cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating human performance measures into space operations: Beyond our scheduling capabilities?

Current planning and scheduling software tools for International Space Station (ISS) support different flight controller teams as they plan daily space operations. Planning and scheduling tools capabilities include integrating digitized ISS state inputs, evaluating their expected future states, and propagating them over time. Extensive, custom-made computational models of operations, of objectives, and of operational constraints help ISS flight controllers identify where scheduled events violate constraints. Based on the current capabilities of these tools, this paper proposes how human performance measures could be better integrated into planning and scheduling tools for space mission operations. Future integration of human performance measures could be applied to state inputs (in this case, the astronaut's state) and to modeling human performance operational constraints & operational objectives (i.e., assigned activities) with parameters that are relevant to human performance measures. Gaps between the state-of-the-art for human performance modeling and planning tools for future exploration missions are identified.
The role of documentation in a concurrent engineering environment

Concurrent engineering is proving a valuable technique for reducing product development cycle time and costs. Engineering, purchasing, manufacturing, and customer service working together can identify problems early and avoid costly reworks. Documentation is an important part of the product development process, and can benefit from being part of the concurrent engineering environment. This paper examines the ways in which information can be shared among internal and external documents and how that information can be coordinated with other types of product information in the concurrent engineering process.
Characterization and reliability of III-V gate-all-around MOSFETs

InGaAs is a promising channel material for high performance CMOS logic circuits due to its large electron injection velocity. InGaAs Gate-All-Around (GAA) MOSFETs have been demonstrated; these transistors offer large drive current and excellent immunity to short channel effects (SCE). However, the characterization and reliability of InGaAs GAA MOSFETs are still challenging. In this paper, we (i) discuss the challenges and new characterization methodologies to evaluate D it , R sd and other parameters on short channel InGaAs GAA MOSFETs, (ii) discuss device characterization based on low frequency noise and RTN, (iii) image the complexity of heat dissipation by using newly developed thermoreflectance method, and (iv) review the current research on 3D InGaAs MOSFET reliability including PBTI, HCI, and gate dielectric breakdown.
Customs Administration Reform and Modernization in Anglophone Africa - Early 1990s to Mid-2010

Anglophone African countries have been implementing reform and modernization initiatives in their Customs administrations. This paper outlines the progression of key reform and modernization initiatives in these countries since the early 1990s, and assesses the gap between these reforms and those of more modern Customs agencies. The review suggests that Customs administration reform and modernization initiatives in Anglophone African countries generally lag behind international good practice and it is necessary to speed up implementation if revenue, trade facilitation, and trade chain security objectives are to be achieved. The findings also have implications on the design of reform programs and focus of potential technical assistance for the outstanding reform agenda.
2-D optical communications using WDM technologies for simultaneous and reconfigurable interconnections among many planes

Presents the basic concepts of the WDM 2-D interconnection in which, for simplicity only the first of M planes is transmitting and the rest are receiving. The transmitting plane is composed of an NXN pixel array with each transmitting pixel containing a miniature multiple-wavelength VCSEL laser diode array. Each laser in a pixel emits light at a different wavelength with all wavelengths being equally spaced apart. This WDM pixel is identically repeated for the entire NXN plane array. >
The Left Variance: How Electoral Mechanisms Shape Leftist Presidential Behavior in Latin America*

The emergence of left governments in Latin America is associated with voters’ dissatisfaction with neoliberal policy outcomes after democratic transitions. Although I believe this argument to be true, the explanations for why leftist governments behave differently are still incomplete. The main question this paper addresses is why some governments are social democratic whereas others are new-populist. I argue that presidents are molded into social democrats as a result of runoffs, and the presence of structured parties in legislatures. Given the need to convince the majority of voters to win the second round of an election, candidates are more likely to adopt moderate positions. Then, the likelihood of victory in a runoff is a function of candidates’ ability to make compromises and respect agreements in campaign and in office. This is especially observed when many institutional veto players compose the party system. I analyze a novel data set covering every Latin American presidential election since 1990. My results show support for the claim that the presence of strong parties in addition to runoffs encourages politicians to adopt responsible agendas, consequentially decreasing their chances of having new-populist programs.
A Note on a Characterization of Gompertz-Verhulst Distribution

Characterization of a probability distribution plays an important role in probability and statistics. This paper considers a new characterization of Gompertz-Verhulst distribution. It is hoped that the findings of the paper will be useful for researchers in different fields of applied sciences.
Embedding information into radar emissions via waveform implementation

In this paper an approach for the joint design of multiple receive filters is described that enables the use of different waveforms during a radar CPI while minimizing the attendant Doppler coherency degradation due to range sidelobe clutter modulation. This capability allows for a set of unique radar waveforms to serve the dual purpose of acting as communication symbols while acceptable radar performance is maintained. The receive filter design approach is based upon the well-known Least-Squares (LS) mismatch filter formulation. The novel modification is the iterative adaptation of the desired response such that all the waveform/filter pair responses are driven to be identical.
Regularly varying rates of decrease for moduli of continuity and fourier transforms of functions on Rd

