cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Low Can You Go? Empirically Assessing Minimum Usable DAQ Performance for Highly Fieldable EEG Systems

Electroencephalography (EEG) as a physiological assessment technique holds high promise for on-line monitoring of cognitive states. Examples include detecting when a user is overly fatigued, if they are paying attention to a target item, or even detecting sub-conscious object recognition, all of which can be used for greatly enhanced human-system interaction. However, because EEG involves measuring extremely small voltage fluctuations (microvolts) against a potential background that is very large (milivolts), conventional EEG data acquisition (DAQ) systems utilize very high-resolution components, such as low-noise amplifiers and 24-bit sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) on the ideal premise of acquiring a maximal resolution signal to guarantee information content from the data. Unfortunately this comes at the cost of high power consumption and requires expensive system components. We hypothesize that, for many targeted research applications, this level of resolution may not be necessary, and that by intelligently allowing a reduction in the signal fidelity, substantial savings in cost and power consumption can be obtained. To date though a pragmatic minimum resolution remains unexplored. Here, we discuss the utility of using a parametric approach of simulating signal degradation analogous to decreasing ADC bit (vertical) resolution and amplifier fidelity. Results derived from classification of both drowsiness (alpha oscillation) and oddity (P300) detection show strong overall robustness to poor-quality signals, such that classifier performance remains unaffected until resolution is well outside of typical recording specifications. These observations suggest that researchers and system designers should carefully consider that resolution trade-offs for power and cost are entirely reasonable for targeted applications, enabling feasibility of ultra-low power or highly fieldable data collection systems in the near future.
Tanzanian grain supply: Peasant production and state policies

Abstract This article discusses the problem inherent in the development of the Tanzanian economy with respect to the primary reliance placed on peasant commodity production of grain for the provision of the national grain supply. The discussion includes issues related to structural features of the Tanzanian economy, the nature of state intervention and the development of labour productivity in peasant agriculture. A mutually servicing relationship between peasant producers and state agents providing marketing and productive infrastructure is critical to the resolution of the current national grain supply problem.
A depth profile of C-14 in the lunar rock 12002.

The procedure involved separating the rock sample into depth fractions, designated OPI-OP6, grinding and dissolving each sample in a teflon still. The results obtained for the C-14 depth profile are shown in a table. The value for OP4 is unusually high. This phenomenon can be explained by leakage of atmospheric C-14 during the test. The profile shows a definite decrease in C-14 activity with increasing depth in the rock.
Synthesis of M Protein by Group A Hemolytic Streptococci in Completely Synthetic Media During Steady-State Growth

Strains of type 6 (S 43) and type 14 group A streptococci were grown with M-protein production in the presence of chemically defined synthetic media slightly modified from that previously employed for the growth of a nonproducer of M protein (type 4). The M protein, which is associated with virulence in group A streptococcus, was previously produced in growing cultures only with complex media. The bacterial growth with the biosynthesis of M protein in synthetic medium was obtained by successive adaptation in steady-state culture with decreasing amounts of Todd-Hewitt broth. The synthesis continued for at least 480 generations at pH 7.3 and with a generation time of 84 min. Glucose was the limiting nutrilite and the concentration of reducing agents in the medium was critical. The M protein was identified by gel diffusion against type-specific antisera from the Communicable Disease Center and from R. Lancefield. The yield of M protein obtained from organisms grown in the continuous-culture device was comparable to that from standard broth stationary cultures.
ESTATE: strategy for exploring labeled spatial datasets using association analysis

We propose an association analysis-based strategy for exploration of multi-attribute spatial datasets possessing naturally arising classification. Proposed strategy, ESTATE (Exploring Spatial daTa Association patTErns), inverts such classification by interpreting different classes found in the dataset in terms of sets of discriminative patterns of its attributes. It consists of several core steps including discriminative data mining, similarity between transactional patterns, and visualization. An algorithm for calculating similarity measure between patterns is the major original contribution that facilitates summarization of discovered information and makes the entire framework practical for real life applications. Detailed description of the ESTATE framework is followed by its application to the domain of ecology using a dataset that fuses the information on geographical distribution of biodiversity of bird species across the contiguous United States with distributions of 32 environmental variables across the same area.
Chief Financial Officers' Perceptions Concerning the IMA's Standards of Ethical Conduct

Do chief financial officers (CFOs) of publicly held corporations agree with the Institute of Management Accountants' (IMA) Standards of Ethical Conduct and are they willing to adopt them? To address these issues, a survey was conducted concerning the Standards. The IMA issued the Pronouncement of Standards in June, 1982.
Delayed ovulation, a significant factor in the variability of the menstrual cycle

