cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the performance of BAM-based blanket filter on nitrate reduction in a karst spring

Abstract Understanding the effects of best management practices (BMPs) on nitrate reduction in karst aquifers is critical for spring restoration. In this study, Conduit Flow Process (CFPv2) and Conduit Mass Three-Dimensional (CMT3D) models were applied to evaluate nitrate removal for Silver Springs in Florida using blanket filters composed of biosorption-activated media (BAM). As the inputs of the model, the spatial and temporal variability of nitrate-N concentration in groundwater recharge was estimated as a function of population and land use, reflecting both point and non-point sources of nitrate. Additionally, the spatial heterogeneity of nitrate removal efficiency in the soil was considered in the evaluation. The model estimates that conduit flow accounts for 48% of spring discharge and 47% of nitrate-N mass transport on average, and the contributions of conduit to flow and nitrate mass transport are higher during wet years. The net effect of nitrate reduction in spring discharge was evaluated for two BMP scenarios, i.e., implementing BAM-based blanket filters in 26 stormwater retention basins and 50% of the urban area. The net effect of the BMP on nitrate reduction for Scenario 1 is limited; whereas, for Scenario 2, the nitrate-N concentration will be reduced to 1.08 mg/L in 2026 for a nitrate removal efficiency of 74% (i.e., a 4.9% reduction relative to the baseline condition). This study suggests that the BAM-based blanket filters benefit is likely to scale with penetration (i.e. greater water quality benefits can be expected with greater BMP implementation). Further, this study shows that whether BAM-based blanket filters leads to net water quality improvements or degradation depends on whether BAM removes more or less nutrients from stormwater than the unaltered soil profile. The simulated effects of the BMP on nitrate reduction may serve as an additional guidance for water resources managers to make decisions on investments in nutrient reduction technologies for spring restorations in karst systems.
Hybrid misexpression in multiple developing tissues within a recent adaptive radiation of Cyprinodon pupfishes

Abstract Genetic incompatibilities constitute the final stages of reproductive isolation and speciation, but little is known about incompatibilities that occur within recent adaptive radiations among closely related diverging populations. Crossing divergent species to form hybrids can break up coadapted variation, resulting in genetic incompatibilities within developmental networks shaping adaptive traits. We crossed two closely related sympatric Cyprinodon pupfish species – a dietary generalist and a specialized molluscivore – and measured expression levels in their F1 hybrids to identify regulatory variation underlying the novel craniofacial morphology found in this recent microendemic adaptive radiation. We extracted mRNA from eight day old whole-larvae tissue and from craniofacial tissues dissected from 17-20 day old larvae to compare gene expression between a total of seven F1 hybrids and 24 individuals from parental species populations. We found 3.9% of genes differentially expressed between generalists and molluscivores in whole-larvae tissues and 0.6% of genes differentially expressed in craniofacial tissue. We found that 2.1% of genes were misexpressed in whole-larvae hybrids at 8 dpf whereas 19.1% of genes were misexpressed in hybrid craniofacial tissue at 17-20 dpf, after correcting for sequencing biases. We also measured allele specific expression across 15,429 phased heterozygous sites to identify regulatory mechanisms underlying differential expression between generalists and molluscivores. Together, our results highlight the importance of considering misexpression as an early indicator of genetic incompatibilities in the context of rapidly diverged morphology and suggests that wide-spread compensatory regulatory divergence drives hybrid misexpression in developing tissues that give rise to novel craniofacial traits.
Sex bias persists in surgical research: A 5-year follow-up study.

Abstract Background Federal initiatives have recently addressed the sex bias that exists in biomedical and clinical research. However, improvement to the inclusion of sex as a biological variable remains unknown. Methods We performed a 5-year follow-up study of all clinical and biomedical research articles published in 5 surgical journals from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2018. Human, animal, and cell subjects were analyzed for study/subject type, sex of participants, sex matching, and sex-based data reporting, analysis, and discussion. Results Comparing 2017 to 2018 with 2011 to 2012, slightly more articles reported the sex of the human studied (87% vs 83%; P = .001). Inclusion of both sexes remained high (94% vs 95%; P = .22), but sex-based data reporting (36% vs 38%; P = .17), analysis (35% vs 33%; P = .39), and discussion of results (10% vs 23%; P Conclusion Sex bias persists in surgical research. The majority of articles failed to report, analyze, or discuss results based on sex, which will negatively affect clinical translatability and outcomes of evidence-based medicine.
The Temporal Nature of the Binding and Dissociation Rate Coefficients and the Affinity Values for Biosensor Kinetics

The chapter analyzes the binding and dissociation of the thyroid hormone receptor–receptor binding domain systems, the thyroid hormone receptor–thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein (TRAP 220) system, and the von Willebrand factor collagen assay system. The analysis of these systems taken together indicates the temporal nature of the binding and dissociation rate coefficients for these types of systems, provides estimates of the affinity values, and provides physical insights and avenues to enhance the relevant biosensor performance parameters. The temporal nature exhibited by the binding and dissociation rate coefficients is of interest because it directly relates the nature of the surface with these coefficients. The relation between the affinity and the ratio of the fractal dimensions is also of importance because it provides an avenue for manipulating the affinities, for example, low affinity values are generally required for biosensor applications.
Aflatoxin contamination of maize kernels before harvest

