cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of metamorphosis in summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus

Summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, spawn over the continental shelf off the east coast of the United States from September to January with the peak in October–November. Based on plankton collections, mid-metamorphic larvae (stages G-H; mean s.l. 13.1 mm) enter Great Bay–Little Egg Harbor estuary in southern New Jersey as early as October with continued ingress through April. In the laboratory, mortality during metamorphosis ranged from 17 to 83% among treatment groups, and was significantly greater in flounder maintained at approximately 4°C relative to those maintained at ambient temperatures (daily average temperature 10.l°C). Laboratory-reared summer flounder averaged 24.5 days (range 20 to 32 days) to complete metamorphosis (from Stage F– to Stage I) at ambient spring temperatures (daily average temperature =16.6° C). The time to completion of metamorphosis in wild-caught flounder maintained in the laboratory was clearly temperature dependent. Both cold and ambient temperature treatments resulted in delayed metamorphosis such that, at ambient winter temperatures (daily average=6.6°C), partial metamorphosis (from Stage H – to Stage I) required as much as 92.9 days (range 67 to 99 days). There was no apparent effect of starvation on either mortality or time to completion of metamorphosis at cool water temperatures (< 10° C). It appears that prevailing temperature conditions influence the duration of metamorphosis in summer flounder, and that mortality during metamorphosis may play a significant role in the population dynamics of this species.
Direct Synthesis of Spectrochemical Standards by Powder Metallurgy (Preliminary Report)

To by-pass the preliminary wet chemical analysis of standards, a procedure for mixing finely divided pure metal powders, briquetting under high pressure and either sintering or melting in a protecting atmosphere by high frequency electronic induction heating is discussed.
Risk Factors for Clinically Significant Intimate Partner Violence among Active-Duty Members.

Hypothesized risk factors for men's and women's clinically significant intimate partner violence (CS‐IPV) from four ecological levels (i.e., individual, family, workplace, community) were tested in a representative sample of active‐duty U.S. Air Force members (N = 42,744). When considered together, we expected only individual and family factors to account for unique variance in CS‐IPV perpetration. Hypothesized factors from all four ecological levels were related to men's CS‐IPV perpetration bivariately, but, as expected, only individual and family factors accounted for unique variance across ecological levels. For women, only risk factors from the individual and family levels were significantly related to CS‐IPV perpetration even bivariately. Results imply somewhat different risk profiles across gender and identify ecological risk factors of men's CS‐IPV not previously studied.
The science and art of hyaluronic acid dermal filler use in esthetic applications.

Summary Background The number of dermal fillers has expanded dramatically; clinicians can benefit from practical information on their optimal use. Aims To review key determinants of dermal filler performance, to discuss technical considerations, and to illustrate these factors based on the author’s clinical experience. Methods Current literature pertaining to the physicochemical properties of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers and implications for clinical use was reviewed. The author provides clinical guidelines for optimizing outcomes, illustrated with three case examples. Results Hyaluronic acids are nonimmunogenic, versatile, reversible, and have excellent benefit–risk profiles, making them near-ideal filling agents. They differ in their manufacturing processes, viscosity, hardness, cohesivity, ease of injection, and ideal uses. Patient counseling and education with individualized selection of the appropriate agent is critical to provide satisfactory outcomes. Conclusions Clinicians must be technically proficient, balance esthetic need with facial anatomy, and consider HA properties to provide optimal outcomes.
Energy consumption and recovery in reverse osmosis

Energy consumption is a key factor which influences the freshwater production cost in reverse osmosis (RO) process. Energy recovery and reuse options have already been very well explored in the current desalination industry. Achieving minimum theoretical specific energy consumption for water recovery is not feasible due to effects of concentration polarization, membrane fouling and hydraulic resistance to permeate flow. Due to these limitations, energy recovery along with water recovery can be a better alternative to improve energy consumption and economics of the RO process both in small and large scale applications. This paper reviews currently available process configurations, operating strategies, and discusses potential pathways to recover and recycle energy and water to improve the performance of the RO process.
Two-year follow-up of 120 W KTP vaporization of urethral strictures

Abstract Objective A study was undertaken to assess a technique of 360° ablation of urethral stricture tissue with a 120 W KTP laser in comparison with the results of visual internal urethrotomy. Materials and methods Ninety-three men with urethral strictures were treated with 120 W KTP laser vaporization using the circumferential technique to eliminate the entire stricture. The strictures were located at the bladder neck in 14 men, the bulbar urethra in 65 patients and the penile urethra in the remaining 14 patients. The follow-up ranged from 6 months to 2 years with an average of 13 months. All patients had flexible urethroscopy 4 weeks after the laser vaporization and then a follow-up examination at 6 months and 1 year. The treatment was considered a success when no further therapy was required. Satisfactory results were established if the patient needed only one post-treatment therapy with dilatation using sounds or a catheter. The treatment was designated a failure when patients needed multiple therapies or another operative procedure. Results The success rate for strictures at the bladder neck was 92% (13/14 men) with satisfactory in 8% (1/14 man) and there were no failures. At the bulbar urethral stricture site, vaporization was successful in 80% (52/65 men), satisfactory in 9% (6/65 men), and failed in 11% (7/65 men). Penile urethral strictures had success with 71% (10/14 men) and 29% (4/14 men) were considered failures. Conclusion Ninety-three men with urethral strictures were treated with a 120 W KTP laser. The overall success rate was 81%. With improved technique and the advent of the 180 W KTP laser, further improved results are to be expected.
Fatigue crack initiation and propagation in several nickel-base superalloys at 650°C

