cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasticity in food preference and diet-induced differential weighting of chemosensory information in larval Manduca sexta

Abstract The complement of chemosensory organs required for food discrimination was examined using larvae whose food preferences were differentially affected by rearing on either the host plant, Lycopersicon esculentum, or the acceptable non-host plant, Vigna sinensis. Larvae having different types of chemosensory organs remaining after microsurgery were given a choice between leaf discs of V. sinensis and wetted filter paper discs (water). Information mediated by the lateral maxillary sensilla styloconica is necessary to detect the feeding deterrent properties of V. sinensis by larvae reared on L. esculentum. In contrast, larvae reared on V. sinensis are stimulated to eat this plant, which requires inputs from both the antennae and the maxillary palps. Although the remaining chemosensory organs also mediate food selection, their contribution to a normal level of food selection could not be demonstrated. Thus, feeding responses to V. sinensis require information from only a subset of the available chemosensory organs. This need varies with the dietary experience of the larvae. The same subset is required to mediate a diet-induced food preference when larvae are given a choice between L. esculentum and V. sinensis. These results show for the first time that the antennae and the maxillary palps can be more important in mediating food selection by M. sexta larvae than the maxillary sensilla styloconica and the epipharyngeal sensilla. The dominance of certain chemosensory organs over others in mediating food selection suggests perception of stimuli carrying weighting factors of substantially different strength. The switch in feeding response to V. sinensis from deterrent (by larvae reared on L. esculentum) to stimulatory (by larvae reared on V. sinensis) seems to be due to changes in weighting factors assigned to stimuli detected by (1) the antennae (increase) and (2) the maxillary palps (increase) and/or the lateral maxillary sensilla styloconica (decrease). The results do not support linear processing of chemosensory inputs underlying feeding responses to V. sinensis.
The Effects of Differing Overhead Heights on Shoulder Fatigue during a Repetitive Intermittent Task

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different overhead work heights on shoulder fatigue. Ten participants (6 males, 4 females) with manual work experience were recruited to per...
Social Perceptions of Religiosity: Dogmatism Tarnishes the Religious Halo

Researchers have provided much evidence in support of a religious halo effect—the tendency for people to evaluate a religious target more favorably than a nonreligious counterpart. This experimental study (N = 361 U.S. adults) extended previous work beyond the dichotomy of religious versus nonreligious by varying a fictional target's degree of belief. Only religious participants exhibited a nonspecific pro-religious bias consistent with the religious halo effect, favoring religious over not religious and very over somewhat religious targets. However, indicators of dogmatic thinking (e.g., I am so sure I am right about the important things in life, there is no evidence that could convince me otherwise) degraded target evaluations by religious and nonreligious participants alike. Results suggest that religiosity's positive associations depend upon an assumption of strong but flexible belief and underscore the importance of studying social perceptions of religious fundamentalists.
Differences in Discharge Medication After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients with HMO and Fee‐for‐Service Medical Insurance

Objective To assess the impact of fee-for-service (FFS) versus HMO medical insurance coverage on receipt of aspirin, β-blockers, and calcium channel blockers at the time of hospital discharge following an acute myocardial infarction.
Seismic Fragility and Confidence Bounds for Gravity Load Designed Reinforced Concrete Frames of Varying Height

Fragility estimates are developed to assess the seismic vulnerability of reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings, which were designed primarily for gravity loads. Five buildings of various heights (one-, two-, three-, six-, and ten-stories) are used to represent generic RC frame buildings of one- to ten-stories tall. Using a Bayesian methodology, probabilistic demand models are developed to predict the seismic structural demand using the peak interstory drift response for an imposed earthquake. Seismic structural capacity values are selected corresponding to the performance levels or damage state as specified in FEMA 356 or as computed by nonlinear pushover analyses. For each building, fragility estimates are obtained by assessing the conditional probability that the drift demand reaches or exceeds the drift capacity for a given earthquake spectral acceleration. Confidence bounds are developed to represent the epistemic uncertainty inherent in the demand models used in the fragility estimates. Bivariate fragility estimates, formulated as a function of spectral acceleration and the fundamental building period, are developed from the fragility estimates of the individual buildings. The bivariate fragilities can be used to quantify the seismic vulnerability of gravity load designed RC frame buildings one- to ten-stories tall.
Presentation of Complex Medical Information: Interaction Between Concept Maps and Spatial Ability on Deep Learning

The purpose was to test the effect of placement of concept maps on learning complex medical information presented online. Blocked by a median split of scores on the Paper Folding Test (Ekstrom, French, & Harman, 1979), college students were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions (map before text, map after text, and no map). For purposes of analyses, learners were categorized into low and high ability groups using the lower and upper 25% of scores. A 3 X 2 MANOVA was performed on two correlated dependent variables, recall and application, revealing a statistically significant interaction effect on application learning. For this dependent variable, low spatial ability learners in the no map condition (control group) scored statistically significantly lower than high spatial ability learners.
The magnetocaloric effect in dysprosium

