cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Racial Disparities in the Administration of ECT in Texas, 1998-2013.

OBJECTIVE Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment of choice for severe depression but has been underutilized among black patients. This study investigates racial disparities in the administration of ECT in the state of Texas between 1998 and 2013 using population data. DESIGN Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services were obtained corresponding to the use for all ECT conducted in nonfederal settings during the period from January 2, 1998, to August 30, 2013. The data set comprised quarterly reports generated for each patient, totaling 27,931 patient quarters. Using year-by-year intercensal population estimates for the state of Texas, ECT treatments per capita were compared among black, white, Latina/Latino, and other individuals during this time period. RESULTS Significantly more white patients were treated each quarter than minority patients (P < 0.001), with Latina/Latino patients recording fewer treatment quarters than any other racial group (P < 0.005). Large discrepancies in diagnosis by race were observed. Black patients were less likely than white and Latina/Latino patients to be diagnosed with depression and 4 times as likely as white patients to carry a diagnosis of schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Concordant with previous data, large racial disparities in the administration of ECT were found in this Texas data set. Despite the limited nature of this data set, these results suggest that continued investigation is required to determine factors responsible for these disparities.
Pathways from positive, negative, and specific alcohol expectancies to weekday and weekend drinking to alcohol problems

The current study tested and identified risk and protective pathways from alcohol expectancies to weekday and weekend consumption to problematic consequences. Adult alcohol users (N = 395) completed measures of alcohol expectancies, daily consumption habits during a typical week, and alcohol-related problems. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the five-factor structure of positive expectancy, negative expectancy, weekday drinking, weekend drinking, and alcohol problems. The structural equation model specifying general positive and negative expectancy to weekday and weekend use to alcohol problems exhibited satisfactory fit indices. Specifically, positive expectancy contributed to greater weekend drinking, but negative expectancy prompted greater weekday drinking. Furthermore, lower positive expectancy, higher negative expectancy, higher weekday drinking, and higher weekend drinking each uniquely explained greater alcohol problems. The structural equation model involving the seven specific expectancies to weekday and weekend use to alcohol problems produced high fit indices. Specifically, higher risk and aggression, higher self-perception, and lower cognitive and behavioral impairment expectancies uniquely predicted weekday drinking. In contrast, higher sociability, higher liquid courage, higher risk and aggression, and lower cognitive impairment expectancies explained weekend drinking. The predictive model premised on specific alcohol expectancies as distinct constructs exhibited higher fit indices and more nuanced insights regarding risk and protective pathways for prevention than the model involving general positive versus negative expectancy constructs. Findings underscore that different types of self-fulfilling alcohol expectancy beliefs distinctively explain weekday versus weekend intake and problems.
The 1949 Devaluation of Sterling

To those who took part in it, the devaluation of sterling in September 1949, from $4.03 to $2.80 to the pound, was one of the most dramatic episodes in the post-war history of the United Kindom. It seemed likely at the time that it would also prove one of the most important in terms of its effects. There might be room for disagreement as to the need, the purpose, the wisdom or even the significance of the devaluation. But it was unmistakably a turning-point. So rare and startling an event as a fall of 30 per cent in the parity of sterling, the currency in which well over a quarter of the world’s commerce was conducted, could not fail to exercise a powerful influence on international transactions of all kinds.2
Safety Evaluation of Freight Intermodal Connectors in Tennessee State

This paper evaluates the traffic safety along freight intermodal connectors (FICs), which are also known as “first mile/last mile roadways,” connecting facilities that link freight-intensive land u...
Frequency Assignment for JALN HCB

Joint Aerial Layered Network (JALN) could provide crucial communication links when milsatcoms are degraded or lost. Antenna assignment problem for JALN High Capacity Backbone (HCB) has been studied in [1], [2] where each JALN aircraft has four mounting points for directional antennas. Another resource allocation problem arising is that how we can efficiently assign the frequencies to JALN HCB. Two-way traffic through a link is assigned to two disjoint frequency bands. Frequency Division Multiplexing Access (FDMA) is used to share bandwidth and avoid the interference among multiple transceivers on a single aerial platform. Two Frequency Assignment Problems (FAP) are considered in this work, which are called MMC-FAP and MS-FAP. MMC-FAP is to Minimize the frequency usage of the Most Congested aerial platform while accommodating the offered traffic demands and without violating the frequency constraints. MS-FAP is to Minimize the frequency Span in both frequency bands. By exploiting problem-specific properties, MMC-FAP can be formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem, which has a tight constraint space by explicitly finding all maximal cliques in the conflict graph. Then, binary search strategy is used to find an optimal solution of MS-FAP problem while MMC-FAP occurs as a sub-problem. Numerical experiments are used to show the performance of the proposed approach.
Soluble and Membrane-Associated Factors Required for Protein Translocation into the Yeast Endoplasmic Reticulum