Abstract The pre- and postovulatory phases of the menstrual cycle are as variable in length as the cycle as a whole in the macaque (Hartman). Such variability can readily be explained in a cycle controlled by a balanced system of endocrine forces. Ovulation is demonstrated on the 21st to the 23rd, 29th, 29th to the 30th, 30th, and 36th days after the onset of normal menstrual periods in a colony of healthy, mature macaques. There is evidence that such delayed ovulation occurs more frequently than these five crucial cases would indicate. Delayed ovulation in these cases was due to a postmenstrual period of ovarian inactivity.
The bee fauna (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) of southeastern Washington

A survey of the species composition, distribution, and host plants of bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) was conducted in the Snake River area, the Colton area, and the Moscow Mountain area of southeastern Washington. Nineteen genera and 100 species occurred in the three areas. The number of species found in each family were: 1 Colletidae; 11 Halictidae; 31 Megachilidae; 27 Adrenidae; 15 Anthophoridae and 15 Apidae. Location and flowers visited are listed for each species. Key words: bees; Hymenoptera; Apoidea; bee fauna; Washington State
Integrated Time Series

Earlier in Chapter 3 we touched on random trends and described two aggregation schemes to decompose series into trends and other, weakly stationary, components. Series with random walk components are called integrated (of order one) because they are the sums (integrals) of weakly-stationary components. When some linear combinations of components of an integrated vector-valued series become weakly stationary rather than being integrated, we say that these components are cointegrated. This notion is proposed by Granger—see Granger [1981], Granger and Weiss [1983], and Engle and Granger [1987], for example. In state space modeling of cointegrated series, some components of time series at different time points may enter as state variables. We therefore interpret the notion of cointegration broadly and allow for the possibility of linear combination of not-necessarily-contemporaneous components of time series being weakly stationary, as in Aoki [1990], for example. We devote this chapter to modeling of integrated time series and related series such as cointegrated or nearly integrated series.
IMPORTED SPOTTED FEVER RICKETTSIOSES IN UNITED STATES TRAVELERS RETURNING FROM AFRICA: A SUMMARY OF CASES CONFIRMED BY LABORATORY TESTING AT THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, 1999–2002

The increasing popularity of foreign travel and ecotourism places travelers at increased risk for certain tick-borne diseases. From 1999 through 2002, 31 cases of imported spotted fever-group rickettsioses (SFGR) in United States residents reporting travel to Africa were confirmed by laboratory testing at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nineteen patients (61%) reported visiting South Africa prior to illness onset. Most patients reported fever and one or more eschars; rash was reported for only 26% of the patients. Twelve patients had an initial non-reactive acute-phase serum sample obtained a median of three days after illness onset, and were confirmed by testing a second convalescent-phase serum sample obtained a median of 32 days after illness onset. Five patients were confirmed positive through immunohistochemical staining of skin biopsies, including three patients with acute-phase serum samples that tested negative for SFGR. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating convalescent-phase serum specimens 28 days or more after illness onset or examining skin biopsies by immunohistochemical staining during early infection to confirm a diagnosis of imported SFGR.
Avoidance Reactions of Salmonid and Centrarchid Fishes to Low Oxygen Concentrations

Abstract All of four fish species used in 174 laboratory experiments with a “channeled avoidance tank” avoided some low oxygen concentrations, the degree of avoidance generally decreasing with increasing concentration. Avoidance indices computed were based on numbers of entries into two experimental channels with reduced oxygen concentrations and two control channels, on numbers of crossings of a transverse line located well inside each channel, and on numbers of fish observed in the channels at 60-second intervals. Juvenile chinook salmon showed marked avoidance of oxygen concentrations near 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mg./1. in summer at high temperatures. A decrease of the avoidance observed in the fall is ascribable to lower temperatures. The chinook salmon showed little avoidance of concentrations near 4.5 mg./1. in the fall, and no avoidance of concentrations near 6.0 mg./1. at any time. At summer temperatures juvenile coho salmon showed some avoidance of all the above oxygen concentrations, including 6 mg./1...
Direct Observation of a Photoinduced Wolff Rearrangement in PMMA Using Ultrafast Infrared Spectroscopy

As part of a program to develop diagnostics for laser-driven reaction in polymer matrices, we have investigated the photoinduced decomposition of 5-diazo-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione (5-diazo Meldrum`s acid, DM) in a PMMA matrix. This particular diazoketone is sensitive to deep UV (200-260nm), making it suitable for high-resolution lithographic applications. It has historically been difficult to study the chemistry of such resists as many of the intermediates are short-lived and absorb only in the UV. Recent advances in ultrafast infrared spectroscopy, however, now allow us to directly examine the initial steps occurring in UV photoresists with infrared spectroscopy. Herein, we describe the first room temperature observation of intermediates in the photochemistry of DM with utlrafast infrared spectroscopy. In summary, these experiments have provided the first example of how ultrafast infrared spectroscopy may be used to examine laser-driven reactions in polymeric matrices. We have determined that the photoinduced Wolff rearrangement of DM in a PMMA matrix is complete within 20 ps. The IR band assignable to the ketene is centered at 2161 cm{sup -1} and has a width of 29 cm{sup -1}. The rapid formation of the ketene is a key element of the high quantum yield of carboxylic acid formation and a key elementmore » as well for the use of DM as an ablation sensitizer. 22 refs., 3 figs.« less
Combined carotid and coronary revascularization

