cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adult patient perceptions of emergency rectal medications for refractory seizures.

Abstract Background . Rectally administered benzodiazepine antiepilepsy drugs (AEDs) are a safe and effective therapy for acute repetitive seizures in patients on stable maintenance AEDs. Such medication provides an earlier treatment option for seizure control prior to emergency department (ED) visitation and may be administered outside of the hospital in carefully selected patients. The use of rectal medications, however, has a perceived association with fear and embarrassment. This study sought to address patient attitudes toward rectally delivered AEDs. Methods . A written, eight-question survey regarding adult patient attitudes toward rectal medication and ED visits was prospectively administered to 91 consecutive epilepsy patients in an epilepsy-based practice setting. Primary caretakers responded when patients were unable to do so. Results : Forty-eight female and thirty-two male survey responses were analyzed. The mean patient population was age 42.7 years with epilepsy for 23.7 years on 1.7 AEDs with a seizure frequency of 6.6/month. The majority had partial and generalized tonic–clonic seizures and had obtained at least a high school education. Three patients (6%) had symptomatic generalized epilepsy and required caretaker responses. Eleven of ninety-one (12.1%) surveys were incomplete for analysis. Seventy-six of eighty (95%) respondents completed at least 50% of the survey questions. Forty-three of sixty-four (67.2%) respondents were not embarrassed by rectal AEDs, and did not fear being teased by others. Additionally, most felt rectal AEDs were a good option in epilepsy management, yet would prefer a private setting for administration. Both seizures and rectal AED use appeared to be equally embarrassing to patients. While 53 of 76 (69.7%) reported ED visitation for seizures at some time, the vast majority (56/60, 93.3%) reported they would prefer treatment outside the hospital, as opposed to ED transport. Conclusions . The results from this adult patient survey suggest that individuals with epilepsy do not object to earlier administration of emergency rectal seizure medication relative to ED visitation. An undesirable perception of rectal medications in seizure emergencies does not appear to be limited by patient acceptance.
Crystal structure of phenylalanine-regulated 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase from Escherichia coli

Abstract Background: In microorganisms and plants the first step in the common pathway leading to the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds is the stereospecific condensation of phospho enol pyruvate (PEP) and D-erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P) giving rise to 3-deoxy-D- arabino -heptulosonate-7-phosphate (DAHP). This reaction is catalyzed by DAHP synthase (DAHPS), a metal-activated enzyme, which in microorganisms is the target for negative-feedback regulation by pathway intermediates or by end products. In Escherichia coli there are three DAHPS isoforms, each specifically inhibited by one of the three aromatic amino acids. Results: The crystal structure of the phenylalanine-regulated form of DAHPS complexed with PEP and Pb 2+ (DAHPS(Phe)–PEP–Pb) was determined by multiple wavelength anomalous dispersion phasing utilizing the anomalous scattering of Pb 2+ . The tetramer consists of two tight dimers. The monomers of the tight dimer are coupled by extensive interactions including a pair of three-stranded, intersubunit β sheets. The monomer (350 residues) is a ( β / α ) 8 barrel with several additional β strands and α helices. The PEP and Pb 2+ are at the C-ends of the β strands of the barrel, as is SO 4 2- , inferred to occupy the position of the phosphate of E4P. Mutations that reduce feedback inhibition cluster about a cavity near the twofold axis of the tight dimer and are centered ∼15 A from the active site, indicating the location of a separate regulatory site. Conclusions: The crystal structure of DAHPS(Phe)–PEP–Pb reveals the active site of this key enzyme of aromatic biosynthesis and indicates the probable site of inhibitor binding. This is the first reported structure of a DAHPS; the structure of its two paralogs and of a variety of orthologs should now be readily determined by molecular replacement.
Characterization of Autonomic Receptors in Isolated Human Parotid Acinar Cells

Isolated human parotid acinar cells have been used for the in vitro characterization of the muscarinic cholinergic and alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors of these cells. The agonist-antagonist interactions at the receptor level were studied, and the role of the receptor-activated cellular systems in the process of secretion was characterized.
Using the transport of intensity equation to predict mask-induced speckle through focus

The shrinking critical dimensions in the semiconductor industry carries with it simultaneous shrinking requirements on line-edge roughness (LER). With the employment of extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL), a significant new contributor to LER is apparent in the form of mask roughness induced LER. Several simplified models have been developed for the prediction of mask roughness induced LER. Currently, these models use 2D aerial image thin-mask modeling through focus to obtain the clearfield speckle pattern (dependent on mask surface roughness and illumination), and combine that with fast 1D aerial image modeling of the image-log-slope (ILS) (dependent on feature type and illumination) to predict the overall mask roughness induced LER. We propose a further simplification and speed enhancement by employing the transport of intensity equation to predict how the speckle pattern will evolve through focus starting from the single 2D aerial image of the speckle at the image-plane.
Collaborative Virtual Environments for Analysis and Decision Support

Creating a productive collaborative environment requires a delicate balance of technology, knowledge, and trust.
The physician as professional and the physician as honest businessman.

