cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Templating in practice

'Templates' are pervasive within all the spheres of organizations. They are considered to represent, among other things, rules, routines and best practices accumulated from the past. Despite their ubiquity within many organizations, little is known about these templates. Through this research-in-progress study, we try to investigate why and how these templates are created, how they are used and appropriated in practice, and how they become intrinsic to everyday organizing. We use the term "templating" to elaborate upon the sociomaterial dynamics that underpin the creation, categorization, use/non-use, and appropriation of templates. Initial results suggest that templates may be more than mere records of 'procedural know-hows' within the organization. They may represent a materiality that is enmeshed in the fabric of organizational practices, often inseparable from the conditions of their creation and use. From the gained descriptive insights, we are in the process of developing a platform called ReKon that is composed of 'fine-grain project template chunks' which facilitates user-led recombinations.
Determination of 3-deoxy-D-erythro-hexosulose (3-deoxy-D-glucosone) and other degradation products of sugars by borohydride reduction and gas-liquid chromatography

Abstract Quantitative analysis of 3-deoxy- D -erythro-hexosulose (1) among other degradation products of sugars, by gas-liquid chromatography (g.l.c) of its pertrimethylsilyl (TMS) ethers, was not feasible because the multiplicity of tautomeric forms gave numerous peaks. However, borohydride reduction of the complex aldosulose gave only the two expected 3-deoxyhexitols, and these were readily separated from other reduced degradation products of sugars by g.l.c. of their TMS ethers. Relative retention times (TR) of TMS ethers of alditols and saccharinolactones (C-2-C-6) likely to arise through alkaline degradation and browning reactions of sugars were determined on two columns to provide a method for analyzing complex mixtures of labile degradation products from sugars. Plots of TR vs. molecular weight of the TMS ethers were regular for alditols and ω-deoxyalditols as one group, but internal-deoxyalditols (alditols having a methylene group within the chain) formed a separate group having consistently larger TR values for the same molecular weight. Sugars vs. deoxy sugars and lactones vs. deoxy lactones showed corresponding relationships.
Solvent Dependence of Intramolecular Electron Transfer in a Helical Oligoproline Assembly

The helical oligoproline assembly CH3-CO-Pro-Pro-Pro-Pra(Ptzpn)-Pro-Pro-Pra(RuIIb2m)2+-Pro-Pro-Pra(Anq)-Pro-Pro-Pro-NH2, having a spatially ordered array of functional sites protruding from the proline backbone, has been prepared. The 13-residue assembly formed a linear array containing a phenothiazine electron donor, a tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chromophore, and an anthraquinone electron acceptor with the proline II secondary structure as shown by circular dichroism measurements. Following RuII → b2m metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excitation at 457 nm, electron-transfer quenching occurs, ultimately to give a redox-separated (RS) state containing a phenothiazine (PTZ) radical cation at the Pra(Ptzpn) site and an anthraquinone (ANQ) radical anion at the Pra(Anq) site. The redox-separated state was formed with 33−96% efficiency depending on the solvent, and the transient stored energy varied from −1.46 to −1.71 eV at 22 ± 2 °C. The dominant quenching mechanism is PTZ reductive quenching of the in...
Integrating technology into field-based experiences: a model that fosters change

Project ImPACT is an implementation grant supported by the U.S. Department of Education Preparing Tomorrow’s Teachers to Use Technology initiative. The principal goal of this project, as with all PT3 initiatives, is to develop new teachers who are capable of infusing technology into the curriculum to enhance student learning. With this result in mind, a model was developed to foster change in K-12 field sites that serve as training grounds for preservice teachers. The ISTE NETS essential conditions provided the framework on which this model was developed with emphasis on access, professional development, support, incentives, and assessment. In this article, we describe the development, implementation, and evaluation of a field-based technology integration model. The results suggest that the model was effective in increasing preservice teachers’ ability to integrate technologies into the curriculum in authentic teaching situations.
Detecting a light gravitino at a linear collider to probe the SUSY-breaking scale

If supersymmetry is dynamically broken at a low scale (${M}_{\mathrm{SUSY}}$), within a few orders of magnitude of the weak scale, then the lightest supersymmetric partner is the gravitino and the next-to-lightest supersymmetric partner is a neutralino ${\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{0}$ with mass ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{0}}$, which can decay into a photon ($\ensuremath{\gamma}$) plus a gravitino ($\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{G}$). We study the detection of ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}{e}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{0}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\gamma}\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{G}\ensuremath{\gamma}\stackrel{\ifmmode \tilde{}\else \~{}\fi{}}{G}$ at the proposed Linear Collider, and find the range of the parameters ${M}_{\mathrm{SUSY}}$ and ${m}_{{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{1}^{0}}$ that can be accessible with a right-hand polarized electron beam at $\sqrt{S}=500$ GeV, with 50 ${\mathrm{fb}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ integrated luminosity. We also discuss briefly the accessible range for current electron and hadron colliders.
Rapid Prototyping Course on Mobile Computer Systems

