cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Regulation of Overt Sexual Behavior in the Domestic Fowl

Abstract The influence of androgen therapy on sexual behaviors was studied in caponized, testicular autotransplanted and intact males from lines of chickens selected bidirectionally for mating activity. Latency intervals from hormone injection to behavioral response were similar in the lines. Although androgen stimulated sexual behavior in all lines, the response was, nevertheless, found to be only threshold in this respect. Results suggested that, despite wide differences in overt sexual behavior, a degree of receptor site equality and/or effector response existed in the three lines. The results of these experiments were integrated with existing avian and mammalian data into a functional working model.
Videorecording Cataloging: Problems and Pointers

SUMMARY “Videorecording Cataloging: Problems and Pointers” assumes basic knowledge of MARC 21 and the AACR2 cataloging rules for videorecordings. Not intended to be a comprehensive review of videorecording cataloging, it instead concentrates on areas that have proven to be problems for catalogers. Included among the topics discussed are sources of information, when to input a new record, special issues regarding music videos, DVDs and other videodiscs, colorized versions, letterboxed versions, closed captioning and audio enhancement, treatment of certain types of titles, statements of responsibility and credits, field 007, dates, numbers associated with videos, genre headings, locally made videorecordings, “In” analytics, statements of responsibility, and collection level cataloging.
Non-linear t- E curve effects in an optical correlator

Abstract The effects of the non-linearity of the t-E curve for a matched spatial filter material are analyzed for an optical frequency plane correlator. Matched spatial filter plane resolution, output correlation, spectrum whitening and K-ratio effects are considered. A numerical example is included to verify and demonstrate the theoretical discussion.
Systematic Mutagenesis of α-Synuclein Reveals Distinct Sequence Requirements for Physiological and Pathological Activities

α-Synuclein is an abundant presynaptic protein that binds to phospholipids and synaptic vesicles. Physiologically, α-synuclein functions as a SNARE-protein chaperone that promotes SNARE-complex assembly for neurotransmitter release. Pathologically, α-synuclein mutations and α-synuclein overexpression cause Parkinson9s disease, and aggregates of α-synuclein are found as Lewy bodies in multiple neurodegenerative disorders (“synucleinopathies”). The relation of the physiological functions to the pathological effects of α-synuclein remains unclear. As an initial avenue of addressing this question, we here systematically examined the effect of α-synuclein mutations on its physiological and pathological activities. We generated 26 α-synuclein mutants spanning the entire molecule, and analyzed them compared with wild-type α-synuclein in seven assays that range from biochemical studies with purified α-synuclein, to analyses of α-synuclein expression in cultured neurons, to examinations of the effects of virally expressed α-synuclein introduced into the mouse substantia nigra by stereotactic injections. We found that both the N-terminal and C-terminal sequences of α-synuclein were required for its physiological function as SNARE-complex chaperone, but that these sequences were not essential for its neuropathological effects. In contrast, point mutations in the central region of α-synuclein, referred to as nonamyloid β component (residues 61–95), as well as point mutations linked to Parkinson9s disease (A30P, E46K, and A53T) increased the neurotoxicity of α-synuclein but did not affect its physiological function in SNARE-complex assembly. Thus, our data show that the physiological function of α-synuclein, although protective of neurodegeneration in some contexts, is fundamentally distinct from its neuropathological effects, thereby dissociating the two activities of α-synuclein.
Discriminative control of interspecific killing in hungry and satiated rats

Hungry and satiated killer Long-Evans rats were exposed to two species of prey, mice and frogs. Experiment 1 demonstrated that the rats learned to discriminate between prey when attacks upon one of the prey were punished by electric shocks and attacks upon the alternative were not punished. Thus, killing of the “dangerous” prey was suppressed, while killing of the alternative, “safe” prey continued. However, in Experiment 2—in which the consequences of killing the prey differed in that one was allowed to be eaten following a kill but the other was not—no evidence of discriminative attack resulted. Hungry and satiated rats did not differ in their responsiveness toward prey as objects of attack, but hungry killers were more responsive to prey as food, thus demonstrating a dissociation of killing and eating control.
Commentary on Wang et al., "Pre-operative chemotherapy with oral tegafur-uracil and leucovorin for rectal cancer" (J Surg Oncol 89: 256-263).