The modes of crack initiation and propagation of several nickel-base superalloys have been examined after fatigue and creep-fatigue testing at 650 C. In fatigue, crack initiation was transgranular and frequently associated with porosity or inclusions in the higher strength alloys. These defects were usually located at the surface, except for tests at low strain ranges where larger, internal defects often initiated failure. Although fatigue crack initiation was transgranular, in those alloys with grain sizes of less than 15 microns, fatigue crack growth quickly became intergranular. This transition was environmentally assisted and did not occur for subsurface cracks until the crack broke through to the atmosphere. In the creep-fatigue cycle, which included a 900 s tensile dwell, crack initiation and propagation were both intergranular in all alloys.
Performing politics Image, embodiment, and affective solidarity during anti-corporate globalization protests

This article brings together the anthropological, sociological, and related literature on media, emotion, and performance to explore the role of counter-summit protests within anti-corporate global...
Using alien-centered design for teaching iteration in the design process in undergraduate design courses

Design and design thinking are crucial skills engineers need to develop. Alien-centered design is a teaching strategy that has been used in the First Year of Engineering at a Midwestern research university to facilitate students' awareness of and understanding of the user, contributing to their becoming human-centered designers. With this teaching strategy, the problem students are posed is to create a design to reduce one difficulty that a group of extraterrestrials (or aliens) could face when arriving to earth when taking some classes at their university. This document presents the details of one experience using this instructional intervention. During this particular semester, there was a special emphasis on teaching students why iteration is needed when creating a design solution in order to fulfill customers' needs. The design project had five stages, and in each stage new information about the customers (the aliens) was revealed to students only if they asked for it. An overview of the information that was revealed to students and evidences of the iterations two teams demonstrated in their design process is presented. This evidence includes the students' descriptions of the problem definition they wrote at different points in the process and their design solutions. Additionally, some comments from students from the final evaluation of the course are also shared.
Educational and gender normative data for the Boston Naming Test in a group of older adults.

The 60-item version of the Boston Naming Test (BNT) was administered to a group of 176 normal older adults in Middle Tennessee ranging in age from 60 to 93 years. Results are reported in five age groupings by gender and education. Although a few studies have previously examined the performance of the elderly on the BNT, the current study attempted to recruit individuals in proportion to the demographics of the regional population including gender, race, and, as much as possible, education and occupation. The results indicate that while age significantly affected confrontational naming ability, the interaction of age and education appeared to be a better predictor of performance. As with previous studies, more variability was found in higher age groups and in those with less education. Naming ability remained stable in the higher education group (≥ 12th grade) until 80 years, whereas those patients with less than a high school education demonstrated a decrement in naming ability at 70 years. Current results also revealed a gender bias for this population, with males scoring higher on 17 of 19 items where a significant difference existed.
Prediction of gas collection efficiency and particle collection artifact for atmospheric semivolatile organic compounds in multicapillary denuders.

Abstract A modeling approach is presented to predict the sorptive sampling collection efficiency of gaseous semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) and the artifact caused by collection of particle-associated SOCs in multicapillary diffusion denuders containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stationary phase. Approaches are presented to estimate the equilibrium PDMS–gas partition coefficient ( K pdms ) from a solvation parameter model for any compound, and, for nonpolar compounds, from the octanol–air partition coefficient ( K oa ) if measured K pdms values are not available. These estimated K pdms values are compared with K pdms measured by gas chromatography. Breakthrough fraction was measured for SOCs collected from ambient air using high-flow (300 L min −1 ) and low-flow (13 L min −1 ) denuders under a range of sampling conditions (−10 to 25 °C; 11–100% relative humidity). Measured breakthrough fraction agreed with predictions based on frontal chromatography theory using K pdms and equations of Golay, Lovkvist and Jonsson within measurement precision. Analytes included hexachlorobenzene, 144 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers 47 and 99. Atmospheric particle transmission efficiency was measured for the high-flow denuder (0.037–6.3 μm diameter), and low-flow denuder (0.015–3.1 μm diameter). Particle transmission predicted using equations of Gormley and Kennedy, Pich, and a modified filter model, agreed within measurement precision (high-flow denuder) or were slightly greater than (low-flow denuder) measured particle transmission. As an example application of the model, breakthrough volume and particle collection artifact for the two denuder designs were predicted as a function of K oa for nonpolar SOCs. The modeling approach is a necessary tool for the design and use of denuders for sorptive sampling with PDMS stationary phase.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF MITOSIS IN AMEBAE: III. Cold and Urea Treatments: A Basis for Tests of Direct Effects of Mitotic Inhibitors on Microtubule Formation

