cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prediction and Cross-Validation of Video Cartographic Symbol Location Performance

A response surface methodology central-composite design was used to obtain multiple-regression prediction equations of performance on a video cartographic symbol search task. Observers were required to locate the position of designated target symbols on a series of maps displayed on black-and-white and color television (TV) monitors. The variables used to predict both location and latency performance were focus, density of nontarget symbols, visual angle of the observer, and TV raster lines per mm of actual map area. Prediction equations were compared for black-and-white and color TV monitors through collapsed and uncollapsed, within-subject data analyses. Both analysis procedures were compared in terms of resulting sensitivity and in terms of the predictive validity of the regression equations as determined in cross-validation. It was concluded that the uncollapsed, within-subject designs provided the better prediction equations.
Growth Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis After Single-Pulsed Exposures to Streptomycin, Ethambutol, and Rifampin.

It was reported earlier that the degree of growth inhibition of tubercle bacilli after single-pulsed isoniazid exposures is a function of the time-concentration product (TCP) of exposure rather than of either time or concentration alone (TCP = hr exposure × μg of drug/ml). In the present investigation, these time and concentration studies have been extended to streptomycin (SM), ethambutol (EMB), and rifampin (RMP). Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra was grown in Sautons liquid medium at 37 C with aeration. Rapidly growing cells were harvested and resuspended at 0.5 to 0.6 mg (dry wt)/ml in fresh medium; incubation was continued in the presence of various concentrations of the appropriate drug. At time intervals, samples were diluted 1:200 into drug-free medium for turbidimetric growth assay. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of EMB, SM, and RMP were approximately 0.2, 0.02, and 0.002 μg/ml, respectively. When cells were pulsed with 0.0125 to 0.0625 μg of RMP per ml at time intervals of up to 9.5 hr, the degree of subsequent growth inhibition appeared to be a function of TCP. A similar relationship was observed when SM was tested over a range of 0.125 to 1.0 μg/ml and various time intervals of up to 8 hr. In contrast, inhibition of tubercle bacilli after EMB exposures was dependent primarily on exposure time and was affected only slightly by concentration. At any particular exposure time between 3 and 16 hr, 1.25 to 7.5 μg of EMB per ml produced similar levels of inhibition, but marked inhibition did not occur unless the exposure time exceeded 10 hr. Relationships of these latter findings to the mode of action of EMB and the potential clinical significance of the RMP, SM, and EMB data are discussed.
Aspiration cytology of primary thyroid paraganglioma

Thyroid paragangliomas are extremely rare tumors arising from the inferior laryngeal paraganglia. Most patients are female and present as asymptomatic thyroid nodule. Diagnosing thyroid paraganglioma can be difficult on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) since it could be misdiagnosed as medullary thyroid carcinoma, calcitonin-negative neuroendocrine tumor of the thyroid gland (CNNETT), metastatic neuroendocrine tumor, and intrathyroid parathyroid proliferation. We describe the cytologic features and immunohistochemical staining pattern of thyroid paraganglioma from a 60-year-old woman with a gradually enlarging neck mass for several months. An ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration was performed which revealed epithelioid, plasmacytoid to occasionally spindle-shaped cells with ovoid to elongated nuclei, fine chromatin pattern and inconspicuous nucleoli. The cells were arranged singly, in sheets, and focally in acinar pattern. Occasional nuclear overlapping, crush artifact, and binucleated cells were identified. Neither colloid nor amyloid was seen. Immunohistochemical stains performed on the cell block showed the tumor cells were positive for neuroendocrine markers and negative for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3), calcitonin, CEA, thyroglobulin, and TTF-1. There were rare S-100 positive cells. Given the difference in management of paragangliomas compared to its cytology mimics and association with familial cancer syndromes in some cases, awareness of this rare tumor, and use of immunohistochemical stains are critical in arriving at the diagnosis.
Microstructure of two‐phase random media. I. The n‐point probability functions

The microstructure of a two‐phase random medium can be characterized by a set of general n‐point probability functions, which give the probability of finding a certain subset of n‐points in the matrix phase and the remainder in the particle phase. A new expression for these n‐point functions is derived in terms of the n‐point matrix probability functions which give the probability of finding all n points in the matrix phase. Certain bounds and limiting values of the Sn follow: the geometrical interpretation of the Sn and their relationship with n‐point correlation functions associated with fluctuating bulk properties is also noted. For a bed or suspension of spheres in a uniform matrix we derive a new hierarchy of equations, giving the Sn in terms of the s‐body distribution functions ρs associated with a statistically inhomogeneous distribution PN of spheres in the matrix, generalizing expressions of Weissberg and Prager for S2 and S3. It is noted that canonical ensemble of mutually impenetrable spheres a...
Models of Affect-Response and Anorexia Nervosa

Dans ce travail on presente, dans une serie de stades, un modele de la reponse de l'affect base sur la theorie des catastrophes et indique plusieurs connexions avec un modele comparable de l'anorexie nerveuse interieurement decrite
Symmetry-Induced Magnetic Anisotropy in Fe Films Grown on Stepped Ag(001).

