cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who is the victim here? The psychological effects of overrepresenting White victims and Black perpetrators on television news

Participants were exposed to a crime story in a 3 (Victim Race — Black, White, or Unidentified) × 3 (Perpetrator Race — Black, White, or Unidentified) × 2 (Stereotype Endorsement — High, Low) factorial design. Afterwards, participants were asked whether they: a) viewed the featured perpetrator as threatening; b) endorsed punitive crime policies; and c) believed a subsequently described suspect was culpable for his offense. Results revealed that stereotype endorsers were more likely than stereotype rejecters to find the suspect most threatening when he was depicted as African American or was left unidentified. In addition, stereotype endorsers were more likely than rejecters to endorse punitive crime policy. Finally, participants were most likely to find a subsequent suspect culpable after viewing a news story containing a White victim and Black perpetrator. The reverse was true when the news story featured a Black perpetrator and Black victim. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Microbial biogeochemistry of Boiling Springs Lake: a physically dynamic, oligotrophic, low‐pH geothermal ecosystem

Boiling Springs Lake (BSL) in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, is North America's largest hot spring, but little is known about the physical, chemical, and biological features of the system. Using a remotely operated vessel, we characterized the bathymetry and near-surface temperatures at sub-meter resolution. The majority of the 1.2 ha, pH 2.2 lake is 10 m deep and 50-52 °C, but temperatures reach 93 °C locally. We extracted DNA from water and sediments collected from warm (52 °C) and hot (73-83 °C) sites separated by 180 m. Gene clone libraries and functional gene microarray (GeoChip 3.0) were used to investigate the BSL community, and uptake of radiolabeled carbon sources was used to assess the relative importance of heterotrophic vs. autotrophic production. Microbial assemblages are similar in both sites despite the strong temperature differential, supporting observations of a dynamic, convectively mixed system. Bacteria in the Actinobacteria and Aquificales phyla are abundant in the water column, and Archaea distantly related to known taxa are abundant in sediments. The functional potential appears similar across a 5-year time span, indicating a stable community with little inter-annual variation, despite the documented seasonal temperature cycle. BSL water-derived DNA contains genes for complete C, N, and S cycles, and low hybridization to probes for N and S oxidation suggests that reductive processes dominate. Many of the detected genes for these processes were from uncultivated bacteria, suggesting novel organisms are responsible for key ecosystem services. Selection imposed by low nutrients, low pH, and high temperature appear to result in low diversity and evenness of genes for key functions involved in C, N, and S cycling. Conversely, organic degradation genes appear to be functionally redundant, and the rapid assimilation of radiolabeled organic carbon into BSL cells suggests the importance of allochthonous C fueling heterotrophic production in the BSL C cycle.
Brain edema in acute liver failure: can it be prevented? Can it be treated?

The management of cerebral edema in Acute Liver Failure (ALF) is still imperfect, reflecting the limited tools to control brain swelling in this disease as well as in other neurological conditions (1). A better understanding of the unique mechanisms responsible for brain edema in ALF has emerged over the last years (2). Data arising from studies in experimental animals and in humans allow a more rational approach to the prevention and treatment of this serious complication of ALF.
A simple, rapid automatic micro-Dumas apparatus for nitrogen determination

Abstract A completely automatic, extremely accurate, very compact, and simply operated micro-Dumas nitrogen apparatus is described. It occupies only one square foot of bench space and incorporates a radically designed absorption chamber using magnetically stirred caustic and a unique precision measuring syringe of 5 cc. capacity having a buffer zone of air to separate it from the caustic absorber. The simplified micro-Dumas procedure uses 1–10 mg. organic samples with semiskilled techniques completing 6 analyses an hour. The high degree of precision and accuracy obtained permits the determination of nitrogen down to the 0.01% level and gives a coefficient of variation of 0.3% at the 10 to 30% level. The operator is relieved of all stopcock and furnace manipulations by the automatic analyzer, needing only to attack a sample-packed combustion tube, adjust the nitrometer, start the automatic control, and 7 minutes later readjust the nitrometer for the volume of nitrogen. Sample furnaces are operated at 850 °C. to completely pyrolyze all types of organic material. A post-treating furnace at 400–500 °C. heats CuCuO to treat all combustion and dissociation products. Continued use of pretreated commercial CO2 cylinders has shown this source to be the most practical, a 6-lb. charge lasting over a year.
miR-155 regulates HGAL expression and increases lymphoma cell motility.

