cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Majority Rule Dynamics with Endogenous Status Quo

We analyze a stochastic bargaining game in which a new dollar is divided among committee members in each of an infinity of periods. In each period, a committee member is recognized and offers a proposal for the division of the dollar. The proposal is implemented if it is approved by a majority. If the proposal is rejected, then last period’s allocation is implemented. We show existence of equilibrium in Markovian strategies. It is such that irrespective of the initial status quo, the discount factor, or the probabilities of recognition, the proposer extracts the entire dollar in all periods but the initial two. We also derive a fully strategic version of McKelvey’s (1976), (1979) dictatorial agenda setting, so that a player with exclusive access to the formulation of proposals can extract the entire dollar in all periods except the first. The equilibrium collapses when within period payoffs are sufficiently concave. Winning coalitions may comprise players with high instead of low recognition probabilities, ceteris paribus.
The Osmotic Fragility of Erythrocytes After Prolonged Liquid Storage and After Reinfusion

Although it is recognized that red cells lose membrane during storage, estimation of the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes has not previously proven to be a useful measurement of the storage lesion. Erythrocytes from blood stored in CPD-A2 were found to have a markedly increased osmotic fragility. A major portion of this increase was found to be due to accumulation of lactate, which is only slowly transported from within erythrocytes and which therefore exerts a strong osmotic effect in the usual osmotic fragility test. After an hour's incubation in a large volume of iso-osmotic buffer, the osmotic fragility curve of stored erythrocytes was much more nearly normal. Such cells were found to have a volume 5%--8% greater than that of normal cells, indicating that even after removal of lactate more osmotically active material was present in the stored erythrocytes than in fresh cells. Most of this differences can be accounted for by substitution of chloride ion for 2,3-DPG, since chloride exerts approximately 3.7 times the osmotic effect of 2,3-DPG per unit charge. In addition to the shift in osmotic fragility produced by the increased intracellular osmotically active material, a "fragile tail" of red cells was also present. Stored erythrocytes were labeled with 51Cr and reinfused into the volunteer donors. The osmotic fragility of the reinfused cells was estimated using a technique of sequential osmotic hemolysis that permitted accurate estimation of osmotic fragility of transfused cells using very small amounts of 51Cr. The osmotic fragility of the reinfused cells became less than those of fresh cells after 24 hr and was exactly the same as those of fresh cells after 4 days. The fragile tail disappeared at a rate that approximated the rate of loss of nonviable erythrocytes from the circulation as measured by 51Cr. These findings are consistent with the preferential destruction of a subpopulation of red cells with a diminished surface area.
Domestic Violence and Child Custody: A Critique of Recent JCC Articles

ABSTRACT Recent JCC articles on the topics of gender bias in domestic violence research and practice and parental alienations syndrome are critiqued, with a brief preview of related articles on these topics scheduled for the upcoming special issue on domestic violence. The problem of false negative and false positive errors in evaluations of abuse allegations are discussed and the social psychological factors that contribute to systems failure in family courts are examined.
NEVADA'S FEDERAL LANDS1

ABSTRACT Approximately eighty-six percent of Nevada's land area is owned by the federal government. Although limited in productive capacity by widespread aridity, these federally owned lands serve a variety of uses and constitute an integral part of the state's overall resource base. Federal grazing allotments, indispensable to the privately operated range livestock industry, may provide the basis for something like forty percent of all farm market cash receipts. In recent years both the Homestead and Desert Land acts have been used to bring new acreage under irrigation. Recreational lands, mineral lands, and lands used for national defense purposes exert strong influence on the livelihood structure of various communities.
Concurrent separation of catecholamines, dihydroxyphenylglycol, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and neuropeptide Y in superfusate and tissue extract.

