cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of TPC-C Benchmark on Various Cloud Providers

With the hardware costs becoming cheaper day by day and with industry giants focus, Cloud computing has exploded and reached leaps and bounds in the last 15 years. With the power of creating, using and destroying virtual machines in the cloud at the tip of mouse click, industries have started moving their core applications to the cloud. This has reduced the hassle for industries to maintain the hardware by themselves. Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft and Google are head of the game and the fierce competition between them has led to astonishing innovation. With so many players in the cloud market, it is essential for cloud users to know how each of the services provided by these cloud service providers are performing against each other. In this paper we have evaluated the performance of famous OLTP benchmark TPC-C on these cloud providers. It is observed that Amazon’s AWS has performed better than Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform in terms of the number of transactions/orders per second, and I/O reads/writes. We have done the extended comparison with respect to transaction throughput, database throughput and Machine throughput.
Quantitative trace metal determinations in cell culture media using LS-APGD-MS and ICP-OES with free/bound species differentiation following polymer fiber separations

Liquid sampling-atmospheric pressure glow discharge-mass spectrometry (LS-APGD-MS) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) were employed for the quantification of trace metals in cell culture media and their capabilities compared. The LS-APGD is interfaced here to a compact mass spectrometer (Advion CMS) towards the development of an at-bioreactor process monitoring strategy. Both techniques have been previously employed for the quantification of trace metals in samples of various complexities, making them a natural choice for this application. They have also demonstrated comparable analytical figures of merit including limits of detection (LOD), matrix tolerance, etc. While cell culture media is a complex sample, the ICP-OES technique was unaffected by the matrix. However, the LS-APGD-MS suffered from increases in spectral background. Despite this, both techniques achieved appropriate LODs for all metals analyzed in this work (Cu, Fe, Zn, Co, Mn, Ni; LOD < 100 ng mL-1), except for Mn and Ni via LS-APGD-MS. To overcome the increased background seen on the LS-APGD-MS, a capillary channeled polymer (C-CP) polypropylene (PPY) fiber stationary phase was employed as an on-line separation for the removal of organic components prior to sample introduction into the plasma. It was further determined that Ni was retained on the column, preventing the detection of this element via LS-APGD-MS, and insights into metal speciation were discussed. Following implementation of this on-line separation strategy, the agreement between the techniques was acceptable for all analytes, and was excellent for Cu, Fe, and Zn.
Modelling the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus Using Scientific Inquiry

This study provides an example of a mathematical modelling activity that utilizes scientific reasoning to support the learning of mathematics concepts. The method of merging mathematics concepts with scientific reasoning was developed using research on and recommendations about designing effective exploratory STEM modelling activities. A calculus topic, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (FTC), was converted into a modelling activity. The FTC was selected due to its significance in integral calculus and calls for designing activities that would develop students’ covariational reasoning crucial to understand the theorem. A group of 21 high school students participated in this study. The students’ responses showed positive effects of this activity in understanding the FTC. Suggestions for further studies conclude this paper.
Ultra-Rapid-Acting Insulins: How Fast Is Really Needed?

Objective. To review the new ultra-rapid-acting insulin analogs and describe the benefits and limitations compared with other bolus insulins. Summary. The options for bolus insulins, which are usually taken at mealtime or for correction of hyperglycemia, are expanding, with recent approvals of faster-acting insulin aspart and insulin lispro-aabc. These new-generation insulins contain additives that enhance absorption and accelerate onset of action. Clinical studies demonstrate that, although these insulins are faster acting, their efficacy for A1C lowering and safety in terms of hypoglycemia risk are similar to those of other available bolus insulin options such as rapid-acting insulin analogs. However, their use resulted in significant reductions in 1- and 2-hour postprandial glucose levels. Conclusion. Novel ultra-rapid-acting insulins provide additional bolus insulin options, and their quick onset of action provides additional dosing flexibility for people with diabetes. Given their comparable efficacy and safety compared to other quick-acting insulins, health care providers should engage in shared decision-making with patients and their caregivers regarding possible use of ultra-rapid-acting insulin, taking into account their preferences, individualized considerations, and insurance formulary coverage. These new insulin formulations may be a suitable option for people with diabetes who are not able to achieve postprandial glycemic targets with other bolus insulins.
A Matrix-Inversion-Free Fixed-Point Method for Distributed Power Flow Analysis

