cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Restoration of homeostasis during histamine-stimulated gastric secretion by rapid intravenous injection of KCl.

Summary A decline in volume of gastric secretion after 2 hr which occurs despite maintenance of intravenous infusion of histamine in fistula dogs was only partly corrected by replacement of gastric fluid losses by equivalent volumes of 0.9% NaCl with or without 0.5 mEq of KCl per kg per hr. The total output of gastric juice water, H + , Cl - , and Na+ was unchanged by replacement. The decline was thus apparently not due to either fluid loss or Cl - or K + depletion. However, secretion of H + was increased 30% by a 10-min intravenous injection of KCl (1 mEq per kg body wt) after 3 hr of histamine infusion. This restoration was accompanied by an exchange of injected K + for cellular Na + , while injected Cl - distributed in the anticipated ECF volume. Gastric juice Na + concentrations fell and K + rose. We concluded that the reversible decline in secretion may be related to Na + entry into cells due to the HCO 3 - gain by the body, creating an unfavorable Na + : K + ratio in the secreting cell.
Captures of male European pine sawflies (Hymenoptera : Diprionidae) in pheromone-baited traps in Kentucky

Captures of Male European Pine Sawflies, Neodiprion sertifer (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae), in Pheromone-baited Traps in Kentucky
Quantifying Controller Resilience Using Behavior Characterization

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems monitor and control major components of the critical infrastructure. Targeted malware such as Stuxnet is an example of a covert cyber attack against a SCADA system that resulted in physical effects. Of particular significance is how Stuxnet exploited the trust relationship between the human machine interface (HMI) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). Current methods for validating system operating parameters rely on message exchange and network communications protocols, which are generally observed at the HMI. Although sufficient at the macro level, this method does not support the detection of malware that causes physical effects via the covert manipulation of a PLC. This paper introduces an alternative method that leverages the direct analysis of PLC inputs and outputs to derive the true state of SCADA devices. The input-output behavior characteristics are modeled using Petri nets to derive metrics for quantifying the resilience of PLCs against malicious exploits. The method enables the detection of programming changes that affect input-output relationships, the identification of the degree of deviation from a baseline program and the minimization of performance losses due to disruptive events.
Nursing behavior and early development of impala at San Diego Wild Animal Park

Because impala are commonly exhibited and handreared in zoos and their natural nursing behavior had not previously been studied, we examined nursing and early development in five impala calves housed in a large, naturalistic enclosure. Calves were observed for the first 5 weeks of life during 12-hr continuous watches and 20-min focal animal samples. Total daily suckling time decreased while time grazing and feeding on concentrates increased from 1–5 weeks of age. An increasing proportion of nursing bouts were terminated by the dam as calves matured, with dams terminating almost 70% of bouts during the first week. Suckling success and maternal grooming also decreased after week I, suggesting that impala mothers cut back early on nursing and grooming of offspring. Rapid decline in mother-young spatial proximity and a concomitant increase in calf association with age-mates over time suggests that the mother-young bond is weak and ephemeral in impala. An example of the implications of our results for improving handrearing programs would be that newborn calves should be started on a daylight feeding schedule of one bottle-feeding every three hours, and that they not be allowed to gorge themselves at any one of these feedings.
Optimizing perioperative care for patients with hip fracture.

Abstract Hip fracture is one of the most common orthopedic conditions associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Patients with hip fracture are usually older, with significant comorbidities. Delayed surgical treatment beyond 48 hours after admission is associated with significantly higher mortality. Hereby clinicians are presented with the challenge to optimize the complex hip fracture within a short time period. This article reviews the evidence regarding preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations, and provides insights into the best strategies with which to optimize the patient's condition and improve perioperative outcomes.
Experimental diabetic neuropathy: an update

Diabetic neuropathy consists of several clinical syndromes affecting motor, sensory and autonomic nerves. Of these the most common is distal symmetric sensory polyneuropathy usually referred to as diabetic neuropathy. Animal studies, mainly in diabetic rodents, have contributed tremendously to our understanding of this disease. From these it is clear that the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy is multifactorial involving sequentially occurring and often closely interrelated metabolic aberrations. Major pathogenetic mechanisms include increased activity of the polyol pathway, abnormalities in vasoactive substances, non-enzymatic glycation, increased presence of free radicals, and perturbed neurotrophism. Traditionally the neuropathies accompanying Type I (insulin-dependent) and Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus have been regarded as identical. Recent investigations have, however, clearly delineated distinct differences in the functional and structural expressions of the neuropathies in the two types of diabetes. Major future challenges are the identification of the differences in underlying pathogenetic mechanisms in the two types of neuropathy and in gaining a better understanding of the hierarchy of the multifactorial mechanisms underlying the disease. This will be important for designing meaningful therapies which to date have failed miserably in diabetic neuropathy.
The facilitative glucose transporter and insulin action