A genetic approach aimed at defining molecules that participate in protein translocation across the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has led to the identification of three new genes. Mutant cells that fail to translocate secretory proteins into the lumen of the ER have been selected by a procedure that demands retention of a signal peptide-containing hybrid protein in the cytosol. Temperature sensitive mutations were obtained in which precursors of secreted and vacuolar proteins accumulate in forms that are devoid of any posttranslational modifications normally coupled to translocation into the ER. Pre-proteins that accumulate at the mutant block sediment with membranes, but are exposed to the cytosol as judged by sensitivity to exogenous protease. The precursor of α-factor is arrested in a form that can complete translocation and secretion during an extended period of chase, confirming in vitro results that show protein synthesis and membrane assembly are not obligately coupled.
Risk Factor Profiles Can Distinguish Esophageal Adenocarcinoma From Barrett's Esophagus.

INTRODUCTION It is assumed that screening risk factors for Barrett's esophagus (BE) and prevalent esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are the same. METHODS A matched case-control study comparing risk factors between EAC and BE was performed. RESULTS In 1,356 patients (678 with EAC and 678 with BE), heartburn (52.7%), diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and metabolic syndrome were less common in EAC (52.7, 29.2, 45.7, 48.2, 12, and 28.5%, resp.) compared with BE (84.5, 37.6, 82.2, 64.6, 18.4, and 44.1%, P < 0.01). Mean alanine aminotransferase and HgA1c levels were also significantly lower in EAC compared with BE. DISCUSSION Optimal strategies for screening for prevalent EAC may be different than that for BE.
Can Mass-Produced Original Paintings Be Called Art?

The reasons for considering mass-produced paintings as art are reviewed, including the ambiguous and changing meanings of art, original, and creative. Discussed are changes in the status of art and reputation of artists over time; the acceptance of forgeries as genuine; the role of assistants by historical and contemporary artists; the origins and goals of Pop Art; challenges by Marxists and feminists; and the role of gatekeepers (critics, historians), investors, and donors in defining what is art and who is an artist. It is argued that since art has no fixed meaning, various kinds of art can be placed on a continuum. Mass-produced originals occupy a place somewhere around the middle.
Abstract PO-043: Plexiform neurofibroma microenvironment at single-cell resolution

Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) are benign nerve sheath Schwann cell tumors, which occur in at least 50% of individuals with loss of function mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene, an off signal for RAS-GTPases. Tumors form, at least in part, through activation of the RAS-MAPK pathway in Schwann cells. Though benign, PN can cause significant morbidity and are often inoperable due to integration with vital peripheral nerves. Recent clinical trials have shown that MEK inhibition can shrink most PN, but continued MEK inhibition is required for sustained response. It is recognized that PN contain many cell types in addition to Schwann cells, and that Schwann cells are present in varying proportions. However, biomarkers for many cell types have not yet been identified, and it is not known whether subpopulations of certain cell types exist within neurofibromas. To address these issues, we performed single cell RNA sequencing on PN using a genetically engineered mouse model which closely recapitulates human PN. We have characterized tumor composition, and identified PN Schwann cells, satellite glial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells, and other previously unreported cell types. We identified multiple subpopulations of Schwann cells, macrophages and fibroblasts within benign PN. Cluster by cluster comparison of PN to age-matched healthy nerve and to pretumor nerve tissue from the same mouse model revealed gene regulatory networks that are significantly altered in PN, after loss of NF1 function. Further, inference of cell-cell communication networks shows robust changes in PN that are absent before tumors form, and that are potentially targetable. Comparison to MEK inhibitor treated PN and to human PN sc-RNASeq is ongoing. Taken together, these approaches characterize PN, provide potential biomarkers for cell populations and identify targets for drug treatment. Supported by NIH (NINDS-28840) and the DOD Program on Neurofibromatosis. LK is supported by NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein T32. Citation Format: Leah J. Kershner, Jianqiang Wu, Nathan Salomonis, Nancy Ratner. Plexiform neurofibroma microenvironment at single-cell resolution [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Tumor Heterogeneity: From Single Cells to Clinical Impact; 2020 Sep 17-18. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(21 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-043.
Bill Gates's guide to avoiding climate catastrophe

Bill Gates is not a climate scientist. In his new book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, he explains that he came to climate science indirectly, via issues of energy poverty that arose as part of his health and development work with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. "I am aware that I9m an imperfect messenger on climate change," he writes: "The world is not exactly lacking in rich men with big ideas about what other people should do, or who think technology can fix any problem." Yet Gates clearly has an appreciation for the technical aspects of climate change and its potential solutions.
Massively parallel, computationally-guided design of a pro-enzyme

