cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The next-in-line effect

Subjects performed a free recall task while seated in a square. One by one, alternate subjects exposed a word card and read the word out loud to the group. The remaining subjects simply listened. All subjects were tested for recall. Subjects who performed tended not to recall words read 9 sec before and after their performance (“scallop effect”), and this loss increased with performance difficulty. Incidental evidence suggested high recall for material performed by particular subjects (“peak effects”) and channel capacity. When subjects are next in line they may ignore cues not related to performing.
Management of nausea and vomiting: physiological, pharmacological, and therapeutic considerations

Nausea and vomiting occur with varying frequency in dental practice. An overview of the physiological mechanisms and recommendations for diagnosis and treatment based on various pharmacological mechanisms are presented.
Infrared illuminators of gallium arsenide with high efficiency

Abstract A combination of material processing techniques and geometric construction methods has yielded high efficiency infrared emitters of gallium arsenide. Following a brief review of operation of the dome diode, this paper provides a comparison of the performance characteristics of dome diodes fabricated from diffused material with those fabricated in a new manner, namely from silicon-doped, solution-grown material. Dome diodes fabricated from solution-grown material can typically emit several hundred milliwatts of continuous near-infrared radiation at room temperature, with efficiencies of approximately 10%. This represents an improvement of an order of magnitude, both in output power and efficiency, over similar devices previously fabricated from diffused material.
Light and electron microscopical obervations of the ventral horn and ventral root in long term cultures of the spinal cord of the fetal mouse

Segments of spinal cord from 14 to 16 day old fetal mice, grown in vitro for three weeks or longer, show some of the cytoarchitectonic subdivisions of adults cord and several characterstic fiber bundles. In the ventral horns the largest cells have thick axons which leave the explants in well defined ventral roots. These axons run a long course through the outgrowth zone and branch repeatedly there. They have no branches that ramify in the explants nor do they return to the explants. Smaller cells in the ventral horns from a distinct class of cells. Their axons ramify entirely within the explants, mainly within the homo- or contralateral ventral horn. Axons of dorsal horn cells also ramify within the ventral horns. Some of their branches pass into a fiber band that surrounds the explant while others enter the outgrowth zone. These last generally return to the explant and form terminal ramifications there. The development of fiber bundles and the appearance of cell groups can be followed in unstained explants, and it appears that each of the characteristic axon patterns develops in vitro. Dendrites of ventral horn cells enter the outgrowth zone and in the ventral roots they are closely related to many passing axons. At some distance from the original explant these processes from a tissue that resembles the central nervous system. New synaptic junctions are formed and the neuronal elements lie embedded amongst glial cells and their processes. The glial cells also from a more or less continuous epithelium separating the feeding solution from the neuronal elements.
EPA-1125 – The tech connect program: A psychosocial treatment adherence intervention for adolescents with depression

Introduction Despite annual investments of millions of dollars to develop and disseminate interventions for mood disorders in adolescence, approximately a third of youth dropout or terminate prematurely. Low adherence remains a fundamental impediment to treatment effectiveness and mental health outcomes. Objectives To address this issue, the Tech Connect Program was developed as a proactive and simple to implement package of manualized between-session contacts (e.g., texting, phone calls) and structural supports (e.g., transportation, childcare) that are individualized to increase adherence of adolescents with mood disorders who are at high risk of treatment dropout from community-based treatments. Methods A 2-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) with depressed youths (age 13-17 years) and parents randomized to either standard community-based mental health care (control condition) or the Tech Connect Program plus standard clinical care (treatment condition) was implemented to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the Tech Connect Program protocols, to estimate intervention parameters including recruitment and attrition rates, and assess the preliminary impact of the intervention on treatment adherence and mental health outcomes. Results Findings show that Tech Connect Program is both feasible and acceptable to clinicians, youth and their families. Conclusions Although further research is needed to evaluate the Tech Connect Program, this feasibility pilot study has demonstrated an innovative, novel intervention to improve adolescent engagement and adherence to community-based mental health treatment.
Specific Inhibition of RH 0 (D) Antibody by Sialic Acids

Agglutination of RhO(D) erythrocytes by specific antiserum was inhibited by crude and crystalline N-acetylneuraminic acid, less inhibited by its glycoyl derivative, and weakly inhibited by its degradation product, N-acetyl-mannosamine, and by D-mannose. A brain ganglioside containing neuraminic acid and a Pseudomonas polysaccharide were even more inhibitory. Inhibition was specific for anti-D sera.
Improved cathode for high efficient microbial-catalyzed reduction in microbial electrosynthesis cells

