cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Basic organization of projections from the oval and fusiform nuclei of the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis in adult rat brain.

The organization of axonal projections from the oval and fusiform nuclei of the bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BST) was characterized with the Phaseolus vulgaris-leucoagglutinin (PHAL) anterograde tracing method in adult male rats. Within the BST, the oval nucleus (BSTov) projects very densely to the fusiform nucleus (BSTfu) and also innervates the caudal anterolateral area, anterodorsal area, rhomboid nucleus, and subcommissural zone. Outside the BST, its heaviest inputs are to the caudal substantia innominata and adjacent central amygdalar nucleus, retrorubral area, and lateral parabrachial nucleus. It generates moderate inputs to the caudal nucleus accumbens, parasubthalamic nucleus, and medial and ventrolateral divisions of the periaqueductal gray, and it sends a light input to the anterior parvicellular part of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and nucleus of the solitary tract. The BSTfu displays a much more complex projection pattern. Within the BST, it densely innervates the anterodorsal area, dorsomedial nucleus, and caudal anterolateral area, and it moderately innervates the BSTov, subcommissural zone, and rhomboid nucleus. Outside the BST, the BSTfu provides dense inputs to the nucleus accumbens, caudal substantia innominata and central amygdalar nucleus, thalamic paraventricular nucleus, hypothalamic paraventricular and periventricular nuclei, hypothalamic dorsomedial nucleus, perifornical lateral hypothalamic area, and lateral tegmental nucleus. Moderately dense inputs are found in the parastrial, tuberal, dorsal raphe, and parabrachial nuclei and in the retrorubral area, ventrolateral division of the periaqueductal gray, and pontine central gray. Light projections end in the olfactory tubercle, lateral septal nucleus, posterior basolateral amygdalar nucleus, supramammillary nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract. These and other results suggest that the BSTov and BSTfu are basal telencephalic parts of a circuit that coordinates autonomic, neuroendocrine, and ingestive behavioral responses during stress.
Rogers's "Models of Man" A Sidelight

Rogers (1980) claims that the current popularity of mentalistic constructs can be attributed to the methodological respectability such constructs have recently acquired, in contrast to their earlier illicit status. Although this belief is common, history does not support it.
Kernelized value function approximation for reinforcement learning

A recent surge in research in kernelized approaches to reinforcement learning has sought to bring the benefits of kernelized machine learning techniques to reinforcement learning. Kernelized reinforcement learning techniques are fairly new and different authors have approached the topic with different assumptions and goals. Neither a unifying view nor an understanding of the pros and cons of different approaches has yet emerged. In this paper, we offer a unifying view of the different approaches to kernelized value function approximation for reinforcement learning. We show that, except for different approaches to regularization, Kernelized LSTD (KLSTD) is equivalent to a modelbased approach that uses kernelized regression to find an approximate reward and transition model, and that Gaussian Process Temporal Difference learning (GPTD) returns a mean value function that is equivalent to these other approaches. We also discuss the relationship between our modelbased approach and the earlier Gaussian Processes in Reinforcement Learning (GPRL). Finally, we decompose the Bellman error into the sum of transition error and reward error terms, and demonstrate through experiments that this decomposition can be helpful in choosing regularization parameters.
Stress trajectories, health behaviors, and the mental health of black and white young adults

This paper uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine the mental health of non-Hispanic black and white young adults in the US. We use latent growth curve modeling to characterize the typical stress trajectories experienced by black and white young adults spanning the bulk of their lives. We identify the following four stress trajectories: 1) relatively stress free; 2) stress peak at age 15 and a subsequent decline; 3) stress peak at age 17 and a subsequent decline; and 4) a moderately high chronic stress. Results indicate that black adolescents have significantly higher risk of being in all three of the stressful classes compared to white adolescents. Stress exposure is strongly associated with depression and the race differences in stress profiles account for a modest amount of the observed race differences in mental health. We do not observe any race differences in behavioral responses to stressors; black youth are no more likely than white youth to engage in poor health behaviors (e.g., smoking, drinking, or obesity) in response to stress. We provide tentative support for the notion that poor health behaviors partially reduce the association between stress and depression for blacks but not whites. These findings contribute to unresolved issues regarding mental and physical health disparities among blacks and whites.
Effect of Dietary Energy Concentration on Performance of Heavy Egg-Type Hens at Various Densities in Cages

