cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of alcohol on emotion in social drinkers

Understanding why people drink alcohol and in some cases develop drinking problems has long puzzled researchers, clinicians, and patients alike. In the mid-1940s and early 1950s, experimental research began to systematically investigate alcohol’s hedonic properties. Presumably, alcohol consumption would prove reinforcing as a consequence of its capacity either to relieve stress or to brighten positive emotional experiences. This article reviews experimental research through the years examining the impact of alcohol on both the relief of negative affect and the enhancement of positive affect. It covers initial accounts that emphasized direct pharmacological effects of ethanol on the central nervous system. These early studies offered surprisingly tepid support for the premise that alcohol improved emotional states. Next, studies conducted in the 1970s are considered. Informed by social learning theory and employing advances derived from experimental psychology, this research sought to better understand the complex effects of alcohol on emotion. Coverage of this work is followed by discussion of current formulations, which integrate biological and behavioral approaches with the study of cognitive, affective, and social processes. These current perspectives provide insight into the particular conditions under which alcohol can boost emotional experiences. Finally, future research directions and clinical implications are considered.
Three-phase single-stage boost inverter for direct drive wind turbines

In this paper, a new power electronics interface topology for Direct Drive Wind Turbines (DDWTs) to improve the system reliability and with a potential to decrease the size of the Permanent Magnet (PM) generator is presented. In the proposed topology the grid-side Voltage Source Converter in a traditional DDWT is replaced by a three-phase single-stage boost inverter. This enables the use of a low-voltage generator and thus allows design of a smaller sized generator. The current source inverter topology of the boost inverter also enables elimination of the dc-bus electrolytic capacitors. In this paper, a detailed reliability analysis of the existing power electronic interface along with that of the developed interface is presented. The control technique used for the system is described. The validity of the proposed system is supported by set of MATLAB/Simulink simulations on the closed-loop grid-tied system.
A method for incorporating a time-dose-response model into a Giardia lamblia outbreak

Experimental time-to-infection data is a useful, but often underutilized, material for examining the mechanics of in vivo pathogen growth. In this paper, the authors attempt to incorporate a time-dose-response (TDR) equation into a model which predicts the number of ill persons per day in a Giardia lamblia epidemic using data collected from a Pittsfield, Massachusetts outbreak . To this end, dose-response and TDR models were generated for Giardia exposure to beaver and human volunteers, and a maximum likelihood estimation approach was used to ensure that the models provided acceptable fits. The TDR equation that best-fit the human data was the beta-Poisson with exponential-reciprocal dependency model, and this was chosen to be incorporated into the outbreak model. The outbreak model is an expanded probability model that convolutes an assumed incubation distribution of the infectious agent with an exposure distribution. Since the beta-Poisson with exponential-reciprocal dependency models the time-to-infection density distribution, it is input as the incubation distribution. Several density functions, including the Weibull, lognormal, gamma, and uniform functions served as exposure distributions. The convolution of the time-dependent probability distribution with the lognormal distribution yielded the best-fit for the outbreak model.
Tumor-stromal cytokine interactions in ovarian neoplasms.

During the normal monthly ovulatory cycle, the surface epithelium of the ovary undergoes a set of changes which includes (1) epithelial and stromal cell destruction at the site of ovulation, (2) epithelial and stromal cell proliferation and migration into the ruptured follicle, and (3) remodeling and re-epithelialization of the folicular ‘wound’ (Nicosia et al., 1989; Dietl and Marzusch, 1993). These changes in ovarian epithelial and stromal (fibroblast and vascular) structure are accompanied by infiltrates of inflammatory cells (including macrophages, granulocytes, and T-cells) which dispose of cellular debris and secrete a variety of soluble factors which alter the motility, proliferation, and differentiated phenotypes of inflammatory cells, surface epithelium, fibroblasts, and vascular endothelium.
Northeast Late Woodland

Relative Time Period: Follows the Northeast Middle Woodland tradition, overlaps the Proto-Iroquois tradition, and precedes the historic period.
Radioreceptor Assay of Narcotic Analgesics in Serum

A sensitive radioreceptor assay (RRA) to determine the serum concentrations of fentanyl, pentazocine and morphine was developed on the basis of the drug's competition with a labeled tracer ((3)H-naloxone) for the membrane bound opioid receptor in rat brain homogenates. The binding data were computer-fitted to a standard curve by means of nonlinear least square regression. Sensitivity of the assay applied directly to serum samples without extraction was limited to approximately 3, 5 and 25 ng/ml for fentanyl, morphine and pentazocine, respectively, because of endogenous plasma constituents that interfere with the opioid receptor binding. With the use of petrol-ether extraction the sensitivity was improved to 0.3 ng/ml fentanyl and 3 ng/ml pentazocine (0.3 ml serum samples). No RRA-active metabolites were detectable after HPLC separation of serum from a patient treated with fentanyl. The plasma concentration time course of fentanyl in a patient, measured by RRA, was similar to that obtained by a radioimmunoassay (RIA). The RRA represents a general procedure for the detection of clinically used opioid analgesics and their active metabolites.
Examining Dating Violence and Its Mental Health Consequences Among Sexual Minority Youth

