cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can the wrong horse win: The ability of race models to predict fast or slow errors

Abstract This report continues our probe of the fundamental properties of elementary psychological processes. In the present instance, we first distinguish between descriptive and state–space based parallel race models. Then we show, engaging previous results on stochastic dominance in Theorem 1, that descriptive race models can be designed that predict either faster ‘right’ channels or faster ‘wrong’ channels. Moving to state–space based models and in particular, to inhomogeneous Poisson counter models, we use Theorem 1 to prove Theorem 2 which offers sufficient conditions for such models to elicit faster ‘rights’ than ‘wrongs’. Then, constraining ourselves to models possessing proportional processing rates, we revisit an important finding by Smith and Van Zandt (2000) to the effect that in such models, mean processing times conditional on ‘right’ decisions are faster than those conditional on ‘wrong’ decisions. Theorem 3 expands that property to the much stronger level of ordered conditional distribution functions. The penultimate section constructs an example of an inhomogeneous Poisson race model that predicts faster ‘wrongs’ for fast processing times but faster ‘rights’ for slower processing times. We leave as an open problem the question of whether there exist inhomogeneous Poisson race models where ‘wrongs’ are stochastically faster than ‘rights’ for all durations of processing.
Iterating the Locker Problem

The well-known Locker Problem begins with N students assigned to N closed lockers. For each integer k from 1 to N, student k is instructed to reverse the state (either open or closed) of every kth ...
Enhanced mid-infrared molecular sensing with single silicon antennas

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for molecular sensing through identifying the vibrational fingerprints of analyte molecules. However, the sensing efficiency drops dramatically at the nanoscale due to the poor interaction between MIR light and nanometric molecules. Here we exploit the MIR magnetic dipole resonance in a single silicon Mie antenna to demonstrate enhanced molecular sensing. We show that an ultra-sensitive measurement of a sub-10-nm PMMA layer can be achieved by positioning the antennas at the anti-node of a standing wave, which enables light-matter interactions under enhanced resonance conditions. Our results provide a new approach towards high-sensitivity MIR molecular sensing based on a miniaturized photonic platform.
Building a Population Representative Pediatric Biobank: Lessons Learned From the Greater Cincinnati Childhood Cohort.

Background: Biobanks can accelerate research by providing researchers with samples and data. However, hospital-based recruitment as a source for controls may create bias as who comes to the hospital may be different from the broader population. Methods: In an effort to broadly improve the quality of research studies and reduce costs and challenges associated with recruitment and sample collection, a group of diverse researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center led an institution-supported initiative to create a population representative pediatric “Greater Cincinnati Childhood Cohort (GCC).” Participants completed a detailed survey, underwent a brief physician-led physical exam, and provided blood, urine, and hair samples. DNA underwent high-throughput genotyping. Results: In total, 1,020 children ages 3–18 years living in the 7 county Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan region were recruited. Racial composition of the cohort was 84% non-Hispanic white, 15% non-Hispanic black, and 2% other race or Hispanic. Participants exhibited marked demographic and disease burden differences by race. Overall, the cohort was broadly used resulting in publications, grants and patents; yet, it did not meet the needs of all potential researchers. Conclusions: Learning from both the strengths and weaknesses, we propose leveraging a community-based participatory research framework for future broad use biobanking efforts.
High temperature oxidation behavior of disordered (Ti0.5Zr0.5)2AlC MAX phase via a Machine Learning-Augmented DFT approach

Abstract The Zr-based MAX phases have attracted considerable attention for their outstanding irradiation behavior and high neutron transparency relevant to nuclear power generation technologies. In spite of increased understanding of physical behavior crystalline MAX phases, the high-temperature oxidation behavior and reaction mechanism of disordered MAX phases both from theory and experiments are not well understood due to increased system complexity. Here, we present a detailed comparative assessment of high-temperature thermodynamic-stability and oxidation behavior (reaction-products and chemical activity) of ordered Ti2AlC and disordered (Ti0.5Zr0.5)2AlC. We believe that the new insights will enhance our understanding of oxidation process in disordered MAX phases.
Water, Water, Everywhere, Nor Any Drop to Drink: The Urgency of Transnational Solutions to International Riparian Disputes

Given that the land - and the sea - and the air-spaces of the planet Earth are shared, and are not naturally distributed among the states of the world, and given that world-transforming activities, especially economic activities, can have effects directly or cumulatively, on large parts of the world environment, how can international law reconcile the inherent and fundamental interdependence of the world environment?
The Story of the Evolution of Homo sapiens sapiens

