cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reverb: middleware for distributed application forensics

We observe the recent research trend toward large-scale, component-based distributed systems that are dynamically configurable or extensible in response to changing execution environments or end-user needs. Regardless of whether these configuration changes happen automatically through predefined adaptation or self-management methods or in response to explicit user interaction, they can jeopardize the integrity of application components. Moreover, they can cause unexpected effects in system performance or even lead to disputes about middleware or application providers' responsibilities for failures experienced by end users. This paper introduces Reverb, a set of middleware abstractions and mechanisms that can be used to: (1) audit configuration actions; (2) impose controls on permissible actions; and (3) control which principals are permitted to carry out configurations. To evaluate Reverb, it has been integrated into middleware used in the high performance domain. The intent of this integration is to not only demonstrate its viability and utility, but also to show that Reverb-based configuration control has little effect on the performance of the distributed applications or middleware that use it. Experimental results attained with Reverb-enabled middleware used with resource-constrained pervasive applications demonstrate the small performance impact of Reverb's rich new functionality.
Restrictive blood transfusion practices are associated with improved patient outcomes.

Background Blood transfusion has been cited as one of the five most overutilized therapeutic procedures in the United States. We assessed the impact of clinical decision support at computerized physician order entry and education on red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and clinical patient outcomes at our institution. Study Design and Methods Clinical patient outcomes and RBC transfusions were assessed before and after implementation of a best practice alert triggered for transfusions when the hemoglobin level was higher than 7 g/dL for all inpatient discharges from January 2008 through December 2013. Retrospective clinical and laboratory data related to RBC transfusions were extracted: case-mix complexity, patient discharges and selected surgical volumes, and patient outcomes (mortality, 30-day readmissions, length of stay). Results There was a significant improvement in RBC utilization as assessed by RBC units transfused per 100 patient-days-at-risk. Concurrently, hospital-wide clinical patient outcomes showed improvement (mortality, p = 0.034; length of stay, p = 0.003) or remained stable (30-day readmission rates, p = 0.909). Outcome improvements were even more pronounced in patients who received blood transfusions, with decreased mortality rate (55.2 to 33.0, p < 0.001), length of stay (mean, 10.1 to 6.2 days, p < 0.001), and 30-day readmission rate (136.9 to 85.0, p < 0.001). The mean number of units transfused per patient also declined (3.6 to 2.7, p < 0.001). Acquisition costs of RBC units per 1000 patient discharges decreased from $283,130 in 2009 to $205,050 in 2013 with total estimated savings of $6.4 million and likely far greater impact on total transfusion-related costs. Conclusion Improved blood utilization is associated with improved clinical patient outcomes.
Efficient processing and expression of human nerve growth factor receptors in Xenopus laevis oocytes: effects on maturation.

Abstract The nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor is an integral membrane protein that is phosphorylated and heavily glycosylated. Determination of the amino acid sequence by molecular cloning indicates that the receptor is a cysteine-rich protein which contains a signal peptide sequence and spans the lipid bilayer with a single transmembrane sequence. A single mRNA of 3.8 kilobases was observed for the receptor, of which 1.5 kilobases is coding sequence. We have used microinjection of receptor RNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes to obtain cell surface expression of the receptor. The presence of NGF receptors in oocytes was verified by radioimmunoassay, specific binding of [125I]NGF, and metabolic labeling followed by immunoprecipitation. The NGF receptor protein was rapidly processed in oocytes and displayed extensive glycosylation. Furthermore, the presence of NGF receptors in oocytes potentiates the ability of progesterone to induce maturation.
Simplified Rapid Technic for the Extraction and Determination of Serum Cholesterol without Saponification

An accurate yet simple procedure for the determination of total cholesterol, based upon the application of a Liebermann-Burchard color reaction directly in the solvent employed for extraction of cholesterol from serum, has been described. Extraction of cholesterol and removal of protein are accomplished by means of acetic acid and acetic anhydride. Serum water is removed by the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetic anhydride. The Liebermann-Burchard color is then developed with a stable, modified reagent consisting of equal volumes of H2SO4 and acetic acid. Excellent agreement with the technic of Schoenheimer and Sperry is obtained. Equal intensities of color are produced by equivalent concentrations of free and esterified cholesterol. Preliminary saponification of cholesterol esters is therefore not required. Color development may proceed in ordinary room lighting without loss of accuracy.
Factors affecting ethylene sensitivity and 1-MCP response in tulip bulbs

