cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developing and validating measures of absolute and relative e-cigarette product risk perceptions: Single items can be surprisingly comprehensive.

Introduction Tobacco risk perceptions are important predictors of behavior and are impacted by tobacco communications. Our systematic literature review (completed in 2018) found there were no measures of e-cigarette risk perceptions that were completely consistent with tobacco researcher recommendations (e.g., specifying use frequency) and had demonstrated validity and reliability. The current study develops measures to assess specific risk perceptions, including absolute risks and risks compared to cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy, and all nicotine cessation. Methods and results We generated a list of tobacco health effects based on our previous systematic review of tobacco risk perception measures. Based on health effects prioritized by regulatory science experts, we developed 63 items to assess seven types of e-cigarette risk perceptions: absolute health and addiction risks, health and addiction risks relative to cigarettes, pregnancy health risks relative to cigarettes, health risks relative to nicotine replacement therapy, and health risks relative to all nicotine cessation. We fielded these items in an online survey (N=1,642). Through reliability and validity analyses, we reduced this pool to 21 items, including many single-item measures. Supporting the measures' validity, each measure was negatively associated with current e-cigarette use, e-cigarette intentions, and skepticism about e-cigarette harms; and positively associated with perceiving e-cigarettes as equally or more harmful than cigarettes and intentions to quit e-cigarettes. Discussion This study developed and validated brief measures of several types of e-cigarette risk perceptions. Surprisingly, we found that for many types of risk perceptions, multi-item measures were redundant and these perceptions were well-represented by single-item measures. Implications This study developed measures of seven types of e-cigarette health risk perceptions, including absolute health and addiction risk, and risk relative to cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapy, and cessation. We reduced 63 items to 21 to measure all of these constructs. These measures follow tobacco researcher recommendations, were developed using a rigorous measurement-development process, and demonstrated some aspects of reliability and validity. Because these measures are publicly available, they can be used by public health and industry researchers.
Between Teaching and Learning: Personal Notes on the Scholarship of Artistic Practice

The artist’s studio is one of the more fascinating spaces in contemporary culture, particularly because it operates in a dark cloud of misconceptions, myths, and distortions. It is assumed to be an intensely private place where creativity happens, somehow and in some way, although no one really knows what that means. This potent combination of mystification and ignorance creates problems for studio art education in the academy because the studio space is at the heart of the education of the artist. An important part of my work as an historian of modern art and critic and curator of contemporary art is the study of studio practices. And I am convinced that greater clarity about studio practice will benefit the studio art curriculum. And I am likewise convinced that the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning can assist in this necessary project of curricular revision by providing a coherent and consistent pedagogical framework.
FOOD, DRUGS, AND COSMETICS Standards, Labeling, and Adulteration of Food: Change Certain Provisions Relating to Unlawful Acts and the Use or Possession of Certain Cans, Bottles, and Other Receptacles

The Act amends the Georgia Diary Act of 1960 by clarifying the use and possession of milk, cream, or ice cream contains. The Act allows a business involved in the processing, distribution, or retail sale of diary products to temporarily possess any receptacle that is marked with the brand or trademark of another business until it is returned to the rightful owner or purchased from the rightful owner.
A Cloud of Semitic Mohammedanism

This essay explores anti-Islamic sentiment in black Africa, specifically in the period of decolonization and national independence. The primary rhetorical strategy of the anti-Islamism in question was to couple Islam as a religion with the ‘Arab race’ for the purpose of portraying the religion as a foreign and colonial one. While there was conflict and antagonism between Muslim and non-Muslim Africans prior to European colonialism, these civilizational conflicts were retooled as racial categories and conflicts, a development that reflected the impact of European colonialism and its epistemologies. In response, many African novelists have used fiction as an instrument to revisit and explore Islam's presence in black Africa, to revalidate its formative and historical importance, and to observe its autonomy from any race or ethnicity.
Chapter 12 Two‐Pore Domain Potassium Channels in Sensory Transduction

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on two‐pore domain potassium channels in sensory transduction. Sensory neurons express a set of ionic channels that are able to detect various sensory stimuli and transmit the sensory signal in the form of the trains of action potentials. One or more of these ion channels belong to the K + channel family known as “K 2P channels.” A number of K 2P channels are known to be expressed in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and in other sensory neurons. K 2P channels provide a part of the background K + conductance that is important for setting and stabilizing the resting membrane potential and they also regulate cell excitability in response to various biologically relevant chemical and physical factors. TRP ion channels are considered to be cellular sensors for temperature, touch, pain, osmolality, pheromones, and taste because they are directly activated by these stimuli and depolarize sensory neurons. Because K 2P channels, such as TASK and TREK, are also sensitive to similar stimuli, including heat and cold, membrane tension, pH, and osmolality, both K 2P and TRP ion channels are likely to be involved in regulating the excitability of sensory neurons, and thus in the sensory transduction.
A model for video-based virtual field experience

