HIV binding to its high affinity cellular receptor CD4. Using solid-phase in vitro binding assays, we demonstrate direct binding of radiolabeled TSP1 to immobilized recombinant gp120. Based on peptide blocking experiments, the TSP1–gp120 interaction involves CSVTCG sequences in the type 1 properdin-like repeats of TSP1, the known binding site for CD36. TSP1 and fusion proteins derived from CD36-related TSP1-binding domains were able to compete with radiolabeled soluble CD4 binding to immobilized gp120. In parallel, purified TSP1 inhibited HIV-1 infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and transformed T and promonocytic cell lines. Levels of TSP1 required for both viral aggregation and direct blockade of HIV-1 infection were physiologic, and affinity depletion of salivary TSP1 abrogated >70% of the inhibitory effect of whole saliva on HIV infectivity. Characterization of TSP1–gp120 binding specificity suggests a mechanism for direct blockade of HIV infectivity that might be exploited to retard HIV transmission that occurs via mucosal routes.
A linguistic analysis of spoken and written language

Samples of spoken and written language obtained from professors of speech who had written extensively were analyzed for the frequency of the four major parts of speech and for two grammatical ratios which measure degree of qualification. Five of the six measures employed differentiated the two forms of discourse at statistically significant levels.
One-third of the globe: The future of higher education in China and India

China and India together account for almost 25% of the world’s postsecondary student population. Most of the enrolment growth in the coming several decades will be in developing countries, and China and India will contribute a significant proportion of that expansion, since China currently educates only about 20% and India 10% of the age cohort. Both countries are expanding the higher education sector, while at the same time seeking to improve its quality. Challenges of funding, educating qualified academics, and building a sustainable academic culture are significant. An emerging private higher education sector and developing masters and doctoral programmes are additional pressures. Internationalization is a key factor as well, as both countries seek to expand their global profile and develop strategies for international programmes. Also, higher education development is central to future economic growth of these two of the world’s fastest growing economies.
Variable aerosol phase functions and aerosol optical depths derived from AVHRR satellites

In recent years aerosol optical depths have been estimated from AVHRR satellite images on a regular basis. One of the primary uncertainties of these methods is in the choice of the aerosol phase function. In this paper the possibility of using the ratio of AVHRR channel 1 and channel 2 to infer the value of the aerosol phase function is studied. For this purpose a large number of marine aerosol measurements are employed to study the response of NOAA AVHRR satellites for various aerosol cases.
Condensing enzymes from Cuphea wrightii associated with medium chain fatty acid biosynthesis

Seed oils of most Cuphea species contain > 90% medium chain (C8-C14) fatty acids. Thioesterases with specificity for these substrates are important determinants of the medium chain phenotype. The role of condensing enzymes, however, has not been investigated. cDNA clones encoding beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthase (KAS) were isolated from C. wrightii, a C10/C12-producing species. Deduced amino acid sequences of four unique clones were approximately 60% identical to plant KAS I sequences and approximately 75% identical to a distinct class of KAS sequences recently identified in castor and barley. A 46 kDa protein that was observed only in developing and mature seed was detected using antiserum directed against recombinant Cuphea KAS protein. The 46 kDa protein was abundant in developing seeds of six medium chain-producing Cuphea species but barely detected in one long chain-producing species. A 48 kDa protein identified immunologically as KAS I was expressed in both medium and long chain-producing Cuphea species and was detected in all tissues tested. In in vitro assays, extracts from C. wrightii and C. viscosissima developing embryos were unable to extend fatty acid chains beyond C10 following treatment with 10 microns cerulenin, a potent inhibitor of KAS I. However, a C. viscosissima mutant, cpr-1, whose seed oils are deficient in caprate relative to wild type, was impaired in extension of C8 to C10 in this assay and Western analysis revealed a specific deficiency in 46 kDa KAS in cpr-1 embryos. These results implicate cerulenin-resistant condensing activity in production of medium chain fatty acids in Cuphea.
Internal Consistency and Test-Retest Reliability of the Need for Cognition Scale

For 71 undergraduates Cronbach alphas on two administrations of the Need for Cognition Scale over 7 wk. were .91 and .92, agreeing with prior values. The test-retest correlation, .88, indicated high stability.
A school-based clinic in a preschool

