cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Site-specific decrease of progesterone receptor mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of middle-aged persistently estrus rats

Middle-aged females gradually become acyclic and spontaneously develop a persistently estrus (PE) state. PE rats, acyclic for 30 days (early PE), are unresponsive to the positive feedback action of estrogen, but respond to a progesterone challenge with a luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and ovulation; unlike long-term PE rats, acyclic for 90 days, neither estrogen nor estrogen plus progesterone will elicit an LH surge [10th International Congress of Endocrinology, San Francisco, P3 (1996) 1061]. We hypothesize that the PE state may develop due to a diminished level of estrogen-induced progesterone receptor (PR) expression in the hypothalamus that prevents progesterone from stimulating LH regulating circuits. To test this hypothesis, PR mRNA levels were measured in hypothalamic regions of young, proestrus (2-3 months of age), early PE (10-12 months) and long-term PE (13-15 months) rats. The anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), an important regulatory site of the LH surge, had decreased PR mRNA levels in early and long-term PE rats compared with proestrus rats. However, PR mRNA levels were reduced only in long-term PE rats in the ventromedial nucleus (VMH) and arcuate nucleus (ARH). In the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN), levels of PR mRNA did not change. A previous report showed that exogenous progesterone stimulates an LH surge in young and early PE animals, indicating that the expression of PR mRNA demonstrated in this study is sufficient to mediate progesterone facilitation of the LH surge in early PE rats. In acyclic, long-term PE rats, diminished estrogen-induced expression of progesterone receptors is correlated with a previously shown inability to respond to exogenous progesterone.
Life History and Laboratory Rearing of Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae) with Descriptions of Immature Stages

ABSTRACT Narnia femorata Stal (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae) is a leaffooted bug commonly found on Opuntia and Ferocactus cacti (Cactaceae) in southern New Mexico. Although general information has been published on the biology of this species, detailed studies are limited, particularly in America north of Mexico. Therefore, we conducted a study of this bug's life history in southern New Mexico from August 2010 to May 2012, reared the bug in the laboratory, and described the immature stages. Six prickly pear cactus plants, Opuntia phaeacantha Engelmann, and four barrel cactus plants, Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelmann) Britton & Rose, were examined weekly to record numbers of the various life stages, adult sex ratios, and behavioral activities. Adults of this apparently bivoltine species overwintered in plant debris at the bases of their host plants. They emerged in late February to deposit eggs in rows along the underside of cactus spines. Nymphs were found from late February through late December. Nymph...
Stability of echogenic liposomes as a blood pool ultrasound contrast agent in a physiologic flow phantom.

Echogenic liposomes (ELIP) are multifunctional ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) with a lipid shell encapsulating both air and an aqueous core. ELIP are being developed for molecular imaging and image-guided therapeutic delivery. Stability of the echogenicity of ELIP in physiologic conditions is crucial to their successful translation to clinical use. In this study, we determined the effects of the surrounding media's dissolved air concentration, temperature transition and hydrodynamic pressure on the echogenicity of a chemically modified formulation of ELIP to promote stability and echogenicity. ELIP samples were diluted in porcine plasma or whole blood and pumped through a pulsatile flow system with adjustable hydrodynamic pressures and temperature. B-mode images were acquired using a clinical diagnostic scanner every 5 s for a total duration of 75 s. Echogenicity in porcine plasma was assessed as a function of total dissolved gas saturation. ELIP were added to plasma at room temperature (22 °C) or body temperature (37 °C) and pumped through a system maintained at 22 °C or 37 °C to study the effect of temperature transitions on ELIP echogenicity. Echogenicity at normotensive (120/80 mmHg) and hypertensive pressures (145/90 mmHg) was measured. ELIP were echogenic in plasma and whole blood at body temperature under normotensive to hypertensive pressures. Warming of samples from room temperature to body temperature did not alter echogenicity. However, in plasma cooled rapidly from body temperature to room temperature or in degassed plasma, ELIP lost echogenicity within 20 s at 120/80 mmHg. The stability of echogenicity of a modified ELIP formulation was determined in vitro at body temperature, physiologic gas concentration and throughout the physiologic pressure range. However, proper care should be taken to ensure that ELIP are not cooled rapidly from body temperature to room temperature as they will lose their echogenic properties. Further in vivo investigations will be needed to evaluate the optimal usage of ELIP as blood pool contrast agents.
Free Health Clinics, Resistance and the Entanglement of Christianity and Commodified Health Care Delivery

