cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Passive limb movement augments ventilatory response to CO2 via sciatic inputs in anesthetized rats.

Passive limb movement (PLM) in humans induces a phasic hyperpnea, but the underlying physiological mechanisms remain unclear. We asked whether PLM in anesthetized rats would produce a similar phasic hyperpnea associated with an augmented ventilatory (V˙E) response to CO2 that is dependent on sciatic afferents. The animals underwent 5 min threshold PLM, 3 min hypercapnia (5% CO2), and their combination (CO2 exposure at the end of 2nd min of 5-min PLM) before and after bilateral transection of the sciatic nerves. We found that a threshold PLM evoked a phasic hyperpnea, similar to that denoted in humans, and an augmented V˙E response to CO2. Both responses were greatly diminished by sciatic nerve transection. Moreover, similar responses were also evoked by electrically stimulating the central end of the transected sciatic nerve. Our findings suggest an ability of the sciatic afferents to augment the V˙E response to CO2 that likely contributes to the PLM-induced hyperpnea.
A single-sample radiotracer technique for determining stream flow rates

Abstract A radiotracer method of determining stream flow rates is described which offers better accuracy and ease of application than previous methods. It consists of in situ dip counting in the stream and the subsequent counting and calibration of a single, instantaneous sample taken from the stream during the passage of the injected radiotracer. The method can be used with either the tracer balance (total-count) or tracer-rate balance principle (dilution) of stream flow measurement. A series of 6 runs were made using the single-sample method in conjunction with the tracer balance principle of stream flow measurement. These runs were made in a stream with flow rates of from 45 to 72 ft3/sec. The experimental flow rates obtained were always within ±4 per cent of the United States Geological Survey calibration and the average deviation for all runs was ±1.1 per cent.
Formation of niningerite by silicate sulfidation in EH3 enstatite chondrites

Unequilibrated EH chondrites contain silica-bearing chondrules with abundant niningerite [(Mg,Fe,Mn)S] and troilite (FeS), distinguishing them from the silica-bearing chondrules in ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites. The conventional explanation for the origin of niningerite and oldhamite (CaS) is that they are condensates from C-rich nebular gas. However, models of condensation from a solar gas with an elevated C/O ratio predict mineralogy that is inconsistent with petrographic observations. We report petrographic and chemical evidence from 45 silica-bearing chondrules from the EH3 chondrites Sahara 97072 and Alan Hills 84170 for formation of niningerite and oldhamite by sulfidation of ferromagnesian silicates. The results indicate extensive thermal processing of the chondrules including melting before, during, and after sulfidation. Bulk compositions of chondrules exhibiting varied degrees of sulfidation suggest that depletion of Mg and enrichment of Fe, Mn, and Na accompany the reactions. Sulfidation of FeO-bearing silicates, which formed at oxidizing conditions (at least IW-3), can occur with exposure to a H-poor, C- and S-rich gaseous reservoir 6–8 fO2 log units below the IW buffer at temperatures high enough for partial melting of silicates. Physicochemical analysis of mineral reactions inferred from sulfidized chondrules suggests a melted metal-sulfide assemblage (in a H-poor environment) is capable of generating sufficient S vapor to drive sulfidation. The reaction of silicates with the S gas will result in progressive extraction of Fe, Ca, and Mg into sulfides, with the stoichiometric amounts of silica either reacting with olivine to form enstatite or, when olivine is exhausted, precipitating as free silica. The sulfidation environment drastically increases Mg volatility, resulting in evaporative loss until saturation in the ambient gas is reached. The newly formed Mg-rich niningerite will tend to reach equilibrium composition by losing Mg and gaining Fe plus Mn from the ambient gas, consistent with the observed chemical fractionation in the sulfidized chondrules. Therefore, sulfidation of ferromagnesian silicates can also explain the low bulk Mg/Si ratios of the enstatite chondrites if the sulfidizing gas was lost before accretion of the enstatite chondrite parent body.
Risk optimization with p-order conic constraints: A linear programming approach

The paper considers solving of linear programming problems with p-order conic constraints that are related to a certain class of stochastic optimization models with risk objective or constraints. The proposed approach is based on construction of polyhedral approximations for p-order cones, and then invoking a Benders decomposition scheme that allows for efficient solving of the approximating problems. The conducted case study of portfolio optimization with p-order conic constraints demonstrates that the developed computational techniques compare favorably against a number of benchmark methods, including second-order conic programming methods.
The Construct Validity of the Leisure Activities Questionnaire and of the Paragraphs about Leisure.

