cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Active control of interfacial properties

Abstract Recent studies aimed at establishing principles for active control of the physicochemical properties of interfaces have made substantial progress towards demonstrating spatial and temporal control of interfacial properties of both liquids and solids. Light-active and redox-active surfactants have been shown to permit large (>20 mN/m) and reversible changes in the surface tensions of liquids on time-scales of seconds. These changes can be directed to localized regions of liquids with sub-millimeter spatial resolution, thus providing new means to create controlled gradients in surfactant-based properties of liquids (e.g. gradients in surface tension). Progress has also been reported in the electrowetting of liquids on the surfaces of solids, although it is still not possible to use an external electric field to cause an aqueous solution to wet a hydrophobic surface.
Plagioclase lamellae in hypersthene, Tikkoatokhakh Bay, Labrador

Abstract Abundant lamellae of plagioclase are present in the (100) planes of hypersthene megacrysts in andesine anorthosite along Tikkoatokhakh Bay, northwest of Nain, Labrador. Spongy intergrowths of plagioclase in hypersthene also occur. Plagioclase lamellae have mean compositions ranging from An 43 to An 92 , with extreme compositions from An 39 to An 97 ; the calcic compositions are the more abundant. Such lamellae are always accompanied in the hypersthene by grains or lamellar segments of magnetite, and rarely by lamellae of olivine, augite, magnetite, or ilmenite. Some calcic plagioclase lamellae contain antiperthitic spindles of orthoclase. The host rocks of the hypersthene megacrysts are layered leuconorites and anorthosites with mean plagioclase compositions ranging from An 41 to An 55 . The plagioclase lamellae in hypersthene are characteristically much more calcic than the host-rock plagioclase. There is little doubt that the lamellae exsolved from a pyroxene host, dominantly by a coupled redox reaction which generated magnetite, thereby releasing silica to combine with the Ca-Tschermak and jadeite components of the precursor pyroxene. Rapid growth of megacrysts may account for their aluminous nature.
Copper and silver accumulation in transplanted and resident clams (Macoma balthica) in South San Francisco Bay

Abstract Accumulation of Cu and Ag by soft tissues of the deposit-feeding clam Macoma balthica was less than half in clams transplanted to a contaminated area than in clams native to that area. During a period of tissue growth, the transplants retained 50 % and 90 %, respectively, of the net Cu and Ag accumulated, but loss of metals from soft tissue by the resident population equalled net accumulation. Copper accumulation in the transplants did not occur during some periods when increases in the metal body burden of the resident population indicated that environmental exposures were high. The difference in metal accumulation of the two groups of clams may be the result of past environmental exposures. The results illustrate some limitations of using transplants as indicators of pollution events or of pollutant impact upon resident populations.
Changes in selected blood components of the three-toed box turtle, Terrapene carolina triunguis, during heat stress

Abstract 1. 1. Sixteen Terrapene Carolina triunauis were heated in a 45°C environment for 2 hr to determine whether changes in SGOT, SGPT, BUN, glucose, and protein serum levels occur during heat stress and to obtain further evidence that hemodilution occurs during exposure to hot environments. 2. 2. SGPT, SGOT and glucose levels increased significantly and there were no changes in BUN and protein during exposure to the 45°C environment. 3. 3. There were decreases in hematocrits and weights during exposures with no significant changes in total red blood cell counts, total white blood cells counts, and mean corpuscular volumes.
Modelling the effect of vegetation on channel pattern in bedload rivers

We modify a simple numerical stream-pattern model to examine the effect of sediment stabilization by roots on the channel pattern of bedload rivers. In the model, vegetation enhances bank resistance to erosion, causing the development of a single channel instead of a rapidly changing, multiple channel (braided) pattern. Net aggradation resulting from a high sediment supply, however, causes frequent avulsions that destroy vegetation locally, leading to the development of a multiple-channel pattern. A stability diagram representing multiple model runs predicts whether a river will exhibit single or multiple channels, based on plant-enhanced bank strength, and on the time scale of plant development relative to a time scale for change in unvegetated channels. A second stability diagram predicts the way in which the amplitude and period of a fluctuating imposed sediment load influence whether a single or multiple-channel pattern develops. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of acid-mine drainage on the chemical and biological character of an alkaline headwater stream.

