cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ALPHA-CHAIN HEMOGLOBIN POLYMORPHISMS ARE CORRELATED WITH ALTITUDE IN THE DEER MOUSE, PEROMYSCUS MANICULATUS.

In deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) populations in the western United States, alpha-globin haplotype frequency, beta-globin haplotype frequency, and base-line blood oxygen affinity (measured after acclimation to low altitude) show strong correlations with native altitude. The correlations improve when an average regional altitude is substituted for the local altitude at collection sites. This substitution roughly compensates for the effects of gene exchange between populations in areas of highly variable topography. When subspecific effects are removed with covariate analyses a significant (P < 0.05) relationship remains only for alpha-globin haplotype frequency and altitude. Thus, alpha-globin haplotype frequency, beta-globin haplotype frequency, and base-line blood oxygen affinity may be explained by either subspecific or altitudinal effects, but subspecific effects explain a larger proportion of the variance. Part of the subspecific effect may be attributable to an underlying relationship of subspecies with altitude. The analyses for the alpha-globins in conjunction with other data on the effects of alpha-globins on blood oxygen affinity and whole-animal physiological performance are consistent with the hypothesis that the frequency of the alpha-globins evolved in response to selection resulting from the stress of high-altitude hypoxia.
Social and support services offered by cleft and craniofacial teams: A national survey and institutional experience

Background:A multidisciplinary approach to patients with craniofacial abnormalities is the standard of care by the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA). The standards of team care, however, do not require provision of social support services beyond access to a social worker. The pur
Naloxone potentiates inotropic but not chronotropic effects of isoproterenol in vitro

Tachycardia often limits the usefulness of conventional beta-adrenergic inotropic therapy; therefore, a compound possessing positive inotropic but not chronotropic properties would be useful. These experiments determined the inotropic and chronotropic properties of naloxone in spontaneously contracting guinea pig atria and electrically paced papillary muscles in the presence and absence of isoproterenol. In atria naloxone exhibited no significant intrinsic inotropic properties. In the presence of isoproterenol, naloxone increased contractility in spontaneously contracting atria and electrically paced ventricular tissues by 11% and 79% respectively, without any significant change in contraction rate. Since naloxone potentiated the inotropic but not chronotropic effects of isoproterenol, it may be a useful adjunct to conventional beta-adrenergic therapy where an inotropic but not chronotropic effect is desired.
Molecular Basis of Genetic Disorders of Pigmentation in Humans and Mice

Disorders of pigmentation were among the first genetic diseases recognized in humans. The distinctive phenotypes of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and piebaldism were known to the ancient Greeks and Romans, and the typical clinical features, modes of inheritance, and genetic heterogeneity of these disorders are apparent even in classical descriptions (Lucian, 1905; Pliny, 1942; Gellius, 1952). Similar phenotypes were recognized early in the mouse, and the availability of inbred lines carrying characterized mutations has made the mouse an invaluable tool for studies of genetic disorders of pigmentation. Absent catalytic activity of tyrosinase in the skin of albino animals was one of the first enzymatic deficiencies recognized (Durham, 1904), and as early as 1908 Garrod suggested that albinism might be an inborn error of metabolism (Garrod, 1908).
Intelligent Systems: Modeling, Optimization, and Control

Providing a thorough introduction to the field of soft computing techniques, Intelligent Systems: Modeling, Optimization, and Control covers every major technique in artificial intelligence in a clear and practical style. This book highlights current research and applications, addresses issues encountered in the development of applied systems, and describes a wide range of intelligent systems techniques, including neural networks, fuzzy logic, evolutionary strategy, and genetic algorithms. The book demonstrates concepts through simulation examples and practical experimental results. Case studies are also presented from each field to facilitate understanding.
What is our value and who values us?: The 2009–10 ACRL President’s focus

