cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared Spectroscopy of Seyfert 2 Galaxies: A Look through the Obscuring Torus?

We present both high-resolution (R = 1260) and low-resolution (R = 345 and 425) J-band spectra of a sample of 15 Seyfert 2 galaxies. Our goal is to look for broad Pa beta lines, indicating broad-line regions which are hidden by dust from our view at optical wavelengths. Of the 15 objects studied here, three have broad Pa beta lines: MCG-05.23.16, Mrk 463E, and NGC 2992. Mrk 176 and NGC 5728 may also have weak broad lines. In NGC 5506, previously reported to have broad Pa beta and hydrogen alpha lines, we find that the Pa beta line profile is continuous and has the same shape as the nearby line (Fe II) lambda 1.2567, which should not have a broad component. We interpret these observations as gas from the narrow-line region (NLR) with no broad component. In NGC 5506, however, the NLR profiles become broader with increasing wavelength, indicating that highly reddened wings are becoming more readily visible at the longer wavelengths. We confirm the correlation of (O I) lambda 6300/hydrogen alpha and (Fe II) lambda 1.644/Br gamma (the latter transformed to (Fe II) lambda 1.2567/Pa beta to compare with our data) found by previous authors when comparing active galactic nuclei (AGNs), supernova remnants, starbursts, and H II regions. The correlation confirms that in all of these objects both (O I) lambda 6300 and the (Fe II) lines come from partially ionized regions in which hydrogen is mostly neutral. Comparison of the infrared optical depths with column depths determined from X-ray data show a general tendency for the objects with detected broad Pa beta to have lower X-ray columns.
Sperm motility in the semen analysis affects the outcome of superovulation intrauterine insemination in the treatment of infertile Asian couples with male factor infertility.

Abstract Objective To ascertain the relationship between the initial and unprocessed sperm parameters and pregnancy rates in SOIUI, for Asian couples with male factor infertility Design Retrospective study. Setting A large government tertiary-care women's hospital with 15,000 deliveries per year Population One thousand four hundred and seventy nine couples undergoing 2846 cycles of SOIUI Methods All couples enrolled in the SOIUI programme were analysed, comparing initial sperm parameters and the post-processed total motile sperm, against pregnancy rates per cycle Main outcome measures Pregnancy rates in relation to initial sperm parameters and post-processed total motile sperm Results Ninety-three percent of the couples had male factor infertility. The average normal forms for these men was 14.7%. Overall pregnancy rate was 12.1% per completed SOIUI cycle. We found a significant drop in pregnancy rates if the percentage of motile sperms in the unprocessed sperm sample fell below 30%. We also found that insemination of at least 1 million motile sperm resulted in a significant increase in pregnancy rates Conclusions We recommend SOIUI as an effective treatment of suitable couples with male infertility, before embarking on IVF. However, if the initial percentage of motile sperm fell below 30%, or if after processing, the total motile sperm count was fewer than 1 million, these couples should consider in vitro fertilisation
α2-receptor control over release of noradrenaline in rat thalamus

Abstract Rat brain thalamic tissue was examined for the presence of α2-receptor control over noradrenaline (NA) utilization. Systemically administered clonidine (0.1 mg/kg i.p.) decreased NA turnover, yohimbine (10 mg/kg i.p.) increased NA turnover, and prazosin (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) had no effect. In vitro, yohimbine increased K+-stimulated overflow of endogenous NA in a dose-dependent fashion. It appears that locus coeruleus neurons which project to thalamus exhibit the same type of α2-receptor control as those terminating in other forebrain regions.
Antigenomic Hepatitis delta virus ribozymes self-cleave in 18 M formamide

Abstract The ribozymes derived from Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) RNA appear unique in their sequence requirements for self-cleavage. While truncating the 1679 nucleotide antigenomic HDV RNA, we have characterized the cleavage requirements of a number of ribozymes of intermediate length. Two of these, containing 186 and 106 HDV nucleotides respectively, cleaved to completion in the presence of 18 M formamide. The 186 nucleotide ribozyme also cleaved to completion in 10 M urea. Removal of an additional 10 nts from the 3' terminus of the 106 nt ribozyme resulted in a loss of the ability to cleave in high concentrations of the denaturants. The interaction of nucleotides near the cleavage site with a sequence within this 10 base region may confer unusual stability on these ribozymes.
Electron-hole interaction energy in the organic molecular semiconductor PTCDA

Abstract We have used photoemission, inverse photoemission and electron energy loss spectroscopies to determine the on-site attractive electron-hole interaction energy E e−h in the organic molecular semiconductor 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA). E e−h is found to be 1.0 ± 0.2 eV, larger than the PTCDA band width estimated to be smaller than 0.4 eV. Correlation effects in PTCDA are therefore important, consistent with the molecular nature of the solid. They are smaller than in purely molecular solids like C 60 due to the strong π-electron coupling between overlapping molecules in the molecular stacks.
Physiological, Comfort, Performance, and Social Effects of Heat Stress

