cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE PROS AND PERILS OF INTERDEPENDENCE: FEMINIST ORGANIZING IN ONLINE GAME FORUMS

Within video game culture, where the medium's association with masculinity remains strong, it can be difficult for female players to connect with one another or to find safe spaces for play. Without support systems, many drop out of gaming over time. This indicates a need to build greater interdependencies between affected players, to provide interpersonal support and develop collective responses to gaming’s inequalities. Research in other areas suggests that targeted internet communities, such as Facebook groups, could provide space for feminist networking, consciousness-raising, and action, but it also reveals that such spaces have limits. Like games, the internet is often seen as masculinized, meaning explicitly feminist conversations and communities can draw disruptive trolls. Groups that police their boundaries to avoid these problems may implicitly prioritize some participants—i.e. straight, white, cisgender women—over others. This exploratory study analyzes top posts in two gaming forums—one general and one female-specific—to begin assessing if/how online communities for female gamers build interdependencies and raise feminist consciousness. More specifically, it assesses posts about harassment—which is often directed at female players as perceived “outsiders”—to determine if, when, and how toxicity is discussed as a general vs. a gendered problem, as well as if resulting discourses offer opportunities for consciousness-raising and collective action. This paper seeks to help marginalized players build stronger, more inclusive gaming and internet cultures.
Motor function impairment in chronic HIV is similar but less severe to that seen in Parkinson’s disease (P6.080)

Objective: To determine if motor function deficits in people aging with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection resemble those observed in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Background: Advances in anti-retroviral therapy (ART) have allowed people diagnosed with HIV to live longer but potentially develop HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder and functional brain network degradation. Brain networks affected by HIV are similar to those affected in PD, but whether this results in similar motor control disorder is less clear. Design/Methods: PD subjects in the off-therapy state (N = 23), HIV subjects (N = 21) and healthy aging control subjects (N = 19) performed quantitative fine motor control and gait tasks: rapid alternative finger tapping (RAFT) on an engineered keyboard, validated with the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS III), and repetitive stepping in place (SIP), validated with the PD Freezing of Gait Questionnaire. We have shown that arrhythmicity is the RAFT measure most sensitive to the UPDRS III and gait arrhythmicity is a marker of freezing of gait (FOG). Movement was also rated with the UPDRS III. Results: During RAFT, HIV and PD groups were both more arrhythmic (P Conclusions: Validated quantitative kinematics revealed chronic HIV infection resulted in similar, but less severe, motor function impairment as PD. The UPDRS III was not sensitive to disease abnormalities. These results provide insight into the progression of HIV-associated motor decline. Disclosure: Dr. Bronte-Stewart has nothing to disclose. Dr. Prabhakar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Martin has nothing to disclose. Dr. Trager has nothing to disclose. Dr. Velisar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Koop has nothing to disclose. Dr. Muller-Oehring has nothing to disclose. Dr. Poston has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schulte has nothing to disclose.
Acute on Chronic Liver Failure: Factors Associated With Transplantation.

Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) carries a poor prognosis unless liver transplantation is offered. We present risk factors associated with proceeding with liver transplantation in patients with ACLF. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with ACLF who presented to a single transplant center between January 2016 and December 2017 was performed. We compared patients who were transplanted with patients who were not. Results During the study period, 144 patients with ACLF were identified, 86 patients (59.7%) were transplanted, and 58 were not. The transplanted patients had a lower number of failed organs (4 versus 5, P < 0.001) and lower incidence of ACLF grade 3 (76.7% versus 94.8%, P = 0.014) compared with nontransplanted patients. Liver transplantation offered a 1-y survival of 86% as compared to 12% in the nontransplanted group. Hospital charges were significantly higher among transplanted patients as compared with the nontransplanted patients ($227 886 versus $88 900, P < 0.001). Elevated serum lactate was a risk factor in not offering liver transplantation in ACLF patients. Conclusions In appropriately selected patients with ACLF, liver transplantation is feasible and can provide above 86% 1-y patient survival even in grade 3 ACLF.
Windows 2000 Security

Windows suffers from the WOOB syndrome: It’s wide open out of the box so that the user has all features and capabilities accessible to him automatically if he wants them. Unfortunately, the undesirables on the Internet have decided to take advantage of this unguarded default state and use it as a basis for staging attacks, hack attempts, and general computing mayhem.
Characterization of cleaning and disinfecting tasks and product use among hospital occupations