The Leisure Activities Questionnaire (LAQ) and the Paragraphs About Leisure (PAL) were administered to independent samples of undergraduate college students. A multitrait-multimethod matrix was computed to compare the descriptions of ten traits (leisure activities) obtained by using two methods (LAQ and PAL). The multitrait-multimethod matrix was analyzed by employing an ANOVA procedure and a multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis. The two procedures revealed a high degree of convergent and discriminant validity for the two instruments.
Enhancer analysis of the mouse HNF‐3β gene: regulatory elements for node/notochord and floor plate are independent and consist of multiple sub‐ elements

Background: Axial pattern formation in vertebrate embryos depends on signals from the node and, later, from the notochord and floor plate. Previous studies have shown that HNF-3β, a member of the winged-helix transcription factor family, plays key roles in the development of all three organizing centres. Results: Enhancer analysis of HNF-3β has therefore been performed using lacZ reporter gene constructs in transgenic mouse embryos. This has led to the identification of independent node/notochord and floor plate enhancers, at positions far upstream (−15 to −14 kb) and downstream (+6 to +11 kb) of the transcription start site, respectively. The node/notochord enhancer activity has been localized to a 520 bp fragment. Floor plate gene expression requires a combination of two separate fragments of the enhancer. Deletion analysis of one of these fragments (400 bp) has identified subregions required for the initiation and the maintenance of floor plate expression, and for the suppression of ectopic expression within the neural tube. Conclusion: We conclude that HNF-3β gene expression in the node/notochord and in the floor plate are controlled through different enhancers, which consist of positive and negative elements.
TRAJECTORY OPTIMIZATION USING ECCENTRIC LONGITUDE FORMULATION

Theproblemofoptimaltransfer usinga set ofnonsingularorbit elementswhere theeccentric longituderepresents the sixth state variable is extended and completed by fully considering the six-state dynamics.Because the eccentric longitude appears in the right-hand sides of the dynamic equations, the use of this particular formulation removes the need for solving the transcendental Kepler equationat each integration step, thereby easing, to some extent, the numerical computations. Furthermore, because the eccentric longitude is being integrated directly, it effectively becomes an independent orbital element such that the adjoint differential equations are derived by assuming that this longitude is independent of the other elements. The variational Hamiltonian is constant throughout the transfer with the boundary conditions given simply in terms of the elements. An example of a general minimumtime transfer using continuous low-thrust is generated duplicating a previous result using the mean longitude formulation to validate the mathematical derivations.
When loyalties clash purchase behavior when a preferred brand is stocked out: The tradeoff between brand and store loyalty

Abstract The interplay between brand and store loyalty is investigated in the situation of stockout of a preferred brand at a preferred store through three studies. A four-item scale for measuring store loyalty is developed and tested. While brand loyalty influences between-store substitution and within-store substitution in a stockout, store loyalty does not have any influence, suggesting the dominance of brand loyalty over store loyalty in a stockout. Relevance and implications of the results are discussed.
Work in progress: Integrating entrepreneurship into undergraduate engineering education

As government and industry leaders place increased importance on entrepreneurship and innovation within science, technology, and engineering (STEM) in higher education, courses, programs, and centers are being developed to enhance students' learning and development in these areas. Despite this growth in programming and the extensive entrepreneurship research in the literature, little research has been completed regarding ways in which students in STEM disciplines value, identify with, and are willing to participate in entrepreneurship activities. This paper presents work in progress to develop a survey and run focus groups to better understand STEM students' perceptions of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship educational opportunities. The results can be used by educators to better understand the knowledge, beliefs, and practices of students being served by entrepreneurship and innovation programming, and to identify approaches to engaging more students in this critical area.
Some singular, nonlinear differential equations arising in boundary layer theory

Abstract The nonlinear, second-order differential equation which describes boundary layer flow when Crocco variables are employed is examined under several different endpoint conditions. Uniqueness and analyticity are established for boundary conditions corresponding to flow behind weak expansion and shock waves and for the flow above a moving conveyor belt.
Shifts in cyanobacterial strain dominance during the onset of harmful algal blooms in Florida Bay, USA.

Cyanobacteria are fundamental components of aquatic phytoplankton communities and some taxa can cause harmful blooms in coastal ecosystems. Harmful cyanobacterial blooms are typically comprised of multiple strains of a single genus or species that cannot be resolved microscopically. Florida Bay, USA, has experienced harmful cyanobacterial blooms that have been associated with the loss of eelgrass, spiny lobsters, and general food web disruption for more than two decades. To identify the strain or strains of cyanobacteria forming blooms in Florida Bay, samples were collected across the system over an annual cycle and analyzed via DNA sequencing using cyanobacterial-specific 16S rRNA gene primers, flow cytometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Analyses demonstrated that the onset of blooms in Florida Bay was coincident with a transformation of the cyanobacterial populations. When blooms were absent, the cyanobacterial population in Florida Bay was dominated by phycoerythrin-containing Synechococcus cells that were most similar to strains within Clade III. As blooms developed, the cyanobacterial community transitioned to dominance by phycocyanin-containing Synechococcus cells that were coated with mucilage, chain-forming, and genetically most similar to the coastal strains within Clade VIII. Clade VIII strains of Synechococcus are known to grow rapidly, utilize organic nutrients, and resist top-down control by protozoan grazers and viruses, all characteristics consistent with observations of cyanobacterial blooms in Florida Bay. Further, the strains of Synechococcus blooming in this system are genetically distinct from the species previously thought to cause blooms in Florida Bay, Synechococcus elongatus. Collectively, this study identified the causative organism of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in Florida Bay, demonstrates the dynamic nature of cyanobacterial stains within genera in an estuary, and affirms factors promoting Synechococcus blooms.
Direct measurement of reaction kinetics for the decomposition of ultrathin oxide on Si(001) using scanning tunneling microscopy.

