cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cholinergic modulation of covert attention in the rat

Rationale: Nicotine is known to facilitate attentional processing, but its role in processing spatial and non-spatial cues is not well established in rodents. Objective: These experiments tested the hypothesis that nicotine facilitates the orienting of attention in space but has no effect on non-spatial cues and that the benefits are blocked by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. Methods: Eight male rats were trained to insert their noses in an opening, which triggered the presentation of cue and target lights in a modified covert orienting task. Four types of trials were presented: valid cues (cue and target lights on the same side of the nose hole), invalid cues (cue and targets on opposite sides), double cues (both cue lights illuminated, target on either side), and no cue (cue lights omitted, targets on either side). The reaction time required to withdraw the nose from the fixation hole (RT) and the time for the rat to move to the feeder (MT) were measured. Results: Nicotine decreased all RTs in a dose-dependent manner but significantly lowered the invalid cue RTs and the validity effect (invalid–valid cue RT). Mecamylamine slowed RTs in a dose-dependent fashion and reduced the validity effect by significantly slowing the valid cue RTs. With mixtures of a fixed strength of nicotine and an increasing dose of mecamylamine, RTs showed nicotine-like effects at low doses and mecamylamine-like effects at high doses. Neither of these drugs had a major effect on non-orienting trials (double and no cue RTs), and the alerting effect (no cue RTs – double cue RTs). Conclusions: Taken together with recent work in humans and non-human primates, these results suggest that the nicotinic cholinergic modulation of visual covert orienting is conserved across species despite different ecological niches.
Anodic coal reaction lowers energy consumption of metal electrowinning

THE metals which can be extracted in large amounts from aqueous solutions of their salts by electrowinning are Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Cd, In and Tl. Gilroy1 specifies an annual electrowinning production for 1971 of 2,400,000 tons of Zn and 540,000 tons of Ca, 53% and 10% respectively of total production at that time. We describe here a modification to the established electrowinning technique which lowers the energy consumption of the process.
The expression of anger and its consequences.

Cluster analysis, using TRYSYS key cluster variable analyses, on 59 anger expression items replicated Spielberger's Anger-In and Anger-Control dimensions and revealed seven additional forms of anger expression: Noisy Arguing, Verbal Assault, Physical Assault-People, Physical Assault-Objects, Reciprocal Communication, Time Out, and Direct Expression. Aggressive dimensions (Noisy Arguing, Verbal Assault, Physical Assault-People and -Objects) correlated positively with each other and with trait anger and negatively with non-aggressive forms of expression (Control, Reciprocal Communication, and Time Out). The latter were positively correlated with each other and negatively with trait anger. Forms of expression correlated logically with the frequency of eight types of anger consequences, and there was evidence of distinct relationships between anger expression and anger consequences; e.g. Physical Assault-People correlated most with frequency of physical altercations, and Noisy Arguing and Verbal Assault with the frequency of verbal fights. Males were more likely to utilize aggressive forms of expression and to suffer consequences involving physical and verbal fights and property damage. Results are discussed in terms of convergent and discriminant validity, and in terms of their implications for assessment, treatment, and future research.
Novel surface-enhanced fluorescence detection of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons separated by paper chromatography

Abstract Amorphous famed silica was used to enhance the fluorescence signal of a mixture of polynuclear aromatic (PMA) compounds separated by paper chromatography. Benzo[a]pyrene-r-7, t-8, 9, 10-tetrahydrotetrol (BPT) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were well resolved by paper chromatography using a 50% (v/v) mixture of acetonitrile and 5 mM pH 7.0 phosphate buffer as the chromatographic solvent. A 200–400% enhancement of the fluorescence intensity was observed when fumed silica was applied to the chromatographic paper prior to separation. the results demonstrate that paper chromatography using fumed silica treated paper offers a simple, cost-effective method to improve sensitivity for fluorescence detection of PNA components in environmental samples relative to untreated paper.
A Method for Computing Double Band Policies for Switching between Two Diffusions

We develop a method for computing the optimal double band [ b, B ] policy for switching between two diffusions with continuous rewards and switching costs. The two switch levels [ b, B ] are obtained as perturbations of the single optimal switching point a of the control problem with no switching costs. More precisely, we find that in the case of average reward problems the optimal switch levels can be obtained by intersecting two curves: (a) the function, γ( a ), which represents the long-run average reward if we were to switch between the two diffusions at a and switches were free, and (b) a horizontal line whose height depends on the size of the transaction costs. Our semianalytical approach reduces, for example, the solution of a problem recently posed by Perry and Bar-Lev (1989, in Stochastic Analysis and Applications 7: 103–115) to the solution of one nonlinear equation.
Evolution equations possessing infinitely many symmetries

A general method for finding evolution equations having infinitely many symmetries or flows which preserve them is described. This is applied to the Korteweg–de Vries, modified Korteweg–de Vries, Burgers’, and sine–Gordon equations.
If I was infected with HIV, I would be letting my family down: Family influences on risk and protective factors for unsafe sex among gay Asian Pacific Islander men