Abstract We describe the correspondence between rates of decrease for various moduli of continuity of a function on R d and for the tail-integral of the function's Fourier transform. In place of a power function (e.g., t−x), we use a regularly varying function to describe the rates of decrease.
New optimization methods for converging perturbative series with a field cutoff

We take advantage of the fact that, in $\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ problems, a large field cutoff ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{\mathrm{max}}$ makes a perturbative series converge toward values exponentially close to the exact values to make optimal choices of ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{\mathrm{max}}.$ For a perturbative series terminated at even order, it is in principle possible to adjust ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{\mathrm{max}}$ in order to obtain the exact result. For a perturbative series terminated at odd order, the error can only be minimized. It is, however, possible to introduce a mass shift ${m}^{2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{m}^{2}(1+\ensuremath{\eta})$ in order to obtain the exact result. We discuss weak and strong coupling methods to determine ${\ensuremath{\varphi}}_{\mathrm{max}}$ and $\ensuremath{\eta}.$ The numerical calculations in this article are performed with a simple integral with one variable. We give arguments indicating that the qualitative features observed should extend to quantum mechanics and quantum field theory. We find that optimization at even order is more efficient than optimization at odd order. We compare our methods with the linear $\ensuremath{\delta}$ expansion (LDE) (combined with the principle of minimal sensitivity), which provides an upper envelope for the accuracy curves of various Pad\'e and Pad\'e-Borel approximants. Our optimization method performs better than the LDE at strong and intermediate coupling, but not at weak coupling, where it appears less robust and subject to further improvements. We also show that it is possible to fix the arbitrary parameter appearing in the LDE using the strong coupling expansion, in order to get accuracies comparable to ours.
Environmental impacts of ocean disposal of CO2

Abstract This paper analyzes one of the most important environmental impacts of ocean disposal of CO 2 , the acidification around the release point. We present a methodology which allows us to quantify the effects of lower pH on marine organisms. Preliminary results show that some impacts are inevitable around the release point, but their severity will depend on the release technology.
I'll Take the High Road: Two Pathways to Altruistic Political Mobilization Against Regime Repression in Argentina

What led Argentine human rights activists to risk challenging state repression in the late 1970s? Chi-square analyses of 78 interviews with early activists and nonactivists suggested few commonalities among activists but revealed two distinct and inverse routes to high-risk other-centered political activism. Activists directly affected by regime violence tended to be relatively inexperienced politically, to have little experience with fear, and to see groups as comprising individuals rather than as monolithic wholes. An inverse pattern characterized activists not directly affected by regime violence: Their activism was preceded by experience in politics and survival of previous fear-evoking episodes. In a context of extreme political repression, it is easy to understand why most citizens acquiesce. (Who wouldn't avoid overt confrontation with a regime purported to ruthlessly-and often permanently-silence its critics?) Yet extraordinary bravery can occur in repressive settings. We marvel at those who publicly challenge dictatorships and other repressive regimes, but we rarely understand the altruistic political actions of the individuals who initiate organizations or campaigns that plant the seeds for influential social movements. Human rights advocates confronting the Argentine military regime during that country's most painful and repressive period offer an example of exemplary altruistic political activism.1 Analysis of their life histories yields some insight into 1 I define altruistic political activism as undertaking public actions in an effort to change state policies to benefit other people. These actions are taken despite risk to one's own interest and without (or not primarily because of) expectation of reward from any external sources. This definition incorporates aspects of Hunt's (1990) definition of altruism but narrows it to look specifically at public actions intended to modify state policies rather than including a broader array of prosocial action.
Serotonin receptor mRNA expression in the hypoglossal motor nucleus

Abstract Brainstem serotonin (5-HT)-containing cells are remarkable for their widespread axonal projections and having their highest activity during wakefulness and lowest during rapid eye movement sleep. One important site of action of 5-HT is on upper airway motoneurons. However, which of the 14 known 5-HT receptors mediate the effects is uncertain. We used the reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction to detect mRNA for six distinct 5-HT receptors (1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 3 and 7) in 50 nl micro-punches collected from the hypoglossal (XII) motor nucleus and, for comparison, from the viscerosensory nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in adult rats. The relative abundance of the distinct mRNAs was characterized by the minimal number of amplification cycles (25–40) necessary to detect a given mRNA. In the XII nucleus, mRNA for type 1B, 2A and 2C receptors was detectable after 29–31 cycles, detection of type 3 and 7 receptor mRNA required 33–35 cycles; and type 1A receptor mRNA was not detected. In the NTS, detection of mRNA for type 1B, 2C and 7 receptors required 31–33 cycles; type 1A receptor mRNA required 39 cycles; and type 2A receptor mRNA was not detected. The data from the XII nucleus demonstrate that not only the previously recognized type 1B, 2A and 2C receptors, but also type 3 and 7 receptors have the potential to mediate serotonergic effects in XII motoneurons.
Optical Forces in Microphotonic Waveguides