Background Healthcare workers have an elevated prevalence of asthma and related symptoms associated with the use of cleaning/disinfecting products. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize cleaning/disinfecting tasks and products used among hospital occupations. Methods Workers from 14 occupations at five hospitals were monitored for 216 shifts, and work tasks and products used were recorded at five-minute intervals. The major chemical constituents of each product were identified from safety data sheets. Results Cleaning and disinfecting tasks were performed with a high frequency at least once per shift in many occupations. Medical equipment preparers, housekeepers, floor strippers/waxers, and endoscopy technicians spent on average 108–177 min/shift performing cleaning/disinfecting tasks. Many occupations used products containing amines and quaternary ammonium compounds for >100 min/shift. Conclusions This analysis demonstrates that many occupations besides housekeeping incur exposures to cleaning/disinfecting products, albeit for different durations and using products containing different chemicals. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:101–111, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Distinction between a Special Class of Multiplicative Events and Additive Events: Theory and Application to Automotive Failure Diagnosis

In this paper, we construct a suboptimal generalized likelihood ratio to distinguish between a change in the operating point of an internal combustion engine and a class of actuator failures. The problem is formulated as a binary decision problem between a known multiplicative event and a partially unknown additive event. The resulting algorithm ia simulated and verified using engine models for a number of noise realisations. Both known and unknown event onset times are considered.
A novel probabilistic approach utilizing clip attribute as hidden knowledge for event recognition

This paper proposes a novel probabilistic approach to utilize clip attributes as hidden knowledge for event recognition. Event recognition in surveillance videos is very challenging due to its large intra-class variations and relative low image resolution. The clip attributes, that are available only during training, provide auxiliary hidden information about the variation of the event appearance. Utilizing such hidden knowledge can help better model the joint probability distribution between event and its observations, and thus improve the recognition performance. We propose a probabilistic model to systematically incorporate the clip attributes into the event recognition. Experiments on real surveillance data show improved event recognition performance with the use of the clip attributes.
Risk factors associated with anthrax outbreak in animals in North Dakota, 2005: a retrospective case-control study.

Objective.We identified the risk factors associated with the anthrax outbreak of 2005 in animals in North Dakota.Methods.Medical records of the 2005 anthrax outbreak were obtained from the Veterina...
Evaluating the performance of a stopped-flow near-infrared spectrophotometer for studying fast kinetics of actinide reactions

A stopped-flow rapid mixing device interfaced to a high performance miniature fibre optic CCD NIR detector permits the study of fast redox kinetics of actinide reactions at minimal cost. The use of fibre optics enables the stopped-flow device to be readily used in a glove-box. The system has been evaluated at 980 nm by observing the in-growth of Np(V) from a fast reduction reaction of Np(VI), and has been shown to perform well in this spectral region.
Homosexuality, Religion, and Science: Moral Authority and the Persistence of Negative Attitudes†

The liberalization of attitudes toward homosexuality in the United States over the past 30 years is well documented. Despite these changes, substantial resistance to equality for gay men and lesbians remains. Previous studies indicate that beliefs about the etiology of homosexuality are central to this discussion. Those who believe homosexuality is innate are more favorable, while those who believe it is the result of a choice are more negative. Moreover, experimental research indicates that those with negative views actually become more opposed when a natural explanation is proposed. This study highlights the importance of perceived sources of epistemic and moral authority for understanding views of homosexuality. Using stances on culturally controversial issues involving “science and religion” as indicators of where individuals place authority, we outline the connection between perceptions of moral authority and attributions about homosexuality. Analyses of a national survey of American adults show that, net of controls, one’s stance on moral authority is the strongest predictor of attributions about whether homosexuality is chosen or innate.
Control of mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: transcriptional regulation of algR and identification of the second regulatory gene, algQ.

A new alginate regulatory gene, algQ, was identified in a chromosomal region which, when tandemly amplified, induces mucoidy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The algQ gene was found closely linked to the previously identified algR gene. Both algQ and algR were required for transcription of the key alginate biosynthetic gene, algD. In addition, expression of the algR gene was studied. The algR promoter was mapped by S1 nuclease and reverse transcription and found to be activated in mucoid cells. However, even in nonmucoid cells, transcription of algR was detectable at an approximately 50-fold-lower level, as opposed to the algD promoter, which was silent in the nonmucoid background. Transcription of both promoters was studied by using algR- and algD-specific oligonucleotides and total cellular RNA from fresh cystic fibrosis isolates of mucoid P. aeruginosa and their nonmucoid revertants. Identical patterns of activity were found in all strains: in mucoid cells, both algR and algD were activated. This finding indicated that common mechanisms were involved in the regulation of alginate gene expression. However, when the algR gene was cloned behind the tac promoter on a broad-host-range-controlled expression vector, induction of transcription with isopropropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) caused the appearance of a nonmucoid phenotype in previously mucoid cells. This effect was transient, since removal of the inducer (IPTG) made cells mucoid again. Since the algR gene product is homologous to transcriptional regulators from a class of environmentally responsive systems (known to have a second, sensory component), the algQ gene could be a candidate for the sensory component of the alginate system. Images
TNFα mRNA expression in allergic inflammation

