cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lifting the Veil on the "Phosphate Flush," a Cryptic Phenomenon of Experimental Pancreatic Islet Physiology.

The original encounter of the “phosphate flush” in isolated pancreatic islets by Norbert Freinkel (1,2) is steeped in the history of research into the complexities of “stimulus secretion coupling” in cells and organs of the body (3), in particular of the discovery of the “phosphoinositide effect” in studies by Mabel and Lowell Hokin (4). The publication by Berggren and colleagues discussed here (5) can be traced to and must be understood on this pioneering background. The discovery of the phosphate efflux channel XPR1 in pancreatic β-cells and first success of describing its regulation provide new fundamental insights into the role of cellular phosphate and inositol-phosphate metabolism in pancreatic islet physiology. The “phosphate flush” is a large efflux of inorganic phosphate (i.e., ∼50% of the cellular content) within a 10-min period induced by high glucose or other suitable fuel stimuli (e.g., leucine) under highly specific experimental conditions. The phenomenon can be dissociated from stimulation of insulin release (1). It is demonstrable either by measuring release of radioactive phosphorous from prelabeled cells or by the net loss of inorganic phosphate (Pi) from cells using biochemical analytical methods (6,7). To observe it, isolated islets or suitable β-cell lines are preconditioned for extended periods at low glucose levels, most often 0.5 mmol/L but …
Out-of-plane soil-structure interaction: A tapered shear wall on flexible semi-circular foundation excited by plane SH waves

Abstract Although most analytical research on soil-structure interaction (SSI) has assumed a rigid building foundation, numerical and experimental studies have shown that the dynamic response of a structure supported on flexible foundation will differ significantly from the same response on a rigid foundation. The analytical solutions have provided physical insights into the nature of the SSI problems and offered benchmarks to verify the approximate and numerical methods, among others. To this end, in this paper, we present an analytical solution of a tapered shear beam on an elastic semi-circular foundation excited by incident plane SH waves.
Proteobacteria abundance during nursing predicts physical growth and brain volume at one year of age in young rhesus monkeys

Over the last decade, multiple studies have highlighted the essential role of gut microbiota in normal infant development. However, the sensitive periods during which gut bacteria are established and become associated with physical growth and maturation of the brain are still poorly defined. This study tracked the assembly of the intestinal microbiota during the initial nursing period, and changes in community structure after transitioning to solid food in infant rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Anthropometric measures and rectal swabs were obtained at 2-month intervals across the first year of life and bacterial taxa identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. At 12 months of age, total brain and cortical regions volumes were quantified through structural magnetic resonance imaging. The bacterial community structure was dynamic and characterized by discrete maturational phases, reflecting an early influence of breast milk and the later transition to solid foods. Commensal microbial taxa varied with diet similar to findings in other animals and human infants; however, monkeys differ in the relative abundances of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, two taxa predominant in breastfed human infants. Higher abundances of taxa in the phylum Proteobacteria during nursing were predictive of slower growth trajectories and smaller brain volumes at one year of age. Our findings define discrete phases of microbial succession in infant monkeys and suggest there may be a critical period during nursing when endogenous differences in certain taxa can shift the community structure and influence the pace of physical growth and the maturational trajectory of the brain.
Language, race, and illegality: indigenous migrants navigating the immigration regime in a new destination

Immigration scholarship has stressed the importance of language acquisition for immigrant integration. Simultaneously, sociolinguist scholars have shown the connection between language and power wi...
Strategies to Increase Pregnancy Rates

To achieve a timely first-service conception rate, dairymen must have an efficient method of heat detection. It is difficult to precisely control time to first service based on spontaneous expression and detection of estrous behavior on a herd basis. The most efficient way to reduce days open would be to reduce the number of missed heats and increase the rate of submission of animals for insemination. Effective estrus synchronization is one approach of scheduling animals for insemination and to reduce days open.
How Will COVID-19 Affect Pensions for Noncovered Workers? (preprint)

Federal law allows certain state and local government employees to be excluded from Social Security if they are covered by an employer pension of sufficient generosity. As a result, approximately one-quarter of state and local workers are not covered by Social Security on their current job. Before COVID-19, these “FICA replacement plans” all satisfied the letter of the law in terms of providing benefits of sufficient generosity. This study has three aims. The first is to document the immediate impact of COVID-19 on the financial status of FICA replacement plans. The second is to investigate whether COVID-19 has led to cuts in benefit promises among plans, as well as the likelihood of future cuts. The third is to investigate the likelihood that FICA replacement plans will exhaust their trust fund assets and default on benefit promises.
A Curious Singular Perturbation Problem

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses an unusual singular perturbation problem for an ordinary differential equation. The chapter explains the nonlinear equation. The problem, in which the term of highest order is multiplied by a small parameter, is the kind of singular perturbation problem. The chapter presents the intermediate value theorem.
The sensual (quadratic) form

