cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The value of being a resource specialist: behavioral support for a neural hypothesis.

The neural hypothesis of diet breadth proposes that food items selected (e.g., Krebs and Horn 1991; Papaj selecting an appropriate behavior is more efficient if simple or ex- aggerated cues can be used as a basis of decision making rather and Lewis 1993; Shettleworth et al. 1993) and that forag- than making a choice among many complex sensory inputs. I pro- ing efficiency might thereby be improved. Finally, forag- pose that simple signals overcome the problem of multiple sensory ing efficiency in the presence or absence of predators has inputs and the consequent need for the brain to decide among in- been addressed (e.g., Lima and Dill 1990; Sih 1993). puts from these multiple channels. Experiments on grasshoppers Time is required to make decisions, and the impact may show that there is a significant time cost in having to make a not always be one of temporal efficiency of foraging, as choice, relative to situations in which individuals have grown ac- in these studies but, rather, the inability to attend to dan- customed to having no choice. Those with a choice were shown to be less decisive by two different measures than those without a ger during the decision-making process and the conse- choice. It is argued that the data, showing lengthy decision times quent risk of predation that is incurred (e.g., Milinski as a result of having a choice, would involve a significant ecologi- 1986). Much less is known about such neural constraints cal risk. It is further argued that the reduced risk of quick deci- than about temporal efficiency per se. sions would favor specialization of resource use. The evolution of Animals have diverse mechanisms to ensure that per- resource-specific cues that have often been called sign stimuli are ception, processing of information, and responding in an considered critical elements of restricted resource use. adaptive manner can occur with accuracy and efficiency.
Hypercholesterolemia-induced Aβ accumulation in rabbit brain is associated with alteration in IGF-1 signaling

Hypercholesterolemia increases levels of beta-amyloid (Abeta), a peptide that accumulates in Alzheimer's disease brains. Because cholesterol in the blood does not cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), the link between circulating cholesterol and Abeta accumulation is not understood. In contrast to cholesterol, the oxidized cholesterol metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol can cross the BBB, potentially increasing Abeta levels. However, the mechanisms by which cholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol regulate Abeta levels are not known. The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) regulates the glycogen-synthase kinase-3alpha (GSK-3alpha) and the insulin degrading enzyme (IDE). While GSK-3alpha increases Abeta production, IDE is a major Abeta-degrading enzyme. We report here that feeding rabbits with a cholesterol-enriched diet increases Abeta levels in the hippocampus, an effect that is associated with reduced IGF-1 levels. 27-hydroxycholesterol also increases Abeta and reduces IGF-1 levels in organotypic hippocampal slices from adult rabbits. We suggest that hypercholesterolemia-induced Abeta accumulation may be mediated by 27-hydroxycholesterol, involving IGF-1 signaling.
The psi-marginal adaptive method: How to give nuisance parameters the attention they deserve (no more, no less)

Adaptive testing methods serve to maximize the information gained regarding the values of the parameters of a psychometric function (PF). Such methods typically target only one or two ("threshold" and "slope") of the PF's four parameters while assuming fixed values for the "nuisance" parameters ("guess rate" and "lapse rate"). Here I propose the "psi-marginal" adaptive method, which can target nuisance parameters but only when this is the most optimal manner in which to reduce uncertainty in the value of the parameters of primary interest. The method is based on Kontsevich and Tyler's (1999) psi-method. However, in the proposed method a posterior distribution defined across all parameters of unknown value is maintained. Each of the parameters is specified either as a parameter of primary interest whose estimation should be optimized or as a nuisance parameter whose estimation should be subservient to the estimation of the parameters of primary interest. Critically, selection of stimulus intensities is based on the expected information gain in the marginal posterior distribution defined across the parameters of interest only. The appeal of this method is that it will target nuisance parameters adaptively and only when doing so maximizes the expected information gain regarding the values of the parameters of interest. Simulations indicate that treating the lapse rate as a nuisance parameter in the psi-marginal method results in smaller bias and higher precision in threshold and slope estimates compared to the original psi method. The method is highly flexible and various other uses are discussed.
Toxicokinetics of organic xenobiotics in the amphipod, Pontoporeia hoyi: role of physiological and environmental variables☆

Abstract The accumulation and elimination kinetics of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners were were determined for the amphipod, Pontoporeia hoyi, the major benthic invertebrate in the Great Lakes. Rates measured during the course of several field seasons, along with environmental and physiological variables, indicated that for compounds less water soluble than anthracene, the uptake rate constant (Ku) is inversely proportional to the mass of the organisms and directly proportional to experimental temperature. The role of temperature was again limited to the more water insoluble compounds. The depuration rate constant (Kd) was inversely proportional to the octanol-water partition coefficient, the mass of the organism, and the lipid content of the organisms. Kd was directly proportional to temperature, although the effect of temperature was again insignificant for the very water soluble biphenyl. The magnitude of the thermal effect was lower during the summer and early fall when the lipid content of the organisms was high. Both the uptake and elimination kinetics are dependent on a variety of physiological and environmental factors. The kinetic parameters must be normalized for the various factors before comparisons of kinetics in P. hoyi between collections at different times during the year and different sampling sites can be made.
From hitting and tattling to communication and negotiation: The young child's stages of socialization

