cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection and differentiation of biological species using microcalorimetric spectroscopy

Abstract We report on the application of infrared (IR) microcalorimetric spectroscopy (μ-CalSpec) to the identification and detection of trace amounts of biological species. Our approach combines principles of photothermal IR spectroscopy with ultrasensitive microcantilever (MC) thermal detectors. We have obtained photothermal IR spectra for DNA and RNA bases and for Bacillus Cereus (an anthrax simulant) in the wavelength range of 2.5–14.5 μm (4000–690 cm −1 ). The measurements are accomplished by absorbing biological materials directly on a MC thermal detector. The main advantage of the developed μ-CalSpec is its unprecedented sensitivity as compared to any of the previously explored IR techniques, including FTIR and photothermal FTIR methods. Our results demonstrate that −9 g of a biological sample is sufficient to obtain its characteristic μ-CalSpec spectrum that contains information-rich chemical (vibrational) signatures. This opens up a new opportunity to create inexpensive high-throughput analytical systems for biochemical detection.
Disruption of Basal Lamina Components in Neuromotor Synapses of Children with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a static encephalopathy occurring when a lesion to the developing brain results in disordered movement and posture. Patients present with sometimes overlapping spastic, athetoid/dyskinetic, and ataxic symptoms. Spastic CP, which is characterized by stiff muscles, weakness, and poor motor control, accounts for ∼80% of cases. The detailed mechanisms leading to disordered movement in spastic CP are not completely understood, but clinical experience and recent studies suggest involvement of peripheral motor synapses. For example, it is recognized that CP patients have altered sensitivities to drugs that target neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), and protein localization studies suggest that NMJ microanatomy is disrupted in CP. Since CP originates during maturation, we hypothesized that NMJ disruption in spastic CP is associated with retention of an immature neuromotor phenotype later in life. Scoliosis patients with spastic CP or idiopathic disease were enrolled in a prospective, partially-blinded study to evaluate NMJ organization and neuromotor maturation. The localization of synaptic acetylcholine esterase (AChE) relative to postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor (AChR), synaptic laminin β2, and presynaptic vesicle protein 2 (SV2) appeared mismatched in the CP samples; whereas, no significant disruption was found between AChR and SV2. These data suggest that pre- and postsynaptic NMJ components in CP children were appropriately distributed even though AChE and laminin β2 within the synaptic basal lamina appeared disrupted. Follow up electron microscopy indicated that NMJs from CP patients appeared generally mature and similar to controls with some differences present, including deeper postsynaptic folds and reduced presynaptic mitochondria. Analysis of maturational markers, including myosin, syntrophin, myogenin, and AChR subunit expression, and telomere lengths, all indicated similar levels of motor maturation in the two groups. Thus, NMJ disruption in CP was found to principally involve components of the synaptic basal lamina and subtle ultra-structural modifications but appeared unrelated to neuromotor maturational status.
Usefulness of low-priming-volume cardiopulmonary bypass circuits and dilutional ultrafiltration in neonatal open-heart surgery.

In neonate open-heart surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with extreme hemodilution induces an increased capillary permeability and accumulation of extravascular fluid, resulting in organ dysfunction. We evaluated the effects of a reduced priming volume for CPB and dilutional ultrafiltration (DUF) during neonatal open-heart surgery. Nineteen consecutive neonates with complete transposition of the great arteries who underwent an arterial switch operation were retrospectively assigned into two groups: the high-priming-volume circuit group (group A, n = 9) and the low-priming-volume circuit group (group B, n = 10). Patients in group B underwent surgery with a miniaturized CPB circuit and using the DUF technique. The priming volume of group B was nearly two-thirds that of group A. The water balance value after CPB and surgery was significantly lower in group B (−126 ± 118 ml, −116 ± 116 ml) than in group A (88 ± 218 ml, 83 ± 165 ml). Systolic blood pressure just after CPB was higher in group B (67.9 ± 9.1 mmHg) than in group A (55.4 ± 10.3 mmHg). Postoperative ventilatory support was shorter in group B (45 ± 19 h) than in group A (68 ± 27 h). In neonatal cardiac surgery, low-priming-volume CPB circuits and DUF improve the water balance during surgery and may attenuate any inflammatory reaction, which would help preserve postoperative organ function.
Simple, Conservative Criteria for Buckling and Delamination Propagation in the Presence of Stitching:

The problem of delamination cracks in laminates that are bridged by stitches is revisited. Analytical solutions for the critical strain for buckling of a bridged, delaminated layer are extended to consider propagation of the delamination crack under in-plane compression in the limit that the crack is long. Numerical estimates for common laminate parameters show that delaminations of interest will not be far from the long crack limit. Therefore, the analytical results should be conservative but not wasteful design guides.
Consumer Information-Seeking Preferences at a University Farmers' Market