Abstract Ethylene has many detrimental effects on tulip quality, including increased bulb gummosis and respiration, reduced rooting, and increased flower bud abortion. In this work, bulbs of four cultivars were exposed to ethylene (10 μL L −1 , with or without 1-MCP pretreatment) for different durations or at different times during the fall storage period. An experiment on post-ethylene storage temperature was conducted to test the hypothesis that a period of warm temperature after ethylene exposure is necessary to fully express ethylene injury symptoms that are seen months later after cooling and forcing. The degree of damage (flower abortion) in the sensitive cultivars ‘Apeldoorn’ and ‘World's Favourite’ increased as the duration of ethylene exposure increased to 10 and 16 d, respectively. This effect strongly depended on the timing of ethylene stress, as bulbs given ethylene late in the storage season showed more severe injury than early-treated bulbs. Bulbs that were cooled (9 °C) immediately after ethylene stress had higher flowering percentages than those stored at 17 °C for 2–4 weeks after ethylene stress, demonstrating that a period of warm temperature after ethylene exposure is necessary to allow full expression of the injury. This response was dependent on the cultivar and the timing of ethylene stress. When 1-MCP (1 μL L −1 ) was applied within 21–28 days prior to the start of ethylene exposure (2 weeks, 10 μL L −1 ), the ethylene sensitive varieties were protected. Putative ethylene-resistant cultivars ‘Friso’ and ‘Sevilla’ were unaffected by ethylene and showed no response to 1-MCP.
The influence of parent negative emotional expression on adolescents' perceptions of their relationships with their parents

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent affective expression in interactions and adolescent perceptions of their relationship. Observational and self-report data were collected on 85 intact families with adolescents in grades 5 to 9 (n = 44 males, 41 females). Each parent and adolescent took part in two 8-minute conversations-one about an activity they reported enjoying together and one about a disagreement or area of conflict. Conversations were coded on a speaker turn basis for positive, negative, neutral, mixed, and altered affect (kappa = .76). Physical maturation was related to adolescent perceptions of increased negative communication quality in all parent-adolescent dyads. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that expression by fathers of negative and mixed affect significantly predicted adolescent perceptions of communication quality, psychological autonomy, and firm/lax control, in addition to the effects of adolescent pubertal maturation. Mother affective expression in interactions was less consistently related to adolescent perceptions of relationship satisfaction. Implications for the salience of father versus mother affective expression in interactions with adolescents are discussed.
Optimal Sliding Mode Control for a Class of Underactuated Nonlinear Systems

In this paper, a general framework that provides sufficient conditions for asymptotic stabilization of underactuated nonlinear systems using an optimal sliding mode control in the presence of system uncertainties is presented. A performance objective is used to optimally select the parameters of the sliding mode control surfaces subject to state and input constraints. It is shown that the closed-loop system trajectories reach the optimal sliding surfaces in finite time and a constructive methodology to determine exponential stability of the closed-loop system on the sliding surfaces is developed which ensures asymptotic stability of the overall closed-loop system. The framework further provides the basis to determine an estimate of the domain of attraction for the closed-loop system with uncertainties. The results developed in this work are experimentally validated using a linear inverted pendulum testbed which show a good match between the actual domain of attraction of the upward equilibrium state and its analytical estimate.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Straight-chain non-polar amino acids are good helix-formers in water☆

Abstract For comparison with earlier data on naturally occurring non-polar amino acids (Ala, Leu, Phe, Val, Ile), the comparative helix-forming tendencies have been measured for non-polar amino acid residues that have unbranched side-chains, with an ethyl, propyl or butyl group, and also for methionine. The substitutions are made in a 17-residue alanine-based peptide. The results show that straight-chain non-polar amino acids have high helix-forming tendencies compared to β-branched non-polar amino acids. Restriction of side-chain conformations in the helix, with a corresponding reduction in conformational entropy, is the likely explanation. There is a small increase in helix-forming tendency as the side-chain increases in length from ethyl to butyl, which suggests that a helix-stabilizing hydrophobic interaction is being detected.
Discounting according to Output Type

Federal discount rate policies advocate both a high rate representing the marginal productivity of capital and a low rate representing the government borrowing rate. These differential discount rate policies could be inconsistent and biased in favor of projects on which the lower discount rate is applied. This paper shows that the coexistence of different discount rates may be appropriate, depending on the type of project output. When a project's outputs are perfect substitutes for private consumption, both its costs and benefits should be discounted using the marginal productivity of capital. However, if the project's outputs are separable in the utility function, the benefits should be discounted using the net (of tax) rate of return.
(+)-Morphine attenuates the (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition via the sigma-1 receptor in the mouse spinal cord