Prior research has revealed a disturbingly high prevalence of dating violence among American youth. However, this research has not tended to focus on sexual minority youth. This is of concern as numerous studies have shown that individuals who experience such violence are at increased risk for adverse mental and physical health outcomes, including increased risk of HIV infection among LGBT populations. Research findings also indicate that individuals who are victimized as adolescents are at increased risk for victimization during their college years. This study assessed past and current dating violence (physical, sexual, and psychological aggression—perpetration and victimization) and its relationship to mental health outcomes among a sample of 109 college-enrolled sexual minority youth. Results indicate high rates of all forms of violence among this population during both adolescence and their college years. Physical and psychological perpetration and victimization were found to be associated with negative mental health outcomes including depression and PTSD. Sexual minority youth experience unique stressors that must be considered for appropriate interpretation of these findings and intervention. Implications for future research and practice with this population are presented.
Understanding large-scale energy flows through end-to-end shelf ecosystems - the importance of physical context

Abstract A major feature distinguishing shelf ecosystems is the physical context defining rates of nutrient import, nutrient recycling, and plankton exchange between the shelf and ocean. To understand the roles of food web structure and physical context in controlling ecosystem dynamics, we applied a standardized end-to-end model platform to four shelf ecosystems: upwelling, downwelling, offshore bank, and semi-enclosed basin. Two-dimensional geometry and a monthly climatological time-scale were used to consider low-frequency, macro-scale dynamics. Comparative analyses of four different food webs within each physical setting tested the null hypothesis that when nutrient input and physical factors are standardized, there are no substantial differences in the productivity of similarly defined guilds within diverse food webs. With a few specific exceptions, physical context played the greater role in defining ecosystem dynamics, especially at lower trophic levels. Exchange between shelf and ocean affected not only nutrient recycling but also trophic transfer efficiencies and the relative importance of pelagic vs. benthic components of the food web. Differences in plankton transport rates can lead to apparent decoupling of lower and upper trophic level production rates - reducing upper trophic production relative to plankton production (upwelling) or enhancing upper trophic level and benthos production (downwelling). Food web structure can further affect dynamics within different physical contexts. Food webs with high intrinsic detritus production have especially productive benthos within sub-regions where physical conditions provide plankton subsidies. Food web models must consider physical context to accurately reflect ecosystem dynamics, but values assigned to poorly constrained parameters can have large consequences within different physical settings.
Duplication of Programs: Where Do We Draw the Line?

The costly duplication of courses, programs, and services are common to every state system of higher education. Instances of large state universities located minutes apart are not uncommon where nearly every aspect of the campuses is duplicated. Eliminating unnecessary duplication is difficult and rarely, if ever, surfaces as a priority for cutting costs; on the contrary, the incentives for expanding duplication are strong when it means capturing a marginal increase in student credit hours or a new revenue stream. This chapter identifies those who pay for this unnecessary duplication and makes the argument that every university must set priorities in the interest of controlling costs. It warns against the growing pressures to give community colleges the authority to award four-year degrees arguing that is just more duplication that adds to the total cost that must be covered by students and taxpayers. The chapter ends by pointing to the need for greater inter-institutional collaboration to reduce duplication and costs.
Recyclable 3D Printing of Polyimine-Based Covalent Adaptable Network Polymers

Abstract Recyclable 3D printing of thermosets was realized by utilizing the solvent-assisted recycling of covalent adaptable networks (CANs). The printouts, if damaged or after usage, were fully de...
Abstract 330: Targeted Nanotherapy for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Objective: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. We hypothesize that systemic administration of a novel nanofiber will target areas of atherosclerosis a...
Development of 1-D multiphysics PEMFC model with dry limiting current experimental validation

Abstract The limiting current method is an effective in-situ diagnostic tool for studying oxygen transport resistance in a PEM fuel cell. In this study, we present both experimental and modeling results of a PEMFC operating from open circuit voltage to limiting current conditions. Operating conditions are 80 ∘ C and 64% relative humidity. Pressure is varied from 118 kPa, 151 kPa, 201 kPa and 301 kPa. For each pressure the dry oxygen mole fraction is also varied from 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%. The ratio of porosity to tortuosity and the pressure independent O 2 transport resistance used in the newly developed 1-D steady state model are obtained from the in-situ limiting current experiment. The model incorporates non-isothermal heat transfer, convective and diffusive gas transport, electrochemical reaction kinetics, shorting and hydrogen cross over current, effects of land and channel geometry on transport resistance, membrane water balance and proton resistance based on non-linear water content in the membrane. The simulation results are validated by polarization curves and limiting current tests at various operation conditions. This steady state 1-D dry model successfully integrate and implement interactive multiphysics to predict fuel cell performance under dry operating conditions.
Examining patterns of scientific knowledge diffusion based on knowledge cyber infrastructure: a multi-dimensional network approach

