cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Ostertagia in the northwestern USA

Abstract The two most significant environmental factors that influence the epidemiology of Ostertagia are temperature and moisture. These factors vary more in the west and northwest than in any other part of the USA because of extreme regional differences in climate, topography, and land use. Consequently, patterns of Ostertagia transmission and inhibition also vary widely from region to region and from year to year. Recent data require revisions of previously accepted concepts of northern/southern transmission and inhibition. In particular, the flaw of liberal extrapolation of information from one region to another has now been recognized. Inhibition may not occur along the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Although not completely delineated, the transition zone between northern and southern patterns of inhibition appears to be significantly wider and more variable than previously recognized; Oregon data suggest a possible indeterminate and variable band extending north of the 45th parallel and south of the 43rd parallel. Summer inhibition has now been documented in areas of Oregon and Montana. Other than the recent Oregon and Montana studies, data on this transition zone in the Rocky Mountain region and high plains are sparse to non-existent. In contrast to previously accepted doctrine, the fall rise in egg count generally exceeds the traditionally accepted spring rise in many areas. From the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest, year-round transmission patterns have been observed. The presence of geothermal ground water sources produces microclimates that favor larval survival in many areas. The rangelands of the west appear to support more significant worm burdens than formerly believed, particularly as range livestock move from more arid rangeland to graze lush lowland pastures near streams or on sub-irrigated meadows. Concentrations of grazing animals in these areas that are more conducive to larval development and survival result in higher herbage contamination rates which increase long-term potential for infection.
Activity center circulation: The competition between automated guideway transit and pedestrianization

Abstract This paper demonstrates why automated guideway transit (AGT) circulation systems should only be installed in those activity centers which are extensive enough that a large proportion of their internal trips will be too long to be covered on foot, even when pedestrian amenities are provided. Following a brief review of the essential characteristics of the various types of AGT, the significance of walking as a mode of transportation within compact activity centers is discussed, with emphasis on the competition walking can offer to AGT circulation systems. An analysis which compares the distributions of trip times for walking and AGT trips between the same set of activity center origins and destinations is then described and some of the implications of its results for the planning of activity center circulation systems are explained.
On the Validity of Using Increases in 5-Year Survival Rates to Measure Success in the Fight against Cancer

Background The 5-year survival rate of cancer patients is the most commonly used statistic to reflect improvements in the war against cancer. This idea, however, was refuted based on an analysis showing that changes in 5-year survival over time bear no relationship with changes in cancer mortality. Methods Here we show that progress in the fight against cancer can be evaluated by analyzing the association between 5-year survival rates and mortality rates normalized by the incidence (mortality over incidence, MOI). Changes in mortality rates are caused by improved clinical management as well as changing incidence rates, and since the latter can mask the effects of the former, it can also mask the correlation between survival and mortality rates. However, MOI is a more robust quantity and reflects improvements in cancer outcomes by overcoming the masking effect of changing incidence rates. Using population-based statistics for the US and the European Nordic countries, we determined the association of changes in 5-year survival rates and MOI. Results We observed a strong correlation between changes in 5-year survival rates of cancer patients and changes in the MOI for all the countries tested. This finding demonstrates that there is no reason to assume that the improvements in 5-year survival rates are artificial. We obtained consistent results when examining the subset of cancer types whose incidence did not increase, suggesting that over-diagnosis does not obscure the results. Conclusions We have demonstrated, via the negative correlation between changes in 5-year survival rates and changes in MOI, that increases in 5-year survival rates reflect real improvements over time made in the clinical management of cancer. Furthermore, we found that increases in 5-year survival rates are not predominantly artificial byproducts of lead-time bias, as implied in the literature. The survival measure alone can therefore be used for a rough approximation of the amount of progress in the clinical management of cancer, but should ideally be used with other measures.
Kinetic Model of Stage Transformation and Intercalation in Graphite

We derive a set of diffusion equations based on time-dependent Landau-Ginzburg theory, which is capable of describing the role of domains in stage transformations and intercalation in layered materials. As illustrations of the formalism we study stage decomposition in a quenched sample and the intercalation of a dilute sample. Staggered domains of intermediate stages are shown to arise naturally as a consequence of the interactions and the kinetic constraints even for a sample without dislocations. Further, we show that intercalation proceeds through the formation and migration of islands of intermediate stages.
Donor optimization and the food stamp program: comment

