cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Infrared spectroscopy of model electrochemical interfaces in ultrahigh vacuum: some implications for ionic and chemisorbate solvation at electrode surfaces

Abstract The utility of infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRAS) for examining structure and bonding for model electrochemical interfaces in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) is illustrated, focusing specifically on the solvation of cations and chemisorbed carbon monoxide on Pt(111). These systems were chosen partly in view of the availability of IRAS data (albeit limited to chemisorbate vibrations) for the corresponding in-situ metal-solution interfaces, enabling direct spectral comparisons to be made with the “UHV electrochemical model” systems. Kelvin probe measurements of the metal-UHV surface potential changes (ΔΦ) attending alterations in the interfacial composition are also described: these provide the required link to the in-situ electrode potentials as well as yielding additional insight into surface solvation. Variations in the negative electronic charge density and, correspondingly, in the cation surface concentration (thereby mimicking charge-induced alterations in the electrode potential below the potential of zero charge) are achieved by potassium atom dosage onto Pt(111). Of the solvents selected for discussion here — deuterated water, methanol, and acetonitrile — the first two exhibit readily detectable vibrational bands which provide information on the ionic solvation structure. Progressively dosing these solvents onto Pt(111) in the presence of low potassium coverages yields marked alterations in the solvent vibrational bands which can be understood in terms of sequential cation solvation. Comparison between these spectra for methanol with analogous data for sequential methanol solvation of gas-phase alkali cations enables the influence of the interfacial environment to be assessed. The effects of solvating chemisorbed CO are illustrated for acetonitrile; the markedly larger shifts in CO frequencies and binding sites for dilute CO adlayers can be accounted for in terms of short-range coadsorbate interactions in addition to longer-range Stark effects. The differing degrees of selective solvation of cations versus CO for water and acetonitrile are also explored. While the former solvent removes all specific effects of K+ upon CO, these short-range interactions partly remain upon acetonitrile solvation. The close connections between the UHV-based findings and the behavior of the in-situ electrochemical systems are also discussed.
Identification of vasopressin in the subfornical organ region: effects of dehydration.

The subfornical organ (SFO), a neuroendocrine structure implicated in salt-water homeostasis, contains secretory structures histochemically similar to those in the neurohypophysis. Because of these morphological similarities, we compared levels of vasopressin (VP) in the SFO area and the adjacent hippocampal commissure-fornix (HC-F) of normally hydrated and 48 h water-deprived (WD) rats. VP in the SFO region from normally hydrated rats was 44 ± 5pg/mg protein, 3.5 +- 0.4ng/g wetw eight or 3.6 ± 0.4pg/SFO. These concentrations increased (P < 0.05) about two-fold after WD. The content of VP, ng/g wet weight, in HC-F was higher (P < 0.05) than the SFO area and also increased (P < 0.05) after WD. VP was detected in other fiber tracts, anterior commissure (AC) and fornix (F), but was unchanged by WD. Changes in hormone observed in the SFO and HC-F regions were therefore not part of a generalized increase of VP in the brain, nor can they be ascribed to elevated plasma levels. Thus, VP changes in the SFO region may be functionally significant and related to an SFO endocrine role in hydration. VP in fiber tracts (F, AC) unassociated with the hypothalamo-hypophysial system and unchanged after WD may suggest an unidentified role of this hormone in the central nervous system.
Coupling biomolecules to fullerenes through a molecular adapter.

A novel biotinylated fullerene has been synthesized to facilitate the attachment of biotin-conjugated proteins to C60 through the use of streptavidin as a molecular adapter. The strong biotin-streptavidin interaction enables the attachment of fullerenes to streptavidin and, because of the availability of four biotin-binding sites on streptavidin, to biotinylated biomolecules. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by using biotinylated alkaline phosphatase. Due to the insolubility of fullerenes in aqueous media, the immobilized enzyme can be eventually recovered by simple centrifugation with no significant loss in activity.
Optical systolic array processor using residue arithmetic

The use of residue arithmetic to increase the accuracy and reduce the dynamic range requirements of optical matrix-vector processors is evaluated. It is determined that matrix-vector operations and iterative algorithms can be performed totally in residue notation. A new parallel residue quantizer circuit is developed which significantly improves the performance of the systolic array feedback processor. Results are presented of a computer simulation of this system used to solve a set of three simultaneous equations.
Neutrophil histone modification by peptidylarginine deiminase 4 is critical for deep vein thrombosis in mice.