Two maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with varying degrees of resistance to damage by corn earworm (CEW) (Heliothis zea Boddie) were grown in Iowa, Georgia, and Missouri. Treatments included: introduction of Aspergillus flavus Link ex. Fr. spores onto newly-emerged silks, application of a fungicide as an aqueous spray onto test ears during the first three weeks after flowering, infestation of ears with CEW eggs, and combinations of these variables. CEW larvae were collected from developing ears and examined for the presence of internal A. flavus group propagules. Aflatoxin levels were determined in mature kernels. Toxin concentrations exhibited a distinct regional variation with relatively high levels in Georgia samples, intermediate concentrations in Missouri kernels and low levels in Iowa samples. No treatment effects were noted in Georgia samples but introduction of A. flavus and CEW increased toxin accumulation in Missouri kernels. Although the CEW-susceptible hybrid exhibited a trend towards increased damage by the insect, no treatment-related differences were observed in the presence of the fungus in larvae or in aflatoxin contamination. Fungicide applications did not significantly reduce aflatoxin levels in mature kernels.
Network Determinants of Interest Groups' Participation in Coalitions Over Time

Interest groups tied to other organizations by embedded, as opposed to arm’s length, ties are more likely both to participate and be leaders in coalitions. Specifically, I argue that an organization with a superior position in the policy domain network will participate in more coalitions, and an organization that participates in prior coalitions in the policy domain network is more likely to participate in future coalitions. Using a unique, longitudinal dataset (1998-2004) of lobbyists in the federal retirement policy domain, I analyze the level of participation in coalitions using network analysis and zero-inflated negative binomial regression. I find that coalition relationships are very stable over time and that organizations with a long-term presence within the policy domain will have more stable ties to other organizations through coalitions – That is, coalitions are more likely to replicate themselves with long-term organizations than with more short-term organizations. An important finding of the negative binomial regressions is the significance of prior coalition work on the level of coalition participation (as opposed to the initial decision to join in a coalition). The finding suggests that prior experience acts as a multiplier effect: Organizations are able to somehow leverage that experience into greater joint activity. Perhaps prior experience provides a level of comfort against the fear that others may free ride or otherwise take advantage of coalition partners.
Reconcile: A Coreference Resolution Research Platform

This research was supported in part by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory subcontract B573245 and the Department of Homeland Security under ONR Grant N0014-07-1-0152.
Five Views of Differential MSK: A Unified Approach

Minimum-Shift-Keying is a digital modulation which is of particular interest for both practical applications and theoretical study. It is of interest for theoretical study since it can be examined from (at least) five points of view, each one giving different insight and suggesting alternative implementations. While four of the five points of view are not new, in this paper we (re)discover them using a different approach which is particularly appealing: it is characterized by the fact that all five views follow in a concise and straightforward way from a single expression, which is Massey’s maximum likelihood state sequence decoding rule for MSK. The usual additive white Gaussian noise channel is assumed.
"Introduction" (Chapter 1) of Stories About Science in Law: Literary and Historical Images of Acquired Expertise (Ashgate 2011)

This is the introductory chapter of Stories About Science in Law: Literary and Historical Images of Acquired Expertise (Ashgate, 2011), explaining that the book presents examples of how literary accounts can provide a supplement to our understanding of science in law. Challenging the view that law and science are completely different, I focus on stories that explore the relationship between law and science, and identify cultural images of science that prevail in legal contexts. In contrast to other studies on the transfer and construction of expertise in legal settings, the book considers the intersection of three interdisciplinary projects - law and science, law and literature, and literature and science - in an effort to reimagine the use of science in the courtroom and in policy and regulatory settings.
Macroeconomics: A Survey of Laboratory Research ∗

This chapter surveys laboratory experiments addressing macroeconomic phenomena. The first part focuses on experimental tests of the microfoundations of macroeconomic models discussing laboratory studies of intertemporal consumption/savings decisions, time (in)consistency of preferences and rational expectations. Part two explores coordination problems of interest to macroeconomists and mechanisms for resolving these problems. Part three looks at experiments in specific macroeconomic sectors including monetary economics, labor economics, international economics as well-as large scale, multi-sector models that combine several sectors simultaneously. The final section addresses experimental tests of macroeconomic policy issues.
Arendt and the Theological Significance of Natality

In her 1958 book The Human Condition, Hannah Arendt points to the potential of human action to initiate new beginnings, a capacity she calls natality, as the source of political renewal that could save the modern age from ruin. The question of the relationship between natality and theological concepts is one of the most perplexing points of dispute in the Arendt scholarship of the last two decades. The overall function of the concept of natality in Arendt’s thought has been variously categorized as ontological, political, “covertly” theological and “inconspicuously” messianic. This essay addresses the question of whether Arendt’s understanding of the essential natality of human action should be read as straightforwardly philosophical, as secularized theology or as “covert” or “inconspicuous” theology with a focus on how textual and contextual elements might be assessed in a way that does justice to the complexity of Arendt’s thought.
Microlasers inside live cells