Symmetry breaking at atomic steps of ultrathin Fe films grown on stepped Ag(001) substrates creates a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy with the easy axis parallel to the step edges. The relation between this induced anisotropy and the step density is systematically investigated by magneto-optically scanning films grown on a curved substrate with a vicinal angle range between 0{degree} and 10{degree}. We find that (a) the uniaxial anisotropy depends quadratically on the step density, and (b) the spin-reorientation transition occurs at a larger thickness for the stepped than for the flat film. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Denial and self-denigration in the draw-a-person profiles of alcoholics

The present study attempts to cross-validate earlier findings that alcoholics tend to use more denial and are more demeaning of their characters than controls on the objective-projective Apperceptive Personality Test. One hundred nonalcoholic, nonpatient controls were matched to 100 outpatient alcoholics on age, race, and social class. All subjects were given the objective-projective Draw A Person Questionnaire, which was scored for 14 scales. As hypothesized and consistent with the earlier findings, alcoholics used more denial and were more often demeaning of their drawn characters than were controls. These and other exploratory findings are discussed.
Verbalizing and writing as auxiliary responses during discrimination learning

Ss verbalized or wrote predetermined stimulus names during visual discrimination learning. Those verbalizing or writing only the names of correct stimuli made significantly fewer errors in learning the discriminations than did those required to verbalize or write a mixed pattern of correct and incorrect names. Although Ss writing a mixed pattern tended to make slightly fewer errors than those verbalizing the same pattern, a difference which appears to be statistically significant given large samples, the overall conclusion was that as auxiliary responses, verbalizing and writing have essentially equivalent effects.
DNET: The Drexel Nano Engineering Track.

Early exposure of Nanoscale Science, Engineering and Technology (NSET) to undergraduate students is anticipated to play a pivotal role in recruiting highly qualified professionals for industry and in preparing future faculty and researchers for graduate education. Focusing on early undergraduate education in NSET, the newly launched Drexel Nano Engineering Track (DNET) program at Drexel University addresses the urgent need for early NSET education at the University level. The primary objective of the DNET program is to expose freshmen and sophomores in Drexel's College of Engineering to basic concepts in NSET. It is envisioned that the career decisions of a large fraction of students will be directed as they learn the vocabulary of NSET and see potential engineering applications. The current DNET program activities include (1) updating/modifying a series of freshmen/sophomore courses / laboratories to infuse NSET into early undergraduate curriculum. Because of the size of the established tDEC program, this initiative has been able to reach a remarkably large body of students immediately. Over 700 students are enrolled in NSET-revised freshmen courses, and they will progress to NSET-revised sophomore courses the next year. (2) developing a number of modules for NSET education and (3) launching/maintaining a DNET web for information dissemination, performance assessment and outreach activities. The DNET program, together with the existing Nanotechnology Institute and Drexel/Upenn IGERT program that focus on the NSET research and graduate education, offer a stream of NSET education from college to graduate school at Drexel University.
Impact of Clostridium difficile infection among pneumonia and urinary tract infection hospitalizations: an analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains one of the major hospital acquired infections in the nation, often attributable to increased antibiotic use. Little research, however, exists on the prevalence and impact of CDI on patient and hospital outcomes among populations requiring such treatment. As such, the goal of this study was to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and impact of CDI among pneumonia and urinary tract infection (UTI) hospitalizations. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2009–2011), reflecting a 20% stratified sample of community hospitals in the United States, was used. A total of 593,038 pneumonia and 255,770 UTI discharges were included. Survey-weighted multivariable regression analyses were conducted to assess the predictors and impact of CDI among pneumonia and UTI discharges. A significantly higher prevalence of CDI was present among men with UTI (13.3 per 1,000) as compared to women (11.3 per 1,000). CDI was associated with higher in-hospital mortality among discharges for pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for men = 3.2, women aOR = 2.8) and UTI (aOR for men = 4.1, women aOR = 3.4). Length of stay among pneumonia and UTI discharges were also double upon presence of CDI. In addition, CDI increased the total charges by at least 75% and 55% among pneumonia and UTI discharges, respectively. Patient and hospital characteristics associated with CDI included being 65 years or older, Charlson Deyo index for comorbidity of 2 or more, Medicare as the primary payer, and discharge from urban hospitals, among both pneumonia and UTI discharges. CDI occurs frequently in hospitalizations among those discharged from hospital for pneumonia and UTI, and is associated with increased in-hospital mortality and health resource utilization. Interventions to mitigate the burden of CDI in these high-risk populations are urgently needed.
Lateral wall Na, K-ATPase and endocochlear potentials decline with age in quiet-reared gerbils

