cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RF-induced heating comparison between TEM and birdcage coils for circular external fixator

The objective of this study is to numerically compare the radio frequency (RF) — induced heating in transverse electromagnetic (TEM) coil and birdcage (BC) coil in the presence of circular leg fixator. We show that TEM coil generates a larger peak specific absorption rate averaged over 1 gram (SAR1g) than BC coil with circular external fixator. In the specific case, the peak SAR1g in TEM coil can be 1.5 times higher than it in BC coil. Moreover, it is found that enlarging the size of the fixator will further increase the peak SAR1g for both TEM and BC coils.
Representations of the Lorentz Group

Having seen the importance in quantum mechanics of understanding the representations of the rotation group SO(3) and its double cover \(Spin(3)=SU(2)\), one would like to also understand the representations of the Lorentz group SO(3, 1) and its double cover \(Spin(3,1)=SL(2,\mathbf C)\). One difference from the SO(3) case is that all non-trivial finite dimensional irreducible representations of the Lorentz group are non-unitary (there are infinite dimensional unitary irreducible representations, of no known physical significance, which we will not discuss).
Spatial extent of mercury contamination in birds and their prey on the floodplain of a contaminated river

Mercury (Hg) exposure has been extensively studied in aquatic and piscivorous wildlife, but, historically, less attention has been directed towards terrestrial species. However, it has become apparent that aquatic Hg crosses ecosystem boundaries along with beneficial subsidies, thereby entering the terrestrial food chain. It is still not known how far from contaminated waterways Hg exposure remains a risk. We examined the spatial extent of exposure in terrestrial songbirds breeding in the floodplain along a 40-km stretch of Hg-contaminated river in Virginia, USA. Four songbird species were chosen that readily occupied artificial nest cavities placed at known distances from the river; Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis), Carolina wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus), eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis), and house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). We examined Hg exposure at varying distances from the edge of the river for three endpoints: 1) adult bird blood, 2) nestling bird feather and 3) spider whole body (collected in pitfall traps and directly from the mouths of nestling birds). We used mixed effects models to understand 1) how total Hg (i.e., inorganic and organic, THg) concentrations differed between contaminated and reference sites and 2) how THg concentrations declined with distance away from the river on contaminated sites. Adult bird blood THg indicated that a species-by-distance interaction was significant, after accounting for site and year. Importantly, despite the decline with distance, we found that THg levels in some songbird species and their invertebrate prey remained elevated above reference levels for up to 400m away from the river. Our results predict a spatial extent of contamination that is an order of magnitude greater than similar studies investigating the lateral impact of other aquatically derived contaminants. To our knowledge, this study is the first to indicate that exposure to legacy aquatic Hg is possible for terrestrial wildlife across the entire floodplain, rather than being confined to narrow riparian corridors.
How Have Other Journals Compared to “The Top Seven” Journals in Family Social Science with Respect to LGBT-Related Research and Reviews? A Comment on “A Content Analysis of LGBT Research in Top Family Journals 2000–2015”? An Editorial Analysis

Van Eeden-Moorefield, Few-Demo, Benson, Bible, and Lummer (2018) recently reviewed the content of seven family social science journals with respect to theory and methods used in 153 articles featur...
Panorama de las PyME del sector turístico en Colombia en el marco de la Alianza del Pacífico

El documento presenta una perspectiva de las PyME del sector turismo en Colombia en el marco de la Alianza del Pacifico, a partir del analisis y el diagnostico de la competitividad de las PyME colombianas. Para esto, se realiza el respectivo estudio con base en datos estadisticos proporcionados por distintas entidades, a partir de lo cual se ejecuta una descripcion general de la situacion de las PyME del sector turistico de Colombia frente a la dinamica sectorial en Mexico, Peru y Chile. Se definen cuales son las actividades que mas proporcionan o establecen un mayor aporte al sector, las principales nacionalidades de los turistas que ingresan a cada pais, entre otros aspectos, y se realiza una balance de la situacion del sector turistico colombiano respecto a los demas paises, evaluando con ello puntos debiles y fortalezas que tiene este sector de la economia nacional.
Constraints and Flexibility in Cortical Control of the Hand

The hand performs a variety of functions, from simple grasping to delicate manipulation, largely under the control of the primary motor cortex. Perhaps as a result of biomechanical interactions between the digits at the periphery, cortical control works as a widely distributed network. Whereas for grasping the cortex may drive a limited number of fixed synergies, for more individuated finger movements cortical neurons act as diverse elements to generate a remarkable degree of flexibility. In addition to providing a substrate for motor learning and for plastic reorganization after injury, this flexible network permits rapid re-combination of elements that can promptly create entirely novel movements. Such rapid flexibility enables cortical neurons to become dissociated from bodily movement during mental imagery and during closed loop control of brain machine interfaces.
Confidence Intervals II

