cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sertraline Effects on Striatal Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Youth With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Pilot Study.

Objective Foundational knowledge on neural circuitry underlying pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and how it changes during standard treatment is needed to provide the basis for conceptualization and development of novel targeted treatments. This study explored the effects of sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on resting-state functional connectivity in cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuits in pediatric OCD. Method Medication-free youths with OCD (n = 14) and healthy controls (n = 14) were examined at baseline and 12 weeks with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Between scan sessions, participants with OCD received 12 weeks of sertraline. For each scan, seed-based whole-brain resting-state functional connectivity analyses were conducted with 6 striatal seeds. Analysis of variance examined the interaction between group and time on striatal connectivity, including cluster-based thresholding to correct for multiple tests. Connectivity changes within circuits identified in group analyses were correlated with clinical change. Results Two significant group-by-time effects in the OCD group showed increased striatal connectivity from baseline to 12 weeks compared with controls. Circuits demonstrating this pattern included the right putamen with the left frontal cortex and insula and the left putamen with the left frontal cortex and pre- and post-central cortices. Increase in connectivity in the left putamen circuit was significantly correlated with clinical improvement on the Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale score (r = −0.58, p = .03). Conclusion Sertraline appears to affect specific striatal-based circuits in pediatric OCD, and these changes in part could account for clinical improvement. Future work is needed to confirm these preliminary findings, which would facilitate identification of circuit-based targets for novel treatment development. Clinical trial registration information Effects of Sertraline on Brain Connectivity in Adolescents with OCD; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ; NCT02797808
Decentralized merging control in traffic networks: a control barrier function approach

In this paper, we aim to optimize the process of Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) merging at a traffic intersection while guaranteeing the state, control and safety constraints. We decompose the task of automatic merging for all the CAVs in a control zone around a merging point into same-lane safety constraints and different-lane safe merging, and implement these requirements using control barrier functions (CBFs). We consider two main objectives. First, to minimize travel time, we make the CAVs reach the road maximum speed with exponentially stabilizing control Lyapunov functions (CLF). Second, we penalize energy consumption as a cost in an optimization problem. We then decompose the merging problem into decentralized subproblems formulated as a sequence of quadratic programs (QP), which are solved in real time. Our simulations and comparisons show that the method proposed here outperforms ad hoc controllers used in traffic system simulators and provides comparable results to the optimal control solution of the merging problem in earlier work.
The Digital Power Networks: Energy Dissemination Through a Micro-Grid

The Digital Power Network (DPN) is an energy-on-demand approach. In terms of Internet of Things (IoT), it treats the energy itself as a ‘thing’ to be manipulated (in contrast to energy as the ‘thing's enabler’). The approach is mostly appropriate for energy starving micro-grids with limited capacity, such as a generator for the home while the power grid is down. The process starts with a request of a user (such as, appliance) for energy. Each appliance, energy source or energy storage has an address which is able to communicate its status. A network server, collects all requests and optimizes the energy dissemination based on priority and availability. Energy is then routed in discrete units to each particular address (say air-condition, or, A/C unit). Contrary to packets of data over a computer network whose data bits are characterized by well-behaved voltage and current values at high frequencies, here we deal with energy demands at highvoltage, low-frequency and fluctuating current. For example, turning a motor ON requires 8 times more power than the level needed to maintain a steady states operation. Our approach is seamlessly integrating all energy resources (including alternative sources), energy storage units and the loads since they are but addresses in the network. Optimization of energy requests and the analysis of satisfying these requests is the topic of this paper. Under energy constraints and unlike the current power grid, for example, some energy requests are queued and granted later. While the ultimate goal is to fuse information and energy together through energy digitization, in its simplest form, this micro-grid can be realized by overlaying an auxiliary (communication) network of controllers on top of an energy delivery network and coupling the two through an array of addressable digital power switches.
Clustering Strategies of Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control: Impacts on Human-Driven Vehicles

As a promising application of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC) is expected to be deployed on the public road in the near term. Thus far the majority of the CACC studies have been focusing on the overall network performance with limited insight on the potential impact of CAVs on human- driven vehicles (HVs). This paper aims to quantify the influence of CAVs on HVs by studying the high-resolution vehicle trajectory data that is obtained from microscopic simulation. Two clustering strategies for CACC are implemented: an ad hoc coordination one and a local coordination one. Results show that the local coordination outperforms the ad hoc coordination across all tested market penetration rates (MPRs) in terms of network throughput and productivity. The greatest performance difference between the two strategies is observed at 30% and 40% MPR for throughput and productivity, respectively. However, the distributions of the hard braking observations (as a potential safety impact) for HVs change significantly under local coordination strategy. Regardless of the clustering strategy, CAVs increase the average lane change frequency for HVs. 30% MPR is the break-even point for local coordination, after which the average lane change frequency decreases from the peak 5.42 to 5.38. Such inverse relationship to MPR is not found in the ah hoc case and the average lane change frequency reaches the highest 5.48 at 40% MPR.
A Novel Technique for Recurrent Tube Exposure Repair.

