cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The biology and function of rapid eye movement sleep

Abstract Rapid eye movement sleep, a stage of sleep that appears to be present in all marsupial and terrestial placental mammals, was first identified in 1953. Although the brainstem mechanisms responsible for its generation have been clarified, the function of rapid eye movement sleep remains elusive: Recent findings suggest a role in memory processing.
Kinetics and Reaction Pathways for Propane Dehydrogenation and Aromatization on Co/H-ZSM5 and H-ZSM5

Co/H-ZSM5 catalyzes propane dehydrogenation and aromatization reactions. Initial product selectivities, product site-yields, and the 13C content and distribution in the products of 2-13C-propane show that propane undergoes two primary reactionsdehydrogenation to propene and H2 and cracking to methane and ethene. Propene and ethene then form aromatics via oligomerization−cracking reactions and both ethene and propene hydrogenate to form ethane and propane, respectively, via both hydrogen transfer from coadsorbed intermediates and dissociative adsorption of H2. These reaction pathways resemble those occurring on H-ZSM5, but Co cations provide an alternate pathway for the removal of hydrogen atoms in adsorbed intermediates as H2. A kinetic model was used to describe experimental rates based on these observations and to obtain rate constants for individual reaction steps as a function of Co content and H2 concentration. H2 inhibits propane dehydrogenation to propene and alkene conversion to aromatics, and inc...
The changes in the central nervous system during the life history of the beetle, Passalus cornutus fabricius

In early embryonic stages of Passalus there are, in addition to the brain and suboesophageal ganglion, three thoracic and ten abdominal ganglia; one ganglion to each body segment. Before hatching the tenth, ninth and eighth abdominal ganglia coalesce. During the three larval instars the terminal ganglion remains in the sixth abdominal segment and only minor changes occur. By the end of the third day of pupal life the adult form of the nervous system is practically assumed. All abdominal ganglia are fused into a single, solid, elongated ganglionic mass. Connectives have disappeared between meso- and meta-thoracic and between metathoracic and abdominal ganglia; and with exception of the brain, sub-oesophageal and prothoracic ganglia, the entire ventral chain has come to lie in the mesothorax. The peripheral nerves still arise from the ganglia and ganglionic mass in their same relative positions and still supply the same segments in which they were originally located.
Nicotine increases cerebellar activity during finger tapping.

Nicotine improves performance on several cognitive and sensorimotor tasks. The neuronal mechanisms associated with these changes in performance are, however, largely unknown. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine the effect of nicotine on neuronal response in nineteen healthy subjects while they performed an auditory-paced finger tapping task. Subjects performed the task, after receiving either a nicotine patch or placebo treatment, in a single blind, crossover design. Compared to placebo, nicotine treatment increased response in the cerebellar vermis. Increased vermal activity, in the absence of changes in other task-related regions suggests specificity in nicotine’s effects.
Specificity and Competitive Cation Association to Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-Bisphosphate Model Membranes

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is an active signaling lipid implicated, among other functions, in the regulation of cell growth by activating the tumor suppressor PTEN. Using synchrotron surface-sensitive x-ray diffraction and fluorescence techniques we determined the preferential cation binding to PIP2 monolayers. The natural, highly unsaturated PIP2 was spread as a Langmuir monolayer on a physiological buffer containing 100 mM KCl at pH 7.2 to which divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) were added. X-ray fluorescence of the PIP2 monolayer on the buffer shows an eight fold surface enhancement (within the x-ray penetration depth below the critical angle, ∼5 nm) of monovalent K+ compared to its bulk concentration. When physiological levels of calcium are added (1-100 µM), the Ca2+ gradually replaces bound K+ ions, leading to a significant change in the organization of the PIP2 model membrane. At higher concentrations (100-1000 µM), which might be achieved during calcium signaling, we observe a 1000 fold surface enhancement of Ca2+. Similar experiments with Mg2+ ions also show strong ion binding to PIP2 at physiological levels (1 mM) with a lesser structural effect on the monolayer compared to that induced by Ca2+. For mixed solutions of Mg2+ and Ca2+ we find that Ca2+ occupies the majority of binding sites, and at mM concentrations completely removes the Mg2+ ions from the interface. Surprisingly, with both 1 mM Mg2+ and 1 mM Ca2+ in the subphase there is still a fourfold surface enrichment of K+ ions at the headgroup region.
Human respiratory responses to an aerosol containing zinc ammonium sulfate

