cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral training enhances cortical temporal processing in neonatally deafened juvenile cats.

Deaf humans implanted with a cochlear prosthesis depend largely on temporal cues for speech recognition because spectral information processing is severely impaired. Training with a cochlear prosthesis is typically required before speech perception shows improvement, suggesting that relevant experience modifies temporal processing in the central auditory system. We tested this hypothesis in neonatally deafened cats by comparing temporal processing in the primary auditory cortex (AI) of cats that received only chronic passive intracochlear electric stimulation (ICES) with cats that were also trained with ICES to detect temporally challenging trains of electric pulses. After months of chronic passive stimulation and several weeks of detection training in behaviorally trained cats, multineuronal AI responses evoked by temporally modulated ICES were recorded in anesthetized animals. The stimulus repetition rates that produced the maximum number of phase-locked spikes (best repetition rate) and 50% cutoff rate were significantly higher in behaviorally trained cats than the corresponding rates in cats that received only chronic passive ICES. Behavioral training restored neuronal temporal following ability to levels comparable with those recorded in naive prior normal-hearing adult deafened animals. Importantly, best repetitition rates and cutoff rates were highest for neuronal clusters activated by the electrode configuration used in behavioral training. These results suggest that neuroplasticity in the AI is induced by behavioral training and perceptual learning in animals deprived of ordinary auditory experience during development and indicate that behavioral training can ameliorate or restore temporal processing in the AI of profoundly deaf animals.
Conformational Transitions in Protein-Protein Association: Binding of Fasciculin-2 to Acetylcholinesterase

The neurotoxin fasciculin-2 (FAS2) is a picomolar inhibitor of synaptic acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The dynamics of binding between FAS2 and AChE is influenced by conformational fluctuations both before and after protein encounter. Submicrosecond molecular dynamics trajectories of apo forms of fasciculin, corresponding to different conformational substates, are reported here with reference to the conformational changes of loop I of this three-fingered toxin. This highly flexible loop exhibits an ensemble of conformations within each substate corresponding to its functions. The high energy barrier found between the two major substates leads to transitions that are slow on the timescale of the diffusional encounter of noninteracting FAS2 and AChE. The more stable of the two apo substates may not be the one observed in the complex with AChE. It seems likely that the more stable apo form binds rapidly to AChE and conformational readjustments then occur in the resulting encounter complex.
Rate of Loss of Trimedlure from Cotton Wicks Under South-Florida Field Conditions

The rate of loss of trimedlure from cotton wicks was determined by gaschromatographic analysis of residues remaining in aged wicks. Under winter field conditions in south Florida, using 2 ml of trimedlure per wick, the rate of loss was greatly reduced after 28 days, with most trimedlure gone from the wicks. Under warmer spring conditions, the trimedlure in wicks and estimated release rates were greatly reduced after 20 days. It was recommended that rebaiting schedules used by federal and state survey and detection personnel be modified to conform to these findings.
Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Coupled with Multivariate Analysis for Measurement of Acesulfame-K in Diet Foods

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was investigated as a method for analysis of acesulfame-K content after a simple extraction procedure for certain commercial diet food samples. Partial least squares (PLS) models were developed for prediction of acesulfame-K using select spectral ranges on the basis of relevant IR absorption bands associated with acesulfame-K. The acesulfame-K content of test food samples was predicted accurately in the fingerprint region between 1100 and 1300 cm(-1) with a maximum prediction error of 9.82% when compared with conventional HPLC method. The PLS was found to be a consistently better predictor when both PLS and principal component regression (PCR) analyses were used for quantification of acesulfame-K. The developed procedure was further validated by comparing with HPLC results as well as recovery studies. As a quick tool, the method developed is expected to be used for routine estimation of acesulfame-K in commercial products.
Total Amino Acid Release Rates of Soluble and Insoluble Protein Fractions of Concentrate Feedstuffs by Streptomyces griseus

Abstract Streptomyces griseus (5mg) protease was incubated with increasing protein concentrations of casein, soybean meal, or corn gluten meal. Rates of amino acid release were 1.04, .72, and .36 μmoles of amino acid per hour with enzyme saturation at 7.5 and 8.5mg of casein and soybean meal protein. A ratio of protein to enzyme of 1.25 gave rates of release within saturation limits for protein sources differing in degradability. Partitioning of nitrogen fractions for 11 protein and 6 energy concentrate ingredients showed dehydrated alfalfa and corn gluten feed had largest proportions of soluble nitrogen and amino acids and least amount of potentially available insoluble protein compared to other protein ingredients. Incubation of Streptomyces griseus protease with soluble and insoluble protein fractions indicated that most feedstuff soluble protein fractions have amino acid release rates two to three times faster than insoluble protein fractions. Ratio of soluble to insoluble protein amino acid release were 1.2 for corn gluten meal and peanut meal and .5 for dehydrated alfalfa and corn gluten feed. Soluble protein fractions of certain protein feedstuffs may not be as available in the rumen as insoluble protein fractions.
Comparison of near surface dynamic topography during the two monsoons in the western Indian ocean