Abstract The ability to confine the activity of a protein to a specific microenvironment by design would have broad-ranging applications, such as enabling cell type-specific therapeutic action by enzymes while avoiding off-target effects. While many natural enzymes are synthesized as pro-enzymes that are activated by proteolysis, it has been a difficult challenge to effectively re-design any chosen enzyme to be similarly stimulus-responsive. Here, we develop a massively parallel computational design, screening, and next-generation sequencing-based approach for pro-enzyme design. As a model system, we employ CPG2, a clinically approved enzyme that has applications in both the treatment of cancer and controlling methotrexate toxicity. Our designed pro-enzymes are inhibited up to fivefold, and their activity is restored following incubation with specific proteases expressed by various tumor cell types. Pro-enzymes exhibit significantly lower activity relative to the fully activated enzyme when evaluated in cell culture. Structural and thermodynamic characterization of CPG2 pro-enzymes provides insights into the mechanisms associated with pro-domain inhibition. The described approach is general and should enable the design of a variety of pro-proteins for precise spatial regulation of their functions.
Transverse axial tomography of the spine.

Transverse axial tomography of the spine is a technique to evaluate the entire spinal column. The technique is being used to study spondylosis, lumbar stenosis, intraspinal foreign bodies, and congenital anomalies. The method is safe, and the views obtained are reproducible. The radiographic unit we are using is the Toshiba transverse axial tomography.
Methionine sulfoxide and the methionine sulfoxide reductase system as modulators of signal transduction pathways: a review

Methionine oxidation and reduction is a common phenomenon occurring in biological systems under both physiological and oxidative-stress conditions. The levels of methionine sulfoxide (MetO) are dependent on the redox status in the cell or organ, and they are usually elevated under oxidative-stress conditions, aging, inflammation, and oxidative-stress related diseases. MetO modification of proteins may alter their function or cause the accumulation of toxic proteins in the cell/organ. Accordingly, the regulation of the level of MetO is mediated through the ubiquitous and evolutionary conserved methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) system and its associated redox molecules. Recent published research has provided new evidence for the involvement of free MetO or protein-bound MetO of specific proteins in several signal transduction pathways that are important for cellular function. In the current review, we will focus on the role of MetO in specific signal transduction pathways of various organisms, with relation to their physiological contexts, and discuss the contribution of the Msr system to the regulation of the observed MetO effect.
Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Trust and Hesitancy Among Adults with Chronic Conditions.

In a survey of older adults at higher risk for COVID-19 complications, we sought to describe expectations of trust in the safety and efficacy of a future COVID-19 vaccine, and level of hesitancy about receiving it. We also assessed whether these expectations were associated with known or suspected contributors to vaccine hesitancy, disparities in vaccine receipt, and potential targets for public health outreach. From May 1-22, 2020, we performed telephone surveys of 601 older adults with chronic conditions in metro Chicago about their COVID-19 experiences and levels of vaccine trust and hesitancy. All participants previously completed assessments of demographics, health status, health literacy and activation. Bivariate associations were performed using t-tests or one-way ANOVA, and multivariate analyses using least square means. Younger age (<60), Black race, greater complacency about contracting COVID-19, and lower confidence in state or local government were associated with significantly lower trust in a vaccine's safety and efficacy. Black race and greater complacency about contracting COVID-19 were associated with a significantly greater vaccine hesitancy. Amongst Black participants, vaccine hesitancy varied significantly by confidence in the federal government. Trust and hesitancy regarding a future COVID-19 vaccine were associated with age, race, complacency regarding contracting COVID-19, and confidence in government response to the pandemic, but not education, health literacy or activation. Therefore, efforts to vaccinate higher risk older adults must aim not only to educate and provide vaccine access, but engender trust in the vaccine development process and vaccination strategies at both the federal and the local level.
COVID-19 in Patients With Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease in North America: From the COViMS Registry.

Background and Objective To describe the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD). Methods The COVID-19 Infections in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Related Diseases (COViMS) Registry collected data on North American patients with MS and related diseases with laboratory-positive or highly suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. Deidentified data were entered into a web-based registry by health care providers. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Pearson χ2 tests, or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables. Univariate logistic regression models examined effects of risk factors and COVID-19 clinical severity. Results As of June 7, 2021, 77 patients with NMOSD and 20 patients with MOGAD were reported in the COViMS Registry. Most patients with NMOSD were laboratory positive for SARS-CoV-2 and taking rituximab at the time of COVID-19 diagnosis. Most patients with NMOSD were not hospitalized (64.9% [95% CI: 53.2%–75.5%]), whereas 15.6% (95% CI: 8.3%–25.6%) were hospitalized only, 9.1% (95% CI: 3.7%–17.8%) were admitted to the ICU and/or ventilated, and 10.4% (95% CI: 4.6%–19.5%) died. In patients with NMOSD, having a comorbidity was the sole factor identified for poorer COVID-19 outcome (OR = 6.0, 95% CI: 1.79–19.98). Most patients with MOGAD were laboratory positive for SARS-CoV-2, and almost half were taking rituximab. Among patients with MOGAD, 75.0% were not hospitalized, and no deaths were recorded; no factors were different between those not hospitalized and those hospitalized, admitted to the ICU, or ventilated. Discussion Among the reported patients with NMOSD, a high mortality rate was observed, and the presence of comorbid conditions was associated with worse COVID-19 outcome. There were no deaths reported in the patients with MOGAD, although these observations are limited due to small sample size.
Sublethal simulated ischemia promotes delayed resistance against ischemia via ATP-sensitive (K+) channels in murine myocytes: role of PKC and iNOS.

