cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for percolation diffusion of cations and reordering in disordered pyrochlore from accelerated molecular dynamics

Diffusion in complex oxides is critical to ionic transport, radiation damage evolution, sintering, and aging. In complex oxides such as pyrochlores, anionic diffusion is dramatically affected by cation disorder. However, little is known about how disorder influences cation transport. Here, we report results from classical and accelerated molecular dynamics simulations of vacancy-mediated cation diffusion in Gd2Ti2O7 pyrochlore, on the microsecond timescale. We find that diffusion is slow at low levels of disorder, while higher disorder allows for fast diffusion, which is then accompanied by antisite annihilation and reordering, and thus a slowing of cation transport. Cation diffusivity is therefore not constant, but decreases as the material reorders. We also show that fast cation diffusion is triggered by the formation of a percolation network of antisites. This is in contrast with observations from other complex oxides and disordered media models, suggesting a fundamentally different relation between disorder and mass transport. Diffusion plays an important role in sintering, damage tolerance and transport. Here authors perform classical and accelerated molecular dynamics simulations of vacancy-mediated cation diffusion in Gd2Ti2O7 pyrochlore and report non-monotonic evolution of cation diffusivity.
Evaluation of clinicians' knowledge and use of minimum inhibitory concentration values

Routinely reporting minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values to clinicians remains controversial. We surveyed clinicians to assess their knowledge and usage of MIC in clinical scenarios. The majority of respondents used MIC values to select antibiotic therapy, with a tendency to use those antibiotics with lower MICs, regardless of clinical appropriateness.
Electrochemical Remediation of Perfluoroalkyl Substances from Water

Abstract Organic anthropogenic pollutants such as per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) present a severe threat to bodies of water and neighboring ecosystems, due to their toxicity and recalcitrance to current treatment methods. PFAS have highly stable carbon-fluoride bonds that contribute to their persistence in the environment. Conventional separation methods based on membranes or carbon filtration have been extensively studied for removing PFAS in wastewater streams, yet these techniques often require energy- and chemically-intensive regeneration methods, or present low efficiency for short-chain PFAS removal. Electrochemical approaches offer a sustainable and possibly energy-efficient solution to PFAS capture and degradation, with growing development of new electrode materials and electrochemically-driven processes for the separation and reaction of these compounds. Here, we review electrochemical approaches for PFAS removal and degradation, including electrosorption and electrochemical oxidation/reduction processes. In particular, we discuss investigations using porous carbon electrodes and functional polymers for PFAS electrosorption, as well as electrodes used for PFAS defluorination such as boron-doped diamond. Finally, we present a perspective on emerging topics in electrochemical PFAS remediation, such as the integration of electrochemical reaction and separations, as well as the urgent need for remediation studies of short-chain PFAS and related molecules.
Success factors and strategies for sustainability transitions of small-scale communities - Evidence from a cross-case analysis

Abstract Initiatives pursuing sustainability transitions of small-scale communities offer rich learning opportunities on: to what extent they are making progress toward sustainability; what success depends on; and how success can be replicated in other communities. Yet, there is little empirical research addressing these questions. This article presents a cross-case analysis of sustainability transition initiatives in four small U.K. communities that tentatively identifies factors influencing transition outcomes as well as strategies to improve transition effectiveness. Our findings suggest a wide range of factors to be important including socio-demographics, community governance, community capacity, organization and management, resources, and mobilization. The article demonstrates how empirical studies of this nature can successively build a broad knowledge base to support effective community transition practices.
Effects of Viewing a Product in Good/Bad Music Contexts: An Extension of the Classical Conditioning Research in Marketing

An extension of prior research in classical conditioning is reported. Two brands of earrings were paired with well liked or less liked music. Even when the two brands were vividly dissimilar, the classical conditioning effect was supported. This research also shows that classical conditioning effects can occur for experiential products.
Building non-brittle knowledge-acquisition tools

Existing model-based knowledge-acquisition tools can acquire large knowledge bases and update these knowledge bases as knowledge changes. These tools, however, are brittle. They can only be used to acquire knowledge for a particular problem solver performing a specific task and they are not easily adapted to new problem solvers. Brittleness limits the effectiveness of these tools because the dynamic nature of knowledge systems make modifications both necessary and frequent. This paper presents a model of knowledge systems that reduces brittleness by separating acquisition techniques for search-control knowledge from other types of knowledge, by driving knowledge acquisition from properties of a knowledge-level description of the task instead of the problem solver, and by using ontologies to reuse knowledge bases.
Purified Ferritin and Soybean Meal Can be Sources of Iron for Treating Iron Deficiency in Rats