HGAL, a prognostic biomarker in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and classic Hodgkin lymphoma, inhibits lymphocyte and lymphoma cell motility by activating the RhoA signaling cascade and interacting with actin and myosin proteins. Although HGAL expression is limited to germinal center (GC) lymphocytes and GC-derived lymphomas, little is known about its regulation. miR-155 is implicated in control of GC reaction and lymphomagenesis. We demonstrate that miR-155 directly down-regulates HGAL expression by binding to its 3′-untranslated region, leading to decreased RhoA activation and increased spontaneous and chemoattractant-induced lymphoma cell motility. The effects of miR-155 on RhoA activation and cell motility can be rescued by transfection of HGAL lacking the miR-155 binding site. This inhibitory effect of miR-155 suggests that it may have a key role in the loss of HGAL expression on differentiation of human GC B cells to plasma cell. Furthermore, this effect may contribute to lymphoma cell dissemination and aggressiveness, characteristic of activated B cell–like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma typically expressing high levels of miR-155 and lacking HGAL expression.
Electrical study of Schottky barrier heights on atomically clean and air‐exposed n‐InP(110) surfaces

We report here a systematic study of the electronic properties of Schottky barrier diodes fabricated on atomically clean, as well as air‐exposed n‐InP (110) surfaces. Using the current‐voltage (I‐V) measuring technique, we found the barrier heights of 0.33 eV for Ni, Al, Sn, Mn, 0.43 eV for Pd, Cu, Au, Cr, and 0.54 eV for Ag. Contrary to earlier reports based on a limited amount of data, the results of this study do not show a simple relationship between the chemical reactivity and the Schottky barrier height. The large differences between the electrical characteristics of diodes prepared on clean surfaces and those prepared on air‐exposed surfaces were also not found.
Ethnic disparity in outcomes for pediatric peritoneal dialysis patients in the ESRD Clinical Performance Measures Project

Ethnicity information was collected for all pediatric peritoneal dialysis patients from the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Clinical Performance Measures (CPM) Project for the period October 2004 through March 2005. Associations between intermediate outcomes and Hispanic ethnicity were determined. Thirty percent (207/696) of patients in the final cohort were Hispanic, 24% (165/696) non-Hispanic black, and 46% (324/696) non-Hispanic white. Hispanics were more likely to be female, older, and have a lower mean height standard deviation score (SDS). There were no significant differences among ethnic/racial groups regarding clearance parameters. More Hispanics had a mean hemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dl compared with non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites (77% vs. 55% and 70%, P < 0.0001). More Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites had a mean serum albumin ≥ 4.0/3.7 g/dl [bromcresol green/bromcresol purple laboratory method (BCG/BCP)] (50% vs. 24% and 27%, respectively, P < 0.0001). In multivariate analyses, Hispanics remained significantly more likely to achieve a mean serum albumin ≥ 4.0/3.7 g/dl (BCG/BCP) compared with non-Hispanic whites (referent) and were as likely to achieve clearance and hemoglobin targets. Pediatric Hispanic peritoneal dialysis patients experience equivalent or better intermediate outcomes of dialytic care compared with non-Hispanics. Further study is needed to understand associations of Hispanic ethnicity with outcomes such as hospitalization, transplantation, and mortality.
Antiatherothrombotic effects of nicotinic acid

Cardiovascular event reduction in hypercholesterolemic subjects appropriately emphasizes the prominent role of statin therapy; however, niacin (nicotinic acid) is also an effective lipid-altering agent that prevents atherosclerosis and reduces cardiovascular events. Niacin has multifarious lipoprotein and anti-atherothrombosis effects that improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, increase plaque stability, and diminish thrombosis. Niacin reduces the atherogenicity of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by changing the distribution of small LDL to large LDL subclass, and the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative modification. It is the most effective agent for increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Moreover, it favorably alters high-density lipoprotein composition, increasing apolipoprotein AI relative to apolipoprotein AII. Niacin reduces blood viscosity through a variety of mechanisms, thus improving blood flow and perfusion through stenotic segments of the vasculature. Finally, niacin has cardioprotective effects that may limit ischemia-reperfusion injury. By preserving glycolysis during periods of ischemia and improving subendocardial blood flow during reperfusion, niacin can improve the functional recovery of the myocardium.
Slow axoplasmic transport in the hibernating and nonhibernating ground squirrel

Abstract Our objectives were to examine the effects of temperature upon slow axoplasmic transport in crushed and intact sciatic nerves of hibernating and nonhibernating ground squirrels (Spermophilus tridecemlineatus). Tritiated leucine was injected into the spinal cord near the ventral horn cells of the sciatic nerve and, after protein incorporation, allowed to transport for 5, 10, 15, or 20 days. Slow transport profiles were obtained from crushed and intact sciatic nerves of hibernating and nonhibernating animals. No significant differences (P
Epstein-Barr Virus: Detection of Genome in Somatic Cell Hybrids of Burkitt Lymphoblastoid Cells

Somatic cell hybrids of Burkitt lymphoblastoid cells, from which Epstein-Barr virus can be recovered, were examined for the presence of virus DNA by DNA-RNA hybridization. Four clones of hybrid cells, each negative for virus antigens by immunofluorescence, contained virus DNA in varying genomic equivalents. The number of virus genome equivalents increased in the hybrid cells after induction of virus with iododeoxyuridine.
Desulfurization of transportation fuels by π-complexation sorbents: Cu(I)-, Ni(II)-, and Zn(II)-zeolites

