cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Having It Both Ways: The Janus-Like Career of Kareena Kapoor

Since her debut in Refugee (Dutta in Refugee. HR Enterprises, 2000), Kareena Kapoor has balanced the roles of Bollywood heroine and independent actress willing to take risks. One can chart this trajectory throughout her career—from the bubbly Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Johar in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Dharma Productions, 2001), to the eponymous, cigarette-smoking prostitute in Chameli (Mishra in Chameli. Pritish Nandy Communications, 2004); or, more broadly, from award-winning performances in hat-kē (off-centre) features, to Westernized heroines in mainstream films. This range is crucial in coming to terms with Kapoor as an actress, one willing to take risks, even as such risk-taking has come to define her trajectory as a twenty-first century star. Similarly, while Kapoor is decidedly a global star of the contemporary era who has appeared on the covers of numerous international fashion magazines, with myriad fans who have created multiple online fan sites devoted to her, she herself is not active on social media, with neither a Twitter nor an Instagram account. (In explaining her absence from social media, Kapoor claims she is a “very private” person who generally prefers “old school” forms of communication rather than, e.g. tweeting. See (Zoom Planet Bollywood 2015)). To invoke Richard Dyer’s now canonical terms, these disparate elements of Kapoor’s stardom produce a high level of opposition or contradiction in her star text. As John Ellis has noted, “There is always a temptation to think of a ‘star image’ as some kind of fixed repertory of fixed meanings” (1982, 92). Yet Kapoor’s Janus-like career demonstrates that star texts are indeed paradoxical and “composed of elements which do not cohere” (Ellis in Visible Fictions: Cinema, television, video. Routledge, London, 1982, 93). Building on the scholarship of Dyer and Ellis, this chapter will examine the trajectory of Kapoor’s career as a way of understanding the oftentimes contradictory manner in which her globalized star image functions. In the process, earlier Hollywood-centric theories of stardom will be reconsidered in light of the particular dynamics of the Bollywood “ecumene” (Bhaumik 2007: 202). Ultimately, I will argue that, despite the apparent incoherence of her star image, Kapoor’s stardom thrives on precisely such paradoxical meanings.
Content of xylose, trehalose and l-citrulline in cucumber fermentations and utilization of such compounds by certain lactic acid bacteria.

Abstract This research determined the concentration of trehalose, xylose and l -citrulline in fresh and fermented cucumbers and their utilization by Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus buchneri. Targeted compounds were measured by HPLC and the ability of the lactobacilli to utilize them was scrutinized in fermented cucumber juice. Fresh cucumber juice was supplemented with trehalose, xylose and l -citrulline to observed mixed culture fermentations. Changes in the biochemistry, pH and colony counts during fermentations were monitored. Trehalose, xylose and l -citrulline were detected in fermentations to15.51 ± 1.68 mM, a fresh cucumber sample at 36.05 mM and in fresh and fermented cucumber samples at 1.05 ± 0.63 mM, respectively. Most of the LAB tested utilized trehalose and xylose in FCJM at pH 4.7. l -citrulline was utilized by L. buchneri and produced by other LAB. l -citrulline (12.43 ± 2.3 mM) was converted to ammonia (14.54 ± 3.60 mM) and the biogenic amine ornithine (14.19 ± 1.07 mM) by L. buchneri at pH 4.7 in the presence of 0.5 ± 0.2 mM glucose enhancing growth by 0.5 log CFU/mL. The use of a mixed starter culture containing L. buchneri aided in the removal of l -citrulline and enhanced the fermentation stability. The utilization of l -citrulline by L. buchneri may be a cause of concern for the stability of cucumber fermentations at pH 3.7 or above. This study identifies the use of a tripartite starter culture as an enhancer of microbial stability for fermented cucumbers.
A social network comparison between a Classroom-as-Organization and traditional management classes

The constructivist theory of learning states that student interaction with peers leads to cognitive development. Meanwhile, scholars claimed that traditional management classes that use group work ...
Breast Cancer Surgery Decision Role Perceptions and Choice of Surgery.

Retrospective studies have reported that breast cancer patients who perceived more personal responsibility for the surgery decision were more likely to undergo aggressive surgery. We examined this in a prospective study. 100 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients identified their decision- making role using the Patient Preference Scale. Chart review captured the initial surgery received. Patient decision role preference, role perception, role concordance, and provider role perception were compared with type of surgery to assess differences between mastectomy and lumpectomy groups and unilateral versus bilateral mastectomy. We compared type of surgery and patient role concordance. Satisfaction with Decision immediately after the visit, Decision Regret and FACT-B quality of life at 2 weeks and 6 months were assessed and compared with type of surgery. Patient decision role preference (p = 0.49) and perception (p = 0.16) were not associated with type of surgery. Provider perception of patient role was associated with type of surgery, with providers perceiving more passive patient roles in the mastectomy group (p = 0.026). Patient role preference varied significantly by stage of disease (= 0.024), with stage 0 (64%, N = 6) and stage III (60%, N = 6) patients preferring active roles and stage I (60%, N = 25) and stage II (52%, N = 16) patients preferring a collaborative role. Patient role preference and perception were not associated with type of surgery, while provider perception of patient role was. Patient role preference varied by stage of disease. Further study is warranted to better understand how disease factors and provider interactions affect decision role preferences and perceptions and surgical choice. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03350854). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03350854 .
Disease, Disaster, and Disengagement: Ebola and Political Participation in Sierra Leone

