cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Web Browser Based Data Visualization Scheme for XBee Wireless Sensor Network

Wireless sensor network (WSN) plays an important role in the infrastructure of Internet of Things (IoT). Data visualization is an essential component in WSN to facilitate data scientists to interpret information clearly and efficiently. In this paper, we conduct a study of XBee based WSN which integrates the DASH data visualization scheme for building a web-browser based application without using HTML or JavaScript. The data collected from wireless sensors in a WSN were displayed in a web browser with interactive functions. The proposed visualization scheme is real-time, cross platform, and hardware independent. Thus, it could be easily employed on any operating system. Experimental results demonstrated that our WSN data visualization scheme using XBee Python package and Plotly's DASH is feasible for IoT applications like smart buildings, environment monitoring, as well as other WSN applications.
Weak direct current (DC) electric fields as a therapy for spinal cord injuries: review and advancement of the oscillating field stimulator (OFS)

Traumatic injury to the spinal cord remains a catastrophic event that has lifelong consequences. While decades of research have elucidated much of the pathophysiology associated with spinal cord injury (SCI), there still remains no clinically approved treatments for restoring lost sensorimotor function. The traditional dogma suggests central nervous system (CNS) neurons do not regenerate after injury but active areas of research aim to overcome this biological bottleneck. One particular approach using low-level direct current electric fields (DC EFs) appears especially promising based on a rich set of experimental data. This review highlights the biological basis for EF-induced regeneration and discusses the pre-clinical and clinical trials using the oscillating field stimulator (OFS)—a medical device designed to deliver DC EFs in vivo. I further report ongoing developments in our laboratory that refreshes the OFS concept with the hope of renewing interest in conducting additional clinical trials.
Resistance is futile: A CRISPR homing gene drive targeting a haplolethal gene

ABSTRACT Engineered gene drives are being explored as a potential strategy for the control of vector-borne diseases due to their ability to rapidly spread genetic modifications through a population. While an effective CRISPR homing gene drive for population suppression has recently been demonstrated in mosquitoes, formation of resistance alleles that prevent Cas9 cleavage remains the major obstacle for drive strategies aiming at population modification, rather than elimination. Here, we present a homing drive in Drosophila melanogaster that reduces resistance allele formation below detectable levels by targeting a haplolethal gene with two gRNAs while also providing a rescue allele. This is because any resistance alleles that form by end-joining repair will typically disrupt the haplolethal target gene, rendering the individuals carrying them nonviable. We demonstrate that our drive is highly efficient, with 91% of the progeny of drive heterozygotes inheriting the drive allele and with no resistance alleles observed in the remainder. In a large cage experiment, the drive allele successfully spread to all individuals. These results show that a haplolethal homing drive can be a highly effective tool for population modification.
Investigation of Methods for Seven-Membered Ring Synthesis: A Practical Synthesis of 4-Oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]furan-3-carboxylic Acid

Several synthetic routes to 4-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]furan-3-carboxylic acid (1) are described, and the scale-up issues with each route are discussed. Seven-membered ring formation ...
A geographically weighted regression to estimate the comprehensive cost of traffic crashes at a zonal level

Abstract Global road safety records demonstrate spatial variation of comprehensive cost of traffic crashes across countries. To the best of our knowledge, no study has explored the variation of this matter at a local geographical level. This study proposes a method to estimate the comprehensive crash cost at the zonal level by using person-injury cost. The current metric of road safety attributes safety to the location of the crash, which makes it challenging to assign the crash cost to home-location of the individuals who were involved in traffic crashes. To overcome this limitation, we defined Home-Based Approach crash frequency as the expected number of crashes by severity that road users who live in a certain geographic area have during a specified period. Using crash data from Tennessee, we assign those involved in traffic crashes to the census tract corresponding to their home address. The average Comprehensive Crash Cost at the Zonal Level (CCCAZ) for the period of the study was $18.2 million (2018 dollars). Poisson and Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression (GWPR) models were used to analyzing the data. The GWPR model was more suitable compared to the global model to address spatial heterogeneity. Findings indicate population of people over 60-years-old, the proportion of residents that use non-motorized transportation, household income, population density, household size, and metropolitan indicator have a negative association with CCCAZ. Alternatively, VMT, vehicle per capita, percent educated over 25-year-old, population under 16-year-old, and proportion of non-white races and individuals who use a motorcycle as their commute mode have a positive association with CCCAZ. Findings are discussed in line with road safety literature.
Business incubators as effective tools for driving circular economy