This paper describes a project based multi-disciplinary design course focusing on rapid prototyping of mobile computer systems. The class provides a unique experimental testbed, covering the full engineering design process. We built a novel input device integrated with a wearable computer system for aircraft technicians that combines training material and interactive electronic technical manuals. Integration of the input device and wearable computer with the application is also described.
Altered chromatin structure associated with methylation-induced gene silencing in cancer cells: correlation of accessibility, methylation, MeCP2 binding and acetylation

Silencing of tumor-suppressor genes by hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands is well documented in human cancer and may be mediated by methyl-CpG-binding proteins, like MeCP2, that are associated in vivo with chromatin modifiers and transcriptional repressors. However, the exact dynamic between methylation and chromatin structure in the regulation of gene expression is not well understood. In this study, we have analyzed the methylation status and chromatin structure of three CpG islands in the p14(ARF)/p16(INK4A) locus in a series of normal and cancer cell lines using methylation-sensitive digestion, MspI accessibility in intact nuclei and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. We demonstrate the existence of an altered chromatin structure associated with the silencing of tumor-suppressor genes in human cancer cell lines involving CpG island methylation, chromatin condensation, histone deacetylation and MeCP2 binding. The data showed that MeCP2 could bind to methylated CpG islands in both promoters and exons; MeCP2 does not interfere with transcription when bound at an exon, suggesting a more generalized role for the protein beyond transcriptional repression. In the absence of methylation, it is demonstrated that CpG islands located in promoters versus exons display marked differences in the levels of acetylation of associated histone H3, suggesting that chromatin remodeling can be achieved by methylation-independent processes and perhaps explaining why non-promoter CpG islands are more susceptible to de novo methylation than promoter islands.
Does the Preparation and Utilization of 99mTc-Sulfur Colloid Affect the Outcomes of Breast Lymphoscintigraphy?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether certain factors in the preparation and use of 99mTc-sulfur colloid affected the number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) detected during SLN mapping and during intraoperative SLN identification. The factors that were investigated included the use of a dry heat block versus a hot water bath to heat the 99mTc-sulfur colloid bulk vial, amount of 99m TcOH4 2 added to form the sulfur colloid particles, time between the unit dose calibration and the injection of the dose, and breast quadrant in which the injection occurred. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively and quantitatively analyzed from images and reports of 488 patients with breast cancer who had undergone SLN mapping and intraoperative SLN identification from January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2011, inclusive. The dependent variables assessed were the number of SLNs visualized during lymphoscintigraphy, number of radioactive SLNs removed during surgery, and total number of lymph nodes removed intraoperatively. Results: There was no significant difference in outcomes when comparing the amount of 99m TcOH4 2 added during the preparation process to form the sulfur colloid particles, time between the unit dose calibration time and the time that the unit doses were injected, or location in the breast tissue in which the unit dose was administered. Initially, there were observed significant differences in outcomes when the heating methods used to prepare the 99m Tc-sulfur colloid were compared. When the increased number of patients who were administered a calibrated unit dose activity of 74 MBq in the group using a dry heat block preparation method was taken into account, however, the findings were not significant. Conclusion: The use of a dry heat block versus a hot water bath to heat the 99mTc-sulfur colloid bulk vial, amount of 99m TcOH4 2 added to form sulfur colloid particles, time between the unit dose calibration and the injection of the dose, and breast quadrant in which the injection occurred do not affect the number of SLNs detected during SLN mapping and during intraoperative SLN identification.
Antecedents and Consequences of Information Systems Planning Integration

Successful utilization of the firm's information technology (IT) investments continues to be a difficult but important task for senior business and information systems managers. This paper focuses on one potentially important determinant of IT investment outcomes-integration of business and IT planning. Integration is examined using three kinds of participation: business managers' participation in IT planning, IT managers' participation in business planning, and top managers' participation in IT resource allocation. Based on considerations of knowledge sharing and commitment, a theoretical model linking these three aspects to three potential consequences-quality of IT plans, IT project problems, and IT-based organization performance-and two antecedents-top managers' perception of IT importance and environmental heterogeneity-is developed. The model is tested using data collected through a survey of 274 chief information officer (CIO) respondents. Results of structural equation modeling analysis support 12 of the 15 hypotheses. Surprisingly, top managers' participation in resource allocation had a stronger association with IT-based organizational performance than either quality of IT plans or the absence of IT project problems. This implies that the role of IT planning and alignment might be weakened when investments reflect top managements' selection. Implications of the study for practice and future research are examined.
Restriction Endonuclease-fragment Polymorphisms of Oral Viridans Streptococci, Compared by Conventional and Field-inversion Gel Electrophoresis