Ferritin and soybean meal were reevaluated as dietary treatments of iron deficiency in rats. Isotopes that had been used in the past were avoided because of contemporary knowledge of the physiological and structural complexity of ferritin protein and the solid iron mineral. Rats made anemic by iron-deficient diets were given equivalent amounts of iron as FeSO 4 , horse spleen ferritin, baked soybean meal, or soybean meal plus ferritin. Full recovery (89-109%) from anemia and increased tissue iron occurred after 28 d of treatment with any of the iron sources, which contrasts to past bioavailability studies using 59 Fe-labeled ferritin and generally shorter periods of observation. Cultivar-specific variability was observed in soybean seed soluble iron and ferritin content (1.9-2.0 times the control cultivar, Arksoy), which was apparently heritable. The combined data suggest that manipulating ferritin expression and other soluble components of seed iron in soybeans and possibly other seeds, using Mendelian and biotechnological approaches, could contribute to a sustainable solution to global problems of iron deficiency.
The moon has four phases and that's what worries me.

SUMMARY The values held by health care administrators and inherent in the operation of the institution are of primary importance to the ministry of pastoral care. This narrative/story provides a case history in which the author recounts how these values change as administrators change. The results suggest that these values constitute one of the hidden variables that influenced the questionnaire results reported earlier in this work.
Selecting the Best Electric Machines for Electrical Power-Generation Systems: High-performance solutions for aerospace More electric architectures.

The electric machines (EMs) for high-performance electrical power-generation systems (EPGSs) play a significant role in the modern aerospace and military industries. This is particularly true in the area of More Electric Architecture (MEA) for aircraft, spacecraft, and military ground vehicles. The commercial aircraft business is moving toward no-bleed air environmental control systems, variable-frequency and dc power-distribution buses, and electrical actuation. A typical example is the Boeing 787 platform. The next-generation Boeing narrow-body airplane (the replacement for the 737) and the Airbus replacement for the A320 will most likely use MEA. Some ?military ?aircraft already use MEA for both primary and secondary flight control. Military ground vehicles have migrated toward hybrid electric technology. In those cases, the main propulsion is performed by electric drives. This demonstrates that substantial demand has arisen for improved electric power-generation performance. Future space vehicles will require electric drives for thrust-vector and flight-control actuation, demanding more high-quality electric power. These systems must be more robust and will offer greatly reduced operating costs and improved safety compared with Space Shuttle hardware.
Metabolic activity of oxytocin in the puerperium.

MORE than half a century has elapsed since Sir Henry Dale first described the oxytocic activity of posterior pituitary extracts1. Since that time the biological effects of the oxytocic principle have been widely investigated and well established2. Moreover, oxytocin, vasopressin, and their analogues have been characterized chemically and prepared synthetically3. Despite almost universal use of posterior pituitary preparations in clinical obstetrics few investigations have been directed toward the metabolic effects of either natural or synthetic oxytocin. Consequently, the preliminary observations presented here are of interest because they show pronounced changes in blood sugar and plasma non-esterified fatty acids after administration of oxytocin to puerperal women.
Myocardin A Enhances Telomerase Activities in Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells Undergoing Cardiovascular Myogenic Differentiation

Acting as a reverse transcriptase that maintains nuclear telomere length and replication potential, telomerase usually decreases in expression and activities when mammalian stem cells undergo terminal differentiation. This study identified, in adult adipose tissue, a subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that coexpresses telomerase and myocardin A, a key regulator of cardiovascular myogenic development. The telomerase/myocardin A-positive MSCs differentiated into cardiovascular myogenic cells while retaining expression and activation of the telomerase catalytic unit, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), at a level comparable to that of ESCs. Both myocardin A and TERT could be coimmunoprecipitated from the developing MSCs and ESC-derived EBs with either anti-TERT or anti-myocardin A antibodies, suggesting the formation of TERT-myocardin A complexes in the MSCs and EBs. The proteins pulled down with anti-myocardin antibodies showed almost the same levels of telomerase activities as those precipitated with anti-TERT antibodies. Overexpression of myocardin A by cDNA transfection significantly increased telomerase activities and promoted telomere synthesis by MSCs. The data from this study indicate a potentially novel function of myocardin A in maintaining the myogenic stemness in developing MSCs and EBs by enhancing telomerase activation and promoting myogenic gene expression. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Strength of Single- Versus Double-Anchor Repair of Type II SLAP Lesions: A Cadaveric Study