Abstract The circular economy (CE), which reimagines waste as economic opportunity, has been largely overlooked by traditional entrepreneurs. One explanation for this oversight is that limited information flow and cognitive bias limit their ability to recognize and develop CE opportunities. We propose a framework for a CE-focused incubator that removes these barriers to circular economy entrepreneurship. The framework defines how multiple stakeholders interact in order to provide critical information for CE development. Stakeholders include firms seeking economical ways to handle waste, firms that might use waste as value-added input, government agencies, and circular economy analysts that can provide potentially beneficial information, e.g. via Material Flow Analysis. Entrepreneurs would be recruited to develop CE ventures. The government would be asked to support initial financing, but the final start-ups would stand on their own as enterprises worthy of venture capital funding. The collaborative environment would promote profitable CE behavior. CE entrepreneurs need access to relevant information and a supportive network, both of which the CE-focused incubator we propose provides. Future work is needed to implement CE-incubators to engage entrepreneurs to realize economic and environmental benefits.
A Pattern-Based Analytical Method for Impedance Calculation of the Power Distribution Network in Mobile Platforms

A power distribution network (PDN) is essential in electronic systems to provide reliable power for load devices. With faster load transient current and lower voltage tolerance margin for microprocessors in mobile platforms, it is crucial to optimize the printed circuit board (PCB) design to satisfy the strict target impedance. Conventional modeling methods become impractical in mobile platforms due to the characteristics of high-density interconnect PCB and limited layout space. To overcome these issues, a pattern-based analytical method for the PDN impedance calculation is presented in this article. Based on the localized patterns formulated by the relative relationships between the adjacent vias, parasitic elements are analytically determined for different regions of the entire PCB structure. With the assistance of this method, a practical modeling methodology is developed to construct an equivalent circuit with one-to-one correspondence to the PCB's physical geometry. As a result, the PDN design can be efficiently optimized, especially in the predesign stage, to accelerate the development process. Finally, the proposed method is validated by measurements and full-wave simulations using a real mobile phone PCB in production.
Analysis of Genomic Characteristics and Transmission Routes of Patients With Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in Southern California During the Early Stage of the US COVID-19 Pandemic

Importance In late December 2019, an outbreak of a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Wuhan, China. Data on the routes of transmission to Los Angeles, California, the US West Coast epicenter for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and subsequent community spread are limited. Objective To determine the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 to Southern California and elucidate local community spread within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Design, Setting, and Participants This case series included 192 consecutive patients with reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results positive for SARS-CoV-2 who were evaluated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California, from March 22 to April 15, 2020. Data analysis was performed from April to May 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes were sequenced. Los Angeles isolates were compared with genomes from global subsampling and from New York, New York; Washington state; and China to determine potential sources of viral dissemination. Demographic data and outcomes were collected. Results The cohort included 192 patients (median [interquartile range] age, 59.5 [43-75] years; 110 [57.3%] men). The genetic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 isolates in the Los Angeles population pinpointed community transmission of 13 patients within a 3.81 km2radius. Variation landscapes of this case series also revealed a cluster of 10 patients that contained 5 residents at a skilled nursing facility, 1 resident of a nearby skilled nursing facility, 3 health care workers, and a family member of a resident of one of the skilled nursing facilities. Person-to-person transmission was detected in a cluster of 5 patients who shared the same single-nucleotide variation in their SARS-CoV-2 genomes. High viral genomic diversity was identified: 20 Los Angeles isolates (15.0%) resembled SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Asia, while 109 Los Angeles isolates (82.0%) were similar to isolates originating from Europe. Analysis of other common respiratory viral pathogens did not reveal coinfection in the cohort. Conclusions and Relevance These findings highlight the precision of detecting person-to-person transmission and accurate contact tracing directly through SARS-CoV-2 genome isolation and sequencing. Development and application of phylogenetic analyses from the Los Angeles population established connections between COVID-19 clusters locally and throughout the US.
Monitoring uranium mine pollution on Native American lands: Insights from tree bark particulate matter on the Spokane Reservation, Washington, USA

Abstract The uranium boom in the United States from the 1940's to the 1980's was a period of extensive uranium mining on Native American lands. However, detailed environmental investigations of the resulting uranium pollution are sparse and typically ignore contributions from airborne particulate matter. The Midnite Mine is a 350-acre inactive open pit uranium mine located on the Spokane Indian Reservation in eastern Washington that operated from 1954 to 1981. Approximately 2.4 million tons of ore and 33 million tons of waste rock were left behind in stockpiles and have also been utilized as gravel on access and haul roads. Although the Midnite Mine is now a Superfund Site, and governmental investigations of water and soil contamination have been done, no investigations of airborne particulate matter pollution have been conducted. This study applies tree bark from 31 Pinus ponderosa trees as a biomonitor of this airborne particulate matter. Bulk trace elemental analyses via inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) of tree bark show that U is the most abundant trace element of interest present up to 232 ppb. Other metals that are of potential human health concern include Th, Pb, and As which are present at 20 ppb, 104 ppb, and 20 ppb respectively. Calculated geoaccumulation indices determine these metals to be at high (U), moderate (Th), and low (Pb and As) levels of contamination. Detailed scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations of particulate matter from the surface of tree bark confirm that U and Th-bearing particulate matter exist in the
The Effect of Sitting Versus Standing on Family Perceptions of Family-Centered Rounds.