The objective of this study was to better understand consumer preferences for food-related information and communication methods in the context of a university farmers' market. Students, staff, and faculty who shop at the university farmers' market provided data via an online survey tool. The findings showed that consumers desired access to a broad range of information related to food quality, environmental and social impacts, and animal welfare. Consumers expressed a preference for learning about their food through product labels, a Website, informational signs and photos, and conversations with the vendor. Such information could be important to increasing consumer efficacy in making food choices they deem to be healthy and contributing to a more sustainable food system.
JANUS: Exploring the high redshift universe

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) provide extremely luminous background light sources that can be used to study the high redshift universe out to z ~ 12. Identification of high-z GRBs has been difficult to date because no good high-z indicators have been found in the prompt or afterglow emission of GRBs, so ground-based spectroscopic observations are required. JANUS is an Explorer mission that incorporates a GRB locator and a near-IR telescope with low resolution spectroscopic capability so that it can measure the redshifts of GRBs immediately after their discovery. It is expected to discover 50 GRBs with z > 5 as well as hundreds of high redshift quasars. JANUS will facilitate study of the reionization phase, star formation, and galaxy formation in the very early universe. Here we discuss the mission design and status.
Waviness reduces effective modulus of carbon nanotube forests by several orders of magnitude

Abstract Waviness is invariably present in vertically-aligned Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) regardless of how controlled the fabrication process is. This study, using experiments and models, shows that such inherent waviness is the main mechanism by which the effective modulus of CNTs is reduced by several orders of magnitude. At this time, most studies have shown that the compliant mechanical response of the CNT forests under compressive loading is due to bending and buckling of CNTs as well as the variation of CNT density throughout the forest height. Subjecting CNT forests to tensile loads as well as to compressive loads, it is shown here that the high compliance of CNT forests is due to the inherent waviness of individual CNTs, and not necessarily due to bending and buckling of CNTs. The experimental findings are also supported through analytical models and numerical models that show that the CNT wavy geometry causes the CNTs to have 4–5 orders of magnitude greater compliance than a straight CNT.
Central vagal activation increases mucus gel thickness and surface cell intracellular pH in rat stomach

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: Central vagal stimulation induced by the thyrotropin- releasing hormone analogue RX 77368 injected intracisternally in urethane-anesthetized rats is gastroprotective. In an in vivo system, the effects of central RX 77368 on discrete components of the rat gastric mucosal barrier were studied to determine if these effects were prostaglandin synthesis dependent. METHODS: Using intravital microscopy, intracellular pH of gastric surface cells, mucus gel thickness, gastric mucosal blood flow, and acid output were measured simultaneously in vivo. RESULTS: Intracisternal RX 77368 significantly increased acid output, gel thickness, and blood flow. Indomethacin enhanced the RX 77368-induced increase in acid output but had no effect on measures of gastric defense during mucosal superfusion with neutral solutions. During acid superfusion, RX 77368 delayed acidification and enhanced recovery of surface cell intracellular pH. These latter effects were reversed partially by indomethacin. Omeprazole abolished RX 77368-induced acid secretion but did not alter its effects on gastric defense mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: In response to central vagal stimulation with RX 77368, gastric defense mechanisms were enhanced through prostaglandin-dependent and -independent pathways, in contrast to the prostaglandin-independent effects of intravenous pentagastrin. RX 77368-induced enhancements of gastric defense mechanisms did not occur as a result of acid secretion. (Gastroenterology 1997 Feb;112(2):409-17)
The effect of father-toddler and mother-toddler role reversal on the development of behavior problems in kindergarten

Role reversal is a relationship disturbance in which a parent looks to a child to meet a parent's need for comfort, parenting, intimacy or play, and the child attempts to meet these needs. The current study examined, within a developmental psychopathology framework, the effect of father and mother role reversal with toddlers on the development of attention problems, externalizing symptoms, internalizing symptoms, and social problems in kindergarten. In a normative sample, N=57, role reversal was assessed in an observational paradigm, and teachers rated behavior problems. Father role reversal predicted attention problems and externalizing symptoms, whereas mother role reversal predicted social problems. Gender was an important moderator such that father role reversal predicted social problems for boys and mother role reversal predicted social problems for girls. The importance of a developmental psychopathology perspective, the role of fathers, and implications for the development of diagnosable disorders and for preventive interventions are discussed.
Static fatigue and creep resistance of a commercial sialon

The static fatigue and creep resistances of a commercial sialon material were evaluated by elevated temperature flexural stress rupture testing in air. The material is a ceramic alloy with a solid solution β′ sialon phase, Si6-z Al z O z N8-z , with a substitution levelz less than 1. The utilization of yttria sintering aids and post-sintering heat treatments leads to a fully crystalline grain-boundary phase. Creep and static fatigue resistances were excellent at temperatures up to 1200° C.
Cooling Performance of Arrays of Vibrating Cantilevers