Absolutely fascinating from beginning to end. Ian Stewart, New Scientist This is a book rich in ideas. They seem to burst forth from almost every page ... I suspect that the author's hope that 'even the experts will find some new enlightenment here' will be realized. The Mathematics Teacher A very original book ... The lectures are self-contained for the graduate reader ... full of new ideas, and thus of real interest also to experts. Zentralblatt fur Mathematik John Horton Conway's unique approach to quadratic forms was the subject of the Hedrick Lectures given by him in August of 1991 at the Joint Meetings of the Mathematical Association of America and the American Mathematical Society in Orono, Maine. This book presents the substance of those lectures. The book should not be thought of as a serious textbook on the theory of quadratic forms - it consists rather of a number of essays on particular aspects of quadratic forms that have interested the author. The lectures are self-contained and will be accessible to the generally informed reader who has no particular background in quadratic form theory. The minor exceptions should not interrupt the flow of ideas. The Afterthoughts to the Lectures contain discussion of related matters that occasionally presuppose greater knowledge.
Addressing Consent Issues in Donation After Circulatory Determination of Death

Given the widening gap between the number of individuals on transplant waiting lists and the availability of donated organs, as well as the recent plateau in donations based on neurological criteria (i.e., brain death), there has been a growing interest in expanding donation after circulatory determination of death. While the prevalence of this form of organ donation continues to increase, many thorny ethical issues remain, often creating moral distress in both clinicians and families. In this article, we address one of these issues, namely, the challenges surrounding patient and surrogate informed consent for donation after circulatory determination of death. First we discuss several general concerns regarding consent related to this form of organ donation, and then we address additional issues that are unique to three different patient categories: adult patients with medical decision-making capacity or potential capacity, adult patients who lack capacity, and pediatric patients.
Intracavity 1.549-/spl mu/m pumped 1.634-/spl mu/m Er:YAG lasers at 300 K

A novel method of generating 1.634-/spl mu/m laser action from Er:YAG crystals pumped intracavity by an Er:glass laser emitting at 1.549 /spl mu/m is described. Operation of the Er:glass laser at 1.549 /spl mu/m (red shifted from the standard 1.532 /spl mu/m, but with comparable output) at 500 K was obtained using mirrors with tailored spectral reflectivities. Several Er:YAG crystals ranging in concentration from 0.3% to 2% and in length from 1 cm to 8 cm were lased in the intracavity pumping arrangement. All the Er:YAG crystals lased in the /sup 4/I/sub 13/2/:Y1(6544 cm/sup -1/)-/sup 4/I/sub 15/2/:Z6(424 cm/sup -1/) 1.634-/spl mu/m transition at 300 K. >
Descartes' experimental proof of the infinite velocity of light and huygens' rejoinder

In 1634 Descartes claimed that the discovery of a finite velocity of light, a single experimental datum, would refute his whole theory. Concerning the infinite velocity of light he writes, "it is so certain, that if one could prove it false, I am ready to confess that I know nothing in all of philosophy."1 Thus, when he learns of an experiment first done by Beeckman in 1629 which showed the velocity of light to be finite, he sets out to show Beeckman's result to be wrong, by pointing to more accurate astronomical observations contradicting it.2 The procedure he develops is ill-founded, however, but for reasons which were overlooked by his critics, and in particular by Huygens, who describes the observational procedure in his Treatise on Light (1690) and in a series of letters to Roemer (1677). In this note I shall show briefly the flaw in Descartes' scheme, and discuss Huygens' criticisms and oversight. The debate over whether the velocity of light be finite or infinite was, of course, very old by the seventeenth century. Aristotle had argued for an infinite velocity,
Enzymatic modification of proteins. 3. Purification and properties of a leucyl, phenylalanyl transfer ribonucleic acid protein transferase from Escherichia coli.

Abstract A leucyl, phenylalanyl transfer RNA-protein transferase has been purified nearly 300-fold from the 105,000 x g supernatant fraction of Escherichia coli. The procedure consists of extraction of the precipitate formed with protamine sulfate, gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 and Sephadex G-75, and chromatography on diethylaminoethyl cellulose. The enzyme preparation specifically catalyzes the transfer of leucine and phenylalanine from tRNA to acceptor proteins. The transfer reaction requires the presence of monovalent cation, and maximal rates are obtained with 0.15 m KCl. The reaction is inhibited by divalent cations and by puromycin, but not by chloramphenicol. The transfer of both amino acids appears to be catalyzed by a single enzyme since the two activities are present in a constant ratio over the entire range of purification and show identical kinetics of thermal inactivation. When bovine serum albumin is employed as the acceptor protein, both amino acids are attached to it in a way that retains the free α-amino group.
Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on growth and respiration of heterotrophic marine bacteria.