Abstract Twenty-one normal volunteers and 19 volunteers with asthma were exposed in an environmental control chamber to a polydisperse aerosol of zinc ammonium sulfate (ZnSO 4 ·(NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 )—a model of ambient metallic sulfate aerosols derived from trace metals in fossil fuels—at a nominal concentration of 20 μg/m 3 . As a model of the background ambient particulate burden, polydisperse sodium chloride aerosol at a nominal concentration of 300 μg/m 3 was added to the chamber atmosphere during control as well as exposure studies. Exposure temperature was 20°C and relative humidity was 85%, simulating weather conditions typical of fall/winter ambient pollution episodes. Exposure and control studies were performed on separate days, separated by about 3 weeks, in random order under double-blind conditions. Exposure periods lasted 2 hr and included intermittent light exercise. Lung function and symptoms were evaluated before and at the end of the exposure or control period. Symptom reports showed no significant variation attributable to zinc ammonium sulfate exposure. Group mean lung function measures showed a few significant changes possibly attributable to the sulfate exposure, but these were small and inconsistent. It was concluded that zinc ammonium sulfate produced minimal or no short-term respiratory effects observable under the conditions of the experiment.
Continuous positive airway pressure adherence for obstructive sleep apnea.

Objective. To determine predictors of patient adherence to CPAP. Design. A retrospective chart review identified patients with AHI values greater than 15 who were recommended to receive CPAP. Compliance was measured at a 1-to 4-month interval and at 1 year. Results. There were 106 of 368 (29%) patients who received CPAP therapy that were compliant with CPAP use at 1 to 4 months. Forty-six patients (12%) were using CPAP at one year. For the male group at one year, the model demonstrated the AHI value (𝑃value=.026) as a predictor of compliance if greater than 27.3 and a significant two-way interaction between age and AHI (𝑃=.023). Increased length of time from the initial visit and receiving the CPAP machine was associated with poorer compliance (𝑃=.002). Those living in areas with higher incomes and with a higher percentage of non-high-school graduates were more likely to be compliant (𝑃=.01 and 𝑃=.044). Conclusion. Older male patients with higher AHI values were noted to be more adherent to CPAP. Efforts should be made to try to minimize the length of time between the initial visit and the time to receive CPAP to improve compliance.
Resonant photoionization cross sections and branching ratios for atomic oxygen

Total and partial photoionization cross sections for the ejection of either a $2p$ or a $2s$ electron from the ground ${2s}^{2}{2p}^{4}{}^{3}P$ state of atomic oxygen have been investigated using the R-matrix method. Cross sections are dominated by Rydberg series of autoionizing resonances converging to several ionic states. The autoionizing states are analyzed and identified using a procedure of eigenphase gradients. Comparison of our results with available previous calculations and experiments is shown to lead to some interesting conclusions regarding the importance of electron correlation and normalization of the measured relative cross sections. Our calculation removed long-standing discrepancy between theory and experiment regarding the shape of photoionization cross section near the ${}^{2}{P}^{o}$ threshold. The calculated branching ratios for the production of ${}^{4}{S}^{o},{}^{2}{D}^{o},$ and ${}^{2}{P}^{o}$ states at 584 and $304 \mathrm{\AA{}}\mathrm{}$ show good agreement with experiments.
Multi-Scale Analysis of Deformation and Failure of Superplastic Materials

The superplastic deformation is modeled within the continuum theory of viscoplasticity with an anisotropic yield function and a microstructure-based overstress function. Grain growth and cavitation are incorporated in the model and their effects on the superplastic flow stress are investigated. In addition, a new multi-scale stability criterion for superplastic deformation taking into account both geometrical (macroscopic) and microstructural features including grain growth and cavitation is presented. The new stability criterion is based on Hart’s stability criterion and is obtained by combining a modified microstructure-based constitute model for superplastic deformation with grain and cavitation evolution equations. The effects of void fraction, grain size, and strain rate sensitivity on the stability of superplastic deformation are examined. Variable strain rate optimum forming paths are derived from the stability criterion and optimum pressure profiles for superplastic blow forming are generated using FE analysis.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The effect of chronic cocaine administration on hemodynamic stability and neurohumoral mediators during isoflurane anesthesia and shock in rats.

Background: The aim of this investigation was to determine whether chronic cocaine administration altered endogenous vasoconstrictor secretion in response to hypotension from isoflurane anesthesia and blood loss in rats. Methods: Rats received continuous intravenous infusions of saline (n=11), or cocaine 6 mg kg−1 d−1 (n=13) or 18 mg kg−1 d−1 (n=12) for 13 days. On day 14, rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal ketamine and xylazine and a femoral artery catheter and a tracheotomy performed to allow lung ventilation (PaCO2, 30–40 mmHg). After baseline parameters were noted, isoflurane was introduced to end-tidal concentrations of 0.7% for 10 min (1/2 MAC), 1.4% for 10 min (MAC) and again 0.7% for 10 min (1/2 MAC-2) when 5 ml of blood was withdrawn (SHOCK). Blood samples were drawn to assess arterial blood gas indices at various time points as well as plasma epinephrine, angiotensin II and vasopressin at MAC, 1/2 MAC-2 and SHOCK. Results: Rats administered cocaine had higher oxygen extraction, required higher minute ventilation and had lower PaO2 values than rats administered saline despite similar body temperatures and hematocrits. Isoflurane administration resulted in significant dose dependent but similar blood pressure decreases in all study groups. Plasma epinephrine, angiotensin II and vasopressin concentrations were not different in saline or cocaine treated animals at any time point. Conclusion: These data suggest that chronic cocaine treatment in rats does not impair endogenous vasoconstrictor secretion nor alter the heart rate and blood pressure response to isoflurane and blood loss.
Mass spectrometry in leukemia research and treatment

