cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
What is Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying does not yet have a generally accepted definition. Therefore, if universities are considering adding cyberbullying as a conduct code offense, they should stop and take at least four steps: (1) consider the types of activity that might be included within the term, (2) consider the type of harm, (3) consider the level of intent required by the offender, and (4) determine the extent that it will address off-campus conduct. Proposed definitions that emphasize severe, repeated, and hostile conduct are likely the best direction for most campuses.
OMB-GPU: a micro-benchmark suite for evaluating MPI libraries on GPU clusters

General-Purpose Graphics Processing Units (GPGPUs) are becoming a common component of modern supercomputing systems. Many MPI applications are being modified to take advantage of the superior compute potential offered by GPUs. To facilitate this process, many MPI libraries are being extended to support MPI communication from GPU device memory. However, there is lack of a standardized benchmark suite that helps users evaluate common communication models on GPU clusters and do a fair comparison for different MPI libraries. In this paper, we extend the widely used OSU Micro-Benchmarks (OMB) suite with benchmarks that evaluate performance of point-point, multi-pair and collective MPI communication for different GPU cluster configurations. Benefits of the proposed benchmarks for MVAPICH2 and OpenMPI libraries are illustrated.
Etiology and pathogenesis of acute biliary pancreatitis.

In 78 patients withacute pancreatitis associated with gallstones, anatomic inspection (operation or autopsy) was performed during the acute stage of the disease. The patients presented with typical clinical signs and with concomitant biliaty obstruction. Sixty-three percent had a history of dietary abuse prior to the crisis. Thirty-three percent had a concomitant biliary tract infection. Impacted gallstones at the ampulla were found in 49 of the 78 patients (63%). According to the cholangiographicjndings four types of obstruction were seen: (1) total low obstruction (43%), (2) total low obstruction with reflux to the Wirsung duct (23%), (3) total high obstruction (I3%), and (4) partial obstruction (21%). In each patient the gallstones removed from the ampulla were identical to those found in the gallbladder. The pathologic changes found in the pancreas were grouped under four dtxerent grades according to the degree of lesion found: grade Z, edema (n = 36); grade ZZ, fat necrosis and peritoneal exudate (n = 16) grade ZZZ, hemorrhage (n = 1 I); and grade ZV, massive necrosis, abscess, or pseudocyst (n = 15). The degree of pancreatic lesion directb correlated with the duration of ampullary obstruction in 49 patients in whom a stone was still impacted at the time of anatomic inspection (x’ = 55.13, P < 0.001, contingency coeficient = 0.73). The dietary excess prior to the pancreatitis and the cholangiographic evidence of rejbx to the Wirsung duct were not found to correlate with the severity of pancreatitis. Patients with biliary tract infection presented with more severe pancreatitis. The relief of obstruction obtained through operation within thejrst 48 hours was followed by complete and immediate recovery in 98% of the patients. The present study proves that acute biliary pancreatitis is caused by ampullary obstruction due to migration of gallstones. Rapid remission occurs tfpatency of the ampulla is restored before 48 hours. Following more prolonged ampullary obstruction, irreversible lesions are formed.
Photodissociation of bulk nitrobenzene at 250, 266, and 280 nm using a picosecond laser

Abstract We have applied the technique of picosecond laser spectroscopy to study the photodissociation of nitrobenzene at room temperature and 100 mTorr. Three different photolysis pulses, λ 2 = 250, 266, and 280 nm, with a duration of 20–25 ps, were used. The NO photofragment was detected via LIF between λ 1 = 220 and 250 nm. The profile of rotational population distribution shows a dependency on the photolysis wavelength and the delay time. The observed rotational population distributions are non-Boltzmann and bimodal for v ″ = 0, 1, and 2.
El Niño Southern Oscillation in an ensemble ocean reanalysis and coupled climate models

[1] Long-term changes of El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are studied using an ensemble ocean reanalysis that includes eight ensemble members from 1871 to 2008 and coupled model intercomparison project phase 5 (CMIP5). The presence of greater “weather noise” in the ensemble member forcing relative to the ensemble average has a conflicting impact on ENSO. In the western Pacific, higher wind speed cools sea surface temperature, which leads to a weaker zonal temperature gradient and hence weaker ENSO. In contrast, stronger episodes of westerly wind, which get averaged out in the ensemble mean, can lead to a stronger than average ENSO in some ensemble members. The ensemble reanalysis has weak El Nino throughout the record, whereas strong El Nino occurs at the beginning and end of the record. The strength of La Nina is weaker than for El Nino and has less variability, a prominent asymmetry in the reanalysis. ENSO variability is also analyzed in the CMIP5 historical experiments. Results show that most of the models have a realistic representation of the strength of ENSO; however, the location generally extends too far to the west. None of the CMIP5 models investigated show a significant change in the strength or location of ENSO from the mid-nineteenth through the twentieth centuries. One distinguishing difference between the CMIP5 models and the ensemble reanalysis is that ENSO in the reanalysis has prominent asymmetry between El Nino and La Nina, whereas ENSO in the CMIP5 models tends to have fairly symmetric El Nino and La Nina.
Localization of extracellular matrix components in developing mouse salivary glands by confocal microscopy

The importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in developing organisms is well established. Proteoglycans and interstitial collagens are required for the growth, morphogenesis, and differentiation of epithelial organs and the distribution of these molecules has been described. However, much less is known about other ECM macromolecules in developing epithelial organs. We used confocal microscopy to examine the distribution of laminin, heparan sulfate (BM-1) proteoglycan, fibronectin, and collagen types I, IV, and V, in mouse embryonic salivary glands. Organ rudiments were isolated from gestational day 13 mouse embryos and cultured for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Whole mounts were stained by indirect immunofluorescence and then examined using a Zeiss Laser Scan Microscope. We found that each ECM component examined had a distinct distribution and that the distribution of some molecules varied with culture time. Laminin was mainly restricted to the basement membrane. BM-1 proteoglycan was concentrated in the basement membrane and also formed a fine network throughout the mesenchyme. Type IV collagen was mainly located in the basement membrane of the epithelium, but it was also present throughout the mesenchyme. Type V collagen was distributed throughout the mesenchyme at 24 hours, but at 48 hours was principally located in the basement membrane. Type I collagen was distributed throughout the mesenchyme at all culture times, and accumulated in the clefts and particularly at the epithelial-mesenchymal interface as time in culture increased. Fibronectin was observed throughout the mesenchyme at all times.
The Chicago face database: A free stimulus set of faces and norming data

Researchers studying a range of psychological phenomena (e.g., theory of mind, emotion, stereotyping and prejudice, interpersonal attraction, etc.) sometimes employ photographs of people as stimuli. In this paper, we introduce the Chicago Face Database, a free resource consisting of 158 high-resolution, standardized photographs of Black and White males and females between the ages of 18 and 40 years and extensive data about these targets. In Study 1, we report pre-testing of these faces, which includes both subjective norming data and objective physical measurements of the images included in the database. In Study 2 we surveyed psychology researchers to assess the suitability of these targets for research purposes and explored factors that were associated with researchers' judgments of suitability. Instructions are outlined for those interested in obtaining access to the stimulus set and accompanying ratings and measures.
RUGILUS CEYLANENSIS (KRAATZ) (COLEOPTERA: STAPHYLINIDAE: PAEDERINAE): A SOUTH ASIAN ROVE BEETLE NEW TO NORTH AMERICA

The South Asian rove beetle Rugilis ceylanensis (Kraatz) is reported for the first time from North America based on collections from two Canadian provinces and 14 U.S. states. This paederine staphylinid represents the fourth adventive Rugilus species documented in North America. It also is reported new for Hawaii. North American records are mapped, and a diagnosis, brief description, photographs of the adult, and line drawings of the male genitalia and associated terga and sterna are provided to facilitate its recognition among the Nearctic Rugilus fauna. A lectotype is designated from the syntype series for Stilicus ceylanensis Kraatz.
On the mean and variance of the writhe of random polygons

We here address two problems concerning the writhe of random polygons. First, we study the behavior of the mean writhe as a function length. Second, we study the variance of the writhe. Suppose that we are dealing with a set of random polygons with the same length and knot type, which could be the model of some circular DNA with the same topological property. In general, a simple way of detecting chirality of this knot type is to compute the mean writhe of the polygons; if the mean writhe is non-zero then the knot is chiral. How accurate is this method? For example, if for a specific knot type K the mean writhe decreased to zero as the length of the polygons increased, then this method would be limited in the case of long polygons. Furthermore, we conjecture that the sign of the mean writhe is a topological invariant of chiral knots. This sign appears to be the same as that of an 'ideal' conformation of the knot. We provide numerical evidence to support these claims, and we propose a new nomenclature of knots based on the sign of their expected writhes. This nomenclature can be of particular interest to applied scientists. The second part of our study focuses on the variance of the writhe, a problem that has not received much attention in the past. In this case, we focused on the equilateral random polygons. We give numerical as well as analytical evidence to show that the variance of the writhe of equilateral random polygons (of length n) behaves as a linear function of the length of the equilateral random polygon.
Duplication of l(2)gd imaginal discs in Drosophila is mediated by ectopic expression of wg and dpp.