Oral streptococci formerly classified as Streptococcus sanguis or Streptococcus mitis have recently been divided into four species. Two additional species have also been proposed for this group. Each species is genetically distinct, but they have many traits in common, which makes it difficult for clinical isolates to be identified by phenotypic tests. Genotypic comparison may provide an alternative approach. This study used DNA fingerprint analysis for comparison of genotypes of 21 reference strains-classified as Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus oralis, "Streptococcus parasanguis", or "Streptococcus crista" in previous DNA hybridization studies-and 17 clinical and laboratory strains placed in those groups on the basis of phenotypic tests. HinDIII and PuuII digests were run in conventional horizontal agarose gels. SfiI digests of reference strains and two laboratory strains were run in field-inversion gels. Fingerprint patterns were compared by visual examination, cluster analy...
Impact of Robotics and Laparoscopy on Surgical Skills: A Comparative Study

Background This study objectively surveyed and compared the ability of participants to perform laparoscopic and robotic tasks, and attempted to determine the key advantages of each modality. Study design A task-based training course was developed that included laparoscopic and robotic task modules. Twenty-two participants (6 faculty members, 6 fellows, and 10 residents) completed a pretask and posttask questionnaire concerning 3 tasks, using both laparoscopy trainer and the daVinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc). All tasks were timed and values were recorded. The surveys were completed by each participant to assess both pre- and posttask experiences. Results In the pretask survey, 55% of subjects reported participating in more than 20 laparoscopic cases, and only 27% had ever worked at a robotic console. The median number of beads threaded in 5 minutes was similar for the 2 methods, but the median time to complete 5 beads was 98 seconds for the laparoscope compared with 160 seconds using the robot (p=0.001). The median number of loops completed in 5 minutes was greater (p Conclusions As with any new technology, skills must be mastered to use robotic technology for the most benefit. The EndoWrist action and stereoscopic visualization were the most valued advantages of the robot. Most fellows and residents would seek additional training in robotics if given the opportunity.
Parental Educational Investments and Aspirations in Japan

Previous models of parental educational investments focus on the composition of the sibship (number, gender, ordering, and spacing) and on the social and institutional context in which investment decisions are made. Social— institutional models predict that parents in Japan are likely to underinvest in girls because of their transient status in the family of origin and their limited earnings potential. This article contributes an understanding of the family contexts under which this model of investment does and does not apply. Through an analysis of 45 in-depth interviews conducted by the author, a family culture of investment model is developed that identifies parental gender beliefs and valuation of education as key factors shaping parental investments in prewar cohort groups. The findings from this research have implications for our understanding of international variation in the gender equity of educational attainment.
Single-micelle-templated synthesis of hollow silica nanospheres with tunable pore structures

Hollow silica nanospheres (HSNs) were synthesized by using swollen micelles of Pluronic F108 (EO132PO50EO132) block copolymer surfactant as soft templates at low silica-precursor/surfactant ratios. An unprecedented tunability of the pore size was achieved in this single-micelle-templating synthesis through the initial synthesis temperature control in the F108/toluene system, for which the pore diameter gradually increased from 16 to 44 nm upon decreasing the synthesis temperature from 25 to 14 °C. An additional pore size adjustment coupled with the change in the size of the entrances to the nanospheres can be achieved by selecting the hydrothermal treatment temperature, as shown for the synthesis at 25 °C. The inner diameter of the hollow nanospheres can also be modified by changing the silica alkoxide precursor used or its ratio to the surfactant. Moreover, the formation of hollow nanospheres, their inner void size and the temperature adjustability depend on the swelling agent used. In the cases of xylene and ethylbenzene swelling agents, the pore size adjustment was complicated by the morphology change from the loose aggregates of hollow spheres to the consolidated particles with multiple mesopores as the temperature was lowered. On the other hand, these swelling agents afforded nanospheres of particularly large diameter (22–26 nm) at 25 °C. Less potent swelling agents (1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene and cyclohexane) afforded largely disordered consolidated structures instead of single-micelle-templated nanospheres. The work demonstrated the potential of Pluronic F108 combined with an appropriate swelling agent to template silica nanospheres with hollow interiors of size and accessibility adjustable over a wide range through simple temperature control.
Self-hate and neurotic breakdown

(1958). Self-hate and neurotic breakdown. Australian Journal of Psychology: Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 169-174.
Assessing breast cancer response to bevacizumab using contrast-enhanced ultrasound: Initial results using a murine model

