cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Restless Eating, Restless Legs, and Sleep Related Eating Disorder

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) often presents with a primary complaint of sleep initiation difficulty with only ambiguous allusions to motor symptoms. This may result in the condition being misdiagnosed as a psychophysiological insomnia. Further, nocturnal eating is common in RLS and like the classic motor symptoms, patients will describe an inability to initiate sleep until their urge (to eat) is addressed. Restless nocturnal eating arises, intensifies, and subsides in parallel to motor symptoms. Once misdiagnosed as psychophysiological insomnia, RLS patients are frequently treated with benzodiazepine receptor agonists. The CNS actions of these sedating agents, suppression of memory and executive function, unleash predisposed amnestic behaviors. In the case of RLS this would be expected to include the inappropriate ambulatory and eating behaviors of sleep related eating disorder (SRED). The evidence and implications of a link between the restless eating of RLS and SRED is presented here.
The lower Silurian (Llandovery) Osmundsberg K-bentonite in Baltoscandia and the British Isles: Chemical fingerprinting and regional correlation

The lower Silurian Osmundsberg K-bentonite is a widespread altered volcanic ash bed that occurs throughout Baltoscandia and other parts of northern Europe. K-bentonite samples from sections containing the Osmundsberg K-bentonite bed were investigated to determine whether the chemical composition of this bed is sufficiently unique and diagnostic that it can serve as a basis for high-resolution chemostratigraphic correlation on a regional scale. Eleven known and five suspected Osmundsberg K-bentonite samples along with 26 samples of accompanying ash beds from 13 different localities were analyzed for major and trace elements. The data were statistically treated using discriminant function analysis to determine if the trace element data provide a unique chemical fingerprint for the Osmundsberg K-bentonite bed. Comparison with the correlation model of Bergstrom et al. [Bergstrom, S.M., Huff, W.D. & Kolata, D.R., 1998b: The lower Silurian Osmundsberg K-bentonite. Part I: Stratigraphic position, distribution, a...
Ethanol inhibition of recombinant NMDA receptors is not altered by coexpression of CaMKII-α or CaMKII-β

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor is an important target for the actions of ethanol in the brain. N-methyl- d -aspartate receptors are glutamate-activated ion channels that are highly expressed in neurons. They are activated during periods of significant glutamatergic synaptic activity and are an important source of the signaling molecule calcium in the postsynaptic spine. Alterations in the function of NMDA receptors by drugs or disease are associated with deficits in motor, sensory and cognitive processes of the brain. Acutely, ethanol inhibits ion flow through NMDA receptors whereas sustained exposure to ethanol can induce compensatory changes in the density and localization of the receptor. Defining factors that govern the acute ethanol sensitivity of NMDA receptors is an important step in understanding how an individual responds to ethanol. In the present study, we investigated the effect of calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) on the ethanol sensitivity of recombinant NMDA receptors. Calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II is a major constituent of the postsynaptic density and is critically involved in various forms of learning and memory. NMDA receptor subunits were transiently expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells along with CaMKII-α or CaMKII-β tagged with the green fluorescent protein. Whole cell currents were elicited by brief exposures to glutamate and were measured using patch-clamp electrophysiology. Neither CaMKII-α or CaMKII-β had any significant effect on the ethanol inhibition of NR1/2A or NR1/2B receptors. Ethanol inhibition was also unaltered by deletion of CaMKII binding domains in NR1 or NR2 subunits or by phospho-site mutants that mimic or occlude CaMKII phosphorylation. Chronic treatment of cortical neurons with ethanol had no significant effect on the expression of CaMKII-α or CaMKII-β. The results of this study suggest that CaMKII is not involved in regulating the acute ethanol sensitivity of NMDA receptors.
Multiple quark scattering and the changing slope of dσ/dt in the small \t\ region

Abstract The changing slope of dσ/dt at small \t\ observed in the CERN-ISR p-p scattering data can be reproduced in the Glauber multiple quark scattering model by a quark-quark scattering amplitude that is an undamped rapidly oscillating function of momentum transferred to the quark.
Perturbative quantum chromodynamic prediction for the heavy quark fragmentation function

Abstract Within the framework of a particular model for meson production, a perturbative QCD analysis is presented for the inclusive production of pseudoscalar and vector mesons to derive the fragmentation function of heavy quarks produced in e + e − annihilation. The results are compared with experimental data for bottom and charm quark fragmentation functions.
Effects of selective estrogen receptor agonists on food intake and body weight gain in rats.