This paper reviews research on the relationship of high ambient temperatures to physiological adaptation, performance, and the social behaviors of attraction, aggression, and helping. In general, very high temperatures reduce performance, attraction, aggression and helping behavior. Moderately warm temperatures, however, have less predictable effects, sometimes facilitating a given behavior and at other times reducing it. High temperatures may either increase or decrease arousal, narrow attention, and cause discomfort. The mediators of arousal, adaptive capacity, and negative affect are employed to explain the empirical data, and to suggest directions for future research.
Two-point correlation function of QSO metal absorption systems from an inhomogeneous catalog of observations

A model has been constructed for the selection and evolutionary effects present in a population of QSO metal-line absorption redshift systems taken from a large catalog of data collected under various conditions. For all but a small subset of the systems, the model is shown to be successful in describing these effects. The model is then used in constructing the two-point correlation function of QSO metal absorbers over the range of comoving separation up to 1200h Mpc (h = H0/10 km s MPc ). Since this correlation function is computed using only the pairing of absorbers in different lines of sight to QSOs, as opposed to studies of pairing in the same line of sight, it should contain correlation due only to spatial clustering and not to velocity clustering. Evident in this correlation function are (1) a signal at separations less than 1h Mpc (on a ''fixed scale'' unchanging in redshift) corresponding to a population of objects with a number density similar to that of Zwicky galaxy clusters, and (2) a two-point function beyond 1h Mpc consistent wiht no correlation. This result may be consistent with the lack of correlation already seen in Ly -only QSO absorbers, even if bothmore » types of systems have similar spatial correlation functions. A general technique for collecting a more useful body of data for testing hypotheses regarding large-scale structure and cosmology is suggested.« less
Canada as a Semiotic Society: Harold Innis, Roberta Kevelson, and the Bias of Legal Communications

The great Canadian economist/philospher Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan’s teacher, was also especially interested in the way preserving the common law and multiple interpretive legal perspectives were essential to the preservation of human freedom. He greatly feared the rise of administratively made law as detrimental to the lively political life of free communities. Much of his work on legal theory, in which he urges Canadians to tenaciously protect their complicated legal system, anticipates the legal semiotic of Roberta Kevelson, although they had no knowledge of each other’s work and Innis may only have known of Charles Peirce indirectly.
Kernel price pattern trading

A new approach to algorithmic trading system development is presented. This approach, Kernel Price Pattern Trading (KPPT P ), allows the practitioner to link the performance of a learned classifier (that predicts the occurrence of the price pattern P) to the profitability of the system. A positive definite kernel based distance that tries to capture the drivers of the process of price patterns formation and some results about the profitability of the system are also presented.
Anti-tumor necrosis factor treatment restores the gut barrier in Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVES: A primary defect of the tight junctions and, hence, increased intestinal epithelial permeability has been proposed as a basic pathogenic event in Crohn’s disease. Challenge of the mucosal immune system by the commensal gut flora would then result in chronic inflammation. Alternatively, increased permeability could be the result of inflammation. Our aim was to study intestinal permeability in refractory Crohn’s disease before and after treatment with monoclonal chimeric antibodies directed against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) to investigate whether the abnormal permeability persists after control of inflammation. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with active Crohn’s disease were evaluated before and 4 wk after a single infusion of 5 mg/kg infliximab. Intestinal permeability was studied by measurement of urinary excretion of 51Cr-EDTA after oral intake. RESULTS: The increased permeation of 51Cr-EDTA through the small intestine (1.63% interquartile range [IQR] 1.06–2.07) and the overall permeation (3.27% IQR 2.40–4.38) before therapy decreased significantly after infliximab infusion to values (1.04% IQR 0.74–1.54 and 2.42% IQR 2.03–2.80, respectively) in the range of those found in normal volunteers (1.12% IQR 0.85–1.58 and 2.28% IQR 1.88–2.86, respectively). CONCLUSION: Inhibiting the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor dramatically reduces gut inflammation and largely restores the gut barrier in Crohn’s disease. Our data confirm the central role of TNF in gut barrier modulation in inflammatory conditions in vivo.
Dynamic real-time channel setup and tear-down in DQDB networks

