cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Et tu, Android?: regulating dangerous and dishonest robots

Consumer robots like personal digital assistants, automated cars, robot companions, chore-bots, and personal drones raise common consumer protection issues, such as fraud, privacy, data security, and risks to health, physical safety, and finances. They also raise new consumer protection issues, or at least call into question how existing consumer protection regimes might be applied to such emerging technologies. Yet it is unclear which legal regimes should govern these robots and what consumer protection rules for robots should look like.This paper argues that the FTC's grant of authority and existing jurisprudence are well-suited for protecting consumers who buy and interact with robots. The FTC has proven to be a capable regulator of communications, organizational procedures, and design, which are the three crucial concepts for safe consumer robots.
Societal Impacts and Ethics of GIS

This article provides an introduction and overview of the societal impacts and ethics of GIS. The article is divided into three main parts. First, we provide a brief history of how ethics have been implemented and understood following World War II, and more specifically in GIS and digital mapping. We then examine ethics in two case studies: predictive policing and GeoDesign. These two sections are structured around a common set of questions: How does ethics manifest in questions of data acquisition , data management, and data dissemination ? In the conclusion, we consider more recent ethical considerations which have taken a turn toward issues of justice and power, or what might be thought of as a more explicitly political/politicized approach.
Towards unifying racial and ethnic paradigms

ABSTRACTBridging the divide between the ethnic/assimilation and the race literatures has long vexed sociologists. Valdez and Golash-Boza are to be commended for the intellectual effort they display in this article to engage this messy and contentious relationship. The distinction between the ethnic paradigm which produces assimilation projects and the racial paradigm which produces structural racism projects is important. I further this by noting that the process involved in the racial paradigm is racialization. I engage three examples: Mexican Americans, African-Americans, and white Americans. Together, these provide clarity to the discussion of how to pursue a unified approach.
Investigation of local gas holdup and bubble dynamics using four-point optical probe technique in a split-cylinder airlift reactor

Abstract A four-point optical fiber probe technique was employed in a split-cylinder airlift reactor with an air-water system. Effect of superficial gas velocities- 0.3, 1.0, 2.0, and 2.8 cm/s- was studied on the local gas holdup and bubble dynamic properties namely, bubble passage frequency, interfacial area, bubble chord length, and bubble rise velocity in both the riser and downcomer sections of the reactor. The bubble chord length and bubble velocity in the riser and downcomer followed log-normal distribution and normal distribution respectively. The gas holdup and interfacial area in the riser increased by 900 and 800% for a superficial gas velocity increase from 0.3 to 2.8 cm/s, while those at the top of the downcomer by 500, and 400% for a superficial gas velocity increase from 1.0 to 2.8 cm/s, respectively. At each superficial gas velocity, the bubble passage frequency, gas holdup, and interfacial area did not vary significantly along the axis of the riser. An axial variation in bubble passage frequency, gas holdup, and interfacial area was observed in the downcomer. A correlation for the variation of the gas holdup in the riser was developed based on superficial gas and liquid circulation velocities. The correlation for the gas holdup in the downcomer was developed to account for the axial variation observed.
Abstract A36: Characterizing the role of Egfr signaling in mediating the exacerbative effect of acute inflammation on tumor development in a mouse model for familial adenomatous polyposis

Over the past decade a number of inducible mouse models of intestinal tumor formation have been developed to study the genetic and cellular changes that contribute to colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Among them, the Lrig1-Cre/+;Apcfl/+ mice serve as a good model to study familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), as the targeted elimination of one copy of the Apc gene in the Lrig1-expressing (Lrig1+) intestinal progenitor cells leads to loss of heterozygosity of the remaining wild-type Apc allele in the intestinal epithelium and eventually the formation of multiple histologically advanced adenomas in the distal colon. However, adenomas formed in the Lrig1-Cre/+;Apcfl/+ mice do not progress to adenocarcinomas. In order to develop a mouse model that recapitulates the process of CRC development in its entirety, we treated the Lrig1-Cre/+;Apcfl/+ mice with the proinflammatory reagent dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and found that a single cycle of DSS right after tamoxifen-induced initial loss of one Apc allele significantly exacerbated tumor formation in the distal colon. Interestingly, DSS-treated Lrig1-Cre/+;Apcfl/+ mice also developed highly dysplastic tumors in the proximal colon, which is normally spared from tumor formation in the untreated Lrig1-Cre/+;Apcfl/+ mice. Using a newly developed chimeric Egfr protein reporter mouse, we are interrogating the roles of dysregulated epithelial and stromal Egfr signaling in promoting tumor development in the DSS-treated Lrig1-Cre/+;Apcfl/+;EgfrEmGFP/+ mice. Citation Format: Wei Li, Yu-Ping Yang, Robert J. Coffey, Jr. Characterizing the role of Egfr signaling in mediating the exacerbative effect of acute inflammation on tumor development in a mouse model for familial adenomatous polyposis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Modeling Cancer in Mice: Technology, Biology, and Beyond; 2017 Sep 24-27; Orlando, Florida. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A36.
Disturbance Rejection with Stability