Cellular uptake of glucose is a tightly controlled process. It is mediated by a family of intrinsic membrane proteins (facilitated glucose transporters or GLUTs), and further regulated by metabolites and hormones. By far the most important GLUT regulation in human physiology is that by insulin, dysfunction of which may produce insulin resistance, a hallmark of diabetes mellitus and obesity. Six isoforms are now known in GLUT family. They differ in tissue-specific expression and regulation, yet share a common transmembrane topology showing a highly conserved transmembrane domain, and less conserved cytoplasmic and exoplasmic domains. Evidence indicates that the transmembrane domain accommodates a waterfilled glucose pathway (the catalytic domain). Little is known about the role of the exoplasmic domain. As for the cytoplasmic domain, a large body of evidence indicates its importance in tissue-specific regulation of GLUT function (the regulatory domain). This domain includes the N-terminal segment, the large, central loop, and the Cterminal segment. Exactly how this domain participates in GLUT regulation is not known. An interesting possibility is that the regulation involves a specific cellular protein, which interacts with GLUT at the cytoplasmic domain and modulates the function. This putative, glucose transporter binding protein (GTBP) may be an enzyme, or a nonenzymatic adaptor or docking protein. Indeed, we have identified several cytosolic proteins that bind to the cytoplasmic domain of GLUT proteins; these include glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, glucokinase, GTBP70, GTBP85, GTBP28, and L-3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase. Interaction of GLUT protein with some of these GTPBs are functionally coupled. Whether any of these interactions is actually responsible for the insulin-induced GLUT regulation is yet to be determined.
The high cost of treating a psychiatric disorder as a medical/surgical illness.

There are numerous patients who primarily have psychiatric disorders, but repeatedly seek attention for bodily concerns, undergo multiple clinical procedures, and consume valuable medical resources. Although it seems logical to expect that the medical/surgical treatment of these patients would be both expensive and ineffective, there is little documentation of this in the literature. Consequently, we describe a patient who incurred $46,000 in medical charges in 1982, and whose estimated lifetime bills total one-half million dollars.
Initiation of the Breeding Season in a Grazing-Based Dairy by Synchronization of Ovulation

Lactating dairy cows (n = 228) in a semiseasonal, grazing-based dairy were subjected to artificial insemination (AI) to start the 23-d breeding season (d 0 to 22) followed by natural service (d 23 to 120). Cows were randomly assigned to: 1) Ovsynch (GnRH, d -10; PGF2,, d -3; GnRH, d -1; timed AI, d 0) followed by AI at estrus (tail paint removal) on d 1 to 22 (Ovsynch; n = 114); or 2) AI at estrus (tail paint removal) throughout 23 d of AI breeding (tail paint; n = 114). Days to first AI service were greater and the 23-d AI service rate was less for tail paint vs. Ovsynch cows (12.0 +/- 0.6 d vs. 0 d; and 84.2 vs. 100%, respectively). However, conception to first AI was greater for tail paint vs. Ovsynch cows (47.3 vs. 27.3%, respectively). Cows in the tail paint group received only one AI, during 23 d of AI, but 46.4% of Ovsynch cows received a second AI, with similar conception (43.1%) to that of tail paint cows at first AI (47.3%). Based on serum progesterone, incomplete luteal regression after PGF2alpha, and poor ovulatory responses to GnRH contributed to lower conception to timed AI in the Ovsynch group. Cumulative pregnancy rates for tail paint and Ovsynch cows did not differ after 23 d of AI breeding (47.3 vs. 46.3%, respectively) nor after 120 d of AI/ natural service breeding (80.5 vs. 83.3%, respectively). Lactating cows in this grazing-based dairy synchronized poorly to Ovsynch resulting in reduced conception to timed AI compared with AI after tail paint removal.
Characterization of a 20 kDa DNase elicitor from Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli and its expression at the onset of induced resistance in Pisum sativum

Summary DNase released from Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli (Fsph DNase) has previously been reported to induce pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, phytoalexin accumulation and disease resistance against subsequent challenge with the true pea pathogen, Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi (Fspi). This report is a further analysis of DNase production with probes specific for both the gene and protein. N-terminal analysis of the approximately 20 kDa Fsph DNase protein facilitated both the development of anti-Fsph DNase antiserum and the cloning of the Fsph DNase gene. Utilizing the anti-Fsph DNase antiserum to prepare an affinity column, we demonstrated that the retention and recovery of the DNase activity was associated with this protein. Fsph DNase protein was detectable by Western analysis in both the fungi and plant cytoplasm within 6-8 h following inoculation of the pea endocarp surface. Partially purified DNase detected via catalytic activity began accumulating within pea tissue at 3 h post-inoculation. Enhanced fragmentation of pea DNA occurred within 5 h following treatment of pods with Fsph DNase or inoculations with the two fungi. DNA cleavage within the nuclei of endocarp pea cells was detectable via a TUNEL assay at 3 h post-inoculation. As a result of these findings, we propose that the entrance of Fsph DNase into the pea cell and the signalling of plant defence responses is temporally associated with the damage of host DNA.
Parallel-plate capacitance sensor for nondestructive measurement of moisture content of different types of wheat