A number of marine bacterial isolates from both near-shore and open-ocean environments were tested for growth inhibition with exposure to low concentrations (1 to 100 μg/liter) of Aroclor 1254, a commercial mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Of over 17 bacterial cultures tested, growth of only two open-ocean isolates, one a pseudomonad and the other a tetrad-forming coccus, was consistently inhibited by Aroclor at concentrations as low as 10 μg/liter (10 ppb). Growth inhibition was dose dependent over a concentration range of 10 to 100 μg/liter. The effects upon division rates and final cell yields of each bacterial isolate were greatest when PCBs were added to cultures with low cell densities or with lower specific growth rates. The pseudomonad also had reduced carotenoid levels and an altered filamentous morphology with Aroclor present at a concentration of 10 μg/liter, or more. The effects noted were reversible for at least 18 h after initial exposure. Concentrations of Aroclor in excess of those needed to stop growth had no detectable effect upon the respiration rate of cells of either culture. This suggests that the reduced division rates observed were not due to inability of PCB-treated cells to transport or catabolize the carbohydrate or amino acid substrates tested.
Isolation of human surfactant from amniotic fluid and a pilot study of its efficacy in respiratory distress syndrome.

Isolation of a sterile, surface-active human surfactant complex from amniotic fluid is described. Its effects on respiratory failure of five very low-birth-weight infants (974 ± 61 g) with severe RDS were studied before and after surfactant administration and were compared with those of a similar group of untreated infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Human surfactant (60 mg/kg) in 3.5 mL of saline was given as a single bolus intratracheally 6 ± 1 hours after birth with the following effects: Pao2 increased from 69 ± 11 mm Hg to 239 ± 19 mm Hg within five minutes, and within 1 hour fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) decreased from 0.94 ± 0.03 to 0.49 ± 0.03, mechanical ventilator pressure requirements decreased significantly, PaCo2 dropped, and the pH increased. Air bronchograms on chest roentgenograms lessened within five hours. In four infants the beneficial effects lasted eight to 15 hours, and although thereafter their respiratory conditions deteriorated somewhat, the RDS was less severe than before surfactant administration, and there were no associated pulmonary complications. However, a fifth infant had severe respiratory failure after striking improvement that lasted fewer than three hours, and subsequent interstitial emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intraventricular hemorrhage occurred. There were no detectable side effects with surfactant administration, although a search for immunologic complications continues. Protease activity in lung effluent from the treated infants was lower during the first week of life than among the comparison group, suggesting a lessening of lung injury by surfactant treatment. RDS among patients treated with one dose of human surfactant tended to be milder overall than RDS among control subjects.
Nonabsorbed Indicators: A Comparison of Phenol Red and Inulin-14C and Effects of Perfusion Technique

Nonabsorbed indicators should be completely recoverable from the intestinal lumen and have an intraluminal distribution pattern identical to the unabsorbed residue of the substance(s) whose transport is being studied. Since small amounts of all nonabsorbed indicators are lost, an error is introduced when indicators are used in transport studies. We examined this error with phenol red and inulin-carboxyl-14C in the small intestine of the rat using two common techniques: (1) single pass perfusion, in which a relatively large volume and amount of indicator traversed the lumen once; and (2) recirculation, in which a relatively small volume and amount of indicator was repeatedly passed through the lumen. We found no difference between techniques in the absolute rate of loss of indicator. However, when a smaller quantity of indicator was recirculated, the percentage loss of indicator was significantly greater. Since indicator concentration is used to calculate net water flux, any loss of indicator causes spuriously low final concentrations (spuriously high estimates of secretion). The greater percentage loss of indicator with recirculation doubled this error. Moreover, the indicators differed significantly: more phenol red was lost than inulin, and about 20% more was washed from the mucusal surface (adsorption). Thus, experimental design as well as the behavior of individual indicators significantly influence the results of transport studies.
MIPS 70-micron Observations of the Spitzer Extragalactic First Look Survey

Early results from the 70-micron observations of the Spitzer Extragalactic First Look Survey are presented. As a whole, about 90% of the population show infrared colors that are consistent with the spectral energy distributions of the local IRAS population of luminous infrared starbursts, while approximately 10% of the sample show warm infrared colors consistent with AGN activity. The mean redshift for the population is z=0.2, and the mean total infrared luminosity is about L(ir)= 2x10^{11} L(sun).
The one dimensional random pairing problem in a cellular robotic system

A cellular robotics system which is essentially characterized by having no centralized control, no centralized database, no shared memory, and no synchronous clock is considered. Each robot in the system executes an identical internal algorithm and is equipped with limited sensing power. A typical reconfiguration problem, the pairing problem, for such an autonomous robotic system on a one-dimensional grid is studied. The global goal of the system is to self-organize into units of physically adjacent pairs separated by empty seats. The use of randomization in the decision-making process of each robot allows the evolution of the system to be modeled as a Markov chain, where each state represents a nonuniform random walk. The chain is absorbing, showing that the desired configuration will be reached with probability one. >
Human B-1 cells take the stage.