The power flow (PF) problem is a fundamental problem in power system engineering. Many popular solvers like PF and optimal PF (OPF) face challenges, such as divergence and network information sharing between multi-areas. One can try to rewrite the PF problem into a fixed point (FP) equation (more stable), which can be solved exponentially fast. But, existing FP methods are not distributed and also have unrealistic assumptions such as requiring a specific network topology. While preserving its stable nature, a novel FP equation that is distributed in nature is proposed to calculate the voltage at each bus. This distributed computation enables the proposed algorithm to compute the voltages for multi-area networks without sharing private topology information. Unlike existing distributed methods, the proposed method does not use any approximate network equivalents to represent the neighboring area. Thus, it is approximation-free, and it also finds use cases in distributed AC OPFs. We compare the performance of our FP algorithm with state-of-the-art methods, showing that the proposed method can correctly find the solutions when other methods cannot, due to high condition number matrices. In addition, we empirically show that the FP algorithm is more robust to bad initialization points than the existing methods.
A system for percutaneous delivery of treatment with a fluoroscopically-guided robot

This manuscript discusses a prototype image-guided robotic system that is currently under development at The Johns Hopkins University. This system is intended to allow percutaneous delivery of surgical devices as well as therapeutic agents to soft tissue and bone lesions. The proposed system has many potential applications including the treatment of liver cancer, which is an attractive application of the technology.
A neonatologist's viewpoint.

Flynn and collaborators (Pediatrics 1995;95:755-757) raise an important issue, but by focusing on infants with birth weights >1500 g they concentrate on the wrong end of the problem. The advances in prenatal and neonatal care that have resulted in a dramatic increase in neonatal survival have also reduced the severity of respiratory problems in the larger infants. Today it is very uncommon that infants weighing >1500 g require significant respiratory assistance and supplementary oxygen and for this reason their risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and need for screening has practically disappeared. As an example, in our institution there were 2568 infants born with birth weights ranging from 1500 to 2500 g in the last 3 years, but only 46 of them met criteria for eye examination (>72 hours of oxygen therapy).
Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging to reduce the rate of early reoperation for lesion resection in pediatric neurosurgery.

Object This study describes the pediatric experience with a dual-multifunction-room IMRIS 1.5-T intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) suite and analyzes its impact on clinical variables associated with neurosurgical resection of intracranial lesions, including safety and efficacy. Methods Since the inception of the iMRI–guided resection program in April 2008 at both Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospital, a prospective database recorded the clinical variables associated with demographics and outcome with institutional review board approval. A similarly approved retrospective database was constructed from February 2006 to March 2010 for non–iMRI resections. These databases were retrospectively reviewed for clinical variables associated with resection of pediatric (age 20 months–21 years) intracranial lesions including brain tumors and focal cortical dysplasia. Patient demographics, operative time, estimated blood loss, additional resection, length of stay, pathology, and complications w...
Mechanical properties of carbon fiber composite octet-truss lattice structures

Abstract Octet-truss lattice structures have been made from balanced [0/90] carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates using a simple snap-fit method. The lattice structures moduli and strengths have been measured during [001] and [100] directions free compressions as a function of the lattice relative density. Core failure occurred by either (i) Euler buckling ( ρ ¯ 5 % ) or (ii) delamination dominated failure ( ρ ¯ > 5 % ) of the struts. The measurements are shown to be well predicted by micromechanics models of these composite strut failure modes. Snap-fit CFRP octet-truss lattice structures are found to exhibit mechanical properties competitive with other cellular materials and topologies. Their isotropic response may provide new opportunities for ultra-lightweight multiaxial loaded structures.
Minimal conductivity of graphene : Nonuniversal values from the Kubo formula

The minimal conductivity of graphene is a quantity measured in the dc limit. It is shown, using the Kubo formula, that the actual value of the minimal conductivity is sensitive to the order in which certain limits are taken. If the dc limit is taken before the integration over energies is performed, the minimal conductivity of graphene is $4∕\ensuremath{\pi}$ (in units of ${e}^{2}∕h$) and it is $\ensuremath{\pi}∕2$ in the reverse order. The value $\ensuremath{\pi}$ is obtained if weak disorder is included via a small frequency-dependent self-energy. In the high-frequency limit, the minimal conductivity approaches $\ensuremath{\pi}∕2$ and drops to zero if the frequency exceeds the cutoff energy of the particles.
When the President Says No: Veto Bargaining and Rhetoric

Although formal theories have posited commitment and coordination models characterizing the importance of veto threats, the empirical analysis of threat behavior and its impact on policy outcomes, and lawmaking more generally, remains a critical question. This analysis tests Krehbiel’s key claims from policy gridlock on the use of veto threats, legislative outcomes, and constitutional signing statements. The model results illustrate how features of the legislative environment, like the salience and type of policy, as well as changes in the gridlock interval, affect veto threat behavior and the likelihood of legislative failure. In addition, the findings suggests that the constitutional signing statement can be used by presidents to move policy closer to their preferred position at the end of veto bargaining. The analysis highlights evidence that presidents do systematically employ both coercive and unilateral strategies in veto bargaining.
Radiometers For Measurements Of Space Objects

