cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The cosmic lottery

One version of the argument for design relies on the assumption that the apparent fine-tuning of the universe for the existence of life requires an explanation. I argue that the assumption is false. Philosophers who argue for the assumption usually appeal to analogies, such as the one in which a person was to draw a particular straw among a very large number of straws in order not to be killed. Philosophers on the other side appeal to analogies like the case of winning a lottery. I analyze the two analogies and explain why the lottery analogy is the right one to use. In the light of such an analysis, we can see that although the cosmic feature of being life-permitting is rare, it does not allow life-permitting possible universes to stand out because there are other rare cosmic features that other possible universes have.
Characteristics of Optical Guided Modes in Lossy Waveguides

A number of analysis techniques aimed at determining the characteristics of optical guided waves propagating in lossy structures are examined. The exact theory is used as a guide to assess the validity of several approximate methods based on two basic approaches: (a) geometrical optics and (b) perturbation calculations. The limitations of the conventional perturbation techniques are specified. We present a generalized procedure that permits an accurate description of metal boundaries at optical frequencies. In this case, TM modes differ from their TE counterparts by a field buildup near conducting walls and by the existence of an additional surface plasma mode. The dependence of attenuation coefficients on film thickness and mode order are discussed. The use of low-index dielectric buffers to reduce ohmic losses is considered. It is found that, with increasing buffer thickness, TM(N) modes undergo a continuous transformation to become TM(N+1).
Negative Affectivity and Educational Attainment as Predictors of Newlyweds’ Problem Solving Communication and Marital Quality

This investigation examines the role of negative affectivity and educational attainment in newlywed couples' mutual problem solving and marital quality (i.e., personal commitment and divorce proneness). The vulnerability-stress-adaptation (VSA) model of marital development was used as a framework to explain the relationships between enduring vulnerabilities, adaptive processes, and marital quality. Dyadic analyses and tests of indirect effects were performed on data from 186 couples who had been married on average for 1.5 years. Spouses' negative affectivity and educational attainment were significantly associated with their own and their partner's mutual problem solving, personal commitment, and propensity to divorce. In addition, there was evidence supporting the assumption that the relationships between enduring vulnerabilities and marital quality can be explained, in part, by mutual problem solving for husbands. This study highlights the important role that enduring vulnerabilities have on mutual problem solving communication and marital quality.
Assessment and Evaluation Protocol For Surgical Treatment of Impotence

In the past ten years, significant advances have been made in the treatment of male sexual impotence, both psychotherapeutically and surgically. Awareness of these advances has produced conomitant demands for effective application of these methods to a growing number of candidates. A valuable contribution to this effort is the use of an appropriate package of psychological assessment instruments. The rationales for such a package are diagnostic, prognostic, rehabilitative, and evalauative. In addition, it can help to generate some valuable research data on the nature of male sexual function and dysfunction. Psychological assessment is an established part of psychotherapeutic and behavioral approaches to the treatment of erectile failure.1,2 Recently, it has also been acknowledged as an important factor in surgical intervention3,4 and an important adjunct to physiological measurement of erectile capacity.5,4
New photosensitizers based upon [FeII(L)2(CN)2] and [FeIIL3], where L is substituted 2,2′-bipyridine

Abstract Ultrafast electron transfer in the dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has made it possible to use iron(II) polypyridyl complexes as photosensitizers [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 120 (1998) 843]. Although ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes comprise an extensively studied and widely utilized photochemical system, comparatively little is known about the photoproperties of their iron analogues. The syntheses and solution properties of the complexes [Fe II (L) 2 (CN) 2 ] and [Fe II L 3 ] for a series of L, where L is a 2,2′-bipyridine derivative, are presented here. We compare the solvatochromism of [Fe II (4,4′-dicarboxylic acid-2,2′-bipyridine) 2 (CN) 2 ] to [Fe II (4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) 2 (CN) 2 ] and discuss general trends in the electrochemistry and absorption properties within the series. The solvatochromism of these complexes is discussed in terms of their use in a dye sensitized TiO 2 solar cell.
The objectives of fundamental speech courses

(1943). The objectives of fundamental speech courses. The Southern Speech Journal: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 15-16.
The Meiosis-Specific Hop2 Protein of S. cerevisiae Ensures Synapsis between Homologous Chromosomes

The hop2 mutant of S. cerevisiae displays a novel phenotype: meiotic chromosomes form nearly wild-type amounts of synaptonemal complex, but most chromosomes are engaged in synapsis with nonhomologous partners. The meiosis-specific Hop2 protein localizes to chromosomes prior to and during synapsis and in the absence of the double-strand breaks that initiate recombination. hop2 strains sustain a wild-type level of meiotic double-strand breaks, but these breaks remain unrepaired. The hop2 mutant arrests at the pachytene stage of meiotic prophase with the RecA-like protein Dmc1 located at numerous sites along synapsed chromosomes. We propose that the Hop2 protein functions to prevent synapsis between nonhomologous chromosomes.
Role Taking, Self-Monitoring, and the Alignment of Conduct with Others