B-1 cells play critical roles in defending against microbial invasion and in housekeeping removal of cellular debris. B-1 cells secrete natural antibody and manifest functions that influence T cell expansion and differentiation and in these and other ways differ from conventional B-2 cells. B-1 cells were originally studied in mice where they are easily distinguished from B-2 cells, but their identity in the human system remained poorly defined for many years. Recently, functional criteria for human B-1 cells were established on the basis of murine findings, and reverse engineering resulted in identification of the phenotypic profile, CD20 + CD27 + CD43 + CD70 − , for B-1 cells found in both umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood. Human B-1 cells may contribute to multiple disease states through production of autoantibody and stimulation/modulation of T cell activity. Human B-1 cells could be a rich source of antibodies useful in treating diseases present in elderly populations where natural antibody protection may have eroded. Manipulation of human B-1 cell numbers and/or activity may be a new avenue for altering T cell function and treating immune dyscrasias.
Kaon Monitoring Using the Miniboone Little Muon Counter

The Little Muon Counter (LMC) is a permanent magnet spectrometer designed to constrain ν e backgrounds to the MiniBooNE experiment’s neutrino oscillation signal, ν μ → ν e . A description of the LMC components; analysis milestones including track momenta, muon identification penetration depth, and event displays; and the status of the LMC are presented.
Toxic effects of nonadecafluoro-n-decanoic acid in rats

Nonadecafluoro-n-decanoic acid (ND-FDA) has a single dose ip LD50 of 41 mg/kg and causes anorexia and a wasting syndrome. NDFDA also appears to affect lipid metabolism although the metabolic fate and mechanism of action are not known. Control rats were pair fed with rats given 50 mg/kg. Body weights and food consumption were measured daily; body and organ weights, tissue histopathology, and hematological and clinical chemistry parameters were determined at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 30 days postdosing. Liver samples were obtained for determining cholesterol, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, total lipids, fatty acid ratios, and NDFDA. The rats became anorectic within 4 days and did not resume feeding for 10-12 days, losing about 40% of their body weight. There was a decrease in serum protein; total liver protein decreased and there was an increase in measured fatty acids except for stearic. Liver to body weight ratios of dosed rats were twice those of control rats since absolute liver weights in dosed rats remained constant during the weight loss period. The most striking histopathological change was seen in the liver with a uniform persistent cellular swelling at all times. Separation of the lipids by thin layer chromatography indicated that NDFDA was present in the most polar fraction. There also were fatty changes in the proximal tubular epithelium of the kidneys.
Performance evaluation of a remote-sensing chemical identification algorithm

The remote detection and identification of gaseous chemical plumes is an important problem with many military and commercial applications. In this paper, we consider the performance of a chemical identification system that consists of a detector bank and a model averaging algorithm. Using standard detection metrics and an identification metric, we compare the two algorithms and show that cascading the two algorithms can lead to superior performance.
The rationale for and efficacy of surgical intervention for electrodiagnostic-negative cubital tunnel syndrome

Abstract Because conservative management of McGowan grade 1 cubital tunnel syndrome (symptoms only) may be successful in a high percentage of patients, normal electrodiagnostic studies and the absence of intrinsic muscle weakness or decreased sensation or both may be viewed as contraindications to operative intervention. Because the results of surgery are known to be inferior once objective motor weakness and abnormal 2-point sensory discrimination (McGowan grades 2 and 3) develop, however, we advocate surgical intervention for patients with symptoms only, even when electrodiagnostic studies are normal. We enrolled 16 patients (18 elbows) with McGowan I cubital syndrome who underwent in situ ulnar nerve release and medial epicondylectomy. Paresthesias resolved in all cases, and both elbow range of motion and grip strength returned to normal in 17 of 18 elbows. The elbow flexion test resolved in all cases, and a Tinel's sign was present at final review in 5 elbows (28%). One patient required another operation to address a neuroma of a posterior branch of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, but additional morbidity was not identified after objective review and patient self-assessment. (J Hand Surg 2001;26A:1077–1081. Copyright © 2001 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Risk perception in smokers with children with asthma.