This article examines family influences on risk and protective factors associated with unsafe sex among gay Asian Pacific Islander men. Twenty-five gay Asian Pacific Islanders completed individual interviews regarding factors that may lead them to engage in unsafe sex as well as factors that may lead them to engage in protective sex. Analysis of qualitative data revealed three ways by which family members influence sexual behaviour. We found that the way that (1) the way these men perceived family obligation and the need to avoid shame, (2) the level of active family participation, and (3) internalisation of what these men perceived to be ‘Asian’ values influenced whether their families acted as a protective factor or not in terms of HIV risk behaviours.
Ultrasonic Telemetry of American Eel Movements in a Tidal Creek

Abstract Movements and distribution of eight immature American eels Anguilla rostrata were monitored periodically with location-only ultrasonic transmitters for 5 days in Fridaycap Creek, a Georgia estuarine stream. Fish were concentrated within 25 m of the mouths of feeder creeks. Movements were usually with tidal currents and were restricted to 400 m of the 1,000-m study section. Moves greater than 50 m usually involved round trips from and to a point of origin. Limited movements and regions of concentrated activity may be evidence of home ranges within the creek. Daytime movements were restricted to the main creek channel, shorelines being preferred during high tides and the midchannel during low tides. At night, fish were generally near mouths of feeder creeks during low tides; they often moved up feeder creeks and even onto the marsh with a flood tide, returning to the feeder mouth as the tide ebbed. Tendency to move with tidal currents, activity region sizes, and types of habitats frequented were al...
Comparison of Sebia Capillarys Flex capillary electrophoresis with the BioRad Variant II high pressure liquid chromatography in the evaluation of hemoglobinopathies.

Abstract Background There are multiple biochemical screening techniques for assessing hemoglobinopathies. Here we compare a new instrument, the Sebia Capillarys Flex (capillary zone electrophoresis (CE)), with the BioRad Variant II (high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the evaluation of hemoglobinopathies. Methods This was a retrospective study using 174 whole blood samples encompassing the 5 most common (Hb A, A2′, S, C, and E) and 10 rare (Hb G Philidelphia , D, H, Bart's, O Arab , S/G Philidelphia , Hasharoon, Q India , N Baltimore , and Malmo) hemoglobin variants. An additional 126 samples were used to establish a CE reference interval for Hb A2. Results Hb A measurements agreed well between the 2 methods (bias = − 0.06;r = 0.999). The agreement of Hb F was also very good (bias = − 0.17; r = 0.994). When samples with the highest Hb F concentration were excluded, agreement was less precise (bias = − 0.44; r = 0.811). When no variant was present, the Hb A2 concentrations showed excellent agreement (bias = 0.00; r = 0.994). Positive bias for Hb A2 is seen when Hb C is present using CE. The Hb A2 reference interval using CE was Conclusion The Capillarys Flex is capable of identifying and quantifying hemoglobin species, consistent with existing HPLC methods.
Lanthanide Selective Sorbents: Self-Assembled Monolayers on Mesoporous Supports (SAMMS)

Through the marriage of mesoporous ceramics with self-assembled monolayer chemistry, the genesis of a powerful new class of environmental sorbent materials has been realized. By coating the mesoporous ceramic backbone with a monolayer terminated with a lanthanide-selective ligand, it is possible to couple high lanthanide binding affinity with the high loading capacity (resulting from the extremely high surface area of the support). This lanthanide-selective ligand field is created by pairing a “hard” anionic Lewis base with a suitable synergistic ligand, in a favorable chelating geometry. Details of the synthesis, characterization, lanthanide binding studies, binding kinetics, competition experiments and sorbent regeneration studies are summarized.
Syntheses and structural characterization of luminescent platinum(II) complexes containing di-tert-butylbipyridine and new 1,1-dithiolate ligands.

Three new di-tert-butylbipyridine (dbbpy) complexes of platinum(II) (1−3) containing 1,1-dithiolate ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The 1,1-dithiolates are 2,2-diacetylethylene-1,1-dithiolate (S2CC(C(O)Me)2) (1), 2-cyano-2-p-bromophenylethylene-1,1-dithiolate (S2CC(CN)(p-C6H4Br)) (2), and p-bromophenyl-2-cyano-3,3-dithiolatoacrylate (S2CC(CN)(COO-p-C6H4Br)) (3). Complex 1 exhibits a solvatochromic charge-transfer absorption in the 430−488 nm region of the spectrum and a luminescence around 635 nm in ambient temperature CH2Cl2 solution. These observations are consistent with what has been seen previously in related Pt diimine 1,1-dithiolate complexes. The nature of the emissive state is assigned as a 3(mixed metal/dithiolate-to-diimine) charge transfer, while the solvatochromic absorption band corresponds to the singlet transition of similar orbital character. The other complexes also exhibit a low-energy solvatochromic absorption. The crystal structures of two of the complexes have been d...
Effects of bradykinin receptor agonists, and captopril and thiorphan in ferret isolated trachea: evidence for bradykinin generation in vitro