The importance of supporting the young child's socialization process is presented from the perspecitive of a teacher educator/researcher, a parent, and a caregiver. The article describes four stages of socialization and offers recommendations for corresponding spacial needs, play levels, adult's role, group size, and activities/materials for each stage.
Further characterization of Ca2+-activated phospholipase A2 in cat adrenal cortex

Abstract When cat adrenocortical cells were incubated with exogenous phospholipid substrate (autoclaved E. coli ) in the presence of corticotropin, there was a Ca2+-dependent increase in phospholipid breakdown activity, suggesting that a hormone-stimulated phospholipase is localized to the plasma membrane. Phospholipase activity in a particulate fraction from lysed cells at neutral pH was a function of the Ca2+ concentration. The addition of increasing Ca2+ concentrations to a subcellular fraction of lysed cells which had been prelabelled with [14C]arachidonic acid produced graded increases in fatty acid release. A depletion of label from phosphatidylcholine was observed, as well as a marked increase in radioactivity associated with phosphatidylethanolamine. The subcellular fraction of cells prelabelled with [14C]palmitic acid failed to release fatty acid in response to Ca2+, although a loss of label from phosphatidylcholine and a modest gain in label by phosphatidylethanolamine was demonstrable. A Ca2+-activated deacylation-reacylation reaction preferentially involving phosphatidylethanolamine was evident in cortical cells prelabelled with archidonic acid; whereas, other Ca2+-stimulated lipolytic reactions also appeared to be operative in cells prelabelled with either arachidonic or palmitic acid. The Ca2+-dependent mobilization of arachidonic acid from an endogenous phospholipid pool lends additional support to the idea that Ca2+-mediated activation of phospholipase A2 participates in the control of adrenocortical activity. However, since Ca2+ also stimulated arachidonic acid liberation from cortical triglycerides, these lipid moieties may also contribute to the observed effects of Ca2+ on fatty acid release.
Asymptotics of the length spectrum for hyperbolic manifolds of infinite volume

We compute the leading asymptotics of the counting function for closed geodesics on a convex co-compact hyperbolic manifold in terms of spectral data and scattering resonances for the Laplacian. Our result extends classical results of Selberg for compact and finite-volume surfaces to this class of infinite-volume hyperbolic manifolds.
Hindlimb heating increases vascular access of large molecules to murine tibial growth plates measured by in vivo multiphoton imaging.

Advances in understanding the molecular regulation of longitudinal growth have led to development of novel drug therapies for growth plate disorders. Despite progress, a major unmet challenge is de...
Weakly Nonlinear Stability Analysis of Frontal Polymerization

A description of frontal polymerization is given via a free boundary model with nonlinear kinetic and kinematic conditions at the free boundary. We perform a weakly nonlinear analysis for the development of pulsating instabilities on the cylinder, building on the linear stability analysis of [1]. We take as a bifurcation parameter an experimentally measurable combination of material and kinetic parameters. The asymptotic analysis leads to the derivation of an ordinary differential equation of Landau-Stuart type for the slowly varying amplitude of a linearly unstable mode. We classify nonlinear dynamics of the polymerization front by doing a parameter sensitivity study of the amplitude equation.
Superluminal (but causal) propagation of wave packets in transparent media with inverted atomic populations.

The propagation of limited-bandwidth signals, such as Gaussian wave packets, tuned to a transparent spectral region far below the resonance of an inverted two-level atomic medium, can be superluminal, i.e., with phase, group, and energy velocities all exceeding the vacuum speed of light c. Causality is not violated, however. Little distortion and gain can accompany this propagation.
Determination of α- and β-lactose in dairy products by totaly aqueous liquid chromatrography

Abstract In the proposed method, the mobile phase is pure water and sample preparation requires only dilution and centrifugation steps. A total determination requires 15 min including sample handling. Total and anomeric ratios of lactose were determined in samples of yoghurt, milk, dry milk, and ice cream. The method variability was evaluated by using five mild samples, randomly selected from the same dairy; for each sample, 3–5 replicate chromatograms were obtained. The mean total lactose in these mild samples was 4.50% with a pooled standard deviation of 0.132%.
Comparison of performance of virtual coupling schemes for haptic collaboration using real and emulated internet connections

