cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risks of biological control for conservation purposes

Striking successes in classical biological control in agriculture and rangelands engender great interest in using this technology for wildlands conservation and environmental purposes. However, well known unintended consequences of several biological control projects have led to concern that possible environmental benefits do not warrant inherent risks. Four risks demand attention: (1) direct attack on non-targets; (2) indirect effects on non-targets; (3) dispersal of a biocontrol agent to a new area, either autonomously or with deliberate or inadvertent human assistance; (4) changed relationships between a control agent and a native species, particularly as generated by global climate change. Procedures for assessing risk of direct attack on non-targets by phytophagous biological control agents have steadily improved and an expanded centrifugal phylogenetic approach appears to provide adequate insight. Direct non-target impacts by entomophages are more difficult to predict. Myriad possible indirect effects, some subtle but nonetheless important, present a far greater challenge, and techniques of assessing such risks are in their earliest infancy and not as closely regulated. Despite prominent examples in both the general invasion literature and that for biological control, the risk that a species, once introduced, will spread beyond its intended range, and the consequences of such spread, are not routinely treated by risk assessors. This phenomenon deserves far more attention. Global changes—especially climate change—can lead to modified ranges and efficacies of introduced biological control agents and their targets. Although many examples show that climatic niches are often not conserved, an important first routine step would be to combine climatic envelopes with general circulation models for predicted future climates. Finally, actions based on a risk assessment are always implemented in a framework of predicted costs and benefits, which are inevitably asymmetric, so it is critically important that all stakeholders, including conservationists, participate in the decision-making process.
Analog hardware implementation of neocognitron networks

This paper deals with the analog implementation of neocognitron based neural networks. All of Fukushima''s and related work on the neocognitron is based on digital computer simulations. To fully take advantage of the power of this network paradigm an analog electronic approach is proposed. We first implemented a 6-by-6 sensor network with discrete analog components and fixed weights. The network was given weight values to recognize the characters U L and F. These characters are recognized regardless of their location on the sensor and with various levels of distortion and noise. The network performance has also shown an excellent correlation with software simulation results. Next we implemented a variable weight network which can be trained to recognize simple patterns by means of self-organization. The adaptable weights were implemented with PETs configured as voltage-controlled resistors. To implement a variable weight there must be some type of " memory" to store the weight value and hold it while the value is reinforced or incremented. Two methods were evaluated: an analog sample-hold circuit and a digital storage scheme using binary counters. The latter is preferable for VLSI implementation because it uses standard components and does not require the use of capacitors. The analog design and implementation of these small-scale networks demonstrates the feasibility of implementing more complicated ANNs in electronic hardware. The circuits developed can also be designed for VLSI implementation. 1.
Alcoholic cirrhosis-associated hepatorenal syndrome treated with vasoactive agents

Background A 35-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis, ascites and alcoholic hepatitis presented with new-onset renal insufficiency of unclear etiology after recovery from an episode of gastrointestinal bleeding. Renal function continued to worsen after cessation of diuretic therapy and initiation of volume resuscitation. Investigations Physical examination, abdominal ultrasound, liver tests, basic metabolic panel, abdominal paracentesis, renal function tests, 24-h urine collections. Diagnosis Type 1 hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). Management Intravascular volume resuscitation with normal saline and albumin followed by oral midodrine plus subcutaneous octreotide therapy. This regimen was continued until improvement and subsequent normalization of the serum creatinine.
Acute effects of acupuncture on physiological and psychological responses to cycle ergometry.

Abstract Objective: Recent research has reported an improvement in exercise capacity following a series of acupuncture treatments. We examined the immediate effects of a single acupuncture treatment on perceived exertion and physiological responses during submaximal dynamic exercise, and maximal exercise capacity in human subjects. Design: Ten healthy subjects (5 men, 5 women) participated in the study. After demonstrating consistency in using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale, each subject underwent graded continuous maximal exercise testing on a cycle ergometer after genuine acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and rest without needles being inserted. Treatment conditions were randomized for each subject, and tests were conducted at least 72 hours apart. Heart rate and oxygen uptake were measured, and RPE was requested during the last 30 seconds of each 3-minute exercise stage. Data were analyzed with repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: There were no statistically significant differences among conditions for RPE, oxygen uptake, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, ventilation, and ventilatory equivalent for oxygen at submaximal workloads. In addition, none of the physiological measures at peak exertion or the duration of exercise differed among conditions. Conclusions: A single acupuncture treatment has no significant immediate effect on the perceived exertion and physiological responses during submaximal dynamic exercise or upon maximal exercise capacity among healthy individuals.
Transportin: Nuclear Transport Receptor of a Novel Nuclear Protein Import Pathway