Diffusion of scientific knowledge plays an important role in scientific development. Based on electronic traces of knowledge flows in knowledge cyber infrastructure, this study examines patterns of knowledge diffusion and how it is affected by the attributes of individual researchers. Methodologically, we propose a multi-dimensional network framework to examine patterns of scientific knowledge diffusion. Individual researchers are represented as nodes and knowledge flows are represented as network ties. Multiple types of nodes and ties are modeled to reflect multi-dimensionality. Exponential random graph model is employed to identify patterns of knowledge diffusion. Results show that social capital factors such as collaboration experience, credibility, and similarity in career length positively affect knowledge diffusion. Researchers’ activity level affects knowledge co-creation positively, but not knowledge transfer. Findings from this research can be used as guidance for policy makers to stimulate knowledge diffusion process more effectively. The study also contributes to the conceptualization of multi-dimensional scientific knowledge diffusion networks and provides a methodological framework that can be used to examine other general multi-dimensional networks.
Effect of Single Dose In Vivo Propranolol Therapy on In Vitro Adhesion of Human SS RBC.

Sickle red blood cells (SS RBC) are abnormally adhesive to both endothelial cells (ECs) and components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Epinephrine (epi) has been shown to elevate cAMP in SS RBC and increase adhesion of SS RBC to ECs in a protein kinase A-dependent manner. In vitro and in vivo studies performed in our lab have led to the hypothesis that adrenergic stimuli such as epi may initiate or exacerbate vaso-occlusion and thus contribute to the association of vaso-occlusive events with physiologic stress. We are conducting a prospective, dose-escalation pilot clinical study to investigate whether in vivo administration of one dose of propranolol either down-regulates baseline SS RBC adhesion in vitro or prevents its upregulation by epi. In addition, this study will provide additional safety data regarding the use of propranolol in normotensive patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). To date, we have completed the first two dose cohorts. 11 subjects (9 SS and 1 Sβ° thalassemia; 7 females, 3 males) have participated. No severe adverse events were noted. Cohorts 1 and 2 had mean pre-propranolol blood pressure (BP) of 116 (5.9 SD)/ 60.4 (3.98 SD) and 106.8 (4.68 SD)/ 58 (3.9 SD), respectively; this difference was not statistically significant. Minimal and asymptomatic changes in BP were noted in both cohorts after drug administration, with biphasic systolic and diastolic BP nadirs at 45 and 240 minutes. No clinically significant changes in heart rate were observed. Adhesion studies were performed using a graduated height flow chamber on the day of RBC collection. RBC adhesion to ECs was studied before and after epi stimulation and was measured at sheer stresses ranging from 1 to 3 dyne/cm 2 . Baseline adhesion measurements were validated by comparing percent (%) adhesion assayed at 2 different times within 7 days—at screening and before propranolol dose on the study drug day. We observed no significant difference in adhesion at the 2 different time points without propranolol. Comparison of % adhesion of epi-stimulated RBC to ECs before and 1 hour after propranolol showed that propranolol given in vivo significantly inhibited both non-stimulated and epi-stimulated SS RBC adhesion (p=0.04 and p=0.001, respectively). Lastly, comparison of SS RBC adhesion at both drug doses confirmed the drug-related inhibition of adhesion (p
Ensuring animal welfare during Covid-19 pandemic.

Maureen M Aitken, retired The RCVS is providing useful advice for veterinary practitioners in the current coronavirus pandemic. However, I feel strongly that we, as veterinary professionals, must recognise the threats to animal welfare that would arise from animal owners being required to self isolate or be in quarantine. It …
The Law Governing LGBTQ-Parent Families in the United States

For those raising children, status as a legal parent of a child is critical. LGBTQ people raising or planning to raise children face special challenges in this regard. Established law was developed to serve the needs of heterosexual families. While many important steps have been made to expand this protection to LGBTQ-parent families, the resulting law is complicated. LGBTQ people must decide how they will become parents (via adoption or use of reproductive technology) and how each parent will protect their legal rights to maintain a relationship with their child. This chapter provides an overview of the most common choices available to LGBTQ individuals planning families. While it cannot provide the advice needed to resolve any individual questions, it offers a framework for understanding the specific questions individuals face.
One-Step Low-Temperature Reduction of Sulfur Dioxide to Elemental Sulfur by Plasma-Enhanced Catalysis

The low-temperature conversion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to elemental sulfur in a single catalytic step remains elusive. Here we report a one-step, low-temperature, plasma-enhanced catalytic process ...
Innovators in Teacher Education: Diffusing Mobile Technologies in Teacher Preparation Curriculum.