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a complex analytical chemistry tool that allows qualitative and quantitative assessments of the components of complex chemical compounds. Applications of MS in medicine include the identification and quantification of drugs and metabolites; identification of proteins, biopolymers and disease markers and investigation of differential protein expression and proteins altered by mutations and/or post-translational changes. A variety of MS methods and technologies now play valuable and expanding roles in the diagnosis and monitoring of acute leukemia, as well as in identification of therapeutic targets and biomarkers, drug discovery, and other important areas of leukemia research. The objective of this review is to present a clinically oriented review of the roles of MS in the research, diagnosis and therapy of acute leukemia.
Challenges and opportunities in solid-state chemistry

We are largely unable to predict the composition and crystal structure of new extended structure compounds. Yet we find that as materials become more complex in stoi- chiometry and structure, new, interesting, and perhaps useful, phenomena are encountered. The need for improved experimental and theoretical approaches to seize more rapidly the opportunities provided in this complexity is discussed.
Measurement of 100 nm and 60 nm particle standards by differential mobility analysis

The peak particle size and expanded uncertainties (95 % confidence interval) for two new particle calibration standards are measured as 101.8 nm ± 1.1 nm and 60.39 nm ± 0.63 nm. The particle samples are polystyrene spheres suspended in filtered, deionized water at a mass fraction of about 0.5 %. The size distribution measurements of aerosolized particles are made using a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) system calibrated using SRM(®) 1963 (100.7 nm polystyrene spheres). An electrospray aerosol generator was used for generating the 60 nm aerosol to almost eliminate the generation of multiply charged dimers and trimers and to minimize the effect of non-volatile contaminants increasing the particle size. The testing for the homogeneity of the samples and for the presence of multimers using dynamic light scattering is described. The use of the transfer function integral in the calibration of the DMA is shown to reduce the uncertainty in the measurement of the peak particle size compared to the approach based on the peak in the concentration vs. voltage distribution. A modified aerosol/sheath inlet, recirculating sheath flow, a high ratio of sheath flow to the aerosol flow, and accurate pressure, temperature, and voltage measurements have increased the resolution and accuracy of the measurements. A significant consideration in the uncertainty analysis was the correlation between the slip correction of the calibration particle and the measured particle. Including the correlation reduced the expanded uncertainty from approximately 1.8 % of the particle size to about 1.0 %. The effect of non-volatile contaminants in the polystyrene suspensions on the peak particle size and the uncertainty in the size is determined. The full size distributions for both the 60 nm and 100 nm spheres are tabulated and selected mean sizes including the number mean diameter and the dynamic light scattering mean diameter are computed. The use of these particles for calibrating DMAs and for making deposition standards to be used with surface scanning inspection systems is discussed.
Economic Distress, Social Integration, and Family Satisfaction

This study examines relationships between economic distress and family satisfaction and the effects of social integration on these relationships. The sample includes 1,561 married respondents between the ages of 18 and 65 who were interviewed as part of the 1983 and 1986 General Social Surveys. Results indicate that the income components of economic distress are related to family satisfaction while the employment components are not. Economic distress is negatively related to social integration; social integration is positively related to family satisfaction. One aspect of social integration, satisfaction with friends, partially mediates the relationship between economic strain and family satisfaction. Patterns of relationships are similar across sex and occupational subgroups.
Policing Gender at Work: Intersections of Harassment Based on Sex and Sexuality

Theorists have suggested that oppressions based on gender and sexual orientation are inherently linked. The present study aims to operationalize and test this proposition, by modeling relationships between sexual harassment and heterosexist harassment. Based on prior research in organizational and feminist psychology, we hypothesized a three-factor model of workplace harassment, comprising sexualized harassment, gender harassment, and heterosexist harassment. We then factor-analyzed data from 629 employees (both female and male, sexual minority and heterosexual) in higher education, finding this hypothesized model to be superior to three competing alternatives. Next came multiple-group analyses, which suggested this model to be invariant by gender, but not sexual orientation. Implications of these findings for research, theory, and practice are discussed.
The Politics of Foreign Direct Investment: An Interactive Framework

Recent scholarship on the political determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) point to the importance of a government's level of political capacity. Governments with high levels of capacity, ...
Fuel-Optimal Rendezvous Near a Point in General Keplerian Orbit