Changes in the integrity of cochlear ion transport systems with age were examined in gerbils raised for 5-38 months in a quiet environment. Ion transport function was assessed by light microscopic immunohistochemical staining for the enzyme, Na,K-ATPase and by measurement of the endocochlear potential (EP). Small foci of strial atrophy accompanied by loss of immunostaining for Na,K-ATPase were observed in the stria vascularis of the apical and basal turns as early as 5 months of age. Cochleas from 29-38 month-old gerbils showed a loss of immunostaining for Na,K-ATPase in the stria in most of the apical turn with the degeneration extending well into the middle turn in many of the oldest ears. The extent of strial atrophy and loss of immunoreactive Na,K-ATPase in the basal turn varied considerably among the oldest cochleas. Populations of lateral wall fibrocytes (type II fibrocytes) normally rich in Na,K-ATPase exhibited a corresponding decrease in enzyme content in regions of advanced strial atrophy. The volume of immunostained stria vascularis correlated well with the magnitude of the resting EP. The results demonstrate that lateral wall ion transport systems in the gerbil cochlea degenerate as a function of age. The findings also provide good evidence for a functional relationship between the stria vascularis and the Na,K-ATPase-rich type II fibrocytes in generating and maintaining the EP.
THE ZENITH ANGLE DEPENDENCE OF COSMIC RAY PROTONS

The proton spectrum for particles in the momentum band 0.4-1.0 Bev/c and the meson spectrum for particles in the momentum band 0.09-0.34 Bev/c at zenith angles 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} east, vertical, and 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} west have been obtained at 3.3-km elevation and magnetic latitude 48\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} north. The zenith angle dependence of protons, along with a simplified analysis, is presented as data on the nucleonic cascade. It is found taht the gross zenith angle dependence will fit a ${cos}^{3.2}\ensuremath{\theta}$ distribution at 45 degrees east and west, there being no statistically significant east-west asymmetry. The simplified calculation assumes that a unidirectional component of the primary radiation will (1) suffer exponential absorption along its original path with a path length for removal of 120 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ of air and (2) acquire an ultimate distribution at 3.3 km due to scattering fitting a ${cos}^{n}\ensuremath{\omega}$ law, $n$ being an adjustable parameter.It is found that a value of $n$ of 6.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7 yields a unidirectional distribution which, when integrated over all angles, results in a gross zenith angle dependence agreeing with ${cos}^{3.2}\ensuremath{\theta}$. The ${cos}^{n}\ensuremath{\omega}$ distribution with $n$ equal to 6.5 is quite sharp and leads to the conclusion that the average projected scattering angle per collision is only about 6 degrees.
Silicon ultrasonic horn actuated microprobes based self-calibrating viscosity sensor

We report on a microfabricated silicon ultrasonic horn-driven microprobes with polysilicon strain-gauges and integrated Pt-based immersion depth sensors for fluid viscosity measurement. Non-linear flexural vibration induced in the microprobes by the silicon horn actuated at its longitudinal resonance, is monitored and its damping is used to estimate fluid viscosity. Vibration damping in ethylene glycol solutions of varying viscosities are quantified and modeled, and high sensitivity (∼0.13mV/mPa.s) is demonstrated in the normal blood viscosity range. Whole blood coagulation in a ∼5µl sample is measured by monitoring the frequency of the flexural vibration, demonstrating its applicability as a real-time blood viscosity sensor.
The use of unofficial “problem patient” files and interinstitutional information transfer in emergency medicine in Iowa

The study objectives were to determine the use of "problem patient" files in full-time Emergency Departments (EDs) in the state of Iowa and the frequency of telephone calls made between these departments about drug-seeking patients. The design and setting were a mail survey of 42 EDs in the state of Iowa determined to be staffed full-time by an in-house physician. The participants were the directors of the full time EDs in the state of Iowa. There were no interventions. The measurements and main results are as follows: 38 of 42 sites responded for a response rate of 90%. Of these, 58% keep problem patient lists and consult them an average of 2.6 times per week (range, 0.2 to 7.5). Only 5% have a policy limiting access to the information in these files, and only 14% have any controls over the adding of information. Thirty-seven of the 38 sites reported making and receiving calls to and from other institutions about drug-seeking patients. The mean number of calls made is 23 a year, and the mean number received is 20 per year. Problem patient files are common in EDs in Iowa, as are calls between institutions about drug-seeking patients. These practices compromise patient confidentiality but may be potentially justified in some instances. The lack of controls on access to patient information files and lack of scrutiny of information entered is of concern.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 synthetic analogs inhibit spontaneous metastases in a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis model

