cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glow Discharge Polymer Coated Oxygen Sensors

The need to measure reliably and accurately oxygen concentration in biological media is often crucial. Presently used commercially available and laboratory fabricated systems usually utilize polarographic sensors to measure oxygen partial pressure in aqueous media. These sensors use a noble metal (platinum or gold) cathode connected to a source of electrons, (commonly a battery) and are referenced to a suitable anode such as Ag/AgC1 to complete the circuit. Many methods have been used to improve sensor drift, sensitivity, and response time by permuting cathode geometry, construction details, membrane type and thickness, and electronic correction techniques. For a review of these methods the interested reader is referred to (1,2).
Starfish as a Model System for Analyzing Signal Transduction During Fertilization.

The starfish oocyte and egg offer advantages for use as a model system for signal transduction research. Some of these have been recognized for over a century, including the ease of procuring gametes, in vitro fertilization, and culturing the embryos. New advances, particularly in genomics, have also opened up opportunities for the use of these animals. In this chapter, we give a few examples of the historical use of the starfish for research in cell biology and then describe some new areas in which we believe the starfish can contribute to our understanding of signal transduction—particularly in fertilization.
A Pneumatically Actuated Icing Detector for Stationary Operation

An icing detector which operates on a pressurized air system and utilizes the pressure drop produced across a Venturi tube as an indication of icing conditions is described in this paper. Since the rate of ice formation on a surface is a function of the configuration of the surface, this detector has the unique advantage of being adaptable to conform with the shape of any structure on which it is mounted. Previously developed icing detectors require either a high velocity air stream, as in aircraft operation, or moving parts subject to possible mechanical failure during severe icing conditions. A pneumatically actuated icing detector designed specifically for stationary operation would be capable of icing measurements without either of these restrictions. Preliminary experiments indicate that this technique is feasible and capable of furnishing quantitative measurements of icing severity.
Lobbying and Opposition to SFAS No. 123(R): An Examination of Campaign Contributions from CEOs and PACs

SYNOPSIS We examine the contributions of CEOs and company-affiliated political action committees (PACs) to members of Congress who supported a moratorium on the Financial Accounting Standards Board...
Association of voice and mental health diagnoses with differences in voice‐related care utilization

OBJECTIVE To compare healthcare utilization in voice patients with versus without mental health (MH) diagnoses STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study using electronic medical records from large regional healthcare system. METHODS We examined data on sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, voice-related diagnoses, and patterns of healthcare utilization (including medication use, tests and procedures, and outpatient visits). The study period spanned January 2005 through June 2017. RESULTS A total of 24,672 patients had at least one voice-related diagnosis. Of these, 11,483 (47%) also had at least one MH diagnosis compared to 14% in the overall repository (P < 0.0001). The most common voice-related diagnoses were nonspecific dysphonia (80%), acute laryngitis (30%), and vocal fold paresis/paralysis (7%). The 11,483 patients with both voice-related and MH diagnoses were more likely to have acute laryngitis and/or nonspecific dysphonia; less likely to have laryngeal cancer and/or paresis/paralysis; and more likely to have seen a primary care provider, to have received medications, and to have undergone radiology studies. In contrast, the 13,189 patients with only voice-related diagnoses had more overall voice-related visits, were more likely to have seen an otolaryngologist, and were more likely to have undergone a voice evaluation with a speech language pathologist. CONCLUSION Voice patients with MH diagnoses were less likely to see otolaryngology and more likely to have radiology studies than voice patients without MH diagnoses. Further study is warranted to characterize temporal sequences of care in this group of patients and determine whether these differences are attributable to referral patterns from primary care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1496-1502, 2020.
Designing and Tuning Model Pipelines

This chapter focusses on various design elements of building a machine learning pipeline. We will study individual aspects of the process from preprocessing the data, choosing the right algorithm followed by training the model and finally tuning the hyperparameters to optimize the model performance. In this chapter we will also discuss some of the lesser known aspects in designing successful machine learning pipeline in the form of data leakage, handling missing data and coincidence v/s causality of the features that are crucial in practical design and how to address them.
S100 Calcium-Binding Protein A9 Knockout Contributes to Neuroprotection and Functional Improvement after Traumatic Brain Injury

S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100a9), a proinflammatory protein, has been shown to be involved in the development of neuroinflammatory disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Upregulation of S100a9 in the brain during acute brain injury has been proposed to be associated with acute neuroinflammation. However, it remains unclear whether eliminating S100a9 expression will show beneficial outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Using S100a9 knockout mice, this study has demonstrated that S100a9 deletion ameliorates post-TBI anxiety, improves TBI-impaired motor and cognitive function, reduces lesion size, prevents perilesional neuron loss and neurodegeneration, diminishes neuroinflammation and TBI-induced neurogenesis, and enhances perilesional expression of neuroplasticity protein. These findings suggest that S100a9 plays a detrimental role in TBI. Genetic deletion of S100a9 enhances neuroprotection and improves functional outcome after TBI. This study sheds light on the pathological involvement of S100a9 in TBI, which would provide a new therapeutic target to minimize TBI-induced brain damage.
The Rhythmic Finger Focus Hypnotic Technique: Multilevel Application of Ericksonian Utilization