The mitotic apparatus (MA) of the giant ameba, Chaos carolinensis, has characteristic sequences of microtubule arrays and deployment of nuclear envelope fragments. If mitotic organisms are subjected to 2°C for 5 min, the MA microtubules are completely degraded, and the envelope fragments are released from the chromosomes which remain condensed but lose their metaphase-plate orientation. On warming, microtubules reform but show partial loss of their parallel alignment; displacement of the envelope fragments persists or is increased by microtubule reformation. This study demonstrates that cooling causes destruction of microtubules and intermicrotubular cross-bonds and further shows that such controlled dissolution and reformation can provide an in vivo test sequence for studies on the effects of inhibitor-compounds on microtubule subunit aggregation. Urea, at the comparatively low concentration of 0.8 M, inhibited reformation following cooling and rewarming but was ineffective in altering microtubules that had formed before treatment.
Probing the nano-scale with first-principles calculations

Abstract The fabrication of materials and structures with nano-scale features holds great promise for the realization of systems with novel physical properties and enhanced functionality. Here we review results from first-principles calculations on nano-structures and demonstrate some of the current capabilities for the use of computer simulations as an explanatory or predictive tool of nano-science. We discuss results on the possibility of achieving encapsulation of floating carbon nanotubes in a dielectric medium. We also present results on isomerization kinetics of silicon clusters and examine ways of functionalization of silicon or metallic surfaces by organic molecules. We finish with a discussion on the formation of gold nanowires and molecular break junctions through pulling of Au electrodes.
Balance performance as related to task stress under varied conditions of sensory cues.

27 junior high school girls performed three trials on a dynabilometer on each of 7 days. Subjects learned the balance task with all sensory cues available but were tested under three conditions of partial feedback occlusion, i.e., with blindfold, earphone, and combination of blindfold and earphone. On six days heart rate was monitored. Although the tasks were “stressful” based on heart rate, the various conditions did not invoke significantly different response. However, significant differences in balance performance were related to the conditions. Best performance resulted when both auditory and visual cues were withheld, while the worst performance occurred when subjects wore either the blindfold or the earphones.
An approach to the study of neural activity during behaviour in insects.

Abstract A method is described for easily recording neural activity from the central nervous system of a suspended cockroach while the animal can still walk, groom, and perform other acts. Recordings revealed that some giant fibre units are active during spontaneous walking. The preparation should be especially useful in further studies of the neural basis of behaviour.
Unemployment and underemployment in 1996 graduates of New York City gastroenterology training programs.

Objective: Based on anecdotal reports of young gastroenterologists facing extreme difficulty in finding a job, we sought to gain information about the success of newly trained gastroenterologists in finding employment in their subspecialty, and to find any possible predictors of unemployment. Methods: We surveyed all fellows finishing basic or advanced gastroenterology fellowship training in New York City in June 1996. Data were collected on unemployment, underemployment (practicing less than half-time gastroenterology), and also type of job, employment terms, training program, medical school, gender, and satisfaction with job plans. Results: Of the 59 study subjects who sought gastroenterology employment in the United States, data were collected on all of them (100%). Fifteen subjects (25%) were unemployed. An additional 10 subjects (17%) were underemployed. Of the 24 subjects expecting to be associates in a group practice, eight (33%) had either no signed contract, were underemployed, or both. Programs that did not participate in the National Residency Matching Program were more likely to have both unemployed and underemployed graduates. Conclusion: Unemployment among newly trained gastroenterologists in New York City is very high. Also, there is substantial underemployment, and this phenomenon needs to be taken into account when studying the workforce.
High-performance liquid chromatographic method for the quantitation of quinidine and selected quinidine metabolites

A specific and sensitive assay for the separation and quantitation of quinidine, 3-hydroxyquinidine, quinidine-N-oxide, O-desmethylquinidine and dihydroquinidine is presented. The assay is shown to be sensitive to concentrations of 0.1 microgram/ml for all the above compounds when using a serum sample of 0.1 ml. The standard curve demonstrates linearity at concentrations from 0.1 to 5 micrograms/ml. The extraction procedure consists of adjusting the serum to an alkaline pH and extracting once with a mixture of methanol-dichloromethane (15:85). The organic extract is dried and the residue is solubilized in mobile phase. The chromatographic conditions are an isocratic delivery of the mobile phase 0.01 M K2HPO4-acetonitrile (96:4) through a C18 column at ambient temperature. Detection of the compounds of interest is by ultraviolet absorption at a wavelength of 210 nm. For each compound the inter-assay variation is less than 10% and the intra-assay variation is less than 15%. No interfering compounds were detected when a commercially prepared serum spiked with 28 commonly used therapeutic compounds was assayed by this method. The analytical method presented here for the isolation and quantitation of quinidine, several active metabolites, and dihydroquinidine has adequate sensitivity and specificity for monitoring the concentration of quinidine and quinidine metabolites in patient samples.
In vitro classical conditioning of the turtle eyeblink reflex: approaching cellular mechanisms of acquisition.