Abstract The dynamic topography of the near surface water, 0–400 dbar, relative to 1000 dbar, is shown for the western Indian Ocean during both the southwest and northeast monsoon periods using data acquired during the recent International Indian Ocean Expedition. Seven zonal sections between 20°N and approximately 10°S allow seasonal comparison of essentially the same areas. The areas of greatest seasonal differences were off the Arabian coast and particularly the Somali coast where the large high (> 1·8 dy m) during the southwest monsoon was not evident during the northeast monsoon. The means of the surface topography in the northern ocean show that the winter values were greater by 0·04 dy m than summer. This is attributed to the increased cloudiness, evaporation and coastal upwelling during summer.
On the Formation of Diminutives in Modern Hebrew Morphology

Of the various diminution devices in Modern Hebrew (+ it and + iya suffixation, reduplication, the colloquial + cik and + iko , etc.), + on suffixation is the most productive and often functions as the default case. Its productivity is emphasized by the fact that it can be appended to forms that have already been derived by other diminution strategies. The feminine diminutive is further marked by + et , resulting in + onet . Diminution of the + on variety often also denotes affection. Since only about a fourth of all on realizations listed in Even-Shoshan's dictionary have morphologically transparent bases, it is argued that the hearer first eliminates bound stems (including CiCaCon, CiCCon, etc.). When an independent base can easily be discerned, the default reading is "diminutive/affectionate"; if excluded by the context, a number of minor readings are also possible (e.g., "collections," "periodicals," "temporary structures," "instruments," etc.).
Acute and chronic urticaria. Challenges and considerations for primary care physicians.

PREVIEWUrticaria is one of the most common dermatologic problems seen by primary care physicians and often a source of frustration for patient and physician alike. Pinpointing the cause may be challenging—or impossible—because of the many and varied triggers. Drs Krishnaswamy and Youngberg shed light on this common condition, describing the diagnostic considerations in evaluation of acute and chronic cases and discussing the variety of pharmacologic options available.
Improving measurement of hip joint center location using neural networks

In human movement analysis accuracy of locating the hip joint center (HJC) becomes important in measurements of the hip muscle lengths and hip moment arms. Conventional gait analysis methods use regression and polynomial estimation techniques based on cadaver measurements to locate the HJC. Keeping in view the importance of Neural Networks (NN) in estimation, two Feedforward NN were constructed to estimate the HJC position from training sets of actual HJC positions from MRI data. First network was based on data from 32 subjects (8 adults, 14 children and 10 children with cerebral palsy), and second NN based on 22 healthy subjects. Estimation results were compared with multivariable linear regression (MR) and Newington-Gage (NG) methods. From the validation data, the proposed networks reduced error in HJC position estimation by approximately 69% compared to NG method, and 30% compared to the MR method.
Oxysterols as non-genomic regulators of cholesterol homeostasis

Tight regulation of cellular and plasma cholesterol is crucial to proper cellular functioning because excess free cholesterol is toxic to cells and is associated with atherosclerosis and heart disease. Cellular cholesterol homeostasis is regulated by enzymatically formed oxygenated cholesterol derivatives termed oxysterols. Although the effects of oxysterols on transcriptional pathways are well described, the non-transcriptional mechanisms through which oxysterols acutely modulate cellular cholesterol levels are less well understood. We present emerging evidence suggesting that the membrane biophysical properties of oxysterols underlie their acute cholesterol-regulatory functions and discuss the relevance of these acute effects to cholesterol overload in physiological and pathophysiological states.
Achieving cultural congruency in weight loss interventions: can a spirituality-based program attract and retain an inner-city community sample?

Ethnic minorities continue to be disproportionately affected by obesity and are less likely to access healthcare than Caucasians. It is therefore imperative that researchers develop novel methods that will attract these difficult-to-reach groups. The purpose of the present study is to describe characteristics of an urban community sample attracted to a spiritually based, weight loss intervention. Methods. Thirteen participants enrolled in a pilot version of Spiritual Self-Schema Therapy (3S) applied to disordered eating behavior and obesity. Treatment consisted of 12 one-hour sessions in a group therapy format. At baseline, participants were measured for height and weight and completed a battery of self-report measures. Results. The sample was predominantly African-American and Hispanic and a large percentage of the sample was male. Mean baseline scores of the EDE-Q, YFAS, and the CES-D revealed clinically meaningful levels of eating disordered pathology and depression, respectively. The overall attrition rate was quite low for interventions targeting obesity. Discussion. This application of a spiritually centered intervention seemed to attract and retain a predominantly African-American and Hispanic sample. By incorporating a culturally congruent focus, this approach may have been acceptable to individuals who are traditionally more difficult to reach.
The regulation of international lending IMF support, the debt crisis, and bank stockholder wealth

