cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A protocol for preparing subfossil chironomid head capsules (Diptera: Chironomidae) for stable isotope analysis in paleoclimate reconstruction and considerations of contamination sources

Several techniques are available to examine the isotopic composition of historic lake waters, providing data that can subsequently be used to examine environmental changes. A recently-developed technique is the stable oxygen isotope analysis of subfossil chironomid (Diptera: Chironomidae) head capsules (mostly chitin) preserved in lake sediments. This technique involves a high Temperature Conversion Elemental Analyzer (TC/EA), which has been a relatively recent addition to the suite of online peripherals for analyzing the stable isotopic composition of organic samples. The highly precise and accurate 18O/16O and D/H measurements obtainable using the TC/EA with samples in the microgram range make this instrumentation suitable for studying geochemical and biological processes. Preparation of organic samples for isotopic analysis typically requires first weighing each sample into silver/tin capsules. These capsules can introduce oxygen and hydrogen contamination (a “blank effect”), which is especially problematic for analysis of small organic samples (e.g. less than 100 μg). Here we tested tin and silver capsules from two manufacturers and a range of sizes to assess contamination to small organic samples on the TC/EA. We also assessed how a method for cleaning silver capsules affected our analysis of commercial chitin. In general, capsules made of silver have less detectible oxygen than those made of tin, and capsules from the two manufacturers varied in their detectible oxygen. There was no detectable H contamination from silver capsules. In addition to our empirical findings, we present a model demonstrating the influence that contaminant oxygen can have on the δ18O of small organic samples. Sample mass becomes an important issue for such analyses. In light of our findings, we recommend a minimum sample mass ≥50 μg (approximately 120 whole chironomid head capsules) on a TC/EA-IRMS (Deltaplus XP system). Finally, we present a detailed protocol for preparing and transferring chironomid head capsules into silver capsules that minimizes the influence of contaminant oxygen. This protocol provides the paleo-community with another potential method for reconstructing paleoenvironments.
Study the property of double-ended fluoroalkyl poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel as a depot for hydrophobic drug delivery using electron paramagnetic resonance technique and cell proliferation assay

Hydrogel formed by fluoroalkyl double-ended polyethylene glycol (Rf-PEG) micelles was studied to assess its properties to encapsulate a hydrophobic electron spin labeled drug, Chlorambucil–Tempol adduct (CT), and to control and sustain the drug release. The drug loaded hydrogel samples were characterized with variable-temperature dependent EPR experiment, and EPR theoretical lineshape analysis. It was found that CT molecules reside in the hydrophobic Rf-cores/IPDU shells of the Rf-PEG micelles and the maximum molecular-level loading capacity was estimated to be 18.8 mg per gram of the Rf-PEG. It has been known that Rf-PEG hydrogel with certain molecular masses for the fluoroalkyl group and the PEG chain shows properties of sol/gel phase coexistence and surface erosion, which represent the favorable condition for a pharmaceutical depot to control the kinetics of drug release. To evaluate the Rf-PEG’s biocompatibility and kinetics of the drug release, a cell proliferation assay was carried out on human oropharyngeal carcinoma (KB) cells. The results show that Rf-PEG is biocompatible and able to release CT to the cell media with a constant equilibrium concentration independent of the amount of CT loaded hydrogel.
Localization for Wireless Sensor Networks: Protocols and Perspectives

This paper briefly reviews the wide variety of methods proposed for localizing wireless sensor nodes. We describe the major recent solutions where sensor nodes may use beacons (devices that know their location and can broadcast it) or not, and ranging measurements or not. Our discussion presents pros and cons of using different information or devices, and ends up with describing where research in this field in going.
Sensitivity to Phonological Universals: The Case of Stops and Fricatives.

Linguistic evidence suggests that syllables like bdam (with stop-stop clusters) are less preferred than bzam (with stop-fricative combinations). Here, we demonstrate that English speakers manifest similar preferences despite no direct experience with either struc- ture. Experiment 1 elicited syllable count for auditory materials (e.g., does bzam have one syllable or two?); Experiment 2 examined the AX discrimination of auditory stimuli (e.g., is bzam = bezam?); whereas Experiment 3 repeated this task using printed materials. Results showed that syllables that are dispreferred across languages (e.g., bdam) were prone to misidentification relative to preferred syllables (e.g., bzam). The emergence of this pat- tern irrespective of stimulus modality—for auditory and printed materials—suggests that misidentification does not solely stem from a phonetic failure. Further, the effect remained significant after controlling for various statistical properties of the materials. These results suggest that speakers possess broad linguistic preferences that extend to syllables they have never encountered before.
Uninhabited Dresses: Frida Kahlo, from Icon of Mexico to Fashion Muse

AbstractThis article examines the shifting meanings of Frida Kahlo's figure and the Tehuana ethnic dress known as her trademark look. It analyzes Appearances Can Deceiving: The Dresses of Frida Kahlo, the first exhibit of the artist's recently recovered wardrobe on view at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City from 2012–14. Engaging the exhibit's suggestion that the artist casts a “spectral” image over contemporary fashion, this article inquires about the ways history inscribes itself on fashion despite its pretensions of constant innovation. The exhibit is examined in dialogue with Frida Kahlo's My Dress Hangs There (1933), an image that reflects on modernity and national identity through the tension between competing visions of femininity and fashion represented by Mae West and a disembodied Tehuana dress.
Taxonomy of Finance Theories

Capitalism, though not perfect, has a long history of incremental gains and its flagship, the United States, is an icon for a functional financial system.
Bet You Never Heard of This Leadership Trait.

