cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The identification of context-sensitive features: A formal definition of context for concept learning

A large body of research in machine learning is concerned with supervised learning from examples. The examples are typically represented as vectors in a multi- dimensional feature space (also known as attribute-value descriptions). A teacher partitions a set of training examples into a finite number of classes. The task of the learning algorithm is to induce a concept from the training examples. In this paper, we formally distinguish three types of features: primary, contextual, and irrelevant features. We also formally define what it means for one feature to be context-sensitive to another feature. Context-sensitive features complicate the task of the learner and potentially impair the learner's performance. Our formal definitions make it possible for a learner to automatically identify context-sensitive features. After context-sensitive features have been identified, there are several strategies that the learner can employ for managing the features; however, a discussion of these strategies is outside of the scope of this paper. The formal definitions presented here correct a flaw in previously proposed definitions. We discuss the relationship between our work and a formal definition of relevance.
Predicting gene functions from multiple biological sources using novel ensemble methods

The functional classification of genes plays a vital role in molecular biology. Detecting previously unknown role of genes and their products in physiological and pathological processes is an important and challenging problem. In this work, information from several biological sources such as comparative genome sequences, gene expression and protein interactions are combined to obtain robust results on predicting gene functions. The information in such heterogeneous sources is often incomplete and hence making the maximum use of all the available information is a challenging problem. We propose an algorithm that improves the performance of prediction of different models built on individual sources. We also develop a heterogeneous boosting framework that uses all the available information even if some sources do not provide any information about some of the genes. We demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed methods in terms of accuracy and F-measure compared to several imputation and integration schemes.
Genetic basis of the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and binge eating

The article on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating by Cortese et al.1 is highly interesting and provides conclusive evidence of an association between ADHD and binge eating. The etiological basis of this relationship remains elusive and many different hypotheses have been suggested. …
Dispersion of 0.5- to 2-μm aerosol in μG and hypergravity as a probe of convective inhomogeneity in the lung

We used aerosol boluses to study convective gas mixing in the lung of four healthy subjects on the ground (1 G) and during short periods of microgravity (microG) and hypergravity ( approximately 1. 6 G). Boluses of 0.5-, 1-, and 2-micron-diameter particles were inhaled at different points in an inspiration from residual volume to 1 liter above functional residual capacity. The volume of air inhaled after the bolus [the penetration volume (Vp)] ranged from 150 to 1,500 ml. Aerosol concentration and flow rate were continuously measured at the mouth. The dispersion, deposition, and position of the bolus in the expired gas were calculated from these data. For each particle size, both bolus dispersion and deposition increased with Vp and were gravity dependent, with the largest dispersion and deposition occurring for the largest G level. Whereas intrinsic particle motions (diffusion, sedimentation, inertia) did not influence dispersion at shallow depths, we found that sedimentation significantly affected dispersion in the distal part of the lung (Vp >500 ml). For 0.5-micron-diameter particles for which sedimentation velocity is low, the differences between dispersion in microG and 1 G likely reflect the differences in gravitational convective inhomogeneity of ventilation between microG and 1 G.
Size dependent elemental composition of road-associated particles

Abstract Stormwater particles often provide transport for metals and other contaminants, however only larger particles are effectively removed by typical best management practices. Fine particles and their associated constituents are more likely to reach receiving waters; this merits further investigation regarding the metal contribution of fine (dp 100×) enriched for most size ranges; these metals were most enriched in the very fine fractions (max EF ~ 4900 in Zn, 0.1–0.3 µm). Based on this preliminary study, a cell sorter is an acceptable means of fractionating aqueous particles of diameter 0.1–1.5 µm. In spite of their minimal relative mass contribution, the very fine particles are environmentally relevant due to their mobility and enrichment in potentially toxic metals.
Cell hydrodynamics: An information-conserving theory

A formulation of hydrodynamics in terms of discrete cell variables is given, which is as exact as possible in the sense that, for given initial measurements on a system, it gives the maximum possible information on future measurements. An apparently rapidly convergent successive-approximation scheme is described, which requires data obtainable from short-time computer simulation on small systems. The lowest approximation gives the linearized Navier-Stokes and energy flow equations, yielding explicit expressions for transport coefficients.
Mobility management across hybrid wireless networks: Trends and challenges

Future generation wireless networks are envisioned to be a combination of diverse but complementary access technologies. Internetworking these types of networks will provide mobile users with ubiquitous connectivity across a wide range of networking environments. The integration of existing and emerging heterogeneous wireless networks requires the design of intelligent handoff and location management schemes to enable mobile users to switch network access and experience uninterrupted service continuity anywhere, anytime. Real deployment of such mobility strategies remains a significant challenge. In this article, we focus on handoff management. We discuss in detail handoff decision and implementation procedures and present recent handoff techniques that aim at providing mobility over a wide range of access technologies. We also discuss some of the capabilities of mobile terminals that are necessary to implement seamless mobility over hybrid wireless networks. Furthermore, we also present and discuss limitations of recent handoff design architectures and protocols as well as outstanding challenges that still need to be addressed to achieve portable and scalable handoff solutions for continuous connectivity across wireless access networks.
Embryonic ependymoma arising in a cerebral hemisphere.

