cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IL10 deficiency promotes alveolar enlargement and lymphoid dysmorphogenesis in the aged murine lung

The connection between aging-related immune dysfunction and the lung manifestations of aging is poorly understood. A detailed characterization of the aging IL10-deficient murine lung, a model of accelerated aging and frailty, reconciles features of both immunosenescence and lung aging in a coherent model. Airspace enlargement developed in the middle-aged (12 months old) and aged (20-22 months old) IL10-deficient lung punctuated by an expansion of macrophages and alveolar cell apoptosis. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, the IL10-deficient lungs from young (4-month-old) mice showed increased oxidative stress which was enhanced in both genotypes by aging. Active caspase 3 staining was increased in the alveolar epithelial cells of aged WT and mutant lungs but was greater in the IL10-deficient milieu. Lung macrophages were increased in the aged IL10-deficient lungs with exuberant expression of MMP12. IL10 treatment of naive and M2-polarized bone marrow-derived WT macrophages reduced MMP12 expression. Conditioned media studies demonstrated the secretome of aged mutant macrophages harbors reduced AECII prosurvival factors, specifically keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), promotes cell death, and reduces survival of primary alveolar epithelial cells. Compared to WT controls, aged IL10-deficient mice have increased parenchymal lymphoid collections comprised of a reduced number of apoptotic cells and B cells. We establish that IL10 is a key modulator of airspace homeostasis and lymphoid morphogenesis in the aging lung enabling macrophage-mediated alveolar epithelial cell survival and B-cell survival within tertiary lymphoid structures.
Evaluating Supplementary Nutrients to Improve Strawberry Fruit Quality and Yield

A field study was conducted in a randomized complete block design over two growing seasons. The objective was to evaluate the effect of supplementary nutrients, in addition to standard fertigation ...
At the Crossroads: Wellbeing and Principalship Preparation:

This study was designed to gain a baseline understanding of how future K-12 building leaders in pre-service principal preparation programs address their own wellbeing. In this exploratory study, pr...
The X-Ray Jet of 3C 120: Evidence for a Nonstandard Synchrotron Spectrum

We report on archival data from the Chandra X-Ray Observatory for the radio jet of 3C 120. We consider the emission process responsible for the X-rays from four knots using spectra constructed from radio, optical, and X-ray intensities. While a simple synchrotron model is adequate for three of the knots, the fourth ("k25"), which was previously detected by ROSAT and is now well resolved with Chandra, still represents a problem for the conventional emission processes. If, as we argue, the flat X-ray spectra from two parts of k25 are synchrotron emission, then it appears that either the emission comes from an electron distribution spectrally distinct from that responsible for the radio emission or at the highest electron energies there is a significant deviation from the power law describing the electron distribution at lower energies.
Deep propensity network using a sparse autoencoder for estimation of treatment effects

Objective Drawing causal estimates from observational data is problematic, because datasets often contain underlying bias (eg, discrimination in treatment assignment). To examine causal effects, it is important to evaluate what-if scenarios-the so-called "counterfactuals." We propose a novel deep learning architecture for propensity score matching and counterfactual prediction-the deep propensity network using a sparse autoencoder (DPN-SA)-to tackle the problems of high dimensionality, nonlinear/nonparallel treatment assignment, and residual confounding when estimating treatment effects. Materials and methods We used 2 randomized prospective datasets, a semisynthetic one with nonlinear/nonparallel treatment selection bias and simulated counterfactual outcomes from the Infant Health and Development Program and a real-world dataset from the LaLonde's employment training program. We compared different configurations of the DPN-SA against logistic regression and LASSO as well as deep counterfactual networks with propensity dropout (DCN-PD). Models' performances were assessed in terms of average treatment effects, mean squared error in precision on effect's heterogeneity, and average treatment effect on the treated, over multiple training/test runs. Results The DPN-SA outperformed logistic regression and LASSO by 36%-63%, and DCN-PD by 6%-10% across all datasets. All deep learning architectures yielded average treatment effects close to the true ones with low variance. Results were also robust to noise-injection and addition of correlated variables. Code is publicly available at https://github.com/Shantanu48114860/DPN-SA. Discussion and conclusion Deep sparse autoencoders are particularly suited for treatment effect estimation studies using electronic health records because they can handle high-dimensional covariate sets, large sample sizes, and complex heterogeneity in treatment assignments.
Textiles for learning tactile interactions

An AI-assisted smart textile can be used to record, model and understand human–environment interactions.
Teaching scripts via smartphone app facilitate resident-led teaching of medical students

