cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL DARWINISM AND NATURAL THEODICY

. Despite the harsh scientific basis of Social Darwinism, its followers strove to unify nature with humane feelings—for world views necessarily attempt such reconciliations. To answer the difficult “problem of evil” posed by natural selection and survival of the fittest, Social Darwinists such as Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and Herbert Spencer resorted to three kinds of theodicy: sentimental denial of the problem, belief in progress, and belief in perfection. Spencer's writings particulary display at different times both a rigid individualism and a softer organicism. Eventually, however, T. H. Huxley would abandon the attempt, acknowledging in effect that no complete world view was possible.
Temperature responses of a coccolithophorid, Cricosphaera carterae, measured in a simple and inexpensive thermal‐gradient device1

An illuminated thermal-gradient device is described which is of simple construction, very low cost, and wide adaptability to various culture vessels. It can be readily adapted for use in crossed gradients with temperature along one axis. The thermal gradient produced depends on several factors including the heat source (one or more incandescent lamps), heat sink (cold air in a refrigerated box or room), and type of culture vessel. By use of the device, the temperature range for growth of Cricosphaera carterae was found to be 10-26 degrees C, with a maximal growth rate at 20 degrees C.
Spatial noise and threshold contrasts in LCD displays

This paper presents the results of initial physical and psycho-physical evaluations of the noise of high resolution LCDs. 5 LCDs were involved, having 4 different pixel structures. Spatial as well as temporal noise was physically measured with the aid of a high-performance CCD camera. Human contrast sensitivity in the presence of spatial noise was determined psycho-physically using periodic stimuli (square-wave patterns) as well as aperiodic stimuli (squares). For the measurements of the human contrast sensitivity, all LCDs were calibrated to the DICOM 14 Grayscale Standard Display Function (GSDF). The results demonstrate that spatial noise is the dominant noise in all LCDs, while temporal noise is insignificant and plays only a minor part. The magnitude of spatial noise of LCDs is in the range between that of CRTs with a P104 and that of CRTs with a P45. Of particular importance with respect to LCD noise is the contribution of the pixel structure to the Noise Power Spectrum, which shows up as sharp spikes at spatial frequencies beyond the LCDs’ Nyquist frequency. The paper does not offer any clues about the importance of these spikes on the human contrast sensitivity.
The changing geography of U.S. Hispanics, 1850-1990.

Abstract In 1930, the majority of Hispanics were of Mexican descent and lived in the five Southwestern states of Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. After World War II, the Latino migrant stream began to diversify and include large numbers of Caribbeans, and Central and South Americans who generally settled in the Eastern states and California. Hispanics of non-Mexican origin now account for 36 percent of the U.S. Hispanic population. Mexican immigration has continued, and large numbers of Mexican Americans live in regions far from the border states. The U.S. Hispanic population has increased from approximately one million in 1930, to approximately 32 million in 1997. County maps chronicle the changing distribution and numbers of Hispanics from 1850 to 1990.
Genetic analysis of immortalizing functions of Epstein-Barr virus in human B lymphocytes.

EPSTEIN–BARR virus (EBV), a herpes virus, infects human B lymphocytes in vitro and efficiently immortalizes them1. About 10 of the approximately 100 genes of EBV are expressed in recently immortalized B cells and although there is circumstantial evidence that at least three of these may contribute to the process of immortalization, there is no direct evidence that any particular gene is required2. We have developed a genetic analysis of EBV that uses a transformation-defective strain of the virus as a helper virus in conjunction with DNA that contains all of the viral cis-acting elements required for replication, cleavage and packaging during the lytic phase of the viral life cycle. This DNA can include viral genes required for immortalization that complement the transformation-defective virus strain. The DNA can be amplified and packaged by the products of the helper virus and the packaged DNA is infectious. We have analysed two viral genes expressed in immortalized cells and find that the gene encoding EBV nuclear antigen-2 is required for immortalization, whereas the gene for the EBV nuclear antigen leader protein is not.
Application of quantitative fluorescence and absorption-edge computed microtomography to image metal compartmentalization in Alyssum murale.