As we meet Homo sapiens sapiens at the first milestone of our evolutionary journey, we are surprised to recognize him as one of us: an anatomically modern man. He can talk to us and shows us his beautiful cave art. The emergence of Homo sapiens sapiens completely changed the story of human and societal evolution. The phenomenal speed of his emergence actually changed human evolution into human revolution, which then became a turning point in the evolutionary saga of the human race. It completed the transformation from Homo to Homo sapiens sapiens to modern man.
Systemic Complications after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a neurologic emergency that affects an estimated 10 individuals in a population of 100, 000 annually, and is associated with high mortality rates and significant morbidity among survivors [1, 2]. The most important independent determinants of outcome include neurological status on admission [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8], age [3, 5, 7, 8, 9], large aneurysm size (< 10 mm) [6], and aneurysm rebleeding [10, 11, 12].
Distributed group management for track initiation and maintenance in target localization applications

The tradeoff between performance and scalability is a fundamental issue in distributed sensor networks. In this paper, we propose a novel scheme to efficiently organize and utilize network resources for target localization. Motivated by the essential role of geographic proximity in sensing, sensors are organized into geographically local collaborative groups. In a target tracking context, we present a dynamic group management method to initiate and maintain multiple tracks in a distributed manner. Collaborative groups are formed, each responsible for tracking a single target. The sensor nodes within a group coordinate their behavior using geographically-limited message passing. Mechanisms such as these for managing local collaborations are essential building blocks for scalable sensor network applications.
Alanine-scanning mutagenesis reveals residues involved in binding of pap-3-encoded pili.

Abstract In order to identify functionally important residues in the pap-3-encoded adhesin, oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute alanine(s) at sixteen positions in the adhesion. These alanine substitutions span nearly every domain and hydrophilic peak of the protein. The effects of these substitutions were measured by evaluating the patterns of hemagglutination exhibited by the mutant strains. It was found that strains harboring alanine substitutions at positions 88 and 89, 128 to 130, and 316 had lost the capacity to hemagglutinate. The presence of the mutated adhesin in the assembled pilus structure was verified by the reactions of purified pili with an adhesin-specific monoclonal antibody in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and with a polyclonal antibody in Western blotting (immunoblotting). Alanine substitutions at positions 68, 110 and 111, and 143 to 146 had no effect upon hemagglutination, whereas substitutions at positions 203 and 204 and position 291 resulted in diminished binding. Thus, the residues necessary for hemagglutination are scattered throughout the adhesin in both the amino and carboxy regions. Delineation of these residues may prove useful in designing a preventive treatment that would cross-react with the essential binding residues from the adhesins of several different pyelonephritis-causing strains.
Minimum distance approach to inference with many instruments

Abstract I analyze a linear instrumental variables model with a single endogenous regressor and many instruments. I use invariance arguments to construct a new minimum distance objective function. With respect to a particular weight matrix, the minimum distance estimator is equivalent to the random effects estimator of Chamberlain and Imbens (2004), and the estimator of the coefficient on the endogenous regressor coincides with the limited information maximum likelihood estimator. This weight matrix is inefficient unless the errors are normal, and I construct a new, more efficient estimator based on the optimal weight matrix. Finally, I show that when the minimum distance objective function does not impose a proportionality restriction on the reduced-form coefficients, the resulting estimator corresponds to a version of the bias-corrected two-stage least squares estimator. I use the objective function to construct confidence intervals that remain valid when the proportionality restriction is violated.
Salvation Or Folly?: The promises and perils of digital paywalls

This article chronicles the recent history of the debate in the United States over digital paywalls, a model often hailed as newspapers’ savior. We show how this debate has evolved from emphasizing industry-wide adoption to focusing on individual experiments. While highlighting potential legal, economic, and democratic concerns with paywalls, we examine the empirical record of three prominent newspaper paywall models: the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Dallas Morning News, and the New York Times. While each has enjoyed varying levels of success, our analysis suggests that paywalls are unable to offset steep losses in advertising revenue. We conclude by briefly discussing non-commercial alternatives.
Thermal Control for Hypersonic Vehicle Propulsion

This paper describes some of the key features and conclusion of a preliminary thermal control system design for the National Aero-Space Plane (NASP). The cooling of the airframe and propulsion system is achieved by pumping cold fuel through a network of heat exchangers prior to combustion. Simultaneously, the controller must provide the proper total flow for thrust generation, and must optimize the turbomachinery operating point within the turbomachinery operating constraints. For this problem, we find that efficient use of fuel cooling throughout the vehicle's operating envelope requires modulating the flow splits within the network as the flight condition changes. This modulation cannot be accomplished through scheduling alone if off-nominal heat loads and valve failures are to be tolerated. Local control of panel temperature provides some tolerance, but it is not sufficient. A hierarchical controller consisting of a central control algorithm to coordinate the local controllers as well as the turbomachinery control provides large tolerance to off-nominal heat loads and valve failures. Dynamic reponse predictions based on a high-fidelity nonlinear simulation are presented.
Problem partitioning in parallel processor simulation systems

