cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impairments in Fire Protection and Their Causes

The Underwriters have always laid great stress on the importance of adequacy and reliability of supply, including duplication of supply mains, pumping units etc., to guard against any complete interruption of the supply in the event of a large fire. A careful study of the chronological relations between such major impairments and municipal fire records now turns us to the conclusion that these features may have been over emphasized at the expense of other impairments locally far more serious. Our engineers have carefully gone over the records for the past ten years, and while we have had a number of instances of supply main breakage, drought, leaky reservoirs, broken pumps, etc., the coincidence of a large fire at exactly these times has not occurred, nor have we had in this territory a conflagration loss on this account. The reason for this is obvious. The impairments of this type are discovered almost immediately and every effort is made to resume service in as short a time as possible, and in the meantime to provide emergency supply, the fire department is on the alert, and all possible precautions are taken. The thief in the night is the closed gate valve, usually in the general distribution system, which remains undiscovered until brought to light by failure to obtain even a reasonable supply of water in time of fire. In our engineers' routine inspections and tests of water works it is, I am sorry to say, especially in the small communities, a very common occurrence to find that in some sections of the community the protection is far below that which theoretically should be available. Our engineers' first question, when such conditions are found, is whether there have been any shutoffs for repair work, extensions, etc., and if so, whether they are sure that all the valves have been opened. The answer to the latter question is invariably "Yes." Then, by a series of flow tests similar in principle to the pitometer readings, we
Social Preferences as an Individual Difference in Offender Decision-making:

Objectives:We examined the relationship between social preference game behavior and offender status and tested whether this relationship was attributed to genuine prosocial preferences or confounde...
Can smartphone wireless ECGs be used to accurately assess ECG intervals in pediatrics? A comparison of mobile health monitoring to standard 12-lead ECG.

Background Arrhythmias in children are often paroxysmal, complicating the ability to capture the abnormal rhythm on routine ECG during an outpatient visit. The Alivecor Kardia Mobile (KM) device is a wireless mobile health (mHealth) device that generates a single lead ECG tracing with a FDA-approved algorithm for detection of atrial fibrillation in adults. Objective The goal of this study is to assess the accuracy of interval measurements on KM tracings by directly comparing to standard 12-lead ECGs in pediatric patients. Methods This single center, prospective study enrolled pediatric outpatients, age 20ms with 4/9 (44%) having a conduction disorder and 2/9 (22%) having marked sinus arrhythmia. Bland-Altman method of agreement demonstrated strong agreement for QRSd and QTc. The AF algorithm reported 4/30 (13%) false positive "possible AF" diagnoses (rhythm over-read on KM demonstrated n = 3 marked sinus arrhythmia, n = 1 sinus rhythm with aberrated PACs) resulting in a specificity of 87%. Conclusion The Alivecor Kardia device produces accurate single lead ECG tracings in both healthy children and children with cardiac disease or rhythm abnormalities across the pediatric spectrum. This mHealth application provides an accurate, non-invasive, real-time approach for ambulatory ECG monitoring in children and adolescents.
Correction to: Metabolic relevance for N-hydroxy L-arginine reduction in estrogen-negative breast cancer cells.

We found a unit error with our LC–MS lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) measurement in the Amino Acids Journal
Experimental Platform Development for the Identification of Moving Loads Under the Laboratory Condition

With the rapid increasing of vehicle volumes, road safety is seriously deteriorated and has become a major public health issue. Road monitoring and management by means of Weigh-in-motion (WIM) provide essential assessment information for roadway design and performance prediction. However, due to high installation costs and year round maintenance requirements, permanent WIM is not financially feasible, which also affects the customizable investigations by the researcher. With many governments trying to find solutions to reduce WIM investment costs, this paper developed a novel experiment platform to realize the implementation and verification of a WIM system. The principal components of the WIM platform are given in detail. Thereafter, indicator-based weight estimation tendencies are demonstrated using vibration signals under different weight conditions. Experimental investigations show that the current platform can effectively fulfill customizable tasks such as weight estimation, influence factor analysis, and speed measurement and thus meet the WIM requirements.
Current Developments in Retail Rate Design: Implications for Solar and Other Distributed Energy Resources

Author(s): Satchwell, Andrew; Cappers, Peter; Barbose, Galen L | Abstract: This report describes current trends in retail rate design, and implications of those trends for distributed energy resources (DERs). The study focuses specifically on these five trends: -increased pursuit of residential time-based rates, -development of rates and programs to promote midday load building, -increased application of residential three-part rates (i.e., demand charges), -development of new net-metering alternatives, and -development of new electric vehicle-specific rates. Based on a set of case studies, the report discusses key motivations, rate design variations, and implementation experience across each of these five trends. The report also discusses how each of these trends might impact the deployment of distributed solar and other DERs.
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in US Public Health Laboratories, 2016.