Abstract New π-complexation-based sorbents were studied for desulfurization of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuels. The sorbents were obtained by ion exchanging faujasite type zeolites with Cu + , Ni 2+ or Zn 2+ cations using different techniques, including liquid phase ion exchange (LPIE). Hydrolysis of the cations in aqueous solutions should be avoided in order to increase the ion exchange level when aqueous solutions are used. Cation hydrolysis limitation could be avoided when vapor phase (VPIE) and solid-state (SSIE) ion exchange techniques are used instead. The deep-desulfurization (sulfur levels of Ni(II)-Y(SSIE) > Ni(II)-X(LPIE) > Zn(II)-X(LPIE) > Zn(II)-Y(LPIE). Molecular orbital calculations indicate the sorbents performance decreases as follows: Cu + > Ni 2+ > Zn 2+ . This agrees well with the experimental results. The best sorbent, Cu(I)-Y(VPIE), has breakthrough adsorption capacities of 0.395 and 0.278 mmol S/g of sorbent for commercial jet fuel (364.1 ppmw S) and diesel (297.2 ppmw S), respectively.
1067 SELECTIVE INTRAPARTUM CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS OF EARLYONSET GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL DISEASE

We examined the effect of selective intrapartum chemoprophylaxis (SIC) on the incidence of group B streptococcal (GBS) early-onset disease in a randomized controlled trial. Parturients were eligible for the study if they had prenatal GBS colonization and either premature labor ( 12 hours). Treated mothers received 2 gm ampicillin IV followed by 1 gm IV Q4H until delivery. Blood cultures were obtained from all study infants at birth and from mothers or older infants if warranted clinically. Of the 175 randomized parturients, 93 received ampicillin and 82 did not. No infant whose mother received SIC had GBS early-onset bacteremia, whereas 5 (6.1%) of the infants whose mothers were not treated were bacteremic (p=0.02). We studied an additional 320 nonrandomized women with the same eligibility criteria. None of the infants born to 76 treated mothers had GBS early-onset bacteremia, whereas 7 of 224 (3.1%) whose mothers were not treated were bacteremic (p=0.13). Four untreated mothers (1 randomized, 3 nonrandomized) developed GBS obstetric sepsis. One infant born to a nonrandomized treated mother developed GBS late-onset sepsis. These results are the first prospective demonstration of the efficacy of SIC to prevent GBS invasive disease.
Evaluating the College Transition Needs of Individuals with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Increased attention has been given recently to the needs of students with learning and developmental disabilities who are transitioning from high school to college. This is especially important for students with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD), who are likely to experience significant and unique challenges in adjusting to postsecondary educational settings. After an overview of diagnostic criteria, symptom presentation, and treatment approaches for high-functioning students with ASD, this article discusses the type of difficulties students may encounter across various domains, including socialization, communication, independent daily living skills, academic functioning, and self-advocacy. The article concludes with recommendations for areas to be evaluated and addressed when determining the supports students with high-functioning ASD need to succeed in meeting the organizational, academic, and social demands of college life.
Transient diffraction grating measurements of molecular diffusion in the undergraduate laboratory

Diffusion is a central process in many biological, chemical, and physical systems. We describe an experiment that employs the interference of laser beams to allow the measurement of molecular diffusion on submillimeter length scales. The interference fringes of two intersecting pump beams within a dye solution create a sinusoidal distribution of long-lived molecular excited states. A third probe beam is incident at a wavelength at which the indices of refraction of the ground and excited states are different, so the probe beam diffracts from the spatially periodic excited-state pattern. After the pump beams are switched off, the excited-state periodicity washes out as the system diffuses back to equilibrium. The molecular diffusion constant is obtained from the rate constant of the exponential decay of the diffracted beam. It is also possible to measure the excited-state lifetime.
Photoreflectance Near-Field Scanning Optical Microscopy

A novel Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM) technique is used to obtain simultaneous topology, photoluminescence and photoreflectance (PR) spectra. PR spectra from GaAs surfaces were obtained and the local electric fields were calculated. Sub-wavelength resolution is expected for this technique and achieved for PL and topology measurements. Photovoltages, resulting from the high intensity of light at the NSOM tip, can limit the spatial resolution of the electric field determination.
Experimental Refractory Bodies of High‐Melting Nitrides, Carbides, and Uranium Dioxide

A procedure for the preparation of the nitrides and carbides of several metals and the preparation of refractory bodies from them is described. The investigation shows that reasonably strong and dense bodies can be prepared from these materials as well as from UO2. Evidence showing the tendency of Be3N2, TaN, and ThN toward instability at high temperatures is presented. Evidence is also given indicating that the hexagonal structure reported by others for TaN is actually that for Ta2N. A lattice for Th2N3 is proposed. The melting points of ThN, UN, and UC are determined to be 2630 ± 50°C., 2650 ± 100°C., and 2590 ± 50°C., respectively.
The evolution of FreeBSD and linux