Many nuclear proteins are imported into the cell nucleus by the "classical" nuclear localization signal (NLS)-mediated import pathway. In this pathway, a sequence rich in basic residues in the protein interacts with a heterodimeric complex termed importin and this, along with the GTPase Ran, mediates nuclear import of the NLS-bearing protein. The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 protein contains a novel nuclear localization sequence, termed M9, that does not contain any clusters of basic residues. Very recently, we showed that M9 directs import into the nucleus by a novel protein import pathway distinct from the classical NLS pathway. A 90-kilodalton protein termed transportin was identified as a protein that specifically interacts with wild-type M9 but not transport-defective M9 mutants. Transportin and an ATP-regenerating system were found to be necessary and sufficient for import of M9-containing proteins in an in vitro import assay. In this report, we provide additional evidence that transportin can interact directly with M9-containing proteins and also show that it can mediate import of full-length hnRNP A1. In addition, Ran, or a Ran-binding protein, is identified as a second protein component of this novel nuclear import pathway. Transportin relatives from Saccharomyces cerevisiae which likely serve as additional nuclear transport receptors are described.
Raising the level of abstraction of application-level checkpointing

Checkpointing is one of the key ingredients required for writing fault-tolerant applications for dynamic and distributed computing environments. Manual reengineering of large legacy applications to insert checkpointing mechanisms is a daunting task, mainly due to the time and cost overheads. This poster describes an approach for nonintrusive reengineering of existing applications to insert a Checkpointing and Restart (CaR) mechanism. The user describes the CaR specifications at a high-level and the required code is semi-automatically generated and inserted in the application.
A novel approach to assess post-yield energy dissipation of bone in tension

In this study, we proposed a novel approach to assess the energy dissipation during the post-yield deformation of bone. Based on the stress–strain behavior in an incremental and cyclic loading–unloading–reloading scheme in uniaxial tension, we partitioned the post-yield energy dissipation of bone into three distinct pathways: released elastic strain energy (Uer); irreversible energy (Ui); and hysteresis energy (Uh). Among them, Uer depends on the stiffness loss, Ui is the energy permanently consumed, and Uh reflects changes in the viscoelastic behavior of bone in the process of post-yield deformation. As an example, bone specimens from human cadaveric femurs of middle-aged and elderly donors were tested using this approach. The results of this study indicate that there exist age-related differences in post-yield energy dissipation and modulus degradation. These results implicate that this novel approach could detect the age-related differences in energy dissipation of bone and may aid in understanding the underlying mechanisms of such changes.
FederalismAS Values and the Value of Federalism

What is it about federal governance that makes it so attractive to economists, political philosophers, and legal scholars and is there any evidence that would suggest all this attention is warranted? Proponents see federalism as a means to more efficient public and private economies, as the foundation for increased political participation and democratic stability, and as important check on governmental abuses of personal rights and liberties. This study provides a working definition of federal governance and classifies a sample of 73 countries as either a constitutionally-based federal democracy, an administratively-based federal democracy, a unitary democracy, a federal dictatorship, or a unitary dictatorship. Governance is then related to eleven measures of economic, democratic, and rights performance. Three conclusions follow. First, decentralized policy-making does have a unique contribution to make to a society's ability to enforce property rights, to protect political and civil rights, and then because of such rights protections, to enhance private sector economic performance. Second, while policy decentralization is the key to federalism's strong rights and economic performance and can be achieved within a unitary government by fiat, constitutionally established provincial (or state) governments provide an extra and important protective barrier for policy decentralization. Federal institutions protect policy decentralization, and policy decentralization provides federalism's valued outcomes. Third, federalism needs democracy; there is no evidence that adding policy decentralization or provinces to a dictatorship significantly improves a dictatorship's economic or rights performance.
The Cytoskeletal Protein α-Catenin Unfurls upon Binding to Vinculin

Adherens junctions (AJs) are essential for cell-cell contacts, morphogenesis, and the development of all higher eukaryotes. AJs are formed by calcium-dependent homotypic interactions of the ectodomains of single membrane-pass cadherin family receptors. These homotypic interactions in turn promote binding of the intracellular cytoplasmic tail domains of cadherin receptors with β-catenin, a multifunctional protein that plays roles in both transcription and AJs. The cadherin receptor-β-catenin complex binds to the cytoskeletal protein α-catenin, which is essential for both the formation and the stabilization of these junctions. Precisely how α-catenin contributes to the formation and stabilization of AJs is hotly debated, although the latter is thought to involve its interactions with the cytoskeletal protein vinculin. Here we report the crystal structure of the vinculin binding domain (VBD) of α-catenin in complex with the vinculin head domain (Vh1). This structure reveals that α-catenin is in a unique unfurled mode allowing dimer formation when bound to vinculin. Finally, binding studies suggest that vinculin must be in an activated state to bind to α-catenin and that this interaction is stabilized by the formation of a ternary α-catenin-vinculin-F-actin complex, which can be formed via the F-actin binding domain of either protein. We propose a feed-forward model whereby α-catenin-vinculin interactions promote their binding to the actin cytoskeleton to stabilize AJs.
Brucella-Agglutinating Antibodies: Relation of Mercaptoethanol Stability to Complement Fixation