A piezoelectric fan is a cantilever beam whose vibration is actuated by means of a piezoelectric element. This element is typically bonded near the clamped end of the beam and induces a bending moment at the interface between the cantilever beam and the piezo element when a voltage is applied. For an alternating voltage, the beam is set into an oscillatory motion, which in turn creates motion in the surrounding fluid. This fluid motion has been shown to provide heat transfer enhancements with low power consumption in an otherwise quiescent region. These devices can also be configured to meet the geometric constraints of applications where the limited available volume might preclude the use of traditional cooling techniques. The fan design can be tailored to operate at frequencies, which are inaudible to the human ear. Due to these attractive features, piezoelectric fans have been investigated in the literature for practical cooling applications. Vibrating cantilever-type structures have been commonplace in engineering for decades. However, detailed studies of the motion induced in the surrounding fluid, and more importantly its effect on heat transfer, have only been recently undertaken. Flow field measurements around a cantilever vibrating in quiescent air at relatively small vibration amplitudes less than 3 mm peak-topeak tip vibration were obtained by Kim et al. 1. They observed a pair of counter-rotating vortices from each oscillation cycle. These vortices were shed from the fan tip as it passed the position of zero displacement. The maximum velocity occurred in the region between these two vortices and just beyond the cantilever tip, and was measured to be approximately four times the maximum tip velocity. Kimber et al. 2 experimentally measured the local heat transfer characteristics of piezoelectric fans and developed heat transfer correlations based on applicable dimensionless numbers. Numerical modeling of the fluid flow and heat transfer induced
Design of a Real-Time Switching Control Scheme for Capacitive Compensation of Distribution Feeders

A new control scheme for multilevel control of capacitors on radial distribution feeders is developed for implementation by an on-line, substation-based computer. The control objectives are the minimization of radial feeder losses of energy and power. Control is exercised through multilevel switching of existing shunt-connected static capacitors. It is shown howtime-varying load data on existing feeders obtained through measurements at the substation can be taken into account. When reactive-load duration curves can be constructed for existing feeders, it is also shown how to optimally design the control scheme to include fixed and non-simultaneously switched capacitors.
Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti‐Goa, an antibody against the low‐prevalence Gonzales antigen

Go(a) (D(Cor)) is a low-frequency antigen in the Rh system found on red cells lacking part of the D mosaic (category IVa). Anti-Go(a) has not been previously reported to cause hemolytic transfusion reactions. A 27-year-old African American male with sickle-cell disease, maintained on chronic transfusion, was noted to have dark plasma during an erythrocytapheresis, procedure, and the pretransfusion hemoglobin was noted to be 1 g/dl lower than 4 weeks before (with hyperbilirubinemia and a significantly increased LDH). Polyspecific direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was weakly positive (C3-weak, IgG-weak), and indirect antiglobulin tests (IATs) performed on the serum (pre- and posttransfusion reaction) and a red blood cell (RBC) eluate from the postreaction sample were negative. A segment from one of the four implicated units from the prior month's transfusion was strongly reactive at 37 degrees C and using anti-human globulin (AHG) when crossmatched with the postreaction serum and the eluate. The postreaction serum, screened with a panel of red cells positive for low-prevalence antigens, reacted with three Go(a+) cells. The implicated unit was reactive with a previously identified anti-Go(a) serum.
A Structuration Agency Approach to Security Policy Enforcement in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a self-organizing, self-configuring confederation of wireless systems. MANET devices join and leave the network asynchronously at will, and there are no predefined client or server roles-roles change based on the nature of a given communication. The dynamic topologies, mobile communications structure, decentralized control, and anonymity creates many challenges to the security of systems and network infrastructure in a MANET environment. Consequently, this extreme form of dynamic and distributed model requires a reevaluation of conventional approaches to security enforcements. Recent developments in agent frameworks have contributed to some potential solutions for security policy enforcements for MANETs. Building on these developments, and extending principles from structuration theory (Giddens, 1984), we formulated a socio-biologically inspired approach to MANET security we refer to as structuration agency theory.
Regulation of caulimovirus gene expression and the involvement of cis-acting elements on both viral transcripts.

Abstract In a further analysis of gene regulation of figwort mosaic virus (FMV), a caulimovirus, we studied transient gene expression with modified viral genomes in Nicotiana edwardsonii cell suspension protoplasts. The results demonstrated that the presence of the promoter for the full-length RNA interferes with expression from the separate downstream promoter for gene VI. In addition, expression of gene VI was inhibited by cis -acting sequences within gene VI itself. Both inhibitory effects could be partially relieved by coelectroporation with a plasmid that produces gene VI protein, demonstrating that expression of gene VI is trans activated by its own product. Subsequent expression studies with partially redundant FMV plasmids containing a reporter gene in frame with gene IV showed that efficient trans activation of CAT expression relies on a cis -acting element inside the downstream gene VI. Insertions of a transcriptional terminator upstream of the cis -acting element for premature termination of transcription showed that the cis -acting region is not a DNA element but is active only as a feature of the RNA transcript. We conclude that the cis -acting element, together with the trans acting gene VI product, enhances expression of all major genes, including gene VI, from the polycistronic m RNA and the separate m RNA for gene VI.
Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in response to temperature elevation shows seasonal variation in the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha