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to establish a snapshot of the extent to which teacher educators are preparing teacher candidates to use mobile learning technologies in PK–12 class-rooms, with the goal of drawing more teacher credentialing institutions into the conversations surrounding this initiative. We used a questionnaire consisting of open-ended items to identify teacher preparation institutions that are functioning as innovators in this area and to determine their adoption method. Our results indicate the innovators are using a variety of methods as they explore the possibilities, but, as a whole, we have not yet reached the tipping point necessary for this innovation to take hold. As we are in the early stages of what could become a movement, we anticipate that this article will stimulate some forward momentum and cross-institution sharing.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients-An Observational Cohort Study.

Background:The United States currently has more confirmed cases of COVID-19 than any other country in the world. Given the variability in COVID-19 testing and prevention capability, identifying fac...
Labor Reallocation and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Policies intended to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions are among the most hotly debated policy problems of our time. Among the concerns raised are that costs will be passed on to consumers and jobs will be lost. A vast economic literature has addressed the pricing of carbon dioxide, at least theoretically, but empirical evidence and observed market behavior following carbon legislation is scant due to the lack of policy implementation. We use the introduction and eventual tightening of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a regional carbon permit system in the Northeastern United States, to measure labor market responses and dynamics following the implementation of a carbon pricing system. We find that implementation of the RGGI and the subsequent tightening of the emissions cap has had no effect on employment or earnings in the utilities sector but increased the rate at which workers flow in and out of jobs. In particular, within the utilities sector, we observe some job destruction and worker separation combined with increased labor reallocation across establishments. This is complemented with small spillover effects yielding positive increases in hiring, worker reallocation and job creation in industries outside of utilities. Furthermore, when we account for the endogeneity of electricity prices we fi nd increased hiring, job creation and worker reallocation rates and a decline in job destruction rates across industries.
Bereavement in later life

Abstract Bereavement is a stressor that requires readjustment to one’s life without the deceased loved one present. Stress related to the loss may undermine physical health and multiple aspects of mental health, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and loneliness. Yet late-life bereavement is not a monolithic experience and its impacts vary widely based on characteristics of the survivor, decedent, late relationship, and context of the loss. Emerging research also documents remarkable resilience following loss, with bereaved older adults investing in new relationships, pursuing activities, acquiring skills and competencies, finding meaning in the loss, and enjoying psychological growth in the aftermath. Contemporary studies, often drawing on family-level or dyadic data, also reveal that the personal consequences of loss can reverberate through the family system, such that parent–child ties evolve following the loss of a spouse, and sibling relationships may change when a parent dies. In this chapter, we summarize theoretical perspectives that have guided classic and contemporary research on the personal consequences of loss in later life. We then describe the patterning and psychosocial consequences of common types of late-life losses. We focus primarily on widowhood, which accounts for the overwhelming share of contemporary research on late-life bereavement, and also describe how older adults adapt to the losses of other meaningful relationships including child(ren), parents, siblings, friends, and an emerging area of research, animal companions. We conclude by suggesting avenues for future research: late-life adaptations to deaths from overdose and violence, and the bereavement experiences of those growing old under conditions of extreme adversity. We suggest policies and practices that may facilitate adaptation to late-life loss.
Boron Applications and Bee Pollinators Increase Strawberry Yields

Several factors influence fruit set and yield in strawberry production. Bees play an important role in pollinating strawberry flowers; however, bee populations are decreasing due to air pollution a...
O caleidoscópio pluricêntrico: um estudo de caso de corpora em português língua crítica e variantes lusófonas