Purpose This study was designed to examine whether there was a difference in pullout strength along with the mode of failure between 1 suture anchor and 2 suture anchors. Methods Ten matched pairs of cadaveric shoulders were used in the study. A type II SLAP lesion, according to the classification of Snyder et al., was created. In 10 shoulders 1 anchor with 2 sutures was used to repair the lesion. In the other group of 10 matched shoulders, fixation was done with 2 anchors, with each anchor having only 1 suture. An Instron servohydraulic test machine (Instron, Canton, MA) was used to pull the long head of the biceps tendon until failure occurred. Results The single-anchor group failed at a mean load of 278.5 ± 101.5 N. The double-anchor group failed at 242.5 ± 96.5 N. A paired 2-sample Student t test showed that there was no significant difference in pullout strength between the 2 groups ( P = .090). The most common mode of failure was soft-tissue failure. There was 1 anchor pullout in the single-anchor group and 2 anchor pullouts in the double-anchor group. Conclusions The results of this study imply that using 1 anchor with 2 sutures is biomechanically equivalent to 2 anchors with 1 suture each for repairing type II SLAP lesions. Clinical Relevance Using 1 suture anchor is sufficient to repair a type II SLAP lesion.
Development of polysomic microsatellite markers for characterization of population structuring and phylogeography in the shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum)

Shortnose sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum is an endangered polyploid fish species for which no nuclear DNA markers previously existed. To address this need, 86 polysomic loci were developed and characterized in 20 A. brevirostrum from five river systems and eight members (parents and six progeny) of a captive-bred family. All markers proved to be polymorphic, polysomic, and demonstrated direct inheritance when tested in a captive family. Eleven loci were included in a range-wide survey of 561 fish sampled from 17 geographic collections. Allelic diversity at these markers ranged from 7 to 24 alleles/locus and averaged 16.5 alleles/locus; sufficient diversity to produce unique multilocus genotypes. In the range-wide survey, a Mantel comparison of an ecological (1-Jaccard’s) and genetic (ΦPT; an analog to FST) distance metrics, identified a strong positive correlation (r = 0.98, P < 0.0001); suggesting ΦPT represents a viable metric for assessing genetic relatedness using this class of marker.
Doppler Radar Observations of Dust Devils in Texas

Abstract Analyses of a dust-devil dataset collected in northwest Texas are presented. The data were collected just above the ground at close range with a mobile, W-band (3-mm wavelength) Doppler radar having an azimuthal (radial) resolution of 3–5 m (30 m) at the range of the dust devils. Most dust devils appeared as quasi-circular rings of relatively high radar reflectivity. Four dust-devil vortices were probed, three of which were cyclonic and one anticyclonic. Documentation was obtained of a pair of adjacent cyclonic vortices rotating cyclonically around each other. Approximate radial profiles of azimuthal and radial wind components and of radar reflectivity are detailed and discussed. The diameters of the core of the dust devils ranged from 30 to 130 m; the latter diameters are much wider than that of typical dust devils in a homogeneous environment. The widest vortex was cyclonic and exhibited evidence of a two-cell structure (i.e., sinking motion near the center and rising motion just outside the ra...
Shunt infection and malfunction after augmentation cystoplasty.

Purpose: Maintenance of a sterile intraperitoneal environment is critical in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts. Recent series have reported a broad discrepancy in the rate of shunt infection (0% to 20%) following augmentation cystoplasty. The need for distal shunt revision has not been well defined. We report the incidence of shunt infection and revision at our institution after bladder augmentation.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients with myelodysplasia and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt who underwent augmentation cystoplasty since August 1990. All patients included in the study had a minimum of 12 months of followup.Results: A total of 55 patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt secondary to myelodysplasia required augmentation cystoplasty for management of a neuropathic bladder. Standard perioperative intravenous and oral antibiotic preparation, mechanical bowel preparation and intraoperative shunt isolation were used. Mean postoperative followup was 6...
Pop Politics: Online Parody Videos, Intertextuality, and Political Participation

Editors' Note: As this issue is released, Americans are voting for a new president. The long primary and campaign seasons marked the definitive arrival of video sharing sites on the electoral scene, with many of the candidates' best and worst moments reaching the electorate via YouTube. The editors asked Chuck Tryon, assistant professor of Film and Media Studies at Fayetteville State University, author of the forthcoming Reinventing Cinema: Movies in the Age of Digital Convergence, and frequent reviewer and analyst of political videos at his blog The Chutry Experiment (http://chutry.wordherders.net/wp), to reflect on the place of some of these videos in the election.
Natural history of bloodstream infections in a burn patient population: The importance of candidemia

Abstract Because of a perceived increase in Candida bloodstream infections in our burn unit, we retrospectively reviewed all the microbiologic data and the medical records of 209 patients with burns admitted during a 42-month period. Twice weekly burn wound cultures demonstrated that Candida species were the tenth most frequently isolated organisms (69191 patients, 36%). Despite the low frequency of isolation from burn wounds, Candida species were the most common organisms found in blood cultures and urine cultures. Of 49 patients with positive blood cultures, 16 (33%) had clinically significant culture growth of yeasts: Candida albicans , 12; Candida parapsilosis , 2; Candida tropicalis , 1; and Torulopsis glabrata , 1. Patients with candidemia were more likely than patients with blood culture growth of other organisms to have burn wound cultures that grew Candida (1516 vs 2133, p=0.02), larger burns (61% vs 38%, p p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the total number of blood cultures with microorganism growth and large burn size were the greatest independent risk factors for candidemia. These data demonstrate that yeasts are pathogens of major importance in patients with burns, suggesting that in patients with burns who have suspected sepsis and large burn injury or a previous bacteremia, strong consideration should be given to administration of amphotericin B initiation of empiric antibacterial therapy.
Investor behaviour and contagion