Global climate change is affecting ectothermic species, and a variety of studies are needed on thermal tolerances, especially from cellular and physiological perspectives. This study utilized AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular energy levels, to examine the effects of high water temperatures on zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) physiology. During heating, AMPK activity increased as water temperature increased to a point, and maximum AMPK activity was detected at high, but sublethal, water temperatures. This pattern varied with season, suggesting that cellular mechanisms of seasonal thermal acclimatization affect basic metabolic processes during sublethal heat stress. There was a greater seasonal variation in the water temperature at which maximum AMPK activity was measured than in lethal water temperature. Furthermore, baseline AMPK activity varied significantly across seasons, most likely reflecting altered metabolic states during times of growth and reproduction. In addition, when summer-collected mussels were lab-acclimated to winter and spring water temperatures, patterns of heat stress mirrored those of field-collected animals. These data suggest that water temperature is the main driver of the seasonal variation in physiology. This study concluded that AMPK activity, which reflects changes in energy supply and demand during heat stress, can serve as a sensitive and early indicator of temperature stress in mussels.
Rapid esterification for gas chromatography.

Abstract A new and convenient esterification procedure for both synthetic and analytical purposes has been developed. The basic reaction is the SN2 attack of a soluble organic anion on an alkyl iodide in a highly polar solvent system. The reaction is both fast and extremely mild. Because of its generality, this procedure can be substituted for more complex and lengthier reactions, such as transesterifications, which are often employed. These factors make this technique extremely useful for both analytical and synthetic purposes, especially with sensitive compounds.
A convolution model of rock bed thermal storage units

Abstract A method is presented whereby a packed-bed thermal storage unit is dynamically modeled for bi-directional flow and arbitrary input flow stream temperature variations. The method is based on the principle of calculating the output temperature as the sum of earlier input temperatures, each multiplied by a predetemined “response factor”, i.e. discrete convolution. A computer implementation of the scheme, in the form of a subroutine for a widely used solar simulation program (TRNSYS) is described and numerical results compared with other models. Also, a method for efficient computation of the required response factors is described; this solution is for a triangular input pulse, previously unreported, although the solution method is also applicable for other input functions. This solution requires a single integration of a known function which is easily carried out numerically to the required precision.
Gamma Globulin (Gm group) Heterogeneity in Chimpanzees.

The serum gamma globulin (Gm) serological system was examined in 24 chimpanzees. Five Gm a, Gm b, and Gm x phenotypes, including Gm (a—b—x—), were observed. Phenotype did not appear to be related to serum gamma globulin concentration. The presence of the Gm system in apes suggests that this polymorphism in man is balanced and ancient.
NT-3: an Additional Neurotrophin Expressed in the Adult Rat Pituitary

Neurotrophins mediate a variety of essential biological functions in the nervous system. Evidence has emerged that this class of proteins is also implicated outside the nervous system, in the pituitary. The study described here aims to understand the expression of neurotrophins in the pituitary. We previously reported the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) proteins in association with the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the corresponding mRNAs in the anterior lobe (AL) of the pituitary of adult rats (1). The present study reveals the expression of NGF and BDNF mRNAs in the intermediate plus posterior lobe (IL+PL) as well, and the previously unidentified NT-3 mRNA in the AL and IL+PL. In addition, NGF, BDNF and NT-3 mRNAs are expressed by dissociated AL cells and IL+PL cells, demonstrating their in situ synthesis in endocrine cells of the gland. These findings are new inference for the investigation of the regulation of the synthesis and the secretion of neurotrophins by pituitary cells, with the goal to gain more insight into their function in the hypophysis.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of Biopolymer Dynamics

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful approach for quantitating molecular conformational dynamics at multiple atomic sites and over multiple time scales. Extensive studies by solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy of spin relaxation and line shapes in biological macromolecules have been performed in order to characterize the amplitudes, time scales, and energetics of intramolecular conformational modes and to elucidate the relationships between conformational dynamics, structure, and function. This review describes NMR spectroscopic methods for investigation of conformational dynamics together with theoretical descriptions appropriate for interpretation and simulation of the techniques, surveys the range of results available from solution and solid state NMR studies of proteins and other biomolecules, and identifies opportunities for further individual and collaborative development of solution and solid state NMR techniques for characterizing the dynamical properties of biological macromolecules.
A Comprehensive Quality Assurance Program for Personnel and Procedures in Radiation Oncology: Value of Voluntary Error Reporting and Checklists

