cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chronic contact with imidacloprid during development may decrease female solitary bee foraging ability and increase male competitive ability for mates

Abstract Environmentally persistent xenobiotics, such as neonicotinoid insecticides, are thought to contribute to insect declines. Much of what is known about the non-target effects on bees comes from oral exposure in eusocial species. However, most bee species are solitary and nest below ground. For them, contaminated nesting resources may represent an important, yet understudied, route of exposure. We examined the effect of chronic contact exposure with realistic soil concentrations of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid (0, 7.5, 15, or 100 ppb) during immature development on adult locomotion (movement speed and distance) and brain development of the solitary bees Osmia lignaria and Megachile rotundata. Adult locomotion and mushroom body morphology were characterized 2 (females) or 4 (males) and 14 (both sexes) days after emergence. Unlike the 0 and 7.5 ppb groups, female O. lignaria treated with 15 and 100 ppb did not move faster with age. If movement speed is associated with foraging or nest-building ability, this could result in a 25% reduction in nest provisioning efficiency over the first 14 days. Young male M. rotundata moved more quickly (7.5 and 100 ppb) and farther (100 ppb) when treated with imidacloprid, potentially increasing their ability to compete for more receptive female bees. We did not detect an effect of imidacloprid on the relative volumes of the neuropil and Kenyon cell subregions. We discuss how an environmentally persistent xenobiotic has the potential to alter population dynamics through changes in adult locomotion, even in the absence of a detectable effect on gross brain morphology.
Growth mindsets: defining, assessing, and exploring effects on motivation for entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs

Motivated by the poorly understood nature of the term “mindsets” in the domain of entrepreneurship, we embarked on an exploration encompassing three research goals: a) defining and assessing growth mindsets in entrepreneurship, b) investigating how growth mindsets in entrepreneurship correlate with personality constructs, and c) exploring how growth mindsets predict motivation related to being an entrepreneur. Overall, findings from a sample of entrepreneurs (n = 264) and non-entrepreneurs (n = 330) reveal evidence consistent with the inference that a unidimensional, ‘growth mindset in entrepreneurship’ (GME) construct underlies five distinct mindset measures closely related to entrepreneurship: mindsets of leadership, mindsets of creativity, person mindsets, mindsets of intelligence, and mindsets of entrepreneurial ability. This GME construct correlated positively with conscientiousness and openness (albeit with small effects), but did not consistently correlate with extraversion, agreeableness, or neuroticism. We also found significant and positive relations for the GME with resilience and need for achievement, but a significant (and unexpected) negative correlation with risk-taking. With respect to motivation (operationalized via expectancy-value theory), GME predicted self-efficacy, but only for individuals who did not identify as entrepreneurs. GME exhibited limited utility in predicting enjoyment, utility, or identity evaluations related to value, but was robustly linked to cost evaluations. We discuss the implications of these findings and suggest directions for future research.
Lesion location and lesion creation affect outcomes after focused ultrasound thalamotomy.

MRI-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy has been shown to be an effective treatment for medication refractory essential tremor. Here, we report a clinical-radiological analysis of 123 cases of MRI-guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy, and explore the relationships between treatment parameters, lesion characteristics and outcomes. All patients undergoing focused ultrasound thalamotomy by a single surgeon were included. The procedure was performed as previously described, and patients were followed for up to 1 year. MRI was performed 24 h post-treatment, and lesion locations and volumes were calculated. We retrospectively evaluated 118 essential tremor patients and five tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease patients who underwent thalamotomy. At 24 h post-procedure, tremor abated completely in the treated hand in 81 essential tremor patients. Imbalance, sensory disturbances and dysarthria were the most frequent acute adverse events. Patients with any adverse event had significantly larger lesions, while inferolateral lesion margins were associated with a higher incidence of motor-related adverse events. Twenty-three lesions were identified with irregular tails, often extending into the internal capsule; 22 of these patients experienced at least one adverse event. Treatment parameters and lesion characteristics changed with increasing surgeon experience. In later cases, treatments used higher maximum power (normalized to skull density ratio), accelerated more quickly to high power, and delivered energy over fewer sonications. Larger lesions were correlated with a rapid rise in both power delivery and temperature, while increased oedema was associated with rapid rise in temperature and the maximum power delivered. Total energy and total power did not significantly affect lesion size. A support vector regression was trained to predict lesion size and confirmed the most valuable predictors of increased lesion size as higher maximum power, rapid rise to high-power delivery, and rapid rise to high tissue temperatures. These findings may relate to a decrease in the energy efficiency of the treatment, potentially due to changes in acoustic properties of skull and tissue at higher powers and temperatures. We report the largest single surgeon series of focused ultrasound thalamotomy to date, demonstrating tremor relief and adverse events consistent with reported literature. Lesion location and volume impacted adverse events, and an irregular lesion tail was strongly associated with adverse events. High-power delivery early in the treatment course, rapid temperature rise, and maximum power were dominant predictors of lesion volume, while total power, total energy, maximum energy and maximum temperature did not improve prediction of lesion volume. These findings have critical implications for treatment planning in future patients.
Fusion Reaction Measurements in the Princeton Large Tokamak

