cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Packaging: Polymers for Containers

Abstract Two plastics, PET and HDPE, dominate the container market. HDPE bottles can be easily produced in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. PET bottles are more complex to produce and have some shape limitations, but provide excellent clarity. HDPE bottles are generally produced by extrusion blow molding and PET bottles by injection stretch blow molding. Containers can also be produced by processes such as injection molding and thermoforming. Containers may be made of only one type of plastic, but may also be multilayer structures.
Strategies for Improving Dialysis Decision Making

It is important that every professional involved with guiding ESRD patients through the maze of dialysis decision making critically analyze his or her own behaviors, possible biases and thought pro...
Evidence of Clutter Avoidance in Complex Scenes

Eye tracking results from a recent visual search experiment suggest 1) people avoid searching in highly cluttered regions of displays, and 2) people tend to start searching in regions with lower clutter and progress to regions with higher clutter as needed. Subjects searched for a symbol randomly placed in displays containing varying amounts of clutter, measured with the C3 clutter metric (Lohrenz et al., 2009). Displays were categorized as having low, medium, or high “global” clutter (average clutter for the display). Displays were gridded into 100 cells, and a “local” C3 value was calculated for each cell. An eye-tracker monitored search behavior. On average, with low and medium global-clutter displays, subjects searched in areas with local clutter similar to the displays' global clutter; with high global-clutter displays, subjects searched in areas with significantly lower local clutter (relative to global clutter). The average clutter of cells in which subjects searched plateaued at C3=6.4 (on a scale...
Smokers in addiction treatment see their risk of tobacco-related disease as lower than that of an average smoker

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 146 (2015) e118–e201 e171 child and report being responsible for child supervision. In SUD father families, with one exception (i.e., stays home when child is sick), mothers were significantly more likely to be responsible for childcare (all p<001). Conclusions: Responsibility for childcare appears to fall to the mother, regardlessofwhichparenthasSUD.Thisfindinghas important implications for efficacy of interventions aimed at improving caregiving for children who reside with a substance-abusing parent. Financial Support: This work was supported by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (R01-DA024740; PI: Kelley). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.380 Smokers in addiction treatment see their risk of tobacco-related disease as lower than that of an average smoker Thao Le, Joseph Guydish, Anna Pagano, Barbara Tajima, Emma Passalacqua Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United
Kinematics Analysis and Time Delayed Control of a Five-Degree of Freedom Manipulator

An approach to analyze kinematics of a five-degree of freedom(5-DOF)robotic manipulator is proposed.The effect of the time delay in control on the stability of the motor control system is considered.The time delayed differential equations are converted into differential equations without delay by using the lowpass filter-based continuous-time approximation(LPCTA).The optimal control method is adopted to design the controller. Experimental results show that the proposed kinematics algorithm is accurate with less computational cost,and is suitable for real-time control application of 5-DOF manipulator.The time delayed control system of 5-DOF manipulator can accurately track the desired trajectory.
The Influence on the Medication Adherence and Effect Analysis of Family Steering Chemotherapy Management for the Patients with Initial Smear-positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Objective: To observe the influence on the medication adherence of family steering chemotherapy management for the patients with initial smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis, and analyze its clinical effect. Method: 300 patients with initial smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis were randomly divided into 2 groups,150 cases in each group. Routine management group patients were treated with normal management, and family steering chemotherapy management group patients were treated with family steering chemotherapy management on the basis of routine management. The medication compliance rate and cure rate of two groups were compared. Result: The compliance rate of family medication of steering chemotherapy management group was obviously higher than that of routine management group,the difference was statistically significant( 字2=9.549,P0.05). The cure rate of family steering chemotherapy management group was obviously higher than that of routine management group,the difference was statistically significant( 字2=9.959,P0.05). Conclusion: Family steering chemotherapy management could obviously increase the medication compliance and curative rate of initial smear-positive tuberculosis patients, reduce the generation of drug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis, and effectively promote tuberculosis patients' rapid recovery.
Groundhog Day 1L Edition: Coloring Mandalas to Relieve Secondary Stress

By the end of the first semester of law school, in addition to suffering from grading fatigue, writing and academic success professors are often exhausted from carrying students’ stresses, either self-imposed stress or externally adapted stress resulting from the competitive law school environment. In taking care of students, holding their stress, and caring for their fears about grades, we internalize our own stress and develop Compassion Fatigue. I discuss the symptoms of Compassion Fatigue and suggest some ways we can help ourselves and our co-workers to abate our Compassion Fatigue both to recharge and to sustain our effectiveness.
Determining If Sex Bias Exists in Human Surgical Clinical Research.

