cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does synergized pyrethrin applied over wetlands for mosquito control affect Daphnia magna zooplankton or Callibaetis californicus mayflies

BACKGROUND: Public health agencies may apply aerosolized synergized pyrethrin over wetlands repeatedly to control mosquitoes. This concerns wildlife managers because studies have shown the accumulation of pyrethroids, which are chemically similar to pyrethrin, in sediments in amounts that can be toxic to invertebrates. The authors tested whether repeated applications of synergized pyrethrin over wetlands caused mortality of two aquatic invertebrates: the zooplankton Daphnia magna Straus and a mayfly, Callibaetis californicus Banks. Fifteen wetland mesocosms were either exposed to repeated pyrethrin sprays or were protected by lids. Invertebrates in screened cages were placed in mesocosms before the fifth and eleventh spray, and directly into wetlands before spray 11. Six mesocosms were exposed to spray deposition. Caged adult mosquitoes were used to verify that sprays drifted over mesocosms. Sediments were analyzed for insecticide residues. RESULTS: There were no detectable effects of synergized pyrethrin on 36 h survival of Daphnia or mayflies, but most exposed adult mosquitoes died. Some exposed sediments yielded pyrethrin (≤34.5 ng g−1); most showed piperonyl butoxide (PBO) (≤14.9 ng g−1). CONCLUSIONS: Deposition of aerosolized 25% pyrethrin + 5% PBO may contaminate wetlands, but its application at rates used for mosquito control did not produce detectable effects on indicator species. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Stabilizing fake Hilbert spaces

Abstract We construct several examples of fake Hilbert spaces including one that satisfies the Discrete Approximation Property for n -cells, n =1,2,3,… and becomes homeomorphic to l 2 after taking the product with a dendrite A . The examples are constructed using the input from homotopy theory.
ETHIONINE BIOSYNTHESIS IN ESCHERICHIA COLI.

Abstract The synthesis of ethionine by bacteria, previously demonstrated, led to the possibility that this amino acid is formed by transfer of a labile ethyl group to homocysteine in a manner analogous to that observed for the transfer of the methyl group of methionine. The results of the present experiments, using mutants of Escherichia coli which were known to be deficient in their methionine pathway, support the hypothesis that ethionine is synthesized by the same sequence of enzymes responsible for the biological synthesis of methionine.
Viewpoint: Methanol poisoning outbreak in Libya: A need for policy reforms

We address the controversies surrounding a 2013 outbreak of methanol poisoning in Tripoli, Libya. We critically examine and systematically analyze the outbreak to highlight the lessons learned from this disaster and how to act properly to prevent similar outbreaks in future. Many health problems have been directly attributed to drinking alcohol; the type and quality of alcohol determines the detrimental effects. An unregulated and flourishing black market in alcohol is among the factors behind the Libyan tragedy, where approximately 90 deaths and about 1000 hospital admissions were reported. We reviewed gaps in local and regional alcohol policy, and highlighted the issue of illegally produced and home-made alcohol. Collaboration between countries in the region plus critical health and policy reforms in Libya, with emphasis on public health preparedness, can dramatically decrease morbidity and mortality associated with such outbreaks.
An X-ray powder diffraction study of the NdBr3TbCl3 system

Abstract The NdBr 3 TbCl 3 system has been investigated by the Guinier X-ray powder diffraction technique over the full composition range. Four discrete phase regions were identified. Orthorhombic PuBr 3 -type solid solution regions were observed from 0 to ∼12.5 and 52.5 to 100 mole% NdBr 3 . A hexagonal UCl 3 -type region was apparent between 5 and ∼60 mole% NdBr 3 , and a monoclinic AlCl 3 -type region was found between ∼15 and 50 mole% NdBr 3 . Between 7.5 and ∼17.5 mole% NdBr 3 a high-temperature phase which could not be characterized was also observed. Phase limits in the 7.5–17.5 mole% region were particularly sensitive to annealing conditions.
Paleomagnetism: Continents and Oceans

A number of interesting and useful textbooks about paleomagnetism and related subjects have appeared during the last decade. One of the most recent is Paleomagnetism: Continents and Ocean by Michael W. McElhinny and Phillip L. McFadden. This new contribution represents a significant update of the classic 1973 edition of Palaeomagnetism and Plate Tectonics by McElhinny, a text that has been used through the years by countless students and geoscientists interested in paleomagnetism, rock magnetism, and the applications of paleomagnetism to plate tectonics.
Characteristics of BDNF-induced weight loss