Abstract A method is described for separation and quantification of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol (DOPEG), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) from single samples of tissue homogenate and from superfusate from in vitro dog blood vessel preparations using cartridges containing 0.4 g of octadecylsilane (Sep-Pak C-18). Samples were passed through the cartridge at pH 7.4. A step-gradient system was used to first selectively desorb the catechols (DOPEG, NE, DA) with a moderately polar eluent; subsequently VIP and NPY were eluted with 2.5 ml of a mixture of 1% trifluoroacetic acid, 80% acetonitrile. Five Sep-Pak catechol eluents were tested. Catechols were quantified by HPLC with electrochemical detection and peptides by radioimmunoassay. An HPLC solvent system is described which is particularly useful for chromatography of the more hydrophilic catechols DOPEG, 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine concurrently with catecholamines. For superfusion studies, sample cleanup time was reduced to about 4 min per sample by attachment of the cartridges directly to the bottom of the superfusion chamber. Superfusate was subsequently pulled through the cartridges immediately after they were passed over the tissue. Batches of 12 high-speed tissue supernates were processed through the method in about 30 min. The method was used to analyze DOPEG, NE, DA, VIP, and NPY in various rat and dog tissues. The values obtained were similar to values obtained previously by other methods. Because the catechols and peptides are separated from a single sample, the method has several advantages over those described previously; e.g., it is rapid, simple, and more sensitive.
Lung Size Mismatch and Survival after Bilateral Lung Transplantation for Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Purpose Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is associated with high short-term mortality after bilateral lung transplantation (BLT). We hypothesized that oversizing the allograft is associated with improved survival after BLT for IPAH. Methods and Materials All adult patients in the UNOS LTx registry who underwent first-time BLT for IPAH between 10/1989-4/2010 were studied. Lung size mismatch was assessed by calculating the predicted total lung capacity (pTLC)ratio(=pTLCdonor/pTLCrecipient). The cohort was divided evenly into “undersized” (pTLCratio median pTLCratio). Risk of death after LTx was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards models. Results The 302 “undersized” patients had a mean pTLCratio of 0.93±0.10 compared to 1.24±0.14in the 302 “oversized”. Cohorts had comparable baseline characteristics. Kaplan Meier curves for 5 year survival are shown in figure 1 . Median survival was 831 days longer in the “oversized” cohort (2166vs.1335 days,p=0.006). In a multivariate model controlling for gender mismatch, recipient factors (age, diabetes, BMI, creatinine), hemodynamics (pulmonary artery systolic pressure, cardiac output), acuity (pretransplant hospitalization, ICU, mechanical ventilation or ECMO), donor factors (age, pO2, ischemic time, smoking status, BMI) and transplant factors (center volume, transplant-era), “oversizing” remained associated with improved survival at 1 year (HR 0.19, 95%CI 0.05-0.67, p=0.009) and 5 years (HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.19-0.70, p=0.003). Conclusions Oversizing the allograft is associated with improved survival after BLT for IPAH.
Social Change and Political Mobilization in the United States: 1870–1960 *

The central problem of the general search for explanations of political change has been the lack of adequate explanations of the relationship between social change and political change. This research proposes and tests a six-variable causal model of the process of social change and political mobilization in the United States during the period 1870 to 1960. The variables used are based on previous theoretical efforts which have indicated that the process of social and political change is a syndrome. From these previous efforts a new model is synthesized. The model is found to operate as proposed during the period 1870 to 1910, and a simplified version in four variables is identified for the period 1920 to 1960. One of the central questions explored by this research is the degree to which the pattern of social change alters as the process of change proceeds through time. The transition in the United States is explained by reference to the threshold effect of two social infrastructures—urbanization and government activity in education. In light of the identification of the model, an attempt is then made at revising certain aspects of modernization theory.
Kinetics of the Release of Zinc and Some Enzymes from Canine Kidney during Isolated Perfusion

SummaryAn isolated 24-hr perfusion of 12 dog kidneys in Belzer apparatus was performed, and the activities of LDH, ICDH, and β-glucuronidase, LDH isoenzymes pattern, and zinc content in the perfusion fluid were determined. LDH activity in plasma perfusate rises with time of perfusion at two statistically different rates, slowly up to 12 hr, then faster thereafter. Significant correlation exists between LDH, ICDH, and zinc values during perfusion. β-Glucuronidase activity changed only slightly, mostly after 18 hr of perfusion. The magnitude of LDH, ICDH activity, and zinc content corresponds with the function of the kidney post-reimplantation and, in satisfactory 24-hr perfusions, should not exceed 500 U/ml and 200 μg% of Zn, respectively. With time of perfusion, there is a continuous shift in LDH isoenzymes to anaerobic forms (LDH-4 and LDH-5), indicating a fast development and a continuous progression of hy-poxia in the kidney tissue.
Signal processing on the focal plane array: an overview

Raytheon's Infrared Operations (RIO) has invented and developed a new class of focal plane arrays; the Adaptive IR Sensor (AIRS) and Thinfilm Analog Image Processor (TAIP). The AIRS FPA is based upon biologically inspired on-focal- plane circuitry, which adaptively removes detector and optic temperature drift and l/f induced fixed pattern noise. This third-generation multimode IRFPA, also called a Smart FPA, is a 256x256-array format capable of operation in four modes: 1) Direct Injection (DI), 2) Adaptive Non-uniformity Correction (NUC), 3) Motion/Edge Detection, and 4) Subframe Averaging. Also the 320x240 TAIP results have shown excellent image processing in the form of Spatial and Temporal processing.
Assertion and Incomplete Definite Descriptions

L'A. critique H. Wettstein ("Demonstrative Reference and Definitite Descriptions", Philosophical Studies, 40, 1981, p. 241-257) qui avait soutenu que la distinction faite par Donnellan entre usages referentiel et attributif n'etait pas de nature pragmatique mais semantique. Il montre que les descriptions definies appelees incompletes, contextuelles ou indefinies ont une structure semantique plus complexe qu'on ne le pense generalement.
Transcatheter arterial revascularization outcomes at vascular and general surgery teaching hospitals and nonteaching hospitals are comparable.