This paper shows that synchrotron-based fluorescence and absorption-edge computed microtomographies (CMT) are well-suited for determining the compartmentalization and concentration of metals in hyperaccumulating plant tissues. Fluorescence CMT of intact leaf, stem, and root samples revealed that Ni concentrated in stem and leaf dermal tissues and, together with Mn, in distinct regions associated with the Ca-rich trichomes on the leaf surface of the nickel hyperaccumulator Alyssum murale “Kotodesh”. Metal enrichment was also observed within the vascular system of the finer roots, stem, and leaves but absent from the coarser root, which had a well-correlated metal coating. Absorption-edge CMT showed the three-dimensional distribution of the highest metal concentrations and verified that epidermal localization and Ni and Mn co-localization at the trichome base are phenomena that occurred throughout the entire leaf and may contribute significantly to metal detoxification and storage. Ni was also observed in t...
Dopamine D1D2 antagonist combinations as antagonists of the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine

Abstract Although data suggest that the dopaminergic system mediates the discriminative stimulus effects of cocaine, neither selective D1 or D2 dopamine agonists nor selective D1 or D2 antagonists substitute reliably for or consistently block these effects. These findings suggest that concurrent activity at these receptor subtypes may underlie this discrimination. Accordingly, it would be expected that simultaneous blockade of these receptors may be necessary to block it fully. The ability of various combinations of the D1 antagonist, SCH 23390, and the D2 antagonist, haloperidol, were tested for their ability to block the cocaine stimulus in rats trained to discriminate cocaine (7.5, 10, or 13 mg/kg) from vehicle. Antagonist combinations decreased the percentage of cocaine-appropriate responses 10–95% below the cocaine baseline at doses of the antagonist that were inactive when given separately. These findings support the position that activity at D1-like and D2-like receptor subtypes may account for more of the pharmacological action of cocaine than activation of a single dopamine receptor subtype.
WEAVE: a system for visually linking 3-D and statistical visualizations, applied to cardiac simulation and measurement data

WEAVE (Workbench Environment for Analysis and Visual Exploration) is an environment for creating interactive visualization applications. WEAVE differs from previous systems in that it provides transparent linking between custom 3D visualizations and multidimensional statistical representations, and provides interactive color brushing between all visualizations. The authors demonstrate how WEAVE can be used to rapidly prototype a biomedical application, weaving together simulation data, measurement data, and 3D anatomical data concerning the propagation of excitation in the heart. These linked statistical and custom three-dimensional visualizations of the heart can allow scientists to more effectively study the correspondence of structure and behavior.
Klebsiella endocarditis: report of two cases and review

The rarity of endocarditis due to Klebsiella species limits its recognition and awareness of its often malignant course. We describe two recent cases of Klebsiella pneumoniae endocarditis and review the clinical context and outcomes of 48 other cases reported in the literature. At our hospital, endocarditis complicated only one of 86 consecutive episodes of bacteremia due to Klebsiella species. In 22 series of endocarditis that we reviewed, Klebsiella species caused < or =1.2% of cases of native valve endocarditis and up to 4.1% of cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis. Valves were replaced in 44% of these cases, and the mortality rate was 49% in cases for which outcome was specified. Valve replacement may be associated with improved survival. We conclude that Klebsiella species are a rare but ominous cause of complicated bacterial endocarditis that requires careful evaluation during the entire course of therapy.
RESPONSE OF THE PREOSTEOBLAST AND STEM CELL OF RAT BONE MARROW TO A LETHAL DOSE OF X‐IRRADIATION OR CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE

Following syngeneic or autotransplantation of hemopoietic tissue to a heterotopic location, bone formation has been observed to occur in the implanted tissue. the characteristics of the cell residing in hemopoietic tissue with bone forming potential (preosteoblast) are unknown. to define some properties of this cell, its response to X-irradiation and cyclophosphamide (CTX) was compared to the response of the hemopoietic stem cell. Adult, male rats were exposed to 900 R whole body X-irradiation or 220 mg/kg of intraperitoneal CTX. With either treatment the dose was sufficient to kill the animals by bone marrow failure. At intervals following the X-irradiation or CTX, hemopoietic tissue was examined for the presence of viable hemopoietic stem cells and preosteoblasts. Following X-irradiation, viable hemopoietic stem cells and preosteoblasts could not be detected. Following CTX these cells could be detected. It is suggested that in the rat CTX at 220 mg/kg, although causing death by bone marrow failure, does not reduce the population of the preosteoblast or hemopoietic stem cell as effectively as 900 R X-irradiation.
Optimizing Warehouse Forklift Dispatching Using a Sensor Network and Stochastic Learning

The authors report on a successful deployment of an inexpensive mobile wireless sensor network in a commercial warehouse served by a fleet of forklifts. The aim is to improve forklift dispatching and reduce the costs associated with the delays of loading/unloading delivery trucks. To that end, an integrated system including both hardware and software is constructed. First, the forklifts are instrumented with sensor nodes that collect an array of information, including the forklifts' physical location, usage time, bumping/collision history, and battery status. The hardware's capability is enhanced with a theoretically sound hypothesis testing technique to capture the rather elusive location information, and the collection of the data is done in an efficient event-driven manner. The information acquired combined with inventory information is fed into a sophisticated actor-critic type stochastic learning method to generate dispatching recommendations. Because noise is inevitable in such wireless sensor networks, the performance of the algorithm is investigated under different noise levels. In combining wireless sensing with state-of-the-art decision theory, this work extends beyond the standard use of wireless sensor networks as monitoring devices.
Valve-Sparing Root Reconstruction