In an article in this journal, Giertz and Sullivan (1977) presented an interesting analysis of the food stamp program within a public choice framework. Arguing that donors (taxpayers) perceive external benefits from food consumption by the poor, they commence their analysis with the initial assumption that '. . . subsidy voucher schemes like Food Stamps are likely to be operated primarily for the benefit of the donors' (p. 21). In this comment I will show that there are several reasons for believing that this basic assumption is incorrect. In Figure 1, the budget constraint of a potential recipient of food stamps, individual R, is shown as YF, with food consumption measured on the horizontal axis. Individual R's private equilibrium occurs at point A. Donors' preferences are summarized in a set of adjusted indifference contours, one of which is shown ID. The basic assumption of Giertz and Sullivan is that the policy parameters of the food stamp program are set to maximize the welfare of the donors, subject to the constraint that R not be made worse off by the program. This could be achieved using a purchase price of C and a coupon allotment of F*, which produces a budget constraint of YLEN for R. R's new equilibrium occurs at point E where If is tangent to iI, and R remains on the same indifference curve as in the absence of the program. Consequently, donors benefit from the program but the recipient does not. Giertz and Sullivan take care to point out several reasons why it would not be realistic to expect zero net gains for recipients even if the thrust of the donor optimization hypothesis is correct. For example, information costs and political pressure from recipients may work to thwart the zero net gains outcome. Nevertheless, it is pertinent to inquire how much benefit recipients derive from the food stamp program, for the greater the benefit to recipients the more implausible is the assumption of donor optimization. There is, in fact, a variety of evidence implying substantial gains for recipients. For example, several studies have concluded that the program operates to increase recipients' consumption of other goods as well as food.' Indeed, a recent Congressional Budget Office study estimates that * University of Virginia.
Synthesis and Lewis acid properties of a ferrocene-based planar-chiral borenium cation

The first planar chiral ferrocenylborenium species (pR)-3+ is obtained in the enantiopure form by halide abstraction from the corresponding chloroborane adduct (pR)-2 using Krossing's salt. Competition experiments suggest that the Lewis acidity of (pR)-3+ is higher than that of B(C6F5)3 towards anions and slightly lower towards neutral Lewis bases. The ferrocenylborenium species (pR)-3+ is examined as a catalyst for the stereoselective hydrosilylation of ketones.
Equanimity to Excess: Inhibiting the Expression of Negative Emotion is Associated with Depression Symptoms in Girls

Emotion dysregulation is often invoked as an important construct for understanding risk for psychopathology, but specificity of domains of emotion regulation in clinically relevant research is often lacking. In the present study Gross’ (2001) model of emotion regulation is used to generate hypotheses regarding the relative contribution of two specific types of deficits in emotion regulation, inhibited and disinhibited expression of negative emotion, to individual differences in depressive symptoms in preadolescent girls. A sample of 232 9-year-old girls was recruited from a community based study. Depression symptoms were assessed via diagnostic interview. The mother and interviewer rated the girl’s level of impairment. Questionnaires and observations were used to assess inhibited and disinhibited expression of negative emotion. Differences in inhibited expression of negative emotion typically explained more variance in depressive symptoms and impairment across informants than did disinhibited expression of negative emotion. Although disinhibited expression of negative emotion is associated with depression and impairment, inhibited expression appeared to be a necessary ingredient, suggesting that inhibited expression may be a particularly relevant deficit in emotion regulation in the development of depression in females.
MLMVN With Soft Margins Learning

In this paper, we consider a modified error-correction learning rule for the multilayer neural network with multivalued neurons (MLMVN). This modification is based on the soft margins technique, which leads to the minimization of the distance between a cluster center and the learning samples belonging to this cluster. MLMVN has a derivative-free learning algorithm based on the error-correction learning rule and demonstrate a higher functionality and better generalization capability than a number of other machine learning techniques. The discrete k-valued multivalued neuron activation function divides a complex plane into k equal sectors. For more efficient and reliable solving of classification problems it is possible to modify the MLMVN learning algorithm in such a way that learning samples belonging to different classes (clusters) will be located as close as possible to the bisector of a desired sector (the cluster center) and as far as possible from each other, respectively. Such a modification based on the soft margins learning technique is considered in this paper. This modified learning algorithm improves the generalization capability of MLMVN when solving classification problems.
EcoDAQ: A Densely Distributed, High Bandwidth Wireless Data Acquisition System

Current wireless sensor networks achieve dense deployment by low duty cycling. Unfortunately, this represents a great mismatch with many real-world applications that require non-trivial data rates. To solve these issues above, we propose EcoDAQ, a new densely distributed wireless data acquisition system with a relatively high data rate. We implement a MAC layer protocol that minimizes complexity and memory footprint on the sensor node while guaranteeing collision freedom, without using multiple frequency channels. As a result, this work is not only highly scalable to at least 50 active nodes per squared meter, but at the same time the low complexity minimizes the cost of these ultra-compact sensor devices. The full demo would show a system deployment with a minimum of 50 active sensors on a poster board of 1 m2 area. The monitoring station keeps gathering up to 500 accelerometer data samples per second from all of these 50 sensor nodes and displays them simultaneously on a fifty-screen tiled display system. A portable version that emulates the tiled screens in a reduced size will be shown at the conference.
Osmotic regulation of the Na+/myo-inositol cotransporter and postinduction normalization