Networked haptic virtual environments (NHVEs) are those in which multiple users collaborate and experience force feedback at the same time. The robustness of such systems needs to be tested under various network conditions that closely mirror the Internet. Previously, we had proposed three virtual coupling schemes to maintain position coherency in a NHVE, which were tested using constant and then time-varying delays using the actual Internet through UDP packet reflectors. In this paper we present the results of comparing performance of the virtual coupling schemes for a time varying delay emulated using the popular network emulator NIST Net, with delay conditions that existed during our real Internet experiment to Italy. UDP was used for haptic data communication because of the high transmission rate requirements for NHVEs. Experiments were conducted for three fixed packet transmission rates of 1000, 500 and 100 Hz, and their performance compared using an independent-samples t-test to the data obtained using the Internet. Locally, the haptic update rate was maintained at 1000 Hz during the experiments. Our results show that the NIST Net was a suitable emulator for testing with lower packet transmission rates. At the transmission rate of 1000 Hz the performance of the virtual coupling schemes were significantly different from that of the actual Internet experiment.
Influence of neurons of the parafascicular region on neuronal transmission from perforant pathway through dentate gyrus

We have previously reported that activation of an ascending brainstem pathway by stimulation of the median raphe nucleus (MR) influences neuronal transmission from the perforant pathway through the dentate gyrus in a behaviorally dependent manner. In particular, stimulation of the MR markedly facilitated such transmission when applied during slow-wave sleep (SWS), but was ineffective when applied during the still-alert state (SAL). We present here evidence for a relay in this circuit located rostral to the MR in cells proximal to the fasciculus retroflexus (PF, parafascicular region). In contrast to stimulation of the MR, stimulation of the PF facilitates neuronal transmission from the perforant pathway through the dentate gyrus during both SWS and SAL indicating the presence of a gate at or proximal to the PF that is preferentially closed during SAL.
Adaptation to Metals in Widespread and Endemic Plants

Bryophytes, including the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, occur in a variety of habitats with high concentrations of metals and have other characteristics that are advantageous for studies of me...
HIT on the Psychometric Approach

Traditionally, identity and supervenience have been proposed in philosophy of mind as metaphysical accounts of how mental activities (fully understood, as they might be at the end of science) relat...
Has Malaysia's antidrug effort been effective?☆

It is a common belief that a massive effort in law enforcement, preventive education and rehabilitation will result in the elimination of a country's drug problem. Based on this premise. Malaysia in 1983 implemented such a multifaceted anti-drug strategy, and the results of a 1987 study by the author suggested that Malaysia's effort had begun to contribute to a steady decrease in the number of identified drug abusers. Although the number of drug-addicted individuals declined, the country's recidivism rates were still high. Because of this high relapse rate, Malaysia expanded their rehabilitation effort and developed a community transition program. In order to determine the impact of these changes on the country's battle against drug abuse, a follow-up study was conducted in 1990. The results of this study did not clearly demonstrate that the Malaysian effort had been successful in eliminating the problem of drug abuse, and raised some questions concerning the effectiveness of the country's drug treatment programs.
Anomalous epimerization of estriol to 16-epiestriol

Abstract Estriol in ethanol solutions has been found to form 16-epiestriol. This phenomenon should be considered during the analysis of these compounds.
Prevalence of anomalous coronary arteries in pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collaterals.

To the Editor: Pulmonary atresia (PA) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and major aortopulmonary collaterals (MAPCA) is a member of the conotruncal defect family. These defects all originate from abnormal embryogenesis of the conotruncus at 27 to 37 days of fetal life. PA/VSD/MAPCA has many of
Heat Loss Through Fabrics Under Ventilation With and Without a Phase Transition Additive

An apparatus has been built that measures the surface cooling rate of a ventilated cylinder. A special feature is that relative air motion is induced by moving the cylinder through still air, rather than by a more conventional wind tunnel. Initial measurements have been of the angular distribution of the cooling rate, the effects of permeability of fabrics covering the cylinder, and factors that influence the effectiveness of fabrics containing phase change materials in improving protection from cold weather.
The role of research in the development of the child care profession

This article suggests that there is a strong relationship between the type of research carried out in the child care field and the developmental stages of becoming a profession. The type of research most likely to add knowledge and status to the child care field is that which examines the texture and detail of child care settings.
The relevance of moral theory to pediatric neurology

Although you should never abandon your well-considered moral judgments because of their conflict with a moral theory, you should also usually not hold that your well-considered moral judgments are the only correct moral judgments. Common morality does not provide unique correct answers to every moral question, it only sets limits to the range of morally acceptable answers. In serious discussions of controversial cases or policies, almost all of the answers will be morally acceptable. The recognition that there are sometimes several conflicting morally acceptable answers allows for a friendly and fruitful discussion with no one sacrificing their moral integrity.
Welfare benefits, economic opportunities, and out-of-wedlock births among black teenage girls

This article presents a model of teenage out-of-wedlock births that incorporates the effects of both welfare and nonwelfare economic opportunities. We construct measures of the likely "medium-run" income available to a teenage girl in the event of an out-of-wedlock birth and in the absence of a birth and then estimate a logit model to determine their importance in influencing fertility behavior. The model is estimated with data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics on nearly 900 black teenagers. We find weak and statistically insignificant positive effects of Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC) benefit levels and stronger and significant negative effects of economic opportunities on the probability of AFDC-related out-of-wedlock teen births.
IBM zEnterprise energy management

