cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Investigation of Responses to Survey Screening Questions: The Impact of Placement and Format

This paper presents data that examines questionnaire response bias that may occur when initial screening questions allow respondents to infer the purpose of the study. Some respondents may intentionally lie to “qualify” or “not qualify” based on their interpretation of the screening question(s), thereby compromising validity.
Conservation, Innovation, and Bias: Embryonic Segment Boundaries Position Posterior, but Not Anterior, Head Horns in Adult Beetles.

The integration of form and function of novel traits is a fundamental process during the developmental evolution of complex organisms, yet how novel traits and trait functions integrate into preexisting contexts remains poorly understood. Here, we explore the mechanisms by which the adult insect head has been able to integrate novel traits and features during its ontogeny, focusing on the cephalic horns of Onthophagus beetles. Specifically, using a microablation approach we investigate how different regions of the dorsal head of adult horned beetles relate to their larval and embryonic counterparts and test whether deeply conserved regional boundaries that establish the embryonic head might also facilitate or bias the positioning of cephalic horns along the dorsal adult head. We find that paired posterior horns—the most widespread horn type within the genus—are positioned along a border homologous to the embryonic clypeolabral (CL)–ocular boundary, and that this placement constitutes the ancestral form of horn positioning. In contrast, we observed that the phylogenetically much rarer anterior horns are positioned by larval head regions contained firmly within the CL segment and away from any major preexisting larval head landmarks or boundaries. Lastly, we describe the unexpected finding that ablations at medial head regions can result in ectopic outgrowths bearing terminal structures resembling the more anterior clypeal ridge. We discuss our results in the light of the developmental genetic mechanisms of head formation in holometabolous insects and the role of co-option in innovation and bias in developmental evolution.
Improving the Efficacy of Administrative Data for Evaluation of Holistic Defense

ABSTRACTA college of social work developed a partnership with a state commission on indigent defense to examine existing data-collection procedures, potential case outcomes, and practical implications of implementing holistic defense programs. The holistic defense model responds to the complex challenges of justice-system-involved defendants by providing social services in public defense offices. Using chi-square and logistic regression analyses of administrative data for a sample of 15,994 public defendants from a single judicial circuit, this research study examined case outcomes before and after implementation of a holistic defense program. Results were mixed regarding effectiveness of holistic defense in mitigating the effect of justice involvement for indigent defendants. Implementation of holistic defense was associated with a decrease in case dismissals. However, defendants receiving holistic representation were less likely to be indicted than defendants prior to program implementation. Once indict...
Comparative study on parameter estimation methods for attenuation relationships

In this paper, the performance and advantages and disadvantages of various regression methods to derive coefficients of an attenuation relationship have been investigated. A database containing 350 records out of 85 earthquakes with moment magnitudes of 5–7.6 and Joyner–Boore distances up to 100 km in Europe and the Middle East has been considered. The functional form proposed by Ambraseys et al (2005 Bull. Earthq. Eng. 3 1–53) is selected to compare chosen regression methods. Statistical tests reveal that although the estimated parameters are different for each method, the overall results are very similar. In essence, the weighted least squares method and one-stage maximum likelihood perform better than the other considered regression methods. Moreover, using a blind weighting matrix or a weighting matrix related to the number of records would not yield in improving the performance of the results. Further, to obtain the true standard deviation, the pure error analysis is necessary. Assuming that the correlation between different records of a specific earthquake exists, the one-stage maximum likelihood considering the true variance acquired by the pure error analysis is the most preferred method to compute the coefficients of a ground motion predication equation.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation - Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI) as a Surrgoate Marker for Predition of Transplant Outcome for Pateints (pts) with Multiple Myeloma (MM) Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT): High HCT-CI Score Predicts for Poor Outcome.