Abstract Ovariectomized (OVX) rats eat more and gain weight more rapidly than sham-operated (SO) rats and estradiol (E 2 ) treatment attenuates food intake and body weight gain in OVX rats. Studies were designed to test the hypothesis that the alpha subtype of the estrogen receptor (ERα) mediates the attenuating effects of E 2 on food intake and body weight gain while the beta subtype (ERβ) mediates opposing actions that lead to increased food intake and body weight gain. Female rats were SO or OVX and treated daily with vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide, DMSO) or E 2 (10 μg/day), or the ERα−selective agonist, 4,4′,4″-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol (PPT, 0.5 mg/day), or the ERβ−selective agonist, 2,3-bis(4-hyroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN, 0.5 mg/day) for 14 days. Total food intake was significantly reduced by E 2 and PPT, but not DPN. Total body weight gain was significantly increased in OVX rats compared to SO rats and treatment with E 2 or PPT, but not DPN, significantly decreased total body weight gain to levels that were not significantly different from SO rats. A dose–response study of PPT indicated that at 0.25 mg/day, PPT significantly reduced total 21-day food intake and body weight gain and, at 0.13 and 0.06 mg/day, PPT significantly reduced total body weight gain compared to OVX rats without significantly reducing total food intake. A dose–response study of DPN indicated that none of the three doses of DPN significantly altered total 21-day food intake or total body weight gain. These results suggest ERα mediates the attenuating effects of estrogens on food intake and body weight gain while ERβ has no effect on these variables.
Robotic-assisted Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy

Introduction Open inguinal lymphadenectomy is a well-established therapeutic and diagnostic option for patients with invasive penile squamous cell carcinoma who are at risk of regional and distant metastases. We report the use of endoscopic robotic-assisted bilateral inguinal lymph node dissections in a patient with palpable inguinal nodes despite oral antibiotics. Technique A 2-cm mid-thigh incision was made to develop a plane just deep to Camper's (fatty) fascia. Once a sufficient working space was created to place 3 robotic ports and 1 assistant port, subcutaneous gas was instilled, and the robotic device was docked and used to perform the dissection. The surgical approach replicated the principles of open techniques such that the contents of the femoral canal were dissected to the inguinal ligament superiorly, the sartorius muscle laterally, and the adductor longus muscle medially to include both superficial and deep lymph nodes in the dissection template. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first report of an endoscopic robotic-assisted inguinal lymph node dissection. A minimally invasive approach circumventing the need for thick skin flaps, the improved flexibility afforded by robotic instruments, and the improved magnification could decrease the morbidity associated with inguinal lymphadenectomy while maintaining oncologic principles.
Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision

After total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer was introduced in 1982, local recurrence rates decreased to 5%. These results were found to be reproducible; therefore, the technique became standard for the treatment of rectal cancer. Laparoscopic surgery for curable colorectal malignancy is still considered investigational. Indeed, the United States National Cancer Institute (NCI) trial excludes rectal carcinoma. The application of laparoscopy to rectal carcinoma must compete with total mesorectal excision, which has obtained favorable results in the last decade. In this review, we assess the adequacy of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision, describe the techniques (both anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection), and discuss their potential advantages.
A Comparison of Succinylcholine and Rocuronium for Rapid-sequence Intubation of Emergency Department Patients

Objective: To compare rocuronium and succinylcholine for rapid-sequence intubation (RSI) in the emergency department (ED). Methods: A one- year prospective cohort comparison study was per- formed using a data collection form completed at the time of intubation. Data collected included the reason for the neuromuscular-blocking agent (NMBA) cho- sen, the time to onset of paralysis, and any compli- cations encountered. Three ten-point numerical de- scriptor scales recorded the degree of body movement, vocal cord movement, and the physician's overall sat- isfaction with the extent of paralysis. Results: Suc- cinylcholine was used in 382 patients and rocuronium was used in 138 (26% of all RSI) patients. The mean (6 SD) times of onset of succinylcholine and rocuron- ium were 39 6 13 sec and 44 6 20 sec, respectively (p = 0.04). No patient desaturated and required as- sisted ventilations while waiting for paralysis to oc- cur. Types of body movements were similar with the two agents, but less frequent with succinylcholine (median = 10, mean = 9.5 6 1.1) than rocuronium
Indigenous Rulers: An Ethnohistory of Town Government in Colonial Cuernavaca

Indigenous Rulers: An Ethnohistory of Town Government in Colonial Cuernavaca. Robert Haskett. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1991. xii + 294 pp. $17.50 (paper). ISBN 0–8263–1287-X.
Dual action of praseodymium (Pr3+) on transmitter release at the frog neuromuscular synapse.

THE release of transmitter after a nerve action potential seems to require the entry of calcium ions through the presynaptic membrane1,2. Mitochondrial uptake within the nerve terminal constitutes a possible way of removing these calcium ions temporarily3,4. While inhibition of the first process, namely the entry of calcium, would be expected to decrease the mean number of quanta liberated by a nerve impulse (quantal content, m), selective inhibition of the second process would tend to augment the release of transmitter.
Dietary and salivary factors associated with root caries.

