cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interdicting nuclear material on cargo containers using knapsack problem models

This paper introduces a framework for screening cargo containers for nuclear material at security stations throughout the United States using knapsack problem, reliability, and Bayesian probability models. The approach investigates how to define a system alarm given a set of screening devices, and hence, designs and analyzes next-generation security system architectures. Containers that yield a system alarm undergo secondary screening, where more effective and intrusive screening devices are used to further examine containers for nuclear and radiological material. It is assumed that there is a budget for performing secondary screening on containers that yield a system alarm. This paper explores the relationships and tradeoffs between prescreening, secondary screening costs, and the efficacy of radiation detectors. The key contribution of this analysis is that it provides a risk-based framework for determining how to define a system alarm for screening cargo containers given limited screening resources. The analysis suggests that highly accurate prescreening is the most important factor for effective screening, particularly when screening tests are highly dependent, and that moderately accurate prescreening may not be an improvement over treating all cargo containers the same. Moreover, it suggests that screening tests with high true alarm rates may mitigate some of the risk associated with low prescreening intelligence.
Gas fires with pool-like boundary conditions: Further results and interpretation

A circular, upward-facing burner, supplying uniform flux of fuel gas from a water-cooled surface, preserves the essential features of a pool fire. At the same time this type of burner is sufficiently flexible to make possible systematic study of energy feedback from fire to fuel source as a function of fuel properties. The basic data are radiative and convective (i.e., molecular) heat transfer to the cooled burner surface. Justification of the method and experimental details have been given in an earlier paper. This paper presents data for a wide variety of simple fuel gases with and without inert diluents. The convective component is of primary interest. Trends and partial correlations observed in previously reported work are strengthened and clarified. Although there exists strong evidence that chemical kinetics are important, addition of up to 2% methyl bromide to several fuels had no effect on heat transfer. At high fuel supply rates the data tend to correlate independently of the air requirement of the fuel; at low supply rates the data tend to correlate independently of volumetric supply rate.
Music Teaches Children about Themselves and Others.

Young children can learn about their own feelings and moods through listening to music, by singing songs, and by expressively moving to music. Music and song provide an enjoyable way to introduce young children to the songs and tales of other cultures as well as familiarizing children with words in other languages. A listing of folk songs suitable for early childhood classrooms is provided to support teachers' use of music with children's singing and moving.
Comparison of space analysis evaluations with digital models and plaster dental casts

Introduction Diagnostic measurements have traditionally been made on plaster dental casts. Now, 3-dimensional digital dental models can be used. The purpose of this study was to compare space analysis measurements made on digital models with those from plaster dental casts. Methods Two sets of 25 alginate impressions were taken of patients who had a permanent Class I crowded dentition. Each impression was made into a plaster cast and a 3-dimensional virtual orthodontic model (OrthoCad, Cadent, Fairview, NJ). Measurements of tooth widths at their greatest mesiodistal dimension and arch length were recorded for both types of models. Tooth widths were measured on the plaster models with a digital caliper, and arch length was measured with a piece of brass wire and a millimeter ruler. The virtual models were measured by using OrthoCad's dedicated software. The space analysis measurements were calculated for both types of models, and the extrapolated amount of crowding for each type of model was accessed. All measurements were made by 2 examiners. The resulting values were compared with nonparametric statistics, and method errors were calculated. Results When comparing digitized models with conventional plaster dental study models, we found a slight (0.4 mm) but statistically significant difference in the space analysis measurements on the maxillary models; measurements on the mandibular models were not significantly different. No significant difference was found between the measurements of the 2 examiners. Conclusions The accuracy of the software for space analysis evaluation on digital models is clinically acceptable and reproducible when compared with traditional plaster study model analyses.
Aristotelian Syllogisms: Valid Arguments or True Universalized Conditionals?

For centuries it was thought that Aristotle's 'syllogistic' was a codification of valid arguments. Early in the I950S, however, Lukasiewicz [8] offered the view that it was certain true universalized conditional sentences that were being codified. (The traditional notion of a valid argument has been explicated (Mates, [8]) essentially as follows. An argument is a couple (P, c) where P is a set of (closed) sentences and c is a sentence: (P, c) is valid if c is a logical consequence of P. This explication obviously covers the technical use of the terms 'valid' and 'argument' in logic (cf. Corcoran, [2]). If p and q are open sentences and Q is a string of universal quantifiers one for each variable free in (p v q) then Q(p =) q) is a universalized conditional.) Lukasiewicz rested his case on the proposition that all syllogisms formulated in the relevant corpus involve an equivalent of the 'if . .. then' connective ([8], p. 2). Austin, in his review of the Lukasiewicz work [I], was able to weaken the Lukasiewicz case by citing a few references to syllogisms as arguments while agreeing that Lukasiewicz was largely correct in his observation that syllogisms were formulated as conditionals. Several scholars (cf. [I] [I I]) have further weakened the Lukasiewicz case by pointing out that in many circumstances it would be natural to assert the validity of an argument by saying that if the premises were true then the conclusion would necessarily also be true. Prior regards Lukasiewicz's evidence as 'flimsy' (cf. [II], p. 25) whereas Patzig ([9], pp. I-4) finds it convincing. In any event, however, neither case seems sufficiently convincing to make it possible to regard the issue as settled. Additional information bearing on the issue can be obtained by considering howv the syllogisms are established in the corpus. In normal contexts, arguments are established (as valid) by deducing the conclusion from the assumption of the premises using presupposed rules of inference, whereas sentences are established (as true) by deducing them from other sentences previously accepted as true. Thus one is lead to reconsider the locations in the corpus where syllogisms are established to see which mode of validation seems to be used. However, the situation is complicated by the form of the sentences in question. For example, to establish the truth of:
Strong transcriptional activation of translocated c-myc genes occurs without a strong nearby enhancer or promoter