Abstract The diffuse nature of atherosclerosis requires that approaches to treatment in one area of the body take into account possible disease in other areas as well. An operation or intervention designed to correct disease of the carotid or coronary arteries in isolation may result in infarction in the territory of the unoperated system, with significant morbidity and mortality. At the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN we have experience with 56 cases of combined carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) between 1976 and 1993. In each case, the CEA was performed during the same anesthetic, prior to sternotomy and the institution of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Approximately 50% of the patients had high-grade asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Over 80% of patients were New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV. Thirty-two percent were severely symptomatic from both their carotid and coronary disease. The perioperative stroke risk was 7.1% and the perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) rate was 5.4%. After mean follow-up of 40.7 months, 36 patients were alive and 20 had died. The overall mortality rate was 36% and our data predict a median survival time of 6 years from the combined procedure. With the introduction of improved endovascular techniques to treat both carotid and coronary artery atherosclerosis, we have rarely found the need to perform open surgery for combined disease. The current role of carotid artery stenting and preoperative cardiac evaluation will be discussed in the context of combined carotid and coronary artery atherosclerosis.
Superfluid double layers in hectorites

Abstract Superfluid double layers linked at a discrete set of points are investigated as a model for4He films adsorbed in hectorites. Sinks and sources are introduced as novel topological excitations added to vortices, which are proper to the films on porous media. We not only recover the vortex confinement previously reported, but also discuss a possibility of a new topological order.
Remission and relapse in subjects with panic disorder and panic with agoraphobia: a prospective short-interval naturalistic follow-up.

This article reports on the course of uncomplicated panic disorder and panic with agoraphobia on 309 patients participating in the Harvard/Brown Anxiety Research Project, a prospective longitudinal study of patients with DSM-III-R-defined anxiety disorders. At 1 year, there was a .39 probability of full remission for uncomplicated panic disorder and a .17 probability of full remission for panic disorder with agoraphobia Similar differences in time to remission for these syndromes were still found when criteria for remission were made less stringent. However, even requiring less improvement for remission left a large percentage of subjects in an episode, and for those that remitted, relapse occurred quickly, indicating a chronic and recurrent course of illness. This is the first longitudinal, prospective, naturalistic study on a large cohort of subjects with anxiety disorders to have regular, structured, short-interval follow-up. Our results are consistent with the view that panic disorder has a chronic course with high rates of relapse after remission and longer episodes when agoraphobia is a part of the constellation of symptoms.
Recovery and Spiritual Transformation Among Peer Leaders of a Modified Methadone Anonymous Group

This analysis of five recovery narratives from leaders of a peer-led, 12-Step-based self- help group in a methadone treatment program highlights the importance of spiritually-mediated role transformation in the recovery process. For these men and women in their forties and fifties, their progression to a leadership role helping others with their recovery validated the spiritual transformation they regarded as underlying their own recovery process. Assumption of this new leadership/helper role marked a tangible sign that their deepened spirituality allowed them to assume a new, higher function in a struggle with the addiction that had plagued their lives. For these peer leaders, methadone was at the core of the group experience and an aid to spiritual transformation.
Confocal optical feedback processing system: an improved optical design

Coherent optical feedback in the form of a simple confocal resonator has been used to solve partial differential and integral equations. However, due to aberrations, the simple feedback system has a limited space–bandwidth product. An attempt is made here to increase the space–bandwidth product and the accuracy of the optical solution by introducing optical elements with spherical surfaces and negative lens effects into the simple confocal system.
Early and late outcome of cardiac surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a major risk factor in general surgery. Few studies have reported on the outcome of cardiac surgery in these patients. Herein we report our recent experience in this high-risk patient population according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. Between January 1998 and December 2004, 27 patients (mean age 58 +/- 10 yr, 20 male) with cirrhosis who underwent cardiac surgery were identified. Patients were in Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A (n = 10), B (n = 11), and C (n = 6) and mean MELD score was 14.2 +/- 4.2. Operative mortality was 26% (n = 7). Stratified mortality according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh class was 11%, 18%, and 67% for class A, B, and C, respectively. No mortality occurred in patients who had revascularization without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 5). The 1-yr survival was 80%, 45%, and 16% for Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A, B, and C, respectively (P = 0.02). Major postoperative complications occurred in 22%, 56%, and 100% for Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A, B, and C, respectively. Child-Turcotte-Pugh classification was a better predictor of hospital mortality (P = 0.02) compared to MELD score (P = 0.065). In conclusion, our results suggest that cardiac surgery can be performed safely in patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A and selected patients with class B. Operative mortality remains high in class C patients. Careful patient selection is critical in order to improve surgical outcome in patients with cirrhosis.
Assessment of moral reasoning skills in the orthopaedic surgery resident applicant.