Purpose Tube exposure can lead to vision-threatening consequences and requires prompt surgical attention. Posterior repositioning of the tube to the pars plana has previously been reported as a successful technique. However, this method requires a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Here, we describe a novel technique of repositioning the tube into the ciliary sulcus without requiring PPV. Methods This is a retrospective interventional case report of two patients who had undergone prior glaucoma drainage device implantation and prior tube exposure repair and developed recurrent tube exposure. Tube exposure in the subjects was repaired by repositioning the tube in the ciliary sulcus. Results The two eyes remained exposure free postoperatively with 51- and 60-month follow-ups. Conclusions Repositioning the tube to the ciliary sulcus may be an effective technique to avoid reexposure.
Quadrupole Moment of Ne 21

A hyperfine structure intervals in the metastable (2p)/sup 5/(3s),/sup 3/ P/sub 2/ state of Ne/sup 21/ were measured by the atomic-beam resonance method. The apparatus is the same as that used in the experimental determination of the spin of Ne/sup 21/, although extensive modifications were necessary to obtain an adequate signal-to-noise ratio. (W.D.M.)
Elucidating hydrochar morphology and oxygen functionality change with hydrothermal treatment temperature ranging from subcritical to supercritical conditions

Abstract Hydrochar, used for numerous applications including solid fuel, adsorbent medium, anode material, and soil amendment, is the major solid product or unwanted byproduct resulting when biomass undergoes for subcritical or supercritical water treatment, respectively. Regardless of the reaction temperature, hydrochar forms from biomasses at different reaction kinetics. Our hypothesis in this study is morphology and oxygen functionality of hydrochar change with reaction temperature, especially from a subcritical to supercritical region. To test this hypothesis, hydrochar was produced from microcrystalline cellulose at 220 °C–420 °C with 40 °C interval with a reaction time of 30 min. The effects of subcritical and supercritical conditions of the hydrochar characteristics were investigated using a series of analytical tools including ultimate and proximate analyses, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Boehm Titration. Results showed that oxygen-containing acidic functional groups reached the highest (1495 ± 25 μmol/g) at 260 °C and reduced afterward with an increase of temperature, although the elemental oxygen was reduced with the increase of reaction temperature. The particle size of hydrochar increases with the increase of temperature in the subcritical region but decreases in the supercritical region.
Potatoes Value Chain Analysis and Development in River Nile State of Sudan

Now days worldwide increased concern about developing the major food-cash crops production to meet the demand of population growth and farms sustainability. Potato crop is one of the most potential crops in River Nile State that can achieve this purpose. This research aims to describe the potatoes value chain analysis and development. It depends on primary and secondary data. The study applied an approach dependent on compiling theoretical knowledge of value chain analysis basics along with intensive fieldwork and includes comprehensive interviews with a total of 44 producers, 19 wholesalers, 35 retailers, 2 cold storages managers and 34 consumers were interviewed. The actors in the crop chains to present an integrated detailed of all the key actors and players along with the vertical correlations and relations that control the operation and process inside potatoes chains. The field survey in area of the study undertook four major districts along the State specializing in production of potatoes. The value chain analysis showed that, at the level of marketing, there are inadequate cold storages for preserving potatoes, poor extension services at different levels of the crop chain. However, to tackle these constraints, cooperation of stakeholders implying national and international agricultural organizations, governmental institutions and private sector would enhance farming system sustainability of the crop.
Exploring Psychopathy’s Relationship with Youth Gang Membership in Males and Females

Recent investigations show that adolescent female criminality and gang membership is increasing nationwide. Although empirical investigation into the relationship between psychopathy and gang membe...
aSpire: Clippable, Mobile Pneumatic-Haptic Device for Breathing Rate Regulation via Personalizable Tactile Feedback

We introduce–aSpire–a clippable, mobile pneumatic-haptic device designed to help users regulate their breathing rate via subtle tactile feedback. aSpire can be easily clipped to a strap/belt and used to personalize tactile stimulation patterns, intensity, and frequency via its array of air pouch actuators that inflate/deflate individually. To evaluate the effectiveness of aSpire’s different tactile stimulation patterns in guiding the breathing rate of people on the move, out-of-lab environment, we conducted a user study with car passengers in a real-world commuting setting. The results show that engaging with the aSpire does not evoke extra mental stress, and helps the participants reduce their average breathing rate while keeping their perceived pleasantness and energy level high.
Problems in Understanding the Generation of Antibody Complementarity