This is a commentary on educating leaders within the constraints of a highly technical curriculum. The U.S. Naval Academy’s mission is to produce leaders for the nation. Many things compete for the time and attention of Midshipmen (the Academy’s students). Greater attention must be paid to interpersonal communications skills in the formal and informal curriculum.
Bilateral Facial Spasm: Paraspasme Facial Bilatéral of Sicard

The cause of this rare disease is not known. It usually occurs in middle or late life and is apparently associated with a degenerative cortical lesion. It is incurable and progressive. Two cases are reported. Read before the Chicago Neurological Society, Chicago, April 21, 1932. From the Section on Neurology, The Mayo Clinic.
Experimental Enteric Infection of Chickens with an Avian Adenovirus (Strain 93)

SummaryThe behavior of strain 93, an avian adenovirus, was studied in its natural host following oral inoculation. Infection was primarily confined to the gastrointestinal tract with the highest concentrations of virus occurring in the esophagus, the terminal ileum and the cecae. Following oral challenge of day-old chicks, cloacal excretion persisted for approximately 14 days and pharyngeal excretion for 10-14 days. Neutralizing antibody response was detectable at 6 weeks but not at 2 weeks post-challenge. Birds after recovery were refractory to secondary challenge regardless of antibody titer. Cloacal and pharyngeal excretion following primary challenge of 6- or 8-week-old birds persisted for 9-11 days. Neutralizing antibody response occurred during the second post-challenge week. Moderate levels of antibody induced by killed virus vaccine inhibited recovery of virus from the pharynx following primary challenge but had no effect on the duration of cloacal excretion. The development of hem-agglutination-i...
The New Generation of 110 kV Power Frequency Voltage Ratio Standard Apparatus and Application

The paper compares and analyzes the traceable development of power frequency voltage ratio system, and proposes a traceability method based on semi-insulating voltage series summation.The new generation national 110kV Power Frequency Voltage Ratio Standard Apparatus capable of boosting accuracy by two grades is then established.Unlike the old system,in which the main standard must be of fully-insulating,the apparatus reduces the uncertainty caused by the shielding potential.With higher accuracy and greater openness,this new system is suitable to be widely applied in provincial metrology institutes.
Heat exchange after cholinolytic and oxime therapy in protective clothing.

The effect of the currently fielded therapeutic antidotal (DRUG) combination (a cholinolytic, 2 mg of atropine sulfate, and an oxime, 600 mg of pralidoxime chloride) in combination with chemical protective Mission Oriented Protective Posture clothing (MOPP IV) was studied. Eight healthy male subjects participated in intermittent light physical activity (1.4-2.1 kcal/minute) in two distinct environments: 35 degrees C, 60% rh (95 degrees F, HOT) and 13 degrees C, 44% rh (55 degrees F, COOL). Subjects were exposed once to HOT wearing MOPP (CON) and once wearing MOPP after DRUG. Similarly, each subject was exposed to COOL wearing MOPP and MOPP after DRUG. Rectal temperature (Tre) and mean weighted skin temperature (Tsk) were not different between DRUG and CON during COOL. Exposure time during COOL was 350 minutes. Tre averaged .5 degrees C higher in DRUG than CON in HOT. The rate of core temperature increase was 2 times faster in DRUG than CON in HOT. Tsk was 1.0 degrees C higher in DRUG experiments in HOT. Whole-body sweating rate was 40% lower (p less than .05) in DRUG than CON experiments in HOT. Heart rate was 27 beats/minute higher by 30 minutes post-injection in DRUG at 35 degrees C. Exposure time was 213 +/- 30 minutes in CON and 190 +/- 38 minutes in DRUG at 35 degrees C. These data indicate the currently fielded therapeutic antidotal drug combination increases thermal strain in subjects exposed to a hot environment when wearing protective clothing. The results are applicable to subjects performing light, intermittent work. At higher work intensities, these findings of increased thermal strain would be exacerbated.
Design and implementation of an intrinsically-switched 22–43 GHz tunable bandstop filter