: Free clinics are an important part of the US health care safety net and their numbers are rising. This article offers a critical analysis of the politics of free health clinics in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It uses the geographies of resistance literature to assess free clinics as a response to the neoliberalization of health care delivery. It underlines the multiple political spaces free clinics occupy as a result of the entanglements of a diverse range of identities and practices within the clinic space. In Milwaukee, the primary entanglement occurs between the progressive Christian identity inspiring the practices of the free clinic's volunteers and the commodified identity of the corporate non-profit health care systems that dominate health care delivery in the city. This research suggests that understanding the transition from oppositional identities, such as progressive Christianity, to resistance is an important next step in constructing more robust responses to neoliberal capitalism and other exploitive social relations.
Mechanism of anti-angiogenic property of gold nanoparticles: role of nanoparticle size and surface charge

Discovering therapeutic inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) is evolving as an important area of research in the emerging field of nanomedicine. Recently, we reported the anti-angiogenic property of gold nanoparticles (GNPs): It inhibits the function of pro-angiogenic heparin-binding growth factors (HB-GFs), such as vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), etc. However, the mechanism through which GNPs imparts such an effect remains to be investigated. Using GNPs of different sizes and surface charges, we demonstrate here that a naked GNP surface is required and core size plays an important role to inhibit the function of HB-GFs and subsequent intracellular signaling events. We also demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of GNPs is due to the change in HB-GFs conformation/configuration (denaturation) by the NPs, whereas the conformations of non-HB-GFs remain unaffected. We believe that this significant study will help structure-based design of therapeutic NPs to inhibit the functions of disease-causing proteins.
Readily Available Methods for Testing Linux

Linux offers the power of Unix for PCs. At the same time, the evolving user-friendly interfaces make it increasingly accessible to the casual computer user. In fact, the most difficult part of Linux may be deciding among the wide range of available choices. For the person wishing to experiment with these choices, there are several methods for installing a given distribution. A consideration of the available distributions, technical factors, and the types of possible installations will guide the user in choosing from among the various options.
Age-related differences in leukemia biology and prognosis: the paradigm of MLL-AF4-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Age-related differences in leukemia biology and prognosis: the paradigm of MLL-AF4- positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Next-gen immunohistochemistry

The combination of mass spectroscopy with immunohistochemistry allows highly multiplexed, directly quantitative imaging of tissue samples for both basic and clinical research.
Orientation Selection and Microstructural Evolution of Epitaxial Pt Films on (001) MgO

Thin platinum films were deposited at several different deposition rates and with varying thickness on (OOl)-cut MgO single crystal substrates by electron beam evaporation. A mixture of two epitaxial Pt orientations were detected in the films by X-ray diffraction and planar ion channeling experiments: (001) [100] Pt // (001) [100] MgO (the “cube-on-cube” orientation) and (111) [110] Pt // (001) [110] MgO. The effect of deposition rate on film orientation indicated the (111) Pt orientation was preferred under conditions of high driving force for nucleation. The volume fraction of the films occupied by the (111) orientation increased with nominal film thickness, at a constant substrate temperature and deposition rate. This result indicates crystallites having the (111) Pt orientation grew more quickly following nucleation than the (001). The mosaic spread of the Pt orientations decreased markedly as the nominal film thickness increased from ∼ 1.5 nm (isolated islands) to 20 nm (continuous film).
Interaction of the 140/130/110 kDa rhoptry protein complex of Plasmodium falciparum with the erythrocyte membrane and liposomes.

Abstract During Plasmodium faciparum merozoite invasion into human and mouse erythrocytes, a 110-kDa rhoptry protein is secreted from the organelle into the erythrocyte membrane. In the present study our interest was to examine the interaction of rhoptry proteins of P. falciparum with the erythrocyte membrane. It was observed that the complex of rhoptry proteins of 140/130/110 kDa bind directly to a trypsin sensitive site on intact mouse erythrocytes, and not human, saimiri, or other erythrocytes. However, when erythrocytes were disrupted by hypotonic lysis, rhoptry proteins of 140/130/110 kDa were found to bind to membranes and inside-out vesicles prepared from human, mouse, saimiri, rhesus, rat, and rabbit erythrocytes. A binding site on the cytoplasmic face of the erythrocyte membrane suggests that the rhoptry proteins may be translocated across the lipid bilayer during merozoite invasion. Furthermore, pretreatment of human erythrocytes with a specific peptide derived from MSA-1, the major P. falciparum merozoite surface antigen of MW 190,000–200,000, induced binding of the 140/130/110-kDa complex. The rhoptry proteins bound equally to normal human erythrocytes and erythrocytes treated with neuraminidase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin indicating the binding site was independent of glycophorin and other major surface proteins. The rhoptry protein complex also bound specifically to liposomes prepared from different types of phospholipids. Liposomes containing PE effectively block binding of the rhoptry proteins to mouse cells, suggesting that there are two binding sites on the mouse membrane for the 140/130/110-kDa complex, one protein and a second, possibly lipid in nature. The results of this study suggest that the 140/130/110 kDa protein complex may interact directly with sites in the lipid bilayer of the erythrocyte membrane.
An optimal k-exclusion real-time locking protocol motivated by multi-GPU systems