Some attention is beginning to be paid in the recent literature of bioethics and health policy to a variety of ethical issues that arise in the business aspects of the practice of medicine. These include such questions as advertising in medicine, physician self-referral, physician fees, and conflicts of interest in clinical trials. These questions arise primarily, but not exclusively, in those settings in which physicians practice fee-for-service medicine, and there are many such settings in the United States and elsewhere. I want to suggest that the controversies surrounding these issues result from neither society in general nor physicians in particular having decided which of two models of the physician is the more appropriate model, and that progress in resolving these issues requires an unequivocal adoption of one of them. In the first section of this article, I will present an outline of these two models. In the next two sections,
Comparative studies of social behavior in Callicebus and Saimiri: Social looking in male-female pairs

Duration of looking at a cagemate was investigated in two primate species, one (Callicebus), which in nature forms pair bonds, and the other (Saimiri), which does not. Five male-female pairs of each species were observed in their living cages. Callicebus spent significantly more time in both mutual and unilateral looking at cagemates than did Saimiri.
Nanomechanical oscillators fabricated using polymeric nanofiber templates

We have used deposited polymer nanofibers as templates for the formation of functional nanomechanical devices, interfaced to lithographically defined surface microstructures. The deposition of oriented poly(methyl methacrylate) nanofibers, combined with contact photolithography, created silicon nitride nanomechanical oscillators with dimensions on the order of 100 nm. We used contact photolithography to define the support structures for the oscillators. The moving beams were defined in the device layer by using the deposited fiber as a mask for reactive ion etching using a CF4 plasma chemistry, followed by removal of a sacrificial underlying layer. After releasing the devices, the frequencies of the modes of oscillation of the beams were determined by laser interference techniques. The devices would self-oscillate due to the interferometric effects of the continuous wave (CW) detection laser. The oriented polymeric nanofiber deposition method, used in this experiment, offers an approach for the rapid form...
Epidermolysis Bullosa: Management of Esophageal Strictures and Enteric Access by Gastrostomy

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a spectrum of rare, inherited, blistering skin disorders, primarily affecting the skin and pharyngoesophageal mucosa. EB affects approximately 2 to 4 per 100,000 children each year. Blistering and scarring occur in response to even the most minor trauma. In this article, the authors outline the potential management options for patients with EB complicated by feeding difficulties secondary to esophageal strictures as well as those with nutritional deficiencies requiring a gastrostomy tube for supplemental feeding.
Acetylcholine release from synaptosomes and phenytoin action

Abstract The release of labeled acetylcholine from synaptosomes loaded with methyl-[ 3 H]choline has been measured in Krebs-Ringer-Bicarbonate (KRB) media containing either 5.6 or 56 mM KCl. Experiments have been performed in media containing either 1.0 mM Ca or 0 Ca with 1 mM EGTA. Phenytoin, 2 × 10 −4 M , reduced the depolarization-dependent release of acetylcholine in media containing 1.0 mM Ca and 56 mM KCl. It also significantly increased the release of acetylcholine from undepolarized samples in 5.6 mM KCl irrespective of the Ca concentration. The drug did not affect release from synaptosomes depolarized in Ca-free media. These results confirm the hypothesis that phenytoin has a dual effect on transmitter release.
Issues in Supply Chain Costing

Integration of the supply chain offers many opportunities to improve customer service and eliminate unnecessary costs. However, many firms lack the capability to determine the cost of moving product to market and where potential savings may exist. Supply chain costing provides an approach for measuring the cost of activities spanning the entire channel. Using cost information to evaluate channel performance has strategic implications regarding the composition and structure, evaluation of performance, and the allocation of benefits within the supply chain. Possessing the capability to improve customer value while targeting opportunities for cost reduction opens new frontiers for supply chain management.
Pathogenic murine coronaviruses. II. Characterization of virus-specific proteins of murine coronaviruses JHMV and A59V.

Abstract We have identified nine intracellular virus-specific proteins in cells infected with JHMV or A59V. Seven virus-specific proteins were detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two additional virus-specific proteins were detected by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The A59V- and JHMV-specific proteins differ slightly in molecular weight. Four of the nine proteins are structural proteins. The synthesis of the nine virus-specific proteins is noncoordinate with respect to time.
Effect of iron and sulphur compounds on liquefaction of Wyoming subbituminous coal

The effects of Fe2O3, sulphided Fe2O3, CS2 and sulphur on the liquefaction of Clovis Point subbituminous coal (Powder River Basin, Wyoming) in a 2dm3 autoclave Magnedrive II batch reactor have been evaluated. All these additives increased the distillate yields and, with the exception of elemental sulphur, decreased the pyridine-insoluble, unconverted coal yields. In the batch reactor, CS2 was the most effective in increasing distillate yields and decreasing gas yields, while Fe2O3 was the most effective in decreasing unconverted coal yields.
Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) Seedling Responses to Seasonal Timing of Fire and Fireline Intensity