Purpose This report describes the value of a voluntary error reporting system and the impact of a series of quality assurance (QA) measures including checklists and timeouts on reported error rates in patients receiving radiation therapy. Methods and Materials A voluntary error reporting system was instituted with the goal of recording errors, analyzing their clinical impact, and guiding the implementation of targeted QA measures. In response to errors committed in relation to treatment of the wrong patient, wrong treatment site, and wrong dose, a novel initiative involving the use of checklists and timeouts for all staff was implemented. The impact of these and other QA initiatives was analyzed. Results From 2001 to 2011, a total of 256 errors in 139 patients after 284,810 external radiation treatments (0.09% per treatment) were recorded in our voluntary error database. The incidence of errors related to patient/tumor site, treatment planning/data transfer, and patient setup/treatment delivery was 9%, 40.2%, and 50.8%, respectively. The compliance rate for the checklists and timeouts initiative was 97% ( P Conclusions A comprehensive QA program that regularly monitors staff compliance together with a robust voluntary error reporting system can reduce or eliminate errors that could result in serious patient injury. We recommend the adoption of these relatively simple QA initiatives including the use of checklists and timeouts for all staff to improve the safety of patients undergoing radiation therapy in the modern era.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of certain 3-substituted benzoxazolinones.

The preparation of a series of 3-substituted 2-benzoxazolinones is described. These compounds were screened for their antibacterial properties; most compounds have shown significant antibacterial activity.
The future of signs: interactive information, inexpensively!

We present an inexpensive, interactive ubiquitous computing system that supports information presentation on demand using a novel "card reading" interaction style. We've deployed this system in our office as a means of supporting wayfinding, sales presentations, project context sharing, and notification (e.g., is there any free food in the kitchen?). However, since the system is essentially an information appliance embedded in our physical space, it also enables people to navigate through our information space-a much more challenging and exciting.
Prevalence of diplopia related to cataract surgery among cases of diplopia.

PURPOSE. To evaluate the prevalence of diplopia in Greece after cataract surgery among diplopia cases. METHODS. The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 571 patients with diplopia over an 8-year period in order to evaluate the prevalence of diplopia related to cataract surgery. The surgical and anesthetic records were also reviewed. All patients had full orthoptic assessment including prisms with cover test in all gaze positions. The chi-square and cross-tabulation statistical tests were used for statistical analysis. R ESULTS. Thirty-nine cases (6.8%) were having persistent diplopia related to cataract surgery. Type of anesthesia was peribulbar. Hyaluronidase was not used. Thirteen patients were men and 26 were women. Left eyes were involved in 22 cases (56.4%), right in 17 cases (43.6%). Mean age was 72.5 years. Patients were divided into four groups. Group 1 consisted of 29 patients related to surgical trauma due to anesthesia. Group 2 consisted of 7 patients related to pre-existing disorders. Group 3 consisted of 2 patients related to aniseikonia or anisometropia. Group 4 with 1 patient related to macular pathology. Vertical diplopia was mostly noted (28 cases). Twenty-nine patients were corrected with prisms, 9 needed strabismus surgery, and 1 needed both surgery and prisms. C ONCLUSIONS. Cataract surgery is not a common cause of persistent diplopia. However, this report highlights that prevalence of diplopia related to cataract is high among cases of diplopia in general, with diplopia being mostly vertical (p=0.001), affecting females (p=0.006), and being more common in left eyes, although results did not reach statistical significance (p=0.133). (Eur J Ophthalmol 2007; 17: 914-8)
High-Finesse Micromachined Fabry-Perot Cavities with Silicon/Air DBR Mirrors

Micromachined Fabry-Perot cavities with cryogenically-etched silicon/air DBR mirrors and integrated SOI rib waveguides are demonstrated. Various devices exhibit Q=10774, FWHM=0.15 nm, finesse=196, FSR=81.7 nm and DBR mirror reflectance R=0.985. Thermo-optic tuning over 6.7 nm is also demonstrated
Soil nitrogen cycling under elevated CO2: A synthesis of forest face experiments

The extent to which greater net primary productivity (NPP) will be sustained as the atmospheric CO2 concentration increases will depend, in part, on the long-term supply of N for plant growth. Over a two-year period, we used common field and laboratory methods to quantify microbial N, gross N mineralization, microbial N immobilization, and specific microbial N immobilization in three free-air CO2 enrichment experiments (Duke Forest, Oak Ridge, Rhinelander). In these experiments, elevated atmospheric CO2 has in- creased the input of above- and belowground litter production, which fuels heterotrophic metabolism in soil. Nonetheless, we found no effect of atmospheric CO2 concentration on any microbial N cycling pool or process, indicating that greater litter production had not initially altered the microbial supply of N for plant growth. Thus, we have no evidence that changes in plant litter production under elevated CO2 will initially slow soil N avail- ability and produce a negative feedback on NPP. Understanding the time scale over which greater plant production modifies microbial N demand lies at the heart of our ability to predict long-term changes in soil N availability and hence whether greater NPP will be sustained in a CO2-enriched atmosphere.
Implications of the frequentist interpretation of fuzzy logic