Importance Sex is a variable that is poorly controlled for in clinical research. Objectives To determine if sex bias exists in human surgical clinical research, to determine if data are reported and analyzed using sex as an independent variable, and to identify specialties in which the greatest and least sex biases exist. Design, Setting, and Participants For this bibliometric analysis, data were abstracted from 1303 original peer-reviewed articles published from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2012, in 5 surgery journals. Main Outcomes and Measures Study type, location, number and sex of participants, degree of sex matching of included participants, and inclusion of sex-based reporting, statistical analysis, and discussion of data. Results Of 2347 articles reviewed, 1668 (71.1%) included human participants. After excluding 365 articles, 1303 remained: 17 (1.3%) included males only, 41 (3.1%) included females only, 1020 (78.3%) included males and females, and 225 (17.3%) did not document the sex of the participants. Although female participants represent more than 50% (n = 57 688 606) of the total number (115 377 213) included, considerable variability existed with the number of male (46 111 818), female (58 805 665), and unspecified (10 459 730) participants included among the journals, between US domestic and international studies, and between single vs multicenter studies. For articles included in the study, 38.1% (497 of 1303) reported these data by sex, 33.2% (432 of 1303) analyzed these data by sex, and 22.9% (299 of 1303) included a discussion of sex-based results. Sex matching of the included participants in the research overall was poor, with 45.2% (589 of 1303) of the studies matching the inclusion of both sexes by 50%. During analysis of the different surgical specialties, a wide variation in sex-based inclusion, matching, and data reporting existed, with colorectal surgery having the best matching of male and female participants and cardiac surgery having the worst. Conclusions and Relevance Sex bias exists in human surgical clinical research. Few studies included men and women equally, less than one-third performed data analysis by sex, and there was wide variation in inclusion and matching of the sexes among the specialties and the journals reviewed. Because clinical research is the foundation for evidence-based medicine, it is imperative that this disparity be addressed so that therapies benefit both sexes.
How to Achieve Conservation Outcomes at Scale: An Evaluation of Scaling Principles

The importance of scaling initiatives that promote environmental protection and conservation is almost universally recognized. But how is scaling best achieved? We empirically evaluated the relationship of a list of factors that have been postulated to facilitate successful scaling to the degree of scaling success achieved in 56 case studies from a variety of sectors. We identified 23 factors that are significantly associated with successful scaling, defined as self-replication: an innovation that is congruent with local sociocultural patterns, takes advantage of existing scaled infrastructure, and facilitates a paradigm shift; adequate resources and constituencies for scaling, secured from the start, drawn from both within and outside the system; pilot sites that reflect conditions at future sites rather than ideal conditions; clear and deliberate scaling expectations and strategy; capitalization on economies of scale; a project team that has a unifying vision, includes both individuals who helped design the innovation and members of the target audience, and empowers users with the requisite skills; target audiences that take ownership of the project; the provision of long-term support systems; ongoing learning about the factors influencing scaling; direct management of relevant supply and demand streams; targeted marketing and dissemination efforts; and the evaluation of scaling success indicators. We also explored correlations between these principles, and identified a group of principles that together explain nearly 40% of the variance in success: the provision of long-term support systems (or one of its surrogates: turning users into partners, a user organization with wide reach, and the empowerment of the target audience with requisite skills); resources mobilized from within and outside the system; user organizations that have the capacity to implement the innovation; innovations that are platform solutions and that provide rapid feedback; and pilot sites that have realistic conditions relative to future sites. Our results suggest that for scaling to be successful: 1) scaling must be considered at all stages of a project; 2) the context must be managed and barriers to scaling must be identified and removed and 3) deliberate attention must be paid to scaling methods, marketing and dissemination efforts, and long-term monitoring of scaling progress.
Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities: a Case-Control Study of Patients Receiving Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Stenosis

We sought to quantify socioeconomic disparities in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at an urban, tertiary referral center. This retrospective case-control study identified 67 patients with severe AS (aortic valve [AV] area ≤1 cm2 or AV area index ≤0.60 cm2/m2 or AV velocity ≥40 mmHg) who underwent TAVR from November 5, 2013 to June 10, 2014. Study subjects were matched to controls with severe AS without TAVR in a 4:1 age-frequency match. Demographic data were collected using electronic medical records. Area-based median household income was obtained by geocoding patients’ addresses and linking with census data. Charlson comorbidity index for all subjects was calculated. Income disparity was significant in that with every $10,000 increase in income, the odds of receiving TAVR increased by 10% (p = 0.05). Non-blacks were significantly more likely to receive TAVR than blacks (odds ratio [OR] 2.812, confidence interval [CI] 1.007–7.853; p = 0.048). No differences in comorbidities were found between the two groups. Post hoc analysis to identify etiologies of the found disparities examined differences of AV area and AV area index, indication for two-dimensional echocardiography (echo), symptoms prior to echo, and action after echo within the control group. Black race significantly impacted the TAVR status despite the same AV area (OR 0.33, CI 0.09–0.97, p = 0.043). After echo, blacks were more likely to decline AVR, be lost to follow-up, and not be referred to cardiology (OR 4.41, CI 1.43–13.64; p = 0.010). Socioeconomic and racial disparities were associated with patients with severe AS receiving TAVR at a major referral center. This study emphasizes the importance of improving access to standard of care for these subgroups of cardiac patients.
Functional cis-regulatory modules encoded by mouse-specific endogenous retrovirus