Based on the linearized equations of motion of a spacecraft near a satellite in general Keplerian orbit and the assumptions of a bounded thrust magnitude and constant exhaust velocity, a fixed-duration, fuel-optimal rendezvous problem is formulated and is investigated for the constant-mass case through the solution for the primer vector, which is shown to satisfy the original differential equations that describe the spacecraft motion during unpowered flight. It is shown that there are no singular solutions to this rendezvous problem for noncircular Keplerian orbits and that consequently all optimal solutions for orbit eccentricities greater than zero are constructed from a finite number of intervals of full thrust and coast where the switches are determined from the primer vector.
Detecting semantic concepts using context and audiovisual features

Detection of high-level semantics from audio-visual data is a challenging multimedia understanding problem. The difficulty mainly lies in the gap that exists between low level media features and high level semantic concepts. In an attempt to bridge this gap, Naphade et al. (see Proceedings of Workshop on Content Based Access to Image and Video Libraries, p.35-39, 2000 and Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, Chicago, IL, vol.3, p.536-40, 1998) proposed a probabilistic framework for semantic understanding. The components of this framework are probabilistic multimedia objects and a graphical network of such objects. We show how the framework supports detection of multiple high-level concepts, which enjoy spatial and temporal-support. More importantly, we show why context matters and how it can be modeled. Using a factor graph framework, we model context and use it to improve detection of sites, objects and events. Using concepts outdoor and flying-helicopter we demonstrate how the factor graph multinet models context and uses it for late integration of multimodal features. Using ROC curves and probability of error curves we support the intuition that context should help.
Identification and quantitation of intracellular retinol and retinoic acid binding proteins in cultured cells

Although the mechanism whereby vitamin A mediates normal cell differentiation and inhibits tumor cell proliferation is unknown, intracellular receptor-like proteins for retinol and retinoic acid have been implicated in the molecular action of vitamin A. We have assayed these two binding proteins, cellular retinol binding protein (protein R) and cellular retinoic acid binding protein (protein RA), in the cytosolic fraction of various normal and tumor cells via sucrose density gradient centrifugation and saturation analysis. Employing charcoal separation of bound and free tritiated retinoid, the saturation analysis yields an approximate Kd for ligand binding and an estimate of the number of protein R and protein RA molecules per cell. Unique protein R and protein RA macromolecules sedimenting at 2 S with Kd values of 7-42 nM are detected in murine cells (1 degree epidermal, 3T6 fibroblasts and melanoma) and human neuroblastoma cells. Concentrations of the intracellular binding proteins range from 55 000 to 3 000 000 copies per cell. When one cell line (C-127 mouse mammary) is transformed by bovine papilloma virus, protein RA levels increase from undetectable to 193 000 copies per cell. Assessment of growth inhibition by 10(-6) M retinol or retinoic acid in the culture medium reveals that there exists a partial, but not absolute, correlation between the presence of protein R or protein RA and the antiproliferative effect of the particular retinoid in the tested cell lines. We conclude that the 2 S intracellular binding proteins for the retinoids are present in most vitamin A responsive cells, but may not be essential for biologic actions of the vitamin such as growth inhibition in monolayer culture.
Hamiltonian and Eulerian Paths

March 14. Hamiltonian and Eulerian paths and cycles come under the general heading of “de Bruijn sequences”. The specific terms “Hamiltonian” and “Eulerian” are somewhat better known; hence this chapter has been named after them rather than de Bruijn.
Fuzzy implementation of direct self-control of induction machines

A system with fast torque response is very beneficial in applications where direct torque control is highly desirable. The response of direct self control is slower during start-up and during change in command torque. Fuzzy control is used for the implementation of direct self control to improve its slow response. Experimental implementation of the fuzzy logic controller was carried out to verify the behavior of the controller. The controller was implemented with a single board computer that uses a TMS320C14 DSP. The experimental results with fuzzy control are compared with those of the conventional direct self controller. The starting flux and torque response and the responses to step changes in command torque with fuzzy implementation showed a considerable improvement over the conventional control. The steady state response for both controllers are the same. >
CESR performance and upgrade status

The CESR electron-positron collider operates with nine trains of closely spaced bunches stored in each beam. During the Fall of 1998 the number of bunches in each of the trains was increased from three to four and the spacing of the bunches reduced from 28ns to 14ns. A beam current of 550mA was supported by two single cell superconducting cavities and two 5-cell copper cavities. We measured a peak luminosity of 8.3/spl times/10/sup 32/ cm/sup -2/ s/sup -1/ and a beam-beam tune shift parameter of /spl xi//sub /spl nu//=0.05. The replacement of the remaining room temperature cavities with superconducting RF cavities in the next several months will provide the capability to store a total beam current of 1A. Because of the very low impedance of the superconducting RF we anticipate the longitudinal instability threshold to be in excess of 1A. And with an accelerating gradient of 10 MV/m, the bunch length in CESR can be decreased from the present value of 19 mm to 13 mm so that we can exploit a corresponding decrease in /spl beta/*. The interaction region optics will be replaced in 2000 with a hybrid of permanent magnet quadrupole and superconducting quadrupoles. Magnet gradients and apertures are consistent with a vertical /spl beta/ of as small as 7mm.
Olefin copolymerization with metallocene catalysts. I. Comparison of catalysts

