cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-deductible health plans and low-value imaging in the emergency department.

Objective To examine the effect of an employer-mandated switch to high-deductible health plans (HDHP) on emergency department (ED) low-value imaging. Data sources Claims data of a large national insurer between 2003 and 2014. Study design Difference-in-differences analysis with matched control groups. Data collection/extraction methods The primary outcome is low-value imaging during ED visits for syncope, headache, or low back pain. We included members aged 19-63 years whose employers offered only low-deductible (≤$500) plans for one (baseline) year and, in the next (follow-up) year, offered only HDHPs (≥$1000). Contemporaneous members whose employers offered only low-deductible plans for two consecutive years served as controls. The groups were matched by person and employer propensity for HDHP switch, employer size, baseline calendar year, and baseline year quarterly number of total and imaged ED visits for each condition. We modeled the visit-level probability of low-value imaging using multivariable logistic regression with member-clustered standard errors. We also calculated population level monthly cumulative ED visit rates and modeled their trends using generalized linear regression adjusting for serial autocorrelation. Principal findings After matching, we included 524 998 members in the HDHP group and 5 448 803 in the control group with a mean age of approximately 42 years and 48% female in both groups. On visit-level analyses, there were no significant differential changes in the probability of low-value imaging use in the HDHP and control groups. In population-level analyses, compared with control group members, members who switched to HDHPs experienced a relative decrease of 5.9% (95% CI - 10.3, -1.6) in ED visits for the study conditions and a relative decrease of 5.1% (95%CI -9.6, -0.6) in the subset of ED visits with low-value imaging. Conclusion Though HDHP switches decreased ED utilization, they had no significant effect on low-value imaging use after patients have decided to seek ED care.
Chest Pain and Dyspnea

While commonly presenting in concert in the symptomatic athlete, chest pain, and dyspnea have myriad causes requiring careful workup and evaluation. Traditionally, chest pain is separated into typical, atypical, and noncardiac, whereas dyspnea can be separated into exertional or with rest. Among young athletes ( 35 years) presenting to the emergency department with chest pain. Concerns about shortness of breath can often be masked as patients typically present with more vague complaints such as decreased performance or exercise intolerance. This chapter will discuss the differential diagnosis of chest pain and dyspnea associated with exercise as well as the steps needed to perform a thorough evaluation. Finally, it will discuss management techniques including contraindications to competition as well as decisions surrounding return to play.
Effects of political versus expert messaging on vaccination intentions of Trump voters

To increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake in resistant populations, such as Republicans, focus groups suggest that it is best to de-politicize the issue by sharing five facts from a public health expert. Yet polls suggest that Trump voters trust former President Donald Trump for medical advice more than they trust experts. We conducted an online, randomized, national experiment among 387 non-vaccinated Trump voters, using two brief audiovisual artifacts from Spring 2021, either facts delivered by an expert versus political claims delivered by President Trump. Relative to the control group, Trump voters who viewed the video of Trump endorsing the vaccine were 85% more likely to answer "yes" as opposed to "no" in their intention to get fully vaccinated (RRR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.40; P = .048). There were no significant differences between those hearing the public health expert excerpt and the control group (for "yes" relative to "no" RRR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.12; P = .68). These findings suggest that a political speaker's endorsement of the COVID-19 vaccine may increase uptake among those who identify with that speaker. Contrary to highly-publicized focus group findings, our randomized experiment found that an expert's factually accurate message may not be effectual to increase vaccination intentions.
Community Structure of Intertidal Sandy Beaches in New South Wales, Australia

Sand beaches comprise approximately 60% of the intertidal shoreline of New South Wales. However, there are no published accounts of the sandy beach fauna in New South Wales, or for that matter, for any sandy beaches in Australia. The shoreline, particularly in the vicinity of Sydney, is exposed to a heavier wave regime than that of most other coasts throughout the world (Short, Wright 1981, Wright 1976, Wright et al. 1979). Hence the infauna of exposed sandy beaches inhabit an especially rigorous physical environment.
Mass Trapping for Suppression of Japanese Beetles

Little was known on the biology of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, upon its discovery in a New Jersey nursery in 1916. Apparently, it was introduced with some Japanese iris bulbs before the Plant Pest Act of 1912 which required inspection of incoming plant materials. In the United States the beetle found large areas of turf essential to development during its immature stages, a favorable climate with sufficient rainfall to prevent soil-inhabitants from desiccating and at least 350 plant species to act as hosts for adult beetles. These favorable conditions and an absence of natural enemies contributed to beetles inhabiting 26 states in the midwestern, eastern and southeastern United States. Both larvae and adults are severe crop pests and cause vast damage annually.
'Out of Touch': The Diminished Viability of the Touch and Concern Requirement in the Law of Servitudes

In the law of real property, the term "servitude" refers rather generically to any privately created, nonpossessory interest in the land of another, which binds successive owners or occupiers.
Perspectives of a Clinical Nurse Specialist About Improving the Quality of Nursing Services

One nurse’s view of why nurses have huge potential leverage in improving healthcare delivery.
Current techniques in peritoneal dialysis.