Citation: Goetsch, Lori A. “What is our value and who values us?: The 2009–10 ACRL President’s focus,” College and Research Libraries News October 2009 70:502-503.
The Role of Transcriptional Intermediary Factor 1-gamma (TIF1γ), a Dermatomyositis Associated Autoantigen, in Muscle Fiber Differentiation and Regeneration (P07.047)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression and function of the dermatomyositis autoantigen TIF1γ during muscle regeneration and differentiation. BACKGROUND: Dermatomyositis (DM) is associated with muscle weakness and perifascicular atrophy on muscle biopsy. In patients with DM, specific autoantibodies (e.g., anti-Mi-2, -TIf1γ, and –NXP2) are associated with unique clinical phenotypes. We have previously shown that the DM autoantigen Mi-2 is over-expressed in regenerating muscle fibers in DM and may restrain muscle differentiation. The expression of other DM autoantigens and their roles in muscle physiology is not understood. DESIGN/METHODS: To study the expression of the DM autoantigen TIF1γ during muscle regeneration in vivo , we used the cardiotoxin (CTX) model of muscle injury and repair. Mouse tibialis anterior muscles were collected at several time-points following CTX injection at several time-points and protein lysates were prepared. We defined the expression of TIF1γ during muscle regeneration by quantitative immunoblotting. To study the expression of TIF1γ as myoblasts differentiate into myotubes in vitro , we used cultured human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMMs) which can be induced to form myosin heavy chain (MyHC)-expressing myotubes. We also transiently transfected HSMMs to assess the effect of TIF1γ over-expression on myoblast differentiation. Quantitative immunoblotting was employed to define TIF1γ, myogenin, and MyHC expression levels. RESULTS: TIF1γ expression is low in normal mouse muscle, increases during muscle regeneration, and returns to baseline levels several weeks after muscle injury. In vitro , TIF1γ is expressed at high levels in proliferating myoblasts and declines as they differentiate into MyHC-expressing myotubes. Transient over-expression of TIF1γ in differentiating HSMMs disrupts myoblast differentiation and delays expression of MyHC and myogenin. CONCLUSIONS: TIF1γ is expressed at high levels in myoblasts relative to differentiated myofibers. Over-expression of TIF1γ appears to restrain myoblast differentiation in vitro. The mechanism(s) of these effects remain to be elucidated. Supported by: NIH grant: K08-AR-054783. Disclosure: Dr. Mohassel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rosen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mammen has the right to receive patent payments from INOVA Diagnostics.
SnapShot: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of cancer treatment. Checkpoint blockade therapies unleash breaks in the immune system and induce long-lasting responses. However, a significant number of patients do not respond (innate resistance), and a subset progress after responding (acquired resistance). A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying checkpoint blockade therapies will facilitate the design of novel strategies to treat and prevent resistance. To view this SnapShot, open or download the PDF.
Adverse Experiences in Childhood and Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk from Adolescence into Adulthood

Background Childhood maltreatment, particularly sexual abuse, has been found to be associated with sexual risk behaviors later in life. We aimed to evaluate associations between a broad range of childhood traumas and sexual risk behaviors from adolescence into adulthood. Methods Using data from Waves I, III and IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we used logistic regression to estimate the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR) for associations between 9 childhood traumas and a cumulative trauma score and three sexual risk outcomes (multiple partnerships, sex trade involvement, and sexually transmitted infection [STI]) in adolescence, young adulthood, and adulthood. We also examined modification of these associations by gender. Results Associations between cumulative trauma score and sexual risk outcomes existed at all waves, though were strongest during adolescence. Dose-response-like relationships were observed during at least 1 wave of the study for each outcome. Violence exposures were strong independent correlates of adolescent sexual risk outcomes. Parental binge drinking was the only trauma associated with biologically confirmed infection in young adulthood (AOR, 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.11), whereas parental incarceration was the trauma most strongly associated with self-reported STI in adulthood (AOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.11-2.58). A strong connection was also found between sexual abuse and sex trade in the young adulthood period (AOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.43-2.49). Conclusions A broad range of traumas are independent correlates of sex risk behavior and STI, with increasing trauma level linked to increasing odds of sexual risk outcomes. The results underscore the need to consider trauma history in STI screening and prevention strategies.
Engaging Students in the Classroom by Using Internet Tools

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.] The use of a World Wide Web site for a course is described. Features incorporated into the site are designed to engage students in the ongoing activity of the course. A course Web site can improve th..
Accurate Virus Quantitation Using a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) Detector in a Scanning Electron Microscope

A method for accurate quantitation of virus particles has long been sought, but a perfect method still eludes the scientific community. Electron Microscopy (EM) quantitation is a valuable technique because it provides direct morphology information and counts of all viral particles, whether or not they are infectious. In the past, EM negative stain quantitation methods have been cited as inaccurate, non-reproducible, and with detection limits that were too high to be useful. To improve accuracy and reproducibility, we have developed a method termed Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy - Virus Quantitation (STEM-VQ), which simplifies sample preparation and uses a high throughput STEM detector in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) coupled with commercially available software. In this paper, we demonstrate STEM-VQ with an alphavirus stock preparation to present the method's accuracy and reproducibility, including a comparison of STEM-VQ to viral plaque assay and the ViroCyt Virus Counter.
Fission Reaction Event Yield Algorithm FREYA 2.0.2

