cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Modest Impact of the Alcohol Beverage Warning Label on Drinking during Pregnancy among a Sample of African-American Women:

Time-series analysis examines the impact of the alcohol warning label on in-pregnancy drinking by 21,127 African-American pregnant women between 1986 and 1995. Controlling for patient characteristi...
Obesity Prevention in the Military.

The objective was to review prevention efforts and approaches attempting to limit the problem of obesity in the military. Various individual-level initiatives have emerged, including programs promoting healthy cooking, meal planning, and other behavior changes among service members. Importantly, the military is attempting to tackle environmental factors contributing to the rise of obesity, by focusing on many recent environmental-level interventions and initiatives to improve military dining facilities and examine and modify other aspects of installations’ built environments. Although published research within the military setting directed towards obesity prevention is limited, many innovative programs have been launched and need to be followed forward. The review of past and ongoing efforts can be an important step in identifying specific areas needing improvement, gaps that should be considered, lessons learned, and characteristics of successful programs that should be disseminated as best practices and further expanded.
PDE4 Inhibition Restores the Balance Between Excitation and Inhibition in VTA Dopamine Neurons Disrupted by Repeated In Vivo Cocaine Exposure

Phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) is a family of enzymes that selectively degrade intracellular cAMP. PDE4 inhibitors have been shown to regulate the rewarding and reinforcing effects of cocaine, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we show that pretreatments with the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram attenuated cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization in mice. Repeated cocaine exposure in vivo caused a decrease in inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and an increase in the AMPAR/NMDAR ratio in ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons in midbrain slices ex vivo. Cocaine exposure disrupted the balance between excitation and inhibition as shown by an increase in the excitation to inhibition (E/I) ratio. Rolipram pretreatments in vivo prevented cocaine-induced reductions in GABAergic inhibition but did not further increase cocaine-induced potentiation of excitation, leading to the restoration of a balance between excitation and inhibition and normalization of the E/I ratio. In support of this idea, we found that repeated cocaine exposure led to an increase in the single-unit action potential firing rate in vivo in VTA dopamine neurons, which was blocked by rolipram pretreatments. These results suggest that repeated cocaine exposure in vivo disrupts the balance between excitation and inhibition in VTA dopamine neurons, while PDE4 inhibition reestablishes the balance between excitation and inhibition through distinct mechanisms.
Particle arrangements in clay slurries: The case against the honeycomb structure

Abstract The properties of clay slurries (porosity ~ 0.75) impact a wide range of materials such as commercial clay dispersions and sedimentary deposits. Their material behavior, and in particular the gelation of clay slurries, is thought to be governed by clay particle interactions. In the literature, such interactions are rarely directly probed, but rather inferred from structures observed by cryo-electron microscopy. For example, the honeycomb structure is a widely accepted textbook model that is used to rationalize the observed behavior of clay slurries. Using high-pressure freezing, cryo-electron microscopy, and cryo-synchrotron wide-angle X-ray scattering, this study shows that the honeycomb-structure is an artifact of sample preparation. When samples are high-pressure frozen, individual clay particles and aggregates of particles arrange in a random orientation rather than the closed-cell structure dominated by face-face and face-edge contacts observed in plunge frozen samples. These results substantially contribute to the understanding of the gelation mechanism and particle interactions in colloidal clay slurries, and provide valuable input parameters for meso-scale modeling efforts of clay dispersions and sedimentary deposits to upscale their mechanical properties to the macroscale.
Risk perception and human behaviors in epidemics

ABSTRACTIndividuals experiencing an epidemic may change their behaviors to prevent themselves from infection by balancing the benefits and costs based on the information about the infectious disease. This study incorporated two types of information—local information, which impacts local human contacts, and global information, which impacts people's travel behaviors—into a spatial evolutionary game to determine individuals' decisions. This article constructs a new behavior-switching-based susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model using a spatial evolutionary game to study the impact of human behaviors and information dissemination on the spread of infectious disease. This model was evaluated and analyzed using numerical simulations for the population in the state of Kansas. In particular, individuals' perceptions of the risk based on the local information are discussed, which could help us better understand human behaviors and improve communication between policymakers and the public.
Training the Psychiatry Resident in Alcoholism: An Evaluation

Psychiatry residents, as part of their training, received experience in a hospital-based inpatient and outpatient program for the treatment of alcoholism. The intensity and variety of experience varied according to the calendar year in which the resident participated in the alcoholism program. A follow-up survey of the effect this training had on the residents current thinking, attitudes, and practice is presented. The data will reveal strategies of training which may prove to be effective in enhancing effective treatment of alcoholic persons by psychiatrists. In addition, the effect that training in alcoholism treatment may have in other areas of clinical practice is described.
Perforated diverticulitis in the setting of ulcerative colitis: An unusual case report.