The d(d,n)3 He, d(d,p)t, d(t,n)α, and d(3He,p)α fusion reactions have been measured by detection of the 2.5 MeV neutron, 3 MeV proton, 14 MeV neutron and 14.7 MeV proton emissions, respectively. These measurements provide information on the energy, density, and confinement properties of energetic ions in the tokamak plasma.
Computers in the Classroom

(1996). Computers in the Classroom. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 70, No. 1, pp. 4-5.
Solving Accessibility and Other Problems in School and Classroom Web Sites

The Internet and the World Wide Web are growing at unprecedented rates. More and more teachers are authoring school or classroom web pages. Such pages have particular potential for use in rural are...
Abstract 14688: TREK-1 Modulates Fibrosis & Diastolic Dysfunction Through Activation of Stress-Activated Kinases

Introduction: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major public health problem because of its high prevalence and the current lack of effective therapies. HFpEF is thought to develop through diastolic dysfunction caused by diminished ventricular compliance, which is strongly influenced by cardiac fibrosis. Our work identifies TWIK related potassium channel-1 (TREK-1) as a novel modulator of diastolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis. Methods & Results: TREK-1 is expressed in mammalian cardiac tissue, although its role in cardiac function is poorly understood. To assess the role of TREK-1 in mammalian cardiac function, we interrogated cardiac function in response to pressure overload in global TREK-1 knockout (KO) mice. TREK-1 KO mice showed normal cardiac function in the basal state. However, TREK-1 KO mice developed exaggerated concentric hypertrophy in response to pressure overload. Despite developing exaggerated hypertrophy, TREK-1 KO mice maintained normal systolic and diastolic function as measured by serial echocardiography and invasive hemodynamics. Invasive hemodynamics showed preservation of ventricular compliance in pressure overloaded TREK-1 KO mice, which was associated with significantly attenuated cardiac fibrosis. The limited fibrosis in the heart was indicative of a general impairment of the fibrotic response as measured by impairments in in vivo cutaneous wound healing and in vitro fibroblast migration assays. To determine the mechanism for how TREK-1 modulates fibrosis, we investigated the activation of signaling pathways in lung fibroblasts harvested from TREK-1 KO mice. In response to the profibrotic ligands TGF beta and TNF alpha, TREK-1 KO fibroblasts showed a significantly attenuated activation of the stress-activated kinases p38 alpha and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), known mediators of myofibroblast activation. These data suggest a critical role for TREK-1 in fibroblast function via the activation of stress-activated kinases. Conclusions: We identified TREK-1 as being critical to the development of diastolic dysfunction and chamber compliance by modulating the signaling pathways involved in the tissue fibrotic response.
Review of the Conference

With regard to the gigantic stellar explosions that take place within galaxies, this conference has most impressed me with the variety of ways in which these can take place. For example, I have heard for many years comments to the effect that only type I and type II supernovae were bona fide classes and that not much else was important. It seems to me that not only are the original five types of supernovae still valid, but, as the papers here have shown, an additional very exciting result is emerging. It seems to me that within the types I and II, there are gradations in properties becoming apparent and possibly the existence of subclasses within these larger types is presented.
Genetic control of resistance to Mycoplasma pulmonis infection in mice.

The differences in susceptibility of various inbred strains of mice to a highly pathogenic strain of Mycoplasma pulmonis CT (T2) has been known for some time. We assessed the genetic control of resistance to T2 infection. Tracheolung lavage samples and lungs of mice were assessed for T2 organisms after intratracheal injection of T2. We found that H-2b (C57BL/6 (B6) and H-2k B10.BR mice were resistant, whereas H-2b A.By, H-2k C3H/Bi, H-2k C3H/HeJ (C3H), and H-2b BALB.B mice were susceptible. We also typed individual B6C3F2 mice for H-2 and for resistance to T2 and observed that resistance to T2 infections is controlled by a single dominant gene not linked to H-2. Histologic examination revealed severe lung lesions typical of M. pulmonis infections in susceptible C3H mice, in contrast to minimal lung lesions in resistant B6 mice. No significant titers of local or systemic antimycoplasma antibodies were detected in either resistant or susceptible mice at 5 days postinfection. Macrophages taken from uninfected B6 or C3H mice failed to inhibit growth of T2 in vitro. However, macrophages from B6 mice did inhibit growth of T2 much better than C3H macrophages when harvested on day 5 of infection. Thus, there is an association between activation of macrophage bactericidal function and genetic resistance to growth of T2 organisms.
Implementing Provider‐based Sampling for the National Children's Study: Opportunities and Challenges