Previous studies have suggested that resident physicians are the most meaningful teachers during the clinical clerkships of third-year medical students (MS3s). Unfortunately, residents often feel unprepared for this crucial role. The pediatrics clerkship at our institution identified a paucity in the frequency of resident-led teaching with MS3s. Lack of confidence, suboptimal teaching space, and insufficient time were cited as the most significant barriers. To enhance resident-led teaching of MS3s, we created teaching scripts of general pediatrics topics accessible via a smartphone application (app). Prior to the implementation of the app, MS3s and pediatric residents were surveyed on clerkship teaching practices. From May 2017 through July 2018, pediatric residents working with MS3s were introduced to the app, with both groups queried on resident teaching habits afterward. We compared pre-intervention and post-intervention data of time spent teaching, teaching frequency, and a ranking of pediatric resident teaching performance compared to residents of other MS3 core clerkships. 44 out of 90 residents (49%) responded to a pre-intervention survey on baseline teaching habits. 49 out of 61 residents (80%) completed our post-intervention survey. Pre-intervention, 75% (33/44) of residents reported spending less than 5 min per teaching session on average. Post-intervention, 67% (33/49) reported spending more than 5 min (p < 0.01). 25% (11/44) of residents reported teaching at least once per day pre-intervention, versus 55% (27/49, p = 0.12) post-intervention. Post-intervention data demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between app use and increased frequency of teaching (p < 0.01). The MS3 average ranking of pediatric resident teaching increased from 2.4 to 3.4 out of 6 (p < 0.05) after this intervention. Residency programs looking to reform resident-led teaching, particularly of residents early in their training, should consider our novel approach. In addition to addressing barriers to teaching and creating a platform for near-peer teaching, it is adaptable to any specialty or learner level. Future direction includes developing objective measures for teaching performance and content proficiency to better assess our intervention as an educational curriculum, as well as further investigation of the intervention as a controlled trial.
Channeling the State: Community Media and Popular Politics in Venezuela by Naomi Schiller

Schiller, Naomi. Channeling the State: Community Media and Popular Politics in Venezuela. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2018.
Fabrication techniques for high-performance Si heterojunction (SHJ) microcells

Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) microcells offer a promising photovoltaic (PV) device for a wide range of micro-electronic applications due to their high performance potential. We examine two separate techniques for dicing SHJ microcells from bulk wafers: deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and micro-laser cutting. We present the challenges and optimizations for each technique, as well as microcell performance for a 400µm x 400µm x 80µm microcell. Given the thickness of silicon wafers and the low face-to-edge area ratio for SHJ microcells of these dimensions, we consider varied illumination conditions for this structure. SHJ microcells are able to absorb photons along all surfaces; as such, we study microcell performance at each edge interface. We examine both modeled and experimental data of microcells across various lighting conditions and present high-performances for both sets of measurements.
Probing triaxial deformation of atomic nuclei in high-energy heavy ion collisions

Most atomic nuclei are deformed with a quadrupole shape described by its overall strength $\beta_2$ and triaxiality $\gamma$. The deformation can be accessed in high-energy heavy-ion collisions by measuring the collective flow response of the produced quark-gluon plasma to the eccentricity $\varepsilon_2$ and the density gradient $d_{\perp}$ in the initial state. Using analytical estimate and a Glauber model, we show that the variances, $\langle\varepsilon_2^2\rangle$ or $\langle(\delta d_{\perp}/d_{\perp})^2\rangle$, and skewnesses, $\langle\varepsilon_2^2\delta d_{\perp}/d_{\perp}\rangle$ or $\langle(\delta d_{\perp}/d_{\perp})^3\rangle$, have a simple analytical form of $a'+b'\beta_2^2$ and $a'+(b'+c'\cos(3\gamma))\beta_2^3$, respectively. From these, we constructed several normalized skewnesses to isolate the $\gamma$ dependence from that of $\beta_2$, and show that the correlations between any normalized skewness and any variance can constrain simultaneously the $\beta_2$ and $\gamma$. Assuming a linear relation with elliptic flow $v_2$ and mean-transverse momentum $[p_{\mathrm{T}}]$ of final state particles, $v_2\propto \varepsilon_2$ and $\delta d_{\perp}/d_{\perp} \propto \delta[p_{\mathrm{T}}]/[p_{\mathrm{T}}]$, similar conclusions are also expected for the variances and skewnesses of $v_2$ and $[p_{\mathrm{T}}]$, which can be measured precisely in top RHIC and LHC energies. Our findings motivate a dedicated system scan of high-energy heavy ion collisions to measure triaxiality of atomic nuclei. This is better done by collisions of prolate, $\cos(3\gamma)=1$, and oblate nuclei, $\cos(3\gamma)=-1$, with well known $\beta_2$ values to calibrate the coefficients $b'$ and $c'$, followed by collisions of species of interest especially those with known $\beta_2$ but unknown $\gamma$.
Curated Collections for Educators: Six Key Papers on Teaching Procedural Skills