This paper presents a hypnotic technique that starts with a suggested focus on one's fingertips, and movement of the hands in a self-determined rhythm. The technique involves the use of the utilization principle of Milton Erickson in multiple ways. This includes utilizing psychomotor agitation characteristic of psychophysiological arousal, directing it toward movement that generates the sensations upon which to focus. It utilizes the sensitivity of the fingertips, the high degree of representation of the hands in the somatosensory cortex, and the tendency of the brain to orient to novelty to help facilitate focused absorption. It generates counter stimulation for pain management, and emotionally self- soothing tactile sensations. The technique is further designed to activate and utilize prior sensorimotor learning and sensory experiences associated with the hands to access feelings of mastery, creativity, flow, self-efficacy, and other positive emotional experiences. It is hypothesized that multisystem coherence is generated through activating prior positive motor, behavioral and affective experiential learning. It is further hypothesized that the rhythmic movement and sensory input simultaneously generated by and processed in the right and left hemispheres, entrains the hemispheres toward greater sympathetic/parasympathetic balance.
A heavy flavor tracker for STAR

We propose to construct a heavy flavor tracker for the STAR experiment at RHIC in order to measure the elliptic flow of charmed hadrons in the low p T region and identify B-meson contributions in the region p T > 4 GeV/c . In this talk, we will present the design of the detector in-depth and its expected performance as studied in detailed simulations and analytic calculations. Physics potentials of the detector will also be discussed.
MCL1 dependence across MDS subtypes and dual inhibition of MCL1 and BCL2 in MISTRG6 mice

Treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) remains insufficient due to clonal heterogeneity and clinical complexity. Dysregulation of apoptosis is observed across MDS subtypes regardless of mutations and represents an attractive therapeutic opportunity. Venetoclax (VEN), a selective inhibitor of anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2), has yielded impressive responses in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). BCL2 family anti-apoptotic proteins BCL-XL and induced myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) are implicated in leukemia survival, and upregulation of MCL1 is seen in VEN-resistant AML and MDS. Here, we determined the in vitro sensitivity of MDS patient samples to selective inhibitors of BCL2, BCL-XL and MCL1. While VEN response positively correlated with increasing blast counts, all MDS subtypes responded to the MCL1 inhibitor, S63845. Treatment with combined VEN+S63845 was synergistic in all MDS subtypes and reduced MDS engraftment in MISTRG6 mice supporting the pursuit of clinical trials with combined BCL2+MCL1 inhibition in MDS.
Sensitivity and specificity of repetitive nerve stimulation with lower cutoffs for abnormal decrement in myasthenia gravis.

Introduction The sensitivity of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) in myasthenia gravis (MG) is dependent on the cutoff for abnormal decrement. Methods RNS data of adults with and without MG from 2014 to 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The maximum reliable RNS amplitude/area decrement before and after exercise from facial, spinal accessory (SA), ulnar, and fibular nerves was recorded. Sensitivity/specificity using 5%, 7%, and 10% cutoffs were calculated. Results Seventy-nine of 141 patients had MG (46 generalized, 21 ocular, 12 bulbar). A total of 608 unique RNS recordings were analyzed. Overall RNS sensitivity/specificity at ≥5%, ≥7%, and ≥10% amplitude cutoffs were as follows: SA, 65.6%/86.3%, 49.2%/94.1%, and 29.5%/96.1%; facial, 51.0%/82.5%, 43.1%/95.0%, and 37.3%/100%; ulnar, 43.6%/100%, 41.0%/100%, and 41.0%/100%; and fibular, 52.6%/89.5%, 42.1%/94.7%, and 42.1%/100%. Discussion Lowering amplitude cutoff from 10% to 7% increased or maintained sensitivity with little loss in specificity. Post-exercise and area analysis resulted in increased sensitivity in some circumstances.
Stimulus Control Research and Practice: Considerations of Stimulus Disparity and Salience for Discrimination Training

Stimulus control plays a prominent role in behavior-analytic service delivery, as many discrimination skills are necessary for daily interactions. Clarification and standardization of terminology are necessary for the advancement of research and practice on stimulus control. The purpose of the present article is to provide an overview of stimulus control and discrimination training as they relate to the disparity and salience of stimuli. An overview and examples of stimulus disparity and stimulus salience are provided, followed by recommendations for efficacious service delivery.
Historic U.S. Court Cases : An Encyclopedia