This paper describes preliminary results in a murine model devoted to monitoring breast cancer response to bevacizumab therapy using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US). Twenty mice were implanted with 2LMP breast cancer cells. Three weeks thereafter, 10 mice were administered a 0.1 mg i.p. injection of bevacizumab whereas the remaining mice received saline injections. Using a Philips iU22 scanner equipped with an L9–3 transducer, baseline and follow-up imaging at day 6 was performed using contrast-enhanced US and flash-replenishment techniques. Contrast agent flow (i.e., time-intensity curves) and tumor reperfusion parameters were derived from US image sequences and a given region-of-interest (ROI). Experimental results showed reperfusion metrics were greater for tumors treated with bevacizumab compared to controls. Significant differences found in the AUC (p ≪ 0.01) and Ipk (p ≪ 0.01) time-intensity curve parameters maybe due to a reduction in intratumoral pressures and restored tumor flow. No significant differences were found between control and treated tumors for either the Tpk parameter (p = 0.20) or tumor size (p = 0.18). Histological results revealed increased microvessel density (MVD) for control tumors (p ≪ 0.01) when compared to treated mice. No significant differences in tumor necrosis levels (p = 0.18) were found between control and therapy tumor groups. Overall, these preliminary experiments demonstrate that changes in tumor vascularity and perfusion kinetics in response to antiangiogenic therapy can be distinguished using contrast-enhanced US techniques.
Frequency and structure of long distance scholarly collaborations in a physics community

The authors present results from a real-world study depicting remote collaboration trends of a community of more than 87,000 scientists over 30 years. They utilize publication records of more than 200,000 scholarly journal articles, together with affiliations of the authors to infer distance collaborations. The longevity of their study is of interest because it covers several years before and after the birth of the Internet and computer-supported collaborative work (CSCW) technologies. Thus, they provide one lens through which the impact of computer-assisted collaborative work technologies can be viewed. Their results show that there has been a steady and constant growth in the frequency of both interinstitute and cross-country collaborations in a particular physics domain, regardless of the introduction of these technologies. This suggests that we are witnessing an evolution, rather than a revolution, with respect to long-distance collaborative behavior. An interdisciplinary approach, combining numerical statistics, graph visualizations, and social network measurements, facilitates their remarks on the changes in the size and structure of these collaborations over this period of history. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potential Alu Function: Regulation of the Activity of Double-Stranded RNA-Activated Kinase PKR

Cell stress, viral infection, and translational inhibition increase the abundance of human Alu RNA, suggesting that the level of these transcripts is sensitive to the translational state of the cell. To determine whether Alu RNA functions in translational homeostasis, we investigated its role in the regulation of double-stranded RNA-activated kinase PKR. We found that overexpression of Alu RNA by cotransient transfection increased the expression of a reporter construct, which is consistent with an inhibitory effect on PKR. Alu RNA formed stable, discrete complexes with PKR in vitro, bound PKR in vivo, and antagonized PKR activation both in vitro and in vivo. Alu RNAs produced by either overexpression or exposure of cells to heat shock bound PKR, whereas transiently overexpressed Alu RNA antagonized virus-induced activation of PKR in vivo. Cycloheximide treatment of cells decreased PKR activity, coincident with an increase in Alu RNA. These observations suggest that the increased levels of Alu RNAs caused by cellular exposure to different stresses regulate protein synthesis by antagonizing PKR activation. This provides a functional role for mammalian short interspersed elements, prototypical junk DNA.
HIV-1 fusion peptide decreases bending energy and promotes curved fusion intermediates.

A crucial step in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is fusion between the viral envelope and the T-cell membrane, which must involve intermediate membrane states with high curvature. Our main result from diffuse x-ray scattering is that the bending modulus KC is greatly reduced upon addition of the HIV fusion peptide FP-23 to lipid bilayers. A smaller bending modulus reduces the free energy barriers required to achieve and pass through the highly curved intermediate states and thereby facilitates fusion and HIV infection. The reduction in KC is by a factor of 13 for the thicker, stiffer 1,2-sn-dierucoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers and by a factor of 3 for 1,2-sn-dioleoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers. The reduction in KC decays exponentially with concentration of FP-23, and the 1/e concentration is <1 mol % peptide/lipid, which is well within the physiological range for a fusion site. A secondary result is, when FP-23 is added to the samples which consist of stacks of membranes, that the distance between membranes increases and eventually becomes infinite at full hydration (unbinding); we attribute this both to electrostatic repulsion of the positively charged arginine in the FP-23 and to an increase in the repulsive fluctuation interaction brought about by the smaller KC. Although this latter interaction works against membrane fusion, our results show that the energy that it requires of the fusion protein machinery to bring the HIV envelope membrane and the target T-cell membrane into close contact is negligible.
Effect of Improving Accuracy of Load Monitoring on Aircraft Probability of Failure

Evaluating risk of aircraft failure is necessary for scheduling appropriate maintenance, avoiding aircraft losses and mission failures, maintaining a high level of readiness, and estimating aircraft fleet aging. This paper presents the results of calculating aircraft failure risk by estimating the probability of structural failure of F-18 wing attachment bulkheads. Laboratory fatigue-crack growth-test data (published in open literature) are utilized to describe the distribution of initial defects, which is then evolved as a function of applied loads and flight hours. The risk is calculated as a probability of failure (POF) during a single flight, and it is shown that the effect of uncertainty in the knowledge of applied flight loads on POF is significant. The reported results provide a framework for evaluating benefits of improving accuracy of load-monitoring data and POF.
Estimation of Thermal Properties and Surface Heat Flux in Carbon-Carbon Composite

