cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface phase behavior and microstructure of lipid/PEG-emulsifier monolayer-coated microbubbles

Langmuir trough methods and fluorescence microscopy were combined to investigate the phase behavior and microstructure of monolayer shells coating micron-scale bubbles (microbubbles) typically used in biomedical applications. The monolayer shell consisted of a homologous series of saturated acyl chain phospholipids and an emulsifier containing a single hydrophobic stearate chain and polyethylene glycol (PEG) head group. PEG-emulsifier was fully miscible with expanded phase lipids and phase separated from condensed phase lipids. Phase coexistence was observed in the form of dark condensed phase lipid domains surrounded by a sea of bright, emulsifier-rich expanded phase. A rich assortment of condensed phase area fractions and domain morphologies, including networks and other novel structures, were observed in each batch of microbubbles. Network domains were reproduced in Langmuir monolayers under conditions of heating-cooling followed by compression-expansion, as well as in microbubble shells that underwent surface flow with slight compression. Domain size decreased with increased cooling rate through the phase transition temperature, and domain branching increased with lipid acyl chain length at high cooling rates. Squeeze-out of the emulsifier at a surface pressure near 35 mN/m was indicated by a plateau in Langmuir isotherms and directly visualized with fluorescence microscopy, although collapse of the solid lipid domains occurred at much higher surface pressures. Compression of the monolayer past the PEG-emulsifier squeeze-out surface pressure resulted in a dark shell composed entirely of lipid. Under certain conditions, the PEG-emulsifier was reincorporated upon subsequent expansion. Factors that affect shell formation and evolution, as well as implications for the rational design of microbubbles in medical applications, are discussed.
Cardiac Electrophysiologic Abnormalities in the CREBA133 Transgenic Mouse Model of Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Electrophysiology of CREB A 1 3 3 Transgenic Mouse. Introduction: We hypothesized that the transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative form of the CREB transcription factor (CREB A 1 3 3 ) under the control of the cardiac myocyte-specific α-MHC promoter and displaying dilated cardiomyopathy would exhibit electrophysiologic abnormalities similar to those observed in human cardiomyopathy. Methods and Results: Invasive electrophysiologic studies were performed on two age groups of mice: 11-week-old mice (n = 20, 9 transgenic mice and 11 wild-type controls) and 17-week-old mice (n = 16, 7 transgenic mice and 9 wild-type controls). Five additional transgenic mice underwent ambulatory ECG monitoring to determine the cause of death. The 11-week-old CREB A 1 3 3 transgenic mice had longer PR and AH intervals than 11-week-old wild-type controls (P < 0.001), whereas at 17 weeks of age the transgenic mice also demonstrated increased HV intervals and widened QRS duration (P < 0.05). At both 11 weeks and 17 weeks of age, AV Wenckebach cycle length, 2:1 AV cycle length, and AV nodal functional and effective refractory periods were significantly longer in transgenic mice than in controls (P < 0.05). Although no ventricular arrhythmias were inducible at 11 weeks of age, at 17 weeks of age, ventricular tachycardia was induced in 4 of the 7 CREB A 1 3 3 transgenic mice but in none of the 9 wild-type controls. All 5 CREB A 1 3 3 transgenic mice that underwent ambulatory ECG monitoring revealed high-grade AV block, but not ventricular arrhythmia, at the time of death. Conclusion: These data suggest that CREB A 1 3 3 transgenic mice manifest abnormalities of AV nodal and infra-Hisian conduction and inducibility of ventricular arrhythmia, which are characteristics of human dilated cardiomyopathy.
Epidemiology of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Comorbidities in Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations

In the United States, research into the etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the incidence and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in racial/ethnic minority patients is just beginning, despite a high incidence of both conditions in these populations. The relative risks for the development of BPH and commonly comorbid conditions in African Americans and Latinos may be increased compared with the white majority population. This heightened risk may be attributable to factors such as autonomic hyperactivity and metabolic abnormalities, which appear at a higher rate in African Americans and Latinos. Differences in genetic factors related to androgen receptor CAG repeats, the androgen signaling pathway, and in the cellular composition of the prostate also contribute to racial/ethnic differences in the incidence of clinical BPH and LUTS. Despite the disproportionately high rates of BPH-associated risk factors and comorbidities associated with the condition, a large proportion of minority patients with BPH and LUTS are undiagnosed and untreated. Expanding the information base on BPH and LUTS in minority patients may help to narrow existing ethnic/racial disparities in treatment and to reduce the impact of LUTS on the quality of life of these patients.
PLANETARY MOTION IN A RETARDED NEWTONIAN POTENTIAL FIELD

The problem of the motion of a planet within a solar system which is itself in uniform motion with respect to an "absolute" space has been discussed from the time of Laplace up to shortly after the advent of Einstein's gravitational theory. The latest work seems to have been done by Lodge(1) and Eddington,(1) who conclude that the pre-relativity discrepancies between theory and observation are not explicable in terms of variability of mass with velocity of the planet.
Randomized controlled trial of two dosing schedules for human papillomavirus vaccination among college age males.