A major problem of the present decade is the elucidation of the structural basis of antibody complementarity, or, in other words, what do antibody combining sites of a given specificity look like and how do the various amino acid side chains make for different kinds of combining sites (1–3). Intimately related to this is the question of how the capacity to make these sites is maintained in the germ line. The genetic basis for the formation of antibody combining sites differs from that of all other proteins with specific receptor sites such as enzymes, hormones and lectins in that antibody combining sites are formed by two chains whereas other receptor sites are essentially built of a single chain. It was generally estimated that mammals could form about 106 antibody combining sites but since the development of the hybridoma technique (4) this estimate must clearly be low by several orders of magnitude since to date no two hybridomas making antibody combining sites to a single antigenic determinant such as αl→6 dextran have been found to be identical (5–7).
The Sarbanes Oxley Act's Contribution to Curtailing Corporate Bribery

In the wake of corporate scandals occurring in the early 2000s, a need for stricter regulation was deemed necessary by the investors of U.S. public companies. In 2002, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SoX) was created. Accordingly, under the rules of SoX, U.S. corporations were faced with increased oversight and also needed to substantially improve their internal controls. As companies began to scrutinize their internal affairs more closely, some businesses detected other forms of criminal activity occurring internally, such as bribery. Those companies and individuals found to have committed bribery have violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA). Throughout this paper, a plausible correlation between SoX and a recent increase in reported violations of the FCPA will be assessed. This possibility is evaluated via a presentation of cases involving multinational corporations that have been found to have violated the FCPA. Based on the authors research, a pattern does exist between SoX and the enforcement of the FCPA. Finally, suggestions to modify the punishment for companies found guilty of committing bribery are also presented.
Microbial nitrogen cycling at the saltwater-freshwater interface

Microbial communities inhabiting “subterranean estuaries” along the subsurface freshwater–saltwater continuum determine the fate of nitrogen discharged to coastal waters. Little is known about the microbes that comprise these communities, or what their ecological and biogeochemical responses will be to increased salinity resulting from saltwater intrusion and aquifer salinization. This review covers basic aspects of the nitrogen cycle relevant to the coastal subsurface and provides a framework for predicting the types of microbes and nitrogen transformations that exist in different subterranean estuary systems. Literature concerning the freshwater–saltwater mixing zones of surficial estuaries, where microbial communities are better characterized, is also reviewed to explore what is known about the impact of increasing salinity on both the community composition and biogeochemical function of the microbial assemblage. Collectively, these studies suggest that salinization will alter microbial community composition for all functional groups involved in nitrogen cycling, and may lead to decreases in nitrification and coupled nitrification-denitrification, and increases in dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA). Future collaboration between hydrogeologists and microbial ecologists is needed to fully predict the impact of saltwater intrusion on subsurface microbial communities.
Local Predictions for Case-Based Plan Recognition

This paper presents a novel case-based plan recognition system that interprets observations of plan behavior using a case library of past observations. The system is novel in that it represents a plan as a sequence of action-state pairs rather than a sequence of actions preceded by some initial state and followed by some final goal state. The system utilizes a unique abstraction scheme to represent indices into the case base. The paper examines and evaluates three different methods for prediction. The first method is prediction without adaptation; the second is predication with adaptation, and the third is prediction with heuristics. We show that the first method is better than a baseline random prediction, that the second method is an improvement over the first, and that the second and the third methods combined are the best overall strategy.
INTERPRETING THE COUNCIL: ARCHBISHOP MANNING AND THE VATICAN DECREES CONTROVERSY

Contemporary Roman Catholics have realized in the last thirty-five years that when an ecumenical council has concluded, it is far from over. The interpretation of the decrees of the Second Vatican Council has become today as critical and controverted as the formulation of the decrees was during the Council itself. The present controversies centre on ecclesiology—the nature of the Church—and questions at issue concern continuity and innovation. Did Vatican II, and especially the Decree on the Church in the Modern World, reform the structure and the governance of the Church toward a greater degree of consultation, subsidiarity, decentralization—‘collegiality’, to use the expression of the Council itself? Or was the vision of the Council for the Church in basic continuity with the centralized, papal-monarchial Church of the First Vatican Council? Around these questions centres most of the contention that engages the Church today: debates having to do with the role of bishops’ conferences, the operation of the Roman curia, the relationship of the magisterium or teaching authority to theologians.
Differences in the uptake of cadmium and mercury by rat hepatocyte primary cultures. Role of a sulfhydryl carrier.