The distributed queue dual bus (DQDB) protocol has been jointly adopted by IEEE and ANSI as a standard (IEEE802.6) for metropolitan area networks (MANs). As such, how to provide various services in the DQDB protocol has attracted increasing attention. In particular, how to guarantee the timely delivery of isochronous (real-time) messages with hard deadline constraints is one of the open issues yet to be solved. Previously, we laid a formal basis for allocating pre-arbitrated (PA) slots to isochronous message streams in DQDB networks and devised a slot allocation scheme to statically establish a set of isochronous message streams at system initialization. In this paper, we complement our previous work and propose a dynamic channel setup and tear-down scheme for DQDB networks. The resulting channel establishment and termination procedures are simple, can be easily implemented in DQDB networks, and do not require any changes in the current DQDB standards.
Subphenotype-dependent disease markers for diagnosis and personalized treatment of autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders that are currently diagnosed solely on the basis of abnormal reciprocal language and social development as well as stereotyped behaviors. Without genetic or molecular markers for screening, individuals with ASD are typically not diagnosed before the age of 2, with milder cases diagnosed much later. Because early diagnosis is tantamount to early behavioral intervention which has been shown to improve individual outcomes, an objective biomarker test that can diagnose at-risk children perinatally is a medical imperative. The rapidly increasing prevalence of ASD in the United States (now estimated at 1 in 88 individuals) also makes early diagnosis and intervention a public health imperative. This article reviews recent genome-wide (genomic) approaches to the identification of disease markers that may be used not only for diagnosis of ASD, but also for the informed development of novel drugs that target specific core symptoms of ASD. Because of the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations associated with the ASD population, this review also addresses the importance of dividing individuals with ASD into clinically relevant subphenotypes in the quest to identify appropriate biomarkers.
An Updated Catalogue of the Birds from the Carpinteria Asphalt, Pleistocene of California

Abstract Published accounts of the Carpinteria avifauna, collected from an upper Pleistocene asphalt deposit near Carpinteria, California, were based on only a small portion of the collection. The present paper is a complete review of the avifauna, including information on previously unpublished and unidentified material. The avifauna contains 79 species, twenty-seven of which have been added to the published avifauna from the deposits. Included among these are the first fossil records of Rallus limicola, Tringa melanoleuca, Tyrannus verticalis, and Piranga ludoviciana. Specimens from the deposit previously assigned to Corvus caurinus are referred to C. brachyrhynchos.
Purification and characterization of cytochrome P450 2E2 from hepatic microsomes of neonatal rabbits.

Abstract The alcohol-inducible P450 2E subfamily in the rabbit has two known members that differ in only 16 amino acid residues scattered throughout the polypeptide chain. P450 2E1 has been thoroughly characterized, and is known to have diverse inducers and substrates. Little is known, however, about the properties of P450 2E2, since efforts to isolate this isozyme from adult rabbits have been unsuccessful. In the present study, 2E2 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from liver microsomes of neonatal rabbits with the use of 4-methylpyrazole as a stabilizing agent. The purified cytochrome was identified as 2E2 by NH 2 -terminal amino acid sequence analysis as well as by immunoblot analysis with three different antibodies to 2E1. Purified 2E2, in contrast to 2E1, is predominantly low-spin in the presence of 20% glycerol, but is in a mixed high- and low-spin state as the concentration of glycerol is decreased. The catalytic properties of purified 2E1 and 2E2 were compared in the reconstituted system with a variety of substrates, including alcohols, ethers nitrosamines, and aromatic compounds. Differences between the two enzymes in catalytic activity and in the interaction with cytochrome b 5 were observed with some but not all of the substrates tested. Purified 2E1 and 2E2 both consume molecular oxygen relatively rapidly during NADPH oxidation in the absence of an added substrate, and stoichiometric determinations indicated that only about 20% of the O 2 was reduced to H 2 O 2 , with the remainder apparently undergoing four-electron reduction to water.
Estimating aboveground biomass in interior Alaska with Landsat data and field measurements

a b s t r a c t Terrestrial plant biomass is a key biophysical parameter required for understanding ecological systems in Alaska. An accurate estimation of biomass at a regional scale provides an important data input for ecological modeling in this region. In this study, we created an aboveground biomass (AGB) map at 30-m resolution for the Yukon Flats ecoregion of interior Alaska using Landsat data and field measurements. Tree, shrub, and herbaceous AGB data in both live and dead forms were collected in summers and autumns of 2009 and 2010. Using the Landsat-derived spectral variables and the field AGB data, we generated a regression model and applied this model to map AGB for the ecoregion. A 3-fold cross-validation indicated that the AGB estimates had a mean absolute error of 21.8 Mg/ha and a mean bias error of 5.2 Mg/ha. Additionally, we validated the mapping results using an airborne lidar dataset acquired for a portion of the ecoregion. We found a significant relationship between the lidar-derived canopy height and the Landsat-derived AGB (R 2 = 0.40). The AGB map showed that 90% of the ecoregion had AGB values ranging from 10 Mg/ha to 134 Mg/ha. Vegetation types and fires were the primary factors controlling the spatial AGB patterns in this ecoregion. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Efficacy of voriconazole against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a guinea-pig model