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Journal of Surgical Oncology (2005)89 (4) 263–264
Live Web: A sensorweb portal for sensing the world in real-time

Abstract A state-of-the-art sensorweb is a global observation system for varied sensory phenomena from the physical world and the cyber world. This paper presents the architecture, design, and application of a sensorweb service portal called the LiveWeb . This portal has been published on the Internet and is used by researchers, students, and also other communities. This system has been used to represent and monitor real-time physical sensor data and cyber activities from ubiquitous sources. LiveWeb meets its goal of providing an efficient and robust sensor information oriented web service, enabled with real-time data representation and notification. Living in the current world with the immense magnitude of information, it is important to keep different communities updated and informed with their context specific data. There are search engines available in the Internet to find relatively static items, but not to observe the events in real-time. In addition, mostly the sensed data and events have meaning only when accompanied with corresponding geographic information. LiveWeb is an effective and efficient sensorweb service, that tries to fulfill the aforementioned requirements. The LiveWeb system consists of three main components: (a) special features of a PHP web application, (b) a Java background processing program, and (c) a database. It is a robust system and is currently running efficiently under the environment of Ubuntu 6.10, Apache 2.0, PHP 5.0, JAVA 1.60, and MySQL 1.6.
Interpretation of open system petrogenetic processes: Phase equilibria constraints on magma evolution

We have used a computer model (TRACES) to simulate low pressure differentiation of natural basaltic magmas in an attempt to investigate the chemical dynamics of open system magmatic processes. Our results, in the form of simulated liquid lines of descent and the calculated equilibrium mineralogy, were determined for perfect fractional crystallization; fractionation paired with recharge and eruption (PRF); fractionation paired with assimilation (AFC); and fractionation paired with recharge, eruption, and assimilation (FEAR). These simulations were calculated in an attempt to assess the effects of combinations of petrogenetic processes on major and trace element evolution of natural systems and to test techniques that have been used to decipher the relative roles of these processes. If the results of PRF calculations are interpreted in terms of a mass balance based fractionation model (e.g., Bryan et al., 1969), it is possible to generate low residuals even if one assumes that fractional crystallization was the only active process. In effect, the chemical consequences of recharge are invisible to mass balance models. Pearce element ratio analyses, however, can effectively discern the effects of PRF versus simple fractionation. The fractionating mineral proportions, and therefore, bulk distribution coefficients (D) of a differentiating system are dependent on the recharge or assimilation rate. Comparison of the results of simulations assuming constant D with the results calculated by TRACES show that the steady state liquid concentrations of some elements can differ by a factor of 2 to 5. If the PRF simulation is periodic, with episodes of mixing separated by intervals of fractionation, parallel liquidus mineral control lines are produced. Most of these control lines do not project back to the parental composition. This must be an important consideration when attempting to calculate a potential parental magma for any natural suite where magma chamber recharge has occurred. Most basaltic magmas cannot evolve to high silica compositions without magnetite fractionation. Small amounts of rhyolite assimilation (assimilation/fractionation < 0.1), however, can drive evolving basalts to more silica rich compositions. If mass balance models are used to interpret these synthetic AFC data, low residuals are obtained if magnetite is added to the crystallizing assemblage. This approach works even for cases where magnetite was not a fractionating phase. Thus, the mass balance results are mathematically correct, but are geologically irrelevant.
Duty-cycle-aware minimum latency multiflow scheduling in multi-hop wireless networks

We study minimum latency multiflow scheduling in duty-cycling multi-hop wireless networks. Given a set of multi-hop flows in duty-cycling wireless networks, each flow has a source node and a destination node, the objective is to schedule all multi-hop flows within a minimum latency. Under the uncoordinated duty-cycling model, we design transmission scheduling that can achieve a small constant factor of the optimal latency. The approximation ratio is independent of the period length p where p is the period length of duty-cycling networks. We also propose a duty-cycle-aware multiflow scheduling method based on node coloring. Finally, we study the routing and scheduling for multi-hop multiflow in wireless networks where each node has a full duty-cycle.
Muromonab-CD3—Induced Neurotoxicity: Report of Two Siblings, One of Whom Had Subsequent Cyclosporin-Induced Neurotoxicity

Muromonab-CD3 is widely used for immunosuppression in patients undergoing solid organ transplant. We report two siblings with oligomeganephronia and end-stage renal disease who developed encephalopathy and seizures from muromonab-CD3 following renal transplant. The first case is a 13-year-old girl who developed encephalopathy, seizure, and triparesis following renal transplant while muromonab-CD3 was used for immunosuppression. The second case was the 6-year-old sister of the first case, who also developed recurrent focal seizures while she was on muromonab-CD3 for renal transplant immunosuppression. In both cases, a sequential brain magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed progression of abnormalities from the cerebral cortex to the white matter. In the first case, the MRI normalized after muromonab-CD3 was discontinued. In the second case, the patient developed a leukoencephalopathy following cyclosporin administration. The pathophysiology of muromonab-CD3 encephalopathy is believed to be a disturbance to ...
Alternate methods for sampling in coordinate metrology

