cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response-force manipulations in fixed-ratio schedules

Response force (effort) was manipulated by varying the required travel of a pigeon’s pecking key. Performances under a fixed-ratio 2 schedule and a fixed-ratio 20 schedule were compared at the different forces. Results indicated that increasing the force requirement produced a lower overall response rate through a lengthening of the preratio pause; at fixed ratio 2t the inter-response times were also lengthened slightly, but not at fixed ratio 20.
Ideal, catch, and slip bonds in cadherin adhesion

Classical cadherin cell-cell adhesion proteins play key morphogenetic roles during development and are essential for maintaining tissue integrity in multicellular organisms. Classical cadherins bind in two distinct conformations, X-dimer and strand-swap dimer; during cellular rearrangements, these adhesive states are exposed to mechanical stress. However, the molecular mechanisms by which cadherins resist tensile force and the pathway by which they convert between different conformations are unclear. Here, we use single molecule force measurements with an atomic force microscope (AFM) to show that E-cadherin, a prototypical classical cadherin, forms three types of adhesive bonds: catch bonds, which become longer lived in the presence of tensile force; slip bonds, which become shorter lived when pulled; and ideal bonds that are insensitive to mechanical stress. We show that X-dimers form catch bonds, whereas strand-swap dimers form slip bonds. Our data suggests that ideal bonds are formed as X-dimers convert to strand-swap binding. Catch, slip, and ideal bonds allow cadherins to withstand tensile force and tune the mechanical properties of adhesive junctions.
Nativity and immigration status among Latino families involved in the child welfare system: Characteristics, risk, and maltreatment

Abstract The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of Latino children with non-citizen parents involved with the child welfare system and to identify how their household, community, and maltreatment characteristics differ from children of U.S. citizens. Data were drawn from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being — II, a nationally representative sample of children (n = 5872) who were subjects of maltreatment reports to child welfare agencies in 2008 and 2009. This study included Latino children who remained at home with a parent, for whom information was collected on citizenship and legal status (n = 822). Children of unauthorized immigrants represented 5% of all children and 19% of Latino children, reported to child welfare agencies. Additionally, 11% of Latino children had a legal resident parent. While the majority of children were citizens, 20% of children living with an unauthorized parent were also unauthorized. Children with unauthorized and legal resident parents exhibited both risk and protective factors for maltreatment. Non-citizen parents more often reported financial hardship, low educational attainment, and neighborhood disorganization. Despite these risks, children of non-citizen parents did not have higher rates of substantiated maltreatment than children with U.S.-born parents. Protective factors, such as a higher proportion of two-parent families, lower teenage childbearing, and lower active drug and alcohol abuse among noncitizen parents may act as buffers against maltreatment. Understanding the diversity within the Latino population based on factors such as citizenship and legal status is necessary to ensure provision of services that are responsive to the needs of non-citizen families.
NOCTURNAL HYPOTHERMIA IN SEASONALLY ACCLIMATIZED MOUNTAIN CHICKADEES AND JUNIPER TITMICE

Abstract We measured body temperature of Mountain Chickadees (Poecile gambeli) and Juniper Titmice (Baeolophus ridgwayi) at different times of day and under a range of ambient temperatures in order to determine the use of nocturnal hypothermia in seasonally acclimatized small passerines. Our findings show both species used nocturnal hypothermia year-round. Depth of hypothermia was inversely correlated to body mass in Juniper Titmice but not in Mountain Chickadees. In both species, depth of hypothermia did not vary seasonally but nocturnal body temperature was regulated 3–11°C lower than daytime values. Nocturnal energy savings range from 7%–50% in chickadees and from 10%–28% in titmice. These nocturnal energy savings translate into ecologically important reductions in daily energy expenditures for these two species. Hipotermia Nocturna en Individuos de Poecile gambeli y Baeolophus ridgwayi Aclimatados Estacionalmente Resumen. Medimos la temperatura corporal de Poecile gambeli y Baeolophus ridgwayi a difer...
Reducing falls and improving mobility in multiple sclerosis

Falls are common in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), and are related to physical injury and reduce the quality of life. Mobility impairments are a significant risk factor for falls in persons with MS. Although there is evidence that mobility in persons with MS can be improved with rehabilitation, much less is known about fall prevention. This review focuses on fall prevention in persons with MS. Ten fall prevention interventions consisting of 524 participants with a wide range of disability were systematically identified. Nine of the 10 investigations report a reduction in falls and/or proportion of fallers following treatment. The vast majority observed an improvement in balance that co-occurred with the reduction in falls. Methodological limitations preclude any firm conclusions. Numerous gaps in the understanding of fall prevention in persons with MS are discussed. Well-designed randomized control trials targeting mobility and falls are warranted.
Relation between temporal persistence of host plants and wing length in leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha)