Abstract In a recent article, Cornell, Landsman and Shapiro (1986) provide insight in to the impact of selected regulatory responses to the international debt crisis on bank stock prices. The current study concentrates on the reaction of bank shareholders to the legislative events that ultimately led to the passage of the International Lending Supervision Act (ILSA) and to greater U.S. support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While Cornell, Landsman and Shapiro restricted their legislative analysis to when the relevant bills were passed, this study also examines when such legislation was introduced in the House or the Senate. The empirical results indicate that the introduction of such legislation materially influenced bank stockholder expectations. In contrast to Cornell, Landsman and Shapiro, the effect of these events on the risk/return complexion of banks is measured. Furthermore, the sensitivity of bank stockholders' reactions to the above legislative events is appraised in light of banks' Latin American loan portfolio risk. Analysis of the expected impact of greater IMF support and the ILSA on bank stockholders supplements the work of Cornell, Landsman and Shapiro by providing additional insight into the expected impact of such legislation on bank industry risk. Unlike Cornell, Landsman and Shapiro, this study provides evidence that the joint effect of a greater IMF quota and the ILSA was a net benefit to stockholders. Analysis suggests that the perceived benefit of a greater IMF quota was apparently diminished by the ILSA. However, stockholders evidently perceived a general decrease in the risk of the banking industry as a result of the legislative events.
Regulating the expression and function of homeotic genes scott dessain and William McGinnis

Research published in the past year has led to plausible molecular models explaining the maintenance of stable patterns of homeotic gene expression through many cell generations. In addition, genes have been identified that modify the functional specificity of homeotic genes without affecting their expression patterns.
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a bifunctional immune regulator for mucosal IgA responses

Abstract Porcine transforming growth factor-β1, (TGF-β1) exerts a unique bifunctional immunoregulatory effect on IgA responses in murine mesenteric and Peyer's patches lymphocyte cultures. TGF-β1 is a potent costimulator of LPS-induced IgA responses. The enhancement was observed at TGF-β1 at 0.1 to 10 ng/ml in both early and late phases of IgA responses from Day 5 to Day 14 in cultures. On the contrary, TGF-β1 exerts a profound immunosuppressive effect on IL-5-induced IgA synthesis. TGF-β1 is a natural cytokine produced by intestinal epithelial cells and may account for the polyclonal production and secretion of IgA at the mucosal surface and ensure the integrity of the primary host defense by mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT).
Large Isospin-Mixing Matrix Element in C 12

Isospin mixing between the 12.71-MeV, ${1}^{+}$, $T=0$ and 15.11-MeV, ${1}^{+}$, $T=1$ levels in $^{12}\mathrm{C}$ is measured utilizing two different direct reactions. A consistent value (${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}\ensuremath{\sim}0.01$) is obtained from both the isospin-forbidden reaction $^{12}\mathrm{C}(d,{d}^{\ensuremath{'}})^{12}\mathrm{C}^{*}$ and the comparison of the yields in the analog reactions $^{13}\mathrm{C}(d,t)^{12}\mathrm{C}^{*}$ (15.11 MeV) and $^{13}\mathrm{C}(d,h)^{12}\mathrm{B}$ (0.00 MeV). This mixing implies a charge-dependent matrix element between these two levels of approximately 250 keV.
Breast-fed infants respond to olfactory cues from their own mother and unfamiliar lactating females☆

Abstract Two-week-old breast-feeding infants were tested for their responses to alfactory cues produced by nursing mothers. Mean durations of orientation in the direction of a breast pad worn by an unfamiliar lactating female were greater than towards either a clean control pad or an axillary pad from the same stimulus female. When tested with odor pads worn by their own mother, however, infants did not orient differentially to her breast versus axillary odors. Breast odors from nursing females appear to be generally attactive to neonates. Moreover, breast-fed infants are capable of recognizing their own mother through the scent of her breast or axillary secretions, and are attracted to both of these sources of her unique alfactory signature.
Gold nanoshell density variation with laser power for induced hyperthermia

Abstract The thermal profile effects of nanoshell density, laser power, and laser arrangement are presented for ideal cases of nanoshell-assisted photothermal therapy. A one-dimensional thermal model utilizing the P 1 approximation is used to simulate the penetration of laser radiation and subsequent heating of 1-cm slabs of nanoshell-embedded tissue exposed to a 633-nm collimated light source. It is shown that adding too many nanoshells or increasing power can cause overheating in the entry region while leaving the rear region heated only by conduction, producing an undesirable temperature differential. An opposing dual-laser approach is presented that mitigates this issue.
Man-made debris in low earth orbit - A threat to future space operations