A simple, low cost instrument that measures impedance and phase angle was used along with a parallel-plate capacitance system to estimate the moisture content (MC) of six types of wheat. Moisture content of grain is important and is measured at various stages of their processing and storage. A sample of about 150 g of wheat was placed separately between a set of parallel plate electrodes and the impedance and phase angle of the system were measured at frequencies 1 and 5 MHz. A semi-empirical equation was developed using the measured impedance and phase angle values, and the computed capacitance, and the MC values obtained by standard air-oven method. Multi Linear Regression (MLR) method was used for the empirical equation development using statistical software. In the present work, a low-cost impedance analyzer designed and assembled in our laboratory was used to measure the impedance and phase angles. MC values of wheat samples in the moisture range of 9% to 25%, not used in the calibration, were predicted by the equations and compared with their standard air-oven values. For over 97% of the samples tested from the six varieties of wheat, the predicted MC values were within 1% of the air-oven values. This method, being nondestructive and rapid, will have considerable application in the drying and storage processes of wheat and similar field crops.
Warehousing and inventory management: integrating simulation modeling and equipment condition diagnostics for predictive maintenance strategies -a case study

This paper presents results from a case study in predictive maintenance at a distribution warehouse. A simulation model was built with ARENATM 5.0 for integrating predictive maintenance strategies with production planning strategies, for a conveyor system. Equipment health was monitored using condition-based parameters such as temperature and vibration for mechanical and electrical components such as rollers, electrical motors, and gearboxes. This diagnostic information was then integrated with a simulation model to simulate various equipment breakdown and failure conditions. Integration of condition-based monitoring of conveying equipment with a simulation model of the distribution system has provided a useful analytical tool for management to reduce production downtime due to unplanned maintenance activities - in this instance, downtime was reduced by more than 50% and work in process inventory was reduced by more than 65%.
Maturation Influences Electrical Field Stimulation [EFS]-Induced Relaxation of Airway Smooth Muscle in Mice

Maturation Influences Electrical Field Stimulation [EFS]-Induced Relaxation of Airway Smooth Muscle in Mice
Silver nanoparticle toxicity in the embryonic zebrafish is governed by particle dispersion and ionic environment

The mechanism of action of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is unclear due to the particles' strong tendency to agglomerate. Preventing agglomeration could offer precise control of the physicochemical properties that drive biological response to AgNPs. In an attempt to control agglomeration, we exposed zebrafish embryos to AgNPs of 20 or 110 nm core size, and polypyrrolidone (PVP) or citrate surface coatings in media of varying ionic strength. AgNPs remained unagglomerated in 62.5 μM CaCl2 (CaCl2) and ultrapure water (UP), but not in standard zebrafish embryo medium (EM). Zebrafish embryos developed normally in the low ionic strength environments of CaCl2 and UP. Exposure of embryos to AgNPs suspended in UP and CaCl2 resulted in higher toxicity than suspensions in EM. 20 nm AgNPs were more toxic than 110 nm AgNPs, and the PVP coating was more toxic than the citrate coating at the same particle core size. The silver tissue burden correlated well with observed toxicity but only for those exposures where the AgNPs remained unagglomerated. Our results demonstrate that size- and surface coating-dependent toxicity is a result of AgNPs remaining unagglomerated, and thus a critical-design consideration for experiments to offer meaningful evaluations of AgNP toxicity.
BLUE WHALE (BALAENOPTERA MUSCULUS)DISTRIBUTION IN THE EASTERN TROPICAL PACIFIC

The distribution of blue whales, Balaenoptera musculus, in the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) was analyzed from 211 sightings of 355 whales recorded during research vessel sighting surveys or by biologists aboard fishing vessels. Over 90% of the sightings were made in just two areas: along Baja California, and in the vicinity of the Costa Rica Dome (a large, stationary eddy centered near 9°N, 89°W), with the rest made along the equator near the Galapagos islands, the coasts of Ecuador and northern Peru. All sightings occurred in relatively cool, upwelling-modified waters. Because these areas are the most productive parts of the ETP, and have relatively large standing stocks of euphausiids, it seems possible that blue whales select low latitude habitats which permit foraging. The waters off western Baja California were occupied seasonally, with a peak in sightings coinciding with the spring peak in upwelling and biological production. The Costa Rica Dome area was occupied year round, suggesting either a resident population, or that both northern and southern hemisphere whales visit, with temporal overlap. The modal group size was one for all areas and seasons, but the frequency of groups with two or more whales was significantly higher in sightings made near the Galapagos Islands and the coast of Ecuador and northern Peru.
Male social activity in the small Indian mongooseHerpestes javanicus