A 22–43 GHz tunable bandstop filter is presented, with relevant background theory, design methodology explained. The filter employs silicon-micromachined evanescent-mode cavity resonators, tuned by low-power electrostatic actuators. Low passband of insertion loss of less than 2 dB is obtained, and high stopband attenuation of over 60 dB is achieved by using quasi-absorptive filter design principles. Further reconfigurability is added by utilizing intrinsically-switched coupling elements, which allow the bandstop filter to achieve an all-pass response when the resonators are tuned to a certain frequency.
Bacterial Urinary Tract Infection after Transrectal Placement of Fiducial Markers prior to Proton Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the incidence of a bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) necessitating hospitalization after transrectal placement of fiducial markers prior to proton radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: Six hundred sixty six patients returning for follow up after proton RT consented to participate in this institutional review board (IRB) approved study. Patients were queried whether they required hospitalization within 1 month of transrectal placement of fiducial markers. Patients were treated with proton RT between August 2006 and December 2014. Median International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 7. Sixty four patients (9.6%) had diabetes, 9 patients (1.4%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 6 patients (0.9%) had prior bladder surgery, 7 patients (1.1%) had a transurethral prostatectomy within 3 months, and 549 patients (82.4%) had a course of antibiotics within 6 months. Fifty five patients (8.3%) were taking tamsulosin, 16 patients (2.4%) were takin...
In vivo transfer of a reporter gene to the retina mediated by an adenoviral vector

Purpose The ability of replication-deficient adenovirus to mediate gene transfer to retinal cells was evaluated. Methods A replication-deficient adenoviral vector, AdCMV beta A.ntlacZ, which contains the bacterial beta-galactosidase (lacZ) reporter gene, was injected into the subretinal space of normal, rd, and rds strains of mice at various ages. The efficiency and duration of transgene expression were assessed by histochemical examination and transmission electron microscopy. Results AdCMV beta A.ntlacZ was effective in mediating gene transfer to the retinal pigment epithelial cells, rod and cone photoreceptor cells, and cells in the inner nuclear layer of the retina for periods of up to 1 month. Gene transfer to retinal pigment epithelial cells occurred at much lower viral titers than was required for gene transfer to photoreceptor cells. The extent to which photoreceptor cells could be transduced varied with the age of the animals and the conditions of the photoreceptor cells: greater numbers of photoreceptor cells were transduced in 5- to 7-day-old pups and in mice at the initial stages of photoreceptor degeneration than in normal adult mice. No evidence of gross pathogenic effects or viremia in recipient mice was observed. Conclusions Replication-deficient adenovirus mediates transfer and expression of a foreign gene in retinal pigment epithelial and photoreceptor cells. Gene transfer to photoreceptor cells is enhanced in developing retinas or at the predegenerate stage of photoreceptors in genetically programmed retinal degeneration.
Patellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty

Abstract Routine patella resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty has been debated for decades. The early total knee designs and surgical techniques lead to a high complication rate following patellar resurfacing. This lead to many surgeons abandoning this practice and either leaving the patella unresurfaced routinely or selectively resurfacing. Modern day randomized control trials and meta-analyses of these trials reveal a higher incidience of anterior knee pain and a resultant higher reoperation rate in nonresurfaced patellae. We argue that with modern day designs and surgical techniques, there is a low complication rate to resurfacing and little downside to resurfacing.
Light-level geolocation reveals wintering distribution, migration routes, and primary stopover locations of an endangered long-distance migratory songbird

The importance of understanding the geographic distribution of the full annual cycle of migratory birds has been increasingly highlighted over the past several decades. However, the difficulty of tracking small birds between breeding and wintering areas has hindered progress in this area. To learn more about Kirtland's warbler Setophaga kirtlandii movement patterns throughout the annual cycle, we deployed archival light-level geolocators across their breeding range in Michigan. We recovered devices from 27 males and analyzed light-level data within a Bayesian framework. We found that most males wintered in the central Bahamas and exhibited a loop migration pattern. In both fall and spring, departure date was the strongest predictor of arrival date, but in spring, stopover duration and migration distance were also important. Though stopover strategies varied, males spent the majority of their spring migration at stopover sites, several of which were located just before or after large ecological barriers. We argue that loop migration is likely a response to seasonal variation in prevailing winds. By documenting a tight link between spring departure and arrival dates, we provide a plausible mechanism for previously documented carry-over effects of winter rainfall on reproductive success in this species. The migratory periods remain the least understood periods for all birds, but by describing Kirtland's warbler migration routes and timing, and identifying locations of stopover sites, we have begun the process of better understanding the dynamics of their full annual cycle. Moreover, we have provided managers with valuable information on which to base future conservation and research priorities.
Comparison of four brief depression screening instruments in ovarian cancer patients: diagnostic accuracy using traditional versus alternative cutpoints

Objectives We compared the diagnostic accuracy of 4 depression screening scales, using traditional and alternative scoring methods, to the gold standard Structured Clinical Interview-DSM IV major depressive episode (MDE) in ovarian cancer patients on active treatment.
Clues to the nature of SN 2009ip - II. The continuing photometric and spectroscopic evolution to 1000 days