Graphics processing units (GPUs) are becoming increasingly important in today's platforms as their growing generality allows for them to be used as powerful co-processors. In previous work, the authors showed that GPUs may be integrated into real-time systems by treating GPUs as shared resources, allocated to real-time tasks through mutual exclusion locking protocols. In this paper, an asymptotically optimal k-exclusion locking protocol is presented for globally-scheduled job-level static-priority (JLSP) systems. This protocol may be used to manage a pool of resources, such as GPUs, in such systems.
Spectral changes induced in Cibacron Blue F3GA by salts, organic solvents, and polypeptides: implications for blue dye interaction with proteins.

Abstract The interactions of Cibacron Blue F3GA with organic solvents, salts, oligopeptides, and polypeptides were studied by visible difference spectroscopy. The difference spectrum of the dye in an aqueous solution of NaCl (vs water) has a characteristic positive peak at 690 nm and negative double minima at 630 and 585 nm. Such a “salt-like” spectrum is also obtained for interaction of the dye with polycations such as oligolysines, polylysine, polyarginine, and protamine. In contrast, the difference spectrum of the dye in binary aqueous solvents containing dioxan or t-butyl alcohol at moderately high concentrations, measured against water, displays a positive peak and shoulder at 655 and 610 nm, respectively, with a small negative contribution below 550 nm. This spectrum is attributed to a nonpolar interaction of the dye with organic cosolvent molecules. The spectrum of the dye in 7 M urea is changed little from that in water, indicating similar interactions of the dye with water or urea molecules. The spectral characteristics described here for the interaction of the polyaromatic polysulfonate dye with positively charged groups, polar groups, and nonpolar moieties of neutral molecules provide a basis for describing the details of the interactions of Cibacron Blue F3GA with several proteins and for characterizing the dye binding environments in the proteins.
Shunting during carotid endarterectomy.

Background The use of shunting during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is controversial. While some surgeons advocate routine shunting, others prefer selective shunting or no shunting. Several large series have documented excellent results of CEA with routine shunting or without shunts. Others reported similar results with selective shunting using transcranial Doppler (TCD), electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, carotid stump pressure (SP), cervical block anesthesia (CBA), and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP). In this study, we review the available evidence supporting shunting, nonshunting, and selective shunting during CEA. Methods An electronic PubMed/MEDLINE search was conducted to identify all published CEA studies between January 1990 and December 2010, that analyzed the perioperative outcome of routine shunting, routine nonshunting, routine versus selective shunting, selecting shunting versus avoiding a shunt, and selective shunting based on EEG, TCD, SP, CBA, and SSEP. Results The mean reported perioperative stroke rate for CEAs with routine shunting was 1.4% and for routine nonshunt was 2%. Meanwhile, the mean perioperative stroke rates for selecting shunting were 1.6% using EEG, 4.8% using TCD, 1.6% using SP, 1.8% using SSEP, and 1.1% for CBA. Similar results were noted for perioperative stroke and death rates. Conclusions The use of routine shunting and selective shunting was associated with a low stroke rate. Both methods are acceptable, and the individual surgeon should select the method with which they are more comfortable.
Induction of activity and deactivation of Fe, Mn-promoted sulfated zirconia catalysts

Abstract The isomerization of n-butane on sulfated zirconia catalysts promoted by the addition of Fe and Mn ions has been studied. The evolution of the catalytic activity of these materials as a function of time on stream exhibits a typical shape containing an induction period during which the activity increases. The induction period is followed by a rapid deactivation and then a slower deactivation. The shape of the conversion—time curves contains important information about the way these catalyst operate. Slight changes in the preparation and pretreatment of the catalysts result in changes in the overall activity and shape of the conversion—time curves. The results of this study suggest that the induction period is due to the formation and accumulation of reaction intermediates on the surface. These intermediates participate in the reaction as part of an inter-molecular mechanism. The n-butane molar fraction, the presence of olefins or hydrogen in the feed, and the reaction temperature strongly affect the induction period. A simple mathematical model that successfully describes the behavior of the conversion—time curves has been developed. This model is consistent with the existence of two types of sites with different reactivity and stability. One type is responsible for most of the activity observed during the first few minutes on stream, but it is rapidly deactivated. This type of sites is easily deactivated by simple exposure to hydrogen, so it is consistent with an oxidized species recently proposed. The second type of sites is more resistant to deactivation.
Korean American Women’s Perceptions about Physical Examinations and Cancer Screening Services Offered in Korea: The Influences of Medical Tourism on Korean Americans

