cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Isolated Wetland Condition in Florida Using Epiphytic Diatoms at Genus, Species, and Subspecies Taxonomic Resolution

Diatoms are useful indicators of aquatic conditions, and metrics based on published autecological indicator values have been developed utilizing their sensitivities to various ambient physical and chemical conditions. The autecological values often differ within genera, and indeed within species taxonomic levels, requiring identification to subspecies taxonomic level for accurate application. This study was conducted to determine if autecological metrics, and ultimately indices of biotic integrity, could be developed using mean autecological values at the genus, species, and subspecies taxonomic levels, and to investigate the potential benefits of increased taxonomic resolution. Sixty-nine isolated herbaceous wetlands in various land use modalities in peninsular Florida were sampled a single time for epiphytic diatoms, and soil/water physicochemical parameters. Thirty genera, 148 species, and 26 subspecies were identified. The proportional matrices at each taxonomic level were highly similar (Mantel’s r > 0.75, P < 0.0001). Autecological metrics and two sensitive or tolerant measures were developed at each taxonomic level. Wetland condition, as determined by summed metric values, was strongly correlated across taxonomic level (r 2 > 0.83, P < 0.0001), and no significant difference was found when sites were placed into bins of excellent, good, fair, or poor, based on quartile scoring, for each taxonomic level. Specific conductance, soil pH, soil and water total phosphorous, and water color were significantly related to site non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination scores at each taxonomic level. This study concludes that indices of biotic integrity, when developed using autecological indices, provide similar qualitative conditional information across taxonomic levels for isolated herbaceous wetlands.
UGT2B17 as a disease accelerator in CLL

In this issue of Blood , Gruber and colleagues provide a new potential enzyme involved in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) progression by identifying uridine diphospho (UDP) glucuronosyltransferase 2B17 ( UGT2B17 ) as both a prognostic marker and therapeutic target.[1][1] CLL is characterized by
Pulse-coupled neural network shadow compensation

The Pulsed Coupled Neural Network (PCNN) algorithm, when modified for use as an image processor, provides a unique method of multiplicative image decomposition (PCNN factorization). Because the factorization is ordered by levels of scene contrast, the first few factors contain the strong contrasts generally associated with shadows. The PCNN factorization effectively and automatically finds scene shadows. This is further developed here as a computationally effective shadow compensation algorithm with illustrative examples given, and is shown to be significantly more effective than histogram equalization. The advantage and disadvantages are discussed.
Effect of entrance shape on erosion in the throat of chokes

Erosion is a complex phenomenon that depends on many factors such as fluid properties, solid particle properties, flow stream velocity, flow geometry, and type of metal. Flow modeling and particle tracking are important tools for predicting erosion. In erosion modeling, it is important to account not only for the factors that influence erosion, but also for changes in some of these factors that occur as the erosion process continues. For example, the change in the geometry resulting can have a significant impact on the erosion results. Geometry changes result when corners, found in couplings and chokes, are eroded with time. This change in geometry due to erosion can drastically change the flow field, especially the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate. Recognizing this change is imperative, since the prediction of particle behavior is heavily dependent on the turbulent kinetic energy. Furthermore, more particle impingements occur in regions with higher turbulent kinetic energy. This paper shows that neglecting the change in the flow field solution resulting from the change in geometry can cause erroneous erosion predictions. A computational study was performed on a choke geometry to demonstrate the importance of incorporating the change in geometry resulting from erosion. Predicted turbulent kinetic energy contours are presented as a function of the changing choke geometry The predicted erosion rates along the choke are also examined for the various scenarios, and these results are compared to experimental results. Additionally, experimental results obtained from laser doppler velocimeter (LDV) measurements also demonstrate the change in fluctuating velocity (turbulent kinetic energy) as a result of rounding of the entrance of the choke, Results from this study show that it is necessary to update the flow geometry and flow model based on the changing geometry due to erosion.
Cathodic protection applications at the Hanford works

THIS PAPER describes existing, presently planned, and experimental impressed-current cathodic protection (CP) installations at the Hanford Atomic Products Operation. The Hanford plants are located in the south-central part of the state of Washington. Climatic conditions are semiarid and the plant area is typical desert country. The soil is predominantly glacial deposits ranging from fine sand to gravel mixed with larger boulders. This water-washed material has a very high resistivity, from 5,000 to 100,000 ohm-centimeters, although there are local strata of hardpan and alkali of lower resistivity. In general, the soil is only mildly corrosive to ordinary materials. Most of the original cast-iron, galvanized-steel, and carbon-steel underground piping installed in 1943 and 1944 is in good condition. As discussed herein, the direct burial of unprotected stainless-steel pipe lines has not been successful.
CATALASE ACTIVITY IN TOMATO FRUITS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF THEIR DEVELOPMENT.