How do widespread public health crises affect political behavior? This article examines the impact of the 2014 West African Ebola outbreak on political participation in Sierra Leone. In addition to the effects observed following conflict and natural disasters, I present evidence that hardship brought on by the outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) substantially decreased participation in civic affairs, measured in self-reported political activity using data from an Afrobarometer survey conducted near the end of the outbreak. To account for selection and endogeneity concerns, I undertake falsification and coefficient stability approaches in addition to controlling for levels of political activity in the 2012 national election. The negative effect seems driven in part by a reduction in trust and perceived performance of traditional institutions and not from an increase in economic insecurity, highlighting the role of external efficacy rather than resource-based mechanisms in mediating the relationship between exposure to the disease and participation.
Aging Effect Analysis of PV Inverter Semiconductors for Ancillary Services Support

PV inverters can provide reactive power while generating active power. An ongoing microgrid implementation at Duke Energy actively engages non-utility PVs to generate/absorb reactive power in support of ancillary services to increase microgrid resiliency during extreme events. PV systems are requested to provide reactive power support: 1) in response to grid voltage variation to better regulate the local voltage; or 2) in response to utility incentives, such as following Transactive Energy System (TES) incentives. However, providing ancillary services might shorten the lifetime expectation of PV inverter semiconductors. This paper summarizes the potential impacts on a PV inverter semiconductor's lifetime when providing ancillary services. The analysis presented in this research work shows that providing reactive power support will increase the mean junction temperature and the junction temperature variation of the inverter diodes. This increased junction temperature will eventually lead to shorter diode lifetime. The lifetime estimation of semiconductors is briefly reviewed. The power losses of PV inverter semiconductors are derived as a support analysis to the junction temperature calculation. In addition, the impact of the filtering inductor on the semiconductor current distribution is discussed. The theoretical analysis presented in this research work is supported by simulation results.
Telemedicine for Delivery of Postoperative Care Following Minimally-Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Objective Determine if patient satisfaction is greater after delivering postoperative care via telemedicine following minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Design Randomized controlled trial Setting University based outpatient clinic. Patients or Participants Between 18 and 60 years of age scheduled to undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy or laparoscopic excision of endometriosis. Interventions Eligible patients were randomized to receive postoperative care either through a traditional office visit or via telemedicine. Measurements and Main Results 41 patients were analyzed out of which 25 were allocated to the office group and 16 to the telemedicine group. Groups were homogenous to age (41.4 v 43.3 p.48), BMI (31.9 v 30.6 p=.52), distance in miles from home (12.7 v 12.4 p=.92) and parity (p=.51). PSQ-18 questionnaire was scored and each category was compared between the office and telemedicine groups. When comparing medians (IQR), the general satisfaction and time spent with doctor categories were significantly higher in the telemedicine group (4.0 (4.0, 4.5) v 4.5 (4.5, 5.0) p=.05), (4.0(4.0, 4.5) v 4.5(4.0, 5.0) p=.05). The remainder of the categories analyzed were not different between groups (Technical Quality (4.0 (3.8, 4.5) v 4.5 (3.9, 5.0) p=.13), Interpersonal Manner (4.0 (4.0, 4.5) v 4.5 (4.0, 5.0) p=.34), Communication (4.5 (4.0, 4.5) v 4.5 (4.3, 5.0) p=.21) and Accessibility and Convenience (4.0 (3.5, 4.5) v 4.0 (3.6, 4.5) p=.84)). A chart review was performed, examining the first 30 days after surgery. One (4%) patient in the office group visited the ER following the postoperative visit, and 0 in the telemedicine group (p=.42). Regarding phone calls to the clinic after postoperative visit, 5(20%) patients in the office group incurred in at least one call and 4(25%) did so in the telemedicine group (p=.92). Conclusion Postoperative care via telemedicine after gynecologic surgery results in higher patient satisfaction, and does not appear to increase the risk of complications.
Optimization of Trissolcus japonicus cold storage methods for biological control of Halyomorpha halys