The mongoose family, Herpestidae, includes several species that comprise the most social small Carnivora. The small Indian mongooseHerpestes javanicus (E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1818), a South Asian species that has been introduced to numerous Caribbean and Pacific islands, has not been reported to show complex sociality. A radio-tracking study conducted on Oahu, Hawaii, revealed that a group of at least 5, and perhaps more than 10, large males in the study area shared a single, large home range during the breeding season. Members of this group spent far more time than expected within 20 m of fellow members. Group members frequently shared dens, sleeping within 50 cm of each other. Females maintained very small, overlapping home ranges inside the male group’s range. Male breeding coalitions have previously been reported in a congeneric species, the slender mongooseHerpestes sanguineus.
Prospects of cyclotron resonance laser acceleration

The cyclotron resonance laser (CRL) accelerator is a novel concept of accelerating continuous charged-particle beams to moderately or highly relativistic energies. This paper discusses the prospects and limitations of this concept. In particular, a three-dimensional, self-consistent theory is used to analyze the nonlinear interaction of an electron beam with an intense traveling electromagnetic wave in such an accelerator. The parameter regimes of experimental interest are identified on the basis of scaling calculations. The results of simulation modelling of a multi-megavolt electron CRL accelerator are presented. The possibility of building continuous-wave (CW) CRL accelerators is discussed.
Solid rocket motor grain burnback analysis using adaptive grids

This article describes a solid rocket motor ballistics tool capable of calculating burning surface area progressions in either axisymmetric or two-dimension al grains using adaptive gridding techniques. The main advantages of this tool are its ease of use and generalized capabilities in handling spatially dependent burning rate information. The solution algorithm determines optimal locations for the number of grain surface points desired by utilizing weighting factors. Wall proximity, surface curvature, and spatial burning rate variations are considered in assigning the value of this weighting factor. Nomenclature 0, b = constants in weighting function, Eq. (4) F{ = local value of weighting function, Eq. (4) k = constant in burning rate expression, Eq. (7) n = burning rate exponent P = chamber pressure R = radial coordinate Rc = radius of curvature of propellant surface ^case = radial distance to case wall r = propellant burning rate s = natural coordinate measured parallel to local grain surface Wj = local wall proximity distance Wiimit = minimum allowable W,- value, Eq. (4) w = web distance Z = axial coordinate
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Risk Factors: How Can We Improve Outcomes in the High-Risk Patient?

Risk assessment algorithms, such as that used in the third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) for treating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, can be used to classify patients' risk for cardiovascular and metabolic problems and to determine the appropriate level of therapeutic intervention. Patients at highest risk should receive the most intensive therapy. The presence of the metabolic syndrome, a clustering of atherogenic risk factors including dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and other problems, confers additional risk for diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at every level of risk. Pharmacotherapy with lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, antihypertensive, or insulin-sensitizing agents to modify specific risk factors is indicated in patients at higher risk, but lifestyle change (e.g., smoking cessation, weight reduction, increased physical activity, and "heart-healthy" dietary modifications) and blood pressure control can be used across all categories of risk.
924-118 The January 17,1994 Los Angeles Earthquake as a Trigger for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background The January 17, 1994 Los Angeles earthquake (EQ) provided a unique opportunity to examine the effect of extensive environmental disaster associated with tremendous emotional stress on the incidenCe of acute cardiac events. Methods We surveyed 75 coronary care units (CCUs) in Southern California comparing the number of admissions for myocardial infarction (MI), unstable angina (UA), total CCU admissions and related in-hospital mortality in the week before (Jan 10–16) and after (Jan 17–23) the EQ. Five CCUs were excluded because of insufficient data. The relative risk for MI following the EQ was assessed in a subgroup of 29 CCUs that were able to provide data on the equivalent period in 1993. Results Total number of pts (average number ± SD per CCU): cases Week Before Week After p Value MI 147 (2.1 ± 2.7) 195 (2.9 ± 3.1) 0.01 UA 255 (3.6 ± 5.2) 273 (3.9 ± 5.2) 0.39 Total CCU pts 1096 (15.7 ± 13.2) 1174(16.8 ± 13.2) 0.18 The % of CCU admissions for Ml increased in the week following the EQ [195 of 1174 (16.6%) vs. 147 of 1096 (13.4%); P = 0.04]. The % of CCUs reporting increased number of MIs was higher in hospitals located within 15 miles of the EQ epicenter vs. hospitals located g 15 miles [11 of 14 (79%) vs. 23 of 56(41%); p = 002]. In-hospital mortality (%) was similar for Ml and UA pts in the week before and after the EQ (Ml: 7% vs. 6%; UA: 1% vs. 0%, respectively). In comparison to 1993 (subgroup of 29 CCUs), there was a significant increase in the risk of developing MI in the week following the EQ vs. the week before (1994: 70 vs. 41 pts; 1993: 49 vs. 68 pts, respectively; odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.4 – 4.0). Conclusions 1) Our data indicate a significant increase in the incidence of Ml but not UA or in hospital mortality in the week following the EQ. 2) Our observation supports the concept that a stressful event can trigger acute MI.
The adaptation and mitigation potential of traditional agriculture in a changing climate