Cis-regulatory modules contain multiple transcription factor (TF)-binding sites and integrate the effects of each TF to control gene expression in specific cellular contexts. Transposable elements (TEs) are uniquely equipped to deposit their regulatory sequences across a genome, which could also contain cis-regulatory modules that coordinate the control of multiple genes with the same regulatory logic. We provide the first evidence of mouse-specific TEs that encode a module of TF-binding sites in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The majority (77%) of the individual TEs tested exhibited enhancer activity in mouse ESCs. By mutating individual TF-binding sites within the TE, we identified a module of TF-binding motifs that cooperatively enhanced gene expression. Interestingly, we also observed the same motif module in the in silico constructed ancestral TE that also acted cooperatively to enhance gene expression. Our results suggest that ancestral TE insertions might have brought in cis-regulatory modules into the mouse genome. The gene-battery model posits transposable elements (TEs) may becis-regulatory elements to control gene expression. Here, mouse-specific TEs are shown as binding sites for multiple collaborating transcription factors in embryonic stem cells, and act as cis-regulatory modules in synergistic fashion.
Nutrients and the Pancreas: An Epigenetic Perspective

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths with a dismal average five-year survival rate of six percent. Substitutional progress has been made in understanding how pancreatic cancer develops and progresses. Evidence is mounting which demonstrates that diet and nutrition are key factors in carcinogenesis. In particular, diets low in folate and high in fruits, vegetables, red/processed meat, and saturated fat have been identified as pancreatic cancer risk factors with a proposed mechanism involving epigenetic modifications or gene regulation. We review the current literature assessing the correlation between diet, epigenetics, and pancreatic cancer.
From integrals to multi-sum identities

Abstract Ramanujan's Master Theorem and its extension in the method of brackets are a powerful technique for evaluation of many definite integrals, often producing series solutions. In the case that the series are multi-sums, simplification is nontrivial. Recurrence-finding algorithms assist in proving multi-sum identities to verify the correctness of such multi-sum series solutions.
Probing student reasoning approaches through the lens of dual-process theories: A case study in buoyancy

Students tend to abandon formal approaches to solving a problem if that problem cues a strong intuitive response.
How does moral objectification lead to correlated interactions

The objectification of moral norms is purported to occur because it enables correlated interactions between individuals who share the same cooperative norms. But how does this process take place? I suggest two mechanisms beyond those Stanford identifies. I also ask whether there is predictable variation in which moral norms engender the strongest coupling between objectification and discomfort with disagreement.
Neuroimmunopharmacologic effects of drugs of abuse.

The immune system plays a dual role in the context of drug addiction. It is capable of being influenced by neuroactive drugs and at the same time is capable of modulating the pharmacologic action of these substances. In some instances, drugs of abuse may act directly upon cells of the immune system while in others, the actions may be indirect, mediated through changes in neurotransmitter activity. The latter can influence the immune system via the autonomic nervous system and/or neuroendocrine circuits. The opposite is also true. A number of immune system peptides have been found to modulate some of the same neurotransmitter systems which are acted upon by drugs of abuse. Consequently, the relationship between neuroactive pharmacologic compounds and the immune system has to be considered as a bi-directional one.
The Analysis of Risks of Fatalities

Many important decision problems involve risks to the health and safety of members of the public. These risks include possible fatalities, sicknesses, and injuries, as well as psychological effects. For appraising alternatives in such contexts, decision makers need to address public risks in addition to other economic, social, and environmental consequences.
Prediction of response and toxicity to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies (ICI) in melanoma using deep neural networks machine learning.

9529Background: Challenges in treating melanoma patients with ICI include treatment resistance and adverse events, both of which can lead to discontinuation of treatment. Histopathology of metastat...
Comparison of Expectimax and Monte Carlo algorithms in Solving the online 2048 game

In this work, two search algorithms Expectimax and Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) were developed to solve the well-known “2048" puzzle online-game and compare their results. In both cases, five heuristics were employed to obtain favorable tile positions within the game. These heuristics were combined to maximize the game-score in all possible board positions. As a result, the game-score, the maximum value of tile obtained, and the computing time employed in solving the game are shown. In addition, the efficiency of each algorithm and its sub-cases are presented. This research concludes by arguing that Monte Carlo Tree Search was more efficient in higher score than Expectimax algorithm, although in a longer time. Increments in level of depth-search in Expectimax and number of moves in MCTS do not necessarily resulted in obtaining higher score.
Surface Plasmon-Based Pulse Splitter and Polarization Multiplexer.