Abstract. 1Wing form frequencies in 255 populations of 101 species of leafhoppers (Auchenorrhyncha) in temporary and permanent habitats were documented. 2The proportion of brachypterous specimens in the leafhopper assemblages on ruderal host plants in temporary habitats (median 2%, range 0–8%) was significantly lower than that on permanent host plants in undisturbed habitats (median 22%, range 0–94%). 3Leafhopper species typical of temporary habitats were either monomorphic, macropterous, or wing-dimorphic with macropterous forms prevailing in both sexes. 4Among the eighty-nine species recorded in permanent habitats, forty-five species were wing dimorphic. In forty-one dimorphic species, a brachypterous form prevailed. This prevalence was found for both sexes in thirty-one species, for only females in nine species and for only males in one species. 5The prevalence of brachypters in males, but not in females, found in Anoscopus flavostriatus, is probably the first such documented case in Auchenorrhyncha. 6The hypothesis is proposed that in temporary habitats, density-dependent production of macropters in wing dimorphic species is an adaptation to frequent habitat deterioration caused by factors independent of the density of the species. 7The predominance of brachypters in permanent habitats indicates that a density-dependent decrease in fitness usually does not offset the potential decrease in fitness connected with macroptery and dispersal. Because of this inability of leafhopper populations to decrease significantly the quality of their resources, a high population density cannot be used as a predictor of future quality of these resources, which is information essential for efficient dispersal behaviour.
Alternative methods of extracting telomerase activity from human tumor samples

Telomerase activity is present in approximately 85% of malignant cancers and >30% of premalignant lesions. Extraction of telomerase from solid tumors and tissues remains difficult and inconvenient due to the presence of PCR inhibitors. Here we show that PCR inhibitors are easily removed during an initial extraction, allowing detection of telomerase activity in subsequent extractions from the same sample. In addition, telomerase activity may be enriched and detected from very small samples in a large background by utilizing a biotin/strept-avidin coated, magnetic bead retrieval assay. Our results provide alternative methods for telomerase extraction from solid tumors and small samples that are more convenient and accurate.
Efficient site-specific integration in Plasmodium falciparum chromosomes mediated by mycobacteriophage Bxb1 integrase

Here we report an efficient, site-specific system of genetic integration into Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite chromosomes. This is mediated by mycobacteriophage Bxb1 integrase, which catalyzes recombination between an incoming attP and a chromosomal attB site. We developed P. falciparum lines with the attB site integrated into the glutaredoxin-like cg6 gene. Transfection of these attB+ lines with a dual-plasmid system, expressing a transgene on an attP-containing plasmid together with a drug resistance gene and the integrase on a separate plasmid, produced recombinant parasites within 2 to 4 weeks that were genetically uniform for single-copy plasmid integration. Integrase-mediated recombination resulted in proper targeting of parasite proteins to intra-erythrocytic compartments, including the apicoplast, a plastid-like organelle. Recombinant attB × attP parasites were genetically stable in the absence of drug and were phenotypically homogeneous. This system can be exploited for rapid genetic integration and complementation analyses at any stage of the P. falciparum life cycle, and it illustrates the utility of Bxb1-based integrative recombination for genetic studies of intracellular eukaryotic organisms.
Information Transmission over the Postal Channel with and without Feedback

The postal channel models a postal system in which letters, each consisting of a number of characters, are sometimes lost. We study the postal channel with variable-length letters and variable-length coding over letters, both with and without letter-by-letter feedback. Without allowing letter lengths to encode information, we examine one feedback strategy consisting of automatic repeat-request (ARQ) with exponentially increasing letter lengths. For this strategy we investigate an alternative notion of information rate per character, based upon the total, random number of characters required to convey the messages instead of its expectation. This information rate exhibits a phase transition in its convergence as the number of messages becomes large: if the letter lengths increase by a factor less than the inverse of the probability that a letter is lost, it converges to the channel capacity; otherwise, it converges to a number strictly larger than channel capacity. More generally, when we allow both the characters and the length of a letter to convey information, we compute the corresponding channel capacity with and without feedback, and find that it is twice the channel capacity of the original postal channel without allowing letter lengths to encode information.
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia–Reply–I

We thank Dr Chinitz for his comments regarding the management of mesenteric ischemia. Our article highlighted a case of acute mesenteric ischemia, in which an early invasive approach was not pursued, and the patient later required resection of infarcted bowel. In retrospect, we of course agree that the patient should have undergone immediate angiography and infusion with papaverine, per the American Gastroenterological Association guidelines.1 The presence of a normal blood lactate concentration and lack of peritoneal signs on physical examination erroneously biased the management toward a conservative approach with heparin. The case sends a strong message that a high index of suspicion for infarcted bowel is a requisite in the evaluation of patients with suspected bowel ischemia. In our report, we appropriately referenced invasive mesenteric angiography as the “criterion standard” and stated, “It is critical to exclude acute mesenteric ischemia first because it carries considerable mortality, which can be affected by an early invasive approach.”
Sports Hernias and Athletic Pubalgia