Background Competence in teaching procedural skills is required for faculty in all specialties. Regardless of involvement in undergraduate medical education (UME) versus graduate medical education (GME), faculty will likely be involved in teaching procedures to novice learners at some point, with the goal of having the learner achieve graduated independence and technical competence in a skill set. A large body of literature exists addressing the best practices for teaching and maintaining procedural skills. We searched for articles that describe the best practices for teaching procedural skills to all levels of learners. Methods We conducted a literature search for papers on procedural skills training and teaching. We also made a call for papers on social media from members of the online #MedEd and #FOAMed communities. Once a list of the articles was compiled, we conducted a three-round modified Delphi process to identify those illustrating best practices for teaching procedural skills by both junior and senior faculty. Results We identified 98 relevant articles on the topic of procedural skills training. Six articles were deemed to be highly relevant after three rounds of the modified Delphi. Best practices included using an established educational framework when designing procedural skills teaching sessions, providing positive feedback to learners with opportunities for improvement, and demonstrating the procedure to the learners. Conclusions Medical educators should employ evidence-based practices when designing and delivering procedural skills sessions. Educational frameworks provide faculty developers and facilitators with an organized approach to teaching these sessions. Maintenance of procedural skills over time is key; faculty can utilize simulation-based procedural training and deliberate practice to prevent decay of learned skills.
OLIGOPOLY AND THE WORLD OF BIG BUSINESS

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the oligopolistic market structure, which is characterized by a small number of firms that produce the entire output of an industry, interdependence among firms, and high barriers to entry. There is no general theory of price, output, and equilibrium for oligopolistic markets. If rival oligopolists acted with full independence from their competitors, they would drive the price down to the level of cost of production. Alternatively, if they used collusion to obtain perfect cooperation, the price would rise to the level that a monopolist would charge. The actual outcome would lie between these two extremes. Collusion is the opposite of competition. Oligopolists have a strong incentive to collude and raise their prices. However, the interests of individual firms would conflict with those of the industry. Oligopolistic firms are less likely to collude successfully against the interests of consumers if the number of rival firms is large, if it is costly to prohibit competitors from offering secret price cuts to customers, if the entry barriers are low, if the market demand conditions tend to be unstable, and if the threat of antitrust action is present.
American Procedural Exceptionalism: A Deterrent or Catalyst for Death Penalty Abolition?

This article offers a new theory to explain the persistence of the death penalty in the United States at a time when most western nations have abolished it. Contrary to cultural explanations that have been advanced by other scholars, this piece hypothesizes that the retention is best explained by "American procedural exceptionalism," defined as the unique American belief in the efficacy and fairness of its legal process. This American exceptionalism of process validates the expression of the impulse toward retribution commonly found in western nations. In other words, the perceived fairness of the process affirms the retributive notion that the execution of a murderer achieves justice for society. When the American death penalty process is shown to be unjust, arbitrary, or discriminatory in its administration, the defect in the process serves as a check on the retributive impulse. The result is a move to halt (or reduce) the use of the death penalty. Thus, according to the theory, the retention and continued administration of the death penalty in the United States rests upon a belief in the fairness of the American judicial process in capital punishment cases.
Social Stress in Hamsters: Defeat Activates Specific Neurocircuits within the Brain

During an agonistic encounter, subordinate male hamsters display defensive and submissive postures and show increased secretion of glucocorticoids, whereas dominant males do not. To determine whether specific neuronal pathways are activated during the behavioral and neuroendocrine responses of subordinate males, expression of c-fos mRNA within the brains of subordinate males was compared with the pattern in dominant males after fighting. After 1 week of handling, pairs of hamsters were either swapped between cages (handled control males), or were allowed to interact for 30 min [dominant (DOM) males and subordinate (SUB) males]. A second group of control animals that received no handling or social stimulation (unhandled control males) were also included. After testing, all animals were killed by decapitation, their brains were removed for c-fos in situ hybridization, and trunk blood was collected for analysis of plasma cortisol and corticosterone levels. Exposure of males to their partner's cage for 30 min resulted in increased expression of c-fos mRNA in multiple brain regions. In addition, fighting increased c-fos expression in the medial amygdaloid nucleus of both DOM and SUB males as well as having more selective effects. In DOM males, c-fos expression was elevated within the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. In SUB males, c-fos expression increased within a multitude of brain areas, including cingulate cortex, lateral septum, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic area, several hypothalamic nuclei, central amygdaloid nucleus, amygdalohippocampal area, dorsal periaqueductal gray, dorsal raphe, cuneiform nucleus, and locus coeruleus. These findings are discussed in relation to neurocircuits associated with behavioral arousal and stress.
Quantitative Characteristics of the Transformation of Hamster Cells by PARA (Defective Simian Virus 40)-Adenovirus 7

An in vitro method for the quantitative measurement of transformation in hamster embryo fibroblasts by the PARA [defective simian virus 40 (SV40)]-adenovirus 7 hybrid has been developed. Transformation by PARA particles followed one-hit kinetics with a ratio of 1 focus-forming unit per 250 plaque-forming units. The method of viral adsorption had a direct effect upon the total number of foci which developed but not on the quantitative aspects of this assay. A fluorescent-focus assay was developed which provided a direct correlation of the observed morphological transformation and the presence of the PARA genome. This fluorescent-focus assay utilized detection of the SV40 tumor antigen, which was present in all foci transformed by PARA. Single foci induced by PARA were isolated and grown into cell lines. Two types of foci were observed and isolated; the first contained cells having a cuboidal or SV40-type morphology, and the second consisted of epithelial or adenovirus-type transformed cells. Both types contained the SV40 tumor and SV40 surface antigens as determined by the indirect fluorescence technique; however, only the epithelial cells contained the adenovirus 7 tumor antigen. All five cell lines which were injected into weanling Syrian hamsters were found to be oncogenic. These cell lines induced antibodies to both SV40 and adenovirus 7 tumor antigens in tumor-bearing animals.
Forensic sleep medicine : nocturnal wandering and violence