Abstract Three dietary energy levels (2,737, 3,003, 3,322 kcal./kg.) were fed to heavy egg-type hens housed in cages at densities of 1,320, 660, and 440 cm.2 of floor area per hen. Increasing the number of hens per cage reduced egg production. This was most pronounced with three hens per cage during the latter part of the experiment. Final body weight was reduced only with three hens per cage, and occurred to a greater degree at the end of the experiment. Mortality increased at the higher hen densities due to Marek’s disease and lymphoid leucosis. Hen density did not significantly affect egg weight, shell strength, Haugh units or meat and blood spots. Dietary energy level did not significantly alter overall hen-day egg production. However, egg production on the highest dietary energy level declined more rapidly in the latter months. Therefore, a high dietary energy content was not conducive to sustained egg production. There were no significant interactions between hen density and dietary energy level. But, with two or three hens per cage, egg production was consistently lower for hens fed the highest dietary energy level. As dietary energy level increased, feed intake decreased and feed efficiency increased. But energy intake increased resulting in heavier hens on the highest energy ration. The highest dietary energy caused an increase in egg size during the mid-part of the experiment. Otherwise, energy level did not affect egg weight, shell strength, Haugh units or blood and meat spots. It is concluded that although increases in dietary energy levels result in increased energy intakes and body weights of hens, high energy rations will not reverse the downward trend in egg production as density of caged hens increases. To the contrary, feeding of high energy rations to hens housed at high densities in cages may not be advisable, since egg production was consistently lowest under these conditions.
Ultracataclasite structure and friction processes of the Punchbowl fault, San Andreas system, California

Abstract The Punchbowl fault is an exhumed, 40+ km displacement fault of the San Andreas system. In the Devil's Punchbowl, the fault contains a continuous ultracataclasite layer along which the Punchbowl Formation sandstone and an igneous and metamorphic basement complex are juxtaposed. The fabric of the ultracataclasite layer and surrounding rock indicate that nearly all of the fault displacement occurred in the layer. By analogy with nearby active faults, we assume that the Punchbowl fault was seismogenic and that the ultracataclasite structure records the passage of numerous earthquake ruptures. We have mapped the ultracataclasite layer at 1 : 1 and 1 : 10 to determine the mode of failure and to constrain the processes of seismic slip. On the basis of color, cohesion, fracture and vein fabric, and porphyroclast lithology, two main types of ultracataclasite are distinguished in the layer: an olive-black ultracataclasite in contact with the basement, and a dark yellowish brown ultracataclasite in contact with the sandstone. The two are juxtaposed along a continuous contact that is often coincident with a single, continuous, nearly planar, prominent fracture surface (pfs) that extends the length of the ultracataclasite layer in all exposures. No significant mixing of the brown and black ultracataclasites occurred by offset on anastomosing shear surfaces that cut the contact or by mobilization and injection of one ultracataclasite into the other. The ultracataclasites are cohesive throughout except for thin accumulations of less cohesive, reworked ultracataclasite along the pfs. Structural relations suggest that: (1) the black and brown ultracataclasite were derived from the basement and sandstone, respectively; (2) the black and brown ultracataclasites were juxtaposed along the pfs; (3) the subsequent, final several kilometers of slip on the Punchbowl fault occurred along the pfs; and (4) earthquake ruptures followed the pfs without significant branching or jumping to other locations in the ultracataclasite. By comparison with rock friction experiments, the slip localization along the pfs in the ultracataclasite implies rate weakening behavior with a critical slip distance similar to laboratory values, and thus relatively small nucleation and breakdown dimensions for earthquake ruptures. Of the various mechanisms proposed to explain the low strength of the San Andreas and to produce dynamic weakening of faults, those that require or assume extreme localization of slip are most compatible with our observations.
Robust quantification of pulmonary emphysema with a Hidden Markov Measure Field model

Determining the extent of pulmonary emphysema with quantitative computed tomography commonly relies on fixed intensity threshold values. However, the reliability of such measures is limited due to variability in parenchymal intensities and noise levels in CT images. In this work, we present a novel method for emphysema quantification, based on a lung tissue segmentation with a Hidden Markov Measure Field model. By adapting to the intensity distribution present in the input image, the method provides a more robust emphysema index than standard densitometric approaches. The focus of this study is to show robustness between imaging protocols, enabling the comparison of emphysema measures between studies. The method can have a significant impact in longitudinal analysis and prediction of emphysema. In addition, the method shows promise in delineating emphysematous regions, potentially facilitating subtyping of the disease.
High power density from a miniature microbial fuel cell using Shewanella oneidensis DSP10.

A miniature microbial fuel cell (mini-MFC) is described that demonstrates high output power per device cross-section (2.0 cm2) and volume (1.2 cm3). Shewanella oneidensis DSP10 in growth medium wit...
Nanofiller dispersion in polymer dielectrics

Nanocomposite dielectrics have been developed for high voltage electrical insulation and electrical storage applications. In this contribution different manufacturing methods and specifically nanodielectrics studied for capacitor applications are presented from the industrial perspective.
Efficacy of irradiation vs thermal methods as quarantine treatments for tropical fruits