Man-man debris in orbit represents a potentially serious threat to satellites residing in low-Earth orbit, a threat which may become sufficiently large to serve as an operational constraint. Previous work has focused on presenting the hazard as a function of altitude. In this paper a path integral formulation for calculating hazard levels is presented. This formulation enables specific spacecraft orbits and debris deposited in specific orbits to be considered in determining hazard levels. Two cases are presented: for the Space Shuttle in 160 nm (300 km) orbit and for spacecraft in sun-synchronous orbit. The previous work is found to be in good agreement with the path integral results. The sensitivity of the hazard to spacecraft orbital inclination is presented in tabular form.
Tracking the Brownian diffusion of a colloidal tetrahedral cluster

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Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Risk reduction in a chronic inflammatory disease

Objective To perform a systematic literature review of the potential association among molecular markers of inflammation, alterations in body composition, and insulin resistance (IR), a precursor to type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. To determine the impact of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) as a pivotal proinflammatory cytokine in the pathophysiology of type 2 DM and RA, and the effect of antirheumatic drugs on glycemic control. Methods We performed a search of PubMed to identify articles on IR and body habitus in patients with RA. Results Patients with RA had characteristics placing them at high risk for IR and type 2 DM. The incidence and prevalence of type 2 DM in RA was not clearly increased compared with the general population; however, studies suggested that patients with RA are likely to have IR and have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The prevalence of type 2 DM and IR could be estimated from reports of risk factors for CVD in RA patients. The TNFα antagonists provided rapid and effective control of RA-related inflammation. Evidence indicated that extended use of TNFα antagonists in RA may provide the additional benefit of improving insulin sensitivity. These treatment-related changes may contribute to an overall reduction in the risk of type 2 DM and CVD in RA patients. Conclusion Controlling inflammation may improve insulin sensitivity and subsequently reduce the risk of developing type 2 DM in RA patients. This may also reduce the risk of CVD in this high-risk group. Future studies are required to elucidate the relationships between inflammation, body composition, IR, TNFα antagonist use, and the risk of developing type 2 DM in RA patients.
State diagram of linear sequential machines

Abstract An attempt is made in this paper to characterize and uniquely identify the class of state diagrams that represent linear sequential machines. Only the input-internal state transition relationship is analyzed, as is seen from the state diagram of the machine. The analysis of the input-output function will be similar to this. It is shown that a state diagram of a linear sequential machine can be partitioned into subgroup and cosets of states, each such partition being uniquely associated with a set of well-defined input sequences. This property is shown to be a consequence of the property of superposition of state transitions of a linear sequential machine. An algorithm is given to partition a given state diagram, if possible, into subgroup and cosets of states, such that if the diagram represents a linear sequential machine, the states and inputs could be appropriately coded and the matrices of the transition equation of a linear sequential machine could be constructed. If the given diagram does not represent a linear sequential machine, then it will be possible to know from the algorithm why it does not and how much it departs from a linear machine. The isomorphism between the subgroup and cosets of transitions of a linear sequential machine and the subgroup and cosets of an error correcting group code is pointed out. It is likely that this could be made use of to develop a uniform procedure for decoding such codes.
On Grief and Reason, On Poetry and Film: Elena Shvarts, Joseph Brodsky, Andrei Tarkovsky

The title "On Grief and Reason" comes from a lecture Joseph Brodsky delivered on the American poet Robert Frost, whom he described as terrifying, as distinct from tragic. The terror Brodsky had in mind and the terror all people confront is that of loss. Many theorists of the psyche tell us that a sense of loss is a precondition to language and to selfhood: only where there is loss can there be this gain, and a mighty compensation it is. Without separation there is no self, they insist, and without these two there is no access to language. A child must separate from the mother in order to grow. This view has been particularly advanced by object relations psychoanalysts.1 ALacanian approach to loss would agree on this point, translating it into entrance into the symbolic order which comes with the advent of language. This development is marked by what Jacques Lacan calls lost access to the real.2 Both of these approaches are helpful when we consider self-representation in literary texts: the dependence on language brings the adventures of insight that Lacan would celebrate but also fresh deprivations, and the objects that create a text's metaphors or anchor its implicit narrative are similarly vehicles for identification and difference. Theorists of mental process and of identity formation, then, bind loss to psychic development and in artistic texts dependent on language, the loss can never be only a source of lament. Artistic accounts of grief may exude a productive uncertainty about
Change in intraindividual variability over time as a key metric for defining performance-based cognitive fatigability