Witchcraft and the Law Two Nations: the Case of Sacco and Vanzetti Showdown Over Gun Control From the 'Political Thicket' to 'One Man, One Vote' The Travails of William Jefferson Clinton When a Contract Obtained by Fraud is Still a Contract Products Liability Law and McDonald's Coffee Slavery, Freedom and Federal Judicial Power Separate Education is Not Equal Education Native American Land Claims - The Indians Finally Win The Japanese Internment Cases Cold War, Communism and Free Speech Flag Burning and the Constution The Scopes Trial: A Collision of Cultures Physician-Assisted Suicide: Who Shall Decide? The Boston Massacre Trials Icons of the Cold War: The Hiss-Chambers Case The O.J. Simpson Trials as Popular Drama
Early childhood temperament, maternal monitoring, reactive criminal thinking, and the origin(s) of low self-control

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether difficult temperament is capable of predicting low self-control after controlling for parenting factors (maternal monitoring) and whether low self-control precedes reactive criminal thinking in the development of a delinquent lifestyle. Methods Two hypotheses were tested in 2,697 children (1,365 boys, 1,332 girls) from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth–Child study using a non-experimental partial cross-lagged longitudinal panel design. Results In support of the first hypothesis, difficult temperament at age 0-2 years predicted low self-control at age 10-11 years when maternal monitoring at age 6-9 years was controlled. In support of the second hypothesis, the path from temperament at age 0-2 years to maternal monitoring at age 6-9 years to low self-control at age 10-11 years to reactive criminal thinking at age 12-13 years was significantly stronger than the path from temperament to maternal monitoring to reactive criminal thinking to low self-control. Conclusions These findings indicate that factors other than direct parenting, such as temperament, may be important in the development of low self-control and that antisocial conduct (low self-control) precedes antisocial cognition (reactive criminal thinking) in the development of a delinquent or criminal lifestyle.
Management of Glaucoma with the Boston Keratoprosthesis

• Fifteen patients received a Boston type 1 Keratoprosthesis between January 2003 and November 2005. • Pre-operatively, eleven patients had glaucoma, four eyes had normal IOP on no medications. • Tube Shunts were placed before or at the time of keratoprosthesis surgery in all eyes with glaucoma (11) and in two eyes with normal IOP. • Intraocular pressure was measured by finger paltation at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and then at 3 month intervals. Boston K-Pro Characteristics 1. front part: contains optical element 2. donor corneal graft: healthy tissue decreases melts 3. back plate: fenestrations facilitate nutrition to cornea 4. titanium locking ring: avoids unscrewing of posterior plate 5. bandage contact lens: decreases evaporative forces Figure 3: Boston Keratoprosthesis type I (schematic assembly) Figure 1: Boston Keratoprosthesis type I assembled
Retrospective study on equine uterine fungal isolates and antifungal susceptibility patterns (1999–2011)

Summary Reasons for performing study: Knowledge of commonly encountered fungi infecting the mare's reproductive tract and their respective drug susceptibilities should improve treatment efficacy in mares with fungal endometritis. This is particularly important when practitioners need to start empiric treatment before culture results are complete. Objective: To report the spectrum of fungal isolates from uterine samples from mares with reproductive problems and their respective antifungal susceptibilities. Methods: Equine uterine samples submitted to the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Centre for fungal culture between July 1999 and June 2011 were reviewed. Each mare's reproductive history, fungal culture results, antifungal susceptibilities and concurrent aerobic culture results were evaluated. Patterns of antifungal susceptibility and resistance were assessed over time. Results: One hundred and two fungal isolates were cultured from 92 uterine samples from mares with reproductive problems. Yeast (69%) and mould with septated hyphae (26%) were the most common isolates. Ninety-five to 100% of all fungal isolates were susceptible to the polyenes, while response to the azoles varied with 47–81% of fungal isolates displaying susceptibility. Yeast isolates were 100% susceptible to the polyenes and least susceptible to miconazole (48%) while isolates of mould with septated hyphae were most susceptible to natamycin (100%) and least susceptible to fluconazole (0%). From July 1999 to June 2005 and July 2005 to June 2011, yeast demonstrated increasing resistance to miconazole, while mould with septated hyphae demonstrated increasing resistance to ketoconazole. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Results from this study suggest that polyenes are effective against uterine fungal isolates in vitro and may be the empiric treatment of choice for fungal endometritis. Isolate resistance to specific azoles increased over time.
GASIFICATION OF DIESEL FUEL FOR A LOW-EMISSION, HIGH-EFFICIENCY ENGINE SYSTEM

This paper presents the concept of gasified diesel fuel as a potential solution to the diesel engine emissions problem, especially the particulates. The concept employs two-stage combustion. Results of the analysis indicate up to 10 percent improvement in overall system efficiency over conventional diesel engines. Experiments on a catalytic gasifier show that complete gasification of diesel fuel is possible without soot or particulate formation.
Boundary conditions for steady flows of viscoelastic fluids

We discuss small perturbations of uniform flow of a viscoelastic fluid transverse to a strip. The constitutive relation is assumed to be of Maxwell or JefFreys type. We present a summary of recent results concerning the choice of boundary conditions which lead to a well-posed problem.
Blind equalization based on second and fourth order statistics