Lincoln Laboratory has developed and is operating a Ground Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) Experimental Test System (ETS) for detecting and measuring the position of artificial satellites'. Based on this work a GEODSS system is being deployed worldwide by TRW under contract to the Air Force. Described is a GaAs single cell radiometer which is based on an operating radiometer at the ETS. The calculated performance of the radiometer is compared with that expected using CCD's and intensified CCD's. The CCD promises improved performance over the GaAs design under bright sky conditions and for faint objects against a dark sky but at the expense of more complexity in data recording and reduction. The intensified CCD improves the performance of the CCD in the proposed system only if the CCD has an electronic readout noise in excess of 30 electrons and then only under dark sky conditions.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Breathe easy: model and control of human respiration for computer animation

In this paper, we detail an anatomically inspired, physically based model of the human torso designed for the visual simulation of respiration using a mixed system of rigid and deformable parts. Motion related to breath is a signature movement of the human body and an indicator for life but it has been largely overlooked by the graphics community. A novel composition of biological components is necessary to capture the key characteristics of breathing motion visible in the human trunk because the movement is generated fundamentally through the combination of both rigid bone and soft tissue. Our approach uses a simple physically based muscle element which is used throughout to drive the motion of the ribs and diaphragm as well as in other muscles, like those of the abdomen, to produce passive resistance. In addition, we describe an implementation of a straightforward method for preserving incompressible volume in deformable bodies to use in approximating the motion of the abdomen related to breath. Through the careful construction of this anatomically based torso, control for respiration becomes the generation of periodic contraction signals for a minimal set of two muscle groups. We show the flexibility of our approach through the animation of several breathing styles using our system.
Hydrogen recombination kinetics and nuclear thermal rocket performance prediction

The rate constants for the hydrogen three-body collisional recombination reaction with atomic and molecular hydrogen acting as third bodies have been determined by numerous investigators during the past 30 yr, but these rates exhibit significant scatter. The discrepancies in the rate constants determined by different investigators are as great as two orders of magnitude in the temperature range of interest for nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) operation, namely, 2000-3300 K. The impact of this scatter on our ability to predict the specific impulse (I(sub sp)) delivered by a 30-klbf NTR has been determined for chamber pressures and temperatures from, respectively, 20-1000 psia and 2700-3300 K. The variation in I(sub sp) produced by using the different rate constants is as great as 10%, or 100 s. This variation also obscures the influence of chamber pressure on I(sub sp); using fast kinetics, low pressures yield significantly improved performance, while using slow or nominal kinetics, the pressure dependence of I(sub sp) is negligible. Because the flow composition freezes at very small area ratios, optimization of the nozzle contour in the near-throat region maximizes recombination. Vibrational relaxation is found to produce negligible losses in I(sub sp). 36 refs.
Ginzburg--Landau Model in Thin Loops with Narrow Constrictions

We consider the Ginzburg-Landau model for a superconducting thin ring in the presence of an applied field. The ring is constricted, and we derive an asymptotic form for the energy as the ring thickness tends to zero. The constriction leads in the limit to a jump condition for the order parameter, yielding a transmission condition across the weak link of the type postulated by de Gennes for superconducting/normal/superconducting junctions.
Role of TGF-β and the tumor microenvironment during mammary tumorigenesis.

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that functions to inhibit mammary tumorigenesis by directly inducing mammary epithelial cells (MECs) to undergo cell cycle arrest or apoptosis, and to secrete a variety of cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular matrix proteins that maintain cell and tissue homeostasis. Genetic and epigenetic events that transpire during mammary tumorigenesis typically inactivate the tumor suppressing activities of TGF-β and ultimately confer this cytokine with tumor promoting activities, including the ability to stimulate breast cancer invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and evasion from the immune system. This dramatic conversion in TGF-β function is known as the “TGF-β Paradox” and reflects a variety of dynamic alterations that occur not only within the developing mammary carcinoma, but also within the cellular and structural composition of its accompanying tumor microenvironment. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the critical importance of mammary tumor microenvironments in manifesting the “TGF-β Paradox” and influencing the response of developing mammary carcinomas to TGF-β. Here we highlight recent findings demonstrating the essential function of tumor microenvironments in regulating the oncogenic activities of TGF-β and its stimulation of metastatic progression during mammary tumorigenesis.
Auguries of Hegemony: The Sex Omens of Mesopotamia

Ancient Mesopotamian scholars examined problematic aspects of male erotic desire within the discourse of divination. They documented an array of sexual acts, reading each as an omen, a sign signifying an aspect of the future. Guinan shows that the omens are informed by a coherent perspective and, in general, are concerned with the impact of erotic desire on notions of male identity and expectations of gender hierarchy. The omens oppose masculine hegemony and male/female eroticism in such a way that the denial of one is the assertion of the other. In these omens, masculine power and agency are both expressed and preserved by the disavowal of erotic interactions with women.
Isolation and use of embryonic stem cells from livestock species