The purpose of this project is to introduce a model of using video-based virtual field experiences for pre-service teachers mainly in social studies. Although video-based virtual fields become more practical for pre-service teachers to observe various teaching situations, the use of such video-based classroom cases may be limited to provide meaningful experiences. This paper presents four key affordances of a model that may alleviate such limitations.
Multiple channel architecture

A parallel processing architecture based on multiple-channel optical communication is described. A large number of independent, selectable channels (or virtual buses) are available using a single optical fiber. Arbitrary interconnection patterns, as well as machine partitions, can be emulated by using appropriate channel assignments. Hierarchies of parallel architectures and simultaneous execution of parallel tasks are also possible. Recent technological advances in semiconductor laser technology that make such a parallel architecture possible, a basic system overview, various channel allocation strategies, and a summary of advantages compared with traditional interconnection techniques are presented. >
Prenatal detection of neural tube defects: false positive and negative results.

Quantification of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) levels in amniotic fluid can be used to diagnose fetal neural tube defects (NTD) early in the second trimester of pregnancy. Such early detection can lead to a reduced number of children born with such defects. Elevated AFP levels are also associated with such conditions as omphalocele Turners syndrome and fetal distress and closed NTDs are not indicated by AFP tests. This test is most reliable when performed at 14-16 weeks of gestation and since normal levels must be established for each week of gestation accurate gestational aging is crucial to the proper interpretation of AFP findings. Since contamination with fetal blood and mistaking maternal urine samples for amniotic fluid have led to missed diagnoses ultrasound is absolutely recommended in conjunction with amniocentesis. False positive results have been reduced to about .1% and in almost 6000 cases no open NTDs have been missed. Since NTDs occur in about 1:330 cases routinely studied for advanced maternal age AFP assays should be performed for every amniotic fluid sample obtained. As adjunctive tests serial ultrasound and amniography should be performed at 19-20 weeks gestation.
Simple reaction time and response sets.

This study was concerned with the effects of induced response inhibition on simple visual reaction time. Ten Ss were confronted with up to four response alternatives (fingers of the right hand), one of which was the required response. Each of these responses was associated with a specific stimulus. Three response ensemble conditions were used: I—within a block of trials only one light appeared, II—within a block of trials one of two possible lights appeared, III—within a block of trials one of the four possible lights appeared. Under all conditions Ss were given more than adequate time to extract the appropriate response from the remaining responses in the ensemble prior to the time that they were required to make the response. A significant interaction was found between the individual responses and response ensembles. These results were explained in terms of the contextual effects of the unused responses within the different ensemble conditions. Additional data indicated that these effects reflect a spat...
A circularly polarized Ka-band stacked patch antenna with increased gain

There has been recent interest at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in developing an antenna system at Ka-band for use in future deep-space missions. A three-layer circularly polarized microstrip antenna using proximity coupling and exhibiting increased gain at 32 GHz has been presented.
So What Is Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis? Pathophysiology of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory and immune-mediated disorders principally affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) comprise the two main types of IBD. It is mainly a disease of the Western world probably due to the impact of lifestyle, but in the recent years the incidence of these diseases has been increasing worldwide due to the influence of several other factors. The genetic predisposition, immune mechanisms leading to the immune system reacting against their own body called autoimmunity, alterations in the intestinal bacterial flora, and the influence of several environmental factors either singly or in combination have been postulated as the reasons for developing IBD. Several of these genetic factors and immune mechanisms are being studied currently leading to advancement in treatment strategies. IBD not only causes gastrointestinal symptoms but can also affect several extraintestinal organs, thus affecting the quality of life to a large extent. Thus IBD can present in various ways in individuals, and hence a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology and disease mechanism is essential.
Network-based stratification analysis of 13 major cancer types using mutations in panels of cancer genes

Cancers are complex diseases with heterogeneous genetic causes and clinical outcomes. It is critical to classify patients into subtypes and associate the subtypes with clinical outcomes for better prognosis and treatment. Large-scale studies have comprehensively identified somatic mutations across multiple tumor types, providing rich datasets for classifying patients based on genomic mutations. One challenge associated with this task is that mutations are rarely shared across patients. Network-based stratification (NBS) approaches have been proposed to overcome this challenge and used to classify tumors based on exome-level mutations. In routine research and clinical applications, however, usually only a small panel of pre-selected genes is screened for mutations. It is unknown whether such small panels are effective in classifying patients into clinically meaningful subtypes. In this study, we applied NBS to 13 major cancer types with exome-level mutation data and compared the classification based on the full exome data with those focusing only on small sets of genes. Specifically, we investigated three panels, FoundationOne (240 genes), PanCan (127 genes) and TruSeq (48 genes). We showed that small panels not only are effective in clustering tumors but also often outperform full exome data for most cancer types. We further associated subtypes with clinical data and identified 5 tumor types (CRC-Colorectal carcinoma, HNSC-Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, KIRC-Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, LUAD-Lung adenocarcinoma and UCEC-Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma) whose subtypes are significantly associated with overall survival, all based on small panels. Our analyses indicate that effective patient subtyping can be carried out using mutations detected in smaller gene panels, probably due to the enrichment of clinically important genes in such panels.
Analytic approach to photoelectron transport