Abstract Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) has shown promise as a biological control agent for the invasive agricultural and nuisance pest, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). In addition to the need for laboratory research colonies, the possibility for rearing T. japonicus for classical or augmentative releases necessitates investigation into efficient rearing protocols with control over timing of production. Cold storage is a means to slow insects’ metabolism and cold temperatures can be used to manipulate when and how many parasitoids are available for use. Conditions of cold storage (i.e., temperature and photoperiod), duration of exposure to cold, nutrition, age, and sex of parasitoids can all affect the success of a cold storage regime. We tested how these factors affected mortality, realized fertility of females, sex of progeny, and development time for cold-stored adult and immature T. japonicus using previously frozen H. halys egg masses. Rearing adult T. japonicus at 8, 13, or 18 °C (10:14 h L:D) significantly increased longevity compared to 23 °C (16:8 h L:D); however, for females reared at 8 °C, 10:14 h L:D, we found sublethal effects on realized fertility and sex of their progeny. Adults with access to food survived at greater levels than those without food. We found high mortality of cold-stored immatures in all the ages and cold storage conditions tested. Additionally, differences in T. japonicus emergence from fresh and frozen H. halys eggs was assessed. This work can be used to compare the costs and benefits of cold storage for T. japonicus and will assist forecasting the emergence and sex of adult parasitoids after T. japonicus are cold stored.
Microbiomes: Infant Chimps Crawling with Bacteria

Human guts are colonized at birth by a limited set of microbes that gradually increases in diversity throughout infancy. A new study reports the opposite pattern in infant chimpanzees, raising questions about how host-microbiota relationships have changed during ape evolution.
Messages Promoting Healthy Kids' Meals: An Online RCT.

Introduction Calorie labeling is now required on all large U.S. chain restaurant menus, but its influence on consumer behavior is mixed. This study examines whether different parent-targeted messages encourage parents to order lower-calorie meals for their children in a hypothetical online setting. Methods An online RCT was conducted with sociodemographically diverse primary caregivers of children aged 6–12 years (data collected and analyzed in 2017–2019). Participants (N=2,373) were randomized to see 1 of 4 messages: (1) nonfood control, (2) kids’ meals are the right size for children, (3) doctors recommend a 600 kcal per meal limit for kids, or (4) 600 kcal per meal is a generally recommended limit for kids. Participants ordered hypothetical meals for their children and themselves and rated meal and message perceptions. Results There were no significant differences between conditions in calories ordered for children at either restaurant, although all 3 food message conditions ordered fewer calories for their children than the control (full service: 27–68 fewer kcal, fast food: 18–64 fewer kcal). The general 600 kcal/meal limit message consistently performed best across outcomes, encouraging parents to order the fewest calories for their children at both restaurants (5%–7% fewer) and significantly increasing their understanding of calorie recommendations for kids’ meals. It also significantly reduced fast-food calories parents ordered for themselves compared with the control (−106 kcal, p=0.042). Conclusions Although no statistically significant differences were detected, messages with specific calorie recommendations for kids led parents to order lower-calorie restaurant meals for their children, suggesting that additional real-world studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Future potential of Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx Tech) in molecular diagnostics.

While necessity is the mother of invention, anomalies have formed the basis for most disruptive discoveries that seed innovations in the sciences. They provide the impetus for paradigm change withi...
Lexicon Learning for Few-Shot Neural Sequence Modeling.

Sequence-to-sequence transduction is the core problem in language processing applications as diverse as semantic parsing, machine translation, and instruction following. The neural network models that provide the dominant solution to these problems are brittle, especially in low-resource settings: they fail to generalize correctly or systematically from small datasets. Past work has shown that many failures of systematic generalization arise from neural models' inability to disentangle lexical phenomena from syntactic ones. To address this, we augment neural decoders with a lexical translation mechanism that generalizes existing copy mechanisms to incorporate learned, decontextualized, token-level translation rules. We describe how to initialize this mechanism using a variety of lexicon learning algorithms, and show that it improves systematic generalization on a diverse set of sequence modeling tasks drawn from cognitive science, formal semantics, and machine translation.
Excitonic semiconductors on plasmonic substrates: optical and electronic effects

Two-Dimensional (2D) chalcogenides of Mo and W are semiconductors that show strong excitonic responses due to their highly quantum-confined character. This talk will discuss our recent work on optical phenomena and electronic phenomena in 2D semiconductors when they are placed in close proximity on plasmonic substrates such as Au, Ag and Al. I will present how 1D nanostructuring of Mos2, WS2, WSe2 etc. into nanophotonic dielectric gratings can enable exploration of new regimes of light-matter confinement including formation of hybrid exciton-plasmon-polariton states. I will extend this concept to 2D hybrid pervoskites and superlattices. Finally, I will also show how using a plasmonic tip once can use near-field tip based micro-spectroscopy to probe defects, interfaces and hybrid states in 2D excitonic semiconductors
Locating artificial intelligence: a research agenda

Artificial Intelligence (AI) increasingly shapes our lives, yet a geographic approach to AI has not solidified. This article maps the genealogy of AI across the discipline of geography. Building on...
Neurologic Implications of Critical Illness and Organ Dysfunction