Distribution of metals in water and sediments, as well as spatial alteration in the benthic macroinvertebrate and fish assemblages, was assessed in an alkaline headwater stream in eastern Kentucky receiving runoff from an abandoned surface mine. Concentrations of aluminum, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc generally increased 2 to 3 orders of magnitude in the receiving water immediately below where the mine runoff entered the creek. Metals in the water column were transported downstream largely in association with suspended particulates and declined in concentration progressively in a linear fashion commensurate to distance below the mine drainage outfall. In contrast, metal enrichment of sediments occurred spatially in a non-incremental pattern and varied among locations in conjunction with sitespecific changes in concentration levels of sediment organic matter. Benthic macroinvertebrate and fish fauna were eliminated for a distance of 0.3 km below the outfall, presumably owing to the presence of high levels of dissolved metals and low pH. Recovery of stream benthos occurred 1.0–2.0 km further downstream and was characterized by numerical dominance of collector-gatherer trophic groups consisting primarily of midge larvae (Chironomidae: Orthocladiini). Fish fauna in downstream reaches consisted exclusively of creek chubs(Semotilus atromaculatus) and stoneroller minnows(Campostoma anomalum). Metal levels in water and sediments remained elevated in regions of biological recovery and, as a consequence, downstream communities were comprised predominantly of metal tolerant taxa.
DNA-Damage Response during Mitosis Induces Whole-Chromosome Missegregation

Many cancers display both structural (s-CIN) and numerical (w-CIN) chromosomal instabilities. Defective chromosome segregation during mitosis has been shown to cause DNA damage that induces structural rearrangements of chromosomes (s-CIN). In contrast, whether DNA damage can disrupt mitotic processes to generate whole chromosomal instability (w-CIN) is unknown. Here we show that activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) during mitosis selectively stabilizes kinetochore-microtubule (k-MT) attachments to chromosomes through Aurora-A and Plk1 kinases, thereby increasing the frequency of lagging chromosomes during anaphase. Inhibition of DDR proteins, ATM or Chk2, abolishes the effect of DNA damage on k-MTs and chromosome segregation, whereas activation of the DDR in the absence of DNA damage is sufficient to induce chromosome segregation errors. Finally, inhibiting the DDR during mitosis in cancer cells with persistent DNA damage suppresses inherent chromosome segregation defects. Thus, DDR during mitosis inappropriately stabilizes k-MTs creating a link between s-CIN and w-CIN.
Estimating the de-designation of single-county HPSAs in the United States by counting naturopathic physicians as medical doctors

Abstract An incomplete database containing approximately one-third of the known work addresses of naturopathic physicians (NDs) was compiled for seven US states in 2003. NDs were factored into the criteria used by the Shortage Designation Branch to determine shortage status. Three out of 93 counties within the seven states lost health professional shortage area (HPSA) designation when NDs were included in the supply of primary care providers. Assuming a complete ND location database, and using simple extrapolation, estimates of HPSA de-designations were calculated for the study area and for all 50 US states and territories. It was estimated that up to nine counties would lose HPSA status in the seven state study areas and 33–142 counties could lose HPSA status within the United States and territories. With a continued spread of state licensing for naturopathic physicians and a phenomenal increase in the workforce, the impact of a fully diffused profession could dramatically reduce the number of HPSAs should the Bureau of Health Profession count NDs on par with medical doctors MDs.
Development and application of neural network algorithms for process diagnostics

The following three problems are addressed: (1) multiple-input single-output heteroassociative networks for signal validation for distributed sensor arrays; (2) multiple-input multiple-output autoassociative networks for plant-wide monitoring of a set of process variables for diagnostics; and (3) artificial neural networks for online estimation of chemical composition from spectroscopy data. Both static and dynamic forms of the backpropagation network (BPN) have been developed and applied to the solution of these problems. Chemometric data from Raman FT (Fourier transform) spectroscopy was used to estimate chemical sample composition. Several features of network training and implementations are presented, including adaptive updating of the sigmoidal threshold function during training, an optimal choice of hidden layer nodes using Shannon's information theory approach, and automatic scaling of network inputs and outputs for data encoding and decoding. The details of the development and implementation of the multilayer perceptrons and applications to industrial problems are highlighted. >
UNIONS AS ORGANIZATIONS: STRATEGY VERSUS ENVIRONMENT

Empirical studies typically examine unions in aggregate, that is, whether union presence or absence affects important outcomes. Only recently have researchers analyzed unions as distinct organizations. In order to address this void in the literature, key union officials were surveyed regarding their unions' ability to manage and shape their environment, as well as selected critical strategic issues. The results suggest that unions can and do take measures to manage their environments and control their destinies, but consistent with some prior work, union strategy is best seen as “emergent” from cumulative choices rather than a “grand design.”
Higher Incentive Payments in Medicare Advantage's Pay-for-Performance Program Did Not Improve Quality But Did Increase Plan Offerings