We calculate forces caused by light traveling in microphotonic waveguides. Both attractive and repulsive forces result from overlapping waveguide modes. Slow light enhancement in photonic-crystal structures is shown to further magnify force values.
A Drift Chamber System for Use in a High Rate Environment

A system of short drift distance (0.125") drift chambers is described. This system is being built for use in the Brookhaven National Laboratory Multiparticle Spectrometer. These chambers will be able to handle beam rates of several million/pulse and give a spatial resolution of the order of 150 ?m. Cathode readout will provide unique 3-dimensional points for each track. The readout will utilize three custom built integrated circuits, a four channel amplifier-shaper, a four channel discriminator and a four channel shift register delay and time digitizer. A summary of test results on a prototype is also given.
Strategically positioning your way into the aging marketplace

S ociety and the marketers who serve it have been fixated on youth. The feeling has been that youth is sexy and glamorous, middle age is dreary, and old age is downright miserable. This may have been acceptable when the 76 million baby boomers themselves were part of the youth culture. But today's social landscape is seeing radical recontouring. In the 1990s the 18-24 age category will shrink by 5 percent; the highly targeted 25-34 age group will drop 14 percent as the baby boomers age. Meanwhile, the 45-54, 55-64, 75-84, and 85-plus age groups will increase 45, 13, 21, and 51 percent over the next ten years. The 85-plus population is the fastest growing segment. And by the year 2000, half of the "elderly" (those 65 and over) will be 75 or older. In 1988 the median age of the U.S. population was 32.3, up from 30.2 in 1950. By the year 2000, the median age will be 36.3. This phenomenon, referred to as the senior boom, is shifting the marketplace to an older composi t ion--and it will never be overloaded with youth again. At present, 11 percent of the population is 65 years of age or older. By the year 2010, one in every seven Americans will be 65 or over. Those over 65 control 50 percent of the nation's discretionary income and 77 percent of all financial assets. The average financial asset holdings of those aged 65 to 75 is greater than for any other age group. And this group favors "dissaving" over saving. In general, today's older population is healthier, wealthier, more active, better educated, and generally more satisfied with life than at any other time in history. The aging population represents a gold mine for marketers--yet few have found the right handle to open the door. Marketers have continually been urged to face demographic reality, but in recent years attempts to reach older segments have not been well received by the targeted market. Although sales of Wendy's hamburgers rose, so did the blood pressure of older consumers who heard the crusty grandmother's outraged cry of "Where's the beef?." Shown recklessly speeding from one Marketers must take care ,when positioning their products toward the older segment of the consumer market.
Hypersonic velocities in saturated and compressed fluid methane

Abstract Brillouin scattering techniques have been used to measure the velocity of hypersonic waves in gaseous and liquid methane. Measurements were made on the saturated liquid and vapour and along selected isotherms to a maximum pressure of about 17.5 MPa. The data, which agree well with previously measured ultrasonic velocities, have been combined with PVT data to obtain the isentropic compressibility and the ratio of specific heats.
The Challenges of Terrorist and Extremist Prisoners: A Survey of U.S. Prisons

Numerous policy issues surround the incarceration of religious extremists and individuals with terrorist ties. These inmates must be managed, prevented from precipitating security risks, and stopped from recruiting or encouraging others to commit terrorist acts. To systematically investigate the prevalence of these issues in U.S. prisons, we conducted a survey of wardens of state-level maximum security prisons in the United States. Results suggest that the majority of facilities currently have existing security threat groups (STGs) with extremist religious beliefs. Large majorities of wardens indicated shortages of religious service providers, with nearly all allowing volunteers to supplement existing religious services. A multinomial logistic regression model suggests that (in accordance with previous literature on gangs) wardens pursuing policies of isolating these prisoners believe these policies to be much more effective than other strategies, such as increased monitoring. Additionally, more frequent ...
Detection of ammonia, phosphine, and arsine gases by reversible modulation of cadmium selenide photoluminescence intensity

Abstract Ammonia, phosphine, and arsine gases used in metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) are detected using the photoluminescence (PL) response of a single-crystal n-CdSe sample deployed in the flow stream. Exposure of the CdSe crystal to any of these gases causes a reversible enhancement in the band gap PL intensity relative to the intensity in pure hydrogen carrier gas. The PL changes appear to derive from adduct-induced changes in depletion width, and can be fit using a dead-layer model. Equilibrium binding constants are on the order of 103 atm−1.
Backbone thioester exchange: a new approach to evaluating higher order structural stability in polypeptides.