d a h w g U t ver the last decade, valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction has evolved into an important technique in ur surgical armamentarium for dealing with aneurysmal isease of the thoracic aorta. The technique was originally eveloped largely with Marfan syndrome in mind; howver, it is now becoming clear that it has perhaps an even roader application among individuals with degenerative isease, bicuspid aortic valve disease with root dilation, nd even acute aortic dissection. The early and mid-term esults appear promising, although the true late durability ill only be known in the fullness of time. In broad terms, two approaches to the repair of such oot aneurysms have developed. My own exposure to hese techniques began in the early 1990s with the Yacoub echnique. The details of this technique were provided by rofessor Yacoub in the very first volume of Operative echniques in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. His own esults have been outstanding. Professor Yacoub’s method f excising the sinuses and replacing them with a scalloped raft using a single suture line above the surgical annulus ermits great flexibility in establishing the heights of the ommissural posts and creates full artificial sinuses of Valalva, which are readily appreciable on postoperative studes. While the functional significance of such sinuses reains to be proven, they may be important for preventing ontact of the fragile native leaflet against the Dacron graft
The influence of surface tension on the circular hydraulic jump

We present the results of a combined theoretical and experimental investigation of the influence of surface tension the acceleration due to gravity. The theory of viscous hydraulic jumps (Watson 1964) is extended through inclusion of the curvature force, and yields a new prediction for the radius of circular hydraulic jumps. Our experimental investigation demonstrates that the surface tension correction is generally small in laboratory settings, but appreciable for jumps of small radius and height.
The implementation of AFM for process monitoring and metrology in trench MOSFET device manufacturing

In this investigation the implementation of AFM as a tool for process control as well as a metrology tool for characterizing trench MOSFET devices in a manufacturing environment is examined. In particular this study focuses on three major issues surrounding the implementation of AFM into a high-volume manufacturing environment for process control. First, factors influencing automated data collection are reviewed including scan calibration, alignment identification, alignment issues, and SPC optimization. Second, the critical features of AFM tip selection, behavior, and capability are discussed. Finally, AFM monitoring capability for features within the trench, such as recessed polysilicon and ILD planarization, is evaluated. The AFM is shown to be effective at evaluating depth and surface topography issues. However, the AFM's ability to monitor critical dimension (CD) openings is shown to be very limited.
Lipid extraction from channel catfish muscle: comparison of solvent systems

During extraction of lipids from catfish minced muscle using 9 solvent systems, phospholipid and triacylglycerol recoveries were similar when tissue was mixed on a vortex (under nitrogen) with about 20 vol of chloroform:methanol (2:1), hexane:isopropanol (3:2), chloroform :isopropanol (7:11), dichloromethane:methanol (2:l) or chloro-form:methanol:water (2:2:1). Only a few minutes were required to extract a tissue sample by these methods as compared to a few hours for a Soxhlet extraction (petroleum ether) or for extraction by a dry column procedure (dichloromethane:methanol, 9:l). The time available for interaction of the muscle tissue with the dichlorome-thane:methanol (9:l) system was critical in extraction of lipids, particularly phospholipids.
Waging war on physical inactivity: using modern molecular ammunition against an ancient enemy

A hypothesis is presented based on a coalescence of anthropological estimations of Homo sapiens' phenotypes in the Late Paleolithic era 10,000 years ago, with Darwinian natural selection synergized with Neel's idea of the so-called thrifty gene. It is proposed that humans inherited genes that were evolved to support a physically active lifestyle. It is further postulated that physical inactivity in sedentary societies directly contributes to multiple chronic health disorders. Therefore, it is imperative to identify the underlying genetic and cellular/biochemical bases of why sedentary living produces chronic health conditions. This will allow society to improve its ability to effect beneficial lifestyle changes and hence improve the overall quality of living. To win the war against physical inactivity and the myriad of chronic health conditions produced because of physical inactivity, a multifactorial approach is needed, which includes successful preventive medicine, drug development, optimal target selection, and efficacious clinical therapy. All of these approaches require a thorough understanding of fundamental biology and how the dysregulated molecular circuitry caused by physical inactivity produces clinically overt disease. The purpose of this review is to summarize the vast armamentarium at our disposal in the form of the extensive scientific basis underlying how physical inactivity affects at least 20 of the most deadly chronic disorders. We hope that this information will provide readers with a starting point for developing additional strategies of their own in the ongoing war against inactivity-induced chronic health conditions.
Torque density measurements on vortex fluids produced by symmetry-breaking rational magnetic fields