Ever since its discovery by Loew catalase has been the cause of much speculation and investigation. During the thirty years since its discovery several hundred papers have been written concerning it, and we are still wondering whether its sole function is that of breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, or whether it has other yet unknown functions to perform. Because of the already profuse literature on the subject the briefest possible statements concerning the experiments performed will be given in this paper. Readers interested in the literature are referred to the paper by Battelli and Stern (2) in 1910 and one by Morgulis (5) in 1924. Each of these has a very extensive bibliography. For several years the senior author has been investigating the growth and respiration (3, 4) of tomato fruits. In this connection it was thought profitable also to make some catalase determinations on similar fruits, and find out whether there was any correlation between growth, respiration and catalase activity. Hence the catalase determinations here recorded. The method of determining the catalase activity was the same as that employed by Appleman (1). Fruits were sliced and placed in a saturated solution of CaCO3 and left there a few minutes, and then ground in a food chopper. The jiiice was filtered through glass wool to free it from the pulp. One cc. of this juice was placed in a bottle (the reaction chamber) and one cc. of distilled water was added to this. The reaction chamber as well
Totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair after an original TEP

There are only scant published reports of totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair of recurrence after a primary TEP procedure. Furthermore, at least two authors have made the statement that such an operation is virtually impossible. We have been performing TEP repair of recurrence after TEP since we 1996, and here we present a retrospective review of our experience with the procedure. We employ a method not varying greatly from the standard TEP done for primary hernia. All cases were started laparoscopically, and only one of 20 had to be converted to open. Of these cases, 12 were for same-side recurrence and eight for a contralateral new hernia. With a follow-up of 28–74 months, there have been no fatalities, no complications, and no re-recurrence. We have found that TEP repair of recurrent inguinal hernia after a primary TEP repair is entirely feasible technically as well as entirely safe.
Antagonism of α- and β-adrenergic-mediated accumulations of cyclic AMP in rat cerebral cortical slices by the β-antagonist (−)alprenolol

Abstract (−)Alprenolol, a compound reported to bind with a high degree of specificity and stereoselectivity to β-adrenergic receptors from rat cerebral cortex completely inhibited the accumulations of cyclic AMP elicited by maximally effective concentrations of norepinephrine and epinephrine at antagonist concentrations as low as 10 −5 M. Other β-adrenergic antagonists such as (−)propranolol, (±)sotalol, and (+)alprenolol only partially antagonized accumulations of cyclic AMP elicited by these catecholamines even at 10-fold higher concentrations. α-Adrenergic antagonists such as phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine and clonidine only partially antagonized inhibited the accumulation of cyclic AMP elicited by methoxamine, a compound shown to stimulate the accumulation of cyclic AMP by interaction with α-adrenergic receptors. The results indicate that in brain tissue containing a mixed population of α- and β- adrenergic linked cyclic AMP generating systems, (−)alprenolol does not exhibit absolute specificity for β-receptors.
Studies of Methylmalonyl Coenzyme A Carbonylmutase Activity in Methylmalonic Acidemia. I. Correlation of Clinical, Hepatic, and Fibroblast Data

Methylmalonyl-CoA carbonylmutase (mutase) activity was measured in fibroblast extracts from 15 patients with methylmalonic acidemia and in extracts of postmortem tissues from 6 of these children. Propionate oxidation and synthesis of 5-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl, the vitamin B12 coenzyme that is part of the mutase holoenzyme) were measured in intact fibroblasts. Mutase activity was low in the absence of added AdoCbl in fibroblast extracts from both control subjects and patients. When the assay included supplemental AdoCbl, mutase activity increased in the control subjects (to 24.0 pmol succinate/mg protein/min) and in extracts from eight of the patients (20.8 pmol/mg protein/min), but showed almost no change in extracts from the other seven patients (0.16 pmol/mg protein/min). We have defined the eight fibroblast lines that showed normal mutase activity in the presence of AdoCbl as "responsive lines" and the other seven lines as "nonresponsive." In the liver or kidney extracts of postmortem tissues, mutase activity responded to AdoCbl supplementation if fibroblast mutase activity from that patient had responded, and failed to respond if fibroblast activity failed to respond. Mean propionate oxidation in intact fibroblasts was much higher in control lines than in either responsive or nonresponsive lines (0.728 vs 0.097 vs 0.080 nmol CO2/10(6) cells/hr, respectively). AdoCbl synthesis was normal (0.27 pg AdoCbl/mg cells wet weight) in nonresponsive fibroblasts but was undetectable (less than 0.005 pg/mg cells) in the responsive lines. Thus, the deficiency of mutase activity in responsive fibroblast lines is due to the failure to synthesize significant amounts of AdoCbl, whereas the deficiency in nonresponsive lines is due to some other abnormality, presumably a defect in the mutase apoenzyme.
Transformation behaviour of zeolite A to hydroxysodalite in batch and semi-batch crystallizers

