cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From Something to Nothing (and back)

This paper addresses the experience that I have had in making the transition from technician (UNIX systems administrator variety) to management. It discusses some of the issues that I have had to cope with in this unfamiliar territory. If this paper has any management-speak in it, it is only because I have included it by accident, as my background is as a technician. I won't say that nothing, but likely very little, in this paper has anything to do with management theory; rather it is just the experience that I have had over the past several years.
Seeking advice from experts: A cautionary tale

Experts are considered assets for most projects. Expert judgment is widely used in almost all major processes in the “Project Management Book of Knowledge 5th edition” [1], and for some of the processes it is the only technique mentioned. Most project teams will have their own internal experts, but many teams will seek outside expertise from project consultants, user groups, subject matter experts, or senior management people. The ultimate outcome of the process, usually the decision quality, will depend critically on whether the prospective advisor should or should not provide advice based on his or her knowledge of the problem area. There is a significant amount of research that examines why or when a decision maker will or will not use an advisor's advice [2,3]. This paper examines the other side of the relationship — why and when an advisor will agree to provide advice and identifies moderators that influence an advisor's willingness to give advice.
Strategies and outcomes for aortic endograft explantation

Abstract Background Failure of endovascular aneurysm repairs (EVARs) requiring open conversion remains a major challenge. We analyzed indications for repair, operative strategies, and outcomes with a focus on iliac artery degeneration after endograft removal. Methods A prospective, institutional database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent explantation of a failed EVAR device. Demographics, reason for failure, operative details including extent of endograft removal, and complications/survival were examined. Postexplantation computed tomography imaging was evaluated for iliac artery degeneration. Results There were 32 patients who underwent explantation from 2002 to 2017. Six patients were treated emergently for rupture. The majority were elderly (average age, 76 ± 8.5 years), white (100%) men (91%) who had their EVAR graft inserted 45.5 months (range, 0.3-86 months) before open conversion, usually at an outside institution (75%). Explanted endografts included nine AneuRx (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn), nine Excluder (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz), four Endurant (Medtronic), three Zenith (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind), three Powerlink/AFX (Endologix, Irvine, Calif), one Aorfix (Lombard Medical, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom), one Talent (Medtronic), and two unknown. Failure was due to endoleak in 91% (type I, 38%; type II, 28%; type III, 13%; type V, 13%), infection in 6%, and occlusion/kinking in 3%. A previous attempt at endovascular salvage of EVAR occurred in 12 (37.5%) patients. Operative approach was transabdominal in 69% and retroperitoneal in 31%. Initial aortic clamp position was supraceliac in 31%, suprarenal in 31%, and infrarenal in 38%. Most patients had complete removal of their endograft (n = 19 [59%]), with 22 (69%) having at least the iliac limbs removed. Grafts with suprarenal fixation were more likely to have the upper main body left in situ (67% vs 17%; P = .029). The 30-day mortality was 6.3% (3.8% elective, 16.7% ruptured), and 31% had a major complication. Of the 23 patients who had follow-up imaging, there was a trend for more iliac degeneration (>5 mm in growth) in those who had the iliac limbs removed (29.4% vs 0%; P = .184). Three patients with iliac limb removal required subsequent iliac endovascular intervention (two for rupture). Patients who presented with a rupture had a decreased 5-year overall survival (33%) compared with those who were converted electively (59%). Conclusions Both complete and partial endograft explantation, although morbid procedures, can be performed safely. Postoperative imaging surveillance is important, especially if the endograft has been removed from the iliac arteries, as degeneration can occur.
Spline-based quasi-likelihood estimation of mixed Poisson regression with single-index models

We consider spline-based quasi-likelihood estimation for mixed Poisson regression with single-index models. The unknown smooth function is approximated by B-splines, and a modified Fisher scoring algorithm is employed to compute the estimates. The spline estimate of the nonparametric component is shown to achieve the optimal rate of convergence, and the asymptotic normality of the regression parameter estimates is still valid even if the variance function is misspecified. The semiparametric efficiency of the model can be established if the variance function is correctly specified. The variance of the regression parameter estimates can be consistently estimated by a simple procedure based on the least-squares estimation. The proposed method is evaluated via an extensive Monte Carlo study, and the methodology is illustrated on an air pollution study.
Eating the Beast: Dietary Protein and Anticancer Immunity

Studies on the impact of diet on cancer progression have predominantly focused on the metabolic demands of the tumor. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Rubio-Patino et al. (2018) examine how a small reduction in dietary protein effectively commandeers the adaptive immune response to attack the tumor, highlighting a role for endoplasmic reticulum stress.
Gliogenesis in lampreys shares gene regulatory interactions with oligodendrocyte development in jawed vertebrates.