In this pilot study, dietary habits, microbial factors, and salivary factors in 20 older adults who had active decay on root surfaces were compared with those of 20 adults who had inactive or no root caries. In this case-control study, the groups were matched by sex and were of similar age. Subjects using medications known to induce dry mouth were excluded. Subjects completed a nutrition interview and a four-day food diary. Stimulated whole saliva flow rate, buffering capacity, levels of salivary lactobacilli with use of the Dentocult method, and S. mutans cultured on MSB agar were determined. The root caries group had a greater mean number of eating occasions per day (6.1 vs. 4.6), more frequent exposures to fermentable carbohydrates (5.8 vs. 4.2), and higher average daily sugars intake (133 g/day vs. 105 g/day) than the control group. Root caries subjects had significantly higher lactobacilli counts and less salivary buffering capacity. Within the root caries group, significant correlations were found with Root Caries Index and lactobacilli (r = 0.56) and S. mutans counts (rS= 0.50). These results show that frequent intake of simple sugars, high lactobacilli counts, and low saliva buffering capacity may be risk factors associated with root caries in older adults.
Sensitivity Based Power Management of Enterprise Storage Systems

Energy-efficiency is a key requirement in data centers today. Storage systems constitute a significant fraction of the energy consumed in a data center and therefore enterprise storage systems need to deliver high performance in an energy-efficient manner. Static tuning of the storage system is not sufficient since energy consumption is strongly dependent on runtime variations in workload characteristics. Although dynamic disk power management can enable the storage system to adapt to varying workload conditions, prior work in this area has resorted to ad hoc heuristics that cannot guarantee that the system meets energy-efficiency goals. In this paper, we present a novel approach to storage power management that uses the sensitivity-based optimization technique. Our approach systematically balances the dynamic knobs in the disks to operate the storage-system at a desired performance level while maximizing the energy savings. We show that sensitivity-based power management can reduce the energy consumed by the storage system by over 20% for a set of commercial server workloads. We compare sensitivity-based power management to a previously proposed power management scheme for multi-RPM disk drives and show that our approach yields better performance and energy savings.
Classical conditioning and retention in normal and mutant Drosophila melanogaster.

By changing the conditioned discrimination paradigm of Quinn et al. (1974) from an instrumental procedure to a classical (Pavlovian) one, we have demonstrated strong learning in type flies. About 150 flies were sequestered in a closed chamber and trained by explosing them sequentially to two odors in air currents. Flies received twelve electric shock pulses in the presence of the first odor (CS+) but not in the presence of the second odor (CS−). To test for conditioned avoidance responses, flies were transported to a Tmaze choice point, between converging currents of the two odors. Typically, 95% of trained flies avoided the shock-associated odor (CS+).
Homer 1b regulates the trafficking of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors.

The molecular basis for glutamate receptor trafficking to the plasma membrane is not understood. In the present study, we demonstrate that Homer 1b (H1b), a constitutively expressed splice form of the immediate early gene product Homer (now termed Homer 1a) regulates the trafficking and surface expression of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. H1b inhibits surface expression of the metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR5 in heterologous cells, causing mGluR5 to be retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In contrast, mGluR5 alone or mGluR5 coexpressed with Homer 1a successfully travels through the secretory pathway to the plasma membrane. In addition, point mutations that disrupt mGluR5 binding to H1b eliminate ER retention of mGluR5, demonstrating that H1b affects metabotropic receptor localization via a direct protein-protein interaction. Electron microscopic analysis reveals that the group I metabotropic receptor mGluR1α is significantly enriched in the ER of Purkinje cells, suggesting that a similar mechanism may exist in vivo. Because H1b is found in dendritic spines of neurons, local retention of metabotropic receptors within dendritic ER provides a potential mechanism for regulating synapse-specific expression of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors.
Biomass production in the Central Great Plains USA under various coppice regimes

Abstract This paper presents the results of numerous short-rotation coppicing studies with nine fast-growing hardwood tree species grown in the central plains states of the United States. The objective was to compare biomass production of various tree species planted at different densities, coppiced at several intervals, and the longevity of succeeding harvests. Survival, growth, and yield were evaluated. Plant spacing ranged from 0.3×0.3 m to 2.6×2.6 m. Above-ground dormant-season coppice weight and survival on small research plots with one- to five-year coppice cutting cycles were determined. Annual yield of 4–17 oven-dry weight Mg ha −1 for black locust, boxelder, catalpa, cottonwood, honey locust, silver maple, and Siberian elm resulted after several cuts. Survival of cottonwood was about 12% over a 20-year period. Stump sprouting was prolific in silver maple (6.1 per tree); nearly twice as many as the other species compared. Multiple harvests are feasible for many of the broadleafed species evaluated in this study. Survival decreases dramatically at the very close (less than 1 m) spacings. Tonnage remains high for cutting cycles of one, two, or five years. At least three harvests appear feasible. Considering high establishment costs along with survival results conventional spacing distances of about 2 m is suggested for high biomass production especially if plantation longevity of 10 or more years is desired.
The Use of Time-Series Designs: Interaction between Skill Level and Application