There is evidence that central infusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induces weight loss in rats. We have begun to investigate the physiological basis for BDNF-induced weight loss by assessing its relationship to (a) appetite, (b) serum indices of metabolic and renal toxicity, and (c) brain monoamine activity in areas associated with feeding or motor function. BDNF (0-6 microgram/day) was infused into the lateral ventricle (LV) of male Long-Evans rats for 14 days. Body weight and food intake were monitored throughout infusion and recovery periods. BDNF induced severe, dose-dependent appetite suppression and weight loss. Although appetite began to recover after the 10th infusion day, body weight had not returned to control values at the end of the recovery period. The weight loss observed in BDNF-infused rats was related to appetite suppression, since uninfused rats that were pair-fed to high dose BDNF-treated rats showed comparable weight loss. Despite severe weight loss, serum BUN, creatinine, thyroxine, glucose, and total protein were not affected by BDNF infusion. Striatal DO-PAC/DA was similarly unaffected by BDNF. In contrast, BDNF-infused rats showed a dose-dependent increase in hypothalamic 5-HIAA/5-HT that was not observed in pair-fed rats, suggesting that the observed increase in hypothalamic 5-HIAA/5-HT was a direct effect of BDNF infusion rather than a secondary effect of food restriction. These data suggest that BDNF may induce appetite suppression and weight loss through a central mechanism.
Patterns of infliximab use among Crohn's disease patients in a community setting.

Background: Information on infliximab use in a community setting is important to understand patterns of medication use and to anticipate and plan for costs associated with the drug. We sought to understand predictors of initiation and discontinuation of infliximab in the community-based setting of Kaiser Permanente, Northern California, which provides integrated care to its members. Methods: The cohort study was set during 1998–2006. Predictors of initiation were assessed among 494 Crohn's disease (CD) patients who initiated infliximab and 2470 CD patients who did not initiate infliximab (controls). Data were obtained through linkage of computerized clinical information and were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox survival analysis. Results: Infliximab infusions have increased rapidly since 2001, with no evidence of leveling off. Initiators were appreciably younger than controls (P < 0.001), but were similar to controls with respect to sex and race/ethnicity. The presence of at least 1 comorbidity was related to a modest increase in the risk of initiating (compared with none: 1 comorbidity, odds ratio [OR] = 1.52 with 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–2.00; 2 comorbidities, OR = 1.38 with CI 0.89–2.13). By 3 years after initiating, only 20% of patients remained on infliximab. Conclusions: In a community-based setting infliximab use has steadily increased. Age and comorbidity are associated with initiation, but sex and race/ethnicity are not. More information is needed to determine why, in this community-based setting, a large number of patients on infliximab discontinued their treatment. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2008)
Intradural intramedullary spinal cord metastasis due to mesothelioma

To report the occurrence of intramedullary spinal cord metastases in a patient with a mesothelioma. A case report. Setting: University medical center. A 67-year old man with mesothelioma developed paraparesis 6-months after diagnostic thoracotomy. MR spine imaging revealed an intramedullary spinal cord metastases. Cyberknife radiotherapy. Intramedullary spinal cord metastases, although rare, is increasingly recognized with spinal cord MRI. Treatment remains unsatisfactory as treatment with surgery or irradiation is only partially effective.
Olefin−Amino Acid Complexes of Platinum(II). 3. NOE Difference and Low-Temperature NMR Determinations of Rotamer Populations of Coordinated Olefins and the Stereoselectivity of Coordination of Prochiral Olefins

The exceptional stereoselectivity of coordination of 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol in cis(N,olefin)-Pt(2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol)(sarcosine)X, 1 (X = Cl), has been attributed to stabilization of one rotamer of the H2-coordinated olefin by intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the OH oxygen on the olefinic alcohol and the N−H proton of coordinated sarcosine. Nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) difference experiments on 1 have confirmed that the preferred conformation in solution corresponds to that found in the crystalline solid. Both NOE and low-temperature NMR experiments were used to establish approximate rotamer ratios for a series of complexes as a function of olefin structure, X substituent (Cl-, H2O, OH-), and solvent composition (D2O vs CD3OD). Olefins that show strong stereoselectivity in diastereomeric complexes containing sarcosine and proline also show a strong preference for one rotamer in complexes containing the achiral amino acid α-aminoisobutyric acid. The strong stereoselectivity and rotamer prefe...
Excitability changes during paradoxical sleep in the rat.

Le passage de la phase de sommeil avec ondes lentes a la phase «paradoxale» et souvent aussi du sommeil paradoxal a l'eveil, sont accompagnes chez le rat d'un commencement ou d'une accentuation de l'activite dite «spindling» dans l'ecorce. Des changements phasiques de la frequence des ondes ϑ dans l'hippocampe se produisirent pendant les periodes paradoxales. Nous n'avons pas remarque de correlations entre ces phenomenes.
Interaction of vinyl trichlorosilane and water with E-glass surfaces

Abstract The objective of this work was to elucidate the nature of water vapor adsorption on E-glass fibers drawn under dry conditions and E-glass fibers drawn in a vinyl trichlorosilane (VTS) atmosphere. VTS was chosen as representative of trifunctional organosiliconchloride coupling agents. The long-range goal of this work is to provide guidance in the design of glass fiber and coupling agent compositions to reduce the influence of atmospheric water on the stability of glass reinforced plastics. The adsorption of VTS vapor on E-glass fibers was found to be time-dependent and to fit the Langmuir model. Water vapor was shown to have a lower affinity for E-glass surfaces drawn in dry air than for E-glass fibers drawn in a dry air/VTS atmosphere. The BET surface areas were found to vary with sequential adsorptions of water vapor. The adsorption of water vapor on E-glass surfaces was found to vary with the square root of time.
A Search for the Synaptic Adjustment Phenomenon in Maize