Cognitive fatigability is conventionally quantified as the increase over time in either mean reaction time (RT) or error rate from two or more time periods during sustained performance of a prolonged cognitive task. There is evidence indicating that these mean performance measures may not sufficiently reflect the response characteristics of cognitive fatigue. We hypothesized that changes in intraindividual variability over time would be a more sensitive and ecologically meaningful metric for investigations of fatigability of cognitive performance. To test the hypothesis fifteen young adults were recruited. Trait fatigue perceptions in various domains were assessed with the Multidimensional Fatigue Index (MFI). Behavioral data were then recorded during performance of a three-hour continuous cued Stroop task. Results showed that intraindividual variability, as quantified by the coefficient of variation of RT, increased linearly over the course of three hours and demonstrated a significantly greater effect size than mean RT or accuracy. Change in intraindividual RT variability over time was significantly correlated with relevant subscores of the MFI including reduced activity, reduced motivation and mental fatigue. While change in mean RT over time was also correlated with reduced motivation and mental fatigue, these correlations were significantly smaller than those associated with intraindividual RT variability. RT distribution analysis using an ex-Gaussian model further revealed that change in intraindividual variability over time reflects an increase in the exponential component of variance and may reflect attentional lapses or other breakdowns in cognitive control. These results suggest that intraindividual variability and its change over time provide important metrics for measuring cognitive fatigability and may prove useful for inferring the underlying neuronal mechanisms of both perceptions of fatigue and objective changes in performance.
Glucose-dependent dielectric properties of blood plasma

In this study, we show a correlation between electrical properties (relative permittivity-e r and conductivity-σ) of blood plasma and plasma glucose concentration. In order to formulate that correlation, we performed electrical property measurements on blood samples collected from 10 adults between the ages of 18 and 40 at University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) Children's hospital. The measurements are conducted between 500 MHz and 20 GHz band. Using the data obtained from measurements, we developed a single-pole Cole-Cole model for e r and σ as a function of plasma blood glucose concentration. To provide an application, we designed a microstrip patch antenna that can be used to predict the glucose concentration within a given plasma sample. Simulation results regarding antenna design and its performance are also presented.
An Empirical Analysis of Operating Values in Humanistic Education

This article reports a factor-analytic study of 15 operating instructional values derived from 40 representative writers in Humanistic Education. The three factors that emerged were a general factor, the so-called "Humanistic Paradigm," and two subsidiary group approaches, one supporting individual expression and the other an externally-oriented approach to social change. In the author's view, high interrater reliability, high (70% to 80%) degree of agreement of confluent students with the 40 experts, and significant differentiation between behaviorally-oriented counseling students and confluent students empirically validate the humanistic value orientation as a highly coherent set of operating principles.
Summarizing the differences from microblogs

With the rapid growth of social media websites, microblogging has become a popular way to spread instant news and events. Due to the dynamic and social nature of microblogs, extracting useful information from microblogs is more challenging than from the traditional news articles. In this paper we study the problem of summarizing the differences from microblogs. Given a collection of microblogs discussing an event/topic, we propose to generate a short summary delivering the differences among these microblogs, such as the different points of view for a news topic and the changes and evolution of an ongoing event.
Fluctuations, Order, and Disorder in Short Diblock Copolymers

The phase behavior for a series of poly(1,4-isoprene-b-DL-lactide) diblock copolymers characterized by a relatively large Flory–Huggins segment–segment interaction parameter (χ) and low degrees of polymerization (N) over a range of compositions was reported. Ordered-state morphologies were deduced from small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements, and χ(T) was determined from order-disorder transition temperatures (TODT's) associated with the compositionally symmetric specimens and assuming the mean-field theory, that is, (χN)ODT=10.5. The ODT was determined by differential scanning calorimetry, SAXS, and dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, and shown to be weakly first-order, with latent heats of transition that vary strongly with composition. We interpret this behavior in terms of the mean and Gauss interfacial curvature of the ordered-state morphologies and with respect to composition fluctuations in the disordered state. These results offer a fresh strategy for investigating weakly first-order phase transitions within the Brazovskii universality class. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 3502–3513, 2013
Further Evidence Implicating Diacylglycerol Generation and Protein Kinase C Activation in Agonist-Induced Increases in Glucose Uptake: Insulin-Like Effects of Phenylephrine in BC3H-1 Myocytes

We have previously suggested that insulin effects on 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake in BC3H-1 myocytes are due to increases in de novo phospholipid synthesis, diacylglycerol generation, and protein kinase C activation. To test this hypothesis further, we examined the effects of phenylephrine, an agonist that increases diacylglycerol and protein kinase C activity through phospholipase C activation. As evidence for phospholipase activation in BC3H-1 myocytes, we found that phenylephrine increased 7) acute 32 PO 4 incorporation into phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylinositol, 2) generation of [ 3 H]inositol phosphates from prelabeled [ 3 H]inositol phospholipids, 3) cytosolic Ca 2+ , and 4) membrane-bound protein kinase C. Phenylephrine also provoked dose-related increases in [ 3 H]-DOG uptake that were similar in magnitude and time course to those induced by insulin. As with insulin, phenylephrine effects on 2-DOG uptake were not apparent in myocytes that were maximally stimulated with 12- O - tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, a diacylglycerol analogue that activates protein kinase C. These findings support our hypothesis that diacylglycerol generation and protein kinase C activation may be important in the stimulation of glucose uptake by agents such as phenylephrine and insulin that activate the phosphoinositide cycle.
When Science Fiction and Science Fact Meet