This paper examines two open questions in international finance. First, what is the relative importance of different linkages in causing global financial crises? The second question concerns whether or not investor behaviour affects contagion. I use a two-market agent-based model that incorporates insights from behavioural finance to answer these open questions. Simulated managers only affect contagion when they control a small proportion of the total assets in each market. This evidence may partly explain the Russian contagion to Brazil where direct linkages did not exist. In addition, results show that global managers must make up between 40 and 50% of both local markets in order to become a more important linkage than that of international trade.
Suitability of terrestrial laser scanning for studying surface roughness effects on concentrated flow erosion processes in rangelands

Surface roughness is thought to affect concentrated flow erosion – a major mechanism of soil loss on disturbed rangelands. However, quantifying surface roughness in the field at appropriately fine spatial scales is laborious and the scale at which to conduct meaningful roughness measurements is difficult to discern. Rapid, objective, and repeatable field methods are therefore needed to accurately measure surface roughness across a range of spatial scales to advance our understanding and modeling of concentrated flow erosion processes. Surface roughness can be derived from surface topography mapped at the sub-cm level using a field-portable terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). To test the suitability of terrestrial laser scanning for studying surface roughness effects on erosion processes in rangelands, we used concentrated flow simulation techniques at 8.5 m2 plots that were randomly placed at rangeland sites in southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho, USA. Local surface roughness (locRMSH) was calculated as the standard deviation of TLS mapped surface heights within moving windows varying in size from 30 × 30 to 90 × 90 mm. The mean locRMSH of the eroded area and entire plot were negatively correlated (r2 > 0.71, RMSE 0.74, RMSE < 90.07 g min− 1, respectively) with concentrated flow erosion. The strength of the locRMSH–erosion relationship and regression model parameters were affected by the moving window size, emphasizing the scale dependence of the locRMSH–erosion relationship. Adjusting locRMSH for slope effects decreased the strength of the locRMSH–erosion relationship from r2 < 0.83 to < 0.26. Our results indicate that TLS is a useful tool to enhance our current understanding of the effect of surface roughness on overland flow erosion processes and advance hydrologic and erosion model parameter development. Further research is needed to evaluate the locRMSH – concentrated flow erosion relationship over a wider range of soil properties, surface conditions, and spatial extents.
Human pancreatic lipase study with the bile salt activation and substrates from a homologous series of naphthyl alkanoates.

Abstract Because sodium cholate proved to be a more reliable activator than sodium taurocholate for human serum lipase assay, a series of α-naphthyl alkanoates (of 8-, 9-, 10-, and 14-carbon acids), β-naphthyl alkanoates (of 8–16-carbon acids) and β-naphthyl alkenoates (of 2-nonenoic and 2-decenoic acids) were prepared and were studied for their sensitivity toward pancreatic lipase with cholate and taurocholate activation and in the presence of human serum. Maximal sensitivity to pancreatic lipase was found both in the α- and β-naphthyl nonanoates, suggesting that esters from acids of this chain length best meet the structural requirements for substrates for pancreatic lipase. Cholate proved a more reliable activator then taurocholate of the β-esters. β-Naphthyl nonanoate (βC9) was singled out for special study. Saturation of the enzyme (2 μg. pancreas/ml.) occurred at a substrate concentration of 0.2–0.25 mg./ml. leading to zero-order kinetics and hydrolysis rates directly proportional to enzyme concentration. Maximal incubation temperature for measurement of human pancreatic lipase in human serum was 37.5 °C. while that for pancreas alone was 45 °. Serum was observed to be a noncompetitive inhibitor of βC9. Some sera had more antilipase than others. Studies are now in progress on the use of βC9 for lipase assay. These studies may lead to better substrates and methods for histochemistry and for assay of human serum lipase activity.
Comparison of plant nutrient and environmental soil tests to predict Pb in urban soils

Most urban soils are not tested for Pb because of the high costs associated with sampling and laboratory analysis of soil contaminants. However, soil testing for plant nutrients is inexpensive and routinely performed for agricultural soils used for food production. The objectives of this study are to determine the ability of 1 M HNO(3), Mehlich 3, and Modified Morgan soil tests to predict total Pb and other contaminants in urban soils. Total Pb was determined from 65 urban vacant residential lots being considered for urban gardens and food production in Cleveland, OH. Extractable Pb was determined using common soil nutrient test methods Mehlich 3 and Modified Morgan extraction, and a 1M HNO(3) extraction. Significant linear regressions between total Pb and Mehlich 3 (r(2)=0.83), 1M HNO(3) (r(2)=0.92), and Modified Morgan (r(2)=0.77) in study soils were found. Most commercial and university soil testing labs use Mehlich 3 which could be implemented as a screening tool for soil Pb, Cu, and Zn. The Mehlich 3 soil test is widely used and is relatively inexpensive (<$15). Our results show that total Pb can be conservatively estimated by the following equation Total Pb (mg kg(-1))=Mehlich 3 Pb (mg kg(-1))×2.
Individual differences in contrast sensitivity functions : longitudinal study of 4-, 6- and 8-month-old human infants