In order to substantiate the role of vitamin D applicability for the prevention of colon cancer and its spontaneous metastases, the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its synthetic analogs, 1, 25-dihydroxy-16,23Z-diene-26,27-hexafluoro-D3 (Ro 25-5317) and 1, 25-dihydroxy-16,23E-diene-26,27-hexafluoro-19-nor-D3 (Ro 25-9022), have been evaluated in a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinogenesis model in Sprague-Dawley rats. In animals maintained on 2.75 nmol/kg 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 diet no statistical difference was seen in tumor incidence when compared with control while in animals on 3.0 nmol/kg 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 diet, the incidence of tumors was significantly lower. In animals maintained on 3.0 nmol/kg Ro 25-5317 diet also no statistical difference was seen in tumor incidence compared with control while in animals on 3. 5 nmol/kg Ro 25-5317 diet the incidence of tumors was significantly lower. The incidence of tumors in the group of animals maintained on 3.0 nmol/kg and 3.5 nmol/kg Ro 25-9022 was significantly lower, at 32.1% and 27.6% respectively, compared to control. In the two groups of animals maintained on the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 diet no significant difference in the incidence of metastasis was seen. In the group of animals maintained on 3.0 nmol/kg Ro 25-5317 diet only regional metastases were seen. However, no metastases developed in the rats on 3.5 nmol/kg Ro 25-5317 diet. After administration of 3.0 nmol/kg Ro 25-9022 diet, metastases developed in a significantly less number of animals while no metastases occurred in the rats maintained on the 3.5 nmol/kg Ro 25-9022 diet. The above studies will provide a scientific basis for the progression into further clinical trials in the treatment, and/or chemoprevention of human colorectal cancer.
Nutrition and nail disease

The nail is a specialized keratinous skin appendage that grows approximately 2 to 3 mm per month, with complete replacement achieved in 6 to 9 months. Although this structure can be easily overlooked, nail disorders comprise approximately 10% of all dermatologic conditions. This contribution first provides an overview on the basic anatomy of the nail that will delineate between the nail unit (eg, hyponychium, nail bed, proximal nail fold, and matrix) and anatomic components not part of the nail unit (eg, lateral nail folds, nail plate, and eponychium). The function of each nail structure will also be presented. The chemical profile of the normal nail plate is reviewed with a discussion of its keratin content (hair type keratin vs epithelial type keratin), sulfur content, and mineral composition, including magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, sodium, and copper. The remainder will focus on nail manifestations seen in states of malnutrition. Virtually every nutritional deficiency can affect the growth of the nail in some manner. Finally, the discussion will include anecdotal use of nutritional and dietary supplements in the setting of brittle nail syndrome as well as a brief overview of biotin and its promising utility in the treatment of nail disorders.
Chinese and American Collaborations through Educational Exchange during the Era of Exclusion, 1872–1955

Overlapping communities of American missionaries and higher education administrators and faculty laid the foundations for international education in the United States during the first half-century of that movement’s existence. Their interests and activities in China, in conjunction with Chinese efforts to develop modern educational systems in the early twentieth century, meant that Chinese students featured prominently among foreign students in the United States. Through the education and career of Meng Zhi, an American-educated convert to Christianity, staunch patriot, and long-term director of the China Institute in America, this article examines the transition of international education programs from U.S.-dominated efforts to extend influence overseas to initiatives intended to advance Chinese nationalist projects for modernization.
A Two-Component Tetrachlorohydroquinone Reductive Dehalogenase System from the Lignin-Degrading BasidiomycetePhanerochaete chrysosporium

Tetrachloro-1,4-hydroquinone (TClHQ) is an intermediate in the degradation of pentachlorophenol by the lignin-degrading basidiomycetePhanerochaete chrysosporium.Two enzymes required for the reductive dehalogenation of TClHQ to trichlorohydroquinone (TrClHQ) were identified in cell-free extracts ofP. chrysosporium.In the presence of GSH, a membrane-bound enzyme converted TClHQ to the glutathionyl conjugate of TrClHQ (GS-TrClHQ). This membrane-bound glutathione transferase was specific for GSH as a cosubstrate. In the second step of the reductive dehalogenation reaction, a soluble enzyme fraction converted GS-TrClHQ to TrClHQ in the presence of GSH, cysteine, or dithiothreitol. Thus, this second enzyme appears to be a GS-conjugate reductase. These two enzyme fractions, working in tandem, also reductively dehalogenated TrClHQ and 2,6-dichlorohydroquinone, which are intermediates in the degradation of chlorophenols by this organism.
Sodium uptake by puddling in a moth

Male Lepidoptera commonly visit stands of water to drink, a behavior known as puddling. Males of the notodontid moth Gluphisia septentrionis routinely puddle for hours, imbibing hundreds of gut-loads and voiding the fluid as repetitive anal jets. Cationic analyses showed puddling to lead to systemic sodium gain, a potential benefit to Gluphisia, whose larval food plant is low in sodium. Male Gluphisia are specialized for puddling, possessing a wide oral slit and a highly expanded enteric surface. The acquired sodium is transferred to the female at mating, for eventual incorporation into the eggs. Sodium acquisition may be the primary function of puddling in Lepidoptera.
Two-year inhalation toxicity study of propylene in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice

Chronic toxicity studies of propylene were conducted by exposing groups of 50 F344/N rats and 50 B6C3F1 mice of each sex in chambers to air containing the chemical in concentrations of 5000 and 10,000 ppm, 6 hr per day, 5 days per week, for 103 weeks. Groups of 50 rats and 50 mice of each sex in similar chambers received clean air only on the same schedule and served as controls. Survival and mean body weights of exposed and control male and female rats and mice were similar. In exposed rats, increased incidences of nonneoplastic lesions were observed in the nasal cavity. These consisted of epithelial hyperplasia in female rats exposed to the high concentration, and squamous metaplasia in female rats exposed to both concentrations and in male rats exposed to the low concentration. In addition, inflammatory changes characterized by an influx of lymphocytes, macrophages, and granulocytes into the submucosa and by granulocytes into the lumen occurred in male rats of both exposure groups. There was no evidence of nasal cavity lesions in exposed mice, suggesting a species difference in sensory irritation to propylene. There were no treatment-related increases or decreases in tumor incidence in the exposed groups relative to controls for either rats or mice. These data suggest that inhaled propylene induces signs of nasal cavity toxicity in rats but not in mice, and that the chemical is not carcinogenic to either species at the concentrations tested.
Sunflower stalks as adsorbents for color removal from textile wastewater

Sunflower stalks as adsorbents for two basic dyes (Methylene Blue and Basic Red 9) and two direct dyes (Congo Red and Direct Blue 71) in aqueous solutions were studied with equilibrium isotherms and kinetic adsorptions. The maximum adsorptions of two basic dyes on sunflower stalks are very high, i.e., 205 and 317 mg/g for Methylene Blue and Basic Red 9, respectively. The two direct dyes have relatively lower adsorption on sunflower stalks. The adsorptive behaviors of sunflower stalk components are different. The pith, which is the soft and porous material in the center of stalks, has twice the adsorptive capacity of the skin. Particle sizes of sunflower stalks also affect the adsorption of dyes. The adsorption rates of two basic dyestuffs are much higher than that of the direct dyes. Within 30 min about 80% basic dyes were removed from the solutions.
Sentimentalist Virtue and Moral Judgement: Outline of a Project

Ethical rationalism has recently dominated the philosophical landscape, but sentimentalist forms of normative ethics (such as the ethics of caring) and of metaethics (such as Blackburn's projectivism and various ideal–observer and response–dependent views) have also been prominent. But none of this has been systematic in the manner of Hume and Hutcheson. Hume based both ethics and metaethics in his notion of sympathy, but the project sketched here focuses rather on the (related) notion of empathy. I argue that empathy is essential to the development of morally required caring about others and also to deontological limits or restrictions on self–concern and other–concern. But empathy also plays a grounding role in moral judgement. Moral approval and disapproval can be non–circularly understood as empathic reflections of the concern or lack of concern that agents show towards other people; and moral utterances can plausibly be seen not as projections, expressions, or descriptions of sentiment but as “objective” and “non–relative” judgements whose reference and content are fixed by sentiments of approval and disapproval.
The Effects of Mindfulness and Fear-Inducing Stimuli on Avoidance Behavior

Previous research has shown that those with anxiety disorders may avoid distressing emotions, which in turn may increase avoidance behavior and help to maintain anxiety symptoms. The current study used an analogue laboratory design to investigate whether engaging in a brief mindfulness induction may result in decreased avoidance behavior following a fear-inducing stimulus. Undergraduate students were randomly assigned to listen to a brief mindfulness induction or to a control audio designed to induce unfocused attention. They were then shown a fear-inducing or neutral film clip. Avoidance behavior was measured by the likelihood of quitting a frustrating math task. Of those participants watching the fear-inducing film clip, those in the mindfulness group were less likely to quit the frustrating task than those in the control audio group. There was no difference in persistence between the mindfulness and control groups after the neutral film. Perhaps mindfulness training can boost persistence after the experience of fear.
Magnetic Circular Dichroism of Nonaromatic Cyclic π-Electron Systems. 5.1 Biphenylene and Its Aza Analogues†

The algebraic form of the perimeter model for nonaromatic cyclic π-electron systems developed in parts 1−4 of this series is used to analyze the previously reported magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) of biphenylene (1) and its aza analogues, to classify its excited states, and to relate them to those of other nonaromatic cyclic π systems. The observed MCD signs are interpreted in terms of relative sizes of orbital energy differences and the resulting configuration energy ordering. These require deviations from the alternant pairing associated with the simplest classical description, which are attributed to the increased negative magnitude of the diagonal resonance integrals in the four-membered ring. The interpretation of the UV and MCD spectra of 1 is confirmed by the observed effects of aza substitution, and predictions for other types of substitution follow. The magnetic field induced state mixing deduced from the perimeter model is supported by computations by the linear combination of orthogonalized a...
Effects of estrogen and prostaglandin on progesterone-delayed farrowing.