The 2012 brightening of SN 2009ip was dominated by emission from the interaction of ejecta with the surrounding circumstellar material (CSM) produced by episodic mass loss from the progenitor, complicating the diagnosis of whether the underlying explosion was a true supernova or a nonterminal eruption of a massive star. In this paper, we contribute a time series of optical photometric and spectroscopic observations for SN 2009ip from 1 to 3 years after the 2012 outburst, collected at the Las Cumbres Observatory and the Keck Observatory. We find that the brightness of SN 2009ip continues to decline with no deviations from a linear slope of $0.0030\pm0.0005$ $\rm mag\ day^{-1}$ in the $r^{\prime}$ band, and demonstrate that this is similar to both observations and models of CSM-ejecta interaction. We show that the late-time spectra continue to be dominated by the signature features of CSM interaction, and that the large ratio of $L_{\rm H\alpha}/L_{\rm H\beta}\approx40$ implies that the material remains optically thick to Balmer photons ("Case C" recombination). We combine our late-time photometry and spectra with early-time data for SN 2009ip and provide a comprehensive discussion that incorporates recently published models and observations for transient phenomena dominated by CSM-ejecta interaction, and conclude that the presence of broad H$\alpha$ at early times remains among the best evidence that a terminal supernova has occurred. Finally, we compare our late-time spectra to those of Type IIn SNe and SN impostors at late phases and find that although SN 2009ip has some similarities with both types, it has more differences with late-time impostor spectra.
Contract Law Theory

This working paper is an early draft of two chapters (and the Preface and Bibliography) from a larger work on Contract Law (for the series, Cambridge Introductions to Philosophy and Law). The working paper covers the theory-focused part of the project. The paper analyzes what it means to have a theory of Contract, and what the criteria should be for evaluating such theories. The paper concludes that general or universal theories of Contract Law - at least those that have been presented to date (including economic theories of contract law, and deontological theories focusing on promising or autonomy) - cannot be justified, and we must seek instead to construct a theory that focuses on a particular legal system (or small group of legal systems), and that emphasizes the variety of principles and approaches within Contract Law, rather than seeking to find or impose a unity that does not exist. In the course of the argument, the paper also touches on the role of history in explaining legal doctrine, voluntariness in contract formation, the moral obligation to keep contracts, and the relationship between rights and remedies.
Designing optimal interlink structures for interdependent networks under budget constraints

In this work, we focus on the problem of obtaining the optimal interlink structures, which maximizes the robustness of networks against random node failures, in a cost constrained setting. Using percolation theory based system equations, we have formulated our objective as a constrained optimization problem and designed algorithms serving two key purposes: i) obtaining the budget limits, B l and B u , defined as the minimum budget guaranteeing the existence of a feasible and optimal interlink structure, respectively; and ii) obtaining interlink structures for intermediate budgets. Through these algorithms and associated simulation results, we demonstrate the importance of cost in network design. Furthermore, the designed algorithms have close to optimal performance while being much cheaper than cost agnostic network designs.
On the paradox of reversible processes in thermodynamics

This paper discusses an argument by Norton (in: European Philosophy of Science—Philosophy of Science in Europe and the Viennese Heritage, Vienna Circle Institute Yearbook, vol 17, Springer, Dordrecht, pp 197–210, 2014, 2016) to the effect that reversible processes in thermodynamics have paradoxical character, due to the infinite-time limit. For Norton, one can “dispel the fog of paradox” by adopting a distinction between idealizations and approximations, which he himself puts forward. Accordingly, reversible processes ought to be regarded as approximations, rather than idealizations. Here, we critically assess his proposal. In doing so, we offer a resolution of his alleged paradox based on the original work by Tatiana Ehrenfest-Afanassjeva on the foundations of thermodynamics.
The effect of establishing pre-angiography thresholds on contrast utilization.

INTRODUCTION Contrast induced nephropathy is linked to contrast utilization and strategies for minimizing renal injury are incorporated into many laboratories that perform coronary angiography. Contrast limits have been described, below which there is minimal incremental increase in the risk of renal injury. Whether a priori acknowledgement of these limits as part of a contrast "Time-Out" reduces contrast utilization has not been established. In this study, we investigate the effect of verbalizing pre-angiography and ½ time contrast thresholds on contrast utilization and associated clinical outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 5265 cases of coronary angiography (984 with contrast thresholds defined pre-procedure compared to 4281 without pre-defined contrast thresholds). There were two primary endpoints: (1) proportion of procedures that utilized an amount of contrast ≤ threshold, and (2) median difference between amount of contrast utilized and the contrast threshold. Secondary outcomes incorporated indices of renal function, and included changes in serum creatinine levels, eGFR, and CKD stage. RESULTS Compared to pre-"Time-Out" group, the post-"Time-Out" group had a higher proportion of procedures with contrast ≤ stated contrast threshold (88% vs 84%, P < 0.002), and a lower amount of total contrast volume (88 mL [IQR 60-136] versus 78 mL [IQR 53-119]). The post-"Time-Out" group also had a lower incidence of any increase in post-procedure serum creatinine (45% vs 36%; P = 0.04), and a larger median decrease of pre- to post-procedure eGFR (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Acknowledgement of contrast threshold as part of a contrast "Time-Out" is associated with reduced overall contrast utilization, and likely minimizes risks of contrast-induced nephropathy.
Lacan, The Mirror and the “I”

