cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Return to the wild: Translocation as a tool in conservation of the desert tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii )

Abstract Translocation could be used as a tool in conservation of the threatened Mojave Desert Tortoise ( Gopherus agassizii ) by moving individuals from harm’s way and into areas where they could contribute to conservation of the species. Numerous factors may affect the success of translocations, including the conditions experienced by tortoises in holding facilities while awaiting translocation. The tortoises available for our translocation study had been provided supplemental water during their years spent in a captive holding facility, potentially inducing carelessness in water conservation. In addition to generally investigating the efficacy of translocation, we compared the effects of continuing with the effects of ceasing the holding facility’s water supplementation regimen. After exposure to one of the two water regimens, all tortoises were given the opportunity to hydrate immediately prior to release. We examined behavior, body mass, carapace length, movement, and mortality of tortoises for two activity seasons following release to the wild. Water supplementation was correlated with high rates of carapace growth and distant movements by males after release. Lengthy movements following translocation may be problematic for conservation planning, but this should be evaluated in light of the goals and circumstances of each translocation project. Although the mortality rate was 21.4% in 1997, data suggest that drought conditions at the site rather than the translocation itself negatively affected the tortoises. None of the tortoises died during their second season at the site. Our results indicate that translocation should be considered a useful tool in conservation of the Desert Tortoise.
Understanding the importance of natural neuromotor strategy in upper extremity neuroprosthetic control

A key challenge in upper extremity neuroprosthetics is variable levels of skill and inconsistent functional recovery. We examine the feasibility and benefits of using natural neuromotor strategies through the design and development of a proof-of-concept model for a feed-forward upper extremity neuroprosthetic controller. Developed using Artificial Neural Networks, the model is able to extract and classify neural correlates of movement intention from multiple brain regions that correspond to functional movements. This is unique compared to contemporary controllers that record from limited physiological sources or require learning of new strategies. Functional MRI fMRI data from healthy subjects N = 13 were used to develop the model, and a separate group N = 4 of subjects were used for validation. Results indicate that the model is able to accurately 81% predict hand movement strictly from the neural correlates of movement intention. Information from this study is applicable to the development of upper extremity technology aided interventions.
Hydrogen Peroxide as an Alternative Hatching Egg Disinfectant

The present study examined the effectiveness of H2O2 at different concentrations to disinfect broiler hatching eggshell surfaces and to maintain hatching potential. Under pure culture conditions, .50% H2O2 yielded over a 6 log kill in 30 s of three potential eggshell bacterial contaminants. Under higher H2O2 demands, such as occurs on eggshell surfaces, H2O2 concentrations of 5% (vol/vol) were required to disinfect the shell surfaces (approximately 5 log reduction). Hatchability of fertile eggs from a 44-wk-old flock was significantly increased by 2% following spraying 5% H2O2 in comparison to untreated controls. Level of contaminated eggs and "early-dead" embryos were significantly reduced in the H2O2-treated eggs. In comparison with formaldehyde fumigation, no significant difference in hatchability due to H2O2 treatment was detected in eggs from a 30- or 56-wk-old flock. Eggshell permeability, as measured by egg moisture loss in an incubator, was not significantly affected by H2O2 (5%) or formaldehyde fumigation when compared with untreated or water-sprayed control eggs. These results demonstrated that H2O2 compared favorably to formaldehyde as a hatching egg disinfectant without adversely affecting hatching potential. Under some conditions, H2O2 actually improved the hatching potential of fertile broiler eggs compared with hatchability of untreated eggs.
Only the Voice of the Other: Science, Power, and Diversity’s Revolt in the Museum—A Manifesto of Sorts

While the importance of including diverse perspectives in museum programming has received considerable attention in the cultural realm, the same cannot be said for environmental science topics. In science and natural history museums, exhibitions on issues such as global climate change and loss of biodiversity are frequently narrowly defined in relation to an equally narrow perception of what constitutes environmental science. Because the facts of science in museums are still largely told by science curators, the voices of non-scientists are largely absent on such issues. As museum professionals, we must work to ensure that a diversity of perspectives is represented on environmental issues in our museums and on the capacity of our publics to participate in the presentation of environmental topics. We must support the public’s collective “power-to” (as John Holloway has termed it) have a voice in environmental programming.
Bayesian algorithms for missing observations in experimental designs for a nanolubrication process

Three new Bayesian algorithms for missing observations based on predictive ability and minimization of the Residual Sum of Squares (RSS) are proposed. Their performance is compared to three existing algorithms based on an appropriate predicted residual error sum of squares statistic. Different positions of the missing observations and initial model conditions are considered. In all the investigated cases, the Bayesian algorithms perform significantly better than non-Bayesian algorithms. A numerical study is performed using a nanolubrication process. It shows that the Bayesian complete RSS minimization algorithm yields the closest estimates of the missing observations, with the maximum predictive ability.
GABA-T in blood platelets: Comparison with GABA-T of other tissues

Abstract Although the activity of platelet GABA-T is much lower than that of brain, liver, or kidney, the platelet enzyme appears very similar to the enzymes of these other tissues with respect to mitochondrial localization, substrate K m values, enzyme mechanism, molecular weight, net surface charge, and responses to cofactor and inhibitors. Assays of platelet GABA-T may be useful in monitoring effective blood levels of GABA-T inhibitors and in studies of GABA-related syndromes or behaviors. However, a direct correlation between platelet and brain GABA-T activities has not been clearly demonstrated.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor Type 2 regulates IFN-γ-induced cytokine signaling in THP-1 monocytes.

