cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mouse Trajectories and State Anxiety: Feature Selection with Random Forest

Do users' mouse activities reveal their affective states, as other bodily expressions such as postures and gestures signal emotions? When people are frustrated while trying to solve a puzzle or math problem, their frustration can be manifested in the way they use a computer mouse, such as pressing a button hard. But when a user is engaged in an innocuous and mundane task, what mouse activities provide a clue to detect affective states? To address these questions, we extracted 134 mouse trajectory variables in a choice-reaching experiment (N=234, female = 137, male = 97) and selected 3~8 key features by applying random forest regression. Using Spielberger's State Anxiety Inventory, we investigated the extent to which the selected trajectory features predict state anxiety of new subjects (N = 133, female = 75, male = 58). Results indicate that distributions of temporal features (e.g., velocity) as well as spatial characteristics (e.g., direction change) are indicative of users' state anxiety. A theoretical rationale, pros and cons of using mouse movement analysis and the role of other psychological variable for mouse-based affective computing are also discussed.
Risk analysis of tractor overturns on catfish farms

ABSTRACT Fatal and nonfatal injuries occur on catfish farms as a result of tractor overturns, but these injuries can be greatly mitigated when a tractor is equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and seatbelt. This study analyzed the proportion of tractors on catfish farms in Mississippi not equipped with ROPS and the cost of retrofitting those tractors with a ROPS and seatbelt as compared to the expected benefits gained from adding the protection. To determine if farmers have the financial incentive to retrofit older tractors, a net present value framework was used because the expected benefits occur over a number of years. The ROPS retrofit is a one-time cost that occurs immediately, and thus the present value does not need to be calculated, i.e., time period 0. According to this study adding ROPS will provide a net benefit of $22,877 in the event of an overturn. When dealing with small farms (<125 acres) where an average tractor is used for approximately twice as many hours compared to an ...
ESR induced transitions in superconducting dilute magnetic alloys.

Abstract By varying the microwave power absorbed by a magnetic impurity at resonance it is possible to change the effective spin temperature and hence both the magnetization and conduction electron scattering from the impurity. Since both the magnetization and scattering contribute to the pairbreaking in a superconductor, the application of a strong ESR field can induce either a normal metal superconducting or a superconductor normal depending on the selected properties of the alloy system.
The future is aging

Summary The social and moral meanings of aging and of being an older person are evolving within an increasingly global context. Although there are differences that can be drawn between developed and developing nations, these meanings appear to be differentiated by variables such as gender, race and ethnicity, living arrangements, and age cohort. However, the legitimacy or dominance accorded some of the meanings will likely be dependent upon the ideological beliefs of those who are deemed experts or who wield influence in policy circles. Meanwhile, the resolution of many of the most pressing aging policy issues will be compelled by the sheer demographics of aging and confounded by the extent to which ideological perspectives are intractable.
Smaller orbital frontal cortex volumes associated with functional disability in depressed elders.

Abstract Background Depression is associated with significant functional impairment. Recent evidence has linked the orbital frontal cortex (OFC) with depression. We examined the relationship between OFC volumes in older subjects and impairment in the basic (BADL) and instrumental (IADL) activities of daily living. Methods The sample consisted of 81 subjects aged 60 years or older; 41 were depressed subjects and 40 healthy control subjects. In a structured interview, subjects reported their medical history and ability to perform both BADL and IADL. Subjects then had a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan; the OFC was manually traced bilaterally using neuroanatomical landmarks. Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of OFC volume on BADL and IADL while controlling for the effects of total brain volume, subject status, medical comorbidity, and demographic factors. Results Smaller OFC volumes, along with greater cognitive impairment as measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination, were significantly associated with BADL impairment. Smaller OFC volumes and being depressed were significantly associated with IADL impairment. Conclusions Smaller OFC volumes are independently associated with functional impairment, supporting its role in depression. Further studies are needed to determine how smaller OFC volumes are related to other MRI abnormalities associated with depression and functional impairment.
The Biomechanical Effects of Low-Dose Irradiation on Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Allografts

BackgroundDespite evidence that low-dose irradiation of 2 Mrad (20 kGy) is not virucidal for patellar tendon allografts and reduces tissue strength, many tissue bank protocols include low-dose irradiation.HypothesisMaintaining tissue mechanical integrity may be particularly relevant toward accelerated rehabilitation of the injured knee, where the cyclic function of patellar tendon allografts is critical.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsThe cyclic and failure mechanical properties of paired bone-patellar tendon-bone allografts, with and without current low-dose irradiation of 20 kGy, were evaluated. Specimens were loaded from 50 N to 250 N for 1000 cycles at 0.5 Hz and subsequently loaded to failure at a strain rate of 100% per second.ResultsAfter 1000 cycles, grafts elongated 27% more when irradiated than when not (4.4 ± 1.5 mm vs 3.4 ± 1.0 mm; P = .03). Failure load averaged 1965 ± 512 N for irradiated grafts and 2457 ± 647 N for nonirradiated grafts (P = .007).ConclusionsThe diminished str...
The Changing Face of Surgical Education: Simulation as the New Paradigm