Background: Assessing orthopaedic surgery residency applicants is a complex process. One important applicant characteristic not commonly measured during the interview process is moral behavior, a key component of the guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education for professionalism competency. We sought to determine whether a relationship exists between the results of residency selection interviews, as measured by match rank order, and moral reasoning skills, as measured by the revised version of the Defining Issues Test (DIT-2). Methods: The DIT-2, a psychological tool that has been validated in assessing moral reasoning in >30,000 subjects, was administered to orthopaedic surgery residency candidates on a voluntary basis during their interview day. Data were collected annually from four applicant classes (2009 to 2012) at one institution. Each candidate was interviewed by an orthopaedic faculty team and was ranked comparatively with the other interviewing applicants. The five-part aggregate interview method for ranking applicants for the match list included a focused interview station presenting ethical dilemmas as one part of determining rank order. Results: One hundred and twenty-four fourth-year medical students interviewing for orthopaedic surgery residency were assessed with the DIT-2. The results from the DIT-2 produced a postconventional score, which correlates with various levels of moral development. Each applicant’s postconventional score was then compared with the patient’s overall rank order. Applicants had highly variable moral reasoning skills, with no relationship to the final rank list. Conclusions: Despite a wide range of DIT-2 scores, the interview process did not differentiate applicants based on moral reasoning skills. It remains unclear whether the DIT-2 could (or should) be used as an additional data point to help stratify orthopaedic residency applicants and to predict their performance.
Automated Detection of Exposed Reinforcement in Post-Earthquake Safety and Structural Evaluations

The world is at the threshold of emerging technologies, where new systems in construction, materials, and civil and architectural design are poised to make the world better from a structural and construction perspective. Exciting developments, that are too many to name individually, take place yearly, affecting design considerations and construction practices. This edited book brings together modern methods and advances in structural engineering and construction, fulfilling the mission of ISEC Conferences, which is to enhance communication and understanding between structural and construction engineers for successful design and construction of engineering projects. The articles in this book are those accepted for publication and presentation at the 6th International Structural Engineering and Construction Conference in Zurich. The 6th ISEC Conference in Zurich, Switzerland, follows the overwhelming reception and success of previous ISEC conference in Las Vegas, USA in 2009; Melbourne, Australia in 2007; Shunan, Japan in 2005; Rome, Italy in 2003; and Honolulu, USA in 2001. Many topics are covered in this book, ranging from legal affairs and contracting, to innovations and risk analysis in infrastructure projects, analysis and design of structural systems, materials, architecture, and construction. The articles here are a lasting testimony to the excellent research being undertaken around the world. These articles provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, research efforts and networking in the structural engineering and construction communities. We congratulate and thank the authors for these articles that were selected after intensive peer-review, and our gratitude extends to all reviewers and members of the International Technical Committee. It is their combined contributions that have made this book a reality.
Expression of the P450 side-chain cleavage and adrenodoxin genes begins during early stages of adrenal cortex development.

The steroid hormone products of the fetal adrenal cortex play an essential role in normal maturation of several organ systems during fetal development. In addition, adrenal steroids appear to play a local role in the establishment and maintenance of the chromaffin cells of the adrenal cortex. Despite these developmental roles of cortical steroids, little is known about when the cells of the fetal rat adrenal cortex begin to undergo biochemical differentiation into cells capable of producing steroid hormones and whether the timing of developmental changes in cortical properties is related to chromaffin cell differentiation. To investigate these problems, in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry were used to examine the ontogeny of expression of both the P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc) and adrenodoxin genes during rat development. Transcripts from both genes (but not P450c17) and the respective proteins encoded by them were detected specifically in the cells of the presumptive cortex as early as emb...
Do racial and ethnic differences in contraceptive attitudes and knowledge explain disparities in method use