Microbial electrosynthesis cells (MECs) are devices wherein microorganisms can electrochemically interact with electrodes, directly donating or accepting electrons from electrode surfaces. Here, we developed a novel cathode by using nickel nanowires anchored to graphite for the improvement of microbial-catalyzed reduction in MEC cathode chamber. This porous nickel-nanowire-network-coated graphite electrode increased the interfacial area and interfacial interactions between the cathode surface and the microbial biofilm. A 2.3 fold increase in bio-reduction rate over the untreated graphite was observed. Around 282 mM day−1 m−2 of acetate resulting from the bio-reduction of carbon dioxide by Sporomusa was produced with 82 ± 14% of the electrons consumed being recovered in acetate.
A Generalized Approximation for the Thermophoretic Force on a Free-Molecular Particle

A general, approximate expression is described that can be used to predict the thermophoretic force on a free-molecular, motionless, spherical particle suspended in a quiescent gas with a temperature gradient. The thermophoretic force is equal to the product of an order-unity coefficient, the gas-phase translational heat flux, the particle cross-sectional area, and the inverse of the mean molecular speed. Numerical simulations are used to test the accuracy of this expression for monatomic gases, polyatomic gases, and mixtures thereof. Both continuum and noncontinuum conditions are examined; in particular, the effects of low pressure, wall proximity, and high heat flux are investigated. The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is used to calculate the local molecular velocity distribution, and the force-Green's-function method is used to calculate the thermophoretic force. The approximate expression is found to predict the calculated thermophoretic force to within 10% for all cases examined. The sou...
Stage D prostatic carcinoma Survival rate in relapsed patients following new forms of palliation

Abstract Patients with progressive Stage D carcinoma of the prostate resistant to conventional endocrine therapy were evaluated for their symptomatic response to bilateral adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy, combination hypophysectomy and adrenalectomy, or chemotherapy with a new oral steroidal-alkylating agent, Estracyt (estramustine phosphate). Good, long-term palliative responses were achieved with bilateral adrenalectomy, hypophysectomy, and Estracyt. Because of its ease of administration, effectiveness, and lack of toxicity, oral Estracyt may be considered the method of choice in some cases for failures following conventional hormonal therapy.
Effects of nicotine and mecamylamine on choice accuracy in an operant visual signal detection task in female rats.

Abstract Rationale. During the past decade, central nicotinic systems have been shown in both experimental animals and humans to play an important role in cognitive function. However, the way in which specific aspects of cognitive function are affected by nicotinic systems has remained unclear. In humans, the most pronounced action of nicotine is to improve attention, but in rats, memory improvement is more easily seen. This may be due to differences in methods for assessing attention in rats and humans or to species differences in the roles of nicotinic systems in cognitive function. In the current study, we explored the effects of nicotine and mecamylamine using an operant visual signal detection task designed to model sustained attention processes common to rats and humans. Methods. Adult female rats (n=35) were trained to perform the signal detection task to a stable baseline of about 75% accuracy. The rats were then assigned to two subgroups of high and low accuracy based on overall accuracy (hits and correct rejections) at the end of training. All rats were then injected (SC, 10 min before testing) with saline or different doses of nicotine (0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) or the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg). Results. A low dose range of nicotine (0.0125, 0.025, and 0.05 mg/kg) caused a dose-related increase in percent correct rejection. This dose range did not affect correct detections of the signal (percent hit). Higher doses of nicotine (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg) did not affect percent correct rejection, but did have a time-dependent effect on percent hit. Early in the session, the higher doses of nicotine reduced percent hit, whereas during the later part of the session higher doses of nicotine increased percent hit. Effects of nicotine did not differ between the high- and low-accuracy rats. Mecamylamine decreased choice accuracy, reducing both percent hit and percent correct rejection. Mecamylamine reduced percent hit in the low-accuracy rats at a lower drug dose than in the high-accuracy rats. Conclusions. These results support the involvement of nicotinic systems in attention in rats, as has been shown in humans. This rat model of sustained attention may provide a good approach to studying neural mechanisms underlying the effects of nicotinic cholinergic receptors on attention and a means to evaluate the potential of novel nicotinic agonists to counteract attentional dysfunction.
Acute slowing of cardiac conduction in response to myofibroblast coupling to cardiomyocytes through N-cadherin