Objective No studies have examined the relationship between caregiver beliefs about the risks of smoking to their own health and caregiver beliefs about the effect of their smoking on their child's health. In the current study, we investigated our proposed risk congruence hypothesis among caregivers who smoke. Specifically, we investigated whether caregivers' self-perceived risk of smoking is directly associated with their perception of the risks of smoking to their child. Method The sample consisted of 271 regular smokers (≥ 3 cigarettes per day; Mage = 32.9 years; 214 women) who were caregivers of children with asthma (Mage = 4.9 years) who had a recent visit to the emergency room for their asthma. Three constructs of perceived risk were measured via self-report questionnaires assessing both caregiver perception of smoking risk to self and to child: Precaution Effectiveness, Optimistic Bias, and Perceived Vulnerability. Child asthma-related functional morbidity and home and child secondhand smoke exposure were also assessed. Results Consistent with our risk congruence hypothesis, self-perceived risk of smoking was significantly associated with perceived risk to child, over and above the child's secondhand smoke exposure and caregiver report of child's asthma symptoms (i.e., asthma-related functional morbidity). Conclusions These findings should be considered in the design of clinical interventions seeking to influence risk of caregiver behavior on child health.
A solution to the positivity problem in the state-space approach to modeling vector-valued time series

In the state-space approach to modeling vector-valued time series, obtaining a stochastic process model from a given autocovariance model requires an algebraic Riccati equation to be solved for the state-vector covariance matrix. This Riccati equation fails to have a positive definite solution for all cases where the Fourier transform of the sequence defined by the covariance model is not positive semidefinite. Such cases occur frequently in empirical work. The procedure presented in this paper overcomes this problem by showing how to modify the covariance model in such a way that the Riccati equation has a positive definite solution. An attractive feature of this procedure is that the value of the zero-lag autocovariance matrix of the modified covariance model is constrained to equal the unconditional error sum of squares of the data. An empirical example illustrating the performance of the algorithm is provided.
Environmental change and out-migration: evidence from Nepal.

Scholars and activists have hypothesized a connection between environmental change and out-migration. In this paper, we test this hypothesis using data from Nepal. We operationalize environmental change in terms of declining land cover, rising times required to gather organic inputs, increasing population density, and perceived declines in agricultural productivity. In general, environmental change is more strongly related to short- than long-distance moves. Holding constant the effects of other social and economic variables, we find that local moves are predicted by perceived declines in productivity, declining land cover, and increasing time required to gather firewood. Long-distance moves are predicted by perceived declines in productivity, but the effect is weaker than in the model of short-distance mobility. We also show that effects of environmental change vary by gender and ethnicity, with women being more affected by changes in the time required to gather fodder and men by changes in the time to gather firewood, and high-caste Hindus generally being less affect than others by environmental change.
A NEXAFS determination of the electronic structure of carbons for lithium-ion cells

Abstract We have applied the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) technique to investigate the electronic and structural properties of specialty carbonaceous materials and anode electrodes made from the synthesized carbons. The carbon K-edge features of the carbonaceous materials were characterized by two relatively sharp resonances at 286 and 293 eV and a broad peak centered at 305 eV. A peak at 288 eV is related to the C–H* interaction and the relative intensity of this peak is higher for those samples prepared with pyrene as the carbon precursor. Oxygen and Li K-edges were also determined. The electrochemical performance of the carbon anodes is compared and related to the electronic and structural features of the NEXAFS spectra.
Skin necrosis secondary to low-molecular weight heparin in a patient with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

Skin necrosis is a rare complication of subcutaneous heparin therapy that usually occurs at injection sites. It occasionally accompanies the heparin-associated thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome. We describe a patient with the antiphospholipid syndrome who had skin necrosis develop from low-molecular weight heparin therapy at sites distant from injection sites.
Can we design systems for managing messes? or, why so many management information systems are uniformative

Abstract This paper argues that the increasing complexity of manegerial problems calls for radically new kinds of information systems. These systems must not only be more sophisticated in the underlying psychology they presume, but in their logic as well. In short, we argue that such systems must be dialectical in order (1) to handle the wide variety of inputs that is necessary to consider in solving complex problems and (2) the fact that such inputs will invariably contain strong inconsistencies. The paper argues that in principle the necessary technical problems for the design of dialectical systems have been solved. Such systems can no longer be resisted on technical grounds alone. The basic obstacles to their implementation are therefore cultural, psychological, and social.
Protease-Activated Receptor 2 (PAR2) Is Upregulated by Acanthamoeba Plasminogen Activator (aPA) and Induces Proinflammatory Cytokine in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

Purpose. Acanthamoeba plasminogen activator (aPA) is a serine protease elaborated by Acanthamoeba trophozoites that facilitates the invasion of trophozoites to the host and contributes to the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). The aim of this study was to explore if aPA stimulates proinflammatory cytokine in human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells via the protease-activated receptors (PARs) pathway.
The Narcotics Register Project: Early Development