CONTEXT: Sustained efforts have not attenuated racial and ethnic disparities in unintended pregnancy and effective contraceptive use in the United States. The roles of attitudes toward contraception pregnancy and fertility remain relatively unexplored. METHODS: Knowledge of contraceptive methods and attitudes about contraception pregnancy childbearing and fertility were assessed among 602 unmarried women aged 18-29 at risk for unintended pregnancy who participated in the 2009 National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge. The contribution of attitudes to racial and ethnic disparities in effective method use was assessed via mediation analysis using a series of regression models. RESULTS: Blacks and Latinas were more likely than whites to believe that the government encourages contraceptive use to limit minority populations (odds ratio 2.5 for each). Compared with white women Latinas held more favorable attitudes toward pregnancy (2.5) and childbearing (coefficient 0.3) and were more fatalistic about the timing of pregnancy (odds ratio 2.3); blacks were more fatalistic about life in general (2.0). Only one attitude skepticism that the government ensures contraceptive safety was associated with contraceptive use (0.7) but this belief did not differ by race or ethnicity. Although blacks and Latinas used less effective methods than whites (0.3 and 0.4 respectively) attitudes did not explain disparities. Lower contraceptive knowledge partially explained Latinas use of less effective methods. CONCLUSIONS: Providing basic information about effective methods might help to decrease ethnic disparities in use. Research should examine other variables that might account for these disparities including health system characteristics and provider behavior. Copyright (c) 2012 by the Guttmacher Institute.
The Internet As a Medium for Online Instruction

A task force of librarians developed an introductory course on the Internet which was conducted over the university’s e-mail network. This sixteen-lesson course was distributed via listserv to students, staff, residents, and faculty, some using university facilities and some using equipment at their home or office, in various locations throughout the state. Initially, more than 450 people subscribed. Subscribers received two lessons a week for eight weeks. Lessons were made available via FTP or gopher after initial distribution. Content included basic information, troubleshooting advice, and exercises for practice. Pre- and post-tests were conducted via listserv to assess the participants’ prior knowledge and subsequent knowledge gain. This article describes the development of the online course. It also discusses the results of pre- and post-tests, and the implications for the library’s instructional role of using an online instruction medium.
Kentuckians’ changes in attitudes toward death penalty∗

Using data collected in June, 1997 from a probability sample (N=709) of Kentucky's residents, the present paper examines the factors influencing attitudes toward death penalty and factors associated with changes in support for death penalty when alternative punitive measures for the offenders are presented. Confirming the conclusion drawn from several previous studies, our findings indicate that attitudes toward capital punishment are complex and multidimensional. While the majority of the population investigated (69.4%) tend to favor the death penalty, only 52.3% (i.e., 38.2% of the whole sample) of those who initially indicated support for capital punishment manifested stability of their opinions when “life in prison without parole and restitution made to the victim's family” is suggested as a possible alternative sentence. Results indicate that the attitudinal change is primarily a function of demographic factors such as age, gender, and race.
Evolutionary ecology and resource conservation

Many important aspects of human nature revolve around common problems associated with acquiring, defending, and distributing resources. It is increasingly evident that foraging constraints,1 as well as competition, and cooperation with conspecifics,2–4 selected for increased intelligence in primates. The cognitive tools for responding to risk and reward likely evolved in a context of resource acquisition and distribution during our evolutionary past, in the so-called environment of evolutionary adaptedness.5–7 The cognitive skills required for cooperative hunting, such as cheater and cooperator detectors,8 and especially the accounting required for fitnessenhancing harvesting, distribution, and consumption (e.g., time discounting9), are reflected in behaviors we exhibit today. Our evolved psychological disposition to respond economically is likely derived from past ecological relationships with the beasts our hominid ancestors preyed on and the organisms that preyed on hominids. It is not hard to imagine that many human social and political institutions have developed as solutions to complex economic production and distribution problems.10 Thus, it not surprising that human evolutionary ecology borrows from economic theory9,11–15 and, increasingly, vice versa.16–20 It is in this context that the topic of resource conservation has been the focus of theoretical development and hypothesis-testing by evolutionary ecologists. As I will show, the initial evolutionary approach to resource conservation has contrasted predictions generated from optimal foraging theory with predictions based on assumptions of conservation. This work Michael S. Alvard is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the State University of New York at Buffalo. His research uses evolutionary theory to understand human foraging behavior. He has done field work with the Piro and Machiguenga Indians and the Wana of Upland Sulawesi, Indonesia. He is currently researching cooperative hunting among a group of whale hunters in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. E-mail: alvard@acsu.buffalo.edu
Algorithm for perturbing thermodynamically infeasible metabolic networks

Networks of reactions inside the cell are constrained by the laws of mass and energy balance. The second law of thermodynamics further constrains the topology of the metabolic network, by disallowing interactions that can sustain themselves when they are isolated from the rest of the network. We present an algorithm that identifies such subnetworks and makes them feasible by deleting reactions. This perturbs the network topology, but preserves the optimality of the mass balance solutions. This method has been applied to a full network of Escherichia coli.
DIFFERING PATTERNS OF MYOSTATIN SIGNALING REGULATE HYPERTROPHY IN SEVERE AORTIC STENOSIS AND HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY

Myostatin (MSTN), a negative regulator of muscle growth, is induced by cardiac overload and may regulate the transition from physiologic hypertrophy to ventricular dilatation. We hypothesized that patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have distinctive anti-
Optimum Geometric Design of the Edge Curves for Cutting Blades