In this chapter, we will study the following linear systems subject to actu­ator saturation and persistent disturbances
Diagnosis of Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) Intoxication in Dogs by Determination of Glycolic Acid in Serum and Urine with High Pressure Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

A relatively fast and sensitive high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC/MS) method was developed for determination of glycolic acid, one of the major metabolites of ethylene glycol, in extracts of canine urine and serum. The procedure involves extraction of glycolic acid with methyl ethyl ketone and derivatization with O-p-nitrobenzyl-N,N'-diisopropylisourea (PNBDI) in ethyl acetate solution. Recovery was greater than 94% from spiked samples. Ethylene glycol and commercial antifreeze were administered to experimental dogs at different dosage levels to reproduce the naturally occurring toxicosis associated with the consumption of commercial antifreeze. Glycolic acid was determined in either the urine or serum or both from these dogs by HPLC and GC/MS. 1,3-Butanediol, a competitive inhibitor of ethylene glycol biotransformation, was administered to one dog concurrently with antifreeze. In that experiment, it was effective in decreasing glycolic acid formation and prevented acute metabolic acidosis, kidney damage, and death.
Trends and Outcomes for Minimally Invasive Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Background The relapsing and remitting nature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) predisposes patients to the development of fibrotic strictures, which must often be managed surgically. Laparoscopy provides the potential for enhanced perioperative care. Previous studies comparing morbidity and trends of open versus laparoscopic resection have been constrained by length of study and sample size. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, patients with primary diagnosis of IBD undergoing surgical resection from 2005 to 2015 were identified. Morbidity and mortality rates were then compared between open and laparoscopic resections using multiple logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 10,699 resections were performed on IBD patients; 4816 (45.0%) of which were performed laparoscopically. The use of laparoscopy increased annually from 20.9% in 2005 to 55.4% in 2015. Comparing laparoscopic versus open, all 30-d outcomes tended to favor laparoscopy with the exception of operating room time, which was equal between the two groups. The difference in 30-d outcomes was statistically significant in laparoscopy versus open technique for pneumonia (1.0% versus 2.0%), ventilator use >48 h (0.6% versus 1.9%), acute renal failure (0.1% versus 0.4%), renal insufficiency (0.2% versus 0.6%), superficial surgical site infection (4.6% versus 7.7%), deep incisional surgical site infection (1.1% versus 1.8%), organ space infection (5.4% versus 7.3%), urinary tract infection (1.3% versus 2.2%), death (0.2% versus 0.7%), and length of hospital stay (6.4 versus 9.4 d). Conclusions These data not only display trends that indicate that the number of laparoscopic resections for IBD have increased over time but are associated with favorable complication rates, operating time, and length of hospital stay, suggesting that laparoscopy may be a safer option for treatment of fibrotic strictures associated with IBD.
Creative Synthesis: Combining the 4C and Systems Models of Creativity

This chapter is a literature-informed conceptual essay that introduces dynamic creativity and bridges it with influential theory and generative possibility. The dynamic creativity construct grows out of the research on dynamics of creativity—both educational and cultural. Discussion moves to select influential creativity theories—Beghetto and Kaufman’s 4C Model of Creativity and Csikszentmihalyi’s systems model of creativity. A creative synthesis of these theories foregrounds their dynamic possibilities with graphical representation. A fifth C—Hidden-c—extends the theorizing about creativity with reference to Corazza’s theory of dynamic creativity, which is demonstrated in a Chinese education classroom. Hidden-c refers to creative self-beliefs and behaviors that trigger the personal power of creativity and capacity for engaging in dynamic creativity. The role of adopter and shaper of creativity models informs the approach of this eclectic, layered work that is supported with original graphics. Implications for continuing the conversation about dynamic creativity conclude it.
Determining the Impact of Missing Values on Blocking in Record Linkage

Record linkage is the process of integrating information from the same underlying entity across disparate data sets. This process, which is increasingly utilized to build accurate representations of individuals and organizations for a variety of applications, ranging from credit worthiness assessments to continuity of medical care, can be computationally intensive because it requires comparing large quantities of records over a range of attributes. To reduce the amount of computation in record linkage in big data settings, blocking methods, which are designed to limit the number of record pair comparisons that needs to be performed, are critical for scaling up the record linkage process. These methods group together potential matches into blocks, often using a subset of attributes before a final comparator function predicts which record pairs within the blocks correspond to matches. Yet data corruption and missing values adversely influence the performance of blocking methods (e.g., it may cause some matching records not to be placed in the same block). While there has been some investigation into the impact of missing values on general record linkage techniques (e.g., the comparator function), no study has addressed the impact of the missing values on blocking methods. To address this issue, in this work, we systematically perform a detailed empirical analysis of the individual and joint impact of missing values and data corruption on different blocking methods using realistic data sets. Our results show that blocking approaches that do not depend on one type of blocking attributes are more robust against missing values. In addition, our results indicate that blocking parameters must be chosen carefully for different blocking techniques.
Neuronal Gluconeogenesis Regulates Systemic Glucose Homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster.