OBJECTIVE Previous studies reveal improved perception of time spent, as well as overall experience, for patients when their inpatient provider is seated during an encounter. With our study, we aim to establish whether family experience and perception of time is improved when a pediatric inpatient provider team sits for patient and family-centered rounds. PATIENTS AND METHODS From February 2017 to November 2017, 99 inpatient encounters were randomly assigned to either a sitting or standing rounding team. Mean total time spent on rounds, family perception of time spent on rounds, and overall family experience with rounds (by using top-box analysis of physician communication questions) were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS Total time spent on rounds was similar between the 2 groups (14.2 minutes in the sitting group and 12.7 minutes in the standing group; P = .23), and families in general overestimated the time spent with physicians in both groups (15.9 minutes in sitting group and 14.8 minutes in the standing group; P = .45). There were no significant differences in top-box experience responses (62% in sitting and 55% in standing; P = .12). CONCLUSIONS Sitting during the patient and family-centered rounds encounter did not affect actual or perceived time spent during rounds. Families may have a slightly more positive experience with seated rounds, but the difference in this study did not reach a level of statistical significance.
Archaeology, the Bible and Modern Faith

Modern archaeology is concerned with the scientific recovery and study of the whole of material culture from the past. This includes visual works of art (mosaics, painted vases, and pieces of sculpture) and monumental architecture (public buildings and temples) and materials on which various kinds of texts appear (inscriptions, coins, and papyri). Although there are many archaeological discoveries relevant to the study of the Bible, the Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) are usually regarded as the most important, especially for understanding early Judaism and emerging Christianity. They were discovered from 1947 to 1956 in caves on the northwest side of the Dead Sea. There are four major areas in which the DSS have influenced contemporary understanding of the Bible, its interpretation and the religious views and practices of the Jews and Christians who lived during the later Second Temple period of Jewish history. First, because many are copies or partial copies of biblical books, their discovery has had a revolutionary impact on studies of the text and canon of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Second, they are indispensable for understanding early Jewish biblical interpretation. Third, they have enhanced our understanding of early Judaism during the Maccabean and early Roman periods. Fourth, the DSS are important for understanding various aspects of the New Testament and early Christianity. Archaeology has an indisputable impact on the understanding of the Bible. Also there are many serious challenges confronting modern archaeology; I consider four: the unscientific removal of artifacts from a site, the unauthorized transfer of artifacts from the country where they were discovered, unprovenanced artifacts, and forgeries.
Antigen binding to receptors on immunocompetent cells. II. Thermodynamic and biological implications of the receptor cross-linking requirement for B-cell activation.

Abstract If one assumes that receptor cross-linking is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for cellular activation, a number of predictions can be made bearing on the physical chemical properties of the cells selected. In this paper we show that the following response characteristics can be consequences of a cross-linking requirement. (1) Small sparsely haptenated antigens such as DNP10BSA are expected to elicit a response that matures, and such maturation can occur even with antigenic determinant density in excess over the concentration of cellular receptors. (2) There is an optimal concentration for activation of cells with a given affinity, and therefore an optimally immunogenic dose. (3) The optimal dose is relatively insensitive to antigen valence. (4) Increasing valence increases the breadth of the affinity distribution. (5) For supra optimal doses of antigen, unresponsiveness will be preferentially induced in high affinity cells. (6) Small densely haptenated antigens (e.g. DNP40BSA) are not expected to elicit responses that mature as quickly as those that are lightly coupled. (7) Large polymeric antigens are not expected to induce responses that mature. (8) Antigens with low determinant density may induce tolerance in vivo but not in vitro. The predictions are briefly discussed in the context of relevant experimental data.
Interpolation for multipliers on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces

All solutions of a tangential interpolation problem for contractive multipliers between two reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces of analytic vector-valued functions are characterized in terms of certain positive kernels. In a special important case when the spaces consist of analytic functions on the unit ball of C d and the reproducing kernels are of the form (1 - (z, w) -1 )I p and (1 - (z, w) -1 Iq, the characterization leads to a pararnetrization of the set of all solutions in terms of a linear fractional transformation.
Chemical degradation of La1-xSrxMnO3/Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 composite cathodes in the presence of current collector pastes

Abstract The chemical reactivity of current collector pastes, utilized in electrode performance measurements, were investigated with respect to the solid oxide fuel cell composite cathode, (La 85 Sr 15 ) .98 MnO 3 /8 mol% Y 2 O 3 -stabilized ZrO 2 (LSM/YSZ). Anode substrate single cells were prepared with Pt or Ag paste current collectors applied to the electrodes. Phase purity of the cathodes before and after sintering the current collectors were examined with powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the performance of the cells determined with current-potential measurements. XRD experiments provided evidence that Pt paste, containing a bismuth flux, reacted with the composite cathode at temperatures above 800 °C leading to formation of the pyrochlore phase, La 2 Zr 2 O 7 . Cathodes coated with Ag paste, which did not contain a bismuth flux, showed no sign of chemical degradation. Synthesized Bi-subnitrate and commercial Bi 2 O 3 were shown to have similar chemical reactions with LSM/YSZ powders leading to pyrochlore phase formation. Current-potential experiments on single test cells demonstrated that samples prepared with paste containing bismuth flux had a decrease in initial performance.
Anaerobic Digestion of Waste Activated Sludge