A 3-year-old girl, presenting with a limp, was found to have a large tumor in the left cerebral hemisphere. Samples of the tumor at operation revealed a primitive mixed tumor containing epithelial and mesenchyme-like elements. At autopsy further differentiation had taken place to produce malignant ependymal tissue and well-differentiated astrocytomatous areas. The alternative merits of calling the specimen an embryonic ependymoma or a neuroepithelioma are discussed. Brief reference is made to other cases of neuroepithelioma (or medulloepithelioma) in the literature.
Skin and Skin Structure Infections in Older Adults

The aging population undergoes anatomical, physiological, and environmental changes, which puts them at increased risk for skin and skin structure infections. Skin and skin structure infections in older adults can range from simple cellulitis to life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis. Infections occur in both the community and healthcare settings. Understanding the pathophysiology of these infections, risk factors, microbiology, and antimicrobial resistance trends can help clinicians to manage effectively these infections. Antimicrobial therapy is an important component of management and is impacted by risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Early diagnosis and prevention of infection recurrences are also important components in the management of skin and skin structure infections in older adults.
Biomechanical Plasticity Facilitates Invasion of Maritime Forests in the southern USA by Brazilian pepper ( Schinus terebinthifolius )

Biomechanical plasticity and within-species growth form diversity are traits that can facilitate invasion by non-native plant species. We support this argument with evidence from the invasion of coastal habitats in northern Florida, USA, by Schinus terebinthifolius and describe some of the consequences of this invasion for overtopped saltmarsh plants. In crowded stands, Schinus grows more like a vine than a tree, with stem height : diameter ratios nearly twice than those observed in open-grown individuals but with no changes in wood density or the modulus of elasticity of stem material. When extracted from the surrounding vegetation, the formerly crowded Schinus stems buckle under their own weight. Schinus crowns also extend much further over adjacent saltmarsh than crowns of Juniperus virginiana, the only other tree species abundant in the study site. Along forest edges, the above-ground biomass of saltmarsh plants overtopped by Schinus crowns was reduced by more than an order of magnitude. The biomechanical plasticity of Schinus allows it to adapt its growth form to suit habitat conditions and can dominate the edges of salt marshes as a sprawling shrub and maritime forests as either a free-standing tree or a woody vine, depending on stand crowding
A homotopy method based on WENO schemes for solving steady state problems of hyperbolic conservation laws

Homotopy continuation is an efficient tool for solving polynomial systems. Its efficiency relies on utilizing adaptive stepsize and adaptive precision path tracking, and endgames. In this article, we apply homotopy continuation to solve steady state problems of hyperbolic conservation laws. A third-order accurate finite difference weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) scheme with Lax-Friedrichs flux splitting is utilized to derive the difference equation. This new approach is free of the CFL condition constraint. Extensive numerical examples in both scalar and system test problems in one and two dimensions demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the new method.
Modifier genes in cystic fibrosis lung disease.

Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene and is characterized by progressive bronchiectatic lung disease and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. A broad spectrum of disease severity exists; some individuals with CF die early in childhood, whereas others live well into adulthood with only mild lung disease. It is now clear that CFTR genotype alone does not account for the wide diversity in CF pulmonary phenotype. Evidence is accumulating that secondary genetic factors separate from the CFTR locus significantly influence the severity of CF lung disease. The general classes of these potential modifier genes include inflammatory and antiinflammatory mediators, antioxidants, mediators of airway reactivity, molecules involved in CFTR trafficking, and alternative ion channels. The best-studied CF candidate modifiers include mannose-binding lectin, glutathione- S -transferase, transforming growth factor-β1, tumor necrosis factor-α, β2-adrenegic receptor, and HLA class II antigens. Ongoing studies designed to identify genetic modifiers of CF pulmonary phenotype may offer new insights into the pathophysiology of CF lung disease and provide leads for new CF therapeutic interventions. (J Lab Clin Med 2003;141:237-41)
A hybrid finite element-finite difference electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation framework

Electromagnetic particle-in-cell (EM-PIC) numerical simulation frameworks are often based upon the finite-difference (FD) method. Although computationally efficient and easily implemented, their accurate treatment of curved or slanted boundaries is limited to the staircase approximation, which results in both an inaccurate electromagnetic field solution and particle behavior. Finite volume, finite element (FE), and Discontinuous Galerkin EM-PIC schemes have all been developed in attempts to overcome this limitation. While such methods promise better accuracy in the presence of curved boundaries, their corresponding meshes can be denser than their FD counterparts, and their codes more complex. As a result, the total number of system unknowns, computation time, and production time can be much greater.
Isophthalate Ester-Terminated Dendrimers: Versatile Nanoscopic Building Blocks with Readily Modifiable Surface Functionalities