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) launched from a protruded silver spherical cap structure using s-polarized femtosecond laser excitation are investigated using photoemission electron microscopy. The resulting SPP is comparable in intensity to SPPs launched with p-polarized excitation but propagates with a distinct spatial profile. The spatial and temporal properties of the nascent SPP are determined by splitting the femtosecond pulse into a spatially separated pump–probe pair of orthogonal polarizations. The s-polarized pump pulse initiates the SPP, which is then visualized by the photoelectron emission induced by a spatially and temporally separated p-polarized probe pulse. The s-polarization launched SPP displays a bifurcated spatial structure with an antisymmetric mirror plane and may be regarded as two spatially distinct, temporally phase-locked wave packets. Significantly, the wave packets are one-half period out of phase with each other governed by the phase of the driving laser field. Finite diffe...
Neither Malkas Nor Shambas: Oromo and Pokomo Conflict, 1991–2013

The underlying factors for the conflicts between the Oromo and Pokomo in the Tana Delta starting 1991 were neither Oromo watering points (malkas) nor Pokomo farmlands (shambas) but political grievances. Almost all of the armed clashes between the Oromo/Orma and Pokomo since political liberalization of 1991 were linked to national elections. Never before such organized attacks ever occurred between the two friendly communities. The chapter also draws attention to the impact of conflicts on livelihoods in all countries understudy.
Public Perceptions on the Influence of Diet and Kidney Stone Formation

Abstract Introduction: Public awareness regarding the influence of diet on kidney stones is unknown. We sought to evaluate such perceptions among an unselected community cohort. Materials and Metho...
Sexuality and statelessness: Queer migrations and national identity in James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room

This article reads James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room as a queer diasporic novel. Drawing on feminist work on diaspora and empire, it argues that Baldwin’s exploration of the damaging capacity of homo...
Is There Still a Role for Aspirin in Primary Prevention in Women in 2020

Aspirin’s place in primary prevention for females has not been well delineated and has been under increased scrutiny in light of recent literature and guideline recommendations. The purpose of this review is to discuss current literature reviewing aspirin use for primary prevention in women and to discuss when use is appropriate. The Women’s Health Study found no differences in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in women randomized to aspirin vs. placebo, though a significant reduction was observed in women ≥ 65 years. More recent literature evaluated outcomes for primary prevention use in patients at increased cardiovascular risk, patients with diabetes, and patients who are elderly. These trials found either no benefit in MACE outcomes or a slight benefit accompanied by an increased risk of bleeding. Furthermore, no difference in outcomes were found in subgroup analyses comparing females receiving aspirin vs. placebo or comparing events in males vs. females. With improvements in risk factor reduction, such as blood pressure control, statin use, diabetes management, and smoking cessation, the role of aspirin for primary prevention in women is still uncertain. Aspirin use for primary prevention in females has failed to show a clear benefit except in women ≥ 65 years old, with a potential increase in bleeding events. An effort to better study aspirin in female patients would allow for better identification of women who would or would not benefit from therapy.
Toward Understanding Secondary Teachers’ Decisions to Adopt Geospatial Technologies: An Examination of Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Framework

Twenty-first century teachers must embrace innovative practices and tools for relevant instruction that motivate and prepare students for the future. However, a gap between available technology, su...
Binding of dsRNA by D. melanogaster Dicer-2 is substrate-dependent and regulated by Loquacious-PD

Drosophila melanogaster Dicer-2 is a large, multidomain protein that cleaves double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into small interfering RNAs in a terminus-dependent manner as part of the RNA interference pathway. We characterize the local binding environment involved in this substrate-selective molecular recognition event by monitoring the time-resolved photophysics of a cyanine dye linked to the dsRNA terminus. We observe substantial changes in the molecular rigidity and local freedom of motion of the probe as a function of distinct conformations of the biomolecular complex between Dicer-2 and dsRNA as a function of dsRNA termini, the presence of regulatory proteins, and the addition of a biochemical energy source (ATP) or a non-hydrolysable equivalent (ATP-γS). With a clustering analysis based solely on these molecular-scale measures of the local binding environment at the dsRNA terminus, we identify sub-populations of similar conformations that define distinct modes of molecular recognition which are correlated with biochemical activity. These observations reveal the important role of substrate-selective molecular recognition properties for proteins with multiple domains that can bind RNA, regulatory proteins, and cofactors.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Intention to Vaccinate Among a Sample of College Students in New Jersey.