Abstract The electrophysiological consequences of cardiomyocyte and myofibroblast interactions remain unclear, and the contribution of mechanical coupling between these two cell types is still poorly understood. In this study, we examined the time course and mechanisms by which addition of myofibroblasts activated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) influence the conduction velocity (CV) of neonatal rat ventricular cell monolayers. We observed that myofibroblasts affected CV within 30 min of contact and that these effects were temporally correlated with membrane deformation of cardiomyocytes by the myofibroblasts. Expression of dominant negative RhoA in the myofibroblasts impaired both myofibroblast contraction and myofibroblast-induced slowing of cardiac conduction, whereas overexpression of constitutive RhoA had little effect. To determine the importance of mechanical coupling between these cell types, we examined the expression of the two primary cadherins in the heart (N- and OB-cadherin) at cell–cell contacts formed between myofibroblasts and cardiomyocytes. Although OB-cadherin was frequently found at myofibroblast–myofibroblast contacts, very little expression was observed at myofibroblast–cardiomyocyte contacts. The myofibroblast-induced slowing of cardiac conduction was not prevented by silencing of OB-cadherin in the myofibroblasts, and could be reversed by inhibitors of mechanosensitive channels (gadolinium or streptomycin) and cellular contraction (blebbistatin). In contrast, N-cadherin expression was commonly observed at myofibroblast–cardiomyocyte contacts, and silencing of N-cadherin in myofibroblasts prevented the myofibroblast-dependent slowing of cardiac conduction. We propose that myofibroblasts can impair the electrophysiological function of cardiac tissue through the application of contractile force to the cardiomyocyte membrane via N-cadherin junctions.
Shear wave elastography method combining phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography and coded acoustic radiation force

We combined phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) and acoustic radiation force (ARF) to develop a shear wave elastography (SWE) method that could be used for ophthalmic applications. SWE measures tissue stiffness from the speed of shear waves propagating through tissue. Assessing the elastic properties of the cornea and the intraocular lens can, for example, help the management of refractive surgeries (myopia or presbyopia correction). OCT is a non-contact imaging method easily applicable in vivo that provides micron-scale resolution particularly suitable for characterizing ocular tissues. ARF is commonly used to remotely induce shear waves in tissue by emitting short (∼100 µs) focused ultrasound pulses. To increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of detected shear waves, we used a pulse compression method in which the instantaneous peak energy is spread over long (several ms) coded emissions and the detected signal is digitally compressed into a short pulse to increase both SNR and spatio-temporal resolution. The post-compression displacements were used to reconstruct maps of the shear wave speed in gelatin phantoms. We demonstrated the feasibility of using PhS-OCT and ARF to perform elastography at low acoustic pressures (1.5 MPa) owing to the high SNR provided by pulse compression. Future work will focus on implementing this technique for ocular tissues and investigating potential clinical applications.
AnyType: provoking reflection and exploration with aesthetic interaction

AnyType is a mobile application that generates unique typefaces from photographs of shapes that people find in their environment. In keeping with the principles of aesthetic interaction, the design of AnyType supports opportunities for surprise, storytelling, and expression. This paper presents data collected from two observational studies of AnyType. In both studies, we found that people appropriated the application to create highly personalized messages. They found inspiration in unexpected locations, created memories from nuanced details in their lives, and creatively explored the design space provided by the system. Drawing from our observations, we discuss possible roles mobile devices could play in people's personal meaning making, creative process, and discovery, in interaction with elements of their physical environment.
The role for interferon regulatory factor-2 on mouse hematopoietic stem cells in an inflammation state

Megakaryopoiesis is associated with inflammation, and certain inflammatory cytokines stimulate hematopoietic progenitors to differentiate into megakaryocytes. Interferon-γ ( IFN-γ) is an inflammatory cytokine that stimulates megakaryocyte development, and interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), IRF-1 and IRF-2 are typical transcription factors that are involved in the IFN-γ response. We investigate the role of IRFs in megakaryopoiesis. Mouse bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) were prepared and stimulated with IFN-γ. IFN-γ treatment induced IRF-2 expression as well as that of CD41 although induction levels of both were much lower than those of IRF-1. When IRF expression levels were studied in mouse bone marrow cell fractions, IRF-2 expression was relatively high in HSCs. An in vitro clonogenic assay showed that IRF-2 overexpressed cells increased the number of megakaryocytic colonies, but IRF-1 overexpressed cells did not, suggesting that IRF-2 is involved in megakaryopoiesis. Mechanistic analysis showed that IRF-2 transfection up-regulated CD41 promoter activity in hematopoietic cell lines through its binding to an ISRE-like site in the CD41 promoter. These findings suggest that IRF-2 plays an important role in megakaryocytic cell commitment or differentiation from HSCs by regulating CD41 expression under inflammation conditions.
Structure of Alkanoic Acid Stabilized Magnetic Fluids. A Small-Angle Neutron and Light Scattering Analysis

Small-angle neutron scattering and dynamic and static light scattering measurements were used to probe the structures of aqueous and organic-solvent-based magnetic fluids comprising dispersed magnetite nanoparticles (∼10 nm in diameter) stabilized against flocculation by adsorbed alkanoic acid layers. A core−shell model fitted to a set of neutron scattering spectra obtained from contrast variation experiments allowed the determination of the iron oxide core size and size distribution, the thicknesses of the surfactant shells, and the spatial arrangement of the individual particles. The magnetic colloidal particles appear to form compact fractal clusters with a fractal dimension of 2.52 and a correlation length of ∼350 A in aqueous magnetic fluids, consistent with the structures of clusters observed directly using cryo-TEM (transmission electron microscopy), whereas chainlike clusters with a fractal dimension of 1.22 and a correlation length of ∼400 A were found for organic-solvent-based magnetic fluids. T...
Performance of planar multisite microprobes in recording extracellular single-unit intracortical activity