Primary health care in a school-based clinic (SBC) for preschoolers is examined. Based on personal experience, a PNP describes an actual preschool SBC. The benefits of an on-site service for this age group include periodic and accurate developmental assessments and screening procedures and improved compliance with treatments and referrals. The process of establishing an SBC is presented in terms of management, funding, and resources.
Doppler Ultrasonographic, Oscillometric Sphygmomanometric, and Photoplethysmographic Techniques for Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurement in Anesthetized Cats

Blood pressure (BP) measurements obtained using 3 indirect BP measuring instruments, a Doppler ultrasonic flowmeter, an oscillometric device, and a photoplethysmograph, were compared with direct arterial pressure measurements in 11 anesthetized cats. The standard deviation of the differences (SDD) between direct and indirect pressure measurements were not significantly different from each other (P < .01), and ranged from 10.82 to 24.32 mm Hg. The high SDD values indicate that indirect BP estimates obtained with all these devices must be interpreted cautiously in individual patients. The mean errors (calculated as the sum of the differences between direct and indirect pressure measurements divided by the number of observations) of the 3 indirect devices were significantly different for systolic (SAP), diastolic (DAP), and mean (MAP) arterial pressures (P < .05). The Doppler and photoplethysmographic devices had the highest overall accuracy, as indicated by mean error values of less than 10 mm Hg. Correlation coefficients varied from .88 to .96 for the Doppler flowmeter, and from .85 to .94 for the photoplethysmograph; for both devices, the regression line slopes were close to unity. The Doppler flowmeter detected a pulse under all experimental conditions. The photoplethysmograph was also efficient in obtaining BP measurements, obtaining over 90% of SAP, DAP, and MAP readings attempted. The oscillometric device was the least accurate, with mean error values varying from 10 to 22 mm Hg. Correlation coefficients were high (.90 to .94) for this device, but the slopes of the regression lines were 0.7 to 0.8, indicating a trend for increased error at higher BP. The oscillometric device tended to underestimate BP by increasing amounts as the BP increased. The oscillometric device was the least efficient device for obtaining BP measurements (P < .01).
Detection of rapid deposition of sea ice-rafted material to the Arctic Ocean benthos using the cosmogenic tracer 7Be

Abstract During three icebreaker cruises in the Arctic Ocean under different sea-ice conditions in 2002, undisturbed benthic surface sediments were collected and assayed for the presence of a short-lived (t1/2=53 d), particle-reactive cosmogenic radionuclide, 7Be, that is solely derived from atmospheric deposition. Under largely ice-covered conditions in May–June 2002, we did not detect this radionuclide in benthic surface sediments, despite significant inventories present in ice-rafted snow on the overlying sea ice (mean=86.8 Bq m−2±32.0 SD; n = 9 ). During the July–August 2002 Shelf–Basin Interactions (SBI) cruise aboard the USCGC Healy and during a simultaneous cruise of the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier on the Bering and Chukchi Shelf, which occupied the same general region following retreat and dissolution of Arctic ice cover, the 7Be present in this snow as well as surface deposition on to the sea ice-free water surface was detected in many benthic surface sediments, including some as deep as 945 m in Barrow Canyon. Inventories of 7Be in sediments were as high (∼60 Bq m−2) as the entire decay-corrected inventory present earlier in some snow samples collected on the sea-ice cover. Other deposition indicators such as the inventories of sediment chlorophyll, sediment oxygen respiration rates and 234Th-derived export fluxes also showed post-ice melt particle deposition and vertical transport, but in most cases the 7Be deposition was not tightly correlated with these other indicators, suggesting that 7Be sedimentation may not be controlled by the same processes. Our observations indicate that materials in sea ice, including contaminants, particulate organic, and mineral matter originating from atmospheric deposition or entrained in continental shelf sediments and rafted onto sea ice, can be rapidly transported to depth. The re-distribution of these materials as sea-ice drifts and eventually melts has the potential for impacting Arctic Ocean biogeochemical cycles and contaminant concentrations in areas of the Arctic remote from the original point of deposition.
Decision making with epistemic uncertainty under safety constraints : An application to seismic design