Background Laboratory testing practices are an important part of sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis and control. The goal of this article is to describe the volume and types of STD tests performed in public health laboratories (PHLs) in the United States in 2016. Methods A total of 105 state and local PHLs who were members of the Association of Public Health Laboratories were invited to participate in a survey between May and August 2017. This web-based survey included questions on types of tests offered for different types of STDs, the number of tests offered in 2016, and number of samples that tested positive for each STD. Results Eighty-one (77.1%) of 105 member PHLs responded. Overall in 2016, 2,242,728 Chlamydia trachomatis tests, 2,298,596 Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) tests, 1,235,037 Treponema pallidum (syphilis) tests, 177,571 Trichomonas vaginalis tests, 37,101 herpes simplex virus tests, and 8707 human papillomavirus tests were performed in 2016 in surveyed laboratories. Sixty-seven (82.7%) of PHLs offered C. trachomatis and GC nucleic acid amplification testing. Ninety percent of laboratories performed syphilis testing, 42% performed T. vaginalis testing, and 28.4% performed herpes simplex virus type-specific nucleic acid amplification testing. Few laboratories tested for human papillomavirus. Conclusions This survey collected important information on PHL STD laboratory testing practices. Capacity for important reference laboratory testing, such as GC culture and antimicrobial susceptibility, are needed to support STD programs. Public health laboratories play a key role in STD screening, surveillance, and prevention by offering test methods that are not available at commercial laboratories. Funding constraints affect the resources available for STD screening and surveillance, and thus, it is important to continue to monitor testing practices and the capacity of PHLs to test for STDs.
Time management strategy, job satisfaction, research productivity, and life satisfaction of university faculty

The purposes of this study were to investigate the time management strategies used by faculty at work and to examine relationships between the use of these strategies and faculty job satisfaction and research productivity. Questionnaires examining work performance, job satisfaction, and time management strategies used at work were mailed to a stratified random sample of 275 faculty at a large midwestern landgrant university. Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that reported time conflicts among work roles, an academic appointment that includes time for research activities, and age of faculty were significant predictors of the choice of time management strategies at work. Time management strategies such as efficient implementation of work roles and getting support from colleagues and/or employers emerged as significant predictors o£ job satisfaction. Introduction The increasing number of dual-income and single-parent families in contemporary American society indicates that more and more individuals are faced by both work demands and family responsibilities. As a result, more individuals are required to perform the roles of worker, parent, and, in most cases, spouse simultaneously. Each of these roles carries demands requiring time, energy, and commitment to perform the role
Isolating the role of corticosterone in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal genomic stress response

ABSTRACT The negative impacts of stress on reproduction have long been studied. A large focus of investigation has centered around the effects of the adrenal steroid hormone corticosterone (CORT) on a system of tissues vital for reproduction, the hypothalamus of the brain, the pituitary gland, and the gonads (the HPG axis). Investigations of the role of CORT on the HPG axis have predominated the stress and reproductive biology literature, potentially overshadowing other influential mediators. To gain a more complete understanding of how elevated CORT, characteristic of the stress response, affects the activity of the HPG axis, we experimentally examined its role at the level of the genome in both male and female rock doves (Columba livia). We exogenously administrated CORT to mimic circulating levels during the stress response, specifically 30 min of restraint stress, an experimental paradigm known to increase circulating corticosterone in vertebrates. We examined all changes in genomic transcription within the HPG axis as compared to both restraint-stressed birds and vehicle-injected controls, as well as between the sexes. We report causal and sex-specific effects of CORT on the HPG stress response at the level of the transcriptome. Restraint stress caused 1567 genes to uniquely differentially express while elevated circulating CORT was responsible for the differential expression of 304 genes. Only 108 genes in females and 8 in males differentially expressed in subjects who underwent restraint stress and those who were given exogenous CORT. In response to CORT elevation characteristic of the stress response, both sexes shared the differential expression of 5 genes, KCNJ5, CISH, PTGER3, CEBPD, and ZBTB16, all located in the pituitary. The known functions of these genes suggest potential influence of elevated CORT on immune function and prolactin synthesis. Gene expression unique to each sex indicated that elevated CORT affected more gene transcription in females than males (78 genes versus 3 genes, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first study to isolate the role of CORT in HPG genomic transcription during a stress response. These results provide novel targets for new lines of further investigation and therapy development. We present an extensive and openly accessible view of the role corticosterone in the HPG genomic stress response, offering novel gene targets to inspire new lines of investigation of stress-induced reproductive dysfunction. Because the HPG system is well-conserved across vertebrates, these data have the potential to inspire new therapeutic strategies for reproductive dysregulation in multiple vertebrate systems, including our own.
PG92 The use of virtual simulation during a pandemic