Using the technique of in situ hybridization, we have attempted to identify messenger RNA for tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) in cells infiltrating allergen-induced late phase reaction (LPR) of the skin and the nose of atopic subjects. We have also compared the number of TNF alpha mRNA positive cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from atopic asthmatics and normal controls. Twenty-four hours after local allergen challenge, 12/14 skin biopsies and 9/10 nasal biopsies had positive hybridization signals for TNF alpha mRNA whereas only 4/14 and 2/10 biopsies were positive in the relevant diluent controls. Compared with diluent sites significantly increased numbers of cells expressing mRNA for TNF alpha were observed in the LPR of skin (P less than 0.004) and nose (P less than 0.006). All BAL from asthmatics (n = 10) and from normal volunteers (n = 10) had cells showing positive hybridization signals for TNF alpha mRNA but these were at increased frequency in asthmatics (P less than 0.001). These results suggest that TNF alpha may be an important cytokine in atopic allergic inflammation.
Non-Holographic Three-Dimensional Display Devices

This paper provides a review of non-holographic display devices. Pertinent aspects of the human visual system are briefly discussed in relation to the design of devices for display of three-dimensional data. Several technologies which have now reached relative maturity are discussed. A broad scope of applications strongly drives new developments, and the present state-of-the-art is considered.
Origins of the Tumor Microenvironment: Quantitative Assessment of Adipose-Derived and Bone Marrow–Derived Stroma

To meet the requirements for rapid tumor growth, a complex array of non-neoplastic cells are recruited to the tumor microenvironment. These cells facilitate tumor development by providing matrices, cytokines, growth factors, as well as vascular networks for nutrient and waste exchange, however their precise origins remain unclear. Through multicolored tissue transplant procedures; we have quantitatively determined the contribution of bone marrow-derived and adipose-derived cells to stromal populations within syngeneic ovarian and breast murine tumors. Our results indicate that subpopulations of tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) are recruited from two distinct sources. The majority of fibroblast specific protein (FSP) positive and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) positive TAFs originate from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) located in bone marrow sources, whereas most vascular and fibrovascular stroma (pericytes, α-SMA+ myofibroblasts, and endothelial cells) originates from neighboring adipose tissue. These results highlight the capacity for tumors to utilize multiple sources of structural cells in a systematic and discriminative manner.
Dispersion Matrices for Variance Components Models

Abstract The dispersion matrix of balanced data in a two-way crossed-classification variance-components model is generalized to the case of any balanced-data variance-components model, consisting of crossed and/or nested classifications. The eigenvalues, determinant and inverse, of this generalized matrix are derived.
Multivariate analysis of avian vocalizations

Abstract This paper examines several multivariate techniques that may be used in analyzing vocalizations. A general comparison of multiple linear regression, discriminant analysis, canonical correlation, cluster analysis, and principal components analysis is included with a discussion of when these tests may be appropriate for vocalization studies. Examples using vocalizations from Laysan and black-footed albatrosses are given to illustrate each technique.
Free-convection layers at large prandtl number

The behavior of laminar free-convection boundary layers at large Prandtl number is considered. Plane and axisymmetric flows are treated simultaneously in terms of a unified formulation. Flow and heat-transfer quantities are expressed in terms of expansions within an inner and an outer layer, both of which lie inside the Prandtl's viscous layer. The first two approximations are given in general and the first three approximation for self-similar flows. The inner solutions provide information on skin friction and heat transfer, whereas the outer solutions determine the mass flow rate induced by buoyancy. Numerical results are given for the selfsimilar flows.
Accelerating finite-difference analysis simulations with a configurable computing machine

Abstract This article describes the implementation of a two-dimensional heat transfer simulation system using a Splash-2 configurable computing machine (CCM). This application was implemented as a proof-of-concept system illustrating the computational benefits of CCMs in simulating physical systems. Configurable computing machines are an emerging class of computing platform characterized by providing the computational performance of application-specific processors, yet retaining the flexibility and rapid reconfigurability attributed to general-purpose processors over a diversity of tasks. In addition, this paper discusses the process of discretizing the physical domain of such systems, along with the techniques used for mathematical simulation, to illustrate the development process for a CCM application. Also presented are the fundamental properties of CCMS and why they are well suited for the application class presented. A description of the approach and implementation is included, along with an analysis of the performance on the target system.
Measurements of CH radical concentrations in an acetylene/oxygen flame and comparisons to modeling calculations

Absolute CH(X2II) and CH*(A2) concentrations have been measured in a low pressure C2H2/O2 flat flame using laser absorption and emission spectroscopy. The effect of equivalence ratio, pressure, and temperature on CH and CH* concentrations were investigated. Both species concentrations were found to peak at approximately stoichiometric conditions and exhibited strong temperature dependences. In an 1800 K flame at 40 torr the peak CH concentration was 24 ppm while CH* was about 1000 times less (0.018 ppm). Calculated CH concentrations using a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism and literature values for the rate constants agreed within 40 percent of the experimental measurements.
Nuclear Electric Field Gradient and Mean-Square Displacement Tensors in Tellurium Metal