The problem of accounting for epistemic uncertainty in risk management decisions is conceptually straightforward, but is riddled with practical difficulties. Simple approximations are often used whereby future variations in epistemic uncertainty are ignored or worst-case scenarios are postulated. These strategies tend to produce sub-optimal decisions. We develop a general framework based on Bayesian decision theory and exemplify it for the case of seismic design of buildings. When temporal fluctuations of the epistemic uncertainties and regulatory safety constraints are included, the optimal level of seismic protection exceeds the normative level at the time of construction. Optimal Bayesian decisions do not depend on the aleatory or epistemic nature of the uncertainties, but only on the total (epistemic plus aleatory) uncertainty and how that total uncertainty varies randomly during the lifetime of the project.
Using response models to study coding strategies in monkey visual cortex

Abstract Usually the conditional probabilities needed to calculate transmitted information are estimated directly from empirically measured distributions. Here we show that an explicit model of the relation between response strength (here, spike count) and its variability allows accurate estimates of transmitted information. This method of estimating information is reliable for data sets with nine or more trials per stimulus. We assume that the model characterizes all response distributions, whether observed in a given experiment or not. All stimuli eliciting the same response are considered equivalent. This allows us to calculate the channel capacity, the maximum information that a neuron can transmit given the variability with which it sends signals. Channel capacity is uniquely defined, thus avoiding the difficulty of knowing whether the ‘right’ stimulus set has been chosen in a particular experiment. Channel capacity increases with increasing dynamic range and decreases as the variance of the signal (noise) increases. Neurons in V1 send more variable signals in a wide dynamic range of spike counts, while neurons in IT send less variable signals in a narrower dynamic range. Nonetheless, neurons in the two areas have similar channel capacities. This suggests that variance is being traded off against dynamic range in coding.
Telecentric confocal optics for aberration correction of acousto-optic tunable filters

A telecentric confocal optical arrangement is presented that greatly reduces the diffraction aberrations of the acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF). Analytical expressions for the aberrations were identified based on the fundamental properties of Bragg diffraction, and additional aberrations due to focusing through the AOTF were also included. The analysis was verified by use of a geometrical ray trace optical code, and an experimental AOTF system was analyzed. Considerable improvement in the potential spatial resolution is predicted with confocal optics, which could accommodate large pixel-limited image fields of greater than 106 pixels. When the image quality of the experimental system was assessed, the resolution was found to be improved by the confocal optics and was diffraction limited. Higher resolution could have been obtained with the use of larger optics to increase the throughput before being limited by the aberrations.
Null Faraday rotation—a clean method for determination of relaxation times and effective masses in MIS and other systems

Abstract We determine the relation between photon, cyclotron, collision, and plasma frequencies which ensures a null Faraday rotation for electromagnetic wave propagation in a free-carrier magnetoplasma. This provides a clean determination (in the sense that it is independent of multiple reflections and the length of the plasma along the beam direction) of scattering times and effective masses in MIS and other systems.
Floral Colonization of a Free-Water Surface Constructed Wetland System in Grady County, Georgia

ABSTRACT A comprehensive survey of the vascular flora of a constructed wetland in Grady County, Georgia was conducted at monthly intervals between August 2004 and May 2006. The constructed wetland is used as a part of a nutrient remediation system to improve the sustainability of plant nursery water-handling practices. The survey evaluated vegetation in a 3.1 ha, two-stage constructed wetland consisting of two deep cells (Stage 1; mean depth 0.75 m) totaling 1.8 ha that drain into two shallow cells (Stage 2; mean depth 0.2 m) totaling 1.3 ha. Each cell was band planted in 1997 with seedlings or liners of six wetland plant species. During the 2-yr survey, 141 distinct species were collected from the 3.1 ha constructed wetland; of the taxa collected, there were 101 genera from 51 families. Native taxa made up 76.6% of the species recorded, and 24.1% of the taxa were introduced. Hydrophytic plants accounted for 68.1% of the plants collected and the remainder (31.9%) were classified as nonhydrophytes. Becaus...
A novel nutraceutical property of select sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) brans: inhibition of protein glycation