Background Quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, for protection against sexually transmitted HPV infection, is licensed for females and males 9–26 years on a 3-dose schedule (0, 2, and 6 months; Standard schedule). Vaccine uptake has been low and catch-up vaccination of older adolescents using an alternate dosing schedule may increase coverage. This study tested the non-inferiority of the immunogenicity of an alternate dosing schedule (0, 2, 12 months) among college age males.
An Integrated Distributed Control Structure for Global Communications

The worldwide communications resources of the Defense Communications System (DCS) are controlled by a multilevel control complex, with distribution of control functions among many control facilities. The control structure is going through substantial changes, driven by considerations of reliability, survivability, crisis management capability, and of course, cost. This paper introduces the control structure, the ongoing and programmed improvements for the control capabilities, and how the Automated Technical Control (ATEC) equipments will form the basis of a distributed, processor based communications control utility. Finally, the unique features of the Real Time Adaptive Control System (RTACS) for the third generation Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) will be described, along with the integration of RTACS into the distributed global control structure.
Setting standards in the presence of developing scientific understanding.

The setting of standards for potential hazards as result of the application of a new technology depends on both the philosophy with respect to risk and the state of knowledge about the circumstances under which the technology can cause damage. Typically, biological damage is first observed for high levels of exposure and short times. As our understanding of the technology and its effects on the biology improve, biological effects are observed at lower levels and longer exposure times. For extended low-level exposures it also becomes more difficult to demonstrate a hazard that is independent of other influences. This has been true for electric and magnetic fields both at low and radio frequencies. In this article it is recognized that a set number is needed for both manufactures and system operators to meet if the technology is to serve the public. It is also recommended that the public be presented with tables of relative risks that include levels of exposure and other risks for comparison. Three tables o...
Granulomatous hepatitis associated with glyburide

A wide variety of diseases and injuries can cause granulomatous hepatitis, and drug-induced granulomatous hepatitis is a well-described entity. Sulfonylurea derivatives, which are commonly used oral hypoglycemic agents in the treatment of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, have been implicated in liver disease. However, glyburide, a second-generation sulfonylurea and a potent hypoglycemic drug, is considered to have less hepatic side effects than chlorpropamide. It has been reportedly associated with cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis and with hypersensitivity angiitis. A case of necrotizing granuloma has been reported. We present a second case of granulomatous hepatitis occurring in a patient who had been taking glyburide for approximately three years, and we review the literature for glyburide-associated hepatitis.
Polytomous logistic regression as a tool for exploring heterogeneity across birth defect subtypes: an example using anencephaly and spina bifida.

BACKGROUND In birth defect epidemiology, phenotypic subgroups are often combined into a composite phenotype in an effort to increase statistical power. Although the validity of using composite phenotypes has been questioned, formal evaluations of the underlying assumption of effect homogeneity across component phenotypes have not been conducted. METHODS Polytomous logistic regression was used to assess effect heterogeneity of several generally accepted neural tube defect (NTD) risk factors across the component phenotypes of anencephaly and spina bifida. Data for these analyses were obtained from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. RESULTS The use of a composite phenotype has the potential to mask associations specific to a component phenotype and in some cases the effect of a variable may be misattributed to the composite phenotype. For example, an association between infant sex and anencephaly (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–1.9) was masked when data from all NTDs were analyzed (AOR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.9–1.3), whereas an association with maternal body mass index that was specific to spina bifida (AOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6–2.4) was attributed to all NTDs (AOR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.4–2.0). Furthermore, conclusions regarding effect heterogeneity based on ad hoc comparisons, rather than some formal assessment, may be vulnerable to considerable subjectivity, as was the case for the association of maternal Hispanic ethnicity with spina bifida (AOR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2–1.8) and anencephaly (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.5–2.8). CONCLUSIONS Polytomous logistic regression provides a useful tool for evaluating putative risk factors for which there is no a priori basis for assuming effect homogeneity across component phenotypes. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Survey of Factors Involved in Crop Maturity

The time necessary for crops to successfully complete reproduction is species and environment dependent. Lifecycles can be completed in a few weeks or take several years depending on the plant species. Crop development is divided into phenophases that are affected primarily by light and temperature changes, interacting with phytohormones. Some species are influenced more by light and others by temperature. This review focuses on factors that influence maturation in several important agronomic crops.
Defending the Color Line: Racially and Ethnically Motivated Hate Crime