The M\"ossbauer effect in Te single-crystal absorbers was studied along different crystal axes. Area ratios of the quadrupole doublet were used as an experimental parameter to extract the electric field gradient and mean-square displacement tensors. Experimental data, taken at the temperature of liquid helium, are well fitted by collinear principal axes for the electric field gradient and mean-square displacement tensors. The quadrupole splitting, asymmetry parameter, and mean-square displacement parameters are $\ensuremath{\Delta}{E}_{q}=7.74\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.10$ mm/sec, $\ensuremath{\eta}=0.64\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04$, $〈{x}^{2}〉=〈{y}^{2}〉=〈{z}^{2}〉=(1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05){\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}$.
Empirically evaluating the effectiveness of reading interventions: The use of brief experimental analysis and single case designs

Recent advances in area of brief experimental analysis have demonstrated that comparative single case designs can be used to meet criteria for empirically supported treatments. The purpose of the present study is to provide an overview of how single case design methodology can be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of school-based interventions in the area of reading. We examined the effects of combining skill-based and performance-based reading interventions on the oral reading fluency of four elementary-aged students identified with mild reading problems. A brief experimental analysis using an adapted alternating treatment design was employed to examine the effects of the intervention conditions across a 12-week period. For a majority of the participants, the effects of combining these two types of interventions resulted in greater oral reading rates than when a skill-based intervention was presented in isolation. The results of this study demonstrate how single case design elements, combined with brief experimental analysis, can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments as well as treatment components. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cold Storage and Pretreatment Incubation Effects on Soil Microbial Properties

A long-standing dilemma for soil microbial assays is how best to store soil samples between sampling and analysis. We studied the effects of sample handling and storage on methods used to determine soil microbial biomass, structure, and function. For this study, one forest soil (Gilpin), and two agricultural soils (Granby and Hoytville) were selected with five commonly used sample pretreatments: (i) fresh soil; (ii) air drying for 14 d followed by rewetting (65% water-holding capacity) and incubation (25°C) for 14 d (D/R); (iii) 28 d at 4°C; (iv) 28 d at -20°C; and (v) 28 d at -80°C. Immediately after pretreatments, soils were analyzed for fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), total DNA (tDNA), seven enzyme activities, microbial biomass C, and respiration. Drying and rewetting significantly reduced microbial biomass, respiration, most enzyme activities, tDNA, and total FAME concentrations compared with fresh soil in all three soils. The percentage of fungal FAME markers and two enzyme assays were unaffected by 4°C storage in all soils, and microbial biomass C was unchanged in Hoytville and Gilpin soil at -20 and -80°C. Total DNA was unchanged in the Granby soil at -80°C, and in the Hoytville soil at both -20 and -80°C compared with fresh soil. Total FAME was reduced by all storage treatments in all three soils. We concluded that storage should be avoided whenever possible, particularly for extraction of FAME and total DNA, but that 4 or -20°C is the best storage method for FAME analysis, and -80°C is preferable for DNA analysis. Microbial biomass C and enzyme activities were least affected when stored at 4 or -20°C. The D/R treatment was the least desirable soil preparation method for microbial analyses, and we recommend that this pretreatment be avoided.
Upper Cretaceous depositional sequences in the Alabama Gulf Coastal Plain; their characteristics, origin, and constituent clastic aquifers

ABSTRACT In central and eastern Alabama there are 13 Upper Cretaceous (late Santonian to latest Maastrichtian; 85 to 67 Ma) depositional sequences in the outcrop and shallow-subsurface stratigraphic section. Each depositional sequence is composed of paralic and shelfal facies associations within their transgressive and highstand systems tracts. Within each depositional sequence the gross depositional-strike mode and specific position of shoreline trend are both directly related, to second- and third-order changes of sea level, respectively. Depositional-sequence paleogeography and the sedimentary facies relations within depositional sequences, and their constituent systems tracts (both transgressive and highstand), dictate the distribution of coarse-clastic paralic (aquifer) facies that have s gnificant primary permeabilities. The coarse-clastic facies, specifically barrier island and lower-shoreface facies, are significant local confined clastic aquifers that, taken together, constitute significant regional aquifer systems. All depositional sequences and the facies tracts within them have locally and regionally correlative bounding surfaces of hydrogeologic significance.
Enantioselective pharmacokinetics of (R)- and (S)-ketamine after a 5-day infusion in patients with complex regional pain syndrome.