The spatially inhomogeneous thermal decomposition of monolayer thick oxide films on Si(001) has been investigated. After partial desorption, uniformly distributed voids are formed in the oxide layer. Analysis of the evolution in the void area distribution with extent of desorption suggests that the rate determining step in void growth is the creation of a diffusing Si monomer within the void. This explains the unexpected substantial rearrangement of the Si substrate upon desorption of a single monolayer of oxygen.
Mie scattering between any two angles

In many applications of Mie scattering theory, it is necessary to calculate an amount of electromagnetic energy scattered into a definite solid angle. In the past, the requisite integral over the Mie scattering phase function has been done numerically. We show that such integrals can be done analytically.
The association between cervical human papillomavirus infection and HIV acquisition among women in Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) is higher among HIV-positive women but the prevalence of HPV prior to HIV acquisition has not been carefully evaluated. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether HPV infection is independently associated with heterosexual HIV acquisition in a cohort of Zimbabwean women. DESIGN: Case-control study nested within a large multicenter cohort study (HC-HIV). METHODS: Cases consisted of Zimbabwean women with incident HIV infection observed during follow-up (n = 145). HIV-uninfected controls were selected and matched to cases (n = 446). The prevalence of cervical HPV infections was compared at the visit prior to HIV infection in the cases and at the same follow-up visit in the matched controls. RESULTS: The odds of acquiring HIV were 2.4 times higher in women with prior cervical HPV infection after adjustment for behavioral and biologic risk factors. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of HIV acquisition between women infected with high-risk vs. low-risk HPV types. Loss of detection of at least one HPV DNA type was significantly associated with HIV acquisition [odd ratio = 5.4 (95% confidence interval 2.9-9.9)] (P < .0001). Conclusion: Cervical HPV infection is associated with HIV acquisition among women residing in a region with a high prevalence of both infections. Further studies are required to evaluate whether the observed association is causal.
Soil CO2 flux and its controls during secondary succession

[1] The area of abandoned agricultural lands has substantially increased over the past several decades. These ubiquitous land use changes can be significant contributors to the dynamics of the global carbon budget. However, the effects of these land use dynamics (i.e., secondary succession) on carbon cycling, and particularly on soil CO2 efflux, are rather sparsely addressed in the literature. Variations in soil CO2 flux during secondary succession may explain the hypothesized shift from carbon source to carbon sink as succession proceeds. We investigated soil CO2 flux of early, mid, and late succession ecosystems in northern Virginia from 2003 to 2006. Soil temperature, moisture, total carbon, total nitrogen, and soil C/N were measured along with soil CO2 flux. Despite the wide array of changes in both physical conditions and vegetation composition/structure that occur during successional shifts, our results showed that soil CO2 flux did not vary throughout succession. Our results support previous findings that soil temperature has a major influence on soil CO2 flux, and we additionally found that the overall sensitivity of soil CO2 flux to soil temperature did not change during succession. Soil moisture had a significant influence on soil CO2 flux only at the two driest sites within the successional sequences (one early and one late successional site), where both root and microbial activities are potentially limited by soil water conditions. The monthly soil CO2 fluxes were significantly different among successional stages in 9 out of the 12 months during the year. The soil CO2 fluxes showed strong seasonality and differences among sites within seasons; however, these differences balanced out at the annual scale. The invariance in annual soil CO2 fluxes throughout succession may indicate that soil CO2 flux overall is independent of any shift from early succession carbon source to later succession carbon sink. Results also indicate that annual soil CO2 budgets are likely determined by the climatic conditions under which succession proceeds. While the transient vegetation types of secondary succession alter the seasonal soil CO2 fluxes, they may not affect the annual soil CO2 output.
(10,3)-a Noninterpenetrated network built from a Piedfort ligand pair.

The Friedel−Crafts reaction of cyameluric chloride with toluene and subsequent oxidation have resulted in the synthesis of a benzoic acid functionalized tri-s-triazine derivative, s-heptazine tribenzoate (HTB). Photoluminescence and mass spectroscopy data indicate that, in solution, HTB molecules interact by face-to-face π−π stacking, forming dimers (the “Piedfort unit”). A porous metal−organic framework (MOF) with a (10,3)-a chiral network has been synthesized with these dimers at the three-connected nodes linking trinuclear zinc clusters. Within the network, the dimer can exist in either of two enantiomeric forms because of an angular offset in the stacking. The resulting MOF is neutral and noninterpenetrated and exhibits a high solvent-accessible volume (calculated 84%).
Erratum to: Perceptions of genetic research in three rural Appalachian Ohio communities.

