cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plural Quantification Exposed

English contains two sorts of object quantifiers. In addition to ordinary singular quantifiers, as in the sentence 'There is a Cheerio in the bowl', there are plural quantifiers, as in 'There are some Cheerios in the bowl'. In the 1980s, George Boolos showed how these plural quantifiers can be used to interpret monadic second-order logic (henceforth MSOL).' This is an indisputable technical result. However, as with most technical results, it is not obvious what its philosophical cash value is. According to Boolos, its cash value is that MSOL really is logic. In particular, the result is said to show that MSOL introduces no new ontological commitments: that no sets or classes or Fregean concepts are needed as values of the second-order variables, but that the entities already in the first-order domain suffice. Despite some isolated voices of dissent,2 this philosophical interpretation of Boolos' technical result has become enormously popular. MSOL is now widely regarded as an important part of the philosopher's logical tool kit, of great value not only in the philosophy of mathematics but also in analytic metaphysics more generally. Most of all, Boolos' interpretation of MSOL has been hailed as a way of making great ontological bargains. According to its supporters, it allows us to pay the ontological price of a mere first-order theory and get the corresponding monadic second-order theory for free.3 In this paper I will challenge this wide-spread view of the philosophical cash value of Boolos' technical result. I will reject Boolos' claim that this result shows MSOL to be pure logic. And I will express serious misgivings about his claim that MSOL in this way is shown to be ontologically innocent. To assess what is achieved by Boolos' result, we need to get clear on the logical status of the theory of plural quantification. Only if this theory deserves the honorific "logic" will Boolos be justified in claiming that his
The dependence of the maximum rate of rise of the action potential upstroke on membrane properties

The maximum rate of rise of the action potential ( V max ) is often used to study the maximum sodium conductance ( Ḡ Na ) of excitable membranes, by assuming that V max is proportional to Ḡ Na . However, the real relation between V max and Ḡ Na is uncertain. We use simple analytical descriptions of the membrane currents to investigate this relation. If (1) the sodium conductance is much greater than the non-sodium conductance of the membrane, (2) the sodium current is activated extremely quickly, and (3) the sodium current is inactivated extremely slowly, then V max will indeed be proportional to Ḡ Na . However, if conditions (1) or (3) are not satisfied, the V max – Ḡ Na relation will be non-proportional, such that a certain fractional change of Ḡ Na produces a larger fractional change of V max . If condition (2) is not satisfied the V max – Ḡ Na relation is distorted in the opposite direction, such that a certain fractional change of Ḡ Na produces a smaller fractional change of V max . Measurements of V max are usually performed in preparations where voltage clamping cannot be used to study Ḡ Na directly. However, voltage clamping is necessary to verify that conditions (1)–(3) are satisfied. The results of studies using V max alone as a measure of Ḡ Na should be assessed with caution.
CT of adult adrenal cortical carcinoma: six years experience.

During 1980 and through 1985, a total of three adult patients with adrenal cortical carcinoma were patients at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. All three of these patients with large tumors were evaluated with CT abdominal scans. The CT findings are described in each case. One patient had the unique findings of four separate tumors at the left upper quadrant, i.e. an adrenal cortical carcinoma, an ipsilateral renal cell carcinoma, an adjacent para-aortic neurofibroma, and a gastric leiomyoma. The only known cure for adrenal cortical carcinoma is complete excision. CT scanning should be utilized in all cases for diagnosis, for characterizing the tumor, for showing the presence of metastatic disease, for determining the overall extent of disease, and for determining the relationship to other organs. CT should be utilized in the follow-up with these patients after treatment, i.e. surgery and/or chemotherapy.
Infection of laboratory workers with hantavirus acquired from immunocytomas propagated in laboratory rats

Hantavirus has been isolated in cell culture from rat immunocytomas used and stored at a research laboratory in the U.K. where there was evidence of a laboratory-acquired infection leading to haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Both transplantation into LOU/M/Wsl rats and storage of passaged immunocytomas at -70 degrees C over a period of 8-10 years had not eliminated the virus. The isolates were identified as Hantavirus by means of serum obtained from patients with hantavirus infection as well as polyclonal serum derived from laboratory animals. This paper identifies a potential source of hantavirus infection in laboratories. The importing of rats, rat immunocytomas and anti-immunocytoma serum in relation to the potential risks of laboratory-acquired hantavirus infection is discussed.
EPIBIOTIC MICROBIAL INFESTATIONS OF CULTURED CRUSTACEANS1