The classically conditioned eyeblink reflex is the best studied model for understanding the neural mechanisms that underlie learning and memory. Here, data from an in vitro model of the conditioned eyeblink reflex are summarized with the aim of shedding some light on potential cellular mechanisms that may underlie eyeblink classical conditioning. An isolated brainstem-cerebellum preparation from turtles was developed in which to study the synaptic circuitry of pathways involving the cerebellum, red nucleus and brainstem nuclei. A neural correlate of an eyeblink response recorded in the abducens nerve can be conditioned entirely in vitro by pairing trigeminal and auditory nerve stimulation. Conditioned abducens nerve responses (CRs) are not generated or sustained by unpaired stimuli and their long latencies, on the order of hundreds of milliseconds, support the Interpretation that the CRs are not unconditioned responses. Ablation experiments show that CRs can be generated in brainstem preparations lacking a cerebellum or the medulla. However, the timing of the CRs are disrupted by removal of the cerebellar circuitry. Thus, a highly reduced in vitro brainstem preparation demonstrates acquisition of CRs but poor timing features. Recent experiments have focused on elucidating cellular mechanisms for CR acquisition in the brainstem blink circuitry. These studies show that NMDA-mediated synaptic mechanisms are required to generate CRs and that the level of conditioning is associated with the upregulation of GluR4-containing AMPA receptors in the abducens motor nuclei. Data from immunocytochemistry and physiological experiments using the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitor KN-93 suggest that CaMKII does not have a key role in mediating the induction or expression of abducens nerve CRs. It is hypothesized that GluR4-containing AMPA receptors In the abducens motor nuclei are targeted to auditory nerve synapses by an NMDA receptor-dependent process to strengthen the CS input during conditioning which results in the generation of CRs. Future studies will examine the synaptic localization of GluR4 and potential signal transduction pathways involved in in vitro conditioning. Moreover, the role feedback loops through the cerebellum and their role in CR timing will be a key issue to address using this preparation.
Teaching young children how to use a computer-based Teletype as a “desk calculator”

The first stage in the research reported here was to teach students the mechanics of how to use a computer-based Teletype as a “desk calculator” in the solution of arithmetic problems. In the second stage, we examined a specific use for the desk-calculator program: we presented a series of word problems to the students and analyzed the solutions of these problems to determine the variables related to problem difficulty.
Tactile display development: the driving-force for tactile sensor development

In human communication, entertainment, and "person-in-the-loop" control systems, display development naturally drives sensor development, not the reverse. In contrast, computer automated control systems do not in principle require physical displays, so sensor development can in principle proceed without any corresponding display development. We argue that even if our sensing goal is restricted to providing the computer with input about the task or the environment, as a practical matter sensor development cannot precede display development. The paper reviews the human tactile sensing system, a prototype tactile display device that employs a macroscopic electromechanical actuation system, and a prototype tactile display device that employs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to fabricate electrostatically-operated tactile cells on a skin-like silicon mesh.
Reconstructing Practice in Teacher Education through Artmaking.

Teacher educators are often challenged to demonstrate the same kinds of constructivist educational practices in their own teaching they so often recommend for public school educators. We report here on our efforts to reconstruct our university teaching practice through experiments with artmaking as a pedagogical strategy. Two case illustrations are provided which describe the contexts, process and outcomes of these efforts. We discuss our experiences with these “experiments” in practice as they suggest ways in which artmaking may function to enrich university coursework in teacher education, and as it has functioned to renew and deepen our work as teacher educators.
Respiration harmonics cancellation for Accurate Heart Rate measurement in non-contact vital sign detection

Measuring the respiration rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) simultaneously in non-contact vital sign detection requires large dynamic range which is caused by large difference in respiratory and heart induced displacements. Generated by the demodulation method and displacements, the higher order harmonics of RR near HR might appear and cause error in HR measurement. A respiration harmonics cancellation method is proposed to eliminate the interference. Experiments are performed by a 5.8-GHz non-contact Doppler radar vital sign detection system with an S12 Any-Touch ECG-Accurate Heart Rate Monitor as the reference to verify the method. HR is measured by searching the highest peak within the typical HR range in the frequency spectrum. Results of HR measurement with and without the respiration harmonics cancellation method are compared. When the harmonics of the respiration signal are strong, using the respiration harmonics cancellation method reduces the average error from 15.9% to 3.2%.
Factors Associated with Dusky Canada Goose (Branta Canadensis Occidentalis) Nesting and Nest Success on Artificial Nest Islands of the Western Copper River Delta