We investigated the expression of segment polarity genes during the development of overgrowing and duplicating imaginal discs in the lethal overgrowth mutant lethal (2)giant discs (l(2)gd) of Drosophila in order to explore the molecular basis of hyperplasia and axis establishment in imaginal discs. The expression of wingless (wg), detected using an enhancer trap, is initially restricted to a ventral sector of the leg disc, as in wild type, but expands toward the opposite end of the disc during overgrowth. In the third leg disc, the expanding wg expression stripe evolves to a new center of wg expression at the site where a duplicate leg is subsequently formed. Expression of decapentaplegic (dpp) also begins normally in l(2)gd discs, but the dpp expression domain expands into the posterior region of the disc where it enlarges to eventually become the center of dpp expression in the duplicate. In l(2)gd1 homozygotes that are simultaneously homozygous for wg or dpp mutations the leg discs overgrow but do not duplicate. Thus ectopic wg and dpp expression is associated with and appears to be required for disc duplication. The wing discs of l(3)gd1 homozygotes also show expansion of the wg and dpp expression domains, but in this disc wg and dpp mutations inhibit overgrowth as well as pattern duplication. Our results raise the possibility that hyperplasia in other mutants and in other systems may be caused by the misexpression of genes involved in the generation of positional information.
Intraday Trading and Bid–Ask Spread Characteristics for SPX and SPY Options

With intraday financial data increasingly available, we are now able to explore the microstructure of trading in detail. One feature that is typically seen in intraday stock returns is a clear U-shaped pattern of trading activity: a lot of action after the opening and at the close, with a lower amount around the midday lunch hour. Such patterns are found for various trading measures, including volume, bid–ask spreads, and volatility. Options markets may or may not exhibit a similar pattern as their underlying stocks; evidence is sparse and shows differing results for different markets. Mishra and Daigler find the intraday trading patterns for two closely related index options are quite different. SPX options are written on the S&P 500 index and are traded at the CBOE both electronically and by open outcry. SPY options are written on the SPDR exchange traded fund, which is designed to replicate the daily returns on the S&P 500. The SPDR ETF is traded electronically on many trading platforms. SPX options are traded in large size by financial firms and individuals, whereas SPY options seem to appeal more to the retail trader. As with stocks, SPY options show the U-shaped pattern, whereas it is not found with the SPX. An interesting comparison between the calm environment of 2007 and the market turmoil in 2008 reveals that while trading volume for SPY contracts shot up in the crisis, volume for SPX contracts did not.
Nitrogen-modified carbon-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Abstract Nitrogen-modified carbon-based catalysts for oxygen reduction were synthesized by modifying carbon black with nitrogen-containing organic precursors. The electrocatalytic properties of catalysts were studied as a function of surface pre-treatments, nitrogen and oxygen concentrations, and heat-treatment temperatures. On the optimum catalyst, the onset potential for oxygen reduction is approximately 0.76 V (NHE) and the amount of hydrogen peroxide produced at 0.5 V (NHE) is approximately 3% under our experimental conditions. The characterization studies indicated that pyridinic and graphitic (quaternary) nitrogens may act as active sites of catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction. In particular, pyridinic nitrogen, which possesses one lone pair of electrons in addition to the one electron donated to the conjugated π bond, facilitates the reductive oxygen adsorption.
Observations of parametric subharmonic instability of the diurnal internal tide in the South China Sea

[1] Shipboard observations are presented that suggest the occurrence of parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) of diurnal K1 and O1 internal tides at “critical” latitudes of 14.52°N and 13.44°N, respectively. In a transect spanning 12.5–18°N, depth-mean shear squared shows sharp peaks at 14.52°N (elevated relative to that at 15°N by a factor of ten) and at 13.44°N (by a factor of 7). Wind speed measured from the ship and Quikscat scatterometer during and before the transect was <10 m s−1 at these latitudes. Eight-hour time series (about 1/6 of an inertial period) of shear and isopycnal depth at 14.52°N are sufficient to associate the elevated shear with alternating, clockwise-rotating layers analogous to those observed at the M2 critical latitude of 28.8°N.
Systematic Investigation of Cellular Response and Pleiotropic Effects in Atorvastatin-Treated Liver Cells by MS-Based Proteomics

For decades, statins have been widely used to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG Co-A reductase (HMGCR). It is well-known that statins have pleiotropic effects including improving endothelial function and inhibiting vascular inflammation and oxidation. However, the cellular responses to statins and corresponding pleiotropic effects are largely unknown at the proteome level. Emerging mass spectrometry-based proteomics provides a unique opportunity to systemically investigate protein and phosphoprotein abundance changes as a result of statin treatment. Many lipid-related protein abundances were increased in HepG2 cells treated by atorvastatin, including HMGCR, FDFT, SQLE, and LDLR, while the abundances of proteins involved in cellular response to stress and apoptosis were decreased. Comprehensive analysis of protein phosphorylation demonstrated that several basic motifs were enriched among down-regulated phosphorylation sites, which indicates that kinases with preference for these motifs, such as protein kinase A and protein kinase C, have attenuated activities. Phosphopeptides on a group of G-protein modulators were up-regulated, which strongly suggests that cell signal rewiring was a result of the effect of protein lipidation by the statin. This work provides a global view of liver cell responses to atorvastatin at the proteome and phosphoproteome levels, which provides insight into the pleiotropic effects of statins.
Building Administrative Capacity for the Age of Rapid Globalization: A Modest Prescription for the Twenty-First Century