Abstract Problem partitioning to solve ordinary differential equations on a parallel processor system using classical numerical integration methods involves defining and ordering computation tasks and scheduling the tasks for execution, In defining tasks there is a tradeoff between decomposing a computation into a large number of primitive tasks to expose all potential parallelism and decomposing it into a smaller number of tasks to simplify scheduling. Scheduling is an intractable problem; heuristic scheduling algorithms reduce the effort required to schedule tasks but cannot guarantee that the parallel solution will execute in minimum time. An example illustrates difficulties encountered in scheduling tasks for parallel computation and use of a dependency graph as a tool in problem partitioning. The need for an efficient mechanism for asynchronous data exchanges among processors is demonstrated.
Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Dehydrated Potato Flakes in Long‐Term Storage

The sensory and nutritional quality of dehydrated potato flakes packaged in nr 10 cans held at ambient temperatures up to 30 y was studied. Thirteen samples of dehydrated potato flakes were obtained from donors. A consumer panel evaluated reconstituted product for appearance, aroma, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale. Overall acceptability hedonic scores ranged from 3.7 to 6.6 and declined significantly over time. Sensory shelf-life, based on a cutoff of 80% of initial overall acceptability, was 16 y. Vitamin C levels remained constant over storage time. Headspace hexanal concentrations ranged from 0 to 2.09 μg/g. There was no significant correlation between headspace hexanal of dry flakes and hedonic scores of reconstituted product. Dehydrated potato flakes appear to retain sufficient quality over time to warrant consideration for long-term storage purposes.
Instability detection of ARMA systems based on AR system identification

The ability of parametric autoregressive (AR) system identification methods to detect the instability of an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) system of an unknown order is investigated. The collection of least squares AR estimators of various orders is shown to have the capacity to detect the instability of the underlying system. Necessary information is not the order of the system but, instead, an upper bound of the number of unstable poles with the maximal magnitude outside the unit circle.
Gurus and Indian Epistemologies: Parables of Labor-Intensive Organizations

This article intertwines pedagogy and Indian epistemologies by offering the use of parables in the education of management consultants, particularly those seeking to work in India. Through the presentation of a field report in the form of parables constructed from lived-in and lived-through consultancy assignments, this article highlights the labor-intensive textile sector of India that employs approximately 35 million people. The parables are presented in a format that can be utilized to understand and unpack the complexity of India that is a far cry from the glossy images of India's expanding IT prowess. The article argues for the need to develop consultants who, in grappling with knowledge and action, can move beyond Western templates in management consulting.
Combined assessment of myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function with exercise technetium-99m sestamibi gated single-photon emission computed tomography can differentiate between ischemic and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether exercise technetium-99m sestamibi gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) accurately distinguishes between patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and patients with nonischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Noninvasive tests have previously failed to accurately separate patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy from those with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Technetium-99m gated SPECT imaging offers advantages that have the potential to overcome the limitations of previous studies. Thirty-seven adults with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%, including 24 patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and 13 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, were prospectively evaluated using symptom-limited metabolic exercise treadmill testing with technetium-99m sestamibi gated SPECT imaging. Interpretation of myocardial perfusion and regional wall motion was performed, using a 17-segment model. Summed stress, rest, and reversibility perfusion defect scores were determined, and the variance of segmental wall motion scores was computed. Summed stress, rest, and reversibility perfusion defect scores were significantly lower in nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients, compared with those with ischemic cardiomyopathy (summed stress defect score: 6.9 ± 3.8 vs 32.9 ± 7.7, respectively, p
Evaluating soil erosion models using measured plot data: accounting for variability in the data

One of the important methods used to evaluate the effectiveness of soil erosion models is to compare the predictions given by the model to measured data from soil loss collected on plots taken under natural rainfall conditions. While it is recognized that plot data contain natural variability, this factor is not quantitatively considered during such evaluations because our knowledge of natural variability between plots which have the same treatments is very limited. The goal of this study was to analyse sufficient replicated plot data and present methodology to allow the model evaluator to take natural, within-treatment variability of erosion plots into account when models are tested. A large amount of data from pairs of replicated erosion plots was evaluated and quantified. The basis for the evaluation method presented is that if the difference between the model prediction and a measured plot data value lies within the population of differences between pairs of measured values, then the prediction is considered ‘acceptable’. A model ‘effectiveness’ coefficient was defined for studies undertaken on large numbers of prediction versus measured data comparisons. This method provides a quantitative criterion for taking into account natural variability and uncertainty in measured erosion plot data when those data are used to evaluate erosion models. Published in 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ashfall dispersal for the 16 September 1986, eruption of Lascar, Chile, calculated by a turbulent diffusion model

A two dimensional model for the dispersal of volcanic ash, modified from that of Suzuki (1983), is applied to the September 16, 1986 eruption of Lascar, in northern Chile. The result is an isopach map predicting ground concentrations of ash. The map shows two local maxima along distinct dispersal axes and predicts that the deposit was detached from the source. Predicted concentrations are in agreement with a single reported thickness measurement.
MODULAR FORMULA FOR WEANING INFANTS FROM TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION (TPN)