Abstract We have studied the transcriptional activation of translocated c-myc genes in murine plasmacytomas in which the translocation juncture occurs within the first intron of c-myc and juxtaposes c-myc with the immunoglobulin C alpha gene segment. It has been widely suggested that a novel transcriptional enhancer element located near the C alpha gene segment might activate the translocated c-myc gene. We have carried out an extensive search for such an element and find no significant transcriptional enhancer activity in a 22 kb region encompassing the translocation junction, C alpha gene segment and regions 3' of C alpha. We also find that the cryptic promoter region of the translocated c-myc gene is a very weak promoter of transcription. Despite this evidence against the presence of strong transcriptional regulatory elements, the translocated c-myc gene locus is transcribed at high rates that are 25-greater than 100% of that measured for the highly active immunoglobulin genes in murine plasmacytomas. These data suggest the presence of a novel type of strong activator of transcription in the murine heavy chain locus.
Genetic variation and lactose intolerance: detection methods and clinical implications.

The maturational decline in lactase activity renders most of the world’s adult human population intolerant of excessive consumption of milk and other dairy products. In conditions of primary or secondary lactase deficiency, the lactose sugars in milk pass through the gastrointestinal tract undigested or are partially digested by enzymes produced by intestinal bacterial flora to yield short chain fatty acids, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane. The undigested lactose molecules and products of bacterial digestion can result in symptoms of lactose intolerance, diarrhea, gas bloat, flatulence, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis of lactose intolerance is often made on clinical grounds and response to an empiric trail of dietary lactose avoidance. Biochemical methods for assessing lactose malabsorption in the form of the lactose breath hydrogen test and direct lactase enzyme activity performed on small intestinal tissue biopsy samples may also be utilized. In some adults, however, high levels of lactase activity persist into adulthood. This hereditary persistence of lactase is common primarily in people of northern European descent and is attributed to inheritance of an autosomal-dominant mutation that prevents the maturational decline in lactase expression. Recent reports have identified genetic polymorphisms that are closely associated with lactase persistence and nonpersistence phenotypes. The identification of genetic variants associated with lactase persistence or nonpersistence allows for molecular detection of the genetic predisposition towards adult-onset hypolactasia by DNA sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. The role for such genetic detection in clinical practice seems limited to ruling out adult-onset hypolactasia as a cause of intolerance symptoms but remains to be fully defined. Attention should be paid to appropriate interpretation of genetic detection in order to avoid potentially harmful reduction in dairy intake or misdiagnosis of secondary lactase deficiency.
Lyapunov exponents near a crisis in a spin-wave experiment

Par augmentation de la puissance radiofrequence qui entraine la resonance ferromagnetique dans un monocristal de grenat de Fe-Y, on observe une progression de transitoires chaotiques a un comportement de type cascade inverse
Single-molecule spectroscopy of semiconductor nanocrystals on plasmonic nanostructures

In the past several years we have demonstrated the metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) and the significant changes in the photophysical properties of fluorophores in the presence of metallic nanostructures and nanoparticles using ensemble spectroscopic studies. Here, in the present study, we explored the new insights of these interactions using single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. The single molecule study is expected to provide more information, especially on the heterogeneity in the fluorescence enhancement and decrease in lifetimes associated with fluorophore-metal interactions, which is otherwise not possible to observe using ensemble measurements. For the present study, we considered using CdTe nanocrystals (QDots) prepared using modified Weller method as the fluorophores under investigation. QDots having few nanometer sizes, tunable absorption and fluorescence spectral properties, and high photo-stabilities are of important class of fluorescent probes. Because of these unique features Qdots are widely used as probes in various fields, including biological labeling and imaging. These CdTe nanocrystals show characteristic spectral features in solution and on the solid substrate. The CdTe nanocrystals dispersed in PVA and spin-casted on SiFs surface show ∼5-fold increase in fluorescence intensity and ∼3-fold decrease in lifetimes compared to on glass substrate. The data obtained using ensemble and single molecule spectroscopy are complimentary to each other. Additionally as anticipated we have seen increased heterogeneity in the plasmon induced fluorescence modulations. Moreover single molecule spectroscopic study revealed significant reduction in blinking of CdTe nanocrystals on plasmonic nanostructures. Subsequently, we present these important findings on metal-fluorophore interactions of CdTe nanocrystals (QDots) on plasmonic nanostructures.
Biodegradable S-nitrosothiol tethered multiblock polymer for nitric oxide delivery