The equation governing the transport of photoelectrons in the ionosphere is shown to be equivalent to the equation of radiative transfer. In the single-energy approximation this equation is solved in closed form by the method of discrete ordinates for isotropic scattering and for a single-constituent atmosphere. The results include prediction of the angular distribution of photoelectrons at all altitudes and, in particular, the angular distribution of the escape flux. The implications of these solutions in real atmosphere calculations are discussed.
The sensitivity of cells and tissues to exogenous fields: effects of target system initial state

Abstract The effect of the initial biochemical or metabolic state of a cell membrane target pathway on its sensitivity to exogenous electromagnetic (EMF) fields is considered. It is shown that the resting or initial transmembrane voltage can affect the frequency response of the membrane pathway and substantially alter the signal to thermal noise threshold (SNR) of the target. EMF sensitivity is examined using a model which describes the response to applied fields of both single cells and cells in gap junction contact via a distributed parameter electrical circuit analog, wherein a voltage-dependent membrane impedance, relating to the initial biochemical state of the target cell(s), is considered. Application of the Hodgkin–Huxley K+-conduction pathway membrane to this model results, at a given transmembrane voltage, in a preferential array response to applied field frequencies in the 1–100 Hz range, centered at approximately 16 Hz for 1–10 mm array lengths. Extension of the model to consider the voltage dependence of the Hodgkin–Huxley K+ pathway results in a significant modulation of array frequency response with changing membrane resting potential. The result is EMF sensitivity (SNR) depends upon the initial state of the target tissue, providing a possible explanation of why, e.g., repairing, rather than resting, bone exhibits a physiologically relevant response to certain weak EMF signals.
Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black

In childhood, bell hooks was taught that "talking back" meant speaking as an equal to an authority figure and daring to disagree and/or have an opinion. In this collection of personal and theoretical essays, hooks reflects on her signature issues of racism and feminism, politics and pedagogy. Among her discoveries is that moving from silence into speech is for the oppressed, the colonized, the exploited, and those who stand and struggle side by side, a gesture of defiance that heals, making new life and new growth possible.
Preparation of clean and atomically flat germanium (001) surfaces

Abstract A two-part procedure for preparing clean and atomically flat Ge(001)-(2×1) surfaces is presented and characterized. The ex situ part of the procedure consists of a wet chemical treatment followed by exposure to ultraviolet-generated ozone. The in situ part of the procedure consists of outgassing for several hours in ultrahigh vacuum followed by flash annealing. Scanning tunneling microscopy shows that the surfaces are flat on the >50 nm length scale and that atomic resolution can be achieved. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows the formation and removal of an oxide layer. It is estimated that approximately 0.02–0.03 monolayers of carbon are present at the annealed surface.
The motion control of a mobile robot using multiobjective decision making

This paper discusses the use of fuzzy logic based decision-making of autonomous robots in unstructured environments. We will introduce fuzzy multiobjective decision making within the context of the motion control of mobile robots. This process is comparable to human decision-making where one's initial assessment of the surroundings provides the basis for navigating in unstructured environments. Visual feedback enables one to deal with elements in the environment not for seen in the initial planning process. It is shown that the proposed approach offers a viable alternative to existing approaches in mobile robotics by providing a flexible architecture for addressing complexity of motion planning. The goal here is to develop a process and/or algorithm that will use decision-making in order to increase a robot's overall autonomy.
Recognizing Emotion in Virtual Agent, Synthetic Human, and Human Facial Expressions

A growing interest in the HCI community is the design and development of embodied agents in virtual environments. For virtual environments where social interaction is needed, an agent's facial expression may communicate emotive state to users both young and old. However, younger and older adults differ in how they label human facial expressions (Ruffman et al., 2008). Such possible age-related differences in labeling virtual agent expressions may impact the user's social experience in a virtual environment. The purpose of the current research was to investigate age-related differences in emotion recognition of several on-screen characters of varying degrees of human-likeness. Participants performed a recognition task with three characters demonstrating four basic emotions or neutral. The results indicated age-related differences for all character types. Older adults commonly mislabeled the human and synthetic human emotions of anger, fear, sadness, and neutral. For the virtual agent face, older adults com...
Studies on the RNA from avian myeloblastosis virus.