Introduction: This study determined the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of (R)- and (S)-ketamine and (R)- and (S)-norketamine following a 5-day moderate dose, as a continuous (R,S)-ketamine infusion in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) patients. Materials and methods: Ketamine was titrated to 10–40 mg/h and maintained for 5 days. (R)- and (S)-Ketamine and (R)- and (S)-norketamine pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were performed. Blood samples were obtained on Day 1 preinfusion, and at 60–90, 120–150, 180–210, and 240–300 min after the start of the infusion, on Days 2, 3, 4, 5, and on Day 5 at 60 min after the end of infusion. The plasma concentrations of (R)- and (S)-ketamine and (R)- and (S)-norketamine were determined using enantioselective liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: Ketamine and norketamine levels stabilized 5 h after the start of the infusion. (R)-Ketamine clearance was significantly lower resulting in higher steady-state plasma concentrations than (S)-ketamine. The first-order elimination for (S)-norketamine was significantly greater than that of (R)-enantiomer. When comparing the pharmacokinetic parameters of the patients who responded to ketamine treatment with those who did not, no differences were observed in ketamine clearance and the first-order elimination of norketamine. Conclusion: The results indicate that (R)- and (S)-ketamine and (R)- and (S)-norketamine plasma concentrations do not explain the antinociceptive activity of the drug in patients suffering from CRPS. Chirality, 2011. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Student performance in business and economics statistics: Does exam structure matter?

We investigate whether exam structure really matters in an economics and business statistics course by (1) determining how well performance on multiple choice questions alone expalins overall performance on exams composed of both multiple choice questions and problems, and (2) discovering whether various student characteristics have significantly different impacts on student performance on multiple choice questions versus problems. Our findings suggest that student scores on multiple-choice portions of exams do not adequately determine overall student performance, and that some students are predisposed to do better on multiple choice or problems depending on the characteristics they possess.(JEl A22, A29)
Mate assessment in a cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea

Abstract The behavioural effects of assessment of male dominance status on male and female courtship were investigated in the cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea . Dominance hierarchies were established in laboratory groups of male N. cinerea ; virgin females were then given the opportunity to (1) male with a subordinate male in the presence of dominant male odours; (2) mate with a dominant male in the presence of subordinate male odours; (3) mate with a male in the presence of another male's odour, both males lacking status; (4) mate when only a single male was present and no other male's odour was presented. The presence of the dominant male resulted in a significant delay in the approach of a female to a subordinate male and in the response of a female to a courtship display by the subordinate male. Males that lacked status were significantly slower to initiate courtship behaviours. Copulatory time was significantly shorter for subordinate males and males without status. Information concerning the dominance status of neighbouring males is used in assessment of appropriate mating behaviour by males and as a possible criterion in female choice.
Metastatic brain tumors induced by injection of syngeneic tumor cells into cerebral arterial circulation in rats

Adult lewis rats were injected with tissue cultured cells of a transplantable Lewis rat malignant schwannoma (ENU-induced) into the right internal carotid artery, right vertebral artery, the left ventricle of the heart, or the right femoral vein. Groups of animals received injections of 0.5×105; 1.5×105; 5×105; 10×105, or 100×105 viable cells, using each of these routes. In many animals, the injection was followed by development of metastases. Cerebral metastases developed using all three arterial routes. Injections into the carotid or vertebral artery with 5×105–100×105 cells were effective. With each of these routes, leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and perivascular “encephalitic-like” tumor growth were most frequently observed. Focal cerebral microor macrotumors were less common. With intracarotid injection, metastases were located mostly in the cerebral hemispheres and in the cerebral leptomeninges, particularly on the side of injection. Injection into vertebral artery resulted in metastases located mostly in the cerebellum, brain stem, or cerebellar leptomenges. With intracardiac injection, only one rat in 50 developed a single focal brain metastasis, although all these animals developed metastases in other organs. With i.v. injection all rats developed pulmonary metastases, although the total pulmonary tumor burden was conspicuous only with high doses of injected tumor cells. In addition, some of these animals also developed metastases in other internal organs, but the brain was nerver involved. Comparison was made of tumor induction with injection of the same doses of tumor cells by the various routes used.
Photochemical fragmentation of mesotonic 1,3,4-thiadiazoles: a mechanistic observation

Abstract Photochemistry, synthesis, nucleophilic addition photoreaction, low temperature photolysis, and quantum yield calculations of representative members have been studied in understanding the mechanism of the photofragmentation of mesoionic 1,3,4-thiadiazoles. Quantum yield calculations suggest self quenching and unimolecularity in the ring opening reaction while timed interval IR recording shows the formation of heterocumulenes during photolysis.
Extra-pair fertilizations in mountain white-crowned sparrows