Osmotic regulation of the Na + / myo -inositol cotransporter and postinduction normalization. Background In renal cells, hyperosmolarity has been shown to induce the accumulation of myo -inositol, via the Na + / myo -inositol cotransporter (SMIT). Previously we showed that SMIT mRNA in the kidney is localized in the medullary thick ascending limb of Henle (TALH). Here we used renal cells derived from the rabbit outer medullary TALH to examine the regulation of myo -inositol transport by hyperosmolarity. In addition, using both cultured renal and endothelial cells, we examined the normalization of SMIT activity and mRNA levels following induction by hyperosmolarity. Methods TALH cells were exposed to isotonic or hyperosmotic medium, and then SMIT mRNA levels and myo -inositol accumulation were determined. To examine postinduction normalization, cultured endothelial and renal cells were first exposed to hyperosmotic medium and then to isotonic medium containing actinomycin D or cycloheximide. Afterwards, SMIT mRNA levels and myo -inositol accumulation were determined. Results Hyperosmolarity increased SMIT mRNA levels and myo -inositol accumulation in TALH cells. The hyperosmolarity-induced increase in myo -inositol uptake by TALH cells was characterized by an increase in the V max for the high-affinity myo -inositol transport system, with no change in the K m . This increase was blocked by actinomycin D or cycloheximide. Examination of postinduction normalization showed that returning hyperosmotic-treated cells to isotonic medium caused a rapid reversion of SMIT mRNA levels, followed by a return of myo -inositol accumulation to basal values. However, the addition of cycloheximide or actinomycin D partially to totally prevented the reversal in SMIT mRNA levels and activity. Conclusions These results suggest that RNA and protein synthesis is required for the hyperosmotic induction of SMIT mRNA levels and myo -inositol accumulation by TALH cells. Furthermore, normalization of SMIT mRNA levels and myo -inositol accumulation following hyperosmotic induction requires RNA transcription and protein synthesis.
The previous visual field: effects of lateralization and response accuracy on current performance.

Abstract The accuracy of performance in identifying syllables flashed to the RVF (right visual field) or LVF (left visual field) was strongly affected by the lateralization of and response accuracy for the previous stimulus, presented 10–20 sec earlier. For both the LVF and RVF, performance was better on Pre-LVF trials (previous stimulus in LVF) than on Pre-RVF trials (previous stimulus in RVF). The Pre-LVF advantage was the same in subjects with a strong RVF advantage and those with no asymmetry. Their performance was better when a previous stimulus had received adequate attention for correct encoding (Pre-Correct) than when it had not (Pre-Wrong), for both fields on Pre-LVF trials and the LVF, but not RVF, on Pre-RVF trials. Relations are discussed in terms of the capacities and properties of the RH (right hemisphere) and LH (left hemisphere) cerebral arousal systems.
Expression and Regulation of Ly-6 Differentiation Antigens by Murine Osteoblasts*

Osteoblasts arise from mesenchymal stem cells and differentiate to become osteoid-secreting cells. However, little is known about these cells during their stages of differentiation. One reason for this lack of information is that there is no reliable method to identify osteoblasts as they mature. One method that has been used successfully with other cell types is the identification of plasma membrane-expressed differentiation antigens. The Ly-6 multigene family encodes differentiation antigens originally detected on lymphoid cells. Primary murine osteoblasts and the osteoblast-like MC3T3 cell line were examined for expression of Ly-6 antigens by flow cytometry. Primary osteoblasts and MC3T3 cells constitutively expressed both Ly-6A and Ly-6C antigens, although Ly-6C was much less abundant. Antigen expression was markedly increased by pretreating the cells with interferon-alpha/beta or -gamma. Northern blot analysis revealed constitutively expression of Ly-6 messenger RNA that was up-regulated by interferon treatment. Pretreatment of the cells with transforming growth factor-beta 1 or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 diminished constitutive Ly-6 expression. Ly-6 was localized intracellularly to the Golgi complex. The current results demonstrate that mature osteoblasts express on their cell surface specific Ly-6 antigens in a pattern that distinguishes them from the surrounding bone marrow cells. These studies represent the first identification of osteoblast differentiation antigens that can be directly related to cells within the hematopoietic lineage. By identifying similar antigens, osteoblasts at various stages of differentiation may be identified, isolated, and characterized.
FTIR STUDIES OF CONFORMATIONAL ISOMERISM IN ACRYLATES AND ACRYLIC ACIDS

Abstract Acrylates have the possibility of existing in two heavy-atom planar structures (s-cis and s-trans), and research has shown that in many instances these conformations have somewhat similar energies. In the case of monomeric acrylic acid trapped in an inert matrix at low temperatures, two independent studies have shown that irradiation by UV light results in interconversion of the two rotamers. An interpretation of this phenomenon has been proposed in terms of hindered internal rotation about the central C–O bond. Our experimental observations on methacrylic acid (as reported in this paper), and methyl methacrylate demonstrate that the former compound shows a behavior similar to that of acrylic acid, but that UV irradiation has no effect on the interconversion of conformers in methyl methacrylate. An alternative mechanism for the interconversion of the isomers in the acrylic acids involving proton transfer is proposed.
Primary tetralogy of Fallot repair: Predictors of intensive care unit morbidity