Groin injuries are a common occurrence in sport, especially in elite level athletes. Most of these injuries are muscular strains that resolve completely with standard conservative management measures. However, some groin injuries result in a significant loss of playing time and can be a source of persistent pain that limits performance. Over the last 15 years, a subset of athletes with chronic, unremitting groin pain known as “sports hernia” has become increasingly recognized. These injuries present challenging diagnostic and therapeutic management problems for athletic trainers and physicians because of the broad range of diagnostic possibilities, the subtle physical exam findings, and the anatomic complexity of the lower abdominal and groin region. In this chapter, the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options for athletes with a possible sports hernia will be reviewed. The differential diagnosis of athletic groin pain will also be discussed since surgeons who treat these athletes must understand the spectrum of injuries in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
A Synthetic Cycle for Nitrogen Atom Transfer Featuring a Diruthenium Nitride Intermediate

A new Ru2 azido complex, [Ru2(chp)4N3] (4, chp = 2-chloro-6-hydroxypyridinate), was investigated under photolytic conditions to study the chemical reactivity of the corresponding Ru2 nitride species, [Ru2(chp)4N] (6), towards intermolecular N atom transfer to triphenylphosphane (PPh3). Photolysis of a dichloromethane solution of 4 at λ > 350 nm leads to a characteristic color change from purple to magenta. Upon acidic workup, triphenylphosphanamine chloride ([H2NPPh3]Cl) is produced and [Ru2(chp)4Cl] (5), the precursor to 4, is regenerated. The first stoichiometric cycle for intermolecular N atom transfer from a Ru2 nitride is thus presented.
Evidence of Tax‐Clientele‐Related Trading following Dividend Increases

The tax‐clientele theory suggests that higher (lower) tax‐rate investors should, ceteris paribus, concentrate their portfolios in tax‐favored (explicitly taxed) assets. While evidence supporting the tax‐clientele theory exists, research on tax‐induced dividend clienteles for common stocks is mixed. This study examines trading activity, measured using daily transaction data, following dividend increases for evidence of shareholder clientele changes. Consistent with implications of the tax‐induced dividend clientele theory, I document a strong positive association between dividend increase magnitude and post‐dividend‐increase trading activity. This result provides evidence that tax clienteles for dividend policies exists and that their effect is strong enough to influence investors' decisions. Further, consistent with dividend clienteles existing, I find that the relation between dividend‐increase magnitude and postdividend‐increase trading activity decreases with higher pre‐dividend‐increase dividend levels.
Using DNA barcoding to improve bat carcass identification at wind farms in the United States

Bat fatality monitoring at wind turbines depends upon reliable identification of carcasses. Using reference mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene sequences mined from GENBANK and new sequences from collected samples, we constructed maximum likelihood trees including all 47 bat species found in the USA and tested the use of this locus for DNA barcoding these bat species. In this study, 80 % of species examined had distinct barcodes, including species currently listed as threatened or endangered. Nine of 17 Myotis bat species examined did not form distinct clades and had very low inter-specific genetic distances (1.4 %), thereby making this barcoding technique unreliable for some members of this genus. We then applied this technique to DNA samples from 892 bats salvaged from wind farms across four states. Using DNA barcoding, we were able to identify 14 carcasses to species that could not be identified in the field due to extensive decomposition and scavenging, and determined that another 18 carcasses had been misidentified in the field. Furthermore, we found field misidentifications increased with time until discovery. We conclude that DNA barcoding can improve the identification of salvaged bat carcasses especially when rare and uncommon species are encountered. This technique has other practical applications, such as identifying remains from hibernacula (potentially including carcasses of unknown bats with white-nose syndrome) or identifying species from fecal samples at roost sites or other locales.
Remote Recall of Childhood Height, Weight, and Body Build by Elderly Subjects

The long-term recall of height, weight, and body build was examined as part of a 1988 follow-up of the Boston-based Third Harvard Growth Study (1922-1935). By design, approximately 50 percent of subjects had body mass indices during adolescence of greater than the 75th percentile, and approximately 50 percent of subjects had body mass indices between the 25th and 50th percentiles. Interviewed subjects, aged 71-76 years (n = 181) were asked to recall their high school height and weight and to select outline drawings that best reflected their body size at ages 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. Reports at ages 71-76 years were compared with measurements obtained during childhood and adolescence. High school weight was overestimated by men who were lean as adolescents (mean recalled minus measured difference = 2.5 kg, 95 percent confidence interval 0.78-4.3) and underestimated by women who were obese as adolescents (mean difference = -2.3 kg, 95 percent confidence interval -4.8 to 0.21). Pearson crude correlations between recalled body build and body mass index measured at approximately the same ages were between 0.53 and 0.75 for all ages studied except for a correlation of 0.36 among males at age 5 years. Adjustment for current body mass index only slightly reduced the correlations between adolescent body mass index and recalled build. Adolescent obesity classifications based on indicators derived from recalled weight and build had moderate sensitivities (37-57 percent) and high specificities (98-100 percent). These results indicate that the remote recall of height, weight, and body size can contribute useful information independent of current weight status.
Recyclable Supported Carbene Catalysts for High-Yielding Self-Condensation of Furaldehydes into C10 and C12 Furoins