Abstract. Decline of the Dusky Canada Goose (Branta canadensis occidentalis; hereafter, Dusky Goose) population on the western Copper River Delta (CRD) prompted the establishment of an artificial nest island (island) program in 1983. A retrospective analysis of the program was conducted to examine general trends in island use and nest success from 1984–2005. A series of candidate models was generated to determine how habitat, island and biological variables were associated with island use and nest success from 1996–2005. Use of islands by Dusky Geese increased between 1987 and 2005 from 10% to 44%; apparent nest success averaged 64 ± 4% and showed no trend with year. Island use was consistently and strongly associated with the previous year's island status. The odds of nesting on an island that contained a successful nest the previous year were four times greater than for islands not used the previous year. Likelihood of island use was highest at moderate shrub cover and increased with shrub height. Likel...
Effect of nitrogen on generalized stacking fault energy and stacking fault widths in high nitrogen steels

Abstract We use a generalized Peierls–Nabarro model fitted to generalized stacking fault energies (GSFE) calculated from ab initio density functional theory to study the effect of interstitial nitrogen content on stacking faults (SF) in {1 1 1} plane of face-centered cubic (fcc) Fe–N alloys. These simplified systems are reliable representatives of fcc Fe–Mn–N steels, for example, as Mn acts to stabilize fcc relative to body-center phase but hardly affects the GSFE. Here we study the dependence of stable SF widths of Fe–N alloys on GSFE versus percent nitrogen. In contrast to the classical Volterra solution, in which the SF width depends only on intrinsic SFE value, our results reveal a strong dependence of SF widths on intrinsic, unstable and maximally unstable SFE values. The model predicts finite SF widths for negative intrinsic SFE values, a result which cannot be explained by the Volterra model, but arises due to the finite (and positive) unstable SFE barrier that must be traversed even if the intrinsic SFE is negative, i.e. stable. This result has critical importance for the observed SF formation and maximum widths. Namely, the stacking fault width is found to depend non-monotonically on the percentage of nitrogen with a maximum critical shear stress at 1 wt.% (4 at.%) N, in agreement with experiment, and also suggests a non-monotonic critical shear stress dependence on nitrogen content.
Evaluation of Fab and F(ab')2 fragments and isotype variants of a recombinant human monoclonal antibody against Shiga toxin 2

5C12 HuMAb is a human monoclonal antibody against the A subunit of Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2). We have previously shown that 5C12 HuMAb effectively neutralizes the cytotoxic effects of this toxin by redirecting its transport within the cell and also by neutralizing the toxin's ability to inhibit protein synthesis. The 5C12 HuMAb and its recombinant IgG1 version protect mice at a dose of 0.6 microg against a lethal challenge of Stx2. The contribution of the Fc region to this observed neutralization activity of the 5C12 antibody against Stx2 was investigated in this study. Using recombinant DNA technology, 5C12 isotype variants (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) and antibody fragments [Fab, F(ab')(2)] were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. All four 5C12 isotype variants showed protection in vitro, with the IgG3 and IgG4 variants showing the highest protection in vivo. The Fab and F(ab')(2) fragments also showed protection in vitro but no protection in the mouse toxicity model. Similar results were obtained for a second HuMAb (5H8) against the B subunit of Stx2. The data suggest the importance of the Fc region for neutralization activity, but it is not clear if this is related to the stability of the full-length antibody or if the Fc region is required for effective elimination of the toxin from the body.
Enhanced pairing in the repulsive Hubbard model with next-nearest-neighbor hopping.

We study the behavior of pair susceptibilities in the two-dimensional repulsive Hubbard model with next-nearest-neighbor hopping t/sub 2/ by Monte Carlo simulations. In a certain range of band filling, we find that the d-wave pair susceptibilities can be enhanced by a Hubbard repulsion U with respect to the noninteracting case, unlike the case with t/sub 2/ = 0. We discuss the connection of this model to CuO/sub 2/ planes in the oxide superconductors and the possible implication of our results for these materials.
Contribution of human CYP3A subfamily members to the 6-hydroxylation of chlorzoxazone.