Cancer is the leading cause of death for Korean-Americans (KAs), while cancer screening rates among KAs have been consistently low. Seven semi-structured focus group interviews with 34 KA women aged 40 or older in the Washington, DC metropolitan area were conducted to explore the perceptions of KA women about seeking physical examinations and cancer screening services in Korea. Data were analyzed using a framework approach. Informants positively perceived the use of health screening services in Korea in comparison to seeking such services in the US. Decision-making factors included cost benefits, high quality services, and more convenient screening procedures in Korea. These benefits outweighed the risks of delaying health care and travelling a vast distance with incurring additional travel costs. Motivations to seek these services in Korea included opportunities to visit their homeland and to enjoy comfortable communication with their native language. The increase of available information about Korean medical services due to the industry's aggressive marketing/PR was identified as a facilitator. Most informants did not recognize possible negative health outcomes of obtaining services in Korea such as inappropriate follow up care if having abnormal findings. Educational programs are needed to educate KAs about the benefits and risks of getting the services in Korea and proper follow up care in the US. Health care providers need to know the different cancer risks and screening needs for this population.
A revision of Boletellus sect. Ixocephali

Taxa included in Boletellus section Ixocephali sensu Singer are re-evaluated and species limits are clarified in a morphological context. In this revision, we recognize four distinct morphological species: B. jalapensis, B. elatus, B. longicollis, and B. singerii. Among these, we have ascertained that the concept of B. jalapensis was broadened to include another taxon (B. singerii) that was eventually recognized as distinct. Details of spore morphology that include size and shape also show that the precise longitudinal alignment and apical fusion or non-fusion of the costate ornamentation distinguishes two species pairs. These pairs occur on either side of the Pacific basin and include one velate and one non-velate species each: B. longicollis, B. elatus (E Asia) and B. jalapensis, B. singerii (America). Now that discrete morphological entities are clarified and recognizable, phylogenetic hypotheses can be attempted to test these concepts and perhaps infer the monophyly of section Ixocephali when appropriate sequence data are available from newly collected, properly vouchered and viable specimens.
Factor analysis I: Some effects of chance error.

Ignorance concerning the standard error of individual factor loadings and their differences has been a major obstacle to the proper interpretation of factorial results. The effects of three types of experimental error (selection of variables, selection of subjects and selection of scores) are here reported. In order to handle the errors of rotation systematically, it has been necessary to introduce a new semi-analytical criterion for the attainment of simple structure. Variability in results which may theoretically be eliminated is discussed under the heading of non-essential error.
Financing a large-scale picture archival and communication system1

Abstract Rationale and Objectives. An attempt to finance a large-scale multi-hospital picture archival and communication system (PACS) solely based on cost savings from current film operations is reported. Materials and Methods. A modified Request for Proposal described the technical requirements, PACS architecture, and performance targets. The Request for Proposal was complemented by a set of desired financial goals-the main one being the ability to use film savings to pay for the implementation and operation of the PACS. Results. Financing of the enterprise-wide PACS was completed through an operating lease agreement including all PACS equipment, implementation, service, and support for an 8-year term, much like a complete outsourcing. Equipment refreshes, both hardware and software, are included. Our agreement also linked the management of the digital imaging operation (PACS) and the traditional film printing, shifting the operational risks of continued printing and costs related to implementation delays to the PACS vendor. An additional optimization step provided the elimination of the negative film budget variances in the beginning of the project when PACS costs tend to be higher than film and film-related expenses. Conclusion. An enterprise-wide PACS has been adopted to achieve clinical workflow improvements and cost savings. PACS financing was solely based on film savings, which included the entire digital solution (PACS) and any residual film printing. These goals were achieved with simultaneous elimination of any over-budget scenarios providing a non-negative cash flow in each year of an 8-year term.
URETERAL COMPROMISE AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC BURCH COLPOPEXY

Abstract Ureteral obstruction occurred in two patients after laparoscopic Burch cystourethropexy. Both women experienced right flank pain and right hydronephrosis. Cystoscopy revealed transmural passage of suture anterior and lateral to the ureteral orifice on the right side. One patient was managed by suprapubic cystoscopy to release the suture; the other was managed by preperitoneal laparoscopy to release suture at the bladder neck. In both patients efflux of urine was seen immediately from the ureteral orifice after suture release. Ultrasound confirmed after every case of retropubic cystourethropexy. Retrograde rigid cystoscopy may not afford adequate access to remove transmural sutures. Placement of sutures at the bladder neck from medial to lateral may avoid entrapment of the intramural portion of ureter.
Elliptic tip effects on the vortex wake of an axisymmetric body at incidence

