cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central Regulation of Sleep and Autonomic Physiology

the loss of wakefulness, or the onset of sleep, causes significant changes in the central regulation of autonomic function. Because of the global nature of these state-dependent changes in neural control, the output of many organ systems is altered during sleep. The fact that multiple organ systems may be simultaneously affected by changes in states of consciousness underscores the potential clinical relevance of these sleep-dependent changes in physiology. Recognition of this relevance has spawned the development of a new clinical subspeciality (31, 50, 53) referred to by some as sleep-disorders medicine (19). In addition to sleep disorders per se (52), considerable evidence documents cardiovascular (16, 57; see chapters 3 and 5 in this volume) and respiratory (10; see chapters 7 and 8 in this volume) disorders that occur during sleep. The chapters comprising this volume illustrate both the widespread nature of sleep-dependent changes in physiology and the potential relevance of these physiological changes for clinical medicine. This chapter briefly outlines some of the conceptual and historical factors that have contributed to the cellular study of sleep-dependent changes in central autonomic control. The purpose of the present chapter is to introduce this volume by illustrating an investigative approach that seeks to unify cellular level analyses with integrative physiology.
The Primordial Violence: Spanking Children, Psychological Development, Violence, and Crime

A CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title 2014! Why do parents hit those they love? What effect does it have on children? What can be done to end this pattern? These are some of the questions explored in The Primordial Violence. Featuring longitudinal data from over 7,000 U.S. families as well as results from a 32 nation study, the book presents the latest research on the extent to which spanking is used in different cultures and the subsequent effects of its use on children and on society. Evidence that shows the relationship between spanking and the subsequent slowing of cognitive development and increase in antisocial and criminal behavior is shown. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are explored in an accessible fashion. An abundance of high quality research has produced findings that are highly consistent from study to study which show that spanking is a risk factor for aggressive behavior and other social and psychological problems. Because of these findings, the authors argue for policy changes and recommend a drastic reduction in the use of spanking. Policy and practical implications are explored in most chapters. The Primordial Violence highlights: The benefits of avoiding spanking such as the development of better interpersonal skills and higher academic achievement; The link between spanking and behavioral problems and crime; The extent to which spanking is declining and why despite the unusually high level of agreement between numerous studies which found harmful effects from spanking, most parents continue to spank. Part 1 documents the worldwide use of spanking and why parents spank. The possible adverse effects of spanking on children’s behavior and academic achievement, and the potential for violence and criminal behavior in later life, are explored in Parts 2, 3, and 4. Part 5 examines trends in spanking, and suggests what can be done to lower the percent of parents who spank. Contradictory opinions about whether to spank are explored. The book concludes with a call for change in this aspect of parenting which will have profound benefits, for the children and families involved, and society as a whole. Intended for a general audience of readers who are interested in child development and parenting and for advanced undergraduate and/or graduate courses in child abuse, family violence, juvenile delinquency, criminal behavior, social development, sociology of the family, or parenting and family relations taught in psychology, human development, family studies, criminology, education, social work, sociology, and social policy.
An Information Reporting Web Service Framework for Integration of Gate-to-Gate Process-to-Energy Metrics

Modern day manufacturing is required to respond to many facets of dynamic change including consumer and technological trending, increasing levels of legislation, fluctuation of competitor market strategy and total available market based on domestic and international trading conditions amongst others. High up on the supply chain agenda and a topic of continually increasing importance is energy efficiency. This paper presents an information reporting service framework for gate-to-gate (G2G) process-to-energy (P2E) metrics. Our use case focuses on obtaining energy performance information associated with welding robots used in assembly process.
Glucan Induced Modification of Experimental Staphylococcus Aureus Infection in Normal, Leukemic and Immunosuppressed Mice

Previous studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that glucan, a βl→ polyglucose component of the cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nonspecifically activates lymphoreticular tissue (2,7,25). The intravenous administration of glucan results in a hypertrophy of the major RE organs with an intense activation and proliferation of macrophages (30–32). Glucan administration has been demonstrated to promote tumor regression and enhance survival in rats with an allogeneic Shay chloroleukemia (8) as well as in four syngeneic murine tumor models (10). Preliminary clinical investigations have demonstrated that intralesional administration of glucan results in prompt tumor necrosis with a concomitant monocytic infiltrate (23,24). Furthermore, Israel and Edelstein (19) have also reported that intratumoral administration of glucan resulted in necrosis of the lesion with a concomitant resolution of a distant nodule. Topical application of glucan resulted in disappearance of ulcerated lesions (19,23).
Polyethersulfone Membranes Prepared with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane Modified Alumina Nanoparticles for Cu(II) Removal from Water.

In this study, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified γ-alumina nanoparticles were utilized to improve the copper removal efficiency of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. Alumina nanoparticle...
Comparative study of simulated nebulized and spray particle deposition in chronic rhinosinusitis patients.