Abstract Introduction The association of diverticulitis with ulcerative colitis (UC) is rare and not well described. The sequelae of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as perforation and fistula formation can mimic diverticular complications. Therefore, in an IBD patient, it can be difficult to distinguish the etiology of such complications and render definitive care. Presentation of case A 43-year-old man with a long history of UC presented with spontaneous sigmoid perforation and subsequent complications of colovesicular and colocutaneous fistulae requiring multiple procedural interventions. Ultimately, the etiology was confirmed as perforated diverticulitis superimposed on severe ulcerative colitis. Discussion As perforated diverticulitis superimposed on UC is a rare entity in the current literature and there are many diagnostic difficulties that complicate this scenario. It is important to rule out other entities such as misdiagnosis of IBD or segmental colitis associated with diverticula (SCAD) that may have overlapping features. Conclusion Although diverticulitis in the setting of UC is an uncommon presentation, it remains important for medical practitioners to consider this scenario when encountering patients who may present in a similar fashion. As such, we put forth a process to aid in a diagnosis and management such that definitive care may not be delayed.
Perspectives on the Spectral Theorem

Suppose A is a self-adjoint n × n matrix, meaning that \(A_{kj} = \overline{A_{jk}}\) for all 1≤ j, k ≤ n. Then a standard result in linear algebra asserts that there exist an orthonormal basis \(\{\mathbf{v}_{j}\}_{j=1}^{n}\) for \({\mathbb{C}}^{n}\) and real numbers λ 1,…,λ n such that \(A\mathbf{v}_{j} =\lambda _{j}\mathbf{v}_{j}\). (See Theorem 18 in Chap. 8 of [24] and Exercise 4 in Chap. 7)
Dietary guidelines: compliance and attitudes of a selected group of registered dietitians.

The purpose of our study was to determine the compliance and attitudes of a selected group of registered dietitians regarding current dietary guidelines. The subjects included a random sample of 200 registered dietitians. The mailed questionnaire consisted of a food frequency section, attitude questions, and demographic information
When Firms Contest in Markets: An Experiment

Regulating a natural monopoly market has always remained a source of concern. The problem arises because of the decreasing average cost structure in the market. Ideally, only one firm serving the whole market demand is the efficient solution to avoid any cost duplication. However, when there is a single unregulated firm serving a market it brings up the standard monopoly price-gouging problem. Many utility services share the characteristics of a natural monopoly. As a result, almost all countries in their deregulation phases are concerned with the efficient running of such markets. Restraining monopoly behavior effectively in a natural monopoly market remains a much-debated issue. The idea of creating a “contestable”1 environment has influenced USA, UK and many other countries during their deregulation phase. In a perfectly contestable market2 the threat of hit-and-run entry by new entrants in the monopoly market can provide the right disciplining stick for the monopolist incumbent to charge a price equal to the average cost of production (the Ramsey optimal price). This outcome is described as a contestable (market) outcome3.
FUTURE TRENDS IN COLD ADAPTATION RESEARCH

A detailed understanding of cold adaptation, especially in the Arctic, has been restricted due to the breadth of the field and lack of communication among researchers. An understanding of cold adaptation requires the synthesis of complex biochemical, physiological, ecological, and behavioral components contributed by researchers who are widely separated both geographically and in their disciplines. Participants in the symposium which precipitated the writing of this volume for example, spanned the continent from northern Alaska to southeastern Canada and from Florida to southern California. The objectives of this volume are: 1) to communicate the latest information available in the field, and 2) to coalesce future research efforts oriented toward the Arctic. The first of these objectives has been met through the preceeding chapters of this volume.
Cryo-EM Structures of the Hsp104 Protein Disaggregase Captured in the ATP Conformation

Summary Hsp104 is a ring-forming, ATP-driven molecular machine that recovers functional protein from both stress-denatured and amyloid-forming aggregates. Although Hsp104 shares a common architecture with Clp/Hsp100 protein unfoldases, different and seemingly conflicting 3D structures have been reported. Examining the structure of Hsp104 poses considerable challenges because Hsp104 readily hydrolyzes ATP, whereas ATP analogs can be slowly turned over and are often contaminated with other nucleotide species. Here, we present the single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of a catalytically inactive Hsp104 variant (Hsp104DWB) in the ATP-bound state determined between 7.7 A and 9.3 A resolution. Surprisingly, we observe that the Hsp104DWB hexamer adopts distinct ring conformations (closed, extended, and open) despite being in the same nucleotide state. The latter underscores the structural plasticity of Hsp104 in solution, with different conformations stabilized by nucleotide binding. Our findings suggest that, in addition to ATP hydrolysis-driven conformational changes, Hsp104 uses stochastic motions to translocate unfolded polypeptides.
Notes on the genus Moegistorhynchus and description of a new African species of Nycterimyia (Diptera, Nemestrinidae)