The magnetocaloric effect in polycrystalline Dy was measured in the 84-280-K range in measuring fields from 1 to 7 T. These adiabatic temperature changes reflect structural changes in Dy with applied field and temperature, and include the first magnetocaloric data for a helical antiferromagnet. Above the Neel point (179 K) a field increase always caused heating; below the Neel point fields less than about 2 T cause cooling for some values of initial temperature. The largest temperature increase with a 7 T field occurs at the Neel point and at fields below 2 T near the Curie point. For refrigeration purposes the optimal working region for a Dy cooling element is field dependent.
Rituximab in the very young: benefits in AIHA, at what risk?

Rituximab, a humanized anti-CD20 antibody, was the first approved therapeutic monoclonal antibody and has rapidly gained an important role in the armamentarium against non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Quite well tolerated, rituximab results in not only a significant antitumor response in many patients, but
The Theory of the Action of the Earth's Potential-Gradient in Measurements with the Ebert Ion-Counter

Theory of effect of potential gradient on measurements with the Ebert ion-counter.---In a former paper, the theory of the action of the negative charge induced on the ion-counter by the normal atmospheric potential gradient in causing error in the measurements of the negative ion-density was worked out for the case where the induced charge is insufficient to prevent the entry of ions at any point. The theory led to a linear relation between the reduction in measured negative ionic density and the potential-gradient. The simple theory is now extended, to take account of the action of the induced charge in not only changing the speed of the ions but in reducing the area of the surface through which negative ions can enter the instrument. Assuming a simple ring distribution of the induced charge, an expression for the variation of percentage error or reduction in the measured negative ionic density with potential-gradient, is derived, and shows a non-linear law, in general agreement with the observations of Mackell. In measurements of positive ion-density, the extended theory, like the simple one, indicates that no error is to be expected, for a potential-gradient of normal sign, a conclusion confirmed by recent results of Mackell and of Norinder.
Geothermal Trends in Petroliferous Regions of Louisiana: ABSTRACT

End_Page 1361------------------------------Published literature documents varying degrees of correlation between geologic structures and geothermal highs (halos) of several petroleum fields. In conjunction with these fields, additional structures and associated productive trends have been evaluated to develop certain predictive criteria. The studies attempted in this regard include structural and stratigraphic traps, rollover anticlines, and salt domes with productive beds of different ages in Louisiana. As part of the characterization of the subsurface temperature regime of the regions studied, the following broad generalizations seem to be in order: (a) geothermal halos observed near faults appear astride the fault, or clearly confined to one fault block or the other; (b) a single geothermal halo in a deep section may be overlain by multiple halos, generally of lower relief, in shallow sections; (c) geothermal halos associated with deep-seated salt domes are located in the sedimetnary section on or near the top of the dome, near the perimeter or on the flanks. Such halos are not discernible on shallow domes; (d) in the interior basin, a salt dome with productive horizons appears to have a geothermal halo of higher relief than those in the vicinity with no petroleum accumulations; an (e) even some petroleum traps, created by sedimentary facies changes with no distinct structural closures, are marked with geothermal haols. The observed characteristics of the subsurface thermal regimes are generally explained in terms of thermal properties of rocks and pore fluids, and fluid migration induced by changes in the density, viscosity, and pressure potential of the subsurface fluids. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1362------------
On What We See

This paper investigates the idea that perception can be, at once, a mode of direct awareness of the world and an encounter, in the first instance, with mere appearances. In developing this point, I introduce a sensorimotor account of perception according to which the senses are ways of exploring the environment mediated by different patterns of sensorimotor contingency (i.e. by the distinctive ways in which what the perceiver does affects how things appear).
The interstellar medium near the sun. II - The line of sight to Alpha Virginis

Measurements of the UV interstellar lines in Alpha Vir between 935 and 2960 A are reported. The derived abundances indicate significant depletion of Al, Si, Mn, Fe, and possibly Mg, whereas S, C, Ar, and O appear to be essentially undepleted. About half the gas is shown to be ionized, with a mean electron density of no more than 1 per cu cm, and the remainder is neutral, though both regions have the same velocity to within 2 km/s. A small fraction of the gas is apparently at a temperature of 400,000 K. The possibility of measuring the temperature of the H I gas is discussed, using the observed relationship between Doppler width and mass. A detailed discussion is included of the data analysis useful for comparatively simple lines of sight in terms of density, temperature, and extent of the possible physical regions, and of the relevant radiation field. An unidentified feature at 1063.2 A is reported.
Feedback control of the Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) process

The Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) technique is a liquid-molding process that offers the potential to significantly reduce fabrication costs for large-scale composite structures. The VARTM workcell is used to evaluate control strategies and sensors such as SMARTweave to provide feedback for an intelligent control system. Current VARTM systems lack automated control systems resulting in part to part variability. This research presents a continuously controlled vacuum actuator system and the influence of vacuum gradients on resin flow front control.
Reliability analysis of digital communication systems with imperfect voters

In this paper, we study the problem of achieving optimum redundancy for the digital communication systems, assuming that failure of units (channels and voter) may take either one of two forms. The reliability of the system is defined as the probability of making the correct decision at the output of the system when a digit enters the system. We derive a general expression for reliability of the system and also discuss the optimization issues that maximize system reliability.
Occupant‐use factors influencing optimal results from energy conservation strategies

Although residential conservation strategies can have a dramatic impact on energy consumption, the involvement of the occupant can have a deterring and/or an enhancing influence on optimal results. Occupant impact on the use of residential heating conservation strategies was assessed by monitoring use factors and energy-consumption data of nine families living in an energy test house. The families tested two supplemental space heating strategies, use of a sunspace and a woodstove. The families used each strategy separately for one-week periods. User- and energy-consumption data for the use of flow-restricting showerheads, a hot-water conservation strategy, were used by nine families — seven involved in the testing of the heating strategies and two who tested cooling strategies in the summer months. The families used the showerheads either for a one or two-week period. Energy-consumption data were compared against a baseline week in which none of the conservation strategies were used. A computer-based data acquisition system tracked energy consumption as well as room temperatures and other environmental data. Questionnaires, completed daily and weekly, were used to collect user-behaviour data, including evaluations of user involvement, resulting thermal comfort, and impact on family routines and habits. The results showed that resident implementation of strategy requirements was related to energy savings. Energy savings varied with being at home in order to open/close sunspace doors for optimal heating, with the level of previous experience of the woodstove strategy, and with compensating behaviour such as taking baths instead of using the flow-restricting showerheads.
The Genesis of Meteorology at the University of Chicago

Abstract The genesis of meteorology at the University of Chicago is reviewed in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Institute of Meteorology. The Institute of Meteorology was founded in October 1940 under the leadership of Carl Rossby and Horace Byers. Although previous attempts failed due to lack of resources, the imminent need for meteorologists in aviation and long–range weather forecasting, particularly for the nation's military needs, provided sufficient motivation for the program, and a $15,000 donation by Sewell Avery provided the necessary funds to get the program started. This article adds to Byers' 1975 account of the founding of the Institute by documenting the exchange of letters in 1939 between C. Rossby, Karl T. Compton (president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Arthur H. Compton (professor of Physics at Chicago), and Henry Gale (dean of Physical Sciences at Chicago) regarding the possibility of establishing a meteorology program at Chicago.
Assessing neuroreceptor occupancy by continuous infusion of carbon-11 labeled radioligands.

In carbon-11 labeled radiotracer studies of neuroreceptors in the brain, a state of practical equilibrium, monitored with a simple dual-probe detector system, was achieved by injection of a bolus of tracer followed by a continuous infusion of the tracer. After investigating several different bolus-to-infusion activity ratios, we observed that a practical equilibrium state could be achieved with a slope of 0.02±0.001 cpsxkg/µCi/min for [11C]carfentanil studies in normal human beings. The usefulness of this approach to assess neuroreceptor occupancy was demonstrated in two cases.
High-throughput Mapping of the Chromatin Structure of Human Promoters

Our understanding of how chromatin structure influences cellular processes such as transcription and replication has been limited by a lack of nucleosome-positioning data in human cells. We describe a high-resolution microarray approach combined with an analysis algorithm to examine nucleosome positioning in 3,692 promoters within seven human cell lines. Unlike unexpressed genes without transcription-preinitiation complexes at their promoters, expressed genes or genes containing preinitiation complexes exhibit characteristic nucleosome-free regions at their transcription start sites. The combination of these nucleosome data with chromatin immunoprecipitation-chip analyses reveals that the melanocyte master regulator microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) predominantly binds nucleosome-free regions, supporting the model that nucleosomes limit sequence accessibility. This study presents a global view of human nucleosome positioning and provides a high-throughput tool for analyzing chromatin structure in development and disease.
Antifungal patents appearing from June 1995 to June 1997

Claims related to the discovery of new antifungal agents and methods to improve existing marketed drugs dominate the patent literature dating from June 1995 to June 1997. The bulk of this review deals with entries that involve the synthesis and evaluation of new compounds and novel analogues of known classes of antifungals. Coverage related to the development of combination therapies and the use of formulation vehicles to improve the physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles associated with parent compounds is also included.
The subaltern speaks back into the image factory: Justine Sacco's AIDS tweet cross-pollinates social and mass media

