cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological and behavioral responses to observing a sibling experience a direct stressor in prairie voles

Uncontrollable stress precipitates negative mental and physical health outcomes. Furthermore, the vicarious experience of stress (e.g. observing another individual experience a direct stressor) can mimic the effects of directly experiencing the stressor. The current experiment examined the behavioral and physiological effects of the vicarious experience of stress using the socially monogamous prairie vole. Male prairie voles were exposed to either an empty open field chamber, or a chamber in which the animal observed a sibling undergoing a concurrent direct physical stressor (tail suspension test) for five minutes. Exploratory and anxiety-like behaviors were recorded in all observers during the test session. Cardiac indices of heart rate and heart rate variability were recorded in a subset of observers prior to, during, and following the test session. Corticosterone levels were measured in all observers and siblings following the test session. When compared to animals exposed to an empty open field chamber, animals that observed a sibling undergo a direct physical stressor exhibited increased heart rate and circulating corticosterone, and decreased heart rate variability. These physiological stress indicators were supported by behavioral changes, including increased freezing followed immediately by orienting of the head toward the center of the apparatus, and decreased locomotion, grooming, and rearing. These preliminary results suggest that prairie voles experience stress vicariously, and provide a foundation for additional studies focused on the underlying mechanisms of vicarious stress. The use of this model may inform our understanding of the social transmission of stress among social species, including humans.LAY SUMMARYThe experience of stress, including observing stress in a loved one, has negative consequences on mental and physical health. This study used a social rodent (prairie voles) to demonstrate that stress transfers among social individuals, consequently producing an increased physiological and behavioral stress response in prairie voles observing their siblings experience stress. This research informs our understanding of the interactions of social experiences and stress in humans.
Simulation Studying for a THz Modulator with Resonance Cavity Coupled to Graphene-loaded Metal Wire Grating

Terahertz imaging technology has been widely used in biomedical imaging. The traditional Raster-scanned THz imaging systems are naturally slow because of the imaging mechanism. Most available THz imaging systems can speed up the imaging speed but require expensive detector array. The compressive sensing imaging technology has realized high speed imaging to solve above problems with only a single-pixel detector, which require a spatial light modulator to coding the image signal. We report a high-performance terahertz modulator design by exploiting Fabry-Perot cavity coupled to graphene-loaded metal wire grating. In this paper, the finite element simulation software (Comsol) is used to simulate the device performance, and the theoretical formula is derived to calculate the reflectivity of the device model.
Preprocessing algorithm and tightening constraints for multiperiod blend scheduling: cost minimization

While a range of models have been proposed for the multiperiod blend scheduling problem (MBSP), solving even medium-size MBSP instances remains challenging due to the presence of bilinear terms and binary variables. To address this challenge, we develop solution methods for MBSP focusing on the cost minimization objective. We develop a novel preprocessing algorithm to calculate lower bounds on stream flows. We define product dedicated flow variables to address product specific features involved in MBSP. Bounds on stream flows and new product dedicated flow variables are then used to generate tightening constraints which significantly improve the solution time of the mixed integer nonlinear programming models as well as models based on linear approximations.
Mechanism of action of HTX-011: a novel, extended-release, dual-acting local anesthetic formulation for postoperative pain

To the Editor We read with great interest the paper on the mechanism of action of HTX-011.[1][1] The mechanism of reducing local tissue inflammation to maintain physiologic tissue pH and potentiate and prolong analgesic activity is intriguing. We applaud the authors for innovation in local
Short distance non-autonomy and intercellular transfer of chitin synthase in Drosophila

The complex structure of insect exoskeleton has inspired material scientists and engineers. Chitin is a major component of the cuticle and it is synthesized by the enzyme chitin synthase. There is a single chitin synthase gene (kkv) in Drosophila facilitating research on the function of chitin. Previous editing of kkv lead to the recovery of a viable hypomorphic allele. Experiments described in this paper argue that a reduction in chitin synthase leads to the shafts of sensory bristles becoming fragile and frequently breaking off as the animals age. This is likely due to reduced chitin levels and further suggests that chitin plays a role in resilience of insect cuticle. The different layers in cuticle are continuous across the many epidermal cells that secrete the cuticle that covers the body. Little is known about the mechanisms responsible for this continuity. Using genetic mosaics and scanning electron microscopy this paper establishes that kkv shows short range cell non-autonomy. It also provides evidence for 2 possible mechanisms. One is the intercellular transfer of Kkv protein from one cell to its neighbors and the second is the deposition of cuticular material across the boundaries of neighboring cells.
In-situ fatigue life analysis by modal acoustic emission, direct current potential drop and digital image correlation for steel