Background Outcomes following transcatheter interventions at vascular and general surgery teaching hospitals (STH) are unknown. We examine whether surgery training programs influence clinically relevant outcomes after commonly performed endovascular procedures. Methods Using an all-payer inpatient care database from 2008, we selected adults who underwent either endovascular carotid stenting, endografting of descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, or peripheral arterial revascularization. Patients were stratified by procedures completed at Surgery Teaching (Participate in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education [ACGME]-accredited vascular and general surgery programs), STH, or nonteaching hospitals (NTH). Hierarchical regression models assessed adverse outcomes and in-hospital mortality among groups. Results Of the 175,698 records, 44% of the patients were treated at STH, while 56% underwent procedures at NTH. The adjusted odds ratio of any complication or mortality at STH and NTH were similar. Transfers, weekend admissions, and nonelective cases were higher at STH ( P P P = .69) and mortality (adjusted odds ratios, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, .74-1.22; P = .67) were equivalent between vascular and general STH. Conclusions Following commonly performed transcatheter vascular procedures, and despite more transfers, weekend admissions, and nonelective procedures completed at STH, complications, and mortality were comparable across centers.
Source and message factors in persuasion: A reply to stiff's critique of the elaboration likelihood model

In this article we respond to James Stiff's (1986) recent critique of the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) of persuasion (Petty & Cacioppo, 1981, 1986b). In particular, we make the following corrections to Stiff's misrepresentation of the model: (1) Many variables other than “involvement”; can affect the elaboration likelihood and thus the route to persuasion, (2) variables can serve in multiple roles under specifiable conditions, and (3) the ELM does not preclude multi‐channel information processing. After correcting these misperceptions of the ELM, we critique Stiffs meta‐analyses comparing the ELM predictions with those he derives from Kahneman's (1973) elastic capacity model. His analysis of message factors is critiqued on the grounds that some of the message factors included in the analysis are capable of affecting attitudes via either the central or the peripheral route. His analysis of source factors is critiqued on the grounds of insufficient sample size, lack of statistical significance, and po...
A combined QM/MM approach to protein--ligand interactions: polarization effects of the HIV-1 protease on selected high affinity inhibitors.

HIV-1 protease inhibitors are one of the two widely used therapeutic agents for the treatment of HIV-infected patients. The investigation of HIV-1 protease−inhibitor interactions can provide further insight for developing new compounds that are still required due to the growing problem of drug resistance. To this end, a combined QM/MM approach was used to determine electrostatic and polarization interactions on three high affinity inhibitors, nelfinavir, mozenavir, and tipranavir. The present computational results show that explicit treatment of the polarization effect is particularly important since it can contribute as much as one-third of the total electrostatic interaction energy. Further, an amino acid decomposition analysis was applied to determine contributions of individual residues to the enzyme−inhibitor interactions. It was found that the 4-hydroxy-dihydropyrone substructure of tipranavir is especially suited for extended charge delocalization by interacting with the catalytic aspartates and is...
Chemically-Mediated Predator Inspection Behavior by Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas)

ABSTRACT In the absence of visual cues, information gained from chemically-mediated inspection behavior may serve to reduce predation risk by informing minnow shoals of the proximity of potential predators. Behavioral inspection of predator chemical cues implies that sensory modes other than visual detection may be important for assessing predation risk in shoaling fishes. To assess the potential for inspection behavior by fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas; FHM), we quantified the responses of FHM to chemical cues of a natural predator, northern pike, and chemical cues of conspecifics. The presence of northern pike odor elicited inspection-like behavior among FHM. In control treatments, FHM remained within vegetated cover, and no differences were observed in the number of individuals in open water areas. When northern pike odor was added, significantly more FHM were observed in the open water habitat, although FHM activity was similar to that of controls. This suggests that FHM respond to northern pike ...
Determination of the hydrogen density of states in amorphous hydrogenated silicon

Abstract A method for determining the density of hydrogen binding energies from H evolution is presented and used to determine the hydrogen density of states (HDOS) in amorphous silicon. The method is based on fractional evolution where the temperature is ramped up and down until all the H is evolved. From the evolution curves, the H chemical potential is determined as a function of concentration that can be related to the H density of states. The fractional evolution extraction of the HDOS is tested on simulations of evolution, and is shown to yield good estimates of the underlying density of states. When applied to amorphous silicon, two peaks in the density of states at ∼−1.8 eV and at about ∼−2.2 eV below the transport level are found. A majority of the hydrogen (>80%) resides in the shallow energy level.
INHIBITION OF GROWTH AND DNA SYNTHESIS OF CELLS FROM AN ALVEOLAR CELL CARCINOMA BY GLUCOCORTICOIDS