Critical illness has consequences for the nervous system. Patients experiencing critical illness are at risk for common global neurologic disturbances, such as delirium, long-term cognitive dysfunction, ICU-acquired weakness, sleep disturbances, recurrent seizures, and coma. In addition, complications related to specific organ dysfunction may be anticipated. Cardiovascular disease presents the possibility for CNS injury after cardiac arrest, sequelae of endocarditis, aberrancies of blood flow autoregulation, and malperfusion. Respiratory disease is known to cause short-term effects of hypoxia and long-term effects after ARDS. Sepsis encephalopathy and sickness behavior syndrome are early signs of infection in patients. In addition, commonly encountered organ dysfunction including uremia, hepatic failure, endocrine, and metabolic disturbances present with neurologic findings which may manifest in the critically ill patient as well.
Enhancement of electron-injection detector performance by their unique three-dimensional geometry

Electron-injection detectors are designed based on a new photon sensing mechanism. Here we demonstrate significant improvements in the device performance as a result of scaling the injector diameter with respect to the trapping/absorbing layer diameter. Devices with an order of magnitude smaller injector area with respect to the trapping/absorbing layer areas show more than an order of magnitude lower dark current, as well as an order of magnitude higher optical gain compared with devices of same size injector and trapping/absorbing layer areas. Devices with 10 μm injector diameter and 30 μm trapping/absorbing layer diameter show an optical gain of ~ 2000 at bias voltage of -3V with a cutoff wavelength of 1700 nm. We also derive analytical expressions for the electroninjection detector optical gain to qualitatively explain the significance of scaling the injector with respect to the absorber.
Bond yield uncertainty and the demand for money: A comment

The purpose of this paper is to reconsider the work recently reported by Amihud that the demand for money is an increasing function of the risk of holding bonds. Our evidence from testing annual and quarterly Cambridge k and demand-for-money equations cannot confirm the positive and significant bond-yield uncertainty coefficient reported by Amihud in a semi-annual Cambridge k equation.
Perceptions of Female Offenders: How Stereotypes and Social Norms Affect Criminal Justice Response

We live in a society in which stereotypes of women and social norms suggest women are less violent than men. We operate from the belief that if a woman commits a crime, it was because she retaliated because of her own victimization or committed the crime under duress or oppression. Perceptions of female offenders are often perceived as victims who commit crimes as a self-defense mechanism or as criminal deviants whose actions strayed from typical “womanly” behavior. Such cultural norms for violence exist in our gendered society and there has been scholarly debate about how male and female offenders are perceived and how this perception leads to differential treatment in the criminal justice system. This debate is primarily based upon theories associated with stereotypes and social norms and how these prescriptive norms can influence both public and criminal justice response. Scholars in psychology, sociology, and criminology have found that female offenders are perceived differently than male offenders and this ultimately leads to differential treatment in the criminal justice system. This interdisciplinary book provides an evidence-based approach of how female offenders are perceived in society, how this translates into differential treatment within the criminal justice system, and explores the ramifications of such differences. Quite often perceptions of female offenders are at odds with research findings as well. This book will provide a comprehensive evidence-based review of the research that is valuable to laypersons, researchers, practitioners, advocates, treatment providers, lawyers, judges, and anyone interested in gender equality within the criminal justice system.
Adaptive load-balancing strategies for distributed systems

Describes SMALL, a system for learning load-balancing strategies in distributed computer systems. The load balancing problem is an ill-posed optimization problem because its objective function is ill-defined. Realistic state-space representations of this problem do not satisfy the Markov property. Experimentally feasible learning environments for load balancing exhibit delayed, evaluative feedback. Such aspects complicate the learning of strategies for load balancing. SMALL uses comparator neural networks for learning to compare objective-function values of states resulting from a set of alternative moves. The problem of learning from delayed evaluative feedback, also called the credit-assignment problem of reinforcement learning, is solved only for Markovian problems. The paper presents a novel credit-assignment procedure suitable for load balancing and other non-Markovian learning tasks. >
A Direct Adaptive Control Scheme for Disk File Servos

This paper presents a direct adaptive control scheme for disk file track following servos. The scheme is designed to enhance the performance of a fixed observer based controller in the face of plant uncertainty and operating in a stochastic environment. The compensator used in each disk file is individually tuned with the use of an add-on adjustable FIR filter, Q, utilizing a linear fractional transformation (LFT) known as the Youla-Kucera parameterization. Similarly, the difference between the actual disk drive dynamics and the nominal model is characterized by an unknown transfer function, S, using the Youla-Kucera parameterization applied to the plant rather than to the compensator. The adaptive scheme utilizes two parameter adaptation algorithms running simultaneously. An recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm is used to identify the transfer function S which quantifies the mismatch between the actual disk file and the nominal disk file model. A second parameter adaptation algorithm is used to identify the finite impulse response (FIR) compensator Q. The goal of the overall adaptive controller is to minimize the specified H 2 cost.
Interface properties of the oxide grown on Si at low temperatures using point to plane corona discharge

The interface trap density of oxide film grown on silicon at low temperatures using point to plane corona discharge is studied. For oxide grown with this method with a 1-cm electrode distance, an interface density on the order of 10/sup 13/ to 10/sup 14/ eV/sup -1/ cm/sup -2/ is obtained from the high-frequency current-voltage curves. This is higher than the interface trap density of the oxide grown by the conventional high-temperature oxidation method. The interface trap density can be lowered by changing such processing parameters as the distance between the electrodes and the corona discharge current density. >
The role of vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular stability in diseases of the ear.

