cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface Layer Thickness Measurement from Eddy Current Profiling of Magnetic Coercivity

The use of eddy currents to measure the depth of surface modified layers in ferromagnetic materials has been the subject of numerous studies which are generally based on changes in impedance associated with differences in permeability (and to a lesser extent resistivity) in the surface modified layer compared to the core material (see for example reference 1). By changing the frequency, the material can be probed at different depths. Recently a different approach has been studied by Theiner et al[2] and others[3, 4] based on using eddy currents of different frequencies to probe spatial distributions of magnetic coercivity. This is obtained by measuring eddy current response while simultaneously cycling an externally applied magnetic field to near saturation. For a uniform material the impedance of the eddy current coil reaches a maximum at a field equal to the coercivity of the material, Hc.
inversion of radiometric measurements1

Inversion of satellite radiometer measurements to yield values of atmospheric parameters is expected to be an important source of data within the next few years. A review of inversion methods, based in part on a recent workshop, is presented to outline their present status. General considerations indicate that fine structure will not be resolved, and that the number of parameters determined may be less than the number of measurements. Using infrared data, temperature profiles appear to be inferable with an accuracy of about ±3K, and water vapor distributions may be obtained, over clear skies or broken cloud. Microwave measurements appear to allow temperature determinations with similar accuracy which are less affected by underlying cloud. Water vapor and cloud liquid water content can also be determined, although there are engineering problems. Inversion of visible and ultraviolet data is not as far advanced, but may yield ozone distributions, cloud top heights and information on aerosols. A few of the pr...
A Review of Single-Phase Single-Stage DC/AC Boost Inverter Topologies and Their Controllers

A classical voltage source inverter (VSI) generates an ac voltage that is lower than the DC input voltage. A boost inverter is different from a VSI in the sense that it can generate an ac voltage whose peak can be either higher or lower compared to that of the DC input voltage. Although two-stage boost inverters are very common, there has been a growing interest in single-stage boost inverters. This review focuses on single-phase, single-stage boost inverters where a load is connected differentially between two boost converters to produce a sinusoidal wave. The main drawback of this type of inverter lies in its control algorithm since the controller has to deal with a variable-operating point condition. Considering this issue, different kinds of controllers have been proposed in many works. This work also presents a review of those controller algorithms. Finally, it is concluded that due to the bilinear nature of the boost inverter an accurate small-signal model of the boost inverter is still a work in progress.
Transition metal dichalcogenide and hexagonal boron nitride heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy

Heterostructures coupling transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and insulating hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) demonstrating the unique opportunities for fabricating all 2D heterostructures with the desired band alignments for novel nanoelectronic devices. Structural and chemical characterization of the TMDs and h-BN was conducted via reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Cadherin-Mediated Cell Coupling Coordinates Chemokine Sensing across Collectively Migrating Cells.

Summary The directed migration of cells sculpts the embryo, contributes to homeostasis in the adult, and, when dysregulated, underlies many diseases [ 1 , 2 ]. During these processes, cells move singly or as a collective. In both cases, they follow guidance cues, which direct them to their destination [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. In contrast to single cells, collectively migrating cells need to coordinate with their neighbors to move together in the same direction. Recent studies suggest that leader cells in the front sense the guidance cue, relay the directional information to the follower cells in the back, and can pull the follower cells along [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. In this manner, leader cells steer the collective and set the collective’s overall speed. However, whether follower cells also participate in steering and speed setting of the collective is largely unclear. Using chimeras, we analyzed the role of leader and follower cells in the collectively migrating zebrafish posterior lateral line primordium. This tissue expresses the chemokine receptor Cxcr4 and is guided by the chemokine Cxcl12a [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. We find that leader and follower cells need to sense the attractant Cxcl12a for efficient migration, are coupled to each other through cadherins, and require coupling to pull Cxcl12a-insensitive cells along. Analysis of cell dynamics in chimeric and protein-depleted primordia shows that Cxcl12a-sensing and cadherin-mediated adhesion contribute jointly to direct migration at both single-cell and tissue levels. These results suggest that all cells in the primordium need to sense the attractant and adhere to each other to coordinate their movements and migrate with robust directionality.
Phase-feeding strategies based on lysine specifications for grow-finish pigs1.