A variety of inspection equipment exists in industry to capture the points on a surface that will envisage manufacturing form errors. Manufacturing inspection faces a problem of finding optimal methods to capture an evenly spread distribution of points on the surface. Sampling does not yield complete information about a surface. Each material removal process leaves a unique pattern on the surface of the workpiece, which has to be taken into consideration while developing the sampling strategy. For instance, round patterns left by face milling at low feeds on flat surfaces, and spiral patterns left during surface milling and turning operations on surfaces of revolution. Two new methods have been developed to improve sampling using the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) for inspection of flat and revolved surfaces. These are the Spiral, and Hamspi sampling methods. The Spiral method focuses on the centre of the area and uses the Archimedean spiral. Hamspi is a method that combines both the Spiral and randomized Hammersley to measure points in the middle as well as the outer zone of the workpiece. Mathematical comparisons of these methods have been made to establish feasibility. An experiment was performed to determine the accuracy of these models using two dependent variables: inspection time and minimum zone. The minimum zone was (statistically) significantly affected by only two factors: sample size and workpiece shape. The sampling time was however affected by sample size, workpiece shape, and the interaction between them. This study observed that the beginning and ending cutting zones of spherical surfaces were the most significant regions to verify. It was found that the Spiral and Hamspi methods had similar point distributions as the Hammersley method while placing more emphasis on the origin of the workpiece.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Routes of Exposure and Effects on Human Health

The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are synthetic organochlorine chemicals that were useful industrial products in the past, but their production was ended because they persist in both the environment and living organisms. The PCBs are mixtures of up to 209 different components (congeners), depending on the number and position of chlorines around the biphenyl ring. The PCBs are fat-soluble substances to which everyone is exposed through ingesting animal fats, inhalation, or dermal contact. Exposure to PCBs suppresses the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of acquiring several human diseases. Both ortho-substituted and coplanar (dioxin-like) congeners are tumor promoters that enhance the effects of other carcinogenic substances. PCB exposure, especially during fetal and early life, reduces IQ and alters behavior. The PCBs alter thyroid and reproductive function in both males and females and increase the risk of developing cardiovascular and liver disease and diabetes. Women are at high risk of giving birth to infants of low birth weight, who are at high lifetime risk for several diseases. As knowledge of their toxic effects has grown faster than environmental levels have declined, PCBs remain dangerous contaminants.
Theorizing, testing, and concluding for mediation in SCM research: Tutorial and procedural recommendations

Abstract Empirical research in Supply Chain Management is increasingly interested in complex models involving mediation effects. We support these endeavors by directing attention to the practices for the theorizing of, the testing for, and the drawing of conclusions about mediation effects. Our paper synthesizes diverse literature in other disciplines to provide an accessible tutorial as to the mathematical foundation of mediation effects and the various methods available to test for these effects. We also provide guidance to SCM scholars in the form of eight recommendations aimed at improving the theorizing of, the testing for, and the drawing of conclusions about mediation effects. Recommendations pertaining to how mediation effects are hypothesized and stated and how to select among methods to test for mediation effects are novel contributions for and beyond the Supply Chain Management discipline.
Invariant manifolds and singularly perturbed boundary value problems

Boundary value problems for singularly perturbed equations often have singular solutions with internal and boundary layers. This paper addresses the question of when singular solutions to such prob...
Quantification of Intermediate-Abundance Proteins in Serum by Multiple Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry in a Single-Quadrupole Ion Trap

A method is presented to quantify intermediate-abundance proteins in human serum using a single-quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometerin contrast, for example, to a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer. Stable-isotope-labeled (tryptic) peptides are spiked into digested protein samples as internal standards, aligned with the traditional isotope dilution approach. As a proof-of-concept experiment, four proteins of intermediate abundance were selected, coagulation factor V, adiponectin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and thyroxine binding globulin. Stable-isotope-labeled peptides were synthesized with one tryptic sequence from each of these proteins. The normal human serum concentration ranges of these proteins are from 1 to 30 μg/mL (or 20 to 650 pmol/mL). These labeled peptides and their endogenous counterparts were analyzed by LC−MS/MS using multiple reaction monitoring, a multiplexed form of the selected reaction monitoring technique. For these experiments, only one chromatographic dimension (on-line rev...
SU-E-T-400: SBRT Dose Verification Using Monte Carlo Simulation.

