cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Odor Selections of Island Beach Voles during Their Nonbreeding Season

I examined odor selections of beach voles ( Microtus breweri ) during their non-breeding season. Nonbreeding beach voles selected odor of same-sex conspecifics over that of opposite-sex conspecifics or their own (self) odor. Odor-discrimination data were consistent with trap-capture data and greater social tolerance between conspecifics of the same sex. In addition, odor selections of beach voles were compared with those of meadow voles ( Microtus pennsylvanicus ). Odor selections by female beach and meadow voles were for female conspecifics. Dissimilarities in odor selections between male beach voles and meadow voles may be related to intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting social organization.
The hemodynamic effects of topical fibrin glue during cardiac operations

The authors have observed hemodynamic changes after the application of fibrin glue to the surface of the heart during cardiac surgery, and wish to report two cases where it produced a hemodynamic response
Safety of topotecan in the treatment of recurrent small-cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer

The topoisomerase I inhibitor, topotecan, is approved for the treatment of recurrent small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and ovarian cancer (OC). Patients with recurrent SCLC and OC typically experience multiple relapses and receive multiple rounds of chemotherapy. In these settings, disease stabilisation is considered a treatment benefit, and quality-of-life effects and cumulative toxicities of treatments should be considered. Many patients with recurrent cancer may be predisposed to treatment-related adverse events because of advanced age, renal impairment or extensive prior therapy. The standard regimen of topotecan, 1.5 mg/m(2) on days 1-5 of a 21-day cycle, has generally mild nonhaematological toxicity and a well-defined haematological toxicity profile characterised by reversible and noncumulative neutropenia. Alternative regimens may lower the incidence of haematological toxicities and maintain antitumour efficacy. Topotecan may provide physicians with a versatile therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with relapsed SCLC or OC.
National Institute on Drug Abuse symposium report: drugs of abuse, dopamine, and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders/HIV-associated dementia

The National Institute on Drug Abuse organized a symposium on drugs of abuse, dopamine, and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND)/HIV-associated dementia (HAD) in Rockville, Maryland, October4, 2011. The purpose of this symposium was to evaluate the potential role of dopamine in the potentiation of HAND/HAD by drugs of abuse. A summary of the symposium has been presented in this report.
Characteristics of the guanine nucleotide regulatory component of adenylate cyclase in human erythrocyte membranes

Abstract This study probes the structure and mutual interactions of the components of adenylate cyclase. We use a complementation assay which involves the addition of an adenylate cyclase-related guanine nucleotide-binding protein component to a membrane lacking this component to measure guanine nucleotide-stimulated-adenylate cyclase. Instead of using detergent extracts we were able to achieve full complementation by mixing intact membrane preparations in the presence of the nucleotide component. Of particular interest was the human erythrocyte membrane which contains very low amounts of catalytic activity and no measurable β-adrenergic receptor but has normal amounts of the nucleotide component. This component appears to be the same, by several criteria, as components found in pigeon and turkey erythrocytes and in rat liver plasma membrane. The component confers Gpp(NH)p, fluoride, and GTP stimulation of adenylate cyclase along a single reconstitution curve. It is labeled with NAD by cholera toxin, and has an apparent molecular weight of 39 000 upon sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis. The presence of the nucleotide unit in the virtual absence of the active catalytic unit allowed us to determine those properties intrinsic to each unit and those conferred by the association of the units. The nucleotide component binds guanine nucleotides weakly in the human erythrocyte membrane, yet produces persistent activation of adenylate cyclase and tight binding (of Gpp(NH)p) upon combination with the catalytic unit. Treatment of the human erythrocyte membrane with N -ethylmaleimide causes a simultaneous diminution in both Gpp(NH)p and fluoride stimulation in reconstituted activities, suggesting that both activities are conferred by the same component.
Nova shells: matter-bound or radiation-bound?

THE ionisation structure of nova shells is quite uncertain. Many recent papers1,2,11 have assumed that the shell is fully ionised during the decline, and that the rate of decline is a sensor of the matter density in the expanding shell. In this letter we propose that the shell of V1500 Cyg is not fully ionised, but rather forms a Stromgren shell. In this case the optical light curve is determined by the decline of the energy production rate of the central object.
Estimation of interfacial forces in a multi-degree of freedom isolation system using a dynamic load sensing mount and quasi-linear models

A new indirect measurement concept is developed to estimate interfacial dynamic forces by employing the hydraulic mount as a dynamic force sensor. The proposed method utilizes a combination of mathematical models and operating motion and/or pressure measurements. A laboratory experiment consisting of a powertrain, three powertrain mounts (including a dynamic load sensing hydraulic mount), a sub-frame, and four bushings is then constructed to verify the proof-of-concept. Quasi-linear fluid and mechanical system models of the experiment are proposed and evaluated in terms of transfer functions and forced sinusoidal responses. The lower chamber pressure in the hydraulic mount is estimated since it is not available from measurements. This leads to an improved estimation of the effective rubber and hydraulic path parameters with spectrally varying and amplitude-sensitive properties up to 50 Hz. Finally, the reverse path spectral method is employed to predict interfacial forces at both ends of the mount by using measured motions and upper chamber pressure signals. Overall, the proposed quasi-linear fluid system model yields better indirect estimates of forces from the measured responses when compared with direct force measurements, through a simpler mechanical system model provides some insights. This work also advances prior component and transfer path type studies by providing an improved multi-degree of freedom system perspective.
Stock option compensation: impact of expense recognition on performance indicators of non-domestic companies listed in the U.S.