Frequently, infants with chronic diarrhea and failure to thrive require TPN to overcome the intestinal absorptive defect. Weaning from TPN without exacerbation of diarrhea is difficult. We have developed a formula which can be structured to challenge the intestine sequentially with the various nutrient modules and concentrations. The Core formula is composed of whole casein and minerals calculated to deliver adequate electrolytes when used in a concentration cf 3 gms % protein. To this protein Core, fats and sugars can be added as needed and tolerated by the patient. When weaning from TPN, modules are added in 1 gm % increments every 12 hrs. starting with protein, fat and then carbohydrate. When the composition equals 3 gm % Core mix, 3.5 gm % fat and 6 gm % carbohydrate and this is tolerated for 1 week, the patient is switched to a proprietary formula which most closely matches. If a concentration is reached that causes diarrhea, it is maintained or slightly reduced until intestinal tolerance developes. In the past three years, more than 75 patients have been weaned to oral feedings in this manner with no difficulty. Work supported by: Ross Laboratory, David Underwood Trust, USPH RR-00188, and AM-05721-01.
Design and implementation of a hierarchical exception handling extension to systemC

Exception handling constructs are a fundamental part of most system level design languages This paper describes the design and implementation of exception handling con structs as an extension to existing C libraries for mod eling hardware in particular SystemC A hierarchy of ex ception handlers is proposed shadowing the design hierar chy To study the e ectiveness of these extensions support for exceptions is added to an existing model of the DLX pipeline The ease of these additions illustrates the utility of the proposed constructs
Concerted Proton-Transfer Mechanism and Solvation Effects in the HNC/HCN Isomerization on the Surface of Icy Grain Mantles in the Interstellar Medium

In order to better understand the isomerization between HNC and HCN on icy grain (or comet nuclei) surfaces in the interstellar medium in connection with a Strecker synthesis route to glycine, B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) calculations have been carried out on the mechanisms of direct proton transfer (PT), where water molecules play a purely solvating role, and indirect PT, where water molecules participate in a proton relay mechanism. In the direct PT mechanism, a rather high-energy barrier exists for isomerization of HNC to HCN. In the much more important indirect mechanism, a concerted PT process is possible for isomerization in the presence of several water molecules. The calculations show that three water molecules bound to HNC and HCN give rise to a ring reaction significantly favoring the isomerization, a mechanism previously found for this reaction by Gardebien and Sevin (J. Phys. Chem. A 2003, 107, 3925). Further quite important solvation effects are included in the present work by addition of explicit solva...
Simultaneous determination of highly precise Debye-Waller factors and multiple structure factors for chemically ordered tetragonal FePd.

Accurate Debye–Waller (DW) factors and low-index structure factors up to 222 of chemically ordered FePd have been measured at 120 K. Ordered FePd has a simple tetragonal unit cell (tP2, P4/mmm) with Fe and Pd atoms at 0, 0, 0 and at {1\over 2}, {1\over 2}, {1\over 2}, respectively, requiring the measurement of four different DW factors. It was possible to simultaneously determine all four DW factors and several low-order structure factors using different, special off-zone-axis multi-beam convergent-beam electron diffraction patterns with high precision and accuracy. The different diffraction conditions exhibit different levels of sensitivity to changes in DW and structure factors. Here the sensitivity of different off-zone-axis convergent-beam electron diffraction patterns with respect to changes in DW factors and structure factors is discussed.
Evaluation of abnormal screening mammograms

The purpose of routine screening mammography is to detect unsuspected cancer that has the potential to be cured. Abnormalities detected on the screening examination often necessitate additional radiologic workup before a definitive result or diagnosis can be given. This workup (diagnostic mammography) may include specialized views, such as spot compression to evaluate the margins of a nodule, or magnification views to determine the features of microcalcifications. Additional evaluation with mammographic views, breast ultrasound, and, at times, interventional procedures such as fine needle aspiration or core biopsy are performed to complete the radiologic evaluation of a patient with an abnormal mammogram. Signs of malignancy include nodules (most often poorly defined), microcalcifications, and, less commonly, areas of architectural distortion, asymmetry, or focal ductal dilatation. A comprehensive approach to breast imaging will help to potentiate the early detection of subtle malignancies and avoid the performance of some biopsies for benign lesions.
Comparison of Brillouin-Zone Integration Methods: Combined Linear and Quadratic Interpolation

A combined linear and quadratic interpolation method for Brillouin-zone integration is described. Comparisons of the combined method with previously introduced linear and quadratic approaches indicate that the combined scheme will require the least computer time in most cases. Calculations of the densities of states of phonons in copper and electrons in nickel are given as examples. Problems associated with critical points and the intersection of dispersion curves are also investigated numerically to a limited extent.
CD1 defines conserved linkage group border between human chromosomes 1 and mouse chromosomes 1 and 3.