In this study, we examined whether sublethal simulated ischemia (SSI) induces delayed cellular protection in mouse cardiac myocytes, and whether the delayed cellular protection depends on the activation of protein kinase C-e (PKC-e), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels against subsequent sustained simulated ischemia (SI). The following groups of mouse cardiac myocytes were studied: (a) SI: incubation with SI buffer for 1 h; (b) SSI: incubation with SSI buffer for 30 min; (c) SSI + PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine chloride (CCl): SSI and 1 µM CCl; (d) SSI + iNOS inhibitor, S-methylthiourea (SMT): SSI and 100 nM SMT; (e) SSI + KATP channel blocker, glibenclamide (Glb): SSI and 50 µM Glb; (f) SSI + mitochondrial KATP channel blocker, 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD): SSI and 50 µM 5-HD. The release of lactate dehydrogenase into the medium and the amount remaining in the cells was measured, and A1 adenosine receptor, PKC-e, and iNOS were detected through western blot analysis. Th...
Colorectal Cancer Identification Methods Among Kansas Medicare Beneficiaries, 2008-2010.

INTRODUCTION Population-based data are limited on how often colorectal cancer (CRC) is identified through screening or surveillance in asymptomatic patients versus diagnostic workup for symptoms. We developed a process for assessing CRC identification methods among Medicare-linked CRC cases from a population-based cancer registry to assess identification methods (screening/surveillance or diagnostic) among Kansas Medicare beneficiaries. METHODS New CRC cases diagnosed from 2008 through 2010 were identified from the Kansas Cancer Registry and matched to Medicare enrollment and claims files. CRC cases were classified as diagnostic-identified versus screening/surveillance-identified using a claims-based algorithm for determining CRC test indication. Factors associated with screening/surveillance-identified CRC were analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS Nineteen percent of CRC cases among Kansas Medicare beneficiaries were screening/surveillance-identified while 81% were diagnostic-identified. Younger age at diagnosis (65 to 74 years) was the only factor associated with having screening/surveillance-identified CRC in multivariable analysis. No association between rural/urban residence and identification method was noted. CONCLUSION Combining administrative claims data with population-based registry records can offer novel insights into patterns of CRC test use and identification methods among people diagnosed with CRC. These techniques could also be extended to other screen-detectable cancers.
Performance analysis on radiation degraded BLDC motor in robot servo systems

For humanoid robot applications in nuclear radiation environments, not only the electronic and mechanical parts, but also the servo system in robots could be damaged by large dose of radiation. In this paper we study the radiation induced degradation to the brushless DC (BLDC) motor in the robot servo systems and analyze how its performance changes due to radiation induced demagnetization. The radiation demagnetization factor is introduced into the electromagnetic model of the BLDC motor, and the motor performance under the PWM control method is compared with the one without radiation degradation. The result illustrates that the radiation will decrease the motor power and cause controlability loss in the robot servo systems.
CCR2+ Inflammatory Dendritic Cells and Translocation of Antigen by Type III Secretion Are Required for the Exceptionally Large CD8+ T Cell Response to the Protective YopE69-77 Epitope during Yersinia Infection

During Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection of C57BL/6 mice, an exceptionally large CD8+ T cell response to a protective epitope in the type III secretion system effector YopE is produced. At the peak of the response, up to 50% of splenic CD8+ T cells recognize the epitope YopE69-77. The features of the interaction between pathogen and host that result in this large CD8+ T cell response are unknown. Here, we used Y. pseudotuberculosis strains defective for production, secretion and/or translocation of YopE to infect wild-type or mutant mice deficient in specific dendritic cells (DCs). Bacterial colonization of organs and translocation of YopE into spleen cells was measured, and flow cytometry and tetramer staining were used to characterize the cellular immune response. We show that the splenic YopE69-77-specific CD8+ T cells generated during the large response are polyclonal and are produced by a "translocation-dependent" pathway that requires injection of YopE into host cell cytosol. Additionally, a smaller YopE69-77-specific CD8+ T cell response (~10% of the large expansion) can be generated in a "translocation-independent" pathway in which CD8α+ DCs cross present secreted YopE. CCR2-expressing inflammatory DCs were required for the large YopE69-77-specific CD8+ T cell expansion because this response was significantly reduced in Ccr2-/- mice, YopE was translocated into inflammatory DCs in vivo, inflammatory DCs purified from infected spleens activated YopE69-77-specific CD8+ T cells ex vivo and promoted the expansion of YopE69-77-specific CD8+ T cells in infected Ccr2-/- mice after adoptive transfer. A requirement for inflammatory DCs in producing a protective CD8+ T cell response to a bacterial antigen has not previously been demonstrated. Therefore, the production of YopE69-77-specific CD8+ T cells by inflammatory DCs that are injected with YopE during Y. pseudotuberculosis infection represents a novel mechanism for generating a massive and protective adaptive immune response.
Improving drought risk modelling: using multiple periods of satellite data with ensembles of data mining algorithms