Purpose: To verify the SBRT plans on CMS Xio treatment planning system using the Monte Carlo simulation and investigate the related issues. Methods: The SBRT plans with 6 MV were created on CMS Xio treatment planning system with superposition algorithm. The same patient's CT, beam geometry and MUs were used in the Monte Carlo simulation(MC) on MCSIM. MCSIM is an EGS4‐based MC dose calculation system for photon and electron beams. The Monte Carlo plans were compared with the Xio plans to verify Xio superposition algorithm for SBRT. The electron disequilibrium was particularly investigated by comparing the DVHs for a 2‐mm thick peel of the GTV. The beam energy was changed from 6 MV to 10 MV for MC to test energy effect on SBRTdosimetry.Results: Six SBRTlung plans created on Xio and delivered on Varian 21 EX linac were included in this study. The tumor GTV ranged from 1.4 cc to 11 cc and the dose ranged from 1950 cGy to 5400 cGy. The comparisons were made in terms of DVHs, mean doses, minimal doses, and maximal doses for GTV. The results showed all the dose values of Xio plans agreed with MC to within 2% with only two exceptions of 3% and 5%. The dose distribution in the peel of GTV followed the same pattern as the whole GTV. This indicated the Xio superposition algorithm has well accounted for electron disequilibrium. The 10‐MV beams had both hot and cold spots from DVH comparison. This may be due to the large build‐up region for high energy beams. Conclusions: The Xio superposition algorithm has adequately accounted for electron disequilibrium and can perform accurate dose calculation for SBRT. Compared to high energy beams, 6 MV is preferable in terms of the GTV coverage and dose homogeneity.
Interleukin-8–induced suppression of polymorphonuclear leukocyte apoptosis is mediated by suppressing CD95 (Fas/Apo-1) Fas-l interactions

Abstract Background: Neutrophil apoptosis is crucial in the resolution of inflammation. The role of interleukin (IL)-8 in neutrophil apoptosis has not been previously studied; we hypothesized that in addition to its role as a chemoattractant, IL-8 would regulate polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) apoptosis. Methods: PMNs were adhered to plastic during hypoxia or normoxia and treated with IL-8 dosages of 0 to 1000 ng/mL. Apoptosis was assessed by cellular histology and the TUNEL assay. For receptor inhibition, blocking antibodies to IL-8 receptors in the presence of IL-8 were added. Apoptosis of PMNs treated with anti-Fas antibody ± IL-8 was also analyzed. Results: After treatment with 100 ng/mL IL-8, apoptosis was decreased from an average of 39.1% to 9.3%. Inhibition of IL-8RA was able to restore apoptosis to 59.4%. Western analysis showed that with IL-8, there was a marginal decrease of total Fas protein, whereas Fas ligand was increased. After incubation with an apoptosis inducing-Fas antibody, average PMN apoptosis was 42.3%, whereas Fas antibody plus IL-8 reduced apoptosis to 9.5%. Conclusions: IL-8 not only promotes the inflammatory response by recruiting PMNs but also acts to suppress apoptosis mainly through the IL-8RA in an oxygen tension independent manner. The reduction in apoptosis is associated with changes in Fas and FasL where the presence of IL-8 suppresses the proapoptotic function of Fas-FasL interactions. (Surgery 1998;124:409-17.)
Complexity results for classes of quantificational formulas

We analyze the computational complexity of determining whether F is satisfiable when F is a formula of the classical predicate calculus obeying certain syntactic restrictions. For example, for the monadic predicate calculus and the Godel or 3 … ∃∀∀∃ … 3 prefix class we obtain lower and upper nondeterministic time bounds of the form cn/log n. The lower bounds are established by using acceptance problems for time-bounded Turing machines and alternating pushdown and stack automata.
Beyond Counterterrorism: Data Sharing, Privacy, and Organizational Histories of DHS Fusion Centers

Decentralized organizational approaches to security provision introduce new challenges for controlling information-sharing practices, safeguarding civil liberties, and ensuring accountability. Department of Homeland Security "fusion centers," and the multiple organizations and databases that are part of fusion centers, engender an environment in which information is migrating beyond original purposes of counterterrorism. Indeed, based on intensive qualitative research, the authors have found that fusion centers that were originally oriented toward "counterterrorism" have quickly broadened their scope to include all crimes, and those that began as "all crimes" have migrated only marginally to terrorism. This is the result of three quite predictable factors: fusion centers have to be valuable to their states, there is too little activity that is clearly terrorism related, and fusion center personnel have to use their time and skills constructively. Nonetheless, even if local policing needs are met through fusion-center funding and support, many of the activities of fusion-center analysts lend themselves to mission creep and violations of civil liberties.
Post-translational regulation and nuclear entry of TIMELESS and PERIOD are affected in new timeless mutant

The molecular circadian clock consists of a feedback loop in which canonical clock proteins negatively regulate transcription of their own genes. Timed nuclear entry of these proteins is critical, but regulation of this event is poorly understood. In Drosophila melanogaster, the idea that nuclear entry of PERIOD (PER) is controlled by its partner protein TIMELESS (TIM) has been challenged by several studies. We identify here a novel mutation in the tim gene that eliminates behavioral rhythms while allowing robust expression of TIM and PER. Mutant TIM can bind to and stabilize PER. However, neither protein is expressed cyclically, and phosphorylation of both is reduced. In addition, TIM and PER are localized in the cytoplasm at all times of day, and mutant TIM attenuates transcriptional feedback by PER in cultured cells, suggesting that it holds PER in the cytoplasm. In fact, much of the reduced phosphorylation of PER in the new tim mutant appears to result from the cytoplasmic localization of PER. Interestingly, mutating a threonine near the original mutation produces similar phenotypes, raising the possibility that defective phosphorylation is the basis of TIM dysfunction in the novel tim mutant. We also show that a stable form of PER is cytoplasmic in tim-null flies. These studies establish an essential role of TIM in the timed nuclear entry of PER.
The effect of diabetes on mevalonate metabolism in the rat.