Objective To evaluate the effects of the size of financial bonuses on quality of care and the number of plan offerings in the Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration. Data Sources Publicly available data from CMS from 2009 to 2014 on Medicare Advantage plan quality ratings, the counties in the service area of each plan, and the benchmarks used to construct plan payments. Study Design The Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration began in 2012. Under the Demonstration, all Medicare Advantage plans were eligible to receive bonus payments based on plan-level quality scores (star ratings). In some counties, plans were eligible to receive bonus payments that were twice as large as in other counties. We used this variation in incentives to evaluate the effects of bonus size on star ratings and the number of plan offerings in the Demonstration using a differences-in-differences identification strategy. We used matching to create a comparison group of counties that did not receive double bonuses but had similar levels of the preintervention outcomes. Principal Findings Results from the difference-in-differences analysis suggest that the receipt of double bonuses was not associated with an increase in star ratings. In the matched sample, the receipt of double bonuses was associated with a statistically insignificant increase of +0.034 (approximately 1 percent) in the average star rating (p > .10, 95 percent CI: −0.015, 0.083). In contrast, the receipt of double bonuses was associated with an increase in the number of plans offered. In the matched sample, the receipt of double bonuses was associated with an overall increase of +0.814 plans (approximately 5.8 percent) (p < .05, 95 percent CI: 0.078, 1.549). We estimate that the double bonuses increased payments by $3.43 billion over the first 3 years of the Demonstration. Conclusions At great expense to Medicare, double bonuses in the Medicare Advantage Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration were not associated with improved quality but were associated with more plan offerings.
On the Computation of Stochastic Search Variable Selection in Linear Regression with UDFs

Computing Bayesian statistics with traditional techniques is extremely slow, specially when large data has to be exported from a relational DBMS. We propose algorithms for large scale processing of stochastic search variable selection (SSVS) for linear regression that can work entirely inside a DBMS. The traditional SSVS algorithm requires multiple scans of the input data in order to compute a regression model. Due to our optimizations, SSVS can be done in either one scan over the input table for large number of records with sufficient statistics, or one scan per iteration for high-dimensional data. We consider storage layouts which efficiently exploit DBMS parallel processing of aggregate functions. Experimental results demonstrate correctness, convergence and performance of our algorithms. Finally, the algorithms show good scalability for data with a very large number of records, or a very high number of dimensions.
Peritoneal Lavage: Reliability of RBC Count in Patients With Stab Wounds to the Chest

• Two hundred thirteen patients with stab wounds to the lower part of the chest and abdomen were reviewed to determine if a lavage RBC count of 100,000/cu mm was a reasonable figure to permit prompt recognition of injury and to minimize the number of negative operative procedures. There were four (1.9%) false-positive and nine (4.2%) false-negative lavages. Three patients (1.4%) had complications due to delayed operation, including one death (0.47%). Two patients (0.9%) had hollow viscus injuries; neither involved the colon. Three of the nine patients with injuries had cell counts of less than 1,000/cu mm. The negative celiotomy rate was 4.2%. It was concluded that the number of missed injuries, delayed operative procedures, and complications was sufficiently low enough to continue recommending 100,000 RBCs per cubic millimeter as a safe number to use as an indication for operation. (Arch Surg1984;119:579-584)
REGULATION OF NEUROPEPTIDE GENE EXPRESSION

Understanding of the mechanisms of neuropeptide gene regulation has increased dramatically in the past 5 years. In large part, this increased understanding has resulted from advances in the technology of introducing reporter genes into intact cells in culture. This chapter addresses two methods for gene transfer that have been particularly important for studies of neuropeptide gene regulation:DNA-mediated gene transfer into mammalian cell lines and microinjection of foreign genes into the germline of transgenic mice. Two specific areas of gene regulation will be considered — transcriptional control by cAMP and tissue-specific expression of neuropeptides in the brain and pituitary gland.
Distribution, habitat, and field biology of Somatochlora hineana (Odonata: Corduliidae)

Somatochlora hineana Williamson is among the most endangered Odonata in the United States. Populations of S. hineana were discovered in Illinois (1988) and Wisconsin (1989), and status surveys were conducted there 1990–1993. Adults were observed 30 May–8 September in Illinois and 27 June–23 August in Wisconsin. S. hineana habitat can be characterized as shallow, calcareous, spring-fed marshes or the marshy margins of small, sluggish, calcareous streams. Notes are presented on feeding behavior, male territorial patrols, copulatory behavior, and oviposition. The previously unknown nymph was discovered. The holotype and allotype of S. hineana were compared with specimens from Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin. No consistent morphological differences were noted.
A robust method for increasing Fc glycan high mannose level of recombinant antibodies.