Drawing on structured action theory, the author examines the ways in which racially and ethnically motivated hate crime emerges as a forceful means of constructing identity and difference within the institutional settings of culture, labor, sexuality, and power. The author summarizes the trends in racially and ethnically motivated violence nationwide and then explores hate crimes as a readily available means of doing difference. The author argues that racially motivated violence is not an aberration associated with a lunatic or extremist fringe. Instead, it is a normative means of asserting racial identity relative to the victimized other; it is an enactment—of the racism that allocates privilege along racial lines.
Osteoblast-secreted collagen upregulates paracrine Sonic hedgehog signaling by prostate cancer cells and enhances osteoblast differentiation

Induction of osteoblast differentiation by paracrine Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling may be a mechanism through which Shh-expressing prostate cancer cells initiate changes in the bone microenvironment and promote metastases. A hallmark of osteoblast differentiation is the formation of matrix whose predominant protein is type 1 collagen. We investigated the formation of a collagen matrix by osteoblasts cultured with prostate cancer cells, and its effects on interactions between prostate cancer cells and osteoblasts. In the presence of exogenous ascorbic acid (AA), a co-factor in collagen synthesis, mouse MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts in mixed cultures with human LNCaP prostate cancer cells or LNCaP cells modified to overexpress Shh (LNShh cells) formed collagen matrix with distinct fibril ultrastructural characteristics. AA increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the expression of the alkaline phosphatase gene Akp2, markers of osteoblast differentiation, in MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts cultured with LNCaP or LNShh cells. However, the AA-stimulated increase in Akp2 expression in MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts cultured with LNShh cells far exceeded the levels observed in MC3T3 cells cultured with either LNCaP cells with AA or LNShh cells without AA. Therefore, AA and Shh exert a synergistic effect on osteoblast differentiation. We determined whether the effect of AA on LNShh cell-induced osteoblast differentiation was mediated by Shh signaling. AA increased the expression of Gli1 and Ptc1, target genes of the Shh pathway, in MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts cultured with LNShh cells to at least twice their levels without AA. The ability of AA to upregulate Shh signaling and enhance alkaline phosphatase activity was blocked in MC3T3 cells that expressed a dominant negative form of the transcription factor GLI1. The AA-stimulated increase in Shh signaling and Shh-induced osteoblast differentiation was also inhibited by the specific collagen synthesis inhibitor 3,4-dehydro-L-proline. Matrix collagen, formed by osteoblasts in the presence of AA, potentiates Shh signaling between Shh-expressing prostate cancer cells and osteoblasts. Collagen and Shh signaling exert a synergistic effect on osteoblast differentiation, a defining event in prostate carcinoma bone metastasis. Investigations into paracrine interactions among prostate cancer cells, osteoblasts, and osteoblast-synthesized matrix proteins advance our understanding of mechanisms contributing to prostate cancer bone metastasis.
Noninvasive detection of cuprizone induced axonal damage and demyelination in the mouse corpus callosum

Previously, we tested the prediction that axonal damage results in decreased axial diffusivity (lambda(parallel)) while demyelination leads to increased radial diffusivity (lambda(perpendicular)). Cuprizone treatment of C57BL/6 mice was a highly reproducible model of CNS white matter demyelination and remyelination affecting the corpus callosum (CC). In the present study, six C57BL/6 male mice were fed 0.2% cuprizone for 12 weeks followed by 12 weeks of recovery on normal chow. The control mice were fed normal chow and imaged in parallel. Biweekly in vivo DTI examinations showed transient decrease of lambda(parallel) in CC at 2-6 weeks of cuprizone treatment. Immunostaining for nonphosphorylated neurofilaments demonstrated corresponding axonal damage at 4 weeks of treatment. Significant demyelination was evident from loss of Luxol fast blue staining at 6-12 weeks of cuprizone ingestion and was paralleled by increased lambda(perpendicular) values, followed by partial normalization during the remyelination phase. The sensitivity of lambda(perpendicular) to detect demyelination may be modulated in the presence of axonal damage during the early stage of demyelination at 4 weeks of cuprizone treatment. Our results suggest that lambda(parallel) and lambda(perpendicular) may be useful in vivo surrogate markers of axonal and myelin damage in mouse CNS white matter.
Synthesis of 3,8-Dichloro-6-ethyl-1,2,5,7-tetramethyl–BODIPY from an Asymmetric Dipyrroketone and Reactivity Studies at the 3,5,8-Positions†