Background: We have previously shown that the Crohn's disease (CD)-associated gene protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor Type 2 (PTPN2) regulates interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-induced signaling and barrier function in intestinal epithelial cells. Overactivation of immature immune cells has been demonstrated in CD and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ, play an important pathophysiological role in this disease. Here we studied the role of PTPN2 in the regulation of IFN-γ-induced signaling in THP-1 monocytic cells. Methods: Protein analysis was performed by Western blotting, PTPN2 knockdown was induced by siRNA, and cytokine levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: We demonstrated that IFN-γ (1000 U/mL) treatment of THP-1 cells elevates PTPN2 protein, reaching a peak by 24 hours. Increased PTPN2 expression, in turn, correlated with decreased activity of the signaling molecules, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1 and STAT3. Loss of PTPN2 potentiated IFN-γ-induced phosphorylation of both of the STATs and of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family member, p38. However, PTPN2 loss did not affect the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase. As a functional consequence, PTPN2 knockdown elevated the IFN-γ-induced secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1). Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that IFN-γ enhances PTPN2 protein in THP-1 cells and loss of PTPN2 promotes IFN-γ-induced STAT signaling and secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1. Therefore, we show that PTPN2 regulates inflammation-related events and PTPN2 dysregulation may contribute to the onset as well as to the perpetuation of inflammatory events associated with CD. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2010)
On the character of self-interstitial dislocation loops in vanadium

Molecular statics and molecular dynamics simulations based on a new Finnis–Sinclair potential were used to investigate the energy and structure of self-interstitial atom (SIA) dislocation loops in vanadium. The results are compared to experimental observations and recent results in ferritic alloys which detail the formation mechanism responsible for the nucleation and growth mechanism of ⟨100⟩ dislocation loops. The SIA dislocation loops in vanadium are composed of ⟨111⟩ split dumbbells and crowdions. The clusters can be described as perfect prismatic dislocation loops with Burgers vector b = 1/2⟨111⟩. As the loops grow, SIAs fill successive jogged-edge rows with minimum free-energy cusps corresponding to unjogged filled hexagonal shells. Notably, dislocation loops of ⟨100⟩ Burgers vector are not observed in vanadium, and these results provide a basis for understanding the experimental observations.
Generating gene knockout rats by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells

We describe here a detailed protocol for generating gene knockout rats by homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells. This protocol comprises the following procedures: derivation and expansion of rat ES cells, construction of gene-targeting vectors, generation of gene-targeted rat ES cells and, finally, production of gene-targeted rats. The major differences between this protocol and the classical mouse gene-targeting protocol include ES cell culture methods, drug selection scheme, colony picking and screening strategies. This ES cell-based gene-targeting technique allows sophisticated genetic modifications to be performed in the rat, as many laboratories have been doing in the mouse for the past two decades. Recently we used this protocol to generate Tp53 (also known as p53) gene knockout rats. The entire process requires ∼1 year to complete, from derivation of ES cells to generation of knockout rats.
Adenosine modulates beta-adrenergic signal transduction in guinea-pig heart ventricular membranes.

Abstract The mechanism of the antiadrenergic action of adenosine in the heart was investigated by examining the effects of phenylisopro-pyladenosine (PIA), an adenosine A 1 receptor agonist, on β-adrenergic receptor and non-receptor elicited increases in adenylyl cyclase activity of guinea-pig ventricular membranes. These membranes contained adenosine A 1 receptors (≈ 80 fmol/mg) and at least one ADP-ribosylated G protein with a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa. PIA attenuated isoproterenol-enhanced adenylyl cyclase activity and [ 3 H]GDP release in this membrane preparation. However, PIA had no significant effect on GPP(NP)P or forskolin activated adenylyl cyclase. Additionally, PIA did not change the sensitivity of the cyclase to either magnesium or GTP in these membranes. The inhibition of isoproterenol-enhanced activity appeared to be dependent on the activation state of the enzyme such that the degree of PIA inhibition decreased with increasing isoproterenol concentration. These data suggest that adenosine inhibition of catecholamine-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity occurs predominantly by modulating β-adrenergic receptor signal transduction and that subunits of G i may be involved in this action.
Pulp capping: Conserving the dental pulp—Can it be done? Is it worth it?