We have recently reported on the discovery that an infinite class of triaxial magnetic fields is capable of producing rotational flows in magnetic particle suspensions. These triaxial fields are created by applying a dc field orthogonally to a rational biaxial field, comprised of orthogonal components whose frequencies form a rational ratio. The vorticity axis can be parallel to any of the three field components and can be predicted by a careful consideration of the symmetry of the dynamic field. In this paper we not only test the field-symmetry predictions, but also quantify fluid vorticity as a function of the field parameters (strength, frequency ratio, phase angle and relative dc field strength) and particle shape. These measurements validate the symmetry predictions and demonstrate that rational fields are as effective as vortex fields for producing strong fluid mixing, yet have the advantage that small changes in the frequency of one of the field components can change the vorticity axis. This approach extends the possibilities for noncontact control of fluid flows and should be useful in areas such as microfluidics, and the manipulation and mixing of microdroplets.
Computing bounds on dynamic power using fast zero-delay logic simulation

To consider process variation, we model gates with given lower and upper bounds on delays. For given input vectors, we first find logic transitions using zero-delay simulation. Our algorithms then determine the ambiguity (transient) interval, and maximum and minimum numbers for possible transitions. Computing these for all gates requires a linear-time analysis of each vector-pair. Weighting with node capacitances estimates lower and upper bounds on dynamic power. Results compare favorably with power analysis using Monte Carlo simulation, which requires significantly more computing resources. Bounded variations for node capacitances and leakage, not used in this work, are suggested for future investigation.
Impact of a nurse practitioner on the cost of managing inpatients with heart failure

We examined the impact on hospital costs of having a nurse practitioner manage uncomplicated patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure. This strategy was associated with a significant decrease in total hospital costs ($6,659+/-5,843 vs $5,211+/-4,137 [p < 0.03]), a trend toward decreased length of stay (4.0+/-3.0 vs 3.4+/-2.4 days [p = 0.13]), and no significant change in the 30-day readmission rate (13% of patients vs 16% of patients [p = NS]).
A new robust operator for computer vision: theoretical analysis

MINPRAN, a new robust operator, finds good fits in data sets where more than 50% of the points are outliers. Unlike other techniques that handle large outlier percentages, MINPRAN does not rely on a known error bound for the good data. Instead it assumes that the bad data are randomly (uniformly) distributed within the dynamic range of the sensor. Based on this, MINPRAN uses random sampling to search for the fit and the number of inliers to the fit that are least likely to have occurred randomly. It runs in time O(N/sup 2/+SNlogN), where S is the number of random samples and N is the number of data points. We demonstrate analytically and experimentally that MINPRAN distinguishes good fits from fits to random data, and that MINPRAN finds accurate fits and nearly the correct number of inliers, regardless of the percentage of true inliers. >
An examination of the basic hypothesis of Zimm–Bragg theory based on energy distributions of peptide chains

Energy distributions of six alanine-based peptides were generated by combining backbone and sidechain rotamers with a matrix algorithm and by classifying the obtained chain conformations in order of increasing energy. The interaction range was varied from 3 to 6 to allow a maximum of two contiguous i,i+4 hydrogen bonds. An examination of these results has shown an agreement between the energy distributions of the interaction intervals of the lysine residues located in positions 7, 12, and 17 and the basic hypothesis of Zimm–Bragg Theory. It was found, however, that the alanine residues have energy distributions in which the α-helix is the preferred conformation even when a single i,i+4 hydrogen bond is formed so that α-helix nucleation beginning with these residues is noncooperative. As a consequence, instead of being an all or nothing process, the helix–coil transition of short peptide chains should have the participation of small stretches of α-helix and the nucleation (σ) and stabilization (s) parameters of Zimm–Bragg theory should have values larger than those determined by host–guest experiments. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Online exploration in least-squares policy iteration

One of the key problems in reinforcement learning is balancing exploration and exploitation. Another is learning and acting in large or even continuous Markov decision processes (MDPs), where compact function approximation has to be used. In this paper, we provide a practical solution to exploring large MDPs by integrating a powerful exploration technique, Rmax, into a state-of-the-art learning algorithm, least-squares policy iteration (LSPI). This approach combines the strengths of both methods, and has shown its effectiveness and superiority over LSPI with two other popular exploration rules in several benchmark problems.
Unexpected MH deaths without exposure to inhalation anesthetics in pediatric patients.