Forty-one subjects between 12 and 63 years of age with a complaint of nocturnal wandering were reviewed retrospectively, and a prospective investigation of their compliance to treatment was performed. Twenty-nine of 41 subjects committed violence against themselves or others ("violent group"). Clinical investigation of their problem involved polysomnography, wake and sleep EEGs and ambulatory EEG recording in the home environment. The nocturnal wandering may have started from NREM sleep or REM sleep, and violence was observed in both of these sleep states. Arousal from sleep may have been triggered by sleep-disordered breathing or may have been related to temporal lobe abnormalities, and, in some cases, no abnormal polygraphic features were noted. Violence was always preceded by many instances of nocturnal wandering that had received little clinical attention. Temporal lobe abnormalities, a rare cause of nocturnal wandering, were present only in the "violent" group. This group also had a higher percentage of men than the "nonviolent" group. In both groups, the frequency of nocturnal wandering increased with an increase in daytime stressors. Pharmacological and psychiatric treatment approaches were beneficial in both groups. Language: en
Presenilin-1 and intracellular calcium stores regulate neuronal glutamate uptake.

Glutamate uptake by high affinity glutamate transporters is essential for preventing excitotoxicity and maintaining normal synaptic function. We have discovered a novel role for presenilin-1 (PS1) as a regulator of glutamate transport. PS1-deficient neurons showed a decrease in glutamate uptake of approximately 50% compared to wild-type neurons. Gamma-secretase inhibitor treatment mimicked the effects of PS1 deficiency on glutamate uptake. PS1 loss-of-function, accomplished by PS1 deficiency or γ-secretase inhibitor treatment, caused a corresponding decrease in cell surface expression of the neuronal glutamate transporter, EAAC1. PS1 deficiency is known to reduce intracellular calcium stores. To explore the possibility that PS1 influences glutamate uptake via regulation of intracellular calcium stores, we examined the effects of treating neurons with caffeine, thapsigargin, and SKF-96365. These compounds depleted intracellular calcium stores by distinct means. Nonetheless, each treatment mimicked PS1 loss-of-function by impairing glutamate uptake and reducing EAAC1 expression at the cell surface. Blockade of voltage-gated calcium channels, activation and inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC), and protein kinase A (PKA) all had no effect on glutamate uptake in neurons. Taken together, these findings indicate that PS1 and intracellular calcium stores may play a significant role in regulating glutamate uptake and therefore may be important in limiting glutamate toxicity in the brain.
Improving the schedule quality of static-list time-constrained scheduling

Summary form only given. The most compelling reason for High-Level Synthesis (HLS) to be accepted in the state-of-the-art CAD flow is its ability to perform design space exploration. Design space exploration requires efficient scheduling techniques that have a low complexity and yet produce good quality schedules. The Time-Constrained Scheduling (TCS) problem minimizes the number of functional units required to schedule a particular Data Flow Graph (DFG) within a specified number of time steps. Over the past few years a number of techniques have been proposed to solve the TCS problem. Heuristic list scheduling algorithms have been widely used for their low-complexity and good performance. The complexity of a dynamic-list scheduling algorithm, such as the Force Directed Scheduling (FDS), is /spl Theta/(T*N/sup 2/), where T is the time constraint and N is the number of operations. Static-list scheduling algorithms are the least complex among the known class of scheduling techniques with a linear time complexity of /spl Theta/(T*N). Typically, static-list scheduling algorithms, in order to maintain low-complexity, do not perform any look-ahead like that of FDS. The drawback is that, static-list scheduling algorithms may not generate high-quality schedules. However, the proposed static-list algorithm presented here incorporates a novel topological clustering technique which acts as the look-ahead mechanism without any computational overhead.
Fluorescence of Petroleum Products II.Three-Dimensional Fluorescence Plots of Gasolines

The technique of three-dimensional fluorescence, first used in the forensic science analysis of motor oils and auto lubricants, is evaluated in the study of gasoline samples taken straight from the pump. The study includes ten samples of different grades and brands. No common spectral features attributable to brand or grade type could be shown. A program designed to determine the similarities or differences between two three-dimensional plots is employed to determine if two samples of gasoline could have a common source.
DNA helicases in recombination

