cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of using nonlinear guided waves to measure acoustic nonlinearity of aluminum

This research investigates the feasibility of measuring acoustic nonlinearity in aluminum with different ultrasonic guided wave modes. Acoustic nonlinearity is manifested by generation of a second harmonic component in an originally monochromatic ultrasonic wave signal, and previous research has shown this correlates to an intrinsic material property. This parameter has been shown to increase with accumulated material damage - specifically in low- and high-cycle fatigue - prior to crack initiation, whereas other ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques measuring linear parameters are unable to detect damage prior to crack initiation. In structural components such as jet engines and aircraft structures subjected to fatigue damage, crack initiation does not occur until ~80% of a component's life. Thus, there is a need for structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques that can characterize material damage state prior to crack initiation, and therefore nonlinear ultrasonic techniques have the potential to be powerful NDE and SHM tools. Experimental results using Rayleigh and Lamb guided wave modes to measure acoustic nonlinearity in undamaged aluminum 6061 samples are presented, and a comparison of the efficiency of these modes to measure acoustic nonlinearity is given.
Orthomodular Bell-Kochen-Specker Theorem

Four elements in an orthomodular lattice of height four generate a partial Boolean subalgebra that contains a Bell-Kochen-Specker theorem. This result directly explains and generalizes the 4-dimensional Bell-Kochen-Specker theorems of various authors.
The Development of Attention and Its Relations to Language in Infancy and Toddlerhood.

We investigated longitudinally the development of attention in two free-play tasks and the relation between attention in those tasks and language ability in toddlerhood. We observed developmental differences in attention from 9 and 31 months both as children investigated a single object and as they investigated multiple objects. Attention in these contexts at 9 months was differentially related to vocabulary at 31 months, but concurrent measures of attention at 31 months were not related to vocabulary at that age. The results are discussed in terms of the potential processes guiding the relation between attention and cognitive outcome and the development of endogenous control of attention.
Effects of genetic variation on total plasma protein, body weight gains, and body temperature responses to heat stress

Abstract The effects of heat stress (HS) on total plasma protein (PP) concentrations, body weight gains (BWG), and body temperature (BT) were studied in an Athens-Canadian Randombred (ACRB) population and commercial broilers (BR). The populations were maintained at environmental temperatures of 21, 32, and 38 C from 3 to 6 wk of age. The PP, BWG, and mortality (M) were measured at 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk and BT at 6 wk. After 2 wk of HS, the PP of the birds grown at 38 C was lower than that of birds in the 21 and 32 C environment, but differences for the 21 and 32 C groups were not consistent. The ACRB had significantly lower PP than the BR at 4, 5, and 6 wk. There were no phenotypic correlations between PP and BWG within temperature, line, and sex. The decreased BWG of the BR in response to the HS was much more severe than that of the ACRB. The BT of the ACRB (41.5 C) was significantly lower than that of the BR (41.9 C). Birds grown at 38 and 32 C had a higher BT (42.0 and 41.8 C) than at 21 C (41.3 C). The BR showed an increase in M in both the 38 and 32 C environments, but the M for the ACRB was not affected by environmental temperatures.
Autotransfusion of blood contaminated by intestinal contents

In a series of 183 emergency operations in which intraoperative autotransfusion was used, 14 patients received blood contaminated by intestinal contents. Six of the 14 patients died early in the postoperative period, four of whom had received more than 16 liters of blood. Only two of the eight survivors had received comparable amounts of blood (13 and 17.5 liters). All eight received antibiotics upon admission; four had positive blood cultures within 24 hours of operation. Complications included acute tubular necrosis in three patients and bowel obstruction with intra-abdominal abscess in another. One of the patients with acute tubular necrosis died six weeks later; all others recovered. We believe this procedure may be life-saving in some cases.
Computer program for standardization of curriculum-based probes

Abstract This computer program will compute standard scores with any desired mean and standard deviation. The program requires the user to enter the raw scores of each member of the sample to be standardized. The program accepts input from the computer keyboard, stores data in files on a floppy disk, and produces output on the printer.
Lithium Reduces Tau Phosphorylation by Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3

Lithium is one of the most widely used drugs for treating bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder. Despite its efficacy, the molecular mechanism underlying its action has not been elucidated. One recent study has proposed that lithium inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3 and thereby affects multiple cellular functions. Because glycogen synthase kinase-3 regulates the phosphorylation of tau (microtubule-binding protein that forms paired helical filaments in neurons of the Alzheimer's disease brain), we hypothesized that lithium could affect tau phosphorylation by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3. Using cultured human NT2N neurons, we demonstrate that lithium reduces the phosphorylation of tau, enhances the binding of tau to microtubules, and promotes microtubule assembly through direct and reversible inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3. These results provide new insights into how lithium mediates its effects in the central nervous system, and these findings could be exploited to develop a novel intervention for Alzheimer's disease.
A continuously pumped iodine laser amplifier