The use of time-series designs and analyses in social science research has been extolled as the optimal theory building, evaluation, and practice. This article presents the knowledge necessary to employ various time-series designs and analyses at different levels of background, hypotheses, design, and analysis and examines the implications of the interaction between consumer skill level and application for impact on the consumer-statistical consultant relationship.
Alcohol use among partner violent adults: Reviewing recent literature to inform intervention

Abstract Intimate partner violence is widely recognized as a public health problem. Although intervention programs exist for partner violent persons, there are discrepancies in the literature regarding the effectiveness of such programs. Current standards of treatment have been depicted as “one-size-fits-all,” lending credence to the notion that program goals are admirable, but incongruent with the heterogeneous needs, such as substance abuse treatment, of their clientele. This review of recent literature describes the role of alcohol in adult IPV commission. The author used two databases (Web of Science and PsycInfo), which retrieved 50 unduplicated articles published between January 2009 and April 2012. Eight articles were ultimately identified for further examination. The prevalence of alcohol within partner violence commission is presented in detail as well as future research and practice implications.
Roles and Activities of Male Geladas (Theropithecus Gelada)

Theropithecus gclada males may live in all-male groups, one-male groups, or in isolation. They play different roles in these different groups. Two recording techniques were developed to quantify the activities and interactions of the male geladas. There was found to be a significant relationship between a male's activities and interactions and the role he plays. There were found to be patterns of activities and interactions which correspond to male roles. These are described.
Ammoniation to Reduce the Toxicity of Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue Seed fed to Rats

To assess the efficacy of ammoniation in the detoxification of endophyte-infected tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb), 40 male Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the following four treatments for 28 d: endophyte-free (E-), endophyte-infected (E+), ammoniated (2% dry matter basis, 7 d) endophyte-free (AE-), and ammoniated endophyte-infected (AE+) tall fescue seed. Total pyrrolizidine alkaloid (N-acetyl and N-formyl loline) and ergovaline contents of endophyte-infected fescue seed were reduced 24 and 54%, respectively, by ammoniation. Endophyte-infected treatment groups had lower (P < 0.01) daily feed intakes (DFI), daily weight gains (DWG), feed efficiencies, and primary serum hemagglutination titers to sheep red blood cell (SRBC) immunization than endophyte-free treatment groups. Performance parameters were higher (P < 0.01) for ammoniated diets in comparison to non-ammoniated diets; however, anti-SRBC titers were not significantly different. When compared to the E+ diet, the AE+ diet increased (P < 0.01) DFI (24%), DWG (41%) and feed efficiency (13%).
Leveraging EHR Data for Outcomes and Comparative Effectiveness Research in Oncology

Along with the increasing adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) are expectations that data collected within EHRs will be readily available for outcomes and comparative effectiveness research. Yet the ability to effectively share and reuse data depends on implementing and configuring EHRs with these goals in mind from the beginning. Data sharing and integration must be planned both locally as well as nationally. The rich data transmission and semantic infrastructure developed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for research provides an excellent example of moving beyond paper-based paradigms and exploiting the power of semantically robust, network-based systems, and engaging both domain and informatics expertise. Similar efforts are required to address current challenges in sharing EHR data.
Weight Management Strategies Reported by Rural Men and Women in Iowa

Abstract Objective This study compares the specific behavioral strategies that rural men and women use when trying to lose weight. Design A cross-sectional, in-person survey. Setting Participants were part of a larger study in rural Iowa ( n = 407) intended to identify community health promotion issues. Participants 184 adults (56 men, 128 women) who reported currently trying to lose weight Variables Measured Measures capture strategies for dealing with the social environment, food choice and preparation, physical activity planning, social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, dietary intake and physical activity level. Analysis T-tests, chi-square, Cronbach alpha, descriptive statistics. Results Women reported greater use of nearly all strategies measured. Men reported more social support for diet, whereas women reported more social support for physical activity. Results for self-efficacy and outcome expectations were mixed. No gender differences were found for fat intake, fruit and vegetable servings, or physical activity level. Conclusions and Implications Men and women differ in the specific strategies they use to lose weight, including those related to the social environment. Practitioners planning weight management programs should be aware that men and women may have different levels of experience in using specific behavioral strategies.
Should advanced lipoprotein testing be used in clinical practice