Emphasis has shifted from the "doomed" organ concept of an exposed pulp to one of hope and recovery. The era of vital-pulp therapy has been greatly enhanced with the introduction of calcium hydroxide (CH) products. The sequence of events leading to dentinal bridge formation with various CH formulas is detailed. Those factors usually considered liabilities to direct pulp capping (pulps cariously exposed, contaminated by saliva, previously carious or restored, periodontally involved, or from older patients and primary teeth) are disputed. Those factors that must be considered to improve the success rate of pulp capping are emphasized: control bleeding, make certain the CH contacts vital-pulp tissue, minimize dentinal chip invasion, avoid embolization of CH particles, and be aware of the depth of penetration of the chemical cautery effect.
Complex EOF Analysis as a Method to Separate Barotropic and Baroclinic Velocity Structure in Shallow Water

Abstract Defining the vertical depth average of measured currents to be barotropic is a widely used method of separating barotropic and baroclinic tidal currents in the ocean. Away from the surface and bottom boundary layers, depth-averaging measured velocity is an excellent estimate of barotropic tidal flow, and internal tidal dynamics can be well represented by the difference between the measured currents and their depth average in the vertical. However, in shallow and/or energetic tidal environments such as the shelf of the South Atlantic Bight (SAB), bottom boundary layers can occupy a significant fraction of the water column, and depth averaging through the bottom boundary layer can overestimate the barotropic current by several tens of centimeters per second near bottom. The depth-averaged current fails to capture the bottom boundary layer structure associated with the barotropic tidal signal, and the resultant estimate of baroclinic tidal currents can mimic a bottom-trapped internal tide. Complex e...
Analysis of stable protein methylation in cultured cells.

Abstract It was demonstrated recently that substrates for protein N -methyltransferases ( J. Najbauer and D. W. Aswad, 1990, J. Biol. Chem. 265, 12,717–12,721 ) and protein carboxyl methyltransferases ( J. Najbauer, B. A. Johnson, and D. W. Aswad, 1991, Anal. Biochem. 197, 412–420 ) accumulate when rat PC12 cells are cultured in the presence of the methylation inhibitor, adenosine dialdehyde. In the present report, we have further characterized this phenomenon in PC12 cells and in two other, widely used cell types. Adenosine dialdehyde was found to increase the methyl-accepting capacity of proteins in human skin fibroblasts and mouse Sp2/0 myeloma cells. However, both the level of methyl incorporation in untreated cells and the amount of stimulation afforded by inhibitor treatment were substantially lower in these cells than in PC12 cells. All three cell lines accumulated methyl acceptor(s) at 17–21 kDa. The PC12 cells and the fibroblasts also exhibited stimulation of three apparently similar proteins in the 33- to 38-kDa region, where several arginine-methylated proteins involved in RNA processing would be expected. The optimal conditions for methylation of PC12 cell extracts with regard to pH, time of methylation, and S -[ methyl - 3 H]adenosyl- l -methionine concentration were characterized. Increased methyl incorporation was detected after adenosine dialdehyde treatments as short as 2 h, and methylation of most substrates continued to increase as the time of treatment was extended to 72 h. The kinetics of accumulation varied from substrate to substrate. Fluorograms of two-dimensional gels of extracts from untreated PC12 cells incubated in the presence of S -[ methyl - 3 H] adenosyl- l -methionine revealed patterns of methyl incorporation similar to those of treated cells, but longer exposure times were necessary (e.g., 35 days vs 7 days). These findings suggest that the inhibitor treatment works mainly by inhibiting the post- or cotranslational methylation of a “normal” array of cellular proteins.
Frameless stereotaxy for transsphenoidal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of performing transsphenoidal surgery with computer-assisted image guidance. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients underwent transsphenoidal surgery in which a frameless stereotactic system was used to confirm the trajectory to the sella and to locate the anatomic midline. This technique was compared with our standard method of using an image intensifier to confirm the approach (n = 43). The numbers of complications associated with the approach, the times required to set up and perform each operation, and the average costs for each group were compared. RESULTS: There were no complications attributable to inaccurate localization from the neuronavigational system. Additional setup time was necessary to calibrate and register the system; this represented a mean of 17 minutes in transsphenoidal procedures performed for the first time (n = 30), whereas reoperations required an average of 22 minutes (n = 7) (P < 0.05). The operative times, defined as time from incision to closure, were not statistically different (P = 0.38). To reduce assistant variation, a subset of this group in which the same assistant was used (n = 18) was analyzed. The additional setup time was reduced to a mean of 12 minutes (P < 0.05). The total case times were actually reduced in this group (127 versus 133 min), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.75). Fluoroscopy was not required when frameless stereotaxy was used. The cost savings were partially offset by the cost of the preoperative computed tomographic study necessary for fiducial registration and the additional cost of setup time in the operating room. When all factors were analyzed, an additional cost to the patient of $318.00 was noted. The image guidance in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes provided by frameless stereotaxy was subjectively beneficial; it increased our confidence with the approach to the sella and intraoperative localization and was particularly helpful in reoperations where standard anatomic landmarks were distorted. CONCLUSION: Frameless stereotaxy is a technology that provides continuous, three-dimensional information for localization and surgical trajectory to the surgeon and can be applied to transsphenoidal surgery with minimal additional cost and time requirements.
Climate logging with a new rapid optical technique at Siple Dome