Abstract The amplification characteristics were studied for a continuously pumped iodine laser amplifier using n-C 3 F 7 I as the amplifying medium. A small-signal amplification of 5 was obtained from a 15 cm long amplifier pumped with 1000 AM0 solar radiation by passing the oscillator output through the amplifier three times.
Heat treatment of investment cast PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel: Part I. Mechanical properties and microstructure

The microstructure of investment cast PH 13-8 Mo stainless steel heat-treated to various conditions was studied using light and electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The mechanical properties were investigated by using uniaxial tensile testing, hardness testing, and Charpy impact testing. TheΒ-NiAl strengthening precipitates, though detectable by electron diffraction, were difficult to resolve by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in specimens aged at low temperatures (566 °C and below). A high dislocation density was observed in the lath martensitic structure. The higher strength and lower ductility observed at low aging temperatures was attributed to both the high dislocation density and the precipitation ofΒ-NiAl. When samples were aged at high temperatures (> 566 °C), a lower dislocation density and a reverted austenite fraction on the order of 15 pct were observed. SphericalΒ-NiAl precipitates were observed in the overaged condition. The decrease in strength and corresponding increase in ductility observed in samples aged at temperatures above 566 °C were attributed to the reverted austenite and recovery. Mechanical properties were improved when the homogenizing temperature and time were increased. Electron probe microanalysis quantified the increased homogeneity realized by increasing homogenizing temperature and time. Elimination of the refrigeration step, which normally follows the solution treatment, did not degrade the mechanical properties. Mossbauer spectroscopy showed only minor decreases in the fraction of retained austenite when refrigeration followed the solution treatment.
Managing closing time to enhance manager, employee, and customer satisfaction

Abstract Closing time for a retailer or service provider represents a time when a store is in transition from an open domain to a closed domain. During this time, employees’ tasks change from primarily serving customers to managing their closing time activities while concurrently serving customers. As such, shoppers are impacted by employee actions and closing time duties, often in a negative way. We found through our research that customers act with retaliatory, territorial behaviors, and employees report stress and annoyance over closing time practices, yet managers consistently say no problems exist with their closing time practices. In this article, we outline three key problems retailers face in their closing time practices and offer guidance on how to overcome these obstacles.
Relationship between eustacy and stratigraphic sequences of passive margins

It is commonly thought that transgressive or regressive events that may have occurred simultaneously on geographically dispersed continental margins have been caused by worldwide sea-level rise or fall, respectively. Instead, it is shown here that these events may be caused by changes in the rates of sea-level rise or fall. The subsidence of an Atlantic-type (passive) margin may be modeled as a bordering platform rotating downward about a landward hinge line. The rate of subsidence is greatest at the seaward side of the platform and decreases landward to zero at the hinge line. With the exception of sea-level changes due to glaciation, dessication, and flooding of small ocean basins and other sudden events, the rate of subsidence at the seaward edge of the platform (shelf edge) is greater than the rate at which sea level may possibly rise or fall. Thus, if sea level is falling, the shoreline will seek that point on the subsiding platform at which the rate of sea-level fall is equal to the rate of subsidence minus the sedimentation rate. If the rate of sea-level fall decreases, the shoreline will move landward; if the rate increases, the shoreline will migrate seaward. If sea level is rising, the shoreline will move to that point where the rate of sea-level rise is equal to the sedimentation rate minus the subsidence rate. Thus, if the rate of sea-level rise decreases, the shoreline will move seaward; if the rate increases, the shoreline will move landward. The position of the shoreline is also a function of the sedimentation rate. These relationships have been quantified so that the position of the shoreline and the thickness of the sediments deposited during discrete time intervals may be computed as a function of the rate of sea-level change and the sedimentation rate. A sea-level curve, based on volume changes of the mid-oceanic ridge system, has been computed. Sea level is seen to fall persistently from Late Cretaceous to middle Miocene time, but transgressions occur in Eocene and early Miocene time because the rate of sea-level fall is slower for these periods. It is concluded also that the presence of the shoreline seaward of the shelf edge of an Atlantic margin should be symptomatic of events that may cause rapid sea-level fall, such as glacial build-up or the sudden flooding of large deep basins.
MAGNEX: a text editor for the visually impaired

MAGNEX, a general purpose full screen text editor which incorporates features intended to make it especially useful to individuals with a wide range of visual impairments, is described. The philosophy and concepts central to the design of software such as this are discussed, as are pertinent details regarding the specific implementation at hand. A user's manual is provided as an appendix.
Microengineered cold gas thruster system for a co-orbiting satellite assistant (COSA)

Miniaturization technologies such as Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) have been used to fabricate a prototype 100-gm class cold gas propulsion system suitable for use on a Co-Orbiting Satellite Assistant (COSA). The propulsion system is fabricated from bonded layers of photostructurable glass (Foturan glass; the design is based on fabricating integrated modular parts. Thus, the propulsion system is mass producible, expandable, expendable (low unit cost), and highly integrated.
Rapid determination of chloroprocaine and its major metabolite, 2-chloroaminobenzoic acid, in plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography

A sensitive and specific high-performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of the 2-chloroprocaine, local anesthetic of ester type, and its major metabolite 2-chloroaminobenzoic acid, has been developed and validated. A single-step extraction procedure is employed followed by high-performance liquid chromatographic separation using reversed-phase column and analysis using variable length UV detection. Lidocaine was used as internal standard for 2-chloroprocaine measurement and p-aminobenzoic acid was used as internal standard for 2-chloroaminobenzoic acid analysis. The analysis of spiked plasma demonstrated good accuracy and precision of the method with limit of detection 0.1 μg/ml for 2-chloroprocaine and 0.5 μg/ml for 2-chloroaminobenzoic acid. The method has been used for pharmacokinetic studies in laboratory animals.
Convergent-tapered annular seals - Analysis and testing for rotordynamic coefficients

A combined analytical-computational method has been developed to calculate the pressure field and dynamic coefficients for tapered high-pressure annular seals. Completely developed turbulent flow is assumed in both the circumferential and axial directions, according to Hirs' (1973) bulk-flow turbulent-lubrication equations. In a numerical experiment with the method, a short bearing approximation is used to derive an analytical expression for the first-order (dynamic) pressure gradient. This expression is integrated numerically to define dynamic coefficients of the seal. Numerical results of the integration are compared with previous results for straight and tapered seals. It is found that direct stiffness and leakage coefficients increase in the present seal, while the remaining coefficients decrease. An optimal taper angle is shown to exist with respect to: (1) the direct stiffness and (2) the ratio of direct stiffness to leakage. On the basis of the optimal taper angle calculations, stiffness increases on the order of 40 to 50 percent are predicted. Experimental results for three taper angles are presented, and are found to be in good agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Ethylene production, shelf-life and evidence of RFLP polymorphisms linked to ethylene genes in melon (Cucumis melo L.).

Sixty three cultigens from eight market types of the melon (Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo) groups Cantaloupensis and Inodorus were evaluated for ethylene production rate, shelf-life (postharvest decay), and RFLP polymorphisms. The ethylene production rates of melon fruits at maturity and (after) postharvest decay were measured on individual genotypes. The ethylene production rates of individual genotypes ranged from undetectable to 103 nl/g per h. The mean ethylene production rates of the eight market types, ranked from highest to lowest, were Eastern U.S. type, Charentais, Western U.S. type, Long Shelf-Life cantaloupes (LSL), Galia, Ananas, Honeydew, and Casaba. Ethylene production and postharvest decay rating were positively significantly correlated (r2=0.87, P=0.05). Orange-fleshed melon fruits produced significantly (P=0.05) more ethylene than did green- or white-fleshed types. Melon fruits with a netted rind had significantly (P=0.05 for orange-flesh fruits and 0.01 for green- or white-flesh fruits) higher ethylene production than did smooth-type fruits. Using probes made from cDNAs encoding ACC oxidase (MEL1) or ACC synthase (MEACS1) genes, RFLPs were detected melon cultigens of the eight marker types showing varying ethylene production rates and different flesh colors. Low ethylene production and green- and white-flesh color were associated (r2=0.91; P=0.05) with the presence of a putative RFLP-MEL1 allele A0 (15-kb), whereas high ethylene production and orange-flesh color were associated with allele B0 (8.5-kb) in the homozygous condition, after probing MEL1 with EcoRV-digested genomic DNA. Also, after probing MEACS1 with NdeI-digested genomic DNA, RFLP polymorphism revealed five fragments denoted as A, B, C, D and E, with molecular sizes of 5.2-, 4.2-, 3.8-, 3.0- and 1.0-kb, respectively. A two-fragment pattern, AB, and a three-fragment pattern, ACE, the two predominant RFLP patterns, were also associated with low and high ethylene production, respectively. The ACE fragment pattern was also associated with orange-flesh melons. Scoring of both probes allowed for the unique classification of most melon market types consistent with ethylene production and the postharvest decay phenotypes. Therefore, these RFLPs might have utility in marker-assisted selection for the development of melons with enhanced postharvest keeping ability.
Contribution of secondary condensable organics to new particle formation: A case study in Houston, Texas

[1] We report aerosol simulations using the EPA's Models-3 Community Multiscale Air Quality model (CMAQ) and ground-based and aircraft aerosol measurements to investigate new particle formation in Houston, Texas. The aerosol measurements reveal elevated ultrafine particles that reach the highest value in the afternoon, indicating prominent new particle formation. Simulations of the binary H2SO4-H2O nucleation predict an order of magnitude lower concentrations for aerosols near 10 nm than the measurements. A parameterized nucleation scheme that accounts for the enhanced nucleation effect of secondary condensable organics is incorporated into the Models-3/CMAQ. The organic nucleation scheme predicts the number concentrations in agreement with the measurements during the daytime. The diurnal variation is well reproduced in the simulations including the organic nucleation scheme. Comparison with the aircraft measurements also shows that the organic nucleation scheme produces good predictions of the altitude-dependent number size distributions of the ultrafine particles. The results corroborate the importance of secondary condensable organics in new particle formation when sulfate and organics are abundant.
Hume on the Normativity of Practical Reasons