Despite the high levels of polyphenolic phytochemicals in grain sorghum and its position as a major food staple, there has been a lack of research on its effects on both animal and human health and disease prevention. These phenolic compounds, mainly located in the bran fraction, result in the plant having substantial antioxidant properties. This study examined the effect of ethanol extracts of several varieties of sorghum (S. bicolor) bran on albumin glycation, a non-enzymatic process thought to be important in the pathogenesis of many diabetic complications. Sorghum brans with a high phenolic content and high antioxidant properties inhibited protein glycation, whereas sorghum brans that are low in these properties did not inhibit this process. Ethanol extracts of wheat, rice or oat bran did not inhibit protein glycation. Although one high phenolic sorghum bran variety (sumac) inhibited protein glycation by approximately 60%, it produced only a 20% decrease in methylglyoxal mediated albumin glycation. These results suggest that certain varieties of sorghum bran may affect critical biological processes that are important in diabetes and insulin resistance. These results distinguish select sorghum brans from the common food brans and suggest a nutraceutical rationale for its human consumption.
Modern internal waves and internal tides along oceanic pycnoclines: Challenges and implications for ancient deep-marine baroclinic sands

Thus far, the subject of deep-marine sands emplaced by baroclinic currents associated with internal waves and internal tides as potential reservoirs has remained an alien topic in petroleum exploration. Internal waves are gravity waves that oscillate along oceanic pycnoclines. Internal tides are internal waves with a tidal frequency. Internal solitary waves (i.e., solitons), the most common type, are commonly generated near the shelf edge (100–200 m [328–656 ft] in bathymetry) and in the deep ocean over areas of sea-floor irregularities, such as mid-ocean ridges, seamounts, and guyots. Empirical data from 51 locations in the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic oceans reveal that internal solitary waves travel in packets. Internal waves commonly exhibit (1) higher wave amplitudes (5–50 m [16–164 ft]) than surface waves (2 m [6.56 ft]), (2) longer wavelengths (0.5–15 km [0.31–9 mi]) than surface waves (100 m [328 ft]), (3) longer wave periods (5–50 min) than surface waves (9–10 s), and (4) higher wave speeds (0.5–2 m s–1 [1.64–6.56 ft s–1]) than surface waves (25 cm s–1 [10 in. s–1]). Maximum speeds of 48 cm s–1 (19 in. s–1) for baroclinic currents were measured on guyots. However, core-based sedimentologic studies of modern sediments emplaced by baroclinic currents on continental slopes, in submarine canyons, and on submarine guyots are lacking. No cogent sedimentologic or seismic criteria exist for distinguishing ancient counterparts. Outcrop-based facies models of these deposits are untenable. Therefore, potential exists for misinterpreting deep-marine baroclinic sands as turbidites, contourites, basin-floor fans, and others. Economic risks associated with such misinterpretations could be real.
Millimeter wave RCS and Doppler spectrum of walking human and dog

This paper presents a polarimetric model for backscatter and its Doppler spectrum of a walking human and a dog subject at W-band using GO-PO method. Polarimetric measurements of human target with and without a firearm are also presented to demonstrate the increase in the level of cross-polarized backscatter. Furthermore, we present a time-frequency analysis to separate polarimetric response of the human torso.
The effect of alendronate on bone mineral density in the distal part of the femur and proximal part of the tibia after total knee arthroplasty.

Background: Bone mineral density around the knee is related to the mechanical properties of bone. Alendronate has been shown to be effective for the treatment of osteoporosis and for reducing the rate of osteoporotic fractures. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of alendronate on bone mineral density in the distal part of the femur and proximal part of the tibia after total knee arthroplasty in women. Methods: Ninety-six women with an average age of seventy years who were undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the study group received oral alendronate at a dose of 10 mg/day for six months, whereas patients in the control group did not. The bone mineral density in the distal part of the femur and proximal part of the tibia was determined preoperatively and at six and twelve months postoperatively. Results: In the control group, the bone mineral density showed significant decreases of 13.8% (p < 0.001) and 7.8% (p = 0.003) in the distal part of the femur and of 6.5% (p = 0.002) and 3.6% (p = 0.141) in the proximal part of the tibia at six and twelve months, respectively. In the study group, however, the bone mineral density showed significant increases of 10.0% (p = 0.010) and 1.9% (p = 0.049) in the distal part of the femur and of 9.4% (p < 0.001) and 5.4% (p = 0.032) in the proximal part of the tibia at six and twelve months, respectively. The overall differences in bone mineral density between the study and control groups were significant (p = 0.011 for the proximal part of the tibia, and p = 0.033 for the distal part of the femur). Conclusions: We found significant postoperative decreases in bone mineral density in the distal part of the femur and proximal part of the tibia in women who had undergone total knee arthroplasty. Oral administration of alendronate for six months postoperatively significantly improved the bone mineral density. While the clinical benefits of alendronate after total knee arthroplasty remain unproven and the duration of follow-up in the present study was quite short, the improvement in bone mineral density may have a clinically important effect on prosthetic fixation and the rate of periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level I-1a (randomized controlled trial [significant difference]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Preparing Teachers for Place-Based Instruction at the Tsongas Industrial History Center