Effects of estradiol benzoate and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on concentrations of progesterone and estrogen in serum and the percentage of live births were determined in 21 gilts treated with exogenous progesterone in late gestation. All gilts received progesterone (25mg s.c. four times daily) from Days 108 through 113 of gestation. Gilts receiving no other treatments (controls) had elevated levels of progesterone through 1800 h on Day 114 (29.2 ± 11.4 ng/ml) and farrowed at 115.6 ± 0.3 d of gestation with a relatively low percentage of live births (66.8 ± 17.3). Gilts treated with PGF2α administered at 0600 h on Day 114 had less (P<0.01) progesterone by 1800 h (7.0 ± 1.3 ng/ml) relative to that of the controls, but they had similar gestation lengths (115.5 ± 0.3) and percentages of live births (50.0 ± 16.2). Administration of estradiol benzoate (10 mg) to gilts at 0600 h on Day 114 did not reduce progesterone on Day 114 or the gestation length relative to that of the control gilts, but it did increase (P<0.05) the percentage of live births (100%)
Environment and development economics 20 years on

This paper reviews the evolution of the field of environment and development over the last two decades. I argue that a central concern of the field has been the relation between natural resource use, income and growth, under the institutional and market conditions that prevail in developing countries. Particular attention is paid to the demographic and other drivers of change in the asset base, the linkages between poverty, property rights and the allocation of natural resources, the valuation of environmental assets and investment of resource rents, and the development of policies for managing environmental externalities and environmental public goods. I consider how the balance between topics and the treatment of individual topics has changed over time, and indicate how the field might be expected to move in the future.
Coproduct market analysis and water footprint of simulated commercial algal biorefineries

Abstract Algal biorefinery-based integrated industrial sector is getting increased attention in United States as a sustainable way of producing biofuel, high value products and feed ingredients. However, coproduct market analysis and water footprint (WFP) of algal biorefineries need to be studied before large scale deployment and adoption of this strategy. This article highlights the coproduct market and WFP analysis of two simulated algal biorefineries. The market analysis of primary product (biodiesel) and coproducts (algal meal (AM), omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA), glycerin) from these biorefineries showed that there is clear market for AM and O3FA up to certain level, there after diversification for other coproducts is desirable. Challenges include, vigorously finding new market and sectors to integrate the products and coproducts. Hence, comprehensive assessment of coproduct market and coproduct diversification among the biorefinery to meet the local needs and to avoid market glut by excessive production of single coproduct is needed. Our analysis also showed the clear advantages for multiproduct paradigm to attain high operational profit and to sustain initial industry developmental phase with clear return on investment. Our WFP analysis showed that algal biodiesel production requires 23–62 L MJ−1 of energy produced and our calculations showed that the energy return on water invested (EROWI) for algal biodiesel at different scenarios ranged between 0.042 and 0.016 MJ. Coproducts market analysis and WFP of algal biorefineries with different production scenarios illustrated the new policy and regulatory needs for the sustainable development of an algal biofuel sector to meet liquid fuel needs.
Numerical Modeling For Electrical Methods

An efficient numerical method, hybrid technique, for computing electromagnetic scattering of arbitrary 3-D local inhomogeneties in the earth has been presented (Lee et al, 1981). In this scheme the inhomogeneity is enclosed by a volume discretized by a finite element mesh whose boundary is only a slight distance away from the inhomogeneity. The scheme uses two sets of independent equations. The first is a set of finite element equations derived from a variational integral, and the second is a mathematical expression for fields at the boundary in terms of electric fields inside the boundary. Green’s function is used to derive the second set of equations. An interative algorithm has been developed to solve these two sets of equations. The solutions are the electric fields at nodes inside the finite element mesh. Scattered fields anywhere may then be obtained by performing volume integrations over the inhomogeneous region. The scheme is used for modeling 3-D inhomogeneities with plane-wave and magnetic dipole sources. Computer results are in good agreement with those obtained from the scale model using magnetic dipoles. One of the major applications of the scheme is in the magnetotelluric (MT) study. Hybrid modeling provides a useful vehicle with which we can investigate the effects on the impedance tensor and tipper vector elements caused by both inductive and current channeling phenomena. A quantitative evaluation of these effects through numerical simulations are of importance both in defining the relevant measurement parameters of a projected field survey and in understanding the distorting effects caused by small near-surface and remote heterogeneities. Near surface heterogeneous regions may greatly distort the impedance estimates of the field data and thus mask the response due to deeper targets. Through the use of appropriate models, the severity of this form of geologic noise may be evaluated and, consequently, various interpretational techniques can be developed to minimize this effect.
Angular distribution for electron excitation of the 4(2)S yields 4(2)P transition in Zn II - Comparison of experiment and theory

Differential electron-scattering cross sections for inelastic excitation of an ion have been measured for the first time. Experiments were carried out in a cross electron-ion beam geometry for the 4(2)S yields 4(2)P transition in Zn II at 75 eV. In addition, differential cross sections were calculated at energies between 15 and 100 eV in a five-state close-coupling approximation in which 4s, 4p, 3d(9)4s(2), 5s, and 4 d states were included. Agreement in shape between theory and experiment at 75 eV is excellent.
Performance Modeling of Transmission Schedulers for Sensor Networks Capable of Energy Harvesting

Energy harvesting is one of the most promising solutions for the enhancing the lifetime of sensor networks by overcoming the limitations of current batter technology. This paper investigates the performance of scheduling strategies for sensor networks with energy harvesting. The problem of selecting the power level at which a sensor should transmit is formulated as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and the performance of the transmission policy thus derived is compared with that of an energy balancing policy as well as an aggressive policy. Our results show that the quality of coverage associated with the MDP formulation outperforms the other policies.
The Convexity Properties of a Class of Constitutive Models for Biological Soft Issues