Abstract Studies measuring the uptake of cadmium or mercury in isolated hepatocytes demonstrated that hepatocytes accumulated more cadmium than mercury in serum-containing medium, serum-free medium, or balanced salt solution. The preferential hepatocellular accumulation of cadmium, independent of medium composition, suggested that the uptake mechanism for cadmium and mercury might be different in hepatocytes. Pretreatment of hepatocytes with 50 μM N -ethylmaleimide decreased cadmium uptake by 23% while having no effect on the uptake of mercury uptake. Cadmium uptake in the presence of parachloromercuribenzenesulfonate or mercury was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. The uptake of cadmium was maximally inhibited (80%) with 75 μM parachloro-mercuribenzenesulfonate or 20 μM mercury respectively. Cadmium had no effect on mercury. Hepatocytes treated with parachloromercuribenzenesulfonate or mercury accumulated cadmium at a rate closely resembling the rate of mercury uptake in untreated hepatocytes. These results suggested that an SH-containing carrier may be operative in the uptake of cadmium by hepatocytes. Mercury can interact with this carrier to inhibit cadmium uptake; however, this carrier does appear to facilitate mercury uptake.
Genome Evolution: Overview

The genome is the total genetic constitution of an organism. Understanding of the structure and evolution of genomes is undergoing a revolution with ability to sequence entire genomes. A key feature in the evolution of genomes is the creation of new genes, usually by duplication. Keywords: Archaea; repetitive DNA; concerted evolution; selfish DNA; junk DNA
Data Center Sprinting: Enabling Computational Sprinting at the Data Center Level

Microprocessors may need to keep most of their cores off in the era of dark silicon due to thermal constraints. Recent studies have proposed Computational Sprinting, which allows a chip to temporarily exceed its power and thermal limits by turning on all its cores for a short time period, such that its computing performance is boosted for bursty computation demands. However, conducting sprinting in a data center faces new challenges due to power and thermal constraints at the data center level, which are exacerbated by recently proposed power infrastructure under-provisioning and reliance on renewable energy, as well as the increasing server density. In this paper, we propose Data Center Sprinting, a methodology that enables a data center to temporarily boost its computing performance by turning on more cores in the era of dark silicon, in order to handle occasional workload bursts. We demonstrate the feasibility of this approach by analyzing the tripping characteristics of data center circuit breakers and the discharging characteristics of energy storage devices, in order to realize safe sprinting without causing undesired server overheating or shutdown. We evaluate a prototype of Data Center Sprinting on a hardware testbed and in data enter-level simulations. The experimental results show that our solution can improve the average computing performance of a data center by a factor of 1.62 to 2.45 for 5 to 30 minutes.
New, simple echocardiographic indexes for the estimation of filling pressure in patients with cardiac disease and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.

Background: There are few data on echocardiographic indexes incorporating peak mitral inflow velocity (E), left atrial volume index (LAVi), and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) for estimation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (EF ≥ 50%). Methods: Patients underwent echocardiography ≤20 minutes of cardiac catheterization. Echocardiographic variables were compared to invasively measured LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Results: Of the 122 patients, 67 (55%) were women, the mean age was 55 ± 9 years, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 61 ± 6%, 107 (88%) were hypertensive, and 79 (65%) had significant coronary artery disease at catheterization. E/Ea correlated with LVEDP (R = 0.68, P 12 had 75% sensitivity and 78% specificity for LVEDP ≥ 20 mmHg (area under curve (AUC) = 0.79, P 30 (sensitivity = 72%, specificity = 80%, AUC = 0.84, P 57 (sensitivity = 73% and specificity = 81%, AUC = 0.82, P 90 cm/sec had 96% positive, predictive value for LVEDP ≥ 20 mmHg. (E + LAVi)/2 added incrementally to E/Ea when E/Ea was in the gray zone. Conclusions: New, simple echocardiographic equations, (E + LAVi)/2 and (PAP + LAVi)/2, have comparable accuracy to E/Ea for LVEDP estimation in patients with cardiac disease and preserved LVEF, and (E + LAVi)/2 added incrementally to E/Ea alone when E/Ea was in the gray zone. Peak E velocity alone had high negative and positive predictive value for elevated LVEDP in this population. These simple echocardiographic variables could be used—in isolation or with E/Ea—in patients with cardiac disease and preserved LVEF for the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure. Echocardiography 2010;27:946-953)
Reactivity and speciation of mineral-associated arsenic in seasonal and permanent wetlands of the Mekong Delta