Abstract FREYA (Fission Reaction Event Yield Algorithm) is a fission event generator which models complete fission events. As such, it automatically includes fluctuations as well as correlations between observables, resulting from conservation of energy and momentum. The purpose of this paper is to present the main differences between FREYA versions 1.0 and 2.0.2 : additional fissionable isotopes, angular momentum conservation, Giant Dipole Resonance form factor for the statistical emission of photons , improved treatment of fission photon emission using RIPL database, and dependence on the incident neutron direction. FREYA 2.0.2 has been integrated into the LLNL Fission Library 2.0.2 , which has itself been integrated into MCNP6.2 , TRIPOLI-4.10 , and can be called from Geant4.10 . New version program summary Program title: FREYA 2.0.2 Program Files doi: ” http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/2mssy7r3gt.1 ” Licensing provisions: BSD 3-clause Programming language: Fortran 90, C++ Journal Reference of previous version: J. M Verbeke, J. Randrup, R. Vogt, “Fission Reaction Yield Algorithm FREYA for Event-by-Event Simulation of Fission,” Comp. Phys. Comm. 191, pp. 178–202; doi:10.1016/j.cpc.2015.02.002 (2015). Does the new version supersede the previous version? Yes. Reasons for the new version: New physics and more fissionable isotopes. Summary of revisions: Additional fissionable isotopes, angular momentum conservation, Giant Dipole Resonance form factor for the statistical emission of photons, improved treatment of fission photon emission using RIPL database, and dependence on the incident neutron direction. Nature of problem: Modeling of fission events. Solution method: Simulation of complete fission events, production of secondary fission fragments, fission neutrons and photons. Restrictions: Restricted to spontaneous fission of 238 U, 238 Pu, 240 Pu, 242 Pu, 244 Cm, 252 Cf; neutron-induced fission of 233 U, 235 U, 238 U, 239 Pu, 241 Pu, for incident neutron energies less than 20 MeV.
Ocean eddies and climate predictability

A suite of coupled climate model simulations and experiments are used to examine how resolved mesoscale ocean features affect aspects of climate variability, air-sea interactions, and predictability. In combination with control simulations, experiments with the interactive ensemble coupling strategy are used to further amplify the role of the oceanic mesoscale field and the associated air-sea feedbacks and predictability. The basic intent of the interactive ensemble coupling strategy is to reduce the atmospheric noise at the air-sea interface, allowing an assessment of how noise affects the variability, and in this case, it is also used to diagnose predictability from the perspective of signal-to-noise ratios. The climate variability is assessed from the perspective of sea surface temperature (SST) variance ratios, and it is shown that, unsurprisingly, mesoscale variability significantly increases SST variance. Perhaps surprising is the fact that the presence of mesoscale ocean features even further enhances the SST variance in the interactive ensemble simulation beyond what would be expected from simple linear arguments. Changes in the air-sea coupling between simulations are assessed using pointwise convective rainfall-SST and convective rainfall-SST tendency correlations and again emphasize how the oceanic mesoscale alters the local association between convective rainfall and SST. Understanding the possible relationships between the SST-forced signal and the weather noise is critically important in climate predictability. We use the interactive ensemble simulations to diagnose this relationship, and we find that the presence of mesoscale ocean features significantly enhances this link particularly in ocean eddy rich regions. Finally, we use signal-to-noise ratios to show that the ocean mesoscale activity increases model estimated predictability in terms of convective precipitation and atmospheric upper tropospheric circulation.
Five-level argon–helium discharge model for characterization of a diode-pumped rare-gas laser

A five-level discharge kinetics model is developed to characterize the scaling potential of the diode-pumped rare-gas laser. The predicted excited state populations are examined as functions of the gas pressure, gas temperature, electron density, and electron temperature. The density of the metastable Ar(1s5) level is a sensitive function of electron temperature, increasing from 1012 cm−3 at 1 eV to 5×1013 cm−3 at 1.2 eV, for a total pressure of 400 Torr and a gas temperature of 440 K. This is in contrast to the distribution among excited states, which are most sensitive to the electron density and result from the interplay of the electron-impact and neutral-impact spin-orbit mixing rates. The model is benchmarked using absorption, emission, and gain data from recent laser demonstrations. A metastable number-density/path-length product of 1×1014 cm−2 is required for optimal lasing performance at a strong pump intensity of 20 kW/cm2. This system requires an aperture of 6.9 cm2 in order to sustain 100 kW performance in the total volume of 69 cm3. The primary difficulty in the development of such a discharge system is due to the combined requirements of a large-volume, homogeneous, atmospheric pressure discharge with sufficient electron temperature to sustain significant production of the metastable 1s5 state.
SLO induced inflammasome activation is triggered by pore-formation instead of membrane repair (INM6P.337)