1. The capability of human CYPs other than 2E1 to catalyse the formation of 6-hydroxychlorzoxazone (6OHCHZ) was examined in vitro using human liver microsomes. 2. 4-Methylpyrazole, diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC), and rabbit anti-human CYP2E1 antibodies reduced chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylase activity by 60, 60 and 50% respectively. The rate of formation of 6OHCHZ by DDC-treated microsomes was reduced further by the 3A inhibitors midazolam, troleandomycin and gestodene and increased by alpha-naphtholavone, a 3A4 stimulator. 3. Following preincubation with DDC there were significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the residual CHZ 6-hydroxylase activity and immunoquantified CYP3A levels, and corresponding activities (e.g. midazolam 1'-hydroxylation). Rabbit anti-human CYP3A antibodies alone and in combination with DDC reduced the formation of 6OHCHZ by 47 and 62", respectively. 4. cDNA expressed CYP3A4, 2E1 and 2D6 exhibited comparable CHZ 6-hydroxylase activity. CHZ modulated 3A4 activity as reflected by midazolam 1'-hydroxylase and 4-hydroxylase activities. 5. CYP3A may make a significant contribution to CHZ 6-hydroxylation and therefore caution should be exercized when chlorzoxazone is employed as a specific 2E1 probe in vitro and in vivo.
Parallel Markov Chain Monte Carlo for Nonparametric Mixture Models

Nonparametric mixture models based on the Dirichlet process are an elegant alternative to finite models when the number of underlying components is unknown, but inference in such models can be slow. Existing attempts to parallelize inference in such models have relied on introducing approximations, which can lead to inaccuracies in the posterior estimate. In this paper, we describe auxiliary variable representations for the Dirichlet process and the hierarchical Dirichlet process that allow us to perform MCMC using the correct equilibrium distribution, in a distributed manner. We show that our approach allows scalable inference without the deterioration in estimate quality that accompanies existing methods.
Citizens and Resource Allocation: Improving Decision Making with Interactive Web‐Based Citizen Participation

Collective consumption and benefit characterize many government services. Moreover, government services are mostly paid for collectively through taxes—there is little or no relationship between the taxes paid by a household and its use of a particular service. Public sector decision makers face complex budget problems with difficult solutions. Involving citizens meaningfully in these decisions has long been a conundrum. The authors teamed up with the town of West Hartford, Connecticut, to develop a Web-based survey to overcome some of these participation problems and help decision makers better understand citizen preferences. The Web survey allowed for real-time interactivity and was tailored to present respondents with trade-offs between service levels and taxes.
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG DISORDERS, COMORBIDTY and VIOLENCE IN RURAL AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN

African-American women report less alcohol and drug (AOD) use than Caucasian women. However, African-Americans disproportionately experience negative health and social consequences of AOD use. This is especially true for rural women, many of whom live in poverty and have debilitating co-morbid psychiatric disorders that go undiagnosed and treated. It is imperative that health professionals be knowledgeable about AOD use, co-morbid disorders, and how to screen for them. This manuscript is focused on examining rural African American women (n = 142) with and without AOD disorders on the following variables: drugs of abuse, Axis I psychiatric disorder, and adult and childhood victimization.
Reperfusion phenomenon masking acute and subacute infarcts at dynamic perfusion CT: confirmation by fusion of CT and diffusion-weighted MR images.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood volume, mean transit time, time to peak, and delay in a selected sample of patients with visually normal or increased cerebral blood volume to facilitate detection of a postischemic CT perfusion hyperperfusion–reperfusion phenomenon that may mask subacute and acute infarcts.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ten patients were included who had visually normal or elevated cerebral blood volume in infarcts larger than 1.5 cm confirmed on diffusion-weighted MR images within 48 hours of perfusion CT. The cases were selected from 371 perfusion CT studies of stroke patients (99 associated with positive diffusion-weighted imaging findings) reviewed over 2.5 years on a 64-MDCT scanner. The perfusion CT images were fused to the diffusion-weighted images for measurement of cerebral blood volume, cerebral blood flow, mean transit time, time to peak, and delay in each infarct versus the contralateral hemisphere. Two neuroradiologists reviewed...
Analysing nonlinear time series with central subspace

Traditionally, time series analysis involves building an appropriate model and using either parametric or nonparametric methods to make inference about the model parameters. Motivated by recent developments for dimension reduction in time series, an empirical application of sufficient dimension reduction (SDR) to nonlinear time series modelling is shown in this article. Here, we use time series central subspace as a tool for SDR and estimate it using mutual information index. Especially, in order to reduce the computational complexity in time series, we propose an efficient estimation method of minimal dimension and lag using a modified Schwarz–Bayesian criterion, when either of the dimensions and the lags is unknown. Through simulations and real data analysis, the approach presented in this article performs well in autoregression and volatility estimation.
Studies on the Nature of the Effective Supplements for Soybean Oil Meal in Rations for the Production of Hatching Eggs

Abstract SEVERAL reports have been made on the value of soybean oil meal as a protein supplement for the production of hatching eggs. These have shown that when the meal alone is used poor hatchability is experienced. Hayward, Halpin, Holmes, Bohstedt, and Hart (1937) reported that soybean oil meal as the sole protein supplement to grain rations fed to hens was unsatisfactory for the production of hatching eggs. They also found that the hatchability of eggs was improved when small amounts of dried milk and meat scraps were included in the rations. Byerly, Titus, Ellis, and Nestler (1937) likewise found the meal to be a poor supplement, and found that the addition of a relatively large amount of meat scraps improved hatchability. They also reported a seasonal fall in hatchability which was more serious during the months of January and February. These reports, then, indicated that soybean oil meal as a . . .
Improved LINC power transmission using a quadrature outphasing technique