Glucocorticoids have been reported to inhibit lung growth and to induce differentiated function in fetal lung in many species. We have used the A-549 cell line, derived from a human alveolar cell carcinoma, to study corticosteroid-induced growth inhibition We found that dexamethasone (DM) inhibits the growth of these cells and that this inhibition is concentration dependent, being identifiable at 10-9M DM and near maximum at 4 × 10-8M. Population doubling time of the cells was increased from 28.4 hours in control conditions to 66.5 hours in dexamethasone. DNA synthesis was also inhibited by DM with a concentration response similar to that seen with inhibition of cell growth. Several other steroids tested inhibited DNA synthesis, with their inhibiting potential corresponding to their known glucocorticoid potency (dexamethasone > cortisol > corticosterone > deoxycorticosterone). Testosterone and estradiol were not inhibitory. Cytosois from these cells bound 3H-dexamethasone with high affinity and limited capacity. Other glucocorticoids decrease 3H-DM binding in a pattern which correlates with their growth inhibiting activity and biologic activity. The corticosteroid induced growth inhibition in these cells is not cytolytic and may be characteristic of an anabolic pattern of growth arrest associated with induction of differentiated function.
Locus of Control Beliefs and Female Activism

This study examined whether the locus of control profile typical of political activists characterizes members of women's consciousness-raising groups, and if so, whether it precedes or results from...
Supplier perceptions of knowledge sharing in buyer-supplier relationships: a service example

The increasing need for supply chain visibility and strategic partnership depends on buyer-supplier relationship and business to business (B2B) sharing of explicit and tacit knowledge. This study examines how the behavioural and psychological determinants contribute to the sharing of explicit and tacit knowledge between buyer and supplier. Surveys collected from 100 US service supplier organisations show that collective responsibility for risks and benefits, discussing long term planning; making decisions beneficial to each other and mutual dependency are instrumental in successful buyer-supplier knowledge sharing. While both explicit and tacit knowledge are perceived significant, explicit knowledge contributes to the sharing of core business processes while tacit knowledge is associated with the sharing of environmental and business planning information. Furthermore, as-needed specialty and preferred vendor contracts facilitate the association of psychological determinants and buyer-supplier knowledge sharing.
Digestive Ripening of Thiolated Gold Nanoparticles: The Effect of Alkyl Chain Length

Digestive ripening, heating a colloidal suspension at or near the solvent boiling point in the presence of a surface-active ligand, was applied to polydisperse colloidal gold in toluene using a series of alkylthiols, viz., octyl-, decyl-, dodecyl-, and hexadecylthiols. In all the instances, digestive ripening significantly reduced the average particle size and polydispersity. All the colloids remain suspended in solution above 80 °C, but at room temperature the tendency to form 3D superlattices and precipitate increased with declining alkyl chain length. For example, using octanethiol as the ligand makes the colloids aggregate into big 3D superlattices and precipitate; decane- and dodecanethiol also produce precipitated 3D superlattices along with separate particles, while hexadecanethiol-coated particles remain well separated from each other. The optical spectra at room temperature reveal, apart from the gold plasmon band at 530 nm, a large tail above 700 nm for Au−octanethiol and Au−decanethiol cases an...
Cyclic Testing in Stability Programs

AbstractIt is shown that accelerated testing can be used to predict losses at given times of storage in cycled testing. This is useful, since temperatures of storage are never totally constant, and the concept has been illustrated by assuming an average temperature of 25°C and a fluctuation of 5°C
The Long-Term Clinical Follow-Up and Natural History of Men with Adult-Onset Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism

Context and Objective: Adult-onset idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (AHH) is a rare disorder characterized by an isolated failure of gonadotropin secretion occurring after an otherwise normal sexual maturation in men. This study aims to examine the etiology and long-term natural history of this disorder. Design and Setting: Long-term follow up, including detailed clinical, biochemical, and genetic examinations, were performed and compared with those at diagnosis. Patients: Patients included 10 men with AHH [serum testosterone (T) <125 ng/dl]. Interventions: Overnight neuroendocrine studies, semen fluid analyses, and genetic screening were performed (KAL1, FGFR1, PROK2, PROKR2, NELF, TAC3, TACR3, and GNRH1) over a decade of longitudinal follow up. Results: Follow-up evaluations were conducted 10.6 ± 5.9 yr after initial studies and revealed that the clinical characteristics and seminal fluid analyses of AHH men (body mass index, 28.8 ± 4.1 vs. 27.0 ± 4.3 kg/m2; testicular volume, 18 ± 6 vs. 19 ± 6 ...
Measurement and Stochastic Computational Modeling of the Elastic Properties of Parallel Strand Lumber

This paper describes a model for the spatial variation of the elastic modulus of parallel strand lumber (PSL) that is based on bending experiments and also describes a validated stochastic computational model that incorporates orthotropic elasticity and uncertainty in strand geometry and material properties. The PSL exhibits significant variability both within members and between members, but this variability is less than that of equivalent sawn-wood members, and decreases with increasing member size. The correlation length of the elastic modulus is found to be several meters and is independent of the cross-sectional size. The variance of PSL elastic modulus is found to scale inversely with the number of strands in the cross section. The validated computational model is flexible enough to allow preliminary exploration of the properties of new mixes of species and strand sizes in PSL material design.
Capture and manipulation of magnetically aligned Pf1 with an aqueous polymer gel.