A population of white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha) located near Tioga Pass, in the central Sierra Nevada of California, was studied during the 1985 and 1986 breeding seasons to determine how often chicks were not the offspring of both adults who reared them. Blood samples were obtained from 35 nesting pairs and feather pulp specimens were collected from all 110 young they fledged. Electrophoretic analyses of 4 polymorphic loci revealed that a minimum of 9 nests (26%) contained a chick that could not have been conceived in a mating between the attending pair, and that at least 15 chicks (14%) were not offspring of both attending adults. Using two recently developed probability indices, it was estimated that 34%–38% of chicks hatched at the study site were not offspring of one of their putative parents. Because there was no evidence that intraspecific brood parasitism occurred, all the mismatched young apparently resulted from extrapair copulations. Our data, along with similar results from other species, raise new questions about sexual selection and patterns of parental care in monogamous birds.
Acute brain metabolic effects of cocaine in rhesus monkeys with a history of cocaine use

Cocaine addiction involves an escalation in drug intake which alters many brain functions. The present study documented cocaine-induced changes in brain metabolic activity as a function of cocaine self-administration history. Experimentally naive rhesus monkeys (N = 6) were given increasing access to cocaine under a fixed-ratio schedule of intravenous (i.v.) drug self-administration. PET imaging with F-18 labeled fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) was used to measure acute intramuscular (i.m.) cocaine-induced changes in brain metabolism in the cocaine-naive state, following 60 sessions under limited-access conditions (1 h/day), following 60 sessions under extended-access conditions (4 h/day), and following 4 weeks of drug withdrawal. In the cocaine-naive state, cocaine-induced increases in brain metabolism were restricted to the prefrontal cortex. As cocaine exposure increased from limited to extended access, metabolic effects expanded throughout the frontal cortex and were induced within the striatum. Conversely, cocaine-induced activation was far less robust following withdrawal. The results highlight a progressive expansion of the metabolic effects of cocaine to include previously unaffected dopamine innervated brain regions as a consequence of cocaine self-administration history. The identification of brain regions progressively influenced by drug exposure may be highly relevant toward efforts to develop treatments for cocaine addiction.
In vitro evaluation of carbon-nanotube-reinforced bioprintable vascular conduits

Vascularization of thick engineered tissue and organ constructs like the heart, liver, pancreas or kidney remains a major challenge in tissue engineering. Vascularization is needed to supply oxygen and nutrients and remove waste in living tissues and organs through a network that should possess high perfusion ability and significant mechanical strength and elasticity. In this paper, we introduce a fabrication process to print vascular conduits directly, where conduits were reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to enhance their mechanical properties and bioprintability. In vitro evaluation of printed conduits encapsulated in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells was performed to characterize the effects of CNT reinforcement on the mechanical, perfusion and biological performance of the conduits. Perfusion and permeability, cell viability, extracellular matrix formation and tissue histology were assessed and discussed, and it was concluded that CNT-reinforced vascular conduits provided a foundation for mechanically appealing constructs where CNTs could be replaced with natural protein nanofibers for further integration of these conduits in large-scale tissue fabrication.
Simultaneities in Vedic ritual

The use of language primarily displays succession, not simultaneity. It is common for people to talk at the same time or interrupt each other, but this is reduced to cases of succession. Vedic ritual involves not only succession but also simultaneities that are structural.1 In the “Soma swelling” rite, many priests recite two groups of mantras, A and B. First, one priest recites A while touching the bundle of Soma stalks. He then steps aside and recites B without touching Soma. At the same time, the next priest recites A and touches Soma. The result is that A and B are recited simultaneously but Soma is touched once by only one priest at a time. Other structural simultaneities may be attributed to a “horror of gaps.” A separate class are stage directions. A final comment is made on multifunctionality in space, a parallel to the temporal concept of simultaneity.
Near-infrared kinetic spectroscopy of the HO2 and C2H5O2 self-reactions and cross reactions.

The self-reactions and cross reactions of the peroxy radicals HO_2 and C_2H_5O_2 and HO_2 were monitored using simultaneous independent spectroscopic probes to observe each radical species. Wavelength modulation (WM) near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was used to detect HO_2, and UV absorption monitored HO_2 and C_2H_5O_2. The temperature dependences of these reactions were investigated over a range of interest to tropospheric chemistry, 221−296 K. The Arrhenius expression determined for the cross reaction, k_2(T) = (6.01^(+1.95)_(−1.47)) × 10^(−13) exp((638 ± 73)/T) cm^3 molecules^(−1) s^(−1) is in agreement with other work from the literature. The measurements of the HO_2 self-reaction agreed with previous work from this lab and were not further refined.(1) The C_2H_5O_2 self-reaction is complicated by secondary production of HO_2. This experiment performed the first direct measurement of the self-reaction rate constant, as well as the branching fraction to the radical channel, in part by measurement of the secondary HO_2. The Arrhenius expression for the self-reaction rate constant is k_3(T) = (1.29^(+0.34)_(−0.27)) × 10^(−13)exp((−23 ± 61)/T) cm^3 molecules^(−1) s^(−1), and the branching fraction value is α = 0.28 ± 0.06, independent of temperature. These values are in disagreement with previous measurements based on end product studies of the branching fraction. The results suggest that better characterization of the products from RO_2 self-reactions are required.
Enhancement produces modest increases in the effectiveness of stimulus pairing procedures to increase vocal behavior in children with autism