The different pathways of homologous recombination involve the recognition and pairing of homologous DNA sequences promoted by proteins that catalyze strand exchange. Other steps in recombination involve double stranded DNA unwinding for branch migration activities, and in some cases the reannealing of single DNA strands. These processes do not occur spontaneously and so require DNA helicase enzymes that unwind the DNA helices. DNA helicases also have additional and sometimes unexpected functions in homologous recombination. These include anti-recombination activities that either reverse strand pairings or destabilize the primary homologous recombination intermediate, a single stranded DNA molecule coated with Rad51 protein that is primed to promote strand exchange. This latter novel anti-recombinase activity is especially important during the repair of stalled replication forks. This review examines the roles of eukaryotic DNA helicases in promoting and antagonizing homologous recombination.
Mechanisms of Cervical Spine Injury During Impact to the Protected Head

Abstract : Static and impact loading of the heads of embalmed cadavers wearing protective helmets have been conducted for the purpose of understanding the mechanics of fracture-dislocation injury to the cervical spine. Some of the cadavers were cut down on one side of the neck for high-speed photographic observation of the spine during impact. Others were instrumented with strain gages on the bodies and near the facets to assist in correlating spine movements and load configuration with strain distribution. Results indicate that static loading can be a useful predictor of failure site under dynamic conditions. Those conditions which were found to be most influential on injury site and level of strain were: (1) The extent to which the head was gripped by the impact surface to allow or restrict motion at the atlanto-occipital injunction; (2) Impact location; and, (3) Impact force alignment with the spine. It was found that very little could be done with energy-absorbing material in the crown to reduce spine strain due to a crown impact. Also, the rear rim was not a 'guillotine' threat to fracture-dislocation from blows which cause hypertension, and the higher cut rear rim recommended to reduce of eliminate this alleged hazard caused higher strain by virtue of allowing greater extension of the neck. (Author)
Channel Member Satisfaction and Performance in African Export Marketing Channels: Some Insights From Ghana

This article investigates the impact of channel member satisfaction on channel performance in Ghanaian cocoa marketing channels. Channel member satisfaction is treated as a multidimensional construct consisting of both economic and social satisfaction. Channel performance is defined in terms of farmers’ acceptance of a large-scale marketing channel improvement. The results of the study indicate that initial acceptance of the channel improvement was based on economic satisfaction and continued use was based primarily on trust. Implications for theory and managerial practice are discussed.
The Kansas Squat Test: A Valid and Practical Measure of Anaerobic Power for Track and Field Power Athletes.

AbstractLuebbers, PE and Fry, AC. The Kansas squat test: A valid and practical measure of anaerobic power for track and field power athletes. J Strength Cond Res 29(10): 2716–2722, 2015—The Kansas squat test (KST) is a repetitive lifting test designed to measure relatively similar indices of lower-b
Integrated fiber optic strain sensor

This paper investigates a polarimetric fiber optic strain sensor embedded in concrete. A comparison is made between a table version and a recently developed integrated version. The problems and concerns of successfully embedding optical fiber into the harsh cementitious environment are discussed. Experimental data is presented and compared to a simple theoretical model of stress induced birefringence.
Micron-resolution radiography of laser-accelerated and X-ray heated foils with an X-ray laser.

We have employed an x-ray laser (XRL) in a multilayer mirror optical system to obtain high resolution side-on radiographs of laser-accelerated and x-ray heated metallic foils. The XRL served as a bright monochromatic backlighting source. This is the first time such images have been made with a resolution on the few-micron scale. In spite of the fact that the drive laser beam was smoothed, small-scale breakup of the accelerated foil was observed. Slightly asymmetric expansion of x-ray heated foils was predicted and observed indicating near-volumetric heating.
Breeding Cereal Crops for Enhanced Weed Suppression: Optimizing Allelopathy and Competitive Ability

Interest in breeding grain crops with improved weed suppressive ability is growing in response to the evolution and rapid expansion of herbicide resistant populations in major weeds of economic importance, environmental concerns, and the unmet needs of organic producers and smallholder farmers without access to herbicides. This review is focused on plant breeding for weed suppression; specifically, field and laboratory screening protocols, genetic studies, and breeding efforts that have been undertaken to improve allelopathy and competition in rice, wheat, and barley. The combined effects of allelopathy and competition determine the weed suppressive potential of a given cultivar, and research groups worldwide have been working to improve both traits simultaneously to achieve maximum gains in weed suppression. Both allelopathy and competitive ability are complex, quantitatively inherited traits that are heavily influenced by environmental factors. Thus, good experimental design and sound breeding procedures are essential to achieve genetic gains. Weed suppressive rice cultivars are now commercially available in the U.S. and China that have resulted from three decades of research. Furthermore, a strong foundation has been laid during the past 10 years for the breeding of weed suppressive wheat and barley cultivars.
Identification of demand patterns for selective processing : a case study