It has recently been suggested from several laboratories that complex synaptic configurations (required for homologous synapsis in the presence of heterozygosity for chromosome rearrangements, or resulting from multivalent formation in polyploids, or even resulting from interlocking of normal bivalents) may be formed initially, but are altered by dissolution of the central element of the synaptonemal complex followed by its reinstatement in such a way that only free bivalents, typical of normal sequence homozygotes in diploids, are usually found at late pachytene. It has been suggested that the synaptic adjustment inferred may be a process of widespread occurrence. Maize microsporocytes heterozygous for a paracentric inversion were studied at early and late pachytene and also at early diplotene. Clear remnants of loop configurations typical of homologous synapsis of the inverted region were found in a number of cells at early diplotene, and synaptic failure of the inverted region was common at both early and late pachytene. In maize microsporocytes a synaptic adjustment process comparable to that which has been reported in mammals seems to be absent.
Reaction Kinetics for the Development of Radiation-induced Chromosome Aberrations

The formation of chromosome aberrations from DNA double-strand breaks (dsb) following ionizing irradiation of cells is analysed using a stochastic, continuous-time Markov chain formalism. A restitution/complete exchange model is proposed which incorporates kinetic competition between dsb restitution and chromosome exchange; it applies primarily to those dsb whose broken ends are held in close proximity by proteins. Some additional pathways for damage evolution are also considered. The calculations are compared in detail to the experiments on dicentric yield and variance in human lymphocytes following acute low-LET irradiation summarized by Lloyd and Edwards (1983) and Lloyd et al. (1987). It was found that dicentric formation by pairwise dsb interactions can lead to a dicentric yield/dose curve with a significant linear component even if one-track action is neglected. In other words a dicentric formation rate quadratic in the dsb number does not automatically imply a dicentric yield quadratic in the dose. However, the data indicate that at least in some experiments there could have been a significant one-track contribution to the dicentric yield in addition to the intertrack contributions analysed in the present paper. From the data the order of magnitude of the dsb interaction rate constant is estimated to be at most approximately 3 x 10(-3) exchanges per dsb pair per hour. It was found that for the reaction pathways considered, a initial Poisson distribution of dsb leads to an underdispersed distribution of dicentrics; the amount of underdispersion is strongly model-dependent and the variance data are consistent with the restitution/complete exchange model. Finally, a general mathematical theorem on Markov models is presented. It implies that assays performed after repair and exchange are completed cannot determine absolute repair or exchange rates, only their ratio (which may depend on lesion number).
Exploring the filter bubble: the effect of using recommender systems on content diversity

Eli Pariser coined the term 'filter bubble' to describe the potential for online personalization to effectively isolate people from a diversity of viewpoints or content. Online recommender systems - built on algorithms that attempt to predict which items users will most enjoy consuming - are one family of technologies that potentially suffers from this effect. Because recommender systems have become so prevalent, it is important to investigate their impact on users in these terms. This paper examines the longitudinal impacts of a collaborative filtering-based recommender system on users. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first paper to measure the filter bubble effect in terms of content diversity at the individual level. We contribute a novel metric to measure content diversity based on information encoded in user-generated tags, and we present a new set of methods to examine the temporal effect of recommender systems on the user experience. We do find that recommender systems expose users to a slightly narrowing set of items over time. However, we also see evidence that users who actually consume the items recommended to them experience lessened narrowing effects and rate items more positively.
Concomitant psychological and cardiac improvement during successful treatment of anorexia nervosa

A patient with anorexia nervosa in whom concurrent nutritional, psychological, and cardiovascular assessments were obtained sequentially during successful treatment is presented. At the time of diagnosis, severe multisystem dysfunction was present including depression, low self-esteem, hypotension, bradycardia, exercise intolerance, and abnormalities of systolic and diastolic cardiac function. Treatment resulted in weight gain and increased skinfold thickness and arm circumference. There were concomitant improvements in the psychometric indices of depression and self-esteem as well as decreased anorectic tendencies. During her recovery, working capacity increased and diastolic function improved. However, echocardiographic evidence of impaired systolic function persisted. Despite the apparent treatment success in this patient, this report suggests a potential need for further studies to determine the extent, if any, of long-term cardiac sequelae.
Base catalysis by alkali-modified zeolites: I. Catalytic activity

Abstract Isopropanol is reacted over alkali-exchanged X and Y zeolites in the presence and absence of occluded exchange salts at 350 °C and atmospheric pressure. The decomposition of cesium acetate occluded in CsNaY results in the generation of a very active base site. This site improves the acetone activity of the parent CsNaY by an order of magnitude. The CsNaX zeolite, however, does not contain this site after decomposition of the occluded cesium acetate and as a result shows an acetone activity comparable to that observed for the parent CsNaY. For the cesium acetate occluded CsNaY zeolite, the selectivity to acetone is above 97%, and on a surface area basis, the acetone activity is comparable to that found for MgO.
Primary structure of the fifth component of murine complement.