Macrophages activate membrane repair and the inflammasome in response to bacterial pore-forming toxins like streptolysin O (SLO). SLO mutants that are more easily resisted by repair processes produce increased amounts of IL-1β. This suggests that membrane repair may influence inflammasome activation, though it is not clear whether pore-formation or triggering repair pathways directly activates the inflammasome. In order to determine the relationship between membrane repair and the inflammasome, we first determined the mechanism of membrane repair in macrophages. Dose-dependent cytotoxicity of SLO is lower in macrophages than in either 3T3 or HeLa cell lines, indicating increased repair efficiency in macrophages. This was not due to decreased SLO binding to macrophages. Macrophages challenged with sublytic doses of SLO shed microvesicles similar to HeLa and 3T3 cells. Although pore-formation was necessary for inflammasome activation, the pore-dead SLO N402E still promoted microvesicle shedding. However, a second SLO pore-dead mutant, SLO G395V/G396V failed to promote shedding. This suggests that membrane binding and the extent of oligomerization, rather than pore-formation, is necessary to trigger membrane repair. Since pore-formation is necessary for IL-1β secretion, these data suggest that membrane repair itself does not promote inflammasome activation. Instead membrane repair preserves the cell long enough to execute its inflammatory program.
Computing and the understanding of text

A paradigm shift is underway in the needs of newcomers to information technology. The computer and its use have invaded the core of how people learn and work, even how people know. This paper describes a course built on the principle that computing is an integral part of the human experience with text in all its forms, from simple strings of characters to intricately entwined hypermedia documents. We extract advanced topics in computing and make them accessible in a nontechnical introductory computing course conducted within the context of the production, management, storage and understanding of text.
Effect of food processing and preparation on mineral utilization.

While effects of various nutrients and certain non-nutrient components of food on mineral utilization have been intensively studied, less is known about the effects of food processing and preparation procedures. Fermentation during the production of beer, wine, yogurt, and African tribal foods affects bioavailability of Zn and Fe. Baking affects the chemical form of Fe in fortified bread products and these changes can affect its bioavailability. Availability of Fe in milk-based infant formula depends on whether Fe is added before or after heat processing. Food packaging (e. g., tin cans) can alter food composition and thus potentially affects mineral bioavailability. Maillard browning has been reported to cause slight decreases in Zn availability both in vitro and in humans. However, we found that feeding of highly browned casein-glucose products to rats as 5X of diet produced no effect on Zn absorption (59.5 ± 8.2% vs 54.1 ±7.3%) or Fe absorption (45.6 ± 7.7% vs 46.9 ± 12.6%) for browned vs control, respectively; nor did we find any of the adverse health effects reported by others. We found no effect on stable Zn or Cu absorption in seven men when browned foods were fed, compared to the same diets without browning. Zinc absorption was 34 ± 13% (browned) vs 24 ± 15% (unbrowned), and Cu absorption was 55 ± 5% vs 55 ± 8% (p>0.05).
A nursing guide to conscious sedation. Clarification of current practice issues.

This article discusses the historical background of conscious sedation and examines future trends. A discussion of appropriate clinical management based on national standards in order to achieve a consensus regarding a standard of care for conscious sedation is included. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (]CAHO) standards regarding conscious sedation are reviewed. Development of comprehens ive policy through a collaborative team approach is also in­cluded.
FCRL5+ Memory B Cells Exhibit Robust Recall Responses.

Summary FCRL5+ atypical memory B cells (atMBCs) expand in many chronic human infections, including recurrent malaria, but studies have drawn opposing conclusions about their function. Here, in mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi, we demonstrate expansion of an antigen-specific FCRL5+ population that is distinct from previously described FCRL5+ innate-like murine subsets. Comparative analyses reveal overlapping phenotypic and transcriptomic signatures between FCRL5+ B cells from Plasmodium-infected mice and atMBCs from Plasmodium-exposed humans. In infected mice, FCRL5 is expressed on the majority of antigen-specific germinal-center-derived memory B cells (MBCs). Upon challenge, FCRL5+ MBCs rapidly give rise to antibody-producing cells expressing additional atypical markers, demonstrating functionality in vivo. Moreover, atypical markers are expressed on antigen-specific MBCs generated by immunization in both mice and humans, indicating that the atypical phenotype is not restricted to chronic settings. This study resolves conflicting interpretations of atMBC function and suggests FCRL5+ B cells as an attractive target for vaccine strategies.
From Bastions to Models: Deutsche Schulen in Den Niederlanden as Tools of German Cultural Policy

ABSTRACTSuccessive German governments in the twentieth century used the system of German International Schools to achieve their cultural policy goals in the Netherlands. Prior to the Nazi assumptio...
Non-solvating, side-chain polymer electrolytes as lithium single-ion conductors: synthesis and ion transport characterization