Is the nature of Open Source Software (OSS) evolution fundamentally different from that of the traditional and commercially available software systems? Lehman and others conducted a series of empirical studies that found that traditional systems grow at a linear or sub-linear rate. A prior case study of the Linux OSS system suggests that OSS may evolve in a unique manner. Godfrey and Tu found that some aspects of Linux are growing at a super-linear rate rather than a sub-linear rate. Additional studies are necessary before drawing conclusions. Thus, we examine the evolution of FreeBSD and re-analyze the evolution of Linux, and find evidence that the growth of both systems has a linear upper bound, and thus appear to grow at similar rates to that of commercial systems. These results do not support the hypothesis that OSS systems grow at rates that exceed that of traditional systems.
Prácticas Saludables y No Saludables de Pérdida de Peso de Mujeres Latinas de una Universidad en Estados Unidos

El objetivo del estudio fue describir las practicas saludables y no saludables para bajar y controlar el peso en mujeres hispanas. Un total de 217 participantes completaron una encuesta, de las cuales 100 informaron estar en una dieta especial para perder peso y reportaron las practicas utilizadas y sus datos demograficos. La hipotesis era que las mujeres hispanas que intentan bajar de peso, no presentarian practicas no saludables. Los resultados mostraron que las practicas saludables fueron mas frecuentes que las no saludables. Sin embargo, el uso de practicas no saludables fue mas comun a lo esperado y las campanas de prevencion debiesen considerar esta informacion para futuros programas de salud publica.
Peer-to-Peer Streaming with Hierarchical Network Coding

In recent years, content delivery networks (CDN) and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks have emerged as two effective paradigms for delivering multimedia contents over the Internet. An important feature in CDN and P2P networks is the data redundancy across multiple servers/peers which enables efficient media delivery. In this paper, we propose a network coding framework for efficient media streaming in either content delivery networks or P2P networks in which, multiple servers/peers are employed to simultaneously stream a video to a single receiver. Unlike previous multi-sender schemes, we show that network coding technique can (a) reduce the redundancy storage, (b) eliminate the need for tight synchronization between the senders, and (c) be integrated easily with TCP. Furthermore, we propose the Hierarchical Network Coding (HNC) technique to be used with scalable video bit stream to combat bandwidth fluctuation on the Internet. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed scheme can result in bandwidth saving up to 40% for many cases over the traditional schemes.
Functional Equivalency of B7-1 and B7-2 for Costimulating Plasmid DNA Vaccine-Elicited CTL Responses

A costimulatory signal in addition to an Ag-specific stimulus is required for optimal activation of T lymphocytes. CD28, the primary positive costimulatory receptor on T cells, has two identified ligands, B7-1 and B7-2. Whether B7-1 and B7-2 have identical, overlapping, or distinct functions remains unresolved. In this study, we show that mice lacking B7-2 were unable to generate CTL responses following immunization with a plasmid DNA vaccine. The ability of these B7-2-deficient mice to generate CTL responses following plasmid gp120 DNA vaccination was fully reconstituted by coadministering either a plasmid expressing B7-2 or B7-1. Moreover, the ability to generate CTL responses following plasmid DNA vaccination in mice lacking both B7-1 and B7-2 could be reconstituted by administering either plasmid B7-1 or plasmid B7-2 with the vaccine construct. These data demonstrate that either B7-1 or B7-2 administered concurrently with a plasmid DNA vaccine can fully costimulate vaccine-elicited CTL responses. Functional differences between B7-1 and B7-2 observed in vivo therefore may not reflect inherent differences in the interactions of CD28 with these ligands.
A Novel WDM-PON Architecture with Centralized Lightwaves in the OLT for Providing Triple Play Services

A novel WDM-PON architecture with centralized lightwave source in the optical line terminal (OLT) for providing triple play services has been proposed and demonstrated. Triple play service provision with 2.5 Gbit/s video signals, 10 Gbit/s downstream signals, and 10 Gbit/s upstream signals per channel has been successfully realized.
Spontaneous symmetry breaking in self–organizing neural fields

We extend the theory of self-organizing neural fields in order to analyze the joint emergence of topography and feature selectivity in primary visual cortex through spontaneous symmetry breaking. We first show how a binocular one-dimensional topographic map can undergo a pattern forming instability that breaks the underlying symmetry between left and right eyes. This leads to the spatial segregation of eye specific activity bumps consistent with the emergence of ocular dominance columns. We then show how a 2-dimensional isotropic topographic map can undergo a pattern forming instability that breaks the underlying rotation symmetry. This leads to the formation of elongated activity bumps consistent with the emergence of orientation preference columns. A particularly interesting property of the latter symmetry breaking mechanism is that the linear equations describing the growth of the orientation columns exhibits a rotational shift-twist symmetry, in which there is a coupling between orientation and topography. Such coupling has been found in experimentally generated orientation preference maps
Associations Between Order Maintenance Policing and Violent Crime Considering the Mediating Effects of Residential Context