Data centers are facing serious energy challenges. Increasing energy costs make the operation and cooling of servers more significant cost factors. Furthermore, improvements in technology have led to processor chips and systems with rapidly increasing power density. The resulting power consumption and cooling requirements of these systems are pushing many existing data centers to the limits of their power distribution capability and cooling capacity. Improvements in energy efficiency and management are needed at the chip and the system level to counteract this trend. This paper provides a comprehensive description of the hardware and firmware improvements implemented with IBM zEnterprise® 196 to stop the growth of and even reduce its energy footprint compared with previous IBM System z® servers. These include more power-efficient chips; power conversion and distribution; new sensors; cooling control firmware; new energy management functions; integrated hybrid energy management for power saving and power capping across the whole hybrid system; and data center energy-efficiency improvements resulting from options for water cooling, high-voltage DC (HVDC) power, and overhead cabling.
Involvement of a Unique Carbohydrate-responsive Factor in the Glucose Regulation of Rat Liver Fatty-acid Synthase Gene Transcription

Refeeding carbohydrate to fasted rats induces the transcription of genes encoding enzymes of fatty acid biosynthesis, e.g. fatty-acid synthase (FAS). Part of this transcriptional induction is mediated by insulin. An insulin response element has been described for the fatty-acid synthase gene region of -600 to +65, but the 2-3-fold increase in fatty-acid synthase promoter activity attributable to this region is small compared with the 20-30-fold induction in fatty-acid synthase gene transcription observed in fasted rats refed carbohydrate. We have previously reported that the fatty-acid synthase gene region between -7382 and -6970 was essential for achieving high in vivo rates of gene transcription. The studies of the current report demonstrate that the region of -7382 to -6970 of the fatty-acid synthase gene contains a carbohydrate response element (CHO-RE(FAS)) with a palindrome sequence (CATGTGn(5)GGCGTG) that is nearly identical to the CHO-RE of the l-type pyruvate kinase and S(14) genes. The glucose responsiveness imparted by CHO-RE(FAS) was independent of insulin. Moreover, CHO-RE(FAS) conferred glucose responsiveness to a heterologous promoter (i.e. l-type pyruvate kinase). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that CHO-RE(FAS) readily bound a unique hepatic ChoRF and that CHO-RE(FAS) competed with the CHO-RE of the l-type pyruvate kinase and S(14) genes for ChoRF binding. In vivo footprinting revealed that fasting reduced and refeeding increased ChoRF binding to CHO-RE(FAS). Thus, carbohydrate responsiveness of rat liver fatty-acid synthase appears to require both insulin and glucose signaling pathways. More importantly, a unique hepatic ChoRF has now been shown to recognize glucose responsive sequences that are common to three different genes: fatty-acid synthase, l-type pyruvate kinase, and S(14).
Fingering nucleic acids: the RNA did it.

Although zinc fingers are best known to interact with DNA, they can, as in the case of the TFIIIA protein, also interact with RNA. A recent crystal structure reveals that zinc fingers can take advantage of the variability of RNA structure to recognize a particular RNA fragment.
The Orbit of Charon is Circular

We present a detailed analysis of the orbit of Charon where we show its orbit to be circular. This analysis explores the effects of surface albedo variations on the astrometry and the resulting errors in the orbital elements. We present two new epochs of data from the Hubble Space Telescope taken in 2008 and 2010 and combine that with a re-analysis of previously published data from 1992 and 2002. Our adopted two-body Keplerian orbital elements for Charon are P = 6.3872273 ? 0.0000003?days, a = 19573 ? 2?km, e = 0., i = 96.218 ? 0.008?deg, L = 4.50177 ? 0.00018?rad, and ? = 3.89249 ? 0.00012?rad for an epoch of JDT = 2452600.5 in the J2000 reference frame. The 1? upper limit to the eccentricity is 7.5 ? 10?5. The predicted uncertainty in the position of Charon relative to Pluto at the time of the New Horizons encounter based on this orbit is 8?km.
Drug distribution in solid tissue of the brain following chronic local perfusion utilizing implanted osmotic minipumps

Abstract Surgically implanted osmotic minipumps were used to apply dye or [ 3 H]-muscimol locally to the nucleus ventralis lateralis or globus pallidus of the cat. Extent of distribution of dye or radioactivity was measured from the site of application. A uniform distribution (1.2–2.5 mm) of dye or radioactivity was found lateral, ventral, and posterior to the perfusion site. Distribution dorsal to the perfusion site (2.5–7.5 mm) is complicated by infiltration into areas damaged by the implanted cannula. Anterior distribution (approximately 5 mm) was extensive, apparently as a result of the dye or labeled compound entering major tracts or projection pathways. This study demonstrates that with the appropriate precautions, distribution of drug following perfusion into solid tissue of the brain can be restricted to a localized area. However, our results also suggest that the neuroanatomical features of the chosen area (and surrounding area) may play a significant role in altering the pattern and extent of drug distribution.
Defining the molecular basis of Arf and Hdm2 interactions.