Objectives/Hypothesis Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical mediator of vascular permeability and angiogenesis and likely plays an important role in cochlear function and hearing. This review highlights the role of VEGF in hearing loss associated with vestibular schwannomas, otitis media with effusion, and sensorineural hearing loss. Study Design PubMed literature review. Methods A review of the literature was conducted to determine the role of VEGF in diseases affecting hearing. Results Therapeutic efficacy has been demonstrated for the anti-VEGF agent bevacizumab in vestibular schwannomas, with tumor size reduction and hearing improvement in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2. The loss of functional Merlin, the protein product of the nf2 gene, results in a decrease in expression of the anti-angiogenic protein SEMA3F through a Rac-1–dependent mechanism, allowing VEGF to promote angiogenesis. Bevacizumab may therefore restore the angiogenic balance through inhibiting the relative increase in VEGF. Many of the clinical findings of otitis media with effusion can be reproduced by delivery of recombinant VEGF through transtympanic injection or submucosal osmotic pump. VEGF receptor inhibitors have been demonstrated to improve hearing in an animal model of otitis media with effusion. VEGF affects both the inner ear damage and repair processes in sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusions VEGF has an important role in vestibular schwannomas, otitis media with effusion, and sensorineural hearing loss. Laryngoscope, 124:E340–E346, 2014
Laser doppler flowmetry for bone blood flow measurements: Helium–neon laser light attenuation and depth of perfusion assessment

Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) has been successfully used in clinical and experimental settings to evaluate bone perfusion but unanswered questions regarding its capabilities and limitations still remain. This study was undertaken to determine absorption of He-Ne laser light (632.8 nm) and maximum depth for flow assessment (threshold thickness) under optimal conditions in bone. Light transmittance in bovine bone samples of femora and tibia was measured after each step of grinding and depth of penetration calculated. The threshold thickness was obtained by placing the same samples in a flow chamber where a solution of 2% latex circulated beneath; flow was detected by a laser Doppler probe resting on top of the sample. The results showed a significantly higher depth of penetration for trabecular than for cortical bone. A regression analysis showed a high correlation between the inorganic fraction of the bone and the depth of penetration. The maximum depth at which the laser Doppler probe can evaluate flow in bone conditions was found to be 2.9 +/- 0.2 mm in cortical bone, 3.5 +/- 0.3 mm in bone covered by 1 mm cartilage and 3.5 +/- 0.2 mm in trabecular bone. The study showed the limitations of LDF in bone and their correlations to various bone properties.
The adsorption mechanism of nortryptiline on C18-bonded Discovery.

Abstract The adsorption isotherms of an ionizable compound, nortriptyline, were accurately measured by frontal analysis (FA) on a C18-Discovery column, first without buffer (in an aqueous solution of acetonitrile at 15%, v/v of ACN), then with a buffer (in 28%, v/v ACN solution). The buffers were aqueous solutions containing 20 mM of formic acid or a phosphate buffer at pH 2.70. The linear range of the isotherm could not be reached with the non-buffered mobile phase using a dynamic range larger than 40 000 (from 1.2 × 10−3 g/L to 50 g/L). With a 20 mM buffer in the liquid phase, the isotherm is linear for concentrations of nortriptyline inferior to 10−3 g/L (or 3 μ mol/L). The adsorption energy distribution (AED) was calculated to determine the heterogeneity of the adsorption process. AED and FA were consistent and lead to a trimodal distribution. A tri-Moreau and a tri-Langmuir isotherm models accounted the best for the adsorption of nortriptyline without and with buffer, respectively. The nature of the buffer affects significantly the middle-energy sites while the properties of the lowest and highest of the three types of energy sites are almost unchanged. The desorption profiles of nortriptyline show some anomalies in relation with the formation of a complex multilayer adsorbed phase of acetonitrile whose excess isotherm was measured by the minor disturbance method. The C18-Discovery column has about the same total saturation capacity, around 200 g of nortriptyline per liter of adsorbent (or 116 mg/g), with or without buffer. About 98–99% of the available surface consists in low energy sites. The coexistence of these different types of sites on the surface solves the McCalley’s enigma, that the column efficiency begins to drop rapidly when the analyte concentration reaches values that are almost one hundred times lower than those that could be predicted from the isotherm data acquired under the same experimental conditions. Due to the presence of some relatively rare high energy sites, the largest part of the saturation capacity is not practically useful.
Intersegmental interneurons serving larval and pupal mechanosensory reflexes in the moth Manduca sexta