A novel blind and adaptive equalization scheme is introduced for nonminimum phase communication channels. A classical least-mean-squares type predictor is used for the identification and equalization of the amplitude information of the channel. Independently, phase correction is carried out with a method based on noncausal autoregressive moving average modelling of the fourth-order cumulants of the received signal sequence. It is shown by means of computer simulation examples that the proposed equalizer has very good convergence speed and low start-up symbol error rate. >
Neonatal Resuscitation Following Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery

A case of a neonate with a nonreducible nuchal cord requiring immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation following vaginal delivery is presented. The neonate required chest compressions, intubation, and multiple doses of epinephrine for successful resuscitation and was able to be transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit in relatively stable condition. Implications of nuchal cords are discussed. An algorithm for neonatal resuscitation is presented with each step in the management described in detail. Important differences between the neonatal and adult airway are listed, and key concepts in neonatal airway management are reviewed. Appropriate selection of endotracheal tube size and depth of insertion is summarized. Lastly the importance of neonatal cord gases is discussed including the significance of the base deficit on cord gas analysis.
Graphite oxidation in the Apollo 17 orange glass magma: Implications for the generation of a lunar volcanic gas phase

Abstract An Apollo 17 picritic orange glass composition has been used to experimentally investigate the conditions at which graphite would oxidize to form a CO-rich gas, and ultimately produce lunar fire-fountain eruptions. Isothermal decompression experiments run above the A17 orange glass liquidus temperature (>1350 °C) suggest that the initial CO-rich gas phase produced by graphite oxidation would be generated during magma ascent at a pressure of 40 MPa, ∼8.5 km beneath the lunar surface. Additional experiments with 2000 ppm S and 1000 ppm Cl showed that the presence of these dissolved gas species would not affect the depth of graphite oxidation, verifying that the first volcanic gas phase would be generated by the oxidation of graphite. A simple ideal chemical mixing model for calculating melt FeO activity in a Fe-metal/silicate melt system was tested with a series of 0.1 MPa controlled oxygen fugacity experiments. Agreement between the model and experiments allows the model to be used to calculate oxygen fugacity in picritic lunar glass compositions such as the A17 orange glass. Using this model in a reanalysis of chemical equilibria between the natural A17 orange glass melt and the metal spherules (Fe85Ni14Co1) trapped within the glass beads indicates a log oxygen fugacity of −11.2, 0.7 log units, more oxidized than previous estimates. At the A17 orange glass liquidus temperature (1350 ± 5 °C), this fO2 corresponds to a minimum pressure of 41 MPa on the graphite–C–O surface. The fact that the same critical graphite oxidation pressure was determined in decompression experiments and from the Fe–FeO activity model for the natural A17 orange glass–metal assemblage strongly supports this pressure (8.5 km depth) for volcanic gas formation in lunar basalts. Generation of a gas by oxidation of C in ascending magma is likely to have been important in getting dense lunar magmas to the surface as well as in generating fire-fountain eruptions. The vesicles common in many lunar basalts and the ubiquitous Fe-metal in these rocks are also likely generated by the oxidation of carbon. The presence of carbon in the lunar basalts and the recent discovery of ppm levels of water in lunar basalts indicate that at least parts of the lunar interior still contained volatiles at 3.9 bybp.
Does Higher Education Affect Perceptions Among Police Personnel? A Response from India

Police personnel in India are poorly educated and are notorious for extortion, misbehavior, and poor services to citizens. There is constant demand to improve their quality, but good training and p...
Is there an alternative to continuous opioid infusion for neonatal pain control? A preliminary report of parent/nurse-controlled analgesia in the neonatal intensive care unit

Summary Background Continuous opioid infusion (COI) remains the mainstay of analgesic therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Parent/nurse-controlled analgesia (PNCA) has been accepted as safe and effective for pediatric patients, but few reports include use in neonates. This study sought to compare outcomes of PNCA and COI in postsurgical neonates and young infants. Methods Twenty infants treated with morphine PNCA were retrospectively compared with 13 infants treated with fentanyl COI in a Midwestern pediatric hospital in the United States. Outcome measures included opioid consumption, pain scores, frequency of adverse events, and subsequent methadone use. Results The PNCA group (median 6.4 μg·kg−1·h−1 morphine equivalents, range 0.0–31.4) received significantly less opioid (P < 0.001) than the COI group (median 40.0 μg·kg−1·h−1 morphine equivalents; range 20.0–153.3), across postoperative days 0–3. Average daily pain scores (based on 0–10 scale) were low for both groups, but median scores differed nonetheless (0.8 PNCA vs 0.3 COI, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the frequency of adverse events or methadone use. Conclusion Results suggest PNCA may be a feasible and effective alternative to COI for pain management in postsurgical infants in the NICU. Results also suggest PNCA may provide more individualized care for this vulnerable population and in doing so, may potentially reduce opioid consumption; however, more studies are needed.
An improved tandem double-focusing mass spectrometer for neutralization-reionization and collisional activation studies