Brucella-agglutinating antibodies from selected bovine blood serums and milk samples did not fix complement, and after treatment with 2-mercaptoethanol they lost agglutinating power. After infection of calves with Brucella abortus, strain 19, agglutinins for Brucella that were inactivated by mercaptoethanol appeared earlier than those stable to mercaptoethanol. Under the conditions of these experiments, the appearance and development of complement-fixing capacity coincided closely with the mercaptoethanol stability of the agglutinins for Brucella.
The Role of the Dominant Social Paradigm in the Quality of Life/Environmental Interface

In this examination of the relationship between quality of life and the environment, it is argued that a broad framework within which the relationship can be established is required. The framework used is that of the dominant social paradigm (Pirages & Ehrlich, 1974) that contains political, economic, and technological institutions. It is these institutions that determine both the quality of life and environmental constructs within any society. The paper integrates these three areas in a single model that hypothesizes a particular relationship between the dominant social paradigm, the environment, and quality of life.
Thyroglossal tract abnormalities.

Abstract The embryonal development of thyroglossal cysts and fistulas has been traced. A complete knowledge of the associated embryology will serve to explain their clinical and pathologic characteristics. A review of the differential diagnosis of the more common cervical lesions was presented. In light of the embryonal antecedent of the thyroglossal cysts and fistulas Sistrunk's rationale for radical surgical excision of the thyroglossal tract is advocated.
Cell-volume regulation: P-glycoprotein – a cautionary tale

Abstract P-glycoprotein turns out not to be ‘VSOAC', a known channel activated by cell swelling; it does seem to influence cell-volume recovery after swelling, but the physiological importance of this effect is presently unclear.
Surface Modification of Polycarbonate by Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the presence of ozone as a surface treatment for polycarbonate is examined in regards to changes in the wettability, adhesion, and surface mechanical properties. Standalone, 175-µm-thick films of a commercially available polycarbonate were exposed to UV radiation from sources of different power with various treatment times in the presence of supplemental ozone. Significant decreases in the water contact angle were observed after exposure to UV radiation in the presence of ozone. After several variations in the experimental setup, it was determined that the change in water contact angle is a function of the UV irradiance and the work of adhesion follows a master curve versus UV irradiance. Nanoindentation experiments revealed that the modulus of the top 500 nm of the surface is increased following UV exposure, attributable to surface cross-linking. Adhesion tests to the surface (conducted by a pneumatic adhesion tensile test instrument) showed little change as a ...
A Dual Mode Redundant Approach for Microprocessor Soft Error Hardness

A dual mode redundant (DMR) logic data path with instruction restart that detects errors at register file (RF) write-back is presented. The DMR RF allows SEU correction using parity to detect RF entry nibbles that are correct in one copy but not the other. Detection and backing out incorrect write data are also described. The radiation hardened by design (RHBD) circuits are implemented in 90 nm CMOS. The DMR microarchitecture is described, including pipelining, error handling, and the associated hardware. Heavy ion and proton testing validate the approach. Experimentally measured cross sections and examples of errors due to pipeline SET or RF SEU are shown. Critical node spacing and the mitigation of multiple node collection are also described.
Putting It on the Line: Telephone Counseling for Adolescent Smokers

Adolescent smokers need cessation help, but the question of how best to intervene remains unanswered. This article describes the empirically validated protocol of an established, well-utilized adolescent telephone counseling program for smoking cessation, tailored to adolescent developmental needs and shown to increase clients’ 6-month prolonged abstinence rate significantly. Clinical issues addressed include client assessment, motivation, self-efficacy, familial and social support, planning, coping, relapse-sensitive call scheduling, and self-image. Counselor training considerations are also discussed.
Adaptive-optics imaging of human cone photoreceptor distribution

We have used an adaptive-optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope to image the cone photoreceptor mosaic throughout the central 10°-12° of the retina for four normal subjects. We then constructed montages of the images and processed the montages to determine cone locations. Cone densities range from approximately 10,000 cones/mm2 at 7° to 40,000 cones/mm2 at 1°. The smallest cones were not resolved in the center of the fovea. From the locations of the cones we also analyzed the packing properties of the cone mosaic, finding that all four subjects had a slight cone streak of increased cone density and that, in agreement with previous studies using different approaches, the packing geometry decreased in regularity from the fovea toward the periphery. We also found variations in packing density between subjects and in local anisotropy across retinal locations. The complete montages are presented for download, as well as the estimated cone locations.
Novel activity of an anti-inflammatory cytokine: IL-10 prevents TNFα-induced resistance to IGF-I in myoblasts

IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that suppresses synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors. Here we tested the possibility that TNFα-induced hormone resistance in myoblasts might be overcome by IL-10. We found that IL-10 restores myogenesis by suppressing the ability of exogenous TNFα to inhibit IGF-I-induced myogenin. This protection occurs without decreasing global activity of TNF receptors since IL-10 does not impair TNFα-induced IL-6 synthesis or ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Instead, IL-10 acts to prevent TNFα-induced phosphorylation of JNK. These findings demonstrate that IL-10 serves a previously unrecognized protective role in muscle progenitors by overcoming TNFα-induced resistance to IGF-I.
Human dentin phosphophoryn nucleotide and amino acid sequence.

Gu K,* Chang SR,* Slaven MS, Clarkson BH, Rutherford RB, Ritchie HH:Human dentin phosphophoryn nucleotide and amino acid sequence. Eur J OralSci 1998; 106: 1043–1047. # Eur J Oral Sci, 1998Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and phosphophoryns (DPP) are major dentin-speciﬁcnon-collagenous proteins and are synthesized by odontoblasts. DPP areextremely acidic, rich in aspartic acid and serine, possess a high afﬁnity forcalcium and collagen, and are believed to function in dentin mineralization.Whereas DSP and DPP are the products of a single gene in mouse and rat, ananalogous human gene has not been described. Using RT-PCR based cloningstrategies, we have cloned human DPP cDNA from immature molar root totalRNA. The open reading frame of this human DPP cDNA comprises 2364bpencoding 788 amino acids rich in serine (58%), aspartic acid (26%) andasparagine (9%). These are mostly arranged as (DSS)
Male-specific fruitless specifies the neural substrates of Drosophila courtship behaviour

During courtship, male Drosophila fruitflies perform a series of innate stereotyped behaviours in response to specific sensory cues. Now the set of nerve cells that govern this behaviour has been identified. Inactivation of these neurons is sufficient to make male flies lose interest in mating, and altering female brains to produce the same proteins produced by these cells causes the females to display male courtship routines. The neurons produce a set of proteins called FruM, encoded by the fruitless (fru) gene, which has previously been implicated in courtship in male fruitflies. Inactivation of FruM-producing nerve cells inhibited courtship without changing other behaviours. And manipulating females' nerve cells so as to produce FruM was enough to cause them to view other females as potential mates. Robust innate behaviours are attractive systems for genetically dissecting how environmental cues are perceived and integrated to generate complex behaviours. During courtship, Drosophila males engage in a series of innate, stereotyped behaviours that are coordinated by specific sensory cues. However, little is known about the specific neural substrates mediating this complex behavioural programme1. Genetic, developmental and behavioural studies have shown that the fruitless (fru) gene encodes a set of male-specific transcription factors (FruM) that act to establish the potential for courtship in Drosophila2. FruM proteins are expressed in ∼2% of central nervous system neurons, at least one subset of which coordinates the component behaviours of courtship3,4. Here we have inserted the yeast GAL4 gene into the fru locus by homologous recombination and show that (1) FruM is expressed in subsets of all peripheral sensory systems previously implicated in courtship, (2) inhibition of FruM function in olfactory system components reduces olfactory-dependent changes in courtship behaviour, (3) transient inactivation of all FruM-expressing neurons abolishes courtship behaviour, with no other gross changes in general behaviour, and (4) ‘masculinization’ of FruM-expressing neurons in females is largely sufficient to confer male courtship behaviour. Together, these data demonstrate that FruM proteins specify the neural substrates of male courtship.
Staffing trends among US online database producers — longitudinal change and growth — 1982–1984

This paper reports results of a two‐phase study of the size and composition of US online database production organizations. All US online database producers were surveyed, in 1982 and 1984, in order to determine the number of personnel employed in the intellectual production of their databases. Comparison of the data for the two periods permitted the identification of employment trends which form the focus of discussion.
Novel interface-binding chloroperoxidase for interfacial epoxidation of styrene.