A generalization of Kronecker's delta symbol is introduced to emphasize a frequency-ratio interpretation of fuzzy truth valuations. Methods of inferring such valuations for compound expressions are then considered, and some problems with several of the currently accepted formulas for fuzzy conjunction are exhibited. The universal validity, in this context, of the stochastic (probabilistic) version of fuzzy logic is demonstrated, and a conjecture is advanced that for expressions involving large numbers of base predicates, only the stochastic formulation reliably satisfies the constraints of the frequentist interpretation.
Research Dialogue Introduction

Consumer judgment and decision making has been of greatinteresttothefieldofConsumerPsychologysincethefield'sveryinception. Fundamental research established that consumers donot make choices consistent with an economic (i.e., utilitymaximization) perspective. Rather, individuals are influenced bythe context in which decisions are made, as well as the nature ofthe alternatives themselves. More recent research has begun toexplore the processes underlying such judgment and decision.The target paper for this Research Dialogue provides sucha perspective. The paper, co-authored by Itamar Simonson,James Bettman, Thomas Kramer, and John Payne, advances aparticularly novel theoretical framework by which to understandthe psychological processes underlying judgment and choice.Specifically, they argue that judgment and choice tasks are bestunderstood as comparison processes. Fundamental to such aprocess are two mechanisms: The extent to which the task andalternativesfallwithinadecisionmaker'sLatitudeofAcceptanceand the relative ease (fluency) by which such comparisons aremade. As such, this framework offers a potentially parsimoniousand powerful lens by which to understand past and predict newjudgment and decision making phenomena.Three commentaries are provided by experts in the area ofjudgment and decision making. Frank Kardes suggests that theconditions under which comparison processes operate may belimited to when the motivation and opportunity for consumers toprocess information are high. Under other conditions consumersaremorelikelytoengageinselectiveprocesses,wherebyasinglefocal alternative is judged in isolation on the basis of its ownmerits. Eric Johnson applauds the authors' goal of advancinga theory which hypotheses underlying judgment and choiceprocesses. Johnson further counsels that such process theorieswouldbestrengthenedbyincludingprocessmeasures.HalArkesprovides an analysis of the theory by reviewing related literatureandsuggestingthatthetheorycouldbeevenmoreparsimonious.Simonson,Bettman,Kramer,andPayneprovideathoughtfulandcogent response to the three commentaries.
Humoral and cellular factors responsible for coronary collateral formation.

Clinical observations suggest that patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) display a marked heterogenerty in collateral formation despite similar degrees of coronary obstruction. The developmen ...
Dynamics of some remote superclusters

Redshifts of clusters of galaxies have been obtained in four regions of the sky selected as suspected rich superclusters at intermediate redshift (0.1 < z < 0.3). Measurements to date have detected the existence of several superclusters with dimensions up to 50 h-1 Mpc (h = Ho/100 k/s/Mpc), irregular shapes, and containing as many as seven rich clusters in the richest supercluster. The velocity dispersions suggest some slowing of the Hubble flow internal to the superclusters. However, the inferred mass densities are low enough to prefer an open universe if the mass-to-luminosity ratios within the best-studied superclusters are comparable to the universal ratio.
LCEC of underivatized polypeptides and proteins at copper electrodes

Constant potential amperometric detection of underivatized polypeptides and proteins can be carried out at metallic copper electrodes. When coupled with liquid chromatography, this approach provides a sensitive and selective method of analysis for these compounds. Two different detection mechanisms can be employed: a neutral pH, low potential oxidation process attributed to enhanced dissolution of the electrode by peptide species capable of forming soluble Cu(II) complexes and a high pH, high potential electrocatalytic oxidation of the analytes. Of the two approaches, the latter process was found to be more attractive for LCEC applications as it was useful for a wider range of peptides and proteins and gave substantially larger currents and lower detection limits. The compounds exhibiting useful electrocatalytic response at the copper electrode ranged from oligopeptides such as enkephalins and bradykinin to very large proteins such as glucose oxidase (F.W. 160,000) and catalase (F.W. 240,000). The response was not dependent on the presence of tyrosine, tryptophan, or cysteine amino acid units and was shown to be compatible with both ion-exchange and reverse-phase separation schemes.
Computational Infrastructure and Basic Data Analysis for High-Throughput Sequencing

Next-generation sequencing requires enormous computational infrastructure resources. A single sequencing run can generate up to 100 gigabases of sequence and requires almost 3 terabytes of data storage. In order to transfer and analyze data on this scale, the data infrastructure must be up to the task. There are many solutions to creating this infrastructure. Local servers and data storage can be purchased and installed by the group, which is using the sequencing instrument. Communal resources at the home institution can be used to create the necessary infrastructure, or newer external cloud-based solutions can be used to store and analyze data. Each sequencing platform has slightly different infrastructure requirements, and the IT solution must be tailored to the systems in use or generalized to cover all possible instruments. The majority of installed instruments are based on Illumina technology with a smaller portion being ABI or 454. What is presented here is a solution that is generalized for any instrument, including not just the IT requirements but the bioinformatics requirements as well.
Prevention of Ischemic Brain Mitochondrial Injury by Lidoflazine