Abstract Millions of people in the deltaic regions of S/SE Asia regularly consume As contaminated groundwater. Arsenic persists within these groundwaters despite being flushed by several pore volumes of recharge, indicative of an in situ solid phase source. Despite the importance of this solid phase source, the identity and reactivity of the minerals hosting and releasing As in the deltaic aquifers remain poorly constrained. Here we seek to define the chemistry and reactivity of As and its host minerals in aquifer sediments recharged by both seasonally saturated and permanent wetlands in the Mekong Delta of Cambodia. Sediment cores were retrieved to depths of up to 30 m. Selective extractions on near-surface sediments (to depths of 4–6 m) indicate that more than a third (27–50%) of the Fe in the profile is “reducible” (citrate–bicarbonate–dithionite–extractable) – nominally consisting of Fe(III) oxides. The Fe(III) oxide fraction was approximately the same under seasonal wetlands (mean = 39%) compared with sediments from beneath permanent wetlands (mean = 37%). Correspondingly, Fe K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra analysis indicates that the Fe mineral phases are predominantly goethite and hematite (30–50%). Analysis of solid phase As speciation by X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy showed arsenate in the shallowest sediments (upper 1 and 4 m of seasonal and permanent wetlands), and arsenite and/or As sulfides as the dominant phases in the deeper sediments. The reducible As fraction ranged from 17% to 42% of the total As at both sites. The exception was found in a peat layer at 6 m beneath the seasonal wetland, in which only 1% of the total As was reducible. Arsenian pyrite was the predominant form of As in the peat. Thus, a pool of As hosted by reducible mineral phases persists in sediments below both the seasonal and permanently saturated wetland sites.
How harmonious and obsessive passion for alcohol and marijuana relate to consumption and negative consequences

Objective:Although the concepts of harmonious and obsessive passion have been productive in explaining why people eagerly engage in such activities as sports, Internet use, and gambling, previous research has not yet extended these models to explain alcohol and marijuana use among college students. The current research was conducted to clarify the relationships among harmonious and obsessive passion, alcohol and marijuana use, and negative consequences.Method:Two studies were conducted using online assessments. In Study 1, 748 heavy drinking college students (58% female) were recruited and completed measures of passion for drinking alcohol, alcohol use, and alcohol-related negative consequences. In Study 2, 352 regular marijuana-using students (54% female) were recruited and completed assessments of marijuana passion, marijuana use, and marijuana-related consequences.Results:Study 1 found that among heavy drinking college students, harmonious passion was a stronger predictor of increased consumption than ...
Erythropoietin in the Urine of Normal and Erythropoietically Abnormal Human Beings

A standard method of concentrating urinary erythropoietin and a standard assay procedure can be used to demonstrate the hormone in the urine of normal human beings. The eythropoietically active material recovered produced increasing response to increasing dose and was completely neutralized by rabbit serum containing antibodies to human urinary erythropoietin. The average normal man excretes approximately 1 standard A unit of erythropoietin per day and the average normal woman excretes approximately 0.4 units per day. With the exception of one patient with a renal allograft, and normal subjects living at extremely high altitude, the recovery of erythropoietin from the urine has not been found to exceed normal in patients with polycythemia, whether the polycythemia is primary or secondary to renal pathology. Markedly elevated levels of erythropoietin were found in subjects living at extremely high altitude.
Conducting Introductory Psychology Activity Modules as a requirement in Advanced Undergraduate Courses

Small-group activities provide more personalized attention in large introductory psychology classes but require considerable instructor time. Small groups of students in three upper level undergraduate courses were required to design, implement, and evaluate projects that would actively involve introductory students in a topic related to one that the upper level students were studying. Students in Introductory Psychology classes selected and participated in two activities. Advanced and introductory students said that involvement in these activities was a valuable experience and should be required in subsequent terms. This method allows upper level undergraduates the opportunity to apply what they have learned by requiring them to teach, and it increases the amount of individual attention provided students in the introductory class.
Strontium is a potent and selective inhibitor of sensory irritation.