This article discusses a laboratory method of measurement of the thermal properties of a carbon matrix carbon fiber composite material. Another important objective is the determination of the surface heat flux from measured temperatures within the body. This article is unique because the thermal properties are being estimated with known heat flux and temperature histories; then the opposite problem of recovering the heat flux history is solved using the estimated values for the thermal properties and temperature history. This calculated heat flux history can then be compared with the measured input heat flux. Results were obtained for a temperature range of 30-600 C. The thermal properties demonstrate a presumed quadratic relationship with temperature, and a good agreement between the estimated and measured heat flux histories is demonstrated. 18 refs.
Mechanical stimulation of skeletal muscle increases prostaglandin F2 alpha production, cyclooxygenase activity, and cell growth by a pertussis toxin sensitive mechanism.

Repetitive mechanical stimulation of differentiated skeletal muscle in tissue culture increased the long-term production of prostaglandin F2α, an anabolic stimulator of myofiber growth. Within 4 h of initiating mechanical stimulation, the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase (prostaglandin GH synthase [PGHS]), a regulatory enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, was increased 82% (P <.005), and this increase was maintained for at least 24 h. Kinetic analysis of stretch-activated cyclooxygenase activity indicated a two to threefold decrease in the enzyme's Km, with little change in its Vmax. Immunocytochemical analysis of the cell cultures indicated the presence of high levels of the mitogen-inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase (PGHS-2) in the skeletal myofibers compared to the interstitial fibroblasts. While the stretch-induced increase in cyclooxygenase enzymatic activity was not inhibited by tetrodotoxin and therefore was independent of cellular electrical activity, the G protein inhibitor pertussis toxin prevented stretch-induced cyclooxygenase activation. Pertussis toxin also inhibited stretch-induced increases in PGF2α production, phospholipase D activation, and cell growth. It is concluded that stretch of skeletal muscle increases muscle cell growth through a G protein-dependent process involving the activation of cyclooxygenase, an immediate early gene product. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Novel multi-mode single leg converter for renewable energy conversion systems

The digital revolution and faster switching devices have introduced more sophisticated control systems that require high quality and reliable operation. The rapidly growing demand for alternative/renewable energy generation systems and use of energy sources on a large scale, require new technologies. In this paper, a novel renewable energy conversion system, which has the reduced number of switching elements preserving the same power conversion functionality is proposed. The proposed multi-mode energy conversion system is able to supply energy from multi-sources (renewable energy source, battery, and ultra-capacitor) to a load and store energy with the minimum number of switching elements. The proposed approach is verified both by simulations and experiments. The results will enable more timely and wide usage of alternative/renewable energy systems resulting in increased energy security.
Model Predictive Control for Power Optimization in a Hydrostatic Wind Turbine

Model predictive control (MPC) is applied to a mid-sized hydrostatic (HST) wind turbine for maximizing power capture in this paper. This study focuses on the torque control in region 2, which tracks the desired rotor speed so that the turbine can operate at the optimum tip-speed ratio (TSR) for maximum power. Preliminary study shows that the widely used control law has a good control performance in steady-state wind conditions. However due to wind turbulence, the turbine operates at tip-speed ratios far away from the optimal point. This deviation is not only due to the large rotor inertia, but also due to the characteristics of the control. An MPC controller is proposed to track the desired rotor speed by using the future prediction of wind speed. To consider the potential advantage, the MPC controller is applied to a 50 kW HST wind turbine. A wind speed step change is selected as a basic test of transient response. The control performance of the MPC is evaluated and compared with the control law. Results show that the MPC controller in a smaller wind speed step change shows a faster response than control law, but a large overshoot is observed. In a larger wind speed change, the MPC controller loses control when the wind speed steps down. This indicates the MPC controller in this study has limited effective operation range since it uses a linearized plant model and the wind turbine is a highly nonlinear system. Future work includes the optimization of MPC controller parameters to reduce the overshoot during the wind speed change and the design of multiple MPC controllers for wide operation range.
Water accumulation in metered dose inhaler spacers under normal mechanical ventilation conditions.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the water accumulation in 3 types of metered dose inhaler (MDI) spacer shapes in-line in a ventilator circuit, in 2 positions over 2-, 4-, and 6-hour time periods through the use of heated- and nonheated-wire ventilator circuits. Design: The study design was prospective, quasiexperimental, and random assignment. Setting: The study was conducted in a university laboratory. Materials: Three brands of MDI spacers (OptiVent, ACE, AeroVent) were tested. Outcome Measures: Grams of water accumulation were measured. Intervention: Distilled water accumulation was measured in 3 brands of MDI spacers in 0° and 45° positions at 2-, 4-, and 6-hour time intervals. Water accumulation was measured in each spacer by calculating the differences between pretest (dry) weights and posttest (wet) weights through the use of an analytical balance. A Marquest SCT-3000 servo-controlled humidifier with heated-wire ventilator circuit was used with a room temperature range of 21.7°C-22.8°C (71°-73°F) and a relative humidity range of 57%-65%. Results: Multivariate repeated measures analysis demonstrated a difference between brands (P
Awareness of fish advisories and mercury exposure in women of childbearing age.