Understanding the interaction of Arf and Hdm2 has recently become a central issue in cancer biology. In response to hyperproliferative signals, p14(Arf) stabilizes p53 by binding to Hdm2 and inhibits the ubiquitination and subsequent proteosome-dependent degradation of p53. The medical importance of the Arf-Hdm2-p53 regulatory system is highlighted by the finding that either p53 or p14(Arf) are lost or modified in virtually all human cancers. Isolated Arf and Hdm2 domains are dynamically disordered in solution, yet they retain the ability to interact in vitro and in cellular assays. Upon binding, domains of both Arf and Hdm2 undergo a dramatic transition from disordered conformations to extended structures comprised of beta-strands. The presence of domains from both proteins are necessary and sufficient for the formation of the highly stable extended beta structures. We have mapped sites within Arf and Hdm2 that interact at a resolution of five amino acid residues using surface plasmon resonance. Surface plasmon resonance and circular dichroism spectropolarimetry confirm the presence of multiple interaction domains within each protein. Both p14(Arf) (human) and p19(Arf) (mouse) interact with Hdm2 through two short motifs present in their N termini. The Arf interacting region of Hdm2 is also composed of two short sequences located in the central acidic domain, between residues 235-264 and 270-289. The binding-induced structural transition is also induced by short peptides, 15 amino acids in length, that contain the binding motifs. Micro-injection and live cell imaging of proteins tagged with fluorescent labels was used to confirm the in vivo function of the interaction domains. Arf and Hdm2 thus appear to interact through a novel mechanism that exerts control over the cell division cycle. The novel molecular mechanism of interaction and the limited size of the protein domains involved provide opportunities for the development of anticancer therapeutics.
Sighting-Eye Dominance Related to Composite Sidedness in Classroom and Clinic Samples:

Near-point and far-point binocular and monocular sighting tests given 20 high and 20 low achievers each from regular classrooms at Grades 4, 8, and 12 (N = 240) yielded significant x3 for differenc...
Comparison of Soot Growth and Oxidation in Smoking and Non–Smoking Ethylene Diffusion Flames

Abstract A probe sampling technique. which is based on the phenomenon of thermophoresis, is employed to study soot aggregate morphology within a soot emitting (smoking) coannular ethylene/air diffusion flame at atmospheric pressure. Primary particle diameters are obtained through electron microscope analysis of the soot aggregates collected from the flame environment. These observations, when combined with laser diagnostic and particle velocity measurements performed by others, result in the calculation of specific soot surface growth rates, soot surface areas and primary particle number densities along the path line exhibiting the maximum soot volume fraction throughout the growth region of the flame. The above quantities are compared with those measured in a similar non-smoking flame during a separate study. Specific soot oxidation rates are also obtained and compared for the aggregates transported in the upper portion of both flames. The transition from the non-smoking to the smoking behavior with incr...
Attitudes of minority adolescents toward hospitality industry careers

Abstract A challenge facing America is the development of human capital, especially for the rapidly growing hospitality industry. Few studies have investigated high school students’ perceptions of hospitality careers, especially those of ethnic minorities in the US. This survey discovered significant differences between the perceptions of Anglo and minority students in Arizona. Surprisingly, although minority students often had less knowledge about hospitality jobs, they often had more interest in those jobs and in education and training programs for hospitality careers. The industry can capitalize on minority students’ interest, and enable them to pursue careers that will integrate the ranks of hospitality management.
Microtubules and axonal growth

Twenty years of controversy have not produced a consensus concerning the mechanisms by which the microtubule array of the growing neuronal axon is established. At the heart of the controversy is the issue of whether tubulin is actively transported down the axon as assembled microtubules or as free subunits. This past year has seen the publication of several new studies relevant to this exciting and fundamental issue. Some of these studies failed to reveal evidence for the transport of assembled microtubules. Other studies, however, that used exciting new pharmacological, live-cell and molecular approaches, provide compelling new evidence that assembled microtubules are indeed the form in which tubulin is actively transported down the axon.
Noninterventional treatment of selected head and neck lymphatic malformations.