Background: The National Children’s Study (NCS) was established as a national probability sample of births to prospectively study children’s health starting from in utero to age 21. The primary sampling unit was 105 study locations (typically a county). The secondary sampling unit was the geographic unit (segment), but this was subsequently perceived to be an inefficient strategy. Methods and Results: This paper proposes that second-stage sampling using prenatal care providers is an efficient and cost-effective method for deriving a national probability sample of births in the US. It offers a rationale for provider-based sampling and discusses a number of strategies for assembling a sampling frame of providers. Also presented are special challenges to provider-based sampling pregnancies, including optimising key sample parameters, retaining geographic diversity, determining the types of providers to include in the sample frame, recruiting women who do not receive prenatal care, and using community engagement to enrol women. There will also be substantial operational challenges to sampling provider groups. Conclusion: We argue that probability sampling is mandatory to capture the full variation in exposure and outcomes expected in a national cohort study, to provide valid and generalisable risk estimates, and to accurately estimate policy (such as screening) benefits from associations reported in the NCS.
Parentheses grammars and Lindenmayer grammars

The pioneering research of Lindenmayer and his co-workers on what are now called OL-systems has yield a rich mathematical theory for modeling the development of organism without cellular interaction. Concrete examples of the biological relevance of the theory of OL-systems can be found in some of the earliest literature on the subject. [L1] Yet, cellular interaction seems to be necessary for some types of development. Various extensions of the OL-systems, yield systems with provably stronger generative power. A general model for modeling cellular interaction was introduced by Lindenmayer very early in the history of L-systems. [L2] This led to a search for models with more limited types of interaction. One of the most studied of these models is the ETOL-system introduced by Rozenberg [R1, R2]
Which HAQ is best? A comparison of the HAQ, MHAQ and RA-HAQ, a difficult 8 item HAQ (DHAQ), and a rescored 20 item HAQ (HAQ20): analyses in 2,491 rheumatoid arthritis patients following leflunomide initiation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the full Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the shortened modified HAQ (MHAQ), or the new shortened RA-HAQ, developed on the basis of Rasch item response theory (IRT), performs best in terms of distributional characteristics, detection of functional loss, and identification of change in functional status in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A total of 2,491 clinic patients with RA with active disease from the practices of 519 US rheumatologists were assessed by questionnaire at the time leflunomide was started and at subsequent followup when there had been sufficient time for response. RESULTS: The HAQ scores were almost normally distributed along the 0-3 scale, but 95% of MHAQ and RA-HAQ values were clustered between 0 and 1.5. Normal or minimally abnormal scores (0 or 0.125) were noted in 6.6% of HAQ but in 21-22% of MHAQ/RA-HAQ. Mild functional loss (
A novel approach to the treatment of central sleep apnea in patients with heart failure

Central sleep apnea (CSA) is a common, though often unrecognized, finding in congestive heart failure (HF) patients that is associated with poor quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. While various treatment strategies, including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, have been devised and tested to treat CSA in HF, none thus far have been proven effective over the long term or been shown to improve survival. Adaptive pressure support servo-ventilation (ASV) is a promising potential new therapy for CSA, but like its predecessor, CPAP, it is often not well tolerated by patients, and results from clinical trials evaluating its long-term effectiveness in reducing morbidity and mortality are still a number of years off. Recently, a new therapy utilizing unilateral transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation has been introduced to treat CSA in HF. As a totally implantable, device-based therapy, it may be better tolerated than CPAP or ASV in HF patients and, thus, improve patient compliance with treatment. Early studies using this therapy have been encouraging, with patients demonstrating significant improvement in major indices of CSA severity.
Legal Perspective-OTC Drugs and Cosmetics

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act products may be regulated both as “drugs” and as “cosmetics” because the statutory definitions are not mutually exclusive. Although there are some similar statutory provisions governing drugs and cosmetics, more restrictions and requirements are attached to products classified as drugs than to products classified solely as cosmetics. The limits of the drug definition have been tested in court more frequently than the limits of the cosmetic definition. This article discusses the statutory definitions of “drug” and “cosmetic,” the associated legal requirements, and judicial and administrative interpretations of these definitions. The article then presents an approach to making drug/cosmetic determinations.
Characteristics and regulation of angiotensin II receptors in pituitary, circumventricular organs and kidney.