Diagnosis of dyslipidemia currently relies on calculating LDL cholesterol concentration, a strategy with limitations that can lead to underestimation of the patient's lipid levels and, consequently, their cardiovascular risk. In this Viewpoint, James Stein and Patrick McBride discuss how alternative options for characterizing dyslipidemia, such as measurement of apoplipoprotein B-100 and non-HDL cholesterol, and determining LDL particle size by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, could have clinical application.
Effect of Physician Volume on the Relationship Between Hospital Volume and Mortality During Primary Angioplasty

Objectives We sought to examine the combined effect of hospital and physician volume of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on in-hospital mortality. Background An inverse relationship between volume and outcome has been observed for both hospitals and physicians after primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction. Methods Using the New York State PCI registry, we examined yearly hospital volume, physician volume, and risk-adjusted mortality in 7,321 patients undergoing primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction. Risk-adjusted mortality rates for high-volume hospitals (>50 cases/year) and high-volume physicians (>10 cases/year) were compared with their respective low-volume counterparts. Results Primary PCI by high-volume hospitals (odds ratio [OR]: 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38 to 0.88) and high-volume physicians (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.92) was associated with lower odds of mortality. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between hospital and physician volume on adjusted mortality (p = 0.02). Although unadjusted mortality was lower when primary PCI was performed by high-volume physicians in high-volume hospitals compared with low-volume physicians in low-volume hospitals (3.2% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.03), the risk-adjusted mortality rate was not statistically significant (3.8% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.09). In low-volume hospitals, the average risk-adjusted mortality rate for low-volume physicians was 8.4% versus 4.8% for high-volume physicians (OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 0.68 to 3.03). However, in high-volume hospitals, the risk-adjusted mortality rate for high-volume physicians was 3.8% versus 6.5% for low-volume physicians (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.86). Conclusions During primary PCI, physician experience significantly modifies the hospital volume-outcome relationship. Therefore, policymakers need to consider physician experience when developing strategies to improve access to primary PCI.
Angular-momentum structure of 3D collapsing wave packets

Abstract Collapsing wave packets (“collapsons”) found in 3D simulations of strong Langmuir turbulence contain structure in the Langmuir-wave angular-momentum density, which often displays well-defined characteristic patterns such as rings. A model collapson electrostatic potential is constructed as a superposition of approximate eigenstates of a spherically symmetric density well. A potential containing only components with angular quantum number l = 0 and l = 1 is found to reproduce many of the angular-momentum structures observed in the turbulence simulations. In addition, this model potential predicts the observed predominance of collapsons with oblate surfaces of constant field strength.
Environmental change recorded in sediments from the Marmes rockshelter archaeological site, southeastern Washington state, USA

Abstract The Marmes Rockshelter archaeological site in southeastern Washington state contains a > 11 kyr stratigraphic record that was excavated in the 1960s but only recently analyzed in detail. We present the results of physical, chemical, and isotopic analyses of archived Marmes sediments from rockshelter, hillslope, and floodplain locations. Multiple lines of evidence including eboulis production, soil chemistry, and δ13C and δ18O signatures in soil organic matter and calcium carbonate suggest that relatively cool, moist conditions 10,600 to 9700 14C yr BP were followed by relatively warm and dry conditions as early as 9000 14C yr BP. Warm and dry conditions extended to the late Holocene, followed by a return to cooler and moister climate. The limited range of δ13C and δ18O values in Marmes paleosols suggests that the magnitude of moisture and temperature shifts was locally buffered in the lower Snake River Canyon but adequate to generate significant changes in sedimentation and soil formation, possibly due to nonlinear geological and pedological processes. These buffered canyon environments were well suited for establishing residential bases associated with foraging and logistical collecting strategies and may have minimized the influence of climate changes in food resource abundance.
Effects of nutrition and environment on brain biochemistry and behavior

A factorial design was used to explore the influence of malnutrition and environmental enrichment on brain development and adult behavior. Malnutrition in suckling rats was produced by restricting the intake of their dams to 40% of normal food consumption. Environment was enriched using combined preweaning handling and a postweaning complex environment treatment. Malnutrition produced lasting effects upon brain biochemical composition and behavior. The environmental manipulation had no ameliorative effect on the brain parameters measured but it had pronounced effects on behavior, decreasing latency to move in the open field and increasing some measures of activity while it enhanced passive-avoidance performance. There was little evidence for any interaction between the nutritional and environmental variables, but all trends were in the direction of the environmental treatment having more effect on the well-nourished rats.
Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Stability Analysis of Tangent Continuous Welded Rail Track Under Temperature and Mechanical Loads:

Results from applications of the three-dimensional continuous welded rail (CWR) track model ILLIBUCKLE to a tangent CWR track with nonlinear resistance and lateral geometric imperfections are presented. Stability analysis is made of the tracks under temperature and mechanical loads by using temperature lateral-displacement curves. Tangent CWR track stability is highly sensitive not only to ballast lateral resistance and geometric imperfections of the the initial track but also to the vertical rotational stiffness in rail-pad fastener systems and vehicle lateral loads. It is concluded that not only the peak values but also the initial slope and the limit resistance in the ballast lateral-resistance curve obtained from a single-tie push test are important in evaluation of track stability. With regard to vertical rotational stiffness in a rail-pad fastener system, track stability is not significantly affected by the nonlinearities, but it is affected by the initial slope. Effects of the combination of mechan...
Broken symmetries and leptonic weak interactions