Methylmercury crosses the placenta and increases the risk of impaired neurodevelopment in the fetus. Federal guidelines for fish intake and fish advisories are in place to help people of all ages limit their exposure to mercury from fish. However, recent studies suggest that the awareness of fish advisories is low among women of childbearing age. Fish intake is strongly correlated with hair mercury concentrations. In women in states with fish advisories, hair mercury concentrations were 7-fold higher in women who consumed 20 or more servings offish than in those who reported no fish consumption in the past 3 months (0.59 vs. 0.08 μg/g). Among this high fish consumption group, the 75th and 95th percentile of hair mercury concentrations were 0.99 and 2.29 μg/g, respectively. This is of concern because the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that hair mercury be less than 1 μg/g. Public health campaigns to reduce mercury exposure need further refinement to reach women of childbearing age.
Effect of Temperature and Host Plant Interaction on the Biology of Three Biotypes of the Greenbug

The biology of 3 known biotypes (A, B, and C) of Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) was studied at various temperature gradients from 10.0° to 32.9°C In the laboratory. Host plants included greenbug-resistant and susceptible barleys and sorghums. The optimum temperature for reproduction as between 21.9 and 23.9°C. The minimum constant temperature at which reproduction occurred was 10.0°C; the maximum was 32.9°C. Resistance in sorghum increased as temperature increased. The fecundity of greenbugs was generally much lower on resistant than on susceptible plants. Biotype C was better adapted than A or B to either temperature extremes. At cycling temperatures the greenbugs were capable of recovering and reproducing at a much higher rate than at constant extreme temperatures
Effects of MS-153 on chronic ethanol consumption and GLT1 modulation of glutamate levels in male alcohol-preferring rats.

We have recently shown that upregulation of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) in the brain is associated in part with reduction in ethanol intake in alcohol-preferring (P) male rats. In this study, we investigated the effects of a synthetic compound, (R)-(−)-5-methyl-1-nicotinoyl-2-pyrazoline (MS-153), known to activate GLT1 on ethanol consumption as well as GLT1 expression and certain signaling pathways in P rats. P rats were given 24-hour concurrent access to 15% and 30% ethanol, water and food for five weeks. On week 6, P rats received MS-153 at a dose of 50 mg/kg (i.p.) or a vehicle (i.p.) for five consecutive days. We also tested the effect of MS-153 on daily sucrose (10%) intake. Our studies revealed a significant decrease in ethanol intake at the dose of 50 mg/kg MS-153 from Day 1 through Day 14. In addition, MS-153 at dose of 50 mg/kg did not induce any significant effect on sucrose intake. Importantly, we found that MS-153 upregulated the GLT1 level in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) but not in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In accordance, we found upregulation of nuclear NFkB-65 level in NAc in MS-153-treated group, however, IkB was downregulated in MS-153-treated group in NAc. We did not find any changes in NFkB-65 and IkB levels in PFC. Interestingly, we revealed that p-Akt was downregulated in ethanol vehicle treated groups in the NAc; this downregulation was reversed by MS-153 treatment. We did not observe any significant differences in glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) expression among all groups. These findings reveal MS-153 as a GLT1 modulator that may have potential as a therapeutic drug for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
Run-DMC: runtime dynamic heterogeneous multicore performance and power estimation for energy efficiency

In this paper we propose Run-DMC, an accurate runtime performance and power estimation scheme for dynamic workloads executing on heterogeneous multicore systems. In contrast to previous works, Run-DMC uses fine grain per-thread metrics that model the Thread Load Contribution (TLC) induced by the native OS scheduling policy to accurately predict performance and power for any possible thread-to-core mapping. This allows the operating system to opportunistically exploit the heterogeneous multicore architecture by dynamically mapping workloads to the most appropriate core type. We have integrated our models into the Linux kernel running on top of a heterogeneous multicore system with 4 different core types. Our experimental results show that Run-DMC models yield up to 97% more energy efficient when compared to the vanilla Linux. When compared to the approach employed by state-of-the-art energy-aware schedulers, Run-DMC yields up-to 44% better energy efficiency.
Social and ecological influences on activity budgets of vervet monkeys, and their implications for group living