Abstract The IFRS 2, Share-based Payment, requires that companies recognize the fair value of employee stock options as an expense. To ascertain the impact recognition will have on companies domiciled in countries subject to accounting standards issued by the IASB’s liaison standard setting partners, this research examines the pro forma stock option disclosures provided in Form 20-F by Australian, British, Canadian, French, German, Japanese, and Irish companies. The findings indicate the average impact of expense recognition on diluted EPS will be approximately 40% and will be material at a 5% level for the majority of the companies. The impact varies significantly by country. On average the annual expense recognized will be approximately 15% of beginning stockholders equity. For the majority of the companies, the charge will represent less than 1% of beginning equity. Again the impact varies significantly by country. The findings indicate that absent requirements that stock compensation expense be recognized, a material upward bias will be reflected in performance indicators of many non-U.S. companies and cross-border comparability will be impaired. Since our analysis is based solely on data for the year 2000 for companies domiciled in seven countries, future research will be needed to ascertain the impact of expense recognition on a broader range of companies reporting under IFRS 2.
Target identification and mechanism of action in chemical biology and drug discovery

Target-identification and mechanism-of-action studies have important roles in small-molecule probe and drug discovery. Biological and technological advances have resulted in the increasing use of cell-based assays to discover new biologically active small molecules. Such studies allow small-molecule action to be tested in a more disease-relevant setting at the outset, but they require follow-up studies to determine the precise protein target or targets responsible for the observed phenotype. Target identification can be approached by direct biochemical methods, genetic interactions or computational inference. In many cases, however, combinations of approaches may be required to fully characterize on-target and off-target effects and to understand mechanisms of small-molecule action.
Risk-informed separation distances for hydrogen refueling stations

Abstract As part of the US Department of Energy Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Infrastructure Technologies Program, Sandia National Laboratories is developing the technical basis for assessing the safety of hydrogen-based systems for use in the development/modification of relevant codes and standards. This work includes quantitative risk assessments (QRA) of hydrogen facilities. The QRAs are used to identify and quantify scenarios for the unintended release of hydrogen and thus help identify the code requirements that would reduce the risk at hydrogen facilities to acceptable levels. This paper describes an application of QRA methods to help establish one key code requirement: the minimum separation distances between a hydrogen refueling station and other facilities and the public at large. An example application of the risk-informed approach has been performed to illustrate its utility and to identify key parameters that can influence the resulting selection of separation distances.
Rapid adaptation reduces perceived odor intensity in rodents

While most information about olfactory perception comes from human psychophysics, most neurophysiological understanding of neural odor coding comes from rodents. Intensity perception in humans is known to undergo rapid adaptation in as little as a single inhalation of odor. In rodents, odor-driven neural responses change rapidly across sniffs, but it is unclear whether these changes are associated with reductions in perceived odor intensity. To address this issue, we used a behavioral assay in rats to measure changes in the relative intensity of two odors as a function of concentration and after rapid adaptation. We show that a brief 300 ms exposure to an adapting odor immediately reduces the perceived intensity of the same odor relative to an unrelated control odor. This drop in relative intensity is similar to a 10-fold dilution of the test odor. Our data show that perceived odor intensity in rodents changes rapidly following odor onset, possibly in just one sniff. This provides a potential perceptual correlate to rapid changes in odor responses observed in neurophysiological investigations of odor coding.
The Role of Glucocerebrosidase Mutations in Parkinson Disease and Lewy Body Disorders

Mutations in the gene encoding glucocerebrosidase (GBA), the enzyme deficient in the lysosomal storage disorder Gaucher disease, are associated with the development of Parkinson disease and other Lewy body disorders. In fact, GBA variants are currently the most common genetic risk factor associated with parkinsonism, and identified subjects with Parkinson disease are more than five times more likely to carry mutations in GBA. The mechanisms underlying this association are not known, but proposed theories include enhanced protein aggregation, alterations in lipid levels, and autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction promoting the retention of undegraded proteins. We review the genetic studies linking GBA to parkinsonism, as well as several of the mechanisms postulated to explain the association of GBA mutations and the synucleinopathies, which demonstrate how studies of a rare mendelian disease may provide insights into our understanding of a common complex disorder.
Probing vocal fold fibroblast response to hyaluronan in 3D contexts.