Background Topical intranasal drugs are widely prescribed for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), although delivery can vary with device type and droplet size. The study objective was to compare nebulized and sprayed droplet deposition in the paranasal sinuses and ostiomeatal complex (OMC) across multiple droplet sizes in CRS patients using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Methods Three-dimensional models of sinonasal cavities were constructed from computed tomography (CT) scans of 3 subjects with CRS refractory to medical therapy using imaging software. Assuming steady-state inspiratory airflow at resting rate, CFD was used to simulate 1-µm to 120-µm sprayed droplet deposition in the left and right sinuses and OMC with spray nozzle positioning as in current nasal spray use instructions. Zero-velocity nebulization simulations were performed for 1-µm to 30-µm droplet sizes, maximal sinus and OMC deposition fractions (MSDF) were obtained, and sizes that achieved at least 50% of MSDF were identified. Nebulized MSDF was compared to sprayed droplet deposition. We also validated CFD framework through in vitro experiments. Results Among nebulized droplet sizes, 11-µm to 14-µm droplets achieved at least 50% of MSDF in all 6 sinonasal cavities. Four of 6 sinonasal cavities had greater sinus and OMC deposition with nebulized droplets than with sprayed droplets at optimal sizes. Conclusion Nebulized droplets may target the sinuses and OMC more effectively than sprayed particles at sizes achieving best deposition. Further studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings. Several commercial nasal nebulizers have average particle sizes outside the optimal nebulized droplet size range found here, suggesting potential for product enhancement.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Common Questions and Answers

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis affects 1% to 3% of U.S. adolescents. It is defined by a lateral curvature of the spine (Cobb angle) of at least 10 degrees in the absence of underlying congenital or neuromuscular abnormalities. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis may be detected via the forward bend test and should be confirmed with scoliometer measurement. Mild scoliosis is usually asymptomatic; it may contribute to musculoskeletal back pain, but there is no evidence that it causes disability or functional impairment. Patients with severe scoliosis (Cobb angle of 40 degrees or more) may have physical pain, cosmetic deformity, psychosocial distress, or, rarely, pulmonary disorders. Several studies have shown modest benefit from bracing and scoliosis-specific physical therapy to limit progression in mild to moderate scoliosis, but there were no effects on quality of life. Because no high-quality studies have proven that surgery is superior to bracing or observation, it should be reserved for severe cases. There is little evidence that treatments improve patient-oriented outcomes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Academy of Family Physicians found insufficient evidence to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents 10 to 18 years of age.
Microphysical Sensitivity of Superparameterized Precipitation Extremes in the Contiguous United States Due to Feedbacks on Large-Scale Circulation

Author(s): Charn, AB; Collins, WD; Parishani, H; Risser, MD; O'Brien, TA | Abstract: Superparameterized (SP) global climate models have been shown to better simulate various features of precipitation relative to conventional models, including its diurnal cycle as well as its extremes. While various studies have focused on the effect of differing microphysics parameterizations on precipitation within limited-area cloud-resolving models, we examine here the effect on contiguous U.S.n(CONUS) extremes in a global SP model. We vary the number of predicted moments for hydrometeor distributions, the character of the rimed ice species, and the representation of raindrop self-collection and breakup. Using a likelihood ratio test and accounting for the effects of multiple hypothesis testing, we find that there are some regional differences, particularly during spring and summer in the Southwest and the Midwest, in both the current climate and a warmer climate with uniformly increased sea surface temperatures. These differences are most statistically significant and widespread when the number of moments is changed. To determine whether these results are due to (fast) local effects of the different microphysics or the (slower) ensuing feedback on the large-scale atmospheric circulation, we run a series of short, 5-day simulations initialized from reanalysis data. We find that the differences largely disappear in these runs and therefore infer that the different parameterizations impact precipitation extremes indirectly via the large-scale circulation. Finally, we compare the present-day results with hourly rain gauge data and find that SP underestimates extremes relative to observations regardless of which microphysics scheme is used given a fixed model configuration and resolution.
Functional analysis behind a Family of Multidimensional Continued Fractions: Part II

This paper is a direct continuation of "Functional analysis behind a Family of Multidimensional Continued Fractions: Part I," in which we started the exploration of the functional analysis behind the transfer operators for triangle partition maps, a family that includes many, if not most, well-known multidimensional continued fraction algorithms. This allows us now to find eigenfunctions of eigenvalue 1 for transfer operators associated with select triangle partition maps on specified Banach spaces. We proceed to prove that the transfer operators, viewed as acting on one-dimensional families of Hilbert spaces, associated with select triangle partition maps are nuclear of trace class zero. We finish by deriving Gauss-Kuzmin distributions associated with select triangle partition maps.
DNA ligase I fidelity mediates the mutagenic ligation of pol β oxidized and mismatch nucleotide insertion products in base excision repair.