Summary Gluconeogenesis is a well-established metabolic process whereby glucose is generated from small carbon molecules in the liver and kidney to maintain blood glucose levels. Expression of gluconeogenic genes has been reported in other organs of mammals and insects, where their function is not yet known. In the fruit fly, one of the gluconeogenic genes, glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) is exclusively expressed in the CNS. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based glucose sensor, we show that a small subset of neurons in the fly brain is capable of carrying out gluconeogenesis. Moreover, we find that G6P mutant flies exhibit low whole-body glucose levels within 24 h of food deprivation. This phenotype can be mimicked by silencing G6P neurons and rescued by experimentally controlled activation in the absence of G6P. These results indicate that neural activity of G6P neurons, but not glucose production per se, is critical for glucose homeostasis. Lastly, we observe that neuronal gluconeogenesis promotes anterograde neuropeptide distribution from the soma to axon terminals, suggesting that the generation of glucose facilitates neuropeptide transport. Together, our analysis reveals a novel role for gluconeogenesis in neuronal signaling.
Une ou deux composantes ? La réponse de la diffusion en ondelettes

With the aim of constructing a biologically plausible model of machine listening, we study the representation of a multicomponent stationary signal by a wavelet scattering network. First, we show that renormalizing second-order nodes by their first-order parents gives a simple numerical criterion to establish whether two neighboring components will interfere psychoacoustically. Secondly, we generalize the `one or two components' framework to three sine waves or more, and show that a network of depth $M = \log_2 N$ suffices to characterize the relative amplitudes of the first $N$ terms in a Fourier series, while enjoying properties of invariance to frequency transposition and component-wise phase shifts.
Spectral Graph Forge: A Framework for Generating Synthetic Graphs With a Target Modularity

Community structure is an important property that captures inhomogeneities common in large networks, and modularity is one of the most widely used metrics for such community structure. In this paper, we introduce a principled methodology, the Spectral Graph Forge, for generating random graphs that preserves community structure from a real network of interest, in terms of modularity. Our approach leverages the fact that the spectral structure of matrix representations of a graph encodes global information about community structure. The Spectral Graph Forge uses a low-rank approximation of the modularity matrix to generate synthetic graphs that match a target modularity within user-selectable degree of accuracy, while allowing other aspects of structure to vary. We show that the Spectral Graph Forge outperforms state-of-the-art techniques in terms of accuracy in targeting the modularity and randomness of the realizations, while also preserving other local structural properties and node attributes. We discuss extensions of the Spectral Graph Forge to target other properties beyond modularity, and its applications to anonymization.
Some issues in blockchain for accounting and the supply chain, with an application of distributed databases to virtual organizations

This paper reviews some recent blockchain‐based applications for information capture, distribution and preservation. As part of that review, this paper examines two key concerns with current blockchain designs for accounting and supply chain transactions: data independence and multiple semantic models for the same information distribution problem. Blockchain applications typically integrate database, application and presentation tiers all in the same ledger. This results in a general inability to query information in the ledger and other concerns. Further, since most applications appear to be private blockchain applications, there is a concern of agents needing to accommodate multiple blockchains depending on who their trading partners are and what they request. Finally, this paper uses a distributed database to design a ‘blockchain‐like’ system for virtual organizations.
Rib fracture displacement worsens over time

Rib fractures (RF) occur in 10% of trauma patients; associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite advancing technology of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF), treatment and indications remain controversial. Lack of displacement is often cited as a reason for non-operative management. The purpose was to examine RF patterns hypothesizing RF become more displaced over time. Retrospective review of all RF patients from 2016–2017 at our institution. Patients with initial chest CT (CT1) followed by repeat CT (CT2) within 84 days were included. Basic demographics were obtained. Primary outcomes included RF displacement in millimeters (mm) between CT1 and CT2 in three planes (AP = anterior/posterior, O = overlap/gap, and SI = superior/inferior). Displacement was calculated by subtracting CT1 fracture displacement from CT2 displacement for each rib. Given anatomic and clinical characteristics, ribs were grouped (1–2, 3–6, 7–10, 11–12), averaged, and analyzed for displacement. Secondary outcome included number of missed RF on CT1. Non-parametric sign test and paired t test were used for analysis. Significance was set at p < 0.002. 78 of 477 patients with RF on CT1 had CT2 during the study period: primarily male (76%) and age 55.8 ± 20.1 with blunt mechanism of injury (99%). Median Injury Severity Score was 21 (IQR, 13–27) with Chest Abbreviated Injury Score of 3 (IQR, 3–4). Median time between CT1 and CT2 was 6 days (IQR, 3–12). Missed RF rate for CT1 was 10.1% (p = 0.11). Average fracture displacement was significantly increased for all rib groupings except 11–12 in all planes (p < 0.002). RF become more displaced over time. Pain regimens and SSRF considerations should be adjusted accordingly.
Long-term stability of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–fifth edition scores in a clinical sample