The asymmetric BODIPY 1 a (BODIPY=4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene), containing two chloro substituents at the 3,8-positions and a reactive 5-methyl group, was synthesized from the asymmetric dipyrroketone 3, which was readily obtained from available pyrrole 2 a. The reactivity of 3,8-dichloro-6-ethyl-1,2,5,7-tetramethyl-BODIPY 1 a was investigated by using four types of reactions. This versatile BODIPY undergoes regioselective Pd(0) -catalyzed Stille coupling reactions and/or regioselective nucleophilic addition/elimination reactions, first at the 8-chloro and then at the 3-chloro group, using a variety of organostannanes and N-, O-, and S-centered nucleophiles. On the other hand, the more reactive 5-methyl group undergoes regioselective Knoevenagel condensation with an aryl aldehyde to produce a monostyryl-BODIPY, and oxidation with 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) gives the corresponding 5-formyl-BODIPY. Investigation of the reactivity of asymmetric BODIPY 1 a led to the preparation of a variety of functionalized BODIPYs with λmax of absorption and emission in the ranges 487-587 and 521-617 nm, respectively. The longest absorbing/emitting compound was the monostyryl-BODIPY 16, and the largest Stokes shift (49 nm) and fluorescence quantum yield (0.94) were measured for 5-thienyl-8-phenoxy-BODIPY 15. The structural properties (including 16 X-ray structures) of the new series of BODIPYs were investigated.
The effect of sulfate‐δ18O upon on‐line sulfate‐δ34S analysis, and implications for measurements of δ33S and Δ33S

On-line delta34S analysis of sulfate using an elemental analyzer has a number of advantages vs. conventional off-line techniques, such as ease of operation, rapidity, and the requirement for small amounts of material. Although the analyses are performed by converting sulfate into SO2 gas, the effect of sulfate-delta18O composition upon the SO2-delta18O composition and the value of delta66 during elemental analysis, and ultimately the calculated sulfate-delta34S composition, has rarely been addressed. Three BaSO4 samples were prepared with known identical delta34S compositions, but with a wide range of delta18O compositions. delta18O values were shown to range over 40 per thousand, but conventional on-line delta34S analyses verified that the sulfate-delta34S compositions were identical. These results indicate that conventional on-line analysis of sulfate-delta34S is unaffected by the value of sulfate-delta18O, and suggest that sulfide-delta34S standards can be used to calibrate sulfate-delta34S analyses (and vice versa). Moreover, these results suggest that it may be possible to use on-line sulfur isotope analysis of SO2 to measure delta33S and Delta33S in addition to delta34S, as a faster and safer alternative to the SF6 technique currently utilized, and hence promote further study of mass-independent sulfur isotope fractionation effects.
Neural network algorithms based on the QR decomposition method of least squares

We present a set of algorithms for feed-forward multilayer neural networks based on the QR and the inverse-QR recursive least-squares algorithms. These algorithms possess excellent numerical stability, fast convergence characteristics compared to the backpropagation algorithm and require much fewer iterations to train the neural networks. We apply these algorithms to practical problems of pattern recognition of different patterns and also for optimization with excellent results. We compare these algorithms with the previously reported ones which are also based on the least squares method and found the one based on the inverse QR method to be superior to the others. The computational complexity comparison of these algorithms is also presented. >
Training Staff to Implement a Paired-stimulus Preference Assessment using Video Modeling with Voiceover Instruction

A key component of successful early intervention programming is the identification of stimuli that may function as reinforcers. One common direct method used by behavior analysts to determine preference is the paired-stimulus (PS) preference assessment. Although effective at identifying potential reinforcers, the PS procedure is only useful if staff are trained on the steps necessary to conduct the assessment. The current study examined the effectiveness of video modeling with voiceover instruction to train staff to conduct a PS preference assessment. Three staff were trained to do the following: (i) identify items to use during the PS assessment; (ii) conduct a PS preference assessment with a simulated consumer (i.e., an adult acting as a child); and (iii) score and interpret the results of the PS assessment. Generalization was assessed with an actual consumer (i.e., a child with an autism spectrum disorder). The results demonstrated that video modeling was effective, and staff demonstrated high levels of integrity up to 2 months following training. These results support a growing body of literature supporting the use of video modeling as an approach to training. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hydrodynamic mechanosensory hypothesis for brush border microvilli.

In the proximal tubule of the kidney, Na+ and HCO3 − reabsorption vary proportionally with changes in axial flow rate. This feature is a critical component of glomerulotubular balance, but the basi...
The Self-Management of OsteoArthritis in Veterans (SeMOA) Study: Design and methodology

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among adults. Although self-management behaviors such as exercise and weight management can improve pain and function, these behaviors are vastly underutilized. There is a need to implement effective self-management programs among the growing number of adults with OA. Objectives The Self-Management of OsteoArthritis (SeMOA) in Veterans Study examines a 12-month telephone-based OA self-management program in the primary care setting. This manuscript details the design, methodology, and advances of the SeMOA trial. Methods Participants ( N = 519) with hip or knee OA are randomly assigned to one of three groups: OA self-management, health education (attention control), or usual care. The OA self-management group receives written and audio materials regarding OA care (including health behaviors, medical care, and interacting with health care providers). A health educator calls participants monthly to review these materials and provide support for developing individualized goals and action plans related to OA management. The health education group receives written and audio materials and monthly calls from a health educator discussing health issues unrelated to OA. Usual care involves no additional materials or phone calls. The primary outcome is change in the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales-2 pain subscale from baseline to 12 months. Analysis of covariance models will compare changes in pain across study groups. The cost-effectiveness of the OA self-management program will also be assessed. Conclusion SeMOA is one of the first to examine telephone-based delivery of OA self-management and one of few trials to target the primary care setting. This program has the potential for broad dissemination because it reduces both the costs and barriers that accompany in-person programs. This study will provide important information about its feasibility and effectiveness in a real-world clinical setting.
How children make language out of gesture: Morphological structure in gesture systems developed by American and Chinese deaf children