Contrast sensitivity functions (CSFs) of 25 infants were measured longitudinally at 4, 6 and 8 months of age using a preferential-looking method and the method of constant stimuli. Sine-wave gratings varied from 0.27 to 4.32 c/deg, contained eight unattenuated cycles (with edges tapered to uniform gray), and rose to the desired contrast in 2 sec. (1) The average CSF was described on log-log coordinates by a band-pass function. With development it increased in overall sensitivity to contrast, shifted its peak toward slightly higher spatial frequencies, and increased its high frequency cutoff. (2) Log sensitivity at the CSF peak was slightly higher for female than male infants at 6 months, consistent with the hypothesis that vernier acuity (which also may differ between the sexes at this age) is partly mediated by analyzers tuned to low frequencies. (3) Within age groups the individual differences were such that log sensitivities for neighboring spatial frequencies generally correlated more highly than distant frequencies. With development the correlations among distant frequencies below 1.0 c/deg increased. Monte Carlo simulations of a model that shifts spatial analyzers to higher frequencies with age reproduced these results but simulations of adultlike, unshifting analyzers did not. (4) Measures taken 2 months apart tended to correlate more highly than those taken 4 months apart, though some individual differences in the CSF peak remained stable over 4 months.
ON THEORIES FOR STOCHASTIC ACCELERATION IN THE SOLAR WIND

The suprathermal tails on the distribution functions of ions in the solar wind are observed to have a common spectral shape in many different circumstances: a power law in particle speed with spectral index of −5. Three possible approaches for explaining these observations are considered: (1) the acceleration mechanism of Fisk & Gloeckler in which energy is redistributed from a core particle population into the suprathermal tail; (2) traditional stochastic acceleration in which particles are accelerated by damping turbulence; and (3) the statistical approach introduced by Schwadron et al. in which the −5 spectrum is formed by averaging over individual spectra. The acceleration mechanism of Fisk & Gloeckler has advantages: (1) it appears to occur in conditions that are readily satisfied: compressive turbulence that is thermally isolated (no largescale spatial gradients), with a core distribution of particles with a sharp initial cutoff in particle speed, above which particles can spatially diffuse; and (2) it yields spectra that are consistent with observations. Traditional stochastic acceleration has the disadvantage that it is unlikely to yield spectral shapes consistent with observations, and the spectra are dependent upon the plasma conditions and thus unlikely to be the same in different circumstances. The statistical approach of Schwadron et al. can yield the −5 spectrum and is consistent with the results of Fisk & Gloeckler when the assumed distribution functions for individual events and the averaging technique are taken to be compatible with the assumptions and averaging in Fisk & Gloeckler.
Instituting impairment: Extended cognition and the construction of Female Sexual Dysfunction

I further the argument for a socially extended mind by examining gender and the role it plays in cognition. My first claim is that gender is a social institution that often if not always subtends our cognitive processes, especially those that are maximally embodied. The social institution of gender often serves to inhibit female embodied cognitive processing, as a quick glance at the myriad of oppressive forces at play in gender dynamics illustrates. To combat the potential objection that gender is not a vehicle for extending cognitive processes, but rather plays a shaping role in embodied practice, I propose looking at the history of Female Sexual Dysfunction and its construction by the social institutions of the pharmaceutical companies and media. By doing so, I claim a case can be made that these institutions have actually invaded the minds of many women to the point that cognition pertaining to sex, sexual functioning, and health are wholly dependent upon and constituted by the interplay of these social systems.
Where is Silicon Valley

Although economists, politicians, and business leaders have long emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship ( 1 , 2 ), defining and characterizing entrepreneurship has been elusive ( 3 , 4 ). Researchers have been unable to systematically connect the type of high-impact entrepreneurship found in regions such as Silicon Valley with the overall incidence of entrepreneurship in the population ( 5 – 7 ). This has important implications: Researchers arrive at alternative conclusions about roles and patterns of entrepreneurship ( 8 – 10 ), and policy-makers are given conflicting recommendations about whether or how to promote entrepreneurship for economic and social progress ( 11 , 12 ).
Emotional overeating and its associations with eating disorder psychopathology among overweight patients with Binge eating disorder