Abstract Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells isolated from early embryos. They proliferate in culture and retain the capacity to differentiate both in vitro and In vivo, including contributing to chimeric tissues after injection into normal blastocysts. Over the past decade ES cells have been used extensively as a model for embryogenesis. More recently they have been shown to be capable of stable integration of exogenous DNA and used for numerous studies involving genomic manipulation. ES cells provide many opportunities for genetic engineering of domestic livestock species, but to date their isolation from embryos has been documented only for the mouse and perhaps the hamster. Efforts to isolate pluripotent ES cells from embryos of domestic livestock species are described, including some of the problems encountered.
RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN ADOLESCENTS' SELF-REPORT OF A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE. † 7

African-American youths have among the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) of any racial/ethnic group of adolescents. Previously reported difference in sexual behaviors do not appear to be of sufficient magnitude to account for their increased risk for STDs. The objective of this study was to determine to what degree sexual behavioral differences account for racial/ethnic differences in STDs. In this study, we performed a secondary analysis of national data collected as part of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) supplement to the 1992 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). We used the SUDAAN statistical package and weighted data to compute frequencies and odds ratios. The sample consisted of 5189 sexually active adolescents; 48.5% male. Mean age was 18.5 years (range=14-21 years). Thirty-seven percent were out-of-school. The racial/ethnic distribution was 60.2% white, 18.8% black, 16.7% Hispanic, and 4.4% other. Overall, 7.0% of adolescents reported a history of an STD. Black adolescents were at increased risk for reporting a history of an STD compared to other adolescents: 13.1% of black adolescents had a history of an STD compared to 5.9% of white adolescents, 4.5% of Hispanic adolescents, and 4.6% of other adolescents(p<0.001). Black adolescents remained at high risk for a history of an STD(Odds Ratio= 3.67; 95% Confidence Interval=1.55-8.66) after adjusting for sociodemographics (age, gender, highest educational attainment of responsible adult, family income, and region of the country) and sexual behaviors (age of first sex, number of lifetime sexual partners, number of sexual partners in the last three months, use of alcohol or drugs during last sex, and use of condom last sex). These data suggest that racial/ethnic variations in rates of self-reported STDs may be related, in part, to racial/ethnic differences in the risk of being exposed to an infected partner rather than self-reported differences in sexual behaviors.
Distributed goal‐directed dynamic plan revision

We contrast in this article the system demands imposed by brute force, complete replanning, and a new, goal-directed approach called dynamic plan revision (DPR). One of the two processes must be invoked when some aspects of the environment change and currently existing plans are likely to fail. Complete replanning is conceptually simpler but requires significantly more computation because it reproduces also those plan steps that have not been affected by the changes. DPR attempts to minimize the scope of replanning and makes to the current plans as small amount of modification as possible. the more rapidly the environment changes, the less practical complete replanning becomes. the issue is even more significant with time-critical applications DPR uses goal hierarchies produced at the same time when plans are generated. the planning systems has an “active attitude” toward the feedback from the environment and takes advantage of all information becoming available during plan execution. We have also developed and implemented a distributed version of this approach in the domain of Distributed Manufacturing Operations [N. V. Findler and J. Gao, Data and Know. Eng., 2, 285–301 (1987); Q. Ge and N. V. Findler, Proc. Austr. Joint Conf. on Art. Int., 439–455 (1988); N. Y. Findler and G. Ge, Int. J. Intell. Syst., 4, 459–470 (1989)]. the relevant algorithms are given in the Appendices A and B. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Observations of a Searchlight Beam to an Altitude of 28 Kilometers

The beam of a high intensity searchlight directed over an observing station 18.4 km distant at angles of 30° and 45° to the horizontal was visible to a vertical altitude of about 20 km and was photographed to 28 km on clear nights. The intensity of the beam measured from the photographs was of the same order of magnitude as that calculated from the Rayleigh theory of molecular scattering using standard tables of stratospheric densities. At 5 km the observed intensity was greater than the theoretical intensity by a factor of about 7, the factor decreasing to about unity above 10 km, as would be accounted for by a small number of haze particles at 5 km which decreased to an imperceptible amount above 10 km.
Generalized synthesis of hybrid metal-semiconductor nanostructures tunable from the visible to the infrared.