Abstract Glial cells in the nervous system regulate and support many functions related to neuronal activity. Understanding how the vertebrate nervous system has evolved demands a greater understanding of the mechanisms controlling evolution and development of glial cells in basal vertebrates. Among vertebrate glia, oligodendrocytes form an insulating myelin layer surrounding axons of the central nervous system (CNS) in jawed vertebrates. Jawless vertebrates lack myelinated axons but it is unclear when oligodendrocytes or the regulatory mechanisms controlling their development evolved. To begin to investigate the evolution of mechanisms controlling glial development, we identified key genes required for the differentiation of oligodendrocytes in gnathostomes, including Nkx2.2, SoxE genes, and PDGFR, analyzed their expression, and used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to perturb their functions in a primitively jawless vertebrate, the sea lamprey. We show in lamprey that orthologs required for oligodendrocyte development in jawed vertebrates are expressed in the lamprey ventral neural tube, in similar locations where gnathostome oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC) originate. In addition, they appear to be under the control of conserved mechanisms that regulate OPC development in jawed vertebrates and may also function in gliogenesis. Our results suggest that although oligodendrocytes first emerged in jawed vertebrates, regulatory mechanisms required for their development predate the divergence of jawless and jawed vertebrates.
Experience with mass audience linear programming for farm planning

In this article the authors discuss the structure and application of a farm planning model for commercial grain farms. The authors have personally helped over 4000 farmers improve their decision making process via use of this linear programming technique. This model is designed to help farmers make annual and longer run decisions on a grain producing farm. All discussion herein relates to the Purdue Automatic Cropping Budget Model B-9 which is used in conjunction with Purdue’s Top Farmer Workshops. This paper describes in technical terms, how the model is constructed and dicusses the purposes of its individual components.
Impulse Control Difficulties and Hostility Toward Women as Predictors of Relationship Violence Perpetration in an Undergraduate Male Sample

Relationship violence in college students continues to be an important social problem. Prior research has identified several risk factors for relationship violence including trauma exposure, impuls...
Hydrocephalus Following Giant Transosseous Vertex Meningioma Resection.

Introduction Meningiomas are among the most common primary intracranial tumors. While well-described, there is limited information on the outcomes and consequences following treatment of giant-sized vertex-based meningiomas. These meningiomas have specific risks and potential complications due to their size, location, and involvement with extracalvarial soft tissue and dural sinuses. Herein, we present four giant-sized vertex transosseous meningioma cases with involvement and occlusion of the sagittal sinus, that postoperatively developed external hydrocephalus and ultimately required shunting. Methods A retrospective chart review identified patients with large vertex meningiomas that were: (1) large (>6 cm) with hemispheric (no skull base) location, (2) involvement of the superior sagittal sinus resulting in complete sinus occlusion, (3) involvement of dura resulting in a large duraplasty area, (4) transosseous involvement requiring a 5 cm or larger craniectomy for resection of invaded calvarial bone. Results Tumors were resected in all four cases, with all patients subsequently developing external hydrocephalus which required shunting within 2 weeks to 6 months postsurgery. Conclusion We believe this may be the first report of the development of hydrocephalus following surgical resection of these large lesions. Based on our observations, we propose that a combination of superior sagittal sinus occlusion and changes in brain elasticity and compliance affect the brain's CSF absorptive capacity, which ultimately lead to hydrocephalus development. We suggest that neurosurgeons be aware that postoperative hydrocephalus can quickly develop following treatment of giant-sized vertex-based meningiomas, and that correction of hydrocephalus with shunting can readily be achieved.
The Police Response to Riots: An Analysis of the Case Studies

This chapter provides an analysis of the case studies and discusses each of the main themes that emerged from the research. The chapter presents the main issues identified in the case studies and then compares the issues and themes across all four riots. It also examines the theoretical causes of the riots in the case studies and discusses the problems that the police faced in responding to the riots.
Real-Time Transcranial Histotripsy Treatment Localization and Mapping Using Acoustic Cavitation Emission Feedback