Objective To provide a current overview of the technique of peritoneal dialysis in dogs and cats. Clinical Implication Peritoneal dialysis is the process by which water and solutes move between blood in the peritoneal capillaries and fluid (dialysate) instilled into the peritoneal cavity, across the semipermeable membrane of the peritoneum. The primary indication for peritoneal dialysis (PD) in animals is for treatment of renal failure to correct water, solute, and acid-base abnormalities and to remove uremic toxins. Summary Peritoneal dialysis is a modality of renal replacement therapy commonly used in human medicine for the treatment of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure. Peritoneal dialysis utilizes the peritoneum as a membrane across which fluids and uremic solutes are exchanged. Dialysate is instilled into the peritoneal cavity and, through the process of diffusion and osmosis, water, toxins, electrolytes, and other small molecules are allowed to equilibrate.
Building the case for the study of the middle class: shifting our gaze from margins to centre

This article argues for the study of the middle class in Canada, an overlooked dimension of the scholarly works and public debates on income polarisation. The article includes four sections: (i) original empirical research, sharing snapshots into the status of Canada's middle class emphasising its changing economic performance; (ii) an exploration of the sociological and political functions of the middle class; (iii) an articulation of the avenues through which the middle class can be operationalised for study; and (iv) the implications of a deteriorating middle class, which suggests both a deepening of destructive effects of neo-liberalism yet also highlights opportunities for resistance. Recommendations for social movements are highlighted. While the context of this article is the Canadian experience, the political consequences for this study spread beyond its borders, particularly in the north where the benefits of neo-liberalism are accruing.
Introduction to Thematic Minireview Series: Novel Bioactive Sphingolipids

Sphingosine was named by J. L. W. Thudichum for its enigmatic properties. This descriptor has applied to sphingolipids for over a century because new enigmas continue to surface. This JBC minireview series presents articles about three novel subspecies of sphingolipids, α-galactosylceramides, 4,5-dihydroceramides, and 1-deoxysphingolipids, that have important activities but, until recently, remained undetected (or at least understudied) in the shadow of very closely related compounds. They also serve as a reminder that important metabolites still lie “off the radar screen” in reports of global and comprehensive metabolomic profiling.
Oral pseudoephedrine decreases the rate of transmucosal nitrous oxide exchange for the middle ear.

Objectives/Hypothesis Determine if oral treatment with a vasoconstrictor decreases the blood to middle ear exchange rate of the perfusion-limited gas, nitrous oxide (N2O). Study Design Randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Methods Ten adult subjects with and 10 without past middle ear disease completed paired experimental sessions, identical except for oral treatment with either pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or lactose placebo. At each session, subjects were fitted with a nonrebreathing mask and breathed room air for 20 minutes (acclimation period), 50% N2O:50% O2 for 20 minutes (experimental period), and 100% O2 for 10 minutes (recovery period). Throughout, heart rate, blood pressure, and O2 saturation were monitored, and bilateral middle ear pressures were recorded by tympanometry every minute. The primary outcome was the slope of the middle ear pressure-time function for the experimental period, which estimates the volume N2O exchange rate. Using repeated measures analysis of variance, the effects of group (disease history), treatment (active vs. placebo), and period (1 vs. 2) on the recorded vital signs, and of group, treatment, and ear (left/right) on the middle ear pressure-time slope were evaluated for statistical significance. Results Statistically significant effects of period on O2 saturation (period 2 > period 1) and of treatment on heart rate (active > placebo) were documented. Only treatment was statistically significant for the middle ear pressure-time slope, with a shallower slope characterizing the active treatment session. Conclusions The volume exchange rate across the middle ear mucosa of perfusion-limited gases can be modulated pharmacologically. Theoretically, similar drugs can be used to reduce the requisite eustachian tube opening efficiency for adequate middle ear pressure regulation. Level of Evidence 1b Laryngoscope, 125:2181–2186, 2015
Response surface predictions of the viscoelastic properties of vapor‐grown carbon nanofiber/vinyl ester nanocomposites

A full factorial design of experiments and response surface methodology were used to investigate the effects of formula- tion, processing, and operating temperature on the viscoelastic properties of vapor-grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF)/vinyl ester (VE) nanocomposites. Factors included VGCNF type (pristine, oxidized), use of a dispersing agent (DA) (no, yes), mixing method (ultrasonication, high-shear mixing, and a combination of both), VGCNF weight fraction (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 parts per hundred parts resin (phr)), and temperature (30, 60, 90, and 120 � C). Response surface models (RSMs) for predicting storage and loss moduli were developed, which explicitly account for the effect of complex interactions between nanocomposite design factors and operating temperature on resultant composite properties; such influences would be impossible to assess using traditional single- factor experiments. Nanocomposite storage moduli were maximized over the entire temperature range (� 20% increase over neat VE) by using high-shear mixing and oxidized VGCNFs with DA or equivalently by employing pristine VGCNFs without DA at � 0.40 phr of VGCNFs. Ultrasonication yielded the highest loss modulus at � 0.25 phr of VGCNFs. The RSMs developed in this investigation may be used to design VGCNF-enhanced VE matrices with optimal storage and loss moduli for automotive structural applications. Moreover, a similar approach may be used to tailor the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of nanomaterials over a range of anticipated operating environments. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 234-247, 2013
Archeology and the First Americans