Abstract Many useful molecular sieve zeolites are known to be metastable in their hydrothermal synthesis environments. This property frequently results in their undesirable transformation to less useful, but more stable, crystalline phases. The metastable transformation of molecular sieve zeolite NaA to hydroxysodalite (HS) in hydrothermal systems was studied in order to understand these phenomena better. Transformations were studied in relation to initial batch compositions in both batch and semi-batch crystallizers. The results indicate that the rates of these metastable transformations depend on the relative compositions of the reagents (silica, alumina, soda) and the absolute reagent content. The total residual reagent content relative to the amount of water present must be sufficiently high to promote hydroxysodalite nucleation once the relative reagent compositions are in the proper ratios. Therefore, in some cases the transformation of NaA to HS might never occur, and undesirable contamination of a zeolite product may be avoided. This Paper also investigates why the batch and semi-batch crystallizers perform differently insofar as metastable phase transformations are concerned.
The Economics of Congestion: a Comment

Congestion is a subject of considerable importance, particularly in outdoor recreation. This article comments on a recent review of the literature on the economics of congestion. The purpose of this article is to formally distinguish between the subjective and objective effects of crowding and thereby develop a more general model for analysis of the optimal size of facilities subject to congestion. Optimal capacit will depend not only on the increased time costs associated with crowding but also individual preferences for crowding. The effect is expected to vary for both individuals and activities.
Mechanics of the Cephalopod Chromatophore Layer: Structural Characterization of Cephalopod Chromatophores

Cephalopods are a class of mollusks that include cuttlefish, octopus, and squid1 that are capable of adaptive display capabilities. The cephalopods unique adaptable appearance is enabled by a sequence of thin layers in their soft and stretchable skin2 that allows them to quickly change color (Figure 1a), pattern, iridescence and texture (with the exception of the squid)3. Two layers in the skin are responsible for this remarkable ability (Figure 1b). The chromatophore layer, located beneath the transparent epidermis layer, is a layer of thousands of pigmented chromatophore organs that are yellow, red, or brown. Below this layer is a sequence of structural reflectors called iridophores that reflect spectra from near-IR to short-wavelength blues and greens1,4. The combination of chromatophore pigments and structural reflectors allows the cephalopod to display dynamic patterning in complex combinations of color, iridescence, brightness, and polarity. The design of the chromatophore organs and the dermal layer are the focus of this investigation.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
WEST VALLEY PLUTONIUM AND AMERICIUM-241 IN LAKE ONTARIO SEDIMENTS OFF THE MOUTH OF NIAGARA RIVER

Recently deposited fine-grained sediments in Lake Ontario off the mouth of Niagara River contain highly toxic238Pu,239,240pu, and241Pu (241Am) from global fallout as well as from low level releases of these radionuclides from the West Valley radioactive waste management site. This is demonstrated through sediment core radionuclide inventories, radionuclide activity ratios, and assignment of independently-derived210Pb dates to sediment core segments. Reasonable agreement between measured and calculated inventories, derived using various assumptions and available discharge and environmental monitoring data, suggests that nearly all of the West Valley-delivered239,240Pu and 24241Am resides in the bottom sediments of Lake Ontario, comprising about 36 and 80%, respectively, of the measured (1982) inventories of these radionuclides. The West Valley241Am is largely derived from the decay of241Pu and, assuming negligible further deliveries of241pu (241Am), its growth is expected to continue until about 2040.
Are Health Answers Online for Older Adults

The Internet has the potential for engaging urban seniors in managing their health. This study examined computer and Internet use among urban seniors and their interest in using the Internet as a health-management tool. Findings indicated that many participants were interested in storing and accessing health-related information using an elder-friendly health web portal. Further research, using a community of urban older adults as active members of a health portal design team, could provide a unique viewpoint on how the Internet might be used as a health-information and management tool for older adults.
Geospatial data resampling and resolution effects on watershed modeling: A case study using the agricultural non-point source pollution model

Researchers have been coupling geographic information systems (GIS) data handling and processing capability to watershed and water-quality models for many years. This capability is suited for the development of databases appropriate for water modeling. However, it is rare for GIS to provide direct inputs to the models. To demonstrate the logical procedure of coupling GIS for model parameter extraction, we selected the Agricultural Non-Point Source (AGNPS) pollution model. Investigators can generate data layers at various resolutions and resample to pixel sizes to support models at particular scales. We developed databases of elevation, land cover, and soils at various resolutions in four watersheds. The ability to use multiresolution databases for the generation of model parameters is problematic for grid-based models. We used database development procedures and observed the effects of resolution and resampling on GIS input datasets and parameters generated from those inputs for AGNPS. Results indicate that elevation values at specific points compare favorably between 3- and 30-m raster datasets. Categorical data analysis indicates that land cover classes vary significantly. Derived parameters parallel the results of the base GIS datasets. Analysis of data resampled from 30-m to 60-, 120-, 210-, 240-, 480-, 960-, and 1920-m pixels indicates a general degradation of both elevation and land cover correlations as resolution decreases. Initial evaluation of model output values for soluble nitrogen and phosphorous indicates similar degradation with resolution.
The effect of isoproterenol on the catecholamine levels of peripheral tissues.