Abstract Optimizing acoustic emission (AE) is useful to understand fatigue crack growth of metal structures. Experimental investigation of fatigue in steel with an edge notch was performed using AE to understand source and location of crack formation and growth. Non-Destructive Techniques like Direct Current Potential Drop (DCPD) and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) are useful in assisting to interpret the AE. The cumulation of AE correlated well with the initiation and propagation similar to potential drop values and DIC strain field. 2D AE source location technique was successfully implemented to monitor crack growth. Frequency content correlate with the mode of crack growth.
Effects of Occupational stress and related factors on life satisfaction level of workers in electronic manufacturing industry

Objective: To investigate the influence of life satisfaction level and occupational stress related influencing factors on workers in chip manufacturing industry in order to provide guidance for psychological intervention. Methods: In June to December 2016, by using sampling method, 2251workers in electronic manufacturing industry were selected as study subjects. A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate the demographic and occupational data of workers, Job Demand-Control Model (JDC) 、Effort-reword Imbalance Model (ERI) 、Well-being Index (WHO-5) were used to investigate and analyze the status of life satisfaction respctively. To analyze the influence of occupational stress factors on life satisfaction. Results: There were 773 workers with low life satifaction, the detect rate was 34.5% (773/2251) . Single factor analysis showed that migrant workers, type of employment contract, week working time (h) , working system, contact risk factors, chronic disease and all occupational stress related factors were the influcecing factors of life satisfaction among workers (P<0.05) . The results of multiple factor logistic regression analysis showed that contact risk factors, high effort in work and high effort inner work were the risk factors of low life satisfaction in electronic device manufacturers (OR=1.544, 1.376, 1.788, P<0.05) . And non-migrant workers, high return in work, high autonomy and high social support were the protective factors of low life satisfaction in electronic device workers (OR=0.606, 0.390, 0.615, 0.622, P<0.05) . Conclusion: Enterprises should strengthen the protection education of hazard factors for employees, those who contact hazard factors and high effort in work, improve worker's returns and autonomy, improve their social support, improve workers' life satisfaction, and build healthy enterprises.
The Government and Civil Society Collaboration against COVID-19 in South Korea: A Single or Multiple Actor Play?

This study examines, from a collaborative governance perspective, the public policy process of South Korea in responding to the global health pandemic In many countries, attention has been focused primarily on governmental capacity and political leadership in containing the COVID-19 pandemic In South Korea, however, the role of civil society as a collaborative partner to government is especially important To analyze the comprehensive and substantive nature of government-civil society collaboration, this study assesses the response to COVID-19 along two dimensions: the level of civil society involvement in governance, and the stage in public policy development The study reveals that the South Korean government was a coordinator of multiple actors and multiple sectors of society, including civil society, and that all three facets of civil society as described by Edwards (2004), were involved: associational life, civility, and engagement in the public sphere © 2021 Bok Gyo Jeong and Sung-Ju Kim, published by De Gruyter, Berlin/Boston 2021
Isolation drives reward-seeking in rats.

Social isolation can lead to poor mental and physical health. A new study determines that social isolation increases food and nicotine-seeking during abstinence, but that social housing can reverse these effects.
Sales of Property Outside Section 453

When the installment sale provisions of the Internal Revenue Code apply to a casual sale of property, both the timing of taxation and the amount of gain that must be included in gross income in each year are fairly clearly and objectively determined. When those provisions do not apply, however, both analytical theory and tax practice are in a state of confusion and have been so for many years. This confusion has been exacerbated by the recently promulgated temporary regulation adopted by the Internal Revenue Service under the revised installment sale provisions. This article critically analyzes that regulation and offers two modifications to the IRS’s approach that are necessary to inject clarity and fairness into the taxation of non-installment-sale transactions.
Water Infrastructure and Systems

Water infrastructure is the set of constructed elements that operate within water resources systems and interact with environmental elements, or natural systems, such as watersheds, streams, lakes, and aquifers. In a watershed, sets of these structures may control water for different purposes. Most apparent might be a multiple-purpose reservoir, that has a dam and hydroelectric plant connected to electric transmission lines. Below might be a diversion dam to enable a canal to take irrigation water from the stream, if it is located in a dry region. There might be a re-regulating reservoir with locks for navigation. Dams are a special class of hydraulic structure, and they provide barriers to the flow to enable reservoirs to store water. Keywords: water infrastructure; constructed elements; water resources systems; watersheds; streams; lakes; aquifers; structures; water resources management; conveyance; storage; treatment; pump; generate; control
Multicultural and globalized digital libraries: digitizing and empowering the Other