Activity patterns were documented over a 20-month period in six groups of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. Group size varied both among groups and within groups through time. The home ranges of two groups were located in Acacia xanthophloea habitat whereas those of four adjacent groups were located in A. tortilis habitat. Repeated measures analysis of variance, three-way analysis of variance, and meta-analysis of group size effects were carried out on feeding, moving, resting, scanning, allo-grooming, and ‘other’ behavior. Time spent feeding varied seasonally, peaking during periods when A. tortilis seeds were eaten. However, time spent feeding did not vary within or among groups, or between habitats, males and females, or dominants and subordinates. Males spend more time scanning and less time allo-grooming than females, and high-ranking individuals of both sexes spent more time scanning than low-ranking individuals. Among females, subordinates spent more time moving, whereas among males, dominants spent more time moving. Groups living in A. xanthophloea habitat spent more time moving and allo-grooming than groups in A. tortilis habitat but this may have been confounded by the fact that these two groups were on average larger than the others. Significant differences in activity budgets among groups demonstrate that activity patterns observed in one group are not always readily generalized to other groups even when they come from the same population. Group size analyses examined potential costs and benefits of group living. Increased intragroup competition, measured by time spent moving and feeding, was only weakly evident in larger groups. Individuals in larger groups allo-groomed more than individuals in smaller groups. Self-grooming also increased in larger groups. Individuals in larger groups spent less time scanning than individuals in smaller groups, but there was more scanning per group in larger groups than in smaller groups.
Frequency tracking using hidden Markov models with amplitude and phase information

It is demonstrated how the hidden Markov model (HMM) frequency tracker can be extended by the addition of amplitude and phase information. The HMM tracker as originally formulated uses a gate of spectral bins from fast Fourier transform (FFT) processing, and associates each cell with a state of the hidden Markov chain. A measurement sequence based on the output of a simple threshold detector forms the input to the HMM tracker. Two extensions to the original tracker are proposed. The first, the HMM/A tracker, incorporates the FFT amplitudes in the cells of the measurement sequence. The second, the HMM/AP tracker, does not use a measurement sequence, but uses instead the FFT amplitude and phase values in all cells within the gate. A comparison of the results obtained in using the three HMM-based trackers with simulated data reveals that the extended trackers outperform the original. An analysis of the effect of parameter mismatch for the three trackers is presented. Their use as detectors is also discussed. >
Radiographic Prevalence of Dysplasia, Cam, and Pincer Deformities in Elite Ballet:

Background:The demands of hip strength and motion in ballet are high. Hip disorders, such as cam and pincer deformities or dysplasia, may affect dance performance. However, the prevalence of these radiographic findings is unknown.Purpose:To determine the prevalence of radiographic cam and pincer deformities, borderline dysplasia, and dysplasia in a professional ballet company.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:An institutional review board–approved cross-sectional investigation of a professional ballet company was undertaken. Male and female adult dancers were eligible for inclusion. Four plain radiographs were obtained (standing anteroposterior pelvis, bilateral false profile, and supine Dunn 45°) and verified for adequacy. Cam and pincer deformities, dysplasia, borderline dysplasia, and osteoarthritis were defined. All plain radiographic parameters were measured and analyzed on available radiographs. Student t test, chi-square test (and Fisher exact test), and Spearman corr...
A 4700-Year History of Cyanobacteria Toxin Production in a Shallow Subtropical Lake

Cyanobacterial toxins or cyanotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacteria and are found in water bodies around the world causing negative effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health. There are numerous environmental and biological triggers for toxin production, and the ecological role of most toxins is still being determined. Whereas cyanobacterial toxin occurrence appears to be expanding and monitoring efforts have increased in recent years, the history of toxin existence in lakes is poorly understood. Here, I report the history of the cyanotoxin, cylindrospermopsin (CYN), in sediments of hypereutrophic Lake Griffin, Florida, USA, from approximately 4700 years ago to present. The record includes three periods of toxin abundance: one associated with recent, European settlement in the watershed, and the other two during the middle to late Holocene, prior to human impacts on the lake. Each period corresponds to changes in different paleolimnological measurements suggesting drivers of CYN production have varied through time. This CYN record demonstrates the use of sediment toxin concentrations as a tool to reconstruct historic cyanobacterial toxin occurrence and shows that toxin production can occur independent of anthropogenic stressors.
Charge-Transfer Effects in Ni–Fe and Ni–Fe–Co Mixed-Metal Oxides for the Alkaline Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Ni–Fe and Ni–Fe–Co mixed-metal oxide (MMO) films were investigated as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 0.1 M KOH. In an effort to optimize MMO morphology, aniline was used as a capping agent to produce high-surface-area Ni–Fe–Co films on Raney nickel supports. This catalyst exhibits enhanced mass activity in comparison to the Ni–Fe OER electrocatalysts reported to date. Cyclic voltammetry shows changes in the potential of the Ni2+/3+ transitions in Fe- or Co-containing MMO films. In situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) analysis confirms that Fe acts to stabilize Ni in the 2+ oxidation state, while Co facilitates oxidation to the 3+ state. The results of this study support the recent claims that Fe (not Ni) is the OER active site. The OER enhancement of the ternary Ni–Fe–Co catalyst results from two effects: (1) the charge-transfer effects of Co result in the formation of the conductive NiIIIOOH phase at lower overpotential, thus activating the Fe sites which are otherwise in...
The efficacy of two adolescent substance abuse treatments and the impact of comorbid depression: results of a small randomized controlled trial