This review provides a summary and appraisal commentary on the treatment review by Esch, B. E., Carr, J. E., & Grow, L. L. (2009). Evaluation of an enhanced stimulus–stimulus pairing procedure to increase early vocalizations of children with autism. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 42, 225–241. Source of funding and disclosure of interest: No source of funding reported, and the original authors of this research report no conflicts of interest.
Design and operation of an anaerobic digester for waste management and fuel generation during long term lunar mission

Abstract Waste treatment and management for manned long term exploratory missions to moon will be a challenge due to longer mission duration. The present study investigated appropriate digester technologies that could be used on the base. The effect of stirring, operation temperature, organic loading rate and reactor design on the methane production rate and methane yield was studied. For the same duration of digestion, the unmixed digester produced 20–50% more methane than mixed system. Two-stage design which separated the soluble components from the solids and treated them separately had more rapid kinetics than one stage system, producing the target methane potential in one-half the retention time than the one stage system. The two stage system degraded 6% more solids than the single stage system. The two stage design formed the basis of a prototype digester sized for a four-person crew during one year exploratory lunar mission.
Academic and social achievement goals and early adolescents' adjustment: A latent class approach

Abstract Middle school students pursue both academic and social goals. How to coordinate those strivings has important implications for students' academic and social adjustment at school. Confirmatory factor latent class analysis including both academic and social goals was conducted on the data from 440 middle school students. Analyses identified 3 latent classes based on academic goal orientation, and 2 social goal classes, resulting in a total of 6 (3 × 2) distinct latent groups. Subsequent analysis found that these 6 groups showed difference in academic adjustment (academic engagement, help seeking behaviors, learning strategies, academic self-efficacy, academic worry), and social adjustment (perceived peer support, social satisfaction, social self-efficacy, and social worry). The results indicate that middle school adjustment can be better understood when both academic and social achievement goals were taken into account. The implications of these results for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Genomic Organization and Mapping of the Gene Encoding the PP2A B56γ Regulatory Subunit

Abstract Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major serine/threonine phosphatase that regulates a wide variety of cellular processes. The enzymatic activity and intracellular localization of PP2A are determined by three distinct families of cellular regulatory subunits (B, B′, and B″). The B′ subunit, also known as B56, is the most diverse, consisting of five isoforms (α, β, γ, δ, and ϵ). The gene encoding B56γ has been designated as PPP2R5C and encodes three differentially spliced variants: B56γ1, -γ2, and -γ3. However, conflicting chromosomal loci have been reported in human genomic databases. The original cytogenetic mapping placed the gene on chromosome 3p21.3, whereas subsequent studies using radiation hybrid analysis localized PPP2R5C to chromosome 14q. In this study, by radiation hybrid mapping, FISH analysis, BAC clone sequencing, and RT-PCR analysis, we show that the functional gene PPP2R5C exists at 14q32.2 and gives rise to three splicing variants, B56γ1, -γ2, and -γ3, whereas a nonfunctional B56γ1 pseudogene, PPP2R5CP , is present at 3p21.3. We also report the genomic organization of both the functional gene and the pseudogene.
Aliphatic ketones are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors but not transition state analogs.

A number of C4--C9 aliphatic ketones are acetylcholinesterase (acetylcholine hydrolase, EC 3.1.1.7) inhibitors, with Ki values in the 0.7--5 mM range. Comparison to analogous substrates would suggest that these ketones are transition state analogs; e.g. 2-pentanone binds to the enzyme approx. 550 times more tightly than ethylacetate. However, a number of other criteria contradict this conclusions: (1) the binding is insensitive to ketone structure: isomeric ketones, cycloalkanones, and sterically hindered ketones have similar inhibitory potencies. (2) Analogous alcohols are also good inhibitors even though they cannot form hemiketals with the enzyme. (3) Representative ketones are relatively ineffective at blocking inactivation of the enzyme by methylsulfonyl fluoride, indicating that ketones do not bind principally at the hydrolytic site. (4) A competition experiment shows that binding of tetramethylammonium chloride excludes binding of 2-pentanone, suggesting that ketones bind to the anionic rather than the hydrolytic site. Thus, observation of tight binding relative to a substrate is not a sufficient criterion to establish that an inhibitor is a transition state analog.
Use of benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in middle-aged and older adults with anxiety disorders: A longitudinal and prospective study