Four experiments were conducted using 1,100 to 1,188 pigs each (PIC 359 × 1,050) from ~27 to 127 kg BW to evaluate phase-feeding strategies based on Lys specifications and number of dietary phases for grow-finish pigs. Different phase-feeding strategies were used in each experiment with treatments consisting of a combination of 3 Lys specifications at 96%, 98%, or 100% of estimated requirement for growth rate and 4 phase-feeding strategies with 1, 2, 3, or 4 dietary phases. A single-phase-feeding strategy reduced (P 0.10) for differences in carcass yield, back fat, loin depth, or lean percentage across feeding strategies in any of the experiments. In conclusion, phase-feeding strategies provide performance advantages over feeding a single dietary phase throughout the grow-finish period. Simplification of feeding strategies from 4 to 3 or 2 dietary phases with Lys specifications at 98% to 100% of estimated requirements for growth rate does not compromise overall growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs from 27 to 127 kg BW. Although, using feeding programs with fewer dietary phases and Lys set slightly below the requirements can compromise growth performance if initial BW and feed intake in the grow-finish period are lower than expected.
Post‐haematopoietic cell transplantation outcomes: why ST2 became a ‘golden nugget’ biomarker

Immunotherapies have emerged as highly promising approaches to treat cancer patients. Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the most validated tumour immunotherapy available to date but its clinical efficacy is limited by toxicities, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and treatment resistance leading to relapse. The problems with new cellular therapies and checkpoint inhibitors are similar. However, development of biomarkers post-HCT, particularly for toxicities, has taken off in the last decade and has expanded greatly. Thanks to the advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and cytomics technologies, blood biomarkers have been identified and validated in promising diagnostic tests, prognostic tests stratifying for future occurrence of GVHD, and predictive tests for responsiveness to GVHD therapy and non-relapse mortality. These biomarkers may facilitate timely and selective therapeutic intervention. This review outlines a path from biomarker discovery to first clinical correlation, focusing on soluble STimulation-2 (sST2) - the interleukin (IL)-33-decoy receptor - which is the most validated biomarker.
Physical modifications to late prehistoric plazas in the southeast U.S.

Abstract Earthen modifications to create level plaza areas at mound sites in the Southeast U.S. date back to the late Woodland period and appear to have been substantial community investments. The presence of extensive plaza alterations indicate that these spaces were architectural elements central to the design layout. This requirement for a centralized level landscape may have possessed an inherent meaning to the population while also serving to integrate the activities of the community. The research herein explores the modification of the plaza area at Moundville with the intent to show how the transformation of plaza areas was integral to the social relations in emerging complex societies of the Southeast.
Behavioral Health Services Following Release From Jail: A Widening Racial Disparity Gap

Black and Native people continue to be grossly overrepresented in jails at 592 and 401, respectively, per 100000 people compared with White people, who are incarcerated at a rate of 187 per 100 000 1 HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH IN JAILS Jails concentrate people with highly infectious and chronic diseases and untreated mental illness and substance use problems, which contributes to the health inequities in the communities to which they return 2 We see this today more than ever, with jails being vectors for spreading COVID-19 3 People spend an average of 25 days in jail1;these short stays can disrupt established mental health care and bring infectious disease home to people's families and neighbors Hedden et al suggest several solutions, including the application of critical race theory to policy and practice in the criminal-legal and behavioral health fields, authentic leadership that mirrors affected populations, and culturally responsive interventions to address systemic and individual barriers Policy reform and the development and testing of interventions that work for people of color with SMI who enter orare at risk for entering the criminal-legal system are essential in closing the gap between need and service utilization in this critical postincarceration period
Single-cell chromatin accessibility identifies pancreatic islet cell type- and state-specific regulatory programs of diabetes risk.

Single-nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (snATAC-seq) creates new opportunities to dissect cell type–specific mechanisms of complex diseases. Since pancreatic islets are central to type 2 diabetes (T2D), we profiled 15,298 islet cells by using combinatorial barcoding snATAC-seq and identified 12 clusters, including multiple alpha, beta and delta cell states. We cataloged 228,873 accessible chromatin sites and identified transcription factors underlying lineage- and state-specific regulation. We observed state-specific enrichment of fasting glucose and T2D genome-wide association studies for beta cells and enrichment for other endocrine cell types. At T2D signals localized to islet-accessible chromatin, we prioritized variants with predicted regulatory function and co-accessibility with target genes. A causal T2D variant rs231361 at the KCNQ1 locus had predicted effects on a beta cell enhancer co-accessible with INS and genome editing in embryonic stem cell–derived beta cells affected INS levels. Together our findings demonstrate the power of single-cell epigenomics for interpreting complex disease genetics. Single-cell ATAC-seq analysis of human pancreatic islet cells identifies different cell clusters and transcription factors that underlie lineage- and state-specific regulation and helps prioritize type 2 diabetes risk variants.
A Single Source Optimal Reachable Path Query Method for Gene Regulatory Network