We compared the efficacies of amphotericin B and voriconazole against invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a guinea-pig model. A susceptible isolate of Aspergillus fumigatus was used to produce the infection. Voriconazole-treated animals had significantly better survival and decreased fungal burden in the lungs as compared with controls. Although no statistical difference was seen between the efficacies of voriconazole and amphotericin B, a trend favouring voriconazole was noted. Thus, voriconazole, with its cidal activity, may be an attractive alternative to potentially toxic amphotericin B in the treatment of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
De-repression of FOXO3a death axis by microRNA-132 and -212 causes neuronal apoptosis in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial and fatal neurodegenerative disorder for which the mechanisms leading to profound neuronal loss are incompletely recognized. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recently discovered small regulatory RNA molecules that repress gene expression and are increasingly acknowledged as prime regulators involved in human brain pathologies. Here we identified two homologous miRNAs, miR-132 and miR-212, downregulated in temporal cortical areas and CA1 hippocampal neurons of human AD brains. Sequence-specific inhibition of miR-132 and miR-212 induces apoptosis in cultured primary neurons, whereas their overexpression is neuroprotective against oxidative stress. Using primary neurons and PC12 cells, we demonstrate that miR-132/212 controls cell survival by direct regulation of PTEN, FOXO3a and P300, which are all key elements of AKT signaling pathway. Silencing of these three target genes by RNAi abrogates apoptosis caused by the miR-132/212 inhibition. We further demonstrate that mRNA and protein levels of PTEN, FOXO3a, P300 and most of the direct pro-apoptotic transcriptional targets of FOXO3a are significantly elevated in human AD brains. These results indicate that the miR-132/miR-212/PTEN/FOXO3a signaling pathway contributes to AD neurodegeneration.
An adaptable software architecture for integrated avionics

This paper outlines the process, challenges, and preliminary results of developing a software architecture for navigation, guidance and flight director. These critical real-time functions were chosen because they represent the essential features of integrated avionics systems. The authors propose that adaptable software architectures coupled with parameterized components, tools, and processes can greatly improve the quality and maintainability of flight systems. The results discussed in this paper are based on the results of the first of four year's work performed at IBM's Federal System Company, Owego, NY as part of the Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency's (DARPA) Domain-Specific Software Architectures (DSSA) program. The goal of this research is to engineer an architecture and environment that enables the rapid development of avionics requirements and software. In addition, this research focuses on making architectures extendible to permit the addition of evolutionary hardware and software technologies. >
The Changing Landscape of the Financial Services Industry: What Lies Ahead?

This paper examines the consequences of the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 for the structure of the U.S. financial services industry. We ask how the industry may evolve as this new legislation interacts with the consolidation trend already under way, what types of mergers are most likely to occur, and how profitable and risky the resulting firms might be.
THE EFFECT OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS: INFLUENCE ON ACADEMIC OUTCOMES?

ABSTRACT Previous research on the relationship between academic outcomes and participation in extracurricular activity has produced seemingly contradictory results. These contradictions can be explained, in large part, by differences in methodology and assumptions in theoretical explanations. Using a more appropriate causal ordering and improved selection controls, this research examines how participation in eight types of extracurricular activities (athletics, cheerleading/pep club, church, community, hobby/vocational, performance, subject matter, and the total number of activities) during the sophomore year affects self-reported grades and educational expectations two years later. The results show very few causal effects of participation, even though participation in most extracurricular activities is quite stable between the sophomore and senior years. However, the grades a sophomore receives do seem to increase participation in senior year extracurricular activities, especially in subject matter clubs...
Interaction between the Adhesion Receptor, CD44, and the Oncogene Product, p185 HER2 , Promotes Human Ovarian Tumor Cell Activation

In this study we have examined the interaction between CD44s (the standard form) and the p185(HER2) proto-oncogene in the ovarian carcinoma cell line. Surface biotinylation followed by wheat germ agglutinin column chromatography and anti-CD44-mediated immunoprecipitation indicate that both CD44s and p185(HER2) are expressed on the cell surface and most importantly, that these two molecules are physically linked to each other via interchain disulfide bonds. We have also determined that hyaluronic acid stimulates CD44s-associated p185(HER2) tyrosine kinase activity, leading to an increase in the ovarian carcinoma cell growth. After transfection of the ovarian carcinoma cell line with the adenovirus 5 E1A gene, which is known to repress p185(HER2) expression, we observed that both surface CD44s expression and CD44s-mediated cell adhesion to hyaluronic acid are significantly reduced in the transfectant cells compared with the control cells. These data suggest that down-regulation of p185(HER2) blocks CD44s expression and subsequent adhesion function. Our findings also indicate that the CD44s-p185(HER2) interaction is both functionally coupled and biosynthetically regulated. We believe that direct "cross-talk" between these two surface molecules (i.e. CD44s and the p185(HER2)) may be one of the most important signaling events in human ovarian carcinoma development.
Interaction of free fatty acids and epinephrine in regulating hepatic glucose production in conscious dogs.