The dust logger design is based on a decade of experience in the use of light sources to measure optical properties of deep Antarctic ice. Light is emitted at the top of the instrument by side-directed LEDs, scattered or absorbed by dust in the ice surrounding the borehole, and collected in a downhole-pointing photomultiplier tube (PMT) a meter below. With this method the ice is sampled at ambient pressure in a much larger volume than is the case in a core study, and the entire length can be logged in one day. In ice in which scattering is dominated by bubbles, the absorption from dust impurities is perceived as a drop in signal, whereas in bubble-free ice the scattering from dust increases the light collected. We report on results obtained in Siple Dome Hole A in December 2000. The instrument measured increases in dust concentration extending over many meters during glacial maxima, as well as narrow spikes due to ∼ 1 cm thick ash and dust bands of volcanic origin. Monte Carlo simulation is employed to clarify data analysis and predict the capabilities of future designs.
A Characterization of Mixed Branching Greedoids

Branching greedoids have been dened and characterized for both directed and undi- rected rooted graphs. Such greedoids can be extended to rooted mixed graphs n graphs with both directed and undirected edges. These greedoids are characterized by a list of forbidden minors. If Ω is a rooted mixed graph, its mixed branching greedoid has the edges of Ω as its ground set and the collection of arborescences as its feasible sets. The set of mixed branching greedoids is exactly the set of local forest greedoids without (fa; b; cg; f / 0; fag; fbg; fcg; fa; bg; fa; cg; fb; cgg)
Smoking and ventral hernia repair: quantifying the national burden of tobacco abuse

METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2005-2011 for all elective laparoscopic VHR (LVHR) and open VHR (OVHR). Patients were stratified by surgical approach and outcomes were compared by current smoking status using standard statistical tests. Multivariate regression (MVR) was performed for outcomes controlling for age, sex, Body Mass Index (BMI), diabetes, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), recurrent and incarcerated hernia.
Ensemble studies of nonlinear conductance fluctuations in phase coherent samples.

We discuss the voltage dependence of the differential conductance fluctuations in metal samples containing a disordered region much smaller than the inelastic diffusion length at low voltage. Measurements are made for an ensemble of different defect configurations within the same sample. We find that the root mean square amplitude of differential conductance fluctuations within a phase coherent sample is independent of voltage, in conflict with existing theory. The measured voltage correlation scale is at least an order of magnitude smaller than the Thouless energy divided by [ital e].
Dissociating Confidence and Accuracy: Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Shows Origins of the Subjective Memory Experience

Successful memory typically implies both objective accuracy and subjective confidence, but there are instances when confidence and accuracy diverge. This dissociation suggests that there may be distinct neural patterns of activation related to confidence and accuracy. We used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the encoding of novel face–name associations, assessed with a postscan memory test that included objective measures of accuracy and subjective measures of confidence. We showed specific neural activity in the left inferior prefrontal cortex associated with trials when subjects expressed high confidence that they had chosen the correct name for the face and made a correct identification. Moreover, we found that this region was also associated with imparting high confidence when subjects chose the incorrect name. However, medial temporal lobe regions showed activity only for high-confidence correct trials. Many functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have shown that the medial temporal lobe and left prefrontal regions are particularly important for the successful formation of memories by using a combination of subjective and objective measures. Our findings suggest that these regions may be differentially involved in the objective and subjective components of memory and that the origins of confidence–accuracy dissociations may be related to incomplete activation of the neural pattern seen in successful encoding. These findings may also aid understanding of eyewitness misidentifications and memory distortions.
Latina/o formations in the United States: Laboring classes, migration, and identities

The last four decades have marked an epochal socio-economic transformation in the nature of US society. Nowhere is this more obvious than the precipitous growth of US-born Latino and Mexican/Latino immigrant populations. According to the US census, the previous decade (2000–2010) alone accounted for a 43% increase, with the majority residing in states like California, Illinois, Florida, and New York. However, more recently, new Latino (primarily of Mexican origin) destinations include Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Tennessee. These states are experiencing growth rates exceeding that of the larger Latino Metropolitan areas, where growth exceeds 300%. And a 2014 PEW Hispanic Research report on Puerto Rican migration showed that the population there is declining dramatically, primarily due to the financial instability of the island (Cohn et al., 2014). Latino population is now estimated to be nearly 54 million and with the dubious distinction of being the largest ethnic minority in the United States. More significant than sheer numbers is the fact that Latinos and Ethnicities 2015, Vol. 15(2) 157–164 ! The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/1468796814557657 etn.sagepub.com
Effect of Heating on Quiet Flow in a Mach 4 Ludwieg Tube