Background. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs following topical exposure to many chemicals found in cosmetics, personal care products, drugs, and during occupational exposure. Signs and symptoms may include sensory irritation (sting, burn, and/or itch), erythema, edema, and vesiculation. Objective. In an attempt to discover new classes of anti-irritant compounds without anesthetic properties, I observed that topical application of strontium salts to intact skin produced potent suppression of sting, burn, and itch caused by many irritant chemicals. Methods. Chemically and biologically unrelated irritants were applied with or without strontium salts to the skin of healthy women with self-reported sensitive skin in double-blind, vehicle-controlled, random-treatment assignment trials and sensory irritation was assessed. Results. Strontium application as a pretreatment or mixed with the irritant substantially suppressed sensory irritation without local anesthetic side-effects. Conclusion. Strontium salts represent a new class of selective inhibitors of sensory irritation and irritant dermatitis.
A view-based approach to relaxing global serializability in a multidatabase system

In this paper, we propose a new approach to ensuring the correctness of nonserializable executions. The approach is based on relating transaction views of the database to the integrity constraints of the system. Drawing upon this approach, we develop a new correctness criterion for multidatabase concurrency control. This criterion, caUed view-based two-level serializability, relaxes global serializabitity in multidatabase systems while respecting the autonomy of local database systems. No additional restrictions other than serializallility are imposed on local database systems.
A double dominant genetic mechanism for schizophrenia.

Family data from Iceland are reported, showing the rates of hospitalization with psychosis in different classes of relatives of index cases diagnosed schizophrenic, manic depressive, or psychotic depressive. The data are analyzed in terms of the probable mode of transmission for schizophrenia and are felt to fit best a mechanism requiring two separate dominant genes. Calculated rates for various relatives based on this model are compared to the empiric values.
Effect of prescribed fire on nitrogen and phosphorus in Arizona chaparral soil‐plant systems

Abstract To improve understanding of how prescribed fire affects N and P in chaparral soil‐plant systems, a study was conducted to compare the distribution and availability of N and P in soil‐plant systems before and after a burn. Distribution of N and P in biomass components, litter, and soil was measured for five Cercocarpus betuloides and eight Quercus turbinella soil‐plant systems and compared to the distribution of biomass, N, and P in the same 13 soil‐plant systems following a prescribed burn. Individuals of C. betuloides accumulated more dry matter, N, and P in their shoots, litter, and upper 2 cm of mineral soil than those of Q. turbinella. Burning resulted in a loss of dry matter and N and a redistribution of N and P in soil‐plant systems of both species. Nutrient availability of soil collected under the 13 shrubs before and after the burn was assessed using a pot culture technique with barley as a test plant. The availability of P was greater in postburn soils than in preburn soils, while availa...
Differences in serum sex hormone and plasma lipid levels in Caucasian and African-American premenopausal women.

Context: Risk of coronary heart disease is higher in African-American than in Caucasian women. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of sex hormone levels, race, and measures of body fat to the variation in plasma lipid levels, a well-established risk factor for coronary heart disease. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted in the general community. Study Participants: Sixty Caucasian and 117 African-American premenopausal women participated. Main Outcome Measures: Body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist to hip circumference ratio (WHR), as well as plasma lipid and serum sex hormone levels, were assessed. Results: Relative to Caucasian women, African-American women had significantly higher mean BMI (23.92 ± 3.87 vs. 26.99 ± 5.87 kg/m2, respectively; P < 0.001), and WHR (0.733 ± 0.052 vs. 0.757 ± 0.068; P < 0.03). Also, plasma triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly lower in African-American women (81 ± 61 vs. 55 ± 24 mg/dl; P < 0.00...
A database of thermodynamic properties of the reactions of glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway

A database of thermodynamic properties is developed, which extends a previous database of glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle by adding the reactions of the pentose phosphate pathway. The raw data and documented estimations of solution properties are made electronically available. The database is determined by estimation of a set of parameters representing species-level free energies of formation. The resulting calculations provide thermodynamic and network-based estimates of thermodynamic properties for six reactions of the pentose phosphate pathway for which estimates are not available in the preexisting literature. Optimized results are made available in ThermoML format. Because calculations depend on estimated hydrogen and metal cation dissociation constants, an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis is performed, revealing 23 critical dissociation constants to which the computed thermodynamic properties are particularly sensitive. DATABASE URL: http://www.biocoda.org/thermo
Comparative studies on the characteristic properties of two forms of brain actin separable by isoelectric focussing.

— Actin isolated from 10-day embryonic chick brain produced a single band indistinguishable from that of muscle actin when electrophoresed in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel. Isoelectric focussing in polyacrylamide gel showed that the isolated protein was composed of two components–the β and γ forms of actin previously detected in other mammalian nonmuscle cells and tissues–in a molar ratio of 1.1/1.0. The same ratio was observed in a sonicate of 10-day embryonic chick brain and in various actin-containing fractions at each step of an actin purification procedure which involved gel filtration chromatography and polymerization-depolymerization of the protein. Additionally, the two forms of actin were found to co-precipitate with muscle myosin and to bind to a DNase I-agarose affinity column in this ratio. In contrast, a third isoelectrically distinct protein with the same electrophoretic mobility as actin was found in the whole brain sonicate, but not in any of the actin-containing fractions examined. When cellular protein in neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations isolated from 10-day embryonic chick brain was analyzed, it was found that β and β actins were also present in each class of cells in the molar ratio of 1.1/1.0. However, this ratio decreased slightly during development of the chick brain. We conclude from this study that the β and γ forms of brain actin are very similar in several characteristic properties of actin, and that it is unlikely that brain cells utilize different forms of the protein for different types of cell motility.
A role of the Dufour's gland in the dominance interactions of the paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus (Hymenoptera : Vespidae).