The land! don't you feel it? Doesn't it make you want to go out and lift dead Indians tenderly from their graves, to steal from them—as if it must be clinging even to their corpses—some authenticity.
Passively walking five-link robot

In this article we investigate the dynamics of a five-link, passive bipedal robot. The passivity in this context stands for the ability of the robot to walk autonomously down an inclined surface without any external source of energy. Previous research efforts in passive walking were limited to four link models with knees or 2-link models without knees with a variety of mass distributions. In this paper we analyze the dynamics of a five-link robot with knees and upper body. We were successful in detecting three limit cycles that include three distinct upper body motions. We have investigated the structural stability of these cycles subject to variations in the upper body length. The results demonstrated that the stability can be improved with addition of linear dampers in the hip joints of the model. Also, our investigation demonstrated that erect body posture is only achievable when torsional springs are placed in the hip joints.
The functional law of the iterated logarithm for the empirical process of some long-range dependent sequences

Abstract Let (Xi)∞i = 1 be a stationary, mean-zero Gaussian process with covariances r(k) = EXk + 1 X1 satisfying r(0) = 1 and r(k) = k−DL(k). Consider the two-parameter empirical process for G(Xi), f N (x,t)= 1 N σ i=1 Nt [1{G(X i ) ⩽x} − P(G(X 1 ) ⩽ x)], − ∞ where G is any measurable function. The Functional Law of the Iterated Logarithm as well as a Strong Invariance Principle are obtained for FN(x,t). Applications to U-statistics and von Mises statistics are given.
Deformation mechanism map for creep in YBa2Cu3O7−x

A deformation mechanism map with grain size and stress as variables was constructed for creep in YBa2Cu3O7−xat 850 and 950 °C. Theoretical models of Nabarro-Herring, Coble, and power-law creep were used for the construction. The values of various physical constants for creep of YBa2Cu3O7−x were taken from the literature, or estimated with appropriate assumptions. The constructed map showed that the Nabarro-Herring creep would dominate at high temperatures in the practical range of grain size and stress, and that the power-law creep would occur at large stress (> 1 GPa) and grain size. A review of previous creep studies showed that the map is in close agreement with the experimental results. Discrepancies in the values of stress exponent and activation energy for creep of YBa2Cu3O7−x given in the literature are explained by the use of the constructed map.
Characterization of the membrane domain subunit NuoK (ND4L) of the NADH-quinone oxidoreductase from Escherichia coli.

The ND4L subunit is the smallest mitochondrial DNA-encoded subunit of the proton-translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (complex I). In an attempt to study the functional and structural roles of...
SU-FF-J-51: Auto-Regressive-Moving-Average Modeling of Respiratory Motion in Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To construct a linear regression model of respiratory motion for prediction of future behavior from past records. Combined use of accurate respiration prediction and adaptive beams would ensure more accurate delivery of planned radiation, which is normally degraded due to patient breathing during treatment, especially for tumors in abdominal and thoracic regions. Method and Materials: Respiratory data were obtained by tracking a fiducial marker placed on the lateral chestwall of a female volunteer in supine position, using 2D dynamic MRI with a temporal resolution of 0.8 sec/frame. The data were analyzed using Auto-Regressive-Moving-Average modeling with the mathematical form yt+∑i=1p aiyt−i=et+∑j=1qbjet−j, where { yt } is the fiducial position with mean adjusted to zero, { et } is the fiducial localization error assumed to be Gaussian white noise, p and q respectively represent orders of auto-regression and moving-average, and the a′is and b′js are autoregressive and moving-average coefficients. The model was identified as Auto-Regressive (AR), Moving-Average (MA), or Auto-Regressive-Moving-Average (ARMA) by visual inspection of the autocorrelation and partial-autocorrelation functions of { yt }. The order(s) of the model, i.e. p and/or q, were determined by minimizing the Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) value, a widely used goodness-of-fit measure compromising least-square fitting and number of parameters to be estimated. Results: A 5th-order autoregressive model was determined for the respiratory data. Qualitative observation of the actual and predicted breathing traces illustrated their similarity to each other. Quantitative analysis, which included autocorrelation function and histogram inspection of the prediction error, showed its randomness (uncorrelated in time) and small magnitude, indicating validity and reliability of the model. Conclusion: A prospective modeling and prediction method has been demonstrated for respiratory motion compensation in radiation therapy without prolonged treatment time. We will further test the approach on different volunteers and patients, with regular and irregular breathing traces.
A numerical model for toroidal plasma containment with flow