Snyder's original theory of self-monitoring implies that high self-monitors use role taking to control their expressive behavior and to align their conduct with others. But the evidence for this is mixed; it is not clear what kind of social cognition is associated with the alignment strategies used by high and low self-monitors. This issue is explored here by examining the relationships between self-monitoring and role-taking accuracy and propensity. High self-monitoring is found to be negatively correlated with role-taking propensity. This relationship is strongest for those who score high on the Other-Directedness factor of the Self Monitoring Scale. Scores on the Public Performing factor are found to be positively correlated with role-taking accuracy, whereas scores on the Other-Directedness factor are not. It is therefore suggested that some high self-monitors rely on imagery or behavioral scripts rather than role taking to align their conduct with others.
"Classical" neuroendocrine peptide hormones produced by cells of the immune system.

Cells of the immune system are shown to produce peptide hormones whose production was once thought to be restricted to neuroendocrine tissue. Interestingly, in some cases, very specific stimuli elicit the production of one species of neuropeptide hormone. In other instances, it appears that some peptide hormones are constitutively produced. In either situation, the various immunocyte-derived hormones have biological activity in endocrinological assays. In the present report, a review of the various neuroendocrine hormones produced by cells of the immune system is discussed.
Tetraspanin CD9 regulates β1 integrin activation and enhances cell motility to fibronectin via a PI-3 kinase-dependent pathway

Abstract Tetraspanin CD9 regulates cell motility and other adhesive processes in a variety of tissue types. Using transfected Chinese Hamster Ovary cells as our model system, we examined the cellular pathways critical for CD9 promoted cell migration. α5β1 integrin was directly involved as CD9 enhanced migration was abolished by the α5β1 blocking antibody PB1. Furthermore, the ligand mimetic peptide RGDS, significantly upregulated the expression of a β1 ligand induced binding site (LIBS) demonstrating for the first time that CD9 expression potentiates β1 integrin high affinity conformation states. CD9 promoted cell motility was significantly blocked by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, whereas inhibitors targeting protein kinase C or mitogen-activated protein kinase had no effect. PI-3K dominant/negative cDNA transfections confirmed that PI-3K was an essential component. CD9 enhanced the phosphorylation of the PI-3K substrate, Akt, in response to cell adhesion on FN. CD9 expression also upregulated p130Cas phosphorylation and total protein levels; however, p130Cas siRNA knockdown did not alter the motile phenotype. CD9 enhanced migration was also unaffected by serum deprivation suggesting that growth factors were not critical. Our studies demonstrate that CD9 upregulates β1 LIBS, and in concert with α5β1, enhances cell motility to FN via a PI-3K dependent mechanism.
The interaction of rate and complexity of stimulus on the performance of adult aphasic subjects

Abstract A need for increased processing of auditory stimuli has been emphasized as a characteristic of aphasic patients. Clinical test performance of aphasics on tasks requiring various levels of communicative abilities was affected by rate of stimulus presentation. Stimuli were subtests of the Minnesota Test for Differential Diagnosis of Aphasia (MTDDA) presented at normal and slowed rates to aphasics grouped according to performance on the Porch Index of Communicative Abilities (PICA) . Effect of rate on performance was influenced by severity of the disorder and complexity of the task required. Implications involve the clinician's attention to rate, presentation, and control of complexity of material.
Evaluating Recycled Asphalt Pavement Mixtures with Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide Level 3 Analysis

The main objective of this study is to assess the sensitivity of the predicted performance of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) mixtures to the assumed binder grade. That is achieved with the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) software to predict the performance of a specific flexible pavement structure with a RAP-modified hot-mix asphalt surface layer. Different design runs are conducted for which all the pavement properties and conditions are held constant except the properties of the surface layer. Specifically, a near-full factorial experiment is performed in which RAP content and effective binder PG grade are the main variables. Comparison of the predicted performance of the various runs reveals important findings on the extent and manner in which those two properties affect pavement distresses and performance. The influence of the assumed PG binder grade on the RAP mixtures, particularly the high-temperature grade, has a significant effect on the predicted amount of thermal cracking a...
Magnetic source imaging demonstrates altered cortical distribution of function in patients with arteriovenous malformations.