Abstract Aims We have previously demonstrated that pretreatment with (+)-morphine given intrathecally attenuates the intrathecal (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition. The phenomenon has been defined as antianalgesia against (−)-morphine-produced analgesia. Present experiments were then undertaken to determine if the antianalgesic effect induced by (+)-morphine given spinally is mediated by the stimulation of the sigma-1 receptor in the mouse spinal cord. Main methods Sigma-1 receptor ligands, N -[2-(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)ethyl]- N -methyl-2-(dimethylamino)ethylamine dihydrobromide (BD1047) and (+)-pentazocine were used to determine if (+)-morphine-induced antianalgesia is mediated by the stimulation of sigma-1 receptors in the mouse spinal cord. Tail-flick test was employed to measure the nociceptive response. All compounds were given intrathecally. Key findings Pretreatment with BD1047 (1–10 μg) or (+)-pentazocine (0.1–10 μg) dose-dependently reversed the attenuation of the (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition induced by (+)-morphine (10 pg). BD1047 and (+)-pentazocine injected alone did not affect (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition. Significance The finding indicates that (+)-morphine attenuates the (−)-morphine-produced tail-flick inhibition via the activation of the sigma-1 receptors in the mouse spinal cord. Sigma-1 receptors may play an important role in opioid analgesia in the mouse spinal cord.
Histologic characterization of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with and without myofilament mutations

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) is an inherited disorder often caused by mutations in genes that encode proteins of the cardiac sarcomeric myofilaments. It is characterized by a marked hypertrophy of the left ventricular wall without inciting factors such as aortic stenosis or hypertension, and microscopically by cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, myofibrillar disarray, and fibrosis.1 Although most patients with HC have normal or near-normal life expectancy, it remains the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in those younger than 35 years, especially among young athletes.2 Although it does appear that patients with any identified myofilament mutation have a worse prognosis,3 the reports attributing risk to specific mutations are controversial.4-6 Recent studies have demonstrated that the presence or absence of an HC-associated myofilament mutation is closely related to ventricular and septal morphology,7 leading us to hypothesize that there may also be differences in histology based on the underlying genetics. The expression, however, of certain mutations occurs across a vast spectrum of clinical phenotypes,8,9 and further identification of risk factors and (genetic) modifiers continue to be a subject of intense interest. A group of such modifiers may include polymorphisms in genes encoding proteins of the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).10,11 Patients who are homozygous for the deletion alleles (DD) for the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene have increased tissue levels of ACE and in turn may be exposed to higher levels of angiotensin II with resultant increased hypertrophy and fibrosis.10-12 Five additional polymorphisms in the RAAS have also been implicated as potential modifiers of ventricular hypertrophy.13-18 Histologic findings, although not part of the routine clinical diagnosis of HC, have been well characterized19 and have not previously been analyzed with respect to cardiac myofilament mutations or associations with RAAS polymorphisms. In an effort to further study genotype-phenotype relationships in HC, we sought to determine with a microscopic and histologic approach (i) whether myofilament mutation–positive patients exist as a discrete phenotypic entity, with the distinct histology and septal morphology, (ii) and whether polymorphisms contributed in a synergistic or additional way toward a composite burden of gene-specific effects in patients with HC.
Improved resolution in the detection of oligonucleotides up to 60-mers in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using pulsed–delayed extraction with a simple high voltage transistor switch

Pulsed-delayed extraction using a simple high voltage transistor switch together with various sample purification approaches were used to enhance the resolution in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) of oligonucleotides up to 60 bases long. This switch can provide a 0-3 kV voltage pulse with a 75 ns fall time. A resolution of 500-900 was typically observed for samples from 5-mers to 60-mers using pulsed-delayed extraction (PDE) with the switch described herein. The resolution deteriorated to or = 65-mers. With the TOF acceleration region configuration used in this work, the resolution was found not to vary significantly over a delay range of 2-5 mus. As the DNA size increased to over 35-mer, HPLC purification was required to retain the enhancement in resolution provided by PDE MALDI-MS.
Inhibition of the transport of HIV in vitro using a pH-responsive synthetic mucin-like polymer system

In conjunction with the routine role of delivering the active ingredient, carefully designed drug delivery vehicles can also provide ancillary functions that augment the overall efficacy of the system. Inspired by the ability of the cervicovaginal mucus to impede the movement of HIV virions at acidic pH, we have engineered a pH-responsive synthetic polymer that shows improved barrier properties over the naturally occurring cervicovaginal mucus by inhibiting viral transport at both acidic and neutral pH. The pH-responsive synthetic mucin-like polymer is constructed with phenylboronic acid (PBA) and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHA), each individually copolymerized with a 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (pHPMA) polymer backbone. At pH 4.8, the crosslinked polymers form a transient network with a characteristic relaxation time of 0.9 s and elastic modulus of 11 Pa. On addition of semen, the polymers form a densely crosslinked elastic network with a characteristic relaxation time greater than 60 s and elastic modulus of 1800 Pa. Interactions between the PBA-SHA crosslinked polymers and mucin at acidic pH showed a significant increase in elastic modulus and crosslink lifetime (p < 0.05). A transport assay revealed that migration of HIV and cells was significantly impeded by the polymer network at pH ≥ 4.8 with a diffusion coefficient of 1.60 x 10(-4) μm(2)/s for HIV. Additionally, these crosslinked polymers did not induce symptoms of toxicity or irritation in either human vaginal explants or a mouse model. In summary, the pH-responsive crosslinked polymer system reported here holds promise as a class of microbicide delivery vehicle that could inhibit the transport of virions from semen to the target tissue and, thereby, contribute to the overall activity of the microbicide formulation.
Seeking Better Health Care Outcomes: The Ethics of Using the “Nudge”