Objective The purpose of this randomized trial was to investigate the efficacy of 2 behavioral treatments focusing on different change mechanisms in ameliorating a borderline personality disorder constellation of behaviors and substance use in adolescents referred by juvenile diversion programs. Methods Forty adolescents 14-17 years of age and meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) criteria for borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders were randomized to integrative borderline personality disorder-oriented adolescent family therapy (I-BAFT) or individual drug counseling. This design allowed a comparison of 2 manualized interventions, 1 family based and 1 individually oriented. Profiles of clinical change were used to detect impact and estimate treatment effect sizes. Results Primary analyses showed that both interventions had a clinically significant impact on borderline personality disorder behaviors 12 months after baseline but with no differential treatment effects. The impact on substance use was more complex. Subgroup analyses revealed that adolescents with depression had significantly more severe profiles of borderline personality disorder and substance use. These youths were the only group to show reductions in substance use, but they only did so if they received the I-BAFT intervention. Study data also documented the high dosage of intensive residential treatment needed by this population. Conclusions and implications for practice Results highlight the intensive treatment needs of juvenile justice-involved youths with co-occurring substance use and borderline personality disorder including depression, the hybrid outpatient and residential treatment often required by this population, and the promise of a family-oriented approach, particularly for youths with severe symptoms and co-occurring depression. (PsycINFO Database Record
PERSPECTIVE: INDIRECT MATE CHOICE, COMPETITION FOR MATES, AND COEVOLUTION OF THE SEXES.

When Darwin first proposed the possibility of sexual selection, he identified two mechanisms, male competition for mates and female choice of mates. Extending this classification, we distinguish two forms of mate choice, direct and indirect. This distinction clarifies the relationship between Darwin's two mechanisms and, furthermore, indicates that the potential scope for sexual selection is much wider than thus far realized. Direct mate choice, the focus of most research on sexual selection in recent decades, requires discrimination between attributes of individuals of the opposite sex. Indirect mate choice includes all other behavior or morphology that restricts an individual's set of potential mates. Possibilities for indirect mate choice include advertisement of fertility or copulation, evasive behavior, aggregation or synchronization with other individuals of the same sex, and preferences for mating in particular locations. In each of these cases, indirect mate choice sets the conditions for competition among individuals of the opposite sex and increases the chances of mating with a successful competitor. Like direct mate choice, indirect mate choice produces assortative mating. As a consequence, the genetic correlation between alleles affecting indirect choice and those affecting success in competition for mates can produce self-accelerating evolution of these complementary features of the sexes. The broad possibilities for indirect mate choice indicate that sexual selection has more pervasive influences on the coevolution of male and female characteristics than previously realized.
Designing for Interactive Loving and Kindness Meditation on Mobile

Despite an increased interest in loving-kindness meditation (LKM) as a practice to cultivate compassion, there has been limited research in digital approaches that go beyond traditional digital audio-based guides. Our research explores the use of an interactive guided loving-kindness meditation focused on providing external visualizations. This paper describes a pilot study that sought to understand the potential for such an interactive design approach. Participants engaged with a mobile app over a week and completed both quantitative and qualitative measures. Our findings suggest that an interactive approach that uses external guided visualizations inline with traditional LKM scripts, can cultivate compassion. Yet our findings suggest the use of externalized visualizations may deter from a focus on physiological sensations accompanying internal visualizations. In addition, a mobile approach may present new opportunities to provide situated forms of extending ones contemplative practice into everyday life through reminders and notifications.
Cinical observation of olmesartan medoxomil tablets combined with amlodipine besylate in treatment of senile hypertension

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil tablets combined with amlodipine besylate in treatment of senile hypertension. Methods 116 cases of elderly patients with hypertension,selected in our outpatient department from 2011 July to 2013 July,was randomly divided into study group and control group,each of 58 cases. Study group was given with olmesartan medoxomil tablets combined with amlodipine besylate. Control group was only given with amlodipine besylate. After treatment,compared the clinical efficacy,blood pressure and adverse reactions of two groups. Results The total effective rate of study group was 94. 8% higher than 82. 8% of control group,the difference was statistically significant( P 0. 05). After treatment,the systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure of study group were lower than those of control group,the differences were statistically significant( P 0. 05). Among 116 cases of patients appearred adverse reactions3 cases( 2. 58%),mainly as mild headache,the patient can tolerate,did not affect the treatment. Conclusion The clinical efficacy of olmesartan medoxomil tablets combined amlodipine besylate in treatment of senile hypertension is better than amlodipine besylate,with fewer adverse reactions,worthy of clinical application.