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are major health problems associated with high mortality. Recently, DNA-based neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) resulting from the release of decondensed chromatin, were found to be part of the thrombus scaffold and to promote coagulation. However, the significance of nuclear decondensation and NET generation in thrombosis is largely unknown. To address this, we adopted a stenosis model of deep vein thrombosis and analyzed venous thrombi in peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4)-deficient mice that cannot citrullinate histones, a process required for chromatin decondensation and NET formation. Intriguingly, less than 10% of PAD4−/− mice produced a thrombus 48 h after inferior vena cava stenosis whereas 90% of wild-type mice did. Neutrophils were abundantly present in thrombi formed in both groups, whereas extracellular citrullinated histones were seen only in thrombi from wild-type mice. Bone marrow chimera experiments indicated that PAD4 in hematopoietic cells was the source of the prothrombotic effect in deep vein thrombosis. Thrombosis could be rescued by infusion of wild-type neutrophils, suggesting that neutrophil PAD4 was important and sufficient. Endothelial activation and platelet aggregation were normal in PAD4−/− mice, as was hemostatic potential determined by bleeding time and platelet plug formation after venous injury. Our results show that PAD4-mediated chromatin decondensation in the neutrophil is crucial for pathological venous thrombosis and present neutrophil activation and PAD4 as potential drug targets for deep vein thrombosis.
Information Acquisition and Choice Under Uncertainty

This paper presents a model where individuals have imperfect information and there is an opportunity cost of learning. It shows that the endogenous decision to collect costly information before taking an action has a systematic effect on choices. More precisely, consider two alternatives with ex ante identical expected payoff but different variances. The model predicts that, after the learning process is stopped, a majority of individuals will select the alternative with largest payoff-variance. The result persists when agents have multiple sources of information. Applications to entrepreneurial investments, composition of advisory committees, and judicial decision-making are discussed.
A simplified method to estimate energy savings of artificial lighting use from daylighting

Abstract This paper provides a simplified analysis method to evaluate the potential of daylighting to save energy associated with electric lighting use. Specifically, impacts on daylighting performance are investigated for several combinations of building geometry, window opening size, and glazing type for four geographical locations in the United States. Four building geometries with various window-to-floor areas, along with different glazing types have been analyzed. It was determined that for most commercial buildings with glass transmittance values above 0.5, increasing window area to floor area ratio above 0.5, daylighting does not provide significant additional lighting energy savings. A direct correlation has been established between window transmittance and window area on annual lighting reductions. A model is proposed to estimate lighting energy savings given perimeter area, window area, and window type. Verification and validation of the model's predictions are demonstrated using results from building energy simulation as well as experimental data.
Assessing decision heuristics using machine learning

Abstract In decision making, automatization associated with ‘skill’ contributes to the discrepancies often found between actual and reported use of information. Designing decision support systems (DSS) to assist skilled decision making is complicated by this lack of accessible models. This paper proposes a model of skilled decision making in which tacit heuristics define simplified situations within which skilled decisions are made. Heuristics employed in decision making are identified from qualitative representations of past decisions using machine learning. These heuristics can then be matched with performance criteria to identify conditions under which the user may need supplemental aiding. This use of machine learning to identify ‘buggy’ models of human performance has proved very difficult even for simple tasks such as subtraction. We argue that skilled interaction with real-time systems provides a special case in which the learning problem can he simplified sufficiently to allow user modelling of adequate quality for decision support. Our approach is illustrated in assessments of decision heuristics used by pilots in avoiding intruding aircraft and for operators of a simulated process plant. The ability to adapt decision support functions to complement the decision making processes of skilled users is argued to he essential to providing them effective support Attribute-based machine learning methods are proposed as a feasible mechanism for achieving this goal.
The Global Nature of Childhood Tuberculosis

* Abbreviations: CDC — : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention LTBI — : latent tuberculosis infection TB — : tuberculosis WHO — : World Health Organization After several decades of neglect, childhood tuberculosis (TB) is receiving some of the attention it deserves. Although the common perception is that TB has disappeared from the United States, there are almost 10 000 cases annually, with >1000 occurring in children.1 There are many thousands of children with untreated latent TB infection (LTBI) at risk of developing TB disease, who either were missed during contact investigation of adults with TB disease in the United States or who were not tested during immigration to the United States. Pang et al2 describe the epidemiology of TB in preschool-aged US children. They highlight and quantify a recently described risk factor for childhood TB in a low-incidence setting: parental foreign birth. A 2012 Pediatrics article found that two-thirds of all children and adolescents with TB in the United States had at least 1 foreign-born parent, and only one-quarter of children with TB lacked an international connection.3 Before 2009, children immigrating to the United States were not routinely tested for LTBI or TB disease. The 2009 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Technical Instructions for children immigrating to the United States endorse testing children ages 2 to 14 years for LTBI and treatment of infected children after arrival in the United States.4 The hope is that this immigration screening protocol will decrease the reservoir for future cases among the foreign-born. However, some US-born children with LTBI are not detected by existing screening algorithms. Having a foreign-born parent is not currently included as a risk factor in the American Academy of Pediatrics–endorsed LTBI screening questionnaire … Address correspondence to Jeffrey R. Starke, MD, 1102 Bates St, Suite 1150, Houston, TX 77030. E-mail: jstarke{at}bcm.edu
Examination of the CROS type hearing aid.