There is little dispute as to the seriousness of the narcotic abuse problem in New York City in terms of both numbers of addicts (with estimates ranging from 20,000 to lO0,OOO) and cost in stolen merchandise, disrupted family life, and individual deterioration. Hepatitis, tetanus, bacterial endocarditis, septic abscesses and inadvertent overdosage of drugs are frequent sequelae of the addiction process. In addition to these concurrent morbid conditions, there were over 350 deaths in New York City in 1966 from the direct effects of addiction. Many types of addiction control programs are presently in operation providing such services as hospital detoxification, social and psychiatric service, job counseling, and preventive education. The State of New York, under the newly established Narcotics Control Commission, and the City of New York, under the Office of the Narcotics Coordinator, are presently developing broad-based programs involving widely varied treatment services and research approaches. In order to plan these programs and coordinate the activities of the many public and private agencies working in the field, certain minimum data requirements have emerged as essential. They include accurate incidence and prevalence information, and an accurate description of the demographic and social composition of the abuser population.
Effects of preoptic lesions on heat-escape responding and colonic temperature in the rat

Abstract Rats trained to bar-press to escape heat were found to increase their response rates and to show increments in both pre- and post-session colonic temperature levels after bilateral lesions were made in the “heat loss center”. The results are consistent with the thesis that rats with preoptic damage show disturbed physiological thermoregulation but generally retain enough behavioral thermoregulatory capacity to avoid death by hyperthermia. The post-operative behavioral thermoregulation, however, is not adequate to enable animals with preoptic lesions to hold their body temperatures at previous levels.
On the nonlinear theory of rods

Abstract The kinematics, balance laws, and constitutive theory are given for a general nonlinear theory of rods. Special attention is devoted to thermoelasticity, constrained motions, problems, and comparison with other theories.
The pathway of MAP kinase mediation of CSF arrest in Xenopus oocytes

A cytoplasmic activity in mature oocytes responsible for second meiotic metaphase arrest was identified over 30 years ago in amphibian oocytes. In Xenopus oocytes CSF activity is initiated by the progesterone-dependent synthesis of Mos, a MAPK kinase kinase, which activates the MAPK pathway. CSF arrest is mediated by a sole MAPK target, the protein kinase p90Rsk which leads to inhibition of cyclin B degradation by the anaphase-promoting complex. Rsk phosphorylates and activates the Bub1 protein kinase, which may cause metaphase arrest due to inhibition of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) by a conserved mechanism defined genetically in yeast and mammalian cells. CSF arrest in vertebrate oocytes by p90Rsk provides a potential link between the MAPK pathway and the spindle assembly checkpoint in the cell cycle.
Contrasting Functional Performance of Juvenile Salmon Habitat in Recovering Wetlands of the Salmon River Estuary, Oregon, U.S.A.

For an estuarine restoration project to be successful it must reverse anthropogenic effects and restore lost ecosystem functions. Restoration projects that aim to rehabilitate endangered species populations make project success even more important, because if misjudged damage to already weakened populations may result. Determining project success depends on our ability to assess the functional state or performance and the trajectory of ecosystem development. Mature system structure is often the desired end point of restoration and is assumed to provide maximum benefit for target species; however, few studies have measured linkages between structure and function and possible benefits available from early recovery stages. The Salmon River estuary, Oregon, U.S.A., offers a unique opportunity to simultaneously evaluate several estuarine restoration projects and the response of the marsh community while making comparisons with a concurring undiked portion of the estuary. Dikes installed in three locations in the estuary during the early 1960s were removed in 1978, 1987, and 1996, creating a space-for-time substitution chronosequence. Analysis of the marsh community responses enables us to use the development state of the three recovering marshes to determine a trajectory of estuarine recovery over 23 years and to make comparisons with a reference marsh. We assessed the rate and pattern of juvenile salmon habitat development in terms of fish density, available prey resources, and diet composition of wild juvenile Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (chinook salmon). Results from the outmigration of 1998 and 1999 show differences in fish densities, prey resources, and diet composition among the four sites. Peaks in chinook salmon densities were greatest in the reference site in 1998 and in the youngest (1996) site in 1999. The 1996 marsh had higher densities of chironomids (insects; average 864/m 2 ) and lower densities of amphipods (crustaceans; average 8/m 3 ) when compared with the other sites. Fauna differences were reflected in the diets of juvenile chinook with those occupying the 1978 and 1996 marshes based on insects (especially chironomids), whereas those from the 1987 and reference marshes were based on crustaceans (especially amphipods). Tracking the development of recovering emergent marsh ecosystems in the Salmon River estuary reveals significant fish and invertebrate response in the first 2 to 3 years after marsh restoration. This pulse of productivity in newly restored systems is part of the trajectory of development and indicates some level of early functionality and the efficacy of restoring estuarine marshes for juvenile salmon habitat. However, to truly know the benefits consumers experience in recovering systems requires further analysis that we will present in forthcoming publications.
Multi-terminal function multicasting in undirected graphs