A biodegradable multiblock polymer containing the S-nitrosothiol moiety was synthesized via a 4 step process using non-aqueous reaction conditions. The structural and morphological properties of the material were characterized via1H NMR, GPC, DSC, TGA, and SAXS. The nitric oxide (NO) storage capacity of the polymer was found to be 0.42 ± 0.01 mmol NO per g polymer using UV spectroscopy, and real-time chemiluminescence measurements demonstrated a controlled and extended NO release profile. The degradation rate of the material was the most rapid during the first week followed by a slower linear release rate. Preliminary biocompatibility testing of the material using ISO protocols indicated no cell lysis in vitro. Taken together, this material has the requisite properties to control initial biological responses and the longevity to provide longer term mechanical support.
Intimate Partner and Nonintimate Violence History Among Drug-Using, Incarcerated Men

There has been limited research focused on examining intimate and nonintimate violence perpetration patterns among incarcerated men. The purpose of this applied research study was to examine demographic, family, mental health, drug use, and criminal justice history among three groups of drug-using, incarcerated men: (a) those who report no violence of any kind (n = 47), (b) those who report nonintimate-only violence (n = 164), and (c) those who report both intimate and nonintimate violence—generally violent men (n = 298). There were very few men in this sample who reported perpetrating only intimate partner violence; thus, they were excluded from further comparisons. Results indicated the no-violence men were less antisocial, less drug involved, and reported fewer emotional problems and less family conflict. Generally, violent men reported more drug use, emotional problems, family conflict, and abuse victimization experiences than either the nonintimate-only violence or the no-violence groups. Implication...
Invasive species in ass. Trifolio-Agrostietum stoloniferae Marković 1973 in Bačka (Serbia)

In the vegetation of meadows and pastures, due to climate changes and an inadequate and intensive use of hydromeliorative measures, invasive species play a significant role in the degradation of biodiversity. Secondary development of ass. Trifolio-Agrostietum stoloniferae Markovic 1973 stands was observed in Backa, in periodically flooded pastures. Floristic composition of these stands consists of 117 plant species, of which 94 grow in the Danube riverbank region and 97 around the Tisa river. According to the floristic analysis, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Bellis perennis, Carduus nutans, Cirsium arvense, Eupatorium cannabinum, Linaria vulgaris, Lotus corniculatus, Lythrum salicaria, Rumex crispus, and Trifolium repens are characterized as invasive plants of the European region. Moreover, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Eleusine indica and Xanthium spinosum, included in the List of invasive species in AP Vojvodina, are also present. Lythrum salicaria is regarded as one of the 100 most dangerous invasive alien species in the world. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR-31016: Improvement of Forage Crops Production on Fields and Grasslands]
Generation of mice encoding a conditional allele of Nkx2.2

Nkx2.2 is a homeobox transcription factor that is expressed in the pancreas, intestine and central nervous system (CNS) during embryogenesis and in the adult. In mice, global deletion of Nkx2.2 results in cell mis-specification in each of the tissues where it is expressed, and the null mice die as neonates with severe hyperglycemia. Although a whole body knockout demonstrates the importance of Nkx2.2 in cell specification and postnatal viability, it precludes assessment of the cell-autonomous and postnatal functions of Nkx2.2. In this study we report the generation and functional characterization of mice encoding a conditional allele of Nkx2.2. We demonstrate the functional integrity of the conditional Nkx2.2 allele and report successful in vivo deletion using a pancreas-specific Cre recombinase. The pancreas-specific deletion of Nkx2.2 results in similar defects found in the Nkx2.2 null pancreas and the mice die shortly after birth, demonstrating that the neonatal lethality associated with the null allele is caused by pancreatic islet dysfunction. The generation of a conditional Nkx2.2 allele provides an important tool for identifying the cell-autonomous and postnatal activities of Nkx2.2 in establishing and maintaining cell type identities and functions in the pancreas, intestine and CNS.
Occupational therapy assessment and treatment in a hospital setting for patients with epilepsy

One Reed is a unit at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute for the evaluation and treatment of patients with poorly controlled seizure disorders. Like many other patients with epilepsy, these individuals frequently experience problems in many facets of daily living. This paper describes the twofold purpose of occupational therapy on One Reed: to provide a program of activity and socialization during the extended period of medical evaluation, and to help patients identify problems in their daily life activities and develop the skills which will enable them to function better after hospitalization. The frame of reference which guides practice is identified and the methods and instruments of occupational therapy assessment for this patient population are described. Typical examples of daily living problems are given, and some occupational therapy methods for dealing with the problems are enumerated.
Migration and circulation in Ecuador.