A number of treatments are being investigated for vocal fold (VF) scar, including designer implants. The aim of the present study was to validate a 3D model system for probing the effects of various bioactive moieties on VF fibroblast (VFF) behavior toward rational implant design. We selected poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels as our base-scaffold due to their broadly tunable material properties. However, since cells encapsulated in PEGDA hydrogels are generally forced to take on rounded/stellate morphologies, validation of PEGDA gels as a 3D VFF model system required that the present work directly parallel previous studies involving more permissive scaffolds. We therefore chose to focus on hyaluronan (HA), a polysaccharide that has been a particular focus of the VF community. Toward this end, porcine VFFs were encapsulated in PEGDA hydrogels containing consistent levels of high Mw HA (${\rm HA}_{{\rm H}{M}_{\rm W} } $), intermediate Mw HA (${\rm HA}_{{\rm I}{M}_{\rm W} } $), or the control polysaccharide, alginate, and cultured for 7 and 21 days. ${\rm HA}_{{\rm H}{M}_{\rm W} } $ promoted sustained increases in active ERK1/2 relative to ${\rm HA}_{{\rm I}{M}_{\rm W} } $ . Furthermore, VFFs in ${\rm HA}_{{\rm I}{M}_{\rm W} } $ gels displayed a more myofibroblast-like phenotype, higher elastin production, and greater protein kinase C (PkC) levels at day 21 than VFFs in ${\rm HA}_{{\rm H}{M}_{\rm W} } $ and alginate gels. The present results are in agreement with a previous 3D study of VFF responses to ${\rm HA}_{{\rm I}{M}_{\rm W} } $ relative to alginate in collagen-based scaffolds permissive of cell elongation, indicating that PEGDA hydrogels may serve as an effective 3D model system for probing at least certain aspects of VFF behavior. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 821–831 © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Carcinoma of the Urethra: Radiation Oncology

Urethral cancer is a rare but aggressive neoplasm. Early-stage distal lesions can be successfully treated with a single modality. Results for definitive radiotherapy using either or both external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy have shown excellent cure rates in men and women. The primary advantage of radiotherapy is organ preservation. Advanced tumors, however, have poor outcomes with single modality treatment. Results have been improved using a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, chiefly 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C. Although literature is limited to case reports because of the rarity of the disease, the markedly improved results compared with older results of surgery with or without radiation warrant consideration.
A New Look at the African Slave Trade in Puerto Rico Through the Use of Parish Registers: 1660–1815

Our knowledge of the volume of slave traffic as well as the geographic origin and ethnicity of slaves introduced into peripheral areas of the Americas, such as the former Spanish colony of Puerto Rico, is limited. Information contained in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century parish baptismal, marriage, and death registers enables us to locate and identify Africans in a number of island communities, including San Juan. Drawing upon data culled from parish registers this study seeks to broaden our understanding of the slave trade to Puerto Rico in the years 1672 to 1810. Few slaves were brought in either from Africa or from elsewhere in the Americas to Puerto Rico, and the supply of these was erratic and limited. Although they were small in number, there was considerable diversity in the geographic origins and ethnicity of African arrivals, with individuals from West and West Central Africa predominating. For the most part, these shared a relatively homogenous culture and a greater similarity insofar as the ...
Critique of Information, by S. Lash. London: Sage Publications, 2002. xii + 234 pp. $37.95. ISBN 0-7619-5269-1

Critique of Information is an important book of social theory that deserves a wide audience among students of media and society, although its dense conceptual structure and style of argument may ch...
Facilitating Early-In-Day Discharge for Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated With Intravenous Methylprednisolone: A Quality Improvement Project.

Delays in patient discharges from the hospital can have upstream effects on patient movement within the hospital. Early-in-day discharge has been described as one way of alleviating barriers to patient movement. Coordinating care and planning for discharge from the time of admission throughout the course of hospitalization can facilitate early-in-day discharge. This can be difficult to achieve due to barriers to care coordination and communication as well as delayed preparations for discharge.
Two-center electron-electron interaction in fast ion-atom collisions

Abstract The interaction between a target electron and a projectile electron in one-electron projectile excitation or loss is examined on the basis of the PWBA and demonstrated experimentally.
The effect of voluntary toe-walking on body propulsion.

Abstract Objective . We studied the kinetics of toe-walking by comparing the linear power flow from the leg to the upper-body. Our hypothesis was that toe-walking has no inherent biomechanical disadvantage with regard to upper-body propulsion and support. Design . We studied healthy subjects capable of both heel–toe gait and voluntary toe-walking so that the two forms of gait could be directly compared. Background . Ankle joint power at terminal stance is significantly reduced in toe-walking, which has been presumed to imply impaired propulsion and support. However, linear power analysis may be more appropriate for assessing this aspect of gait. Methods . We compared the normal heel–toe gait of 10 healthy young adult subjects to their voluntary toe-walking gait using gait laboratory kinematic and kinetic data. Inverse dynamic analysis was performed to determine the net joint moments and joint linear powers. The contribution of each joint moment to the total hip linear power was also determined. Results . Hip linear power for toe-walking was similar to that of heel–toe gait with no significant differences in the linear power peaks. The stance phase contributions of the knee and ankle moments were significantly altered in toe-walking only in early stance. Conclusions . Toe-walking does not inherently impair propulsion and support. Relevance Linear power analysis is a useful adjunct to clinical gait analysis, complementing joint power analysis. Understanding the inherent kinetics of toe-walking will enhance our analysis of pathological toe-walking and improve treatment design.
Multiphoton resonance ionization of sputtered neutrals: a novel approach to materials characterization