Hybrid superstructures allow a convenient route to the development of materials with multiple functionalities (e.g., sensor, marker, conductor) out of monofunctional (e.g., excitonic, plasmonic) building blocks. This work describes a general synthetic route to the preparation of metal|dielectric|quantum dot hybrid superstructures that have excitonic and plasmonic resonances independently tunable from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared spectral region. We demonstrate that structural tuning can be used to control intercomponent coupling leading to the emergence of unique optical properties. We illustrate this capability by demonstrating single- and multicolor emission from coupled systems, and a significant enhancement of two-photon absorption cross sections of quantum dots. Such properties in a robust yet dispersible particle can be useful in a number of applications including bioimaging and microscopy, and in optoelectronic devices, as well as serve as a platform for fundamental studies of metal–semicond...
The development of long-range order and the resulting strengthening effects IN Ni4Mo

Abstract A single crystal of Ni 4 Mo was studied by X-ray line broadening techniques using Warren's Fourier analysis employing computer methods. The long-range-order parameter, domain size and microstrains were measured after isothermal ageing at 700°C for various times. The ordering occurs homogeneously inside the domains up to a long-range-order parameter of S ~ 0.7. After S ~ 0.8, further increase in the degree of order of the crystal is primarily by the elimination of domain boundaries due to domain growth. The rate of the domain growth is analogous to that of grain growth. The X-ray measured r.m.s. strain correlates directly with those calculated from the yield strength measurements. The high strength at the late stage of the ordering is mainly due to the high density of dislocations which are generated as a result of coherent interface strains.
The Karimjee Jivanjee family: merchant princes of East Africa 1800–2000

In the closing pages of this lavishly illustrated, oversized book, Dutch historian Gijsbert Oonk reveals his various intended audiences. This is limited neither to the general reader interested in ...
Medium Energy Inelastic Hadron Scattering and Nuclear Structure

Some aspects of medium energy (∼ 150 MeV to 1 GeV) proton and pion scattering theory from complex nuclei are reviewed with emphasis on inelastic scattering as a tool to extract nuclear structure information.
Quantitation of the early effects of radiation and hormonal therapy on hemoglobin levels in men treated for prostate cancer

Materials and Methods: Hemoglobin levels were measured in 198 men with stage T1-T3 N0 M0 prostate cancer before and after treatment. 54 patients had prostate radiation alone (P), and 46 had prostate radiation with 4 to 6 months of androgen deprivation (P H). 98 patients received whole pelvis radiation in addition to prostate radiation and 43 of these patients received 4 to 6 months of androgen deprivation (WP H), while 55 did not (WP). Androgen deprivation consisted of leuprolide with or without an anti-androgen. No patient had evidence of bleeding during treatment. The median hemoglobin changes were compared between treatment groups as well as the incidence of hemoglobin changes 2 gm.
Non-Invasive markers for hepatic fibrosis

With great advancements in the therapeutic modalities used for the treatment of chronic liver diseases, the accurate assessment of liver fibrosis is a vital need for successful individualized management of disease activity in patients. The lack of accurate, reproducible and easily applied methods for fibrosis assessment has been the major limitation in both the clinical management and for research in liver diseases. However, the problem of the development of biomarkers capable of non-invasive staging of fibrosis in the liver is difficult due to the fact that the process of fibrogenesis is a component of the normal healing response to injury, invasion by pathogens, and many other etiologic factors. Current non-invasive methods range from serum biomarker assays to advanced imaging techniques such as transient elastography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Among non-invasive methods that gain strongest clinical foothold are FibroScan elastometry and serum-based APRI and FibroTest. There are many other tests that are not yet widely validated, but are none the less, promising. The rate of adoption of non-invasive diagnostic tests for liver fibrosis differs from country to country, but remains limited. At the present time, use of non-invasive procedures could be recommended as pre-screening that may allow physicians to narrow down the patients' population before definitive testing of liver fibrosis by biopsy of the liver. This review provides a systematic overview of these techniques, as well as both direct and indirect biomarkers based approaches used to stage fibrosis and covers recent developments in this rapidly advancing area.
Zinc Reduces the Detection of Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and THC by ELISA Urine Testing

Federal workplace drug testing was initiated during the late 1980s. Since then, numerous methods have been employed to subvert these drug tests, adulteration of urine samples being the most common. A wide variety of adulterants has been reported to date along with suitable methods of their detection. Recently, websites have claimed that zinc sulfate can be an effective adulterant to bypass drug testing. Herein, these claims are investigated using standard drug detection kits and urine samples adulterated with zinc. Drug-free urine samples were fortified with different amounts methamphetamines and benzoylecgonine, to which zinc sulfate was added to study its effect. Urine samples from acute marijuana smokers were also obtained in order to study the effects of zinc supplements on THC drug testing. All urine drug testing was performed using ELISA detection kits manufactured by Immunalysis. Both zinc sulfate and zinc supplements are effective in interfering with the detection of all three drugs by Immunalysis drug detection kits. Also, no suitable method could be established to detect zinc in urine samples. Zinc can be an effective adulterant in urine for some illicit drugs that are commonly screened under routine drug testing.
Rare earth abundances in an anorthosite and a mangerite.