Previous studies have demonstrated a major difference in mevalonate metabolism by male and female rats by both the shunt and sterol pathways. This important sex difference was shown to be related to the presence of oestrogens and/or progesterone. In the present study we have investigated the effects of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on mevalonate metabolism. Firstly, insulin deficiency decreased the ability of the rats to oxidize mevalonate to carbon dioxide by the shunt pathway both in vivo and in vitro. This decrease was reversed by insulin treatment both in the intact animals as well as in tissue slices. Secondly, diabetes caused a marked increase in hepatic sterologenesis in the intact animal. This is the first demonstration that insulin plays a significant regulatory role in both the shunt and sterol pathways of mevalonate metabolism.
On modeling value constellations to understand complex service system interactions

Summary Urban centers face complex challenges in managing their services to continually improve their citizens’ quality of life. They also face complex challenges in managing citizens’ perceptions of the effectiveness of services to continually improve their resulting quality of life. We view urban areas as dynamic sociocultural systems, meaning that effectively and dynamically understanding and addressing their challenges means confronting the full complexity of factors that interact to make up the system. More precisely, we understand these systems to be complex service systems, arrangements of multiple entities and stakeholders that interact to co-create value. Decision makers of urban centers face the design problem of arranging the entities so that the most mutual value emerges from their interactions. To analyze and understand such complex systems, we suggest a new approach to service system analysis based on model composition to design and evaluate stakeholder relationships through what-if scenarios. Applied to the intriguing real-world scenario of crime and perceptions of crime in the London Borough of Sutton, we show how service system analysis — analyzing value constellations to find opportunities for reconfiguring roles and relationships that unlock value — can be applied to a sociocultural service system by focusing on the complex relationship among components that can influence complex questions, such as safety and quality-of-community. Modeling and simulating the value constellations of complex service systems can help us discover which interventions and reconfigurations will be effective and which will not.
A phenomenological model for charmed meson decays

We discuss a phenomenological model for charmed meson decays. This model leads in a natural way to the understanding of the difference in lifetimes of charmed mesons, and the recent results on BR(D0 → K0π0) and the Cabibbo suppressed decays D0 → K+K- and D0 → π+π-. We present a comprehensive list of predictions of our model for inclusive and exclusive decays.
Field-free asymmetric top alignment and rotational revivals using high harmonic generation

Using high harmonic generation (HHG), we probe the nonadiabatic revival structure in the asymmetric top sulfur dioxide. We find that HHG is sensitive to molecular alignment about different axes as well as of partial revivals.
University research and development activities: Intrusion into areas untended? A review of recent developments and ethical issues raised

The traditional and emerging roles of the major research entities in the United States are reviewed. Particularly controversial has been the university's emerging role of applied researcher in addition to its traditional role of basic researcher. Private, for-profit research laboratories have vociferously objected to the funding of university applied research by both the federal government and private industry. The funding of university research by these latter two entities is then reviewed and discussed. In addition to the ethical issue of whether university applied research should be funded, there is apparently another ethical issue regarding how the recipient universities are selected. In essence, if the universities intrusions are merely into untended areas, the first ethical issue seems less serious. Such may be the case if private laboratories are not equipped to perform the research. Of course, the second issue of which university should receive the funding remains. The apparently strengthening ties between universities and private industry are then reviewed. Direct ties between universities and industry still account for a very small part of university research. But impediments to cooperation are melting away as universities market their services to private industry. The authors contend that the government encourages cooperative ventures between universities and industry. They pose questions for all sides and suggest further areas of study should these joint ventures continue as they seem most likely to do. Much of the literature has leaned toward criticism of these joint efforts. Martin Kenney, in the February, 1987 issue of The Journal of Business Ethics, offered one of the more extensive efforts in his criticism of cooperative industrial/university research. Kenney concentrated on the area of biotechnology research. The present article avoids specific areas of research and takes a broad view of these cooperative research efforts. It is less critical than Kenney of the cooperation between industry and universities.
Multiblock copolymers consisting of polyolefin and polyester blocks: 1. Thermal and mechanical behaviour

