cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synergistically Chemical and Thermal Coupling between Graphene Oxide and Graphene Fluoride for Enhancing Aluminum Combustion.

Metal combustion reaction is highly exothermic and is used in energetic applications, such as propulsion, pyrotechnics, powering micro- and nano-devices, and nanomaterials synthesis. Aluminum (Al) is attracting great interest in those applications because of its high energy density, earth abundance, and low toxicity. Nevertheless, Al combustion is hard to initiate and progresses slowly and incompletely. On the other hand, ultrathin carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and graphene fluoride (GF), can also undergo exothermic reactions. Herein, we demonstrate that the mixture of GO and GF significantly improves the performance of Al combustion as interactions between GO and GF provide heat and radicals to accelerate Al oxidation. Our experiments and reactive molecular dynamics simulation reveal that GO and GF have strong chemical and thermal couplings through radical reactions and heat released from their oxidation reactions. GO facilitates the dissociation of GF, and GF accelerates the disproportionation and oxidation of GO. When the mixture of GO and GF is added to micron-sized Al particles, their synergistic couplings generate reactive oxidative species, such as CFx and CFxOy, and heat, which greatly accelerates Al combustion. This work demonstrates a new area of using synergistic couplings between ultrathin carbon nanomaterials to accelerate metal combustion and potentially oxidation reactions of other materials.
Energy decentralization in California and New York: Conflicts in the politics of shared solar and community choice

Abstract This study reviews the development of shared (community) solar and community choice aggregation in the U.S. states of California and New York. Both states are leaders in energy-transition policy in the U.S., but they have different trajectories for the two forms of energy decentralization. Shared solar is more advanced in New York, but community choice is more advanced in California. Using a field theory framework, the comparative review of the trajectories of energy decentralization shows how differences in restructuring and regulatory rules affect outcomes. Differences in the rules for retail competition and authority for utilities to own distributed generation assets, plus the role of civil society and the attention from elected officials, shape the intensity of conflict and outcomes. They also contribute to the development of different types of community choice in the two states. In addition to showing how institutional conditions associated with different types of restructured markets shape the opportunities for decentralized energy, the study also examines how the efforts of actors to gain support for and to legitimate their policy preferences involve reference to broad social values.
The Project on Impact Investments' Impact Investment Database

Impact investing has grown significantly over the past 15 years. From a niche investing segment with only $25 billion AUM in 2013 (WEF 2013), it experienced double-digit growth and developed into a market with an estimated $502 billion AUM (Mudaliapar and Dithrich 2019). Despite the growth and maturation of impact investing, gathering complete and accurate data on the characteristics of this industry continues to be a challenge. This paper describes the creation of a new dataset on both impact investors and the portfolio companies they fund, comprising 445 impact investors and 14,165 portfolio companies. We code impact investors according to established categories such as legal form, types of investments and return objectives. We then develop measures of the relative importance of social impact for each investor in an effort to add a new analytic categorization. We conclude by describing the distribution of investors and firms across these various categories.
A DNA-based optical nanosensor for in vivo imaging of acetylcholine in the peripheral nervous system

Abstract The ability to monitor the release of neurotransmitters during synaptic transmission would significantly impact the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disease. Here, we present a DNA-based enzymatic nanosensor for quantitative detection of acetylcholine (ACh) in the peripheral nervous system of living mice. ACh nanosensors consist of DNA as a scaffold, acetylcholinesterase as a recognition component, pH-sensitive fluorophores as signal generators, and α-bungarotoxin as a targeting moiety. We demonstrate the utility of the nanosensors in the submandibular ganglia of living mice to sensitively detect ACh ranging from 0.228 μM to 358 μM. In addition, the sensor response upon electrical stimulation of the efferent nerve is dose-dependent, reversible, and we observe a reduction of ~76% in sensor signal upon pharmacological inhibition of ACh release. Equipped with an advanced imaging processing tool, we further spatially resolve ACh signal propagation on the tissue level. Our platform enables sensitive measurement and mapping of ACh transmission in the peripheral nervous system.
Alternative Splicing During the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Cell Cycle.

Genome-wide analysis of transcriptome data in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii shows periodic patterns in gene expression levels when cultures are grown under alternating light and dark cycles so that G1 of the cell cycle occurs in the light phase and S/M/G0 occurs during the dark phase. However, alternative splicing, a process that enables a greater protein diversity from a limited set of genes, remains largely unexplored by previous transcriptome based studies in C. reinhardtii. In this study, we used existing longitudinal RNA-seq data obtained during the light-dark cycle to investigate the changes in the alternative splicing pattern and found that 3277 genes (19.75% of 17,746 genes) undergo alternative splicing. These splicing events include Alternative 5′ (Alt 5′), Alternative 3′ (Alt 3′) and Exon skipping (ES) events that are referred as alternative site selection (ASS) events and Intron retention (IR) events. By clustering analysis, we identified a subset of events (26 ASS events and 10 IR events) that show periodic changes in the splicing pattern during the cell cycle. About two-thirds of these 36 genes either introduce a pre-termination codon (PTC) or introduce insertions or deletions into functional domains of the proteins, which implicate splicing in altering gene function. These findings suggest that alternative splicing is also regulated during the Chlamydomonas cell cycle, although not as extensively as changes in gene expression. The longitudinal changes in the alternative splicing pattern during the cell cycle captured by this study provides an important resource to investigate alternative splicing in genes of interest during the cell cycle in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and other eukaryotes.
Association between race/ethnicity and the risk of amputation of lower extremities among medicare beneficiaries with diabetic foot ulcers and diabetic foot infections.