Abstract A numerical model has been developed to study the confinement of low-pressure plasmas in simple axially symmetric configurations. The equations contain the effects of resistivity, plasma inertia, and pressure gradients along the field. The model is applied to a simple magnetic geometry that includes the effects of curvature, rotational transform, and shear. An explicit difference scheme is derived for the numerical solution with this prescribed geometry. Results of calculations with the model are compared to a similarity solution for resistive diffusion in a cylinder, and to calculations of quasistationary diffusion in a torus. Finally, the onset of plasma rotation is demonstrated and its development to a steady-state rotation is observed.
Localization in a magnetic field: Tight binding model with one-half of a flux quantum per plaquette

Abstract The conduction properties of a two-dimensional tight-binding model with on-site disorder and an applied perpendicular magnetic field with precisely one-half of a magnetic flux quantum per plaquette are studied. A continuum hamiltonian is derived which enables the construction of a field theory for the diffusive modes. The field theory is shown to be in the universality class of the O (2n, 2n) O (2n) × (2n)(n → 0) non-linear σ-model implying that all the electronic states are localized. The system is shown to be related, via an analytic continuation, to a system of self-interacting fermions in 1 + 1 dimensions, in the n → 0 limit.
Identity categories and transformational paths for face changes across the age spectrum

How faces change across lengthy time periods and whether the changing appearance of a face functions as an identity category was investigated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, the faces of 15 individuals were multidimensionally scaled at each of seven age epochs (roughly <6 months to 75 years of age) and correlated with the same persons, but at different ages. In Experiment 2, three individuals at each of seven age epochs were multidimensionally scaled, and analyses explored the conceptual structure and transformational path of each person within the space. The results revealed that even the earliest age epochs (<6 months) were correlated with the later epochs, except for the most extreme age, with the correlation highest at intermediate ages. Transformational paths were found that emerged and terminated at haphazard points in the space. Results are discussed in terms of principled change in categories whose members systematically change across their life cycle, including suggestions for the need to incorporate systematic change in current theories of categorization.
The Under-Examined Public: Making Sense of Industry Analysts and Analyst Relations

SUMMARY The first section of this article looks at who the key analysts are in the U.S. and Europe, what it is they primarily do, and why they matter to the communication departments of IT and telecom vendors. A set of clear metrics is offered to gauge analyst influence across the board: on market intelligence, media, investors, and customers. The second section examines case studies of agency-driven and in-house managed analyst relations (AR) programs from both geographies, benchmarking the most successful strategies. From these and the direct testimony of analysts, a checklist or best-practices metric for analyst relations management is derived. The final section extrapolates from this model a template for measuring the results of analyst relations efforts. The template includes tools and services recently available through a new breed of agencies and consultants that specialize in evaluating analyst programs. It also, for the first time, broadens the tracking metrics to include the wide range of public...
Quantitation of and inter/intra-individual variability in major carotenoids of mature human milk

Abstract The quantitation of carotenoids from milk has been technically challenging due to the small quantities present, insolubility and instability of the carotenoids, and significant inter- and intra-individual variation. Here we report methods for extraction and quantitation by high pressure liquid chromatography of the major carotenoids, β-Cryptoxanthin, lycopene, α-carotene, and β-carotene in a normal population of lactating women. Methodology to evaluate and protocol to accommodate the significant variation in carotenoids of human milk is also presented. Carotenoids present in the highest concentrations in breastmilk of these mothers were lycopene and β-carotene at 31.2 and 45.9 n m respectively, α-carotene and β-carotene concentrations in this population of mothers showed the greatest variation, ranging as much as 20-fold between individuals. The remaining carotenoids varied fourfold to sixfold across individuals. Within individuals, carotenoid concentrations varied from twofold to fivefold when measured on separate days. For an individual on a single day, breastmilk carotenoid concentrations vary as much as fourfold and are strongly correlated with lipid concentrations. For routine field collections, a collection protocol was developed that will approximate 24-hr collections of a population of mothers within 10%.
Bifurcation phenomena in the rigid inclusion power law matrix composite sphere

Abstract Bifurcation of interface separation related to cavity nucleation is analyzed for a radially loaded composite sphere consisting of a rigid inclusion separated from a power law matrix by a uniform, non-linear cohesive zone. Equations for the spherically symmetric and non-symmetric problems are obtained from a hyperelastic finite strain theory by a limiting process that preserves non-linear matrix and interface response at infinitesimal strain. A complete solution to the symmetric problem is presented including bifurcation load, stresses, and evolution of elasto-plastic boundary and interface separation. An analysis of non-symmetric bifurcation, under symmetric conditions of geometry and loading, yields the bifurcation load and first non-symmetric mode shape associated with rigid inclusion displacement. An energy analysis is carried out for both symmetric and non-symmetric problems in order to assess stability of spherically symmetric states to spherically symmetric and non-symmetric “rigid body mode” perturbations. Results are provided for an interface force law that captures interface failure in normal mode and linear response in shear mode. For the symmetric problem, (i) there are threshold parameter values above which bifurcation will generally not occur, (ii) threshold values below which there do not exist equilibria in the post bifurcation regime, (iii) bifurcation occurs after attainment of the maximum interface strength. For the non-symmetric problem, (i) bifurcation always occurs, although it can be delayed by interfacial shear, (ii) for the smooth interface, non-symmetric bifurcation occurs after attainment of the maximum interface strength and always precedes symmetric bifurcation.
Some Remarks on One-Sided Inverses