The purpose of this laboratory study was to evaluate, and model the effect of solids retention time in the activated sludge process (θ\N\dc\uA\uS) on the performance of anaerobic digesters fed the resulting waste sludges. Activated sludge systems were operated over a range of θ\N\dc\uA\uS values, with the waste sludges used as feed sources for batch and semi-continuous anaerobic digestion studies. Previous models for aerobic biodegradability of activated sludges were found to accurately predict ultimate anaerobic digestibility. However, conventional kinetic models of digestion over-estimated actual performance with this substrate. An activated-sludge anaerobic digestion model is proposed which includes a first-order rate mechanism for preliminary conversion of viable activated sludge biomass into available anaerobic substrate. Decreasing θ\N\dc\uA\uS results in increased sludge solids for digestion. However, the solids are of sufficiently greater digestibility that both the quantity of digested solids for ultimate disposal, as well as the cost of digestion, are virtually independent of θ\N\dc\uA\uS.
Interaction of nuclear proteins with muscle-specific regulatory sequences of the human cardiac alpha-actin promoter.

Abstract The human cardiac alpha-actin promoter is involved in the muscle-specific transcriptional regulation of the gene. In this study, we utilized gel mobility shift, methylation interference, and DNase I protection assays to examine protein factor interaction with the promoter in vitro. All assays demonstrated specific interaction of nuclear factors with a region of the promoter encompassed by nucleotides -93 to -113 base pairs from the transcriptional start site. This region contains a CC(A + T-rich)6GG element, termed a CArG box, which has previously been implicated in the muscle-specific transcriptional regulation of the gene by functional assays. Although the gene is only expressed in muscle cells, identical binding activity was present in nuclear extracts of all cell types examined, including those of muscle (C2, L8, and L6 cells) and nonmuscle (HeLa, NIH 3T3, HuT12, and L cells) origin. Furthermore, methylation interference assays showed that identical nucleotides interacted with factors isolated from C2 and HeLa cells. Competition studies showed that the CArG-binding factor, designated as CBF, also interacts with the c-fos serum responsive element, which contains a CArG element, but not with the simian virus 40 enhancer and early promoter. Thus, a region of the human cardiac alpha-actin promoter known to be functionally involved in muscle-specific regulation of the gene appears to interact in vitro, and in an identical manner, with a factor(s) which is neither muscle nor gene specific, suggesting a more complex mode of regulation than previously envisioned.
Bringing individuality to public health recommendations.

The data generated from the human genome project offers unprecedented opportunities to elucidate the etiology of chronic diseases and developmental anomalies that arise from deleterious genome-diet interactions. Folate metabolism is an attractive system to explore such relationships. Folate is necessary for the synthesis of purine and thymidine deoxyribonucleotides and S-adenosylmethionine, a cofactor required for DNA methylation. Impaired folate metabolism results from primary folate deficiency, alcohol, gastrointestinal disorders that result in malabsorption, single nucleotide polymorphisms, increased folate catabolism and secondary nutrient deficiencies in vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 and iron arising from a variety of pathologies. Any of these conditions singly or in combination influence DNA synthesis, DNA integrity, allelic-specific gene expression, chromatin structure and DNA mutation rates. Biochemical manifestations of impaired folate metabolism include increased uracil uptake into DNA, altered DNA methylation status and elevated homocysteine and S-adenosylhomocysteine in serum and tissues. These biochemical changes are associated with risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, neural tube defects and some neuropathies and anemia, although direct causative mechanisms have not been established in all cases. Interactions between folate and the genome are reciprocal; polymorphisms in key genes influence folate nutritional requirements, indicating that dietary folate adequacy likely exerts selective pressure and thereby influences genetic variation. Other studies indicate that exposure to excess folate, perhaps at levels that occur at the upper end of the intake distribution curve, may have unintended consequences in promoting embryo viability. Therefore individualizing folic acid dietary recommendations necessitates a detailed understanding of all genetic and physiological variables that influence the interaction of folate with the genome and their relationship to the disease process. J. Nutr. 132: 2476S-2480S, 2002.
An adaptive DFE using an IIR feedback equalizer for 100Base-TX Ethernet

An adaptive decision-feedback equalizer (DFE) that uses an infinite impulse response (IIR) feedback equalizer is presented. The target application is 100Base-TX Ethernet. Initially, a simple single pole feedback equalizer is considered. Then pole/zero feedback equalizers are considered. Simulation results are presented that compare the performance of these architectures.
Chinese as a heritage language: fostering rooted world citizenry

Chinese as a heritage language: fostering rooted world citizenry, edited by A.W. He and Y. Xiao, Honolulu, University of Hawai'i Press, 2008, xii+271 pp., US$40.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-8248-3286...
A simple spectrometer modification for multinuclide FT operation