The present study examined the relationships between order maintenance arrests and violent crime across and within communities in a major metropolitan setting. Integrating the macro-deterrence and systemic model perspectives, the research tested the direct effects of vigorous disorder arrests on robbery and assault with a deadly weapon (i.e., violent street crime), as well as the interactive effects of Disorder Arrests × Residential Integration (mobility and owner-occupied dwelling) on violent crime. The research found no direct relationship between disorder arrests and violent crime, but it found that disorder arrests in conjunction with decreased residential integration was associated with violent crime reductions. The results suggest that police disorder arrests may produce the strongest violence reduction results in areas of decreased residential attachment; however, as residential integration increases, the effects of order maintenance arrests on violent crime diminish. The study discusses the implic...
Poynting vector of a uniformly moving point charge

The covariant nature of electromagnetic fields is a well-known phenomenon. The Poynting Theorem predicts radiation to infinity of electromagnetic power for accelerating charges. The weaker Poynting fields of non-accelerating charges are not as well studied. Using linear coordinate transformations, the power density flux of a uniformly moving point charge is examined. In the frame of the moving charge, this quantity is necessarily zero. In the non-moving inertial system of the observer, the implications of the power balance on radiation, storage, and dissipation are discussed from the point of view that no outward radiation toward infinity occurs.
Thermodynamic and kinetic study of ibuprofen with hydroxyl radical: A density functional theory approach

Ibuprofen, a frequently detected pharmaceutical in natural and engineered waters, was studied in both neutral and anionic forms using density functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311++G**//B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory in its reaction with hydroxyl radical (•OH). The reaction pathways included •OH addition to aromatic ring, abstraction of a H-atom, and nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl group. The results showed that H-atom abstraction pathways are the most favorable. The free energy change for H-atom abstraction reaction ranges from −37.8 to −15.9 kcal/mol; for •OH addition ranges from −3.85 to −1.23 kcal/mol; and for nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl group is 13.9 kcal/mol. The calculated rate constant between neutral ibuprofen and •OH, 6.72 × 109 M−1s−1, is consistent with the experimental value, 6.5 ± 0.2 × 109 M−1s−1. Our results provide direct evidence for byproduct formation and identification on the molecular level. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noncompetitive Expansion of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Specific for Different Antigens during Bacterial Infection

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracellular bacterium that elicits complex cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses in infected mice. The responses of CTL populations that differ in antigen specificity range in magnitude from large, dominant responses to small, subdominant responses. To test the hypothesis that dominant T-cell responses inhibit subdominant responses, we eliminated the two dominant epitopes of L. monocytogenes by anchor residue mutagenesis and measured the T-cell responses to the remaining subdominant epitopes. Surprisingly, the loss of dominant T-cell responses did not enhance subdominant responses. While mice immunized with bacteria lacking dominant epitopes developed L. monocytogenes-specific immunity, their ability to respond to dominant epitopes upon rechallenge with wild-type bacteria was markedly diminished. Recall responses in mice immunized with wild-type or epitope-deficient L. monocytogenes showed that antigen presentation during recall infection is sufficient for activating memory cells yet insufficient for optimal priming of naive T lymphocytes. Our findings suggest that T-cell priming to different epitopes during L. monocytogenes infection is not competitive. Rather, T-cell populations specific for different antigens but the same pathogen expand independently.
KIR3DL2: diversity in a hematopoietic stem cell transplant population

Exons 2 through 9 of KIR3DL2 were amplified from genomic DNA from 79 bone marrow transplantation patients and their unrelated donors. Sequencing of heterozygotes and isolated alleles identified 9 of the 17 known alleles. The alleles provide confirmation of previously submitted sequences and are carried by transformed B-cell lines that can be used as references for assay development. Alleles 3DL2*001, *002, *007 and *009 accounted for 111 of the total 144 possible alleles and were the only ones found in a homozygous state. New alleles (3DL2*017, *018, *019, *020, and *021) were found in seven transplant samples and one workshop cell. This study describes the development of reagents and protocols for sequencing of KIR3DL2 alleles from genomic DNA.
Neuroendocrine Parvocellular Neurons

Two sets of neuroendocrine neurons in the hypothalamus form a critical interface between the nervous and the endocrine systems. Neuroendocrine magnocellular neurons that release oxytocin and vasopressin from the neural lobe of the pituitary gland into the general vasculature constitute one of these sets; neuroendocrine parvocellular neurons comprise the other. These neurons release chemical signals into the hypophysial portal vasculature that then control the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland. These neurons form part of the neural network that generates pulsatile hormone release. However, more complex patterns of neuroendocrine release are enabled by more widely sourced neural afferents. In some cases, they are direct targets of feedback control by the hormones whose release neuroendocrine parvocellular neurons ultimately control. Key Concepts: Neuroendocrine parvicellular neurons release chemical signals (releasing factors) directly into the hypophysial portal vasculature. Most of the body's hormones are released in pulsatile manner. Feedback control of neuroendocrine activity is a key regulatory feature for neuroendocrine parvicellular neurons. The brain contains complex neural networks that can influence the activity patterns of neuroendocrine parvicellular neurons. Keywords: peptides; steroid hormones; afferent control; neural networks; feedback; hypothalamus
Precoder codebook design for linear dispersion codes in spatially and temporally correlated MIMO channels