Abstract The magnetic alignment of the Pseudomonas bacteriophage Pf1 is captured indefinitely in a gel of the aqueous triblock copolymer Pluronic F-127. In addition to preserving high-resolution liquids NMR spectra for dissolved solutes, the gel prevents the reorientation of the phage allowing mechanical manipulation of the angle between the axis of the phage alignment and the static magnetic field. The residual 2 H quadrupolar couplings for several solutes dissolved in this material as a function of the angle Θ between the non-spinning sample tube and the static magnetic field are consistent with the value of P 2 (cos Θ )=(3cos 2 Θ −1)/2. The variable–angle correlation spectrum for these solutes is shown to separate residual quadrupolar effects from isotropic chemical shifts. Finally, the compatibility of Pluronic F-127 with NMR studies of aqueous biological macromolecules is demonstrated in a measurement of residual dipolar couplings in an 15 N-labeled nucleic acid.
Immunomodulation by nitrite inhalants may predispose abusers to AIDS and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Abstract Epidemiological studies indicating that nitrite inhalant abuse is a co-factor in HIV infection and in Kaposi's sarcoma are supported by recent experimental studies, described in this review. Inhalation exposure to the nitrites produce a nonspecific cytotoxicity, depleting many cells of the immune system. Apparently distinct from this cytotoxicity, inhalation of the nitrites impairs a variety of immune mechanisms, affecting both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. In addition, the inhalant-increased macrophage production of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), can directly stimulate HIV replication and can also stimulate the growth of Kaposi's sarcoma cells. Thus, nitrite inhalants may impair immune resistance to infection and actively promote viral replication and tumor growth.
Targeting epigenetic regulation of miR-34a for treatment of pancreatic cancer by inhibition of pancreatic cancer stem cells.

Background MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) is a transcriptional target of p53 and is down-regulated in pancreatic cancer. This study aimed to investigate the functional significance of miR-34a in pancreatic cancer progression through its epigenetic restoration with chromatin modulators, demethylating agent 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) and HDAC inhibitor Vorinostat (SAHA). Methodology/Principal Findings Re-expression of miR-34a in human pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) and in human pancreatic cancer cell lines upon treatment with 5-Aza-dC and SAHA strongly inhibited the cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, self-renewal, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion. In pancreatic CSCs, modulation of miR-34a induced apoptosis by activating caspase-3/7. Treatment of pancreatic CSCs with the chromatin-modulating agents resulted in the inhibition of Bcl-2, CDK6 and SIRT1, which are the putative targets of miR-34a. MiR-34a upregulation by these agents also induced acetylated p53, p21WAF1, p27KIP1 and PUMA in pancreatic CSCs. Inhibition of miR-34a by antagomiR abrogates the effects of 5-Aza-dC and SAHA, suggesting that 5-Aza-dC and SAHA regulate stem cell characteristics through miR-34a. In CSCs, SAHA inhibited Notch pathway, suggesting its suppression may contribute to inhibition of the self-renewal capacity and induction of apoptosis. Interestingly, treatment of pancreatic CSCs with SAHA resulted in the inhibition of EMT with the transcriptional up-regulation of E-Cadherin and down-regulation of N-Cadherin. Expression of EMT inducers (Zeb-1, Snail and Slug) was inhibited in CSCs upon treatment with SAHA. 5-Aza-dC and SAHA also retard in vitro migration and invasion of CSCs. Conclusions The present study thus demonstrates the role of miR-34a as a critical regulator of pancreatic cancer progression by the regulating CSC characteristics. The restoration of its expression by 5-Aza-dC and SAHA in CSCs will not only provide mechanistic insight and therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer but also promising reagents to boost patient response to existing chemotherapies or as a standalone cancer drug by eliminating the CSC characteristics.
Stimulation of insulin secretion in the rat by glucagon, secretin and pancreozymin: Effect of aminophylline

Abstract Male, 150 gram rats were injected i.p. twice; first with either saline or aminophylline and second, after 10 or 14 minutes with saline or one of the following hormones: glucagon, secretin or pancreozymin. The animals were bled by cardiac puncture after a short time. Serum immunoreactive insulin and serum glucose were measured. All three hormones exerted a serum insulin elevating effect which was apparently potentiated by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, aminophylline. This potentiation produced indirect evidence that glucagon, secretin and pancreozymin stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreatic beta cell through the mediation of 3′, 5′ cyclic AMP. It was further shown that secretin and pancreozymin do not stimulate insulin release indirectly by increasing the blood glucose concentration.
Unseen players shape benthic competition on coral reefs