A number of metallocene/methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalysts have been compared for ethylene/propylene copolymerizations to find relationship between the polymerization activities, copolymer structures, and copolymerization reactivity ratio with the catalyst structures. Stereorigid racemic ethylene bis (indenyl) zirconium dichloride and the tetrahydro derivative exhibit very high activity of 10 7 g (mol Zr h bar)−1, giving copolymers having comonomer compositions about the same as the feed compositions, molecular weights increasing with the increase of ethylene in the feed, random incorporation of comonomers, and narrow molecular weight distribution indicative of a single catalytic species. Nonbridged bis (indenyl) zirconium behaved differently, favoring the incorporation of ethylene over propylene, producing copolymers whose molecular weight decreases with the increase of ethylene in the feed, broad molecular weight distribution, and a methanol soluble fraction. This catalyst system contains two or more active species. Simple methallocene catalysts have much lower polymerization activities. CpTiCl2/MAO produced copolymers with tendency toward alternation, whereas Cp2HfCl2/MAO gave copolymer containing short blocks of monomers.
Going Public Hannah Arendt, Immigrant Action, and the Space of Appearance

While other theorists have turned to Arendt’s analysis of statelessness and superfluity to consider questions of immigration, “illegality,” and the status of noncitizens, this essay argues that Are...
A lightweight reconfigurable security mechanism for 3G/4G mobile devices

Wireless communications are advancing rapidly. We are currently on the verge of a new revolutionary advancement in wireless data communications: the third generation of mobile telecommunications. 3G promises to converge mobile technology with Internet connectivity. Wireless data, multimedia applications, and integrated services will be among the major driving forces behind 3G. While wireless communications provide great flexibility and mobility, they often come at the expense of security. This is because wireless communications rely on open and public transmission media that raise further security vulnerabilities in addition to the security threats found in regular wired networks. Existing security schemes in 2G and 3G systems are inadequate, since there is a greater demand to provide a more flexible, reconfigurable, and scalable security mechanism that can evolve as fast as mobile hosts are evolving into full-fledged IP-enabled devices. We propose a lightweight, component-based, reconfigurable security mechanism to enhance the security abilities of mobile devices.
Ionization-front soliton in x-ray-stimulated Raman scattering

We predict solitonlike pulses and precursors at the Stokes frequency in stimulated electronic Raman scattering at the photoionization front of pumping x-ray radiation. We find two different solitonlike patterns that depend on different photoionization mechanisms.
Biology and Life History of Tetrastichus planipennisi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), a Larval Endoparasitoid of the Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

ABSTRACT Tetrastichus planipennisi (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious larval endoparasitoid from China that is being released in the United States as a biocontrol agent of the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire), an exotic beetle responsible for widespread ash mortality. The developmental time of immature stages, adult longevity, reproductive age, oviposition rate, and realized fecundity were determined in the laboratory under normal rearing conditions (25 ± 2 °C, 65 ± 10% RH, and L:D 16:8 hr photoperiod). It takes approximately four weeks to complete a single generation (from egg to adult) under normal rearing conditions. While male wasps lived for a median of 5 weeks, females lived significantly longer with a median survival time of 6 weeks and a maximum survival time of 9 weeks. Newly emerged females appeared to be as capable of producing progeny as older females, indicating that T. planipennisi may be synovigenic. The average number of progeny per reproductive female remained rela...
Passive Microwave Sensing of the Earth

Passive microwave radiometers have found varied geophysical applications, particularly the remote sensing from satellites of atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles, clouds, soil moisture, snow and ice type and coverage, and other parameters.
Road Traffic Accidents: Air Bag-Related Injuries and Deaths

The air bag originally designed to be a life-saving device, has undergone changes and modifications since its first release. They have been responsible for serious and fatal injuries to both restrained and unrestrained passengers. Fortunately with modifications made based on the evaluation of crash data, have declined. Forensic investigators must understand the mechanisms of air bag-induced injuries in order to reconstruct how, why, and in whom these injuries occur. This chapter reviews the mechanisms with how air bags can cause injury and death, and how changes in air bags have occurred over time and the impact of these changes.
Comparison of different reduced sampling approaches for the estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters for long half-life drugs in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.