Abstract A simple means is described for converting a typical single-nuclide commercially available NMR spectrometer into a multinuclide spectrometer. This modification makes use of the standard if section of the spectrometer and can be used in either the cw or the FT mode. In the case specifically described, this scheme is used with a Bruker HFX-90 spectrometer at frequencies from 3 to 45 MHz.
Machiavelli, Politics, and Morality

Drawing primarily on interpretations of Machiavelli, this article describes four conceptions of the relationship between politics and morality, together with key features of politics and morality that underlie them. One conception is manifest in the traditional image of Machiavelli as an immoralist and corrupt founder of the tradition of reason of state, who supposes politics to be a realm of action distinct from, and in conflict with, morality. A second conception, which in contrast to the first is captured in a view of Machiavelli as a moralist, contends that politics places on morality distinct demands which morality is nonetheless able to accommodate by distinguishing between public and private ethics. A third position on the relationship between politics and morality, suggested by interpretations that depict Machiavelli as a moralist of a deeply troubled sort, conceives of politics as a realm of tragedy. In a fourth and final view, politics is said to be the source of morality, a conception manifest in interpretations of Machiavelli that describe him as advocating a presumed pagan worldview. Rather than championing any one of these perspectives on the relation between politics and morality, the position adopted here is that each has something important to say about the perennial questions regarding the nature of politics, morality, and the relation between them.
Corrosion potential behavior of noble metal-modified alloys in high-temperature water

Abstract The effect of Pd or Pt additions on electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) behavior of various alloys was investigated in 288°C water containing oxygen (O2), hydrogen (H2), and hydrogen...
Role of Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 in cell growth and signaling

Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) are esterases that cleave glycerophospholipids to release fatty acids and lysophospholipids. Several studies demonstrate that PLA(2) regulate growth and signaling in several cell types. However, few of these studies have focused on Ca2+-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2) or Group VI PLA(2)). This class of PLA(2) was originally suggested to mediate phospholipid remodeling in several cell types including macrophages. As such, it was labeled as a housekeeping protein and thought not to play as significant of roles in cell growth as its older counterparts cytosolic PLA(2) (cPLA(2) or Group IV PLA(2)) and secretory PLA(2) (sPLA(2) or Groups I-III, V and IX-XIV PLA(2)). However, several recent studies demonstrate that iPLA(2) mediate cell growth, and do so by participating in signal transduction pathways that include epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), mdm2, and even the tumor suppressor protein p53 and the cell cycle regulator p21. The exact mechanism by which iPLA(2) mediates these pathways are not known, but likely involve the generation of lipid signals such as arachidonic acid, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and lysophosphocholines (LPC). This review discusses the role of iPLA(2) in cell growth with special emphasis placed on their role in cell signaling. The putative lipid signals involved are also discussed.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) Refining Our Understanding of MHT Research, Optimally Applying Results, and Considering the Future of MHT

The perceptions of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) have evolved considerably. Observational studies suggested that MHT could relieve vasomotor symptoms and prevent coronary heart disease (CHD). However, randomized controlled trials later showed no reduction in CHD and an increased risk of stroke. Subsequent analyses of these trials have shown that in women younger and closer to menopause, the risks associated with MHT may not be as great as originally thought. Several organizations, including the North American Menopause Society, the International Menopause Society, and the Endocrine Society, have published guidelines and statements that help health care providers translate the research findings into clinical practice. A common theme from these organizations is the need for health care providers to tailor information to their patients so they may make informed treatment decisions (especially considering the media attention MHT has received). It is particularly important to individualize therapy, considering patients' risk factors for atherosclerotic disease, venous thromboembolic disease, osteoporosis, and breast cancer. Ongoing research in women younger than those in prior trials is evaluating lower doses of MHT and directly comparing transdermal and oral formulations. Such research should help define the population of women most likely to benefit from MHT without undue risk of adverse outcomes.
Heritable genetic variation via mutation-selection balance: Lerch's zeta meets the abdominal bristle.

Most quantitative traits in most populations exhibit heritable genetic variation. Lande proposed that high levels of heritable variation may be maintained by mutation in the face of stabilizing selection. Several analyses have appeared of two distinct models with n additive polygenic loci subject to mutation and stabilizing selection. Each is reviewed and a new analysis and model are presented. Lande and Fleming analyzed extensions of a model originally treated by Kimura which assumes a continuum of possible allelic effects at each locus. Latter and Bulmer analyzed a model with diallelic loci. The published analyses of these models lead to qualitatively different predictions concerning the dependence of the equilibrium genetic variance on the underlying biological parameters. A new asymptotic analysis of the Kimura model shows that the different predictions are not consequences of the number of alleles assumed but rather are attributable to assumptions concerning the relative magnitudes of per locus mutation rates, the phenotypic effects of mutation, and the intensity of selection. This conclusion is reinforced by analysis of a model with triallelic loci. None of the approximate analyses presented are mathematically rigorous. To quantify their accuracy and display the domains of validity for alternative approximations, numerically determined equilibria are presented. In addition, empirical estimates of mutation rates and selection intensity are reviewed, revealing weaknesses in both the data and its connection to the models. Although the mathematical results and underlying biological requirements of my analyses are quite different from those of Lande , the results do not refute his hypothesis that considerable additive genetic variance may be maintained by mutation-selection balance. However, I argue that the validity of this hypothesis can only be determined with additional data and mathematics.
Glucagon enhanced automaticity in spontaneously beating Purkinje fibres of canine false tendons.