Introduction This study aimed to examine the association of race and ethnicity on the risk of lower extremity amputations among Medicare beneficiaries with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and diabetic foot infections (DFIs). Research design and methods A retrospective study included 2011–2015 data of a 5% sample of fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with a newly diagnosed DFU and/or DFI. The primary outcome was the time to the first major amputation episode after a DFU and/or DFI were identified using the diagnosis and procedure codes. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the risk of time to the first major amputation across races, adjusting for sociodemographic and health status factors. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with a 95% CI were reported. Results Among 92 929 Medicare beneficiaries newly diagnosed with DFUs and/or DFIs, 77% were whites, 14.3% African Americans (AAs), 3.3% Hispanics, 0.7% Native Americans (NAs), and 4.0% were other races. The incidence rates of major amputation were 0.02 person-years for NAs, 0.02 person-years for AAs, 0.01 person-years for Hispanics, 0.01 person-years for other races, and 0.01 person-years for whites (p Conclusions Racial and ethnic disparities in the risk of lower extremity amputations appear to exist among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries with diabetic foot problems. AAs and NAs with DFUs and/or DFIs were associated with an increased risk of major amputations compared with white Medicare beneficiaries.
Robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy versus open simple prostatectomy: a New York statewide analysis of early adoption and outcomes between 2009 and 2017

The factors driving early adoption of robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) for large gland BPH have not yet been identified. This study aims to determine the patient, provider, and facility level differences and predictors in undergoing RASP versus OSP. This population-based cohort study used data from the all-payer New York State Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database. Patient, provider, and facility characteristics for each cohort were analyzed, and a multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictive factors associated with undergoing RASP versus OSP. From 2009 to 2017, 1881 OSP and 216 RASP cases were identified. RASP utilization increased from 2.6% of all cases in 2009 to 16.8% in 2017. Patient demographics were similar between both cohorts. Median length of stay was shorter for RASP patients (3 vs. 4 days, p 7 days) (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in 30- and 90-day readmission rates or 1-year mortality. More OSP patients were discharged to continued care facilities than RASP patients (p = 0.049), and more RASP patients were discharged to home compared to OSP patients (p = 0.035). Positive predictors for undergoing RASP included teaching hospital status, medium and high hospital bed volume, high hospital operative volume, high surgeon volume, and surgeons that graduated within 15 years of surgery. As RASP shows favorable perioperative outcomes, the diffusion of robotic technology and newer graduates entering the workforce may augment the upward trend of RASP utilization.
The theory and practice of ultrafast liquid chromatography: A tutorial.

Abstract Modern high-throughput experimentation and challenging analytical problems of academic/industrial research have put the responsibility on separation scientists to develop new fast separation approaches. With the availability of high-pressure pumps, small particles with hydrolytically stable surface chemistries, reduced extra-column band broadening, and low volume detectors with fast signal processing, it is now feasible to do sub-minute to sub-second chromatography. Herein, the fundamental theoretical principles of ultrafast chromatography, along with practical solutions, are reviewed. Approaches for rapid separations in packed beds, narrow open tubular columns, and monoliths are demonstrated, along with the challenges that were faced. The instrumentation requirements (pumps, injection systems, detectors, column packing process) for using short columns ranging from 0.5 to 5 cm are examined, followed by real applications. One of the main problems in ultrafast chromatography is partial or complete peak overlap. As per Gidding’s statistical overlap theory, peak overlap cannot be avoided for a completely random sample for a column with a given peak capacity. Signal processing techniques based on Fourier transform deconvolution of band broadening, power laws, derivatives, and iterative curve fitting are explained to help improve the chromatographic resolution. An example of ten peaks separated in under a second is shown and discussed. Other ultrafast separations in supercritical fluid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis are briefly mentioned to provide a complete understanding of this emerging field.
Whole body fluorescence lifetime multiplexing of tumor receptor expression

Fluorescence imaging of cancers using continuous wave (CW) detection of receptor targeted probes offer poor sensitivity and specificity due to background autofluorescence and non-specific probe accumulation. Here we show that fluorescence lifetime (FLT) imaging can significantly improve tumor contrast using epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and programed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) targeted probes in a preclinical model of human breast cancer. Our results suggest that these probes have significantly longer FLTs in tumors than in normal tissue and the FLT enhancement is receptor dependent. We also show potential for simultaneous quantification of EGFR and PD-L1 using in vivo FLT multiplexing.
Virchow at 200 and Lown at 100 - Physicians as Activists.