Microbial epibionts have continually hampered efforts to rear crustaceans. Although a variety of microbial agents may be responsible for mortalities on a variety of crustaceans, several characteristics are sufficiently similar to consider epibiotic microbial fouling as a single syndrome. Epibionts use the surface of the animal only as a substrate and rely on dissolved nutrients in the seawater for nourishment. The type and extent of infestation corresponds to water quality. Lethality is presumed to result from asphyxia caused by occlusion of respiratory surfaces. The easily diagnosed filamentous epibionts may only signify advanced stages of the disease while non-filamentous forms are more directly related to mortalities. Filamentous and non-filamentous forms also respond differently to therapeutic treatment. Infestation and mortality in egg masses of crabs occur most heavily on the external portions of the egg mass and decline exponentially with increased depth into the egg mass. Temporal progression occurs in the same manner. Some evidence suggests that the exterior layers “seed” the successive internal eggs with epibionts. Various observations have prompted speculation concerning the susceptibility of crustaceans to microbial epibionts in relation to their culture environment. Potential methods of prevention and treatments are discussed.
Nursing Students' Perceptions About Disaster Nursing

Man-made or natural disasters are occurring more frequently in the United States and around the world. It is important that all nurses in all specialties be prepared to care for people affected by disasters. This article reports a descriptive study that sought to explore nursing students' perceptions about disaster nursing and to use the findings to suggest recommendations for building the discipline of disaster nursing. Results of this study indicate that nursing students had the following gaps of knowledge regarding disaster nursing: (1) an incomplete definition of disaster nursing; (2) lack of recognition about the importance of knowing community resources, having mock disaster drills, and utilizing disaster planning models; and (3) lack of perception that all nurses could play a significant role in disaster situations. The authors recommend that disaster nursing be taught by nursing faculty as a specialty in nursing programs.
In praise of Pirsig's Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance

(1976). In praise of Pirsig's Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. Western Speech Communication: Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 168-177.
Extrarenal modification of urine for ion conservation in ghost crabs, Ucypode quadrata (Fabricius)

Abstract When placed under ecologically relevant hypo-osmotic conditions, ghost crabs lose salts at very low rates and osmoregulate well. How can they do this when they, like other brachyuran crabs, produce urine isosmotic with hemolymph? We tested two hypotheses to account for low rates of ion loss: that crabs reduce urine flow (abandon volume regulation); and that they osmoregulate without compromising volume regulation by producing a dilute excretory product through extrarenal modification of urine. Experimental crabs were volume-loaded and hemodiluted by infusion with deionized water; controls were volume-loaded without hemodilution by infusion with isosmotic saline. Crabs were held in containers which allowed the crabs to move fairly freely and to handle wastes normally, and allowed final excretory product to be collected without disturbing the crabs. Crabs infused with deionized water did not reduce urine flow acutely. They produced a dilute excretory fluid containing as little as 10% of the total osmolytes, Na, and Cl of hemolymph and urine. The net effect on osmoregulation was as though they, like other terrestrial animals when water-loaded, produced dilute urine.
Total syntheses of eburnamonine, quebrachamine, vincadine and epivincadine

Abstract Syntheses of the alkaloids eburnamonine and quebrachamine are presented in which the non-tryptamine portion of the skeleta is constructed by the β-oxycyclopropylcarboxylate preparation-fragmentation route. A similar reaction scheme is utilized for the synthesis of the alkaloids vincadine and epivincadine.
Free energies of magnetic and density phases in a magnetized degenerate electron gas from exact, nonanalytic equations of state

A complete description of the thermodynamics of the phases of a magnetized, degenerate electron gas is obtained by calculating a generalized free energy as a function of its natural variablesT, μ,H from the exact (nonanalytic) equations of state. This gives a detailed description of the phase transitions into magnetic and density domains around each Landau level. An application to degenerate stars is sketched. Suggested direct and indirect methods for observing these domains in metals and in stars will be briefly reviewed. The inseparably connected degeneracy-inhibition effect could have observable effects on stellar structure for strong enoughB.
Aggregation Bias in Estimates of Perceptual Agreement.

Abstract : It is shown that estimates of agreement based on group mean scores have been incorrectly interpreted as applying to perceptual agreement among individuals. Of initial importance is a study by Drexler (1977), who concluded that a considerable proportion of the variance in climate perceptions is accounted for by organizational membership. This conclusion has been employed recently by other authors to support the assumption that individuals in the same environment tend to agree with respect to climate perceptions. The present paper demonstrates that Drexler's analysis provided inflated estimates of agreement among individuals. The logic of the approach is then extended to other studies in which inflated estimates of agreement appeared likely. (Author)
Modified Quantum-Statistical Calculations for Atomic Electron Densities

We attempt to overcome one of the shortcomings in the Thomas-Fermi and related theories for atoms by connecting a quantum-mechanical electron density for the region near the nucleus to a density given by a statistical model. The joining may be done in a nonarbitrary manner: All parameters are determined. It suffices to use a very crude and easily calculated approximation to the density to start with, so the calculation is quite easy. The resulting electron density is in much better agreement with reality than that from the unmodified theories.
I am my robot: the impact of robot-building and robot form on operators

As robots become more pervasive, operators will develop richer relationships with them. In a 2 (robot form: humanoid vs. car) x 2 (assembler: self vs. other) between-participants experiment (N=56), participants assembled either a humanoid or car robot. Participants then used, in the context of a game, either the robot they built or a different robot. Participants showed greater extension of their self-concept into the car robot and preferred the personality of the car robot over the humanoid robot. People showed greater self extension into a robot and preferred the personality of the robot they assembled over a robot they believed to be assembled by another. Implications for the theory and design of robots and human-robot interaction are discussed.
Meta-analysis: Serological markers and the risk of acute and chronic pouchitis