Abstract Ionization of neutral atoms sputtered from ion bombarded solids by multiphoton resonance ionization has been demonstrated for the first time. The ionization efficiency is several orders of magnitude greater than other post-ionization methods. This approach should find applications in the characterization of the chemistry and structure of solid surfaces and in the trace analysis of a wide variety of materials.
Decreases in cerebral microvasculature with age are associated with the decline in growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1.

Several reports have demonstrated that cerebral blood flow decreases with age and may contribute to neurodegenerative changes found in aging animals and man. Because GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) decrease with age and have an important role in vascular maintenance and remodeling, we hypothesized that the decrease in cerebral blood flow is associated with a rarefaction of cerebral blood vessels resulting from a decline in GH and IGF-1. Measurements of vascular density (number of vessels/cortical surface area) in both Brown-Norway and Fisher 344/Brown-Norway rats were made at 5, 13, and 29 months of age using chronic cranial window chambers that allowed viewing of the cortical surface and its corresponding vasculature. Correlations were made with plasma levels of IGF-1. In Brown-Norway rats, arteriolar density decreased from 15.53 +/- 1.08 to 9.49 +/- 0.62 endpoints/mm2 in 7- and 29-month-old animals, respectively (P < 0.05). A decline was observed also in arteriolar anastomoses [3.05 +/- 0.21 to 1.42 +/- 0.24 connections/mm2 in 7- and 29-month-old animals (P < 0.05)]. Venular density did not decrease with age. Similar changes were observed in Fisher 344/Brown-Norway rats. The number of cortical surface arterioles was correlated with plasma IGF-1 levels at the time of vascular mapping (r = 0.772, P < 0.05), and injection of bovine GH (0.25 mg/kg, s.c., twice daily for 35 days) to 30-month-old animals increased both plasma IGF-1 and the number of cortical arterioles. These data indicate that: 1) vascular density on the surface of the cortex decreases with age; 2) vascular density is correlated with plasma levels of IGF-1; and 3) injection of GH increases cortical vascular density in older animals. We conclude that GH and IGF-1 have an important role in the decline in vascular density with age and suggest that decreases in vascular density may have important implications for the age-related decline in cerebral blood flow and brain function.
An Analysis of the Wear of Tungsten Carbide and Polycrystalline Diamond Inserts Turning Ti-6Al-4V

Dry turning experiments on Ti-6Al-4V were conducted using two grades (finer and coarser) of carbides and polycrystalline diamond (PCD) inserts to study tool wear. Despite of minor compositional difference between two carbide grades, both grades contain 6% Co. Crater wear and flank wear were measured using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Three dimensional rake surface topographies were reconstructed from the CLSM data and wear profiles were extracted. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was conducted to study the effects of cutting conditions and thermal properties on rake face temperature. Flank wear on the carbide tools indicated that the inserts with the finer grain size exhibited smaller flank wear than the insert of the coarser grain size. This was attributed to reduced abrasive wear in the finer grained inserts as a result of a higher hardness. The carbide grade with a coarser grain size had an enhanced ability to resist crater wear, likely from lower rake face temperatures and the differences in the compositions. It is known that coarser grain carbides have a higher thermal conductivity resulting from increased grain contiguity. FEA was used to study the temperature difference between the two grain-sizes and the effect of thermal conductivity on temperature gradients. Tool wear of the PCD inserts was also studied. The PCD tools showed significant adhesive wear at the 200sfm cutting speed, transitioning to crater wear at 400sfm. With a high thermal conductivity, it is possible that rake face temperatures were low enough to alter the wear mechanism. FEA supports this hypothesis, as the maximum rake face temperature for the PCD inserts were only around 900°C at 200sfm.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Atomistic simulation of dislocation interactions in a model crystal subjected to shear

The interaction of edge dislocations in a two-dimensional (2D) model crystal subjected to “simple shear” is studied using molecular statics simulations. An initial point defect is introduced in the model to trigger the dislocation activities in a controlled manner. We consider dislocations gliding towards one another on parallel slip planes separated by various distances. The overall load-displacement response of the crystal is obtained from the simulations, which can be correlated with the nano-scale atomistic mechanisms. Although the crystal is inherently anisotropic, the incipient dislocation plasticity is such that slip is parallel to the primary shear direction as clearly demonstrated in this work. It is also illustrated that dislocation annihilation, as well as dislocation encounter which leaves behind a point defect, can be unambiguously modeled. Throughout the deformation history, more dislocations capable of gliding in the crystal tend to generate a weaker mechanical response and more pronounced ...
The effect of WIC on breastfeeding: A new look at an established relationship