Introduction In-situ simulation training requires participants to be in close proximity and has been suspended due to COVID-19 transmission risk. KIDSNTS conducts regular multidisciplinary training courses, which includes in-situ simulation. Due to the current pandemic, the simulation faculty has adapted their training to include virtual simulation sessions. To study whether virtual simulation sessions is an effective modality for multi specialty health care workers (HCWs) training. Methods Thirty (30) candidates were selected to attend a virtual course which included three hours of simulation and debriefing. Candidates were pre assigned into 3 groups, based on their specialty and job role. Each group watched a 10 minutes pre-recorded simulation episode with two facilitators via Zoom. Using the advocacy inquiry (AI) model, each group spent 50 minutes debriefing. Candidates were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire (utilising likert scale) following the simulation sessions. Results Twenty-seven (90%) of the selected candidates attended the course (table 1) of which 96% (figure 1) completed a questionnaire. 100% of the candidates achieved their learning objectives and would recommend the course. 72% and 96% respectively score the simulation session as excellent (figure 2 +3). Discussion and Conclusion Virtual simulation and debriefing appears to be a positive adjunct to multi-specialty HCWs training. This provides a quality learning experience facilitating multidisciplinary discussions and shared learning. Setting clear learning objectives and zoom rules enabled good engagement. There will be limitations where hands on practical skills are required. For non-technical skills virtual simulation has a definite role in training. Further research is indicated to inform the validity of virtual simulation in training.
Near-Millimeter Wave Radiometric Imaging

A unique feature of the far infrared/near millimeter wave spectral region is that many dielectric and organic media that are opaque in the visible and infrared become transparent [1-4]. Thus it is possible to image these materials or “see through” them for the purpose of inspection, non-destructive testing or concealed object detection. The resolution is degraded relative to the visible and infrared imagery, however, it is still adequate for many applications. To demonstrate the potential of far infrared/near millimeter wave imagery, a simple imaging apparatus was constructed in our laboratory several years ago [3, 4]. Small samples, placed on a mechanical stage negotiating a raster scan, were interposed between an FIR laser and a liquid helium cooled GaAs detector. The amplified detector output modulated a light emitting diode affixed to the stage, and the photographic recording of the diode signal provided an optical rendition of the far infrared transmission (or reflection) image of the object. While this early system demonstrated many of the useful features of FIR/NMMW imagery, the restrictions of active illumination and helium cooled detection, and the ability to examine only small objects limited the utility of the approach.
An active RNA transport mechanism into plant vacuoles

Abstract RNA degradation inside the plant vacuole by the ribonuclease RNS2 is essential for maintaining nucleotide concentrations and cellular homeostasis via the nucleotide salvage pathway. However, the mechanisms by which RNA is transported into the vacuole are not well understood. While selective macroautophagy may contribute to this transport, macroautophagy-independent transport pathways also exist. Here we demonstrate a mechanism for direct RNA transport into vacuoles that is active in purified vacuoles and is ATP hydrolysis-dependent. We identify the RNA helicase SKI2 as a factor required for this transport pathway, as ski2 mutant vacuoles are defective in transport. ski2 mutants have an increased autophagy phenotype that can be rescued by exogenous addition of nucleosides, consistent with a function in nucleotide salvage. This newly-described transport mechanism is therefore critical for RNA degradation, recycling and cytoplasmic nucleotide homeostasis.
Radionuclide transport in the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain: Numerical model and preliminary field observations

The unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain is one of the primary barriers to radionuclide migration from the potential repository to the accessible environment and, as such, has received great attention in site characterization activities. In this study, a dual-permeability flow and transport model has been developed that captures the disparate behavior of radionuclides, which depends on whether transport occurs in the fractures or the matrix. The model predicts stratigraphically controlled, abrupt changes in flow and transport- from fracture dominated to matrix dominated. A particle-tracking algorithm has been used to simulate radionuclide transport. This method handles a wide range of solute transport velocities due to fracture and matrix flow, as well as transport processes such as retardation due to sorption and matrix diffusion. Using sorption and diffusion data collected for the Yucca Mountain tuffs, the model predicts that the nonwelded vitric Calico Hills unit is the primary barrier to radionuclide migration in the unsaturated zone. This is because of the long percolation times in the matrix and the intimate contact of sorbing radionuclides with the host rock. Matrix diffusion is also shown to provide significant travel-time delay, especially for regions beneath the potential repository in which fracture transport occurs along the entire flow path to the water table. Because of the importance of the vitric Calico Hills to the performance of the unsaturated zone as a barrier to radionuclide migration, a field-scale Unsaturated Zone Transport Test (UZTT) is being conducted at Busted Butte, located 8 km southeast of the potential repository. Initial results indicate that the vitric Calico Hills unit does indeed exhibit matrix-dominated flow and transport under current and expected future hydrologic conditions at the site.
Radio Sources and Clusters of Galaxies