Abstract Ionizing radiation can be effectively applied to fruits and vegetables for several purposes. The most feasible and potentially useful application is probably for disinfestation as a quarantine treatment. All stages of a fruit fly will become sterile upon being irradiated at a minimum dose of 0.15 kGy, the dose level approved by the USDA in January 1989 for treating Hawaiian papayas as a quarantine procedure. This is also well below the dose level approved in April, 1986 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for irradiating fresh foods for disinfestation and delaying maturation. Research on irradiation of several tropical fruits such as papayas, mangoes, lychees showed that the chemical, sensory and nutrient qualities of these fruits were well retained at 1.0 kGy, and the fruits would ripen normally or slightly delayed. Since September, 1984, thermal methods used by the papaya industry after ethylene dibromide was banned require treatment time of up to 7 hrs and have caused quality problems. Some of the fruits treated by the hot air or the double-dip hot water method lack flavor and had lumpy texture. The vapor heat method as now used is quite expensive. Irradiation studies have proved the efficacy of the process to disinfest tropical fruits of fruit files. Market test of irradiated Hawaiian papayas in 1987 showed that consumers preferred irradiated papayas over hot water treated papayas by 11 to 1. Thus the only hurdle to overcome in using irradiation for tropical fruits is to convince the consumers that irradiated fruits are wholesome and safe for human consumption, which has been amply proven with scientific data obtained during the past three decades, and further proven with the marketing of irradiated fruits in the U.S.A. since early 1992.
The malleable bicultural consumer: effects of cultural contexts on aesthetic judgments

Grounded in the cognitive framework of processing fluency, this study proposes further support for the experiential perspective in aesthetics by positing that aesthetic response to the same object may be malleable, depending on how the symbolic properties of the object interact with different cultural contexts which either facilitate or debilitate the processing experience of the perceiver. The study employed an Internet experiment to test the hypotheses among 105 female Hispanic college-aged students enrolled at a large midwestern university. The findings revealed that symbolic attributes of products interact with cultural contexts to affect aesthetic judgments of (Hispanic) consumers. Aesthetic judgments were more positive when evaluating culturally symbolic product attributes after exposure to congruent contextual cues that facilitate fluent processing. The study furnishes support for the impact of environment/context on consumer behavior and aesthetic judgment, thus establishing further support for the cognitive framework of conceptual fluency in explaining aesthetic response. The study also contributes to recent literature on “frame-switching” among bicultural consumers by suggesting that these consumers navigate between competing cultural frames in response to visual primes, with resultant shifts in aesthetic judgments. Important marketing insights emerge from these findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graft copolymers that exhibit temperature-induced phase transitions over a wide range of pH

There are many potential applications of 'intelligent' aqueous polymer systems in medicine, biotechnology, industry and in environmental problems. Many of these polymer systems undergo reversible phase transitions--for example, abrupt changes in volume--in response to external stimuli such as temperature, pH or the nature of the solvent. Most of the polymers studied previously are responsive to only one kind of stimulus. But for some applications, independent responsiveness to several factors, such as temperature and pH, may be required. Here we describe a polymer that undergoes marked solubility changes in water in response to temperature and/or pH changes. The polymer is prepared by grafting temperature-sensitive side chains onto a pH-sensitive backbone. We also find that block copolymers, in which the temperature- and pH-sensitive units alternate along the chain, show similar behaviour.
Low‐to‐moderate nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations accelerate microbially driven litter breakdown rates

Particulate organic matter (POM) processing is an important driver of aquatic ecosystem productivity that is sensitive to nutrient enrichment and drives ecosystem carbon (C) loss. Although studies of single concentrations of nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) have shown effects at relatively low concentrations, responses of litter breakdown rates along gradients of low-to-moderate N and P concentrations are needed to establish likely interdependent effects of dual N and P enrichment on baseline activity in stream ecosystems. We established 25 combinations of dissolved inorganic N (DIN; 55-545 lg/L) and soluble reactive P (SRP; 4-86 lg/L) concentrations with corresponding N:P molar ratios of 2-127 in experimental stream channels. We excluded macroinvertebrates, focusing on microbially driven breakdown of maple (Acer rubrum L.) and rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum L.) leaf litter. Breakdown rates, k, per day (d � 1 ) and per degree-day (dd � 1 ), increased by up to 63 for maple and 123 for rhododendron over our N and P enrichment gradient compared to rates at low ambient N and P concentrations. The best models of k (d � 1 and dd � 1 ) included litter species identity and N and P concentrations; there was evidence for both additive and interactive effects of N and P. Models explaining variation in k dd � 1 were supported by N and P for both maple and rhododendron (R 2 ¼ 0.67 and 0.33, respectively). Residuals in the relationship between k dd � 1 and N concentration were largely explained by P, but residuals for k dd � 1 and P concentration were less adequately explained by N. Breakdown rates were more closely related to nutrient concentrations than variables associated with measurements of two mechanistic parameters associated with C loss (fungal biomass and microbial respiration rate). We also determined the effects of nutrient addition on litter C : nutrient stoichiometry and found reductions in litter C:N and C:P along our experimental nutrient gradient. Our results indicate that microbially driven litter processing rates increase across low-to-moderate nutrient gradients that are now common throughout human-modified landscapes.
Circular wave motions in a plate composed of transversely isotropic materials