Here we show, for the first time to our knowledge, stand-alone cell lasers with both gain medium and cavity inside cells. Cells have natural tendency to engulf micro beads made of polystyrene or glass, and we use these microspheres to generate whispering-galley-mode (WGM) lasing inside cytoplasm. The gain was provided by fluorescent dye molecules embedded in the microspheres or in the cytosol. Upon optical pumping, the output emission from the cells show characteristic WGM resonance. By analyzing the wavelengths of the oscillation modes we can determine the bead size with a precision of 50 pm. Using the mode diameter as a unique identifier, one may distinguish more than thousands of cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate real-time sensing of the intracellular refractive index changes.
Effects of acid and base infusion on umbilical hemodynamics

Abstract The effects of infusion of sodium bicarbonate (0.6M) and hydrochloric acid (0.3M) solutions on umbilicoplacental hemodynamics and on blood pH and respiratory gases were investigated in near-term fetal lambs. Despite marke changes in blood pH, no significant alterations occurred in umbilical blood flow, pressures, and resistances during either acidosis or alkalosis. On the basis of this and previously reported data, it can be stated that: (1) change in blood pH persse does not significantly affect systemic, pulmonary, and umbilical circulation, and (2) the hemodynamic alterations produced by base infusion are related to the tonicity of the solution rather than to acid-base changes. Acidosis was associated with an increase and alkalosis with a decrease in blood Po 2 ; these changes are related largely to the Bohr effect.
Functional Dissociation among Components of Remembering: Control, Perceived Oldness, and Content

Remembering is the ability to bring back to mind episodes from one's past and is presumably accomplished by multiple, interdependent processes. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging study, neural correlates of three hypothesized components of remembering were explored, including those associated with control, perceived oldness, and retrieved content. Levels of each component were separately manipulated by varying study procedures and sorting trials by subject response. Results suggest that specific regions in the left prefrontal cortex, including anterior-ventral Brodmann's Area (BA) 45/47 and more dorsal BA 44, increase activity when high levels of control are required but do not necessarily modulate on the basis of perceived oldness. Parietal and frontal regions, particularly the left parietal cortex near BA 40/39, associate with the perception that information is old and generalize across levels of control and retrieved content. Activity in the parietal cortex correlated with perceived oldness even when judgments were in error. The inferior temporal cortex near BA 19/37 associated differentially with retrieval of visual object content. Within the ventral visual processing stream, content-based modulation was specific to late object-responsive regions, suggesting an efficient retrieval process that spares areas that process more primitive retinotopically mapped visual features. Taken collectively, the results identify neural correlates of distinct components of remembering and provide evidence for a functional dissociation. Frontal regions may contribute to control processes that interact with different posterior regions that contribute a signal that information is old and support the contents of retrieval.
Controlling the flow of information in feedback systems with measurement quantization

Approaches to the analysis and design of feedback control systems in which measurement quantization is present are discussed. The author regards a quantized measurement of a real number simply as a partial observation of that number and not as a straightforward approximation with associated error. As a consequence, the results have an information theoretic component that is absent from earlier research, the majority of which deals with measurement quantization by means of signal-plus-noise models and least-squares theory. It is possible to compute an upper bound on the asymptotic accuracy (measured as a mutual information) with which the current state of a linear system can be specified given a long record of quantized measurements. In deriving this upper bound, it is shown how input to the system can be used as information-gathering tools, and an observer-like construction for systems with quantized outputs is obtained. The results have some interesting system theoretic ramifications, and they form the foundation for a theory of observability for state-space systems with piecewise constant output. This theory differs from the usual one in several significant ways, and the utility of its attendant formalism is demonstrated by some simple examples. >
Transcriptional control of invariant NKT cell development

Summary: Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells comprise a rare lymphocyte sublineage with phenotypic and functional properties similar to T and NK cells. Akin to conventional αβ T cells, their development occurs primarily in the thymus, where they originate from CD4+ CD8+ double positive (DP) progenitors. However, the selection of iNKT cells is unique in that it is mediated by homotypic interactions of DP cells and recognition of glycolipid antigen-CD1d complexes. Additionally, iNKT cells acquire an activated innate-like phenotype during development that allows them to release cytokines rapidly following antigen exposure. Given their hybrid features, it is not surprising that the developmental program of iNKT cells partially overlaps with that of T and NK cells. Several recent reports have provided new and exciting insights into the developmental mechanisms that direct natural killer T (NKT) cell lineage commitment and maturation. In this review, we provide a discussion of the NKT cell developmental program with an emphasis on the signaling mechanisms and transcription factors that influence the ontogeny of this lineage. Continued investigations into the complex interplay of these transcription factors and their relationship with other extracellular and intracellular signaling molecules will undoubtedly provide important clues into the biology of this unusual T-cell lineage.
Co-induction and laryngeal mask insertion. A comparison of thiopentone versus propofol.