Glass microelectrodes were used to study the effect of glucagon on phase 4 of Purkinje fibre action potentials. Glucagon enhanced automaticity of canine Purkinje fibres in false tendons as evidenced by increases in spontaneous rate and increases in the slope of phase 4 depolarization. Mean control rate of spontaneously beating fibres was 46·2 ± SE 5·06/min. After addition of glucagon to the bath, rate increased to a mean of 62·2 ± SE 5·29/min, 34% above control value. Rates after treatment with glucagon were significantly different from control (P < 0.001) and compared favourably, on a percentage basis, with increased rates reported in isolated cat atria, intact dogs, and dogs with complete heart block after glucagon administration. This study demonstrates that glucagon influences automaticity of fibres below the A-V node.
Word‐of‐mouth marketing: abandoning the academic library ivory tower

Purpose – This article aims to dispel the perception that academic libraries do not need to market their services and resources; to acquaint academic librarians to the concept of word‐of‐mouth marketing and its potential for academic libraries; and to share a word‐of‐mouth marketing academic library success story.Design/methodology/approach – Includes an introduction to the concept of word‐of‐mouth marketing and its application to academic libraries. Also includes how one academic library successfully employed this marketing technique.Findings – Provides an introduction to the word‐of‐mouth marketing strategy and its usefulness for academic libraries. Shares a real‐life success story of academic library word‐of‐mouth marketing.Practical implications – Useful as an introduction for academic librarians to a specific type of marketing strategy that works well in a college/university setting and provides some successful techniques of word‐of‐mouth marketing for academic libraries.Originality/value – Helps fil...
Patterns of patient disclosure in psychotherapy.

The primary aim of the present study was to identify those issues that patients do and don’t discuss in therapy, as well as factors that affect disclosure. A total of 147 patients currently in therapy completed a battery of demographic and self-report measures, including the Disclosure to Therapist Inventory-Revised, an 80-item scale. Results indicated that patients most extensively discuss aspects of their personalities that they dislike or worry about, characteristics of their parents that they dislike, and feelings of depression or despair. Least discussed issues tend to be sexual in nature, including sexual feelings or fantasies about one’s therapist and interest in pornography. The two factors that emerged as most strongly predictive of overall disclosure were length of time in therapy and strength of the therapeutic alliance. Findings confirm the importance of long-term therapy in allowing clients to access deep-seated concerns and fears.
Variation in Genetic Identity among Relatives

Genetic identity, or genetic relatedness, among relatives, is a key concept in kin recognition, which in turn is important in models for inclusive fitness and inbreeding avoidance. A mathematical defi
C-H Activation and C-C coupling of arenes by cationic Pt(II) complexes.

The synthesis and characterization of cationic platinum complexes of the type [(R2PC2H4PR2)PtMe(OEt2)]BArF (R = Cy, Et) are reported. These electrophilic platinum cations are found to react quantitatively with arenes (benzene, toluene) at room temperature by undergoing intermolecular C−H activation with concomitant C−C coupling to generate complexes of the type [{Pt(R2PC2H4PR2)}2(μ-η3:η3-biaryl)][BArF]2. The dianionic biaryl ligands in these compounds exhibit a rare μ-η3:η3-bis-allyl bonding mode and can be removed from the complex with stoichiometric oxidants to generate the free biaryl and [(R2PC2H4PR2)Pt(μ-X)]2[BArF]2 (R = Cy, Et; X = Cl, I). The cationic platinum complexes [(R2PC2H4PR2)PtMe(OEt2)]BArF (R = Cy, Et) are also quite reactive with water, forming the bridging hydroxide complexes [(R2PC2H4PR2)Pt(μ-OH)]2[BArF]2 (R = Cy, Et). A possible mechanism is proposed for the C−C coupling reaction based upon the structures of these bridging biphenyl complexes, which provides a new perspective for the re...
Immunologic studies of pigeon breeder's disease

Abstract Immunological reactions of patients with pigeon breeder's disease were studied during a symptomatic and an asymptomatic phase of the illness. The decrease in severity and recovery from the illness were accompained by a decrease in the intensity of skin reactivity and diminution in titer of γG-antibodies to various pigeon antigens.
Effectiveness of acetic acid and formaldehyde for preventing protein degradation in the rumen.