Abstract A unique interface-binding chloroperoxidase (CPO) was developed and examined for interfacial biocatalysis. Native CPO was conjugated with polystyrene (PS) to form a surfactant-like structure that self assembled at oil–water interfaces. While enantioselectivity of the enzyme was maintained, the interfacial assembly of the enzyme improved its overall catalytic efficiency as compared to that observed with the enzyme contained in the bulk aqueous phase. The PS conjugated CPO (PS-CPO) showed a 2.5-fold enhancement of enzyme productivity versus native CPO under batch reaction conditions for the epoxidation of styrene, whereas a 25-fold improvement was realized in a continuous feeding reaction to reach a productivity of 10 μmol h −1 mg protein −1 . The interface-binding enzyme also demonstrated several other advantages such as suppressing unwanted side reactions including the hydrolysis of styrene epoxide products, stabilizing the enzyme by limiting its exposure to both the oxidant H 2 O 2 and epoxide products, and alleviating the deactivating effect of interfacial stress on enzymes by functioning as a surfactant.
Effect of gravity modulation on natural convection in a vertical slot

Abstract The effect of a sinusoidal gravity modulation on natural convection of fluids with constant property, in vertical slots of aspect ratio of 20 and 15, is studied numerically by a finite difference method. The gravity modulation is characterized by the nondimensional amplitude Rg and nondimensional frequency ωf. We find a low frequency g-modulation has a strong effect on the fluid flow but little effect on the heat transfer rate. The flow of air usually enters a periodic state after two cycles of g-modulation, much faster than that of large Prandtl number fluids. The response is generally in the synchronous mode, except at ωf = 10 and Rg = 1 for air where it appears to be subharmonic. For a multicellular primary flow of air, g-modulation at ωf = 25 and Rg = 1 changes the multicellular primary flow to a unicellular one, demonstrating significant stabilizing effect. For high Prandtl number fluids, a flow pattern, consisting of horizontal secondary cells, preceded the onset of the commonly observed vertical secondary cells. At low modulation frequencies, stability of convection is enhanced as demonstrated by the increase in the critical Grashof number, by approximately 154% at Rg = 1.6 and ωf = 40. The temperature remains unchanged within the cycle of the modulation, totally different from the case of air, and gives a critical gradient approximately 0.56 at the center.
Targeted drug delivery utilizing protein-like molecular architecture.

Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems (nanoDDSs) have seen recent popularity due to their favorable physical, chemical, and biological properties, and great efforts have been made to target nanoDDSs to specific cellular receptors. CD44/chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) is among the receptors overexpressed in metastatic melanoma, and the sequence to which it binds within the type IV collagen triple-helix has been identified. A triple-helical “peptide-amphiphile” (α1(IV) 1263-1277 PA) which binds CD44/CSPG has been constructed and incorporated into liposomes of differing lipid compositions. Liposomes containing distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) as the major bilayer component, in combination with distearoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DSPG) and cholesterol, were more stable than analogous liposomes containing dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) instead of DSPC. When dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine (DLPC):DSPG:cholesterol liposomes were prepared, monotectic behavior was observed. The presence of the α1(IV)1263-1277 PA conferred greater stability to the DPPC liposomal systems and did not affect the stability of the DSPC liposomes. A positive correlation was observed for cellular fluorophore delivery by the α1 (IV)1263-1277 PA liposomes and CD44/CSPG receptor content in metastatic melanoma and fibroblast cell lines. Conversely, non-targeted liposomes delivered minimal fluorophore to these cells regardless of the CD44/CSPG receptor content. When metastatic melanoma cells and fibroblasts were treated with exogeneous α1(IV)1263-1277, prior to incubation with α1(IV)1263-1277 PA liposomes, to potentially disrupt receptor/liposome interactions, a dose-dependent decrease in the amount of fluorophore delivered was observed. Overall, our results suggest that PA-targeted liposomes can be constructed and rationally fine-tuned for drug delivery applications based on lipid composition. The selectivity of α1(IV)1263-1277 PA liposomes for CD44/CSPG-containing cells represents a targeted-Nano-DDS with potential for further development and application.
First-order theory revision

Recent learning systems have combined explanation-based and inductive learning techniques to revise propositional domain theories (e.g., EITHER, RTLS, KBANN). Inductive systems working in first order logic have also been developed (e.g., CIGOL, FOIL, FOCL). This paper presents a theory revision system, Forte, that merges these two developments. Forte provides theory revision capabilities similar to those of the propositional systems, but works with domain theories stated in first-order logic.
A component of Premarin® enhances multiple cognitive functions and influences nicotinic receptor expression