In the previous topic you began a study of the important and widely used technique of confidence intervals. These procedures use a sample statistic to estimate a population parameter with an interval of values and a certain confidence level. This topic asks you to continue this study by considering sample survey results and the connection between confidence intervals and the commonly used expression “margin-of-error.” You will also investigate some of the limitations of confidence intervals, encountering some situations in which one must be wary of applying them thoughtlessly.
Effects of Alterations in Gait Mechanics on the Development of Osteoarthritis in the ACL-Deficient Knee

In this chapter, the kinematic and kinetic changes in the knee after ACL injury are discussed. Human motion analysis supports the observation that altered rotational positions in the ACL-deficient knee lead to changes in tibiofemoral contact during walking. The interaction between altered joint kinematics and the structural and biological components of articular cartilage are explored as an initiating mechanism of premature cartilage degradation following ACL injury. This mechanism provides a framework for studying OA that unifies kinematic and biological investigations and should form the development of techniques to prevent the initiation and progression of OA in the ACL-injured population.
Receptors in the ventral tegmental area mediating nicotine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.

Nicotine or cocaine, when administered intravenously, induces an increase of extracellular dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. The nicotine-mediated increase was shown to occur at least in part through increase of the activity of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area. As part of our continuing studies of the mechanisms of nicotine effects in the brain, in particular, effects on reward and cognitive mechanisms, in the present study we examined the role of various receptors in the ventral tegmental area in nicotine and cocaine reward. We assayed inhibition of the increase of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens induced by intravenous nicotine or cocaine administration by antagonists administered into the ventral tegmental area. Nicotine-induced increase of accumbal dopamine release was inhibited by intrategmental nicotinic (mecamylamine), muscarinic (atropine), dopaminergic (D1: SCH 23390, D2: eticlopride), and NMDA glutamatergic (MK 801) and GABAB (saclofen) antagonists, but not by AMPA-kainate (CNQX, GYKI-52466) antagonists under our experimental circumstances. The intravenous cocaine-induced increase of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens was inhibited by muscarinic (atropine), dopamine 2 (eticlopride), and GABAB (saclofen) antagonists but not by antagonists to nicotinic (mecamylamine), dopamine D1 (SCH 23390), glutamate (MK 801), or AMPA-kainate (CNQX, GYKI-52466) receptors. Antagonists administered in the ventral tegmental area in the present study had somewhat different effects when they were previously administered intravenously. When administered intravenously atropine did not inhibit cocaine effects. The inhibition by atropine may be indirect, since this compound, when administered intrategmentally, decreased basal dopamine levels in the accumbens. The findings indicate that a number of receptors in the ventral tegmental area mediate nicotine-induced dopamine changes in the nucleus accumbens, a major component of the nicotine reward mechanism. Some, but not all, of these receptors in the ventral tegmental area also seem to participate in the reward mechanism of cocaine. The importance of local receptors in the ventral tegmental area was further indicated by the increase in accumbal dopamine levels after intrategmental administration of nicotine or also cocaine.
Log2Lose: Development and Lessons Learned From a Mobile Technology Weight Loss Intervention

Background: Providing financial incentives has gained popularity as a strategy to promote weight loss, but questions remain about how best to utilize them. A promising mobile health strategy provides users with near-real-time financial incentives based on both the process of weight loss (behavioral modification) and actual weight loss. To maximize the impact of this strategy, a methodology is needed to close the gap between the desired behavior and the financial incentive. Leveraging mobile health tools—such as mobile phone apps, cellular body weight scales that transmit data to physicians and researchers, and text messaging for instructions and encouragement—has the potential to close this gap. Objective: This study aimed to describe the development of an innovative technology-based solution and lessons learned from a feasibility trial—Log2Lose—that encouraged individuals to lose weight by providing near-real-time financial incentives for weight loss and/or dietary self-monitoring. Methods: We recruited participants (N=96) with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 for a 24-week weight loss trial. Participants received a behavioral intervention of biweekly, in-person group sessions and were instructed to log a minimum number of daily calories in MyFitnessPal and to step on the BodyTrace cellular scale at least twice per week. In a 2×2 design, participants were randomized into 4 groups to receive financial incentives for the following: (group 1) weekly weight loss and dietary self-monitoring, (group 2) dietary self-monitoring only, (group 3) weekly weight loss only, or (group 4) no financial incentives. Diet and weight data from the devices were obtained through application programming interfaces. Each week, we applied algorithms to participants’ data to determine whether they qualified for a monetary incentive (groups 1-3). A text message notified these participants of whether they met weight loss and/or self-monitoring requirements to earn an incentive and the amount they earned or would have earned. The money was uploaded to a debit card. Results: Our custom-engineered software platform analyzed data from multiple sources, collated and processed the data to send appropriate text messages automatically, and informed study staff of the appropriate incentives. We present lessons learned from the development of the software system and challenges encountered with technology, data transmission, and participants (eg, lost connections or delayed communication). Conclusions: With consistent and constant validation checks and a robust beta test run, the process of analyzing data and determining eligibility for weekly incentives can be mostly automated. We were able to accomplish this project within an academic health system, which required significant security and privacy safeguards. Our success demonstrates how this methodology of automated feedback loops can provide health interventions via mobile technology. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02691260; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02691260
Determining Evidence-Based Outcomes in School-Aged Youth: Free-Access Instruments for School Counselor Use:

School counselors must demonstrate effectiveness of counseling services in a cost-effective manner. This article reviews and applies commonly used, free-access assessment instruments for use with s...
Emotions and Intergroup Relations

Emotion has long been considered important to the relations between groups because emotions are powerful collective experiences that people share with like-minded others. As such, emotion enables coordinated and concerted action as a group, vis a vis other groups. As such, the emotions that people feel about intergroup relations are useful to social and behavioral science because they are potent symbols for the meaning people give to their experience. In this article, we focus on recent social psychological work on anger, empathy, pride, shame, and guilt.
Anarsioses, a new generic name for Phyllonorycter aberrans (Braun) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

Annette Braun (1930) described the leafmining moth Phyllonorycter aberrans in the genus Lithocolletis Hubner, 1825. The species was later transferred to Phyllonorycter by Davis (1983). Recent morphological studies on North American Gracillariidae by the author have shown that P. aberrans requires a new generic placement. Generic distinction was also recognized by the molecular studies of Kawahara et al. (2017: fig. 2). Anarsioses is very similar to Phyllonorycter in general head morphology and wing venation, but differs in the unusual asymmetry of the male genitalia and in larval biology.
Neural Correlates of Decision Variables and Strategic Preferences

Financial decision-making often involves the assessment of risk and reward across a given time frame, along with any number of contextual factors that could impact decision strategies and outcomes. These complex decisions have a significant long- and short-term impact on people’s lives – from investment and financial planning to healthcare and medical decisions. A central goal of decision neuroscience research has been to improve our understanding of decision preferences and strategies, taking into account biological constraints and limitations. Scientists have incorporated neuroimaging and neuroscientific techniques in both human and animal models to better understand the biological basis of decision processes and subsequent individual differences in decision-making. More recently, researchers have begun to take network and computational approaches to understand the neurobiological mechanisms that influence decision-making across a variety of domains. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of the field of decision neuroscience and the criticisms and progress made over the past two decades. Next, we will outline key regions and systems of the brain that map onto distinct decision variables and inform our understanding of financial decision-making processes and mechanisms. Lastly, we will identify and review critical findings surrounding the neuroscience of how people employ different decision-making strategies. As the field of decision neuroscience matures, we also identify future areas of research and its impact on financial decision-making.
Double gendered: public views on women’s and men’s migration in Armenia

Globally, the share of women among international labour migrants has risen dramatically in the past several decades, but in many patriarchal settings with traditionally high levels of men’s out-mig...
On-Chip Optical Spectrometer Based on InGaN/GaN Wavelength-Selective Nanostructural Absorbers

We demonstrate an optics-free chip-scale optical spectrometer consisting of monolithically integrated semiconductor photodetectors that have inherent wavelength selectivity by local strain engineering. Computational spectral estimation of unknown incident light is also presented in visible range.
A Case of Concurrent Delirium and Catatonia in a Woman With Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Abstract Introduction Delirium and catatonia are two representations of acute brain dysfunction that can occur in medically ill patients. It has become increasingly evident that delirium and catatonia can co-occur in the setting of medical illnesses. Delirium and catatonia have been separately described as neuropsychiatric sequelae of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection; however, to the best of our knowledge the co-occurrence of delirium and catatonia in the setting of COVID-19 has not been previously reported. Case We describe a case of concurrent delirium and catatonia in a 70-year-old woman with multiple medical comorbidities but with no prior psychiatric history, who was hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. Her symptoms of both delirium and catatonia improved with administration of low-dose lorazepam. Discussion We highlight the importance of recognizing catatonia in medically ill patients and the overlap between and co-occurrence of delirium and catatonia in this population. We explore how the conditions imposed by COVID-19 illness and its unique pathophysiology predispose patients to the development of both delirium and catatonia, as well as the challenges imposed by traditionally different approaches to treatment of these two conditions. Conclusion Delirium and catatonia can co-occur in the context of acute COVID-19 illness. Features specific to COVID-19, both pathophysiological and environmental, create a unique set of conditions, which predispose patients to co-occurring delirium and catatonia. Delirium and co-occurring catatonia may improve with administration of low-dose lorazepam in selected patients.
Iodine-enhanced micro-computed tomography of atherosclerotic plaque morphology complements conventional histology.