The preparation and modification of highly functionalized polyether dendrimers containing a versatile diethyl isophthalate terminal group is presented. The convergent synthesis consists of the construction of diester-terminated dendrons containing benzylic bromide functions at the focal point and their subsequent attachment to 4,4‘-biphenol cores. Dendrons up to the third generation can be prepared using recrystallization alone as the primary means of purification, allowing the synthesis to be performed on the scale of tens to hundreds of grams. The third and fourth generation bidendron dendrimers (with 32 and 64 terminal ester functionalities, respectively) have been subjected to a variety of surface modification reactions including hydrolysis, ester interchange, and amide−ester interchange, many of which proceed with complete conversion of the functional groups and in high isolated yield. The addition of alcohols such as benzyl alcohol or a first generation 3,5-di(benzyloxy)benzyl alcohol dendron to the...
Interactions and Applications of Soluble Heterobifunctional Affinity Chelating Polymers in Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography

Interactions and Applications of Soluble Heterobifunctional Affinity Chelating Polymers in Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography
A Monte Carlo renormalization group study of the deconfinement transition in SU(2) gauge theory

A Monte Carlo renormalization group study of the deconfinement transition in SU (2) gauge theory is carried out using the demon microcanonical method to calculate renormalization group trajectories. Earlier data on the temperature of the transition obtained by asymmetric lattice methods and finite size scaling are analyzed to obtain the theory's beta function.
1-dehydro-melengestrol acetate inhibits the growth and protein kinase C activity of androgen-independent Dunning rat prostatic tumors

Androgen-independent Dunning R3327-AT3 rat prostate tumors are considered an appropriate model of advanced prostate cancer in humans. We recently reported that the progestational steroid melengestrol acetate (MGA) inhibited growth of these tumors on oral administration but also induced a marked involution of adrenals and androgen target organs (prostate, seminal vesicles, and testes). We report herein that the 1-dehydro derivative of melengestrol acetate (dMGA) fed to rats for 21 days also inhibited the growth of Dunning AT3 tumors by ∼55% without causing a significant regression of adrenals or androgen-dependent tissues. Thus, tumor-growth inhibition was induced by dMGA in the absence of glucocorticoid activity. Cytosolic AT3 tumor fractions obtained by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sephacel batch chromatography were assayed for lipid-and Ca2+-dependent (PKC) and-independent protein kinase activities. Prostatic cytosols had equivalent activity levels of both types of kinases (∼2 nmol γ-[32P]-adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) incorporated mg protein−1 min−1. The PKC activity recovered from the cytosol of untreated AT3 tumors was ∼4 times higher. Oral administration of dMGA reduced this activity by >95%. The relationship between protein-kinase activity levels and dMGA-induced growth inhibition of androgen-independent tumors in this animal model is discussed.
The base promoted oligomerization of 15-dehydro-prostaglandin B1: dimer formation and structural implications for a complex mixture termed PGBx

Abstract The base promoted oligomerization of 15-dehydro-PGB1 ( 1a ) results in the formation of six dimers via a Michael addition pathway. The simultaneous operation of multiple reaction sites as required by dimer formation has major consequences for the structural complexity of the oligomeric mixture PGBx.
German dominance in the European Monetary System: Evidence from money supply growth rates

This paper presents further evidence on ostensible German dominance in the European Monetary System (EMS). A dynamic system of equations is built explaining money growth rates as a function of the EMS countries' money growth rates, the world money growth rate, exchange rate objectives, inflation rates, and real income growth rates. A test of German dominance based upon money growth rates is a test of the hypothesis that the EMS has increased the comovements of money demand between countries in the system. It is found that German independence holds, but other central banks can also be important players in the system in that they can conduct independent monetary policies. Monetary policies in the EMS are best characterized as interactive. Therefore, the strict German dominance hypothesis is rejected. It follows that the EMS has not increased significantly the link between money demand functions in the EMS countries in the “hierarchical” structure as claimed by the dominance argument.
Organization of the Human β-Adducin Gene (ADD2)

Abstract The intron–exon organization of the human β-adducin gene (ADD2) has been determined from overlapping genomic clones. The gene spans over 100 kb on chromosome 2p13 and comprises 17 exons. Seven of the exons are identical in size to the corresponding exons of the α-adducin gene (4p16.3), suggesting gene duplication. A 275-bp fragment 5′ to exon 1 demonstrates strong promoter activity in a transient transfection assay. Within 333 bp 5′ of the first exon can be found several putative transcription factor-binding sites: three SP1 sites, one GATA site, three MZF1 sites, one p300 site, and one c-Ets site. Alternatively spliced exons in the 3′ region are described and contain distinct coding regions, stop codons, and 3′UTR, corresponding to previously published β-adducin cDNA sequences β-1 and β-2. The alternative splice sites for the smallest adducin isoform, β-3, are alternative donor and acceptor sites within exons 7 and 12. The most recently described isoform, β-4, includes an alternative exon (exon 15) that results in a frame shift and early termination. Intron–exon splice sites are presented for all 17 exons and conform to the consensus sequences for mammalian splice sites. These results will be useful in further analysis of tissue-specific expression of adducin isoforms and in analysis of DNA from patients with diseases mapping to this region of chromosome 2.
A comparison of buprenorphine induction strategies: patient-centered home-based inductions versus standard-of-care office-based inductions