Summary Background Serological markers such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) may be associated with pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Aim To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of studies evaluating the association of ANCA and ASCA status with risk of acute and chronic pouchitis after IPAA. Methods We searched multiple databases (upto September 2012) for studies reporting ANCA and/or ASCA status along with risk of acute or chronic pouchitis after IPAA in adults with ulcerative colitis (UC). We abstracted odds ratio (OR) or raw data from the individual studies to calculate summary OR estimates with 95% CIs using random-effects model. Results Eight studies reporting 184 cases of acute pouchitis and six studies reporting 151 cases of chronic pouchitis were included. The odds of chronic pouchitis were 76% higher in ANCA-positive patients than ANCA-negative (six studies; OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.19–2.61; P < 0.01). ASCA-positivity was not associated with the risk of chronic pouchitis (three studies; OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.49–1.59; P = 0.68). Neither ANCA (eight studies; OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.79–3.02; P = 0.21) nor ASCA-positivity (two studies; OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 0.25–6.54; P = 0.77) were associated with the risk of acute pouchitis. Conclusions The risk of chronic pouchitis after IPAA is higher in ANCA-positive patients, but the risk of acute pouchitis is unaffected by ANCA status. ASCA status was not associated with the risk of acute or chronic pouchitis. This information may be used to counsel UC patients regarding their risk of pouchitis after IPAA.
Adocobinamide, the Base-off Analog of Coenzyme B12 (Adocobalamin). 2.1 Probing the “Base-on” Effect in Coenzyme B12 via Cobalt−Carbon Bond Thermolysis Product and Kinetic Studies as a Function of Exogenous Pyridine Bases

The thermolysis of the Co−C bond in adocobinamide (AdoCbi+BF4-) in anaerobic ethylene glycol has been studied as a function of a series of para-substituted pyridine axial bases using the TEMPO radical-trapping method. In contrast to the slower rates of Co−C cleavage previously found for benzylcobinamide, neopentylcobinamide, and the (α-phenylethyl)cobaloxime coenzyme B12 models, for AdoCbi+ the rate of total Co−C cleavage becomes faster as the para-substituted pyridines become more electron-donating. Specifically, the 110 °C kobsd for AdoCbi+BF4- total Co−C cleavage increased 23-fold on going from 1 M pyridine (py) to 1 M p-(dimethylamino)pyridine (Me2N-py). However, HPLC product studies reveal that the percentage of abiological Co−C heterolysis increases (to a limiting value); that is, Co−C heterolysis is a major reason for the observed rate increase seen for Me2N-py. Deconvolution of the kobsd rate constant into its heterolysis and homolysis components yields values of the 110 °C kheterolysis and khomol...
Liquid ion exchangers in reversed-phase systems for chromatography of steroidal glucosiduronic acids.

Summary Steroidal glucosiduronic acids were chromatographed on paper by the reversed-phase technique using five different liquid ion exchangers as stationary phase and aqueous KCl as mobile phase. The relationship of mobility of the acids ( R M ) to both the amount of exchanger on the paper and the concentration of KCl in the mobile phase is discussed: the relationships may be expressed as R M = n ·log [exchanger] + const. and R M = − n ·log [KCl] + const., respectively. Migration of the acids in the presence of different exchangers is correlated by use of the equation R M (exchanger Y) = a · R M (exchanger X) + b . The lack of appreciable correlation between migration of the acids in a reversed-phase system and a corresponding straight-phase system is discussed and expressed by means of regression equations. The correlation coefficients and standard errors of estimate from these equations provide useful indices for selecting two solvent systems that are to be used sequentially to obtain maximal resolution of a group of compounds. ΔR M values obtained for various functional groups with reversed-phase and straight-phase techniques are compared.
Cell Membrane–associated Heparan Sulfate Is a Receptor for Prototype Foamy Virus in Human, Monkey, and Rodent Cells

Foamy viruses (FVs) (spumaretroviruses) are good alternative to retroviruses as gene therapy vector. Despite four decades since the discovery of FV, its receptor molecule is still unknown. FV vector transduction of human CD34+ cells was inhibited by culture with fibronectin. Because fibronectin contains heparin-binding domain, the interactions of fibronectin with heparan sulfate (HS) on cells might be inhibitory to FV transduction. These observations led us to investigate whether HS is a receptor for FV. Two mutant CHO cell lines (but not parental wild type) lacking cell surface HS but not chondroitin sulfate (CS) were largely resistant to FV attachment and transduction. Inhibition of HS expression using enzymes or chemicals greatly reduced FV transduction in human, monkey, and rodent cells. Raji cells, which lack HS and were largely resistant to FV, were rendered more permissive through ectopic expression of syndecan-1, which contains HS. In contrast, mutant syndecan-1-expressing cells were largely resistant to FV. Our findings indicate that cellular HS is a receptor for FV. Identifying FV receptor will enable better understanding of its entry process and optimal use as gene therapy vector to treat inherited and pathogenic diseases.
A STOCHASTIC DOMINANCE ALGORITHM USING PIECEWISE LINEAR APPROXIMATIONS