The Dufour's gland of the paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus,is a source of the cues used by dominant females to recognize the eggs laid by subordinates or nonnestmates on pre (worker)-emergence nests. When dominant wasps were presented with an egg covered with either (1) the Dufour's gland extract of a subordinate cofoundress, (2) the extract of an egg from the same subordinate, or (3) the solvent alone, the dominant female destroyed and replaced the eggs covered with the Dufour's extract significantly more frequently than the other eggs. Eggs with the extract of a nonnestmate's Dufour's gland were also eaten significantly more frequently than those with the solvent. Given similar choices, subordinates did not destroy any eggs. The Dufour's gland appears to have little or no role in communicating dominance directly among aggressively interacting cofoundresses.
Regulation of gene expression by biotin☆ (review)

In mammals, biotin serves as coenzyme for four carboxylases, which play essential roles in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. Biotin deficiency causes decreased rates of cell proliferation, impaired immune function, and abnormal fetal development. Evidence is accumulating that biotin also plays an important role in regulating gene expression, mediating some of the effects of biotin in cell biology and fetal development. DNA microarray studies and other gene expression studies have suggested that biotin affects transcription of genes encoding cytokines and their receptors, oncogenes, genes involved in glucose metabolism, and genes that play a role in cellular biotin homeostasis. In addition, evidence has been provided that biotin affects expression of the asialoglycoprotein receptor and propionyl-CoA carboxylase at the post-transcriptional level. Various pathways have been identified by which biotin might affect gene expression: activation of soluble guanylate cyclase by biotinyl-AMP, nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB (in response to biotin deficiency), and remodeling of chromatin by biotinylation of histones. Some biotin metabolites that cannot serve as coenzymes for carboxylases can mimic biotin with regard to its effects on gene expression. This observation suggests that biotin metabolites that have been considered "metabolic waste" in previous studies might have biotin-like activities. These new insights into biotin-dependent gene expression are likely to lead to a better understanding of roles for biotin in cell biology and fetal development.
A new design of a perturbed-wall TE 02 launcher for a 60 GHz gyrotron

A modified Katsenelenbaum-Semenov (K-S) phase-correcting algorithm combined with a fast (FFT based) field propagation algorithm is applied to design perturbations for a TE 02 launcher. The design is independently verified using Surf 3d.
A qualitative analysis of how advanced practice nurses use clinical decision support systems.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to generate a grounded theory that will reflect the experiences of advanced practice nurses (APNs) working as critical care nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNS) with computer-based decision-making systems. Data sources: A study design using grounded theory qualitative research methods and convenience sampling was employed in this study. Twenty-three APNs (13 CNS and 10 NPs) were recruited from 16 critical care units located in six large urban medical centers in the U.S. Midwest. Single-structured in-depth interviews with open-ended audio-taped questions were conducted with each APN. Through this process, APNs defined what they consider to be relevant themes and patterns of clinical decision system use in their critical care practices, and they identified the interrelatedness of the conceptual categories that emerged from the results. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative analysis method of qualitative research. Conclusions: APN participants were predominantly female, white/non-Hispanic, had a history of access to the clinical decision system used in their critical care settings for an average of 14 months, and had attended a formal training program to learn how to use clinical decision systems. “Forecasting decision outcomes,” which was defined as the voluntary process employed to forecast the outcomes of patient care decisions in critical care prior to actual decision making, was the core variable describing system use that emerged from the responses. This variable consisted of four user constructs or components: (a) users' perceptions of their initial system learning experience, (b) users' sense of how well they understand how system technology works, (c) users' understanding of how system inferences are created or derived, and (d) users' relative trust of system-derived data. Each of these categories was further described through the grounded theory research process, and the relationships between the categories were identified. Implications for practice: The findings of this study suggest that the main reason critical care APNs choose to integrate clinical decision systems into their practices is to provide an objective, scientifically derived, technology-based backup for human forecasting of the outcomes of patient care decisions prior to their actual decision making. Implications for nursing, health care, and technology research are presented.
Periodontal treatment associated with improved glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients.