Bradykinin B2 receptor agonists, but not a B1 receptor agonist, were potent spasmogens of ferret isolated trachea. Bradykinin-induced contractions were unaffected by several pharmacological agents, indicating a direct effect on airway smooth muscle B2 receptors. Captopril plus thiorphan caused contractions in approximately 70% of preparations that were abolished by B2 receptor antagonists, but not by B1 receptor antagonist. Thus, ferret tracheal tissues appear capable of releasing and degrading kinins in vitro. Inhibition of peptide degradation with captopril and thiorphan may allow the endogenous kinins to accumulate in concentrations sufficient to elicit tracheal contraction via activation of B2 receptors.
Slip energy barriers in aluminium and implications for ductile-brittle behaviour

Abstract We consider the ductile-brittle behaviour of aluminium in the framework of the Peierls-model analysis of dislocation emission from a crack tip. To this end, we perform first-principles quantum mechanical calculations for the unstable stacking energy γus of aluminium along the Shockley partial slip route. Our calculations are based on density functional theory and the local density approximation and include full atomic and volume relaxation. We find that, in aluminium, γus = 0·224Jm−2. Within the Peierls-model analysis, this value would predict a brittle solid which poses an interesting problem since aluminium is typically considered to be ductile. The resolution may be given by one of three possibilities: firstly, aluminium is indeed brittle at zero temperature and becomes ductile at a finite temperature owing to motion of pre-existing dislocations which relax the stress concentration at the crack tip; secondly dislocation emission at the crack tip is itself a thermally activated process; thirdly...
Xylem Development in Prunus Flower Buds and the Relationship to Deep Supercooling

Xylem development in eight Prunus species was examined and the relationship to deep supercooling assessed. Dormant buds of six species, P. armeniaca, P. avium, P. cerasus, P. persica, P. salicina, and P. sargentii deep supercooled. Xylem vessel elements were not observed within the dormant floral primordia of these species. Instead, discrete bundles containing procambial cells were observed. Vascular differentiation resumed and xylem continuity was established during the time that the capacity to deep supercool was lost. In P. serotina and P. virginiana, two species which do not supercool, xylem vessels ran the length of the inflorescence and presumably provided a conduit for the spread of ice into the bud. The results support the hypothesis that the lack of xylem continuity is an important feature of buds which deep supercool.
A phase II study of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extracts in men with recurrent prostate cancer.

Diets high in cruciferous vegetables are associated with lower risk of incidence of prostate cancer, including aggressive forms of this disease. Human intervention studies with cruciferous vegetable-rich diets also demonstrate modulation of gene expression in important pathways in prostate cells. Sulforaphane is a constituent of these foods postulated to harbor the anti-neoplastic activity based on multiple tumor models. Our own work demonstrates that sulforaphane inhibits AR signaling in prostate cancer cells. Here, we report results from the first clinical trial of sulforaphane-rich extracts in men with prostate cancer. We treated 20 patients who had recurrent prostate cancer with 200 μmoles/day of sulforaphane-rich extracts for a maximum period of 20 weeks and determined the proportion of patients with ≥50 % PSA declines, the primary endpoint. Only one subject experienced a ≥50 % PSA decline. Thus, the primary endpoint was not achieved. Seven patients experienced smaller PSA declines (<50 %). There was also a significant lengthening of the on-treatment PSA doubling time (PSADT) compared with the pre-treatment PSADT [6.1 months pre-treatment vs. 9.6 months on-treatment (p = 0.044)]. Finally, treatment with sulforaphane-rich extracts was safe with no Grade 3 adverse events. Treatment with 200 μmoles/day of sulforaphane-rich extracts did not lead to ≥50 % PSA declines in the majority of patients. However, because of the safety of treatment and the effects on PSADT modulation, further studies, including those with higher doses, may be warranted to clarify the role of sulforaphane as a prevention agent or treatment agent.
Adaptation Stages and Mental Health of Korean Male Immigrants in the United States.

This study examines the variation patterns of Korean male immigrants' mental health in relation to their length of residence in the United States and identifies significant factors related to the variations. The main hypothesis suggests two critical stages in which Korean immigrants' mental health would become highly vulnerable? the early exigency stage (1-2 years after immigration) and the later marginality stage (11-15 years after immigration). Hence, the hypoth? esis predicts a curvilinear (the inverted J-curve) relationship between length of residence and life satisfaction. This hypothesis is tested through an epidemiological survey of 334 Korean male immigrants (20 years and older) in the Chicago area. Results of data analyses generally confirm the hypothesis: 1) the immigrants' mental health is most highly vulnerable at the early exigency stage, 2) the degree of their mental well-being generally increases with length of residence, 3) the rate of increase in mental well-being tends to stagnate after the resolution stage, confirming the inverted J-curve hypothesis and 4) job satisfaction is the most significant variable accounting for the mental health patterns of the Korean male immigrants. Theoretical and methodological implications of the findings are discussed in the conclusion.
On the deterioration of ß″-alumina ceramics under electrolytic conditions