An amide bond has been replaced by a thioester in bovine pancreatic polypeptide (bPP) to allow rapid and reversible (dynamic) exchange of the α-helical segment with other thiols in solution. We have begun to study the higher order structural stability of bPP by measuring the equilibrium constant of the “backbone thioester exchange” (BTE) reaction. The extent to which the equilibrium (KBTE) favors one set of peptides over the other, which can be easily measured, can be directly correlated to the energy gained from favorable noncovalent interactions that occur between peptide segments on either side of the thioester bond (Kfold).
Negative regulation of the growth-promoting transcription factor E2F-1 by a stably bound cyclin A-dependent protein kinase

Cyclin A-kinase, an enzyme required for coordinating S phase progression, forms stable in vivo complexes with E2F-1, a growth-promoting transcription factor, which binds to the retinoblastoma gene product and is involved in the timely activation of genes whose products contribute to G1 exit and S phase traversal. Complex formation results in a negative biochemical effect of cyclin A-kinase: the shut-off of E2F-1-dependent DNA binding function in S/G2. Thus, specific and timely cell cycle-dependent interactions of E2F-1 with proteins that inhibit its function (i.e., RB during G1 and cyclin A-kinase during S/G2) may contribute to the periodicity of expression of certain E2F-1-responsive genes at the G1/S transition.
PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES IN INSULIN TREATMENT OF ACUTE SCHIZOPHRENIA METHODS1

BETWEEN SEPTEMBER, 1937, and September, 1938, a project on insulin therapy in schizophrenia was conducted on the research wards of the Worcester State Hospital, the object of which was to throw some light on the psychological and physiological factors involved, especially in remissions. In the following papers individual research workers are reporting on some of their physiological findings. Papers on the psychiatric and psycho- logical aspects of this project will be published separately. In order to avoid the repetition of descriptions of the patient sample and of experimental conditions, these points will be dealt with briefly in this introductory paper. The main object here, however, is a discussion of the statistical methods, and of the interpretational properties of the statistics used in the analysis of the data. The sample under consideration consisted of 22 male schizophrenic patients free of all complicating diseases.
Nature and reactivity of platinum-pyrimidine blues with biomacromolecules.

Abstract The reaction of platinum-pyrimidine complexes with a range of biomacromolecules was studied using circular dichroic (CD) and viscometric techniques. The reaction of platinum-uracil blue with DNA is characterized by a small increase in the positive CD transition at 275 nm and a large decrease in the amplitude of the negative band at 245 nm; these data are consitent with a change to a conformational state characteristic of the premelt stage as well as of partial denaturation respectively. Concomitant with denaturation, the viscosity of DNA changes from 74 to 45 dl/g. Part of this interaction with DNA may involve intercalation of the platinum-uracil complex since it will competitively displace ethidium bromide from the DNA. Alternatively, the displacement of ethidium bromide may be the result of denaturing the nucleic acid. The platinum complex also reacts instantaneously with single and double stranded synthetic nucleic acids, RNA, whole ribosomes and proteins. Platinum-uracil causes nearly complete destruction of the secondary structure of bovine serum albumin which was used as a model for protein interaction. Using computer analysis of the CD data, the helical content of serum albumin decreased from 70 to 10 per cent. Carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance ( 13 C-n.m.r.) spectra of the platinum-thymine blue complex revealed that this complex consists of a multiplicity of isomers. Because of this and the complex nature of its reactions with selected biomacromolecules, it is doubtful that a precise mechanism of action for antitumor activity can be established.
An improved lexicographic search algorithm for the flowshop scheduling problem

Abstract This paper describes an improved lexicographic search algorithm for the solution of the n -job, M -machine flowshop scheduling problem. The proposed improved algorithm is capable of generating all optimal schedules for any monotonically non-decreasing optimality criterion and is computationally more efficient than the basic lexicographic search algorithm. A numerical example is solved to illustrate the decrease in the computational effort by the proposed algorithm.
Determination of aerobic and anaerobic performance: a methodological consideration

This study was designed to compare critical velocity (CV) and anaerobic running capacity (ARC) estimates using the criterion method of four runs with two and three combination bouts to reduce the time and energy demands of the subjects. Twenty-eight men and women (mean ± SD; age = 21.9 ± 3.0 years; stature = 171.7 ± 9.7 cm; body mass = 69.7 ± 13.4 kg) performed an incremental test to exhaustion to determine peak velocity (PV) at maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). Four high-speed runs to exhaustion were conducted on separate days with 110% PV, 90% PV (day 1), 100% PV and 105% PV (day 2). The distances achieved were plotted over the times to exhaustion. Linear regression was used to determine the slopes (CV) and y-intercepts (ARC) using four velocities and the other ten possible velocity combinations. Two runs to exhaustion, at 90% PV and 110% PV, produced similar CV and ARC results to the standard four bouts (ICC = 0.995, SEM = 0.298). Three velocities at 90% PV, 100% PV and 110% PV also resulted in no differences from the criterion method (ICC = 0.999, SEM = 0.075). These results suggest that CV and ARC can be estimated from two velocities, but to ensure a linear relationship, three velocities are recommended.
The accuracy of liver scanning in the detection of metastatic disease.