Background: For all “transplant eligible” pts with MM, established practice guidelines recommend ASCT as part of the front line treatment. However, the definition of “transplant eligible” remains undefined. The HCT-CI is a new tool that encapsulates pre-transplant comorbidities used in predicting transplant outcomes in pts undergoing allogeneic SCT. This scoring system has been shown to be a good predictor for non-relapse mortality (NRM) & survival in pts undergoing alloSCT. In this study, we hypothesize that HCT-CI could predict the transplant outcome on pts with MM undergoing ASCT and could potentially be utilized as a tool for selecting pts with MM for transplant. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 75 pts with multiple myeloma whom underwent ASCT in our institution between 02/99 and 12/03 with a median follow up of 30 months. Pts were assigned scores based on the HCT-CI. Definitions of comorbidities were as previously reported by Sorror et. al. (Blood2005; 106:2912). Results: Median age was 56 years (38 – 73); M:F 1:1. 51 pts received a single & 24 had tandem ASCT. The majority of pt. had IgG myeloma (IgG kappa: 45; IgG Lambda 17). Comorbidities (points, number of pts): mild hepatic (1,16), renal (2,6), cardiac (1,8), arrhythmia (1,1), heart valve disease (3,4), cerebrovascular (1,8), DM (1,11), PUD (2,2), inflammatory bowel disease (1,0), Tumor (3,6), pulmonary (2,5), psychiatric (1,8), rheumatologic (2,3), infection (1,6), and obesity (1,10). HCT-CI score of 0 seen in 32%, 1 in 28%, 2–8 in 40% of the pts, with a median score of 1.65. 20 patients died with only one due to NRM. Pts were categorized into 2 groups: low-risk (scores of 0–1) – 46 pts and high-risk (scores 2–8) – 29. Using a cox regression model, the low risk group had a survival advantage (HR = 2.55, P = 0.04 ). Using Kaplan Meier survival estimate comparing the low risk and high risk group (figure1), the 5 yrs overall survival were 77% & 22% respectively ( P = 0.04 ). While the median survival for the high risk group was 3.52 years, it has not been reached for the low risk group. Conclusion: Here, we have demonstrated a survival benefit for pts with low (0–1) compared with high (≥ 2) HCT-CI score. In addition, the outcome of pts with high HCT-CI score was also similar to non-transplant pts as published in the literature. This raises the question of “benefit” of ASCT for pts with high HCT-CI score. Thus, HCT-CI may serve as a useful tool to select pts whom would benefit most from ASCT.
Evaluation of repair of the hip labrum under simulated full weight-bearing.

IntroductionRepairs of labral tears are performed for unstable tears, hip instability, and after detachment concomitant to the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), but limited data is k...
A zoning algorithm for dynamic cyber zone defense

Attacks on cyber systems continue to plague public and private sector enterprises. While cyber zone defense is an appealing strategy to prevent, disrupt and tolerate these attacks, existing approaches assign hosts to zones based on their function (for example, printer zones and sensor zones) or place in the architecture (for example, corporate zones and demilitarized zones). This leaves the large number of human-operated commodity workstations within an enterprise unaddressed. We propose a dynamic zoning algorithm which periodically or asynchronously assigns hosts to zones based on peer requests made by their human operators. The proposed algorithm runs quickly on basic hardware for a large enterprise, and the zone statistics converge to values that match what simple mathematical models predict. We conclude that dynamic cyber zone defense calls for additional research and is a candidate for technology transfer.
INDIGENOUS CASSAVA PLANT PROTECTION PRACTICES AMONG FARMERS IN OWERRI AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF IMO STATE NIGERIA

The study was designed to determine the indigenous knowledge system (IKS) in cassava plant protection in Imo State, Nigeria. Data collected were on socio- economic characteristics of respondents, ab characteristics of cassava and the plant protection extension parameters, perceptions and attitudes of fanners towards cassava plant protection among others. Data collection was done with the use of a modified ESCAPP survey protocol structured questionnaire as well as observation and interviews. Simple descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. A total of 90 farmers randomly sampled from Owerri Zone of the three agricultural zones in Imo State participated In the study. Recommendations were made based on the findings of the study.
Transferring connections: Friend and sibling attachments' importance in the lives of singles

Broadly speaking, attachment theorists have argued that the unconscious, social–cognitive process of transference is one of the mechanisms underlying attachment stability and coherence. This study assessed the transference of friend and sibling attachments and examined differences between single and romantically coupled individuals. Attachment-related feelings transferred to new individuals who resembled friends and siblings, and this process was especially true for single people. Having more siblings corresponded to greater attachment security for all participants, and larger friend networks buffered singles specifically from attachment insecurity. In general, friend and sibling relationships appeared to be more influential for single individuals, pointing to the importance of these significant others in singles' lives.
Turning the carbon supertanker: Sectoral feasibility of climate change mitigation in China

Abstract Whether China can slow the growth of emissions of greenhouse gases and ultimately reduce them has become a central question for climate mitigation. In previous research on India, we developed a theoretical framework to assess the structural characteristics of different sectors and identify which ones were most amenable to mitigation. In this article, we extend that approach to China and review the nine sectors responsible for most of the country's emissions. These include electricity (disaggregating renewables, nuclear, and coal), road transportation, four disaggregated industry sub-sectors (steel, cement, fertilizers, and oil refining), and buildings. We identify two sets of attributes, what we called political/organizational feasibility and techno-economic feasibility, that together shape the possibilities for emissions mitigation. Our central intuition is that fragmentation − on the government or market side or both − makes collective action more difficult. Cement, steel, and oil refining possess favorable characteristics on both political/organizational feasibility and techno-economic feasibility, while fertilizers and renewables pose the most difficult challenges on both dimensions. Buildings and road transport are mixed cases, where techno-economic feasibility is high while political/organizational dynamics are more challenging. Finally, coal and nuclear are mixed cases where political/organizational feasibility is high but techno-economic aspects are more challenging.
Neuropsychological investigation of "the amazing memory man".