The degradation of β′'-alumina under electrolytic conditions was investigated at room temperature. With the use of an electrical-mechanical analogue, it was demonstrated that a large current concentration exists at the peripheries of blocked or unwetted areas. Thus, actual current densities at the sites of failure can be several times larger than the average current density. Implications regarding wetting of β′'-alumina by sodium are discussed. The concept of current focusing at the tips of sodium-filled cracks is demonstrated in a room temperature test.
Ultrastructure of Hirano bodies

By light microscopy, Hirano bodies are fusiform or spheroidal eosinophilic bodies, that are commonly observed in the hippocampi of the elderly and are especially numerous in patients with various dementias or degenerative diseases. Rarely, they have been demonstrated in other locations and even in animals. Ultrastructurally, the Hirano bodies are complex pleomorphic aggregates of intraneuronal fibrillary material found predominantly in the processes but occasionally in the perikarya. The Hirano bodies are assembled from multiple subunits, but occasionally in the perikarya. The Hirano bodies are assembled from multiple subunits, each consisting of two overlapping or intersecting expanses of parallel filaments. Depending on the plane of section and orientation, the subunit may appear as a lattice-work array of intersecting filaments, a row of regularly spaced punctate densities closely applied to a filament, or a broader feathery fibril. The subunits appear to be derived from the reorganization or precipitation of randomly dispersed finely filamentous material. Because of the diverse circumstance under which they are found, Hirano bodies are regarded as a non-specific manifestation of neuronal degeneration.
Suffering and the Dying Patient

SUMMARYSuffering in the dying patient derives from immediate sources of physical distress, perceived threats to the integrity of the self, and the psychological make up (memory, beliefs, expectations) of the individual at the end of life. The most common causes of somatic distress in dying patients with cancer are: (1) pain, (2) shortness of breath, and (3) nausea and/or vomiting. Other noteworthy problems include confusion, restlessness, itch, disturbed bladder and bowel function, sleep disruption, low energy, sedation and cachexia. Specific physiological mechanisms foster suffering in dying persons. These include tissue trauma, visceral distention and cardiovascular events. Neurological signals generated by tissue trauma or sensitization during inflammation lead to sensations of pain and also produce emotional arousal in noradrenergically innervated limbic brain structures. In addition, such signals stimulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. This creates a stress response which, if prolong...
Centering as a Model for Group Visits Among Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain

Providing comprehensive care for chronic pelvic pain is impeded by time and resource constraints of the standard health care visit. To provide patient education, psychosocial support, and health care assessment, we developed group visits for women with chronic pelvic pain using an evidence-based, holistic nursing approach. In this article, we describe the structure of group visits, the process of conducting Centering group visits focused on empowerment, and the content of a holistic curriculum for women with chronic pelvic pain.
Intraocular silicone oil: in vitro and in vivo MR and CT characteristics.

PURPOSE To describe the CT and MR characteristics of intraocular silicone oil (polydimethylsiloxane), which is used with increasing frequency to treat complicated retinal detachments. METHODS CT was performed on a silicone oil/water phantom and on a patient with retinal detachments secondary to cytomegalovirus retinitis, treated by bilateral intraocular injections of silicone oil. CT appearance and CT number of silicone oil were evaluated. Proton MR spectroscopy was performed with a 200-MHz spectrometer on a sample of polydimethylsiloxane within a tube of deuterated water. MR imaging was performed on a silicone oil/water phantom and on two patients with retinal detachments treated with silicone oil injection. RESULTS Silicone oil is relatively radiodense; its CT attenuation is approximately 130 HU. On spectroscopy, silicone oil gave a single peak at 0.33 ppm. Relative to water silicone oil was hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on spin-density and T2-weighted images. Estimated T1 and T2 were 716 msec and 68 msec, respectively. Chemical shift artifacts were seen on MR images and were exaggerated when a narrow sampling bandwidth was used. In clinical cases spectral saturation pulses normally used for lipid suppression could be adjusted to saturate only the silicone resonance; in this way, the chemical shift artifact was eliminated. CONCLUSION Intraocular silicone oil has unique imaging characteristics with which radiologists must become familiar. These characteristics include high attenuation on CT and hyperintensity on T1-weighted MR, both of which may mimic hemorrhage. Elimination of the prominent chemical shift artifact on MR with selective saturation of the silicone resonance improves evaluation of the globe.
A Review of the Physical and Biological Characteristics of the Bahía Magdalena Lagoon Complex (Baja California Sur, Mexico)