Two highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous azolium catalyst systems, one grafted (g) onto the inorganic oxide (Silica) and the other onto the organic polymer [Merrifield’s peptide or chloromethylated polystyrene (PS) resin], have been developed and employed to catalyze quantitative self-coupling (umpolung condensation) reactions of furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into C10 and C12 furoins, respectively. Supported benzimidazolium ([BI]) salts bearing a long-chain alkyl substituent (i.e., C12 dodecyl) on the azolium nitrogen atom, upon activation with a suitable base to generate the corresponding N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst, are found to be far more effective catalysts for furaldehyde self-coupling reactions than the analogous catalysts carrying a short-chain alkyl substituent (i.e., C1 methyl). Thus, supported NHC catalysts generated in situ from Silica-g-[BI]-C12 or PS-g-[BI]-C12-benzyl/base afford the C10 and C12 furoins in about 97% and 94% yield, respectively. By adopting a c...
An optimal iterative algorithm for extracting MUCs in a black-box constraint network

We present a non-intrusive iterative algorithm for extracting Minimal Unsatisfiable Cores in black-box constraint networks. The problem can be generalized as the one of finding a minimal subset satisfying an upward-closed property P. If performance is measured as the number of infeasibility property checks, we show that the proposed algorithm, ADEL, is optimal both for small and for large MUCs and that it consistently outperforms existing approaches in between those two extremal cases.
Using Automatic Scoring Models to Detect Changes in Student Writing in an Intelligent Tutoring System

This study compares automated scoring increases and linguistic changes for student writers in two groups: a group that used an intelligent tutoring system embedded with an automated writing evaluation component (Writing Pal) and a group that used only the automated writing evaluation component. The primary goal is to examine automated scoring differences in both groups from pretest to posttest essays to investigate score gains and linguistic development. The study finds that both groups show significant increases in automated writing scores and significant development in lexical, syntactic, cohesion, and rhetorical features. However, the Writing-Pal group shows greater raw frequency gains (i.e., negative v. positive gains).
The Influence of Food Inside the Hive on Pollen Collection by a Honeybee Colony

SummaryPackaged bees were installed in hives with 3 empty frames and 6 additional frames, all filled with either honey, pollen or empty cells. Pollen collection and brood production were sampled. Linear correlation between pollen collection and population was not significant. Pollen collection was higher with honey than with pollen or with empty cells. Correlation between pollen collection and brood area was significant in starved colonies in which brood rearing was depressed. Thus, adequate stores of honey or syrup seem important to pollen gathering.
Who am I now? Experiences of widowed baby boomers attending grief support groups

AbstractThis qualitative study used a symbolic interactionist approach to explore experiences of widowed baby boomers in the mid-west United States, who attend/ed grief support groups. Results from 38 personal interviews revealed three themes: (a) the importance of a support group as a safe haven coupled with the value of sharing a similar loss; (b) challenges related to group support; and (c) fractured individual and social selves. The evidence supports the idea that grief groups are effective in aiding the widowed in bereavement but also highlights a need to adjust the structure of group programs (specific to spousal loss). Recommendations are given for providers to consider addressing restoration-oriented stress as the group progresses (in lieu of a sole emphasis on loss-oriented tension). The new structure has the potential to recognise a fractured self in widowhood to meet the needs of, provide hope for, and empower widowed survivors in a 21st century landscape.
A Feasibility Study for a Posthospital Intervention for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Adults With Heart Failure.

PURPOSE To test the feasibility of a self-management intervention for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in adults with heart failure (HF) discharged from hospital. DESIGN Single blinded randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS AND SETTING Thirty-one adults, aged 50 years and older, with an HF diagnosis and 1 or more LUTS were recruited during their hospitalization after passing a cognitive screen. Subjects received the intervention and completed postintervention measures in their own homes. METHODS During hospitalization, subjects were recruited, enrolled, and consented, and then completed baseline questionnaires and 24-hour pad test. After discharge, both groups received educational sessions on different topics by telephone in 4-weekly sessions. The specific aims were to determine: (1) subject recruitment and retention rates, (2) subjects' adherence to baseline and postintervention measures, and (3) subjects' and nurse interventionist's adherence to the protocol. The LUTS intervention effects on specific clinical outcomes were explored. RESULTS Potential subjects were recruited over 5 months at an enrollment ratio of 4.7:1. Approximately 68% completed the study. Average age was 66.3 ± 9.8 years (mean ± SD). The majority were female (54.8%) and white (51.6%). Most subjects had urinary incontinence (UI) (74.2%) and 77.4% rated their health as either fair or poor. The study was underpowered to determine statistical significance at P < .05 level. Thirty-three percent of the LUTS intervention group reported improved UI frequency postintervention, compared to 25% of the attention control group. CONCLUSION Adults with HF experience LUTS, but little is known about how best to manage and treat it. This study showed that it is possible to recruit and retain adults who have HF and rate their health as fair or poor into a 4-week intervention study, although oversampling is needed due to attrition.
Designing a Web-Based Graphical Interface for Virtual Machine Management