Conditions for insertion of the laryngeal mask airway were assessed in 70 unpremedicated patients comparing the co-induction with midazolam-alfentanil-thiopentone and midazolam-alfentanil-propofol. Following pre-induction doses of midazolam 0.04 mg.kg-1 and alfentanil 10 micrograms.kg-1, patients received equipotent doses of either thiopentone or propofol. Whilst jaw relaxation and ease of laryngeal mask insertion were similar between the two groups, patients receiving propofol were less likely to have undesired responses requiring additional boluses of induction agent (p < 0.05). We conclude that, using these doses, propofol is superior to thiopentone for laryngeal mask airway insertion when using a co-induction technique.
Exercise as a Means of Reducing Perceptions of Work-Family Conflict: A Test of the Roles of Self-Efficacy and Psychological Strain

Prior research suggests that exercise has positive benefits for individuals and the organizations they work for. Using the literature related to social cognitive theory and exercise, the present study hypothesizes and tests the effects of exercise on two directions of work-family conflict: work interference with family (WIF) and family interference with work (FIW). Using a sample of 476 working adults, we found that exercise was both positively related to self-efficacy for managing work-family conflict and negatively related to reported psychological strain, which in turn were related to reductions in work-family conflict. Model fit for the data support our contention that exercise indirectly influences work-family conflict via its direct impact on increased self-efficacy and reduced psychological strain. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blockade of PDGF receptor signaling reduces myofibroblast number and attenuates renal fibrosis

Fibrosis can be considered as wound healing that never ceases, and activated fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) probably play a critical role in this unabated tissue repair process. In the setting of renal fibrosis, two central questions remain unanswered: Where do activated myofibroblasts come from; and what mechanism or mechanisms keep them activated? The study by Chen and colleagues addresses the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) signaling in the activation of myofibroblasts.
Targeted radiotherapy as an adjunct to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for advanced leukemia.

Currently, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers the highest chance of cure for most patients with acute leukemia or chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) beyond chronic phase. Conditioning regimens consisting of highdose chemotherapy with or without total body irradiation (TBI) followed by HLA-matched related-donor HSCT offer long-term, disease-free survival rates of 45% to 65% for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transplanted in first complete remission (CR), and 30% for AML patients transplanted with refractory or relapsed disease.1 However, both rates of disease relapse and transplant-related mortality remain unacceptably high following HSCT using conventional chemotherapyand TBI-containing conditioning regimens, and clinical trials examining increased-intensity conditioning regimens as a means of reducing the risk of relapse have almost uniformly demonstrated increased transplant-related mortality.2–4 Targeted radiotherapy delivered by radioimmunoconjugates has evolved as a means of selectively directing radiation to leukemic cells and/or surrounding normal hematopoietic cells while relatively sparing radiation-sensitive, non-hematopoietic tissues such as liver, lung, and mucous membranes. Theoretically, such an approach would serve to decrease both relapse rates and transplant-related toxicity and mortality, particularly if targeted radiation could be used in place of, rather than in addition to, TBI. There are three major “components” of radioimmunoconjugates that directly affect how well they are able to deliver radiation selectively to target tissues: the antigen against which the antibody is directed, the structure of the antibody itself, and the radioisotope. Each of these components may be modified, albeit with varying degrees of difficulty, in order to improve targeting and tolerability of radioimmunotherapy (RIT). Through modification of the various components of previously studied radioimmunoconjugates, the field of RIT for the treatment of leukemia continues to evolve, and the work reported by Buchmann et al in this issue is indicative of this ongoing evolution.
Controlled protein delivery in the generation of microvascular networks.

Rapid induction and stabilization of new microvascular networks is essential for the proper functioning of engineered tissues. Many efforts to achieve this goal have used proangiogenic proteins—such as vascular endothelial growth factors—to induce the formation of new microvessels. These proteins have demonstrated promise in improving vascularization, but it is also clear that the spatial and temporal presentation of these signals is important for achieving proper vascular function. Delivery systems that present proteins in a localized and sustained manner can promote the formation and stabilization of microvascular networks by precisely presenting proangiogenic proteins at desired locations, and for specified durations. Further, these systems allow for some control over the sequence of release of multiple proteins, and it has become clear that such coordination is critical for the development of fully functional and mature vascular structures. This review focuses on the actions of proangiogenic proteins and the innovations in controlled release technologies that precisely deliver these to stimulate microvascular network formation and stabilization.
Culture pH, CO2 tension, and cell division in Euglena gracilis Z

Growth characteristics of Euglena gracilis Z as functions of culture pH, CO2 tension, temperature, and lighting regime were investigated. The results are consistent with the possibility that cell division is preceded by a lowered intracellular pH. Also consistent with this possibility is the finding that division rhythmicity can be induced by periodic changes in CO2 tension. It is suggested that the rhythmicity is induced by changes in intracellular pH produced by carbonic acid.
“Big Historical Data” Feature Extraction