Fire-resistant woody species have invaded many grassland and savanna ecosystems worldwide. Adults of many of these species are fire resistant because they resprout following fire; however, seedlings may be vulnerable to fire. Here we quantify effects of seasonal timing of fire and fireline intensity on seedling mortality response to fire in honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.), a native woody legume that has increased in abundance in southern Great Plains, USA grasslands. Scarified mesquite seeds were planted in plots with either mid-grass or tall-grass fuels in each of 2 years (Cohorts 1 and 2). Plots were burned in winter when seedlings were 10 or 22 months old or late summer when they were 17 months old. In the mid-grass fuel type, seedling mortality was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in summer-burned, 17-month-old seedlings (85%) than in winter-burned, 10-month-old seedlings (35%), suggesting summer fire may be important in limiting seedling establishment under lower-grass, fine-fuel conditions. The tall-grass fuel type yielded similar mortality responses to summer (89% and 79%) and winter (77% and 66%) fires in Cohorts 1 and 2, respectively (differences not significant at P ≤ 0.05). The study found a positive relationship between fireline intensity and seedling mortality, especially when only winter fires were included in the regression (r2 = 0.96). Summer fire may be most useful in lower-grass fuel amounts and may accomplish the same level of seedling mortality without the need for lengthy grazing deferral to accumulate sufficient grass fine fuel for a successful winter fire, as seedling mortality from winter fire depends on fireline intensity.
Apparent anomalies in Borehole and seafloor gravity measurements

Abstract Apparent anomalies observed in borehole and seafloor gravity measurements are shown to be attributable to inaccurate implementation of Newton's gravitational law using inadequate earth models. Corrections due to global and regional lateral density heterogeneity are estimated and are shown to provide a consistent explanation of signature (attractive or repulsive) and magnitude of the apparent anomalies for borehole and seafloor gravity measurements without introducing any speculative non-newtonian forces. The results obtained show clearly that the underground gravity field cannot be used for precision tests of the inverse square law of the gravitational force at short and intermediate ranges until a reliable and accurate earth model is developed. Predictions of the signature of apparent anomalies are given for future borehole and undersea gravity measurements.
Inventory management simulations at Cat Logistics

Simulation is used extensively by Caterpillar Logistics Services, Inc. (Cat Logistics) to determine an appropriate strategy for achieving clients inventory and customer service goals. Internally developed inventory management simulations, at the transaction and SKU level, help both to develop inventory / service strategies for potential clients and to determine the effect of a change in strategy for existing clients. Inventory management continues to be a significant contributor to the success of Cat Logistics. It is one service that distinguishes Cat Logistics from all other third party logistics providers; a distinction made possible, in large part, by Cat Logistics simulation technology.
Measurement of cardiac output by automated single-breath technique, and comparison with thermodilution and Fick methods in patients with cardiac disease

Accurate noninvasive methods are needed for determination of cardiac output. Current methods are generally complex or may be unreliable. A previously described method, based on absorption of acetylene gas during a constant exhalation that enables calculation of cardiac output by estimating pulmonary capillary circulation, is incorporated in a new, automated commercial product (SensorMedics 2200). In this study, cardiac output by single-breath acetylene blood flow measured with this device was compared with the standard thermodilution and direct Fick methods in 20 patients undergoing cardiac or pulmonary artery catheterization. Patients inhaled test gas mixture to total lung capacity and exhaled at a constant rate through an adjustable resistor. Lung volumes and noninvasive acetylene blood flow value were calculated automatically. Correlation between the automated single-breath technique and both thermodilution and Fick cardiac output determinations was very high (correlation coefficients were 0.90 and 0.92, respectively), regression slopes were close to identity (0.98 and 0.90), and bias (-0.39 and -0.79 liter/min) and precision (0.94 and 1.02) were good; when shunt correction was applied, bias was reduced to 0.06 and 0.35 liter/min, respectively. Rapid, accurate, noninvasive measurement of cardiac output was easily obtained using the automated device. This technique may have a wide applicability for noninvasive evaluation of patients with cardiac disease and for monitoring effects of therapeutic interventions.
Qualitative defects in natural killer cell function in ia osteopetrotic rats.