Receptors for angiotensin II (AII) have been identified and characterized in many AII-responsive tissues. Those in the adrenal zona glomerulosa and vascular smooth muscle undergo dynamic regulation which appears to be mediated by changes in circulating AII, and is followed by parallel changes in sensitivity to AII.Pituitary AII receptors are mainly located in lactotrophs and corticotrophs, where they mediate specific actions of AII upon prolactin and ACTH secretion, acting in conjunction with other hypothalamic regulators. In contrast to adrenal and vascular AII receptors, those in the anterior pituitary are not affected by changes in salt balance or AII infusion.In the brain, AII receptors were increased in the subfornical organ during dehydration, but show no significant changes in the other circumventricular organs. The increase in subfornical organ receptors resembles the up-regulation of AII sites which occurs in the adrenal cortex during sodium deficiency, and could play a role in potentiating the d...
Improving the quality of biomarker candidates in untargeted metabolomics via peak table-based alignment of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data

Abstract The potential of high-resolution analytical technologies like GC × GC/TOF MS in untargeted metabolomics and biomarker discovery has been limited by the development of fully automated software that can efficiently align and extract information from multiple chromatographic data sets. In this work we report the first investigation on a peak-by-peak basis of the chromatographic factors that impact GC × GC data alignment. A representative set of 16 compounds of different chromatographic characteristics were followed through the alignment of 63 GC × GC chromatograms. We found that varying the mass spectral match parameter had a significant influence on the alignment for poorly-resolved peaks, especially those at the extremes of the detector linear range, and no influence on well-chromatographed peaks. Therefore, optimized chromatography is required for proper GC × GC data alignment. Based on these observations, a workflow is presented for the conservative selection of biomarker candidates from untargeted metabolomics analyses.
SCATTERING OF POLARIZED PROTONS BY DEUTERIUM IN THE ENERGY REGION 10 TO 20 MeV.

Abstract The polarization of protons elastically scattered from deuterium has been measured at four energies between 10 and 20 MeV incident proton energy. The asymmetry is seen to become negative for large angles at 19.1 MeV and for small angles at 11.0 and 13.2 MeV.
Subcommunal bastardy and regional religion: Micro and macro aspects of the debate on the sexual revolution

AbstractBirth reports throughout Europe and North America register low ratios of bastardy (5 percent or less) in premodern times and much higher ratios after 1750. Historians have difficulty explaining such a sudden turn about in an area of basic human behavior. By studying bastardy ratios at the settlement rather than communal (parish) level, I show that some premodern people did support a high incidence of illegitimacy. The turn‐about‐face in sexual matters was not as abrupt or as total as we have imagined.This discovery does not impugn the accuracy of the baptismal register as an index to sexual conduct of the populace at large. The problem of explaining sexual restraint in premodern times remains. Historians have frequently posited religion as the controlling factor that moderated the sexual behavior of the masses. There are problems with this explanation and I suggest that it is only efficacious when it can be demonstrated at the subcommunal or settlement level.
The glass transition time scale and configurational entropy in polymers: an experimental molecular view.

We report direct experimental observation of local conformational dynamics in a polymer chain at the calorimetric glass transition temperature Tg. Variable-temperature two-dimensional (2D) solid-st...
Neutrophil granule products: can they identify subclinical chorioamnionitis in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes?

Abstract Objective Our purpose was to determine whether maternal plasma levels of neutrophil granule products are elevated in patients with chorioamnionitis after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Study design Fifty-two patients between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation with preterm PROM were included. Plasma samples for defensins and lactoferrin were collected throughout latency. Fifty-two control subjects between 26 and 30 weeks' gestation were recruited for baseline levels. Results Mean control defensin levels were compared with mean defensin levels on admission (668 ng/mL vs 5665 ng/mL, P P Conclusions Maternal plasma levels of defensins are markers of histologic chorioamnionitis in patients after preterm PROM.
Distal versus ultradistal bypass grafts: amputation-free survival and patency rates in patients with critical leg ischaemia.

Abstract Objectives Compare the outcome of distal (bypass to the crural arteries) versus ultradistal (bypass to the pedal arteries) bypasses in patients with critical leg ischaemia (CLI). Design Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients with CLI undergoing infra-popliteal bypass surgery is performed. Materials and Methods Patients undergoing infra-popliteal bypass at a single institution between 2004 and 2010 are included. Patency rates at 1-year and amputation-free survival at 12 and 48 months are analysed. Results Two hundred and thirty bypasses were performed in 209 consecutive patients (156 men, median age; 76 years, range; 19–96 years). One hundred and seventy nine (78%) bypass were classified as distal and 51 (22%) as ultradistal. The incidence of diabetes mellitus was significantly higher in the ultradistal group ( p = 0.0025). At 1-year, the distal group primary, assisted-primary and secondary patency rates were 61.7%, 83.1% and 87.4% compared to 61.9%, 87.4% and 87.4% in the ultradistal group respectively. Amputation-free survival at 12 and 48 months was 82.9% and 61.5% in the distal group compared to 83.0% and 64.9% in the ultradistal group. Conclusions This study show that both distal and ultradistal bypass have comparable outcome regardless of the co-morbidities. The authors believe that elderly patients should be offered ultradistal bypass if indicated to avoid major amputation.
Treatment of anemia in the patient with heart failure.