OBJECTIVE: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can be treated successfully, but treatment can pose unacceptable risks if the AVM is located in eloquent cortex. Because AVMs are developmental lesions, the location of primary cortical function may be deranged. We used magnetic source imaging (MSI) to identify the central suicus and to determine whether primary cortical function was shifted in a set of 30 patients. We correlated these findings with outcome after treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 30 patients with AVMs who underwent MSI. Nonparametric statistical comparisons were made to correlate the proximity of AVMs to primary cortex and somatosensory shift to outcome at 12 months. RESULTS: Using MSI, 14 patients (47%) were found to have AVMs involving primary cortex, and 10 patients (33%) were found to have shift in the Somatosensory homunculus. Primary cortical involvement was neither required nor sufficient to cause shift (Mann-Whitney U test, z = -0.02, P = 0.31). Patients with AVMs involving primary cortex fared worse after treatment than did patients with AVMs that spared primary cortex (Mann-Whitney U test, z = -2.3, P = 0.02). The presence or absence of shift did not correlate with outcome after treatment (Mann-Whitney U test, 2 = -0.18, P = 0.48). CONCLUSION: MSI showed that some patients with AVMs have abnormal cortical distribution of function. The involvement of primary cortex correlated with worse outcome after treatment. Our results suggest that preoperative functional imaging may help to better estimate treatment risks and ultimately to guide therapeutic planning.
Psychiatric presentations of cancer

Abstract Cancers that most frequently present with psychiatric symptoms include brain tumors, pancreatic carcinoma, tumors of endocrine organs, and hormone-producing tumors. Symptom complexes that should alert physicians to possible underlying carcinoma are depression with weight loss greater than 20 pounds, no past or family history of depression, and an atypical age at onset.
Measurement of Losses in Noise-Matching Networks

The noise contribution of an input-matching network to a low-noise amplifier is equal to the inverse of the network's available gain. The available gain of various networks at 4 GHz was computed from high-accuracy S-parameter measurements. The available gain of a typical tuner was experimentally found to be a strong function of its tuning, which shows that "back-to-back" measurements of two tuners to obtain the loss of each tuner can be inaccurate. Measurement of the available gain of an amplifier's input-matching circuit is shown to give quick insight into its minimum noise contribution before the actual amplifier stage is built.
Irrigation rates and handpieces used in prosthodontic and operative dentistry: results of a survey of North American dental school teaching.

Purpose A data baseline on dental cutting methodologies was established by means of a survey of North American dental school teaching. Materials and Methods Sixty-four North American dental schools were surveyed regarding their recommendations on handpiece usage and coolant flow rates in fixed prosthodontics and operative dentistry. Results High-speed handpieces were the instruments of choice for tooth preparation in fixed prosthodontics. In operative procedures, recommendations for sole use of the high-speed, the low-speed, or both handpiece types were more uniform. Conclusions North American dental schools advocate greater use of high-speed than low-speed handpieces. Although the use of high-speed handpieces predominate in schools in Canada and Puerto Rico, there is a proportionately higher use of low-speed handpieces than in US dental schools. Few (approximately 1 in 5) schools made recommendations on coolant flow rates during cutting procedures.
An evaluation of resident training in breast procedures.

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to determine if senior residents are participating in advanced level breast cases. Methods: A retrospective review of 1,583 breast procedures on 1,213 patients over 2 years was performed. Each case was evaluated for the type of case: (1) junior level (PGY 1 and 2)—core needle biopsy, fine needle aspirate, excisional biopsy, needle localized biopsy, lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, and simple mastectomy; and (2) senior level—stereotactic breast biopsy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, axillary dissection, and modified radical mastectomy. All cases were reviewed for level of resident involved. Results: Overall, seniors performed 31% of the cases, junior residents performed 42%, and 27% were unattended by any resident. Senior level breast cases were specifically examined to compare whether a senior or junior was present. Overall, 891 defined senior cases were performed. A senior level resident attended 34% of these, leaving 66% covered by junior residents or uncovered altogether. Conclusions: It is clear when evaluating breast procedures that senior residents are less involved than junior residents. Furthermore, the fact that many of the reported cases (28%) and, more significantly, senior level cases (26%) have no resident involved leads us to conclude that senior level residents are not taking advantage of the opportunity to gain experience in performing advanced level breast procedures in our surgical program.
Impact of fairness, leadership, and coping on strain, burnout, and turnover in organizational change.

Procedural justice, supervisory style, and personal coping measures were obtained from 103 workers from two units of a nationwide engineering firm during and six months after a time-limited, company-wide computer system change. The two units employed significantly differing procedural justice approaches. Lower procedural justice was predictive of higher burnout, strain, and turnover. The patterns of relationship were somewhat different for burnout and strain, implying that these two affective responses to change might be viewed as distinct from one another. Higher strain was predictive of turnover above and beyond contributions of procedural justice, supervision, and coping, but burnout was not. Implications for application and further research are discussed based on the research findings.
Modular Segregation of Functional Cell Classes Within the Postcentral Somatosensory Cortex of Monkeys