This study investigated the stability of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition (WISC-V) scores for 225 children and adolescents from an outpatient neuropsychological clinic across,...
90449 Can Ultrasound detect changes to spinal cord blood flow before and after injury

ABSTRACT IMPACT: To track recovery and mitigate additional spinal cord injury (avoiding further paralysis), we are assessing the applicability of an implantable ultrasound device that can monitor the tissue health postoperatively. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To date, no method has been developed that monitors spinal cord perfusion rate (mL/min/g) or pressure (mmHg) successfully after the surgery. Our goal is to design, construct, and validate (in animal models) a novel sensor that quantifies postoperative tissue perfusion in patients with SCI at the site of and downstream from the injury. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A sample size of 10 animals will allow us to test our hypothesis to track tissue perfusion before and after the SCI using ultrasound. After prepping and scrubbing the animal, the skin will be incised with a blade, bony structures will be removed and the spinal cord will be revealed. A 25-g weight will then be dropped from a height of 15 cm, and the animal will be observed for contraction of the lower extremities, a sign that the cord was damaged. Using Doppler ultrasound settings available on commercial transducers, we will investigate the acceptable frequency, as well as proper Doppler mode with and without contrast agents, and with and without elastography (stiffness mapping of the tissue). A range of frequencies will be tested (5 -25 MHz). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: It is expected that at frequencies 12 MHz and above, our radiologist collaborators would be able to easily detect the blood flow. It is also expected that the injury will have a noticeable effect on the changes of this detected blood flow. We aim to present figures demonstrating ultrasound image qualities obtained at various frequencies. We expect three such figures: one for gray scale ultrasound imaging, one for color Doppler and finally, one for spectral Doppler, which is the one mostly used to quantify blood flow. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: To monitor recovery and mitigate secondary injury in patients with traumatic SCI, there is a need to monitor tissue perfusion intra-operatively. To address this need, we will design, construct, and validate a novel sensor that will postoperatively quantify tissue perfusion for the SCI patients at the site of the injury.
Military Medical Ethics & the United States: An Overview of Recent Developments in the Operationalized Landscape

In recent years, there has been increasing academic attention focused on military medical ethics. The fields of bioethics, professional ethics, and political science (among others) have begun to analyze the contexts of the military institution and the conflict zone, considering how the risks (and other features) inherent in these settings may complicate moral decisions for those agents involved. The institutional purpose of the military and the context of deployment present risks and austerity that are rarely paralleled in civilian medicine. In recognition of this, militaries have begun including ethical principles in formal doctrine and establishing collaborations with subject matter experts in the field. However, little attention has been paid to how these discussions have been operationalized in the military itself. This chapter offers an overview of the ways in which different international organizations have included ethical discussion related to military medicine in policy, and how these have then been interpreted and applied to both programming and practice within the United States Department of Defense (US DoD). Recently, the US DoD has taken purposeful steps to explicitly develop policy and programming related to military medical ethics—including the publication of Military Health System (MHS) Principles of Medical Ethics and the establishment of the Defense Medical Ethics Center (DMEC). These developments will be the focus of this chapter.
Ossa Eats Doilies, Some Say Antimacassars: A Rondez-Voos w James

Thanks for staying in there with the little book project. I would say the enclosed four, plus the Borges piece, Merwin's DWELLING, Chambers's CAKE, and your MARY, MARY were all in. How many more can Kim print? Right now we could add four or five, something by Persinger (if you insist), Kelly's OPERA, Vogelsang's A FILM OF OUR . . . BUT FIRST, and then as you say, there's Aukema, Kosinski, Hawkes, Barth, Gass, et al. I'll write Barthelme c/o NEW YORKER.
Designing and conducting experiments for range beef cows