Current stochastic dominance algorithms use step functions to approximate the cumulative distributions of the alternatives, even when the underlying random variables are known to be continuous. Since stochastic dominance tests require repeated integration of the cumulative distribution functions, a compounding of errors may result from this type of approximation. This article introduces a new stochastic dominance algorithm that approximates the cumulative distribution function by piecewise linear approximations. Comparisons between the new and old algorithms are performed for normally distributed alternatives. In about 95 percent of all cases, the two algorithms produce the same result.
Water-induced errors in continuous-flow carbon isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

Formation of HCO2+ from CO2 and background H2O in isotope ratio mass spectrometers has been examined in detail. The process is troublesome because its product is not resolved from 13C16O2+. The resulting, artifactual enhancement of the mass 45 ion current (and analogous enhancement of the mass 46 ion current by transfer of hydrogen to mass 45 species) can cause systematic errors in analyses of 13C based on measurement of ion current ratios in the mass spectrum of CO2. Such errors are neutralized when isotopic analyses are based on differential comparisons in which ion currents and background water levels are precisely equal during admission and ionization of both sample and standard gases. In continuous-flow systems, however, that requirement is generally not met. The resulting systematic error is proportional to the 18/44 ion current ratio. When the widely used MAT 252 mass spectrometer is tuned to yield maximum sensitivity, the constant of proportionality is 26 ± 2‰ (i.e., the error will be 0.26‰ if the...
Motion of the center of mass in children with spastic hemiplegia: Balance, energy transfer, and work performed by the affected leg vs. the unaffected leg

Asymmetry between limbs in people with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (HEMI) adversely affects limb coordination and energy generation and consumption. This study compared how the affected leg and the unaffected leg of children with HEMI would differ based on which leg trails. Full-body gait analysis data and force-plate data were analyzed for 31 children (11.9 ± 3.8 years) with HEMI and 23 children (11.1 ± 3.1 years) with typical development (TD). Results showed that peak posterior center of mass-center of pressure (COM-COP) inclination angles of HEMI were smaller than TD when the affected leg trailed but not when the unaffected leg trailed. HEMI showed greater peak medial COM-COP inclination angles and wider step width than TD, no matter which leg trailed. More importantly, when the affected leg of HEMI trailed, it did not perform enough positive work during double support to propel COM motion. Consequently, the unaffected leg had to perform additional positive work during the early portion of single support, which costs more energy. When the unaffected leg trailed, the affected leg performed more negative work during double support; therefore, more positive work was still needed during early single support, but energy efficiency was closer to that of TD. Energy recovery factor was lower when the affected leg trailed than when the unaffected leg trailed; both were lower than TD. These findings suggest that the trailing leg plays a significant role in propelling COM motion during double support, and the 'unaffected' side of HEMI may not be completely unaffected. It is important to strengthen both legs.
Vascularized hemitracheal autograft for laryngotracheal reconstruction: a new surgical technique based on the thyroid gland as a vascular carrier.

Background The management of extensive laryngotracheal stenosis has been a challenge confronting head and neck surgeons for over a century. The key to the successful restoration of a stable airway is providing a cartilaginous infrastructure to provide support to withstand both the negative and positive lumenal pressures produced during normal respiration and deglutition. We introduce a novel technique for restoration of such defects. Methods The blood supply to the thyroid gland by way of the inferior thyroid artery and the superior thyroid artery and vein are mobilized for transfer. One half to two thirds of the circumference of the adjacent tracheal rings are mobilized on the basis of the requirements of the stenotic segment. This mucochondrial composite tracheal flap is advanced superiorly to the ipsilateral “laryngeal” region where insetting of the cartilage and the mucosa is performed. Primary reconstruction or, more likely, a staged repair of the secondary tracheal defect is performed. Results Three case reports are presented. The patients were successfully decannulated postoperatively, continue to have an adequate voice, and are tolerating a diet (3–27 months postreconstruction). Conclusion A new surgical technique for reconstruction of benign laryngotracheal stenoses is introduced to restore phonatory capability and a stable airway. The composite thyroid-tracheal graft based on the inferior and superior thyroid arterial pedicles allows a single-staged, primary reconstruction of the hemilarynx with a well-vascularized composite thyrotracheal flap that allows resurfacing as well as replacement of the infrastructure of the glottis and subglottis. This technique would be an excellent method to restore the cricoid ring following partial resection for primary cartilaginous tumors.
Optimization of the Ion-Cut Process in Si and SiC