Objective: To compare 3 different reduced sampling approaches (truncated area, population and Bayesian; sampling schedule till 48 or 72 hours) with the extensive sampling for the estimation of pharmacokinetic parameters for long half-life drugs in healthy subjects and in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Methods: Two drugs (extensively metabolized or extensively excreted) whose half-lives were greater than 30 hours were used in this analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters such as maximum plasma concentration, clearance and half-life were estimated in healthy subjects and in patients using the above-mentioned 3 reduced sampling approaches and then compared with the extensive sampling. Results: The truncated area method failed to detect the same magnitude of difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between healthy subjects and patient populations that was determined using extensive sampling. On the other hand, the population or Bayesian approach provided the same magnitude of difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between the 2 populations that was observed with extensive sampling. Conclusion: This study indicates that the truncated area method may be a less suitable method to accurately characterize the pharmacokinetics of a long half-life drug either in healthy subjects or in patients with renal or hepatic impairment compared to a population or Bayesian approach.
Further Studies of the Responses of Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Colonies to Queens with Extirpated Mandibular Glands

Fifty-two days after mandibular gland extirpation from living queen honey bees no responses were apparent in the colonies. Queen attraction tests and dissection after 65 days did not indicate gland regeneration. It is indicated that the mandibular glands are not an indispensable source of chemicals that inhibit queen cell construction. The secretion apparently functions in part to attract workers within an effective distance of the cell-inhibiting pheromones, queen substance (9-oxodecenoic acid), and queen scent.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering imaging of developed thin-layer chromatography plates.

A method for hyphenating surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is presented that employs silver–polymer nanocomposites as an interface. Through the process of conformal blotting, analytes are transferred from TLC plates to nanocomposite films before being imaged via SERS. A procedure leading to maximum blotting efficiency was established by investigating various parameters such as time, pressure, and type and amount of blotting solvent. Additionally, limits of detection were established for test analytes malachite green isothiocyanate, 4-aminothiophenol, and Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) ranging from 10–7 to 10–6 M. Band broadening due to blotting was minimal (∼10%) as examined by comparing the spatial extent of TLC-spotted Rh6G via fluorescence and then the SERS-based spot size on the nanocomposite after the blotting process. Finally, a separation of the test analytes was carried out on a TLC plate followed by blotting and the acquisition of distance × wavenumber × intensity ...
Planning-based reasoning for automated large-scale data analysis

In this paper, we apply planning-based reasoning to orchestrate the data analysis process automatically, with a focus on two applications: early detection of health complications in critical care, and detection of anomalous behaviors of network hosts in enterprise networks. Our system uses expert knowledge and AI planning to reason about possibly incomplete, noisy, or inconsistent observations, derived from data by deploying an open set of analytics, to generate plausible and consistent hypotheses about the state of the world. From these hypotheses, relevant actions are triggered leading to the deployment of additional analytics, or adaptation of existing analytics, that produce new observations for further reasoning. Planning-based reasoning is enabled by knowledge models obtained from domain experts that describe entities in the world, their states, and relationship to observations. To address the associated knowledge engineering challenges, we propose a modeling language named LTS++ and build an Integrated Development Environment. We also develop a process that provides support and guidance to domain experts, with no planning expertise, in defining and constructing models. We use this modeling process to capture knowledge for the two applications and to collect user feedback. Furthermore, we conduct empirical evaluation to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach and the benefits of using planning-based reasoning in these applications, at large real-world scales. Specifically, in the network monitoring scenario, we show that the system can dynamically deploy and manage analytics for the effective detection of anomalies and malicious behaviors with lead times of over 15 minutes, in an enterprise network with over 2 million hosts (entities).
Abortion in America.

The author presents ten possible forecasts concerning induced abortion in the United States. He concludes that abortion is likely to remain a topic of frequent debate over the next 15 years and that a clear decision on the legality of abortion is unlikely. (ANNOTATION)
Family caregivers as partners in care transitions: The caregiver advise record and enable act

The objective of this Perspective was to provide guidance to hospitalists and hospital clinical leadership on how to implement the Caregiver Advise Record and Enable (CARE) Act, which has been passed into law in 30 US states and territories. Specifically, the objective is 3-fold: (1) increase awareness among hospitalists and encourage them to begin to prepare for implementation, (2) explore the impetus for this legislation, and (3) provide a list of suggested resources geared to both family caregivers and healthcare professionals that may be helpful in preparation for implementing the CARE Act. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;11:883-885. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Why re-entrant surface topography is needed for robust oleophobicity

Surface patterns affect wetting properties of solid materials allowing manipulation of the phase state of an adjacent fluid. The best known example of this effect is the superhydrophobic composite (Cassie–Baxter) interface with vapour/air pockets between the solid and liquid. Mathematically, the effect of surface micropatterns can be studied by an averaging technique similarly to the method of separation of motions in dynamics. However, averaged parameters are insufficient for robust superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces because additional topography features are important: hierarchical organization and re-entrant roughness. The latter is crucial for the oleophobicity because it enhances the stability of a composite interface. The re-entrant topography can be achieved by various methods. Understanding the role of re-entrant surface topography gives us new insights on the multitude of wetting scenarios beyond the standard Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter models. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Bioinspired hierarchically structured surfaces for green science’.
Sex Work and Risky Sex in Developing Countries