Despite the popularity and importance of linear dispersion (LD) codes, precoding for LD codes has rarely been investigated. In this paper we propose a method for designing a precoder codebook for LD codes in spatially and temporally correlated channels. Our codebook consists of two parts: a unitary codebook and a diagonal codebook. We propose a systematic algorithm for a unitary code- book design because unitary codebooks are hard to generate using numerical optimization methods. For each column (starting with the first column), we generate a set of vectors in the null space of previous columns. These vectors are generated by skewing i.i.d. unit vector codebooks by means of channel statistics-dependent transformations. A diagonal codebook is generated using a vector quantization technique. We use mutual information as a design criterion throughout this paper. Numerical results illustrate the benefits of matching a codebook to channel statistics and employing adaptive power shaping.
WISE: Automated test generation for worst-case complexity

Program analysis and automated test generation have primarily been used to find correctness bugs. We present complexity testing, a novel automated test generation technique to find performance bugs. Our complexity testing algorithm, which we call WISE (Worst-case Inputs from Symbolic Execution), operates on a program accepting inputs of arbitrary size. For each input size, WISE attempts to construct an input which exhibits the worst-case computational complexity of the program. WISE uses exhaustive test generation for small input sizes and generalizes the result of executing the program on those inputs into an “input generator.” The generator is subsequently used to efficiently generate worst-case inputs for larger input sizes. We have performed experiments to demonstrate the utility of our approach on a set of standard data structures and algorithms. Our results show that WISE can effectively generate worstcase inputs for several of these benchmarks.
Human Demographic Processes and Genetic Variation as Revealed by mtDNA Simulations

Humans’ ability for rapid dispersal and adaptation has allowed us to colonize diverse geographic and climatic regions of the planet, creating a complex evolutionary history. This complexity can be understood, at least partially, by modeling the underlying demographic parameters in the evolutionary process. In this study, we analyze a model of human evolution in which population size, gene flow (GF), and time are varied. Specifically, we simulate mitochondrial DNA for 42 demographic scenarios, represented by 42 parameter combinations, to describe the initial dispersal of modern humans out of Africa. The analyses include three values for colonization size (CS; 1%, 10%, and 30% of the African population), seven values for rate of GF (10 � 6 –0.5), and two values for time of colonization (50,000 and 100,000 years ago). We then estimate summary statistics for the simulated data sets to calculate the percent of explained variation by each parameter and to identify which parameter combinations generate distinct differences in genetic variation, that is, which demographic scenarios can be distinguished from each other. On the basis of these results, we make recommendations about which summary statistics to use according to the parameter of interest. Our results show that CS, GF, and their interaction have the largest effect on genetic variation under our model of human evolution. Comparison with empirical data suggests that 1% of the existing African mitochondrial genetic variation left and colonized the rest of the world (i.e., CS = 1%) and bidirectional GF continued at a level of � 10 individuals per generation (i.e., GF = 10 � 3 ) after the initial colonization. Our study serves as a model to bridge the gap between the use of simulations for theoretical population genetics and empirical data analysis such as approximate Bayesian computation approaches and is, thus, applicable to the study of molecular evolution in any organism.
Counsellor Education as Humanist Colonialism: Seeking Postcolonial Approaches to Educating Counsellors by Exploring Pathways to an Indigenous Aesthetic

This narrative reflection emerged during a time of personally reconnecting with Mi'kmaq First Nation culture and heritage while working in the mainstream roles of counsellor educator and educationalist in Australia. The essay expresses turning points along a path of increasing political and social discomfort with the status quo in counsellor education. Paradoxically, and in parallel fashion, as Indigenous empowerment increased the issues that arise also became more difficult. Staying with these questions long enough to see through the fog seemed important. Disconcerting questions arose related to identity, prejudice, and healing in a field where helping is purported to be the chief focus of our work. The essay examines 'Aboriginal Australian' constructs of counsellor education as expressions of liberal humanist colonialism. Pathways towards an Indigenous aesthetic are suggested based in a post-colonial model of culturally-grounded and locally-grown expressions that honour Indigenous ways of knowing. A new paradigm for counsellor education is suggested that listens to recent articulations of global Indigenous epistemology, ontology, and cosmology.
Why do high-tech firms offer perks at work?