1. Intersegmental interneurons (INs) that participate in the larval bending reflex and the pupal gin trap closure reflex were identified in the isolated ventral nerve cord of Manduca sexta. INs 305, 504, and 703 show qualitatively different responses in the pupa than in the larva to electrical stimulation of sensory neurons that are retained during the larval-pupal transition to serve both reflexes. Action potentials produced by current injected into the 3 interneurons excite motor neurons that are directly involved in the larval and pupal reflexes. The excitation of the motor neurons is not associated with EPSPs at a fixed latency following action potentials in the interneurons, and thus there do not seem to be direct synaptic connections between the interneurons and the motor neurons. 2. IN 305 (Fig. 2) has a lateral soma, processes in most of the dorsal neuropil ipsilateral to the soma, and a crossing neurite that gives rise to a single contralateral descending axon. IN 305 is excited by stimulation of the sensory nerve ipsilateral to its soma in the larva and the pupa. Stimulation of the sensory nerve contralateral to its soma produces an inhibitory response in the larva, but a mixed excitatory/inhibitory response to the identical stimulus in the pupa. 3. IN 504 (Fig. 3) has a lateral soma, processes throughout most of the neuropil ipsilateral to the soma, and a crossing neurite that bifurcates to give rise to a process extending to the caudal limit of the neuropil and an ascending axon. IN 504 is excited by stimulation of the sensory nerve ipsilateral to its soma in both larvae and pupae, while the response to stimulation of the sensory nerve contralateral to its soma is inhibitory in the larva but mixed (excitatory/inhibitory) in the pupa. 4. IN 703 has a large antero-lateral soma, a neurite that extends across to the contralateral side giving rise to processes located primarily dorsally in both ipsilateral and contralateral neuropils, and two axons that ascend and descend in the connectives contralateral to the soma (Fig. 4). IN 703 responds to stimulation of the sensory nerves on either side of the ganglion, but the form of the response changes during the larval-pupal transition. In the larva, the response consists of very phasic (0-2 spikes) excitation, but in the pupa there is a prolonged excitation that greatly outlasts the stimulus (Fig. 6).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Regulation of Akt during torpor in the hibernating ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus.

The 13-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) is capable of entering into extended periods of torpor during winter hibernation. The state of torpor represents a hypometabolic shift wherein the rate of oxygen consuming processes are strongly repressed in an effort to maintain cellular homeostasis as the availability of food energy becomes limited. We are interested in studying hibernation/torpor because of the robust state of tolerance to constrained oxygen delivery, oligemia, and hypothermia achieved by the tissues of hibernating mammals. The role of the serine/threonine kinase Akt (also known as PKB) has been examined in torpor in previous studies. However, this is the first study that examines the level of Akt phosphorylation in the liver during the two transition phases of the hibernation cycle: entrance into torpor, and the subsequent arousal from torpor. Our results indicate that Akt is activated in the squirrel liver by phosphorylation of two key residues (Thr308 and Ser473) during entrance into torpor and arousal from torpor. Moreover, we observed increased phosphorylation of key substrates of Akt during the two transition stages of torpor. Finally, this study reports the novel finding that PRAS40, a component of the TORC1 multi-protein complex and a potentially important modulator of metabolism, is regulated during torpor.
How a Neurotoxin Survives

Botulinum neurotoxins are secreted by the spore forming Gram-positive bacteria Clostridium botulinum and some other Clostridium strains under suitable anaerobic conditions ( 1 ). Ingestion or inhalation of botulinum neurotoxin leads to a severe neuroparalytic disease, termed botulism, which is characterized by muscle paralysis and autonomic dysfunction. Both conditions stem from inhibition of acetylcholine release, which results from botulinum neurotoxin-mediated proteolysis of one of three SNARE (soluble N -ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins involved in the release of this neurotransmitter from nerve terminals ( 2 ). On page 977 of this issue, Gu et al. ( 3 ) provide a key insight into how botulinum neurotoxin can survive passage through the gastrointestinal tract, allowing the intact toxin to reach the bloodstream.
Acoustic analysis of compensatory articulation in children

A study was undertaken to explore the effects of fixing the mandible with a bite block on the formant frequencies of the vowels [i a u] produced by two groups of children aged 4 and 5 and 7 and 8 years. Vowels produced in both normal and bite‐block conditions were submitted to LPC analysis with windows placed over the first glottal pulse and at the vowel midpoint. For both groups of children, no differences were found in the frequencies of either the first or second formant between the normal and bite‐block conditions. Results are discussed in relation to theories of the acquisition of speech motor control.
Quantum-dots based electrochemical immunoassay of interleukin-1α