Abstract The Bahia Magdalena lagoon complex (BMLC) is an extremely productive and biologically diverse embayment on the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and one of the most important fishing ports in the state. Local hydrologic conditions are largely determined by the differential influence of the California Current and California Countercurrent, with upwelling also affecting the physical characteristics of west–central Bahia Magdalena. Because of its subtropical location and variable hydrology, the BMLC is considered a transitional zone between temperate and tropical faunal regions. Tropical species are dominant among most taxa, especially in Bahia Almejas, but species composition is highly variable and coupled with environmental conditions.
An experimental study of nonequimolal diffusion in ternary gas mixtures

This work is an experimental test of the Stefan-Maxwell equations as applied to cocurrent, steady state gaseous diffusion of two species through a stagnant third component. The Stefan capillary tube method was used to measure the diffusion rates. The use of constant evaporating binary liquid mixtures made possible boundary conditions that were invariant with time. Total molar losses were compared with the predictions of the theory to demonstrate the validity of the equations under conditions of a significant convective flux.
The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy

This article analyzes the main issues and arguments contained in The Truly Disadvantaged: The Inner City, the Underclass, and Public Policy, by William J. Wilson (Chicago: University of Chicago Pre...
Cross‐reactivity of ciguatoxin, okadaic acid, and polyethers with monoclonal antibodies

The technology of the preparation of monoclonal antibodies to purified ciguatoxin (CTX) and okadaic acid (OA) are presented in this report. The cross‐reactivity of monoclonal antibody to CTX (MAb‐CTX) with purified OA (16%), ionomycin (2%) and ionophore A23187 (9%) are shown. Monoclonal antibody to OA (MAb‐OA) reacts with purified CTX (30%), while reaction with ionomycin (0.2%) and A23187 (3%) are minimal under the conditions examined. Thus, the cross‐reactivity of CTX and OA is demonstrated and in agreement with structural analysis. Furthermore, these MAbs are of importance in the detection of marine toxins in contaminated fishes.
Coping in outdoor recreation: causes and consequences of crowding and conflict among community residents.

Displacement, product shift, and rationalization are coping mechanisms that can be adopted in response to crowding and conflict in outdoor recreation. Using survey methods, this SNdy found relatively high levels of adoption of coping mechanisms by residents of communities in and around Acadia National Park. Maine in response to perceived increases in 1) overall recreation use levels, 2) selected recreation activities and -') selected problem behavion. While only 7.4% of respondents reported that they no longer use the carriage roads because of the changes in use that have occurred, nearly aD respondents (94%) reponed adopting one or more behavioral or cognitive coping mechanisms. Study findings suggest that coping may be pervuive in outdoor recreation, that coping includes behavioral and cognitive mechanisms, and that coping is related to perceived changes in both the amount and type of outdoor recreation. High levels of coping as found in this study may be sb'esSful at the individual level, may lead to dimini.~hed divenity of outdoor recreation opportunities at the socie~ level, and suggests that overall -satiaCaction- may be a superficial and even misleading measure of quality in outdoor re:creation.
Ultrastructural, Immunocytochemical Study of the LH Secreting Cell of the Rat Anterior Pituitary Gland: Changes Occurring After Ovariectomy

We have correlated changes in rat anterior pituitary gland LH secretion with morphological changes in LH gonadotrophs as a function of time after ovariectomy. We decapitated rats on the early afternoon of proestrus or at 7, 19, 35, or 92 days after ovariectomy. Anterior pituitary gland LH concentration was determined in one-half of each anterior pituitary gland, and LH cells in the other half were stained immunocytochemically with rabbit anti-rat LH�3 sera and examined at the ultrastructural level. In the proestrous rat, the shape of the basic LH cell was usually polygonal. The cells contained a single population of granules, usually scattered throughout a homogenous cytoplasm, and a nucleus which was generally ovoid. Golgi complexes were not commonly observed. Anterior pituitary gland LU secretion (synthesis and release) increased progressively as time after ovariectomy increased. Mean anterior pituitary gland LI-I concentration increased fivefold while serum LH concentration increased 22-fold by 92 days postovariectomy. At 7 and 19 days postovariectomy, the same basic LH cell was present except that the Golgi complexes became enlarged and prominent. In addition, another cell type, not commonly observed in proestrous rats, became more abundant. The cytoplasm of these cells was usually filled with small ovoid vesicles. The vesicles in these cells became larger and more irregular in outline by 35 days postovariectomy and a few signet ring cells were observed at this time. At 92 days postovariectomy, LH cells were nearly equally divided by cytoplasmic type into homogeneous, vesiculated, and signet ring. The cytoplasm surrounding the signet ring was homogeneous or vesiculated. As time after ovariectomy increased, the size of LH cells increased, secretion granules per LH cell profile increased, nuclei became more irregular in shape, and light-dense bodies became more obvious. In all LH cells we observed, the stain was only on the secretion granules and sometimes on the light-dense bodies. We did observe some vesiculated and signet ring cells which did not stain for LH. The results suggest that after ovariectomy in rats 1) an increase in LU concentration in individual cells and an increase in the release rate of LH from these cells is likely; 2) three cytoplasmic types of LU cells become prominent: homogeneous, vesiculated, and signet ring; 3) vesiculated cells arise from homogeneous cells and signet ring cells arise from either homogeneous or vesiculated cells; and 4) caution is warranted in the identification of LU gonadotrophs on the basis of morphological criteria alone.
Mate sampling strategy in a field cricket: evidence for a fixed threshold strategy with last chance option