While pluricentrism has become an increasingly central component of Portuguese Foreign Language Education, there is an ongoing debate around the representation of peripheral voices for critical languages, especially in regard to global competence purposes. In other words, pertaining literature informs that less commonly taught languages in the US, as the case of Portuguese and Lusophone varieties, ought to be inclusive and balanced in a holistic intercultural relatability (NUGENT & SLATER, 2017). The present study explores how the access to authenticity, namely unaltered or unabridged resource, on the Internet reflects the pluricentric nature of the Portuguese language. Data triangulation from video realia reveals there is a top-down lack of instruction capacity building, starting at defining target audience and moving onto content alignment. The results also confirm research findings and implications that further measures are needed beyond district level so that Portuguese is treated as a language for international communication (MENDES, 2014).
Comparison of NTCP Models Using Liver Function Obtained From Different Contrast Agent-Based DCE-MRI after SBRT in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose/objective(s) To develop improved NTCP models of liver function using pre-/during-treatment DCE-MRI for adaptation of radiation therapy (RT) in hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients who receive SBRT. The liver function map based on Gadoxetate uptake rate (k1) is compared to portal venous perfusion for HCC NTCP models. Materials/methods 194 HCC patients who received SBRT were evaluated. Subcohorts of patients (n = 23, each) with either portal venous perfusion or Gadoxetate uptake rate k1 liver function maps calculated from DCE MRI using respective Gd-DTPA or Gadoxetic-Acid were analyzed. In addition, patients with pre-RT Child-Pugh (C-P) score > 8 for the Gadoxetate map subgroup were excluded and the remaining patients (n = 18) analyzed to explore the effect of pre-RT liver condition to the models. Median prescription doses of 50 Gy were delivered in 3 fractions or 5 fractions (split course with a 1-month break). Physical doses were converted into EQD2 for analysis. A logistic dose-response model was used to estimate the fraction of liver functional loss (change of k1 between pre-/during-RT) as a function of subregional liver dose. NTCP was estimated using the cumulative functional reserve model for change in C-P scores (2-point change in the score). Model parameters were calculated using maximum-likelihood estimations. The logistic local dose-response model coupled with the cumulative functional reserve NTCP model were compared between k1 and perfusion portal venous liver function maps. Results In the logistic model, dose that causes 50% reduction of function is much lower for k1 map, D50 of 10.2 Gy (all C-P) /14.8 Gy (pre-RT C-P Conclusion Functional maps showed steeper and lower dose for 50% complication compared with previous perfusion results. Considering its superiority to perfusion maps in representing liver "function", this may indicate a lower limit for normal liver dose or better dose distribution to preserve more liver function. The preliminary findings will be validated in a larger and independent cohort.
The structure of affect: A network analytic moderation approach

We estimated a network model of trait affect to examine the pattern of associations between emotions. We reasoned that more independence across valences (e.g., enthusiastic-upset) and within valence (e.g., distressed-afraid) would represent a more adaptive affective structure characterized by greater emotion differentiation. The network structure was expected to vary as a function of effortful control and reactivity. We hypothesized effortful control would be associated with weaker associations between and within emotional valences and reactivity would be associated with stronger associations between and within emotional valences (less complexity). Hypotheses were partially supported in a cross-sectional study of 403 young adults. Findings indicated that low effortful control (e.g., low planning and problem solving) was related to stronger associations between emotional valences and reactivity (e.g., impulsivity, distractibility) was associated with stronger associations between negative emotions. This pattern of findings is consistent with a conceptualization of self-regulation characterized by more complex and unique emotional experiences. Unexpectedly, reactivity was associated with lower associations between positive emotions. These mixed findings give a preliminary window into the ways in which the structure of affect varies as a function of two important dimensions of self-regulation.
Gender, Honor, and Charity in Late Renaissance Florence

This book examines the important social role of charitable institutions for women and children in late Renaissance Florence. Wars, social unrest, disease and growing economic inequality on the Italian peninsula displaced hundreds of thousands of families during this period. In order to handle the social crises generated by war, competition for social position and the abandonment of children, a series of private and public initiatives expanded existing charitable institutions and founded new ones. Philip Gavitt's research reveals the important role played by lineage ideology among Florence's elites in the use and manipulation of these charitable institutions in the often futile pursuit of economic and social stability. Considering families of all social levels, he argues that the pursuit of family wealth and prestige often worked at cross-purposes with the survival of the very families it was supposed to preserve.
The Fires This Time, and Next

Natural conditions favor fires in the American West. In this Science and Society essay, Pyne describes three major trends in the state of fires there. One is the advent of industrial fire, a shift from burning living to fossil biomass. Another is the imperial story of how the West became public land. The last is a national narrative, the peculiar choices the United States has made over the past century about how to cope with fire. In imagining the future of fire, all three trends should be considered. The likelihood is that the crisis de jour--fires racing through landscapes in which houses mingle with wild lands--will pass within 10 years.
The viscoelastic behavior of blood and blood‐like model fluids with emphasis on the superposition of steady and oscillatory shear

The pulsatile character of blood flow in the circulation has been well documented. In certain areas of the circulation, pulsatility initiates important phenomena in the blood flow. The superimposed steady and oscillatory component of the pulsatile blood flow were investigated for the first time as a viscometric flow in a rotational instrument. The goal of this dissertation was a profound investigation of the blood pulsatility and the interactions between the two partial flows in terms of superimposing a steady and an oscillatory shear flow. The response of human blood, RBC suspensions, pathological blood and fluids simulating blood rheological behavior to this flow has been investigated.
Central Effect of Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1 on Prolactin Release