The threat of global climate change has caused concern among scientists because crop production could be severely affected by changes in key climatic variables that could compromise food security both globally and locally. Although it is true that extreme climatic events can severely impact small farmers, available data is just a gross approximation at understanding the heterogeneity of small scale agriculture ignoring the myriad of strategies that thousands of traditional farmers have used and still use to deal with climatic variability. Scientists have now realized that many small farmers cope with and even prepare for climate change, minimizing crop failure through a series of agroecological practices. Observations of agricultural performance after extreme climatic events in the last two decades have revealed that resiliency to climate disasters is closely linked to the high level of on-farm biodiversity, a typical feature of traditional farming systems.
Ablation of TrkB expression in RGS9-2 cells leads to hyperphagic obesity

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its cognate receptor, TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B), are widely expressed in the brain where they regulate a wide variety of biological processes, including energy homeostasis. However, the specific population(s) of TrkB-expressing neurons through which BDNF governs energy homeostasis remain(s) to be determined. Using the Cre-loxP recombination system, we deleted the mouse TrkB gene in RGS9-2-expressing cells. In this mouse mutant, TrkB expression was abolished in several hypothalamic nuclei, including arcuate nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamus, and lateral hypothalamus. TrkB expression was also abolished in a small number of cells in other brain regions, including the cerebral cortex and striatum. The mutant animals developed hyperphagic obesity with normal energy expenditure. Despite hyperglycemia under fed conditions, these animals exhibited normal fasting blood glucose levels and normal glucose tolerance. These results suggest that BDNF regulates energy homeostasis in part through TrkB-expressing neurons in the hypothalamus.
NO and nitrosothiols: Spatial confinement and free diffusion

nitric oxide (NO, nitrogen monoxide) affects a multitude of physiological systems. It can react with metal centers, oxygen, and superoxide in tissues. The report from Zhang and Hogg, one of the current articles in focus (Ref. [13][1], see p. L467 in this issue), confirms that one cellular target of
Fermi's golden rule and exponential decay in two-level systems

The decay of isolated quantum systems is studied. In particular, a specific model for the radiative decay of an excited atomic state is considered. The atom is taken to have two levels and is described by a current distribution $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{j}}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{x}};1,2)$. Both the case in which the modes of the electromagnetic field are continuous and the case in which they are discrete are considered. Conditions on $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{j}}(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{x}};1,2)$ are found under which the decay law for the excited state is approximately exponential with a lifetime given by Fermi's golden rule. The current should be well localized, not too strong, and not too singular. The $2p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1s$ decay in hydrogen is examined in detail. It is also found that the existence of an approximately exponential decay law does not depend upon the ability to extend the resolvent operator of the system to a second Riemann sheet. The case in which the electromagnetic field is quantized in a cavity illustrates this point.
The ‘flickering switch’ of late Pleistocene climate change

POLAR ice contains a unique record of past climate variations; previous Greenland ice cores have documented relatively warm ‘interstadial’ periods during the last glaciation and short (centuryscale) returns to colder conditions during the glacial to interglacial warming (see, for example, ref. 1). These climate features have also been observed to varying degrees in ocean sediment cores2–4 and terrestrial pollen and insect records5–7. Here we report electrical conductivity measurements from a new Greenland ice core, which confirm these previous observations, and also reveal a hitherto unrecognized mode of rapid climate variation. Fluctuations in ice conductivity on the scales of <5–20 years reflect rapid oscillations in the dust content of the atmosphere. This ‘flickering’ between two preferred states would seem to require extremely rapid reorganizations in atmospheric circulation.
Ascaridol in oil of chenopodium

The methods proposed for the determination of ascaridol content of oil of chenopodium have been reviewed and the literature surveyed. The possibility of utilizing the oxidative property of ascaridol on ascorbic acid as an assay procedure has been investigated. There was no evidence of a stoichiometric relationship between the reactants. Emphasis is placed on the need for a re-investigation of the oxidative behavior of ascaridol because of the nonconformance among the various assays between the experimental and calculated values based on the theoretical explanation of these reactions.
Relationship Between Treatment Preference and Weight Loss in the Context of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard used to assess the efficacy of treatment. While a well implemented RCT can produce an unbiased estimate of the relative difference between treatment groups, the generalizability of these findings may be limited. Specific threats to the external validity include treatment preference. The purposes of this study were to: (i) assess whether receiving one's treatment preference was associated with weight loss and retention and (ii) whether receiving one's treatment preference modified the relationship between the treatments and weight loss. Treatment preference was assessed in 250 subjects prior to but independent of randomization into either low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets. Treatment preference was a predictor of weight loss (P = 0.002) but not retention (P = 0.90). Participants who received their preference lost less weight (−7.7 kg, 95% confidence interval (CI): −9.3 to −6.1) than participants who did not receive their preference (−9.7 kg, 95% CI: −11.4 to −8.1) and participants who did not report a strong preference at baseline (−11.2 kg, 95% CI: −12.6 to −9.7) (P = 0.04 and P = 0.0004, respectively). Treatment preference did not modify the effect of the treatment on weight loss. Contrary to conceptual predictions, this study failed to identify an interaction between treatment preference and weight loss in the setting of a randomized trial. Until treatment preference effects are definitively ruled out in this domain, future studies might consider stratifying their randomization procedure by treatment preference rather than excluding participants with strong treatment preferences.
Exciton Dissociation in CdSe Quantum Dots by Hole Transfer to Phenothiazine