Abstract The subcutaneous administration of one or four doses of 50 mg kg of isoproterenol to rats resulted in significant reductions in the norepinephrine levels of the heart, submaxillary glands and parotid glands. The decreases noted in these tissues after a single dose of 7.5 mg kg were statistically significant only for the parotid glands. The norepinephrine levels of the brainstem, sympathetic ganglia and other peripheral tissues (sublingual glands, lungs, spleen, uterus, vas deferens and small intestine) were not affected by the isoproterenol treatments. The wet weights of the hearts, submaxillary glands and parotid glands were not significantly affected by the single 7.5 mg kg dose, but showed statistically significant increases after one and four doses of 50 mg kg . The wet weights of other peripheral tissues were not altered by isoproterenol treatment. The reductions of the norepinephrine concentration and content of the heart, submaxillary and parotid glands and the increases in the wet weight of these tissues were of similar magnitude in male and female rats.
Calculation of Movement Direction from Firing Activities of Neurons in Intrinsic Co-ordinate Systems Defined by Their Preferred Directions

In this work we carried out computer simulations to compare different coding algorithms (the tensor network theoretical approach of Pellionisz & Llinas, 1979; and the weighted average population coding model of Georgopoulos et al., 1986) that were originally devised to recompute vectors of the external world from firing rate responses of neurons of the central nervous system. Georgopoulos and his colleagues (1986, 1988) observed, in electrophysiological experiments, that certain neurons of the primate motor cortex are selective to the direction of arm movement in a three-dimensional space (directional neurons). The discharge rate of a cell is highest with movement in a certain direction (the cell's "preferred direction") and decreases as a linear function of the cosine of the angle between the direction of movement and the cell's preferred direction. They calculated a population vector to predict the direction of arm movement from neuronal responses as a weighted linear combination of the preferred direction vectors using several sets of weighting coefficients. It was implicitly assumed in this approach that if the brain uses such coding, the calculations are carried out by a further layer of neurons. The tensor network theory also gives an algorithm to calculate an external vector in an intrinsic co-ordinate system whose basis vectors are distinguished vectors assigned to the individual neurons based on results of physiological observations. However, it goes beyond providing a simple mathematical formula to recompute an external vector (Pellionisz & Llinas, 1979). It is a promising theoretical solution for the problem faced by sensorimotor systems; how to transform information about the environment, measured by a diverse set of sensors, into appropriate responses executed by multiple muscles acting in concert. As the weighting coefficients used by Georgopoulos et al. in their calculations differed from those used by Pellionisz & Llinas, we show here how they are related. We compared the exactness and robustness of the two approaches in computer simulations assuming that the firing rate responses of individual neurons would change from trial to trial even when the movement direction is the same. We also allowed that different sets of preferred directions were used in different trials mimicking the case when different movement-related directional neurons would be active from trial to trial. In our computer simulations the outcome of the different algorithms were fairly similar. No experimental protocol can be devised in which the activity of all the possible active motor cortex neurons taking part in coding the direction of movement could be simultaneously monitored.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Chest computerized tomography in the evaluation of uveitis in elderly women.

Abstract PURPOSE: To describe the usefulness of chest computerized tomography (CT) in the evaluation of uveitis in elderly women and the clinical characteristics of patients with an abnormal chest CT scan. DESIGN: Prospective noncomparative case series. METHODS: We evaluated 30 elderly women, aged 61–83 years, with chronic iritis, vitritis, or choroiditis and with no definitive cause for their uveitis. All patients underwent a battery of diagnostic laboratory studies and chest CT. RESULTS: The diagnostic examination in most patients included serum angiotensin converting enzyme level, serum lysozyme, rapid plasma reagin level, fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test, purified protein derivative skin test, and chest x-rays. Chest CT performed on all patients showed parenchymal, mediastinal, and/or hilar adenopathy in 17 patients (57%). Histopathologic confirmation of sarcoidosis with noncaseating granulomas in the biopsy specimens was obtained in 14 patients: eight by mediastinoscopy, two by bronchoscopy, two by conjunctival biopsy, one by nasal biopsy, and one by vitreous biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Chest CT can be useful in elderly female patients with chronic uveitis for identifying mediastinal lymphadenopathy and other lesions suggestive of sarcoidosis, as well as to help guide tissue confirmation and to rule out other diagnoses including lymphoma.
Dissin' “the Standard”: Ebonics as Guerrilla Warfare at Capital High