Objective Mnemonists, memory champions, and persons with highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM) are apparently rare breeds, with no more than a few dozen cases of each described in the neuroscientific literature. This report describes a newly discovered HSAM case who has extraordinary memory for a wider range of material than has heretofore been described. Method Subject MM was interviewed about his personal life and administered standard clinical tests of cognition and personality, as well as experimental tasks assessing personal and generic episodic and semantic memory. Finally, he was studied with high resolution structural MRI of the medial temporal lobes, as well as brain connectivity analysis using resting-state functional MRI. Results MM's ability to recall general factual information, historical facts and dates, sports statistics, and popular culture, as well as personal life experiences, is exceptional, even though he performs in only the average range on tests of intellect and new learning ability. Unlike most mnemonists, he denies using any specific mnemonic strategy and, unlike many other HSAM cases, is unable to recall highly specific details of days in his adult life. Structural brain imaging in MM reveals atypical anatomy in his left temporal lobe, and functional neuroimaging suggests greater than usual connectivity of the left hippocampus with premotor, prefrontal and retrosplenial cingulate cortex. Conclusions These observations are discussed in the context of previous studies of mnemonists and HSAM cases, some of which implicate hyperconnectivity among components of an expanded memory network in extraordinary memory retrieval. (PsycINFO Database Record
Seeing the invisible: Limited-view imaging with multiple-scattering reconstruction

Traditional image reconstruction methods make a single-scattering assumption, which yields a linear optimization problem. In fact, the scattered field involves richer information because of the multiple-scattering terms, which can be enhanced into image reconstruction with nonlinear optimization. This is especially useful for limited-view imaging, where the forward scattering field cannot be measured. This paper demonstrates multiple-scattering reconstructions, outperforming conventional formulations in terms of imaging a larger potion of the object spectrum.
Fusion features for robust speaker identification

Speaker's identification systems aim to identify, through a set of speech parameters, the speaker's identity. Thus, a relevant speech representation is required. For this purpose, we suggest to combine spectral parameters as the Mel frequency Cepstral coefficients (MFCC) and the perceptual linear predictive (PLP) coefficients and prosodic parameter such as the signal fundamental frequency (F0). There are two main classes for F0 estimation divided into temporal and spectral methods. We employ the sawtooth waveform inspired pitch estimator (SWIPE) algorithm for F0 estimation. It is based on the pitch estimation in the frequency domain. In addition, we evaluate the Gaussian mixture model-universal background model (GMM-UBM) for the modelling purpose. Experiments are involved in Timit database. Identification rates are promising and prove the benefit of the combination for MFCC and PLP rather than using each feature separately and this mainly for noisy data.
Transient Osmotic Perturbation Causes Long-Term Alteration to the Gut Microbiota

Osmotic diarrhea is a prevalent condition in humans caused by food intolerance, malabsorption, and widespread laxative use. Here, we assess the resilience of the gut ecosystem to osmotic perturbation at multiple length and timescales using mice as model hosts. Osmotic stress caused reproducible extinction of highly abundant taxa and expansion of less prevalent members in human and mouse microbiotas. Quantitative imaging revealed decimation of the mucus barrier during osmotic perturbation, followed by recovery. The immune system exhibited temporary changes in cytokine levels and a lasting IgG response against commensal bacteria. Increased osmolality prevented growth of commensal strains in vitro, revealing one mechanism contributing to extinction. Environmental availability of microbiota members mitigated extinction events, demonstrating how species reintroduction can affect community resilience. Our findings (1) demonstrate that even mild osmotic diarrhea can cause lasting changes to the microbiota and host and (2) lay the foundation for interventions that increase system-wide resilience.
Challenges in Advancing Extremophiles for Therapeutic Applications

Varying types of extremophiles have been identified, however, many more are yet to be discovered from rare earth habitats. The challenges remain to grow these bacteria in the laboratory without knowing the optimum growth media and conditions. Advancements made in molecular biology of extremophiles are too limited to investigate the routes extremophiles adopt for themselves at molecular level under harsh environmental conditions. However, modern biology such as the “–omics” making it easier for researchers to sequence entire genome of bacteria and explore the systems biology approaches that enables extremophiles to cope with its surroundings. Reference libraries for chemical properties of extremolytes would make it easier to screen a variety of extremolytes against specific diseases. Developing bioreactors for efficient production of extremolytes is among the major challenges toward commerical benefits of extremophiles.
MECHANISMS OF ACTION AND BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF VARIOUS DEHYDROGENASE ISOZYMES

ABSTRACT: A short review is presented pertaining to the considerations that led us to propose the theory that the A-type lactate dehydrogenase is especially geared to serve as a pyruvate reductase in anaerobically metabolizing tissues, whereas B-type enzyme is better suited to serve as a lactate dehydrogenase in aerobically metabolizing tissues. The paper summarizes the evidence suggesting that the activity of the B-type LDH as well as that of the mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase may be regulated in vivo by means of abortive ternary complex formation. The advantage of such a regulatory mechanism for the tissues involved is discussed.
S2F10 Formation by Electrical Discharges in SF6: Comparison of Spark and Corona