The mouse chromosome to which Ly-38 (CD1) genes map has not been reported. Consequently, the present studies were undertaken to examine the genomic organization of CD1 on human chromosome 1 as well as to identify the Ly-38 (CD1) locus in the mouse
An analytical approach to the low-frequency breakdown of the right hand side and scattered field computation in EFIE

In addition to the breakdown caused by the loss of the contribution of the vector potential term at low frequencies due to finite machine precision, the EFIE has also suffered from the low-frequency breakdown owing to the loss of the frequency dependence of the right hand side in scattering analysis, and the same loss of the Green's function in scattered field and thereby RCS computation. We propose an analytical approach to solve the latter two breakdown problems. This approach is rigorous from electrodynamic frequencies all the way down to zero frequency. Excellent agreement with analytical results and Mie series has validated the proposed approach.
High-Tc superconductivity in the multi phases Sr-Bi-Ca-Cu-O

High-Tc superconductivity with Tc onsets up to 120 K (midpoint: 90 K, zero resistance: 85 K) is observed in the multi phase Sr-Bi-Ca-Cu-O with the nominal composition of SrBiCaCu2O6. We report the synthesis and the superconducting temperature of the multi phase SrBiCaCuO5±x, SrBiCaCu2 O6±x and SrBiCaCu3 7±x (0≤x≤1) compounds.
Increasing patient acceptance of medical student participation: using interactive theatre for faculty development.

Background : Interactive theatre (IT) has been used to train faculty the skills and strategies to address challenging dynamics in educational settings. Purpose : This study described the development, implementation, and evaluation of an IT approach to improve preceptors' skills for increasing patients' acceptance of medical student participation in clinical care. Methods : Focus groups were conducted with faculty, residents, medical students, and clinic staff to discuss issues related to patients declining medical student participation. Findings were used to develop a faculty development session using an IT approach. At a Family Medicine grand rounds presentation, faculty and resident preceptors (n = 42) participated in the IT workshop and completed a pre–post survey assessing skills specific to increasing students' training opportunities in patient care and educational impact of the session. Results : Following the IT session, preceptors reported greater self-efficacy for helping patients feel more comfo...
Diabetes mellitus is not associated with major morbidity following open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Abstract Background It has been suggested that there is an increased morbidity and mortality risk for diabetics undergoing elective aortic surgery. This, however, is not universally accepted. In this study, we utilize a national database to determine if diabetes is associated with adverse outcomes following open, elective, infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Methods The American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify all patients who underwent an open, elective, nonruptured AAA repair from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2007. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were compared by diabetes status. Multivariate analysis was performed adjusting for demographics and comorbidities. Results There were 2110 American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program patients who underwent an open, elective, nonruptured AAA repair during this time period. Of these patients, 245 (11.6%) had diabetes mellitus. The overall mortality rate was 3.7% (5.3% for diabetics and 3.5% for nondiabetics, P = 0.171). On bivariate analysis, diabetics were more likely to present preoperatively with cardiovascular and renal comorbidities. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in mortality or in cardiac, pulmonary, or renal complications. Diabetics were more likely to develop superficial surgical site infections (SSIs) (4.5% versus 1.6%, P = 0.002). On multivariate regression, there was no difference in mortality or major complications between diabetics and nondiabetics (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.68–2.71). Diabetics, however, were almost three times more likely to develop superficial SSIs (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.29–6.00). Conclusions Diabetes mellitus is not associated with significantly worse major outcomes following open, elective, infrarenal AAA repair. Diabetics, however, are more likely to develop superficial SSIs.
Prototype of GRID infrastructure for H → γγ study with full QCD background simulation and reconstruction for CMS at LHC

Abstract CMS experiment at CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will begin taking data in 2007. Along with the Petabytes of data expected to be collected, CMS will also generate an enormous amount of Monte Carlo simulation data. This paper describes solutions developed at Caltech to address the issue of controlled generation of large amounts of Monte Carlo simulation data using distributed Alliance resources. We will report on the results of production using Grid tools (Globus, Condor-G) to knit together resources from various institutions within Alliance in NPACI framework. The results of this effort have been used for the study of the H →γγ decay channel with full background simulation.
Aflatoxin content of peanut hulls