This article investigates the role of risky sex and prostitution in developing countries. Understanding the sex sector is important because sex markets play an integral role in the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and other sexually transmitted infections. In addition, the number of women involved in sex work and the revenues associated with this market are quite large. Using recent studies from the economics literature, this article considers why women enter the sex market despite the high risks associated with this line of work, and why female sex workers engage in noncondom use despite the high disease risks.
Party and governance in the Arab republics

AbstractBy focusing on political memoirs as an important source, the article deals with the ruling party and governance in the Arab republics, whether they had a one-party system such as Iraq and Syria, or a multi-party system such as Egypt and Tunisia. However, one country among the republics, Libya, annulled political parties and parliament and created its own unique system of governance. Through memoirs of party members, parliamentary opponents, and ministers, the article analyses the substantial role of the ruling parties in perpetuating the regimes. While the triangular relationship between the leadership, the party, and the bureaucracy differed from one republic to another, the overall structure of governance did not vary widely, except in the case of Libya.
Multiplexed confocal and super-resolution fluorescence imaging of cytoskeletal and neuronal synapse proteins

Neuronal synapses contain dozens of protein species whose expression levels and localizations are key determinants of synaptic transmission and plasticity. The spectral properties of fluorophores used in conventional microscopy limit the number of measured proteins to four species within a given sample. The ability to perform high-throughput confocal or super-resolution imaging of many proteins simultaneously without limitation in target number imposed by this spectral limit would enable large-scale characterization of synaptic protein networks in situ. Here, we introduce PRISM: Probe-based Imaging for Sequential Multiplexing, a method that sequentially utilizes either high affinity Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) or low affinity DNA probes to enable diffraction-limited confocal and PAINT-based super-resolution imaging. High-affinity LNA probes offer high-throughput, confocal-based imaging compared with PAINT, which uses low affinity probes to realize localization-based super-resolution imaging. Simultaneous immunostaining of all targets is performed prior to imaging, followed by sequential LNA/DNA probe exchange that requires only minutes under mild wash conditions. We apply PRISM to quantify the co-expression levels and nanometer-scale organization of one dozen cytoskeletal and synaptic proteins within individual neuronal synapses. Our approach is scalable to dozens of target proteins and is compatible with high-content screening platforms commonly used to interrogate phenotypic changes associated with genetic and drug perturbations in a variety of cell types.
RSV Hospitalizations in Comparison With Regional RSV Activity and Inpatient Palivizumab Administration, 2010–2013

OBJECTIVES: To compare pediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalizations in the United States to regional RSV activity and inpatient palivizumab administration. METHODS: We characterized inpatients, excluding newborns, with RSV from the Pediatric Health Information System (July 2010–June 2013). RSV regional activity timing was defined by the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System. RSV hospitalization season (defined by at least 3 SDs more than the mean regional baseline number of RSV hospitalizations for 3 consecutive weeks) was compared with RSV regional activity season (2 consecutive weeks with ≥10% RSV-positive testing). Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of hospitalization timing (ie, during or outside of regional activity season). We also assessed the timing of inpatient palivizumab administration. RESULTS: There were 50 157 RSV hospitalizations. Mean RSV hospitalization season onset (early November) was 3.3 (SD 2.1) weeks before regional activity season onset (early December). Hospitalization season offset (early May) was 4.4 (SD 2.4) weeks after activity season offset (mid-April). RSV hospitalization and activity seasons lasted 18 to 32 and 13 to 23 weeks, respectively. Nearly 10% of hospitalizations occurred outside of regional activity season (regional ranges: 5.6%–22.4%). Children with chronic conditions were more likely to be hospitalized after regional activity season, whereas African American children were more likely to be hospitalized before. Inpatient palivizumab dosing was typically initiated before the start of RSV hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: There is regional variation in RSV hospitalization and activity patterns. Many RSV hospitalizations occur before regional activity season; high-risk infants may require RSV immunoprophylaxis sooner.
Valley magnetoelectricity in single-layer MoS 2

The magnetoelectric (ME) effect, the phenomenon of inducing magnetization by application of an electric field or vice versa, holds great promise for magnetic sensing and switching applications. Studies of the ME effect have so far focused on the control of the electron spin degree of freedom (DOF) in materials such as multiferroics and conventional semiconductors. Here, we report a new form of the ME effect based on the valley DOF in two-dimensional Dirac materials. By breaking the three-fold rotational symmetry in single-layer MoS 2 via a uniaxial stress, we have demonstrated the pure electrical generation of valley magnetization in this material, and its direct imaging by Kerr rotation microscopy. The observed out-of-plane magnetization is independent of in-plane magnetic field, linearly proportional to the in-plane current density, and optimized when the current is orthogonal to the strain-induced piezoelectric field. These results are fully consistent with a theoretical model of valley magnetoelectricity driven by Berry curvature effects. Furthermore, the effect persists at room temperature, opening possibilities for practical valleytronic devices.
A novel retrograde laser extraction technique using a transatrial approach: an alternative for complex lead extractions.