Our multicultural societies in a globalized context offer the opportunity to forge new frontiers in digital libraries. Focusing on the cultural diversity of the Asian region, this paper examines what should be digitized, who should be involved in the digitization efforts, and what access issues need to be considered. More specifically, documenting the experiences of the Asian diaspora and ethnic minorities will be discussed, engaging critical theories and multicultural scholarship. By problematizing the cultural production of digital libraries as an act of nostalgia, of inclusion and exclusion, and of racial, social and sexual differentiation, we can unpack the role that digital libraries play in the creation of communities in our imaginary and in the perception of space and place from those objects we select to digitize. The paper concludes with a call for decentering digital libraries and digitizing the "Other" as an act of empowerment and representation.
Tricarbonyl(chlorodiphenylstannyl){η5-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]cyclopenta­dienyl}molybdenum

Reaction of the tricarbon­yl{η5-[2-(dimethyl­amino)eth­yl]cyclo­penta­dien­yl}molybdenum anion and dichlorido­diphenyl­stannane affords the title compound, [MoSn(C6H5)2Cl(C9H14N)(CO)3], which exhibits a four-legged piano-stool geometry with chlorido­diphenyl­stannyl ligands unperturbed by the pendant 2-(dimethyl­amino)ethyl groups. The Mo—Sn bond length [2.7584 (5) A] and the distortion of the tetra­hedral tin coordination geometry are similar to those observed in related tin-substituted tricarbonyl­molybdenum and -tungsten complexes.
Activation of the Syk tyrosine kinase is insufficient for downstream signal transduction in B lymphocytes

Immature B lymphocytes and certain B cell lymphomas undergo apoptotic cell death following activation of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signal transduction pathway. Several biochemical changes occur in response to BCR engagement, including activation of the Syk tyrosine kinase. Although Syk activation appears to be necessary for some downstream biochemical and cellular responses, the signaling events that precede Syk activation remain ill defined. In addition, the requirements for complete activation of the Syk-dependent signaling step remain to be elucidated. A mutant form of Syk carrying a combination of a K395A substitution in the kinase domain and substitutions of three phenylalanines (3F) for the three C-terminal tyrosines was expressed in a murine B cell lymphoma cell line, BCL1.3B3 to interfere with normal Syk regulation as a means to examine the Syk activation step in BCR signaling. Introduction of this kinase-inactive mutant led to the constitutive activation of the endogenous wildtype Syk enzyme in the absence of receptor engagement through a 'dominant-positive' effect. Under these conditions, Syk kinase activation occurred in the absence of phosphorylation on Syk tyrosine residues. Although Syk appears to be required for BCR-induced apoptosis in several systems, no increase in spontaneous cell death was observed in these cells. Surprisingly, although the endogenous Syk kinase was enzymatically active, no enhancement in the phosphorylation of cytoplasmic proteins, including phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2), a direct Syk target, was observed. These data indicate that activation of Syk kinase enzymatic activity is insufficient for Syk-dependent signal transduction. This observation suggests that other events are required for efficient signaling. We speculate that localization of the active enzyme to a receptor complex specifically assembled for signal transduction may be the missing event.
Primary myocardial disease. Clinical, hemodynamic and angiocardiographic correlates in fifty patients.

Fifty adult patients with primary myocardial disease were studied by clinical, hemodynamic and angiographic means. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the diastolic phase of the left ventricular pressure pulse. The 24 patients in Group I had a normal pulse contour or elevated end-diastolic pressure, characterized by a presystolic prominent transmitted a wave. The 26 patients in Group II had abnormal elevation of the entire left ventricular diastolic phase (congestive pattern); in 9 of the 26 this was accompanied by an early diastolic dip and plateau (restrictive pattern). There were no significant differences in age, sex, race or chronic alcoholism between the groups. Patients in Group II had a longer duration of symptoms, increased frequency of third heart sounds, apical systolic murmurs and abnormal left axis deviation. Patients in Group I had normal resting hemodynamics except for elevation of the filling pressure of the left ventricle (14 patients) and right ventricle (9 patients), as well as a low left ventricular stroke work. Patients in Group II had evidence of biventricular dysfunction accompanied by low cardiac index, mean systolic ejection rate, and left ventricular stroke work. The left ventricular end-diastolic volume was greater in patients in Group II than in those in Group I, and the mean values for both groups were significantly greater than normal (P < 0.001). Forty-two percent of the patients in Group I had a normal end-diastolic volume. The left ventricular wall was thicker in patients in Group I than those in Group II (P < 0.001). The ejection fraction was significantly lower in patients in Group II, and the mean values for both groups were lower than normal. Predominant left ventricular hypertrophy appeared to characterize the condition of patients in Group I, and predominant dilation that of patients in Group II. This was further corroborated by the relations among cavity volume, wall thickness and weight of the ventricle. The patients in Group I had a normal end-diastolic circumferential stress and an elevated tension whereas both these indexes were abnormally elevated in patients in Group II. Our experience with primary myocardial disease suggests that there is an early latent asymptomatic stage followed by a symptomatic hypertrophic stage (Group I) which progresses to an irreversible stage of dilatation (Group II).
Announcement Effects of Unconventional Monetary Policies on Portfolio Flows to Hong Kong