Virchow at 200 and Lown at 100 The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many people to reconsider what medicine is all about. But debate over what doctoring is — and what it is not — is nothing new, and 20...
Wireless Photoplethysmograph Knuckle Sensor System for Measuring Finger Motions

In this paper, we present the on-going study to explore the use of photoplethysmograph (PPG), and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors to sense the movement of the fingers and the orientation of the hand. This paper focuses on an optical sensor system that can detect the movement of the fingers by utilizing the photoplethysmograph (PPG). The optical sensor consists of the light emitting and detecting components, which are two LEDs and a photodiode in our system. The photodiode senses the intensity of the light emitted from each LED after the light passes through the tissue. As a finger moves, the light diffused through the skin of the knuckle, therefore, finger position can be differentiated. In this paper, we discuss the sensitivity and the response time of the knuckle sensor system with respect to the finger motions.
Impact of Self-Efficacy on Saudi Students' College Performance

With the increasing numbers of Saudi students marching into American colleges, the academic achievement and social integration of this student group is essential for the ultimate goal of their matriculation with their intended college degrees. Building upon the self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1986) as a construct of student academic achievement, the article reports a qualitative study about the case of Saudi students at Riverside State University. After initial site observations and document reviews were conducted, primary data were collected from open ended interviews with students, administrators, and professors at RSU. The findings revealed that various aspects of self-efficacy are either agents or influences given the circumstances of the case. It offers recommendations showing how various aspect of the theory can be utilized to increase Saudi students’ self-efficacy and consequently their achievement level.
τ− → K+ K− π− ττ at CLEO III

Abstract Based on 3.26 fb−1 data sample collected at CLEO III, we study the decay τ − a K + K − π − ν τ and improve the measurement of the branching ratio B(τ − a K + K − π − ν τ ) = (1.59 ± 0.06 ± 0.13) x 10 −3 , the results preliminary.
Agent-Oriented Designs for a Self Healing Smart Grid

Electrical grids are highly complex and dynamic systems that can be unreliable, insecure, and inefficient in serving end consumers. The promise of Smart Grids lies in the architecting and developing of intelligent distributed and networked systems for automated monitoring and controlling of the grid to improve performance. We have designed an agent-oriented architecture for a simulation which can help in understanding Smart Grid issues and in identifying ways to improve the electrical grid. We focus primarily on the self-healing problem, which concerns methodologies for activating control solutions to take preventative actions or to handle problems after they occur. We present software design issues that must be considered in producing a system that is flexible, adaptable and scalable. Agent-based systems provide a paradigm for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing software systems. Agents are sophisticated computer programs that can act autonomously and communicate with each other across open and distributed environments. We present design issues that are appropriate in developing a Multi-agent System (MAS) for the grid. Our MAS is implemented in the Java Agent Development Framework (JADE). Our Smart Grid Simulation uses many types of agents to acquire and monitor data, support decision making, and represent devices, controls, alternative power sources, the environment, management functions, and user interfaces.
Congenital Malignant Teratoid Neoplasm of the Eye and Orbit: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Medulloepithelioma is a tumor of the primitive medullary epithelium overlying the ciliary body. Most become evident early in life, and they may be malignant, although distant metastases are rare. The purpose of this report is to describe a unique case of congenital malignant teratoid neoplasm of the eye and orbit. Method: A patient with a congenital malignant teratoid tumor of the eye and orbit is described, and a detailed histopathologic study of the ocular findings with a review of the literature is presented. Results: Histopathologic study showed that the lesion was a malignant teratoid neoplasm with a large orbital extension. Several intracranial structural abnormalities were identified. Conclusion: The tumor described herein must be added to the differential diagnosis of congenital orbital masses. The clinician should be alert to the association of this lesion with complex intracranial abnormalities.
Sonic boom theory.

Sonic boom theory for steady flight in atmosphere without winds, discussing sonic boom reduction by aerodynamic means
A Methodology for Joint Design, Co−Operation and Decision−Making for On−Line Collaborative Learning

Processes of on-line collaborative learning generally take advantage of platforms offering communication dedicated environments, which henceforth we shall call virtual conferences or, simply conferences. Each of these environments is characterized by a specific pragmatic and communicative function. Therefore, participants, who are sometimes split into groups, may happen to communicate within different areas of activity. Besides a conference dedicated to socialization (i.e. one-to-one and one-to-many communication, concerning project topics, or for introducing tutors and learners and their interests), they can find conferences for engaging in discussions about specific topics or participating in the collaborative production of project texts (Midoro, 1998). Generally speaking, electronic mail can be seen as a suitable tool for supporting on-line training courses; nevertheless, communication management should be carried out using specific products, which offer actual advantages in terms of accessibility, information handling and ease of use (Manca, Persico, Sarti, 1998). Among the many different products now available on the market, one of the most commonly used in on-line training courses is SoftArc FirstClass ®. This CMC (Computer Mediated Communication) software package is based on the BBS (Bulletin Board System) model and offers a hierarchically structured work environment. Learners are given the possibility to access one or more discussions and, through messaging activities, contribute to their development. This is done within an organized, structured and tutored context. In this paper we wish to describe the experience undertaken within the European Netschool project, focusing on our effort to provide the CMC environment of FirstClass with specific tools and methodologies for on-line co-decision.
The Influence of 2 Br-α-Ergocryptine (CB-154) and Apomorphine on Induced Prolactin Secretion in the CRAB Eating Monkey (Macaca Fascicularis)