The modal analysis of axisymmetric and asymmetric circular wave motions in a plate of infinite extent is presented. Both homogeneous and layered constructions are considered, with each layer possessing distinct thickness and transversely isotropic material properties. Frequency equations for two classes of natural vibrations are derived. For each class, the frequency equation is independent of the circumferential wave number, and this equation is valid for both axisymmetric and asymmetric motions. Also, these equations are shown to be identical to those for plane wave motions, so that transposition of known solutions for plane motions can be immediately made to yield frequency results for circular wave motions. Example cases of isotropic homogeneous and isotropic layered plates are presented to illustrate the theory.
Computer Supported Instruction and Student Characteristics: An Experimental Study:

The extensive use of computers by businesses makes it imperative for most business graduates to possess a fair amount of computer skills to effectively perform in today's work environment. Business schools are integrating computers into their curricula to provide their students with these skills. While many studies in education have evaluated the effect of computer-based education, there are very few in the field of business education. This study evaluates the influence of a computer-based support system on the decision-making skills of students in a introductory financial management course. It also evaluates the impact of various personal characteristics of the student on decision-making performance. An experimental design combined with a survey instrument is used to collect data from forty-two graduate students. Discriminant analysis is used to derive a profile of students classifiable into groups based on quality of performance and degree of satisfaction. The results of the study indicate that the comp...
Spectral Lines in Radio Astronomy

A review of the elements of microwave spectroscopy as it concerns, or is likely to concern, radio astronomy is presented. This review attempts to show how atomic and molecular resonance lines arise in the radio frequency spectrum and to discuss the important parameters of spectral lines. Finally, it is shown how the intensity of radio emission received from the galaxy is modified by the presence of an interstellar atomic gas having a resonance transition at the frequency of observation.
Narrative Analysis of Sexual Etiquette in Teenage Magazines

Expanding on existing research on women's magazines, this essay examines the sexual etiquette developed in advice columns in magazines popular among teenage women. Over a span of 20 years, the advice has changed very little. Serving the rhetorical function of field guides and training manuals, teen magazines limit women's sociality and sexuality within narrowly defined heterosexual norms and practices. The rhetoric of sexual etiquette encourages young women to be sex objects and teachers of interpersonal communication rather than lovers, friends, and partners. Young women are being taught to subordinate self for others and to be contained.
Regulation of lipid metabolism in poikilothermic vertebrates

Patterns of lipid storage and utilization reflect the special life histories of the animal group. Poikilothermic vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles) have evolved a number of life history patterns (smoltification, metamorphosis, hibernation) which present problems for lipid storage regulation. A general theme among poikilotherms is to store lipids among several sites (mesenteric fat, liver, muscle) as opposed to a single depot type (adipose tissue) as in homeotherms; lipids are stored primarily as triacylglycerols, but various other lipid classes also are stored and constituent fatty acids tend to be more complex (longer chain, polyunsaturated). Lipid storage is influenced by de novo lipid synthesis and by lipid deposition from various plasma lipoproteins. Lipid accumulation generally occurs in most poikilotherms during periods of feeding when plasma insulin levels are elevated. Lipid mobilization is controlled by an intracellular lipase enzyme. Lipid depletion occurs during transitional and non-feeding periods and is especially apparent during salmonid smoltification and amphibian metamorphosis.
A latent process model for time series of attributed random graphs

We introduce a latent process model for time series of attributed random graphs for characterizing multiple modes of association among a collection of actors over time. Two mathematically tractable approximations are derived, and we examine the performance of a class of test statistics for an illustrative change-point detection problem and demonstrate that the analysis through approximation can provide valuable information regarding inference properties.
Self-Determination in Secondary Transition Assessment:

Self-determination knowledge and skills are important life skills for success throughout one's life. Therefore, it is important to assess the component skills that lead to self-determination so tha...
Benchmarking organizational commitment across nonprofit human services organizations in Pennsylvania

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine organizational commitment within nonprofit organizations and demonstrate the effectiveness of benchmarking attitudinal constructs.Design/methodology/approach – A web based 21 question survey was conducted utilizing a professional organization's membership list. The survey was then analyzed to determine if differences could be found in a local market compared to the larger (geographic) sample. Manova was used to examine mean differences across the variables.Findings – The results revealed six constructs where attitudinal differences occurred. The differences allow management to determine if they are even with, above or below the average for the larger region and adjust management practices accordingly to increase organizational commitment.Research limitations/implications – Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalisability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further with a larger nat...
Characterization of an established line of canine kidney cells (MDCK).