Designing and conducting effective research for range beef systems involves analysis of intended application of the results, identification of factors affecting variation, and selection of appropriate research methods so that precise inferences can be made. Variances associated with time, location, animal, and error in grazing research can be high. Variation due to treatment × location and treatment × time interactions is reduced by increasing the number of locations and periods tested. Random error is reduced by increasing the total number of observations. Animals, pastures, and weather are significant sources of variation in grazing studies. Factors that influence nutrient requirements or nutrient intake of cows are potential sources of variation. Amount and quality of herbage produced are highly variable within and among years and are closely related to the amount and pattern of precipitation. Vegetative measurements (e.g., cover or standing biomass) should be planned as a step in developing experimental designs and to aid in experimental layout and interpretation of the data. Vegetation sampling should be less inten- sive and largely descriptive in large study areas when the objectives are to measure a livestock production response and vegeta- tion responses are considered incidental. As the priority of the objectives moves toward emphasizing plant response and the size of the study area declines, the intensity of sampling on a land unit basis increases and the need for precision increases. Gener- ally, multiple years of study are required to address between-year variances. Experimental units and replication are key to effec- tive experimentation. Without replication in space and(or) time, there would be no estimate of experimental error. In supplemen- tation studies on range, experimental units are generally animals, pastures, or ranches. Animal, pasture, and ranch have advantages and disadvantages as experimental units. The advantages and disadvantages are related to hypothesis, objectives, inference, resources, number of animals, and number of treatments. When economic evaluations are part of systems research, economists should be involved in planning the experiment and formulating hypotheses. Hypotheses and interpretation of bio- logical data may be different than for economic data. Costs need to be estimated for correct unit of output, and cost alone may be insufficient to properly rank the economic outcomes of the research.
Wheelchair Basketball Teams as “Second Families” in Highland Ecuador

This paper examines the concept of second families as social networks that complement primary families as forms of social support and identify formation. Based on analysis of narratives of three wheelchair basketball players, I argue that second families play a crucial role the performance of masculinity and personal development for physically disabled men.
Evidence of Proteasome-mediated Cytochrome P-450 Degradation

The cytochrome P-450 family of enzymes performs an incredibly diverse range of detoxification and oxidation reactions within the cell and constitutes between 5 and 10% of protein in hepatic endoplasmic reticulum. In this report it is demonstrated that constitutively expressed membranous P-450s are targeted for destruction by the proteasome, in a process which is ubiquitin-independent and is demonstrated in vitro to require prior labilization of the enzyme. This process was specific for P-450s CYP1A2, CYP2E1, CYP3A, and CYP4A and was not demonstrated to be involved in the turnover of CYP1A1, CYP2B1/2, or NADPH reductase. In reconstitution experiments using purified proteasomes and microsomal fractions, labilized P-450 conformations are protected from 20 S proteasome degradation by substrate addition, with proteolysis occurring while P-450s are still attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.
First Results from the New GSU CCD Speckle Camera

The CCD speckle camera now in use at Georgia State University has brought about considerable improvement in limiting magnitude and photometric accuracy over the old photographic system, but has also necessitated considerable changes in data storage and reduction. These new data handling techniques are outlined, with a few words about overall accuracy and a brief description of new equipment which should further improve our speckle program at GSU.
Supramolecular Chemistry of Dendrimers

This review will focus on recent progress in supramolecular dendrimer chemistry. We have chosen to present several representative examples that illustrate the diverse ways in which dendrimers can be used to create supramolecular systems. The early focus is on host-guest chemistry where molecular recognition may occur within the dendrimer interior or at its surface. Interior binding may be directed, for example, by a specific group at the dendrimer core, or it may be a nonspecific hydrophobic effect (e. g., dendrimer as unimolecular micelle). Molecular recognition at the “surface” is distinguished by the large number of end-groups and the potential for multivalent interactions. The nanoscopic size and recognition abilities of dendrimers make them ideal building blocks for self-assembly and self-organization systems. The review will focus on ways in which dendrimers may be formed by self-assembly and ways in which preformed dendrimers may interact with one another. Two types of self-organizing systems will be illustrated: liquid crystalline dendrimers and dendrimers organized at interfaces.
Children of divorce–coping with divorce: A randomized control trial of an online prevention program for youth experiencing parental divorce.

Objective Evaluate an online coping skills program to prevent mental health problems in children and adolescents from divorced or separated families. Method Children ages 11-16 (N = 147) whose families had filed for divorce were recruited using public court records. Participants were blocked by risk-score and randomly assigned to either a control (Internet self-study condition, Best of the Net (BTN) or the experimental intervention, Children of Divorce-Coping With Divorce (CoD-CoD), a 5-module highly interactive online program to promote effective coping skills. Program effects were tested on measures of children's self-reported coping and parent and youth reports of children's mental health problems. Results Significant main effects indicated that youth in CoD-CoD improved more on self-reported emotional problems relative to BTN youth (d = .37) and had a lower rate of clinically significant self-reported mental health problems (OR = .58, p = .04). A significant Baseline × Treatment interaction indicated that the 55% of youth with highest baseline problems improved more than those in BTN on their self-report of total mental health problems. A significant interaction effect indicated that CoD-CoD improved youth coping efficacy for the 30% of those with the lowest baseline coping efficacy. For the 10% of youth with lowest parent-reported risk at baseline, those who received BTN had lower problems than CoD-CoD participants. Conclusions CoD-CoD was effective in reducing youth-reported mental health problems and coping efficacy particularly for high risk youth. Parent-report indicated that, relative to BTN, CoD-CoD had a negative effect on mental health problems for a small group with the lowest risk.
Changes in the porcine intestinal microbiome in response to infection with Salmonella enterica and Lawsonia intracellularis