The influence of apomorphine and 2 Br-α-ergocryptine (CB-154) on drug-induced prolactin secretion was examined in an intact and an ovariectomized monkey (Macaca fascicularis). Perphenazine administered iv at one mg/kg BW induced a rapid and marked increase in serum prolactin. Apomorphine at a concentration of 4 mg/kg BW administered prior to perphenazine delayed the perphenazine-induced prolactin rise. The iv administration of CB-154 at either 200 or 2000 μg/kg BW completely blocked the perphenazine response. Apomorphine injected before TRH suppressed the induced prolactin increase to this releasing hormone while CB-154, even at the very high dose, only partially blocked the TRH-induced prolactin rise. Serotonin injected iv at the level of 10 mg/kg BW induced a rapid and marked increase in serum prolactin and both apomorphine and CB-154 were able to block this response.
Cytological Studies on the Suspensor Polytene Chromosomes of Phaseolus: DNA Content and Synthesis, and the Ribosomal Cistrons

SUMMARYFeulgen spectrophotometry determinations of Phaseolus polytene chromosomes demonstrate that in all suspensor cells examined there is an exact doubling of the genome in each DNA synthesis cycle and the maximum amount of DNA per suspensor cell is 8,192C. 3H-thymidine incorporation studies demonstrate that there is differential replication of these chromosomes with synthesis of the euchromatin, followed by the β-heterochromatin adjacent to the centromere and finally by the α-heterochromatin of the centromeres.During the replication process the chromosomes assume a diffuse appearance. After 90 minutes the first labeled chromosomes which are contracted appear. These chromosomes have silver grains exclusively over the centromeres. After 4–6 hours incubation in 3H-thymidine contracted chromosomes which are totally labeled are observed. No evidence for underreplication or amplification is indicated.The ribosomal cistrons were cytolocalized by in situ hybridization with P. vulgaris rRNA. These were found on...
Neomycin inhibits glycoprotein C (gC)-dependent binding of herpes simplex virus type 1 to cells and also inhibits postbinding events in entry.

Abstract Previous studies have identified requirements for the binding of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to cells, including the presence of particular glycoproteins in the virion envelope (gC or gB) and the presence of particular glycosaminoglycan chains (principally heparan sulfate) on cell surface proteoglycans. We show here that neomycin, a known inhibitor of HSV infection, blocked early events in HSV infection by two mechanisms: partial inhibition of the gC-dependent binding of virions, but not the gB-dependent binding, and inhibition of events that occurred after the binding of virus to cells. Near-maximal (but incomplete) inhibition of virus binding occurred at low concentrations of neomycin (1 m M ) for wild-type and gB-negative virions only. Neomycin also inhibited the binding of Isolated gC to cells at a similar concentration. Concentrations of neomycin as high as 50 m M had little or no effect on the binding of gO-negative virions to cells, Nevertheless, neomycin significantly inhibited infection by both wild-type and gO-negative virions, at concentrations greater than 10 m M , indicating that the inhibition at higher doses was not due to effects on virus binding. The effects of neomycin on virus binding suggest that gC (but not gB) and neomycin compete for binding to similar structural features of cell surface heparan sulfate.
INHIBITION OF GROWTH AND INCREASED MORTALITY OF MEXICAN BEAN BEETLE LARVAE FED WITH THIAMINE AND PYRIDOXINE ANTAGONISTS AND REVERSAL OF EFFECT WITH VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTATIONl)