Ultrafast charge transfer from quantum dots (QDs) is essential for their application in solar cells. Photoinduced hole transfer from CdSe QDs (with first exciton peak at 462 nm and estimated radius of 1.8 nm) to phenothiazine (PTZ) was investigated by time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption spectroscopy. Fluorescence lifetime measurements showed that the presence of PTZ reduced the exciton lifetime of CdSe QDs, and the quenching rate increased with increasing PTZ concentration. Transient absorption spectra of CdSe−PTZ complexes directly revealed the formation of PTZ cation radical, suggesting that the excitons in CdSe dissociated by hole transfer to PTZ. A kinetic model based on a Poisson distribution of the number of adsorbates on each QD was found to adequately describe the adsorbate concentration-dependent fluorescence decay kinetics. According to this model, the hole transfer time was ∼2.5 ns in 1:1 CdSe−PTZ complexes and reached ∼300 ps in samples with an average of ∼6 PTZ per QD.
Transparency laws and interactive public relations: An analysis of Latin American government Web sites

Abstract A content analysis of 50 Latin American government Web sites was conducted to assess whether new transparency laws in the hemisphere impacted the interactivity, usability, technological expertise, and national symbolism manifest on the sites. Web sites were found to be generally usable but limited in interactivity. There was no difference in Web site interactivity between countries with transparency laws and those without them, but countries with laws used more visual symbols aimed at national branding. The article offers a model of Web site features for public relations practitioners interested in increasing the sophistication, usability, and interactivity of their sites in order to improve relationship building with stakeholders.
Successful Students’ Perceptions of Secondary School Science

The attitudinal perceptions of successful college science students regarding their junior high and high school science experiences were compared with those of successful nonscience students. Particular attention was paid to recollections of teacher personality attributes and instructional methodology. Results indicate that science students were especially motivated by knowledgeable, enthusiastic, communicative, committed, friendly, competent, and creative science teachers, whereas the nonscience group preferred patient, knowledgeable, congenial, friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic instructors. Both groups agreed that, although traditional methods (textbooks, lectures, quizzes/tests) dominated their science experiences, their preferred instructional strategies included more dynamic methods, including laboratory activities, teacher demonstrations, and discussions. Both groups also agreed that high school science courses provided a closer match than did junior high/middle school courses in providing their preferred teacher attributes and instructional methods. Results supported the observation that, even for these academically gifted students, interest in science is relatively depressed during the junior high/middle school years. It was concluded that, although endogenous variables act in concert, the quality of the student-teacher interaction exerts the greatest influence on student attitudes, particularly if those students are not already “science-friendly.” Instructional implications are discussed.
Intertrial reinforcement and aftereffects at 24-hour intervals

Two experiments employing rats in the runway and intertriai reinforcement tested and confirmed the hypothesis that a given aftereffect remains functional until replaced by another aftereffect.
Matrix survival signaling: from fibronectin via focal adhesion kinase to c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase.

Most transformed cells have lost anchorage and serum dependence for growth and survival. Previously, we established that when serum is absent, fibronectin survival signals transduced by focal adhesion kinase (FAK), suppress p53-regulated apoptosis in primary fibroblasts and endothelial cells (Ilic et al. 1998. J. Cell Biol. 143:547–560). The present goals are to identify survival sequences in FAK and signaling molecules downstream of FAK required for anchorage-dependent survival of primary fibroblasts. We report that binding of the SH3 domain of p130Cas to proline-rich region 1 of FAK is required to support survival of fibroblasts on fibronectin when serum is withdrawn. The FAK–p130Cas complex activates c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) via a Ras/Rac1/Pak1/MAPK kinase 4 (MKK4) pathway. Activated (phospho-) JNK colocalizes with FAK in focal adhesions of fibroblasts cultured on fibronectin, which supports their survival, but not in fibroblasts cultured on collagen, which does not. Cells often survive in the absence of extracellular matrix if serum factors are provided. In that case, we confirm work of others that survival signals are transduced by FAK, phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3-kinase), and Akt/protein kinase B (PKB). However, when serum is absent, PI3-kinase and Akt/PKB are not involved in the fibronectin-FAK-JNK survival pathway documented herein. Thus, survival signals from extracellular matrix and serum are transduced by FAK via two distinct pathways.
Foraminiferal zonations on the Fraser River delta and their application to paleoenvironmental interpretations

Abstract Well-defined elevational zonations of foraminiferal species were found over the intertidal surface of the sand-rich Fraser River delta. A zonation of foraminiferal species according to depth is also apparent on the delta foreslope, although data here are more limited. Application of these findings to the interpretation of depositional environments within drill-cores from the delta provided independent evidence of a 4 to 5 m lower sea-level during the mid-Holocene. This finding is in good agreement with a sea-level curve developed for the Fraser Lowland region.
Phylogeny of lymphocyte heterogeneity: the thymus of the channel catfish.