Abstract A basic function in the proper management of repair part inventories is the anticipation of demand. The US Navy maintains a database of univariate demand data for its repair part inventories using a quarterly time interval and a limited number of periods. Historically, the exponential smoothing procedure has been used for demand forecasting. This method is simple and robust, but it does not make use of any characteristics of the entire time series such as trend, cycles, presence of outliers or demand clustering. Sharper information may be available with the use of the Box–Jenkins system. Not all repair parts can capitalize on this and there is a problem in identifying those that do. Moreover the number of parts is quite large and the speed of identification is an issue. This paper addresses this problem. The research begins with the development of several simple, robust and dimensionless time series features. These are used to predict the suitability of Box–Jenkins (ARIMA) modeling. Two predictive models are considered: classical regression and a modern expert-system statistical package, ModelQuest™. Their strengths and weaknesses are compared. The result of either is a computationally simple means for determining which repair parts time series may benefit from the Box–Jenkins methodology for purposes of inventory management.
THE EFFECTIVENESS FACTORS FOR VARIOUS SIZE DISTRIBUTIONS OF CATALYST PARTICLES

In general, catalyst beds are made up of a size distribution of particles. Often the distribution of particle sizes can be well represented by either a rectangular or triangular size distribution. This paper shows that characteristic mean particle sizes can be defined for both the rectangular and triangular distributions such that the effectiveness factor based on this single particle size lies close to the effectiveness factor for the distribution. Thus, by using the correct mean particle size a quick and reasonably accurate evaluation of the effectiveness factor for the particle size distribution can be made.
Aryl-alkyl groups in coals

Abstract A method has been developed for detecting ethyl, propyl, and isopropyl substituents on aryl rings in coals. This method complements an earlier method for determining aryl-methyl groups. Examination of five coals showed that 0.1-0.3% of the carbon was in aryl-ethyl groups. Aryl-propyl, aryl-isopropyl, and larger aryl-alkyl groups were not detected. Aryl-methyl is the dominant aryl-alkyl group in coals and generally accounts for ≈1% of the carbon.
Simplified fluorimetric determination of digitalis alkaloids

Abstract A new fluorimetric procedure for the determination of digoxin and digitoxin is described. The method is based upon the development of a fluorophore when the digitalis drugs are treated with concentrated sulfuric acid. Applications to tablet and elixir forms of the drugs are described.
Mechanistic analogy: how microcosms explain nature

Microcosm studies of ecological processes have been criticized for being unrealistic. However, since lack of realism is inherent to all experimental science, if lack of realism invalidates microcosm models of ecological processes, then such lack of realism must either also invalidate much of the rest of experimental ecology or its force with respect to microcosm studies must derive from some other limitation of microcosm apparatus. We believe that the logic of the microcosm program for ecological research has been misunderstood. Here, we respond to the criticism that microcosm studies play at most a heuristic role in ecology with a new account of scientific experimentation developed specifically with ecology and other environmental sciences in mind. Central to our account are the concepts of model-based reasoning and analogical inference. We find that microcosm studies are sound when they serve as models for nature and when certain properties, referred to as the essential properties, are in positive analogy. By extension, our account also justifies numerous other kinds of ecological experimentation. These results are important because reliable causal accounts of ecological processes are necessary for sound application of ecological theory to conservation and environmental science. A severe sensitivity to reliable representation of causes is the chief virtue of the microcosm approach.
Kinetics of deprotonation of triphenyl(2-substituted-9-fluorenyl)phosphonium ions in 50% dimethyl sulfoxide-50% water. Intrinsic rate constants, imbalances and evidence for changes in transition state structure

Rate constants (kB1 and kBH−1) for the reversible deprotonation of triphenyl(2-Z-9-fluorenyl)phosphonium ions (Z = H, Br, NO2) by piperidine, morpholine, n-butylamine, 2-methoxyethylamine, glycine ethyl ester, cyanomethylamine, OH− and water were determined in 50% Me2SO–50% (v/v) water at 20°C. Bronsted αCH (variation of carbon acid) and β values (variation of amine), and intrinsic rate constants [log k0 = log kB1/q when pKBHa - pKCHa + log(p/q) = 0] were obtained. αCH decreases with increasing basicity of the amine whereas βB decreases with increasing acidity of the carbon acid. These trends, which imply changes in the transition-state structure with reactivity, can be described by the interaction coefficient pxy = ∂βB/∂pKCHa = ∂αCH/ - ∂pKBHa = 0.03 (primary amines) and 0.01 (piperidine/morpholine). αCH is smaller than βB, indicating an imbalance due to a lag in the delocalization of the negative charge into the fluorenyl moiety at the transition state. The influence of the Ph3P+ group on the intrinsic rate constant is analyzed in terms of possible contributions by inductive/field (I), resonance (R), polarizability (P) and steric (S) effects. Using 9-carbomethoxyfluorene as a reference, it is shown that the stronger electron-withdrawing I effect of the Ph3P+ group relative to the COOMe group enhances log k0 substantially; the fact that the R effect of Ph3P+ is weaker than that of COOMe also contributes to an increase in k0, and so does the P effect of the phosphorus. All these increases are virtually completely offset by the rate-retarding S effect of the bulky Ph3P+ group. A similar analysis for the Me2S+ derivative studied by Murray and Jencks [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 112, 1880 (1990)] leads to similar conclusions except that the still smaller R effect is probably one of the main reasons why k0 for the Me2S+ derivative is more than ten times higher than for the Ph3P+ derivative; another potential reason is a difference in the steric effect.
The role of relaxation in systematic desensitization: Revisiting an unresolved issue