Abstract Background and aims Visualization of arterial lesions in situ can enhance understanding of atherosclerosis progression and potentially improve experimental therapies. Conventional histology methods for assessing atherosclerotic lesions are robust but are destructive and may prevent further tissue analysis. The objective of the current study was to evaluate a novel, nondestructive method for visualization and characterization of atherosclerotic lesions as an alternative or complementary to routine histology. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) paired with an iodine-based radiopaque stain would effectively characterize atherosclerotic plaques in a manner comparable to routine histology while maintaining sample integrity and providing whole-volume data. Methods We examined porcine coronary arteries with varying degrees of atherosclerosis, using micro-CT in the absence and presence of iohexol (240 mgI/ml). Following iohexol washout, routine histological assessment of the samples was performed with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome. Results Iohexol staining generated soft tissue delineation and subsequent atherosclerotic plaque assessment via augmented radiopacity, permitting three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of these lesions, maintaining in situ architecture. Although plaque distribution and arterial wall tissue layers were discernible, micro-CT was incapable of discriminating cell types comprising the plaque. Calcium phosphate deposition was readily located and visualized in 3D space, independent of iohexol. Conclusions The results of this study establish micro-CT, combined with a diffusible radiopaque contrast agent, as a powerful imaging modality for visualizing in situ architecture of atherosclerotic plaques. Our findings demonstrate that micro-CT can be used to identify plaque distribution and calcium deposition complementary to routine histological analysis.
Stress-driven grain refinement in a microstructurally stable nanocrystalline binary alloy

Abstract Deformation-induced grain-growth in nanocrystalline materials is a widely-reported phenomenon that has been attributed to grain boundary (GB) processes. In this paper, we report on the opposite phenomenon, wherein a stable nanocrystalline (NC) Cu-Ta alloy undergoes a further refinement of the nano-grains during severe plastic deformation (SPD). SPD up to 250% results in a significant grain-size reduction despite the 350°C increase in temperature caused by the deformation process. Experiments and atomistic-simulations show that this unexpected grain-refinement is a direct result of well-dispersed Ta-nanoclusters throughout grain centers and along GBs acting as kinetic-pinning agents and suppressing GB processes that occur during recrystallization.
Imaging neuroendocrine tumors: Characterizing the spectrum of radiographic findings

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a group of neoplasms with neuroendocrine differentiation affecting a wide range of organs. Functional NETs present with symptoms due to the particular hormone produced. Functional NETs are usually small at diagnosis and therefore can be challenging to diagnose. In contrast, non-functioning NETs are generally larger and present with mass effect. Imaging plays an indispensable role in diagnosis, staging and management of patients with NETs. The optimal modality and technique for imaging of NETs depend on the location of primary and metastatic lesions. Regardless of the imaging modality, dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging is essential for evaluation of NETs. In general, CT scan is typically the primary imaging modality for evaluating NETs. MRI is used as a complementary modality, being superior to other modalities to assess liver metastasis. Nuclear medicine imaging is also widely used in NET assessment.
Prevention of Acute Kidney Injury With the RenalGuard System in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: The PROTECT-TAVI Trial (PROphylactic effecT of furosEmide-induCed diuresis with matched isotonic intravenous hydraTion in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)∗

In this issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions , Barbanti et al. [(1)][1] report the results of a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) investigating the potential protective effect of the RenalGuard system in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Leveraging Failure-Based Learning to Support Decision-Making and Creative Risk in Instructional Design Pedagogy

Despite the call for instructional designers to employ design thinking as a means to foster creativity in problem-solving, many students struggle with enacting creative risk. While several studies have been conducted studying how instructional designers engage in problem-solving to contend with project constraints, few have addressed whether this is due to their confidence and abilities to engage in creative risk. This paper discusses how instructional designers can promote creative risk in instructional design pedagogy through three constructs: ideation, dynamic decision-making, and failure-based learning. Implications and future research are also discussed.
Emergent Entailed Analogical Reasoning of “Same,” “Different,” and “Opposite” in Children with Disabilities

We sought to evaluate a set of procedures based on Relational Frame Theory in teaching children with disabilities to reason analogically using relations between the contextual cues “same,” “opposite,” and “different.” Two children were first taught to respond to the relational cues using common pictures and were subsequently trained through an exemplar to correctly respond to analogies presented in an analogy matrix, based on the prior established relations. Two other children were exclusively trained to respond to analogies in the matrix without prior relational training. The children that received relational and analogy training could correctly respond analogically and the skill transferred to untrained analogies. Mastery was not observed in the control participants.
Rates of pregnancy among levonorgestrel and copper intrauterine emergency contraception initiators: Implications for backup contraception recommendations.