Erratum to: J Community Genet DOI 10.1007/s12687-012-0112-2 The original publication of this article contain the following errors: This acknowledgment was erroneously omitted: This research study was supported by the National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, through Grant 8 UL1 TR000077-04 and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 5 T32 ES016646-05 and R01 ES016531, and P30 ES006096. The abstract lists two percentages which should be contained by parenthesis. The statement should read: “We found that participants had a high interest in participating in (80 %), allowing their children to participate in (78 %), and learning more about genetic research studies (90 %).” The word “logarithmically” in the Introduction section, first paragraph should be changed to “exponentially.” The sentence should read: “Therefore, appreciation of the complexities of the genome and the interplay between genes and the environment have grown exponentially, subsequently spurring an increase in human genome-sequencing technologies.” The word “effects” in the Methods section, first paragraph, third sentence should be “affects.” Under the Data Management and Analysis Section under Methods, the word “numbers” should be “number” in the following line: “Incomplete or improperly answered questions were discarded, resulting in a varying number of respondents for each question.”
Effects of commonly used bowel preparations on the large bowel mucosal-associated and luminal microflora in the rat model

Studies of colonic microflora have indicated there are two distinct populations, one intraluminal and one mucosal surface-associated. This investigation further characterizes the mucosal surface microflora and assesses the effects of common preoperative bowel preparations on both microflora. Quantitative and qualitative bacterial cultures and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the microflora in five groups of seven rats each: control; intraoperative colonic instillation of ten percent povidone-iodine for 20 minutes; mechanical preparation with magnesium citrate; mechanical preparation followed by intramuscular cefoxitin (30 milligrams per kilogram) one hour preoperatively; and mechanical preparation followed by oral neomycin sulfate and erythromycin base (15 milligrams/kilogram each) given by gavage tube 18, 14, and 4 hours preoperatively. Microflora on the mucosal surface was visualized by scanning electron microscopy in all groups except the neomycin/erythromycin group. Results showed fewer bacterial isolates recovered from the mucosal surface compared with the lumen, as well as several log10 units lower for each bacterial classification. The greatest suppression of both microflora was seen in the neomycin/erythromycin group. Total aerobic and anaerobic luminal counts decreased by 3.7 (P < 0.009) and 6.3 (P < 0.009) log10 units, while total aerobic and anaerobic wall counts decreased by 2.3 (P < 0.009) and 2.8 (not significant) log10 units, respectively. Lesser reductions were noted in the povidone-iodine group (P < 0.009,P < 0.009,P < 0.009, and P < 0.048, respectively). There were no statistically significant reductions in either total aerobic or anaerobic counts in the mechanical preparation or cefoxitin groups. These results indicate that neomycin/erythromycin is the most effective regimen in reducing both microflora.
Reliability and maintainability of machinery and equipment, part 2: Benchmarking, life-cycle cost, and predictive maintenance

AbstractThis article is the second of two that review some of the practical machinery reliability and maintainability (R&M) activities. Adhering to these R&M activities can help the builders and users of capital-intensive machineries to improve their uptime and reduce their maintenance costs. The articles are collections of some of the published work of the author, based on fifteen years of consulting work with the automotive industry. The topics covered in the first part included accessibility of machinery and assessing machine tool builder’s R&M practices. The topics covered in the second part include benchmarking best maintainability practices, cost-effectiveness of predictive maintenance, and equipment life-cycle cost analysis. These articles review the contemporary subjects on R&M. In addition, a case study is presented that offers a road map to purchasing more reliable machinery and means of maintaining it more efficiently.
Changes in plasma drug binding and α1‐acid glycoprotein in mother and newborn infant

A number of drugs bind to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein in plasma. To determine whether age-related changes in alpha 1-acid glycoprotein influence drug binding in mother and newborn infant and also the effects of sex, pregnancy, and oral contraceptives on drug binding, the binding of lidocaine, diazepam, propranolol, d-tubocurarine, and metocurine was determined by equilibrium dialysis in 17 men, 16 nonpregnant women, 16 nonpregnant women on oral contraceptives, and 15 mothers and their newborn infants at delivery. The free fraction of d-tubocurarine (p less than 0.05), metocurine (p less than 0.01), propranolol (p less than 0.001), and lidocaine (p less than 0.02) was higher in neonatal blood than in maternal blood, whereas the free fraction of diazepam was less in fetal cord blood than the mother's (p less than 0.02), but higher than that in nonpregnant women (p less than 0.001). The free fractions of diazepam, propranolol, and lidocaine were higher (p less than 0.001) in pregnant women compared with nonpregnant women while the diazepam and lidocaine free fractions were higher (p less than 0.05) in nonpregnant women and oral contraceptives than in women not using them. Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein was lower in the fetus (15.3 +/- 4.7 mg/100 ml) than the mother (49.6 +/- 6.5 mg/100 ml) (p less than 0.002). There was a positive correlation between plasma alpha 1-acid glycoprotein concentrations and the binding ratio (bound/free concentrations) of lidocaine (p less than 0.001; r = 0.623) and propranolol (p less than 0.001); r = 0.652), indicating that it is likely that the elevation of the free fraction of these drugs in the fetus is due in part to lower levels of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein.
Measuring economic freedom: a comparison of two major sources