This chapter focuses on the famous lecture Lacan delivered 1949 in Zurich, Switzerland, at the Sixteenth International Congress of Psychoanalysis. The issue has since this lecture been of central importance in psychoanalysis. At different stages in his life, like in the days of Lady Welby, the connection between the Self and the Sign together with their social context as forwarded by Peirce, was a new and growing insight in psychiatric circles. The conference text already announced tensions between Lacan’s insights and the traditional views in international psychoanalytic circles. A never researched aspect became visible, which is the political appreciation of the semiotic dimension of Lacan’s views on the emergence of the ego. We underline how the psychologist reveals a libidinal dynamism that hitherto remained problematic and the semiotician reveals an ontological structure of the human world (political structures and dynamics included), which needs an identification produced by the mirror event. What Lacan calls “the specular image” in each engendering life is recognized as a threshold of the visible world, which we experience the moment we embrace the mirrored imago of our own body as we do in hallucinations and dreams.
An experimental study to investigate the validity of the independence principle for vortex-induced vibration of a flexible cylinder over a range of angles of inclination

Abstract Vortex-induced vibration of an inclined flexible cylinder placed at different angles of inclination with respect to the incoming flow is studied experimentally. The tests were conducted in a re-circulating water tunnel and the angles of inclination were varied from 0° to 60° with increments of 15°. Dynamic response of the system in terms of the amplitude and frequency of oscillations is studied in the reduced velocity range of 2.3–13.9 and the Reynolds number range of R e = 320 –1610. The validity of the Independence Principle (IP), which states that the behavior of an inclined cylinder is essentially driven by the normal component of the incoming flow velocity, is investigated for this range of reduced velocities and angles of inclination. Based on the onset of oscillations and the magnitudes of modal weight contributions, it is shown that the dynamic response of the system is different from that of a completely vertical cylinder for all angles of inclination larger than 15°. Even for the small angle of inclination of 15°, for the normal reduced velocity range of 2 to 6, where the onset of oscillations and the magnitude of modal weight contributions are similar to those observed for a vertical cylinder, the frequency response and the excited structural modes are different. It is concluded that the onset of oscillations and the magnitudes for the modal weight contributions are not sufficient indicators of the validity of the IP, and that the modal response in terms of the excited structural modes and the frequencies should also be considered. In general, it is shown that the IP is not valid even at reduced velocities where the modal weight contributions are similar for the inclined and vertical cylinders.
Scalar densities and mesons

It is assumed that the strong-interaction Hamiltonian is broken from the chiralSU3×SU3 symmetry by scalar densities (u0+cus), wherec is a parameter andu0, us transforms like components of the\(\left( {3.\overline 3 } \right) + \left( {\overline 3 .3} \right)\) representation of the chiralSU3×SU3 group. An assumption of asymptotic symmetry on this scalar and pseudoscalar densities is also made. Calculations are made to correlate the pseudoscalar mesons as well as the much proposed kappa-meson. The η-X mixing problem is also tried.
Bringing Students into the Matrix: A Framework and Tools for Teaching Race and Overcoming Student Resistance

Teaching about race in the U.S today presents unique challenges that faculty are often ill equipped to address. This chapter will examine the contemporary context in which we teach, examining the ideology of color-blindness, as well as recent theorizing about race that examines issues of privilege, as well as intersectionality. I then present a framework for re-conceptualizing how we teach about race, that reflects both the theoretical developments in the field, as well as the pedagogical challenges we encounter, including student resistance. Finally, I argue that we must take seriously the emotional baggage students bring with them, and I provide a number of specific tools and strategies to accompany this framework.
The classads language

The Classified Advertisements (ClassAds) language facilitates the representation and participation of heterogeneous resources and customers in the resource discovery and scheduling frameworks of highly dynamic distributed environments. Although developed in the context of the Condor system, the ClassAds language is an independent technology that has many applications, especially in systems that exhibit the uncertainty and dynamism inherent in large distributed systems. In this chapter, we present a detailed description of the structure and semantics of the ClassAds language.
Applying decision analysis to management of adolescent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Due to the concern that adolescents presenting with nephrotic syndrome are less likely to have minimal change disease than younger children, pediatric nephrologists have tended toward renal biopsy-tailored treatment rather than corticosteroid use in this population. The need for biopsy prior to treatment of nephrotic syndrome in adults has been challenged. A similar challenge to the clinical need for this procedure in adolescents with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is raised here. The principles of medical decision analysis were applied and calculations were made with the Decision Maker computer program. The life expectancy of an adolescent who receives biopsytailored treatment was found to be no different from that of an adolescent who receives empiric corticosteroid treatment. We conclude that renal biopsy is not mandatory for the clinical management of adolescents with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Prognostically, a response, or lack thereof, to empiric corticosteroid therapy may be just as informative as a histological diagnosis.
Growth Regulation of Canna x generalis ‘Florence Vaughan’