Among the SF6 by-products of electrical discharges that have been investigated S2F10 is probably the least understood (physical, chemical, and biological properties) and the most toxic. Its production in electrical discharges has been controversial because the presence of this chemical has been reported by only a few groups. We report on the yields of S2F10 in two types of discharges: spark and corona. The S2F10 yields for corona and spark were 2–4 μmol/C and 0.04–0.37 nmol/J respectively for experiments where the water content was low. For both types of discharges we have found that S2F10 formation is dependent on the presence of moisture. For corona discharges model calculations based on known sulfur-fluorine chemistry are shown to yield reasonable agreement with experimental data. We show S2F10 is formed in electrical discharges that occur in compressed-gas insulated equipment and address questions concerning effects of moisture and surface conditions.
Regularity Properties for Integrals of Solutions over Time-like Lines

The methods used in Chapter VII for establishing differentiability of solutions of elliptic equations can be applied to some extent to non-elliptic equations as well. One obtains then as a result differentiability properties not of the solution itself but of certain of its integrals.
Should I shoot or should I go? Simple rules for prey selection in multi-species hunting systems

Across the tropics, unregulated hunting targeting many different species presents a major conservation challenge. Prioritizing resources for monitoring and enforcement is difficult when multiple prey species are exploited. However, identifying which prey species are subject to hunting pressure can be achieved with diet choice models. We evaluate hunter diet sets using data from Southwest China and compare two diet choice models: optimal foraging theory and a relatively new diet model originating from economic optimal stopping problems. The optimal stopping diet choice model required fewer field parameters than optimal foraging models and more accurately reflected hunter catch in Southwest China. The optimal stopping model also indicated that hunters should be less selective when they experience a larger opportunity cost for their time. Finally, we illustrate a new method to evaluate harvest impact from single sites with limited data using dietary thresholds. This technique could be used to evaluate whether or not the community of exploited wildlife has shifted in its trait distribution, providing a means to anticipate trait-biased defaunation from minimal data.
Assessing the use of wing ornamentation and visual display in female choice sexual selection.

Abstract Conspicuous sexual dimorphism is often ascribed to sexual selection. When the differences between the sexes are ornamental, this is thought to indicate a role for female choice. In spotted winged Drosophila species courtship, a male positioned in front of a female waves his wings, which have a patch of melanization on the exterior margin. In this study, we examine both female preference for wing spots and the role of vision in mating success in three species of the suzukii group: Drosophila biarmipes, D. suzukii, and D. subpulchrella. To assess female preference for wing spot, we removed the spot with a novel, non-invasive method, and competed spotless males with males with two spots. Phenotype did not affect mating success in any species. To eliminate the potential effect of competitive behavior on male mating success, we also ran a no-choice analysis. Mating frequency and timing was not different between phenotypes within these species. The effect of vision on mating success was assessed by comparing mating success of spotted males between light and dark conditions, both for frequency of mating, as well as timing of multiple courtship parameters. Species varied in the extent that lack of vision negatively affected mating success. Though vision is important for mating success, the spot itself may not be providing the signal that females use to make mating decisions.
Aristotle on Inequality of Wealth

One might think that inequality of income and wealth are a special cause for concern only nowadays. But, perhaps surprisingly, equality and inequality of resources are issues addressed by Aristotle in his Politics. I first discuss Aristotle’s suggestion that equality of resources is a way of avoiding faction (e.g., Pol. V.3 1304a38-b5). I then discuss Aristotle’s relatively neglected critique of Phaleas of Chalcedon’s proposal for equal plots of land (Pol. II.7), arguing that Aristotle actually improves on Phaleas’s ideas in his own proposal for a second-best constitution. In such a constitution, Aristotle avoids the hour-glass distribution of rich and poor that is a modern problem (Pol. IV.11). His proposal also incorporates some aspects of his famous doctrine of the mean. I then briefly discuss the question of resources in Aristotle’s ideal city of the Politics and in his ethical works, speculating on the question why distributive justice in relation to wealth is not addressed in the passages of the Politics I discuss. I conclude with some brief reflections on modern and ancient views.
Uncertainty Budgets for Comparison Calibrations of Thermocouples

By means of concrete examples, we discuss the determination of an uncertainty budget for calibration of thermocouples by comparison techniques. In the first example, the calibration of a type T the...
SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL HEALTH EFFECTS FROM LIVING IN A DIOXIN CONTAMINATED NEIGHBORHOOD

Background: The Cabot-Koppers wood treatment facility was in operation for nearly 100 years and is located in a densely populated low-income neighborhood with over 4,000 residents in Gainesville, F...
The vexing complexity of the amyloidogenic pathway