In the 1930s, the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC), a New Deal federal agency, surveyed hundreds of U.S. cities, producing a national map collection that documented the demographic, economic, infrastructural, and ethnic status of tens of thousands of neighborhoods across the country. The resulting collection of so-called redlining maps is one of the preeminent urban and racial surveys conducted in the history of the United States. We at the Digital Innovation Lab of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are building a national digital collection of these paper maps, currently housed at the National Archives in Washington D.C., and using this collection to explore the use of semiautomated feature extraction techniques on large historical content. Our methodology is based on supervised, classification image processing techniques. We use a commercial tool called ArcScan, an extension to the popular ESRI ArcGIS software, to extract tens of thousands of neighborhood boundaries that can then be sa...
Differential Mobility of Skeletal and Cardiac Tropomyosin on the Surface of F-Actin†

Polarized phosphorescence from the triplet probe erythrosin-5-iodoacetamide attached to sulfhydryls in rabbit skeletal and cardiac muscle tropomyosin (Tm) was used to measure the microsecond rotational dynamics of these tropomyosins in a complex with F-actin. The steady-state phosphorescence anisotropy of skeletal tropomyosin on F-actin was 0.025 +/- 0.005 at 20 degrees C; the comparable anisotropy for cardiac tropomyosin was 0.010 +/- 0. 003. Measurements of the anisotropy as a function of temperature and solution viscosity (modulated by addition of glycerol) indicated that both skeletal and cardiac tropomyosin undergo complex rotational motions on the surface of F-actin. Models assuming either long axis rotation of a rigid rod or torsional twisting of a flexible rod adequately fit these data; both analyses indicated that cardiac Tm is more mobile than skeletal Tm and that the increased mobility on the surface of F-actin reflected either the rotational motion of a smaller physical unit or the torsional twisting of a less rigid molecule. The binding of myosin heads (S1) to the Tm-F-actin complexes increased the anisotropy to 0.049 +/- 0.004 for skeletal and 0.054 +/- 0.007 for cardiac tropomyosin. The titration of the skeletal tropomyosin-F-actin complex by S1 showed a break at an S1/actin ratio of 0.14; this complex had an anisotropy of 0.040 +/- 0.007, suggesting that one bound head effectively restricted the motion of each skeletal tropomyosin. A similar titration with cardiac tropomyosin reached a plateau at an S1/actin ratio of 0.4, suggesting that 2-3 myosin heads are required to immobilize cardiac Tm. Surface mobility is predicted by structural models of the interaction of tropomyosin with the actin filament while the decrease in tropomyosin mobility upon S1 binding is consistent with current theories for the proposed role of myosin binding in the mechanism of tropomyosin-based regulation of muscle contraction.
High pressure adsorption of gases in zeolites

Abstract Adsorption capacities for oxygen, nitrogen and argon gases on mordenite, silicalite, NaZSM-5, and 5A were determined at temperatures from 300 to 338 K and at pressures from 0.1 to 14 MPa. Data were correlated with a Dubinin potential model for adsorption. A single characteristic adsorption curve, independent of temperature and adsorbent, was observed for oxygen and argon adsorption in silicalite, NaZSM-5, and mordenite. For nitrogen, the characteristic Dubinin curve was displaced from that of oxygen and argon. This displacement was a result of the additional quadrupole interaction of N 2 with the zeolite's cations. By adding an interaction energy for N 2 to the adsorption potential term, it was possible to obtain a single characteristic curve for all three adsorbates. For zeolite 5A, the adsorptive capacities for the three test gases were found to correlate with a single characteristic curve when the adsorption potential term was modified to account for nitrogen's quadrupole interaction. The curve for 5A was found to be displaced from the single characteristic curves of mordenite, silicalite, and NaZSM-5. By using an empirical cavity size correction, the Dubinin plots for all test gases on all zeolites were found to reduce to a single characteristic curve. This indicates that the Dubinin model has wide applicability for zeolite adsorption when reasonable corrections are incorporated.
How do People Use Instructions in Procedural Tasks

Instructions for procedural tasks are often designed to be read before starting the task, but evidence suggests that people often do not use instructions that way. Participants (N = 20) completed knot and assembly tasks using stepwise instructions and the time viewing the instructions in the course of completing the tasks was measured. Half the participants reported that they read the instructions first and half say they usually attempt the task first, but no difference was found between those groups in how they used the instructions. Rather, it was found to depend on the type of task; instructions were used more in the course of completing the knot tasks than the assembly tasks. This indicates that the nature of the task determines how instructions are used and that people might not consistently adhere to a preferred strategy for using instructions.
In vitro heteroregulation of LH receptors by prolactin and FSH in rat granulosa cells