Using science fiction based on science fact to prototype the human, cultural, ethical, and legal implications of early-stage research and technology allows us to envision possible futures, and to explore their effects so that we can then build them.
Determination of Microgram Quantities of Inorganic Boron in Mammalian Specimens

A method is presented for estimation of inorganic boron in mammalian tissues, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. The procedure is simple and rapid, qualifying it particularly to meet needs in clinical chemistry. The mammalian tissues are first enzymatically digested and extracted; then the deproteinized extract is allowed to react with quinalizarin in concentrated sulfuric acid. The intensity of the resultant color is read spectrophotometrically at 620 mµ. The boron concentration in the tissue analyzed is obtained from a standard reference graph for that tissue. The method is applicable to concentrations as low as I µg. of boron per gram of mammalian tissue or fluid.
Challenges in Large Scale Internet Search

Summary form only given. Search engines have become a central mechanism to deal with the exploding volume of information on the Internet. This talk discusses our experiences and computation models involved in developing leading-edge search engine technology at Ask.com. The author presents many of challenges faced in processing billions of documents and seeking relevant answers in real time for tens of millions of users everyday using tens of thousands of machines.
The Anticipation of Single Parenthood A Profile of Men's Concerns

Current demographic patterns indicate that a significant number of children are living apart from their biological fathers, suggesting a structural fragility or vulnerability of men's connections with their children. In this article, we first explore whether fathers have concerns about possible disruptions of their relationships with their children and identify the nature of these concerns. Next, we identify those characteristics that distinguish the fathers with high levels of concern from those who are less concerned. The quality of the marital or partner relationship strongly predicts fathers' concerns. Fathers who have a history of living apart from their child, and who maintain a high level of involvement with that child, express the least amount of concern. In addition, we find that the salience of the father role predicts concerns but that this effect varies according to the fathers' current age.
Phosphorylation of the Carboxyl Terminus of Inner Centromere Protein (INCENP) by the Aurora B Kinase Stimulates Aurora B Kinase Activity

How the events of mitosis are coordinated is not well understood. Intriguing mitotic regulators include the chromosomal passenger proteins. Loss of either of the passengers inner centromere protein (INCENP) or the Aurora B kinase results in chromosome segregation defects and failures in cytokinesis. Furthermore, INCENP and Aurora B have identical localization patterns during mitosis and directly bind each other in vitro. These results led to the hypothesis that INCENP is a direct substrate of Aurora B. Here we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans Aurora B kinase AIR-2 specifically phosphorylated the C. elegans INCENP ICP-1 at two adjacent serines within the carboxyl terminus. Furthermore, the full length and a carboxyl-terminal fragment of ICP-1 stimulated AIR-2 kinase activity. This increase in AIR-2 activity required that AIR-2 phosphorylate ICP-1 because mutation of both serines in the AIR-2 phosphorylation site of ICP-1 abolished the potentiation of AIR-2 kinase activity by ICP-1. Thus, ICP-1 is directly phosphorylated by AIR-2 and functions in a positive feedback loop that regulates AIR-2 kinase activity. Since the Aurora B phosphorylation site within INCENP and the functions of INCENP and Aurora B have been conserved among eukaryotes, the feedback loop we have identified is also likely to be evolutionarily conserved.
Combining genetic engineering and traditional breeding to provide elevated resistance in potatoes to Colorado potato beetle

The sustainable deployment of resistant crop varieties is a critical issue for the implementation of biotechnology in crop pest management. Feeding, biomass accumulation, and mortality were evaluated for susceptible, insecticide-resistant, and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry 3A-selected Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say) (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) larvae fed on: cultivated potato, a Solanum chacoense line expressing leptine glycoalkaloids, a transformed line expressing Bt toxin, or the leptine line transformed to express Bt toxin. Larvae selected for resistance to Bt-Cry3A performed better on Bt foliage, but not as well on the leptine foliage, compared to susceptible or insecticide-resistant larvae. Neither leptine nor Bt toxin completely inhibited the feeding and growth of 3rd and 4th instars of all three strains of Colorado potato beetle. However, for all three strains of Colorado potato beetle on leptine + Bt foliage, feeding was almost zero, growth was zero or negative, and mortality was near 100%.
Mercury chemistry of brominated activated carbons – Packed-bed breakthrough experiments