Anemia is common among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The data suggest that correction of anemia in patients with CHF is beneficial in terms of exercise capacity, New York Heart Association functional class, hospitalisation rates, and quality of life. It is not known whether the correction of anemia in this group of patients will improve survival. Small-scale studies in patients with CHF have reported correcting anemia with erythropoietin and oral or intravenous iron. However, the optimal regimen for correction of anemia in patients with CHF has yet to be defined. Significant questions that remain to be answered are the following: which subset of patients with CHF would receive the greatest benefit, when to initiate anemia correction, what dosage of erythropoietin or other agent is appropriate, what target hemoglobin level is to be achieved, and how mortality will be impacted. A cost-benefit analysis is also required. At this point, the treatment of anemia in patients with CHF is not the standard of care and should only be initiated in an investigational setting.
Watermaking three-dimensional polygonal models

The advantages of digital media such as the Internet and CD-ROMs lie in the fact that their contents are easy to duplicate, edit, and distribute. These advantages, however, are double-edged swords, because they also facilitate unauthorized use of such contents. Data embedding, which places information into the contents themselves, is an approach to address this issue. Embedded information can be used, for example, for copyright protection, theft deterrence, and inventory. This paper discusses our work on embedding data into three-dimensional (3D) polygonal models of geometry. Given objects consisting of points, lines, polygons, or curved surfaces, the data embedding algorithms described in this paper produce polygonal models with data embedded. Data are placed into 3D polygonal models by modifying either their vertex coordinates, their vertex topology (connectivity), or both. A brief review of related work and a description of the requirements of data embedding is followed by a discussion of where, and by what fundamental methods, data can be embedded into 3D polygonal models. The paper then presents data-embedding algorithms, with examples, based on these fundamental methods. Additional
On the reduction of choice reaction times with practice

Information theory concepts have been discussed in relation to data from choice reaction time experiments. Specifically, it has been stated that choice reaction time is proportional to the logarith...
Parental Monitoring as a Moderator of the Effect of Family Sexual Communication on Sexual Risk Behavior Among Adolescents in Psychiatric Care

Authors examined if parental monitoring moderated effects of family sexual communication on sexual risk behavior among adolescents in psychiatric care. Seven hundred and eighteen parents reported upon quality of family discussions about sex-related topics and degree to which they monitor teen behavior. Adolescents reported the frequency of their own safe sex practices. Parental monitoring moderated the family communication quality–sexual risk behavior relationship among African American families. African American parents who perceived themselves as capable of open family sexual communication and frequent monitoring had adolescents who reported decreased sexual risk behavior. The moderator model was not supported among Caucasian and Hispanic families and findings did not depend upon gender. For African Americans, findings support the influential role of family processes in development of teen sexual risk behavior and suggest, for parents of teens receiving mental health services, learning communication and monitoring skills may be critical to their adolescent’s sexual health.
Simple Optical Methods for the Recognition of Atrial Flutter, Especially at Slow Atrial Rates

Simple optical methods, particularly the use of a cylindrical lens, are described which facilitate the examination of electrocardiograms and the differentiation of atrial flutter from atrial tachycardia with block. Results of utilizing the methods indicate that what may seem to be an isoelectric line of the latter is sometimes but an optical illusion, especially at slow atrial rates. Continuous atrial electrical activity of flutter has been detected at atrial rates as slow as 88 per minute. Some of these findings are relevant to certain considerations on the mechanisms of atrial arrhythmias.
Rapid synthesis of nanocrystalline magnesium chromite and ferrite ceramics with concentrated sunlight

Abstract High-temperature refractory ceramics and catalysts such as MgM2O4 (M = Cr, Fe) are produced conventionally via energy-intensive solid-state syntheses (using 0.44–10 GJ electricity for sintering per ton oxide, equivalent to combustion of 48–1088 kg coal per ton oxide). This article reports rapid production of 17 ± 2 mol% MgFe2O4 and 8.6 ± 0.9 mol% MgCr2O4 after 30 min at 1200 °C employing 0.82 kW m−2 sunlight concentrated at a geometric ratio of about 900 m2 m−2 using a Fresnel lens. Solar radiation promotes the diffusion-limited ferrite formation (42 ± 5 μmol MgFe2O4 per mol Fe2O3 s−1 vs. 26 ± 3 μmol mol−1 s−1 in absence of sunlight) while the transition metals promote the reduction of Mg2+. The nanocrystalline and macroporous spinel has a specific surface area of 9.7–11.9 m2 g−1 (in the order of sol–gel synthesis methods) and is stable under extreme conditions, i.e., high temperature, solar radiation, and reducing agents.
Role for a synapse-specific carbohydrate in agrin-induced clustering of acetylcholine receptors