With the in-depth study of gene regulatory network, the reconstruction technology of gene regulatory network based on gene expression data has become increasingly mature. In the study of targeted gene mapping in gene regulatory networks, querying the acting path of targeted drugs can be transformed into a process of path querying on a probability graph. On this basis, evaluating the reachable path in a probability graph requires comprehensive consideration of both path existence probability and path length. However, the existing path query method of probability graphs can only convert the probability graph into a determined graph, and then uses the query algorithm on the determined graph to query. This will lead to the path query process unable to take into account both the path existence probability and path length at the same time, thus failing to meet the needs of targeted gene mapping research. Therefore, this paper proposes an optimal path query algorithm Dual-element Optimal Reachable Path Query Algorithm (DOP) based on the gene regulatory network represented by the probability graph. The algorithm will comprehensively evaluate both the probability of the path existence and the path length to query the optimal path, providing an important reference for targeted gene mapping research.
Corrigendum to “Linear operators, the Hurwitz zeta function and Dirichlet L-functions” [J. Number Theory 217 (2020) 422–442]

Abstract We correct an error found in Section 3.4.1 of Linear operators, the Hurwitz zeta function and Dirichlet L-functions published in JNT 217 (2020) 422–442. The error is related to the convergence of the inverse operator G − 1 defined in Section 3.3 and affects the statement and proof of Proposition 17. We provide a revised statement and proof.
Surgical Outcomes in Macular Telangiectasia Type 2-Related Macular Holes: A Report on Four Patients.

Introduction The few published studies that exist on the surgical outcomes of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) repair in Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) Type 2 report poor rates of hole closure of around 30%. This study is the largest case series of patients with FTMH in MacTel Type 2 and describes an 80% hole closure rate. Purpose /. Aim To describe the outcomes of four patients who underwent surgery for FTMH associated with MacTel Type 2. Methods A retrospective review of clinical, surgical, and imaging data of five eyes in four patients with MacTel Type 2 FTMH who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and 30% SF6 or 15% C3F8 gas tamponade within 3-9 months of initial vision decline. Results Visual acuity (VA) at the time of surgery ranged from 20/50 to 20/200. Successful hole closure was achieved in four out of five eyes, and final VA ranged from 20/20 to 20/40 at follow-up visits greater than 20 months postoperatively. The single eye that did not achieve hole closure had a final VA of 20/60. Conclusion Our case series describes higher hole closure rates and better final VA than previously published reports for macular hole surgery in patients with MacTel Type 2 FTMH.
Routing and Wavelength Assignment for Survivable Wavelength-Routed Networks

In a wavelength-routed network, once a lightpath is set up, a node or a link failure may lead to the failure of all the lightpaths that traverse the failed node or link. In a WDM network, the high capacity of a link has the problem that a link failure can potentially lead to the loss of a large amount of data. So, we need to develop appropriate protection and restoration schemes which minimize the data loss when a link failure occurs. Upper layers of protocols (such as ATM, IP, and MPLS) have their own procedures to recover from link failures [49, 50, 51]. However, the recovery time for upper layers is significantly large (in the order of seconds), whereas we prefer that the fault-recovery time at the optical layer should be on the order of milliseconds in order to minimize data losses. Furthermore, it is beneficial to consider fault-recovery mechanisms in the optical layer for the following reasons [52]: (a) the optical layer can efficiently multiplex protection resources (such as spare wavelengths and fibers) among several higher-layer network applications, and (b) survivability at the optical layer provides protection to higher-layer protocols that may not have built-in fault recovery.
Chapter 1 Dissociable aspects of the mental representation of visual objects

Publisher Summary The many perceptual and cognitive functions served by mental representations of visual objects can be grouped into two distinguishable categories. The first includes the seemingly automatic and unconscious computations involved in anticipating the continuing structure of objects, particularly as the objects or the observer move in the environment or transform in space. The second category of perceptual/cognitive functions are those that rely on conscious knowledge of the identity of an object, in the senses both of the object's meaning and of the characteristics that distinguish recognizable objects one from the other. This chapter argues that the information for, or aspects of, mental representations of visual objects that support these two sorts of perceptual/cognitive activities can be dissociated empirically via laboratory experiments with intact, adult individuals. Such dissociations as well as other experimental techniques can be used to understand at a relatively detailed level the nature of the information preserved in the underlying representations. The chapter presents the results of relevant experimental work and provides an overview of the properties of these dissociable aspects of mental representations of visual objects. The chapter also presents two lines of research addressed to questions about the nature of the mental representation of visual objects.
Determinants of Institutional Ownership: Implications for Dividend Clienteles

This paper investigates whether the tax disadvantage of dividends results in a relation between institutional portfolio allocations and dividend yield. I analyze the holdings of tax-exempt and taxable institutional investors. Controlling for size, performance, and risk, I find that taxable institutional owners prefer low yield stocks while tax-exempt investors do not exhibit a preference for either high or low yield securities. In addition, I find that the magnitude of the stock price reaction to the announcement of a dividend change is negatively related to the ownership level of taxable institutional investors. This evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that firms with greater taxable investor ownership have smaller price reactions to dividend changes because the information in the dividend change is offset by an increase or decrease in dividend yield. These findings are broadly consistent with the existence of tax-induced dividend clienteles.
An Empirical Analysis of Design Choices in Neighborhood-Based Collaborative Filtering Algorithms