To determine the effects of an increase in lipolysis on the glycogenolytic effect of epinephrine (EPI), the catecholamine was infused portally into 18-h-fasted conscious dogs maintained on a pancre...
Mechanical regulation of chondrogenesis

Mechanical factors play a crucial role in the development of articular cartilage in vivo. In this regard, tissue engineers have sought to leverage native mechanotransduction pathways to enhance in vitro stem cell-based cartilage repair strategies. However, a thorough understanding of how individual mechanical factors influence stem cell fate is needed to predictably and effectively utilize this strategy of mechanically-induced chondrogenesis. This article summarizes some of the latest findings on mechanically stimulated chondrogenesis, highlighting several new areas of interest, such as the effects of mechanical stimulation on matrix maintenance and terminal differentiation, as well as the use of multifactorial bioreactors. Additionally, the roles of individual biophysical factors, such as hydrostatic or osmotic pressure, are examined in light of their potential to induce mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis. An improved understanding of biomechanically-driven tissue development and maturation of stem cell-based cartilage replacements will hopefully lead to the development of cell-based therapies for cartilage degeneration and disease.
Eine neue massanalytische Schnellmethode zur Bestimmung von Niob bei Gegenwart von Tantal und ihre Anwendung zur Analyse von Niobmineralien

1. Eine Kaliumsulfat-Schwefelsaurelosung von Niob und Tantal, zu welcher Bernsteinsaure gesetzt worden ist, kann sehr stark verdunnt und erhitzt werden, ohne dass eine unlosliche Verbindung eines dieser Elemente sich ausscheidet.
Skin Reactivity during the Menstrual Cycle

Clinical experience has suggested, that menstruation influences the state of hypersensitiveness. The effect of the reproductive function on the skin is illustrated by the pigmentation and growth of hair which occur during puberty and pregnancy. Furthermore, a number of cutaneous anomalies and changes are thought to be associated with the menstrual cycle (1, 2). Herpetic lesions are so common during menstruation (3) that a special form of this eruption is recognized as herpes menstrualis. It has been suggested that allergy plays a role in this types of herpes (4). Acne is frequently observed in girls at puberty and is accentuated during menstruation. Unusual sensitivity to light on the first and, at times, on the second day of menstruation has also been described. In regard to allergic phenomena, urticaria, angioneurotic oedema and various forms of diffuse or circumscribed erythemas have been reported as occurring only during menstruation and pregnancy. It has also been suggested (5) that most instances of...
Technological tools for distance education

This paper introduces two tools which can be used in an English language teaching/learning environment: the Comment feature in Microsoft Word and Skype. The Comment feature allows teachers to make electronic comments on student writing. Skype is particularly useful in organising listening-speaking tutor sessions. As teachers are called upon to teach and develop distance education courses, they will need to use creativity and innovation. This paper outlines a variety of ways to integrate the Comment feature and Skype into a distance learning program. The final portion of this paper focuses on evaluative research currently in progress.
Very brief interventions in college mental health.

Abstract Although short encounters account for one-half of college mental health practice, they're often viewed as an unavoidable evil rather than a desired outcome. In order to evaluate client satisfaction with very brief interventions the authors mailed questionaires to 215 clients who had mental health encounters lasting no more than three sessions. Seventy-two percent of respondents were satisfied with their treatment. Thirty-six percent reported that they terminated because they felt they satisfied the conditions of the consultation, as opposed to 16% who left dissatisfied and 29% who left because they were referred elsewhere. A chart review revealed that in 45% of cases the decision to terminate was made unilaterally by the client. These findings suggest that very brief interventions are more often associated with rapid goal achievement than with client dissatisfaction.
Hemolysis in Serum Samples Drawn by Emergency Department Personnel versus Laboratory Phlebotomists

found when the following parameters were compared: distal arm draw versus antecubital fossa draw (P=0.0054), 22 gauge plastic cannula versus 20 gauge cannula (P=0.0104), less than half-full tube draw versus greater than or equal half-full tube draw (P=0.0159), tourniquet compression time of greater than 2 minutes versus less than or equal 2 minutes (P=0.016), and plastic versus metal cannulas ( P=0.0164). Logistic regression of these data to control for confounding variables demonstrated that the following factors contributed most to causing mechanical hemolysis: drawing from a vein in the distal arm and drawing through a narrower gauge needle. Use of a standardized protocol for blood drawing can reduce the rate of pre-analytic hemolysis by more than 7-fold. Drawing blood from the antecu
Axial variation in the threespine stickleback: genetic and environmental factors