Recent studies have provided evidence that cells of the immune system and their associated cytokines function in the regulation of bone turnover. The incisors absent (ia) osteopetrotic rat represents a model in which a defect in the immune system and bone resorption can be studied. Osteopetrosis in the ia rat is characterized by a generalized excess accumulation of bone as a result of reduced bone resorption by defective osteoclasts that lack a ruffled border and the ability to exocytose their osteolytic enzymes. Previous attempts to identify associated defects in the ia immune system have proven unsuccessful; ia rats demonstrate normal delayed hypersensitivity, mitogenic activity, and macrophage function. Inasmuch as the skeletal manifestations of the ia mutation may be the result of a defect in exocytosis, related defects may be evident in immune cells utilizing exocytosis of granules or enzymes for their cytolytic function. Natural killer (NK) cells function by such a mechanism. Therefore, these studies were undertaken to evaluate the natural immune system in ia rats. NK activity assessed by 51Cr release assays was significantly reduced in ia animals compared to normal littermates. Mononuclear cells isolated from the peripheral blood of ia rats revealed a significantly greater percentage of large granular lymphocytes than normal littermates. Comparison of NK cell phenotypes using two phenotypic parameters for NK cells (OX8+, OX 19− cells and 3.2.3+ cells) revealed that the mononuclear isolates of spleen and peripheral blood of mutant animals had significantly greater percentages of OX8+, OX 19− and 3.2.3+ cells than normal controls. Levels of BLT esterase (BLTE), a serine protease associated with the cytolytic mechanism of NK cells, were found to be greater in unsorted ia mononuclear cells than in normal cells but were equivalent in normal and mutant 3.2.3+ cells isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. BLTE activity was enhanced but equal in normal and mutant 3.2.3+ cells stimulated with IL-2. The 3.2.3+ NK isolates demonstrated equal lytic activity in ia and normals, but when normal or mutant 3.2.3− cells (non-NK cells) were added to the 3.2.3+ia cells the lytic activity was significantly reduced. 3.2.3− cells had no effect on the activity of 3.2.3+ normal cells. The results indicate that 3.2.3+ mutant NK cells have normal lytic activity and BLTE activity and can respond to IL-2. The NK cells in the mutant are suppressed by a non-NK mononuclear cell, resulting in the lytic defect. A known suppressor of NK cells, prostaglandin, does not appear to be responsible for the NK defect in this mutant, because indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, did not correct the defect.
A simple and sensitive HPLC fluorescence method for determination of tadalafil in mouse plasma.

Abstract A simple and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method utilizing fluorescence detection was developed for the determination of the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor tadalafil in mouse plasma. This method utilizes a simple sample preparation (protein precipitation) with high recovery of tadalafil (∼98%), which eliminates the need for an internal standard. For constituent separation, the method utilized a monolithic C18 column and a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min with a mobile phase gradient consisting of aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (0.1% TFA in deionized water pH 2.2, v/v) and acetonitrile. The method calibration was linear for tadalafil in mouse plasma from 100 to 2000 ng/mL (r > 0.999) with a detection limit of approximately 40 ng/mL. Component fluorescence detection was achieved using an excitation wavelength of 275 nm with monitoring of the emission wavelength at 335 nm. The intra-day and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation, RSD) values for tadalafil in mouse plasma were less than 14%, and the accuracy (percent error) was within −14% of the nominal concentration. The method was utilized on mouse plasma samples from research evaluating the potential cardioprotective effects of tadalafil on mouse heart tissue exposed to doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic drug with reported cardiotoxic effects.
The Translator as Mediator of Cultures.

Humphrey, Tonkin and Maria Esposito Frank (eds). The Translator as Mediator of Cultures. Philadelphia. John Benjamins Publishing Company. 2010. 201pp
Federated databases and systems: part I --- a tutorial on their data sharing

The issues and solutions for the interoperability of a class of heterogeneous databases and their database systems are expounded in two parts. Part I presents the data-sharing issues in federated databases and systems. Part II, which will appear in a future issue, explores resource-consolidation issues. Interoperability in this context refers to data sharing among heterogeneous databases, and to resource consolidation of computer hardware, system software, and support personnel. Resource consolidation requires the presence of a database system architecture which supports the heterogeneous system software, thereby eliminating the need for various computer hardware and support personnel. The class of heterogeneous databases and database systems expounded herein is termed federated, meaning that they are joined in order to meet certain organizational requirements and because they require their respective application specificities, integrity constraints, and security requirements to be upheld. Federated databases and systems are new. While there are no technological solutions, there has been considerable research towards their development. This tutorial is aimed at exposing the need for such solutions. A taxonomy is introduced in our review of existing research undertakings and exploratory developments. With this taxonomy, we contrast and compare various approaches to federating databases and systems.
Expression of Nitric-oxide Synthase in Rat Kupffer Cells Is Regulated by cAMP