Overall country ratings on economic freedom by Fraser Institute and Heritage Foundation, which are probably the two most widely-used sources, are compared. Numerous cases of huge differences between country ranks for the two sets of ratings are noted. A simple illustration shows that inferences based on one set of ratings can be very different from those suggested by the other set. Researchers, policy-makers and other users are urged to exercise caution in drawing strong conclusions on the basis of ratings from either source.
Towards a theory of packages

A model for packages is introduced, along with operations for their manipulation. The model is based on the unifying principle that programs should be represented by trees, and packages by substitutions on trees. Operations are defined on packages, that allow the construction of any package from a collection of basic packages. A programming environment, based on this model, would allow manipulations and operations that are not possible in current languages. Information hiding and encapsulation are automatically supported by the model. A typing mechanism is presented, which allows polymorphic types. The typing does not affect the typeless aspect of the model.
Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Sulfur Constituents in Sediments, Soils and Water

Abstract A suite of analytical methods for determining the amount of organic sulfur (carbon-bonded sulfur and ester sulfate) and inorganic sulfur (sulfate and sulfide) is described. Organic sulfur fractions, which have often been ignored, are major constituents of oxic substrates and have a major role in sulfur dynamics. Methods of sample preparation and a modification of the Johnson-Nishita digestion-distillation apparatus are given. HCl digestion, Zn-HCl reduction, hydriodic acid reduction, sulfate extraction, wet oxidation and dry oxidation are utilized for determining sulfur constituents. With only minor modifications these analyses were adapted for examining 35S transformation rates. Results from these analyses on sewage sludge, lake sediment, soil, and water demonstrate the usefulness of these methods.
Observational learning and workplace safety: the effects of viewing the collective behavior of multiple social models on the use of personal protective equipment.

Abstract Introduction The current project evaluated the effects of the collective behavior of multiple social models on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Method Prior to completing a simulated baggage-screening task, participants ( N = 64) watched a scripted training video that included three confederate trainees. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four manipulations, where different proportions of confederates were shown putting on over-ear sound mufflers before starting the task (0, 1, 2, or 3). White noise played at 70 decibels in the test room, and PPE use was observed unobtrusively through a lab window at five time intervals. Results The mean intervals of PPE use generally increased as the number of positive social models increased (0 = 0.63, 1 = 0.50, 2 = 1.25, 3 = 3.06), and differences between groups were significant [χ 2 (3, N = 64) = 14.92, p 2 = 0.24]. The results suggest that the aggregate prevalence of safety behavior within work groups may be an important determinant of initial PPE use by new employees. Impact on Industry Results suggest that new hires are likely to use PPE at a rate that is proportional to the collective PPE use observed among their peers. Safety leaders should regularly measure the collective level of PPE use at job sites and encourage majority usage through appropriate interventions such as increasing the availability or quality of PPE, training, or positive reinforcement for compliance.
Distribution of the perivascular nerve Ca2+ receptor in rat arteries

We recently showed that perivascular sensory nerves of mesenteric branch arteries express a receptor for extracellular Ca2+ (CaR), and reported data indicating that this CaR mediates relaxation induced by physiologic levels of Ca2+. We have now tested whether the perivascular sensory nerve CaR-linked dilator system is a local phenomenon restricted to the mesentery, or is present in other circulations. Vessels from the mesenteric, renal, coronary, and cerebral circulations were studied. Immunocytochemical analysis was performed using anti-CaR and anti-neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) antibodies. Wire myography was used to assess contraction and relaxation. Although perivascular nerves of all arteries stained for CaR protein, there were regional differences. A morphometric method used to estimate CaR positive nerve density revealed the following rank order: mesenteric branch artery > basilar artery = renal interlobar artery > main renal trunk artery > left anterior descending coronary artery. Vessels from the mesentery, renal, coronary, and cerebral circulations showed nerve-dependent relaxation in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) when precontracted with serotonin in the presence of guanethidine. The degree of Ca2+-induced relaxation of mesenteric, renal, and cerebral arteries positively correlated with the magnitude of EFS-induced relaxation. In contrast, coronary arteries contracted at Ca2+ levels between 1.5 and 3 mmol L(-1), and relaxed to a small degree to 5 mmol L(-1) Ca2+. Thus, a functional perivascular sensory nerve CaR-linked dilator system is present to varying degrees in the mesenteric, renal, and cerebral circulations, but only to a very limited extent in the coronary circulation.
Meeting students on their own turf