DNA ligase I (LIG1) completes the base excision repair (BER) pathway at the last nick-sealing step after DNA polymerase (pol) β gap-filling DNA synthesis. However, the mechanism by which LIG1 fidelity mediates the faithful substrate–product channeling and ligation of repair intermediates at the final steps of the BER pathway remains unclear. We previously reported that pol β 8-oxo-2'-deoxyribonucleoside 5'-triphosphate insertion confounds LIG1, leading to the formation of ligation failure products with a 5'-adenylate block. Here, using reconstituted BER assays in vitro, we report the mutagenic ligation of pol β 8-oxo-2'-deoxyribonucleoside 5'-triphosphate insertion products and an inefficient ligation of pol β Watson–Crick–like dG:T mismatch insertion by the LIG1 mutant with a perturbed fidelity (E346A/E592A). Moreover, our results reveal that the substrate discrimination of LIG1 for the nicked repair intermediates with preinserted 3'-8-oxodG or mismatches is governed by mutations at both E346 and E592 residues. Finally, we found that aprataxin and flap endonuclease 1, as compensatory DNA-end processing enzymes, can remove the 5'-adenylate block from the abortive ligation products harboring 3'-8-oxodG or the 12 possible noncanonical base pairs. These findings contribute to the understanding of the role of LIG1 as an important determinant in faithful BER and how a multiprotein complex (LIG1, pol β, aprataxin, and flap endonuclease 1) can coordinate to prevent the formation of mutagenic repair intermediates with damaged or mismatched ends at the downstream steps of the BER pathway.
Optimal Selection of Matrix Shape and Decomposition Scheme for Neural Network Compression

When applying the low-rank decomposition to neural networks, tensor-shaped weights need to be reshaped into a matrix first. While many matrix reshapes are possible, some of them induce a low-rank decomposition scheme that can be more efficiently implemented as a sequence of layers. This poses the following problem: how should one select both the matrix reshape and associated low-rank decomposition scheme in order to compress a neural network so that its implementation is as efficient as possible? We formulate this problem as a mixed-integer optimization over the weights, ranks, and decompositions schemes; and we provide an efficient alternating optimization algorithm involving two simple steps: a step over the weights of the neural network (solved by SGD), and a step over the ranks and decomposition schemes (solved by an SVD). Our algorithm automatically selects the most suitable ranks and decomposition schemes to efficiently reduce compression costs (e.g., FLOPs) of various networks.
Machine-Learning-Based Closed-Set Text-Independent Speaker Identification Using Speech Recorded During 25 Hours of Prolonged Wakefulness

We performed machine learning for text-independent speaker identification using speech recorded during the day, evening, and night, from subjects undergoing 25 hours of prolonged wakefulness. Subjects answered casual questions lasting approximately 3 minutes and described pictures presented to them for 0.5 minutes. We extracted 12,515 vocal features using OpenSmile software. For generalization of the training scheme, we segmented the 20 subjects into training and testing sets (10 subjects for each) and repeated testing four times with different subsets. Specifically, we used one set of 10 subjects to find the best feature-sets and the optimal machine-learning method, and the other set of 10 subjects was used to test the trained model. With trained machine-learning models using three speech sessions recorded throughout the day for speaker identification, we obtained 95% and 98.8% for balanced accuracies for daytime and evening speech, respectively, but 84.2% for nighttime-testing speech. With training data from all times of day—daytime, evening, and nighttime—we obtained 97.5%, 98.8%, and 98.1% for balanced accuracies for test data from daytime, evening, and nighttime speech, respectively; the overall accuracy was 98.1%. Prolonged wakefulness deteriorates the performance of machine-learning based speaker identification. This work suggests that machine-learning based speaker identification should be trained using speech data from both daytime and nighttime speech sessions for better overall accuracy. Machine learning can potentially be used for identifying a speaker’s voice even when it is affected by tiredness and fatigue which are frequently encountered in scenarios such as the emergency rooms and long-duration repetitive task operations.
Real-Time Brain-Machine Interface Achieves High-Velocity Prosthetic Finger Movements using a Biologically-Inspired Neural Network Decoder

Despite the rapid progress and interest in brain-machine interfaces that restore motor function, the performance of prosthetic fingers and limbs has yet to mimic native function. The algorithm that converts brain signals to a control signal for the prosthetic device is one of the limitations in achieving rapid and realistic finger movements. To achieve more realistic finger movements, we developed a shallow feed-forward neural network, loosely inspired by the biological neural pathway, to decode real-time two-degree-of-freedom finger movements. Using a two-step training method, a recalibrated feedback intention-trained (ReFIT) neural network achieved a higher throughput with higher finger velocities and more natural appearing finger movements than the ReFIT Kalman filter, which represents the current standard. The neural network decoders introduced herein are the first to demonstrate real-time decoding of continuous movements at a level superior to the current state-of-the-art and could provide a starting point to using neural networks for the development of more naturalistic brain-controlled prostheses.
Solar energy development impacts flower-visiting beetles and flies in the Mojave Desert