Although novel buprenorphine induction strategies are emerging, they have been inadequately studied. To examine our newly developed patient-centered home-based inductions, we conducted a subgroup analysis of 79 opioid-dependent individuals who had buprenorphine inductions at an urban community health center. Participants chose their induction strategy. Standard-of-care office-based inductions were physician driven, with multiple assessments, and observed, and the patient-centered home-based inductions emphasized patient self-management and included a "kit" for induction at home. We conducted interviews and extracted medical records. Using mixed nonlinear models, we examined associations between induction strategy and opioid use and any drug use. Compared with those with standard-of-care office-based inductions, participants with patient-centered home-based inductions had no significant differences in opioid use (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13-2.97) but greater reductions in any drug use (AOR = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.01-0.37). Taking into account the limitations of our observational cohort study design, we conclude that participants with patient-centered home-based inductions had similar reductions in opioid use and greater reductions in any drug use than those with standard-of-care office-based inductions. It is essential that new induction strategies be based on existing models or theories and be well studied.
Measuring Initial Insertion Forces of Ion Channels: The Impact of the Alpha-Hemolysin Phosphocholine Binding Pocket

Alpha hemolysin (αHL) from Staphyloccocus aureus, spontaneously forms channels in lipid bilayers through a process of monomer aggregation and bilayer translocation. However, little is known about the forces required to initially part the outer lipid leaflet. Crystallographic studies have revealed the location of a phosphocholine binding pocket at the base of αHL’s extracellular cap. As a selective gatekeeper of lipid/protein interaction, this pocket plays a putative role in the pore formation process.Here, we explore lateral surface pressure changes in the initial stages of channel formation using a Langmuir monolayer trough. Lipid monolayers limit the process to its initial stages by prohibiting full bilayer translocation. Surface pressure results are compared to whole cell lysis experiments, where red blood cells (RBC) are used to measure the protein’s ability to form fully functioning pores.Two αHL mutations, R200A and W179R, were expressed and purified along with wild type (WT) to compare channel behavior in RBCs and in the presence of lipids containing phosphocholine (PC) or glycerol phosphate (GP). These mutations were strategically chosen to systematically alter the structure and charge interactions with headgroups in the binding pocket.We find that W179R dramatically reduces RBC lysis. Monolayer measurements with either PC or GP show elevated or suppressed lateral surface pressures relative to WT, depending on the headgroup. In addition, the WT shows enhanced lateral surface pressures in GP lipid. These data indicate that the WT binding pocket plays a lipid-dependent role in membrane interaction. They also suggest that an anticorrelation exists between lytic ability and the monolayer area expansion. In this view, the WT creates a stable pocket around a phosphocholine head group, allowing pore formation to proceed efficiently, without expending energy unnecessarily on the separation of lipids.
Localizations of Dedekind prime rings

The purpose of this paper is to obtain localization and globalization theorems for a Dedekind prime ring R with classical quotient ring Q (Q is simple Artinian). The localizations of R which are obtained consist of one subring RM for each maximal two-sided ideal M of R, and one additional simple overring S which coincides with Q when R is bounded. The globalization results state that (∩ Rm) ∩ S = R, and that a homomorphism ƒ of R-modules is one-one (onto) if and only if all of the “localized” homomorphisms ƒM, and ƒS are oneone (onto). The ring T = ∩ RM is a bounded Dedekind prime ring whose two-sided ideal lattice is isomorphic (preserving residue rings) to the two-sided ideal lattice of R. Furthermore, every integral right R-ideal is uniquely expressible as an intersection J ∩ K where J(K) is an integral right S-ideal (T-ideal). Each of the rings RM is “local” in the sense that it is a bounded principal ideal ring with a unique maximal two-sided ideal M (the Jacobson radical), and every two-sided ideal is a power of M. The completion of RM at M is in a natural way isomorphic to the completion of R at M. The cancellation set of M, C(M), is defined to be {b ϵ R: bx ϵ M implies x ϵ M}. The construction of RM consists of showing that C(M) is a multiplicatively closed set of regular elements of R with respect to which R satisfies the Ore conditions and then defining RM to be {ab−1: a ϵ R, b ϵ C(M)}. The ring S is defined to be {q ϵ Q: qB ⊂R for some nonzero two-sided ideal B of R}. S is a simple Dedekind prime ring and the lattice of integral right S-ideals is isomorphic to the lattice of completely faithful right R-ideals. Throughout this paper all ring theoretic conditions such as Artinian, Noetherian, and hereditary will be two-sided unless otherwise specified.
Steady-state kinetic analyses of Photosystem II activity catalyzed by lipophilic electron acceptors