Vaccines are critical for curtailing the COVID-19 pandemic and may represent an important tool for return to "normalcy" on college campuses in the Fall of 2021. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent of vaccination coverage and intention to vaccinate among college students. College students (N = 457) enrolled in the Spring 2021 semester at a university in New Jersey completed a cross-sectional survey. The survey collected information on demographics, COVID-19 and vaccination history, knowledge levels and sources of COVID-19 vaccine information, and vaccine attitudes. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with vaccination, and the intention to vaccinate among non-vaccinated students. Results indicate that 23% (n = 105) of participants reported being vaccinated already. Among non-vaccinated students, 52.8% indicated their intention to receive the vaccine when it is made available to college students. Students who were health care workers (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 4.17, p < 0.001), had a family member who had received a COVID-19 vaccine (aOR = 5.03, p < 0.001), exhibited greater positive attitudes regarding vaccination (aOR = 1.12, p < 0.001), and received a seasonal flu vaccine (aOR = 1.97, p < 0.05) were more likely to have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Among non-vaccinated students, those who discussed COVID-19 vaccine information with others (aOR = 5.38, p < 0.001), and exhibited more overall positive attitudes regarding vaccination (aOR = 2.69, p < 0.001), were more likely to indicate their willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Findings of this study highlight the need for additional education and vaccine outreach aimed at promoting uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among college students.
A siblicidal origin for avian brood parasitism

We present a model for the evolution of host selection by avian brood parasites from the ecological context of siblicidal brood reduction tactics. Our analysis concentrates on the fitness costs and benefits that permit the evolution of brood parasitism as an adaptive strategy from a state of obligate parental care already featuring siblicide. Limited resources delivered by provisioning parents may incite siblicidal behaviour in offspring, directed towards nestmates regardless of kinship. The extent of siblicidal behaviour (in frequency of occurrence and number of nestmates killed) can extend to the eradication of all nestmates, as has been observed in some raptors and in seabirds. For parents of siblicidal offspring, laying each egg parasitically may maximize offspring survival by eliminating competition between related but siblicidal nest mates. To permit the evolution of conspecific (intraspecific) brood parasitism, costs of siblicide by the offspring of parasitic parents must exceed costs paid by the parasitic parents when losing related conspecifics (host offspring) in a host nest. To permit the evolution of obligate interspecific brood parasitism, costs to fitness from siblicidal offspring or nest reduction of related hosts must exceed costs of heterospecific parental care. Understanding the kin structure between parasites and hosts in conspecific parasitism, and measuring the costs paid by parasitic young due to mismatched incubation, provisioning, and social behaviours by heterospecific foster parents, should provide novel insights into the opportunities and constraints of the evolution of avian brood parasitism.
Disaggregating Noncompliance: Exit andPredation in the Nonproliferation Regime

How do countries behave towards international agreements they do not intend to comply with? Do they enter agreements and cheat or do they decline participation altogether? We address these questions by analyzing how countries pursuing nuclear weapons treat the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). Why do some proliferators enter the NPT and cheat while others do not? We argue that democratic proliferators are less likely to join the NPT for a variety of theoretical reasons. A Heckman probit selection model designed to analyze the behavior of proliferators between 1968 and 2006 reveals that non-democratic proliferators are substantially more likely than democratic proliferators to make deceitful nonproliferation commitments. Armed conflict and strong nonproliferation norms increase the likelihood that states will disingenuously enter the NPT. High levels of industrial capacity reduce this probability. These findings enhance scholarly understanding of nuclear proliferation and generally underscore the value of disaggregating noncompliant behavior.
Radiographic contrast media infusions: Measurement of histamine, complement, and fibrin split products and correlation with clinical parameters☆

Abstract To further an understanding of the effects of radiographic contrast media (RCM) infusions, 43 patients underwent clinical evaluation, including allergy history and skin testing, at least 48 hr before receiving a bolus of Renografin-60 (meglumine diatrizoate [52] and sodium diatrizoate [8]) for intravenous pyelography. Venous plasma samples were obtained serially before and at 2, 4, 10, 30, and 60 min after the infusion. Each sample was assayed for histamine by isotopic enzyme assay, for complement by total hemolytic activity, and for fibrin split products by radioimmunoassay. Immediate generalized reactions occurred in 6 of the patients. Each of the 43 patients had a change in at least 1 of the mediators measured. Plasma histamine rose in 40% of the patients (mean, 3.1 ± 1.62 ng/ml). Plasma complement hemolytic activity decreased in 63% (mean, 29 ± 19%). Fibrin split products were detected in 41%. In comparing the 6 patients who experienced reactions to the 37 who did not, there were no statistically significant differences in rise in plasma histamine, decrease in complement activity, presence of fibrin split products, personal history of allergy, prior exposure or reaction to RCM, skin tests to RCM, and histamine or saline. Although histamine levels, complement activity, and fibrin split products changed in a substantial number of patients undergoing RCM infusions, these changes did not correlate with immediate generalized reactions or with the previously described clinical parameters. It is probable that other modulating factors play significant roles in determining whether or not a reaction occurs.
Direct current liquid-metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation.