High mannose (HM) glycoforms on antibody Fc glycan are recognized as critical quality attributes for therapeutic antibody products. Methods to control HM have been largely empirical, and it is challenging to target a desired HM level during antibody process development. A novel and robust method to increase antibody HM glycoforms is demonstrated in this study using multiple antibodies and cell lines without adversely impacting cell culture performance, including viable cell density, viability, and protein titer. This approach utilizes mannose as a carbon source and the ratio of mannose to total hexose (glucose and mannose) in feed media determines the extent of HM glycan content of an antibody expressed in cell culture. Scale-up of this strategy from 3 mL small scale plate to bioreactor (1.5 L) is also demonstrated with comparable results. Further full glycan map analysis shows that HM increase predominantly correlates with the decrease in G0F glycan, with minimum impact on other glycoforms. Possible hypotheses for the HM glycan modulation using mannose as carbon source are also discussed. Three pathways, including GDP-mannose biosynthesis, early protein glycosylation and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine biosynthesis, might be involved and contribute to this HM modulation. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1200–1209. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A relative age effect in men's but not women's professional baseball: 1943-1954.

Summary Birthdates of professional female and male baseball players active from 1943 to 1954 (the beginning and final years for professional female leagues) were matched for year of birth and league years and then compared by birth quarters, with a cutoff date beginning August 1. A relative age effect was noted for males, as there was a significantly different distribution of players across birth quarter, but there was no such effect for female professionals. Since players were matched for birth year and league play, the difference was unlikely to be due to seasonality differences in birth. Instead, the absence of a “relative age” effect for female players can be attributed to the absence of organized adolescent baseball for girls prior to the establishment of professional baseball leagues for women.
Lactobacillus brantae sp. nov., isolated from faeces of Canada geese (Branta canadensis)

Three strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from the faeces of apparently healthy wild Canada geese (Branta canadensis) in 2010 by cultivating faecal LAB on Rogosa SL agar under aerobic conditions. These three isolates were found to share 99.9 % gene sequence similarity of their 16S rRNA, their 16S–23S intergenic transcribed spacer region (ITS), partial 23S rRNA, rpoB, rpoC, rpoA and pheS gene sequences. However, the three strains exhibited lower levels of sequence similarity of these genetic targets to all known LAB, and the phylogenetically closest species to the geese strains were Lactobacillus casei , Lactobacillus paracasei , Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus saniviri . In comparison to L. casei ATCC 393T, L. paracasei ATCC 25302T, L. rhamnosus ATCC 7469T and L. saniviri DSM 24301T, the novel isolates reacted uniquely in tests for cellobiose, galactose, mannitol, citric acid, aesculin and dextrin, and gave negative results in tests for l-proline arylamidase and l-pyrrolydonyl-arylamidase, and in the Voges-Proskauer test. Biochemical tests for cellobiose, aesculin, galactose, gentiobiose, mannitol, melezitose, ribose, salicin, sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, turanose, amygdalin and arbutin could be used for differentiation between L. saniviri and the novel strains. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, and phylogenetic data, the three isolates represent a novel species of the genus Lactobacillus , for which the name Lactobacillus brantae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SL1108T ( = ATCC BAA-2142T = LMG 26001T = DSM 23927T) and two additional strains are SL1170 and SL60106.
Experiments on gait analysis by exploiting nonstationarity in the distribution of feature relationships

We consider the use of nonstationarity in the distribution of feature relationships over time for walking gait-based recognition. We statistically model the features of a person by computing the distribution of the relations among the features, rather than the features themselves. These relational distributions of feature relations are represented as points in a space of probability functions. Our database presently consists of twenty subjects walking outdoors along three different paths at 0/spl deg/ (frontal-parallel), 22/spl deg/ and 45/spl deg/ with respect to the image plane and walking in both directions, left to right and right to left. We performed statistical tests to demonstrate that variations between persons are statistically more significant than the variations due to walking angles and walking directions. We also present identification results on people walking at different directions and different angles.
Are AMI patients with comorbid mental illness more likely to be admitted to hospitals with lower quality of AMI care

OBJECTIVE Older patients with comorbid mental illness are shown to receive less appropriate care for their medical conditions. This study analyzed Medicare patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and determined whether those with comorbid mental illness were more likely to present to hospitals with lower quality of AMI care. METHODS Retrospective analyses of Medicare claims in 2008. Hospital quality was measured using the five "Hospital Compare" process indicators (aspirin at admission/discharge, beta-blocker at admission/discharge, and angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotension receptor blocker for left ventricular dysfunction). Multinomial logit model determined the association of mental illness with admission to low-quality hospitals (rank of the composite process score 90(th) percentile), compared to admissions to other hospitals with medium quality. Multivariate analyses further determined the effects of hospital type and mental diagnosis on outcomes. RESULTS Among all AMI admissions to 2,845 hospitals, 41,044 out of 287,881 patients were diagnosed with mental illness. Mental illness predicted a higher likelihood of admission to low-quality hospitals (unadjusted rate 2.9% vs. 2.0%; adjusted odds ratio [OR]1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-1.34, p<0.01), and an equal likelihood to high-quality hospitals (unadjusted rate 9.8% vs. 10.3%; adjusted OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.93-1.01, p = 0.11). Both lower hospital quality and mental diagnosis predicted higher rates of 30-day readmission, 30-day mortality, and 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS Among Medicare myocardial infarction patients, comorbid mental illness was associated with an increased risk for admission to lower-quality hospitals. Both lower hospital quality and mental illness predicted worse post-AMI outcomes.
Behavioral, cognitive, and safety profile of 2-deoxy-2-glucose (2DG) in adult rats