Subtle differences in the pattern of arrangement of types of vertebrae and associated median skeletal structures between a benthic and limnetic species pair of three-spine stickleback from Paxton Lake, British Columbia, are typical of those found throughout the range of the Gasterosteus aculeatus species complex. We established laboratory colonies from just three individuals of each species, and studied the effect of three generations of inbreeding on axial morphology. There was sufficient divergence in the location of individual elements between families to regenerate close to the entire range of axial diversity seen in threespine sticklebacks worldwide. Analysis of the patterns of variance and covariance between the axial locations of elements provides evidence for the action of both meristic and homeotic processes in the generation of morphological divergence within each species. Hybrid sticklebacks produced by the cross of limnetic and benthic parents tend to have intermediate morphologies, with dominance of either parental type evident for some elements. Effects of temperature and salinity were found to be small in direct comparison with between-family effects, and varied according to genetic background. These results demonstrate that considerable genetic variation for axial morphology is maintained in natural populations of three-spine stickleback, and that differences between populations may be brought about rapidly by changes in frequency of alleles that have coordinated effects along the body axis.
A Dimensional Analysis of Caregiver Burden Among Spouses and Adult Children

Purpose of the study: Caregiver b urden i s a multidimensional construct, addressing tension and anxiety (stress burden), changes in dyadic relationships (relationship burden), and time infringements (objective b urden) r esulting f rom c aregiving. T he study aims were to assess (a) whether the dimensions of burden were the same for caregiving spouses and adult children, (b) the role of assisting with problem behaviors (PBs) and activities of daily living (ADLs) on e ach d imension o f b urden, a nd ( c) t he r ole o f each dimension of burden on self-rated health and intention t o i nstitutionalize t he c are r eceiver. Design and Methods: This study included 280 spouse/ partner and 243 adult child caregivers of persons with c hronic i llnesses. Results: Analysis u sing 2-group structural equation modeling showed that the factor structure of burden was equivalent for spouses a nd a dult children. F or b oth g roups, a ssisting w ith A DLs w as d irectly r elated w ith o bjective burden, w hereas PBs w ere d irectly r elated t o a ll dimensions o f b urden. F or b oth g roups, s tress b urden w as t he o nly p redictor o f s elf-rated h ealth, whereas PBs were significantly linked with intention to i nstitutionalize. H owever, s tress b urden a mong spouses a nd r elationship b urden a mong a dult children w ere s ignificantly l inked w ith i ntention t o institutionalize. Implications: We d iscuss t he research and practice implications of the differing needs of spouses and adult children.
Biomechanical comparison of locked versus non-locked symphyseal plating of unstable pelvic ring injuries

Locked symphyseal plates are utilized to provide higher levels of construct stiffness than non-locked plates. The current biomechanical study was performed to compare stiffness at the pubic symphysis between locked and non-locked plating systems. Synthetic models were utilized to represent injury to the pelvis and symphyseal plating combined with a sacro-iliac screw. Seven models were evaluated with plates and locking screws, and seven were evaluated with non-locking screws. Single limb stance was simulated, with all models loaded for 1000 cycles with 350 N applied at the sacrum. Two pairs of markers crossing the symphysis were tracked with a video-based tracking system. A coordinate system was developed to quantify motion between the pairs in three directions: medial–lateral gap, anterior–posterior shear translation, and superior–inferior shear translation. Significant differences between the plating systems were identified with t tests (p < 0.05). Anterior–posterior shear translation varied significantly between the two plating systems. From cycles 100 to 1000, average shear translation for the non-locked and locked systems was ~0.7 and 0.3 mm, respectively, at the markers closest to the plate and 2.2 and 1.4 mm, respectively, at the markers further from the plate. Motion in the other two directions did not differ significantly between locked and non-locked models. Locked symphyseal plating systems can provide better stability than non-locked systems for anterior–posterior shear translation. More stability could potentially reduce the risk of failure of the plate or screws.
A Self-Defining Infinite Sequence, with an Application to Markoff Chains and Probability

(1963). A Self-Defining Infinite Sequence, with an Application to Markoff Chains and Probability. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 36, No. 4, pp. 231-239.
Conceptual Design Method for Solar Powered Aircrafts

*A method for conceptual design of solar powered aircrafts is presented. The method is based on traditional design methodologies modified to include the particular characteristics of solar powered aircrafts. A new parameter representing technology level is introduced and used for estimation of initial value for takeoff weight. Initial wing area is selected from mean wing loading for previous designs. Then parametric estimates for component weights are represented and takeoff weight consistency with technology level is verified . Because of high sensitivity to drag coefficient in these aircrafts it is tried to more precisely determine drag coefficient. Consequently, Airfoil is selected in conceptual design level and drag coefficient is estimated. Constraint diagrams having ratio of solar arrays area to wing area versus wing loading are then drawn for different mission conditions and a point is selected from within the allowed design space resulting a new value for Sw. An iterative procedure is done for convergence of Sw, and aerodynamic coefficients that finally sizes the conceptual design. A typical mission defined and related conceptual design is analyzed to show the applicability of the proposed design method.
Single-walled carbon nanotube-mediated small interfering RNA delivery for Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor silencing in human neuroblastoma