Abstract The currents involved in lepton-lepton couplings generate the algebra of U(4). Corresponding U(4)-algebras can be constructed from the hadron currents; they may be considered as subalgebras of higher symmetries like U(6) × U(6), etc. The U(4)-algebras are used for the construction of two models of a universal weak coupling. One model is based upon the U(4)-algebra generated by the total hadron current involved in semileptonic interactions, and a second one is obtained by considering strangeness-changing and nonchanging currents separately. The first model involves the Cabibbo angle as a parameter and it requires this angle to be the same for all currents. The second model has no such parameter; it depends upon a possible larger manifestation of the symmetry breaking interactions to account for the damping of ΔS = 1 transitions. In both cases the neutral generators of U(4) are identified with the 1 + γ5)-projections of electromagnetic currents and of lepton number or triplet-number currents. For triplets with charges z + 1, z, z, the first model gives preference to z = 0 and the second one to z = −1. The two models are discussed briefly in connection with the phenomenological situation and with the assumption of broken SU(3)-symmetry for the hadrons. Renormalization effects are considered in detail, especially in view of the damping factor required in the second model mentioned above. The commutation relations of the hadron currents, together with the hypothesis of partially conserved axial-vector currents, give a reasonable universal damping factor λ A ∼ m π m K for axial vector matrix elements. For vector currents one obtains an analogous result only under rather restrictive assumptions. Otherwise, commutation relations, partially conserved currents, and λ V ∼ m π m K are not consistent as long as other manifestations of the symmetry breaker are considered to be small.
Probabilistic Forecasts from the National Digital Forecast Database

Abstract The Bayesian processor of forecast (BPF) is developed for a continuous predictand. Its purpose is to process a deterministic forecast (a point estimate of the predictand) into a probabilistic forecast (a distribution function, a density function, and a quantile function). The quantification of uncertainty is accomplished via Bayes theorem by extracting and fusing two kinds of information from two different sources: (i) a long sample of the predictand from the National Climatic Data Center, and (ii) a short sample of the official National Weather Service forecast from the National Digital Forecast Database. The official forecast is deterministic and hence deficient: it contains no information about uncertainty. The BPF remedies this deficiency by outputting the complete and well-calibrated characterization of uncertainty needed by decision makers and information providers. The BPF comes furnished with (i) the meta-Gaussian model, which fits meteorological data well as it allows all forms of margin...
Fractal Analysis of Temporal Yield Variability of Crop Sequences: Implications for Site-Specific Management

Characterizing spatial and temporal variability is important in site-specific or long-term studies to evaluate the effects of different management systems on crop performance. Long-term experiments offer unique possibilities to study the effects of management practices on crops and soils over time. The objective of this study was to characterize temporal grain yield variability of seven crop sequences using fractal analysis and to determine whether temporal or spatial variability dominated the grain yield variability. Three crops of corn (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] were studied from 1975 to 1995 in various sequences. Semivariograms were estimated for the standardized crop yield. The slopes of the regression lines of log semivariogram vs. log lag (year) were used to estimate and compare fractal dimensions, which are indications of variability patterns. The intercepts of the log-log lines, which indicate extent of yield variability, were also compared between crop sequences. A small D-value indicates dominance of long-term variation, while a large D-value (near 2) indicates dominance of short-term (year-to-year) variation. Corn had significantly less temporal yield variability than soybean or sorghum. Continuous corn had less yield variability than corn following soybean. Soybean had the greatest yield variability, regardless of crop sequence. Temporal variability was much more dominant than spatial variability in this study. Temporal variability may greatly influence how spatial variability is expressed in a given field. Yield maps, which are used as an indication of past management in site-specific cases, may not be useful in making future management decisions when temporal variability is great. In a less productive year, spatial variability of any nutrient may not make much difference in crop yield of a given field.
Topology Optimization of Compliant Mechanisms Using Hybrid Discretization Model