Objective The current study examined emotional overeating in overweight patients with binge eating disorder (BED). A new measure—the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire (EOQ)—was developed to measure the frequency of overeating in response to emotions. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factor structure of this measure were examined, and its associations with eating disorder psychopathology, depression, and gender were explored. Method Two hundred twenty consecutive overweight (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 25) treatment-seeking BED patients (48 men and 172 women) were administered the EOQ, which assesses overeating frequency in response to six emotions (anxiety, sadness, loneliness, tiredness, anger, and happiness). A subset of patients (n = 83) completed the measure again approximately 1 week later. BMI was measured, and participants completed measures of eating disorder psychopathology. Results The EOQ was internally consistent (α =.85), its items were significantly and moderately correlated (range .32 to .70) with each other, and principal components analysis revealed one factor accounting for 58% of the variance. The EOQ items and total score were characterized by good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] ranged from .62 to .73). Significant correlations were found between the emotional overeating items and total score, and binge frequency, eating disorder features, and depressive symptomatology. Emotional overeating was unrelated to BMI, and men and women reported similar rates of emotional overeating. Conclusion Emotional overeating was significantly associated with binge frequency, eating disorder features, and depression, but was not related to BMI or gender. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lipid composition of frog virus 3

Abstract The lipid composition of purified frog virus 3 was determined and compared with that of host cells of avian and piscine origin. Unenveloped, infectious icosahedral virions contained approximately 9% lipid, at least 90% of which was phospholipid. The ratios of the various phospholipid classes of the virion to those of the host cells, as well as the low amount of cholesterol present in the virions, led to the conclusion that the viral membrane was not derived from preexisting host membranes. The incorporation of 32 P into phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol, the phospholipid classes that were present in greater amounts in virions than in host cells, was increased in infected cells. Infectivity was abolished by treatment with Nonidet P-40 or phospholipase A but not by treatment with phospholipase C. These results indicate that although an intact lipid membrane was required for infectivity, the loss of certain phospholipid polar groups did not affect the biological function of this membrane.
Clinicopathologic features as stronger prognostic factors than histology or grade in risk stratification of primary parotid malignancies.

Background. The aim of this study, using a retrospective chart review as the primary study design, was to determine the relative contribution of clinicopathologic risk factors versus low- and high-risk grade histologic groups to assist management of primary parotid cancers. Methods. In all, 168 primary parotid malignancies were treated surgically at a tertiary care center from 1982 to 2005. Of these, 115 patients with complete follow-up information were further analyzed. Pathologic updating and reclassification in 28% of cases enabled comparison of tumor histology or grade with current consensus criteria. Clinical outcomes of high- and low-risk histology and grade were compared with the influence of traditional clinicopathologic risk factors. Results. Of 115 cases, the male:female ratio was equal and the median age was 63 years (range, 15 to 89 years). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 28) was the most common histology. The median follow-up was 44 months (range, 0–278 months). Of low-risk histology patients who underwent neck dissection 40% had pN+ disease. The median time to recurrence was not reached for low-risk tumors, compared with 29 months for high-risk tumors (p = .0001). Interestingly, extracapsular spread (ECS) and margin status were independent prognostic factors and conferred significantly greater prognostic value than histologic grade risk group. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 5 years for the entire cohort were 51% and 57%, respectively. Risk group was a strong independent predictor of OS but not DFS Conclusions. Risk group defined by histology and grade was associated with DFS. ECS and margin status were independent predictors of DFS. Inclusion of ECS and margin status substantially improved the prediction of disease recurrence, supporting elective neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy for high-grade tumors or low-risk histologies with positive margins or ECS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
An options model for electric power markets

Abstract The international electric utility industry is undergoing a radical transformation from an essentially regulated and monopolistic industry to an industry made uncertain with impending deregulation and the advent of competitive forces. This paper investigates the development of an options market for bulk power trading in a market setup while considering power system planning and operational constraints and/ or requirements. In so doing it considers the different market based financial derivative instruments which can be used to trade electrical power in bulk and examines how established tools such as Optimal Power Flow (OPF) may be applied in helping to develop a price for bulk power transactions under a market based setup.
Meaning Matters: Framing Trans Identity in the Context of Family Relationships

Disclosure of trans identities has been shown to bring about change in family relationships, yet little is known about how trans identities function as family stressors. The meanings we make for family stressors determine how we experience them and thus are consequential to our well-being (Boss, 1992) as well as to relational outcomes. In this study, I conducted telephone interviews with 37 family members of someone who is trans-identified. Using qualitative, dialogic analysis, I examined the meanings they assigned to trans identity, the complex processes by which they arrived at those meanings, and how meanings fostered or hindered support for their trans relative or partner. Participants constructed trans identity as a medical condition, a natural nuance of gender identity, or a lifestyle choice in light of their allegiance to their trans-identified family members, the possibility of criticism from outsiders, and their own global meaning systems.
Monthly precipitation isoscapes (δ18O) of the United States: Connections with surface temperatures, moisture source conditions, and air mass trajectories