ABSTRACTDays before the Christmas of 2013, Justine Sacco, a former Public Relations Executive for InterActiveCorp (IAC), tweeted an HIV/AIDS slur she had considered innocuous. The supposedly ‘harmless’ message drew a firestorm from social media users and spilled over into the mass media. Using critical communication approach in conjunction with hegemonic-framing, I placed the text in a historical, ideological and political context. I argue that, as a feature of the postmodern media landscape, the disruption in media hierarchies implies that the subaltern can speak back into the image factory with repercussions.
Constant Time Graph and Poset Algorithms on the Reconfigurable Multiple Bus Machine

The Reconfigurable Multiple Bus Machine (RMBM) is a model of parallel computation based on reconfigurable buses. In this paper, vie present constant time RMBM algorithms for a collection of basic, graph problems that include, lowest common ancestors and Euler tour related problems (for trees) and shortest path and connectivity related problems (for general graphs). We also present results for some poset and lattice problems. All algorithms are at least as efficient or more efficient in terms of processors than corresponding PARBUS algorithms.
Plasma progesterone levels and cocaine-seeking in freely cycling female rats across the estrous cycle

Abstract Previous studies have reported sex and estrous cycle-dependent differences in the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking triggered by cocaine injections or drug-paired cues. However, the relationship between estradiol or progesterone levels and cocaine-seeking in a reinstatement model of relapse has not been explored. Thus, we examined changes in plasma hormone levels during cocaine-taking and -seeking behaviors in gonadally intact female rats. Rats self-administered cocaine (0.5 mg/kg infusion) during daily 2-h sessions, followed by extinction. For reinstatement, cocaine (0, 5, or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 min prior to testing. Vaginal smears and blood samples were collected prior to and during chronic cocaine self-administration, extinction, and reinstatement testing. Relative to non-estrous females, females in estrus showed greater responding during self-administration, extinction, and during cocaine-primed reinstatement. The highest progesterone levels were noted at the time of lowest cocaine-seeking (proestrus) and the lowest levels of progesterone occurred at the time of highest cocaine-seeking (estrus). In contrast, plasma estradiol levels did not show any clear pattern with cocaine-seeking. These data from an animal model of relapse supports recent clinical evidence that progesterone reduces subjective craving in cocaine-dependent women. Overall, these results suggest that progesterone administration may be a useful intervention for reducing the incidence of relapse.
Can We Finally See Those Records? An Update on the Automatic/Systematic Declassification Review Program

Executive Order (E.O.) 12958, signed by President William Clinton in April 1995, established an unprecedented declassification procedure designed to release quickly massive numbers of executive branch records dating back to World War II. The program encountered numerous problems, however, and subsequent executive orders pushed back deadlines and created new grounds to exempt records from its operation. Relatively few high-level records have been released and made available to the public. However, modifications to the program made by E.O. 13526 in 2009 and changes proposed by the Public Interest Declassification Board in 2012 will make important progress in reversing this situation.
The effect of silica on the degradation of organohalides in granular iron columns

Dissolved silica species are naturally occurring, ubiquitous groundwater constituents with corrosion-inhibiting properties. Their influence on the performance and longevity of iron-based permeable reactive barriers for treatment of organohalides was investigated through long-term column studies using Connelly iron as the reactive medium. Addition of dissolved silica (0.5 mM) to the column feed solution led to a reduction in iron reactivity of 65% for trichloroethylene (TCE), 74% for 1,1,2-trichloroethane (1,1,2-TCA), and 93% for 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), compared to columns operated under silica-free conditions. Even though silica adsorption was a gradual process, the inhibitory effect was evident within the first week, with subsequent decreases in reactivity over 288 days being relatively minor. Lower concentrations of dissolved silica species (0.2 mM) led to a lesser decrease (70%) in iron reactivity toward 1,1,1-TCA. The presence of dissolved silica species produced a shift in TCE product distribution toward the more highly chlorinated product cis-dichloroethylene (cis-DCE), although it did not appear to alter products originating from the trichloroethanes. The major corrosion products identified were magnetite (Fe3O4) or maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and carbonate green rust ([Fe42+Fe23+(OH)12][CO3·2H2O]). Iron carbonate hydroxide (Fe(II)1.8Fe(III)0.2(OH)2.2CO3) was only found in the silica-free column, indicating that silica may hinder its formation. A comparison with columns operated under the same conditions, but using Master Builder iron as the reactive matrix, showed that Connelly iron is initially less reactive, but performs better than Master Builder iron over 288 days.
Kinematic modeling of fault slip rates using new geodetic velocities from a transect across the Pacific-North America plate boundary through the San Bernardino Mountains, California