It is well known that Hume both denies that reason in the strict sense is practical and claims that no end an agent adopts is contrary to reason. Many conclude from this that Hume denies that there are action-guiding reasons and that a person can be blamed for failing to do what she acknowledges as means to her end or for remaining indifferent to the acknowledged means to her end. This paper argues against this reading by mining the texts for Hume’s account of the relation between desiring an end and willing the means to that end. The first part of the paper argues that for Hume, willing an end and willing the acknowledged means to that end form a complex of passions of a sort, so that it is not within human nature to remain indifferent to the acknowledged means to an end. In this sense, willing a certain action is a necessary response to having an end in view and believing that that action will achieve it. In the second part, the paper argues that for Hume, when willing an action as a means to an end is defeated by a contrary desire, the agent is blameworthy for having acted contrary to reason in a sense to be defended. Calm passions, while often confused with reason, play some of the roles ascribed to reason. For example, an agent sets ends through calm passions, thereby imputing value to objects that would otherwise remain objects of mere desire. It is through calm passions that we endorse the objects of lower-level desires as constituting our happiness and good. These features of calm passions help to explain why in choosing to φ as a means of achieving a valued end, an agent acknowledges that φ-ing is valuable in relation to that end and that she ought to φ in the sense that she has a defeasible reason to φ. The calm passions are thus sources of defeasible action-guiding reasons. Strength of mind is a case of managing, in the face of a competing passion, to do what one has reason to do. Its counterpart, weakness, is an example of culpably failing to do what one has reason to do. Here willing the means to a given end is motivationally weaker than a competing desire whose object is either not endorsed or negatively valued. The agent is blameworthy for failing to do what she ought, despite willing it.
Global attractivity in differential equations with variable delays

Consider the forced differential equation with variable delaywhereWe establish a sufficient condition for every solution to tend to zero. We also obtain a sharper condition for every solution to tend to zero when is asymptotically constant.
The herpes simplex virus 1 UL51 gene product has cell type-specific functions in cell-to-cell spread.

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) UL51 gene encodes a 244-amino-acid (aa) palmitoylated protein that is conserved in all herpesviruses. The alphaherpesvirus UL51 (pUL51) protein has been reported to function in nuclear egress and cytoplasmic envelopment. No complete deletion has been generated because of the overlap of the UL51 coding sequence 5′ end with the UL52 promoter sequences, but partial deletions generated in HSV and pseudorabies virus (PrV) suggest an additional function in epithelial cell-to-cell spread. Here we show partial uncoupling of the replication, release, and cell-to-cell spread functions of HSV-1 pUL51 in two ways. Viruses in which aa 73 to 244 were deleted from pUL51 or in which a conserved YXXΦ motif near the N terminus was altered showed cell-specific defects in spread that cannot be accounted for by defects in replication and virus release. Also, a cell line that expresses C-terminally enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged pUL51 supported normal virus replication and release into the medium but the formation of only small plaques. This cell line also failed to support normal localization of gE to cell junctions. gE and pUL51 partially colocalized in infected cells, and these two proteins could be coimmunoprecipitated from infected cells, suggesting that they can form a complex during infection. The cell-to-cell spread defect associated with the pUL51 mutation was more severe than that associated with gE-null virus, suggesting that pUL51 has gE-independent functions in epithelial cell spread. IMPORTANCE Herpesviruses establish and reactivate from lifelong latency in their hosts. When they reactivate, they are able to spread within their hosts despite the presence of a potent immune response that includes neutralizing antibody. This ability is derived in part from a specialized mechanism for virus spread between cells. Cell-to-cell spread is a conserved property of herpesviruses that likely relies on conserved viral genes. An understanding of their function may aid in the design of vaccines and therapeutics. Here we show that one of the conserved viral genes, UL51, has an important role in cell-to-cell spread in addition to its previously demonstrated role in virus assembly. We find that its function depends on the type of cell that is infected, and we show that it interacts with and modulates the function of another viral spread factor, gE.
Scalable continuous query processing by tracking hotspots

This paper considers the problem of scalably processing a large number of continuous queries. We propose a flexible framework with novel data structures and algorithms for group-processing and indexing continuous queries by exploiting potential overlaps in query predicates. Our approach partitions the collection of continuous queries into groups based on the clustering patterns of the query ranges, and then applies specialized processing strategies to those heavily-clustered groups (or hotspots). To maintain the partition dynamically, we present efficient algorithms that maintain a nearly optimal partition in nearly amortized logarithmic time. We show how to use the hotspots to scalably process large numbers of continuous select-join and band-join queries, which are much more challenging than simple range selection queries. Experiments demonstrate that this approach can improve the processing throughput by orders of magnitude. As another application of hotspots, we show how to use them to build a high-quality histogram for intervals in linear time.
Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Integrations in Cervical Tumors Frequently Occur in Common Fragile Sites