Abstract Although the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has been credited with increasing birth weights and improving child health, the program has been criticized for reducing breastfeeding through the provision of free formula. Yet WIC recipients are socio-economically disadvantaged as compared to non-participants. As a result, whether lower breastfeeding rates reflect the effect of the program or the types of women who participate is unknown. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics — Child Development Supplement, this study uses propensity scores and fixed-effects estimation to determine the effect of WIC on breastfeeding initiation and duration. Our study is the first to use a method other than Ordinary Least Squares to analyze the association between WIC and breastfeeding behaviors. Results indicate that the negative association is likely spurious, arising from the poor socio-demographic profile of participants.
Electrotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen: Promising treatments for postradiation complications

Electrotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy have been added to physical therapy to treat patients with postsurgery and radiation sequelae. Problems of reduced oral opening and range of head movement, soft tissue necrosis, osteoradionecrosis, and delayed wound healing were addressed in 37 patients over a 3-year period. Of this group, 16 irradiated maxillary resection patients were specifically followed up to determine the effectiveness of the new modalities on improving reduced oral opening. Although healing and the quality of the soft tissues showed marked improvement there was no significant improvement in oral opening.
Who Pays for Seniors Housing and Care Communities? Evidence from the Residents Financial Survey

To examine the financial characteristics of residents in assisted living and independent living communities and to see how they currently pay for their care arrangements, we surveyed 2,617 residents in assisted living and independent living communities. We asked them how they pay for their current costs and verified their answers by examining self-reported information on their cost and income. Residents stated that they are largely paying for their community costs independently. Approximately one third of respondents reported using their assets and income to cover their current costs. The data supported the notion that individuals living in assisted living and independent living communities are largely mid- to high-income elderly. However, the cross-sectional analysis showed that length of time in the community was positively associated with paying for their expenses independently out of income, after controlling for many confounders including age, education, and lifetime earnings to try to rule out diffe...
Massive spontaneous subtenon's hemorrhage

A 70-year-old man sustained a massive spontaneous hemorrhage in the anterior orbit. Blood was confined primarily to the space between Tenon's capsule and sclera. After the hemorrhage, vision was reduced to light perception and the patient developed an afferent pupillary defect. Despite an unfavorable prognosis for visual recovery, the patient's vision improved to 6/9 when the blood was evacuated from the orbit three days after the hemorrhage occurred.
Clinical consequences of initial duloxetine dosing strategies: Comparison of 30 and 60 mg QD starting doses

Background: To reduce the risk for treatment-emergent adverse events and increase patient compliance, clinicians frequently prescribe a suboptimal starting dose of antidepressants, with the goal of increasing the dose once the patient has demonstrated tolerability.
Fidelity of implementation framework: A critical need for response to intervention models

Response to Intervention (RtI) has gained increased attention with the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. Since RtI was introduced at the policy level as a mechanism for use in the learning disability identification process, much of the implementation work has focused on this application. School-based implementation of RtI has occurred quickly in response to federal legislation, with little focus on fidelity. Regular and consistent monitoring of implementation fidelity can provide the data required to improve implementation and student performance. This discussion will include a brief review of the literature regarding implementation fidelity and then provide a framework for designing a fidelity system for RtI models. Further systematic research in this area is needed to support the RtI implementation that is currently under way in schools across the country. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytosolic Ca2+, exocytosis, and endocytosis in single melanotrophs of the rat pituitary

We have monitored cytosolic [Ca2+] with fura-2 and exocytosis by measuring the membrane capacitance, and we have studied the influence of cytosolic [Ca2+] on secretion in single endocrine cells. As in neurons, cytosolic Ca2+ is sufficient to trigger exocytosis. The rate of secretion grows with the fourth or fifth power of cytosolic [Ca2+], and paired stimuli reveal facilitation. Ca2+ influx through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels can stimulate secretion 1000-fold over the basal levels measured biochemically. Unlike neurons, however, melanotrophs continue to secrete for seconds afer a depolarizing pulse, while they extrude or sequester the Ca2+ that has entered through Ca2+ channels. Following episodes of secretion, pituitary cells can retrieve membrane with half-times around 30 s at 32 degrees C, even in the absence of cytosolic K+.
Tour guide robot using wireless based localization

This paper details the design and implementation of a tour guide robot. This robot makes use of a ZigBee wireless network to locate itself in the tour area using a weighted centroid technique. Most popular technologies like GPS based localization do not work well in the indoor environment that the tour guide robot would operate in. The ZigBee-based solution works better in this type of environment plus the individual ZigBee nodes can be used for building monitoring applications (such as temperature and smoke detection) as well. The weighted centroid method is not the only method of localization but it is the simplest. Other competing methods like trilateration and triangulation are more prone to error as they require accurate distance measurements that an indoor environment with its myriad of reflective surfaces cannot provide. The implementation that this paper presents was able to achieve a desirable level of accuracy. The best case in the trials was a 0.61 m margin of error, and the average case was 2.38 m.
Effect of a multielement trace mineral injection before transit stress on inflammatory response, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of beef steers.