This paper describes improvements to the Vegetation Outlook (VegOut) model developed by the National Drought Mitigation Center for the USA. VegOut provides early drought warning by predicting general vegetation conditions at multiple time steps (e.g., 2-, 4- and 6-week outlooks). VegOut integrates climate, biophysical, oceanic, and satellite-based vegetation data with data mining algorithms to identify historical patterns and to predict future vegetation conditions based on these patterns and current conditions. This study investigated various algorithms and found that bagging ensembles of the linear regression algorithm outperformed other algorithms, including the currently used algorithm in VegOut. This study found that using several weeks of recent satellite vegetation data enhances prediction accuracy, especially for long-range outlooks. These discoveries illustrate that model development must carefully analyse both input data and algorithmic choice. The results of this study will be used to improve VegOut’s prediction accuracy.
Vanishing points and three-dimensional lines from omni-directional video

This paper describes a system for structure from motion using vanishing points and three-dimensional lines extracted from omni-directional video sequences. To track lines, we use a novel dynamic programming approach to improve ambiguity resolution, and we use delayed states to aid in the initialization of landmarks. By reobserving vanishing points we get direct measurements of the robot's three-dimensional attitude that are independent of its position. Using vanishing points simplifies the representation since parallel lines share the same direction states. We show the performance of the system in various indoor and outdoor environments and include comparisons with independent two-dimensional reference maps for each experiment .
Resource constrained LQR control under fast sampling

We investigate a state feedback Linear Quadratic Regulation problem with a constraint on the number of actuation signals that can be updated simultaneously. Such a constraint arises for example in networked and embedded control systems, due to limited communication and computation capabilities. Following recent results on the dual problem of scheduling Kalman filters, we first develop a bound on the achievable performance that can be computed efficiently by semidefinite programming. This bound can be approached arbitrarily closely by an analog periodic controller that can switch between control inputs arbitrarily fast. We then discuss implementation issues on digital platforms, i.e., the discretization of the analog controller in the presence of a relatively fast but finite sampling rate.
Coercivity and microhardness of cast Sm2(CoCu)17 magnets

La coercitivite du systeme Sm 2 (CoCu) 17 est fortement influencee par le changement de la structure et l'apparition d'une phase non magnetique continue quand la teneur en cuivre augmente
On the expectation values found from the Glauber-Sudarshan and positive P representations

Abstract We prove here that the quadrature variances (second order moments) calculated from a Fokker-Planck equation in the Glauber P representation and from that in the positive P representation are the same. We find the steady-state positive P-function, which also gives rise to the same quadrature variances.
Probing Substrate Access Pathways of the Active Site of Cytochrome P450 3A4 in its Membrane-Bound Form

Cytochrome P450 proteins (CYPs) constitute a large group of enzymes involved in the metabolism of a large number of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. In humans, CYP3A4 is the most abundant isoform, which is responsible for the metabolism of more than 50% of clinically used drugs. It has been suggested that the interaction of CYPs with the membrane is crucial for the binding of liposoluble substrates to the active site of the enzyme.Molecular dynamics simulations using a HMMM membrane model have captured spontaneous insertion of the globular domain of CYP3A4 into the membrane and revealed a significant reconfiguration of the access tunnels leading to the active site upon membrane binding. We have identified that the binding to the membrane favors the opening of several access tunnels to the active site not observed in the crystallographic structures. Rearrangement of a Phe-cluster appears to be the main membrane-induced event resulting in the opening of the access tunnels. Given the location of these tunnels, they might be involved in leading compounds in or out of the active site. In order to characterize the role of these access tunnels in access/egress of compounds, we have also performed steered molecular dynamics simulations to pull progesterone from the active site of the membrane-bound CYP3A4. Parameters for progesterone were optimized employing the Force Field Toolkit recently developed by our group. We tested 5 different tunnels, previously identified to be open when CYP3A4 is bound to the membrane. To complement the SMD simulations, the partitioning of progesterone into the membrane was also studied. The results of these simulations allow us to elucidate the role of the membrane in the access/egress of compounds to the active site of CYP3A4.
Transfer of 65Zn at Mating in Heliothis virescens

Male Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were shown to transfer 36% of a whole body 65Zn burden to the females at the time of mating. Approximately 5% of the male's and 11% of the female's total 65Zn burdens were found in eggs oviposited during a 10-day period following mating. Transfer of zinc at mating by Heliothis males may represent the conservation of an essential trace element that must be retained throughout the life cycle.
Efficacy and durability of robotic Heller myotomy for achalasia: patient symptoms and satisfaction at long-term follow-up.