As the Federal Reserve continues its bond purchases to support the economy, the spillover effects created by unconventional monetary policies in the U.S. have garnered more attention. In particular, there is a need to better understand hot money and to determine whether unconventional bond purchases have played a role in increasing capital flows to emerging markets. Since former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s testimony, weekly equity fund flow out of emerging markets has averaged a staggering $3.4 billion 1. Although it is unclear whether such rapid outflow has negative consequences on economies, policymakers must make every effort to end unconventional purchases with minimal damage on the financial stability of the global economy. As an important financial center in the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong is an interesting case to study because of its currency peg to the USD and the possibility that investors use Hong Kong as an entry point to China and other emerging and developing economies in that region. If the latter point were true, examining portfolio flows to Hong Kong would be an essential step towards understanding whether unconventional monetary policies have changed the nature of portfolio flows to emerging markets in Asia and whether these flows have brought about booms in local markets.
High-Performance Simulation of Evolutionary Aspects of Epidemics

Local interactions between individual organisms influence the population dynamics of species and impact their evolution. We describe high-performance simulation of evolutionary aspects of epidemics in spatially explicit, individual based models of multi-species habitat. Evolution consists of two processes, selection between genotypes and mutations producing novel genotypes. In this paper we focus on the effects of selection between genotypes in a model with a single host species and two competing pathogens with fixed (i.e. non-evolving) genotypes. We present the foundations of a model that represents two competing host species, a parasite serving as a disease vector, and a vector borne pathogen. The model is implemented as cellular automaton that tracks individual organisms to account for heterogeneity of the habitat. The implementation targets parallel distributed memory machines (including IBM SP-2 and a network of workstations) and NUMA shared memory architectures (SGI Origin 2000). We demonstrate also that this model yields qualitatively new biological results.
The Behavioral Definitions of “Having Sex With a Man” and “Having Sex With a Woman” Identified by Women Who Have Engaged in Sexual Activity With Both Men and Women

A sizable minority of women report lifetime sexual behavior with both men and women. In the present study, a multinational sample of women who reported genital contact with at least one man and one...
A Comparison of Thermal Responses of Human and Rodent Cells

A comparison of heat responses of cells from human and rodent tumors indicates the following: (1) human cells appear to be appreciably more heat-resistant than are rodent cells in the range 41-45 degrees C; (2) while rodent cells show a marked increase in sensitivity as the temperature is increased from 42 and 43 degrees C, this change occurs at approximately 44 degrees C or higher for the human lines examined; (3) rodent cells are unable to acquire thermotolerance during exposure to 43 degrees C; the human cells do so readily; (4) decay of tolerance tends to be complete in 72 h in rodent cells; in human cells it may take twice that time. These results may have important implications for the clinical use of hyperthermia.
Estimating Ocean Circulation: An MCMC Approach With Approximated Likelihoods via the Bernoulli Factory

We provide a Bayesian analysis of ocean circulation based on data collected in the South Atlantic Ocean. The analysis incorporates a reaction-diffusion partial differential equation that is not solvable in closed form. This leads to an intractable likelihood function. We describe a novel Markov chain Monte Carlo approach that does not require a likelihood evaluation. Rather, we use unbiased estimates of the likelihood and a Bernoulli factory to decide whether or not proposed states are accepted. The variates required to estimate the likelihood function are obtained via a Feynman–Kac representation. This lifts the common restriction of selecting a regular grid for the physical model and eliminates the need for data preprocessing. We implement our approach using the parallel graphic processing unit (GPU) computing environment.
Screening for Co-Occurring Mental Disorders in Drug Treatment Populations:

Substance abuse treatment organizations are universally faced with the problem of co-occurring psychiatric disorders among the clients they serve. A first step is assessment of such comorbid condit...
Postharvest noninvasive assessment of fresh chestnut (Castanea spp.) internal decay using computer tomography images