A cDNA library was constructed by the method of Okayama and Berg, [Okayama, H., & Berg, P. (1983) Mol. Cell. Biol. 3, 280-289] employing size-selected (greater than 28 S) poly(A+) liver RNA from the mouse strain B10.WR. A total of 150,000 recombinants were screened with a partial human C5 cDNA probe; 16 C5-positive clones were identified, 1 of which contained an insert greater than 5.2 kilobase pairs in length. This cDNA insert was fully sequenced by the dideoxy method. The DNA sequence of this insert had an open reading frame of 4920 base pairs specifying a sequence of 1640 amino acid residues. The region corresponding to positions 372-812 exhibited high homology with the previously determined partial structure for human C5 of 438 amino acid residues. A four-residue basic sequence (Arg-Ser-Lys-Arg) was identified upstream of the amino-terminal Asn of C5a, thereby specifying a beta alpha-chain orientation for the promolecule form of murine C5. The 3' end of this clone contained 351 base pairs of untranslated sequence. The presumed polyadenylation recognition site CATAAA was located 17 base pairs upstream of the poly(A) tail. Comparison of the derived murine C5 sequence with previously determined structures for murine C3 and C4 revealed regions of high sequence similarity, including the thiol ester region present in C3 and C4. The cysteine and proximal glutamine which give rise to the intramolecular thiol ester bond in C3 and C4 were absent in C5, having been replaced by serine and alanine, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Complexity of core allocation for the bin packing game

This paper provides complexity results and develops optimal algorithms for core membership and emptiness tests of the bin packing game. Our algorithms find the maximum surplus profit, the least integer core value, and the minimum value required by the grand coalition for the existence of an integer core allocation.
Learning abstract relations from using categories

When people learn categories, the importance of the features and relations in the category representation reflects both their diagnosticity for classification and their relevance to the use of the category. In earlier work in which the influence of category use on the representation has been shown, only cases in which the features and relations were simple, observable, and very specific were examined. Learners may begin to understand the underlying similarities of category members by using the categories. In the four experiments presented here, learners applied a simple category-specific formula to category members. The test results showed that the learners had incorporated relations among features from this use, including cases in which the relations were abstract. This learning occurred even though the relations were actually not predictive of category membership but just perceived to be so as a function of the use.
Narrated Animated Solution Videos in a Mastery Setting

An experimental study comparing mastery versus single-try learning procedures with narrated videos of worked problem solutions.
Effect of soil application of fly ash on chemical composition and yield of corn ( Zea mays L.) and on chemical composition of displaced soil solutions

Field investigations were initiated in 1971 to study the effect of a weathered fly ash sample on yield and nutrient concentration of corn (Zea mays L.) and on composition of displaced soil solutions, and to determine rates of fly ash that could be applied to soils without adversely affecting plant growth. Application of weathered ash at rates ranging from 18 to 288 metric tons/ha did not decrease corn grain yields on either Groseclose silt loam or Woods-town loamy fine sand. Corn grain yields were increased on the Woodstown soil in 1972 where cumulative rates of 216 and 288 metric tons/ha of fly ash were applied, which was attributed in part to increased soil moisture. Plant analysis data indicated that B and Mn concentrations were not increased to toxic levels as had been reported in other investigations with unweathered fly ash. Soil solution data verified that toxic amounts of these elements were not released from the weathered ash sample.
Nonpolar components of the latex of Euphorbia peplus

The less polar fractions of the latex of Euphorbia peplus were found to contain obtusifoliol, cycloartenol, 24-methylenecycloartanol, lanosterol, and 24-methylenelanosterol in the free and esterified triterpene alcohol fractions; 9-cis-tricosene as the major component of the hydrocarbon fraction; and a new acyclic triterpene alcohol named peplusol (1). The structure of 1 was determined as the R-isomer of (all-E)-2-(5,9-dimethyl-1-methylene-4,8-decadienyl)-5,9,13-trimethyl-4,8,12-tetradecatrien-1-ol by spectral and chemical methods.
Androgen metabolism by hepatic and renal tissues of the fetal rhesus monkey.