SummaryAn established line of canine kidney cells (MDCK-USD) of male origin was shown to contain 3 metacentric chromosomes and possess a modal number of 81. It grew rapidly in Eagle's MEM, displayed contact inhibition and was susceptible to vaccinia, VSV and influenza (PR8) viruses. Two additional MDCK lines, the parent line and another derivative from other laboratories, were compared to the USD line and could be distinguished on the basis of modal number and morphology of the metacentric chromosomes observed in each line.
Nature, nurture and DNA sequences

*University of Wisconsin Law School, Madison, WI 53706, USA E-mail: ghosh7@wisc.edu On 13 June 2013, the US Supreme Court addressed the question of the patentability of DNA sequences. The Court’s answer seems straightforward. Isolating a naturally occurring DNA sequence does not give rise to patentability whereas creating a synthetic DNA sequence may be patentable. While this response seems clear cut on the surface, the answer raised even more questions. This article is one entry into the cottage industry of patent law ana lysis that is generated by the Court’s unanimous decision in Association for American Pathologists v. Myriad Genetics [1]. In this article, the decision is analyzed and put in the context of both the present, and the near future. Although some find the decision devastating for the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries, the ruling is not as fatal as some claim, and sets the right course for the future of synthetic genetics.
Sex Differences on the MMPI-1 and MMPI-2

This study compared sex differences on the MMPI-2 to those previously found on the MMPI-1. Statistically significant differences were found with men (n = 66) showing higher mean raw scale scores on antisocial (men = 10.00, women = 7.15), authority problems (men = 4.58, women = 3.14), admission of addiction (men = 3.58, women = 2.74), amorality (men = 2.30, women = 1.61), and Type A (men = 8.24, women = 7.71). Women (n= 132) showed higher mean raw scale scores on Hypochondriasis, Depression, Hysteria, Paranoia, Depression subscale, N affection, Health Concerns, and Somatic Complaints. With a few exceptions, these general patterns are consistent with previous research.
Tropical instability waves in the Atlantic Ocean

Abstract An idealized numerical model of the tropical Atlantic Ocean is used to study the structure, energetics and heat flux of the Atlantic tropical instability waves (TIWs). The model results compare well with the observations, and they both show that, unlike commonly assumed, the TIWs in the Atlantic exist on both sides of the equator and are generated not only in the summer but from May to January. Furthermore it is demonstrated that the Atlantic TIWs are generated by barotropic instability of the shear between the equatorial undercurrent and the northern south equatorial current and make a surprisingly small contribution to the heat budget of the equatorial mixed layer. The model results reveal that the often published strong meridional heat flux divergence of the TIWs is largely compensated for by their vertical heat flux divergence.
A Vector Transform Application on a Coding Algorithm Based on the Polarity of Speech Signal

In this study, a vector transform application on a coding algorithm based on the polarity of speech signal is presented. Vector transformation (VT) increases the intra vector correlation. Because of this property of VT, we expect the presented coding method will be improved. The coding algorithm compresses the signals around the positive and the negative peak values of the speech signal by removing reproducible portions of the signal while retaining reference signal portions that are enough to reproduce the original speech signal with a very small loss in quality. Before this coding algorithm, VT that is defined in Section 2 is applied on speech signals. Inverse VT is applied to decoded data. Obtained results are evaluated using graphics and SNR values.
Factors Affecting the Probability of Consuming Fish and Shellfish in the Away from Home and at Home Markets

Models are developed to measure the effect of socioeconomic factors on the probability of consuming fish and shellfish in both the away from home and at home markets. Factors that significantly affect the likelihood of eating fish and shellfish at home include: urbanization, region, race, ethnicity, age, diet status and income, On the other hand, region, employment, diet status, household size, age and income significantly affect the likelihood of eating fish and shellfish away from home.
A Hybrid Silicon–AlGaInAs Phase Modulator

We demonstrate a carrier depletion phase modulator based on the hybrid silicon evanescent platform. A low temperature and robust bonding process is employed to transfer III-V epitaxial layers to patterned silicon waveguides. An external electric field is applied across the doped multiple quantum wells so that carriers are depleted, resulting in an index change. The device has a voltage-length product, V pi L, of 4 V-mm at 1550 nm. An optical bandwidth of 100 nm with an extinction ratio over 10 dB is achieved. The device can handle optical power up to 28 mW.
In Vitro Permeation Study of a Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery System for Controlled Delivery of Nonoxynol-9