Weaned calves (n = 98; 256 ± 11.5 kg) were used to evaluate the impact of improving trace mineral (TM) status using a multielement TM injec- tion 28 d before transit on markers of inflammatory and stress responses in response to transit and post- shipping growth performance. On d 0 of a 28-d preconditioning program, calves received subcutane- ous TM injection (MM; n = 48) containing 15, 10, 5, and 60 mg/mL of Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn, respectively, or physiological saline injection (SAL; n = 48). On d 28, steers were weighed, half of the steers from each treatment were transported for a 20-h transit stress period (SHIP; n = 24 per injection treatment), and half of the steers were returned to their pens for 20 h of feed and water restriction without transit (NOSHIP; n = 24 per injection treatment). The SHIP steers were unloaded on d 29 and all steers (SHIP and NOSHIP) were immediately weighed and sorted into new pens (n = 4 steers per pen) for the growing period. At the start of finishing (d 113), steers received a second MM or SAL, resulting in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial (n = 12 steers per treatment combination). Samples of blood were collected on d 28, 29, and 34 and liver on d 22 and 40. The initial MM increased liver Cu, Se, and Zn concentrations of cattle (P ≤ 0.02) but did not affect ADG during preconditioning (P = 0.89) or BW shrink as a result of transit (P ≥ 0.52). Plasma Fe concen- trations were decreased after the transit stress period in SHIP calves (P ≤ 0.05) relative to NOSHIP calves but recovered 5 d after transit, and serum IL-8 con- centrations were greater in SAL-SHIP steers than MM-SHIP steers (P = 0.04). Altering TM status through MM caused steers to have lesser ADG (P = 0.03) during the 14-d period after transit (d 29 through 43) but did not affect growth during the growing peri- od (d 5 through 112; P ≥ 0.40). Minimal effects on finishing performance and carcass characteristics were noted, but there was a 3-way interaction (P ≤ 0.02) in which SAL-NOSHIP-MM steers had the greatest yield grade (YG) and smallest ribeye area (REA) and SAL-SHIP-MM steers had the least YG and largest REA. Overall, a MM 28 d before transit or before feed and water restriction did not affect the inflammatory response or plasma TM concentrations but decreased ADG in the 14-d period after transit. Trace mineral injection had limited effects on overall growth perfor- mance and carcass characteristics, likely because steer initial TM status was well within the adequate range.
Progesterone increases cardiovascular toxicity to cocaine in nonpregnant ewes.

Abstract Cocaine produces a greater hypertensive response in pregnant ewes than in nonpregnant ewes. To determine whether pregnancy-related progesterone levels augmented this cocaine response, six nonpregnant ewes were surgically oophorectomized, implanted with femoral artery and vein catheters, and later administered progesterone 10 mg/kg intramuscularly for 3 days. Consistent responses in blood pressure and heart rate to intravenous norepinephrine 0.4 and 0.6 wg/kg, before and during progesterone treatment, indicated that progesterone did not increase a-adrenergic receptor sensitivity to exogenous norepinephrine. In contrast, intravenous cocaine at either 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg produced approximately twofold greater increases in blood pressure and threefold greater increases in heart rate during each day of progesterone treatment when compared with responses to the same dose of cocaine before progesterone treatment. These results indicate that progesterone enhances the cardiovascular response to cocaine and does not involve an increase in «-adrenergic receptor sensitivity. (AM J OBsTET GVNECOL 1990;163:1659-64.)
Potential of ultraviolet radiation for control of American cockroach populations.