BackgroundPrimary repair of tetralogy of Fallot has low surgical mortality, but some patients still experience significant postoperative morbidity. Our objectives were to review our institutional e...
Bilateral peritonsillar abscesses : case report and literature review

Although unilateral peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) are a common complication of acute bacterial tonsillitis, bilateral PTA are quite rare. We present the case of a 14-year-old female teenager with a 1-week history of acute tonsillitis. Physical examination revealed significant trismus, symmetrically inflamed tonsils and soft palate, and a midline uvula. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the neck demonstrated bilateral PTA. After bilateral needle aspiration and administration of antibiotics, complete disease resolution was rapidly achieved. Patients with bilateral PTA present a diagnostic dilemma because they do not demonstrate the classic asymmetric signs and symptoms seen in the more prevalent unilateral PTA. Contrast-enhanced CT imaging can help diagnose bilateral PTA and should be considered in the presence of marked trismus but with the absence of unilateral inflammatory findings.
Complex modulation of androgen responsive gene expression by methoxyacetic acid

Optimal androgen signaling is critical for testicular development and spermatogenesis. Methoxyacetic acid (MAA), the primary active metabolite of the industrial chemical ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, disrupts spermatogenesis and causes testicular atrophy. Transcriptional trans-activation studies have indicated that MAA can enhance androgen receptor activity, however, whether MAA actually impacts the expression of androgen-responsive genes in vivo, and which genes might be affected is not known. A mouse TM3 Leydig cell line that stably expresses androgen receptor (TM3-AR) was prepared and analyzed by transcriptional profiling to identify target gene interactions between MAA and testosterone on a global scale. MAA is shown to have widespread effects on androgen-responsive genes, affecting processes ranging from apoptosis to ion transport, cell adhesion, phosphorylation and transcription, with MAA able to enhance, as well as antagonize, androgenic responses. Moreover, testosterone is shown to exert both positive and negative effects on MAA gene responses. Motif analysis indicated that binding sites for FOX, HOX, LEF/TCF, STAT5 and MEF2 family transcription factors are among the most highly enriched in genes regulated by testosterone and MAA. Notably, 65 FOXO targets were repressed by testosterone or showed repression enhanced by MAA with testosterone; these include 16 genes associated with developmental processes, six of which are Hox genes. These findings highlight the complex interactions between testosterone and MAA, and provide insight into the effects of MAA exposure on androgen-dependent processes in a Leydig cell model.
Feminist State Theory: Applications to Jurisprudence, Criminology, and the Welfare State

This chapter discusses developments in feminist state theory through a comparison of feminist interventions into jurisprudence, criminology, and welfare state theory. Early feminist work on the state analyzed how women were subordinated by a centralized state. More recently, feminist scholars unearthed how states are differentiated entities, comprised of multiple gender arrangements. This discovery of state variation surfaced differently in these three branches of scholarship. Feminist legal theorists concentrated on multiple legal discourses, feminist criminologists on the diverse sites of case processing, and feminist welfare theorists on the varied dimensions of welfare stratification. Because of their different approaches to state gender regimes, these scholars have much to offer, and to gain from, one another. Thus, this chapter argues for the importance of an interdisciplinary feminist dialogue on the state. It also suggests ways to promote such a dialogue and to insert a sociological perspective in...
The role of the male accessory gland fluid in stimulating vitellogenesis in Aedes taeniorhynchus

Injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-OH-ecdysone) at high concentrations (5.0 μg) into intact or decapitated female Aedes taeniorhynchus induced vitellogenin synthesis, whereas low concentrations (5.0 ng) were ineffective. Injections of male accessory gland fluid (MAGF), however, at a concentration that was equivalent to 0.25 of the content of a pair of accessory glands, into intact or decapitated A. taeniorhynchus induced viteliogenin synthesis only in intact females. Ovariectomized mosquitoes did not synthesize vitellogenin after MAGF injection or blood feeding. Females that were first injected with MAGF and decapitated 12 h later synthesized viteliogenin at a rate that was 80% of intact controls. Egg development neurosecretory hormone (EDNH) activity in the heads of ovariectomized or intact females injected with MAGF was 9.0 pmol/min/head and 2.5 pmol/min/head, respectively, indicating that MAGF does not stimulate the corpus cardiacum (CC) to release EDNH. Incubation of MAGF and EDNH with fat bodies failed to induce vitellogenin synthesis. These results indicate that in A. taeniorhynchus the MAGF induces the ovary to release corpus cardiacum stimulating factor, which then signals CC to release stored EDNH.
The Behavior of the Real Exchange Rate Under Fixed and Floating Exchange Rate Regimes