2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), a glucose analog that transiently inhibits glycolysis, has anticonvulsant and antiepileptic disease-modifying properties in experimental in vivo models of seizures and epilepsy. Here we evaluated the effects of 2DG across the range of doses (50-500mg/kg i.p.) shown previously to exert anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects in rats, on spatial learning and memory using the Morris water maze and on exploratory behavior using the open field test. For water maze testing, both acute and chronic protocols were tested. For acute testing, 2DG was injected for 15min prior to the water maze trial only on testing days. For chronic testing, 2DG was injected daily for 14days before water maze testing began. Neither protocol altered the latency to platform acquisition or retention of platform location by the probe test. For open field testing, 2DG was given at doses of 50-250mg/kg 15 or 30min prior to testing on each testing day. When given 30min prior to testing, exploratory activity in the open field was transiently and reversibly decreased by 2DG at doses of 250mg/kg/day but there were no effects on open field activity at 50mg/kg/day. When given 15min prior to testing, 2DG decreased exploratory activity in a dose-dependent fashion at both 50 and 250mg/kg. There were no toxic effects of 2DG at doses of 500mg/kg/day on body weight or general health. In summary, 2DG is well tolerated at doses associated with anticonvulsant and antiepileptic effects, supporting its potential as an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic agent with a novel mechanism of action.
Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using a hamstring graft

Abstract Recurrent lateral dislocation of the patella has been historically treated with a combination of multiple techniquesincluding lateral release, proximal realignment, medial reefing, and distal realignment. Poor-quality medial retinacular tissues and nonanatomic surgical attempts to restrain the patella may contribute to notable problems with redislocation and anterior knee pain. Recent biomechanical studies have identified the functional importance of the medial patellofemoral ligament as the primary restraint to lateral translation of the patella. A technique of reconstruction of this ligament with a single semitendinosis autograft, which provides a sturdy check-rein to lateral translation, is described. The authors' current indications for this procedure are (1) the recurrent lateral patellar dislocations in a patient with poor-quality medial soft tissues and no definable MPFL, and (2) the failure of previous proximal or proximal and distal realignment procedures with continued medial functional deficiency.
Floral ontogeny in Sophoreae(Leguminosae: Papilionoideae). III. Radial symmetry and random petal aestivation in Cadia Purpurea.

Floral organogeny and development are described in Cadia purpurea, a legume with radial symmetry, unstable petal aestivation, and free organs, all unusual features among papilionoids. Flowers are usually solitary or, rarely, in few-flowered racemes. No bracteoles are formed. The order of organ initiation is unidirectional in each whorl, and the carpel initiates directly after petal initiation.The petal primordia remain small until all other floral organs have initiated, enlarged, and differentiated. Petal aestivation is variable, unlike the great majority of papilionoid flowers. Petal margins of Cadia grow straight outward rather than some petal margins curving inward inside the adjacent petal as is the case in other papilionoids. When adjacent growing petal margins of Cadia meet, chance determines which petal becomes positioned inside the other. Hence, the pattern of petal aestivation is random.
The Auditory System

This chapter begins a new aspect of the science of acoustics, the study of the human listener. We continue to proceed in an analytical way by studying the physiology of hearing. The physiology begins with anatomy—the science of where things are in the body, what they look like, how they are connected, and how these facts give clues about physiological function.
Intrinsic Motivation and Goals

Academic intrinsic motivation concerns enjoyment of learning for its own sake without receiving external rewards. Intrinsic motivation is recognized as being important for well-being and mental health. From childhood through adulthood, academic intrinsic motivation is significant for positive academic and educational outcomes. Individuals with higher academic intrinsic motivation evidence consistently higher academic and educational competence and leadership. Conversely, individuals with lower academic intrinsic motivation may be at-risk for adverse outcomes. Development of academic intrinsic motivation is presented including trends contributing to positive and negative long-term outcomes, and contributions of home and school environments. Suggestions for intervention are advanced.
Constructive decision theory