The twenty-first century is characterized by rapid change, globalization, hyper-competition, and hyper-uncertainty. Traditional models of governance and public administration are no match for the challenges of this chaotic environment. This essay argues for building new administrative capacity in response to these serious governance dilemmas. Offered as a modest prescription, this new administrative capacity is proposed to cope more effectively with an increasingly unknowable world. The article opens with an overview of key issues, then focuses directly on the nature and trends of global public sector changes, and concludes by elaborating on the building of such administrative capacity. The author's proposals are presented from a macro perspective: first, suggestions for revitalizing public service and administration given the current crisis; second, macro strategies for enhancing capacity design; and third, specific reforms for strengthening governance, instrumental and administrative capacities, along with concrete recommendations for public administration.
The First Printed Text in the World, Standing Tall and Isolated in Eighth-century Japan: Hyakumanto Darani

It is undoubtedly true that printing was invented in China. The Chinese developed all the necessary elements required for printing at an early stage. Their writing system was formed more than four thousand years ago. They imprinted images from carved seals well before the birth of Christ. The first paper was produced in China in the first or second century A.D. Rubbed ink impressions were taken from stone inscriptions before the second half of the sixth century in China. In general, their civilization was far more developed than that of any other country in the region; however, there is no physical evidence that the Chinese were the first printers. The first extant specimens of textual printing are found in Japan and Korea, dating from the eighth century. The earliest dated, printed texts in China are from the ninth century. Someday an earlier specimen of Chinese printing may be found that predates those in Japan and Korea. But for now, the Japanese and the Koreans have the claim to the earliest printed texts in the world, and it is quite certain that these texts were created very near the inception of the printed word.
The localization of mitotic figures in regenerating mouse liver

The number of mitotic figures present at one time in regenerating mouse liver, 48 hours after injury with CCI4, was increased by administration of colchicine. The livers were injected with india ink at the time of sacrifice to outline the blood vessels, and histological sections were made. Microscopic examination supported by statistical studies indicated that mitotic figures do not occur at random at this time in regenerating mouse liver. The dividing cells were found in close proximity to the terminal twigs of the branch of the portal vein in zone one of the functional lobule described by Rappaport.
The science of the unknowable: Stafford Beer's cybernetic informatics

This paper explores the history of Stafford Beer's work in management cybernetics, from his early conception and simulation of an adaptive automatic factory and associated experimentation in biological computing, through the development of the Viable System Model and the Team Syntegrity technique for discussion and planning. It also pursues Beer into the fields of micro‐ and macropolitics and spirituality. The aim is to show that all of Beer's projects can be understood as specific instantiations and workings out of a cybernetic ontology of unknowability and becoming: a stance that recognises that the world can always surprise us and that we can never dominate it through knowledge. The thrust of Beer's work was, thus, to construct systems that could adapt performatively to environments they could not fully control.
The mechanical response of pre-fractured rock in compression

The Mechanical Response of Pre-Fractured Rock in Compression This paper describes experimental procedures and results obtained from an experimental study of pre-cracked rock specimens. In these experiments specimens of Westerly granite and Cedar City tonalite were broken in special fixtures and subsequently retested in a triaxial apparatus. Confining pressures up to 7 kb were employed. The rock specimens were well fragmented during the pre-cracking process. The results indicate a number of interesting features, including the significant retention of load-carrying ability under many stress conditions and an increase in maximum deformation. A comparison is made with frictional data determined elsewhere for Westerly granite; the close agreement in maximum stress suggests the importance of friction in the specimen mechanical behavior.
Lineage-specific differences in the amino acid substitution process.

Abstract In Darwinian evolution, mutations occur approximately at random in a gene, turned into amino acid mutations by the genetic code. Some mutations are fixed to become substitutions and some are eliminated from the population. Partitioning pairs of closely related species with complete genome sequences by average population size of each pair, we looked at the substitution matrices generated for these partitions and compared the substitution patterns between species. We estimated a population genetic model that relates the relative fixation probabilities of different types of mutations to the selective pressure and population size. Parameterizations of the average and distribution of selective pressures for different amino acid substitution types in different population size comparisons were generated with a Bayesian framework. We found that partitions in population size as well as in substitution type are required to explain the substitution data. Selection coefficients were found to decrease with increasingly radical amino acid substitution and with increasing effective population size. To further explore the role of underlying processes in amino acid substitution, we analyzed embryophyte (plant) gene families from TAED (The Adaptive Evolution Database), where solved structures for at least one member exist in the Protein Data Bank. Using PAML, we assigned branches to three categories: strong negative selection, moderate negative selection/neutrality, and positive diversifying selection. Focusing on the first and third categories, we identified sites changing along gene family lineages and observed the spatial patterns of substitution. Selective sweeps were expected to create primary sequence clustering under positive diversifying selection. Co-evolution through direct physical interaction was expected to cause tertiary structural clustering. Under both positive and negative selection, the substitution patterns were found to be nonrandom. Under positive diversifying selection, significant independent signals were found for primary and tertiary sequence clustering, suggesting roles for both selective sweeps and direct physical interaction. Under strong negative selection, the signals were not found to be independent. All together, a complex interplay of population genetic and protein thermodynamics forces is suggested.
Disclosure and the cost of capital: what do we know?