H+-implantation is the basis for an ion-cut process, which combines hydrophilic wafer bonding, to produce heterostructures over a wide range of materials. This process has been successfully applied in Si to produce a commercial silicon-on-insulator material. The efficacy of implantation to produce thin-film separation was studied by investigation of H+-induced exfoliation in Si and SiC. Experiments were done to isolate the effects of the hydrogen chemistry from that of implant damage. Damage is manipulated independently of H+ dosage by a variety of techniques ranging from elevated temperature irradiation to a two-step implantation scheme in Si, and the use of channeled-ion implantation in SiC. The results will demonstrate that such schemes can significantly reduce the critical dose for exfoliation.
Interfacing Data Bases With Expert Systems: A Retaining Wall Management Application

This paper presents the development of an interface between an expert system and a data base management system. The flexibility provided by such interface is shown to be very useful for civil engineering applications. An example application is developed in this paper that applies this interface to the management of retaining walls. The different relational data bases store most of the required information. The inventory data base stores identification information, the inspection data base stores historical condition data gathered by inspections, and the replacement data base stores information needed to perform a replacement cost analysis for a retaining wall. The expert system, on the other hand, is used to diagnose the possible reasons for the failure of a retaining wall. The development of the data base management system, the expert system, and the interface between them is discussed, along with the restrictions imposed by the software chosen for this example application.
Compilation framework for code size reduction using reduced bit-width ISAs (rISAs)

For many embedded applications, program code size is a critical design factor. One promising approach for reducing code size is to employ a “dual instruction set”, where processor architectures support a normal (usually 32-bit) Instruction Set, and a narrow, space-efficient (usually 16-bit) Instruction Set with a limited set of opcodes and access to a limited set of registers. This feature however, requires compilers that can reduce code size by compiling for both Instruction Sets. Existing compiler techniques operate at the routine-level granularity and are unable to make the trade-off between increased register pressure (resulting in more spills) and decreased code size. We present a compilation framework for such dual instruction sets, which uses a profitability based compiler heuristic that operates at the instruction-level granularity and is able to effectively take advantage of both Instruction Sets. We demonstrate consistent and improved code size reduction (on average 22p), for the MIPS 32/16 bit ISA. We also show that the code compression obtained by this “dual instruction set” technique is heavily dependent on the application characteristics and the narrow Instruction Set itself.
Preparedness for Disasters

Excerpt To the editor: In a recent issue, Dr. Orient (1) discussed the impact of public controversies on our preparedness for mass disasters. As mentioned, cost-benefit considerations may play an i...
Operational characteristics of maximum score estimation

Abstract This paper reports on the operational characteristics of maximum score estimation of a linear model from binary response data. A series of previous articles have shown that in theory the maximum score method makes possible binary response analysis under very weak distributional assumptions. Here, we present evidence on the properties of maximum score estimation in practice. After reviewing the known asymptotic theory of maximum score estimation, the paper describes an algorithm for maximum score estimation and characterizes its performance. Then findings from a Monte Carlo study comparing maximum score and logit maximum likelihood estimation are reported. Finally, the accuracy of bootstrap estimation of maximum score root mean square errors is evaluated.
SU-E-T-190: Measuring Patient Cone Beam CT Dose Using a Commercial 4D Diode Array

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of measuring dose to patient from kilovoltage CBCT with the Sun Nuclear ArcCHECK device. Methods: The ArcCHECK QA device consists of 1386 diodes of 0.8×0.8 mm2 size geometrically arranged on a cylindrical phantom. The diodes are situated at depth of 2.85 cm acrylic build up and spaced 1 cm apart. A compact ion chamber was placed in the center of the ArcCHECK. A MV x‐ray based array calibration file was applied to our measurement. To validate the array calibration file in kV x‐ray range, an axial scan dose distribution from a CT‐scanner was measured using ArcCHECK. Absolute dose was calibrated according to AAPM TG61 protocol. Doses of different CBCT modes from VARIAN OBI were measured using ArcCHECK and ion chamber, including half scan (high‐quality head, pelvis spotlight) and full scan (pelvis, low‐dose thorax). Dose for pelvis mode was also calculated using Pinnacle Treatment Planning System (TPS) and compared with measurements. Results: For CBCT pelvis mode full scan, more than 80% of diode readings are in agreement with the calculation. The ion chamber measurement agrees with the calculation within +/−10% uncertainty. The doses from ion chamber measurement at the iso‐center are 1.3 cGy, 3.1 cGy, 3.0 cGy, and 0.8 cGy for high quality head, pelvis spotlight, pelvis, and low dose thorax scans respectively. The average reading of diodes at y=0 cm circle are 5.5 cGy for pelvis and 1.8 cGy for low‐dose thorax. The ratio between doses at center of the phantom to doses at depth of the diode‐position is 0.56 for pelvis mode (125 kV) and 0.44 for low‐dose thorax mode (110 kV). Conclusions: The CBCT doses measured using ArcCHECK for different CBCT scan modes are within diagnostic dose accuracy. With careful calibration ArcCHECK can be used as dosimeters for measuring CBCT patient doses.
Microflora imbalance and gastrointestinal diseases

Abstract The human intestine lodges a large amount of microorganisms, with over 500 species of bacteria whose density increases through the small bowel reaching concentrations from 10 9 to 10 14 colony-forming unit/ml in the colon. More than 99% of the gut microbiota is composed of bacteria that can be divided into 4 main families: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Numerous factors are involved in the control of gut microbiota stability such as intestinal pH, temperature, microbial interaction, peristalsis, bile acid, drug therapy and immune responses. When these mechanisms fail, imbalance of intestinal microflora can occur, resulting in the onset of both extra-intestinal (infectious and allergic) and intestinal (infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic) diseases.
Charge quantization from anomalies.