Let \( \mathfrak{A} \) be an arbitrary ring with an identity 1, and suppose that \( \mathfrak{A} \) contains a pair of elements u, v such that $$ uv = 1\;but\;vu \ne 1 $$ (1) We introduce the elements $$ {e_{i,j}} = {v^{i - 1}}{u^{j - 1}} - {v^i}{u^j} $$ (2) for i, j = 1, 2, 3, …, where it is understood that u 0 = l =v 0. It can be verified directly that the e ij thus defined satisfy the multiplication table for matrix units: $$ {e_{i,j}}{e_{rs}} = {\delta_{jr}}{e_{is}} $$ (3) In particular the elements e i = e ij are orthogonal idempotent elements. No e ij =0. For by (3) the vanishing of one of the e ij implies the vanishing of all; in particular, it implies that $$ 0 = e_1 = 1 - vu $$ contrary to (1).
Curling of Flap Tips in HIV-1 Protease as a Mechanism for Substrate Entry and Tolerance of Drug Resistance

Abstract Background: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protease is an essential viral protein that is a major drug target in the fight against Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Access to the active site of this homodimeric enzyme is gained when two large flaps, one from each monomer, open. The flap movements are therefore central to the function of the enzyme, yet determining how these flaps move at an atomic level has not been experimentally possible. Results: In the present study, we observe the flaps of HIV-1 protease completely opening during a 10 ns solvated molecular dynamics simulation starting from the unliganded crystal structure. This movement is on the time scale observed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxation data. The highly flexible tips of the flaps, with the sequence Gly-Gly-Ile-Gly-Gly, are seen curling back into the protein and thereby burying many hydrophobic residues. Conclusions: This curled-in conformational change has never been previously described. Previous models of this movement, with the flaps as rigid levers, are not consistent with the experimental data. The residues that participate in this hydrophobic cluster as a result of the conformational change are highly sensitive to mutation and often contribute to drug resistance when they do change. However, several of these residues are not part of the active site cavity, and their essential role in causing drug resistance could possibly be rationalized if this conformational change actually occurs. Trapping HIV-1 protease in this inactive conformation would provide a unique opportunity for future drug design.
Overweight in children: a growing problem

A amostra analitica foi restrita as idades de 24 a 60 meses. Silveira et al. descobriram que a prevalencia de sobrepeso nessa faixa etaria aumentou de 3% em 1989 para 7,8% em 2006/7, que grande parte desse aumento ocorreu entre 1996 e 2006/7 e que este ocorreu em todas as regioes do pais, com alguma variacao de taxa entre as regioes. Na segunda parte do tra-balho, Silveira et al. identificaram correlacoes transversais de sobrepeso e descobriram que os marcadores de posicao socioeconomica mais elevada sao preditores de aumento na prevalencia de sobrepeso em criancas. Especificamente, familias na regiao sul-oriental mais desenvolvida, das clas-ses sociais mais elevadas e cujas maes possuem sete anos ou mais de educacao escolar apresentaram elevada pre-valencia de sobrepeso. Alem disso, o consumo de bebidas doces caloricas quatro ou mais vezes por semana (relatado por 9% da amostra) foi associado a sobrepeso.Com base nas amostras representativas em termos nacio-nais, esta analise fornece estimativas validas para todo o pais e que serao de valor para os decisores politicos. Contudo, alguem poderia hesitar com relacao a abordagem estatistica com base em dois fundamentos. Primeiro, o uso de amostras para as quais o desfecho primario foi defini-do utilizando curvas de referencia que variam. O Estudo Multicentrico de Referencia para o Crescimento realizado pela OMS caracterizou padroes de crescimento infantil que presumem como ideais, pois resultaram de uma grande serie de fetos unicos, criancas nascidas a termo de fami-lias de classe media alta em seis paises, incluindo o Brasil (as outras populacoes foram Gana, India, Noruega, Oma e Estados Unidos), com acesso a agua potavel e nutricao ade-quada (incluindo a intencao de amamentacao exclusiva por ate seis meses), que estavam, portanto, livres de condicoes objetivas propensas a prejudicar o crescimento.
The Contracting Molecular Cores e1 and e2 in W51