Solid-state single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes have drawn considerable interest for secondary lithium batteries due to their potential for high electrochemical stability and safety, but applications are limited by their low ionic conductivities. Specifically, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based electrolytes have the highest reported Li+ conductivities for these materials; however, their potential is limited due to the ion transport mechanism being coupled to segmental relaxations of the cation solvating polymer chain. To investigate the potential of single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes lacking polar matrices, we synthesized three para-polyphenylene-based, side-chain polymer electrolytes with various pendent anion chemistries (–SO3−, –PSI−, and –TFSI−) with differing binding affinities to Li+. Compared with the previously reported lithium poly(4-styrenesulfonyl(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide) (LiPSTFSI), the side-chain polymers showed at least 3 orders of magnitude higher conductivity with the same –TFSI− anion (6.7 × 10−6 S cm−1 compared with 1.2 × 10−10 S cm−1 at 150 °C). We found that the side-chain electrolyte showed a dielectric relaxation dominated transport mechanism through use of dielectric spectroscopy analysis. The conductivity is highly dependent on the charge delocalization and size of the pendent anion, which provides a pathway forward for the engineering of polymeric ion conductors for electrochemical applications.
Hückel theory and distinguishing between isospectral molecules: 1,4-divinylbenzene and 2-phenylbutadiene, and tetramethylenemethane and cyclobutadiene + carbon

Although Huckel molecular orbital theory (HMO) has been generally outdated as a computational method for the energetics of organic molecules, there is still much we can learn from it. This paper explores two compounds, 1,4-divinylbenzene and 2-phenylbutadiene, which, according to Huckel theory, are isospectral, i.e., they have the same eigenvalues and orbital energy levels. However, by using a small, well-defined perturbation, we show it is mathematically possible to distinguish between these two compounds. We suggest that this is a general procedure for distinguishing isospectral pairs of molecules as opposed to the two species being identical.
Use and Removal of Inferior Vena Cava Filters in Patients With Acute Brain Injury.

Background:Few data exist regarding the rate of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval among brain-injured patients.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study using inpatient claims betwe...
Monocytes complexed to platelets differentiate into functionally deficient dendritic cells.

In addition to their role in hemostasis, platelets store numerous immunoregulatory molecules such as CD40L, TGFβ, β2-microglobulin, and IL-1β and release them upon activation. Previous studies indicate that activated platelets form transient complexes with monocytes, especially in HIV infected individuals and induce a proinflammatory monocyte phenotype. Because monocytes can act as precursors of dendritic cells (DCs) during infection/inflammation as well as for generation of DC-based vaccine therapies, we evaluated the impact of activated platelets on monocyte differentiation into DCs. We observed that in vitro cultured DCs derived from platelet-monocyte complexes (PMCs) exhibit reduced levels of molecules critical to DC function (CD206, dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin, CD80, CD86, CCR7) and reduced antigen uptake capacity. DCs derived from PMCs also showed reduced ability to activate naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and secrete IL-12p70 in response to CD40L stimulation, resulting in decreased ability to promote type-1 immune responses to HIV antigens. Our results indicate that formation of complexes with activated platelets can suppress the development of functional DCs from such monocytes. Disruption of PMCs in vivo via antiplatelet drugs such as Clopidogrel/Prasugrel or the application of platelet-free monocytes for DCs generation in vitro, may be used to enhance immunization and augment the immune control of HIV.
Caruncular Dacryops After Cataract Surgery With Histopathological Characterization.

ABSTRACT Caruncular dacryops is a rare cyst of lacrimal tissue most commonly found in the palpebral lobe of the lacrimal gland. The exact cause of dacryops is unclear, although it may be congenital or associated with trauma, infection, or inflammation. The pathophysiology and histology of a caruncular dacryops of the left lacrimal gland in a 68-year-old woman is reported. The patient presented 3 months after a cataract surgery with symptoms of irritation and pruritus of the left eye. A 6- × 6-mm clear cyst of the lacrimal gland prolapsing into the lateral fornix was noted on physical exam. Histological examination of the cyst showed a double layer of flat cuboidal epithelium surrounded by fibrous tissue with minor lacrimal glands present. Periodic acid Schiff-diastase and mucicarmine staining showed the presence of goblet cells dispersed in the epithelial cells. Complete excision of the cyst is the treatment of choice for most caruncular dacryops, and our case remains without recurrence after excision. This case highlights the clinical and histological presentation of caruncular dacryops and raises awareness of their incidence following presumed trauma during cataract surgery.
The Path to Controlled Delivery of Reactive Sulfur Species.