This study investigates labor mobility in Ecuador as a function of the socioeconomic structure of places and personal attributes of migrants and circulators (short-term movers)....Particular attention is given to the role of agrarian change in altering established migration and circulation patterns. The author finds that "circulation may significantly alter family organization and the role of women in many Ecuadorian communities." (EXCERPT)
Territorial and Courtship Songs of Birds

MORSE1 has postulated that the two song types of the black-throated green warbler (Dendroica virens) have different functions: song A for territorial defence and song B for courtship and pair-bond maintenance. On the basis of several years of study of the songs of this and other species of Parulidae, I feel it is possible to criticize Morse's hypothesis on several points and to suggest an alternative explanation.
Stereoelectronic aspects of the intercalative binding of benz[a]anthracene metabolite models to DNA

The physical binding of π-electron models of different benz[a]anthracene metabolites to DNA exhibits widely varying properties. In this study, the binding properties of two nonreactive π-electron models of reactive metabolites of benz[a]anthracene were examined. The models investigated are 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrobenz[a]anthracene and 8,9,10,11-tetrahydrobenz[a]anthracene. Physical binding has been studied by measuring the effects of native DNA, denatured DNA, and DNA components upon the fluorescence intensities and the fluorescence lifetimes of these models. The results indicate that both metabolite models bind to native DNA with association constants that are approximately equal and lie in the range of 2.0 to 3.0 × 103M-1. Furthermore, for both models, binding involves π-electron interactions between the hydrocarbons and the nucleotide bases. However, the two models exhibit DNA complex conformations that are very different. Results indicate that 1,2,3,4-tetrahy-drobenz[a]anthracene binding depends strongly upon DNA secondary structure and involves intercalated complexes. On the other hand, 8,9,10,11-tetrahydrobenz[a]anthracene binding is only weakly dependent upon DNA secondary structure. In native DNA, this binding involves wedged complexes. These two types of complexes may be representative of two important classes of conformations which occur when reactive hydrocarbon metabolites bind to DNA.
Application of Q Learning-Based Self-Tuning PID with DRNN in the Strip Flatness and Gauge System

In view of the process of automatic flatness control and automatic gauge control that is a nonlinear system with multi-dimensions, multi-variables, strong coupling and time variation, a novel control method called self-tuning PID with diagonal recurrent neural network (DRNN-PID) based on Q learning is proposed. It is able to coordinate the coupling of flatness control and gauge control agents to get the satisfactory control requirements without decoupling directly and amend output control laws by DRNN-PID adaptively. Decomposition-coordination is utilized to establish a novel multi-agent system for coordination control including flatness agent, gauge agent and Q learning agent. Simulation result demonstrates the validity of our proposed method.
Mercury in southeastern U.S. riverine fish populations linked to water body type.

We compared Hg concentrations in fishes from the regulated Black Warrior River and the unregulated Sipsey River in west Alabama whose neighboring watersheds receive equivalent atmospheric Hg deposition. Average fish fillet Hg concentrations were 3-fold higher in the unregulated river compared to the regulated river. Between river differences in Hg fish concentrations likely originate from structural (e.g., species composition) and functional (e.g., energy flow pathways) differences between the two ecosystems. We tested the generality of these findings by comparing largemouth bass Hg concentrations among unregulated rivers (n = 6) and reservoirs (n = 11) throughout the southern Coastal Plain geologic region. ANCOVA revealed that at a given bass length, Hg concentrations were approximately 1.75 times higher in unregulated rivers compared to regulated rivers. Aerial deposition of Hg was not correlated to largemouth bass Hg concentrations. We suggest that the link between atmospheric Hg deposition and fish Hg...
OPTICAL DUAL-SCALE ARCHITECTURE FOR NEURAL IMAGE RECOGNITION

A novel neural-network architecture that combines image data reduction with focus of attention to achieve reduced training cost, improved noise tolerance, and better generalization performance than comparable conventional networks for image-recognition tasks is presented. The dual-scale architecture is amenable to optical implementation, and an example optical system is demonstrated. For one example problem, the best-case improvements of the dual-scale network over its conventional counterpart were found through simulation to be a factor of 6.7 in training cost, 67.3% in noise tolerance, and 61.6% in generalization to distortions. The dual-scale network is also applied to one instance of a human face recognition problem.
A new approach to the old problem of determining flaw size