Abstract RNA from avian myeloblastosis virus was purified and some of its properties were examined. Two RNA components were isolated from the virus. Based on the amount of methylation of the RNA and on its base ratios the small component, which sediments at 4 S, appears to be similar to host cell transfer RNA. The large component behaves like a high molecular weight single-stranded RNA based on sedimentation properties and is apparently not methylated. However, when this component is heated above 70° it dissociates to a 35 S component(s) which under appropriate conditions is the only detectable breakdown product.
Fabrication of FePt/M (M=C, Ag) Nanoparticulate Thin Films with Perpendicular Anisotropy

FePt-based nanoparticulate thin films have been deposited by sputtering onto single crystal MgO [100] substrates at elevated temperatures up to 650?C. The deposited FePt film showed a [001] texture due to lattice matching between FePt and MgO substrate. The effects of an additional element on the magnetic and structural properties have been studied; addition of Ag leads to a lower transformation temperature from the disordered fcc to the ordered L10 phase. Si addition leads to a ternary FePtSi system where Si atoms enter into the FePt lattice interstitially, resulting in changes of lattice parameters and magnetic properties.
Chronic Intestinal Pseudo‐Obstruction: Pediatric Case Presentations and Review of the Literature

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is a rare condition characterized by small bowel dysmotility. Its effects are severe and disabling in pediatric clients. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of CIP and summarize information useful to pediatric nurses. CONCLUSION. Nursing management of the pediatric client with CIP is challenging, not only in terms of direct care provided to the child, but also in ongoing support and education of the child and family. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Nurses practicing in either inpatient or outpatient settings may encounter children and families dealing with this disorder. Nurses are in a key position to educate others and influence the outcomes of care provided to children with CIP and their families.
Structures and functional properties of apple (Malus domestica Borkh) fruit starch

Abstract Structures and functional properties of fruit starch of six apple cultivars (Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Jerseymac, Jonagold and Royal Gala) were investigated. Apple starches exhibit C A -type X-ray diffraction patterns, and granule diameters ranged from 2 to 12 μm. Immature apple fruit had 44–53% starch (dry basis). The apparent amylose content was high (40–48%), but the average branch chain-length of amylopectin was long (DP 27.9–29.6), resulting in the absolute amylose content of 26–29%. The weight-average molecular weight of amylopectin ranged from 4.6 to 11.1×10 8 . The proportion of long-branch chains of amylopectin (DP≥37), determined by anion-exchange chromatography with a post-column amyloglucosidase reactor and a pulsed amperometric detector, ranged from 29.7 to 32.4%. The onset gelatinization temperature of the starch ranged 64–66 °C, and the Δ H of starch gelatinization was 16–18 J/g. The percentage retrogradation of the gelatinized starch, after being stored for 7 d at 4 °C, ranged 42–47%. Most distinctive characteristic of apple starch was that three cultivars had extremely low breakdown ( 100 RVU) at 8% (w/w) starch concentration. Peak and final viscosities ranged 99–148 RVU and 144–224 RVU, respectively. Pasting temperature was around 70 °C.
TAFs and TFIIA mediate differential utilization of the tandem Adh promoters

Abstract The D. melanogaster alcohol dehydrogenase ( Adh ) gene is transcribed from two tandem promoters that are differentially utilized at various stages during development. To determine the mechanism of promoter selectivity, we have analyzed the activity of the Adh promoters both in vitro and in transfected cells. We found that selective promoter utilization is controlled by distinct initiator elements. Reconstitution of Adh transcription with purified components requires a specific TBP-TAF complex that, in concert with TFIIA, directs differential Adh promoter transcription. Fractionation of this TBP-TAF complex reveals that TAF II 150 is required for discrimination between the proximal and distal promoters. We propose a mechanism for regulating differential promoter utilization during Drosophila development that involves the recognition of specific initiator elements by TAFs in the TFIID complex.
Electrical and thermal properties of La0.7Sr0.3Ga0.6Fe0.4O3 ceramics

Abstract Single-phase La 0.7 Sr 0.3 Ga 0.6 Fe 0.4 O 3 (LSGF) ceramic powder was prepared in one step at 1500 °C by solid-state reaction in air. The phase is a hexagonal (space group R- 3 c ) at room temperature but becomes cubic at temperatures above ∼600 °C. A high-density (97%) LSGF ceramic shows electrical conductivity of 4.3 S/cm ( E a = 0.32 eV) at 600 °C in air. The thermal expansion coefficient of LSGF changes drastically in air due to oxygen loss and phase transition. High-density LSGF ceramic is relatively stable in forming gas (8% H 2 , 92% Ar). However, the powder decomposes in forming gas above 700 °C with formation of LaSrGaO 4 . LSGF reacts with NiO at 1000 °C. The ability of LSGF to split the C H bond in methane at intermediate temperatures has been also evaluated.
Pain management in cancer rehabilitation.