A discussion of the characters of the genus Moegistorhynchus and examination of a new species, M. Braunsi.
Burosumab Therapy for X-Linked Hypophosphatemia and Therapeutic Implications for CKD

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is the most common heritable cause of hypophosphatemic rickets, and it is characterized by hypophosphatemia due to kidney phosphate wasting, deficiency of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], rickets, and osteomalacia ([1][1]). Clinical features manifest as early as
Mechanisms behind interactive effects of temperature and bifenthrin on the predator avoidance behaviors in parr of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

Abstract Many coastal systems have been experiencing the effects of non-chemical and chemical anthropological stressors through respective increases in surface water temperatures and rainstorm-derived runoff events of pyrethroid pesticide movement into waterways such as the San Francisco Bay-Delta. Salmonid populations in the Bay-Delta have been dramatically declining in recent decades. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the interactive effects of bifenthrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, and increasing water temperatures on targeted neuroendocrine and behavioral responses in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) parr (10- month post-hatch). Parr were reared at 11 °C, 16.4 °C, or 19 °C for 14 days and, in the final 96 h of rearing, exposed to nominal concentrations of 0, 0.15, or 1.5 μg/L bifenthrin. A predatory avoidance Y-Maze behavioral assay was conducted immediately following exposures. Parr were presented a choice of clean or odorant zones, and locomotive behavior was recorded. Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), estradiol, and testosterone were quantified within plasma using ELISAs, and the expression of brain hormone and dopamine receptor genes were also evaluated by qPCR. Brain dopamine levels were analyzed by LC/MS. No significant changes were observed in brain transcripts or plasma hormone concentrations with bifenthrin or increasing temperature. However, temperature did significantly lower brain dopamine levels in fish reared at 19 °C compared to 11 °C controls, but was unaltered by bifenthrin treatment. In contrast, parr reared at 11 °C and exposed to 1.5 μg/L bifenthrin spent significantly less time avoiding a predatory odorant compared to vehicle controls reared at 11 °C. The 16.4 °C and 1.5 μg/L-treated fish spent significantly more time in the neutral arm compared to the odorant and clean arms, as well as spending significantly less time in the clean arm compared to the 11 °C control fish. These results suggest that the interaction of temperature and bifenthrin may be adversely impacting predator-avoidance behavior, which may not be related to dopaminergic responses.
Differing Roles, Differing Concerns: Using Network Analysis as a Tool to Highlight Diverging Concerns and Priorities Surrounding Teacher Education at Minority-Serving Institutions.

AbstractMinority-serving institutions are important in the production of teachers of color. However, this formative process is not without limitations. This multisite, multistate study relied on ne...
Quantum Computer Search Algorithms: Can We Outperform the Classical Search Algorithms?

Quantum Computers are not limited to just two states. Qubits, the basic unit of quantum computing have the power to exist in more than one state at a time. While the classical computers only perform operations by manipulation of classical bits having two values 0 and 1, quantum bits can represent data in multiple states. This property of inheriting multiple states at a time is called superposition which gives quantum computers tremendous power over classical computers. With this power, the algorithms designed on quantum computers to solve search queries can yield result significantly faster than the classical algorithms. There are four types of problems that exist: Polynomial (P), Non-Deterministic Polynomial (NP), Non-Deterministic Polynomial Complete (NP-complete) and Non-Deterministic Polynomial hard (NP-hard). P problems can be solved in the polynomial amount of time like searching a database for an item. However, when the size of the search space grows, it becomes difficult to compute solutions even for P problems. Quantum algorithms like Grover’s algorithm has reduced the time complexity of some of the classical algorithm problems from N to \(\sqrt{N}\). Variants of Grover’s algorithm like Quantum Partial Search propose changes that yield not exact but closer results in time even lesser than Grover’s algorithm. NP problems are the problems whose solution if known can be verified in polynomial amount time. Factorization of prime numbers which is considered to be an NP problem took an exponential amount of time when solved using the classical computer while the Shor’s quantum computing algorithm computes it in polynomial time. Factorization is also a class of bounded-error quantum polynomial time (BQP) problems which are decision problems solved by quantum computers in polynomial time. There are problems to which if a solution is found can solve every problem Of NP class, these are NP-complete problems. The power of Qubits could be exploited in the future to come up with solutions for NP-complete problems in the future.
Chromoblastomycosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