Isotopic scanning of the liver to detect hepatic metastases is a commonly used clinical tool in assessing the extent of malignant disease and the proper mode of therapy. Opinions vary widely as to the efficacy of this test. To determine the accuracy of our scanning technique the clinical and laboratory data on 429 patients who had hepatic scans (technetium sulfur colloid) between February 1971 and May 1973 was reviewed. Of these patients, 125 had a confirmatory procedure (needle biopsy — 15, abdominal exploration — 69, autopsy — 41) done within 6 weeks of their scan. Nineteen patients who had negative scans were proven to have hepatic metastases. Fourteen patients had positive scans which could not be substantiated by one or more of the above confirming examinations. Thus the frequency of error was 25%. Regarding other tests — alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin — no better correlation could be made with respect to the presence or absence of metastases. From the data available on this small group of patients the liver scan is sufficiently inaccurate to preclude relying upon it for the selection of therapy in cancer patients. When the presence of hepatic metastases changes the type of therapy a confirmatory laparotomy or biopsy should be considered.
Junctional acetylcholine receptor channel open time is not presynaptically regulated in developing muscle

The role of motor innervation in controlling the development of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channel open time was tested by examining synaptic current durations in transplanted muscles of Xenopus tadpoles. The presumptive lower jaw region, which gives rise to the interhyoideus muscle, was transplanted to the tail, overlying the myotomal muscle cells. The transplanted muscles became innervated, presumably by spinal nerves which normally innervate myotomal muscle. Despite development in the presence of foreign innervation, synaptic currents in the transplanted interhyoideus were predominantly long in duration and resembled those in the normally innervated interhyoideus. They did not resemble those in the myotomal muscle, where synaptic currents are brief. The apparent lack of neural influence on development of AChR function in muscle contrasts with the evidence for presynaptic control of AChR open time in frog sympathetic ganglia. This may reflect a fundamental difference between nerve and muscle in the regulation of postsynaptic function.
Development of a wireless sensor network for algae cultivation using ISFET pH probes

Abstract We present a wireless sensor network to measure pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature for use in algae cultivation. The pH is measured using ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) technology, which is more robust and has a faster response than traditional glass pH electrodes. A custom circuit drives the ISFET sensor and interfaces with an ANT wireless network system. The wireless network consists of a network hub which can service up to 8 sensor nodes and a series of relays to transmit the data to a PC. The data is logged with a custom LabVIEW program. In this work, we demonstrate operation of this network using 5 sensors (3 ISFET pH, 1 DO, 1 temp), one hub, and two relay units. The network was used to collect data for 42 days from a 1600 L raceway tank growing Scenedesmus dimorphus . In that time, the network did not experience any failures beyond what can be mitigated with additional battery capacity and improved construction methods. At the end of the growth cycle, the daily variation in dissolved oxygen was observed to closely track the optical density measurements.
Context counts: long-term sequelae of premarital intercourse or abstinence.

An individual's first sexual experience is a highly salient and meaningful event, with potential to shape sexual scripts and the affect associated with sexual expression. Using data from the National Health and Social Life Survey, we tested abstinence‐only advocates’ assertions that premarital sex results in psychological and physical harm such as sexual dysfunction, sex guilt, poor health, sexually transmitted diseases, and poor life satisfaction. The first vaginal intercourse was premarital for 82.9% of the sample. Average age at first intercourse was 17.7 years. Relationship status at first intercourse was not consistently associated with later psychological or physical health outcomes. If the first experience was prepubertal, forced, with a blood relative or stranger, or the result of peer pressure, drugs, or alcohol, poorer psychological and physical health outcomes in adulthood were reported consistently. There is little evidence that premarital sex per se is disastrous for later sexual functioning ...
Foraging and habitat use of common duikers, Sylvicapra grimmia, in a heterogeneous environment within the Soutpansberg, South Africa

We investigated aspects of the foraging behaviour and activity patterns of free-ranging common duikers (Sylvicapra grimmia) within the Soutpansberg, South Africa. We used giving-up densities (GUD) and camera traps to test for habitat selection and patch-use behaviour by common duikers inhabiting a grassland containing distinct ‘islands' of woody vegetation. Foraging in or around a wooded island was affected by its surrounding vegetation. GUDs were significantly lower in portions dominated by tall grass and scattered ferns and highest in areas with open short grass and thick fern. Using grids of 5 × 5 stations, we mapped the duikers' foraging on a larger scale that incorporated neighbouring rocky hillsides. The duikers preferred feeding in areas with tall grass and scattered fern (sufficient cover and escape routes), followed by the wooded islands and thick fern (lack of sightlines/escape routes and presence of predator-ambush sites), whereas little foraging occurred at the edges and rocky areas (hard substrate that impede escape potential). Photos (total 873) revealed solitary activity, highest in the late afternoon. Photos of vigilant individuals were mostly from rocky and fern habitats. Our results suggest that the duikers allocated their feeding efforts, activity and vigilance patterns to attune to their perceived risk of predation within their heterogeneous environment.
Molten zone negative resistance devices