Policymakers, employers, insurance companies, researchers, and health care providers have developed an increasing interest in using principles from behavioral economics and psychology to persuade people to change their health-related behaviors, lifestyles, and habits. In this article, we examine how principles from behavioral economics and psychology are being used to nudge people (the public, patients, or health care providers) toward particular decisions or behaviors related to health or health care, and we identify the ethically relevant dimensions that should be considered for the utilization of each principle.
Interactions between nonpolar surfaces coated with the nonionic surfactant hexaoxyethylene dodecyl ether C12E6 and the origin of surface charges at the air/water interface.

The interactions between nonpolar surfaces coated with the nonionic surfactant hexaoxyethylene dodecyl ether C12E6 were investigated using two techniques and three different types of surfaces. As nonpolar surfaces, the air/water interface, silanated negatively charged glass, and thiolated uncharged gold surfaces were chosen. The interactions between the air/water interfaces were measured with a thin film pressure balance in terms of disjoining pressure as a function of film thickness. The interactions between the solid/liquid interfaces were determined using a bimorph surface force apparatus. The influence of the nature of the surface on the interaction forces was investigated at surfactant concentrations below and above the cmc. The adsorption of the nonionic surfactant on the uncharged thiolated surface does not, as expected, lead to any buildup of a surface charge. On the other hand, adsorption of C12E6 on the charged silanated glass and the charged air/water interface results in a lowering of the surf...
A Novel Application of the Trivers‐Willard Model to the Problem of Genetic Rescue

: Translocation is increasingly used to maintain evolutionary processes, particularly the genetic rescue of fragmented populations, but it is sometimes a costly and unsuccessful conservation tool. Succeeding at genetic rescue depends on the transfer of alleles between populations in the same way that successful parenthood consists in transferring alleles to the next generation. Moreover, there are large differences in the reproductive potential of males and females and growing evidence of sex-biased survivorship after translocation in sexually selected species. Under these circumstances the Trivers-Willard model ( TWM ), a founding and influential theory in behavioral ecology, makes predictions about how a parent should invest in the offspring of a different sex based on their ability to invest. Like parents, conservation managers also modify their investment in translocations to improve success. Thus, there are remarkable parallels between the predictions of modern evolutionary theory about parental investment in offspring of different sex and the investments of conservation managers in the translocation of alleles between populations via animals of different sex. The TWM for sex-biased parental investment could be a theoretical guide to the problem of maximizing the transfer of alleles for genetic rescue. Resumen: El desplazamiento de organismos es usado cada vez mas para mantener procesos evolutivos, especialmente el rescate genetico de poblaciones fragmentadas, pero aveces es una herramienta costosa e ineficaz para la conservacion. El exito del rescate genetico depende de la transferencia de alelos entre poblaciones, asi como el exito de los padres depende de la transferencia de sus alelos a la siguiente generacion. Mas aun, hay grandes diferencias en el potencial reproductivo de machos y hembras y evidencia creciente de una supervivencia sesgada por sexo despues del desplazamiento en especies sexualmente seleccionadas. Bajo estas circunstancias el modelo de Trivers-Willard ( TWM ), una teoria fundadora e influyente en ecologia conductual, hace predicciones sobre la forma en que un padre debe invertir en la descendencia de sexo diferente en base a su capacidad para invertir. Al igual que los padres, los administradores tambien modifican su inversion en el desplazamiento de organismos para mejorar el exito. De esta manera, hay semejanzas notables entre las predicciones de la teoria evolutiva moderna sobre la inversion parental en la descendencia de sexos diferentes y la forma en que los administradores de la conservacion invierten en la transferencia de alelos entre poblaciones via animales de sexo diferente. El TWM para inversion parental sesgada por sexo puede ser una guia teorica al problema de maximizar la transferencia de alelos para el rescate genetico.
High-density and reduced latchup susceptibility CMOS technology for VLSI

Increasing layout density and reducing susceptibility to latchup are two of the most pressing concerns in making CMOS a superior VLSI technology. This work presents a possible solution to these CMOS issues. Significant reductions of the well (in our case p-well) resistance and of the well side diffusion are the results of the incorporation of a heavily doped epitaxial buried layer in the CMOS process. Using this approach n+-p+spacings of 3.5 µm give adequate punchthrough margin for 5-V operation and, compared to a conventional CMOS process, a sevenfold improvement in holding current.
Effect of castration on the turnover of rat liver alcohol dehydrogenase.