Abstract Liver and kidney from fetal monkeys (day 125 of gestation) were fractionated into low speed pellets, microsomal and cytosolic fractions. Liver cytosols converted as much testosterone (T) to 5β-androstane-3α,17β-diol (5β-diol) at 0°C as at 4°–45°C without exogenous cofactors. The principal product formed from 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) was 5α-diol. A 1000-fold molar excess of radioinert 5β- or 5α-DHT inhibited 5β-diol formation from [ 3 H]T by cytosols and increased 5β-DHT formation. Similarly, using 5α-DHT as substrate, 5α-diol formation was inhibited. Microsomal and low speed pellets with added cofactors formed products which recrystallized with either etiocholanolone or androsterone from [ 3 H]T or [ 3 H]DHT, respectively. Little product was formed without cofactor. Whole liver homogenates produced 5β-reduced products from [ 3 H]T in the presence of an NADPH generating system whereas kidney homogenates produced 5α-reduced products. These data provide new information on the capacity of fetal monkey liver and kidney to metabolize androgens. The 3α-reductases are cytosolic. The 5α- and 5β-reductases are mostly in the low speed pellet but are sufficiently represented in cytosols to mediate diol formation. The 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases are in the microsomal fraction. Our results suggest that 5α-DHT is the active androgen in fetal liver since testosterone is metabolized to 5β-DHT and 5β-diol which are inactive androgens.
Determination of aqueous ozone for potable water treatment applications by chemiluminescence flow-injection analysis. A feasibility study

Abstract The feasibility of determining aqueous ozone by chemiluminescence flow-injection analysis (CL—FIA) was studied for applications in potable water treatment. The ozonated water sample is injected into a pure water carrier and mixed with a dye reagent in front of a photodetector. Many reagents undergo fast CL reactions with aqueous ozone. Most of these reactions display considerable selectivity for ozone over other oxidants of importance in water treatment. Even when there is steady-state response to another oxidant, significant discrimination against the interferents is possible by taking advantage of the much faster kinetics of the CL reaction with ozone. A simple design of a Siemens-type ozone generator and preparation of standard ozone solutions are also described.
Antibiotic Resistance in two Water Reclamation Systems for Space Applications

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the antibiotic resistance in two water reclamation systems developed from space missions. The first system is a small-scale water reclamation system operated at Johnson Space Center designed to reclaim wastewater during long-term space missions. The second system was a scaled-down version of the Johnson Space Center system operated at Texas Tech University. Antibiotic resistance patterns to 10 antibiotics were investigated before and after controlled doses of amoxicillin were added to the water reclamation systems. The results of this study indicate that bacteria in all systems were resistant to many antibiotics including beta-lactam antibiotics and a beta-lactam, beta-lactamase inhibitor combination, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid.
The Effect Of Loads on the Collective Behavior of Neurospora Kinesin

The motor protein kinesin converts the energy from ATP hydrolysis and Brownian motion into directed movement. There is increasing evidence suggesting that several kinesin motors cooperate to transport cargoes. Recent experiments also suggest that the collective behavior of kinesin differs significantly from single-molecule behavior. We study the collective behavior of Neurospora kinesin (Nkin) in vitro. By laser trapping latex beads attached to microtubules through biotin-streptavidin linkages, we are able to apply forces to microtubules being transported by several kinesins attached to the coverslip. The density of motors on the coverslip is related to the average number of motors involved in the transport. We experimentally characterize the transport for a range of loads and motor densities.
New global map of seismic crust

An up-to-date global compilation of the thickness of the earth's crust and a compilation of upper mantle seismic velocity measurements has been published recently by Soller, Ray, and Brown (Tectonics, 1, 125–149, 1982). The data base indicate 2508 crustal thicknesses and 1806 Pn (uppermost mantle) velocity values. The data are from seismic refraction and surface wave measurements. The compilation represents a significant expansion of available crustal thickness maps, with more uniform coverage. Thus, in agreement with current geophysical interpretations, numerous tectonic features are recognizable as local variations in crustal thickness. For example, mountain chains in isostatic equilibrium, such as the Alps, the Andes, and the Pamir and Tien Shan ranges, display a thickening of the crust and a deeper Mohorovicic Boundary. Beneath the Tibetan plateau, the crust is 80 km thick—the maximum observed. The area of Japan and the Kurile Islands are represented on the map as a thickened crustal ridge separating the thin oceanic crust of the Pacific plate from the thicker crust underlying the marginal basins of the Seas of Japan and Okhotsk. Contours define the Pacific-Eurasion plate boundary, located southeast of the Kurile island arc. Very thin crust, often less than 4 km, occasionally outlines oceanic spreading centers, such as the Midocean Ridge in the North Atlantic.
Epitaxial growth of (Sr1−xCax)CuO2 thin film with the infinite‐layer structure by metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition

Phase‐pure epitaxial (Sr1−xCax)CuO2 thin films having the infinite‐layer crystal structure were grown on SrTiO3 (100) substrates by low pressure metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition using fluorinated metal‐organic precursors. The substrate temperature and reactant gas (O2, H2O) partial pressure are crucial for stabilizing the tetragonal infinite‐layer structure. Films with compositions over the range x=0–0.3 can be stabilized. In‐plane epitaxy was confirmed by x‐ray diffraction φ scan. The films were semiconducting but exhibit resistivity anomalies. The orthorhombic phases of Sr2CuO3 and SrCuO2 were stabilized at 700 °C and 750 °C, respectively.
Epi-Detected Ratio of forward-Propagating to Back-Propagating Second Harmonic Signal