AbstractIn spite of the economic climate which has led to financial retrenchment in school districts, the Tsongas Industrial History Center (TIHC) in Lowell, Massachusetts, which was formed through...
Can adenine nucleotides predict primary nonfunction of the human liver homograft

Sixty-eight primary liver grafts were analyzed to see whether adenine nucleotides (AN: ATP, ADP, and AMP) or purine catabolites (PC: adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine) of tissue or effluent can predict primary graft nonfunction. AN, PC, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form (NAD+) of the tissue before (pretransplant) and after graft reperfusion (post-transplant) and of the effluent were analyzed. The graft outcome was classified into two groups (group A: successful, n = 64; group B: primary nonfunctioning, n = 4). No significant differences were observed in pretransplant measurements between groups A and B, whereas ATP, ADP, total AN, total AN + total PC (T) and NAD+, in post-transplant tissues, were significantly higher in group A. Xanthine in the effluent was significantly higher in group B than in group A. ATP, ADP, total AN, T, and NAD+ in post-transplant tissue were significantly associated with primary graft nonfunction by logistic regression analysis.
A Review of “Red Apple: Communism and McCarthyism in Cold War New York”, by Phillip Deery

In June 1950 the Communist writer Howard Fast was imprisoned, as were ten other members of the board of the Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee (JAFRC). All had been cited for Contempt of Congress...
Comparison of motionally narrowed coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy line shapes of H 2 with hard- and soft-collision models

We have compared high-resolution coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy measurements of the Q(1) transition of H(2) with theoretical line shapes incorporating both Doppler broadening and motional narrowing. Least-squares fits varying the motional narrowing coefficient for both the hard- and soft-collision model yielded line shapes that agreed well with observed spectra at 295 K for pressures between 50 and 3050 Torr. However, the narrowing coefficient for the hard-collision model was pressure dependent, whereas the narrowing coefficient for the soft-collision model was independent of pressure and yielded an optical diffusion coefficient that agreed with previously measured values.
Neural mechanisms underlying nicotine addiction: acute positive reinforcement and withdrawal

The neurobiology of nicotine addiction is reviewed within the context of neurobiological and behavioral theories postulated for other drugs of abuse. The roles of various neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and opioid peptides in acute nicotine reinforcement and withdrawal from chronic administration are examined followed by a discussion of potential neuroadaptations within these neurochemical systems that may lead to the development of nicotine dependence. The link between nicotine administration, depression and schizophrenia are also discussed. Finally, a theoretical model of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying acute nicotine withdrawal and protracted abstinence involves alterations within dopaminergic, serotonergic, and stress systems that are hypothesized to contribute to the negative affective state associated with nicotine abstinence.
REJOINDER TO MICHAEL LEVIN'S COMMENTS ON THE PARADOXICALITY OF THE KOANS

There are several things which I think strongly suggest that Michael Levin either misunderstands my exposition of Ch'an (Zen) paradoxes or misunderstands the genuine spirit of Ch'an Buddhism and its use of koans (Kung-an) as an exercise toward enlightenment. These I believe need clarification so that misunderstandings will not arise.
Ethical Issues in Internet Counselling

A major development in the delivery of psychological and counselling services has arisen with the technology provided by the Internet and through video linkages with remote situations. While telemedicine has burgeoned, with financial support especially for rural health, the possibilities for psychological consultation are still at an early stage. With a tradition of extended one-on-one contact, and belief in the importance of the interpersonal transaction, it has required a paradigm shift to embrace forms of intervention which involve distance and varying degrees of anonymity. Yet the possibilities for offering services to a new clientele at less expense mean that the strengths and limitations of cyberspace are challenging. They call for careful attention to ethical issues which arise in new ways, and currently lack clear criteria. Licensing Boards and the legislature will need to address these new forms of service delivery.
The Movement of Kinesin Along Microtubules