Castration increased liver alcohol dehydrogenase activity and enzyme protein in male rats. The turnover of alcohol dehydrogenase determined from the decline in radioactivity present in immunoprecipitated enzyme after injection of NaH14CO3 was decreased after castration. The fractional rate of degradation (Kd) for the enzyme was 0.11 · day−1 in the castrated as compared with 0.13 · day−1 in the control animals (P < 0.05). The fractional rate of synthesis (Ks) of the enzyme was not affected by castration, while the absolute rate of synthesis was increased slightly. This study shows that a decrease in the rate of degradation is the principal cause for the increase in liver alcohol dehydrogenase following castration.
The ac stark effect in molecular multiphoton ionization spectroscopy

Abstract The ac Stark effect is observed to be the major cause of asymmetric line broadening in the low-pressure MPI spectrum of nitric oxide. The order of non-linearity near a resonance broadened by Stark shifts can be much higher than the minimum number of photons required to ionize the molecule.
Toward a GPU-Accelerated Immersed Boundary Method for Wind Forecasting Over Complex Terrain

A short-term wind power forecasting capability can be a valuable tool in the renewable energy industry to address load-balancing issues that arise from intermittent wind fields. Although numerical weather prediction models have been used to forecast winds, their applicability to micro-scale atmospheric boundary layer flows and ability to predict wind speeds at turbine hub height with a desired accuracy is not clear. To address this issue, we develop a multi-GPU parallel flow solver to forecast winds over complex terrain at the micro-scale, where computational domain size can range from meters to several kilometers. In the solver, we adopt the immersed boundary method and the Lagrangian dynamic large-eddy simulation model and extend them to atmospheric flows. The computations are accelerated on GPU clusters with a dual-level parallel implementation that interleaves MPI with CUDA. We evaluate the flow solver components against test problems and obtain preliminary results of flow over Bolund Hill, a coastal hill in Denmark.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Prey Selection by Young Yellow Perch: The Influence of Capture Success, Visual Acuity, and Prey Choice

Abstract Field and laboratory studies of prey selection by age-0 yellow perch Perca flavescens from Oneida Lake, New York, were conducted during 1980 and 1981. In paired analyses, laboratory fish proved to be good models of those in the lake; fish in both groups ate zooplankton of the same mean sizes and shifted their preference from Diaptomus minutus to Daphnia pulex when they reached 30–35 mm total length. Increased preference for daphnids over diaptomids coincided with the ability of young yellow perch to catch the daphnids with nearly 100% success. Neither laboratory nor field fish selected the largest daphnids available, though tests showed they were physically capable of ingesting them, and experimental data on capture success, handling time, and reaction distance all suggest young yellow perch should elect the largest daphnids. We hypothesize that young yellow perch may digest large daphnids less efficiently than midsized ones. If this hypothesis is verified, optimum-foraging models should be exten...
Isolation and analysis of a cDNA clone that encodes an alfalfa (Medicago sativa) aspartate aminotransferase.

We have isolated an alfalfa leaf cDNA clone that encodes aspartate aminotransferase (AAT, EC 2.6.1.1) by direct complementation of an Escherichia coli aspartate auxotroph with a plasmid cDNA library. DNA sequence analysis of the recombinant plasmid, pMU1, revealed that a 1514 by cDNA was inserted in the correct orientation and in-frame with the start of the lacZ coding sequence in the vector, pUC18. The resulting fusion protein is predicted to be 424 amino acids in length with a molecular weight of 46387 Daltons. The cDNA-encoded protein has a characteristic pyridoxal phosphate attachment site motif and has substantial amino acid sequence homology to both animal and bacterial AATs. Plasmid pMUl encodes an AAT with a Km for aspartate of 3.3 mM, a Km for 2-oxoglutarate of 0.28 mM, and a pH optimum between 8.0 and 8.5. Several lines of evidence including Western blot analysis, the isoelectric point of the encoded protein, and the effect of pH on the activity of the fusion protein, suggest that the cDNA encodes the isozyme AAT-1 rather than AAT-2. Northern blot analysis showed that the aat-1 clone hybridized to a 1.6 kb transcript present in alfalfa leaves, roots and nodules. The relative concentrations of aat-1 mRNA in these tissues were 1: 2: 5, respectively. Thus, transcription of aat-1 appears to be induced during nodule development. Southern blot analysis suggested that AAT-1 in alfalfa is encoded by either a single-copy gene or a small, multigene family.
Complex plane analysis of the impedance and admittance of polycrystalline sodium-β-alumina doped with transition metal ions

Abstract The bulk and grain boundary conductivities of undoped and doped β-alumina have been analyzed using complex plane techniques. Dopants included iron, chromium, cobalt, manganese and nickel. Except for chromium which is present as Cr(IV) all dopants increased the bulk conductivity. In nearly all cases an increase in sodium content was also observed in the doped samples and was a significant factor in the observed conductivity increase. The grain boundary conductivity did not show any marked change with doping although high doping levels of iron (8%) and manganese (4%) showed a large decrease in grain boundary conductivity.
Fruiting trees as dispersal foci in a semi-deciduous tropical forest