Abstract Steady-state kinetic analyses of the Photosystem II activity elicited by quinones and quinonediimines in KCN/Hg-inhibited chloroplasts reveal that: 1. 1. Quinones generate a single reaction in which one quinone competes with another for photoreduction by Photosystem II. 2. 2. Quinonediimines also compete with one another for photoreduction, but the electron transport activity elicited by quinonediimines is the composite of two separate reactions, one of which is sensitive to ionic strength and atebrinbinding. 3. 3. The relationship between a quinone and a quinonediimine with respect to photoreduction by Photosystem II is non-competitive rather competitive. These findings are interpreted to indicate that quinones and quinonediimines accept electrons from two separate sites near the reducing site of Photosystem II.
Measurement of Pulmonary Edema

Two methods for the measurement of pulmonary edema are compared. The first method, which permits serial measurements in vivo, depends on the difference in mean transit time of a water label and an intravascular label. The second method is a postmortem one in which total lung water is measured and allocated to the pulmonary blood or to pulmonary extravascular water. Three groups of six dogs each were studied: controls, a group with pulmonary edema produced by elevating pulmonary venous pressure, and a group with pulmonary edema produced by alloxan. The isotopic as compared with the postmortem method accounted for 71% of the pulmonary extravascular water found in the controls, 94% in high pressure edema and 57% in alloxan edema. Shunting, as measured by a large fall in PaO 2 despite 100% oxygen breathing, became marked in a second group of five alloxan dogs and only 31% of the postmortem pulmonary extravascular water was measured by the isotope method. It is concluded that the isotope transit time method is a useful one for the serial measurement of pulmonary edema in vivo. The edema water is determined more accurately when pulmonary edema is due to elevated pulmonary venous pressure than when due to increased vascular permeability.
Pretreatment of yellow poplar sawdust by pressure cooking in water

The pretreatment of yellow poplar wood sawdust using liquid water at temperatures above 220°C enhances enzyme hydrolysis. This paper reviews our prior research and describes the laboratory reactor system currently in use for cooking wood sawdust at temperatures ranging from 220 to 260°C. The wood sawdust at a 6–6.6% solid/liquid slurry was treated in a 2 L, 304 SS, Parr reactor with three turbine propeller agitators and a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, which controlled temperature within ±1°C. Heat-up times to the final temperatures of 220, 240, or 260°C were achieved in 60–70 min. Hold time at the final temperature was less than 1 min. A serpentine cooling coil, through which tap water was circulated at the completion of the run, cooled the reactor’s contents within 3 min after the maximum temperature was attained. A bottoms port, as well as ports in the reactor’s head plate, facilitated sampling of the slurry and measuring the pH, which changes from an initial value of 5 before cooking to a value of approx 3 after cooking. Enzyme hydrolysis gave 80–90% conversion of cellulose in the pretreated wood to glucose. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of washed, pretreated lignocellulose gave an ethanol yield that was 55% of theoretical. Untreated wood sawdust gave less than 5% hydrolysis under the same conditions.
An examination of investor reaction to unexpected political and economic events in Turkey

Abstract We investigate investor reaction to the arrival of unexpected information in Turkey from 1997 to 2004. Daily stock returns are used to test two behavioral hypotheses regarding investor reaction to news: The Overreaction Hypothesis (OH) and the Uncertain Information Hypothesis (UIH). We find no evidence of significant price reversals following the arrival of positive news in Turkey, as predicted by the OH. However, a corrective process of positive returns following favorable news exists, consistent with the UIH. These findings suggest that investors in Turkey systematically set security prices below their fundamental values in response to unexpected information, which is rational behavior in a country with a history of significant financial and economic uncertainties.
Somatostatin and calcitonin modulate gastropod internal defense mechanisms.

Immunoreactive somatostatin and calcitonin are stored in selected mammalian leukocytes. Synthetic somatostatin and calcitonin can alter the functional activity of certain mammalian blood cells. These findings suggest that the two enteroneuro-peptides serve as modulators of the mammalian immune system. The aim of the present study is to determine whether the 2 peptides are also found in gastropod blood cells and whether they may participate in the regulation of the gastropod internal defense mechanisms. We found that somatostatin-like and calcitonin-like substances are located in a distinct population of hemocytes from the pond snail Physellaheterostropha and that the amount of immunoreactive calcitonin in hemocytes increases after an injury to the body wall. Synthetic somatostatin and calcitonin stimulate the attachment of latex beads to invitro cultured hemocytes. We conclude that the somatostatin-and calcitonin-like substances may serve as modulators of the internal defense system of gastropods.
Seven Million Americans Live In Areas Where Demand For Primary Care May Exceed Supply By More Than 10 Percent