The number of thymocytes (approximately 3 x 10(7)) that were recoverable from fingerling channel catfish remained constant from about 3 to 10 months of age, i.e. from September to April following hatching the previous June. Between 11 and 12 months, i.e. May and June, the thymus dramatically increased in size with 3 x 10(9) thymocytes being recoverable from the tissue of individual fish. The thymus remained enlarged for several months (throughout the summer) but at about 15 months (in September) began to involute such that by 17 months (November) no thymus tissue could be seen macroscopically. This natural involution could be accelerated by subjecting the fish to handling and transport stress. Thymocytes of channel catfish aged 4 to 16 months exhibited reactivity with monoclonal antibodies against peripheral T cells but not B cells. Thymocytes responded to the mitogen Concanavalin A only in the presence of added accessory cells (peripheral blood monocytes) or a monocyte-derived supernatant (presumably containing IL-1) at permissive temperatures (27 degrees C). Thymocytes could also be induced to divide at nonpermissive temperatures (17 degrees C) when incubated in the presence of the following combinations of stimulants, a) the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and the calcium ionophore A23187, b) TPA and ConA, or c) A23187 and ConA. In those cases where TPA or A23187 were used, accessory cells or their products were not needed. Collectively, these results support the notion that channel catfish thymocytes functionally mimic those lymphocytes in the peripheral blood previously designated as T cells.
Future complexity of care tier affected by depression outcomes.

Background: The inclusion of mental health issues in the evaluation of multimorbidity generally has been as the presence or absence of the condition rather than severity, complexity, or stage. The hypothesis for this study was that clinical outcome of the depression 6 months after enrollment into collaborative care management would have a role in predicting future complexity of care tier. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of 1894 primary care patients who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder or dysthymia as of December 2012. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to test the independent associations between each variable and the odds of being included in the higher tiers (HT) group. Results: Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.022, confidence interval [CI] = 1.013-1.030, P < .001), female gender (OR = 1.380, CI = 1.020-1.868, P = .037), being married (OR = 0.730, CI = 0.563-0.947, P = .018), and the presence of comorbidities (1, OR = 1.986, CI = 1.485-2.656, P < .001; ≥2, OR = 4.6...
Teaching prospective teachers about fractions: historical and pedagogical perspectives

Research shows that students, and sometimes teachers, have trouble with fractions, especially conceiving of fractions as numbers that extend the whole number system. This paper explores how fractions are addressed in undergraduate mathematics courses for prospective elementary teachers (PSTs). In particular, we explore how, and whether, the instructors of these courses address fractions as an extension of the whole number system and fractions as numbers in their classrooms. Using a framework consisting of four approaches to the development of fractions found in history, we analyze fraction lessons videotaped in six mathematics classes for PSTs. Historically, the first two approaches—part–whole and measurement—focus on fractions as parts of wholes rather than numbers, and the last two approaches—division and set theory—formalize fractions as numbers. Our results show that the instructors only implicitly addressed fraction-as-number and the extension of fractions from whole numbers, although most of them mentioned or emphasized these aspects of fractions during interviews.
Bayes estimators of heterogeneity variance and T-systems

Abstract The considered problem concerns simultaneous inference for curve-confined natural parameters of independent, heterogeneous gamma random variables with known shape parameters. A loss function is suggested that is motivated by meta-analysis, and some properties of the minimax value of the corresponding risk are obtained. Bayes estimators and quadrature formulas for their numerical evaluation are provided, along with Monte Carlo simulations and comparisons of numerical implementations of several alternative estimators.
VM-μCheckpoint: Design, Modeling, and Assessment of Lightweight In-Memory VM Checkpointing

Checkpointing and rollback techniques enhance reliability and availability of virtual machines and their hosted IT services. This paper proposes VM-μCheckpoint, a light-weight pure-software mechanism for high-frequency checkpointing and rapid recovery for VMs. Compared with existing techniques of VM checkpointing, VM-μCheckpoint tries to minimize checkpoint overhead and speed up recovery by means of copy-on-write, dirty-page prediction and in-place recovery, as well as saving incremental checkpoints in volatile memory. Moreover, VM-μCheckpoint deals with the issue that latency in error detection potentially results in corrupted checkpoints, particularly when checkpointing frequency is high. We also constructed Markov models to study the availability improvements provided by VM-μCheckpoint (from 99 to 99.98 percent on reasonably reliable hypervisors). We designed and implemented VM-μCheckpoint in the Xen VMM. The evaluation results demonstrate that VM-μCheckpoint incurs an average of 6.3 percent overhead (in terms of program execution time) for 50 ms checkpoint intervals when executing the SPEC CINT 2006 benchmark. Error injection experiments demonstrate that VM-μCheckpoint, combined with error detection techniques in RMK, provides high coverage of recovery.
Observation of coherent terahertz edge radiation from compressed electron beams