In this paper, we present a method to determine, for the first time, the SHG F/B ratio in vivo on the surface of intact tissue samples without any biopsy or tissue sectioning, using only epi-detection.
Short footshock-electroconvulsive shock intervals and retrograde amnesia in mice

Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) was administered to mice 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 sec following a step-through passive avoidance trial. On retest 24 h later, the minimum test trial step-through latencies (STLs) were shown by groups given ECS 2 sec and 4 sec after a 1-sec footshock (FS); however, the Ss in the 2-sec group showed very little variation in STLs. Since the 2-sec and 4-sec groups showed test latencies lower than their training STLs, a “proactive effect” interpretation seems more acceptable than one appealing to hypothesis of memory consolidation.
Understanding the Linguistic Characteristics of Network Signaling for the 'Internet of Things' Using n-Grams

In the expanding 'Internet of Things' (IoT), 'Machine-to-Machine' (M2M) applications exist with large homogeneous populations of devices that utilize general-purpose communications infrastructures, and in particular, cellular wireless networks. Understanding the behavior of these applications at large scale can be challenging since they often operate within an environment with various layers of abstraction and where system activity at one layer may lead to unanticipated consequences at other layers. This paper investigates several commercial M2M applications at the cellular wireless "signaling layer," and looks specifically at how the linguistic characteristics, in the form of n-grams, of device interactions with cellular carrier network elements help provide insights into the systems' behavior.
Nonresonant three-body decays of charmed mesons in chiral perturbation theory

Direct (nonresonant) 3-body decays of charmed mesons are calculated in chiral perturbation theory. The magnitudes of the 20 and 84 representations of the effective chiralSU(4)×SU(4) Lagrangian are determined from the measured 2-bodyD→Kπ rate. For decay modes which do not contain nonspectator contributions, the agreement of theoretical predictions with the data is satisfactory. Nevertheless, the large discrepancy between theory and experiment for decays which can proceed through theW-exchange orW-annihilation might imply the importance of nonperturbative corrections to the nonspectator diagram and the existence of final-state interactions.
Differences in the actions of calcium versus lanthanum to influence parathyroid hormone release.

PTH release from bovine parathyroid cells is inhibited by increasing concentrations of extracellular calcium (Ca2+). We have proposed that this inhibition is mediated by Ca2+ channels via a G-protein. To further test this hypothesis, we evaluated the effect of lanthanum (La3+), a potent Ca2+ channel antagonist that does not cross the cell membrane. PTH release was determined in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells by radioimmunoassay: extracellular Ca2+ concentration was 0.2 mM. PTH release was inhibited by maximal concentrations of La3+ to a greater extent than by Ca2+: 93% inhibition by La3+ vs. 40% by Ca2+. La3+ was more potent (set-point = 0.12 mM) than Ca2+ (set-point = 1.2 mM). Incubation of parathyroid cells with pertussis toxin, which inactivates a G-protein(s) and blocks inhibition by Ca2+, did not block the inhibition of PTH release by Laa+ at the concentrations tested. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187, which potentiates the effect of Ca2+, did not enhance the inhibition of PTH release by La3+. Increasin...
Object detection by radial basis neural network filtering of spectral data

An object recognition technique has been developed that allows the rapid screening of multispectral images for objects with known spectral signatures. The technique is based on the configuration of a radial basis neural network (RBN) that is specific for a particular object spectral signature or series of object spectral signatures. The method has been used to identify features in CASI-2 and HYDICE images with results comparable to conventional spatial object recognition techniques with a significant reduction in processing time. Radial basis neural networks have several advantages over the more common backpropagation neural networks, including better selectivity and faster training, resulting in a significant reduction in overall image processing time and greater accuracy.
Massively Parallel Model of Extended Memory Use in Evolutionary Game Dynamics

To study the emergence of cooperative behavior, we have developed a scalable parallel framework for evolutionary game dynamics. This is a critical computational tool enabling large-scale agent simulation research. An important aspect is the amount of history, or memory steps, that each agent can keep. When six memory steps are taken into account, the strategy space spans 24096 potential strategies, requiring large populations of agents. We introduce a multi-level decomposition method that allows us to exploit both multi-node and thread-level parallel scaling while minimizing communication overhead. We present the results of a production run modeling up to six memory steps for populations consisting of up to 1018 agents, making this study one of the largest yet undertaken. The high rate of mutation within the population results in a non-trivial parallel implementation. The strong and weak scaling studies provide insight into parallel scalability and programmability trade-offs for large-scale simulations, while exhibiting near perfect weak and strong scaling on 16,384 tasks on Blue Gene/Q. We further show 99% weak scaling up to 294,912 processors 82% strong scaling efficiency up to 262,144 processors of Blue Gene/P. Our framework marks an important step in the study of game dynamics with potential applications in fields ranging from biology to economics and sociology.
Finding self: A qualitative study of transgender, transitioning, and adulterated silicone