We sketch a theory of decision that allows us to construct both goals and degrees of belief. Before choosing an action, we create and weight goals. We represent our beliefs about the consequences of each action by constructing a belief function on the set of possible consequences. Then we combine the beliefs and goals to see the value that will be secured and the value that will be excluded by each action. This approach is more constructive than Bayesian decision theory, because as Savage's problem of small worlds teaches us, that theory assumes preferences that antedate deliberation.
Desigualdades y flujos globales en la frontera noreste de México: los efectos de la migración, el comercio, energéticos y crimen organizado transnacional

The present paper analyzes the effects of global flows on socioeconomic inequality in the four Mexican states bordering Texas: Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Coahuila and Chihuahua. In particular, this work analyzes the effects of migration, cross-border trade, extraction and trade of hydrocarbons, and transnational organized crime. The results of the present research clearly show higher levels of inequality in the municipalities of greater economic dynamism and presence of (formal, informal or illicit) global flows. Transnational organized crime has a strong presence in these states of the Mexican Republic and seems to operate in the same direction than the rest of formal global flows, that is, reinforcing inequalities within these Mexican states, as well as inequalities between Mexican and Texan border cities.
Galanin: An unassuming neuropeptide moves to center stage in reproduction

Galanin is a neuropeptide widely distributed throughout the reproductive system, including the brain, pituitary, testes, ovaries, and accessory reproductive tracts of both sexes. Within the hypothalamus, a subset of GnRH-producing neurons also synthesizes galanin. Galanin gene expression in these GnRH neurons is highly inducible by estrogen. Galanin is thought to play an important role in the generation of the preovulatory LH surge, and may serve other functions yet to be discovered.
Operationalizing Institutional Fit for the Evaluation of Environmental Governance Systems

Effective institutional arrangements must facilitate actions that are equal in scope to the problem being addressed. While many tools exist to evaluate individual policy actions and their outcomes, we currently do not have tools to assess the appropriateness of institutional arrangements given a certain problem context. The capability to assess institutional arrangements is particularly important in the context of new policy arenas – such as the challenges posed by climate change. This paper aims to bridge this gap by operationalizing and evaluating institutional fit. To do this, we measure both the climate change problem context and actions for a sample of 1,678 governments across the United States. This is done for both climate change mitigation (actions cities can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (actions to reduce the impact current or future climate change will have on the city and its residents). We measure the problem context of mitigation by examining the greenhouse gas emissions of each city, and adaptation by examining current stresses on water supply and poverty levels. Climate change actions are measured using answers to the 2010 International City/County Management Association sustainability survey of local governments. We compare problem context to actions to measure institutional fit levels for each city, and use statistical tests to determine why institutional fit levels vary across our sample. Our findings show that capacity variables and sociodemographics influence institutional fit levels both negatively and positively, and in ways that often vary between mitigation and adaptation.
Temperature Dependence of the Morphology of Thin Diblock Copolymer Films as Revealed by Neutron Reflectivity

The order-disorder transition in thin films of symmetric diblock copolymers of polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate has been investigated by neutron reflectivity. At temperatures above the order-disorder temperature, TMST, a surface induced oscillatory segment density profile with an exponential decay length, χ, is observed. The inverse of decay length 1/≤ TMST a lamellar morphology oriented parallel to the surface propagates through the entire specimen.
PROBLEMS OF CULTURAL EVOLUTION

This paper is concerned with the biological factor in cultural evolution, with possible ways in which inherent physical, physiological and psychological characteristics shared by all human beings have conditioned culture and channeled the direction of its development. About thirty years ago, Clarence Day wrote a whimsical and provocative little book entitled "This Simian World." He speculated about what human beings would be like if they had evolved from orders other than the primates. Descended from felines, he suggested, they would be fiercely jealous, and from bovines they would be placid and unimaginative. But, derived from the primates, they are insatiably curious and given to scrutinizing, manipulating and inventing things. This charming speculation suggests that the inherent characteristics of mankind have perhaps been so obvious as to be overlooked. Not that there is anything new in enquiries about "human nature." But when human nature is examined in the light of its extremely diversified manifestations in the many different world cultures, there is a strong tendency to emphasize the cultural variable and to ignore the biological constant. This is true even of the recent culture and personality studies, which are interested in how what are presumably the same psychological processes manifest themselve in different cultural personalities. In approaching this problem, it is important to distinguish the organic human factors which make culture in a general
Oxidation of Methanol on a PdO(101) Thin Film