Surgical simulation has evolved considerably over the past two decades and now plays a major role in training efforts designed to foster the acquisition of new skills and knowledge outside of the clinical environment. Numerous driving forces have fueled this fundamental change in educational methods, including concerns over patient safety and the need to maximize efficiency within the context of limited work hours and clinical exposure. The importance of simulation has been recognized by the major stake-holders in surgical education, and the Residency Review Committee has mandated that all programs implement skills training curricula in 2008. Numerous issues now face educators who must use these novel training methods. It is important that these individuals have a solid understanding of content, development, research, and implementation aspects regarding simulation. This paper highlights presentations about these topics from a panel of experts convened at the 2008 Academic Surgical Congress.
Differences in post-diapause thermal requirements for eggs of two rangeland grasshoppers.

A study was conducted to examine the springtime hatching characteristics of Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) and Aulocara elliotti (Thomas) eggs on rangeland. Laboratory experiments showed that eggs of M. sanguinipes required fewer accumulated degree days (DD) to complete post-diapause development than those of A. elliotti at a constant temperature of 23.3°C. Springtime field observations revealed that A. elliotti nymphs emerged prior to or concurrent with M. sanguinipes. Additionally, results suggest that A. elliotti nymphs emerge over a shorter interval than M. sanguinipes. Much of the variation in springtime emergence could be attributed to species-specific oviposition sites, pod depth, and pod orientation that resulted in A. elliotti eggs accumulating heat more rapidly than M. sanguinipes eggs. Results help explain some of the variation found in egg hatching of these two grasshopper species on rangeland.
An NARR-Derived Climatology of Southerly and Northerly Low-Level Jets over North America and Coastal Environs

AbstractThe North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) was used to develop an expanded, long-term (1979–2009) climatology of meridional (southerly and northerly) low-level jets over North America and surrounding coastal environs. NARR has greater spatial coverage and finer temporal (3 hourly) and horizontal (32 km) resolutions than do routine rawinsonde wind measurements. The NARR climatology focuses on jet frequency and average speed and elevation by month and 3-hourly time step. To evaluate the plausibility of the climatology, jet characteristics were compared with those obtained from prior climatological analyses, case studies, field campaigns, and numerical simulations. Strong agreement was found with many of the previously documented characteristics of well-known jets, including the northerly Pacific coast jet and southerly Great Plains jet. The NARR climatology provides additional insights into the spatial extent and seasonal shifts of large jet frequencies and into diurnal fluctuations in frequency,...
X‐ray scattering study on the damage in fibers used in soft body armor after folding

The goals of the research effort described in this article are to develop a framework to evaluate improvements in next-generation fibers used in soft body armor and to anticipate long-term performance and potential fiber deterioration. This effort to date has included the effect of folding on the fibers and exploring the interaction between the specific fiber strain energy and their sound velocity. Previous work in this lab noted a severe drop-off of tensile strength and strain-to-failure in poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers when subjected to repeated folding. Subsequent work on poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) fibers showed at most a slight drop-off in these mechanical properties. Results from wide angle X-ray diffraction indicated that both PPTA and PBO fibers showed no significant changes in the d-spacing and the apparent crystal size. However, with small angle X-ray scattering, it was found that the void and fibril sizes within PBO fibers may decrease after folding. Environmental scanning electron microscopy showed no damage to the fiber surfaces upon folding, and confocal microscopy revealed extensive internal damage to the PBO fibers that tracks well with the SAXS and mechanical testing results. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
On the embedding of topological domains into quotient fields

Necessary and sufficient conditions to embed a Hausdorff left Ore domain A in a topological field Q(A) of quotients are given in terms of conditions on an invariant uniformity topologizing the multiplicative semigroup A* of A. The categorical aspects of such an embedding are discussed, and a new proof of S. Warner's theorem on the embedding of a left Ore domain as an open subring of a topological field of quotients is given.
Making agents secure on the semantic Web

Agents were designed to collaborate and share information. While highly desirable for interoperability, this feature is scary from the security perspective. Illegal inferences, supported by semantic Web technology and ontologies, might enable users to access unauthorized information. In addition to semantic associations and replicated data with different sensitivity, malicious agents could also exploit statistical inferences. Although each agent in a system might behave in a desired and secure way, their combined knowledge could be used to disclose sensitive data. The research community must therefore develop and implement techniques that allow control over released data. To answer the questions related to information availability (scalability), data correctness (integrity), and access control in the presence of illegal inferences and undesired collaborations (confidentiality), researchers in semantic Web technologies (XML, RDF, DAML, and multiagent systems) and information system security need to collaborate. Indeed, given the Web's openness, dynamic nature, and diverse user population, developing secure Web services will require the collaboration of experts in different fields from both industry and academia. In turn, the intelligent Web of the future will facilitate unheard of support for collaborations and information management.
Fabricating and prefabricating language: troubling trends in libraries