The distribution of two functionally distinct cell types, presumably related to slowly and rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors in the skin, was explored within the representation of the glabrous hand in area 3b of the somatosensory cortex of monkeys. The two cell classes lie in relatively segregated alternating anteroposterior bands within the middle layers of the cortex.
Dysfunction of Endocytic Kinase AAK1 in ALS

Mechanisms of human mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)-induced toxicity in causing the familial form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remain elusive. Identification of new proteins that can selectively interact with mutant SOD1s and investigation of their potential roles in ALS are important to discover new pathways that are involved in disease pathology. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we identified the adaptor-associated kinase 1 (AAK1), a regulatory protein in clathrin-coated vesicle endocytic pathway that selectively interacted with the mutant but not the wild-type SOD1. Using both transgenic mouse and rat SOD1-linked familial ALS (FALS) models, we found that AAK1 was partially colocalized with the endosomal and presynaptic protein markers under the normal physiological condition, but was mislocated into aggregates that contained mutant SOD1s and the neurofilament proteins in rodent models of ALS in disease. AAK1 protein levels were also decreased in ALS patients. These results suggest that dysfunction of a component in the endosomal and synaptic vesicle recycling pathway is involved in ALS pathology.
Adversarial Sexual Attitudes Toward Women: The Relationships with Gender and Traditionalism

This investigation examines gender differences in adversarial attitudes toward women and their relationships with traditionalism and age. The sample participated in an online survey, collected at a large university in the west. The sample consisted of 777 individuals, 342 men and 375 women, with a mean age 22.22. Findings indicate that men significantly endorse rape myth acceptance, adversarial sexual beliefs and acceptance of interpersonal violence more than women. In addition, men are significantly more traditional in their gender role beliefs than women and age is significantly related to rape myth acceptance and acceptance of interpersonal violence. Within gender, men’s acceptance of all criterion variables increased with age whereas women’s acceptance of interpersonal violence increased with age. Findings also indicate more disparate incomes between the genders in lower income brackets, but more alignment in higher brackets. Implications are discussed in the context of theoretical considerations.
Interactive Effects between 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-Hexachlorobiphenyl in Female B6C3F1 Mice: Tissue Distribution and Tissue-Specific Enzyme Induction

The distribution of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) was studied in female B6C3F1 mice. Single doses of TCDD alone (0, 0.1, 1, or 10 micrograms [3H]TCDD/kg), PCB 153 alone (0, 3.58, 35.8, or 358 mg [14C]PCB 153/kg), and all possible combinations of these doses were administered in corn oil, po. At 7 days after dosing, 11 different tissues were analyzed for radioactivity. When TCDD was administered alone, TCDD-derived radioactivity distributed to all tissues in a dose-dependent manner, increasing with dose in the liver, while decreasing (as a percentage of the administered dose) in all other tissues. When PCB 153 was administered alone, the PCB 153 concentration was dose-dependently (percentage of dose) decreased in liver, skin, lung, adrenals, kidney, and blood; no dosimetric effects were observed in the other organs. Coadministration of low doses of both TCDD and PCB 153 resulted in little or no effect on the distribution of either compound. Interactive effects occurred in the pharmacokinetic behavior of both compounds only at higher doses. For example, the amount of TCDD in the liver was increased by 358 mg PCB 153/kg. In most other organs administration of PCB 153 resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the TCDD content. Coadministration of PCB 153 with 10 micrograms TCDD/kg increased PCB 153 in the liver, but not in other tissues. These results clearly demonstrate that interactive effects on pharmacokinetic behavior occur only at high doses.
Fission track annealing and correction procedures for oceanic basalt glasses

Abstract Most published and unpublished fission track ages for glasses from oceanic basalts are low relative to age estimates from geologic evidence. Experiments reported here strongly suggest that this results from track annealing at ambient sea-floor temperatures. Four Deep Sea Drilling Project basalts exhibiting this effect were subjected to two independent correction procedures in an attempt to determine their true crystallization times. In all cases larger ages resulted, but dates by the two methods are not generally concordant and do not always agree with the estimated sea-floor age.
Quantitative assessment of recruitment efforts for prevention trials in two diverse black populations.

Background. Prevention efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality disparity between blacks and whites in the United States present a national health priority. However, participation of blacks in prevention trials has been low. The present study reports successful recruitment processes from two economically diverse black populations. Methods. The two studies were independent projects, but both were part of a nationally funded collaboration on cardiovascular health. “Hip Hop to Health” is a 4-year randomized controlled trial aimed at dietary fat reduction and increased exercise among inner-city black families. The Fat Reduction Intervention Trial in African-Americans project is a 5-year trial to reduce total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake among black families from a working class community. Results. The two populations differed on demographic characteristics. Direct presentation was the most effective recruitment strategy in the “Hip Hop to Health” program. In contrast, telephone recruitment and neighborhood canvassing were the more successful strategies for FRITAA. Conclusions. Although both populations were black and at comparable cardiovascular disease risk, the differing demographics between the groups made different recruitment strategies necessary. This study documented the labor-intensive quality of successful recruitment, and results suggest that successful recruitment requires strategies tailored to the needs, experiences, and environment of the target group.
Resistance to medical therapy of gastric ulcers in rheumatic disease patients taking aspirin. A double-blind study with cimetidine and follow-up.