Abstract We describe a quantum-dot (QD, CdSe@ZnS) based electrochemical immunoassay to detect a protein biomarker, interleukin-1α (IL-1α). QD conjugated with anti-IL-1α antibody was used as a label in an immunorecognition event. After a complete sandwich immunoreaction among the primary IL-1α antibody (immobilized on the avidin-modified magnetic beads), IL-1α, and the QD-labeled secondary antibody, QD labels were attached to the magnetic-bead surface through the antibody-antigen immunocomplex. Electrochemical stripping analysis of the captured QDs was used to quantify the concentration of IL-1α after an acid-dissolution step. The streptavidin-modified magnetic beads and the magnetic separation platform were used to integrate a facile antibody immobilization (through a biotin/streptavidin interaction) with immunoreactions and the isolation of immunocomplexes from reaction solutions in the assay. The voltammetric response is highly linear over the range of 0.5–50 ng ml−1 IL-1α, and the limit of detection is estimated to be 0.3 ng ml−1 (18 pM). This QD-based electrochemical immunoassay shows great promise for rapid, simple, and cost-effective analysis of protein biomarkers.
Alterations in opiate receptor binding in the hippocampus of aged Long-Evans rats

Quantitative in vitro autoradiography was used to examine [3H]D-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly-015 enkephalin (DAGO) (mu-agonist) and [3H]diprenorphine (general opiate antagonist) binding sites in the hippocampal formation of young (6-8 months) and aged (25-28 months) Long-Evans rats. Age-related changes in these binding sites were restricted to specific regions but were not generally dependent on the ligand used. No reliable age-related changes in opiate binding were observed in the CA1 field or subicular region. In contrast, a decrease in the density of binding was found in both dorsal and ventral hippocampus within the CA3 field of aged brains. An age-related decrease in opiate binding within the dentate gyrus differed in its topography at dorsal and ventral levels of the hippocampus. A uniform decrease of opiate receptor binding was found throughout the dorsal dentate gyrus, while a more localized decrease of these sites occurred in hilar and granular layers of the ventral dentate gyrus. These results indicate that a decrease of opiate binding in the hippocampal formation is largely localized to the CA3 region and dentate gyrus of aged rats. These findings are discussed with reference to age-related changes in hippocampal pathways containing opioid peptides. The implications for hippocampal opioid function in learning and age-related cognitive decline are also considered.
A new ‘Direction’ for source location privacy in wireless sensor networks'

Preserving source location privacy in wireless sensor networks can be critical for several practical applications. Existing solutions proposed specifically for sensor networks rely on a combination of dynamic routing and dummy traffic to hide real event messages. While some privacy protection guarantees can be given, these solutions also tend to be expensive due to fake transmissions and non-shortest path routing overheads. In this paper, we propose a novel idea, of using a combination of directional antennas, transmit power control and information compression to provide lightweight and energy-efficient source location privacy. We discuss the adversary model extensively and then carefully layout characteristics of a realistic adversary. We show how use of directional antennas makes eavesdropping more costly for a realistic adversary and establish relationships between probability of compromise of location privacy, characteristics of directional antennas and size of the adversary's eavesdropping network. Finally, we show how a simple information compression measure can greatly reduce message latency and prolong battery life by conserving energy. Results of extensive simulations in NS2, with our realistic directional antenna add-on, show that compared to existing solutions, we can achieve comparable privacy protection, better message latency, delivery ratio and many orders of magnitude improvement in energy consumption.
Non‐Newtonian and non‐isothermal analysis of flow during polymerization of methyl methacrylate in a model twin screw extruder. Part II

The flow analysis network (FAN) method was modified to analyze the flow during polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in a model counter-rotating nonintermeshing screw extruder. The shear viscosity of the reactive mixture in the twin screw extruder was considered as a mixture of polymer and monomer. Thus, the reaction viscosity of the mixture of polymer and monomer was taken to be an explicit function dependent on the shear rate, temperature, conversion, and molecular weight. A new flow path method was developed to calculate the residence time distribution, which related to the degree of conversion. The numerical prediction of the velocity, temperature, viscosity, and pressure profiles during reaction in the model twin screw extruder is described.
A note on the development of gaucher cells in a newborn infant

Summary The newborn sibling of a child known to have Gaucher's disease had, in addition to the stigmas of Mongolism, clinical enlargement of the liver and spleen and thrombocytopenic purpura. The spleen, at postmortem examination, contained cells which justified the diagnosis of Gaucher's disease. The case is regarded as an example of the chronic form of the disease, although present in its very early stages. The histologic observations suggest that the accumulated intracellular material was present as cytoplasmic fibrils, thereby accounting for the characteristic fibrillary appearance of Gaucher cells, and that cellular abnormality preceded the accumulation of lipid in the pathogenesis of the disease.
HDAC6 regulates LPS-tolerance in astrocytes