Summary Children, later found to have ryanodine receptor type one variants (RYR1), died without exposure to inhalation anesthetics. Family members with the same RYR1 variants had contracture tests consistent with susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia or in vitro testing showed increased sensitivity to RYR1 agonist.
Diverse Recombinant HIV-1 Envs Fail To Activate B Cells Expressing the Germline B Cell Receptors of the Broadly Neutralizing Anti-HIV-1 Antibodies PG9 and 447-52D

ABSTRACT Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV-1 are generated during HIV-1-infection but have not yet been elicited by immunization with recombinant forms of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env; the target of anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies). A particular type of bNAb targets the CD4-binding site (CD4-BS) region of Env. These antibodies are derived from a limited number of VH/VL genes and can bind to and neutralize diverse HIV-1 strains. Recent reports have demonstrated the limited potential of Env to activate B cells expressing the germline B cell receptor (BCR) forms of anti-CD4-BS bNAbs. A potential reason for the lack of elicitation of anti-CD4-BS bNAbs by Env immunogens is the absence of stimulation of naive B cells expressing the germline BCRs of such antibodies. Several bNAbs have been isolated from HIV-1-infected subjects that target other structurally conserved regions of Env. How frequently Env immunogens stimulate the germline BCRs that give rise to bNAbs that target Env regions other than the CD4-BS is not well understood. Here, we investigated the interactions between diverse Envs and the BCRs of known bNAbs targeting not only the CD4-BS but also conserved elements of the second and third variable Env regions. Our results indicate that Env is generally ineffective in engaging germline BCRs of bNAbs irrespective of their epitope target. Potentially, this is the result of viral evolutionary mechanisms adopted to escape broadly neutralizing antibody responses. Our results also suggest that a single Env capable of activating germline BCRs that target distinct Env epitopes will be very difficult to identify or to design. IMPORTANCE Broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 are thought to be an important component of the immune responses that a successful vaccine should elicit. Broadly neutralizing antibodies are generated by a subset of those infected by HIV-1, but so far, they have not been generated by immunization with recombinant Envelope (Env, the target of anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies). Here, we provide evidence that the inability of Env to elicit the production of broadly neutralizing antibodies is due to the inability of diverse Envs to engage the germline B cell receptor forms of known broadly neutralizing antibodies.
TRANSFORMATION OF A HISTOCOMPATIBILITY IMMUNOGEN INTO A TOLEROGEN

H-2 antigens on spleen cell membranes absorb antibody to H-2 antigens and induce both humoral and cellular responses. Liver cell membrane H-2 antigens by contrast also absorb antibody but do not influence cellular response and are tolerogenic for the humoral response. This paper demonstrates that syngeneic liver cells contain a substance which can transform the properties of allogeneic spleen cell membranes into those of allogeneic liver cell membranes, i.e., transform a humoral immunogen into a humoral tolerogen. The process appears to be accompanied by cleavage of an antigen component from the spleen membrane and hence to result in a structural change in the H-2 antigen.
An energy management IC for bio-implants using ultracapacitors for energy storage

We present the first known energy management IC to allow low-power systems, such as biomedical implants, to optimally use ultracapacitors instead of batteries as their chief energy storage elements. The IC, fabricated in a 0.18 µm CMOS process, consists of a switched-capacitor DC-DC converter, a 4 nW bandgap voltage reference, a high-efficiency rectifier to allow wireless recharging of the capacitor bank, and a switch matrix and digital control circuitry to govern the stacking and unstacking of the ultracapacitors. The stacking procedure allows for more than 98% of the initial energy stored in the capacitors to be removed before the output voltage drops unsuitably low. The DC-DC converter achieves a peak efficiency of 51% for loads between 10 and 100 µW, operates for input voltages between 1.25 and 2.5 V.
Azorhizobium caulinodans pyruvate dehydrogenase activity is dispensable for aerobic but required for microaerobic growth.

Azorhizobium caulinodans mutant 62004 carries a null allele of pdhB, encoding the E1β subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase, which converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. This pdhB mutant completely lacks pyruvate oxidation activities yet grows aerobically on C4 dicarboxylates (succinate, L-malate) as sole energy source, albeit slowly, and displays pleiotropic growth defects consistent with physiological acetyl-CoA limitation. Temperature-sensitive (ts), conditional-lethal derivatives of the pdhB mutant lack (methyl)malonate semialdehyde dehydrogenase activity, which thus also allows L-malate conversion to acetyl-CoA. The pdhB mutant remains able to fix N2 in aerobic culture, but is unable to fix N2 in symbiosis with host Sesbania rostrata plants and cannot grow microaerobically. In culture, A. caulinodans wild-type can use acetate, β-D-hydroxybutyrate and nicotinate – all direct precursors of acetyl-CoA – as sole C and energy source for aerobic, but not microaerobic growth. Paradoxically, acetyl-CoA is thus a required intermediate for microaerobic oxidative energy transduction while not itself oxidized. Accordingly, A. caulinodans energy transduction under aerobic and microaerobic conditions is qualitatively different.
Aiding Consumer Nutrition Decisions with the Simple Graphic Label Format

This article reports results of research replicating and extending Mohr, Wyse, and Hansen (1980). Mohr et al. found that the quality of consumer nutrition decisions was significantly higher with the graphic nutrient density label format than with the current label format. The present study replicates this finding and, more im portant, demonstrates that the same effect can be produced merely by present ing consumers with a simple graphic label format. Policymakers may wish to con sider the simple graphic label format as a substitute for the graphic nutrient den sity format recently proposed as a replacement for the current label format.
Structural Discrimination is Associated With Smoking Status Among a National Sample of Transgender Individuals.