The hybrid discretization model for topology optimization of compliant mechanisms is introduced in this paper. The design domain is discretized into quadrilateral design cells. Each design cell is further subdivided into triangular analysis cells. This hybrid discretization model allows any two contiguous design cells to be connected by four triangular analysis cells whether they are in the horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction. Topological anomalies such as checkerboard patterns, diagonal element chains, and de facto hinges are completely eliminated. In the proposed topology optimization method, design variables are all binary, and every analysis cell is either solid or void to prevent the gray cell problem that is usually caused by intermediate material states. Stress constraint is directly imposed on each analysis cell to make the synthesized compliant mechanism safe. Genetic algorithm is used to search the optimum and to avoid the need to choose the initial guess solution and conduct sensitivity analysis. The obtained topology solutions have no point connection, unsmooth boundary, and zigzag member. No post-processing is needed for topology uncertainty caused by point connection or a gray cell. The introduced hybrid discretization model and the proposed topology optimization procedure are illustrated by two classical synthesis examples of compliant mechanisms.
A preferential attachment model of campaign contributions in state legislative elections

In state legislative elections some candidates attract contributions from many donors whereas other candidates have much smaller donor pools. Why? What are the origins of these disparities? This paper conceptualizes contributions as a type of attachment between the donor and the state legislative candidate. To model the formation of these attachments, this paper proposes a variant of the Barabasi-Albert preferential attachment model. The theoretical model is tested with data on over one million contributions to state legislative candidates in 2008. The paper also derives implications for macro-level inequities across candidates which are tested by comparing the observed inequities to simulations of the preferential attachment model. The results provide strong support for the hypotheses and show that the preferential attachment model provides a parsimonious representation of contributions to state legislative candidates.
Dynamic Analysis of Embedded Software Using Execution Replay

For program optimization and debugging, dynamic analysis tools, e.g., profiler, data race detector, are widely used. To gather execution information, software instrumentation is often employed for its portability and convenience. Unfortunately, instrumentation overhead may change the execution of a program and lead to distorted analysis results, i.e., probe effect. In embedded software which usually consists of multiple threads and external inputs, program executions are determined by the timing of external inputs and the order of thread executions. Hence, probe effect incurred in an analysis of embedded software will be more prominent than in desktop software. This paper presents a reliable dynamic analysis method for embedded software using deterministic replay. The idea is to record thread executions and I/O with minimal record overhead and to apply dynamic analysis tools in replayed execution. For this end, we have developed a record/replay framework called P-Replayer, based on Lamport's happens-before relation. Our experimental results show that dynamic analyses can be managed in the replay execution enabled by P-Replayer as if there is no instrumentation on the program.
An analysis of salivary gland morphogenesis: role of cytoplasmic microfilaments and microtubules.

The roles of microfilaments and microtubules as causative organelles in the cell shape changes required for in vitro morphogenesis of embryonic mouse salivary epithelium have been explored by use of the drugs cytochalasin B and colchicine. Cytochalasin inhibits morphogenesis, causes flattening of the epithelium and loss of the clefts that were present at the time of drug application. These effects correlate with a specific disruption of cytoplasmic microfilaments when viewed with the electron microscope. Removal of cytochalasin results in reappearance of ordered microfilaments and resumption of morphogenesis. Colchicine disrupts microtubules and halts morphogenesis, but does not cause flattening of the epithelium or loss of clefts. Treatment with cytochalasin followed by recovery in the presence of colchicine demonstrates that recovery clefts can form in the absence of microtubules. It is proposed that normal salivary gland morphogenesis includes microfilament participation via contractile activity, in addition to mitosis and to extracellular stabilization processes.
A DNA-prime/protein-boost vaccination regimen enhances Th2 immune responses but not protection following Schistosoma mansoni infection

DNA immunization represents a promising vaccine strategy that has been reasonably successful, and will likely play an even greater role in vaccine development as these vaccines continue to be improved. We have developed a partially protective DNA vaccine against schistosome infection based on a 23-kDa integral membrane protein, Sm23. The focus of this study was to compare immunogenicity and efficacy of vaccination regimens utilizing Sm23 DNA vaccine alone vs. regimens that utilized both Sm23 DNA and Sm23 in recombinant protein form. We found that priming and boosting with the Sm23 DNA construct (Sm23-pcDNA) resulted in a significant level of protection against challenge infection (36-44%). In contrast, altering this protocol by changing the boost from Sm23 DNA to boosting with recombinant Sm23 protein (rSm23) formulated in aluminium hydroxide (alum) failed to induce a significant reduction in worm burdens. Similarly, mice primed and boosted with the rSm23 in alum also did not develop significant levels of protection against challenge infection. We hypothesize that the differences in the ability to drive protective immunity using the DNA prime-DNA boost strategy and the inability to do so when recombinant Sm23 in alum was substituted for Sm23 DNA is due to driving of different immune responses. In support of this, we found that mice primed and boosted with Sm23-pcDNA had Th1-type immune responses characterized by low anti-Sm23 IgG1 : IgG2a antibody isotype ratios, whereas mice boosted with rSm23 had higher IgG1 : IgG2a ratios. In addition, priming and boosting with rSm23 elicited mainly IgG1 antibodies with no detectable IgG2a, indicative of a polarized Th2-type immune response. Thus, similar to our earlier work, the results of this study show that protective vaccination using Sm23 is associated with a Th1 immune response, and efficacy is diminished using protocols that diminish this Th1 bias. In our study, this was likely due to the use of the Th2-driving adjuvant alum, and future studies are planned where we will compare the protective efficacy of rSm23 administered with Th1-type adjuvants.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Health: Context or Composition?