Treatment of cultured rat Kupffer cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a time-dependent increase in the expression of the inducible isoform of nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS). Agents that elevated intracellular cAMP levels (e.g. forskolin, dibutyryl cAMP, cholera toxin, and isoproterenol) markedly decreased nitrite production and iNOS protein formation by LPS-stimulated Kupffer cells. Furthermore, inhibition of LPS-induced nitrite formation and iNOS protein levels by these agents was enhanced in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Forskolin, the most potent inhibitor of LPS-induced nitrite formation by Kupffer cells, decreased iNOS mRNA levels in a time-dependent manner. Time course studies indicated that forskolin was most effective at inhibiting LPS-induced nitrite formation and iNOS mRNA levels by Kupffer cells when added before LPS. Message stability studies established that forskolin did not enhance the rate of decay of LPS-induced iNOS mRNA. Nuclear run-on assays revealed that forskolin decreased LPS-induced transcription of the iNOS gene. Treatment of Kupffer cells with LPS induced the translocation of the p65 subunit of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) into the nucleus, and this process was abolished by forskolin. In addition, the LPS-dependent degradation of IκBα was not observed in forskolin-treated cells; the levels of the p65 subunit of NF-κB were minimal in the nucleus at the same time. Also, we observed that forskolin induced transcription of the IκBα gene in a time-dependent manner and in addition up-regulated LPS-induced IκBα mRNA levels. Taken together, this study indicates that the attenuation of LPS-induced iNOS formation in Kupffer cells by elevated intracellular cAMP levels occurs by preventing the degradation of IκBα which suppresses the activation of NF-κB and inhibits the onset of transcription of the iNOS gene.
Toward efficient photomodulation of conjugated polymer emission: optimizing differential energy transfer in azobenzene-substituted PPV derivatives.

We present fluorescence studies of quenching behavior in photoaddressable azobenzene-substituted derivatives of the fluorescent conjugated polymer poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV). The azobenzene side chains partially quench the PPV fluorescence, and we have shown previously that the quenching efficiency is greater when the azobenzene side chains are cis than when they are trans. This effect provides a photoaddressable means of modulating the fluorescence intensity of PPV derivatives. To optimize the efficiency of photoinduced intensity modulation, it is important to understand the molecular nature of quenching by both trans- and cis-azobenzene side chains. Here we investigate the photophysical origins of quenching by the two isomers using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. We present results from the azobenzene-modified PPV derivative poly(2-methoxy-5-((10-(4-(phenylazo)phenoxy)decyl)oxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MPA-10-PPV) and two new related polymers, a copolymer lacking half of t...
Monogenic bialgebras over finite fields and rings of Witt vectors

Abstract We classify a certain collection of bialgebras that are generated by a single element over a finite field k , giving a parameterization using positive integers. We then put necessary and sufficient conditions on this pair so that the bialgebra lifts uniquely to the ring W ( k ) of Witt vectors with coefficients in k , and finally provide a formula for the number of such lifts.
A self-tuning structure for adaptation in TCP/AQM networks

Congestion control in TCP/AQM networks is expected to perform well for a wide-range of conditions, but recent advances in modeling and analysis indicate that present AQM schemes need an extra dose of adaptability to cope. This paper answers the call and proposes a self-tuning structure wherein AQM parameters are automatically tuned in response to on-line estimation of link capacity and traffic load. This approach is applicable to any AQM scheme that is parameterizable in terms of link capacity and TCP load. In this paper, we will describe this self-tuning structure, illustrate its application to PI and RED AQMs, provide stability analysis, and conduct ns simulations to compare with both fixed AQM schemes and the recently proposed adaptive RED.
CLOSE GENETIC LINKAGE BETWEEN HLA AND CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA (21-HYDROXYLASE DEFICIENCY)

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (C.A.H.) with 21-hydroxylase deficiency is an autosomal recessive disease. HLA genotyping of parents and children in six families in which more than 1 child had C.A.H. established that the gene responsible for 21-hydroxylase deficiency is closely linked to HLA. One patient had inherited a maternal HLA-A/B recombinant haplotype and studies in this family indicated that the abnormal gene is close to the HLA-B locus. The findings provide a method for identification of C.A.H. carriers and for prenatal diagnosis of affected children.
THE LARVAL CULTURE OF Penaeus stylirostris USING MODIFICATIONS OF THE GALVESTON LABORATORY TECHNIQUE1

Preliminary observations on the larval culture of Penaeus stylirostris using modifications of the “Galveston Laboratory” technique included: 1) installing airlift pumps in spawning tanks; 2) treating water with ethylenedinitrilo tetra-acetic acid, disodium salt (EDTA); 3) using small UV germicidal lamps to eliminate contaminationg dinofla-gellates from hatchery tanks; and 4) testing the use of two forms of bakers' yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), compressed cake and active dry yeast (ADY), as replacement for frozen algae as larval foodstuff. The design of the spawning tank helped to increase the hatching of fertile eggs from 0% to 80%. It was shown by bioassay testing that the UV light eliminated the dinoflagellate and that direct treatment of hatchery water with the germicidal lamp had no apparent detrimental effect on foodstuff or shrimp larvae. Bakers' ADY appeared to be more readily accepted than compressed yeast cake by shrimp larvae as foodstuff and was easier to prepare and monitor. Although yeast was an efficient replacement for frozen algae as foodstuff for larval shrimp, it took slightly longer for the total populations to metamorphose to post-larvae when yeast was fed.
Division of labour and social insect colony performance in relation to task and mating number under two alternative response threshold models