Inflammatory tolerance is a crucial mechanism that limits inflammatory responses in order to avoid prolonged inflammation that may damage the host. Evidence that chronic inflammation contributes to the neuropathology of prevalent neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases suggests that inflammatory tolerance mechanisms are often inadequate to control detrimental inflammation in the central nervous system. Thus, identifying mechanisms that regulate neuroinflammatory tolerance may reveal opportunities for bolstering tolerance to reduce chronic inflammation in these diseases. Examination of tolerance after repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment of mouse primary astrocytes demonstrated that histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity promoted tolerance, opposite to the action of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3), which counteracts tolerance. HDAC6 in particular was found to be critical for tolerance induction, as its deacetylation of acetyl-tubulin was increased during LPS tolerance, this was enhanced by inhibition of GSK3, and the HDAC6 inhibitor tubacin completely blocked tolerance and the promotion of tolerance by inhibition of GSK3. These results reveal opposing interactions between HDAC6 and GSK3 in regulating tolerance, and indicate that shifting the balance between these two opposing forces on inflammatory tolerance can obliterate or enhance tolerance to LPS in astrocytes.
Respiratory energy requirements of the cod Gadus macrocephalus Tilesius relative to body size, food intake, and temperature

Abstract Measurements of oxygen consumption rates were made for both fed and unfed Pacific cod Gadus macrocephalus Tilesius at a variety of temperatures. Rates of oxygen consumption were found to be similar to those reported previously for Atlantic cod. At 6.5 °C, Vo2 was described by the equation ml O2 · ind−1 · h−1 = 0.158 (wet wt g0.078); r2 = 0.97. Increase in environmental temperature between 3.5 and 7°C resulted in a linear increase in rates of oxygen consumption. Between 7 and 12 °C, rates of oxygen consumption were similar. When fish were fed a single meal, oxygen consumption rates increased during the 1st and 2nd days after feeding, by ≈ 34 and 18%, respectively, over unfed rates. When fed daily, rates of oxygen consumption increased to peaks of 41–48% over unfed rates, depending on the temperature.
Disease and "development" in Africa

Abstract Africa today is the focus of a great deal of “development” activity, much but not all of it in the area of changes in economic structure. But “development”, entailing as it does modification of existing circumstances, often has effects other than these intended by the planner. Since the time of Hippocrates, those concerned with public health have pointed to the close association between changes in existing empirical relationships and at least a temporarily increased incidence of diseases. Such observations are corroborated once again in literature dealing with desease as a consequence of many kinds of “developmental” intervention in Africa; the conclusion seems obvious and inescapable that coordination of development activities within a comprehensive ecologic framework is necessary if there is to be an overall betterment of social and economic conditions of life.
On normal two-dimensional double point singularities

Letq be a plane curve singularity and letp be the corresponding normal two-dimensional double point singularity. Let Γ and Γ1 be the topological types of the minimal and of the canonical resolutions ofp respectively. An algorithm is given for finding the equisingular type ofq in terms of Γ1. An algorithm is also given for finding all Γ1 corresponding to a given Γ. There is at most one such Γ1 in case Γ has no 1-cycles.
Pressure-density relationships and ionization equilibria in aqueous solutions

Adjustment of a constant in the pressurization ters of the El'yanov-Hamann equation for the pressure dependence of the logarithm of ionization constants of solutes gives a close approximation to log density of the solvent over a limited range of temperature and density. (That is, it giTes an equation of state for the solvent.) The density relationship, however, is more universally applicable to tho description and prediction of ionization equilibria.
Long range corrections for computer simulations of adsorption

Long range corrections are routinely applied to simulations of bulk fluids by assuming that the radial distribution function is unity beyond a certain cutoff radius for pairwise interactions. Similar long range corrections for gas-solid interactions in adsorption frequently are ignored because of the anisotropic structure of the solid. However, the error associated with assuming isotropy beyond the cutoff radius is small compared with the magnitude of the long range correction. The long range correction to the Henry constant for a cutoff radius of 13 A is 14% for CH4 and 70% for SF6 for adsorption in silicalite at 298 K. The large errors incurred by neglecting long range corrections can be concealed by increasing the well depth of the gas-solid interaction, but this approximation reduces the accuracy and portability of the potential parameters. Consistency in the cutoff radius is more important than the inclusion or neglect of long range corrections to the energy.
Precipitation scavenging of atmospheric aerosols for emergency response applications: testing an updated model with new real-time data

Precipitation scavenging can effectively remove particulates from the atmosphere. Interest in the phenomena waxed in the 1980s, but models developed at that time remain limited by the lack of both detailed, time-resolved wet deposition pattern measurements for model confirmation and real-time rain data for model execution. Recently, new rain products have become available that can revolutionize real-time use of precipitation scavenging models on the regional scale. We have utilized a 4-km, hourly resolution precipitation data set from the Arkansas Red-Basin River Forecast Center. A standard below-cloud aerosol scavenging model has been modified to incorporate the potentially larger scavenging in heavy rain events. This paper demonstrates the model on a sample rainfall data set. The simulations demonstrate the concentrating effect of rainfall, especially heavy rain, on deposition patterns. Wet deposition played an important role in the simulated fate and transport, removing as much as 70% of the released aerosol.