We report on observations of the star-forming region W51 in the NH3 (J, K) = (1, 1) and (2, 2) transitions at 1.3 cm. These observations have much greater sensitivity than our previous observations and they allow a kinematic analysis of the motions of the gas in two small star-forming cores. We present evidence for radial contraction of the gas in W51 e2 onto a young star and possibly also for similar contraction near W51 e1. The H II region/molecular core W51 e2 seems to be in a stage where the central star has already arrived on the main sequence, whereas the cooler gas on scales of 0.1-0.2 pc is still contracting onto the mass concentration at the center. In contrast to the interpretation of Rudolph et al., we propose that the contraction extends only over a few tenths of a parsec near e2 instead of over the entire W51 molecular cloud complex.
A branch-and-cut algorithm for vehicle routing problems

We present a branch-and-cut algorithm for the identical customer Vehicle Routing Problem. Transforming the problem into an equivalent Path-Partitioning Problem allows us to exploit its polyhedral structure and to generate strong cuts corresponding to facet-inducing inequalities. By using cuts defined by multistars, partial multistars and generalized subtour elimination constraints, we are able to consistently solve 60-city problems to proven optimality and are currently attempting to solve problems involving a hundred cities. We also present details of the computer implementation and our computational results.
Lithium ameliorates altered glycogen synthase kinase-3 and behavior in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited mental retardation and a genetic cause of autism, results from mutated fragile X mental retardation-1 (Fmr1). This study examined the effects on glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) of treatment with a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonist, MPEP, and the GSK3 inhibitor, lithium, in C57Bl/6 Fmr1 knockout mice. Increased mGluR signaling may contribute to the pathology of FXS, and the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP increased inhibitory serine-phosphorylation of brain GSK3 selectively in Fmr1 knockout mice but not in wild-type mice. Inhibitory serine-phosphorylation of GSK3 was lower in Fmr1 knockout, than wild-type, mouse brain regions and was increased by acute or chronic lithium treatment, which also increased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Fmr1 knockout mice displayed alterations in open-field activity, elevated plus-maze, and passive avoidance, and these differences were ameliorated by chronic lithium treatment. These findings support the hypothesis that impaired inhibition of GSK3 contributes to the pathogenesis of FXS and support GSK3 as a potential therapeutic target.
PWM-Based Adaptive Sliding-Mode Control for Boost DC–DC Converters

In this paper, a robust adaptive sliding-mode controller is designed for a boost converter with an unknown resistive load and external input voltage. Adaptation laws are designed using state observers. The closed-loop system for the boost converter is shown to be asymptotically stable. Finally, the robustness of the adaptive controller to input voltage and load uncertainties and variations is tested experimentally.
Culture and Democracy: Media, Space, and Representation

Culture and Democracy: Media, Space, and Representation. By Clive Barnett. Tuscaloosa: The University of Alabama Press, 2003. 288p. 29.95 paper.Clive Barnett's examination of democracy today is one that privileges its spatially mediated, communicative, and cultural structures as shaped by new telecommunication and information technologies. Democracy is primarily represented in the mediated spaces created by broadcasting technologies whose form and content are geared toward deploying cultural policies and practices. Thus, a communications-cultural analysis of this condition is required. Furthermore, a reckoning with neoliberal conceptions of autonomy and representation is essential in making sense of the current cultural geography of democracy.
Numerical Approach to the Live Load Factor for RC Structures as a Function of Life-Time:

The live load factor, as a function of the expected life-time, is computed for cast-in-place reinforced concrete elements (i.e., beam, slab and column) for a combination of dead and live loads. The accuracy of the reliability analysis is enhanced by taking advantage of the Rackwitz-Fiessler method which in turn is corroborated by Monte Carlo simulation applied to the calculation of the target reliability indices of each structural element type. As an example, the formulation of live load factor is reversed to demonstrate how the life-time or the probability of failure are affected as the actual design deviates from the requirements of the current building code.
The AKTion in non-canonical insulin signaling

The kinase AKT has been regarded as an obligate intermediate in the insulin signaling pathway that suppresses glucose production by inhibiting the transcription factor forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) after meals. A new study shows that, without AKT-FoxO1 signaling, insulin still contributes to postprandial responses, revealing an AKT-independent pathway for insulin action that might be exploited to treat metabolic disease (pages 388–395).
Light spectral quality effects on the growth of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) nodal cuttings in vitro.

The effects of light spectral quality on the growth of in vitro nodal cuttings of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Norland, Superior, Kennebec, and Denali were examined. The different light spectra were provided by Vita-Lite fluorescent (VF) (a white light control), blue fluorescent (BF), red fluorescent (RF), low-pressure sodium (LPS), and a combination of low-pressure sodium plus cool-white fluorescent lamps (LPS/CWF). For cultivars, stem lengths after 4 wks were longest under LPS, follow by RF, LPS/CWF, VF, and BF (in descending order). Microscopic studies revealed that cells were shortest when cultured in BF or VF environments, and were longest in RF or LPS lamp environments. The highest number axillary branches occurred on plantlets grown with LPS or LPS/CWF, whereas the lowest number occurred with BF. No leaf or stem edema (callus or gall-like growths) occurred iwth LPS or LPS/cwf lighting, and no edema occurred on cv. Norland plantlets, regardless of lighting. Results suggest that shoot morphologic development of in vitro grown potato plants can be controlled by controlling irradiant spectral quality.
Autoimmunity: a possible factor in the development of retinal degeneration in the RCS rat.