A constant-pressure d.c. magnetohydrodynamic generator was tested with NaK at inlet velocities up to 300 fps. The maximum output power was 10.8 kw (18,250 amp at 0.59 v), and the efficiency was 48%. The theoretical efficiency, considering ohmic heating, fluid friction, boundary-layer shunting, and end effects, was 58%. The theoretical ultimate efficiency of liquid-metal MHD generators, of the type considered, ranges from 60 to 70%.
The conservation status of large migratory cyprinids including Aspiorhynchus laticeps of Xinjiang China

Summary Large fish species are at high risk of extinction because of life cycle characteristics and migratory fishes are often vulnerable to river modifications and overexploitation. The freshwater fish family Cyprinidae has the highest diversity in species, varied morphological and behavioral properties, and a wide range of habitat requirements. This study included an analysis of the conservation attention on large, migratory cyprinid species, a summary of threats jeopardizing the endangered species in this group, and a case study on little known species from northwest China. About 1% of all cyprinid species exceed 1 m in total length, and most of these fishes have migratory behaviors. Most of these species (79%) have not been evaluated for conservation attention, and a minor portion that have been evaluated were considered endangered. The threats to large migratory cyprinids include all the common threats to freshwater biodiversity: overexploitation, habitat alteration, water pollution, flow modification, and species invasion. The first two threats explain most of the decline in abundance and range of large, migratory cyprinids, and the others are sometimes important. The case of the Xinjiang datou fish (Aspiorhynchus laticeps) illustrates how an impressive species can be lost without much scientific or public attention. The analysis of conservation attention, threats, and the case study support the conclusion that large, migratory cyprinids are not receiving conservation efforts that should be focused on fish species that are especially vulnerable to human impacts.
Localization of the MARCKS (87 kDa) protein, a major specific substrate for protein kinase C, in rat brain

The localization of MARCKS (myristoylated, alanine-rich C-kinase substrate), a major specific substrate for protein kinase C, has been studied in the rat brain. Light microscopic immunocytochemistry and biochemical analysis demonstrated that the protein is widespread throughout the brain and enriched in certain regions, including the piriform and entorhinal cortices, portions of the amygdaloid complex, the intralaminar thalamic nuclei, the hypothalamus, the nucleus of the solitary tract, nucleus ambiguus, and many catecholaminergic and serotonergic nuclei. Electron microscopic analysis revealed immunoreactivity in axons, axon terminals, small dendritic branches, and occasionally in dendritic spines. In neuronal processes, immunoreactivity was particularly prominent in association with microtubules, but reaction product was also seen in cytosol and adjacent to plasma membranes. No reaction product was observed in large dendrites, somata, or nuclei. A population of strongly immunoreactive glial cells was also observed. Many of these glial cells were morphologically similar to microglial cells, although some resembled astrocytes. In glial cells, both cytoplasm and plasma membranes were heavily labeled. The distribution of the MARCKS protein did not coincide precisely with the distribution of any of the subspecies of protein kinase C. The results indicate that the MARCKS protein is expressed in the majority of cell types in the CNS, and they suggest that the protein may be involved both in glial cell functions and in neuronal functions involving cytoskeletal elements in small dendritic branches and axon terminals.
Applications of metal hydrides

In a companion and complementary paper ( 1 ) the properties of several metal-hydrogen systems were discussed and it will be assumed that the reader is familiar with its contents. This paper will be concerned with the practical application of metal hydrides. Primary emphasis will be given to their use as energy storage media, however, certain other applications will also be noted.
NK Cells Inhibit T Cell Proliferation via p21-Mediated Cell Cycle Arrest

NK cells have been shown to influence immune responses via direct interaction with cells of the adaptive immune system, such as dendritic cells, B cells, and T cells. A role for NK cells in down-regulation of T cell responses has been implicated in several studies; however, the underlying mechanism of this suppression has remained elusive. In this study we show that dark Agouti rat NK cells inhibit syngeneic T cell proliferation via up-regulation of the cell cycle inhibitor, p21, resulting in a G0/G1 stage cell cycle arrest. The inhibition is cell-cell contact dependent, reversible, and Ag nonspecific. Interestingly, NK cells do not inhibit IL-2 secretion or IL-2R up-regulation and do not induce T cell death. Thus, our results show that NK cells do not affect early T cell activation events, but specifically inhibit T cell proliferation by direct interaction with T cells. Our findings suggest that NK cells may play an important role in maintaining immune homeostasis by directly regulating clonal expansion of activated T cells. This novel mechanism of T cell regulation by NK cells provides insight into NK cell-mediated regulation of adaptive immunity and provides a mechanistic link between NK cell function and suppression of T cell responses.
Contrast enhancement and artifact reduction for projected index computed tomography

The projected index computed tomography (PICT) imaging modality provides a computationally reconstructed image of optical index of refraction that is free from spatial distortions. Current implementation using standard filtered backprojection techniques contain linear artifacts resulting from beam path refraction at boundaries with a significant index change. We present the implementation of a least-squares solution whereby every projection datum is assigned a confidence weight, affecting the magnitude of its inclusion into the reconstructed image. The algorithm is shown to significantly reduce artifacts, hence increasing system sensitivity while maintaining spatial accuracy.
Marrying kin in small-scale societies.