Librarians are succumbing to the influence of the easy-to-adopt, prefab, impersonal, ugly, and often impenetrable jargon borrowed from business and computer technology. Thus, they are in danger of beginning to think of libraries as businesses that provide primarily electronic information and facts rather than materials to support humanistic knowledge and insight.
Natural Interaction: A Mechanism for Mistake Proofing Operator’s Errors on Trains

Railroad accidents are not only very expensive but also fatal. National Transportation safety data from 2000–2011 indicate staggering numbers — a total of 141 fatalities and 5118 injuries. Filtering Board’s reports on train accidents in last decade point to 28% of fatalities classified as the driver’s fault. The reports also provide that accidents occurring due to operators’ failure amount to a total of $162 million dollars in revenue loss. Most of the accidents caused by operators occur due to miss communication and less response time along with lack of judgment during a crisis situation. Parameters such as Fatigue, reflexes and alertness can be based on many ergonomic factors. Projecting the path of action in advance can assist operators to recognize calamity ahead and prevent them. Software that can enable operators to get trained in a virtual environment with actual control operations in place would be perfect alternative to prepare them for crisis situation in real world. Available train simulator software represents realistic view of operator cab and allows Operators to recreate conditions similar to that encountered in real world. Current work is aimed at enhancing such software with options that can enable operator to integrate alerts, speed changes along the route and have up-to-date traffic information, signal situations and schedule breaks and assists them to act in consequence and function more efficiently to handle crucial situations. This software can also display information, such as operators own position, and relay systems alerts more efficiently, which eliminates miss-communication of operator and control center due to lack of proper radio signals. This enhancement would act as a natural interaction system which is more specific alternative and effective tool for operators with real time data at their fingertips and act as a support system to enable them make fast and accurate decisions. Implementing this software into present systems, can enable better safety through raising operator awareness under tough environment and enhance their safety, resulting in saving loss of revenue along with reduced fatality rates.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Growth factor receptor expression in orbital lymphangioma: possible therapeutic implications.

objective To examine the expression of molecules targeted by imatinib mesylate (STI571;Gleevec) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in orbital lymphangiomas. design Retrospective observational case series. participants Six patients with orbital lymphangioma treated at four institutions between March 2000 and December 2002. methods Tissue specimens and medical records from six patients were collected. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed using antibodies against c-kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) alpha and beta and EGFR tyrosine kinase.
Hydrogen aspiration in a direct injection type diesel engine-its effects on smoke and other engine performance parameters

An experimental study was undertaken to investigate the possibility of reducing diesel particulates in the exhaust by aspirating small quantities of gaseous hydrogen in the intake of a diesel engine. A single cylinder, direct injection type diesel engine was used in the experiments. Hydrogen flow rates equivalent to about 10% of the total energy substantially reduced smoke emissions at part loads. At the full rated load, reduction in smoke levels was limited; this is believed to be due to the lower amounts of excess air available in the cylinder. It was found that the engine thermal efficiency was dependent on the portion of hydrogen energy, out of the total input energy, supplied to the engine. There was no significant change in the hydrocarbon emissions but oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust increased with an increase in hydrogen energy.
2p-1h states in 17N☆

Abstract States populated in the 15 N(t,p) 17 N reaction at 15 MeV are compared with those in the 16 O(t,p) 18 O reaction at the same energy. On the basis of this comparison several spins and parities are assigned. Cross-section ratios are in rough agreement with a weak-coupling model.
The onset spectrum of turbulence

Abstract A general theory for the fluctuation spectrum of the onset of turbulence is developed, applying to systems that approach turbulence through a cascade of subharmonic bifurcations. Applied to Rayleigh-Benard flow, we find excellent quantitative agreement with the recent experimental data of Libchaber and Maurer.
Cocaine's effects on detection, discrimination, and identification of auditory stimuli by baboons.

Abstract The perceptual effects of cocaine were examined under conditions that required baboons to detect the presence of tones as well as to identify tones of different pitches, and the results compared to the results of prior studies on cocaine's effects on the detection of tones, the discrimination of different tone pitches, and the discrimination of different human vowel sounds of similar pitch. A reaction time procedure was employed in which baboons were trained to press a lever in the presence of a visual “ready” signal, and release the lever only when one tone pitch occurred, but not release the lever when a second, different tone pitch occurred. Changes in the percentage of correct detections and median reaction times for each tone were measured following intramuscular administration of cocaine (0.01–1.0 mg/kg). Cocaine impaired tone identification and shortened reaction times to the tones in all baboons. Cocaine's effects on accuracy, however, were primarily due to elevations in false alarm rates, as opposed to detection of the stimuli themselves. The results demonstrate that cocaine impairs the discriminability of tone pitches in baboons, and that such impairments can depend upon the type of stimuli employed (tones vs. speech sounds) and the type of procedure employed (discrimination vs. identification).
Long-term opioid therapy: Assessment of consequences and risks