Survival and growth of Mexican bean beetle larvae was adversely affected when larvae were fed with leaves dipped in a solution of oxythiamine, pyrithiamine or desoxypyridoxine. A 0.1% solution of each of these vitamin analogs was enough to repress growth and cause total mortality of the larvae. When each corresponding vitamin, thiamine or pyridoxine was added to its antivitamin solution in a ratio of 1:1 (vitamin: antivitamin) by weight, the adverse effects of the antivitamin were reversed. Sulfanilamide and pantoyltaurine negatively affected survival only when applied as a 1% solution, while pantothenyl alcohol, 2-picolinic acid, and 3-acetyl pyridine were ineffective at the concentrations tested. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG WACHSTUMSHEMMUNG UND MORTALITATSSTEIGERUNG DER LARVEN DES MEXIKANISCHEN BOHNENKAFERS BEI FUTTERUNG MIT THIAMIN-UND PYRIDOXIN-ANTAGONISTEN UND UMKEHRUNG DES EFFEKTES DURCH VITAMIN-ERGANZUNG Uberleben und Wachstum der Larven des Mexikanischen Bohnenkafers (Epilachna varivestis Muls.) wurden nachteilig beeinflust, wenn die Larven mit Blattern ernahrt wurden, die zuvor in Oxythiamin-, Pyrithiamin-oder Desoxypyridin-Losung getaucht worden waren. Eine 0,1% ige Losung irgendeines dieser Vitaminanaloge genugte zur Unterdruckung des Wachstums und zur Abtotung aller Larven. Die nachteilige Wirkung des Antivitamins wurde aufgehoben, sobald das jeweils entsprechende Vitamin, Thiamin oder Pyridoxin, zu der Antivitaminlosung im Gewichtsverhaltnis 1:1 (Vitamin: Antivitamin) beigefugt wurde. Sulfanilamid und Pantoyltaurin beeinflusten das Uberleben nur dann negativ, wenn sie als 1% ige Losung angewandt wurden, wahrend Pantothenyl-Alkohol, 2-Picolin-Saure und Acetyl-Pyridin bei den untersuchten Konzentrationen unwirksam waren.
Measurement of learning and mental abilities

Abstract : Marked advances have been made in determining the relationship between the ability measured and the test score, in methods of item analysis, in the differentiation and classification of various methods of dealing with reliability. The big development in this area though has been the change from the emphasis on a single general aptitudes. This has been made possible by the intelligence to the differentiation of a large number of different development of the factor analysis methods.
A soluble polymer-supported triflating reagent: a high-throughput synthetic approach to aryl and enol triflates.

The high-yielding synthesis and application of the first example of a polymer-supported reagent for the preparation of trifluoromethanesulfonates (triflates) is described. This new reagent efficiently triflates aryl alcohols and lithium enolates in high yield (>90%). A simple precipitation and filtration to remove the excess reagent and byproduct facilitate purification of the triflate products. The PEG-supported approach is highly efficient, as the PEG-supported byproduct can be quantitatively recovered and recycled into reagent 1.
Factors Affecting Acid Neutralizing Capacity in the Adirondack Region of New York: a Solute Mass Balance Approach

High rates of acidic deposition in the Adirondack region of New York have accelerated acidification of soils and surface waters. Annual input-output budgets for major solutes and acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) were estimated for 43 drainage lake-watersheds in the Adirondacks from 1998 to 2000. Sulfate was the predominant anion on an equivalent basis in both precipitation and drainage export. Calcium ion had the largest cation drainage export, followed by Mg2+. While these watersheds showed net nitrogen (N) retention, the drainage losses of SO4(2-), Cl-, base cations, and ANC exceeded their respective inputs from precipitation. Land cover (forest type and wetlands) affected the export of SO4(2-), N solutes, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The relationships of solute export with elevation (negative for base cations and Cl-, positive for NO3- and H+) suggest the importance of the concomitant changes of biotic and abiotic watershed characteristics associated with elevational gradients. The surface water ANC increased with the sum of base cations and was greatest in the lakes with watersheds characterized by thick deposits of glacial till. The surface water ANC was also higher in the lake-watersheds with lower DOC export. Some variation in lake ANC was associated with variability in acidic deposition. Using a classification system previously developed for Adirondack lakes on the basis primarily of surficial geology, lake-watersheds were grouped into five classes. The calculated ANC fluxes based on the major sinks and sources of ANC were comparable with measured ANC for the thick-till (I) and the medium-till lake-watersheds with low DOC (II). The calculated ANC was overestimated for the medium-till with high DOC (III) and the thin-till with high DOC (V) lake-watersheds, suggesting the importance of naturally occurring organic acids as an ANC sink, which was not included in the calculations. The lower calculated estimates than the measured ANC for the thin-till lake-watersheds with low DOC (IV) were probably due to the mobilization of Al as an ANC source in these watersheds that were highly sensitive to strong acid inputs. Our analysis of various drainage lakes across the Adirondacks on the basis of solute mass balances, coupled with the use of a lake classification system and GIS data, demonstrates that the lake-watersheds characterized by shallow deposits of glacial till are highly sensitive to acidic deposition not only in the southwestern Adirondack region where previous field-based studies were intensively conducted but also across the entire Adirondack region. Moreover, the supply of organic acids and Al mobilization substantially modify the acid-base status of surface waters.
Food deprivation enhances the expression but not acquisition of flavor acceptance conditioning in rats.