Reactive sulfur species (RSS) play regulatory roles in many physiological and pathological processes. Since the discovery of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) as a nitric oxide (NO)-like signaling molecule, understanding the chemical biology of H2S and H2S-related RSS, such as hydropersulfides (RSSH) and polysulfides (H2Sn), has become a fast-growing research field. However, the research on these RSS has technical difficulties due to their high reactivity and instability. To solve this problem, considerable efforts have been put into the development of unique RSS releasing compounds (e.g., donors) or in situ RSS generation systems. This Account tells the story of our research group's effort to develop novel RSS donors.We began with exploring molecular entities that were stable by themselves but could be triggered by biologically relevant factors, such as pH, thiols, light, or enzymes, to release H2S in a controllable fashion. These studies led to the discovery of a series of novel H2S donors. We later expanded our interests to other RSS including RSSH, H2Sn, RSeSH, HSNO, RSOH, etc. The fundamental chemistry of these RSS was studied and applied to the development of the corresponding donors. In addition to small molecule donors, we also worked on H2S-releasing biomaterials and their applications. This Account summarizes our work and systematically explains how each RSS donor template was proposed and evaluated. The Account covers the following key points: (1) rational chemistry design of each RSS donor template, (2) evaluation and mechanistic insights of each donor template, and (3) properties and biological applications of the donors.
Impact of Personality Traits on Compulsive Buying Behaviour: With Special Reference to the Modern Trade Sector (Cargills supermarket) in Batticaloa district

This study examined the research problem, to what extent does the Personality traits impact on Compulsive buying behaviour of supermarket customers in Batticaloa district. Quantitative methodology was applied for this research study and 200 questionnaires were administrated to collect data from the customers of four super supermarket in Batticaloa district. Further Descriptive, Correlation and Regressions analysis were performed for the analysis purpose. Major fining of this study revealed that there is a significant positive impact of Personality traits and Compulsive buying behaviour of supermarket customers in Batticaloa district. These findings of this study would be useful to marketers to concern on the dimensions of customer’s personality traits in order to understand their compulsive buying behaviour. This will lead to enhancement of sales of supermarkets whereas this will lead to the long-term survival of the supermarket chain in the competitive market.
Mirror Symmetry, Born Geometry and String Theory

All known string theory models may be obtained as partial fermionization, projection and background Ans\"atze from the original, purely bosonic string theory. The latter theory in turn has been recently shown to describe a chirally and non-commutatively doubled and manifestly T-dual target spacetime. We show herein that this, so-called metastring theory automatically includes mirror symmetry.
Patenting in the Biological Sciences

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by A. Webster, volume 11, pp. 7612–7615, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
The Italian Renaissance Palace Façade: Structures of Authority, Surfaces of Sense

The architectural facade addresses and enhances the space of the city, while displaying, or dissembling, interior arrangements. In this book, Charles Burroughs tracks the emergence of the facade in late medieval Florence and then follows the sharply diverging reactions of Renaissance architects to new demands and possibilities for representation in both residential and governmental contexts. Understanding the facade as an assemblage of elements of diverse character and origin, Burroughs explores the wide range of formal solutions available to architects and patrons. In the absence of explicit reflection on the facade in Renaissance architectural discourse, Burroughs notes the theoretical implications of certain celebrated designs, implying mediation on the nature of architecture itself and the society it serves and represents, as well as on the relationship between nature and culture.
Thermal aspects of uterine blood flow in nonpregnant sheep.

Abstract Thermocouples were implanted in the uterine cavity and aorta of 1 normal and 4 ovariectomized ewes. A temperature difference of 0.2 to 0.4° C. between cavity of uterus and aorta, characteristic of these sheep, was reduced to 0.05° C. 1.5 hours after administration of 1 to 2 mg. of estrone. In 2 acute experiments, the uterine blood flow was measured by a direct method. Flows between 100 and 1,150 grams of blood per kilogram uterus per minute were inversely related to differences in temperature between uterine cavity and aorta. Alterations in the temperature difference between the uterus and the blood coming to it appear to result from a dissociation between the rate of heat loss from this organ and its rate of heat production. The thermal technique appears to be useful as a qualitative bioassay in continuous, long-term studies of uterine blood flow in waking animals.
Biofuel Production: Utilizing Stakeholders’ Perspectives

AbstractThe use of biofuels as a replacement for fossil fuels is growing in the United States and other countries in part because of economic and environmental concerns. One of the technologies for biofuels production is fast pyrolysis; however, to increase manufacturing of fast pyrolysis units, a better understanding of stakeholders’ requirements and perspectives is needed. This is a complex decision problem. Due to the diversity of perspectives, each group of stakeholders has their own unique requirements, which in total will determine the right manufacturing approach. Previous studies either investigated optimal sizing from a single viewpoint or have combined a subset of perspectives. This study applies multiple tools to develop a more comprehensive view of stakeholders’ perspectives. Individual subject matter experts were asked to review and prioritize a set of requirements that reflected different stakeholders’ perspectives, including economic, environmental, technical, social, and legal. The perspec...
A Focal Point Theory of Expressive Law