The microprobes consist of a thin-film electrode array supported by a silicon micromachined substrate and insulated using deposited dielectrics. Microprobes with multiple recording sites spaced from 30 mu m to 200 mu m apart are used to record spontaneous single-unit activity from rat cerebral cortex. Additionally, a theoretical model is used to establish a basis for interpreting the multisite single-unit data. The results suggest that the microprobes (1) couple tightly to the neural tissue with relatively little disturbance to the neural system, (2) facilitate the identification of single units in multiunit records through the use of spatially-separate recording sites, and (3) can be used to detect the cell position in tissue and observe events such as the propagation of electrical activity from the soma to the dendritic tree. >
Development of second-generation schizonts, gamonts and oocysts of Eimeria bovis in bovine kidney cells

First-generation merozoites of Eimeria bovis, obtained from calves which had been inoculated 14, 14 1/2 and 15 days earlier, were inoculated into monolayers of Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) and primary embryonic bovine kidney (BEK-1), as well as kidney cell aggregates (BEK-2). Cultures were examined at intervals of 1–12 hr for 168 hr with phase-contrast microscopy and then fixed, stained and re-examined with bright-field microscopy. Fourteen-day merozoites entered all cell types, whereas 14 1/2- and 15-day merozoites did not enter any. Development beyond the first-generation merozoite stage occurred in BEK-1 and BEK-2, but not MDBK. Intermediate and mature second-generation schizonts with 24–36 merozoites were seen at 48–108 hr. Merozoites were 4.5 by 1.4 μm, with a posteriorly located nucleus. Young, intermediate, and mature microgamonts were seen at 72–96 hr, 72–120 hr, and 96–120 hr, respectively. Young, intermediate, and mature macrogamonts were seen at 48–96 hr, 72–120 hr, and 96–120 hr, respectively. Mature microgamonts and macrogamonts were 14.7 μm in diameter and 19.5 by 15 μm, respectively. At 120–168 hr, zygotes in various stages of oocyst wall formation and oocysts (24.4 by 15 μm) were seen. A crescent body was present in the parasitophorous vacuole of some schizonts and gamonts.
A reappraisal of seafloor spreading lineations in the Gulf of California: Implications for the transfer of Baja California to the Pacific Plate and estimates of Pacific-North America Motion

An analysis of seafloor spreading lineations in the southern Gulf of California demonstrates that divergence of the Baja peninsula from North America since 3.6 Ma has been significantly slower than Pacific-North America (PA-NA) motion estimated solely from closures of global plate circuits. This discrepancy remains unchanged or increases with modifications to the plate circuits and kinematic data used to predict PA-NA motion, suggesting that it arises from the probably-incorrect assumption that Baja California has been rigidly coupled to the Pacific plate since 3.6 Ma. A ∼15% increase in seafloor spreading rates in the southern Gulf after ∼1 Ma could have been caused by a transfer of motion along faults west of Baja California to the modern-day plate boundary, or alternatively could indicate a recent speedup in PA-NA motion. Both interpretations imply that PA-NA motion is now 4±2 mm yr−1 (2σ) faster than predicted by the 3.16-Myr-average NUVEL-1A model.
The Interaction between a Most-Favored-Customer Clause and Price Dispersion: An Empirical Examination of the Medicaid Rebate Rules of 1990

This paper examines the effect of the MFC rules adopted by Medicaid on both price dispersion and price levels in the wholesale pharmaceutical market. Theory suggests that the regulations should reduce price dispersion and increase the average price for those products with a high initial level of price dispersion. Using data which can only measure some dimensions of price discrimination, I find that discrimination falls for products sold to hospitals, but not drugstores. Branded drugs facing generic competition have the most dispersion ex ante. Prices of these brands rise with dispersion at the implementation of the new rules. The last two results are consistent with Scott Morton (1997), where I look only at price changes due to the law. The results of this paper confirm that part of the mechanism of action for the price increase is the high level of price dispersion for some products combined with the MFC.
Photon echo in direct gap semiconductor

Abstract Using statistical quantum electrodynamics techniques, we investigate photon echo in intrinsic direct transition semiconductor materials. Possible applications of this effect in ultrashort time measurements and optical digital computation are discussed.
A method for the removal of ray refraction effects in multibeam echo sounder systems

To a multibeam echo sounder system (MBES), under water sound refraction plays an important role in depth measurement accuracy, and errors in sound velocity profile lead to inaccuracies in the measured depth (especially for outer beams). A method is developed to estimate the sound velocity profile based on the depth measured by vertical beam. Using this depth and other parameters, such as t (sound pulse propagation time), θ (beam inclination angle), etc. We can estimate a simple sound velocity profile with which the depth error has been reduced. This method has been tested with a real dataset acquired in the East China Sea.
Relation of neural structure to persistently low academic achievement: a longitudinal study of children with differing birth weights.