Medical practice with respect to the use of opioids for the treatment of pain has been heavily influenced by societal perceptions of problems of addiction and by laws governing the use of opioids. To effectively use opioids for the treatment of chronic pain, physicians must recognize pervasive, but clinically often irrelevant societal and legal influences on prescribing, while at the same time respecting opioid properties which may lead to unwanted consequences in the course of opioid therapy. This paper reviews history and legislation that has shaped medical prescribing of opioids, examines the potential risks and consequences of long-term opioid therapy and assesses three models of long-term opioid therapy.
Integral Reflection Coefficient of X-ray Spectrometer Crystals

Analyzing crystals used in x-ray spectrometers have widely varying diffraction efficiencies. When employed in x-ray fluorescence analysis, the parameter which defines the efficiency is the integral reflection coefficient. This parameter has been measured using a single crystal spectrometer, as a function of wavelength, for a number of crystals commonly used. A recent adaptation of an existing diffraction theory is shown to make possible the calculation of integral reflection coefficients which agree with measured values.
Assessing unintended effects of GM plants on biological species

A model for assessing the unintended environmental risks of GM plants to other biological species is outlined. The model starts by allowing the local values and concerns in a country to frame the identification of endpoint entities and endpoints. It classifies biological diversity into ecological functional groups that are directly associated with the values and concerns. Multi-criteria decision analysis is used to identify the highest priority endpoint entities for further evaluation. For each of these entities, risk hypotheses are identified and prioritized to specify assessment endpoints. This is illustrated with Bt cotton in Vietnam, with particular reference to potential harms if Bt cotton adversely affected a natural enemy species. The possible harm can be evaluated using an equivalence test. A method for establishing equivalence limits for generalist natural enemies is described using pest management theory. These limits are likely to be large, which implies that large changes in natural enemy populations are necessary to cause significant harm, and that sample sizes may be quite manageable to evaluate equivalence statistically. The model emphasizes clear, expert-driven, ecologically based decision-making and provides formal methods for conducting an environmental risk assessment.
Reversible Ligand Exchange in a Metal–Organic Framework (MOF): Toward MOF-Based Dynamic Combinatorial Chemical Systems

Reversible benzene dicarboxylate/2-bromobenzene dicarboxylate ligand exchange has been studied in the cubic metal–organic framework MOF-5. Significant exchange (up to ∼50%), with continuous compositional variation, was observed using ex-situ 1H NMR following treatment over ∼6 h at ∼85 °C in 10–40 mM ligand solutions. Exchange occurred without significant structural degradation as characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy. Solid-state 13C NMR was used to show that exchanged ligands were incorporated into the framework lattice and not simply adsorbed within the pores. Exchange was found to be sensitive to the small free energy changes caused by the ligand concentration in the exchanging solution indicating that exchange is energetically nearly degenerate. This demonstration of reversible, nearly isoenergetic exchange indicates that mixed ligand MOFs could be developed as dynamic combinatorial chemical systems.
The Experience of Feminism

For this Presidential Address, Fellows of Division 35 were surveyed by means of an open-ended questionnaire about their experience of feminism. The narrative data of a sample of the 51 replies received were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques adapted from an existential phenomenological method. Participants shared many themes, indicating that the experience of feminism can be defined through reports of its lived experience and that this experience changes over time.
Fumidil B and benomyl: Chemical control of Nosema kingi in Drosophila willistoni

Abstract The use of Fumidil B and benomyl as antimicrosporidian agents to control Nosema kingi in Drosophila willistoni was investigated. Fumidil B appeared to be less deleterious to the flies than benomyl. At concentrations of 250–8000 mg/liter, Fumidil B was effective in suppressing or eliminating the development of the microsporidian in the flies. Benomyl at concentrations of 250–500 mg/liter can be used to suppress the development of the microsporidian in the host. However, concentrations above 500 mg/liter were lethal for the flies.
Cladotricha and Phylogeny in the Suborder Stichotrichina (Ciliophora, Hypotrichida)*

Synopsis. The cortical anatomy and morphogenesis of Cladotricha koltzowii Gajewskaja and Cladotricha variabilis Rumen from the Great Salt Lake, Utah, are described. When compared with 2 marine hypotrichs, Uroleptoides kihni Wenzel and Stichotricha secunda Kahl, from the east coast of the United States, their structure and development suggest that Cladotricha may have descended from an intermediate species within the line of evolution of the Spirofilidae from primitive Kahliella-like hypotrichs. It is suggested that the Kahliella-Cladotricha-Uroleptoides series is separated at the familial level from both the tubicolous and planktonic spirofilids. Further, the structural and morphogenetic differences between Cladotricha and the holostichid Uroleptus appear to be at a subordinal level. These findings are significant in revising definitions of the Hypotrichida, its suborders, and the Urostylidae.
Root-growth mechanism for single-walled boron nitride nanotubes in laser vaporization technique.