Abstract Objective This study assessed the timing, frequency, use of backup method and 1-month pregnancy rates among individuals who had an intrauterine device (IUD) placed as emergency contraception and reported intercourse within 7 days post-placement. Study Design In this secondary analysis of a randomized control trial of IUDs for emergency contraception, 518 individuals reporting unprotected intercourse in the preceding 5 days had a 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system (IUS) or 380 mm2 copper IUD placed outside the first week of their menstrual cycle. All participants were advised to use backup contraception for 7 days. We assessed pregnancy status 1 month after placement by urine testing or, when not available, by survey responses and electronic health record review. Participants reported whether their first sexual activity after device placement occurred within 7 days of their placement, the frequency of intercourse and whether they used backup contraception. Results Rapid return to sexual activity was common and use of backup contraception was rare, regardless of type of IUD placed. Of participants who resumed penile-vaginal intercourse in the first month, most (286/446, 64.1%) participants reported intercourse within 7 days of IUD placement; only 16.4% (74/446) used condoms or withdrawal. No pregnancies occurred among users of the levonorgestrel IUS who reported intercourse within 7 days of placement (0/138, 0.0%, 95% CI 0.0%, 2.6%) nor among users of the 380mm2 copper IUD (0/148, 0.0%, 95% CI 0.0%, 2.5%). Conclusion Pregnancy rates are low after placement of an IUD for emergency contraception, even among the many who resume intercourse within days following IUD placement without use of backup contraception. Implications Clinical guidelines should facilitate access to contraception, including elimination of unnecessary recommendations for backup contraception or abstinence in the 7 days following 52 mg levonorgestrel intrauterine system.
Source of Energy for Gliding Motility in Flexibacter polymorphus: Effects of Metabolic and Respiratory Inhibitors on Gliding Movement

Abstract The effects of selected metabolic and respiratory inhibitors on the gliding motility of Flexibacter polymorphus were examined. Motility and oxygen consumption were quantitatively inhibited in a reversible manner by specific respiratory poisons, suggesting that gliding velocity was linked to electron transport activity. Arsenate had little influence on the number or rate of gliding filaments, despite a 95% decrease in the concentration of intracellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP). At concentrations of cyanide or azide that abolished gliding movement, cells possessed a level of ATP that should have been sufficient to allow motility. Proton-conducting uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation, such as carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) and tetrachlorosalicylanilide, strongly inhibited locomotion yet did not suppress respiratory activity or intracellular ATP sufficiently to account for their effect on movement. Inhibition of motility by CCCP (but not by tetrachlorosalicylanilide) was partially reversed by sulfhydryl compounds. However, unlike CCCP, inhibition of motility by p-chloromercuribenzoate, a known sulfhydryl-blocking reagent, was associated with a corresponding reduction in respiratory activity and ATP content of cells. Protein synthesis was not blocked by concentrations of CCCP inhibitory for motility, indicating that utilization of existing ATP in this energy-requiring process was not impaired. These data suggest (but do not unequivocally prove) that ATP may not function as the sole energy donor for the gliding mechanism, but that some additional product of electron transport is required (e.g., the intermediate of oxidative phosphorylation).
Cellobiose Metabolism in Aerobacter aerogenes II. PHOSPHORYLATION OF CELLOBIOSE WITH ADENOSINE 5'-TRIPHOSPHATE BY A β-GLUCOSIDE KINASE

Abstract The first reaction in the metabolism of cellobiose in Aerobacter aerogenes was shown to be adenosine 5'-triphosphate-dependent phosphorylation at C-6 of the nonreducing ring to yield 6-O-phosphoryl-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-d-glucose (cellobiose monophosphate). The inducible β-glucoside kinase that catalyzes the reaction was partially purified and characterized. In addition to cellobiose, the following β-glucosides served as substrates: cellotriose, cellotetraose, cellobiitol, salicin, arbutin, gentibiose, sophorose, amygdalin, phenyl β-d-glucoside, and methyl β-d-glucoside.
DEVELOPMENT OF A ROUTE GUIDANCE GENERATION SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME APPLICATION

Abstract This paper describes the route guidance generation component of DynaMIT, a dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) system intended for deployment in a traffic center and capable of generating real-time prediction-based guidance information. After providing a general overview of the system, the paper discusses the principal theoretical and algorithmic issues which influenced the development of its guidance generation component.
USE OF EXOTIC HOSTS BY LEPIDOPTERA: WIDESPREAD SPECIES COLONIZE MORE NOVEL HOSTS

The study of host shifts by herbivorous insects has played an important role in evolutionary biology, contributing to research in coevolution, ecological speciation, and adaptive radiation. As invasive plants become more abundant in many ecosystems, the potential for exotic host use by native insects increases. Graves and Shapiro (2003) have documented exotic host use by 34% of Californian butterflies, suggesting that the plants and butterflies of California might be an important model system for the colonization and utilization of novel resources. In this study, we analyze relationships among geographic range, native diet breadth, and the use of exotic hosts by Californian butterflies and skippers (Lepidoptera). Geographic range and, to a lesser extent, native diet breadth are significant predictors of exotic host use, with positive relationships found both before and after phylogenetic correction. These results give insight into the process of insect host range evolution, as geographically widespread generalists have an apparently greater tendency to use novel, exotic hosts than geographically constrained specialists. Increasing occurrences of exotic host use are expected and those species not capable of shifting to nonnative hosts are likely to have higher vulnerability to extirpation and extinction in the future.
Web Scale Computing: The Power of Infrastructure as a Service