Collaborative filtering systems predict a user's interest in new items based on the recommendations of other people with similar interests. Instead of performing content indexing or content analysis, collaborative filtering systems rely entirely on interest ratings from members of a participating community. Since predictions are based on human ratings, collaborative filtering systems have the potential to provide filtering based on complex attributes, such as quality, taste, or aesthetics. Many implementations of collaborative filtering apply some variation of the neighborhood-based prediction algorithm. Many variations of similarity metrics, weighting approaches, combination measures, and rating normalization have appeared in each implementation. For these parameters and others, there is no consensus as to which choice of technique is most appropriate for what situations, nor how significant an effect on accuracy each parameter has. Consequently, every person implementing a collaborative filtering system must make hard design choices with little guidance. This article provides a set of recommendations to guide design of neighborhood-based prediction systems, based on the results of an empirical study. We apply an analysis framework that divides the neighborhood-based prediction approach into three components and then examines variants of the key parameters in each component. The three components identified are similarity computation, neighbor selection, and rating combination.
A Method for Evaluating the Performance of Content-Based Image Retrieval Systems Based on Subjectively Determined Similarity between Images

In recent years multimedia researchers have attempted to design content-based image retrieval systems. However, despite the development of these systems, the term "content" has still remained rather ill defined, and this has made the evaluation of such systems problematic. This paper proposes a method for the creation of a reference image set in which the similarity of each image pair is estimated by two independent methods -- by the subjective evaluation of human observers, and by the use of "visual content words" as basis vectors that allow the multidimensional content of each image to be represented with a content vector. The similarity measure computed with these content vectors is shown to correlate with the subjective judgment of human observers, and thus provides both a more objective method for evaluating and expressing image content, and a possible path to automating the process of content-based indexing in the future.
Inferring fault characteristics using fold geometry constrained by Airborne Laser Swath Mapping at Raplee Ridge, Utah

[1] We used Airborne Laser Swath Mapping (ALSM) data to define the geometry of strata in Raplee Ridge in southeastern Utah that were likely deformed by slip on an underlying fault. The fold geometry was used to infer the fault geometry and loading responsible for the folding using the Boundary Element Model, Poly3D. Monte Carlo Markov-Chain (MCMC) methods created probability density functions (pdfs) that reveal the most likely fault geometry and loading conditions and their uncertainties. Despite the restrictive assumptions of Poly3D, in which body deformations occur from slip on displacement discontinuities in a homogeneous linear-elastic half-space, the strata deflections are matched remarkably well, and the resulting inferences of fault geometry and stress field appear reasonable. We propose that similar methods may be used with models that include more complicated rheologies and heterogeneous and anisotropic material properties to estimate fault geometries and loading conditions where only deflection of strata record these parameters.
Inclusive two-photon reactions at TRISTAN

After briefly reviewing past accomplishments of TRISTAN experiments in the field of inclusive two--photon reactions, I discuss open problems in the Monte Carlo simulation of such reactions. The main emphasis is on multiple scattering, i.e. events where at least two pairs of partons scatter within the same \gaga collision to form at least four (mini)jets. The cross section for such events might just be observable at TRISTAN. While theoretical arguments for the existence of such events are strong, they have not yet been directly observed experimentally, thereby potentially opening a new opportunity for TRISTAN experiments.
The association between childhood asthma and community violence, Los Angeles County, 2000.

OBJECTIVE: This study's objective is to determine if there is an association between rates of violence and rates of childhood asthma in Los Angeles County communities. METHODS: Rates of hospitalization for assault and for asthma were calculated for each ZIP Code and city in Los Angeles County. Linear regression was used to determine the effect of assault rates on asthma rates while controlling for potential confounders such as poverty and racial/ethnic distribution. At the city level, crime rates were included in the model as additional measures of community violence. RESULTS: Hospitalization rates for childhood asthma and assaults were significantly correlated at both the city (r = 0.80) and the ZIP Code (r = 0.54) levels. The association remained significant when controlling for poverty and racial/ethnic distribution with linear regression (p Language: en
Effect of indole-3-acetic acid on the kinetics of horseradish peroxidase catalyzed scopoletin oxidation

The kinetics of horseradish peroxidase catalyzed scopoletin oxidation were observed to be sigmoidal. The apparent Kms for scopoletin is 0.9 mM. Inhibition of scopoletin oxidation by indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) appears to be non competitive. Non competitive inhibition by IAA suggests a more significant role of the peroxidase protein matrix in regulating the activity of the heme moiety.
Effect of spironolactone on sex hormones in man.