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has the potential to influence gene expression with a high degree of target gene specificity. However, the clinical application of siRNA therapeutics has proven to be less promising as evidenced by its poor intracellular uptake, instability in vivo, and nonspecific immune stimulations. Recently, we have demonstrated that single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT)-mediated siRNA delivery can enhance the efficiency of siRNA-mediated gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R) gene silencing by stabilizing siRNA while selectively targeting tumor tissues. Based on our recent findings, we introduce a novel technique to silence specific gene(s) in human neuroblastoma through SWNT-mediated siRNA delivery in vitro and in vivo.
Transport and Distribution

Transport is the carriage of passengers and merchandise by road, rail, air and water. With a labour force of one and a half million it is a much bigger industry than many people would imagine.
Common meanings of good and bad sleep in a healthy population sample

Abstract Objectives The study's purpose was to understand the common meanings and shared practices related to good and bad sleep from narratives of a sample of healthy participants. Design Interpretive phenomenology was the approach to analyze narratives of the participants' everyday experiences with sleep. Participants were interviewed and asked to describe typical good and bad nights' sleep, what contributes to their sleep experience, and the importance of sleep in their lives. Team interpretations of narratives identified common themes by consensus. Setting Medium sized city in New York State (upper west region). Participants A sample of 30 healthy participants were from a parent study (n = 300) on testing the sleep questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measurements/analysis Interpretations of good and bad sleep. Results Participants described similar experiences of good and bad sleep often directly related to their ability to schedule time to sleep, fall asleep, and maintain sleep. Worrying about life stresses and interruptions prevented participants from falling asleep and staying asleep. Yet, based on current life priorities (socializers, family work focused, and optimum health seekers), they had differing values related to seeking sleep opportunities and strategizing to overcome challenges. Conclusions The participants' priorities reflected the context of their main concerns and stresses in life that influenced the importance given to promoting sleep opportunities. Public health messages tailored to life priorities could be developed to promote healthy sleep practices.
A single-center retrospective review of postoperative infectious complications in the surgical management of mandibular fractures: Postoperative antibiotics add no benefit.

BACKGROUNDMandibular fractures are common facial injuries and treatment may be complicated by post-operative infection. Risk of infection from contamination with oral flora is well established but no consensus exists regarding antibiotic prophylaxis. The purpose of this study is to assess risk facto
Mini-FDPM: a handheld non-invasive breast cancer detector based on frequency domain photon migration

Mini-FDPM is a handheld system for noninvasive breast cancer detection based on frequency domain photon migration. It performs broadband modulation on near-infrared laser intensity and derives the scattering and absorption coefficients from phase and amplitude measurements. It overcomes many challenges in broadband and optical driver circuitry. Measurements show Mini-FDPM outperforms the current prototype while costing a small fraction.
Effects of chlorination and ultraviolet light on environmental tetracycline-resistant bacteria and tet(W) in water

Abstract The effectiveness of traditional water disinfection methods against both environmental antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) is still not well understood. The study objective was to evaluate two common methods for reducing concentrations of not only culturable tetracycline-resistant bacteria but also a resistance tet(W) gene fragment that has been frequently detected in the environment. Disinfection experiments were performed by exposing tetracycline-resistant isolates to various dosages of sodium hypochlorite or ultraviolet irradiation (UV). Concentrations of resistant bacteria and the tet(W) gene fragment were determined at 0 and 24 h after disinfection using traditional plating techniques and qPCR, respectively. Both the UV and chlorine disinfection methods were highly effective in initially reducing bacterial concentrations, and the chlorine disinfection method was more effective in preventing regrowth. However, both UV and chlorine disinfection were less consistent at reducing the concentration of the tet(W) gene fragment than for culturable resistant-bacteria at the dosages studied. Results indicated that after disinfection, resistance genes may remain detectable even if culturable resistant-bacteria are not, and that environmental ARBs and ARGs may survive these commonly used methods.
De como Antonio Banderas perdeu o sotaque - e outros fenômenos transnacionais

O texto discute, entre outras questoes, a forma como se da a construcao de novas identidades e reterritorialidades das audiencias pela midia, a partir do estudo da filmografia de Antonio Banderas. As mudancas constantes das identidades sexuais e eticas de Banderas na Espanha e em Hollywood e o aumento da circulacao de seus filmes internacionalmente mostram a subservacao das comunidades imaginadas e a desestabilizacao do colonialismo cultural que tem marginalizado o cinema de lingua espanhola.
Spatial complexity of carcass location influences vertebrate scavenger efficiency and species composition