Almost all theories of extended extragalactic radio sources involve the idea of confinement by a tenuous external medium. Generally it is hard to pin down the existence and properties of such a medium. However, in clusters of galaxies there are various lines of evidence, notably derived from X-ray observations, that point to the existence of gas which would exert a considerable influence on the evolution of radio sources. In these lectures we shall summarize some relevant optical, radio and X-ray properties of clusters. Then we discuss the evidence for various forms of gas in clusters. Finally, we discuss in detail observations of the Perseus cluster which is particularly well studied.
Infrared extinction spectroscopy and micro‐Raman spectroscopy of select components of mineral dust mixed with organic compounds

[1] Radiative transfer calculations as well as satellite and ground-based retrieval algorithms often use Mie theory to account for atmospheric mineral dust. However, the approximations used in Mie theory are often not appropriate for mineral dust and can lead to inaccuracies in modeling optical properties. Analytic models that are based on Rayleigh theory and account for particle shapes can offer significant advantages when used to model the IR extinction of mineral dust in the accumulation size mode. Here we extend our investigations of the IR optical properties of mineral dust to include samples that have been processed with organic acids. In particular, we aerosolize several individual components of mineral dust with organic compounds that are common in the atmosphere. Through online and offline analysis of the resulting aerosol particles combining Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) extinction spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, we have identified three distinct outcomes of the interactions, which depend on the nature of the mineral and the organic acid: reactions with segregation of the products within the particle, formation of a uniform coating on the particle, or a formation of external mixture when there is no significant chemical interaction. Analysis of FTIR extinction spectra of the different dust components that have undergone processing shows red shifts of the prominent IR resonance peaks. The extent of the red shift, which varies from 2 to 10 cm−1, depends on the mineral and the nature of the interaction. Spectral simulations showed that the deviation from Mie theory becomes even more pronounced for these processed mineral dust aerosol components.
Prevalence of previous extracranial malignancies in a series of 1228 patients presenting with meningioma.

Object The study of patients with multiple neoplasms can yield valuable insight into the common pathogenesis of both diseases, as well as identify more subtle risk factors that might not be as readily apparent otherwise. The authors present an analysis of the prevalence of previously diagnosed extracranial malignancies at the time of meningioma diagnosis in 1228 patients evaluated at a single institution. Methods All patients who underwent evaluation and/or treatment for meningioma between 1991 and 2007 at the authors' institution were identified. The intake history and physical were assessed for any history of extracranial malignancy. Using the National Cancer Institute data, the authors calculated an expected cancer prevalence for their meningioma patient population, and compared this derived value to the observed rate of these cancers in this population. Results There were 1228 patients included in this study. A total of 50 patients (4.1%) with newly diagnosed meningioma had a history of an extracrania...
Maximum entropy in support of semantically annotated datasets

One of the important problems of semantic web is checking whether two datasets describe the same quantity. The existing solution to this problem is to use these datasets' ontologies to deduce that these datasets indeed represent the same quantity. However, even when ontologies seem to confirm the identify of the two corresponding quantities, it is still possible that in reality, we deal with somewhat different quantities. A natural way to check the identity is to compare the numerical values of the measurement results: if they are close (within measurement errors), then most probably we deal with the same quantity, else we most probably deal with different ones. In this paper, we show how to perform this checking.
Identification with Imperfect Proxies

Proxy variable methods are among the leading techniques designed to remedy endogeneity in applied research. However, the method eliminates endogeneity under restrictive assumptions that often make it impractical. I show that the proxy method is useful under weaker assumptions. Given assumptions regarding the sign and relative sizes of the partial correlations among unobservables, the proxy, and the endogenous covariate, the proxy method can be used to place bounds on the parameter of interest. This bounding procedure offers an alternative to instrumental variables (IV) bounding procedures and in some cases is more useful. Unlike an IV-based bounding procedure, the proxy procedure presented here can provide useful bounds when the extraneous variable is only weakly correlated with the endogenous covariate.
Abstract W P336: Predictors of Outcome in Young Adults with Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Approximately 10% - 22.5% of ischemic strokes are young adult strokes (YAS) (age 18-49 yr). We examined factors associated with home discharge and in-hospital mortality in YAS patients. Methods: Using our institutional GWTG database, we analyzed 5,120 consecutive stroke inpatients (01/04 - 03/13). Univariate and multivariable models explored factors associated with in-hospital mortality and home discharge. Results: YAS comprised 12% of the cohort (n=619). Compared to older adults, YAS patients were more often Hispanic and non-Caucasian. They presented with significantly fewer vascular risk factors and had a lower median NIHSS. Both groups received similar rates of stroke thrombolysis (IV or IA) and had similar adherence to early antithrombotics, dysphagia screening prior to oral intake, and DVT prophylaxis. YAS patients had lower in-hospital mortality (5% vs. 13%; p Conclusion: Our data shows that despite differences in baseline profiles, YAS patients have similar factors predicting in-hospital mortality as that reported for all acute ischemic stroke patients. IV tPA use was associated with the favorable outcome of discharge home in our YAS cohort.
Methodological Realism and Modal Resourcefulness: Out of the Web and Into the Mine