INTRODUCTION Limited evidence suggests that transgender individuals smoke at significantly higher rates than the general population. We aimed to determine whether structural or everyday discrimination experiences predict smoking behavior among transgender individuals when sociodemographic, health, and gender-specific factors were controlled. METHODS Data from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey (N = 4781), a cross-sectional online and paper survey distributed to organizations serving the transgender community, were analyzed in order to determine the association between current smoking and discrimination experiences and other potential predictors. Logistic regression models were used to establish factors that predict smoking. RESULTS Participants reported experiencing both structural (80.4%) and everyday (65.9%) discrimination. Multivariate analyses showed that participants who reported attending some college, graduating college, or having a graduate degree were less likely to smoke compared to those with a high school degree or less. Uninsured participants were more likely to report smoking compared to those with private insurance. Those who used alcohol or drugs for coping were also more likely to smoke. Participants whose IDs and records listed their preferred gender were less likely to smoke (OR = 0.84); those who had experienced structural discrimination were more like to report smoking (OR = 1.65). CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed in order to explore the relationship between smoking and legal transition among transgender individuals. Strategies to prevent smoking and encourage cessation among this vulnerable population are also needed. In addition, comprehensive collection of gender identity data in the context of national surveys, tobacco-related research, and clinical settings is sorely needed. IMPLICATIONS This study establishes a link between experiences of structural discrimination among transgender individuals and smoking status.
99 Characterization of lipid and inflammatory profiles in horses with equine metabolic syndrome

s / Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 35 (2015) 418e436 426 99 Characterization of lipid and inflammatory profiles in horses with equine metabolic syndrome S.E. Elzinga*, P.L. Wood , and A.A. Adams 1 University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; 2 Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, TN, USA Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a growing problem in the equine industry that is linked to the potentially devastating condition laminitis. One of the defining characteristics of EMS is obesity. In humans and mice, a relationship between obesity, lipid profiles, and inflammation has been observed. As such, focus has shifted to using lipidomics to classify lipid profiles of individuals with metabolic dysfunction, but this technique has yet to be utilized in the horse. Moreover, previous work has yielded conflicting results about the inflammatory state of EMS animals. Considering that abnormal lipid profiles may contribute to altered cell signaling or increased inflammation, our goal was to examine possible differences in plasma lipid profiles of EMS horses compared with controls, as well as better understand their inflammatory state. To accomplish this, 23 age-matched mixed sex and breed horses (13 ± 3 years old) were selected in the spring of 2014 from the University of Kentucky’s herd. Of the horses, 9 were classified controls and 14 EMS. EMS was determined by the presence of hyperinsulinemia, general or regional obesity, and history of laminitis. All horses were maintained on a diet of mixed grass hay and had access to water and a mineral block ad libitum. Prior to blood sample collection horses were weighed, and average body condition (BCS) and cresty neck score (CNS) was calculated from 3 trained investigators. Following fasting, serum and plasma sample collection was performed via jugular venipuncture and an oral sugar test was administered. Serum was analyzed for insulin, leptin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Plasma samples were used to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells for cytokine protein concentration via flow cytometry and gene transcription via RT-PCR. Plasma was utilized for lipidomic analysis. Data were analyzed using SIGMASTAT version 3.1 by 2 way ANOVAwith fixed effects set as EMS vs control and age. As expected, EMS horses had increased BCS, CNS, basal insulin, and insulin post administration of oral sugar (P 0.05) differences between the 2 groups, however high variability may have influenced results. Lipidomics analysis revealed significantly elevated (P < 0.05) plasma tri-, di-, mono-acylglycerides, and ceramide in EMS horses, but lower sphingomyelins, suflatides, and choline plasmalogens. Thus, EMS horses have differences in their lipid profiles compared with controls.
The 1 Percent Solution