We report measurements of quiet-flow extent carried out in the Purdue University Mach 4 Ludwieg tube with a heated driver tube. Pitot pressure measurements are made with a fast-response pressure transducer located on the centerline. Temperature measurements are also made using a tungsten cold wire that is 3.8 μ in diameter and 0.5 mm long
Formal testing and utilization of streaming media to improve flight crew safety knowledge

Increased concerns over the safety of air medical transport have prompted development of novel ways to increase safety. The objective of our study was to determine if an Internet streaming media safety video increased crew safety knowledge. 23 out of 40 crew members took an online safety pre-test, watched a safety video specific to our program and completed immediate and long-term post-testing 6 months later. Mean pre-test, post-test and 6 month follow up test scores were 84.9%, 92.3% and 88.4% respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in all scores (p Language: en
Image annotation for conveying automated lung nodule detection results to radiologists.

Abstract Rationale and objectives The author investigated the ability of automated techniques to convey the results of an automated lung nodule detection method for human visualization. Materials and methods Automated nodule detection begins with gray-level thresholding techniques to create a segmented lung volume within which nodule candidates are identified. Morphologic and gray-level features are computed for each candidate. To distinguish between candidates that represent actual nodules and those that represent non-nodules, a rule-based scheme is combined with linear discriminant analysis. For output visualization, final detection results are represented as circles around computer-detected structures in a single section in which each structure appears. Consequently, an inappropriate choice of section could result in an actual nodule detected by the computer but not properly indicated to the radiologist, thus reducing the potential positive impact of that detection on the radiologist’s decision-making process. Results The automated nodule detection method achieved 71% sensitivity with 0.5 false positives per section on 38 CT scans; however, when these results were converted to annotations on the images output for human visualization, only 91% of the computer-detected true-positive nodules received annotations that encompassed a portion of the actual nodule. Thus, the “effective sensitivity” of the automated detection method was reduced. Conclusion The “effective sensitivity” of an automated lung nodule detection system considers the eventual human interaction with system output. Differences between reported computer sensitivity and “effective sensitivity” may be reduced through proper consideration of the assessment of “truth,” of the manner in which computer results are scored, and of the complete segmentation of candidates for automated nodule detection.
Diagnosis of Multiple Fixture Faults in Panel Assembly

This paper presents a modeling procedure and diagnostic algorithm for fixture related faults in panel assembly, From geometric information about the panel and fixture, a fixture fault model can be constructed off-line. Combining the fault model with inline panel dimensional measurements, the algorithm is capable of detecting and classifying multiple fixture faults. The algorithm, which relies heavily on the fault model, is based on least squares estimation. Consequently, the test is of relatively simple form and is easily implemented and analyzed, Experimental results of applying the algorithm to an autobody assemble process are provided.
Damage and Recovery of Tundra Vegetation

This paper makes a series of broad recommendations concerning the understanding of damage and recovery of tundra vegetation. It deals primarily with arctic vegetation and with principles rather than specific recommendations or instructions for restoration. Actual procedures for restoration or revegetation, although practised, are still in their experimental stages.Despite this lack of established methods in tundra vegetation restoration, much can be done to help offset some of the worst effects of the present surge of economic development that is occurring in certain sectors of the Arctic. First, a rational assessment of types and extent of damage that is likely to accrue from different kinds and degrees of impact should be attempted, based on existing experience and theory. This should be accompanied by similar assessments of degrees and rates of recovery.
How a picture means

An artist's ideas about his drawing material, as well as about his subject, influence the forms in his picture. Each set of ideas modifies the other in an interactive process that determines the eventual configurations in his drawing. The interdependence of material and subject is particularly evident in the drawings of young children as the capacity for representation first emerges.
Gauss map, topology, and convexity of hypersurfaces with nonvanishing curvature

Abstract It is proved that, for n ⩾2, every immersion of a compact connected n-manifold into a sphere of the same dimension is an embedding, if it is one-to-one on each boundary component of the manifold. Some applications of this result are discussed for studying geometry and topology of hypersurfaces with non-vanishing curvature in Euclidean space, via their Gauss map; particularly, in relation to a conjecture of Meeks on minimal surfaces with convex boundary. It is also proved, as another application, that a compact hypersurface with nonvanishing curvature is convex, if its boundary lies in a hyperplane.
EAD: An Efficient and Adaptive Decentralized File Replication Algorithm in P2P File Sharing Systems