The molecular motor kinesin is a homodimer containing two heads-globular domains each of which has an ATP- and a microtubule-binding site. It is argued by analogy to other proteins with coiled-coil dimerization domains that the kinesin dimer has an approximate axis of rotational symmetry. The path kinesin follows along the surface of the microtubule is parallel to the protofilaments, and the steps are likely separated by 8 nm, the length of the tubulin dimer. Micromechanical recordings from single kinesin molecules indicate that one motor can exert a force as great as 5 pN. The efficiency of kinesin probably is in the order of 50%, considering the free energy available from ATP hydrolysis. Structural, mechanical, and biochemical experiments suggest that in order not to let go of a microtubule, the two heads of kinesin might move in a coordinated manner, perhaps undergoing a rotary motion.
Distribution and dynamics of interstitial Tardigrada at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

Abstract Year-round studies were made of marine interstitial Tardigrada at Crane's Beach. The dominant assemblage of tardigrades, in typically low diversity, included Batillipes pennaki, B. bullacaudatus, B. dicrocercus, and Stygarctus granulatus. Despite peripheral co-occurrences, each species occupied a specific portion of the intertidal beach. S. granulatus occurred deep in sand in the upper one half of the beach, while the Batillipes species were more superficial. Abundant B. pennaki was flanked n its mid-beach position by common B. bullacaudatus in the upper half of the beach and by seasonal B. dicrocercus in the lower half. In winter, B. pennaki was found deeper in the sand; B. bullacaudatus moved closer to the low tidal line ; and S. granulatus remained deep within the sand. While year-round reproduction and availability of tardigrades occurred, densities were maximal either in spring and fall (B. bullacaudatus) or throughout the summer and fall (B. pennaki and S. granulatus). Concentrations of tar...
Physician Migration: Experience of International Medical Graduates in the USA

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of foreign-born international medical graduates (IMGs) in the USA. Few studies describe IMG experiences in attaining medical licensure in the USA at each step of the process. Furthermore, little is known about IMGs who choose not to become a licensed physician or were unsuccessful in doing so. In this study, 20 foreign-born IMGs, 16 practicing IMGs and 4 non-licensed physician IMGs, participated in a 1-h semi-structured face-to-face interview between September 2013 and April 2014. Participants were from North America (Canada), Latin America, South Asia, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, or Sub-Saharan Africa. Interviews were transcribed. Two of the authors conducted initial analysis of each interview separately. Four primary themes emerged based on the data analysis: (1) barriers to physician careers include the immigration process, years since graduating from medical school, language and culture, and cost and time; (2) positive factors to support physician careers include networking and research experience; (3) factors that positively or negatively affect IMGs seeking physician careers such as the education system in a home country and family; and (4) non-physician careers. In order to develop multiple pathways to utilize IMGs in the US healthcare system, future research examining the following areas is necessary: (1) support systems for IMGs who are taking the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) or applying for a residency position and (2) the experience of IMGs who are not certified physicians in the USA.
Sex Pheromone Production and Calling in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Effect of Temperature and Light

Sex pheromone production in females of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), starts with the onset of scotophase and when the titer of the pheromone reaches ≍30 ng (usually within 30 min), females start calling. Brief exposure of scotophase females to light increased calling significantly, with a corresponding decrease in pheromone titer. Females in photophase can produce pheromone if injected with the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN), but the titer declines rapidly after 1 h. The titer continues to increase in scotophase females for 4 h. The observed lack of pheromone production at low temperatures (14°C) is probably attributable to inhibition of PBAN release and to lower pheromone biosynthetic activity.
Immunochemical Studies on Kidney Hypertrophy of the Rat

SummaryRabbit anti-rat kidney globulin was used as a marker of all glomeruli in the normal rat kidney. Adult animals were injected with anti-rat kidney serum and unilaterally nephrectomized to determine whether the remaining kidney would show the presence of new glomerular development in the enlarged cortical areas under these conditions. When rats treated in this manner were allowed to survive for 7 months hypertrophy of the remaining kidney occurred. All the glomeruli in the remaining kidney contained marker antibody as observed by the fluorescent antibody technic. This indicates that no new functional glomeruli are formed during the period when a compensatory hypertrophy in the remaining kidney is occurring.
Amorphous Silicon Nanophotonic Circuits for All-Optical Logic

Advances in nanofabrication are enabling efficient chip-scale nonlinear optics in highly manufacturable platforms. We describe characterization of optical nonlinearities in a-Si:H photonic devices and applications for all-optical logic.
Observations on a Pro-esterase Associated with Partially Purified First Component of Human Complement (C'1).