[1] This research presents the most spatially complete data set depicting average monthly δ18O precipitation values across the United States (isoscapes). Average monthly isoscapes were calculated by analyzing 5 consecutive years of precipitation samples collected at 73 collection sites from the United States Network for Isotopes in Precipitation. Three patterns across the United States emerged from the analysis: (1) the most 18O-depleted precipitation was not confined to the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountain region but were also found in the upper Great Lakes; (2) clear latitudinal gradients were observed in the Mississippi River valley: steeper during cold months than during warm months; and (3) coastal latitudinal gradients were significantly shallower than continental gradients. The average monthly isoscapes were significantly correlated with surface temperatures, particularly in winter but less so in summer. The Rayleigh distillation model, however, produced uniformly steeper monthly isotope temperature coefficients (δ18O‰/°C) than those calculated from empirical δ18O values. Our analysis suggests that differences in model/observation isotope temperature coefficients result from the contiguous United States having two primary moisture sources: the Gulf of Mexico and the northeast Pacific Ocean regions. A significant proportion of precipitation sourced from the Gulf of Mexico (northeast Pacific Ocean) occurs in warm (cool) regions resulting in more (less) isotopic depletion than if all moisture had originated from one source for the entire United States. These two primary precipitation source scenarios result in a smaller variation in oxygen isotopic variation for the distribution of temperatures in a given month, yielding lower than predicted isotope temperature coefficients. The results of this study highlight the importance of understanding environmental factors affecting regional precipitation isotope values, particularly if one wishes to use isotopic analysis for paleoclimate interpretation or as a measure of a modern day hydrologic process.
Ex situ leaching measurement of concrete alkalinity

Abstract A new technique involving ex situ leaching (ESL) of concrete particles in deionized water and chemical analysis of the resulting leachant was developed to determine the concrete pore water alkalinity. A water-to-concrete powder ratio no higher than 1 and a leaching time no less than 3 days were mostly used. The concrete pore water hydroxide ion concentration ([OH−]pore) was then calculated based upon a protocol that included several assumptions. It was found that [OH−]pore was proportional to the cement equivalent alkali content but relatively insensitive to the concrete water-to-cement ratio. Determinations of [OH−]pore were compared with (1) results from parallel, conventional pore water expression (PWE) experiments using concrete from the same batch, (2) a theoretical estimate of this parameter based upon mix design and cement chemistry of the concretes employed for ESL, and (3) data from the literature. All of these comparisons either directly or indirectly confirmed the validity of the proposed method. However, applicability of the ESL method, as proposed, to concrete containing pozzolans or highly soluble inorganic salts (or both) needs to be further explored.
Structure and stability of a second molten globule intermediate in the apomyoglobin folding pathway.

Abstract Apomyoglobin folding proceeds through a molten globule intermediate (low-salt form; I1) that has been characterized by equilibrium (pH 4) and kinetic (pH 6) folding experiments. Of the eight alpha-helices in myoglobin, three (A, G, and H) are structured in I1, while the rest appear to be unfolded. Here we report on the structure and stability of a second intermediate, the trichloroacetate form of the molten globule intermediate (I2), which is induced either from the acid-unfolded protein or from I1 by > or = 5 mM sodium trichloroacetate. Circular dichroism measurements monitoring urea- and acid-induced unfolding indicate that I2 is more highly structured and more stable than I1. Although I2 exhibits properties closer to those of the native protein, one-dimensional NMR spectra show that it maintains the lack of fixed side-chain structure that is the hallmark of a molten globule. Amide proton exchange and 1H-15N two-dimensional NMR experiments are used to identify the source of the extra helicity observed in I2. The results reveal that the existing A, G, and H helices present in I1 have become more stable in I2 and that a fourth helix--the B helix--has been incorporated into the molten globule. Available evidence is consistent with I2 being an on-pathway intermediate. The data support the view that apomyoglobin folds in a sequential fashion through a single pathway populated by intermediates of increasing structure and stability.
δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase Polymorphism and Risk of Brain Tumors in Adults