We present a detailed study of the growth mechanism of single-walled boron nitride nanotubes synthesized by laser vaporization, which is the unique route known to the synthesis of this kind of tube in high quantities. We have performed a nanometric chemical and structural characterization by transmission electron microscopy (high-resolution mode (HRTEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy) of the synthesis products. Different boron-based compounds and other impurities were identified in the raw synthesis products. The results obtained by the TEM analysis and from the synthesis parameters (temperature, boron, and nitrogen sources) combined with phase diagram analysis to provide identification of the fundamental factors determining the nanotube growth mechanism. Our experiments strongly support a root-growth model that involves the presence of a droplet of boron. This phenomenological model considers the solubility, solidification, and segregation phenomena of the elements present in this boron droplet. I...
New concepts in diabetic embryopathy

Diabetes mellitus is responsible for nearly 10% of fetal anomalies in diabetic pregnancies. Although aggressive perinatal care and glycemic control are available in developed countries, the birth defect rate in diabetic pregnancies remains higher than that in the general population. Major cellular activities (ie, proliferation and apoptosis) and intracellular metabolic conditions (ie, nitrosative, oxidative, and endoplasmic reticulum stress) have been shown to be associated with diabetic embryopathy using animal models. Translating advances made in animal studies into clinical applications in humans requires collaborative efforts across the basic research, preclinical, and clinical communities.
Ultrasonographic appearance of intraneural injections in the porcine model

Background: Ultrasonographic (US) images of apparent intraneural injection of local anesthetic solutions have been reported. We aimed to define US signs of intraneural (ie, subepineural) injection using a histologic standard in an animal model and compare these signs with other potential markers of intraneural injection, including low nerve stimulation current thresholds and high injection pressures. Methods: In 6 anesthetized adult swine, bilateral brachial plexus and femoral nerves were contacted by needles and penetrated. India ink was injected intraneurally under US monitoring. The minimum current that elicited a motor response was recorded. Injection pressures were measured using a digital manometer. Nerves were then excised, processed, and subjected to histologic analysis. Results: Nerve expansion during injection was visualized under ultrasonography in all procedures. Electrical current intensity to elicit motor response to nerve stimulation varied between 0.2 and 3.3 mA with the needle tip positioned intraneurally. The mean injection pressure was 7.40 ± 8.07 psi (range, 0.07-31.5 psi), with 80% of injections between 0.61 and 15.0 psi. None of 24 intraneural injections resulted in histologic evidence of intrafascicular injection (95% confidence interval, 0.0%-16.3%). Conclusions: Ultrasonographic images compatible with nerve swelling during an injection are consistent with true intraneural injections as demonstrated by histologic analysis. Under the conditions studied, intensity of the stimulating current required to elicit motor response was not associated with intraneural needle placement. In the absence of fascicular injury, intraneural injections were associated with low injection pressure, although false-positive results can occur.
Elevated alpha-fetoprotein level: a dilemma.

To the Editor: This letter is in regard to the article, “Hepatoid esophageal carcinoma: a rare cause of elevated alpha fetoprotein” published in Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer by Atiq et al. [1]. We share our experience in managing a patient who presented with esophageal cancer, liver metastasis, and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). A 51-year-old Caucasian male presented in the emergency room with increasing difficulty swallowing, pain in his right upper quadrant, and stating that he had lost 20 lbs over the last 2 months. He was also complaining of nausea, food sticking in his lower chest, and spitting up after eating. The patient’s history was positive for gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking for 40 pack-years and alcoholism, which he quit 20 years ago, and a family history of esophageal cancer. He denies any constipation, diarrhea, melena, or bleeding from the rectum. His pertinent physical examination was negative for enlarged liver, ascites, or swollen testicles. A computed tomography (CT) was done in the emergency room, which showed at least two dozens of variably sized liver metastases. His complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and viral hepatitis panel were nonsignificant/negative. His serum AFP level was 24,430 ng/mL, and carcinoembryonic antigen was 7.5 ng/mL. CT scan of the chest was negative. His esophagogastroduodenoscopy was positive for a large fungating lower esophageal mass. Esophageal biopsy showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma with areas of signet ring cells (Fig. 1). Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and mucin stains were positive. The tumor cells were strongly positive with Ber-EP4 and p53 immunostains and weakly positive for Her2/NEU. CK5/6, AFP, HCG, and TTF-1 immunostains were negative. Rare tumor cells were positive for HepPar-1. There was a high proliferative fraction of greater than 75%, as assessed by Ki-67, indicative of probably biologically aggressive behavior. Due to elevated AFP, liver biopsy was done, which showed tumor to be positive with CK20, CDX2, MOC31, and Mucicarmine (Fig. 2). It was negative with stains including CK7, TTF-1, chromogranin, synaptophysis, and CK5/6.
Steady Potential Correlates of Positive Reinforcement: Reward Contingent Positive Variation