This paper reports on an investigation of the effect of the curvature of the profile of rotary blades, scissors, and similar cutting instruments on the cutting process, and attempts to identify the optimal blade profile for particular mechanical requirements. Neglecting friction, the mechanics of cutting with rotary blades are reflected by a governing differential equation, which is derived from the geometry of the blade profile by following a method suggested by Freudenstein (1990). The optimal edge curves of the cutting blades are obtained through the solution of this equation. It is demonstrated that desirable relationships between input force and output force can be achieved by adjusting the curvature of the blades. As examples, the solutions of optimal profiles of scissors and teeth of rotary blades requiring constant ratio between input and output force are presented.
The oxygen uptake, in air and in 5% O2, and the carbon dioxide output, of stored potato tubers

Oxygen uptake at harvest varied from c. 40 ml kg−1h−1 at 10°C, in very immature, to c. 3–5 ml kg−1h−1 in mature tubers. The O2 status of the tuber normally would allow uptake by a low-affinity oxidase (K m =1.5×10−4 M) as well as by cytochrome-c-oxidase (suggestedK m =7×10−8 M). Separation was attempted by measuring uptake in air and 5% O2, oxygen status being derived from internal atmosphere analyses or periderm permeability. At harvest, low-affinity uptake was probably c. 20–30% of the total in mature and tentatively c. 10% in immature tubers. it fell almost to zero and then re-appeared during storage. Total uptake fell to c. 1.5–2.5 ml kg−1h−1 at 10°C, irrespective of maturity, then rose during sprout growth. The mid-storage temperature-coefficient, 20°C/10°C, was c. 1.2–1.3, but uptake at 2°C (sweetened tubers) could be higher than at 20°C. Later, increased respiration accompanying sprouting changed this pattern. CO2 production was on average similar to O2 uptake but at certain periods diverged. This is discussed. It also showed a delayed response to changed conditions with consequent temporarily aberrant RQ's.
Harnessing biomimetic catch bonds to create mechanically robust nanoparticle networks

Abstract Using computer simulations, we investigate the mechanical properties of a network of polymer-grafted nanoparticles (PGNs) that are interlinked by labile “catch” bonds. In contrast to conventional “slip” bonds, the life time of catch bonds can potentially increase with the application of force (i.e., the rate of rupture can decrease). In effect, the bond becomes stronger under an applied force (if the strain rate is sufficiently high). Subjecting the PGN networks to a tensile deformation, we find that the networks encompassing catch bonds exhibit greater ductility and toughness than the networks interconnected by slip bonds. Moreover, when the applied tensile force is released, the catch bond networks exhibit lower hysteresis and faster relaxation of residual strain than the slip bond networks. The effects of the catch bonds on the mechanical behavior are attributed to transitions between two conformational states, which differ in their sensitivity to force. The findings provide guidelines for creating nanocomposite networks that are highly resistant to mechanical deformation and show rapid strain recovery.
Laboratory Studies on the Biology of the Banks Grass Mite

When reared in the laboratory on grain sorghum, the Banks grass mite ( Oligonychus pratensis (Banks)) life cycle length was 7–13 days and the total length of life varied from 14–36 days. Six to 14 eggs were laid per female per day with maximal oviposition on the 6th day of adulthood. Age-specific life tables were constructed for one generation under 2 rearing methods, and more than a 70-fold population increase was predicted to occur under the test conditions.
Adriamycin-induced activation of NK activity may initially involve LAF production.

C3HeB/FeJ spleen cells (unseparated or passaged over nylon wool columns) were cultured overnight (1∓2×106 cells/microwell) in the presence and absence of resident or ADM-induced PEC and anti-YAC-1 (4 h) NK activity was determined. The addition of resident PEC to spleen cells had little effect on NK activity. However, the addition of ADM-elicited PEC (10 mg/kg, IP, day −1 and day −5) to spleen cells prior to culture significantly augmented NK activity. If ADM-induced PEC were treated with carbonyl iron prior to coculture with spleen cells, augmentation of anti-YAC-1 activity was not observed. This suggested that ADM-activated macrophages augmented cultured splenic NK activity. Supernatants from overnight-cultured resident or ADM-induced adherent PEC were then prepared, dialyzed (to remove ADM), and tested for mitogenic activity or cocultured with spleen cells overnight. ADM-induced adherent PEC supernatants stimulated the proliferation of murine thymocytes (both LAF and IL-2 also stimulate) but not cultured CTL (only IL-2 stimulates). ADM-induced adherent PEC supernatants (as well as LAF, IL-2, and IFN) augmented overnight-cultured C3HeB/FeJ splenic NK activity. However, only IL-2 and IFN could augment overnight-cultured athymic BALB/c · nu/nu splenic NK activity. This suggested that ADM-elicited macrophages produce LAF which may act directly on NK cells or, more likely, may induce T cells to produce IL-2, IFN, or both.
Programmed grammars with multi-production core and their applications (abstract)