The Affordable Care Act’s expansion of insurance coverage is expected to increase demand for primary care services. We estimate that the national increase in demand for such services will require 7,200 additional primary care providers, or 2.5 percent of the current supply. On average, that increased demand is unlikely to prove disruptive. But when we examined how this increased demand will be experienced in different areas of the country, we found considerable variability: Seven million people live in areas where the expected increase in demand for providers is greater than 10 percent of baseline supply, and forty-four million people live in areas with an expected increase in demand above 5 percent of baseline supply. These findings highlight the need to promote policies that encourage more primary care providers and community health centers to practice in areas with the greatest expected need for services.
Ultrasounds in small rodents: Arousal-produced and arousal-producing

Recent interpretations of ultrasonic signaling by infant and adult rodents have emphasized the quality of the eliciting stimuli and acoustical parameters of the vocalizations. Infant calls have been hypothesized as being of 2 types: coldelicited and tactually elicited. Adult calls have been hypothesized as reflecting 2 distinct messages: aggressiveness and submission. These interpretations lack an adequate empirical foundation. Further, they suppose a capability of encoding and decoding vocal information by rodents for which no empirically established basis exists. An alternative explanation of both infantile and adult ultrasounds is offered. The proposed model hypothesizes that these vocalizations reflect a state of arousal and that they produce a similar state in nearby animals.
Interaction of the hepatic glucocorticoid-receptor complex with Affigel blue

Unlike the unactivated glucocorticoid-receptor complex, the thermally activated glucocorticoid-receptor complex was able to bind to Affigel blue (a matrix previously shown to bind proteins containing a dinucleotide fold region) under low ionic conditions (0.05 M KCl). Glucocorticoid-receptor complex binding capacity to Affigel blue was enhanced by increasing salt concentration. Optimal binding was obtained at 0.15 M KCl and remained at a plateau level up to 0.4 M KCl. In contrast to Affigel blue binding, glucocorticoid-receptor complex binding to nuclei was optimum at low ionic strength buffer, declined at 0.15 M KCl and became negligible at 0.4 M KCl. Interestingly, at physiological ionic strength (0.15 M KCl) both nuclei and Affigel blue bound to the glucocorticoid-receptor complex with almost identical capacity. Glucocorticoid-receptor complexes incubated 45 min at 25 °C (activation conditions) in the presence of 10 mM molybdate were unable to bind to Affigel blue (or isolated nuclei) as expected. The results obtained suggest that Affigel blue mimics isolated nuclei in the binding of activated glucocorticoid-receptor complexes under physiological (0.15 M KCl) conditions. In addition, Affigel blue may provide a rapid and easy method to study glucocorticoid-receptor complex activation and interaction with nuclear acceptor sites.
Low-Polydispersity Glucose Polymers as Osmotic Agents for Peritoneal Dialysis.

♦ Bac kground: P eritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions containing icodextrin as the osmotic agent have advantages during long dwells. The glucose polymers that constitute icodextrin are a heterogeneous mix of molecules with a polydispersity [ratio of weight-average to number-average molecular weight (Mw/Mn)] of approximately 2.6. The present study evaluates whether modifications in the polydispersity and concentration of glucose polymers can improve ultrafiltration (UF) without an associated increase in carbohydrate absorption (CA). ♦ Me thods: Computer simulations using a three-pore model of peritoneal transport during a long dwell in PD patients predict that, in general, compared with 7.5% icodextrin, glucose polymers with a Mw greater than or equal to 7.5 kDa, a polydispersity less than 2.6, and concentrations greater than 7% could achieve higher UF without higher CA. Based on the simulations, we hypothesized that, compared with 7.5% icodextrin, glucose polymers with a Mw of 18 – 19 k Da and a polydispersity of 2.0 at 11% concentration could achieve higher UF without a higher CA. We tested this hypothesis in experimental studies using 8-hour dwells in New Zealand White rabbits. In those studies, UF was measured by complete fluid collection, and CA was measured by subtracting the total carbohydrate in the collected fluid from the carbohydrate initially infused. ♦ R esults: The UF was higher with 11% 19 kDa glucose polymer than with 7.5% icodextrin (mean ± standard deviation: 89 ± 3 1 mL vs 49 ± 1 5 mL; p = 0.004) without higher CA (5.2 ± 0.9 g vs 5.0 ± 0.9 g, p = 0.7). Similar results were seen with the 11% 18 k Da glucose polymer, which, compared with 7.5% icodextrin, resulted in higher UF (mean ± standard deviation: 96 ± 1 8 mL vs 66 ± 1 7 mL; p < 0.001) without higher CA (4.8 ± 0.7 g vs 5.2 ± 0.6 g, p = 0.2). ♦ Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that, compared with 7.5% icodextrin solution, long-dwell PD solutions containing 11% glucose polymers with a Mw of 18–19 kDa and a polydispersity of 2.0 can provide higher UF without higher CA.
Transnational practices in urban China: Spatiality and localization of western fast food chains