The development of cervical cancer is highly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV integration into the genome of infected cervical cells is temporally associated with the acquisition of the malignant phenotype. A relationship between the sites of HPV integration in cervical cancer and the position of the common fragile sites (CFSs) has been observed at the cytogenetic level. To explore this relationship at the molecular level, we used a PCR-based method to rapidly isolate cellular sequences flanking the sites of HPV16 integrations in primary cervical tumors. Human bacterial artificial chromosome clones were isolated based on these flanking sequences and used as probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization on metaphases derived from cells cultured in the presence of aphidicolin. Our data demonstrate that HPV16 integrations in cervical tumors frequently occur within CFSs at the molecular level. In addition, we have determined the precise molecular locations of the CFSs FRA6C and FRA17B.
Internal quantum efficiency and non-radiative recombination coefficient of GaInN/GaN multiple quantum wells with different dislocation densities

Room-temperature photoluminescence measurements are performed on GaInN/GaN multiple quantum wells grown on GaN-on-sapphire templates with different threading-dislocation densities. The internal quantum efficiencies as a function of carrier concentration and the non-radiative coefficients are obtained.
Public beliefs and use of antibiotics for acute respiratory illness.

OBJECTIVE: To better understand public beliefs and use of antibiotics for acute respiratory illnesses. DESIGN: Cross-sectional telephone survey. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred eighty-six adult members (aged 18 years or older) of a group-model HMO in the Denver metropolitan area. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-three (70%) of the respondents reported that antibiotics were beneficial for bacterial respiratory illnesses, 211 (55%) reported that antibiotics were beneficial for viral respiratory illnesses, and 82 (21%) reported that antibiotics were beneficial for bacterial but not for viral illness. Multivariate regression analysis identified consulting an advice nurse (odds ratio [OR] 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7, 5.3), ever being told by a provider that antibiotics were not needed for a respiratory illness episode (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2, 3.6), having a chronic medical condition (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.0, 3.9), and believing antibiotics to be helpful for viral (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.3, 4.7) or bacterial (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.2, 6.7) respiratory illnesses to be independently associated with antibiotic use for respiratory illnesses during the previous year. There was a trend toward lower previous antibiotic use among those believing antibiotics to be helpful for bacterial illness but not for viral illness. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of understanding about antibiotic effectiveness exists in the community. Increased previous antibiotic use among those believing antibiotics to be effective for viral illnesses suggests that improvements are needed in communications to patients and the public about antibiotic appropriateness.
Regional bronchoconstriction in asthma. 133Xenon washout scans following parenteral methacholine.

To determine the influence of bronchoconstriction on the distribution of ventilation during an asthma attack, pulmonary clearance of 133 xenon was evaluated in four normal and eight asthmatic subjects within three to five minutes after intramuscular injection of methacholine. In asthmatics, administration of 4-10 mg methacholine resulted in a decrease of forced vital capacity of 28.5 ± 5.1 (SE) percent and a decrease in expiratory flow at 60 percent vital capacity of 44.2 ± 6.9 percent (P 133 xenon from ten areas of lung (each representing approximately 6 percent of the surface area of one lung) showed that all areas were affected to approximately the same extent during drug-induced asthma. These findings suggest that parenteral methacholine is an effective way to demonstrate airway hyperreactivity and that the airway response to methacholine in asthmatics is relatively generalized throughout the lung.
Commentary: Natural nanophotonics

The US Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX) is heading up an international team of government, industrial and university researchers investigating biologically based (natural) materials and devices for electronic and photonic applications. This opens up an exciting new field for bioengineering demonstrating that biotechnology can benefit many areas, in addition to genomic sequencing and clinical diagnosis and treatment alone.
Observation of single event upsets in analog microcircuits

Selected analog devices were tested for heavy-ion-induced single event upset (SEU). The results of these tests are presented, likely upset mechanisms are discussed, and standards for the characterization of analog upsets are suggested. The OP-15 operational amplifier, which was found to be susceptible to SEU in the laboratory, has also experienced upset in space. Possible strategies for mitigating the occurrence of analog SEUs in space are also discussed. >
Manipulation of inhibition in the owl's nucleus laminaris and its effects on optic tectum neurons.