The role of the amyloidogenic pathway in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), particularly the common sporadic late onset forms of the disease, is controversial. To some degree, this is a consequence of the failure of drug and therapeutic antibody trials based either on targeting the proteases in this pathway or its amyloid end products. Here, we explore the formidable complexity of the biochemistry and cell biology associated with this pathway. For example, we review evidence that the immediate precursor of amyloid-β, the C99 domain of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), may itself be toxic. We also review important new results that appear to finally establish a direct genetic link between mutations in APP and the sporadic forms of AD. Based on the complexity of amyloidogenesis, it seems possible that a major contributor to the failure of related drug trials is that we have an incomplete understanding of this pathway and how it is linked to Alzheimer's pathogenesis. If so, this highlights a need for further characterization of this pathway, not its abandonment.
Routing in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Efficient, dynamic routing is one of the key challenges in mobile ad hoc networks. In the recent past, this problem was addressed by many research efforts, resulting in a large body of literature. We survey various proposed approaches for routing in mobile ad hoc networks such as flooding, proactive, on-demand and geographic routing, and review representative protocols from each of these categories. We further conduct qualitative comparisons across various approaches. We also point out future research issues in the context of individual routing approaches as well as from the overall system perspective.
Depletion layer controls photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with p-type gallium phosphide particles

p-Type gallium phosphide (p-GaP) is an established photocathode material for hydrogen evolution, however, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from p-GaP photocatalysts only proceeds with very low activity. The reason for the low activity of p-GaP, and of other p-type semiconducting photocatalysts, is presently unknown. To better understand this limitation, we have investigated the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity and photovoltage generation of p-type GaP microparticles in the presence of sacrificial electron donors. Sub-micrometer sized particles with a Zn acceptor concentration of 5.5 × 1017 cm−3 were prepared by grinding a commercial p-type Zn:GaP wafer. According to surface photovoltage spectra, the p-GaP particles have an effective bandgap of 1.9 eV and generate a positive photovoltage of 0.41 V, due to movement of the holes in the space charge layer of the particles. After modification with a Ni2P cocatalyst, p-GaP particles catalyze H2 evolution under visible light (>400 nm, 400 mW cm−2) in the presence of various sacrificial electron donors. The highest hydrogen evolution rate of 13.5 μmol h−1 was achieved with 0.05 M KI, followed by 3.6 μmol h−1 with 0.05 M K4[Fe(CN)6] and 0.5 μmol h−1 with 0.05 M Na2SO3. Rates are inversely correlated with the standard reduction potential of the donors (more reducing donors give lower rates). This can be explained on the basis of the depletion layer model at the p-GaP/electrolyte interface which directs photoelectrons away from the Ni2P cocatalyst and toward the sacrificial donors and GaP surface states. SPS measurements in the presence of the sacrificial reagents estimate the donor-dependent potential drop across the depletion layer as 0.25–0.45 V. This correlates well with logarithmic H2 evolution rates, confirming that the depletion layer limits the forward reaction. This model explains why p-type semiconductors have a much lower photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity than n-type semiconductors. The SPS measurements also confirm electron trapping on the p-GaP surface as a reason for the slow deactivation of the photocatalysts.
The leadership challenge: undocumented youths in social movement coalitions in the United States

This article examines the challenges undocumented youths face when joining and leading social movement coalitions. It relies on a case study of New York and New Jersey to bridge the gap between the...
Kant on Negation

Contrary to the contemporary view that negation is a logical operation that modifies the mere content of a thought or judgment, but not the act of thinking or judging it, Kant maintains that negati...
Multi-layer QoS Analysis of IEEE 802.11bd Based VANET for Safety Applications

The safety-critical applications of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) call for wireless communication systems with high reliability and low transmission latency. Recently, a very promising communication system standardized as IEEE 802.11 bd was proposed and studied to address the reliability deficiency of IEEE 802.11 P based Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) system in the adverse vehicular situations. Seamless evolution of radio access technology from IEEE 802.11p to IEEE 802.11bd have undergone performance improvement evaluations in the physical layer. However, the impact of the enhancements on the network layer and safety services in V ANETs remain unknown. In this paper, we conduct analysis of IEEE 802.11bd beyond the physical layer. First, the performance gains of IEEE 802.11bd comparing to IEEE 802.11p in the physical layer are summarized. Then, packet loss rate (PLR) curves as a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in the physical layer are quantified and connected to the quality of service (QoS) metrics in the MAC layer, while considering the effect of channel access and interference among network nodes. Furthermore, application-level analysis is conducted to identify if the proposed IEEE 802.11bd can meet the QoS requirements of the selected safety applications where IEEE 802.11p previously failed. Finally, constructive conclusions are presented on IEEE 802.11bd's suitability for V ANET critical safety services and future developments.
The Function of the Philosopher and the Public in W.E.B. Du Bois’s Political Thought

I draw on W.E.B. Du Bois’s political thought to challenge de Shalit’s characterization of the role of the philosopher and the public in political theory. I press three issues to clarify what it wou...
Extraction of Essential Oil: Eucalyptus Oil