Rare earth trace element variations in anorthosite and quartz mangerite determined, using stable isotope dilution technique of analysis
Cognitive function following treadmill exercise in thermal protective clothing

Occupational injuries are common among firefighters who perform strenuous physical exertion in extreme heat. The thermal protective clothing (TPC) worn by firefighters inhibits normal thermoregulation, placing the firefighter at risk of hypohydration and hyperthermia that may result in cognitive decline. We tested whether cognitive function changes after treadmill exercise in TPC. In an initial study (Cog 1), ten healthy volunteers performed up to 50 min of treadmill exercise while wearing TPC in a heated room. A battery of neurocognitive tests evaluating short-term memory, sustained and divided attention, and reaction time was administered immediately before and after exercise. In a follow-up study (Cog 2), 19 healthy volunteers performed a similar exercise protocol with the battery of cognitive tests administered pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and serially up to 120 min after exercise. Subjects performed 46.4 ± 4.6 and 48.1 ± 3.6 min of exercise in the Cog 1 and Cog 2, respectively. In both studies heart rate approached age predicted maximum, body mass was reduced 1.0–1.5 kg, and body core temperature increased to levels similar to what is seen after fire suppression. Neurocognitive test scores did not change immediately after exercise. Recall on a memory test was reduced 60 and 120 min after exercise. The mean of the 10 slowest reaction times increased in the 120 min after exercise. Fifty minutes of treadmill exercise in TPC resulted in near maximal physiologic strain but alterations in neurocognitive performance were not noted until an hour or more following exercise in TPC.
Influence of insulin and palmitic acid concentration on pulmonary surfactant synthesis.

We have tested the influence of palmitic acid and insulin on the rate of pulmonary surfactant synthesis in the isolated, perfused rat lung. We assessed the rate of surfactant synthesis by determination of the incorporation of [9,10-3H]palmitic acid into surfactant isolated from lung homogenate by differential and isopynic centrifugations (King and Clements, Amer. J. Physiol., 233, 707–714, 1972). We found that an increase in the palmitic acid concentration from 0.5 to 1.5 mM doubled the rate of surfactant synthesis. Insulin (8 × 10-3 U/ml) added to perfusion medium containing 0.5 mM palmitic acid had a slight, but significant (P < 0.05) stimulatory effect on surfactant synthesis. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that insulin influences the rate of surfactant synthesis via its inhibitory action on lipolysis, rather than via a direct inhibition of the rate of surfactant synthesis.
Surgical and Nonsurgical Procedures Associated with Hospital Delivery in the United States: 1980–1987

Data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey were used to examine changes in the rates of procedures performed on women hospitalized for delivery from 1980 to 1987 in the United States. The rate of procedures reported per 100 deliveries increased 42 percent. Much of this increase was reported from 1984 to 1987, when there may have been more complete recording of secondary procedures due to the implementation of prospective payment systems. The reported rates of cesarean sections, repair of current obstetric lacerations, artificial rupture of membranes, and vacuum extraction increased throughout the whole period from 1980 to 1987, however, and thus are less likely to have risen because of changes in reporting practices.
Modeling state-level soil carbon emission factors under various scenarios for direct land use change associated with United States biofuel feedstock production.

Abstract Current estimates of life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of biofuels produced in the US can be improved by refining soil C emission factors (EF; C emissions per land area per year) for direct land use change associated with different biofuel feedstock scenarios. We developed a modeling framework to estimate these EFs at the state-level by utilizing remote sensing data, national statistics databases, and a surrogate model for CENTURY's soil organic C dynamics submodel (SCSOC). We estimated the forward change in soil C concentration within the 0–30 cm depth and computed the associated EFs for the 2011 to 2040 period for croplands, grasslands or pasture/hay, croplands/conservation reserve, and forests that were suited to produce any of four possible biofuel feedstock systems [corn (Zea Mays L)-corn, corn–corn with stover harvest, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L), and miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter)]. Our results predict smaller losses or even modest gains in sequestration for corn based systems, particularly on existing croplands, than previous efforts and support assertions that production of perennial grasses will lead to negative emissions in most situations and that conversion of forest or established grasslands to biofuel production would likely produce net emissions. The proposed framework and use of the SCSOC provide transparency and relative simplicity that permit users to easily modify model inputs to inform biofuel feedstock production targets set forth by policy.
Justification in the Natural Sciences

Philosophy of science includes the epistemology of natural science as a major component. The epistemology of natural science seeks a correct explanation of the conditions for scientific knowledge of the natural world. A central part of such epistemology is the theory of scientifically justified belief. A scientifically justified belief, roughly characterized, is a belief appropriately warranted to be a component of scientific knowledge. The conditions for a belief's being thus appropriately warranted attract much controversy among epistemologists of natural science. These days philosophers of science are nowhere near consensus on a substantive epistemology of science. And this seems to be in keeping with the turbulent history of matters philosophical. One wonders whether we can find any common ground from which to measure epistemological progress.
Stress management and coping research in the health care setting: An overview and methodological commentary.