Some social insects exhibit an exceptionally high degree of polyandry. Alternative hypotheses exist to explain the benefits of multiple mating through enhanced colony performance. This study critically extends theoretical analyses of the hypothesis that enhanced division of labour confers fitness benefits to the queen that are sufficient to explain the observed mating frequencies of social insects. The effects of widely varying numbers of tasks and matings were systematically investigated in two alternative computer simulation models. One model was based on tasks that have to be performed to maintain an optimal trait value, while the other model was based on tasks that only have to be sufficiently performed to exceed a minimum trait value to confer full fitness returns. Both model versions were evaluated assuming a broad and a narrow response threshold distribution. The results consistently suggest a beneficial effect of multiple mating on colony performance, albeit with quickly diminishing returns. An increasing number of tasks decreased performance of colonies with few patrilines but not of more genetically diverse colonies. Instead, a performance maximum was found for intermediate task numbers. The results from the two model versions and two response threshold distributions did not fundamentally differ, suggesting that the type of tasks and the breadth of response thresholds do not affect the benefit of multiple mating. In general, our results corroborate previous models that have evaluated simpler task/patriline scenarios. Furthermore, selection for an intermediate number of tasks is indicated that could constrain the degree of division of labour. We conclude that enhanced division of labour may have favoured the evolution of multiple mating but is insufficient to explain the extreme mating numbers observed in some social insects, even in complex task scenarios.
The neutron activation determination of lithium in the presence of alkali metals and magnesium

Abstract A neutron activation method for lithium in the presence of alkali metals or magnesium has been developed, utilizing the 6Li(n,α)3H and 16O(t,n)18F nuclear reactions. After a short thermal neutron irradiation with a. lithium standard, 112-min fluorine-18 is separated by a lead chlorofluoridc precipitation. The annihilation photons from the separated fluorine-18 are counted using 2 sodium iodide detectors, a fast-slow coincidence system and a multichannel analyzer. Precision in a synthetic l% lithium-in-sodium matrix was found to be ± 2.0% standard deviation, whereas the accuracy of the method is estimated to be ± 3% or better. The ultimate sensitivity in pure solution is estimated to be about 0.2 p.p.b. and in a sodium matrix about 0.5 p.p.m. The only interferences are several positron emitters, easily discriminated from by chemical separation, decay or by means of other nuclear parameters. Three hours are required for a duplicate determination, following initial sample preparation and dilution. To use the method, the lithium isotopic abundance must be known or determined by mass spectrometry because of the prevalence of depleted litliium in metal and salts.
Experimental triggers for internal short circuits in lithium-ion cells

Abstract Lithium-ion cell field failures due to internal short circuits are a significant concern to the entire lithium-ion cell market from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. While the probability of these failure events occurring is estimated to be very low (1 in 5–10 million), the consequences of a cell failure due to an internal short in a high energy battery system have the potential to be catastrophic. The statistical probability of one of these events is very low and they are difficult to predict and simulate in a laboratory using some external test; which makes cell failure due to an internal short circuit a unique challenge to overcome. Several of the experiments designed to simulate internal shorts have been adopted as testing protocols across the industry; in general, they do not accurately simulate an internal short. This work highlights our efforts to experimentally trigger an internal short circuit in a lithium-ion cell.
Modulating the timing of flowering

Several genes that are normally involved in flower initiation have recently been shown to induce early flowering when expressed ectopically in transgenic plants. These findings permit the development of strategies for the rational manipulation of flowering time in agronomically important plants.
The Organizational Response of Nonconformity to Repression and Indulgence: The Case of Bedfordshire

In the 1670s John Bunyan and his Nonconformist colleagues put into effect an organizational plan developed during the imprisonment years prior to 1672. The purpose of the plan was to provide a network of preachers and teachers in the local villages throughout northern Bedfordshire and contiguous areas that would be strong enough to withstand further persecution. As the plan was put into effect, it brought Bunyan into closer contact with other Nonconformists to the south and east, as far away as London. Ironically the plan was formulated when Bunyan and others were imprisoned together at Bedford for their Nonconformity. Their success vividly illustrates the failure of the Stuart government to suppress these men of faith. The prison years are poignantly described by a leading Restoration Quaker, George Whitehead, in words applicable to Bunyan: "There was but little Respite from Persecution in twelve Years Time, from the Year 1660 unto 1672, in which was the last War at Sea between the English and Dutch; so that one Judgment and Calamity followed another, Plague, Fire, and War, unto great Depopulation, and Devastation, shewing God's heavy Displeasure against Persecution and Cruelty. . . ." To some extent Bunyan was shielded from the turmoil of these years, despite his general loss of freedom. Yet his preaching forays from his cell, which his jailer sometimes permitted (mostly after 1668), and the comings and goings of local Nonconformists imprisoned for shorter periods of time, kept him abreast of the situation. The fact that he used these years to write a number of works, including The Pilgrim's Progress, is well known.2 What is largely unknown is that these years-especially from 1666 to 1672-were ones in which he worked out Nonconformist strategy with those who were imprisoned with him in the county jail. One of these men was John Wright of Blunham, a village between Bedford and Gamlingay, Cambridgeshire and the center of an illegal Nonconformist group. Wright, a saddler, along with a grocer and three laborers, were presented before Justices of the Peace at Bedford on January 15, 1666 for being present at an unlawful conventicle in Wright's house. The defendants refused to pay their fines and were committed to the Bedford county jail for ten days. Obviously unrepentant, the same five were presented to Justices of the Peace on April 30,
A random cluster algorithm for some continuous Markov random fields