During the last three decades, the theory of nonlinear elasticity has been used extensively to model biological soft issues. Although this research has generated many different models to describe t...
Frustrated Lewis pair-like splitting of aromatic C–H bonds and abstraction of halogen atoms by a cationic [(FPNP)Pt]+ species

This manuscript explores new chemistry that can be related to the unobserved 14-electron [(FPNP)Pt]+ transient (FPNP = (4-F-2-(iPr2P)C6H3)2N). Its reactivity can be accessed via abstraction of triflate from (FPNP)PtOTf (1) with K[B(C6F5)4] in various solvents serving as substrates. With benzene, toluene and fluorobenzene, net heterolytic splitting of an aromatic C–H bond across the N–Pt bond is observed, without any detectable intermediates, leading to the [(FPN(H)P)Pt–Ar]+ products (Ar = Ph, 3a; Ar = C6H4Me, 3b (ortho), 3c (meta), 3d (para); Ar = o-C6H4F, 3e). The latter can be alternatively prepared by protonation of the neutral (FPNP)Pt–Ar compounds. Compounds 3a–3e do not release free arene under thermolysis at 80 °C, and compounds 3b/c/d do not interconvert under ambient temperature. With chlorobenzene and bromobenzene, the kinetic product is the κ1-Cl or κ1-Br adduct [(FPNP)Pt–Cl–Ph]+ (4) or [(FPNP)Pt–Br–Ph]+ (10). Compound 4 rearranges into a C–H splitting product [(FPN(H)P)Pt–C6H4Cl]+ (3f), while 10 slowly reacts by formal transfer of Br atom to Pt. An analogous Cl atom transfer to Pt is observed upon the reaction of 1 with K[B(C6F5)4] in dichloromethane, producing [(FPNP)PtCl][B(C6F5)4] (9a) which features an oxidized FPNP ligand framework. X-Ray diffractometry established structures of [(FPN(H)P)Pt–C6H4F-o][B(C6F5)4] (3e, disordered rotamers), [(FPN(H)P)Pt–C6H4Me][B(C6F5)4] (disordered meta- and para-isomers 3c/d), and [(FPNP)PtCl][HCB11Cl11] (9b). DFT calculations at the PBE0 and M06-L levels on the free [(FPNP)Pt]+ cation predict a relatively small (10–12 kcal mol−1) separation between the singlet and the triplet states. The relatively low triplet energy is probably related to the viability of the unexpected halogen atom abstraction reactions.
Compliant and low-cost humidity nanosensors using nanoporous polymer membranes

Abstract This paper proposes non-fragile compliant humidity nanosensors that can be fabricated inexpensively on various types of nanoporous polymer membranes such as polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, and nylon membranes. The nanosensor contains a pair of interdigitated electrodes deposited on the nanoporous polymer membranes. The resistance and/or capacitance between these electrodes vary at different humidity levels with a very high sensitivity due to the water adsorption (capillary condensation) inside the nanopores. The proposed sensors are low-cost in both material and fabrication. Due to its compliance, the sensors can be suitable for certain applications such as in situ water leakage detection on roofs, where people can walk on top of them. Testing results demonstrated that the sensor changes resistance within large range of relative humidity (RH) values (40–100% RH) with very high sensitivity. Design A and B sensors exhibit high sensitivities, 2.5 and 1.3 GΩ/% RH, respectively, to relative humidity changes but are not linear in response till 55% RH is reached (R2 ∼ 0.7391 for design A, R2 ∼ 0.8824 for design B). For the design C sensors, sensitivity is around 20 GΩ/% RH and the response is highly linear (R2 ∼ 0.96) for 40–100% relative humidity range. These results showed the feasibility of the proposed compliant and low-cost nanopore polymer membrane based humidity nanosensors which could be used for in situ water leakage and humidity level detection on three-dimensional and complex surfaces such as roofs and airplane bodies in the near future.
Čebyšev mixing and harmonic oscillator models

Abstract We exhibit a simple variable pitch helix model which shows that the “chaotic” behavior of Cebysev iterations is an illusion of dimensional projection. As a consequence the stroboscopic images of the motion of a simple harmonic oscillator, recorded at the times 2 n t ( n = 0, 1, 2, …), reproduce the mixing. This power law of time evolution may be used to generate other types of mixing transformations.
Allelic variation in Salmonella: an underappreciated driver of adaptation and virulence