©2015. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved. Campaign GPS data collected from 2002 to 2014 result in 41 new site velocities from the San Bernardino Mountains and vicinity. We combined these velocities with 93 continuous GPS velocities and 216 published velocities to obtain a velocity profile across the Pacific-North America plate boundary through the San Bernardino Mountains. We modeled the plate boundary-parallel, horizontal deformation with 5-14 parallel and one obliquely oriented screw dislocations within an elastic half-space. Our rate for the San Bernardino strand of the San Andreas Fault (6.5±3.6mm/yr) is consistent with recently published latest Quaternary rates at the 95% confidence level and is slower than our rate for the San Jacinto Fault (14.1±2.9mm/yr). Our modeled rate for all faults of the Eastern California Shear Zone (ECSZ) combined (15.7±2.9mm/yr) is faster than the summed latest Quaternary rates for these faults, even when an estimate of permanent, off-fault deformation is included. The rate discrepancy is concentrated on faults near the 1992 Landers and 1999 Hector Mine earthquakes; the geodetic and geologic rates agree within uncertainties for other faults within the ECSZ. Coupled with the observation that postearthquake deformation is faster than the pre-1992 deformation, this suggests that the ECSZ geodetic-geologic rate discrepancy is directly related to the timing and location of these earthquakes and is likely the result of viscoelastic deformation in the mantle that varies over the timescale of an earthquake cycle, rather than a redistribution of plate boundary slip at a timescale of multiple earthquake cycles or longer.
Recent innovations in wound dressings – case reports

Veterinary wound management can often fall short of the high standards which most of us aim to provide and which our clients have come to expect. Whilst it is commonplace for most practices to offer the most up-to-date drugs for medical conditions and referral of complicated cases to a specialist, it is still all too common for a cat, presenting with a burst abscess, to be sent home with a course of antibiotics, a bottle of chlorhexidine and a gaping hole in its face!
An econometric analysis of dividends and share repurchases by US firms

Summary The paper analyses longitudinal Compustat data on dividend payments and share repurchases of over 2000 US industrial firms by using 2-yearly averages for the period 1992–2007. First, dynamic auto-regressive models for dividends and share repurchases were estimated by maximum likelihood to yield consistent and efficient estimates. Second, because firms pay dividends at different rates, comprehensive dynamic and static random-effects models for dividends were estimated. Third, models were estimated for share repurchases and the interrelationships between dividends and repurchases were investigated, tackling endogeneity issues. The results showed that dividend decisions are likely to precede those regarding share repurchases, and higher dividend payments decreased the magnitudes of repurchases; the effects of repurchases on dividends were generally insignificant.
Emotion in Aging and Bipolar Disorder: Similarities, Differences, and Lessons for Further Research:

In this article, we consider similarities and differences in emotion research on older adults and individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). Recent research and theory within both areas has focused on the importance of positive emotion, but the case of older adults is generally considered a case of “adaptive” positivity whereas BD is usually considered maladaptive positivity. We explore the paradox of the same phenomenon being labeled as adaptive in one group and yet maladaptive in another, with attention to commonalities and distinctions between these two groups. We identify only limited areas of overlap, and suggest a refinement of models of positive emotionality in the two populations.
Advancing Research to Action in Global Child Mental Health

Most mental and substance use disorders begin during childhood and adolescence and are the leading cause of disability in this population. Prenatal and postnatal genetic, familial, social, and environmental exposures interact to influence risk for mental disorders and trajectories of cognitive development. Efforts to advance prevention and implement early interventions to reduce the burden of mental disorders require a global research workforce, intersectoral cooperation, attention to environmental contexts, and the development and testing of evidence-based interventions. The authors describe challenges and resources for building mental health research capacity that stands to influence children's mental health outcomes around the globe.
To Punish or to Leave: Distinct Cognitive Processes Underlie Partner Control and Partner Choice Behaviors

When a cooperative partner defects, at least two types of response are available: Punishment, aimed at modifying behavior, and ostracism, aimed at avoiding further social interaction with the partner. These options, termed partner control and partner choice, have been distinguished at behavioral and evolutionary levels. However, little work has compared their cognitive bases. Do these disparate behaviors depend on common processes of moral evaluation? Specifically, we assess whether they show identical patterns of dependence on two key dimensions of moral evaluation: A person’s intentions, and the outcomes that they cause. We address this issue in a “trembling hand” economic game. In this game, an allocator divides a monetary stake between themselves and a responder based on a stochastic mechanism. This allows for dissociations between the allocator’s intent and the actual outcome. Responders were either given the opportunity to punish or reward the allocator (partner control) or to switch to a different partner for a subsequent round of play (partner choice). Our results suggest that partner control and partner choice behaviors are supported by distinct underlying cognitive processes: Partner control exhibits greater sensitivity to the outcomes a partner causes, while partner choice is influenced almost exclusively by a partner’s intentions. This cognitive dissociation can be understood in light of the unique adaptive functions of partner control and partner choice.
Reconsidering the Role of Self-Respect in Rawls’s A Theory of Justice