Abstract X-ray computed tomography (CT) is an effective noninvasive tool to visualize fresh agricultural commodities’ internal components and quality attributes, including those of chestnuts ( Castanea spp). There is no procedure to automatically, effectively and efficiently classify fresh commodities from a continuous inline flow through a CT system. If the information obtained by CT scanning of fresh agricultural commodities is to be used in an industrial application (e.g. inline sorting), automated interpretation of CT images is essential. For this purpose, an image analysis method (algorithm) for the automatic classification of CT images obtained from 2848 fresh chestnuts (cv. ‘Colossal’ and ‘Chinese seedlings’), during the harvesting years from 2009 to 2012, was developed and tested. Classification accuracy was evaluated by comparing the classes obtained from six CT images per chestnut to their internal quality assessment. An experienced human rater performed internal quality assessment by visually and invasively rating fresh chestnut internal decay severity (quality) into 5-, 3- and 2-classes. After CT image preprocessing, cropping and segmentation, 1194 grayscale intensity and textural features were extracted from six resultant CT images per sample. Relevant features were selected using a sequential forward selection algorithm with the Fisher discriminant objective function. 86, 155 and 126 features were effective in designing a quadratic discriminant classifier with a 4-fold cross-validation with a performance accuracy of 85.9%, 91.2% and 96.1% for 5, 3 and 2 classes, respectively. This method is accurate and objective in determining fresh chestnut internal quality, and the methodology is applicable to automatic noninvasive inline CT sorting system development.
Numerical modeling of water flow and salt transport in bare saline soil subjected to evaporation

Summary A numerical study, based on a density-dependent variably saturated groundwater flow model MARUN, was conducted to investigate subsurface flow and salt transport in bare saline aquifers subjected to evaporation, which was simulated using the bulk aerodynamic formulation. As evaporation was assumed to depend on the pore moisture, the evaporation flux evolved gradually causing a gradual increase in the pore salinity. This is in contrast to prior studies where the high salinity was imposed instantaneously on the ground surface. Key factors likely affecting subsurface hydrodynamics were investigated, including saturated hydraulic conductivity, capillary drive, relative humidity in the air, and surrounding groundwater replenishment. The simulations showed two temporal regimes where the first consists of rapid evaporation for a duration of hours followed by slow evaporation, until evaporation ceases. In the absence of surrounding groundwater replenishment, evaporation-induced density gradient generated an upward water flow initially, and then the flow decreased at which time a high density salt “finger” formed and propagated downwards. Capillary properties and atmospheric condition had significant impacts on subsurface moisture distribution and salt migration in response to the evaporation. The results also suggested that the presence of subsurface water replenishment to the evaporation zone tended to produce a steady evaporation rate at the ground surface.
Children's evaluations of their own peer relations.

In an attempt to relate parental and child evaluations of children's peer relations, a measure of child peer relations was developed and administered to clinic families. The children's ratings reflected adequate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity. Significant disrepancies between parental and child perceptions of peer relations emerged. It was concluded that self-report may function as a useful adjunct to other sources in the assessment of peer relations.
High-pressure shock tube studies on graphite oxidation reactions with carbon dioxide and water

Abstract Heterogeneous reactions involving graphite particles reacting with gaseous carbon dioxide and steam were studied under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The high-pressure shock tube facility at the University of Illinois at Chicago was utilized to perform the heterogeneous experiments with post-shock pressures ranging from 209 to 363 atm, temperatures ranging between 1546 and 2692 K, and nominal reaction times of 1 ms. Graphite particles were injected into the shock tube, by means of a particle injector, containing mixtures of varying concentrations of H 2 O or CO 2 in Ar as balance. The overall reaction rate coefficients from these graphite experiments have been calculated and compared to previous work performed with carbon black particles as well as theoretical and experimental values from prior investigators.
Identification of the κ-Casein Among the Components of Whole Goat Casein

Abstract Goat κ -casein in the reduced state, probably the natural state, has a mobility on acrylamide gel electrophoresis at pH 9, very close to that of the β -caseins. The goat κ -casein was identified by clotting with rennin, by specific changes in the electrophoretic pattern after rennin action, and by nonprecipitation with calcium ions. It stabilized goat α s -casein so that α s -casein was not precipitated with calcium ions. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of goat κ -casein in some cases gave a single band (together with identifiable contaminants), and, in other cases, gave a multiplicity of slower-moving bands. In all cases only a single major band was observed when the κ -casein was reduced with mercaptoethanol. Components with the mobilities of para- κ -casein were present in considerable amounts in some preparations of κ -casein.
Relative validity and reliability of an FFQ in youth with type 1 diabetes