Quantification of seed rain patterns is an initial step toward explaining variation in plant recruitment, and consequently, organization of forest communities. Spatially contagious patterns of seed deposition, where seeds are patchily dispersed with some sites receiving relatively high densities and others receiving low densities of seeds, may be a common phenomenon for which we have very little knowledge. For example, prior feeding events by frugivores (monkeys and birds) combined with transport and dispersal of seeds to other fruiting trees may result in the contagious deposition of non-conspecific seeds below them. Here, we examined whether fruiting trees act as dispersal foci in the semi-deciduous tropical rainforest of the Dja Reserve, Cameroon. Seed rain was sampled below the canopies of nine tree species: three typically dispersed by large, frugivorous birds, three dispersed by monkeys, and three dispersed by wind. We found no evidence that monkeys generate spatially contagious patterns of seed rain under fruiting trees at which they feed. However, we found that rates of deposition of non-conspecific seeds and species richness of seeds delivered by birds (hornbills and turacos) were significantly greater during fruiting than non-fruiting periods, and significantly greater under fruiting individuals of bird-dispersed tree species than under fruiting individuals of monkey- or wind-dispersed tree species. Additionally, during fruiting periods, the composition of non-conspecific seed rain under bird-dispersed tree species was more similar to other bird-dispersed trees than to monkey- or wind-dispersed tree species. The contagious dispersal of non-conspecific seeds to fruiting, bird-dispersed trees leads to higher seed densities under fruiting trees than those caused by local seed production. Non-conspecific seeds deposited in high densities may experience increased seed mortality even far from parent trees if predators are generalists. Alternatively, in the absence of complete density-dependent mortality, contagious seed dispersal could result in associations among species dispersed by the same dispersal agent.
Somatoform, factitious, and related diagnoses in the national hospital discharge survey: addressing the proposed DSM-5 revision.

Background The DSM-5 working group on the somatoform (SFD) and factitious (FD) disorders has recommended substantial revisions of these categories. The recommendations are based, in part, on anecdotal evidence that the diagnoses are infrequently used. Objective To assess the assignment rates for SFD, FD, and related diagnoses among general medical inpatients. Method The National Hospital Discharge Survey was queried for instances of SFD and FD, along with related diagnoses identifying medical cases in which psychological factors play a role. Diagnoses of major depression and generalized anxiety disorder were queried for comparison purposes. Results The target diagnoses were assigned far less frequently than published prevalence and recognition rates suggest. Nearly half of the assigned target diagnoses were generic diagnoses (esp. physiological malfunction due to psychological factors) other than SFD or FD. However, the apparent degree of underassignment of the target diagnoses was not dramatically greater than the underassignment observed for major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Conclusion The results provide empirical support for the impression that physicians do not assign SFD and FD diagnoses in recognized cases, but do not strongly support the assertion that these diagnoses are uniquely problematic.
Informative gene selection and design of regulatory networks using integer optimization

A central problem in bioinformatics and systems biology is the selection of appropriate models in a rational and systematic way. This fundamentally combinatorial problem can be readily formulated and addressed within an integer optimization framework. In this paper we examine two such applications related to the identification of informative genes and the quantification of regulatory networks. We demonstrate how multiple alternatives can be systematically derived and assess the information content of the proposed solutions.
Cocrystalline Salts of Alkynoic Acids. The Crystal and Molecular Structure of 2-Aminopyridinium Butynoate

Abstract Mixing 2-butynoic acid and 2-aminopyridine in acctone produces the salt 2-aminopyridinium 2-butynoate (4) in high yield. An X-ray structure determination of 4 (Space Group P21/n, Z = 4) shows it to contain short acetylene-acetylene contacts as well as short contacts between the pyridine N atom and the β-carbon atom of the butynoate moiety. The contacts are between centrosymmetrically-rclated “dimer pairs” of the cocrystalline salt, and are not part of an infinite array. The material is stable to heating or exposure to 60Co γ-rays.
Nuchal translucency and first-trimester screening.