Differences in arrival time and intensity (or level) of sound between the ears serve as cues for localization of sound in many animals. Barn owls use interaural time difference (ITD) and interaural level difference (ILD) for localization in azimuth and elevation, respectively. The owl’s brain processes these two cues in separate pathways. The nucleus laminaris is the first site that detects ITDs by methods of delay lines and coincidence detection. The nucleus ventralis lemnisci lateralis, pars posterior is the first site of processing ILDs. The two pathways merge in the inferior colliculus to give rise to sensitivity to combinations of ITD and ILD. This selectivity is relayed to the optic tectum where neurons are sensitive to both visual and auditory stimuli. The present paper reports the results of manipulating inhibition in the nucleus laminaris and its effects on the optic tectum neurons. Injection of GABA or muscimol (a GABA_A receptor agonist) in the nucleus laminaris reduces the responses of its neurons to ITD. This finding proves that GABA_A receptor-mediated inhibition acts on the nucleus laminaris neurons. The same treatment did not affect the neurons of the nucleus ventralis lemnisci lateralis, pars posterior, whereas it reduced the response of the optic tectum neurons to ITD–ILD pairs. We conclude that although the two pathways are independent, the process of combining ITD and ILD creates a new relationship in which the output of the neuron varies with the amplitude of either input. This conclusion is consistent with the recent finding that the combination sensitivity is due to a multiplication of ITD and ILD inputs.
THE EFFECT OF STRUCTURAL ENVIRONMENT ON THE ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF SELECTED LANTHANIDE SESQUIOXIDES

Solid-state absorption spectra and X-ray powder diffraction have been used to study the transplutonium elements in several oxidation states. During the course of these studies it was found that a compound’s structure, or its local environment, can be deduced from its solid-state spectrum, once the spectrum has been correlated with a particular structure (1,2). One application of this technique would be in examining the chemical and structural consequences of radioactive decay in the transplutonium oxides. The object of the present study was to ascertain if room-temperature absorption spectral data could be used to determine the structural environment of a lanthanide sesquioxide. To evaluate this technique several experiments were carried out using pure lanthanide oxides or lanthanide oxide mixtures. Described here are the absorption spectra obtained from neodymium, samarium, dysprosium and erbium sesquioxides in matrices which exhibit three different crystal forms.
Do Riverboat Casinos Act as Competitors? A Look at the St. Louis Market:

Using monthly data covering 1991 to 2003 for the five casinos located in the St. Louis, Missouri, metropolitan area, the authors examine how the return to gaming, as measured by the payout rate on electronic gaming devices, changes as new firms enter the market. The clear timing of the new entrants into the market and the availability of monthly data allow the authors to examine how competition has affected the payout rates. They find that new entrants into the market have clearly reduced the hold rate (increased the payout rate) on electronic gaming devices and increased the return to gamblers. Given that the tax revenue from riverboat gambling is based on adjusted gross revenue (total revenue less payout), the decrease in hold rates and, therefore, adjusted gross revenue has significant policy implications for local governments, the majority of which rely on a single casino for their local tax revenue.
Small-scale distribution of deep-sea demersal nekton and other megafauna in the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Abstract Videotapes from manned submersibles diving in the area of the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge were used to investigate the distribution of fishes, large crustaceans, epifaunal and sessile organisms, and environmental features along a series of transects. Submersibles MIR 1 and MIR 2 conducted paired dives in an area of mixed sediment and rock (beginning depth ca. 3000 m) and on a large pocket of abyssal-like sediments (depth ca. 4000 m). In the shallower area, the submersibles passed over extremely heterogeneous terrain with a diversity of nekton, epifaunal forms and sessile forms. In the first pair of dives, MIR 1 rose along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge from 3000 to 1700 m, while MIR 2 remained near the 3000 m isobath. Nekton seen in these relatively shallow dives included large and small macrourids (genus Coryphaenoides ), shrimp (infraorder Penaeidea), Halosauropsis macrochir , Aldrovandia sp., Antimora rostrata , and alepocephalids. The last two were more characteristic of the upper areas of the slope reached by MIR 1, as it rose along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to depths less than 3000 m. Distributions of some forms seemed associated with depth and/or the presence of hard substrate. Sessile organisms such as sponges and large cnidaria were more likely to be found in rocky areas. The second pair of dives occurred in an abyssal area and the submersibles passed over sediment-covered plains, with little relief and many fewer countable organisms and features. The most evident of these were holes, mounds, small cerianthid anemones, small macrourids and the holothurian Benthodytes sp. A few large macrourids and shrimp also were seen in these deeper dives, as well as squat lobsters ( Munidopsis sp.). Sponges and larger cnidaria were mostly associated with a few small areas of rocky substrate. Holes and mounds showed distributions suggesting large-scale patterning. Over all dives, most sessile and epifaunal forms showed clumped distributions. However, large holothurians and large nekton often had distributions not significantly different from random.
Identifying the mechanisms of intron gain: progress and trends