This study was designed to examine the CROS type hearing aid under a number of listening conditions, both advantageous and disadvantageous, in order to determine whether the relative merits of the ...
First report of sorghum ergot caused by Claviceps africana in the United States.

In March 1997, ergot was found on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) regrowth in several abandoned commercial grain sorghum fields in Cameron and Hidalgo counties in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas. White sphacelia in florets produced honeydew containing macrospores (hyaline, oblong to oval, 10 to 25 μm × 5 to 7 μm) and microspores (hyaline, spherical, 3 μm in diameter). Macrospores germinated iteratively to form secondary conidia when placed on water agar and in situ following rain. Secondary conidia were hyaline, pyriform, with a protruding hilum, and measured 10 to 17 μm × 5 to 7 μm. High-pressure liquid chromatography analysis detected the alkaloid di-hydroergosine in sphacelia, which is unique to C. africana (1). The pathogen was also confirmed on adjacent johnsongrass (S. halepense). The spread of ergot across Texas was associated with the progressive maturation of the commercial sorghum crop as follows: LRGV (mid-May), Coastal Bend near Corpus Christi (June), Winter Garden area southwest of San Antonio (July), and the seed production region of the Texas Panhandle (mid-August). Ergot incidence ranged from a trace to 10% of the heads in (self-fertile) grain sorghum fields of the LRGV. Most heads had only a few infected florets, but a few heads had 35 to 50% of the florets infected. Only trace amounts were found in grain sorghum fields in other areas of the state. Incidence and severity of ergot were greatest in fields of male-sterile sorghums grown for forage. Ergot was generally low in primary heads of male-sterile sorghums in hybrid seed production fields but, in the absence of pollen, axillary tillers sometimes developed high levels of ergot. The major impact of sorghum ergot is expected to be in hybrid seed production fields in the High Plains of Texas. Reference: (1) D. E. Frederickson et al. Mycol. Res. 95:1101, 1991.
Keynote: Detecting cognitive state for operators of cyber-physical systems: Design of experiments

Summary form only given. Operators of cyber-physical systems, especially those in critical infrastructure like hospitals, power and water plants, telecommunications, etc., are prone to mood changes that can affect their ability to control systems or to avoid error. Moods, especially stress, can affect fine motor control due to the release of primary stress hormones in the brain that prepare the body for a flight-or-fight response to a perceived adverse event. Since fine motor control is what we use when we type on a keyboard, changes in mental state - mood, stress, etc. - might be detectable by observing changes in operator typing rhythms. Such changes, due to stress or anxiety, might also manifest in users/operators who have malicious intent, as in theft of corporate or military sensitive information (e.g., the WikiLeaks case). To determine whether or not such changes in typing rhythms can be detected will take careful experimentation. This talk will discuss the design of experiments to test this idea, providing a framework for thinking about and planning a suite of activities to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting stress/emotion through the keyboard.
Transition from the Rh2O3"II…-to-CaIrO3 structure and the high-pressure-temperature phase diagram of alumina

The high-pressure behavior of alumina has been investigated by first-principles computations throughout the range of calibration of the ruby pressure scale. It is found that at 0 K the transformation from corundum to Rh2O3II-type alumina at 87– 113 GPa is followed by a second one to the CaIrO3 structure at 150– 172 GPa. Quasiharmonic free-energy calculations show that both transformations display negative Clapeyron slope, which is a consequence of the decrease in polyhedral connectivity along the structural sequence. Like the first transformation, the second one should also have significant effects on the ruby pressure scale, especially if ruby is cycled across the phase boundaries.
Regulation of rRNA Processing: A Role for a Unique GTPase

Recent findings by Karbstein et al. (2005 [this issue of Molecular Cell]) reveal that association of the preribosomal biosynthesis factors U3 snoRNA and Rcl1p is controlled by the GTPase Bms1p, suggesting that regulatory events are involved in the formation of ribosome biogenesis complexes.
Long-Term Tsunami Data Archive Supports Tsunami Forecast, Warning, Research, and Mitigation

In response to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the United States began a careful review and strengthening of its programs aimed at reducing the consequences of tsunamis. Several reports and calls to action were drafted, including the Tsunami Warning and Education Act (Public Law 109–424) signed into law by the President in December 2006. NOAA’s National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) and co-located World Data Center for Geophysics and Marine Geology (WDC-GMG) maintain a national and international tsunami data archive that fulfills part of the P.L. 109–424. The NGDC/WDC-GMG long-term tsunami data archive has expanded from the original global historical event databases and damage photo collection, to include tsunami deposits, coastal water-level data, DART™ buoy data, and high-resolution coastal DEMs. These data are used to validate models, provide guidance to warning centers, develop tsunami hazard assessments, and educate the public about the risks from tsunamis. In this paper we discuss current steps and future actions to be taken by NGDC/WDC-GMG to support tsunami hazard mitigation research, to ultimately help save lives and improve the resiliency of coastal communities.
Structural and optical transformations by laser irradiation of InSb-based thin films