In the ultrasonic inspection of a material, the size of a defect is conventionally estimated by the use of standard reference blocks with flat-bottomed holes, artificial flaws machined into the test material itself, or, to a smaller extent, the Krautkramer AVG diagram [i] which eliminates the need of artificial defects. Each of these methods is based on the amplitude of the ultrasonic pulse reflected by the defect and gives accurate results if the natural flaw closely approximates the characteristics of an ideal flaw. However, the reflected amplitude depends very strongly on the orientation, surface texture and contour, and composition (e.g., a crack as distinguished from an inclusion) of the defect and on other factors unrelated to the flaw such as variable attenuation in the sanrple, the condition of the surface of the sample, the condition of the surface of the sample, and transducer beam characteristics. Even for the case of forgings in which flaws tend to be nearly planar and aligned parallel to major surfaces, correction factors as large as five have been found [2] between flaw size estimated by amplitude techniques and true flaw size determined by sectioning.
Statistical mechanics of social impact.

We discuss the mean-field theory for a class of probabilistic cellular automata that can describe the dynamics of social impact. The models exhibit complex intermittent behavior.
Use of the spin label tempamine for measuring the internal viscosity of red blood cells

Summary A new spin label-spin broadening system to monitor the intracellular viscosity of red blood cells in isotonic medium at biological pH is described. The spin label 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-N-oxyl-4-amine (TEMPAMINE) and the spin broadening agent K 3 Fe(CN) 6 are used for this study. K 3 Fe(CN) 6 does not penetrate red blood cells and at 80 mM completely broadens external aqueous components of the TEMPAMINE signal. Intracellular signal arising from TEMPAMINE is proportional to red cell concentration (hematocrit). TEMPAMINE samples the internal aqueous environment of red blood cells and in conjunction with K 3 Fe(CN) 6 it appears to be very useful for measuring changes which occur in intracellular aqueous spaces.
Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Predisposing Factors, and Predictive Models of Delirium

Delirium is a clinical syndrome that is disruptive to patients, their families, and clinicians and also the cause for great morbidity and mortality for hospital patients, a disproportionate number of whom are elderly. Delirium, also referred to as acute confusional state or encephalopathy, is a clinical presentation distinguished by a disturbance of consciousness and attention, cognitive impairment, disorientation, the development of perceptual disturbances, accompanied by psychomotor hyper- or hypoactivity and disrupted sleepewake cycle. The Latin roots for the term are derived fromde(“away from”) andlira(“furrow in the field”), literally meaning “to go away from aploughedtrack”or“togooffatrack.”Inhospitalized patients, delirium occurs at rates estimated to be between 14% and 80% (medical intensive care unit patients) and is accompanied by increased morbidity andmortalitythancanbeaccountedforbytheoriginal underlyingmedicalillnessalone. 2,3 Intheadultgeneral medicine population, the incidence of delirium ranges from 10% to 24%. 2,4 The incidence increases greatly to an estimated 60% in the frail geriatric patient. 5
Control of Ca2+ channel current and exocytosis in rat lactotrophs by basally active protein kinase C and calcineurin

Abstract Modulation of voltage-activated Ca 2+ channel activity by phosphorylation was studied in metabolically intact voltage-clamped rat lactotrophs. Experiments using Ba 2+ as a charge carrier indicated that a phorbol ester protein kinase C activator stimulates high-voltage-activated Ca 2+ channel currents, but has no effect on low-voltage-activated currents. Extracellular application of structurally and mechanistically distinct protein kinase C inhibitors (staurosporin, H7, calphostin C, chelerythrine and Ro 31-8220) preferentially inhibited the high-voltage-activated Ba 2+ current. This suggests that protein kinase C is required for maintainance of Ca 2+ channel activity even in the absence of modulators. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of the Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin, increased the high-voltage-activated Ca 2+ channel current, and staurosporin reversed this effect. Thus, dephosphosphorylation by calcineurin may limit basal Ca 2+ channel activity. Time-domain monitoring of cellular capacitance changes demonstrated that cyclosporin A and 12- O -tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate do not affect exocytosis at a hyperpolarized potential, but each enhances depolarization-induced exocytosis. Facilitation of exocytosis by cyclosporin A differed from 12- O -tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate in that it was biphasic. The delayed facilitation induced by cyclosporin A could be accounted for by stimulation of the voltage-gated Ca 2+ current. These results suggest that the high-voltage activated Ca 2+ channel current in rat lactotrophs is determined by the opposing basal activities of protein kinase C and calcineurin. Furthermore, it is concluded that the regulation of Ca 2+ channels by protein kinase C and calcineurin affects depolarization-induced exocytosis.
Encyclopedia of Aesthetics

This reference surveys the breadth of critical thought on art, culture, and society - from classical philosophy to contemporary critical theory. Featuring 600 original articles by distinguished scholars from many fields and countries, it is a comprehensive survey of major concepts, thinkers, and debates about the meaning, uses, and value of all the arts - from painting and sculpture to literature, music, theatre, dance, television, film, and popular culture. Of special interest are in-depth surveys of Western aesthetics and broad coverage of non-Western traditions and theories of art.
Sensory endings of the ascidian static organ (Chordata, Ascidiacea)