Abstract Foreign consumer goods and brands have proliferated in recent decades in Chinese cities, helping transform the urban landscape. The transformation is multifaceted. Aside from the economic bottom line, for instance, foreign fast food chains bring with them influences on people's diet, consumption preferences, and lifestyle choices. Focusing on two of the most popular chains in China, McDonald's and KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), and their operation in the city of Nanjing, this paper addresses two research questions. First, how have foreign fast food chains configured into China's changing urban landscape? Second, how do these restaurants interact with local consumers and become their space of everyday life? Our analysis is based on data from multiple sources, including business establishment data from the municipal industrial and commercial registrar, location data from Baidu (a Chinese website) maps confirmed by field reconnaissance, and interviews with consumers at select locations. Clearly, there is plasticity of transnational practices, as our analysis shows. In shaping the local consumer culture and space, they themselves are refashioned, by forsaking some degree of standardization to be more versatile and agile, and through locational (re)configuration to capture consumers. Local consumers, on the other hand, have altered their perception and use of the chains from more visceral and elective to more rational and routine, eventually making their own space out of the restaurants.
Anterior pituitary enzyme activities and prolactin secretion in male rats treated with psychotropic drugs.

SummaryPsychotropic dopamine antagonists primarily stimulate prolactin release, and their subchronic administration does not influence the water-soluble protein concentration, the hexosemonophosphate shunt, and anaerobic glycolytic, oxidative, or lysosomal activity of the lactotrophs.
Effectiveness of “Entry” by Already Established Firms

Introduction, 132. — I. Requirements for entry, 134. — II. Oligopolistic uncertainties and large-firm entry, 137. — III. Effects on market performance of entry by outside firms, 139. — IV. A parenthesis on mergers, 143. — V. Social effects: career opportunities, 145. — VI. Business size and "concentration of power," 147. — VII. Summary and conclusions, 149.
Aspects of Plasma in Water: Streamer Physics and Applications

Physical mechanisms for streamer initiation and electrical breakdown in water are discussed. The focus is on various processes that could lead to the inception and propagation of streamers in water. Physical details associated with observed disparities in breakdown at the anode versus the cathode, differences in luminosity, and variations in streamer propagation speeds are discussed. Creation of a localized low-density region near the site of a field enhancement is shown to be essential for streamer initiation. Finally, the use of a trigatron-type electrically triggered switch with a triple-point geometry is shown to be a low-cost, compact alternative to laser (or acoustic) switching. Such controlled breakdown could be used for various applications including water purification and bio-decontamination.
Smart ice detection systems based on resonant piezoelectric transducers

Abstract An ice detection system consisting of a resonant piezoelectric sensing-element and microprocessor control has been developed to automatically and distinctly sense ice and water films up to 0.5 mm thick. Accretion of ice and/or water on the sensor surface modifies the effective mass and/or stiffness of the vibrating transducer; these variations are sensed by measuring the changes in transducer resonant frequency. In case of ice films, resonant frequency of the transducer increases steadily from 14 kHz for a 0.06-mm-thick layer to 28 kHz when the ice film is 0.45 mm thick. In contrast, transducer resonant frequency decreases slightly from 10 kHz for a 0.06-mm-thick layer of water to 9.5 kHz for a 0.45-mm-thick film. Repeatability experiments revealed test-to-test variations of 3.8 and 0.7% for ice and water films, respectively. Thermal cycling and stability tests showed that the dry transducer resonant frequency was 10.5 ± 0.1 kHz at 25°C, over a 220 h period. A portable, low-power, microprocessor-controlled electronic circuit has been designed and implemented to automate the resonant frequency measurement and determine the thickness of ice/water present on the transducer surface.
Comparing electromagnetic and seismic geophysical methods: Estimating the depth to water in geologically simple and complex arid environments

Abstract An integrated electromagnetic (EM) and seismic geophysical study was performed to evaluate non-invasive approaches to estimate depth to shallow groundwater (i.e.,
A High-Order Solver for the Heat Equation in 1D domains with Moving Boundaries

We describe a fast high-order accurate method for the solution of the heat equation in domains with moving Dirichlet or Neumann boundaries and distributed forces. We assume that the motion of the boundary is prescribed. Our method extends the work of Greengard and Strain [Comm. Pure Appl. Math., XLIII (1990), pp. 949-963]. Our scheme is based on a time-space Chebyshev pseudo-spectral collocation discretization, which is combined with a recursive product quadrature rule to accurately and efficiently approximate convolutions with Green's function for the heat equation. We present numerical results that exhibit up to eighth-order convergence rates. Assuming $N$ time steps and $M$ spatial discretization points, the evaluation of the solution of the heat equation at the same number of points in space-time requires ${\mathcal{O}} ( N M \log M)$ work. Thus, our scheme can be characterized as “fast”; that is, it is work-optimal up to a logarithmic factor.
A minimum time for the formation of Holden Northeast fan, Mars