Abstract Background Indications for treatment of lymphatic malformations include disfigurement, symptoms, and infection. Patients with lymphatic malformations often undergo resection or sclerotherapy to prevent possible complications, as it has been thought that lymphatic lesions do not regress. Methods A retrospective analysis of all head and neck lymphatic malformations for the past 5 years was performed. Results Twenty-five patients with lymphatic malformations of the head and neck were treated, all underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for evaluation. Fourteen patients had macrocystic lesions; others were considered mixed or microcystic. Seventeen patients underwent intervention. Ten patients underwent surgical resection alone, 4 patients underwent sclerotherapy, and 3 patients had both sclerotherapy and surgical resection. Of 17, 15 patients who underwent intervention had complications, including recurrence and nerve damage. Eight patients with predominantly macrocystic lesions were managed with close observation and were asymptomatic other than a mass. With follow-up of 33.4 months, in 4 of 8 patients, the lesion significantly decreased; 4 of 8 patients continue to be asymptomatic. Conclusions Patients who undergo intervention have a high complication and recurrence rate. Selected patients with asymptomatic macrocystic lymphatic malformations of the head and neck can often be managed by observation alone. These patients should be followed closely in a multidiscliplinary clinical setting.
The dehydrated VAX-a paradigm for teaching introductory computer engineering

A method used to take advantage of the computer literacy of incoming students and to motivate and enhance a pair of introductory computer engineering courses is described. To carry electrical engineering students from their initial view of a computer as a terminal which understands Fortran to a solid view of what a computing engine does and how to build one, the authors have found it very effective to include a short, intense section on assembly-language programming. The section emphasizes the connection between high-level language programming constructs and machine architecture. To meet the needs of effective material coverage in a five-week segment of the overall two-quarter course, the enormous VAX instruction set was reduced to what looks rather like a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) instruction set of 16 instructions. The instructions selected force full awareness of the details of machine performance and of dynamic memory access and control. By keeping the tool-set small, there is time to concentrate on data structures, internal representations, connections between the high-level language (HLL) and the assembly language expression thereof, and the hardware structures which must underlie computational activity. >
Ligand symmetry-equivalence on thiolate protected gold nanoclusters determined by NMR spectroscopy

The Au(144)(SR)(60) nanocluster has been a subject of structural conjecture since its initial description over a decade ago as a 29 kDa compound, yet a decisive empirical structure is elusive. Herein we show that (1)H NMR spectroscopy can provide a detailed view of ligand-layer equivalence for thiolate protected gold nanoclusters. We show that Au(25)(SR)(18), Au(38)(SR)(24) and Au(102)(SR)(44) nanoclusters have (1)H NMR spectra where the number of distinct chemical environments for the R-groups is equivalent to the number of symmetry environments of the sulfur headgroups, which anchor each ligand. We also show that the Au(144)(SR)(60)(1)H NMR spectrum is consistent with a previously published DFT-derived structural model for Au(144)(SR)(60). We suggest that this analysis may be extended to other structurally obscure nanoclusters, such as a ∼59 kDa compound for which we observe up to four symmetry environments.
Activity put in context: identifying implicit task context within the user's document interaction

Modern desktop search is ill-fitted to our personal document workspace. On one hand, many of the methods which render web search effective cannot be applied on the desktop. On the other, desktop search does not take full advantage of attributes that are unique to our personal documents. In this work, we present Confluence, a desktop search system that addresses this problem by capturing the task context within which a user interacts with their documents. This context is then integrated with traditional desktop search techniques to enable task-based document retrieval.Building upon Connections, a system that identifies task context by passively monitoring the user's interaction with their documents within the file system. Confluence also traces user activity within the user interface and incorporates methods to analyze and integrate this new stream of information. We show that this approach significantly improves the accuracy of task identification, achieving 25% to 30% better recall.
25.3: Flexible In‐cell Infrared a‐Si Sensor

In this work, an in-cell photosensor was fabricated on a flexible display backplane for infrared sensing utilizations, such as optical touch panel, pen-writing input function, and so on. The IR responsivity of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin film transistor was characterized under near-infrared illuminations of 850 nm and 940 nm wavelengths. A compact active pixel sensor integrating the photo transistor was embedded into the display cell array. The experimental results demonstrate that a photocurrent to dark current ratio above 103, and an infrared sensitivity of 0.2 V/(s·W·m2) of the in-cell active pixel sensor were obtained. With the advantages of process compatibility, flexibility and low fabrication cost of scaling-up, the flexible in-cell infrared sensor can be a very promising optical detector for all kinds of applications.
The relationship between panic disorder and major depression. A new family study.

Objective: The comorbidity between panic disorder and major depression (MDD) in individuals has been amply documented. However, data from family studies to determine whether panic disorder and MDD aggregate separately or together in families have been inconclusive, in part because of the absence of studies with the full range of proband groups. This report presents results from a family study with the necessary mutually exclusive groups: panic disorder without MDD, panic disorder with MDD, MDD without panic disorder, and normal controls. Methods: Diagnostic information was obtained from 193 probands and 1047 of their adult relatives with the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia—Lifetime Version for Anxiety Disorders by direct interview, and/or from multiple informants, without knowledge of proband diagnoses. Best-estimate diagnoses were based on all available information by clinicians independently of data collection and without knowledge of probands' and other relatives' status. Results: Findings indicated the specific and independent transmission of panic disorder and MDD, the separation of panic disorder from MDD, and the nonfamilial nature of late-onset MDD. The pattern of results was unaffected by the use of different diagnostic criteria, number of informants, interview status of relatives, presence of substance abuse or agoraphobia or the sequence of MDD and panic disorder in probands, or whether probands were selected from treatment clinics or community sample. Conclusions: We conclude that panic disorder and MDD are separate disorders with substantial co-occurrence in individuals, and that panic comorbid with MDD is not a single, distinct disorder. Finally, we illustrate an approach to examining comorbidity in family data through analysis of mutually exclusive, parallel diagnoses in probands and relatives.
There Must Be Something More that I Can Do: Student-Centered Strategies for Helping the Bereaved Family Cope with Grief