Abstract The postingestive actions of nutrients condition strong flavor preferences in rats and may also enhance flavor acceptance (increase total intake) in some situations. This study determined the impact of food deprivation on flavor preference and acceptance conditioned by intragastric (IG) infusions of glucose. Rats fitted with gastric catheters were trained (20 h/day) to associate a CS+ solution (bitter or sour) with IG 16% glucose and a CS− solution with water infusions. One group (FR) was food-restricted during the training sessions, while a second group (AL) was given food ad libitum. All rats were given 2-h access to food prior to the daily sessions. During one-bottle training, the FR rats consumed substantially more CS+ than CS− whereas AL rats drank only slightly more CS+ than CS−. In additional one-bottle acceptance tests, the FR and AL rats consumed substantially more CS+ than CS− when both groups were food-restricted, but only slightly more CS+ than CS− when both groups had food ad libitum. Throughout the experiment, the FR and AL rats displayed equally strong CS+ preferences in two-bottle choice tests irrespective of their deprivation state during the test. The findings indicate that food restriction stimulates the intake of a CS+ flavor that is (or was previously) paired with IG glucose infusions but does not fundamentally alter the learned association between the CS+ flavor and the post-oral nutrient stimulus.
Sediment Resuspension in Cannonsville Reservoir

ABSTRACT The operation of the sediment resuspension process in Cannonsville Reservoir, NY, a eutrophic flow-augmentation and water supply impoundment for New York City, during the major drawdown year of 1995 is documented. Methodologies used in the assessment included transmissometer profiling; electron microscopy-based physical and chemical characterization of individual particles from the water column, sediments and the principal tributary; analysis of sediment trap collections; and mass balance calculations for total suspended solids (TSS). The resuspension process had several pronounced manifestations. First was the development of a conspicuous benthic nepheloid layer (BNL) which, by mid-summer, extended nearly 10 m above the bottom at one location. Second was the increase in the concentration of inorganic particles in the upper waters as the reservoir was drawn down. These particles, ultimately derived from the watershed, caused increases in turbidity. Third was the measurement of higher downward flu...
The effects of lexical neighbors on stop consonant articulation

Lexical neighbors (words sharing phonological structure with a target word) have been shown to influence the expression of phonetic contrasts for vowels and initial voiceless consonants. Focusing on minimal pair neighbors (e.g., bud—but), this research extends this work by examining the production of voiced as well as voiceless stops in both initial and final syllable/word position. The results show minimal pair neighbors can result both in enhancement and reduction of voicing contrasts (in initial vs final position), and differentially affect voiced vs voiceless consonants. These diverse effects of minimal pair neighbors serve to constrain interactive theories of language processing.
Quantum data processing and error correction

This paper investigates properties of noisy quantum information channels. We define a quantity called coherent information, which measures the amount of quantum information conveyed in the noisy channel. This quantity can never be increased by quantum information processing, and it yields a simple necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of perfect quantum error correction. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Understanding the selection of commonly used statistics in primary care Ob/Gyn research

Abstract This discussion focuses on the selection of commonly used statistical tests that appear in the primary care obstetrics and gynecology literature. Selected statistical concepts are described and illustrated with clinical examples.
SOVEREIGN: An autonomous neural system for incrementally learning planned action sequences to navigate towards a rewarded goal

How do reactive and planned behaviors interact in real time? How are sequences of such behaviors released at appropriate times during autonomous navigation to realize valued goals? Controllers for both animals and mobile robots, or animats, need reactive mechanisms for exploration, and learned plans to reach goal objects once an environment becomes familiar. The SOVEREIGN (Self-Organizing, Vision, Expectation, Recognition, Emotion, Intelligent, Goal-oriented Navigation) animat model embodies these capabilities, and is tested in a 3D virtual reality environment. SOVEREIGN includes several interacting subsystems which model complementary properties of cortical What and Where processing streams and which clarify similarities between mechanisms for navigation and arm movement control. As the animat explores an environment, visual inputs are processed by networks that are sensitive to visual form and motion in the What and Where streams, respectively. Position-invariant and size-invariant recognition categories are learned by real-time incremental learning in the What stream. Estimates of target position relative to the animat are computed in the Where stream, and can activate approach movements toward the target. Motion cues from animat locomotion can elicit head-orienting movements to bring a new target into view. Approach and orienting movements are alternately performed during animat navigation. Cumulative estimates of each movement are derived from interacting proprioceptive and visual cues. Movement sequences are stored within a motor working memory. Sequences of visual categories are stored in a sensory working memory. These working memories trigger learning of sensory and motor sequence categories, or plans, which together control planned movements. Predictively effective chunk combinations are selectively enhanced via reinforcement learning when the animat is rewarded. Selected planning chunks effect a gradual transition from variable reactive exploratory movements to efficient goal-oriented planned movement sequences. Volitional signals gate interactions between model subsystems and the release of overt behaviors. The model can control different motor sequences under different motivational states and learns more efficient sequences to rewarded goals as exploration proceeds.
Use of Infrared Multiphoton Photodissociation with SWIFT for Electrospray Ionization and Laser Desorption Applications in a Quadrupole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometer

Infrared multiphoton photodissociation (IRMPD) is combined with stored wave form inverse Fourier transforms (SWIFT) to effect dissociation and ion ejection in a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The application of IRMPD to the structural characterization of biochemical ions generated by chemical ionization and electrospray ionization and the feasibility of utilizing infrared photons for the activation of laser-desorbed metal ion−crown ether complexes was examined. The effect of helium pressure on the dissociation efficiency and relative dissociation rate constants for systems with well-known thermochemistry was evaluated. The helium pressure is not detrimental to the IRMPD experiment when nominal pressures lower than 2 × 10-5 Torr are used. At pressures close to nominally 8 × 10-5 Torr of helium, collisonal deactivation dominates. Results show conventional CAD is a more selective dissociation technique; however, the amount of fragment ion information generated depends highly on the qZ value. IRMPD, o...
Review of video compression which depends on visual perception limits

Video compression is achieved by leaving out unnecessary information in an image. This is done by leaving out information that can be predicted (entropy encoding) or by leaving out information the visual system cannot use. Entropy encoding procedure on exact replica of the original image until the image unpredictability exceeds the channel capacity--at which point it fails. Entropy encoding has been discussed widely in the literature. Encoding based on the limits in perception produces an image in which there are measurable differences between the original and reconstructed image. However, these differences are kept below the thresholds of perception. A wealth of information exists in the vision research community on perception thresholds for various visual stimuli. This paper will review these perception limits and show how they have been used or may be used in visually lossless compression.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Methylmethacrylate upper ureteral obstruction

A case of upper ureteral obstruction caused by methylmethacrylate cement after fixation of an L2-L3 vertebral fracture is reported. The probable mechanism, radiographic findings, and management of this complication are reviewed.
Dietary adherence and weight loss success among overweight women: results from the A TO Z weight loss study.

Dietary adherence has been implicated as an important factor in the success of dieting strategies; however, studies assessing and investigating its association with weight loss success are scarce. We aimed to document the level of dietary adherence using measured diet data and to examine its association with weight loss success. Secondary analysis was performed using data from 181 free-living overweight/obese women (mean±s.d. age=43±5 years, body mass index=31±4 kg m−2) participating in a 1-year randomized clinical trial (the A TO Z study) comparing popular weight loss diets (Atkins, Zone and Ornish). Participants' dietary adherence was assessed as the difference between their respective assigned diet's recommended macronutrient goals and their self-reported intake. Association between dietary adherence and 12-month weight change was computed using Spearman's correlations. Differences in baseline characteristics and macronutrient intake between the most and least adherent tertiles for diet groups were compared using t-tests. Within each diet group, adherence score was significantly correlated with 12-month weight change (Atkins, rs=0.42, P=0.0003; Zone, rs=0.34, P=0.009 and Ornish, rs=0.38, P=0.004). Twelve-month weight change in the most vs least adherent tertiles, respectively, was −8.3±5.6 vs −1.9±5.8 kg, P=0.0006 (Atkins); −3.7±6.3 vs −0.4±6.8 kg, P=0.12 (Zone) and −6.5±6.8 vs −1.7±7.9 kg, P=0.06 (Ornish). Regardless of assigned diet groups, 12-month weight change was greater in the most adherent compared to the least adherent tertiles. These results suggest that strategies to increase adherence may deserve more emphasis than the specific macronutrient composition of the weight loss diet itself in supporting successful weight loss.
Implementation of a hypertension clinic using a streamlined treatment algorithm

Purpose The implementation of a pharmacist-managed clinic based on the Simplified Treatment Intervention to Control Hypertension (STITCH) algorithm is described, with insights on physician acceptance and implementation challenges. Summary After a medical records review indicating gaps in the follow-up care of emergency department (ED) patients found to have elevated blood pressures (BPs), the ED of a large public hospital sought to create a “bridge” to ongoing primary care by applying a modified version of the STITCH algorithm, which aims to address compliance barriers to adequate BP control through a streamlined stepped-care approach derived from national consensus guidelines. Following the guidelines of the STITCH algorithm, the goals of the clinic implemented in this project were to (1) coordinate initial pharmacotherapy, (2) monitor patients pending their first primary care clinic appointment, (3) assess for potential antihypertensive-related complications, and (4) provide comprehensive and ongoing patient education. Physician support for the clinic (staffed by one pharmacist one day weekly) was cultivated through both broad and individually targeted education to allay concerns about initiating BP-lowering therapy in the ED setting, especially given patients’ typical one- to six-month wait time for a primary care clinic appointment. Early experience at the clinic indicated increased physician willingness to initiate hypertension treatment in the ED due to the availability of appropriate follow-up services within a shorter time frame (about two weeks). Conclusion One hospital’s experience suggests that a hypertension-focused clinic using a streamlined treatment algorithm can serve as a bridge from urgent care to ongoing primary care, facilitating adequate BP control in a transient, low-income patient population.
β-D-Arabinosyl 1-C-sulfonic acid