Viability of the brain is dependent on maintenance of ionic and electrochemical gradients within neurons as well as within subcellular components. Of particular interest is neuronal handling of calcium. Under aerobic, steady-state conditions intracellular Ca2+ concentration is maintained at basal levels of approximately 0.1µM by ATP-dependent ionic pumps, as compared to extracellular levels of 1.0 mM. In the brain, more than 80% of ATP is generated through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (Fiskum, 1983, 1985). If oxidative phosphorylation were interrupted, ATP synthesis would be greatly impaired, thus preventing maintenance of ionic gradients, with potentially catastrophic consequences. Loss of calcium homeostasis has been linked to the initiation of various degradative processes including activation of phospholipases (Fiskumet al., 1985), lipid peroxidation (McCord, 1985), vascular spasm (Borgerset al., 1983), induction of coagulative necrosis (Farber, 1982), and eventually cell death (Borgerset al., 1983).
Bertrand’s Paradox Revisited: More Lessons about that Ambiguous Word, Random

The Bertrand paradox question is: “Consider a unit-radius circle for which the length of a side of an inscribed equilateral triangle equals 3 . Determine the probability that the length of a ‘random’ chord of a unit-radius circle has length greater than 3 .” Bertrand derived three different ‘correct’ answers, the correctness depending on interpretation of the word, random. Here we employ geometric and probability arguments to extend Bertrand’s analysis in two ways: (1) for his three classic examples, we derive the probability distributions of the chord lengths; and (2) we also derive the distribution of chord lengths for five new plausible interpretations of randomness. This includes connecting (and extending) two random points within the circle to form a random chord, perhaps being a most natural interpretation of random.
How Much is Enough: Assessing Personal Financial Planning Needs

This case can be used as a capstone to a time-value-of-money instructional module or as part of a personal-finance module. The three scenarios present common situations encountered in estimating the amount of finances needed to provide an adequate standard of living in the event of retirement or the untimely death of the family wage earner.
Description of the General Physical Problem

Consider an object with varying density (of mass). For example: A human body has bones, lungs, muscles and etc. It is possible to make the “inner structure” visible through the use of x-rays, but we only get a projection. How could the actual three dimensional mass distribution be determined?
What Is a Sinful Social Structure

Catholic social teaching has long affirmed the existence of sinful social structures but without describing them or how they operate. This article reviews magisterial teaching on sinful social stru...
On-line relative clause attachment strategy in heritage speakers of Spanish

Aims:Previous research on relative clause attachment has found that late Spanish–English bilinguals tend to parse both languages with a single strategy that is consistent with that of the language in which they are currently immersed. One recent investigation using an off-line measure has suggested that the same may not be true of early Spanish–English bilinguals, who did not show effects of greater exposure to English in the comprehension of ambiguous relative clauses (RCs). The present study sought to determine whether on-line RC attachment behavior in heritage Spanish was similarly unaffected by extensive exposure to English.Design:Forty-six monolinguals and 28 heritage speakers of Mexican Spanish participated in a self-paced reading experiment in which stimuli contained temporarily ambiguous relative clauses that were biased toward either high or low syntactic attachment.Data and analysis:Analysis of variance by subject and by item was performed on reading time data and on responses to post-stimulus c...
The Great Independent Variable

In contemplating what I might say today I reflected back on the five yean> I have been associated with AMCAP, its beginnings, and the evolutionary process that I have seen take place as we have moved from a point of what might be called a place to come together to contend with one another periodically, to a place wh.ere we come together knowing there is a divine purpose that we are here for and that is to understand truth, and with that understanding to go forward in helping others. I have, in the same sense, looked at my own life as it has evolved as a therapist, and I have come to recognize that my thoughts have changed as well. It wasn't very long ago that I looked at the techniques I used as a therapist as the independent variable in therapy, the causation factor, and the client outcome the dependent variable. So I gathered as many techniques as I could. I loved to sit in conferences where they talked about strategies: this is the strategy you use with this problem, and this is the strategy for that problem. I was feverish in my notetaking because of my belief that if I knew the techniques, if I knew the processes, if I had an understanding of the strategies, then I could be a good therapist. I could really work with people and be effective. There are some elements of truth to an understanding of practice, techniques and strategies, but I have come to recognize the great independent variable is character, who you are, what you are in that office or around the people you are working with. So, because I have come to believe that the great independent variable in therapy is character, I think I will share with you some of what Dag Hammarskjold once said was the longest journey, the journey into self. And if you will ~low me to, I would like to share with you some confessions, some convictions, and some convenants that aid me to understand character. I hope you will be tolerant of my personal sharing; and that, perhaps, it may reflect some similarities in your own experience that you might understand more of your own character. Let me begin then by talking about confessions and commitments. An appropriate reference which provides a framework for my confessions is found in the fourth chapter of Luke. It begins in verse I, "And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and
Analysis of Japanese encephalitis antibody level in healthy population in Miyun county of Beijing in 2012