Little is known about healing or recurrence of aspirin-induced gastric ulcers if aspirin intake is continued. A double-blind controlled study compared cimetidine plus antacids as needed (prn) with placebo plus prn antacids in healing aspirin-associated gastric ulcers during continued salicylate ingestion in 18 rheumatic disease patients over a 2-month period. Healing occurred in 44% of the placebo and 56% of the cimetidine-treated patients (P>0.05). Subjects in both groups ingested potentially therapeutic doses of antacid. Ulcer size had an effect on healing rate, irrespective of treatment. Ninety percent of gastric ulcers 0.5 cm. Six of seven patients with unhealed ulcers at 2 months eventually healed medically at intervals of 6–26 months. Of 11 patients managed medically and followed endoscopically for a mean of 15 months after healing, only one had a recurrent ulcer. In conclusion, placebo and antacid therapy were as effective as cimetidine and antacids in healing ulcers over a 2-month period. In spite of continued aspirin intake, most benign gastric ulcers <0.5 cm in diameter heal medically in two months. Aspirin-induced ulcers≥1 cm in diameter are relatively resistant to therapy but can be healed with prolonged cimetidine and antacid treatment; once healed, recurrence rate is low with prophylactic therapy even with continued aspirin intake.
Regional Trade Patterns: The Impact of Voluntary Food Safety Standards

Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) are aimed at reducing farm level microbial contamination of fresh produce and include both fixed and variable cost components. We empirically analyze three scenarios of voluntary food safety practice adoption and third-party certification in the North American fresh strawberry market using a spatial equilibrium model. The model incorporates GAPs adoption across production regions and across farm size. Transportation and product shrinkage, which are critical factors in inter-regional trade of perishable products, are also included. Regional trade pattern impacts are assessed and used to draw inferences for pressure on market structure. Results indicate that competitive pressures are greatest on those regions with mid-size volumes that are not able to take advantage of close market proximity, yet still must absorb additional costs. This suggests that adoption of food safety practices, even if voluntary, is likely to accelerate what is already a bi-modal structure for this industry. Les bonnes pratiques agricoles (BPA) visent a reduire la contamination microbienne des produits frais a la ferme et comprennent des couts fixes et des couts variables. Nous avons effectue, a l'aide d'un modele d'equilibre spatial, l'analyse empirique de trois scenarios d'adoption volontaire de pratiques de securite alimentaire et de certification par un tiers dans le marche nord-americain des fraises fraiches. Le modele integre l'adoption de BPA dans toutes les regions productrices et les fermes de toute taille. Le transport et le fletrissement, qui constituent des facteurs critiques dans le commerce interregional des denrees perissables, ont aussi ete inclus. Nous avons evalue les repercussions de la structure de commerce regional et les avons utilisees pour tirer des conclusions sur la pression exercee sur la structure de marche. Les resultats ont indique que les pressions concurrentielles etaient plus importantes sur les regions qui produisent des volumes moyens, qui ne peuvent tirer profit des marches de proximite, mais qui doivent pourtant absorber des couts additionnels. Ces resultats autorisent a penser que l'adoption, meme volontaire, de pratiques de securite alimentaire contribuera probablement a accelerer ce que est deja une structure bimodale de l'industrie.
748 Trimetrexate (TMTX) modulation of 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) for advanced colorectal cancer

TMTX is a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor which has been shown to potentiate FU cytotoxicity by increasing PRPP levels. Unlike methotrexate, TMTX does not compete with LV for cellular uptake and metabolism. In in vitro studies, TMTX enhances the cytotoxicity of FU/LV. Conti, et al. (J Clin Oncol12:695; 1994) have reported a 20% PR rate in patients previously treated with 5-FU chemotherapy when TMTX was combined with FU/LV. In the current phase II trial, this regimen was evaluated in previously untreated patients with advanced colorectal cancer. TMTX, 110 mg/m2 IV was administered 24 hours prior to leucovorin, 200 mg/m2 IV and 5-FU, 500 mg/m2 IV, fullowed by oral leucovorin, 15 mg q6hx7. Treatment was repeated weekly × 6 followed by 2 weeks rest. Accrual to this study has now been completed with 39 patients treated Eleven are currently evaluable for response; objective responses have been achieved in 8 patients (78%) with 1 CR. The regimen has been generally well tolerated Side effects include diarrhea and nausea/vomiting. This study will serve as the basis fur a phase III trial of this regimen.
Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Community Initiatives