Economic analysis generally assumes that law solves cooperation problems because legal sanctions change payoffs. Where the problem is one of coordination, however, this article contends that law also influences behavior by changing expectations, independent of payoffs. When individuals need to coordinate, law works to make one equilibrium "focal" and thereby creates expectations that others will play the strategy associated with that equilibrium. Once the expectations exist, they are self-fulfilling; even if the payoffs remain the same, everyone prefers to play the focal point strategy. Private expression can also change expectations, but law often has a comparative advantage in the publicity accorded to, and uniqueness of, its message, as well as the resulting reputation of public officials. The focal effect is one way to explain how law influences behavior "expressively" by what it says, independent of the sanctions it imposes. The article initially demonstrates this result using a pure coordination game, but then broadens the analysis in two ways. First, the focal point exists even when individuals have conflicting interests, as long as they share a common interest in avoiding certain outcomes. Thus, focal points matter in "Hawk-Dove" games which plausibly model a substantial amount of real world conflict. In such situations, both adjudication and regulation have some expressive influence on behavior. Second, the focal effect exists in iterated situations where equilibria evolve over time. Legal focal points can influence behavior during disequilibrium and, in several ways, supplant an existing convention. These points are illustrated with examples of traffic regulation, a sanctionless anti-smoking law, and a law creating "imperfect" liability for landlords.
The Poetics of National and Racial Identity in Nineteenth-Century American Literature

Introduction Part I. The Poetics of National Identity: 1. 'We are five and forty': meter and national identity in Sir Walter Scott 2. 'Our sacred union', 'our beloved Apalachia': nation and genius loci in Hawthorne and Simms Part II. The Poetics of Racial Identity: 3. 'Of me and of mine': the music of racial identity 4. 'Blood will tell': literary effects and the diagnosis of racial instinct Conclusion: the conversation of identities Notes Bibliography Index.
SPOUSE PARTICIPATION IN THE TREATMENT OF ALCOHOLISM

A primary purpose of this study was to derive some empirical evidence as to whether involvement of spouses in the treatment process significantly affects completion of treatment and recidivism of the alcoholic. Case records of seventy patients admitted to a hospital alcohol intervention unit and their spouses comprised the total sample. The independent variable, spouse panicipation in three group educational sessions on alcohol as a drug and alcoholism as a progressive disease, was contrasted with completion of treatment and recidivism of the alcoholic patient. Data was also collected to determine which of the subjects panicipated in three or more outpatient sessions. Participation of spouses in the group work strategy derived from a developmental perspective was related to both dependent variables; however, calculations with respect to outpatient sessions failed to yield statistical significance. Data also suggested that the "spouse group" facilitated a better understanding of alcoholism as a progressive...
Dependence of extensive chaos on the spatial correlation length (substantial revision)

We consider spatiotemporal chaotic systems for which spatial correlation functions decay substantially over a length scale xi (the spatial correlation length) that is small compared to the system size L. Numerical simulations suggest that such systems generally will be extensive, with the fractal dimension D growing in proportion to the system volume for sufficiently large systems (L >> xi). Intuitively, extensive chaos arises because of spatial disorder. Subsystems that are sufficiently separated in space should be uncorrelated and so contribute to the fractal dimension in proportion to their number. We report here the first numerical calculation that examines quantitatively how one important characterization of extensive chaos---the Lyapunov dimension density---depends on spatial disorder, as measured by the spatial correlation length xi. Surprisingly, we find that a representative extensively chaotic system does not act dynamically as many weakly interacting regions of size xi.
Equatorial F region irregularity morphology during an equinoctial month at solar minimum

A large number of instruments was used in October 1996 to record activities in the equatorial ionosphere above South America. In a month at solar minimum, data were obtained at various levels of magnetic activity and various levels of ionospheric irregularity development. With this multi-instrumented study, it was possible to utilize optical data, radar, GPS transmissions, and ionosondes at various sites in the equatorial region. The concept of this paper is to review the plethora of events which occurred during this month with a view to describing the interrelationship of the wide variety of irregularity developments. Data were obtained on nights when no irregularities were observed at any location in the equatorial region across South America. There were nights when only localized irregularity structures with relatively narrow latitudinal and longitudinal effects were noted close to the magnetic equator. We noted the occasional presence in the 02–06 local time period of plume structures with data available from optical observations as well as from phase and amplitude scintillation. During a major magnetic storm on one night, October 22–23, a long lasting high altitude plume was detected by the Jicamarca radar. On this night, irregularities were noted all across South America and even beyond the western and eastern coasts. This plume produced ionospheric effects which could be traced to turbulence at over 2000 km above the magnetic equator. With additional data from high latitude stations and from Guam and Kwajelein, it was possible to link and compare irregularity development in the same time period over a large portion of the globe. The aim of this paper is to give a day-to-day picture of the occurrence and intensity of equatorial irregularity development over a month-long period rather than a short case study or the converse, long term statistics over several seasons. Using this database and the modeling of total electron content as a function of solar flux, we outline the possibilities and limitations for forecasting irregularity activity in this region for a period of low solar flux. Forecasting is limited and calls for experimental data for necessary and sufficient gradients and wind conditions for plumes to fully develop.
A combined electrochemical and optical trapping platform for measuring single cell respiration rates at electrode interfaces