Objective To evaluate the relative validity and reliability of the SEARCH FFQ that was modified from the Block Kids Questionnaire. Design Study participants completed the eighty-five-item FFQ twice plus three 24 h dietary recalls within one month. We estimated correlations between frequencies obtained from participants with the true usual intake for food groups and nutrients, using a two-part model for episodically consumed foods and measurement error adjustment. Setting The multi-centre SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Nutrition Ancillary Study. Subjects A subgroup of 172 participants aged 10-24 years with type 1 diabetes. Results The mean correlations, adjusted for measurement error, of food groups and nutrients between the FFQ and true usual intake were 0·41 and 0·38, respectively, with 57 % of food groups and 70 % of nutrients exhibiting correlations >0·35. Correlations were high for low-fat dairy (0·80), sugar-sweetened beverages (0·54), cholesterol (0·59) and saturated fat (0·51), while correlations were poor for high-fibre bread and cereal (0·16) and folate (0·11). Reliability of FFQ intake based on two FFQ administrations was also reasonable, with 54 % of Pearson correlation coefficients ≥0·5. Reliability was high for low-fat dairy (0·7), vegetables (0·6), carbohydrates, fibre, folate and vitamin C (all 0·5), but less than desirable for low-fat poultry and high-fibre bread, cereal, rice and pasta (0·2-0·3). Conclusions While there is some room for improvement, our findings suggest that the SEARCH FFQ performs quite well for the assessment of many nutrients and food groups in a sample of youth with type 1 diabetes.
Macroeconomic factors and stock prices in the emerging Cypriot equity market

This study examines the relationships between macroeconomic factors and stock prices in Cyprus. Estimating a reduced form Vector Autoregressive model (VAR) we determine Granger causality between stock returns and the predictor variables. We find strong evidence of predictability (which implies inefficiency) in stock returns, which is similar to the pattern observed in developed stock markets. In common with prior studies in this area, we cannot use our results as evidence of market inefficiency or deficiencies in the asset‐pricing model.
A Methodological Note Time of Participation Effects on Intrinsic Motivation

This note reports two studies with college students that suggest time of participation (early versus later semester) is an important variable in intrinsic motivation research. In these studies, external constraints undermined interest levels of those subjects participating early but not of those later. This finding is discussed in light of current theorizing, and implications for future research are presented.
Solar grain drying

Abstract The heat and mass transfer analysis of grain drying for a prototype model is described and the results of a parameter survey showing the effects of various system parameters on drying time are presented. The unique feature of the prototype considered here is that the dryer unit itself serves partly as a solar collector.
Assessing the need for functional diagnostic testing in low-risk women with chest pain.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the need for functional diagnostic testing to identify coronary artery disease (CAD) in women presenting with chest pain and deemed at low risk in a chest pain evaluation unit (CPEU) setting. METHODS Low-risk women evaluated in a CPEU were defined as having < or =1 intermediate determinant of CAD (hypertension, tobacco use, or hypercholesterolemia) or < or =2 minor determinants (age, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or family history of CAD). Patients were followed for 30 days for the occurrence of CAD, defined as a positive stress imaging study, significant CAD on angiography, myocardial revascularization, myocardial infarction (MI), or cardiac death. RESULTS Of 1355 consecutive women evaluated, 527 (39%) were classified as low risk. The rate of CAD in the low-risk group was 1.3% of which there were no coronary events. CONCLUSION Women admitted to a CPEU and identified as low risk are at very low risk for CAD.
Propionic acidaemia presenting with pancytopaenia in infancy

A 2-month-old infant presented with vomiting, lethargy and pancytopaenia. She was found to have propionic acidaemia, and the activity of propionyl-CoA carboxylase in cultured fibroblasts was defective (McKusick 23200). Abnormal amounts of glycine, 3-hydroxypropionate, methylcitrate, tiglylglycine, propionylglycine, 2-methylacetoacetate, 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate, 3-oxovalerate and 3-hydroxyvalerate were found in body fluids. It appears that the organic acidaemia leads to an inhibition in the maturation of cells in the bone marrow.
Pituitary somatostatin receptor (sst)1-5 expression during rat development: age-dependent expression of sst2.

The capacity of the pituitary to suppress hormone secretion in response to somatostatin (SRIF) is markedly age dependent. Immature pituitaries are relatively resistant to SRIF effects, and increasing sensitivity to SRIF with advancing age is believed to cause characteristic developmental changes in pituitary hormone secretion in mammals. However, the cellular mechanism(s) underlying this developmental pattern of response to SRIF are not understood. Because somatostatin receptors (ssts) are critical mediators of SRIF’s actions on target tissues, we investigated the expression of sst1, sst2, sst3, sst4, and sst5 messenger RNA (mRNA) in pituitaries of developing and mature rats. Animals were studied at embryonic day 19.5, and at postnatal days 2, 12, 30, 45, 70, and 1 yr; these ages correspond to major changes in circulating GH levels and pituitary responsiveness to SRIF. Pituitary levels of sst2 mRNA increased strikingly and progressively with advancing age after birth (F = 30.92, P < 0.0001). Compared with...
Personality and self-esteem in newlyweds