There is growing recognition of melanized fungi as uncommon but important causes of infection among solid organ transplant recipients. Chromoblastomycosis and phaeohyphomycosis exist at opposing ends of the spectrum of disease caused by these fungi. We aim to systematically review the reports of chromoblastomycosis among transplant recipients to assess for trends in epidemiology and clinical outcomes. We identified 19 reported cases of histologically confirmed chromoblastomycosis among solid organ transplant recipients published between 1985 and 2018. Despite these patients’ impaired immunity, chromoblastomycosis remained localized to the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the majority of patients. Clinical outcomes were generally good with medical, surgical, or combined management. Although chromoblastomycosis has a low incidence in this population, it is important to consider as a cause of chronic, non-healing skin infections. Further research is needed to better elucidate the impact of transplantation on the natural course of this condition.
Defending Death by Distribution Cases in North Carolina: A Checklist

This checklist has been adapted from the “Drug-Induced Homicide Defense Toolkit” by Beety, et al., and the University of North Carolina School of Government blog post, “Defending Death by Distribution Cases”, by Phil Dixon. This checklist is meant to help criminal defense attorneys identify possible defenses to these new North Carolina DIH laws, but we do strongly recommend consulting the “Drug-Induced Homicide Defense Toolkit” and “Defending Death by Distribution Cases” for more in-depth analysis of the defenses presented here.
Hemangiomas and Vascular Malformations

Vascular Anomalies are a broad term used to describe a wide array of complex vascular lesions. Their complex nature and nomenclature have added to their ambiguity over the past few decades. Recent advances in gene sequencing have created a genetic basis for classification which is becoming the standard of diagnosis. There are new medical and surgical techniques being developed to improve the quality of life of these complex patients.
“That Dim Abode”: Uncanny Region in Davis’s “The Tragedy of Fauquier”

Drawing on Freud’s essay “The Uncanny,” Renfroe argues that Davis uses Gothic tropes in “The Tragedy of Fauquier” to foreground the complicated role of memory in negotiating regional meaning. Set in antebellum Virginia but narrated after the Civil War by John Page, a lawyer and proto-detective, the novella presents a doubled perspective that undermines Page’s authority as a narrator. By invoking the antebellum past through a Gothic lens, Davis complicates definitions of region as geographic space, foregrounds the complicated role of memory in negotiating regional meaning, and reveals region as primarily a discursive space.
When the Wind of Change Blows, Build Batteries? Optimum Renewable Generation and Energy Storage Investments.

Renewables have become the cheapest energy source in most of the world, but their generation remains variable and difficult to predict. Recent technological advances have rendered large-scale electricity storage economically viable, thus mitigating the renewable intermittency issue and enabling combinations of renewable generation plus storage, e.g., wind farms and batteries, to be potentially viable candidates to replace fossil fuel power plants. However, it is not yet well-understood how to jointly determine optimal capacity for their generation and storage. Our work aims to shed light on this question by developing a two-product newsvendor model of a utility's strategic capacity investment in renewable generation and storage to match demand with supply, while using fossil-fuel backup, if needed. We establish optimal capacity guidelines contingent on market and technology parameters. We find that renewable generation and storage are strategic complements, except in cases with very high penetration of either technology, when they surprisingly turn into strategic substitutes. We also develop sufficient and necessary conditions, as well as a simple heuristic, to determine which of the many storage technologies can turn a profit in the broadest set of market conditions, and thus is likely to be adopted first (for multi-hour storage). In particular, we show that low-efficiency, cheap technologies, such as thermal, can turn a profit easier than high-efficiency, expensive ones, such as lithium-ion batteries. Using real-life data from Europe and the US, we calibrate our model to provide insight on the role that large-scale storage plays in both the short- and long-term, while technology improves, emission taxes are levied, and renewables become cheaper. Finally, we show that, when generation and storage investment decisions are made by different players, investment levels decrease relative to the monopoly outcome.
Osteohistology of Greererpeton provides insight into the life history of an early Carboniferous tetrapod

The vertebrate transition to land is one of the most consequential, yet poorly understood periods in tetrapod evolution. Despite the importance of the water-land transition in establishing modern ecosystems, we still know very little about the life histories of the earliest tetrapods. Bone histology provides an exceptional opportunity to study the biology of early tetrapods and has the potential to reveal new insights into their life histories. Here, we examine the femoral bone histology from an ontogenetic series of Greererpeton, an early tetrapod from the Middle-Late Mississippian (early Carboniferous) of North America. Thin-sections and micro-CT data show a moderately paced rate of bone deposition with significant cortical thickening through development. An interruption to regular bone deposition, as indicated by a zone of avascular tissue and growth marks, is notable at the same late juvenile stage of development throughout our sample. This suggests that an inherent aspect to the life history of juvenile Greererpeton resulted in a temporary reduction in bone deposition. We review several possible life history correlates for this bony signature including metamorphosis, an extended juvenile phase, environmental stress, and movement (migration/dispersal) between habitats. We argue that given the anatomy of Greererpeton, it is unlikely that events related to polymorphism (metamorphosis, extended juvenile phase) can explain the bony signature observed in our sample. Furthermore, the ubiquity of this signal in our sample indicates a taxon-level rather than a population-level trait, which is expected for an environmental stress. We conclude that movement via dispersal represents a likely correlate, as such events are a common life history strategy of aquatically bound vertebrates.
Sol-gel lead zirconate-titanate thin films: effect of solution concentration