Abstract Academic librarians strive to make their expertise and their library's resources available to remote users. At Bowling Green State University, librarians boldly left the library building and offered reference and research assistance to undergraduate students around campus. This column describes an effort to take library instruction to residence hall computer labs and discusses possible reasons why this attempt to extend library instructional services outside the library failed.
On Certain Integral Tensor Categories and Integral TQFTs

We construct certain tensor categories that are dominated by finitely many simple objects. Objects in these categories are modules over some ring of algebraic integers. We show how to obtain TQFTs over algebraic integers from these categories.
Femtosecond laser studies of the relaxation dynamics of semiconductors and large molecules

The use of femtosecond lasers and the related optical correlation spectroscopic technique for studying the relaxation dynamics of semiconductors and photoexcited molecules are reviewed. In particular, the results on the intraband relaxation of nonequilibrium carriers in GaAs and related compounds and quantum well structures are summarized. The optical correlation technique also led to the observation of quantum beats in the femtosecond time domain corresponding to the direct observation of molecular vibrations in the time domain.
Genocide, and its Definition as the "Partial Elimination of a National Group"

This paper is primarily about the crimes committed by Argentina’s last military dictatorship and whether these deserve the legal qualification of crimes against humanity or “genocide.” This question has consequences which go beyond the field of law and affect society and collective psychology through the reconstruction of historical memory. From this perspective, this paper argues that the definition of Genocide set forth in international law is directly applicable in Argentine national law. It also examines the different problems with the use of this term. Finally, it aims to reconstruct the figure of Genocide from the original interpretation of the works of Raphael Lemkin, and establish the “national” group as the superordinate term and ‘ethnic’, ‘racial’ and ‘religious’ groups as cohyponyms, where “national” group includes and goes beyond the other three groups, and authorizes the inclusion of groups not explicitly covered by the 1948 Convention.
The protease inhibitor ritonavir inhibits the functional activity of the multidrug resistance related-protein 1 (MRP-1).

Background Efflux pumps situated on the plasma membrane, such as P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and the multidrug resistance related-protein 1 (MRP-1), have been shown to extrude HIV protease inhibitors from the cell. MRP-1 is present on many barrier sites throughout the body, such as the blood-brain and blood-testis interfaces and could reduce the concentration of protease inhibitors in these sanctuary sites for HIV-1 replication. Factors that modulate efflux pump function in vivo are poorly defined. Objective To analyze the inhibitory potential of the anti-retroviral drugs indinavir, amprenavir, ritonavir, lamivudine or zidovudine to modulate MRP-1 function. Methods Effect of anti-HIV drugs on the efflux pump activity of MRP-1 was evaluated in the presence of increasing concentrations of human plasma, using UMCC-1/VP cells which stably over-express MRP-1. MRP-1 activity was abrogated by probenecid. The potential of blocking MRP-1 function for an extended (3 day) time period, was also examined in MRP-1 over-expressing cells cultured with either probenecid or the anti-retroviral drugs and a cytotoxic compound (etoposide) that is transported by MRP-1. Results Ritonavir inhibited the functional activity of MRP-1 similarly to probenecid, as demonstrated by re-sensitization of MRP-1 over-expressing cells to cytotoxic effects of etoposide. Inhibition by ritonavir was inversely related to the concentration of human plasma added to the cells (r2 = 0.89). Other anti-HIV drugs didn't affect the MRP-1 mediated efflux of etoposide. Conclusions These data may be exploitable to further improve sanctuary site concentrations of anti-HIV or anti-cancer drugs by using ritonavir as a lead compound to develop more potent MRP-1 inhibitors.
Evaluation of microvision SD2500 scanning laser display

Microvision's SpectrumTM SD2500 is a candidate technology for the Modular Integrated Helmet Display System (MIHDS)program. This HMD design is intended to provide a full-color, see-through, daylight and night-readable, moderate-resolution (800X600 pixels) display. The employed technology is that of scanning lasers. This paper presents the testing results for the latest version of this prototype system.
Carbohydrate metabolism in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

DIABETES mellitus is characterized by both fasting hyperglycemia and exaggerated postprandial increases in the plasma glucose level. Understanding the causes of these abnormalities is important for...
Stimulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in adipocytes by oxytocin: evidence for mediation of the insulin-like effect by endogenous hydrogen peroxide independent of glucose transport.