Abstract Six rumen cannulated steers were in a replicated 3×3 Latin square arrangement to investigate degradability in the rumen of dry matter and crude protein from soybean meal that was untreated or treated with either 8% acetic acid or .3% formaldehyde. Polyester bags containing the soybean meals were suspended in the rumen of each steer and removed after 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24h to calculate degradation rates. Soybean meals remaining in the polyester bags after 12h of rumen exposure were collected and referred to as residues. Postruminal digestion was simulated by incubating 200mg of soybean meal residues with pepsin and pancreatin. Formaldehyde treatment of soybean meal was more effective than acetic acid treatment in preventing ruminal degradation of dry matter and crude protein under these experimental conditions. However, soybean meal treated with acetic acid and remaining in polyester bags after 12h of ruminal exposure released a larger quantity of α-amino nitrogen during in vitro incubation with pepsin and pancreatin than did residue of soybean meal treated with formaldehyde. Acetic acid may prove to be an effective agent for increasing the supply of absorbable dietary amino acids.
The dead can talk: Museum specimens show the origins of a cryptic species used in biological control

Abstract The parasitoid wasp species Cales noacki Howard (Aphelinidae) is an important biological control agent against woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus (Aleyrodidae), in citrus-growing regions worldwide. We recently discovered two cryptic species of Cales on citrus in California: C. noacki and Cales rosei Mottern. Examination of historical biological control records is combined with a geometric morphometric analysis of fore wing shape to reconstruct aspects of the biological control history of Cales . Our analyses indicate that C. rosei is most likely descended from populations introduced from Argentina in the mid 1970s, with newly collected specimens from California clustering with Argentinian slide-mounted specimens from the original importation. Our analyses support a Chilean origin of C. noacki . Morphometrics confirms the earlier synonymy of Diaspidophilus pallidus Brethes with C. noacki . A potential third species was imported from Brazil and Tucuman, Argentina, although it does not appear to have established in the field. The implications of these results for future studies on the bionomics of Cales and also the utility of geometric morphometric analyses for species identification and description are discussed.
Oxidation behavior of multiphase Mo–Si–B alloys

Abstract The oxidation behavior of multiphase Mo, Mo3Si, and Mo5SiB2 (T2) alloys was examined at 800 and 1300 °C. The alloys were cast and heat treated at 1600 °C before the cyclic oxidation tests were performed. The compositions of the alloys with Si/B ratios of 0.5, 0.71, and 1.0 were chosen near the L=(Mo)+T2 eutectic trough to produce a fine dispersion of the different phases. The multiphase alloys showed poor oxidation resistance at 800 °C while a protective glass scale formed at 1300 °C. At 800 °C the oxidation resistance improved as the volume fraction of the T2 phase increased. Conversely, at 1300 °C, the glass scaled that formed on the alloys with a Si/B ratio of 0.5 was not protective. However, a protective glass scale did form on the alloys with a higher Si/B ratio. The near eutectic alloy with a Si/B=1 was found to have the best oxidation resistance at 1300 °C. The results indicate the Mo3Si phase provides a source of silicon for controlling the composition of the glass scale at 1300 °C.
Gene expression phenotyping of an ACTH-producing small cell lung cancer line

Abstract DNA microarray techniques were used to compare gene expression in an adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-producing human small cell lung carcinoma line (DMS-79) with six other small cell lung cancer (SCLC) lines that do not produce ACTH. Twelve genes were expressed at more than five-fold higher levels in DMS-79 cells. Two transcription factors were the genes that exhibited the most remarkable over-expression: T-box 3 mRNA was detected at levels 19.31±3.78 times those observed in the SCLCs. Thyroid transcription factor (TTF-1, T/ebp, Nkx2.1) was expressed at 14.24±3.41-fold higher in DMS-79 cells. Seven genes were identified whose expression levels were at least five-fold lower in the ACTH-producing cell line. Variation in culture medium formulation did not significantly affect the gene expression profile of DMS-79 cells and expression data observed in microarray experiments were corroborated by northern blot analysis of RNA from the same cell lines. These experiments reveal new candidate genes that could be involved in the dysregulation of POMC gene expression manifested by ACTH-producing nonpituitary tumors.
ML–PDA and ML–PMHT: Comparing Multistatic Sonar Trackers for VLO Targets Using a New Multitarget Implementation

The maximum-likelihood probabilistic data association (ML-PDA) tracker and the maximum-likelihood probabilistic multihypothesis (ML-PMHT) tracker are tested in their capacity as algorithms for very low observable (VLO) targets (meaning 6-dB postsignal processing or even less) and are then applied to five synthetic benchmark multistatic active sonar scenarios featuring multiple targets, multiple sources, and multiple receivers. Both methods end up performing well in situations where there is a single target or widely spaced targets. However, ML-PMHT has an inherent advantage over ML-PDA in that its likelihood ratio (LR) has a simple multitarget formulation, which allows it to be implemented as a true multitarget tracker. This formulation, presented here for the first time, gives ML-PMHT superior performance for instances where multiple targets are closely spaced with similar motion dynamics.
Thermoelectric model to characterize carrier transport in organic semiconductors

A model for the Seebeck coefficient in the regime of hopping transport that includes the effects of Gaussian carrier density of states width and carrier localization allows these parameters to be derived independently of the attempt-to-jump rate, which can subsequently be derived from measured electrical conductivity. This model is applied to prototypical small molecular and polymer organic semiconductors to characterize carrier localization, quantify the role of dopants on the hopping transport parameters, and derive the effective dopant ionization fraction and activation energy.
ATP-dependent reduction of azide and HCN by N2-fixing enzymes of Azotobacter vinelandii and Clostridium pasteurianum.