In any cloud computing architecture, virtualization is very important. We can accomplish this with the creating of virtual machines, guest operating systems that run on top of a host operating system by means of a hypervisor. There are many hypervisors (Xen, KVM, Virtual Box), each having advantages and disadvantages. The goal of this project is to use the KVM hypervisor, which comes standard with many Linux OS distributions, to host virtual machines that are deployed from a web-based graphical user interface.
First-principles calculations and thermodynamic modeling of the Sn-Ta system

Abstract A thermodynamic description of the Sn-Ta system was developed using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) approach in combination with first-principles calculations. A positive enthalpy of mixing of the body centered cubic phase was predicted, using special quasirandom structures (SQS), indicating the tendency to form a miscibility gap. The finite temperature thermodynamic properties of Ta3Sn and TaSn2 were calculated by the Debye-Gruneisen model as well as phonon calculations using the supercell approach. The results from first-principles calculations along with the previously reported decomposition temperature of TaSn2, 868 °K, were used to evaluate the Gibbs energy parameters of the TaSn2, Ta3Sn intermetallics and the liquid phase. No decomposition temperature of Ta3Sn has previously been reported in the literature but was predicted in this work to be 2884 °K. The calculated phase diagram agrees well with available experimental information of the Sn-Ta system and also compares well with similar systems such as Nb-Sn and V-Sn.
Trapping Dynamic Disulfide Bonds in the Hard Segments of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers

Dynamic covalent bonds placed within a polymer chain result in stimulus-responsive materials where the breaking/making and/or exchange of the dynamic bonds controls the response. A key attribute to access such properties is the molecular mobility of the dynamic bonds. The focus of this work is to understand how incorporating a dynamic bond, in the form of disulfide bonds, into the hard phase of a polyurethane will impact the properties of the materials. Thus, uncross-linked polyurethanes with aliphatic disulfide-containing hard segments are synthesized via a two-step protocol, using 2,2′-dithiodiethanol and/or 1,4-butanediol in the second step as the chain extenders. Thermomechanical studies show that, if the dynamic bonds are selectively placed in the hard phase of the polyurethane, the dynamic nature of the disulfide bond can be effectively “switched-off” below the melting temperature of the hard phase. As such the dynamic and mechanical properties of the materials can be controlled by tailoring the nature of the hard phase.
Designing A Health System That Works For The Tribe

After a crisis at its Indian Health Service hospital, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe imagines a health system that finally meets its needs.
Characterization of epoxide adducts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with hemoglobin.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 3191 In the following experiments we investigated the binding of selected PAH epoxides (benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, dibenz(a,hanthracene, fluoranthene, benzo(ghi)perylene, and benz(a)anthracene) to hemoglobin in order to determine the kinetics of binding of the PAH epoxide to hemoglobin. The following experiments were carried out using mouse (C57BL/6 male mice) hemoglobin in vitro . Through a series of binding studies as well as known carcinogenicity of the parent PAHs, we correlated extent of reaction of various epoxides with known carcinogenicity of the parent PAH. PAH epoxides arise via metabolism of the parent PAH to epoxides, followed by the addition of water to generate a diol. These reactions are catalyzd by microsomal enzymes as well as epoxide hydrolase. A second epoxidation reaction occurs at an adjacent double bond to yield a diol-epoxide of the parent PAH. Packed red cells (mouse) were resuspended in isotonic saline (2 mls). 100 μl aliquots of RBC suspension were used in reactions (volume brought to 500 μl with saline). PAH epoxide stock solutions were dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (1 mg/ml). 10 μl epoxide PAH stock was added to reactions. Reactions were carried out at 37° for 0,1,2,4,8,10,15,20,45,and 60 minutes. Reactions were stopped by addition of 500 μl water to hydrolyze unreacted PAH epoxide. Red cells were precipitated by centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The packed red cells were lyzed using 1 volume cold water and globin precipitated by addition of hemoglobin to acidified (0.1% HCl) acetone. Globin was collected, rinsed with acetone (100%), dried under nitrogen and stored at -20° until analysis. Control reactions were performed by preincubation of the PAH epoxides in saline for 15 minutes prior to addition of the red cell suspension. PAH epoxides were released from the globin by incubation (1 ml) with pronase for 24 hours at 37°. After reaction, released PAH tetrols were extracted using combinations of liquid and solid phase extraction and the tetrols taken to dryness under vacuum. The resulting PAH tetrols were analyzed spectrophotometrically by HPLC using both UV and fluorescence detection. Results from the study indicated that PAH epoxides bound covalently to the protein hemoglobin. The extent of PAH binding to the protein was similar with all epoxides, however there appears to be a correlation between the extent of binding and the overall carcinogenicity of the PAH with the stronger carcinogens having a faster rate of protein adduction than weaker carcinogens. These results suggest that the formation of hemoglobin adducts to PAH carcinogens may serve as reliable biomarkers of exposure as well as carcinogenicity. The limit of sensitivity of the assay by fluorometric detection of the released PAH tetrols is <10 pmols PAH epoxide/ mg protein. This limit of sensitivity suggests that the methods developed may be useful in routine monitoring of PAHs in population studies.
Polymorphism of Lysozyme Condensates.