Abstract Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats were used as a model of retinal degeneration to determine the role of autoimmune factors in retinal dystrophy. Autoantibodies to retinal antigens were present in the sera of dystrophic rats throughout the degenerative process, but at no time were they detectable in the sera of congenic control rats. In vitro lymphocyte transformation assays also suggested that dystrophic, but not congenic control, rats had become sensitized to retinal antigens by the time retinal degeneration was seen histopathologically. These findings suggest that an autoimmune mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of retinal dystrophy in this species, either initiating or potentiating the degenerative process.
Energy storage and solidification of paraffin phase change material embedded with graphite nanofibers

Phase change materials (PCMs) are known to be excellent candidates for thermal energy storage in transient applications. However, enhancement of the thermal conductivity of a paraffin-based PCM is required for effective performance, particularly during solidification where diffusion is the dominant heat transfer mode. This study experimentally examines the effect that graphite nanofibers (GNFs), aspect ratio and power density have on both thermal storage and solidification time of a PCM which is embedded between two sets of aluminum fins. Additionally, a figure of merit is introduced in order to quantify the effectiveness of each of these three parameters with respect to solidification time. GNF enhancement was shown to reduce the maximum temperature in the thermal containment unit (TCU) by 48%. It was also found that for aspect ratios of 1, the GNF enhancement shortens solidification time by as much as 61% over the paraffin samples. This research indicates that GNF impregnation into phase change materials is an effective method for the enhancement of the thermal energy storage and the solidification of paraffin-based phase change materials.
The Dose Determines the Stimulation (and Poison): Development of A Chemical Hormesis Database:

A comprehensive effort was undertaken to identify articles demonstrating chemical hormesis. Nearly 4000 potentially relevant articles were retrieved from preliminary computer searches utilizing various keyword descriptors and extensive cross-referencing. A priori evaluation criteria were established including study design features (e.g., number of doses, dose range), statistical analysis, and reproducibility of results. Evidence of chemical hormesis was judged to have occurred in approximately 350 of the 4000 studies evaluated. Chemical hormesis was observed in a wide range of taxonomic groups and involved agents representing highly diverse chemical classes, many of potential environmental relevance. Numerous biologic endpoints were assessed, with growth responses the most prevalent, followed by metabolic effects, longevity, reproductive responses, and survival. Hormetic responses were generally observed to be of limited magnitude with the average low-dose maximum stimulation approximately 50% greater than controls. The hormetic dose-response range was generally limited to about one order of magnitude with the upper end of the hormetic curve approaching the estimated no-observed-effect level (NOEL) for the particular endpoint. Based on the evaluation criteria, high to moderate evidence of hormesis was observed in studies comprised of ≥6 doses with ≥3 doses in the hormetic zone. The present analysis suggests that chemical hormesis is a reproducible and generalizable biologic phenomenon. Over the last decade advances have been made providing mechanistic insight helpful in explaining the phenomenon of chemical hormesis in multiple biologic systems with various endpoints. The reason for the uncertainty surrounding the existence of hormesis as a real phenomenon is believed to be the result of its relatively infrequent observation in the literature due to experimental design considerations, especially with respect to the number of doses, range of doses, and endpoint selection.
On the automorphism groups of strongly regular graphs II

Abstract We derive strong constraints on the automorphism groups of strongly regular (SR) graphs, resolving old problems motivated by Peter Cameron's 1981 description of large primitive groups. Trivial SR graphs are the disjoint unions of cliques of equal size and their complements. Graphic SR graphs are the line-graphs of cliques and of regular bipartite cliques (complete bipartite graphs with equal parts) and their complements. We conjecture that the order of the automorphism group of a non-trivial, non-graphic SR graph is quasi-polynomially bounded, i.e., it is at most exp ⁡ ( ( log ⁡ n ) C ) for some constant C , where n is the number of vertices. While the conjecture remains open, we find surprisingly strong bounds on important parameters of the automorphism group. In particular, we show that the order of every automorphism is O ( n 8 ) , and in fact O ( n ) if we exclude the line-graphs of certain geometries. We prove the conjecture for the case when the automorphism group is primitive; in this case we obtain a nearly tight n 1 + log 2 ⁡ n bound. We obtain these bounds by bounding the fixicity of the automorphism group, i.e., the maximum number of fixed points of non-identity automorphisms, in terms of the second largest (in magnitude) eigenvalue and the maximum number of pairwise common neighbors of a regular graph. We connect the order of the automorphisms to the fixicity through an old lemma by Akos Seress and the author. We propose to extend these investigations to primitive coherent configurations and offer problems and conjectures in this direction. Part of the motivation comes from the complexity of the Graph Isomorphism problem.
Role of Complement, Chemokines, & Regulatory Cytokines in Acute Lung Injury