Abstract The current study investigated the relationships between several dimensions of self-esteem and the “Big Five” personality dimensions. Using a sample of 107 newlywed couples, we investigated whether the relationships identified in previous research replicated in this novel sample and whether the relationships between different dimensions of self-esteem (general, physical, social, and intellectual) and standings on the Big Five personality dimensions might be sex-differentiated. The results replicate many of the relationships between different dimensions of self-esteem and standings on the Big Five personality dimensions for both men and women. Previous work indicates that differences in personality between men and women may shape interactions with the environment differently and these different interactions may then shape self-esteem. None of these relationships was reliably sex-differentiated in the current research. Discussion addresses several limitations of this research and highlights directions for future research on the personality–self-esteem interface.
Functional Recognition of the 5′ Splice Site by U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP Defines a Novel ATP-Dependent Step in Early Spliceosome Assembly

A sensitive assay based on competition between cis-and trans-splicing suggested that factors in addition to U1 snRNP were important for early 5' splice site recognition. Cross-linking and physical protection experiments revealed a functionally important interaction between U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP and the 5' splice site, which unexpectedly was not dependent upon prior binding of U2 snRNP to the branch point. The early 5' splice site/tri-snRNP interaction requires ATP, occurs in both nematode and HeLa cell extracts, and involves sequence-specific interactions between the highly conserved splicing factor Prp8 and the 5' splice site. We propose that U1 and U5 snRNPs functionally collaborate to recognize and define the 5' splice site prior to establishment of communication with the 3' splice site.
Acyclovir and Epstein—Barr virus infection

Acyclovir (ACV) has an ED50 of 0.3 microM against EBV replication in vitro. Based on these and other data we carried out a pilot, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ACV for treatment of infectious mononucleosis. Only patients with relatively severe illness requiring hospital management were enrolled. Ten subjects with proven infectious mononucleosis received placebo and 10 ACV. The drug was administered intravenously at 8-hourly intervals in a total daily dosage of 1500 mg/m2 for 5 days. Preliminary analyses of the results indicate that the drug interrupted virus excretion in the oropharynx transiently but had no effect on ability to generate lymphocytic lines from peripheral blood. Symptoms and signs unaffected by ACV were splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, lethargy, fever and pharyngitis. There was significantly more rapid regain of weight in the ACV-treated group. On the basis of these results we have instituted an out-patient trial of orally administered ACV in patients with less severe illness earlier in its course. We have also begun in-vitro tests of other drugs that might prove to be effective against Epstein-Barr virus infection, and have shown that 9-1 (1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)guanine (BW759) has an ED50 of 0.05 microM.
A parallel programming environment for adaptive p-version finite element analysis

Abstract This paper presents a parallel programming environment for solving large-scale problems using adaptive p-version finite element approach. A scalable parallel feedback algorithm based on domain decomposition technique has been developed to incorporate the parallelism in adaptive finite element analysis of large-scale structures. This algorithm is implementable on MIMD type parallel processors, and uses p-extension of the finite element method. Modeling with p-version finite elements needs special considerations of load-balancing, and this has been incorporated in present domain decomposition technique using semi-empirical approach. The Connection Machine's CM-5 system has been used to implement the present system. Most of the previous attempts to parallelize adaptive finite element analysis were confirmed to parallel algorithms for direct or iterative equation solvers, and did not produce satisfactory performance because of small granularity of parallel tasks. Also these efforts were based on h-version of the finite element method, and hence could not exploit some of the special advantages available in p-vision of finite element approach. As the feedback algorithm is based on an iterative scheme, utilizing the domain decomposition technique, it produced good performance, particularly for large-scale structures. It has been tested for a number of regular and irregular two-dimensional problems showing good convergence characteristics.
Behavioral sensitization to amphetamine is not accompanied by a decrease in the number of c-Fos containing cells in the striatum.

Abstract The expression of c-Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) and chronic Fos-related antigen-like immunoreactivity (FRALI) accompanying behavioral sensitization to amphetamine was assessed in male rat striatum. Animals were treated for four days with amphetamine (A; 5 mg/kg) or vehicle (V) and challenged with A or V on the fifth day. The number of FLI-positive cells in the striatum was enhanced in V–A and A–A groups as compared to control (V–V), while the number of FRALI-positive cells in the striatum was enhanced in the A–V and A–A groups as compared to control. These results suggest that the absence of a decrease in the number of striatal FLI-positive cells accompanying chronic amphetamine treatment is not due to antibody cross-reactivity with chronic FRAs, and that behavioral sensitization to amphetamine is not accompanied by a change in the number of striatal cells expressing c-Fos.
Converting Eucalyptus biomass into ethanol: Financial and sensitivity analysis in a co-current dilute acid process. Part II

Abstract The technical and financial performance of high yield Eucalyptus biomass in a co-current dilute acid pretreatment followed by enzymatic hydrolysis process was simulated using WinGEMS ® and Excel ® . Average ethanol yield per dry Mg of Eucalyptus biomass was approximately 347.6 L of ethanol (with average carbohydrate content in the biomass around 66.1%) at a cost of $0.49 L −1 of ethanol, cash cost of ∼ $0.46 L −1 and CAPEX of $1.03 L −1 of ethanol. The main cost drivers are: biomass, enzyme, tax, fuel (gasoline), depreciation and labor. Profitability of the process is very sensitive to biomass cost, carbohydrate content (%) in biomass and enzyme cost. Biomass delivered cost was simulated and financially evaluated in Part I; here in Part II the conversion of this raw material into cellulosic ethanol using the dilute acid process is evaluated.
Translating a National Laboratory Strategic Plan into action through SLMTA in a district hospital laboratory in Botswana.