The microstructure development in lead zirconate titanate (PZT) compositions near the morphotropic phase boundary, PZT (50 PT/50 PZ) and PNZT (2 Nb/sub 2/O/sub 5//53 PT/45 PZ), has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The molar concentration of the precursor alkoxide solution has been increased to 0.75-M from the concentration of around 0.20M used in previous studies. Thin films have been fabricated by spin coating Pt/Ti/SiO/sub 2//Si substrates with the alkoxide solution. It is found that, in the solutions with high molar concentrations, the perovskite phase forms at lower temperatures than found previously in dilute solutions. In addition, the microstructure of the films is dense and uniform, showing none of the spherulites found previously. >
The Pathway of Plasmid Transformation in Pneumococcus

Plasmids transform Streptococcus pneumoniae by a process involving low efficiency assembly of replicons from fragments of single strands that have entered the cell separately. Transformation of preexisting replicons is much more efficient. We have cloned the erm gene of pIP501 into pMV158, which so far as we know is the first example of cloning in a pneumococcus host-vector system.
Biofabrication and 3D localization of multilayered cellular constructs using Laser Direct-Write and Mesoscopic Fluorescent Molecular Tomography

Recent advances in tissue engineering applications demand micro-scale precision in both design and evaluation. Herein, we aim to meet these challenges through a combination of two innovative techniques: gelatin-based Laser Direct-Write (LDW) and Mesoscopic Fluorescence Molecular Tomography (MFMT). LDW was used to precisely pattern cell-loaded, alginate microbeads, in layer-by-layer fashion, to construct thick, multilayered cellular constructs. Then, MFMT was utilized to deeply assess and 3D-model cellular localization. The combination of these two techniques may provide the accuracy and precision needed for the analysis of tissue engineering in 3D.
Association of Thyroid Nodule Size and Bethesda Class With Rate of Malignant Disease.

Importance The ability to accurately stratify patients with thyroid nodules (TNs) preoperatively is imperative because most TNs are benign. The reliability of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in large TNs has been questioned in recent literature. Objective To determine whether TN size affects the reliability of FNAB results, and to determine the rates of malignant disease of each Bethesda class at Penn State Medical Center. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective electronic medical record review of patients undergoing FNAB followed by thyroidectomy from March 2010 through December 2013 at an academic, tertiary referral center. A total of 297 patients with 326 TNs were identified as part of a consecutive series. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was to determine the rate of malignant disease of TNs smaller than 3.0 cm or 3.0 cm or larger and of each Bethesda class. Statistical analysis included χ 2 tests. The secondary outcome was to develop logistic regression models to estimate the probability of malignant disease on final pathologic diagnosis as predicted by TN size as well as TN size in conjunction with Bethesda class. Results Of the 297 patients, 233 were female (78.4%). The mean (SD) age was 51.0 (15.4) years. Of the 326 TNs, 143 were malignant on surgical histopathologic analysis (43.7%). The mean TN size was 2.0 (1.4) cm. Rates of malignant disease for Bethesda classes 1 to 6 were 0% (95% CI, 0%-26.0%), 6.0% (95% CI, 1.7%-14.6%), 30.2% (95% CI, 18.3%-44.3%), 23.5% (95% CI, 14.8%-34.2%), 72.4% (95% CI, 52.8%-87.3%), and 98.8% (95% CI, 93.5%-99.9%), respectively. Overall sensitivity and specificity (excluding class 1 TNs) were 97.2% and 36.8%, respectively. The false-negative rate of benign cytologic results was 6.0% (95% CI, 1.7%-14.6%); only 1 false-negative result occurred in TNs 3.0 cm or greater. Of the TNs smaller than 3.0 cm, 48.4% were malignant compared with 33.3% of TNs 3.0 cm or greater ( P = .049). Both Bethesda class and TN size were significant variables ( P Conclusions and Relevance Our results suggest that smaller TNs (smaller than about 2.0 cm) are associated with increased probabilities of malignant disease irrespective of Bethesda class. Routine diagnostic thyroid lobectomy solely owing to TN size of 3.0 cm or greater need not be performed.
Global Bank Regulation: Principles and Policies