This article investigates the behavior of real exchange rates under fixed and flexible exchange rates. Using data from both the Bretton Woods and the modern floating periods, we decompose real exchange rate movements into components attributable to supply shocks, real demand shocks, monetary shocks, capital flows shocks, and real oil price shocks. Empirical results show that real demand shocks are an important source of real exchange rate movements under both fixed and flexible rates, while monetary shocks are negligible. Supply and oil price shocks seem to be more important under Bretton Woods, while capital flows shocks seem to explain a relatively higher proportion of real exchange rate movements under the modern floating period.
Solid state microdosimeter for radiation monitoring in spacecraft and avionics

An instrument, a Si solid-state microdosimeter, is described which is designed to characterize the complex radiation environments inside spacecraft and airplanes in terms of the risk of SEEs in the present and planned microelectronic systems and in terms of the risk to flight crews and passengers. >
Use of triethylammonium formate to enhance sensitivity in negative-ion liquid chromatography/thermospray-mass spectrometry

The major objective of this investigation was to find a thermospray buffer that would decrease ion/molecule reactions in the gas phase. This would cause solution chemistry and ion evaporation to be major parameters controlling ion production. Using triethylammonium formate, protonation by ion/molecule reaction in the gas phase was decreased as indicated by the effect of solution pH on ion production. The detection limits in the full-scan mode for some amphoteric compounds and acids were one magnitude lower than those obtained with ammonium acetate or ammonium formate buffers. A few examples of sensitive full-scan detection demonstrate the usefulness of this novel buffer for negative-ion thermospray liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.
Off-pump reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting by thoracotomy: patient selection and operative technique

Abstract Background . Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with contraindications to sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) presents a technical challenge. In this study we reviewed patient selection, operative technique, and early results in patients having redo-CABG to the circumflex artery system by a thoracotomy without CPB. Methods . From January 1996 through December 1999, 21 patients with contraindications to conventional redo-CABG had target vessel revascularization off-pump by thoracotomy. A posterolateral thoracotomy approach was used. Results . No patient required sternotomy or CPB. There was no hospital mortality. Postoperative cardiac morbidity included non-Q wave myocardial infarction (5%), need for intraaortic balloon pump support postoperatively (5%), and atrial fibrillation (5%). Two grafts were studied early and two were studied late (more than 6 months later). One venous graft was found to be occluded early. Survival at 2 years was 95%. Ninety percent of surviving patients were in New York Heart Association functional class I or II. Conclusions . This approach was associated with no mortality, low morbidity, and favorable early symptomatic improvement. This is the approach of choice in cases of reoperative CABG to the circumflex system when resternotomy or CPB are undesirable, and the culprit coronary vessels are accessible through a thoracotomy.
The Study of High-Affinity TCRs Reveals Duality in T Cell Recognition of Antigen: Specificity and Degeneracy

TCRs exhibit a high degree of Ag specificity, even though their affinity for the peptide/MHC ligand is in the micromolar range. To explore how Ag specificity is achieved, we studied murine T cells expressing high-affinity TCRs engineered by in vitro evolution for binding to hemoglobin peptide/class II complex (Hb/I-Ek). These TCRs were shown previously to maintain Ag specificity, despite having up to 800-fold higher affinity. We compared the response of the high-affinity TCRs and the low-affinity 3.L2 TCR toward a comprehensive set of peptides containing single substitutions at each TCR contact residue. This specificity analysis revealed that the increase in affinity resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of stimulatory peptides. The apparent discrepancy between observed degeneracy in the recognition of single amino acid-substituted Hb peptides and overall Ag specificity of the high-affinity TCRs was examined by generating chimeric peptides between the stimulatory Hb and nonstimulatory moth cytochrome c peptides. These experiments showed that MHC anchor residues significantly affected TCR recognition of peptide. The high-affinity TCRs allowed us to estimate the affinity, in the millimolar range, of immunologically relevant interactions of the TCR with peptide/MHC ligands that were previously unmeasurable because of their weak nature. Thus, through the study of high-affinity TCRs, we demonstrated that a TCR is more tolerant of single TCR contact residue substitutions than other peptide changes, revealing that recognition of Ag by T cells can exhibit both specificity and degeneracy.
Reliability and validity of the Retrospective Childhood and Current Adult Fear Survey (RCCAFS)

The reliability and validity of the Retrospective Childhood and Current Adult Fear Survey (RCCAFS), a self-report measure of past and current fears for adults, were explored with college students. The measure evidenced good internal consistency and 3-week test-retest reliability. The validity of the scale was supported by findings that replicated earlier reports of higher fears among women and by moderately positive correlations with external locus of control, state anxiety, and trait anxiety. Moreover, a meaningful factor structure emerged for the RCCAFS that was very similar to that found for the child version of the instrument. The research and clinical utility of the measure are discussed.
Optimization objectives and models of variation for statistical gate sizing