irst-trimester screening for Down syndrome has become a commonly used approach in prenatal genetic diagnosis. The drive behind the development of earlier, reliable methods of genetic screening and risk assessment is the ability to provide the parents with more options at an earlier gestational age. Currently, this involves the sonographic evaluation of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) in combination with maternal serum levels of free beta-hCG and PAPP-A to provide a risk assessment for Down syndrome.1 This is referred to as combined first-trimester screening. Based on a survey of US maternal-fetal medicine specialists in 2001, of the 543 respondents, 46% used NT sonography and 27% used first-trimester maternal serum screening for Down syndrome.3 The term "nuchal translucency" refers to the fluid-filled space between the back of the fetal neck and the overlying skin.4 It has been noted that fetuses with Down syndrome, as well as other forms of aneuploidy, have increased edema in this area, resulting in an increased NT measurement.4 Based on seminal work by Nicolaides and others, measurement ofNT in fetuses between 11 and 14 weeks has been used since the early 1990's to provide earlier risk assessment of fetuses with aneuploidy.5 Initial results indicated detection rates comparable to second-trimester maternal serum screening.' However, three recent large trials, including the US-based Firstand SecondTrimester Evaluation of Risk (FASTER) trial, the North American-based First Trimester Maternal Serum Biochemistry and Ultrasound Fetal Nuchal Translucency Screening (BUN) Study, and the European-based Serum, Urine, and Ultrasound Screening Study (SURUSS) Trial have demonstrated that combined screening in the first trimester outperforms both NT and first-trimester serum screening when performed separately, with detection rates for Down syndrome ranging from 79%87% at a false positive rate of 5% 6 This compares favorably with performance of second-trimester serum screening, also referred to as the "quad" screen, which utilizes maternal serum levels of unconjugated estriol, free human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein, and inhibin A, with a detection rate of 81%.7 Furthermore, the detection rate for trisomy 18 with the combined screen was comparable to the quad screen.8 There are still a number of issues which limit the use ofNT. The technical expertise required to obtain reliable and reproducible images has proven challenging. Furthermore, patients must have access to providers who are capable of performing first-trimester chorionic villus sampling when a patient screens positive. There is still no consensus as to the most efficient or
Prohibition's Pending Demise: Internet Gambling and United States Policy

In this article, I posit that the United States is on the verge of a dramatic transformation with respect to its Internet gambling policy. Because of a sudden, renewed interest in harnessing online gambling profits for state benefit due to the current recession, there is a pressing and significant need for information about online gambling. This article provides an overview of the history of United States policy with respect to gambling, and illustrates the factors that must be met if widespread policy change is to succeed.
Identification of Citrus sinensis BAC clones containing genes relevant to fruit quality by two-dimensional overgo hybridization

As a complement to whole-genome sequencing efforts, we are comparing targeted genomic regions among sweet orange cultivars to identify coding and conserved noncoding regions, including regulatory elements, responsible for biological features unique to this species. Here, we report the identification of 1,018 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones containing genes relevant to fruit quality from a Citrus sinensis cv. “Vaniglia” 19.3X BAC library by two-dimensional 9 × 9 overgo hybridization. To design the overgo probes, we used the “C38” expressed sequence tag assembly ( http://harvest.ucr.edu/ ) and OligoSpawn software ( http://138.23.178.42 ). For BAC library screening, we selected 81 overgo probes associated with unigenes that putatively code for enzymes relevant to fruit quality (flavonol, anthocyanin, carotenoid, cellulose, starch, ascorbic acid, aromatic amino acid, and lignin biosynthesis; sucrose catabolism; glycolysis; oxidative/nonoxidative pentose phosphate pathway; fatty acid biosynthesis and oxidation; Krebs cycle). Hybridization probes were pooled and hybridized in groups of intersecting rows and columns to high-density BAC filters, followed by a deconvolution process that established BAC-probe addresses. BAC addresses were obtained for 75 of the 81 overgo probes initially selected, for a total of 1,018 BAC clones, a number consistent with the depth of coverage of the BAC library. BAC end sequencing was carried out, and end-sequence pairs were mapped to their best location in the Citrus clementina genome sequence assembly using the comparative genomic database Phytozome ( http://www.phytozome.net/ ). The BAC clones corresponding to each probe were mapped within the same scaffold as the target gene, demonstrating that the approach we used was successful in isolating the targeted genomic regions.
Ignition of Non-Premixed Flames of Ethylene/n-Dodecane Blends

Ignition temperatures of non-premixed flames of ethylene/n-dodecane blends were measured and modeled in the counterflow configuration at atmospheric pressure and an unburned fuel-carrying stream temperature of 453 K. Ethylene is an important product of the thermal decomposition of large molecular weight n-alkanes such as n-dodecane that produces ethylene via β scission. Thermal decomposition is expected in scramjet applications in which the fuel is also used as the vehicle and engine coolant. Thus, the ignition process of the mixtures of the parent molecule and products of decomposition could be among the controlling factors of operation in hypersonic propulsion. In the present study, laser Doppler velocimetry was used to measure local strain rates and thermocouples were used to measure ignition temperatures. Simulations of the experiments were performed using four kinetic models, and comparisons were made against the experimental data. Notable discrepancies were found between the data and the predictions...
Red blood cells generate nitric oxide from directly acting, nitrogenous vasodilators.