We investigated the oxidation of methanol on a PdO(101) thin film using temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopy (TPRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We find that the complete oxidation of methanol occurs almost exclusively on PdO(101) during TPRS experiments conducted at low initial methanol coverages. Partial dehydrogenation of the adsorbed methanol gives rise to a desorption-limited H2O peak at 335 K, while a reaction-limited process causes CO2 and H2O to desorb concurrently at 450 K. The desorption yield of CO2 increases as the methanol coverage rises to ∼0.12 ML (monolayer) but remains steady with increasing coverage thereafter. At high methanol coverage, we observe the desorption of methyl formate, formaldehyde, H2, and H2O in TPRS peaks between ∼285 and 305 K in addition to complete oxidation products. The yields of the partial oxidation products increase with increasing methanol coverage above ∼0.12 ML and start to plateau above a methanol coverage of about 0.5 ML. At saturation ...
Evolving the Tactical Edge: Delivering Unified Capabilities (UC) and Mobile Enterprise Connectivity to the Deployed User

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is at the forefront of providing IP based enterprise services to Department of Defense (DoD) users. One of the key technologies being deployed by DISA today is Unified Capabilities (UC), which is comprised of IP-based voice, video, web conferencing and IM/Chat applications. These enterprise UC services will allow the Military Departments (MILDEPs) to transition from legacy technologies, previously provided within their Local Area Networks (LANs), to a converged cloud-based solutions that will provide better collaboration capabilities and reduce information technology costs [1]. While these new enterprise UC services should provide enhanced capabilities at a reduced cost for strategic users, there are challenges with extending these services to deployed, tactical users that may be utilizing legacy equipment and do not always have connectivity back to the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) backbone. In order to overcome these challenges, tactical DISN gateway access nodes will need enhancements to allow tactical users to leverage enterprise UC services when there is stable connectivity back to the DISN, but also continue to provide these UC services to tactical users when connectivity is unavailable. This paper explores upgrades to DISA's Deployable DISN Access Node (DDAN) as a proof of concept system to provide enterprise UC services to the tactical edge. In addition to evaluating the feasibility of accessing UC services via a deployable tactical suite, this paper also evaluates the benefits of using the suite to deliver these services to mobile devices (e.g., Cell phones, laptops, and vehicles) using wireless connectivity.
An Investigation of the Reliability of Sputum Typing for Pneumococcus by Mouse Method

entiating pneumococcus types. In order to estimate the reliability of this test as employed at Bellevue Hospital a study of the bacteriological records of patients with lobar pneumonia has been made. The data were selected from the bacteriological records of 3,379 cases of lobar pneumonia covering a period of 7 years which were available for this analysis. In 2035 cases some sort of bacteriological check was available for comparison with the original sputum typing. The technque commonly employed in the typing of sputum was as follows:
THE ROLE OF REMOTE ISCHEMIC PRECONDITIONING IN THE PREVENTION OF CONTRAST INDUCED NEPHROPATHY

Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) following cardiovascular angiography can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) may be effective in reducing the incidence of CIN, though randomized data is inadequate. We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-
Influence of recombinant human erythropoietin on blood pressure and tissue renin-angiotensin systems

In humans, blockade of the renin-angiotensin system with angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors (ANG CEI) prevents the rise in blood pressure associated with the administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO). This study was conducted to determine whether rhEPO elevates blood pressure in normal Wistar rats and whether the renin-ANG system is affected. Groups of 10 rats each were given rhEPO, ANG CEI (enalapril), rhEPO + ANG CEI, or vehicle. Renin and/or renin substrate mRNA was measured in aortas, kidney, and heart; renin activity (PRA), inactive renin, and renin substrate were measured in plasma. rhEPO raised blood pressure in the normal rat without changing the plasma renin system. ANG CEI prevented this blood pressure rise. Renin-specific mRNA was increased by rhEPO in renal tissue, and renin substrate mRNA was significantly elevated in the kidney and aorta. mRNA for renin and renin substrate were not altered in the heart. In both aorta and kidney, a significant correlation was observed between renin substrate mRNA and blood pressure. The data indicate that rhEPO modulates specific tissue renin-ANG systems, which may contribute to blood pressure elevation.
Characterization of ANP receptors in rabbit inner medullary collecting duct cells.

The final urinary Na+ concentration is determined in the inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) and is under hormonal control. In suspensions of IMCD cells we have previously shown that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) inhibits Na+ transport-dependent O2 consumption and causes an increase in cellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) content. In this study we sought to identify and characterize the receptor for ANP in these cells. Equilibrium binding studies revealed a single class of cell surface ANP receptors of high affinity (Kd = 66.2 pM) with a total number of 3,000 sites/cell. Specificity of these receptors was shown by the rank order of binding affinities for ANP analogues: ANP-(1–28) = ANP-(4–28) greater than ANP-(5–28) much greater than ANP-(5–25). We have further defined this receptor in a solubilized cell preparation and found it to be of molecular mass 130 kDa by affinity cross linking and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. This is the first character...
Tests of habituation to song repertoires by Carolina wrens