The 2015 White House Conference on Aging identifies “creating and supporting communities that are age-friendly” as an important way to support health, vigor, and aging in place in the community. To continue to help translate this promising idea into effective action, this article seeks to summarize research, practice, and policy on community initiatives from the field of aging and beyond. It addresses questions regarding the ways in which communities can affect healthy aging, what age-friendly community initiatives (AFCIs) are, and an overview of past and potential efforts within the U.S. government to support community change processes on behalf of our rapidly aging society.
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Gang Involvement among Urban African American Adolescents

Data from 349 urban African American youth were analyzed to explore whether the differences in exposure to violence, resilience, and distress symptoms between gang members and nonmembers resulted from the risk behaviors in which youth participated or from the gang membership itself. Youth with current or past gang membership documented higher levels of risk involvement, lower levels of resilience, higher exposure to violence, and higher distress symptoms. These associations persisted even after controlling for age, gender, or risk involvement. This study provides evidence that gang membership itself may be associated with increased risk and ill-effects on psychological well-being and that strong family involvement and resiliency protect against gang involvement.
Comment on Lopes-Virella et al. Baseline markers of inflammation are associated with progression to macroalbuminuria in type 1 diabetic subjects. Diabetes care 2013;36:2317-2323.

Lopes-Virella et al. (1) recently reported on a substudy of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and claimed that in addition to the soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFR)-1 and -2, a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction, soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) is also a predictor for macroalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The data on TNFR-1 and -2 confirm previous work from the Joslin group with respect to prediction of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (2). However, the interpretation of the data with respect to biomarkers of endothelial function is of great concern. In this study, four biomarkers of endothelial function were reported, two specific (sE-selectin and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 [sVCAM-1]) and two less specific (soluble intracellular adhesion …
A study of the electrophysiological properties of the incurrent siphonal valve muscle of the surf clam, Spisula solidissima

Abstract 1. The incurrent siphonal valve muscle of Spisula solidissima is polyneuronally innervated, the synaptic contacts being localized near the entrance of the associated nerve branch. 2. Tactile stimulation can elicit from the muscle twitch responses, as well as graded increases in tension. The graded responses seem to be due to an asynchrony of motorneuron activation. 3. Muscle action potentials arise from summation of EJPs generated in response to tactile stimulation of the siphons or mantle margin. 4. Action potentials recorded from single muscle fibers in a localized region of the muscle seem not to be actively conducted.
Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation of the liver in proximity to major vasculature: effect of the Pringle maneuver.

Background and Objectives The Pringle maneuver has been shown to increase ablation size during radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Efficacy of laparoscopic Pringle in proximity to major vasculature has not been well described. Laparoscopic RFA was performed in proximity to major hepatic vessels to examine effects of the Pringle on ablation size and vascular damage. Methods Laparoscopic RFA was performed in 10 pigs. Each underwent ablation of a peripheral site, and sites adjacent to the portal and hepatic veins. Ultrasound was used to position the RFA adjacent to vascular structures. US flow characteristics verified occlusion of blood flow. Five pigs underwent laparoscopic RFA with Pringle and five underwent laparoscopic RFA alone. Animals were then sacrificed for gross and microscopic evaluation. Results Peripheral, hepatic, and portal vein ablations showed no significant differences in volume between non-Pringle and Pringle lesions, though the median ablation volume for the peripheral site in the Pringle group was approximately twice that of the non-Pringle group. Pringle group overall median time to target temperature was significantly shorter (P = 0.047). Histologic examination revealed no evidence of endothelial damage or thermal-induced intravascular thrombosis of the hepatic or portal veins. Conclusions Laparoscopic RFA with Pringle in proximity to major vascular structures does not significantly increase ablation size, or cause acute vascular damage. Further studies are necessary to determine the utility of the Pringle in proximity to major intrahepatic blood vessels. J. Surg. Oncol. 2003;83:36–41. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Surface Energy Balance-Based Model for Estimating Evapotranspiration Taking into Account Spatial Variability in Weather

Reliable estimates of evapotranspiration (ET) from vegetation are needed for many types of water-resource investigations. How well models can estimate ET from vegetation varies, depending on the capabilities of the model as well as the nature of the targeted vegetation. Model accuracy also depends heavily on the quality and quantity of the data used. Several ET models have been developed that use an energy balance approach in which the data used by the models are derived from satellite imagery. This research introduces an enhanced surface energy balance-based model, the remote sensing of evapotranspiration or ReSET model, for estimating ET. ReSET is an ET estimation model that takes into consideration the spatial variability in weather parameters, which makes it particularly applicable for calculating regional scale ET. ReSET also has the capability of interpolating between the available weather stations in time and space. The model's accuracy at daily and seasonal time scales is evaluated in several case studies.
Potato seed piece treatment in Washington