Building the right infrastructure that can scale up or down at a moment's notice can be a complicated and expensive task, but it's essential in today's competitive landscape. This applies to an enterprise trying to cut costs, a young business unexpectedly saturated with customer demand, or a research lab wanting to test at scale. There are many challenges when building a reliable, flexible architecture that can manage unpredictable behaviors of today's Internet business. This presentation will outline some of the lessons learned from building one of the world's largest distributed systems, Amazon.com, and the evolution that gave rise to Amazon reselling its infrastructure in the form of Amazon Web Services, allowing anyone to leverage the same robust, scalable, and reliable technology that powers Amazon's business.
Derepression of β-Lactamase (Penicillinase) in Bacillus cereus by Peptidoglycans

In Bacillus cereus 569 a cellular inducer of beta-lactamase was isolated which has the same constituents and basic structure as the soluble peptidoglycan found in sporulation, extracts from spores, and germination extracts, and which was previously called "spore-peptide." The material has been extensively purified and characterized. Two acid-soluble, high-molecular-weight peptidoglycan fractions containing muramic acid, glucosamine, diaminopimelic acid, d-aspartate, and d- and l-alanine, -lysine, -glycine, and -glutamate, distinguishable on the basis of size and different amino acid to amino sugar ratios, have been found to be responsible for the observed induction. Both fractions are capable of inducing high levels of beta-lactamase in concentrations lower than those of benzyl penicillin required for optimal induction. Several experiments also suggest that it is the accumulation of such soluble peptidoglycan in penicillin-treated cells which leads to induction of beta-lactamase and not the penicillin itself. The "spore-peptide" inducer becomes available during sporulation, and endogenous derepression of beta-lactamase activity occurs simultaneously. Such derepression also occurs in a strain of B. cereus very sensitive to penicillin and in which both uninduced as well as "spore-peptide"-induced beta-lactamase is a small fraction of that produced by the typical penicillinase producer. These results suggest that beta-lactamase in B. cereus functions in cell wall metabolism during sporulation.
Assisted Death and Martyrdom

Against the backdrop of ancient, mediaeval and modern Catholic teaching prohibiting killing (the rule against killing), the question of assisted suicide and euthanasia is examined. In the past the Church has modified its initial repugnance for killing by developing specific guidelines for permitting killing under strict conditions. This took place with respect to capital punishment and a just war, for example. One wonders why in the least objectionable instance, when a person is already dying, suffering, and repeatedly requesting assistance in dying, there is still such widespread condemnation of assisted suicide and euthanasia. In a Gedankexperiment, I suggest that certain stories of martyrdom in the history of the Christian Church shed some light on the role of taking one's life, or putting one's life in danger out of love. I further suggest that requesting assisted suicide and/or euthanasia from the motive of love of one's family or care givers might possibly qualify as one instance of justifiable euthanasia, although I acknowledge that the Church will not be making changes in its stance any time soon. Language: en
Children’s Perceptions of the Social Support of Neighborhood Institutions and Establishments

A study of children’s help-seeking behavior in 5 Cleveland, Ohio (USA) neighborhoods revealed the important role played by particular members of neighborhood institutions and establishments not commonly considered in research on children’s social networks: the school crossing guard, the librarian at the local public library branch, and the store owner/clerk at the neighborhood convenience store. These roles—above and beyond their “position descriptions”—ranged from provisioner of winter clothing in the case of crossing guards to mediator of child disputes in the case of public librarians. Moreover, crossing guards, librarians, and store owners/clerks were identi?ed by some children as resources for dealing with bullies. The implications of these unrecognized supportive roles are discussed.
CHINA'S FORESTS UNDER ECONOMIC REFORM: TIMBER SUPPLIES, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AND RURAL RESOURCE ACCESS

China's national forest statistics describe increases in total forest cover during the 1980s but mask the diversity of responses to economic reform and some characteristics of the forests and, forest uses. The provincial-level statistics reported here confirm the regional studies and anecdotal reports about widespread fellings of forest in the non-state managed areas but demonstrate that high rates of harvest occurred in the state-managed forests, too. These disaggregated statistics reveal the importance of direct investment projects, as opposed to pure reform measures, to provide environmental services and to increase, forest cover overall. In addition, these statistics provide evidence of an increase in the use of forest land for cash forests and fuelwood forests, as opposed to timber forests, by rural forest managers trying to meet their local resource and income needs.
Ethnic differences in bladder cancer survival