Abstract A four-sector EBEB mass spectrometer is modified to conduct neutralization—reionization mass spectrometry (NRMS), MS/MS/MS, and MS/NRMS/CAD-MS experiments. Four separate collision chambers enable the instrument to perform, for example, neutralization, neutral dissociation, reionization, and collisionally activated dissociation (CAD). The independent differential pumping systems of the key collision chambers and the improved general pumping system reduce the background pressure by more than one order of magnitude, with > 95% of collisions occurring within the collision system. This increases the collision efficiency by ∼ 70% and minimizes the cross-contamination of collision gases between regions, and for neutral lifetime measurements insures that neutral dissociation or reionization by gas admitted to the second collision chamber occurs there. Redesign of the Hg neutralization chamber to include low-temperature Hg condensation provides further differential pumping and increases the reproducibility of neutralization at high Hg pressure. A field ionization chamber provides a capability for detecting neutrals in high Rydberg states.
A Classical Case of Poor Communication: P.G.T. Beauregard's Battle Orders and Report of the First Battle of Bull Run.

This study examines General Beauregard's inability to communicate with his readers in his orders for and report of the First Battle of Bull Run. His orders lack vital pieces of information and are ill-suited to his inexperienced subordinates. In fact, Beauregard's success is due to the initiative of his junior officers, not to any carefully thought out plan of his own. Beauregard also fails to consider the political ramifications of certain statements he makes in his report of the battle. These statements offend President Jefferson Davis and lead to Beauregard's demotion and banishment to the West.
Combined spinal and epidural analgesia in a parturient with severe myasthenia gravis.

Background and Objectives A 27-year-old woman with a history of myasthenia gravis presented for vaginal delivery. Methods A combined spinal epidural was initiated with 7.5 μg intrathecal sufentanil at the time of first request for analgesia followed by 140 mg epidural lidocaine prior to spontaneous vaginal delivery. Results The patient had a pain-free spontaneous vaginal delivery uncomplicated by muscle weakness. Conclusion Combined spinal and epidural anesthesia using intrathecal opioids initially provides labor analgesia with minimal muscle weakness in the parturient with myasthenia gravis.
"Positive" bone scan--a contraindication to surgery?

Abstract Eleven patients with urologic cancer had an abnormal 99m Tc (technetium-99m) bone scan as the sole evidence of metastatic disease. Potentially curative therapy should not be withheld on the basis of a “positive” bone scan if such an area is accessible to selected bone biopsy and proves to be negative for tumor histologically.
Self- and mutual shading and competition effect on competing algal distributions: Biological implications of the model

Abstract A system of two nonlinear integro-partial differential equations describing growth dynamics of two algal species in water with competition for both light and nutrients is considered. We show the local stability of the zero solutions of the model system. Also we investigate vertical profiles of the model and discuss the biological implications of the model.
Reconstruction of three-dimensional microstructures of TiB whiskers in powder processed Ti–6Al–4V–1B alloys

Abstract Visualization of three-dimensional (3D) microstructure is useful for understanding microstructural geometry. In this contribution, 3D microstructures of TiB whiskers in two powder metallurgy processed Ti–6Al–4V–1B alloys are reconstructed and visualized using large-area high-resolution montage serial sections and digital image processing to study the effects of processing route on the morphology and anisotropy of the TiB phase. The microstructures consisted of eutectic TiB in Ti-64 and are free from coarse primary phase TiB. The eutectic TiB phase has whisker morphology in both the compacted and compacted plus extruded conditions. The orientations of TiB whiskers are uniformly random in the compacted condition and highly aligned anisotropic in the extruded condition. The spatial distributions of TiB are uniform in both cases without any clustering. The large volumes of reconstructed 3D microstructures are useful for incorporation into finite element-based computations.
Social Network Methodology in the Study of Disasters: Issues and Insights Prompted by Post-Katrina Research

Dynamic social networks, a key concept in modern social science research, are beginning to play a major role in understanding the ways in which individuals and communities respond to disasters. The authors of this paper review the relevant theory and research regarding how crises cause change in social networks, and how those changes may or may not facilitate recovery, as a function of the kinds of changes that occur. It applies the In/Out/Seeker/Provider (IOSP) framework to identify categories in which we might study disasters and the impact both on the networks and the impacts to the networks. This paper details options for applying social network analysis to research of both pre- and post-disaster settings and concludes by framing a research agenda for the future study of the dynamics of network change following a disaster.
An extension of MacCormack's method for flows with higher-order equations and in different configurations

The numerical scheme for the computation of a shock discontinuity developed by MacCormack has been extended to solve a number of differential equations, including cases explicitly containing higher-order derivatives: (1) Korteweg-de Vries equation with a term of third-order derivative, (2) a system of nonlinear equations governing nonsteady one-dimensional plasma flow in cylindrical coordinate, (3) equations of solar wind. Comparisons with previous results are made, if available, to illustrate the advantages of the present method. The question of convergence of the numerical calculation is discussed.
Rate maximizing and state variable theories of diet selection