The effect of 647 nm Kr-ion laser irradiation on small, 1 μm diameter regions of (In 0.43 Sb 0.57 ) 0.87 Ge 0.13 and In 0.43 Sb 0.57 amorphous as-deposited thin alloy films was determined. Laser irradiation times of 50 ns-20 μs produced three distinct reflectivity states which differed from the original as-deposited values for both alloys. Both alloys exhibited an amorphous state of increased reflectivity after short pulse (∼100 ns to ∼500 ns) laser irradiation which has not been previously observed. Slightly longer pulses caused surface corrugations to form in these high reflectivity regions. The formation of corrugations was consistent with stress relaxation. Further laser annealing caused crystallization and decreased reflectivity. The addition of Ge increased the minimum time to crystallize by one order of magnitude, inhibited the precipitation of pure Sb crystals, and caused crystallites to nucleate at the spot edge rather than from the center of the spot. Optical, microstructure, and electrical changes were correlated. SEM and TEM showed that regions of similar reflectivity could result from significantly different microstructures.
Inflammation and bony changes at the temporomandibular joint.

Cytokines help mediate the acute and chronic inflammation and associated destruction of connective tissue in arthritic temporomandibular joints (TMJ). The proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6,
Uncouplers of oxidation phosphorylation

Abstract Numerous compounds, covering a broad range of chemical structures, selectively interfere with the mitochondrial mechanism for transforming energy derived from oxidative metabolism into regeneration of ATP. Within some chemical classes, structure-activity correlations have been useful. Several distinct mechanism of uncoupling have been characterized: 1. (1) trans-membrane proton transport 2. (2) trans-membrane cation transport and exchange 3. (3) modification of essential protein factors of membrane 4. (4) competition with phosphate (trivial case) Others may well exist. Uncouplers can serve as probes of the mitochondrial energy transduction mechanism.
Techniques for extending visibility range in water

Inadequate light level, contrast, or resolution can limit the maximum useful range of vision in water. Many new techniques have been developed in the past few years which offer substantially improved performance. This paper briefly reviews some of the components and systems with respect to proven capability as well as potential improvement.
Electrochemical oxidation of dissolved sulphur dioxide at platinum and gold electrodes

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation of dissolved sulphur dioxide has been studied at platinum and gold electrodes using voltammetric, chronopotentiometric and galvanostatic measurements. The effects of electrode preconditioning and solution pH on the mechanism and the kinetics of the electrode reaction have been determined. Oxidation of sulphur dioxide occurs by two mechanisms, one a pure electron-transfer process and the other a chemical oxidation by electrolytically formed metal oxide. With an activated platinum electrode the electron-transfer mechanism is the predominating process. The electron-transfer process is also predominant at an active gold electrode. For this process the rate-controlling step as well as the over-all process is a two-electron oxidation.
Flood pattern and weather determine Populus leaf litter breakdown and nitrogen dynamics on a cold desert floodplain

Abstract Patterns and processes involved in litter breakdown on desert river floodplains are not well understood. We used leafpacks containing Fremont cottonwood ( Populus deltoides subsp. wislizenii ) leaf litter to investigate the roles of weather and microclimate, flooding (immersion), and macroinvertebrates on litter organic matter (OM) and nitrogen (N) loss on a floodplain in a cool-temperate semi-arid environment (Yampa River, northwestern Colorado, USA). Total mass of N in fresh autumn litter fell by ∼20% over winter and spring, but in most cases there was no further N loss prior to termination of the study after 653 days exposure, including up to 20 days immersion during the spring flood pulse. Final OM mass was 10–40% of initial values. The pattern of OM and N losses suggested most N would be released outside the flood season, when retention within the floodplain would be likely. The exclusion of macroinvertebrates modestly reduced the rate of OM loss (by about 10%) but had no effect on N dynamics over nine months. Immersion in floodwater accelerated OM loss, but modest variation in litter quality did not affect the breakdown rate. These results are consistent with the concept that decomposition on desert floodplains progresses much as does litter processing in desert uplands, but with periodic bouts of processing typical of aquatic environments when litter is inundated by floodwaters. The strong dependence of litter breakdown rate on weather and floods means that climate change or river flow management can easily disrupt floodplain nutrient dynamics.
Objective and subjective measurement of energy expenditure in older adults: a doubly labeled water study

Objective and subjective measurement of energy expenditure in older adults: a doubly labeled water study
Gender differences in glutathione metabolism in Alzheimer's disease

The mechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disease, is still an area of significant controversy. Oxidative damage of macromolecules has been suggested to play an important role in the development of AD; however, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we showed that the concentration of glutathione (GSH), the most abundant intracellular free thiol and an important antioxidant, was decreased in red blood cells from male AD patients compared with age- and gender-matched controls. However, there was no difference in blood GSH concentration between the female patients and female controls. The decrease in GSH content in red blood cells from male AD patients was associated with reduced activities of glutamate cysteine ligase and glutathione synthase, the two enzymes involved in de novo GSH synthesis, with no change in the amount of oxidized glutathione or the activity of glutathione reductase, suggesting that a decreased de novo GSH synthetic capacity is responsible for the decline in GSH content in AD. These results showed for the first time that GSH metabolism was regulated differently in male and female AD patients.
Emerging trends in state regulation of private communities in the U.S

Common interest housing (CIDs), which includes nearly all gated communities as well as non-gated but privately governed neighbourhoods, has become the predominant form of new housing construction in America. Optimistic early assessments that CIDs would prove to be more efficient alternative to municipalities are confronted by the fact of high levels of conflict and litigation, which are proving costly to residents as well as local governments. These conflicts are often highly publicized in the press, leading to concerns in the real estate industry that the demand for such housing could be jeopardized. The conflicts arise from having unpaid, untrained volunteer directors carrying out what were once municipal government functions, and concern financial issues as well as alleged abuses of power by association boards. In response to some of these concerns, across the nation, small but vocal ant-HOA owners groups are organizing, using the internet as their medium and gaining attention from the press. A consensus is emerging that the law governing private communities needs major changes, and different approaches are proposed or being implemented in several states. This paper examines these emerging regulatory trends and offers an assessment of their prospects.
PHOTODETECTORS FOR THE CMS HADRON CALORIMETERS

Abstract Hadronic energy measurements in the central and end cap regions of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector will be made using sampling calorimeter techniques with plastic scintillator tiles as the sensitive layers. Plastic fibers doped with wavelength shifting fluors embedded in each tile are used to extract the scintillation light. Clear plastic wave guide fibers carry the shifted light to photodetectors located on the outer surface of the calorimeter structure. Environmental constraints and physics performance requirements for these photodetectors are presented. Candidate photodetector technologies are discussed, and the hybrid photomultiplier tube technology is identified as most promising.
Resolution, accuracy and the retention of significant digits☆

Abstract Attention is called to the difference between the resolving power of a measurement and the accuracy of an estimate, two ideas commonly treated as interchangeable. It is pointed out that in the case of an estimate attempts to exaggerate the refinement of the method lead to an inflated estimate of the standard error and hence to conservative claims about the refinement of the method.
Fulminant ulcerative colitis with a normal rectum.

Ulcerative colitis usually begins in the rectum and can be diagnosed proctoscopically in over 90% of patients. A normal rectum with severe disease is extremely uncommon and represents a significant barrier to the prompt establishment of a proper diagnosis.
Structure-function analysis of herpes simplex virus glycoprotein B with fusion-from-without activity

Fusion-from-without (FFWO) is the rapid induction of cell fusion by virions in the absence of viral protein synthesis. The combination of two amino acid mutations in envelope glycoprotein B (gB), one in the ectodomain and one in the cytoplasmic tail, can confer FFWO activity to wild type herpes simplex virus (HSV). In this report, we analyzed the entry and cell fusion phenotypes of HSV that contains FFWO gB, with emphasis on the cellular receptors for HSV, nectin-1, nectin-2 and HVEM. The ability of an HSV strain with FFWO gB to efficiently mediate FFWO via a specific gD-receptor correlated with its ability to mediate viral entry by that receptor. A FFWO form of gB was not sufficient to switch the entry of HSV from a pH-dependent, endocytic pathway to a direct fusion, pH-independent pathway. The conformation of gB with FFWO activity was not globally altered relative to wild type. However, distinct monoclonal antibodies had reduced reactivity with FFWO gB, suggesting an altered antigenic structure relative to wild type. FFWO was blocked by preincubation of virions with neutralizing antibodies to gB or gD. Together with previous studies, the results indicate that the roles of gB in FFWO and in virus-cell fusion during entry are related but not identical. This study also suggests that the FFWO function of gB is not a specific determinant for the selection of HSV entry pathway and that antigenic differences in FFWO gB may reflect its enhanced fusion activity.
Anti-idiotypic regulation of iga expression in myeloma cells☆