Pure essential oils are concentrated oils derived from various natural plants, flowers, plants roots, seeds, resins, external tissue of plants, trees or shrubs or fruits rinds. These oils are highly recognized by humans for their beneficiary on body, skin and spirit. These oils are also used commercially due to their high end therapeutic or odoriferous properties. Objectives: To study extraction techniques available to extract the oils from plants and trees, to come across pros and cons of few extraction methods, selection and efficiency of a single method Results: The technique used to extract essential oil from plants is important, because some methods use solvents which can destroy the therapeutic properties of plants and trees. There are various methods for extraction, but the quality and yield of the oil never remains the same. In this experiment, Soxhlet apparatus technique has been employed due to its mild extracting conditions and low operating cost. Steam is used as the key component to extract oils. Conclusion: Extraction of essential oil by various methods and Innovative techniques retards the risk of losing the essential component of plants and trees, reduce chemical risk, extraction time, acts Eco-friendly and increase the quality and yield of the essential oils.
Microeconomics: a way of thinking about business

In economics in particular, education seems to be largely a matter of unlearning and “disteaching” rather than constructive action. A once famous American humorist observed that “it's not ignorance that does so much damage; it's knowin' so darn much that ain't so” … It seems that the hardest things to learn and to teach are things that everyone already knows. Frank H. Knight The late Frank Knight was a wise professor at the University of Chicago who realized that students beginning a study of economics, no matter the level – even those who are in advanced business programs – face a difficult task. They must learn many things in a rigorous manner that, on reflection and with experience, amount to common sense. To do that, however, they must set aside – or “unlearn” – many preconceived notions of the economy and of the course itself. The problem of “unlearning” can be especially acute for MBA students who are returning to a university after years of experience in industry. People in business rightfully focus their attention on the immediate demands of their jobs and evaluate their firms' successes and failures with reference to production schedules and accounting statements, a perspective that stands in stark contrast to the perspective developed in an economics class.
Removable Polyurethane Encapsulants

Two castable thermoplastic polyurethane formulations have been developed for use as removable electronics packaging materials. The first formulation would be employed in situations where some elastomeric properties are desired. Mechanical properties for this formulation are: tensile strength 1675 psi, elongation 480%, and modulus 2.2 X 104 psi. The second formulation more closely simulates an epoxy resin and the mechanical properties are: tensile strength 6040 psi, elongation 6.5%, and modulus 2.8 X 105 psi. Both casting resins can be filled (e.g., with Al2O3) which reduces the coefficient of thermal expansion (~ 80 X 10-6 to ~ 40 X 10-6/°C) and susceptibility to creep. The two formulations are soluble in polar organic solvents such as dimethylformamide and tetrahydrofuran. Both formulations were synthesized in bulk and based on reaction rate studies, they exhibit a diffusion controlled process in the latter stages of reaction.
Hepatic carbamyl phosphate: glucose phosphotransferase. Distribution, comparative kinetics, and responses to alloxan- or mannoheptulose-induced diabetes.

Abstract Levels of carbamyl phosphate:glucose phosphotransferase activity of d -glucose 6-phosphate phosphohydrolase (EC 3.1.3.9) in liver homogenates of 20 species representing five classes of vertebrates were measured at pH 7. Highly significant amounts of activity were detected in preparations from all sources, that from beef (30.6 μmoles of glucose 6-phosphate formed per min per g wet liver) being greatest. The activity was also manifest in the digestive gland of the crayfish, but was not detected in two species of bacteria, a mold, a ciliate, or bean seedlings. Two-substrate kinetic studies were performed with the enzyme from five mammalian and two avian species. In all cases a direct dependence of apparent Michaelis-constant values on the concentration of second substrate was observed. Apparent Km values for glucose as low as 22 to 35 m m were observed. This same type of kinetics was found when performed with this activity from liver of alloxan-diabetic rabbits, yielding nearly identical apparent Michaelis constants as from the normal rabbit; the higher activity observed with the diabetic rabbits thus may be attributed to a larger V in the latter than in control animals. Positive response of this activity to mannoheptulose-induced diabetes is also described. Although not by themselves establishing a physiological phosphorylative role for carbamyl phosphate:glucose phosphotransferase, the results of these studies do indicate that intrinsic catalytic properties of this enzyme, as measured in vitro, may suit the enzyme for such a function under certain conditions.
The Costs of Intraparty Competition: SNTV and Money Politics in Japan

Many scholars have argued that money politics in Japan has been driven in part by the imperatives of intra-party competition under the single, non-transferable vote system used for Lower House elections until 1994. However, to date no one has undertaken a systematic quantitative study of campaign expenditure in Japan. In this paper we exploit the intraelection reports - which are believed to be accurate accounts of spending during the brief official campaign - in order to investigate how Japanese candidates adapted their last-minute expenditures to SNTV. We show that candidates spent more when they faced more intraparty competition. Our results for Liberal Democratic candidates suggest that intra-party competition boosted campaign-period spending by something like 4 to 18 percent. We also find evidence that the spending appears to be reactive, with candidates increasing their expenditures to counter higher spending by other candidates, and especially by copartisans.
A dual-channel Ku-band DBS downconverter