Abstract Coal-fired power plants provided between 45% and 50% of the United States net energy generation in the years between 1999 and 2010 and will continue to be a primary source of electricity into the future. Among the major environmental concerns of coal utilization is the release of mercury (Hg), which was recently regulated by the US EPA in the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) ruling in December 2011. Among the variety of potential methods for Hg capture, activated carbon injection (ACI) is viewed by the EPA as a viable, ready technology available to energy utilities to comply with MATS. However, there remain significant questions regarding the complicated interaction between the carbon sorbent, Hg, and contaminants present in combustion flue gas, such as SO 2 and NO x (NO and NO 2 ). In this study, bromine-impregnated carbon fiber (Br-ACF) was tested for Hg capture and oxidation in a controlled flue gas environment to elucidate trends in the interaction of the flue gas components. These results are compared with prior surface analysis results from this group to provide additional support to prior conclusions. Compared to baseline capture rates in a clean environment, results indicate that NO x promotes the oxidation of Hg, while SO 2 prevents the adsorption or oxidation of Hg on the Br-ACF.
Gas-drag-assisted capture of Himalia's family

Abstract To elucidate the capture of Jupiter's outer moons, we reverse-evolve satellites from their present orbits to their original heliocentric paths in the presence of Jupiter's primordial circumplanetary disk (Lubow et al., 1999, Astrophys. J. 526, 1001–1012; Canup and Ward, 2003, Astron. J. 124, 3404–3423). Our orbital histories use a symplectic integrator that allows dissipation. We assume that the present satellites Himalia, Elara, Lysithea, Leda, and S/2000 J11 are collisional fragments of a single parent. Our simulations show that this “prograde-cluster progenitor” (PCP) could be derived from objects with heliocentric orbits like those of the Hilda asteroid group. We show analytically that this capture is energetically possible. We also compare the spectroscopic characteristics of the prograde cluster members (Grav et al., 2003, Icarus, submitted for publication) with those of the Hildas, and conclude that the surface color of the prograde-cluster progenitor is consistent with an origin within the Hilda group. Accordingly, gas drag in the primordial jovian nebula is found to offer a plausible explanation for the origin of the prograde cluster. A similar capture mechanism is proposed for Saturn's Phoebe.
Structure and functions of human oxysterol 7α-hydroxylase cDNAs and gene CYP7B1

Oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase has broad substrate specificity for sterol metabolites and may be involved in many metabolic processes including bile acid synthesis and neurosteroid metabolism. The cloned human oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7B1) cDNA encodes a polypeptide of 506 amino acid residues that shares 40% sequence identity to human cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in the liver. In contrast to the liver-specific expression of CYP7A1, CYP7B1 mRNA transcripts were detected in human tissues involved in steroid genesis (brain, testes, ovary, and prostate) and in bile acid synthesis (liver) and reabsorption (colon, kidney, and small intestine). The human oxysterol 7alpha-hydroxylase transiently expressed in 293/T cells was able to catalyze 7alpha-hydroxylation of 27-hydroxycholesterol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The human CYP7A1 and CYP7B1 both contain six exons and five introns. However, CYP7B1 spans at least 65 kb of the genome and is about 6-fold longer than CYP7A1. The transcription start site (+1) was localized 204 bp upstream of the initiation codon. No TATA box-like sequence was found near the transcription start site. Transient transfection assays of CYP7B1 promoter/luciferase reporter constructs in HepG2 cells revealed that the promoter was highly active. The 5' upstream region from nt -83 to +189 is the core promoter of the gene.
A High-Rate Optimal Transform Coder With Gaussian Mixture Companders

This paper examines the problem of designing fixed-rate transform coders for sources whose distributions are unknown and presumably non-Gaussian, under input-weighted squared error distortion measures. As a component of this system, a flexible scalar compander based on Gaussian mixtures is proposed. The high-rate analysis of transform coders is reviewed, and extended to the case of input-weighted squared error. An algorithm is developed to set the parameters of the system using a data-driven technique that automatically balances the source statistics, distortion measure, and structure of the transform coder to minimize the high-rate distortion. The implementation of Gaussian mixture companders is explored, resulting in a flexible, low-complexity scalar quantizer. Additionally, modifications to the system for operation at moderate rates, using unstructured scalar quantizers, are presented. The operation of the system for the problem of wideband speech line spectral frequencies (LSF) quantization with log spectral distortion is illustrated, and shown to provide good performance with very low complexity
Burnout in pediatric residents over a 2-year period: a longitudinal study.