This paper approaches statistical optimization by examining gate delay variation models and optimization objectives. Most previous work on statistical optimization has focused exclusively on the optimization algorithms without considering the effects of the variation models and objective functions. This work empirically derives a simple variation model that is then used to optimize for robustness. Optimal results from example circuits used to study the effect of the statistical objective function on parametric yield.
Rule-based approach to computing module cohesion

Stevens, Myers, and Constantine introduced the notion of cohesion, an ordinal scale of seven levels that describes the degree to which the actions performed by a module contribute to a unified function (1974). They provided rules, termed as associative principles to examine the relationships between processing elements of a module and designate a cohesion level to it. Stevens et al., however, did not give a precise definition for the term processing element. The author interprets the output variables of a module as its processing elements. Stevens et al.'s associative principles are transformed to relate the output variables based on their data and control dependence relationships. What results is a rule-based approach to computing cohesion. Experimental results show that, but for temporal cohesion, the cohesion associated to a module under this reinterpretation and that due to the original definitions are identical for all examples. >
Dissolution of Multicomponent Bubbles

The behavior of an isolated, stationary, multicomponent gas bubble in a glassmelt containing several dissolved gases is considered. The relevant mass-transport equations are formulated and calculations are performed for the case of two diffusing gases using a quasi-stationary model and a numerical solution of the exact mass-transfer equations. The results obtained from these two approaches are compared. The factors which govern the dissolution or growth of a bubble are thermodynamic and kinetic in origin. The tendency of a bubble to grow or shrink at long times is controlled by departure from overall equilibrium, whereas the short-time bubble dynamics may be dominated by kinetic effects. As a result of the existence of these dual influences, maxima and/or minima occur in the functional dependence of the bubble radius on time.
Life History and Environmental Factors Influence Population Density and Stage Structure in Hydrophyllum brownei

Abstract Hydrophyllum brownei is a rare endemic species restricted to the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. One objective of this study was to model H. brownei population density by investigating the influence of sun exposure, soil characteristics and crowding. The most parsimonious model including shade alone best predicted population density, in which increasing shade was correlated with greater population densities. Reproductive capacity of different parts of the root was tested and individuals of the species were found to produce vegetative shoots from all portions of the root. This indicates that individuals are prolific vegetative reproducers, especially in circumstances of intense physical soil disturbance that break apart root systems. Leaf number was strongly correlated with number of root swellings and was determined to be a good predictor of individual plant stage. It was found that populations were structured either “normally,” with about equal numbers of individuals in all stage classes, or “dy...
INTEGRATING DEVELOPMENTAL STABILITY ANALYSIS AND CURRENT AMPHIBIAN MONITORING TECHNIQUES: AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION WITH THE SALAMANDER AMBYSTOMA MACULATUM

Many amphibian populations have declined and others are at risk. Developmental stability analysis (DSA) has been proposed as an “early warning system” because it may detect environmental or genetic stress before they lead to population declines. Deviations from perfect symmetry (fluctuating asymmetry or FA) may indicate stress. We experimentally evaluated the efficacy of DSA to detect sublethal acid stress in the salamander Ambystoma maculatum. Our results indicate that traditional fitness correlates, such as size at metamorphosis, were affected by pH stress and revealed pond-specific responses to pH treatments. Fluctuating asymmetry was not correlated with pH stress, suggesting that pH stress did not disrupt aspects of the developmental program that enforce symmetry. Furthermore, FA was altered through preservation, changed through time, and differed in fore and hind limbs. Conclusions about developmental stability depended on whether traits were analyzed separately or with a composite index. Finally, we...
Current Treatment of Bifurcation Lesions: Re-Examining the 1- Versus 2-Stent Argument∗

The study by Lee et al. [(1)][1] in this issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions provides important insights into the evolving treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions, as well as the utility of well-designed clinical registries. Before the introduction of stents, “plain old balloon
Denitrification of Blackwater with Greywater

Nitrogen was removed from septic tank effluent in a nitrification-denitrification system, using greywater as the organic carbon source in the denitrification step. A preliminary study showed greywater from a typical home contained abundant soluble carbon that biodegraded at the same rate as methanol, which, until this study, appeared to be the most promising source of organic carbon for such a system. A second laboratory study used aerobic sand column reactors to nitrify unfiltered septic tank effluent. Greywater, settled sewage, and methanol were added prior to the denitrification step to determine their suitability as possible sources of organic carbon. Greywater removed 70 percent of the available nitrate, methanol removed 83 percent, and settled sewage removed less than 5 percent. A field demonstration model was then built. Greywater is an acceptable carbon source for denitrification.
Initial Cooling of Asphaltic Concrete Mats

A simple method is presented for predicting the rate at which a newly placed asphaltic concrete mat cools under a given set of environmental conditions. Application of this method facilitates decisions on a daily basis, on whether or not to proceed with paving operations under marginal weather conditions specific to a construction site. Thermophysical properties of asphaltic concrete and pavement base materials are considered, together with heat transfer variables including conduction, convection, radiation, wind velocity, solar flux, and cloud cover. Mathematical development of existing numerical calculation methods permits solution of the heat transfer equations in the field with a hand-held programmable calculator.
Quaterback by Committee - A Response in Memory of Dan Markel