Cavitation events generated during histotripsy therapy generate large acoustic cavitation emission (ACE) signals that can be detected through the skull. This article investigates the feasibility of using these ACE signals, acquired using the elements of a 500-kHz, 256-element hemispherical histotripsy transducer as receivers, to localize and map the cavitation activity in real time through the human skullcap during transcranial histotripsy therapy. The locations of the generated cavitation events predicted using the ACE feedback signals in this study were found to be accurate to within $ {\gtrsim 80}$ % of cases. Localization results were observed to be biased in the prefocal direction of the histotripsy array and toward its transverse origin but were only weakly affected by focal steering location. The choice of skullcap and treatment pulse repetition frequency (PRF) were both observed to affect the accuracy of the localization results in the low PRF regime (1–10 Hz), but the localization accuracy was seen to stabilize at higher PRFs (≥10 Hz). Tests of the localization algorithm in vitro , for treatment delivered to a bovine brain sample mounted within the skullcap, revealed good agreement between the ACE feedback-generated treatment map and the morphological characteristics of the treated volume of the brain sample. Localization during experiments was achieved in real time for pulses delivered at rates up to 70 Hz, but benchmark tests indicate that the localization algorithm is scalable, indicating that higher rates are possible with more powerful hardware. The results of this article demonstrate the feasibility of using ACE feedback signals to localize and map transcranially generated cavitation events during histotripsy. Such capability has the potential to greatly simplify transcranial histotripsy treatments, as it may provide a non-MRI-based method for monitoring and localizing transcranial histotripsy treatments in real time.
Psychoanalysis: neglected ally in an emerging "critical healthcare management studies" (CHMS)?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the relevance of psychoanalysis to an emerging sub-field known as "critical healthcare management studies" (CHMS). Design/methodology/approach Building upon a wave of critical scholarship in the broader field of management, scholars and practitioners of healthcare management have begun to forge a critical scholarly movement of their own. CHMS, short for "critical healthcare management studies," formally denotes a new subfield of inquiry dedicated to challenging entrenched assumptions, exposing power relations, and cultivating critical praxis, all the while serving as a vital counterpoint to mainstream scholarship. This paper seeks to augment the CHMS movement with psychoanalysis, and particularly the critical vein of organizational psychoanalysis already well-established in critical management studies. Findings The argument is made that a greater engagement with psychoanalysis offers novel avenues for critical theorizing and practice in healthcare management. Specifically three areas are considered: 1) the exploitative role of guilt in the caring professions, 2) the resurgence of authoritarianism and its implications for unconscious organizational dynamics, and 3) the potential for a psychoanalytically informed critical healthcare praxis. Originality/value While there remain wide differences of opinion about the utility of psychoanalysis outside of the clinical arena, this paper reveals just how psychoanalysis can inform today's healthcare organizations, and more broadly the social and political organization of health in society.
Ribosomes clear the way for siRNA targeting.

Visualizing siRNA targeting of single mRNAs in living cells reveals that passing ribosomes temporarily unfold the mRNA, exposing it to siRNA recognition. This effect is due to the slow reorganization of many weak, suboptimal interactions within the mRNA.
Understanding the magnitude of risk associated with Zika virus infection in pregnancy

In any pandemic, accurate data regarding adverse perinatal outcomes are critical to clinical management, a current reality with COVID-19. During the Zika virus epidemic, initial data regarding perinatal infection risks were concerning, with adverse pregnancy outcomes reported among 46.7% of affected pregnancies (Brasil et al NEJM 2016; 375: 2321). However, subsequent data demonstrated that the incidence of birth defects attributable to Zika virus was approximately 6%, with most of the risk occurring from first trimester infection (Honein et al JAMA 2017;317: 59). These studies demonstrated that risk estimates are subject to how cohorts are established and how risk is defined.
American Kestrel Responses to Aircraft in an Airport Environment

Animal perception of risk and response to vehicle approach affect survival. We quantified American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) behavioral response to aircraft approach in an airport environment, by examining the likelihood of initiating escape, flight-initiation distance (FID), and the type of escape response. We observed 32 American Kestrel-aircraft interactions at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio, USA, from June 2015 through September 2016. American Kestrels responded to aircraft by initiating escape (i.e., FID > 0) 34% of the time, with a mean FID of 64 m and frequent (82%) returns to the same location occupied before the escape. Based on effect size estimates, the trajectory of an aircraft approach (direct vs. nondirect) was a more important determinant of whether an American Kestrel initiated escape than was the type of aircraft (propeller or piston vs. jet-powered). Assuming an average aircraft ground speed of 51.4 m/sec on landing phase, birds responded on average 1.2 sec before an aircraft was over or at the bird's position. Based on the relationship among likelihood of initiating escape, FID, and reported bird-aircraft collisions (strikes) across species studied at the same airport, American Kestrels followed a strategy of relatively low likelihood of initiating escape and short FIDs, which led to infrequent strikes. However, compared to American Kestrels, some other species that followed a similar strategy had more aircraft strikes, whereas some species with different strategies experienced similar numbers of strikes. This variation among species in escape strategies and strikes should be studied further, as it could lead to new ways of modeling bird-strike risk at airports.
Decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds identify full-length collagen VI as a driver of breast cancer cell invasion in obesity and metastasis