Protein condensates play essential roles in physiological processes and pathological conditions. Recently discovered mesoscopic protein-rich clusters may act as kinetic precursors for the nucleation of ordered protein solids, such as crystals, sickle hemoglobin polymers, and amyloid fibrils. These clusters challenge settled paradigms of protein condensation, as the constituent protein molecules present features characteristic of both partially misfolded and native proteins. Here we employ the antimicrobial enzyme lysozyme and examine the similarities between mesoscopic clusters, amyloid structures, and disordered aggregates consisting of chemically modified protein. We show that the mesoscopic clusters are distinct from the other two classes of aggregates. Whereas cluster formation and amyloid oligomerization are both reversible, aggregation triggered by reduction of the intramolecular S-S bonds is permanent. In contrast to the amyloid structures, protein molecules in the clusters retain their enzymatic a...
Equitable Principles and Jurisdictional Time Periods, Part 1

Like other federal courts, the Tax Court is very, very cautious about not overstepping its Congressionally-given bounds. However, the Tax Court also strives to allow taxpayers their day in Court. These two impulses --- the caution to stay within the statutory grants of power and the drive to decide cases on the merits --- sometimes collide. When that happens, the Tax Court struggles in applying the relevant limitation period and, as a result, sometimes lies or cheats. It sometimes lies by claiming that it may not apply equitable principles to the relevant limitation period. It sometimes cheats by accomplishing the same result by manipulating facts to bring a case within the relevant time period. It sometimes does both at the same time. This article addresses the lie. It reviews cases where the Supreme Court, and other courts, have indeed applied equitable doctrines to jurisdictional time periods. It describes the Supreme Court’s continuing but uncertain distinction between time periods that are jurisdictional and time periods that are “mere” claims-processing rules. Since we are stuck with that distinction, the article suggests that a better way to approach the distinction --- plain language permitting --- is to look at the purpose of the limitation period. That purpose will often help decide whether Congress has left room for courts to apply equitable principles to the limitations period. If there is room, the limitation period should not be labeled “jurisdictional.” The article thus argues that, descriptively, courts allow equitable doctrines to toll supposedly jurisdictional time periods and, normatively, such application is desirable because the upside of helping taxpayers get judicial review of the merits of their controversy with the IRS outweighs the potential downsides.
Attenuation of noise-induced hyperactivity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus by pre-treatment with MK-801

Abstract It has previously been hypothesized that hyperactivity of central auditory neurons following exposure to intense noise is a consequence of synaptic alterations. Recent studies suggest the involvement of NMDA receptors in the induction of this hyperactive state. NMDA receptors can mediate long term changes in the excitability of neurons through their involvement in excitotoxic injury and long term potentiation and depression. In this study, we examined the effect of administering an NMDA receptor blocker on the induction of hyperactivity in the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) following intense sound exposure. Our prediction was that if hyperactivity induced by intense sound exposure is dependent on NMDA receptors, then blocking these receptors by administering an NMDA receptor antagonist just before animals are exposed to intense sound should reduce the degree of hyperactivity that subsequently emerges. We compared the levels of hyperactivity that develop in the DCN after intense sound exposure to activity recorded in control animals that were not sound exposed. One group of animals to be sound exposed received intraperitoneal injection of MK-801 twenty minutes preceding the sound exposure, while the other group received injection of saline. Recordings performed in the DCN 26–28 days post-exposure revealed increased response thresholds and widespread increases in spontaneous activity in the saline-treated animals that had been sound exposed, consistent with earlier studies. The animals treated with MK-801 preceding sound exposure showed similarly elevated thresholds but an attenuation of hyperactivity in the DCN; the attenuation was most robust in the high frequency half of the DCN, but lower levels of hyperactivity were also found in the low frequency half. These findings suggest that NMDA receptors are an important component of the hyperactivity-inducing mechanism following intense sound exposure. They further suggest that blockade of NMDA receptors may offer a useful therapeutic approach to preventing induction of noise-induced hyperactivity-related hearing disorders, such as tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Sex dimorphism in the distribution of adipose tissue and its influence on proinflammatory adipokines and cardiometabolic profiles in motor complete spinal cord injury.