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the use of benzodiazepines (BZs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs/SNRIs) over nine years of follow-up in middle-aged and older adults with diagnoses of panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, social phobia, or generalized anxiety disorder. Setting and Participants Participants in this study were enrolled in the Harvard/Brown Anxiety Research Project (HARP). HARP is a naturalistic, longitudinal, multisite study of adults with anxiety disorders who are recruited from psychiatric settings. The analytic sample consisted of 51 participants with anxiety disorders who were 55 to 70 years old at baseline and a younger cohort of 211 participants added for comparative analysis. Design The authors examined patterns of medication use (BZs and SSRIs/SNRIs) in participants with anxiety disorders as they aged, by assessing the proportion of participants taking these medications using generalized estimating equation modeling. Measurements The present data were derived from the structured diagnostic interview administered at enrollment using a combination of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition–R Non-Affective Disorder, Patient Version , Research Diagnostic Criteria Schedule for Affective Disorders–Lifetime, and subsequent follow-up interviews over a nine-year period using the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation–Pharmacia & Upjohn to assess the weekly course of disorders to indicate syndrome severity and document medication use by specific type and dose on a weekly basis. Results Findings showed that rates of BZ use were high among both the older (53% at baseline) and the younger (57.4%) age groups and did not significantly decrease over time, after controlling for time in episode of their anxiety disorders. There was a statistically significant increase in SSRI/SNRI use over time in both groups. At the beginning of the study, 18% of the older group and 21% of the younger group were using SSRIs/SNRIs; however, at the end of the study, the rates increased to 35% and 43%, respectively. Conclusions Although there was an increase in SSRI/SNRI use in older participants with anxiety disorders over the course of study, at nine years of follow-up, only 35% of participants were utilizing SSRI/SNRI medication, while more than one-half of the same participants were continuing to use BZs. To the authors' knowledge, there are no randomized clinical trials that have addressed comparative efficacy and safety of BZs and SSRIs/SNRIs in this population. However, there is documented evidence of adverse effects of chronic BZ use and the risk of developing dependency in older populations.
Spatial variability of nitrate concentrations under diverse conditions in tributaries to a lake watershed.

Nitrate-nitrogen (N0 3 -N) concentrations in stream water often respond uniquely to changes in inter-annual conditions (e.g., biological N uptake and precipitation) in individual catchments. In this paper, we assess (1) how the spatial distribution of NO 3 -N concentrations varies across a dense network of nonnested catchments and (2) how relationships between multiple landscape factors [within whole catchments and hydrologically sensitive areas (HSAs) of the catchments] and stream NO 3 -N are expressed under a variety of annual conditions. Stream NO 3 -N data were collected during two synoptic sampling events across >55 tributaries and two synoptic sampling periods with >11 tributaries during summer low flow periods. Sample tributaries drain mixed land cover watersheds ranging in size from 0.150 to 312 km 2 and outlet directly to Cayuga Lake, New York. Changes in NO 3 -N concentration ratios between each sampling event suggest a high degree of spatial heterogeneity in catchment response across the Cayuga Lake Watershed, ranging from 0.230 to 61.4. Variations in NO 3 -N concentrations within each of the large synoptic sampling events were also high, ranging from 0.040 to 8.7 mg NO 3 -N/l (March) and 0.090 to 15.5 mg NO 3 -N/l (October). Although Pear-son correlation coefficients suggest that this variability is related to multiple landscape factors during all four sampling events, partial correlations suggest percentage of row crops in the catchments as the only similar factor in March and October and catchment area as the only factor during summer low flows. Further, the strength of the relationships is typically lower in the HSAs of catchment. Advancing current understanding of such variations and relationships to landscape factors across multiple catchments - and under a variety of biogeochemical and hydrological conditions - is important, as (1) nitrate continues to be employed as an indicator of regional aquatic ecosystem health and services and (2) a unified framework approach for understanding individual catchment processes is a rapidly evolving focus for catchment-based science and management.
An Iterative Image Space Reconstruction Algorthm Suitable for Volume ECT

The trend in the design of scanners for positron emission computed tomography has traditionally been to improve the transverse spatial resolution to several millimeters while maintaining relatively coarse axial resolution (1-2 cm). Several scanners are being built with fine sampling in the axial as well as transverse directions, leading to the possibility of the true volume imaging. The number of possible coincidence pairs in these scanners is quite large. The usual methods of image reconstruction cannot handle these data without making approximations. It is computationally most efficient to reduce the size of this large, sparsely populated array by back-projecting the coincidence data prior to reconstruction. While analytic reconstruction techniques exist for back-projected data, an iterative algorithm may be necessary for those cases where the point spread function is spatially variant. A modification of the maximum likelihood algorithm is proposed to reconstruct these back-projected data. The method, the iterative image space reconstruction algorithm (ISRA), is able to reconstruct data from a scanner with a spatially variant point spread function in less time than other proposed algorithms. Results are presented for single-slice data, simulated and actual, from the PENN-PET scanner.