Objective To examine trends in bladder cancer survival among whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders in the United States over a 30-year period. Racial disparities in bladder cancer outcomes have been documented with poorer survival observed among blacks. Bladder cancer outcomes in other ethnic minority groups are less well described. Methods From the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer registry data, we identified patients diagnosed with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder between 1975 and 2005. This cohort included 163,973 white, 7731 black, 7364 Hispanic, and 5934 Asian/Pacific Islander patients. We assessed the relationship between ethnicity and patient characteristics. Disease-specific 5-year survival was estimated for each ethnic group and for subgroups of stage and grade. Results Blacks presented with higher-stage disease than whites, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders, although a trend toward earlier-stage presentation was observed in all groups over time. Five-year disease-specific survival was consistently worse for blacks than for other ethnic groups, even when stratified by stage and grade. Five-year disease-specific survival was 82.8% in whites compared with 70.2% in blacks, 80.7% in Hispanics, and 81.9% in Asian/Pacific Islanders. There was a persistent disease-specific survival disadvantage in black patients over time that was not seen in the other ethnic groups. Conclusion Ethnic disparities in bladder cancer survival persist between whites and blacks, whereas survival in other ethnic minority groups appears similar to that of whites. Further study of access to care, quality of care, and treatment decision making among black patients is needed to better understand these disparities.
Screening in Thermonuclear Reaction Rates in the Sun

We evaluate the effect of electrostatic screening by ions and electrons on low-Z thermonuclear reactions in the Sun. We use a mean field formalism and calculate the electron density of the screening cloud using the appropriate density matrix equation of quantum statistical mechanics. Because of well-understood physical effects that are included for the first time in our treatment, the calculated enhancement of reaction rates does not agree with the frequently used interpolation formulae. Our result does agree, within small uncertainties, with Salpeter's weak screening formula. If weak screening is used instead of the commonly employed screening prescription of Graboske et al., the predicted 8B neutrino flux is increased by 7% and the predicted chlorine rate is increased by 0.4 SNU.
A Coupled HPLC/Radioimmunoassay for Analysis of Zidovudine Metabolites in Mononuclear Cells

Abstract Reverse-phase HPLC, with the ion-pairing agent tetrabutyl ammonium phosphate, was used to separate zidovudine (ZDV) and its 5′-phosphorylated metabolites in extracts from peripheral blood mononuclear cells incubated with 2 μM ZDV. Because intracellular concentrations were too small to be visualized using UV detection, 1 ml fractions were collected and assayed for ZDV and metabolites using a commercial radioimmunoassay (RIA). Resolution of components was satisfactory, with a total chromatography time of 32 minutes. Interassay variability of peak areas was less than 14%. Comparison of UV detected chromatograms to RIA detected chromatograms from a standard mixture of ZDV and metabolites showed no significant difference between corresponding relative peak areas. The ion-pairing agent elevated baseline concentrations as measured by RIA. Quantitation was therefore performed by concurrent measurement of total phosphorylated ZDV using an established procedure, followed by comparison of relative peak area...
Orthostatic hypertension: when pressor reflexes overcompensate

Authors from the Autonomic Dysfunction Center at Vanderbilt University present an overview of what is known about this poorly understood and often overlooked form of blood pressure dysregulation. The definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of orthostatic hypertension, and conditions associated with it, are touched on. Through their comprehensive analysis, Fessel and Robertson detect the gaps in knowledge that should direct future research. Orthostatic hypertension—a rise in blood pressure upon assuming upright posture—is an underappreciated and understudied clinical phenomenon. There is currently no widely agreed-upon definition of clinical orthostatic hypertension, the current definitions being operational within the context of particular studies. The underlying pathophysiology is thought to involve activation of the sympathetic nervous system, but the actual etiology is poorly understood. Orthostatic hypertension is observed in association with a variety of other clinical conditions, including essential hypertension, dysautonomias, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Orthostatic hypertension has been associated with increased occurrence of silent cerebrovascular ischemia and possibly with neuropathy in type 2 diabetes. So, appreciation of the true incidence of orthostatic hypertension, elucidation of the underlying pathophysiology, and an understanding of potentially effective treatment approaches and their associated risks and benefits might all have major clinical significance. Orthostatic hypertension is an aspect of hypertension that is in need of further focused investigation.
Novel Application of Rapid Prototyping for Simulation of Bronchoscopic Anatomy

Objective The authors used rapid prototyping (RP) technology to create anatomically congruent models of tracheo-bronchial tree for teaching relevant bronchoscopic anatomy. Design Pilot study. Setting A single level tertiary academic medical center. Interventions Two 3 dimensional (3D) models of tracheo-bronchial tree (one showing normal anatomy and another with an early take off of right apical bronchus) were recreated from Computed Tomographic images using RP technology. These images were then attached to mannequins and examined with a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope (FFB). These images were then compared with the actual FFB images obtained during lung isolation. Measurements and Main Results The images obtained through the 3D models were found to be congruent to actual patient anatomy. Conclusions RP can be successfully used to create anatomically accurate models from imaging studies. There is potential for RP to become a valuable educational tool in the future.
Graph theory in microprogramming: An alternate approach to designing micro-code for microprocessing