I argue that stress management and coping studies in the health care setting have not been sufficiently theoretically grounded. In particular, in formulating and evaluating intervention strategies, researchers have not adequately taken into account the nature of the stressor under study in terms of the degree to which it poses emotion-focused versus problem-focused coping demands for the individual. This theme is explored in examination of research in five essential areas: (a) effectiveness of problem- versus emotion-focused coping strategies, (b) effectiveness of interventions, (c) the role of individual difference variables, (d) timing of interventions, and (e) evaluation of treatment impact.
Localization of CYP4B1 in the rat nasal cavity and analysis of CYPs as secreted proteins.

CYP4B1 is highly expressed in rat nasal respiratory mucosa, and to a lesser extent in olfactory mucosa. Examination of high-power photomicrographs suggests that CYP4B1 may be a secreted protein, based on the fact that immunoreactivity appears to be present in the lumens of ducts of Bowman's glands (rather than intracellular localization, as we observed with an antibody recognizing CYP2F4) and in secretory granules in respiratory mucosa. Furthermore, anti-CYP4B1 immunoreactivity is present on the surface of both respiratory and olfactory mucosa. We used SignalP 3.0 analysis to ascertain the likelihood that rat CYP4B1 is a secreted protein. While this analysis does not suggest that rat CYP4B1 is a secreted protein, several other cytochrome P450 enzymes were predicted to be secreted proteins. The observation that multiple human cytochrome P450s appear to be secreted proteins helps to explain the appearance of anti-cytochrome P450 antigens in cases of human autoimmune liver diseases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 20:139–141, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20123
Short- and long-acting synthetic pentasaccharides as antithrombotic agents

Fondaparinux sodium (Arixtra™; GlaxoSmithKline) is the first of a new class of antithrombotic agents. It is a chemically synthesised pentasaccharide mimicking the site of heparin that binds to antithrombin. It is purely a factor Xa inhibitor and an inhibitor of thrombin generation that requires binding to antithrombin. Fondaparinux sodium differs from heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin and heparinoids, and cannot be used interchangeably. It has been approved in the US and Europe for the prophylaxis of venous thrombosis after orthopaedic surgery by a fixed dose of 2.5 mg/day without monitoring. Using this pentasaccharide as a backbone, other structures have been synthesised. Idraparinux sodium (Sanofi-Aventis) differs structurally from fondaparinux sodium as it has additional methyl groups, a long half-life, and once-weekly administration. Both drugs are being developed as antithrombotics for venous and arterial thrombosis, acute coronary syndrome, stroke and as adjuncts to thrombolytic therapy.
A ubiquitin ligase-associated chaperone holdase maintains polypeptides in soluble states for proteasome degradation

Summary Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) employs membrane-bound ubiquitin ligases and the translocation-driving ATPase p97 to retrotranslocate misfolded proteins for proteasomal degradation. How retrotranslocated polypeptides bearing exposed hydrophobic motifs or transmembrane domains (TMDs) avoid aggregation before reaching the proteasome is unclear. Here we identify a ubiquitin ligase-associated multiprotein complex comprising Bag6, Ubl4A, and Trc35, which chaperones retrotranslocated polypeptides en route to the proteasome to improve ERAD efficiency. In vitro, Bag6, the central component of the complex, contains a chaperone-like activity capable of maintaining an aggregation-prone substrate in an unfolded yet soluble state. The physiological importance of this holdase activity is underscored by observations that ERAD substrates accumulate in detergent-insoluble aggregates in cells depleted of Bag6, or of Trc35, a cofactor that keeps Bag6 outside the nucleus for engagement in ERAD. Our results reveal a ubiquitin ligase-associated holdase that maintains polypeptide solubility to enhance protein quality control in mammalian cells.
Depth perception in the framework of General Object Constancy

Size constancy is a well-known example of perceptual stabilization accounting for the effect of viewing distance on retinal image size. In a recent study (Qian & Petrov, 2012), we demonstrated a similar stabilization mechanism for contrast perception and suggested that the brain accounts for effects of perceived distance on various other object features in a similar way, a hypothesis that we called General Object Constancy. Here we report a new illusion of depth further supporting this hypothesis. Pairs of disks moved across the screen in a pattern of radial optic flow. A pair comprised a small black disk floating in front of a large white disk, creating the percept of a pencil tip viewed head on. As these "pencils" moved away, they appeared to grow in contrast, in diameter, and also appeared to be getting "sharper." The contrast and size illusions replicated our previous findings, while the depth gradient (sharpness) illusion revealed a depth constancy phenomenon. We discovered that depth and size constancies were related, e.g., the two illusions were strongly correlated across observers. Whereas the illusory diameter increase could not be canceled by any degree of depth modulation, decreasing the diameter of the "pencils" during optic flow motion (thus increasing their disparity gradient) weakened the illusory depth gradient increase. This paradoxical result, as well as our other results, is explained by the General Object Constancy model: Besides using the same scaling factor to account for size, contrast, and depth variations with distance, the brain uses the apparent object size to additionally scale contrast and depth signals.
Effects of hormone replacement therapy on cognitive performance in elderly women