MOPC-315 (alpha lambda 2) is a BALB/c plasmacytoma that produces an anti-TNP antibody (M315). In addition to being secreted M315 is also expressed on the surface membranes of MOPC-315 cells. In the present studies an in vitro-adapted line of MOPC-315 was used to study the effect of affinity-purified, isologous anti-idiotypic antibodies (a-Id315) and idiotype-specific T cells on M315 expression. We observed that both monoclonal and polyclonal a-Id315 mediated a reversible clearance of surface membrane M315 but did not influence M315 secretion or MOPC-315 growth even when the myeloma cells were cultured in the continuous presence of a-Id315 for three weeks. Clearance of surface M315 was rapid, reversible, and a-Id315 dose-dependent. M315:a-Id315 complexes were shed from MOPC-315 cells in the form of microscopic membranous vesicles and a-Id315 was consumed in the process. Protein synthesis was required for re-expression of surface M315 only if a presynthesized internal pool of M315 had previously been depleted. In contrast, idiotype-specific T cells mediated specific inhibition of M315 secretion without influencing surface M315 expression. Although the anti-idiotypic antibodies and the anti-idiotypic T-cells are both directed to the surface membrane immunoglobulin on the cloned B cell, the anti-idiotypic antibodies regulate surface membrane expression of immunoglobulin while the anti-idiotypic T-cells regulate secretion of immunoglobulin. These observations support the view that in idiotype regulation, surface membrane immunoglobulin molecules function as a focusing device for regulatory effectors which actually determine the quality of the effect achieved.
Informed consent in gynecologic surgery

Objective The objective of the study was to describe surgeon self-reported behaviors and descriptions of information given to patients when obtaining surgical consent. Study Design This was a survey of 330 gynecological surgeons. Surgeons rated descriptions of information given to patients as well as behaviors for confirming patient understanding during surgical consent. Mean ratings are compared with repeated-measures multivariate analysis of variance. Results Forty-four percent of surveys (145 of 330) were returned. Most respondents were male (56%), Caucasian (86%), in academic practices settings (55%), with more than 10 years of experience after residency (53%). Surgeons give very detailed descriptions of risks and alternatives to surgery. Less detailed descriptions are given of the postoperative course, expected benefits of surgery, or functional and anatomic changes after surgery. Surgeons confirm patient understanding most often by asking patients whether they have any questions and rarely evaluate patient literacy. Conclusion Surgeons provide widely varying attention to various issues and topics related to communicating with their patients preoperatively.
Nightly high dose lactulose infusion could be a cost-effective treatment for hepatic encephalopathy, renal insufficiency and heart failure

Lactulose is an established remedy for hepatic encephalopathy and shows efficacy for chronic renal insufficiency, reducing volume overload, uremia and hyperkalemia. Potentially lactulose could also be used for non-diuretic treatment of congestive heart failure. However, use of lactulose is limited by diarrhea and flatulence. Chronic lactulose administration might be tolerable if it was accomplished by nocturnal infusion through a percutaneous duodenostomy tube, also placing a rectal foley each night following a clearing enema so that large volumes of liquid stool could be passed while patients sleep. Each morning the duodenostomy would be clamped and the foley removed. For acute patients without duodenostomies, a temporary dobhoff feeding tube with accompanying rectal foley could be employed. Patients who did not want a rectal foley could elect to have a permanent colostomy. Clinical trials could establish the relationship between lactulose infusion and clearance of water, salt, potassium, hydrogen, urea and other wastes, and compare efficacy, cost and tolerability with that of peritoneal dialysis and ultrafiltration. Lactulose could potentially allow inexpensive home-based therapy for hepatic encephalopathy, chronic renal failure and congestive heart failure, and might be life-saving in countries where renal replacement in any form is currently unavailable.
Progressive source-channel coding of images over bursty error channels

Transmission of compressed image data over noisy channels is an important problem and has been investigated in a variety of scenarios. In this paper, we propose a progressive time-varying source-channel coding system for transmitting images over wireless channels. The core result of this paper is a systematic method of instantaneous rate allocation between the progressive source coder and channel coder. We develop closed form expressions for end-to-end distortion, as well as rate allocation, in memoryless channels. We extend the memoryless results to an algorithm for fading channels. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of this method.
Use of Limits Method to Characterize Individual Driver Responses to Yellow Change Interval at Signalized Intersections

The method of limits was used in a driving simulator study to determine the time-to-stop line (TSL) on the approach to a signalized intersection at which drivers were equally likely to stop or proceed in response to the onset of a yellow change interval. Data from 191 drivers are presented. The mean TSL is referred to as the driver decision point. The variability in the decision point of individual drivers is also reported. The decision point data are discussed in terms of the dilemma zone. It was concluded that the 1-s reaction time that was typically used for calculation of the appropriate yellow and all-red intervals was appropriate. A wide variation in the decision point between drivers was found (1.65 to 5.3 s), and the 10th and 90th percentile decision points were 2.10 s and 3.75 s, respectively. The presence of other vehicles did not appear to affect the decision point. The method of limits is recommended as a quick and reliable means of measuring a driver's decision point with respect to the onset...
Do invasive freshwater fish species grow better when they are invasive