Objectives Marriages among kin have the dual effect of both increasing average group relatedness as well as reducing the total number of kin by eliminating more genealogically and geographically distant individuals from kinship networks. Marriage decisions therefore face a tradeoff between density of kin, or formation of intensive kinship systems, and the diversity of kin, or extensive kinship systems. This article tests the hypothesis that extensive kinship systems best characterize hunter-gatherer societies, whereas more intensive forms of subsistence, like horticultural, agricultural, and pastoral economies, are more likely to have intensive kinship systems. Methods Here, we investigate the wide range of variation in prevalence of kin marriages across a sample of 46 small-scale societies, split evenly between hunter-gatherers and agropastoralists (including horticulturalists), using genealogies that range in depth from 4 to 16 generations. Regression methods examine how subsistence and polygyny relate to spousal relatedness and inbreeding across societies. Results On average, hunter-gatherers show limited numbers of kin marriages and low levels of inbreeding, whereas some agropastoralists are characterized by much higher levels of both, especially in societies where polygynous marriages are more common. Conclusion Intensive kinship systems emerge in some intensive economies. This pattern may have favored a kin-selected increase in more large-scale cooperation and inequality occurring relatively recently in human history after the advent of domesticated plants and animals. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:384–388, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy Monotherapy for Large Renal Calculi

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) monotherapy with a Dornier HM3 lithotripter was used to treat 199 large (greater than or equal to 3 cm) renal calculi. Calculi were classified as solitary (29), multiple (152) or staghorn (18) with stone-free rates of 55.2, 39.5 and 55.6% respectively. The stone-free rate was not statistically related to stone size, site or multiplicity. Complications occurred in 24 patients (12.8%) and were more common with solitary and staghorn calculi. ESWL is not recommended as primary treatment for most patients with large renal calculi.
A flexible automated foam cutting system

Direct cutting of foam has the advantage of greater flexibility and reduced lead time over molding. This paper discusses the design and development of a flexible automated system for foam cutting that utilizes hot-wire cutters. The cutters are moved through the use of a five-axis gantry-type robot system equipped with a tool turret. A method for modeling the cut geometry, based on representing the three-dimensional cut shape as a combination of basic geometrical block shapes, is presented. This method gives the system flexibility to handle different workpiece geometries. A technique for generating the required cutting paths from the modeled geometry is also shown. The developed methodology was applied for the cutting of automotive seat cushions. The results show that the automated system significantly reduces the cutting time and produces cuts of improved quality.
Self-duality of three-dimensional Chern-Simons theory

We describe a precise self-duality relation between the electric charge and magnetic flux vortex sectors in the (2 + 1)-dimensional ZN gauge Higgs model with Chern-Simons term. The phase structure of this model is deduced using the self-duality. In particular, we find that the Chern-Simons term suppresses the confinement phase. Compact U(1) pure Chern-Simons theory corresponds to an N → ∞, infinite bare gauge coupling and zero bare mass limit. The self-duality of Chern-Simons theory is used to explain the hierarchy of odd-denominator filling fractions in the fractional quantum Hall effect and to suggest similar hierarchical ground-state structures in theories of the anyon and high-temperature superconductivity. Possible extensions to the nonabelian gauge groups and connection to the two-dimensional conformal field theories are also discussed.
Cross-immuno reactivities of mammalian fibrinogens☆

Abstract Antisera to human rabbit, dog and pig fibrins were tested against plasmas from 26 animals from 11 mammalian orders using double diffusion or counterelectrophoresis. There was a wide immuno-cross-reactivity indicating a relatedness among mammalian fibrinogens. The antisera did not react with premammalian plasmas.
Nonpeptide αvβ3 Antagonists. 1. Transformation of a Potent, Integrin-Selective αIIbβ3 Antagonist into a Potent αvβ3 Antagonist