This article analyzes the discourse styles, including the linguistic practices, of a group of African American high school students and offers a twofold conclusion: (1) Ebonics or Black English is the norm against which all other speech practices are evaluated by the students at the research site and (2) “the standard”—that is, the standard English dialect—is constructed as a vernacular. As a vernacular, this discourse is not privileged; indeed, it is “dissed” (disrespected) and is only “leased” by the students on a daily basis from nine to three. This linguistic practice is centrally implicated in the postulated guerrilla warfare at the school. With data from a predominantly African American high school in Washington, D.C., the effects of this practice on African American academic achievement are documented. Several policy implications are also noted.
A new microsplitter for unconsolidated sediments

Abstract Unrepresentative subsamples can be obtained from a sedimentary sample through repeated subdivision when using a mechanical microsplitter. Physical biases are often compounded by repetition and can result in wide variations among the estimates computed from the relative proportion of foraminifera of a given species. A new microsplitter, designed on a new principle, has been built to separate small representative subsamples. The device is based on the uniform distribution of unconsolidated sediments suspended in water. A subsample of the desired size is obtained by collecting sediment from an appropriate sedimentation area. Operation of this sampler is rapid and convenient and requires only one step, thus eliminating sampling biases introduced by repeated operations with other splitters. This new device was tested and found to be superior to the Otto Microsplitter according to some statistical goodness-of-fit tests conducted on the series.
Gene Profiling in Experimental Models of Eye Growth: Clues to Myopia Pathogenesis

To understand the complex regulatory pathways that underlie the development of refractive errors, expression profiling has evaluated gene expression in ocular tissues of well-characterized experimental models that alter postnatal eye growth and induce refractive errors. Derived from a variety of platforms (e.g. differential display, spotted microarrays or Affymetrix GeneChips), gene expression patterns are now being identified in species that include chicken, mouse and primate. Reconciling available results is hindered by varied experimental designs and analytical/statistical features. Continued application of these methods offers promise to provide the much-needed mechanistic framework to develop therapies to normalize refractive development in children.
Modified modular imaging system designed for a sounding rocket experiment

We present the design and system calibration results from the fabrication of a charge-coupled device (CCD) based imaging system designed using a modified modular imager cell (MIC) used in an ultraviolet sounding rocket mission. The heart of the imaging system is the MIC, which provides the video pre-amplifier circuitry and CCD clock level filtering. The MIC is designed with standard four-layer FR4 printed circuit board (PCB) with surface mount and through-hole components for ease of testing and lower fabrication cost. The imager is a 3.5k by 3.5k LBNL p-channel CCD with enhanced quantum efficiency response in the UV using delta-doping technology at JPL. The recently released PCIe/104 Small-Cam CCD controller from Astronomical Research Cameras, Inc (ARC) performs readout of the detector. The PCIe/104 Small-Cam system has the same capabilities as its larger PCI brethren, but in a smaller form factor, which makes it ideally suited for sub-orbital ballistic missions. The overall control is then accomplished using a PCIe/104 computer from RTD Embedded Technologies, Inc. The design, fabrication, and testing was done at the Laboratory for Astronomical and Space Instrumentation (LASI) at Arizona State University. Integration and flight calibration are to be completed at the University of Colorado Boulder before integration into CHESS.
Influence of Feed Deprivation on Hematology, Macrophage Chemotaxis, and Resistance to Edwardsiella ictaluri Challenge of Channel Catfish

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of four feeding regimens (no feeding, feeding once daily to satiation, feeding every other day to satiation, and no feeding for 3 weeks followed by feeding once daily to satiation during the fourth week) on the growth, feed efficiency, hematology, immune response, and resistance to Edwardsiella ictaluri of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Feed efficiency ratios were a reflection of weight gain and differed significantly (P < 0.05) among treatments in one experiment but not the other. Survival rates did not differ significantly among feeding regimens in either experiment. Fish that were not fed or fed only in the fourth week were anemic. Macrophage chemotaxis in response to an E. ictaluri exoantigen was significantly different among treatments, with the lowest response in the group that was not fed and the highest in the group that was fed daily. Mortality from enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) was significantly lower for fish that were ...
"THE SOVEREIGN PEOPLE ARE IN A BEASTLY STATE": THE BEER ACT OF 1830 AND VICTORIAN DISCOURSE ON WORKING-CLASS DRUNKENNESS