(2005). There Must Be Something More that I Can Do: Student-Centered Strategies for Helping the Bereaved Family Cope with Grief. American Journal of Health Education: Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 245-249.
Immobilization 12 days (but not one hour) earlier enhanced 2-deoxy-d-glucose-induced immunosuppression: Evidence for stressorinduced time-dependent sensitization of the immune system

1. Prior exposure to a stressor can either increase or decrease subsequent behavioral, neurochemical, and endocrine reactivity to stress, depending on the pattern of stress exposure. 2. Massed or frequent exposures typically induce a reduction in reactivity whereas intermittent or widely spaced exposures increase subsequent reactivity. 3. In the present study, the authors examined whether a single presentation of a temporally remote stressor would increase the immunosuppressive effects of a subsequent stressor. Specifically, the authors investigated the effectiveness of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) in suppressing the responsiveness of splenic lymphocytes in male, Sprague-Dawley rats that received either no prior treatment, or immobilization either one hour or 12 days earlier. 4. Splenic lymphocyte responsiveness to the T-cell mitogens, Concanavalin A (Con-A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was suppressed following a single injection of 2-DG. 5. The group exposed to the stress of immobilization one hour prior to 2-DG demonstrated a comparable level of immune suppression. 6. In contrast, animals immobilized 12 days prior to the administration of 2-DG showed a more pronounced suppression of immune responsiveness which was significantly greater than the other groups injected with 2-DG. 7. Neither the stress-induced elevation in corticosterone, nor the suppression of blood lymphocyte reactivity to Con-A and PHA was enhanced by prior immobilization. 8. The results indicate that the immunosuppressive effects of an acute stressor can sensitize with the passage of time.
Lung-volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema: appraisal of its current status.

Purpose of review Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, as well as a major cause of disability. In its end stages, its inexorable progression results in profound suffering for those afflicted. Medical therapy has proven largely ineffective in improving dyspnea and functional status, and does not alter pulmonary function. Over the past decade, lung-volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has been proposed as a palliative treatment for certain subgroups of COPD patients with emphysema, but initial enthusiasm over its application had been confounded by uncertainty about the potential cost and morbidities associated with LVRS, as well as durability of its beneficial effects. Longer-term follow-up data of initial uncontrolled trials along with several landmark controlled trials have recently been published, offering insight as to the "proper" place of LVRS in the treatment of these unfortunate patients. This review will summarize and offer perspective on these recent findings, as well as offer thoughts on recent refinements in preoperative imaging assessment, and pioneering efforts in less invasive bronchoscopic lung-volume reduction that should further aid the clinician in defining who should benefit from this treatment approach. Recent findings Lung-volume reduction surgery can result in demonstrable benefit in selected subgroups of COPD patients with upper-lobe disease and poor exercise capacity before surgery with improvements in six-minute walk distances, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), dyspnea scores and quality-of-life scores, and decreases in residual volume (RV) as well as the need for supplemental oxygen. Patients with FEV1 less than 20% of predicted and either homogeneous emphysema or diffusing capacities (DLCO) less than 20% of predicted do not benefit from LVRS and have unacceptable peri-operative mortalities. Costs to society are high, with a cost of $98,000 per quality-adjusted-life year gained over a 2-year period if only those with upper-lobe disease are offered the procedure. Summary Lung-volume reduction surgery can improve both objective and subjective measures of lung performance in properly selected COPD patients. Durable effects of up to 5 years have now been demonstrated. As costs (both fiscal and emotional) of such an approach are high, refinement in patient selection remains a current goal in the surgical approach to COPD.
Nonparametric Benchmark Dose Estimation with Continuous Dose-Response Data

We propose a new method for risk-analytic benchmark dose (BMD) estimation in a dose-response setting when the responses are measured on a continuous scale. For each dose level d, the observation X(d) is assumed to follow a normal distribution: . No specific parametric form is imposed upon the mean μ(d), however. Instead, nonparametric maximum likelihood estimates of μ(d) and σ are obtained under a monotonicity constraint on μ(d). For purposes of quantitative risk assessment, a ‘hybrid’ form of risk function is defined for any dose d as R(d) = P[X(d) 0 is a constant independent of d. The BMD is then determined by inverting the additional risk functionRA(d) = R(d) − R(0) at some specified value of benchmark response. Asymptotic theory for the point estimators is derived, and a finite-sample study is conducted, using both real and simulated data. When a large number of doses are available, we propose an adaptive grouping method for estimating the BMD, which is shown to have optimal mean integrated squared error under appropriate designs.
Using 10Be and 26Al to determine sediment generation rates and identify sediment source areas in an arid region drainage basin