In A Theory of Justice, John Rawls describes self-respect as “perhaps the most important” social primary good, and self-respect figures prominently in §82, the critical section where he distills his justification for the most controversial aspect of his conception of justice, the lexical priority of liberty. As such, his account of self-respect has drawn considerable attention, especially from critics, who argue that self-respect is not a sufficiently compelling interest to justify the precedence of liberty. Yet, while much of the existing research has focused on the justificatory function of self-respect, it has mostly neglected the fact that Rawls invokes self-respect for another purpose in §82: his argument for stability, in which he claims that his conception of justice will instill in individuals a desire to act from a sense of justice. Thus, even if Rawls’s account of self-respect is insufficient to justify his conception of justice, it nonetheless plays a crucial role in Theory insofar as it addres...
Adsorption of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on Functionalized Graphene Measured by Conductometric Titration

We report on the adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) onto functionalized graphene sheets (FGSs) in an aqueous system, measured at broad SDS and FGS concentration ranges by conductometric surfactant titration. At dilute SDS concentrations (<12 μM in bulk solution), there is evidence of a counterion exchange between hydronium ions (from the dissociation of acidic chemical functionalities on FGS) and sodium ions coadsorbing with dodecyl sulfate monomers onto FGSs. We find that, for FGS with a carbon-to-oxygen ratio of ∼18, monolayer adsorption of SDS on FGS reaches full surface coverage by ∼12 μM SDS. Additionally, the critical surface aggregation concentration (csac) for surface micelle formation on FGS is measured to be ∼1.5 mM SDS. The transition from monolayer adsorption to surface micelle formation appears to occur at a similar SDS concentration on FGSs as on graphite, suggesting there is little difference in the surfactant adsorption behavior on both materials. We estimate that the FGS surface a...
A systems biology tour de force for a near-minimal bacterium.

Ever since the 1930s, when a handful of physicists, chemists, and biologists banded together into the phage school led by Max Delbruck, there have been efforts to understand life at its simplest and most fundamental level. In the ensuing decades up to the present, we have achieved a complete understanding of the genetic and chemical structure of a number of viruses, and know in many cases the role of all of their genes. The same cannot be said for cells. The simplest cells are bacteria, but they generally contain thousands of genes. The desire to understand how cells work has long attracted biologists to work with simple, near-minimal cells because of the assumption that smaller organisms with fewer molecular parts will be less complex and easier to understand. Whole genome sequencing and decades of biochemical studies have shown that the simplest known cells that are capable of growth in laboratory media are the atypical bacteria called mycoplasmas. The interest in these tiny bacteria as model systems to study cellular function led to two of them, Mycoplasma genitalium and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, being among the first few bacteria of which the genomes were sequenced (Fraser et al, 1995; Himmelreich et al, 1996). As those genome sequences were published in the mid-1990s, molecular and systems biology techniques have advanced to the point that the DNA sequences can be leveraged to gain a much deeper understanding of the biology of these minimal cells. A trio of papers published in Science by seven research groups coordinated by Peer Bork, Anne-Claude Gavin, and Luis Serrano offer an unprecedentedly detailed analysis of the transcriptional regulation, proteome organization, and metabolic regulation of the minimal bacterium M. pneumoniae (Guell et al, 2009; Kuhner et al, 2009; Yus et al, 2009).
High–temperature membranes

A review is presented of work in the area of polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cell operation at temperatures exceeding 100 °C. Development of these electrolytes will permit fuel cell operation with greatly increased tolerance to carbon monoxide, and greatly reduced humidification requirements. The focus is on the electrolyte membranes based on basic polymers doped with acids, i.e., phosphoric acid-doped polybenzimidazole. The key properties of these membranes including conductivity, permeability, and mechanical strength are reviewed, as well as fuel cell performance under various operating conditions. Keywords: polybenzimidazole; phosphoric acid; CO tolerance
Regulation and Adjustment of the Cerebral Circulation

SUMMARY Many factors concerned in the regulation of cerebral blood flow presented in this review have been divided into extrinsic and intrinsic groups for convenience of classification. It is apparent that the total effect of these factors is: a) the modification of perfusion pressure by changes in systemic arterial pressure, or to a lesser degree, in cerebral venous pressure and b) the modification of cerebral vascular resistance, since cerebral blood flow is proportional to perfusion pressure and inversely proportional to cerebral vascular resistance. It is thus possible to express cerebral blood flow in terms of a "formula" as shown in Fig. 1.
Secondary effects of anion exchange on chloride, sulfate, and lead release: Systems approach to corrosion control