This working paper lays out a general framework for how the nation can address its long-term fiscal challenges, without tax increases, to avert the coming fiscal crisis and balance the budget within the next decade. This paper does not provide a master plan identifying specific programmatic spending reductions in discretionary spending, such as defense and agriculture, nor in entitlement programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Entitlement spending on Medicare and Medicaid alone is estimated to continually increase as a share of the economy. Controlling the increase in the runaway growth of health-care expenditures will require tough choices that many politicians seem unable to make, and that the public may or may not support. However, what is clear is that spending needs to be controlled. Delaying the tough choices necessary will only require even tougher and harder choices down the road. This paper provides a framework to compare and evaluate other reform plans and, just as importantly, to stimulate discussion on how to control and reduce government spending.The United States has a spending problem. For fiscal year 2010, the federal government spent approximately $3.5 trillion, or almost 24 percent of GDP, while collecting $2.2 trillion in revenue. The result was a $1.37 trillion deficit. For fiscal year 2011, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the deficit will increase to over $1.5 trillion, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) estimates that the deficit will be $1.6 trillion. While debt held by the public was approximately $9 trillion in fiscal year 2010, or 62 percent of GDP, the national gross debt, which includes bonds such as those held in the Social Security trust fund, now stands at over $14 trillion and is estimated to climb to over $15 trillion in fiscal year 2011, which would amount to almost 100 percent of GDP.
Throughput-Delay Tradeoffs in Content-Centric Ad Hoc and Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

We study the throughput and delay characteristics of wireless networks based on a content-centric network architecture, where users are mainly interested in retrieving content stored in the network, rather than in maintaining source-destination communication. Nodes are assumed to be uniformly distributed in the network area. Each node has a limited-capacity content store, which it uses to cache contents according to the proposed caching scheme. Requested content follows a general popularity distribution, and users employ multi-hop communication to retrieve the requested content from the closest cache. We derive the throughput-delay tradeoff of the content-centric wireless network model and solve the caching optimization problem. We then evaluate the network performance for a Zipf content popularity distribution, letting the number of content types and the network size both go to infinity. Finally, we extend our analysis to heterogeneous wireless networks where, in addition to wireless nodes, there are a number of base stations uniformly distributed at random in the network area.
A New Genus, Artucephalus, and a New Species of Mexican Leafhopper (Homoptera, Cicadellidae)

Among other forms of leafhoppers taken in the State of Guerrero, Mexico, this is one of the interesting species which superficially resembles some of the southwestern leafhoppers, but which apparently belongs to an entirely different genus.
Prostate Specific Antigen A Look at Testing Guidelines

The discovery of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) was a landmark achievement of the 20th century according to the American Cancer Society. As a result of this discovery, the PSA screening test was developed. Over the past few years, the mounting controversy over the specificity of this test led to revisions of the screening guidelines by several organizations. This article reviews the new PSA screening guidelines.
Management Maintenance of CNC Machine Tools

In this paper,the working characteristics of CNC machine tools for teaching,management,maintenance and repair and other aspects,that the teaching performance of CNC machine tools used to play good or bad depends on the management and maintenance personnel,quality and operational skills,made from different aspects and perspectives strengthen the management of CNC machine tools,targeted to improve and perfect maintenance and repair of CNC machine tools mechanisms.CNC machine tools to ensure long-term safe and stable operation,better for the teaching service.
“Security Dilemma” and Innovations of China's National Security Concept

In her basic layout of international strategy, China should treat the defense and extension of national strategic interest as the core, joins into the international society further and becomes a responsible, constructive and creditable player under the guideline of “the New Security Concept”. The rise of China will certainly impact the existed power and interest layouts of the international society, to construct and develop international interest and counter-threat community should be regarded as an important route for China's successful rise.
The reduction of postoperative adhesions by two different barrier methods versus control in cynomolgus monkeys: a prospective, randomized, crossover study

Objectives To determine the effectiveness of two different surgical membranes in preventing postoperative adhesions as compared with control and to evaluate the benefit as compared with "second-look" adhesiolysis. Design A randomized, prospective, crossover study. Setting A colony of individually caged non-human primates, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk, Virginia. Interventions Hysterotomy or adhesiolysis at the time of exploratory laparotomy, with subsequent scoring of adhesions based on area, vascularity, tenacity, and adhesion score. Results The combined crossover data reveal that both surgical barriers are superior in adhesion prevention to microsurgical technique alone. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane; WL Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) was better than oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed; Johnson and Johnson Medical, Inc., Arlington, TX) with respect to adhesion area, tenacity, and vascularity, with a significant improvement in the total adhesion score. Second-look adhesiolysis resulted in significant adhesion reduction in the control group, making second-look adhesiolysis statistically similar to the use of either barrier alone (without subsequent adhesiolysis). Gore-Tex removal does not result in adhesion formation as determined by third-look surgery. Conclusions Both Interceed and Gore-Tex show a reduction in the prevention of postsurgical adhesions after hysterotomy incisions, as compared with microsurgical technique alone. Second-look adhesiolysis is as effective as either barrier in the reduction of permanent pelvic adhesions.
Quantifying activity time via pedometry in fifth- and sixth-grade physical education.