Although a slight amount of seed piece decay occurred, blackleg did not develop, and yield was not reduced in trials with untreated seed pieces of Norgold Russet and Russet Burbank in 1968 and 1969. Chemical seed piece treatments reduced seed piece decay, but did not increase yield. Storing untreated cut seed of these two varieties up to 5 days at 50–90 F (10–32C) and 35–86% relative humidities with adequate ventilation did not affect seed piece decay, blackleg, or yield.
1H and 15N resonance assignments and secondary structure of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein with and without bound ligand

Sequence-specific assignments for the 1H and 15N backbone resonances of cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP), with and without the bound ligand, have been obtained. Most of the side-chain resonances of both apo- and holo-CRABP have also been assigned. The assignments have been obtained using two-dimensional homonuclear and heteronuclear NMR data, and three-dimensional 1H-15N TOCSY-HMQC and NOESY-HMQC experiments. The secondary structure, deduced from nuclear Overhauser effects, amide H/D exchange rates and Hα chemical shifts, is analogous in both forms of the protein and is completely consistent with a model of CRABP that had been constructed by homology with the crystal structure of myelin P2 protein [Zhang et al. (1992) Protein Struct. Funct. Genet., 13, 87–99]. This model comprises two five-stranded β-sheets that form a sandwich or β-clam structure, and a short N-terminal helix-turn-helix motif that closes the binding cavity between the two sheets. Comparison of the data obtained for apo- and holo-CRABP indicates that a region around the C-terminus of the second helix is much more flexible in the apo-protein. Our data provide experimental evidence for the hypothesis that the ligand-binding mechanism of CRABP, and of other homologous proteins that bind hydrophobic ligands in the cytoplasm, involves opening of a portal to allow entry of the ligand into the cavity.
Alveolar cell hyperplasia in the lungs of smoking dogs.

Abstract Hyperplasia of bronchiolar epithelium was observed in the lung parenchyma of 14 smoking dogs. Besides the increased number of cell layers in the bronchiolar epithelium, there was a virtual absence of glycogen in the cell cytoplasm. Sheetlike arrangements of squamous cells containing an abundance of tonofilament bundles were found lining alveoli. Type II cells were found adjacent to, and sometimes extending over the squamous cells. In all cases, a proliferation of type II cells was found in the alveolar epithelium, almost completely lining some alveoli. Acinarlike structures also lined by many type II cells were sometimes found near the pleura. Microinvasions of cytoplasmic processes into the underlying connective tissue often occurred through defects in the basal lamina. In some type II cells an unusual content of RER was observed. It possessed electron dense banding ≈ 180 A wide with a repeat at intervals of ≈ 540 A and was found in narrow cisternae and in bulbous dilatations of the cisternae of the RER. Fibrogranular material of the same appearance and periodicity was also found in the perinuclear space in some cells. Type II cells are further implicated as a reserve cell or stem cell in metaplastic alterations.
Die Lines in Plastics Extrusion: Film Blowing Experiments and Numerical Simulation

Die lines are annoying surface striations that can destroy extrudate aesthetics and compromise product properties. The available literature on die lines has been previously reviewed to explore how die lines arise and how to minimize them. Many factors have been found to influence die line formation. Some techniques are effective in suppressing die lines, mainly discovered through manufacturing experience. Here, we first briefly introduce how to measure and characterize die lines (die line metrology). Film blowing experiments are then conducted to study how various die defects, material properties and operating conditions affect die lines. The empirical relations between die lines and die defects, material properties and operating conditions are explored using dimensionless groups. We also investigate the fluid mechanics in die line formation. The free surface flow of polymer melt leaving the die lips is simulated. The qualitative relations between die defects and die lines are explored. The results are compared with film blowing experiments. Finally, new ways to suppress die lines and prospects for future studies are proposed. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:1811–1827, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Exploiting input cyclostationarity for blind channel identification in OFDM systems

Transmitter-induced cyclostationarity has been explored previously as an alternative to fractional sampling and antenna array methods for blind identification of FIR communication channels. An interesting application of these ideas is in OFDM systems, which induce cyclostationarity due to the cyclic prefix. We develop a novel subspace approach for blind channel identification using cyclic correlations at the OFDM receiver. Even channels with equispaced unit circle zeros are identifiable in the presence of any nonzero length cyclic prefix with adequate block length. Simulations of the proposed channel estimator along with its performance in OFDM systems combined with impulse response shortening and Reed-Solomon coding are presented.
Software estimation using a generic-processor model

Previous work in hardware-software co-design has addressed issues in system modeling, partitioning, and mixed module simulation and integration. Software estimation, which provides software metrics to assist hardware-software partitioning, has not been extensively studied. We present a generic-processor model for estimating execution time and program-memory size of a specification to be executed on a given processor. Experiments have shown that our estimator is fairly accurate and fast when applied to a wide variety of designs. >
Quasimaximum likelihood estimators for two-parameter Gamma distributions