Abstract Lectins such as VVA-B 4 , which bind N-acetylgalactosaminyl (GaINAc)-terminated saccharides, selectively stain the neuromuscular junction, thus defining a synapse-specific carbohydrate. In seeking roles for this carbohydrate, we asked whether VVA-B 4 affected the distribution of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on cultured muscle cells. We found that incubation of myotubes with VVA-B4 induced formation of AChR clusters and potentiated the effect of a nerve-derived clustering factor, agrin. Additional experiments implicated GaINAc-terminated glycoconjugates as modulators of agrin-induced AChR clustering. Enzymatic removal of GaINAc residues or treatment with a multivalent protein-GaINAc conjugate blocked agrin-induced clustering, whereas enzymatic unmasking of additional GaINAc residues induced clustering in the absence of added agrin. Moreover, incubation with agrin led to redistribution of VVA-B 4 -binding material on myotubes. Together, these results suggest that agrin-induced clustering of AChRs involves a GaINAc-dependent step.
AN ESSAY ON THE GENERAL CIRCULATION OF THE EARTH5 ATMOSPHERE

Abstract In this discussion of the general circulation the course of the normal transfer of absolute angular momentum from the belts of easterlies near the equator to the belts of surface westerlies in middle latitudes is studied. It is suggested that the horizontal transfer is brought about by the large-scale troughs and ridges in the mid-troposphere, which are adapted to perform this function by their departure from sinusoidal form. Also, the shapes of the subtropical circulations are found to be such as to produce a transport of angular momentum poleward. It is proposed that the downward flow of angular momentum in the westerly belts is effected by the presence of surface cyclones of the Bjerknes type in these regions. The upward flow in the easterly belts is assumed to be effected through some analogous mechanism, although the details are not clear owing to the scarcity of proper observational data.
United Universe: A Second Screen Transmedia Experience

United Universe is a second screen transmedia experience aimed at supporting understanding of a complex storyworld presented across media artifacts. Using the highly interconnected and allusive Marvel Cinematic Universe as a primary example, United Universe abstracts a story into the fundamental elements of characters, events, items, and locations, and presents them in a "glanceable" manner to the interactor. As significant story elements are referenced, the application provides explanatory information on the second screen. Drawing from the larger story world made up of multiple comic books, movies, games, and television shows, United Universe aims to provide clarity and background for the novice, and depth and engagement for more knowledgeable viewers.
Thermal effects in semiconductor saturable-absorber mirrors

A semianalytical evaluation of laser-beam-induced thermal deformation of III–V semiconductor-based saturable Bragg reflectors is presented. The thermally induced bowing and resulting optical aberrations for different incident laser spot sizes and saturable Bragg reflector dimensions are calculated. Also discussed are the effects of the major physical and optical SESAM and laser parameters.
Phosphorus-31 NMR spectra of cobaloximes: Influence of electronic and steric effects of axial ligands

The 31P NMR spectra of a large number of cobaloxime compounds having the general formula trans-Co(DH)2(L)X (where DH = the monoanion of dimethylglyoxime) have been measured. Series examined include those where L = tri-n-butylphosphine or trimethylphosphite, X = various ligands and L = various phosphorus donors, X = Cl− or CH−3. Several factors were found to influence the 31P coordination chemical shifts (Δ's) such as ligand cone angle, hybridization of the phosphorus donor orbital, substituent groups on the phosphorus, and the trans-influence (or -effect) of the X groups. The data are discussed in the context of other NMR and structural studies of cobaloximes. The results lend support to a common trans-effect/influence series for octahedral complexes [1, 2].
Extension programs help small US firms

Manufacturing assistance programs at the state and federal levels are examined. The US government has in the past year earmarked some US $350 million for programs intended to improve manufacturing. These funds have generally been targeted at small and mid-sized manufacturing enterprises with less than 500 employees. State programs are of three types: active programs, which include services from technical needs assessment to consultation assistance; broker programs, which provide limited direct assistance but put industrial clients in touch with people who can help; and passive programs, which provide information only. The growing role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in manufacturing extension activity is described. >
Basin Structure Influences on the Propagation of Teleseismic Waves in the Santa Clara Valley, California

We have investigated ground-motion amplification in the Santa Clara Valley (scv) using teleseismic P waves observed during the 1998 deployment of 41 short-period seismometers. The Santa Clara Valley Seismic Experiment (scvse) (Lindh et al. , 1999; Fletcher et al. , 2003) recorded many local and regional earthquakes and seven large ( M w > 6.4) teleseisms. Measured teleseismic P -wave arrival-time delays, relative P -wave amplification, and P -wave energy were used in the analysis. The relative P -wave amplification is found to correlate strongly with the arrival-time delays. In addition, the P -wave energy is found to correlate with the observed teleseismic delays. We also compared observed P -wave arrival-time delays and P -wave amplification with synthetics computed by using 3D finite-difference simulations of the teleseismic wave field to model these parameters using both the University of California, Berkeley (ucb) (Stidham et al. , 1999; Stidham, 1999) and the U.S. Geological Survey (usgs) (Brocher et al. , 1997; Jachens et al. , 1997) 3D velocity models. The results indicate that arrival-time delays on the order of ±0.25 sec correlate strongly with the reported basin depths in the two models. We find that the correlation between the arrival-time delays and basin depth is strongest for the usgs model. However, the ucb velocity model yields wave amplification that better matches the data. The finite-difference simulations indicate that, in general, the observations may be reproduced by either of the 3D velocity models, although refinements to the proposed 3D structure for the scv are needed.
Autotransplantation of culture‐positive islet product: is dirty always bad?