PGE1 or PGE2 injected iv at different doses (5, 20 or 50 µg/100 g body wt) in ovariectomized rats failed to modify plasma prolactin levels 20, 60 or 90 min after injection. The diluent (95% ethanol) was also ineffective. Third ventricular injection of PGE1 (5 µg in 5 µl 95% ethanol: 0.02% Na2CO3, 1:9) in ovariectomized rats induced a marked increase in plasma prolactin levels 15 min later. Levels then declined but were still elevated at 30 min. At 60 min they were not different from the initial values. PGE2, PGFlα or PGF2α at the same dose failed to modify plasma prolactin at any time interval studied. The diluent also did not alter plasma prolactin. Intraventricular injection of different doses of PGE1 (0.5, 1.0, 2.5 or 5.0 µg in 5 µl) induced a dose-related increase of plasma prolactin 15 min after the injection. In ovariectomized, estrogen-treated rats (estradiol benzoate, Eb, 10 µg, SC, 48 hr before), PGE1 increased plasma prolactin 15 min later, in spite of the elevated initial plasma prolactin level...
One Man's Philosophy of Coaching.

(1971). One Man's Philosophy of Coaching. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 42, No. 8, pp. 40-41.
Light Probes in a Strongly Coupled Anisotropic Plasma

We employ the gauge/gravity duality to study the jet quenching of light probes traversing a static yet anisotropic strongly coupled $\mathcal{N}=4$ super Yang-Mills plasma. We compute the stopping distance of an image jet induced by a massless source field, which is characterized by a massless particle falling along the null geodesic in the WKB approximation, in an anisotropic dual geometry introduced by Mateos and Trancancelli. At mid and large anisotropic regimes, the stopping distances of a probe traveling in the anisotropic plasma along various orientations are suppressed compared to those in an isotropic plasma, especially along the longitudinal direction at equal temperature. However, when fixing the entropy density, the anisotropic values of stopping distances near the transverse directions slightly surpass the isotropic values. In general, the jet quenching of light probes is increased by the anisotropic effect in a strongly coupled and equilibrium plasma.
Strong T cell type-1 immune responses to HIV-1 Tat (1-72) protein-coated nanoparticles.

Abstract A significant emphasis has been placed on the development of adjuvants and/or delivery systems to improve both antibody production and cell-mediated immune responses. We previously reported on a novel anionic nanoparticle, which led to enhanced humoral and T helper type-1 (Th1) biased immune responses in mice when coated with cationized model antigen. Tat (1–72) is a conserved regulatory HIV-1 protein. It was hypothesized that HIV vaccine strategies employing Tat (1–72) may be a promising approach. Although previous reports have suggested that Tat (1–86) may be immunosuppressive, it was demonstrated in this present study that Tat (1–72) was not immunosuppressive when co-administered to mice with ovalbumin (OVA). Tat (1–72) was coated on novel anionic nanoparticles. BALB/c mice were immunized with Tat (5 μg)-coated nanoparticles (15 μg) by subcutaneous injection on days 0 and 14. Antibody and cytokine release were determined on day 28 and compared to Tat (5 μg) adjuvanted with Alum (15 μg) as a Th2 control, Tat (5 μg) adjuvanted with Lipid A (50 μg) as a Th1 control. Immunization of BALB/c mice with Tat-coated nanoparticles resulted in antibody levels (IgG and IgM) comparable to those elicited from Tat and Alum. However, Tat-coated nanoparticles led to a Th1 biased immune response. The IFN-γ release from splenocytes with Tat-coated nanoparticles was comparable to that from mice immunized with Tat and Lipid A, and 3.3-fold greater than that from mice immunized with Tat and Alum. These studies warrant further investigation of these nanoparticles to enhance both antibody and cellular-based immune responses.
Hydrostatic Pressure Has a Selective Effect on the Copepod Tigriopus

High hydrostatic pressures have been found to be an agent in producing a shift in the sex ratio in populations of the marine copepod Tigriopus.
Monetary taxation in a monetary exchange economy

Abstract We study monetary taxation in an intertemporal general equilibrium model with price-tax uncertainty. Ad valorem taxation is introduced into a fully monetarized temporary equilibrium system which admits barter and monetary exchange. The tax system is sufficiently flexible to allow for a variety of taxation schemes and policies, both within and between periods. The proof of the existence of a competitive price-tax equilibrium constitutes a departure point for the rigorous study of fiscal policy in a dynamic framework.
All hosts are not equal: explaining differential patterns of malformations in an amphibian community