Administration of spironolactone at a dosage of 400 mg/day to healthy male volunteers for 5 days resulted in a significant rise in plasma progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone which persisted throughout the study. A transient increase in plasma FSH and LH concentration was observed after the second but not the third or fifth days of drug administration. There was no change in plasma concentration of testosterone, 17β-estradiol, or prolactin. These findings are consistent with a previously-reported spironolactone-induced destruction of the microsomal enzyme cytochrome P-450, an enzyme necessary for 17-hydroxylase and desmolase activity. The results do not explain the decrease of libido, the impotence, and the gynecomastia frequently associated with spironolactone therapy in males
Cross-cultural Analysis of E-mail Reference

Studies that examined virtual reference and its potential for collaboration have by and large represented experiences in western English-speaking countries. This article reports the results of a three-nation (Israel, Japan, and Lebanon) comparative analysis to bridge this research gap. Similarities and differences between these countries highlight elements that international collaborative initiatives should consider when implementing global virtual reference services.
Human B Lymphocytes and B Lymphomas Express PPAR-γ and Are Killed by PPAR-γ Agonists

This paper evaluates the expression and functional significance of PPAR-gamma on human B cells. Recent interest in PPAR-gamma has focused on its adipogenic effects on non-bone marrow-derived cells. PPAR-gamma agonists also have been proposed as anti-inflammatory agents owing to inhibition of NF-kappa B activation. We report herein the first study evaluating PPAR-gamma expression and functional significance in human B lineage cells. Interestingly, normal human B cells and a variety of B lymphoma cells (e.g., Daudi, Ramos, and Raji) express PPAR-gamma protein as determined by immunocytochemistry. The expression of 80-kDa PPAR-gamma on human B lymphocytes and B lymphomas was confirmed by Western blot analysis. 15-Deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) (15d-PGJ(2)), a natural PPAR-gamma agonist, has a dose-dependent antiproliferative and cytotoxic effect on normal and malignant B cells as shown by [(3)H]thymidine and MTT assays. Only PPAR-gamma agonists (thiazolidinediones) and not PPAR-alpha agonists mimicked the effect of 15d-PGJ(2) on B lineage cells, indicating that the mechanism by which 15d-PGJ(2) negatively affects B lineage cells involves, in part, PPAR-gamma. The mechanism whereby PPAR-gamma agonists induce cytotoxicity is via apoptosis as shown by Annexin V staining and as confirmed by DNA fragmentation detected using the TUNEL assay. This is the first study evaluating PPAR-gamma expression and its significance on human B lymphocytes. PPAR-gamma agonists may serve as a counterbalance to the stimulating effects of other prostaglandins, namely PGE(2), which promotes B cell immunoglobulin class switching. Finally, the use of prostaglandins such as 15d-PGJ(2) and synthetic PPAR-gamma agonists to induce apoptosis in B lineage cells may lead to the development of novel therapies for potentially fatal B lymphomas.
Pharmacokinetic parameters obtained with racemates

Abstract The extensive therapeutic use of racemates of chiral drugs, wherein one enantiomer contains most, if not all of the biological activity, raises questions about the usefulness of pharmacokinetic parameters based on measurements of racemic drug. Not only do individual enantiomers behave as distinctly different chemicals with respect to their pharmacologic and toxicologic actions but also with respect to their fate in the body. Therefore, it is critically important, as Thomas Walle and U. Kristina Walle point out, to realize that blood concentrations and pharmacokinetics of racemates often do not reflect those of the active enantiomers.
User Expectations and Perceptions of E-Learning Courses: Which Course Components Facilitate E-Learning Satisfaction?

A research study investigating user expectations, achievement, and satisfaction regarding twenty-five e-course components was conducted with 50 participants from 21 e-courses offered during the 2003 summer term at The University of Dayton. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were used to derive perceptions and rankings of course components relevant to facilitating learning, enhancing communication, and facilitating engagement in the e-courses. It may be concluded that a core set of course elements exists, which enables successful achievement and overall satisfaction for online learners.
Trastuzumab cardiotoxicity: Speculations regarding pathophysiology and targets for further study

Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that is selective for cells that overexpress the erbB2 receptor protein tyrosine kinase, is a promising targeted therapy for the treatment of breast cancer. Surprisingly, toxic cardiovascular side effects were discovered in late-phase clinical trials, and these effects were most prominent when trastuzumab was combined with anthracycline chemotherapy. We review recent data focusing on how erbB2 monoclonal antibodies could exert a cardiotoxic effect through unique cardiomyocyte cell surface and intracellular structural features, and how an individual's cardiac susceptibility to erbB2 monoclonal antibodies may be dictated by the ability of erbB2 monoclonal antibodies to bind cardiomyocytes. In addition, we discuss ways that anthracyclines may also affect erbB2/erbB4/neuregulin receptor signaling, explaining the apparent synergistic effect. Further investigation of the role of normal and aberrant erbB2 signaling in the development of cardiac dysfunction could lead to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction and may lead to novel therapies for the treatment of heart failure, regardless of etiology. Understanding the nature and specificity of trastuzumab's cardiotoxic effects is important in better defining clinical criteria for inclusion and exclusion of patients who can safely receive trastuzumab for the treatment of breast cancer, or possibly other malignancies.
Ectoparasites of Ring-necked Pheasants in Nebraska