Abstract Significant pain is experienced by the majority of cancer patients during the course of their illness. Despite the widespread availability of effective therapy, undertreatment remains common. Opioid pharmacotherapy has emerged as the mainstay of cancer pain management. Coanalgesic administration, disease-modifying therapies, and interventional strategies may be used concurrently to augment pain relief. Adequate pain management is a requisite condition for successful rehabilitation of patients with neoplasms. Overall Article Objective : To describe common cancer- and treatment-related pain syndromes and the analgesic approaches commonly utilized in the management of cancer pain.
Monetization, economic development and the exogeneity of money

Abstract Using Granger causality the authors examine the question of the exogeniety of money in India during its period of most rapid monetization (1970–1975). The paper finds that the demand for money function with the narrow stock of money can be estimated but not with the broad stock of money. There is evidence of feedback between M 2 , monetized income and the rate of interest. An explanation along the lines of Patrick's analysis of supply led financial development is advanced to show the influence of M 2 on income and the rate of interest.
CREEP FRACTURE IN CERAMICS CONTAINING SMALL AMOUNTS OF A LIQUID PHASE

Abstract Even small quantities of a fluid phase, say a few volume percent, can have a dominant influence on fracture behavior of polycrystalline ceramics. It is possible to conceive of several reasons why: 1. (i) the liquid film in two grain junctions can promote grain boundary sliding, 2. (ii) since the liquid is often constrained in pockets at triple grain junctions, it can become stressed in hydrostatic tension, and as a result cavitate. 3. (iii) grain boundaries can become separated by the lateral growth of penny shaped bubbles in the fluid film when a tensile stress is applied across the interface, and 4. (iv) the fluid may lead to accelerated crack growth along the interface if the meniscus along the crack front becomes unstable and breaks up into a finger-like morphology. This paper is an attempt to synthesize the results from published literature on these separate topics and apply them to fracture in polycrystalline ceramics, with an emphasis on quantifying properties and phenomena of engineering interest such as modulus of rupture, creep crack-growth and superplastic flow. Also some other relevant issues such as multiaxial or mixed mode fracture, fracture from small flaws vs large flaws, and the question of localized microcrack damage near crack tips vs more general cavitation damage, are discussed.
Estimating Mean Fracture Trace Length and Density from Observations in Convex Windows

Although window samples of fracture traces are widely recognized to be length-biased and censored, they are often the best source of data for inferring statistical parameters of fracture sets. This paper presents new estimators for mean fracture trace length and density that correct for the effects of bias and censoring. A stereological estimator of mean trace length is derived for parallel traces in a rectangular sampling window, an end-point estimator of mean trace length is derived for windows with arbitrary convex boundaries and for arbitrary trace length distributions, and an end-point estimator of trace density is derived for windows with arbitrary convex boundaries and for arbitrary trace length and trace orientation distributions. Results for rectangular and circular windows are obtained as special cases of the general solutions for arbitrary convex windows. When applied to circular windows, the end-point estimator of mean trace length is, in addition, independent of the trace orientation distribution. The estimators are easily determined from field data. The end-point estimator of trace density requires knowing only the area of the window and the number of end-points inside the window. The end-point estimator of mean trace length, when applied to circular windows, requires, in addition, the number of end-points outside the window (of those traces that intersect the window) and the stereological estimator of mean trace length requires only the apparent mean trace length and the height of the window.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) provides science-based advice to promote health and reduce risk of major chronic diseases by diet and physical activity. The primary emphasis is on food-based recommendations that meet energy and nutrient needs. The DGA is made in the context of a total diet designed to reduce the incidence and prevalence of overweight and obesity. In addition, the DGA also targets cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction. DGA recommends nutrient-dense foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, lean protein foods including seafood, and vegetable oils. This dietary pattern beneficially affects blood lipids and other CVD risk factors. Foods and nutrients to limit include solid fats (saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids), dietary cholesterol, added sugars, refined grains, and sodium. Healthy dietary patterns that emphasize nutrient-dense foods will significantly benefit public health, in part, by reducing CVD risk.
Cotton Mather Brings Isaac Watts's Hymns to America; or, How to Perform a Hymn without Singing It

This essay reconstructs Cotton Mather's efforts to introduce Isaac Watts's hymns into New England print culture using sermon pamphlets and family prayer guides. These forms framed hymns as read rather than sung texts, but they also enabled the performance of hymns as expressions of personal faith during the Great Awakening.
Market research in the USA: part 4. Data from the Census of Population and Housing

The US Bureau of the Census conducts the Economic Census and the Census of Population and Housing that form the basis for much of the demographic data available in the USA. This article examines the Census of Population and Housing. It explains how the Census is organized, highlights those reports that are relevant to marketing and describes how to access the data.
ANTIGENIC COMPONENTS OF GUINEA-PIG TISSUES.