The ultrastructure of the static organ is examined in larvae of Diplosoma macdonaldi, a colonial ascidian, and Styela plicata, a solitary ascidian; the results are similar. As previous workers found, the cell body of a unicellular statocyte lies in the lumen of the sensory vesicle and contains the statolith. A narrow neck connects the cell body to an anchoring foot in the floor of the sensory vesicle. Two previously undescribed sensory endings project into the lumen just to the left of the statocyte, one anterior and one posterior to the neck. A network of fine processes from each ending contacts the statocyte body. It is proposed that movements of the statocyte cell body are detected by these endings. They arise from neurons in the ventral wall of the sensory vesicle that project axons to the visceral ganglion. The placement of the sensory endings may allow discrimination of the directon of statocyte deflection.
Multilateral development banks and socially responsible investments--the case of tobacco.

Globally, tobacco kills more people than HIV-related conditions or AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. In 1991, The World Bank, the world’s largest lender, pledged that it would no longer support tobacco-related projects. It was expected that other financial investors would follow, but most did not respond to this call. As a result, several financial institutions continue to invest in tobacco and fuel an epidemic to an unprecedented scale. Using tobacco as a case in point, this review highlights the continuing investments among financial institutions which do not conform to ‘socially responsible investments’ and calls for monitoring and reporting such unethical practices. The paper also underscores the need to harmonise the numerous criteria, principles and voluntary codes that govern socially responsible investing and ensure that financial institutions comply with them.
Neurophysiological assessment of lower-limb voluntary control in incomplete spinal cord injury.

Cross-sectional retrospective study of a neurophysiological method of voluntary motor control characterization. This study was undertaken to validate the surface electromyography (sEMG)-based voluntary response index (VRI) as an objective, quantitative, laboratory measure of spinal cord injury severity in terms of voluntary motor control disruption. VA Medical Centers in Houston and Dallas Texas, USA. A total of 67 subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI), American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS)-C (n=32) and -D (n=35) were studied. sEMG recorded during a standardized protocol including eight lower-limb voluntary motor tasks was analyzed using the VRI method that relates multi-muscle activation patterns of SCI persons to those of healthy-subject prototypes (n=15). The VRI is composed of a measure of the amount of the sEMG activity (magnitude) and the distribution of activity across muscle groups compared to that of healthy subjects for each motor task (similarity index, SI). These resulting VRI components, normalized magnitude and SI, were compared to AIS clinical findings in this study. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the SI values best separating AIS-C and AIS-D subjects. Magnitude and SI for AIS-C subjects had mean values of 0.27±0.32 and 0.65±0.21, respectively. Both parameters were significantly larger in the AIS-D subjects (0.78±0.43 and 0.93±0.06), respectively (P<0.01). An SI value of 0.85 was found to separate AIS-C and AIS-D groups with a sensitivity of 0.89 and a specificity of 0.81. Further, the VRI of each leg strongly correlated with the respective AIS motor score (0.80, r<0.01). In the domains of voluntary motor control, the sEMG-based VRI demonstrated adequate face validity and sensitivity to injury severity as currently measured by the AIS. Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Neuroactive steroids, negative affect, and nicotine dependence severity in male smokers.

Nicotine administration alters neuroactive steroids in rodent models, and serum levels of the neuroactive steroid DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) appear to be higher in smokers. These molecules may be relevant to tobacco addiction and affective symptoms. This study aims to investigate DHEAS, allopregnanolone, pregnenolone, and other steroids in male smokers to determine potential associations with nicotine dependence severity and negative affect. Allopregnanolone and pregnenolone serum levels were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, while DHEAS and other steroid levels were determined by radioimmunoassay in 28 male smokers. Correlational analyses were performed to determine potential associations with rating measures, including the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), the addiction subscale of the Ikard Smoking Motivation Questionnaire (ISMQ), the craving item on the Reasons to Smoke (RTS) Questionnaire, and the negative affect and craving subscales of the Shiffman–Jarvik Withdrawal Questionnaire. DHEAS levels were inversely correlated with the negative affect subscale of the Shiffman–Jarvik Withdrawal Questionnaire (r=−0.60, p=0.002) and the RTS craving item (r=−0.43, p=0.03), and tended to be inversely correlated with the FTND scores (r=−0.38, p=0.067) and the ISMQ addiction subscale (r=−0.38, p=0.059), adjusting for age. Allopregnanolone levels were positively correlated with cotinine levels (r=0.57, p=0.006); pregnenolone levels tended to be positively correlated with cotinine levels (r=0.40, p=0.066). DHEAS levels were inversely correlated with negative affect and craving measures, and may predict nicotine dependence severity. Allopregnanolone levels were positively correlated with cotinine levels, suggesting that this neuroactive steroid may be upregulated in smokers. Neuroactive steroids may represent novel smoking cessation agents.
Evolution of life-history trade-offs in mate attractiveness and health: comment on Weeden and Sabini (2005).