A frequent assumption in invasion ecology is that invasive species have enhanced growth rates in their invasive ranges. However, invasions frequently occur in sub-tropical and tropical environments where growth could be higher simply due to climatic conditions rather than novel habitat. In this study, a meta-analysis of growth rates (length-at-age data) was completed for six invasive freshwater fi sh species: common carp Cyprinus carpio , largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides , brown trout Salmo trutta , brown bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus , fl athead catfi sh Pylodictis olivaris and northern snakehead Channa argus . Signifi cant eff ects of climate on growth were observed for all species except common carp, and following normalization of growth for climate eff ects, a range of growth responses between native and invasive populations were revealed. Two species (brown trout, fl athead catfi sh) showed signifi cantly increased growth rates in invasive compared to native ranges, but two species (common carp, largemouth bass) showed signifi cantly faster growth in native ranges, and two other species (northern snakehead, brown bullhead) showed no diff erence in growth rates. No species showed both signifi cantly enhanced growth rates and initial sizes in invasive compared to native ranges. Using the comparative method, countergradient growth variations were apparent for all species within their native ranges and for all but one species in invasive ranges. Invasive populations of freshwater fi sh do not always grow faster when invasive and future studies need to consider growth covariates (e.g. climate and countergradient growth) prior to comparing life-history diff erences between invasive and native populations.
Effects of Tides on Maximum Tsunami Wave Heights: Probability Distributions*

Abstract A theoretical study was carried out to understand how the probability distribution for maximum wave heights (ηm) during tsunamis depends on the initial tsunami amplitude (A) and the tides. It was assumed that the total wave height is the linear sum of the tides and tsunami time series in which the latter is decaying exponentially in amplitude with an e-folding time of 2.0 days, based on the behavior of observed Pacific-wide tsunamis. Direct computations were made to determine the statistics of maximum height for a suite of different arrival times and initial tsunami amplitudes. Using predicted tides for 1992 when the lunar nodal f factors were near unity during the present National Tidal Datum Epoch 1983–2001, the results show that when A is small compared with the tidal range the probability density function (PDF) of the difference ηm − A is closely confined in height near mean higher high water (MHHW). The ηm − A PDF spreads in height and its mean height ηo − A decreases, approaching the PDF of...
Searching for additional endocrine functions of the skeleton: genetic approaches and implications for therapeutics.

Our knowledge of whole organism physiology has greatly advanced in the past decades through mouse genetics. In particular, genetic studies have revealed that most organs interact with one another through hormones to maintain normal physiological functions and the homeostasis of the entire organism. Remarkably, through these studies, many unexpected novel endocrine means to regulate physiological functions have been uncovered. The skeletal system is one example. In this article, we review a series of studies that over the years have identified bone as an endocrine organ. The mechanism of action, pathological relevance and therapeutic implications of the functions of the bone-derived hormone osteocalcin are discussed. In the last part of this review, we discuss the possibility that additional endocrine functions of the skeleton may exist.
The Bias Against Creativity Why People Desire but Reject Creative Ideas

People often reject creative ideas, even when espousing creativity as a desired goal. To explain this paradox, we propose that people can hold a bias against creativity that is not necessarily overt and that is activated when people experience a motivation to reduce uncertainty. In two experiments, we manipulated uncertainty using different methods, including an uncertainty-reduction prime. The results of both experiments demonstrated the existence of a negative bias against creativity (relative to practicality) when participants experienced uncertainty. Furthermore, this bias against creativity interfered with participants' ability to recognize a creative idea. These results reveal a concealed barrier that creative actors may face as they attempt to gain acceptance for their novel ideas.
Is Information Enough? The Effects of Watershed Approaches and Planning on Targeting Ecosystem Restoration Sites

Since 1996, the watershed approach (i.e., the inclusive use of watershed information) has been a hallmark concept in ecosystem restoration site location. In 2008, federal regulators required use of the watershed approach in siting compensatory mitigation for aquatic impacts regulated under the U.S. Clean Water Act. However, regulations fell short of requiring full watershed plans, which could have required stakeholder involvement and inter-institutional coordination. Little work has evaluated how the watershed approach or planning position mitigation sites in the landscape. Has the watershed approach or watershed planning been successful in targeting restoration sites where they are needed? The North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services (DMS; formerly the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program), a state agency, has implemented the watershed approach and extensive watershed planning to focus restoration investments. Through a multi-step planning program, the DMS employs a watershed approach to gauge the need of 12-digit watersheds for restoration. In some cases, an intensive local watershed planning process follows this targeting effort. We tested the effect of the program’s watershed targeting approach (n = 710) and local watershed planning efforts (n = 147) on increasing the frequency of wetland and stream mitigation projects (n = 480) in each of the state’s 1741 12-digit watersheds (1998–2012). We find that while the watershed approach is successful at guiding restoration to targeted watersheds over space and time, the impacts of watershed planning are more nebulous, with important but weaker panel-effects. Our findings highlight the importance of plan quality and data management in using a watershed approach to target restoration sites effectively.
Groupand Individual Training: The Impact of Practice on Performance