Its focus on the prudential, global regulation of financial institutions drives this book's unique exploration of global policy principles. Integrating theory, history, and policy debates, it provides a high-level, strategic treatment of the regulation of global banking. With finely focused definitions and an intuitive scope, the authors pay particular attention to the international standards set by bodies such as the Basel Committe on Banking Supervision and the European Union.By beginning with the main justifications for the prudential regulation of banks and concluding in 2009, after regulators had proposed significant solutions to the crash, this lucid and engaging account of the principles, policies, and laws related to the regulation of international banking explains why and how governments work so hard on a convergence of rules and regulations
Effects of combining an entomopathogenic fungi or bacterium with entomopathogenic nematodes on mortality of Curculio caryae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Abstract Our objective was to determine the effects of combining entomopathogenic nematodes with other entomopathogens on their ability to suppress larvae of the pecan weevil, Curculio caryae. In laboratory assays, we simultaneously applied the nematodes Heterorhabditis indica or Steinernema carpocapsae with the fungus Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, or Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, or the bacterium Serratia marcescens. Mortality of C. caryae was determined 14 days after application. We observed antagonism in all pathogen combinations, except H. indica combined with M. anisopliae, for which additive effects were observed. The combination of H. indica and M. anisopliae may merit further study in other systems. Depending on application rate, S. carpocapsae combined with B. bassiana or S. marcescens also resulted in additivity. S. carpocapsae (applied alone) generally caused greater C. caryae mortality than other pathogens applied alone. P. fumosoroseus and S. marcescens were not pathogenic to C. caryae when applied alone. We conclude that the pathogen combinations we investigated are not likely to improve suppression of C. caryae larvae beyond what is expected from single application of the pathogen with greatest virulence.
Predicting Strangulated Small Bowel Obstruction: An Old Problem Revisited

Diagnosing intestinal strangulation complicating a small bowel obstruction (SBO) remains a considerable challenge. Despite decades of experience and numerous studies, no clinical indicators have been identified that reliably predict this life-threatening condition. Our goal was to determine which clinical indicators in patients with SBO can be used to independently predict the presence of strangulated intestine. Medical records were reviewed for 192 adult patients operated on for acute SBO over an 11-year period (1996–2006). Seventy-two preoperative clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings at admission were examined. Data from patients with strangulated intestine were compared to data from patients without bowel compromise. Likelihood ratios were generated for each significant parameter in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Forty-four patients had bowel strangulation requiring bowel resection, and 148 had no strangulation. The most significant independent predictor of bowel strangulation was the computed tomography (CT) finding of reduced wall enhancement, with a sensitivity and specificity of 56% and 94% [likelihood ratio (LR) 9.3]. Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count and guarding were moderately predictive (LR 1.7 and 2.8). Regression analysis of multiple preoperative criteria demonstrates that reduced wall enhancement on CT, peritoneal signs, and elevated WBC are the only variables independently predictive of bowel strangulation in patients with SBO.
Independent variation of glucagon and epinephrine responsive components of hepatic adenyl cyclase as a function of age, sex and steroid hormones.

This study presents data which indicate that the activities of the glucagon and epinephrine responsive components of hepatic adenyl cyclase vary separately as a function of age, sex and steroid hormone levels in the rat. These observations lend support to the hypothesis that the 2 hormonally sensitive adenyl cyclase systems in liver are independent. (Endocrinology 86: 154, 1970)
Soil warming and trace gas fluxes: experimental design and preliminary flux results.

We conducted several experiments to determine a procedure for uniformly warming soil 5° C above ambient using a buried heating cable. These experiments produced a successful design that could: 1) maintain a temperature difference of 5° C over a wide range of environmental conditions; 2) reduce inter-cable temperture variability to ca. 1.5° C; 3) maintain a temperature difference of 5° C near the edges of the plot; and 4) respond rapidly to changes in the environment. In addition, this design required electrical power only 42% of the time. Preliminary measurements indicate that heating increased CO2 emission by a factor of ca. 1.6 and decreased the C concentration in the O soil horizon by as much as 36%. In addition, warming the soil accelerated the emergence and early growth of the wild lily of the valley (Maianthemum canadense Desf.). The relationship between CO2 flux and soil temperature derived from our soil warming experiment was consistent with data from other hardwood forests around the world. Since the other hardwood forests were warmed naturally, it appears that for soil respiration, warming the soil with buried heating cables differs little from natural, aboveground warming. By warming soil beyond the range of natural variability, a multi-site, long-term soil warming experiment may be valuable in helping us understand how ecosystems will respond to global warming.
Potent, Selective Tetrahydro-β-carboline Antagonists of the Serotonin 2B (5HT2B) Contractile Receptor in the Rat Stomach Fundus