The Gamma probability distribution is defined by the density function [βαΓ(α)]-1 exp (-x/β). This paper presents new estimators for the parameters α-1 and β. Required calculations are simple, primarily involving the inner product of certain elementary statistics and their logarithms. Both of the new estimators are shown to be unbiased. The variance formulas for each and their covariance formula are derived-counterparts of these for the method of moments (MM) and the method of maximum likelihood (ML) not being known except in the asymptotic form. Curve-fitting results from samples of size 50 are provided. They support the proposition that the new quasimaximum likelihood estimators (QML) are at least as effective as MM and ML estimators. Illustrative estimation based on samples of size 5 also is presented for comparison; the results highlight relative smaller variances for the ML estimators. The same Monte Carlo results signal a possibility that significant negative bias occurs with both the MM and ML techniques if small samples are used.
Towards understanding what makes 3D objects appear simple or complex

Humans perceive some objects more complex than others and learning or describing a particular object is directly related to the judged complexity. Towards the goal of understanding why the geometry of some 3D objects appear more complex than others, we conducted a psychophysical study and identified contributing attributes. Our experiments conclude that surface variation, symmetry, part count, simpler part decomposability, intricate details and topology are six significant dimensions that influence 3D visual shape complexity. With that knowledge, we present a method of quantifying complexity and show that the informational aspect of Shannonpsilas theory agrees with the human notion of shape complexity.
Remember/Know judgments in cognitive neuroscience: An illustration of the underrepresented point of view.

The Remember/Know procedure is designed to easily measure two memory processes (recollection and familiarity) that are thought to serve as the basis for recognition memory decisions. This procedure is widely used in both neuroimaging studies and in studies involving amnesic patients in an effort to identify the brain structures that subserve these two memory processes. An alternative interpretation of this procedure, based on signal-detection theory, holds that Remember judgments and Know judgments are not ‘‘process pure’’ and are instead indicative of different degrees of memory strength (e.g., high degrees of recollection and familiarity vs. low degrees of recollection and familiarity, respectively). In the discipline of experimental psychology, the signal-detection view is widely regarded as a viable (or even preferable) alternative to the process-pure view. In the neuroscience literature, by contrast, the signal-detection interpretation is rarely given serious (or even any) consideration. Because conclusions about the neuroanatomical basis of recollection and familiarity are dependent on one specific interpretation of the Remember/Know procedure, ignoring a viable alternative interpretation may be counterproductive.
Force Characterization of Dielectrophoresis in Droplet Transport

Transporting microdroplets using electric fields can be accomplished with several mechanisms, the primary methods being dielectrophoresis (DEP) for electrically insulating liquids, and electrowetting on dielectric for conducting fluids. In both cases, an electric field is applied near the leading edge of the droplet using patterned electrodes, giving rise to an electrostatic pressure that induces droplet transport. This paper examines the nature of the force distribution for DEP-actuated droplets in several electrode configurations, calculated using a numerical method designed for handling jump conditions in the Poisson equation. The numerical method is described and verified by comparison with known analytical results. The net force acting upon a DEP droplet is investigated, with the effect of electrode configuration presented for several cases, demonstrating some beneficial aspects for engineering applications.
Entrepreneurial Cultures and Countercultures

It is arguable that history has usually been driven by active entrepreneurs. Here, I do not use the term, “entrepreneur”, in the ordinary sense that denotes the founder of just any new firm among m...
Applied Climatology: The Golden Age Has Begun

AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY | 915 Applied climatology has been the foundation upon which the world’s weather-sensitive activities and infrastructure have been developed. Applications of climate data and information have likely contributed more to the development of most nations than any other function of the atmospheric sciences. Th e recent development of useful weather forecasts has been important, but these developments have not overshadowed a parallel recent progress in applied climatology. A variety of scientifi c and technological advances, coupled with a changing society, have led applied climatology into its golden era. What is applied climatology? The answer may seem obvious, but the defi nition of applied climatology is elusive for several reasons. Activities falling under the umbrella of applied climatology are spread among many disciplines, as well as having interfaces with many parts of the atmospheric sciences, collectively forming myriad interactions. Th e fi eld is truly interdisciplinary, embracing climatologists and those of other disciplines, including hydrology, agriculture, engineering, and business. Fift y years ago, leaders in the fi eld defi ned applied climatology as the scientifi c analysis of climate data in light of a useful application for an operational purpose. My interpretation is that applied climatology describes, defi nes, interprets, and explains the relationships between climate conditions and countless weather-sensitive activities. For example, if viewed in a business sense, applied climatology would embrace interactions with marketing, sales, customer services, research support, and the delivery arm for climatological data and information. Th e