A short synthetic route to β,D-arabinofuranosyl 1-C-sulfonic acid (7), a possible biomimetic for the arabinofuranosyl anomeric phosphate, is described. The furanosyl 1-C-sulfonate was prepared by buffered dimethyldioxirane oxidation of an S-acetyl-1-thio-β-arabinofuranose derivative. Deprotection under mild conditions allowed isolation of the free sulfonic acid without desulfonylation.
Lenegre's disease in a young adult

Abstract A patient is reported who had left bundle branch block at age 21 and complete heart block at age 31. Electrophysiological studies revealed complete block distal to the His bundle with normal A-H interval, suggesting bilateral bundle branch disease. Hemodynamic studies revealed elevated left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressures which normalized with ventricular pacing, and slight increase of LV volumes. Coronary arteriography was normal. These findings suggest a diagnosis of Lenegre's disease. We believe this to be the youngest reported patient with this diagnosis. This case suggests that “benign” left bundle branch block in young adults may be a forerunner of progressive conduction disease. Electrophysiological studies in the catheterization laboratory may allow correct diagnosis prior to the development of heart block.
Choking Analysis for a cw HF or DF Chemical Laser

This study investigates choking in the optical cavity of a CW HF or DF chemically-pumped laser. Choking can occur because of the large heat release when the flow in the cavity is constrained by plume shrouds. An analysis procedure is described that starts in the oxidizer and fuel plenums, follows both gases through the nozzles where the flow is viscous, and into a constant area laser cavity where mixing and heat addition occur. A parametric investigation is performed that centers around a He diluent case and an N/sub 2/ diluent case. The parameters that are varied include plenum conditions, composition, nozzle geometry, etc. The most important results are (1) a He diluent flow is more likely to choke than one with N/sub 2/, (2) the oxidizer stagnation temperature and oxidizer diluent ratio are the dominant choking parameters, (3) shifting diluent from the oxidizer to the fuel flow can lead to choking, (4) nozzle geometry has a minor effect on choking, and (5) Reynolds number scaling for choking is demonstrated.
Estimation of radar-rainfall error spatial correlation

Abstract The study presents a theoretical framework for estimating the radar-rainfall error spatial correlation (ESC) using data from relatively dense rain gauge networks. The error is defined as the difference between the radar estimate and the corresponding true areal rainfall. The method is analogous to the error variance separation that corrects the error variance of a radar-rainfall product for gauge representativeness errors. The study demonstrates the necessity to consider the area–point uncertainties while estimating the spatial correlation structure in the radar-rainfall errors. To validate the method, the authors conduct a Monte Carlo simulation experiment with synthetic fields with known error spatial correlation structure. These tests reveal that the proposed method, which accounts for the area–point distortions in the estimation of radar-rainfall ESC, performs very effectively. The authors then apply the method to estimate the ESC of the National Weather Service’s standard hourly radar-rainfall products, known as digital precipitation arrays (DPA). Data from the Oklahoma Micronet rain gauge network (with the grid step of about 5 km) are used as the ground reference for the DPAs. This application shows that the radar-rainfall errors are spatially correlated with a correlation distance of about 20 km. The results also demonstrate that the spatial correlations of radar–gauge differences are considerably underestimated, especially at small distances, as the area–point uncertainties are ignored.
Spectroscopic diagnostic for ablative compression experiments

A spectroscopic diagnostic which will be useful for laser-driven thick-shelled ablative compression targets is demonstrated. The diagnostic which uses spectral line emission from lithium-like bromine provides information from several allowed lines in a small spectral range and can be used to estimate ground state number density as well as electron density in the compressed core.
Localization of phosphatase activity on the membranes of the mammalian sperm head

Epididymal and ejaculated rabbit sperm and ejaculated human sperm were incubated at pH 7.0 and pH 9.0 to test for phosphatase activity. With the substrates tested, ATP, ADP, AMP, ITP, p-nitro-phenyl phosphate, and glucose-6-phosphate, enzymes capable of dephosphorylating ATP at pH 7.0 were localized on the periacrosomal portion of the plasmalemma in epididymal but not in ejaculated sperm. The enzyme was active without divalent cations. In both epididymal and ejaculated sperm the outer membrane of the acrosome was reactive at pH 9.0 with ATP and Ca++. These strikingly different properties of the phosphatases on the plasmalemma and acrosome membrane indicate that the enzymes may be adapted to respond to particular environmental stimuli and function in tandem to bring about the capacitated state and acrosome reaction. The fact that the plasmalemmal enzyme could not be elicited in ejaculated sperm suggests that seminal plasma may contain an inhibitor for this enzyme which is removed in utero. Calcium ions are necessary for activation of acrosomal proteinases. During capacitation in the uterus, the plasmalemmal psphatase may move exogenous Ca++ into the cytosol surrounding the acrosome, thus stimulating the acrosomal membrane enzyme which may then transport Ca++ into the acrosomal vesicle. Calcium ions may also bind the plasma lemma to the outer acrosome membrane and so prepare the membranes for the acrosome reaction.