Psillos (1999, 2011), Kitcher (1993), and Leplin (1997) have defended convergent scientific realism against the pessimistic meta-induction by arguing for the divide et impera (DEI) strategy. I argue that DEI faces a problem more serious than the pessimistic meta-induction: the problem of accretion. When empirically successful theories and principles are combined, they may no longer make successful predictions or allow for accurate calculations, or the combination otherwise may be an empirical failure. The shift from classical mechanics to the new quantum theory does not reflect the discarding of “idle wheels.” Instead, scientists had to contend with new principles that made classical calculations difficult or impossible (the Maxwell-Boltzmann equipartition theorem), and new results (the anomalous Zeeman effect) that were inconsistent with classical theorems (the Larmor theorem), and that suggested a new way of conceiving of atomic dynamics. In this shift, reference to atoms and to electrons was preserved, but the underlying causal explanations and descriptions of atoms and electrons changed. I propose that the emphasis on accurate description of causal agents as a virtue of background theory be replaced with Ruetsche’s (2011) advocacy of pragmatic, modal resourcefulness.
In vitro maturation of precursors of 5S ribosomal RNA from Bacillus subtilis.

THE ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules both of prokaryotes and of eukaryotes are not the immediate products of DNA transcription. Rather, precursors of the mature RNA species undergo a series of nucleotide modifications and/or cleavage events1,2. Only limited information is available concerning the mechanics of and rationale for post-transcriptional tailoring of RNA because of the large sizes of the precursor molecules and consequent difficulty in evaluating their nucleotide sequences.
Importance of the C‐terminal phenylalanine of gastrin for binding to the human CCK2 receptor

The importance of the C-terminal Phe of gastrin and structural requirements at position 17 for binding to the human CCK2 receptor were assessed using analogs of [Leu15]G(11-17). The following peptides were synthesized, Ac[Leu15]G(11-17), Ac[Leu15]G(11-16)NH2, [Leu15]G(11-17), [Leu15,Ala17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Abu17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Val17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Leu17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Cha17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Trp17]G(11-17), [Leu15,Tic17]G(11-17), [Leu15, d-Phe17]G(11-17) and [Leu15,p-X-Phe17]G(11-17), where X = F, Cl, Br, I, OH, CH3, NH2 and NO2. Competition binding experiments with [3H]CCK-8 were performed using human CCK2 receptors stably expressed in CHO cells. Phe17 was shown to be important for binding. A hydrophobic side-chain larger than Leu is required at position 17 but aromaticity does not appear to be essential. Constraint of the aromatic side-chain either in the g+ or g- conformation, as in the case of Tic, results in a significant decrease in affinity. In addition, the peptide conformation induced by incorporation of d-Phe decreases binding. The size and electron withdrawing/donating properties of the para substituent are not important for interaction with the receptor. The current study shows that the use of des-Phe analogs of gastrin is not a viable strategy for development of antagonists for the human CCK2 receptor.
Gastrocnemius function on ankle and knee during gait

Introduction: Although some studies have investigated the effects of muscle fatigue [1], there is no report about the effect of fatigue on musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps surae or on the duration of this effect. This study was designed to compare the effect of two fatigue protocols onmusculotendinous stiffness of the triceps surae up 15min flowing procedures. Patients/materials and methods: Twenty university students participated in this study. Musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps suraewasmeasured before and after a fatigue protocolswhich comprised continuous isometric voluntary plantar flexion contraction (25% maximum voluntary contraction and 70% maximum voluntary contraction) until contraction could no longer be maintained [1,2]. The free oscillation technique was used to measure musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps surae [3]. A Kistler force plate was used to measure the force applied. Results: Musculotendinous stiffness decreased immediately after both fatigue protocols (P 0.05). Discussion and conclusions:Musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps surae decreased significantly after both fatigue protocols. This may reflect a creep event for the tendon during prolonged isometric contractions. Change in musculotendinous stiffness last for 15min after the fatigue task. This may reflect long lasting effect of fatigue on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.
A Case of Phaeohyphomycosis Caused by a New Species of Phialophora

A subcutaneous fungus infection that developed in a kidney transplant patient on immunosuppressive maintenance therapy was found to be caused by a new species of Phialophora. This species, P. paras...
On the minimization of task switch costs following long-term training.