Abstract Forty-three socially anxious females received systematic desensitization, noncontiguous relaxation, hierarchy exposure only, or no treatment. Analysis of pre-posttest fear in a laboratory social interaction task revealed virtually no treatment effects on self-report or behavioral measures. Analysis of continuously monitored heart rate, however, indicated reduced anticipatory activity among subjects receiving relaxation training and reduced reactive activity for desensitization subjects.
Strain-induced crystallization behavior of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK)

Strain-induced crystallization of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) was studied by the use of a parallel plate rheometer. The experimental variables included preheating time, crystallization temperature, and shear rate. The crystallization kinetics were characterized by means of an induction time defined as the time elapsed from the start of shearing to the onset of crystallization. The experimental results showed that the induction time for strain-induced crystallization of PEEK was significantly shorter than that for crystallization under quiescent condition, and that strain-induced crystallization was much less temperature dependent than quiescent crystallization. The activation energy for strain-induced crystallization was found to be 0.035kcal/mole, which was considerably smaller than the reported activation energy for quiescent crystallization. Photomicrographs of the sheared specimens indicated that PEEK crystallites orient along the flow direction.
Zmpste24-/- mouse model for senescent wound healing research.

BACKGROUND The graying of our population has motivated the authors to better understand age-related impairments in wound healing. To increase research throughput, the authors hypothesized that the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome Zmpste24-deficient (Zmpste24(-/-)) mouse could serve as a model of senescent wound healing. METHODS Using a stented excisional wound closure model, the authors tested this hypothesis on 8-week-old male Zmpste24(-/-) mice (n = 25) and age-matched male C57BL/6J wild-type mice (n = 25). Wounds were measured photogrammetrically and harvested for immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and circulating vasculogenic progenitor cells were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS Zmpste24(-/-) mice had a significant delay in wound closure compared with wild-type mice during the proliferative/vasculogenic phase. Zmpste24(-/-) wounds had decreased proliferation, increased 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels, increased proapoptotic signaling (i.e., p53, PUMA, BAX), decreased antiapoptotic signaling (i.e., Bcl-2), and increased DNA fragmentation. These changes correlated with decreased local vasculogenic growth factor expression, decreased mobilization of bone marrow-derived vasculogenic progenitor cells, and decreased new blood vessel formation. Age-related impairments in wound closure are multifactorial. CONCLUSIONS The authors' data suggest that the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome Zmpste24(-/-) progeroid syndrome shares mechanistic overlap with normal aging and therefore might provide a uniquely informative model with which to study age-associated impairments in wound closure.
Orthostatic Intolerance after Artificial Heat Acclimatization in Physically Fit Subjects

Artificial heat acclimatization effect on orthostatic tolerance in man exposed to stresses of heat, exercise and dehydration
Analyzing Homicide Problems: Practical Approaches to Developing a Policy-relevant Description of Serious Urban Violence

Urban homicide problems are highly concentrated among a small number of gang- and group-involved chronic offenders who are well known to the criminal justice system. Problem-oriented policing can be an effective approach to understanding and responding to the ongoing violent conflicts among gangs and criminally active groups that generate urban homicide problems. Unfortunately, problem analysis is often weak, and the resulting problem descriptions are limited in developing crime prevention programs. A set of simple research methodologies has been used in several US cities to better understand urban homicide problems and to implement promising homicide prevention programs. These problem analysis methods include: documenting the criminal backgrounds and criminal justice system involvement of homicide victims and homicide offenders; conducting homicide incident reviews; and identifying gangs, criminal groups, and inter-group conflict patterns. In this paper, these techniques are discussed and applied to understand homicide in Stockton, California.
A technique for studying chemotaxis of leucocytes in well-defined chemotactic fields.

Abstract A new technique for observing the chemotaxis of leucocytes in well-defined chemotactic fields has been developed. This technique is also applicable to other studies in cell physiology in which an efficient method of generating known chemical concentration gradients on microscope slides is needed. This study reports the range of concentrations and gradients of cyclic adenosine 3′, 5′-monophosphate which will result in chemotactic ameboid motion of human polymorphonuclear granulocytes. We have identified a threshold gradient and a range of concentration near the solubility limit in which chemotaxis is impaired.
Influence of Habitat Availability on Spawning Site Selection by Kokanees in Streams

Abstract Spawning sites of kokanees Oncorhynchus nerka in two tributaries to Flaming Gorge Reservoir, Wyoming–Utah, were described. Water depth and current velocity at spawning sites in Sheep Creek (mean wetted width, 8.4 m) and the Green River (mean, 68 m), as well as available habitat in the reaches of the streams used for spawning, were measured in 1985. Modal water depths at redds differed between the two streams, whereas modal current velocities at redds were similar despite substantial differences in available habitat. The data indicate that habitat use curves illustrate kokanee spawning site distributions in a more realistic manner than habitat selection curves that incorporate both habitat use and habitat availability in their computation.
STABILITY OF AGREEING RESPONSE SET OVER A PERIOD OF TIME