ABSTRACTA carbopol 934P-based drug delivery system (AmDDS) was developed to achieve the dual-controlled delivery of Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a spermicidal agent, and EDTA, a potentiator of spermicidal activity. This gel-type system made intimate contact with vaginal mucosa and maintained an effective drug concentration within the vagina for a prolonged period of time. An existing mathematical model, based on a unilayer diffusion membrane, was applied for describing permeation of N-9 through vaginal mucosa. Vaginal permeation of N-9 from AmDDS was negligible over the initial 5 hr, then increased in a Q versus t pattern, but remained low. A relationship was observed between the permeation rate (Js) of drug through vaginal mucosa and the release flux (Q/t1/2) from AmDDS, which showed that the permeation rate (Js) increased with increased square of the release flux [(Q/t1/2)2] in a hyperbolic manner. This result indicated that release of N-9 from AmDDS is still the rate-limiting step at doses within the tested rang...
Adenosine A2A and A2B receptors are both required for adenosine A1 receptor-mediated cardioprotection

All four adenosine receptor subtypes have been shown to play a role in cardioprotection, and there is evidence that all four subtypes may be expressed in cardiomyocytes. There is also increasing ev...
The Non-Monk's Tale: A Somewhat Modern Canterbury Tale

A favorite topic of the author has been Human Nature. The following is an attempt to "see it" by means of a tale-in sharp outline.
Contribution of the TRPV1 channel to salt taste quality in mice as assessed by conditioned taste aversion generalization and chorda tympani nerve responses

In rodents, at least two transduction mechanisms are involved in salt taste: 1) the sodium-selective epithelial sodium channel, blocked by topical amiloride administration, and 2) one or more amilo...
National Politics and Charitable Choice as Urban Policy for Community Development

The Faith-Based and Community Initiative (FBCI) constitutes a critical substitution of social policy as new urban policy. The faith-based initiative envisions a formalized role for local religious congregations in social services provision and the corresponding role of policy implementation. Both of these rather novel policy ideas raise a host of questions. This article seeks to provide an understanding of this policy initiative, its ideational origins, its real potential, and some of its limitations as an instrument of urban policy and community development. This article encompasses four objectives. First, it provides an overview discussion of the evolution of the U.S. urban policy context and the emergence of “stealth urban policies.” Second, it focuses on the philosophical and scholarly formulations that conceived of local congregations as alternative mechanisms for the provision of social welfare state services. Third, the discussion turns to some of the findings to date regarding the FBCI that point ...
Lineage-Specific Responses of Microbial Communities to Environmental Change

A great challenge facing microbial ecology is how to define ecologically relevant taxonomic units. To address this challenge, we investigated how changing the definition of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) influences the perception of ecological patterns in microbial communities as they respond to a dramatic environmental change. We used pyrosequenced tags of the bacterial V2 16S rRNA region, as well as clone libraries constructed from the cytochrome oxidase C gene ccoN, to provide additional taxonomic resolution for the common freshwater genus Polynucleobacter. At the most highly resolved taxonomic scale, we show that distinct genotypes associated with the abundant Polynucleobacter lineages exhibit divergent spatial patterns and dramatic changes over time, while the also abundant Actinobacteria OTUs are highly coherent. This clearly demonstrates that different bacterial lineages demand different taxonomic definitions to capture ecological patterns. Based on the temporal distribution of highly resolved taxa in the hypolimnion, we demonstrate that change in the population structure of a single genotype can provide additional insight into the mechanisms of community-level responses. These results highlight the importance and feasibility of examining ecological change in microbial communities across taxonomic scales while also providing valuable insight into the ecological characteristics of ecologically coherent groups in this system.
nand Gate Design for Ballistic Deflection Transistors

This paper presents a nand gate designed using ballistic deflection transistors (BDTs). Room temperature BDT measurements are captured in an empirical device model to simulate multi-BDT logic design. Measurements from a fabricated BDT nand gate validate the multidevice model and demonstrate the promise of BDTs for nanoscale circuit design.
The Value of Organizational Reputation in the Recruitment Context: A Brand-Equity Perspective

We extend the recruitment literature by examining how and why firms’ reputations affect job seekers, and by expanding the outcome variables that can be used to judge recruitment success. Results from 339 individuals suggested that job seekers’ reputation perceptions affected job pursuit because (a) individuals use reputation as a signal about job attributes, and (b) reputation affects the pride that individuals expect from organizational membership. Moreover, individuals were willing to pay a premium in the form of lower wages to join firms with positive reputations, and individuals’ familiarity with organizations affected the amount of information they could recall about a recruitment job posting after 1 week. Finally, the results suggested that reputation advertising did not affect job seekers’ reputation perceptions, suggesting that past research on fictitious companies may not generalize to actual organizations.
Successful Aging in the United States: Prevalence Estimates From a National Sample of Older Adults

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of successful aging in the United States, with the broad aim of contributing to the dialogue on Rowe and Kahn’s concept of successful aging. Methods. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, the prevalence of successful aging was calculated for adults aged 65 years and older at four time points: 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2004. Successful aging was operationalized in accordance with Rowe and Kahn’s definition, which encompasses disease and disability, cognitive and physical function ing, social connections, and productive activities. Results. no greater than 11.9% of older adults were aging “successfully” in any year. The adjusted odds of successful aging were generally lower for those of advanced age, male gender, and lower socioeconomic status. Between 1998 and 2004, the odds of successful aging declined by 25%, after accounting for demographic changes in the older population. Discussion. Few older adults meet the criteria put forth in Rowe and Kahn’s definition of successful aging, suggest ing the need for modification if the concept is to be used for broad public health purposes. Disparities in successful aging were evident for socially defined subgroups, highlighting the importance of structural factors in enabling successful aging.
Multiple members of the E2F transcription factor family are the products of oncogenes.