Background Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has become the standard treatment for achalasia in the USA. Robot-assisted Heller myotomy (RHM) has emerged as an alternative approach due to improved visualization and fine motor control, but long-term follow-up studies have not been reported. We sought to report the long-term outcomes of RHM and compare them to those of LHM.
Numerical Analysis: Stable numerical methods for obtaining the Chebyshev solution to an overdetermined system of equations

An implementation of Stiefel's exchange algorithm for determining a Chebyshev solution to an overdetermined system of linear equations is presented, that uses Gaussian LU decomposition with row interchanges. The implementation is computationally more stable than those usually given in the literature. A generalization of Stiefel's algorithm is developed which permits the occasional exchange of two equations simultaneously.
A Tale of Two Contexts: U.S. Migration and the Labor Force Trajectories of Mexican Women†

ven though women have long participated in Mexico-U.S. migration studies assessing the labor market implications of international mobility for women are rare. Especially lacking are studies that follow a life-course approach and compare employment trajectories across contexts and in connection with other transitions. Using life-history data collected in Mexico and the U.S., we explore the impact of migration on women's employment, focusing on how the determinants of employment vary across contexts. We show that U.S. residence eliminates or even reverses the employment returns to education found in Mexico and that the constraints imposed on women's work by marriage are actually stronger in the U.S. context. We also explicitly connect migration to other life-course events, documenting how the impact of context varies not only by marital status but also by where women's unions were formed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
The Transient Recovery Voltage Application of Power Circuit Breakers

The proposed transient recovery voltage standard for high voltage circuit breakers will specify application requirements on a recovery voltage basis. This paper studies the inherent circuit parameters required to generate the required TRV envelope. A simplified application procedure is developed based on miles to the first line discontinuity and the number of lines connected on the bus side of the circuit breaker.
Dispersion of Liquefaction Catalysts in Coal Using Ionic Liquids

It is well-known that dispersing catalysts to obtain good contact with coal particles enhances coal liquefaction. This is often accomplished using soluble catalyst precursors that are then converted to an active form. In this study, it is shown that certain ionic liquids can be used to fragment, disperse, and partially dissolve coal to such an extent that good contact can be made with commercially obtained, micrometer-size molybdenum disulfide particles by simply mixing these particles with the ionic liquid/coal dispersion. Good liquefaction yields under standard conditions are obtained using this approach.
The earth in technological balance

Abstract The K-12 National Science Education Standards have been developed and published by the National Research Council (1995) to “improve scientific literacy across the nation to prepare our students to be scientifically literate”. The Standards stress that a quality science education requires an “active learning” approach to science inquiry within the areas of science teaching, professional development, assessment, science content, science education programs and science education systems. In this time of increasing technological advance, the equal treatment of earth and space science alongside biology, physics and chemistry bodes well for the future.
Mulch preferences of the Asian cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae).

Mulch preferences of the Asian cockroach, Blattella asahinai Mizukubo, were determined in a series of laboratory experiments. Because this species is a peridomestic pest, mulch preferences may be a key part of an integrated pest management program for homeowners. Five mulches were used: cypress, oak leaf litter, pine straw, rubber, and topsoil. Large arena experiments showed that adult male Asian cockroaches preferred oak leaf litter and pine straw, while adult females preferred oak leaf litter and rubber mulches. Nymphal stages preferred rubber (48.3–62.5% for small and medium instars, respectively) to all other mulches. All stages of the Asian cockroach showed very little preference to topsoil (0%) and cypress mulch (6.3%). Ebeling choice box tests confirmed lack of preference or repellency of adult males to topsoil (17.8 ± 3.6%) and rubber mulch (15.7 ± 3.6%). Continuous exposure experiments indicated that pine straw was significantly more toxic to adult males than other mulches (66.7 ± 18.4% mortality at 7 d). Mulch preferences of the Asian cockroach may be mediated by characteristics of the interstitial spaces in the different mulches. Rubber mulch afforded smaller, more humid spaces that were inaccessible to adults. Because cypress mulch was least preferred by nymphs and adults, use of cypress mulch in an integrated pest management program around homes may help to reduce Asian cockroach populations and limit insecticide exposure to humans, animals, and the environment.
Concurrent Surrogate Model Selection (COSMOS) Based on Predictive Estimation of Model Fidelity