Periodontal treatment associated with improved glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients
Social Justice and the Urban Obesity Crisis: Implications for Social Work, by Melvin Delgado

Social problems reflect the complexity of human behavior and social environments, and our society’s well-intentioned attempts to grapple with these challenges have often fallen short of their inten...
Investing in Rural Infrastructure

Infrastructure is best envisioned as services that come from a set of public works, not as physical facilities. In concept, infrastructure can expand rural economies by raising productivity levels, allowing expansion in the use of other resources, and attracting resources. Empirical research evidences that at the margin, the net effect of the three factors is for infrastructure to have only a modest effect on economic performance. Infrastructure investments will normally have their biggest impact in economically integrated and intermediate rural areas. Nonetheless, a basic complement of infrastructure is essential to support economic activity, but this set should be seen as accommodating rather than causing growth. Local, market-based approaches are normally the best way to develop the infrastructure and to ensure that an area has the basic infrastructure that can be maintained, supported, and used effectively. Improved rural development has often been associated with greater capital investment, the application of science to production, better economic organization, and, in some cases effectively, urbanization. Some have asserted that rural areas would be well positioned for rapid economic growth if only they had infrastructure that was competitive with the infrastructure available in many urban places. The notion is that infrastructure is public capital investment that will make private capital investment more productive. The expectation is that improved water, better electricity, lower cost transportation, and augmented information infrastructure in rural areas can allow firms to be more productive and to operate at lower costs. The resulting productivity gains are expected to increase overall economic activity. A range of tools can potentially be used to make rural areas more economically vital. The challenge for policy makers, functioning with limited resources at their disposal, is to select the mechanisms that are most efficient for stimulating rural economies. In this way, infrastructure is best seen as one of the competing means for enhancing rural economic environments. That infrastructure has a role in a prosperous economy can easily be seen. Water, electricity, telecommunications, and other infrastructure are obviously imperative to business development. The main question being addressed is, Should infrastructure investments be used prospectively to stimulate economic growth, or should they be expected to accommodate
Learning algorithms for perceptions using back-propagation with selective updates

The error back-propagation algorithm for perceptrons is studied, and an extension of this algorithm that features selective learning is introduced. In selective learning, one of two selection criteria is used to screen the input data to improve the convergence property of the back-propagation algorithm. An associative content addressable memory using multilayer perceptrons is devised to demonstrate the improver convergence. >
Regenerating optic fibers correct large-scale errors by random growth: evidence from in vivo imaging.

Regenerating optic fibers in goldfish make large-scale errors when they invade tectum and subsequently correct these to generate a projection with moderate retinotopic order by 1 month. The behavior of fibers underlying these extensive rearrangements is not well understood. To clarify this, we have imaged optic fibers in living adult goldfish at 2-4 weeks of regeneration. A small number of neighboring retinal ganglion cells were labeled with microinjections of DiI and imaged in the dorsal tectum with a cooled CCD camera on a fluorescence microscope for 5 to 8 hours. Nearly all fibers were simple unbranched processes and had endings that were highly dynamic showing both growth and retraction. Fibers from dorsal retina that normally innervate ventral tectum were frequently observed in dorsal tectum. These ectopic fibers oscillated more frequently between growth and retraction and retracted more often than ventral optic fibers. Like retinotopic fibers, ectopic fibers exhibited net growth but they showed no apparent directional preference toward their retinotopic position. In contrast, large errors along the anterior-posterior axis corresponding to nasal-temporal retina were rare and there was no differential behavior that distinguished these fibers.
The osmotic and activity coefficients of lithium, sodium, and potassium trifluoroacetates and a discussion of the ionization of trifluoroacetic acid

Abstract Osmotic and activity coefficients are reported for solutions of lithium, sodium, and potassium trifluoroacetates. Trends are compared among these salts and the corresponding acetates and trichloroacetates. Estimates of the ionic activity coefficients of the parent acid are discussed.
Attentional selection: A salience-based competition for representation

The role of salience in localized attentional interference (LAI) was examined. In two experiments, target discrimination performance was measured as a function of the spatial separation between the target and a salient distractor item. In Experiment 1, both the salience of the distractor and that of a target were manipulated. Distractor salience was manipulated via size changes to the distractor, and target salience was manipulated by using unmasked or onset targets. When the target was of low salience, the magnitude of interference from the distractor increased with distractor salience. However, when the target had an abrupt onset, the distractor had no impact on target performance. In Experiment 2, the attentional salience of the distractor was manipulated using a probability manipulation. Displays contained both a target and a color singleton distractor. The color singleton produced LAI when it was predictive of the target location but not when it was unpredictive of the target location. The results of both experiments are consistent with models of competition-based attentional selection.