Background In selected patients, total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) effectively relieves pain caused by chronic pancreatitis and ameliorates the brittle diabetes of the apancreatic state. Patients often undergo multiple endoscopic and surgical interventions prior to TPIAT, increasing the risk for pancreas colonization with enteric microorganisms. Little is known of the safety of transplanting islet cells with microbial contamination.
Connection and performance model driven optimization of pageview response time

Managing client perceived pageview response time for multiple classes of service is essential in today's highly competitive, e-commerce environment. We present Connection and Performance Model Driven Optimization (CP-MDO), a novel approach for providing optimal QoS as defined by a cost objective based on client perceived pageview response time and pageview drop rate. Our approach combines two vital models: 1) a latency model for connection establishment that captures the interactions between web browsers and web servers across network protocol layers and 2) a server performance model based on queueing theory that models performance across all tiers of a server complex. An algorithm capable of enforcing the optimal admission control based on the inter-arrival time between pageview admissions is given. Our approach has been implemented and evaluated in an experimental setting, demonstrating how CP-MDO achieves the minimal cost while providing minimal pageview response times under minimal drop rates across multiple classes of service.
Novel approach to vaginal calculus in a girl with urogenital sinus anomaly

Isolated urogenital sinus can cause distended bladder and/or vagina and may present with an abdominal mass and sepsis during infancy. Older children may present with recurrent urinary tract infections and hematocolpos. We describe a 3-year-old girl with recurrent urinary tract infections thought to be secondary to vesicoureteric reflux. On further investigation, an isolated urogenital sinus anomaly with a calculus inside one of the hemivaginae was noted. She was managed expectantly with a plan to intervene at puberty. At puberty, during removal of the stone, the hemivaginal introitus was found to be stenotic. Gradually increasing sizes of Amplatz type graduated renal dilators were introduced from the introitus of the urogenital sinus into the hemivaginal stone until a size 22F Amplatz sheath could be passed easily. Size 10F cystoscope was passed through this channel, and the stone was fragmented using electrohydraulic lithotripsy. At a later date, she underwent staged anterior sagittal transvulval mobilization of the urogenital sinus.
Body size variation among strains of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis

An investigation of body size variability among 13 strains of the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions. Lorica lengths ranged from 123 to 292 μm and lorica widths from 114 to 199 μm. An 85% increase in lorica length was recorded as females grew from birth to adulthood. Manipulation of rotifer size by culture conditions was investigated for various salinities, diets, and temperatures. In extreme cases, diet and salinity produced a 15% and 11% change in lorica length, respectively. A factorial ANOVA of temperature × salinity × strain effects demonstrated that strain is the most important factor determining lorica size.
Sexual Orientation Disparities in Substance Misuse: The Role of Childhood Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence Among Patients in Care at an Urban Community Health Center

This study examined disparities in lifetime substance misuse by sexual orientation among 2,653 patients engaged in care at an urban community health center in Boston, MA, as well as the potential mediating roles of childhood abuse <age 15 (CA) and intimate partner violence (IPV). Violence indicators were highly associated with substance misuse, as was identifying as a sexual minority compared to heterosexual. CA and IPV experiences partly explained disparities in substance abuse by sexual orientation with differences seen by sex. Clinicians should assess history of CA and IPV among sexual minorities presenting with a history of substance abuse disorders. The study's limitations are noted.
Sodium uptake mechanisms in brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from rabbit renal cortex.

Abstract Amiloride-sensitive and amiloride-insensitive components of 22 Na + uptake were examined in brush-border membrane vesicles prepared from rabbit renal cortex. Both components could be stimulated by interior-negative electrical potentials, demonstrating a sodium conductance pathway and an effect of electrical potential on the initial rate of Na + /H + exchange.
Kurt Godel and Phenomenology

Godel began to seriously study Husserl's phenomenology in 1959, and the Godel Nachlass is known to contain many notes on Husserl. In this paper I describe what is presently known about Godel's interest in phenomenology. Among other things, it appears that the 1963 supplement to "What is Cantor's Continuum Hypothesis?", which contains Godel's famous views on mathematical intuition, may have been influenced by Husserl. I then show how Godel's views on mathematical intuition and objectivity can be readily interpreted in a phenomenological theory of intuition and mathematical knowledge.
Geographic Politics in the U.S. House of Representatives: Coalition Building and Distribution of Benefits