Salmonella enterica is a leading cause of food borne illness. Recent studies have shown that S. enterica is a pathogen capable of causing alterations to the composition of the intestinal microbiome. A recent prospective study of French pork production farms found a statistically significant association between Lawsonia intracellularis and carriage of S. enterica. In the current study the composition of the gut microbiome was determined in pigs challenged with S. enterica serovar Typhimurium and or L. intracellularis and compared to non-challenged control pigs. Principal coordinate analysis demonstrated that there was a disruption in the composition of the gut microbiome in the colon and cecum of pigs challenged with either pathogen. The compositions of the microbiomes of challenged pigs were similar to each other but differed from the non-challenged controls. There also were statistically significant increases in Anaerobacter, Barnesiella, Pediococcus, Sporacetigenium, Turicibacter, Catenibacterium, Prevotella, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Xylanibacter in the challenged pigs. To determine if these changes were specific to experimentally challenged pigs, we determined the compositions of the fecal microbiomes of naturally infected pigs that were carriers of S. enterica. Pigs that were frequent shedders of S. enterica were shown to have similar fecal microbiomes compared to non-shedders or pigs that shed S. enterica infrequently. In a comparison of the differentially abundant bacteria in the naturally infected pigs compared to experimentally challenged pigs, 9 genera were differentially abundant and each exhibited the same increase or decrease in abundance between the two groups. Thus, there were similar changes in the GI microbiome associated with carriage of S. enterica regardless of whether the pigs were experimentally challenged with S. enterica or acquired it naturally.
Transcription Termination Signals in the Nin Region of Bacteriophage Lambda: Identification of Rho-Dependent Termination Regions

The approximately 3-kb nin region of bacteriophage lambda, located between genes P and Q contains transcription termination signals as well as 10 open reading frames. Deletions in the nin region frees phage growth from dependence on the lambda-encoded N-transcription antitermination system, conferring a Nin phenotype (N-independence). A subregion of nin, roc, is defined by a 1.9-kb deletion (delta roc) which partially frees lambda growth from the requirement for N antitermination. The roc region has strong transcription termination activity as assayed by a plasmid-based terminator testing system. We report the following features of the roc region: the biologically significant terminators in the roc region are Rho dependent, deletion analysis located the biologically significant termination signals to a 1.2 kb-segment of roc, and analysis of other deletions and point mutations in the roc region suggested at least two biologically significant regions of termination, tR3 (extending from bp 42020 to 42231) and tR4 (extending from bp 42630 to 42825).
Sex, Death, and Pine Needles in FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS

For Whom the Bell Tolls opens with Robert Jordan lying on his belly in fallen pine needles as he explores his intended target on his mission to blow up a bridge. He makes love to Maria four times i...
Customs associated with premarital sexual freedom in 143 societies

In a world sample of 143 diverse societies, partial correlations and a multiple regression demonstrated that seven customs each had an independently statistically significant association with a high degree of premarital sexual freedom. Three customs, which support independence of marital couples, are minimal government hierarchy, no payment at marriage, and pigs are the largest domesticated animals. Four customs, which support community cooperation, are ceremonial praying, matrilineal kinship, exogamous marriage, and a high degree of community integration. Within the past century, premarital sexual intercourse has become more permitted in many industrialized nations. This change may be partly attributable to more independence of marital couples and cooperation in more widespread communities.
Control of Factors Affecting Reproducibility of Mechanical Properties of Refractory Semidry Press Specimens

The factors that affect the uniformity of semidry press refractories were studied. Specimens were made from batches having either raw flint clay or calcined flint clay as the granular material. They were formed by uniaxial pressing in a steel mold or by hydrostatic pressing in a rubber mold. Refinements in the control of factors that affect reproducibility, including particle sizing, mixing, forming, drying, and heat-treating, are discussed. Modulus of elasticity and strength in tension were obtained, and the average values, coefficients of variation, and strain variability within the specimen were the criteria of reproducibility. All specimens of this particular material developed pressure cracks after forming in a steel mold. Sound specimens having reasonable reproducibility were obtained by hydrostatic molding and strict control of other variables. Specimens made from calcined grog were the most reproducible.
Gambling as a function of gender and Sensation Seeking