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to further characterize the regulation of LH/hCG receptors by FSH in granulosa cells and test the hypothesis that the LH/hCG receptor levels are heteroregulated by PRL. Granulosa cells from immature hypophysectomized, DES-treated rats were cultured for 2–4 days in defined medium containing androstenedione (10 −7 M) and/or FSH and PRL, after which [ 125 I]iodo-hCG binding to the granulosa cells was measured. When granulosa cells were cultured for 2 days (days 0–2) with increasing concentrations of FSH (0.1–100 ng/ml), there was a dose related increase in [ 125 I]iode-hCG binding from a control value of 1.05 ± 0.2 fmoles/10 6 cells to a maximum of 20 ± 1.8 fmoles/10 6 cells. The miminum, half-maximum (ED 50 ) and maximum doses of FSH were 0.3, 0.5 and 3 ng/ml, respectively. At concentrations of FSH > 3 ng/ml there was a progressive decrease in [ 125 I]-iodo-hCG binding to a low value of 6.1 ± 1 fmoles/10 6 cells at 100 ng/ml of FSH. No changes in [ 125 I]iodo-hCG binding were observed in response to PRL (1 μg/ml) during the day 0–2 incubation. When granulosa cells were stimulated for 2 days with 20 ng/ml of FSH, washed, and then recuttured for another 2 days (days 2–4) with FSH, the LH/hCG receptor content remained high ( F → F = 17.4 ± 2.8 fmoles/10 6 cells). In contrast, when FSH-primed cells were recultured for 2 days without FSH, the [ 125 I]iodo-hCG binding decreased sharply to near control levels (F → C = 2.5 ± 0.2 fmoles/10 6 cells). This marked loss of LH/hCG receptors was largely prevented when FSH primed cells were recultured with PRL ( F → P = 10.3 ± 1.5 fmoles/ 10 6 cells). This stimulatory effect of PRL on [ 125 I]iodo-hCG binding was dose-dependent; minimum, ED 50 , and maximum doses of PRL were 0.2, 0.5 and 1 μg/ml, respectively. Scatchard-plot analysis revealed that although the dissociation constant ( K d ) of the LH/hCG receptors stimulated by FSH and PRL were of similar high affinity (≈8 × 10 −11 M), the maximum binding ( B max ) values in the PRL-treated cells were less. Addition of 10 −7 M estradiol together with the PRL did not cause a further increase in B max values above that observed with PRL alone.
Determination of arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) binding to microwave assisted hydrothermal synthetically prepared Fe3O4, Mn3O4, and MnFe2O4 nanoadsorbents

Abstract The potential of the Fe 3 O 4 , Mn 3 O 4 , and MnFe 2 O 4 nanophases for the removal of arsenic(III) and (V) from aqueous solutions was investigated using the batch technique. The structure and grain size of the nanoadsorbents were characterized using XRD and Secherrer's equation. The Fe 3 O 4 , Mn 3 O 4 , and MnFe 2 O 4 had the crystal structure of magnetite, hausmannite, and Jacobsite, while the grain sizes were 28, 25, and 12 nm, respectively. It was found that the sorption determined using 100 ppb of either As(III) or (V) was pH independent from pH 2 through pH 6. However, at pH below 3 the nanomaterials released high concentrations of iron and manganese into solution. The amount of both As(III) and (V) per gram of adsorbent was found to increase with increasing concentration of As in solution. The XRD analysis showed no decrease in the average grain size of the nanoadsorbents reacted with 1000 ppm of either As(III) or (V) or a combination of 500 ppm of each As species. Finally Fe 3 O 4 , Mn 3 O 4 , and MnFe 2 O 4 showed binding capacities (µg/g) of 32.2, 8.9, and 718 for As(III) and 1575, 212 and 2125 for As(V), respectively.
Grain Size Effect on the Creep Behavior of Monolithic MoSi2

The grain size effect on the creep behavior of hot-pressed monolithic molybdenum disilicide was investigated at 1,200 C in a 19--255 MPa stress range. The creep-stress exponent, n, increased from 1 at low stresses to 4 at high stresses. The grain size exponent, p, varied from 0, to 3.5 and to 8 depending on the grain size, the creep-stress exponent, and creep history.
Gender differences in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity

The present study was designed to determine whether there are gender differences in hormonal response patterns to HPA axis activation. To this end, two methods of activating the HPA axis were employed: a standardized psychological stress test and a pharmacological challenge. Healthy subjects (mean age 23.4 years, SD 7.0 years) completed a naloxone challenge and/or the modified Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). For the naloxone challenge, two baseline blood samples were obtained. Placebo was then administered (0 min), followed by increasing doses of intravenous naloxone (50, 100, 200 and 400 microg/kg) at 30-min intervals. Post-placebo blood samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 180 min. The TSST consisted of 5 min of public speaking followed by 5 min of mental arithmetic exercises. Three baseline and five post-TSST blood samples were drawn. Eighty subjects (53 male, 27 female) underwent the TSST. Following the psychological stressor, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol responses were significantly greater in male subjects compared to female subjects (z=-2.34, p=0.019 and z=-2.12, p=0.034, respectively). Seventy-two subjects (52 male, 20 female) underwent HPA axis activation induced by naloxone. In contrast to the TSST, cortisol responses to the naloxone challenge were significantly greater in female subjects compared to male subjects (z=4.11, p<0.001). Forty-one subjects (25 male, 16 female) completed both the TSST and naloxone challenge. In this subset, ACTH and cortisol responses to the TSST did not differ significantly by gender, although the effect size was moderate to large. Adrenocorticotropin and cortisol responses to the naloxone challenge were significantly greater in female subjects compared to male subjects (z=2.29, p=0.022 and z=4.34, p<0.001, respectively). In summary, male subjects had greater HPA axis responses to a psychological stressor than female subjects, and females had greater hormonal reactivity than males to pharmacological stimulation with naloxone. Such differences are of interest as potential contributors to gender differences in health risks.
Clinical correlates of atypical femoral fracture