Flexible, context-dependent linkages between stimulus and response are fundamental to adaptive behavior. In the present article, we evaluate the limits of this flexibility by exploring the asymptotic efficiency of people’s ability to switch between two different sensorimotor mappings. Two stimulus—response (S—R) mappings were learned, either both on the same hand (unimanual condition) or one mapping per hand (intermanual condition). The S—R mappings presented bivalent stimuli and employed the same response keys. A novel training regimen successfully reduced task-switch costs to approximately 20 msec, suggesting that residual switch costs cannot be eliminated. These costs cannot be entirely attributed to the cognitive control process of task-set reconfiguration, because they are observed over cued switch intervals of several seconds. Two additional issues in motor learning were addressed: the single or dual loci of manual motor control and the coordinate system of task representation. First, the results favored the notion of independent controllers for each hand instead of a single dominant controller, since intermanual performance was superior to unimanual performance. Second, a transfer task tested internal (egocentric) and external (allocentric) coordinate systems. Transfer was more effective using the external coordinate system, suggesting that the S—R mappings reflected the association between the bivalent stimuli and external goals (i.e., the individual keys) rather than the concrete pattern of muscle contractions (i.e., the finger pressing the key). Finally, retention tests revealed that these learned S—R associations were remarkably durable, since no decrements in fluent task-switching performance were observed after 10 months without practice.
Propellant dark zone concentrations via multichannel ir absorption

A multichannel infrared absorption technique has been developed and applied to the study of steadystate, self-sustained combustion of solid propellant flames at elevated pressure. An infrared light source. windowed pressure chamber, and spectrometer-diode array detector formed the basic experimental setup with which in situ absorption measurements were made. Spectra were obtained over the wavenumber range of 2300 to 6000 cm−1. Within this range, absorptions for HCN, H2O, N2O, CO, CO2, and CH4 have been detected through the use of a 1024-element platinum silicide array detector with the ability to read complete spectra in 10 ms. Experimental dark zone results for a nitramine, propellant (XM39) and a double-base-like propellant (JA2) have been obtained, and these absorption spectra analyzed with a full spectrum, multivariate, nonlinear, least-squares-fitting pe program that makes use of the HITRAN data base for the required molecular information. In some cases, the absorption spectra of the molecule had sufficient detail and fidelity to allow determination of both temperature and absolute concentration. This occurred for HCN and H2O in XM 39 propellant and for H2O and CO in JA2 propellant. Dark zone temperatures (1185 K for XM39 and 1433 K for JA2) obtained in this fashion are in good agreement with reported values. All six of the species were found in XM39, and absolute concentration or upper limits are given. No evidence of HCN or N2O absorption was observed in the dark zone of JA2, thus, four dark zone species concentrations are reported for this propellant. Comparisons of species concentration and dark zone temperature measurements are made with other published measurements under conditions of steady-state. self-sustained propellant combustion.
Embryonic multipotent progenitors remodel the Drosophila airways during metamorphosis

Adult structures in holometabolous insects such as Drosophila are generated by groups of imaginal cells dedicated to the formation of different organs. Imaginal cells are specified in the embryo and remain quiescent until the larval stages, when they proliferate and differentiate to form organs. The Drosophila tracheal system is extensively remodeled during metamorphosis by a small number of airway progenitors. Among these, the spiracular branch tracheoblasts are responsible for the generation of the pupal and adult abdominal airways. To understand the coordination of proliferation and differentiation during organogenesis of tubular organs, we analyzed the remodeling of Drosophila airways during metamorphosis. We show that the embryonic spiracular branch tracheoblasts are multipotent cells that express the homeobox transcription factor Cut, which is necessary for their survival and normal development. They give rise to three distinct cell populations at the end of larval development, which generate the adult tracheal tubes, the spiracle and the epidermis surrounding the spiracle. Our study establishes the series of events that lead to the formation of an adult tubular structure in Drosophila.
Band structure of polymeric sulfur nitride

Abstract Using the Extended Huckel Method, a band structure calculation of polymeric sulfur nitride based on X-ray crystallographic data has been carried out. The results of the calculation suggest that the metallic properties of (SN) x arise from the accidental overlap of non-symmetry related segments of an anisotropic three dimensional band structure. Our results are similar to those obtained by other investigators using a different crystal structure.
Calcium, vitamin D and colorectal cancer chemoprevention