In peer-to-peer file sharing systems, file replication technology is widely used to reduce hot spots and improve file query efficiency. Most current file replication methods replicate files in all nodes or two endpoints on a client-server query path. However, these methods either have low effectiveness or come at a cost of high overhead. This paper presents an Efficient and adaptive decentralized file replication algorithm (EAD) that achieves high query efficiency and high replica utilization at a significantly low cost. EAD enhances the utilization of file replicas by selecting query traffic hubs and frequent requesters as replica nodes, and dynamically adapting to non-uniform and time-varying file popularity and node interest. Unlike current methods, EAD creates and deletes replicas in a decentralized self-adaptive manner while guarantees high replica utilization. Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of EAD in comparison with other approaches in both static and dynamic environments. It dramatically reduces the overhead of file replication, and yields significant improvements on the efficiency and effectiveness of file replication in terms of query efficiency, replica hit rate and overloaded nodes reduction.
Infrared Study of CO2 Sorption over “Molecular Basket” Sorbent Consisting of Polyethylenimine-Modified Mesoporous Molecular Sieve

An infrared study has been conducted on CO2 sorption into nanoporous CO2 “molecular basket” sorbents prepared by loading polyethylenimine (PEI) into mesoporous molecular sieve SBA-15. IR results from DRIFTS showed that a part of loaded PEI is anchored on the surface of SBA-15 through the interaction between amine groups and isolated surface silanol groups. Raising the temperature from 25 to 75 °C increased the molecular flexibility of PEI loaded in the mesopore channels, which may partly contribute to the increase of CO2 sorption capacity at higher temperatures. CO2 sorption/desorption behavior studied by in situ transmission FTIR showed that CO2 is sorbed on amine sites through the formation of alkylammonium carbamates and absorbed into the multiple layers of PEI located in mesopores of SBA-15. A new observation by in situ IR is that two broad IR bands emerged at 2450 and 2160 cm−1 with CO2 flowing over PEI(50)/SBA-15, which could be attributed to chemically sorbed CO2 species on PEI molecules inside the...
Fuzzy-based approaches to substation reliability evaluation

Abstract This paper describes a fuzzy-based analytical method and a fuzzy-based Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) technique to obtain a possibility distribution of reliability indices for substations. In many cases, the notion of representing component reliability data (such as failure rate or repair rate) by crisp numbers must be challenged. Using fuzzy mathematics, reliability data are represented by membership functions, not a single value. These membership functions represent the uncertainties involved in determining the failure rates and repair rates of components. Reliability indices for each load point or a substation are calculated as possibility distributions. An example is given to demonstrate these methods and their comparisons.
Silencing of murine transthyretin and retinol binding protein genes has distinct and shared behavioral and neuropathologic effects.

Abstract The murine genes encoding transthyretin (TTR) and retinol binding protein (RBP) were independently silenced by targeted disruption more than 10 years ago. Studies of both strains showed surprisingly little impact on either thyroid function or retinoid metabolism. Silencing TTR led to a relatively mild behavioral phenotype. In order to gain insight into the behavioral effect and determine if it was related to TTR’s function as the carrier of RBP we carried out simultaneous studies with homozygous Rbp4−/− and Ttr−/− animals 4–7 months of age. Both strains showed behavioral differences relative to Ttr and Rbp4 wild-type animals and each other. The patterns were discrete for each knockout although there was some overlap. Neuropathologic examination of the cortex and hippocampus revealed cortical and hippocampal (CA3) neuronal loss in both and some degree of gliosis, more pronounced in the Rbp4−/− mice. There also appeared to be a major reduction in proliferating neuroblasts in the subventricular zone in both strains, which was also more severe in the Rbp4−/− mice. This is the first description of behavioral abnormalities in Rbp4−/− mice. The data also indicate that it is unlikely that the behaviors seen in Ttr−/− mice are related to its function as an RBP carrier.
Statically non-wetting electrospun perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether polymer doped with room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL)

Abstract A statically non-wetting, electrospun surface of non volatile room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, (BMIM-PF 6 ), hosted in a solution-processable, semi-fluorinated perfluorocyclobutyl (BP-PFCB) aryl ether polymer was successfully prepared by electrospinning and compared with a surface prepared by spin casting. The surface properties of undoped and BMIM-PF 6 doped systems were analyzed by water contact angle (WCA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). BMIM-PF 6 doped BP-PFCB surfaces prepared by spin casting showed a WCA of 90° while non-woven electrospun surfaces with the same BMIM-PF 6 concentration showed high degree of hydrophobicity with a WCA greater than 150°. Morphologies of the electrospun surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface composition was analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). Thermal analysis of the electrospun, non-woven surfaces of the doped and the undoped system of BP-PFCB were done by TGA.
Periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide sum-frequency generator for efficient single-photon detection at communication wavelengths

We present a device to facilitate single-photon detection at communication wavelengths based on continuous-wave sum-frequency generation with an upconversion efficiency exceeding 90%. Sum-frequency generation in a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide is used to upconvert signal photons to the near infrared, where detection can be performed efficiently by use of silicon avalanche photodiodes.
Autonomy and Self-Respect