Abstract Objective Burnout is a work-related syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and lack of personal accomplishment (PA). We hypothesized that the transition into an environment of high physical, intellectual, and emotional demands of the medical profession would lead to an increase in the prevalence of burnout in pediatric residents, which would remain high throughout residency. Methods The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was administered to pediatric residents at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital 6 times between February 2010 and February 2012. These times corresponded to the start of residency, mid-intern year, end-intern year, mid-junior year, end-junior year, and mid-senior year. Results Mean values of burnout components changed significantly between the start of residency and mid-intern year. EE increased from 15.8 to 24.5 ( P P P = .04). Similarly, the prevalence of burnout increased from 17% to 46% ( P = .012), or 2% to 24% ( P = .002) using more restrictive criteria, between the start of residency and mid-intern year. Significant changes in mean scores or prevalence of burnout were not found between any other consecutive times throughout residency. Conclusions This longitudinal study documented a significant increase in the components of burnout among pediatric residents between the start of residency and mid-intern year, which persisted through the PGY2 and PGY3 years. Further studies are warranted to identify correlates of resident burnout and to develop preventative strategies to reduce its occurrence.
Propagation of frontal polymerization—crystallization waves

We consider polymerization–crystallization waves in a cylindrical reactor, in which monomer is converted to polymer in a planar front. The polymer is subsequently crystallized in a wider zone behind the front. Specifically, we study uniformly propagating polymerization–crystallization waves, and determine profiles of temperature, and concentrations of polymer and crystallized polymer, as well as the propagation velocity. A linear stability analysis of the travelling wave solutions indicates the possibility of Hopf bifurcation, which describes the transition to the experimentally observed spinning mode of propagation, in which a hot spot is observed to propagate along a helical path on the surface of the cylinder. Since conditions at the time of conversion determine the nature of the polymer produced, spiral hollows, which trace out a helical path, appear on the surface of the crystallized polymer product.
Inbreeding depression and partitioning of genetic load in the invasive biennial Alliaria petiolata (Brassicaceae).

 Premise of the study: Invasive species are nonnative species that enter novel environments, establish sustained populations, and can negatively impact native species. Here we assess a potential weakness of invasive species (genetic load) and show how species might overcome genetic barriers. Colonization of novel habitats by invasive species typically involves few individuals, exposing populations to founder effects. We empirically tested a central Illinois population of an invasive biennial plant, Alliaria petiolata , for evidence of a founder effect by assessing the pattern of genetic load.  Methods: To estimate genetic load, we assayed offspring from three cross types (self-pollinated, outcrossed within- and between-populations) in a greenhouse. Vegetative and reproductive traits were measured on fi rst-year plants grown with or without intraspecifi c competition.  Key results: We found substantial genetic load in this population of A. petiolata, which can mostly be attributed to genetic drift (founder effect) and not inbreeding depression. Between-population heterosis was expressed more than inbreeding depression under intraspecifi c competition.  Conclusions: Inbreeding may be adaptive for A. petiolata in its introduced range by providing reproductive assurance, with limited inbreeding load. Nevertheless, most of the genetic load in this population of A. petiolata is due to fiof deleterious alleles. Drift load is expected, given that this population is near the edge of its continuous geographic range in highly fragmented habitats, and gene fl ow between isolated populations is likely highly limited. Preventing additional introduction and movement of propagules between isolated local populations should reduce heterosis and A. petiolata competitiveness.
Influence of Carbohydrate Foods and Mating on Longevity of the Parasitoid Bathyplectes curculionis (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

By promoting adult longevity, carbohydrate food sources can influence the effectiveness of parasitoids in biological control of insect pests. Adults of Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson), a parasitoid of the alfalfa weevil (Gyllenhal)(Coleoptera: Curculionidae), benefit greatly from continual nourishment: field-collected adults lived significantly longer when provided sugar-water than those provided water only. Access to one potential source of adult nutrition in the field, dandelion flowers, enabled laboratory-reared wasps to live only slightly but nevertheless significantly longer than those that had access to water only, foliage of alfalfa, or flowers of Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham. The wasps were observed foraging readily on dandelion but could not insert their heads into and did not pierce florets to obtain nectar. For each of the foods provided (dandelion, phacelia, alfalfa, or water alone), virgin females lived significantly longer than mated females. This was not the case, however, when wasps were provided a honey-water solution; both virgin and mated females lived more than 20 d on average. These results suggest that even in the absence of oviposition, female longevity is reduced by the simple act of mating when inferior but not superior foods are available. The striking contrast in longevity of wasps provided honey versus other carbohydrate foods raises the question of how much female wasps in nature realize their potential lifespan and fecundity. Dandelions and pea aphid honeydew appear to be the most likely sources of carbohydrates for the wasp in alfalfa fields. Supplemental foods such as floral plantings may promote realization of such potential longevity, but the quality and accessibility of floral foods for the wasp will need to be evaluated carefully.
Porters Strategic Types: Differences In Internal Processes And Their Impact On Performance

This study examined differences in the environmental perceptions, management philosophy and values, and performance goals of strategic types based on Porters generic strategies, in the context specific setting of the health care industry. Results of the study show that different strategic types differed on a number of dimensions of managerial philosophy and values, and in terms of the major goals emphasized, thus emphasizing the differences in internal processes.