Abstract The retinoblastoma gene product (pRB) is a known tumor suppressor, capable of arresting growth in mid-to-late G1. Part of its growth suppression action arises from interaction(s) with one or more members of the E2F family of transcription factors. These proteins most likely contribute to progression from G0 to S phase in mammalian cells, and pRB binding most likely inhibits aspects of their suspected growth-promoting function. Given their growth-stimulating potential, we asked whether one or more E2F alleles can function as oncogenes. Uncloned pools of NIH 3T3 cells producing the pRB binding target E2F-1, E2F-2, or E2F-3 grew in semisolid medium. In addition, they grew to much higher saturation density than controls. From the study of cells producing selected E2F-1 mutant species, it appears that E2F DNA-binding function contributes to, and pRB/E2F binding suppresses, soft-agar growth. Thus, three E2F family members can act as oncogene products, suggesting that part of the normal role of pRB is to down-modulate this potential activity.
Drinking for wages: alcohol use among cantineras.

Objective: This study reports on patterns of alcohol use among cantineras: recently immigrated Latina women who make a living drinking in working class Latino bars (cantinas). Method: Women working in 10 cantinas in a Latino neighborhood participated in a semistructured interview that included questions about their personal background and current working conditions. Twenty-one participants were interviewed at their home or place of work. Results: Drinking is a duty required of women who work in cantinas, and the conditions in which alcohol is consumed varies by the type of job they perform. Cantineras establish drinking habits and routines to maximize profits and maintain their jobs, while adopting coping strategies to minimize adverse health consequences. Conclusions: The drinking behavior of cantineras presents a paradox. To make a living, they need to become efficient drinkers who profit from their behavior. At the same time, they need to recognize and set limits to their drinking. The norms of cantine...
Exogenous Shocks and Democratic Accountability: Evidence From the Caribbean

This study attempts to contribute to the growing debate over democratic accountability by focusing on the electoral impact of natural disasters and economic crises in the Caribbean. Although largely ignored by political science, the polities in the region share a long history of democratic governance as well as extreme vulnerability to adverse weather conditions and global economic fluctuations. The Caribbean thus offers unusually fertile opportunities for research on the capacity of voters to make rational electoral decisions. Two key questions are addressed. First, to what extent do citizens of the Caribbean punish incumbents for exogenous economic and climatic shocks? Second, what factors, if any, help to insulate democratic leaders from blame for conditions largely outside their control? Contrary to recent research on natural disasters and economic downturns in other contexts, the analysis provides no evidence that voting in the Caribbean has been characterized by systematic attribution errors or elec...
Membrane Potential and Dihydropyridine Block of Calcium Channels in the Heart: Influence of Drug Ionization on Blocking Activity

The purpose of this contribution is to review the experiments that have contributed to our understanding of the mechanisms of action of nisoldipine and other dihydropyridine (DHP) calcium-channel antagonists in the heart. Electrophysiological experiments have shown that membrane potential modulates drug activity in a manner that is consistent with differential binding of this drug to voltage-determined states of the calcium channel (Bean 1984; Sanguinetti and Kass 1984). The predicted binding affinities from these electrical experiments agree well with data obtained from radioligand studies of partially depolarized cells (Kokubun et al. 1986; Janis and Triggle 1983). One theoretical framework in which these data have been interpreted is the modulated receptor hypothesis (Hille 1977 a, b; Hondeghem and Katzung 1977). Although this model was formulated to explain the interactions of local anesthetic molecules with receptors associated with sodium channels, this theory has been remarkably useful in understanding the mechanism of action of DHP compounds with regard to calcium-channel modulation. This is not, however, the only theory that has been proposed to explain these interactions (see Hess et al. 1984).
Flavonoids of the ‘Fern Allies’

Abstract Each family in this paraphyletic group contains a characteristic array, occasionally with unique compounds, of flavonoid compounds. The Psilotaceae have amentoflavone and its glucosides as well as a few flavone O- and C-glycosides. The Lycopodiaceae contain an array of flavones which may be of systematic value. The Selaginellaceae contain amentoflavone and hinokiflavone and their methyl ethers, as well as some C-glycosylflavones. The Isoetacae are poorly known but appear to contain mainly flavones. Lastly, the Equisetacae contain mainly flavonols but a diversity of compounds have been reported from one species. Proanthocyanidins appear for the first time in the living land plants in Equisetum. The only other novel compounds are the biflavone glucosides in Psilotum and Tmesipteris and a 2′-hydroxylated flavone in Isoetes. There are apparently no derived compounds to link together any of the families, with the possible exception of some uncommon flavones in the Lycopodiaceae and the Isoetaceae. Taxa worthy of further investigation include Lycopodium, Isoetes and Selaginella.
Europe, Germany and “The German Model”: Economic Links and Implications for China