Background: The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Botswana adopted Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA), a structured quality improvement programme, as a key tool for the implementation of quality management systems in its public health laboratories. Coupled with focused mentorship, this programme aimed to help MOH achieve the goals of the National Laboratory Strategic Plan to provide quality and timely clinical diagnosis. Objectives: This article describes the impact of implementing SLMTA in Sekgoma Memorial Hospital Laboratory (SMHL) in Serowe, Botswana. Methods: SLMTA implementation in SMHL included trainings, improvement projects, site visits and focused mentorship. To measure progress, audits using the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist were conducted at baseline and exit of the programme, with scores corresponding to a zero- to five-star scale.Turnaround times and customer satisfaction were tracked. Results: The laboratory scored 53% (zero stars) at the baseline audit and 80% (three stars) at exit. Nearly three years later, the laboratory scored 85% (four stars) in an official audit conducted by the African Society for Laboratory Medicine. Turnaround times became shorter after SLMTA implementation, with reductions ranging 19% to 52%; overall patient satisfaction increased from 56% to 73%; and clinician satisfaction increased from 41% to 72%. Improvements in inventory management led to decreases in discarded reagents, reducinglosses from US $18 000 in 2011 to $40 in 2013. Conclusion: The SLMTA programme contributed to enhanced performance of the laboratory,which in turn yielded potential positive impacts for patient care at the hospital.
Differential Care of Corneal Ulcers in the Community Based on Apparent Severity

Purpose: To describe current practice patterns in treating infectious keratitis. Methods: A questionnaire was designed that asked ophthalmologists to describe the diagnostic equipment accessible to their practice for performing smears and obtaining scrapings for microbial culture and sensitivity testing. The questionnaire also presented two hypothetical cases of patients with infectious keratitis. Bacterial keratitis was relatively early and less severe in the first patient, and it was more advanced and more severe in the second patient. Recipients were asked about their diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The survey was mailed to 300 ophthalmologists in Florida, Illinois, and New York. Results: One hundred twenty-four completed surveys (45%) were returned. Six surveys were from cornea specialists, who were excluded from the analysis. Only 18 practices (15%) maintained access to Gram stain supplies, and 58 (50%) maintained culture supplies. Whereas 56% of respondents would treat the patient with the less severe bacterial keratitis without obtaining samples for cultures, only 13% would treat the patient with the more severe condition in this manner ( P P = 0.002). The mean frequency of fluoroquinolone administration for the patient with more-severe bacterial keratitis was one drop every 0.88 hours, compared with one drop every 1.48 hours for the patient with the less severe infection. Conclusions: Ophthalmologists appear to treat suspected infectious keratitis differently, depending on perceived severity; they choose different antibiotic regimens; and are more likely to forgo scrapings for Gram staining and cultures for ulcers that appear less severe. The justification for this approach should be established.
German Police: Marching Ahead on the Road to Elitism

In the recent years the police in Germany have been given higher status by eliminating lower ranks and making it possible for new recruits to start with a “commissioned officer'’ rank which means at the level of a lieutenant. This has been done in order to give them more salary and give recognition to the complexity of street‐level police work. The paper examines whether this change is bringing about positive results, particularly in narrowing the gap between the police and the public which has been a historically significant challenge for the police in Germany.
Conventional tourism and ecotourism in Phuket, Thailand: conflicting paradigms or symbiotic partners?

This paper examines the ways in which conventional tourism and ecotourism are conceptually, operationally, and spatially linked in Phuket and surrounding provinces in southern Thailand. Phuket's two oldest and most prominent ecotourism companies are used as case studies to illustrate how the principles of ecotourism are implemented in practice even as structural connections to the existing conventional tourism industry are maintained. The collective number of ecotourism customers, the packaged nature of ecotourists' holidays, the marketing strategies employed by Phuket's ecotourism companies, the close proximity of ecotourism activities to conventional tourism areas, and the nature and structure of daily ecotourism operations all bind ecotourism in southern Thailand to more conventional tourism in the region. However, despite such strong connections to conventional tourism, Phuket's ecotourism companies nevertheless continue to promote the most prominent principles found in definitions of ecotourism: natu...