The assignment of weak hypercharge quantum numbers in the standard model, and some extensions thereof, is discussed using neither electric charge assignments nor constraints arising from the Higgs sector as input information.
The Strength of the Brewer–Dobson Circulation in a Changing Climate: Coupled Chemistry–Climate Model Simulations

Abstract The strength of the Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) in a changing climate is studied using multidecadal simulations covering the 1960–2100 period with a coupled chemistry–climate model, to examine the seasonality of the change of the BDC. The model simulates an intensification of the BDC in both the past (1960–2004) and future (2005–2100) climate, but the seasonal cycle is different. In the past climate simulation, nearly half of the tropical upward mass flux increase occurs in December–February, whereas in the future climate simulation the enhancement of the BDC is uniformly distributed in each of the four seasons. A downward control analysis implies that this different seasonality is caused mainly by the behavior of the Southern Hemisphere planetary wave forcing, which exhibits a very different long-term trend during solstice seasons in the past and future. The Southern Hemisphere summer planetary wave activity is investigated in detail, and its evolution is found to be closely related to ozone...
What Are Health-Related Users Tweeting? A Qualitative Content Analysis of Health-Related Users and Their Messages on Twitter

Background: Twitter is home to many health professionals who send messages about a variety of health-related topics. Amid concerns about physicians posting inappropriate content online, more in-depth knowledge about these messages is needed to understand health professionals’ behavior on Twitter. Objective: Our goal was to characterize the content of Twitter messages, specifically focusing on health professionals and their tweets relating to health. Methods: We performed an in-depth content analysis of 700 tweets. Qualitative content analysis was conducted on tweets by health users on Twitter. The primary objective was to describe the general type of content (ie, health-related versus non-health related) on Twitter authored by health professionals and further to describe health-related tweets on the basis of the type of statement made. Specific attention was given to whether a tweet was personal (as opposed to professional) or made a claim that users would expect to be supported by some level of medical evidence (ie, a “testable” claim). A secondary objective was to compare content types among different users, including patients, physicians, nurses, health care organizations, and others. Results: Health-related users are posting a wide range of content on Twitter. Among health-related tweets, 53.2% (184/346) contained a testable claim. Of health-related tweets by providers, 17.6% (61/346) were personal in nature; 61% (59/96) made testable statements. While organizations and businesses use Twitter to promote their services and products, patient advocates are using this tool to share their personal experiences with health. Conclusions: Twitter users in health-related fields tweet about both testable claims and personal experiences. Future work should assess the relationship between testable tweets and the actual level of evidence supporting them, including how Twitter users—especially patients—interpret the content of tweets posted by health providers. [J Med Internet Res 2014;16(10):e237]
AN ASSESSMENT OF WETLAND IMPACTS AND COMPENSATORY MITIGATION IN THE CUYAHOGA RIVER WATERSHED, OHIO, USA

A watershed-based assessment of wetland impacts and compensatory mitigation was conducted for the Cuyahoga River Watershed (CRW) in northeastern Ohio, USA, to explore the effectiveness of wetland mitigation regulations and any resulting cumulative changes to wetland and landscape structure. Mitigation projects from 23 Section 401 certifications and Ohio Isolated Wetland permits were evaluated for permit compliance, wetland structure, and landscape context. Although there was a net gain in wetland area as a result of the 23 permits, the CRW experienced a net loss of wetland acreage due to the exportation to mitigation banks located outside the watershed. The majority of projects (67%) that restored or created wetlands independently (not at a mitigation bank) were not successful at meeting permit requirements in terms of wetland area. The comparison of impacted and mitigation wetland vegetation types revealed an increase in open-water/emergent wetland area and a decrease in area of scrub/shrub and forested wetlands, along with a decrease in the number of wetlands from 134 impacted wetlands to 65 mitigation wetlands. Impacted wetlands were significantly smaller than replacement wetlands. Landscape composition surrounding the wetlands was highly variable, varying from 17%–75% natural land uses and from 18%–82% human land uses. We suggest that an improvement in compliance with permit requirements is necessary. Current wetland policy allows for the exportation of wetlands for mitigation purposes, which can result in the loss of wetlands from some hydrologic units. The consideration of wetland structure needs to be incorporated into the regulatory process to avoid a shift in wetland types that are present. Finally, instead of reviewing projects on a site-by-site basis, a landscape approach should be taken in order to avoid the loss of upland-wetland heterogeneity and the placement of mitigation wetlands in degraded landscapes.
Differential and synergistic effects of mechanical stimulation and growth factor presentation on vascular wall function