A positive reinforcement with food produced high-voltage bursts of alpha activity over the posterior marginal gyrus in a cat deprived of food and water. This synchronization was always associated with a large (180 to 300 microvolt), positive steady potential shift comparable to that occurring during the onset of sleep. Since this shift was contingent upon the relative appropriateness and desirability of food reward, it was termed reward contingent positive variation.
Rates of Surveillance and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients Evaluated at a Liver Transplant Center

Objectives The treatment of choice for HCC with cirrhosis is liver transplantation (LT). We assessed if patients evaluated for hepatocellular carcinoma are being diagnosed by surveillance, the proportion of patients meeting Milan criteria at diagnosis, and rates of liver transplantation.
SIMULTANEOUS MEASUREMENT OF SECRETORY RATES OF ALDOSTERONE AND 18-HYDROXYCORTICOSTERONE.

Secretory rates of aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone were estimated simultaneously by the single injection isotope dilution technique from the specific activities of their respective major unique urinary metabolites, tetrahydroaldosterone and 18-hydroxytetrahydro A. Both metabolites were measured in the form of their etiolactone monoacetate derivatives using 1 of 2 alternative methods of isolation. In one method, urinary metabolite glucuronides were hydrolyzed enzymatically, the α-ketol forms isolated chromatographically, and converted to etiolactones with periodic acid. In the second method, periodic acid, added directly to urine, accomplished both steps simultaneously. A comparison of the specific activities of 18-hydroxytetrahydro A and free 18-hydroxycorticosterone in urine, following the injection of labeled 18-hydroxycorticosterone, indicated that urinary 18-hydroxytetrahydro A was derived largely or entirely from secreted 18-hydroxycorticosterone and that the specific activity of the urinary...
Staphylococcus aureus recognition by hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells via TLR2/MyD88/PGE2 stimulates granulopoiesis in wounds

During bacterial infection, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) differentiate into polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the bone marrow. We reported that HSPCs recruited to Staphylococcus aureus-infected skin wounds in mice undergo granulopoiesis, whereas other authors have demonstrated their differentiation in vitro after Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/MyD88 stimulation. Here, we examined this pathway in HSPC trafficking and granulopoiesis within S aureus-infected wounds. Lineage- HSPCs from TLR2- or MyD88-deficient mice injected into infected wounds of wild-type (WT) mice exhibited impaired granulopoiesis. However, HSPCs from WT mice produced similar numbers of PMNs whether transferred into wounds of TLR2-, MyD88-deficient, or WT mice. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which stimulates HSPC survival and proliferation, was produced by HSPCs after TLR2 stimulation, suggesting that TLR2/MyD88 activation promotes granulopoiesis in part by production and autocrine activity of PGE2. Pretreatment of TLR2- or MyD88-deficient HSPCs with PGE2 rescued granulocytic differentiation in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate that bone marrow-derived lin-/Sca-1+/c-kit+ cells produced PGE2 and underwent granulopoiesis after TLR2 stimulation. lin-/Sca-1+/c-kit+ cells deficient in TLR2 or MyD88 produced PMNs after PGE2 treatment when transferred into uninfected wounds. We conclude that granulopoiesis in S aureus-infected wounds is induced by TLR2/MyD88 activation of HSPCs through a mechanism that involves autocrine production and activity of PGE2.
Profiling early lung immune responses in the mouse model of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the intracellular bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and kills more than 1.5 million people every year worldwide. Immunity to TB is associated with the accumulation of IFNγ-producing T helper cell type 1 (Th1) in the lungs, activation of M.tuberculosis-infected macrophages and control of bacterial growth. However, very little is known regarding the early immune responses that mediate accumulation of activated Th1 cells in the M.tuberculosis-infected lungs. To define the induction of early immune mediators in the M.tuberculosis-infected lung, we performed mRNA profiling studies and characterized immune cells in M.tuberculosis-infected lungs at early stages of infection in the mouse model. Our data show that induction of mRNAs involved in the recognition of pathogens, expression of inflammatory cytokines, activation of APCs and generation of Th1 responses occurs between day 15 and day 21 post infection. The induction of these mRNAs coincides with cellular accumulation of Th1 cells and activation of myeloid cells in M.tuberculosis-infected lungs. Strikingly, we show the induction of mRNAs associated with Gr1+ cells, namely neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes, takes place on day 12 and coincides with cellular accumulation of Gr1+ cells in M.tuberculosis-infected lungs. Interestingly, in vivo depletion of Gr1+ neutrophils between days 10–15 results in decreased accumulation of Th1 cells on day 21 in M.tuberculosis-infected lungs without impacting overall protective outcomes. These data suggest that the recruitment of Gr1+ neutrophils is an early event that leads to production of chemokines that regulate the accumulation of Th1 cells in the M.tuberculosis-infected lungs.
USE OF VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL ROOTS, INTRARADICAL VESICLES AND EXTRARADICAL VESICLES AS INOCULUM *