Using novel data collected from a career intelligence website, we study whether and why high-tech firms rely more heavily on non-wage benefits, such as free meals, transportation subsidies, and athletic facilities (“work-related perks”). We find that employers engaged in IT innovation are more likely to offer work-related perks, but not more traditional non-wage benefits such as health insurance and retirement. Additionally, we find that these perks are correlated with demand for on-the-job skill acquisition and the longer work hours this skill acquisition requires. These findings suggest that high-tech firms offer work-related perks to attract and motivate IT workers who can quickly adapt to technological change.
Characterization of Quinoxolinol Salen Ligands as Selective Ligands for Chemosensors for Uranium

Quinoxalinol salen ligands have been characterized as selective ligands for the rapid identification of uranyl. The absorption maximum of ligand 1 presented a hypsochromic (blue) shift with the addition of UO22+ (as the acetate salt), and a bathochromic (red) shift in the presence of Cu2+ or Co2+ acetate salts, resulting in distinct, visible color changes for all three metal ions. The absorption maximum of ligand 2 was not observed to change with the addition of UO22+; however, it does present a bathochromic shift with the addition of Cu2+, and a hypsochromic shift with Co2+ added. Using TDDFT calculations, it was demonstrated that the hypsochromic shift for UO22+ ion complexation with ligand 1 is caused by a ligand-to-metal charge transfer, while the bathochromic shift observed with Cu2+ ion addition was caused by a metal-to-ligand charge transfer. Finally, it was found that the addition of Cu2+ (as metal salts) to either ligand resulted in rapid, complete quenching of the ligand fluorescence.
Transfer and Storage of Molten Salt for the Pyroprocessing of Used Nuclear Fuel

The transfer and storage of molten salts are being examined to support electrorefining operations at the Idaho National Laboratory. Two important factors that will need to be considered when removing molten salt from either of the two electrorefiners are (1) how to remove salt in a safe and timely manner and (2) how to store significant amounts of electrorefiner salt.A Vacuum Induced Salt Transfer and Storage (VISTAS) system is being evaluated to address these two important factors. This process draws a vacuum in a container through the use of a venturi vacuum pump. The end of a heated drawtube is inserted into the molten salt bath and the molten salt is pulled into the container. A redundant level switch triggered both by the thermal conductivity of the salt and a preset temperature threshold then activates a solenoid, which turns off the argon supply to the venturi vacuum pump, stopping the flow of molten salt. A cooling coil is incorporated into the salt transfer equipment design as a failsafe if the level switch was to fail.A full-scale version of the conceptual design (43 kg capacity) was fabricated to test the vacuum draw salt withdrawal method in an inert argon atmosphere glovebox. In addition, a custom molten salt furnace was designed and fabricated within the glovebox to represent the actual size of an electrorefiner port.Initial testing of the VISTAS system was very successful. The salt was transferred at a consistent rate and the level switch reliably stopped flow. Because the system has a failsafe cooling mechanism, it is considered to have low risk of a salt spill. The container was found to improve storage density, reduce the diffusion of moisture, and reduce material surface area when compared to current options. This system appears to be well suited for this application and further development is recommended.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Executive Compensation: Moving from Utility Services to Power Trading at Aquila

In the late 1990s, UtiliCorp United, a utility that owned natural gas and power assets in the Midwest and internationally, moved aggressively into the business of wholesale energy trading. The move came after Congress passed legislation that opened wholesale energy markets to competition, with the expectation that competition would reduce prices. Following the legislation, trading activity in these markets exploded, a trend which UtiliCorp participated in through its energy trading subsidiary Aquila Merchant Energy. In recognition of the important role that energy trading was expected to play for the company going forward, UtiliCorp officially changed its name to Aquila in March 2002. At the same time, the board of directors awarded a discretionary bonus of $4.5 million to Chief Executive Officer Robert Green, “in recognition of his contribution in establishing and cultivating the merchant services business.” He had been on the job just three months, having succeeded his older brother Richard Green Jr. who remained chairman. Just months later, however, energy markets collapsed and the company reported major losses. As a result, Aquila announced that it would close its energy trading division and that Robert Green would resign as CEO. He would retain his bonus and also take with him a substantial and controversial severance package. This case explores the appropriateness of these payments, given the change in the company's strategic model and performance.
In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Bismuth Subsalicylate

This study was undertaken to determine the in vitro activity of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) and sodium salicylate (SS) against various groups of pathogenic bacteria. BSS had the greatest activity against Clostridium difficile, which had a minimal inhibitory concentration for 90% of the strains (MIC90) of 128 micrograms/mL. The Bacteroides fragilis group also had a relatively low MIC90 of 512 micrograms/mL. BSS had the least activity against Pseudomonas (MIC90, 6,144 micrograms/mL). SS was as active as BSS against aerobic bacteria but was less active against anaerobic bacteria. The MIC90 values of SS for C. difficile and the B. fragilis group were greater than 8,192 and 4,096 micrograms/mL, respectively. This study demonstrates that BSS has antibacterial activity in vitro at levels that should be achievable in the gastrointestinal tract.
A Concept Analysis of "Follower" Within the Context of Professional Nursing.