One of the primary drawbacks plaguing wider acceptance of surrogate models is their low fidelity in general. This issue can be in a large part attributed to the lack of automated model selection techniques, particularly ones that do not make limiting assumptions regarding the choice of model types and kernel types. A novel model selection technique was recently developed to perform optimal model search concurrently at three levels: (i) optimal model type (e.g., RBF), (ii) optimal kernel type (e.g., multiquadric), and (iii) optimal values of hyper-parameters (e.g., shape parameter) that are conventionally kept constant. The error measures to be minimized in this optimal model selection process are determined by the Predictive Estimation of Model Fidelity (PEMF) method, which has been shown to be significantly more accurate than typical cross-validation-based error metrics. In this paper, we make the following important advancements to the PEMF-based model selection framework, now called the Concurrent Surrogate Model Selection or COSMOS framework: (i) The optimization formulation is modified through binary coding to allow surrogates with differing numbers of candidate kernels and kernels with differing numbers of hyper-parameters (which was previously not allowed). (ii) A robustness criterion, based on the variance of errors, is added to the existing criteria for model selection. (iii) A larger candidate pool of 16 surrogate-kernel combinations is considered for selection — possibly making COSMOS one of the most comprehensive surrogate model selection framework (in theory and implementation) currently available. The effectiveness of the COSMOS framework is demonstrated by successfully applying it to four benchmark problems (with 2–30 variables) and an airfoil design problem. The optimal model selection results illustrate how diverse models provide important tradeoffs for different problems.© 2014 ASME
On Stratified Flows in a Gravitational Field

This paper, which is restricted to the flow of inviscid fluids, is divided into three parts. In the first part existing formulas by A. R. Richardson, Hans Lewy, and K. N. Tong for constructing free-surface flows are identified with one another so that potential flows of one fluid in contact with a stagnant layer of another fluid can be constructed exclusively from one general formula, with proper modification of the gravitational acceleration. Further, a method for constructing potential flows of two fluids having a common interface (which may or may not be prescribed) is devised. It is hoped that this method will be of some use in the investigation of internal gravity waves. In the second part, it is shown that, for flows of a fluid system of discrete layers, Long's equation of motion for two-dimensional flow of an inhomogeneous fluid reduces to the Laplace equation for each layer (if the flow is irrotational) and the usual boundary conditions at the interfaces, so that flows with discontinuous density variations can be properly considered as limiting cases of flows with continuous ones. For the sake of completeness, equations of motion of an inhomogeneous fluid in axisymmetric motion in cylindrical and spherical coordinates are also given. In the third part the stability of a periodic disturbance present in a parallel flow with continuous density variation is discussed. Sufficient conditions for stability are found, and an upper bound for the amplification factor is given (if instability occurs) for a general class of flows. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1957.tb01876.x
Generation of Singlet Oxygen from Fragmentation of Monoactivated 1,1-Dihydroperoxides

The first singlet excited state of molecular oxygen (1O2) is an important oxidant in chemistry, biology, and medicine. 1O2 is most often generated through photosensitized excitation of ground-state...
Depletion of [3H]Methyltrienolone Cytosol Binding in Glucocorticoid-Induced Muscle Atrophy:

The present study was undertaken to determine cytosol binding properties of [3H]methyltrienolone, a synthetic androgen, in comparison with [3H]dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, under conditions of glucocorticoid excess in skeletal muscle. Male hypophysectomized rats received either seven daily subcutaneous injections of cortisone acetate (CA) (100 mg X kg-1 body wt) or the vehicle, 1% carboxymethyl cellulose. Following treatment, both [3H]dexamethasone and [3H]methyltrienolone-receptor concentrations were decreased from those in vehicle-treated rats by more than 90 and 80%, respectively, in CA-treated animals. Scatchard analysis of [3H]methyltrienolone binding in muscles of vehicle-treated animals became nonlinear at high concentrations of labeled ligand and were reanalyzed by a two-component binding model. The lower affinity, higher capacity component, which was attributed to binding of methyltrienolone to a "dexamethasone" component, disappeared in muscles of CA-treated rats and Scatchard plots were linear. Receptor concentrations of the higher affinity lower capacity "methyltrienolone" component were similar in muscles of vehicle-treated and CA-treated groups. From competition studies, the high relative specificities of glucocorticoids for [3H]methyltrienolone binding in muscles of vehicle-treated animals were markedly reduced by CA treatment. In addition, the binding specificity data also showed strong competition by progesterone and methyltrienolone for [3H]dexamethasone binding and estradiol-17 beta for [3H]methyltrienolone binding. These results demonstrate that most of the [3H]methyltrienolone binding is eliminated under in vivo conditions of glucocorticoid excess. Furthermore, the competitiveness of various steroids for receptor binding suggests that rat muscle may not contain classic (ligand-specific) glucocorticoid and androgen receptors.
Convergence with Hilbert's space filling curve