Abstract A study conducted in 1998 and 1999 determined the effects of B-Nine (daminozide) at rates of 2500 to 7500 ppm, Pistill (ethephon) at rates of 125 to 1000 ppm, Bonzi (paclobutrazol) at rates of 33 to 99 ppm, and Cutless (flurprimidol) at rates of 50 to 150 ppm on vegetative growth and flowering of Canna x generalis ‘Florence Vaughan’ during nursery container production and landscape establishment. Vegetative height 30 and 60 days after treatment (DAT), vegetative and inflorescence heights at first flower, and vegetative height at 30 days after planting (DAP) in the landscape were reduced by Cutless in 1998 and 1999. Vegetative height was suppressed quadratically by increasing rates of Cutless, an average of 46% and 42% (1998) and 19.5% and 30% (1999) at 30 and 60 DAT, respectively. In 1998, Cutless delayed flowering one to six days, while in 1999 flowering was accelerated one to eleven days compared to untreated plants. At 30 DAP, height suppression from the lowest rate of Cutless was 5% in 1998 a...
Human Huntington's Disease iPSC-Derived Cortical Neurons Display Altered Transcriptomics, Morphology, and Maturation.

Summary Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models of HD provide an opportunity to study the mechanisms underlying disease pathology in disease-relevant patient tissues. Murine studies have demonstrated that HTT is intricately involved in corticogenesis. However, the effect of mutant Hungtintin (mtHTT) in human corticogenesis has not yet been thoroughly explored. This examination is critical, due to inherent differences in cortical development and timing between humans and mice. We therefore differentiated HD and non-diseased iPSCs into functional cortical neurons. While HD patient iPSCs can successfully differentiate toward a cortical fate in culture, the resulting neurons display altered transcriptomics, morphological and functional phenotypes indicative of altered corticogenesis in HD.
Frères Ennemis: The French in American Literature, Americans in French Literature

Freres Ennemis focuses on Franco-American tensions as portrayed in works of literature from approximately the mid-nineteenth-century to the present. An Introduction is followed by nine chapters, each focused on a French or American literary text which shows the evolution/devolution of the relations between the two nations at a particular point in time. While the heart of the analysis consists of close textual readings, social, cultural and political contexts are introduced to provide a better understanding of the historical reality influencing the individual novels, a reality to which these novels are also responding. Chapters One through Five, covering a period from the mid-1870s to the end of the Cold War, discuss significant aspects of the often fraught relationship from the theoretical perspective of Roland Barthes' theory of modern myth, described in his Mythologies. Barthes' theory helps situate Franco-American tensions in a paradigmatic structure, while at the same time it is supple enough to allow for shifts and reversals within the paradigm. Subsequent chapters explore new French attitudes toward the powerful, potentially dominant influence of American culture on French life. In these sections I argue that recent French fiction displays more openness to the American experience than has existed in the past, and as such contrasts with the more static American approach to French culture.
Contrasting Crash- and Non-Crash-Involved Riders: Analysis of Data from the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study:

Motorcycle crashes and fatalities remain a significant public health problem as fatality rates have increased substantially as compared to other vehicle types in the United States. Analysis of caus...
Subsolar Electron Temperatures in the Lower Martian Ionosphere

Martian sub-solar electron temperatures obtained below 250 km are examined using data obtained by instruments on the Mars Atmosphere Evolution Mission (MAVEN) during the three sub-solar deep dip ca...
Disruption of hepatic small heterodimer partner induces dissociation of steatosis and inflammation in experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. The molecular mechanisms underlying NASH development remain obscure. The nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner (Shp) plays a complex role in lipid metabolism and inflammation. Here, we sought to determine SHP's role in regulating steatosis and inflammation in NASH. Shp deletion in murine hepatocytes (ShpHep−/−) resulted in massive infiltration of macrophages and CD4+ T cells in the liver. ShpHep−/− mice developed reduced steatosis, but surprisingly increased hepatic inflammation and fibrosis after being fed a high-fat, -cholesterol, and -fructose (HFCF) diet. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that pathways involved in inflammation and fibrosis are significantly activated in the liver of ShpHep−/− mice fed a chow diet. After having been fed the HFCF diet, WT mice displayed up-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (Pparg) signaling in the liver; however, this response was completely abolished in the ShpHep−/− mice. In contrast, livers of ShpHep−/− mice had consistent NF-κB activation. To further characterize the role of Shp specifically in the transition of steatosis to NASH, mice were fed the HFCF diet for 4 weeks, followed by Shp deletion. Surprisingly, Shp deletion after steatosis development exacerbated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis without affecting liver steatosis. Together, our results indicate that, depending on NASH stage, hepatic Shp plays an opposing role in steatosis and inflammation. Mechanistically, Shp deletion in hepatocytes activated NF-κB and impaired Pparg activation, leading to the dissociation of steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in NASH development.
Establishing Reference Cardiorespiratory Fitness Parameters in Alzheimer's Disease.