In 1971, 1983 and 1984, ectoparasites were identified on 61 ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) from Nebraska. Birds were collected throughout the state from 11 of 93 counties. Four species of chewing lice (Mallophaga) were collected: Lipeurus maculosus, Goniodes colchici, Lagopoecus colchicus and Amyrsidea megalosoma. One species of analgid mite, Megninia sp. was collected. Apparently, this species is new and undescribed. The four mallophagan species have not been reported from Nebraska.
Does personality affect the risk of developing musculoskeletal discomfort

Personality theory suggests that individuals can react differently to the same situation. The primary objective of this research was to study employees’ personality preferences as they related to manual materials handing jobs. The hypothesis tested was that those whose work preferences did not match the nature of their job requirements would report more psychosocial, physiological or psychological stress and strain compared with those whose personality preferences did match their jobs. A total of 133 employees from two distribution centres completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and other inventories pertaining to their work environments. The results showed that, when employees’ personalities were better matched with the nature of their work environment, they generally reported less anxiety and physical discomfort and more job satisfaction and social support than those having a mismatch. This relationship was more prominent in the less physically demanding jobs, suggesting an interaction between physica...
A protocol for the safe administration of debrisoquine in biochemical epidemiologic research protocols for hospitalized patients

The genetically determined ability to metabolize the antihypertensive drug debrisoquine has been proposed as a genetic risk factor for primary carcinomas of the lung. To test this hypothesis, the metabolism of the drug was evaluated in a case control study. The subjects were characterized by their ability to metabolize debrisoquine after receiving a test dose of the drug followed by the collection of an 8-hour urine sample. They were classified by laboratory analysis into one of the following three groups: extensive, intermediate, and poor metabolizers. Poor metabolizers comprise 10% of the population and are unable to hydroxylate the drug. This group was expected to be at highest risk for deleterious effects from this medication. A protocol was created that included patient education and blood pressure monitoring to administer this medication safely to a group of patients with cancer who were already compromised. Although poor metabolizers showed a small decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, no significant hypotensive episodes or clinical sequelae were observed in any of the groups. These data suggest that debrisoquine can be administered safely in a controlled clinical setting and will be useful for the characterization of lung cancer patients in biochemical epidemiology studies.
Non-growth ligand exchange reactions in atomic layer deposition of HfO2

Abstract We use density functional theory (DFT) to investigate non-growth ligand exchange reactions (NGLE) during the precursor half-cycle of atomic layer deposition (ALD) of HfO2 using HfCl4 and H2O as part of a detailed atomistic mechanism. The non-growth ligand exchange (NGLE) reactions of HfCl4 on as-grown OH terminated HfO2 involve the formation of hydroxychlorides and dihydroxychlorides and have lower activation barriers compared to ligand exchange reactions, suggesting that these side-reactions are significant and competitive with ligand exchange. Consequently, NGLE reactions are predicted to be a significant source of chlorine contamination of HfO2 ALD films deposited using HfCl4 and can reduce the efficiency of metal deposition of the ALD process. However, on OH terminated SiO2 these NGLE reactions are predicted to have appreciably larger barriers than ligand exchange reactions and consequently play a less significant role for the initial deposition of HfO2 on SiO2 substrates.
Emerging role of lactobacilli in the control and maintenance of the vaginal bacterial microflora.

The vaginal microflora of healthy asymptomatic women consists of a wide variety (two to five isolates at any one time) of anaerobic and aerobic bacterial genera and species dominated by the facultative, microaerophilic, anaerobic genus Lactobacillus. That the vaginal flora forms part of a dynamically changing ecosystem is evident from the variable prevalence and population levels of each bacterial species detected with repetitive longitudinal sampling, with pregnancy, and with stage in the menstrual cycle. This review emphasizes the role that vaginal lactobacilli may play in control of the vaginal microflora and maintenance of the normal state. Lactobacilli possess many antagonistic properties and produce many metabolites that may be important in maintaining dominance in the vagina. Contradictory data from previous studies regarding the impact of factors such as contraception, catamenial products, and physiologic elements on the vaginal microflora are due in part to poor study design and differences in methodology. Well-designed and controlled investigations with large numbers of individuals in each group are needed, and the limitations of the methodology for such investigations must be considered. Studies of the normal flora, exploring the interaction of lactobacilli and other bacterial species, must be performed before the pathologic processes resulting in vaginitis or systemic sequelae are investigated. The healthy human body harbors an extensive number of microorganisms that inhabit surfaces and cavi
Breeding and feeding strategies in deer mice and house mice when females are challenged to work for their food