When children learn language, they apply their language-learning skills to the linguistic input they receive. But what happens if children are not exposed to input from a conventional language? Do they engage their language-learning skills nonetheless, applying them to whatever unconventional input they have? We address this question by examining gesture systems created by four American and four Chinese deaf children. The children’s profound hearing losses prevented them from learning spoken language, and their hearing parents had not exposed them to sign language. Nevertheless, the children in both cultures invented gesture systems that were structured at the morphological/word level. Interestingly, the diVerences between the children’s systems were no bigger across cultures than within cultures. The children’s morphemes could not be traced to their hearing mothers’ gestures; however, they were built out of forms and meanings shared with their mothers. The Wndings suggest that children construct morphological structure out of the input that is handed to them, even if that input is not linguistic in form. © 2007 Published by Elsevier Inc.
Distributed access system for uniform and scalable data and service access

Computational modeling systems (CMS) are designed to resolve many of the shortcomings associated with systems currently employed in providing support for a wide range of scientific modeling applications. We identify the requirements of a "reasonable" CMS and identify the requirements of Amazonia, a CMS intended to support modeling in large-scale earth science research. Amazonia has been implemented as an open and layered architecture. In this paper we discuss the design and implementation of the distributed access system, a key component of the Amazonia Kernel that supports the organization of and access to data and services in a distributed environment.
A study of the instantaneous centers of velocity for two-degree-of-freedom planar linkages

Abstract The secondary instantaneous centers of velocity for two-degree-of-freedom planar linkages must lie on straight lines. For many of these linkages, however, some of these lines cannot be obtained by a direct application of the Aronhold–Kennedy theorem. This paper, therefore, will present both graphical and analytical techniques to locate these unknown lines of centers for certain types of two-degree-of-freedom linkages. First the techniques are applied to the three topologies of the seven-bar linkage, two of which contain a four-bar chain, and the unknown lines of centers are obtained for each topology. Then the techniques are applied to the 35 topologies of the nine-bar linkage. The paper includes a discussion of these topologies and presents three examples for illustrative purposes. The techniques can locate the unknown lines of centers for all, but one, of the 35 topologies. The techniques presented in this paper provide geometric insight into the first-order instantaneous kinematics of two-degree-of-freedom planar linkages.
Political behavior: voting participation of inner-city elderly blacks compared to other populations in a medium-sized city

Voting participation was examined across nine elections in Omaha, Nebraska. Voting frequencies of all eligible voters in the city, all elderly eligible voters, and a random sample of inner-city elderly black voters were compared. The analysis shows that frequency of voting among inner-city elderly black individuals was the same as among all elderly persons in seven of the nine elections and significantly higher than that found among eligible voters of all ages in all nine of the elections.
The spectroscopy of OClO in polar liquids

Abstract The near-UV A 2 A 2 ← X 2 B 1 , transition of OClO is examined in polar solutions. Both the λ max of the 2 A 2 electronic band and the inhomogeneous vibronic widths vary significantly with solvent. The dependence of the absorption maximum on dielectric properties of the solvent can be qualitatively described by continuum solvation models. Changes in the inhomogeneous widths are discussed in terms of inhomogeneity resulting from different solvation geometries. Picosecond time resolved absorption studies following the UV photolysis of OClO at 355 nm indicate a solvent dependence on the excited state reactivity. In many solvents. there is competition between bond breakage (to form ClO and O) and isomerization (to form ClOO). The possible involvement of this OClO heterogeneous photochemistry in stratospheric ozone depletion is described.
A topological model of multifingered prehension

The authors present a topological model of prehension for multifingered robot hands which essentially deduces low-level contact wrench parameters in joint space from high-level task specifications, object properties, and a topological space (tetrahedron) of hand shapes. This model is based on a theory of prehensility with control algorithms modeled after the functionalities and sensory-motor activities of the human hand. The authors describe representations at different levels of granularity. They have sketched topological equivalences between high-level and low-level spaces, which preserve three topological properties: power, precision, and support (or equivalently, graspability, manipulability, and supportability). They introduce the notion of functionality distribution of power, precision, and support to a set of hand subconfigurations. They note the subtle difference in support as an independent parameter (from power and precision), and support as a dependent parameter (to strengthen power and precision) and identify general schemes to handle the difference. The model offers a framework in which several existing schemes may be integrated. >
Testing the functional significance of microbial community composition