In the function computation problem, certain nodes of an undirected graph have access to independent data, while certain other nodes of the graph require certain functions of the data; this model, motivated by sensor networks and cloud computing, is the focus of this paper. We study the maximum rates at which the function computation is possible on a capacitated graph. We consider a general model of function computation, which we term as multi-session function multicasting. In this general model, there are K independent sessions sharing the communication infrastructure; in each session, a set of D destinations all want the same function of a group of S sources. This traffic model generalizes various well known traffic models like the classical model of function computation (K = 1, D = 1), multiple-unicasting (S = 1, D = 1) and multicasting (K = 1, S = 1). For this general model, we propose a simple achievable strategy in which the function is computed for each session using Steiner trees at a specific destination and then distributed to the other destinations also using Steiner trees. Thus, in our proposed strategy, Steiner trees play the dual role of computation trees and also that of multicasting trees. Our main result is that this achievable strategy is near optimal for multi-session function multicasting of a wide class of functions in undirected graphs. The key technical contribution involves relating algorithmic work on Steiner cuts in undirected graphs to the function computation problem.
Seismic Response Analysis of Tower-Foundation-Soil Dynamic Interaction in Transmission Line Engineering

Considering the contact effect between foundation and soil, the dynamic interaction model of tower-foundation-soil coupled system is set up with visco-elastic artificial boundary as the soil boundary. The seismic time history response of a tower-foundation-soil system under three different site conditions is calculated, and compared with the results that do not consider the effect of tower-foundation-soil dynamic interaction. It shows that the displacement of tower and the axial stress of the members substantially increased on soft sites and medium soft sites while no significant change on medium hard sites and hard sites when tower-foundation-soil dynamic interaction is considered. Therefore, it is suggested that the tower-foundation-soil dynamic interaction should be considered in aseismic design of transmission tower on soft sites and medium soft sites.
Quantitative and graphic analysis of prosthetic treatment for “nasalance” in speech

Abstract A measurement-oriented prosthetic management program is described, and treatment results from 36 patients are presented. Sequential measurements of “nasalance” were used to help define the pretreatment speech status of each patient, to identify specific results obtained, to modify the prosthesis by use of definitive information, and to help isolate and overcome speech problems met in assisting the patient to gain full benefit from the prosthesis. Differences among patients with different types of problems are cited, and an attempt is made to account for some of the variations in the results obtained. Specific attention is given to regression in “nasalance” following the initial use of prostheses by patients with congenital palatopharyngeal insufficiencies.
Computational studies of hard-body and 3-D effects in plume flows

Axisymmetric and three-dimensional, multi-nozzle plume flows around generic rocket geometries are investigated with a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver to study the interactive effects between hard body and the plume. Time-asymptotic, laminar, ideal-gas solutions obtained with a two-factor, flux-split scheme and a diagonal, upwind scheme are presented. Computed solutions to three-dimensional, multi-nozzle problems and single-nozzle, axisymmetric problems demonstrate flow field features including three-dimensionality and hard-body effects. Geometry and three-dimensional effects are shown to be significant in multi-nozzle flows.
Fourth‐order hydrodynamic contribution to the polymer self‐diffusion coefficient

A hydrodynamic scattering treatment of interacting polymer chains is extended to obtain the five-point chain–chain–chain–chain–chain hydrodynamic interaction tensor. The tensor is used to calculate the second-order concentration correction to the self-diffusion coefficient of a polymer in solution. The self-similarity assumption of the hydrodynamic scaling model of polymer dynamics is tested against these calculations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1663–1670, 2004
Discrimination of Variation in a Male Signaling Trait Affects Detection Time in Visual Predators

In many species, expression of elaborate male characteristics likely represents a balance between sexual selection and natural selection via predation, as male traits selected to elicit rapid detection or response on the part of females also increase detection by predators. Predation costs are frequently inferred, but the underlying mechanisms associated with specific traits have rarely been directly explored. Males of the wolf spider Schizocosa ocreata (Araneae: Lycosidae) exhibit a sexually selected signaling trait (dark tufts of bristles) on their forelegs, and are sympatric with a number of visually hunting generalist predators, including cannibalistic conspecifics, that may impact spider survival. Here we use latency of orientation response of the American toad, Bufo americanus (Anura: Bufonidae), to video, ‘virtual’ courting S. ocreata male stimuli as an index of predator detection, and latency of orientation response of female S. ocreata to the same stimuli as an index of conspecific detection. When compared with stimuli representing the population average, elimination of the signal trait had no significant effect on predator detection but did increase latency to orient in conspecifics. Increasing the size of the signal trait had no effect on conspecific detection but did significantly reduce latency to orient for predatory toads. Results clearly indicate that for a courting male spider of a given size and vigor level, variation in the expression of a secondary sexual characteristic alone can incur differential direct costs and benefits by influencing latency of orientation to visual signals by predators and conspecifics.
Stimulus generalization and stimulus discriminability: effects of perphenazine.