Abstract Background Reports of atypical femur fracture in bisphosphonate-exposed women have prompted interest in characterizing the clinical profiles of these patients. Methods Among women age ≥ 60 years with hip or femur fracture during 2007–2008, we identified 79 with low-trauma subtrochanteric or femoral shaft fracture. Radiographic images were reviewed to assign fracture pattern and distinguish atypical femur fracture from non-atypical femur fracture. Differences in clinical characteristics and pharmacologic exposures were compared. Results Among 79 women (38 subtrochanteric and 41 femoral shaft fracture), 38 had an atypical femur fracture. Compared to those with a non-atypical femur fracture, women with atypical femur fracture were significantly younger (74.0 vs 81.0 years), more likely to be Asian (50.0 vs 2.4%) and to have received bisphosphonate therapy (97.4 vs 41.5%). Similarly, the contralateral femur showed a stress or complete fracture in 39.5% of atypical femur fractures vs 2.4% non-atypical femur fracture, and focal cortical hypertrophy of the contralateral femur in an additional 21.1% of atypical cases. Conclusions Women suffering atypical femur fractures have a markedly different clinical profile from those sustaining typical fractures. Women with atypical femur fracture tend to be younger, Asian, and bisphosphonate-exposed. The high frequency of contralateral femur findings suggests a generalized process.
Waxy flexibility in a postpartum woman--a case report and review of the catatonic syndrome.

The importance of considering organic diseases when evaluating catatonic patients is illustrated by the case of a postpartum woman with subarachnoid hemorrhage who became catatonic with waxy flexibility. The catatonic syndrome occurs in association with a variety of lesions affecting any level of the central nervous system from the brainstem to the cerebral hemispheres.
An Identified Neuron (CPR) Evokes Neuronal Responses Reflecting Food Arousal in Aplysia

Feeding behavior of Aplysia is associated with an arousal state characterized by a constellation of maintained behaviors and by a potentiation or depression of responses to specific stimuli. A neuron (the cerebral-pedal regulator or CPR) that has widespread actions on various systems connected with feeding has been identified. CPR excites neurons that modulate or drive (i) body posture, (ii) biting, and (iii) cardiovascular behaviors. CPR also inhibits neurons concerned with defensive responses. Food stimuli, which elicit food arousal in the animal, produce prolonged excitation of the CPR. The results suggest that the CPR may evoke a central motive state representing the neuronal correlate of feeding motivation.
Clinical pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral bretylium tosylate in survivors of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation: clinical application of a new assay for bretylium.

We studied 12 patients receiving either chronic oral (p.o.) maintenance bretylium and/or acute intravenous (i.v.) bretylium to evaluate drug efficacy and pharmacokinetics. All patients were survivors of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. A new assay for bretylium was applied, and it proved sensitive and reliable. After single intravenous dosing, bretylium was eliminated from serum with a mean rate constant of lambda iv1 = 0.0515 hr-1 and a corresponding elimination half-life of tiv1/2 = 13.5 hr (7 studies), similar to previous results in normals. Total body clearance averaged 428 ml/min, of which virtually all was accounted for by renal clearance. Seven patients responding to intravenous bretylium were transferred to oral drug. During chronic therapy (mean dose, 41 mg/kg/day bretylium tosylate), mean minimum steady-state concentration of bretylium was 186 ng/ml (range, 72-461) and was accurately predicted, within experimental error, by using the elimination rate constant determined for oral, but not intravenous, drug in normal subjects (lambda po1 = 0.115 hr-1). Determination of average steady-state concentration (Css) yielded similar conclusions. Mean 24 hr urinary excretion of bretylium during oral therapy was 18.3% (range, 9-13%). These results lend validity to earlier observations in normals and suggest route and concentration dependence of disposition. Transfer to oral bretylium allowed continued control of sustained ventricular tachycardia in all 7 patients and of unsustained ventricular tachycardia in 5. Orthostatic hypotension in 4 responded to protriptyline. Six were discharged on bretylium, with a mean follow-up of 12.2 months (range, 1-25.5). Four maintained a favorable response, and 2 died suddenly at 1 and 3 months. We conclude that further evaluation or oral bretylium is justified; attempts should be made to increase steady-state concentrations during oral therapy.
Alpha decay of neutron-deficient astatine isotopes