Objective: We aimed to examine the influence of sex on the distribution of adipose tissue, as well as proinflammatory adipokine and cardiometabolic profiles, in chronic motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI).Design: Cross-sectional and correlational study.Setting: Academic rehabilitation hospital.Participants: Forty-seven individuals with chronic motor complete SCI classified according to sex (males: age 44.0 ± 10.9 y, body mass index (BMI) 27.2 ± 5.8, level of injury (LOI) C4 - L1; females: 42.0 ± 13.5 y, BMI 27.8 ± 6.6, LOI C4 - T11).Intervention: Not applicable.Outcome Measures: Visceral (VAT), subcutaneous (SAT), and total trunk (TTAT) adipose tissue volumes were assessed utilizing magnetic resonance imaging and a VAT:SAT ratio was calculated. Proinflammatory adipokines (tumor neurosis factor-α, interleukin-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, and high sensitivity c-reactive protein) and cardiovascular, carbohydrate, and lipid profiles were evaluated acco...
High School Youth Group Seniors Transitioning to College: Risk Behavior, Social Support, Religiosity, and Attitude toward Youth Group:

Youth workers devote a great deal of energy to creating and maintaining vibrant high school ministries in local congregations. But what happens to these youth when they graduate and move away to co...
A Study on the Generation and Propagation of Traveling Waves in Strings

Traveling and standing waves occurring in mechanical systems are the results of the interplay of excitation sources, locations, and boundary conditions. While traveling waves carry energy throughout a system, standing waves keep such energy within a located area associated with the modes of excitation. Depending on the desired characteristics of a system, it is crucial to understand the wave propagation and what parameters affect wave propagations. In the present work, one-dimensional string equations are studied with fixed-fixed boundary condition with the purpose of generating steady-state traveling waves. Two excitation forces at various frequencies of excitation are applied to a string near opposing boundaries to understand the generation and propagation of traveling and standing waves. The work focuses on how parameters affect the wave propagation on a string under the fixed-fixed boundary condition and their quality examined. Understanding the effects of these parameters on the wave propagation of a string can lead to better understanding of microorganism behaviors, such as the propulsion of flagella or biological counter parts such as the basilar membrane (2D string) in the ear’s cochlea that exhibit non-reflective waves.
Building secure high-performance web services with OKWS

OKWS is a toolkit for building fast and secure Web services. It provides Web developers with a small set of tools that has proved powerful enough to build complex systems with limited effort. Despite its emphasis on security, OKWS shows performance improvements compared to popular systems: when servicing fully dynamic, non-disk-bound database workloads, OKWS's throughput and responsiveness exceed that of Apache 2 [3], Flash [23] and Haboob [44]. Experience with OKWS in a commercial deployment suggests it can reduce hardware and system management costs, while providing security guarantees absent in current systems.
Bounded rationality and public policy: Herbert A. Simon and the decisional foundation of collective choice

By 1958, a model of human behavior capable of serving as the micro-level foundation for organizational and policy studies was in place, due primarily to the efforts of Herbert Simon, organization theorist James March, and computer scientist Allen Newell. Yet the fundamentals of that model, the behavioral model of choice, to this date have not been fully incorporated into policy studies and organizational analyses. The ‘Simon program’ remains incomplete. Much analysis continues to rely on thick or thin models of rational maximization. As is well-known, the behavioral model of choice links to organizational processes better than rational actor assumptions. But the behavioral model of choice also predicts distributions of organizational and policy outputs in a superior fashion, and need not draw in extraneous descriptive facets of human behavior to the analysis. As Herb Simon did beginning in 1945 until his death in 2001, I continue to advocate a solid behavioral base for the analysis of political and economic systems.
Elementary Particle Physics: An Intuitive Introduction

This modern introduction to particle physics equips students with the skills needed to develop a deep and intuitive understanding of the physical theory underpinning contemporary experimental results. The fundamental tools of particle physics are introduced and accompanied by historical profiles charting the development of the field. Theory and experiment are closely linked, with descriptions of experimental techniques used at CERN accompanied by detail on the physics of the Large Hadron Collider and the strong and weak forces that dominate proton collisions. Recent experimental results are featured, including the discovery of the Higgs boson. Equations are supported by physical interpretations, and end-of-chapter problems are based on datasets from a range of particle physics experiments including dark matter, neutrino, and collider experiments. A solutions manual for instructors is available online. Additional features include worked examples throughout, a detailed glossary of key terms, appendices covering essential background material, and extensive references and further reading to aid self-study, making this an invaluable resource for advanced undergraduates in physics.
PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF FINE AGGREGATE (SAND) BY SAWDUST (INTERNAL CURING AGENT) IN CONCRETE MIX