Based on a random cluster representation, the Swendsen–Wang algorithm for the Ising and Potts distributions is extended to a class of continuous Markov random fields. The algorithm can be described briefly as follows. A given configuration is decomposed into clusters. Probabilities for flipping the values of the random variables in each cluster are calculated. According to these probabilities, values of all the random variables in each cluster will be either updated or kept unchanged and this is done independently across the clusters. A new configuration is then obtained. We will show through a simulation study that, like the Swendsen–Wang algorithm in the case of Ising and Potts distributions, the cluster algorithm here also outperforms the Gibbs sampler in beating the critical slowing down for some strongly correlated Markov random fields.
Quantitative evaluation of simultaneous reconstruction with model-based crosstalk compensation for 99mTc/123I dual-isotope simultaneous acquisition brain SPECT.

A model-based method has been previously developed to estimate and compensate for the crosstalk and downscatter contamination in simultaneous I 123 / T 99 m c dual-isotope SPECTimaging. In this method, photonscatter in the object is modeled using the effective source scatter estimate technique. Photon interactions with the collimator-detector are estimated using precalculated Monte Carlo simulated point response functions. Two different approaches, simultaneous and alternating model-based compensations, have been proposed for iterative reconstruction-based crosstalk and downscatter contamination compensation. In this work, both model-based approaches were evaluated in the context of quantitative accuracy when imaging the dopaminergic system using both Monte Carlo simulated and experimentally acquired data. Results indicate that model-based estimates of the crosstalk and downscatter contamination in both energy windows were in good agreement with the truth for the simulated data. The effects of the contamination reduced image contrast and overestimated absolute activity in all structures by up to 66%. Compensation using both model-based approaches improved image contrast. Errors in absolute activity quantitation were also reduced to less than ±5% for most brain structures. The accuracy of striatal specific binding potentials, calculated as the ratio of activity in various striatal structures to the background, was also greatly improved after model-based compensation. In conclusion, model-based compensation of simultaneously acquired images of T 99 m c and I 123 labeled brainimaging agents provided image quality and quantitative accuracy that were comparable to the image without crosstalk. Both proposed compensation approaches can potentially be applied clinically, but when reconstruction time is a limiting factor, the alternating model-based compensation may be preferable.
FIELD PROPERTIES OF A THREE ORBIT PROTOTYPE SECTOR MAGNET FOR THE 4 GeV CW ELECTRON MICROTRON

A full scale prototype magnet has been built for the sector magnets in the 4 GeV Electron Microtron. It exactly duplicates the geometry of the sector magnet for the three lowest energy orbits. It has been measured with and without end guards and pole tip shims and the results are presented.
A method for measuring cross sections for electron-impact excitation out of metastable levels of atoms

A method for measuring cross sections for electron-impact excitation out of the metastable levels of the He atom is described. A hollow cathode discharge is used to produce an atomic beam consisting of ground-level He atoms and the He(21S) and He(23S) metastable atoms. An electron beam of energy below 20 eV crosses the atomic beam exciting the metastable atoms to higher levels, and the intensity of the radiation emitted by atoms in these higher levels is utilized to determine the cross sections. Because of the very low concentration of metastable atoms in the atomic beam, the emission signal is extremely weak. A number of special techniques have been developed to detect these very low-level signals. Absolute calibration of the cross section is accomplished by referencing the emission signal that resulted from electron excitation out of the metastable level to the emission signal that resulted from the 23S→33P or 21S→31P laser optical absorption.
Design of optimum multiple-stress accelerated life testing plans based on proportional odds model

Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) is used to obtain failure time data quickly under high stress levels in order to predict product life and performance under the design stress. Most of the previous work on designing ALT plans is focused on the application of a single stress. However, as components or products become more reliable due to technological advances, it becomes more difficult to obtain significant amount of failure data within a reasonable amount of time using single stress only. Multiple-stress ALTs have been employed as a means of overcoming such difficulties. In this paper, we design optimum multiple-stress ALT plans based on the Proportional Odds (PO) model. The optimum combinations of stress levels and the number of test units allocated to each combination are determined such that the variance of the reliability prediction of the product over a pre-specified period of time is minimised. The proposed ALT plan is illustrated by a numerical example.
Effect of viosterol on excretion of lead.