PROBLEM Theory and research on leaders is abundant; however, the follower concept is noticeably absent from the leadership literature. METHOD This article uses Walker and Avant's concept analysis method to explore the concept of follower in professional nursing. A literature search of nursing and psychological databases provided insight into the meaning of a follower. Using the concept exploration approach, defining attributes are proposed along with antecedents and consequences to clarify the concept uses. Model and additional cases provide exemplars of concept application. Finally, the empirical referents of practical use and measurement in the professional environment are presented. CONCLUSION Although it is clear that leadership without followers is impossible, the fact remains that clarification of which elements constitute followers are on the periphery of current leadership efforts. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING Conceptual clarity is necessary to improve the way nurse leaders identify situations of following and nonfollowing in professional context and guide how they will engage followers to achieve goals.
Role of Concrete-Asphalt Interface in Bonded Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Pavements

Bonded Concrete Overlay of an Asphalt pavement (BCOA) is a rehabilitation technique consisting of 50–175 mm thickness portland cement concrete overlay on an existing flexible, semi-rigid or composite pavement. This technique, that has also been known as thin (minimum 100 mm) or ultrathin whitetopping (thinner than 100 mm) in the past, relies on the composite action of the concrete and asphalt layers acting together with a third phase of the system being the interface between the two materials. For this study, the stiffness and strength/fatigue resistance of this interface have been characterized by means of a series of laboratory tests conducted on asphalt and composite cylindrical specimens under different loading and environmental conditions. Loading conditions were intended to reproduce the rapid traffic pulses and the slow temperature and shrinkage related actions, in both shear and vertical tensile modes. Environment related testing conditions included wet and dry, and temperatures between 4 and 40 °C, which is a range applicable to asphalt bases located under 100–175 mm thick bonded concrete overlays in California. Several conclusions were extracted that provide insight into the mechanical nature of the interface concrete-asphalt as well as the basis for designing a laboratory protocol for interface mechanical characterization.
Anti-platelet Aggregation Effect of the Amazonian Herb Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Seeds

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the metabolic and cellular effects of guarana seed extract, with particular focus on its ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, which has considerable clinical potential for use as a nutraceutical. Although guarana has been in the nutritional supplement market for 40 years, limited knowledge exists with regard to its pharmacology and metabolic effects. Further research has unveiled a number of metabolic effects of guarana seed extract. Animal and in vitro studies on guarana seed extracts have generally provided support for its role in a number of metabolic and cellular activities, including (1) antidepressive activity, (2) stimulation of fat oxidation, (3) exhibition of chemoprotective effects, and (4) the ability to protect against DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. Of all the claims regarding the metabolic and health effects of guarana seeds, only the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation has been investigated to a greater degree. The extracts of guarana seeds possessed strong inhibitory properties against ADP and arachidonic-acid-induced platelet aggregation. Further studies also showed that the anti-platelet aggregatory property of guarana seeds was due to its ability to inhibit thromboxane synthesis. Guarana seed extract also exhibits other properties related to health benefits, including improving cognition, stimulating fat oxidation and weight loss, and chemoprotective and antioxidant effects, that deserve further study. Guarana seed extract, when taken alone, has very few side effects, similar to those observed after consumption of products with a high caffeine content.
Assessing Context-Specific Attributions During Couples' Conflict Interactions.

Two studies were conducted to develop and validate a six-item scale for measuring context-specific attributions regarding the extent to which people either blame or exonerate partners during couples’ conflicts. Context-specific attributions pertain to appraisals made during a single episode of relationship conflict, and the scale was expected to be distinct from existing attribution scales measuring people’s schemas regarding the types of attributions they typically make. Study 1 included 2,452 people in marriage or cohabitating relationships; Study 2 included 172 people in dating relationships, and participants in both studies completed Internet questionnaires. Item response theory was used to create an attribution scale using the fewest number of items to discriminate reliably across the full range of attribution levels. The resulting scale produced an expected pattern of convergent and divergent correlations with other context-specific measures, including two types of underlying concerns and three type...
Trading Fire: The Arms Trade Network and Civil War

The last fifty years have seen two big changes in world politics. First, the most important violent conflicts now largely play out within states rather than between great powers. Second, the decrease in transportation cost has pulled even the smallest and remote countries in the the global exchange of goods and services. In this paper we study how these two fundamental elements of modern world politics interact by analyzing the effects of the trade in small arms on the severity of civil war measured in terms of battle deaths. Using an instrumental variables approach we provide credible evidence that the trade in small arms increases the deadliness for combatants in civil war. Our results also show that sanctions and arms embargoes decrease the loss of combatant life. In addition, our estimation strategy implies an effect of markets and the arms trade network on the transmission of violence to civil war locations. In essence the results show that the arms trade produces a law of conservation of violence. As one civil war ends, the resulting changes in the international market leads other war torn countries’ imports to increase, which in turn increases the number of casualties in ongoing civil wars.