J. Weeden and J. Sabini's (2005) finding of small to no relation between traits rated as attractive in a mate and health of that mate might be interpreted as consistent with C. Darwin's (1859) proposal that these traits are arbitrary signs of beauty. However, such a conclusion would be premature. A combination of consistent empirical findings with nonhuman species and theoretical reasons argues for a continued search for honest signals of genetic fitness and reproductive health in human mate choices. Moreover, (a) even quite small relationships can be important when viewed across generations, and (b) traits that make a potential mate attractive at one age can result in poor health or early death at a later age. These life-history trade-offs greatly complicate the empirical study of attractiveness- health relations, and their potential importance has been underestimated by J. Weeden and J. Sabini. Weeden and Sabini (2005) have provided a useful review of (a) physical attractiveness as judged by members of the opposite sex and (b) the relationship between judged attractiveness and a vari- ety of health outcomes. These relationships are of theoretical importance because they are informative about the potential influ- ence of mate choice and reproductive competition—sexual selec- tion— on the evolution of related traits. Weeden and Sabini's review addresses issues specifically associated with choice of mates, which for most species involves female choice. Darwin (1859) proposed that associated male traits, such as a colorful plumage, are displays of "beauty to charm the females" (p. 199) and do not necessarily signal male health. Wallace (1892), in contrast, argued that female choice was more strongly influenced by the "bodily vigor" (p. 750) of the male than by his physical beauty. Despite these intriguing and testable hypotheses regarding the function of traits that influence mate choices, the study of sexual selection lay dormant for 100 years after publication of Darwin's (1871) masterwork on the topic. In recent decades, these hypoth- eses have recaptured the attention of the scientific community (Andersson, 1994; Trivers, 1972), and corresponding research has revealed that mate choice is more nuanced then implied by either Darwin's (1859) or Wallace's (1892) proposals. In the following sections, I illustrate a few of these nuances as they relate to the results of Weeden and Sabini's (2005) review. In the first section, I overview the importance of honest signals as related to mate choice and provide a context for interpreting the magnitude of any attractiveness- health relations. In the second section, I focus on trade-offs between the development of attractive traits at one age and potential health costs at a later age.
Clinical utility and tolerability of linagliptin in diabetic patients.

Background: The purpose of this paper is to review the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of linagliptin in the management of hyperglycemia in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Comparison of pump-laser characteristics for producing a mesospheric sodium guidestar for adaptive optical systems on large-aperture telescopes

We compare the effectiveness of various laser systems for producing a sodium guidestar in the mesosphere for large aperture telescopes. We discuss the requirements for two applications at two sites: satellite imaging at the Starfire Optical Range in Albuquerque, New Mexico (SI) and infrared astronomy at the Steward Observatory in Tucson, Arizona (IR). SI may use either a hybrid system employing a rayleigh and a sodium guidestar or a system employing only a sodium guidestar. IR will use only a sodium guide star. Our results are based on analysis and computation that have been compared to 5 different experiments. Parameters included in our comparison are pulse format, polarization, center frequency, and bandwidth. The infrared astronomy application power requirements are low enough that state of the art laser technology can meet them. But the satellite imaging application is problematic. Required powers are sufficiently high that thermo-optic effects in materials can be a problem.
Peritonitis With Multiple Rare Environmental Bacteria in a Patient Receiving Long-Term Peritoneal Dialysis

We describe a patient receiving long-term peritoneal dialysis who experienced 2 episodes of peritonitis in successive months caused by unusual bacteria of environmental origin: Agrobacterium radiobacter, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, and Corynebacterium aquaticum. A radiobacter and P oryzihabitans occurred simultaneously in the first episode of peritonitis, and C aquaticum, in the second episode. The patient's vocation necessitated exposure to moist soiled conditions. Both episodes responded promptly to antibiotics commonly used to treat peritonitis. Although these organisms rarely lead to loss of life and commonly are considered to be contaminants, they can cause symptomatic peritonitis and peritoneal dialysis catheter loss. A review of previous case reports is included.
Purification of human factor XII from plasma using zinc chelate affinity chromatography

Abstract Human factor XII (Hageman Factor) was isolated from human plasma to apparent homogeneity using a four step procedure with yields up to 30%. The method, which is more rapid than the current conventional procedures, consists of a 25–50% ammonium sulfate fractionation, two affinity chromatography steps using Zinc Chelate Sepharose, followed by gel filtration. The isolated zymogen factor XII was a single protein component when examined by SDS PAGE with a M of 80,000. Activation of zymogen factor XII to its active enzymatic forms by kallikrein resulted in factor XIIa and factor XIIf as observed with factor XII purified by other procedures.
PIP2 PIP2 Hooray for Maxi K