This article argues that scholars need to consider the structure of House representation to better understand distributive politics. Because House districts (unlike states) are not administrative units in the federal system, House members cannot effectively claim credit for most grant-in-aid funds. Instead, their best credit-claiming opportunities lie in earmarked projects, a small fraction of federal grant dollars. As a consequence, I expect to find: (1) political factors have a much greater effect on the distribution of earmarked projects than on federal funds generally; and (2) project grants are a better support-building tool for coalition leaders than allocations to states. I test this argument with a study of the 1998 reauthorization of surface transportation programs and find strong support for both hypotheses.
Orientation change detection and orientation pooling in space and time performed by two subpopulations of neurons in V2

In natural images, some boundaries are de ned by luminance di erences; others are de ned by texture di erences. Most neurons in primary visual cortex (V1) are well-driven by luminance boundaries at the appropriate orientation1-2. Boundaries de ned by di erences in texture, however, are more e ective stimuli for neurons in the secondary visual cortex (V2)3-9. Since the larger receptive elds of V2 are produced by combining the output of V1 neurons10-12, the extraction of texture boundaries by V2 receptive elds must involve computations on its V1 inputs across space. These computations must accomplish a speci c goal – extraction of texture boundaries – while preserving the luminance-boundary information already extracted by V1.
Temperature-dependent changes in sphingosine composition and composition of fatty acids of glycerophosphatides from Musca domestica larvae

Abstract The results show that the rearing temperature for Musca domestica larvae affects the sphingosine composition of ceramide phosphorylethanolamine and the fatty acid composition of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine. When the rearing temperature was increased from 24 to 29°C. and to 37°C., the amount of hexadecasphinganine and hexadecasphing-4-enine increased and the amount of tetradecasphing-4-enine decreased. Similarly, as the rearing temperature was increased, the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids isolated from phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine decreased. The temperature-dependent changes in fatty acid composition were greatest for phosphatidylcholine, and were different for each of the above-mentioned phospholipids. The greatest changes were in C 16:1 . Rearing the larvae in an atmosphere of pure oxygen did not affect the fatty acid composition.
Metal—halogen interchange between t-butyllithium and 1-iodo-5-hexenes provides no evidence for single-electron transfer

Abstract No products attributable to cyclization of 5-hexen-1-yl radicals have been detected in reactions of t -butyllithium with 1-iodo-5-hexenes at −78°C. Such experiments provide no evidence for the intermediacy of free-radicals in the metal—halogen interchange of primary alkyliodides with t -C4H9Li.
Characteristics of Mozzarella Cheese Made by Direct Acidification from Ultra-High-Temperature Processed Milk

Abstract Milk was heated at ultrahigh temperatures to denature up to 35% of whey proteins and then used to make Mozzarella cheese by the direct acidification procedure. Heat treatment of milk resulted in greater recovery of the milk proteins in cheese and a 3.4% increase in cheese yield without adversely affecting recovery of milk fat in cheese, proteolysis of cheese during storage, and sensory and rheological characteristics of cheese.
Identification of a point mutation in type IIB von Willebrand disease illustrating the regulation of von Willebrand factor affinity for the platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib-IX receptor.

Abstract von Willebrand factor (vWF) supports platelet adhesion on thrombogenic surfaces by binding to platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib in the GP Ib-IX receptor complex. This interaction is physiologically regulated so that it does not occur between circulating vWF and platelets but, rather, only at a site of vascular injury. The abnormal vWF found in type IIB von Willebrand disease, however, has a characteristically increased affinity for GP Ib and binds to circulating platelets. We have analyzed the molecular basis of this abnormality by sequence analysis of a type IIB vWF cDNA and have identified a single amino acid change, Trp550 to Cys550, located in the GP Ib-binding domain of the molecule comprising residues 449-728. Bacterial expression of recombinant fragments corresponding to this vWF domain yielded molecules that, whether containing a normal Trp550 or a mutant Cys550 residue, bound directly to GP Ib in the absence of modulators and with similar affinity. In contrast, mammalian cell expression of the same segment of sequence yielded molecules that, when containing the normal Trp550, did not bind to GP Ib directly but, like native vWF, bound in the presence of ristocetin. However, molecules containing the point mutation (Cys550) behaved like type IIB vWF--namely, bound to GP Ib even without ristocetin modulation and, in the presence of ristocetin, had 10-fold higher affinity than molecules with normal sequence. These results identify a region of vWF that, although not thought to be directly involved in binding to GP Ib, may modulate the interaction through conformational changes.
Optical Environment of the Spacelab 1 Mission

The passing of large orbital vehicles through the space environment often generates such emissions as glows on or near the vehicle surface and halos surrounding the vehicle. These induced emissions may affect observations made with the optical instrumentation carried by the vehicles. The glows' causative mechanisms appear to be a complex function of altitude, time in orbit, materials, insolation, and vehicular size and orientation. Attention is presently given to contamination environment data obtained for the instrument suite carried by the Spacelab 1 Space Shuttle mission.