The strategy females use to sample potential mates can influence mate choice and thus sexual selection. We examined the mate sampling strategy of the cricket Gryllus lineaticeps. In our first set of experiments, we simultaneously presented three different chirp rates to females. The set consisted of three trials, each covering a different range of chirp rates. Independent of chirp rate range, female G. lineaticeps preferred rates that were above 3.0 chirps/s to rates that were below 3.0 chirps/s. Females did not discriminate among chirp rates that were below this threshold and did not discriminate among chirp rates that were above this threshold, suggesting that they express a fixed threshold sampling strategy. In our second experiment, females were presented sequentially with a fast chirp rate and then a slow chirp rate. When the interval between presentations was 20 min, females showed significantly weaker responses to the slow rate than to the fast rate. However, when the interval between presentations was 24 h, female responses to the slow and fast rate did not significantly differ. The latter result suggests that females lower their threshold of acceptance when they have not recently experienced highly attractive song types. This lower acceptance threshold is probably adaptive, as it would allow females to avoid paying high search costs, and to reproduce, only when low-quality males are available. Our results are consistent with a rarely considered sampling strategy (fixed threshold with last chance option strategy) and highlights the importance of the timing of social experience for mate sampling.
Development of an athlete/shoe/surface-related injury prediction model for American football. 1. Systematic identification of qualitative and quantitative variables

This is pt. 1 of a two-part paper concerned with surface-related athletic injury prediction. The author considers the athlete, footwear, playing surface and interface factors as a system for assessment of injury prediction parameters. Based on a review of the literature, the author identifies and categorizes qualitative and quantitative factors in the athlete/shoe/surface/interface system important for injury prediction, using the sport of football as an example. The methodology should also be applicable to other sports.
Exponential state space filters: a generic current mode-design strategy

A new method of analog filter design is proposed where nonlinear active components are a natural part of a filter realizing an overall linear transfer function. This approach to design is articulated in the generation of the class of so-called "Exponential State Space" (ESS) filters. An outgrowth of "log filters", ESS filters are created via a mapping on the state space of a linear filter. Specifically, the state variables are equal to simple functions of exponentials or node voltages. The use of exponential, hyperbolic tangent, and hyperbolic sine mappings is shown to produce realizable nodal equations that result in "log", "tanh" and "sinh" filters, respectively. Aspects of interpretation and realization of the transformed state equations are discussed. It is shown that sinh filters are class AB filters, which is an intriguing extension of a concept introduced by Seevinck (1990). The different filter types are compared to an analogous standard transconductance-C filter via simulation of a band-pass filter with a Q of 5. All filters demonstrate tunability over a 100 to 1 range with excellent frequency response stability and accuracy over the tuning range, which extends to 5 MHz. These results and IMD and noise performance are given using both ideal transistors and transistors whose cutoff frequency equals approximately 300 MHz.
Update on accountable care organizations.

Since the publication of the article “What are the Implications of Accountable Care Organizations for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Practices?” in the November 2011 issue of PM&R, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the final rule for the Medicare Shared Savings Program Initiative that covers Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). The final rule published in the November Federal Register contains what many consider significant changes to the initially proposed rule [1]. Because these modifications result in reduced burden and cost for groups to participate, there may be a renewed interest for many groups to form or enroll in an ACO. Although the strategy of how a physiatric practice participates may not have changed, it is important for providers to be aware of some of the following rules and changes [2-4]:
Electrochemical membrane separation of H2S from reducing gas streams

An improved electrochemical membrane was tested with simulated coal gas having concentrations from 25 to 4,500 ppm H{sub 2}S. The process produces elemental hydrogen that enriches the process gas stream at the cathode and elemental sulfur vapor that emerges from the anode. Removal efficiencies average up to 90% at any inlet level; current efficiencies are near 100% at the high inlet concentrations, decreasing significantly at lower H{sub 2}S levels as the competing reduction of H{sub 2}O becomes more favored. Molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) materials can be used exclusively at the MCFC operating temperature of 650 C, with the low concentrations of H{sub 2}S, including the NiO cathode. At concentrations higher than about 60 ppm the operating temperature must be lowered approximately 50 C to avoid melting of the sulfided nickel cathode.
A review of the molecular mechanisms of monogonont rotifer reproduction