Abstract The current-voltage relation, taking into account joule heating, is derived for a model consisting of a uniform filamentary conductor, whose ends are maintained at a fixed temperature, and whose central section has become molten. The results of the analysis give a negative resistance region in the current-voltage curve, provided the resistance of the molten section is greater than the solid section which it replaces. Experimentally, it is found that stable negative resistance devices can be fabricated from microfilaments formed entirely from thin metal films on a glass substrate.
Prenatal Gonadal Steroids Affect Adult Spatial Behavior, CA1 and CA3 Pyramidal Cell Morphology in Rats

Abstract The present study assessed whether prenatal androgen and estrogen exposure affected adult spatial learning and hippocampal morphology. Water maze performance, the CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cell field, and the dentate gyrus-granule cell layer (DG-GCL) morphology were assessed at adulthood (70+ days of age) in males, females, androgen-treated (testosterone propionate, TP, or dihydrotestosterone propionate, DHTP) females (2–4 mg/day), estradiol benzoate (EB)-treated females (100 μg/day), and males treated with the antiandrogen flutamide (8 mg/day). Pregnant rats were injected daily (sc) between Embryonic Day 16 and birth; all pups were delivered by cesarean section. Flutamide-treated males were castrated upon delivery, and adult castrates were used to control for activational effects. Steroid-sensitive sex differences were observed in water maze performance in favor of males. Males had larger CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cell field volumes and soma sizes than females, which were feminized with flutamide treatment. TP and EB, but not DHTP, masculinized CA1 pyramidal cell field volume and neuronal soma size; CA3 was masculinized in both TP- and DHTP-treated females, while EB was ineffective. No effects were observed in cell density, number, or DG-GCL volume or due to adult hormone levels. Thus, prenatal androgens and estrogen influence sex differences in adult spatial navigation and exert differential effects on CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cell morphology. Hence, in addition to the previously reported postnatal component, there is also a prenatal component to the critical period in which gonadal steroids organize the neural mechanisms underlying sex differences in adult spatial ability.
Growth and meat yield responses of broilers provided feed subjected to extrusion cooking

Abstract Rapid growth and breast meat accretion are genetic traits that are continually enhanced in modern commercial broiler strains. It is generally assumed that the nutrient content of the diet should be increased to meet this heightened genetic potential so that production time to market is reduced. In addition to increasing the nutrient utilization of the diet, the process by which feed is conditioned and its subsequent particle size can affect the feed intake and nutrient utilization of a bird. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of feed processing on early growth of broiler chicks. Cobb male broilers were placed in floor pens at 1 d of age and fed experimental diets to d 17 in experiment 1 and d 42 in experiment 2. Feed processing treatments represented feed fed as mash or crumble form after pelleting or extruding. Although results from extrusion cooking were inconsistent, extrusion cooking and conventional steam pelleting of feed resulted in improved broiler BW and carcass weights in comparison with birds fed the same diets in mash form.
Mechanisms of bacterial resistance and response to bile

Enteric bacteria are resistant to the bactericidal effects of intestinal bile, but these resistance mechanisms are not completely understood. It is becoming increasingly apparent that enteric bacteria have evolved to utilize bile as a signal for the temporal production of virulence factors and other adaptive mechanisms. A greater understanding of the resistance and response of bacteria to bile may assist the development of novel therapeutic, prevention, and diagnostic strategies to treat enteric and extraintestinal infections.
Quality of care in mental health: the case of schizophrenia.

PROLOGUE: Schizophrenia, a chronic psychotic condition, has been highly misunderstood and stigmatized, both among medical professionals and in the general public, because of the disruptive and sometimes violent behavior associated with it. Up until recently the drugs that were available to treat schizophrenia had such severe side effects that it was difficult to maintain compliance with a treatment regimen. Recent advances in drug and other treatments, though, have improved patients' experiences with their therapies and have made it at least theoretically possible for them to return to more normal lives. However, many patients still have not benefited from these advances, for a variety of reasons. In 1992 the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research and the National Institute of Mental Health initiated the schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) project, whose treatment recommendations were issued in January 1998. These recommendations “provide a basis for moving toward ‘evidence-based’ prac...
Purification and partial characterization of canine pepsinogen A and B