The extracellular matrix (ECM), a major component of the tumor microenvironment, promotes local invasion to drive metastasis. Here, we describe a method to study whole-tissue ECM effects from disease states associated with metastasis on tumor cell phenotypes and identify the individual ECM proteins and signaling pathways that are driving these effects. We show that decellularized ECM from tumor-bearing and obese mammary glands drives TNBC cell invasion. Proteomics of the ECM from the obese mammary gland led us to identify full-length collagen VI as a novel driver of TNBC cell invasion whose abundance in tumor stroma increases with body mass index in human TNBC patients. Last, we describe the mechanism by which collagen VI contributes to TNBC cell invasion via NG2-EGFR cross-talk and MAPK signaling. Overall, these studies demonstrate the value of decellularized ECM scaffolds obtained from tissues to identify novel functions of the ECM.
The Woods: A Mixed-Reality Two-Player Cooperative Game

While loneliness in our real lives is increasingly recognized as having dire physical, mental, and emotional consequences, cooperative games have been shown to build empathy and provide positive social impact. In this paper, the authors present "The Woods," a local cooperative, mixed-reality game using augmented reality and 4-channel audio spatialization panning that provides players with face-to-face interactions in pursuit of a shared goal. This paper discusses the narrative, mechanical, and sonic components of the game, as well as the game's development process and the players' experiences. The goal of our team is to develop a narrative-driven AR game that promotes collaborative problem-solving and engages players in an emergent physical and digital experience.
Quantum Measurement Theory and its Applications

Preface 1. Quantum measurement theory 2. Useful concepts from information theory 3. Continuous measurement 4. Statistical mechanics, open systems, and measurement 5. Quantum feedback control 6. Metrology 7. Quantum mesoscopic systems I: circuits and measurements 8. Quantum mesoscopic systems II: measurement and control Appendices References Index.
Effusive-constrictive radiation pericarditis: Two cases illustrating value of angiocardiography in diagnosis

Abstract Two patients who probably had received excessive dosages of irradiation therapy following mastectomy for cancer developed symptoms and clinical signs of effusive-constrictive pericarditis. Both patients were at first suspected of having isolated myocardial disease and were treated for heart failure with digitalis. Angiocardiography, however, demonstrated pericardial effusions, delayed circulation times, venous hypertension and normal-sized cardiovascular structures. These data established the diagnosis of effusive-constrictive pericarditis. The first patient died before pericardiocentesis could be performed. In the second patient, cardiac tamponade was alleviated by making a pericardial-pleural window. Persistence of the tachycardia, weakness and exhaustion, associated with mild aortic and mitral regurgitation, suggests myocardial disease due perhaps to irradiation. In 1 patient angiocardiography also showed severe attenuation of the left pulmonary artery due to left pulmonary fibrosis. At autopsy, radiation pulmonary fibrosis of the left lung (the side of mastectomy) was found. Pericarditis and pericardial effusions are ominous developments following neoplastic disease and are usually due to metastases. Rarely, irradiation pericarditis, which is usually associated with pulmonary fibrosis, may be the cause of pericardial effusion. Because of the danger of cardiac tamponade and heart failure owing to constrictive pericarditis, early diagnosis is important. For this angiocardiography is valuable.
Alternative Cycle Covers and Paths

The boundary between the class P (problems solvable in polynomial time) and the class of NP-complete problems (probably not solvable in polynomial time) is investigated in the area of alternating cycle covers and alternating paths. By means of logarithm space reductions it is shown, that the transition from undirected graphs to directed graphs causes a jump from polynomial time to NP-Completeness.
The value of limited random vibration flight data.

Power and cross spectral density in vector modal terms used to obtain physical interpretation of random behavior of sensitive spacecraft parts
A Global QoS Management for Wireless Network

The Infopad Downlink Power Control System (IDPCS) is proposed as a scheme for the assignment of mobile units to cells and the management of power control for the downlink of Direct Sequence-Code Division Multiple Access (DS-CDMA) wireless networks. Its aim is to maximize the number of mobile units connected to each cell on the downlink subjecting to three requirements: maximizing the signal-to-noise-ratio that each mobile unit receives, meeting the maximum power constraint imposed on each base station, and meeting the limit on the number of mobile units that can be assigned to each base station.
Robust Lyapunov-based feedback control of nonlinear Web-winding systems