Recent reviews suggest that the effectiveness of various training methods are contingent on team and individual competencies, task requirements, andfeatures of the work environment (Baldwin & Ford, 1988; Cannon-Bowers, Tannenbaum, Salas, & Volpe, 1995). Two experiments compared the effects oftaskpractice--as either individuals or in groups-on subsequent group and individual perfonnance on a complex cognitive task. Experiment I examined the effects of task practice on group performance, whereas Experiment 2 examined the effects of task practice on individual performance. In both studies, sets offour persons worked as individuals or in groups on two practice problems before theirfinal performance on a third problem. In general, the more members practiced as a group, the better they performed as a group. However, practicing individually or in groups did not have a significant effect on individual performance. Future research should address whether these findings are generalizable across training methods, tas...
Analog-to-digital conversion using single-layer integrate-and-fire networks with inhibitory connections

We discuss amethod for increasing the effective sampling rate of binary A/D converters using an architecture that is inspired by biological neural networks. As in biological systems, many relatively simple components can act in concert without a predetermined progression of states or even a timing signal (clock). The charge-fire cycles of individual A/D converters are coordinated using feedback in a manner that suppresses noise in the signal baseband of the power spectrum of output spikes. We have demonstrated that these networks self-organize and that by utilizing the emergent properties of such networks, it is possible to leverage many A/D converters to increase the overall network sampling rate. We present experimental and simulation results for networks of oversampling 1-bit A/D converters arranged in single-layer integrate-and-fire networks with inhibitory connections. In addition, we demonstrate information transmission and preservation through chains of cascaded single-layer networks.
On intensities of modulated Cox measures

In this paper we introduce and study functionals of the intensities of random measures modulated by a stochastic process , which occur in applications to stochastic models and telecommunications. Modulation of a random measure by is specified for marked Cox measures. Particular cases of modulation by as semi-Markov and semiregenerative processes enabled us to obtain explicit formulas for the named intensities. Examples in queueing (systems with state dependent parameters, Little’s and Campbell’s formulas) demonstrate the use of the results.
Evidence that the herpes simplex virus type 1 uracil DNA glycosylase is required for efficient viral replication and latency in the murine nervous system.

Abstract Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encodes a uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG; UL2), which has been shown to be dispensable for normal replication of HSV-1 in cultured cells (J. Mullaney, H.W. Moss, and D.J. McGeoch, J. Gen. Virol. 70:449-454, 1989). In adult neurons, UNG activity is undetectable (F. Focher, P. Mazzarello, A. Verri, U. Hubscher, and S. Spadari, Mutat. Res. 237:65-73, 1990), suggesting that the HSV-1 UNG may play an important role in viral replication in neurons acutely and/or following reactivation. To examine the contribution of the HSV-1 UNG in vivo, two independent strain 17 Syn+ Ung- mutants, designated uB1 and uB2, were examined in a mouse model of herpetic disease. Following direct intracranial inoculation, both mutants exhibited a 10-fold reduction in neurovirulence compared with the parental strain 17 Syn+. Inoculations by a peripheral route demonstrated that the Ung- mutants were at least 100,000-fold less neuroinvasive than 17 Syn+. Replication kinetics in vivo demonstrated that uB1 and uB2 replicated less well in both the mouse peripheral and central nervous systems. Latency was established by both of the mutants in 100% of the animals examined. Following transient hyperthermia, however, the frequency of reactivation of the mutants in vivo was dramatically reduced. Restoration of the UNG locus resulted in full neurovirulence, neuroinvasiveness, and the ability to reactivate in vivo. These findings suggest that the HSV-1 UNG plays an important role during acute viral replication in vivo and possibly in the reactivation process.
Bulky “Gatekeeper” Residue Changes the Cosubstrate Specificity of Aminoglycoside 2″-Phosphotransferase IIa

The aminoglycoside 2"-phosphotransferases APH(2")-IIa and APH(2")-IVa can utilize ATP and GTP as cosubstrates, since both enzymes possess overlapping but discrete structural templates for ATP and GTP binding. APH(2″)-IIIa uses GTP exclusively, because its ATP-binding template is blocked by a bulky tyrosine "gatekeeper" residue. Replacement of the "gatekeeper" residues M85 and F95 in APH(2")-IIa and APH(2")-IVa, respectively, by tyrosine does not significantly change the antibiotic susceptibility profiles produced by the enzymes. In APH(2")-IIa, M85Y substitution results in an ~10-fold decrease in the K(m) value of GTP and an ~320-fold increase in the K(m) value of ATP. In APH(2")-IVa, F95Y substitution results in a modest decrease in the K(m) values of both GTP and ATP. Structural analysis indicates that in the APH(2")-IIa M85Y mutant, tyrosine blocks access of ATP to the correct position in the binding site, while the larger nucleoside triphosphate (NTP)-binding pocket of the APH(2")-IVa F95Y mutant allows the tyrosine to move away, thus giving access to the ATP-binding template.