Abstract In women, ovarian hormone loss at menopause has been related to cognitive decline, and some studies suggest that estrogen-containing hormone therapy (HT) can mitigate these effects. Recently, the Women's Health Initiative study found that conjugated equine estrogens, the most commonly prescribed HT, do not benefit cognition. Isolated components of conjugated equine estrogens (tradename Premarin®) have been evaluated in vitro, with delta8,9-dehydroestrone (∆8E1) and equilin showing the strongest neuroprotective profiles. It has not been evaluated whether ∆8E1 or equilin impact cognition or the cholinergic system, which is affected by other estrogens and known to modulate cognition. Here, in middle-aged, ovariectomized rats, we evaluated the effects of ∆8E1 and equilin treatments on a cognitive battery and cholinergic nicotinic receptors (nAChR). Specifically, we used 125I-labeled epibatidine binding to assay brain nicotinic receptor containing 4α and 2β subunits (α4β2-nAChR), since this nicotinic receptor subtype has been shown previously to be sensitive to other estrogens. ∆8E1 enhanced spatial working, recent and reference memory. ∆8E1 also decreased hippocampal and entorhinal cortex α4β2-nAChR expression, which was related to spatial reference memory performance. Equilin treatment did not affect spatial memory or rat α4β2-nAChR expression, and neither estrogen impacted 86Rb+ efflux, indicating lack of direct action on human α4β2 nAChR function. Both estrogens influenced vaginal smear profiles, uterine weights, and serum luteinizing hormone levels, analogous to classic estrogens. The findings indicate that specific isolated Premarin® components differ in their ability to affect cognition and nAChR expression. Taken with the works of others showing ∆8E1-induced benefits on several dimensions of health-related concerns associated with menopause, this body of research identifies ∆8E1 as a new avenue to be investigated as a potential component of HT that may benefit brain health and function during aging.
Choice of feeding method of adolescent mothers: does ego development play a role?

Background The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that mothers breastfeed (BF) their infants throughout the first year of life. Age, socioeconomic status, social support, experiences surrounding BF, and attitudes toward BF have been shown to influence the decision to breastfeed. Adolescents go through significant social and cognitive changes as they mature, including ego development. Whether stage of ego development influences an adolescent's decision to BF is unknown. Purpose To detennine whether among adolescent mothers a higher stage of ego development is associated with a greater likelihood of intending to BF and of actual BF behavior at birth and at two weeks postpartum. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of primiparous 13–21 year olds. Participants, recruited from two adolescent clinics in urban teaching hospitals, completed Loevinger's Sentence Completion Test (a measure of ego development), and questions on demographics, social support, intended feeding method prior to delivery, and 17 attitudes toward BF. Feeding practice was assessed while at the hospital postpartum and at 2 weeks. From Loevinger's 8 differentiated stages, 3 broad levels were examined: Preconformist, Conformist, and Postconformist. Results Of the 115 subjects enrolled in the study, 82 were at least 2 weeks postpartum and included in analysis. Mean age at entry was 17.9 ± 1.4 yr. Participants were predominantly African-American (49%) and Latina (29%). Half had been pregnant previously. One quarter had dropped out of school. 18% (N = 15) were at the preconformist, 78% (N = 64) at the conformist and 1% (N= 1) at the postconformist stage of ego development. The one postconformist participant was excluded from bivariate analysis. 67% of participants intended to BF, 78% tried BF in the hospital. 93% of those who intended to BF did indeed breastfeed in the hospital vs. 44% of those who had not intended to BF (P=.002). Almost three-quarters (72%) of those who breastfed in the hospital were still breastfeeding at 2 weeks. Intention to BF (P = .002), and breastfeeding in the hospital (P Conclusions Stage of ego development was not associated with intention to BF or breastfeeding behaviors in this sample. This suggests that level of ego development is not a critical factor when designing interventions to facilitate BF among adolescents.
Basics of Imaging Informatics: Part 2

Part 1 of this review on the basics of imaging informatics discussed the elements that make up a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), as well as some of the useful software that can be used to enhance PACS performance. Part 2 will focus on the impact of informatics in the radiology reading room and on recent technologies that may be unfamiliar to residents and practicing radiologists outside the informatics community.
Optimal Design of an Algae Oil Transesterification Process

Abstract An optimization strategy for designing processes to convert algae oils to biodiesel is introduced. In this brief paper, just a typical oil sample is used, grown experimentally using Nannochloropsis salina algae in salt water by Solix and transesterified using the Catilin solid T-300 acid catalyst. NIST thermophysical property data in ASPEN PLUS and literature data were used to estimate the properties of the chemical species. Approximate group contribution methods were used to estimate missing properties. A transesterification process was synthesized and simulated using ASPEN PLUS. For the transesterification reactor design, three reversible reactions were assumed. Because kinetic data were unavailable, pre-exponential factors and activation energies for the transesterification of palm oil were used, adjusted using residence-time data from Catilin for transesterification of an algal oil 1 . A USER2 FORFRAN subroutine was written to solve the CSFR mass balances. Fhe process was heat integrated to reduce energy consumption. Next, the Aspen Process Economic Evaluator was used to estimate equipment sizes and purchase and installation costs. In this brief paper, just the results for a single case study are presented. In a full manuscript, the optimization strategy for selecting the best algal oil is presented.
Variable lookahead supervisory control with state information