Continued improvements in Next-Generation DNA/RNA sequencing coupled with advances in gene annotation have provided researchers access to a plethora of annotated genomes. Subsequent analyses of orthologous gene structures have identified numerous intron gain and loss events that have occurred both recently and in the very distant past. This research has afforded exceptional insight into the temporal and lineage-specific rates of intron gain and loss among various species throughout evolution. Numerous studies have also attempted to identify the molecular mechanisms of intron gain and loss. However, even after considerable effort, very little is known about these processes. In particular, the mechanism(s) of intron gain have proven exceptionally enigmatic and remain topics of considerable debate. Currently, there exists no definitive consensus as to what mechanism(s) may generate introns. Because many introns are known to affect gene expression, it is necessary to understand the molecular process(es) by which introns may be gained. Here we review the seven most commonly purported mechanisms of intron gain and, when possible, summarize molecular evidence for or against the occurrence of each of these mechanisms. Furthermore, we catalogue indirect evidence that supports the occurrence of each mechanism. Finally, because these proposed mechanisms fail to explain the mechanistic origin of many recently gained introns, we also look at trends that may aid researchers in identifying other potential mechanism(s) of intron gain.
Ischemic stroke biomarkers in blood

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and mortality. With over 15 million strokes occurring every year in the world, methods to better identify patients at risk for stroke are needed, as are methods to improve patient diagnosis and prognosis when stroke occurs. Use of blood-based biomarkers is one method that has been evaluated to predict risk of stroke, diagnose stroke and its causes, predict stroke severity and outcome, and guide prevention therapy. Markers that have been identified include a variety of proteins, nucleic acids and lipids that relate to stroke pathophysiology. The role of blood biomarkers in ischemic stroke is still being defined, and further study is needed to develop blood biomarkers for clinical stroke use. In this review, the authors provide a summary of biomarkers that have been divided by their potential clinical application.
Liver regeneration and energetic changes in rats following hepatic radiation therapy and hepatocyte transplantation by 31P MRSI

Background & Aims Radiation-induced liver damage (RILD) is a poorly understood and potentially devastating complication of hepatic radiation therapy (RT) for liver cancers. Previous work has demonstrated that hepatocyte transplantation (HT) can ameliorate RILD in rats. We hypothesized that RT inhibits generation of cellular ATP and suppresses hepatic regeneration. Methods To study the metabolic changes that occur in RILD with and without HT, 31P MRSI data were acquired in rats treated with partial hepatectomy (PH) alone, PH with hepatic irradiation (PHRT) or PHRT with HT (PHRT+HT). Results Both [γ -ATP] and ATP/Pi 31P MRSI signal ratio initially decreased and subsequently returned to baseline levels within 2 weeks after PH, which is consistent with other published data. Persistently reduced [γ-ATP] and ATP/Pi 31P MRSI signal ratio were observed in rats up to 20 weeks after PHRT. However, progressive increases in [γ -ATP] were observed over time in the group of rats receiving PHRT+HT. Normal [γ -ATP] was observed 20 weeks after PHRT+HT (vs. PH alone), although, ATP/Pi levels did not return to normal after PHRT +HT. Ex vivo histological studies were performed to confirm liver repopulation with transplanted hepatocytes and the amelioration of pathologic changes of RILD. Conclusions These findings suggest that 31P MRSI can be used to monitor the progress of RILD and its amelioration using transplanted hepatocytes to simultaneously restore metabolic function while replacing host hepatocytes damaged by RT.
Fundamental aspects of stress, deformation, and phase transitions in crystallizable polymers: Experiments with poly(ethylene terephthalate) in uniaxial stress fields

Interactions between rheology and fluid→solid transformations through crystallization are demonstrated through an experimental study of crystallization of polyethylene terephthalate in uniaxial stress fields. Effect of the strength of the stress field on the kinetics of crystallization is shown to diminish greatly beyond the initiation of crystallization. Consequences of crystallization in anisotropic stress fields in the generation of mechanical properties are also described. This experimental study points clearly to the deficiencies in current theoretical formulations of kinetics of crystallization.
Endocrine-immune-paracrine interactions in prostate cells as targeted by phytomedicines

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is used as a dietary supplement and can be metabolized to androgens and/or estrogens in the prostate. We investigated the hypothesis that DHEA metabolism may be increased in a reactive prostate stroma environment in the presence of proinflammatory cytokines such as transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1), and further, whether red clover extract, which contains a variety of compounds including isoflavones, can reverse this effect. LAPC-4 prostate cancer cells were grown in coculture with prostate stromal cells (6S) and treated with DHEA +/- TGFbeta1 or interleukin-6. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression and testosterone secretion in LAPC-4/6S cocultures were compared with those in monocultured epithelial and stromal cells by real-time PCR and/or ELISA. Combined administration of TGFbeta1 + DHEA to cocultures increased PSA protein secretion two to four times, and PSA gene expression up to 50-fold. DHEA + TGFbeta1 also increased coculture production of testosterone over DHEA treatment alone. Red clover isoflavone treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in PSA protein and gene expression and testosterone metabolism induced by TGFbeta1 + DHEA in prostate LAPC-4/6S cocultures. In this coculture model of endocrine-immune-paracrine interactions in the prostate, TGFbeta1 greatly increased stromal-mediated DHEA effects on testosterone production and epithelial cell PSA production, whereas red clover isoflavones reversed these effects.
The victimization of children: A developmental perspective