A new improved approach to LINC power transmission is presented based on a quadrature outphasing technique, which depends on the constant envelope decomposition of the in-phase and quadrature parts of the input signal. In this approach, the processing of the resultant constant envelope components requires a bandwidth far smaller than if a simple LINC transmission technique were used, resulting in reduced sensitivity to components mismatch, far less spectral regrowth and superior linearity than the simple LINC approach. Experimental results at HF band show that the new technique improves the spectral re-growth by more than 10 dB for an 8-ary DPSK signal compared to the regular LINC transmission.
Developing patient registration and medical records management system in Ethiopia.

Quality problem. In low-income countries, medical record management is often lacking. We sought to evaluate the impact of an inexpensive business process re-engineering project on the accessibility and completeness of patient information and on physician satisfaction.
Quantum Dots as Reporters in Multiplexed Immunoassays for Biomarkers of Exposure to Agrochemicals

The application of quantum dots (QDs) as labels in immunoassay microarrays for the multiplex detection of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA) and atrazine-mercapturate (AM) has been demonstrated. PBA and AM are biomarkers of exposure to the pyrethroid insecticides and to the herbicide atrazine, respectively. Microarrays were fabricated by microcontact printing of the coating antigens in line patterns onto glass substrates. Competitive immunoassays were successfully performed using QDs (QD560 and QD620) as reporters. The multiplexed immunoassays were characterized by fluorescence microscopy and SEM. The application of QD fluorophores facilitates multiplex assays and therefore can contribute to enhanced throughput in biomonitoring.
Genome-Enabled Insights into Legume Biology

Legumes are the third-largest family of angiosperms, the second-most-important crop family, and a key source of biological nitrogen in agriculture. Recently, the genome sequences of Glycine max (soybean), Medicago truncatula, and Lotus japonicus were substantially completed. Comparisons among legume genomes reveal a key role for duplication, especially a whole-genome duplication event approximately 58 Mya that is shared by most agriculturally important legumes. A second and more recent genome duplication occurred only in the lineage leading to soybean. Outcomes of genome duplication, including gene fractionation and sub- and neofunctionalization, have played key roles in shaping legume genomes and in the evolution of legume-specific traits. Analysis of legume genome sequences also enables the discovery of legume-specific gene families and provides a framework for genome-wide association mapping that will target phenotypes of special importance in legumes. Translating genomic resources from sequenced species to less studied but still important "orphan" legumes will enhance prospects for world food production.
Current surgical techniques of peripheral nerve repair

Transection of peripheral nerves results in Wallerian degeneration of the distal stump with varying degrees of degeneration in the proximal stump. After degeneration, the proximal neuron undergoes regenerative changes to make an appropriate connection with the degenerated distal segment. To improve recovery, surgical techniques have evolved to facilitate connection of the proximal to the distal stump. Current surgical strategies include epineurial and group fascicular repair under minimal tension at the repair site. We discuss the widely accepted surgical approaches to the repair of peripheral nerves and the issues to consider when selecting the appropriate surgical technique.
Preferential occupancy of histone variant H2AZ at inactive promoters influences local histone modifications and chromatin remodeling

The yeast histone variant H2AZ (Htz1) is implicated in transcription activation, prevention of the ectopic spread of heterochromatin, and genome integrity. Our genome-wide localization analysis revealed that Htz1 is widely, but nonrandomly, distributed throughout the genome in an SWR1-dependent manner. We found that Htz1 is enriched in intergenic regions compared with coding regions. Its occupancy is inversely proportional to transcription rates and the enrichment of the RNA polymerase II under different growth conditions. However, Htz1 does not seem to directly regulate transcription repression genome-wide; instead, the presence of Htz1 under the inactivated condition is essential for optimal activation of a subset of genes. In addition, Htz1 is not generally responsible for nucleosome positioning, even at those promoters where Htz1 is highly enriched. Finally, using a biochemical approach, we demonstrate that incorporation of Htz1 into nucleosomes inhibits activities of histone modifiers associated with transcription, Dot1, Set2, and NuA4 and reduces the nucleosome mobilization driven by chromatin remodeling complexes. These lines of evidence collectively suggest that Htz1 may serve to mark quiescent promoters for proper activation.
Optical fiber enzymatic biosensor for reagentless measurement of ethylene dibromide.