Objective Children with very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500g) are at risk for academic underachievement, although less is known regarding the developmental course of these difficulties or their neural basis. This study examined whether cerebral tissue reductions related to VLBW are associated with poor patterns of growth in core academic skills.
Chromatographic separation of low-molecular-mass recombinant proteins and peptides on Superdex 30 prep grade.

Abstract The chromatographic properties of Superdex 30 prep grade medium have been investigated in non-denaturing and denaturing mobile phases using commercially available proteins and peptides as well as low-molecular-mass (Mr) recombinant polypeptides. The medium is a macroreticular gel composed of crosslinked agarose beads to which dextran has been covalently bound. The mean particle size is approximately 34 μm. Experimental results show a linear relation between the distribution coefficient (KD) and the log10 Mr in the fractionation range 24 000—3000. The relationships between resolution and flow-rate or load volume were investigated and shown to be comparable with those of Superdex 75 and 200 prep grade media. Minimal loss of resolution occurred in the flow-range from 30–60 cm/h. Load volumes of up to 5% total column volume could be applied while maintaining baseline resolution of polypeptide mixtures. Non-specific interactions between the matrix and certain samples were characterized. The predominant interactions with the resin appear to be hydrophobic in nature rather than ionic. Hydrogen bonding may also play a role in the retardation of certain small molecules. The applicability of the resin for separating dimeric and oligomeric forms of low-molecular-mass recombinant proteins was shown.
A multi-format variable data template wrapper extending podis PPML-T standard

Variable Data Print (VDP) has fueled the need for increasingly sophisticated tools and capabilities with every solution vendor providing different approaches and techniques.Nevertheless, it is possible to provide a unified wrapperaround these different XML formats that will facilitate the exchange of templates and/or import/export into otherformats.The proposed solution compares favourably with Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) provision for WebServices. The SOAP wrapper provides the protocol which allows the contained message to be expressed in differentformats (described using XML Schemas). This enables the interoperability between services encapsulating their specific implementations and only exposes the methods and their parameters. This proposal builds on similar concepts separating a template into three parts: the template, the binding and the data. Each part has its own format and "embedded" semantics.
An axisymmetric similarity solution for viscous-transonic nozzle flow

Abstract : An axisymmetric viscous-transonic equation is presented. A nozzle type similarity solution of this equation has been found, which describes the initial stages in the development of shock-waves downstream of a converging- diverging nozzle throat. This solution is an extension of a two dimensional solution found previously (Sichel 1966). By an appropriate choice of an arbitrary scaling constant solutions were found such that there is essentially a weak normal shock near the axis with effects of wall and shock wave curvature occurring only at a sufficiently large radius. The upstream and downstream asymptotic behavior of these viscous-transonic nozzle solutions has been investigated.
A socio-economic perspective on gender bias in technology

Abstract This paper examines the development of patriarchal technology within Western industrialized cultures. The approach in the analysis is based in critical theory and socialist/feminist critique. Conditioned on the Habermasian “ideal speech situation, ” it will be argued that neo-classical economics cannot meet the challenge of societal critique. The necessary conditions for an emancipatory reconciliation of technology and egalitarian, nongender-based values lies in our ability and willingness to go beyond the atomistic, economistic analysis based in Enlightenment values. This, it is argued, is beyond traditional economics since it relies on the reductionist assumption of an innate human nature which is individualistic and competitive and disregards the malleability of social institutions. Within this framework, specific aspects of technology-based gender bias are examined. These include such factors as technological design, work organization, and reproductive technologies.
Wind beneath my wings: policies promoting high‐growth oriented women entrepreneurs