Abstract Three -(AB)n-type multiblock copolymers, consisting of soft segments of polyolefin and hard segments of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), were synthesized through melt polycondensation by reacting a hydrogenated hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene and dimethyl terephthalate with a stoichiometric excess of ethylene glycol. The synthesized copolymers are not soluble in toluene, m-xylene, m-cresol or phenol/tetrachloroethane because of the very different solubility behaviour of the two incompatible blocks. These copolymers exhibit two clear melting temperatures as determined by differential scanning calorimetry and two glass transition temperatures as observed by dynamic mechanical analysis. The melting temperatures of the polyolefin and PET blocks increase with increasing weight fraction of the corresponding block. The glass transition temperatures of the polyolefin and PET blocks are around −17°C and 79°C, respectively. As the PET weight fraction is decreased to 15%, its glass transition temperature (tan δ peak) becomes broader because of interference by the melting transition of the polyolefin block.
Theoretical and Experimental Analyses of Hydraulic Fracturing and Sonic Logging in Gas Shales: ABSTRACT

A joint theoretical/experimental research program on hydraulic fracturing, is being conducted. Newly developed numerical models have been applied to analyze some aspects of fracture propagation near well-bonded material interfaces to determine whether these interfaces can inhibit propagation. Results from these calculations indicate that, for fractures propagating from a lower modulus material toward an interface with a higher modulus material, the stress-intensity factor at the tip near the interface decreases significantly as the tip approaches the interface. However, upon penetration of the interfaces into the higher modulus material, the stress-intensity factor increases abruptly and arrives at a higher value than in the lower modulus material. Conversely, when the fr cture is propagating from a higher modulus material toward a lower modulus material, the situation is reversed. The presence of fractures near the interface significantly reduces the effects of these phenomena. Dynamically, where wave-mechanics effects are taken into consideration, the change in material properties also affects fracture propagation across an interface. Small-scale laboratory experiments are being performed to study the growth of hydraulically driven cracks in the vicinity of unbonded interfaces in rocks. Blocks of the materials being studied are held adjacent to one another under a static load, and a hydraulically driven crack is initiated in one of the blocks. For blocks of the same material, penetration of the crack into the adjacent block is controlled by the normal stress across the interface and the finish of the interface surfaces. Experiments have been performed to measure the frictional properties of the interfaces to understand better the mechanism of crack growth across the interface. The LLL dry-hole sonic logging tool was applied in Columbia 20569 gas well, Mingo County, West Virginia. Although some problems were encountered in the application of the tool, data were collected and analyzed to locate reflection loci near the well bore at distances up to several meters. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1579------------
The Invasive Species Challenge in Estuarine and Coastal Environments: Marrying Management and Science

Despite the widely acknowledged threat posed by invasive species in coastal estuaries, there are substantial gaps at the intersection of science and policy that are impeding invasive species management. In the face of pressing management needs in coastal and estuarine environments, we advocate that introduced species should receive the kind of management effort dedicated, for example, to reducing pollution. We support our argument with some examples of economic costs of estuarine and coastal introduced species and a summary of recent evidence for the ecological costs. We highlight some of the issues that either thwart or facilitate the successful marriage between science and management of introduced species, including the regulatory framework for management. We use the available information on coastal eradication programs, including case histories of the programs for Caulerpa taxifolia and Spartina alterniflora (and hybrids) in the western USA, to indicate the feasibility of managing introduced species and to help point out how management and science can improve the outcome. We close with a research agenda that focuses primarily on science that will really assist with invasive species management and reflects our own experience and the opinions of managers directly involved with this issue.
Fossils and phylogenies: integrating multiple lines of evidence to investigate the origin of early major metazoan lineages

Understanding the nature and timing of metazoan origins is one of the most important, yet elusive, questions in evolutionary biology. Fossil data provide the most tangible evidence for the origin of early animal lineages, although additional evidence from molecular phylogenetics, molecular clock studies, and development has contributed to our current understanding. We review several lines of evidence to explore the nature and timing of early metazoan evolution and discuss how these data, when considered together, provide a more cohesive picture of the origin of animal diversity. We discuss how trace fossils and biomarkers provide compelling evidence for the origins of Bilateria and siliceous sponges. Using a molecular phylogenetic framework for metazoans, we discuss how fossils can be used to date the origin of clades. We use these fossil dates to perform a relaxed molecular clock analysis for estimating dates of nodes when no fossils are available. We also discuss current data from developmental biology that suggest that early metazoans possessed a sophisticated molecular toolkit for building complex body plans. We conclude that the best evidence for the origin of major metazoan lineages lies in the careful interpretation of the fossil record and that these data, when considered with phylogenetic and developmental evidence, support the notion that the Cambrian radiation is a real phenomenon that marks a critically important time in the history of life.
A novel Vivaldi fed reflector impulse radiating antenna (IRA)

Impulse radiating antennas (IRA) have been used to radiate electromagnetic energy in a very short period of time. A method of moments (MoM) based software, the Hybrid EFIE and MFIE Iterative (HEMI), developed at UCLA, is employed to calculate the far-field patterns and the current distributions. We used a 57cm parabolic reflector with a focal length to diameter ratio (F/D) of 0.40 in our HEMI model.
Historical Memory, Cultural Claims, and Environmental Ethics in the Jurisprudence of Whaling Regulation