Abstract Deserts support a high diversity of insect pollinators and vascular plants with which pollinators have coevolved. Deserts are increasingly prioritized as recipient environments for ground-mounted solar energy development, which represents a novel, anthropogenic disturbance in desert ecosystems and drives land-use change across desert landscapes. Pollinators confer ecosystem services, yet anthropogenically driven land-use change has played a large role in their decline globally. Our objective was to elucidate relationships between solar energy development and non-bee insect flower visitors (i.e., beetles, flies, moths, and wasps) at Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System (ISEGS, 392 MW) in the Ivanpah Valley of the Mojave Desert. We used blue vane traps to collect non-bee insect flower visitors in treatments that represent different solar energy development decisions, including two types of site preparation practices (blading and mowing) and establishment of habitat patches in solar fields, replicated across three power blocks in ISEGS and in undeveloped control sites surrounding ISEGS. We determined that count and taxa richness of non-bee insect flower visitors and counts of individual non-bee insect flower visitor taxa were greater in undeveloped controls than in ISEGS. Our results indicate that disturbance from solar energy development negatively affected non-bee insect flower visitors, including beetles and flies, and that small habitat patches within solar fields in ISEGS largely did not support non-bee insect flower visitors. Disruption of non-bee insect flower visitor communities from solar energy development in deserts may lead to cascading effects on biodiversity, including potential decreases in globally imperiled and highly valuable cacti populations dependent on insect pollination. Losses in biodiversity from solar energy development in deserts may be eliminated by alternative siting (e.g., contaminated lands, rooftops), while gains can be achieved by sustainable decision making guided by solutions-oriented, collaborative research and techno-ecological synergies.
Acceptance Testing Welded Ammunition Belt Links Using Acoustic Emission

The objective of the work described in this paper was to provide a reliable method for 100 percent acceptance testing resistance welds used in the fabrication of 40-mm automatic weapon ammunition belt links. Links containrounds of ammunition and are coupled together to form a belt which is automatically fed into the weapon. If one of the links in a belt fails, the immediate result is a jammed weapon. Four projection resistance welds (two on each side) are used to assemble the link, and weld quality can vary widely. Conventional nondestructive test techniques cannot distinguish a sound resistance weld from a weak one in the post-weld condition. This work has shown, however, that by applying a moderate proof load to the weld joint, weak welds can be detected by acoustic emission. The technique is being adapted to production application with an expected inspection rate of 1200 links per hour in its initial version. This work is representative of many applications of acoustic emission to measure component structural integrity that can be accomplished within existing state-of-the-art technology.
Volcanic sources of tropospheric ozone‐depleting trace gases

[1] Recent investigations report mixing ratios of BrO gas reaching 1 ppb in plume 4–7 km downwind of the summit of Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat. The detection of BrO in volcanic plumes is potentially important evidence of halogen-catalyzed tropospheric ozone destruction and suggests that volcanoes either directly emit BrO or emit bromine species that are rapidly converted to reactive bromine in volcanic plumes. Species distribution models constrained by volcanic gas and condensate analytical data for arc, rift, and hot spot volcanoes demonstrate that shallow magma degassing generates volcanic gases with ppb to ppm levels of reactive radicals Br, Cl, H, and HO but no significant BrO or ClO. The conversion of volcanic Br and Cl by reaction with ozone in gas-phase catalytic reaction cycles during plume transport can lead to secondary BrO and ClO at mixing ratios of a ppt and higher, possibly approaching a ppb for especially halogen-rich volcanic gases, several kilometers downwind of degassing sources. In general, however, ppb BrO and ClO levels in volcanic plumes several kilometers downwind probably require near-vent, high-temperature reaction of magmatic gases with air and/or in-plume heterogeneous chemical processes involving aerosols during plume transport. These processes oxidize bromine and chlorine in HBr and HCl, giving rise to increased levels of reactive Br, Cl, and HO, in addition to NOx. They can also produce significant amounts of the photochemically active precursors Br2, BrCl, and Cl2, which are photolyzable to reactive Br and Cl. The precursors may build up in nighttime volcanic plumes and accelerate ozone destruction and BrO and ClO production after sunrise. Downwind conversion of reactive Br, Cl, H, and HO from volcanic gas sources by catalytic reaction chains to HOBr and HOCl may trigger heterogeneous chemical processes, which are probably essential for sustaining ozone destruction in volcanic plumes. Gas-phase reactions of HBr and HCl with HO in volcanic plumes might also boost BrO and ClO downwind. Thus in-plume processes that generate reactive halogens may contribute significantly to ozone destruction in volcanic plumes. Enhanced levels of HOx and NOx in volcanic emissions may trigger nonhalogen catalytic cycles depleting ozone in tropospheric volcanic plumes.
Mindfulness and Quality of Life in Cancer Survivors: The Mediating Role of Self-Kindness and Alexithymia