Agreeing response set and its influence on psychological tests has recently received increased atrention. Couch and Keniston (1960) have provided a comprehensive review and investigation in which they conclude that "agreeing response tendency is based on a central personality syndrome." They also present a short and quickly administered 15-item Yeasay-Naysay Scale which measures agreeing response tendency. Because of current interest in the response set variable, it seems probable that this short scale will be widely used in research. Already, it has been used ro investigate individual differences in the production of retroactive facilitation and inhibition (James & Stone, 1960). Considering the possible future use of this agreeing response set scale, there are practical reasons for knowing the stability of this scale's scores ovel a period of time. The purpose of the present study was to test the stability of this scale. In the Fall of 1960, 207 students in an introductory psychology class were given the 15-item Yeasay-Naysay Scale (Couch & Keniston, 1960). They were retested wirh the same scale three months later. The test-retest reliability obtained was highly significant (r = .65; p .lo). The obtained coefficient of reliability (.65) was somewhat lower than might be desired for this type of test. Using the generalized Spearman-Brown formula, a more desirable reliability coefficient (35 or higher) might be obtained if the scale were increased from 15 items to at least 45 to 60 items. However, inspection of the scatter diagram suggested that the reliability of the extreme scores would be higher than that of the total distribution.
The effect of gastro-oesophageal reflux and omeprazole on key sleep parameters

Summary Background: The effect of gastro-oesophageal reflux on sleep and sleep quality is highly controversial. Aim: To determine the temporal relationship of abnormal objective sleep parameters to gastro-oesophageal reflux during acid suppression in patients with self diagnosed sleep disorders. Methods: Polysomnography during oesophageal pH monitoring was conducted in 16 subjects with and without gastro-oesophageal reflux as determined by a standardized questionnaire. Subjects were studied before and after omeprazole. Results: All reflux events were followed by a sleep arousal or awakening. Nocturnal acid reflux events were not predicted by the Carlsson score. Omeprazole reduced acid reflux-associated arousals from 11.6 ± 3.8 to 1.5 ± 0.8 (P < 0.01) and awakenings from 7.7 ± 1.2 to 3.7 ± 0.5 (P < 0.05). Sleep efficiency improved from 70.2% to 81.6% in a small subset of subjects with decreased sleep (P < 0.05); rapid eye movement sleep increased from 55.0 ± 4.5 to 94.5 ± 18.9 min (P < 0.05); total sleep time increased from 294.0 ± 15.9 to 345.6 ± 55.6 min (P < 0.05). Apnoea, hypopnoea and hypoxaemia were not associated with reflux. Conclusions: In subjects with gastro-oesophageal reflux, sleep arousals and awakenings are closely related to acid reflux events. Reflux-related arousals and awakenings are decreased by acid suppression. Acid suppression in selected subjects with reflux events and reduced sleep efficiency is associated with increased total sleep time, rapid eye movement sleep and sleep efficiency.
Influence of pause duration on the reproduction of a 2-second interval

The influence of pause duration on the reproduction of a 2-sec interval, presented acoustically, was investigated in one S. The duration between the end of the stimulus and the beginning of the reproduction was varied randomly between 0.4 and 50.0 sec. The reproduced interval increased linearly up to a pause duration of approximately 2 sec; longer pause durations did not influence systematically the duration of the reproduced interval. This result is discussed as additional evidence for an oscillatory mechanism with a period in the range of 2 sec underlying time estimation.
JNK phosphorylates β-catenin and regulates adherens junctions

The c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) is an important player in inflammation, proliferation, and apoptosis. More recently, JNK was found to regulate cell migration by phosphorylating paxillin. Here, we report a novel role of JNK in cell adhesion. Specifically, we provide evidence that JNK binds to E-cadherin/β-catenin complex and phosphorylates β-catenin at serine 37 and threonine 41, the sites also phosphorylated by GSK-3β. Inhibition of JNK kinase activity using dominant-negative constructs reduces phosphorylation of β-catenin and promotes localization of E-cadherin/β-catenin complex to cell-cell contact sites. Conversely, activation of JNK induces β-catenin phosphorylation and disruption of cell contacts, which are prevented by JNK siRNA. We propose that JNK binds to β-catenin and regulates formation of adherens junctions, ultimately controlling cell-to-cell adhesion.—Lee, M.-H., Koria, P., Qu, J., Andreadis, S. T. JNK phosphorylates β-catenin and regulates adherens junctions.
Lower Urinary Tract Ultrasound: A Review

Renal ultrasound for the detection of mass lesions, diffuse renal disease, and hydronephrosis is widely accepted. Less attention has been devoted to sonography of the lower urinary tract; however, ...