SUMMARY The presence of intraradical vesicles increases the inoculum potential of excised mycorrhizas. High infectivity was obtained with root pieces colonized by species of vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizal fungi that formed intraradical vesicles (i.e. Glomusfasciculatum, Glomus mosseae and Acaulospora spinosa). Root pieces colonized by mycorrhizal fungi which generally do not form intraradical vesicles (i.e. Gigaspora margarita and Gigaspora gigantea) were not infective. Extraradical vesicles of Gigaspora margarita were also not infective propagules. Intraradical vesicles separated from the colonized roots remained highly infective but hyphae and cell debris from the same roots were not. Mycorrhizal fungi in root pieces treated for short times in sodium hypochlorite were apparently killed.
Cost-Sharing and Equity in Higher Education: Implications of Income Contingent Loans

Эта статья изучает историю распределения затрат на обучение в европейском высшем образовании. В качестве одного из способов финансирования высшего образования рассматриваются займы, объем которых зависит от дохода (income contingent loans), они призваны компенсировать студенту повседневные затраты, плату за обучение или и то, и другое.
Two-Dimensional Structure of Disulfides and Thiols on Gold(111)

In order to find factors which determine the two-dimensional structure of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), several classes of thiols and disulfides on gold (111) have been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). SAMs were formed from a series of symmetrical and asymmetrical diethylalkanoate disulfides, -hydroxy- and -carboxyalkanethiols, diacetylene disulfides, and different anthracene terminated thiols and disulfides. In all the cases, two-dimensional crystalline structures could be resolved; even for an asymmetrical diethylalkanoate disulfide that had a chain length difference of five methylene units. The lattices were analyzed quantitatively. Two distinctly different types of crystalline structures were observed, namely, a hexagonal and a centered rectangular lattice. For the diethylalkanoate disulfides with short alkyl chains (n <- 10) both structural phases were observed, domains with a hexagonal lattice existing simultaneously with centered rectangular domains. The length of the alkyl chain determined the probability of finding disulfides in the hexagonal structure. This dependence on the shape of the molecules as well as the clear contrast of SAMs of asymmetric disulfides suggest that the AFM tip penetrates into the SAMs and probes, at least partially, the interior of the layers. With the atomic force microscope no difference was observed between SAMs formed from thiols and those from disulfides.
A Hierarchical Search History for Web Searching

A hierarchical search history for Web searching was developed based on user-centered design principles and was proposed to assist users in controlling a Web search process. Two experimental search engines and browsers were developed. One was based on currently available search engines and the other was based on the user-centered search history design. An experiment was conducted to test the effectiveness of the search history. The dependent variables were the number of relevant Web sites identified during a 1-hr test period and satisfaction. The independent variables were type of search engine and task complexity. The experimental results suggested that with a high complexity task, search history improved users' search performance by 124% and satisfaction of use by 42.5% as compared to the current search engine.
ISSUES FOR AQUATIC PEDESTRIAN LOCOMOTION

SYNOPSIS. Aquatic pedestrian locomotion represents an important mode of locomotion for many aquatic and amphibious animals, both extant and extinct. Unlike terrestrial locomotion where weight is the defining force, in aquatic locomotion buoyancy and hydrodynamic forces may be as important as weight. Aquatic pedestrian locomotion differs fundamentally from swimming because pedestrians must maintain contact with the substratum in order to locomote. Ambient water motion may constrain or prevent locomotion of aquatic pedestrians by requiring that they actively grip the substratum. A comprehensive biomechanical analysis of aquatic pedestrian locomotion will require an integration of hydrodynamics with terrestrial locomotor dynamics.
Racism and Sexism in Interracial Pornography: A Content Analysis

Racism and sexism were examined in interracial (Black/White) X-rated pornography videocassettes. Five female coders coded 476 characters in the sexually explicit scenes in 54 videos. Characters were coded on aggregate measures of physical and verbal aggression, inequality cues, racial cues, and intimacy cues, as well as other specific indices. Sexism was demonstrated in the unidirectional aggression by men toward women. Racism was demonstrated in the lower status of Black actors and the presence of racial stereotypes. Racism appeared to be expressed somewhat differently by sex, and sexism somewhat differently by race. For example, Black women were the targets of more acts of aggression than were White women, and Black men showed fewer intimate behaviors than did White men. More aggression was found in cross-race sexual interactions than in same-race sexual interactions. These findings suggest that pornography is racist as well as sexist.
Adrenocorticotropin Secretion by Mouse Pituitary Tumor Cells in Culture: The Role of Ca+2 in Stimulated and Somatostatin-Inhibited Secretion