Abstract 1. 1. The novel reductions of HCN to CH4, NH3, and tentatively, small amounts of CH3NH2, and of N3− to NH3 and N2 are demonstrated with cell-free extracts of Azotobacter vinelandii and Clostridium pasteurianum. 2. 2. Requirements for the reductions are: (1) extracts of cells grown on N2 (those grown on urea or NH3 are ineffective); (ii) ATP-generator; and (iii) reductant (Na2S2O4 or in some cases H2 or KBH4) and characteristics of the reductions are: (i) inhibition by either substrate of ATP-dependent H2 evolution from Na2S2O4, but no effect on reductant-dependent ATPase; and (ii) complete inhibition by CO. 3. 3. The rate of electron consumption for reduction of N3− is similar to the rate for reduction of N2 or N2O, while the rate for reduction of HCN is about 30% of the others. The observed Km values are: N2, 0.1 mM; C2H2, N2O, and N3−, I mM; and HCN, 4 mM with heated extract of A. vinelandii. 4. 4. It is proposed that the reductions of HCN and N3− are catalyzed by the same enzymes that reduce N2 to NH3 and N2O to N2, since the requirements, distribution of enzyme activity, and characteristics are all remarkably identical. Thus, it is suggested that the N2-fixing system is composed of a substrate-binding and/or -activating site of unmatched versatility and this site is coupled to the previously proposed electron-activating site. 5. 5. The 2, 4, and 6 electron products of N3−, N2O and HCN reduction provide, indirectly, the first evidence for HN  NH and H2N NH2 as enzyme-bound intermediates in N2 fixation. 6. 6. Utilization of H14CN and radioactive determination of 14CH3NH2 or hydrogen-flame gaschromatographic determination of CH4 from HCN or C2H4 from C2H2 provide new sensitive assay for N2-fixing activity.
Graph Decompositions without Isolates

A. Frank (Problem session of the Fifth British Combinatorial Conference, Aberdeen, Scotland, 1975) conjectured that if G = (V, E) is a connected graph with all valencies ≥k and a1,…,ak ≥ 2 are integers with Σ ai = |V |, then V may be decomposed into subsets A1,…,Ak so that |Ai | = ai and the subgraph spanned by Ai in G has no isolated vertices (i = 1,…,k). The case k = 2 is proved in Maurer (J. Combin. Theory Ser. B 27 (1979), 294–319) along with some extensions. The conjecture for k = 3 and a result stronger than Maurer's extension for k = 2 are proved. A related characterization of a k-connected graph is also included in the paper, and a proof of the conjecture for the case a1 = a2 = … = ak−1 = 2.
Angioplasty of recent total coronary occlusions: Cardiac death can occur in “low‐risk” cases

Revascularization by angioplasty of total coronary artery occlusions is generally thought to be relatively safe in experienced hands. Although success rates are lower than with diseased but patent vessels, reasonable success can be expected. In this report, different events led to a sudden and fatal outcome in two patients with total coronary occlusions subtending recently infarcted, but still viable, areas of myocardium. The cases and procedural details are presented.
Recent advances in pediatric uroradiology

Pediatric Urology is a surgical subspecialty that is very dependent upon radiographic imaging as the majority of the genitourinary (GU) tract is internally located. Technological advances in various imaging modalities (e.g. ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, CT and MRI) have aided in our ability to visualize and evaluate the functionality of the GU tract, enabling the diagnosis of various disease processes that affect the genitourinary system. Collectively the advances in uro-radiology have improved our understanding of the natural history of many conditions that involve the GU tract. As a result of these newer imaging modalities, some of the more traditional techniques have assumed a limited role in the diagnostic evaluation of the pediatric GU patient (e.g. intravenous urography). The purpose of this article is to review the advances in radiographic imaging, in particular the cross-sectional imaging modalities and discuss their utility (appropriate indications and application) in Pediatric Urology, so that the reader can maximize the diagnostic yield of these studies. For a thorough review of any of the imaging modalities discussed in this article and their utility in the practice of pediatric urology, I would direct the readers to articles in the radiological literature that are specific to that technology. Besides the obvious technological advances in imaging modalities, this review also discusses the attention to radiation safety for the pediatric patient that every physician who orders a diagnostic imaging study in a child should be aware of.