The effectiveness of a new version of an elliptic cross-section tip in controlling the asymmetry of the vortex wake of an axisymmetric body at angle of attack has been studied. The elliptic cross sections were generated using two sixth-degree polynomials such that the tip radius, slope, and curvature would match those of a right circular cone at the point where the polynomial became tangent to a cone generator. The tip was found to be effective in varying the vortex wake geometry of a right circular cone at large angle of attack. The measured side force coefficient varied smoothly with tip roll angle for the two lowest angles of attack studied and exhibited square-wave and more undesirable variations for the larger angles of attack studied. These square-wave and peak, reduction-in-magnitude, and change-in-sign variations were caused by vortex breakaway, which allowed vortex crossover to occur. Ahead of vortex breakaway, the elliptic cross-section tip yielded smooth variations of vortex wake asymmetry with tip roll angle, indicating that the tip would possibly be a feasible control device for high-performance fighter aircraft at high angle of attack.
Persistent fetal infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus differentially affects maternal blood cell signal transduction pathways

The consequences of viral infection during pregnancy include impact on fetal and maternal immune responses and on fetal development. Transplacental infection in cattle with noncytopathic bovine vir...
Angioplastic Repair of a Ruptured Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm

A 28-year-old woman had a ruptured solitary pulmonary arterial aneurysm which was successfully treated by pericardial patch graft. The etiology of the aneurysm could not be determined although the patient had had several episodes of blunt chest trauma in the past. Unusual aspects of this case include: location of the aneurysm in the intermediate portion of the left pulmonary artery within the major intralobar fissure, intrapleural rupture, preoperative diagnosis by pulmonary angiography, and an incidentally discovered histopathological abnormality of the aneurysm itself for which no satisfactory explanation has been found.
Solvent-effect studies on the infra-red spectra of metal carbonyls

Abstract The infrared absorption bands of some metallic carbonyls have been recorded in a series of solvents, and the frequencies and half band widths measured. The results have been discussed in relation to solvent effects in general.
A Design Method for Developing a Universal Product Family in a Dynamic Market Environment

Innovative companies that generate a variety of products and services for satisfying customers’ specific needs are invoking and increasing research on mass-customized products, but the majority of their efforts are still focused on general consumers who are without disabilities. This research is motivated by the need to provide a basis of universal design guidelines and methods, primarily because of a lack of knowledge on disabilities in product design as well as methods for designing and evaluating products for everyone. Product family design is a way to achieve cost-effective mass customization by allowing highly differentiated products to be developed from a common platform while targeting products to distinct market segments. By extending concepts from product family design and mass customization to universal design, we propose a method for developing a universal product family to generate economical feasible design concepts and evaluating design feasibility with respect to disabilities within dynamic market environments. We will model design strategies for a universal product family as a market economy where functional module configurations are generated through market segments based on a product platform. A coalitional game is employed to model module sharing situations regarding dynamic market environments and decides which functional modules provide more benefit when in the platform based on the marginal contribution of each module. To demonstrate implementation of the proposed method, we use a case study involving a family of mobile phones.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A Physiologic and Pharmacological Basis for Implementation of Incretin Hormones in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Progressive deterioration of β-cell function is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Together with increasing insulin resistance in peripheral tissues (in both the liver and the skeletal muscle), the inability of pancreatic insulin secretion to manage fasting and postprandial glucose levels results in hyperglycemia. Currently available oral antidiabetes agents improve glycemic parameters, but no single drug addresses the numerous pathophysiologic defects known to contribute to hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 DM. Dysregulation in the incretin system is another component of the pathophysiologic processes that lead to DM. Agents used to correct defects in the incretin system, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, offer the potential to restore glucose-dependent insulin secretion and improve β-cell function. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists also promote weight loss and provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors. A new approach that promotes the selection of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of patients with DM, with the goal of slowing or reversing the natural history of the disease, may be in order. Clinicians can select agents to address specific pathophysiologic defects to improve glycemia, with the hope of preventing the development of complications.
InPhO: a system for collaboratively populating and extending a dynamic ontology

InPhO is a system that combines statistical text processing, information extraction, human expert feedback, and logic programming to populate and extend a dynamic ontology for the field of philosophy. Integrated in the editorial workflow of the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP), it will provide important metadata features such as automated generation of cross-references, semantic search, and ontology driven conceptual navigation.
Older adults are less steady during submaximal isometric contractions with the knee extensor muscles