Identifying modifiable risk factors, particularly dietary factors, which have been hypothesized to play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis, remains crucial in developing primary prevention strategies. Calcium and vitamin D have been shown consistently in experimental studies to have anti-cancerous properties including but not limited to stimulating differentiation, reducing proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. The majority of epidemiologic studies consistently support an approximately 20–30% reduction in risk of colorectal cancer and adenomas comparing high to low intake categories of both calcium and vitamin D, although independent effects may not be adequately separated. Less consistency exists on the dose–response relation for both nutrients. Intake of calcium of not more than 1000 mg/d and intake of vitamin D of 1000–2000 IU/d, achieving a level of at least 30 ng/mL, appear important for colorectal cancer prevention. More study is warranted to determine the optimal intake levels and duration to reduce the colorectal cancer risk.
A study of memory management for web-based applications on multicore processors

More and more server workloads are becoming Web-based. In these Web-based workloads, most of the memory objects are used only during one transaction. We study the effect of the memory management approaches on the performance of such Web-based applications on two modern multicore processors. In particular, using six PHP applications, we compare a general-purpose allocator (the default allocator of the PHP runtime) and a region-based allocator, which can reduce the cost of memory management by not supporting per-object free. The region-based allocator achieves better performance for all workloads on one processor core due to its smaller memory management cost. However, when using eight cores, the region-based allocator suffers from hidden costs of increased bus traffics and the performance is reduced for many workloads by as much as 27.2% compared to the default allocator. This is because the memory bandwidth tends to become a bottleneck in systems with multicore processors.We propose a new memory management approach, defrag-dodging, to maximize the performance of the Web-based workloads on multicore processors. In our approach, we reduce the memory management cost by avoiding defragmentation overhead in the malloc and free functions during a transaction. We found that the transactions in Web-based applications are short enough to ignore heap fragmentation, and hence the costs of the defrag-mentation activities in existing general-purpose allocators outweigh their benefits. By comparing our approach against the region-based approach, we show that a per-object free capability can reduce bus traffic and achieve higher performance on multicore processors. We demonstrate that our defrag-dodging approach improves the performance of all the evaluated applications on both processors by up to 11.4% and 51.5% over the default allocator and the region-based allocator, respectively.
On the representation theory of modular Hecke algebras

Abstract The Cartan invariants and decomposition numbers of the endomorphism algebra of the permutation module on the cosets of a Sylow p-subgroup of a finite group of Lie type in characteristic p are computed.
Why do commodity graphics hardware boards (GPUs) work so well for acceleration of computed tomography

Commodity graphics hardware boards (GPUs) have achieved remarkable speedups in various sub-areas of Computed Tomography (CT). This paper takes a close look at the GPU architecture and its programming model and describes a successful acceleration of Feldkamp's cone-beam CT reconstruction algorithm. Further, we will also have a comparative look at the new emerging Cell architecture in this regard, which similar to GPUs has also seen its first deployment in gaming and entertainment. To complete the discussion on high-performance PC-based computing platforms, we will also compare GPUs with FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) based medical imaging solutions.
Ectatomma tuberculatum: foraging biology and association with Crematogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Ectatomma tuberculatum (Olivier) preys primarily on small invertebrates, including other social insects. In Panama, workers forage primarily at night and nocturnal activity begins with a mass exit at dusk. Several times a day, particularly at dawn and dusk, hundreds of Crematogaster limata Fr. Smith file into nest entrances of E. tuberculatum. These cleptobiotic encounters may represent a primitive form of social parasitism.
Perron-Frobenius properties of Ax − λBx

Abstract The purpose of this work is to extend some of the results of Perron and Frobenius to the following generalized eigenvalue problems: Ax = λBx and A ′ y = λB ' y , where A and B are m × n real matrices and the prime denotes the transpose.
Worlds are colliding! Explaining the fictional in terms of the real

I discuss Gregory Currie’s taxonomy of explanations of the fictional. On the one hand, there is an important kind of relation between internal and external explanations of some fictional truths that Currie leaves out, where both are salient and yet in a relation of harmony with each other. On the other hand, I do not see that he has established that there is a genuine relation of tension between some pairs of internal and external explanations, and thus I question the usefulness of the category of collapse. I also consider a further kind of explanation: the exterior explanation.
Evidence of persistent blood-brain barrier abnormalities in chronic-progressive multiple sclerosis

Brain capillaries were analyzed morphometrically for alterations in organelle distribution and density in biopsy samples of central nervous system tissue from seven patients diagnosed as having chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. Data were expressed as percentage of endothelial cytoplasm occupied by the respective organelles. The density of pinocytotic vesicles in endothelium ranged from 0.53% within normal-appearing parenchyma to 1.2% in gliotic areas. For mitochondria the values ranged from 10.87% in normal areas to 4.72% in the same respective samples. Thus, an inverse correlation between vesicular and mitochondrial content was observed. These findings suggested that endothelial cells in gliotic areas are similar to endothelial cells of the systemic circulation in their mitochondrial content and pinocytotic activity. Interendothelial junctions in capillaries of all areas examined appeared normal. Additional evidence for a continuous blood-brain barrier anomaly in multiple sclerosis was the accumulation of perivascular fibrin, suggesting an increase in microvascular permeability. Perivascular collagen deposits, degenerative changes in pericytes and astrocytic swelling were also indicators of an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability. Taken together with previous data from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the present findings in chronic silent multiple sclerosis lesions suggest that central nervous system endothelial cells show persistent abnormalities of the blood-brain barrier, even in the absence of active inflammation.
Democratic Backlash? Revisiting Competing Explanations for the 1977 Post-Emergency Electoral Verdict in India