Modification of the potent fibrinogen receptor (αIIbβ3) antagonist 1 generated compounds with high affinity for the vitronectin receptor αvβ3. Sequential modification of the basic N-terminus of 1 led to the identification of the 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro[1,8]naphthyridine moiety (THN) as a lipophilic, moderately basic N-terminus that provides molecules with excellent potency and selectivity for the integrin receptor αvβ3. The THN-containing analogue 5 is a potent inhibitor of bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the identification of a novel, nonpeptide radioligand with high affinity to αvβ3 is also reported.
The Effects of Managed Behavioral Health Care Utilization Review on Hospital Substance Abuse Detoxification

Four groups drawn from patients in a hospital substance abuse detoxification unit were compared to determine if staff training on the basics of managed care would impact the length of the hospital stay authorized by private health insurance providers. Pre- and post-intervention groups were drawn from patients carrying the most frequently used insurance, Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) and from patients of all other private insurance providers. Results indicate that the most frequently used provider was authorizing lengths of stay consistent with those of other private providers. However, results also indicated that significantly shorter lengths of stay were being authorized by all of the private insurance providers during the post-intervention period of the study. This study (1) confirms clinical observations showing a trend toward shorter lengths of hospital stays for patients with substance use disorders and (2) confirms that these decisions are being made primarily by insurance providers.
An associated object model for distributed systems

As ISDNs develop, distributed applications on these networks will increase in number, scope and complexity. The distributed application environment will become more and more complicated. Distributed applications are as varied as application environments, requiring cooperations between them in different ways and to different extents. We describe here a new model that is designed to support distributed applications, called the Associated Object Model. In this model, multi-objects can communicate with each other through an abstract association, making it possible for application objects to cooperate in wider degree than was possible before. A mechanism supporting associations, broker, is introduced in this paper. By the mechanism, many associations between cooperating application objects can be established and maintained. The paper also includes some discussions about the description and implementation of the model and the mechanism.
Early diagenesis of germanium in sediments of the Antarctic South Atlantic: In search of the missing Ge sink

Pore water and solid-phase geochemistry profiles were obtained from several cores between 41{degree}S and 53{degree}S in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean. Pore water nitrate, manganese, and iron profiles delineate standard redox zones in these sediments, and help characterize those with classic vs. burn-down behaviors. Pore water Si and Ge profiles demonstrate that Ge released during opal dissolution is removed pervasively throughout the uppermost interval of silicate release, and also downwards into the suboxic zone by as yet unidentified precipitation mechanisms. These results indicate that early diagenesis of Ge is uncoupled from that of opal. Solid-phase extractions (Fe, Mn, U, Mo, Ge, Cu, Ni, Co, V, and Cd) in a few cores suggest that anthigenic Ge removal in the suboxic zone is not associated with peaks in authigenic Mn cycling (MnO{sub 2} and related metals) but rather with processes deeper in the sediments, perhaps Fe or U diagenesis. Below the interval of Ge removal, pre water Ge increases linearly with depth by over two orders of magnitude, indicating a deep (below recovery) source of large magnitude. The fraction of opal-derived Ge precipitated authigenically in these sediments ranges from {approximately}1 to 96% and correlates strongly with the detrital fraction asmore » well as the detrital to opal ratio, both of which generally decrease from north to south. The Ge sink observed in these sediments would need to be globally representative to account for the entire missing Ge sink in today's oceanic Ge balance, which seems unlikely. Benthic fluxes of Ge and Si estimated from these pore water profiles and from measurements in three benthic flux chamber experiments at high carbon-rain continental margin sites demonstrate that the Ge/Si rate released from the seafloor in locations with high benthic silicate and carbon fluxes is congruent with Holocene opal dissolution (Ge/Si {approximately} 0.7 x 10{sup {minus}6}). In contrast, Ge/Si flux ratios in areas with low silicate fluxes are Ge-depleted (Ge/Si < 0.5 x 10{sup {minus}6}). The authors speculate that glacial-interglacial changes in oceanic Ge/Si as recorded in diatoms may be due in part to variations in this authigenic Ge sink, perhaps related to shifts in siliceous productivity from open ocean (Antarctic) siliceous oozes during interglacials to areas of higher detrital input (Sub Antarctic, continental margins) and possibly also to generally more reducing conditions in sediments during glacials.« less
Effective category management depends on the role of the category

Abstract Assessing a retailer’s performance in a category is important to both manufacturers and retailers. Based on data from 19 food categories sold in 106 major supermarket chains operating in the largest 50 retail markets in the U.S., the work reported in this article uses an analysis of variations in category performance across retailers to infer the key drivers of effective category management and how those drivers depend on the role the category plays in the overall retail portfolio. Not surprisingly, the best performing retailers: (a) offer broader assortments, (b) have strong private label programs, (c) charge significantly lower everyday prices, and (d) use feature advertising to drive store traffic and display to increase in-store purchases. More interestingly, we find systematic differences in the impact of the price, promotion and assortment variables that depend importantly on the role (staple, variety enhancers, niche, or fill-in) that the particular category plays in the store’s overall portfolio.