Two-dimensional programmed grammars was introduced in [1]. In this paper, programmed grammars with multi-production core are defined. Various properties of this type of grammar are studied and illustrated by examples. In addition, the time and space complexity analyses are also investigated with illustrative examples. Applications to the generation of simple three-dimensional objects are also studied. The main advantages are: (1) This type of grammar provides a concise and a convenient way to generate simple three-dimensional objects in a structured fashion; (2) The derivation process can be clearly envisioned. Furthermore, this type of grammar also has useful applications in region filling, robotics, pattern recognition, pictorial information systems, visual languages and artificial intelligence.
A comparison of elderly family caregivers' and noncaregivers' perceptions of stress in daily experiences.

Interactive factors of stress were examined by comparing a group of elderly family caregivers to a control goup of noncaregiving peers. The groups were compared on their perceptions of positive and negative aspects of daily activities as well as on the relationship between these perceptions and psychological symptoms. A daily experience list, the RUCHL (Routines, Uplifts, Challenges, and Hassles List), and the HSCL (Hopkins Symptom Checklist) were administered to each respondent. A buffering effect of positive experiences did not emerge; positive scores did not interact with negative scores, nor did they interact with group membership in predicting overall psychological symptoms. Caregivers rated greater negative impact in everyday experiences than did noncaregivers, whether or not experiences directly related to caregiving were included. The ratings of positive impact were higher than for negative impact and were similar in both groups. Negative impact scores predicted psychological symptoms for both groups, whereas positive impact scores did not.
Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Abused Women in a Primary Care Setting

ABSTRACT Abuse is a major source of trauma to women, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) results from exposure to extreme trauma. To describe the relationship between symptoms of PTSD and severity of abuse, an ethnically stratified cohort of 131 abused women in a primary care setting was interviewed. Symptoms of PTSD, both intrusion (i.e., trouble falling asleep, strong waves of feelings about the abuse) and avoidance (i.e., trying not to think or talk about the abuse, staying away from reminders of the abuse), were significantly (p < 0.01) correlated to severity of abuse, regardless of ethnicity. When asked about childhood physical or sexual abuse, women reporting physical abuse had significantly (p < 0.05) higher intrusion scores, whereas those reporting sexual abuse had significantly (p < 0.004) higher avoidance scores. Sixty-five percent of the women reported dreams, flashbacks, or terror attacks and had significantly (p < 0.001) higher mean results on both intrusion and avoidance. The need to o...
Hemolytic anemia in series 2300 and 2310 Starr-Edwards prosthetic valves.

Abstract A 15% occurrence of hemolytic anemia is reported in a series of patients with the 2300 Starr-Edwards aortic valve prosthesis. This high incidence may be related to the higher gradient across the 2300 valve as compared with the 1200 series valve. There was an increased incidence of hemolysis in the small valves (No. 9 and smaller). In 38 patients with the 2310 series valve, only a 6% incidence of hemolytic anemia has been found. When a small valve prosthesis is inserted or a residual postoperative valve gradient is suspected, one should observe the patient carefully for the development of hemolytic anemia. Most patients with hemolytic anemia can be treated successfully with a medical regimen consisting of exercise restriction and replacement therapy with iron and folic acid.
Transoesophageal echocardiography and the intraoperative diagnosis of left atrial invasion by carcinoid tumour

A 41-yr-old woman with pulmonary carcinoid tumour presented for thoracotomy and lung resection. However, intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed that the tumour had invaded the left atrium, and the planned resection was aborted to allow resection under cardiopulmonary bypass at a later date. Although the incidence of cardiac involvement by lung cancer at the time of pulmonary resection is unknown, transoesophageal echocardiography can be useful in identifying the extension of hilar lung tumours. This should preferentially be done preoperatively, but can be done intraoperatively as described in this case report.
Monoclonal antibodies to elongation factor-1alpha inhibit in vitro translation in lysates of Sf21 cells.

Elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1alpha) is an enzyme that is essential for protein synthesis. Although EF-1alpha offers an excellent target for the disruption of insect metabolism, agents known to interfere with EF-1alpha activity are toxic to humans. In this article, we describe the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that can disrupt the activity of insect EF-1alpha without cross-reacting with the human enzyme. MAbs were generated to EF-1alpha from Sf21 cells derived from the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, by immunizing mice with EF-1alpha eluted from SDS-PAGE gels. The MAbs reacted with EF-1alpha in eggs and first through fifth instars of the fall armyworm in immunoblots of SDS-PAGE gels, but did not recognize EF-1alpha in human carcinoma cells and normal tissues. MAbs with the ability to recognize EF-1alpha in its native conformation, identified through immunoprecipitation experiments, were added to Sf21 cell lysates to determine whether the antibodies could inhibit incorporation of [(35)S]methionine into newly synthesized in vitro translation products. Of the four EF-1alpha-specific MAbs tested, three significantly inhibited protein synthesis when compared to the negative control antibody (P < 0.001, one-way ANOVA; followed by Dunnett's test, P < 0.05).
Inhibin β, somatostatin, and enkephalin immunoreactivities coexist in caudal medullary neurons that project to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