In Catalyzing Fans, Dan Markel, Michael McCann and Howard Wasserman propose so-called “Fan Action Committees” (“FACs”), whereby fans would crowdfund a sum of money and then spend it to influence the personnel decisions of their favorite teams. This Response — dedicated to the memory of Dan Markel — suggests that an effective FAC could upset a team’s overall hiring and compensation system, thereby risking a downturn in team performance to the detriment of all concerned.
Garamendi’s Unspoken Assumptions: Assessing Executive Foreign Affairs Preemption Challenges to State Regulation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its most recent pronouncement on the executive foreign affairs preemption doctrine in American Insurance Ass’n v. Garamendi. This Article argues that lower courts are prone to overbroad applications of Garamendi because the Court assumed the presence of three elements when it developed the standard for executive foreign affairs preemption of state law: (1) formal source law; (2) nexus to a foreign entity; and (3) indication of intent by the executive to preempt the state law under challenge. She concludes that unless these three elements are present, courts need not even reach the question of whether a law is preempted under the Garamendi test.
Theoretical Dynamics Analysis of the Molten-Salt Reactor Experiment

The dynamic characteristics of the MSRE were calculated for operation with 235U and 233 U fuels. The analysis included calculation of the transient response for reactivity perturbations, frequency response for reactivity perturbations, stability, and sensitivity to parameter variations. The calculations showed that the system dynamic behavior is satisfactory for both fuel loadings.
“Calgon, Take Me Away” : Identifying qualities of serious leisure in virtual world involvement inside The World of Warcraft

AbstractCalgon, the bath-wash, claims to restore one’s spirit and its iconic tagline, “Calgon, take me away !” echoed through the airwaves into America’s consumptive consciousness throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Today, the same slogan takes a new and definitively postmodernist meaning in my life. Calgon is a hero and the “me” of my virtual life inside the massively multiplayer role-playing game, The World of Warcraft. This paper discusses the utility and peculiarities of framing a two-year cyber-ethnographic study of the virtual world’s in habitants and customs within Stebbins’ six identified qualities of Serious Leisure.
PS1-23: Prospective Association of Patient Activation Measure (PAM) with Medical Costs among Hypertension Population

Background/Aims The patient activation measure (PAM) refers to an individual’s skills, knowledge, and confidence to manage their health and their ability to engage health providers in shared decision making practices. Such skills are important for the ongoing management of chronic conditions, such as hypertension. Although research has examined the association of PAM with utilization and health outcomes; little research has examined the association of PAM with medical costs. The objective of this research was to examine the prospective association of PAM with four cost measures: 1) total costs, 2) emergency department (ED) costs, 3) inpatient costs and 4) pharmacy costs.
Clay mineral evolution

Changes in the mechanisms of formation and global distribution of phyllosilicate clay minerals through 4.567 Ga of planetary evolution in our solar system reflect evolving tectonic, geochemical, and biological processes. Clay minerals were absent prior to planetesimal formation ~4.6 billion years ago but today are abundant in all near-surface Earth environments. New clay mineral species and modes of clay mineral paragenesis occurred as a consequence of major events in Earth’s evolution—notably the formation of a mafic crust and oceans, the emergence of granite-rooted continents, the initiation of plate tectonics and subduction, the Great Oxidation Event, and the rise of the terrestrial biosphere. The changing character of clay minerals through time is thus an important part of Earth’s mineralogical history and exemplifies the principles of mineral evolution.
Donald C. O’Brien. The Engraving Trade in Early Cincinnati. Athens: Ohio University Press, 2013. ix, 194 p. ISBN 978-0821420140. $29.14

Donald C. O’Brien’s The Engraving Trade in Early Cincinnati is the first published survey of individuals and businesses engaged in engraving, lithographing, and printing in early Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. O’Brien, a retired public educator, is a past president of the American Historical Print Society and a member of the American Antiquarian Society. This title highlights the work of early engravers and printers in Cincinnati in the wider context of American engraving and illustration, while also giving an overview of notable items and titles produced by these firms. O’Brien gives a roughly chronological look at the firms and their work in . . .
Epidemic trend of class-B infectious diseases in Yuhuatai district of Nanjing city 2001-2010