Rabbits were immunized with extracts of ocular and systemic tissues of guinea-pigs. The immune sera were tosted against a wide range of guinea-pig tissues, using the Ouchterlony teehnique, immunoclectrophoresis and the fluorescent antibody method. All the sera showed antibodies to other tissues in addition to those used for immunization. Many of the cross reactions demonstrated by agar diffusion were due to serum components in the tissue extracts. However, some cross reactions—notably with antilens serum—were not due to serum components. The fluorescent antibody technique again showed numerous cross reactions between ocular and other tissues even after absorption of the immune serum with normal guinea-pig serum.
Depletion Sampling in Stream Ecosystems: Assumptions and Techniques

Abstract Reliable fish and invertebrate population estimates depend on meeting the assumptions of the methods used for organism capture and data analysis. A review of several population estimation studies has indicated that assumptions of the removal method for population estimation are often violated. This paper outlines (1) procedures to assist in meeting the removal method assumptions (2) an economical procedure to obtain reliable invertebrate population estimates by the removal method and (3) a computer program (CAPTURE) designed to test the adequacy of study design and to analyze capture data where variable probability of removal exists.
Obesity, weight loss, and vascular function.

Obesity promotes the development of several major cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, excess adiposity may play a direct role in initiating atherosclerosis as fat cells are capable of affecting the systemic vasculature through a variety of mechanisms. Recent studies demonstrate that obesity per se may impair vascular endothelial function. This is important as endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and in triggering acute ischemic events. At present, few studies have determined the beneficial impact of weight loss on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. However, several experiments have demonstrated that weight loss can lead to improvements in endothelial function, a validated surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk. The mechanisms whereby weight loss restores vascular health are likely multifactorial. However, the relative importance of reduced adiposity versus the specific dietary regimens prescribed, the role of concomitant exercise, and the direct effect of medications remain unclear. Several other unresolved issues such as the longevity of improvement, the amount of weight loss required, and whether the improvement in endothelial function actually translates into a reduction in cardiovascular events also remain to be determined. Nevertheless, lifestyle changes that lead to weight reduction are able to improve vascular function in over-weight adults.
Respiration, oxygen consumption and heart rate in some birds during rest and flight

Pulmonary ventilation (tidal volume, frequency) and oxygen content of expired air were measured in separate flights for 3 species of birds — Evening Grosbeak (Hesperiphona vespertina), Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis), and Black Duck (Anas rubripes). Heart rate was measured in flight or immediately after landing in 12 species. Respiratory frequency and tidal volume were greater in flight than during rest. As the O2 content of expired air did not change appreciably, the increase in O2 consumption was similar to the increase in ventilation and averaged more than 10 times basal. The influence of body weight on metabolism during flight was similar to that previously observed under basal conditions. Heart rates during flight (10 species), immediately after landing (12 species), and maximal rates from various authors (15 species) were in close agreement, and were 2–4 times as high as during rest. The heart rate decreased with increasing body weight according to the equation HRf=25.1 BW−0.16 (HR per sec, BW in g). In flight there was much less variation and there was a smaller decrease with increasing weight than during rest. Although the estimated stroke volume and heart size appear larger in birds, the ratio of these functions was similar to that in mammals.
Long-Range Pedestrian Detection using stereo and a cascade of convolutional network classifiers

In this paper, we present a system for detecting pedestrians at long ranges using a combination of stereo-based detection, classification using deep learning, and a cascade of specialized classifiers that can reduce false positives and computational load. Specifically, we use stereo to perform detection of vertical structures which are further filtered based on edge responses. A convolutional neural network was then designed to support the classification of pedestrians using both appearance and stereo disparity-based features. A second convolutional network classifier was trained specifically for the case of long-range detections using appearance only. We further speed up the classifier using a cascade approach and multi-threading. The system was deployed on two robots, one using a high resolution stereo pair with 180 degree fisheye lenses and the other using 80 degree FOV lenses. Results are demonstrated on a large dataset captured in a variety of environments.
Constraints on the Origin of Paleolake Expansions in the Central Andes

Abstract During the late Pleistocene, at least one episode of lake expansions occurred in the internally draining high plateau region of Bolivia. Some researchers have advocated that a wetter climate associated with a change in atmospheric circulation caused the development of the large paleolakes, while others have hypothesized that deglaciation contributed to the water source for the expanding lakes. From estimates of the potential meltwater stored in the glaciers during their maximum extents, the authors conclude that insufficient meltwater was available to fill the large paleolakes. However, the meltwater hypothesis remains viable south of the main plateau region where, in five small drainage basins, the volume of available glacial meltwater was 3–16 times greater than the volume of water in the paleolakes. Pollen, dunes, and other eolian features indicate that the region surrounding the Altiplano was much drier during at least one interval of the late Pleistocene. Although the timing of the dry perio...
Modeling Calcium Sparks in a Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of a Cardiac Calcium Release Unit