A series of potent, selective 5HT2B receptor antagonists has been identified based upon yohimbine, with SAR studies resulting in a 1000-fold increase in 5HT2B receptor affinity relative to the starting structure (−log KBs >10.0 have been obtained). These high-affinity tetrahydro-β-carboline antagonists are able to discriminate among the 5HT2 family of serotonin receptors, with members of the series showing selectivities of more than 100-fold versus both the 5HT2A and 5HT2C receptors based upon radioligand binding and functional assays. As the first compounds reported with such selectivity and enhanced receptor affinity, these tetrahydro-β-carboline antagonists are useful tools for elucidating the role of serotonin acting at the 5HT2B receptor in normal and disease physiology.
Emulating the directional sensitivity of fish hair cell sensor

This article describes the sensor development efforts that are inspired by the unique acoustic source tracking capability of aquatics such as fish. The physiological basis in the natural system has been attributed to the unique directional responses of hair cell sensor in the otolith. To emulate such directional transduction behaviors, a hair sensor based on piezoelectric microfiber is attempted. The sensor employs piezoelectric fiber both as the hair shaft and as the transduction element. A pair of electrodes was deposited on the fiber surface both for sensor signal collection and for polarizing the piezoelectric materials. Both computational modeling analysis and experimental study were conducted to validate the sensor performance. The hair sensor was found to possess directional responses that change in the pattern of a cosine function of the loading direction, resembling that observed in the hair cell sensor in the biological system. Such transduction behaviors pave the technical basis to emulate the ...
Locomotor performance and social dominance in male Anolis cristatellus

The proximal mechanisms determining social dominance are not well understood. We used the highly territorial lizard A. cristatellus to test two main hypotheses: (1) that male social dominance is associated with locomotor abilities; (2) that locomotor abilities (maximal performance), as measured in the laboratory, are correlated with behaviour in the field. In the field, we recorded locomotor behaviours and assertion displays, then characterized microhabitat use and thermal relations. In the laboratory, we measured maximum sprint running speed, endurance and morphometric characters, and assessed dominance by pairing males of similar body size in an experimental arena. In 72 of 77 interactions, one lizard (the ‘winner’) was unequivocally determined to be dominant over the other (the ‘loser’). Winners performed more assertion displays than losers before capture and also had higher endurance in laboratory tests. Although contestants were matched for snout–vent length, winners had significantly deeper and wider heads. However, we found no significant differences in field locomotor behaviours, perch or thermal characteristics, head length, or maximal sprint speed. Our findings support those of previous studies, and extend them in several ways. This is the first demonstration that assertion displays in the field are related to both locomotor performance and laboratory-assessed social dominance. Locomotor performance may directly affect social dominance by allowing some males to perform better in dyadic interactions. Alternatively, both locomotor performance and social dominance may be linked to a common underlying mechanism, such as variation in hormone levels, which are known to affect aggression, locomotor performance and morphology.
Preschool teachers’ talk, roles, and activity settings during free play

Abstract The purpose of the study was to describe teachers’ involvement in activity settings, their roles, and their talk during free play time. Forty teachers and assistant teachers from 22 Head Start classrooms in two midwestern Head Start programs were audiotaped during free play time. Audiotapes were transcribed and coded. Results revealed that teachers were most often in the role of play enhancer/playmate and stage manager. They spent the most time in constructive and manipulative activity settings. Their talk focused most often on statements supporting play with objects, practical/personal assistance, and questions supporting play with objects. There was evidence that teachers modified their role by activity setting and modified their talk by role and activity setting. Teachers exhibiting different patterns of involvement in roles and activity settings were found to differ in how they talked to children.
Variable shaped beam writing throughput at the 45nm node and beyond

Aggressive 193nm optical lithography solutions have in turn led to increasingly complex model-based OPC methodologies. This complexity married with the inevitable march of Moore's Law has produced a figure count explosion at the mask writer level. Variable shaped beam equipment manufacturers have tried to mollify the impact of this figure count explosion on the write time by the introduction of new technologies such as increased beam current density, faster DAC amplifiers and more efficient stage algorithms. Despite these efforts, mask manufacturers continue to explore ways of increasing writer throughput and available capacity. This study models the impact of further improvements in beam current density and settling times. Furthermore, this model will be used to prescribe the necessary improvement rates needed to keep pace with the shot count trends extending beyond the 45nm node.
CHARISMA, RITUAL, COLLECTIVE EFFERVESCENCE, AND SELF-ESTEEM

Durkheim expected ritual in conjunction with collective effervescence to transform the psyches of individuals; Weber held similar expectations for charisma. Yet, little work examines the social-psy...
Optimization of high-efficiency hemodialysis by detection and correction of fistula dysfunction