[Objective]To analyze the epidemic status and epidemiological characteristics of class-B infectious diseases in Yuhuatai district of Nanjing city,provide the scientific basis for making and perfecting the control strategies of infectious diseases.[Methods]The descriptive epidemiology method was adopted.[Results]15 kinds of class-B infectious diseases were reported during 2001-2010,there were a total of 5 882 cases,and 5 cases died.The average annual incidence rate was 221.25/lakh,and average annual mortality rate was 0.16/lakh.In ten years,dysentery,pulmonary tuberculosis and syphilis always ranked in the top five of incidence rate.The disease types and structures showed that the bloodborne diseases and sexually transmitted diseases accounted for 35.02%,which was the highest.[Conclusion]During 2001-2010,the reported incidence rate of class-B infectious diseases in Yuhuatai district decreased generally,the respiratory infectious disease showed a rising trend,and the intestinal infectious disease showed a downward trend.The dysentery,pulmonary tuberculosis and syphilis are the emphasis of infectious diseases control in Yuhuatai district,meanwhile the bloodborne diseases and sexually transmitted diseases need to be controlled.
Evacuation of pericardial, anterior mediastinal, and peripleural air collections in neonatal respiratory distress.

Alveolar rupture in the neonate can result in the dissection of air along vascular sheaths and the formation of abnormal collections within the mediastinal, pleural, pericardial, or peripleural spaces or elsewhere. Intercostal tube placement for pneumothorax is frequently required. A method is presented for the placement of Intracath catheters into pericardial, anterior mediastinal, and peripleural collections of air when other adjustments in treatment have not alleviated clinical distress.
ET-1 induces mitogenesis in ovine airway smooth muscle cells via ETA and ETB receptors

The proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells is a characteristic feature of asthma. Endothelin (ET)-1, a member of a family of three isopeptides (ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3), functions as a spasmogen and mitogen for airway smooth muscle cells. Two types of ET receptors have been identified in mammalian species (ETA and ETB). Because the respective roles of ETA and ETB receptors in ET-1-induced mitogenesis are not known, we determined the effect of two selective ETA and ETB antagonists (BQ-610 and BQ-788) on ET-1-induced mitogenesis of cultured ovine airway smooth muscle cells. Both BQ-610 and BQ-788 inhibited ET-1-induced mitogenesis in a concentration-dependent manner, with BQ-788 exhibiting more potent antagonism [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 3.5 nM, slope of 0.49] compared with BQ-610 (IC50 = 20 nM, slope of 0.27). The combined ETA-ETB antagonist, bosentan, also inhibited ET-1-induced mitogenesis (IC50 = 20 nM, slope of 0.60). The effects of BQ-788 and bosentan appear to be mediated via the same receptor (ETB), as their slopes are comparable. These observations suggest that both receptor subtypes are utilized in ET-1-induced proliferation of ovine airway smooth muscle. ET receptor expression may be important in the increase in airway smooth muscle mass seen in the airways of patients with bronchial asthma.
A comparison of progestins within three classes: Differential effects on learning and memory in the aging surgically menopausal rat.

Introduction For decades, progestins have been included in hormone therapies (HT) prescribed to women to offset the risk of unopposed estrogen-induced endometrial hyperplasia. However, the potential effects on cognition of subcategories of clinically used progestins have been largely unexplored. Methods In two studies, the present investigation evaluated the cognitive effects of norethindrone acetate (NETA), levonorgestrel (LEVO), and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) on the water radial-arm maze (WRAM) and Morris water maze (MM) in middle-aged ovariectomized rats. Results In Study 1, six-weeks of a high-dose NETA treatment impaired learning and delayed retention on the WRAM, and impaired reference memory on the MM. Low-dose NETA treatment impaired delayed retention on the WRAM. In Study 2, high-dose NETA treatment was reduced to four-weeks and compared to MPA and LEVO. As previously shown, MPA impaired working memory performance during the lattermost portion of testing, at the highest working memory load, impaired delayed retention on the WRAM, and impaired reference memory on the MM. NETA also impaired performance on these WRAM and MM measures. Interestingly, LEVO did not impair performance, but instead enhanced learning on the WRAM. Conclusions The current study corroborates previous evidence that the most commonly prescribed FDA-approved progestin for HT, MPA, impairs learning and memory in the ovariectomized middle-aged rat. When progestins from two different additional subcategories were investigated, NETA impaired learning and memory similarly to MPA, but LEVO enhanced learning. Future research is warranted to determine LEVO's potential as an ideal progestin for optimal health in women, including for cognition.
Auditory categories with separable decision boundaries are learned faster with full feedback than with minimal feedback.

During visual category learning, full feedback (e.g., “Wrong, that was a category 4.”), relative to minimal feedback (e.g., “Wrong.”), enhances performance when the relevant dimensions are separable. This pattern is reversed with inseparable dimensions. Here, the interaction between trial-by-trial feedback and separability of dimensions in the auditory domain is examined. Participants were trained to categorize auditory stimuli along separable or inseparable dimensions. One group received full feedback, while the other group received minimal feedback. In the separable-dimensions condition, the full-feedback group achieved higher accuracy than did the minimal-feedback group. In the inseparable-dimensions condition, performance was equivalent across the feedback groups. These results altogether suggest that trial-by-trial feedback affects auditory category learning performance differentially for separable and inseparable categories.