We measured 10 Be and 26 Al in 64 sediment and bedrock samples collected throughout the arid, 187 km 2 Yuma Wash drainage basin, southwestern Arizona. From the measurements, we determine long-term, time-integrated rates of upland sediment generation (81F 5gm 2 year 1 ) and bedrock equivalent lowering (30F 2mM a 1 ) consistent with other estimates for regions of similar climate, lithology, and topography. In a small (f 8k m 2 ), upland sub-basin, differences in nuclide concentrations between bedrock outcrops and hillslope colluvium suggest weathering of bedrock beneath a colluvial cover is a more significant source of sediment (4010 4 kg year 1 ) than weathering of exposed bedrock surfaces (1010 4 kg year 1 ). Mixing models constructed from nuclide concentrations of sediment reservoirs identify important sediment source areas. Hillslope colluvium is the dominant sediment source to the upper reaches of the sub-basin channel; channel cutting of alluvial terraces is the dominant source in the lower reaches. Similarities in nuclide concentrations of various sediment reservoirs indicate short sediment storage times (<10 3 years). Nuclide concentrations, measured in channel sediment from tributaries of Yuma Wash and in samples collected along the length of the Wash, were used to construct mixing models and determine sediment sources to the main stem channel. We find an exponential decrease in the channel nuclide concentrations with distance downstream, suggesting that as much as 40% of sediment discharged from Yuma Wash has been recycled from storage within basin fill alluvium. Sediment generation and denudation rates determined from the main stem are greater (25%) than rates determined from upland sub-basins suggesting that, currently, sediment may be exported from the basin more quickly than it is being generated in the uplands. Independence of nuclide concentration and sediment grain size indicates that channels transport sediment in discrete pulses before rapidly depositing poorly sorted material, suggesting that differences in transport times for different size materials are minimal. D 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Little heterosis for yield and yield components in hybrids of six cucumber inbreds

Heterosis and inbreeding depression for fruit yield has been reported for pickling cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). However, cucumber inbreds often perform as well as hybrids, and there is little inbreeding depression. The objectives of this study were to reexamine the amount of heterosis and inbreeding depression for fruit yield and yield components in pickling cucumber, and to determine the relationship between yield components and yield for heterosis. Two pickling cucumber inbreds (M 12, M 20) and inbreds from four open-pollinated monoecious cultivars (‘Addis’, ‘Clinton’, ‘Wisconsin SMR 18’, ‘Tiny Dill’) were hybridized to form four F1 hybrids (‘Addis’ × M 20, ‘Addis’ × ‘Wis. SMR 18’, ‘Clinton’ × M 12, M 20 × ‘Tiny Dill’). F1 hybrids were then self-pollinated or backcrossed to generate F2, BC1A, and BC1B progeny. Thirty plants of each generation within each hybrid family were grown in plots 3.1 m long with four replications in each of two seasons. Data were collected from once-over harvest for vegetative, reproductive, yield, and fruit quality traits. Heterosis and inbreeding depression for fruit yield and yield components were not observed in three of the hybrids. Only ‘Addis’ × ‘Wis. SMR 18’ exhibited high-parent heterosis and inbreeding depression for total, marketable, and early fruit weight. For ‘Addis’ × ‘Wis. SMR 18’, heterosis for fruit yield was associated with a decreased correlation between percentage of fruit set and fruit weight, an increased negative correlation between percentage of fruit set and both the number of branches per plant and the percentage of pistillate nodes, and an increased negative correlation between the number of nodes per branch and total fruit weight. Inbreeding depression was associated with a weakening of the strong negative correlations between percentage of fruit set and the number of branches per plant, and between the number of nodes per branch and total fruit weight. Those correlations were associated with high-parent heterosis and inbreeding depression only for one cross, and do not necessarily apply to future crosses in which heterosis may be observed for yield. We did not observe the heterosis or inbreeding depression for yield in cucumber in most of the crosses as was reported by Ghaderi & Lower (1979a; 1979c).
Massively parallel approach to pattern recognition

Template matching is concerned with measuring the similarity between patterns of two objects. A massively parallel approach to pattern recognition with a large template set is proposed. A class of image recognition problem inherently needs large template sets, for example, the recognition of Chinese characters, which needs thousands of templates. The proposed algorithm is based on the SIMD-SM-R machine or the SIMD machine with broadcasting abilities, which is the most popular parallel machine to date, and uses a multiresolution method to search for the matching template. The approach uses the pyramid data structure for the multiresolution representation of templates and the input image pattern. For a given image it scans the template pyramid searching for the match. Implementation of the proposed scheme is described. >