Whether firms receive cost of capital benefits from greater disclosure is an important and controversial question. This paper reviews the relevant academic research that can provide insights into this question. In con- ducting this review, my primary objectives are to highlight the implications of existing research for accounting practitioners, standard setters, and academicians, and to address not only the question what do we know, but also the question what do we not know, yet? The overriding conclusion of existing theoretical and empirical research is that greater disclosure reduces cost of capital. Even so, several avenues for future research exist.
A fluid mechanistic approach to slow, frictional flow of powders

Chemical and mechanical engineers are quite familiar with concepts of fluid flow which include mass and momentum balances and constitutive equations which contain such material characteristics as viscosity and density. Combination of the above correlations yields the well-known Navier-Stokes equations which have to be solved to obtain details of the flow field; a large number of analytical solutions of these equations exist. Somewhat similar equations have been developed for granular materials moving in the rapid granular flow regime, i.e. in the regime in which particle-particle contacts are not very extensive and hence friction is not prevalent. These equations result from a similarity between the movement of molecules and the flow of small elastic (or elasto-plastic) particles and resemble, for certain limiting cases, the fluid flow equations. Slow, frictional flows of powders are different in that particles are in contact for extended periods of time and friction is the overwhelming interaction. Flow in this regime is governed by the same mass and momentum balances but the constitutive equations are different. Only very recently have some of these equations been combined to yield a set of differential equations which take the place of the Navier-Stokes equations; only very few solutions of these equations exist. The present paper describes common features and major dissimilarities between different equations of motion for the above systems and some of their solutions and presents examples and comparisons of powder and fluid flows in identical geometries. Furthermore, general equations of motion for compressible powders in slow flow are developed and an example of an analytical solution is given.
Flexural properties of surface reinforced wood/plastic deck board

Decking and railing is the largest and fastest growing market for wood–plastic composites (WPCs). Despite WPC's advantages in comparison to lumber, its modulus and creep resistance need to be further improved for demanding structural applications. In this study, WPC deck boards were reinforced by the composite sheets made of commingled glass and polypropylene fiber. Various reinforcement arrangements were carried out to identify the optimal one. Scanning electron microscopy revealed good bonding at the reinforcement/WPC interface. All reinforced samples exhibited considerably increased modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and strain at break. The creep resistance of the reinforced WPC boards was also greatly improved. Creep strain was simulated with Findley's model. Master curves of creep compliance were generated by time–temperature–stress superposition principle. The Prony series was found to be the analytical expression of the master curves with acceptable accuracy. With improved mechanical properties, the reinforced WPC board can be used in more demanding applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:281–288, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
The new ACM CCS and a computing ontology

This poster presents an overview of the new ACM Computing Classification system and compares it with work done in creating an ontology of all computing-related topics. There are similarities and differences and the differences lead to conclusions about both approaches.
A revision of the genus Sclerocystis (Glomaceae, Glomales)

The genus Sclerocystis was established by Berkeley and Broome in 1873 with their description of S. coremioides and since then 13 additional species have been described. Although some consider Sclero? cystis allied to the genus Glomus, we conclude that the two genera are distinct based on spore ontogeny and sporocarp habit. In Sclerocystis, spores are arranged in a hemispherical layer, forming a "head" and a short stalk; no spores are formed at the sporocarp base. Sporocarpic species in Glomus exhibit several other spore arrangement patterns. The genus Sclerocystis is maintained with one species, S. coremioides. Sclerocystis coccogena, S. dussii, and S. alba are considered synonyms of S. coremioides. Five other Sclerocystis species are moved to the genus Glomus, G. clavisporum, G. liquidambaris, G. rubiforme, G. sinuosum, and G taiwanense. The remaining five described species of Sclerocystis are considered synonymous with one of the latter species. The genus Sclerocystis was proposed by Berke? ley and Broome (1873) with their description of S. coremioides Berk. & Br. from Ceylon. Several subsequent species of Sclerocystis were described in other genera, but they were later placed in Sclerocystis. Cesati (1878) described the monotypic genus Xenomyces ochraceus Ces. collected in Borneo. Patouillard (1902) proposed the genus Ackermannia Pat. with two species, A. coccogena Pat. and A. dussii Pat. In 1908 von Hohnel de?
The number of permutation polynomials of the form f( x) cx over a finite field