We investigated the hypothesis that immobilizing TGF-β1 within fibrin hydrogels may act in synergy with cyclic mechanical stimulation to enhance the properties of vascular grafts. To this end, we engineered a fusion TGF-β1 protein that can covalently anchor to fibrin during polymerization upon the action of factor XIII. We also developed a 24-well based bioreactor in which vascular constructs can be mechanically stimulated by distending the silastic mandrel in the middle of each well. TGF-β1 was either conjugated to fibrin or supplied in the culture medium and the fibrin-based constructs were cultured statically for a week followed by cyclic distention for another week. The tissues were examined for myogenic differentiation, vascular reactivity, mechanical properties and ECM content. Our results showed that some aspects of vascular function were differentially affected by growth factor presentation vs. pulsatile force application, while others were synergistically enhanced by both. Overall, this two-prong biomimetic approach improved ECM secretion, vascular reactivity and mechanical properties of vascular constructs. These findings may be applied in other tissue engineering applications such as cartilage, tendon or cardiac regeneration where growth factors TGF-β1 and mechano-stimulation play critical roles.
Effect of Temperature and Termite Starvation on Phagocytosis by Protozoan Symbionts of the Eastern Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar

Many termite species rely on intestinal protozoan symbionts to digest their cellulosic foods. We examined cellulose acquisition by the symbionts of the Eastern subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar (Isoptera; Rhinotermitidae) by following their phagocytosis of red paper fed to the termite host. The effects of termite host starvation and environmental temperature on feeding activity were studied in the zooflagellates Trichonympha agilis Leidy (Trichonymphidae), Pyrsonympha vertens Leidy, Dinenympha fimbriata Kirby, and D. gracilis Leidy (Pyrsonymphidae), which are among the largest residents in R. flavipes' hindguts. Protozoans in termites starved for 24 h ingested red paper significantly sooner than protozoans in termites with continuous access to food. Trichonympha, Pyrsonympha, and Dinenympha all ingested red paper particles at approximately the same rate. Red paper appeared significantly sooner in protozoans in termites maintained at 32°C than in those maintained at 22°C or 26°C. At 32°C, numbers of Trichonympha per gut remained constant over 96 h. Pyrsonympha and Dinenympha cells were absent or significantly reduced in number by 72 h at that temperature. These results provide insight into the environmental factors that shape the termite–protozoan symbiosis. They may aid in the development of protozoicides used to control pest termites.
On partition chromatography of proteins.

Abstract Column operations for the partitioning of proteins between immiscible aqueous systems by means of agarose beads saturated with one of the phases is described.
BUT ARE THEY EXPLOITED?: INDUSTRIAL HOME WORKERS IN THE 1990 NEW JERSEY CENSUS

At issue in the debate over home employment is whether paid work performed in the home exploits workers or enables them to decide when and where to do their work. Converting the terms of the debate into a set of variables, I compare blue‐collar workers in manufacturing industries by work location. Although observed differences are open to varying interpretations, I conclude that as a group the home workers in this sample may be choosing to work at home. However, my analyses also demonstrate the diversity of home working arrangements, and that worker's ‘choices’ are socially shaped such that home employment has different meanings and consequences for different groups of workers. I further argue that the exploitative potential in home work cannot be dismissed because the findings are controversial, and the sample most likely underrepresents home workers, especially those most vulnerable to exploitation. Evidently, more research is necessary on the diversity of home working arrangements and their implications.
Evaluation of Public Sweet Sorghum A-Lines for Use in Hybrid Production

A fundamental need for commercialization of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] as a bioenergy crop is an adequate seed supply, which will require development of hybrid varieties using dwarf seed-parent lines. A set of six public sweet sorghum A-lines (Dwarf Kansas Sourless, KS9, N36, N38, N39, and N4692) were crossed with a set of six public sweet sorghum cultivars (Brawley, Kansas Collier, Dale, Sugar Drip, Waconia, and Wray). Grain, fiber, and sugar yields were determined, and conversion formulas were applied to estimate ethanol yields. Hybrids were grown in fields at Ithaca, NE, USA, in 1983–1984 fertilized with 112 kg ha−1 N. In terms of yield components and overall ethanol yields, one A-line, N38, was inferior. Average total ethanol yields from hybrids made on the other A-lines were not significantly different, suggesting that any of those five A-lines could be useful seed-parents. With the exception of grain yield, cultivars used as pollen parents were among the highest-performing entries for all traits. For all traits directly contributing to total ethanol yield (grain yield, juice yield, % soluble solids, sugar yield, fiber yield), hybrids were also among the highest-performing entries. Results of this study demonstrate that hybrid sweet sorghum with performance criteria equivalent to existing sweet sorghum cultivars can be produced on the sweet sorghum seed-parent lines A-Dwarf Kansas Sourless, A-KS9, A-N36, A-N39, and A-N4692. Identification of specific seed-parent × pollen parent lines with characteristics best suited for particular growing regions and end-user needs will be critical for commercial hybrid development.
On the spectrum of (2,2) compactification of the heterotic string on conformal field theories