In behavioral ecology, diet selection is often predicted by using a theory in which it is assumed that behaviors have evolved to maximize the rate of intake of energy. In this theory, it is assumed that fitness is a monotonic function of energy intake. An alternative is to deal directly with fitness, measured in terms of expected reproduction, and thus connect short term behavior with reproduction. Following the usual assumptions of the theory of diet choice, fitness satisfies a partial differential-difference equation. Conditions under which rate maximizing and state variable theories of diet selection yield identical predictions are identified. When predation, as well as starvation, is a source of mortality, the identification is not as complete.
Endoscopic balloon dilation to facilitate treatment of intraductal extension of ampullary adenomas (with video).

p fi f b t e t ( w i b i w m s Ampullary adenomas occur sporadically or in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and are being diagnosed more often because of the widespread use of endoscopy. Adenomas may undergo malignant transformation through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence2; therefore, complete resection is advised. Because of the morbidity and mortality of surgery, endoscopic snare papillectomy is currently a preferred treatment option for removal of ampullary adenomas.3 Traditionally, ntraductal extension of an ampullary adenoma into the comon bile duct or pancreatic duct has been considered an ndication for surgery.4,5 Recently, adenomas with ductal exension have been treated endoscopically if the tissue can be xposed.6,7 Endoscopic treatment of intraductal extension includes maximal biliary sphincterotomy and adenoma eversion by using a stone retrieval balloon, followed by snare resection and argon plasma coagulation therapy.8 Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) with and without maximal biliary sphincterotomy is used for removal of bile duct stones.9 We hypothesized that balloon dilation would ermit exposure of intraductal tissue, allowing excision nd/or ablation.
Geographic Range and Morphological and Chromosomal Variability of Carex molestiformis (Cyperaceae) East of the Mississippi River

Abstract Carex molestiformis, described in 1997 as an endemic to the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain regions, is newly collected from Georgia, Mississippi, and Ohio. Herbarium records also have confirmed this species from North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia bringing the overall range of this species to 11 states. A morphological comparison of C. molestiformis from east of the Mississippi River with western populations did not reveal regional differences. Some eastern populations occupied ruderal habitat, namely drier grassy roadsides and hay meadows rather than the river bottom openings typical of western populations. New chromosome counts for this species from the eastern portion of its range confirmed existing reports of n = 37 and also found agmatoploidy with n = 35.
CFD Prediction of Magnus Effect in Subsonic to Supersonic Flight

Abstract : The aerodynamic coefficients of the 7-cal. U.S. Army-Navy Spinner Rocket were characterized using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) calculations and validated using archival experimental data. The static aerodynamic coefficients, roll-damping, and pitch-damping moments were accurately predicted by steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) as well as unsteady hybrid RANS/large-eddy simulation (LES) CFD. The Magnus moment was overpredicted in the subsonic and transonic regime. Unsteady RANS/LES computations did not improve the prediction of Magnus moment at the lower Mach numbers. Both steady-state RANS and unsteady RANS/LES simulations resulted in similar predictions of all aerodynamic coefficients. Distributions of Magnus moment along the projectile body showed that the largest difference in Magnus moment between configurations and Mach numbers was in the last caliber of the projectile body.
Salt intake, adrenocortical function and hypertension.

A RECENT communication1 proposed that the high levels of salt consumption current in modern societies were beneficial since the salt stimulated adrenal cortical function and thereby set in motion various adaptive mechanisms that make the individual more responsive to the stresses of modern living. Space does not permit examination of whether modern living actually has more stresses than a primitive life: one American anthropologist, Prof. G. P. Murdock of Yale University, several years ago2 expressed strong doubts that such was the case.
A simple and rapid thyroxine radioimmunoassay (T4-ria) in unextracted human serum; a comparison of T4-ria and T4 displacement assay, T4(D), in normal and pathologic sera☆

Abstract A simple, rapid and accurate thyroxine radioimmunoassay (T 4 -RIA) in unextracted serum or plasma has been described, and for comparison T 4 determinations have also been made by a T 4 (D) procedure using Abbott Tetrasorb kits. T 4 -RIA procedure basically involved denaturation of serum to dissociate T 4 -protein bond, and T 4 released was allowed to react with [ 125 I]T 4 -labeled T 4 antiserum elicited by immunizing rabbits against bovine thyroglobulin. The displaced unbound [ 125 I] T 4 was rapidly taken up by an anionic resin sponge within 15 min and this sponge [ 125 I]T 4 uptake was linearly related to T 4 present in standards or serum. The denaturation of serum effected by trichloroacetic acidsodium hydroxide permitted virtually 100% T 4 extraction recovery in normal, pregnancy, hypo- and hyperthyroid sera whereas 72.9–87.6% T 4 recovery from normal serum (and with large individual differences) was noted with lower alcohols in T 4 (D) procedure. Cumbersome and/or tedious steps such as pre-extraction, centrifugation, time consuming bound and unbound hormone separation procedures, etc. are obviated in T 4 -RIA and the entire assay can be completed in the same tube in approximately an hour. These attributes along with increased sensitivity and specificity and the need for only microamounts of test sera (25–50 μ1) in T 4 -RIA offer distinct advantages over T 4 (D) procedures, and in simplicity excel even other T 4 -RIAs. T 4 -RIA values in physiological and pathological states were highly correlated ( r = 0.97) with T 4 (D) measurements and no differences between these two techniques were found. The reported discrepancies between T 4 -RIA and T 4 (D) measurements in human sera and some
Self-Assembled Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles Capable of Controlled Disassembly in Response to a Single Nucleotide Mismatch