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer for women. The American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 192,000 women were diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer in 2009. Fortunately, the current five-year survival rate for early stage breast cancer is 98% (ACS, 2009). This means many women diagnosed with breast cancer will become survivors. Although transitioning from being a cancer patient to a cancer survivor may be a welcome milestone, it also comes with unpleasant side effects that can negatively impact quality of life (Allen, Savadatti, & Levy, 2009). The primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among mindfulness, quality of life, alexithymia, and self-kindness in breast cancer survivors. A total of 133 Stages 0 to III breast cancer survivors participated in the study. Mindfulness, quality of life, self-kindness, and alexithymia were measured using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, the Self Compassion Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. A causal path analysis indicated that mindfulness was a significant predictor of quality of life, but self-kindness and alexithymia were not significant mediators. Pearson Product Moment coefficients revealed significant relationships between the four study variables. An ANOVA found that stage of cancer significantly impacted quality of life for Stage 0 and Stage III breast cancer survivors. An ANOVA indicated no significant results for the type of surgery or time since completion of medical treatment on quality of life. The results suggest that mindfulness, self-kindness, and alexithymia are important factors to consider for quality of life in Stage 0 to III breast cancer survivors. Clinical implications exist for counselors. Further research investigating possible moderating effects of self-kindness and alexithymia is needed.
Context-Sensitive Interprocedural Analysis in the Presence of Dynamic Aliasing

Context-sensitive interprocedural data-flow analysis, for problems where the flow value is a mapping from symbols to values from an abstract domain, requires solutions to be computed for differing aliasing conditions existing at distinct calling contexts. This paper presents an approach for computing context-sensitive solutions to forward, monotone data-flow problems for statically allocated scalar variables that does not require reanalysis of procedures. The algorithm handles dynamic aliasing, due to non-recursive pointer types, and recursion. This paper applies the technique to constant propagation for statically allocated scalars.
A worst-case and practical speedup for the RNA co-folding problem using the four-Russians idea

The computational formulation for finding the optimal simultaneous alignment and fold (optimal Co-fold) of RNA sequences was first introduced by Sankoff in 1985. Since then the importance of Co-Folding has grown as conservation of structure and its relationship to function have been widely observed in RNA. For two sequences, the computation time of Sankoff's Algorithm is θ(N6). Existing literature on cofolding attempts to improve efficiency through simplifying the original problem formulation. We present here a practical and worst-case speed up using the Four-Russians method, without placing any added constraints on the types of alignments or folds allowed. Our algorithm, Fast Cofold, finds the optimal Co-fold in O(N6/ log(N2))-time, a speedup which is observed in practice. Because the solution matrix produced by our algorithm is identical to the one produced by the Sankoff algorithm, the contribution of the algorithm lays not only in its standalone practicality but also in the ability to implement it alongside heuristic speed ups leading to even greater reductions in time.
Spin-Transfer Torque Magnetic neuron for low power neuromorphic computing

Neuromorphic computing attempts to emulate the remarkable efficiency of the human brain in vision, perception and cognition related tasks. Nanoscale devices that offer a direct mapping to the underlying neural computations have emerged as a promising candidate for such neuromorphic architectures. In this paper, a Magnetic Tunneling Junction (MTJ) has been proposed to perform the thresholding operation of a biological neuron. A crossbar array consisting of programmable resistive synapses generates an excitatory / inhibitory charge current input to the neuron. The magnetization of the free layer of the MTJ is manipulated by Spin-Transfer Torque generated by the net synaptic current. Algorithm, device and circuit co-simulation framework suggest the possibility of ∼ 1.63 – 1.79x power savings in comparison to a 45nm digital CMOS implementation.
Health and social service utilization patterns of Mexican American older adults

Abstract This qualitative study examined the service utilization patterns of a group of Mexican American older adults and barriers they may encounter when they attempt to access formal services. A purposeful sample was drawn from the clients of a social service program which provided assistance to older adults. Interviews with 46 respondents revealed that (1) deteriorating health exacerbated the need for services (2) deficiencies in the ability to have health, social, and transportation needs met as a result of economic and time constraints of adult children (3) difficulty accessing needed services on their own behalf and (4) failure to receive assistance in accessing services and prolongation of unmet needs adversely affected the quality of their lives. The findings of this study provide insight into the issues faced by Mexican American older adults and are valuable in understanding why there is an increasing need for formal social services among older Mexican American adults as has been documented by previous research.
Overproduction of Escherichia coli NusA protein.

Abstract The nusA gene of Escherichia coli has been cloned into the plasmid vector pKC30 under the control of the inducible λ p L promoter. When a strain carrying this plasmid is induced, NusA protein is overproduced more than 100-fold and constitutes 20–30% of the total cellular protein. The NusA protein purified from this strain appears identical to authentic NusA protein in its migration on SDS polyacrylamide gels and on isoelectric focusing gels. It is also able to function properly in in vitro termination and antitermination assays and in its ability to bind to E. coli core RNA polymerase.
Development of a Miniature Shear Sensor for Direct Comparison of Skin-Friction Drags