The degree of aflatoxin contamination in peanut hulls was determined by analyzing inoculated hand-shelled hulls and hulls from peanuts known to contain aflatoxin. Hulls adjusted to 20% moisture, inoculated withAspergillus flavus, and incubated 7 days at 25 C supported growth ofA. flavus but not aflatoxin production. Peanuts from 20 selected Segregation III (visibleA. flavus) lots contained 13–353 ppb of aflatoxin. The machine-shelled hulls from these lots were analyzed and 3 lots contained no detectable aflatoxin, 13 lots contained 4–88 ppb and 4 lots contained >116 ppb. Aflatoxin concentrations of 53–87 ppb were detected in hulls when peanuts containing relatively high levels of aflatoxin (up to 26.8 ppm in damaged kernels) were carefully machine-shelled. Hulls from the same samples obtained by hand-shelling contained no detectable aflatoxin. When machine-shelled hulls were screened through successively smaller screens, the aflatoxin concentration of the smallest fraction (<3.18 mm) was always highest and indicated that small peanut kernels and peanut parts in the hulls actually contained the aflatoxin. Separating hulls over a 4.76 mm round-hole screen appeared to provide a means of removal of most aflatoxin in peanut hulls. No aflatoxin was found in hulls from uncontaminated peanuts.
Induction of Suppressor Cell Activity by Human Pregnancy Serum

Third trimester pregnancy serum caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the one-way allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) through an effect that occurred during the first 48 hours of culture. Pregnancy serum also inhibited the mitogenic responsiveness of normal mononuclear leukocytes to concanavalin A (Con A) while the responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) were less affected. Preincubation of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for 48 hours with 10% pregnancy serum enhanced a suppressor activity transferable with cells. These pregnancy serum-induced effector cells suppressed the MLR only when they were autologous to the responder population (p less than 0.05). The same suppressor cell preparation inhibited the proliferative responses of autologous PBMC to Con A (p less than 0.001) and PWM (p less than 0.05). These data suggest that one or more factors in pregnancy serum can induce or enhance suppressor cell activity in vitro. A comparable increase in suppressor cell activity in vivo may be responsible for blocking maternal rejection of the fetus and for the observed improvement in clinical activity of rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy.
Regulation of phosphorylation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GluA1 AMPA receptors in the rat forebrain by amphetamine

The AMPA receptor is regulated by phosphorylation. Two major phosphorylation sites (S831 and S845) are located in the intracellular C-terminal tail of GluA1 subunits. The phosphorylation on these sites controls receptor expression and function and is subject to the regulation by psychostimulants. In this study, we further characterized the regulation of S831 and S845 phosphorylation by amphetamine (AMPH) in the adult rat striatum and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in vivo. We focused on the specific fraction of GluA1/AMPA receptors enriched from synaptic and extrasynaptic membranes, using a pre-validated biochemical fractionation procedure. We found that acute AMPH administration elevated GluA1 S845 phosphorylation in the defined synaptic membrane from the striatum in a dose-dependent manner. AMPH also induced a comparable increase in S845 phosphorylation in the extrasynaptic fraction of striatal GluA1. Similar increases in S845 phosphorylation in both synaptic and extrasynaptic pools were observed in the mPFC. In contrast, S831 phosphorylation was not altered in synaptic and extrasynaptic GluA1 in striatal neurons and synaptic GluA1 in mPFC neurons in response to AMPH, although a moderate increase in S831 phosphorylation was seen in extrasynaptic GluA1 in the mPFC after an AMPH injection at a high dose. Total synaptic and extrasynaptic GluA1 expression remained stable in the two regions after AMPH administration. Our data demonstrate the differential sensitivity of S845 and S831 phosphorylation to dopamine stimulation. S845 is a primary site where phosphorylation of GluA1 is upregulated by AMPH in striatal and mPFC neurons at both synaptic and extrasynaptic compartments.
Human well-being, the global emissions debt, and climate change commitment

Energy consumption is fundamentally necessary for human well-being. However, although increasing energy consumption provides substantial improvements in well-being for low and intermediate levels of development, incremental increases in consumption fail to provide improvements for “super-developed” countries that exhibit the highest levels of development and energy consumption. The aim of this note is, therefore, to quantitatively explore the global emissions debt and climate change commitment associated with the gap in energy consumption between the energy-saturated super-developed countries and the rest of the world. Adopting Kates’ identity, I calculate that elevating the current populations in the non-super-developed countries to the energy and carbon intensities of the United States is akin to adding the fossil-fuel CO2 emissions of more than 15 United States to the global annual total, implying cumulative emissions of almost 4000 GT CO2 from 2010 through 2050. The inevitability of continued emissions beyond 2050 suggests that the transition of non-super-developed countries to a US-like profile between now and 2050 could, by itself, plausibly result in global warming of 3.2 °C above the late-twentieth century baseline, including an extremely high likelihood that global warming would exceed 1.2 °C. Global warming of this magnitude is likely to cause regional climate change that falls well outside of the baseline variations to which much of the world is presently accustomed, meaning that a US-like energy-development pathway carries substantial climate change commitment for both non-super-developed and super-developed countries, independent of future emissions from the super-developed world. However, the assumption that all countries converge on the minimum energy intensity of the super-developed world and a carbon-free energy system between now and 2050 implies cumulative CO2 emissions of less than 1000 GT CO2 between 2010 and 2050, along with a less than 40 % probability of exceeding 1.2 °C of additional global warming. It is, therefore, possible that intensive efforts to develop and deploy global-scale capacity for low-carbon energy consumption could simultaneously ensure human well-being and substantially limit the associated climate change commitment.
Asymmetric hydrogenation using modified ion exchange resin-palladium catalysts