This stimulating collection of essays in ethics eschews the simple exposition and refinement of abstract theories. Rather, the author focuses on everyday moral issues, often neglected by philosophers, and explores the deeper theoretical questions which they raise. Such issues are: is it wrong to tell a lie to protect someone from a painful truth? Should one commit a lesser evil to prevent another from doing something worse? Can one be both autonomous and compassionate? Other topics discussed are servility, weakness of will, suicide, obligations to oneself, snobbery, and environmental concerns. A feature of the collection is the contrast of Kantian and utilitarian answers to these problems. The essays are crisply and lucidly written and will appeal to both teachers and students of philosophy.
Corpus Callosotomy for Childhood-Onset Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Unresponsive to Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Abstract Purpose Corpus callosotomy and vagus nerve stimulation are common palliative options for people with drug-resistant epilepsy when resective epilepsy surgery is not feasible. Because most of the published corpus callosotomy experience comes from a period before vagus nerve stimulation was approved and widely used, there is a paucity of data about efficacy of corpus callosotomy in patients with inadequate response to vagus nerve stimulation. Methods We report seven patients who had complete corpus callosotomy after an inadequate response to vagus nerve stimulation. At the time of surgery, these patients had failed a median of six antiseizure medications, three patients also had failed a trial of ketogenic diet, and all the patients had a vagus nerve stimulation implanted for a mean duration of 2.5 years with maximal tolerated settings. Results There was a decrease in total daily seizure frequency of 34.7% (±94.7; median, 71.4%; interquartile range, 55.3) after corpus callosotomy at a mean follow-up of 2.6 years (±1.4). One patient achieved complete seizure freedom and five patients had ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency. Six patients continued to have partial-onset seizures though the frequency was decreased. Drop attacks and tonic seizures stopped in all the patients. Conclusion Seizure outcomes after corpus callosotomy in our series are most likely a result of complex dynamic interaction between the natural history of epilepsy, the effect of the surgery, ongoing vagus nerve stimulation modulation, and modification in antiseizure drugs. Our study supports the clinical decision to try corpus callosotomy in patients having nonlateralizing drug-resistant epilepsy with inadequate response to vagus nerve stimulation.
High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of carbenicillin and its degradation products

An ion-pair reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic system is used to separate carbenicillin from carbenicillin penicilloic acid, carbenicillin penilloic acid, penicillin G, penicillin G penicilloic acid, and penicillin G penilloic acid. Conditions are provided for resolution of the carbenicillin diastereomer pair and for elution as a single peak, facilitating quantitation.
Reactive phosphide inclusions in commercial ferrosilicon

The goal of this work was to determine the origin of phosphine gas (PH3), which has been reported to be generated from wet, commercial ferrosilicon alloys containing ∼75 wt pct Si. Based on previous work, it is suspected that PH3 evolves when phosphides present within the alloy react with atmospheric moisture or water. Reactive phosphides have been identified in synthetic ferrosilicon alloys, which contain higher amounts of phosphorus than are typically present in commercial alloys. Therefore, reactive phosphides in commercial FeSi75 alloys are expected to be important to the evolution of PH3 from these alloys. To identify the role of reactive phosphides in the evolution of PH3 from commercial FeSi75 alloys, the microstructures of four commercial and two synthetic FeSi75 ferrosilicon alloys were investigated. Reactive phosphides were observed in each of the commercial alloys and characterized with respect to composition, morphology, and location within the microstructure. The phosphides observed in all of the commercial alloys contained aluminum, calcium, and magnesium. The phosphides had inclusion-like morphologies and were located on the silicon/ζ (high-temperature FeSi2) interfaces at microcracks. The microstructural features observed support the hypothesis that atmospheric moisture penetrates ferrosilicon, reacting with the phosphide inclusions to produce PH3. A possible mechanism describing the spontaneous crumbling sometimes observed in ferrosilicon alloys is also presented.
An econometric model of housing price, permanent income, tenure choice, and housing demand

Abstract This paper addresses the determination of housing price, permanent income, tenure choice, and housing demand. Full housing demand elasticities incorporate the interactive effects among the four stages of the model. Price and income have major effects in the tenure choice equation. Sociodemographic variables, such as age, have complex effects that may be lost in simpler forms of estimation.
Barriers to driving and community integration after traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relations among driving status, perceptions of barriers to the resumption of driving, and community integration outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). DESIGN: Correlational research using logistic and multiple regression analyses, analyses of variance, and covariance. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one survivors of TBI, 6 months to 10 years postinjury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Driving status postinjury, Community Integration Measure, and Craig Hospital Assessment and Reporting Technique. RESULTS: Perceptions of barriers to driving provided unique information in predicting subjective and objective indices of community integration, even after accounting for other potentially pertinent variables (eg, injury severity, social support, negative affectivity, and use of alternative transportation). Moreover, survivors who had not resumed driving showed poorer community integration than did those who had resumed driving. Social barriers such as directives against driving from significant others accounted for the most variance in survivor driving status. Decisions to cease driving were more common among those with no formal driving evaluation than among survivors who had been evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Significant others have substantial influence on post-TBI driving outcome. The findings highlight the importance of independent driving to community integration, as well as psychoeducation of survivors and their families. Language: en
A comparison of iron induction of rat lymphocyte ferritin synthesis in vivo and in vitro