Populations of Periplaneta americana (L.) were exposed for 8–20 week periods in specially designed rooms to 254 nm UV at low intensity (50–115 ergs sec−1cm−2), high intensity (160–220 ergs sec−1cm−2), or to white light. The rooms contained tables and chairs to simulate occupied space, with food and water placed in positions exposed to UV radiation. ‘General’ irradiation (where the whole room was exposed to UV) at 115 ergs sec−1cm−2 and above was effective in producing high mortality in all stages except 810th instar nymphs and adults. “Hot-spots” irradiation (where UV lamps were placed behind table and chair harborages) produced high mortality only in 1st-3rd instar nymphs which would result in slower elimination of a population. Crude aggregation pheromone was not successful in holding cockroaches close to radiation sources or substantially increasing mortality under the conditions of the experiments. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG LEISTUNGSFAHIGKEIT VON UV - BESTRAHLUNG ZUR BEKAMPFUNG VON POPULATIONEN DER AMERIKANISCHEN SCHABE Populationen von Periplaneta americana (L.), die hinsichtlich ihrer Alterszusammensetzung (2.–3.; 5–6.; 8.–10. und adultes Stadium) und der Anzahlen in jedem Stadium festgelegt waren, wurden fur 8–20 Wochenperioden in speziell dafur entworfenen Raumen einer 254 nm UV-Bestrahlung mit geringer (50–115 erg sec−1cm−2) oder hoher (160–220 erg sec−1cm−2) Intensitat oder weisem Licht (als Kontrolle) ausgesetzt. Die Raume enthielten Tische und Stuhle, um bewohnten Raum mit naturlichen Zufluchtsstatten mit Nahrung und Wasser an Stellen, die der UV-Bestrahlung unterlagen, zu simulieren. Ganzraumbestrahlung mit 115 erg sec−1cm−2 und daruber erzeugte hohe Mortalitat bei 1.–3. und 5.–6.-Larvenstadien, ortliche Bestrahlung (UV-Lampen hinter Tisch- und Stuhl-Zufluchtsstatten) dagegen nur beim 1.–3.-Stadium, was zu einer langsameren Ausrottung einer Population fuhren wurde. Ungereinigtes Aggregationspheromon als Zusatz, um Schaben dicht an die UV-Quellen zu locken und sie hier zu halten, war offenbar unwirksam, da eben die Mortalitat nicht signifikant zunahm. Dieses Versagen war in erster Linie auf die Konkurrenz mit der Fulle von naturlichem Pheromon, das von den gewohnten Zufluchtsstatten ausging, zuruckzufuhren, verbunden mit der dem UV-Licht innewohnenden Abschreckung. Dennoch darf man annehmen, das UV-Bestrahlung einen bedeutsamen Wert fur die Verhinderung eines Populationswachstums (durch Ausschalten junger Larvenstadien) besitzt, besonders dort, wo chemische Bekampfung aus Gesundheits- und Sicherheitsgrunden oder wegen gesetzlichen Einschrankungen nur begrenzt moglich ist.
Enhanced Performance Design of Solar Desalination Device

Many regions in the United States, especially in the Northeast coastal and Southern California regions, and in arid parts of the world are facing fresh water shortages while having access to salt or brackish water. At the present time, the reverse osmosis process is the most prevalent means of converting salt to fresh water. However, as energy prices continue to climb there is evidence that solar desalination may provide a more economical and sustainable means of converting salt water to fresh water. The following paper presents a design of unique modular solar distillation units that provides a mobile, flexible installation for addressing water shortages. The solar still is designed such that the condensation surface is on the shady side of the unit while the absorbing surface is designed as a series of cascading trays that significantly increases the evaporation surface area. Fresh water is produced in this device from the condensate. This design is intended to convert sea water into fresh water that is introduced into a community’s reservoir system to augment traditional water sources. The analysis of the solar distillation unit is performed for the Boston, Massachusetts, USA over a day period in the months of December and July to determine performance at the maximum and minimum ambient conditions. The performance of the proposed device is comparable with reported solar stills in the literature, without optimizing the number of trays or heat rejection surfaces.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Analysis of single flying capacitor converter by the state-space averaging technique

The single flying capacitor converter (SFCC) is a two-quadrant power supply for energy storage and transfer system. It has applications in nuclear research and pulsed power systems in which superconductive coils are used in superconductive magnets. The authors derive analytical expressions for the time-averaged behavior of the SFCC by using the state-space averaging technique. Useful expressions are found for the average behavior of the SFCC. The results can be used in the design, control, and optimum operation of the system. >
Using similarity scores from a small gallery to estimate recognition performance for larger galleries

We present a method to estimate recognition performance for large galleries of individuals using data from a significantly smaller gallery. This is achieved by mathematically modelling a cumulative match characteristic (CMC) curve. The similarity scores of the smaller gallery are used to estimate the parameters of the model. After the parameters are estimated, the rank 1 point of the modelled CMC curve is used as our measure of recognition performance. The rank 1 point (i.e.; nearest-neighbor) represents the probability of correctly identifying an individual from a gallery of a particular size; however, as gallery size increases, the rank 1 performance decays. Our model, without making any assumptions about the gallery distribution, replicates this effect, and allows us to estimate recognition performance as gallery size increases without needing to physically add more individuals to the gallery. This model is evaluated on face recognition techniques using a set of faces from the FERET database.
Youth Assets and Sexual Risk Behavior: The Importance Of Assets for Youth Residing in One-Parent Households