A reagentless enzymatic optical biosensor has been constructed to measure the concentration of ethylene dibromide (EDB, 1,2-dibromoethane), a US EPA Priority Pollutant. This biosensor is based on the haloalkane dehalogenase DhaA, which generates protons as a product of the dehalogenation of EDB. The resulting pH change is detected as a shift in the fluorescence intensity of fluoresceinamine. When layers of fluoresceinamine and Rhodococcus sp. GJ70 expressing DhaA were immobilized on the tip of an optical fiber, the resulting changes in fluorescence were proportional to the EDB concentration in the range 1-10 μg/L and nonlinear (saturation-type trend) for concentrations up to 10 mg/L. EDB concentrations as low as 1 μg/L could be detected in aqueous solutions. Both the pH and buffer capacity of the sample had significant effects on the sensor's performance. EDB biosensors were active for at least 37 d, although their sensitivity decreased after 7 d. The biosensor's potential to measure continuously and in situ could make it useful for environmental or water treatment process monitoring systems.
DONEPEZIL TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH MCI: A 48-WEEK RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO- CONTROLLED TRIAL

Background: Treatment of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) with cholinesterase inhibitors may improve symptoms. Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, subjects with MCI entered a 3-week placebo run-in period followed by 48 weeks of double-blind donepezil (5 mg/day for 6 weeks, then 10 mg/day for 42 weeks) or placebo treatment. Primary efficacy variables included change from baseline in the modified Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale–cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale–sum of boxes (CDR-SB) after 48 weeks of treatment (modified intention-to-treat analysis). Secondary efficacy measures evaluated cognition, behavior, and function. Results: The dual primary efficacy endpoint was not reached. We noted a small, but significant, decrease in modified ADAS-Cog scores in favor of donepezil at study endpoint. Little change from baseline in CDR-SB and secondary variables was observed for either group. Patient Global Assessment scores favored donepezil at all time points except week 12 ( p ≤ 0.05). Perceived Deficits Questionnaire scores favored donepezil at week 24 ( p = 0.05). Clinical Global Impression of Change–MCI scores favored donepezil only at week 6 ( p = 0.04). Adverse events were generally mild or moderate. More donepezil-treated subjects (18.4%) discontinued treatment due to adverse events than placebo-treated subjects (8.3%). Conclusions: Donepezil demonstrated small but significant improvement on the primary measure of cognition but there was no change on the primary measure of global function. Most other measures of global impairment, cognition, and function were not improved, possibly because these measures are insensitive to change in MCI. Responses on subjective measures suggest subjects perceived benefits with donepezil treatment.
Perspective: Masculinized dominant females in a cooperatively breeding species, a case of cross-sexual transfer?

This issue of Molecular Ecology includes an exciting article by Aubin-Horth et al. in which they examine behaviour, hormone levels, and gene expression in dominant and subordinate male and female cichlid fishes of the African species Neolamprologus pulcher. Their fascinating experiments take us one important step closer to an understanding of one of life's persistent mysteries: why males differ from females and how such differences develop and evolve.
Spectra and Characteristic Polynomials of Polyhedral Clusters

The spectra and characteristic polynomials of polyhedral cluster graphs containing 4-120 vertices are obtained. Some of the polyhedral graphs considered such as icosahedron, Archimedene etc., are models for some interesting clusters such as Cjm. For the Archimedene the spectra and delocalization energies are obtained with and without bond alternations. The characteristic polynomials and spectra of all the polyhedral clusters considered in this investigation are unique.
Synthesis and Characterization of Coralline Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles

Magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles were prepared using sol-gel process. The nanoparticles were then dried using a supercritical drying process. The particles were characterized for surface morphology, crystal structure, and surface functionality. The nanoparticles show a coralline structure with an average particle size of 200-300 nm with a surface area of 257 m /g. The X-ray diffraction spectra of these materials are also obtained. The MgO particles, when contacted with a model explosive component 2, 4 dinitrotoluene in water at 50°C, showed a concentration reduction of 96%.
Synthesis, structure, and biocompatibility of pulsed laser-deposited TiN nanowires for implant applications†

A bottom-up based pulsed laser deposition technique has been used to grow titanium nitride (TiN) nanowires on single crystalline substrates. The first step of this method is the dissolution of laser ablated gaseous TiN material in the nanodimensional catalytic gold (Au) liquid islands located on the substrate surfaces. The continuous dissolution of TiN results in the supersaturation of liquid Au with TiN followed by extrusion of solid TiN material in the nanowire form at the liquid/solid interface. The growth of TiN nanowires continues as long as its dissolution rate into the catalyst Au matches the extrusion rate of solid TiN. This bottom-up approach gives rise to a one-dimensional TiN nanowire structures (length: 200-300 nm and diameter: 20-30 nm) capped with Au. The ascent of Au nanodots to the top of TiN nanowires can be explained based on breaking of weaker bonds and building of stronger bonds. The TiN nanowires are provided vertical alignment by selecting a plane of the substrate that provides the least lattice mismatching to the (111) plane of TiN which has lower surface energy than its other planes: (100) or (110). After the successful formation and structural characterization, a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay has been used to confirm the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of these nanowires.