Objective—To purify and partially characterize various isoforms of canine pepsinogen (PG) from gastric mucosa. Sample Population—Stomachs obtained from 6 euthanatized dogs. Procedure—Mucosa was scraped from canine stomachs, and a crude mucosal extract was prepared and further purified by use of weak anion-exchange chromatography, hydroxyapatite chromatography, sizeexclusion chromatography, and strong anionexchange chromatography. Pepsinogens were characterized by estimation of molecular weights, estimation of their isoelectric points (IEPs), and N-terminal amino acid sequencing. Results—Two different groups of canine PG were identified after the final strong anion-exchange chromatography: PG A and PG B. Pepsinogens differed in their molecular weights and IEP. Pepsinogen B appeared to be a dimer with a molecular weight of approximately 34,100 and an IEP of 4.9. Pepsinogen A separated into several isoforms. Molecular weights for the various isoforms of PG A ranged from 34,200 to 42,100, and their IEPs range...
Tailored excitation using nonlinear B0‐shims

In high-field MRI, RF flip angle inhomogeneity due to wavelength effects can lead to spatial variations in contrast and sensitivity. Improved flip angle homogeneity can be achieved through multidimensional excitation, but long RF pulse durations limit practical application. A recent approach to reduce RF pulse duration is based on parallel excitation through multiple RF channels. Here, an alternative approach to shorten multidimensional excitation is proposed that makes use of nonlinear spatial variations in the stationary (B0) magnetic field during a B0-sensitive excitation pulse. As initial demonstration, the method was applied to 2D gradient echo (GE) MRI of human brain at 7 T. Using B0 shims with up to second-order spatial dependence, it is demonstrated that root-mean-squared flip angle variation can be reduced from 20 to 11% with RF pulse lengths that are practical for general GE imaging applications without requiring parallel excitation. The method is expected to improve contrast and sensitivity in GE MRI of human brain at high field. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Irradiation creep of various ferritic alloys irradiated at ∼400°C in the PFR and FFTF reactors

Abstract Irradiation creep of three ferritic alloys at ∼400∘C has been studied. Specimens were in the form of pressurized tubes. In a joint US/UK creep study, two identical sets of creep specimens constructed from one heat of HT9 were irradiated in fast reactors, one in the Prototypic Fast Reactor (PFR) and the other in the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF). The specimens in PFR were irradiated to a dose of ∼50 dpa, whereas the specimens in FFTF were irradiated to a dose of 165 dpa. The observed swelling and creep behavior were very different in the two reactors. Creep specimens constructed from D57, a developmental alloy ferritic alloy, were also irradiated in PFR to a dose of ∼50 dpa. Creep behavior typical of previous studies on ferritic alloys was observed. Finally, creep specimens constructed from MA957, a Y2O3 dispersion-hardened ferritic alloy, were irradiated in FFTF to a dose of ∼110 dpa. This alloy exhibited a large amount of densification, and the creep behavior was different than observed in more conventional ferritic or ferritic–martensitic alloys.
The Odstock Hand Assessment

This article attempts to illustrate the application and workings of the Odstock Hand Assessment, which is used to establish the appropriate multidisciplinary intervention and management of the patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
The cyclesonde: an unattended vertical profiler for scalar and vector quantities in the upper ocean

Abstract An instrument, the Cyclesonde, is described which consists of a buoyancy driven platform with a recording package containing sensors for pressure, temperature, current speed, and current direction. The Cyclesonde makes repeated automatic round trips up and down a taut-wire, subsurface mooring while scanning these four parameters with a 26-s sampling interval. According to the adjustable vertical speed ranging between 2 and 20 cm s−1, a vertical resolution ranging between 0·5 and 5 m can be achieved. The usage of the Cyclesonde is presently limited to the upper 200 m in the ocean and a maximum of 300 cycles (600 profiles) during a 5·5-day period. Selected sequences of typical profiles of various parameters are presented.
Associations Between Risk Behaviors and Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts: Do Racial/Ethnic Variations in Associations Account for Increased Risk of Suicidal Behaviors Among Hispanic/Latina 9th- to 12th-Grade Female Students?

The objective of this study was to identify factors that may account for the disproportionately high prevalence of suicidal behaviors among Hispanic/Latina youth by examining whether associations of health risk behaviors with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts vary by race/ethnicity among female students. Data from the school-based 2007 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed. Analyses were conducted among female students in grades 9 through 12 and included 21 risk behaviors related to unintentional injuries and violence; tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use; sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including human immunodeficiency virus; physical activity; obesity and weight control; and perceived health status. With the exception of physical activity behaviors and obesity, all risk behaviors examined were associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Associations of risk behaviors with suicidal ideation varied by race/ethnicity for 5 of 21 behaviors, and for 0 of 21 behaviors for suicide attempts. Stratified analyses provided little insight into factors that may account for the higher prevalence of suicidal behaviors among Hispanic/Latina female students. These results suggest that the increased risk of suicidal behaviors among Hispanic/Latina female students cannot be accounted for by differential associations with these selected risk behaviors. Other factors, such as family characteristics, acculturation, and the socio-cultural environment, should be examined in future research.
Twelve Cycles of Mass Selection for Prolificacy in Maize I. Direct and Correlated Responses