– While numerous comparative studies have measured women's participation in starting or owning a business, the factors stimulating their engagement in highly productive entrepreneurial activity have been understudied. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap in the literature., – This study compares country‐level data on the institutional and cultural factors that affect a woman's decision to start and grow a business with country‐level measures of the entrepreneurial environment, innovative activity and access to opportunity., – It was found that three institutional and cultural factors influence the decision calculus of women to found and expand enterprises: legal and social status; institutional presence; and economic empowerment. Women who have the requisite support exploit market opportunities and translate their ideas, creativity and skills into high potential, high growth ventures. This in turn generates entrepreneurial activity, job creation and prosperity at the country level., – Comparable data on variables of interest, including the number of female‐founded high‐growth businesses and child care support, for example, are not available across countries. This study uses proxies and indices where data are missing and makes recommendations on improving data collection for future scholarship., – Improving access to collateral by strengthening the property rights of women, increasing the representation of women in banking, business, government and academia, and providing greater economic empowerment of all women produces more productive entrepreneurial activity and prosperity for the entire population., – Women entrepreneurs are a missing link that explains variation among countries in the quality and quantity of entrepreneurial activity.
Kcnma1 Gene Expression Improves Mitochondrial Function in NS1619 Preconditioned Hearts after Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Our previous immunochemical and transcript analyses indicate that the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa) is present in cardiac mitochondria and encoded by the Kcnma1 gene. In addition, studies using a BKCa opener, NS1619, point to the view that opening BKCa expressed in mitochondria (mitoBKCa) contributes to cardioprotection after ischemic insult bymodulating mitochondrial function. However, whether the beneficial effect of NS1619 depends on the presence of Kcnma1 has not been studied. To address this question, we used mice expressing (wild type, wt) or not (Kcnma1-/-) Kcnma1 gene product and the Langendorff model of global ischemia and reperfusion.Mitochondrial functions affecting the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and cell death were assessed: calcium retention capacity (CRC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondria were isolated after 10 min of reperfusion from hearts preconditioned or not (control) for 10 min before ischemia with 10 μM NS1619. Mitochondria from hearts preconditioned with NS1619 showed a significant increase in CRC from 140+11 to 280+23 nmoles/mg (n=3) in wt mice but no significant effect was observed in Kcnma1-/- mice (120+23 and 100+11 nmoles/mg, n=3) showing that after ischemic insult the protective effect of NS1619 requires expression of Kcnma1 gene. Likewise, mitochondrial ROS production stimulating complex I with 3 mM glutamate/malate was reduced by NS1619 preconditioning in the wt mice from 159+13 to 113+7 pmoles/min/mg but not in the Kcnma1-/- mice (n=3). Our results indicate that Kcnma1 gene expression is required for the improvement of mitochondrial function by NS1619 preconditioning, which involves: 1) increased CRC, and 2) decreased ROS production of complex I, both events preventing mPTP opening. Further, the results also confirm that mitoBKCa is encoded by Kcnma1 gene. Supported by NIH and AHA.
Crystalline ground states of an entropically stabilized quasicrystal model

A binary Lennard-Jones alloy exhibits an entropically stabilized quasicrystal state in two dimensions at elevated temperatures. We consider the ground states of this model by calculating the convex hull of cohesive energy as a function of alloy composition. Only crystalline structures with rational values of the composition appear on vertices of the convex hull. In particular, at the irrational composition of the ideal quasicrystal structure, the ground state is a coexisting mixture of two nearby quasicrystal approximants.
The Ethics of Modern Agriculture

To evaluate the ethics of modern agriculture we must first ask, “Compared to what alternative?” Abandoning agriculture entirely — returning to hunting and gathering — is not a viable alternative, nor is it useful to imagine everyone gardening their own food, or buying their own food directly from local farmers, although this vision is fancifully promoted now among some elite circles in the United States. A more useful comparison would be between the conventional modern agriculture of today, incorporating all of the productivity enhancements that modern science can provide, versus a pre-modern antecedent that lacked those enhancements, versus a third method of farming – organic farming — that chooses not to incorporate several of those enhancements (e.g., no synthetic fertilizers, no synthetic pesticides, and no genetically engineered crops). When evaluating the ethics of modern conventional versus premodern conventional versus organic farming, we must also draw distinctions between how these differing practices have effected three different objects of value: people, domesticated farm animals, and the natural environment.
The linear steady thermoelastic problem for a strip with two collinear cracks parallel to its edges

Abstract Integral transform techniques are employed to determine the stress intensity factors of two collinear cracks which are parallel to the edges of a linear thennoelastic strip. The problem is reduced to a singular integral equation which is solved using numerical methods. Results for the stress intensity factors are presented in graphical form.
Specific heat of high-Tc YBa2(Cu3-xMx)O7 with M=Cr or Zn

Abstract The effects of substitution of Cr and Zn for Cu in YBCO have been studied calorimetrically and by magnetic measurements. There is a qualitative correlation between the suppression of the superconducting transition and an increase in the concentration of localized moments in both cases.
The impact of information sharing on a returns policy with the addition of a direct channel