Abstract The α-particle and γ-ray spectra of neutron-deficient isotopes of astatine were studied with a magnetic α-particle spectrograph and α-γ coincidence apparatus. A new α-emitting isotope. 202 At, was identified, as were new isomers of 204 At and 206 At. Results are tabulated below: Mass. No. E α(MeV) Half-life(min) 201 At 6·342 ± 0·006 1·5 ± 0·1 202 At 6·227 ± 0·003 (36 ± 2%) 3·0 ± 0·2 202 At 6·133 ± 0·002 (64 ± 2%) 203 At 6·085 ± 0·001 7·4 ± 0·3 204 At 5·948 ± 0·003 9·3 ± 0·2 205 At 5·896 ± 0·004 26·2 ± 0·5 206 At 5·696 ± 0·008 31·0 ± 1·5 207 At 5·752 ± 0·008 1–4 hr Alpha groups with energies of 6·412 ± 0·009 and 6·465 ± 0·011 MeV (relative intensities about 60 and 40 per cent respectively) and an overall half-life of 0·9 ± 0·2 min are tentatively assigned to 200 At. α-γ coincidence measurements have shown a 68 keV photon to be in coincidence with the 5·696 MeV 206 At α-particles. Upper limits were set for photons in coincidence with the other α-groups studied. No evidence was found for the α-decay of the 25 min 204 At and 2·9 hr 206 At electron-capture activities which have been studied earlier by other workers.
The Centrality of Religion in Social Life: Essays in Honour of James A. Beckford

Eileen Barker (ed.), The Centrality of Religion in Social Life: Essays in Honour of James A. Beckford. Farnham: Ashgate Limited, 2010, pp. 247, $39.95, paperback ISBN 1-4094-0343-2 In 2003, James B...
Photo-stabilizing efficiency of N-substituted hindered amines in polypropylene: effects of processing conditions and exposure to a protonic acid

Abstract The effects of exposure to processing conditions and strongly acidic gases on the photo-stability of polypropylene films stabilized with hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) have been studied. A series of monofunctional hindered amines based on tetramethylpiperidine containing and substituents in the piperidyl ring was compared with a bifunctional secondary amine. Exposure to heat and shear in a Brabender Plastograph caused loss by volatilization and decomposition of the additive. All of the HALS derivatives formed salts upon exposure to gaseous HCl and their photo-stabilizing ability was greatly impaired although the monofunctional secondary amine was superior to the bifunctional amine under these conditions. The additive was extensively decomposed by the HCl exposure.
Fatigue analysis of steel bridges using a portable microcomputer based strain gage system

Abstract Steel bridges show increasing susceptibility to fatigue cracking with increasing age due to accumulative damage caused by cyclic live loading. Fatigue cracking of the non-redundant structural members can cause the failure of a bridge. A portable microcomputer based strain gage system, capable of on-line data acquisition and subsequent data analysis, has been devised in this study. The system can be used to determine if the live load stress cycles experienced by a particular bridge member are sufficient to cause fatigue-crack initiation or fatigue-growth of the potential pre-existing cracks. The relatively low-cost strain gage system devised in this study can thus be used as a precursor to the expensive non-destructive testing by prioritizing the inspections among a large family of bridges. The fracture mechanics software employed in this study can further be used to select the proper non-destructive testing technique and to schedule its inspection intervals.
Conformal mapping for buried CPW with finite grounds

An analytic expression for the effective dielectric constant and impedance of a coplanar waveguide with finite grounds and embedded in a dielectric (ECPWFG) has been developed for the first time. Limiting examples of the expression are compared to known accurate results for standard CPW structures, of which excellent agreement is obtained.
Validity evidence of resident competency ratings and the identification of problem residents.

OBJECTIVES This study examined validity evidence of end-of-rotation evaluations used to measure progress toward mastery of core competencies in residents. In addition, this study investigated whether end-of-rotation evaluations can be used to detect problem residents during their training. METHODS Historical data for a 4-year period (2009–2012), containing 4986 observations of 291 internal medicine residents, were examined. Residents were observed and assessed by fellows, faculty members and programme directors on nine domains, including the six Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies, as part of their end-of-rotation evaluations. Descriptive statistics were used to collect evidence of the response process. Correlations between competencies and a generalisability study were used to examine the internal structure of the end-of-rotation evaluations. Hierarchical regression was used to estimate the increase in scores across years of training. Scores on endof-rotation evaluations were compared with trainees identified as problem residents by programme directors. RESULTS Compared with fellows, faculty and programme directors had significantly greater variability in assigning scores across different competencies. Correlations between competencies ranged from 0.69 to 0.92. The reliability of end-of-rotation evaluations was adequate (fellows, phi coefficient [φ] = 0.68; faculty [including programme directors], φ = 0.71). Mean scores increased by 0.21 points (95% confidence interval 0.18–0.24) per postgraduate year. Mean scores were significantly correlated with classification as a problem resident (r = 0.33, p < 0.001); problem residents also had significantly lower ratings across all competencies during PGY-1 compared with all other residents. CONCLUSIONS End-of-rotation evaluations are a useful method of measuring the growth in resident performance associated with core competencies when sufficient numbers of end-of-rotation evaluation scores are used. Furthermore, end-of-rotation evaluation scores provide preliminary evidence with which to detect and predict problem residents in subsequent postgraduate training years.