In cases where the discrete-event system model has an infinite or large state space, or when it is not completely specified a priori, applying the traditional off-line methods for computing the control policy may be impractical, if not infeasible. We adopt an online limited lookahead approach. Under this approach, the next control action is determined based on an N-step ahead projection of the system behavior and on one of two attitudes-conservative or optimistic. We extend this approach to incorporate knowledge of the system state in the computation. This has the potential of improving the efficiency of the computation as well as the quality of the control policy. There are five specific contributions presented in this paper: 1) a new algorithm for the online computation of supervisory controls with worst case complexity that is quadratic in the number of "expanded" states, 2) an algorithmic proof of the correctness of this algorithm that avoids using fixed point methods and offers new insight into the structure of the supremal controllable sublanguage, 3) an off-line version based on a forward search technique that has the same worst case complexity as existing off-line algorithms but is potentially more efficient, 4) a formal proof of the fact that when the languages of interest are livelock free the computations are performed in linear complexity, and 5) new bounds on the depth of the lookahead window that guarantee optimality. >
Blind Estimation of a Class of Under-Determined Convolutive MIMO Systems Using Parafac Decomposition of Output Tensors

We consider the problem of frequency domain identification of a convolutive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system driven by white, mutually independent unobservable inputs. In particular, we improve upon a method recently proposed in [1] that uses PARAFAC decomposition of a tensor that is formed based on third-order statistics of the system output. The approach of [1] utilizes only one slice of the output tensor to recover one row of the system response matrix. We here propose an approach that fully exploits the information in the output tensor. As a result, the proposed method not only achieves lower error values but also becomes applicable to a class of MIMO systems with more inputs than outputs. We also show how by using higher order statistics, i.e., fourth-or sixth-order statistics, or pairs of third or Fourth-order tensors, one can further expand the class of under-determined systems that are identifiable.
Vital root retention

An over 5-year experience with the vital root retention procedure is presented (122 roots). Elements in case selection as well as a surgical modification are noted. Results are favorable.
Implicating an introduced generalist parasitoid in the invasive browntail moth's enigmatic demise.

Recent attention has focused on the harmful effects of introduced biological control agents on nontarget species. The parasitoid Compsilura concinnata is a notable example of such biological control gone wrong. Introduced in 1906 primarily for control of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, this tachinid fly now attacks more than 180 species of native Lepidoptera in North America. While it did not prevent outbreaks or spread of gypsy moth, we present reanalyzed historical data and experimental findings suggesting that parasitism by C. concinnata is the cause of the enigmatic near-extirpation of another of North America's most successful invaders, the browntail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea). From a range of ;160 000 km 2 a century ago, browntail moth (BTM) populations currently exist only in two spatially restricted coastal enclaves, where they have persisted for decades. We experimentally established BTM populations within this area and found that they were largely free of mortality caused by C. concinnata. Experimental populations of BTM at inland sites outside of the currently occupied coastal enclaves were decimated by C. concinnata, a result consistent with our reanalysis of historical data on C. concinnata parasitism of the browntail moth. The role of C. concinnata in the disappearance of browntail moth outside these enclaves has not been reported before. Despite the beneficial role played by C. concinnata in reversing the browntail moth invasion, we do not advocate introduction of generalist biological control agents. Our findings illustrate that the impact of such organisms can be both unpredictable and far-reaching.
On the modeling and testing of gate oxide shorts in CMOS logic gates

The electrical and logic operation of CMOS simple logic gates in the presence of gate oxide shorts is analyzed using realistic defect models. These models reflect the resistive nature of gate oxide shorts and the difference between n- and p-channel transistors. The resistance of a short plays a central role in determining the actual circuit behavior. Faults caused by gate oxide shorts can be dependent not only on inputs to the gate containing the fault but also on other signals in the circuit, and can escape tests generated using normal TPG schemes. The stuck-at test set for a logic gate cannot guarantee to detect all transistor gate-to-source and gate-to-drain shorts in the logic gate. Gate oxide shorts in n-channel transistors affect circuit operation more severely than those in p-channel transistors do. Some limitations of present transistor-level fault modeling techniques are revealed. >
Automated contact angle estimation for three-dimensional X-ray microtomography data

Abstract Multiphase flow in capillary regimes is a fundamental process in a number of geoscience applications. The ability to accurately define wetting characteristics of porous media can have a large impact on numerical models. In this paper, a newly developed automated three-dimensional contact angle algorithm is described and applied to high-resolution X-ray microtomography data from multiphase bead pack experiments with varying wettability characteristics. The algorithm calculates the contact angle by finding the angle between planes fit to each solid/fluid and fluid/fluid interface in the region surrounding each solid/fluid/fluid contact point. Results show that the algorithm is able to reliably compute contact angles using the experimental data. The in situ contact angles are typically larger than flat surface laboratory measurements using the same material. Wetting characteristics in mixed-wet systems also change significantly after displacement cycles.
The design of an asynchronous web-based project review system to support studio-based learning in computing education