Objective: To describe the development and testing of a theory-based interview guide. To increase awareness of adulterated silicone use among Transgender.Design: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews.Setting: Interviews were conducted in Chicago, Illinois, USA.Method: Seven transgender adults aged 18 and over were interviewed using grounded theory method and an interview guide created for this study.Results: Participants perceived that adulterated injection liquid silicone is used widely among transgender as a cheaper means to augment physical appearance. The prevalence of illicit silicone is widespread among vulnerable, minority populations and is associated with health complications.Conclusions: Several health-promotion issues were discovered. These included the need for safer transition options, the need for more cost effective transition options, the need to collect surveillance data, and the need for health promotion and action research.
Factors associated with false-positive results from fingerstick OraQuick ADVANCE rapid HIV 1/2 antibody test.

Objective:Identify factors associated with false-positive rapid HIV antibody tests.Design:This retrospective cohort study with nested case–controls involved patients tested for HIV by Boston Medica...
Chemosensory Responses Toward Oxygen in Euglena gracilis

SYNOPSIS Euglena gracilis strain Z, at a concentration of 106 cells/ml and in containers of ∽ 0.1-mm thickness, spontaneously forms dynamic ring patterns in the dark. These patterns are modified differentially by illumination with red and with blue light. The red light effect is abolished by treatment with an inhibitor of photosynthesis. Pattern formation is apparently the result of chemophobic responses to oxygen dissolved in the medium. Euglena can respond to both negative and positive concentration gradients, depending upon the absolute magnitude of oxygen concentration. The photo- and chemosensory transduction systems of Euglena interact at a stage which precedes the overt expression of motor responses.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE RELATION OF THE PITUITARY BODY TO RENAL FUNCTION.

1. The inconstant results of past observations on the relation of pituitary extracts to renal activity have been due chiefly to unsuitable methods. 2. A standard curve of artificially induced polyuria may be plotted for rabbits, giving 200 cc. of water by mouth. 3. Extracts of the pars intermedia and posterior lobe of the hypophysis, given by mouth, subcutaneously, or intravenously, are able definitely to check polyuria thus induced. Extracts of the anterior lobe show a similar effect, but only to a slight degree. 4. This antidiuretic effect is constant, and is independent of (a) changes in blood pressure, (b) intestinal absorption, and (c) the vagi. The effect is apparently prevented or delayed by division of the splanchnics, and is diminished by division of the renal nerves near the hilus. 5. A similar antidiuretic property is possessed: (a) by β-imidazolylethylamine, (b) by p-oxyphenylethylamine, (c) by a preparation from Secale cornutum, (d) by small doses of nicotine, (e) by large doses of caffeine, and (f) by extracts of the adrenal cortex. 6. No effect on the polyuria is produced: (a) by strychnine (b) by morphine, (c) by adrenalin, or by extracts of (d) thyroid, (e) thymus, (f) pineal, (g) pancreas, or (h) corpora lutea. 7. In animals under chloral or paraldehyde anesthesia a short and inconstant initial increase in flow of urine is seen. 8. The antidiuretic effect is absent or only slightly marked in checking the so called salt diuresis.
Asthma self-assessment in a Medicaid population.

Background Self-assessment of symptoms by patients with chronic conditions is an important element of disease management. A recent study in a commercially-insured population found that patients who received automated telephone calls for asthma self-assessment felt they benefitted from the calls. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of disease self-assessment in Medicaid populations. The goals of this study were to: (1) assess the feasibility of asthma self-assessment in a population predominantly insured by Medicaid, (2) study whether adding a gift card incentive increased completion of the self-assessment survey, and (3) evaluate how the self-assessment affected processes and outcomes of care.
Inference graphs: a computational structure supporting generation of customizable and correct analysis components

Amalia is a generator framework for constructing analyzers for operationally defined formal notations. These generated analyzers are components that are designed for customization and integration into a larger environment. The customizability, and efficiency of Amalia analyzers owe to a computational structure called an inference graph. This paper describes this structure, how inference graphs enable Amalia to generate analyzers for operational specifications, and how we build in assurance. On another level, this paper illustrates how to balance the need for assurance, which typically implies a formal proof obligation, against other design concerns, whose solutions leverage design techniques that are not (yet) accompanied by mature proof methods. We require Amalia-generated designs to be transparent with respect to the formal semantic models upon which they are based. Inference graphs are complex structures that incorporate many design optimizations. While not formally verifiable, their fidelity with respect to a formal operational semantics can be discharged by inspection.
3D head tracking using motion adaptive texture-mapping