Recent work has shown that hydrophilic and hydrophobic organic matter (OM) from algae disrupts the function of the coral holobiont and promotes the invasion of opportunistic pathogens, leading to coral morbidity and mortality. Here we refer to these dynamics as the 3 DAM [dissolved organic matter (DOM), direct contact, disease, algae and microbes] model. There is considerable complexity in coral–algae interactions; turf algae and macroalgae promote heterotrophic microbial overgrowth of coral, macroalgae also directly harm the corals via hydrophobic OM, whereas crustose coralline algae generally encourage benign microbial communities. In addition, complex flow patterns transport OM and pathogens from algae to downstream corals, and direct algal contact enhances their delivery. These invisible players (microbes, viruses, and OM) are important drivers of coral reefs because they have non-linear responses to disturbances and are the first to change in response to perturbations, providing near real-time trajectories for a coral reef, a vital metric for conservation and restoration.
Hemodynamically “insignificant” stenoses stimulate neointimal thickening in experimental vein grafts

Vein graft stenoses <50% are believed to be clinically “insignificant” because they cause little decrement in blood flow. However, the possible deleterious effects of minor flow disturbances on long-term cellular proliferation are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of artificially created 50% stenoses on neointimal thickening in experimental vein grafts. Fifteen male New Zealand White rabbits underwent carotid interposition bypass grafting using the external jugular vein. Mid-graft 50% stenoses were created in eight grafts by the application of a two-millimeter internal diameter stainless steel clip. After four weeks, the grafts were perfusion-fixed, excised, and histologic sections were examined for neointimal thickening. Application of the clip caused a 50% reduction in external diameter (3.9±0.4 mm to 2.0 mm), causing only slight perturbations in pressure gradient (ΔP=2.1±1.1 to 2.3±1.5 mmHg) and mean blood flow (flow 16±3.0 to 14±4.4 ml/min). After four weeks, four grafts had occluded (two from each group) and one clip had become dislodged, leaving ten grafts for analysis. Neointimal thickness was minimal in control grafts (88±12 µm), but was significantly increased in stenotic grafts both immediately proximal (200±39 µm; p=0.03) and immediately distal to the stenosis (230±50 µm; p=0.02). Hemodynamically “insignificant” stenoses stimulate vein graft neointimal thickening. These results support the continued use of graft surveillance and an aggressive approach to the treatment of “minimal” vein graft lesions.
Sensible buybacks of sovereign debt

Abstract Sovereign debt is not prioritized, and creditors share the costs of a default in proportion to their exposure. Equal-sharing insures that all creditors cooperate in imposing default sanctions, but it leads to excessive borrowing. Countries that borrowed too much because of equal-sharing can gain from debt buybacks, even if there is no debt overhang. Sensible buybacks should be accompanied by either an interest rate reduction or a new money provision, they should grant unsold debt seniority over new loans, and they should assign future debt renegotiation to a third party.
The Isolation of Edwardsiella ictaluri with a Limited Tolerance for Aerobic Growth from Channel Catfish

Abstract While culturing trunk kidneys from channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus with deep ulcerative lesions, we discovered strains of Edwardsiella ictaluri that could not be isolated under aerobic conditions. After passage of these bacterial isolates in an aerobic environment, minimal growth was observed. In thioglycolate broth, the passaged isolates had growth characteristics of bacteria with a limited tolerance for oxygen. Isolate S97-133, from May 1997, was identified as E. ictaluri by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Diagnostic Bacteriology Laboratory, Ames, Iowa. The S97-133 isolate and three others from 1994 were also definitively identified as E. ictaluri by the use of the monoclonal immuno dot-blot technique. In all, eight isolates were obtained from channel catfish over an 8-year period. All isolates were obtained during the months of May, June, July, and November.
Mathematical enhancement of the performance of voltammetric sensors

Abstract In voltammetry, the current signal is proportional to the concentration of a substance in a solution. Because background currents are typically large, it is useful to employ a differential measurement of the current to reject background current, thus increasing the ratio of signal to background. A differential current, however, in contrast with a diffusion-limited current, may be influenced by kinetic factors. The hypothesis on which this report is based is that the differential current can be treated mathematically, based on a theoretical model to obtain accurate information concerning concentration. To examine this hypothesis, three experimental systems were employed, the reduction of Zn(II) and of Ni(II) at a mercury electrode, and the oxidation of ferrocyanide at a glassy carbon electrode. Normal pulse voltammetry was used as a calibration technique and square wave voltammetry as the differential measurement technique. Data were analyzed by means of the cool algorithm, employing the model for quasireversible electron transfer. Concentration information obtained as a result of the comparison of the experimental result with the theoretical model was better than that obtained directly from peak height information.
Obesity and mortality on dialysis—does age matter?