SRIF inhibits ACTH secretion by AtT20/D16v (D16) mouse pituitary cells stimulated by high (50 mM) extra-cellular concentrations of K+ or by divalent cation ionophores. Although stimulation of ACTH secretion by K+ requires extra-cellular Ca+2, the response is invariant over medium Ca+2 concentrations of 0.003–1 mM; with Ca+2 concentrations from 1–5 mM there is a dramatic amplification of the secretory response. SRIF at concentrations of 10−8 M completely inhibits the secretory response to K+ at Ca+2 concentrations between 0.2 and 1 mM; with increasing medium Ca+2 above 1 mM there is a progressive attenuation of SRIF-inhibition. At concentrations of 5 mM, Ca+2 alone can serve as an ACTH secretagogue. The ion- ophore ionomycin stimulates ACTH secretion in a Ca+2-dependent manner with a half-maximal effect at 5 × 10−6 M ionomycin. The secretory response to ionomycin and to X537A is inhibited by at least 50% by SRIF. The secretory response to K+ is accompanied by a rapid and sustained increase in 45Ca+2 uptake...
The Effect of Average Egg Weight of Dwarf Dams on the Body Weight of Their Dwarf and Normal Progeny

Abstract Dwarf and normal progeny from sex linked dwarf broiler breeder dams were obtained by alternately mating them to dwarf and normal sires. The relationship between the dam's average egg weight and the 50 day weight of her normal progeny was linear, with the slope of the regression not being different for males and females. In dwarf progeny the relationship was linear in females only. The regression of both 50 and 64 day weight of dwarf males showed a significant quadratic trend as they were apparently unable to utilize the benefits of the highest egg weights in the same manner as the other birds. Despite the high degree of significance of the regressions, variation between dam in average egg weight accounted for only a small proportion (P
Skin cancer was not a potent selective force in the evolution of protective pigmentation in early hominins

Greaves [[1][1]] proposed that skin cancer was a potent selective force for the evolution of dark pigmentation in early hominins. Blum [[2][2],[3][3]] questioned the role of skin cancer in the evolution of skin pigmentation because it only rarely causes death to individuals of reproductive age.
Talking Heads: Language, Metalanguage, and the Semiotics of Subjectivity

Talking Heads: Language, Metalanguage, and the Semiotics of Subjectivity. Benjamin Lee. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1997. 376 pp.
Disclosure, confidentiality, and families: Experiences and attitudes of those with genetic versus nongenetic medical conditions

Despite policy attention to medical privacy and patient confidentiality, little empirical work exists documenting and comparing experiences of persons with genetic versus nongenetic medical conditions concerning persons' disclosure to others as well as their views about appropriate confidentiality to and within families. The goal of this cross-sectional interview study with nearly 600 participants was to document and compare the experiences, attitudes, and beliefs of persons with strictly genetic conditions to those of persons with or at risk for other serious medical conditions in terms of the degree to which they have disclosed to others that they have the condition and their views about how others ought to maintain the confidentiality of that information. While almost all participants reported that family members knew about their condition, results suggest participants want to control that disclosure themselves and do not want doctors to disclose information to family members without their knowledge. Similarly, participants do not think family members should be able to get information about them without their knowledge but feel overwhelmingly that it is a person's responsibility to disclose information about hereditary conditions to other family members. Ambivalence about confidentiality was evident: while most participants did not mind doctors sharing information with other doctors when it was for their benefit, the majority also felt that doctors should be punished for releasing information without their permission. The views and experiences reported here generally did not differ by whether participants had genetic versus nongenetic conditions, suggesting that the extensive policy focus on genetic information may be unwarranted.
Severe Transportation Accidents: Do Used Nuclear Fuel Transportation Packages Survive Real World Accidents?

In 2007, a severe transportation accident occurred near Oakland, California, on a section of Interstate 880 known as the "MacArthur Maze," involving a gasoline tanker truck which impacted an overpass support column and burst into flames. The fire caused the collapse of portions of the Interstate 580 overpass onto the remains of the tractor-trailer. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with assistance from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses, the Southwest Research Institute, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, examined the accident conditions in order to characterize the fire and collapse that occurred, analyzed material samples from the collapsed I-580 overpass as well as the gasoline tanker truck, and developed a fire model of the accident. This was followed by development of a finite element analysis model to determine the impacts of this accident on the thermal and structural performance of a spent nuclear fuel (SNF) transportation package. The analysis results will be used to determine any potential regulatory implications related to the safe transport of SNF in the U.S. This paper provides a summary of this effort and presents some preliminary results and conclusions. NOMENCLATURE