We have demonstrated the self-assembled DNA nanoparticles capable of controlled disassembly in response to a single nucleotide change (SNC) in a target nucleic acid. The DNA nanoparticles (avg diameter = 51 ± 22 nm) were constructed by joining two types of streptavidin−DNA conjugates with 2 molar equiv of a linker strand that carries complementary sequences to both conjugates. Nanoparticle disassembly triggered by a target strand (i.e., a perfect complement to the linker) selectively over mismatched targets was achieved by kinetically controlled nucleation occurring at a 6-nt overhang in the linker. The disassembly process was shown to be dramatically slowed down when using mismatch targets in which the SNC was positioned at the fourth nucleotide from the 3′-end. To verify whether the controlled disassembly also works for a SNC located in the middle of a target strand, we tested a deleterious Z variant (G1024A) of human α1-antitrypsin as a mismatch target (60-nt) carrying the point mutation at position 39...
Edmund Beecher Wilson, Class of '81

Edmund Beecher Wilson was born in Geneva, Illinois in 1856. He attended Antioch College, the University of Chicago, Yale, and Johns Hopkins (Ph.D. 1881). Most of his professional life was spent in the Zoology Department of Columbia University together with his close friend, Thomas Hunt Morgan. They were dominant figures in developing the Chromosome Theory of Heredity. Wilson began his professional life as a conventional 19th century biologist studying problems of systematics, morphology, and phylogeny. Soon he became a key figure in the newer experimental disciplines of embryology, cytology, and heredity. He is remembered today largely for his superb synthesis of these three fields in The Cell in Development and Heredity . He died in 1939.
Phosphinic acid pseudopeptides analogous to glutamyl-gamma-glutamate: synthesis and coupling to pteroyl azides leads to potent inhibitors of folylpoly-gamma-glutamate synthetase.

Several routes to a complex phosphinate phosphapeptide analogous to the γ-glutamyl peptide Glu-γ-Glu have been investigated. Formation of γ-phosphono glutamate derivatives via addition of a phosphorus-based radical to protected vinylglycine was found to be of limited value because of the elevated temperatures required. Alkylation and conjugate addition reactions of trivalent phosphorus (PIII) species were investigated. In situ generation of bis-trimethylsilyl esters of phosphinous acids proved to be an effective route to phosphinates of modest structural complexity. However, this chemistry could not be extended to the incorporation of an amino acid moiety at the N-terminal side of the desired phosphinate. A successful synthesis of the target phosphinate phosphapeptide was effected using PIII chemistry and dehydrohalogenation to yield an α,β-unsaturated phosphinic acid ester, following which conjugate addition of diethylacetamido malonate and acid-mediated hydrolysis afforded the desired phosphinate phosph...
TRANSPORT OF ANGULAR MOMENTUM IN DAMPED NUCLEAR REACTIONS

Abstract The transport of angular momentum in damped nuclear reactions is investigated in a model considering the stochastic exchange of individual nucleons between the two reactants. Starting from a general transport description of the dynamical evolution of the macroscopic variables, the equations of motion for the first and second moments of the distribution function are derived. The evolution of the angular-momentum carrying variables is discussed in detail and illustrated by calculations for cases of experimental interest.
Ultraviolet and visible imaging and spectrographic imaging (UVISI) experiment

The ultraviolet and visible imaging and spectrographic imaging (UVISI) experiment consists of five spectrographic imagers and four imagers. These nine sensors provide spectrographic and imaging capabilities from approximately equals 110 nm to approximately equals 900 nm. The spectrographic imagers (SPIMs) share an off-axis parabolic design in which selectable slits (1.00 degree(s) X 0.10 degree(s) or 1.00 degree(s) X 0.05 degree(s)) provide spectral resolutions between approximately equals 0.5 nm and approximately equals 4.0 nm. SPIM image planes have programmable spectral dimensions with 68, 136, or 272 pixels and programmable spatial dimensions with 5, 10, 20, 40 pixels. A scan mirror sweeps the slit through a second spatial dimension and generates a spectrographic image once every 5, 10, or 20 seconds. The four imagers provide narrow-field and wide-field viewing. Each imager has a six-position filter wheel that selects various spectral regimes and neutral densities. Each of the nine sensors use intensified CCD detectors that have an intrascene dynamic range of approximately equals 103 and an interscene dynamic range of approximately equals 105; neutral density filters provide an additional dynamic range of approximately equals 102-3. An automatic gain control adjusts the intensifiers to scenes of varying intensity. UVISI also includes an image processing system that uses the raw data from any single imager to acquire and track targets of various sizes, shapes, and brightnesses. The image processor relays its results to a master tracking system that uses the UVISI data (as well as other data) to point the satellite in real time. UVISI will be launched on the MSX satellite in late 1994 and will investigate a multitude of celestial, atmospheric, and point sources during its planned five-year lifetime.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Dyadic perceptions in personal source information search