A critical assumption underlying terrestrial ecosystem models is that soil microbial communities, when placed in a common environment, will function in an identical manner regardless of the composition of that community. Given high species diversity in microbial communities and the ability of microbes to adapt rapidly to new conditions, this assumption of functional redundancy seems plausible. We test the assumption by comparing litter decomposition rates in experimental microcosms inoculated with distinct microbial communities. We find that rates of carbon dioxide production from litter decomposition were dependent upon the microbial inoculum, with differences in the microbial community alone accounting for substantial (;20%) variation in total carbon mineralized. Communities that shared a common history with a given foliar litter exhibited higher decomposition rates when compared to communities foreign to that habitat. Our results suggest that the implicit assumption in ecosystem models (i.e., microbial communities in the same environment are functionally equivalent) is incorrect. To predict accurately how biogeochemical processes will respond to global change may require consideration of the community composition and/or adaptation of microbial communities to past resource environments.
Yet Another View on Why a Home Is One's Castle

We compute equity-based real after-tax rates of return for homeowners and landlords in the United States for 1952–2005. The study confirms that a combined aggregate for residential housing provides a high average net return and low volatility, has low correlation with financial assets and can provide hedge against inflation. The efficient frontier analysis shows that the optimal portfolio for a household with a coefficient of relative risk aversion of four to five is one which contains a bit larger amount of housing than stocks, close to what one observes in the real world.
Decreased Whorl and Ear Damage in Nine Mon810 Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-Transgenic Corn Hybrids Compared with Their Non-Bt Counterparts

We examined nine pairs of near-isogenic hybrids of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and non-Bt corn, Zea mays L., at two locations in 1999 and three locations in 2000 to compare the effects of Bt toxins on damage caused by Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) to whorl stage field corn, and ear damage at harvest, as well as yield. We found that whorl damage was less in all Bt hybrids compared with their non-Bt counterparts each year and at each location. Differences in ear damage between Bt and non-Bt hybrids, however, differed in 1999 and 2000. In 1999, only one Bt hybrid, NC+5788Bt, had less ear damage than its non-Bt counterpart at the dryland site, whereas four Bt hybrids, C8120Bt, P31B13Bt, P33V08Bt, and NC+5788Bt, had less damage at the irrigated site. In 2000, most Bt hybrids had less ear damage than their non-Bt counterparts at each location. Differences in whorl damage did not translate into yield differences. However, variations in ear damage were partially reflected in yield differences. In 1999, P31B13Bt and P33V08Bt had higher yields than their non-Bt counterparts at both sites, whereas in 2000 all Bt hybrids had higher yields. Also, although whorl damage was not correlated with yield, ear damage was negatively correlated with yield; increasing ear damage by H. zea decreased yield for Bt and non-Bt hybrids alike. Overall, depending on location and year, each centimeter of H. zea ear damage reduced yield by between 2 and 13%.
Four Mistakes in the Debate on 'Outsourcing Authority'

The purpose of this Article is to discuss common mistakes in the current debate on outsourcing authority. The first mistake in the debate on outsourcing authority is about the protagonists. To focus solely on the fact that some justices espouse this approach, while others do not, distorts the true picture of the rich debate that is ongoing at the bar, the bench, the academy, and beyond. Mistaking the voices in the debate will distort what is at issue in the discussion. The reality is much more complex. There is a groundswell of opposition to this trend from various corners and for a variety of reasons. It would be a mistake to discount the importance of this debate based on antipathy toward one or more justices or their constitutional persuasion. The second mistake in the debate is about the novelty of constitutional comparativism. Many proponents feel threatened by recent criticism of this movement and they seek comfort in the embrace of history. But those who maintain that there is nothing novel about the current rage of constitutional comparativism ignore the numerous ways in which history is not an accurate guide to present trend toward comparativism, including: (1) the manner in which foreign authority is cited; (2) the quantity and quality of foreign and international authority; (3) the move toward global constitutionalism and international human rights; (4) the concerted effort to lobby justices to become internationalists; and (5) the willingness of some justices to engage in foreign diplomacy. A third mistake in the debate on outsourcing authority is to fail to distinguish between statutory and constitutional interpretation. Some proponents of constitutional comparativism note approvingly the longstanding tradition of interpreting statutes consistent with international norms. A proper appreciation for outsourcing authority would make a sharp distinction between this relatively uncontroversial practice of importing international law through statutory presumptions, and the quite controversial practice of interpreting constitutional liberties consistent with international law. The final mistake in the debate on outsourcing authority is to assume that the outcome of constitutional comparativism will be an expansion of individual liberties. That has not proven to be the case in the United States, and there is no reason to assume it will be so in the future. It is a mistake to assume that advocates of constitutional comparativism will be limited to those who wish to expand constitutional liberties. The Court has not, should not, and will not rely on foreign authority as a one-way ratchet that only broadens constitutional liberties.
Bitumen–Silica Interactions in a Deep Eutectic Ionic Liquid Analogue