Let Fq be the finite field of q elements. Let f{x) be a polynomial of degree d over Fq and let r be the least non-negative residue of q — 1 modulo d. Under a mild assumption, we show that there are at most r values of ceF , such that f(x) + cx is a permutation polynomial over Fq. This indicates that the number of permutation polynomials of the form f(x) + ex depends on the residue class of q — 1 modulo d. As an application we apply our results to the construction of various maximal sets of mutually orthogonal latin squares. In particular for odd q = f if t(n) denotes the number of positive divisors of n, we show how to construct r(n) nonisomorphic complete sets of orthogonal squares of order q, and hence t(n) nonisomorphic projective planes of order q. We also provide a construction for translation planes of order q without the use of a right quasifield.
Arterial 5-Hydroxytryptamine Transporter Function Is Impaired in Deoxycorticosterone Acetate and Nω-Nitro-l-Arginine But Not Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

We reported upregulation of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT) transporter (5-HTT) protein in peripheral arteries from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. We hypothesized that upregulated 5-HTT may be generally elevated in hypertensive models and, as a consequence, a higher basal concentration of 5-HT, the 5-HT metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and an increased 5-HT uptake would occur in peripheral arteries of hypertensive rats compared with normotensive rats. We examined 3 hypertension models: DOCA-salt rats, Nω-nitro-l-arginine (LNNA) rats, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) in our study (systolic blood pressure [mm Hg]: DOCA (D)=197±6, SHAM (D) =112±4, LNNA (L)=228±9, SHAM (L) =128±2, SHR=172±7, and Wistar-Kyoto [WKY]= 121±3). High-pressure liquid chromatography measurements showed lower basal 5-HT concentrations in aorta from DOCA-salt and LNNA rats compared with their SHAM rats but not in SHR compared with WKY. In all of the 5-HT-uptake studies, we used arteries isolated from rats treated with the monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor pargyline to minimize 5-HT metabolism. Exogenous 5-HT was taken up by aorta, and this was inhibited by the 5-HTT inhibitor fluoxetine (1 μmol/L) or fluvoxamine (1 μmol/L). Total 5-HT uptake and 5-HTT–dependent active 5-HT uptake were decreased in aorta from DOCA-salt and LNNA rats compared with SHAM rats, but this was not observed in SHRs compared with WKYs. Western analysis revealed similar expression of 5-HTT in aorta from WKYs and SHRs as opposed to an upregulated 5-HTT in aorta from DOCA-salt and LNNA-hypertensive rats. Our study suggested that an altered serotonergic system by impaired 5-HTT function might play a role in blood pressure regulation in DOCA-salt and LNNA-hypertensive rats.
Large-field electron optics: limitations and enhancements

The renewed interest in charged particle projection lithography has highlighted the need for particle optics to cover larger fields. Previous attempts to develop e-beam and ion beam projection systems for lithography have shown that particle optics can image 108 - 109 pixels in parallel at modest beam currents (< 10 uA). Competitive lithography tools for the high volume production of gigabit chips, however, will have to project more than 1011 pixels at beam currents up to 50 uA. This requirements can only be met through a significant advancement in the state-of-the-art. The field size of electron optics is limited by off-axis aberrations, prohibiting the simultaneous projection of such large numbers of pixels. Therefore, to date the most successful electron beam lithography approach has been that of the probe-forming scanning electron beam system. The sequential exposure of pixels allows (partial) dynamic correction of aberrations and image control `on the fly', but it also severely limits the throughput. Combining, however, the dynamic correction capability of probe- forming systems with the parallel projection of the pixels contained in fractions of a mask appears to be a promising approach to high throughput lithography. It has high potential of meeting the challenges of large field electron optics. This paper describes, how the field size of electron optics can be enlarged despite the limitations posed by off-axis aberrations and Coulomb interactions between beam electrons.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Making Sense of an Academic Library Web Site: Toward a More Usable Interface for University Researchers.

ABSTRACT Library patrons familiar with Web searching conventions often find library searching to be less familiar and even intimidating. This article describes and evaluates a series of usability research studies employing two different and popular methodologies: user-centered redesign and usability testing. Card sorting and affinity mapping were used to conceptualize how information should be classified and presented on the library's main page. Usability scenarios and think-aloud protocols were used to explore how students, especially those new to the campus, conceptualize the information-seeking process and how they go about conducting a search. Participants included library employees, university faculty, staff, and students. These methods can be replicated by any library, large or small, and demonstrate that even small-scale usability evaluations can improve patrons' understanding of and access to library resources.
Cholecystokinin, dopamine and schizophrenia

Abstract Recent findings indicate a close functional interrelationship between dopaminergic systems and cholecystokinin (CCK) in certain brain regions and suggest that CCK may have a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and in the therapeutic actions of antipsychotic drugs. Supportive evidence includes the observations that (1) Compared to normals, CCK concentrations in certain brain regions are significantly lower in untreated schizophrenics; (2) CCK may exert antipsychotic actions in some schizophrenic patients; (3) chronic antipsychotic drug treatments increase CCK concentrations and the number of CCK receptors; and (4) CCK appears to antagonize dopamine functions in the ventral tegment-dopamine system.
Phenelzine–Opiate–Induced Delirium Complicated by Phenelzine Withdrawal:

Objective: To report a case of delirium involving a drug interaction of the antidepressant phenelzine in combination with an opiate and to discuss the exacerbation of delirium secondary to a withdrawal syndrome caused by the abrupt discontinuation of phenelzine. Case Summary: A 67-year-old white woman with a history of major depression and chronic anxiety developed delirium shortly after the postsurgical administration of opioid analgesics. In addition, she was taking the antidepressant phenelzine and had been maintained on this medication for approximately 20 years. Her presenting symptoms included combativeness, auditory and visual hallucinations, and persecutory delusions. After development of the delirium, the patient's phenelzine medication was abruptly discontinued, introducing a withdrawal syndrome that further aggravated her condition. Discussion: This case emphasizes the importance of the potentially fatal drug interaction involving phenelzine and opiates and addresses the adverse consequences of abruptly discontinuing phenelzine during phenelzine-opiate-induced delirium. Phenelzine-opiate interactions and phenelzine withdrawal should be considered as possible etiologies of delirium in patients with a history of phenelzine use. Conclusions: Less widely prescribed antidepressants such as phenelzine may be unfamiliar to contemporary clinicians, resulting in adverse consequences for patients, such as phenelzine-opiate drug interactions and phenelzine withdrawal.
Ihara zeta functions of digraphs

Abstract After defining and exploring some of the properties of Ihara zeta functions of digraphs, we improve upon Kotani and Sunada’s bounds on the poles of Ihara zeta functions of undirected graphs by considering digraphs whose adjacency matrices are directed edge matrices.
A Comparison of Forecasting Methods for Hotel Revenue Management

Abstract The arrivals forecast is one of the key inputs for a successful hotel revenue management system, but no research on the best forecasting method has been conducted. In this research, we used data from Choice Hotels and Marriott Hotels to test a variety of forecasting methods and to determine the most accurate method. Preliminary results using the Choice Hotel data show that pickup methods and regression produced the lowest error, while the booking curve and combination forecasts produced fairly inaccurate results. The more in-depth study using the Marriott Hotel data showed that exponential smoothing, pickup, and moving average models were the most robust.
The Politics of Recognition: Jewish Refugees in Relief Policies and Human Rights Debates, 1945–1950

This essay analyses the place of Jewish survivors in the refugee system established by the West in the aftermath of the Second World War. Departing from the literature of trauma and mourning, this article addresses Holocaust survivors as migrant refugees subjected to international categorisations, relief policies and human rights debates. Between 1945 and 1950, Jewish refugees were recognised as an ideal-type community of victims by western humanitarianism. Recognition entailed symbolic and material entitlements, and eventually rewarded Holocaust survivors with historical, political and territorial vindication. As opposed to other refugee groups who entered the market of international compassion in the 1940s, Jewish refugees were granted full status of political victims.
Net Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emission Evaluation of Biodiesel Derived from Microalgae

Biofuels derived from microalgae have the potential to replace petroleum fuel and first-generation biofuel, but the efficacy with which sustainability goals can be achieved is dependent on the lifecycle impacts of the microalgae-to-biofuel process. This study proposes a detailed, industrial-scale engineering model for the species Nannochloropsis using a photobioreactor architecture. This process level model is integrated with a lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas emission analysis compatible with the methods and boundaries of the Argonne National Laboratory GREET model, thereby ensuring comparability to preexisting fuel-cycle assessments. Results are used to evaluate the net energy ratio (NER) and net greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) of microalgae biodiesel in comparison to petroleum diesel and soybean-based biodiesel with a boundary equivalent to “well-to-pump”. The resulting NER of the microalgae biodiesel process is 0.93 MJ of energy consumed per MJ of energy produced. In terms of net GHGs, microalgae-b...
Prevalence of blood parasites in European passeriform birds

Variation in the prevalence of blood parasites among species of birds has been used to test hypotheses about the effects of sexual selection and parental investment on disease resistance, and how vector abundance influences infection. However, the factors causing this variation are still poorly understood. We assessed the statistical effects of biogeographic, plumage-related and life-history traits on the prevalence of the blood parasites Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma in European passerine birds. Most of the variation in parasite prevalence occurred at low taxonomic levels. Brighter male plumage and greater host body mass were associated with higher prevalence, explaining 32% of the total variation. Male plumage brightness remained a significant factor when we controlled for phylogenetic effects. These relationships were driven primarily by simuliid-transmitted parasites (Leucocytozoon, Trypanosoma), which were more frequent in species with northern distributions. Host species with greater maximum longevity and shorter nestling periods had higher prevalences of Plasmodium; however, the effect was not stable after controlling for phylogeny using pairwise contrasts. Coevolution between hosts and parasites appears to create temporal and spatial variation that disconnects haematozoan prevalence from evolutionarily conservative life-history traits while creating some positive associations with traits that are phylogenetically labile. Clearly, ecologists should be cautious in relating patterns of variation in haematozoan prevalence to particular host traits.
Tolerance for chronic heat exposure is greater in female than male mice