This study examined the relation of gender and Sensation Seeking (SS) Scale scores to undergraduates' ratings of their past/present and expected future participation in four leisure activities that usually involve betting money. Subjects completed McKeachnie's (1975) Leisure Activities Blank (LAB), which included the gambling items, and Zuckerman's (1979) SS Scale. Men reported significantly more past/present leisure gambling than women; gender differences were insignificant in ratings of expected future gambling. No significant differences in reported past/present gambling related to any SS scale score. However, expected future gambling ratings were associated with scores on two SS subscales: Disinhibition (DIS) and Boredom Susceptibility (BS). Both male and female subjects with high DIS scores rated the frequency of expected future gambling higher than did subjects with low DIS scores. High BS scores were associated with high ratings of expected future gambling in the data for women subjects only. These results suggest that personality factors, among them SS, are more influential than early experience or sex-role socialization in determining a young adult's interest in gambling.
Speech, Harm, and the Mind-Body Problem in First Amendment Jurisprudence

“Sucks and stones will break my bones,” Justice Scalia pronounced from the bench in oral arguments in Schenck v. Pro-Choice Network, “but words can never hurt me. That's the First Amendment,” he added. Jay Alan Sekulow, the lawyer for the petitioners, anti-abortion protesters who had been enjoined from moving closer than fifteen feet away from those entering an abortion facility, was obviously pleased by this characterization of the right to free speech, replying, “That's certainly our position on it, and that is exactly correct …”
Drinking and Deviance Disavowal: The Case of Child Molesters

This report investigates how some persons convicted of sexual offenses against children explain these offenses. Explanations involving denial or drinking of alcohol are found to be related to a dissociation from others who molest children. This “deviance disavowal,” which is an attempt to sustain an identity as “normal,” is currently discouraged in the treatment process which many molesters must undergo. It is suggested that such disavowal may represent the deviant's own effort to correct his behavior and thus have implications for future conduct.
Neonatal estradiol exposure alters uterine morphology and endometrial transcriptional activity in prepubertal gilts.

Abstract Porcine endometrial development between birth (postnatal day=PND 0) and PND 56 involves differentiation of glandular epithelium (GE) from luminal epithelium (LE) and estrogen receptor-α (ER) expression. Juvenile ER architecture evolves after birth, as stroma and nascent GE first express ER. Mature ER architecture is evident after PND 30, when stroma, GE and LE are ER-positive. When administered during discrete periods between PND 0 and 56, effects of estradiol-17β valerate (EV) on the neonatal porcine uterus relate to endometrial ER architecture. Transient EV exposure from birth reduces embryo survival in pregnant adult gilts. Effects of EV, administered as juvenile endometrial ER architecture develops (P1, PND 0–13), or after mature ER architecture is established (P2, PND 42–55), were evaluated in uteri from gilts treated with corn oil or EV in P1 or P2 and hysterectomized on PND 100 without additional steroids (NSt), on PND 102 after EV on PND100–101 (EV2), or on PND 117 after EV2 followed by progesterone on PND 102–116 (EP). Neonatal EV reduced uterine weight (P 3 H-leucine into nondialyzable endometrial products in vitro (P
High performance liquid chromatography analysis of D-penicillamine by derivatization with N-(1-pyrenyl)maleimide (NPM).

D-Penicillamine (2-amino-3-mercapto-3-methylbutanoic acid), a well-known heavy metal chelator, is the drug of choice in the treatment of Wilson's disease and is also effective for the treatment of several disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, primary biliary cirrhosis, scleroderma, fibrotic lung diseases and progressive systemic sclerosis. The method proposed incorporates a technique, previously developed in our laboratory, that utilizes the derivatizing agent N-(1-pyrenyl)maleimide (NPM) and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The coefficients of variation for within-run precision and between-run precision for 500 nM standard D-penicillamine (D-pen) were 2.27% and 2.23%, respectively. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were given 1 g/kg D-pen i.p. and the amounts of D-pen in liver, kidney, brain and plasma were subsequently analyzed. This assay is rapid, sensitive and reproducible for determining D-pen in biological samples.
A morphological study of the nervous system of the praesoma of Octospinifer macilentus (Acanthocephala: Noechinorhynchidae).

The nerve pathways in the praesoma are described for the first time for a member of the genus Octospinifer. Eleven nerves, five paired, and one single, are traced from the cerebral ganglion to their associations with the musculature of the body wall, neck sense organs, and the musculature of the proboscis wall and the invertor muscles of the proboscis. The structure and location of the Stutzzelle (support cell) and its association with the neck sense organs are described. A comparison with the nervous system in the praesoma of Noechinorhynchus and Paulisentis is discussed.
Measurement of Branching Ratio for K + → e + ν

Using a $2\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{r}$ magnetic spectrometer, the branching ratio for ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{+}\ensuremath{\nu}$ relative to that for ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}\ensuremath{\nu}$ has been measured to be (2.42 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.42) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$, in good agreement with the predictions of the $V\ensuremath{-}A$ theory.
Crystal growth of KInO2 from a hydroxide flux

Abstract Single crystals of KInO 2 were obtained from a reactive potassium hydroxide flux at 700 °C. KInO 2 crystallizes in the R -3 m crystal system with a =3.2998(10) A, c =18.322(10) A and V =172.78(12) A 3 . The crystal structure is isotypic with that of α-NaFeO 2 and consists of the (1 1 1) layers being occupied alternately by KO 6 and InO 6 octahedra. Three different A InO 2 structure types are discussed.
Breast cancer screening for older women in a primary care practice.