Abstract We consider a manufacture–retail supply chain consisting of a mix of a traditional retail channel and a direct channel. We analyze how the manufacturer designs its returns policy in the existence of the direct channel. Under the assumption of a unknown ratio of customer demand in the direct channel and the coexisting retail channel, we estimate optimal order quantities and buyback prices under two cases: information sharing and non-information sharing between two players, and find that (1) if the manufacturer and the retailer do not share the forecast information about the ratio, the more optimistic the manufacture is about the demand via the direct channel, the more restricted the returns policy is; and (2) the returns policy remains the same regardless of the shift of customers between two channels if the manufacturer elects to share information with the retailer. Furthermore, we study the profits of both parties under different scenarios and analyze the effects of key parameters on their profits by simulation. Under certain conditions, we find that (1) the total profit on the whole supply chain is always higher in the information sharing case than in the non-information sharing case; (2) both the manufacture and the retailer can benefit from sharing information with each other; and (3) according to sensitivity analysis, the value of information sharing varies with forecast accuracy.
Algorithms for optimizing production DNA sequencing

We discuss the problem of optimally “finishing” a partially sequenced, reconstructed DNA segment. At first sight, this appears to be computationally hard. We construct a series of increasingly realistic models for the problem and show that all of these can in fact be solved to optimality in polynomial time, with near-optimal solutions available in linear time. Implementation of our algorithms could result in a substantial efficiency gain for automated DNA
Affective associations and cognitive beliefs relate to individuals’ decisions to perform testicular or breast self-exams

Affective associations with behavioral practices play an important role in individuals' uptake of a variety of health behaviors. Most work has looked at individual behavioral practices with a direct impact on health; because screening behaviors are conceptually distinct from such behaviors, it is important to examine the interplay of affect and cognition in screening decision making. The current research explored affective and cognitive predictors of testicular and breast self-examination behavior. Young adult participants (N = 184) reported cognitive beliefs and affective associations with testicular self-exam behavior (male participants) and breast self-exam behavior (female participants) and reported their own current screening behavior. In univariable models, affective associations were related to screening behavior for both testicular self-exams and breast self-exams. When examining affective associations and cognitive beliefs as simultaneous predictors, affective associations (but not cognitive beliefs) predicted testicular self-exams, and neither affective associations nor cognitive beliefs were uniquely related to breast self-exams. Moreover, for testicular self-exams, affective associations mediated the relation between cognitive beliefs and screening behavior; no mediation was present for breast self-exam behavior. These findings suggest three potential outcomes: first, that greater consideration of affective associations in testicular self-exam screening decisions may be warranted; second, that breast and testicular self-exams may have different antecedents; and third, that incorporation of affective factors in intervention design might have merit for increasing engagement in some cancer screening behaviors.
Patterns of Lipid Storage and Utilization in Birds

synopsis. Nowhere among the vertebrates does the capability for storing and using triglyc? eride as an energy reserve exceed the level found in the class Aves. Adult avian depot fats are composed largely of 16- and 18-carbon fatty acids and are mostly unsaturated. Variation in fatty acid composition among species may be attributed to dietary differences and physiological state of the bird. Storage occurs mainly by addition of lipid to adipocyte vacuoles without an increase in cell number. Daily cycles of fat deposition and use are of greater amplitude at higher latitudes, but in general the lipid stored during the day will only provide energy for the overnight fast plus a few daylight hours. Storage levels may be minimized due to the disadvantages of increased wing-loading. A variety of behavioral, physiological and morphological adaptations may be used to reduce the need for overnight energy reserves. Migratory fattening is largely a function of migration speed, magnitude of barriers to be crossed and aerodynamic considerations. Lipid reserves are greatest in eggs of precocial birds and are retained longer in precocial young. Adaptive strategies of fat deposition in young birds are related largely to the ability of adults to feed young before and after fledging.
Re-examination of the properties and function of the b cytochromes of the thylakoid cytochrome bf complex

Abstract The thermodynamic properties and function of the cytochrome bf complex in spinach thylakoids were re-examined. The two b -cytochromes of the complex were found to have distinct midpoint potentials, distinct dependencies of midpoint potential with pH, and distinct absorbance spectra. Cytochrome b h and b l were found to have peak absorbances at 563.2 and 565 nm, respectively, and midpoint potentials at pH 7 of −45 mV ( n = 1) and −150 mV ( n = 1), respectively. The titrations also included a third cytochrome species with an absorbance peak at 560 nm and a midpoint potential at pH 7 of +47 mV ( n = 1). All three species showed only small changes in midpoint potential with pH. At high potential ( E h > +500 mV), flash excitation which produced plastoquinol in the plastoquinone pool, led to the reduction of the cyt b component with peak absorbance at 563.2 nm (i.e., cyt b h ). This reduction was accompanied by an electrogenic movement of electrons across the thylakoid membrane, as observed by an accompanying electrochromic signal. When MOA-stilbene was added to slow the re-oxidation of cyt b , the same actinic illumination produced a reduction of cyt b h which was about 45% larger, and an electrochromic shift which was about 24% smaller, than the respective changes in the absence of the inhibitor. By comparing the amplitude of the slow electrogenic phase with the extent of cyt b reduction in the presence of MOA-stilbene, the electron transfer to cyt b h was calculated to traverse 70–80% of the dielectrically weighted distance across the thylakoid membrane. From these results, it is concluded that cyt b h is located towards the stromal side of the membrane. From the predicted folding structures of the cyt b protein, we conclude that cyt b l must be located on the lumenal side of the complex. The results show that a rapid electron transfer occurs between the quinol oxidizing (Q o ) site of the complex and cyt b h , and are consistent with an electrogenic step between the two cyt b hemes, as expected for the operation of a Q-cycle; they argue against previous suggestions that electron transfer between the two cytochrome hemes is kinetically prohibited.
Service consumption criticality in failure recovery