Water treatment processes can cause secondary changes in water chemistry that alter finished water quality including chloride, sulfate, natural organic matter (NOM), and metal release. Hence, the goal of this research was to provide an improved understanding of the chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio (CSMR) with regards to chloride and sulfate variations at full-scale water treatment plants and corrosion potential under simulated premise plumbing conditions. Laboratory corrosion studies were conducted using Pb-Sn solder/Cu tubing galvanic cells exposed to model waters with low (approx. 5 mg/L Cl(-) and 10 mg/L SO(4)(2-)) and high (approx. 50 mg/L Cl(-) and 100 mg/L SO(4)(2-)) concentrations of chloride and sulfate at a constant CSMR of ≈ 0.5. The role of NOM during corrosion was also evaluated by changing the type of organic material. In addition, full-scale sampling was conducted to quantify the raw water variability of chloride, sulfate, and NOM concentrations and the changes to these parameters from magnetic ion exchange treatment. Test conditions with higher concentrations of chloride and sulfate released significantly more lead than the lower chloride and sulfate test waters. In addition, the source of NOM was a key factor in the amount of lead released with the model organic compounds yielding significantly less lead release than aquatic NOM.
Antiterminator-dependent modulation of transcription elongation rates by NusB and NusG

Ribosomal RNA is transcribed about twice as fast as messenger RNA in vivo, and this increased transcription rate requires the rrn boxA antitermination system. Because several Nus factors have been implicated in rrn antitermination, we have examined the role of NusB, NusE and NusG in controlling the rate of rrn boxA-mediated transcript elongation. In vivo RNA polymerase transcription rates were determined by measuring the rate of appearance of lacZ transcript using a plasmid that contained an inducible T7 promoter fused to the rrn boxA sequence followed by the lacZ gene. This plasmid was introduced into Escherichia coli mutant strains that can be conditionally depleted of NusG, or that carry a deficient nusB gene or a nusE mutation. We found that, in addition to the rrn boxA antiterminator sequence, both NusG and NusB were required to maintain the high transcription rate. The nusE mutation used in this study may be specific for lambda antitermination, as it did not influence the boxA-mediated increase in transcription rate.
An Intensive Care Specific Electronic Medical Record: Is There Transparency?

Intensive care units (ICUs) are high-intensity patient care locations, and consequently contribute both to medical costs and errors. Computerization of order and documentation systems is one way to reduce both. One such solution is telemedicine based intensive care (eICUreg) whereby remote consultation is combined with intelligent data analysis. There are a number of technical and human factor elements that must be considered in deploying an eICUreg. Technical challenges include system interfaces, equipment choice, and integration of the electronic medical record with the pre-existing record. Human factor challenges consist of competing internal interests, haphazard approaches with no common workflow, and selective adoption of the technology. At a minimum, there is a triad of barriers that prevent fluid interoperability between systems. Those barriers comprise of the complexities in the clinical paradigm, technical innovation, and human factor best practices which industry developers need to be innately aware of.
A Bioassay for Glucagon Based on the Hyperglycemic Response of the Fowl

ABSTRACT THE experimental preparations that have been utilized for bioassay of glucagon activity may be classified as follows: a) glycogenolytic response of liver slices when incubated in vitro with glucagon added to the medium, b) the reactivation of liver phosphorylase by glucagon in cell-free liver homogenates, and c) the hyperglycemic response of laboratory mammals as a result of the hormone’s glycogenolytic action in vivo. The response of liver slices in vitro as a bioassay technique was proposed by Sutherland and Cori (1948) and has had wide use. The method has been critically evaluated with standard statistical procedures by de Duve and Vuylsteke (1953). The liver homogenate method is very sensitive, Rall et al. (1957), and at the same time subject to less variation than the liver slice method, Ui et al. (1956). Thus, this method appears to be the better of the in vitro assays. The effect of exogenous glucagon on . . .
Approaches to the Study of Colostrum-The Onset of Lactation

As an aspect of lactation, the colostrum period, or so-called onset, presents a challenge to the new mother, her pediatrician and the lactation researcher. It is a time of profound change. The mammary epithelium is fully differentiated; the breasts progress quickly from a state of little or no secretion to production of a unique and transitory substance (colostrum), and then to voluminous mature milk of quite stable composition and properties. We have just completed a study of daily breast secretions from 5 donors starting with the first day that any material could be expressed from their glands following delivery to 5 days postpartum. The study, details of which are being published (1), raised fundamental questions such as: Precisely when is colstrum? How does one sample it? What are colostral lipids a sample of and are they an absolute good for the neonate? We attempt to analyze some of these issues here. Observations on the ultra-structure of colostrum are included.
Selective referral to high-volume hospitals: estimating potentially avoidable deaths.