Abstract The vast majority of personal source information search research has ignored the dyadic relationship of information seeker and source, concentrating on one or the other. In this study, a method is used that retains the dyadic nature of personal information search, incorporating perceptions of opinion leadership, expertise, and influence from both members of the dyad. The results cast doubt on traditional measures of opinion leadership and some of the other implicit assumptions underlying personal source information search theory.
A New Kinetic Depth Illusion for Introductory Psychology and Sensation and Perception Courses

A new kinetic depth illusion is described, and a BASIC program for generating it on a personal computer is provided. The illusion stimulates questions and discussion, and the program permits exploration of conditions that affect the illusion. It is recommended as a classroom demonstration fm introductory psychology or sensation and perception courses.
A comparative analysis of the distribution of immunoreactive orexin A and B in the brains of nocturnal and diurnal rodents

The orexins (hypocretins) are a family of peptides found primarily in neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Although the orexinergic system is generally thought to be the same across species, the orexins are involved in behaviors which show considerable interspecific variability. There are few direct cross-species comparisons of the distributions of cells and fibers containing these peptides. Here, we addressed the possibility that there might be important species differences by systematically examining and directly comparing the distribution of orexinergic neurons and fibers within the forebrains of species with very different patterns of sleep-wake behavior. We compared the distribution of orexin-immunoreactive cell bodies and fibers in two nocturnal species (the lab rat, Rattus norvegicus and the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus) and two diurnal species (the Nile grass rat, Arvicanthis niloticus and the degu, Octodon degus). For each species, tissue from the olfactory bulbs through the brainstem was processed for immunoreactivity for orexin A and orexin B (hypocretin-1 and -2). The distribution of orexin-positive cells was noted for each species. Orexin fiber distribution and density was recorded and analyzed using a principal components factor analysis to aid in evaluating potential species differences. Orexin-positive cells were observed in the lateral hypothalamic area of each species, though there were differences with respect to distribution within this region. In addition, cells positive for orexin A but not orexin B were observed in the paraventricular nucleus of the lab rat and grass rat, and in the supraoptic nucleus of the lab rat, grass rat and hamster. Although the overall distributions of orexin A and B fibers were similar in the four species, some striking differences were noted, especially in the lateral mammillary nucleus, ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and flocculus. The orexin cell and fiber distributions observed in this study were largely consistent with those described in previous studies. However, the present study shows significant species differences in the distribution of orexin cell bodies and in the density of orexin-IR fibers in some regions. Finally, we note previously undescribed populations of orexin-positive neurons outside the lateral hypothalamus in three of the four species examined.
Anti-gamma interferon can prevent the premature death of trisomy 16 mouse cortical neurons in culture.

Previous reports have indicated that human trisomy 21 and mouse trisomy 16 neurons exhibit decreased viability in culture when compared to euploid control cultures and that trisomic cells are significantly more sensitive to the anti-cellular effects of the interferons. In the study reported here, cortical neurons from euploid and trisomy 16 mouse fetuses were treated with either anti-γ-interferon or non-specific IgG and neuron morphology and viability measured photographically. The addition of anti-γ-interferon IgG to the culture media had no effect on euploid neurons, but significantly increased trisomy neuron viability throughout the 5-day culture period. Assay of both DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine externalization suggested that the trisomic neurons were undergoing apoptosis at a significantly higher rate than their euploid counterparts and that this increase in apoptosis could be almost completely prevented by addition of either ligand purified monoclonal or ligand purified polyclonal anti-γ-interferon IgG. Taken together, these data suggest that endogenous interferon plays an important role in the premature death of the trisomy neuron.
Reactive ion beam etching of PLZT electrooptic substrates with repeated self-aligned masking.

Deep channels in electrooptic substrates are often desired for optical fiber coupling and the fabrication of embedded electrodes in waveguides and spatial light modulators. While ion beam etching can be used to form channels with vertical wall profiles, the achievable etch depth is often rate-limited by the substrate/mask etch ratio. In this paper we compare etch rates of the electrooptic material (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 under argon-ion beam etching and CF4 and C2F6 reactive ion beam etching (RIBE). Then, as an alternative to the use of thick or multilayered masks, of limited resolution, we present a method using backside exposure to apply repetitively a self-aligned photoresist mask for multiple RIBE runs. This procedure has been used to fabricate channels of 7-μm depth in the electrooptic material.
Early approaches to bibliometrics

The lines of research leading up to and forming the subfield of bibliometrics are traced from earliest times to the year 1969, when this term was proposed as a substitute for “statistical bibliography.” © 1987 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.