Abstract Some recently introduced concepts by Boulaye have direct application to specifying the width of the control storage of a microprocessor. This describes its usage in the MECL 10800 and HP21MX machines. Only the “link” commands are discussed.
Prior Shock Trauma and Test-Shock Intensity as Determinants of Escape Learning

The effects of prior traumatic shock (PS), administered under conditions designed either to maximize (Group 1) or to minimize (Group 2) transfer of trauma-produced learned responses from the treatment to the test chamber, were evaluated in the rat using a hurdle-jump escape situation. Another group (the control group) was not traumatized. 10 days following treatment each group was divided into three subgroups of 0.0-ma., 0.1-ma., and 0.4-ma. test shock, respectively. The performance of the control groups fluctuated systematically with variations in test-shock level while Groups 1 and 2 responded maximally to test shock regardless of intensity. However, under no-test-shock the control group and Group 2 performed identically and significantly more slowly than Group 1. Changes in group variability were similarly related to PS treatment.
Internal calibration on adjacent samples (InCAS) with fourier transform mass spectrometry

Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) on a trapped ion mass spectrometer such as a Fourier transform mass spectrometer (FTMS) allows accumulation of ions in the cell from multiple laser shots prior to detection. If ions from separate MALDI samples are accumulated simultaneously in the cell, ions from one sample can be used to calibrate ions from the other sample. Since the ions are detected simultaneously in the cell, this is, in effect, internal calibration, but there are no selective desorption effects in the MALDI source. This method of internal calibration with adjacent samples is demonstrated here on cesium iodide clusters, peptides, oligosaccharides, poly(propylene glycol), and fullerenes and provides typical FTMS internal calibration mass accuracy of <1 ppm.
Chronic testosterone propionate treatment decreases the concentration of [3H]quipazine binding at 5-HT3 receptors in the amygdala of the castrated male rat

Chronic administration of testosterone propionate (TP) was found to decrease the concentration of [3H]quipazine binding at 5-HT3 receptors in the lateral and basal amygdaloid nuclei of the brains of castrated male rats. TP had no effect on the binding of [3H]quipazine at 5-HT3 receptors in the posterolateral or posteromedial cortical amygdaloid nuclei, or in the amygdalohippocampal areas. It is suggested that the effects of testosterone on sexual and other social behaviors in male rats may be mediated, at least in part, by decreases in the activation of 5-HT3 receptors in the amygdala.
Evaluation of Onium Salt Cationic Photoinitiators as Novel Dissolution Inhibitor for Novolac Resin

Triarylsulfonium and diaryliodonium salts are a new class of dissolution inhibitors for novolac resins. These radio‐chemical acid generators are soluble in common casting solvents and are thermally very stable. Simple triphenylsulfonium and diphenyliodonium salts sensitive to deep UV inhibit the dissolution of novolac resins in aqueous base very efficiently and render the exposed areas more soluble in aqueous base, providing full development at 25 mJ/cm2 of 254 nm radiation.
Barriers to compliance with prophylaxis therapy in haemophilia

Prophylaxis, or the practice of routine replacement infusions of clotting factor concentrate in persons with severe haemophilia, is a demanding medical regimen. Prophylactic infusions require direct venepuncture or sterile entry into a central venous access device on a regular basis. A telephone survey was conducted to elicit information regarding the barriers to compliance with prophylaxis. The Mountain States Regional Haemophilia and Thrombosis Center has recommended prophylaxis to 52 male patients with haemophilia A or B. The haemophilia nurse attempted to contact all of these patients or their parents, and contact was made with 38 (73.1%) of them. Respondents were asked about the following issues: their decision to initiate prophylaxis; their self-rated compliance; the challenges, barriers, and facilitators of prophylaxis; and their perceived value of the therapy. Four patients (10.5%) elected not to begin prophylaxis. Of the 34 persons who began prophylaxis, 20 respondents (58.8%) rated their compliance as excellent. Nearly one-third of the families with excellent compliance (giving 75-100% of prescribed infusions) stated that the time-consuming nature of prophylaxis was the most significant challenge of the regimen. In addition, 58.3% of the families that gave less than the prescribed number of infusions reported that the time commitment was the primary reason for missing infusions. Knowledge of the benefits of prophylaxis was the primary facilitator of compliance for 44.1% of families. Ninety-seven percent of respondents rated prophylaxis as very valuable. These data show that despite the known benefits of prophylaxis, it is a demanding medical regimen, and compliance is imperfect. In addition, this study underscores the importance of providing continuing support and education for patients and families who are implementing prophylaxis.