Metal-reducing bacteria gain energy by extracellular electron transfer to external solids, such as naturally abundant minerals, which substitute for oxygen or the other common soluble electron acceptors of respiration. This process is one of the earliest forms of respiration on earth and has significant environmental and technological implications. By performing electron transfer to electrodes instead of minerals, these microbes can be used as biocatalysts for conversion of diverse chemical fuels to electricity. Understanding such a complex biotic-abiotic interaction necessitates the development of tools capable of probing extracellular electron transfer down to the level of single cells. Here, we describe an experimental platform for single cell respiration measurements. The design integrates an infrared optical trap, perfusion chamber, and lithographically fabricated electrochemical chips containing potentiostatically controlled transparent indium tin oxide microelectrodes. Individual bacteria are manipulated using the optical trap and placed on the microelectrodes, which are biased at a suitable oxidizing potential in the absence of any chemical electron acceptor. The potentiostat is used to detect the respiration current correlated with cell-electrode contact. We demonstrate the system with single cell measurements of the dissimilatory-metal reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, which resulted in respiration currents ranging from 15 fA to 100 fA per cell under our measurement conditions. Mutants lacking the outer-membrane cytochromes necessary for extracellular respiration did not result in any measurable current output upon contact. In addition to the application for extracellular electron transfer studies, the ability to electronically measure cell-specific respiration rates may provide answers for a variety of fundamental microbial physiology questions.
Dielectric breakdown in PLZT 9.5/65/35 ceramics

There is currently a trend to reduce the thickness of the dielectrics and to operate them at higher field levels. Understanding and controlling the breakdown strength will permit higher operating fields. The main goal of this work was to establish the breakdown mechanism in PLZT ceramics. The breakdown experiments were conducted with both hot-pressed and conventional ceramics. The breakdown strength was studied as a function of electrode material, voltage polarity, ramp rate, and temperature. All of the results were consistent with electromechanical breakdown being the dominant mechanism.
False-Positive Radioactive Iodine Uptake Mimicking Miliary Lung Metastases in a Patient Affected by Papillary Thyroid Cancer and IgA Deficiency

A 42-year-old female with immunoglobulin A deficiency and recurrent sinopulmonary infections underwent thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Follow-up (123)I scintigraphy demonstrated diffuse pulmonary uptake, suggesting metastatic disease. However, subsequent pathologic, biochemical and radiographic testing proved that she was in fact disease free, and the initial (123)I pulmonary uptake was identified as a false positive. Inflammatory conditions may rarely cause iodine uptake in non-thyroidal tissues due to local retention, organification, and/or immunologic utilization. To avoid exposing patients to unnecessary treatments, it is critical for clinicians to recognize that comorbid pulmonary conditions may mimic metastatic PTC on radioiodine scintigraphy.
Determining the Lenqth of Multiple Choice Criterion-Referenced Tests when an Answer-Until-Correct Scoring Procedure is Used

When determining the length of a criterion-referenced test, results in van den Brink and Koele (1980) and Wilcox (1980a, 1980b) indicate that the problem of guessing might be more serious than may have been expected. Recently, however, a new method of scoring tests was proposed that corrects for guessing without assuming guessing is at random. Moreover, empirical investigations suggest that the underlying assumptions of the new scoring procedure will frequently hold. This paper indicates how test length might be determined when the new scoring procedure is used. The results indicate that test length might be substantially reduced when the new scoring rule can be applied.
Retinotopically inappropriate synapses of subnormal density formed by surgically misdirected optic fibers in goldfish tectum.

Abstract Selected optic fibers were surgically deflected from one tectum onto the opposite host tectum which was denervated by eye enucleation. At 6–8 months, deflected fibers were labeled with horseradish peroxidase and the retinotopically inappropriate part of tectum was examined using electron microscopy. Numerous (labeled) optic synapses were found in the primary optic innervation layer of the ‘wrong’ part of tectum but they were about half the normal density. The number and density of non-optic synapses was not found to be affected. These findins indicate optic fibers compete with each other but not with non-optic fibers for synaptic sites in tectum.
Is there a role for growth hormone in the clinical management of burn injuries

GH is a potent anabolic agent that offers distinct advantages to the hypercatabolic paediatric burns patient. GH can be administered with minimal risk of untoward side-effects in this patient group. GH reduces the catabolic effects of trauma, both directly and indirectly, through stimulation of protein synthesis. Accelerated wound healing and reduction in tissue-wasting effects are clear benefits that reduce the overall morbidity associated with burn injury in children. Further applications of GH treatment will stem from ongoing investigations that are examining alternative delivery methods, long-term treatment beyond the acute hospitalization phase, and combination therapy with beta-blockers, antiglucocorticoids or other growth factors.