The roles of complement, proinflammatory cytokines and regulatory cytokines in lung inflammatory injury are becoming defined. Like the proinflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha and IL-1), complement activation products (C5a and/or the membrane attack complex, C5b-9) can directly activate endothelial cells to cause upregulation of adhesion molecules (P-selectin) or can function in a synergistic manner with TNF alpha to cause enhanced upregulation of ICAM-1 and E-selectin. The beta chemokine, MIP-1 alpha, appears to function in vivo as an autocrine activator, enhancing TNF alpha production by pulmonary macrophages, which, in turn, enhances the inflammatory response. Finally, IL-4 and IL-10 have strong regulatory effects by suppressing in vivo production of TNF alpha. There is now compelling evidence to suggest that, in IgG immune-complex-induced lung inflammation in rats, endogenous IL-10 is produced and regulates the intensity of the inflammatory response. Blocking of endogenous IL-10 substantially increases lung TNF alpha production, the recruitment of neutrophils, and the intensity of lung inflammatory injury. Accordingly, the network of cytokines carefully regulates lung inflammatory responses.
Peasants' Sons in City Schools: A Inquiry into the Politics of Urbanization in Panama and Costa Rica

It is frequently assumed that the extremely rapid urbanization of Latin America will generate political extremism and instability, based on the bitter protests of the new urban mass, which aspires high but must live on the margin of survival. The flow of subsistence farmers and agrarian laborers to the cities has been intellectually accommodated by social scientists only in a very crude way. Although the folk-urban continuum has been challenged by a series of empirical studies, the newly urbanized are still uncritically expected by many observers to exhibit signs of social disorganization threatening a progressive susceptibility to demagogic political leaders.
Hematological Values in Deer Mice in Relation to Botfly Infection

An incidence of 31.8 per cent infection with botflies ( Cuterebra sp.) was found in a population of deer mice ( Peromyscus leucopus noveboracensis ) trapped near the Queen's University Biological Station, Chaffey's Locks, Ontario, during July and August 1958. No infections were observed in mice trapped prior to 23 July. Infected mice had significantly lower hemoglobin concentrations and packed cell volumes than noninfected mice trapped during the same period. The possibility that reduced blood values resulting from myiasis might lower physiological resistance to environmental stressors sufficiently to contribute to population declines is considered.
Mid-Cretaceous alluvial-plain incision related to eustasy, southeastern Colorado Plateau

Eustatic effects on the deposition of ancient coastal and marine rocks are well known, but eustasy also can affect depositional patterns and processes well inland from the sea and play an important role in the development of nonmarine unconformities. In the southeastern part of the Colorado Plateau, fluvial rocks of the lowermost Cenomanian (lowermost Upper Cretaceous) Encinal Canyon Member at the base of the Dakota Sandstone fill paleovalleys incised into underlying formations. In most of region, the Encinal Canyon disconformably overlies fluvial rocks of the Aptian to middle Albian (upper Lower Cretaceous) Burro Canyon Formation. Along the southern margin of the plateau, the Encinal Canyon overlies progressively older Mesozoic and Paleozoic formations toward the south. In the latter part of the Early Cretaceous, an epicontinental sea lay about 240 km east of the southeastern Colorado Plateau and was base level for streams in the plateau region. Near the end of the Early Cretaceous, sea level fell, base level was lowered, and streams incised valleys into alluvial deposits of the Burro Canyon Formation and into older formations. The resulting incised paleodrainage surface was preserved as the sub-Dakota unconformity when the succeeding sea-level rise, in earliest Late Cretaceous time, caused Dakota streams to aggrade and backfill the paleovalleys with alluvial sediments of the Encinal Canyon Member. Unconformities in continental rocks have rarely been attributed to sea-level changes. The example of sub-Dakota unconformity, however, suggests that eustatic lowering of sea level can result in erosion far inland from the sea and play an important role in the formation of unconformities in continental strata.
Heat capacities of binary cycloalkane mixtures at 298.15 K

Abstract Volumetric heat capacities of the six binary mixtures formed from cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane and cyclooctane were determined at 298.15 K in a Picker flow microcalorimeter. Excess heat capacities obtained from the results are compred with the temperature variation of excess enthalpies from the literature.
Application of Social Network Theory: Doctoral Students' Experiences in Conferences.

As regular attendees at the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD) Conference, we enjoyed interacting with the highly relevant study by Diane Chapman and her colleagues (Chapman, Wiessner, Morton, Fire, Jones, & Majekodunmi, 2009). In the study, they use several theoretical tools to understand the learning experiences of doctoral students at a professional conference. In our view, the concept of the learning organization serves as a foundation for the creation of new knowledge at conferences. Communities of practice and the idea of legitimate peripheral participation represent the process that occurs at conferences. Knowledge creation is the outcome of these events. We concluded that an additional tool, social network analysis, could help to expand these ideas further. In this reaction article, we explain how the tools of social network analysis might be used to enhance our understanding of doctoral student participation in scholarly conferences.