It is well known that large doses of viosterol cause a hypercalcemia and increased elimination of calcium from the body and good evidence is accumulating to the effect that the source of the excess of the calcium under such conditions is from the bone, at least when the diet is calcium poor.1, 2, 3 Since Aub4 has shown that the metabolism of lead parallels the metabolism of calcium, large doses of viosterol should promote the elimination of lead from the body. Experiments to determine the effect of large doses of viosterol on lead excretion in cats and guinea pigs and on lead storage, and the course of lead poisoning in guinea pigs were carried out. Throughout the series Viosterol Squibb 250D was used. All assays for lead were made by the Fairhall method. The guinea pigs were kept on a normal diet of oats, hay, cabbage, or lettuce. The cats were given low calcium diets consisting of meat and fish or vegetables. Viosterol dosage in the 2 cat experiments was 20 drops daily and in the case of the guinea pigs...
First-Year Urban Mathematics and Science Middle School Teachers: Classroom Challenges and Reflective Solutions.

This study explored the challenges facing 1st-year alternatively certified teachers of mathematics and science in urban middle schools. Four teachers, participants in a National Science Foundation ...
Differences in Dynamic Performance of Molded Polyurethane Foam as a Function of Pad Thickness and Supported Load

Comfort and durability have evolved into essential performance requirements for the polyurethane foam used in automotive seating. A great variety of tests have been developed in an attempt to measure and predict these properties, both for the foam and the assembled seat. However, the results from these various tests can be quite different depending on the test conditions employed. Furthermore, most tests measure comfort properties at some standard deflection, or pressure, which is nominally designed to represent the average population that will be riding on the seat. Missing from these tests is a recognition that foam comfort properties are not the same at all deflections, and thus performance and perceived comfort will change as a result of the size and shape of the person riding the seat. This research presents information demonstrating the dependence of comfort properties, such as vibrational transmissivity and quasi-static hysteresis, on foam thickness and foam chemistry. In addition, the effect of pressure is demonstrated using various masses for the transmissivity testing. This work will be analyzed and discussed from the perspective that comfort properties may need to be defined relative to the sitting pressure of the person riding on the vehicle seat.
The neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) enhances hippocampal primed burst, but not long-term, potentiation

Abstract Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), which is synthesized in the brain and in the periphery, is known to affect the excitability of hippocampal neurons. However, its influence on electrophysiological plasticity has not been addressed. We have studied the effects of DHEAS on primed burst (PB) and long-term (LTP) potentiation, two electrophysiological models of memory. PB potentiation is a lasting increase in the amplitude of the CA1 population spike produced by minimal (threshold) electrical stimulation; LTP is produced by more extensive (supra-threshold) stimulation. Whereas intermediate doses (24 and 48 mg/kg, s.c.) of DHEAS given to rats enhanced PB potentiation, low (6 mg/kg) and high (96 mg/kg) doses were ineffective. LTP was not affected by any dose of DHEAS. The inverted-U relationship between DHEAS and PB potentiation is consistent with previous work demonstrating an inverted-U dose-dependent enhancement of memory by DHEAS. The present findings suggest that DHEAS could enhance memory of facilitating the induction of neural plasticity.
Celestial Mechanics with Geometric Algebra

Geometric algebra is introduced as a general tool for Celestial Mechanics. A general method for handling finite rotations and rotational kinematics is presented. The constants of Kepler motion are derived and manipulated in a new way. A new spinor formulation of perturbation theory is developed.
Remote Noninvasive Assessment of Pain and Health Status in Cattle

Cattle behavior is frequently monitored to determine the health of the animal. This article describes potential benefits and challenges of remotely monitoring cattle behavior with available methodologies. The behavior of interest, labor required, and monitoring expenses must be considered before deciding which remote behavioral monitoring device is appropriate. Monitoring the feeding behavior of an animal over time allows establishment of a baseline against which deviations can be evaluated. Interpretation of multiple behavioral responses as an aggregate indicator of animal wellness status instead of as individual outcomes may be a more accurate measure of true state of pain or wellness.
Underlying mechanisms at the bone–biomaterial interface.

In order to understand how biomaterials influence bone formation in vivo, it is necessary to examine cellular response to materials in the context of wound healing. Four interrelated properties of biomaterials (chemical composition, surface energy, surface roughness, and surface topography) affect mesenchymal cells in vitro. Attachment, proliferation, metabolism, matrix synthesis, and differentiation of osteoblast-like cell lines and primary chondrocytes are sensitive to one or more of these properties. The nature of the response depends on cell maturation state. Rarely do differentiated osteoblasts or chondrocytes see a material prior to its modification by biological fluids, immune cells and less differentiated mesenchymal cells in vivo. Studies using the rat marrow ablation model of endosteal wound healing indicate that ability of osteoblasts to synthesize and calcify their extracellular matrix is affected by the local presence of the material. Changes in the morphology and biochemistry of matrix vesicles, extracellular organelles associated with matrix maturation and calcification, seen in normal endosteal healing, are altered by implants. Moreover, the material exerts a systemic effect on endosteal healing as well. This may be due to local effects on growth factor production and secretion into the circulation, as well as to the fact that the implant may serve as a bioreactor.