The subject of this paper is a means of converging to a set of numbers in certain mathematical programming problems where a conventional programming method is not possible. The space filling curve is shown to provide a tool for doing this. An algorithm for generating such a curve is presented; the resulting space filling curve is a generalization of a mapping which Hilbert gave for the unit square only, in geometric form only. The following topics are discussed: convergence to solutions of systems of equalities or inequalities, convergence to minima, the advantages of the present space filling curve over other known space filling curves, some experimental results, and the relation between these methods and the standard methods of mathematical programming.
A measurement of the 35Cl(p, n)35Ar threshold and its relevance to the vector coupling constant☆

A proton laboratory energy of 6968.9 ± 3.5 keV was found for the 35Cl(p, n)35Ar reaction threshold. This value, taken together with other available data, implies a vector coupling coefficient of GV = (1.392 ± 0.020) × 10−49 erg cm3 for the 35Ar ground-state positron decay.
Broadening Absorption in Conductive Polymers through Cross-linkable Side Chains in a Nonconjugated Polymer Backbone

Novel nonconjugated copolymer precursors containing polymerizable triEDOT and nonpolymerizable diphenyl triEDOT at side chains were synthesized by the ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Subjecting these polymers to oxidative conditions selectively cross-links the triEDOT units, while leaving the diphenyl triEDOT groups intact. The resulting cross-linked polymers exhibit broad absorption signals with tunable contributions from the diphenyl triEDOT oligomers and conjugated EDOT polymers.
A case of mistaken identification of an amber fossil male strepsipteran (Insecta: Strepsiptera)

A well-preserved specimen of amber Strepsiptera was erroneously described as Stylops neotropicallis Kogan and Poinar, 2010. The taxonomic position of the species was based on a count of six antennomeres (typical of the Stylopidae); however, further observations showed that there are actually seven antennomeres, which places the fossil in the family Myrmecolacidae, and it is herein redescribed in the genus Palaeomyrmecolax Kulicka, 2001. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis of a sample of the amber piece containing the fossil revealed that it was Baltic rather than Dominican amber as originally thought. The fossil was compared with another specimen from Baltic amber in the Poinar collection, which shows close affinity to Palaeomyrmecolax succineus Kulicka, 2001, the type species of the genus. Palaeomyrmecolax neotropicallis (n.comb.) differs from that specimen and seems to differ also from the other four species in the genus Palaeomyrmecolax.
Deterministic variability analysis for intermediate storage in noncontinuous processes: Part II: Storage sizing for serial systems

The allowability conditions derived in Part I of this series are applied to develop intermediate storage sizing expressions for serial systems subjected to process parameter variations. Multiple variations in either starting moments, transfer flow rates, or transfer fractions are considered first. These results are then combined using a worst-case analysis to develop size estimates under general variations. A simple statistical basis is given for the bounds on the cumulative variations which are employed in the sizing expressions. An example serial system is discussed to illustrate the results.
The ADHD Classroom Kit: A Whole-Classroom Approach for Managing Disruptive Behavior.

In this article, an inclusive treatment package for children with ADHD, The ADHD Classroom Kit (Kit), is described. Components of the Kit are categorized in three areas: consequences for appropriate behavior, consequences for inappropriate behavior, and peer-mediated interventions. The empirical rationale for each component of the Kit is discussed. Also, a case study of a 6-year-old girl (Carol) with reported disruptive behavior problems is presented as preliminary data supporting the Kit's effectiveness. An A-B-A reversal design was used in Carol's classroom. Mean frequencies of appropriate behavior were 61.3% (baseline), 78.5% (Kit), and 70.7% (reversal). In addition, mean frequencies of on-task behavior were 76.2% (baseline), 87.8% (Kit), and 82.5% (reversal). Implications for future research and practice with the Kit are addressed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Changes in condom use among Black, Hispanic, and White heterosexuals in San Francisco: The AMEN cohort survey

We examined changes in condom use over a one‐year period (1988–89 to 1989–90) among heterosexual Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics (aged 20–45 years) with a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)‐related risk factor in a community‐based longitudinal sample (n = 716). This study is the first to examine changes in condom use based on a random household probability sample of heterosexuals in high risk neighborhoods of a major HIV epicenter. Heterosexuals with a risk factor made only marginal gains toward increasing their condom use to highly efficacious levels (100% use) from Wave I to II (4% net increase). Blacks, people without a primary partner, and the never married were significantly more likely than other social strata to increase condom use from low‐moderate use at Wave I to always using condoms at Wave II. Nevertheless, changes across social strata remain modest with intravenous drug users (IDUs) and Hispanic women showing negative or no change. The young and highly educated were the most likely to maintain ...
Pressure dependence of knight shift in lithium

Abstract A simple explanation of the recent experimental observation of Kushida and Hanabusa on the volume dependence of the average spin density P F at the nucleus for lithium metal is given. It is argued that the increase in the direct contribution to P F associated with the decrease in volume (increase in pressure) is substantially reduced by an increase in the negative core polarization contribution to P F .