Abstract Female deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, and house mice, Mus domesticus=musculus, were challenged to reproduce while working for their food. Animals were subjected to one of several increasingly greater work requirements by using a caging system in which a food-pellet dispenser was controlled by wheel-running activity. Locomotor behaviour, food consumption and body weights were assessed continuously during pre-reproduction, pregnancy and lactation. Peromyscus and Mus differed in the magnitude and temporal dimensions of their locomotor effort; however, both species often ran far more wheel revolutions than necessary to generate the number of food pellets eaten, except during lactation when females invested all of their wheel-running into obtaining food. Peromyscus maintained greater body weights, supported greater litter masses, and produced more pups at weaning than their Mus counterparts, but Peromyscus also required less food per unit of mass than Mus. Most Peromyscus females maintained at the highest work levels did not attempt reproduction. Among Peromyscus that did become pregnant, litter size at birth and at weaning averaged five or six pups, regardless of feeding conditions. Peromyscus pups became increasingly stunted as females worked harder but obtained less food. Mus females allowed insemination and attempted lactation regardless of feeding conditions, but they routinely cannibalized offspring throughout the first 12 days of lactation. Thus, as litter size was reduced, most surviving Mus pups attained similar body weights at weaning. There was no evidence of sex-ratio adjustments in either species. In conclusion, Peromyscus females exhibited a rigid ‘all-or-nothing’ reproductive response, typically increasing their feeding effort to support large litters, whereas Mus females eliminated pups to stabilize the energy burdens of lactation. The divergent energy-allocation strategies employed by female Peromyscus and Mus appear correlated with their respective tendencies for seasonally oriented versus opportunistic breeding in the wild.
Validity Issues in Narrative Research.

Attention to the judgments about the validity of research-generated knowledge claims is integral to all social science research. During the past several decades, knowledge development has been split into two communities: conventional researchers and reformist researchers. Narrative research is positioned within the reformist community. The two communities use different kinds of data and employ different analytic processes. In both communities, researchers develop arguments to convince readers of the validity of their knowledge claims. Both need to respond to threats to validity inherent in their designs. The threats particular to narrative research relate to two areas: the differences in people's experienced meaning and the stories they tell about this meaning and the connections between storied texts and the interpretations of those texts.
Electrosorption and Reduction of Pertechnetate by Anodically Polarized Magnetite

The radionuclide technetium is a common surface and groundwater contaminant at many nuclear fuels processing facilities. This research investigated a new method for removing pertechnetate from contaminated waters based on the low aqueous solubility of reduced technetium species. The removal method involved electrostatic adsorption of pertechnetate at an anodically polarized magnetite electrode, followed by reduction of the adsorbed Tc(VII). This method was capable of reducing technetium associated β activity below the 900 pCi/L drinking water maximum contaminant level set by the US EPA for manmade β activity. Upon termination of the applied polarization, the reduced technetium species remained adhered to the magnetite electrode under anaerobic conditions. Under aerobic conditions, the technetium was slowly released back into solution, indicating that the reduced technetium is afforded a degree of cathodic protection due to preferential oxidation of the magnetite. The advantages of this electrosorption/red...
Vesicular Transport Regulates Monoamine Storage and Release but Is Not Essential for Amphetamine Action

Abstract To assess the role of exocytotic release in signaling by monoamines, we have disrupted the neuronal vesicular monoamine transporter 2 ( VMAT2 ) gene. VMAT2 −/− mice move little, feed poorly, and die within a few days after birth. Monoamine cell groups and their projections are indistinguishable from those of wild-type littermates, but the brains of mutant mice show a drastic reduction in monoamines. Using midbrain cultures from the mutant animals, amphetamine but not depolarization induces dopamine release. In vivo, amphetamine increases movement, promotes feeding, and prolongs the survival of VMAT2 −/− animals, indicating that precise, temporally regulated exocytotic release of monoamine is not required for certain complex behaviors. In addition, the brains of VMAT2 heterozygotes contain substantially lower monoamine levels than those of wild-type littermates, and depolarization induces less dopamine release from heterozygous than from wild-type cultures, suggesting that VMAT2 expression regulates monoamine storage and release.
Ribosome formation from subunits: dependence on formylmethionyl-transfer RNA in extracts from E. coli.

Ribosome Formation from Subunits: Dependence on Formylmethionyl-transfer RNA in Extracts from E. coli
Contralateral effects of sodium and potassium on the electrical potential in frog skin and toad bladder.

Contralateral Effects of Sodium and Potassium on the Electrical Potential in Frog Skin and Toad Bladder
Identification and characterization of two androgen response regions in the human neutral endopeptidase gene.