Abstract This study considers in historical perspective the ethical and juridical norms relevant to commercial and indigenous whaling activities and their regulation. An assessment is offered of the records of the International Whaling Commission from 1946 to the present, and of individual whaling nations, especially Japan and Norway. The argument is made that historic behavior should matter, when the question is raised: What nations or interests come to the table with “clean hands”? The author rejects arguments by Japan, Norway, and various scholars that coastal whaling communities in industrialized countries should be regarded as equivalent to indigenous whaling communities such as the Inuit in justifying exceptions to the IWC moratorium. In light of whale species’ precarious condition and in light of past behavior by whaling fleets, only strongly based indigenous cultural claims should be permitted to trump a general rule against whaling.
Replication and evaluation of a proposed two-factor Binge Eating Scale (BES) structure in a sample of bariatric surgery candidates

Abstract Background The Binge Eating Scale (BES) is a widely-used self-report measure of binge eating severity. Hood et al. [1] reported a 2-factor structure for the BES in a sample of bariatric surgery candidates, with factors labeled feelings/cognitions and behavioral manifestations. The present study aims to replicate and extend the factor structure obtained by Hood et al. [1] by testing the utility of a bifactor model that removes binge eating severity variance, which the total BES score purports to assess, in another sample of bariatric surgery candidates. Methods Bariatric surgery candidates (n = 517; 71.2% women; mean body mass index=49.50 kg/m 2 ; SD=10.17) were sampled. Twenty-four percent met DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria for binge eating disorder. Results Consistent with previous research, a 2-factor structure for the BES was supported; however, the 2 factors were substantially correlated ( r = .89). A bifactor model significantly improved model fit, supporting the presence of a higher-order severity factor accounting for a significant amount of variance. This factor was primarily marked by binge eating severity as demonstrated by associations with number of objective binge eating episodes and DSM-IV-TR diagnosis. In the bifactor model, the feelings/cognitions factor was modestly associated with self-reported mood psychopathology. However, contrary to expectations, the behavioral manifestation factor was not associated with empirically derived behavioral problems. Conclusions The current findings partially converge with those of Hood et al. [1] However, the use of the BES as a 2-factor measure is not recommended at this point because of lack of incremental validity demonstrated by the behavioral manifestation factor. Continued use of the BES as a unidimensional measure of binge eating severity, in conjunction with a comprehensive clinical interview, can provide useful guidance for presurgical treatment recommendations.
A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Fluoxetine in Patients With Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Background: Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a disorder of impulsive aggression that affects as many as 7.3% of the U.S. population during some period of life. Since central serotonergic (5-HT) system dysfunction is related to impulsive aggressive behavior, pharmacologic enhancement of 5-HT activity should reduce impulsive aggressive behavior in individuals with IED. Method: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the selective 5-HT uptake inhibitor fluoxetine was conducted in 100 individuals with IED (research diagnostic criteria) and current histories of impulsive aggressive behavior. The primary efficacy measure was the aggression score from the Overt Aggression Scale-Modified (OAS-M) for Outpatient Use. Secondary efficacy measures included the irritability score from the OAS-M and the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale (CGI-I) score. The study took place between July 1990 and July 1999. Results: Fluoxetine treatment resulted in a sustained reduction in OAS-M aggression, and OAS-M irritability scores, apparent as early as week 2 (p < .01 for aggression and p < .001 for irritability at endpoint). Fluoxetine was also superior to placebo in the proportion of responders on the CGI-I (p < .001). Closer examination of the data revealed that full or partial remission of impulsive aggressive behaviors, as reflected by the A criteria for IED, occurred in 46% of fluoxetine-treated subjects. Fluoxetine did not exert an antidepressant or antianxiety effect, and its effects on impulsive aggression were not influenced by presence of current symptoms of depression or anxiety. Couclusion: Fluoxetine treatment has a clear antiaggressive effect in impulsive aggressive individuals with IED. However, while fluoxetine's antiaggressive effects appear robust, they lead to full or partial remission of IED in less than 50% of subjects treated with fluoxetine.
Breaking Down Potential Barriers to Continued Program Participation

Participation in youth programming fosters positive developmental outcomes for youth, yet recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges. Given the imbalance in rates of participation of ethnic m...
An XML Schema for Representing Reusable IP Cores for Reconfigurable Computing

The reuse of intellectual property (IP) cores within reconfigurable computing systems is a promising approach for improving the productivity of reconfigurable system design. Further, there are a large variety of reusable IP cores available for a variety of application-specific functions. These cores, however, are created from different design tools and are difficult to integrate into a single reconfigurable system design. To facilitate the reuse of these cores, an XML schema has been created for representing the essential details of a core in a reconfigurable computing design environment. This paper presents this XML schema and describes how it can be used to facilitate reuse in reconfigurable computing systems.
DNA-based assays to distinguish date palm (Arecaceae) gender