Web-winding systems such as tape drives are often modeled as linear and time-invariant (LTI), but at least two nonlinearities are common in these systems. First, the reel radii and moments of inertia change as web media spools from one reel to another. Second, friction can draw a thin layer of air between the layers of web media wrapped on the takeup reel, making the system's spring and damping characteristics nonlinear by allowing a greater length of media to vibrate freely. Little has been published regarding the dynamic behavior of this "air entrainment" phenomenon. This paper first describes a model for web-winding systems that includes these nonlinearities. No particular model is taken for air entrainment; it is only assumed that its effects are bounded in a certain sense. It is further assumed that the motor parameters are not known exactly. Feedback linearization, state feedback, and changes of variables are then used to transform the system into decoupled and intuitively meaningful tension and velocity loops. Lyapunov redesign techniques are then used to develop control laws that are robust with respect to the motor parameters. Under these laws, velocity error is exponentially-stable and tension error satisfies a desired bound for all time - with tension error also exponentially stable in the steady-state case. Simulations illustrate the performance of these schemes.
Improving air traffic management through agent suggestions

Providing intelligent automation to manage the continuously increasing flow of air traffic is critical to the safety and economic viability of air transportation systems. However, current automated solutions leave existing human controllers "out of the loop" rendering the potential solutions both technically dangerous (e.g., inability to react to suddenly developing conditions) and politically charged (e.g., role of air traffic controllers in a fully automated system). Instead, this paper proposes a distributed agent based solution where agents provide suggestions to human controllers. Results on traffic flow around New York show that the suggestion agents can improve system performance by up to 25% over that of human controllers alone, and that these results degrade gracefully when the number of human controllers that follow the agents' suggestions declines.
Role of the Hospitalist and Maternal Fetal Medicine Physician in Obstetrical Inpatient Care

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of hospitalists and Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) subspecialists in obstetrical inpatient care. Study Design This electronic survey study was offered to members of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG; n = 1,039) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM; n = 1,813). Results Overall, 607 (21%) respondents completed the survey. Overall, 35% reported that hospitalists provided care in at least one of their hospitals. Compared with ACOG respondents, a higher frequency of SMFM respondents reported comfort with hospitalists providing care for all women on labor and delivery (74.4 vs. 43.5%, p = 0.005) and women with complex issues (56.4 vs. 43.5%, p = 0.004). The majority of ACOG respondents somewhat/completely agreed that hospitalists were associated with decreased adverse events (69%) and improved safety/safety culture (70%). Overall, 35% of ACOG respondents have MFM consultation available with 53% having inpatient coverage. Of these, 85% were satisfied with MFM availability. Conclusion Over one-third of respondents work in units staffed with hospitalists and more than half have inpatient MFM coverage. It is important to evaluate if and how hospitalists can improve maternal and perinatal outcomes, and the types of hospitals that are best served by them.
Designing Reputation Systems for the Social Web

Online Reputation Systems are a key, but under-appreciated, component of virtually every social web application. They play an important role in inducing user participation, good behavior and quality contributions. Despite their importance, however, their practical design and implementation has, so far, typically been the result of trial and error. This paper distills some of the design principles that have emerged after more than a decade of research and practical experience on the topic. I provide a practical overview of the promises and challenges of online reputation mechanism design, and how to implement the right incentives for good behavior, truthful reporting and resistance to manipulation.
Computational Design of ICCP Systems: Lessons Learned and Future Directions

Computational modeling using boundary element techniques has been proposed for design and evaluation of shipboard impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems. LaPlace's equation, the governing differential equation for electrochemical corrosion, is well suited for solution by the boundary element method. There has been much work performed in this field during the past two decades. Computational modeling efforts designed to validate boundary element procedures are reviewed. U. S. Navy ship systems discussed are CG-59, CG-66 and CVN-68. Computational analysis accuracy is determined by comparison with physical scale modeling experimental results. Lessons learned from the analyses described are summarized. Advantages and disadvantages of boundary element modeling are discussed.
Particle Size Determination Using TEM: A Discussion of Image Acquisition and Analysis for the Novice Microscopist

As nanoparticle synthesis capabilities advance, there is an increasing need for reliable nanoparticle size distribution analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to directly image nanoparticles at scales approaching a single atom. However, the advantage gained by being able to "see" these nanoparticles comes with several tradeoffs that must be addressed and balanced. For effective nanoparticle characterization, the proper selection of imaging type (bright vs dark field), magnification, and analysis method (manual vs automated) is critical. These decisions control the measurement resolution, the contrast between the particle and background, the number of particles in each image, the subsequent analysis efficiency, and the proper determination of the particle-background boundary and affect the significance of electron beam damage to the sample. In this work, the relationship between the critical decisions required for TEM analysis of small nanoparticles and the statistical effects of these factors on the resulting size distribution is presented.
Growth modes of cracks in creeping type 304 stainless steel