1. Within a community, different host species often exhibit broad variation in sensitivity to infection and disease. Because such differences can influence the strength and outcome of community interactions, it is essential to understand differential disease patterns and identify the mechanisms responsible. 2. In North American wetlands, amphibian species often exhibit extraordinary differences in the frequency of limb malformations induced by the digenetic trematode, Ribeiroia ondatrae. By coupling field studies with parasite exposure experiments, we evaluated whether such patterns were due to differences in (i) parasite encounter rate, (ii) infection establishment, or (iii) parasite persistence within hosts. 3. Field results underscored the broad variation in malformations and infection between host species; while nearly 60% (n = 618) of emerging American toads exhibited severe limb deformities such as bony triangles, skin webbings and missing limbs, fewer than 4% (n = 251) of Eastern gray treefrogs from the same pond were abnormal. Despite similarities in the phenology and larval development period of these species, they differed sharply in Ribeiroia infection. On average, toads supported 75x more metacercariae than did metamorphic treefrogs. 4. Experimental exposures of larval toads and treefrogs to a realistic range of Ribeiroia cercariae revealed strong differences in the sensitivity of these species to infection; exposed toads suffered elevated mortality (up to 95%), delayed metamorphosis, and severe limb malformations consistent with field observations. Treefrogs, in contrast, exhibited limited mortality and no malformations, regardless of exposure level. Ribeiroia cercariae were substantially less successful in locating and infecting Hyla versicolor larvae. 5. Our results indicate that the observed differences in infection and malformations owe to a lower ability of Ribeiroia cercariae to both find and establish within larval treefrogs, possibly stemming from a heightened immune response to infection. Because Ribeiroia is a highly pathogenic parasite with negative effects on larval and metamorphic amphibian survival, variation in infection resistance among species could have important implications for understanding patterns of species co-occurrence, competition, and community diversity.
Examining values: an analysis of nine years of IDC research

Explicitly examining the values held by a research community provides a tool in which participants can define its culture, conduct informed research, and reflect on their design process. We conducted a content analysis of the values expressed in the full text of IDC papers between 2002 and 2010, as well as a survey of the first authors of these papers. We discuss the types of contributions IDC papers make, the behaviors and qualities they seek to support in children, the audience for which IDC designs, the role of the child in creating these designs, the theories and models that inform this research, and the criteria that inform IDC's technical design choices. Based on our findings, we discuss trends, core values, and implications for the community and highlight opportunities for future IDC contributions.
An analysis of the unified and scalar additivity theories of spectral line broadening

The qualities of the unified and scalar theories proposed by various authors for describing the static and dynamic characteristics of a radiation perturber interaction are discussed. The regions of validity of these theories and the properties of the approximations applied by them are considered. New derivation procedures are proposed for the unified and scalar additivity theories of line broadening. These procedures do not require the use of an elaborate projection operator, of Green's function techniques in contrast to previous methods.
Quality improvement program addressed to M.O.S. microprocessors

Abstract The net result of this program resulted in the first generation of automotive microprocessors which achieved a 0.095% failure rate in the first year of production, compared with the early > 1.3% rate for the first year of the TMS 1000.
An extinction trial as a reminder treatment following electroconvulsive shock

Animals given electroconvulsive shock (ECS) following active avoidance training were found to exhibit poor retention of the active avoidance response. However, this deficit was alleviated if the animals received an extinction trial for active avoidance prior to retention testing. That the trial was an extinction trial was demonstrated by the fact that exposure to the trial decremented the performance of animals not given ECS after learning. The implications of these findings for explanations of retrograde amnesia are discussed.
Refining the Map of the Counselor Development Journey: Response to Rønnestad and Skovholt

In this article, we respond to Ronnestad and Skovholt's reformulated counselor development model itself, then to some of its implications. With respect to the model: (a) although this version is more parsimonious than the original, we show that it could be more so; and (b) because the authors do not discuss determinants of psychotherapy as a career choice, we draw from existing literature to suggest some. With respect to the implications of the work, we note that: (a) trainee anxiety may not be as important as its prominence in their model suggests; (b) Ronnestad and Skovholt's finding that older practitioners turn to alternative sources (e.g., cinema; literature) to learn about human nature may be related to the consistent finding that practitioners are not research consumers; and (c) the importance Ronnestad and Skovholt attach that post-licensure supervision should be given more attention.
The second-trimester fetus with isolated choroid plexus cysts: a meta-analysis of risk of trisomies 18 and 21