[1] The recently discovered deposits of a channelized fan located northeast of Holden Crater preserve a history of vertical and lateral accretion and avulsion of many channels, indicating water flowed freely across the surface of the fan during its construction. These sedimentary deposits, however, do not unambiguously discriminate between a deltaic or purely riverine origin for the feature. By using a numerical model describing fan construction solely by river channels, we estimate a minimum formation time of several decades to centuries. A minimum value for the total volume of transporting fluid required to construct the fan is modest, 900 km3, and may not have required precipitation.
Assessment of Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content, Antioxidant Properties, and Yield of Aeroponically and Conventionally Grown Leafy Vegetables and Fruit Crops: A Comparative Study

A comparison of the product yield, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant properties was done in different leafy vegetables/herbs (basil, chard, parsley, and red kale) and fruit crops (bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and squash) grown in aeroponic growing systems (AG) and in the field (FG). An average increase of about 19%, 8%, 65%, 21%, 53%, 35%, 7%, and 50% in the yield was recorded for basil, chard, red kale, parsley, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and squash, respectively, when grown in aeroponic systems, compared to that grown in the soil. Antioxidant properties of AG and FG crops were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) and cellular antioxidant (CAA) assays. In general, the study shows that the plants grown in the aeroponic system had a higher yield and comparable phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant properties as compared to those grown in the soil.
Virtual flow paths for free-ranging automated guided vehicle systems

Recent technological development in vehicle design allow vehicles to operate without physical guide paths, i.e. free-ranging automated guided vehicles. This paper addresses the problem of defining flow paths for these vehicles. A model is presented whereby the number of allowable flow paths and the flow directions between nodes (representing pickup/delivery stations and aisle intersections) of the layout network are determined. Examples are presented to demonstrate the approach.
Basic Principles and Technologies for Deciphering the Genetic Map of Cancer

The progress achieved in the field of genomics in recent years is leading medicine to adopt a personalized model in which the knowledge of individual DNA alterations will allow a targeted approach to cancer. Using pancreatic cancer as a model, we discuss herein the fundamentals that need to be considered for the high throughput and global identification of mutations. These include patient-related issues, sample collection, DNA isolation, gene selection, primer design, and sequencing techniques. We also describe the possible applications of the discovery of DNA changes to the approach of this disease and cite preliminary efforts where the knowledge has been translated into the clinical or preclinical setting.
Electromagnetic field stimulation of biosynthesis: changes in c-myc transcript levels during continuous and intermittent exposures

Abstract We studied the effects of continuous and single limited exposures of HL60 cells to 60 Hz electromagnetic (EM) fields. Results showed an increase in transcript levels for c-myc peaks after 20 min of exposure, but the rate of return of this transcript to control levels is dependent upon whether the field is left on or turned off after 20 min. Turning off the field prolongs, by a factor of 3, the interval during which c-myc transcript levels remain elevated in response to EM field exposure. The effect of a second EM field stimulation on HL60 cells at some interval after an initial 20 min exposure was also examined. We found that the cells became refractory to a second stimulation at the same field amplitude, but that stimulation with a field of different amplitude (either higher or lower than the initial field) produced a restimulatory response.
Serum folate and prostate-specific antigen in the United States

Increased evidence suggests that folate may play a significant role in cancer development. This study investigates the association between levels of serum folate and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker for prostate cancer detection. Using data from the 2007 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a total of 3,293 men aged 40 years and older with serum PSA and folate measures were studied. Total PSA level (tPSA) and percent free/total PSA ratio (%fPSA) were major outcomes. The alternative cutpoints were used to categorize these measures as higher risks of prostate cancer (tPSA: ≥10, ≥4, and ≥2.5 ng/ml; %fPSA: ≤15 and ≤5 %). Serum folate level was analyzed as continuous and as quintiles. Association between serum folate and PSA levels were evaluated by multivariate linear and logistic regressions. Higher serum folate levels were associated with decreased log10-transformed tPSA (β = −001, p = 0.061) and increased %fPSA (β = 0.064, p = 0.012). Adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, body mass index, and smoking status, higher serum folate (fifth quintile) was associated with lower odds of having higher tPSA (≥10 ng/ml) and lower %fPSA (≤25 %): (tPSA: odds ratio, OR associated with fifth to first quintile of folate level = 0.42; 95 % confidence interval, CI = 0.21, 0.83; p for trend = 0.022 and %fPSA: OR = 0.71; 95 % CI = 0.52, 0.95; p for trend = 0.044). Results of this study suggest that higher folate status may be protective against elevated PSA levels among men without diagnosed prostate cancer. Additional epidemiologic studies are necessary to confirm our findings and to investigate potential mechanisms.