Abstract The modes of initial growth of cracks in creeping Type 304 stainless steel were studied in the 600–775°C range in plane strain and three different test geometries consisting of center cracked panels, double edge notched bars, and compact tension specimens in both annealed material and in some material with 5% initial cold work. In all cases it was found that in samples with pre-fatigue sharpened cracks the initial growth was branched and on planes at 50° with the median plane of the crack. In other cases of samples with blunt cracks having machined radii of curvature, initial growth was found to remain in the median plane of the crack. In further growth, however, it was noted that while the direction of the branched cracks became later parallel to the median crack plane, the initially planar cracks showed later evidence of branching. This meandering behavior of cracks is a result of the different nature of crack tip strain concentration for initially sharp and initially blunt cracks. While data were limited, a dependence of the average crack speed on a power function of the C∗ parameter was found for all cases in which crack growth was intergranular.
MicroRNAs in the Aging Female Brain: A Putative Mechanism for Age-Specific Estrogen Effects

Menopause is characterized by the rapid age-related decline of circulating 17β-estradiol (E2) levels in women, which can sometimes result in cognitive disorders such as impaired memory and increased anxiety. Hormone therapy (HT) is a widely used treatment for the adverse effects associated with menopause; however, evidence suggests that HT administered to postmenopausal women age 65 years and over can lead to increased risks for cognitive disorders. We hypothesized that these age-related changes in E2 action are due to posttranscriptional gene regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by binding to the 3′-untranslated region of target mRNAs and subsequently target these transcripts for degradation. In the present study, 3- and 18-month-old female rats were oophorectomized (OVX) and treated 1 week after surgery with 2.5 μg E2 once per day for 3 days. Total RNA was isolated from the ventral and dorsal hippocampus, central amygdala, and paraventricular nucleus. Our results showed that E2 differentially altered miRNA levels in an age- and brain region-dependent manner. Multiple miRNA target prediction algorithms revealed putative target genes that are important for memory and stress regulation, such as BDNF, glucocorticoid receptor, and SIRT-1. Indeed, quantitative RT-PCR analyses of some of the predicted targets, such as SIRT1, showed that the mRNA expression levels were the inverse of the targeting miRNA, thereby confirming the prediction algorithms. Taken together, these data show that E2 regulates miRNA expression in an age- and E2-dependent manner, which we hypothesize results in differential gene expression and consequently altered neuronal function.
Parametric models of nonstationary Gaussian processes

Abstract Three parametric representations are developed for approximating a general nonstationary Gaussian process X(t). The representations: (1) are based on the Bernstein and other interpolation polynomials, spline functions, and an extension of a sampling theorem for stationary processes; (2) consist of finite sums of specified deterministic functions with random amplitudes depending on X(t); and (3) converge to X(t) as the number of these functions increases. However, their convergence rates differ. Numerical results for a nonstationary Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process show that the interpolation polynomials have the slowest rate of convergence. The parametric representations based on spline functions and the extended sampling theorem have similar convergence rates. The paper also presents methods for generating realizations of X(t) based on the three parametric models of this process.
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors coexist with kainate and quisqualate receptors on single isolated catfish horizontal cells

Abstract Horizontal cells enzymatically isolated from catfish retina were exposed to the putative neurotransmitters aspartate (Asp) or N-methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA). Under voltage clamp conditions, inward currents were recorded when the holding potential was more negative than zero and outward currents were recorded when the membrane potential was more positive than zero. The current voltage curve was highly non-linear in the range of membrane potential between −30 and −100 mV. This non-linearity was largely removed in zero magnesium solution. 2-Amino-phosphonovaleric acid selectively blocked Asp and NMDA responses. These response characteristics are consistent with the presence of NMDA receptors in these cells.
X-ray depth distribution function, φ(ρz), for thin spheres