Summary1. A procedure for partial purification of human C'1 is described. 2. Under certain conditions of pH, ionic strength, and temperature, partially purified C'1 loses its hemolytic activity and gains complement-inactivating and esterase properties. This preparation is designated “converted C'1”. 3. Complement - inactivating activity of “converted C'1′”is directed primarily against C'4; esterase activity is demonstrable using TAMe as substrate. 4. A correlation exists between disappearance of hemolytically active C'1 during “conversion'reaction and the parallel appearance of complement-inactivating and esterase properties. 5. The possible role of C'1 as a pro-esterase is discussed.
Distributionally Robust Chance-Constrained Optimal Power Flow With Uncertain Renewables and Uncertain Reserves Provided by Loads

Aggregations of electric loads can provide reserves to power systems, but their available reserve capacities are time-varying and not perfectly known when the system operator computes the optimal generation and reserve schedule. In this paper, we formulate a chance constrained optimal power flow problem to procure minimum cost energy, generator reserves, and load reserves given uncertainty in renewable energy production, load consumption, and load reserve capacities. Assuming that uncertainty distributions are not perfectly known, we solve the problem with distributionally robust optimization, which ensures that chance constraints are satisfied for any distribution in an ambiguity set built upon the first two moments. We use two ambiguity sets to reformulate the model as a semidefinite program and a second-order cone program and run computational experiments on the IEEE 9-bus, 39-bus, and 118-bus systems. We compare the solutions to those given by two benchmark reformulations; the first assumes normally distributed uncertainty and the second uses large numbers of uncertainty samples. We find that the use of load reserves, even when load reserve capacities are uncertain, reduces operational costs. Also, the approach is able to meet reliability requirements, unlike the first benchmark approach and with lower computation times than the second benchmark approach.
Cyberdiscursive Tug-of-War: Learner Repositioning in a Multimodal CMC Environment

Computer-mediated communication (CMC), defined as “communication that takes place between human beings via the instrumentality of computers” (Herring, 1996: 1), has been viewed by proponents of its use in language classrooms as a tool for enabling greater amounts of interaction among students (Kern, 1995; Sullivan & Pratt, 1996; Warschauer, 1997). Challenging this stance is a body of research on CMC interaction outside the classroom which has demonstrated that interaction in virtual environments is not unaffected by gender and social inequality (Hall, 1996; Selfe & Meyer, 1991; Yates, 2001). At the same time, however, elements of this virtual and dynamic environment may provide some interlocutors with tools for mitigating these social inequalities.
Predictors of unsafe needle practices : injection drug users in Denver

To identify factors associated with unsafe needle hygiene, we studied 378 injection drug users (IDUs) in Denver, Colorado. The sample was drawn from neighborhoods with large concentrations of injectors and crack smokers. Respondents were questioned about their needle hygiene practices during the 30-day period prior to the interview. Unsafe needle hygiene, defined as injecting with previously used, nondisinfected needles, was reported by more than a third of those interviewed. Unsafe needle practices were associated with a number of factors, including heroin injection, perceived chance of getting AIDS, and lack of exposure to AIDS interventions in the community. The high percentage reporting unsafe needle practices within a 30-day interval points to the grave risk AIDS continues to pose for drug users. We conclude that the apparent success of exposure to AIDS intervention efforts in changing needle practices shows promise for prevention programs targeting drug injectors.
The major regulatory element upstream of the alpha-globin gene has classical and inducible enhancer activity.