-In a series of playback experiments with Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus), each with 25-43 song types, I tested the effect of song repertoires on habituation in simulated long-range countersinging between territorial neighbors by playing back songs 75 m or 100 m outside the territorial boundary of each subject. One experiment tested differences in response to six repertoire sizes during 15-min continuous playbacks. A second experiment tested habituation to four different repertoire sizes over 2 h of intermittent playbacks. In both experiments birds sang more in response to playbacks than to controls. The response to playbacks of single song types did not decline over time. The subjects did not respond differently to large repertoires compared to single songs, nor did different sizes of repertoires affect the changes in the birds' responses over time. The results provide no evidence for an effect of song repertoires in reducing habituation to neighboring intruders. Species like the Carolina Wren, in which individuals communicate over long distances by repeating the same song, might in fact evolve resistance to habituation to acoustically simple, repeated signals. Received 11 April 1983, accepted 20 October 1983. SINCE Hartshorne's exposition of the "antimonotony" hypothesis (Hartshorne 1956, 1973), there has been interest in whether or not birds use song repertoires to reduce the effects of habituation (Dobson and Lemon 1975, Falls 1978, Kroodsma 1978, Catchpole 1979, Krebs and Kroodsma 1980). The hypothesis predicts that birds that sing for extended periods of time use repertoires of different song types and that such behavior reduces habituation to the signal by listeners. In this study, I use a new method to test empirically the responses of Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus) to repertoires of different numbers of songs played back outside their territorial boundaries. Here, habituation is operationally defined as a decrement over time in frequency or intensity of a response to a continuous or repeated stimulus (Thorpe 1963,
Development of the small satellite cost model 2014 (SSCM14)

Prompted by the rise in the use of small satellites throughout the space industry in the late 1980's, The Aerospace Corporation began to study small satellites to better understand the design principles that were being employed in their implementation. These studies highlighted the fact that cost models developed for traditional large satellites were not applicable to small satellites. This led to the development of the Small Satellite Cost Model (SSCM) in the mid-1990's. This model estimates subsystem- and system-level costs for satellites weighing less than 1000 kg, not including Cubesats, using cost estimating relationships (CERs) derived from actual costs and technical parameters. Over the years, SSCM has evolved to account for the increasing number of small satellites that have been launched, refine the CERs and increase the scope of the model. This paper will discuss the development of the current version of SSCM released in 2014 (SSCM14). The topics covered will include the history of SSCM, the CER generation process, updates from the previous version of SSCM, the application of the model, and future efforts to enhance the model.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia

Publisher Summary Mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia (MBTI) may be particularly useful in treating the distress and emotional reactivity associated with chronic insomnia. MBTI is indicated for primary insomnia and for psychophysiological insomnia. A disorder of insomnia is defined by the presence of disturbed sleep and associated distress or impairment of function. Current pharmacological and psychological treatments for insomnia are generally aimed at improving sleep, with relatively little direct attention given to the waking symptoms associated with poor sleep. MBTI is a group program that integrates mindfulness principles with behavior therapy for insomnia using experiential and didactic techniques. It is designed to treat the full range of nocturnal and daytime insomnia symptoms by integrating empirically supported behavioral treatments of insomnia (stimulus control, sleep restriction, sleep hygiene) that target sleep disturbance with mindfulness-based techniques targeting the emotional distress that is characteristic of the waking symptoms. The mindfulness principles are cultivated through meditation practices and mindfulness exercises, based on the mindfulness-based stress reduction program and the mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for depression program. The behavioral components of MBTI include stimulus control, sleep restriction, and sleep hygiene, delivered within a mindfulness-based framework. The overall goal of the MBTI program is to reduce unwanted wakefulness at night and manage negative emotional reactions to disturbed sleep.
A dynamic model of the piezoelectric traveling wave rotary ultrasonic motor stator with the finite volume method

This manuscript presents a method to model in detail the piezoelectric traveling wave rotary ultrasonic motor (PTRUSM) stator response under the action of DC and AC voltages. The stator is modeled with a discrete two dimensional system of equations using the finite volume method (FVM). In order to obtain accurate results, a model of the stator bridge is included into the stator model. The model of the stator under the action of DC voltage is presented first, and the results of the model are compared versus a similar model using the commercial finite element software COMSOL Multiphysics. One can observe that there is a difference of less than 5% between the displacements of the stator using the proposed model and the one with COMSOL Multiphysics. After that, the model of the stator under the action of AC voltages is presented. The time domain analysis shows the generation of the traveling wave in the stator surface. One can use this model to accurately calculate the stator surface velocities, elliptical motion of the stator surface and the amplitude and shape of the stator traveling wave. A system of equations discretized with the finite volume method can easily be transformed into electrical circuits, because of that, FVM may be a better choice to develop a model-based control strategy for the PTRUSM.