Background: The aim of this study was to advance physical activity (PA) surveillance in physical education (PE) by establishing a steps/min guideline that would accurately classify fifth and sixth graders as engaging in PA for 10 min or one-third of the PE lesson time. Methods: Data were collected on 147 (11.48 ± 0.83 y) girls and boys in 14 intact classes from five schools. PA was assessed via behavioral observation (i.e., criterion) and pedometry (i.e., predictor). Logistic and linear regression techniques were employed to generate pedometer steps/min cut points. Classification of outcome probability (c), sensitivity, specificity, and receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curve statistics tested the decision accuracy of generated steps/min cut points. Results: PA measures were strongly correlated (r ≥ 0.80, P < 0.01). A steps/min interval of 60 to 62 was the best cut point indicator of students meeting the PA guidelines. Conclusions: Findings support steps/min as an accurate quantifier of PA time in s...
Letting the good times roll: Adolescence as a period of reduced inhibition to appetitive social cues

Given the spike in risky behaviors that accompanies adolescence, the need to examine the processes and contextual factors that influence disinhibition for adolescents is of great import. Using an emotionally salient cognitive control task, we examined how socially appetitive and aversive cues differentially affect behavioral inhibition across development. In Study 1 (N = 94, ages 8-30 years), we found that socially appetitive cues were particularly detrimental to inhibition, a finding driven by our adolescent sample. In Study 2 (N = 35, ages 12-17 years), we sought to explore the neural processes implicated in suboptimal inhibition during adolescence. Replicating our behavioral findings from Study 1, socially appetitive cues again caused detriments to inhibition compared with socially aversive cues. At the neural level, increased activation in affective regions (amygdala and ventral striatum) while viewing socially appetitive relative to socially aversive cues was correlated with increases in disinhibition. Furthermore, both whole-brain and functional connectivity analyses suggest recruitment of affective and social-detection networks (fusiform, bilateral temporoparietal junction) may account for the increased focus on appetitive relative to aversive cues. Together, our findings suggest that adolescents show detriments in inhibition to socially appetitive contexts, which is related to increased recruitment of affective and social processing neural regions.
Information Systems Division: Intrapersonal, Meaning, Attitude, and Social Systems

The Information Systems Division of the International Communication Association is concerned with the systems that make communication work, ranging from the intrapersonal (e.g., emotional and cognitive systems) to interpersonal, organizational, and societal systems. Over the past two decades, the interests of the division have focused increasingly on systems of mental processes in communication, but underlying mechanisms explored in information systems research range from reflexive processing of an advertisement’s formal features to concepts of self-organizing systems used to model the behavior of large organizations. This review looks at four major areas of recent interest to scholars in the Information Systems Division. The first two sections examine systems of mental processing of media from reflexive attentional and emotional responses to the conscious interpretations made by viewers. The third section examines the workings of belief systems, particularly as they apply to attitude change. The final se...
Faster Algorithms for Isomer Network Generation

Isomer networks provide a mechanism to understand and interpret relationships between organic molecules with applications in medicinal chemistry and drug design. The extraction of isomer networks is a time- and data-intensive computation (e.g., we have experimentally determined the space required for the computation of a set of 25 isomers of nicotine to be 205 MB; extrapolating this, we have projected the computation to require 8 TB of storage for a set of 1 050 219 isomers of nicotine). In this paper we describe our efforts to improve the network extraction process by using the symmetry present in most molecules to reduce runtime and memory and streamlining the algorithm used for the detection of duplicate dnNames. Together, these techniques result in reductions in memory of up to 60% and improvements in runtime of up to a factor of 100.
Activity-Based Costing in the Restaurant Industry: What's Past Is Prologue

Restaurant managers often do not have a comprehensive understanding of all of the costs involved in operating a successful restaurant, leading to inaccurate, and potentially unprofitable, menu item pricing. One trend in cost analysis is to explore techniques used in other industries, including activity-based costing. A body of work exploring the application of activity-based costing in the foodservice industry has gradually evolved. A review of previous research on activity-based costing in various restaurant segments validates it as a consequential approach that is capable of reducing waste, preserving employment, and producing maintainable profitability in the restaurant industry.
Deciphering General Characteristics of Residues Constituting Allosteric Communication Paths

Allostery is one of most important processes in molecular biology by which proteins transmit the information from one functional site to another, frequently distant site. The information on ligand binding or on posttranslational modification at one site is transmitted along allosteric communication path to another functional site allowing for regulation of protein activity. The detailed analysis of the general character of allosteric communication paths is therefore extremely important. It enables to better understand the mechanism of allostery and can be used in for the design of new generations of drugs.