I O N J ULY 23, 1830, Parliament passed “An Act to permit the general Sale of Beer and Cyder by Retail in England.” Commonly known as the Beer Act of 1830, this law called for a major overhaul of the way beer was taxed and distributed in England and Wales. In place of a sixteenth-century statute that had given local magistrates complete control over the licensing of brewers and publicans, the Beer Act stipulated that a new type of drinking establishment, the beer shop, or beer house, could now be opened by any rate-paying householder in England or Wales (Scotland and Ireland had their own drink laws). For the modest annual licensing fee of two guineas, rate-payers in England could now purchase a license to brew and vend from their own residence. 1
Depression and somatic complaints among male juvenile offenders: Differentiating somatizers from non-somatizers with the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI)

A review of the current literature suggests that comorbidity exists between depression, somatization, and suicidal ideation among behaviorally disruptive adolescents. A study was designed to determine how these clinical characteristics and other clinical indicators measured by the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory differentiate between male detained juvenile offenders who somatize and those that do not. A combination of analysis of variance tests and predictive and discriminant analyses were employed. Results revealed that depressive affect, self-devaluation, dolefulness, and suicidal tendencies significantly discriminated between somatizers and non-somatizers. A total of 71.1% of the participants were correctly classified as a somatizer or non-somatizer using a function of these variables. Results are discussed in light of how the presence of somatization in this population can indicate a need for mental health intervention for symptoms and syndromes of depressive disorders and suicidal risk.
The Effects of a Large Destructive Local Earthquake on Earthquake Preparedness as Assessed by an Earthquake Preparedness Scale

A multi-act scale for measuring the earthquake preparedness of individuals and small businesses was developed and used to assess the earthquake preparedness and the perceived difficulty of becoming prepared for earthquakes of 291 University of Southern California undergraduate students approximately 3 weeks prior to the 5.9 magnitude Whittier Narrows earthquake on 1 October 1987. These data were then compared with similar information collected over a 2 1/2 month period following the earthquake from randomly selected samples of subjects that had participated in the original survey. In one case, levels of preparedness of a single group were measured at approximately 2 week intervals (the repeated measures study). In a second case, this information was collected at different points in time following the earthquake from different groups of subjects (the between groups study). Results indicated an initial increase in earthquake preparedness which was significant for subjects in the repeated measures group and which approached significance for subjects in the between groups. This increase in preparedness was maintained for subjects in the repeated measure study but gradually declined to pre-earthquake levels for subjects in the between subjects study. Subjects in the repeated measures study also perceived earthquake preparedness as a significantly less difficult task following the earthquake. Level of perceived difficulty continued to decline over the 2 1/2 month study period. Declines in perceived difficulty for the between subjects study were more erratic, and were only approximately 1/3 of that for the repeated measures group at the end of 2 1/2 months.
Open and Proprietary Biological Innovation in Human Genetic Enhancement

Open source has been championed by many scholars as a superior system for promoting innovation, not only in software but latterly in biology. Though software code and genes appear superficially similar in the sense that they both serve as algorithms for the production of specified results, the former may be more conducive to the open source model of innovation than the latter. Nevertheless, if an open source model of genetics were adopted, the model could have significant effects on the future of human genetic enhancement. If open source genetics were unsuccessful or counterproductive in promoting genetic innovation, the result would be slowed discovery and development of genetic enhancements. Yet, if open source genetics were successful in spurring genetic innovation, at least two results would be likely: (1) acceleration in the rate of innovation in new genetic enhancements, and (2) acceleration of the widespread adoption of genetic enhancements. By contrast, proprietary patent protection for genetic enhancements would tend to spur genetic innovation, but would tend to limit access to those genetic enhancements through discriminatory mechanisms such as price and favoritism. Open source genetics likely would offer different societal outcomes for genetic enhancement than would proprietary patent systems. Furthermore, the societal implications of an open source genetics approach to genetic enhancement likely would not have the simple, salutary effects many in the open biology movement tend to assume. Rather, open source genetics might lead to more widespread genetic enhancement than would proprietary patent approaches, though the potential pool of available genetic enhancements likely would be smaller. A proprietary patent approach would likely ensure high rates of genetic enhancement innovation, research, and development, and efficiently mediate access to genetic enhancements, but likely would allow access to genetic enhancements to fewer members of society. With both open source genetics and proprietary patent approaches, there remains the prospect that genetic enhancement might lead to human evolutionary change. Public policy and the law must grapple with the implications of genetic enhancement before current technological possibilities become societal realities. Open source genetics offers a significant alternative to the prospect of the patent system as a substantial arbiter of parental decisions regarding genetic enhancement of their offspring. Open source genetics holds the potential to democratize accessibility of genetic enhancements, while discouraging high rates of genetic enhancement innovation. However, the implications that open source genetics has for the future of human society - and even human evolution - are not clearly more beneficial than the implications the patent system would have. It is certain that the implications that open source genetics and proprietary patent systems have for future human genetic enhancement should be subjected to thorough analysis and debate prior to the imminent arrival of human genetic enhancement technologies.
Relationship between steady-state plasma nizatidine concentrations and inhibition of basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion

Steady-state plasma nizatidine concentrations were related in a linear fashion to nizatidine infusion rate. Infusion rates of 2.5, 10, and 20 mg/hr resulted in mean plasma nizatidine concentrations of 69, 247, and 575 ng/ml. Basal acid secretion was inhibited by 50% and 90% at mean plasma nizatidine concentrations of 60 and 430 ng/ml. Protein-stimulated acid secretion was inhibited by 50% and 90% at mean plasma nizatidine concentrations of 75 and 490 ng/ml. The mean pH of basal gastric secretions was 1.6 during placebo infusion and 4.6 when the mean plasma nizatidine concentration was 575 ng/ml. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1990) 47, 499–503; doi:10.1038/clpt.1990.63
Spectral approximation theorems for bounded linear operators

In this paper we present some approximation theorems for the eigenvalue problem of a compact linear operator defined on a Banach space. In particular we examine: criteria for the existence and convergence of approximate eigenvectors and generalized eigenvectors; relations between the dimensions of the eigenmanifolds and generalized eigenmanifolds of the operator and those of the approximate operators.
Trade execution costs and disintermediated order crossing systems on the London Stock Exchange

The growth of alternative trading systems that compete with established stock markets will have profound effects on many securities exchanges and their member firms. New screen-based markets match investors' orders directly without the involvement of a broker or a dealer, saving intermediation costs such as the bid-ask spread and broker commission costs. Competing market makers operating on the London Stock Exchange's SEAQ market provide an intermediated "quote-driven" trading mechanism, but the approaching roll-out of several alternatives will provide investors with new opportunities to trade without market makers. A model of order arrival, information change, and trading in a competing dealer market based on SEAQ is used to examine the consequences of "disintermediated" trading systems. The results indicate low-cost trading systems reduce dealing margins and the role of intermediaries. While alternative trading system lessen the transactions costs borne by some traders, those requiring immediate execution and dealer intermediation may pay more in future marketplaces. >
Facility variation and predictors of serum potassium monitoring after initiation of a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in patients with heart failure

Background Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction but are associated with hyperkalemia. We sought to evaluate the frequency, variation, and predictors associated with serum potassium monitoring in patients with HF initiated on an MRA among facilities in the Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patients with HF across 133 Veterans Affairs facilities from 2003 to 2013 who were given a new prescription of an MRA. The primary outcome was the mean percentage of patients per facility with serum potassium monitoring within 14 days of MRA dispensing. Univariate and covariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with monitoring. Results There were 142,880 patients identified with HF initiated on an MRA who met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean (SD) percentage of patients per facility with serum potassium monitoring within 14 days was 41.6% (standard deviation 8.0%; minimum 18.9%, maximum 56.7%). Facilities with a higher frequency of monitoring were associated with membership in the Council on Teaching Hospitals (n = 70, P P P Conclusions In a large multicenter national sample of patients with HF receiving a new MRA prescription, the frequency of serum potassium monitoring was below recommended guidelines. Academic facilities and those with a higher volume of patients with HF were associated with an increased frequency of monitoring.
Competition and relatedness between queens of the facultatively polygynous antMyrmica tahoensis

Reproductive conflicts that arise in multiple-queen (polygynous) social insect colonies often lead to behavioural dominance by one queen. No evidence of dominance was found in an intensive study of queen behaviour patterns in colonies of the facultatively polygynous antMyrmica tahoensis. Colonies were monitored in artificial nests for 228 hours (432 queen-hours). Observations were divided between seven monogynous colonies, nine polygynous colonies, and seven colonies containing one native queen and an unrelated queen that had recently been transplanted into the colony. Aggression rarely occurred between queens in the polygynous colonies, virtually all queens laid eggs, and there was no sign of skew in egg-laying rates. Overall queen activity levels varied considerably between colonies in the three colony types. Queens in monogynous colonies spent more time antennating workers and were groomed more than polygynous queens, whereas polygynous queens laid eggs, handled brood and moved more often. Introduced queens were groomed at a higher rate than queens in naturally polygynous colonies, and queens from naturally polygynous colonies antennated workers, moved, laid eggs and antennated other queens more frequently. Within the introduced-queen colonies, native queens laid eggs and handled brood more frequently than introduced queens. Following the behavioural study, queen–queen relatedness was estimated within the polygynous colonies by means of microsatellite DNA polymorphisms. Queen behaviour patterns were similar regardless of whether queens were close or distant relatives. These results suggest that queens and workers ofM. tahoensisbehave differently towards newly introduced queens, but do not respond to queen–queen relatedness levels.
The Intersection of Gender and Race in the Labor Market

▪ Abstract This review investigates scholarship on the intersection of race and gender, with a particular focus on the U.S. labor market. We ask the following questions: What assumptions underlie intersectional perspectives in sociology? Is there any evidence to demonstrate that race and gender intersect in the labor market? We begin by discussing the core assumptions within Black and multiracial feminist theories, which represent the most fully articulated treatments of “intersectionality.” We then broaden our theoretical overview by identifying fundamental differences in the way that sociologists conceptualize intersectionality. We look for evidence of intersectionality in three central domains of research on labor market inequality: (a) wage inequality, (b) discrimination and stereotyping, and (c) immigration and domestic labor. We find that race and gender do intersect in the labor market under certain conditions. Finally, we consider how an intersectional approach enriches labor market research and t...
Development of sucking in term infants from birth to four hours postbirth.