Most animals use proteins, peptides, steroids, eicosanoids, or amino acid derivatives as chemical signals, along with receptors, secondary messengers, transduction systems, and transcription factors to finely control reproduction. Many protostomes have complex endocrine systems with vertebrate-like sex steroid receptors, but some are unresponsive to vertebrate sex steroids. Others are responsive to estrogen and testosterone, but the effects are mediated through non-estrogen receptor pathways. In this article, I review the pheromones that rotifers use to synchronize reproduction and rotifer response to waterborne vertebrate steroid hormones. I also describe the impact on rotifer reproduction of endocrine disruptors that mimic androgens and their antagonists. A fraction of the brachionid transcriptome is surveyed for candidates involved in endocrine signaling systems and genes are identified that are putatively involved in steroidogenesis and oocyte maturation. We use the new technique of RNAi in rotifers to selectively knock down gene expression and identify the functional roles of genes involved in the regulation of reproduction.
Wireless sensor deployment for 3D coverage with constraints

We consider the problem of deploying wireless sensors in a three dimensional space to achieve a desired degree of coverage, while minimizing the number of sensors placed. Typical sensor deployment scenarios impose constraints on possible locations of the sensors, and on the desired coverage, but currently there is no unified way to handle these constraints in optimizing the number of sensors placed. We present a novel approach called discretization which allows us to cast the sensor deployment problem as a discrete optimization problem, and hence apply well-understood and flexible discrete optimization techniques for sensor deployment. Our results show that this approach yields solutions that nearly minimize the number of sensors used, while providing a high degree of coverage. Further, unlike typical approaches to sensor deployment, where 3D coverage is significantly more complex than 2D coverage, discretization is equally easy to apply for 2D as well as 3D coverage.
Pipeline data path synthesis of fault-tolerant microarchitectures

Microarchitectural implementation of a real-time signal processing algorithm for mission-critical applications such as sensors on spacecrafts is characterized by two unique requirements: real-time processing of a steady stream of input signals, which requires a high-performance implementation such as pipelining, and reliable operation over the mission lifetime, which mandates support for fault-tolerance. The authors relate high-performance and fault-tolerance constraints to chip area, and present a methodology for synthesizing area-efficient microarchitectures satisfying these requirements. High-performance is achieved via pipelining, while desired fault-tolerance is realized using hardware redundancy. The framework has been used to synthesize high-performance and fault-tolerant microarchitectures for a variety of signal processing algorithms. Additionally, the framework has been used to explore design trade-offs between high-performance and high-reliability microarchitectures, subject to a maximum area constraint. >
A Molecular Investigation of Genotype by Environment Interactions

The fitnesses conferred by seven lactose operons, which had been transduced into a common genetic background from natural isolates of Escherichia coli, were determined during competition for growth rate-limiting quantities of galactosyl-glycerol, a naturally occurring galactoside. The fitnesses of these same operons have been previously determined on lactose and three artificial galactosides, lactulose, methyl-galactoside and galactosyl-arabinose. Analysis suggests that although marked genotype by environment interactions occur, changes in the fitness rankings are rare. The relative activities of the beta-galactosidases and the permeases were determined on galactosyl-glycerol, lactose, lactulose and methyl-galactoside. Both enzymes display considerable kinetic variation. The beta-galactosidase alleles provide no evidence for genotype by environment interactions at the level of enzyme activity. The permease alleles display genotype by environment interactions with a few causing changes in activity rankings. The contributions to fitness made by the permeases and the beta-galactosidases were partitioned using metabolic control analysis. Most of the genotype by environment interaction at the level of fitness is generated by changes in the distribution of control among steps in the pathway, particularly at the permease where large control coefficients ensure that its kinetic variation has marked fitness effects. Indeed, changes in activity rankings at the permease account for the few changes in fitness rankings. In contrast, the control coefficients of the beta-galactosidase are sufficiently small that its kinetic variation is in, or close to, the neutral limit. The selection coefficients are larger on the artificial galactosides because the control coefficients of the permease and beta-galactosidase are larger. The flux summation theorem requires that control coefficients associated with other steps in the pathway must be reduced, implying that the selection at these steps will be less intense on the artificial galactosides. This suggests that selection intensities need not be greater in novel environments.
Evaluation of four pyridine analogs to characterize 6-OHDA-induced modulation of mGluR5 function in rat brain using microPET studies.