Objective To analyze the characteristics of Japanese encephalitis( JE) antibody level and its influence factors in healthy population in Miyun County in 2012. Methods Random sampling method was used in this study. Total 268 healthy persons who came from 10 administrative villages and lived there continuously over 6 months were selected. Neutralizing antibodies to Japanese encephalitis virus( JEV) were detected by Reverse Passive Hemagglutination Inhibition test. The antibody levels with or higher than 1∶10 were judged to be positive. Results The positive rate of JE antibody was 68. 28% in healthy population. Among them,there were significant differences between different age groups( χ2= 68. 731,P = 0. 000). The positive rate in 0-year old group was the lowest( 12. 00%) and the rate in 1 to 4-year old group was the highest( 100. 00%). The rates of positive in local residents and migrants were 72. 06% and 64. 39% respectively. Meanwhile,the positive rates were also statistically different in persons with different doses of JE vaccination( χ2= 55. 919,P = 0. 000). Conclusion The epidemic of JE might occur in Miyun County due to the low antibody levels of persons in 0 year old and 25- 29 years old groups. The results suggested immunization strategies for women of childbearing age and adult should be explored. At the same time,mosquito control also should be enhanced to prevent the epidemic of JE.
Eritrean Refugees at Risk: Trafficking & Torture in the Sinai

Over the past decade, tens of thousands of Eritreans have fled their troubled homeland, often at great risk, only to face new threats and hardships as refugees. By far the most horrifying is a human trafficking operation that begins with kidnappings in UN-run refugee camps in Sudan and ends in torture camps in Egypt’s lawless Sinai, where captives are ransomed for $30,000 and more—or killed for their organs in what is arguably the worst instance of human trafficking in contemporary Africa. This roundtable will open with a 10-minute film to set the scene and provide context. Panelists will address the source of the trafficking in Eastern Sudan, the impact of post-Arab Spring politics on migration routes, and the internal politics of the Sinai; the M.O. of the traffickers who abuse their captives during live cellphone calls to relatives while demanding money; the impact on Eritrean women, many of whom suffer serial rapes and arrive in Israel pregnant, then face inadequate services and ostracism; how the new media have both modernized the ancient practice of human trafficking and provided resources to combat it; the failure of regional states to follow international standards and treaty obligations, including Sudan, Libya, Egypt and Israel; and, finally, what can be done to protect the refugees and stop the trafficking.
Return to Play After Exertional Rhabdomyolysis

Objective: To outline a 4-phase progressive program that safely and successfully enabled athletes to return to sport without recurrence of exertional rhabdomyolysis symptoms. Background: In January 2011, a large cluster of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football athletes were evaluated and treated for exertional rhabdomyolysis. After the athletes were treated, the athletic trainers and sports medicine providers were challenged to develop a safe return-to-play program because of the lack of specific reports in the medical literature to direct such activities. Treatment: A progressive 4-phase program based on existing recommendations, including guidelines for continued clinical and laboratory monitoring. Conclusions: Although the actual process of reintegrating players will differ based on each athlete's unique circumstances, this program provides a safe and effective foundation that can be modified based on the response to activity and sport.
Therapeutic experience with fluconazole in the treatment of fungal infections in diabetic patients.

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a higher incidence of certain infections, including fungal infections like rhinocerebral zygomycosis (RCZ) and cutaneous candidosis. As the pathophysiology of increased susceptibility to infection of diabetic patients is very complex, a general therapeutic approach is not existing yet. Appropriate diabetes control remains as the best preventive measure. Nevertheless, effective drug therapy is very often required. Fluconazole has proven efficacy in prophylaxis, treatment and suppressive therapy of both systemic and superficial fungal infections, especially in candidosis and cryptococcosis. Therefore it is used routinely against fungal infections in diabetes (FID). Clinical efficacy of fluconazole against cutaneous candidosis, oropharyngeal candidosis (OPC) and vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) has been confirmed in more than 100 studies, involving more than 10,000 patients (pts). The overall success rate is 90%, with a mean dosage of 100-200 mg/d. In severe cases, e.g. in OPC in late-stage AIDS pts or in recurrent VVC, higher dosages of up to 800 mg/d may be required. In the treatment of RCZ, therapeutic experience with fluconazole is limited. Four diabetic pts have been treated with dosages of 200-300 mg/d and all of them recovered. Nevertheless, treatment of RCZ should include surgical debridement combined with aggressive antifungal therapy. In conclusion, proven efficacy and the excellent safety profile justify the routine use of fluconazole in the treatment of FID.