(…) Number of ears plant −1 in the cycles per se increased by 2.4 and 3.3% cycle −1 in 1985 and 1986, respectively. Corresponding increases in grain yield plant −1 were 2.0 and 3.0% cycle −1 , and increases in grain yield ha −1 were 2.0 and 2.8% cycle −1 . Grain moisture, flowering dates, and the period between silk emergence and anthesis decreased with selection for cycles per se. Testcross responses were approximately one-half those of cycles per se for ears plant −1 and either measure of grain yield. Grain moisture did not change with selection, and days to flowering increased by 1 to 2 d in the testcrosses. (…)
The effect of cobalt-60 radiation on the dental pulps of monkeys.

Abstract The maxillary arches of two monkeys were irradiated with cobalt-60 in therapeutic doses ranging from 3,000 to 7,013 rads. The pulps of twenty-three permanent teeth extracted periodically were studied microscopically. Four nonirradiated mandibular teeth served as controls, and nineteen maxillary teeth were irradiated at levels approximating 3,000, 5,000, and 7,000 rads as well as 7,000 rads plus 1 month and 7,000 rads plus 2 months. After extraction, the teeth were sectioned and studied microscopically. No histologic differences in the dental tissues due to radiation at any dose level or interval were detected. Cobalt-60 radiation in a dose range up to 7,013 rads had no demonstrable adverse effect on the dental pulps of mature permanent teeth of monkeys.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in a National Football League player.

OBJECTIVEWe present the second reported case of autopsy-confirmed chronic traumatic encephalopathy in a retired professional football player, with neuropathological features that differ from those of the first reported case. These differing pathological features underscore the need for further empir
Freeze-thaw conditioning of chemical and biological sludges

Abstract This research effort involved the application of indirect and direct freeze-thaw conditioning techniques for improving the dewatering characteristics of both chemical and biological waste sludges. The direct-freeze methods examined were the use of a secondary refrigerant (butane) evaporated in the sludge and the use of gas hydrate or clathrate formation by addition of Freon 12 under appropriate temperature and pressure conditions. Sludges were also frozen solid using indirect freezing methods, thawed and tested for comparative purposes. The results indicated that direct-freeze methods do not appear technically or economically competitive with currently accepted conditioning methods. Instead, it is suggested that sludge freezing using natural climatic conditions may be the only appropriate application of freeze-thaw technology.
Estrogen regulation of the glucuronidation enzyme UGT2B15 in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells

Estrogens and androgens influence many properties of breast cancer cells; hence, regulation of local estrogen and androgen levels by enzymes involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism would impact signaling by these hormones in breast cancer cells. In this study, we show that the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzyme UGT2B15, a member of the UGT family of phase II enzymes involved in the glucuronidation of steroids and xenobiotics, is a novel, estrogen-regulated gene in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive human breast cancer cells (MCF-7, BT474, T47D, and ZR-75). UGT2B15 is the only UGT2B enzyme up-regulated by estrogen, and marked estradiol stimulation of UGT2B15 mRNA levels is observed, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. UGT2B15 stimulation by estradiol is blocked by the antiestrogen ICI182,780, but not by the translational inhibitor cycloheximide, indicating that UGT2B15 is likely a primary transcriptional response mediated through the ER. UGT2B15 up-regulation is also evoked by other es...
Effects of stimulus spacing on steady state gradients of inhibitory stimulus control

When the response of pigeons is maintained to a number of stimulus wavelengths, but extinguished to one (S−), the birds peck more rapidly at stimuli near the S− than at more distant stimuli. The present study explores this “dimensional contrast” effect as a function of the number and spacing of test wavelengths. A fixed portion of the wavelength continuum was spanned by 5, 9, 13, or 49 stimuli, which appeared in random sequence behind a standard pecking key. At the end of each 20-sec trial, pecks to test stimuli produced a conditioned reinforcer (sometimes followed by food), while pecks to the S− stimulus produced only darkness. Dimensional contrast “shoulders” developed to test stimuli on either side of the S−; these shoulders were of approximately the same height and wavelength position for all but the 5-stimulus (widely spaced) condition, and were comparable to the original contrast results with 25 stimuli. The results strongly suggest that the extent and locus of contrast shoulders are largely independent of the number and spacing of test stimuli.
Albumin Gene Expression During Mouse Odontogenesis

Albumin protein is present in developing teeth of several species. Oligomer primers and cRNA probes specific for albumin were designed to perform RT-PCR, and for in situ hybridization, respectively. In situ hybridization failed to reveal albumin expression in any tooth cells, however, albumin PCR products were amplified from tissues adhering to the roots of developing teeth from four-week-old mice. It is concluded that this source is not the primary source of albumin protein found in developing enamel, because of the location and level of expression of albumin mRNA in periodontal tissue.