Evidence is growing for aerobic exercise training as a viable means to attenuate cognitive losses associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The mechanism of action for aerobic exercise’s cognitive benefits is likely enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness and its response to incremental aerobic exercise have been incompletely evaluated in Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this analysis was to establish cardiorespiratory fitness reference values in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease using a cardiopulmonary graded exercise testing. Ninety-seven community-dwelling older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease underwent a symptom limited cardiopulmonary graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Differences between sexes and between Alzheimer’s disease participants with and without diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases were assessed by independent T-tests. Peak oxygen consumption was 10–20% lower than those achieved by similar clinical populations on treadmill tests. As expected, males produced significantly higher peak oxygen consumption compared to females (p =0 .02). However, the presence of concurrent cardiovascular disease did not result in statistically significant lower peak oxygen consumption compared to those without cardiovascular disease. These data provide a frame of reference for metabolic, cardiovascular, and ventilatory function during cardiopulmonary graded exercise testing performed on cycle ergometer in older adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Extension educators' perceptions of the local food system

Extension educators in three Northeastern states were surveyed about their perspectives on 21 LFS topics. Educators identified all 21 topics to be important. Principal factor analysis was carried out to identify factors that underlie the importance of these issues. Five factors-food access, food system viability, localization of food systems, food safety and land use-accounted for 60.61% of the total variance. Educators' areas of primary program responsibility, gender, and previous participation in LFS activities revealed significant differences across the importance placed on the factors, suggesting that individual perspectives and professional responsibilities influence an educator's commitment to LFS engagement.
Using the Price equation to detect inclusive fitness in class-structured populations

Abstract Inclusive fitness theory has transformed the study of adaptive evolution since 1964, contributing to significant empirical findings. However, its status as a theory has been challenged by the proposals of several alternative frameworks. Those challenges have been countered by analyses that use the Price equation and the regression method. The Price equation is a universal description of evolutionary change, and the partitioning of the Price equation using the regression method immediately yields Hamilton’s rule, which embodies the main tenets of inclusive fitness. Hamilton’s rule captures the intensity and direction of selection acting on social behaviour and its underlying causal structure. Recent work, however, has suggested that there is an anomaly in this approach: in some cases, the regression method fails to estimate the correct values of the variables in Hamilton’s rule and the causal structure of the behaviour. Here, I address this apparent anomaly. I argue that the failure of the simple regression method occurs because social players vary in baseline fecundity. I reformulate the Price equation and regression method to recover Hamilton’s rule and I show that the method correctly estimates its key variables. I show that games where baseline fecundity varies among individuals represent a more general set of games that unfold in class-structured populations. This framework supports the robustness and validity of inclusive fitness.
Fabrication and electromechanical characterization of free-standing asymmetric membranes

All biological cell membranes maintain an electric transmembrane potential of around 100 mV, due in part to an asymmetric distribution of charged phospholipids across the membrane. This asymmetry is crucial to cell health and physiological processes such as intracell signaling, receptor-mediated endocytosis, and membrane protein function. Experimental artificial membrane systems incorporate essential cell membrane structures, such as the phospholipid bilayer, in a controllable manner where specific properties and processes can be isolated and examined. Here, we describe a new approach to fabricate and characterize planar, free-standing, asymmetric membranes and use it to examine the effect of headgroup charge on membrane stiffness. The approach relies on a thin film balance used to form a freestanding membrane by adsorbing aqueous phase lipids to an oil-water interface and subsequently thinning the oil to form a bilayer. We validate this lipid-in-aqueous approach by analyzing the thickness and compressibility of symmetric membranes with varying zwitterionic DOPC and anionic DOPG content as compared to previous lipid-in-oil methods. We find that as the concentration of DOPG increases, membranes become thicker and stiffer. By controlling the lipid composition in the aqueous compartments on either side of the oil within the thin film balance, asymmetric membranes are then examined. Membrane compositional asymmetry is qualitatively demonstrated using a fluorescence quenching assay and quantitatively characterized through voltage-dependent capacitance measurements. Stable asymmetric membranes with DOPC on one side and DOPC/DOPG mixtures on the other were created with transmembrane potentials ranging from 10 to 25 mV. Introducing membrane charge asymmetry also increases the stiffness of the membrane. These initial successes demonstrate a viable pathway to quantitatively characterize asymmetric bilayers that can be extended to accommodate more complex membrane processes in the future. SIGNIFICANCEA defining characteristic of the cell membrane is asymmetry in phospholipid composition between the interior and exterior bilayer leaflet. Although several methods have been used to artificially create membranes with asymmetry, there has not been extensive characterization of the impact of asymmetry on membrane material properties. Here, a technique to fabricate free-standing asymmetric membranes is developed which facilitates the visualization and electromechanical characterization of the bilayer. Asymmetry in anionic phospholipid concentration is quantified by measurements of membrane capacitance at varying voltages, which also allows for determination of the membrane compressibility. This method represents an advance in the development of artificial biomembranes by reliably creating phospholipid bilayers with asymmetry and facilitates the interrogation of more complex biological processes in the future.
Adsorbents for CO2 Capture