We have developed a fast robust 3D head tracking system based on rendering a texture-mapped cylinder. In order to handle the variable frame-to-frame motion changes, the system uses motion templates, which adapt to the current size of the motion increment. The relationship between measurable pixel energy and tracking error is used to design the parameters of the adaptive algorithm. To speedup processing and decouple rotational and translational motion, 2D positional information of the neckline is utilize. The confidence at each point is computed based on the amount of information used in creating the texture map and re-rendering the face. The system can also handle large out-of-plane rotations via additional templates. If the tracker fails, it can recover using an independent face detection routine. We compare the results of our approach with the extensive results of a closely related technique.
Milestone or Genomania? The Relevance of the Human Genome Project to Biological Aging and the Age-Related Diseases

N June 26, 2000, with great public fanfare, came the announcement of the near completion of a “working draft” of the human genome project. The commentaries that followed reflect a diversity of views as to its future impact on the human lifespan and on the conquest of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and dementia—diseases categorized as age related (1). The comments were from sources such as The New England Journal of Medicine , Science , Nature , The Lancet , Scientific American , and New York Times science writers. The following is a selected spectrum of opinions:
Using Sybil for interactive comparative genomics of microbes on the web

Motivation: Analysis of multiple genomes requires sophisticated tools that provide search, visualization, interactivity and data export. Comparative genomics datasets tend to be large and complex, making development of these tools difficult. In addition to scalability, comparative genomics tools must also provide user-friendly interfaces such that the research scientist can explore complex data with minimal technical expertise. Results: We describe a new version of the Sybil software package and its application to the important human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. This new software provides a feature-rich set of comparative genomics tools for inspection of multiple genome structures, mining of orthologous gene families and identification of potential vaccine candidates. Availability: The S.pneumoniae resource is online at http://strepneumo-sybil.igs.umaryland.edu. The software, database and website are available for download as a portable virtual machine and from http://sourceforge.net/projects/sybil. Contact: driley@som.umaryland.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ON INEXTENSIONAL VIBRATIONS OF THIN SHELLS

Abstract : In this paper, the non-symmetric, free, elastic vibrations of thin domes of revolution are studied. It is assumed that the frequency is low. The asymptotic approximations previously given by the writer are used to estimate the general solution to the shell vibration equations at low frequencies. Approximations for the low natural frequencies and modes are derived systematically under a variety of edge conditions. Low natural frequencies are found only when the edge conditions impose no forces tangent to the shell surface. When the edge is free (and only then) Rayleigh's inextensional frequencies are recovered. For certain other edge conditions new natural frequencies are found that are above Rayleigh's frequencies but still low compared, e.g., with the lowest membrane frequency. The displacement modes associated with these new frequencies are mostly of inextensional type. The general results are applied to estimate these new frequencies for spherical domes.
Surfactant lavage therapy for respiratory deterioration in extremely premature infants

The following article from Pediatrics International, ‘Surfactant lavage therapy for respiratory deterioration in extremely premature infants’ by Sota Iwatani, Masami Mizobuchi, Satoshi Tanaka, Kei Inomata, Hitomi Sakai, Seiji Yoshimoto and Hideto Nakao, posted online as an Accepted Article on 30 October 2012 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been withdrawn by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief, and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty. Ltd. The withdrawal has been agreed due to deficiencies in the study design. Reference Surfactant lavage therapy for respiratory deterioration in extremely premature infants Sota Iwatani, Masami Mizobuchi, Satoshi Tanaka, Kei Inomata, Hitomi Sakai, Seiji Yoshimoto and Hideto Nakao Accepted manuscript online: 30 OCT 2012 DOI: 10.1111/ped.12003
Molecular characterization of freshwater snails in the genus Bulinus: a role for barcodes?

Background Reliable and consistent methods are required for the identification and classification of freshwater snails belonging to the genus Bulinus (Gastropoda, Planorbidae) which act as intermediate hosts for schistosomes of both medical and veterinary importance. The current project worked towards two main objectives, the development of a cost effective, simple screening method for the routine identification of Bulinus isolates and the use of resultant sequencing data to produce a model of relationships within the group.
Capture mechanisms used by the lobate ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi, preying on the copepod Acartia tonsa

Although the lobate ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi is an influential planktonic predator, the mechanisms enabling it to capture its characteristically wide range of prey have not been systematic- ally examined. We recorded interactions between free-swimming M.leidyi and two stages (nauplii, adults) of the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa in order to determine a mechanistic explanation of this feeding process. Prey encounter with Mnemiopsis involved two different processes. The first depended on fluid motions created by the nearly continuous beating of cilia lining the four auricles. These cilia created a low-velocity flow in which A.tonsa nauplii were entrained (94% of naupliar encounters) and transported past the oral lobes onto the tentillae (oral tentacles). The nauplii, although capable of rapid escape responses, generally appeared to be insensitive to the current in which they were carried. The second process relied upon the collision of swimming prey with the inner surfaces of the oral lobes and was not obviously influenced by the auricular feeding currents. Adult A.tonsa were rarely entrained in the auricular flow, but, instead, propelled themselves into contact with the oral lobes (97% of adult encounters). Both prey capture processes functioned simul- taneously. The synergistic functioning of these processes probably explains the broad patterns of prey ingestion found by in situ studies of Mnemiopsis feeding.