Recirculation studies were performed in 103 patients treated with high-efficiency dialysis over a 14 month period. Fistulograms were performed on 22 out of 25 patients with greater than 0.15 fractional recirculation at a 400 ml/minute blood pump setting. Clinically significant abnormalities were found in 82% (N = 18) and treated in 17. Two patients had second episodes of elevated recirculations and were treated again within the period of follow-up. Treatment with angioplasty (N = 11) or surgical revision (N = 8) resulted in a fall in recirculation from 0.33 +/- 0.04 to 0.12 +/- 0.02 (P = 0.001). The fractional reduction of urea clearance due to recirculation fell from 0.20 +/- 0.03 to 0.08 +/- 0.02 (P = 0.001) and the effective urea clearance of the dialysis treatment rose by 16% from 193 +/- 7 ml/min to 224 +/- 6 ml/min (P = 0.001). Pre-dialysis BUN fell from 72 +/- 4 mg/100 ml to 62 +/- 3 mg/100 ml (P = 0.012). There was no correlation between venous pressure (VP) at 400 ml/min blood pump setting and recirculation (R2 = 0.04), although VP changed significantly comparing values before and after fistula repair (211 +/- 10 vs. 186 +/- 7 mm Hg, P = 0.012). Venous pressures in 20 of the patients in our dialysis unit with recirculations of less than 0.10 were 201 +/- 6 mm Hg (P = NS compared to patients with recirculation greater than or equal to 0.15 at 400 ml/min blood flow).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
On the Cytoplasmic Fibrils of Lophomonas striata

Views on the nature of the cytoplasmic fibrils which occur in Lophomonas striata are considered. It is concluded that on the basis of available information the rods or fibrils should be considered as structures characteristic of this flagellate.
Fracture Properties of Polyphenylene Oxide Composites

Abstract The mechanical properties of glass bead, randomly oriented short glass fiber and randomly oriented short graphite fiber polyphenylene oxide composites were investigated. Fracture toughness measurements were made using double edge-notched tensile specimens and tensile strength, tensile strain and initial elastic modulus were measured in standard ASTM tensile tests. It was found that the fracture toughness was relatively independent of filler types and geometry (and nearly equal to that of the unfilled polymer) when no polymer-filler adhesion was present. When adhesion was promoted by surface treatment of the reinforcement, the fracture toughness of the treated fiber composites was greater than that of the untreated composites, while that of the treated particulate composites was below that of the untreated materials. The fracture toughness was also relatively independent of fiber concentration, but decreased sharply with increased glass bead concentration. The elastic moduli of the composites vari...
RESEARCH: Are Recent Watershed Disturbances Associated with Temporal and Spatial Changes in Water Quality of Lake George, New York, USA?

(Chl a), silica (Si), and chloride (Cl) through the use of proper statistical techniques. Results indicate no statistically significant changes in the concentrations of TP, Chl a, or Si in the spring or summer from 1981 to 1993. A significant temporal trend of increase in Cl concentration is, however, detected. This is perhaps the strongest evidence that the development of the Lake George watershed has affected lakewater chemistry. In spring, the concentrations of TP, Chl a, Si, and Cl, averaged over all 13 years, were higher in the south basin, but differences are not statistically significant (i.e., P > 0.05). In summer, Si was slightly but significantly lower, and Cl was nonsignificantly higher in the south basin. Significant interactions between temporal and spatial changes are detected based only on summer values of TP and Chl a, indicating differential trends of change for these two variables in the south and north basins during the last 13 years.
The face of fear

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The likelihood ratio approximation to the conditional distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator in the discrete case

SUMMARY The likelihood ratio approximation, also called Barndorff-Nielsen's approximation and often denoted by p*, provides a highly accurate approximation to the conditional density of a maximum likelihood estimator 0 given an ancillary statistic. In this paper, the properties of p* are considered for the case in which the underlying random variables have a lattice distribution and 0 has a discrete, but not necessarily lattice, distribution. If 0 has a lattice distribution, then p* provides a valid approximation to the density of 0 with respect to counting measure. If the distribution of 0 is non-lattice, then p* is still a valid approximation to the conditional density of 0; however, the dominating measure is no longer counting measure.
An application of Thai music for general and instrumental music programs

With all the music that is available for instrumental performance in the schools, the music of Thailand is under-represented. Yet Thailand has a rich instrumental tradition. This article focuses on...
A simplicial 3-arrangement of 22 planes

This paper describes a join-irreducible simplicial arrangement Ainf1sup3(22) of 22 planes in real projective 3-space that is not included in the list recently published by Branko Grunbaum and G. C. Shephard. Seventeen sporadic 3-arrangements are now known.
Determination of propranolol in peritoneal dialysis fluid by high-performance liquid chromatography without extraction

Abstract A rapid, sensitive method for the high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of propranolol in peritoneal dialysis fluid is described. An extraction step is replaced by the use of a C18 Sep-Pak® cartridge for sample preparation. The procedure offers an acceptable alternative to sample extraction and will allow for pharmacokinetic studies of propranolol in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis for chronic renal failure.