Sub-micron spheres of pure materials prepared by electrohydrodynamic atomization were used to determine experimentally the x-ray distribution function, ϕ(ρz), for spheres using a dedicated HB501 scanning transmission electron microscope at 100 keV. The materials chosen were W, Pd, Ni, V and Al thin spheres. ϕ(ρz) was measured experimentally using a tracer technique. The thin film tracers used were Ir, Ag, Cr, Cu and SiO2, respectively. ϕ(ρz) for the above materials was also calculated using a Monte Carlo trajectory simulation modeled for the tracer technique. The experimental tracer ϕ(ρz) results show a pronounced scatter, especially for large-diameter spheres. Local variations in the tracer film thicknesses appear to be the reason for such scatter. The trends in the experimental and Monte Carlo results, however, are simple and show a strong dependence on the atomic number of the target material. A general expression for ϕ(ρz) for thin spheres is presented which fits the experimental tracer results. The Monte Carlo results agree well with the fitted data for elements of low atomic number and/or small-size spheres. For elements of higher atomic number (Pd and W), however, the Monte Carlo ϕ(ρz) curves peak too early with mass thickness. This problem may be due to inadequacies of the scattering cross-section models used in the analysis.
Performance evaluation of the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous laser rangefinder

A direct-detection laser altimeter is one of five instruments supporting the one-year scientific investigation of the near-Earth asteroid, 433 Eros, the subject of the near-earth asteroid rendezvous (NEAR) mission. While orbiting Eros at an altitude of 50 km, the NEAR laser rangefinder will continuously sample Eros' surface. Evaluation of altimeter performance requires an understanding of pertinent asteroid characteristics, mission geometry, and rangefinder implementation of the Neyman- Pearson detection criterion. Analysis indicates performance margin of 9.8 dB at 50 km in the presence of speckle. The altimeter is a bistatic configuration that uses a 15 mJ/pulse Cr:Nd:YAG solid-state laser and 3.5-inch aperture Dall-Kirkham receiver telescope with low-noise, high-speed detection electronics. This paper presents pertinent mission requirements and highlights the altimeter design. Our analysis is described and results from altimeter testing are provided demonstrating 9 - 12 dB performance margin, in agreement with prediction.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Canine reproductive, respiratory, and ocular diseases due to canine herpesvirus

This review documents how clinical inquiry expands as our knowledge base about canine herpesvirus (CHV) increases. We must understand the various forms of CHV infection that may occur in the dog population. This has prompted the veterinary community to develop more sensitive diagnostic assays. CHV is more common than we considered a decade ago. Up to 70% of some high-risk dog populations have been infected with and are latent carriers of CHV. Recognition of the various forms of CHV-induced disease, availability of diagnostic assays with increased sensitivity, and the formation of reliable biosecurity measures will allow for better control steps.
Regional differences in plant-soil mercury relations in Equisetum, Plantago and Taraxacum

Abstract The mercury contents of Equisetum, Plantago and Taraxacum growing in the Prince George area of British Columbia varied with soil mercury level. In contrast, mercury in the same plant species growing around Mount St. Helens was soil-concentration independent. Both regions are mercury-rich, but the former is relatively thermally inactive at present. It is suggested that both populations limit their tissue mercury levels to about 100–500 ppb but that those around Mount St. Helens, where soil levels remain moderate, equilibrate tissues with atmospheric mercury from the volcano, whereas those in British Columbia depend more upon biovolatilization as a partial control process.
Variation in genetic merit of sires of herdmates of first lactation cows

Abstract A basic condition in sire evaluation by herdmate comparison is that progeny of different bulls are compared with herdmates of equivalent genetic merit. We examined the genetic merit of sires of herdmates of bulls' progeny by geographical region, by artificial insemination organization, by age of bulls, and by calendar year. Average Predicted Differences of herdmates' sires in Holsteins varied by 134kg between the highest and lowest region and by 173kg between artificial insemination organizations. Progeny of younger bulls are compared to herdmates with higher transmitting abilities than are progeny of older bulls because of genetic improvements across years, but differences within the same year are not great. These discrepancies are causing systematic errors in sire evaluations computed with herdmate comparison procedures. Although errors are small compared to variation among bulls, they can and should be eliminated by either modifying the herdmate comparison or using alternative sire evaluation procedures that account for genetic variation in herdmates of different bulls.
The Advantages of Obscurity: Charles Darwin's Negative Inference from the Histories of Domestic Breeds

Summary In The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin famously accounted for the lack of fossil evidence in support of species evolution on the grounds that the fossil record is naturally incomplete. This essay examines a similar argument that Darwin applied to his analogy between natural and artificial selection: the scarcity of data about the historical backgrounds of domestic breeds was the natural by-product of an extremely gradual change process. The point was to enhance the ability of the artificial selection analogy to suggest that nature's species had undergone a similar transformation. Darwin did not depend on this negative inference alone, however, for in his writings he included whatever information he could find about the actual histories of particular breeds. A comparison with Darwin's treatment of the fossil record suggests the reasonableness of this combined use of opposite kinds of evidence to establish a single point. The comparison also suggests the unique qualities of negative inference as a...
Creating synergy to make I.T. happen