Does neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) have a significant positive effect on health over and above the personal and household socioeconomic status of the residents who live there, and, if it ...
Colony development from sweet potato petiole protoplasts and mesophyll cells

Abstract Petiole protoplasts and leaf mesophyll cells were enzymatically isolated from the sweet potato cultivars ‘Jewel’ and ‘Centennial’. When cells or protoplasts were plated in the appropriate media formulations, colony formation was readily observed. Protoplast or mesophyll cell derived colonies could continue proliferation to callus on a range of secondary media.
Communicating technology: An historical view

Technology development and transfer are long-time human activities. They precede history and extend to the edges of archeology. This article takes an historical (and, for a few paragraphs, imaginative) view of the application and diffusion of technology as a communication process. It begins with the use, perpetuation, and spread of simple inventions by some animals. The narrative carries through paleolithic and neolithic times showing that, rather than being a relatively modern phenomenon, technology transfer was the means by which our progenitors advanced from dependers upon nature to manipulators of nature, from nomads to cultivators and breeders, and from subsistence farmers to urbanites. In developing the key communications technologies of speech, writing, and translation, humankind accelerated the transfer of the many other technological underpinnings of civilization. The article pays special attention to navigation and the linking role the Arbs played in its development. It also describes the British-American exchange of textile technology first westward across the Atlantic and then eastward. While time, timing, technology, and cast of characters continually change, the basics of communication and technology transfer remain the same.
Carbohydrate removal fails to eliminate the heterogeneity of human prostatic acid phosphatase.

Abstract Human prostatic acid phosphatase is known to display considerable charge heterogeneity upon isoelectric focusing. The structural basis of this heterogeneity is not known, although it has been widely attributed to variations in the nature of the carbohydrate chains or to substituents on the carbohydrate chains of the glycoprotein. In this study, the role of the carbohydrate chains in the charge heterogeneity of the protein was examined. First, sialic acid residues were removed by treatment of the acid phosphatase with neuraminidase. The desialo enzyme was fractionated and purified by l -tartramic acid affinity chromatography. Then, after the protein oligosaccharide linkages were made accessible by the presence of NP-40 or by denaturing the protein, the protein was completely deglycosylated by endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase F at pH 4.5 and 9.3. Two discrete intermediates were clearly resolved by SDS gel electrophoresis during the deglycosylation of the denatured protein at pH 9.3, indicating the existence of three sites of glycosylation on the protein. Peptide mixtures were obtained by digestion of carboxymethylated and citraconylated derivatives of the enzyme with trypsin and the glycopeptides were isolated. The amino acid compositions of the glycopeptides were consistent with the interpretation that there are a minimum of two sites of glycosylation on each peptide subunit of the enzyme. Isoelectric focusing experiments on the native, desialo, and denatured, deglycoso acid phosphatase showed that the heterogeneity of the protein is not eliminated either by desialylation or by deglycosylation. Thus, the electrophoretic heterogeneity of human prostatic acid phosphatase does not lie primarily in the oligosaccharide part of the glycoprotein or in altered conformational states of the protein, but in structural variations of the polypeptide itself. The heterogeneity may be due to variations at the C-terminus, partial deamidation, phosphorylation, sulfation or other posttranslational modifications of the protein chain.
T-matrix computations of light scattering by large spheroidal particles

Abstract It is well known that T-matrix computations of light scattering by nonspherical particles may suffer from the ill-conditionality of the process of matrix inversion, which has precluded calculations for particle size parameters larger than about 25. It is demonstrated that calculating the T-matrix using extended-precision instead of double-precision floating-point variables is an effective approach for suppressing the numerical instability in computations for spheroids and allows one to increase the maximum particle size parameter for which T-matrix computations converge by as significant a factor as 2–2.7. Yet this approach requires only a negligibly small extra memory, an affordable increase in CPU time consumption, and practically no additional programming effort. As a result, the range of particle size parameters, for which rigorous T-matrix computations of spheroidal scattering can be performed, now covers a substantial fraction of the gap between the domains of applicability of the Rayleigh and geometrical optics approximations.
Performance of adhesives for rotating-arm impactors

Particle collections by paired rotoslide surfaces coated differentially with either of two silicone greases, white petrolatum or Lubriseal, were compared in two series of studies. Three samplers were employed, and adhesives were assigned randomly to the six available positions. Recovery differences were small but occasionally significant, with counts generally highest for silicone grease and lower with Lubriseal. During natural and simulated rainfall relative performances were similar, although differences were accentuated.