In previous work, it has been shown that a deep eutectic mixture (DEM) of choline chloride and urea facilitates the detachment of bitumen from oil sands. To probe the mechanism underlying this observation, adhesive forces at the surface of the bitumen samples in deionized water and this DEM are compared using atomic force microscopy. PeakForce Tapping mode was used for force–distance measurement. Silicon nitride tips with dimensions of the order of 20 nm and silica colloidal particle attached probes with diameters of the order of 40 μm were used. For both AFM probes, the adhesion force between the probe tip and the bitumen surface decreased significantly with increasing DEM concentration, as did the dissipation energy.
Summary of Presentations on Religious Perspectives Relating to Research Involving Human Stem Cells, May 7, 1999

As part of issuing its report and recommendations to President Clinton, the National Bioethics Advisory Commission heard testimony from several religious ethicists and theologians regarding different faith traditions' views of research involving human stem cells. This summary and analysis of that testimony was published as an appendix to the Commission's report.
Diffusion of H2SO4 in Humidified Nitrogen: Hydrated H2SO4

First-order rate coefficients for the wall loss of H2SO4 were measured as a function of relative humidity in a high-pressure laminar flow tube in conjunction with chemical ionization mass spectrometry detection. The measurements yield a diffusion coefficient for H2SO4 vapor in N2 at 298 K of 0.094 (±0.006) atm cm2 s-1. For relative humidities (RH) up to about 40%, the measured first-order loss rates steadily decreased as the RH was increased. The effective diffusion coefficient at 40% RH was ∼20% less than without H2O present. The measured loss rates were less dependent on water vapor for RH between 40 and 70%. We interpret these observations as due to the addition of up to two H2O molecules to H2SO4, thus slowing the diffusion rate to the wall. The results indicate that about half the H2SO4 molecules are hydrated at ∼8% RH and it is likely a second water molecule interacts with this species at higher RH. Calculations of the decrease in diffusivity of H2SO4 due to addition of water are consistent with the...
Producer Insurance and Risk Management Options for Smallholder Farmers

Many smallholder families are exceptionally prone to potentially catastrophic decreases in their incomes and access to food. Over the past decade, therefore, policy makers and economists have increasingly focused on potential mechanisms for expanding risk management strategies available to those families. Commercially provided weather-based index insurance products, perhaps partially funded by subsidies, have been of particular interest because of their apparent potential to provide payments to smallholder families when they are most in need of help. However, the empirical evidence from a wide range of studies indicates that, absent relatively substantial subsidies, small holder farmers will not purchase commercially priced index products or even “all risk” products where payments are tied to the farm's crop losses. There are three important reasons why this is the case. First, smallholder farmers already have many ways of managing their risks, including informal community-based initiatives, on-farm produ...
GTP CYCLOHYDROLASE I GENE EXPRESSION AND CATECHOLAMINE SYNTHESIS

The reduced pteridine 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is the essential cofactor for the family of pterin-dependent monooxygenases that includes tyrosine (TH), tryptophan (TPH) and phenylalanine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzymes in the synthesis of the monoamine (MA) neurotransmitters dopamine (DA), norepinephrine and serotonin (5-HT) and the detoxification of L-phenylalanine, respectively (Kaufman, 1974). BH4 serves as an electron donor in these enzyme reactions. GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step in de novo BH4 biosynthesis, the formation of the first pterin intermediate, D-erythro-7,8-dihydroneopterin triphosphate, from GTP (Nichol et al., 1985). Within the brain GTPCH mRNA (Hirayama et al., 1993) and protein (Nagatsu et. al., 1997; Dassesse et. al., 1997) can only be detected within MA neuronal cell bodies. GTPCH protein is transported to the MA nerve terminals, indicating that BH4 is synthesized at its primary site of action (Levine et al., 1981). The rate of BH4 synthesis actually exceeds that of the MA neurotransmitters, with 25% of the intracellular pool being synthesized each hour (Kapatos, 1990). BH4 levels within DA nerve terminals are subsaturating for TH (Kettler et al., 1974) while BH4 levels within 5-HT nerve endings saturate TPH (Wolf et al., 1991). This distinction based upon neurotransmitter phenotype may be important clinically (see below) and presumably is due to the low levels of GTPCH mRNA (Lentz and Kapatos, 1996) and GTPCH protein (Hirayama and Kapatos, 1998) that are expressed within nigrostriatal DA neurons.
Combined incentives versus no-incentive exercise programs on objectively measured physical activity and health-related variables.