Abstract Objective: To determine the effects of 9 months of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cognitive performance in women aged 75 years and older. Methods: A 9-month randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled parallel trial. Fifty-two elderly postmenopausal women (age range 75–91 years) without known contraindications to HRT or evidence of dementia or depression were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:2 ratio to placebo or conjugated estrogens at 0.625 mg/d plus trimonthly medroxyprogesterone acetate at 5 mg/d for 13 days (HRT). Main outcome measures were change from baseline and rate of change from baseline for the following psychometric tests: Verbal Fluency Test, Weschler Paired Associate Learning and 20 min Delayed Recall, Trailmaking A and B Tests, Cancellation Random Letter and Random Form Tests. Results: At baseline, women in the HRT group reported a younger age of onset of menopause and a higher prevalence of hysterectomy, but otherwise did not differ from women in the placebo group. After 9 months of treatment, there were no significant group differences for any of the cognitive performance measures. The lack of an observed group-by-time difference for all cognitive tests remained after controlling for age of onset of menopause, education, and previous hysterectomy. Conclusions: Although conclusions are limited by small sample size and the relatively short duration of treatment, results suggest that 9 months of estrogen replacement in combination with trimonthly progestin does not improve cognitive performance in women over 75 years who do not have dementia or depression.
Determination of the number and distribution of oligosaccharide linkage positions in O-linked glycoproteins by capillary electrophoresis

O-Linked oligosaccharide chains are found in a wide variety of glycoproteins. Determination of the number of O-linked serine and threonine residues is an important step in glycoprotein characterization. Alkaline release of the oligosaccharide chains from the peptide chain followed by bisulfite addition to the unsaturated residues generates sulfonates. Hydrolysis of treated samples followed by derivatization with naphthalene 2,3-dicarboxyaldehyde and cyanide results in analytes which are separated and quantitated by capillary electrophoresis with UV detection. The utility of the method was demonstrated using bovine submaxillary mucin yielding results that agreed with previously published values.
Stability and existence of diffusions with discontinuous or rapidly growing drift terms

Local stochastic stability property used to prove stability and existence of diffusions with rapidly growing drift terms
Changes in acid phosphatase activity in 6 tissues of the fifth instar milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus

Acid phosphatase activity in the hemolymph and cuticle was higher during the early part of the fifth instar than at any other time. The enzyme activity in the fat body, testes, salivary glands, and midgut was statistically the same throughout the instar.
Optimal Capacity Scheduling---II

This paper is a continuation of the preceding article. When no special assumption is made about the cost coefficient cij in the capacity scheduling model, it is necessary, as has been shown, to solve the problem by means of a transshipment linear programming model. But for a large class of real situations, the cij can be described in terms of a specific mathematical function that leads to considerable simplifications in the solution algorithm. Here the algorithmic simplifications are explored in detail. The analysis of the capacity scheduling model is also extended to situations in which initial capacities exist, and an application of the model to the multicommodity warehousing problem is given.
Physical properties of aromatic hydrocarbons: V. The solidification behavior of 1:2 diphenylbenzene

The crystallization behavior of purified 1:2 diphenylbenzene has been studied over approximately six orders of magnitude in growth rate and 75°C of undercooling. Crystallization rates range from 1.81 × 10-6 cm sec-1 at 55.1°C to 3.60 × 10-3 cm sec-1 at 39°C (where the rate passes through a maximum value), down to 3.40 × 10-9 cm sec-1 at -19.1°C, the lowest temperature studied. The growth rate varies smoothly with temperature, but cannot be adequately described by the classical Fisher-Turnbull model for crystallization kinetics. The logarithm of the product of the growth rate and the viscosity varies non-linearly with the undercooling cooling expressed as (TΔT)-1. When self-diffusion data are used in the analysis in place of the viscosity results, an almost linear dependence was noted. However, it was also necessary to modify the transport term of the rate equation since the classical Arrhenius form overestimates the contribution of the interfacial transport term to the growth rate. A kinetic limit at small undercooling, in excess of 1°C, and other morphological and kinetic evidence support a surface nucleation growth mechanism. The crystalline phase exhibits a faceted interface at all temperatures in keeping with Jackson's model for materials possessing large entropies of fusion. Parameters pertinent to the crystalline and glassy condition of 1:2 DPB are discussed and compared with other materials. Factors responsible for the disagreement between theory and experiment are discussed.