Coherent radiation emitted from a compressed electron bunch as it traverses the sharp edge regions of a magnetic chicane has been investigated at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Accelerator Test Facility. Electron beam measurements using coherent transition radiation interferometry indicate a 100 fs rms bunch accompanied by distinct distortions in energy spectrum due to strong self-fields. These self-fields are manifested in emitted high power THz radiation, which displays signatures of the phenomenon known as coherent edge radiation. Radiation characterization studies undertaken include spectral analysis, far-field intensity distribution, polarization, and dependence on the electron bunch length. The observed aspects of the beam and radiation allow detailed comparisons with start-to-end simulations.
Computer-Assisted Instruction in Clinical Education: A Roadmap to Increasing CAI Implementation.

This reflection is based on the premise that clinical education can be improved by more widespread use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and that a roadmap will enable more medical educators to begin using CAI. The rationale for CAI use includes many of its inherent features such as incorporation of multimedia and interactivity yet the use of CAI remains limited, apparently because educators are not convinced about the role for CAI. Barriers to CAI use are discussed including misinterpretation of the literature for CAI effectiveness; a disconnect between CAI developers and the educators who make decisions about CAI use; and the paucity of knowledge regarding how to integrate CAI effectively into clinical education. Specific roles for CAI in undergraduate and graduate medical education can include improving uniformity of instruction, providing documentation of exposure or competence, improving the learners' educational experience or outcomes, and assessment that is matched to learning. Funding for CAI remains an important barrier but the authors believe that this will be overcome when use of CAI becomes more widespread.
Technology Acceptance and Performance: An Investigation into Requisite Knowledge

Organizations expend large amounts of educational and training resources to improve employee task and job performance. These resources must be allocated efficiently and effectively to increase the probability of organizational success. Information technology IT is one organizational area in which education and training are particularly important, largely because IT has redefined the requisite skills for functional competency in the workplace. Through an empirical study, this research investigates how knowledge bases contribute to subjects' attitudes and performance in the use of a CASE tool in database design. The study identified requisite knowledge bases and knowledge base interactions that significantly impacted subjects' attitudes and performance. Based upon these findings, alternatives are provided to management that may help organizations increase the performance benefits of technology use and promote more positive attitudes towards technology innovation acceptance and adoption. By structuring education and training efforts to increase performance and enhance positive attitudes, organizations will be better able to optimize their investments in information technology innovations.
Dietary macronutrient composition affects β cell responsiveness but not insulin sensitivity

Background: Altering dietary carbohydrate or fat content may have chronic effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity, which may vary with individual metabolic phenotype. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the contribution of tightly controlled diets differing in carbohydrate and fat content for 8 wk to insulin sensitivity and β cell responsiveness and whether effects of diet would vary with race, free-living diet, or insulin response. Design: Healthy overweight men and women (36 European Americans, 33 African Americans) were provided with food for 8 wk and received either a eucaloric standard diet (55% carbohydrate, 27% fat) or a eucaloric reduced-carbohydrate (RedCHO)/higher-fat diet (43% carbohydrate, 39% fat). Insulin sensitivity and β cell responsiveness were assessed at baseline and 8 wk by using a liquid meal tolerance test. Results: Insulin sensitivity did not change with diet (P = 0.1601). Static β cell response to glucose (ФS) was 28.5% lower after the RedCHO/higher-fat diet. Subgroup analyses indicated that lower ФS with the RedCHO/higher-fat diet occurred primarily among African Americans. A significant inverse association was observed for change in glucose area under the curve compared with change in ФS. Conclusions: Consumption of a eucaloric 43% carbohydrate/39% fat diet for 8 wk resulted in down-regulation of β cell responsiveness, which was influenced by baseline phenotypic characteristics. Further study is needed to probe the potential cause-and-effect relation between change in ФS and change in glucose tolerance. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT00726908","term_id":"NCT00726908"}}NCT00726908.
Experimental Investigation of the Thermal Properties of Wood Fiber/Thermoplastic Composites

The influences of fiber mass fraction and temperature on the effective thermal properties of aspen wood fiber/high density polyethylene composites are investigated. One major goal is to ascertain the composition at which the composite possesses thermal properties that are indicative of good fire safety characteristics. The paper also examines the extent to which analytical expressions presently available in the literature can be used for predicting the composite thermal properties from those of the individual components. The results show that temperature effects on the effective thermal properties of the composite diminish with increase of wood fiber mass fraction. Composites having 50 to 60% wood fiber by mass appear to possess the best processing and fire safety qualities.