Abstract Incentivized exercise program interventions have recently led to mixed findings with regard to increasing physical activity, attendance, and improving healthy lifestyles. However, in this area limited research exists on implementing a combined negative reinforcement strategy, using a “buy-in” and positive reinforcement system. Purpose To determine the effect of comparing a non-incentivized reward system with an incentivized reward system using combined positive and negative rewards on physical activity, attendance, and health and performance outcomes. Methods 15 Previously sedentary faculty and staff of a large public research university participated in two separate 12-week exercise interventions and wore a program accelerometer throughout the entire day during the 12 weeks. During the first intervention, there were no incentives offered to participants. The second intervention consisted of an incentivized program. Positive reinforcements included various rewards for meeting achievements related to physical activity levels. A program rebate worth $25 for achieving 450 miles was used as the negative reinforcement “buy-in” incentive. Results A two-way repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated a main effect of time for percent body fat ( p p = 0.018). All other variables revealed no differences between conditions or from pre to post testing. There was no difference between conditions with physical activity or attendance. Conclusion No differences in physical activity or health-related variables were found within the incentivized and non-incentivized conditions.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Nursing Home Quality of Life Deficiencies, 2001 to 2011.

Objectives: Racial/ethnic disparities in nursing homes (NHs) are associated with lower quality of care, and state Medicaid payment policies may influence NH quality. However, no studies analyzing d...
Advancements in Glow Discharge Polymer Coatings for Mass Production

The horizontal rotary glow discharge polymer (GDP) coater is being developed to help increase the production rate of inertial confinement fusion targets and to meet the very high production rates needed for inertial fusion energy targets. The coater is used to put a conformal GDP gas retention coating on top of foam shell targets. A number of alterations to the design and operation of the horizontal rotary GDP coater are discussed. Compared to previous iterations of the horizontal coater, the changes have resulted in improving the yield of gas retentive targets with thinner coatings and increasing the coating rate, smoothness, and uniformity. The number of targets that can be coated at once has increased from tens to hundreds, or even thousands. The alterations include changing the coating tube configuration; adjusting the coating pressures; and altering the radio-frequency power, gas flow rates, and tube rotation rates. Methods to further improve the coater are also discussed.
The LISSA Virtual Human and ASD Teens: An Overview of Initial Experiments

We summarize an exploratory investigation into using an autonomous conversational agent for improving the communication skills of teenagers with autism. The system conducts a natural conversation with the user and gives real-time and post-session feedback on the user’s nonverbal behavior. We obtained promising results and ideas for improvements in preliminary experiments with five autism spectrum disorder teens.
The Mark VI: A New Eidometer Design Concept

The eidometer is an instrument for measuring the eidontic deviance of words (strangeness of their shapes relative to a given natural language). The present design concept, called the “visual comparative eidometer,” has been in use for several years and its precision has peaked with the Mk V design at about 3.8 bpm.
Archaic Hominin Admixture Facilitated Adaptation to Out-of-Africa Environments

Summary As modern humans dispersed from Africa throughout the world, they encountered and interbred with archaic hominins, including Neanderthals and Denisovans [1, 2]. Although genome-scale maps of introgressed sequences have been constructed [3–6], considerable gaps in knowledge remain about the functional, phenotypic, and evolutionary significance of archaic hominin DNA that persists in present-day individuals. Here, we describe a comprehensive set of analyses that identified 126 high-frequency archaic haplotypes as putative targets of adaptive introgression in geographically diverse populations. These loci are enriched for immune-related genes (such as OAS1/2/3 , TLR1/6/10 , and TNFAIP3 ) and also encompass genes (including OCA2 and BNC2 ) that influence skin pigmentation phenotypes. Furthermore, we leveraged existing and novel large-scale gene expression datasets to show many positively selected archaic haplotypes act as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), suggesting that modulation of transcript abundance was a common mechanism facilitating adaptive introgression. Our results demonstrate that hybridization between modern and archaic hominins provided an important reservoir of advantageous alleles that enabled adaptation to out-of-Africa environments.
Epistemological Classifiers And Concealed Questions In Acehnese

I am very grateful to my Acehnese consultants, Saiful Mahdi (primary consultant) and Dian Rubianty, for their willingness to share all the Acehnese data. During the research, I benefitted from useful discussions with Mats Rooth, John Whitman, and especially Julie Legate, who first brought to my attention the Acehnese phenomenon discussed in this paper. The detailed comments and questions from two anonymous Studia Linguistica reviewers greatly helped improve both the content and presentation of the paper. Earlier versions of the paper were presented at the 83rd annual meeting of the Linguistic Society of America, the 33rd annual meeting of Penn Linguistics Colloquium, as well as the 20th meeting of the Austronesian Formal Linguistics Association. I would like to thank the audiences at these three meetings, Lance Nathan and the late Ivan Sag in particular, for their helpful feedback and criticism. The usual disclaimers apply, of course.