Abstract Human red blood cells (RBC) incubated under nitrogen with methylene blue and glucose at physiological temperature and pH can be used to test for the biotransformation of nitrogenous vasodilators to nitric oxide (NO). The NO generated was trapped as nitrosylated heme by reduced subunits (hemeII) on various hemoglobin valency species and quantified by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. It was possible to separate the various valency species of hemoglobin present in the mixture as (α2+β2+)2,(α2+β3+)2,(α3+β2+)2, or (α3+β3+)2 by isoelectric focusing (IEF) unless cyanide (from nitroprusside) or azide was present in the mixture. These anions bind tenaciously to oxidized subunits (hemeIII) and prevent the separation of the various species by IEF. The fully oxidized tetramer, (α3+β3+)2, does not bind NO, but the other three species have hemeII units which can be nitrosylated. In the absence of cyanide or azide the valency species could be separated by IEF, and it was possible to quantify the degree of nitrosylation on each individual species. The various agents tested (nitrite, glyceryl trinitrate, hydroxylamine, hydralazine, nitroprusside, and azide) produced different patterns of valency species and degrees of nitrosylation of hemeII. When hemeIII ligands were present or in cases of very low yields, it was still possible to quantify the total concentration of NO-hemeII in the mixture. Thus, the method could still be used to test for NO formation. All of the so-called NO vasodilators tested yielded detectable amounts of NO in the system.
New Durable Flame Retardant Finish for Polypropylene Textiles

THE inflammability of polypropylene fibres is particularly hazardous when they are used for clothing or carpeting1. One way of making polypropylene textiles flame retardant is to incorporate certain halogen containing compounds, frequently in combination with antimony oxides or phosphorus donors which improve the effectiveness of the halogen, into the resin before the fibres are extruded2. Alternatively, a variety of chemical finishes can be applied to the many commercial forms of the textiles, from mono-filaments to apparel fabrics3. The first approach usually needs additives in quantities of up to 30 per cent or more of the weight of the polypropylene fibres. Serious degradation of physical strength can result, as well as deterioration of light, heat and chemical stability and textile handling properties4. In the second method, the great chemical inertness of polypropylene makes it difficult to apply a durable finish with suitable flame retardant qualities.
Computer simulation of mammalian gas-exchange

Abstract Gas exchange efficiency is dependent upon the distribution of ventilation to perfusion throughout the lung, as well as the position and shape of the oxygen and carbon dioxide dissociation curves, and the composition of mixed venous blood. Computer simulation has allowed practical investigation of these relationships. A BASIC program suitable for small microcomputers is presented which calculates the arterial blood gases and gas transport corresponding to an arbitrary VA Q distribution and mixed venous composition. The needed theory and equations are developed, the program is discussed, and an example is presented.
Photocontrol of spore germination in the fern Thelypteris kunthii

The light requirement for germination in spores of the fern Thelypteris kunthii (Desv.) Morton was fully satisfied by a long period of continuous red light or partially by intermittent, short periods of red light. Red light-potentiated spore germination was inhibited by brief far-red light irradiation, indicating phytochrome involvement. Repeated exposure of spores to prolonged red and short far-red irradiations, or exposure of red-potentiated spores to far-red light after an extended period in darkness, led to their escape from inhibition of germination by far-red light. Prolonged irradiation of spores with blue light before or after red light treatment partially antagonized the effect of red light.
An exact result for the fermion-monopole system in a softly broken supersymmetric theory

An N = 2 supersymmetric SO(3) gauge theory is softly broken by a fermion mass term. The Dirac equation for the fermionic partnet of the 't Hooft-Polyakov monopole is solved exactly for E2 ⩾ μ2 while is shown that there is no physical solution for E2 < μ2. For E = + μ the solution describes a normalizable, i.e. bound state — the monopolino. The monopolino mass is calculated and corresponds to the results previously obtained by Claudson and Wise [4].
Crystal growth and superconductivity of Fe-doped YBCO single crystals

Abstract Fe-doped YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ (YBCO or Y123) single crystals have been grown using the SRL-CP crystal pulling technique for possible SNS junction applications. By varying Fe content in the liquid in the range of 0–3.73 mol%, the Cu sites substituted by Fe were found in the range of 0–5.45% and accordingly the k eff (effective Fe distribution coefficient) changed in the range of 0.35–0.75. The Fe interface composition in liquid C i is almost the same as the Fe bulk liquid composition C o , suggesting that interface kinetics is predominant and diffusion factor is negligible from the Fe solute point of view. The increasing substitution of Fe at Cu sites resulted in the decreasing trend of superconducting transition temperature ( T c ). It was found that the magnetization of the samples strongly depended on the annealing temperature. The reduction of T c was about 8.6 K/[Fe/(Fe+Cu)]% by annealing at 500°C, whereas about 4 K/[Fe/(Fe+Cu)]% by annealing at 420°C