Abstract Transcription of the human neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP) gene is androgen regulated in prostate cancer cells. Homology search identified a sequence GTCACAaagAGTTCT similar to the ARE consensus sequence GGTACAnnnTGTTCT within the 3′-untranslated region of the NEP mRNA. A double-stranded radiolabelled oligonucleotide containing this NEP-ARE sequence formed a DNA-protein complex with nuclear proteins from LNCaP cells or COS-7 cells co-transfected with an androgen receptor (AR) expression vector, and with full-length AR synthesized by baculovirus in mobility shift assays. Unlabeled NEP-ARE or consensus ARE but not mutated NEP-ARE replaced radiolabelled NEP-ARE. Steroid-dependent enhancement of transcription was assayed by transfecting ptkCAT reporter constructs containing the NEP-ARE into CV-1/AR cells and prostate cancer cells (PC-3/AR). Enhancement of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) activity was increased four-fold by androgen, seven-fold by dexamethasone and three-fold by progesterone in CV-1/AR cells, and the NEP-ARE bound to glucocorticoid and progesterone receptor in mobility shift assays. We next performed DNase-I footprinting analysis of the NEP promoter and identified a 23 bp sequence GGTGCGGGTCGGAGGGATGCCCA (NEP-ARR) which was protected from DNase I cleavage by nuclear extracts from COS-7 cells expressing AR. This sequence was 62.5% homologous to an androgen responsive region (PSA-ARR) identified in the promoter of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) gene. A double-stranded radiolabelled oligonucleotide containing this NEP-ARR sequence formed DNA-protein complex with AR but not GR proteins. Unlabeled NEP-ARR, PSA-ARR and NEP-ARE replaced radiolabelled NEP-ARR. Steroid-dependent enhancement of transcription assays in PC-3/AR cells revealed that the enhancement of CAT activity was increased 2.3-fold by androgen, but not by glucocorticoid or progesterone. In a thymidine kinase promoter, the NEP-ARE and NEP-ARR together stimulated a five-fold increase in promoter activity in PC cells. These data suggest that steroid regulation of the NEP gene involves at least two elements including a typical ARE which binds androgen, progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors, and a unique ARR which only binds androgen receptor.
Mechanics of soft interfaces studied with displacement-controlled scanning force microscopy

Abstract The development of scanning force microscopes that maintain precise control of the tip position using displacement control (DC-SFM) has allowed significant progress in understanding the relationships between the chemical and mechanical properties of soft interfaces. Here, developments in DC-SFM techniques and their applications are reviewed. Examples of material systems that have been investigated are discussed and compared to measurements with other techniques involving nanoprobe geometries to illustrate the achievements and promise in this area. Specifically discussed are applications to soft interfaces, including SAMs, lipid bilayers, confined fluids, polymer surfaces, ligand–receptor bonds, and soft metallic films.
Complex Traditions: Intersecting Theoretical Frameworks in Agroecological Research

The knowledge of traditional farmers is encyclopedic and ever changing as they continue learning from experiments and mutual interchange in the actualization of agroecology. The modern science of ecology is (or should be) the scientific basis of agroecology and should synergistically inform the ongoing accumulation of knowledge inherent in the practice of small-scale farmers. Traditional agricultural knowledge is deep but narrow, while modern ecological knowledge is broad but shallow. The intersection of traditional knowledge with modern ecology could result in the generation of knowledge that is simultaneously deep and broad.
Raman Thermometry and Thermal Modeling of Highly Doped Silicon-on-Insulator Joule Heated MEMS Bridges Under Varying Gas Pressures

This paper reports on experimental and numerical investigations of electrically powered MEMS structures operated under different gas pressure and electrical power conditions. The structures studied are boron-doped single crystal silicon-on-insulator (SOI) microbridges that are heated by an electrical current. The microbridges are 85 μm wide, 125 μm tall and 5.5 mm long and lie 2 μm above the substrate. The impact of the narrow gap in the gas phase thermal transport is evaluated by operating the devices under various nitrogen gas pressure conditions, ranging from 625 Torr to ∼1 mTorr — spanning the continuum to noncontinuum gas heat transfer regimes. Raman thermometry is used to obtain spatially-resolved temperature measurements along the length of the device under the various operating conditions. The large dopant concentration (∼4 × 1019 cm−3) within the active silicon layer is found to affect the Raman spectrum used for thermometry via Fano-type interactions, resulting in an asymmetric Raman line shape. With large Raman peak asymmetries, use of the Raman line width as the temperature metric is less reliable as it shows decreased sensitivity to temperature. However, the asymmetry itself, when considered as a fitting parameter, was found to be a reliable indicator of sample temperature. The measured device temperatures are compared to finite element simulations of the structures. Noncontinuum gas phase heat transfer effects are incorporated into the continuum simulations via temperature discontinuities at the solid-gas interface, provided by a model developed from noncontinuum simulation results. Additionally, the impact of the large dopant concentrations is incorporated into the thermal models via a modified thermal conductivity model which considers impurity scattering effects on thermal transport. The simulation and experimental results show reasonable agreement.Copyright © 2012 by ASME