Abstract Oxytocin, a nonapeptide posterior pituitary hormone, which is known to increase glucose oxidation in fat cells like insulin, is shown here to stimulate pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in these cells. The process appears to involve the activation of preexisting molecules since there was no change in the total enzyme content after full activation. The effect of oxytocin, as well as of insulin, appears to be mediated by endogenous H2O2 formation, as evident from (i) the enhanced [14C]formate oxidation and its greater inhibition by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole in the hormone-treated cells than in the control. This is a measure of the catalase:H2O2 complex, and the dose dependence of this response is found to be identical with that of glucose oxidation via the hexose monophosphate shunt pathway and of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity; and (ii) treatment of the cells with low concentration of exogenous H2O2 causes the activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase to the extent which is comparable with the effect of the hormones. The ED50 of oxytocin was 7 × 10−9 m , whereas the ED50 of insulin was 5 × 10−11 m . The reduced, inactive (SH) derivatives of the hormones had the same dose-response relationship, but considerably lower effect (10 to 20% of the native molecules of the hormones), indicating the significant role of the disulfide bridge(s) in eliciting these metabolic responses. The stimulation of PDH by oxytocin or insulin is found to be essentially independent of medium glucose which, however, can sustain the response apparently by recycling the intracellular oxidation-reduction state. However, unlike insulin, oxytocin fails to stimulate the rapid uptake of 3-O-[3H]methyl- d -glucose in these cells. The data illustrate that the major metabolic actions of insulin, viz., glucose utilization and lipogenesis, are shared by another heterologous polypeptide hormone, e.g., oxytocin, through a common effector, H2O2. It is suggested that (i) oxytocin may play a limited surrogate role for insulin in these cells; and (ii) H2O2 production may be the general basis of oxytocin's action.
History counts: How history can shape our understanding of health policy

Historians of nursing can inform and provide perspective and context to the discipline and to policy makers. This article provides several examples of the interplay of history and health policy debates across time and place. From issues of the nursing workforce to discussions about the skill level needed to safely care for patients and the issues of practice boundaries, history provides evidence for shaping our understanding of and engagement with health policy. History offers a way to understand the present and think about the future. It illustrates a critical perspective for both action and advocacy.
Adolescent patterns of physical activity differences by gender, day, and time of day.

Background More information about the physical activity of adolescents is needed. This study used objective measurement to investigate differences in activity patterns related to gender, body mass index (BMI), day, and time of day. Methods Eighth-grade adolescents (37 boys, 44 girls) wore the Manufacturing Technologies Inc. (MTI) accelerometer for 4 days and kept a previous-day physical activity recall diary in the fall of 2002. Minutes per hour in sedentary, light, and moderate/vigorous activity, as recorded by the MTI, and in nine activity categories, as recorded by the diary, were calculated for three time periods (6:00 am to 2:59 pm , 3:00 pm to 6:59 pm , 7:00 pm to midnight) on each day (Thursday through Sunday). Results Doubly multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant gender by day by time differences in sedentary ( p =0.005) and moderate/vigorous ( p p p Conclusions Except on Sunday, consistent gender differences were found in activity levels, especially for the late afternoon period. Significant increases in sitting, TV/electronic games, and chores were seen for weekend days. Results support strategies to reduce sitting and electronic recreation, which may increase physical activity.
The Effect of a Recorded Model on Band Students' Performance Self-Evaluations, Achievement, and Attitude:

In this study, we examined effectiveness of recorded models in the context of ensemble rehearsals. Over a 5-week treatment period, directors of three middle/junior high and two high school bands sy...
INFLUENCE OF FRY COLOR ON QUALITY OF COATED BROILER THIGHS

An untrained sensory panel judged preference, acceptability, and color of equally cooked, breaded broiler thighs prepared at frying temperatures of 163, 177, and 191°C. Fry color (shade) was perceived by panelists as being darker (P < .01) at higher frying temperatures. Objective color measurement indicated that coated parts decreased in lightness (Hunter L), increased in redness (a), and decreased in yellowness (b) with increasing frying temperature. Although a frying temperature of 163°C is recommended for preparing fried, breaded broiler parts, panelists preferred the darker breading color produced at the higher frying temperatures (177 and 191°C).
Finite Element Model of Multi Level Cervical Laminoplasty

Cervical spinal stenosis is a medical condition caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal, possibly leading to the compression of the spinal cord or other nerve roots [1]. Surgical options include an anterior approach involving decompression and fusion or a posterior approach involving laminectomy and fusion or laminoplasty. Laminoplasty, considered an alternative to laminectomy, is a procedure intended to relieve pressure on the spinal cord while maintaining the stabilizing effects of the posterior elements of the vertebrae.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Radical Translation: Cultural Politics and England's Universal Language Movement