This study compared the steadiness of submaximal contractions with the knee extensor muscles in young and old adults. Twenty young and twenty old subjects underwent assessment of isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), one-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength, and steadiness during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions with the knee extensor muscles. The old adults displayed 33% lower MVC force and a 41% lower 1-RM load. The coefficient of variation for force was significantly greater for the old adults during isometric contractions at 2, 5, and 10% of MVC but not at 50% MVC. The decline in steadiness at low forces experienced by the men was marginally greater than that experienced by the women. The steadiness of concentric and eccentric contractions was similar in young and old adults at 5, 10, and 50% of 1-RM load. Old subjects exhibited greater coactivation of an antagonist muscle compared with young subjects during the submaximal isometric and anisometric contractions. These results indicate that, whereas the ability to exert steady submaximal forces with the knee extensor muscles was reduced in old adults, fluctuations in knee joint angle during slow movements were similar for young and old adults.
Geographic Variation in Resistance to Desiccation in Aedes aegypti and A. atropalpus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti (L.) and A. atropalpus (Coquillett) are polytypic species with wide geographic distribution over areas of contrasting climatic conditions. Adults of 19 strains were placed in a desiccation chamber and number of hours to death was determined. Within A. aegypti , African strains of feral origin (subspecies formosus Walker) were less resistant to desiccation as compared with domestic strains of the type-form. In the case of A. atropalpus , an association between local conditions of humidity and degree of resistance was demonstrated. The genetic basis of resistance to desiccation is under multifactorial control. Hybrids from crosses between resistant strains of A. aegypti from diverse geographical areas showed a heterotic response.
A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major characteristics of the emerging Chinese language virtual library and its supporting search engines

An emerging, globally Web‐based Chinese language virtual library offers unprecedented content availability and user accessibility. Virtual and physical libraries are defined, and compared, in terms of bibliographical searching. Then, the size of the Chinese language virtual library is estimated and its future development is predicted. The quantitative analysis concentrates on the content of this virtual library through examining the subject directories of more than 100 of its search engines. The findings show that 20 percent of the subject categories provide 80 percent of online access activities. Many subject categories characterise values of the Chinese‐speaking world. Discussion continues with structural and functional analyses of Chinese language search engines that support this virtual library. Further, an analytic overview is presented of Chinese language applications that render the necessary and sufficient computational linguistic conditions for utilising Chinese language online resources.
An Experimental Study for an Iterative Learning Control Scheme With Adaptive Filtering

This paper presents experimental investigations into a novel approach which circumvents a classic tradeoff between robustness and performance in Iterative Learning Control. The tradeoff is usually performed by designing an appropriate filtering mechanism to compensate for non-perfect resetting and noise. Time-Frequency analysis is used to examine the frequency content of error signals over the compact time support of the reference signal. This then allows the filter to effectively change its bandwidth as a function of time thereby allowing high frequency system dynamics to enter into the learning process at the appropriate time instants. At the same time, robustness is maintained by reducing the bandwidth of the filter when the system dynamics do not exhibit high frequency characteristics so as to attenuate the effect of noise on the learning stability. This adaptive Q-filter Iterative Learning Controller is needed for systems that have non-smooth nonlinearities and the advantages are demonstrated here in the simulations and experiments. A specially designed experimental study shows the fundamental limits that can affect its effectiveness.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
A snapshot of children's postoperative tonsillectomy outcomes at home.

PURPOSE. To describe home outcomes of pain, medication use, fluid intake, and emesis 24 hr after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. The theory of unpleasant symptoms provided a conceptualizing framework. DESIGN AND METHODS. A secondary analysis was conducted. Outcomes for 76 children were recorded on a home diary that included: self-reported pain, analgesic use, fluids ingested, and emesis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. RESULTS. Children reported moderate pain. Children who received analgesics received less than recommended standards. Only 11% of the children drank the recommended fluids, and 31% of the children vomited at home. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Parents need to become partners in pain management. Recommend multimodal discharge teaching and follow-up phone call at home to ensure adequate analgesic administration and fluid intake.
Predictors of principals’ perceptions of school resource officer effectiveness in kentucky

In recent years, many states have increased the presence of law enforcement at schools in response to a perception that schools have become unsafe places for children. The data regarding the impact of school resource officers (SROs) on school safety are limited, however. Using survey data collected from 128 principals, we examine the impact of SROs on perceptions of school safety among school administrators in Kentucky. Results indicate that most principals in Kentucky feel that SROs provide a valuable addition to school safety in their schools; however, the results also reveal the importance of communication between principals, SROs, and law enforcement supervisors regarding the nature of the SRO role. The implication of these findings and their impact on future policy is also discussed.
Changes in dissolved and particulate copper following mixing of POTW effluents with Delaware River water