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a silicon-micromachined mechanical sensor that directly compares the wall shears of two different surfaces in a liquid flow. The 27 mm $\times 27$ mm sensor contains two 10 mm $\times 20$ mm $\times 0.2$ mm plates suspended to displace in proportion to the shear force on each surface. The monolithic sensor designed to compare skin-friction drag on two different surfaces consists of two floating plates, each suspended from a frame by identical flexure beams etched out of a 0.2-mm-thick silicon wafer. Design of the sensor is assisted by finite-element analysis to ensure adequate structural characteristics in the intended flows and validated by experimental characterization. The fabrication process is presented in detail, including how to form millimeter-long beams with a uniform cross section in micrometers and release the centimeter-scale plates suspended by the delicate beams. This paper provides a guidance to develop a miniature shear comparator using silicon microfabrication technologies. [2014-0258]
Determination of tocopherol and tocopherol acetate concentrations in human feces using high-performance liquid chromatography

A method of sample clarification and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) specifically developed to permit simple and rapid determination of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol, E) and vitamin E acetate (EA) in feces is reported. Retinol acetate (RA) was used as an internal standard. The vitamins of interest were extracted from an aqueous stool suspension into an organic phase (ethyl acetate-butanol), which was injected directly onto the reversed-phase HPLC system. An isocratic mobile phase of methanol-water (97:3) was employed, with ultraviolet detection at 275 and 285 nm (to permit simultaneous monitoring and absorbance ratio determination). Recoveries of exogenous RA, E, and EA from stool suspensions (relative to water) were 99.0 +/- 7.0, 100.9 +/- 7.0, and 101.2 +/- 13.3%, respectively (n = 10). The organic matrix could be stored at -35 degrees C overnight with no change in E or EA results. Sensitivities for E and EA were 80 and 102 micrograms/g of stool, respectively. Each analysis required nine min. The within-day coefficients of variation were 2.9, 3.6, and 3.0% (n = 7) for RA, E, and EA, respectively. Neither E nor EA were detected in baseline fecal samples from fourteen subjects, but both were present in high but varied concentrations after four weeks supplementation with oral d,l-EA. E but not EA was present in blood samples drawn during periods of oral supplementation with EA. There was poor correlation between fecal levels of E and EA, and the increase in serum levels of E. This method permits rapid, selective, and precise determination of E and EA in human fecal samples.
Grinding and cooking dry-fractionated corn germ to optimize aqueous enzymatic oil extraction

Abstract The many recent dry-grind plants that convert corn to ethanol are potential sources of substantial amounts of corn oil. This report describes an aqueous enzymatic extraction method to separate oil from dry-fractionated corn germ. The method is an extension of a method previously developed for wet-mill germ. Oil dispersed in lipid bodies throughout the germ was converted to oil droplets suspended in an aqueous solution and then to drops of oil large enough to be separated from the solution as a continuous, buoyant phase (free oil). A microwave oven was used to cook the germ to its highest temperature, just short of burning. Thereafter the germ was extracted using the method developed for wet-mill germ: mix the heated germ with water and cook it under pressure, followed by colloid milling and enzymatic digestion of the milled germ particles overnight. A foam fraction was removed from the digested dispersion by bubbling nitrogen through a short column connected to a mixing tank. The foam fraction was then centrifuged to separate free oil. An estimate of aqueous enzymatic extraction plant costs to extract 24 million kg of dry-fractionated germ per year [40 million gal/year ethanol], showed that income from the unrefined oil streams and a stream sending the rest of the germ to the fermentation process was roughly equal to the estimated operating cost, with an investment of $2.6 million. Recycle of the enzyme may reduce the estimated enzyme cost of $750,000/year.
Rho Rocks PTEN.

Many biological processes require the movement of cells in response to guidance cues. Small GTPases and phosphoinositides are key mediators of the underlying cytoskeletal rearrangements, and a new study establishes that the localization and activation of the phosphoinositide phosphatase PTEN at the rear of chemotaxing neutrophils is mediated by the small GTPase RhoA.
Experiential factors in sex differences on mental rotation.

Past research has shown that men score significantly higher than women on mental rotation tests. The present study examined the effects of a prior exposure to a mental rotation task, i.e., adapted Cube Comparison test, and to three-dimensional objects, i.e., Legos, on the performance on the Mental Rotation Test. 113 men and women were randomly divided into three conditions: control, exposure, or detailed instructions. On average, men outperformed women. Further analyses showed that sex differences were significant in the control condition but not in the other two, suggesting that a cuing effect may explain some of the robust sex differences in visuospatial tasks.
The arens closure of a nonassociative algebra