A major positive regulatory element has recently been identified 40 kb upstream from the human zeta 2-globin gene. This regulatory element increases the expression of a linked alpha-globin gene in mouse erythroleukemia cells and in transgenic mice. This element has been shown to share many of the structural and functional features of the locus control region (LCR) of the beta-globin gene cluster. We have examined the activity of a small fragment from this regulatory domain (alpha LCR) in a transient expression system. We show that this element is active as an enhancer in the erythroid environment of K562 cells. It is somewhat less effective as an enhancer in the nonerythroid environment of HeLa cells. This alpha LCR fragment does not exhibit promoter specificity because it can activate both the promoter of its endogenous target gene and the heterologous promoter of the SV40 early genes. Although the major activity of this element is mediated by its interaction with the promoter of the alpha-globin gene, some increase in activity is seen when structural elements from the 5′ end of the alpha-globin gene are included with the target promoter. In addition, we show that the enhancing activity of the alpha LCR is potentiated by hemin-induction of K562 cells. Whereas phorbol esters that induce megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells markedly decrease alpha- globin messenger RNA accumulation, they do not seem to have a negative effect on the activity of the alpha LCR. These studies suggest a role for the alpha LCR in the basal activity of the alpha-globin gene in erythroid cells and in its increased expression seen with erythroid differentiation. The mechanism of negative regulation of alpha-globin gene expression in phorbol-differentiated K562 cells does not appear to be mediated through the action of the alpha LCR.
Chronic nontraumatic diseases of the spinal cord.

This article reviews common chronic diseases of the spinal cord such as spinal multiple sclerosis, cervical spondylosis, and motor system diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Secondary epidural and menigeal tumors and syringomyelia are also discussed.
A theory of scintillation for two‐component power law irregularity spectra: Overview and numerical results

We extend the power law phase screen theory for ionospheric scintillation to account for the case where the refractive index irregularities follow a two-component inverse power law spectrum. The two-component model includes, as special cases, an unmodified power law and a modified power law with spectral break that may assume the role of an outer scale, intermediate break scale, or inner scale. As such, it provides a framework for investigating the effects of a spectral break on the scintillation statistics. Using this spectral model, we solve the fourth moment equation governing intensity variations following propagation through two-dimensional field-aligned irregularities in the ionosphere. A specific normalization is invoked that exploits self-similar properties of the structure to achieve a universal scaling, such that different combinations of perturbation strength, propagation distance, and frequency produce the same results. The numerical algorithm is validated using new theoretical predictions for the behavior of the scintillation index and intensity correlation length under strong scatter conditions. A series of numerical experiments are conducted to investigate the morphologies of the intensity spectrum, scintillation index, and intensity correlation length as functions of the spectral indices and strength of scatter; retrieve phase screen parameters from intensity scintillation observations; explore the relative contributions to the scintillation due to large- and small-scale ionospheric structures; and quantify the conditions under which a general spectral break will influence the scintillation statistics.
Juvenile Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary: A Clinicopathologic Study

Abstract Study Objective To report on the clinical characteristics and outcome of pediatric patients with juvenile granulosa cell tumor (JGCT) of the ovary. Design, Setting, Participants, Interventions, and Main Outcome Measures Patients with histopathologically confirmed ovarian JGCT diagnosed between 1990 and 2016 were identified. Data on the clinical presentation, surgical management, oncologic management, laboratory investigation, follow-up, and outcome were collected. Tumors were staged according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics criteria. Results Eight patients were diagnosed with ovarian JGCT during the study period. The median age at presentation was 3 years (range, 0.7-14 years). Precocious puberty was the presenting symptom in all five prepubertal children; abdominal distension due to mass effect was the presenting symptom in three children older than 9 years of age. In patients who had preoperative serologic testing, estradiol (n = 3) and inhibin (n = 3) levels were elevated. Five patients had stage I disease, and three had stage III. All stage I patients underwent salpingo-oophorectomy as the only treatment. Stage III patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. After a median follow-up of 6.2 years, six patients (75%) were alive without evidence of disease. One stage I patient with germline p53 mutation and phosphatase and tensin homolog mutation, died because of subsequent liposarcoma. One patient with stage IIIB disease developed recurrence detected according to an elevated inhibin serum level, and died due to progressive disease despite receiving multiple chemotherapy regimens. Conclusion Juvenile granulosa cell tumor has a favorable prognosis in patients with stage I disease after surgical resection alone. Adjuvant chemotherapy might be indicated in patients with higher-stage tumors.