The development of sucking response was investigated in 30 clinically normal infants from 1 or 5 minutes postbirth until their first feeding 4 hours later. Maximum sucking pressures were measured with a research nipple attached to a portable electronic suckometer. Mean suction (negative pressure) began at 5 Torr at birth, peaked at 103 Torr at 90 minutes, and decreased thereafter to 65 Torr at 4 hours. Expression (positive pressure) began at 12 Torr, rose to 29, and decreased to 25. Mean expression pressures correlated with feeding scale scores, r = +.44(24); p less than .025, but suction pressures did not, r = +.26(24); p less than .1. Normative data were gathered on 10 additional stabilized newborns who had been fed twice successfully. Suction pressures were 96 Torr on Day 1, and 103 Torr on Day 2; expression pressures were 25 and 24 Torr, respectively. These pressures approximate those recorded in newborns between 1 and 2 hours postbirth.
The EGL-21 Carboxypeptidase E Facilitates Acetylcholine Release at Caenorhabditis elegans Neuromuscular Junctions

Proneuropeptides are packaged into dense-core vesicles in which they are processed into active peptides by copackaged enzymes. Proprotein convertases (PCs) cleave precursors after dibasic residues, and carboxypeptidases remove basic residues from the C terminals. We show here that the Caenorhabditis elegans egl-21 gene encodes a protein that is very similar to carboxypeptidase E (CPE) and is broadly expressed in the nervous system. Mutants lacking either egl-21 CPE or egl-3, which encodes the C. elegans ortholog of PC type 2 (PC2), were defective for processing endogenously expressed FMRFamide (Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2)-related peptides (FaRPs). Mutants lacking the unc-104 kinesin motor protein were defective for anterograde movement of dense-core vesicle components, including egl-3 PC2, egl-21 CPE, and FaRPs. We provide evidence that egl-3 PC2 and egl-21 CPE mutants have diminished acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs). Taken together, these results suggest that egl-21 CPE and egl-3 PC2 process endogenous neuropeptides that facilitate acetylcholine release at C. elegans NMJs.
Estimating correspondence between multiple cameras using joint invariants

The joint invariants of the projective group PSL(3,ℝ) on ℝℙ2, the five-point volume cross-ratios, are studied to address the problem of correspondence in a camera network. The distribution of cross-ratios over the unit square as well as in a small local-neighbourhood of a reference point are found to have a heavy tail. No cross ratio value is unique but the collection of five point cross ratios generated by taking all possible combination of five points completely prescribes the curve. Sections of the signature submanifold that admit large enough variation of cross ratios are found to be sufficient in providing correspondence across wide perspectives. Such invariant signatures may be collected independently at cameras with different viewpoints and shared, thereby achieving the registration of objects in the image. Experimental results with license plate database are provided.
Negative Diffusion and Traveling Waves in High Dimensional Lattice Systems

We consider bistable reaction diffusion systems posed on rectangular lattices in two or more spatial dimensions. The discrete diffusion term is allowed to have positive spatially periodic coefficients, and the two spatially periodic equilibria are required to be well ordered. We establish the existence of traveling wave solutions to such pure lattice systems that connect the two stable equilibria. In addition, we show that these waves can be approximated by traveling wave solutions to systems that incorporate both local and nonlocal diffusion. In certain special situations our results can also be applied to reaction diffusion systems that include (potentially large) negative coefficients. Indeed, upon splitting the lattice suitably and applying separate coordinate transformations to each sublattice, such systems can sometimes be transformed into a periodic diffusion problem that fits within our framework. In such cases, the resulting traveling structure for the original system has a separate wave profile ...
Operational program for the IBM 2750

This paper describes the operational programo f the IBM 2750 Voice and Data Switching System. The program runs in the supervisor unit of the two network controllers used in the2 750. This program controls: (1) the duplexing of the network controllers; (2) the switching network; (3) the data collection and transmission operations passing through the system, including interconnection with IBM System/360; (4) the on-line error handling and system testing. The IBM program uses all available core storage. It is flexible, is tailor-made to each customer's requirements, and runs continuously without customer assistance.