OBJECTIVE: To determine rates of breast cancer screening for older women cared for in a primary care practice and to identify associations between patient and physician characteristics and breast cancer screening. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of older women. SETTING: An urban hospital-based academic general medicine practice. This practice uses a computerized medical record and office procedures that facilitate tracking and ordering of mammograms. PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of 130 women aged 65 to 80 who receive primary care at a hospital-based general medicine practice. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected from the hospital's computerized medical record. We recorded all clinical breast exams and mammograms performed or recommended during the 2-year study period. RESULTS: The median age of the 130 women studied was 71, and 21% of the women were black. Most patients had no serious comorbid illness (69% ) and were independent in their activities of daily living (92%). During the 2-year study period, mammography was recommended for 95% of women and completed for 84%, and clinical breast exam was performed on 75%. Patients of male physicians had higher rates of mammography than patients of female physicians (89% vs 75%, P = .045). Patients of faculty physicians had higher rates of clinical breast exam than patients of house officers or fellows (83% vs 56%, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: We report a very high rate of mammography for women cared for at a hospital-based primary care practice. The systems in place to facilitate ordering and tracking of mammograms probably contributed to the unusually high rate of mammography observed.
Fine structural evidence of degeneration in supraoptic nucleus and subfornical organ of rats with lesions in the anteroventral third ventricle

Abstract Lesions of the tissue surrounding the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) alter mechanisms controlling body fluid homeostasis and hemodynamics. A period of adipsia and impaired antidiuresis follows AV3V destruction, which causes lesioned animals to become severely dehydrated. In lesioned rats, mechanisms maintaining water balance appear to be refractory to antigiostensin and osmotic stimuli. To further investigate the neural basis for the observed alterations in body fluid balance, the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and subfornical organ (SFO) of rats with adipsia-producing lesions in the AV3V were examined by electron microscopy. In SONS of lesioned rats, degenerating fibers and terminals were present. Degenerating axonal terminals were seen in both axodendritic and axoaxonal synapses on magnocellular neurosecretory cells. These affected terminals in the SONsof lesioned rats may arise from osmoreceptors and angiotensin receptors which have somas or fibers in the lesioned area. Some fibers containing neurosecretory granulated vesicles also underwent degeneration. Neuronal somas displaying retrograde degenerative changes were present in SFOs after AV3V lesions. Degenerating fibers, some of which may be fibers of passage through the SFO, were common. However, little evidence of degenerative changes was seen in axon terminals in the SFOs. The evidence that lesions in the AV3V damaged an efferent projection field of the SFO is discussed in light of reports that AV3V lesions destroy responses in which the SFO is believed to participate.
Structural characterization and nanometer-scale domain formation in phospholipid model membranes by infrared spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy

Research in this laboratory is presently being conducted towards the structural characterization of well-ordered molecular monolayers using an integrated spectroscopic/imaging approach. We are currently using infrared spectroscopy (IR) in combination with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) on both Langmuir-Blodgett (L-B) and self-assembled (SA) monolayer films in order to obtain compositional, conformational, and topographic information about these films. We have constructed organized lipid bilayer assemblies using a combination of SA and L-B methods which were studied using this combined IR/STM approach. These studies showed acyl chain tilt angles of 5 - 10 degree(s) within the DPPG monolayer by IR and STM. In addition, nanometer-size DPPG with hexagonal-type grain boundaries, and molecular resolution of phosphoglycerol headgroup structure within these domains, have been observed by STM. Phospholipid headgroup areas are in excellent agreement with previous x-ray diffraction studies of this system.
Optimization of culture conditions for the formation of sperm cells in pollen tubes of tradescantia

A culture medium and culture conditions are described that enable generative cell division and sperm formation to occur in a large proportion (greater than 70%) of the pollen tubes of Tradescantia paludosa within six to eight hours of culture of pollen. The nature of the nitrogen source, speed of shaking, and ratio of pollen to medium are important parameters in determining the extent of sperm formation. Addition of the plant hormones indole acetic acid, gibberellic acid, and kinetin to the growth medium does not influence generative cell division.
Chronicity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and predictors of course of comorbid PTSD in patients with anxiety disorders.

The purpose of this study was to examine the course of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 54 patients with another anxiety disorder. Using a prospective longitudinal design, the present study found that during the first 5 years of follow-up the probability of full remission from a chronic episode of PTSD was .18. Findings from this and other research confirm clinical impressions that a substantial number of people never fully remit from their PTSD even after many years. Variables associated with a longer time to remit from an episode of chronic PTSD were a history of alcohol abuse and a history of childhood trauma.