La recherche d'une langue universelle en Angleterre au 17e siecle s'etend des propositions preliminaires de Francis Bacon, philosophe de la "nouvelle science", jusqu'a la creation d'une langue philosophique par l'eveque John Wilkins, fondateur principal de la Royal Society. Les languages universelles, je le maintiens, sont, en premier lieu, des exemples de la "traduction radicale"; elles constituent l'effort d'accomplir par des moyens nouveaux le reve inacheve des humanistes de retrouver une harmonie entre les mots et les choses. Les langues universelles ne sont pas des traductions d'une langue a une autre; elles traduisent plutot ce que l'on pourrait decrire comme ou bien le livre de la nature ou bien le discours de l'esprit en un systeme de signifiants dont la logique fonctionne comme miroir de la logique du monde. Illustrees le mieux dans l'oeuvre de Bacon et de Hobbes, les consequences politiques de la traduction radicale sont des plus profondes. L'histoire du mouvement de la langue universelle se reflete dans l'histoire des rois Stuart, ceux qui ont travaille le plus pour l'etablissement d'un ordre politique absolu. Le nouvel etat autoritaire a trouve un appui dans cette nouvelle langue elle-meme autoritaire.
In silico prediction of target SNPs affecting miR-mRNA interaction

MicroRNAs (miRs) are a large family of short 20 - 25-nt single-stranded noncoding RNAs, recently identified in many eukaryotes from nematode to human, which play an important role in gene regulation. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common genetic variants in the human genome, and an immense source of information for localizing and identifying disease susceptible genes. Here, we investigate how the SNPs located in transcribed regions of protein coding genes will affect the miR-mRNA interaction by altering the Minimum Free Energy (MFE) of the miR-mRNA duplex, thus destroying the existing miR target sites or creating the new target sites. We propose that a combination of multiple allelic variants in miR target regions can alter the gene regulation and contribute to the likelihood of disease development. We developed a bioinformatics pipeline to predict the target SNPs, which can potentially influence the miR-mRNA interaction, based on the SNPspsila ability to alter the MFE of the miR-mRNA duplex. We annotated and integrated such target SNPs, miRs, and the target gene annotation information into an integrated database, called miR-SNPDB.
Adaptive-Neuro-Fuzzy-Based Sensorless Control of a Smart-Material Actuator

In this paper, adaptive-neuro-fuzzy-based sensorless control of a smart-material actuator is presented. The smart material that we used to develop a novel type of linear actuator is Terfenol-D. The peristaltic motion in the actuator is generated by inducing a traveling magnetic field inside the Terfenol-D element. The sensorless control of the actuator is based on an observation illustrating a direct relationship between the active element's position and the coils' inductances. To detect the inductance change, the coil's current response to a pulse voltage input is monitored. Then, a fundamental relationship between the coils' current-response pulsewidths and the active element's position is developed using a combination of a Sugeno fuzzy model and neural networks. Eventually, the closed-loop sensorless control of the magnetostrictive actuator was successfully performed. The neuro-fuzzy-based sensorless control demonstrated the position-estimation capability with a ±0.5-mm maximum error. The sensorless control scheme combined with the unique features of this actuator is promising in the applications, where conventional actuation and sensing methods are proved inapplicable due to technical or reliability issues.
Differential Investment in Sons and Daughters: Do White Rhinoceros Mothers Favor Sons?

In species in which one sex experiences greater variation in lifetime reproductive success than the other, the Trivers-Willard hypothesis predicts greater parental investment in offspring of the more variable sex. Support for this hypothesis has been inconsistent and few studies have determined whether differential allocation of resources can be attributed to the parent (as predicted by sex-biased parental investment) or to efforts by offspring to extract resources. We addressed this issue by characterizing maternal investment in wild white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). In a 3-year study, we radiotracked 14 adult females and recorded behavioral activities related to both maternal investment and offspring extraction of maternal resources. Investment in sons appeared to be greater than in daughters: sons suckled significantly longer and more frequently and were weaned significantly later than daughters. Although mothers did not respond differentially to individual nursing solicitations from male versus female offspring, our results suggest that mothers invested more in sons that vocalized at higher rates, but did not alter their investment in daughters in response to call rate. This may indicate that mothers, in part, facilitate access to resources depending on the sex of their offspring. This study provides a useful model for determining whether sex-biased investment is under maternal control or is a consequence of sex differences in the offspring's efforts to extract parental resources.
Stakeholder identifying and positioning (SIP) models: From Google's operation in China to a general case-analysis framework

Abstract Through examining online search service provider Google's much-talked about business operation in China over the past several years, this research introduced a series of practical stakeholder identifying and positioning (SIP) models that can be used for various PR case analysis, issue management and decision-making process. Stakeholder, though an important concept that is at the epicenter for understanding and practicing public relations, has nonetheless received insufficient scholarly scrutiny from the public relations’ perspective, and has been so loosely defined that it often leads to confusion rather than clarification. This study categorized all stakeholders into three broad “PR” dimensions, namely, (1) Product and Revenue; (2) Policy and Regulation; and (3) Perception and Reputation. The dynamic interactions and interrelations of these stakeholders were further streamlined and illustrated through several commonly applicable models.