The association between obesity and mortality has been observed to be paradoxical in persons on dialysis. Hoogeveen et al. examined whether the association between obesity and mortality on dialysis differed by age in participants in the NECOSAD2 study.
Experimental glomerulonephritis in the rat: structural and functional observations

Experimental glomerulonephritis in the rat: structural and functional observations. In the present study, data are presented on the method of production, the morphologic characteristics and the functional patterns of experimentally induced bilateral glomerulonephritis in the rat. The histologic picture was variable. Glomerular capillary wall thickening and proliferation were both present, and a linear staining pattern was observed with immunofluorescent techniques. There was considerable diversity of anatomic involvement among the constituent glomeruli of any kidney. Functionally, total kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) varied from levels which were only moderately diminished to values less than 10% of normal. The animals were proteinuric and hypoalbuminemic, but the only rats in which positive sodium balance was observed were those with the lowest GFR. The morphologic heterogeneity was paralleled by a wide spread in values for single nephron GFR and proximal tubular transit times. However, values for filtration fractions and fractional sodium excretion were closely comparable in the two kidneys of individual rats; and fractional water reabsorption in superficial nephrons demonstrated a tendency for the maintenance of uniform glomerulotubular balance among the constituent nephrons. Glomerulonephrite experimentale du rat: Observations concernant la structure et la fonction. Dans ce travail sont presentes le mode de production, les caracteres morphologiques et les modalites fonctionnelles d'une glomerulonephrite bilaterale experimentale du rat. L'image histologique est variable. L'epaississement du capillaire glomerulaire et la proliferation sont tous deux presents et un depot lineaire a ete observe au moyen de l'immunofluorescence. Il y a une diversite considerable de l'atteinte anatomique des constituants glomerulaires dans un rein. Le debit de filtration glomerulaire (GFR) du rein entier varie de valeurs a peine abaissees a moins de 10% de la normale. Les animaux sont proteinuriques et hypoalbuminemiques, mais les seuls rats dont le bilan de sodium est positif sont ceux dont les GFR sont les plus bas. L'heterogeneite morphologique est traduite par une dispersion importante des valeurs de GFR des nephrons individuels et des temps de transit. Cependant les valeurs de la fraction filtree et de l'excretion fractionnelle de sodium sont tres comparables pour les deux reins d'un meme rat. La reabsorption fractionnelle de l'eau dans les nephrons superficiels montre une tendance au maintien d'un niveau uniforme de balance glomerulo-tubulaire dans ces divers nephrons.
ULTRAHIGH fmax AlInAs/GaInAs TRANSFERRED-SUBSTRATE HETEROJUNCTION BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS APPLICATIONS

Transferred-substrate heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) have demonstrated very high bandwidths and are potential candidates for very high speed integrated circuit (IC) applications. The transferred-substrate process permits fabrication of narrow and aligned emitter-base and collector-base junctions, reducing the collector-base capacitance and increasing the device fmax. Unlike conventional double-mesa HBTs, transferred-substrate HBTs can be scaled to submicron dimensions with a consequent increase in bandwidth. This paper introduces the concept of transferred-substrate HBTs. Fabrication process in the AlInAs/GaInAs material system is presented, followed by DC and RF performance. A demonstration IC is shown along with some integrated circuits in development.
Accurate rogue access point localization leveraging fine-grained channel information

Rogue access point (AP) has emerged as an important security problem in WLANs. However, it is a challenge task to localize the rogue AP with both high accuracy and minimal infrastructure cost. Either expensive professional infrastructure (e.g., multiple wireless sniffers) or additional hardware (e.g., directional antenna) need to be pre-deployed for rogue AP localization with high cost. Moreover, existing methods using Received Signal Strength (RSS) result in large error as RSS is suffered from the multipath and shadowing effects in complex wireless environment. In this work, we exploit the channel state information (CSI), which is readily available from commercial Wi-Fi devices, to locate the rogue AP with high accuracy. We use only a single off-the-shelf Wi-Fi device for rogue AP localization which involves minimal infrastructure requirement. Our proposed rogue AP localization framework consists of two components: direction determination and position estimation. By characterizing time domain CSI amplitude, we develop direction determination approach to estimate the direction of the rogue AP at the Wi-Fi device. We further propose two schemes to estimate position of the rogue AP: directions determined at multiple locations grounded on triangulation, or walking towards the rogue AP with direction adjustment. Results from extensive experiments in both indoor and outdoor environments show that our framework can achieve more practical and accurate rogue AP localization when comparing with existing RSS-based approach.
Rules and Principles in Moral Decision Making: An Empirical Objection to Moral Particularism

It is commonly thought that moral rules and principles, such as 'Keep your promises, '' Respect autonomy,' and 'Distribute goods according to need (merit, etc.),' should play an essential role in our moral deliberation. Particularists have challenged this view by arguing that principled guidance leads us to engage in worse decision making because principled guidance is too rigid and it leads individuals to neglect or distort relevant details. However, when we examine empirical literature on the use of rules and principles in other domains, we find that people can learn to use rules discriminately and that rule-based models tend to outperform even expert judgment. I argue that this evidence poses a problem for the moral particularist. If the particularist claims that we should not rely on decision-making rules when making practical decisions and it turns out that these rules help us make better decisions, then the particularists' prescriptive account is deficient. However, if the particularist claims that we should rely on practical decision-making rules but not on moral rules, she needs to explain how practical rules are different from moral rules and why we should rely on the former but not the latter.
Job-shop scheduling: limits of the binary disjunctive formulation