A dual-channel downconverter has been developed targeted for the Direct Broadcast Satellite Television market. In the established European and the developing North American DBS markets, the system design utilizes dual-polarized signals for program transmission. To reduce the receiver complexity it is desirable to have a monolithic dual-channel downconverter that minimizes parts count and reduces assembly/manufacturing costs while maintaining, and perhaps improving total system performance. This was the motivation for developing a GaAs MMIC dual-channel downconverter. >
The National Surveys on Energy and Environment Public Opinion on Fracking: Perspectives from Michigan and Pennsylvania

This report presents the views of Michigan and Pennsylvania citizens on issues related to the extraction of natural gas through hydraulic fracturing, which is more commonly known as “fracking.” Hydraulic fracturing and new horizontal drilling techniques are creating significant opportunities to expand natural gas production across the United States. The absence of comprehensive federal legislation regarding hydraulic fracturing has placed the regulation of unconventional gas drilling primarily within the purview of state and local governments. This report examines public opinion in Michigan and Pennsylvania on a series of issues concerning the impact of fracking on the economy, environmental protection, and information disclosure. Pennsylvania and Michigan have been selected as the focus of this report because they represent states with varied levels of hydraulic fracturing within their borders. Pennsylvania has emerged as one of the nation’s leaders in terms of the number of hydraulic fracturing sites with extensive drilling occurring in the commonwealth, and also has high levels of public debate and policy development related to this issue. Conversely, fracking has just begun to develop on a large scale within Michigan with corresponding public engagement around the matter in its early stages. These differences present a valuable opportunity to examine where the public in these two states stands on an array of issues related to fracking.
Converse and duality results for combinatorial source-channel coding in binary Hamming spaces

This article continues the recent investigation of combinatorial joint source-channel coding. For the special case of a binary source and channel subject to distortion measured by Hamming distance, the lower (converse) bounds on achievable source distortion are improved for all values of channel noise. Operational duality between coding with bandwidth expansion factors ρ and 1 over ρ is established. Although the exact value of the asymptotic noise-distortion tradeoff curve is unknown (except at ρ = 1), some initial results on inter-relations between these curves for different values of ρ are shown and lead to statements about monotonicity and continuity in ρ.
A Fine-Structure Gynandromorph Fate Map of the Drosophila Head

A gynandromorph fate map of the head of D. melanogaster was produced using 28 landmarks derived from one imaginal disc. An examination of the meaning of fine-structure mapping discloses that the sturt value observed between one pair of landmarks within a disc may approximate the relative physical distance of their progenitor cells at blastoderm, but for another pair of landmarks (assuming no directed cell movements), the sturt value may simply reflect their close geographic location at the time the cells are specified for their particular differentiation, a time much later in development when most cell division within the disc has come to an end. The formation of early developmental compartments has little effect on fate-map distances. Our analysis of the data suggests there are approximately ten cells present at the blastoderm stage that are head progenitors. Each blastoderm cell is likely to be the progenitor of a particular array of landmarks, but there is overlap between arrays from different blastoderm cells.
Solute Secretion By The Tube Foot Epithelium In The Starfish Asterias Forbesi

1. The K+ and Cl- levels and osmotic concentration of the tube feet fluid in intact starfish ( Asterias forbesi ) are higher than that in the external sea water or perivisceral (coelomic) fluid. 2. The increase in K+ in the fluid in the tube feet lumen is brought about by the active secretion of K+ by the tube feet epithelium. 3. No exchange of material from the external environment with the more distal portions of the water vascular system across the madreporite was observed in this study. 4. It is suggested that the fluid volume in the tube feet is maintained by active K+ secretion, by the tube feet epithelium, which creates an osmotic driving force for water into the lumen of the tube feet.
Living with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: An Anesthesiologist’s Experience

1 XXX 2015 LLymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, under-diagnosed, progressive lung disease caused by uncontrolled smooth muscle cell proliferation. It results in pulmonary cyst formation, small airway obstruction, and eventual respiratory failure. LAM mostly affects women of childbearing age. There is no known cure. I am a current anesthesia resident at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. I was diagnosed with LAM less than two years ago, at the onset of my training. I would like to share my story to raise LAM awareness.
Ineffectiveness of Antibiotic Combination on Response of Chicks Fed Fish Solubles

Abstract VARIOUS methods have been used in attempts to develop a reliable assay procedure for the unidentified chick growth factor reported to be present in fish solubles. These trials have been noted by Menge et al. (1952), Branion and Hill (1953), Lillie et al. (1953), Pappenhagen et al. (1953), Combs et al. (1954), and Arscott et al. (1955). Despite the number of techniques developed and tried, the question of a positive assay still remains unsolved. Our latest effort was an attempt to cause a change or shift in the microflora population by using a combination of three antibiotics: penicillin G, streptomycin sulfate, and nystatin. Penicillin, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, is effective against gram-positive organisms; streptomycin is effective against many gram-negative and certain gram-positive organisms; nystatin is an antifungal antibiotic active against yeasts. Our object was therefore to produce a relatively sterile intestinal tract so that the requirement for the unidentified growth factor …
Stapled versus hand sewn anastomoses in patients with small bowel injury: a changing perspective.