Solid adsorbents are promising for applications in post-combustion CO2 capture scenarios. Some adsorbents include zeolites, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, zeolites, and silicon-based adsorbents. The materials are characterized by their surface functional groups, porosity, surface area, pore size, metal ligands, and electrostatic interactions to determine their potential as adsorbents for CO2. Organic adsorbents are promising for low temperature CO2 adsorption because of their surface properties, such as high surface area, which enables it to be modified by adding additional metals and functional groups. Carbonaceous materials can be physically or chemically activated in order to enhance capture. Biochar, a material known for its benefits to agriculture, can also be used to capture CO2. Modified Organic Frameworks (MOFs) combine metal ions and organic ligands to produce a crystalline porous network that is capable of selectively binding molecules at high capacity. Other solid adsorbents include zeolites, clays, silica-based adsorbents, and metal oxide-based adsorbents.
Who posts DeCSS and why?: a content analysis of web sites posting DVD circumvention software

This study explored why Web authors post the DVD decryption software known as DeCSS--specifically whether authors post DeCSS to protest changes in copyright law. Data are drawn from content analysis of Web sites posting the software. Most DeCSS posters did not include any content explaining why they posted DeCSS; however, no authors presented DeCSS as a piracy tool. Of sites containing explanatory content, many argued that DeCSS is a legitimate tool to play DVDs on free/open source computers. Other sites asserted that current copyright law is unjust, and that DVD-related corporations are engaging in undesirable behaviors. Based on the data, and theorizing from rhetoric and the collective action literatures, we assert that much DeCSS posting is protest, but it may not be copyright protest--numerous posters protest related issues such as freedom of speech. More research is needed to determine the significance of DeCSS posting to broader copyright policy debates including its relation to off-line protest, and the development of shared identities and cognitive frames. Also, the complexities of circumvention issues raise concerns about whether policy debate will be limited to elites. Finally, data point to the need to understand both international and local laws, norms, and events when studying copyright protest activity.
Legacy Effect of Soviet Budgeting System on Public Capital Budgeting: Cases of Russia, Moldova, and Uzbekistan

This comparative study uses the legacy effect of the Soviet past to explain the changes in public capital budgeting and management in the three former Soviet republics: Russian Federation, Moldova,...
Task Influences on Behaviourally-Elicited Cardiovascular Reactions

Task characteristics strongly influence both the patterning and magnitude of behaviourally-elicited cardiovascular responses. The major stimulus determinants of cardiovascular reactions include: (a) attentional requirements for sensory intake versus sensory rejection; (b) situational demands for active versus passive coping; (c) the nature of emotional or affective states elicited; and (d) associated task attributes such as novelty, difficulty and the presence of performance-contingent incentives. The interest of many clinical investigators in the assessment of psychophysiologic responses follows from recent speculation that a cardiovascular hyperreactivity to stress may be implicated in coronary heart disease (CHD) and/or essential hypertension. In this regard, it is important to examine effects of stimulus variables on the measurement of individual differences in cardiovascular reactivity and on the relationship of such differences to CHD, hypertension and risk for cardiovascular disease. Available data are mixed concerning the stability of idiosyncratic heart rate and blood pressure responses across varying stimulus conditions; some investigators report substantial intertask correlations, whereas others find only moderate, or little, consistency of responses across tasks. Concerning samples of clinical interest, an increased cardiovascular reactivity among hypertensive patients and in persons with a family history of hypertension is observed most frequently during tasks that require subjects to engage in active coping or mental work (sensory rejection). Situational variables are also important in studies of the psychophysiologic correlates of the Type A (coronary-prone) behaviour pattern. Here, the heightened cardiovascular reactivity of Type A individuals appears to be influenced both by the formal nature of the task employed (ie, active versus passive coping, etc) and by the interpersonal and instructional context in which experimental stimuli are presented.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of total aflatoxins B1, B2, and G1 in corn: follow-up collaborative study.

A direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay screening method for aflatoxins at 20 ng/g in corn was studied by 15 collaborating laboratories. Test samples of corn were extracted by blending with methanol-water (8 + 2). The extracts were filtered and the filtrates were diluted with buffer to a final methanol concentration of or = 20 ng aflatoxins/g when, after exactly 1 min, no color was observed on the filter; if a blue or gray color developed, the test sample was judged to contain or = 20 ng/g.