Objective: To assess the risk of trisomy 18 and trisomy 21 associated with isolated choroid plexus cysts diagnosed by ultrasound in the second trimester. Methods of Study Selection: We reviewed the unabridged PREMEDLINE and MEDLINE databases for articles written in the English language regarding second-trimester fetal isolated choroid plexus cysts and trisomies 18 and 21, published in the period 1987–1997. Selection criteria included only second-trimester, prospective studies in which the rate of fetal isolated choroid plexus cysts could be calculated, the number of fetuses with trisomy 18 and 21 was reported clearly, and pregnant women of all ages were included, rather than only those at high risk for aneuploidy due to advanced maternal age. Tabulation and Results: Thirteen prospective studies, comprising 246,545 second-trimester scans, were selected. Among 1346 fetuses with isolated choroid plexus cysts, seven had trisomy 18, and five had trisomy 21. For each study, a 2 × 2 table was constructed and the likelihood ratio of a positive test was computed. The likelihood ratios for trisomies 18 and 21 were found to be homogeneous (P = .08 for trisomy 18, and P = .16 for trisomy 21). The summary likelihood ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each chromosomal abnormality were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects model of meta-analysis. The summary likelihood ratio for trisomy 18 was 13.8 (CI 7.72, 25.14, P < .001) and for trisomy 21 was 1.87 (CI 0.78, 4.46, P = .16). Conclusion: The likelihood of trisomy 18 was 13.8 times greater than the a priori risk in fetuses with isolated choroid plexus cysts diagnosed in the second trimester. However, the likelihood of trisomy 21 was not significantly greater than the a priori risk with isolated choroid plexus cysts. The data supported offering pregnant women karyotyping to rule out trisomy 18 when maternal age at delivery is 36 years or older, or when the risk for trisomy 18 detected by serum multiple-marker screen is more than one in 3000.
A cytoplasmic-polyhedrosis virus of Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract A cytoplasmic polyhedrosis of the mosquito Culex tarsalis was confirmed. Polyhedra were present in hypodermal cells, in the developing leg, wing, and antennal buds.
The Community Speaks: Continuous Deep Sedation as Caregiving Versus Physician-Assisted Suicide as Killing

After lengthy review and deliberations, the Harvard University Community Ethics Committee (CEC) (operating under the auspices of the Harvard Ethics Leadership Group of the Harvard Medical School's ...
The effects of strategic decision making structure and computerization on organizational performance

This study investigates whether the fit between computerization and strategic decision making predicts organizational performance. Results suggest that increased computerization along with the decentralization of strategic decisions leads to greater performance than increased computer usage and the centralization of strategic decisions. Findings indicate that the effects from a manager`s decision to computerize operations and change the organization`s strategic decision making structure are not immediately felt. These findings support the idea that performance needs to be measured on a long-term basis rather than on a short-term basis. The results also suggest that it may be erroneous to evaluated managers strictly on a short-term basis since the effects from strategic decisions may not be fully felt for one or more years. 64 refs.
Intermolecular electronic coherences and local field effects in optical spectra of PPV-oligomer dimers

Abstract Optical spectra of an assembly of conjugated molecules are calculated using nonlocal molecular response functions which take into account electrostatic interactions with the surrounding molecules. The present approach provides a computationally efficient procedure for calculating the electrodynamics of interacting molecules with delocalized electronic states. Intramolecular and intermolecular electronic coherences are studied by examining the reduced single electron density matrix. Both electrostatic (multipolar) and chemical (exchange) interactions are incorporated in a unified formalism. Perturbative treatment of the latter allows a systematic extension of the local field approximation. Applications are made to dimers of PPV oligomers.
The mlenapts RNA Helicase Mutation in Drosophila Results in a Splicing Catastrophe of the para Na+ Channel Transcript in a Region of RNA Editing

Abstract The mle napts mutation causes temperature-dependent blockade of action potentials resulting from decreased abundance of para -encoded Na + channels. Although maleless ( mle ) encodes a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) helicase, exactly how mle napts affects para expression remained uncertain. Here, we show that para transcripts undergo adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing via a mechanism that apparently requires dsRNA secondary structure formation encompassing the edited exon and the downstream intron. In an mle napts background, >80% of para transcripts are aberrant, owing to internal deletions that include the edited exon. We propose that the Mle helicase is required to resolve the dsRNA structure and that failure to do so in an mle napts background causes exon skipping because the normal splice donor is occluded. These results explain how mle napts affects Na + channel expression and provide new insights into the mechanism of RNA editing.
Experimental study of electrochemical fluorination of trichloroethylene

The electrochemical fluorination of trichloroethylene in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride at 0 C and at constant cell potential was investigated. A microprocessor-aided electrochemical fluorination reactor system that yields highly reproducible results was utilized. The following major two-carbon-chain products were observed: CHCl2-CCl2F, CHCl2-CClF2, CHClF-CCl2F, and CCl2F-CClF2. The first step in the reaction sequence was determined to be fluorine addition to the double bond, followed by replacement of first hydrogen and then chlorine by fluorine. Polymerization reactions yielded higher molecular weight or possible ring-type chlorofluorohydrocarbons. A comparison of the reaction products of electrochemical and chemical fluorinations of trichloroethylene is also discussed.