AbstractIn this paper, I examine the economic links first between the European Union (EU) and China and then I focus on the economic relationships between Germany and China. The links I will consider include international trade and direct investment. Lastly I highlight some elements of the so-called “German Model” or the “Berlin Way” and examine if they can be of policy relevance to China. There are four main results: first, EU-China trade and investment relationships are strong, deepening rapidly but they are somewhat unbalanced and asymmetric. Second, the economic relationships between Europe and China are focused on manufacturing. Third, the EU-China relationships are primarily Deutschland-centric. Lastly, elements of the “German Model” such as Mitbestimmung, Mittelstand and the German apprenticeship system can have important structural and policy implications as China continues to grow and experiment with reforms aiming at combining stability, harmony and competitiveness.
TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR ALPHA (TNF-α)

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF, TNFSF2) is an important multifunctional cytokine that regulates inflammation, host defense, immune responses, and apoptosis. TNF exists as a membrane-bound 26 kDa, type II integral membrane protein, and a 17 kDa soluble homotrimeric TNF that is generated via proteolytic cleavage by TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE, ADAM17). Both the membrane-bound and soluble forms of TNF can interact with either the 55 kDa, type I tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFRSF1A, TNFR1) or the 75 kDa, type II TNF receptor (TNFRSF1B, TNFR2). TNFR2, however, may be preferentially activated by membrane-bound TNF rather than soluble TNF, which may lead to qualitatively distinct TNF responses. The main biologic function of TNF is to induce inflammation via the upregulation of gene transcription, primarily through the NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathways, which leads to the expression of a large number of genes. TNF plays an important role in innate immunity and host defense against bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens and is particularly important for host defense against intracellular organisms, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TNF has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, sarcoidosis, acute lung injury, bacterial pneumonia, and asthma.
Comparative ultrastructural observations of spore wall structure in six species of Echinostelium and three species of eumycetozoa

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies reveal that the spore walls of Echinostelium minutum, E. bisporum, E. arboreum, E. coelocephalum, E. corynophorum and Echinostelium sp. consist of two layers: an electron-transparent inner layer and an electron-dense fibrillar outer layer possessing sculptural elements pierced by electron-transparent channels. The TEM studies on Cavostelium apophysatum, Semimorula liquescens and Protostelium mycophaga demonstrate spore walls consisting of a single, electron-dense layer lacking channeled elements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies on E. minutum, E. arboreum, E. coelocephalum, E. corynophorum and Echinostelium sp. indicate the presence of microverrucate, microechinate or microbaculate sculptural elements on the spore walls.
Explaining the Ideological Polarization of the Congressional Parties Since the 1970s

I trace out the etiology of partisan polarization of the House and Senate since the 1970s through an examination of exogenous and endogenous sources of trends in members' DW-Nominate and adjusted ADA Scores. I find that the increase in polarization is strongly related to the growing differences between the two parties' respective electoral coalitions and that the electoral connection works through adaptation (members adjusting their roll-call voting patterns to changes in their electoral constituencies) as well as through selection (replacement of more moderate with more extreme members). But the widening gap between the parties in the House and Senate cannot be explained by electoral forces alone, suggesting that events and developments endogenous to Congress - specific disputes, rules manipulated to partisan ends, slash-and-burn tactics of disgruntled minorities, and the strengthened hand of party leaders - have also contributed substantially to the trend.
Secure Fine-Grained Access Control of Mobile User Data through Untrusted Cloud

Cloud computing enables data owners to outsource their computationally intensive tasks and store private data to the shared cloud. To enhance the security while preserving the flexibility of data sharing, Attribute Based Encryption (ABE) was introduced to provide a fine-grained access control. A key issue in ABE based systems is the high computational overhead, which could be prohibitive for resource constrained mobile devices. In this paper, we propose a scheme to securely and efficiently outsource the computationally intensive access control operations of ABE to the shared cloud, thus reliving the computational burden of mobile users which can greatly improve the battery lifetime. In a high level view, data owners only need to specify access policies on the encrypted data so that access control can be done automatically by the cloud. Our proposed scheme guarantees that it is computationally infeasible for the untrusted cloud to recover the encrypted file and that the cloud is enforced to complete the full functionality of access control, even in situations where the cloud may be compromised by malicious data users. Our theoretical analysis and experiment results both demonstrate that our scheme can achieve high performance gain for resource constrained mobile devices.