Micro-positron emission tomography imaging studies were conducted to characterize modulation of metabotropic glutamate subtype-5 receptor (mGluR5) function in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)induced rat model of Parkinson’s disease using four analogical PET ligands: 2-[ 11 C]methyl-6-(2phenylethynyl) pyridine ([ 11 C]MPEP), 2-(2-(3-[ 11 C]methoxyphenyl)ethynyl)pyridine ([ 11 C]M-MPEP), 2(2-(5-[ 11 C]methoxypyridin-3-yl)ethynyl)pyridine ([ 11 C]M-PEPy), and 3-[(2-[ 18 F]methyl-1,3-thiazol-4yl)ethynyl]pyridine ([ 18 F]M-TEP). A total of 45 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies were conducted on nine male Sprague–Dawley rats within 4 to 6 weeks after unilateral 6-OHDA lesioning into the right medial forebrain bundle. The severity of the lesion was determined with [ 11 C]CFT ([ 11 C]2-b-carbomethoxy-3-b-(4-fluorophenyl)tropane), a specific and sensitive ligand for imaging dopamine transporter function. The binding potential (BP) images were processed on pixelby-pixel basis by using a method of the distribution volume ratio with cerebellum as a reference tissue. The values for BP were determined on striatum, hippocampus, and cortex. [ 11 C]CFT binding was decreased on the lesioned (right) striatum by 35.4%613.4% compared with the intact left striatum, indicating corresponding loss of presynaptic dopamine terminals. On the same areas of the lesioned striatum, three of the four tested mGluR5 ligands showed enhanced binding characteristics. The average differences between the right and left striatum were 4.4%66.5% (P 0.05) with [ 11 C]M-MPEP, 3.9%64.6% (P 0.05) with [ 18 F]M-TEP. The enhanced binding was also observed in the right hippocampus and cortex. These studies showed that glutamatergic neurotransmission might have a complementary role in dopaminergic degeneration, which can be evaluated by in vivo PET imaging.
TEMPORARY INTRINSICS AND RELATIVIZATION

Some have concluded that the only appropriate response to the problem of temporary intrinsics is the view that familiar, concrete objects persist through time by perduring, that is, by having temporal parts. Many, including myself, believe this view of persistence is false, and so reject this conclusion. However, the most common attempts to resolve the problem and yet defend the view that familiar, concrete objects endure are self-defeating. This has heretofore gone unnoticed. I consider the most familiar such attempts, based on a strategy called tensing the copula, and present a general argument to demonstrate why this strategy - and any strategy based on rela- tivization ― fails. I then show how the considerations raised in this general argument undermine other attempts to resolve the problem while denying perdurance. All these attempts are undermined by an assumption essential to the problem of temporary intrinsics, to wit, that there are many moments of time and all have the same ontological status. As long as this assumption is maintained, the only solution to the problem is that familiar, concrete objects perdurc. Thus, in order to defend the view that objects persist through time by enduring, one must adopt a different metaphysics of time (viz., presentism). I conclude that it is neither unreasonable nor impracticable to do so.
Metabolic response to a high-fat diet in neonatal and adult rat muscle

Neonatal rats were exposed to a high-fat low-carbohydrate diet to determine how substrate availability might affect the metabolic phenotype of muscle. Mixed-fiber homogenates of extensor digitorum longus, soleus, and diaphragm muscles were assayed for beta-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (beta-OAC), succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase (PFK), adenylokinase, and creatine kinase. The three muscles showed significant increases in enzyme activity for fatty acid oxidation (beta-OAC) in weaned neonatal rats maintained on the high-fat diet compared with normal weaned controls. This effect persisted for 6 wk of the diet. The other consistent metabolic change was a decrease in PFK. Adult animals subjected to the same diet had similar increases in fatty acid oxidation and a fall in PFK after 1 wk, with most of these changes persisting for the 4 wk of the diet. Examination of individual fibers revealed enzyme changes in fibers of all types, but with the largest effect in type IIb fibers. The data indicate that both adult and neonatal muscles are similarly capable of adjusting their energy metabolism in response to dietary factors.
Fault Tree Analysis: Assessing the Adequacy of Reporting Efforts to Reduce Postoperative Bloodstream Infection

The purpose of this study was to use fault tree analysis to evaluate the adequacy of quality reporting programs in identifying root causes of postoperative bloodstream infection (BSI). A systematic review of the literature was used to construct a fault tree to evaluate 3 postoperative BSI reporting programs: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and The Joint Commission (JC). The literature review revealed 699 eligible publications, 90 of which were used to create the fault tree containing 105 faults. A total of 14 identified faults are currently mandated for reporting to NSQIP, 5 to CMS, and 3 to JC; 2 or more programs require 4 identified faults. The fault tree identifies numerous contributing faults to postoperative BSI and reveals substantial variation in the requirements and ability of national quality data reporting programs to capture these potential faults. Efforts to prevent postoperative BSI require more comprehensive data collection to identify the root causes and develop high-reliability improvement strategies.
Bracing Requirements for Inelastic Steel Beams

The design of bracing for inelastic steel beams is seen to depend on the fulfillment of three separate criteria, that is, axial strength, axial stiffness and bending strength, and stiffness with respect to the longitudinal axis of the beam being braced. Equations are presented which allow each of these criteria to be individually defined. The application of the equations is simple and their predictions are in accord with the few test results which are available. The bracing equations are presented in such a way that they may be directly coupled with deformation capacity predictions contained in earlier papers by the writers. It is shown that the most essential property for the majority of practical brace systems is that they should possess adequate axial strength and stiffness. A basic assumption is that the far ends of the braces are rigidly held. The design force in the brace is found to be close to the currently used estimate of 2% of the beam flange force.