Abstract We study (2, 2) compactifications of the heterotic string by tensoring the degenerate N = 2 superconformal series. We recently constructed all models with c = 9 that preserve N = 1 spacetime supersymmetry. Here we extend this analysis by investigating the spectrum of our models. The number of generations and anti-generations is calculated and we comment on the conjectured relation between these conformal field theories and Calabi-Yau compactifications.
A framework for statistical timing analysis using non-linear delay and slew models

In this paper1 we propose a framework for Statistical Static Timing Analysis (SSTA) considering intra-die process variations. Given a cell library, we propose an accurate method to characterize the gate and interconnect delay as well as slew as a function of underlying parameter variations. Using these accurate delay models, we propose a method to perform SSTA based on a quadratic delay and slew model. The method is based on efficient dimensionality reduction technique used for accurate computation of the max of two delay expansions. Our results indicate less than 4% error in the variance of the delay models compared to SPICE Monte Carlo and less than 1% error in the variance of the circuit delay compared to Monte Carlo simulations.
Branching out: mechanisms of dendritic arborization

Type-specific dendrite morphology is a hallmark of the neuron and has important functional implications in determining what signals a neuron receives and how these signals are integrated. During the past two decades, studies on dendritic arborization neurons in Drosophila melanogaster have started to identify mechanisms of dendrite morphogenesis that may have broad applicability to vertebrate species. Transcription factors, receptor-ligand interactions, various signalling pathways, local translational machinery, cytoskeletal elements, Golgi outposts and endosomes have been identified as contributors to the organization of dendrites of individual neurons and the placement of these dendrites in the neuronal circuitry. Further insight into these mechanisms will improve our understanding of how the nervous system functions and might help to identify the underlying causes of some neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
3D Microwave bone imaging

We are developing a microwave imaging system for interrogating the calcaneus bone as a way of monitoring bone health progression in diseases such as osteoporosis We have previously shown that the dielectric properties of trabecular bone correspond well to the associated bone volume fraction which can be used as a good indicator of fracture risk. We present 3D results showing that the technique is sophisticated enough to recover the pertinent structures and that ultimately this technique will be sufficiently sensitive for disease monitoring
Stochastic assembly of sublithographic nanoscale interfaces

We describe a technique for addressing individual nanoscale wires with microscale control wires without using lithographic-scale processing to define nanoscale dimensions. Such a scheme is necessary to exploit sublithographic nanoscale storage and computational devices. Our technique uses modulation doping to address individual nanowires and self-assembly to organize them into nanoscale-pitch decoder arrays. We show that if coded nanowires are chosen at random from a sufficiently large population, we can ensure that a large fraction of the selected nanowires have unique addresses. For example, we show that N lines can be uniquely addressed over 99% of the time using no more than /spl lceil/2.2log/sub 2/(N)/spl rceil/+11 address wires. We further show a hybrid decoder scheme that only needs to address N=O(W/sub litho-pitch//W/sub nano-pitch/) wires at a time through this stochastic scheme; as a result, the number of unique codes required for the nanowires does not grow with decoder size. We give an O(N/sup 2/) procedure to discover the addresses which are present. We also demonstrate schemes that tolerate the misalignment of nanowires which can occur during the self-assembly process.
CAFO: Cost aware flip optimization for asymmetric memories

Phase Change Memory (PCM) and spin-transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM) are emerging as new memory technologies to replace DRAM and NAND flash that are impeded by physical limitations. Programming PCM cells degrades their endurance while programming STT-RAM cells incurs a high bit error rate. Accordingly, several schemes have been proposed to service write requests while programing as few memory cells as possible. Nevertheless, those schemes did not address the asymmetry in programming memory cells that characterizes both PCM and STT-RAM. For instance, writing a bit value of 0 on PCM cells is more detrimental to endurance than 1 while writing a bit value of 1 on STT-RAM cells is more prone to error than 0. In this paper, we propose CAFO as a new cost aware flip reduction scheme. Essentially, CAFO encompasses a cost model that computes the cost of servicing write requests through assigning different costs to each cell that requires programming. Subsequently, CAFO encodes the data to be written into a form that incurs less cost through its cost aware encoding module. Overall, CAFO is capable of cutting down the write cost by up to 65% more than existing schemes.
Flow-Field-Flow Fractionation: A Versatile New Separation Method

Flow-field-fractionation is a new separation technique that seems likely to have broad applicability. Its theoretical scope includes any solute for which one can find a solvent and a semipermeable membrane. The principles on which the technique is based are presented. Some experiments with polystyrene beads, viruses, and proteins verify that retention depends solely on diffusion coefficients.
Rapid enantiomeric determination of α-hydroxy acids by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Direct chirality measurement of tartaric and other α-hydroxy acids at very low enantiomeric excess (ee) using a fast new mass spectrometric method.