Salmonella enterica causes substantial morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. Infection and intestinal colonization by S. enterica requires virulence factors that mediate bacterial binding and invasion of enterocytes and innate immune cells. Some S. enterica colonization factors and their alleles are host restricted, suggesting a potential role in regulation of host specificity. Recent data also suggest that colonization factors promote horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of antimicrobial resistance genes by increasing the local density of Salmonella in colonized intestines. Although a profusion of genes are involved in Salmonella pathogenesis, the relative importance of their allelic variation has only been studied intensely in the type 1 fimbrial adhesin FimH. Although other Salmonella virulence factors demonstrate allelic variation, their association with specific metadata (e.g. host species, disease or carrier state, time and geographic place of isolation, antibiotic resistance profile, etc.) remains to be interrogated. To date, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in bacteriology have been limited by the paucity of relevant metadata. In addition, due to the many variables amid metadata categories, a very large number of strains must be assessed to attain statistically significant results. However, targeted approaches in which genes of interest (e.g. virulence factors) are specifically sequenced alleviates the time-consuming and costly statistical GWAS analysis and increases statistical power, as larger numbers of strains can be screened for nonsynonynmous SNPs that are associated with available metadata. Congruence of specific allelic variants with specific metadata from strains that have a relevant clinical and epidemiological history will help to prioritize functional wet-lab and animal studies aimed at determining cause-effect relationships. Such an approach should be applicable to other pathogens that are being collected in well-curated repositories.
Intestinal calcium binding protein in uremia

In order to assess the usefulness of intestinal biopsies as indicators of end-organ responsiveness to vitamin D in uremic patients, calcium binding activity and calcium binding protein (CaBP) content were measured in intestinal biopsies from 12 uremic patients (glomerular filtration rate<5.0 ml/min) and 12 adult controls. Values for both were found to vary with the site of biopsy, highest values being obtained in the duodenal bulb, with lower values distally. Values for activity correlated with values for CaBP content in both normals and uremics and no difference was observed between groups. Levels of calcium binding activity and content of CaBP did not correlate with serum immunoreactive parathormone levels, but were directly related to circulating 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD) levels. The data show that intestinal CaBP is normal in activity, quantity, and affinity for calcium in malabsorbing uremic patients, and are consistent with the hypothesis that calcium malabsorption in uremia is unrelated to deficiency of intestinal calcium binding protein.
Ploidy, proliferative activity and prognosis. DNA flow cytometry of solid tumors

Flow cytometric study has been used to measure the cellular DNA content of solid tumors for the last decade, and of paraffin-embedded tumor specimens for the last 5 years. Ploidy and proliferative activity are the two properties commonly measured by DNA content flow cytometric study. The ability to study archival, paraffin-embedded tumors has hastened an appreciation of the prognostic utility of this assay. Either abnormal ploidy or elevated proliferative activity predict a worsened disease-free or overall survival in most common adult malignancies. Both abnormalities are associated with poor outcome in locoregional breast, non-small cell lung, and colorectal cancers, and in all stages of ovarian cancer. Abnormal ploidy is also a dire prognostic indicator for cancers arising from the kidney, bladder, prostate, and endometrium. Clinical management of patients with these diseases may be aided by studying their tumors for these objective markers of biological aggressiveness.
Identification of the proteasome inhibitor MG262 as a potent ATP-dependent inhibitor of the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium Lon protease.

Lon is a homo-oligomeric ATP-dependent serine protease which functions in the degradation of damaged and certain regulatory proteins. The importance of Lon activity in bacterial pathogenicity has led to its emergence as a target in the development of novel antibiotics. As no potent inhibitors of Lon activity have been reported to date, we sought to identify an inhibitor which could serve as a lead compound in the development of a potent Lon-specific inhibitor. To determine whether a nucleotide- or peptide-based inhibitor would be more effective, we evaluated the steady-state kinetic parameters associated with both ATP and peptide hydrolysis by human and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium Lon. Although the ATP hydrolysis activities of both homologues are kinetically indistinguishable, they display marked differences in peptide substrate specificity. This suggests that a peptide-based inhibitor could be developed which would target bacterial Lon, thereby decreasing side-effects due to cross-reactivity ...
Pleistocene water cycle and eastern boundary current processes along the California continental margin

[1] Coastal marine sediments contain mixtures of terrestrial and marine paleoclimate proxies that record how the coastal water cycle has behaved over long time frames. We explore a 600 kyr marine record from ODP Site 1018, located due west of Santa Cruz, California, to identify coastal wet and dry periods and to associate them with oceanographic processes. Wet periods in central California, identified by increased tree pollen relative to pollen from grasslands and scrublands, are found on every major deglaciation in the last 600 kyr. Sea surface temperature (SST) data were collected for the last two deglaciations. Wet periods are associated with a rapid rise in SST off central California. SST gradients along the California margin and changes in biogenic deposition show that wet periods in central California are associated with a weakening of the California Current and weakened coastal upwelling. High carbonate production suggests that there was significant curl-of-wind stress upwelling offshore. We propose that wet periods in central California are associated with a meteorological connection to the tropical Pacific and weakened southward flow in the California Current that shunted temperate Pacific water northward into the Alaska gyre. We do not observe evidence for a south-shifted westerly storm track at the last glacial maximum but find that wet periods are diachronous along the California margin. The wettest period around the Santa Barbara Basin peaked at 16 ka, preceding the wet peak in central and northern California by 4 kyr.