The ALAD gene codes for the enzyme δ -aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), which catalyzes the second step of heme synthesis involving the condensation of two molecules of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to form porphobilinogen. The most commonly studied polymorphism in the gene, ALAD G177C (dbSNP ID: rs1800435) contains a G-to-C transversion at position 177 of the coding region, resulting in the substitution of asparagine for lysine. ALAD G177C has two codominant alleles: ALAD1 and ALAD2 (Battistuzzi et al. 1981), with an ALAD2 allele prevalence of approximately 10% (range, 6–20%) in Caucasian populations, 3–11% in Asian populations, and 3% in African-American populations (Kelada et al. 2001). Although ALAD can be inhibited by a variety of chemicals, including lead, trichloroethylene, bromobenzene, and styrene (Fujita et al. 2002), polymorphic differences in enzyme binding or chemical uptake have been examined most extensively for lead. On average, individuals with the ALAD2 allele have higher blood lead levels than do ALAD1 homozygotes, probably due to tighter binding of lead by the ALAD2 enzyme (Alexander et al. 1998; Bergdahl et al. 1997; Fleming et al. 1998; Hsieh et al. 2000; Shen et al. 2001; Wetmur et al. 1991; Ziemsen et al. 1986). Previous studies in animals and humans indicate that exposure to lead may increase the risk of brain tumors [International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) 1987; Silbergeld 2003; Steenland and Boffetta 2000], particularly meningioma (Cocco et al. 1999; Hu et al. 1999; Navas-Acien et al. 2002). Given that the ALAD G177C polymorphism affects the toxicokinetics of lead in the body, and that exposure to lead may increase the risk of adult brain tumors, we postulated a possible association of ALAD G177C genotype and risk of intracranial tumors of the brain and nervous system (hereafter referred to as brain tumors). Analyses were conducted using data from a hospital-based case–control study of brain tumors conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) between 1994 and 1998.
Theory of Electron Retrapping in Phosphors

The set of non-linear differential equations that generally have been employed to describe the electron transfer processes in infra-red phosphors has been solved by means of a differential analyzer in the general case, and approximate solutions have been obtained for cases of practical interest. It is shown that the simultaneous measurement of the brightness and instantaneous photo-current in a phosphor stimulated by infra-red light allows a determination to be made of the ratio of the cross sections for electron capture into empty trapping centers and into empty luminescent centers. This cross-section ratio can also be determined from measurements of the light sum and the maximum instantaneous photo-current.
Inhibition of attended processing during saccadic eye movements.

People are unable to perform some, but not all, cognitive tasks while moving their eyes. A possible common denominator among disrupted processes is the use of attention. The present research proposes and tests anattentional suppression hypothesis to evaluate this claim. This hypothesis states that because attention is obligatorily allocated to a to-be-fixated location prior to the onset of a saccade, during saccadic events attentional resources are unavailable to direct processing associated with higher order cognitive tasks. Subjects were engaged in a task that combined saccades and shifts of attention across global and local levels of hierarchical figures. When the eyes did not move, this shift took place between stimulus presentations. When saccades intervened between the stimuli, the global-local shifts of attention were interrupted, suggesting that saccades suppress cognitive processes requiring attention.
Adenyl cyclase, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and axoplasmic flow.

Summary The redistribution of adenyl cyclase and of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase has been examined in the chicken sciatic nerve after constriction. Over a period of 20 h the level of particle-bound adenyl cyclase in the nerve segment proximal to the constriction was increased to 266% of the control value, whereas the level of soluble phosphodiesterase was increased to 150%. Electron micrographs demonstrated packing of the intra-axonal space adjacent to the occlusion by diverse vesicular and granular structures, but little change in the contours of the axon surface membrane. The results indicate that a portion of nerve adenyl cyclase is associated with an intracellular particle, which moves from the perikaryon to the periphery. The possible relevance of these findings to the role of cyclic AMP in the release of neurotransmitters is considered.
Effect of milk on dopamine release in the newborn rat: an in vivo microdialysis study.

Newborn rats exhibit a rich behavioral repertoire to access the nipple and obtain milk. In older pups, catecholamines including dopamine (DA) mediate the behavioral effects of milk. In the present study, pups were delivered at term by caesarean section and instrumented with the microdialysis probe. Microdialysis samples were collected at 15 min intervals and K+-evoked levels of DA were measured with HPLC-ED. Pups received either no infusion, single or multiple intraoral infusions of saline or milk during subsequent samples. A decrease in K+-evoked DA release was evident after the first infusion in all subjects. Repeated milk infusions continued to reduce levels of extracellular DA, which remained evident 30 min after the last milk infusion. The rat neonate's first exposure to milk exerts lasting effects on neostriatal DA activity in the absence of prior suckling experience.
Compares: A Computerized Milking Parlor Evaluation System

Abstract A microcomputer-based system, Compares (Computerized Milking Parlor Evaluation System), was developed by the authors to evaluate the efficiency of milking parlor operations. The system utilizes a hand-held microcomputer to collect on-site milking parlor operation information, which is down-loaded to an IBM-compatible microcomputer to generate an analysis and summary report. The Compares system is capable of monitoring the activities of multiple operators in a milking parlor using a single hand-held microcomputer. Reports can be generated within minutes after the information is recorded, thus providing an immediate analysis of the milking system being examined. The Compares system excludes the human error that is possible in other manual recording procedures that can occur from transferring or calculating data, thereby reducing time and. effort required to collect parlor operation information and enabling extensive data collection. Thus, this system provides a convenient tool for studying milking parlor operations.