Purpose: Chronic heat exposure in mice has cellular and physiological effects that improve thermal tolerance [1], but also modifies innate immune responses with potential adverse consequences [2]. While male and female mice are known to respond differently to acute exposure to severe hyperthermia, sex-based differences in responses to chronic moderate heat exposure have not been reported. The major objective of this study was to compare the tolerance of male and female mice for chronic heat exposure.Materials and methods: We used a mouse model of 5-day moderate heat exposure (ambient temperature ∼37°C) to compare the physiological and cellular heat shock response in male and female mice. Core temperature, heart rate, and activity were monitored telemetrically and heat shock protein levels were measured in brain and lung by western blotting.Results: Adult CD-1 female mice maintained a 1.2°C lower core temperature (38.31 ± 0.64 versus 39.51 ± 0.72°C; p = 0.002), experienced less weight loss (1.54 ± 0.45 ver...
Operating strategy for a hydrogen engine for improved drive-cycle efficiency and emissions behavior

Due to their advanced state of development and almost immediate availability, hydrogen internal combustion engines could act as a bridging technology toward a wide-spread hydrogen infrastructure. Extensive research, development and steady-state testing of hydrogen internal combustion engines has been conducted to improve efficiency, emissions behavior and performance. This paper summarizes the steady-state test results of the supercharged hydrogen-powered four-cylinder engine operated on an engine dynamometer. Based on these results a shift strategy for optimized fuel economy is established and engine control strategies for various levels of hybridization are being discussed. The strategies are evaluated on the Urban drive cycle, differences in engine behavior are investigated and the estimated fuel economy and NO x emissions are calculated. Future work will include dynamic testing of these strategies and powertrain configurations as well as individual powertrain components on a vehicle platform, called 'Mobile Advanced Technology Testbed' (MATT), that was developed and built at Argonne National Laboratory.
Percutaneous stent implantation into coronary arteries in infants

Objectives: To investigate the feasibility, procedural techniques, safety, and overall potential of percutaneous coronary angioplasty and stent implantation in infants with coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome. Background: Despite extensive experience in adult patients, percutaneous coronary intervention remains uncommon in children and extremely rare in infants. Methods: Retrospective review including all children who underwent percutaneous coronary angioplasty in Rady Children's Hospital—San Diego during a period of 4 years. Results: Seven children including four children less than 15 months of age underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with coronary stent implantation in the proximal portion of the left or right coronary arteries. Successful stent placement with excellent revascularization was achieved in all cases. Mean coronary artery diameter was 0.65 mm prior to stent placement. Balloon angioplasty resulted in suboptimal resolution of coronary stenosis, thus bare metal stents were implanted in all cases, dilated to a mean of 2.5-mm internal diameter. Average intervention-free period was 434 days after stent implantation. In-stent re-stenosis and stent thrombosis did not occur if the implanted stent diameter was greater than 2.5 mm and the patient received dual anti-platelet therapy. Conclusions: Our experience suggests that coronary artery stent implantation is a feasible and relatively safe palliative option in infants and toddlers with coronary stenosis. It is a viable strategy for bridging patients with acute ischemia or poor ventricular function to elective surgical revascularization or transplantation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epidermal growth factor (urogastrone) in human fluids: size heterogeneity.

ABSTRACT Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a polypeptide hormone that has been isolated from both mouse and man and stimulates the growth of a variety of tissues. Human EGF (hEGF) is probably identical to β-urogastrone, a potent inhibitor of stimulated gastric acid secretion. EGF/urogastrone has a molecular weight of -6000. However, mouse EGF is isolated in extracts of submandibular glands as a high molecular weight (HMW) complex (mol wt, 74,000) containing 2 mol mouse EGF and 2 mol of an arginine esterase which is fully biologically active and is readily and reversibly dissociated by high salt concentration or low pH. Using hEGF RIA and EGF radioreceptor assay, the molecular sizes of immunoreactive and receptorreactive hEGF have been studied in human biological fluids. In unextracted saliva and milk, immunoreactive hEGF appeared to be mostly in the same molecular weight range as standard small molecular weight (SMW) hEGF (-6000). In urine, in addition to immunoreactive and receptor-reactive hEGF the size ...
Septic portal vein thrombophlebitis: Computed tomography appearance. Case report

An unusual case of superinfected thrombosis of the portal and superior mesenteric veins is presented. Thrombus and gas within the portal system were accurately detected by CT. A necrotic segment of distal small bowel was believed to be responsible for the findings. Prompt recognition of this rare entity and rapid initiation of adequate therapy may aid in improving the outcome of this usually fatal condition.