The relationship between stimulus generalization and stimulus discriminability, in human Ss, has been investigated at several poinrs along the dimension of visible wavelength (2). This latter study by Kalish was intended as an empirical verification of several predictions which follow from the assumption of an inverse relationship between generalizacion and discrimination. Specifically, this hypothesis proposes that stimulus generalization occurs to the extent to which the organism is unable to discriminate berween a standard stimulus (SS) and ocher similar stimuli (GSs) which are introduced during the test for generalization. One of the predictions derived from this hypothesis is that an asymmetry in gradients should result when the SS and GSs consist of points, along the dimension of visible wavelength, where the discriminability function is sloping. That is, a response conditioned to the SS should be elicited more frequently by those GSs for which discriminability is increasing (coarse discrimination) than by GS for which discriminability is decreasing (fine discriminacion). The asymmetry of the gradients reported by Kalish was not in complete agreement with this hypothesis. In particular, the gradienc around 530 mp was asymmetrical in a direction opposite to that predicted. One purpose of the presenr study was to replicate, in part, the Kalish study; particularly, generalization around 530 mp. Another purpose was to determine the effects of a tranquilizing drug (perphenazine) on the generalization gradients. Seventeen male college studencs participated in this study. All Ss had normal color vision. The apparatus and procedure for eliciring stimulus generalization were, in all essential details, the same as those used by Kalish. The apparatus provided for variations in visible wavelength from 440 to 620 mp in steps of 10 mp. The experimental procedure involved the strengthening of a voluntary response, through verbal instructions, to a SS or reference stimulus prior to the test for generalization. In this study four lighcs, differing in wavelength, were used as SSs, namely: 470, 500, 530, and 580 mCr.Vhe lasc two SSs were the same as those used by Kalish. The same S was tested for generalization on two separate occasions; once 4 hr. after the administration of 20 mg. of perphenazine and once 4 hr. after the administration of a placebo."
Automatic segmentation of breast carcinomas from DCE-MRI using a Statistical Learning Algorithm

Segmenting regions of high angiogenic activity corresponding to malignant tumors from DCE-MRI is a time-consuming task requiring processing of data in 4 dimensions. Quantitative analyses developed thus far are highly sensitive to external factors and are valid only under certain operating assumptions, which need not be valid for breast carcinomas. In this paper, we have developed a novel Statistical Learning Algorithm for Tumor Segmentation (SLATS) for automatically segmenting cancer from a region selected by the user on DCE-MRI. In this preliminary study, SLATS appears to demonstrate high accuracy (78%) and sensitivity (100%) in segmenting cancers from DCE-MRI when compared to segmentations performed by an expert radiologist. This may be a useful tool for delineating tumors for image-guided interventions.
The relationship of school strain to school functioning and self-worth among urban African American early adolescents

Fitting the environment of a school to the developmental needs of early adolescents is particularly important for inner-city African American students who tend to drop out of school in large numbers. The present study examined the person-environment fit in terms of the relation of school strain to self-worth and three indicators of school functioning—scholastic competence, intrinsic motivation, and grade point average—among 102 subjects enrolled in an academic intervention program. Results showed a consistent relation of peer strain to self-worth during the Fall and Spring and strong relations in the Spring of strain associated with teacher relations and school demands to scholastic competence and intrinsic motivation. Furthermore, strain increased during the year, and males experienced greater peer strain than did females. Results are discussed in light of previous research on effective middle schools and the developmental needs of urban African American early adolescents. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Peer Coaching and Technology Integration: An Evaluation of the Microsoft Peer Coaching Program

This article focuses on an evaluation of the Microsoft Peer Coaching (MPC) program in Florida, USA. First, the design of the MPC materials was analyzed using characteristics of exemplary peer coaching and technology integration models. Second, facilitators (n = 14) and coaches (n = 46) who attended the MPC workshops in Florida were surveyed relative to their attitudes towards technology and perceptions of professional development. The coaches (peer mentors) and facilitators (district support personnel) consisted of teachers and district‐level supervisors from several Florida school districts. Third, the facilitators and coaches were interviewed about perceived benefits and limitations of the MPC program. Analysis of the data suggests that the program design is in close alignment with the literature on exemplary peer coaching. However, the process of peer coaching frequently takes precedence over technology integration. Most of the coaches and facilitators who attended the workshops were enthusiastic about...
System simulation on system dynamics

This paper present an exegesis of Forrester's system dynamics using conventional mathematical concepts and briefly reviews its advantages and disadvantages. First, Solow's well-known economic growth model is translated into Forrester's language. Next, the general mathematical structure of all Forrester-type models is spelled out. Three constructive suggestions are made for augmenting the methodology. These involve improved numerical integration methods, numerical control theory techniques and a parameter saving, flexible class of smooth functions for representing nonlinear relationships. Then the best known of the Forrester-type models, World 2, is discussed brieflv from the point of view developed here.