Abstract Effluents from publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) were mixed with Delaware River water at ratios of 1:1 or 1:2 effluent to Delaware River water. These mixing experiments were performed at pH 6, ambient pH and pH 8. In all mixing experiments, copper was released from effluent particulate matter when mixing was conducted at pH 6. No copper release was observed for mixing at the ambient pH of the samples. At pH 8, no copper was released when effluent from the Delcora or Camden POTWs was mixed with Delaware River water, but copper was released for Levittown, Philadelphia Northeast, Philadelphia Southwest and Gloucester effluents mixed with Delaware River water. The fraction dissolved of total recoverable copper was evaluated statistically at pH 6, ambient pH and pH 8. Because there was no copper released at ambient pH of mixing, we conclude that POTWs may be overregulated on the basis of total recoverable metal concentration as required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This is due to the fact that effluent particulate copper, which is the majority of the total recoverable copper, does not change to dissolved copper at the ambient pH of the river. Receiving water quality is evaluated on the basis of dissolved copper.
Exploring a taxonomy for aggression against women: can it aid conceptual clarity?

The assessment of aggression against women is demanding primarily because assessment strategies do not share a common language to describe reliably the wide range of forms of aggression women experience. The lack of a common language impairs efforts to describe these experiences, understand causes and consequences of aggression against women, and develop effective intervention and prevention efforts. This review accomplishes two goals. First, it applies a theoretically and empirically based taxonomy to behaviors assessed by existing measurement instruments. Second, it evaluates whether the taxonomy provides a common language for the field. Strengths of the taxonomy include its ability to describe and categorize all forms of aggression found in existing quantitative measures. The taxonomy also classifies numerous examples of aggression discussed in the literature but notably absent from quantitative measures. Although we use existing quantitative measures as a starting place to evaluate the taxonomy, its use is not limited to quantitative methods. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 35:462–476, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermodynamic interactions in double-network hydrogels.

Double-network hydrogels (DN-gels) prepared from the combination of a moderately cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte (PE) and an uncross-linked linear polymer solution (NP) exhibit mechanical properties such as fracture toughness that are intriguingly superior to that of their individual constituents. The scheme of double-network preparation, however, is not equally successful for all polyelectrolyte/neutral polymer pairs. A successful example is the combination of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid) (PAMPS) cross-linked network and linear polyacrylamide (PAAm), which results in DN-gels with fracture strength under compression approaching that of articular cartilage (≈20 MPa). Small-angle neutron scattering was used to determine the thermodynamic interaction parameters for PAMPS and PAAm in water as a first step to elucidate the molecular origin responsible for this superior property. Measurements on PAMPS/PAAm DN-gels and their solution blend counterparts indicate that the two polymers i...
Bringing the Family Tradition in Bluegrass Music to the Music Classroom

National Standard 9, "understanding music in relation to history and culture," forms the basis for this article about family traditions found in bluegrass music. With historical information about the roots of bluegrass music in the Old Time tradition, the author provides helpful links and instructional strategies to help general music students identify important components and concepts found in bluegrass music. The Digital Library of Appalachia is introduced to provide sound archives available to all teachers, and a sample lesson plan is included. Also included is a suggested listening repertoire, along with recommendations for use in the general music classroom.
Global cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence access to assisted reproductive technologies.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the most successful treatment for the 9% of people at reproductive age who suffer with infertility, but only a small percentage of those needing ART actually access it. Access varies greatly internationally owing to religious, cultural and political factors, probably the most important factor being each society’s perspective on the moral status of the embryo. Economic factors, the nature of the healthcare system and public funding affect access both among and within countries. Regulations and guidelines are highly variable, but critical, in determining access and types of services. Cross-border travel for reproductive care is not uncommon. In the future, better public funding of ART, technological improvements, lower cost and slow international harmonization with fewer differences in ART services will probably increase access significantly.
You and Me and Google Makes Three: Welcoming Google into the Reference Interview

Library patrons often approach the reference desk with indirect, incomplete, or misleading questions, known as "ill-formed" questions. Transforming ill-formed questions into well-formed ones is a crucial part of the reference interview, and Google can be an active participant in that process. This paper discusses how Google can help librarians and patrons deal with incomplete citations, incorrect citations, incorrect spellings, tip-of-the-tongue questions, and forgotten searches.
Head-On Intersection of East and West: The Overlooked History of Galileo in China

Traces the spread of Galileo Galilei's science in China by Jesuit missionaries during the early modern period, and establishes historiographical context for this topic.
Xenotransplantation: a bioethical evaluation