A Ca2+ spark is the fundamental unit of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) during excitation-contraction coupling, and the major contributor to diastolic Ca2+ leak in cardiomyocytes. The duration and magnitude of the spark is determined by the local geometry of a single Ca2+ release unit (CRU) as well as the localization and density of Ca2+ handling proteins. We have developed a detailed computational model of a single CRU situated in its native structural cellular environment. The geometry was generated using newly developed computational tools from electron microscopic tomography data, and it includes sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), t-tubules, and mitochondria. Ca2+ diffusion is modeled both within the SR lumen and in the cytosol. The model is used to examine the effect of localization and density of the Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) and sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) pump. Our findings are: 1) including NCX in the CRU exhausts Ca2+ from the CRU during a spark significantly, 2) high SERCA density close to the CRU prolongs spark duration by preventing luminal depletion of Ca2+ ions.
Homogenization theory for simple metamaterials modeled as one-dimensional arrays of thin polarizable sheets

We describe a simple metamaterial homogenization procedure that calculates a limited set of constitutive parameters that are functions of both the frequency $\ensuremath{\omega}$ and the wave number $\mathbf{k}$. This procedure is based on describing the inclusions of the metamaterial with current sheets excited by the local electromagnetic fields. It is shown that these constitutive parameters correctly predict several measurable properties of a metamaterial crystal including the dispersion relation, reflection from an interface, and emission from a simple directional metamaterial antenna.
Student management consulting projects in the accounting curriculum

Abstract Management consulting projects can be used as the capstone educational experience to provide students with the opportunity to solve actual management problems. A management consulting project gives students the opportunity to develop and test their skills in identification of problem, development of a study methodology, gathering of data, communication of results, and in the management of a consulting project. Establishing a management consulting project course involves consideration of many different issues. The significant ones include selection of students and projects, characteristics of projects, and a seminar in consulting.
Penetrating and blunt cardiac trauma: Diagnosis and management

Cardiac trauma is often lethal in the field, but the majority of patients may be salvaged if they survive transport. Management of penetrating injury depends on rapid diagnosis of haemopericardium and prompt surgical repair. Identification of blunt injury is a diagnostic challenge, but most patients do well with appropriate monitoring and prompt recognition of complications. A review of diagnosis and management of penetrating and blunt cardiac injury is presented with extensive references.
Cellular uptake followed by class I MHC presentation of some exogenous peptides contributes to T cell stimulatory capacity

The T cell stimulatory activity of peptides is known to be associated with the cell surface stability and lifetime of the peptide-MHC (pepMHC) complex. In this report, soluble high-affinity T cell receptors (TCRs) that are specific for pepMHC complexes recognized by the mouse CD8+ clone 2C were used to monitor the cell surface lifetimes of synthetic agonist peptides. In the 2C system, L(d)-binding peptide p2Ca (LSPFPFDL) has up to 10,000-fold lower activity than peptide QL9 (QLSPFPFDL) even though the 2C TCR binds to p2Ca-L(d) and QL9-L(d) complexes with similar affinities. Unexpectedly, p2Ca-L(d) complexes were found to have a longer cell surface lifetime than QL9-L(d) complexes. However, the strong agonist activity of QL9 correlated with its ability to participate in efficient intracellular delivery followed by cell surface expression of the peptide, resulting in high and persistent surface levels of QL9-L(d). The ability of target cells to take up and present QL9 was observed with TAP-deficient cells and TAP-positive cells, including dendritic cells. The process was brefeldin A-sensitive, indicating a requirement for transport of the pepMHC through the ER and/or golgi. Thus, strong T cell stimulatory activity of some pepMHC complexes can be accomplished not only through long cell surface lifetimes of the ligand, but through a mechanism that leads to delayed presentation of the exogenous antigen after intracellular uptake.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and residual cardiometabolic risk in metabolic syndrome.

It has long been recognized that elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and that pharmacologic therapy to decrease LDL-C significantly reduces cardiovascular events. Despite the effectiveness of statins for CVD risk reduction, even optimal LDL-lowering therapy alone fails to avert ∼60% to 70% of CVD cases, and the incidence of CVD mortality continues to grow. A low plasma concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is also associated with increased risk of CVD and is 1 component of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of interrelated CVD risk factors. HDL stimulates reverse cholesterol transport from the peripheral tissues to the liver for removal from the body, prevents deleterious effects of LDL on endothelial function, acts as an antioxidant, and also possesses anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and antiapoptotic effects. Some of the treatments that increase HDL-C concentrations have been shown to reduce atheroma volume and may prevent the formation of new atherosclerotic lesions, thereby reducing the risk of CVD. For these reasons, increasing HDL-C concentrations has become a potentially attractive therapeutic target for individuals who are at increased risk of CVD, including those with metabolic syndrome. Traditional strategies to increase HDL-C include the use of niacin, statins, and fibric acid derivatives. Pharmacotherapies that have recently been developed and are currently being evaluated include inhibition of the enzyme cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and antagonism of the endocannabinoid CB1 receptor. Initial studies of CETP inhibitors suggest that these agents may markedly increase HDL-C concentrations. Clinical trials with rimonabant, a CB1 receptor antagonist, have demonstrated significant weight loss as well as increased HDL-C levels and reduced triglyceride levels.
Gadolinium chloride pretreatment prevents cadmium chloride-induced liver damage in both wild-type and MT-null mice.