Introduction: Recent studies indicate that trauma patients with hollow viscus injuries requiring anastomosis who are managed with stapling have a higher rate of complications than do those in whom a hand-sewn anastomosis is used. We undertook this study to determine whether this finding applied to patients with small bowel trauma at our institution. Methods: Records of patients with small bowel injuries were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, severity of injury, injury management, and outcome data were collected. Results: Patients who had their small bowel injuries managed by hand-sewn repair versus resection and stapled anastomosis demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease in overall complication rate (35% vs. 44%) and rate of intra-abdominal complication (10% vs. 18%). Yet the rate of intra-abdominal abscess formation was significantly lower with hand-sewn repair than with resection and stapled anastomosis (4% vs. 13%). However, when hand-sewn primary repairs were excluded from the analysis and injuries that required resection and either stapled or hand-sewn anastomosis were compared, there was a similar overall complication rate (41% vs. 41%) and rate of intra-abdominal complications (17% vs. 21%). Conclusion: The rate of intra-abdominal complications did not differ significantly between patients requiring small bowel resection and reanastomosis managed by either a stapled or hand-sewn technique. In our experience, surgical stapling devices appear to be safe for use in repairing traumatic small bowel injury.
On the magnetosheath thicknesses of interplanetary coronal mass ejections

Abstract Interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) often move relative to the ambient solar wind plasma at a speed that exceeds the fast magnetosonic velocity, producing a standing shock wave in the frame of the ICME and a magnetosheath whose plasma flows around the obstacle much as the terrestrial magnetosheath flows around the Earth's magnetosphere. The half-thickness of an ICME is typically 0.1 AU at 1 AU . If this dimension represented the characteristic scale size of the obstacle, then the thickness of the magnetosheath should be about 0.025 AU but it is typically closer to 0.1 AU . In order to treat this problem we convert the original Spreiter et al. (Planet. Space Sci. 14 (1966) 223) formula for the terrestrial magnetosheath thickness to one that is appropriate for the ICME magnetosheath. This treatment allows us to conclude that the characteristic radius of curvature of an ICME at 1 AU is about 0.4 AU . This radius of curvature is provided by both the bend of the axis of the rope and by an elongation of the ICME in the direction perpendicular to both the rope axis and the solar wind flow. Thus near 1 AU ICMEs have a radial thickness that is smaller than their other two characteristic dimensions.
HIV-1 Packing to Leave

HIV-1 virion assembly at the plasma membrane requires the selective recruitment of the viral RNA genome into nascent viral particles while cellular transcripts are excluded. Kutluay et al. now demonstrate that this is a two-step process in which Gag binds sequentially to different sites on the viral genome.
Synthesis and characterization of selective dopamine D2 receptor ligands using aripiprazole as the lead compound

A series of compounds structurally related to aripiprazole (1), an atypical antipsychotic and antidepressant used clinically for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, have been prepared and evaluated for affinity at D(₂-like) dopamine receptors. These compounds also share structural elements with the classical D(₂-like) dopamine receptor antagonists, haloperidol, N-methylspiperone, domperidone and benperidol. Two new compounds, 7-(4-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one oxalate (6) and 7-(4-(4-(2-(2-fluoroethoxy)phenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butoxy)-3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-one oxalate (7) were found to (a) bind to the D₂ receptor subtype with high affinity (K(i) values 50-fold D₂ versus D₃ receptor binding selectivity and (c) be partial agonists at both the D₂ and D₃ receptor subtype.
Functional and morphological effects of hypophysectomy and androgen replacement in the rabbit epididymis

The fertilizing ability of spermatozoa from the distal corpus epididymidis of 55 male rabbits of proven fertility has been determined after artificial insemination 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 11 days after hypophysectomy. A significant decrease in fertility was noted 3, 5, and 7 days after hypophysectomy. Testosterone propionate (2 mg/kg/day) given for 7 days to hypophysectomized rabbits maintained the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa from the corpus epididymidis when injections were started from the day of hypophysectomy or delayed by a week. The effect of hypophysectomy on the histological features of the epididymal epithelium were studied with light and electron microscopy. Regressive changes were observed: reduction in size of the stereocilia border and the endoplasmic reticulum 3 days after hypophysectomy followed by a decrease in tubular diameter and cell height, a reduction in size of the Golgi apparatus and an increase in number of lysosome-like figures and a vacuolization of the epithelium.