 Premise of the study: Date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera ) is one of the oldest cultivated trees and is critical to the development of arid land. The date palm is a dioecious monocot with separate male and female trees. This presents a challenge in development as it is impossible to distinguish trees until they fl ower approximately fi ve to eight years after planting.  Methods and Results: We have developed PCR-based assays capable of sex differentiation in multiple date palm cultivars. The primers are designed across gender-specifi c polymorphisms and demonstrated greater than 90% accuracy in distinguishing date palm gender across multiple varieties.  Conclusions: These results indicate that the primers should be helpful in rapidly distinguishing date palm gender from the earliest stages that DNA can safely be collected. This is a vast savings in time over present approaches.
Women in Construction—Tapping the Untapped Resource to Meet Future Demands

A lack of skilled workers has become a global problem that is impacting the construction industry. To address the issue, the industry — working in partnership with government agencies — has developed programs to attract new workers for high-skill positions in construction. These workers include women and minorities. However, attracting women into a career field that is dominated by conflict and aggression is problematic. Consequently, the industry is making a significant effort to change their image and culture, and these efforts are being supported by professional associations, labor unions, and universities. This paper highlights the current status of women in construction trades, management, education, and research positions. The paper also identifies many of the challenges women face in the construction industry and the many opportunities and support networks that are available to help them succeed.
Effects of pH and medullary blood flow on oxygen transport and sodium reabsorption in the rat outer medulla

We used a mathematical model of O2 transport and the urine concentrating mechanism of the outer medulla of the rat kidney to study the effects of blood pH and medullary blood flow on O2 availability and Na+ reabsorption. The model predicts that in vivo paracellular Na+ fluxes across medullary thick ascending limbs (mTALs) are small relative to transcellular Na+ fluxes and that paracellular fluxes favor Na+ reabsorption from the lumen along most of the mTAL segments. In addition, model results suggest that blood pH has a significant impact on O2 transport and Na+ reabsorption owing to the Bohr effect, according to which a lower pH reduces the binding affinity of hemoglobin for O2. Thus our model predicts that the presumed greater acidity of blood in the interbundle regions, where mTALs are located, relative to that in the vascular bundles, facilitates the delivery of O2 to support the high metabolic requirements of the mTALs and raises the concentrating capability of the outer medulla. Model results also suggest that increases in vascular and tubular flow rates result in disproportional, smaller increases in active O2 consumption and mTAL active Na+ transport, despite the higher delivery of O2 and Na+. That is, at a sufficiently high medullary O2 supply, O2 demand in the outer medulla does not adjust precisely to changes in O2 delivery.
Collapsing glomerulopathy in sickle cell disease: a case report

Introduction Sickle cell disease has been associated with many renal structural and functional abnormalities. Collapsing glomerulopathy or the collapsing variant of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a rare clinicopathologic entity in patients with sickle cell disease that requires timely diagnosis and aggressive management.
Visual diagnosis: a 10-year-old boy who has a pruritic rash after travel.

1. Laurene M. Fleischer, MD* 2. Rosa Cataldo, DO* 3. Salma S. Syed, DO* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY A 10-year-old boy presents with the chief complaint of an itchy rash of his left foot. The pruritic area, localized to the plantar surface, began 2 weeks ago, with symptoms progressively worsening. One week ago, the boy noticed a small raised lesion over the itchy area. Over the next few days, the lesion increased in size and started to look like “a squiggly line.” Various preparations, such as topical hydrocortisone, calamine lotion, antifungal spray, and oral antihistamines, failed to provide relief. His mother denies any change in laundry detergent, soaps, or lotions. He has no fever, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough, or chronic or severe illnesses. His immunizations are up to date, and he takes no medications other than those mentioned. The family spent a recent vacation in Cancun, Mexico, where the children played in a sand box and swam in the ocean. On additional questioning, the family recalls seeing feral cats in the same sandbox. Physical examination reveals a well-nourished, well-appearing boy. His temperature is 98.4°F (36.9°C), pulse is 81 beats/min, respiratory rate is 20 breaths/min, and blood pressure is 125/64 mm Hg. His head and neck examinations reveal no findings of interest. His heart sounds are normal; there are no murmurs, rubs, or gallops. His lungs are clear to auscultation without wheezing, rales, or rhonchi. His abdomen is soft, nondistended, and nontender. There is no lymphadenopathy. On the plantar surface of his left foot is a 3.5-cm raised, nontender, erythematous, serpiginous lesion (Fig. 1). There is no drainage from the area, interdigital rash, or excoriation. There are no other skin manifestations. Figure 1. A 3.5-cm …