Given a nonassociative algebra A and an Arens pair A1, A2, for A, we identify a subalgcbra [Abar] of A2 with i (A) ⊂ A ⊂ A2 and show that [Abar] better reflects the algebraic structure ot A, in parti-cular. any multilinear identity satisfied by [Abar] is also satisfied by [Abar] Hence, [Abar] is commutative or Lie when A is and Jordan when A is a Jordan algebra of characteristic not 2 or 3. Also, we list examples (1) where [Abar] = EndD(V) for A a primitive, associative algebra with commuting ring D and irreducible faithful module V,(2) where [Abar] is the norm closure of A in the arens algebra of all bounded functionals of the bounded functionals for a normed algebra A and (3) where [Abar] is the Arens algebra of all bounded functionals of the bounded functionals with A again normed. Note that dif-ferent Arens closures can arise form the same choice of A, A1, , A2 since [Abar] is determined by A, A1, A2 and subspaces A3 ⊂ A2 *, A4,⊂A3 *.
Luminescence of Sulphide and Silicate Phosphors

Many features of the behavior of luminescent sulphides can be correlated by means of a mechanism based on the energy-band theory of the solid insulator. It is imagined that after excitation, which is essentially an ionization of an activator atom, the dissociated electron is highly likely to be trapped and held localized in a discrete energy level in the forbidden region, recombining with an ion and emitting the characteristic luminescence only after it has been freed from this trapped state by thermal excitation or other agencies. This picture, with appropriate modifications, is also useful in explaining the properties of silicate phosphors.
The burden of the systemic inflammatory response predicts vasospasm and outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Introduction Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can trigger immune activation sufficient to induce the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). This may promote both extra-cerebral organ dysfunction and delayed cerebral ischemia, contributing to worse outcome. We ascertained the frequency and predictors of SIRS after spontaneous SAH, and determined whether degree of early systemic inflammation predicted the occurrence of vasospasm and clinical outcome.
Familial aggregation of Type A behavior

This research examined the relationship of children's Type A behavior pattern, as measured by the Matthews Youth Test for Health, to parents' Type A behavior pattern, as measured by the Jenkins Activity Survey, Form C. A total of 115 families with boys and 106 families with girls enrolled in the fourth through sixth grades participated. There were no significant correlations between the Pattern A scores of fathers and those of their children, but there was evidence for a maternal influence on the development of children's Type A behavior. The results are compared with results from studies of familial aggregation previously reported in the literature.
Explaining Rice Milling Quality Variation Using Historical Weather Data Analysis

ABSTRACT Rice quality, specifically head rice yield (HRY), can vary inexplicably from one lot to another, and from year to year. In an effort to correlate air temperatures during various growth stages to HRY, growth staging data expressed in degree day units was used to predict the occurrence of sequential growth stages within a set of 17-year historical data, which included HRY and 50% heading dates for two long-grain rice cultivars, (Oryza sativa L) Newbonnet and Lemont, and area weather data. HRY was most strongly affected by the average daily low temperature (or nighttime temperature) during the R8 developmental stage. Lower HRY were associated with high nighttime air temperatures during this stage for both Newbonnet and Lemont. When used as a single variable in a regression model, the nighttime temperature during the R8 developmental stage explained over 25% of the variation in HRY.
Protein transfer from isoelectric focusing gels: The native blot

Abstract The nonelectrophoretic transfer of proteins from thin (0.5 mm) isoelectric focusing gels to nitrocellulose was complete in 1 h. Blotting was bidirectional with 60% of the protein transferred to the top blot and the remaining 40% to the bottom blot. The use of nondenaturing transfer buffers permits proteins to be blotted in the native state. Immunological determinants are preserved and enzyme activity can be detected on the blots.
GROUP FINES: TECHNIQUE FOR BEHAVIORAL CONTROL IN A TOKEN ECONOMY

Summary.--Group fines were used to control the alcohol-related misbehavior of skid row alcoiolics living and working in a hospital token-economy ward. When only the individual was fined there was a high incidence of unauthorized drinking and elopement. Institution of group fines wherein the offender was fined and an eqcvalent fine was levied against all other Ss led to a decrease in serious offenses to one-fifth of the previous incidence. Group fines appeared to be an effective method of mobilizing social pressure for this population. In their handbook, indispensable to any token economist, Ayllon and Azrin (1968) stress that patients be held individually responsible for the emission of therapeutically critical behaviors, lest it be impossible "to bestow credit or reinforcers for appropriate per!ormance by the individual, nor to correct inappropriate performance" (p. 138). Clearly such advice is valid for the operation of any program designed to shape individual repertoires toward therapeutic or rehabilitative ends. Nevertheless, where the more modest goal of S-management in the token economy is concerned, group-contingencies may prove more effective than individual ones in controlling noxious behavior. A few studies (Evans & Oswalt, 1968; Patterson, 1965; Patterson, Jones Whittier, & Wright, 1965 ) have suggested the efficacy of peer influence to supplement individual reinforcement as a means of maintaining appropriate behavior. Wolf and Risley (1967) found that, when students earned rewards for their classmaces as well as for themselves, the frequency of disruptive behavior diminished when contrasted with a condition in which individual consequences were applied. Whereas groupconsequences were shown to be more effective with a single S, none of these studies has investigated the relative efficacy of a group vs individual reinforcement contingencies on the behavior of a group of Ss. Barrish, Saunders, and Wolf ( 1969) successfully employed group-consequences to modify disruptive behavior. but the authors made no comparison with a group under individual reinforcement contingencies. Most recently, Herman and Tramontana (197l), studying the effects of instructions in conjunction with group vs individual reinforcement in a Head Start population, demonstrated no differential effects between group and individual contingencies. The study reported below contrasts the efficacy of collective vs individual consequences applied to a group of Ss who constituted a unique population in such research in that their
Methane consumption in decomposing Sphagnum-derived peat.