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) causes hepatotoxicity upon acute administration. Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages of the liver, have been suggested to play a role in Cd-induced hepatotoxicity. Gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) may prevent Cd-induced hepatotoxicity by suppressing Kupffer cells. However, GdCl3 also induces the Cd-binding protein, metallothionein (MT). Therefore, this study was conducted to determine whether GdCl3 prevents Cd-induced hepatotoxicity via the induction of MT. Hepatic MT and Kupffer cell counts were analyzed 24 h after wild-type (WT) mice were administered saline or 10, 30, or 60 mg GdCl3/kg. GdCl3 induced MT in a dose-dependent manner without affecting nonprotein sulfhydryl content. All examined doses of GdCl3 were effective at eliminating Kupffer cells from the liver. To examine the hepatoprotective effects of GdCl3, WT and MT-null mice were pretreated with saline or 10, 30, or 60 mg GdCl3 24 h prior to a hepatotoxic dose of Cd (2.5 mg Cd/kg). Blood and livers were removed 16 h later and analyzed for hepatotoxicity as well as MT, Cd, and Kupffer cell content. Hepatotoxicity was alleviated in both WT and MT-null mice that were pretreated with 30 or 60 mg GdCl3/kg, indicating that MT induction is not required for the hepatoprotective effects of GdCl3. Hepatic Cd content was not decreased by GdCl3, demonstrating that GdCl3 does not negatively affect Cd distribution to the liver. Kupffer cells were depleted at all three doses of GdCl3, whereas hepatoprotection was only observed at doses of 30 and 60 mg GdCl3/kg. This does not rule out Kupffer cells in the mechanism of Cd-induced hepatotoxicity, but it does suggest that GdCl3 exerts hepatoprotective effects on the liver aside from depleting Kupffer cells. In summary, these data substantially rule out MT induction and decrease the importance of Kupffer cells as mechanisms of GdCl3-induced protection from Cd-induced hepatotoxicity.
Physical and computational analysis of the yeast Kluyveromyces lactis secreted proteome

Secretion of proteins is the most common approach to protein expression in Kluyveromyces lactis. A proteomic analysis was performed on spent fermentation medium following bioreactor propagation of a wild-type industrial strain to identify proteins naturally secreted by K. lactis cells. Multidimensional separations were conducted and RP online ESI-MS/MS analysis identified 81 secreted proteins. In addition, an in silico analysis predicted 178 K. lactis proteins to be secreted via the general secretory pathway (GSP). These two datasets were compared and approximately 70% of the K. lactis proteins detected in the culture medium possessed a GSP sequence. The detected proteins included those involved with cell wall structure and synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and proteolysis, a result that may have significant bearing on heterologous protein expression. Additionally, both the experimental and in silico datasets were compared to similar, previously published datasets for Candida albicans. With the methodology presented here, we provide the deepest penetration into a yeast secretome yet reported.
Flame propagation through kerosine foams

Abstract Under certain conditions, liquid fuels such as kerosine may form foams flammable at temperatures below the flash point of the fuel. Thomas found that at one atmosphere pressure kerosine foam would not burn in air but would burn in oxygen-enriched air. Since it appeared possible to produce flammable foams with certain combustible liquids in air, an investigation was undertaken to determine the conditions under which these foams would be formed. It was found that flammable foams could be produced quite readily with kerosine and other light oils in air and in nitrogen- and carbon dioxide-enriched air. Because these foams constitute a potential gas explosion hazard, a series of experiments was conducted in various enclosures to determine the maximum pressure developed when these foams were ignited. Tests were conducted in containers ranging from ca. 0·1 to 10 3 ft 3 . The maximum pressure was found to be a function of the amount of foam, free space above the liquid surface and number of points of ignition. Maximum pressures of 35 lb/in 2 gauge were encountered in small containers. The rates of pressure rise were considerably smaller than those encountered with explosions through combustible vapour-air mixtures. Photographs of the flame propagating through kerosine foam in air show that the foam collapses and forms droplets as the flame approaches. The vapour around these droplets is then ignited and in turn acts as an ignition source to continue the propagation.