Scavenging plays an important role in shaping communities through inter- and intra-specific interactions. Although vertebrate scavenger efficiency and species composition is likely influenced by the spatial complexity of environments, heterogeneity in carrion distribution has largely been disregarded in scavenging studies. We tested this hypothesis by experimentally placing juvenile bird carcasses on the ground and in nests in trees to simulate scenarios of nestling bird carrion availability. We used cameras to record scavengers removing carcasses and elapsed time to removal. Carrion placed on the ground was scavenged by a greater diversity of vertebrates and at > 2 times the rate of arboreal carcasses, suggesting arboreal carrion may represent an important resource to invertebrate scavengers, particularly in landscapes with efficient vertebrate scavenging communities. Nonetheless, six vertebrate species scavenged arboreal carcasses. Rat snakes (Elaphe obsolete), which exclusively scavenged from trees, and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) were the primary scavengers of arboreal carrion, suggesting such resources are potentially an important pathway of nutrient acquisition for some volant and scansorial vertebrates. Our results highlight the intricacy of carrion-derived food web linkages, and how consideration of spatial complexity in carcass distribution (i.e., arboreal) may reveal important pathways of nutrient acquisition by invertebrate and vertebrate scavenging guilds.
Leading the Way With Supervision Training: Embracing Change and Transforming Clinical Practice

The practice area of clinical supervision has recently acknowledged a demand for efficacious and accessible supervision training opportunities. As with any area of clinical practice, effective supe...
Retail and Wholesale Electricity Pricing Considering Electric Vehicle Mobility

We consider the operation of multiple charging network operators (CNOs), each serving a population of electric vehicle (EV) drivers who subscribe to them for charging services. The CNOs set retail prices for the charging stations they operate, which effectively control the electricity demand and queues formed at their charging stations. The stations’ electricity demand also ties the CNOs’ retail optimization problem to their position in the wholesale market of electricity, creating a coupling between the electric transportation systems and the bulk power grid, which is managed by an independent system operator (ISO). In this paper, we provide retail pricing mechanisms and iterative wholesale market-clearing algorithms that together maximize social welfare in this coupled system. Specifically, our algorithm would enable the CNO to reduce its electricity costs and the customers’ travel delays (including charging station queueing times) and the ISO to reduce societal electricity costs by tapping into the EVs’ flexibility as mobile electric loads. Our theoretical analysis relies on the application of congestion pricing techniques to a capacitated user equilibrium problem on an energy-and-time expanded transportation network model. This expanded network allows us to track the travel costs of individual EVs, including their limited battery charge, the cost of waiting in queues at public charging stations, as well as the temporally variant nature of travel times.
A Numerical Study on the Aerodynamics of Freely Falling Planar Ice Crystals

AbstractFluid flow fields and fall patterns of falling planar ice crystals are studied by numerically solving the unsteady, incompressible Navier–Stokes equations using a commercially available com...
An Example of Making Moral Decisions: Euthanasia

In this chapter we shall analyze a particular moral issue in order to illustrate in some detail the kind of considerations involved in arriving at a moral decision. However the discussion will not be conclusive and the reader will not be able to say: “Euthanasia is moral” or “Euthanasia is immoral because the book on Making Moral Decisions says so.” From all that has gone before it is apparent that the statement, “Euthanasia is moral (or immoral) because the book says so,” is not a moral statement. Nor, indeed, is one making a moral decision when he accepts or rejects the statement, “Euthanasia is moral,” on such grounds. This chapter should be viewed, therefore, as an illustration of method and not a final judgment about euthanasia. A moral decision is not based on someone else’s deliberations.
Mantle Degassing Unification of the Trans-K — T Geobiological Record

About 65 million years ago (Mya) some extinctions occurred on our planet that are so notable that they define the boundary between two of the three eras of the Phanerozoic Eon. These are the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras and, on a finer scale, the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods. The cause of the extinctions has long been the subject of debate, with hypotheses spanning the gamut from sudden global catastrophe via exotic extraterrestrial event to gradual bioevolutionary turnover via natural terrestrial processes. My belief is that a lack of understanding of critical time-rock relationships at and about the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary has produced conceptual asymmetry and, in fact, the illusion of catastrophe (McLean, 1981a). After 10 years of integrating elements of about two dozen fields of science in a search for principles on the involvement of the carbon cycle in the evolution of the earth’s climate and life, in which I have concentrated upon the K-T contact record because it is rich in information, I see no K-T contact catastrophe in the oceans or on the lands, and certainly no simultaneous global catastrophe. Instead, I see gradual turnover during a K-T transition interval that spans hundreds of thousand of years. In this chapter, I attempt to remove asymmetry and to unify the K-T transition data base via natural mantle-degassing perturbation of the earth’s carbon cycle.