Abstract The general elections for the lower house of the Indian parliament, the Lok Sabha, in 1977 marked a double transition for the country's political development. After a 21-month period of emergency government, imposed in June 1975, the elections signalled a return to the democratic rules of the political game and at the same time they effected a significant change of government at the national level for the first time in post-independence India. The 1977 general elections seemed, according to most scholarly and journalistic assessments, to have been a resounding ‘vote for freedom’ and to have ushered in an era of democratic revival. Until today a more systematic evaluation of the power of the various competing explanations advanced for the 1977 results seems to be wanting. Based on the analysis of available data, this article finds that the 1977 vote on the whole was less a ‘vote for freedom’ or democracy and against the oppressive Emergency regime, but rather the result of successful collaboration...
In vivo hemolytic activity of group B streptococcus is dependent on erythrocyte-bacteria contact and independent of a carrier molecule

Experiments were performed to determine the interaction between the hemolysin of group B streptococcus (GBS) and sheep erythrocytes. Growing GBS were shown to possess a potent hemolysin at a very early stage of the growth cycle. After separation of the cells from the growth medium, all the hemolytic activity remained with the bacterial cells, and no activity could be detected in the growth medium. When fetal calf serum was added to the media, some “soluble” activity was detected. This activity, however was completely removed by ultracentrifugation, the hemolytic activity being found solely in the pellet. After the hemolysin had formed, no new protein synthesis was needed to cause hemolysis because the addition of chloramphenicol to cells caused no difference in their hemolytic potential. For proof that no short-lived, soluble factors are produced by the bacteria, bacteria and sheep erythrocytes were incubated in contiguous media, separated by a 0.22-μm membrane. No hemolytic activity was detected on the erythrocyte side of the membrane, although high amounts of hemolysin could be extracted from the bacteria. Only when a detergent was added to the growth medium was hemolysis detected from the erythrocytes, showing that extracted hemolysin could indeed pass through the membrane. These results suggest that the hemolysin is attached to the surface of the cell and that contact is needed between the bacteria and erythrocyte to cause lysis. Where soluble activity was detected, it was connected to bacterial fragments.
Stability of the needle crystal

Abstract A Mullins and Sekerka type perturbation analysis has been applied to the steady-state, non-isothermal paraboloid of revolution (i.e., the Temkin “needle crystal”). The resulting stability criterion indicates that such a body is highly unstable under the normal conditions of dendritic growth. The region of greatest instability, for most metals and ice, appears to be less than one tip radius, ρ, behind the dendrite tip. Since ρ ∼ 5 x 10-5 cm the theory predicts the existence of surface distortions on a 0.5 micron size level in the region of the tip. Due to the non-isothermal nature of the interface the quantities γ (surface energy), μ0 (linear kinetic coefficient) and KS/KL (ratio of the thermal conductivities) are found to exhibit a stabilizing effect in one part of the problem while acting as a destabilizing factor in another. A shape evolution calculation for two-fold symmetry indicates that for distances far from the dendrite tip the perturbation spacings based on the paraboloid of revolution and cylinder models are nearly identical. Examination of the limitations on the above model indicate that a true time-dependent perturbation analysis is vital to the development of a more comprehensive and detailed theory of dendritic growth.
Critical Discourse Analysis and the Study of Reading and Writing

Book reviewed in this article: Critical Discourse Analysis: The Critical Study of Language. By Norman Fairclough. 1995. Discourse and Social Change. By Norman Fairclough. 1992. Critical Language Awareness. Edited by Norman Fairclough. 1992. Language and Power. By Norman Fairclough. 1989.
Is there sign-tracking in aversive conditioning?

The present experiment studied the approach-withdrawal behavior of rats relative to conditioned stimuli (CS) that were paired with shock (paired), paired with absence of shock (unpaired), or that bore no temporal relation with shock (random). In the paired condition, the rats equally divided their time between the side of a tilt cage on which the CS was presented and the other side. In the random condition, the rats displayed a preference for the CS side. In the unpaired condition, the rats displayed a larger preference for the CS side. The range of preferences observed was small compared with that typically observed in appetitive sign-tracking. These results are consistent with a small aversive sign-tracking effect coupled with an unconditioned preference for the CS.