Background— The use of percutaneous lead extraction techniques in a patient with extracardiac or protruding atrial leads could have disastrous consequences. Traditionally, the management of these patients has included a median sternotomy. We describe a minimally invasive technique that involves a transatrial, retrograde laser lead extraction using a video-assisted thoracoscopic approach. Methods and Results— Between January 2004 and June 2009, 14 patients with severed leads at the clavicle and extracardiac leads or lead-caused erosions of the atrial wall were identified through chest radiograph and CT scan. There were 9 men and 5 women aged 19 to 91 years (mean age, 69.71±20.67 years). Ten devices were pacemakers, and 4 were defibrillators. Indications for extraction were 12 infections and 2 malfunctions. Mean ejection fraction was 42±17.67% (range, 10% to 65%). Time of implanted leads was 93.69±51.88 months (range, 33 to 213 months). Laser sheaths size were 12 F (7.1%), 14 F (85.7%), and 16 F (7.1%). A right-side thoracoscopy was performed under general anesthesia. A retrograde laser sheath maneuver was performed, freeing the lead from any adhesions. The lead was removed and the incision closed. One patient experienced a pleural effusion. There was no mortality, and all patients were alive and well at 1-month follow-up. Conclusions— Transatrial, retrograde laser lead extraction is a safe and effective procedure. This procedure may provide an excellent alternative to open sternotomy.
Nanosecond X-Ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy on Magnetic Skyrmions

We report an x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy method that exploits the recent development of the two-pulse mode at the Linac Coherent Light Source. By using coherent resonant x-ray magnetic scattering, we studied spontaneous fluctuations on nanosecond time scales in thin films of multilayered Fe/Gd that exhibit ordered stripe and Skyrmion lattice phases. The correlation time of the fluctuations was found to differ between the Skyrmion phase and near the stripe-Skyrmion boundary. This technique will enable a significant new area of research on the study of equilibrium fluctuations in condensed matter.
Cancer treatment: Bacterial snack attack deactivates a drug.

Tumour cells can develop intrinsic adaptations that make them less susceptible to chemotherapy. It emerges that extrinsic bacterial action can also enable tumour cells to escape the effects of drug treatment.
Pasado sin futuro y futuro sin pasado

El articulo nos presenta un ejercicio refl exivo escrito a modo testimonial y vivencial sobre el desarrollo de la teoria critica en Espana y en America Latina. Es un texto analitico, cuyo contenido plantea cuestiones centrales que aluden a las identidades nacionales contemporaneas y sus terribles pasados
PyCP: An Open-Source Conformal Predictions Toolkit

The Conformal Predictions framework is a new game-theoretic approach to reliable machine learning, which provides a methodology to obtain error calibration under classification and regression settings. The framework combines principles of transductive inference, algorithmic randomness and hypothesis testing to provide guaranteed error calibration in online settings (and calibration in offline settings supported by empirical studies). As the framework is being increasingly used in a variety of machine learning settings such as active learning, anomaly detection, feature selection, and change detection, there is a need to develop algorithmic implementations of the framework that can be used and further improved by researchers and practitioners. In this paper, we introduce PyCP, an open-source implementation of the Conformal Predictions framework that currently provides support for classification problems within transductive and Mondrian settings. PyCP is modular, extensible and intended for community sharing and development.
Excerpts from GAMS

This chapter presents the excerpts from GAMS. When numerically approximating the solution to a differential equation, it is best to use prepared software whenever possible. There are a multitude of commercially available computer libraries and isolated computer routines for this purpose. Taxonomy for differential equation software has been developed as part of the GAMS project at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. GAMS have taxonomy of computer routines and a listing of some available software. In the Taxonomy section, the subject heading under which software has been classified is indicated. In the Excerpts section, the text that appeared in GAMS is given in a format similar to the original. It is found that for each topic the applicable routines in a specific library are described
Automatic Midline Shift Detection in Traumatic Brain Injury

Fast and accurate midline shift (MLS) estimation has a significant impact on diagnosis and treatment of patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). In this paper, we propose an automated method to calculate the amount of shift in the midline structure of TBI patients. The MLS values were annotated by a neuroradiologist. We first select a number of slices among all the slices in a CT scan based on metadata as well as information extracted from the images. After the slice selection, we propose an efficient segmentation technique to detect the ventricles. We use the ventricular geometric patterns to calculate the actual midline and also anatomical information to detect the ideal midline. The distance between these two lines is used as an estimate of MLS. The proposed methods are applied on a TBI dataset where they show a significant improvement of the the proposed method upon existing approach.