ContextEvidence exists that high-volume hospitals (HVHs) have lower mortality rates than low-volume hospitals (LVHs) for certain conditions. However, few employers, health plans, or government programs have attempted to increase the number of patients referred to HVHs.ObjectivesTo determine the difference in hospital mortality between HVHs and LVHs for conditions for which good quality data exist and to estimate how many deaths potentially would be avoided in California by referral to HVHs.Design, Setting, and PatientsLiterature in MEDLINE, Current Contents, and FirstSearch Social Abstracts databases from January 1, 1983, to December 31, 1998, was searched using the key words hospital, outcome, mortality, volume, risk, and quality. The highest-quality study assessing the mortality-volume relationship for each given condition was identified and used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for in-hospital mortality for LVHs vs HVHs. These ORs were then applied to the 1997 California database of hospital discharges maintained by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development to estimate potentially avoidable deaths.Main Outcome MeasuresDeaths that potentially could be avoided if patients with conditions for which a mortality-volume relationship had been treated at an HVH vs LVH.ResultsThe articles identified in the literature search were grouped by condition, and predetermined criteria were applied to choose the best article for each condition. Mortality was significantly lower at HVHs for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, carotid endarterectomy, lower extremity arterial bypass surgery, coronary artery bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty, heart transplantation, pediatric cardiac surgery, pancreatic cancer surgery, esophageal cancer surgery, cerebral aneurysm surgery, and treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A total of 58,306 of 121,609 patients with these conditions were admitted to LVHs in California in 1997. After applying the calculated ORs to these patient populations, we estimated that 602 deaths (95% confidence interval, 304-830) at LVHs could be attributed to their low volume. Additional analyses were performed to take into account emergent admissions and distance traveled, but the impact of loss of continuity of care for some patients and reduction in the availability of specialists for patients remaining at LVHs could not be assessed.ConclusionsInitiatives to facilitate referral of patients to HVHs have the potential to reduce overall hospital mortality in California for the conditions identified. Additional study is needed to determine the extent to which selective referral is feasible and to examine the potential consequences of such initiatives.
EMM-networking model for FMS modeling, simulation and control

The major challenge of implementing FMS (flexible manufacturing systems) at the factory level is to realize automated control. An appropriate FMS model is required for the purpose of control software design and implementation. In this paper, the EMM-networking (extended Moore machine) model based on automata theory for FMS control systems is presented. The basic concept behind the EMM-networking model is to identify the structure of complex systems in a hierarchy of abstractions. By using object-oriented methodology, the EMM-networking model of a FMS can be implemented into object-based software modules, based on which an integrated environment for simulation, software construction and real-time control can be realized. The methodology is demonstrated via the simulation of a prototype FMS. >
A complete spectral characterization of quarter-plane autoregressive models

A necessary and sufficient condition for a stationary random field to be described by a finite quarter-plane autoregressive model is derived. The result implies that the class of stationary image textures that can be represented or approximated by such models is very restricted.
Role Model Behavior and Youth Violence: A Study of Positive and Negative Effects

The study investigated how role models’ behavior may positively or negatively influence African American early adolescents’ attitudes toward violence and violent behavior. Participants in this study included 331 African American seventh and eighth graders from low-income neighborhoods in an urban, Midwestern city. The study used a model developed and tested to assess the relationships between role model prosocial behavior, role model antisocial behavior, adolescents’ attitudes toward violence, and adolescents’ violent behavior. The model developed was assessed using structural equation modeling. Results revealed the following: (a) Role model prosocial behavior is indirectly related to less violent behavior through adolescents’ attitudes toward violence, (b) role model antisocial behavior is directly linked to increased violent behavior and indirectly linked to increased violent behavior through adolescents’ attitudes toward violence, and (c) role model antisocial behavior appear to have a stronger effect ...
Constructing Learning Sites for Solidarity and Social Action: Gender Autobiography for Consciousness Raising:

This article reports on the use of gender autobiography as a tool and process in courses on women's issues and human behavior in the social environment. The authors argue that despite political, social, and economic advances made by women, inequities persist, and collective action toward their amelioration has been inhibited by women's lack of understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of their experiences and contexts. The use of the gender autobiography heightens appreciation for diversity by deconstructing essentializing notions of gender while enabling the reconstruction of relationships of solidarity among women through the discovery of commonalities of experience under patriarchy. Thus, effective participation in the feminist project becomes possible.