Concrete is composite material consists of Fine aggregate (F.A), Coarse Aggregate (C.A), Cement and Water in desired proportion to get desired strength. As the reaction between cement and water is exothermic reaction in which heat is liberated due to which water present in concrete is get evaporated this evaporation of water can hindered the reaction of cement and water therefore to overcome this problem we have to do curing of concrete member which can be done by two methods i) External Curing ii) Internal Curing.But Surface curing of Concrete member required huge amount of water which can be a big problem in water scarce areas so to overcome this problem we have to go through Internal Curing.This report represents a parametrical experimental study on the use of presaturated sawdust for getting the desired strength of concrete with optimum water cement ratio (0.45). Here presaturated sawdust is an Internal Curing Agent which will act as a source of internal curing which liberate water when needed. In this experimental study we had created different samples by replacing the mass of fine aggregate by presaturated saw dust in three replacement levels 4%, 8%, 12% respectively. These samples are placed in presence of normal conditions that is no curing provided. Compressive strength test is conducted.
Investigation of high frequency 1D NMR to characterize reservoir rocks

Abstract Typical laboratory Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurements for core analysis are made at a frequency of 2 MHz, principally to verify downhole logging measurements with frequency ranging from 0.7 to 2 MHz. However, higher frequencies have been introduced in measuring shale properties. In this study, we investigate the differences between low frequency (2 MHz) NMR and higher frequency (12 MHz) NMR responses with different TE (Echo Time) ranging from 114 to 300μs in various rock types including sandstones and shales. We found that 12 MHz instrument attains a greater SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) ranging from 7.3 to 9.8 times higher with fewer scans than the 2 MHz instrument. While this is an insignificant factor for highly porous rocks, it is very important when measuring shales, which requires numerous scans to achieve an acceptable SNR levels. This is also significant while tracking time dependent fluid changes in rocks. We demonstrate novel technique of the dynamic monitoring for a CO2 displacement of oil experiment with 12 MHz NMR instrument. T2 spectra were obtained every 20 min to document the oil saturation profile. From this saturation profile, breakthrough time and residual oil saturation were determined to be 340 min and 54%, respectively. Total porosity measurements were almost identical between 2 MHz and 12 MHz with an average difference of ±0.38 p.u. For shale samples only, the difference in porosity measurement was much less, i.e., ±0.16 p.u. Our results suggest that higher frequency NMR produces similar total porosity estimates, T2 geometric means, and T2 spectra for some conventional sandstones with low paramagnetic mineral content and shale lithologies.
Higher insulin expenditures associated with utilization of free medication samples.

Abstract Background Insulin prescription prices have been a barometer of the complexities and concerns in the United States drug supply chain. The influence of free samples of medications have not been explored in this context. Objective To examine the trends in insulin prescription prices among sample users and non-users. Methods Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data from the years 2009–2015 were used. Insulin users were identified and grouped according to self-reported sample use and as new users based on year of treatment initiation variables. Prevalence of sample use was discerned using Cochran-Armitage Trend tests. Per prescription costs were summed as both the total costs and the patient out-of-pocket costs (OOP) and compared between users and non-users of samples. MEPS weights were used to create a nationally representative analytic sample. Results The weighted analytic sample included 5.3 million insulin users in 2009, which increased to 7.7 million insulin users in 2015. Among these, 5.6% reported sample use in 2009, which peaked in 2014 (8.1%), and was 6.2% in 2015 (p Conclusions Sample use has increased among insulin users and is associated with higher per prescription costs. Patients and prescribers should consider the implications of sample use in the long-term.
Exposure to Stigma Elicits Negative Affect and Alcohol Craving Among Young Adult Sexual Minority Heavy Drinkers

Background Sexual orientation disparities in alcohol use disorder (AUD) are thought to be explained by stigma specific to sexual minorities. Despite the importance of negative affect and craving in addiction, research has yet to test the effects of stigma on affect and alcohol craving among sexual minorities. This laboratory study examined the effects of 3 novel mood inductions (stigma, general unpleasant, and neutral) on affect and alcohol craving among heavy-drinking sexual minority young adults. We also paired these mood inductions with an established alcohol cue reactivity paradigm to explore the effects of stigma on cue-elicited craving. Methods Sexual minority participants (N = 20; 55% female), aged 18 to 27 years (M = 21.80, standard deviation = 2.65), were recruited from the community. Participants completed 3 mood induction and cue reactivity trials counterbalanced over 3 visits on different days: stigma, general unpleasant, and neutral mood inductions. A structured interview assessed criteria for DSM-5 AUD, and self-report measures assessed lifetime adverse experiences. Results Most participants met criteria for past-year AUD (75%). Exposure to stigma produced more negative affect and greater alcohol craving than the neutral and general unpleasant mood induction conditions. The general unpleasant mood induction did not predict greater alcohol craving than the neutral mood induction. Stigma enhanced alcohol cue reactivity effects, as measured with a single-item craving measure, compared to the general unpleasant mood condition, and this effect remained significant while controlling for covariates. Conclusions Findings are the first to demonstrate how stigma uniquely predicts negative affect and alcohol craving among sexual minorities. This study suggests that being exposed to stigma, specifically heterosexism, elicits negative mood and alcohol craving among sexual minority young adults who are heavy drinkers.