Concurrent and sequential dual immunohistochemical labeling methods were used in combination, along with retrograde tracing techniques, to determine the extent to which inhibin beta (I beta), somatostatin-28 (SS-28), and enkephalin (ENK) immunoreactivity (IR) might be jointly expressed in neurons centered in the caudal part of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) that project to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). The results indicate that at least 65% of I beta-stained neurons in the NTS also express SS-28 IR, and at least 33% are ENK-positive. At least 25% of the I beta IR population stains positively for all three peptides. A substantial number of cells stained with markers for two, or all three, peptide families, could be retrogradely labeled following tracer deposits centered in the PVH. Prominent I beta and SS-28 IR projections from the caudal medulla to the hypothalamus have been described and include a preferential input to oxytocinergic (OT) compartments of the magnocellular neurosecretory system. The present results suggest that these arise in large measure from a common pool of neurons, a subset of which also shows ENK IR. Implications for the control of OT secretion, and for the processing of sensory information through the NTS, are discussed.
Challenges to the Career Development of Urban Racial and Ethnic Minority Youth: Implications for Vocational Intervention.

Urban racial and ethnic minority youth experience a variety of internal and external challenges to their career development. This article discusses several potential barriers to successful career attainment experienced by racial and ethnic minority youth and identifies a series of recommendations that vocational counselors may wish to consider in addressing the career development needs of this population.
Life Is Short, if Sweet

Insulin is essential for glucose homeostasis, but reducing its activity delays the aging process in model organisms. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Lee et al. (2009) show how these effects of insulin signaling intersect when glucose is fed to C. elegans.
SU-FF-T-466: Optimization Models for Strategic Patient Scheduling Problems in Proton Therapy Delivery

Purpose: To develop a strategic‐level capacity assessment and planning model for radiotherapytreatmentdelivery at the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute (UFPTI). Method and Materials: A Mixed‐Integer Programming (MIP) model has been proposed which maximizes the daily average number of fractions delivered while ensuring a given mix of patient disease site and treatment complexity is maintained, and respecting operational and technical restrictions. In addition, an alternative model has been formulated to maximize pediatrics treatmentdelivery while maintaining a minimum daily average number of fractions and ensuring operational and technical restrictions. The proposed models have been implemented using CPLEX software. Results: The model has been used to assess the treatment capacity of the facility with on‐going operational parameters. It has also been utilized as a sensitivity analysis tool to evaluate the current treatment policies and to explore potential improvements in patient treatment capacity. Various capacity expansion scenarios have been tested and analyzed using the new model to verify their effectiveness in practice. Conclusion: This work presents a new decision support model designed to assess and plan the treatment capacity of a radiation therapy facility. It also allows for studying the capacity response to different changes in operational parameters. With the help of the proposed model, the required set of operational parameters can be determined so that a certain patient throughput, as well as a desired mix of disease sites and complexity, is obtainable.
Purification and Characterization of an Isoaspartyl Dipeptidase from Escherichia coli

We have identified a gene (iadA) in Escherichia coli encoding a 41-kDa polypeptide that catalyzes the hydrolytic cleavage of L-isoaspartyl, or L-β-aspartyl, dipeptides. We demonstrate at least a 3000-fold purification of the enzyme to homogeneity from crude cytosol. From the amino-terminal amino acid sequence obtained from this preparation, we designed an oligonucleotide that allowed us to map the gene to the 98-min region of the chromosome and to clone and obtain the DNA sequence of the gene. Examination of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed no similarities to other peptidases or proteases, while a marked similarity was found with several dihydroorotases and imidases, reflecting the similarity in the structures of the substrates for these enzymes. Using an E. coli strain containing a plasmid overexpressing this gene, we were able to purify sufficient amounts of the dipeptidase to characterize its substrate specificity. We also examined the phenotype of two E. coli strains where this isoaspartyl dipeptidase gene was deleted. We inserted a chloramphenicol cassette into the disrupted coding region of iadA in both a parent strain (MC1000) and a derivative strain (CL1010) lacking pcm, the gene encoding the L-isoaspartyl methyltransferase involved in the repair of isomerized proteins. We found that the iadA deletion does not result in reduced stationary phase or heat shock survival. Analysis of isoaspartyl dipeptidase activity in the deletion strain revealed a second activity of lower native molecular weight that accounts for approximately 31% of the total activity in the parent strain MC1000. The presence of this second activity may account for the absence of an observable phenotype in the iadA mutant cells.