Voltage-gated K+ (KV) channels contain a voltage-sensing transmembrane segment that moves in response to changes in membrane potential. A small “gating” current arises from the translocation of positively charged residues within the channel's voltage sensor. These gating currents occur at the
Do state factors moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and morning cortisol

Abstract To fully capitalize on the utility of morning cortisol in biosocial studies of health and well-being researchers must carefully control for potential confounds. Recent reports have highlighted wake time, workday, and anticipatory negative emotions as regulators of intra-individual variation, with the potential to obscure cortisol–trait associations if not properly controlled. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the potential for trait-factors (i.e., depressive symptoms) to interact with state fluctuations in the prediction of morning cortisol. Saliva samples were collected from 56 working women at awakening and 30 min post awakening. Samples were collected on four consecutive days—two non-workdays followed by two workdays. Confirming prior research, morning cortisol levels were higher on work days and when individuals had early wake times. However, this relationship was strongest for women with fewer depressive symptoms. Similarly, only in women with fewer depressive symptoms was workday related to higher cortisol levels, and the anticipation of high negative affect related to steeper CARs and higher cortisol levels. Findings raise the possibility that certain populations may not be as physiologically sensitive to external regulatory cues, thus affecting intra-individual differences in HPA axis activity. Implications for future biobehavioral studies of depression and studies involving non-clinical samples are discussed.
Optimal user search sequences and implications for information systems operation

Persons with information needs are faced with determining which potential sources of need satisfaction should be accessed and the order of accession. A reward-cost theory of behavior provides the structure necessary for postulating various user evaluation functions. Applications of techniques of sequential optimization in search theory yield criteria for determining optimal sequences relative to both the many sources-one need and many sources-many needs problems. These criteria are then analyzed relative to the operation of an information storage and retrieval system. It is shown that the information storage and retrieval system has control over the factors which interact to determine the optimal sequences, and the specific role played by each of these factors is investigated. The decision criteria can also be used to optimally order items, services, or search zones.
Obesity and central obesity as risk factors for incident dementia and its subtypes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

While dementia affects 6-10% of persons 65 years or older, industrialized countries have witnessed an alarming rise in obesity. However, obesity's influence on dementia remains poorly understood. The conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. PUBMED search (1995-2007) resulted in 10 relevant prospective cohort studies of older adults (40-80 years at baseline) with end points being dementia and predictors including adiposity measures, such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). There was a significant U-shaped association between BMI and dementia (P= 0.034), with dementia risk increased for obesity and underweight. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for underweight, overweight and obesity compared with normal weight in relation to incident dementia were: 1.36 (1.07, 1.73), 0.88 (0.60, 1.27) and 1.42 (0.93, 2.18) respectively. Pooled ORs and 95% CI for obesity and incident Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia were 1.80 (1.00, 3.29) vs. 1.73 (0.47, 6.31) and were stronger in studies with long follow-up (>10 years) and young baseline age (<60 years). Weight gain and high WC or skin-fold thickness increased risks of dementia in all included studies. The meta-analysis shows a moderate association between obesity and the risks for dementia and AD. Future studies are needed to understand optimal weight and biological mechanisms
Spatially Resolved Modeling of Microstructurally Complex Battery Architectures

Recently, batteries with interpenetrating electrode architectures have been proposed which have the potential to outperform classical designs. These electrode structures are highly percolating particle distributions with short diffusion distances. One of the main advantages with respect to classic rocking chair battery designs is the decrease of the ohmic losses and localized joule-heating, while simultaneously delivering higher power densities and specific energies closer to the theoretical ideal. In the present paper, the rocking chair lithium-ion battery architecture is taken as a point of reference to explore two variations of a three-dimensional battery concept. The first microstructure possesses a highly branched tortuous positive electrode particle distribution, and the second architecture corresponds to a topology with perfectly ordered branches of positive electrode materials. Both architectures outperform the classic rocking chair design by a factor of five for intermediate discharge rates and by 37% for high discharge rates; however, branch ordering has the advantage of improving the macroscopic discharge time by 18% for discharge rates of 4C or higher. Simulations show that the power density of a rechargeable battery can be engineered by maximizing the electrochemical driving force for intercalation while decreasing the characteristic transport distances of the material components. Additionally, the analyzed devices greatly diminish the possibility of salt precipitation during discharge due to removal of microstructure limitations in the classic design. Results also show that for the interpenetrating architectures, when lithium plating and fracture fatigue do occur, they initiate at the tips of the branches of anode material, particularly in those regions that are closer to the electrode phase of opposite polarity. Increasing branch tortuosity induces lithium depletion at the back ohmic contact of the positive electrode at high discharge rates.