Abstract The research reported here explores the effects of service type, service failure, and service criticality (perceived importance) on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Based on past research, this study hypothesizes that both customer satisfaction and loyalty will be significantly affected by the criticality of service consumption and the type of failure recovery effort utilized by a service firm but not by type of service. Although neither service criticality nor failure recovery effort is expected to significantly interact with service type, it is hypothesized further that there will be a significant interaction effect of criticality of service consumption with failure recovery effort on customer satisfaction and loyalty. The results support all hypotheses.
Comparing development journalism and public journalism as interventionist press models

This article presents a comparison of two journalism models: development journalism and public journalism. The experience of development journalism in the Philippines is critiqued in order to inform and make predictions about public journalism, which is swiftly evolving in the United States. The paper traces the history and efficacy of both models, and highlights the resistance by journalists towards either system. Also presented is the summary of a series of interviews conducted with Filipino journalists on their attitudes towards development journalism, conducted at a time when the practise of this model was at its height.
Modulation of thalamic neuron excitability by orexins

Orexins (hypocretins) are peptides of hypothalamic origin that play an important role in maintaining wakefulness. Reduced orexin levels have been associated with an increased incidence of narcolepsy. Considering thalamic nuclei are interconnected with virtually all neocortical regions and the thalamus has been found to produce distinct activities related to different levels of arousal, we have examined the actions of orexins on thalamic neurons using an in vitro thalamic slice preparation. The orexins (orexin-A and orexin-B) produced distinct actions within different intralaminar nuclei. Orexin-B strongly depolarized the majority of centrolateral nucleus (CL) neurons (71%), but depolarized a significantly smaller population of parafascicular nuclei (Pf) neurons (10%). In the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD), orexin-B depolarized 21% of the neurons tested. Overall, orexin-B was found to be more potent than Orexin-A. Orexin-A depolarized a significantly smaller population of CL neurons (23%), but had no effect on Pf neurons. In addition, orexin-A produced a small depolarization in 28% of neurons in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). Both orexin-A and orexin-B had no effect on neurons in the lateral posterior (LP), lateralodorsal (LD), posterior thalamic (Po), ventrobasal (VB) nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). The depolarizing actions of orexins were sufficient to alter the firing mode of these neurons from a burst- to tonic-firing mode. The excitatory actions of orexin-B result from a decrease in the apparent leak potassium current (Kleak). The orexin-B mediated excitation was also attenuated by bupivacaine suggesting the involvement of Kleak current. Further, the actions of orexin-B were occluded by the classical neurotransmitter dopamine, indicating the orexins may share similar ionic mechanisms. Thus, the depolarizing actions of orexins may play a key role in altering the firing mode of thalamic neurons associated with different states of consciousness.
The Role of Heritage Language Development in the Adjustment of Adolescents from Immigrant Backgrounds

The influence of immigrant-background adolescents’ heritage language proficiency and use of the language on parent-adolescent relationships and ethnic identity was investigated in a sample of 414 ninth-grade participants from Latin American and Asian backgrounds. Heritage language proficiency, but not language use, was found to be positively associated with the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship, especially for Asian American adolescents. Although heritage language proficiency and language use were both associated with strength of ethnic identity, when taken together, only heritage language proficiency emerges as a reliable predictor of ethnic identity. These findings indicate that it is the development of proficiency in the heritage language that influences adolescents’ successful adjustment, rather than their own choice of languages.
Commentary on: Liver Trauma During Combined Liposuction and Abdominoplasty: A Rare but Potentially Lethal Complication

In the case report entitled “Liver Trauma During Combined Liposuction and Abdominoplasty: A Rare but Potentially Lethal Complication,” the authors discuss the occurrence of an intra-abdominal penetration with liver trauma during the combined surgical procedures of abdominoplasty and liposuction on a 38-year-old woman.1 They note that while liposuction is a well-established procedure that is generally safe, complications do rarely occur. A review of the data acquired through the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) Internet Based Quality Assurance and Peer Review (IBQAP) reporting system from 2001 through 2013 substantiates a low incidence of sequelae associated with liposuction alone. A total of 1,034,414 procedures were evaluated. Liposuction was the sole procedure in 399,292 …