Abstract Methane production and CH 4 consumption by moss-derived peats were measured and related to CH 4 emission from the same peats to the atmosphere. Peat samples (0–40 cm depth) maintained under anoxic conditions at 19 C for 40 h produced CH 4 at rates ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 μmol 1 peat −1 h −1 .The same peat samples exposed to aerobic conditions consumed CH 4 without showing a lag between production and consumption, suggesting that an active population of aerobic CH 4 -consuming microorganisms was present in the mostly anoxic peat. However, anaerobic CH 4 oxidation could not be ruled out completely. Rates of methane consumption ranged from 1.6 to 0.2μmol 1 peat −1 h −1 . Consumed CH 4 -C was converted to CO 2 rather than biomass, indicating that the consumers used CH 4 as an energy source. The difference between integrated rates of CH 4 production (6.8 mmol m −2 day −1 ) and CH 4 consumption (5.4 mmol m −2 day −1 ) represented the available amount of CH 4 for atmospheric emission. This estimate agreed with measured emission values from intact peat cores (0.2–0.7 mmol m −2 day −1 ). The results of these studies emphasize the importance of CH 4 consumption in controlling CH 4 emissions from peatlands to the atmosphere.
Hemodynamic and hemostatic responses to morning and evening exertion in systemic hypertension and implications for triggering of acute cardiovascular disease

Abstract The increased morning frequency of cardiovascular disease onset has created concern that morning exertion promotes greater risk than evening exertion. The physiologic responses to isometric exercise (handgrip) in the morning (9 a.m. ) versus the evening (6:30 p.m. ) were compared in 15 subjects with mild hypertension. Isometric exercise produced similar increases at both times of the day (morning vs evening) in systolic arterial pressure (31 ± 4 vs 35 ± 4 mm Hg, p = NS) and heart rate (7 ± 1 vs 8 ± 1 beats/min, p = NS). It also produced similar increases in fibrinolytic activity (reduction in euglobulin clot lysis time) at both times of the day (−53 ± 27 vs −53 ± 21 minutes). However, because basal fibrinolytic activity was lower in the morning than in the evening (euglobulin clot lysis time 364 ± 45 vs 220 ± 33 minutes, p
Certain summation and transformation formulas for generalized hypergeometric series

We derive summation formulas for generalized hypergeometric series of unit argument, one of which upon specialization reduces to Minton's summation theorem. As an application we deduce a reduction formula for a certain Kampe de Feriet function that in turn provides a Kummer-type transformation formula for the generalized hypergeometric function "pF"p(x).
Induction of luteolysis in mares by ultrasound-guided intraluteal treatment with PGF2alpha.

Abstract To evaluate the technique of ultrasound-guided luteal injection in mares, PGF2alpha was administered under ultrasound guidance to horse mares (n = 7 to 9 per group) on Day 9 postovulation via either a systemic (im; zero, 0.01, 0.1, or 5 mg/dose) route or a local intraluteal (il; zero, 0.01 or 0.1 mg/dose) route. The luteolytic efficacy of each treatment was determined based on post-treatment decreases in progesterone concentration, interval to uterine edema (IE) and interovulatory interval (IOI). Local administration of PGF2alpha directly into the CL consistently induced luteolysis, at doses up to 50-fold lower than the lowest effective systemic dose. Significant decreases in IOI and IE occurred in mares treated with 5 mg PGF2alpha im or 0.1 mg PGF2alpha il, but did not occur in mares treated with 0.1 or 0.01 mg PGF2alpha im, 0.01 mg PGF il, vehicle il or vehicle im. Progesterone concentrations were reduced to less than 10% of pretreatment values by two days post treatment in mares treated with 5 mg PGF2alpha im or 0.1 mg PGF2alpha il. PGF2alpha doses of 0.1 mg im and 0.01 mg il were associated with smaller but significant progesterone decreases (to 66% and 46% of pre-treatment values, respectively) by two days post treatment. Progesterone values after administration of il vehicle did not differ from pre-treatment values by two days post treatment, but were significantly lower (53% of pre-treatment values) by four days post treatment. Intramuscular treatment with vehicle or 0.01 mg of PGF2alpha did not significantly reduce progesterone concentrations below pretreatment values. Overall, the minimum effective luteolytic dose of PGF2alpha given intraluteally was between 0.01 and 0.1 mg. Based on the results of this study, ultrasound-guided il injection appears to be a repeatable method for studying the direct effect of other chemicals on luteal function. However, the current procedure carries some risk, since three il injections were associated with ovarian abscesses.