CONTEXT: Youth assets are associated with a reduction in sexual risk behavior; however, little is known about this association among youth at high risk of engaging in unsafe behavior, such as those in one-parent households. METHODS: In-home interviews were used to collect data from 1,253 inner-city teenagers and their parents. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted separately for youth from one- and two-parent households to assess relationships between youth assets and four behaviors related to sexual risk: never having had sexual intercourse, not being currently sexually active, having delayed intercourse until age 17, and having used birth control at last intercourse. RESULTS: Among youth living in one-parent households, those with the aspirations for the future, good health practices (exercise/nutrition), peer role models and family communication assets had significantly elevated odds of reporting one of the behaviors examined (odds ratios, 1.8-7.3). The peer role models asset also interacted with parental education to significantly predict an absence of current sexual activity for youth in one-parent households (21.2). Among youth living in two-parent households, community involvement was linked to increased odds of never having had sex (1.9), but no other significant relationships were found. Youths' total number of assets significantly predicted three of the four behaviors among youth in one-parent households (1.2-1.8), but predicted only sexual inexperience among those in two-parent households (1.4). CONCLUSION: Future research should more fully investigate the role of family structure in relationships between youth assets and risk behaviors. Certain youth assets may be particularly effective in reducing sexual risk behavior among youth in one-parent households. Language: en
Fe(III) reduction and U(VI) immobilization by Paenibacillus sp. strain 300A, isolated from Hanford 300A subsurface sediments

A facultative iron-reducing [Fe(III)-reducing] Paenibacillus sp. strain was isolated from Hanford 300A subsurface sediment biofilms that was capable of reducing soluble Fe(III) complexes [Fe(III)-nitrilotriacetic acid and Fe(III)-citrate] but unable to reduce poorly crystalline ferrihydrite (Fh). However, Paenibacillus sp. 300A was capable of reducing Fh in the presence of low concentrations (2 μM) of either of the electron transfer mediators (ETMs) flavin mononucleotide (FMN) or anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS). Maximum initial Fh reduction rates were observed at catalytic concentrations (<10 μM) of either FMN or AQDS. Higher FMN concentrations inhibited Fh reduction, while increased AQDS concentrations did not. We also found that Paenibacillus sp. 300A could reduce Fh in the presence of natural ETMs from Hanford 300A subsurface sediments. In the absence of ETMs, Paenibacillus sp. 300A was capable of immobilizing U(VI) through both reduction and adsorption. The relative contributions of adsorption and microbial reduction to U(VI) removal from the aqueous phase were ∼7:3 in PIPES [piperazine-N,N'-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid)] and ∼1:4 in bicarbonate buffer. Our study demonstrated that Paenibacillus sp. 300A catalyzes Fe(III) reduction and U(VI) immobilization and that these reactions benefit from externally added or naturally existing ETMs in 300A subsurface sediments.
LPA Receptor Signaling: Pharmacology, Physiology, and Pathophysiology

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a small ubiquitous lipid found in vertebrate and nonvertebrate organisms that mediates diverse biological actions and demonstrates medicinal relevance. LPA’s functional roles are driven by extracellular signaling through at least six 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are named LPA1–6 and signal through numerous effector pathways activated by heterotrimeric G proteins, including Gi/o, G12/13, Gq, and Gs. LPA receptor-mediated effects have been described in numerous cell types and model systems, both in vitro and in vivo, through gain- and loss-of-function studies. These studies have revealed physiological and pathophysiological influences on virtually every organ system and developmental stage of an organism. These include the nervous, cardiovascular, reproductive, and pulmonary systems. Disturbances in normal LPA signaling may contribute to a range of diseases, including neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, pain, cardiovascular disease, bone disorders, fibrosis, cancer, infertility, and obesity. These studies underscore the potential of LPA receptor subtypes and related signaling mechanisms to provide novel therapeutic targets.
Chronic skin graft rejection in the urodela. I. A comparative study of first‐ and second‐set allograft reactions

Unlike acute skin allograft reactions observed in most randomly breeding ectothermic and endothermic vertebrates, a basic pattern of intermediate to prolonged chronic skin graft rejection characterized the alloimmune response of representatives of at least five genera of salamanders from three different families (Salamandridae, Ambystomatidae, and Proteidae). First-set median survival times (MST's) ranged from 33 to 55 days at 25°C. Individual zero end points (total melanophore destruction) occurred between 17 and 120 days. Several grafts appeared to have survived indefinitely (> 300 days) with full to partial viability. MST's of second-set grafts were significantly shorter than first-set MST's for all salamanders except Ambystoma tigrinum. For this species, the small sample of seven repeat grafts all exhibited either prolonged survival vis-a-vis first-set grafts or were destroyed well within the range of first-set rejections. About 25% of the combined individual Taricha and Necturus repeat grafts were completely destroyed at the same postoperative time as or significantly later than first-set grafts from the same donor. Only curtailed survival of Cynops second-set grafts was noted. When the post transplantation period was resolved into a latent phase and a rejection phase, the curtailed survival of 50% of the Traricha and 60% of the Cynops second-set grafts was attributable solely ot a comparatively shorter latent period. The curtailed zero end points of other Taricha repeat grafts resulted from both shorter latent and shorter rejection intervals. The overall prolonged second-set survival noted for some Taricha allografts was referable only to longer rejection phases; the latent phases for these repeat grafts were either shorter than or similar to those of the corresponding primary grafts.