Benzoylformic and alpha-acetamidoacrylic acid hydrogenation, using modified ion exchange resin- palladium catalysts
Predictive Modeling of Transient Storage and Nutrient Uptake: Implications for Stream Restoration

This study examined two key aspects of reactive transport modeling for stream restoration purposes: the accuracy of the nutrient spiraling and transient storage models for quantifying reach-scale nutrient uptake, and the ability to quantify transport parameters using measurements and scaling techniques in order to improve upon traditional conservative tracer fitting methods. Nitrate ( NO 3− ) uptake rates inferred using the nutrient spiraling model underestimated the total NO 3− mass loss by 82%, which was attributed to the exclusion of dispersion and transient storage. The transient storage model was more accurate with respect to the NO 3− mass loss (±20%) and also demonstrated that uptake in the main channel was more significant than in storage zones. Conservative tracer fitting was unable to produce transport parameter estimates for a riffle-pool transition of the study reach, while forward modeling of solute transport using measured/scaled transport parameters matched conservative tracer breakthrough ...
Calcium transport from Malpighian tubules to puparial cuticle ofMusca autumnalis

The transport of calcium from mineralized granules stored in the Malpighian tubules to the puparium of the face fly,Musca autumnalis De Geer, was studied. Calcium was transported directly from the tubules to the cuticle via the hemolymph. Little, if any, calcium entered the hindgut or other tissues during or prior to transport. A total of approximately 0.8 mg of calcium per larva was transported, beginning at the wandering stage; peak hemolymph concentrations occurred at anterior retraction. Hemolymph calcium levels subsequently decreased as puparial calcium increased. Puparial mineralization utilized most of the minerals stored during the larval stage, with lesser amounts of minerals being recovered in the adult or excreted. Deposition of mineral salts in the cuticle was accompanied by an increase in cuticular pH from 7.0 to 8.4. The house fly,Musca domestica L., which contains much lower concentrations of minerals in the puparial cuticle, exhibited no increase in cuticular pH during pupariation. Biomineralization of the face fly puparial cuticle appears to occur, in part, as a result of ionic equilibria involving calcium and magnesium phosphates and carbonates, which have relatively low solubility products at alkaline pH.
Effects of Frequency and Vocabulary Type on Phonological Speech Errors

Abstract Phonological speech errors only rarely occur in common function words. This paper explores whether this effect is due to these words' status as function (closed-class) morphemes, or simply their high frequency of usage. Experiments that elicit phonological speech errors revealed strong requency effects (the segments of frequent words tend not to be misordered) and no effect of vocabulary type-the segments of function morphemes (e.g. by) were as likely to slip as those of homophonic content items (e.g. buy). A spreading-activation model of lexical retrieval in production was adapted to account for the effects of frequency on phonological errors.
A rapid gene-based genome-wide association test with multivariate traits

Objectives: A gene-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) provides a powerful alternative to the traditional single single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association analysis due to its substantial reduction in the multiple testing burden and possible gain in power due to modeling multiple SNPs within a gene. A gene-based association analysis on multivariate traits is often of interest, but it imposes substantial analytical as well as computational challenges to implement it at a genome-wide level. Methods: We propose a rapid implementation of the multivariate multiple linear regression (RMMLR) approach in unrelated individuals as well as in families. Our approach allows for covariates. Moreover, the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic is not heavily influenced by the linkage disequilibrium (LD) among the SNPs and hence can be used efficiently to perform a gene-based GWAS. We have developed a corresponding R package to implement such multivariate gene-based GWAS with this RMMLR approach. Results: Through extensive simulation, we compared several approaches for both single and multivariate traits. Our RMMLR approach maintained a correct type I error level even for sets of SNPs in strong LD. It also demonstrated a substantial gain in power to detect a gene when it is associated with a subset of the traits. We also studied performances of the approaches on the Minnesota Center for Twin Family Research dataset. Conclusions: In our overall comparison, our RMMLR approach provides an efficient and powerful tool to perform a gene-based GWAS with single or multivariate traits and maintains the type I error appropriately.
BH3-only proteins have differential roles in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury

METHODS: Replication and susceptibility of pancreatic adenocarcinoma PANC-1 cells to GLV-1h153 was confirmed with replication and cytotoxicity assays. PANC-1 cells were then infected with GLV1h153 and near-synchronous infection confirmed via flow cytometry of viral-induced green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. Six and 24 hours after infection, 3 samples of each time point were harvested and gene expression patterns assessed using HG-U133A cDNA microarray chips as compared to uninfected control. Data was analyzed using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis software.
Patient's specific modeling of the spinal canal hydrodynamics using bond graph technique and magnetic resonance imaging