SUMMARY The deterministic job-shop scheduling problem exhibits the fundamental computational difficulty implicit in determining an optimal timetable for sharing production resources among competing production activities. While adaptation of the formal model to industrial practice is fraught with difficulties, we show that the underlying binary-disjunctive formulation itself is more robust than might be immediately apparent. Straightforward extensions of the underlying model are sufficient to capture such practical problem features as assembly and disassembly sequences, due-dates and out-processing operations, scheduled maintenance, nonzero release times and dispatch operations, certain sequence-dependent set-ups and materials handling delays, and a great range of operational side-constraints. Technological sequences need not be total orders, job priorities can be assigned explicitly or implicitly, and any regular measure of performance can be represented. The principal structural limitation is that machin...
An Alternating Current Bridge for Measuring Small Phase Angles in High Resistances

An alternating current bridge is described which may be used for measuring large capacities in series with high resistances or small phase angles in high resistance boxes. Using this bridge it is possible to compensate for the capacity and inductive effects in the standard resistance boxes and in the arms of the bridge. This correction is effected by the method developed for the adjustment of the Wagner earthing arm. Circuit equations are given to show the extent to which errors are eliminated, and experimental results in some typical cases are shown.
Effects of Phosphates Added to Concentrated Milks before Sterilization at Ultra-High Temperatures

Summary The microscopically visible particles in sterile concentrated milks were studied in relation to the addition of sodium phosphate salts and changes leading to gelation. Polyphosphates added to concentrated milks before sterilization at 303±2F delayed gelation, whereas orthophosphates speeded gelation. Concentrated milks containing 0.05% added polyphosphate stored at 100F browned, and developed undesirable flavors before gelation. Viscosities of concentrated milks increased with increased additions of polyphosphates and the size of microscopically visible particles became more uniform in the size range 0.7 to 1.4 µ diam, compared with 0.1 to 5 µ diam in the controls. These aggregates of protein and fat, regardless of phosphates added, dissociated rapidly in 6 M urea at pH 8, very slowly in 6 M urea at pH 6.7, rapidly in 0.1 N potassium oxalate, sodium oxalate, and ammonium oxalate, but only slightly when diluted one part of concentrated milk to 50 parts of dilute acetic acid at pH 3.88. Gel structure microscopically was similar in the gelled phosphate-containing samples and the gelled controls. Both noncasein and nonprotein nitrogen increased during storage at 70 and 100F. Titratable sulfhydryl groups decreased during storage. Bond-breaking reagents indicated that disulfide bonds were involved in the gel structure.
The Fables Test

Summary Duess originally published her Fables Test in 1940, in a paper on the fables technique in psychoanalysis. The fate of the Fables in passing from the original French into English is explored here, and a new English version is given. The research literature on the test is reviewed, and a brief note is presented on the clinical usefulness of the Fables.
Practical Challenges in the Energy-Based Control of Molecular Transformations in Chemical Reactors

between the energy and the molecules has a direct character, whereas in the latter ones, the coupling is indirect and proceeds via intermediation by a material, usually a catalyst. Fundamental insights from chemical physics, catalysis, and chemical, electrical, and materials engineering provide exciting opportunities for the development of new classes of chemical reactors with enhanced control of molecular events. As we discuss further on in this article, microchannel or millichannel systems are expected to play an important role in these developments. Energy-Based Methods for Orienting and Activating Molecules: The Options Orienting molecules with electric fields
Infusion of synthetic human C-peptide does not affect plasma glucose, serum insulin, or plasma glucagon in healthy subjects.

Abstract We studied six healthy male subjects to determine whether a four-hour infusion of synthetic human C-peptide sufficient to achieve mean (±SD) peripheral plasma concentrations of 1.3 ± 0.7 pmol/mL affected plasma glucose, serum insulin, or plasma glucagon. Subjects were studied in a fasting state and following an oral glucose load during four-hour 0.9% NaCl (control) and C-peptide (mean dose: 70 nmol) infusions. No differences were observed between saline and C-peptide infusions for mean values of fasting plasma glucose (94 ± 6 v 87 ± 5 mg/dL), serum insulin (3 ± 1 v 2 ± 1 μ U/mL), or plasma glucagon (124 ± 65 v 112 ± 70 pg/dL). Following oral glucose ingestion no differences were detected between saline and C-peptide infusions for mean peak values of plasma glucose (168 ± 18 v 168 ± 31) and serum insulin (59 ± 6 v 57 ± 21) or mean nadir values of plasma glucagon (80 ± 73 v 75 ± 70). There was a slight delay in the insulin rise following oral glucose on the C-peptide infusion day, but differences between mean values for individual sampling times were not statistically significantly different.