Allograft shortage is a formidable obstacle in organ transplantation. Xenotransplantation, the interspecies transplantation of cells, tissues, and organs, or ex vivo interspecies exchange between cells, tissues, and organs is a frequently suggested alternative to this allograft shortage. As xenotransplantation steadily improves into a viable allotransplantation alternative, several bioethical considerations coalesce. Such considerations include the Helsinki declaration's guarantee of patients' rights to privacy; political red tape that may select for undermined socioeconomic groups as the first recipients of xenografts; industry incentives in xenotransplantation investments; conflicts of interest when a clinician supervises a patient as a research subject; the psychosocial impact of transplantation on the xenograft recipient, and the rights of animals. This review illuminates these issues through a conglomeration of expert opinion and relevant experimental studies.
A TIME-DEPENDENT THEORETICAL MODEL OF THE POLAR WIND: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

The coupled time dependent continui- which observed supersonic H + (Nagai et al., 1984) ty, momentum and energy equations of a two ion (O + and O + ion flows (Waite et al., 1985). These and H +) quasineutral plasma were solved in order observational results prompted us to develop a new to extend our understanding of polar wind be- hydrodynamical numerical code to study the time havior. This numerical code allows studies of dependent behavior of ionospheric plasma flows the time dependent behavior of polar wind-type along magnetic field lines. In section 2 we flows into and out of the ionosphere. Initial briefly outline the governing equations, the nu- studies indicate that the typical time constants merical method and the parameters selected for our for electron and ion temperature changes are of calculations. Section 3 gives the results of a few the order of minutes and tens of minutes, respec- representative sets of calculations. Finally the tively. The response time of the minor high alti- implications of these preliminary studies are tude ion O + is less than an hour, whereas that of considered in the discussion section. the major ion, H + is many hours The initial test runs also demonstrate the fact that temporary supersonic flows of both O + and H + are possible, especially in the presence of significant ion heating.
Coseismic sediment deformation during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake

[1] Inelastic horizontal sediment deformation from the MS 7.1, 17 October 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake has been estimated to be on the order of 20 cm at a site in Gilroy, California, about 32 km east of the epicenter. This estimate was based on combined deterministic-stochastic simulations using ground motion data and sediment properties measured from in situ seismic tests and laboratory tests on cored sediment samples of up to 170 m deep. The calculated deformation is comparable to measured horizontal coseismic displacements at various stations in the Santa Cruz network, suggesting that previously back-figured fault rupture mechanisms may have been influenced by the coseismic sediment deformation.
The process and rationale for an online master's program in diabetes education and management.

PurposeAlthough all certified diabetes educators have been required to have specific clinical training in a health discipline, graduate programs in diabetes education are relatively rare. The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a different approach to educating diabetes educators: an interdisciplinary graduate degree in diabetes education and management. In addition to preparing more diabetes educators, a graduate degree encourages existing diabetes educators to expand their area of expertise and their leadership skills. The article provides a discussion of the current trend toward interprofessional education and describes the challenges associated with mounting an online graduate program.ConclusionsThose who are engaged in or seeking a career in diabetes education are interested in a graduate degree in the specialty. Such a degree offers a route into diabetes education for those who are not currently in the field as well as a method for current diabetes educators to increase their e...
Wearable experience capture for episodic memory support

People with recent episodic memory impairment (EMI) such as individuals with Alzheimer's disease suffer from the lack of awareness of their recent experiences. We designed a wearable lifelogging system that allows these individuals to automatically and passively capture their experiences, select and annotate the most salient memory cues from the lifelog, and present these cues to support reminiscence of the experience with a self-guided, memory-exercising interaction.
Three-dimensional plasmonic nanoswitch: Extreme variation of scattering properties upon rotation

In this context, we have proposed the synthesis and design of nanotransmission-lines (Alu et al., 2006) and backward-wave nanomaterials (Alu, 2007), the optical equivalent of connecting ldquoshortingrdquo wires (Alu, 2007), combinations of parallel and series nanocircuit elements (Salandrino et al., 2007) and basic collections of nanofilters.
Electoral Career Movements and the Flow of Political Power in the American Federal System

I offer a novel way of documenting the flow of power between the state and federal governments. Rather than look at programs or expenditures, I examine the behavior of elected officials. Assuming that ambitious politicians gravitate toward the locus of political power, I track the flow of elected officials in the American federal system. Specifically, I look at the career paths of more than 12,000 individuals who served in the U.S. Congress between 1789 and 2012. By analyzing the movement of elected officials between the state and federal levels, I confirm the prevailing story line on the evolution of American federalism while generating a measure that can be used to assess the relative distribution of power in the system across time.