Synergy - The working together of two or more things, people, or organizations, especially when the result is greater than the sum of their individual effects or capabilities.At LSU we are making I.T. happen by working together with other organizations on campus to create rich technology spaces where students have access to not only traditional computer labs, but added functions such as social spaces, mobile device circulation, high end media development and output, vending services, digital art gallery, technical support, and library reference.This year LSU will create an Information Commons in our main campus library. The success of this project is the result of a long dialog and working relationship with various organizations that include the LSU Library administration, Contracted Auxiliary Services, Copier management, Graphic Services, College of Art and Design, Information Technology Services, and the Student Technology Fee Oversight Committee.LSU would like to present the ways in which they have created synergy with organizations on campus in order to create spaces where students can gather to collaborate and learn in settings that they are most comfortable and most productive. All of the participating organizations have recognized needs in their areas that without a synergetic effort might have not been possible or resulted in failures. We will speak on why this synergetic solution has worked and reflect on past projects that did not work because they were not coordinated efforts and were missing aspects or functions that could have made them successes.
Artemin crystal structure reveals insights into heparan sulfate binding.

Artemin (ART) promotes the growth of developing peripheral neurons by signaling through a multicomponent receptor complex comprised of a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor (cRET) and a specific glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked co-receptor (GFRα3). Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) signals through a similar ternary complex but requires heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) for full activity. HSPG has not been demonstrated as a requirement for ART signaling. We crystallized ART in the presence of sulfate and solved its structure by isomorphous replacement. The structure reveals ordered sulfate anions bound to arginine residues in the pre-helix and amino-terminal regions that were organized in a triad arrangement characteristic of heparan sulfate. Three residues in the pre-helix were singly or triply substituted with glutamic acid, and the resulting proteins were shown to have reduced heparin-binding affinity that is partly reflected in their ability to activate cRET. This study sugge...
Age model for a continuous, ca 250-ka Quaternary lacustrine record from Bear Lake, Utah–Idaho

Abstract The Quaternary sediments sampled by continuous 120-m-long drill cores from Bear Lake (Utah-Idaho) comprise one of the longest lacustrine sequences recovered from an extant lake. The cores serve as a good case study for the construction of an age model for sequences that extend beyond the range of radiocarbon dating. From a variety of potential age indicators, we selected a combination of radiocarbon ages, one magnetic excursion (correlated to a standard sequence), and a single Uranium-series age to develop an initial data set. The reliability of the excursion and U-series data require consideration of their position with respect to sediments of inferred interglacial character, but not direct correlation with other paleoclimate records. Data omitted from the age model include amino acid age estimates, which have a large amount of scatter, and tephrochronology correlations, which have relatively large uncertainties. Because the initial data set was restricted to the upper half of the BL00-1 core, we inferred additional ages by direct correlation to the independently dated paleoclimate record from Devils Hole. We developed an age model for the entire core using statistical methods that consider both the uncertainties of the original data and that of the curve-fitting process, with a combination of our initial data set and the climate correlations as control points. This age model represents our best estimate of the chronology of deposition in Bear Lake. Because the age model contains assumptions about the correlation of Bear Lake to other climate records, the model cannot be used to address some paleoclimate questions, such as phase relationships with other areas.
Neutron irradiation and intergranular fracture in vanadium-20 wt% titanium alloys undoped and doped with phosphorus and sulfur

Abstract The mechanical properties and grain boundary composition affected by neutron irradiation (9.8 × 1024 n/m2: E > 0.1 MeV at 438°C) in undoped, P-doped and S-doped V-20wt% Ti alloys all containing residual C and O have been studied using a small punch testing method and scanning Auger microprobe analysis. Neutron irradiation facilitated heterogeneous formation of intergranular microcracks, not leading to specimen failure, in all undoped and some-S-doped specimens. An irradiated undoped alloy indicated ductility loss to a smaller extent than expected from the easy microcracking due to a mixture of intergranular and transgranular macrocracking. The irradiation effect on the ductility varied in the S-doped alloy, while the irradiation exerted a beneficial effect on low temperature ductility in P-doped alloys. Intergranular S segregation in the undoped alloy and S desegregation in the S-doped alloy occurred during the irradiation. Unirradiated and irradiated P-doped alloys exhibited negligible S segregation and much smaller P segregation than the S segregation in the undoped and S-doped alloys. The grain boundary content of C affecting the ductility was remarkably reduced in the irradiated P-doped alloy and S-doped specimens with ductility loss. The ductility loss and improvement observed in the irradiated alloys are interpreted in light of the variations in segregation and precipitated impurities together with hardening behavior.