The spinal canal contributes to the overall compliance of the craniospinal compartment. Thus it plays an important role in the regulation of craniospinal hydrodynamics and intracranial pressure. Limited information is available concerning the spinal canal compliance and its distribution along the spinal canal. Current methods of compliance measurement require injection of fluid into the spinal canal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) spaces and thus are associated with morbidity. A noninvasive method of deriving the spinal canal compliance and its distribution is being developed. A motion-sensitive Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique is employed to quantify the oscillating CSF flow at several locations along the spinal canal. The differential equations governing CSF flow are derived using Bond Graph methodology. Flow dynamics satisfying the differential equations is then compared iteratively with actual flow measurements to yield spinal canal compliance, and CSF resistance and inertia. The model was validated using CSF flow measurements obtained from 4 healthy volunteers. The model predicted CSF flow was compared with measured CSF flow waveforms at intermediate locations. Compliance values ranged from 1.7 mL/mmHg to 45.2 mL/mmHg. The model further provides new information about the relative contribution sub segments of the canal to the overall spinal canal compliance.
Through-container measurement of acoustic signatures for classification/discrimination of liquid explosives (LEs) and precursor threat liquids

Work at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has demonstrated that ultrasonic property measurements can be effectively employed for the rapid and accurate classification/discrimination of liquids in small, carry-on, standard "stream-of-commerce" containers. This paper focuses on a set of laboratory measurements acquired with the PNNL prototype device as applied to several types of liquids (including threat liquids and precursor chemicals) to the manufacture of LEs in small commercially available plastic containers.
Cardiovascular involvement in 8 dogs with blastomyces dermatitidis infection.

Background:Blastomycosis is a common systemic fungal infection in dogs. Hypothesis:Dogs with cardiovascular involvement may have abnormalities in electrical conduction and valvular function, and may have a worse prognosis. Animals:Eight client-owned animals. Methods:Dogs with cardiovascular lesions caused by blastomycosis were identified from retrospective evaluation of medical records. Results:Five dogs had de novo infections and 3 had recurrences of previously treated infections. Harsh labored breathing, lethargy, and anorexia were the most common historic complaints. Three dogs had syncope. Physical examination and clinicopathologic data were typical of blastomycosis and included dyspnea, increased lung sounds, and lethargy. In addition, 3 dogs had heart murmurs and 1 had a third-degree atrioventricular block. Four dogs had myocarditis and 2 had pericarditis or epicarditis. Two dogs had cardiac signs attributed to extracardiac compression by fungal granulomas and clinical signs were relieved by treatment. Half of the remaining 6 dogs were euthanized; 2 of these were not treated. Of the remaining 3 dogs, 1 dog died acutely while sleeping; the second died intraoperatively during an attempt to place an epicardial pacemaker; and the third had Blastomyces-induced endocarditis and died of heart failure. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Blastomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of dogs from endemic areas with inflammatory myocarditis, heart block, heart base or intracardiac mass lesions, syncope, or endocarditis.
Social choice and Lukasiewicz logic

Abstract An approach to the social choice problem based on multiple valued logic is suggested. It is assumed that individual preference are classical binary relations, whereas the social preference is a valued binary relation. The role of Lukasiewicz logic in modelling valued transitive relations is discussed. We argue that this logic is a natural choice for contructing valued social preference. The paper is concerned with Arrow's theory of social welfare functions. Standard conditions of Unrestricted Domain, Pareto, Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives, and Nondictatorship are employed. We show that certain means in binary relations spaces are social welfare functions satisfying conditions of the classical Arrow's Possibility Theorem. It is also shown that collective choice rules given by means are completely characterized by the conditions of Unrestrict Domain, Anomymity, Neutrality, and Positive Responsiveness.
Identification of reflection coefficients from noisy data by means of extended minimum variance estimators: A critical examination

Recently, a new class of time-domain state space models has been developed (Ref. 1) to describe layered media systems. When layers are uniform, the resulting state equations are referred to as uniform causal functional equations (UCFE). An example of a UCFE is: x (t + ?) = Ax (t) + b [m(t) + w(t)] (1) where, for a K-layer system, x (t) is a 2K x 1 state vector comprised of K upgoing states and K downgoing states, m(t) is the source signature, w(t) is a random process which reflects uncertainty about our knowledge of m(t), and A and b are matrices (of appropriate dimensions) which are functions of reflection coefficients r0, r1,..., rK which characterize the system. Additionally, ? is the one-way travel time for each layer. A surface measurement (i.e., seismogram) y(t), where y(t) = h' x(t) + n(t) (2) is also assumed available. This measurement is corrupted by measurement noise, n(t) and is in terms of vector h which is also a function of some of the reflection coefficients.