Learning computer science is no longer simply a matter of learning computer programming. Indeed, modern day computing jobs demand design, communication and collaborative skills as well. In order to address this need and make computing education more engaging, motivating, and community-oriented, we have been exploring a ldquostudio basedrdquo approach in which students (a) construct computational solutions to problems that have many possible solution strategies, and then (b) present their solutions to their peers and instructors for feedback and discussion. In the fall of 2007, we implemented this approach in a pre-CS1course by requiring students to present their solutions to five course programming projects in face-to-face review sessions. Interview and observational data collected in this course pointed out several practical and logistical problems surrounding the face-to-face review sessions that diminished their educational effectiveness. To address these problems, we describe the preliminary design of a novel asynchronous Web-based project review system to support and augment face-to-face studio-based review sessions.
Role of Manganese Dioxide in Corrosion in the Presence of Natural Biofilms

Abstract Manganese dioxide (MnO2) has been suspected of being the active agent for the observed enhancement of crevice and galvanic corrosion rates involving passive metal cathodes in the presence ...
Automatically Generating Wikipedia Articles: A Structure-Aware Approach

In this paper, we investigate an approach for creating a comprehensive textual overview of a subject composed of information drawn from the Internet. We use the high-level structure of human-authored texts to automatically induce a domain-specific template for the topic structure of a new overview. The algorithmic innovation of our work is a method to learn topic-specific extractors for content selection jointly for the entire template. We augment the standard perceptron algorithm with a global integer linear programming formulation to optimize both local fit of information into each topic and global coherence across the entire overview. The results of our evaluation confirm the benefits of incorporating structural information into the content selection process.
Some considerations on water tree in polyolefin

The influence of the properties of polyolefins on bow-tie trees was studied experimentally. Among the various polyolefins with different degrees of crystallinity, LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene), both of which have medium crystallinity, show the easiest generation of bow-tie tree. In XLPE with a crystalline axis which has been oriented by the application of strain, bow-tie trees can easily propagate in the direction of its b axis, which is the direction of lamella growth. Polar-polymer-blend XLPE generally exhibits an inhibitory effect on the generation and propagation of bow-tie trees. >
Arab Satellite Television Between Regionalization and Globalization

Arab media burst onto the North American radar screen when Al-Jazeera, a Qatari all news pan-Arab satellite television station, scooped the world's media with its coverage of the U.S. attack on Afghanistan in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Until then, with the exception of counted academic experts and a few articles and opinion pieces in the leading national newspapers, the Arab mass media had not received much attention in American public discourse. Because of this lack of interest, the development of the mass media in Arab countries, their socio-cultural impact and their political implications, remain poorly understood. For this reason, this article aims at introducing Arab media from a historical perspective, focusing on satellite television broadcasting, and analyzing the relationship between that media sector and the phenomenon of globalization. This article revolves around the following questions: How did Arab television, especially satellite television, evolve historically? What political, economic, and cultural forces shaped the operation and content of Arab media and how? What challenges do these regional Arab mass media face in the era of globalization? Finally, what are the political, economic and cultural implications of transnational Arab satellite television?
The Crystal Structure of the RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase from Human Rhinovirus: A Dual-Function Target for Common Cold Antiviral Therapy

Human rhinoviruses (HRV), the predominant members of the Picornaviridae family of positive-strand RNA viruses, are the major causative agents of the common cold. Given the lack of effective treatments for rhinoviral infections, virally encoded proteins have become attractive therapeutic targets. The HRV genome encodes an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) denoted 3Dpol, which is responsible for replicating the viral genome and for synthesizing a protein primer used in the replication. Here the crystal structures for three viral serotypes (1B, 14, and 16) of HRV 3Dpol have been determined. The three structures are very similar to one another, and to the closely related poliovirus (PV) 3Dpol enzyme. Because the reported PV crystal structure shows significant disorder, HRV 3Dpol provides the first complete view of a picornaviral RdRp. The folding topology of HRV 3Dpol also resembles that of RdRps from hepatitis C virus (HCV) and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) despite very low sequence homology.
Plant Climbing Behavior in the Scorpion Centruroides vittatus

Abstract We examined plant climbing by the common striped scorpion Centruroides vittatus to determine which of two hypotheses (the predation avoidance hypothesis or the increased prey availability hypothesis) best explained this behavior. In the field we observed nocturnal scorpion activity for 16 mo during 1992–1993 to quantify climbing behavior and collected data on potential prey abundance on the ground and in vegetation for 5 mo. We also performed a laboratory experiment examining the effects of hunger level on scorpion climbing and activity. Individuals found up in vegetation accounted for 19.3% and 25.2% of scorpions active in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Juveniles were significantly more likely to be found in vegetation than were adults in both years, although juveniles and adults did not differ in the proportion found carrying prey in vegetation. We found significant seasonal variation in prey abundance, with prey density being greatest in September. Prey density was also significantly greater on ...