Abstract 1. 1. Administration of increasing amounts of iron to rats in vivo induced both liver and peripheral blood lymphocyte ferritin synthesis measured in vitro . 2. 2. Incubation of liver and lymphocytes with increasing concentrations of iron in vitro stimulated liver, but not lymphocyte ferritin synthesis. Exposure of lymphocytes to iron invitro produced only slight depression of ferritin and total protein synthesis and no appreciable change in cell viability compared to controls. 3. 3. Incubation of lymphocytes with 59 Fe-citrate in vitro resulted in continuous uptake and incorporation of labelled iron into both ferritin and total cell protein during 24 hr. 4. 4. These data suggest that induction of lymphocyte ferritin synthesis observed after iron administration in vivo resulted from secondary stimulatory mechanisms rather than due to iron per se .
Zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy is associated with muscle carnitine deficiency and lipid storage

The use of zidovudine (AZT) for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) induces a DNA-depleting mitochondrial myopathy, which is histologically characterized by the presence of muscle fibers with "ragged-red"-like features, red-rimmed or empty cracks, granular degeneration, and rods (AZT fibers). Because dysfunctioning muscle mitochondria may lead to defects of beta-oxidation of fatty acids, we examined the degree of neutral fat accumulation and muscle carnitine levels in the muscle biopsy specimens from 21 patients with AZT-induced myopathic symptoms of varying severity. Six patients with no AZT fibers had normal endomyofibrillar lipid deposits and muscle carnitine levels; 7 patients with fewer than 5 AZT fibers per field had a mild (+) to moderate (++) increase in lipid droplets, and reduced muscle carnitine levels (3 patients); and 8 patients with more than 5 AZT fibers had severe muscle changes, a ++ to marked ( ) increase in lipid droplets, and reduced muscle carnitine levels (6 patients). Serial sections showed lipid globules often within "cracks" or vacuoles of the abnormal muscle fibers. We conclude that the muscle mitochondrial impairment caused by AZT results in (1) accumulation of lipid within the muscle fibers owing to poor utilization of long-chain fatty acids, (2) reduction of muscle carnitine levels probably due to decreased carnitine uptake by the muscle, and (3) depletion of energy stores within the muscle fibers. The findings may have potential therapeutic implications in the treatment of AZT-induced myopathic symptoms using oral carnitine supplementation.
Personality Correlates of Holland's Occupational Types: A Cross Cultural Study.

Abstract Recent studies have investigated the personality traits of persons in Holland's six occupational categories. In the present study the generalizability of Holland's characterizations of adults within the occupational categories was investigated in a group of 402 Mexican-Americans. Occupational Scale scores on the Kuder Occupational Interest Survey were used to classify subjects into Holland's occupational types. Multiple discriminant analysis of groups' Guilford-Zimmerman Temperament Survey scale scores resulted in significant overall groups differentiation and two significant discriminant functions for males but no significant results for females. The personality characteristics of the male groups provide strong support for the generalizability of Holland's characterizations to Mexican-American males.
13C and 1H chemical shift assignments and conformation confirmation of trimedlure-Y via 2-D NMR

Abstract The conformation of 1,1-dimethylethyl 5-chloro- cis -2-methylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate (trimedlure-Y) was confirmed as 1,2,5 equatorial, axial, equatorial via 13 C, 1 H, APT, CSCM and COSY NMR analyses. The carbon and proton nuclei in trimedlure-Y and the previously unassigned eight cyclohexyl protons (1.50–2.60 ppm) in 1,1-dimethylethyl 5-chloro- trans -2-methylcyclohexane-1-carboxylate (trimedlure-B 1 ; 1,2,5 equatorial, equatorial, equatorial) were also characterized by these methods. The effects of the 2-CH 3 in the axial or equatorial conformation upon the chemical shifts of the other nuclei in the molecule are discussed.
Empirical Methods for Computing the Integrated Absorptances of Infrared Bands of Atmospheric Gases at Nonuniform Pressures

Methods are described for computing the total absorptances of bands of atmospheric gases in solar spectra based on (1) empirical relationships between total absorptance and absorber concentration and equivalent pressure for homogeneous mixtures of the absorbing gas and a broadening gas and (2) relationships obtained for two samples of gas. The variation of the atmospheric heating rate with pressure due to the absorption of solar radiation by such bands is estimated, and it is shown that for bands in the solar spectrum due to gases with a constant mixing ratio, an effective pressure P¯ = ½P0 can be used with an error of less than 5%.