A framework is presented for a new field called developmental victomology, and two major branches are described. One would analyze developmental changes that affect children's risk for victimization, particularly in three areas: children's suitability as targets, their ability to protect themselves, and the environments they inhabit. A second branch would focus on developmental processes that affect children's reactions to victimizations and in particular, developmental tasks and critical periods, the process of cognitive appraisal, and the forms of symptom expression.
Visual depictions of religion in children’s picture books

How children are introduced to concepts of faith is a sensitive matter. One approach used by both religious and secular organizations is children’s literature, including children’s picture books. This paper offers an exploratory study of how religion and spirituality are depicted in such literature. La maniere d’introduire les enfants au concept de la foi est un sujet delicat. Une approche utilisee par les organisations religieuses et non confessionnelles est la litterature jeunesse, y compris les livres d’images. Cette communication presente une etude exploratoire sur le traitement de la religion et de la spiritualite dans la litterature jeunesse.
Noise suppression of time-migrated gathers using prestack structure-oriented filtering

AbstractPrestack seismic analysis provides information on rock properties, lithology, fluid content, and the orientation and intensity of anisotropy. However, such analysis demands high-quality seismic data. Unfortunately, noise is always present in seismic data even after careful processing. Noise in the prestack gathers may not only contaminate the seismic image, thereby lowering the quality of seismic interpretation, but it may also bias the seismic prestack inversion for rock properties, such as acoustic- and shear-impedance estimation. Common postmigration data conditioning includes running window median and Radon filters that are applied to the flattened common reflection point gathers. We have combined filters across the offset and azimuth with edge-preserving filters along the structure to construct a true “5D” filter that preserves amplitude, thereby preconditioning the data for subsequent quantitative analysis. We have evaluated our workflow by applying it to a prestack seismic volume acquired o...
Philip L. Goodwin, Brazil Builds (Construcção Brasileira), Architecture New and Old, 1652–1942

(1943). Philip L. Goodwin, Brazil Builds (Construccao Brasileira), Architecture New and Old, 1652–1942. The Art Bulletin: Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 383-385.
Fusion-Guided Prostate Biopsy

The conventional method of prostate biopsy involves a systematic sampling of selected areas of the prostate in a regular but random sextant or extended fashion. This is somewhat blind and typically not directly navigated toward any specific target, but rather at a specific geographic region of the gland. Targeted prostate biopsy, on the other hand, directs sampling toward suspicious lesions found on a previous imaging study as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As such, targeted biopsy requires a combination of imaging modalities that pinpoint suspicious lesions (MRI) and that guide the biopsy needles (ultrasound). No single imaging modality simultaneously offers precise lesion localization and quick office-based, cost-effective, real-time guidance [1]. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) possesses the ability to image in real time (high temporal resolution) but suffers from poor resolution (low spatial resolution) and low sensitivity to cancer. MRI, on the other hand, images prostate lesions in great detail (high spatial resolution), but typically not with real-time guidance (low temporal resolution).
No Church in the Wild: Political Resistance, Ideology, and Local Anthropologies of Religion in Kisama, Angola

From the sixteenth-century beginnings of Portuguese efforts to conquer the politically-decentralized region of central Angola between Luanda and Benguela known as Kisama, Jesuits and later Capuchins complained about the local population’s refusal to engage missionaries. Though individual local leaders did, at times, seek conversion, the politically fragmented landscape of Kisama, by and large, remained hostile to the kinds of missions that flourished in much of the rest of Angola well into the twentieth century. It is no coincidence that, by the early seventeenth century, Kisama began to serve as a haven for those fleeing enslavement throughout the region.In this paper, I explore the limits of parish records from Luanda for detailing the social and intellectual lives of those who forged new communities predicated on resistance in Kisama. I argue that, by design, the social and intellectual lives of those who formed novel fugitive communities during the era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade remained obscure to both colonial and Church institutions. Instead, I argue that a more nuanced vision of local idioms of power emerges from placing these sources in dynamic dialog with local anthropologies of religion and power that emerge from ethnographic and oral historical research.
[Exists an Obligation to be Healthy? Ethical Limits of Medical Prevention]

An obligation to be healthy in the sauce of a categorical imperative "You shall change your life!" (P. Sloterdijk) does not exist. There is however a moral responsibility to shape ones own life in such a way that the resulting potentials for development can be realized within one owns possibilities (I. Kant). The example of predictive medicine illustrates, why the right not to know can be a responsible way of self governance when dealing with the knowledge of modern biomedicine. This allows the setting of limits within prevention, which preserve the quality of life of the exposed as well as enabling the individual the "acceptance of self" (R. Guardini).